Nepeannews 18december2014

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ISSUE 140

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PENRITH City Council will regenerate and restore a regionally significant wetland and adjacent Cumberland Plain Woodland to improve water quality entering the Penrith Lakes and Nepean River.

Council has received funding for the project from the Federal Government, enabling restoration of about 20 hectares of bush and wetlands in Cranebrook.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the project will take four years to complete starting with bush regeneration in stage one of the project.

“The project will ultimately improve the quality of water entering the Penrith Lakes and Hawkesbury-Nepean River system and increase the amount and quality of habitat for wetland plants and animals,” Cr Fowler said.

“It will also improve the condition and resilience of the bushland and increase its extent through bush regeneration.”

Funding will be used to complete a number of activities including: • development of a Vegetation Management Plan for the Wetland and Cumberland Plain Woodland; • wetland restoration; • Cumberland Plain Woodland restoration; • Construction of a stormwater treatment wetland (stage two); • Community engagement including the establishment of a Bushcare group; and • Enhanced access to the site through improvements to tracks and signage.

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4 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Advertising Representative: Journalist: Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Sergio Carrasco 0413 461 017 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Steve Koen 0408 795 928 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

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

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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

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by Kerrie Davies AS we pack up our desks following our last edition for the year here at Nepean News, we are usually joking, singing and passing around the champagne - and basically slipping into holiday mode at a cracking pace.

This year, however, there’s a sadness and heavyhearted vibe in the air.

Two innocent Aussies have lost their lives and many others have been through horrors that they’ll probably never get over - and terror has struck the heart of our beautiful city of Sydney.

And although many will say it was always only a matter of time, myself included, there’s shock and disbelief that our vulnerability has been exposed, our innocence violated, and the clock can never be turned back.

The last 48 hours have struck through the kind and generous heart of our fun-loving peaceful nation.

A city brought to a standstill, the vision of horror on the faces of everyday Aussies simply grabbing or serving a coffee at the wrong place at the wrong time, and a deranged lunatic at the helm requesting THAT flag.

Nothing can bring back the heroes who died trying to fight him, nothing can erase the pain of those hostages and families who went through so many hours of terror.

But there are many questions and issues that absolutely have to be addressed - for the answers carry the hope of our future.

As I write this, the picture of Martin Place covered in flowers reminds me of the strength, resilience and mateship that makes Australia the greatest nation in the world.

That can never be lost - because our very soul would be destroyed.

In the aftermath of the most terrifying of circumstances, it is hoped we can all rise above it and enjoy a Merry Christmas.

Hug your family a little tighter this year.

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STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has welcomed the news that following the incredible support shown by seniors and pensioners who visited the Opal Kiosk in Penrith Westfield last month to order their Gold Senior/Pensioner card, the kiosk will return next week.

The Opal information kiosk will be located at Penrith Westfield from 16-19 December to assist those wanting a card. The kiosk will

Ross Fowler

operate Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm and Thursday from 9.00am to 8.00pm “It’s terrific to see that seniors and pensioners in the Penrith community have embraced Opal,” Stuart Ayres said.

The Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is available for NSW Seniors, Pensioner Concession card holders and NSW War Widows.

Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Opal kiosk returns

5

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Extra bin collections PENRITH Council is providing extra bin collections this Christmas to allow households to cope with any extra waste they may have during the festive period. Council will provide two weeks of extra collections from 22 December to 2 January 2015 where residents can place all three bins kerbside for collection.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the need for waste services tends to increase around Christmas Day. “There is an increase in household waste and recycling directly around Christmas Day. Our residents do an excellent job of recycling and reducing waste at this time of year,” Cr Fowler said.

“In providing an effective service and keeping waste management costs low for the community, Council is providing two weeks of additional collections, similar to that provided in the past.”

“Council constantly monitors its spending on services to the community and in relation to last year’s additional waste collection services we found in the latter two weeks of the program many households did not require the additional services.”

“Our residents have been

consciously reducing their waste which has resulted in savings to the community.”

During the weeks of extra collections, residents should place all bins out on the kerbside the evening before their normal collection day.

“To make sure all extra bins are

emptied, the trucks and drivers are starting early and working longer hours than normal, so please leave your bins at the kerbside until they are emptied,” Cr Fowler said.

Bin collections will go ahead even if the collection day falls on a public holiday.

Scam alert NSW Fair Trading is warning consumers about scammers and training marketers posing as government officials to get residents to hand over their personal information.

Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said NSW Fair Trading had received reports from consumers in Yeoval following an approach from two men offering free computers when the consumer signed up to free computer lessons.

“A family were visited by two men telling them they were eligible for a free computer and lessons as part of a government program for people who earn less than $50,000,” he said.

“They took photos of the consumer’s driver’s licence, birth certificate and details of her tax file number and the consumers haven’t received any follow up or any free computer.”

A similar scam has been identified where a consumer was approached by two men offering a free lap top if the consumer signed up for a training course.

To report a scam or complaint about a Training Provider, call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or go to www.scamwatch.gov.au.

7 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Community infrastructure grants announced THE Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has announced that 13 grant applications would receive a share of $300,000 total for community infrastructure committed to rebuilding NSW and creating local jobs.

The funding has been provided under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program.

Tanya Davies said she was delighted the NSW Premier Mike Baird announced the roll out of these 13 local projects as part of over 1500 throughout NSW. “There was a strong level of interest from the community for the available funds, with almost 3,000 applications received across NSW. “Local businesses and construction jobs will benefit from this community infrastructure program, as will families and residents in the local community,” Tanya Davies said.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job ensuring a stronger and better Mulgoa electorate as part of our plan to rebuild NSW. 7 of the 13 local projects to receive funding from the NSW Government are: 1. Glenmore Park Football Club = $50,000 for Ched Towns Reserve drainage,

2. Riding For The Disabled (NSW) Nepean Centre = $40,865 for upgrades and construction of accessible indoor arena spectator area, 3. St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, St Marys = $35,000 for replacing termite damaged roof and ceiling of church hall, 4.

Penrith City Softball Association = $28,679 for lights for batting cages, 5. St Clair Hawks Cricket Club = $27,542 for Cricket Nets Upgrade at Cook and Banks Oval, St Clair, 6. Wallacia Public School P&C Association = $16,977 for LED School Sign, and 7. St Clair United Soccer Club = $15,000 for turfing and watering systems for soccer fields.

“Since 2011 it’s been a privilege to support community projects that make a real difference to our community in the Mulgoa electorate, worth $1 million.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits of these local projects announced today for Mulgoa as they are undertaken and more importantly put into use.

“Mike Baird and the NSW Government understand the importance of community

infrastructure grants while we roll out a record $61.5 billion on infrastructure over 4 years on projects. The NSW Liberals & Nationals also have a clear plan to unlock an additional $20

billion for infrastructure if re-elected in March 2015 for schools, hospitals, public transport, sports and culture, roads and regional water that will rebuild NSW,” Tanya Davies said.

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Have your say on Jane Street upgrades LOCAL Federal and State Members Fiona Scott and Stuart Ayres have invited the local community to have their say on a congestion busting package for Jane Street and Castlereagh/Mulgoa Roads, in Penrith.

“The Australian and NSW governments last year jointly committed $70 million to improve travel times and release the traffic bottleneck along Castlereagh/ Mulgoa Road and at the Jane Street intersection. This section of road is a major pain point for our community which becomes heavily congested in peak times often backing up well past Coreen Avenue,” Fiona Scott said.

“Recently, the railway bridge under pass flooded twice causing massive delays. In some cases the congestion has taken in excess of two hours to clear. This busy intersection no longer meets the needs of our community.

“Investigations have clearly demonstrated the bulk of traffic are traveling in a North/South direction from Castlereagh Road on to Mulgoa Road and beyond.

“Investigations found widening Castlereagh Road from Museum Drive through to Union Street on

Mulgoa Road, as well as improving the Jane and High Street intersections would significantly improve traffic movement. It would also as fix the railway underpass from flooding once and for all.

“As two infrastructure governments working together to build the roads of the 21st century, we have listened to our local community and we committed to fixing this vital artery in our city.

“This upgrade comes over and above our joint $3.6 billion western Sydney infrastructure package, an

investment in our future and sure to transform the region’s economy, slash travel times for motorists and create many new local jobs,” Fiona Scott added.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomed the update on this vital local infrastructure. “This congestion busting package of work includes widening the existing rail underpass to allow three lanes in each direction on Castlereagh Road and a left turn lane into Jane Street,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We all know these roads need

greater capacity. So we are getting on with the job of fixing it.” “It’s now time for the community to have their say on the preferred option to build an additional lane north and southbound on Mulgoa Road and Castlereagh Road between Museum Drive and Union Road. “This is a commonsense solution to a well know problem area,” added Stuart Ayres. “Additional capacity would also be provided for vehicles turning left onto Mulgoa Road from Jane Street, right onto High Street from Mulgoa Road and left onto High Street.” A community update will be distributed this month to local residents inviting them to have a say and to help refine the preferred option with further work to be carried out to develop longer term improvements.

