Nepeannews 19february2015

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free Candidate Prue CAR Labor for Londonderry

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Thursday, 19 February 2015

ISSUE 143

Phone 0450 659 811 Email prue.car@nswlabor.org.au Authorised by John Thain 33 Jackaranda Rd, St Marys

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Werrington Arterial ready for construction CONSTRUCTION is set to begin within weeks on Werrington Arterial road with the announcement of Burton Contractors Pty Ltd as the preferred tenderer for the Werrington Arterial Road project.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs said the Werrington Arterial Road would help cater for Western Sydney’s rapid growth.

“The Werrington Arterial Road forms part of our joint $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan and will deliver a stronger road network for a region that is expected to grow from two million to three million people in the next 20 years,” Mr Briggs said.

“Not only will this project generate economic benefits of almost four times the initial investment, it will also reduce congestion for motorists, improve access to employment growth areas in the region and provide better links between the M4 and Great Western Highway.

“The Australian Government is committed to building the infrastructure Western Sydney needs and our record investments deliver on that commitment,” Federal Member for Lindsay Fiona Scott said the tender announcement would provide certainty for residents.

“Considering the growth Western Sydney will experience, this project will ensure residents have a road network that is up to the task,” Ms Scott said.

“For families that will mean more time at home

announced as the preferred tenderer, residents of Western Sydney will be able to take advantage of new job opportunities on offer,” Mrs Davies said.

“Although construction won’t be finished until late-2016, this project will be immediately beneficial to the region.

“This project will be great news for those people advocating for a new road between the M4 Motorway and the Great Western Highway to increase capacity from Claremont Meadows and near the Western Sydney Werrington/Kingswood Campus.

‘This major project will also help reduce congestion on Mamre Road and The Northern Road and will provide huge relief on the M4 interchanges,” Tanya Davies and less time in traffic, and overall a better quality of life.”

NSW Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay said with the tender awarded, construction was on track to begin within weeks.

“This is a growing corridor that supports jobs and freight but will also take pressure off local roads providing relief for local communities,” Mr Gay said.

“The upgrade is expected to be completed in late2016 and together with other major upgrades in the area will transform this part of Western Sydney.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said she was looking forward to construction beginning.

“Now that Burton Contractors have been

Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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said.

Liberal Candidate for Londonderry, Bernard Bratusa said the $70m was upgrade expected to be completed by late next year.

“The project will see Kent Road and Gipps Street widened to four lanes, three sets of traffic lights and two new east facing ramps on to the M4 set to improve access and travel times,” Mr Bratusa said.

“This is a major win for Western Sydney road users, particularly Claremont Meadows, Werrington and St Marys residents.”

The Australian Government committed up to $35 million to the $70 million construction project, with the New South Wales Government funding the remainder.

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4 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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

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

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by Kerrie Davies THERE is much debate over the impending fate of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan and here’s my two cents worth. I think it is a devastating blight on not just prison systems worldwide, but on the entire human race.

All the final-hour pleas from PM Abbott and Julie Bishop don’t seem to be breaking through at all, it appears the newly-elected Indonesian President has made his mind up to execute and that’s it. Petitions are circling and a “Boycott Bali” momentum is gaining pace, but shunning the destination will only hurt the everyday people in Bali. We have a Balinese friend named Sam, and Sam tells me he and everyone he knows in Bali believe execution is barbaric and wrong. So a boycott is targeting those who don’t get to be the decision makers and robbing them of the livelihood they work extremely long hours for.

I’m not in any way sugar-coating what these guys have done - they are criminals. They not only attempted to traffic drugs from a country that has warned over and over again that death is a consequence, they were happy to let others do the dirty work while they stood to make all the profit.

They deserve to be punished. But they have completely changed their lives around and spend their days helping others. In fact they appear to be model prisoners who have become quite an unpaid asset to the gaol.

Why not let them live? When they get taken to the deserted island, have hoods placed over their heads and get sprayed with bullets, their story will die with them.

Clean and decent living quarters are not a trademark of Kerobokan Gaol by any stretch of the imagination, but judging from some of the things that reportedly go on in the prison, it’s one that has somewhat relaxed rules at times.

If Indonesia is happy to have a kill-policy regardless of the criminal’s attempts to self-rehabilitate, they better step up their rules and security because who wouldn’t try to escape when they are destined to ultimately be gunned down by firing squad anyway? If you’re doomed anyway, may as well take your chances and run for it, huh?

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Better classrooms LABOR Candidate for Londonderry Prue Car has outlined Labor’s plan to provide permanent classrooms for the thousands of students currently learning in demountables – including six schools in the Londonderry Electorate.

Ms Car said that a Labor Government will dedicate an additional $100 million to replace demountable classrooms across NSW with permanent, air-conditioned classrooms and said it would give students the world-class facilities they deserve.

“We must provide the best possible learning environment, including modern and permanent classrooms, to ensure our kids get the best education and start in life,” Prue Car said.

“There are school kids in the Londonderry electorate still learning in demountable classrooms – a legacy of the Liberals’ failure to invest in our schools over the last four years.

“Demountables were always meant to be a temporary fix – but students in suburbs like Cambridge Park, Werrington County and Whalan have been stuck in demountables for years.”

Under a Labor Government, Mrs Car said the schools with the oldest and highest number of demountables will receive priority through Labor’s additional $100 million in funding.

“It is particularly concerning that schools such as Cambridge Park High School still have demountables that are over fifteen years old,” Mrs Car added.

“Education is the number one priority for Labor, and our school facilities should reflect that.

“Labor will invest in modern, permanent

Creative Designs classrooms to give our kids the best education possible and replace the existing ageing, substandard facilities.”

Mrs Car said there are around 4,500 demountable classrooms in NSW (ten per cent of all teaching spaces) that are used by around 100,000 students.

Over 1,000 of these classrooms have been at the same school for at least 10 years.

“The previous Labor Government had a Demountable Replacement Program – but the Liberals rolled this into the school capital works budget, and then cut that budget by $280 million,” she said.

“Labor will allocate $100 million over 10 years – in addition to the existing capital works budget – to replace temporary demountable classrooms, libraries and administrative facilities.”

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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Half price licences PARLIAMENTARY Secretary for Transport and Roads Ray Williams and Liberal Candidate for Londonderry Bernard Bratusa have announced thousands of drivers were enjoying half price licences thanks to the NSW Government’s ‘Fair go for Safer Drivers’ initiative.

The ‘Fair Go for Safe Drivers’ initiative was an election commitment by the NSW Liberals and Nationals to reward safe drivers and gives drivers with a five year good driving record a 50 per cent discount on their licence fees.

“It is fantastic to be in St Marys announcing that in the past two and a half years, over 17,186 drivers in the Londonderry electorate have saved half their licence fee,” Mr Williams said.

“It is such a great initiative, not only does it reward good drivers and provide a real incentive to encourage better driver behaviour in others but it also gives money back to NSW communities.

“Across the state, more than 850,000 safe drivers are enjoying this discount and together about $70 million has been saved.

“Blokes, we know almost 500,000

Hawkesbury MP Ray Williams and Liberal Candidate for Londonderry Ray Williams

drivers who have received this discount are women- so guys we need to lift our game” “This is another great example of the NSW Government delivering for the community,” Mr Bratusa said.

“It is fantastic to think so many drivers in the community have walked into a registry and received a real and immediate benefit, many walking away with up to $85 in their pockets.

“Any measure that makes our roads safer while at the same time helping cut the cost of living for

families is a winner.”

The scheme allows all motorists with an unrestricted licence (one, three and five year) and no relevant offences for five years to get the discount.

Relevant offences include any breach that attracts demerit points, a conviction for a major offence such as drink or drug driving or any unlicensed driving offences.

Current unrestricted driver licence renewal fees are $54 for one year, $128 for three years and $170 for five years.

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Bigger than ever

Tony in town

By Garion Thain

THE 111th Luddenham Show, set for February 21 and 22, aims to be one of the best yet on the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

Among the Show’s stage events and other mainstay entertainment, the 2015 show holds important significance to the Luddenham Show Society’s calendar because of a special tribute to the ANZACs – particularly the Luddenham Light Horse Squadron (pictured) who camped on the very showgrounds the show takes place on. The society plans to honour them, many of whom the forebears of the current committee, by dedicating a plaque to them at this year’s show.

 With lots of activities, stalls and entertainment on offer and a tribute to the ANZACs on the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, 2015’s Luddenham Show is set to entertain in one of its biggest ways yet.

Darren Adams of the Luddenham show society cites a communityoriented atmosphere as the reasoning behind the Show’s longevity and why he hopes this year’s will also be successful. “It’s a nice, rural family show,” Mr Adams said.

“It’s a country show in a city area, like country with modern faces.

Anyone can compete and take part, from bull riding to stage events.”

Past shows have indeed showcased a variety of different activities to

take part in and watch, from mini trots to the aforementioned stalls and entertainment like the jet car and music from budding performers and others. The society says this year also has a lot on show, the hallmark of this year’s being the celebration of history and dedication of the plaque.

At the 111th show then there is lots to enjoy, take part in and especially a lot to celebrate. The Luddenham show takes place over the 21-22nd of February weekend.

7 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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PRIME Minister Tony Abbott was in town last weekend at an event hosted by Lindsay MP Fiona Scott held at Castlereagh.

Approximately 200 people were invited to the community event and were given the opportunity to meet and get snaps taken with the PM and his wife Margie.

In a pledge to what he called “the heartland” Mr Abbott said his government was rededicating itself to the people and putting the leadership uncertainty behind them.

Mr Abbott survived a leadership spill motion last week in a vote of 61-39.

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Free skills training Community grant STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that many young people in Penrith will have access to free training to help them find a job.

“A re-elected Baird Government will make hundreds of training courses free for 200,000 disadvantaged young people across NSW — including many in Penrith,” Mr Ayres said.

“Local businesses in Penrith will also be encouraged to employ more apprentices as part of an historic compact signed between the NSW Government and the State’s peak employer and industry groups.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has created more than 145,000 new jobs and we are committed to ensuring every young person in NSW has the skills they need to find a job in the fastest growing economy in the country.”

Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government would do its bit to help apprentices find their first job by requiring require contractors to employ a minimum number of apprentices on every NSW Government project worth more than $100 million.

Public school students in Penrith studying a vocational education and training course for their HSC will also benefit from a $27 million program to provide onthe-job training.

“Structured workplace learning is an essential component of VET in schools which helps students gain practical skills in a real-world setting,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Finding a career is an important step in life and these feefree scholarships and access to onthe-job training will ensure more young people have the opportunity to succeed.”

Stuart Ayres said Reskilling NSW builds on the NSW Government’s record investment in vocational education and training, which includes: $2.3 billion in spending on vocational education and training in 2014/15, an 11 per cent increase compared to the last Labor Government; More than 60,000 additional training places in 2015 as a result of the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled reforms; and $1.86 billion for TAFE NSW to deliver quality training across the State.

STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith, met with Andrew Paech, Assistant Director of WestCare Community Services recently to announce their successful application for funding through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program.

“I am pleased to announce that the WestCare will receive a grant of $14,513 under the 2014 Community Building Partnership Program,” Mr Ayres said.

The grant will be used to purchase commercial refrigeration and freezer units to provide sufficient fresh and frozen food storage to meet the increasing demands which are being

placed on WestCare’s Emergency Food Service.

Mr Paech said we are delighted to receive this support for our Emergency Relief Service. It expands our capacity to store frozen food and importantly, fresh produce.

“The Community Building grant is a great initiative that will have genuine benefits for the people we assist,” said Mr Paech.

“The WestCare team and their volunteers provide an invaluable service to people experiencing crisis situations and are to be commended for their ongoing support and commitment to the local community,” added Mr Ayres.

Women take to the skies TO celebrate 100 years of female pilots in combat, The Criddle Group and Bankstown Helicopters will be participating in a week of events at two locations at Bankstown as part of the Fly It Forward Challenge for the International Women in Aviation Week.

Since 2010, pilots from 37 countries on five continents have given first flight experiences to nearly 10,000 girls and women (one fifth of the estimated female pilot population worldwide) and welcomed 40,000 more to aviation facilities as part of the Fly It Forward Challenge.

