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Thursday, 19 December 2013
ISSUE 115
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THE Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller have donated a $7,000 phototherapy unit to Nepean Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The generous donation will allow babies to receive treatment for jaundice, a common condition in newborns, without impacting upon maternal bonding. Nepean Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) manages 850 admissions annually and caters for deliveries at Nepean Hospital (approx.. 3,800 annually) and the Sydney catchment area well as transfers from throughout NSW. Nepean Hospital NICU Director, Dr Lyn Downe said the majority of newborn babies in the NICU develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin. “Depending on the severity of jaundice, some babies require phototherapy treatment, a blue light, to assist in removing the jaundice from the body,” said Dr Downe. “The phototherapy unit is a valuable addition to our NICU and we are grateful for the support of the Hospitallers.” The charitable group held a cocktail event in September in aid of Nepean Hospital and were successful in raising the $7,000 required for the purchase of the phototherapy unit. “This donation is particularly special as the phototherapy unit we’ve received today allows the baby to receive their treatment, without any disruption to maternal bonding. This unit allows for the baby to be wrapped, nursed and
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Special gift
Photo: Kieren Tilly
fed as you would any baby all while receiving treatment,” said Dr Downe. Presenting the phototherapy unit to Dr Downe and NICU staff is the Prior of NSW, Peter Shilton. The Prior is supported by Fundraising Chairman, Philip McKenzie and Assistant Fundraising Officer and KidsWest CEO, Trevor Oldfield. “The order of Knights Hospitaller started as a charitable group that cared for Christian Pilgrims about 50 years before the First Crusade. Today members of the Order are involved in raising funds for medical research and facilities. The NSW Priory of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, is pleased to be able to make a donation of a much needed Phototherapy Unit to the Nepean Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” said Prior, Peter Shilton.
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From the Editor’s Desk
4 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
by Kerrie Martin
203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Photographer: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Kerrie Martin 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Raylene Vidler 0478 151 648 Annette Thain 0425 073 331 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Kieren Tilly 0406 533 569 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au
Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.
IT’S hard to believe this is our last publication for 2013, where has the year gone? I’d like to take the opportunity to thank a few people who’ve made this year a particularly good one for Nepean News. Firstly the team at Nepean News, who are second to none and a great bunch of people to work with. Our columnists, including new recruits Mark Geyer and Gina Field - who have incredible fan bases already - and those who’ve stuck with us from the early days – Historians Lyn Forde and Rosemary Weaver, Steve Beard, Mike Creed, Nita McHugh, Reverend Rossco, and Col Crossingham. Thank you for your contributions that make our publication such a good read that we have readers lining up on the day we hit the streets! To all our clients wh have given us such who magnifi cent support, thank m you yo from the bottom of our o hearts – without you Nepean N News would not see s the light of day. And finally to our rreaders – thank you for grabbing our publication each fortnight and reading our rants! Merry Christmas everyone, and see you on January 16!
Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets
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Settling new babies TRESILLIAN Family Care Centres has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Blue Mountains resident, Robert Mills. Robert brings a wealth of expertise to Tresillian with over 30 years experience in child and family health. President of the Tresillian Council, Dr Nick Kowalenko, said everyone was delighted at the appointment. “As a registered nurse, midwife and a former CEO with a similar organisation, Robert has an excellent understanding of child and family health and is well equipped to lead Tresillian,” he said. Robert’s experience is extensive at both a state and federal level and includes the role of President of the Australian Association of Parenting and Child Health and Treasurer of the NSW Health Services Association. “For 95 years Tresillian has enjoyed an outstanding reputation for delivering quality services to parents struggling with the demands of a new baby - I’m looking forward to being part of the next chapter of this incredible organisation,” Robert said. Tresillian is renowned for the services they provide to families in their child’s early years. It might be a baby who is constantly unsettled, or a new Mother dealing with breastfeeding issues. With Penrith being on one of four
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5 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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CEO Robert Mills with four month old George and his mum Abbie. Photo: Kieren Tilly
centre locations across Sydney, Tresillian offers families several options for assistance including Day Stay, Outreach and Residential services. Parents can also speak to a Tresillian Nurse by calling the Tresillian Parent’s Help Line on 9787 0855 seven days a week from 7am to 11pm or online at www.tresillian.net
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Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
RSL digs deep No Boundaries for Art By Annette Thain
PENRITH RSL was proud to present a cheque for $10,000.00 to Springwood’s Rotary Club President, Mr Laurie Watterson on the 3rd December. Donations by members and the community raised $2,595 and the Penrith RSL Board of Directors voted to contribute the balance of $7,405. The funds will be utilised to support residents affected by the bushfires in the Blue Mountains once they return to their homes. In support of the community, Penrith RSL also acted as an evacuation centre and collected tinned food, furniture, clothing and toys for the bushfire victims. Many members of Penrith RSL are residents of Springwood and many more of the membership were indirectly affected by the crisis.
By Annette Thain
Frank Portelli of Penrith RSL presents cheque for $10,000 to Springwood Rotary Club
Brookes, Councillor Trish Hitchen and No Boundaries artists Tim Smith, Anne Stratton Sherelle Stephens and Creative Director Cindi Drennan. Councillor Jackie Greenow said, “No Boundaries was a great opportunity for these emerging artists to showcase their work and an outstanding achievement for Council. Penrith is held in high esteem for its Access programmes and it’s wonderful to receive national recognition. Everyone had a great night and I’m so proud of our local artists.”
PENRITH City Council has won national recognition for its ‘No Boundaries’ project at the 2013 National Disability Awards. The No Boundaries project began as a series of innovative and inclusive workshops in 2012. The work was then used in a spectacular multimedia sound and light projection at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. The event featured ‘Journey to Riverscape’; a large scale animated digital projection of artworks created by artists with diverse abilities. Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield presented the Award to Council’s Community Program Co-ordinator, Joe Ibbitson and Councillor Jackie Greenow. Also attending the ceremony in Canberra were Council’s Disability Services Officer Robyn Multimedia projection ‘Journey to Riverscape’
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Celebrating our local history THE young at heart and descendants of old came together at Thornton last weekend to commemorate Penrith’s history. Mike Williams, Acting Development Director at Thornton said it was a great way for the wider community to enjoy the new public space. “We have incorporated many references to Penrith’s rich history. The village green, the public art and recreational spaces are instilled with the stories and history of the Thornton site,” Mr Williams said. Mayor of Penrith, Clr Ross Fowler, along with descendants of pioneering aviator W.E Hart and Thomas Smith unveiled an historical signboard recounting the history of Belmore Park and its aviation history. This is the first of a series of historical signboards that will be installed throughout Thornton. William Hart’s Bristol Boxkite aircraft is permanently bought to life through a sculpture located at the village green. It illuminates at night as a reminder of the sites history. The new community was named after Thornton Hall, built in 1882 for Thomas Smith, a prominent local
resident who was elected as one of the first Alderman of Penrith Council. Laura Player, descendant of Thomas and Jane Smith, said it was truly magical to see Thornton Hall light up in brilliance. “It was a highlight to see Thornton Hall sitting on the hill lit up and bought back to life. I’m sure old Thomas and Jane Smith were smiling down on it too,“ Ms Player said. Thornton’s masterplan has been designed to celebrate the significant heritage of the site including: - The restoration of Thornton Hall and its surrounding grounds including the establishment of view corridors leading up to Thornton Hall from the surrounding development. - The Box Kite sculpture at the entrance of the village green which references the aviation history of the site. William Ewart Hart, flew the first long distance flight in Australian from Penrith to Parramatta in 1911 in his Bristol Boxkite Aircraft. - Celebration of the speedway via textual references along the footpath where the speedway once ran. - Reference to the Lord Sheffield’s English cricket team who played on the oval through incorporating cricket
Mike Williams, Acting Development Director, Landcom with Clr Ross Fowler, Mayor of Penrith, Laura Player, descendant of Thomas Smith and Greg Edwards, extended family member of W.E Hart.
bats into the oval’s fence. - A series of red art panels acknowledge the early indigenous inhabitants of the area are located in Thornton Park, adjoining the Thornton Hall grounds. The Thornton Sales Centre is open opens 7 days a week, 10 am and 5 pm. Located on Sydney Smith Drive (off Coreen Ave), Penrith.
Ella Hale, enjoying the event
7 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
WHO AM I?
?
I have been known by the French equivalent of William I can be seen around town laboring on local issues
I spend most Monday nights in a room with a very high ceiling I am enjoying motherhood to the Max Result on page 35
The beach within reach MINISTER for Fair Trading and Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, attended the official opening of Wet‘n’Wild Sydney last week - the world’s biggest water theme park which will inject millions of dollars into the local economy and create hundreds of jobs. “Wet‘n’Wild is set to become a major tourism draw card for Western Sydney and it will also provide a massive boost to the region’s economy and provide more local jobs,” Mr Ayres said. “This high-tech water $120 million theme park has more than 40 water slides and a massive artificial beach – dubbed the ‘beach within reach’. “There’s no doubt Wet‘n’Wild will become a favourite place for families to cool-off during the long hot summers in Western Sydney. “Wet‘n’Wild’s operator Village Roadshow is predicting there will be about one million visits to the park in its first 12 months – with about 20 per cent of people coming from interstate and overseas. “Wet‘n’Wild Sydney is expected to contribute more than $500 million to the local economy during the first 10 years of its operations.