The Update is also available on the RMS website.

Written feedback is invited by Friday 30 January to Jane Street and Mulgoa Road infrastructure upgrades c/o Roads and Maritime Services, PO Box 973, Parramatta CBD NSW 2124, or by email to penrithaccessimprovements@rms. nsw.gov.au For more information on projects developing in the Penrith area visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ roadprojects

9 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Look out, candidates about

By Kerrie Davies

THERE’S only 14 weeks to go until the next state election, and our local candidates are out in full force.

They’re at train stations, shopping centres, sporting events and there’s mobile offices popping up all over the place.

It has been a big year and we’ve heard some big announcements. We’ve heard some major infrastructure announcements and we’ve seen some cuts as the government tries to tighten up expenditure to sharpen up the accounting books.

This week we saw sitting Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies and Labor Candidate Todd Carney out and about door knocking and talking to residents. We saw Labor Candidate for Londonderry Prue Car

and Liberal Candidate for Londonderry Bernard Bratusa hard at it hitting the train stations early in the mornings.

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres could be forgiven for not being seen out and about much in the last couple of days - as Police and Emergency Services Minister at the centre of the devastating siege in Martin Place

I think we’d all agree he’s had an extra tough week at the office.

Election Day is March 28, so strap yourself in and get set for lots of announcements, a lot of visiting Ministers and Shadow Ministers and a smiling candidate almost everywhere you look!

Help seriously ill children this Christmas

By Kerrie Davies

SPARE a thought - and hopefully a bit of cash - this Christmas for families who wont be able to spend the special time at home together due to the hospitalisation of a child.

As a parent its hard to imagine anything more devastating than a child born or diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness.

Trying to cope with a very sick baby would be worrying enough in itself, but imagine the associated challenges, such as being close at hand at all times and trying to keep a stable structure for your other children.

Help is at hand in the form of the Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Nepean Hospital, but donations are always needed to keep it available for families in need.

Penrith is full of good-hearted people who want to help those in need, especially at Christmas, so here’s a way to help families with seriously ill children.

I spoke to Nepean Family Room Coordinator Meagan Preston about it and she said anyone wanting to donate for Christmas would be welcomed and greatly appreciated.

“People can drop donations at anytime they just need to buzz the unit door. I am here Monday to Friday 9am -230pm , however if I am not here the nurses will gladly take them and give them to us,” Meagan said.

“I would love to be able to send people a thank you so their name and phone number and address left

with the parcel would be great.”

Providing a comfortable haven within the hospital for families with children undergoing medical treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Family Room has two bedrooms with ensuites, a kitchen, lounge and dining area, play area, a mother’s breast feeding room and a quiet room.

Staffed by volunteers, there is always a need for more sets of hands, so if you have some spare time why not look into helping out next year?

“We are always looking for volunteers to work a three-hour shift and we have a few spaces for next year if they are interested to call and I can send them

the application or they can contact me on 0408 47 33 15,” Meagan said.

Max Stuart entered the world he was six weeks early, a tiny 1400 grams and diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome. Any one of the above would mean a worrying time for any parent, so the combination presented a frightening and challenging time for Max’s mum, Natalie.

Having moved to the Gold Coast prior to falling pregnant, Natalie’s parents and siblings were back here in Sydney, and Natalie was looking forward to having her first baby when complications arose.

Her local hospital, Tweed Heads, was unable to offer the care that was required so Natalie was rushed to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane.

“My little boy, Max was born via emergency C section, over six weeks early and weighing only 1400 grams. Max had to spend his first weeks in Neonatal ICU and I was only kept in hospital for the usual three days when I was discharged,” Natalie said.

“It was a very stressful time, and Ronald McDonald House was able to offer me a place to stay close to the hospital so that I could spend every waking moment with my little boy.

“Without the support from Ronald McDonald house I would have had to spend many hours driving to and from our home and the hospital, and couldn’t have offered my son the love and attention that he so desperately needed in his first weeks.

“Their facility is fantastic and really is a little home away from home,” Natalie said.

Natalie and Max are now living back in western Sydney and Max is doing just fine; one of the happiest little fellas you’ll ever meet.

11 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Getting nowhere fast: speed kills

By Kerrie Davies

AS we head into the festive season, Sylvia and Darren Falls and their son Kurt will be forced to spend another Christmas without their beloved daughter Candice. It has now been four years since she was tragically killed in a car accident on the Great Western Highway at Colyton, so we thought we would re-run her story in the hope that it reinforces the dangers of speeding to our young residents.

December 11, 2010 began just like any other day for Sylvia and Darren Falls; but it ended more tragically than any parent could imagine and would be forever marked as the day they lost their beautiful daughter Candice.

Bubbly, popular, beautiful and just 19 years old, Candice was killed on impact when she was ejected from the back seat of a speeding car when it hit a pole at 2.15pm on the Great Western Highway at Colyton. She was ten weeks pregnant.

Sylvia Falls was shopping in St Marys that fateful day as the sirens screamed up the highway, and as she got home at approximately 5pm she received a call from a friend.

“Is Candice okay?” asked the caller, “I just saw ‘rip Candice Falls’ on facebook.”

Not realising at first that ‘rip’ meant ‘Rest in Peace’ Sylvia wasn’t overly alarmed as she called Candice’ mobile phone - a call that would never be answered.

Sylvia and Candice had been shopping together the night before and she’d spoken to her daughter just a few hours earlier at 1.45pm to see if she wanted to go to Ripples as it was a hot day. Little did she know as she hung up from that call her beloved daughter had less than an hour to live.

Candice, her boyfriend, a male friend and a female friend were planning to go to Cables and after calling Darren, Sylvia called the female friend. The friend had actually never been picked up, because it was on the way to pick up the fourth passenger that the car had crashed and ripped in half – never reaching its destination.

“You’ve got to come to Westmead hospital, Candice has been in a terrible accident,” the friend said.

Meanwhile, Candice’ father, Darren was in the city about to hop on a boat for a cruise when he received the call from Sylvia.

“Why are people writing ‘rip Candice’ on facebook?” Sylvia asked.

In an effort not to alarm her, Darren down-played the meaning and dismissed it as something silly kids write – but immediately began calling hospitals and friends to see what he could find out. When he finally located a friend who knew what had happened, the response was the most chilling words Darren would ever hear.

“She’s gone, man, she’s gone,” the friend said.

The two shattered parents headed towards Westmead from opposite directions; Darren in shock at the news that their daughter had gone and Sylvia worried about how bad the accident was and whether Candice was hurt – unaware that her daughter had actually lost her life more than three hours before.

“I headed to Westmead to be with her, little did I know she was already at the Coroner,” Sylvia reflected sadly.

The parents met at Westmead hospital and the news was confirmed; the two injured boys were there but Candice was at the Coroner. Her short life of 19 years had come to a heart-wrenching end. Police arrived at 8.30 and officially confirmed their daughter was deceased.

“It’s a long time to wait,” Darren said. “Even though we knew long before then that there was no hope, we wanted details, we were saying just give us something.”

For Sylvia, the news of her daughter’s passing was the beginning of a nightmare that was about to get worse; Candice needed to be formally identified.

“I felt I needed to see her, so I thought it best that I go,” Sylvia said.

“I wish now that I hadn’t, as that picture will remain with me forever.

It didn’t look like Candice. She’d been gone for many hours by then and the swelling from her brain injury and the efforts to revive her made her look

nothing like my daughter. The shock really set in from seeing that she was wearing the clothes that she’d bought while we were shopping together the night before.”

Although the exact speed of the car is unconfirmed, it has been said that the car was travelling “in the high hundreds” along the stretch of road that has an 80 kilometre speed limit.

As the news of the fatal accident spread, friends and family flocked to the pole, where a candlelight vigil was held.

Her facebook page, which bore the ultrasound image of her unborn baby as a profile picture, was flooded with messages for “Candii baby and her jellybean.”

Candice never stood a chance in the crash, and now her vibrant personality and winning smile has been lost to the thousands of people she touched during her short time on earth.

Friends from the schools she attended; South Penrith Public, Mary McKillop, Caroline Chisholm and Kingswood High, those who played baseball with her over the years and the little ones she coached and was coaching for the second year at the time of her death, and countless others who came into contact with her.

But her memory will never be forgotten.

Still to this day, many cars in the area display a sticker honouring Candice as a reminder that speed kills. Many young drivers still don’t heed the message.

In an accident that was over in seconds, Candice lost her life, her parents were robbed of their only daughter, her brother Kurt was robbed of his only sister, her boyfriend lost his girl and baby - and a hole was left in the hearts of a thousand others.

Charges have been laid, and the knowledge that speeding up the Great Western has cost a young girl her life has no doubt ruined another life.

“I just miss her,” said Darren, “She was so loveable, considerate and very giving. She was the type of girl who if she was down to her last ten dollars she’d give it to someone she thought needed it rather than keep it.”

For Sylvia, the days are forever etched with the horror of the loss of her only daughter and the occasions that will never be celebrated.

“Not a minute goes by that I’m not thinking of her,” Sylvia said.

