Nepean News

free Thursday, 19 July 2018

ISSUE 231

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Hunting for a home

NeuroMoves is a specialist gym catering for some of our most vulnerable people; those who have a disability and Emma Husar MP is helping them hunt down a new home. Story page 9. Photo: Hilary Nathan Media

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Carolyn’s Guide to Retirement Living in Western Sydney Meet Carolyn, an expert with years of experience in the retirement living sector. Here she continues her column sharing insights and answers to the frequently asked questions people have about living in a retirement village.

What are the costs? And what is an ingoing contribution? All villages have a variety of costs, aside from the cost of buying your home. The value is found in living in a safe and convenient community with like-minded neighbours. Homes are purchased and sold with the help a sales team, however outgoing residents are free to choose any real estate agent they like to sell their home. In cases where demand is high for a resale, an Expression of Interest process can be undertaken to gain the very best sales price. An additional notable difference in buying into a village is that you don’t have to pay stamp duty or transfer fees. In summary, the costs involved are the purchase price of your new home, a monthly service fee, a contract fee, and depending on the contract (a reselling fee).

What are you waiting for? If you want to learn more about retirement in Western Sydney call Carolyn on 0430 189 447. You can be amongst the first to register for VIP updates on a brand new village coming to Jordan Springs, or visit jordanspringsretirement.com

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

he essential upgrade works in High Street are ongoing and on schedule, with the next section now underway.

Construction on the north side of High Street commenced on Monday, staying between Woodriff and Station Streets.

Traffic conditions will now change – eastbound traffic will close and westbound traffic will reopen.

This change in works marks the start of the new, accelerated program of works that Council says will see construction happening day and night to ensure completion before December 2018.

Originally expected to last 12 months, Council has now accelerated the program, which has been made possible through savings achieved during the first stage of the works.

Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said it’s critical that we have the right infrastructure through our City Centre to protect local business, residents and visitors alike.

“The works in High Street are essential. We’re replacing the current stormwater drainage because it’s under capacity and could result in flash flooding and causing significant damage to buildings, businesses and the environment,” Cr Thain said.

“Upgrading the stormwater system is necessary

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to protect businesses and Penrith from future flash flooding. The new system being installed will provide that protection for years to come.

“While we’re there doing that essential work, we’ve taken the opportunity to upgrade High Street – making it a much more inviting, accessible, and safer place for our residents to enjoy,” he said.

“There’s a lot of growth and change on the horizon for Penrith, and while it’s an exciting time, Council also understands that change and construction can be frustrating for the people living and doing business here.

“Disruption is unfortunate but unavoidable with essential city works like this, but we want to minimise the impact whenever we can.”

All works are subject to weather of course, and Council will continue to keep businesses and the community informed as works progress.

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

Upgrade on the fast track

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Hilary Nathan Media 0402 841 434 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

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

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HIS last week or so I’ve been reminded again about how fragile life is and how we should never take time with our loved ones for granted.

My beautiful neighbour Bert has just lost his mother and then his father only about a month apart. Having lost my own mother six months ago, I know how hard it is to come to terms with the loss of a parent, so I can only imagine how awful it must be to have one death almost immediately followed by another.

Last edition I also covered one of the saddest stories about the loss of the beautiful Stephanie, who was featured on our front page, and conducted one of the most difficult interviews ever in order to write it. What can you possibly say to parents who have just lost their beautiful daughter? I thank Stephanie’s parents, Keri-Anne and Tim for speaking with me during the most difficult time in their lives.

When one loses someone very close to them it is so shattering it is impossible to function while grief takes over. And the reality that most of us don’t talk about is the the financial burden that grief places on you: sudden funeral costs stand before you, and the ongoing living expenses like mortgages, electricity and phone bills still need to be paid, yet there’s no way you could even think about going to work.

Friends of Stephanie’s family have set up a ‘go fund me’ page to assist the family with that rarely spoken about extra burden. If you’d like to contribute please visit: https://au.gofundme.com/sendoffforsteph

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

Spring Festival fun

GREATER WEST TREE SERVICE

5

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

he St Marys Spring Festival is a community event that showcases the CBD and local businesses and performers. Mark the 1st September in your diary and prepare to be part of the fun and excitement.

The St Marys Spring Festival is the major annual community event held in the CBD of St Marys, and attracts a crowd of approximately 20,00-30,000 people each year.

The 2018 Festival will be held on Saturday 1st September from 9am to 3pm.

The Festival has run for over 40 years and this year’s Festival is sure to be just as fun and exciting.

The Festival is FREE for families to attend and attracts people from all over the region.

For more information about the event please follow the facebook site or visit www. stmarystowncentre.com.au

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

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HE Lions Club of Emu Plains are raising community awareness and understanding of organ and tissue donation to encourage registrations on the Australian Organ Donor Register during the week; 29 July – 5 August.