“Village Roadshow says Wet‘n’Wild is delivering 300 new full time jobs for Western Sydney, on top of the 300 jobs created during the park’s construction. “That means more job opportunities for young Western Sydney residents closer to where they live.” “To improve surrounding infrastructure Village Roadshow invested about $7 million towards
upgrading local roads. Member for Smithfield, Andrew Rohan said Wet‘n’Wild Sydney will be incredibly popular with families and also provide a major boost to the local economy. “Our community welcomes the arrival of Wet‘n’Wild Sydney which will provide fun and entertainment to families in our region.” For more information visit: www. wetnwildsydney.com.au
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Public housing tax on spare bedrooms By Kerrie Martin
OPPOSITION Leader John Robertson, Shadow Minister for Housing Sophie Cotsis and Labor candidate for Londonderry Prue Car met with Whalan locals last week who are “outraged by Barry O’Farrell’s heartless bedroom tax.” Ms Car launched a local petition calling on the NSW Government to reverse its decision to tax public housing residents. Ms Car said the O’Farrell Government imposed a new tax on some pensioners and families in public housing, forcing tenants to pay up to $1,500 a year more for their home if they refuse to move. “At the same time, the O’Farrell Government hypocritically cut the budget for building new public houses in NSW by $22 million,” Ms Car said. The bedroom tax on public housing tenants with a spare room costs $20 extra a week for a single pensioner (or $1,040 a year) and $30 extra a week for a couple ($1,560 a year). “The Government is using this new tax against the most vulnerable members of the community –
including our elderly and frail, widows, pensioners and those with disabilities,” said Leader of the Opposition, John Robertson. “Forcing these people to move out of their house or pay an extra $1,500 a year is one of the most heartless and impractical policies that the O’Farrell Government could devise. “Many pensioners have lived in these homes all their lives – they’ve raised children, built social networks, even got to know the local doctor. “I am calling on Mr O’Farrell to show some decency and end this dreadful tax,” said Mr Robertson. Bart Bassett, the Liberal Member for Londonderry said people living in public housing with empty bedrooms should be required to pay extra, as it was unfair to the many families who were on the waiting lists. “As someone who grew up in a family in public housing using all three bedrooms I think the shortage of housing needs to be utilised appropriately,” Mr Bassett said. “It’s a small charge to pay to help ensure that taxpayer funded housing shortages are addressed - there are long waiting lists. “We have a situation where some
Photo: Kieren Tilly
families are forced to live in cars, camped out in different homes night by night and yet there are others who have excessive bedrooms. “This is about the O’Farrell Government getting on the job of
ensuring that there is fair distribution of a public assett - public housing. If you have excessive bedrooms that are not being used, there’s no problem with you staying but there will be a fair and reasonable charge,” he said.
9 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Youngest Cabinet Minister says By Kerrie Martin
HE has been in NSW Parliament for less than four years, but Penrith State MP, Stuart Ayres has shot up the ranks at lightning speed, showing that Premier Barry O’Farrell sees a very bright future for one of his youngest representatives. Mr Ayres was elected to parliament in June 2010 with a whopping 66 per cent of the vote in a by election that saw him snatch the once very-safe Labor seat held by Karyn Paluzzano. He was then re-elected to the position in March 2011. He barely had time to get his feet wet before being elected to the position of Deputy Government Whip, followed by promotions to Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Transport and the Premier’s Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney. Sworn in last week, Mr Ayres is now the Minister for Fair Trading, following a minor reshuffle of the O’Farrell cabinet. I shared a cappuccino last week with the newly-appointed Minister, and while clearly delighted at the confidence shown in him, he insists he
Photo: Kieren Tilly
is first and foremost, the Member for Penrith. How does it feel to be appointed as a Minister? It’s an incredibly humbling experience to be appointed as a Minister. I have two Ministerial roles;
one is Fair Trading and the other is the Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney. Did you see it coming? No, no it was very much a shock for me, in fact I can jokingly tell you I missed the phone call. I was dealing
with some local issues when the Premier called from India. When the Premier calls and offers you a ministry it is a very humbling experience. I’m very honoured to be given the opportunity. What does the new role entail?
Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa Phone 02 9833 2913 Email mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au
At this special time of remembering the birth of Jesus, may His message bring you hope and joy in the New Year
PO Box 4001, Werrington 2747 (02) 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, may this season bring you joy and happiness as you celebrate with family and friends.
Member for Penrith
Would like to wish all our loyal clients & readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR
PH. 98345579
(02) 4722 8660 penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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Penrith always comes first Fair Trading is very much about consumer protection. It’s the tier of government that covers off on everything from ensuring products that are sold are safe, to regulating licenses and ensuring compliance. Are you looking forward to the challenge in balancing your many roles? It’s challenging, there’s no doubt about that. For me Penrith is still the number one priority and always will be. I’m the Member for Penrith first and then the Ministries come after that. We’ll find a balance that still allows us to maintain a strong Penrith presence; I have a really great team in my electorate office. Our agenda for being the Member for Penrith hasn’t changed; we still want to improve education and quality service provision, invest in health and local infrastructure. We just add to that the extra responsibilities for Fair Trading, and take on a much larger role in representing all of western Sydney. Do you see the appointment as an advantage for Penrith? It’s not lost on me that I am the only resident of western Sydney sitting around the Cabinet table, so I see it as my responsibility to make sure that all
of those people have a strong voice on what’s happening in our part of the world. I think the Premier has done an extraordinary job in being the Minister for western Sydney, and continues to be. I think it’s a bold statement from the number one person in NSW in politics to say that he’s ultimately responsible for what happens here. I’m there to support him in that role and I’ll make sure that he’s well plugged in to the issues that are important to Penrith and other western Sydney areas. Obviously the Premier has great confidence in you, you haven’t been in parliament all that long to be elevated to this level, it’s quite a stamp of approval don’t you think? Yeah, there are not many first-
term Ministers; there’s a couple, but not many. It’s not lost on me that I’m considerably younger than everyone in the Cabinet. So, yeah I think it probably is a bit of an endorsement, but I think that’s a reflection of how important western Sydney is. It would be remiss of me not to thank my western Sydney colleagues, because as a team we’ve been incredibly influential on what takes place inside the O’Farrell Government, so I would recognise the work of my colleagues as much as what I’ve done here in Penrith in making sure we’ve got a representative on Cabinet. So, with your partner Senator Marise Payne having recently been appointed Federal Minister for
Human Resources, you have two Ministers in the one household now. How is that working out for you, is it like a tag-team passing through the front door? Yeah, look it can be a bit like ships passing in the night. But Marise and I have been working in politics together for three or four years now, as Members of Parliament and for a long time before that, so we know what we’re getting into. We’re both incredibly passionate representatives of our community. It’s important to be supportive of each other and it’s going to mean the diaries and the home time gets juggled around a little bit. But we’ll make it work, we always have. Are you happy with the performance of the NSW government since being elected? Yes, I think we’ve made significant progress. There’s no doubt we inherited a state that was in financial turmoil and we’re still seeing the fallout from that. It’s incredibly difficult to renew the infrastructure that the public wants us to renew and maintain a stable balance sheet. We’ve got some big projects underway. I think we’ve laid a good foundation, but there’s a lot more work to do.
11 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Save the emus By Kerrie Martin
A LICENSE to relocate emus from the proposed Wianamatta Regional Park (ADI site) has prompted representatives in our community to ask for a “please explain” from NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker. Greens Councillor Michelle Tormey, Geoff Brown President of the Western Sydney Conservation Alliance Inc and Councillor Prue Car, who is also the Labor Candidate for Londonderry have demanded answers, and Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler has written to the Minister asking why the Council was not consulted in any decision making process. Minister Parker has told Nepean News that the relocation will be put on hold until stakeholders, including Penrith Council could be consulted. “I am disappointed that Council was not given a formal opportunity to comment before the relocation license was granted,” Minister Parker said. “I have asked the NPWS to ensure that no further emu relocations occur and I will ensure that a meeting occurs with all key stakeholders including Council and community representatives
early in the new year.” According to Lend Lease sources, the reasoning behind the relocation of the emus was to do with vandalised fencing that was putting both the lives of the emus and motorists at risk. Cr Tormey asked her fellow Councillors at Penrith Council to join her in opposing the relocation license. Geoff Brown, President of the Western Sydney Conservation Alliance, said the public need “to get very vocal so the NSW Government hears loud and clear that we love our emus and we want them to stay.” “A public meeting has been organised due to widespread community anger at the news the NSW Government is allowing Sydney’s last wild Emu population to be removed. The fight is on to save Sydney’s Emus. Held at 5.30pm Thursday, 19 December (tonight) at Jim Anderson Park, Greenbank Drive, Werrington Downs,” said Geoff Brown. “We’ve organised this public meeting to give locals a chance to express their anger at the NSW Government about their treacherous decision to allow the removal of Sydney’s last wild Emu population.”
