Nepeannews 16february2017

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Thursday, 16 February 2017

ISSUE 194

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FACILITIES NEEDED Ian and Anne Whittaker are fighting for a much needed spinal care unit for western Sydney.

Story by Keegan Thomson on page 7. Photos by Kennedi Geyer.

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Local nurse earns lions scholarship

SERVICES Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am Wednesday Fellowship Wednesday 7:30pm Dare Youth Saturday 6:30pm Healing / Revival First Friday of Month 7:30pm

Contact: (02) 9673 1009

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LOCAL Emu Plains nurse, Sandra Muir, was recently presented with a certificate and cheque for $3,000 courtesy of the Lions Nurses Scholarship Foundation, by Emu Plains Lions Club, before their recent Board meeting.

The mission of the Lions NSW/ACT Nurses Scholarship Foundation is to provide the opportunity for nurses to continue their professional development. Scholarships of varying value are granted to nurses each year.

Sandra was directed by NSW nursing to apply and completed the Lions Club application which qualified her for a category B scholarship; for extended study leave leading to the award of a formal qualification from a recognised tertiary institution in Australia.

Sandra has been nursing for 24 years and has worked in three different States of Australia, and is currently studying for a post graduate certificate in Anaesthetics and Recovery at UTS, whilst working at Nepean Hospital in the Anaesthetic and Recovery department.

Her duties include assisting the anaesthetist

with airway management and monitoring patient care throughout surgery. Her other role is in recovering patients after surgery.

“The Graduate Certificate is important to me as it will give me an increase in knowledge base, critically evaluate and enhance my clinical skills, in the area of health that I’m working,” Sandra said.

“It will allow me to improve my ability to deliver high quality holistic care to my patients and their families in the pre and post-surgery environment. ”A career in nursing has given me the joy and sometimes sadness in caring for patients and families, plus the ability to travel Australia and see health care through different settings and different communities. I have met many different people and made great working relationships.”

Sandra thanked the Lions Nurses Scholarship Foundation and President, Ian West and the members of the Lions Club of Emu Plains, for their support.

Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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4 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

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by Kerrie Davies WAS anybody really surprised that Cory Bernardi split from the Liberal Party to start the Australian Conservatives Party? Avid political watchers would have foreseen something like this from the moment the Liberals took a leaf out of Labor’s book and marched their own Prime Minister to the gallows.

Many say the change in the global political landscape in the form of Brexit, Trump and Pauline Hanson here at home, is due to a move towards the far right, with the obligatory cries of racism and bigotry attached, of course.

I beg to differ. It’s more than immigration issues that’s driving the support, it is the sellout of free speech.

I believe the underlying reason for the ‘rise of the right’ if you will, is in the rise of what I’ll call the controlling, gagging and shaming “GroupThink Brigade.”

In its humble beginnings, the Group-Think Brigade used to consist almost exclusively of ‘lefties’ however these days members of the Brigade sign up from all sides of politics and in fact even many ‘lefties’ have (silently) resigned from it.

The Brigade has one agenda; to ensure people only think and say what the Brigade deems to be the acceptable position on any topic. Those who have an independent thought outside of the Brigade’s rule book are mocked, belittled and shamed.

Members of the Brigade will be stationed anywhere to ensure you adhere. They are the the TV commentators with the pursed lips and mock outrage, they are the the guests casting the disapproving eye over the backyard barbie conversation and they are the fierce social media warriors just waiting for someone to write a non group-think opinion so they can slam them into submission.

Simply questioning something can make you a target; the Brigade does not like to have to explain its group-think stance, it insists that you just accept it.

Those who dare to defy and openly state an alternative viewpoint receive the full wrath of the Brigade being unleashed. It is bullying of the highest form.

We’ve seen how Sonia Kruger, Steve Price and our own local Minister Tanya Davies have been treated for being independent enough to state an opinion.

The Brigade is not subjected to any rules of consistency though.

They want more strong females in important roles, but they don’t want those females to be independent enough to express a point of view outside of their rule book.

They will cry foul if they see women exposed to a mere comment that they deem offensive, but turn a blind eye to the actual oppression, torture and even murder in some cultures across the globe.

The even crazier thing is that these people who declare off-limits any conversing about the fate of women in certain countries are the same ones who declare themselves to be the champions of women and warriors for social justice!

Perhaps the rule book should have some guidelines on what is allowed to be discussed and what is not - a page with a line down the middle where one side lists topics not to be mentioned (like female genital mutilation) and the other side are things to jump up in mock-horror about (like a man saying a woman is sexy).

We are not all the same, and each of us have different world views that have formed from our different experiences in life - but that doesn’t make some of us right and some of us wrong. The bouncing around of ideas freely and openly is what makes for a great democratic country.

The result is that despite the bullying from The Brigade, many will still have opinions that don’t adhere to the rule book, but most will keep those opinions silent to avoid the confrontation.

That is until they get to the privacy of the voting cubicle, where the Brigade cannot enter, coerce or shame them for the ballot they decide to cast.

The shutting down of open conversation and throwing around different ideas has not been a win for the GroupThink Brigade. It is what has sent voters towards the right, because it represents free speech.

The success of right-wing leaders across the globe is the Group-Think Brigade’s own doing.

If they truly fear the outcome of this new voting trend, they need to look internally, stop the bullying and heed their own message of showing tolerance - even towards those who don’t fall in line and follow the rule book.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Stolen Gen. Remembered

By Keegan Thomson

ON the ninth anniversary of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology address to the Stolen Generation, the Penrith City Council hosted a special morning ceremony to remember those touched by White interventionist policy.

During the event two of the Indigenous speakers shared their emotional, personal stories with an audience.

Janice Kennedy, an Aboriginal Australian who’s life has been impacted because of White intervention, spoke at the event.

After being taken away from her home Mrs Kennedy was moved from house to house, working as a servant. Mrs Kennedy found herself working in Sydney under conditions she did not deem fit, so she left her job, only to receive a bill from the government, who were requesting she repay the cost of her uniform and transport.

She said events like Apology Day are important to her because it gives her plight a voice and it helps people to stop and listen.

“It took 40,000 years for someone to say sorry,” she said. “That is a big deal.”

Peter Brown, a Penrith resident who’s mother was taken away from him when he was a baby, told a story of how the government at the time tore apart his family.

Due to the government’s aggressive stance on Aboriginal families, at the time, Mr Brown never

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knew his mother or father. His family of 16 was broken apart and sent to different parts of the country not long after he was born.

Only two years ago did Mr Brown see a picture of his mother and father for the first time, and only then did he realise he has a twin sister.

“How could they do that to any of us? They should not take our kids,” Mr Brown said.

“Now I’m fighting to find my twin sister,” he added.

After their speeches it was revealed that Mrs Kennedy was Mr Brown’s aunt, and that due to forced family separations and government interventions they’d never known each other.

The event also coincided with a push from Penrith Library for more people to connect with Aboriginal heritage and local Aboriginal history.

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

5 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

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Neglected and overlooked

By Keegan Thomson

THE WEST is often dealt a poor hand when it comes to health infrastructure but there is no greater example of the west being forgotten than the story of Ian and Anne Whittaker.

For the last 50 years Ian has been in a wheelchair after an accident left him a paraplegic. Due to his condition he needs to attend numerous appointments but the closest spinal unit for him is 90 minutes away at Randwick.

Mrs Whittaker has written to the Health Minister, and has been a constant advocate and lobbyist, to urge the government to bring a spinal clinic, or a specialist, out west.

“There are all these hospitals out west and yet we don’t have anything,” Mrs Whittaker said.

The issue with spinal injuries is that they can’t always be treated by normal doctors or nurses, said Mrs Whittaker.

“Sometimes they don’t know what they’re doing. We’ve been sent home without any doctor actually fixing any of Ian’s problems.

“At the local hospitals out west the

nursing staff do not understand,” she said.

According to the Health Minister there are more than 5000 people across the state with debilitating spinal cord injuries, which means every single one of them will need to attend either Royal North Shore or Randwick Hospital, at some point in time no matter where they live.

Mr Whittaker says it doesn’t make sense that there is only two hospitals

to cover such a broad area.

“There are only two hospitals that have spinal units and they cover Canberra and all of New South Wales,” said Mr Whittaker. “Even if they live in Wagga they’ll need to travel all the way up here.”

“I think it is necessary for there to be another spinal clinic in the state, even if it was at Wagga, we still need something for all the other people out west,” he said.

The only reply Mrs Whittaker received from the state government is a detailed list of places around Sydney were Mr Whittaker can receive treatment. The only issue is that Mrs Whittaker says there is no one at any local hospitals who can help them.

“It is discrimination,” Mrs Whittaker said. “In western Sydney we don’t have a specialist doctor, we don’t have clinic or a spinal unit. It is just wrong.”

“We’ve argued and tried to get something out here for 25 years.

“If Ian gets really sick and he needs an ambulance, they’ll only take him to the local hospitals, but the issue is they don’t have the correct equipment or facilities to treat him, so he will just sit there until I can take us to Randwick,” Mrs Whittaker said.

She detailed a story in which a specialist spinal doctor from Randwick Hospital had to call in and explain to the staff at Nepean the correct treatment for one of Mr Whittaker’s ailments.

Nepean Hospital last year announced a major funding boost of half a billion dollars for many areas of the hospital.

There was no spinal injury clinic or specialist centre outlined in that announcement.

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Miracle find returned

By Keegan Thomson

LAST month we covered a story about a miraculous find in a western Sydney warehouse. Local pest control and removalist, Jason Edwards, found a set of World War One British war medals stashed in the wall of a Kingswood warehouse. This week those medals were returned to their rightful owners.

