Nepeannews 18january2018

free Thursday, 18 January 2018

ISSUE 218

Your Local Knockdown Rebuild Specialist

w w w. z a c h o m e s . c o m . a u

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G’day mate!

Happy Australia Day to all our readers and advertisers!

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

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EPEAN Hospital is leading the charge in delivering healthier food options and smaller portion sizes of unhealthy foods for patients and visitors.

From January 1 2018, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District hospitals and health services, including Nepean Hospital, began reducing the portion sizes of unhealthy foods and increasing the availability of healthy food options at food outlets for visitors.

These changes come as part of the statewide Healthy Food and Drink in NSW Health Facilities for Staff and Visitors Framework and follows the removal of sugary drinks from sale at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District facilities in 2017.

Dr Kathryn Williams from the Adult Clinical Lead for the Nepean Blue Mountains Family Obesity Service, says the move against sugary drinks and high calorie foods is one that will inspire healthier food choices whilst visiting hospitals.

“We want to support everyone who works in or visits our health facilities to move towards a new, healthier normal,” Dr Williams said.

Poor diet and obesity are major contributors to chronic disease in Australia. One in two adults and more than one in five children in NSW are overweight or obese while in the Nepean Blue Mountains region, these rates are even higher.

“As a health service provider, we’re setting a good example for our community by increasing the availability of healthy food and drinks and decreasing the availability of unhealthy options,” Dr Williams said.

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“We want to support our staff and visitors to make the healthier choice the easiest choice.”

The changes to portion sizes mean you can still enjoy a sweet treat but it won’t have as much of an impact on your waistline. The portion size changes include reducing single serve confectionary items and salty packaged snacks to 50 grams and sweet muffins to 80 grams.

Dr Williams says that the start of a new year can provide a good opportunity to change our habits for the better.

“Think about how you can embrace healthy choices in 2018. Make water your drink of choice, choose the healthier food options and enjoy your favourite treats only occasionally and in smaller portions,” says Dr Williams.

For more information, visit www. makehealthynormal.nsw.gov.au To read the Healthy Food and Drink in NSW Health Facilities for Staff and Visitors Framework visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/heal/Pages/ healthy-food-framework.aspx

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Healthier food options

3

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

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Be a bogan, at least for one day

 My mate Krys and I last year on Australia Day being massive bogans!

WELL it is nearly here, one of my favourite days of the year; Australia Day - the day we get to celebrate everything Australian - fire up the barbie, sink a few coldies and tell a few porkies with our mates.

Aussie slang is one of the major things that makes us unique - other countries could never emulate the language we’ve managed to create over the decades nor begin to fully understand it!

But as singer John Williamson once famously sang, “Hey true blue, don’t say you’re gone. Say you’ve knocked off for a smoko, and you’ll be back later on,” I sincerely hope we never lose our Australianism.

I fear that the old dinki-di sense of humour and our she’ll be right mate attitude shows signs at times of slowly slipping away - and that would be an absolute tragedy.

One of my best mates is a fella called Krystyan Buttriss; he’s a true Aussie bloke in every definition of the term.

He comes to visit wearing a navy singlet top, boardies and thongs and he lifts his hat and says “owyagoingmate” upon entering. A real Aussie gentleman, his attitude to life and people, and his mannerisms are dinkydi all the way. And I feel a sense of patriotic pride every time we spend time with him, because this type of bloke, sadly, is becoming a rarity.

I call him the “Bintang Bogan” - a name I gave him during a trip to Bali a few years back - and guess what, it doesn’t offend him! In fact, in what was once the Aussie way for all, nothing much at all offends him.

He sees the joke in everything around him, and that includes laughing at himself.

What happened to that attitude? We all possessed it at one stage. We laughed our way through life, rolling with the punches. Nowadays, to put it bluntly, there’s too many sooks around. Whingeing, bitching and moaning about everyone and everything, instead of just holding their head up and getting on with life.

Someone said to me the other day that they hate the “bogans” that come out on Australia Day. “What’s bogan about them?” I ventured.

“Oh you know, they wear the flag as a cape and draw the Southern Cross on themselves and sing Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oy Oy Oy,” was the reply.

And that my Aussie friends is exactly what I’m talking about. How did cloaking yourself in our national flag on our national day, drawing the stars that symbolise the best location on earth and singing a chant that went viral and is known across the world as ours become so offensive?

This Australia day let your inner bogan break free! It’s there somewhere, hidden under all the political correctness you’ve allowed to pile on top of it.

Happy Australia Day! Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

local news

By Keegan Thomson

M

e m b e r for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has urged employers and trainers in Mulgoa to nominate outstanding local apprentices, trainees and organisations for the 2018 NSW Training Awards.

Tanya Davies said nominations for the regional round of the NSW Training Awards opened on Monday, 15 January 2018 and will close on 16 March 2018.

“The NSW Training Awards are a chance to recognise and congratulate the best apprentices, trainees and teachers in our Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector,” Tanya Davies said.

“I know we have many deserving candidates so I urge employers and VET trainers to step forward and nominate an individual or organisation for an award.

This is a chance to show your pride in their efforts and your commitment to their training.”

Once nominations close, they will be assessed and regional award winners will be announced in June.

Winners will then represent our region at the State Finals in September where they will have a chance to

be named among NSW’s best.

“State winners will compete for NSW for national honours at the Australian Training Awards in November,” Tanya Davies said.

VET students can be nominated if they have completed or are due to complete their apprenticeship or traineeship between 1 October 2017 and 30 September 2018.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the awards are a great way to celebrate

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the hard-working apprentices, trainees and employers in Mulgoa “As a university drop-out and tradie myself, I want us to do everything we can to recognise and celebrate our apprentices, and promote the benefits of Vocational Education and Training,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Last year we received a record number of nominations for the awards, which is a great sign that more and more students, parents and employers in NSW are realising the value of VET. “I want people to know that university isn’t your only option to achieve a rewarding and well-paid career. Our VET sector offers high-quality and affordable training, including in nine out of the 10 occupations predicted to have the highest jobs growth over the next five years, like healthcare, biotech, cyber security, agriculture, ICT and tourism,” he said.

Lodge nominations now for the 2018 NSW Training Awards at https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards/.

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

NSW training awards: nominations have opened

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

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local news

WOW fm still off air

By Keegan Thomson

O

RIGINAL and local programming from St Marys own community radio station, WOW FM, was forced off the air late last year after a massive flooding event flooded the Penrith Council building the station is housed in.

Penrith Council says they’re working to fix the situation and bring both the Council building and the radio station back online but it could be a few weeks until original programming is playing on WOW FM. William Gayed is a former Mayor of Penrith, the President of WOW FM and the original founder of the station back in 1988. He has seen the station go through tough times in the past but he is more than certain the station will continue to grow despite the major hiccup of not broadcasting local content at the current time.

“We take the community as the thermometer of how we are doing and currently the community is telling us that we are succeeding,” Mr Gayed said.

“We don’t have any problems

whatsoever, we have ups and downs and despite our current situation we will only get stronger out of what is currently happening.”

Mr Gayed said despite the current “crisis” there is an end in sight.

“I spoke to Council and they told me the crisis will be over by the middle of February. We are still running with some programming with music and

songs so the broadcast hasn’t stopped completely,” Mr Gayed said.

“We don’t have local content on air from a presenting point of view, but we have broadcasts and music on air at the moment.”

Even though it might take another six weeks before the station is back and running to normal, Mr Gayed is harbouring no hard feelings for Council.

“Council is really very sincere to us and I think there is loyalty between WOW FM and Penrith Council,” Mr Gayed said.

“Council was in support of WOW FM from the very beginning. They were very happy with the idea of a community radio station in St Marys and have supported us since.

“I understand that the flood happened in a time that isn’t very productive because people are on holidays at the moment. I’m not defending Council but I realise that we have to be fair with them,” he said.

Currently WOW FM has a membership base of 80 people from across the Penrith LGA. They broadcast 45 unique programs with a local flavour and have around 80,000 listeners on air and online across St Marys and western Sydney.

