Nepean News 16 April 2020 by Nepean News

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Thursday, 16 April 2020

ISSUE 275

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We’ll still honour you The COVID-19 virus might prevent us from gathering in the masses this year, but that won’t stop us from paying tribute to our local Veterans. Stand in your driveway at 6am on ANZAC Day and jump on to the St Marys RSL Sub Branch facebook page to experience a Dawn Service with a difference. Details inside. Pictured: The St Marys RSL sub-Branch. Photo by Noel Rowsell.

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enrith City Council is moving towards smarter parking solutions by introducing a free parking app – ParkPenrith. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said “Penrith Council will be the first Council to have their own free parking app of this kind. This is an exciting time for our vibrant city.” “The ParkPenrith app will make finding a parking spot a lot easier for residents and visitors to our City. “It is important people can move about our City to access businesses, services and attractions quickly and easily” Cr Fowler said. The ParkPenrith app improves people’s

experience by providing real time information on parking availability in Penrith. The ParkPenrith app uses and displays data from the in-ground sensors that were installed in early 2019. The ParkPenrith app will be available from 7 April 2020. “We need to make the city easy to access and to get around and smarter parking systems will help us do that,” “It will also help business by improving turnover in short-stay spaces to allow more customers access to local businesses and services.” Cr Fowler said. The ParkPenrith app can be downloaded from the app store or play store and is compatible with both Apple and Android mobile devices.

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Find parking in the Penrith City Centre

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Online Tutoring

Online Tutoring via Skype, Zoom etc is currently available for Primary School, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary and University Students in English, ESL, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Senior Science, Environmental Science, Economics, Business Studies, IT, Engineering and Foreign Languages (French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, German etc )

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

Stay home:

that’s the directive from all tiers of government in the battle against the spread of COVID-19.

REGISTER NOW TO HAVE NEPEAN NEWS DIGITAL VERSION SENT TO YOU. Email us at nepeannews@aol.com Text us on 0422 067 644 Follow us on facebook and send us a message Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

ho would have thought six months ago that we would have been in this position today? Covid-19 has changed the world into something so unbelievable I keep waking up and wondering if I’ve dreamt the whole thing.

Lockdowns, self-isolation, chronic hand washing, closed businesses, nightly news death tallies, unemployment, government stimulus packages and the list goes on. By now everyone has heard the words ‘We are all in this together” and how true that is. And that’s why it seems hard to fathom why some in our society choose to flout the rules, spit on those who are doing their best to help others and in some cases have this “I just couldn’t care less” attitude. For mine, one of the most dangerous is the social media warriors spreading their false information on the legitimacy of what’s happening. The “cures”, the blame game responses and the lack of any scientific knowledge put forward in posts by the “experts” who probably never even finished high school. You have seen them, I’m sure. “5g caused the virus”, “It’s all a hoax”, “any vaccine discovered is part of a mind control experiment”, “It’s the governments trying to take over our souls” etc etc etc. The list goes on and on. It makes you think that the biggest threat to our world is the social media platforms like Facebook. Our government, scientists and health professionals are doing all they can to get us over this crisis and they need our support. The least helpful people in the process are those putting roadblocks up because they can’t do what they want when they want. Follow the rules on cleanliness, social distancing, stay home unless you have to go out for essentials. It’s not that hard to do. Most of all, listen to the experts and not the armchair conspiracy theorists. Stay safe and stay home.

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

couple of weeks ago some lousy jerk thought it would be fun to smash the windscreen of Noddy, Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carer Car. Ross Hutchison Rossco announced on Facebook that sadly Noddy would be off the road and unable to transfer the many elderly and disabled locals who rely on it for medical and other important appointments. Scott Matheson spotted the post and offered to fix the car immediately at no charge. Noddy is now back on the road! Scott you are a LEGEND mate! Big cheers for Scott and Penrith Automotive Repairs.

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

MELISSA McINTOSH MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LINDSAY

www.ncc.nsw.edu.au

Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 02 4722 0600 melissa.mcintosh.mp@aph.gov.au www.melissamcintosh.com.au MelissaMcIntoshforLindsay Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750.

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

What a top bloke!

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Jeremy Bentvelzen, Owner of Amity IT, a local Penrith business which provides websites, apps and online systems is available for a free chat to discuss and assist local businesses in transitioning to online.

Relaxing or working at home? Wear your favourite team outfits available now… Support local sport at Sport Power.

If you need a hand feel free to give him a call on 0427 150 478.

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Melissa McIntosh MP with Health Minister Greg Hunt and Mayor Ross Fowler launching the Lindsay Healthy Active Living Network last year.

he Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP convened a teleconference meeting with members of the Lindsay Healthy Active Living Network last week to discuss the local response to the Coronavirus pandemic. “We had a great turnout of community organisation representatives and health stakeholders. There are a few local issues that were raised and subsequently I have taken these directly to the relevant Government

Ministers to address as soon as possible,” said Ms McIntosh. “We discussed supporting our local students who are studying from home, securing additional support for our front line services that help our most vulnerable, and finding new ways to stay connected with our community under these unique circumstances. “I have also written to local schools asking them if they need any assistance or additional resources. I

want to make sure our local children have the best education possible during this time. “The health of our community was the top priority of our Network discussion and on behalf of our community, I would like to thank the Nepean Hospital and our doctors and nurses who are on the front line. I am in regular contact with our health practitioners who are doing a marvelous job looking after our community.”

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Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Health of community during Coronavirus a priority

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

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Ropes Crossing Neighbourhood Watch

opes Crossing Neighbourhood Watch (RCNW) program began in early 2018, as a result of ongoing reporting on Ropes Crossing Facebook pages by residents about a spate of large and small thefts and vandalism. A small group of residents held an informal meeting at St Mary’s Leagues Club, then followup meetings in the local park, where some nightly patrols were organised. At the beginning of 2019, the group decided to create a more permanent organisation and to team up with Neighbourhood Watch Australasia. In April 2019, there was a Meet and Greet BBQ at the local RC Community Hub to introduce residents to the group and its members. RCNW has 3 ‘Whatsapp’ groups - one is the Admins group which has 12 people and comprises mainly the committee and original members. There is a group for those who do patrols and the third group is the largest, consisting of approximately 60 residents who are mostly active in reporting incidents and community information. The RCNW committee consists of Mitch Keyes (President), Mark Pentecost (Vice President) and various other members who hold executive positions. RCNW meets on the first Wednesday each month at the local Ropes Crossing Community Hub at 7:30pm. Regular patrols running ‘24/7’ are conducted by the Patrol Group and RCNW members are also alerted by concerned residents, if there is an incident in their vicinity. Patrols are well equipped with powerful torches and 2 way radios and act primarily as a deterrent. All reported incidents are monitored and rapidly reported to the Police Assistance Line on 131444. RCNW has a good relationship and partnership with Mt Druitt Police LAC, acting as the eyes and ears of police in Ropes Crossing. Patrols also include boundary fences into

Wianamatta Regional Park and report any cut fences and/or holes to the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger. Vandals have been known to break into the Park and daub graffiti on buildings and and also use dirt and trail bikes in the Park, which is illegal. RCNW are working with Mt Druitt Police in the hope of increasing police trail bike patrols in the area. In 2019, as part of a broader plan of community education to protect homes and vehicles in Ropes Crossing, RCNW submitted a detailed, comprehensive plan in applying for a grant through the State Government’s My Community Grant Project. RCNW were successful and launched the projected plan in February this year. Every home in Ropes Crossing received a copy of the first Newsletter and a card with important safety tips. During #Get Online Week in October 2019, RCNW facilitated an information session at Rochford Place, the retirement village in Ropes Crossing.