Greens Councillor Michelle Tormey. Photo: Kieren Tilly
PENRITH CITY COUNCILLOR
Prue CAR
Labor Candidate for Londonderry
Merry Christmas and a bright and Happy New Year to all Phone 0450 659 811 Email prue.car@nswlabor.org.au COUNCILLOR
Michelle
TORMEY
PENRITH CITY COUNCIL
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your local Greens Councillor Phone 0481 033 420 Email michelle.tormey@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au PO BOX 60, Penrith NSW 2750
Methadone clinic to leave St Marys By Kerrie Martin
THE relocation of the Methadone Clinic at St Marys has formed many a campaign platform for election candidates over the years, but State Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies is the golden girl who managed to pull it off. In an announcement that has brought cheers from St Marys businesses and train commuters, Mrs Davies said the Methadone Clinic will be relocating to the Mt Druitt Hospital Campus in 2014. Mrs Davies said the announcement is the result of over 12 months of meetings, with a committee conducting a feasibility study and looking at amenity ideas. “What the Labor Government failed to deliver in 16 years of Government, I am proud to deliver in my first term,” Mrs Davies said. “The battle to relocate the Methadone Clinic from the commercial centre of St Marys has been long fought by the St Marys community. “When first elected as the Member for Mulgoa, I promised my electorate that my top priority was to see the methadone clinic relocated to a health
precinct. I am pleased to be delivering on that promise.” The Ministry of Health and Western Sydney Local Health District have worked together to resolve issues raised about the clinic’s impact on the local area. The decision has now been made now to relocate the service to Mt Druitt Hospital Campus. Mrs Davies said there are a number of benefits in relocating the service to the Mt Druitt Hospital campus including: * The Mt Druitt site will be in a medical setting, enabling easier access to enhanced treatment and support for the clinic’s patients. * The potential for the clinic to impact the local community and residents will be minimised. * Greater ability of the health
system to respond to local social disadvantage and poor health outcomes. For example, 48% of the St Marys Methadone Clinic patients currently live in Mt Druitt. Western Sydney Local Health District has commenced a tender process for the construction of the new facility that is to be completed by mid 2014. “I want to thank every member of the community who raised their concerns with me, and for their patience while we worked through this issue,” Mrs Davies said. “Not only will the clinic clients receive a more enhanced health service at their new facility in Mt Druitt, but St Marys businesses can begin to flourish. Investment can flow back into
St Marys, commuters will feel safer and St Marys can become all that it should be.” Methadone belongs to a group of strong pain-killing drugs called opoids. According to NSW Health, there are a number of reasons why methadone is preferable to being dependent on heroin. Firstly, methadone is swallowed, minimising the risks associated with needle use, such as the use of contaminated needles and sharing which can result in transferring blood infected with hepatitus or HIV. Second is the controlled environment factor with regards to administering it. Lastly, the effects of methadone last up to 24 hours, so a single dose can control withdrawal symptoms for a full day. These factors help stabilise the person’s lifestyle as it reduces the angst associated with looking where the next dose of heroin is coming from. A person on methadone is also more likely to hold down a job. In NSW, methadone is classified as a prohibited drug and a heroindependent person can only enter the program after being assessed by a doctor who is an approved methadone prescriber.
13 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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Holden still holdin’ on By Greg Martin
“THE reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” responded Mark Twain on reading his obituary which had appeared in the June 2, 1897 edition of the New York Journal. John Veitch, dealer principal at Heartland Holden Penrith, is firm in his belief that the death of Holden motor cars in Australia is also greatly exaggerated. The recent announcement that Holden vehicles would no longer be manufactured in Australia beyond 2017 had many people – perhaps even those Holdenphiles who pack into Mt Panorama each year – believing they would be unable to purchase a new Holden after that date. Not so, according the John Veitch. “The full range of Holden motor cars will still be in showrooms and car lots around the country despite the closing of the manufacturing operations in Australia,” John said. “We will import the full range of vehicles from manufacturing bases in the (United) States, Korea, Thailand and probably somewhere in Europe
so all tastes will be catered for into the future. “The announcement certainly sent shockwaves through the industry but I can assure the motoring public that the death of Holden is greatly exaggerated’. “Holden has been a household name in Australia since 1908 and will continue to be for many generations to come.” So the full stable will still be on sale – Barina, Trax, Cruz, Malibu, Colorado, Captiva, Commodore, Caprice and HSV. Parts and design are still remaining in Australia and that service will continue. Prior to 1908, Holden, founded in 1856 by an English immigrant, James Alexander Holden, was a saddlery manufacturer but as the world switched from horses to horsepower, the company moved with the times. It began doing repairs to motor car upholstery, then produced motorcycle sidecar bodies, then motor car shells for both Ford and General Motors. In 1931 General Motors purchased Holden to form General Motors Holden Ltd (GMH). The first Australian-manufactured car in 1948 was called Holden to
Cruisin’! John Veitch (r) with two more satisfied customers – Councillor Greg Davies and Nepean News Editor Kerrie Martin get the keys to their brand-new Holden Commodore Evoke.
honour Sir Edward Holden, GMH’s first chairman and the grandson of James Alexander Holden. Several other names for the
new car were considered before the company decided on Holden – GeM, Austral, Melba, Woomerah, Boomerang, Emu and Canbra.
15 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
local news
16 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Legends of the Nepean By Greg Martin
That’s cool! Pastor Martin in the church cool-room. He and his flock are bringing happiness to the lives of many within our community. Photo: Kieren Tilly
WHEN colleague, Annette Thain, contacted me to nominate Martin Beckett, the Pastor at Kingswood’s Church of Rock, as this edition’s Legend of the Nepean, my thoughts immediately turned to the movie, School of Rock. School of Rock starred Jack Black as Dewey Finn, a great big bear of a man who, once he set eyes on a target, homed in on it no matter what obstacles got in his way. After meeting and talking with Pastor Marty, the similarities between he and Dewey Finn were quickly made evident – and not only in the physique department. Both men love music – Dewey was a hard rock guitarist while the 42-yearold Marty, also adept with the guitar is equally proficient with drums, bass and keyboards as well being pretty nifty in belting out songs. Come curtain-time in the movie, Dewey has forged a top-rate rock ‘n’ roll band and commenced a career as a high school music teacher. But unlike Dewey, Marty has bigger fish to fry than turning a
group of nerdy schoolchildren into a successful rock band. Marty is not only the pastor at Church of Rock, he is the Chief Executive Officer of the church’s Outreach arm, Christ Mission Possible (CMP), a registered charity. Again the movie analogy – just like the characters who belied Mission Impossible, Marty and his wonderful team of staff and volunteers are overcoming all hurdles to enrich the lives of many thousands in our community. Self-funded and operating with the aid of donations and the support of a host of businesses and community members, CMP: • Provides free meals for 7000 people each week in an area bounded by Blacktown, the Hawkesbury and Lithgow. • Offers cooked meals each week at the Church of Rock in Kingswood and in Whalan, Wilmot and Tregear. • Establishes a weekly grocery store at the church where the homeless and needy can go shopping – filling their shopping baskets with a wide variety of basics and treats such as milk, bread, butter, meats, pastas, breakfast cereals, cakes and fresh fruit
and vegetables. • CMP also provides breakfasts to 2000 pupils each week, making early morning visits with food vans to 20 local schools. All provided by a swag of Good Samaritans like Kellogg’s, Minchinbury Fruit Market, Oz Harvest, Food Bank, Woolworths and restaurants such as Osso’s, Outback Steakhouse, King Henry’s Court and Penrith RSL. Putting food into empty stomachs is of paramount importance to Marty and his team but what provides him with the most pleasure is looking after the homeless in our society – and believe you me, there are plenty of our fellow citizens without roofs over their head. Well, not so many now that Marty and his colleagues are fighting the good fight on their behalf. CMP has set-up temporary crisis accommodation for families in Penrith and St Marys, offering single male and female accommodation in Penrith and now has 100 properties providing transitional and permanent homes to those who previously couldn’t afford it. “It was helping the homeless
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which was the driving force behind me leaving the corporate world to do what I am doing now,” Marty explained. “I worked in fleet sales for both Ford and Toyota for many years when God told me to leave my job and devote my life to helping the less fortunate in our society. “So I resigned from Toyota which was a big step because it was the best and most highly paid job I had ever had.” Always a Christian – his father, Patrick, was a pastor – Marty had attended Vision College where he completed diplomas in Ministry, Theology and Counselling. Marty bid farewell to Toyota and that weekly pay packet on a Friday afternoon and that very weekend he began fulfilling his new role in fighting homelessness. He found three ladies living on the streets and took them into the home he shared with his wife, Georgina and children, Timothy, now 21, and daughter, Tamica, 17. For the first 18 months in his new calling, Marty earned no income from the church and the family, although rich in spirit, did it tough financially and at one stage there was even the
threat of losing their home. “But God knew what he was doing and we have been able to overcome all obstacles to get where we are today,” Marty said. Marty became a junior pastor under founding pastor, Royce Franklin, at the Church of Rock, before taking over from his mentor five years ago. Both Church of Rock and CMP are impacting markedly on the fortunes of those less fortunate than ourselves. The church itself – “Yes, we are a sort of happy-clappy outfit,” laughed Marty – has a congregation of 250, many of whom Marty says “had been rejected by society”. “Among our parishioners are exdrug addicts, ex-drug dealers and excriminals - all have found love, hope and restoration within the Church of Rock,” he said. Unlike the School of Rock, rock ‘n’ roll is not the musical “go” at the Church of Rock – its preferred type of music is contemporary – foot and hand clapping numbers to lift the spirit. The church has 25 quality musicians amongst the congregation so it is always bit of a battle to get a gig sitting in with the band. “We are also blessed to have
Rock on! Pastor Martin Beckett with his champion team and team of champions
extraordinary people on our staff who bring so many talents to the church such as business acumen and counselling and case-worker expertise,” Marty said. Like the Sydney Roosters and Chelsea, the Church of Rock is a champion team comprised of champion “players”. “We have 11 staff members but all members of our congregation also put their hands up to lend a hand wherever and whenever needed – bless them
all,” Marty said. And bless you Pastor Martin Beckett.