Its goal is to encourage girls and women to consider aviation as a hobby or a career and improve gender balance in the industry.

At the end of 2013, approximately 5% of all commercial pilots were females.

Women have never hesitated to lay down their lives for their countries.

During WWI, Marie Marvingt heroically flew over a German military base in occupied territory to bomb it and, in doing so, became the first woman to fly in combat, worldwide.

To salute the women who have served and thank those who are serving today, events have been planned

Lisa Wilkin with the Cessna Dragonfly, the only one of its kind in Australia which has been in combat.

internationally to support those women in combat, whilst recognising that many of these women start in general aviation.

This is being done by taking women who have never tasted flight to the skies in small aircraft and helicopters during Women of Aviation Worldwide Week (March 2-8).

Any female introduced to flight during the Fly It Forward Challenge may become eligible to win the First to Solo Challenge’s grand prize, valued at $2495.

IWOAW’s 2015 keynote speaker program will make it possible for girls and women anywhere in the world to hear from outstanding female role models of military aviation and interact with them via a custom social media platform.

St Clair’s Lisa Wilkin will be hosting two events at Bankstown Airport in the hope to give women a complete picture on Aviation.

“Being a student myself working towards both Fixed Wing and Helicopter licences and working in the

Industry for eight years has given me a wide range of knowledge,” Lisa said.

“This knowledge has been applied to not only my flight training, but improving my work skills and allowed me roles within the industry I can progress on.

“If we can offer those same opportunities to other women, we can increase their exposure and build a solid foundation for their futures.”

Lisa is the NSW Vice President for the Australian Women Pilots Association and on the Australian Committee for the International Women of Aviation Week.

The Criddle Group is a family-owned and operated business which has been involved in aviation for 29 years.

One of its arms, Executive Air, will be offering discounted Sydney Scenic Flights allowing women to get a bird’s eye view of Sydney.

These flights will be running from Monday, March 2 until Friday, March 6 out of Bankstown Airport.

Additionally, Australian Aerial Specialists, the maintenance engineering side of the company, will be offering a Maintenance Workshop on March 6 to allow women to get up close and personal to the technical side of the aircraft.

9 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Never Too Old! AGE is no barrier when it comes to having fun, and in a region as large and vibrant as ours, there’s so much to choose from!

Music is an activity that is suitable to any person, any age.

Come and sing, reminisce, play instruments and make music with the team from Nordoff-Robbins for a fun hour of interactive musicmaking. It’s a great free community music session generally suited to Seniors.

Date: Every Tuesday Time: 11am to 12pm Venue: Woodriff Function Room, Panthers, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

Contact phone or website for enquiries: penrith.panthers.com. au/activities-in-penrith/ music-therapy/

Say no to bullying

TO support children in saying no to bullying, Interrelate is running a poster competition open to all NSW primary schools.

Interrelate’s CEO Patricia Occelli said the competition would encourage open discussion on bullying. Research by the Child Health Promotion Research Centre indicates that in 87% of bullying incidents there are peer onlookers present.

(Australian Covert Bullying Prevalence Study, 2009).

“Our approach is to encourage young people to relate to the scenario of their friend being bullied and consider how they can make a difference in stopping the bullying rather than being a passive bystander.”

Key Facts and Figures To enter, students must draw a picture showing how they would help a friend who is being bullied. The student who

submits the best entry will win an iPad and their school will win $1000 plus an Interrelate resource pack for their library.

All students and schools who enter will receive a small gift.

Entries must be A4, original artwork and cannot be digitally modified. Entries should be sent to Interrelate Schools Competition, PO Box 6307, Baulkham Hills NSW 1755.

Entries must be received by Friday 27 February. Entry form and full details available at www.interrelate.org.au/postercompetition.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney on Friday 20 March with special guests including Interrelate’s patron, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor of New South Wales.

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Remembering our fallen OVER 102,000 poppies will be on display in Penrith this ANZAC Day to remember our fallen. In the recorded conflicts that Australia has been involved in, from Sudan in 1885 to present day Afghanistan, over 102,000 Australian soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives for the freedom we all enjoy today.

Even though we remember and commemorate collectively the battles fought, as families fade and generations pass, the individuals who gave their lives during these battles may no longer have anyone to specifically remember them and the sacrifice they made. It is the vision of Remember a Soldier that each of our fallen heroes be remembered personally each year, by at least one family in Australia.

A number of initiatives are being established to be able to link our fallen heroes with the people of a nation grateful for the sacrifice they have made.

One such initiative with the purpose to engage the nation is Poppy Park, which will see over 102,000 commemorative artificial poppies symbolically planted in the shape of a giant poppy with the name of a fallen hero attached to each stem.

The field of poppies will span over 2000sqm in size. Poppy Park will be located in Judges Park, Penrith, NSW. There will be a special opening ceremony held on the 21st March, 2015 and the park will be open for display for 5 weeks from 21st March to 29th April, during which time the public are welcome to visit and walk through.

At the conclusion of Poppy Park the poppies with the names of the soldiers will be collected, randomly assigned and sent to the people and organisations that purchased them, to keep as their own little memento of their contribution to Poppy Park.

“We decided to randomly assign the soldiers, as it’s important that all soldiers are remembered. If people were to choose their own soldier then those soldiers who have no one left to remember them, may go unassigned,” said Owen Rogers.

As purchases are made online, all Australians will be able to participate. Poppy Park is supported

by Remember a Soldier, Penrith City Council, Penrith RSL Sub Branch, Penrith CBD Corporation and Penrith Legacy.

The Poppy Park Committee invite individuals, families and businesses from across Australia to participate

by purchasing a poppy or a number of poppies for Poppy Park and together we can ensure that every soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice is individually remembered each and every year.

It is a great way to connect the community, our families and the next generation with the enormous contribution and sacrifice our fellow Australians have paid.

There are single, family and business packs of poppies available.

Proceeds generated from Poppy Park will be forwarded to Penrith RSL Sub Branch and Penrith Legacy, so they can continue to support our service men, women and their families who on a daily basis serve to protect us.

“It is a great opportunity to engage our current and future generations to connect with someone they have never met, yet we owe so much for the freedom we all enjoy today,” said Martin Rogers.

Individuals, families and businesses are encouraged to visit the website www.poppypark.org. au and to purchase a poppy. Contact Details: Website: www.poppypark. org.au Facebook: www.facebook. com/poppypark.org.au Twitter: www. twitter.com/poppyparknews

11 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

UWS leading the way THE University of Western Sydney’s (UWS) reputation as a leader of innovative research has had another significant boost, with UWS receiving $246,000 in Commonwealth funding in the second round of grants announced by the Office for Learning and Teaching.

The Strategic Priority Grant will be used to produce technology-enriched educational resources that will assist students studying abroad, producing better outcomes.

Fiona Scott MP, Member for Lindsay congratulated the university on successfully securing funding which is part of the Federal Government’s $5.8 million commitment to the higher education sector to promote excellence in learning and teaching.

“This grant will ensure exchange programmes are strengthened and can be embedded into the curriculum to further support students’ education,” Fiona Scott said.

UWS outbound mobility programme project co-leader Associate Professor Tonia Gray said the grant would be used to create the best possible programming aimed at encouraging students to study and travel abroad.

“By studying which sorts of outbound international programmes achieve the best results — as well as those that don’t meet their goals — this research project will help universities to share what they’ve learned, design the best itineraries, and develop the best training plans, including online resources,” said Professor Gray, who co-leads the project with Dr Tim Hall from the UWS School of Business.

“With the number of programmes growing rapidly across Australia, and a recognition that our political and economic future requires us to become more globally aware and engaged, we want to make sure that every start-up benefits from the lessons learned by veteran teachers, former students, and long-time programme coordinators,” Professor Gray said.

Community spirit STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has presented a Community Service Award to Mrs Dorothy Grant in recognition and appreciation of her contribution to the Penrith community.

“Mrs Grant is a longtime volunteer for Nepean Hospital and it is wonderful to recognise her dedication with this award,” said Mr Ayres.

Her tireless work at Nepean Hospital has included assisting on the guide/ information desk, Vice President of the volunteer committee for 6 years, selling raffle tickets and baking cakes for fund raising and she now works in the hospital shop two days a week.

“Mrs Grant goes to extraordinary lengths to help others and her willingness to assist those in need is to be commended,” Mr Ayres said.

Mrs Grant was all smiles when she received her award.

“I get great satisfaction from volunteering and I will continue

to do it for the enjoyment I get from helping others,” Mrs Grant said.

Mrs Grant has lived in Penrith her whole life and has been volunteered for a number of organisations including: • CWA for 19 years • Edinglassie Nursing Home 9 years • Nepean Hospital Wards 10 years “The Community Service Award is a way for the NSW Government to acknowledge the inspiring quality of members within our community for their service and achievements” added Stuart Ayres.

Peter’s fundraising takes flight

By Greg Martin

PETER Genellos, who was our Legend of the Nepean subject last edition, accepted an invitation to visit the Little Wings facility out at Bankstown airport last Friday.

The invitation was offered by Little Wings chief executive officer, Kevin Robinson, who personally wanted to thank Peter for his fundraising effort in swimming in the 2015 Bridge to Bridge Swim to raise much-needed money for the charity.

Little Wings’ mission is to provide a free, safe, professional and high quality flight service for children from rural and regional NSW suffering from serious illnesses, to access specialised medical services at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Bear Cottage at Manly and the John Hunter Children’s Hospital Newcastle.

Little Wings aims to reduce the financial burden, emotional strain and travel fatigue for these patients and their families and carers during treatment as well as supporting patients and their families through all stages of treatment

13 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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Two champs – Kevin Robinson and Peter Genellos.

So far Peter has raised in excess of $2000 for Little Wings with pledge money still to be collected.

“This has been a wonderful gesture

by Peter and we at Little Wings cannot thank him enough for his marvellous efforts in swimming the course and also chasing up sponsorships of his swim,” Kevin said.

Peter was given a tour of the Little

Wings hangar and of both the planes – the Piper Malibu which has flown 350 flights over the past 18 months – and the new Miridian Turbo Prop aircraft which was recently purchased for $600,000.

Kevin has shared the flying with Adrian Nisbet and Sammi Booth.

Peter, who kept the Nepean News up to speed with his visit to Little

Wings, isn’t one to let a chance go by!

“Do you think you can publicise the fact that Little Wings is seeking sponsors for the new aeroplane,” Peter asked.

Of course we can!

If you would like to come on board as a sponsor of this wonderful charity, give Kevin Robinson a call on 0412 844 549.

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Remembering Banjo Paterson LEGENDARY bush poet, author and journalist, Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson featured in our February 5 edition’s popular Steps in Time column, having died on that day in 1941, aged 76.

Banjo wrote many ballads and poems about Australian life, focusing particularly on the rural and outback areas – three of the great man’s poems have become part of the Australian psyche “Waltzing Matilda”, “The Man from Snowy River” and “Clancy of the Overflow”.

Andrew Barton Paterson was born at the property “Narrambla”, near Orange, New South Wales, the eldest son of Andrew Bogle Paterson, a Scottish immigrant from Lanarkshire, and Australian-born, Rose Isabella Barton.

Paterson’s family lived on the isolated Buckinbah Station near Yeoval, NSW until he was five when his father lost his wool clip in a flood and was forced to sell up.

When Paterson’s uncle died, his family took over the uncle’s farm in Illalong, near Yass, close to the main route between Melbourne and Sydney.

Bullock teams, Cobb and Co coaches and drovers were familiar sights to him.

He also saw horsemen from the Murrumbidgee River area and Snowy Mountains country take part in picnic races and polo matches, which led to his fondness of horses and inspired his writings.

In 1874 Paterson was sent to Sydney Grammar School, performing well both as a student and a sportsman.

He left the prestigious school at 16 after failing an examination for a scholarship to University of Sydney. He went on to become a law clerk and was

Nita

Ask

Andrew “Banjo” Paterson.

admitted as a solicitor in 1886.

In the years he practiced as a solicitor, Paterson also started a writing career.