This session promoted safe and secure on-line activities and information for older people in the community. During National Crime Prevention week in November 2019, RCNW was invited to hand out information at a local Bunnings store in Penrith. The Group also fitted 30 cars with anti-theft number plate screws, to stop number plates being removed and used on stolen vehicles. On Sunday March 1, RCNW rallied the community to participate in Clean Up Australia Day in Ropes Crossing. 30 people turned up (half of which were children) and there were 2 utility loads of rubbish collected. A Crime Prevention Forum planned for Wednesday 1 April at the RC Community Hub has now been postponed due to Covid-19 precautions. Representatives from Mt Druitt LAC, NPWS, Blacktown City Council and the Local Member were invited to attend and participate on the panel, which will hopefully take place at a future date. Paul Abassi, the Principal of Laing & Simmons Ropes Crossing is an enthusiastic supporter and sponsor of RCNW.

Local support group acknowledge World Parkinson’s Day

n addition to being Easter Saturday, the 11th April was also World Parkinson’s Day. The local support group is the Nepean Blue Mountains Parkinson’s Support Group (NBMPSG), which is run by volunteers committed to improving quality of life issues for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers. The NBMPSG is an extremely active collection of People living with Parkinson’s and their carers, with regular events held every week at varying locations in Penrith and Wentworth Falls. The group regularly invite a guest speaker or arrange a group activity for their monthly meetings to provide education, practical advice and emotional support to meet the specific needs of members. Included are information on professional support, specialist community services and other information to help you plan for the future. The NBMPSG originated in the Central West Region of NSW, before moving to Lawson, then Springwood

and now based at the Penrith RSL Club. Approximately 1 in 300 people in Australia are likely to contract Parkinson’s, with a current total of 64,000 people living with Parkinson’s in NSW. The severity of the condition can vary from person to person and it is a difficult condition to diagnose in the early stages. Symptoms can include tremor (starting on one side of the body), rigidity of limbs, problems with balance, a loss of sense of smell, depression and neck pain – all random symptoms but when grouped together help a physician form a diagnosis.

Among the treatments for the condition is both diet and medication, plus high intensity exercise, under the guidance of a trained professionals. There are several physiotherapists who provide specific support for Parkinson’s, including the ‘Healthy Body Company’ in Jordan Springs and ‘Knock Out Parkinson’s Disease’ (KOPD) at ‘Full Force’ Gym in Blacktown. The number of people with Parkinson’s continues to grow as the population increases and the NBMPSG offers people living with Parkinson’s and carers much-needed support as they tackle life with this condition.

Unfortunately, all meetings and an annual picnic celebrating World Parkinson’s Day are on hold due to Covid-19 but the NBMPSG would like to welcome new people to their regular meetings, once they re-commence. The monthly meetings are on every 3rd Thursday of the month, at 10am at the Penrith RSL Club. The NBMPSG also run Penrith ‘ParkinSingers’ Voice Group on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month, at 5.30pm in the Penrith Senior Citizens building, weekly Dance Classes (for movement and flexibility) on every Saturday at both Wentworth Falls (10am) and Penrith (1.30pm) and a Carers meeting on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 12.30pm at Penrith RSL. The Nepean Blue Mountains Parkinson’s Support Group has a website, listing all of the upcoming events, updated information on the condition and group member’s stories. http://nbmpsg.org/ People wishing to speak to someone within the NBMPSG can ring Group Leader/Volunteer Vivienne Ross on 0404836921 or email her at vivienne@ bmpsg.org

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ealthcare workers will now have access to free parking at public hospital car parks, as the NSW Government works to ease the burden on our hospital workers during this health crisis. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is doing everything it can to reduce the stress on our health staff who are working around the clock during this pandemic. “Our healthcare workers are on the frontline of our battle with COVID-19 and we need to do whatever we can to support them during this difficult time,” Ms Berejiklian said. “We hope this new measure makes life a little easier for our doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who are working hard to keep us all safe.” Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the new measures would take effect across NSW from April 10, 2020. “This means all rostered on staff from doctors, nurses and allied health staff to our other frontline heroes – the cleaners and security staff who make sure our hospitals run smoothly – can park for free at public hospital car parks,” said Mr Hazzard. “It is critical that our frontline workers are able to access their place of work as easily as possible and we are taking these measures to ensure that is the case.” The NSW Government is working with local councils to see how they can support hospital staff during this period, whether that be by removing timed parking around hospitals or exercising discretion with parking fines. “I would like to commend local councils who are

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Free parking for healthcare workers amid covid-19 crisis

Photo: Kennedi Geyer

already assisting by improving car parking for staff around our hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said. Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes said these changes will go a long way to ensure our health workers are well supported during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a stressful time for our hospital staff, who are doing vital work to keep the community safe, and these measures announced by the NSW Government will ensure they are supported during this health crisis,” Mr Hayes said. The Ministry of Health is negotiating with private

car park operators at NSW public hospitals to ensure staff are able to access these car parks at no cost to their employee. The NSW Government previously announced a $2.3 billion stimulus package in relation to COVID-19, including $700 million for NSW Health to significantly increase capacity in NSW public hospitals, particularly within ICUs. In addition, the NSW Government has also announced $100 million to support the response to COVID-19 including free accommodation for NSW public hospital healthcare workers.

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Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

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Record $5,000 on-the-spot fine for spitters

eople who cough or spit on health workers, police, pharmacists, paramedics or other public officials during the COVID-19 health crisis, now risk a $5,000 on-the-spot fine. Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Police Minister David Elliott said the tough new measures are in response to the abhorrent acts of some individuals in recent weeks. “Every day our doctors and nurses, police and paramedics put their health and safety on the line to protect us, and a threat to them, is a threat to us,” Mr Hazzard said. “The virus has infected thousands of health workers around the world and killed many, so if you deliberately risk people’s health you will be fined

Police Minister David Elliott

and possibly imprisoned.” The change under the Public Health Regulation 2012 has introduced a fine of $5,000 for breaching the new

public health order signed today. Mr Elliott said individuals who intentionally spit or cough on police officers during the pandemic could also face prosecution and possibly up to six months in prison. “Like most people, I find the recent actions of a handful of individuals utterly foul and obnoxious but worryingly, the behaviour is potentially life threatening,” Mr Elliot said. “COVID-19 kills – the global death toll is already more than 100,000 people and climbing – so if you spit or cough on any of our police officers, who are putting their own safety on the line to protect you, you will face the consequences and be slapped with a fine.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said it is incomprehensible that measures like this are necessary during a deadly global pandemic but police stand ready to respond. “Foul acts like coughing and spitting, which can potentially spread COVID-19, pose a risk to public safety, so police won’t hesitate to take action,” Mr Fuller said. “The rules are clear and they apply to everyone, so if you decide to ignore a direction, you will be caught and you will receive a hefty fine and possibly a prison sentence.” Members of the public can report to Crime Stoppers if they have any concern that individuals are not complying with public health orders by calling 1800 333 000.

Your questions answered by Nepean Police All your #COVID19 frequently asked questions answered by Nepean Police Area Command Q: Can I visit my family/friends? A: In most cases, no. Public Health Orders have been introduced that set out rules regarding staying at home and not gathering in groups of more than two people in public. The Orders state that anyone leaving their place of residence needs a reasonable excuse for doing so. Visiting family/friends over the Easter break to socialise is NOT a reasonable excuse. While we understand that Easter is traditionally a time spent with extended family and friends, these are unprecedented times. Unless you are providing care for a family member in another residence, stay at home. Try connecting with friends and family through other means such as over the phone or webcam. Q: Can I drive to my local park/ beach/trail for exercise? A: Driving to your chosen exercise location is fine; however, you should stay close to home. Please continue to follow NSW Health advice in relation to public gatherings and social distancing. Perform your exercise/ activity and return home promptly.