After finding the medals, Mr Edwards put pictures of them on facebook. His post was shared hundreds of times world wide and eventually the rightful heir to the medals, a man in England, contacted Mr Edwards claiming to be the great nephew of the original owner.

The medals belonged to Harry Watson, a submarine Petty Officer who worked as a stoker during the Great War, who came to call western Sydney home after the war. On Monday, this week, the grand daughter of Harry Watson came to collect the medals from the Penrith RSL. Jenny Connell, her husband Tony and her son Rob came to collect the medals from the RSL subbranch whilst on holidays in Australia.

Mrs Connell was amazed at the discovery.

“It is interesting isn’t it? I don’t know

Mr Edwards delivers the lost medals to Mrs Connell. Photo: Keegan Thomson

how to look at it.

“He went off, and if he didn’t, our whole lives would be different,”

she said.

Because of the distance, both physically and emotionally, between

Harry Watson and Mrs Connell, she said she felt a little removed from it all.

“It is odd because it is so far removed,” she said.

Mrs Connell’s father, the son of Harry Watson, was adopted by his uncle and aunt, the bother of Mr Watson, though she said her father never spoke about his thoughts on his biological father.

Tony Connell said it was great to be able to look at the story from such a close angle.

“We’re able to sit here, looking at this as a human interest story, and everything that involves, and we’re part of it,” he said.

Before returning the medals to the Connell’s the RSL subbranch cleaned them and returned them with freshly refurbished ribbons.

Through research conducted by the subbranch, Harry Watson came to Australia in 1919 on board a submarine.

Once in Sydney he decided to leave his family in the UK and stayed in Australia, leaving Mrs Connell’s father with Mr Watson’s brother.

Mr Watson found another wife whilst in Australia and from time to time picked up work with the Royal Australia Navy.

At some time he moved to western Sydney were he died in 1950. He is buried in St Marys cemetery.

Join the celebration

Nasho’s memorial ceremony

STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith will join the Penrith RSL Club to host a breakfast to recognise and celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday 7 March 2017.

Held each year, International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2017 is #BeBoldForChange and calls on everyone to join forces to create a more gender inclusive world and to move closer to gender parity.

Guest speakers at this year’s breakfast event include: Squadron

By Maureen Gildart

Leader Del Gaudry RAAF, Commander Fleur James, CO HQAC / ABXO and Ret. Army Medic Amy Babbage and the morning is being supported by the Penrith CBD Corporation.

“International Women’s Day provides the perfect opportunity for all members of our community to say thank you to women from all walks of life for making Penrith the great place it is” said Stuart Ayres.

Tickets for the event are available from the Penrith RSL Club reception or by phoning: 02 4728 5200.

Proceeds from the event will go towards Women’s Veterans Network Australia.

Bridges to be removed WORK got underway last weekend to remove the two bridges over Station Street, as part of the project to remove the Allen Place ramp and elevated car park.

The removal, to take place over three weekends (Saturday nights, Sundays and Sunday nights only), was scheduled to minimise disruption to businesses in the vicinity.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said Station Street would be closed to traffic, from Henry Street and High

Street from 9pm on Saturdays (18 and 25 February), through to 5am on Mondays (20 and 27 February).

“We apologise for any inconvenience and we thank the community for their cooperation,” Penrith Mayor John Thain said.

The 10-week project to remove the Allen Place ramp and elevated car park is on schedule.

The project is expected to be completed by 20 March 2017, weather permitting.

PENRITH City National Servicemen’s Association Inc, also known as Penrith City ANSA Inc. received their charter and flag on April 7, 2002.

Their 11th Annual Memorial Service was held at Victoria Park in St Marys on Sunday February 5.

With a steady membership at around 95 locals, the ceremony was in remembrance of all National Servicemen and Women who have lost their lives either in conflict or afterwards.

In spite of the temperature reaching around 42 degrees at the time of the ceremony and the age of our members, there were around 100 people present.

The Catafalque Party was 21 Army Cadet Unit Penrith who were outstanding in performing their duties in the heat standing perfectly still for over an hour in the hot sun.

Mr John Taylor JP President of Penrith City ANSA was the Master of Ceremonies and tributes were layed by Mr Harry May, Treasurer and Courtermaster of Penrith City Nashos.

In attendance and also laying wreaths were NSW National Servicemen’s Association and

Affiliates Inc including a representatives from Hawkesbury, Cumberland, Sydney South Western, Burwood and Blue Mountains Nashos, Patrons Emma Hussar MP, Councillor Jim Aitken OAM and Ross Sinclair AM, along with Stuart Ayres MP, Tanya Davies MP, Prue Car MP, NSW Police area Command from St Marys and Penrith, His Worship the Mayor John Thain of Penrith, St Marys and Penrith RSL Clubs and many others.

Cr Jim Aitken Supplied the BBQ and Sausages and Penrith City Nashos supplied the cold drinks that were appreciated by all. A special thanks for all who assisted to make the day a success.

Next meeting is Sunday 20th February at Penrith RSL Club Starting at 10am with morning tea and meeting at 10.30am.

Leaders of the future acknowledged in ceremony COUNCILLOR Josh Hoole has congratulated students at Glenmore Park Public School on being recognised as leaders for 2017, where he spoke of the pleasure, joy and burden of serving, at a ceremony held at the school.

“It is incredibly exciting to have spoken with student leaders at Glenmore Park Public School, in encouraging and urging them to recognise the incredible opportunity that they have to not only grow their own leadership skills and attributes but to also support their peers,” Councillor Hoole said.

As part of the ceremony, Councillor Hoole spoke of the incredible importance of being a leader in the twenty-first century and how Glenmore Park Public School has a reputation for developing and training socially-aware and community-conscious leaders of the future.

“Undoubtedly, Glenmore Park Public School has a substantial track record of investing in a holistic approach to student welfare and development, in fostering growth across a suite of talents, from academia to music and the arts, performance and sport, to leadership and communication,” Councillor Hoole commented.

“In order for any individual to seize the opportunities and confront the challenges that have arisen as part of our contemporary world, it is essential that our youngest community members are afforded a well-rounded education, the basis and catalyst for long-term growth and development,” Councillor Hoole said.

Principal Natalie Mansour reflected on the achievements of the students and the contribution they will make to the schooling community.

“We are proud of all our leaders. It is always nice to watch the leadership teams grow throughout the year as they further develop their skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Every single student leader makes a difference in our school,” Principal Mansour said.

Councillor Hoole also reflected on his time as a former student and prefect at Glenmore Park Public School.

“I am particularly honoured to have been present at Glenmore Park Public School’s leadership ceremony as a former student and prefect. It was during this period of my life that I was equipped with the qualities, skills and leadership nous that

have served me well in all aspects of my life, particularly with respect to serving the people of Penrith on Council,” said Councillor Hoole.

Councillor Hoole also gave thanks to all of the teachers, staff and parents, for the integral role they play in facilitating a vibrant, dynamic and innovative learning environment for students at the school.

“Leadership is more than just plaudits and title; leadership is about helping and supporting others, encouraging and building others up, serving others ahead of yourself and your own needs. I am confident that the leaders at Glenmore Park Public School will put this at the forefront of their service this year,” Councillor Hoole concluded.

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Mayor sticks up for Westies

By Keegan Thomson

MAYOR of Penrith City Council, Cr John Thain has renewed calls for the development of the North-South rail link through western Sydney.

In an opinion piece to Fairfax Media, Cr Thain called the proposed rail link “a lynchpin in realising economic, social and environmental progress in western Sydney.”

The rail link has been on the table for a number of years now yet no politician in Macquarie street has been able to commit to any substantial developments.

In his letter, Cr Thain makes it clear that he is worried the land might be lost to housing, as the government pushes for further expansions of affordable housings across the state.

“We’re calling on our state and federal leaders to reserve this rail corridor immediately and look at how we can work together to deliver rail in our region – before all the land is taken up for housing that we can’t really afford,” Cr Thain said.

According to his figures, the western Sydney economy including the areas

around Penrith, would reap billion dollar benefits from the rain link.

“Building a North-South rail link would create a new, connected 30-minute city and, according to research commissioned by the Western Sydney Rail Alliance, add $44.7 billion to the economy (from 2024 – 2040) reaching $3.6 billion per year by 2040.

“It’s obvious – rail north to south, across Western Sydney, changes everything.

“Connecting the emerging North

West and South West growth centres by rail, via the Western Sydney airport, would see real transformation in outer western Sydney - delivering higher housing and employment density and improved amenity,” he said.

Cr Thain also leapt to the defence of western Sydney residents.

“Take a look around - whether you’re in a Sydney office or out grabbing a coffee, chances are you’re surrounded by western Sydneysiders.

“Ask a colleague where they travelled to work from this morning

and chances are you’ll hear the name of a suburb in Western Sydney.

“Chances are they started their journey before you’d finished eating breakfast, while you were at the gym or even before you got out of bed,” he said.

The disposable income inequality between inner city dwellers and western Sydney locals was also pointed out by Cr Thain, who said Westies will pay more to get to work than Sydneysiders.

“While you may be on the same wage, your Western Sydney colleague has less disposable income. You may work the same hours but they have much less time to spend with their families,” he said.

According to projections, In 2036 two out of every three new residents to Sydney will make their home in western Sydney, meaning within the next 20 years there will be some three million people living west of Parramatta.

It is clear the state government has a battle on its hands as it tries to figure out how best to deal with the western Sydney question, but one thing is for sure, Cr Thain seems to be behind the locals of western Sydney.

