Dive into a free Australia Day pool party at Ripples – Penrith and St Marys!
RIPPLES Leisure Centres at Penrith and St Marys are inviting the whole community to a free pool party this Australia Day, on Sunday 26 January from 8am to 6pm!
Beat the heat at Ripples poolside paradise with free entry, roving performers, music, tasty treats and waves of entertainment for all ages.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said everyone’s welcome to bring their friends and family to join us for a day of fun, swimming and celebration at Ripples.
“This free inclusive event is a great way for our community to come together, cool off, and celebrate Australia Day with fun activities for the whole family,” Cr Carney said.
“Council is again hosting this popular pool party, which has been a much-loved community favourite over the past few years.”
Attendees can fuel up for a day of fun at our pools with a range of delicious food options that will satisfy every taste bud. Enjoy a variety of sweet treats, icy cool drinks and a classic summer sausage sizzle on the barbeque.
Kids can make a splash at the popular splash parks with thrilling slides and water play. Then keep the good times flowing by taking a lap of our exciting garden games, or making waves with notto-be missed giveaways.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, Ripples will implement capacity restrictions as numbers increase at the venue. As numbers are limited, we encourage visitors to arrive early to secure their spot and make the most of the day’s festivities.
This event is hosted by Penrith City Council and assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
Event details:
What: Australia Day celebrations at Ripples –Penrith and St Marys
When: Australia Day, Sunday 26 January 2025, 8am to 6pm
Where:
- Ripples Penrith: 119 Station Street, Penrith
- Ripples St Marys: Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys
Admission: Free for all visitors
For more information, visit penrith.city/ australiaday
Innovation Roof Restoration
Rebates available
HAVE you recently switched to ‘sustainable’ in your home? You may be eligible for a financial rebate!
Rebates are available through Penrith Council’s Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme for a range of reusable nappies, sanitary items, rechargeable household batteries, and now, reusable food storage and carbonated beverage makers to help households on their journey to reduce waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Households can claim a 50% rebate up to $100 on a range of reusable nursing items, including cloth nappies, reusable wipes, and breastfeeding pads; up to $100 on reusable sanitary items and leakproof underwear; up to $50 on rechargeable household batteries; and up to $50 on a select range of food storage and carbonated beverage makers.
be denied. Further T&Cs apply.
Rebates exclude shipping fees, and all claims must be made within three months of the item’s purchase date. Any claims for items previously approved for a financial rebate in past rounds will
This rebate is open to all households within the Penrith Local Government Area. For more information and to apply, visit https://brnw. ch/21wPXjN
*This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority initiative funded by the waste levy.
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Road safety 2025
TRAGICALLY we lost 340 lives on NSW roads in 2024, the same as 2023.
Things to remember:
• speeding is the main cause of road deaths – slow down to save lives
• regional areas still have high fatalities, so drive extra carefully on regional roads
• fatigue and impaired driving
are major crash factors, so make sure you’re rested before driving, take breaks and have a Plan B if drinking
• motorcyclist deaths increased by 34%, so we’re looking at changes to the licensing scheme for motorcyclists We all have a part to play in making our roads safer and to reduce the road toll in 2025.
Safety in the sun
DID you know over 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation? When skin is unprotected and exposed to UV radiation, how the cells look and behave can change. We can’t feel or see UV radiation, and it isn’t related to the temperature or whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST UV RADIATION
• Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, like collared shirts with long sleeves. Some clothing may have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)!
• Slip, slop, slap! Apply a generous amount of sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside. Adults will need a teaspoon of sunscreen for their head and neck, and each limb. Make sure to reapply every two hours!
• Slap on a broad-brimmed or bucketstyle hat that shades your face, nose, neck, and ears.
• Seek shade under trees, built shade structures, or bring your own like a sunshade tent. Although shade reduces UV radiation, it can still reach you via reflective surfaces.
• Wear sunglasses!
• When the UV Index is 3 or above, you need to protect yourself. Check the UV index on the SunSmart App at SunSmart App
Record investment supports thousands of NSW’s
The Minns Labor Government is supporting NSW’s working families, and states data shows the parents and carers of a record 200,000 children were provided with fee relief for attending early childhood education and care throughout 2024.