Q: Can I go boating/fishing? A: From 31 March 2020 NSW Government Public health directions have been updated requiring people to stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’. However, as there is on land, there are exceptions that apply on water. If you go out, social distancing rules always apply – at the boat ramp and on your boat. You should only be on your boat alone, or with no more than one other person; or with family who ordinarily live in the same household as you. A ‘reasonable excuse’ to use your boat could be to: - exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/ paddling etc). - fishing. - get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home. - get groceries, and provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person’s family. - Unless you have an essential need to be out - stay ashore, stay at home.

Q: Can I visit the cemetery? A: Although no one would be forbidden from going to a cemetery, we would ask people to keep visits to a minimum and keep in mind that seniors are at an increased risk of contracting the virus. The following rules under the Public Health Act still apply:

Restrictions surrounding gatherings of two or more, if the exceptions are not met. - Restrictions surrounding the ‘One person per four square metre rule’ Please note: Private cemetery operators individually determine how to restrict visitors on their premises.

Challenging times always bring out the scammers - be alert Unfortunately, scammers are using fears around the Coronavirus #COVID19 to take advantage of unsuspecting members of the community. These can range from falsely selling coronavirus-related products

online and using fake emails or text messages to try and obtain personal data. Other scams include phishing emails and phone calls impersonating the World Health Organisation, government authorities, and legitimate

businesses – including travel agents and telecommunications companies. Protect yourself and find out more here: www.scamwatch.gov.au/news/ covid-19-coronavirus-scams

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

ith the school holidays now underway, The Shadow Minister for Education, Prue Car MP says parents need clarity and better support for next term. NSW Labor is urging the Berejiklian Government to use the two week break to give parents and carers the support, training and resources they need to educate pupils at home. Ms Car said many families are struggling to help their children with online learning, particularly when parents are also working from home. “There appears to be no consistency between schools and parents are struggling to navigate various online platforms. Not all pupils have access to a computer at home. We cannot allow this health crisis to increase the digital divide and damage their education. “This is a brewing crisis. Parents need to know if online education will continue next term. And if kids don’t go back to school, what support, training and resources are available?” Ms Car said. “There is a real risk that disadvantaged families and children from non-English speaking backgrounds could be left behind. “Every parent values education. It’s time the Berejiklian government gave families clarity about what Term 2 will look like, what the expectations are for home learning and what assistance is available, particularly for those without computer and internet access.”

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Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Homeschooling: “A brewing crisis”

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WITH Carol Bennett

a r o l Bennett’s career was in IT prior to buying the Nepean Belle in 2013. With many people spending more time at home and therefore online, Carol has these great tips for staying safe in cyber space. Difficult times bring out the best and the worst in people and isolation means that cyber criminals (or hackers) now have more time to scam unsuspecting users. Here are 5 simple and effective ways to protect yourself online 1. Don’t click on links Reputable companies will not send you a link and ask you to verify your details, regardless of how real they look! The number of scam emails and text messages is increasing. Use your browser and type in the web address to access sites. Takeaway: Don’t click on links in emails or text messages to log in or to re-verify your details. If you’re not sure, contact the company. 2. Be wary of email attachments I received an email from someone with a remittance advice attached. As the Nepean Belle is not currently operating due to COVID-19 and I didn’t recognise the sender, it had to be fake. The attachment had

an embedded keylogger and had I opened it, it would have put a hacker’s program on my computer to record the keys I type. Takeaway: If you don’t know the author of the email and you are not expecting it, don’t open the email or attachment. 3. Lock down your social media profiles The more open your profiles are on social media, the more vulnerable you are online. Lock down all elements of your profiles on Facebook and other social media accounts. Change your Facebook privacy settings for your friend list, photographs, personal information and posts so that only you

and your friends can see them. Takeaway: Lock down your profiles so only those you trust can see you and what you do on Social Media. 4. Update your virus software If you already have virus software installed on your computer make sure you have both “auto updates” and “scan on startup” enabled. Antivirus files need constant updating to keep up with daily changes and new threats. If you don’t have anti-virus software, download the free version of AVG (www.avg.com) and set it to auto update. Takeaway: Keep your anti-virus software automatically updated and if you don’t have it – get it now!

5. Change your passwords Having the same password for all of your online accounts is like having one key for your house, car and bank account. Imagine having that key stolen! It leaves you vulnerable and for this reason you need to have a different password for each online account and change it at least once a quarter. One way of remembering passwords is to use a password keeper. I’ve been using the 1Password app on my iPhone for years and I update it every time I change my password. It has saved me many a time. Takeaway: Create different passwords for all accounts and change them at least every quarter.

Business and families doing their part to contain the spread

ocal Penrith business A Website That Works For You has created an easy to use Covid 19 screening tool that business owners and families can use in an effort to deter potential spreaders and encourage safe social distancing. It’s called Covidpass.com.au and by registering your business or home you get a free QR display sign that you can print and display at the entry of your premises. Anyone who visits is asked to scan the QR code by opening the camera on their phone. They are redirected to some quick screening questions and then issued a Covid Pass to present at the door. Visitors also receive with a copy of their pass, current social distancing recommendations and those who are discouraged to enter, are prompted to call ahead. CEO Tim Williams said it was easy to use and ensured a quick result. “A lot of local businesses realise in order to keep community transmission low; they need do their part and take seriously,” Tim said. “Until now, it has been a bit of a struggle and time consuming to manage. What makes it worse, sharing pens and passing around paper only has the potential to increase the spread. With covidpass.com.au it takes 60 seconds to register your home or business and this means everything is automated with no physical contact. “In a recent CNBC interview with Bill Gates who is very active in fighting the virus, Bill is adamant we are still 18 months away from a global vaccine at best. As an island, Australia has an advantage, but there isn’t a quick fix for us, we need to find ways

to function economically in a responsible manner. “As a local business, our main goal at the start was to help keep other small business trading safely. We’ve been very happy to see such a positive response so far by bigger operators such as medical centres and surprisingly a lot of households adopting Covid Pass.” Tony Lu, Partner of High Street Medical Imaging is one such operator giving it the thumbs up.

“We’ve been trialling CovidPass at our medical clinics and so far, the feedback has been great. It is becoming more common place for businesses to take contact tracing seriously and this is just an easier way of achieving this.” How to get your CovidPass display sign? You can create a CovidPass display sign for your business or home entrance by visiting www. covidpass.com.au – it takes less than 60 seconds.

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Five Ways to Protect Yourself Online

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

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Biggest online seniors workout T he NSW Government has thrown its support behind an initiative to stage the Biggest Online Seniors Workout. Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said the free 30 minute workout will be live streamed across a number of online video platforms on April 29 at 11am. “I know speaking to many seniors it has been a tough ask to stop their normal day-to-day routines which had been keeping them socially active,” Mr Lee said. “The NSW Government is keen to promote anything that will help them to keep in touch with the community while staying safe indoors. “I’m encouraging all NSW seniors to get online and get physical on April 29 so we can promote fitness and health while staying home to keep safe from COVID-19.” NSW Seniors Card partner and Active Seniors Health Centre owner Taylor Harrison will be hosting the Biggest Online Seniors Workout. “We are championing health for our seniors more than ever in these unprecedented times to help them maintain balance, strength and flexibility while self-isolating,” Dr Harrison said. “Our 30 minute workout on

April 29 will be conducted by our professional team and streamed on various platforms including YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Zoom. This is fun and free, so tell all your older

friends and family members to get involved.” To join the Biggest Online Seniors Workout follow the links on the NSW Seniors Card website at www.

seniorscard.nsw.gov.au Active Seniors Health Centre will continue to provide daily free exercise sessions for seniors across NSW on their website.

