Nepean News 18 July 2019

free Thursday, 18 July 2019

ISSUE 256

Alex McKenzie B Com

Principal Financial Planner T: (02) 4704 8585 E: alex@futurefinancialservices.com.au W: www.futurefinancialservices.com.au A: Suite 9, 488 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

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local news

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nfluenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

There are two main types that cause infection in humans - A and B -and many sub-types and strains.

Flu can occur throughout the year but usually peaks in winter.

Government funded vaccines began this year in April for those groups considered at a higher risk of complications. These groups include over 65s, 6 months to 5 years, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 6 months, individuals with medical risk conditions and pregnant women.

Health experts say while the vaccine can’t ensure protection against every single strain, it does offer much more protection than not being vaccinated.

People with influenza typically experience some or all of the following symptoms: Fever and chills Cough, sore throat and runny nose Muscle aches, joint pains, headaches Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which is more common in children.

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Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

Flu season is here

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Deputy Mayor Greg Davies receives the flu shot from his family GP, Dr Shinwari in St Clair.

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

t saddens me to read Greencross vets on Coreen Avenue, defending the wonderful work they do in keeping our pets healthy.

We all understand when it comes to humans, that the health system costs a lot of money to run. Operating theatres, specialist doctors, nurses, machines, monitors and equipment, medications - the list goes on and on, as do the costs.

So what makes some people think that healthcare for pets, which these days offers a similar high-calibre service to that given to sick humans, will somehow be cheap?

The reality is, ensuring the good health of your pet is costly. You’re not being up-sold by someone on commission, the costs are massive just like healthcare for humans.

It seems to me that in 2019 we have become way too cynical about everyday Aussies just out there doing their job.

The armchair bandits love to tell you who is out to get you: The police are corrupt. Politicians are just in it to line their own pockets.

Councillors are all on the take and don’t care about ratepayers. The media distorts facts in order to brainwash you. Doctors write prescriptions that you don’t need so they get a kickback from big pharma. Tradesmen collude with other tradesmen. Real Estate agents hide extra buyers from you to get a quick sale, Funeral homes don’t really cremate the expensive coffin the grieving family paid for. Public servants are lazy and overpaid. Taxi drivers take you the wrong way around so you pay more.

Have I missed anyone?

If all of the above accusations were correct, then we are surely doomed, because our nation is full of cheats, frauds and charlatans.

Spare a thought for the hundreds of thousands of high school aged kids across the country, who, while watching on as we constantly criticise, need to choose which industry to enter in a few years time. What a great incentive it must be for them. Hmm? Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

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ederal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP launched the Western Sydney International Nancy Bird Walton Airport Community Bus Tour this week.

Ms McIntosh joined the Western Sydney Airport CEO, Graham Millett and other key stakeholders on the first interactive Airport Shuttle Tour of the Airport site. Western Sydney Airport partnered with South West Community Transport, a not-for-profit organisation and charity to provide the bus and driver for the tours.

“Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest growing areas. The Western Sydney City Deal, Airport, Rail and road infrastructure will help provide the employment, housing, transport and educational opportunities needed to accommodate growth,” said Ms McIntosh.

“The airport will support over 11,000 direct

and indirect jobs during the construction period and almost 28,000 full-time jobs within five years of opening. Jobs in construction, transport and logistics, retail, hospitality and professional services will be available closer to where people live.”

“Western Sydney Airport has set employment targets for local workers to make up at least 30 per cent of the workforce during construction and 50 per cent once the airport is operational. This is a great opportunity, particularly for people in and around Penrith.”

Community groups, such as local Probus and Rotary Clubs, who are keen to learn more about the Airport can now register their interest to take a guided bus tour of the airport site. Interested community groups can register their interest at info@wsaco.com.au.

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

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

Airport community Bus Tours

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local news

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ore than 600 new parking spaces will be available next week to patients and their loved ones at Nepean Hospital as the NSW Government undertakes major construction work on the $1 billion upgrade to health services.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard joined Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies at the new car park and to inspect work on the site of the new clinical building.

“This means a significant boost for parking capacity at Nepean Hospital from next week, making a real difference for patients and their loved

ones at the hospital,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It is also great to see progress on construction at the Nepean Hospital, which is just one of 200 health projects completed or in progress since 2011 that the Liberals & Nationals Government has funded.”

In 2016, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government committed $576 million for Stage 1 of the transformation. A further $450 million was committed last year for Stage 2.

Mr Hazzard said Stage 1 will include a new hospital tower, multistorey car park, rooftop helipad and an interim expansion for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

“The new tower will house a new emergency department, 18 birthing suites, a neo-natal intensive care unit and more than 12 digital operating theatres. The new roof-top helipad will provide the best available emergency services access,” Mr Hazzard said.

The next milestone for Stage 1 will be the completion of the Nepean Cancer Care Centre’s interim upgrade later this year. Construction includes a third radiation therapy bunker and 15 additional chemotherapy treatment spaces.

Mr Ayres said the expanded car park would be welcomed by the community as the Nepean Hospital’s services expand.

“This marks a major milestone in the redevelopment of Nepean Hospital, it’s a promise made, a promise delivered. The new multistorey car park and pedestrian link to the hospital will make it easier for patients, families and staff from the moment they arrive,” Mr Ayres said.

Mrs Davies said the investment at Nepean Hospital will significantly improve access to healthcare for thousands of people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

“The new tower will provide the capacity for nurses, doctors and other staff to continue to deliver the best health care to patients for decades to come,” Mrs Davies said.

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

New car park opens at Nepean Hospital

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Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

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local news

Young dirt bike rider injured after hitting fence A male dirt bike rider in his 20s was transported

by CareFlight’s rapid response helicopter to hospital on the weekend in a serious condition after the bike he was riding collided with a fence.

The male rider sustained suspected chest and abdominal injuries as well as injuries to his shoulder when the dirt bike he was riding near Londonderry, hit a fence and he was thrown off his bike.

CareFlight’s rapid response rescue helicopter was tasked just before 4pm today, landing on a dirt road about 400 metres away from the crash site where they joined NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and Rural Fire Service crews.

CareFlight’s specialist doctor and critical care paramedic intubated the rider at the scene to stabilise him before taking the patient aboard the helicopter.

The man was flown to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition.

Get healthy, get tested and let’s beat diabetes together Are you keen to get healthy but have been putting it off? What better time to give your health a shake-up than National Diabetes Week (14-20 July).

Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), director, Professor Glen Maberly, said the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in western Sydney is growing rapidly.

“Nearly half the population in western Sydney is either affected by, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes,” Prof Maberly said.

“If you live in western Sydney, you are more likely to have diabetes than if you live in the eastern suburbs of Sydney or the northern beaches.”

Routine testing for type 2 diabetes continues at Blacktown and Mount

Druitt emergency departments, which has shown thirty percent of people tested were likely to have pre-diabetes, while 17 per cent were likely to have type 2 diabetes.

These figures are similar to those identified during testing conducted at general practices in western Sydney.

“The good news is it’s possible to beat type 2 diabetes by making

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“Daily exercise and a healthy diet low in processed foods, low in fat and sugar and full of fresh fruits and vegetables, will not only help to prevent diabetes, but will leave you feeling more energised.”

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By Lisa Berwick

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y dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a number of years ago.

Parkinson’s is an illness affecting the central nervous system which impacts movement. Many people with Parkinson’s are struggling daily with managing tremors, stiffness and poor balance because they can’t control these movements. You may not know that Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent that breast or prostate cancer.

It’s hard to watch someone you love struggle with illness and Parkinson’s is no different. There are a number of different treatment options to assist sufferers manage their symptoms although many of these are costly as medication is not always covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme(PBS). Despite lots of medical professionals conducting research over the years, there has been no cure identified for Parkinson’s disease.

