Nepeannews 15aug2013

FREE 99 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains - PH: 4735 5509 facebook.com/odonoghuesirishpub - falhotels.com.au odonoghues@falhotels.com.au

Know that every dollar you donate will do the job that you would want it to do.

4721 2620 Thursday, 15 August 2013

ISSUE 106

www.rosshutchisonfoundation.org.au

CANDIDATE WATCH - P15-19 | LEGENDS OF THE NEPEAN - P20-219 | MARK GEYER - P45

Here’s Humphrey!

Hand Hands nd ds up p iiff yo you u lo love ove H Humphrey umphrey B Bear! Humphrey y will be one one of of the the star star attractions att a ttra ract ctio ions ns at at the the Ross Ro Hutchison Hutchison Foundation’s annu an n al Family Fam amily Fu un Fa F ir at Penrith Paceway y on N Nov ovem embe berr 23 23.. Th The e fo foun unda dati tion on iiss se seek eking sponsors for the big event. annual Fun Fair November foundation seeking

MALIBU, VF COMMODORE OW N E R E H & GEN F HSV TEST DRIVE TODAY!

MALIBU

Penrith Panther jersey offer

R8

VF

MALOO

HOLDEN TRUCK MONTH

$5000 CASHBACK

ON THE 4x4 RANGE Ends at the end of the month.

‘ASK ABOUT OUR

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY GLOSSOP ST

*BOOK A SERVICE TO RECEIVE A $50 COLES/MYER VOUCHER DURING JULY/AUGUST

COLORADO

HARRIS ST HEARTLAND HOLDEN

ST MARYS TRAIN STATION

CAPPED PRICE SERVICING’

ST MARYS 8801 8655 1 Harris Street, St Marys

local news

3 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Vietnam Vets Day

By Greg Martin

AUGUST 18 is Vietnam Veterans Day and this Sunday, Australians throughout the country will pause to remember those regulars and conscripts who served in the war.

Locally, a commemorative service will be held from 5pm at St Marys RSL. Originally, August 18 was a day to commemorate the Battle of Long Tan in 1966 but it has since been adopted by all veterans.

The battle of Long Tan was the largest single unit battle fought in Vietnam by Australian troops.

It began on the afternoon of August 18, 1966 and continued through the night until the morning of the next day.

The reason why the engagement was perceived as decisive and significant was because the Australians had only been there a few months - it was the first major conflict involving our troops in Vietnam.

The Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army were aware that the Australians were there to secure the province and decided that they would take them on.

That was the fate that befell a company of men - Delta company, from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment - who were on patrol that particular day.

Ceremonies around the country on Sunday will commemorate the Vietnam War.

The enemy lay in wait for them - a huge ambush in a rubber plantation called Long Tan. The Australians had to hold off thousands of enemy troops.

Eighteen Aussies were killed but the enemy paid dearly for their efforts, losing around 1000 men.

The skills of artillery men and the arrival of armored carriers with reinforcements saved the day. The 6th Battalion was called the “Baby Battalion” as it was made up largely of national servicemen - and they certainly underwent a baptism by fire.

Kate’s Just Gorgeous Kate’s beautiful award winning store has relocated from Winmalee Village to Blaxland Village (adjacent to IGA)

Award winning store since 2001

Tel. 4739 0633

ST MARYS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Wishes to advise that the

ST MARYS SPRING FESTIVAL

4731 4680

will be held on

• Tow Bar • Roof Racks • Alloy Tray • Steel Tray • Bullbar • Lights • Electric Brakes • Cargo Barriers • Side Steps

SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2013

UNIT 2, 65 REGENTVILLE RD, PENRITH

Queen Street will be closed to general vehicle traffic between Nariel Street and King Street from 7am to 5pm

in Queen Street St Marys between 9am and 4pm

Email: evan@truracks.com.au

www.truracks.com.au

Don’t have time for the Gym Lose Inches Instantly WITHOUT EXERCISING

LOSE INCHES INSTANTLY WITHOUT EXERCISING Ultrasonic Fat Cavitation • Rid Stubborn Fat Instantly TIGHTEN SAGGY SKIN & REDUCE the signs of STRETCHMARKS & CELLULITE WITH NO DOWN TIME

N. Thorburn, Hon. Secretary

Fat Caviation can help you

lose between 5cm-20cm instanty

Fat Cavitation uses ultra high frequency vibration to break up stubborn fat cells, making them small enough for your body to metabolize and get rid of it forever!

IPL HAIR REMOVAL & PHOTO REJUVINATION

GUARANTEED DARK, BLONDE, RED, GREY + WHITE HAIR REMOVAL VISIBLY IMPROVE YOUR SKIN & REDUCE FINE LINES & WRINKLES DISCOLOURATION • ROSACEA, CAPILIARIES & ACNE • REDUCE REDNESS & PIGMENTATION

WIN W IN $ $100 100 G GIFT IFT V VOUCHER OUCHER TO SPEND ON ANY TREATMENT AT SHEIKE BY SHEANNE BY BEFRIENDING US ON FACEBOOK AT SHEIKE SHEANNE AND QUOTING “WIN$100”

A WHITER SMILE UP TO 11 SHADES INSTANTLY ~ 50MIN IN TEETH WHITENING WAKE UP BEAUTIFUL ~ EYELASH EXTENSIONS ~ INSTANT SUMMER TAN ~ SPRAY TANNING www.sheikebysheanne.com • Facebook: Sheike Sheanne Broadwalk Arcade, 4 / 470 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 because confidence is what makes you beautiful

Book Now: 0401

083 254 | 0451 973 730

From the Editor’s Desk

4 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

by Kerrie Martin

203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR

IF you could drag yourself away from the reality tv shows last weekend you were able to get a ringside seat watching the reality of who will be running our country come September 7. Many tv commentators gave the win to Tony Abbott, so we thought we’d see what our readers thought.

OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Advertising Representative: Journalist: Journalist: Photographer: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Martin 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 Annette Thain 0425 073 331 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Kieren Tilly 0406 533 569 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

Join us on facebook - NepeanNews Rudd / Abbott Debate WE asked our readers who they thought won the Federal leader’s debate: Abbott looked more confident to me. Brett McVea Rudd. But disappointed with Sydney airport comments. Bert Bronkhorst I think Tony went well, fell down a little with the gay marriage thing - but spoke really well. Gina Field Simple - Well said Tony, Well read Kevin. Mike Creed Abbott won. Rudd typically rambled. As for costings, in 2007 Rudd released his costings only a couple of days before the election. So why should Abbott? Robert Holstein All I can say when it’s time for me to go to a nursing home I hope Abbott is not the PM. The country is so polarised. John Thain Who won what? Abbott was confident, Rudd nervous, Abbott gave us what we already know, Rudd gave us the National Broadband Network NBN NBN NBN NBN...sorry, did I repeat myself.? SO DID HE. Almost every question, he slipped it in somehow, often in a way that diverted from e question entirely. Rob Sinclair They are both incompetent and out for themselves. But Rudd will continue to run up debt. I would like to vote an alternate, however at the end of the day, the alternates just give my vote as their preference to one of those two pathetic clowns. Mal Robar Abbott looked creepy, especially when he pointed at the camera. Robin Welch Abbott. Rudd cheated, a cheater can not win! Christie Macgregor Stay tuned for thoughts on the Lindsay Candidate’s debate in our next issue!

Creative

Designs

• • • • • •

M Magazine & Newspaper N Design D Business Stationery Invitations Banners / Posters / Flyers Newsletters Signage

phone Stacey

0420 319 893 stacey401980@gmail.com

The right track The efforts of Council and our community towards a healthier lifestyle have been recognised at this year’s Local Government Week Awards, announced on Thursday 1 August in Pyrmont.

Our Penrith Health Strategy and Action Plan won the 2013 Heart Foundation Healthy Community Award in the category of councils with populations greater than 15,000.

These prestigious annual awards, hosted by Local Government NSW, recognise excellence in local government in a range of categories.

In choosing Penrith as the Healthy Community winner, the Heart Foundation recognised Council’s long term commitment to promoting health and wellbeing, as demonstrated in our Community Strategic Plan, and our success in working closely with other organisations and residents to make our initiatives as effective as possible.

Some highlights over the last 12 months include: • installing outdoor gym equipment • smoke free school entrances at an additional 21 schools • childcare education programs • consulting children on a new playground design • construction of shared bike trails and bike parking facilities and • coordinating Heart Foundation walking groups.

See ad ON page 15

www.onestoppinepenrith.com.au

Penrith Mayor Mark Davies said Council takes its responsibility to help make Penrith a healthier place to live, work, learn and play very seriously.

“We’re taking a holistic approach that recognises physical, social and mental health are improved when people have safe, well-designed facilities and spaces to enjoy being active, and plenty of opportunities to connect with each other. It’s great to have this recognition of our efforts and reassurance that we’re on the right track,” he said.

Council was also a finalist in the Excellence in Communication category of the RH Dougherty Awards, the highest accolade a NSW council can receive in the area of communications, for our Penrith is Here brand campaign.

Shop 23, Penrith Centre 510-534 High Street, Penrith

5 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

local news

6

local news

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

WHO AM I?

?

I’ve been a local boy my whole life

I was born here, just like the company I represent Think now. Think tomorrow.

Or just come and see me.

I love my Panthers so much I find I’m holden out for a finals berth every season I am mostly known by a name that rhymes with Peachy Result on page 46

New car park welcomed STATE Health Minister Jillian Skinner on Monday officially opened a $23.1 million, multi-storey car park at Nepean Hospital.

The new, six-storey facility, which will provide 657 additional parking spaces.

“We have listened to patients and staff across the state and we are delivering the crucial infrastructure they have asked for,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The completion of this new car park is a key milestone in the $139 million redevelopment of the Nepean Hospital campus.

“Providing sufficient parking spaces at our hospitals is about more than just convenience - it is about ensuring equity of access to quality health care.

The new, multi-storey car park at Nepean Hospital provides accessible parking on the ground floor, designated spaces for motorcycle and bicycle parking, bathroom facilities and intercoms throughout for security.

A new roundabout has been constructed for safe and easy vehicular access from Somerset Street at the Hargrave Street intersection. Vehicles will exit the car park into Derby Street.

A new, well-lit and landscaped

Holden court! Posing beside a superbly restored FJ Holden at the official opening are (l-r): Stuart Ayres MP, Tanya Davies MP Roza Sage MP, Minister Skinner, proud Holden owner Steve Cooke and Bart Bassett MP.

pedestrian boulevard links the car park with main entrances to the hospital at East Block, South Block and North Block. The car park is also well located for access to dental services at the Centre for Oral Health.

The new car park will ease parking congestion in the surrounding area.

In addition to it, the Somerset Street car park on the hospital site will be repaired, resurfaced and remarked, with additional capacity for more than 30 cars.

Work on the Somerset Street car park is expected to be completed next summer.

local news

7 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Pink inked for a good cause

By Kerrie Martin

THE girls you see in this picture are getting some ink. They’re also doing it for a wonderful cause - to help in breast cancer research. The boys behind them with needles in hand are also doing their bit to help - by donating the cost to the research.

Cousins Debbie Sneyd and Cheryl Wilson are having angels wrapped in pink ribbons tattooed on them - in honour of their relative, Cindy who is currently battling Stage 3 breast cancer.

“We found out last month that my sister Cindy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She saw the doctor, she had a lump and he said we’ll have to put you in straight away,” Debbie said.

“They took her breast off, and ten lymph nodes. It was stage three.

She started chemo at the beginning of August.

It’s been a scary journey for the 56 year old mother and grandmother, who following eight weeks of chemo will need to go onto radiation.

“She’s very, very strong,” Debbie said.

Debbie has involved herself in

Debbie (left) and Cheryl (right) never flinched a bit from the needles, saying their inspiration was Cindy and what she’s been through.

Stingers tattooists Daniel (left) and Jamie (right) doing what they do best. Photo: Kieren Tilly

her Cindy’s journey, not only with the tattooing experience, but she also told her sister that she would shave her head every time she had a bad day.

“I’ve shaved it twice now,” Debbie smiled.

Cheryl said she first approached tattooists Daniel Rhodes and Jamie Goodhew to ask them if they would reduce the cost of the tattoos so that the discount could be donated to research.

“They were generous enough to donate the whole lot for us! We are

so grateful to Daniel and Jamie form Stingers for donating their time,” Cheryl said.

Daniel and Jamie said the decision to support the girls was an easy one to make.

“Its a good cause, money is needed to research breast cancer,” Jamie said.

“At the end of the day we all know someone who has gone through what they have gone through, so what’s two hours of our time?” Daniel added.

The tattoos took about two hours

to do, and neither Debbie or Cheryl so much as flinched throughout the process.

Debbie said that Cindy was an incredibly brave person; having been through the loss of her son to a brain tumour when he was just 28, to now have to face this.

“And its people with big hearts like these tattooists that make all the difference,” she said.

You can donate to breast cancer research by visiting www.nbcf.org.au

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia St Marys Outpost And St Marys RSL Sub Branch

Please join us for the

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE Sunday 18th August, 2013 St Marys RSL Club Starting at 5pm At the conclusion of the service you are invited to join us in the Auditorium for an Informal Function and Refreshments

Garages and Garaports Large range and up to 15 years warranty

Industrial Sheds Big sheds for big purposes, built tough

Gable Carports Spans up to 12 metres wide for all purposes

Rural Sheds

Barn Sheds Heavy duty that meets Australian standards

Skillion Sheds

Vast range of Heritage and Australian barns

Stud Frame Buildings

Build a shed that matches your house

Skillion Carports Stylish flat roof carports up to 12 metres wide

Great for internal wall cladding and weekenders

Patios Every Aussie home needs one for summer

local news

8 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Winter Warmers Annual

Golf Day

PCYC Mt Druitt is holding its Annual Golf Day on Friday, 6 September at Penrith Golf Club, Northern Road, Penrith. In 2012 the event raised $10,000 and PCYC hope to match that amount this time around in order to buy computers for the Club’s free homework room.

The cost is $120 per player and limited carts are available at

$40 each. This includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf, gift bag and lunch.