FACED with stubborn inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, many young families are struggling to make ends meet. That is why the Minns Labor Government last year made a record $430 million investment to help families with three, four and five-year-olds, with the cost of early childhood education and care.
New Department of Education data shows:
• This investment helped the families of around 200,000 children last year, with parents or carers receiving a subsidy to reduce the costs of early childhood education and care.
• Families of more than 64,000 three-year-old children attending long day care were eligible for fee relief for the first time in 2024, under an initiative introduced by the Minns Labor Government.
In 2025 the families of at least 200,000 children will be eligible to access fee relief.
Families can now apply for fee
relief at their chosen early childhood education and care service for this year. Eligible services will pass on the savings as a weekly reduction in fees.
From January 1, 2025, NSW families can receive:
• Up to $4,347 a year for three to five-year-olds attending eligible community and mobile preschools
• Up to $2,174 a year for children aged four and above attending eligible preschool programs in long day care services. This can be received on top of the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy payment.
• Up to $515 a year for three-yearolds attending eligible preschool programs in long day care services, on top of their Australian Government Child Care Subsidy payment.
Research shows that children
who attend quality early childhood education and care for two days a week, or 600 hours a year in the two years before starting school, gain lifelong benefits. This supports their social, emotional, and cognitive development, with these benefits evident throughout their schooling years and into further study or the workforce.
The Minns Labor Government is also investing an additional $40 million in 2025 to drive improved quality in long day services delivering preschool programs for three-yearolds. Funding can be used by the services to pay salaries of early childhood teachers and educators, buy educational resources and develop quality early childhood education programs.
The Minns Labor Government says it is prioritising quality education in the early years of a child’s life, with $1.82 billion invested in early education and care as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.
In addition to fee relief, the Government says it has made the largest ever investment in public preschools. The Government will also build 100 new public preschools in public schools by 2027, the largest ever expansion in NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“High-quality early childhood education and care should be affordable and accessible for all children across NSW, no matter their postcode or background.
“That is why we are making a record investment in fee-relief – so more families can access quality preschool and long day care, where they can develop their language and social skills before starting school.
“More affordable preschool means more support for parents to return to work, which can make a big difference to hardworking families.”
More information on Start Strong fee relief is available on the Department of Education website.
Museum of Fire hosts Summer Family Morning
THE Penrith Museum of Fire hosted its Summer Family Morning on Saturday 11th January, and it was declared a smash hit!
Museum staff also announced the Vehicle of the Year, the 1975 ERF ‘Snorkel’, by showcasing it in pride of place on the day, along with
several other vehicles in the Museum collection which aren’t usually on display.
There were also fire engines rides, fire truck demonstrations, even free coffee to the small but enthusiastic number of attendees to the event.
Make sure you keep your eyes peeled on the Museum’s social pages, so you can keep up to date with all events and come along to the next exciting adventure at the Museum of Fire!
SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY • 12 TO 4PM
1975 ERF Snorkel
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Summer Family Morning at Penrith Museum of Fire. Photos by Noel Rowsell.
There’s no “back to school” for sick kids
FOR children in hospital, the back-to-school excitement others experience can be foreign to them as new school lunchboxes, shoes, and backpacks take a back seat to daily check-ups and meds.
This month, Starlight Children’s Foundation and charity partner Battery World are working to ensure seriously ill and hospitalised children don’t miss out on the annual New Year preparations.
Australia’s leading battery retailer has donated 1000 creative art packs, including pencils, stickers, colouring books etc to Starlight Express Rooms in children’s hospitals nationally to the value of $20,000.
“Every minute of every day, a child is admitted to hospital in Australia. In that moment, families often receive a diagnosis that turns their world upside down. Suddenly, smiles disappear, and life is filled with hospitals, doctors, needles, and pain,” said Starlight State Partnerships Manager Danica Benett.
“Instead of playing with friends and getting ready for the school year like their peers, these families yearn for activities that take their minds off their treatment and daily life in a children’s hospital ward.”