Finding a cure for this illness is obviously something important to my family and this is one of the reasons we participate in the Parkinson’s NSW Unity Walk every year. The Unity Walk aims to raise awareness and much needed funds for Parkinson’s NSW for things such as research,

support groups, in-home nurses and carer respite.

‘Team Devine’ have been attending for at least the last five years with various friends and relatives. During this time, dad has attended the walk with his grandkids from the time they were in prams to the recent years when they complete the course on scooters.

Dad can’t complete the walk himself anymore, but we are more than happy to walk on his behalf and we always feel proud to finish the walk and

collect our medal (of course giving one to dad too, because minding the bags is a very important job!).

The Unity Walk is held on the last Sunday in August and last year moved from Olympic park to the beautiful Sydney Park. Team Devine will be attending as they have in previous years - rain, hail or shine. Everyone young and old enjoys the day out and a chance to make new friends and catch up with some old mates. Members of the local Parkinson’s Support Group are also going to be attending. Both Mum and Dad have received much emotional support and education by attending the local support group and

look forward to attending meetings at the Penrith RSL club every month.

Team Devine is also aiming to raise funds this year and I would greatly appreciate any donations, large or small. Please head to https:// unity2019.everydayhero.com/au/jack If you or someone you know is a Parkinson’s sufferer or carer and would like some extra support, please feel free to contact Parkinson’s NSW or the local Nepean and Blue Mountains Parkinson’s Support Group. Please also feel free to come and join Team Devine at the Unity Walk this year, there is always room for more.

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

Unity walk: raising funds to help those with Parkinson’s

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Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

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local news › Domestic-related stabbing A woman has been charged after a man was hospitalised following a domestic-related stabbing at Bidwill last weekend.

About 12.25am on Saturday 13 July, emergency services were called to a home on Luxford Road, following reports a man was injured.

Officers from Mount Druitt Police Area Command attended and located a 39-year-old man with a wound to his head.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested at the home and taken to Mount Druitt Police Station.

She was charged with affray, excluded person re-enter/attempt to re-enter premises, common assault (DV), and reckless wounding (DV).

Police will allege in court that the woman was involved in an altercation with another patron at a Bidwill licensed premises earlier and attempted to regain entry after being ejected by security.

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear at Mount Druitt Local Court.

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Huge turnout to remember much-loved John Joe

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successful day was held recently at the Penrith Gaels Club with a fantastic turnout to remember a man who touched many hearts – John Joe Grieve.

John Joe was a man well known and loved in the St Marys and St Clair Rugby League community. He was also one who was taken all too soon.

The memorial day began with a round of golf in the morning at Dunheved Golf Club, then lunch and a few beverages at the Penrith Gaels Club, bringing more than 150 people together who shared something in common; they were all there to remember a man they loved and adored.

A great deal of organising goes into the day and after golf, lunch, an auction and a few games, the proceeds which exceeded $7,000 will be donated to Ronald McDonald House.

John Joe’s family have chosen to support the Ronald McDonald House Charity following the heartbreaking loss their niece Isla Ritter, to heart disease at just three years of age.

An acknowledgement must go out to John Joe’s brother Paul and sister Sharon for the endless effort they put

The G Spot

o you remember growing up and ya mum used to say, “wear clean undies” just in case we got hit by a bus and you needed to go to hospital?

Now, I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I am not sure what condition your undies will be in after you have been hit by the 478 heading to Sydney on the fastest route on a time schedule from hell, but it isn’t going to be pretty, that’s all I am saying.

Having said that, I had the enlightening, wonderful, exuberating (big word attack with no idea of the meaning but it looks good for the column) day of riding on a Sydney bus - oops sorry buses (Plural). I swear the driver was a frustrated wannabe retired racing car driver in a previous life.

He felt compelled to drive up everyone’s tail-end and then slam on the brakes every 15 seconds, placing my neck into whiplash and the dude next to me to spill his coffee. I was seriously considering sticking my OPAL card where the driver’s sun didn’t shine with a couple of round-house kicks and an upper cut thrown in.

Anyway, sigh, getting back on track, one of the many many things I did notice was the amount of people on social media - smartphones, ipads, laptops you name it - they were friggn on it. I reckon I could have done a nudie run up and down the aisle, and no

into organising the day.

John Grieve would like to thank Dunheved Golf Club, Bernie, Wayne and staff at the Penrith Gaels Club, including Shannon and his team from Seared Catering for lunch and all their family and friends for their love, help and support.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

one would have noticed. The great thing was that I was able to actually see what people were viewing.

One lady was actually transferring funds through her online bank account and had quite a healthy bank balance, I must say. I was also very blessed to have viewed her account details and work out the password. Pretty scary! I was trying to work out if she was a bonehead or just complacent? At least it took my mind off contemplating my navel for the trip.

Oh hint, if you are going to watch, well let’s just say, 18+ educational movies (Cough Cough) make sure your headphone jack is all the way in the computer socket and so the rest of the bus can’t hear it. At first I thought that two wounded hyenas had entered the bus.

I was lucky enough to attend a Cybercrime training course and whilst I am no expert in the field, one of the many things that I learnt is that the online scammers are pretty darn advanced. I saw so many people on emails that morning and all it takes is one click on an attachment and bingo, whammy or whatever you want to call it, the scammers are in.

Click! that quick. Be very very careful of what you open. Its mind boggling how many people really believe that a Russian Heir have left them millions of dollars in a will and click the attachment and get the ball rolling. Rule of thumb if you don’t know

who the email is from, delete! If it is legit they will contact you somehow.

These scamming mules, and I will call them that - mules, because they are usually working for a syndicate group and leader. These mules send out hundreds if not millions of emails, hoping that someone clicks open an attachment in an email or someone responds. Some of these mules, feed off the more vulnerable folk, ones looking for love or down in their luck in life needing companionship.

Some people have lost millions on scamming dating sites thinking that they are assisting an online love interest (that they have never met) when in actual fact its just a mule, that in many cases are doing it to feed a family in a poverty stricken country. Many of these cases are not reported because people are too embarrassed to report that they wired $500,000 to a person that they had never met, in the hope of (one day) return love and got ripped off. Whilst we can judge and call these people stupid, it truly happens daily and is happening right now as I type this.

So to close off, its okay to ride a bus naked , no one will notice anyway, the bus driver survived his trip, my OPAL card doesn’t need sterilising, the guy watching his educational movie had a great day and its okay to look like a constipated duck whilst sending emails.

Roger that? Over and out!

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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ONDONDERRY schoolgirl Scarlet Hill has just spent the last couple of weeks in the states representing Australia at the Royal International Miss International finals, which were held in Orlando, USA. Crowned the 2019 Royal International Miss Australia Pacific Pre-Teen last year, 12 year old Scarlet has spent the months since representing her title.

As part of Team Australia, Scarlet said she has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being an RIM Queen.

“It’s been a very busy amazing first couple of days,” Scarlet said shortly after the whirlwind trip began. What followed was an intense schedule of interviews, changing outfits and shows.

“Watching all the hard work done by team Australia over the past year come together across the stage has been the most exciting part.”

Scarlet will return with a raft of trophies and awards following her finish as an International Miss finalist and receiving the special Regal Excellence Award.

“We are so proud of our girl,” Scarlet’s mum Belinda said. “She worked very hard and really enjoyed herself.”

Well done Scarlet!

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

Our Miss Australia Scarlet Hill shines in Orlando

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Legends of the Nepean Lorraine Pozza

By Noel Rowsell

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enrith Paceway CEO Lorraine Pozza has been involved in the Harness Racing Industry for 40 years, firstly at Harold Park, then at the Harness Racing Authority in Bankstown before arriving in Penrith in 1989.

Life began for Lorraine in Warialda NSW in 1952, born to parents Nina and John Bell.