› Teenagers arrested Three 13 year old females have been arrested after a police chase through Mt Druitt and St Marys on the weekend.

About 2.20am on 14th January, police attached to Mt Druitt Proactive Crime Team detected a stolen vehicle on Forrester Rd Lethbridge Park.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle however it accelerated away and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through Mt Druitt, St Marys, Oxley Park and came to an end in Colyton when the vehicle entered a cul de sac.

The driver, a 13 year old female from Mt Druitt who was on conditional bail for similar offences was charged with Breach Bail, Drive conveyance without consent and Police Pursuit Skyes Law. A passenger, a 13 year old female from Glendenning was charged with Breach Bail and be carried in conveyance.

Both will apppear before Parramatta Childrens Court this morning.

Another passenger, a 13 year old female from Willmot has been released and will be dealt with under Young Offenders Act.

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awkesbury Companion Animal Shelter, which services the Penrith and surrounding area, has received a wonderful donation of $100,000 from the deceased estate of animal lover Anna Zylstra, a Windsor resident who left money to the Shelter as part of her wish to help animals.

The $100,000 will be spent on upgrading kennels at the Shelter.

Dezzzi Henderson, Anna’s closest friend and confidante, was proud to present the cheque.

Another family friend, Ash Harrison, said Anna Zylstra was like a grandmother to her.

“Anna treated us like her own family, as she never actually had children of her own,” Ash explained.

“She wasn’t related to us but that didn’t matter, we were her family and she was part of ours, our dearest family friend.

“Anna always visited our home regularly and spent lots of time with our four rescue dogs. She loved watching me groom other people’s dogs too,” she added.

“My family and I feel so lucky that we could present a $100,000 cheque to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter on her behalf.

“Anna would be thrilled and

Left to right (back) Jackson Furini, Emmanuel Isbester Manager Environment and Regulatory Services, Kim Furini Left to right (front) Sam Bonus (holding a dog from the Shelter, Hawkesbury Mayor, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett, Dezzzi Henderson and Ash Harrison

humbled to be recognised by the animal lovers of the Hawkesbury and surrounding areas. I am arranging a small plaque in her honour to display at the Shelter,” Ash said.

“I’m sure the upgrades will make it much more comfortable for the dogs in times of extreme heat in summer.”

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett gratefully accepted the cheque at the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter.

“This is such a generous and fantastic gift that Anna has bequeathed to the animals at the Shelter,” Councillor Lyons-Buckett said.

“Even at 93 years old, Anna always maintained her love of animals, especially dogs, and she wanted to ensure that she could help the dogs at her local Animal Shelter.

“I’m sure everyone in the community will admire Anna’s generous gift, which will make a big difference for the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter.”

An avid animal lover, Anna has also donated $100,000 to the World Wildlife Federation and, to also help humanity in a big way, donated $100,000 to Alzheimer’s Australia.

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter receives $100,000 donation

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

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AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Where did the Aussie accent come from?

By Keegan Thomson

O

NE element of the Australian story that is often overlooked is the linguistic history of the Australian accent. It is a harsh accent with lots of hard sounds and unique abbreviated colloquialisms, but where did it come from?

The story is cemented into us from the fourth grade of school: The First Fleet of lawbreaking convicts from across the English Isles made their way into Sydney Harbour to start up the new colony of New South Wales.

From the second the cons set foot on Australian shores they started chatting. They probably spoke about the rough ride over, the crappy food, the rats they had to share their beds with and most important the weather. You had convicts from Scotland talking to thieves from London’s East End and petty criminals from the highlands of Wales. They all started mixing their accents, words and phrases from the get go.

Professor Catherine T. Best is the Chair in Psycholinguistic Research and Director of Research at the MARCS at Western Sydney University. She has studied accents and the difficulties of learning a second language. Her research has helped her better understand the linguistic history of the Australian accent.

Prof Best says there are many elements to what made the contemporary Australian accent what it is today and they all date back to the First Fleet.

“The first English speaking people to come to Australia came from all over the United Kingdom.

They were criminals and their overseers from across the British Isles,” Prof Best said.

“Within the UK there are very marked accent differences and in Australia these accents came together.

“Here people were thrown together with all different accents and vocabularies and told to work productively together. To do this they needed to communicate. When people come together in that way they start developing a similar lingo overtime so they can community effectively,” she said.

Prof Best says there is evidence to show the Australian love affair with shortening words into colloquial abbreviations comes from the first convict settlers.

“This tradition has some connection to secret word play that convicts would have used to cover up criminal activities and talk to one and other in code,” Prof Best said.

“The tendency to make Australian abbreviations, like calling an electrician a sparky, comes from these

abbreviation codes and cockney rhyming slang.”

Before British settlers came to Australia there were hundreds of Aboriginal tribes living across the continent. Their history, language and culture has had many impacts in the way the Australian accent has developed.

“There were many tribes of Indigenous people who worked with the English settlers in many productive ways. As a result everyone tried to learn each other’s languages,” Prof Best said.

“By sharing the terminology and subtle changes of the pronunciation of some words the changes to an in-between pronunciation that is mixed between a British English and an Indigenous accent.”

The subtle language elements that the Indigenous people contributed to the Australian accent is similar to that of Australia’s new wave immigrants.

Listen in and you can hear the three main Australian accents spoken across the country. A broad accent, spoken by someone like actor Paul Hogan, an educated accent, spoken by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a more general accent that is spoken in major cities.

These three main accents also have subtle changes that can also be heard across state lines and in different regions.

“Informally there is a ‘Westie’ accent,” Prof Best said.

“It isn’t a broad Australian accent but it has features that distinguish it from the general Australian accent spoken in, say, Gosford,” she said.

It is difficult to figure out where the Australian language is going but if we listen in extra hard we might be able to hear the changes.

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

P

enrith is the place to be on Australia Day, so grab friends, family and neighbours and head to Jamison Park for Council’s free family fun day!

The festivities start at 3pm and will run until the sun starts to set at 8pm.

Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said 2017’s event was an enormous success and 2018 promises to be even better still.

“We had over 5,000 people join us last year to celebrate our history and heritage, and also the unique modern City we call home,” Cr Thain said.

“Australia is a place where family matters, no matter what kind of family you have, so it seems only fitting that we celebrate our great country by bringing families and the community together for some fun and food.

“I’m looking forward to it, and I’m looking forward to seeing locals there as well,” he said.

There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy on the day, with Pavlova decorating, face painting, wood carving and hand spun crafts, as well as amusement rides and bubble soccer.

The popular Swamp Dawkins bush band is returning to provide musical entertainment, and there will also be a special live performance by family favourite Paw Patrol!

And if that isn’t enough, if you’re feeling a bit peckish, there will be a delicious range of food available for purchase including burgers, Gozleme, dumplings, ice cream and fairy floss. And of course, a traditional Aussie BBQ. Find out more at: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ ausday2018

Children show off their pavlova creations at Australia Day celebrations last year

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Australia Day: Penrith is the place to be

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

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AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

A river of memories

Canoes getting ready to take off at the weir for the 100 mile marathon. Photo: Memories of Penrith facebook

By Keegan Thomson

H

OW about this for a blast from the past? We’ve been sweltering through 47.3 degree days this summer but the locals of Penrith past were swimming at the Nepean River weir back in 1981.

Today the river is still abuzz with activity on a hot summer day. You’ve got kids jumping from Tarzan style rope swings into the river, risking their necks by climbing up high trees to jump into the water,

and families relaxing under the shade of the breezy trees.

Another batch of water sports that are still popular on the river includes rowing and canoeing. Head out to the rowers club on any weekend morning, just after the sun raises its head over the Nepean Valley, and you’ll see a small armada of rowers powering up and down the river.

In 1951 the first 100 mile canoe marathon started at the weir on Nepean River and went all the way along the Hawkesbury to Singleton. Although this route is now congested by motor boats and the river

Prue Car MP “

Swimmers dipping at the Nepean River weir. Photo: Memories of Penrith facebook

Member for Londonderry

Our diverse community comes together as one to celebrate the love we all share for this great nation on Australia Day

“

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

has had many changes since then, you can still see the passion for rowing, boating and canoeing that the river inspires.