Mark Geyer is MC for the day with other activities including lucky door prizes and a silent auction.

Sponsorship is available at a cost of $600 which includes four players, two carts, plus advertising signage on hole of choice. RSVP Karen Quinn on 0437 302 822, please fax registration form to 02 9835 1199.

REGISTRATION FORM 1) Email: Name.............................................................................

Handicap: ...................... Shirt Size: ......................

2) Email: Name.............................................................................

Handicap: ...................... Shirt Size: ......................

3) Email: Name.............................................................................

Handicap: ...................... Shirt Size: ......................

4) Email: Name.............................................................................

Handicap: ...................... Shirt Size: ......................

Hole Sponsor: YES or NO - please circle Providing Signage and what hole would you like it on

NOT a new brand of clothing but a dedicated band of supporters are the Emmaus winter warmers. Comprising staff and students, the Emmaus Catholic College community at Kemps Creek recently demonstrated generosity and practicality towards needy families in the local area. A collection of clothing, footwear, blankets, babywear and toys was amassed in the College Library as day by day more donations were brought in. Student homerooms vied with each other for having the largest number of contributions.

Stacked on a table near the racks of clothes was a pyramid of canned food.

Soup, vegetables, fruits, fish, milk and pasta were donated to ensure those in difficult circumstances would have

nourishing dishes in the chilly weather.

At the conclusion of the Appeal the goods and clothing items were neatly packed and given to the St Vincent de Paul Society for distribution just at the right time to combat wet, windy and very cold weather.

Not only are the recipient families benefitting from the Emmaus gesture, but the students of the College benefit from the learning experience of an awareness of some of today’s problems.

local news

9

By Annette Thain

THE sad reality for many western Sydney families is they are only two paycheques away from destitution. Unemployment and illness strike indiscriminately and the results are sometimes tragic. Homelessness, family breakdown, social isolation and depression are serious issues that affect an increasing number of people in our community.

August 3-11 was Homeless Persons Week and an appropriate time to reflect on those aspects of society that often go unnoticed in our own day-to-day struggles.

Christ Mission Possible is an organisation that accommodates 700

PRESENT THIS AD TO RECEIVE

people a year in crisis and permanently homes another 300 people. CMP is the largest non-profit provider of accommodation for the homeless in the Sydney area.

Pastor Marty Beckett of Kingswood’s Church Of The Rock leads the local CMP team that cover the local area from Blacktown to Penrith. Locally they have leased over one hundred properties to sub-let to individuals and families who are unable to compete in today’s rental market for various reasons. Most are struggling to exist on social security, which is as little as $35 a day for unemployed individuals, some of whom have previously fallen behind in rent and become blacklisted. Christ Mission Possible assumes 100 per cent

of the risk and guarantees that the rent is paid and the property maintained in good order.

Next week, CMP will be opening new shower facilities for the homeless at the Church Of The Rock, 83 Cox Avenue, Kingswood.

Local residents, Robin and her partner, went into voluntary liquidation and lost their caravan business in the 2008 GFC. Within a few short weeks they lost their home, their business, and their cars.

“Providing for a family on $800 a fortnight is very difficult, even in the short term,” said Robin, “living on long term social security is living in poverty; there is little left to pay for food or bills.” Robin’s partner has since found employment and Robin is now the Supervising Volunteer at CMP’s Free Food Shop at Kingswood, which services over 120 families each week.

The shop also provides free clothing and blankets. Throughout NSW, Christ Mission Possible provides food support for over 7,000 people each week.

CMP run over 20 programs, including providing cereal and bread to 16 schools from Mt Druitt to Penrith for their Breakfast Programs.

They also provide a hot evening meal on Wednesdays at Mt Druitt and

20

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

But for grace, there go I…

Food donations – we need more space!

Thursdays at Kingswood Station Car Park. Weekly hot breakfast is available at Judges Place Car Park, Penrith.

Marty Beckett is asking local business and community for support to continue and expand CMP’s programs.

“Our operating and administrative costs are $160 thousand a year and we are totally self-funded,” he said.

“We are particularly looking for support to maintain our vehicles, tyres, etc. We could also use some pallet jacks, white goods for housing and cash donations. We run a cool room for food storage and that uses a lot of electricity.”

If you can help, call Marty on 0409 135 766.

% OFF

131 coreen Avenue, Penrith

|

ALL BLINDS Blinds phone 4731 4242

(inside the Choices flooring building)

|

penrith@choicesflooring.com.au

choicesflooring.com.au

10

local news

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Rally to “Save our Pool”

By Annette Thain

THE Federal Member for Chiefly, Ed Husic, has referred to Blacktown Council’s decision to close Mt Druitt Pool as “a joke and a scandal” at a community rally held on Friday 9 August. Many of the anglers who participated in the final “Fish In” at Mt Druitt Pool were unaware of the pool’s fate until they filed past the group of protestors. Over 400 Brown and Rainbow Trout have been trucked in twice a year for this popular event which is now threatened by the closure of Mt Druitt Swimming Centre.

Currently, the land is marked for redevelopment and is awaiting rezoning.

The universal bone of contention at the rally was the lack of community consultation over the closure of the pool. Minchinbury resident and coordinator of the “Save our Pool” Action Group, Kerrie Bradbury, believes the process has “raised suspicion in the community that the secrecy was deliberate.”

On May 1, during a Confidential Council Report on “The Function and Strategic Direction of Council’s Aquatic and Leisure Centres,” Councillor Holmes moved that Mt Druitt Pool be closed and the land rezoned for “potential sale and redevelopment.”

The motion was carried eight to five in favour of the resolution. The alleged secrecy centres around the Council Report on the Aquatic and Leisure Centres which has not been released to the public and is currently classified Confidential.

Councillor Edmond Atalla said, “We were confronted by Councillor Holmes’s Resolution, there had been no discussion concerning the possibility of any closures”.

At three subsequent Council Meetings, Labor Councillors unsuccessfully called for the pool to remain open until proper community

Residents rallying to “Save Our Pool”.

Photos: Kieren Tilly Competation swimmer, Alanna Broomham learnt to swim at Mt Druitt Pool.

consultation could occur, and that the Confidential Report is made public.

The battle is expected to escalate to State level with MLC Sophie Cotsis, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Richard Amery, MP for Mt Druitt in support of reopening Mt Druitt Pool.

The Rooty Hill RSL Youth Swimming Club has trained at Mt Druitt Pool for over forty years.

Club President, Anthony Portelli has been left high and dry by recent developments. The Rooty Hill RSL Youth Swimming Club has members from all over western Sydney, a club

member from Emu Plains told Nepean News that her son would not be able to participate in the swimming club if it were not accessible to public transport, “With four children at two different schools, there is no way I could drive my son to training several afternoons a week. He catches a train to Mt Druitt after school.”

Donna, from Mt Druitt, also has four children and is a regular at Mt Druitt Pool which she utilises for birthday parties, soccer presentations and BBQs. “We’d really miss this pool, we don’t want to drive for miles and compete with crowds”.

A spokesperson for Council said, “Council officers are currently working with all users of Mt Druitt Swimming Centre in terms of relocation to ensure their needs are specifically and swiftly addressed at other council owned locations”.

The Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Len Robinson said that the decision to close Mt Druitt Swimming Centre was a “no brainer” as it ran at a $400,000 loss in 2012. “The filtration system is out of date, the pumps are rusting and estimates to update the facility are around $18 million.” Councillor Robinson said a new facility opening at Rooty Hill RSL only 800 meters from Mt Druitt Pool is a more affordable alternative for the swimmers themselves.

With regards to community consultation, Councillor Robinson said that prior to council elections there was extensive media coverage of the issue.

“Council is losing $3 million a year on pools, $3 million on childcare; I made it plain we would do something to stop this bloodletting,” he said.

Councillor Robinson said the “Fish In” would probably continue, most likely at Emerton pool.

Councillor Stephen Bali counters that Blacktown Council is debt free and that rate payers should be consulted with regards what services and facilities are important to them.

WHO & HOW CAN PEOPLE VOLUNTEER AT THE RONALD McDONALD NEPEAN FAMILY ROOM? The volunteers at the Family Room assist the staff and families in many different ways. We are always looking for enthusiastic, kind people to help around the Room on weekdays/weekends in various capacities.

These include: ✔ Meet, greet & register families ✔ Orientate families to Family Room ✔ Ensure beverages are available to guests - eg. tea, coffee, snacks ✔ Provide information, support and resources to guests ✔ Light cleaning of bedrooms, bathrooms, all other rooms, fridges and freezers, pantry and storage cupboards ✔ Stocktake items in family room ✔ Assist with administrative tasks as delegated by Family Room Cooridnator ✔ Clean toys and play equipment ✔ Assist with fundraising ✔ Communicate with other volunteers Volunteers will be manning the Family Room Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm, and weekends and public holidays - 8am to 6pm.

The length of shifts will vary, averaging between 4-5hours/shift on a rotational basis. Call Raylene on 4721 2992 for more

details.

Nepean doctor takes the challenge

LAST month Nepean Hospital Neonatologist and Acting Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Director, Dr Vijay Shingde, along with 21 other willing participants, took part in the third annual Origin Fitness ‘12 Hour PT Challenge’ to raise money for Nepean Hospital’s tiniest patients.

The ‘12 Hour PT Challenge’, run by local couple and owners of Penrith’s ‘Origin Fitness’ Lawrence and Rebekah Drummond, is just as its namesake suggests - a day-long personal training challenge; but it’s all for a good cause.

This year, all funds went to the Nepean Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parents Support group (NNICUPS) who raise money to purchase medical equipment and other much-needed items for the Nepean Hospital NICU where Lawrence and Rebekah’s son, William, spent the first 10 weeks of his life.

William was born unexpectedly at just 29 weeks and spent the following 10 weeks in the NICU being monitored and cared for by the dedicated team of nurses and doctors - these days William is a happy, healthy four-yearold and his parents wanted nothing more than to give back to the unit that helped save their son’s life.

Dr Shingde didn’t hesitate in signing up for the challenge when he

heard it would benefit patients in the NICU. “Having had no prior fitness training, a 12-hour personal training session was a huge learning curve for me but the team made us feel very comfortable and excited, and having the end goal of knowing I was doing something to help others inspired me to make it through,” Dr Shingde said.

“Another great thing about the program is that it’s tailored to individual fitness levels which meant the trainers were pushing me to my limit, not their limit. It was difficult but incredibly rewarding and made me realise just how passionate people are about our NICU.” The team managed to raise a total of $8,000 from the day which will go towards funding the NICU’s groundbreaking probiotics supplementation project for the next two years.

“After reading about the great work Dr Girish Deshpande and his team are doing in using probiotics to prevent babies contracting necrotising enterocolitis (a deadly inflammatory bowel condition that affects roughly eight per cent of premature babies), we knew it was the perfect fit for the funding,” Lawrence explained.

“We really liked the fact that the funds would be utilised on an ongoing

basis and will hopefully be able to help more families and babies than we would have otherwise been able to.

“The idea behind the challenge is to fit in with the journey parents take through the NICU - it seems impossible at first but then you take it little by little and end up hopefully getting through with a successful outcome.”

NNICUPS President Tara Danks also took part in the challenge; an experience she says was fun and incredibly worthwhile.

“I have to admit, I was daunted at

ORDER NOW! Payment Type Cheque Credit Card C/C Name Credit Type Credit Card No Expiry Date

11 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

local news

first, but once you get into the swing of things you don’t realise how much you’ve done or how far you’ve gone,” Tara said.

“Being surrounded by a positive group of people working together for a good cause was great to be a part of and I’d encourage anyone to sign up for next year’s challenge, no matter what your fitness level.”

For more information about NNICUPS, visit www.nnicups.org. au or the 12 Hour PT Challenge, visit www.originfitness.com.au/12-hr-ptchallenge/index.shtml

ONLY $10 + $5 postage and handling

Post to: Nepean News

203 Banks Drive,

St Clair NSW 2759 PHONE:

9834 5579

12 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

THE G SPOT

IS it just me or does there appear to be an increase in armed robberies, hold ups and shootings?

Now I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I have been very blessed (not) to have worked in many a club and pub over the past 25 years in security and I lurve to observe the human creature in its most natural habitat - the club!

The thing that I find the most hilarious (well not hilarious - let’s just say hypocritical) is that the hotel manager is usually the first to scream “Why Me?”Almost like a love song gone wrong.

Now who am I, I am just a mere security officer that had the wonderful job of clearing the drunks out (who all love me). On closing time the bar staff are winding down and chucking wet rags at each other, the manager is in the office because he has been there

all day dealing with the crap and needs to update Facebook. The safe door is wide open because that’s where the night takings are going, the registers are being counted (usually at the bar) and the beer-filled mats are being hosed down out the back car park or loading dock with the fire door chocked open with an empty keg. The band is packing up and have chocked open the main glass doors to pack their cars.

Oh and don’t forget camera 16 has been playing up for a while and that just happens to be over the safe area, but that’s on the to-do list, gotta go to the board or the manager has been busy buying meat raffles, right? Dear dear dear folks – I’ve seen it time and time again and I just shake my head.

I seriously reckon they should place a neon sign on the main highway and say “get it while it’s hot” because all the crap I have just said above has

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

just given the baddies a good chance to hold up your premises!

Okay, so what can we do to stop our mates at Work Cover asking for a free lunch at your joint for the next 15 weeks while they investigate the ‘why ya didn’t do it and how ya coulda stopped’ it scenario?

Batten down the hatchets captains, because your closes should be tighter than a fishes bum (sorry but love that saying). Controlled access points, security, security, security and secured doors and staff escorted from club to car. Control is the answer my friends, if the baddies see control and the fact that their hold-up attempt may be hindered or observed, they will move onto the next place. It is as simple as that! They try the element of surprise, always be one step ahead of them!

Let’s just pretend that you’re in a horror movie and that the blob is going

to get in the access points, that’s how you should treat your club or pub on closing time; shut the doors, lock the doors. Also recommended is a decent security service, if your security officer is on his mobile or chatting up the staff it’s time for a change kids security have a really important role of checking toilets, securing doors and controlling access points whilst the club is placed in locked down. A security dude chatting up the last single lady in the club is not the look you need - wouldn’t happen on my watch or in my company - period!