Cruel diagnosis for Ched Town’s daughter Carlie

Carlie and her daughter Lillie

By John Ross and Rod Cedaro

FOR those that don’t know Ched Towns, Ched was a larger than life local Aussie legend.

He was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Ched - a promising Rugby League player went progressively blind. During the early phases of this dreadful disease Ched became bitter and twisted almost losing his marriage in the process, however following a trip to the UK for some radical (but ultimately unsuccessful) treatment, he returned to Australia a changed and accepting man. Slowly but surely his world changed.

Ched became a highly in-demand motivational speaker both in Australia and internationally, he could spin a yarn and have an audience hanging on every word - he’d found his calling.

Ched was also a doer - with less than two per cent vision (he could distinguish night from day) Ched, Judy and his kids Kane and Carlie attacked life with a vengeance. Ched

trekked the Kokoda trail, scuba dived and jumped out of planes - and had a funny story to tell about each adventure.

Ched and my paths first crossed in 1990 I won the Australian Ironman triathlon and Ched took all the media exposure and accolades on the day and I took the p*** out of him for doing so - forging a deep friendship with he and his family that lasts til this day.

Ched had ambitions of becoming the first “blinky” to summit Mount Everest and some 17 years ago whilst preparing for that quest suffered an embolism on Mera Peak and passed away - devastating all that knew him.

Ched passed believing that the disease which afflicted him (Retinitis Pigmentosa or simply RP) died with him - at least in relation to his family.

The disease is genetically transferred by the female to the male offspring and Kane was cleared early on.

In a cruel twist of fate I was contacted by Carlie about a month ago and informed that she had contracted the disease and was progressively losing her sight at 40 years of age, a mum of two young kids and single.

Carlie had to give up her drivers licence, and consequently, her nursing job!

Carlie didn’t call me to whinge about her predicament, she called me because the 15 year old kid inside the 40 year old woman, missed her dad and needed to chat to someone who knew (and loved him). She just needed an emotional cuddle from “someone who knew”.

My heart broke with that phone

call and together with a group of likeminded people (John, Louise, Ron, Andrew, Tony, Judy, Kane to mention but a few) we’ve swung into action to raise much needed funds to help support Carlie and her kids through this next phase of her life as she learns to cope with this incredibly cruel development.

Please mark March 22nd off in your diary and join us at a golf day for Carlie - or contact me direct with any donation you wish to offer - anything will be greatly appreciated.

Life is cruel sometimes but how we deal with such cruelty defines us as human-beings.

Comforting quilts for those nearing the end of their days THE Caring Hearts Community Quilters excelled themselves last month having been able to distribute beautiful patchwork quilts to Hawkesbury, Nepean, Springwood and Blue Mountains Hospitals for their palliative care wards. These colourful quilts bring comfort and support for people nearing the end of the end of their lives, not only the physical symptoms such as pain, but also the emotional, spiritual and social needs of the patient and their carer.

These senior ladies that make this group of dedicated patchworkers have been stitching their special kind of magic into these quilts now for almost 15 years with the knowledge that they are truly doing something they love whilst bringing joy and comfort to those that receive them.

One of the members of the group of 12 quilters, said the quilters had also arranged delivery, transport and distribution of hundreds of quilts for people throughout the country affected by floods, fires and

other disasters.

As the demand of their quilts grow they are hoping that other quilters might be interested in making the occasional quilt for them, and patchworkers are always welcomed into their group, they are always delighted to have donations of fabric and UFO’s as they use a great amount of fabric as you can well imagine.

The Caring Hearts Quilters are having their 9th Airing of the Quilts, their only fundraising event for the year on April 8 at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Cnr Great Western Highway and Gardenia Street, Emu Plains 10am to 4pm with the cost of $5 to see the quilts. There will be a Trading Table, with handmade goods and a book stall, Devonshire Teas, Sausage Sizzle, and a Quilt Raffle that will be drawn on the day and Live Music at Noon.

This is an outside event so will have to be cancelled in the event of bad weather. For any further information, contact Margaret Collier on 4735 2058.

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Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

Noel Rowsell has been involved with Basketball – playing, coaching and photographing for a half century. The Greater Western Sydney based journalist covered Penrith games and the NBL.

BELOVED Werrington County resident and local legend Noel Rowsell recently announced at the tail-end of January his intention to retire from Basketball coverage and photography, basketball being the sport he has honoured with a quarter of a century covering and a further quarter playing. Mr Rowsell’s sports journalism should be familiar to many in Penrith, Blacktown and the Greater West, Mr Rowsell contributing to our own publication as well as many more in the region for years. His website, photoexcellence.com.au has also been a host to innumerable examples of his photographic sports coverage since 2006.

With Noel Rowsell ceasing direct involvement with his treasured game this year, we asked if he could share some beloved memories and reflective thoughts as a Legend of the West.

Mr Rowsell’s affection for basketball started at a young age, playing in highschool before making

representative teams for Penrith, Campbelltown and Parramatta associations. His direct involvement with Basketball has spanned far further.

“I’ve been President of the Basketball Association and a committee member of both the Basketball and the Stadium boards,” relayed Mr Rowsell.

“I coached junior representative and domestic teams for a number of years.”

Mr Rowsell began covering the sport himself to help basketball’s influence grow in Sydney. The NBL’s expansion was “undoubtedly the most exciting period,” he recalled.

“The best experience was photographing the top players in Australia in the NBL.” I’ve been fortunate to both see and photograph some amazingly talented American imports and excellent Australian players over the years,” he continued. “[I photographed] some of the more notable Americans, being Dwayne McClain, James Crawford and Lanard Copeland back in the 90’s.”

Basketball has firmly placed itself on the map in Penrith in the 00s’ and 10s’, with young talent and school representation seeing the sport’s popularity grow substantially. Mr Rowsell said it was particularly rewarding to see basketball do so well there, as a fan and a journalist.

“A highlight, apart from the NBL, has been the eight years Penrith played in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) competition, which is the largest interstate sporting competition in Australia,” said Mr Rowsell.

“Penrith had some amazing teams over the years, which featured players of the calibre of Matt Nielsen, Ben Knight and John Rillie - all Australian representatives.”

Penrith also attracted players from neighbouring associations such as Hills District, Bankstown and Parramatta to play at the higher level of competition,” he continued.

“Penrith had exceptional media coverage during that time, often bumping the NRL off the back page with feature stories and game reports.”

It’s certainly been a huge

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NOEL ROWSELL involvement in the Penrith district.”

Mr Rowsell said that he enjoys all forms the sport takes, and found very rewarding work in photographing wheelchair basketball.

“Both the Sydney Wheelkings and West Sydney Razorbacks teams were based in Sydney’s western suburbs,” said Mr Rowsell.

“These teams played in the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) competition, which featured teams from every state of Australia, plus imports.”

I was fortunate to photograph all of Australia’s leading male and female wheelchair basketball players in the NWBL, the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League. (WNWBL)” Mr Rowsell also photographed the teams at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games “and a couple of world cups,” as well as the Australian men’s team for ‘Players

with an Intellectual Disability’ at the Paralympic Games.

Since he’s announced his retirement, Mr Rowsell has received a flurry of thanks from players, former players and the journalism community – recognition he says reminds him the level of impact he has enjoyed for the better part of 50 years.

Now, putting down the media pass, Mr Rowsell can enjoy the sport he loves as an enthusiast, and hand the reigns onto the next passionate fan.

It will certainly be a legacy well noted.

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BEFORE Noel Rowsell was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Greg Davies.

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Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

Deadly virus outbreak FOR the first time in 40 years, Sydney has seen an outbreak of the deadly feline panleukopenia virus (also known as feline parvovirus - FPV).

The once eradicated viral disease has killed many kittens and cats in recent weeks. This disease is caused by a feline parvovirus, it is classically called panleukopenia virus because one of the results of infection is the development of a low white blood cell count (panleukopenia).

Parvoviruses are particularly dangerous as they are able to survive for long periods of time in the environment and are resistant to many disinfectants. FPV is spread directly via faecal – oral contact but can also be spread indirectly following contamination of the environment or objects – eg on food bowls, grooming equipment, bedding, floors, clothing

and even hands. Cats infected with FPV can excrete the virus for 6 weeks following infection.

FPV generally causes a severe gastroenteritis. Affected cats develop bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus also travels to the blood and bone marrow and causes a depletion of white blood cells. This can lead to life threatening infections. If a pregnant cat is infected with FPV, the virus can travel to the unborn kittens

and interfere with the developing brain. Kittens may then be born with a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia – this is a lack of development of the cerebellum, a part of the brain needed for coordination and movement.

This may also happen in very young kittens infected with FPV as the cerebellum still develops up till the age of 4 weeks.

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment for FPV and cats can

die despite treatment. Treatment is generally supportive and involves intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antinausea medication and sometimes blood transfusions. This disease is highly contagious and infected cats are nursed in isolation.

Feline parvovirus is much better prevented than it is treated. Highly effective vaccinations are available and all cats and kittens should be vaccinated – this includes indoor only cats. Control of the spread of FPV relies on mass vaccination– once vaccination levels drop below 70% of the population, this creates the perfect opportunity for the emergence of a disease epidemic. The current outbreak of FPV serves as a reminder to continue vaccinations and not to become complacent regarding your pets vaccinations.

We urge all cat owners to contact their local vet and organise a vaccination if there cat is not up to date.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone 47 313 055

Search is on for Nepean’s most overweight pets Petbarn launches ‘Petbarn’s Biggest Pet Loser’ challenge with celebrity trainer, Sam Wood to help locals and their pets get fit in 2017 GOT a mate with a pudgy dog or cat that needs a hand shedding the unwanted kilos? Petbarn is putting out an open call and is encouraging Nepean locals to enter their pets for the ‘Petbarn’s Biggest Pet Loser’ challenge which aims to help Aussie pets and their owners to lose weight and improve their fitness, health and wellbeing.