Across the next 12 months we’ll have the opening of the new pedestrian bridge over the river. Hopefully after that we will see more visitors to the city to take part in the Great River Walk around the beautiful natural waterway Penrith was settled besides.

This summer take advantage of our natural assets and go for a dip in the river, enjoy the river walk or simply lay down a picnic rug and enjoy a good book in the shade of the river bank.

“Happy Australia Day! Let’s come together as one people and celebrate our blessed country Australia and the privilege of being an Australian”

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Aussie lingo With Australia Day coming up let’s have a bit of a gander at some old Aussie slang sayings that only true blue Aussies would understand!

Old slang.. all but forgotten!

› As flash as a rat with a gold tooth › It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick › Ya bloody scallywag! › He’s cactus › He’s got a head like a beaten favourite › How ya going Cobber? › Ken oath! › Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane › On the blower › Hum dinger › She’s got a kangaroo loose in the top paddock › Stone the flamin crows › You pong! › He was grinning like a shot fox › She’s the duck’s guts › Amber fluid › He’s as fat as a butcher’s dog › Where’s me doovalacky? › Grouse! › Feeling as crook as Rookwood › She’s up at a sparrow’s fart › He’s come a gutzer › Within a coo-ee › That’s about as rare as rocking horse poo › Big-noting yourself › Bonzer bloke › Off like a brides nightie › Barrack for your team › Strewth › She’s done the Harold Holt › London to a brick › Hoo-roo › She shot through like a Bondi tram › He’s lower than a snake’s bum › She can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles Q: What is the difference between an Australian wedding and an › I’m so hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider Australian funeral? › I’m busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition A: One less drunk at the funeral › She could eat a toffee apple through a tennis racquet - (applied to buck teethed women)

› My throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage › She’s got a face like five miles of unmade road › As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem. › As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike › He’s as reliable as a two bob watch › His language was so bad, he’d make a warfie blush › Fits like a bum in a bucket › She’s as thick as two short planks › He’s so fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Good ole-fashioned

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Q: Why do kangaroos hate rainy days?

A: Because their children play inside.

Q: What did the necktie say to the Akubra Hat? A: “You go on a head mate, I’ll just hang around.”

I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record. Bit bloody ironic is it not?

Australia Day

Friday 26th January 2018 We are open 9am-5pm, an extra two hours than normal • Live Entertainment on the Stage all Day • Penny Arcade • Chocolate Wheel • 18th Battalion • Pony Rides, Miniature Train Rides, Carriage Rides, Hay Wagon Rides • Slot Car Racing Track • There will be 4 Snake Shows by Neville Burns • Antique Cars, Trucks, Motor Bikes, Jeeps • Antique Steam Engines • Food Stalls • Aussie Games including corn husking and dough tossing • Dunny Races – we provide the equipment to build your dunnies on the day – e-mail: events@theapv.org.au to put your name down or you can book at the Souvenir Shop on Australia Day. • Entry costs are $5 per adult, $3 per child and $15 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

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local news

The G Spot

Is it only me or have people noticed the (Jaws music please) the New Year’s Resolution walkers!

Run for your lives, they are taking up our streets, roads, footpaths and even parks, they are everywhere, don’t feed after dark or add water.

Yes folks these are the people that you never see all year round, they are like hermit crabs all year and then suddenly……

The one thing I also notice is the different types of walkers, such as the mixed matched walker- The mixed match walker is a person who has never bought fitness gear in their life and it appears that they have replaced an engine block prior to the walk.

The determined walker- This is a person that has the look of pain on their face, like they are passing a large object, however is walking slower than a snail. There’s a lot of arm pumping going on but not much

distance happening.

The I don’t give a rat’s bum walker- This is a walker that proceeds to kick every stone and meander like they are heading to work or something.

The sweaty walker- This is a walker that looks like they have swum 10 laps and then jumped out for the evening walk, the sweat beads are pouring out and the t-shirt looks like the last scene of rocky when he is yelling out for his wife Adrian.

The male bum crack walker- This is a walker that feels the need to wear shorts with no elastic and they are presenting a crack bigger than a plumber’s.

The male harry high pants- This is a walker who wears their shorts so high it looks like they need an operation to get them off.

The colour co-ordinated walkerThank god for these ladies, with matching shoes, socks, tops and of

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

course the Lycra pants, with, yes folks, the matching thin colour stripe down the side of the pants. (I hear the angels sing).

And of course the super model walker, this is a walker who attends the beautician to have their hair and make-up done to take the daily walk, and doesn’t really care if they are getting fit as long as 20 thousand car horns beep, they are happy.

Now I know you are asking what has all of this crap got to do with security, but alas my dear readers it has, because I am going to give you walking security tips. So just keep ya knickers on!

Firstly - Tell people where you are walking, so when you are not back in 48 hours they know where to come looking and cash in on your life insurance as well.

We know how much you love Dolly Parton, but having her

screaming at 70 thousand decibels in ear phones is not really good, considering you won’t hear anything or anyone around you.

Walk in groups- so society not only has to put up with one of you on the street but 15. (Yippee) Facebook- checking in and taking selfie’s on every street corner is not really needed, because to be quite frank we don’t really care that you have decided to walk for two weeks only into the new year, and it also takes your attention ( what you span you may have) away from what you are actually doing.

So there you have it the NYRW (New Year’s Resolution Walker) not for the faint hearted folks, this is a trend that you must approach with fear and caution as it only happens at 12.01 on the 01/01 of the New Year - miss the boat and you have to wait another 12 months!

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Bad to the bone Traditionally many people have fed bones to dogs. They are a common table scrap, can occupy dogs for long periods, are commonly used to clean teeth and are regarded as a natural dog food.

However, in practice we see many issues when animals, especially dogs, are fed bones.

Cooked bones are particularly dangerous as they can easily break apart when chewed. The bone shards can cause intestinal obstructions, they can lacerate the gut and cause life-threatening septicaemia.

Most people are aware of this and feed raw bones instead, but they can also cause issues.

If a dog chews the meat from a bone it helps to clean their teeth but as a dog bites down on a bone they can cause slab fractures of the large carnassial teeth. These teeth are then susceptible to tooth root infection. They can cause severe painful abscesses and the tooth normally requires extraction.

Bones frequently get caught in the mouth. The

most common presentation is a rib bone that gets caught across the roof of the mouth and wedges between the back teeth. Large bone fragments can get caught over the teeth themselves. Dogs will often paw at their mouths and go off their food. A sedation or anaesthetic is often required to remove the bone safely.

Constipation is another common presentation we see. The smaller bone fragments often bank up in the colon and cause considerable pain when being passed. The feaces becomes firmer the longer it sits in the colon. Dogs may be treated medically with pain relief, fluids and faecal softeners but will often require anaesthetic and colonic lavage (enema) to remove the faeces and bones. If dogs are entire males and have enlarged prostates, they are at higher risk of this occurring.

There is often a lot of fat attached to bones so dogs that are fed bones regularly or as a large proportion of their diet, are at risk of obesity. Another risk with high fat foods is pancreatitis. A single fatty meal can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Pancreatitis is a painful and potentially lifethreatening disease that requires intensive treatment.

Bacterial overgrowth on raw meat and bones can cause gastric infections. Bones that are old, left out on hot days or buried and dug back up can harbour harmful bacteria that can cause innapetance, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. Treatment requirements can range from symptomatic therapy to intensive treatment.

There are many safe alternatives to bones available. Feeding good quality dry food as the bulk of the diet helps to maintain dental health. There are prescription dental diets that actively clean the teeth as the dog chews. There are many dental treats and dental chews. There are many toys that can be used to hide food like kongs. Low fat treats like raw carrot are good alternatives to bones. Slow feeders are specialised bowls that actively slow dogs as they eat.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the clinic on 4731 3055.