So there you have it kids, control, security, close the access points and be tighter than a fishes bum, which I might add I have never seen or experienced.

(Tick).

PS. Please be aware that no fish were injured during the writing of this column.

KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

6 MONTHS FREE

1300 SECURITY ML No. 405714685

BACK TO BASE MONITORING*

www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au

Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison

What I’d like you to do is try the word “Nice” on for size How would you like the word “Nice” to be used to describe you?

Take each letter and find a word to go with that letter that would be a good description of you. How about: N= Noble I= Inspirational C=Courageous E=Encouraging Please stop. Right now. Begin a list of words that begin with the letters...N...I...C...E Words that you would like people find to describe you, and words that you would find that would fit you comfortably. Words that you know that you can live up to. Or can aspire to live up to.

Each time you find such a word, give yourself a “High Five”

* new connections

Our furry friends need your help

by Victoria Frendo ~ AWL Volunteer

EVERY spring, Animal Welfare League shelters are inundated with abandoned kittens and puppies and the organisation needs to make space to care for these new pets and save lives. The AWL is kicking off its annual month long adoption drive and fundraiser – Save a Life in September.

The Kemps Creek AWL shelter will host its inaugural Furry Fun Day on September 7 at Elizabeth Drive,

Kemps Creek from 10am to 4pm.

This will be a day of entertainment, competitions, and market stalls.

There will also be Face Painting, celebrity appearances, a Sausage Sizzle, Grooming and Training demonstrations plus shelter tours.

If you would like to get involved, come along to Furry Fun Day, donate, or foster/adopt a shelter pet into your family.

The hardest time is continuing to be “Nice” when some people around You make it dashed near impossible, because they can only find faults in everything You do and need an excuse to whinge about anything of worth.

That’s when you must keep believing in your own worth.

Remember their problems are their choice!

Let’s give the world a new epidemic. Flood the world with “NICE” Most of all. “Be Nice To Yourself” Your Mate Rossco

AWL are looking for volunteers for the day, or if you can help with donations of food or other items for the stalls, contact awlnsw.com.au or AWL Kemps Creek on facebook.

local news

13

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has announced that Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads.

Mr O’Farrell said as a representative of Western Sydney, Mr Ayres understood community frustration with past under-investment in public transport and roads.

“Stuart Ayres is a passionate advocate for Western Sydney – he’s been delivering for his Penrith electorate and I’m delighted he now has an opportunity to make a contribution to the entire State,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“Mr Ayres knows first-hand the importance of a first-class transport and road system for Western Sydney – he’ll work tirelessly alongside the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads to deliver our massive infrastructure agenda and address the backlog left by Labor.

“Just last month Mr Ayres joined me to officially open the $48 million Erskine Park Link Road - the first major road project to be started and completed by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government which will be vital in unlocking employment lands in Western Sydney.”

Mr Ayres was elected to Parliament in 2010 with a record swing in the Penrith by election. He replaces John Ajaka who has been promoted to Cabinet.

THE Coalition will provide a total of $15 million towards a Cumberland Conservation Corridor in Greater Western Sydney.

The announcement made by the Shadow Environment Minister, Greg Hunt with Liberal Candidate for Lindsay, Fiona Scott, is recognition of the importance of protecting the green areas within and around our cities, particularly in Greater Western Sydney and the conservation value of the Cumberland Plain Woodlands.

The funding is in addition to Labor’s previous commitment and double their amount.

“This will be a major boost for the conservation of the area and will provide a once-in-a generation chance to establish a conservation corridor to be preserved for future generations,” Mr Hunt said.

The funding will be provided in three parts:

• $7.5 million direct funding for the acquisition of threatened land in the corridor • $5 million for the planting of one million trees as part of the Coalition’s 20 million trees policy within the corridor and related areas • $2.5 million for 15 Green Army teams to work on local conservation corridor projects over the next four years.

Following discussions with local conservation groups, the Coalition will investigate the need for establishing a Greater Western Sydney Conservation Trust as a permanent land-holder for the conservation corridor.

The Greater Western Sydney Conservation Corridor is part of the Coalition’s Environment Plan. The Green Army teams will assist in revegetation work and tree planting. They will work with the community in determining the most appropriate locations.

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Penrith MP Cumberland promotion conservation Fiona Scott, Liberal candidate for Lindsay, said, “This is a corridor which will provide a 100 year legacy for future generations. It’s an important part of what makes our community unique and a better place to live.”

“Today’s announcement will also provide an opportunity for me to work side by side with young people on Green Army projects to rejuvenate our local reserves and parklands.

“The people of Lindsay are very passionate about preserving the environment and I am very proud the Coalition has delivered on our promise.

“The Coalition is committed to taking direct action on the environment to preserve our quality of life,” Fiona Scott said.

local news

14 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Branded a success FATHER’S DAY SALE

Spoil Dad AND AND SAVE SAVE UP UP TO TO

70%

MENS BRANDED CLOTHING & SLEEPWEAR

SALE 16TH - 31ST AUGUST Trading Hours Mon to Sat 9am-4pm 40 Archbold Rd, Minchinbury ph. 8887 7915

ANYBODY who has ever shopped for well-known brand clothing knows that it can be quite a costly experience - but not everybody knows about a secret little local jewel that can change the empty-pocket experience for you forever!

Premier Brands Outlet is a family friendly clothing outlet that sells brandname clothing from babies through to adult sizes, including sleepwear and surf wear at great discounted prices.

Premier Brands Outlet also supports and works alongside the local Marist Youth care and Matthew Talbot homeless services.

“We organise charity fundraisers and a percentage of sales is donated to the charity, along with clothing donations,” said manager Debbie.

“We also welcome local charities who need our support, we feel the need to support our local community.

Debbie tells of how recently she set up a team for friends who were victims of the dreaded Big C - cancer that is.

“We opened the shop for two hours and my friend Peta supplied morning tea for us all,” said Debbie “The ladies spent $1,112 in an hour and a half. They raised $112.20 towards the team.

“A week later we set up a rack of gowns, pjs and hoodies at Relay for Life - they sold out with a total of $966 - earning them another $96.60, bringing their total to $207.80” Consider Premier Brands for your next fundraiser - schools, sporting clubs and charities - its a great idea, and with a percentage of sales donated to your cause, it’s a win-win!

NEPEAN NEWS AND REJUVEN8 CALENDAR GIRL WINNER

MISS AUGUST Sian

SIAN wanted to look fresher without changing her features.

She was concerned about the folds around her mouth.

The Rejuven8 lift using a natural HA product called Voluma was injected in her cheeks, under her eyes and in the folds. 4mls of product gave her a subtle change that resulted in Sian feeling and looking rejuvenated!

Voluma is a natural product that lasts 12 to 18 months.

BODY STUDIO

www.rejuven8.com.au Shop 1/344 High St, Penrith Tel (02) 4732 4009

• Formostar Body Wraps • Ultrasonic Fat Blasting • Weight & Cellulite Reduction • Muscle Toning • Nutritionist • Liposculpture • Vibrosaun

John Cram Place, Penrith

4732 4006

candidate watch

Bradbury and Scott face off

By Kerrie Martin

LINDSAY Candidates David Bradbury and Fiona Scott faced off recently at a function held at Penrith Panthers by Penrith BEC. Each Candidate spoke for an extensive period on their vision for Penrith and finished off with taking some questions from the floor.

Several questions were asked, including the minimisation of red tape and the possibility of enticements to lure businesses to Penrith.

Mr Bradbury pointed out that “red tape” was often in place to ensure safety and used childcare as an example: “when you leave your child in the care of others you want to know that there are rules to follow to ensure they are safe,” he said.

On the question of enticing businesses to Penrith, Ms Scott said that she felt it was important to ensure adequate infrastructure was in place; “Let’s not put the cart before the horse, lets tidy up our own backyard first,” she said.

A question fired from one person in the audience - who seemed as though he was fishing for a “Jaymes Diaz moment” - backfired when Ms Scott had obviously done her homework. He asked her to name the five pillars of the economy. Ms Scott not only named the five points - twice - but also expanded on each point.

Although for the most part both Candidates spoke seriously on the issue of creating more job opportunities in Penrith, there were some light moments. At one point Ms Scott gave Mr Bradbury a “slam-dunk” moment when he stated that “every opposition declares they will reduce red tape until they get into government and find they can’t.” Without missing a beat, Ms Scott thanked Mr Bradbury for “pointing out that he had broken a promise” as his party had also been opposition not that long ago.

In another light moment, following a member from Panthers mentioning Tony Abbott’s marathonrunning, Mr Bradbury declared he was willing to enter a marathon also if it meant he would get his vote.

CHLOE 4 PIECE BEDROOM SUITE Includes Queen or Double Bed, 2 Bedside Chests & Tallboy.

Chocolate Colour Only.

$699

Talking with members of the audience after the function brought a mixed reaction from the audience members.

“I think David Bradbury has been a great local member and as you could see by his performance tonight, he has his head around a very broad assortment of issues,” said one person.

Another added, “Yes, I too think David speaks very well. However the problem for me is if I vote for David I also have to vote for the mob he stands for. Unfortunately a vote for David is a vote for Rudd,” he said.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how well Fiona Scott spoke tonight,” said another. “David Bradbury appeared quite nervous - I think he now sees he has his work cut out for him in getting over the top of her in a debate. She has a passion and drive that he obviously didn’t see coming.”

KOBI SUITE Includes Queen or Double Bed, 2 Bedside Chests & Tallboy.

Available in Chocolate or Blackwood Colour. Limited Stock.

$799

141-145 Blaikie Rd, Penrith (near Hungry Jacks)

Ph: 4733 1122 www.onestoppinepenrith.com.au

15 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Federal Election 2013

16 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Federal Election 2013

candidate watch

Liberal: Scott

Labor: Bradbury DAVID Bradbury, our incumbent Labor MP, said he is proud to be standing for re-election as the Member for Lindsay.

“I will be seeking the support of our local community so that I can continue working hard and delivering for local families, pensioners and businesses,” Mr Bradbury said.

“On election day, I will be asking the people of our electorate to judge me on my experience and on the results I have delivered for our community.

“I have fought hard to secure real improvements that have made our community a better place for people to live and work and now I am asking for the chance to continue delivering for our community.

Mr Bradbury said he has the experience to keep getting results.

“As a former Mayor of Penrith and the local Federal Member for the last six years, I have shown that I am prepared to stand up for our local community and make sure we get our fair share,” he said.

“My wife, Kylie, and I are raising our four children in Claremont Meadows and as someone with strong roots in our local area I understand the needs and concerns of local residents.

In the six years I have been the local Federal Member, I have worked hard to deliver for our local community in the following areas: • Health: Delivered funding for a massive redevelopment of Nepean Hospital and new clinical school to train doctors • Jobs: Delivered funding for a new jobs park at Werrington that will create, in its initial stage, 600 new jobs • Education: Delivered more than $128 million investment in new

classrooms, libraries and programs across every local school • Broadband: Delivering the NBN to more than 51,000 local homes and businesses by the end of 2016 • Infrastructure: Delivered funding for a new commuter car park at Penrith station • Roads: Delivered $22 million to improve local roads and remain committed to delivering $1.8 billion towards the M4 east extension • Environment: Delivered the conservation of more than 2,000 hectares of local bushland • Sport: Delivered $1 million to improve the hockey fields at UWS and $5 million to build a new clubhouse and facilities at Howell Oval for Penrith Cricket. Now we have committed $12 million towards a new elite and community sports centre based at Panthers “I am proud to be part of a Rudd Labor Government that has a positive plan for the future of our nation,” he said.

“We have a plan to secure jobs, grow our economy and invest in better schools for the future of our nation.

“I have also had the honour of serving our nation as the Assistant Treasurer. I am proud that the Labor Government stopped Australia from going into recession during the GFC, kept the economy growing with almost 1 million jobs created since we came to office. We have done this while maintaining one of the lowest debt and deficit levels in the world and with a AAA credit rating.

“On election day, I will be asking local residents for their support to continue working hard as part of a Rudd Labor Government to deliver for our local community,” he concluded.

FIONA Scott, Liberal Candidate is asking Lindsay residents to put their trust in her because she believes in the future of our community.

“As part of a Coalition team, I can help deliver the certainty and stability that this area needs to fulfil its great potential,” Ms Scott said.

“I was born and raised in Penrith and attended school and university here. I also work here and socialise here.

“My family were among the original settlers in the area and went on to establish a successful business, which I was heavily involved in during my early years.

“I have watched Penrith grow from a country town into a regional hub, full of hope and aspiration, but in recent years I have seen the area suffer from the neglect of state Labor governments and the economic mismanagement of the current federal Labor Government.

“Lindsay deserves better,” she said.

Ms Scott has now door knocked over 20,000 houses and she said by far the biggest issue is the spiralling cost of living, which she said is largely resulting from Labor’s carbon tax.

“I am asking Lindsay residents to vote for me because I will get rid of this tax. Plain and simple,” Ms Scott said.

“This will be the first order of business for the Coalition: repealing this tax and cutting their energy bills by 10 per cent immediately.

The flow-on effects of this will be enormous. Small businesses in Penrith and surrounding areas won’t have to pass on their increased costs.

“Under the Coalition, the cascading effect of this tax will be reversed and local workers, families, seniors, small business owners will all be able to keep more of their own money and plan for the future with certainty, instead of seeing so much of their paycheques slip through their fingers.

“As part of a Coalition team, I will help deliver $1.5 billion towards the WestConnex Motorway, improving productivity and reducing travel times so commuters can spend less time in the car and more time with their loved ones.

“I will also deliver $15 million in funding to regenerate the Cumberland Plains Woodland, a precious part of our local environment that the Coalition will preserve for future generations.

Ms Scott said she would stand up and fight against any plans to build a second airport in Badgerys Creek.

“If I am elected, I will be part of a Coalition team that will cut $1 billion worth of regulations every year. I want local residents to have the same opportunities my family did to start their own business and create wealth and local jobs, free from the productivity-sapping regulations that have plagued the business environment in the last six years,” she said.