“Many of our franchise partners have children and grandchildren, and to think that they might miss out on the school experience is heartbreaking,” says Battery World General Manager, Johnny Kennedy.
“By supplying these art and craft packs, we know we will inject some light into the lives of these children at a time when their brothers and sisters or cousins may be returning to the classroom.”
For eight-year-old Avi, who was born with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a severe form of juvenile Motor Neurone Disease, Starlight has been a bright light during their darkest times in hospital.
“Starlight has taken our daughter’s mind off the hard medical procedures that she’s gone through over the last eight years, and they never fail to put a smile on her face. When things are tough, the Starlight Express Room has helped our whole family to be together to have some much-needed fun and laughter, which truly is the best medicine!”
“We recently had to stay another six hours in hospital after being discharged because Avi didn’t want to leave the Starlight room… she was having too much fun playing and getting creative with arts and crafts,” said Avi’s mum Bethan.
Not only do the art and craft packs provide a much-needed distraction for seriously ill children, but they also provide joy to their parents who walk away with a keepsake or timely reminder of the joy the little things in life can bring.
“At Starlight, we believe every child deserves a happy childhood, even
when facing serious illness. Through play, creativity and social connection, we create the fun and happiness that seriously ill children and their families need to get through their toughest time,” added Ms Bennett.
“Starlight relies on the community and corporate partners like Battery World to keep our vital programs running around the country,” she noted.
Last month, Battery World’s Christmas Toy Appeal raised $12,000 for Starlight, brightening up the festive season for so many in hospitals across Australia.
Research links postpartum depression and gestational diabetes
With postpartum depression affecting one in five pregnancies globally, researchers at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District hope to reveal its true cause.
WITH several risk factors such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and stress-related environmental and psychosocial triggers known to be current causes of postpartum depression (PPD), a new study has revealed an increased risk of PPD to be associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
GDM is characterised by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which is required to ensure sufficient energy supply for both the mother and developing foetus, with the brain being a critical recipient.
This heightened insulin resistance is crucial for supporting pregnancy-
induced changes in the brain, promoting health and wellbeing for the mother during her pregnancy. However, after delivery, insulin resistance rapidly declines.
The research reveals that this abrupt shift throws off the balance of dopamine and serotine mood regulators and could potentially be a trigger for PPD for some women.
Lead researcher and Professor of Paediatrics at Nepean Hospital, Ralph Nanan says this known shift in brain chemistry could lead to a better understanding of PPD for women in the future.
“This new research could lead to significant advancements in diagnosing and treating women suffering from PPD,” says Professor Nanan.
“Understanding the shift in brain chemistry, which ultimately controls the mood regulators could inform adjustments to PPD treatment that have never been considered before.”
Whilst more research is required to further support this theory, it’s confirmation could lead to developing treatments that help the brain adjust to the changes after pregnancy.
The research team also included scientists and clinicians from Nepean Hospital and the University of Sydney.
A full copy of the research has been published online at BMC Medicine.
Avi’s art time.
ORCHARD HILLS
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills
2025 New Year’s Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier Pet
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
AS the New Year begins, it’s a great time to set goals not only for yourself but also for your furry family members. Including your pet in your resolutions can improve their health, happiness, and your bond. Here are ten achievable resolutions for a brighter year with your pet:
1. Teach a New Trick - Learning new tricks isn’t just for young pets! Training offers mental stimulation, improves obedience, and strengthens your connection. Whether it’s a dog mastering “roll over” or a cat learning to high-five, it’s rewarding for both of you.
2. Stay Hydrated - Hydration is vital for your pet’s health, supporting their digestion, joints, and overall well-being. Refresh their water daily, and when
THE start of a New Year always brings a buzz of excitement. It’s like opening the first page of a book you hope will be a five-star read – and for the solar industry, 2025 is shaping up to be just that!
For my first write-up of the year, I want to share some things we’re looking forward to in the months ahead.
First and foremost, we’re excited
they drink, take a sip yourself—it’s a it’s a mutually beneficial habit!