Pastor Martin Beckett were nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Annette Thain. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at greg@nepeannews.com.au
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
PASTOR MARTIN BECKETT
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local news
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Ripping good time ends By Greg Martin
WELL, my 10 weekslong journey as a member of Mark Hardman’s latest Box ‘n’ Burn troupe has ended and I have mixed emotions – happy face and sad face. Happy that I have lost 3.4kgs – and all of that is due solely to the twice weekly, one-hour workouts with the rest of my fellow pugilists at the Windsor Leagues footy ground. Sure I watched what I ate – no more seconds but my beer intake was as proliferate as ever - but despite the best laid plans of mice and men, I didn’t get in one of the planned three or four weekly walks during the program. So naturally I was delighted when the final weigh-in revealed I had shed 3.4kg of ugly fat – no, not my head but the puddin’ around my tummy. But on the other side of the coin – stop looking at the other side of a coin, it is only an expression – I was saddened because the friendship experienced on “fight evenings” was ending. Sure I’ll get to meet up with them again at the first of next year’s Box ‘n’ Burn programs but I’ll miss those twice weekly boxin’ and burnin’ sessions
Losers! Weight-loss winners, Charmayne Chandler, Ben Woods, Tony Lean and Catherine Sammut with Mark Hardman and his t’rrific trainers.
at which we worked bloody hard yet enjoyed the camaraderie. The tough training sessions were made enjoyable by the encouragement of the trainers and fellow pugs. “C’mon Matt, you can do it”, “Great work Rosie”, “Wow, you’re really smoking Tony” – words to encourage you to keep at it when the going got tough. And the going got tough, let me tell you. Thankfully all our team of trainers were experts and knew exactly how far to push their charges without going
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all the team at Heartland Holden Penrith and a big thankyou to Kerrie and Korena and the team at Nepean News. PENRITH 4725 6555 Cnr Coreen Avenue & Castlereagh Road
over the edge and knocking them out in round one – keeping them keen until the ultimate round 10. Where we all came out punching! At the end of the final session on December 11, all of us headed into the leagues club for the presentation of prizes and a few drinks. Thankfully I was driving so it was only a few drinks for this beer monster! Some of my colleagues achieved mind-boggling weight losses throughout the program – the aptlynamed Tony Lean shed 20kg which was 20.60% of his bodyweight at the
first weigh-in. Ben Wood, who had killed off plenty of kilograms at the previous Box ‘n’ Burn program, was at it again, losing 17.6kg (16.28% bodyweight). David Sieders also worked his butt off, losing 12.3kg (13.06% bodyweight). But the Big Daddy of weight losers was Bligh Park’s Rod Ward who participated in several Box ‘n’ Burn programs throughout 2013 – the 50-year-old shed a whopping 30kg. The ladies also did well in the weight-loss stakes – Catherine Sammut, who was named Trainer of the Year, lost 12.2kg which was 14.73% of her bodyweight while the runner-up was Charmayne Chandler (11.9kg/12.88%) and third was Annette Davey (13.1kg/12.56%). Other award recipients were: Trainers Awards: Anne Jones, Matt Jarvis, Jenny Foster, Samantha Peters, Maree Atkins, Alex Hacker, Jeannette Camillos, Tony Carpini, Annette Davey. Blitz Awards: Cassie Pope, Carol Nissila, Catherine Sammut, Rod Ward, Ben Woods, Tim Adams. Best Male 60 Years and over with curly hair and under 170cm: Greg Martin.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Debbie and all the girls and children at My First School St Marys www.myfirstschool.com.au 36 Putland St , St Marys NSW 2760 • Phone 9833 9033
Nepean News 5 December 2013 Issue 114
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20 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Deadly Summer Sun Nepean
Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 4733 3456
SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
By Dr. Claire Petterson
WITH regular 30 degree days already, it looks like a long, hot summer ahead of us. All pets can suffer from the heat, including birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice, reptiles, even fish! Heat stroke is a condition when a pets’ body temperature rises too high. Unlike us, dogs and cats
do not sweat. They cool down by losing heat through their skin and by panting. However there is a limit to how much heat they can lose this way. Heat stroke is an emergency and potentially fatal condition! Serious complications can develop from heat stress – brain swelling, kidney failure, convulsions, shock and even death. Long haired dogs and short-nosed, flat-faced dogs, such as pugs, English bulldogs and Boston terriers are more likely to get heat stroke. Overweight dogs, dogs with heart disease or airway disease are also more at risk. Signs of heat stroke include frequent panting, noisy breathing, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular, rapid heart beat, weakness, collapse, seizures and coma. Common situations that result in heat stroke include pets being left in cars, dogs being taken for runs and animals left in backyards with no shade. Never leave your pet alone in a car, even with the windows down, for even a minute – the inside of a car can reach 55 degrees in under 10 minutes on a hot day. High temperatures, with high humidity and no air circulation cause body temperature to rise the fastest - exactly what happens inside of a car. So what can you do to prevent
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heat stroke? A good rule is if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet! Try to have pets inside in air conditioning when possible. If pets must stay outside, provide shade and fans, and wet down with baths or hoses periodically. Use heavy water bowls that are hard to overturn, and always have more than one bowl. If taking your dog for a run, go in the early morning or late evening. Dogs can over-excite themselves and overheat because they ignore messages from their body saying to stop – keep an eye on your dog while exercising. If they look like they are struggling, stop immediately. Have regular breaks for a drink, or better still, a swim.
If you think your pet has heat stroke, cool them by placing in room temperature water or hosing, use a fan if possible and contact your closet vet. Veterinary treatment is aimed at cooling down the pet and supporting the organs. This involves intravenous fluids, antibiotics and blood tests to monitor organ function. If in danger of seizures, animals may need to be anaesthetised for a period. Prompt first aid and veterinary care is essential in heat stroke cases and can make the difference between life and death! Our hospitals provide the Greater Western and lower Mountains areas with 24 hour exceptional care, 365 days of the year. We are always happy to help!
Nepean News 8 August 2013 Issue 105
3
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Mike’s Pantry
26 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
with Mike Creed
Chocolate and Vanilla Macaroons
INGREDIENTS: 4 egg whites a pinch of salt 250g castor sugar 250g ground almonds 1t vanilla extract 45g cornflour 30g cocoa powder Red and green food dye FOR THE FILLING: 1-2T fresh cream 1T Chocolate port or any other flavoured liqueur you’d prefer 2 1/2C Icing sugar Edible cake shining powder METHOD: Heat oven to 130c fan forced oven (150c for non fan-forced). Line trays with baking paper. Whisk egg whites with pinch of salt and sugar until stiff and shiny. A good technique to check is to hold the bowl above your head and if it stays you’re in at the right consistency. (Be fairly sure before
Nita
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A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries LOSE WEIGHT EASILY, HEALTHILY AND SAFELY! WHILE feeding your body supreme nutrition Our fast paced stressful lifestyle has lead us to poor nutrition. This is due to acidic and poor indigestion enzymes caused by stress, fast foods that are high in calories but low in real nutrition. Vegetables that are grown in mineral depleted soils and meats that are treated with hormones and antibiotics lead us to further gut problems and a form of mal nutrition. So we eat more volume to compensate this in balance. Cravings are a sign that our body is seeking more nutrition. This is not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. Your body will feel energised, your mind clearer.
you try this, otherwise it could get messy). Fold in the ground almonds and cornflour. Spoon into three bowls evenly. Add a few drops of red and green food dye into two of the bowls and sift cocoa powder into the third bowl. Spoon mixtures into seperate piping bags. Pipes rounds about 2cm in diameter onto the baking tray. Bake for 25-30 mins, until firm and crisp and then place them on a wire rack to cool. FILLING METHOD: Beat the cream with liqueur and sift in the icing sugar until smooth and thick. Spread on half of the macaroons and sandwich with another macaroon. Finishing touch is cake shining powder to give that added sparkle for Christmas time.
Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison
This Christmas Listen with your heart Listen to your soul Inside, you’ll find the answers To take you to the place you need to be (This is a quote from a song I sang at Church recently) This week I was at the funeral of a treasured friend. The service was excellent as usual...A “Showbiz Special.” I was amongst the first out of the chapel, and I stood and watched the parade of stars. It occurred to me how fortunate I was to be a part of this great family. I stood there honouring these heroes in my life and the ones who had “Trod The Boards” before me. These wonderful people who have given me history. We are the sum total of all those who went before us and it’s great to know and realise we were able to trust them - and then trust each other to get the job done right -and give us the industry we call “Entertainment”. How overwhelming to realise we have an industry within which we live, thrive and survive; and hopefully create history for thos who follow. It’s true for everyone. Take the time this Christmas to reflect the history that is yours, however big or little. It is your history to have and grow on with, and a history to leave for others to follow. Merry Christmas everyone, we celebrate at this time the birth of one who sure walked his talk. His name is Jesus. Wow! What a history. Your Mate, Rossco
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• Isaflush attracts water to the bowel and helps to relieve constipation naturally without harmful laxatives. (Note: At least 2 litres of Filtered Water must beThe ingredients of Isagenix have been sourced from the purist and most pristine areas of the world. Rare herbs, and plants have also been added which makes this program unique. The synergy of the program has been designed by Dr John Anderson . Dr Anderson made extensive plant tissue studies in organic soil. He discovered ionic minerals. In 1980, he translated his knowledge to the nutritional field and created the Isagenix formulas. He is now in the forefront of anti ageing supplementation and has produced PRODUCT B (a telomere preserver). He was asked... What makes this stuff work more than other products? “Is there a “silver bullet” in these products – one raw material that would sweep the country? No. The silver bullet does not exist in one ingredient but in the system of ingredients. You have to cleanse the toxins out and restore
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28 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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Merry Christmas from the team at Coreen Ave Pets
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Snakes Alive &
Paralysis Ticks
If you’re travellin g anywhere betw een the mountai paralysis ticks & ns to the coast, snakes are arou nd at this time of ye nasties can caus ar. Both of these e severe disease and even death dogs. Brown snak in our cats and es & red bellied black snakes ar common types of e the 2 most snakes encounte red around Penr catch or kill the ith. Do NOT try to snake as a simpl e detection test or blood can do on your pets urin this. Do not band e age, as this will pet’s anxiety, bloo only increase yo d pressure & ris ur k increasing the absorption. Sym snake venom ptoms may includ e w paralysis, breath eakness, salivat ion, twitching, ing problems & blood in urine. To prevent ticks from attaching on to your pet, we re you apply Frontli commend that ne Plus to your pe t a few days befo re-apply every tw re your trip, o weeks and feel over your pet’s bo If your pet experie dy every day. nces either of th ese nasty parasi STAY CALM and te critters phone your Vet im mediately.