“I promise no sudden changes to superannuation, private health insurance, FBT, and no taxes on your hard-earned savings.

“Once again, I ask Lindsay residents to vote for me so I can deliver on these commitments and help Penrith fulfil its destiny and become the economic hub of western Sydney,” Ms Scott concluded.

candidate watch

Andrew Green vows to protect marriage

ANDREW Green is very concerned about the direction our country is heading and the legacy we are leaving our children.

If elected, the Christian Democrat Candidate for Lindsay said he will work for transparency in government and truly represent the electorate of Lindsay.

“Help me to stop the party factions who forget their promises once elected and start making their decisions under the influence of special interest groups and big money lobbyist,” he said.

The key issues in Mr Green’s campaign are marriage, immigration, electricity and the cost of living, local employment and the environment.

“Marriage as we have known it for centuries has been between a man and a woman,” Mr Green said.

“It has stood the test of time and has been considered to be one of the building blocks of our society. This experiment that the world is toying with to include people of the same

sex in marriage has never been tried before.

“Like many other social experiments that have been tried before - such as communism - this one is bound to end in failure,” he said.

Mr Green said he represents the only major party that will guarantee to keep marriage as it currently stands.

He’s also very passionate about immigration.

“Genuine refugees who apply lawfully and want to adopt our way of life should be welcomed to our country,” Mr Green said.

“We must also ensure government policy is clear in selecting who comes to our great country or we will become like the nations that the immigrants are coming from.

“There should be one law for all Australians and all illegal immigration should be stamped out.

“If you are looking for honesty and integrity we are the party you are looking for,” Mr Green concluded.

ANDREW GREEN CDP Federal Candidate for Lindsay

Hi, I’m Andrew Green, father of 10 children and married to my beautiful wife Anita for 27 years. Penrith has been my home for about 40 years and I love this area, our nation and its people. I’m deeply concerned about where our country is heading and the legacy we’re leaving for the next generation of Australians.

If elected I will work for transparency in government and truly represent the electorate of Lindsay. Help me stop the party factions who forget their promises once elected and start making decisions under the influence of special interest groups and big money lobbyists.

MARRIAGE I belong to the only party that is unanimous in its stand for Natural Marriage (marriage between a man and a woman). Help me protect marriage as we know it.

ELECTRICITY The cost of living and electricity prices are escalating due to the flawed carbon tax system and other inefficient government decisions. The carbon tax / ETS must be abolished.

ENVIRONMENT I support a ban on all mining within prime agricultural land and residential areas LOCAL EMPLOYMENT Australia is part of the world but we must not be dictated to by world powers or multinationals on how to run our country. This results in local jobs moving offshore, which we must STOP. IMMIGRATION We must stop the boats and only welcome to our country those who are willing to enter our country legally, work and share our nation’s values and goals.

Authorised by Ian Smith - 9 Exeter Rd, Homebush West 2140

Stabilising the population A PENRITH resident since 1974 Geoff Brown is dedicated to protecting Western Sydney’s environment and the quality of life of its residents.

As the President of the Western Sydney Conservation Alliance Inc (WSCA)Mr Brown believes the only hope we have of arresting further environmental and social decline is if we stabilise our population. Mr Brown knows only too well the importance of participating in the political process, having contested several elections.

At the last two federal elections, Mr Brown said WSCA candidates contesting the seat of Lindsay extracted $22.5 million in commitments from Labor for nature conservation.

Geoff Brown is self employed and married with children.

“We say that Australians must be allowed to democratically choose our own population size; and that we need to do so now as a sovereign nation, so that we can plan our future well in advance,” Mr Brown said.

“This is doubly important because the future is likely to be turbulent; and our finite resources, including energy, minerals, and fertile soil, may be much less abundant than now.

Stable Population Party policies

represent their core values in action, being: Sustainable Living, Egalitarian Democracy, Fiscal Responsibility, Global Citizenship and Productive Innovation.

In order to achieve the objectives, they advocate the following two-point plan: 1. Limit government birth payments to each woman’s first two children This law would apply only to births occurring more than nine months after it was passed.

It covers the birth payment via the Family Tax Benefit A* and paid parental leave.

We do not support restrictions on family size - we simply support the withdrawal of government incentives to have large families.

2. Adopt a balanced migration program, where permanent immigration is equivalent to permanent emigration This is also known as ‘zero net migration’ (the world average).

This would reduce annual permanent immigration from around 250,000 (including NZ) to around 80,000, and include flexible skilled, family reunion and humanitarian (refugee) components.

17 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Federal Election 2013

18 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Federal Election 2013

candidate watch

Ready. set. go

No more game playing

LIBERAL Candidate for McMahon, Ray King has opened his campaign office and his campaign to try to win the seat from Labor’s Chris Bowen is in full swing.

Taking in the suburbs of St Clair, Erskine Park and Kemps Creek, McMahon reaches towards the east from there and includes Greystanes, Fairfield and Smithfield.

As a father, active member of our community and a long serving NSW Police Officer, Ray King said he is proudly committed to our area.

Working as a police officer for over 44 years, mostly in Western Sydney, Ray has been an advocate for bringing together community leaders, working with troubled youth and local and

ANDREW Wilcox, representing the Palmer United party in Lindsay, is a local small business owner and foster parent.

“I have been heartened by the response to my campaign and feel spurred on by the support I am receiving from the community,” Mr Wilcox said.

“I think it’s obvious that I’m a local, and not a politician. I’m a business owner and a father who is sick and tired of the game-playing. I want to cut the bulls**t. We all do.

“I’ve lived in Llandilo for the past 15 years – my children grew up here, I raise my foster children here, and my business is here.

“Penrith deserves to have a representative who has the local community’s best interests at heart, rather than furthering a generic party agenda,” he said.

Running under the Palmer United Party, Mr Wilcox said he has been inundated with support from locals

state governments to improve safety locally.

“Having raised five children, I understand the daily struggle of juggling work commitments with family life and the pressure that additional taxes, power bills, rates and fees are putting on households,” Mr King said.

Mr King is critically aware that local training and employment opportunities are vital to giving young people a solid foundation in life, and will work to support local businesses by reducing regulation and removing the barriers to employing staff.

“As a member of Tony Abbott’s Liberal team, I will continue working for our community to ease rising cost of living pressures, combat traffic congestion and reduce the incidence of violent crime and anti-social behaviour locally,” he said.

who are frustrated with their lack of viable options.

Championing the Palmer United commitment to reinvest income back into the communities in which it was generated, Mr Wilcox believes that Penrith can only benefit from a Government that exists to serve its community – and not the reverse.

“Reinvesting 25 per cent of the income we generate in Penrith will provide a strong foundation for ongoing growth. As a small business owner myself I understand the challenges that business owners are facing with the current Labor Government,” he said.

“I want to see Penrith flourish under a framework that always asks the simple question: ‘Is this in the best interests of the community as a whole?’”

“I’m not a career politician or here as someone’s puppet. I’m here for Penrith, and to move our community forward.”

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

20 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

THERE’S always a good in-joke within most groups of people.

The one in the Volvo industry is a beauty!

See, there’s a photograph of a clutch of people who attended the 2012 Volvo Car Australia’s Dealer of the Year Awards.

The photographer snapped a photo of the award winner on stage with a host of invited celebrity guests.

There’s Volvo’s ambassador, Channel 9 celebrity, Richard Wilkins, another media luminary, Lisa Wilkinson, track and field star, Matt Shirvington, celebrity chef, Luke Mangan, John Dunn, supermodel, Alexandra Agoston, rugby stars Israel Folau, James O’Connor and Drew Mitchell and brilliant surgeon and Australian of the Year, Dr Charlie Teo. In Volvo circles, on seeing the photo, everyone always asks: “Who are those with John Dunn?”

Little wonder, because John who accepted the coveted award on behalf of his lovely wife and business partner, Michele, has spent more time

Photo: Kieren Tilly

on the stage at these evenings than Sir Laurence Olivier.

Not that Sir Larry would be attending a Volvo soiree. (I might have over explained that!).

In fact, if there were knighthoods with the motor vehicle industry, the Dunns would certainly be Sir John and Lady Michele!

John and Michele are legends, not only within Volvo circles but the Australian car industry.

John is the principal and Michele, the after sales and service manager, at the Penrith Volvo dealership, Annlyn Motors, which has served Westies (and those further afield) for 15 years.

Four times they have been recipients of the sought-after Volvo Car Australia’s Dealer of the Year award – in 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2012.

What betting the astute business couple can complete a hat-trick in 2013?

“To achieve such a prestigious award doesn’t come easily and requires hard work and commitment from the entire team,” says John.

“We have a fantastic team at Annlyn Motors and all understand the principles of the business and are

enthusiastic about the Volvo brand.”

The Dealer of the Year Award recognises a dealership that has consistently achieved the highest of standards.

Outstanding customer service, professionalism and all-round performance across 13 key criteria underpin this prestigious award.

Annlyn Motors proudly spruiks in advertising and on its website that it is a family-run business, And is it ever!

The adage: “The family that plays together, stays together” can be further extended to: “The family that plays and works together, stays together.

The word “close-knit” is very much overdone in recent times but the word certainly applies to the Dunn clan, Joining their parents working at Annlyn Motors are all five Dunn children, sons Matthew, Benjamin, Timothy and Nathan and daughter, Sarah.

Matthew and Timothy are classified as master technicians – elite mechanics -, Benjamin is the spare parts manager, Nathan’s a sales consultant and Sarah is a service advisor.

“And don’t think for a moment that any of the kids don’t deserve their

ABOUT GRANNY FLATS The state government has realised the mammoth shortfall in affordable housing in NSW. Legislation recently passed has opened up an enormous opportunity for Investors to maximise their returns. Come along to our next Granny Flat Information Seminar and find out how this can positively impact your ability to make money.

WHAT DOES A GRANNY FLAT MEAN TO YOU? Your land is very valuable to you, so why not use it and make as much money as you can from it???

Unlock the full potential of your investment by maximising the use of the wasted yard space to and bring in a second income. The state government has realised the shortfall in affordable housing in NSW and has passed legislation that will ensure you grow your investment portfolio.

As the largest Granny Flats builder in NSW we can ensure that you as our client will have the best opportunity to take advantage of an investment that pays itself off in 5-7 years, with a return on revenue of 15%-18%. We will do it all for you; Concept, Council Approval, Construction.

Granny Flats are a proven way to use simple design in order to maximise the potential of your yard for a realistic outlay. This type of investment has been proven over many years and now you can reap the benefits of the humble Granny Flat scenario.

ADVANTAGES OF A GRANNY FLAT? • A Granny flat will pay itself off in 5-7 years • A Granny Flat will make money using dead yard space • A Granny flat will maximise your rental return • A Granny flat can be council approved in 10 days

• • • •

A Granny Flat provides a steady income once paid off A Granny Flat will Increase the value of your property immensely A Granny Flat can be a great tool for negative gearing A Granny flat is a Long term investment

Licence Number: 66902C

FOR A FREE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON YOUR PROPERTY:

Visit our Exhibition Centre at 152

Russell Street, Emu Plains

CONTACT US ON

1300 721 150

www.grannyflatsandstudios.com.au

positions within the company – each of them worked hard to get where they are,” Michele said.

“For years all of them did their fair share of washing cars before heading off to school – yes, none of them had a saloon passage.

“We are all very close and despite spending all of our working hours together, we still enjoy each other’s’ company away from the business.

Michele and John also have four grandchildren with another on the way.

Childhood sweethearts in Blacktown they married in 1977 and moved to Penrith a year later to begin their family and four years later, John’s involvement with Volvo.

“I got a job in 1982 as a salesman at Central Motors which was the Penrith Mitsubishi and Volvo dealership and in May 1997 Michele and I were in a position to purchase the Volvo part of the business when it was put on the market.”

Since then, the Dunns’ business acumen, honesty, integrity and ability to lure quality staff to the dealership has resulted in Annlyn Motors becoming one of our region’s great business success stories.

“We are fortunate to have a wonderful staff headed by our sales manager, Greg Shelton – Greg’s been selling Volvos since 1977 and that vast experience has been a tremendous asset to us in building the business,” John said.

Annylyn Motors - the name is derived from Michele and Sarah’s middle names – has been incredible supporters of the local community especially Nepean Hospital.

“All five of the children were safely delivered there so it is a place dear to our hearts,” Michele said.

The Dunns were among the 40 founding members of the Nepean Philanthropists, a local body which raises funds for the Nepean Medical Research Foundation.

The foundation was established to assist and benefit the community being served by Nepean Hospital’s internationally-acclaimed specialists and researchers in all aspects of medicine including cancer, diabetes, depression, heart disease, geriatrics and many other diverse areas of medical care and research.

The Dunns have been tremendous supporters of the foundation – their financial backing, business expertise

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

JOHN AND MICHELE DUNN

21

All in the family. Doing their parents proud - Nathan, Ben, Sarah, Mat and Tim Dunn.

and energy have helped ensure the foundation is successful in achieving its aims.

And on the subject of money – each time a Volvo is driven out of the dealership by its new owner, the Dunns contribute $50 to Nepean Hospital’s Ronald McDonald Family Room which provides a home-away-fromhome for families visiting their young loved ones at the hospital.

The Dunn clan is ardent supporters of the Penrith Panthers – John and

Michele never miss a home game – so to end this tale, we’ll leave you with one of the late, great Jack Gibson’s quotes.

Played fine, Dunn good!

John and Michele Dunn was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Hayley Gleeson.

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

It’s right here in Penrith CBD Download our FREE App today

What’s Next? ..

Looking forward to a vibrant CBD future for Penrith with our key partners...

DRIVING REAL CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENTS TO PENRITH CBD Penrith CBD Corporation Board Members

Owen Rogers Chairman

Darren Latty Deputy Chairman

Warwick Stimson Secretary

Michael Todd

Bernard Bratusa

Debbie O’Connor

Tiffany Martinez

David Moreton

For more info contact Gai or Sue on 4722

Vanessa Graydon

Gai Hawthorn

Sue McNally

5556

ACTIVATE • REJUVENATE • POPULATE

22 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

TAX TIME

By Nadim Joukhadar ARE you properly claiming a deduction for any gifts or donations you are making? I have been surprised by the amount of misinformation that is floating around about this topic.