Log on to the library from the comfort of your home

vid readers across NSW have access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks and online content to stay entertained while staying at home, the NSW State Library reminded the public today. Former NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the State Library’s recently launched Your Library At Home online page is a great platform for escapism for both children and adults alike. “As the community goes through this very challenging period it’s important for everyone to take some time out and there is no better way to lift stress from your shoulders than escaping with a good book,” said Mr Harwin. “While it’s vitally important for the health of the community that libraries close during this time, I’m delighted that the NSW State Library is finding positive solutions to open up and promote its content directly through this platform. “There are nearly 6,000 ebooks on the platform as well as other fascinating content for all ages. I encourage anyone who isn’t already a library card holder to sign up online and enjoy the incredible collection on offer.” State Librarian John Vallance said, “Public libraries already provide free access to online content, and

the State Library is working to boost the capacity of libraries to provide an even greater range of ebooks and other content, like current newspapers in language and magazines, to a greater number of people.”

“You can listen to podcasts, help transcribe our oral histories, explore a wide range of digital stories and find fun activities for kids. The State Library also provides free access to an extensive range of digital content through our databases –

with users only needing to register online for a Library card,” said Dr Vallance. Sign up for free access to the Your Library at Home collection online at https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/yourlibrary-home.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

ne of the saddest things about the year 2020 (a year sure to go down in history) is the lost opportunity to gather in the masses and pay our respects on ANZAC Day. Many, myself included, think of this is our most important day of the year as an Australian. But now we do have the chance on April 25 to honour those who sacrificed all for our country, as well as salute those still serving, just in a different way to that in which we are used to. St Marys sub-Branch have videoed a ‘pseudo’ ANZAC Service which will be available on their St Marys RSL sub-Branch facebook (https://www. facebook.com/stmaryssubbranch/) from before dawn on Saturday 25th April, presenting a traditional

ANZAC Commemorative Service, with a single wreath laid on behalf of every individual watching. “As you are aware, there will be no ‘live’ ANZAC Services this Dawn (or any other time of the day). However,

we appreciate that many in our local community (and not just ex-Service personnel) will regret having no Dawn Service where they can go to commemorate those gave their lives in combat or sustained injuries

which have impacted them in their subsequent lives,” said Tony Fryer. Attending or participating in an ANZAC Dawn Service has been an important annual part of the lives of many. It gives the opportunity to say ‘thanks’ or to reflect on the loss of a mate or someone dear. “At St Marys RSL sub-Branch we have done what we can to alleviate that situation – thus the brief video,” Tony said. “In this way, we invite all in our wider community to venture out to their driveway at 6.00am on ANZAC Day to remotely join in the Service by simply going to our facebook page … listening to a deeply-moving poem, standing respectfully for the Last Post; even joining in the singing of our National Anthem. If the driveway appearance at 6.00am is not achievable, the facebook ANZAC Service will be available whenever and wherever you may be.” LEST WE FORGET

15 Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

anzac TRIBUTE We can still pay tribute on ANZAC Day

anzac TRIBUTE Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

St Marys RSL sub-Branch cares about

By Tony Fryer

very six months for the past four years, a small band of Veterans from the St Marys RSL sub-Branch and the VVAA St Marys Outpost, wearily board an early morning bus at St Marys Diggers and Band Club for a ‘day out’ to the Randwick Army Barracks. But it’s not simply a social outing for the ‘boys’ you know … there’s some intense yakka required as well!

But just what do these 20-odd Veterans (and some ARE odd!) really get up to? Do their wives really know?? Most people are aware we have Defence personnel (Navy, Army and Air Force) in places like Afghanistan, Iran, Solomon Islands and some Federal Police postings in the Middle East. In fact, we do have Defence Personnel in Peacekeeping roles in various additional countries. Each ANZAC Day and Christmas, every

“The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915. We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day. We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces. For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember. Lest we forget.”

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry Ph: 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

anzac TRIBUTE

service personnel, serving overseas, receives a small ‘Care Package’ from RSL National, containing a variety of familiar Aussie treats. It’s these treats that we go to Randwick to box-up. We join three or four other volunteers from RSL National (in Canberra) and Malabar RSL subBranch to undertake the task for RSL National. Over the years that our St Marys Veterans have been proudly involved, we have handled approximately 12,000 boxes. The flat boxes are firstly assembled, then sent along a ‘production-linestyle’ process where the treats are carefully placed so as to get as much produce as possible into the box.

Then it is closed, taped and labelled before stacking on the pallet. We generally achieve an average overall boxing of one every 6 seconds … yes seconds. It’s interesting to see a mob of old Vets working so hard they can’t talk to each other! With a 20-minute half-way break (when the outside coffee-cart arrives) we usually complete the task in about 4-5 hours. Then it’s a short trip to a local club for a well-earned lunch and back to St Marys by about 3pm. A great day had by all. And each one ready to back up again to ensure our troops serving for us overseas get a taste of some goodies from ‘home’. We all slept well that night! Luckily we were able to do it before the restrictions came in.

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

defence personnel serving overseas

ST MARYS RSL SUB-BRANCH Returned and Services League of Australia

ANZAC DAY NOTICE All live ANZAC Day Services are now cancelled due to the health situation, however …

St Marys RSL Sub-Branch Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stmaryssubbranch) will screen a recorded ANZAC Service from early morning, Saturday 25th April. You are invited to individually, remotely join us in ‘attending’ our local ANZAC Day Service at your home at a time to suit you.

Please Note: Previously advertised dates to sell ANZAC-related badges at local Bunnings stores are now cancelled

LEST WE FORGET

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

anzac TRIBUTE Paddy’s poetry in print! T

omas “Paddy” Hamilton reads a poem regularly at St Marys ANZAC services. This year, as there will be no service that people can physically attend, we asked Tom if he could provide our readers with a poem and he was quick to respond. Tomas was born in Dublin, Ireland. He came to Australia as an infant with his parents in the early fifties. His parents claimed it was for a bit of a look, but Tomas did not make it back to the “ould sod” till 1990. He grew up in various country towns in the Hunter Valley in the days when ‘the parishes were run by Irish priests’ so it was easy to embrace the Aussie way of life but still be regarded as an Irishman by his mates. Tomas joined the RAAF at 17. He finds it amusing when he sings “I was only 19” at gigs, as he had already been in the forces for two years. Tomas was a product of the 60’s folk scene. He bought a guitar and hung around the folk clubs near the bases he was stationed at. He married his wife, Betty, in 1969, Tom was posted while they were on their honeymoon. After five children and 51 years of marriage, Tomas claims the learning curve goes vertical. After 21 years Tom moved on from the RAAF and spent 17 years in a job he would rather forget. Tomas started serious song writing in 1996 after the army Blackhawk tragedy and the Boeing 707 crash, which took the life of a close friend. He had the honour of performing songs he had written at services for those lost in both tragedies and in 1997 released a tape of eight songs, self compositions, on an album titled Remembrance. About this time he started a monthly Irish session in the Hawkesbury and it has now grown to a weekly gathering. A new release, Shamrocks and Wattle followed in 1998 and Barbwire and Bullsh** in 2000. His ballad “The Long Tan Hymn”