One of four children (including siblings Eddie, Geoffrey & Joyce), Lorraine lived in Warialda for her first 19 years before moving to Sydney in an all-encompassing Real Estate role at Bingara, then on to an Accounting role at Myers in Sussex Street.

Lorraine married husband Carlo in 1974 and the couple have two children (daughters Leanne and Amanda) and three grand-children.

Having spent all of her childhood on the land, Lorraine subsequently jumped at the opportunity to work in Harness Racing and took up a Secretarial role at Head Office (Harold Park Paceway) in 1979.

Lorraine worked as Private Secretary to the Chief Steward at both Harold Park and Bankstown for the next 10 years, travelling to tracks throughout NSW including the nowdefunct Richmond and Hawkesbury (Clarendon) race courses.

She moved to Penrith in ‘89 and after guidance and support from former Paceway President Max Laughton OAM, was appointed CEO of Penrith Paceway in 1999.

Lorraine said “It has been an honour and privilege to have worked at Penrith Paceway for the last 30 years.”

“I am proud of what we (members and board of directors) have achieved in an ever-changing world.”

“When I started as CEO of the Paceway 20 years ago, we decided to build a Registered Club to revive the Harness Racing in town (Penrith).”

“Back 20 years ago it was a great

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Photos supplied by Lorraine Pozza

little Club,” said Lorraine.

“We (Board of Directors) changed the track from 764 metres to 804 metres for more suitable racing - we also built a Function Centre, which went well back in the time when everyone was getting married in Town (Penrith).”

Lorraine said “In 2016 we built new stables to also make better accommodation for the horses and connections.”

“I pay credit to long-standing President Max Laughton OAM (who sadly passed last year) and also to his Board for their foresight and help.”

“Now our town (Penrith) has become a City and it is the end of an

era and time for our premises to move to the edge of town (Penrith) to make way for the growing city.”

“With an airport not far away, it is exciting times for Penrith.”

Lorraine said “We have engaged Capital Bluestone as our developers and at present are in the throes of town planning to enable our land to obtain the best possible price to allow the Paceway to start fresh.”

“The old grandstand is in need of repair and the track is now too small, as a 1,000 metre track is the way all tracks have gone which is also better and fairer racing for the horses.”

“I am sure the new premises will be a destination point for all to see and

one for the racing industry to be proud of,” said Lorraine.

“After starting at Harold Park Paceway some 40-odd years ago and being privileged to be CEO at Penrith Paceway, I have now decided to retire and make room for a new CEO to start the new era.”

Lorraine has been privileged to see many of the greatest horses in Harness Racing history, including the legendary Hondo Grattan in the 1970’s and Paleface Adios in the 1980’s, among many others.

“I don’t have any particular favourites but I’ve seen so many stand-out horses and drivers,” said Lorraine.

“I also owned a pacer called Perfect Jesse, which was trained by a legend of the Harness Racing Industry Johnny Tapp and it won several races.”

After calling ‘time’ on her working career, Lorraine is looking forward to a much-anticipated trip to Europe with husband Carlo, in order to thoroughly enjoy the start of her retirement.

Lorraine Pozza was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Korena Hale.

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

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local news

Vets in crisis

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

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T

here has been a lot of media coverage recently about the national vet shortage and the reasons for this are numerous.

They include the long hours, the low wages, high case load, performing euthanasia, disillusionment of new graduates, unreasonable expectations, and abuse of staff by pet owners.

These factors all contribute to the high rates of burnout and suicide.

What is the solution? Like most complicated issues, there is no simple solution. There has been much research into how to support vets and nurses, with suggestions including: Teaching veterinarians

and nurses coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and preventing burnout and suicide, providing access to professional help and removing the stigma that asking for help is a sign of weakness and encouraging a good work/life balance so people can engage with family and friends to form a strong support network.

So, how can you as a pet owner show support to vets and nurses?

By understanding more about what it means to work in a vet clinic. We cannot diagnose everything by a physical examination, and to give owners answers we often need tests.

We are not paid on commission – we make recommendations on what is in the best interests of the pet. When we require a consultation to dispense a medication, this is the law – not a money-making policy. Many vets and

nurses do unpaid work to support the community through vaccination and microchipping days, treating injured strays and wildlife, and fostering orphaned and abandoned pets. We cannot treat all animals just because we love them, we need to cover staff wages and clinic running costs.

Our most understanding clients are often the ones that have presented their pets in an emergency and been seen immediately, and those whose animal has spent time being treated in ICU. They appreciate that when they were in need they were prioritised, and understand that a long wait time means that another patient is in need.

So, if you are sitting in a vet waiting room, or on hold on the phone longer than usual, please think about what our vets and nurses are dealing with behind the scenes. Be thankful that your pet is not being rushed out he back for emergency treatment or being treated in ICU, and is well enough to wait to be seen.

Please call or drop in and visit the vets and nurses at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave if you need any assistance with your pets – 02 47 313 055.

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

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NEPEAN HISTORY

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

J

ohn Price was born in Richmond NSW in May 1824. His parents were William and Ann Price (Nee: Cooper). William was born in Chelmsford, Essex in England in 1792. He was convicted at Essex Assizes in March 1815 and sentenced to death at Buttsbury in Essex for housebreaking. The sentence was commuted to transportation for life on the ship “Ocean” in August 1815 and arrived in January 1816 at Port Jackson aged 23. He married Ann Cooper in 1818 at St Peters and received a ticket of leave in June 1820. William died in 1887. Ann was born in Parramatta in January 1801 and died in 1856.

Both are buried in the Hawkesbury area.

Some of the Price family were originally buried at the Old Wesleyan Cemetery at Richmond. They were moved sometime in the early 1900s to the Methodist section in Dight Street.

John’s first marriage at the age of 27 was to Charlotte Crisford at Richmond in June 1851. Her parents were John & Mary Crisford. In 1855 John and Charlotte settled in Penrith. Firstly, in High Street and later to a house in Henry Street where they resided for over 31 years.

Charlotte died in 1876 and is buried at St Stephens Church cemetery.

In the same year at the age of 52 years, John married his second wife Elizabeth Jane Robertson. She was the daughter of Francis & Mary Ann born in 1842. In 1882 when John was an Alderman on the Borough Council, he received a scratch on his left hand and dismissed it as not important. The scratch however became very inflamed and was being attended to, but it rapidly spread up his arm that left him unable to leave his room. A few days later he went to Parramatta and consulted the best local doctor he could find there, who recommended hot packs and poultices. In May, John (now Esq. J.P.) took the opportunity of stating to the Penrith Court House Bench his thankfulness to them for the affability and courtesy that had been shown to him on all occasions during the lengthy period in which he had attended the Court as the Reporter for the Cumberland Mercury, a position he had now resigned.

The Bench very kindly thanked John for his remarks and said that they had always found him straightforward and amiable in his demeanour in the Court during his reporting duties and hoped that those who followed him would take a leaf out of his book. A new advertisement appeared in the Nepean Times in May regarding his new venture of the funeral business (see picture). In June he was one of the men who wrote to the Mayor to ask in his official capacity as Mayor to convene a Public Meeting of the residents of Penrith for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of forming a Brass Band, to be called the “Penrith Brass Band,” or such other name as the meeting may decide upon when assembled. Also, in June, John and Mr R Broughton were returning from the sale at St Marys in the evening when an accident occurred that might have terminated badly when it appears that a Mr Stapleton from Frogmore was travelling in a heavy cart in the opposite direction to John. Mr Stapleton was on the wrong side of the road and ran into John’s buggy that broke both shafts and turned over and damaged it. Thankfully, John nor his friend received any injury beyond a shaking up. This was apparently the second time where it was necessary to call the attention of the Municipal Council for the necessity of establishing