Everyone is entitled to a deduction for gifts of money or property of $2 or more made during the year to nominated funds, authorities, institutions or bodies or specified persons. You can even claim a gift of publicly listed shares that have been held for at least 12 months and which are valued at $5,000 or less.

The main issue however, is that the recipient of the gift or donation must be registered with the Tax Office or specifically listed by name in the Income Tax Act of 1997.

Quite often I have people ask me to claim “whatever is allowable without receipts.”

Actually there is no such amount. Or people will claim purchases of raffle tickets or toys.

These are not Gifts or donations because you are making a purchase.

So a Tax Deduction here is subject to the following conditions; - The gift must be of $2 or more of money or property other than money.

- If it isn’t money, the property must have been purchased by the person making the gift during the 12 months before it is gifted and valued at less than $5,000 - The recipient of the gift must normally

HOT JOBS AVAILABLE

Temps Required

All areas

Above award

Looking for receptionists, accounts payable / receivable officers, personal assistants, admin assistants; to register for when new positions become available. Must be reliable and have own transport.

Pick Packers

Huntingwood

$22.23 p/h

Huntingwood location. Must have driver’s licence, a car and must be reliable.

Yard Hand / Construction / Forklift Driver Emu Plains

$23.00 p/h

Hardworking Yard Hand required, Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm. Must have C class drivers licence, LF forklift licence and current White Card. Must also have the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

General Hands

Huntingwood

$22.23 p/h

General warehousing / housekeeping, pick packing, Huntingwood location, must have driver’s licence and a car.

Process Workers

Erskine Park $23.54 p/h afternoon

$20.47 p/h day or

Process workers required for day / afternoon shift (5am – 1pm or 3pm – 11:30pm) in Colyton must have drivers licence and a car. Working on a conveyor line, packing products into packets, stacking pallets. Must be flexible for both shifts.

Transport Forklift Drivers

Eastern Creek $26.44 p/h afternoon

$22.50 p/h day or

Day and afternoon shift available must have transport forklift driving experience, loading and unloading trucks, local and interstate, curtains, pick packing etc.

MR Driver

St Marys

$22.50 p/h

Air conditioning parts manufacturer looking for a MR Driver / Storemen. Multi drops through out Sydney Metro area. Must have MR Drivers licence and be willing to work overtime as days are 10 to 12 hour Mon-Fri.

HR Driver

Blue Mountains

$23.48 p/h

Local council requires HR Driver with OH&S induction card for driving work and general labouring.

Spray Painter

Wetherill Park

$22 perm + weekly bonus $150 performance based

Coffin / Casket Manufacturer requires a Spray Painter to assist in manufacturing of products. Must have a proven work history as a Spray Painter.

Accounts Receivable Clerk

Wetherill Park

$55K

Join small friendly accounts team handling full function Accounts Receivable for National Head Office of This growing Australian company.

Must have at least 3-5 years experience in all aspects of AR/Credit control.

The business partner of choice for recruitment services Call us now 4731 2333 or visit us at

www.completerecruitment.com.au

be in Australia (there are some exceptions) and must be registered with the ATO. The sorts of organisations that are usually registered or eligible to receive donations include; - Organisations which are public or nonprofit such as Hospitals, - Public benevolent institutions like St Vincent De Paul or the Salvation Army.

- Public authorities engaged in research into the cause, prevention or cure of a disease; - Public funds maintained to for the welfare and comfort of armed forces - Public funds providing money for buildings such as private non-profit schools or colleges.

The Tax Office has declared however, that such gifts and donations must be “Voluntary.”

There are many more organisations that qualify as deductible gift recipients.

For example, my community service and donation of time and money is through Rotary International. For me it is important that 100% of the funds donated go to the cause stated and Rotary International can guarantee this.

If you are unsure of your situation you can call my office for assistance on 4731 6000.

1.8 % 5.5 %

SELLING FEE MANAGEMENT FEE IBRAHIM ABADEER

Director/Sales Manager

0416 922 477

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

24 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Erskine Park Chemmart ERSKINE Park Chemmart is under new management and Pharmacist Mina Girgis would like to welcome you to his store. Mina Girgis has twelve years’ experience in pharmacy -including five years as an owner/operator. Together with his team of fourteen experienced staff, Mina believes Erskine Park Chemmart can offer the best service in the area.

Mina believes the secret to great pharmacy service is getting to know his customers, “We aim to develop a relationship with our customers, to remember their names and their individual medication requirements.

We do our best to provide a personalised service.”

Part of this service includes competitive pricing on all items across the range of the store.

These include baby items, personal care, leading cosmetic brands, plus a large range of health and nutrition supplements. Erskine Park Chemmart will also match any competitor’s prescription price.

Mina Girgis is pleased to offer his customers Chemmart MedsCheck.

During a one-on-one consultation, Mina will provide more information about medicines and a management plan to achieve the best result.

Chemmart MedsCheck is available to customers with Type 2 Diabetes, or those who take five or more medications.

Erskine Park Chemmart is also proud to be part of Dr Tim’s Success weight loss program; the only such program with a doctor behind it.

Currently, the Erskine Park program has collectively shed 492 kilos by participating clients. One of the reasons Dr Tim’s programme is so successful is due to ketones, these are naturally occurring substances the body produces as it breaks down excess body fat. Ketones have an appetite suppressing effect.

Mina Girgis and the Chemmart team are located at shop 13, cnr Swallow and Peppertree Drives, Erskine Park. For enquiries phone 9834 4151.

Shop 13, Corner Swallow & Peppertree Drives

ERSKINE PARK

Phone: 9834 4151 | Fax: 9834 3073 Sale on from 12/8/13 till 07/9/13. While Stock Last.

1699

$ 99

Swisse S i Ultivite Ulti it M Men & Women W 60 tablets

Radiant Commercial Blen Blend 2kg

$

2 FOR $ 99

8

Schwarzkopf Assorted Shampoo & Conditioner Range

4

$

1299

Finish Powerball Dishwashing 60 tablets

9

$ 99 Listerine Listerinnnee Fresh Burst 1L with Listerine Total Care 250ml Pack

9

$ 99 Caltrate 6600mg 120 tablets

1499

$

Opti-free Pure Moist Economy Pack 300ml & 90ml

1099

$

Bisolvon Bi l Chesty 250ml or Bisolvon 50 tablets

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

26 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Happy ending for Ellie Nepean

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 4733 3456

SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

By Dr. Claire Petterson

TWO weeks ago we met Ellie, a four year old female Labrador. Ellie’s owners found her yelping in pain and unable to walk. She had experienced no trauma that they were aware of.

She had never had a problem with walking before. On examination, Ellie was able to use her front legs normally but was paralysed in her back legs.

Ellie happy to be home!

She had limited feeling and movement in both back legs, especially her left.

Hind limb paralysis in dogs can be caused by a number of things. One of these is trauma to the spinal cord, such as in an accident, which was unlikely in Ellie’s case. Degenerative problems such as a slipped disc can also cause paralysis. This is more common in older dogs and in certain breeds, such as Dachshunds. Another, rarer

possibility is an embolism blocking blood supply to an area of the spine.

Radiographs were done which showed no particular lesions of the spinal vertebrae. Referral for advanced imaging of the spinal cord was offered.

Ellie’s owners chose to treat medically to start with and see if she improved with time.

Ellie was treated with antiinflammatory medication and kept

confined to her cage, with supervised outings several times a day. After two days in hospital, she was able to bare some weight on her right hind leg.

After a few more days, she was able to fully bare weight on her right hind leg, and stand on her left hind leg with support. Over a period of two weeks, Ellie slowly regained more function to her left hind. Today, she is able to walk unassisted, although she still drags the paw of her left hind leg at times.

We believe Ellie experienced a fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE).

This occurs when a small amount of the material which makes up the spinal discs enters the blood vessels and causes an obstruction, starving the area of oxygen and resulting in paralysis. In time, physical therapy can help build muscle strength and nerve function, which can partly or completely compensate for the initial loss of function. It is not known what causes this condition, although it does tend to occur more frequently in young to middle aged large breed dogs.

Ellie has since gone home to her happy family! If you would like to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, feel free to contact us. We are always available at Nepean and Mountains Animal Hospitals.

Nepean News 8 August 2013 Issue 105

3

entertainment

28 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Election week must-see!

THE election has been announced and there could be no better way of getting in the mood than a date with the outrageous and hilarious Wharf Revue team, when they present Whoops!

The Wharf Revue 2013 at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 5 – 7 September.

By that time in the federal election campaign, we’ll all be more than ready for their annual dose of sidesplitting sketches, musical hilarity, and trademark political parody in this singing, dancing extravaganza!

Unleashing the Australian premiere of this year’s show at The Joan, the mighty and ridiculous will duck for cover as The Wharf Revue team swoops in for another go at poking politics and popular culture in the eye with its carefully sharpened satire stick.

Written and created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott - at least we can count on the Federal Election for delivering plenty of new material for these talented satirists. They know they can run, but

they can’t hide - nothing and no-one will be spared! Combining a cast of colourful characters - Eddie Obeid, Ian Macdonald, Cardinal George Pell, Tony Abbott, Gina Rinehart, Clive Palmer, Julia Gillard, and of course, ‘the return of Kevin’, along with Phil Scott’s boisterous songs; The Wharf Revue will be packed full of up-tothe-minute satire which makes it such a hit, year after year.

When Amanda Bishop, Simon Burke and Andrew Worboys join Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe on stage it’s a guaranteed lark. The team has been an institution for well over a decade attracting a large and loyal band of fans at The Joan, who revel in the vicious, malicious, but most of all deliciously and outrageously funny content. Nothing is sacred when the team returns for another savage comic swipe.

With an extremely limited season of only four performances at The Joan, you are advised to get in early and snap up your tickets now!

Election Night special: Saturday 7

Social Butterfly

Whoops! The Wharf Revue 2013 at the Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith. Dates: Thursday 5 & Friday 6 September, 8pm; Saturday 7 September at 2pm & 8pm. Tickets $40 - $55.

Election Night After Show Party $20. Bookings and more information: 4723 7600 or visit: www. jspac.com.au

Akira Teppanyaki, Penrith

Brett McVea & Karen Quinn Dave Seager & Sharon Spindler

Cameron Faico &

September. Show at 8pm, followed by special election night after show party, from 9.30pm – 11pm with drinks & nibbles and full election coverage.

Join us for what will be fabulously funny way to celebrate election night!

You can see the show for normal ticket price and also choose to join us for the after show party for just an extra $20 at The Joan. Bookings essential.

Jamie Nelson, Vic Shipley, Ron Wood, Luke Fielding (Powersmart Electrical)

Alex McKenzie Larry Davis

Edwin Dobson & Renato Cantalupo Greg Gavin, Korena Hale, Luke Priddis

Caption to come

rs Kurczewski, The New Mr & M & Andrew Sheree

Jayden Saundercock, Aaron Gampe, Darren Latty, Drew Clegg, Shanaka De Silva

Paul Mull ock

, Chris Con

nell, Aaron

Tyres

WITH RHYS GOODEY

THAT SHIRAZZY TASTE

HERE’S OUR FANTASTIC SELECTION OF WINES FROM THE SHIRAZ GRAPE AND RHONE REGION FOR YOU THIS WEEK!!

PEOPLE sometimes come to me and say, “I am a shiraz drinker, what have you got?” or ‘These French wines are lovely but delicate, I am looking for something more robust”...what do I say?

Shiraz has been a runaway child turned very successful in the New World. Its plantings in France (where it is called syrah) are relatively small, and its use in a pure unblended wine traditionally confined to the Northern Rhône river valley region. In Southern Rhône, it is blended with other grapes; you find it mixed with Mourvèdre, Grenache and Carignan in particular- now in Aussie parlance as “GSM” wines .

You will certainly detect the smells and tastes of cedar, incense, cloves, anise, cinnamon and blackberries that loom large in the bigger version Aussie shiraz.

But you may not find in those French syrah wines and blends the sheer explosiveness - our Aussie wines are baked in the sun, pressed hard in the winery and often put into new oak for relatively long periods to make a monster of a wine, and the bigger the better, as the thinking goes. This is great on a cold winter’s night, but harder to match with food sometimes (and harder to get up in the morning!).

You need to compare the two styles constantly.

Our nice aged examples of GSM blends from the Cotes du Rhône certainly have power, and will match well with the meat and casserole dishes this time of

1. Jaume Référence Côtes du Rhône 2008 White - Robust white ideal for roast chicken or fish 2. Château de Manissy Côtes du Rhône 2011 White - Younger Rhône white may be drunk now with fish or aged five years 3. Château de Manissy Côtes du Rhône 2011 Rosé - Drink now with barbequed meats or seafood. Dry and delicious.

4. Mas des Genêts Vacquéras Rhône 2008 Red - Rhône red with some age and smoothness ideal for casseroles.

5. Château de Manissy Côtes du Rhône 2011 Red - Lovely red for cheese platter or with roast meats 6. Jaume Vinsobres Altitude 420 Côtes du Rhône 2006 Red - Elegant red made at 420m above sea level, very seductive!

7. Domaine le Colombier « Tradition » Vacquéras 2006 Red - Another Rhône red worth sipping slowly with white or red meats or cheese.

8. Gleeson Hunter Valley 2003 Shiraz - Big Hunter Shiraz worth decanting to serve with game or stew.

9. Castello di Poppiano Toscana 2007 - Elegant Italian Syrah from 800 year old estate for veal with sauce 10. Vera de Estenas 2009 Maturado en Barrica - Shiraz and Bobal and Bordeaux blend from Valencia region for paella or roasts.

11. Chateau la Bastidié Gaillac 2009 Red - Rich red blend of Bordeaux varieties with Syrah and rare Braucol for duck or game 12. Domaine de la Pigeade Muscat Beaumes de Venise Dessert Wine 500ml - Superb finish to dinner with the cheese plate or chocolate puddings or truffles

year requires. Don’t overlook the robust white of the Rhône, nor the dry rose made from “GSM” blend grapes.