3. Reduce Stress - Believe it or not, pets can experience stress from loud noises, routine changes, or boredom. Offer enrichment through toys, interactive play, or calming activities like gentle brushing to ease anxiety for both of you. . Playing with your pet can also lower your stress levels, creating a win-win situation.
4. Prioritise Dental Health - Dental disease is common in pets but preventable with regular care. Schedule a veterinary exam to assess their oral health and start brushing at home with pet-safe toothpaste.
5. Get Active Together - Daily exercise is essential for your pet’s physical and mental health. Explore new dog-friendly trails or parks, or try games like fetch or tug-of-war. Even cats can join the fun with laser pointers or feather toys!
6. Schedule a Veterinary Checkup - Regular checkups catch potential health issues early and ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. Start the year with peace of mind about their health.
7. Update Pet Registrations - Make sure your pet’s microchip and registration details are current. It’s a small but crucial step to ensure they can always find their way home if lost.
8. Create a Safe, Enriching Environment - Make your home a haven for your pet. Remove hazards, secure harmful substances, and provide cozy spaces,
interactive toys, and climbing perches to keep them engaged and happy.
9. Plan More Adventures - Break free from routines and explore with your pet. Discover dogfriendly cafes, hiking trails, or local parks. Adventures are great for your pet’s enrichment and your own mental health.
10. Try Homemade Pet Treats - Get creative in the kitchen and make pet-friendly snacks using safe ingredients. Homemade treats are a thoughtful way to show love and control what your pet eats.
This year, make your resolutions about shared health, happiness, and adventure. The team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is here to support you and your furry family member throughout 2025. Together, let’s make this the best year yet!
Jim’s Gems
to continue helping our customers reduce their electricity bills. Whether it’s through a new solar installation, a replacement or upgrade, adding a battery or EV charger, or even a simple service call – we’re incredibly thankful for the trust placed in us since we opened in 2015.
Speaking of the time we’ve been in business, this year marks an extra special milestone for us: 10 years! We can hardly believe we’re here – time has flown by, but we’re eager to see what’s next on the horizon.
On a broader scale, we’re thrilled about the continued advancements in renewable energy technology. Innovations are bringing betterperforming products to the market, and solar panels are a perfect example. When we started, the average panel output was around 165W, and now we’re installing modules with 470W. It’s an incredible leap in a
decade, and one we’re confident that improvements in inverters and battery systems will continue to match this remarkable progress.
Another exciting opportunity in 2025 is the ability for solar system owners to trade power into the grid. With programs like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) offered by Amber and others, households can maximize their return on investment by selling excess energy back to the grid. It’s a win-win for the environment and your wallet, turning your solar system into an active player in the energy market.
Solar and battery systems are also more accessible now than ever. No matter your financial situation, there’s a way to experience the benefits of renewable energy. Programs like the National Renewable Network (NRN) offer no-cost installations, while government-supported financing and bank loans tailored for renewable
energy projects make the switch to solar easier than ever. For those who prefer independence, self-funding is always an option. With these diverse choices, there’s a solution to suit every household, energy needs, and budget.
So if you don’t already have a solar and/or battery storage system at your home or business, what are you waiting for? Make this the year you stop paying so much for electricity. Contact us today and start your journey toward energy independence!
With Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions
Early St Marys History
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
THE first inhabitants were the Dharug aboriginal people. Fourteen tribes or “mobs” made up this language group and the people who inhabited both sides of South Creek were known as the Gomerrigal-Tongarra clan and they called the Penrith area “Mooroo Murak”. They lived in open camp sites along the creeks in simple gunyahs that were constructed from three leaning poles lashed together at the top and covered on two sides with bark. Until the 1840’s aborigines still lived in the Penrith area as they were listed in the Penrith returns as the “South Creek Tribe”. They had a habit of smearing mud on their skin to protect them from the effects of both weather and insects. In winter they wore animal skins to keep warm. Very little is known of their cultural and ceremonial life. According to researcher and writer James L Kohen the Gomerrigal-Tongarra clan had rights to the ridges at Plumpton and the gravels of Eastern Creek. From these areas they used red silcrete rocks to make sharp flakes which were then fashioned into tools or used as barbs on spears. The establishment of farms forced the Dharug off their land. They could no longer move freely across their country according to the seasons, visit their traditional campsites or access the full range of traditional food especially along the waterways that was the land most valued by the settlers. Violent clashes occurred as the Dharug tried to resist the takeover of their land. The McLaurin family who lived at Mamre said that the bodies of the dead were not buried but wrapped in bark and placed on platforms elevated in the branches of trees. Emily McLaurin described a meeting place on South Creek at Mamre at a point where the Creek takes in a small stream from the west and the right bank reaches into the creek in a narrow finger. It is thought that despite the arrival of the Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1804 ceremonies continued to be held at the spot for some time. By 1816 however the Gomerrigal-Tongarra people together with the rest of the Dharug clans had been ravaged either by clashes with the settlers or by contracting European diseases. They became increasingly dependent on the settlers for their survival. Although they had always maintained a camp on or around the Mamre estate, Samuel Marsden sought to encourage them to work in exchange for food and clothing. He was obviously successful in this endeavour. Today there are many descendants of the Dharug tribe still living in the district. In 1835 the Quaker missionary James Backhouse wrote in his journal after a visit to Mamre that “the South Creek Natives may be considered as halfdomesticated and they often assisted in the agricultural operations of the settlers.” After sales of some early land grants in the South Creek area, homesteads and small farms began to spring up along the road then known as the Western Road. This road crossed a creek known as the “Wianamatta’’ by the local aborigines and “South Creek” by the white settlers so it is not surprising that the village of St Marys was originally known as South Creek. The early crossing of this creek was by a shallow area that was impassable when under flood conditions that occurred frequently. As this was the only route over the mountains to the west it became quite a busy road and in 1860 a wooden bridge was constructed but was flooded and washed away. Further building of wooden bridges over the creek also had the same problem until the construction of the bridge now standing. A journey
in those days from Sydney to Bathurst took 15 days by horse-drawn coach so it was natural that South Creek’s early development centered on the traveler. Many a thirsty traveler found several licensed inns around the district with names such as The Oddfellows Arms, (known later as the Commercial), The Fitzroy Inn, The Royal Exchange, The Harp of Erin, The Cottage of Content, The Traveler’s Rest, The Sir Maurice O’Connell, The Green Linnet, The Strangers Home, The Mud Hut, The Woolpack Inn and The Shanes Park Inn. After a meeting in 1885 the members of the community changed the name of South Creek to St Marys after the St Mary Magdalene Church on the hill. Before the change there were several names for this area such as “the road” “but my personal favorite is “The Crick”. Slowly industries such as wood cutting and shingle splitting later required sawmills that gained momentum. One of the main industries was tanning because of the wood bark available within the district. One of the largest was situated in Saddington Street and belonged to St Marys Master Tanner Andrew Thompson, also in Saddington Street was the Saddington tannery, followed closely by Martin Brell’s tannery on the Western Road at Werrington. James Bennett established his Wagon Works in St Marys where the famous heavy horse drawn wagons were later carried on by his sons moving to Queen Street, having two separate wagon works. With the rush to goldfields like Hill End and Sofala some of the men of the town tried their luck, but after having no luck they returned and the town prospered by the trade on the western road passing through the town where they could buy what they needed on the way to the gold fields. The railway arrived in 1862 giving these industries, along with cattle sales and timber mills a chance to move their products outside the district. The drawing shows a group of Aboriginal people standing around a fire at South Creek by James Wallis courtesy of the State Library of NSW. James was a Soldier who was in Australian between 1814 and 1819. He arrived in 1814 on the same ship as convict artist Joseph Lycett and worked with him on views of the colony. In 1816 he led the regiment responsible for the Appin Massacre. From later in 1816 he served as the commandant of Newcastle.
Sources: - Nepean Times Saturday 12 October 1889, Trove.
Ti Fox wins JNJG ACT Week of Golf
TI Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) has started 2025 in style, recording a 1-shot victory in the JNJG Harvey Norman ACT Week of Golf Boys Division, with the tournament being held at Murrumbidgee GC over 6-9 January.