Currently around 1,400 Australians and their families are desperately waiting for the call that a life-saving organ has become available.

They are counting on the generosity of a donor and their family willing to give the gift of life. The gift of organ and tissue donation gives recipients a second chance at experiencing all of the love, joy and adventure that life has to offer.

Thousands of Australians are living their lives to the fullest because of the generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families. It is an especially heartfelt message that Emu Lion Jim Devine relates to.

“My granddaughter, Kyla, had a liver transplant at five months old. She’s now 10 years old, playing netball, doing gymnastics, swimming and going to the Australian Transplant Games at the Gold Coast in October,” he said.

“All this was only possible because of a selfless decision of a donor and their family, to donate an organ.”

The Federal Government is encouraging all Australians to make a real difference to the lives of others by registering and telling their family they want to be a donor.

DonateLife Week is led by the Organ and Tissue

Authority (OTA) in partnership with DonateLife agencies in every state and territory and other key stakeholders across Australia.

“It’s important to know that the organ and tissue donation process can accommodate religious and cultural end of life requirements,” Jim said.

Jim said that last year 1,675 Australians received a lifesaving transplant thanks to the generosity of 510 deceased and 273 living donors and their families.

A further 9,600 Australians benefited from eye and tissue transplants. Since 2009, more than 10,000 Australians have had their lives saved because of a transplant. 6.5 million Australians aged 16 or over have registered to be a donor.

“One organ and tissue donor can save and transform the lives of many people who are very

ill or dying because an organ is failing. Lions encourage all Australians in their community to register to become an organ or tissue donor or spark positive change by talking about donation and sharing views with family and friends.

“We can no longer register our donation decision via our driver’s licence as we need to join the national Australian Organ Donor Register, https:// register.donatelife.go v.au/decide “Registering to be a donor directly influences consent rates, with 90 per cent of families agreeing to donation proceeding when their loved one is registered. This drops to 40 per cent when the family is unaware of their loved one’s donation decision. Knowing what their loved one wanted brings comfort to families at a very difficult time.”

‘Hoops’ more for Emerton’s youth with a $160,000 upgrade

› Fatal singlevehicle crash A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in Werrington on Friday afternoon.

Just after 3pm on Friday 13 July, emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway, near Water Street, at Werrington, following reports a car had crashed into a tree.

The driver, a man believed to be aged in his 50s, died at the scene.

Officers from Nepean Police Area Command attended and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

T

Councillor Bunting and Prue Car MP, alongside Council staff members and long-time users of the centre.

he Emerton Youth Recreation Centre in Mount Druitt has captured the smiles of young residents after receiving a $160,000 upgrade.

Blacktown City Council Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the improvements to the youth drop-in facility will ensure the centre continues to be a haven for the young people in Emerton and Mount Druitt.

“The Centre now has new flooring for the indoor basketball court and line marking as well as new basketball hoops, an electronic score board and updated safety features,” Mayor Bali said.

“The Emerton Youth Recreation Centre is an important sport facility for our young people.

“These upgrades will increase the participation of young people in the centre, whether they enjoy basketball,

badminton, volleyball, netball or futsal.”

Member for Londonderry, Prue Car MP, provided $21,000 to assist with the replacement of the flooring.

“I am very pleased to have supported this project through the Londonderry Community Building Partnership Program.

“Well done to Blacktown Council for delivering this upgrade for the Emerton Youth Recreation Centre.”

The Emerton Youth Recreation Centre offers a unique and cost-free experience for children and young people who wish to participate in a variety of sports, cultural and passive activities not dependent upon their previous experience, skill level or athletic ability.

The Centre is open from Tuesday to Friday from 3.30pm to 8.30pm and on Saturday 1pm to 5.30pm.

› View Club meet Nepean Evening VIEW Club will hold its monthly dinner meeting on Monday 20 August commencing at 7 pm at Panthers, Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Our Club sponsors disadvantaged Australian schoolchildren under The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program New members are warmly welcomed.

Please contact Colleen on 4735 4982.

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

A second chance through organ donation

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

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local news A FAMILY BUSINESS: St Marys McDonald’s handed down from father to son

J

uly 2018: McDonald’s Australia is pleased to announce Domenic and Emma Meduri as the new licensees for the St Marys North restaurant. Domenic will be taking over the St Marys North restaurant from his parents, Frank and Marie Meduri.

Domenic has been with McDonald’s for 15 years, beginning as a crew person at the Richmond restaurant. During that time, he progressed through the ranks of management to his current role as operations manager of three restaurants in the area.

Domenic is a seasoned business leader, he has had previous experience working with his parents for the past eight years, operating several McDonald’s restaurants in North West Sydney.