zy rful n e r F s k r o f colou Firew for the fun o
tening & the time year is righ New Year is f o & e s a m ti tm s is ri cats Ch ts th send dogs & ew ny of our pe n a a c m ll r e o F m . s s noise & ay on N firework anxiety. The ly locked aw h fe c a u s m re s a e s ts u e p ca ility. A DAP re that your oarding fac u b s n le E b y. ta z u n p e at your re into fr them into a elp, check th k h o o o ls b a r o y a e v m Years E ouncil. dications with local c -anxiety me d ti n re a te nics & is r g a re ll o C ped & eterinary cli v ip l h a c c ro lo ic e m th pet is g contact elter at goes missin s e o d t n Animal Sh e p io n r a p m o If you C ury 60 4644. & Hawkesb l on (02) 45 il H ’s th ra G Mc
Holiday hours for the Clin
ics
At Coreen Avenue Veterina ry Clinic & Western Sydney Cat Hospital we are open every day except for Christmas Day. On public ho lidays we will be open 10am - midday for ge nuine emergencies only. All other days we will be operating normal consult ing hours. If you need to see a veterinarian, we recommend that you ph one us on (02) 4731 3055 and make an appointment so that we ca n minimize your waiting time. Outside of these hours clients need to phone (02) 9758 8666 and make their way to Animal Referral Hospital at Homebu sh wh ere fully trained emergency staff is on duty 24/7 over the Christmas pe riod.
Thank you for your support in 2013 Coreen Ave Vet Clinic & Western Sydney Cat Hospital
(02) 4731 3055
Secret debate
30 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
John Williamson:
He Says............................ ........ I HAVE a liking for some country music and have had some great drunken nights with John Williamson pumping out Australiana on the sound system. (I pass on apologies to all those past neighbours) Having said that I think John must have been having a bad week following his resignation from the CMAA (Country Music Association Awards) and his rant about too much recognition for American style country. The album he got all bent up about was a compilation of covers of a lot of American Country songs but also has covers of Aussie music too. Many Aussie country fans grew up on a fair bit of Yankee country mixed in with great Aussie songs.
WIN!
True Blue or Cuckoo?
...........................She .... Says
lb i by b The bottom line is the album is two great Aussies and that is what the Golden Guitars are about, Aussie talent. So they do some USA country, so what? It is still their talent we should be recognising. My message is: get over it John. Let’s accept and recognise homegrown talent whatever they choose to sing. We would be the first to complain if the American Grammys locked out Aussie singers or songwriters. Music is and should be universal, I will still listen to the “True Blue” man and anything else I like. In good old Aussie terms the words “pull your head in John” come to mind.
I MUST admit, I’m pretty much always going to take the side of someone who wants to preserve Australia and the Aussie culture as we know it, regardless of how politically incorrect or petty it might seem to some these days to do so. Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars... (yes, Holden cars will always be Australian to me) and I’m more than happy to throw in an emphasis on homegrown music being criteria to win our awards also. The argument that there’s too much Americanisation given by John Williamson, that prompted his resignation, wasn’t coming from someone with sour grapes
Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show. WINNER: J. Abbott, Oxley Park
throwing a tantrum - it was coming from an Aussie icon who has carved a career out of promoting the retention of all that is Aussie. And I say good on him for doing so. I have nothing against the artists in question, nor the good old U S of A, but pride for Australia, our products and our culture is a topic that will never draw any argument from me, and bugger anyone who doesn’t like it! You might agree or disagree but at the end of the day, he stood up for what he believed in. And the fact that it is preserving Australia that he stands for suits me just fine.
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32 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Fun for the whole
THE Blue Cattle Dog Hotel has undergone extensive renovations and the result will delight anyone looking for a family-friendly place to take the kids. Boasting a new purpose-built indoor kids play area and face painting from 1pm til 4pm, Bluey’s Bistro in the hotel is a great place to have a meal - the food is great and it’s also good value for money. There are also activities for the kids, with a rolling roster of entertainment lined up to suit all ages including magicians, balloon benders and craft activities. Once you’ve tried it, you’re sure
to return - there are so many mouthwatering options on the menu and if you save your shopper dockets you can take advantage of the offer of a second pizza for just $5. And drum roll for the best part..... kids eat free when they dine with their parents on Saturdays and Sundays! So when you’re thinking about what to do with the family on the weekend, be sure to keep this option in mind. Great venue (tick) entertainment for the kids (tick) sensational food (tick) VIP outdoor area (tick) and free meals for the kids (tick). What are you waiting for?
SUNDAYS
Traditional Christmas buffet
Hands up who is looking forward to slaving away on a hot Christmas Day in the kitchen cooking roasts while everyone else gets to sit back and enjoy their day? Only a couple of you? Okay hands up those looking forward to spending the remainder of the day cleaning up all the mess? Oh..
none of you? This year, why not let Bluey’s Bistro do all the work for you? A traditional Christmas buffet with all the trimmings (and some exciting extras such as prawns!) is just $55 a head. And they’ll do all the washing up afterwards! This is just too good to refuse, see you there!
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
family at Bluey’s Bistro
33
E N T E R T A I N M E N T 34 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 A blue dye (6) 4 No particular place (8) 10 Carry (9) 11 Memos (5) 12 Young ladies (5) 13 A native of Australia (9) 14 Quaffs (7) 16 Retain (4) 19 Probabilities (4) 21 Examine in detail (7) 24 Not easy (9) 25 Plastic (5) 26 Unable to react (5) 27 Collisions (9) 28 Neatness (8) 29 Dwelt (6)
DOWN 1 A sunken engraving (8) 2 Thunderous verbal attack (8) 3 Sudden blasts of wind (5) 5 Interconnected nodes or stations (7) 6 Breeziness (9) 7 Have as a logical consequence (6) 8 Resulted (6) 9 Teeth (6) 15 A game with a shuttlecock (9) 17 Long tapering flags (8) 18 Used (8) 20 Mouse sounds (7) 21 Untouched (6) 22 Afloat (6) 23 Abroad (6) 25 Not audio (5)
solution 5/12/13
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
CAPRICORN the Goat is the tenth sign of the zodiac for those born between December 22 and January 19th. The ruling planet is Saturn which symbolises structure and meaning in our world, the limits of time and matter. As the Cardinal Earth sign, Capricorn is the most practical, resilient and hardworking sign of the zodiac. Although sometimes accused of being cold and aloof, don’t jump to conclusions – the Goat may only be taking its time to get to know you (or maybe not). Capricorns are friendly, humorous and a little quirky in the right company. Outwardly stoic, the Goat is usually reticent to give advice or trust important tasks to others. They prefer to get the job done quietly and quickly, that way all the finer details will be to their preferred specifications. Delegation can be a problem and it may be difficult for them to curb their criticism. Capricorns are also one of the most ambitious signs of the zodiac and their patience has no bounds when a goal is identified. The Goat has the ability to succeed in many occupations. They
are well suited to operate in large organisations, such as the civil service, where departments and career paths are well structured. Smaller groups will also suit the Goat but they are most comfortable with a clear chain of command (preferably one they can climb). Best relationship matches for Capricorn are the water signs and other earth signs. Taurus is the perfect pick as the Bull and the Goat have much in common. They may even understand each other too well but the mutual stubborn streak will keep this relationship interesting. Every time they lock horns in battle provides another opportunity to get to know each other again.
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
by Aunty N.
Capricorn
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
Calling
35
SOLUTION: 21 November
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
WHO AM I? from page 8 I am Prue Car - Penrith Councillor & Labor Candidate for Londonderry
Wishes all our Sponsors, Owners, Trainers Drivers & Patrons
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SAFE 2014 No racing on Thursday 26th December There will be Friday Night racing on the 27th December Club Paceway will be closed on Christmas Day No Markets & Cash Housie Christmas Day or New Years Day
Hope to see you all return in the new year STATION ST, PENRITH PH. 4732 4777
36 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
E N T E R T A I N M E N T Jamberoo is jumpin’ JAMBEROO Action Park is located just over an hour south of Sydney and open every day from 10am5pm. Set amongst 40 hectares of landscaped gardens and parklands, it’s the perfect setting to relax while the kids enjoy slipping and sliding throughout the many water rides and attractions within the park! Jamberoo is home of the Funnel Web, the longest, biggest and most exhilarating water thrill ride in the world - dare to enter the Funnel Web’s burrow with three of your friends for a heart-stopping 30kph exhilarating ride. You’ll experience multiple zerogravity moments as your raft travels up and down the funnel, being sucked deep into the burrow, only to re-enter the darkness for one final twist and turn before splashing out “free at last” into the landing pool. Jamberoo also boats the largest aqua-play structure in the southern hemisphere! Banjo’s Billabong is a four storey, Australiana-themed interactive area with over 200 different water features crowned by a huge bucket, which tips 1200 litres of water over the structure
every few minutes. Banjo’s Billabong is a ‘hands-on’ adventure for everyone containing multiple-level platforms, water slides, valves, cranks, water cannons, bridge climbs and spray features. It’s the greatest family fun for all ages where you control the action! Now find it even easier to control the action, with access to Mobile E-Ticketing and Park information – straight from your smartphone. Available free through iTunes App Store and Google Play, the Jamberoo Action Park App contains a variety of useful features and information to help guests plan their visit to the park. Now you can get Unlimited Fun at Jamberoo Action Park when you purchase a season pass. Receive unlimited entry, buy online and save with a season pass for only $89.99.