From 1885, he began submitting and having poetry published in the The Bulletin, a literary journal with a nationalist focus.

Over the next decade, the influential journal provided an important platform for Paterson’s work, which appeared under the pseudonym of “The Banjo”, the name of his favourite horse.

Paterson became a war correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age during the Second Boer War, sailing for South Africa in October, 1899.

He also was a correspondent during the Boxer Rebellion and was editor of the Sydney Evening News (1904–06) and of the Town and Country

Journal (1907–08).

In 1908 after a trip to the United Kingdom he decided to abandon journalism and writing and moved with his family to a 40,000-acre (160 km2) property near Yass.

In World War I, Paterson failed to become a correspondent covering the fighting in Flanders, but did become an ambulance driver with the Australian Voluntary Hospital, Wimereux, France.

He returned to Australia early in 1915 and, as an honorary vet, travelled on three voyages with horses to Africa, China and Egypt.

He was commissioned in the 2nd Remount Unit, Australian Imperial Force on 18 October 1915, serving initially in France where he was wounded and reported missing in July, 1916 and latterly as commanding officer of the unit based in Cairo, Egypt.

Banjo was repatriated to Australia and discharged from the army having risen to the rank of major in April, 1919. His wife, Alice had joined the Red Cross and worked in an ambulance unit near her husband.

Just as he returned to Australia, the third collection of his poetry, Saltbush Bill JP, was published and he continued to publish verse, short stories and essays while continuing to write for the weekly Truth.

Paterson also wrote on rugby league football in the 1920s for the Sydney Sportsman.

Paterson died of a heart attack in Sydney on February 5, 1941- his grave, along with that of his wife, is in the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium.

WHAT TO DO IF IT DOES GO WRONG

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

COSMETIC injectable consumers really need to be aware of warning signs when there is an impending problem after a dermal filler treatment.

After a filler cosmetic treatment it is normal to have slight swelling in the area. However if there is intense pain, excessive swelling, discolouration there could be a possible occlusion of

a vein or artery. Immediate treatment to dissolve the filler is required or the blocked vessel could cause the tissue that it “feeds” to die. This necrosis presents as a discoloured area with black scabbing and eventual tissue damage.

It is important to go back to where the treatment was done immediately and the covering cosmetic physician will have to dissolve the occlusion with an injection of an enzyme called Hyalase.

General practitioners do not have the expertise to handle this complication.

They normally would not have the enzyme in stock.

Prp is also a treatment using your own platelet rich plasma to help heal the damage. This treatment is only

available at a few cosmetic clinics.

It is important to consider the experience and reputation of the injector when choosing a clinic.

Bruises are common after Injectables. To minimise bruising it is recommended to put direct pressure on the “punctured” vessel to stop it from becoming larger.

Arnica taken prophylactically can help reduce the severity of bruising.

Eating lots of fresh pineapple and paw paw reduces bruising quickly as the enzyme in the fruit acts as an anti inflammatory.

Anti wrinkle injections that are neurotoxins can also have undesirable side effects. Too much toxin can drop

the frontalis (forehead) muscle and cause the eyebrows to drop. This could be disastrous for heavy lidded eyes.

An experienced injector may be able to counteract the drop but it’s mostly time that will solve that problem, as it has to wear off.

A sad turned down mouth treated with toxin to release the muscle (abbreviated as “DAO”)can also go wrong if the toxin is accidentally injected into an adjacent muscle. This can lead to a crooked smile. Again an experienced injector can counteract that effect by counter balancing .

Cosmetic procedures can be risky in the hands of an inexperienced injector. Choose wisely.

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TANYA Davies MP, State Member for Mulgoa, joined players and parents from St Clair United Soccer Club’s Under 9s team to celebrate the recent announcement that their Club was successful in receiving a $15,000 grant under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program.

Tanya Davies said she was delighted to support the St Clair United Soccer Club with their grant submission. The Club’s committee, led by project coordinator Mark Reynolds, strongly advocated for the Club throughout the grant submission process.

The grant is for turfing and watering systems on the mini soccer fields used by the Under 8s and 9s teams playing at Mark Leece Oval, St Clair.

“This NSW Government funding

will go a long way to improving player safety and enjoyment. The club’s mini fields have suffered in recent years from overuse and under nourishment. This grant will improve the current playing fields at Mark Leece Oval” Tanya Davies said.

“Finally, our kids won’t have to play this season on a dust bowl when it’s dry, and in mud when it rains,” said one of the parents.

St Clair United Soccer Club was one of 13 grant applicants who received a share of $300,000 total for community infrastructure committed to rebuilding NSW and creating local jobs in Tanya’s electorate of Mulgoa.

St Clair United Soccer Club is now taking player registrations for the upcoming 2015 winter season.

For more information, goto www. stclairsoccer.com.au

Jobs jobs jobs FORTY thousand new jobs for Western Sydney by 2036* is the projection made by the Penrith Business Alliance after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Western Sydney and the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.

Fiona Scott MP, Member for Lindsay congratulated the universities for being amongst the first to sign a MoU in light of the recent Free Trade Agreement with China.

“In short, the University of

Western Sydney will build a new scientific medical facility initially worth $20 million and employ up to 100 Australians to study and scientifically validate traditional Chinese medicines.

That centre will grow with many more employment opportunities, as the project develops. Part of that growth will see the development of prototype GP clinics where patients will be offered conventional and Chinese treatments as alternatives, and often working together,” Fiona Scott said.

*Source: Penrith Business Alliance report, July, 2013.

15 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Kicking goals

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16 Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

WHAT began life as a goodwill gesture to the Land of the Fat - the Hawkesbury, according to national obesity statistics, has turned into a thriving million dollar a year business for Londonderry couple, Mark and Melissa Hardman.

That goodwill gesture was in late 2011 when Mark read a story about the Hawkesbury (Nepean was up there

too!) having the most obese residents in NSW. “I got together with the great Johnny Lewis and we came up with the idea of Box ‘n’ Burn because boxing burns off more calories than any other sport,” Mark said.

“In no way did Melissa and I think about making the fitness program a business – it was to be a one-off just to get people’s minds onto thinking about shedding weight and getting fit.

“We held what was going to be

Winning combination – Mark and Melissa Hardman.

a one-off, 10 week-long course at Windsor Leagues starting in February, 2012 and we attracted 150 people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

“However such was the response and success we eventually held another three during the year and it just sort of snowballed from there.”

Snowballed!

More like avalanched!

The Hardman’s now organise regular 10-week Box ‘n” Burn programs at seven venues across Sydney in Windsor, Penrith, Bella Vista, Mt Druitt, Riverstone, Central Coast and Campbelltown which commenced this January, Another three venues will be coming on-board in April - Pendle Hill, down the south coast at Shellharbour and over at Menai for the benefit of The Shire’s dwarves, hobgoblins, elves, trolls and hobbits.

They also hold ladies-only morning classes in the boxing gymnasium in the former dining room at Richmond Greyhound Club.

“At the moment we have just over 1100 participants who are supervised by 30 fully-qualified trainers,” Mark said.

“And because of the nature of

our training in which boxing features prominently, all the trainers have also completed Level 1 and Level 2 Boxing Trainers Courses.”

Last year, the business turned over more than one million dollars but with the new venues coming online and fruition of a plan to go national in September, those dollar numbers could be doubled in 2015.

“Our plan is to take Box ‘N’ Burn onto the national stage via the internet,” Mark explained.

“There will be two very juicy carrots to entice people to get off their butts and get fit and healthy – and both carrots are $10,000 cheques.

“People all over Australia can register online and we’ll conduct weigh-ins at major centres across the country and then conduct the 10-week long course with another weigh-in at the end.

“The participant losing the most percentage of bodyweight will win $10,000 as will the person who trained him or her.

“By giving $10,000 to the trainer, it should ensure that every trainer worth his or her salt will be encouraging their charges to get with the program.

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out of Box ‘n’ Burn but for Melissa and I the greatest reward is seeing people become healthier - providing the big trainer’s prize will ensure fitness gurus nationwide will get behind us.”

Mark, 42, born and raised in the Hawkesbury, was formerly a butcher at the now defunct Homebush Abattoirs and Riverstone Meat Works.

“I worked at Homebush for two years before it closed and then it took me the same amount of time to send the Rivo works to the wall,” Mark laughed.

He then worked for 20 years as a plant operator at South Windsor’s Worth Oil Refinery before quitting in February, 2013, to concentrate on Box ‘n’ Burn.

“Melissa has been a tower of strength in getting Box ‘n’ Burn up and running and overseeing its growth into a thriving business – I could not have done this without her wholehearted support,” Mark said.

Mark is a self-confessed “sports nut” with particular interest in boxing, rugby league and greyhound racing.

Mark played rugby league with Windsor, playing A Grade and Metro Cup with the Wolves and he was also a handy amateur boxer - “certainly no

champion” he says.

With the Wolves, Mark turned his hand to coaching junior sides – over seven seasons his young charges picked up four first division grand finals.

Mark was also pretty good at “coaching” greyhounds – indeed he became one of the state’s premier trainers, putting the polish more than 1400 winners from 1993 until giving the game away early in 2013.

“My father, Frank, was an outstanding greyhound trainer – he won over 300 races on city tracks - and I was hooked on the dogs from a very early age,” Mark said.

“Dad gave it away in ’87 when my mum died to get, what he said, was ‘a real job,’ so we were out of the game until 1993 when I bought a dog off an uncle and he turned out to be a real good one.”

The aptly named Make a Champ won 27 races including seven in the city and Mark’s training career was up and running.

Over the years he has trained many good greyhound including three real stars - Enlighten Us (30 wins), Western Land (35 wins and $300,000 in prizemoney) and Sand Hopper,

Mark Hardman shows how to throw a punch to Box ‘n’ Burners Gino Vassallo and Valerie Dries.

the winner of 16 races and a prolific finalist in Group 1 races.

Mark was also pretty nifty training boxers.

He took former Guyanese Gairy St Clair to a succession of wins and a shot at Lovemore Ndou for the vacant World Boxing Federation World Welterweight championship belt in August, 2012 on the Gold Coast.

Lovemore got the unanimous decision but the scores on all three judges’ cards were only just in the new

champion’s favour.

However there is no close decision with Box ‘n’ Burn – it has always looked a winner from the opening bell!

Mark Hardman was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Gino Vassallo.

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

Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

MARK HARDMAN

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Donate to help those in need

By Garion Thain

THE Ross Hutchison foundation is in need of non-perishable foods, bed linens and other items for the rooms at Torton Place and the homeless.

Reverend Minister Ross Hutchison says as the patron of Torton Place that some items, including bed linens, are in constant need for the rooms when speaking of the RH foundation’s latest charity drive.

“For this particular one, we’re in need of bed linens and items for our rooms. People come and go and so we need bed linens all the time.” Mr Hutchison said.

“Every room always needs beds, and fans for the summertime.

“Non-perishable food packs are also in constant need.”

A list provided by Mr Hutchison indicates that Torton Place would appreciate donations of other much needed items and furniture, including a “small table and two chairs, chest of drawers, wardrobe, single bed, bar fridge and ‘single bed clothes.’”

The Foundation is capable of arranging pick-ups, so if you’re kind enough to offer it, they’ll do the legwork if needed.

Mr Hutchison has always been

Reverend Minister Ross Hutchison, patron of Torton Place (pictured right with John Toms and Alan “Tinker” O’Connell), says that the rooms at Torton Place don’t have enough items to support all the occupants and that one new arrival has come with nothing at all.

an active member of the Penrith community and has been helping the disabled through his foundation for many years. The organisation’s carer car “Noddy” is on the road 24/7 for example, and is paid for entirely out of the organisation’s pocket.

Other fundraising endeavours are being planned to help Mr Hutchison

continue his great work in this regard and fund the acquisition of a second carer car.

Furthermore, his organisation is planning an upcoming Jazz afternoon/ Bingo-Trivia night with the ‘Freedom across Australia’ disability charity.

We’ll be sure to cover this event in an upcoming edition of Nepean News, so

stay tuned!