In his new role, Domenic will oversee the operations of the St Marys North restaurant, which currently employs 140 people. He will also continue to support the community of St Marys by providing employment opportunities, career pathways and local sponsorships of sporting and community groups, including St Marys rugby league club.

Domenic commented “I’m excited to have been given this amazing opportunity to take over the St Marys

North restaurant. I’ve been a part of the McDonald’s business for many years and the transition to licensee

is an exciting next step. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role and get involved with the local community.”

Domenic is married to his childhood sweetheart, Emma and they have a 7 month old son named Francesco.

New Owners

Cnr Forrester and Boronia Roads, St Marys North

COVER STORY

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euroMoves is a specialist gym, catering for some of our most vulnerable people, those who have a disability.

The gym has been operating at the YMCA in Penrith for the past 14 months and for seven years prior to that at PCYC. The number of participants utilising the facilities has increased by 43 per cent since the NDIS was introduced and they have quickly outgrown the space.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Ms Emma Husar assisted in seeking a location after the gym had to leave PCYC Penrith during their renovations.

Now she is being called on again by NeuroMoves Development Manager, Simone Robinson to help find the gym, its members and the whole team a new home.

“Penrith NeuroMoves is a program that has made such a positive impact in so many Penrith residents’ lives for the past eight years. It is bringing greater independence, health, fitness and, perhaps most importantly a sense of community to those who participate.

It is vital that we keep this program operating, not just for all our current participants but for future participants who will not only need, but want a service that only NeuroMoves can provide,” Ms Husar said.

Visiting the gym this week, Ms Husar said she was “overawed” at the number of members and the results, “The people attending this gym have told me how the program, instructors and the equipment have changed their lives. There is a wonderful atmosphere

Photos: Hilary Nathan Media

evident in the room because there is a sense of success. Finding the next premises is vital in maintaining the results that the gyms members have achieved,” she said.

“Many of the gym’s members are able to participate in regular physical activity for the first time due to the specially-modified equipment. This leads to far better outcomes for people with a disability. Fitness and being as active as your body will allow is vital to everyone in our community.

However, when you have a disability this is even more important.”

“Vanessa is a client here, she’s in her 40’s and has been diagnosed with MS since she was in her 20’s. This gym is the first she’s been able to attend.

And this has led to other milestone achievements, including sailing a tall ship in the UK.” “Mark is learning how to stand again and use his legs, after being struck down by a car. The equipment is highly modified and will assist

him gain independence with tasks he previously took for granted. He had constructed a home gym, but praises the structured therapies he has learnt during his sessions with Neuromoves.”

Ms Husar said that not only is the program providing physical benefits for the members, they’re also building a social circle; a network of friends and supporters who spur each other on.

“I was a very proud member of the access committee before being elected to Parliament, to ensure that our community is inclusive. This facility goes to the heart of that. Our community supports and provides facilities for everyone, not just those whose bodies are able in so many other ways; this is simply an extension of that,” Ms Husar said.

“It’s disappointing that Neuromoves has to once again relocate. The equipment they use is specialised, it is heavy and it really does deserve a permanent home. I am committed to

doing all I can to assist the search and I call on the council to assist in the hunt for a permanent home.”

“The staff and the team who supports the gym members are dedicated, the members work hard and show great determination. I’d love to see the program gain more momentum, support more members and watch the results that follow and the benefits that come from being active.”

The team at Neurmoves have eleven gyms nationally and the Penrith gym draws clients from as far as the inner west.

“We need 120 – 150 sqm of space, with easy access to public transport, this really does not seem like too difficult a requirement,” Ms Robinson has commented and is seeking assistance from landlords and commercial agents.

Please contact Emma Husar’s office on 4722 0600 if you are able to assist Neuromoves in finding a permanent home.

Below the belt: raising funds for prostate cancer

By Noel Rowsell

L

eonay Golf Club will be hosting the Col Roffe Memorial Charity Golf Day for Prostate Cancer on 18th August, continuing it’s outstanding and ongoing involvement with charities in the Nepean and Blue Mts districts.

The Golf Club has donated in excess of $50,000 to various charities since 2004 and 2018 marks the second consecutive year it will support Prostate Cancer survivors.

This insidious cancer kills an average 3,200 men per year in Australia, yet there is often still a disturbing reluctance in the community to not only recognise the illness but also take proactive steps to tackle the problem in the early stages.

The Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group meets on third Monday each month at 6:30pm at St Stephen’s Anglican Church Hall in High Street Penrith, offering support and a valuable resource to both men and their partners.

The Support Group has enjoyed a

Some promotional ideas work better than others in capturing the attention of men .

Photo supplied by David Wilkinson (Nepean Blue Mts PCSG)

very successful year, as demonstrated by the attendances at meetings, the quality speakers and the community activities, including fund-raising.