With 41%1 of Australian dogs estimated to be overweight, this challenge is a move to shed light on pet obesity and will see ten shortlisted pets and their owners go on a 12week fitness journey with Greencross Vets and celebrity trainer, Sam Wood respectively.

By registering on www. petbarnbiggestpetloser.com.au, Nepean locals and their pets can go into the running to participate in the challenge and the chance to win a $2000 Petbarn voucher and $1000 cash.

The chosen pet participants will be provided with a customised health and nutrition plan by Greencross Vets and the pet owner will receive a personalised consultation with Sam Wood. Along with access to three rounds of his online training and nutrition program, ’28 by Sam Wood’.

Local Penrith Coreen Avenue Petbarn Store Manager, Ron Meigan

said, “At Petbarn, we know how much us locals love our pets. We give them treats when they’ve been good, the scraps on our plate even after they’ve had their meal and sometimes choose to kick back with them with a tummy rub instead of playtime – all of which is causing more harm than good.

“With our expertise in pet care, together with Sam’s ‘28’ training and nutrition program for people, we believe that this is a great way to help both pets and humans go on the journey of health together,” said Ron. Sam Wood is excited to be on board with this unique challenge. His ‘28

by Sam Wood’ program will feature a new 28-minute work out every day for 28 days, alongside food, mindfulness, support tips as well

as a personal check-in call from the celebrity trainer himself.

“As a pet parent myself, I know how easy it is to spoil my Labrador, Hendrix. I hope that this challenge will bring the issue of pet obesity to the forefront and help pet parents and their pets get in top shape as well as inspire others. If you have a friend or loved one that you suspect has an overweight pet, get them to register now,” said Wood.

Dr Rachel Chay, Chief Veterinarian at Greencross Vets believes that there is a big job to be done to educate pet parents on the importance of pet nutrition and obesity.

“We need to understand that just like us, our furry friends are not immune to obesity, which can in turn result in serious health issues such as

arthritis, diabetes, heart problems and in severe cases, even premature death.

“While “kitty rolls” and “puppy fat” are usually used as terms of endearment for our pets, it is actually a cause of concern. We see thousands of pets across the country in our clinics and a lot of pet owners are surprised to hear that their pet is severely overweight,” said Dr Chay.

“Even feeding your dog one tasty treat such as a piece of bacon can have serious ramifications for their health.

Every pet and breed is different and it is important to know your pets’ individual nutrition, exercise and activity needs – which is where we can help with our tailor-made assessment and program,” she said.

The winning ‘Petbarn’s Biggest Pet Loser’ will be judged based on the percentage loss of their overall weight with major prizes to be won. Enter today at www.petbarnbiggestpetloser. com.au. Registrations close on 1 March 2017. T&Cs apply.

To find out about the wide product offering and services available to aid your pet’s health and nutrition you can also visit your local Petbarn at: Petbarn Penrith Coreen Avenue, 1/117 Coreen Avenue, Tel: 4731 6044.

Petbarn Penrith Homemaker Centre, T380 Penrith Homemaker Centre, 13-23 Patty Place, Tel: 4733 5930.

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Unlock the door and light the fire

By Kerrie Davies

MY head is filled with sweet desire... oh the memories of being young the sun, the surf, the boys, the stern parents... and The Rads!

I was still in primary school when my collection of saved 5 and 10 cent pieces finally totalled enough for me to catch a bus to the record shop and buy the record Feel The Heat by The Radiators.

Excited beyond imagination, I raced home and hooked up my portable record player and turned it on full blast. As I stood in the lounge room whipping my long hair around the room as I head-banged to Gimme Head Baby I did not hear the sound of my Nanny entering the room on her walking stick behind me. I did however hear the sound of my brand new record scratching as she swiped the needle off to stop the offensive music, yelling “You ought to be ashamed of yourself! You need your mouth washed out with soap. God will punish you!”

I was about 10 years old, and I had absolutely no idea what Gimme Head meant - I just loved the sound of The Radiators music. Imagine if she’d heard the lyrics to Fess Song.

So that was the end of my love affair with The Radiators music - at least until I learned how to hide my records and play them when there were no adults around.

There aren’t too many Aussies from my generation that didn’t rock to the Rads. Homegrown, with a great beat, churning out hit after hit at a time that was still a fairly conservative period in

Australian mucic - they were a guilty pleasure that we all wanted a little piece of.

On Friday February 17, don’t miss the chance to relive the good ole days as The Rads will be Comin Home to play at The Pioneer Tavern at 9pm.

One of the greatest things that they have managed to maintain over the decades is their original Aussie

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

17 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

pub band style - and they sure are experienced at that - clocking up a whopping average of 200 gigs a year back in the day.

So why not rock along to see The Rads on Febuary 17 - I’ll be there with bells on - so if you see me be sure to pop by and say hello, but don’t offer to wash my mouth out unless it is with a cold beer!

We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

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Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

SUDOKU: EASY

Another spin on the turn table Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

By Keegan Thomson

SOLUTION: 2nd February

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

IN 1975 Bruce Springsteen made a statement. He told the world he was here and that everything would be changing for the better. That statement came in the form of his third studio album, Born to Run. His traditional take on mainstream rock and roll is far from contemporary, with sax solos backed up by sprawling piano and string accompaniment, but The Boss wasn’t ever going to let anyone off easily, and the title track is a prime example of this.

Situated on the second half of the mere eight song album, Born to Run was an instant classic. The opening drum roll call to attention that signals the start of every engine, the blitzkrieg of an anthem comes together with an all out assault on the ears from shotgun sax player, Clarence Clemons, and a shredding guitar solo to boot.

Springsteen’s mythical storytelling is present on tracks like Thunder Road, which transcend the concepts of young love. The tale of lovers fighting for their ‘one last chance to make it real’ could be applied to any blossoming relationship between lovers aged 18 or 81.

With so much groundbreaking material on the album, it is hard to believe there was only two official singles released off Born

to Run. One of those being the title track and the other being, Tenth Avenue Freeze Out. This gritty, souled-up, monster of a song, is a staple of any E Street Band live show and showcases Springsteen’s playful vocal abilities.

The band, the E Street Band that is, comes together in a way that not many can and produces the climactic end to a cinematic album with the sprawling 10 minute long, Jungleland. The epic is not just a perfect full-stop on a wide reaching road-trip of an album, but it is a perfect introduction into the team dynamic that Bruce and the gang have.

If you’ve got the chance I recommend you revisit the epic that is Bruce Springsteen’s early classic, Born to Run.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Meet (9) 6 Islamic jurist (5) 9 Absorbent paper (7) 10 Put in place (7) 11 A line of trees used to block winds (7) 12 Giving a speech (7) 13 Land around barns (9) 15 Inhabit (5) 16 The anvil bone in your ear (5) 19 Without happiness (9) 22 A reference book (7) 23 Flapjack (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Motives (7) 27 Smooths (5) 28 Put forward (9)

DOWN 1 Arm joint (5) 2 Singer (7) 3 Completely (7) 4 Toss (5) 5 In an extremely harmful manner (9) 6 Condiment (7) 7 Easily damaged (7) 8 Unlawfully (9) 13 Stew (9) 14 Lack of acceptance (9) 17 Put together (7) 18 Footwear (7) 20 Drag along (7) 21 Harbor (7) 23 A place for wives and concubines (5) 24 Made easier to bear (5)

solution 2/2/17

Mouthwatering experimentations FROM the creators of the explosively popular burger joint, Down and Out West, comes High Street Social, a fresh new look on burgers and affordable delicious eating.

Launched in December 2016, High Street Social aims to bring cheaper and more delicious burgers, fried chicken and woodfire pizza to Penrith.

The menu boasts some of the most delicious food in the Nepean with locally sourced ingredients served with a flair of excitement.

Playing with food has never been a good idea but at High Street Social their methodical tinkering of different ingredients has produced some amazing flavours and culinary experiences.

One of the stand outs on the menu is the big man’s burger, The Social Experiment.

Boasting six wagyu beef patties, six delicious cheese strips and chock loaded with bacon, The Social Experiment is a burger made for conquering.

Want to win FREE burgers for a year?

Go and like the High Street Social facebook page and simply comment on your favourite burger.

The competition will be drawn on Valentine’s Day. Good luck!

The results are in and all the labs rats say this is one successful experiment.

If you’re in the mood for a burger but you don’t want all those guilty carb feelings then you can try their San Choi Bow. They’ve taken all the goodies out of the burger, like the juicy wagyu patty, the fresh salad and the sauce, and thrown it in between some crispy lettuce. The results are good for both the soul and the hips.

High Street Social also serves up one of the tastiest batches of fried chicken this side of the Mason-Dixon line.

Using locally sourced breast chicken the cooks at High Street Social have

come up with a crunchy, spiced chicken crumb that will leave you licking your fingers as you order one more serve.

The team at High Street Social really pride themselves in the attention to detail with little things, and when it comes to burgers the little things are the sauces. All the sauces served up are all handmade to perfection.

You can wash all the tasty food down with one of their hand chosen craft beers from their local selection or you can sample their creamy milkshakes.

High Street Social boasts by saying they’ve got a milkshake that is done simply perfectly. The standard milkshake done right.

If you’re not fussed on cooking you can also order in and get the delicious food from High Street Social delivered to your front door for dinner.

No matter what the occasion there is always time for the delicious and family friendly food, on a budget, that is served up at High Street Social.