We have also a syrah from Tuscany and some wines from Gaillac and Utiel Requena in Spain that contain a component of shiraz / syrah. We’ve put them in this selection together with our big robust Gleeson shiraz from the Hunter. Holden and Peugeot are two different cars; we love them both! Cheers, Rhys www.arkwines. com tel 02 8327 8883

ONE EACH OF THESE WONDERFUL WINES IN YOUR MIXED DOZEN SAVES YOU AT LEAST 25% ON LIST PRICES! PRICE PER DOZEN $185 INCLUDING FREE DELIVERY C.O.D. METRO SYDNEY INCLUDING BLUE MOUNTAINS. ALL WINES IN 750ML UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. Email info@arkwines.com with your contact details including phone number for COD delivery to suit you.

Or ring (02) 9327 8883 or 0410 98 36 98.

Cheers to the great wines of the Rhône and the grape we call Syrah or Shiraz!!!

Florian Andre, the winemaker at Chateau de Manissy in Lirac, Rhone.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 9 Tedium (7) 10 Referees (7) 11 To kindle (7) 12 Army reserves (7) 13 Adolescents (9) 15 Spots (5) 16 Style of music (7) 19 Inebriated (7) 20 Genus of hemlock spruce (5) 21 Pernicious (9) 25 No longer alive (7) 26 Overthrown (7) 28 Type of light (7) 29 Breed of cat (7)

DOWN 1 Showing submissiveness (6) 2 Increase threefold (6) 3 Concept (4) 4 Unit of electrical current (6) 5 Suspected (8) 6 Bewitched (10) 7 Lath (8) 8 Killer (8) 14 Familiar with (10) 16 In a resentful manner (8) 17 Forcing out of bed (8) 18 Giving off (light, heat, radiation) (8) 22 Pleasure from causing pain (6) 23 A marine mollusk (6) 24 Turfed (6) 27 A juicy gritty-textured fruit (4)

solution 1/8/13

Ark Wine Agencies ~ www.arkwines.com www.facebook.com/arkwineagencies.australia

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

out west WINE

29

entertainment

30 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Family Fun Day needs YOU!

By Greg Martin

IT PROMISES to be bigger than Ben Hur – not the charioteer-gladiator himself, but the movie blockbuster from 1959 which boasted a cast of around 50,000.

We’re talking about the Ross Hutchison Foundation’s Family Fun day which will be held at Penrith Paceway on Saturday, November 23 between 10am-4pm.

Obviously 50,000 mums and dads and children won’t be able to pack into the place of pace but the revered Reverend Ross is hoping that a big crowd of fun-lovers turn up to help raise funds for the foundation.

And a whole lot of fun is what all attending can expect.

There’s 3-legged races (Jake the Peg is barred this year), a host of rides, talent quests for under 8’s and 16 year-olds, thongs and gumboot throwing, sack races, dancing performances and a stack of wonderful prizes up for grabs.

Having fun takes a lot of energy but the funseekers will be catered for with lots food and drink outlets.

Also helping to raise funds for this very worthy cause will be a silent auction – no, Marcel Marceau will not be handling the gavel!

Manning the mic is Reverend Ross Hutchison and about to burst into song is that lovable larrikin of a bruin, Humphrey B Bear.

Reverend Ross is seeking sponsorships from interested businesses, groups and individuals.

There are gold ($2500), silver ($1000), bronze ($500) sponsorships on offer and product exhibition

sites are available for $50.

For further information on the Family Fun Day and sponsorships, ring a revved-up Ross on 4721 2620 or 0422 664 448.

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

32 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Mike’s Pantry with Mike Creed

Roasted Vegetable Soup With it being so cold, I wanted a nice quick, healthy and tasty soup for those cold nights and something I could take for lunch, so I looked in the fridge and this is what I came up with. It tastes great and leaves you feeling warm and full! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS: 1 x Eggplant 2 x Red Capsicums 3 x Garlic Cloves 1 x Red Onion 2 x Carrots 4 x Potatoes 1T Basil paste 1T Thyme 1.5L Vegetable Stock Salt & Pepper to taste Olive Oil Butter METHOD: Preheat oven to 230c.

Roughly chop eggplant, capsicum, red onion in bite size chunks.

Place vegetables in oven proof dish, drizzle oil, salt & pepper and thyme and rub with you hands to cover vegetables evenly.

Place in oven for 20-25 minutes.

Chop carrots and potatoes into bite size pieces and sauté in butter in large saucepan. Add basil about a minute

before you take roasted vegetables out of the oven and stir well.

Take vegetables out of the oven and place in large saucepan, and stir.

Add vegetable stock to saucepan.

Allow to boil and then turn down to a simmer and allow to reduce slightly.

Use soup ladle to put into a blender and blend mixture in portions. (If you don’t have a blender, you can use a hand held mixer).

Place back on low heat to warm through.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

I can do it!

By Dean Smith Head of Junior School Mamre Anglican School

GROWING up and being immersed in playing sport, I soon learnt the need to be able to bounce back from a defeat or setback. Be it an injury or loss from a match played, I had to pick myself up, dust myself off and get back in to the game.

There is no doubt in my mind that building resilience in children is one of the key life skills they need to learn. As society seemingly changes far more rapidly than ever before, children with the attribute to accept, learn from and move on from adversity are far more able to cope with circumstances and situations life offers, most of which are out of their control.

I believe it is incumbent on schools and families to teach, develop and role-model the building of resilience in children. I believe this can be achieved by creating environments that adopt and incorporate the following resilient type language.

• Use humour. “Can you see the funny side to this situation?”

• Keep in proportion. “Don’t let

this spoil everything.”

• Time-out. “Let’s take a break for now.”

• Good friends. “Who can you talk to about this?”

• Encouragement. “You will get through this.”

• Positive psychology. “What can you learn from this?”

• Staying present. “Relax and let’s see what happens.”

• Maintaining perspective. “This is not the end of the world.”

• Another perspective. “Have you thought about...?”

• Taking control. “What can you do about this?”

Through the use of language, parents and schools can build resilience in children. We will know our children are learning from their experiences as we hear the language they adopt when life presents a situation to them that challenges them.

I would love to hear stories where the building of resilience in your child was a success.

Dean.smith@mamre.nsw.edu.au

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

entertainment Verifying Virgo

34 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

WORD SEARCH - ASTRONOMY

by Aunty N.

ANDROMEDA GALAXY APOGEE ASTEROID ASTRONOMER ATMOSPHERE AURORA BINARY STAR BLACK HOLE CONSTELLATION CORONA CRATER

DEEP SPACE ECLIPSE EQUINOX GALAXIES GALILEO GRAVITY HUBBLE KEPLER LIGHT YEAR METEOR MILKY WAY

MOON NEBULA ORBIT PARSEC PERIGEE POLARIS PROXIMA CENTAURI PULSARS QUASARS RED GIANT SATELLITE

SOLAR SYSTEM SOLAR WIND SPACE SHUTTLE SPACECRAFT STARS SUN SUPERNOVA TELESCOPE TIDES UNIVERSE WHITE DWARF

VIRGO, the Virgin, is the sixth sign of the zodiac for those born between August 23 and September 22. The ruling planet is Mercury.

Virgos are often labelled “clean freaks”; however this is only one manifestation of their critical eye and desire for perfection. This trait may find an outlet in other avenues such as career or relationships. Virgos are quite confident in their likes and dislikes.

They can be highly organised, although this may not always be apparent on the surface, it is evident in their analytical thought process. They have keen intelligence and a capacity to learn which often amounts to a broad base of knowledge.

Virgos are sometimes mistaken as shy but this is only because they prefer to observe and analyse people or situations before jumping to conclusions.

Virgo is a mutable Earth Element and most are very approachable. More

than any other sign, Virgos are born to serve and it gives them great joy. They have a considerable sense of duty and it ensures they will always work towards what they consider the greater good.

Best career options for Virgo involve either opportunities to help others, or jobs that require attention to detail. These include areas such as Finance, Engineering, Research and Development, Architecture, Medicine, Teaching and Law. Best relationship matches for Virgo include Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn and Gemini. Taurus has the most to offer Virgo with great compatibility, powerful attraction and a relationship based on devotion and loyalty. Scorpio has a lot in common yet much that is diametrically opposed to Virgo – this relationship will sizzle. A partnership with Capricorn or Gemini can be very rewarding but may require a little more effort from both parties.

44 Nepean News 23 May 2013 Issue 100

Secure 2 holidays with a $60 deposit (this entitles you to 2x4 nights or 8 nights) and receive a third deposit free, then you can enjoy an even longer holiday or give one away.

36 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

nepean history

ST MARYS HOSPITALITY

ANOTHER Inn at South Creek-St Marys called the “New Inn” was located near the South Creek Bridge. This inn was owned and licensed by William Henry Brotherton from July 1833 to 1836. William previously held the licence of the “Valley Inn” at Fitzgerald’s Valley and was a former convict. From 1836 to 1838 the licence was transferred to James Laragy. In Lorna Parr’s book called “Ghost Stories of the Nepean” there is a reference to the Moaning Ghost at Stonequarry Hill also known as Cummins’ Hill at Werrington. In 1838 a brutal murder took place at the old quarry when an incapacitated convict was unable to do his share of the work allotted to him and he received fifty lashes from a brutal ganger who called him a “loafer”. The convict swore vengeance and waited his chance to suddenly spring around and drive his pick clean through the skull of the ganger killing him dead. Of course as soon as it became dark, there appeared a ghost who literally scared everyone who had the bad luck to pass that spot at night. Afterwards, scores of people walking the Western Road swore they saw this grim silent shadow with a pick in hand. Old Tom Gilby was walking past the quarry one night when a flash of lightning revealed the ghost dripping with blood and after that people said they could see a ghost there even with their eyes shut and they rushed past afraid to look. In 1845 a mail coach coming from Sydney broke down somewhere near Eastern Creek and as the horses could go no further the driver left them for the night at “Lumpy” Dean’s pub. As the nearest post office was at St Marys, the mailman and a few of the male passengers walked right through to Penrith, delivering mail on the way to St Marys. It was nearly midnight when they reached Stonequarry Hill and no sooner had they arrived at the top of the hill that they heard a low moaning cry inside the quarry. Although nearly exhausted from their long walk, they ran. They were convinced that seeing and hearing was good enough proof. When St Mary’s Post Master “Bill” Woodland (Post Master from 1844) opened the mail bag, he realised that he had the Penrith bag and the St Mary’s bag had been taken to Penrith, so about a half an hour after the Postman departed, he felt obliged to rectify the mistake. He was apparently one of the very few who had never seen a ghost and in fact he always scoffed at the very idea, but as soon as he arrived opposite the scene of Old Gilby’s fright, he heard deep moaning like a women in great pain. He could see nothing so called aloud “who’s there, is anyone hurt?”, and from inside the quarry came a voice that was feminine in tone with an Irish accent saying “For God’s sake, whoever ye may be have pity on a poor woman who has had a misfortune this very night”. He stuck a match and went quickly to where the voice had come from and to his astonishment he saw “Big Biddy” as she was commonly called, with a new-born baby wrapped in a shawl on her lap.

“Biddy” was very much excited and she had been drinking heavily at the ‘New Inn’ when she was making for her home near the Crossroads (Kingswood) when the baby came. She packed the baby in her shawl and marched home as if nothing unusual had happened. After that no ghost was ever seen at the Stonequarry Hill.” Next Inn was the “Travellers Rest Inn”. In June 1833 Ralph Nixon was granted a publican’s licence for his “Travellers Inn” said to be at that time on the Western Road at Eastern Creek and kept the license until 1836. In July 1843, Ralph was

Secretary of an agricultural enterprise known as the “General Ploughing Match and Races”. There is an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that year setting out a special meeting at the “South Creek Inn” to set up this enterprise. Many landholders in the Penrith and adjoining districts elected Sir John Jamison KGV of “Regentvilla” as their patron. In the Chair was Robert Bell (Esq). They set up the match for the 25th July, 1843 to be held at Bayly Park as it was the only eligible land for the match. Henry Bayly was thanked by being voted in as a Judge. (Henry was the son-in-law of William Lawson and had a horse stud on his Bayly Park Farm). John Single (Esq) of Nepean House and Robert Bell (Esq) of Bringelly were also appointed Judges. The appointment of Treasurer was James Stevenson of “Littleham”. The stewards for the day were Charles Roberts (Esq), James Lethbridge Templer (Esq), James Badgery and James Stevenson. The prize money consisted of £5 for first prize, £3 for second and £1 for third. Ploughing consisted of a five-horse team or bullock team and the day ended with horse races. On the 7th October, 1843 the members held a meeting and the name was changed to the ‘Penrith Agricultural Association’. (I was hoping this interesting article would show just how many prominent land-owners we had in our district). After Ralph Nixon the “Travellers Rest” was taken over

by John Smith who ran the hotel from 1837 to 1839. The licence was then granted to Thomas Barnett in 1841 and he held the licence until 1843 when the license was transferred to Joseph Badkin who transferred the license to Penrith. In June 1844 an advertisement appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald regarding the insolvency of the old “Travelers Rest Inn” property, now said to be at South Creek as well as the land belonging to Ralph Nixon that was being sold by auction at Badkin’s Inn at Penrith. George Matthews who was licensee of the “Royal Exchange” known to be in the O’Connell Terraces at St Marys, took over the licence of the “Travellers Inn” in 1856 and did not renew his “Royal Exchange” license. George kept the licence of the “Travellers Inn” for a year. He later left for Emu Plains but not before he made another attempt at publican of an inn in 1857 near the South Creek-St Mary’s railway station. This failed and he closed it down and moved to Emu Plains. The hotel was de-licensed in June, 1870. The building was later used as a store called the “Butchers Arms” owned by James Hackett who closed it down in 1873. Photo shows a local bullock team that would have been similar to those teams travelling the Western Road who used the “bullock area” provided by the Inn. Source: State Archives Liquor Licences & Nepean Times Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

Cremation Celebration Services Dignified Burials RSL Services Memorial Services

“Now offering Pre-Paid Funeral Plans” Michelle Latham (JP) 1300 HEVNLY (1300 438 659) P: (02) 9623 6656 • M: 0418 250 242 E: michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au W: www.heavenlycelebrations.com.au Office: 196 Queen Street, St Marys NSW 2760 (Directly opposite St Marys Library)

44

Nepean News 4 July 2013 Issue 103

real estate

38 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

UNLOCK YOUR FUTURE

INVESTMENTS

With Josh Vrsaljko

Family Super Funds – wealth creation with the family in mind A SELF-MANAGED super fund (SMSF) can be an excellent way to manage the way your superannuation is invested in the long game of building enough savings to provide yourself with a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

While a retail Super fund may be perfect for those content to limit their involvement in investment decisions, a SMSF really puts you in the driver’s seat of your superannuation plan.