“It is a horrible, horrible thing to have to endure. I know that there is nothing that we could have done to prevent it, but I can’t help but think ‘what if’ and ‘if only’.

“Every single day a new thought pops in my head that brings the shock all back again. I used to have a pigeon pair, now I have an only child; I will never celebrate her 21st, or enjoy grandchildren from her.”

“We just need to get the message out there – don’t show off, be responsible in a vehicle and don’t speed. “ Candice Falls is gone from this life forever. Her death serves as a stark reminder that speeding is never cool.

Things you think you need to get to in a hurry could never be as important as protecting your life or those with you and around you.

Speed kills. RIP Candice.

Park upgrades ready PARENTS and children will be able to enjoy new playground equipment at Werrington Lakes when completed this week that includes a water play facility. The new equipment is nearing completion with Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM inspecting the playground this Thursday.

Councillor Fowler said the new facilities are a fantastic new addition to the playground.

“The addition of water play is one that will be favourably received,”

Councillor Fowler said. “The new works to the park include picnic shelters and seating, a barbeque, landscaping and outdoor gym equipment.

“Families will be able to come to the park to relax in a safe, friendly environment which boasts something for everyone.”

Further works in the New Year will provide shade over the water play area, a new bridge over the creek and installation of signage, seating and art works.

Toe-tapping fun

WHAT better way to bring in the festive season than with music?

Penrith shoppers were treated to a five-piece brass band roaming around

High Street this week, ensuring locals did their Christmas shopping with a bit more bounce in their step.

What a great city we live in!

Stay safe in summer AS another hot summer arrives Penrith Council is urging residents to be vigilant and stay safe against possible high temperatures, fires, storms or floods.

Council plays key roles in supporting emergency service agencies during local emergencies to get important information out quickly during times of crisis.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said Council and emergency service agencies have key roles and responsibilities during disasters, as do the residents of Penrith.

“We want to help make our residents more resilient during emergency events, and focus on, as well as prepare for and deal with, events such as storms, fire and flood, which happen more around this time of year,” Councillor Fowler said.

During the upcoming summer, Council will promote useful information for residents on social

media such as Facebook and Twitter as well as in local newspapers and on local radio. We will also give useful links to emergency service agency websites where more detailed information is available.

During an emergency such as a bush fire, you may receive an emergency warning via your telephone.

The Emergency Alert system is a national system which can deliver voice message warnings via landline or text messages to mobile telephones.

There is no need to register.

Messages are sent to landline telephones, such as home phones, based on the handset location. Please follow all instructions from emergency services.

To keep your finger on the pulse and receive regular Facebook and Twitter posts, follow the links on Council’s website’s home page at www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

13 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

THE G SPOT

WELL here it is kidz the end of another glorious year (Where the hell did it go?). With Chrissy only next week (and no shopping done yet …holy crap!!!!) I must say that I have been extremely humbled, overwhelmed and at times having groups hugs from fans that that have dabbled in and followed my Gspot throughout the year.

I wish to thank you all for allowing me to share my experiences and pain with me. From drunken boneheads, to phlegm spitting/eating fans of the Gspot, car security, fully “ SICBRO” number plates, home security, flatulent cats, anxious overweight gold fish, 75 smelly family members in a caravan to save on accommodation cost and

an uncle that had bladder problems.

Yes folks, you have seen all and been there on the front line with me.

So …with New Year’s Eve just around the corner, I guess it is fair to say that the beloved boneheads will be grooming themselves for the drunken night of their lives. These folks are the clowns that create the most carnage in the shortest period of time and then end up asleep near a water fountain in their own vomit. (Great night…

Thumbs up, ya champion!).

Now …I know you are ALL sincerely hanging on the edge of your seat right now waiting on some amazing worldly advice on my take on New Year’s Eve ( Similar to the announcement of the winner is …

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

SYDNEY… same excitement right?)

Ummmm hmmmmmm ok let me think (Scratch scratch) - Just stay safe, drink responsibility (or don’t drink at all) don’t drink and drive, organise a designated driver (or take public transport) organise your night, stay home and have a BBQ, make sure your pets are safe and your yard is secure and don’t be a drunken or one-punch bonehead.

Also, if you have a home or business make sure you have security in place; alarms, deadlocks, back to base monitoring. If you are going away, get someone to stay at your house or organise security patrols for your business (Quick plug there).

It is also a time for celebration

not fights and arguments, Police don’t have time to attend stupid domestics over what colour the fireworks are, or your uncle’s cousin’s sister’s brother said something stupid like you’re fat and ugly. It is about a New Year, new slate, new canvas and a fresh start.

(Be happy).

So there you have it folks, the last Gspot for 2014 and as I hear the angels signing, the birds chirping and the possums ironing my work clothes, I wish you and all of your loved ones a very safe, happy and a boneheadfree zone for the festive season.

NOTE: No animals were harmed in the writing of this column. The goldfish went to weight watchers.

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My Favourite Place – Vaughan Humphreys McQuade Park has a special place in Vaughan Humphreys’ heart.

By Greg Martin

HAVING known former Penrith Panthers centre, Vaughan Humphreys for many years, it really came as no surprise when one of the Hawkesbury’s best-known faces told me his favourite place is Windsor’s picturesque McQuade Park.

The green sward of the famous sporting field has played a major part in the life of the 63-year-old – summer and winter.

A topflight cricketer and footballer, Vaughan should know every blade of grass on McQuade Park by its first name!

A quality all-rounder at the flannelled-fools game, Vaughan, still actively involved in cricket at Masters level, played umpteen seasons with Windsor RSL where he starred with bat and ball.

A hard-hitting right hander, Vaughan was also pretty adept with ball in hand – his accurate medium pace bowling ensured he was always amongst the wicket-takers during his many seasons toiling away on McQuade Park and the district’s other cricket grounds.

Vaughan, who grew up in Ashfield, was good enough as to play lower grades with Western Suburbs in the Sydney Grade Cricket competitions and at just the tender age of 16, represented NSW at under 21 level.

On the football scene, Vaughan, was a skilful centre at both Rugby Union and Rugby League.

He played junior Rugby growing up in inner Sydney and then later at in the New England while attending Armidale Teachers College but when he moved to Windsor in 1973, he switched to league.

“I went up to Armidale and represented the college in the local competition and was fortunate enough to earn selection in a couple

of New England representative sides which went to Country Week and also played against a visiting French national side,” Vaughan said.

“We had a good side in those days and among my team-mates were Australian Test players Peter Horton and the great Greg Cornelsen.

“But when I moved to the Hawkesbury to take up my first teaching position – my first job was spending three years at the oneteacher Gunderman Public School – I was talked into pulling on a league jumper with Windsor.”

Vaughan was also successful in the new code, pulling on the Windsor jersey over many seasons in Penrith District Junior Rugby League A Grade and in the Metropolitan Cup, which was then the second-tier competition in Sydney.

And also good enough to earn a contract with the Penrith Panthers during the 1976-77 seasons in which he made 14 appearances in the top grade.

Vaughan came back to play two more seasons with Windsor before hanging up the boots.

But in 1987 he dusted off the cobwebs to play third grade alongside a couple of ex-leaguies in the Hawkesbury Valley Rugby Union’s inaugural third grade side.

“Blokes like Dail Milller, Rodney Davies, Jack Dempsey and Lindsay West decided to give the new club a hand – we loved,” Vaughan said.

It was the start of an abiding love affair with the Hawks for Vaughan.

Down the years he coached throughout all the grades, became a committeeman and held positions such as treasurer and president.

“I am still a committeeman but have taken a backward step in the administrative side of the game in recent seasons,” Vaughan explained.

“But this place,” Vaughan said, sweeping his hand around McQade Park. “Will always be a special place for me.”

15 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

localnews local

16 Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

ON my first day as a cadet journalist, the revered sports editor of the sadly departed Daily Mirror, Pat “Sitting Pat” Farrell, offered me words of wisdom which I have heeded to this day.

“Young Harpo, if you sit on a bus

Nita McHugh has made a success out of life and business.

with 60 people, there’s 60 good stories waiting to be written,” Pat said.

Nita McHugh wasn’t sitting on a bus when I met her for the first time.

She was one of a number of Nepean News editorial contributors and advertisers who were wined and dined at our Christmas Party in a leading Penrith restaurant last Friday.

Nita, attractive, vivacious and dee-lightful, is the owner of Penrith’s Rejuven8 Cosmetic Clinic and Rejuven8 Body Studio and a regular contributor to these pages with her Ask Nita column.

I had only been chatting with Nita for a few minutes when Pat Farrell’s astute advice started whirling around in my noggin’.

Daughter of post-war immigrants from Greece who worked their butts off to give their three children a better life and an education.

Nita studied hard at school and later at university to become a Registered Nurse and then continued her education into the burgeoning world of cosmetic surgery and then nine years ago, setting up her own business.

Another chapter in Nita’s life began last April when her 32-year-old

son, Mathew, sustained horrific leg injuries in a hang gliding accident at Warriewood.