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

Phone 47 313 055

local news

By Keegan Thomson

EORGE Asciak, the jolly, bearded and charitable Colyton Santa, has raised nearly $3500 for Nepean Hospital during his annual Christmas lights and Santa spectacular.

Setting out with the goal of raising $2000 for charity he has blown that expectation out of the water after generous members of the the public and local businesses donated $3474.20.

“It has been really overwhelming,” Mr Asciak said.

“We originally set out to raise $2000 for Nepean Hospital but ended up doing much better than that.”

For 15 years now Mr Asciak has been donning the red and white suit for a number of charities and community groups across western Sydney. Each year, on the week before Christmas, he opens up his yard to people who want to get photos with him dressed as Santa.

Despite the poor weather on the week leading up to Christmas, Mr Asciak said he had one of the biggest years to date.

“Across the week I reckon we had nearly 2000 people turn up to take photos, see the lights and donate money,” Mr Asciak said.

“All of the children who come out get a toy and a little take home pack and have a big smile on their face, that is what makes it worth it all.”

Mr Asciak said the money is set to go towards much needed equipment for Nepean Hospital.

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Local Santa raises big bucks G

13

Mr Asciak with a big smile and a big cheque. Photo: Keegan Thomson

Humbly he said he couldn’t have done this Christmas miracle on his own, Mr Asciak has a slew of people he would like to thank.

“I would like to thank the Lycan Group who donated $500, Mick T’s in the St Clair Village shopping centre who donated 500 candy canes, the people at Australian Scaffolding for helping me with

the Santa throne, the team at the Commonwealth Bank in High Street Penrith and most importantly all the people who came out to donate money and show their support,” Mr Asciak said.

For Christmas 2018 Mr Asciak says he will be back with a bigger and better Santa spectacular.

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

14

NEPEAN HISTORY

St Marys Railway Gates

I

n 1863 when the railway arrived at St Marys (then known as South Creek) from Parramatta, the Windsor Road was cut in half. This road at that time was a major stock route through the town to the sale yards on the southern and northern side of the road. When the line was extended to the “Crossroads” (Kingswood) in 1863, Windsor Road was in need of a place to cross the railway line. A gate was used with a gatekeeper, as well as a small gate used for people traffic and later on a crossing was installed with no gatekeeper but needed bells and lights that hailed the arrival and departure of the train to and from the west. In 1886 the line to St Marys was duplicated and changes were made in 1942 for the new munitions line. There were several fatalities along the line due to human error. In 1951 most people were using the level crossing rather than the station’s overhead bridge that was leading to accidents by pedestrians, and in a letter to Penrith Council the Traffic Branch of the NSW Police stated that it would continue if nothing was done. The pedestrian crossing with wicket gates were going to cost £130 and the alteration of the automatic signals for the gates £965, making a total of £1,095. The Railway Department had advised that it could not meet the cost of this and suggested the Penrith Council pay it. Alderman Fowler said that the Traffic Branch should be informed that Council did not feel it could meet that cost and that the crossing was very dangerous. It was then decided that Council write to the Railway Department stressing the urgency of the matter and asking that the Department give consideration to financing the job because Council was not in a position to do so, but the whole thing was put on hold. In 1956, after a letter from the Railway Department was received notifying that the boom gates would be closed to vehicular traffic, a petition from a majority of the people of St Marys who were strongly opposed to the closing of the boom gates was received at Council. The petition had been signed by 600 people of the ward in opposition to the closure. The majority of business people in Queen Street, along with tradespeople and doctors had indicated that they were opposed to the closing of the gates that would be fatal to the life of the community. Some of the Aldermen said that they had talked with all sections of the people of St Marys and not all of them were unanimous on the matter, but the majority were definitely of the opinion that the closing of the gates would be a disadvantage to the people in Queen Street. The Council resolved that a request be sent to the Secretary for the Railways asking not to take any action to close the boom gates at the railway station to vehicular traffic while the new munition project was under construction and that the matter be further considered by the Department with the Council after the completion of the project. Towards the end of 1956, Council had received delayed replies from the Department of Railways to the protests against the closing of the gates. Secretary for Railways wrote: - “Referring to your letter and the accompanying petition protesting against the closing of the level crossing at Queen Street, I have to say that whilst your representations have been considered, the position is that the construction of the overbridge at Glossop Street has provided an alternative crossing of the railway line for vehicular traffic, for both local traffic and traffic proceeding to and from the industrial area. Regarding your remarks as to the deviation of traffic from Queen Street shopping area, it is pointed out that the primary purpose of the construction of the overbridge at Glossop Street was to keep the heavy traffic to and from the industrial area of the Commonwealth project away from Queen Street and to avoid the delay and congestion of this traffic when the level crossing gates would be closed for the passage of trains. The closing of the level crossing at Queen Street is in conformity with the policy to eliminate level crossings wherever practicable and it is

considered that this would not have any detrimental effect on local interests but, on the contrary, would improve the conditions of the shopping area in Queen Street pending the construction of ramps of the existing overbridge and the movement of pedestrians will be controlled by small boom gates operated from the adjacent signal box. The installation of these boom gates is in hand and it is intended to close the crossing to vehicular traffic as from 10th December 1956.” Because of this letter the Council immediately took steps to open the road from Glossop Street entrance to Chesham Street and a diversion into Station Street then into Queen Street with the investigation of the needs of Queen Street with the traffic authorities with a view to the establishment of one-way traffic. In 1957 at a Council meeting the Department of Railways advised that the matter of providing ramp approaches to the footbridge at St Marys railway station that was asked for by Council had been “deferred for further consideration” when there had been an improvement in the financial position of Council, but the matter of providing these ramps was referred back to the Railways Department in view of the earlier advice from the Department “that ramps would be provided when the railway gates at Queen Street were closed’.

In October 1957 a concert was presented at W.E. Cuckson’s social centre by the Geza Bachman Trio. The programme was specially selected to be a popular one, consisting entirely of everybody’s favourite airs from the popular classics rarely heard in St Marys and with the audience expressing its appreciation with warm enthusiasm. Questions were asked: - “Why, one asks, was this audience so small? Why were only 40 people present in an airy, comfortable hall equipped to seat 300?” It seemed that previous musical evenings held at the centre had been well supported and at times the hall had been filled to capacity. “What has happened to change this state of affairs?” At that time, when the activities of this lively social centre was well patronised, the lighted front entrance stood in the main thoroughfare of St Marys on Windsor Rd with easy access along Queen Street, it stands where it always did, but now it was “out in the bush”.

By a roundabout route (Glossop St) you get to it from the town and the immediate approach is a narrow dirt road without lights and thick dust.

The railway gates have shut off this flourishing activity from the life of the township. It would be very regrettable if due to these circumstances the activities of the Cuckson Social Centre should meet with such handicaps.

By 1978 the railway line became four lines between Lidcombe and St Marys and the St Marys Railway Station Group has been listed on the State Heritage Register (#4801035).

Sources: Nepean Times, GML Heritage online, NSW Railcorp Transport Section 170 Heritage & Conservation Register. Permission has been given for the photo from State Archives to reproduce this once only. The original is held at the Archives. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

local news

H

AS there ever been a more exiting time to live in Penrith? The Mayor of this great city, Councillor John Thain, doesn’t think so.

In 2018 Cr Thain has a list of five things he would like to see delivered to the region that will improve infrastructure, tourism and livability in Penrith.

First off the bat is the north-south rail link, something the Council has wanted for a number of years now.

“The north-south rail line is really important and not just for Penrith but for the whole region,” Cr Thain said.

One of the driving factors behind the Council’s lobbying for the rail link from the north west of Sydney to the south west of the city is the possibility of job growth and urban accessibility that will come with the new train line.

“As we get closer to the airport development the whole area will burst with skilled and unskilled jobs,” Cr Thain said.

“On top of the new jobs you’ll also have the ability to urbanise all these towns with affordable housing and well supported infrastructure,” he said.

The second thing that Cr Thain would like to see completed in 2018 is the process around the waste tender.

Towards the end of last year there were some issues with waste collection around the suburbs of Erskine Park, St Clair and St Marys with residents waiting days their recycling bins to be collected.