The charities that benefit from The Foundation are too high in number to list them all in this space, but just about every local entity that helps those in need has seen the helpful hand of Ross Hutchison reach out to help them.

“We’re not a glamorous glitzy charity. Our overheads are minimal.

We help over 20 other charities.” Mr Hutchison said.

Mr Hutchison stresses that Torton Place is always in need of nonperishable foods, canned or packet.

Fully tax-deductable monetary donations can be made by cash, cheque or card to Mr Hutchison’s organisation. Any donation is appreciated.

If you are able to help please contact Ross Hutchison, affectionately known as Rossco, on 0422 664 448.

Nashos meeting PENRITH National Servicemen meet on the third Sunday of every month at Penrith RSL. The meeting starts at 10.30 and morning tea is provided.

All welcome.

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Meet Rocky Junior or R.J. the Boxer

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT

with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at Nepean 24 phone 1300wellpet

SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

ROCKY’S is a story that demonstrates the amazing transformation some of the most horrific looking wounds go through as they heal. Rocky was the victim of a multiple dog attack. He was brought into WellPet St Clair on the 28th January.

Rocky’s wounds were very severe.

His face had been partially torn off, including pieces of bone from his upper jaw. He also had deep lacerations around his neck. He was bleeding profusely and his owners thought the worst.

Dr. Kyle admitted Rocky into hospital. Rocky was in shock, he was given intravenous fluids, pressure was applied to his wounds to slow the bleeding, he was provided with pain relief, antibiotics and oxygen

therapy. He was then transported in our ambulance to our ICU unit at The Western Sydney Emergency Service operating out of WellPet Nepean to continue 24-hour care and wound treatment.

It is there that WellPet Vet Dr. Anna performed reconstructive surgery on Rocky to realign the torn parts of his face and neck. Rocky was very sore and bruised, but the bleeding had ceased. Rocky remained in ICU and received regular visits from his loving family, he was hand fed multiple times a day with small balls of food whilst his wounds healed. Once RJ was feeling a little better he went home to continue his care with his owners.

As is frequently the case with traumatic wounds, after a few days at

home the wounds on his neck reopened as some of the tissues died around the edges of his wounds. Rocky had a second operation in order to remove the dead tissue and reclose the wounds.

Rocky recovered well and after a few more days he was able to go home to finish his healing.

Rocky has been told he must rest and also to wear a large stylish cone to prevent his wounds from being accidentally scratched while they heal. He will be back again weekly for regular check ups on his progress.

Get a well soon Rocky!

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Mike’s Pantry

Heavens Above

Quick and Easy Fish Pie ... Serves 6

Who Was God’s FIRST Journo?

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

with Mike Creed

Ingredients: 1kg potatoes 50g unsalted butter 100ml milk 150g grated cheddar cheese 300g salmon fillet, skinned and cut into bite size chunks 300g cod fillet, skinned and cut into bite size chunks 125g peeled raw prawns 150g frozen peas 300ml crème fraiche 2 tsp English or Dijon mustard Finely chopped parsley Sea salt and black pepper Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C 2. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, peel the potatoes, cut into even-sized chunks and boil until tender.

3. Drain the potatoes well then mash until smooth and stir in milk, cheese and butter to combine.

4. Put the remaining ingredients

The willingness to create and pro.-create is born into every one of us.

It’s in our DNA! The ability to write, paint, draw and sculpture is especially born within us.

But - who was God’s first journalist? Who was the first to record what was happening way back when? iPads and computers have come along, way after mankind figured a way of recording what was going on thousands of years ago.

What I can’t envisage is who did what first!

Was it a drawing in the sand or perhaps a carving of a pterrydactyl on a rock face?

In the beginning there had to be a day that did not have a yesterday!

So, from that beginning, apart from grunting at one another - how did our ancestors communicate and record their history for themselves and for us?

A massive number of symbols, shapes and letters have been recorded and interpreted by scholars with far greater expertise than me. But - I am fascinated and enthralled with what our languages mean to us. The power and the beauty of the written word, plus the same beauty captured in a painting or a photograph. Wow! The mind of mankind is a glorious invention and I never cease to marvel at the fantastic concepts the mind of mankind makes manifest!

So a big Thank You to “God’s first journo!”..You really started something great!

Your wonderful essence is continued in the wonderful works produced by The Editor and Journos of this magazine we call “ The Nepean News.”

“At the time when it all. began, there had to have been a day that had no yesterday!”

(Food for thought and meditation!)

into a 2 litre casserole dish, stir together and season with salt and pepper.

5. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the fish mixture then bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the potato is golden and crispy on top and always check the fish is cooked through.

7. Leave to cool for a few minutes before serving.

N E PE A N HIST RY the creation of a unique treasure

ONLY $10!

In turn you will help maintain our region’s history sources as 50 per cent of proceeds go to the Nepean and St Marys Historical Societies

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Do you like reading the history pages featured in Nepean News?

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9834 5579 or email nepeannews@aol.com A great keepsake or gift

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203 Banks Drive, St Clair NSW 2759 PHONE:

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by Aunty N. PISCES the fish is the twelfth sign of the Zodiac for those born between February 19 and March 20. The ruling planets are Neptune - the planet of illusion, and Jupiter - the planet of good fortune and ideas. These influences explain why Pisceans inhabit a world of fantasy and reality simultaneously; their active imagination promotes an open mind to new ideas and situations.

As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisceans inherit traits from all other signs and are known as the chameleons of the zodiac. They can be difficult to understand as their walk doesn’t always match their talk, one can never really know what goes on in a mind full of dreams and secrets.

A mutable Water sign, Pisces is adaptive, sensitive and excessively empathic. This can lead to a saviour complex and the fish needs to set boundaries lest others take advantage of their caring nature. Pisceans are idealistic, emotional and may be prone to mood swings. They are easily hurt and need to be on guard against self-pity.

Often portrayed as wishy-washy,

Pisces

Pisceans can be practical, creative and innovative when suitably motivated.

They are most productive when following their own path, regardless of convention. Examples of Pisceans in this vein are Albert Einstein, Michelangelo, Elizabeth Taylor, Kurt Cobain and Dr Seuss.

Careers that may appeal to the fish include religious life, pharmacist/ medicine and nursing, therapist, activist, photography/film and animation, creative writing, the Arts, psychic medium and bartender/ hospitality.

Pisceans are most compatible with Water and Earth signs, particularly Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio and Capricorn. Air signs have a rational perception of the world that is almost alien to some fish and Fire signs may exacerbate Piscean insecurities.

SUDOKU: EASY

Perceiving

23 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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

SOLUTION: 5th February

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 In an awkward manner (14) 10 A monetary unit of Oman (5) 11 Religious (9) 12 Japanese flower arrangement (7) 13 Hunting guide (7) 14 Nerds (5) 16 Enumerating (9) 19 People who design and create period clothes (9) 20 Vapors (5) 22 Supply of weapons (7) 25 Squanderer (7) 27 Wish harm upon (9) 28 Raves (5) 29 Slides used with overhead projectors (14)

DOWN 2 Silent (9) 3 City in Nebraska (5) 4 Imagine (9) 5 At the ends of fingers (5) 6 Evoking (9) 7 Genus of hemlock spruce (5) 8 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 9 Fading (6) 15 Wastes (9) 17 Not here (9) 18 Coverage (9) 19 Horse-drawn carriage (7) 21 Cause a liquid to spatter (6) 23 Reddish brown (5) 24 Type of vine (5) 26 Anagram of “Acres” (5)

solution 5/2/15

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24 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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

CATS ON DEATH ROW Hawkesbury Shelter is full of cats - if you are missing a cat please check their photo gallery on http://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov. au as they only have 7 days if not chipped (or chip missed) and 14 if chipped!

I was out there today and was shocked by how many cats are impounded there at the moment. Also, if you are thinking of adopting a cat, now would be a good time - many will be killed this week unless there is a miracle for them.

Naomi Steinberg Cranebrook

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS I went up to the village this morning to visit the bank and buy a couple of small things.

On the way back to the car park, realised that I had lost my car key. Retraced my steps without success and ended up back in the bank. No, not there.

Later, searching the street, two younger ladies who had been in the bank when I enquired about the key, stopped and asked if I had had any luck. No, I hadn’t. They asked if there was anything they could do to help. No, I had called the wife and she would come and get me with a spare key.

Then one of them asked if I had checked in the shops along the route from the car park to the bank. No, I hadn’t. She volunteered to do so and immediately walked into the nearest premises, another bank. She emerged less than two minutes later and – bingo, with my key!

To the two kind ladies – whoever you are – thank you again for making my day.

And perhaps there is some advantage in being an older, lost-looking man carrying a walking stick…

Rob Weaver

BOYCOTT BALI As Indonesia shows no mercy for the two Australians about to be shamelessly slaughtered like animals I think it is about time Aussie stopped being their cash cow through tourism.

Fair enough they did the wrong thing, we all get that! But as our Prime Minister and other government officials plead for their lives to be spared, the Indonesian President couldn’t give a rat’s. I bet he’d be quick to give one if it meant the millions of Aussie tourist dollars suddenly came to a halt though.

J. Fisher Penrith

LEADERSHIP SHENANIGANS In the wake of (the first) attempt to overthrow Tony Abbott, I’d like to know how our local Liberals voted. I know it was a secret ballot but we the people who voted them in to be in the position to decide the leader have a right to know which way they went. So Fiona Scott and Marise Payne, if you are reading this can you please inform your voters on which way you voted. Thank you D.Vella Penrith

Dear Editor, In regards to the leaflet currently being distributed in the LGA regarding approval of a Prayer Hall and Community Centre for the Islamic faith, Council cannot legally refuse a lawful Development Application. The current LEP, a State instrument, allows this type of development in the zone. The submitted DA’s were fully compliant and allowed under the Local Environment Plan. With Council’s officers assessment of recommending approval it left no room for Councillors to refuse. If the DA was rejected a certain Land and Environment Court case would have been the outcome and doomed to failure. Councils costs would have been significant to the ratepayer, reducing our ability to provide shade cloth play equipment etc. We understand the community concerns but we are not Policemen and we can only deal with a DA and planning laws. If the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police or the Security Agencies were concerned then they would advise Council. The applicants were from the group currently being persecuted by ISIS,ISIL and unlikely to offer these lunatics any support. Council is at the wrong end of the rope the LEP is the governing instrument prepared for the Department of Planning and the State Governments. I suggest that those unnamed persons behind the leaflet direct their energy to having the LEP reviewed for ALL places of worship. We can not single out a faith that is legal in this country and whose worshippers have rights as Australian Citizens. It is only the LEP which would allow changes to occur, therefore if you believe this needs to be reviewed contact your State Members. The LEP is their instrument that Council must abide by. I also think that the members of the group distributing the leaflet need to advise who they are, the office bearers, where the donations go and what they are for. Our contact numbers are on the public record.

Details of the leaflet group should be also, not just a PO Box. If you are asking for public support, be public with who you are.

Cr John Thain

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Local Leading

Ladies

Celebrating the Nepean region’s female success stories on International Women’s Day

PAULETTE ADAMS

CEO of St Marys Town Centre Ltd Appointed as the CEO of St Marys Town Centre Ltd in May of 2014, Paulette Adams has taken on the pivotal role working closely with the Board of Directors in implementing strategies to revitalise the Town Centre. The Town Centre is responsible for promoting local business in Queen Street, St Marys and surrounding streets.

Paulette has poured her soul into revitalising St Marys, and her hard work and dedication has earned her much respect from the local businesses.

Paulette said it has been an important process to build relationships with existing business owners, as well as new business and property investors.

“It’s an exciting time ahead for St Marys and I’m excited to be

a part of the transformation that will take place over the next couple of years, there is a lot to look forward to for not only the business owners but the community, Paulette said. ” Success is measured on working towards goals and overcoming challenges, and I will continue to work closely to improve business relationships as the key is in working together to see growth and development in the area.”

St Marys has a lot to offer for Western Sydney, and in time will once again be a bustling town, especially with Paulette at the helm! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with developments, events and what’s happening in St Marys. facebook.com/stmarystowncentreltd

AMANDA WYLLIE

Insignia Hair & Day Spa You only need to look at Amanda Wyllie to see she knows all about beauty. Having owned Insignia Hair & Day Spa for five years now, this beautiful lady is the epitome of a self-made success story.