P e n r i t h C B D p r o u d ly s u p p o r t s

For bookings please call 4789 0187 or message us through facebook www.facebook.com/highstreetsocialpenrith 562 High Street, Penrith

19 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

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20 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

Country show just a stone’s throw away

By Darren Adams

A LITTLE bit of Mount Panorama will descend on Luddenham showground on February 18 and 19 and the historic grounds will rumble to the roar of 500 horse power V8 donks as Holden and Ford utes scream around the main arena.

All the way from Adelaide, the trackskill V8 race ute show, is unquestionably one of Australia’s most spectacular car stunt teams and has been seen all over the country including Royal show performances.

At each performance some lucky people from the crowd will be chosen at random to sit in the passenger sit for a white knuckle, spine tingling relay race, its sure to be a lot faster than the dodgem cars as the dirt sprays.

Another feature of our main entertainment will see these daring drivers pit their talents against a horse, bike and supped-up lawnmowers in an obstacle challenge.

For those who like their entertainment a little more sedate do not fret, much of Luddenham’s charm dates back to a by-gone era. Living up to its motto of “The Country Show” the annual event takes place for the 113th time on the picturesque and historic Luddenham showgrounds.

One of only around four showgrounds in NSW still owned by the local

community, the surroundings would make you believe that that you were many miles into the country and not a mere stone’s throw from the future site of Sydney’s second airport.

The event is run entirely by a small but very hard working committee, many of whom can trace their families association with the show all the way back to the very first show. As 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Australian light horse charge at Beersheba in the 1st world war, the last and one of the greatest horseback charges in history, wonder through the grounds and historic buildings that were actually the base for Luddenham’s very own Light Horse squadron at the time of war.

The show will kick off each morning with horse classes held on the main arena, known through the equine industry as one of the major lead up events to Sydney Royal Easter show some of the finest horse flesh in the country will go under the judge’s eye.

Saturday morning will also play host to cattle assessing, wonder down and see some beautiful juicy steaks (while they are still attached to the rump of an animal).

The cowboys will battle it out with rank bulls in the open bull ride, we will also see the rodeo champions of the future in the steer & poddy calf rides.

At Luddenham you do not need to

simply sit back with a beer and watch the entertainment, no you can actually be involved yourself with events on the main arena such as the dog high jump contest, Yank-a-ute for the adults and Yank-a-buggy for the kids open to all, why not impress ya mates or the missus by taking away a coveted blue ribbon?

If artistic ability is more your style of course there is a wide range of classes from panting, photography, quilt making and flowers to home brew, farm Produce and even Lego building.

Always renowned for the quality of the stage entertainment this year is no exception a talent quest, reptile display’s with a difference, clowns & shearing demo’s all set down. The main band this year is “Rough stock”, back by popular demand this great countryrock band hails from Riverstone and can be seen touring the country and are always one of the most sought after acts at each Tamworth country music festival. They will have the crowd up toe tapping and dancing well on to the night and who doesn’t like fireworks, well the fireworks on Saturday night is under the control of Foti’s, the very same people behind the world famous Sydney harbour New Year’s fireworks.

Held in an adjoining paddock overlooking dams and the Blue Mountains as a back drop Sunday is the ever popular sheep dog trials. The

final day will also see one of the sports invented right here in Australia take a spot light with the always well-liked wood chopping contest. Some of the best axe-man of not only Australia bit also New Zealand will have their razor-sharp axes flying as they battle to cut through the timber in the quickest time. The stage program allows once again for the young or young at heart to get involved themselves with events such as the ice-cream, whip cracking, talent-quest and the Luddenham country kid hitting the main stage.

To round out and finish off the weekend another new attraction will hit the main arena on Sunday afternoon. It will be like crossing an intersection with your mother-in-law, as the demolition derby take to the field. It is sure to be a no holes barred smash-em-up fest with only one winner.

The Luddenham show committee would like to extend our sincere thanks to our 2017 Champion sponsors Workers Hubertus Country Club Luddenham and Catholic Cemeteries, without their valued support and that of all our sponsors and volunteers it would be impossible to run this great event each year.

Hope to see you at “THE COUNTRY SHOW” for more information find us on face book, visit our website or call 47 734 378.

Listen to our very own Keegan Thomson with News Hour - Monday mornings from 9am to 10am Also on WOW is Music Memories with Isobel Impell on Wednesday - Midday to 2pm

www.wowfm1007.com.au

realestate real

Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

THE SMART LINE with Steve Roddick Three financial goals you can set for yourself in 2017 LIFE comes at you fast, and if you don’t set concrete goals for yourself, it’s easy to fall behind. This is especially the case when it comes to planning your finances. If you have certain benchmarks you’d like to hit in terms of savings and investment, it’s best to draw up an exact schedule for when you’ll hit them, and soon.

Otherwise, you’re likely to lose sight of your long-term vision.

Did you have certain plans for what you wanted to accomplish financially, but you couldn’t pull them off? If so, don’t get discouraged – this is a common problem. The way to overcome it is to learn from your mistakes and do better next time.

In 2017, it’s time to put solid financial plans in place, then execute them. Here are three ideas.

1. Establish savings benchmarks and hit them If you’ve set your sights on working with mortgage broking professionals

and purchasing new property this year, the first step in that process is saving effectively. It’s not enough just to break even each month between your paycheck and your expenses; you have to stash some money away, if only a little each month.

Unfortunately, the majority of Australians are currently failing in that regard, according to research from Members Equity Bank. A recent study found that 53 per cent of Aussie households are failing to set a weekly or monthly budget. As a result, many fail to keep track of how much they’re spending, and they end up struggling to save.

“The key to getting ahead is tracking the real costs of your household expenses, setting a realistic budget and committing to every single detail, consistently,” said Nic Emery, head of deposits and transactional banking at Members Equity.

In the past, many Australians have

struggled with this. The hope is that 2017 is the year they do better.

2. Set a target for your next investment There are a lot of people out there who have resolved to take out property investment loans and begin investing soon. The problem though, according to FPAA research, is that not enough of them have specific plans in mind.

The organisation found that 27 per cent of Australians did not invest as much in 2016 as they had hoped to.

Often, the reason for this was the lack of a clear target. It’s a lot easier to save if you know what you’re saving for. If you set your sights on a specific house you want to buy, know how much that house is worth and know how to finance that purchase, the whole picture becomes a good deal clearer.

3. Learn how to plan your investing future It’s possible that when it comes to

m 0420 289 381 f 02 4786 1242 e sroddick@smartline.com.au

www.smartline.com.au/ sroddick

21

your financial plans, the real problem is not a minor snag with saving or investing, but a fundamental flaw in your strategy. You might need an entirely new focus, or a different structure for the home loans that you’re taking out.

The best way to find this out for sure is to talk with mortgage brokers who have been through this process before and understand all the ins and outs. You can contact a Smartline Mortgage Adviser on 13 14 97 for mortgage advice.

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24 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

The Green Linnet Hotel I

N the Nepean Times in 1924 an article on “Old St Marys as it was in the 1850’s”, mentioned the “Green Linnet Hotel” that was owned

by James Collins in the 1860’s and was said to be on the site of Mrs Guild’s shop (1924) that was almost opposite Neale’s Sydney Store (on the corner of the Highway and Neale Street). It also mentioned that before James owned the hotel he had a corn and hay store on the northern corner of Werrington Road and the highway and he was the same James Collins who went surety for Publican Thomas Harford who was granted a liquor license for the “Cottage of Content” in 1857.

Not very much information is available about the Green Linnet hotel. Why was the hotel called the “Green Linnet”? In an Irish rebel song tradition, the “Green Linnet” was the code name for Napoleon Bonaparte who the Irish hoped was going to whip the British into shape and free them. That didn’t work so well, but the music got passed down through the generations. The poet William Wordsworth also wrote about a bird called the Green Linnet that was also known as a “green finch”. Finding the right James Collins for this article was another challenge because at the time of researching I had the problem of several James Collins’ in NSW. The same problem I had with William Martin owner of the “Harp of Erin”. Because of the name of the hotel and the Irish connection, I looked for a Northern Irelander. The problem was there were a lot of James Collins who were born in Northern Ireland and came out as convicts around the period I was looking for our James Collins. From various records I was able to ascertain that in the muster of 1822 there is a convict James Collins who came on the ship “Dick” around 1820 and sentenced to 7 years. In 1822 he was at the Emu Plains gaol.

There was no record of his date of birth but after further research I ruled him out. There are several other James Collins named for various offences and gaoled or in iron gangs at numerous times.

I checked the Marriage Register but found that between 1825 and 1861 there were seventeen grooms named James Collins. From 1854 to 1860 there is a James Collins who owned the “Golden Anchor” in Parramatta Street, Sydney. In 1857 he subscribed to the Empire Fund donating £1/1/- to the cause and an advertisement in the Empire that year mentioned that he was letting out a butcher’s shop. In the Sydney Morning Herald in 1858 he was selling a house and shop in Parramatta Street but was still operating the “Golden Anchor” but in March, 1859 he was selling up, but another advertisement in 1860 still had him in Parramatta Street, Sydney. So, as I don’t have his date of birth,

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I don’t have the information to find his family or to correctly find where he was buried. He is mentioned again in the Empire in June 1857 regarding a meeting at South Creek. This meeting, held at James Lander’s “Odd Fellows Inn” was for the purpose of securing the election of James Byrnes as representative for the South Riding electorate. James Sherringham was called to the chair and a formal motion was then moved by John Perry and seconded by John Behan declaring James Byrnes to be a fit and proper person to represent the South Riding of Cumberland.