16-year-old Ti shot a tournamentlow score of 5-under-par 67 on the final day to finish 1 shot ahead of equal overnight leader Cooper Giddings (Dubbo GC), who also played well on the final day to record a 4-under-par 68.
Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian Golf GC) finished 3rd, Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC) T12 and Jesse Hardaker (Wentworth Falls CC) T56.
In the Girls division, Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC) finished 7th, Annoushka Maikap (Stonecutters Ridge GC) 8th and Jessica Fog (Penrith GC) 17th.
The JNJG Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf followed on 13th
January, played across five courses in five days in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.
This event is one of the only fiveday, 90-hole tournaments, played anywhere in the world and will be held at Brighton Lakes (Monday), Strathfield (Tuesday), Lakeside Camden (Wednesday), Cumberland
(Thursday) and Muirfield (Friday).
The tournament was limited to 180 players aged between 12 and 18 Years of Age, with entries taken on a first in - best dressed basis and included the following western Sydney players.
Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC), Annoushka Maikap,
Georgia Karagiannis, Riley Cleminson, Sean Sammons, Jack Gillett (Stonecutters Ridge GC) Hunter McMillan, Luke Carruthers (Dunheved GC), Noah Kozminski (Leonay GC), Jessica Fog, Nicole Son (Penrith GC), Noah McDonell (Fox Hills GC), Jesse Hardaker (Wentworth Falls CC).
Ti Fox in action at Murrumbidgee GC. Photos courtesy of Ethan Keane / JNJG
Kortni Houston and Ti Fox - Female and Male winners at JNJG HN ACT Week of Golf.
Strong Western Sydney contingent competing for Australian Amateur Title
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE adidas Australian Amateur returned to Melbourne for the second consecutive year (1417 January), with Commonwealth and Cranbourne golf clubs the hosts.
A field of 344 men and women teed off on Tuesday, with a massive 294 of those boasting Golf Australia handicaps better than scratch.
Seven Western Sydney players are in the Men’s and Women’s fields, including Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC), Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC), Chayse
Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC), Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge / Concord GC), Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC), Matthew Fullerton (Lynwood CC) and Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC), along with former western Sydney resident Camilla Kim (The Australian GC).
The format consists of four rounds of strokeplay for each championship, with the players alternating on the two courses on days one and two (Tuesday-Wednesday) then all players making the cut playing at Commonwealth for rounds three and four (Thursday-Friday).
Penrith GC ladies host annual Penrith Team Classic
PENRITH GC is hosting its annual Ladies Penrith Team Classic over 16-17th January, with 72 players registered to compete from the following clubs: Camden, Everglades, Gold Creek, Lakeside Camden, Moss Vale, Murfield, Nelson Bay, Richmond, Social Golf Australia, Stonecutters Ridge, The Ridge, Warringah and Windsor, along with a contingent from Penrith GC. Penrith GC head professional Jonathan Green is once again stepping up as the major sponsor, providing golf bags for the winners.
Club spokesperson Diane Montgomery said “All monies from the raffle on the day will go towards the Great Walk foundation, which helps local area people in need.
“We are playing a 2BBB on Thursday and a 2-.person Ambrose on Friday
“Scores are collated and tallied after two days - a concept we borrowed from Bonneville.
“The history of the event goes back to our first Classic in 2014 and Jonathan has been our major sponsor for the past 6-8 years.”
2025 REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY 2 DECEMBER
DON’T WAIT - REGISTER EARLY! JOIN THE STC FAMILY
Clair and follow the prompts.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Playing kit - shorts and socks
• Training shirt for under 5s - 13s
• Club polo for Under 14s - Opens
Clothing pick up days will be posted on the Club Page in the New Year Current Active Kids Vouchers are accepted.
Important information:
As per JL, Internal Transfers don’t open until 1st February 2025 and won’t be accepted prior to then.
Players are required to be registered to be able to train and covered by insurance. Teams from under 12s to Open are Train and Trial before teams are selected. If players are not chosen into a team then registration will be refunded.
Contact Club Registrar
- Michael Zammit via text 0412 531 935 or Club Page for more information.
Ti Fox and Coby Carruthers in action in 2024. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Penrith GC.