From her humble beginnings in the back room of her home, Amanda’s flair for creating style and bringing the inner beauty out in her clients soon meant that she was going to need more room.

She became the owner of Insignia in 2009 and now employs 16 staff members; a credit to her determination and hard work.

She has managed to create a one-stop spa shop offering everything from hair to make up to nails and massages, and everything else in between.

Amanda said she has never looked back from her decision to risk all and that the challenges of owning a small business are characterbuilding.

“There have been al ot of ups and downs, tears and triumphs - but I

wouldn’t have it any other way,” Amanda said.

Amanda’s achievements have been recognised many times and she has had lots of highlight moments, including working backstage at The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, winning a trip to London to do a course with Vidal Sassoon, winning hairdresser of the year 2012 and winning Business of the Year 2014.

And just as her shelf was becoming cluttered with various awards, the salon are now finalists in Best Salon design in the Australian Hair Industry Awards 2015!

“I strive to be different from the rest have our own niche and create a beautiful culture in the salon that makes clients want to return. Putting myself and my salon out there in the community as much as I can definitely helps,” Amanda said.

An outstanding success story, Amanda Wyllie has certainly ticked all the boxes for being a local leading lady!

KATHRYN GARTON

McDonalds As the old adage goes, “a woman’s work is never done”, and few know this better than Kathryn Garton, one of Penrith’s most accomplished leading ladies.

Kathryn has been a part of the business and philanthropic landscape of the Penrith Valley for over two decades, and has put some impressive runs on the board along the way.

Kathryn began her business life as the restaurant manager of Penrith’s first McDonalds restaurant on High Street. Together with her husband Ian, the Gartons have built an empire boasting 7 stores in and around Penrith.

Through her work as one of the most successful McDonalds franchisees in the country, Kathryn was the driving force behind the construction of the Ronald McDonald House sponsored “Family Room” at Nepean Hospital, which houses the families of sick children free of charge.

Kathryn explains that all of this is possible only because of the balance she has struck between work and home. “It doesn’t matter what I’ve done in the past or what I will do in the future, my biggest achievements are my kids. It’s really important for me to be around them as much as I can. With the support of my family, I can be a business woman, work with charities that mean the world to me, and be there for my family. My life is fantastic.”

With the energy that Kathryn throws into everything she does it is no surprise that she employs over 750 people in the Penrith region, continues her tireless work as a Ronald McDonald House ambassador and finds time to sponsor local sporting and community groups, all while raising her young family.

As leading ladies go, Penrith is privileged to call Kathryn one of its own.

GINA FIELD

Nepean Regional Security Gina Field is the Managing Director of Nepean Regional Security and the President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Nepean News columnist, and her monthly G Spot column has become one of the most read pages in our publication. Readers adore Gina’s “no BS” take on life and she has developed quite a fan base.

Starting her own company as a home-based business in 1998, NRS is now one of the most awarded security companies in the state.

Gina has featured in magazines, TV commercials, and business radio channels and on a TV program called “Business Sense.”

Being hailed as a business tycoon by the Daily Telegraph for her business success, Gina has provided security for blockbuster movies and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Recently being awarded the Bronze (3rd in the world) as Executive of the Year in the International Business Awards, Gina put Penrith on the world stage. She also serves on various boards.

She was chosen to be a spokesperson for small business in the “Too Big to ignore’ campaign and was awarded a certificate of achievement by the Prime Minister of Australia at Parliament house.

Gina was a recipient in the 2014 Australia Day awards for her contribution to small business and her own business success.

Gina and her company have won 18 industry awards to date and she is an exceptional representation of a female succeeding in a male dominated industry.

An outstanding local leading lady, we are a very lucky region to have her.

Local Leading

Ladies GAI HAWTHORN

Penrith CBD Corporation ONE leading local lady who has managed to make an impressive mark in just three years is Penrith CBD Corporation’s Gai Hawthorn.

Anyone who has called in at the CBD headquarters in High Street will agree that it is simply amazing that such an enormous amount of work gets pumped out of her tiny office.

Gai has managed to turn community focus on celebrating all that is Penrith with her vibrant events, competitions and festivals. Inside her mind is a treasure trove of ideas and like a chameleon, she ensures Penrith continuously reinvents itself and is never left static.

Not only has Gai talked the talk, but she has walked the walk - and earned the trust of business owners around her and is a godsend to Penrith Council and local media (especially here at Nepean News!)

“I love working with Penrith businesses and the wider

ANN-MARIE PINTOS Former teacher Ann-Marie Pintos has been the proud owner and Marketing and Kitchen Consultant at C&A Joinery since 2008.

The company Ann-Marie began with her husband Claude and one other employee now comprises of a whopping 12 employees a credit to her dedication and passion.

“I am responsible for the marketing and all kitchen consultations.

Primarily I give C&A Joinery exposure on a variety of media platforms and keep all of them updated when needed. I am also the first point of contact for anyone who is in the market for a new kitchen I then liaise with customer from the beginning to completion of the project helping with design, colour and products along side another of our employees who draws the kitchen design to a 3d image to be sent to our CNC machine,”

community; we do a great job of all pulling together and joining forces for a positive outcome,” Gai said in typical humble form, trying to share the credit.

“The greatest joy is seeing the kid’s faces and how much everyone is enjoying themselves at the events we put on.”

There are many qualities in which Gai possesses that have contributed to her success but one of the most important is that she has passion for Penrith running through her veins and always, always gives her best.

“I also have the best husband in the world and a great board helping me,” Gai said.

And why wouldn’t they? When it comes to backing a winner Gai is an odds-on favourite and a much loved part of the Penrith community.

C&A Joinery

Ann-Marie said.

“We wanted to create a local family business that we could be proud of.

“Winning our larger clients have definitely been highlights but in particular seeing happy clients when their projects have been completed on time, within budget and with outstanding quality.

“As for challenges there have been a few along the way as any small business owners know, it’s a difficult path but with our team at C&A Joinery we have managed to overcome any challenges that have been thrown at us.”

Persistence and lots of hard work as well as always making sure our clients come first, and our high standards are always maintained is what I believe sets apart from other businesses.

CEO DI GROVES & DIRECTOR KAREN WEBSTER

ASTUTE TRAINING

For the past nine years, Astute Training, one of Western Sydney’s largest privately-operated CRICOS education providers, has successfully focused on areas of skills shortages across the region.

This has ensured that Astute Training’s local and overseas students have a realistic opportunity of finding employment when they complete their studies.

Under the guidance of CEO Di Groves and Director Karen Webster, Astute Training has two facilities in Penrith and Parramatta, delivering a wide-range of vocational education and training.

Astute Training’s courses and programs are based on nationally accredited and industry-led programs, including Aged Care Certificate III and IV; Certificate IV in Disability; Certificate IV in Community Service Work; Diploma of Business; and Computer Skills; to promote practical business

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Astute Training has also formed a strategic alliance with the 20th Man Youth Fund in Melbourne, with Ms Groves appointed Manager of the Fund’s expanded operations in Western Sydney, with the aim of keeping young people engaged in positive activities and “off the streets”.

The 20th Man has already conducted free sports community clinics in Mt Druitt and Penrith and been involved in an arts program in conjunction with Blacktown City Council.

A team of high-profile Ambassadors, including Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson, AFL Hall of Famer Kevin Sheedy, former Rugby League great and media celebrity Mark Geyer, young NRL star Blake Austin, Asian Cup CEO Michael Brown and 2GB host Chris Smith, has come on board to support the Fund.

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Celebrating the Nepean region’s female success stories on

International Women’s Day NICOLE KEENE

Blink Property Nicole helped grow Blink Property from the ground up. Along the way she’s been through some challenges while trying to establish the business. The reason for her current success is the fact that she always kept persevering even when things got tough. The reason why Blink St. Mary’s is what it is today is because of Nicole’s tenacious dedication and determination.

She’s an incredibly strong woman that has been through her fair share of challenges in life but always managed to pull through and grow, into the courageous woman she is today.

She is dependable, reliable and extremely dedicated to her work and family.

She is also selfless; always putting others needs in front of her

own. Which even though is admirable we would love to see her look after her own needs too.

Nicole, you deserve the best!

That is why we are sending you on a trip of your choice. As a thank you for all you have done for the business, as well as to help you rejuvenate and look after yourself.

You get to choose where you want to go* Thank you for being the incredible woman you are and for doing the work you do. We appreciate you!

Blink Property Head Office *As long as it is within budget ** ** The budget is slightly bigger then you might think ;)

ROBYN CHEAL

RAMS Penrith Robyn Cheal, Franchise Principal of RAMS Penrith was the first female franchisee at RAMS. Along with her fantastic team they have been providing a range of specialised mortgage and home loan products and services to the Penrith and surrounding local community for the last 10 years.

“I’ve been involved in finance related roles all my life, the RAMS brand really stood out for me when I was looking at a franchise business. I’ve certainly faced challenges, surprises and opportunities along the way but owning a RAMS franchise has changed my life for the better,” Robyn said.

“I love what I do, and what we achieve as a team. I find inspiration and new insights working alongside my team every day.

“Golf is another passion of mine. I use the time to catch up with other people in business. It’s a great way of taking time out, and discussing common challenges and opportunities.”

Robyn is well-liked and respected in the community and her success is testament to her hard work and dedication to helping others achieve their dreams.

FIONA BOULOUS

Guardian Funerals Fiona Boulous is the Location Manager at Guardian Funerals at Minchinbury and has certainly made a mark in the community with her outstanding service.

“I have lived in the Nepean area for most of my life. I now reside in Mulgoa. At Guardian Funerals we say Every Goodbye is Different here and we’ve been helping the Nepean area for years.,” Fiona said.

“Previously I was a Primary Teacher in schools in the Nepean area. While I never thought I’d be working in the funeral industry I find it satisfying working with such a good team. At Minchinbury we have three Funeral Arrangers, a receptionist and a bus driver who takes over 80 groups on outings every year. Pre-planned funerals are becoming popular.”

Delivering that personal touch that females do so very well, Fiona has established herself as the go-to person for people experiencing the most difficult period in their life. Her exceptional service is a credit to her and she has emerged as one of our region’s local leading ladies.

Contact Lynne on 0413 762 146 if you’d like to know more about this service.

KERRIE MARTIN KORENA HALE STACEY FORTESCUE Ok, so it would look incredibly wanky if we wrote here that the girls who produce your Nepean News publication are fabulous specimens of the female breed - because you know that it’s us writing it!

But we are pretty proud of what we manage to pull together every fortnight - so we thought we’d throw our mugs in here too. From left to right we are: Owner Editor Kerrie Davies, Owner Sales Manager Korena Hale (middle) and Graphic Artist Stacey Fortescue.

We are all ex employees from another paper that went into receivership - but we rose from the ashes like a beautiful flock of phoenix and here we are,

and here we’ll stay!

We aren’t the most girly-girls in town - we love to sink a beer or ten after each deadline and when we aren’t working on the paper we get together at every opportunity. We basically work and play together and somehow never get sick of the sight of each other so it all works out pretty damn well.

MIA in the pic is our other girl Patty - the banker, mailer, footy-tip collector and prankster.

Of course we couldn’t do it without the boys - Sergio, Garion, Greg Davies (husband of local leading lady Kerrie) Harpo and MG - but hey this is our golden moment not theirs!

WORD SEARCH

‘Birdcage’ Production

31 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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‘The Birdcage,’ a theatrical production dedicated to the late Robin Williams who starred in the film of the same name, will be performed by the theatre group at Ruby Productions this March.

LOCAL theatre group Ruby Productions has excitedly announced its new production ‘The Birdcage,’ dedicated to the late Robin Williams, to take place this March shortly after the group’s 4th anniversary.

The production, named after the comedy film of the same name, features a young couple trying to deceive the girl’s ultra-conservative parents of the fact that her fiancée’s father is the gay owner of a club named The Birdcage. The father, his partner Albert and their colourful maid Agador put on a comedic façade in order to trick her parents that are

growing suspicious of Albert, who is cross-dressing as a woman as part of the elaborate ruse.