Since then she has done what mothers worldwide do when their son or daughter is in trouble – come to his or her aid with both guns blazing.

Once he was out of hospital, Nita brought her son back home where she provided all the love and support she could shower on him to help him overcome his injuries.

Yes, Nita McHugh was certainly a “bus” person!

Nita’s story is once again one of those yarns which warm the cockles of all Australian hearts.

And like many of her fellow Nepean residents, Nita, although born and raised outside of the area, has developed a, well, yes, love for the people of Penrith and its beautiful surrounds.

“We have been operating in Penrith for nine years now and all of us at Rejuven8 just love it,” Nita explained.

And all of us is, well, nearly as many people who boarded that “story bus”.

Well, there’s Nita of course and her devoted practice manager, Jacqui

Mann, four doctors, three nurses, four fitness consultants and two administrative officers.

“My research showed that there were not many cosmetic clinics in western Sydney and my ambition was to bring a professional and quality clinic to the Nepean so people wouldn’t need to go into to city,” Nita said.

“My aim was to employ highlytrained staff who would enhance people’s features instead of distorting them.”

As she said that, I had the distinct impression that Nita was intently studying my face – but maybe I was just distorting the look!

Nita said she loves people of Penrith because of their “down to earth attitude”.

Nita Koutsomihalis was born in Home Hill in 1954 in Far North Queensland to Antonia and Theodore who had migrated to Australia the previous year with little Nita’s two older siblings, Dimitri (Jim) and John.

“Dad served as a soldier during the war and later in the partisan (Greek Civil) war from 1946-49 and was desperately keen to leave the troubles of Greece behind and find a

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Now, let’s head back to Nita and Mathew.

When Mathew left hospital to begin his recovery in both body and mind, he moved back home to live with his mother and younger sister, Antonia, who is studying neuro science at university.

“Mathew’s injuries were truly horrific and caused him to have his left leg amputated just below the knee while his shattered right leg is encased in a cast,” Nita said.

“His glider was caught in a down draft which slammed him into a cliff face – fortunately the parachute somehow managed to get caught up on the cliff which prevented him from falling many metres to his death.

“Mathew told me that as he hung there waiting for his eventual rescue he ‘died’ and went down a tunnel where my deceased Uncle Michael, whom he had never met, told him he couldn’t leave his mother, sister and girlfriend, Sandra, alone.

“So he came back to us with a determination to live and make the most of his life.”

Now, is that a bus story or is that a bus story?

Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

safe and secure home for his young family,” Nita said.

So Down Under they went to the Land of Plenty where the always hardworking Theo found employment in the back-breaking cane fields of FNQ. “Dad worked in the cane for three years before bringing the family south to Paddington where at night he worked as a labourer in a glass factory and during the day helped mum run a delicatessen they had established in William Street,” Nita said.

Nita was educated at Bondi Beach Public and later, when the family relocated, at St George High after which she began her three years training to become a RN. Nita first stepped into the world of cosmetic surgery and clinics when she linked with the renowned cosmetic physician Dr Soo- keat Lim in his clinic at Parramatta where she developed skills which led to her establishing award-winning Rejuvena8.

Yes, in 2011 Rejuevan8 won the major prize at Penrith Small Business Awards.

Nita and Rejuvena8 are renowned as “soft touches” for any organisations and schools conducting fundraising activities by providing vouchers to be

17

Nita McHugh, RN, on her graduation day with proud parents, Antonia and Theodore Koutsomihalis.

Nita McHugh nominated as a Legend of the Nepean

by Greg Martin.

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

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localnews local

18 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to the editor to kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

HARPO’S marks - what a great article on the media frenzy over Phillip Hughes’ tragic death.

Love reading your words each edition mate but in particular this week (Dec 11) you said exactly what we’ve all been thinking in our house.

T. Jenkins, Penrith THANK you Editor Kerrie for writing a well put together piece regarding the Islamic development. I agree with you entirely, when do everyday people who aren’t carrying on like numskulls get a voice?

I also thought you made a very good point when you pointed out that not all Muslims are terrorists so why are all concerned people bigots and racists?

Exceptional opinion piece.

D.Walker, St Marys Dear editor Kerrie Davies.

You ARE a bigot. That is all.

J. Smith, Cambridge Park

WITH regards to the approval for the Islamic Prayer Hall In Kemps Creek, shame that both sides have let themselves be taken to extremes. The motion to rescind should’ve been supported for lack of consultation. Nothing to do with race or religion - community was not able to voice concerns due to lacking consultative process. That’s it.

Start from the start, engage the locals and resolve the concerns of those who object under the LEP. Shame on council for denying their electors their democratic rights to rightly object.

TJ Jenkins

LAST week’s Harpo’s Marks - legendary piece!

Ian Martin, Glenmore Park HARPO’S Marks - What a great article, keep up the good work.

C.Miller, St Clair

I’M just sending a note to say thank you to the team at Nepean News for producing such a fine magazine. The local content, the history, the acknowledgement of our extra special local people in the Legends of the Nepean articles are something to look forward to every (second) week.

I also love the opinion pieces from the editor’s desk and Harop’s Marks. What great reading. Thank you!!

S.Clarke Jamisontown

I READ with interest “From the Editor’s desk” (Nov 27). How refreshing to see someone in the media write from the heart, especially on a topic that against the tide these days.

I can see you are not a “chest pounding supremacist”.

You are just a concerned citizen and you can bet your bottom dollar there’s loads more of us out here.

And to those people out there who say such an opinion is racist, I ask them, exactly where is the nation of Islam located?

Jean French, St Marys

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POLICE FILES

Bidwill home invasion

POLICE are appealing for information after a teenage boy was injured when three males entered a home in Bidwill on Monday.

About 4pm, three people entered a house on Bunya Road.

One of the trio had a machete, while another had a pistol.

A 46-year-old man was threatened with the pistol and a 16-year-old boy was threatened with the machete.

The 16-year-old boy was assaulted with the machete, leaving him with a wound to one of his arms. The trio ran from the house and emergency services were contacted.

Ambulance paramedics assessed the teenager on site for his arm wound as well as a suspected broken arm.

The 46-year-old and five other children, in the house at the time were not hurt

Police are seeking public help to identify three men who might be able to help with inquiries.

The man with the machete is believed to be of Pacific Islander/ Maori appearance, approximately 190cm tall and of muscular build.. Police are making further inquiries to obtain descriptions of the other males.

The other two males are believed to be of Caucasian appearance. The person with the firearm was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com. au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Rescue successful

Missing man deceased

Two bushwalkers have been rescued from Mount Tomah, in the Blue Mountains.

About 9.30am on Sunday, a 38-yearold man and 37-year-old woman attended Katoomba Police Station to collect a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

The couple also completed a form, advising police they were going for a bushwalk at Claustral Canyon, in Mount Tomah.

About 9pm, emergency services attended the canyon when the couple’s PLB was activated.

Officers from the Blue Mountains Police Rescue attended and conducted a search of the area, with assistance from the NSW Ambulance Special Casualty Access Team (SCAT).

A NSW Ambulance Helicopter conducted aerial searches of the location.

Just after 11pm, the pair was located in dense bushland and assisted from the location by rescuers.

The man and woman, from Sylvania, weren’t injured but were assessed by ambulance paramedics at the scene.

Police have located what is believed to be the body of a man reported missing from the lower Blue Mountains.

The 35-year-old Mount Riverview man was reported missing last week.

Police were told Mr Coogan attended Penrith Plaza with a housemate about 9.30am on Tuesday (9 December 2014), before going to Blacktown on his own. He had not been seen since and was reported missing by his family who were concerned that he was without medication that he relied on.

About 3pm on Saturday, members of a search team located a body in bushland at Mount Riverview.

While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be the missing man.

A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of the man’s death; however, police do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.

Police thank members of the media and the community for their assistance in this matter.

Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

19

20 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Bunny that broke her leg

Nepean

1

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 1300wellpet

SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

By Dr Tony Karolis

THIS is the story of a little bunny that broke her leg. The Smith family had only just welcomed this little fluffy handful into their home when after a few days they noticed she was limping.

Mrs Smith brought her in to WellPet Mountains Animal Hospital. Dr Yui

Before surgery

was first to examined the bunny. She noted that she had an obvious limp and Dr Yui was suspicious it may be broken. Dr Yui recommended an x-ray to help confirm this diagnosis.

The x-rays - as you can see in picture 1 - show a fracture in the little bunny’s mid tibia area in her left hind leg. Dr Yui recommended surgery to help stabilise and align the broken bones so that they can heal and fuse back together. This surgery wasn’t without grave risk.

This little bunny is only 8 weeks of age and weighing a very fragile 400g

meaning she is much more sensitive to a general anaesthesia. WellPet Vets were able to perform this surgery without complication thanks to the latest in monitoring equipment and expert staff that remained by her side for the entire procedure. Dr Yui and Dr Erin performed the surgery and the anaesthetic was monitored by Dr Sophia. An external fixator which acts as a stabilizing frame to hold the broken bones in proper position was placed. This was done by inserting 2 pins through the skin in her leg and into the bone either side of the

2 After surgery

fracture which are held in place by and external frame for support and stability. You can see this in picture 2.