a by-law compelling all owners of vehicles going at more than a walking pace to carry lights after dark. In August 1882, John was now in partnership with Alfred Colless as Auctioneers and was proceeding home from the sale held at the Railway premises when he was approached by a Mr Raphael who was one of a party of acrobats who have been performing during the week in the town, and who innocently inquired of him what he would charge to ring the bell for him that night at the Temperance Hall. Mr Raphael had probably been at the sale and observed John “chiming”, an occupation for which he was famous and Mr Raphael became impressed with the idea that it was John’s mode of making a livelihood, but he was unable to obtain the services of John as he informed him that he was “engaged for the present”. In March 1884 the Captain and Lieutenant of the Salvation Army at Penrith were leaving “for the purpose of looking up fresh fields and pastures new” and John and George Dent were appointed Captain and Lieutenant of the new corps, and in June John was elected one of the Vice-President’s of the Penrith Branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association. The Jamison town United School Church also owes its existence chiefly to him and till the time of his death he was its Superintendent and Secretary. In the Penrith Church of England Sunday School, he conducted a Bible-class for many years and there was no more familiar figure in the Church than his, and for about 35 years he held the position of Bailiff. John died at the age of 69 in July 1893. When his death became known, everyone had something to say. Some who had experienced his kindly aid in times of trouble, others remembered the man that was never behind in anything for the public good and who was always honest and straightforward in his dealings, while all agreed in that Penrith never possessed, or would possess another who was so universally loved, honoured and admired. Among Sunday school children John would ever be remembered for at their picnics he always took a leading part in organising their games and took an interest in their welfare. Long before the appointed time of the funeral, Henry Street was lined with people and shortly after, his coffin, a beautiful beech with massive silver handles was carried by half a dozen men to the hearse drawn up alongside the footpath. On the coffin were some wreaths of various coloured camellias, one of white and blue violets and a cross of different coloured flowers. At the rear of the hearse were the children and relatives and then a procession of townspeople numbering about 350. The funeral passed down Henry Street and turned the corner up Castlereagh Street into High Street where it was joined by a procession of about 80 people composed of the residents and the Sunday school children of Jamison town. Opposite to the Court House the procession was met by the children of St Stephen’s Sunday school who marched in front and when the gates of the graveyard were reached the crowd had increased to fully 500. He is buried in the cemetery at St Stephen’s with Charlotte his first wife. His wife Elizabeth carried on the funeral business with the help of Managers until her death in 1920.

Sources: - Trove, BDM website, Nepean Times, Australian Royalty website, Ancestry website, Price Family information from Ann Gugler, Hawkesbury on the net directory online, Hawkesbury Crier, Hawkesbury Herald.

THE SYDNEY COLLECTABLES FAIR & EXHIBITION Penrith Panthers Marquee 17 & 18 August 2019 ONLY - OPEN 9AM

The Australian National Show!

Over 100 stallholders and collectors from around Australia selling antiques and collectables including vintage gear - toys - ceramics - coins - stamps lamps - militaria - bottles - Australiana - glass - tools - signs - jewellery.

Thousands of other items of interest to the novice and discerning collector.

www.sydneycollectors.org.au Enquiries 0416 169 961

Adults $8 Kids Free!

Proceeds supporting Lions Clubs of Nepean District

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

A Truly Beloved Penrith Man

15

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

16

ENTERTAINMENT

LUKE PRIDDIS FOUNDATION BALL The local community rolled up in droves once again to support the annual Luke Priddis Foundation Ball which was held last Saturday night at St Marys Band Club.

With The Greatest Showman being this year’s theme, the guests glammed it up, enjoyed the food and entertainment and dug deep to ensure some funds were raised for this great locally-based foundation helping those with autism.

Photos courtesy of Hilary Nathan Photograghy

Social Butterfly

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

18

WORD SEARCH

BATMAN GOTHAM CITY

BARBARA

JOKER

POLES

PENGIUN

BELT

CATWOMAN

CAVE

RIDDLER

SIGNAL

FREEZE

HEROES

BRUCE

BANE

ROBIN

MOBILE

COMMISSIONER

TIGHTS

Roll up the circus is in town

W

ebers Circus, With a Touch of the Wild West, is a fantastic show filled with wonderful acts from around the world which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The five very cute miniature horses and the comedy dogs will keep you laughing, along with Australia’s funniest Kano the clown. Aerial acts that amazes audiences again and again. The other feature act is the Russian Swing, a very entertaining act with the three Webers sisters somersaulting through the air only to be caught by a catcher 7 metres high off the ground. And the WHEEL OF DEATH, The show also includes silks, hula hoops, trapeze, hand

25th July 4th August

balancing, line dancing, whip cracking and much more, Webers Circus is the perfect mix to keep you entertained from start to finish, the performance lasts 1 hour and 45 mins and tickets are on sale one hour before the show time at the ticket office out the front of the big top which is located at Penrith Paceway Mulgoa Rd from the 25th July to 4th August, just next to Hogs Breath . Don’t forget cash sales only at the onsite ticket office or a $2.50 fee for eftpos or credit cards.

For all enquiries call 0448 247 287 (0448 CIRCUS) or book online @ www.weberscircus.com.

PENRITH

PENRITH PACEWAY Mulgoa Rd, Opp Panthers Stadium CASH SALES ONLY

showtimes

Thursday 25th July Friday 26th July Saturday 27th July Sunday 28th July Thursday 1st Aug Friday 2nd Aug Saturday 3rd Aug Sunday 4th July

7pm 7pm 3pm & 7pm 11am & 3pm 7pm 7pm 3pm & 7pm 11am Only

ticket prices VIP RINGSIDE: Adult $42 Child $32 RINGSIDE: Adult $35 Child $25 A RESERVE: Adult $30 Child $20 B RESERVE: Adult $28 Child $18 Child pays 3 to 14 years. Air Cond Tent.

‘With a Touch of The Wild West’ Featuring Pole, Silks, Miniature Horses, dogs & clowns plus exciting circus acts and Western dancing. Fun & laughter for all ages

PHONE BOOKINGS 0448 247 287 - 0448 CIRCUS (TICKETS ON SALE 1 HOUR BEFORE EACH SHOW) or CASH SALES AT THE ON SITE BOX OFFICE (Wed to Sun) (10am-5pm) or BOOK ONLINE: www.weberscircus.com

ENTERTAINMENT SUDOKU: MEDIUM

K

itty Flanagan is back in Sydney for a special encore of her smash hit show, Smashing, at The Joan, Penrith on Friday August 16th .

Sex, algorithms, Cirque du Soleil, footy players, harbour porpoises - everything is getting “smashed”.

Leave the kids at home unless you want them getting a Kitty Flanagan style education. Kitty Flanagan is one of Australia’s best-loved comedians. She has been seen in ABC TV’s The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, Working Dog’s Utopia (ABC iView), and is a regular and formidable force on Network Ten’s comedy quiz program, Have You Been Paying Attention?

Kitty added author to her list of many achievements with her debut book Bridge Burning & Other Hobbies hitting the shelves in 2018. Don’t miss this final opportunity to see Kitty Flanagan smashing it.

Performance Details Venue: The Joan, 597 High Street Penrith Date: Friday 16th August, 2019 Times: 8.00pm Tickets: Available online at thejoan.com.au $54.90 + transaction.

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates SOLUTION: 4th July

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

Kitty returns for a final performance of Smashing

19

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

20

Professional Wrestling coming to Penrith Gaels

By CONNER LOWE

P

rofessional Wrestling will be coming to Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association for the first time Sunday 28th of July at 2pm with local promotion Wrestle Strong Dojo in partnership with the charity Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia, putting on an afternoon of fun for the whole family.

Lisa Crawford, Owner of Wrestle Strong Dojo spoke about the experience of the wrestlers involved with the event and the opportunity for them to showcase their skill.

“I’m excited for the opportunity for the pro wrestlers that have been attending classes at the dojo in Werrington Downs to showcase their skills and entertain the local crowd,” she said.