The Mayor says he is sorry for the inconvenience.

“I apologise to the people of Penrith and particularly residents of Erskine Park, St Clair and

St Marys,” Cr Thain said.

“On some weeks people would have their recycling bins sitting out the front for days on end, not knowing when their rubbish would be picked up, and that is really distressing for us Councillors.”

Another thing on the Mayor’s to-do list for 2018 is to get a finalised plan for the flood evacuation route.

“With the growth that we’ve got in the region there is always fears about flooding in the Nepean,” Cr Thain said.

“We need to finalise how we get people out of the city in the case of a flood because currently the lack of a finalised plan is holding up some development in our city.”

Fourth on the Mayor’s to-do list is the continuation of the development of the Penrith Lakes.

“Since 1999 I’ve been on Council and we keep talking about it being the jewel in the crown of Penrith,” Cr Thain said.

“Here we are in 2018 and we’re still waiting for it.

“It is important that the Penrith Lakes gets moved ahead so that we can get some certainty around it,” he said.

The last thing on the Mayor’s list, and maybe the most ambitious of them all, is the implementation of the federal government’s Western Sydney City Deal.

The Western Sydney City Deal will bring all three levels of government together in a collaborative partnership to invest in new infrastructure, education and employment opportunities for the west.

“It is basically what people really want for their community,” Cr Thain said.

“You’ve got state, local and federal government working together to try to get a positive outcome for the whole region of western Sydney.

“It isn’t just about our city of Penrith but it is about where we sit in the puzzle of Sydney and how we work with neighbouring councils and the governments,” he said.

Council Catch Up brings the Councillors you voted into Penrith Council into focus. If you have questions for the Councillors email them to keegan@nepeannews.com.au

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Council catch up with Keegan Thomson

15

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local news

T

he task of creating a healthy school lunch is now easier for Greater Western Sydney parents with the launch of Cancer Council NSW Healthy Lunch Box website healthylunchbox.com.au The website includes recipes, ideas and tips – and also features an interactive lunch box builder that enables parents and children to plan a healthy lunch box at home, or on the move with their smartphone or tablet.

The Healthy Lunch Box website shows parents how easy it can be to add more fruit and veg and pack a lunch box their children will love to eat.

Western Sydney mother of two Esther Chaise said the website helped her prepare simple yet healthy meals for her son and daughter, who attend Primary School.

“It’s really informative. It teaches you the importance of not making meals too complex and gives you some great and simple recipes to try,” she said.

“I really liked that the Healthy Lunch Box website encourages you to take the children and get their input when you’re shopping for meals.”

The website launch is part of Cancer Council’s Eat It To Beat It program, which runs free sessions and workshops across Greater Western Sydney for parents of primary aged school children.

“I loved that it educated me on the basics,” Winmalee mother Clare Mullins said.

“I found the website really useful. I like how they have a lunchbox set out with a meal and you can then click on a link, which takes you through to the recipe.

“They’re easy recipes with some great variety. It makes you think outside the sandwich.”

The Healthy Lunch Box website helps parents understand why fruit and vegetables are so important.

Just seven per cent of NSW children eat enough vegetables and 22 per cent of children are overweight or obese.

“Alarmingly, in South Western Sydney, 97 per cent of adults don’t eat enough vegetables, while 51 per cent don’t eat enough fruit,” Cancer Council NSW Greater Western Sydney Regional Nutrition Project Officer Kate Sewell said.

“In Western Sydney, 43 per cent of adults are eating enough fruit, while four per cent are eating enough vegetables and in the Nepean Blue Mountains, 49 per cent of adults are eating enough fruit and eight per cent are eating enough vegetables. It’s a great start and we’re here to help boost intakes even higher.”

One in three cancer cases can be

prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy weight.

“As parents we teach our children how to cross the road or how to play football from a young age. We prepare them for when they grow up to keep them safe,” Werrington mother of two Rekha Roy said.

“But when it comes to food, too often it’s all about convenience. The great thing about the Healthy Lunch Box website is it tells you what children should eat, not what they shouldn’t eat.

“It’s really easy and the message is very clear.”

Winmalee father of two Steven Fensom said preparing meals for your children could be a challenge.

“Getting kids to eat anything can sometimes be a real battle,” he said.

“What I love about the Healthy

Lunch Box website is that the meals are not too confronting, for you or your children.”

Ms Sewell said parents wanted quick and easy access to healthy recipes and inspiration on how to vary lunch box content.

“Parents want to ensure they are providing their kids with the energy and nutrients they need to learn and play,” she said.

“With one child eating about 2500 lunches throughout their years at school, for many parents packing lunch boxes can be a chore, especially when it comes to getting kids enthusiastic about healthy options such as fruit and vegetables.”

The website has been supported through the ongoing generosity of Outrun Cancer www.outruncancer. com and the community.

Visit healthylunchbox.com.au and pack a tasty healthy lunch box today.

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Time to ‘think outside the sandwich’

17

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ENTERTAINMENT

S

etting a new benchmark for accommodation in Greater Western Sydney, Holiday Inn® Sydney St Marys has opened its doors.

Conveniently located between in St Marys, the 119-room hotel represents a new definition of the Holiday Inn® brand in Australia. The hotel features a business centre, gym and meeting rooms, free high-speed internet access and has been finished with the trademark precision of awardwinning company FDC Constructions & Fitout.

Situated adjacent to the muchloved St Marys Rugby League Club, connected via a covered landscaped walkway, the hotel is a highly anticipated addition to the Club’s offering. Guests can enjoy all the excellent facilities that the St Marys Rugby League Club Complex has to offer including four restaurants, multiple bars, lounges, function rooms and free entertainment.

St Marys Rugby League Club CEO, Rod Desborough is delighted to open the doors of the hotel saying, “The

hotel offers our valued Members and their families, as well as the wider rugby league community, visitors and tourists an entirely new and modern accommodation option”.

“The Hotel, combined with the St Marys Leagues Stadium, Skypeak Adventures, Go Bananas, the Club’s existing facilities and the exciting plans for the future will ensure that the St Marys Rugby League Club Complex is a major tourist destination for Greater Western Sydney and the realisation of a long term dream for

the Club” he added.

Winston Gong, Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys General Manager is confident the hotel will exceed expectations, saying “The hotel itself is ideal for business, group, sporting or leisure travellers looking for smart hotel solutions in the thriving Greater West. With the added benefits offered by the Club this will set us apart from most other hotels”.

Guests wanting to make a booking at Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys can do so at www.ihg.com

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Smiles have come to town with Holiday Inn® St Marys now open

19

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

20

ENTERTAINMENT

A big little kids film festival at the Joan

By Keegan Thomson

IF you’ve got a little Spielberg in the making at home or your whole family loves films, Little Big Shots, an international kids’ film festival, is perfect popcorn fodder this summer.

Inspiring young minds through film, Australia’s largest annual touring children’s film festival, Little Big Shots screens to thousands of kids every year from tiny tots to older tweens and is part of The Joan’s summer festival miniFEST on January 23.

An incredible showcase of films by filmmakers from over twenty countries, Little Big Shots features the best in local and international, quirky kid-made films covering live action, animation and documentaries.

Engendering a love of film among even the youngest cinema goers, highlights include films that you won’t see anywhere else.

Sand Castles is an action packed battle between soldiers from the Sand Legion and a predatory beast in an isolated desert outpost. Our Wonderful Nature is a film about the feeding habits of the common chameleon, as never seen before. Three Little Ninjas

Delivery Service is an animated tale of a not so charming Prince who slays the dragon guarding the Princess who promptly orders a new dragon from the Three Little Ninjas Delivery Service. These are but three of the quirky, imaginative and highly original films on offer at the Little Big Shots film festival.

Mini movie moguls will laugh along, whoop and be inspired by the huge variety on offer.

Little Big Shots film festival Director, Ben Laden said there will be a range of films that will inspire and excite little and big kids alike.