The resolution was put and carried unanimously and it was then moved by James Landers that the following Gentlemen be the committee for carrying out the details of the election:- John Sherringham, Thomas Behan, Charles Hunt, William Cummins, Samuel Thompson, John Behan, John Perry, James Landers, Thomas Parkin, James Collins, and William Draper. Not much is known until an advertisement in the Nepean Times in 1887 regarding an application from James to the Department of Mines for permission to mine under roads and land under the Mining Act of 1874, section 28. James wanted to mine the land at Railway reserve No. 170 County Cook, Grose Parish, commencing at a spot in the Valley of the Grose about 40 miles from Sydney for the purpose of mining rock salt, shale and petroleum. In 1910 he wrote a letter to the Blue Mountains Council regarding his purchase of 20 acres on Shipley Road where he requested removal of trees that were hanging over his front fence and was given approval by the Council to have them removed. There is no mention of a Publican named James Collins owning the Green Linnet Hotel in the NSW State Archives of Publican’s licenses.

As you can see it is more research needed to find him and his family. The photo shows buildings on the right hand side that could have been the hotel. This is the same area as the “Governor Fitzroy Inn” talked about in an earlier article in the History Page.

Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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Browne ready to roll as a Panther

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

29-YEAR old Penrith acquisition, Tim Browne says that he has put behind him an ankle injury that hindered his last season as a Bulldog and is ready to force his way into Penrith’s 17 for their Round One clash against St George-Illawarra, after getting through his first game for his new club, in last Saturday’s 20-10 trial win over his former club.

“I played all (last) year with an ankle problem. The ligament was separated but I played on all year with that,” Browne explained.

“On coming over to the Panthers I was struggling to train and felt we better get it fixed now instead of playing another year with it and about a month ago I started running again and its coming along really well.

“It was good to get out there tonight and get the confidence under my belt as well.

Browne, whose NRL career has been restricted to just 84 games due to a series of

injuries, says that the three-year deal provided by the Panthers has given him a new lease of life as he looks to extend his playing days beyond the end of his new contract, adding that he was not only looking to prove himself to his new teammates but show he is capable of playing additional minutes as well.

“It was Gus and Anthony that I sat down with mid-year and said they were interested and asked if I was looking to take an opportunity to come out here and it fitted at the time.

“My early twenties I had a few injuries so I still consider myself fairly new to the NRL. “I’ve got a lot to learn and I’m very hungry to succeed so I don’t see myself stopping (after this deal ends).

“I want to keep going as long as I have the passion for it.

Browne says that it although it felt strange to playing at Belmore in opposition colours so soon, he was quickly able to put that aside to focus on the task at hand for his new club, but admitted it did feel odd to be playing for the club that eliminated his former club in last year’s finals.

“Being on this side of the fence today was funny but it’s just another game you don’t really worry about who’s on the other side,” Browne said.

“As a Bulldog last year it wasn’t the way we wanted to finish but as a Panther I was lucky they went one better.

“It’s just all about getting down to business and then have a laugh after the game.”

Browne is equally under no illusions as to how difficult it will be securing a spot in Tim Browne renews acquaintances with former Bulldog team-mates.

Penrith’s NRL squad for Round One will be, Credit: NRL Photos. but remains excited by the prospects of his “From my end, we’ve got a little girl now which new team.

“You’ve got to earn your spot in this team. No helps provide a bit of security.

“But for the Panthers to show the faith in me, I’m one can be complacent,” Browne declared.

“There’s a lot of young talented players and a going to stand up, take this opportunity with both lot of good old heads as well so it’s going to be a hands and make every post a winner.

“Coming off the bench and playing limited cracker of a team come Round 1.”

“There’s a lot of good players here and hopefully minutes, I was looking for an opportunity to play I take that opportunity with both hands (when it some more minutes. comes.

“I missed a lot of footy when I was younger.

Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis Have you been struggling to lose weight despite being on a low calorie diet and exercising multiple days per week?

It’s something people seek advice on every single day…

They say that they’re eating clean, training hard and staying consistent with their plan, but the number on the scale just won’t seem to budge no matter what they do.

They wonder if the problem is genetic and if they simply have a “slow metabolism”…

Maybe they’re eating the wrong types of foods…

Taking the wrong supplements…

Or maybe they need to change something with their workout plan.

There are always exceptions of course, but if you’re trying to drop the fat and aren’t making any real progress, the answer is probably the simplest and most obvious one that is staring you right in the face…

Your overall daily calorie intake just isn’t as low as you think it is.

I can honestly say that in almost every case where someone tells me they can’t lose fat despite being on a “low calorie diet”, it turns out they were never even

on a low calorie diet to begin with.

When I look at a persons diet, break up their entire day step by step, and then add up all the calories they’re actually eating, they’re usually landing pretty close to their calorie maintenance level as opposed to a calorie deficit.

And make no mistake – without a consistent calorie deficit in place, you quite simply are NOT going to lose any noticeable amount of body fat.

It doesn’t matter how “healthy” you eat throughout the day or if your diet is made up of nothing but lean protein, high fibre carbs, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats…

Fat loss is only going to occur at a significant rate if the number of calories you’re burning is greater than the number of calories you’re consuming over a consistent period of time.

If your calorie intake is right on par with your calorie expenditure, your body has no need or incentive whatsoever to burn its stored body fat in order to obtain a source of energy.

This is the most fundamental baseline factor in your entire fat loss plan, yet most people simply don’t put forth enough effort to properly monitor their eating habits and ensure that they are in fact in a calorie deficit.

When people on a weight loss diet are

left to their own devices, they’ll very often under-report their calorie intake, and by a pretty significant margin.

This issue of caloric under-reporting happens for a few main reasons…

• The individual just isn’t bothering to track their food intake with very much precision.

• They are attempting to track things properly but are making small errors with their food choices and measurements that are adding up throughout the day.

• They’re taking the concept of “cheat meals” and “cheat days” a bit too far, and this is impacting their overall net calorie totals.

When you consider that a typical calorie deficit for fat loss is usually around 500 calories below maintenance, all it really takes is a few mistakes throughout a given day for your calorie deficit to be significantly reduced or erased altogether.

If you’re one of the many people out there asking “why can’t I lose weight?”, the solution is very simple…

Sit down and honestly take a look at what you’re eating throughout a given day and in what amounts, and add things up to find out how many calories you’re truly taking in.

You can check the labels on the

foods you have at home, and you can use an online nutrition database like (CalorieKing.com) for items that you aren’t sure about. Another option is to use a calorie-tracking app on you Smartphone such as (MyFitnessPal.) If your weight has been generally staying the same, then the amount of calories you’re eating right now roughly represents your current calorie maintenance level.

In order to create a calorie deficit and stimulate fat loss, subtract 500 from that number and make that your new daily calorie target.

Then, moving forward, start tracking your diet with more precision to ensure that you’re landing somewhere around that number each day!

Follow ‘Wild Panther Fitness’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@ wildpantherfit.) For any enquiries: info@wildpantherfitness.com.au Until next time “STRENGTHEN YOUR WEAKNESS!”

25 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

penrith panthers

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Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

Smith’s tough love helps spark a Penrith revival

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

PENRITH’S first grade side had not long experienced a humiliating defeat at the hands of 17th placed St George.

What should have been a more gettable run-chase after resuming play at 1/46, turned into disaster when the home side suffered the embarrassment of losing 9/60 to be bundled out for a meagre total of just 106.

St George are very proud cricket club and are used to success. They certainly aren’t used to being in 17th position and fought accordingly.

Penrith too are a proud club but that result with the bat was a prime example of an inconsistent 2016/17.

Cue the need for a team talk that had to happen.

Something had to give if the team was to rediscover that regular winning mojo that saw them finish 2015/16 in second place.

And for Ryan Smith, what needed to be said was very simple and directed at his batting team-mates, who for the large part of this season had performed below expectations to the extent the team was averaging less runs with the bat then every other Sydney team.

“There was a few people who may have said a few words. I said a few more direct words to the upper order of the batting side,” the bowler affectionately known as “Bomber” said.

“I think they knew what needed to happen without everyone harping on about it.

While we’ve traditionally been more of a bowling

Bombs Away for Penrith’s in-form fast bowler, Ryan Smith.

Credit: Michael Gibson.

side, that’s not to say the talent hasn’t been there with the bats too.

“It’s just one of those things where out batsmen don’t fire on the day where they probably could.

“But every player goes through slumps but hopefully we’re over that now and shaping up well for the finals and the batsmen will start getting some good scores on the board for us.”

“It must have sunk in whatever I said as it’s been really good to see it turn around.”

Smith credits the one-day quarter-final win over the best performed batting side in the competition, Sydney University as being the catalyst for team’s turnaround in fortunes that has yielded a spot in the one-day final and fifth position on the overall ladder

with just three rounds remaining.

“The Saturday wasn’t a good day for us with the bat but the win at Sydney University I think has really turned it around for us for the rest of the season,” Smith said.

“They have a decent batting line-up but we bowled and fielded really well so it’s really good for the team and the morale within to come away with a win like that. A massive lift.”

Smith is finally getting the rewards with for his hard work with the ball as well.

Prior to the St George game, Smith had toiled away without much success, taking 18 wickets.

But a first five wicket haul for the season against St George followed by two more against Hawkesbury has seen the popular bowler surge to 34 wickets for the season to date in forms of the game (at 25.76), to be sixth-best among all bowlers in the competition.

Smith credits the Hawkesbury groundsmen for taking his best haul in the top grade, but admits it was still tough conditions to bowl in.

“I think the groundsmen did the team bowling first a favour by juicing it up during the week and with the rain (prior to the game), it kept the moisture in the wicket, making it nice and soft and hard for the batsmen to get in on,” Smith explained.