“The wrestlers have experience ranging from 6 months to 23 years and the wrestlers’ backgrounds also include a variety of martial arts including BJJ, Hapkido and Muay Thai.”

The Founder and President of Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia (FACAA) Charity Adam Washbourne a BJJ black belt, martial arts coach and professional wrestler

will be competing in the heavyweight tournament against Dean Draven from Penrith, a 23-year veteran of the sport.

“I see a chance to raise awareness of the fight to end child abuse and bring some gold back to the kids of the FACAA,” Adam said.

F.A.C.A.A was founded to provide support and advocacy for the victims of child abuse. FACAA helps children

who have survived child abuse through the use of counselling and mentoring programs. They utilise job search training and life coaching for older survivors. They also put survivors into fully sponsored martial arts training at preapproved martial arts centres under fully approved instructors. They implement court escort programs for those prosecuting their abusers and run

teenage anti-bullying programs inside high schools.

One wrestler set to make her debut at Penrith Gaels is Hapkido Black belt and Jujitsuist Rebecca from Werrington. Wrestling under the name Rebecca Rumble, Rebecca switched to Professional Wrestling this year and has been enjoying the challenge of the transition.

“I’m very excited to debut on the 28th of July. I believe my fighting and grappling experience will definitely be shown during the match,” Rebecca said.

“Come and watch rumble be a whole different kind of animal.”

Tickets are only $15 for Adults and $10 for children under 12 years for over 2 hours of fun exciting matches for the whole family to watch. 1.30pm doors open for a 2pm start.

Links and further information can also be found through the dojo’s Facebook page.

Some tickets will also be available at the door.

Location: Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association 75 Richmond Rd Kingswood Contact: Lisa Crawford on 0401 838 216

CROSSWORD ACROSS

4 Uncultured (7)

1

5 Hitting swiftly (8)

Cry loudly (4)

9 Shot from a bow (5)

6 Stellar (6)

10 Fake (4)

7 Ketch (4)

11 Zodiacal twins (6)

14 Mistake (5)

12 Ability to read and write (8)

16 A small picture inserted within

13 Remembrances (8)

15 Adorned (furniture) (6)

18 Occlusion of a blood vessel (8)

17 Anagram of “Deserts” (7)

20 Shook (8)

19 Self-importance (7)

21 Inane (7)

22 Pre-built (6)

23 Swoons (6)

24 Imagines to be true (8)

25 A yellow-and-black Eurasian

26 Bells in a tower (8)

28 Difficult to detect (6)

27 At a distant place (4)

30 Final (4)

29 Placed (4)

31 The mountain of the Ten

Commandments (5)

32 Heroic (4) DOWN 1

Ebb (4)

2 Chicago’s state (8) 3 Large North American deer (6)

solution 4/7/19

another (5)

finch (6)

Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au FUN FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas In July Dinner

LIVE PRO WRESTLING

Sunday 21st July In the JA Room. Doors open 5pm.

2 course meal and a glass of bubbly.

Entertainment by Steppin’ Out 5.30-8.30pm Tickets $50 per person, available from reception.

Book early, limited number of tickets available.

FROM ABBA TO MAMMA MIA TO

SUNDAY 28 JULY, 2PM GENERAL ADMISSION: $15 CHILDREN 12YRS & UNDER: $10 Tickets online & at the door if not sold out facebook.com/wrestlestrongdojo

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10 MONDAY Barramundi Night $15 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Bangers & Mash Night $15 THURSDAY Parmy Night $15

Fabba - Abba Tribute Show sATURday 3RD AUG, 8.30pm, FREE ENTRY!

Between 5 & 8pm (Conditions apply) SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY 19 JULY - 8PM Show Pony

SATURDAY 20 JULY - 7PM Remixes

FRIDAY 26 JULY - 8PM AM 2 PM

SATURDAY 27 JULY - 7PM Something to Talk About

SUNDAY 28 JULY - 5PM Blackwater

Mayors Cup

Race Night Thursday 18th July 2019 6pm start

- Free Entry - Family fun night - Jumping Castle - Stalls

Kids Meal Special $5 Mini Pizza Including a poppa (drink) & lollies

Station StREET, Penrith | Ph. 4732 4777

SPORT

Trainer Jarrod Alchin and driver Todd McCarthy discuss tactics for Race 3 on the program at Penrith on 6th June.

By Noel Rowsell

L

ocal harness racing driver Todd McCarthy has returned home from the 2019 World Drivers Championship (WDC) with a wealth of experience but no silverware.

Rick Ebbinge (The Netherlands) was crowned the winner of the 2019 WDC, which was contested in Sweden from May 24-31.

Ebbinge narrowly edged out Yannick Gingras (USA) by a mere 6 points, with Ulf Ohlsson (Sweden) in third, whilst Todd finished at the back of the field.

“I ended up with the Wooden Spoon,” laughed Todd.

“There were 24 races over 6 days, on 5 different racetracks.”

“I was a bit unlucky with the horses I drew - and in the Random Barrier Draw,” said Todd.

“Over the week, I only drew a horse rated in the ‘Top 5’ for any particular race on 3 occasions but I had 1 x 2nd place finish, 2 x 3rd place finishes and a few 5th place finishes.”

Competition had been fierce throughout the Championships, with 5 drivers still capable of winning the title late in the week.

Final points total at the end of the Championships were as follows:

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

McCarthy back from World Drivers Championship

23

Todd McCarthy drives PACKNPLENTY (#4) hard from back in the field chasing Lachie Manzelmann / BLUE POINTER (#10) in Race 3 at Penrith on 6th June.

1st Rick Ebbinge (The Netherlands) 199.5 points; 2nd Yannick Gingras (USA.) 193.5; 3rd Ulf Ohlsson (Sweden) 191.5; 4th Doug McNair (Canada) 189.5; 5th Eirik Hoitomt (Norway) 187; 6th Matthew Williamson (New Zealand) 181.5; 7th Mika Forss (Finland) 177; 8th Franck Nivard France) 162; 9th James MacDonald (Canada/ITA) 154; 10th Michael Nimczyk (Germany) 151.5; 11th Rodney Gatt (Malta) 142; 12th Todd McCarthy (Australia) 136.

Todd arrived back in Australia on Tuesday 4th June and was back in action later that day with two drives at Menangle, before also driving three

horses at Penrith on Thursday night 6th June.

Todd currently leads the **State Drivers Championship with 141 wins, ahead of Amanda Turnbull 130 and Luke McCarthy 94.

Todd also leads the **Metropolitan winners list on 39 wins, ahead of brother Luke on 32 and Amanda on 21. **Championship stats as per 3/7/19.

Todd has just won the Panthers Drivers Point Score Premiership, which ran from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

The NSW and Metropolitan Drivers Premierships both conclude on August 31, 2019.

Old friends reunite to bring you the best Kent Auld was born and raised in Penrith and has always been keen on sport.

He first met Rossco in 1990 while being treated for a sporting injury.

“I was so impressed with my recovery that I started training with him in his clinic learning therapeutic and sports massage and the stretching program that is all part of it,” Kent said.

“Ross was a teacher/mentor and then became a colleague and has always been a great friend.

“Over the years I have worked in some different industries but always continued in my own clinic on a part time basis during these times and am always inspired and humbled with being able to help people,” Kent said.

“After moving to QLD 10 years ago I have returned to Penrith due to missing my home and am excited about teaming up with Ross again!”

“I continued in Ross’s clinic and started to gain my own clients.”

“There is always more to learn about training and while i refine my own programs they are still basic core strength based with basic equipment and proven results.

Kent went on to work for South Sydney rugby league team as a masseur in 1992-93 and returned to them in the same capacity in 1998-99.

“I believe that to be successful in anything you must have a plan – keep it simple – and do the work.”

Hi!!!

Good News!!!