It can give you a broader range of investment options and makes it possible to take advantage of the benefits of buying investment property through a self-managed fund.

What many may not realise, however, is that DIY super can be about more than planning for their twilight years and can also help their family grow and manage its wealth.

A Family Super Fund is similar to an SMSF in its tax structure and that only four members may reside in it at any one time, yet differs in that it is geared towards ensuring the

Do you have time to compare over 30 lenders?

Let us do it for you!

OUR SERVICES ARE AT NO COST TO YOU! Specialising in: • First Home Buyers • Investment Properties • Self-employed - “Low Doc” Loans • Credit Impaired • Debt Consolidation

STEPHEN BEARD

7 DAYS A WEEK

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 E: beards@selectgrp.com.au

financial security of a family across generations.

There are many situations where having a Family Super Fund can provide valuable benefits.

It can act as an insurance policy which makes financial support available when a member suffers an injury or sickness. For example, trustees of the fund can replace the income of a fellow member that is unable to work for a period of time.

Adult child members can guide how the benefits of an incapacitated parent are spent so as to ensure they go towards their health needs and ongoing care.

Something else possible in a Family Super Fund is to share the benefits of property investment across generations.

Older fund members may decide to use their superannuation benefits to put a deposit on a property. Younger members can then cover the monthly mortgage repayments and when the property is sold the gain can be

shared according to each member’s investment.

Planning for the retirement lifestyle you want to enjoy is an important part of developing wealth creation strategies.

Many people may be unsure whether superannuation built up through a standard fund will provide them with kind of retirement income that lets them live their golden years the way they want to.

Such concerns lead many to investigate ways of supplementing their superannuation savings, such as through buying investment property.

The rental income and capital gains which property has the potential to deliver can act as an excellent complement to other forms of retirement wealth generation and investment.

A diverse approach can ensure that there are a wide range of lifestyle choices available later in life.

Having a comfortable retirement income can make such choices easier

by keeping more lifestyle options available.

If you are on the fence about buying investment property, an announcement made on August 6 by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could help you to make up your mind.

The official cash rate has been decreased by 0.25 points, to an alltime low of 2.5 per cent.

In theory, the lower the official cash rate is, the lower interest rates on home loans will be. If you strike while the iron’s hot, you could secure a low interest rate on your mortgage.

The country has not seen property this affordable since late 2009, we are certain it will be welcomed with open arms by seasoned investors, who have been flooding the market recently.

ZAC Investments can help you decide whether now’s the time to invest! To learn more about creating wealth for retirement through a family super fund get in touch with ZAC Investments today. info@ zacinvestments.com.au

LOW INTERST RATES DRIVING STRONG DEMAND FOR PROPERTY With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

AS widely expected, The Reserve Bank (RBA) reduced home loan rates this month by 0.25 per cent to bring the official cash rate to 2.50 per cent. This is the lowest official rate since 1960.

This was before even I was born!

Most of the larger banks acted very quickly and passed on the full cut within a few days of the RBA announcement but the cuts don’t take effect until this week in most cases.

The banks love to squeeze every last cent out of the borrowers when they can!

Most banks standard variable rates are now down to around 5.90 per cent, basic variable rates around 5.20 per cent, and discounted packaged variable rates down to as under 5 per cent depending on how much you borrow and the equity you have in your property.

Fixed home loan rates have also been nudging downwards as they have done so for the last 2 years. You can lock in 1 year fixed rates at 4.79 per cent, 2 and 3 year rates at 4.84 per cent. 4 and 5 year rates are also

available at 5.29 per cent.

The RBA’s statement from last week is still indicating there is still more room for more reductions to the variable cash rate if required. In plain language, this means if overall demand for goods and services remains weak, inflation remains low and unemployment increases, we can expect some more interest rate decreases.

Any fixed interest rate under 5 per cent is very attractive in historical terms and should be seriously considered as part of your mixture of debt. Please note the word mixture. Most people would also benefit by having some or around half of their home loan debt as a variable rate. This is so they can take advantage of future rate decreases and also have the flexibility a variable rate brings (mainly the ability to make unlimited extra repayments, redraw those extra payments and an offset account that reduced the interest paid on your home loan).

Of course everybody has different circumstances that need to be considered before any changes are made and you should consult a trust mortgage professional (like myself) before locking into any fixed rates, especially for longer terms of 3 years

or more. This is because a lot of things can happen to people, their situations and, very importantly, the economy.

These lower rates are giving more home buyers and investors more and more confidence to buy. Real estate agents continue to report strong demand as most well presented and priced properties are selling within the first week of being on the market.

There is also not enough properties on the market to supply the demand at the moment.

Springtime usually always is a time of more properties coming onto the market also this should help buyers with more choice and less competition over each property.

Also, we now know the Federal election is happening on the 7th of September. These important elections usually take buyers out of the market until after the result is known. Some people like to be more certain of the political future before committing to a major transaction like a home purchase.

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.

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

3

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Step back in time

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

40

EVENTS 1281 - Kublai Khan’s Mongol fleet, sent to invade Japan, is destroyed by a “divine wind”.

1483 - Pope Sixtus IV consecrates the Sistine Chapel.

1843 - Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest still intact amusement parks opens in Copenhagen, Denmark.

1914 - Panama Canal opens to traffic with transit of Ss Ancon.

1935 - Will Rogers and Wiley Post killed on takeoff at Barrow airport, Alaska.

1945 - Japan surrenders to end World War II. BIRTHS

SOLUTION: 18th July

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

1769 1771 1879 1925 1946 1954 1972

-

Napoleon Bonaparte, French emperor (d 1821).

Walter Scott, Scottish novelist and poet (d 1832).

Ethel Barrymore, American actress (d 1959).

Mike Connors (The Rifleman), American actor.

Tony Robinson, English actor Stieg Larsson, Swedish writer (d 2004).

Ben Affleck, American actor, screen-writer, producer and director.

DEATHS 423 1057 1935 1935 2008 -

Honorius, Roman Emperor (b 384).

Macbeth, King of Scotland.

Wiley Post, famed American aviator (b 1898).

Will Rogers, American humorist and actor (b 1879).

Vic Toweel, South African boxer (b 1929).

A burglar has just made it into the house he‛s intending ransacking, and he‛s looking around for stuff to steal. All of a sudden, a little voice pipes up, “I can see you, and so can Jesus!”

Startled, the burglar looks around the room. No one there at all, so he goes back to his business.

“I can see you, and so can Jesus!”

The burglar jumps again, and takes a longer look around the room.

Over in the corner by the window, almost obscured by curtains, is a cage in which sits a parrot, who pipes up again, “I can see you, and so can Jesus!”

“So what,” says the burglar, “you‛re only a parrot!”

To which the parrot replies, “Maybe, but Jesus is a rottweiler!”

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, “Do you know her?”

“Yes,” I sighed, “She‛s my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn‛t been sober since.”

“My God!” says my wife, “who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?”

A guy goes into the confessional box after years being away from the Church. He pulls aside the curtain, enters and sits himself down.

There‛s a fully equipped bar with crystal glasses, the best vestry wine, Guinness on tap, cigars and liqueur chocolates nearby, and on the wall a fine photographic display of buxom ladies who appear to have mislaid their garments.

He hears a priest come in: ”Father, forgive me for it‛s been a very long time since I‛ve been to confession and I must admit that the confessional box is much more inviting than it used to be”.

The priest replies, “Get out, you idiot. You‛re on my side”.

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

JOKES

41

42

sport

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

Crunch time for the Panthers

By Noel Rowsell

LAST weekend’s penultimate round of the 2013 Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition at least narrowed the armada of men’s teams which are all still in contention for the upcoming basketball play-off series.

The Illawarra Hawks and Bankstown Bruins were the first casualties, both dropping vital games in round 20 and thereby losing touch with the pack.

Minor premiers Manly Warringah, Sydney City and Northern Suburbs are all entrenched in the top six – with the Comets and Bears both anxious to gain second position on the ladder and progress straight to the finals weekend.

The rest of the chasing pack (Hills District, Penrith, Hornsby, Central Coast and Newcastle) are all locked together on 12 wins and 11 losses apiece and a loss for any of them this weekend will spell disaster.

The Panthers host the Parramatta Wildcats at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, Cambridge Park on Sunday and whilst they will be hot

favourites to roll the lowly-ranked Wildcats, this will not be a game to take lightly, especially with so much at stake.

The Penrith women picked up their fourth win of the season last weekend when they edged past the Maitland Mustangs and will be keen to add the Wildcats to their list of scalps on Sunday.

Nepean News

Tel:

9623 3116

Fax: 9623 0613 • sigma_2@bigpond.net.au

292 Great Western Hwy, St Marys 2760 Authorised Service Agent for Sharp & Electrolux Floor Care

Both teams sit at the bottom end of the competition ladder but the Panthers have at least won some games this season and that experience should see them prevail against the Wildcats.

The women’s game tips off at 12 noon, followed by the men’s game at 2pm.

In other news out of the Panthers den, the outstanding Louis Brandt has

BINS

FIREWOOD

SALES SERVICE SPARES

• Refrigeration • Air Conditioning • Washers • Dryers • Microwaves • Stoves • Vacuums Reconditioned Appliances Sold

BINS

The Panthers’ under 14 girls and under 16 boys also qualified for the titles and despite playing solid basketball, failed to get amongst the medals.

Anumber of Penrith players featured in the respective championships Top 10 point-scoring charts.

Under 18 men: Nic Pozoglou (2nd), Sean Weeks (5th).

Under 16 men: Adam Luika (4th).

Under 14 men: Joshua Green (4th), Jasper Rentoy (10th).

Under 14 women: Natalie Achampong (7th).

TRADES & SERVICES

APPLIANCES

APPLIANCE SERVICES

won a place as a development player with Sydney Kings and two of the club’s brightest stars, Ella Tofaeono and Tahlia Tupaea, have been selected in the Australian under 17 women’s squad.

Everyone associated with basketball in this neck of the woods are delighted that the trio’s skills and dedication are being rewarded.

Finally, congratulations to the Panthers’ under 14 and under 18 men for picking up silver medals at the NSW Junior Basketball Championships.

Bouncin’ Ben Kearins towers over Bruins defenders and shoots for goal.

Photo: Noel Rowsell photoexcellence.com.au

SMITH PRODUCE and

FIREWOOD

9670 2776

DISCOUNTED FIREWOOD

Western, North Coast and Local Timbers

4730 6000 0437 262 143

2073 Castlereagh Rd, Penrith (behind Action Autos)

BUILDING RENOVATIONS

FORKTIME TRAINING

T. FOSTER & SONS PTY LTD SKIP BINS

2m to 4m Competitive Rates

• Forklift Training High Reach & Counter Balanced Licence & Refresher Courses • Construction Induction White Cards – Mulgrave & Faulconbridge • EWPA Courses - Yellow Card Courses incl SCISSOR & VERTICAL Lift • Working At Heights • Confined Space Training

☎ 9675 2529 ☎ TO BOOK YOUR TRADE SERVICE AD PHONE KORENA ON

0403 045 880

DISCOS Michael’s

DISCO’S

From The 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s To The “Naughties”

Michael Hart - DJ FOR THE BEST MUSIC PHONE

MUSIC FOR ALL OCCASSIONS, FUNCTIONS & PARTIES

ABN 74 412 524 198

9888 6806 or 0402 010 170

UNIT 1/4 CUNNEEN ST, MULGRAVE Registered Training Organisation (RTO)-434047

PHONE 9834 5579 TO PLACE YOUR TRADE SERVICE AD

Put museum on your bucket list

IF you are a rugby league fan, a visit to the National Rugby League Museum is a must - put it on your bucket list! Turn to Mark Geyer’s column on page 45 to read all about the museum and Frank Puletua’s involvement. Admission is free and the museum is located at Rugby League Central, Driver Avenue, Moore Park.

Nepean News GRAPHIC DESIGN

Creative

DESIGNS

•M Magazine agazin ne & Newspaper Newspaper Design Desig gn i St t ti •B Business Stationery • Invitations • Banners/Posters/Flyers • Newsletters • Signage

STACEY

0420 319 893

stacey401980@gmail.com

GUTTERING

TRADES & SERVICES KITCHENS

Best & Less Kitchens Established 30 Years Best & Less Kitchens are specialists in all types of kitchens and joinery

FREE Quotes, 10 years guarantee

1300 957 609

ROOFING

kitchens wardrobes office fit outs joinery

Innovation Roof Restoration ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE LOOK OF YOUR ROOF?