“It was a good toss to win and I have had a few lucky sort of breaks with the ball in the past couple of games which has been good.

“But the next day, the wicket was a bit different, it was a lot harder to bowl on, a bit flater.

“Plus it was very hot, very humid but it seemed to go pretty quick by taking consistent wickets.”

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BEHIND THE STUMPS

WITH STEW MOSES @THERIFFMARN

LOCAL DERBY HOME ONE-DAY FINAL SECURED AFTER DRAMATIC ONE WICKET WIN Penrith will host the final of the Sydney Grade Cricket’s Limited Overs One-Day competition after securing a dramatic one-wicket win off the second last ball against Sutherland at Glenn McGrath Oval.

The Black Cats, previous winners of the limited overs competition in 1998/99 and 2001/02, have been eliminated at this stage of the competition in the past three seasons.

And when the game’s top-scorer Ryan Gibson (80) was dismissed with his side still requiring 49 runs at a run-a-ball with just two wickets in hand, it looked as though it would be a fourth time unlucky for Penrith.

But despite the gloomy and blustery conditions, Josh Lalor (36 not out off 35 balls) capped another fine game to steer the Black Cats to a home final, hitting the match-winning runs in a dramatic last over.

From the moment Sutherland went out to bat after winning the toss, Penrith were predominately playing catch-up cricket, but kept hanging in there at crucial points in the game.

Bolstered by the return of Pat Cummins (2/34 off 10), and ably supported by skipper Matthew Halse (3/44), Lalor (2/37) and Jake Wholohan (2/37), Penrith managed to restrict the home side to 228 all out after Sutherland threatened to put the game beyond reach at 2/150 after 35 overs.

The Black Cats top-order, at times susceptible to early pressure, once again faltered to be 4/43, before a 73 run partnership between Gibson and Tim Cummins gave Penrith some hope.

But when NSW Futures League team-mate, Dallin Fallins took the next three wickets, Penrith’s finals hopes looked to be on life support at 7/146, before Lalor’s contribution with the bat enabled the visitors to escape Glenn McGrath Oval with another pulsating victory.

Penrith captain Matt Halse praised his side’s neversay-die attitude, having yet again found a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

“We’ve had quite a few of these wins in recent times and we seem to have quite a few nail-biters at Caringbah,” the Penrith skipper declared.

“As I said to the boys there’s no fluke that we keep winning the close ones.

“They just don’t know when to give up and we keep going hard until we’re beaten.”

But even the skipper thought the game was gone at 8/180.

“To be fair you probably don’t win too many from there,” Halse admitted.

“But Josh is one of those players who when at the crease, anything can happen.

“Today was one of those days where everything did come off for him.”

have been a much bigger task to win today,” the skipper admits.

“But both teams looked refreshed so there could be no excuses and it worked out well for us in the end.”

“I was a little bit (surprised to see all grades called off) but in the end I can understand why they went down that path.”

27 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

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Penrith are set to be without Pat Cummins for the one-day final should he be selected for the NSW Sheffield Shield squad.

Josh Lalor’s haul of 32 wickets in all forms of the game from just ten games at an average of 13.53, could also see the left-arm quick earn a Shield recall.

Ryan Gibson (80) held Penrith’s innings together in their one-day semi-final run chase. Credit: Michael Gibson.

Ryan Gibson’s match-winning knock of 80, capped a fine week for the top-order batsman, rescuing NSW from a perilous position to score exactly half (168 not out) of his team’s first innings score of 9/336 against Queensland.

Sixth-placed Penrith will now take on local rivals, Hawkesbury (seventh) in the final of the one-day competition at Howell Oval on Sunday, February 26.

Hawkesbury are arguably in even better form in this format of the game, having convincingly defeated the top two teams to make the final.

But Penrith’s finals opponents will be wary, having suffered a humiliating seven-wicket outright loss at home just two weeks ago, with Ryan “Bomber” Smith and Lalor taking 17 of the available 20 wickets for the match, as the Black Cats stormed into the top six, just four points away from claiming third.

Halse, who said he would have been satisfied just to qualify for a final, admits he is even more excited by the prospect of playing it at home against their local rivals.

“We would have been happy just to make the finals and play anywhere,” Halse confirmed.

“But as I said to the boys we’ve got a home final now and I’ve played a whole career without getting one of them.

“There’s always a bit of extra spice with it being a local derby.”

According to Halse, Cricket NSW’s decision to cancel the previous day’s play across all grades for the first time in its 124-year history due to extreme heat conditions, may have proved to be a silver lining for the Black Cats, despite being somewhat surprised by the decision.

“It wasn’t a bad thing, because had the team bowled for 96 overs in that heat yesterday it would

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One player who may have let a representative opportunity slip was leading run-scorer, Jonathan Sammut.

In the recent clash against Hawkesbury, Sammut scored nil, with a Futures League selector said to have been watching on.

Despite scoring 45 not out the next day, the selector wasn’t sighted.

The other major talking point out of the Hawkesbury clash was the performance of Matthew Hopkins, who having scored over 300 runs in second grade at an average of 150, celebrated his re-call in style, scoring 60 not out and 31 not out.

First-grade’s outright win over Hawkesbury in firsts, caps a big fortnight for the defending club champions.

Having won the top four grades played to cement spots in the top six in each of those grades, Penrith have stormed back to lead by seven points from second-placed Northern Districts, with just four days of cricket separating the Black Cats from backto-back club championships, as they head into this Saturday’s revised one-day format against tenthplaced Eastern Suburbs.

Penrith’s Poidevin-Gray side will be looking to continue the good run of results for the club of late, when they will host Fairfield-Liverpool in this Sunday’s quarter-final at Howell Oval.

Penrith’s annual captain’s lunch will take place on Friday March 10 in Pepper Stadium’s Chairman’s Lounge, with former Australian test bowler Terry Alderman and current England Cricket Coach, Trevor Bayliss, the key speakers.

For further information go to the Penrith Cricket Club’s Facebook Page – Penrith Cricket Club. #LoveTheCats

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28 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

COACH’S CORNER

A SPORTING HONEYMOON

WELCOME to 2017, I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable festive season. I have had the fortune of spending the past seven weeks in the USA on my honeymoon and managed to find the time to see 4 NBA games, 4 NHL games, 2 NFL games and 2 College Football games. But without doubt the two highlights of my trip from a sporting perspective were in Tampa Bay where we watched Clemson defeat Alabama on the final play of the College Football Playoff National Championship game and then last Monday in Houston where I fulfilled a lifetime dream of attending Super Bowl 51 as the New England Patriots defeated my Atlanta Falcons with the biggest ever comeback and the first ever overtime game in Super Bowl history.

How does the live experience we have become accustomed to here in Australia compare to that in the USA? The difference is remarkable and sporting organisations in Australia should be doing all they can to mirror those operating in the USA. Firstly most stadiums or arenas are surrounded by bars and restaurants which allow crowds to meet up with friends before the game begins. The pregame, halftime, postgame, intermission and time out breaks are full of entertainment and give away opportunities which keep the crowds engaged. Children in attendance are given something to walk away with whether it is a poster, shirt, bobble head, cap or for those fortunate

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enough to catch a t-shirt or a team jersey which is fired out of a cannon during one of the intermissions.

The food and drink stands inside the stadiums never have big lines, the prices are very reasonable and the quality for the most part is very good. The narrative here in Australia is that more often than not we pay high prices for both tickets and then food and drink inside our stadiums which leads to most believing they are better off watching the game on television.

American sports have come to grips with the reality that they are always competing with the television experience in order to achieve good crowds at games.

Something in Australia we are only just recognising as an opposition with high definition screens, surround sound systems and the convenience of the comforts of your own home. The stadiums and sporting franchises in the USA are constantly looking at ways in which

to elevate the live experience above that of the experience of watching from home on television, and when you look at the crowd numbers across all major sporting codes in the USA the attendance numbers are not decreasing despite the quality of picture and presentation on television constantly improving.

The sooner we adapt to this changing landscape and elevate the live experience for fans the sooner we will see an increase in crowd numbers across our major sporting codes.

The athletes and coaches within our major sporting codes also have a role to play in the elevation of the sporting experience and their accessibility and availability needs to become more frequent, honest and professional. The athletes deliver the product, no argument. However the fans coming through the turnstiles and watching on television are the lifeblood which pays the salary of the coaches and players within our major sporting codes. It is about time they gave back to the fans on a consistent basis as this will ensure the future of our sports is secure as this access, honesty and professionalism will make the players and coaches more relatable, respected and engaging with the fans of sport which in turn will increase the amount of supporters across all codes in Australia.

Stay tuned for my full club by club NRL season preview and analysis in the next edition of Nepean News!

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29 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

automotive

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Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

GIDDY UP, FOOTY SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!

The sky in the West after our hottest day on record

FIRSTLY let me say howdy, I’ve missed you all over the past couple of months.

It’s great to be back. How about the weather here in the Nepean last weekend?!

Oh my god, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a 47 degree day in my life and to be brutally honest I never want to again!

Now that summer is coming to an end (thank goodness) we now aim our sights firmly on the up-coming NRL season where I think the local boys are in for a bottler.

The youthful exuberance shown in the recent Auckland 9’s is indeed promising, also is the sight of James Tamou in a Panthers jersey.

The former Cowboys powerhouse front row forward looks to be the icing on the cake the Penrith young guns needed to elevate them to the ‘next level’.

Not only does he bring an impressive résumé and reputation, he also looks to be enjoying life as a Mountain Man (well maybe he was until last weekends heatwave) which is a big plus.