Kent Auld is a Long Time Colleague and has returned to Penrith and once more we have teamed up and extending our Therapeutic and Sports Massage and Nutrition Services…

Now available by appointment from 7am… from 7am

Phone 4721 2620.

Life’s Great

Celebrity ROUND 18

ROUND 19

BRI NZW PAN SYD CAN NQC GCT MAN CRO NEW SOU PAR GCT MEL BUL PAN BUL CRO STG NEW WES SOU MEL PAR NQC WES STG NZW BRI MAN SYD CAN July 18 7.50pm

July 19 6.00pm

July 19 3.00pm

July 20 3.00pm

July 20 5.30pm

July 20 7.35pm

July 21 2.00pm

July 21 4.05pm

July 25 7.50pm

July 26 6.00pm

July 26 7.55pm

July 27 3.00pm

July 27 5.30pm

July 27 7.35pm

July 28 2.00pm

July 28 4.05pm

SCORE

Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

132 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

146 John Veitch - Parramatta Motor Group - 0447 517 711

152 Jeff Lemon - KHP Civil - 0488 342 555

148 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

146 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

146 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538

146 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

136 John Thain - GM, Luke Priddis Foundation - 4736 2022

136 Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets Councillor Benard Bratusa

158 Michael Creed - Thor’s Cafe - 4721 0292 Aaron Tyres - @print

122 Derry O’Donovan - EZR Vend - 0414 254 074

114 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

146

TIPSTERS ROUND 18

ROUND 19

BRI NZW PAN SYD CAN NQC GCT MAN CRO NEW SOU PAR GCT MEL BUL PAN BUL CRO STG NEW WES SOU MEL PAR NQC WES STG NZW BRI MAN SYD CAN July 18 7.50pm

July 19 6.00pm

July 19 3.00pm

July 20 3.00pm

July 20 5.30pm

July 20 7.35pm

July 21 2.00pm

July 21 4.05pm

July 25 7.50pm

July 26 6.00pm

July 26 7.55pm

July 27 3.00pm

July 27 5.30pm

July 27 7.35pm

July 28 2.00pm

July 28 4.05pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

158 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

134 Cameron Faico - Property Central - 0434 400 225

150 Mark Fitzpatrick - Full Spectrum Services - 0430 220 263

148 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

148 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 16

★ 152

Kate Radcliffe - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 587

152 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

158 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

142 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

148 Narelle Withers - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

128

Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

150 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

140

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

26

SPORT

PVSF Junior Sportsperson Award

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Ariana Levy from Cranebrook the Junior Sportsperson Award for the month of June for her amazing development and skill in Javelin and AFL. Ariana started Little Athletics when she was 5-years-old and began to develop her skills in various sports. It became clear that she had developed her skills in Javelin tremendously and shortly after began to win medals and excel in all events.

Ariana spoke about how she felt to receive the award and how she wants to be a fantastic role model for her younger brothers.

“I am very thankful for the nomination. While I participate in my chosen sports because of the challenge and the personal achievements, it is also great to be recognised for my hard work and commitment and to show my younger brothers that hard work and dedication pays off,” she said.

“I feel honoured to be recognised for my achievements. We have such a strong area in terms of sport, so to be recognised alongside so many other talented sportspeople is fantastic.”

Ariana has won many events and medals when competing in Javelin including; - Athletics NSW State Champion U/14’s Javelin - Little athletics NSW State Champion U/13’s Javelin - Athletics Australia National Champion U/14’s Javelin 2018 - NSW All schools combined event

championships - Silver Medallist Multi Event - 3 x State Medallist Little Athletics NSW State Multi Event (Heptathlon) - Western Sydney Giants Junior AFL U/12’s Representative Team 2017 - 2 x State Champion (little Athletics and athletics NSW) in Javelin 2018 - Gold Medallist NSW Junior Championships U/15 Girl’s Javelin - Gold Medallist Australian Junior Championships U/15 Girl’s Javelin - Western Sydney Giants Junior AFL U/14’s Representative Team Ariana also spoke about her achievements in sport thus far and her intentions for her future in both Athletics and AFL.

“I have managed to win the ‘treble’ in back to back years. That being 2018 NSW Little Athletics State U/13 Javelin Champion, Athletics NSW State U/14 Javelin Champion and Athletics Australia National U/14 Javelin Champion; and then successfully defended all three of those titles this year in 2019,” she said.

“In AFL I have also had success this year. In September my team Emu Plains Glenmore Park Lions were the U/15 youth girls grand final winners and I managed to kick eight goals in the grand final victory, as well as be named player of the match by Greater Western Sydney.

“I know at some stage soon I will

need to decide between Athletics and AFL. My immediate plans over the next couple of years is to do everything I can to make the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal in 2022 and/ or the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.

“After this my focus will be on Olympic Games in 2024 (Paris) and 2028 (Los Angeles).

If I decide to focus on AFL, the ultimate goal would be to be drafted into the Women’s AFL (AFLW).

“I’m glad I don’t have to choose between the two just yet as I love them both.”

We would like to congratulate Ariana on her award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue striding for success in Javelin and AFL for the future.

Amazing State title win for Nepean women

By CONNER LOWE

T

he recent NSW Under 18 Women’s Hockey Championships in Taree provided further proof of the glorious uncertainty of sport.

A courageous Nepean team appeared to be out of the competition with two unlucky losses on the second day but an upset loss by one of the top teams opened the door ever so slightly and Nepean stormed into the final series to claim the Division 2 gold medal.

Victory was even sweeter as Nepean edged out the powerful Manning Valley team which knocked them out in the semi-final last year.

Nepean got off to a flying start with two excellent wins against Lithgow (1-0) and Bathurst (3-1) on the first day.

Recovering, the girls made the semi-final clash with an undefeated

Parkes from the other Division 2 Pool.

Nepean girls showed tremendous resolve and character to come from 0-1 down to win 2-1.

The odds were stacked against Nepean in a much anticipated final.

Manning Valley was undefeated in five games and had successive wins

over Nepean in last year’s semi-final and the round game this year.

Manning Valley attacked strongly on many occasions but superb defence and quality goal keeping from Caitlyn Marais carried the day for Nepean.

The gold medal win was a fitting reward for a talented group of young players who have served Nepean well in junior ranks and will now move on to senior hockey.

After the tournament Annie Buckley was selected in the NSW State Under 21 Squad and is wished luck for a final spot in the State Team.

In the Under 13 boy’s tournament in Grafton the very young group finished first in their pool and only went down 1 nil (in the last minute) in the semi-final to finish third for the tournament.

The Under 13 girls (an even younger team) head off to Parkers for their State titles 12th July.

PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

By STEWART MOSES

D

@TheRiffMarn

y l a n Edwards hasn’t had the easiest twelve months in a still relatively young NRL career that spans just 37 NRL games (including nine tries) since making his debut back in 2016.

On the back of a shoulder reconstruction that derailed his 2018 season, his return from that injury at the start of the season was anything but smooth sailing.

In fact Edwards, was one of several Panthers whose confidence went south at the start of the season, culminating with his axing from the NRL side by Round Seven, as Penrith’s 2019 season went perilously close to being written off. Having languished at one point in last position with just two wins from ten games they’d already played Edwards, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Caleb Aekins, at fullback with minimal success.

Prior to Edwards’ demotion to Canterbury Cup, the stats clearly indicated just how low the fullback’s confidence had reached in those opening five games; 1 try with 1 line break, 115m from 16 runs per game, 3 tackle breaks per game, 11 missed tackles and 12 errors.

Edwards denied that the unsettling pre-season and early rounds speculation over whether he, or now former Panther Dallin WateneZelezniak would seize the coveted fullback position.

“I didn’t think so (that it was

Dylan Edwards goes over to score his first NRL career double, in last Friday night’s big win over the Gold Coast. Credit: NRL Photos.

unsettling the talk re: the fullback position). I thought that if I was playing decent enough footy I would get that number one spot,” Edwards told Nepean News last Friday night.