Little bunny, whos name is now Bugsie, is now recovering well at home and is under strict rest, healthy diet and regular rechecks to ensure her leg heals well. We all wish this little bunny a speedy recovery.

WellPet Nepean is open 24/7 for emergencies right through this coming holiday period, during this time remember to keep our number handy. We are here if you need us!

Ph 1300 WELLPET (1300 9355738).

from 18th December till 24th December 2014 (excludes Sunday) 10am till 2pm

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22 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Heavens Above

Mike’s Pantry

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

with Mike Creed

Christmas Mince Pies

Heading Not every intention we have bears the fruit that we first desired. We sew the seeds in our heart and soul only to find later that we have sewn them on rocky ground But if you believe in your dream(s), hang on to them. If they are meant to be, they will require nurturing, improving the soil that surrounds them! Just hang on to them!

You were given them for All Good Reasons..!!!

Your soul was entrusted to you: (1) What are you doing with it?

(2) What have you done to it?

We have and must accept a conscious responsibility to our soul.

Its true value is only attained and maintained by the doing and experiencing of things! (living actively!)

A dormant soul only achieves a dormant value, ie it is still full of opportunity but unless it is activated, it is utterly useless to you, to others and to its creator.

There are those who will tell you that to sit and contemplate your belly button, is the way to spiritual enlightenment, WHAT ROT! A soul can only grow through its experiences.

In saying this, I do not mean in any way to understate the power of meditation!

Meditation gives us reflexion and inspiration to achieve even more!

Have a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to sharing what I know to be true in 2015.

Your Mate, Rossco

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2. Place the flour sugar and butter into a food processor and mix until it resembles fine breadcrumb texture. Add water and egg yolk and mix until it starts to come together. Have a clean work bench and place dough mixture onto it. shape it into a disc and cover with glad wrap. put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow it to rest.

3. Preheat oven to 180c. Lightly flour your work bench and roll pastry out into a 5mm thickness. Use a round pastry cutter around 8-9cm diameter (depends on the tray you are using) and about 20 discs from the pastry. Use a Christmas shaped cutter and cut the same amount of discs from the remaining pastry.

4. Place the bottom 20 discs of pastry in your muffin tray. Divide the fruit mix and place into each disc. place the top pastry shapes onto the fruit mix and lightly brush the tops with the egg and lightly sprinkle with white sugar. Place into the oven for around 20-25 minutes or until golden.

Once done, leave to rest in the trays for about 5 minutes and then transfer to baking trays to cool completely before serving.

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24 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Early electricity in Australia

by Frank Dickson

I

N researching this article I made an interesting discovery: depending on whose stuff you read, the facts can vary greatly.

I have discovered about four towns in Australia that were the first to have electricity.

When you read the information more closely, you’ll realise they refer to different things.

The first to get street lights, the first to use alternating current, the first to sell electricity commercially, etc...

So this is one description of the introduction of early electricity in Australia. I am sure that if you want to disagree you probably can find conclusive proof that your information is more accurate than mine.

First, a question?

When did electricity first ‘arrive’ in Australia?

The first recorded date is in 1770. That’s right, it ‘arrived’ with Lieutenant James Cook.

Joseph Banks was an amateur scientist and he had some rudimentary batteries on board the Endeavour. These were only a novelty and were of no practical use.

Australia was not tardy in taking up this ‘new fangled’ invention called electricity.

Edison is credited in the early 1880s with inventing a DC generator that could be used commercially.

Australia introduced commercial electricity in 1882 when it was used to supply power to Brisbane.

The first recorded display of lighting was on Observatory Hill where it was used to power a single arc light. This was before the invention of the generator so it was powered by crude batteries. This light was illuminated for special occasions, the first being the marriage of the Prince of Wales.

Sydney GPO was using power in 1878 - once again using batteries.

A little later the GPO provided one street lamp above the horse trough out front.

There were also other private companies generating power for their own use. These were mainly to light their own areas. They included The Strand Arcade, and The Queen Victoria Building to mention a couple.

The first use of electricity to increase productivity (keep them working after dark!) was in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney in 1883.

One of these generators was used to supply light to Parliament House.

Street light

In about 1883 the Chifley Cave in the Jenolan Caves system was lit by electric light.

Of course this was by battery power. This is the first time in the world a cave was illuminated by electricity.

Tamworth was the first town to use electricity commercially. In 1888 it used electricity to power its street lights. This seems to be the first use of electricity in the southern hemisphere. The power supplied here was DC from their own generating plant.

In 1890 the State railways built their own power station to power the tramway system.

Trains were not powered by electricity until about 1926. The next town to introduce electricity was the small town of Young.

In 1891 they introduced AC power for their street lights.

It wasn’t very long before power was connected to homes, shops and factories in the area. I guess this was the first time electricity was used more widely.

The towns of Penrith, Moss Vale, Broken Hill and Redfern introduced electricity about the same time. These towns all had their own

generators.

In mid 1904 Sydney introduced commercial power for the first time. The power station was at Pyrmont and a big deal was made about throwing the switch. By the end of 1905 power had reached more than 500 customers in Paddington, Kings Cross and Camperdown.

Electric power slowly spread to the outer suburbs of the time (Burwood, Parramatta etc) but the demand was so great and the supply so limited that ‘black outs’ or ‘brown outs’ were quite common. These usually occurred when meals were being prepared in the evening.

I can remember when I was living at Baulkham Hills in the 1950s these outages happening. My mother would stagger her cooking times to avoid these peak times. She would then use the fuel stove or primus to warm up the food at meal time.

So there you have it ... one version of the introduction electricity to Australia (mainly Sydney).

Next time you switch on a light, turn on the TV or the heater remember what life was like back then. Nowadays if we get a power failure we want to sue somebody. What if this was a common occurrence like it was 50 years ago?

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HOUSE LOT SPECIALS NOW AVAILABLE, MANY MORE SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM

e n t e r t a i n m e n t Nepean News Christmas Party @ Happy Inn

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Councillor

Michelle

TORMEY

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your local Greens Councillor We all know someone who has been impacted by bushfires and without the tireless efforts of the Rural Fire Service the outcomes would certainly be worse. These men and women continually put the safety of others first and as a small token of our appreciation we are donating our Christmas Funds to the Local Rural Fire Service.

Please be aware that we will be hanging around throughout the Christmas & New Year Period, ready to help you with any of your staffing needs.

Merry Christmas from the Team at Complete Recruitment Solutions

Phone 0481 033 420 Email michelle.tormey@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au PO BOX 60, Penrith NSW 2750

Councillor John Thain Merry Christmas and a safe and happy festive season to all John Thain: 0411 427 812 jthain@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Handy Hints

HANDY HINT 1 - bananarama Pull bananas apart before displaying them in your fruit bowl. If you leave them connected at the stem, they’ll ripen faster and go brown quicker. Who knew?!

HANDY HINT 2 - flexible vacuum To suck up hard-to-reach gunk under your fridge, or behind a bookshelf, insert an empty paper towel roll into the end of your vacuum cleaner and bend, or flatten it, to squeeze into these difficult spots.

HANDY HINT 3 - buying capsicum We’re not sure why, but a capsicum with three bumps on the bottom is sweeter than one with four. Oh, but four bumps makes for a crunchier, firmer capsicum, so you should weigh up crunch vs. sweet when picking out your pepper!

HANDY HINT 4 - fend off weeds Instead of tossing your daily rag in the recycling bin, use the newspaper as mulch and deter noxious weeds. Simply wet the sheets and put the layers around your plants and garden beds, covering with soil as you go. The weeds won’t be able to get through the wet newspaper layers.

HANDY HINT 5 - so cheesey Wrap cheese chunks in aluminium foil and store in the fridge to keep your cheddar fresher for longer and to keep mould out.

HANDY HINT 6 - mozzies be gone!

If you have the kind of blood that attracts mosquitoes like a moth to a flame, then listen up. To keep the pesky blood suckers at bay, place a fabric softener dryer sheet in your pocket. Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent and you’ll smell like summer breeze all night!

HANDY HINT 7 - crispy leftover pizza To reheat a pizza so that the base is out-of-the-oven crisp, heat your leftover slices in a fry pan on low-medium heat on the stove until warm and wave goodbye to the days of soggy microwave pizza.

HANDY HINT 8 - getting rid of ants It may sound cruel, but if you have an ant problem, desperate times call for desperate measures. Put small piles of polenta where you see ants and they’ll gobble it up, return ‘home’ and won’t be able to digest it. Your ant problem (and the ants) will soon be dead.

Make your own Christmas gifts this year STRUGGLING with the Christmas budget this year? Or perhaps you’d rather put some blood, sweat and love into your gifts this year. Here’s a couple of homemade Chrissy present ideas that are fun, creative and easy to make!

Arrange some thin branches or twigs onto a piece of A2-size card in a tree shape. Stick in place using clear-drying glue.