“This year’s Little Big Shots is full of surprises, spills and thrills. The whole family will be delighted by this wonderful collection of shorts. I can’t wait to introduce the next generation of film lovers and makers to the best kids’ movies of the year,” Mr Laden said.

You don’t want to miss this fabulous family film festival and it is right here in Penrith Tuesday January 23, 11am to 1:30pm as part of miniFEST, the festival specially for kids aged 3 to 10 and their adults.

Ticket price for miniFEST includes lunch, Little Big Shots film festival and the music lounge before and after film screenings.

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AUSTRALIA DAY

Outdoor Lounge & Weber Baby Q Drawn Australia Day 8.30pm $2 Ticket - 3 for $5

FRIDAY 26 JANUARY ENTERTAINMENT

Fiona Fields, 2-5pM The Quokkas, 8pm Courtesy Bus from 12 midday

SATURDAY 20 JANUARY, 7pm

SUNDAY 28 JANUARY, 5pm

SUNDAY 21 JANUARY

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

nova tone

Folk Club Led by ‘BANTER’

In the JA Room 2.30-5.30pm Bring your instruments, bring your voice or just sit back and enjoy the craic!

black water

LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10 MONDAY Schnitzel Night $12.50 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Coffee & Cake $8.50 THURSDAY Kids Eat FREE (conditions apply) SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY 19 JAN - 8PM Skyz The Limit

SUNday 21 JAN - 5PM SHaron Pearce

Saturday 27 FEB - 7PM THE REMIXES

SUNDAY 28 FEB - 5PM BLACK WATER

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

WORD SEARCH

Australia ADELAIDE AUSSIE BEACHES BOOMERANG BRISBANE CANBERRA COMMONWEALTH CONTINENT CORAL SEA CROCODILES DESERTS

DIDGERIDOO DINGO DOWN UNDER EMUS EUCALYPTUS TREES HUGH JACKMAN KANGAROO KEITH URBAN KOALA KOOKABURRA KYLIE MINOGUE

MARSUPIALS MELBOURNE MONARCHY NEW SOUTH WALES NICOLE KIDMAN OCEANS OUTBACK PARLIAMENT PERTH PLATYPUS PRIME MINISTER

QUEENSLAND RAINFORESTS RUSSELL CROWE SEAFOOD SHRIMP SURFING SYDNEY TASMANIA VEGEMITE VICTORIA WOMBAT

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

ENTERTAINMENT

22

SOLUTION: 23rd Nov

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hunting guide (7) 5 Jobs (7) 9 Rehearsed (9) 10 Forest god (5) 11 They decide what goes

in a magazine (7) 12 Teach (7) 13 Well-kept (9) 15 Speed competitions (5) 17 Head of a city (5) 19 Nightstick (9) 22 Invigorate (7) 25 Bringing two people

together (7) 26 Silk-cotton tree (5) 27 Lacking in refinement (9) 28 Pushes forcefully (7) 29 Braids (7)

DOWN 1 Dinners (7) 2 Inaptitude (9) 3 Things done (7) 4 Without ceasing (9) 5 Mooch (5) 6 Savior (7) 7 Additional (5) 8 Roads (7) 14 Things needed to accomplish

a task (9) 16 Elements (9) 17 South African mongoose-like

animal (7) 18 Rescinds (7) 20 Pertaining to the most

populous country (7) 21 Cancels (7) 23 Outcast (5) 24 At the ends of fingers (5)

solution 21/12/17

ENTERTAINMENT Summer is officially here and this year The Joan invites you to take a holiday at home. To make this holiday season the best it can be, The Joan offers a full calendar of music, workshops, shows and activities, right here on your doorstep.

Headlining the 2018 season is power vocalist, X Factor winner and Eurovision sensation Isaiah Firebrace in concert.

Isaiah will perform his own work Its Gotta Be You, Don’t Come Easy and Streets of Gold plus tracks from the Best of X Factor album and a bunch of charting songs with his five-piece band.

Not only will your teens love Isaiah you will enjoy his soulful music and natural talent!

Sunday 21 January 7:30pm Standard$65 | Concession$60 Celebrate a gifted artist, Carole King, with two of Australia’s formidable vocalists - Vika Bull, of Black Sorrows fame, and Debra Byrne, Australia’s Queen of Pop as they come together for Tapestry – The songs of Carole King.

Reminisce and sing along with You’ve got a Friend, I feel the Earth Move, and more as they come to life in an intimate setting where every seat is a good seat!

Friday 9 February 7:30pm Standard $79 |Concession $75 How about summer holiday festival of music and film – just for kids (and their

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Holiday at home this summer

adults)? Mini FEST is the perfect way to break up long summer days and get everyone out of the house! The day starts with the magical melodies of singersongwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots – Australia’s number one international film festival for kids. All that entertainment will build appetites, so we’ll be feeding hungry tummies – as part of the ticket price – before heading back to the Music Lounge for a special treat – Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime!

Suitable for ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 (includes lunch).

Take a Wednesday morning and accompany your favourite active senior to a great concert. Embark on a Celtic journey from Dublin to Dundee with tenor John MacNally, Eileen McCann and piano accordion playing highlander John MacDonald. Featuring greats like Danny Boy, Mountains of Mourne, How Great Thou Art, I’ll Tell Me Ma, Dublin’s Fair City (Cockles & Mussels), Runaway and Galway Girl.

Wednesday 24 January 11:00am Morning Melodies Tickets $20 (includes a delicious morning tea served from 10am).

January Scho o l Holidays

at The Joan

23

ISAIAH FIREBRACE ONE SHOW ONLY! 21 Jan 7.30pm

The Joan’s 2018 Season gets off to an electrifying start when Isaiah Firebrace lights up the stage, opening the season on Sunday 21 January. Firebrace’s blazing success story from small-town NSW to Eurovision — picking up a coveted X Factor win along the way — has captured the hearts of many. When he launches into Don’t Come Easy you’ll be glad you bought the hottest ticket in town.

Standard $65 Concession $60 OR SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

HOLIDAY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & THE JOAN

8 to 11 years | 15 and 16 January 9.30am–4pm each day

Nay Nay

12 to 16 years | 17 and 18 January

A fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers.

Workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience.

Covering a variety of different dance styles (Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop and Street) for boys and girls 8–16 years, Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops offer an exciting and supportive environment to dance.

Fee: $170 per 2-day workshop

HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS

8 to 12 years | 23, 24, 25 January, 9am–4pm each day Angie Who

miniFEST! A summer holiday festival of music and film — just for kids (and their adults)!

A great opportunity for young artists to enjoy new aspects in theatre-making and share the experiences with new friends over their summer holidays. Workshops include costume design and storytelling and participants can join for a single day to experience one set of skills, or for the full three days of the program.

Fees: $60 per day, $162 for 3-day package

13 to 17 years | 22, 23, 24 January, 10am–3pm each day Growing young performing artists can dive into specialised workshops covering Voice (including accents, Shakespeare’s voice, and sound exploration) and Movement (covering stage combat and physical theatre workshops). Participants can join a single workshop for a half- or full day, or for a multi-day package to enjoy a range of theatre skills on offer.

Fees vary, check website.

Ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm This is the perfect way to break up those long summer days and get everyone out of the house for some holiday fun! The day starts in the mini-Music lounge with the magical melodies of singer-songwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots — Australia’s number one international film festival for kids. All that entertainment will build your appetite, so after the screening we’ll be feeding hungry tummies — as part of the ticket price — before we head back to the Music Lounge for a special treat — Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime!

Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 Ticket price includes lunch

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 22 – 25 January

Focus Exhibition: Landing Points Have fun exploring the role of storytelling in contemporary art. Workshops include Comic Book Adventures, Collage Creations, Mask Making, Stamped Clay Tiles, Reverse Pastels, Landscape Drawing, Woven Watercolours.

Check website for details: penrithregionalgallery.org Victoria Garcia UNITY, 2017 Pigmented ink printed on cotton linen, mixed media installation. Courtesy of the artist.

Visit www.thejoan.com.au for more info and bookings or call 4723 7600

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

24

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

BITCOIN - THE DEFINITION OF A BUBBLE! With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

What is all the fuss about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies I hear you say!