Ruby productions says that this will be a funny play full of musical numbers and as colourful as the premise suggests.

‘The Birdcage’ will have showings on March 14, 21 and 28 each at 2pm and 8pm. The ticket price is $25 for adults and $20 for children.

Tickets are available for booking at trybooking.com/109986 or to reserve show by phone at (02) 4735 5422. The shows will be performed at the John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street; Penrith.

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32

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

JOKES

Here‛s another taste of the delectable humour of the late, great American comedian and actor, Rodney Dangerfield.

1. My uncle‛s dying wish was to have me sitting on his lap. He was in the electric chair.

2. When I was a kid I got no respect. My mother breast fed me through a straw.

3. Oh, when I was a kid, I was poor. Christmas, I got no presents.

Well, there was one Christmas, on our front lawn - Prancer and Dancer - they dropped off a little something!

4. When I was born the doctor came out to the waiting room and said to my father “I‛m very sorry. We did everything we could, but he pulled through.”

5. I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.

6. My psychiatrist told me I‛m crazy. I told him: “If you don‛t mind I‛d like a second opinion.” He said “Alright, you‛re ugly too!”

7. With my doctor, I don‛t get no respect. I told him I want a vasectomy. He said with a face like mine, I don‛t need one.

8. I‛m so ugly. My proctologist stuck his finger in my mouth.

9. I‛m so ugly. My father carries around the picture of the kid who came with his wallet.

11. Well with girls I don‛t get no respect. I had a blind date. I waited two hours on the corner. A girl walked by. I said “Are you Louise?”

She said, “Are you Rodney?” I said, “Yeah.” She said, “I‛m not Louise.”

11. I asked her if she enjoys a cigarette after sex. She said, “No, one drag is enough.”

12. A hooker once told me she had a headache.

13. I went to a massage parlour. It was self-service.

14. I was making love to this girl and she started crying. I said: “Are you going to hate yourself in the morning?” She said “No, I hate myself now.”

Step back in time EVENTS

356 - Emperor Constantius II issues a decree closing all pagan temples in the Roman Empire.

1674 - England and the Netherlands sign the Treaty of Westminster, ending the Third Anglo-Dutch War. A provision of the agreement transfers the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam to England, and it is renamed New York.

1861 - Serfdom is abolished in Russia.

1942 - World War II: Nearly 250 Japanese warplanes attack the northern Australian city of Darwin killing 243 people.

1959 - The United Kingdom grants Cyprus independence, which is then formally proclaimed on August 16, 1960.

1985 - EastEnders BBC’s flagship soap opera broadcasts for the first time.

BIRTHS 1473 1911 1924 1940 1946 1954 1971

-

Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish mathematician and astronomer (d. 1543).

Merle Oberon, Indian-American actress (d. 1979).

Lee Marvin, American actor (d. 1987).

Smokey Robinson, American singer-songwriter and producer (The Miracles).

Peter Hudson, Australian footballer.

Sócrates, Brazilian footballer (d. 2011).

Lisa McCune, Australian actress.

DEATHS 1927 - Robert Fuchs, Austrian composer (b. 1847).

1962 - Georgios Papanikolaou, Greek-American pathologist, invented the Pap smear (b. 1883).

1980 - Bon Scott, Scottish-Australian singer-songwriter (AC/DC) (b. 1946).

1977 - Deng Xiaoping, Chinese politician, 1st Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China (b. 1904).

2001 - Stanley Kramer, American director and producer (b. 1913).

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A 26-Storey Treehouse Grows In Penrith!

Best-selling author Andy Griffiths’ much loved book comes to life at The Joan.

Audiences will have the chance to take a first look at the touring stage adaptation of THE 26-STOREY TREEHOUSE, Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s best-selling book, performing from February 26th- February 27th at The Joan after its official opening at the Sydney Opera House.

This original stage adaptation of The 26-Storey Treehouse follows the highly successful stage production of The 13-Storey Treehouse, which premiered in 2013 to critical and audience acclaim and has just concluded a major national tour.

Much loved characters Andy and Terry return, along with their friend Jill and the mysterious Hector Houtkop. And of course, the treehouse has another 13 Storeys, and you know what that means…

More inventions – like the 78 flavour ice-creamdispensing robot and the brain bamboozling Maze of Doom (not to mention the self-inflating underpants) and more things to go wrong – not least of which is the very real possibility that the entire show is a complete and utter disaster. Will Andy and Terry push Jill to her absolute limits? Who is this shady Hector Houtkop, with a really bad pirate accent?

And what about ALL THOSE PIRATES? Adapted by award-winning playwright and author Richard Tulloch (The Book of Everything, Bananas in Pyjamas) under the artistic direction of Julian Louis and directed by Liesel Badorrek, The 26-Storey Treehouse is brought to you by the same cracker team that delivered the smash-hit stage version of The 13-Storey Treehouse.

“The 26-Storey Treehouse play—like the

book—extends and deepens the fun that began in The 13-Storey” says author Andy Griffiths, who has won over 50 children’s choice awards and been on the New York Times bestseller list. “It’s even crazier and more ridiculous than the first play AND it’s got a pirate with a wooden head! Who could ask for anything more?”

“My eight year old co-reviewer loved the show… has the kids engaged and amused from the outset.” - THE AUSTRALIAN on The 13-Storey Treehouse “Wow!…goes to the edge of the ridiculous to get a laugh.” - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD on The 13-Storey Treehouse

Age recommendation: 6 – 12, and their adults (SCHOOL YRS 3-6) Duration: 60 mins, no interval Bookings: Thursday February 26th- Friday February 27th Tickets: General public $20 Adult, $16 Child and $60 family of four (at least one adult) Tickets: Schools $18 student/ 1 teacher free per 10 student tickets Box Office (02) 4723 7600 or email boxoffice@ jspac.com.au For school booking forms please visit: http://thejoan.com.au/whats-on/26-storeytreehouse/

35 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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PENRITH Council will hold an equiculture workshop for owners of horses on rural properties in the Penrith LGA. The workshop will be held on Saturday 7 March from 9am at the Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre.

Nationally acclaimed authors and experts on horse property management Jane Myers and Stuart Myers will deliver a seminar that educates property owners about how to develop a sustainable equine property. Jane and Stuart will demonstrate how good land management practices will benefit your horse, your pocket and the environment.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the seminar will benefit anyone who keeps horses on their property or is planning to do so in the near future.

“We are fortunate that Penrith has a mix of rural properties where residents can keep horses,” Cr Fowler said.

“Caring for your horse property is equally as important as caring for your horse. Horses are not native to Australia, and can cause a huge impact on the environment if the land that they live on is not cared for properly.

“Caring for your horses and the land that they live on does not need to be an expensive undertaking. In fact, often a slight change in the way that you do things can lead to big savings in both time and money and have many benefits.”

There are limited spaces available to participate in the workshop. To register email jhore@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Equicultue: Managing horses on small properties Date: Saturday 7 March, 2015 Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm (lunch included) Location: Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre, Hoskings Street Cranebrook RSVP essential: jhore@penrithcity.nsw. gov.au or phone 4732 8055

STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has called on local artists to apply for a new $30,000 Fellowship the NSW Government is offering in 2015.

Stuart Ayres said the Art & Technology Fellowship is open now to all NSW artists at any stage in their career.

“I’m thrilled the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is offering a new $30,000 Art & Technology Fellowship to support artists working with technology or digital art,” Stuart Ayres said.

“I strongly encourage artists in the Penrith region to apply for this wonderful opportunity to be introduced or expand the use of technology in their work.

“This new Fellowship supports a self-directed program of professional development that might include travel, mentorships and internships with arts, technology or science practitioners, residencies, short-term courses and workshops, research, the creation of new work, and the cost of technological or other equipment to assist in the production of new work,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The winner of this Fellowship will also have the opportunity to develop a partnership with Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) that could include a residency at one of the Museum’s sites for up to six months, access to research and technical assistance.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts, Troy Grant, said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to supporting artists to develop their professional skills.

“The Fellowship is about encouraging our talented artists to delve into new technologies and raise the profile of their work by reaching new audiences,” Mr Grant said.

“Arts NSW’s partnership with MAAS includes an information session, held both online and at Powerhouse Museum, for artists looking to find out more about using new technologies in their work.”

Applications close on Wednesday, 25 March 2015.

For more information, and to apply for the Fellowship: www. arts.nsw.gov.au

37 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Prisoners in Arcady: German Marines in Berrima 1915-1919

On the NDHS’s recent visit to the Berrima museum we visited an exhibition of one of the most interesting stories regarding WW1, when Berrima was used for a German internees camp.

‘Prisoners in Arcady’, written by John Simmons and published by the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society, tells of how a large number of German internees and prisoners of war  Boating on the river. Photo BDHS  The rescue of a valuable horse. Photo BDHS. turned a country village into a show place and doubled the population between 1915 to 1919. their canteen.

The internees and prisoners of war were mainly German merchant Funding for the projects came from the camp canteen which was seamen, engineers, officers and NCOs from the German warship managed as a commercial enterprise. This enabled the purchase of SMS Emden, and other ships sunk off the West Australian coast by vegetable seeds, the renting of grounds for the growing of crops, buying the HMAS Sydney in 1914. Other interns were from German cargo instruments for the camp orchestra and purchasing materials to make and passenger ships seized in Australian harbours and from German Christmas presents for the children of the camp. Funds were also used to shipping companies based in Australia. employ internees who received no wages from their companies.

Because of their maritime background, most of the internees spoke Education classes were established which included theatre, music, adequate English and had little difficulty in communicating. They were carpentry, joinery, shorthand, photography, English, sketching and polite, well-behaved and it was their goodwill, ability and industry painting. English was popular as all letters sent out of the camp had to be that the majority of the villagers came to appreciate. Also some of the written in English. There were classes on navigation and marine skills families in the area were descended from German settlers who came to given by captains for juniors aiming to take qualifying examinations the area in the 1840s. after the war. Wireless courses were popular as simple crystal radios While the Berrima Camp was formally controlled by the Australian could pick up local transmissions. Often the internees knew the latest Army, the day-to-day management was left largely to the Camp world news before the villagers.

Committee which was made up of internees in liaison with the Camp Improvements to the camp were carried out by the internees Commandant. The authorities allowed the internees a large degree of including the introduction of a water supply from the river and the freedom and self-organisation. installation of a generator, well before the village received power.

The internees contributed to the local economy by purchasing Many of the shipping companies’ shore-based employees had lived bread, meat and provisions from local shops. Some rented houses for in Australia for some time before the war and had Australian friends their families who came to live near them. The internees also helped who provided many books for the camp library. The committee also local residents to rescue animals, including a valuable horse which had supplied books relevant to the various classes held and a comprehensive fallen into a large underground cistern. They helped to fight bushfires, collection of German classics and general literature. once saving the Berrima School, and were often called on to remove The objects they produced and used that remain in the collection snakes from houses! reflect this diversity. An object such as the framed memento also One of their first contributions was the building of a weir across displays the level of expertise of the internees and the amount of time the Wingecarribee River, downstream from the swimming holes, they invested in cultural and artistic activities to keep themselves thus creating a lake for swimming and boating. They became famous occupied and in good spirits. beyond Berrima for building a bridge across the river, creating gardens It was ironic that the internees, in the middle of the war, brought with bathing huts made out of local materials along the river bank and about Berrima’s first tourism industry. making a flotilla of canoes and boats for fun on the water. They held grand water carnivals with decorated boats with prizes for the best one, Rosemary Weaver, Senior Vice President and swimming competitions open to everyone. Visitors from as far away as Sydney came to sightsee, swim, picnic and join in the fun.

Information taken from John Simons’ book which can be purchased Sporting competitions were organised to promote health and fitness. from the Berrima District Historical Society. 02 4872 2169 or Work parties cleared and prepared the sporting areas and two large www.berrimadistricthistoricalsociety.org.au/publications/ rented gardens to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the village and

History conference ACKNOWLEDGING the 200th anniversary of the construction of the guard house and depot on the new Great Western Road and the 100th anniversary of the landing by ANZAC forces at Gallipoli.