Select photographs of family members and cut into 7cm x 8cm rectangles.

Arrange around the tree and use spray glue to stick in pIace. Insert in frame.

Tips: Spray glue is ideal as it allows you to reposition pieces before they become stuck down.

To print a colour photograph in black and white, you can photocopy it onto photo paper, selecting the black and white print option on the photocopier.

27 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

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Cut a piece of white card to fit your frame. Draw name lightly in pencil. Choose a selection of pressed flowers, leaves and stems to suit the letters. It is easier to use long, thin petals, tiny flowers, narrow leaves and stems to create letter shapes.

Arrange flowers on top of your pencil lines and use a very fine layer of PVA glue to stick name in place on the piece of card.

Frame and fix to bedroom door.

Tip: Pour a small amount of PVA glue into a dish and use a fine paint brush to lightly brush the back of the pressed flowers with glue. Take extra care when sticking the glued flowers in place – due to their delicate nature, once in place, they can’t be peeled off without damaging them.

PENRITH CITY COUNCILLOR

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa Phone 02 9833 2913 Email mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au

At this special time of remembering the birth of Jesus, may His message bring you and your family hope and joy at Christmas and into the New Year

Wishing the Penrith community a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High St, Penrith

I wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a bigger, better, brighter 2015.

Phone: 0420 581 225

bernard.bratusa@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

On behalf of St Marys Town Centre Ltd Management, we would like to thank our retailers and the community of St Marys for your support throughout 2014.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas & a prosperous new year Bee appy and download the free app for events and shopping details!

Merry Wishing you all a very safe Christmas & New Year From all of the team at Nepean Regional Security

www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au

1300 security ML 405714685

Guardian Funerals at Minchinbury (in the Grounds of Pinegrove Cemetery) wishes everyone A Merry Christmas & a Happy & Safe New Year & 2015.

Minchinbury 9625 8500

STEPHEN BEARD

7 DAYS A WEEK 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Christmas - the best enjoyment comes from just being with family and good friends!”

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

We would like to wish our loyal clients and readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year ahead. Enjoy the holiday season and see you all again in 2015

May the spirit of Christmas bring you love, The pleasure of Christmas give you hope, Merry Christmas to All

Guido’s Hair Care 183 Queen St, St Marys

9623 1176

CHRISTMAS Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce connects local, successful business people.

Merry Christmas Everyone & a Prosperous 2014! Join us!

Heavenly Celebrations appreciates we remember the loved ones no longer celebrating alongside us. We will continue to support the Community providing care with compassion for our Families, both past and future.

www.penrithchamber.org.au

Wishing all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas www.heavenlycelebrations.com.au 1300 HEVNLY ( 1300 438 659 )

4722 6969

Salon O Driah â€

Seasons greetings & all the best for 2015

0415 982 093 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Closed 25 December to 5 January 2015

Shop B 201-211 High St, Penrith (Aldi Complex)

Ph 4721 5000

Wishing all our patrons and staff a safe, happy Christmas and prosperous new year Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Rd, Richmond Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

Board of directors, management and staff would like to take this opportunity to wish all members and it’s guests a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year 411 Great Western Highway, St Marys NSW 2760 Phone. 9623 1211 Fax. 9623 5689 info@stmarysbandclub.com.au www.stmarysbandclub.com.au

Merry Christmas from Staff and Management of Blue Cattle Dog Hotel.

Wishing all a safe and Happy New Year.

Blue Cattle Dog Hotel 9670 3050 Cnr Mamre Rd & Banks Dr, St Clair

bluecattledoghotel.com.au

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Perfect gift for music lovers

Sir Richard Bonynge and Dame Joan Sutherland share an experience. Photo from Sutherland/Bonynge private collection.

THIS year it’s all about the shared experience. The gift of a 2015 Subscription Pack provides a rare opportunity to spend quality time throughout the year enjoying great music, theatre, dance and comedy at The Joan. Our season consists of 12 shows spaced across 2015, so there’s always something to look forward to, and you can choose to suit your time

and budget with a four, six, eight, ten or twelve pack.

So, take the hassle out of this year’s Christmas shopping, invest in some shared time with a gift that’s guaranteed to give back, and save yourself some time and last minute shopping angst while you’re at it.

Subscribe online at www.thejoan. com.au.

OPEN FOR LUNCH MONDAY 22ND-24TH DEC FROM NOON NEW LUNCH MENU AVAILABLE

Featuring New Burgers And Shakes!!

ONLINE TAKEAWAY AVAILABLE NOW @ WWW.OUTBACKSTEAKHOUSE.COM.AU

FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

*

*Conditions apply. Bring advert in to redeem - one child per voucher with purchase of adult main meal. Not valid with any other offer in-store.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE PANTHERS COMPLEX - 123 MULGOA ROAD, PENRITH | TEL: 4732 2577

SICK and tired of buying the same presents every year for friends and family? Socks, underwear, perfume and aftershave? Chances are they’re sick of receiving them too! Well here’s a gift with difference!

737Jet is an experience like no other.

Since opening in Penrith a year ago, the response has been amazing. Customers have been blown away by the experience and the realism. Gift Vouchers have been extremely popular, as it is a unique and special gift idea, and an experience to be treasured.

How often do you get to be a pilot of a jet! Plus family and friends can join in the experience and watch you fly live on the big screen from the theatre style VIP Viewing Lounge.

The 737Jet Experience is on a replica Boeing 737-800 NG simulator that functions just like the real thing. No dummy panels or toy parts.

The simulator has been built with genuine aircraft parts and is nothing like a video or arcade game. In addition, they boast a 4000 watt surround sound system, motion sensors so you feel the bumps and vibrations, and a huge 220 degree 9 metre (29 feet) curved screen with Ultra HD scenery!

737Jet also have a wide range of airports that you can fly to, including any type of weather conditions, and night flights. The 737Jet team includes qualified commercial pilot instructors who love what they do and will ensure you have an enjoyable time.

Owners, Steve and Karina Wally, often get asked ‘What if I crash?’ 737Jet is all about having fun, so whatever happens, it just adds to the exhilaration!

737Jet also have exciting plans for 2015, which includes a move to Batt Street and a new simulator experience!!

NOW OPEN IN PENRITH GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Awesome Gift Idea!

• Fly a jet! Sit in the Captain’s seat and take the controls of a replica Boeing 737-800 NG simulator • Get your adrenalin pumping as you take off and land a 60 tonne aircraft • Fully enclosed cockpit built with genuine airplane parts • Functions just like a real plane, feel the bumps and shakes, with HD visuals - unlike any video game!

• HD Video recording of your flight available • 3D theatre style VIP Viewing Lounge, where your family can relax and watch you fly live on a big screen

30 MINS, NORMALLY $180

NOW $119!!

QUOTE VOUCHER CODE - NNEWS08. Expiry 31st December 2014.

Unit 1, 9-11 Abel St Penrith (End of Carpark) TAKING BOOKINGS ONLINE NOW - www.737jet.com.au OR CALL US ON 4722 5747

31 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

E N T E R T A I N M E Nlocalnews T A unique gift for Christmas this year

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Step back in time

JOKES

EVENTS

220 - Cao Pi forces Emperor Xian of Han to abdicate the Han Dynasty throne.

The Cao Wei empire is established. The Three Kingdoms period begins.

361 - Julian the Apostate enters Constantinople as sole Emperor of the Roman Empire.

630 - Muhammad leads an army of 10,000 to conquer Mecca.

1934 - Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, takes his last drink and enters treatment for the last time.

1936 - Abdication Crisis: Edward VIII’s abdication as King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, and Emperor of India, becomes effective.

1941 - World War II: Germany and Italy declare war on the United States, following the Americans’ declaration of war on the Empire of Japan in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbour. The United States, in turn, declares war on them.

1972 - Apollo 17 becomes the sixth and last Apollo mission to land on the Moon.

THE pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play that suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words. Puns are used to create humour and sometimes require a large vocabulary to understand. Puns have long been used by comedy writers, such as William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde.

1.

I tried to catch some fog. I mist

2.

When chemists die, they barium.

3.

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst

4.

I know a guy who is addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop anytime.

5.

How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.

DEATHS

6.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.

1880 - Oliver Winchester, American businessman, founded the Winchester Repeating Arms Company (b. 1810).

1964 - Sam Cooke, American singer-songwriter (The Highway Q.C.’s and The Soul Stirrers) (b. 1931).

1996 - Willie Rushton, English cartoonist, author, and publisher, co-founded Private Eye (b. 1937).

2006 - Elizabeth Bolden, American super-centenarian (b. 1890).

2012 - Ravi Shankar, Indian-American sitar player and composer (b. 1920).

7.

This girl said she recognised me from the vegetarian club, but I‛d never met herbivore.

8.

I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

9.

They told me I had type A blood, but it was a Typo O.

BIRTHS 1918 - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Russian soldier and author, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 2008).

1938 - Reg Livermore, Australian actor and singer.

1943 - John Kerry, American lieutenant, lawyer, and politician, 68th United States Secretary of State.