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
William Henry “Bill” Cosby Jr. (born July 12, 1937) is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he starred in his own sitcom, the Bill Cosby Show. During the 1980s, Cosby produced and starred in the Cosby show which aired for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. It was the number one show in America for five straight years (1985–89). • Always end the name of your child with a vowel, so that when you yell the name will carry. • Women don‛t want to hear what you think; women want to hear what they think – in a deeper voice. • Sex education may be a good idea in the schools, but I don‛t believe the kids should be given homework. • A word to the wise ain‛t necessary; it is the stupid ones who need all the advice. • Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home. • Dentists tell you not to pick your teeth with any sharp metal object. Then you sit in their chair... and the first thing they grab is an iron hook. • I said to a guy, “Tell me, what is it about cocaine that makes it so wonderful,” and he said, “Because it intensifies your personality.” I said, “Yes, but what if you‛re an asshole?” • Any husband who says. “My wife and I are completely equal partners”, is talking about either a law firm or a hand of bridge. • Immortality is a long-shot, I admit. But somebody has to be first. • Like everyone else who makes the mistake of getting older, I begin each day with coffee and the obituaries.
At the Museum of Fire you can discover the fascinating history of fire and fire fighting and the impact of fire in the home and environment. Australia’s finest collection of fire vehicles and memorabilia stands as a memorial to firefighters of the past and those who protect our community today. • Air conditioned Theatre • Picnic Grounds • Children’s Playground • Education and Group Tours • Special Events • OPEN 7 DAYS 9.30am-4.30pm SPECIALTY GIFT SHOP The One Stop Fire Shop for unique and exciting gifts and collectables. Also available online.
EVENTS
1154 - Henry II of England is crowned at Westminster Abbey. 1606 - The Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery depart England carrying settlers who found, at Jamestown, Virginia, the first of the 13 colonies that became the United States. 1843 - Charles Dickens’s masterpiece, A Christmas Carol is published for the first time. 1924 - The last Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is sold in London, England, United Kingdom. 1932 - BBC World Service begins broadcasting as the BBC Empire Service. 1967 - Prime Minister of Australia Harold Holt is officially presumed dead. 1998 - President Bill Clinton is impeached by The United States House of Representatives, becoming the second President of the United States to be impeached.
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
JOKES
Step back in time
37
BIRTHS 1899 1902 1906 1915 1974
-
Martin Luther King, Sr., American pastor, missionary, and activist (d. 1984). Ralph Richardson, English actor (d. 1983). Leonid Brezhnev, Soviet politician (d. 1982). Édith Piaf, French singer-songwriter and actress (d. 1963). Ricky Ponting, Australian cricketer.
DEATHS 1814 - Joseph Bramah, English inventor and locksmith, invented the Hydraulic press (b. 1748) 1848 - Emily Brontë, English author (b. 1818). 1915 - Alois Alzheimer, German psychiatrist and neuropathologist (b. 1864). 1997 - Jimmy Rogers, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (b. 1924). 1997 - Masaru Ibuka, Japanese businessman, co-founded Sony (b. 1908). 2003 - Hope Lange, American actress (b. 1933).
Management & Staff wish all a very Merry Christmas. For all your last minute unique and exciting gifts and collectables.
38
nepean history
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
THE WOOLPAC INN
THE Woolpac Inn (Wool Pack) owned by the Hackett family, now a ruined shell, is situated on the eastern side of South Creek on the southern side of the Great Western Highway. The inn was mentioned in an earlier History Page on the Hackett Family. This inn started out as land that once belonged to Constable John Proctor. James and his wife Mary Ann Hackett (Nee Bradley) built a family home that was later used partly as a residence and partly as a butchery. When the trades were in a recession due to the discovery of gold, James and some other St Mary’s men went to try their luck on the NSW gold fields. James returned to St Marys empty handed in April 1853 but he could see the potential for business, especially along the Highway due to the gold seekers making their way to the gold fields and the need for accommodation and rations. James built onto the family home and opened a public house “The Woolpac Inn”. A Publican’s License said that Thomas Shadlow (Snr) went surety for James from 1853-55 and by this time his family was steadily growing with seven children by 1855 (one child died young). Also in July 1855 James became the owner of the “Royal Exchange Inn”. Documentation is yet to be uncovered regarding his ownership of this inn but an advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald at that time has James warning the public against taking up any part of that inn house, premises and asserts under his ownership. This date would have been between the ownership from Charles Ellis to George Matthews. In 1859 Peter Royal and James John Ryan of South Creek went surety for James on the Woolpac Inn liquor licence. Due to this, and other money making ventures, James invested in land around St Marys and Penrith. (At his death in 1897 he owned around 30 blocks of land of innumerable acreage as well as three stores and 17 cottages, including the Woolpac Inn). He also bought Lots 6,7,8,9,10 of the O’Connell Estate off Mr Moss. He built the St Mary’s “Hackett’s” Race Course that had its entrance in Queen Street with the course almost to South Creek. He built a family box held by James, his family and friends to watch the racing and other festivities, including the St Mary’s Jockey Club. In October 1860 he was one of many St Mary’s petitioners who signed the petition to stop the amalgamation of the District of Penrith into a Municipality. In 1874 he held a “going out of business” party for all his loyal friends, family and customers who drank the bar dry one last time. I contacted Brian Hackett in 1997 and I asked him in a letter did he remember the Woolpac Inn homestead? He was the son of Ronald Hackett whose father was John Hackett. His answer was ...“My memory of visits to the old homestead at St Marys has faded somewhat as I was only 4 or 5 at the time. I do remember though, sitting on the front verandah watching the cars and horse and carts pass on what was then the Great Western Highway. On one occasion we had heavy rain and the bridge over South Creek was flooded, in fact, the water was lapping the foundations of the verandah. Cars were stalling as they tried to get over the bridge and my dad and uncles helped to push them through the deep water to the other side of the bridge. On the eastern side of the house was a large paddock where the fowls used to roam and we would go searching for eggs in the grass. One time a travelling circus located themselves on the paddock and I had my first camel ride. One of my biggest thrills was rising early one morning to go out into the back paddocks in the
old dray pulled by the family draught horse called Prince (known as “Prinnie”). I was with my uncle Darcy Hackett a World War One veteran who was out of work at the time. It was a cold morning around dawn, and there I was dressed in his old army great coat sitting up on the seat next to him heading out to the paddocks to collect turf for the local hotel lawn. There was another horse called “Tibby” who was kept in the paddock across the highway from the homestead. I remember the day my grandfather John Hackett died in May 1934. We must have stayed overnight (we lived in Parramatta) and he passed away during the night to everyone’s sorrow. He was 88 and had worked hard most of his life, sometime as a butcher during the depression in the late 19th century. He was a very generous man and supplied meat to families who were too poor to say and consequently went broke. He also worked in the gold fields in Cooktown in Queensland as a young man during the gold rush. I have his mining certificate which is parchment issued to him at the time. My grandmother Eleanor Jane (Sherringham) was also a kind and happy lady who was adored, as was John by all the family. There were 13 in the family, some passing away at a young age. One called Raymond Hackett drowned in South Creek. The homestead was a rambling old home with 13 rooms I believe. I used to be told of ghosts of family relatives appearing in one of the rooms at night used by Darcy Hackett. How real this was I’m not sure but the family took these appearances very seriously. I also remember going down each morning with my Grandfather to watch him milk the cows in the old shed close to the creek. One of my tasks was to turn the handle of the milk/cream separator to collect the cream. I used to pick violets growing outside my Aunt Emma’s bedroom on the eastern side of the house. There were other flowers in the garden but for some reason these ones attracted my attention. The kitchen and dining area was towards the back of the house and was connected by a walkway or verandah to the front bedrooms. A gramophone was on this verandah and I remember the tune “There’s an old spinning wheel in the parlour” being played. Even today when I hear this tune I get quite nostalgic”. James Hackett (Snr) died in 1897 at the age of 90 years from complications of a broken leg. Mary Ann died in 1905 at the age of 84 years from complications of a broken arm in 1903. Both are buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery. Charles Albert the son of James and Mary Ann was given the Woolpac Inn homestead in his father’s will, with a lifetime tenancy to his sons John and William. John was still occupying the building in the 1920s. The Inn and its surrounding land passed from the Hackett family around 1936 when it was sold to William Dunlop and Myrtle Agnes of St Marys. They subdivided the 20 acres south of Putland Street and began to sell off the allotments. The Woolpack home and 2½ acres of land was sold to the Eirosius family in 1959. It was transferred again in 1964 to Robert Branch and was finally taken over by the New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission in 1980 as part of the South Creek Corridor. The photo of 1930’s flood is courtesy of Penrith Library and shows the Woolpac Inn in the background. Information from the Hackett Family & various sources. Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
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40
finance matters
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
HAVE A HOLIDAY IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS With Steve Beard
Select Mortgage Broker
CHRISTMAS is a great time to celebrate our achievements over the previous year and to relax with our families and friends at home or away from the usual demands of home life. We also like to buy a lot of nice presents for our loved ones as giving is better than receiving- so the retailers always say! For those of us who have some good savings in the bank or have been putting cash away for this time of the year, then you should spend to your hearts’ content. Buy the things that give you and your loved ones some real benefits and enjoyment. Reap the toils of your labour on a relaxing holiday - anywhere that is away from your normal working life. The Aussie Dollar has been falling over this year and is currently around USD$0.90, which is down from the high of USD$1.10. This means that traveling to the USA and Europe is now
10 to 18 percent more expensive. If you travel within Australia, the economy will love you for it! The exchange rates have been dropping back to normal levels for various reasons but the main one is due to the money printing in the USA. They have printing USD$85 BILLION, (who knows how much a Billion is?) every month for a long time now. The recent media speculation of the reduction in money printing is driving our currency lower. A lot of this extra cash has been used to invest in the share markets around the world which is why the US stock market climbed during the year. However, this talk of the US Federal Reserve reducing their money printing is worrying investors who are starting to sell their shares and take the profits gained. If this sentiment continues, share markets all over the world could drop dramatically. The Australian All Ordinaries index has dropped over 6 per cent since its high in late October as can be seen in the following graph courtesy of the ASX.