In January 1815 the Great Western Road was completed. A few months later in April 1815, Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his party made the first official journey along the road to where he would proclaim the government township of Bathurst. A few months later William Cox commenced building the Great Western Road from the Nepean River back to Parramatta. He was instructed to build a guard house and depot on Crown land on the new road.

The district became known as Evan and the village of Penrith grew around the guard house and depot area.

The Gallipoli campaign marked a significant event in the history of Australia and New Zealand. Eighteen local men died during the campaign and another two would die of disease. These local boys are commemorated on War Memorials across the

local area and they will be acknowledged in the service.

The History Conference will be held on 14 March 2015 at the Bonynge Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith.

Register from 8.30am for 9am start.

Speakers will include Associate Professor Carol Liston, local historian Lorraine Stacker, Gallipoli historian Kim Phillips and Penrith RSL historian Norm Andrews.

Tickets are $50 per person and include all presentations, a conference pack, morning and afternoon tea and lunch.

Trade tables from local family history and historical groups will be available during breaks throughout the day.

To book, contact Alison Spencer on (02) 4732 7687 or email alisons@penrithcity.nsw. gov.au.

On the following day, 15 March 2015, the Family History Fair will be held at Penrith City Library, offering more than 30 stalls (local family history and historical groups) from 10am to 3pm.

Find your ancestors The Nepean Family History Society in conjunction with Penrith City Library will allow visitors free access to Findmypast, Ancestry and Scotland’s people at the Family History Fair this March 15.

Photo: Thomas Carey.

By Garion Thain

HAVE you ever wondered about your history; where your family came from, who your ancestors were and what they did?

Well the Nepean Family History Society is excited to host its Family History Fair at Penrith City Library this March 15, from 10am until 4pm.

Visitors of the fair will be given free access to the resources of Findmypast, Ancestry and Scotland’s People, with members of the Society available to assist with any inquiries at hand to help patrons discover their origins, up until the common thread of their present settlement in the Nepean region.

39 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

councilnews council

There will also be prizes on offer including an Ancestry subscription, trade tables and informative talks with a military focus. Everyone is invited to come to the day, with hopes that it will prove an educational and enjoyable affair.

The existence of the fair lends to the rich history of the Nepean Region and the people of Penrith. With a variety of backgrounds coming together in this great city and a multitude of resources from three contributors available to visitors, everyone should be able to learn one new thing about their past at the Family History Fair.

Entry to the event is by gold coin donation.

THE MAKINGS OF A CITY: FROM GUARD HOUSE TO GALLIPOLI 14th Annual History Conference 14 March 2015 This year our conference acknowledges two significant events in our City’s history – the 200th anniversary of the construction of the guard house and depot on the new Great Western Road (now the site of Penrith Police Station) and the 100th anniversary on 25 April 2015 of the landing by ANZAC forces on Gallipoli.

CONFERENCE - SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2015

• $50 per person • Time: Register from 8.30am, Conference 9am-4pm • Venue: Bonynge Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street Penrith

FAMILY HISTORY FAIR - SUNDAY 15 MARCH 2015 • 10am-4pm • Penrith City Library (Lower Lounge area) • 601 High Street, Penrith • Entry by gold coin donation.

Programme: • Keynote Address – Associate Professor Carol Liston – Early days of the settlement that became Penrith.

• John Broadley – connections between Penrith and Mudgee • Lorraine Stacker – development of the District of Evan and its ultimate demise as a place name • Norm Andrews – history of the RSL & the creation of the organisation after the war and the establishment of Memory Park • Kim Phillips – Gallipoli campaign and the local men who took part

The Luddenham Squadron, Australian Light Horse (Penrith City Library)

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Russell is a league legend

By Greg Martin

IT was something like that scene in the movie Field of Dreams in which a conga-line of car headlights wend their way through the cornfields to the farm to watch long departed legends of the sport play a game of baseball.

This particular convoy of cars however began their journey at the Riverstone Bowling Club and their destination was across the railway line to Basil Andrews Playing Field, home of Riverstone Junior Rugby League Football Club.

It was pitch dark back then in 1974 and the cars lined either side of the football ground with their headlights illuminating the home of the Butchers, as they were then called.

The spectators were there to witness a foot race between, well, a true legend of the Greatest Game of All and a mate.

The catalyst for the match race was a bet between Russell “Rusty” Magennis and close friend, Malcolm Smith.

“There was a group of us talking sport as usual and I can’t remember how it came up but Mal bet me he could give me 25 yards start and beat me running the length of the footy field,” Rusty explained.

“We had consumed a fair few drinks at that stage so the bet was accepted and we decided there was no time like the present to see who would win the bet – it was for a couple of schooners.

“Word spread and next thing you know the club just about emptied as everyone headed for their cars to come and watch the race.”

Now this was to be a race for the ages!

You see, Rusty was born a victim of the dreaded polio – he didn’t walk until he was seven – and walked swinging his straight legs.

Mal Smith on the other hand,

Russell Magennis, a great servant of the game, proudly dons his Penrith DJRL Life Member blazer for the first time.

while not in the class of Usain Bolt, could still motor along OK and went to the start line confident of running down the tortoise.

But when the starter yelled “go”, Rusty was out of the blocks like a flash – well, sorta – and got those straight legs swinging like a windmill in a gale, he built up a head of steam.

With the big crowd yelling and bipping their horns and the hare making up ground every stride, Rusty flailed those legs of his and managed to get to the tryline a whisker ahead of

his fast-finishing rival.

Such is the courage and determination of Russell Magennis.

Those poor old pins of his haven’t prevented him from becoming a true legend in rugby league circles – not only in his Riverstone patch but further afield within the Penrith DJRL and throughout New South Wales.

His dedication to rugby league has brought him many rewards, the greatest of which is to help put boys and girls, men and women, onto the field to play the game which has

been dear to his heart since he was a toddler.

But rewards in awards have been heaped on the 64-year-old for his contribution to the sport.

Life memberships of Riverstone JRLC (1984) and Penrith DJRL (2008) and a NSW Junior Rugby league Volunteer of the Year Medal (2008).

In 2005, Riverstone and District Sports Council renamed the Sportsperson of the Year Award the Russell Magennis Award, which, I might add he won himself the following year for “A Lifetime of Service to Sport in Riverstone”.

One particular award dear to his heart is having the small shelter on the halfway line at Basil Andrews Field named the Russell “Rusty” Magennis Dugout.

Rusty is justifiably proud of his honours but for him the greatest reward is getting in and doing the hard yakka in ensuring the game goes on.

Of course those windmill legs of his prevented Rusty from pulling on a Rivo jersey in competition matches – although he does run around – of sorts – for Riverstone in Golden Oldies games – but the game locally has rarely had a better servant.

Russell has been a committeeman with the Razorbacks – nee Butchers – since he was 17 and during that time he has held various positions including vice president and president.

He has coached and continues to coach junior sides since 1969 and down the years his young charges have picked up four premierships and many have gone on to represent the famous old club at senior levels.

“I suppose I have coached over 600 kids and I’m proud to say I have seen most of them develop not only as footballers but as good citizens,” Rusty said.

“I just love being around the kids and I’m only doing it to keep them off the streets – I love it – it keeps me going!”

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Stars come out at Penrith Paceway

By Greg Martin

IT WILL be bigger than Ben-Hur! Judah Ben-Hur and Messala were the greatest charioteers of the then known world and battled it out to the finish line – and death for Messala – in a one of the memorable scenes in the history of motion pictures.

Ten of the greatest harness drivers from around the globe will be out to make a killing of another kind when they participate in the 2015 World Driving Championships which kicks off with the first series of heats – two - at Menangle on Saturday.

This “killing” will be oodles of prizemoney with $55,000 in cash up for grabs - the driver who accumulates the most points throughout the series will take home $25,000, runner-up pockets $12,500, third $6000, 4th $4000, 5th $2500 and those finishing 6th to 10th, $1000 each.

Drivers are awarded points for finishing first down to 10th – 17 points for winning, 12 for second, nine for third, seven (4th), six (5th), five (6th), four (7th), 3 (8th),2 (9th) and one point for tailing off at the end of the field.

But for this group of elite drivers, the mantle as the world’s premier reinsman is the greatest prize.

The World Driving Championship has been conducted every two years since 1970 and was last held in France in 2013 when local hero, Pierre Vercruysse got the candy.

Twenty heats in the rich and prestigious series will be contested at six venues with the final heat to be run on Australasian harness racing’s biggest occasion – Interdominion Finals day at Menangle on March 1.

Penrith Paceway will host the penultimate round of heats (3) next Thursday night, February 26.

Other places hosting heats are:

Newcastle (February 22, 3 heats), Goulburn (February 23, 3 heats), Wagga (February 2, 4 heats) and Bathurst on February 25 with another four heats being contested.

The 2015 World Driving Championship has attracted the cream of the world’s drivers from nine countries.

Vercrusse is back to defend the coveted title along with countryman, Tony le Beller but also winging their way to Australia for the series are Jody Jamieson (Canada), Tim Tetrick (USA), Dexter Dunn (New Zealand), Knud Monster (Denmark), Guillermo Adrover (Spain, Mika Forss (finland) and Vidar Hop (Norway).

Awaiting to match skills on the tracks will be Australia’s representative in the championships, the great Chris Alford who has piloted horses to more than 5300 wins during an illustrious career.

Fellow Aussie, Peter McMullen, the winner of in excess of 1000 races, is the travelling reserve driver whose services will be called on if one of the drivers cannot take his place through injury or illness in any of the heats.

Penrith Paceway Chief Executive, Lorraine Pozza, says her club is both “delighted and honoured” to be hosting a series of heats in the championships.

“The calibre of drivers coming to Penrith is truly exceptional,” Lorraine said.

“The races are going to be very competitive and exciting for everyone watching.

“I would love to see a big crowd come to support the drivers – it is something different for people to see in Penrith and the atmosphere is going to be electric.”

Penrith Paceway and Penrith City Council are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the drivers’ visit to Penrith is memorable.

41 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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World Drivers Championship

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42 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

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

sport

WITH MARK GEYER

FAIR GO FOR THE WEST CAMPAIGN THROUGH the week I was honoured to be made an ambassador for the “Fair go for the West” campaign which the Daily Telegraph is driving.

I am in some good company!

The band Justice Crew, Chris Bath, Jamal Rifi, Jess Fox, Bill Crews, Amber Lawrence, Paige Hadley, Marlisa, Nathan Hindmarsh, Rob Shehadie, James Courtney and the Aussie cricket captain, Michael Clarke form a formidable team in preaching what’s great about the Western Suburbs of Sydney.

Lillian Saleh, an editor at the Telegraph, and also another proud ‘Westie,’ is one of the driving forces behind the campaign.

In coming months there will be various promotions all around the Western Suburbs of Sydney with the above mentioned participating and promoting the place they all grew up in.

Nepean District’s Under 14 years state champion Oztag team.

THIS past weekend three of my five kids travelled to Coffs Harbour to compete in the Oztag State Cup for the Nepean District.

All three made the semi-finals with my youngest daughter, Rafferti, going down in the grand final and my youngest son, Mav, winning with the u/14 team.

Oztag has become a juggernaut of a sport which caters for both boys and girls of any age.

Ex- big-time referee, Billy Harrigan, is the head honcho of the sport here in NSW but its humble beginnings can be traced back to ex-Dragons and Sharks halfback, Perry Haddock.

Haddock was thinking out loud to his wife about ways to make touch footy more like tackle.

He asked her to sew some cotton strips to his shorts.

Realising that as soon as they were ripped off he wouldn’t be able to reconnect so Velcro was brought into the equation and VOILA! The start of a booming business/sport that is worth more than Perry made in his footy career 1000 times over!

ON March 20, myself and Matty Johns will be speaking at a sports luncheon at the Pioneer Tavern here in Penrith.

Mark Warren (son of the great Rabs) will MC the day with Brenden Montanner providing the laughs with his comical magician show.