ANZAC DAY 2O2O POEM By TOMAS (PADDY) HAMILTON

Tom (front row far right) in the early 80’s

has been used throughout the region on Vietnam Veterans Day since he wrote it in 1999. His poem Magpie 91 dedicated to Mike Herbert and Robert Carver, the last two Australian MIAs to be returned to Australia, has been used in the national press and radio as well as vice regal commemorative services. After a change in career in 2004 and pressure from fellow musicians, Tomas put out his first CD titled “Further down the Track” and rereleased Barbwire as a CD. After writing “Sydney in the Rain” and encouragement from fellow “muso’s” he released yet another CD of self compositions titled “Hamilton’s 5th”in November 2006. In 2007 while on a visit to England he popped over to Dublin for a week and did several gigs, the highlight of which was performing at Darky Kelly’s in Dublin on Easter Sunday and Ned O’Shea’s Merchant the following week. Before Tomas left for Dublin, his mother remarked that he had never written a Dublin song. While waiting to fly out from Dublin he wrote The Grey Walls of Glasnevin. (Glasnevin is the main cemetery in Dublin). Ten months later he played it at his mother’s funeral. In 2009 he released his sixth album “Glasnevin’s Grey Walls”. The album contains 14 tracks of self compositions

Ross Fowler

Mayor of Penrith

Reflecting on the enormous sacrifice made by our defence forces, both past and present this ANZAC Day. Lest We Forget p: 4722 3066 m: 0419 738 484 Email: ross@rossfowler.com.au

which reflect his Irish heritage and experiences in life. After having many of his songs published as poems Tomas released a CD of his award winning poetry in August 2010 titled “Dust.” It was nominated as a finalist in the Australian Bush Laureate Awards for best album for 2011. Tracks and poems from this album have been heard on radio programmes both here and overseas. Magpie 91 is featured in Ian McNamara’s (Macca on a Sunday morning) latest book. Although Tomas is not a Vietnam Veteran the concluding track on Dust was reviewed as “the one that does it for me” on a US Vietnam Veterans website. This CD has seen him invited to poetry festivals and performances throughout the state and he released his second poetry album in 2012 titled “The Gift”. He also appears as St. Patrick at the John O’Brien Festival in Narrandera. In 2012 Tomas returned to Ireland and performed at numerous venues including O’Donohues the spiritual home for such icons as Christy Moore and the Dubliners. Tomas is a regular performer at music, bush poetry festivals and folk clubs around Australia and has performed in Europe and North America. Tomas has been a Hawkesbury resident since 1981.

For many years i rose at dawn, to honour our gallant dead Those who left our nation’s shores, oblivious to what lay ahead But this year i must stand alone and face a deadly scourge I cannot join my comrades, no matter what the urge Through the curse of nature, we can’t gather as a crowd And signs of close affection, cannot be allowed It came from far across the sea, there was little we could do Despite boundaries and borders, it managed to seep through It took the sick and elderly and some still in their prime And all the cures of the past, did not work this time For one fact man has never learned, along the research track How to fight blindfolded, with one arm behind your back We all had witnessed terror, in peacetime and in war Some of our brave medics, had seen it all before There were so many reasons and theories did abound United with one pupose, a solution must be found I bow my head and say a prayer and recall that sacred vow As i feel the autumn chill, crisp upon my brow I listen to the whispering breeze and turn to briefly see The ghosts of all our fallen, standing there with me

TRICIA HITCHEN Councillor Penrith City Council Phone 0417 365 313

“ We will remember them, today & every day.”

anzac TRIBUTE They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun And in the morning WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET

Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith

“

We pay tribute to those Australians who fought for our country and our values. Lest we forget.

”

Phone: 4722 8660 | Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

The Ode

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

local news

The G Spot

ave you ever thought that the directives for Covid-19 (yes I know, I sound like I know what I am talking about) by the so-called experts and officials on a daily basis have transpired from the spinning of a chocolate wheel from a bingo night at a bowlo club? Aunt Myrtle yelling out ‘11.. legs 11’ and then another spin - yelling out “woooo hoooo” we are on a winner here, no boating due to the virus ring up the WHO- (World Health Organisation). So let me get this straight, Yes you can fish, no fishing, boating yes, boating no, camping yes, ahhhhh sorry the wheel just hit no camping, okay peeps pull up the tent pegs that you just spent 6 hours smacking into the ground. Forget all that effort it took

turning into a contortionist to put up a three man tent (family of course)! Why? Because the chocolate wheel just landed on it. Has anyone heard the phrase ‘make a bloody decision and stick to it’? Yeah, maybe not. We get slapped with a fine because six hours ago we could fish annnnnnnnnnnnnnd then we can’t. Someone needs to just rip that bandaid off baby - just do it - skin and all, take a few hairs with it, just to feel the burn. And, SD (Social Distancing) I reckon since the announcement, people have been like crabs with each other - not have crabs, but behave like crab - just clarifying. It’s like the new vogue of trend, like veganism or orange is the new black,

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

“oh hun I can’t see you, I am SDing.” “Oh did I tell you I am an essential?” This virus is now putting us in to classes like the titanic, “oh I can’t, I am a home schooler now, like the equivalent to a teacher” “How does this self-isolation look on me, does it make my bum look fat?” In one week of, whatever the hell is going on, we have all become some sort of version of Captain Kirk and the starship enterprise employed race; all wearing the same suits and talking strange. Okay, okay before some person gets all upset and says, “Oh my God she is a virus atheist, I am not - I SD, SI, WG (wear gloves) WH (wash hands) and whatever acronym you want to throw in there, but why treat it like a fashion or trend expo?

“Did I tell you I have speeds of 5.8 gig bytes” ? Better than Bettys down the road, I’ve heard she only has 1.5” Then next is the law degree that we all need, to follow the legislative updates and changes, followed by the family disputes, of yes its 5 to a group no no, it’s only 2 I heard it on TV three hours ago. So now can we touch on security? I would hate to place a dampener onto a very light breezy subject, however I know we can’t use the words “ lock down” so during the shutdown, close down or whatever your preferred term, please have a think about the security for your business premises - have your alarm system and cameras serviced and ready for action. Something to think about ..... see ya on the other side.

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local COLUMNIST

aving a well-behaved and socialised dog is easy if you begin training them when they’re a puppy. Due to COVID-19 and recent government regulations limiting public gatherings, puppy school has been temporarily paused to ensure the health and safety of our clients and team members. Now that you’re spending more time at home, this is a great opportunity for you to get started on teaching your puppy everything from toilet training to best behaviour and responding to cues. Puppy training tips 1. Training should be done in short but regular sessions throughout the

day. We recommend five minutes sessions, four or five times a day to ensure your puppy is giving you their full attention during training. 2. Don’t let your puppy do things when they are young that you don’t want them to do later in life (e.g. jumping up onto furniture or sleeping in your bed). 3. Praise and positive reinforcement are very important when teaching puppy commands. 4. Never yell at your puppy or punish

them for disobeying or ignoring your cue – positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. 5. A tiny dog treat or highlyflavoured food is the best reward when your puppy has done what you’ve asked them to, but remember not to overfeed. Treats should only make up 10% of their daily diet. 6. Teach your puppy the five basic commands – sit, drop, stand, stay and come. These form the basis for more advanced tricks later on.

7. When teaching commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘drop’, get down to the level of your puppy. 8. To teach your puppy to ‘come’, attach a lead to their collar, let them wander away for a while and then call their name and the command ‘come’ while holding a treat. Reward them with the treat once they come over to you and repeat the process until your puppy learns to respond to the cue even without getting a treat as a reward. 9. When praising your puppy (or adult dog), pat them under the chin or chest as this is more affectionate than a pat on the back or the head. 10. Puppy training is best begun at eight weeks of age and puppies are operating at full learning capacity between eight and sixteen weeks old. 11. Your voice is your best training aid – use a happy tone for praise, a clear tone for commands, and a firm tone to say “No”. 12. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted contact Greencross Vets Coreen Ave to enrol in our classes. Until then you can always find out more information on how to train your new puppy by contacting us on 02 4731 3055.