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A lower exchange rate is also good news for our exporters and for our own tourism industry as it makes it cheaper for people from overseas to have a holiday in our beautiful country. Instead of heading to the traditional beachside holiday and paying incredibly high amounts for accommodation, why not have a local holiday in the Blue Mountains! Since the recent bush fires, a lot of tourism and business operators have been struggling as people stayed away. The best way to help support our mountain neighbours would be to spend some of your holiday dollars
locally and take advantage of the great options for accommodation and recreation available. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy your Christmas break. Instead, just spend a lot of quality time with your family and friends! You will feel a lot better as well without the post-Christmas stress of repaying big credit card debts. I hope my articles have been of some help to you during the year and wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and a very prosperous New Year!! This information is of a general nature and should seek the advice of experts before taking any action regarding your finances. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.
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Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110
3
42
sport
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Local league season is nigh By Greg Martin
BUCK Rogers, newly appointed head coach of Colyton Colts, is determined to have his squad fully fit when the 2014 Penrith District Junior Rugby League A Grade competition kicks off. The vastly experienced Buck has had his senior squad of around 25 players hard at it for over a month now, sweating their way through a series boxing exercises under the guidance of himself and star recruit, rugged prop, Scott Hardy. “Sure it is a long time before the comp starts in April but you just can’t give any of the other teams a head-start if you want to win the premiership,” Buck said. “The fellas are really enjoying the boxing training and they turn up each week as keen as mustard to pull on the gloves and pound away on the bags or pads. “We’ll have a few weeks off over the Christmas-New Year holiday period but I’ll get them together again the middle of January to get back into getting themselves ready for what will be an exciting season for the Colts.
“We have been fortunate in luring some very handy footballers to the club while also retaining most of our squad from last season.” Those recruits are the veteran Hardy, fellow prop Doug Dean, a robust centre from Blacktown, Miller Smity, and two former Umina players, livewire hooker, Blake McLean and fullback, Zane Vettori. Buck has already tee-ed up two trial matches in March for the Colts – they’ll tackle local clubs, Glenmore Park and St Patrick’s. In news out of the St Clair Comets camp, A Grade coach, Brad Liggins says he’s giving his players a good rest and won’t commence training until the “end of January”. Brad reports he has retained the bulk of his squad which was good enough to go into the second week of the 2013 semi-finals series before losing out to St Marys. “There are four or five kids out of our 19’s who I’m very hopeful of making a successful transition into open age footy,” Brad said. Brad said he was still keen to entice other players to the Comets – if you are keen to have a run with the Comets, give Brad a call on 0418 204 957.
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Happy hooker, Nathan Corbett, will line up for his 19th season with the St Clair Comets in 2014.
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WITH MARK GEYER
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AS the jolly big fella with the long white beard gets ready for his worldwide journey to spread the love I thought I’d reflect on just what Christmas means to me. My earliest memory of Christmas was being scared to sit on Santa’s lap at the Mt Druitt Shopping Centre when I was about six. “What do you want for Christmas young fella?” he asked. “A bike please, and a cubby house, and a cricket bat, and a racing car set, and a scooter…...” and on and on I went. “But what I really want from Santa is for mum and dad to get good presents, ‘cause they’re the best!” Mum often reminds me of this request to St Nick way back when. But I don’t need reminding, I remember asking him vividly. Growing up (not that I really ever knew) we didn’t have much. By much I mean the commercial stuff, didn’t have any of the mod cons, we were always the last to get the latest technology- air conditioner, colour TV and VHS video recorder. But we had something I know a lot of my mates growing up didn’t have, and that’s lots and lots of love from a mum and dad who worked their collective butts off just to see their four kids smile on the most special day of the year.
Mum had me when she was just 16, dad was 18. By the time mum was 24 she had four kids under eight and was somehow working two jobs - dad the same. Now nearly 40 years later things have changed, but not by much. The morals and values instilled into me from my parents growing up have stayed refreshingly with me to this day. My wife and five children prepare for the best day of the year exactly like we did all those years ago. We get excited, we get anxious for good weather, we can’t wait to see what everyone got off Santa and to see the rest of our family on Christmas Day. Everybody needs something to look forward to in a world that is vastly changing. Christmas Day gives us that. A day of celebration, a day of excited eagerness, no matter what age you are. From myself and my family I’d like to wish everyone reading this column a very merry Christmas. It’s been a long year of trials, tribulations and tears. Christmas Day gives us 24 hours to reflect and spend the day being by the sides of the ones you love the most. Talk to you in the New Year!
Born to be Penrith surfer a Panther THE Penrith Panthers in conjunction with Nepean Hospital will this week launch an exciting community based initiative called ‘Born to Be a Panther’. In what will be a first for an NRL club, newborn babies will be welcomed into the Panthers Football Family with a teddy bear, baby bib, baby beanie and a special Born to be a Panther birth
certificate, signed by Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary. The new scheme is being launched at Nepean Hospital today, December 19, with players Tim Grant and Jamie Soward on hand to sign up the first newborn members. Other players will also be at the hospital to deliver toys and spread some Christmas cheer to the children’s ward.
PENRITH’S Mick Fanning has joined the surfing world’s most elite, taking out the 2013 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world title. It’s the third world title for the aptly nicknamed White Lightning - he also took home the bacon in 2007 and 2009. Mick’s older brother Sean, who was also a promising surfer, was tragically killed in a car accident in 1998. Mick’s career suffered a setback thanks to a hamstring disaster in 2004 and after surgery
made an incredible comeback to make his mark in the surfing world.
Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
MG
on the mark
43
44 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
ON THE MAT THE final of the John McBride Shield has finally been decided between Blacktown Workers and Springwood on the Blacktown City BC greens. After 14 ends Springwood led by 13-12 and then they got a five on the 15th end to go on and get the bikkies 24-18. It was a terrific match from start to finish and as such was thoroughly enjoyed by the big crowd which witnessed the action.
With Col Crossingham
ENTRY forms for the 2014 District Championships and Junior Championships are now available on the District Notice Board on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/groups/1429612960584145/ and on the District web site http://www.nepeandistrict.bowls. com.au
and the Australia Day holiday but then we’re back into it again. Saturday 1st February - Pairs Rounds 1 and 2 (State, President’s Reserve & Senior); Sunday 2nd February - Pairs Round 3 and Quarter Finals (State, President’s Reserve & Senior); Wednesday 5th February - Selectors and Side Managers Forum; Saturday 8th February - Pairs Semi Finals & Final (State, President’s Reserve & Senior); Sunday 9th February - Singles Rounds 1 & 2 (State, President’s Reserve & Senior); Saturday 15th February - Singles Rounds 3 & 4 (State, President’s Reserve & Senior); Sunday 16th February - Singles Quarter Finals (State, President’s Reserve & Senior); Saturday 22nd February - Singles Semi Finals & Finals (State, President’s Reserve & Senior).
A SURFEIT of bowls coming up locally in 2014. Let’s have a look what is in store for bowlers in the 2014 District and Zone 5 Championship and Pennants Program: Saturday 4th January – District Fours Rounds 1-2; Sunday 5th January - District Fours Quarter Finals and Semi Finals; Saturday 11th January – District Fours Final; Sunday 12th January - Triples Rounds 1 and 2; Saturday 18th - Triples Rounds 3 and Quarter Finals; Sunday 19th January - Triples Semi Finals and Final; Monday 20th January - Junior Singles (Blacktown Workers); Wednesday 22nd January - Junior Pairs (Kingswood); Friday 24th January - Junior Fours (Blacktown Workers). There’s a break in the programs on Australia Day
STILL with me? OK, let’s get back into it. Saturday 1st March - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 1; Saturday 8th March - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 2; Saturday 15th March - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 3; Thursday 20th March - Veterans Day (Penrith); Saturday 22nd March Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 4; Saturday 29th March - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 5; Saturday 5th April - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 6; Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th April Senior Inter District 8-a-side Competition (Blacktown Workers); Saturday 12th April - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 7; Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th April - Zone 5 Junior Finals (Kingswood); Saturday 3rd May Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 8; Saturday 10th May
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- Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 9; Saturday 17th May - Bendigo Bank Pennants Round 10; Sunday 18th May Bendigo Bank Pennant Playoffs (Grades 5, 6 & 7). OK, sharpen your pencils because there’s still plenty more on the bowls calendar. Tuesday 20th - Thursday 22nd May - Senior Inter Zone Sides Championship (Zone 7 - Milton Ulladulla BC & Lake Conjola BC); Saturday 31st May - Zone 5 Pennants Round Robin Round 1 v STDBA (Austral) Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th June - Zone 5 Pennants Round Robin; Grades 1 & 2 – Penrith; Grade 3 – Springwood; Grade 4 – St Marys RSL; Grade 5 – Glenbrook Panthers; Grade 6 – Kingswood; Grade 7 – Blacktown Workers; Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th July - Zone 5 Championships – Fours (Wallacia); Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th July Zone 5 Championships – Triples (Glenbrook Panthers); Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th July - Zone 5 Championships – Pairs (Blacktown City); Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th Zone 5 Championships – Singles (Austral); Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th July - Zone 5 - 12 a side (Penrith) Saturday 9th – Monday 11thAugust - State Pennant Finals. YOUR roving reporter is travelling between Perth and Geraldton, heading towards Monkey Mia. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy and safe Christmas and a “wrong bias-free” New Year. May all the wins be shared evenly.