“But I wasn’t playing that good so it allowed Dallin and Caleb to play a few games there while I had to work my way back into the team.”

But since his return to the top grade back in Round 10, Edwards’ output has significantly improved; 3 tries with 3 line breaks, 1 try assist, 1 line break assist, 5 offloads, 176m from 21 runs per game, 6 tackle breaks per game, and just 10 errors and 9 missed tackles in seven games.

That resurgence in form according to Edwards, can be put down to simplifying his game but adds that

there is more improvement required in his game before the 23 year-old Bellingen-Dorrigo junior will feel completely comfortable with his performances.

“I just stripped everything about my game back and kept my head up,” Edwards replied.

“Lots of people were dropping in and out of form and I just knew if I could just strip everything back and got back to basics, I could come out of the other end.

“While I’m getting there now, I don’t think I am quite there just yet.

“I’m still building as are we still building as a team.”

The fullback admits that whilst surprised by how quick the team has risen from last to eighth in just six

games of footy, the results reflect the hard work the team has put in to ensure everyone is playing for one another again.

“I don’t think so (seeing us being in this position from seven weeks back when coming last) but while its’ an old cliché, we have played as a team,” Edwards conceded.

“The key has been building on teamwork and just giving you all for the team and working for each other, something that may have been missing over those first few rounds.

“But we are benefitting from all the hard work we have been putting in and we don’t want to drop a game now.”

With the Panthers now sitting in the top eight for the first time this season on the back of that six-game winning streak, further wins on the back of a draw that includes five of their next six games versing non-top eight sides, could ensure that Penrith secures a spot in the finals for a fourth consecutive season, an achievement never previously reached in the club’s history.

But Edwards says the team isn’t looking any further than this Friday night’s blockbuster clash with Sydney rivals, St George Illawarra in front of what should be a bumper home crowd.

“Every game from here on in is a big game, but we aren’t looking too far ahead. We will just continue to hard work every day and make each of our future performances better than the last,” Edwards said.

“The Dragons have a really good side so we will need to be at our best to come away with another win.”

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

Edwards: Best is yet to come

27 27

Penrith Paceway hosts annual Mayor’s Cup Thursday night Penrith Paceway will be conducting one of its most important meetings, this being the Final of the Mayor’s Cup. The Mayors Cup has become an integral part of the Paceway’s Racing Calendar.

Placegetters from a series of heats conducted at

Dubbo, Parkes, Bathurst, Wagga and Penrith will take their place in the final on Thursday night.

“It is the race at the Paceway that brings the Country and the City together with the culminating of Heats and then the Final at Penrith,” said Paceway CEO Lorraine Pozza.

“The importance of the meeting lies in the fact that it brings together Councillors and Representatives from Councils and Shires throughout the state on the final night and creates a truly country-wide gathering, one which Penrith are proud to be conducting.”

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PENRITH PANTHERS

Repeat Sets with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

ONGOING UNBEATEN STREAK SEES PANTHERS FINALLY IN THE TOP 8 Hands up if, following the embarrassing 3010 capitulation on home soil to the New Zealand Warriors, you had the then last-placed Penrith Panthers as having more chance of winning the wooden spoon then living up to the pre-season hype and playing finals footy in 2019?

Plenty would have I’m tipping.

It is equally hard to imagine that there would be many Panther fans out there, who would have predicted that seven rounds later, the Panthers would win every one of their last six games and would be sitting in the top eight.

But that is exactly what has played out.

The wins by and large haven’t been pretty, having defeated Parramatta (16-10), Manly (1512), Sydney Roosters (19-10), South Sydney (1918), New Zealand Warriors (19-18) and Gold Coast (24-2).

In fact the 24 points scored against the Titans is the first time Penrith have scored more than 19 points in a game since putting on 20 against Cronulla way back in Round 6.

But having conceded 24 points per game in the opening ten rounds, the Panthers have built this string of wins on the back of some new found backbone in defence, having conceded less than 12 points per game.

An eighteen point improvement in margin per game in just seven rounds.

Against the Titans, minus half, Nathan Cleary and with victorious NSW Blues half, James Maloney backing up just 48 hours after that thrilling but taxing Origin series win over Queensland, the Panthers once again created plenty of chances but left it late to run away with the 24-2 win over the Gold Coast that sets up a mouth-watering home clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons this Friday night.

Following Penrith’s sixth straight win, coach Ivan Cleary says the team is better for the experience of having overcome the horror start to the season but adds the side is still a fair way short of playing their best football, given the number of chances the team created against a very disappointing Gold Coast Titans outfit.

“It just goes to show when you go through those times, and it sounds like a bit of a cliché but you do learn stuff and end up better for it. It doesn’t feel like it at the time but we learned a fair bit out of it,”

last Sunday week at St Marys Leagues Stadium, the Penrith Panthers have found their way to the top of an otherwise congested Canterbury Cup ladder that has just two competition points separating first from fourth place.

The Panthers have two home games coming up over the next fortnight that could allow the club to solidify their place at the top – Newcastle (11th) this Saturday at 12:45pm and Mounties (6th) the following Sunday at 1:50pm.

After a two-week hiatus, Penrith’s Jersey Flegg campaign resumes this Saturday at Panthers Stadium when they take on top four rivals, Newcastle (3rd) at 2:50pm before taking on lowly Canberra the following Sunday again at home, with kick-off at 11:50am.

Penrith winger Brian To’o, lit up Panthers Stadium last Friday night with two spectacular tries. Credit: NRL Photos.

Cleary declared.

“We’re a completely different side now and the best is still in front of us whereas a lot of other teams are scratching their way through this time of year.

“I feel like we’re building, and that’s good.

“We definitely created enough chances which we struggled to convert a few but asked a lot of questions.

“Defensively I thought we scrambled well and come up with some big stops at time but I thought we were loose. It was just that style of game.”

With results going their way over the past fortnight on the back of a bye following an upset 28-18 win over former league leaders, Canterbury

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary welcomes back son Nathan for this Friday’s clash with St George Illawarra with Jarome Luai reverting back to the interchange bench and Jed Cartwright named among the reserves.

Liam Martin remains unavailable through a leg injury sustained during last week’s build up to the Gold Coast game, but is a chance to return the following week at home against the Canberra Raiders.

The club has named the following 21-man squad for the Dragons clash which kicks off at 7:55pm.

1. Dylan EDWARDS 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. Dean WHARE 4. Brent NADEN 5. Brian To’o 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. James TAMOU (C) 9. Mitch KENNY 10. James FISHER-HARRIS 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Frank WINTERSTEIN 13. Isaah YEO 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Jarome LUAI 16. Moses LEOTA 17. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 18. Hame SELE 19. Jed CARTWRIGHT 20. Kaide ELLIS 21. Stephen CRICHTON The following Sunday, the Panthers are again at Panthers Stadium, where they will take on one of the premiership front-runners and arch rivals, the in-form Canberra Raiders, with kickoff at 4pm.

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SPORT

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

CLEARY MARVELS AT “SELFLESS” MALONEY Panthers coach Ivan Cleary lauded the efforts of playmaker James Maloney to back up and play against the Gold Coast Titans less than 48 hours after the 33-year-old played a key role in NSW securing a lastgasp series win over Queensland last Wednesday night.

Maloney, 33, had a major hand in Penrith’s sixth consecutive win, setting up both of Brian To’o’s acrobatic tries with a cut-out pass and a deft kick to the corner.

Speaking after the match, Ivan Cleary confirmed Maloney called on Thursday to urge the coach not to play his injured son, Nathan, instead insisting he would right to back-up against the Titans. “(Nathan) probably could’ve played tonight if Jimmy Maloney couldn’t back up but it’s going to be better for him long-term,” Cleary said.