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

The importance of puppy training

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

Can you help reunite these pets with their families? When a pet goes missing it is a particularly distressing time for any owner. And by the look on the faces of some of these local pets who’ve been found, it can be pretty distressing for the pet as well. Have you seen any of our missing pets? Do you recognise any of the pets who have been found?

There’s a facebook page called Penrith Area Lost and Found Animals and they are exceptionally good at reuniting lost pets with their owners. If you have any information regarding any of our featured pets, please head to the page and scroll for the owner’s information. Alternatively, if you don’t use facebook feel free to call us on 9834 5579 and we will hook you up!

FOUND

Glenmore Park

MISSING

Mac and Myla from Yarramundi

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

NEPEAN HISTORY

A Penrith Born Pastor

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

Church of NSW to expand into the mining districts. Transferred to Singleton in 1913 he gradually pulled together an old parish that had run into difficulties. In February 1914 he married Ida Margaret Parkins at the Presbyterian Church in Mosman. She was born in ictor William Thomas Clark was born in May 1885 and the daughter of Robert and Louisa Parkins 1883 at Penrith. He was the son of Australian of “Heather Brae” in Cessnock. Victor returned to born parents William George Clark (Jnr)- (a Cessnock as Superintendent of the South Maitland storekeeper on the corner of High and Station Street in Coalfields Mission, but after a time of industrial unrest Penrith) and his wife Mary Ann Laimbeer Smith. She and pessimism, the mission proved unsatisfactory. In was the daughter of Alderman Thomas Smith and sister September 1923, a meeting of the Presbytery of the of the Hon. Sydney Smith. William George was the son Hunter unanimously ruled in favour of Victor and the of William Clark (Snr) - (Victor’s Grandfather) who call was signed by 110 members of the 128 members was said to be the best teacher of dancing in the colony. on the Communion roll which proved unique by reason William George (Jnr) managed his father’s business  Victor’s Mother courtesy of of the fact that it would mean the third time Victor had for some time and was also as equally proficient as his Parkins family on Ancestry made his home in Cessnock. First as a home missionary father. William George (Jnr) later opened a dancing in 1905, then in December 1907 he was called to be Cessnock’s first class at the Temperance Hall in Penrith in 1884 and in the evening of minister where he remained until his translation to Singleton in August October that year, entertainment in the Hall was said by far the best and 1913. Following a report presented on a future strategy in the coalfield’s most enjoyable of that class ever held in Penrith, the social gathering districts in June 1921, Victor was inducted as Superintendent of the new proving such a success. The Hall was tastefully decorated with ferns and work initiated by the Presbyterian Church extending over the greater waratahs and every attention was paid to the comfort of visitors. About part of the South Maitland coalfields. The induction date fixed for 5th forty couples graced the floor and although there was an absence of the February 1924. Also, in that year the assembly thanked Victor for his usual ball dresses, the costumes of those present was in every case neat ‘honest, hard and efficient work’ and dissolved the Coalfields Mission and effective. William Clark (Snr) was noted as M.C and looked after and returned him to Aberdare a suburb of Cessnock. Faced with an the music that was supplied by local players under the leadership of Mr increasingly arduous situation, Victor performed well, becoming George White who was of a superior character. The music being farsomething of an expert on social and economic problems, but in 1931 away in advance of anything heard of previously. Light refreshments he sought fresh experience in Sydney at the new North Shore parish of excellent quality and variation was in abundance. The party broke of Artarmon. Despite Depression problems, Artarmon gave Victor the up about 2 a.m., all well pleased with their night enjoyment. In April chance to serve the Church in a wider sphere. In addition to his parish 1890, Alexander Duff married Mary (now a widow) and Victor adopted work, he edited the “New South Wales Presbyterian” from 1933 to his stepfather’s surname. Alexander, who started on the railways as 1936 and he greatly reduced the paper’s debts and widened its appeal. a porter on Homebush station, was now a Traffic Superintendent with Appointed Moderator in 1935, he summed up his coalfields and editorial the Government Railways and gave evidence in 1891 regarding a reflections in his address, Christianity’s Challenge to Civilization. His fatal railway accident where single parent Lawrence Martin aged 28 election in 1936 as General Secretary (a full-time post, for five years) years was killed when he was crushed to death between two railway was an indication of a Presbyterian demand for renewal. The depression trucks at Penrith Station. Alexander and Mary lived at “East Lynne” had led the Church to rethink many traditional attitudes. Victor had dealt in Penrith. They were farewelled in the Temperance Hall in November with it even-handedly in the Presbyterian. As Secretary, he was able to 1892 by a total of 71 from the Presbyterian congregation, colleagues carry on a reconstruction policy which fitted the Church to cope with the from the railway and private friends and family when they moved to stresses of the war from 1939. Re-elected in 1941, Victor was given a Tamworth and he became the Traffic Superintendent. He fell gravely third three-year term. With post-war issues, pressing a change seemed ill and died in Tamworth in May 1896 of Phthisis (tuberculosis). His necessary. Victor showed his concern for the new order by serving as a body was brought back to Penrith with the funeral procession moving Chaplain in a migrant ship in Britain. He sailed from Sydney in 1950 from “Thornton Hall”, Mary’s father’s residence in Penrith. Alexander and arrived in June at Liverpool on the “Cheshire” a British “Bibby was buried at Emu Plains General Cemetery. Mary died at Cronulla in Line” and later returned in August to Sydney from Southampton on the June 1941 at the age of 82 years and is buried in the Northern Suburbs “Asurias” at the age of 67 years. Victor retired in 1974, a patriarchal Presbyterian cemetery. Victor was educated at Penrith Public School, figure in the Church he continued to sit on the council of Scots College Scots College and Sydney Boys’ High School and University (on a and the board of the Scottish Hospital. He died in June 1974 at the age scholarship). In 1901 Victor entered St Andrew’s Theological Hall of 91 years at Ashfield and was cremated. and after subsequent divinity studies he was sent to the Hunter Valley as a preaching agent at Abermain. Ordained in 1907, Victor ClarkSources: Presbyterian Church of NSW, Minutes of Proceedings of General Assembly 1921Duff (as he now called himself) was appointed minister of Cessnock 50, Sydney Morning Herald, K. J. Cable, ‘Clark-Duff, Victor William Thomas, Australian where he went first as a student, then as the first minister, and later, as Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, minister for a further term of seven years. At Cessnock he pushed along Cessnock Eagle & South Maitland Recorder, Ancestry, Australian National Archives, with the belated policy of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Singleton Argus, NSW BDM, Nepean Times.