Irrespective of whether you think it’s a bubble, a Ponzi scheme or the future of money, the spectacular rise in the price of Bitcoin is the most exciting story of not only 2017, but the entire “post” GFC era. The price of a single Bitcoin increased to over $24,000 on 17/12/17 but has now declined to around $18,000 as I write this article.

Bitcoin also has to be one of the most beautifully marketed “products” of all time. If you believe what is on the label, Bitcoin was created by an anonymous “champion of the people”, who wanted to give everyday citizens the world over control of their financial destiny. The way it is marketed, Bitcoin is anti-Bank, anti-Wall Street and anti-Government.

Bitcoin also harnesses a previously unknown technological power (the blockchain) allowing for supposedly instant settlement and safe, anonymous trade with anyone, irrespective of where they are located on the globe.

Unsurprisingly, the amazing ‘story’ of what Bitcoin supposedly is, coupled with its promising price gains in its first few years, has led to an ever-growing fan

base. This has exploded in 2017 with a flood of buying interest that has seen the price jack-knife higher, with the entire cryptocurrency market now worth circa USD $500 billion. For some, Bitcoin has indeed offered life-changing gains, but that doesn’t change the fact that, to a large degree, the promise of Bitcoin, like most fairytales, isn’t true (so far at least).

Far from being a “money of the people”, less than 1,000 people are rumoured to own over 40 percent of all Bitcoin. Ownership concentration aside, there are also major governance concerns regarding the way in which Bitcoin is traded, with some of the leading exchanges incredibly opaque in terms of how they manage risk, and how easy it is for clients to withdraw either cash, or Bitcoin itself. There are numerous stories about cryptocurrency traders growing frustrated with the exchanges they are using, which are refusing to remit actual money back to their clients when the try to redeem.

Bitcoin is also not all that safe to use in many ways.

If you transfer Bitcoin to the wrong address, overpay for something, or indeed pay for any good or service that your counterparty then fails to provide, you will be out of luck, with absolutely no recourse. You’d face the same issue if you are hacked – and someone steals your coins, a far cry from the protections our

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banking system (however imperfect) offers us as customers.

Furthermore, whilst it’s possible to use Bitcoin as a means of payment today in a growing number of places, there is massive difference between this, and Bitcoin being a unit of account or a medium of exchange. Spreads of 8 to 15 percent are the norm in this space right now. Finally, it’s also worth reinforcing the point that the vast majority of the ‘use’ of Bitcoin these days is for pure speculation, rather than any desire by Bitcoin buyers to use the coins to engage in daily commerce.

In my opinion, Bitcoin is a bubble of quite epic proportions. History shows that every bubble eventually bursts and investors who come late into this “game” are likely to be badly burnt. If you are considering investing any money into bitcoins or any cryptocurrencies, then you must be prepared to lose it all.

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By Noel Rowsell

S

tonecutters Ridge Golf Club junior member Brielle Mapanao has won the Girls Division of the ‘2018 Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf’, following an exciting final day at Muirfield GC. From very early in the week, the Girls Division looked set to be a showdown between two 13 year old’s, with Mapanao and Charlotte Perkins (Cronulla GC) breaking away from the rest of the field on day two and sharing the lead after 36 holes.

Mapanao edged her way to the front on Thursday and took a one-shot lead into the final round, before running away with the tournament on Friday thanks to the low round of the tournament, a 76 at Muirfield GC. Mapanao played very solidly on the final day, making only five bogies in the entire round before her tournament victory was sealed with a birdie on the 16th.

The courses used in the tournament were Lynwood, Stonecutters Ridge, North Ryde and Muirfield.

Mapanao (a junior member at both Stonecutters Ridge GC and Castle Hill CC) has had a breakout 12 months, narrowly missing out on the 2017 Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) ‘Most Improved Junior Girl’ to Harvey Norman runner-up Perkins.

13-year old Brielle Mapanao with the winner’s trophy from the 2017 Harvey Norman Week of Golf Tournament.

Mapanao’s achievements on the JNJG Tour in 2017 included: - NSW Junior Championships - won girls 13yrs age division - Brett Ogle Junior Masters - won girls 13yrs and under Net division - North Coast Junior Masters - r/up girls 13yrs and under Net division - Participated in the JNJG Champions Trophy at Bonnville (invite only) Others: Faldo Series - r/up girls 15yrs and under Participated in NSWCHS (Catholic High School) Competition in Tuncurry and Taree (2 days)...won the Year 7/8/9 girls category in the CHS division. This win qualified her to make the NSWCCC (Combined Catholic College) Team which was played in Newcastle.

Accepted to the Western Sydney Golf Academy (golf) which is held at Twin Creeks Luddemham.

Her current success all began in 2014, playing Junior competitions with JNJG (Juniors On the Move).

She started playing US Kids Golf 2015/16 and was able to qualify to play the 2016 US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst USA in August 2016.

Mapanao received her official Golf Australia (GA) handicap / GolfLink number in September 2016 and started playing the JNJG Tour from October 2016.

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

Brielle Mapano wins JNJG Sydney Week of Golf Title

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Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

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SPORT

Free cash for local ‘Active Kids’

By Keegan Thomson

P

ARENTS of school children across New South Wales are being encouraged to take advantage of the $100 Active Kids rebate for sporting and fitness related costs launching later this month.

State MP for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, welcomed the release of the Active Kids rebate guidelines, which explains how families can take advantage of the rebate from January 31.

“This rebate addresses one of the most important issues across our local community–easing the cost of living for families,” Mrs Davie said.

“We know how household costs can add up and want to ease the pressure on families where we can, so we are encouraging parents to take advantage of this rebate and enrol their children in their preferred sport,” she said.

As of January 31, families will be able to claim $100 per school enrolled child. That money is designed to help cover the costs of kids sporting, sport uniform costs and registration fees.

The MP for Mulgoa said no matter what sport your child is signed up for they can be considered for the rebate.

“These activities could include traditional sport such as netball, football or cricket; as well as other fitness or physical activities such as swimming classes or dance,” Mrs Davies said.

Minister for Sport, and MP for Penrith, Stuart Ayres said the aim of the Active Kids rebate is to get more children into sports and help the hip pocket of the

Tanya Davies MP with some active kids. Photo: Supplied.

families who are struggling most.

“Every dollar counts in the household budget, and this $100 will reduce a barrier that stops kids from playing more sport,” Mr Ayres said.

“Through Active Kids, we want to make sport more affordable and continue our target of reducing childhood obesity rates by five per cent over 10 years.”

The rebate is not means tested so every family has access to this initiative. Parents will be able to register for the voucher online from January 31 2018 or through their local Service NSW Centre.

Guidelines are available to view at www.sport. nsw.gov.au/activekids.

SPORT @TheRiffMarn

Winless 2018 sees Black Cats Playing for Pride

The Black Cats are playing the remaining Congratulations are in order for Pat five rounds of the 2017-18 season for Cummins who capped a triumph test little more than pride after losses to series debut on home soil with a player Campbelltown-Camden (home) and St of the match performance at the SCG George (away) not only means that Penrith’s having taken 8 wickets on what was a defence of their one-day title is officially batting-friendly SCG pitch. over but also remain rooted near the bottom The eight wicket haul completed an of the Belvedere Cup in 18th position on Ashes series whereby Cummins was just 8 competition points, 31 points adrift of the highest wicket taker with 23 wickets sixth-placed Bankstown. at a healthy average of 24.65 and was Penrith were a chance to defeat St George also a handy contributor with the at Hurstville Oval in last weekend’s twobat scoring 166 runs at an average of day game when the home side were reduced 41.50. to 6/165 shortly before tea on Day One. But with fast bowler Ryan Smith struck Cricket NSW’s much talked about down by a stomach virus that forced him heat policy will be put to the test this from the field for the last session, the home Saturday with temperatures set to reach side capitalised on an already weakened 43 degrees. bowling attack to eventually be dismissed Last year it was 46.9 degrees in Penrith for 296 runs, with spinner Jake Wholohan on Feb 11 – the day Sydney Cricket was (5/105) and medium pacer Ryan Gibson shut down in advance due to heat but the (2/31 – his first wickets in the top grade city only reached a high of 36.2 degrees since 2012/13) the pick of the bowlers. which left a sour taste in the mouths of Current keeper Nick Carrathers is under pressure to retain his first grade spot.