Western Sydney golfers chase NSW Amateur Title
TWENTY-
SEVEN players from Western Sydney are currently entered for the NSW Amateur Championships, which are being held at both Lynwood CC and Stonecutters Ridge GC from 20-24th January.
Stonecutters Ridge GC leads the nomination list, with Savannah Webb, Annoushka Maikap, Daniel Beattie, Lia Lavelle, Suzanne Fairhurst, Nihal Gaunder and Ryan Cadle. Penrith GC has three entrants, being Dale Hughes, Jessica Fog and Michael Elliott, Lynwood with two (Matt Nathan, Matthew Fullerton); Dunheved with 2 (Craig Williams, Dilly Burazin);
Leonay with 1 (Adam Brennen), Blackheath with 1 (Joshua Thomas).
Other western Sydney players entered are Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC), Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC), Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC), Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge / Concord GC), Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) and Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC).
Four additional players are on the Reserves list, including Sean Sammons, Ryan Suckling and Jacob Carpenter (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Kolby Thurgood (Lynwood CC).
The tournament is both a National (GA) and World Ranking Events (WAGR), open to amateur golfers who hold a current Australian or
overseas equivalent GC handicap that does not exceed 5.4 for men and 12.4 for women. Club Champions (MEN) from NSW Golf Clubs were eligible to enter the Championship, if their GA handicap is greater than 5.4.
The NSW Medal (Men) is played over the two courses, featuring two rounds of 18-holes stroke play over two days. The winner of the 36 holes stroke play section of the Championship is the winner of the NSW Medal.
The NSW Stroke Play (Women) is also played over two courses, featuring two rounds of 18-holes stroke play over two days. The winner of the 36 holes stroke play section of the Championship is the winner of the NSW Stroke Play Championship.
The Men’s Champion of Champions
will be played in conjunction with the NSW Medal, whilst the Women’s Champion of Champions is held separately on a different date.
The leading 32 male players from the NSW Medal (who have nominated to play in the NSW Amateur) will be eligible to compete in the Men’s NSW Amateur Championship Match Play, with each match played over 18-holes, other than the Final, which is played over 36-holes.
The leading 16 female players from the NSW Stroke Play (who have nominated to play in the NSW Amateur) will be eligible to compete in the Women’s NSW Amateur Championship Match Play, with each match played over 18-holes, other than the Final, which is played over 36-holes.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Blake Hodges and Craig Williams in action in 2024. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Panthers unveils 2025 Warm Up Tee
Penrith Panthers is proud to unveil the 2025 warm-up tee, a striking nod to the club’s heritage.
BY PANTHERS
THE design draws inspiration from the Panthers’ iconic jersey worn between 1997 and 1999, which is the jersey the team donned during the inaugural NRL season. This was the year that Hall of Famer Royce Simmons served as the coach, and Panthers legend Steve Carter captained the side, marking
a significant chapter in the club’s history.
The Panthers NRL squad will wear the throwback tee during warm up at all NRL matches this year, bringing a wave of nostalgia to the members and fans.
The warm up tee is available for purchase at the Panther Shop in store and online, allowing fans to own a piece of Panthers history.
Penrith hosts 2025 OCA Canoe Slalom Continental Championships
THE Western Sydney Whitewater Club will host the 2025 Oceania Canoe Association (OCA) Canoe Slalom Continental Championships from Friday 24th - Sunday 26th January.
Entry lists are still to be confirmed but all of
Australia’s top paddlers are sure to be in attendance, headlined by World and Olympic champion Jess Fox OAM, Olympic gold medallist Noemie Fox, and fellow Australian Olympians Tim Anderson, Tristan Carter and Lucien Delfour.
Heats in Kayak events will be held on Friday
morning, Canoe heats on Friday afternoon, Canoe Finals on Saturday morning, Kayak Finals on Saturday afternoon and Kayak Cross on Sunday.
Further details in next week’s edition of the Nepean News.
MEDIA
Action from the 2024 Oceania Championships. Left: Jess Fox OAM (AUS). Right: Timothy ANDERSON (AUS) Photos by Noel Rowsell