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HEALTH

By Dr Muthukrishnan

uring epidemics, fear and panic can cause more damage and devastation than the epidemic itself. As the Coronavirus pandemic is ferociously taking its toll around the globe, we humans should equip ourselves quick and smart with all possible sophisticated weapons to face and conquer this invisible but formidable enemy. The government is actually

doing an amazingly wonderful job in testing, identifying, treating and containing the disease with the help of even more amazingly dedicated doctors and nurses and a host of other healthcare workers. They have very carefully thought out plans, lockdowns, social distancing, isolation and border protection et cetera. Apart from washing hands and social distancing, personally I believe we can do much more. We should enhance our other innate

healing abilities and immune system, our mental fortitude and encourage. Apart from healthy food and exercise, the most important tools to enhance the immune system are breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, stress management et cetera earnestly appealing to the healer within. Dr Muthukrishnan offers very quick and short cut to all this in his hypno-meditaion techniques. Call today to organise: 4736 6900

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Healing hypnosis during these challenging times

Stroke innovation paves the way for COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines

troke Foundation is excited to have paved the way for world-first “living guidelines” to help clinicians manage the coronavirus (COVID-19). Technology and processes Stroke Foundation has developed and piloted with Cochrane Australia as part of a Living Guidelines for Stroke Management pilot project have been adapted. Learnings and expertise from the pilot will now be utilised to provide best practice guidelines to support doctors and nurses across the country

in managing this virus. Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan hailed the system as a potential life-saver. “Our clinicians are currently working long hours in an extremely challenging environment and do not have the capacity to read and interpret rapidly emerging COVID-19 research and observational data,” Ms McGowan said. “We are leveraging Australian expertise in clinical guideline development to now provide a

single source of trustworthy, up-todate advice about critical aspects of COVID-19 clinical management and care. “When the living guidelines model was adopted last year as a pilot case for stroke, we knew it had the potential to be adapted for other medical conditions because of its ability to translate health evidence in near-real time. Ms McGowan said the COVID-19 pandemic challenge loomed large, but the development of this National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence

Taskforce to deliver living guidelines was an important step forward. The model has the potential for worldwide adaptation and paves the way for future innovation for a range of healthcare conditions. Stroke Foundation is part of the Australian Living Evidence Consortium, a collaboration bringing together experts in evidence synthesis, guideline development and digital technologies to build a revolutionary new system for delivering reliable, accessible, upto-date evidence in health.

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Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU: EASY

SUDOKU: HARD

INSTRUCTIONS

SOLUTIONS: 19 March

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

EASY

CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

6 A non-factual piece of literature (7)

1 Invertebrate (10)

7 At the ends of fingers (5)

3 Excretory opening (4)

9 Pocketbook (4)

4 Disrespectful laughs (8)

10 Connected (10)

5 Anagram of “Hail” (4)

11 Apportion (8)

6 Deadly (5)

13 An herb related to chicory (6)

8 Ledges (7)

15 Sword (4) 17 Tugs (5) 18 Backside (4) 19 Proper (6) 20 Instructors (8) 23 Amass (10) 26 A curved structure spanning an opening (4) 27 Cause to flow out (5) 28 Contraptions (7)

solution 19/3/20

2 The 17-year locust (6)

12 Type of heron (5) 14 A bus that travelled empty (10) 16 Stabs (7) 17 Happily (8) 21 Order of business (6) 22 Speed competitions (5) 24 Murres (4) 25 Seaweed (4)

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Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

ENTERTAINMENT

Gateway

Mike’s Pantry

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

with Michael Creed

Vitamins and Minerals are also mankind’s best friend

ANZAC Biscuit Recipe

Hi again treasured friends! At this time we are in a a bit of a dither. None of us are sure who we are allowed to even talk to. However, we can certainly give ourselves a strong talking to. We are the best friend we have. This is the time to refresh, recharge and recommend ourselves to ourselves. Dear me!....I need to remind myself that I am a living miracle. I happen to be sharing the worrying time with all my friends and the community. A rotten virus that’s got us all in hiding. We can fortress ourselves by observing simple rules of hygiene, taking lots of pure drinking water and vitamin supplements....C.D. Zinc, Selenium, fruit and vegies. Plus a brisk walk. Keep it simple and we will come through it a lot stronger at the other end. I send you my blessings and healing. One phrase I always quote is, “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the Presence Of GOD!” So...Don’t forget to give yourself a shot of Vitamin GOD! Cheers, Your mate, Rossco

Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup plain flour 1/2 cup melted butter 1 tbls golden syrup 2 tbls boiling water 1 tsp bicarbonate soda (add a little more water if mixture is too dry)

Recipe from the Australian War Memorial. The popular Anzac biscuit is a traditional, eggless sweet biscuit. Early recipes did not include coconut. According to the Australian War Memorial, the following recipe (without coconut) was published in The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Queensland) on Saturday, 14th August 1926.

Method: Combine dry ingredients. Mix golden syrup, boiling water and bicarbonate of soda until they froth. Add melted butter. Combine butter mixture and dry ingredients.

Drop teaspoons of mixture onto floured tray, allowing room for spreading. Bake in a slow oven.

Unplug the devices and call Family Time By KeRRIE DAVIES

ow has your family spent their time over the last couple of weeks in isolation? If you look around and see all heads planted in phones or laptops, perhaps it is time to call Family Time before everyone starts to emotionally isolate. If the kids are spending all their time in cyber land, they are potentially over-exposing themselves to constant bad news. It is also important for families to bond and spend time together during this unprecedented situation. So unplug the devices, call time out and insert Family Time into your week. Not sure how to do that, or where to even start? Indulge me, I’ll organise it for you! Well here’s a rough guide for you anyway. Change it around, adapt it, shorten it, add to it, whatever works for your family. The important thing is do something together! Saturday night is movie night. Everyone picks three movies. The movie names all go in a hat and each week one gets drawn and everyone watches that person’s choice. The person who chose it is responsible for preparing the movie snacks (popcorn etc) Tuesday night is board game, cards,

jigsaw etc night. The best games need more than one player anyway. Throw in Hide n Seek in the Dark (don’t knock it til you’ve played it) Charades, Celebrity Head, Truth or Dare and there’s a truckload of fun to be had without even needing actual game boards. Thursday night is mini Olympics night. Choose competitive/obstacle

course type things that everyone has to complete and be scored on. One competitor and three judges - then rotate. It can even be non-sporty things like tell a joke, talk for one minute on a topic the ‘judges’ choose or do a 30 second interpretive dance. Keep a scoreboard going that comes out every week.

You might get the eye-roll when you first suggest it, especially if your recruits are teenagers, but if you insist they could end up having heaps of fun with it. The reality is you’ll all isolate emotionally over time unless you do things to keep the fun in the fam. You’ll never know unless you give it a go.

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FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Ask the Expert - Certainty in an Uncertain Market

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

t particular times in the property market, it can seem the only thing we can be certain of is uncertainty. How and if the recent pandemic will impact Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing market is yet to be seen, but there is never a bad time for a good investment. Cautious investors will proceed slowly, but those with an eye for a good deal will be ready to take the risk for reward in the long run.

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

Investors may be keen to snap up rental properties, however, should be mindful not to buy in heavily saturated areas. An overabundance of stock, for example non-owner occupied apartments, can make moving the property at a later date a slower process. If an investor can afford to sit on a property, purchasing land in an area where few vacant blocks are available will keep the property sought-after regardless of the market situation. Selling a property in a potentially volatile market can be viewed in 2 different ways. On one hand,

conservative vendors may hold onto a property during uncertainty, causing a reduction in stock. This can have a chain reaction that then reduces houses available, creating competition amongst buyers. On the flip side, buyers may also be cautious, and vendors need to adjust their expectations accordingly. It would be remiss of agents to promise overzealous prices if the market is sprinkled with insecurity. It is advantageous to remain realistic that national and international events may trickle down to our local area, and adapt accordingly. So while there is no right or wrong answer to how to proceed in an uncertain market, what is paramount is having an agent with their finger on the pulse. Keeping yourself informed and having an ally that is well versed in every aspect of the local market will be your greatest asset. We have seen what panic looks like in recent months, but need to keep in mind the ebbs and flows of real estate are an essential element of driving a vibrant market.