Batting second the next day, the away side coastal-based clubs.

Photo: 77 Media. was never really in the contest despite a However on PGs last Sunday week, it 9th wicket stand of 79 runs between Luke was 43.4 degrees in the City and a record Hodges (56 – his maiden first grade 50) and Ryan Smith It also remains to be seen whether second grade 47.3 in Penrith but because the new heat policy relies (24) after having been reduced to 8/150. keeper, Tynan Liddiard will replace Nick Carrathers upon the “feels like temp” provided on the Weatherzone The loss followed on from the previous week’s in first grade after the ex-Campbelltown-Camden mobile app, it has the potential to keep players out game against leaders, Campbelltown-Camden, who keeper’s struggles with both the bat and gloves on the field given playing conditions are likely to be never looked like losing this contest, despite Shannon continued last weekend. considerably worse than the temperatures readings that Finemore (60) and Brent Williams (57) ensured the Carrathers, who missed numerous catching and are taken in the shade.

Black Cats recovered from a shaky start to set the stumping opportunities last weekend, has taken just Ghosts a competitive 205 target to chase.

It’s also been a mixed bag for the Lady Cats in the 13 catches and 2 stumpings thus far this season and With injuries to Michael Collins and Kaine Balgowan, has scored just 213 in all forms of the game including T20 competition.

Ryan Fletcher made his first grade debut against one half-century at 15.6.

Extreme heat last Sunday week saw the game Campbelltown-Camden.

By contrast Liddiard has scored nearly 400 runs versus Gordon called off at Chatswood Oval.

Then in last Sunday’s T20 double-header at Howell at 32.8 with 2 half-centuries to go with 32 dismissals With mixed results in the lower grades and junior as keeper.

Oval, the Lady Cats strenghtened by the inclusion representative and aged competitions, the Black Cats of Thunder WBBL players Naomi Stalenberg remain in 11th position in the Club Championship.

In further bad injury news for the Black Cats, Michael and Lisa Griffith, defeated former Penrith 2nds (Fifth) - Campbelltown (L) St George (W); Collins is expected to miss the rest of the season with player Hannah Darlington’s Campbelltown3rds (Eleventh) - Campbelltown (L) St George (W); the fast bowler requiring surgery to remove floating Camden side by seven wickets, with Stalenberg 4ths (Fifth) - Campbelltown (W) St George (W); bone around the ankle. scoring 81 not out and taking 4-28 with the ball, ably 5ths (Second) - Campbelltown (W) St George (W); supported by Lisa Griffith (2/7) and Sarah Coyte Poidevin Gray (U21s - Sixth) – Sydney (W) and Not often four Ryans take to the field for the (1/21).

Green Shield (U16s - Seventeenth) – Won 2 lost 5 Black Cats but that was the case last weekend with But in the afternoon game versus Northern games.

Ryan Gibson and Ryan Hackney returning from Districts, Stalenberg’s workload over the past 24 The U21s side only need to win away this Sunday to the BBL and Australian U19s representative duties hours caught up with her, dismissed without scoring Sutherland (12th) at Glenn McGrath Oval to qualify respectively to play alongside team-mates Ryan and finished wicketless with the ball as Penrith were for the finals. defeated by seven wickets after setting the small total Smith and Ryan Fletcher. of 76 runs to win.

While Luke Hodges would be pleased with his first The result leave the Black Cats in 6th position with Speaking of Ryan Hackney and it’s hard to believe the grade batting milestone, the spinner has not been in Penrith opener has missed out on an Australian U19s 2 games left to play against the two Universities sides great form of late with the ball, having failed to take World Cup Squad spot having scored 109 in recent 50 (away) on Jan 21 & 28. a wicket in his last three grade outings to have the less over U19s ODI v Pakistan at the MCG on New Years’ than flattering figures of 0/154 from 27 overs. #LoveTheCats Eve.

OFFER ENDS 31 JANUARY 2018

Offer ends 31/1/2018. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses

29

Nepean News 18 January 2018 Issue 218

30

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Emerging blue puts contract talks on hold

By STEWART MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

P

e n r i t h halfback Nathan Cleary has confirmed he will defer talks on his playing future until after the end of the 2018 season.

The confirmation comes in the wake of recent comments made by Phil Gould AM, on morning radio sports program “The Big Sports Breakfast,” where the Panthers Executive General Manager revealed he would not be pursuing the Emerging Blue for a new deal and that it was up to the half to reinitiate contract talks.

Cleary, who along with fellow Panther team-mates Dylan Edwards and Moses Leota, were selected by new NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler to attend last Saturday’s Emerging Blues camp at ANZ Stadium, said that he hadn’t given his playing future much thought despite comments made by his father, Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary, that revealed his desire to coach his son sooner rather than later.

“I’m really loving it there (at Penrith) and haven’t really thought about going anywhere else at the moment,” Cleary responded.

Cleary is happy to be a Panther but for how much longer remains the burning question? Credit: 77 Media.

“I’ve still got two years on my contract so I’m 100 percent committed to Penrith at the moment.

“I just want to get through the rest of this year first and then at the end of the year we’ll start talking about contracts.”

Whilst many experts have pencilled in the 20-year old to make his Origin debut later this year, Cleary is happy just to have been invited into camp, having never represented NSW as a junior.

Cleary also found it hard to contain his delight in knowing he was not only getting to work with Fittler, who coached the Panther in last year’s City Origin team, but was finally getting the opportunity to work with boyhood idol, Andrew Johns and other Origin

greats as well.

“I’m obviously very proud to be named in this squad and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and getting some training done especially with Joey (Andrew Johns),” Cleary declared.

“I kind of idolised Joey since I was a little kid and to be able to work with him today is pretty cool.

“Knowing Freddie also helps for days like today and you’ve also got Danny Buderus there as well.

“They are some of the best NSW players of all time so to be able to work with them is awesome.

“I am just looking forward to the opportunity this (camp) presents and show them what I can do.”

In just 41 NRL games to-date,

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St Clair Junior Rugby League Club PLAYERS REQUIRED Under 6’s (can play when 4 years old) up to A Grade LOOKING TO FIELD GIRLS SIDES FROM UNDER 6’s UPWARDS 2018 Registration Information Days Saturday Players ONLY pick up your gear at Peppertree Reserve (Cnr Peppertree & Swallow Drive, Erskine Park) Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th Feb and Sunday 25th Feb 10.00am to 3.00pm

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Cleary has already played with five halves partners – Bryce Cartwright (18 games), Matt Moylan (8), Te Maire Martin (7), Tyrone May (7) and Jamie Soward (1).

But with fellow club halves partner James Maloney having commenced training with Penrith for the first time last week since joining the club, Cleary is looking forward to some much needed stability in the halves as well as learning off the two-time premiership winner in order to be Origin ready.

“This was his first week this week and I’ve already learnt a lot off him even though we’ve had just two field sessions,” Cleary said.

“Jimmy is obviously a great player who has done everything in the game.

“He’s won comps, played Origins and for Australia too.

“So it will be really good to have that (stability) and I am really looking forward to not just learning off him but seeing on the field how he can play a dominant role given he’s been there before.

“When it really gets down to the crunch, he knows what to do and that’s the parts of my game that I want to improve on.

“If we can get off to a good start this year, and if I’m playing well then I will feel a bit better if picked for Origin.”

free Thursday, 18 January 2018

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

I’m currently on holidays and will be back in our next edition.

I have some exciting things to talk about when I get back including my new show, The Rush Hour with MG and a great bowls days coming up in March.

In the meantime have a great Australia Day on January 26 and if you’re looking to improve your fitness in 2018 join Wild Panther Fitness on facebook!

See you in a fortnight!

MG (random Westie) OAM

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