Fifteen bucks from each ticket sold on the day will go the thegreatwalkfoundation which has been helping out local charities, including the kids ward at Nepean hospital, for the past seven years.

The luncheon will be that of the ‘uncut’ version in which “everything goes”. It will be loads of fun for everyone!

If you are keen to get along to it, give Iris at the Pioneer Tavern a buzz on 4736 4466.

But a word of warning, it is not for the easily offended.

See ya at the game!

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

Panthers stars continue to shine

By Noel Rowsell

PANTHERS and WNBL Flames point guard Tahlia Tupaea has been selected in the Australian U19 Women’s (Gems) Basketball squad for the 2015 World Championships, which will be held in Russia in July.

Should Tahlia win selection in the final team, this will be her third World Championships appearance for Australia.

Tahlia’s Australian story started as a member of the Gems team in Lithuania as a 16-year old in 2013, then captaining the Australian U17 Women’s team in the Czech Republic in 2014.

If all of the above wasn’t impressive enough, Tahlia also won the Sportsperson of the Year award at the Penrith Australia Day Awards In other fabulous news from the Penrith Association, young Penrith giant Adam Lulka has been chosen in the NSW Under 18 Men’s Metropolitan team, which will compete in the Australian Under 18 Championships in Ballarat, Victoria in April.

Lulka will play in Penrith’s Under 18 Men’s team and train with the WCLMen’s eam this season, whilst

Nepean News

also balancing Year 11 studies.

The Penrith Basketball Association will open their 2015 Waratah Championship League (WCL) campaign this weekend, with home games against the Bankstown Bruins men’s and women’s teams.

Saturday game times for Penrith’s two senior teams have been switched this season, with the women’s games beginning at 4pm and the men’s games at 6pm - the reverse of last season’s arrangement.

The line-ups for both teams have now been finalised, after some late confirmations (men) and sudden departures (women).

The Panthers women’s team has 11 players, although Tahlia Tupaea will be missing when meeting commitments with the Australian U19 Women’s team.

There is a surfeit of riches in the men’s squad, with head coach John Hennessy sure to be involved in some late-night meditation, resolving which 10 players from his 14-man squad will play in respective games.

The two squads are: Men: Ben Kearins, Cameron Day, Curtleigh Albertyn, Jarrod Sorenson, Josh Morehead, Krenz Carlos, Laat Gak, Louis Brandt, Luke Griffith,

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THE ‘Panthers on the Prowl’ Community Development Foundation continues to gather momentum in its aim to give something vitally important back to families and young people within Penrith and surrounding areas.

POTP’s goal is to make a difference to the wellbeing of young people in the communities in which we live.

And the schools program, which has been active since 2002 has had a large positive impact on over 250 young people and their families.

As well as this important individual gain, it has proved that communities and agencies working together can produce mutually beneficial outcomes for us all.

Since beginning in 2002 Panthers on the Prowl has expanded its programs and personnel to encompass seven different initiatives in local communities.

With a continued high level of support from the Penrith Rugby League, both Federal and State Government and the generosity

Nepean News

of community-minded corporate partners we are a development service model.

The social coalition which evolved during the initial primary class intervention model has encouraged Panthers on the Prowl to do this.

The building of social capital is at the centre of the enterprise.

Panthers on the Prowl staff believe that social capital is the strength and quality of the social connections within our community.

All of programs are monitored and evaluated by partners at University of Western Sydney and it is these evaluations that continue to drive the programs and allows POTP us to be involved in the continuous improvement of them.

The programs are: School and School Community Support; Family Skills; Leadership skills/ civic; Teachers Aide/Mentor; Curriculum Support; Consultancy Support to Schools; Interagency Co-operation; Active Lifestyles; Education and Training; Community Welfare Needs.

To visit Panthers on the Prowl tap out panthersontherprowl.com. au

BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel

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.

BURNING PASSION: Always in cruise mode when finishing second in a Randwick trial so shaping perfectly for a solid campaign.

FORGET MAYBE: Anthony Cummings trains this youngster and ready to carry on from some decent displays last preparation.

IDA: John O’Shea’s Lohnro filly moves like a decent young sort and her best is yet to come.

KENCELLA: Speedball coming along nicely for his new trainer Chris Waller.

Best form confined to 1200m or less.

LYRIC: Greg Hickman trained sprinter with plenty of ticker. Fared nicely when placed in a Rosehill barrier trial.

NAYELI: High grade juvenile from last season and sprinted up a treat to take a Randwick trial earlier this month.

TIGER TEES: All heart and all class so Joe Pride will have him placed in all the right races during the spring carnivals.

VALENCIA: Gai Waterhouse’s blueblood has come back bigger and stronger with a decent race likely to go his way in Springtime.

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45 Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

On the prowl

sport

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Nepean News 19 February 2015 Issue 143

ON THE MAT THERE were lots of byes in the 1st round of the Nepean District State Pairs Championships. In the games that were played in the 1st round, Glenn Chandler and Mick Stonham Penrith d Michael and Wayne Trenear Glenbrook Panthers 22 to 16, Larry and Peter Davis Wallacia d Kyle and Anthony Martinez Blacktown Workers 25 to 12, Matt Searle and Matt Lovett-Jeans Wallacia d Mark Langfield and Matt Dunn Austral 20 to 15, Stephen Bain and Stuart Waye Blacktown workers d Chris robins and Gary Douglas Penrith 22 to 13, Gavin Holburn and Dale Reeves Glenbrook Panthers d Mick Tough and Peter McDonald Springwood 30 to 15, Chris Tindall and Trent Whittingham Austral d Mark Green and Gary Linehan Penrith 26 to 10, Karl Dempsey and Phillip Clarke Penrith d Alex Jeans and Phillip Heath Glenbrook Panthers 22 to 10, Wayne Moore and Matt Slager Blacktown City d Rob and Luke Scerri St Marys RSL 17 to 14, Frank Teodoruk and Glenn Hogan d Anthony Ciosmak

and Steve Wilcock Austral 19 to 14, Gerard and Joshua Green Lawson d Wayne Rixon and Ian Henricksen St Marys RSL 22 to 17, Trevor Costa and Gerard Short Austral d Martin Baker and David Gray St Marys RSL 34 to 13, Russell Baker and Graham Neich Springwood d Danny Kelly and Kevin Merriman Wallacia 25 to 9.

In the quarter finals Gallagher and Myers defeated Searle and Lovett-Jeans 25 to 16, Power and Anderson d Schofield and McMahon 19 to 16, Sommerville and White d Green and Green 21 to 9 and Amosa and Luckwell d Cowley and Coleman 19 to 17.

This brought us to the semifinals and Power and Anderson tossed Gallagher and Myers 22 to 18 and Sommerville and White beat Amosa and Luckwell 31 to 18.

The Final was an epic battle ultimately being decided on an extra end. Sean Sommerville and Tony White from Austral defeated Phil Power and Mick Anderson also from Austral 19 to 18.

With Col Crossingham

THE 2015 NDBA State President’s Reserve Pairs Championships got under way on the morning of Saturday 7th February, being played at three different clubs, Springwood, Windsor and Wisemans Ferry. In round 1 Clive Thomas and Charles Court Windsor d Paul Bollard and Chris Lambden Richmond 30 to 11, Ron Dale and Bruce Amezdroz Wallacia d Frank McBain and Terry Lane St Marys RSL 19 to 18, Ted Ryan and Eric Taylor Kingswood d Col Lakeman and Steve Gorsuch Austral 26 to 16, Barry McAskill and Bruce Chamberlin Wallacia d Robert Hector and Bernard Keating Glenbrook Panthers 17 to 16, Mick Dambrowski and Jeff Adams St Marys RSL d David Vidler and Garry Nelson Kingswood 21 to 16, Mark Bogart and Bruce Snelling Springwood d Chris Gibson and Peter Clarke 21 to 19, David hoy and Kevin Smith Windsor d Rodger Titchmarsh and Bill Andrews Richmond 28 to 5, Terry Hooper and George Bevan d Terrence Hancock and Phillip Ebbage Blacktown Workers 22 to 9, Robert Priestley and Clinton Kenn Lawson d Bryan Wilkinson and Chris Gillespie 16 to 14, Ron Davies and Bob

Hunter Kingswood d David Reynolds and Rodney Fielding Blacktown Workers 32 to 11, Jeremy Browne and Andrew Ratcliffe Windsor d Dennis Riddell and Ross Wright Blacktown Workers 28 to 10, Andrew and Shane Dennis Hazelbrook d Milton Taylor and David Jory Penrith 26 to 25, Michael Stanbury and Rodney Crean Lawson d Terry Roots and Erris Sheils Wallacia.

In the quarter finals Miller and Hall defeated Thomas and Court 22 to 20, Bogart and Snelling d Findlay and Cochrane 19 to 17, Kirk and Ward d Hale and Olson 25 to 21 and Stanbury and Crean d Burrell and Harvey 34 to 10.

The semi-finals were a bit onesided with Miller and Hall defeating Bogart and Snelling 29 to 19 and Stanbury and Crean thrashing Kirk and Ward 29 to 9.

Michael Stanbury and Rodney Crean from Lawson got away to an early lead in the Final and were never headed. They defeated Owen Miller and Alan Hall from Richmond 24 to 12.

A report on the 2015 Senior Pairs will be in the next edition.

Colyton/Mt Druitt Junior Rugby League Registration 2015 PLAYERS WANTED FROM UNDER 6’S THROUGH TO A GRADE Registration Day Saturday 21st February from 9am - 2pm and every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 5.30-8.00pm at Ridge Park, corner Woodland Ave and Great Western Highway PLAYERS FOR ALL AGES WANTED

For Registration Enquiries please contact

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Thursday, 19 February 2015

sport

HARPO’S MARKS

W WHENEVER I think o think of brave of p people – yes, I am a funny sort of chap like that – little Sophie Delezio always come to mind.

And like many Australians, I am again thinking about that inspirational young lady following the news that she is aspiring to represent Australia at rowing at a future Paralympics.

Sophie, for those of you who have lived under a rock, has twice overcome horrendous injuries to still grace us with her presence.

A dozen years ago Sophie suffered third-degree burns to 85 per cent of her body after a car crashed into her Sydney childcare centre and then in 2006 she was struck by a car at a pedestrian crossing.

Sophie, who has a heart bigger than Phar Lap, dreamed of swimming at the Paralympics but unfortunately for “Little Fish’’, as her devoted parents, Ron and Carolyn, call her, it is a dream which will be unfulfilled due the sensitivity of her skin-grafts to water.

So instead of ploughing through the water, Sophie intends skimming over it!

She started rowing last year with her Queenwood High School in Mosman and the 13-year-old also joined Balmain Rowing Club.

Sophie is able to row in the single sculls for Balmain aided by a prosthetic hand attached to her right oar and prosthetic legs but at school she calls the shots as cox for her crew.

This bonza young lady is keen to compete at several major high school meets before the Australian Nationals in kick off in March.

Knowing the courage of this remarkable human being, nothing is beyond her so don’t be surprised if you see her rowing for Australia in the near future.

Sophie Delezio – she makes you proud to be Australian!

WHAT about those mug Sri Lankan and Indian supporters who got into the big blue at Merrylands RSL last Sunday night?

I’ve had a good gander at the video and can tell you this much, none of those throwing punches is likely to turn to boxing as a sport.

But it was a despicable turn of

events and I hope each and every one of the wombats is rounded up and dealt with severely by the law.

You don’t have to be able to punch properly to cause severe injury to anyone.

Sure those idiots wouldn’t have punched a hole through the skin of a rice custard but an errant finger to the eye could cause blindness and someone could trip and thump the noggin’ on a sharp object and sustain a serious injury.

People like that are the reason I don’t go to league games any more – those Beanie Brigades as I call them – make a day at the footy a nightmare.

They get so wrapped up in their team that all appreciation of the skills of players on both sides goes out the window.

It is sport, people – sport!

Beanie Brigades – they should all be rounded up and dropped in the middle of the Simpson Desert with a football, cricket bat and ball and told to “have fun”.

HIGH MARKS: Sophie Delezio. ‘nuff said.

LOW MARKS: The Beanie Brigades. ‘nuff said.