“I’m glad it worked out. I can’t thank (Maloney) enough, really.

“It’s pretty amazing how rugby league players are able to do this.

“He got on the phone to me yesterday, I think he had about an hour’s sleep, and he said ‘don’t play Nathan, I’ll be right’.

“That’s what you want from a senior player. He certainly backed it up.”

The issue for Cleary is whether to rest Maloney or not post Origin given the injury issues that plagued the Panthers half at the same time last season.

“It’s probably more around training with Jimmy, a guy his age. He got a week off through suspension a few weeks back so at least he’s had one game off,” Cleary replied.

“But yeah, we’ll definitely manage the next few weeks for him and just see how he goes but he’s also on a bit of a roll too.

“And we can’t really afford to be (without him) but if it’s going to be best for him we might look at it.

correct a troublesome sternum injury that first presented in the pre-season and just hasn’t responded to treatment.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was grateful James Maloney’s decision to play last Friday night gave son Nathan another week to recover from an ankle injury.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

“I think probably for Jimmy it’s probably just some training days off, I’m sure that’s what he’ll be pushing for anyway (laughs).”

The rise and rise of Brent Naden continues after the club announced shortly before kick-off last Friday night that the centre had agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain with the club until at least the end of the 2021 season.

“It’s so exciting to get an opportunity like this and to know I’ll be calling Penrith home for the next few years,” Naden told Panthers Media.

“Rugby league moves quickly.

It wasn’t too long ago I figured the ship had sailed on my chances of playing in the NRL. “Then I had a bit of a wake-up call when my brother (Brock) came to Sydney to play footy but ended up moving back home.

“I asked myself, ‘How can I expect my brother to chase his dreams if I’m not out there chasing mine?’.

“Now I’ve been given a shot, I can’t wait to get out on the field and repay Panthers for the faith they’ve shown in me.”

It caps an amazing 2019 for

the former Panthers Holden Cup skipper, having returned to Penrith on a part-time contract before making his long-awaited NRL debut in Round 12 against Manly.

Last Friday night also saw the fifth Cartwright to play first grade for Penrith, with Jed Cartwright, son of Panther legend John (who presented his son with his first NRL jersey pregame) and cousin of Titans opponent, Bryce Cartwright, also becoming Panther #588 in the process.

Cartwright came into the side after Liam Martin was ruled out with what was later confirmed as being a grade two quad tear that will sideline the backrower until at least the Raiders game on Sunday week.

Another milestone was reached in the win over the Titans with prop, Moses Leota playing his 50th NRL game, all with Penrith since making his NRL debut against Manly back in 2016.

Jack Hetherington’s season has gone from bad to worse with confirmation the forward will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, after requiring surgery to

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Should Penrith defeat St George Illawarra this Friday night at home, next Sunday’s clash with Canberra will be a blockbuster clash between two genuine rivals in good form Penrith.

But in an early blow for the Raiders, they will have to make do without the services of Nick Cotric after the young outside back was sent off last Sunday and later suspended for three games, having taken the early guilty plea on a Grade Three Dangerous Throw charge.

Plenty of fall-out from last Sunday week’s fiery clash with Canterbury Cup rivals, Canterbury, with both Sione Katoa and Nick Lui Toso suspended for a week.

But at least Guy Missio will welcome back victorious NSW Under 20s quartet, Stephen Crichton, Charlie Staines, Spencer Leniu and Matt Burton, the latter scoring two tries in a man of the match effort in the Blues’ big win over Queensland, while Jed Cartwright fresh from making his NRL debut last Friday, has also been named to start.

Congratulations are in order for veteran Panthers prop, Sam McKendry and his wife Kirsten, who are expecting their third baby in mid-October.

Remember you can catch Nicholas Kutjnak and myself talking all things NRL especially the Penrith Panthers on “The Hit-Up”, this Saturday morning between 7-8am on Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM. #PantherPride

Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

GOLDEN POINTS

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Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

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Coach’s Corner

Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

A Week For The Blues!

Origin It is a huge relief that the miracle Mark Coyne try can now be replaced on highlight reels with its modern version from James Tedesco which sealed back to back Origin series wins for the NSW Blues at ANZ Stadium last Wednesday night. There is an era of dominance for the Blues if they can learn to be relentless and ruthless on the Maroons for 80 minutes and not give them errors and periods where our intensity and attention to detail falls away.

Garth Brennan A different feeling of the blues for Garth Brennan who was sacked on Sunday by the Gold Coast Titans. It has been the worst kept secret in the game and opens up a conversation that should be had in terms of accountability of team performance. It ultimately has to fall with the coach but at what point

do the players need to be held more accountable for their inept performances in what is supposed to be a professional environment? There are several players on the Gold Coast who need to be bought into line by Mal Meninga as the head of culture and performance. The decision of who replaces Brennan and whether that individual can obtain success may determine whether the franchise has a viable future on the Gold Coast.

Sixteen Down and Eight To Go We have hit the turn in the NRL Premiership and teams are about to sprint to the finish with 16 games down and 8 remaining lets have a look at how the competition field sits heading into the business end.

I have broken the teams into four tiers: Premiership Tier - Storm, Roosters, Raiders and Rabbitohs. Look the only four teams who can win

the competition at this stage.

Pass Mark Tier - Sea Eagles, Eels, Knights and Panthers. Have been inconsistent and on their day can beat any team in the competition. Are all in a good position to play Finals.

The Chasing Pack Tier - Sharks, Cowboys, Tigers, Broncos and Warriors. I think its only likely one, maybe two of these teams play Finals football this season. They will have to win at least 5 or potentially 6 of their last 8 matches and rely on the teams in front of them to lose games in order to get to the Finals.

Pack Your Bags Tier - Titans, Bulldogs and Dragons. The shock here is the Dragons, but their performances have left much to be desired this season. The Titans and Bulldogs are already near mathematical impossibilities to play Finals.

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Blues victory: how sweet it is

 Ooh what a feeling! Teddy seals it for the Blue

 The u/12’s and u/13’s tasting victory at the recent state age titles

an, what an origin series that was! A massive congrats to Brad Fittler, his players, and his coaching staff.

After losing the opening game in Brisbane, Freddy and his gang had it all before them and they prevailed. And what a way to win the series. 20 seconds to go with man of the series James Tedesco going over for the try to seal the back to back series win for the Blues.

Bring on next year already.

But now that Origin is behind us we narrow our sight to the NRL competition proper. And what a competition it’s fast becoming. With 8 games remaining until semi final footy is with us, the jockeying for positions has never been so rampant.

The Panthers, after starting the opening 8 rounds 2 wins and 6 losses, have beautifully positioned themselves after their 6th straight win over the Titans last Friday.

They now sit in 8th spot! Remarkable.

Bravo to Ivan and his team, they may not have been winning emphatically over those six weeks but who cares? A win is a win and you can only play the team that is put in front of you.

Looking at their run home they have a moderate to hard draw but which team

doesn’t? Sitting on 18 points I see them winning at least 5 of their remaining 8 games to finish on 28 points, well within the top 8. Something seen as a pipe dream 6 weeks ago!

The footy will now heat up now that all Origin players are back playing at their respective clubs with the next 8 weeks promising to be a ‘not to miss’ run home for those clubs vying for finals action.

And another thing...

I recently went to watch my daughter Raff at the State age netball carnival at Baulkham Hills. The carnival was over 3 days and 20 games. Raff is in the u/12’s - they won their age group - as did the u/13’s, who also won last year as 12 year olds.

A few weeks before that the 15’s were runners up, and the 17’s won also.

A big congrats to Penrith Netball association who have been diligent in their pursuit of excellence for their young netballers, especially president Joy Gillett and high performance coach Lisa Beehag. Bravo ladies.

See you at the courts :-)

M

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 31 Nepean News 18 July 2019 Issue 256

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