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FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

ow. The world has now changed in so many ways since my article from 4 weeks ago. I was on the right track talking about overseas and business trips stopping, people working from home, share market falls and lower consumer confidence. Now everything is way more serious. Luckily our governments also know how serious the situation is and have taken some very unusual financial measures to reduce the impacts. The JobKeeper and Jobseeker payments will help many people survive financially. Basically, JobKeeper payments of $1,500 per fortnight per employee will be paid to eligible employers. Employers need to register with the ATO first who will then be notified on how the scheme will work. JobSeeker replaces Newstart and doubles the payment from $550 per fortnight to $1,100 per fortnight. This increase is a great help to people with no employment as the previous payment was widely viewed as inadequate. Home Loan Interest Rates Slashed Fixed interest rates on offer by most lenders have been dramatically reduced. You can now get owner occupied fixed rates for 1, 2 or 3 years from 2.09 percent to 2.29 percent from most lenders. You can also get investment fixed rates from 2.29 percent for principle plus interest loans or 2.44 percent for

interest only loans. Monthly repayments on these historically low rates will save you many thousands in repayments each year as per the following chart. $300,000 Principle + Interest repayments

$500,000 Principle + Interest repayments

$300,000 Interest Only repayments

$500,000 Interest Only repayments

Current rate 3.5 percent

$1,347

$2,245

$875

$1,458

Fixed at 2.29 percent

$1,153

$1,921

$573

$954

Savings per month

$194

$324

$302

$504

To get these fixed rates you need to act fast as they may not last for long. Maybe only a few weeks or a month perhaps. These are available due to the low rates lenders can borrow money at. In previous economic crises the supply of money around the world and in Australia can very quickly evaporate and the fixed rates will increase. When this cheap money dries up, the fixed rates will increase. A few lenders are still offering rebates of between $2,000 and $4,000 to refinance to them. So, you can win with an immediate cash bonus plus lower ongoing repayments. Share and superannuation balances may have larger falls to come People have already seen large declines in the value of their superannuation funds and share values. These falls have been driven by fear and the

need for people with loans against their shares to be reduced in line with the reduction in the value of the shares (referred to as margin calls). So far, the main economic impacts of this virus have only been reflected by the workers and consumers at this stage. There will also be massive impacts to many small and large businesses and countries. These impacts are not yet accounted for in the economy. When businesses close their doors and big businesses report their reduced profits and their losses, this will be the catalyst for even larger losses on the stock markets and in people’s superannuation balances. Unfortunately, most people don’t put any or enough effort into managing the finances and superannuation fund. It’s a sad reality that these people will see largest reductions to the funds which could have been avoided if they chose to be invested in more conservative options within their fund before the crisis commenced. Its never too late to take control of the financial future. Log onto your super fund account and read the information provided. Talk to your fund and get professional advice. If you don’t care and control your money, no one else will! Most of all - DON’T PANIC AND KEEP SAFE Please do not hesitate to contact me on 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 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Economic impacts of Coronavirus have only just started

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

SPORT

Thanks for the memories, champ By GREG DAVIES

t was a sad day for the racing fraternity and lovers of champions over the weekend when the great NZ bred Might and Power passed away. A resident of the Living Legends retirement home near Melbourne, the 1997 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups winner was rushed to Werribee Equine Centre on Saturday night but could not be saved. Might and Power, owned by Nick Moraitis and ridden mainly by Jim Cassidy was a champion in the era of champions. At the end of his career he had amassed an enviable record of wins including a Frank Packer Plate as a 4yo, the Caulfield

Cup (won by 7.5 lengths in a course record), Melbourne Cup, AJC Queen Elisabeth Stakes and Doomben Cup. Returning as a 5yo, he won the Chelmsford Stakes, Yalumba Stakes

(now the Caulfield Stakes), the world renowned WFA Cox Plate and the VRC Queen Elisabeth Stakes. Might and Power was retired in his 6yo season.

In todays terms Might and Power would have amassed over $10 million dollars in prizemoney for his lucky owners but like all sports stars the thrill was in seeing him win against all others. One of the greatest modern time golfers was Tiger Woods, nobody cared about how much he won, it was about seeing him in action defeating the best in the world. Champions are what all sports people want to see and it was the thrill of watching him that filled the grandstands with racegoers. Its that special quality we all love, how could we forget Black Caviar or Winx? Might and Power was in that same crowd favourite category. Thanks for the memories Champion.

Happy retirement for a deserving champion By GREG DAVIES

orseracing saw the retirement of another racegoer favourite last week with the announcement that the Pat Webster trained 9yo Happy Clapper is being retired to the paddock. Happy Clapper won 3 group 1 races including an Epsom and a Doncaster but that record could have been so much better had he not kept running into the mighty Winx. The Clapper ran 5 seconds to Winx, he reminded me of swimmer Grant Hackett, a champion himself but he had to play second fiddle to Ian Thorpe through most of his career.. Didn’t matter what race, what opposition, what racetrack Happy

Clapper always gave his all and by totalling over $7.5 million in

prizemoney, his owners would have been Happy Clappers themselves.

In an outstanding career he chalked up wins in many group races including the Newcastle Newmarket, the Villiers, Canterbury Stakes, Tramway handicap and an Epsom and Doncaster to name but a few. Unfortunately for his owners and legions of punters he was no match for Winx, running 2nd to Winx in the George Ryder, the Apollo, Chipping Norton and a Doncaster. A true legend of the Australian turf, let’s hope he has a long and comfortable retirement commencing at Oxley Island near Taree. His trainer Pat Webster indicated he wants to send him there first whilst Racing NSW plans to have a place like Living Legends has in Melbourne, so when that’s ready that’s here he will go.

Racehorses to keep your eye on By Mister Ed

Anyone who saw ‘Tuscan Queen’s’ demoralising win in the WATC Derby on Saturday must be looking closer at the Eastern States future spring Racing. The opposition may not have been

quite top notch but the win was. Hopefully we will get a chance to see her over here later-on in some of the group races. Still a long way off but the Current 50-1 on offer in the Caulfield Cup seems a pretty good wager if the Queen continues in her current vein.

The run on Saturday of ‘Through the Cracks’ indicate that this horse will be winning bigger races than a provincial championship down the track. Liked the 2nd of ‘The Chosen One’ in the Sydney Cup. Can be a bit of an enigma but when this horse puts it all together anything is possible and don’t

forget ‘Kentucky Breeze’ who could easily string a few together now. The South Australian Derby looks like being on the cards for the promising Vegas Jewel. I wouldn’t be leaving it out of consideration. Happy punting and gamble responsibly.

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SPORT

Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill has made the following statement following the passing of Harry Slaughter - Life Member No.44:

Harry Slaughter with Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher, Greg Alexander and Royce Simmons in September 2019. Image courtesy of The Western Weekender.

“All of us at Panthers are deeply saddened by the passing this morning of our friend Harry Slaughter. “Harry was a Panthers Director from 1967 through to 1980 (when the PDRLFC and PRLC Boards merged) and was a dedicated and loyal member

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of the Panthers family. “Harry’s involvement with local Rugby League began in the 1960’s when his sons commenced school at St Dominic’s College. “He started helping run the football side and was a driving force behind

Nepean News 16 April 2020 Issue 275

Vale Harry Slaughter

Harry Slaughter with his family in September 2019 Image courtesy of The Western Weekender.

the formation of St Dominic’s College JRLC in 1968. “Harry was awarded PRLC Life Membership in 1979. “His interest and passion for the club continued well into his final years.

“Harry’s service to Panthers and the greater Penrith community is valued, and will be greatly missed, by many. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends including his wife Colleen and children Kerry, Joanne, Greg, Steven and John.”

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