1950 - Christina Onassis, American-Argentinian businesswoman (d. 1988).

1981 - Hamish Blake, Australian comedian, actor, and author.

10. PMS jokes aren‛t funny. Period!

34 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

E N T E R localnews WORD SEARCH

T A I N M E N T

Calling

by Aunty N.

MYSTERY CHRISTMAS CAROL ALL AND ASK ASLEEP AWAY BABY BED BLESS BRIGHT BUT CARE

CATTLE CHILDREN CLOSE CRIB CRYING DEAR DOWN FOREVER FROM HAY HEAD

HEAVEN HIS JESUS LAID LAY LITTLE LIVE LOOK LOOKED LORD LOVE

LOWING MAKES MANGER MORNING NEAR NIGH POOR PRAY SIDE SKY STARS

STAY SWEET TAKE TENDER THEE THERE THY WAKES WHERE WITH

Capricorn

CAPRICORN the Goat is the tenth sign of the zodiac for those born between December 22 and January 19th. The ruling planet is Saturn which symbolises structure and meaning in our world, the limits of time and matter. As the Cardinal Earth sign, Capricorn is the most practical, resilient and hardworking sign of the zodiac.

Although sometimes accused of being cold and aloof, don’t jump to conclusions – the Goat may only be taking its time to get to know you (or maybe not). Capricorns are friendly, humorous and a little quirky in the right company.

Outwardly stoic, the Goat is usually reticent to give advice or trust important tasks to others. They prefer to get the job done quietly and quickly, that way all the finer details will be to their preferred specifications.

Delegation can be a problem and it may be difficult for them to curb their criticism. Capricorns are also one of the most ambitious signs of the zodiac and their patience has no bounds when a goal is identified.

The Goat has the ability to succeed in many occupations. They

are well suited to operate in large organisations, such as the civil service, where departments and career paths are well structured. Smaller groups will also suit the Goat but they are most comfortable with a clear chain of command (preferably one they can climb).

Best relationship matches for Capricorn are the water signs and other earth signs. Taurus is the perfect pick as the Bull and the Goat have much in common. They may even understand each other too well but the mutual stubborn streak will keep this relationship interesting.

Every time they lock horns in battle provides another opportunity to get to know each other again.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Used to spin yarn (7) 5 Atomic (7) 9 Stamping (9) 10 Delineated (5) 11 A public speech (7) 12 Of little importance (7) 13 Stardom (9) 15 Gapes (5) 17 Amounts of medicine (5) 19 A style of physical comedy (9) 22 Complain (7) 25 Every evening (7) 26 Permeate (5) 27 Craft (9) 28 Misbeliever (7) 29 Able to see (7)

DOWN 1 Varnish (7) 2 Dummies (9) 3 Annoy (7) 4 Widespread outbreaks of disease (9) 5 Not daytime (5) 6 A deliberate thinning of a herd (7) 7 Boredom (5) 8 Brain-teasers (7) 14 Prolonged unfulfilled desires (9) 16 Vest (9) 17 Like a canine (7) 18 In school, math or English (7) 20 Autographing (7) 21 Paddled in a type of boat (7) 23 Medium to dark brown (5) 24 Moral principle (5)

solution 11/12/14

SOLUTION: 27th December

Wishes all our Sponsors, Owners, Trainers Drivers & Patrons

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SAFE 2015

35 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

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

Wednesday Markets Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve No Racing Thursday December 25th Club Paceway Closed Christmas Day

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

12 GREAT WESTERN HWY, COLYTON NSW 2760 P. 02 9623 2266 W. colytonhotel.com.au

Hope to see you all return in the new year STATION ST, PENRITH PH. 4732 4777

We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. Advertising and promotions contained on ALH Group posters, flyers or newspaper advertising are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. alhgroup.com.au

37 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

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financematters finance

Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Possible bumpy road ahead, but don’t panic!

With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

CHRISTMAS is usually a time to forget all the worries of the world and just relax and enjoy the “fruits” of your year! But before we all do that, I need to say that we may be in for some bumpy times ahead.

Our economy has started to get a bit shaky over the last few months.

There has been a recent trail of negative stories in the media which is now starting to have an effect on reducing consumer confidence. Here are the main culprits• Federal Budget deficit not lowering as planned and may increase (mainly due to the falling iron ore prices), • Federal government cut backs to services, • Government and Private sector workers losing their jobs or having hours reduced.

• Unemployment rate highest since the GFC and not falling,

• The stock market going sideways for the year, The other big economic news is the recent dramatic fall in the Aussie Dollar compared to the US Dollar.

However, this decrease can be both good and bad. A lower dollar means that Aussie companies who export (in US dollars) overseas can be more competitive and increase their sales as goods and services produced here are suddenly cheaper than they were when our dollar was higher. This is a great way to increase business confidence and employment.

The negative side to a lower dollar is that goods that are imported here become more expensive. If people continue to buy these higher priced goods, then that will add to the cost of living which can flow through to a higher rate of inflation.

Luckily inflation is currently low and the Reserve Bank (RBA) is not worried about it getting too high.

OPEC members are trying to squeeze out some of the higher cost producers and make in unprofitable for

Do you have time to compare over 30 lenders?

them to keep up their supply. This will have a major effect on Russian state and privately owned suppliers (Russia is being squeezed very tightly now by the European Union etc and their economy and people are suffering these consequences).

This cheap petrol on offer here will help keep inflation low over next year.

Now with the negative news outweighing the positive news, some financial experts are now predicting that the RBA will look to reduce the official cash rate by 0.25% in a few months and a possible second reduction of 0.25% later next year.

This is fantastic if you already have a variable rate mortgage over your home and or an investment property or two off course.

This is not good news though if you are looking to buy your first property in Sydney next year as lower interest rates will probably just increase demand again by investors and people who just want to change homes.

You should all know how hot the Sydney (and Melbourne to a lesser extent) markets are, but in the rest of the country, real estate markets are more normal. The RBA is also very mindful of putting more “petrol” on the hot real estate markets in the two biggest cities of the country so will only reduce rates if the economy needs some stimulation to increase confidence and spending.

So, as I said in my last article, buy some nice gifts for your family and friends but make sure your budget can afford it and don’t rely on credit cards and debt. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy your Christmas break. Instead, just spend a lot of quality time with your family and friends! You will feel a lot better as well without the post-Christmas stress of repaying debts.

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

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

Welcome to RICHMOND RACE CLUB

Community Christmas Party Saturday 20th December

RACE MEETING

WEDNESDAY from 3pm 17th DECEMBER SATURDAY from 6.30pm 20th DECEMBER

Free rides for the kids Kozi & Pinky Free fairy floss A visit from Santa

Phone: 4578 2136

RICHMOND RACE CLUB 312 Londonderry Rd, Londonderry

Action starts from 6.30pm

• • • • •

Septic Tanks • Industrial • Grease Trap Ground Waters • Drilling Muds • Cooking Oil Sullage • Grey Waters • Rain Water Oily Waters • EPA Licensed for Industrial A, B, C waste All other Non-Hazardous Wastes

We wish all our staff and customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year www.nofusswaste.com.au

CALL 4735 8966

Call for a FREE QUOTE

Quality trailers with the right advice TRAILER parts warehouse invites the people of Penrith to visit their store and experience their unique stock of parts and installation expertise, as the warehouse reaches its first month of being open to customers.

Quentin Fear, a representative from Moto X Marketing is excited about the store’s range of items, including a large variety of box trailers and accessories, and its employees’ knowledge in the area saying “Our knowledge in the trailer part industry goes back many years… for customers, we have the right advice, and we can install or repair

anything they need,” he went on to say that “It’s a service where they can come to us for springs, jockey wheels hubs, wheels, trailer lighting and much more.”

The store, having different trailers and parts to suit many situations and vehicles, boasts a level of dedication and professionalism they feel far exceeds others in the same field, particularly because the staff are very familiar with trailers and will install or repair anything themselves.

Trailer parts warehouse is located at Batt street south Penrith and can be contacted at 4721 4497.

St Marys & District Historical Society would like to wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year.

Our society will be closed over the Christmas period and will re-open on Wednesday February 4th, 2015.

Specialising in quality trailer parts.

We stock a huge range of:

Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

41

JOCKEY WHEELS | HUBS | SPRING’S | TRAILER COUPLING’S | TRAILER PLUG’S | TRAILER LIGHTS BEARING KITS | TOWING KIT’S | AND A LARGE RANGE OF BOX TRAILERS AND MANY OTHER ACCESSORIES. We have over 15 years of manufacturing experience in the trailer industry and we stock a large range of trailer parts and accessories.

We can supply and fit if you require.

Unit 3/84 Batt Street, South Penrith TRADING HOURS: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12noon

Escape for the Day $70pp Offer includes: • 18 Holes of Golf • Shared Use of Electric Cart • Graham Marsh ‘Swampy’ Burger Valid from 1st January - 28th February 2015

2-8 Twin Creeks Drive, Luddenham NSW 2745 | Phone: (02) 9670 8888 | e-mail: golfshop@twincreeks.com.au www.twincreeksgolf.com.au

WITH MARK GEYER

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS! IT’S been one of those years!