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PBA announces 2014 rep squads By Noel Rowsell
PENRITH Basketball Association has announced its senior representative squads for 2014. The women’s Championship League team looks considerably stronger for next season, following the inclusion of Canberra Gunners SEABL centre, Alyce Shearing. The highly-rated Shearing has been earmarked as a WNBL player of the future and her inclusion in the Panthers squad, alongside local youngster Kelli Sims, will give the Panthers a formidable presence on the boards. The men’s squad also has a very familiar look to last season, with the addition of Parramatta guards Jordan Lum Kon and Noah Cleur a positive development. There is however some bad news, with American import, Ben Ellsworth, not resigned for 2014. His absence will hit the Panthers severely but the anticipated return of towering youngster Luke Griffith will help alleviate the loss of the hard-working Yankee. Championship League Women: Alyce Shearing, Ashlea Brennan, Claire Petterson;
Leapin’ Luke Griffith (centre) is returning from injury to the Panthers senior representative program. Photo: Courtesy of Noel Rowsell www.photoexcellence.com.au
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Dominika Offner;, Emily Potts, Jane Warren, Kelly Bond, Kelli Sims, Lauren Cooper, Tahlia Tuapea, Taylah Clark. Youth Women: Ashling O’Doherty (WCW Develpment), Cody Davis, Crystle Crothers (WCW Dev); Dominique O’Driscoll, Emily Ling, Georgia Sutherland, Kate Pozoglou, Meg Creanor, Rhiannon Pope (WCW Dev), Samantha Davis (WCW Dev), Shannon Huntley-Wei, Binta Salawu, Ebony Frost (WCW, Dev) Ella Tofaeono, Lara Camenzuli (Jnr Dev Players). Championship Men: Akoy Deng, Ben Kearins, Curtleigh Albertyn, Luke Griffith, Cameron Day, Emlyn Dodd, Jed Atherton, John Macham, Jordan Lumkon, Josh Morehead, Louis Brandt, Nic Pozoglou, Noah Cleur, Reece Moon, Sean Albert. Youth Men: Anai Duit, Ben Wagenfeller (WCM Dev, Ben Zalac, Blake Macfarlane, Bryce Field, Bryden Albertyn, Corey Wright, Daniel Protzman, Luke Griffith (WCM Dev), Sean Weekes, Shol Meshwang,Tom Lewer, Brett Walkom (Dev Player), Josh Anderson (Dev Player), Adam Lulka, Izac Wallis, Jay Green (Jnr Dev players).
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45 Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
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46
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Nepean News 19 December 2013 Issue 115
Whare to stay THE Panthers are pleased to announce that Dean Whare this week agreed to a 3 year extension of his current contract, to stay on at Penrith until the end of the 2017 season. Dean joined the Panthers at the end of 2012 and has gone from strength to strength over the past year, culminating in an outstanding performance for New Zealand at the recent World Cup. Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould says Dean is now one of the top centres in the NRL. “Dean Whare was one of the real success stories at Panthers in season 2013,” Gus said. “He came to the club for an opportunity to play regular first grade and has now established himself as a representative centre of the highest order.” “I have no doubt Dean’s best football is still in front of him and we feel very lucky to have him at Panthers for the next four seasons. Dean thoroughly deserves this new deal.” Coach Ivan Cleary says Dean has improved beyond anyone’s expectations. “In 12 months Dean has not only cemented an NRL spot, but he’s also
Tony’s trial tips Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists.
excelled at an international level for the Kiwis. He will continue to improve at the Panthers. Dean will become a mainstay in our backline over the next four years, whilst we continue to develop exciting youngsters such as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, George Jennings and James Roberts,” Ivan said. Dean said he appreciates the club’s faith in him. “I want to thank Gus and the Panthers club for giving me the opportunity to extend my contract. I really love it here, the boys are great to work with, the members and fans are amazing and Penrith feels like home now,” Dean said. “I have so much respect for Ivan and I’ve learnt so much under his guidance, and I’m looking forward to furthering my career with the Panthers family.”
A FAIR few of the trial neddies I tipped Harpo a few weeks back are yet to sport silks. What! He didn’t share them with you – may he never speak again! However, three of the tips did manage to get to the racetrack with one of them being first to greet the judge. That was the very aptly-named Lucky Lucky Lucky which did the rounds in a Benchmark 65 at Kembla on December 1. Enough already – let’s have a gander at this edition’s tips out of the trials. BLAZON TALES: Unraced juvenile filly from the Bjorn Baker stable. Her two appearances in trials suggest a bright race career is in the offering. CITATIONS: Consistent when last in training through the winter months. Barrier-trialled like a bomb
at Rosehill. CLUB COMMAND: Peter Moody has started this six-time winner off in Sydney. He’s a very talented sprinter. LIAMENA: Alan Denham’s fleetfooted filly has cruised away with a recent Newcastle trial. Get set for a profitable preparation. SENSUALISM: Trialling like a decent prospect for the formidable Chris Waller operation. Isn’t far off landing a race or two this summer. JETWINGS: Runaway winner in his first public trial and he’ll be handled to perfection by trainer Gerald Ryan. KNOYDART: Peter Snowden’s team has been on fire in recent weeks and here’s another one likely to do his part. TASTE OF HEAVEN: An unraced half-sister to Redoute’s Choice by Encosta De Lago. That’s the best of breeding and trained by Gai Waterhouse.
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Christmas is here… Already? wow that was quick don’t you think. 2013 year has been such a big year for for Storage King Penrith. Awards, donation drives, shows, more awards, hanging with celebrities and plenty of activity at Storage King Penrith has definitely kept us busy. Did I mentioned our awards? Well... all I can say is, I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store. And I also hope you have had a great year. From all the staff at Storage King Penrith we thank you for supporting us and we wish all the best over the Christmas and holiday break. Without you, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in, which has helped us be able to support and help the local community here. Penrith is a great community and we are proud to be a part of it. So enjoy yourself, stay safe and have a great Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year, ready to make it an even better year than before. So to all our friends from Australia
and around the world “Merry Christmas”, “Joyeux Noël”, “Kala Christouyenna”, “Feliz Navidad”, “Buone Feste Natalizie”, “Mele Kalikimaka” and so on...
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Thursday, 19 December 2013
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HARPO’S MARKS I DON’T ask for much m in life – a roof over my head, tucker in the tummy and not having to spend more than an hour on the phone to Telstra seeking resolution to the simplest of requests. But I digress! The late, great Bob Moore, was the “Churchill” of the racetrack for many decades until his retirement in the 80’s – 1980’s that is! Must tell you a yarn about Bob because he was a real character. Bob was the betting-odds man – he worked for all media outlets, providing journalists with the fluctuations from the betting ring on all Sydney and provincial races. Bob also provided us with the big bets recorded by the bookie. He loved having a flutter – and woe behold any jockey who rode a poorly judged race aboard one of his fancies. It was always a delight to behold Bob entering the press room post-race after one of his neddies “had been slaughtered” by the hoop.
“See that, Sonny Jim (as he called everyone), did you see that?” Bob would splutter. “Little bludgers – that’s all they are, little bludgers!” No matter if a jockey rode the perfect race aboard the horse carrying Bob’s hard-earned, Bob would give the jockey a spray – and us as well as he let fly in his criticism. Bob did tend to spray around a bit of spittle when he was at his most virulent! Anyways, back to that yarn. It was on a Saturday at Warwick Farm where the feature event on the card was the weight-for-age Warwick Stakes. Bob, along with the majority of punters, had whacked his ‘kick’ on the favourite, the Tommy Smithtrained Americano. Always a barrier rogue, Americano played up as usual when loaded into the barriers. When the starter released the gates, Americano jumped in the air
and when he came down, Kevin Langby was catapulted over his head into the turf. Fortunately, “K” escaped any serious injury. But that didn’t stop Bob from giving Kevin a huge spray back in the press room. “See that Sonny Jim – the dirty little bludger – do anything to get beaten – filthy little bludgers,” Bob bawled. Normally all of us would nod in approval of his “reading” of a bad ride but this time we all fell about, laughing uproariously. Can’t report here what Bob said to us. SAD MARKS: The passing of Nelson Mandela – he could have been a champion boxer but for his long stint in the clink. Why can’t there be more politicians of his mettle? HIGH MARKS: Working with my Nepean News colleagues – champions all! Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Christmas.