There is no secret that Anthony Griffins men are legitimate Premiership hopefuls, in fact last I looked they were 3rd favoured with bookmakers to take

New Recruit James Tamou looking right at home in his new strip

out the whole thing. But of course that’s a long way off.

But I think the Panther faithful should feel rather giddy with excitement when assessing how far their team will go this year.

The Panthers have strength and depth right across the field with not only Tamou and Mitch Rein bolstering the squad but the return from injury of Peta Hiku and Dean Whare giving the coaching staff a much needed headache at the selection table. March 2 the competition starts with last years premiers the Sharks taking on Wayne Bennett’s men the Broncos in the season opener at Shark Park.

Then two days later it’s the Panthers turn to strut their stuff against the Dragons away at Jubilee Oval on Saturday the 4th of March.

I’m excited, and cannot wait for the footy to kickoff. If you’re not a member become one, and join the army of Penrith supporters that live and breathe the greatest game of all. See you at the game....

MG (random Westie) OAM

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

YOUNG GUNS CONTINUE TO IMPRESS AS ROUND ONE NEARS With several of Penrith’s big names kept aside for another day, it was the Panthers’ “generation next”, who hookwinked us all to get within an insidesupport of scoring the Auckland Nines’ winning bonus try, were not only again on show against most of Belmore’s best, but got the upper hand, recording a convincing 20-10 win.

Te Maire Martin and Dylan Edwards starred early on as they capitalised on the brutal defence inflicted

by Sitaleki Akauola, Moses Leota and Viliame Kikau on their more illustrious opponents, including the likes of James Graham, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson and Sam Kasiano.

Dean Whare, Peta Hiku, Tim Browne and Samisoni Langi all came through their first game back from significant injury, with the latter two also making their first on-field appearance in Penrith colours, as did the likes of Mitch Rein and Michael Oldfield.

Edwards with the in-and-away enabled Waqa Blake to score over in the corner in the 3rd minute, before a deft short pass at the line by Martin allowed back-rower Corey Harawira-Naera to extend the lead to ten, midway through the quarter.

A try to Danny Fualolo off a Sam Kasiano offload just before half-time was all the Bulldogs had to show for their attacking dominance in the second quarter, trailing by four at half-time.

With teams both changed over to mostly Intrust Super Premiership sides in the second-half, it was Penrith who continued to dominate, scoring through Sione Katoa and Mason Cerruto to lead 20-6 at three quarter time, before a consolation try to Lachlan Lewis late in the final quarter made the final score 20-10.

Whilst happy with what he saw on the field given the conditions, Panthers coach Anthony Griffin was especially pleased to walk away from the game injury-free.

“I thought everyone defended really well tonight,” Griffin stated.

“At times we showed some nice things with the ball.

“Obviously trial form in these conditions was always going to be a little bit scrappy.

“I thought they were all pretty good.

“There wasn’t anyone I wasn’t happy with.

“I thought the biggest thing was that we got through it without any injury.

“We had Hiku and Whare, Browne, Samisoni Langi (coming back) and we gave everyone some

“He played great at the nines, he was good again at fullback tonight.

“He’s trained his back-side off in the off-season and he hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Fitting Dean Whare in the backline could be a juggling act for Panthers coach Anthony Griffin. Credit: NRL Photos.

time and we come out of it clean so that’s the thing I’m most happy with.”

The early season-form of his young brigade, means selection headaches for Griffin as he prepares to name a squad of up to 22 for this Saturday night’s Battle of the West clash against Parramatta.

Only Josh Mansour remains unavailable as Griffin is set to give first hit-outs of the year to Bryce Cartwright, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Leilani Latu and Tyrone Peachey (All Stars), Trent Merrin, Matt Moylan, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, James FisherHarris (Four Nations), Sam McKendry and Peter Wallace, while Isaah Yeo, James Tamou and Nathan Cleary also set to return having been rested after the Nines tournament.

They will join the likes of Waqa Blake, Dean Whare, Peta Hiku, Dylan Edwards, Te Maire Martin, Tim Browne and Moses Leota as those likely to play this Saturday.

While there is possibly a spot or two available on the Panthers bench, most interest lies in who Josh Mansour’s replacement will be, given the representative winger is not due to return until Round 12-14 according to coach Anthony Griffin.

But while Griffin remains coy on who Mansour’s likely replacement will be, he did not rule out Junior Kangaroo Dylan Edwards’ chances, despite Hiku and Whare’s return from injury.

“We’ll give a few guys an opportunity next week in the outside backs now that they are all fit and well,” Griffin said.

“Dylan Edwards is doing a great job there as well.

OFFER ENDS 28TH FEBRUARY 2017

Offer ends 28/2/2017. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

The form shown in the opening trial against Canterbury continues on from the club’s unlikely but impressive tilt at the Auckland Nines, despite only playing the likes of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, James Tamou and Waqa Blake alongside a very inexperienced Nines squad.

Having accounted for Canterbury 28-18, a young Panthers side minus their big four were still too good for Cronulla and the Gold Coast, to top the group undefeated.

A golden try quarter final win over Manly was followed by a defensive 13-0 shut—out on tournament favourites, Parramatta to qualify for their first Auckland Nines final.

Having gone in as outsiders in all but one or two games, the Panthers were slight favourites going into the final against fellow outsiders, Sydney Roosters.

But a sluggish start saw the Roosters jump out to lead 10-nil at the break before Panthers scored two unanswered second-half tries, only to come up short with their goal-kicking, going down 10-8.

But considering the Panthers were lambasted for the lack of NRL stars in their squad, a few experts were left with egg on their faces when Penrith collected $240,000, which will be shared between club and players.

Popular Junior Kangaroo, Holden Cup and NSW Cup winning prop, Andy Saunders has made the switch to Canterbury for the remainder of 2017.

The immediate retirement of David Shilligton looks set to allow the Titans to intensify their interest in former Panthers forward, Chris Grevsmuhl who is understood to be currently in Orange, training with CYMS. Trials for both the NRL and Holden Cup may have gone ahead despite the heat due to changes in kick-off times, but sensibly NSWRL junior representative matches including last Saturday’s games at Hillier Oval were cancelled against Wests and the Wests Tigers respectively.

See you at a game. #PantherPride

31 Nepean News 16 February 2017 Issue 194

penrith panthers

Thursday, 16 February 2017

sport

Local cheerleaders take on USA

By Conner Lowe

THE Liberty Allstars cheerleading club have just returned from competition in the United States. The cheerleaders competed at the “Duel of the Dessert” in Palm Springs where they were able to achieve some outstanding results.

The club took two teams to compete in the USA. Team Glitter which is filled of girls eight years old and younger and they were able to place 4th out of 13 teams. Team Platinum which is the senior team consisting of girls 10-18 years old were able to finish 3rd out of 13 teams.

Amandah Blok, owner of the Liberty Allstars cheerleading club praised the efforts of everyone who was involved in the competition and the efforts of the cheerleaders.

“The girls were exceptional in the competition; they were competing against coaches that we idolise and with only four weeks of preparation for both teams to (obtain a) place is incredible.

“There were teams competing who had practiced their routine for months or even the whole year with some excellent coaches, so this is an amazing result for everyone who is involved,” she said.

The Liberty Allstars have only been running for 15 months and in that time have produced some outstanding

results in all competitions they have entered. The club have coaches who have experience in coaching and as cheerleaders and with years of experience behind them they are able to help the girls to place at every competition they have entered.

Amandah spoke about the amazing achievements the club have already

achieved in such a short period of time and how fun it is for the girls.

“In our first year at nationals we entered six teams and came home with three teams placing 1st, two teams placing 2nd and one team placing 3rd. These results were incredible and it was an amazing experience for everyone who was involved,” she said.

“It’s fun for the girls, we get to travel, going to places like Newcastle and Shoalhaven. The competition season gives the kids a chance to travel around and compete at different venues against different teams,” she continued.

Amandah said the cheerleading club currently owns the only sprung floor in the district and are in the process of installing a 2nd sprung floor for the highest quality and safety for all their cheerleaders.

The Liberty Allstars are still taking enrolments for competitive and recreational teams. To enrol you can visit their website www. libertyallstars.com.au or call Amandah directly on 0430 011 526.

EMMAUS CATHOLIC COLLEGE OPEN NIGHT ON WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH

TOUR: 4pm-6pm or 2nd tour 6.30pm-8.30pm General Information 6pm-6.30pm (Enrolment Applications for 2018 will be available at that time)

A co-educational secondary college meeting the learning needs of all students, giving them the best preparation for life in the 21st Century. We are committed to providing the best possible learning and teaching of the whole person as part of a rich tradition of catholic education.

Students and Parents at Emmaus experience: • a College with strong traditional catholic values and high expectations of all its students • a place where prayer and sacrament life are valued and nurtured • a place where relationships are characterised by dignity, respect and authenticity • a learning environment of challenge, inquiry and innovation, where each student is expected to achieve personal excellence • a Year 7 integration program (HERE) in HSIE, English and RE • a broad choice of course offerings across Years 9 - 12 • a BYOD (bring your own device) program enriching the learning environment in a blended way • VET courses and university and TAFE linked courses in Years 11 - 12 • a wide variety of sports played at a representative level and cultural opportunities including Visual Arts, Digital Photography, Mock Trial and Music recitals • a highly qualified and committed teaching staff • a community where personal responsibility and justice are valued and expected • a peaceful and beautiful rural setting.

Emmaus Catholic College is a Catholic, dynamic, learning community where parents, staff and families “Walk with Jesus”

87-109 BAKERS LANE, KEMPS CREEK NSW 2178 For further details, application and prospectus, please contact Mrs Biermann or Mrs Korb on 9670 4588 or visit www.emmaus.kempscreek.catholic.edu.au