A year in which tragedy and horror overtook all the heroics and accomplishment.

Just as we’d roll out the red carpet, full of praise for a job well done, a black cloud full of doom would come from nowhere and wash away with a thud any smile we had started to attempt.

As if offered up as some type of Quid Pro Quo (something for something) from a higher power, with every good that happened in our country this year, tragedy and horror were not far behind.

So as this is my last column until next year, let’s not dwell on the sad but instead chat about how good this time of the year is.

Christmas holidays. How good? Every single person reading this will have an instant memory with a vivid picture accompanying it as soon as the two words “school holidays” are coupled together.

Whether it be going up or down the coast to your Nan’s house, heading out to the cousin’s farm, or driving to your aunty and uncle’s place in the city.

Everybody has a special school holiday story.

Thinking quickly while writing. I’ve literally got 100’s of stories I can think of.

Lots when growing up, lots now as a dad sharing golden times with my kids.

Growing up living at Whalan in Mt Druitt, our annual two-week pilgrimage was to my mum’s parents who lived up on the Central Coast at Ettalong.

I remember the three hour trip which consisted of what felt like a million bends and turns.

I remember first seeing water at the Brooklyn Bridge thinking we were close to Nan’s - still an hour to go. I remember unpacking our bags in the granny flat we stayed in and when it rained going to sleep as the drops hit the tin roof.

I remember the first swim of the summer at Ocean Beach and I remember Pop making his home brew.

I remember the wave goodbye after the two weeks were up, knowing it was almost time to go back to school.

We currently live in a world that is getting increasingly easy to access.

Something that 20 years ago that seemed impossible.

With the world getting ‘smaller’ news, both good and bad, travels fast, and with the wiz- bam-wallop that social media has given us, nothing escapes anybody.

We all are aware exactly when, why, and how something has happened in modern living, and that is both a good and a bad thing.

H E A RT L A N D H O L D E N PENRITH GRAND MASTERS 2013

Sometime over these school holidays it’s important you spend some real quality time with the ones you love most.

2014 has been an astonishingly graphic year.

Some of the sporting accomplishments that occurred this year - NSW Origin win and the Rabbits first premiership in over 40 years - seems a life time ago.

The latest siege in the centre of Sydney is a jolting memory that the world/ country/city we now live in has become almost unidentifiable.

Have a safe and merry Christmas and New Year.

Hope Santa is good to you all.

See ya at the game.

43 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Y Mark T O O F R E MY WORDS V E F

sport

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

Jamal is set for All Stars

Girls, girls, girls!

PENRITH’S Panthers towering centre, Jamal Idris, is currently in 5th place in the race to be selected in the 2015 Harvey Norman Rugby League Indigenous All Stars squad.

Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis, Sam Thaiday and Andrew Fifita are the four players ahead of Jamal.

Less than 22 votes are separating Thurston and Inglis for the top position after more than 6500 fans placed their votes in the first two weeks of polling.

Indigenous All Stars Coach Laurie Daley is urging fans to cast their vote for his 2015 team which he hopes will provide the edge for outright Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars bragging rights.

“This is a great opportunity for fans of the All Stars to have their say in selecting their squad,” Daley said.

“I’m really looking forward to bringing the side together and coaching some of the game’s brightest talents.

“It should be a great game, a really entertaining spectacle and I can’t wait.”

Supporters from across the country have taken up the challenge and logged on to www. nrl.com/allstars to vote for the Indigenous All Stars side. There is still a chance for fans to shape an exciting team of their favourite Indigenous Rugby League superstars.

Fans can cast their vote by selecting a 13man starting side, plus seven wildcards, from the list of eligible Indigenous players.

THE Penrith Basketball Association has announced its senior women’s team, which will compete in the 2015 Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition.

Penrith head coach, Chris Jones, has included two exciting players, who were not part of the playing group in 2014.

Long-term junior and senior representative Chantyl Szostak sat out last season due to work commitments, whilst former State under 18 representative, Emily Potts, also sat out the year due to injury.

Penrith junior representative and 2015 State under 20 reserve, Ashling O’Doherty, is an exciting new face for next season, whilst former Australian Opal and Sydney Uni Flames WNBL point guard, Alicia Poto, has agreed to return for a second season at Penrith.

Towering centre, Kelli Sims, has also been named in the Panthers squad but will need a clearance from her US College before suiting up in the WCL. Headlining the playing roster is multiple Australian junior representative and Sydney Uni Flames WNBL point guard, Tahlia Tupaea.

Tupaea will however miss some of the WCL season, due to her commitments with the Australian under 19 Women’s team (Gems), which will be competing at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships for Women.

The full Panthers squad is: Chantyl Szostak, Chiara Porter, Emily Potts, Taylah Clark, Ella Tofaeono, Ebony Frost, Rhiannon Pope, Dominika Offner, Ashling O’Doherty, Tahlia Tupaea, Alicia Poto and Kelli Sims.

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45 Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

sport

46

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Nepean News 18 December 2014 Issue 140

ON THE MAT With Col Crossingham

Recent St Marys RSL Women’s Major/ Minors winners Sandra O’Conner and Debbie Murray who defeated runners-up-up Robyn Adams and Margaret Leslie 18-15.

THE 2015 season for the Nepean District Bowling Association will kick off with the District qualifying for the State Fours.

This event will be played at the two newest Nepean clubs, those being Lawson and Hazelbrook.

The early rounds will be played at both clubs on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th January.

Lawson will be the host for the semi-finals at 1pm and the final at 5pm on Saturday, January 10.

The District qualifying for the State Triples will be held at Kingswood, St Marys RSL and Wallacia on Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January.

The semi-finals and final will be played at Kingswood.

The District Junior Championships will be held at Blacktown Workers Bowling Club. The Singles will be held on Monday 19th, Pairs on

Tuesday 20th, Triples on Thursday 21st and Fours on 22nd January.

The Executive of the Nepean District Bowling Association would like to wish all bowlers and their families a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Good luck and good bowling and may all your wicks be good ones.

PENRITH City Women’s Bowling Club recently held their Charity Day. A fun day was had by all and the bowls were good as well.

The recipient charity was the Rural Fire Service.

There were raffles and an auction and a total of $1729 was raised and the Women’s Club made the amount up to $2000.

Richard Patch from the Rural Fire Service Cumberland area received the cheque from President Merle Golan.

Richard explained that the money would help greatly.

On November 25, the Penrith Women’s Club held a Major/Minor competition.

The winners were Sue Dunlop (who is a new bowler) and Merle Golan.

The runners up were Jan Taylor and Claire Minall on a count back.

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Thursday, 18 December 2014

sport

HARPO’S MARKS

T THERE’S as much c chance of Jarryd H Hayne making it in American football as there is of me going teetotal!

I have formed that opinion after reading that Hayne wants to make it in grid-iron as a running back.

There’s as much chance of that happening as there is of dick-head leaguies not getting onto the front page of newspapers!

One fact and one fact alone will prevent Hayne from being a success and that is his lack of speed.

Sure he is one of the faster men playing rugby league in this country but because of the physicality of the footy these days, there are no real fliers in the game as there has been in the past.

There used to be a swag of players who mixed footy with professional running – Ken Irvine, Dave Irvine, Mike Cleary, Stan Gorton, John McDonald, Nick Yakich, Dudley Towers, Ken Gentles to name but a few.

The two Irvines and Cleary would run about 10.3 seconds for 100 metres and the others would scoot over the trip in the high 10’s.

Hayne at best would be in the high 11 seconds.

I can tell you that every team in the various American Football leagues would have a handful of backs who would be able to at least match the speed of Ken and David Irvine and Mike Cleary!

Hayne will be easy pickings for the opposition defenders despite his renowned athleticism.

Speed kills. And in American gridiron, lack of it kills off any chance of making it in the big-time.

Thank you linesmen, thank you ball-boys!

Remember, you read it here first!

LAST week’s column in which I lambasted the media and the Australian Cricket Board for going over the top regarding the tragic death of Phil Hughes, elicited plenty of response from readers.

I thought I’d get a real bagging from some quarters but strangely, all the correspondence has supported my views.

Two TV Channels fully covered Phil’s funeral at Macksville, to which

every two-bit pollie under the sun, including the Prime Minister, made the trek to get their heads on the Idiot Box and strive to curry favour with voters.

The Smellygraph did for me what a belly full of curried prawns and rice and six schooners normally do – had me vomiting into a bucket!

They sought to lambast the ambulance service for not getting to the cricket ground to treat Phil within a minute or so after being summoned.

But my biggest beef is with the Australian Cricket Board.

I’ll give $1000 to the Unknown Soldier’s Mother if anyone can provide me with a plausible reason why those wombats at the ACB named Phil Hughes as 13th man for the First Test against India.

What was the purpose?

Just plain ridiculous and embarrassing.

LOW MARKS: Line ball between the media and the ACB. HIGH MARKS: This is my last column before the festive season. I take the opportunity to wish each and every one of you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.