GET IN BEFORE PEAK SEASON AND SAVE A WHOPPING 20% Mention this ad to redeem the offer

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

Call Kurtis on 0406 369 591 for a FREE QUOTE

TREE SERVICES

PRINTERS

9625 3461

Tel: Fax: 9625 3463 E: terrysprint@optusnet.com.au

REPTILES

WINDSCREENS ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Scorpions Stick Insects Spiders Hermit Crabs Reptile Enclosures 1/249 Queen Street, St Marys ✧ Terrariums ✧ Heating, Ph: Lighting ✧ Food & Accessories www.diamondreptilesupplies.com.au

9673 5162

M&M WINDSCREENS

RICHMOND - WINDSOR - PENRITH

p

4731 4044

m 0414

990 793

✦ All new & used car & truck screens from $150* ✦ Windscreen crack repairs ✦ Door glass & quarter glass ✦ Insurance work ✦ 28yrs Experience ✦ Lifetime Warranty (Conditions apply)

PHONE 9834 5579 TO PLACE YOUR TRADE SERVICE AD

43 Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

sport

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

O U N D 23 BRI SOU CAN NQC STG NEW NZW WES PAN SOU STG GCT NQC CAN MEL CRO

&

24

PAR MAN BUL GCT CRO MEL PAN SYD BRI BUL WES NZW NEW MAN PAR SYD

16 August 16 August 17 August 7.35pm 7.35pm 3.00pm

17 August 17 August 18 August 5.30pm 7.30pm 3.00pm

18 August 19 August 23 August 23 August 24 August 4.00pm 7.00pm 7.35pm 7.35pm 3.00pm

24 August 24 August 5.30pm 7.30pm

25 August 25 August 26 August 2.00pm 3.00pm 7.00pm

SCORE

celebrity tipsters

44 R

STEVE BEARD ~ Select Mortgage

195 VIC SHIPLEY ~ Powersmart Electrical

201 BRETT McVEA ~ National Locksmiths

221 RJ TIERNEY ~ Pure Fitness

181 CR JOHN THAIN

185 CR BERNARD BRATUSA

189 CR MAURICE GIROTTO

179 JOHN VEITCH ~ Heartland Holden

205 TIM REYNOLDS ~ O’Donoghues

183 ELLEN LANDRIGAN ~ Maxi Buses

195

‘ASK ABOUT OUR CAPPED PRICE SERVICING’

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY GLOSSOP ST

*BOOK A SERVICE TO RECEIVE A $50 COLES/MYER VOUCHER DURING JULY/AUGUST

HARRIS ST HEARTLAND HOLDEN

ST MARYS TRAIN STATION

ST MARYS 8801 8655 1 Harris Street, St Marys

WITH H MARK GEYER

NRL MUSEUM IS A MUST VISIT WHEN I came back to play for the Panthers in 1998 after three years in Perth, lots of things had changed since I last played for them back in 1992.

My old teammate Royce Simmons was now my coach. And the only players with a link back to our ‘91 heroics were Brandy (Greg Alexander) and Scarter (Steve Carter).

The training venue was different as were all the support staff, there was also a wave of young locals coming through the grades.

Three of those were Tony Puletua, his big brother Frank, and Ned Catic, who just happened to be one my training partners in the gym.

We were close back then and are still close to this day.

That’s why this week I want to focus on the older of the Puletua brothers, Frank.

Often the forgotten one of the two talented brothers, Frank will be the first to tell you he was never born with the God-given talents of his little bro, “Big T”.

Tony terrorised opponents from as young an age as 18, when he was an established first grader.

Frank took longer to find his footing but by the end of the ‘99 season was a regular in the top grade along with Tony and our good mate Ned. But as it is with very few first grade rugby league players, it would be off the field, post-football, that Frank would make his mark.

Since retiring, Frank has done so much for the welfare of not just Polynesian players in rugby league, but all footballers.

Apart from being an outstanding artist and drawing and painting a picture of the Panthers team of the century, Frank has now dipped his toe in the arts world big-time, by

Frank Puletua at the museum with Souths, NSW and Australia legend, Ron Coote, president of the Men of League Foundation.

becoming the manager of the Rugby League Museum at Rugby League Central in Moore Park.

Opening in August, 2012, the museum should be on the bucket list of every league fan out there.

Featuring at the museum now are nine modules which are broken up as follows: * In the Beginning - examines the establishment of the game in Australia and the period up to WW1.

* Silverware - features every first grade trophy from 1908 to the present day. * A Changing Game - looks at the evolution of the game, players and rules. * The Back Page - examines the way the game has been covered by the media since 1908. * The Australian Game - dissects the game from juniors, to the bush, to first grade.

....

dryclean often

* The Game Internationally - looks at the Aussies’ global dominance. * Hall of Fame - profiles each member of the 100 best named. * Snapshots - 60 iconic images that tell amazing stories of our game. * The Fans - pays tribute to the game’s biggest shareholders- the fans.

A real highlight of a visit to the museum are the four interactive screens which contain a mixture of footage and photos that help to tell stories about the game from the very beginning to the current day.

Overall, a visit to the museum takes you straight to a place you’ll love to be.

At present, Frank is profiling the ‘91 grand final that we (Panthers) were fortunate to win.

Now that gives me goose-bumps!

If you’ve got a few spare hours in the next few months, and you love Rugby League, there is only one place for you - the Rugby League Museum.

Frank has come a long way since he and his brother starred as schoolboys for John Paul II College at Marayong.

So much so that Frank, even now, has his own pearls of wisdom.

As I finish off this column let me leave you with a bit of advice from the manager of the best rugby league museum I have ever seen (yes, and the only one).

Take it away Frank: “Education does not begin and end in a classroom.

Education is a lifelong experience, and the very day you stop learning is the day you are no longer here.”

Hear, hear, Frank Puletua.

The museum is open week days from 10am-3pm and 10am-5pm school holidays.

For further info visit museum@ rugbyleaguecentral.com.au

Nepean News 15 August ugust 2013 Issue 106

MG

on the mark

45 4

46

sport

Nepean News 15 August 2013 Issue 106

ON THE MAT

Something old and something new. Cutting the 60th birthday cake at Blacktown City are twins Jack and Lily McEwen-Gillespie and 92-years-young Kon Contista.

A FUN day of bowls and celebration was held at Blacktown City BC last Saturday.

Bowlers were there to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Nepean District Bowling Association.

Blacktown City was chosen for the function as it was where it all began 60 years ago. The first meeting to form the District was held at the club.

Officials from the District Committee in attendance were Mick Gilfoyle, Geoff Hatch and Col Crossingham. Officials from most clubs in the District were also in attendance.

These included (big breath) Bob Greenwood from Austral, Rod Barker, Gordon Petterson and Merv Payne from Blacktown City, Ray Clegg and Brian Murphy from Blacktown Workers, Brian Hunt and John Burke from Glenbrook Panthers, Rob Coldicott, Tony Mansour, Chris Ward and Ted Ryan from Kingswood, Vic Orchard, Ernie Ness and Glenn Chandler from

Penrith, Ray Dillon, Hugh Lawson and Robert Green from Richmond, Rod Fairman from Springwood, Ron Green and Martin ‘Spud’ Murphy from St Marys RSL, Danny Kelly and Gerald Ashurst from Wallacia and Ed Dries and Terry Flannigan from Windsor.

A cut caking ceremony was held and I was able to track down the youngest bowlers in the District and one of the eldest.

It turned out that the youngest bowlers were twin brother and sister, Jack and Lily McEwen-Gillespie and the eldest was 92-year-old Kon Contista from Austral who still took part in the bowls tournament as well.

A short bowls tournament was held along with the celebrations and the winners were from Wallacia BC. Runners up were from Kingswood BC and ‘14th place’ went to bowlers from the Richmond Memorial BC. A great day of friendship and camaraderie was enjoyed by all that attended.

Winners are grinners. Wallacia took out the tournament held during the 60th anniversary celebrations.

With Col Crossingham

QUALIFYING games for the Bowls NSW Rookies Singles event was held at Blacktown Workers BC over last weekend.

The Rookies event is open to bowlers from all over NSW who have been bowling for less than 30 months.

It is a great experience for the newer bowlers. They played a 3 game round robin series in sections of 3 bowlers on Saturday with each bowler playing 2 games and marking 1 game.

On Sunday the section winners played knock out until it finally came down to 4 bowlers left. These four now move on to the Zone playoffs at Picton BC on September 7 when they will play a similar event with the prize at the end of a place in the State Finals at Raymond Terrace later in the year.

The 4 bowlers to progress to the Zone playoffs are Gary Douglas from Penrith BC, David Hearns from Lawson BC, Matthew Dunn from Austral BC and Sebastian Efren from Blacktown Workers BC. Good luck to these bowlers when they play at Picton.

A NEPEAN District Bowling Association representative team travelled to Springwood BC last Sunday for a trial match against a team from the Blue Mountains Bowling Association.

This was a warm up game for the upcoming Zone 12-a-side competition to be played at Camden BC on the weekend August 17-18.

The Nepean team consisted of Gavin Holburn (Glenbrook Panthers), Mick Thorne (Austral), Glenn Chandler (Penrith), Matt Slager (Blacktown

City), Henry Bielderman (Springwood), Peter Davis (Penrith), Steve Wilcock (Austral), Trent Whittingham (Penrith), John Davis (St Marys RSL), Mick Anderson (Austral), Jim Lord (Penrith) and Cliff Fay (Penrith). Reserves were Phil Power and Sean Sommerville both from Austral.

The aggregate scores at the end of the day was a win to Nepean 80-42.

This gives them a boost in confidence going into the Zone 12-aside next weekend.

NEXT Saturday I have been invited to attend a Pennant Unfurling ceremony at the Springwood BC. They achieved the enormous feat of winning three District Pennants in the 2013 competition.

They won the Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 7 Pennants and will unfurl the Pennants and be presented with their winners badges in front of their members and supporters.

A great achievement for the club!

OUR lady bowlers are also achieving good results as well with teams currently playing in the NSWWBA State Pennant Finals.

Penrith City women are competing in both the Grade 1 and Grade 2 Pennants and Blacktown Workers and Springwood women are in the Grade 4 Final.

Games are being played in the Newcastle area and results will be available here in the next issue.

Good Luck and good bowling and may the victories be shared equally.

WHO AM I? from page 6

I am John Veitch from Heartland Holden

Ask Box Head

Box Head is a vital part of the Storage King Penrith team and apparently knows everything. Did you know he once had tea with the king of Peru and can swim backwards. Do you have a question for Box Head? Then email it through to penrith@storageking.com.au and look out for it in the next issue of Nepean News.

QUESTION: What’s the difference between a book box and a tea chest box? Thanks Box Head.

- Peter ANSWER: Hi Peter (if that is your real name), This is one of the age old questions that have been asked by the great philosophers of all time. Along with ‘If you run backwards will you gain weight?’ & ‘Do tea makers have coffee breaks?’.

Book boxes are best used for your heavier items such as books, cd’s & dvd’s. Your tea chest box is much more useful for your larger items, like pots and pans, statues and kids toys.

But I ask you… “Peter”, If you try to fail and succeed, what have you done? and if a word in a dictionary is misspelled, how would you know?

Yours in Storage - Box Head.

STORAGE KING PENRITH OFFERS A SAFE & SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL YOUR BELONGINGS. EXPERIENCED STAFF OFFERING EXPERT STORAGE ADVICE. Features: • Various sized commercial storage, industrial storage and domestic storage available • Individually alarmed units • 24 hour camera surveillance • Access with your own individual pin number • Security Patrolled Premises • Competitive rates for long and short term storers • Friendly and helpful staff • Each unit with its own light • 7 day access • Flexible payment options • Removalist assistance from our panel of professional removalists • Use of Storage King truck to bring goods into storage • Insurance for your goods • Boxes, storage bags, mattress covers and bubble wrap all at competitive rates

42-46 CAMDEN STREET, PENRITH

1 MONTH STORAGE

FREE

+ $50 WORTH OF BOXES FOR NEW MOVE INS Conditions apply

P: 4732 2111

F: 4722 5714

E: penrith@storageking.com.au

W: storageking.com.au | www.storagepenrith.com.au www.facebook.com/storagepenrith

*BOOK A SERVICE TO RECEIVE A $50 COLES/MYER VOUCHER DURING JULY/AUGUST ‘ASK ABOUT OUR CAPPED PRICE SERVICING’ GLOSSOP ST

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY

HARRIS ST HEARTLAND HOLDEN

ST MARYS TRAIN STATION

ST MARYS 8801 8655

1 Harris St, St Marys

Thursday, 15 August 2013

sport

HARPO’S MARKS

I WAS there in ’91 w when the Penrith Pa Panthers well and ttruly l rid id th l themselves of the “Chocolate Soldiers” tag in beating defending champions, Canberra Raiders, in annexing their historic first premiership victory.

Strangely though, I hadn’t seen the match since then, so the other day when Mrs Harpo was out doing things that wives do, I did a search on YouTube to see if I could find highlights of the game.

I typed “1991 NRL grand final” and would you believe it, the very top entry was a full replay of the game.

So’s I put up my feet and spent an enjoyable couple of hours watching a wonderful game of football between two star-studded line-ups.

Supported by a host of quality players on each side, stars the calibre of Belcher, Daley, Stuart, Meninga, Clyde, Steve Walters, Coyne and Lazarus did battle against Simmons, Alexander, Cartwright, Geyer and Fittler.

Well, it was wonderful!

A great game of football,

featuring terrific tries, rugged defence, controversy and a spine-tingling finish.

Do yourself a favour, look up the match and watch rugby league as it should be played.

The game was much faster than the current game.

None of that flopping crap in tackles to slow down the plays-the-ball and fair dinkum scrums which were set and done with within 20 seconds of the stoppage.

As we all remember, the old footballers who judged the Churchill medal for man-of-the-match had to let officials know 10 minutes before the end as to whom was their choice.

At that stage of the game, the Raiders still had their noses in front, so wanting to name a player on the victorious side, the judges plumped for Raiders lock, the great Bradley Clyde.

However the Channel 10 – yes, they broadcast the big match - gave their award to Roycie Simmons who posted two tries, including the match winner in the dying minutes.

However after watching the game, I think that our two best players were

winger, Paul Smith and prop, Nobby Clarke.

Smithy’s only “blemish” was in not covering a kick to the corner which led to the Raiders’ first try – and it was only the bounce of the ball which bamboozled him.

He never missed a tackle and was forever going looking for the ball in the rucks to give the Panthers big men a break – and each time he did so he made good leeway.

Big Nobby was in the thick of the action - with and without the ball from go to whoa – he tackled tigerishly and had more hit-ups than a good sort at the Tooheys Christmas party.

Have a gander and don’t let me know what you think.

HIGH MARKS: The 1991 grand final. What a wonderful day for everyone who had been involved with the Panthers since the club’s inception in 1967.

LOW MARKS: The low standard of umpiring on the international stage.

Not only the blokes out in the centre but those in the decision review box as well. Give ‘em a white stick, dog and dark glasses!