President David Wilkinson said “We have had a number of new members join this year and whilst it is important for any group to have new members, ours grows through

reluctant membership, as all or most of the men here have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer”.

“I trust that all men and their partners visiting us for the first time have found us welcoming and are encouraged by knowing that they are not alone”.

“During this year our membership

has continued to serve its communities through various awareness and/or fund raising events such as Bunning’s Sausage Sizzles, The Cancer Wellness Support (formerly The Nepean Valley/Blue Mountains Cancer Help) Sunshine Day, the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, Dragons Abreast (and we thank PCFA For their support of this activity), the Cancer Council Penrith Relay for Life, Australia Day Celebrations at Glenbrook Park and the Health Tent at Hawkesbury Relay for Life” said Wilkinson.

“We also represented the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) at the inaugural Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo with PCFA’s new partner New Holland.

In addition to guest speakers, there are open forums where the men and ladies meet separately, so that each can confidentially pursue their own secret business / concerns” Enquiries to the Nepean/Blue Mts PCSG at www.prostatesupport.org.au or contacting the Secretary at info@ prostatesupport.org.au Golfers wishing to play in the Charity Day can contact the Leonay GC Pro Shop on 47355300.

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

New premises needed for local specialty gym

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

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local news

New firefighter academy to train new recruits

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he next generation of NSW firefighters will be trained in new state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney’s west with purposebuilt props to simulate fire, rescue, hazardous material handling and other emergency situations.

The official opening of the new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy by Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter marked a new chapter for the agency that has trained recruits at Alexandria since 1974.

Mr Grant said the academy is set to be a world-class training facility, ensuring the best possible preparation for our firefighters in their vital work protecting lives and property.

“The men and women of FRNSW invest a great amount of time in intensive training and the NSW Government is investing in them with the facilities they need to ensure they can undertake their important work,” Mr Grant said.

“Our firefighters operate in an increasingly complex and ever changing environment and this training academy has the ability to adapt to these changes now and into the future.

“This new FRNSW Emergency Services Academy will be the home of where great firefighting careers

start and continual professional development is undertaken with the very best in new technology and equipment.”

The six-hectare site at Mamre Road at Erskine Park includes six lecture rooms, offices, a large gymnasium and outdoor exercise area, a virtual reality training room and a fire station simulation area, complete with a watch room and pole.

The recruits will also have access to a new five-storey fire tower to learn

how to deal with fires in high-rise complexes and a simulated collapsed building for Urban Search and Rescue training to ensure they’re prepared to respond in times of natural disaster.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the official opening was not just a celebration for the emergency service but also a great win for the Western Sydney community.

“The academy is another example of our Government’s commitment to relocating public-service jobs and

boosting the economy of Sydney’s western region,” Mrs Davies said.

“We want to see our community continue to be a place where people feel confident to live, work and invest, now and in the future.”

Commissioner Baxter said the academy will replace the existing FRNSW training college at Alexandria, which is more than 40 years old and about one-third the size of the new site.

“The college has served our organisation since 1974, but 40 years is a long time in firefighting and our training needs have evolved,” said Commissioner Baxter.

“Firefighting and rescue methods have changed dramatically, particularly as the emergencies we tackle become more complex, more diverse and, potentially, more dangerous.

“This new academy will ensure our firefighters are prepared for anything – and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.”

The fire tower development is expected to be completed in early 2019, while the simulated Urban Search and Rescue collapsed building will be relocated from Ingleburn.

About 150 permanent staff, both uniformed and civilian will relocate to the academy, which will welcome its first class of recruit firefighters next year. On any given day, there will be up to 350 people at the academy campus.

What an absolute load of rubbish

O

ne of the most universal experiences that is shared across our community is the act of putting the bins out on the nature strip each week. Council delivers over 7.5 million bin collections each year, this is the most frequent interaction residents have with Council.

Penrith Council will continue its award winning waste and resource recovery service after the tender panel’s recommendations were passed at Council. After an extensive tender process the new contract secures great value for residents with enhanced customer features like real-time data for collection enquiries, greater diversion of waste from landfill and stable pricing for the next 10 years.

“The criteria of the tender and new contract recommendations provide residents with the best quality service at the most affordable rate with the greatest flexibility,” Penrith Mayor John Thain said.

“The new contract secures great value for residents. Our role is to provide an affordable cost recovery service with the quality inclusions we have come to expect and flexibility for individual choice. We feel the new contract delivers this and allows for even more enhancement in the coming years.”

“As a service we want it to be all about choice for residents, so there are a number of options to choose from to support peoples lifestyle requirements including size, frequency and payment options for services,” Cr Thain said.

New options allow for tenants to deal direct with Council to tailor their collection services to their needs while new innovative technology and service platforms within the new

contract ensure customer enquiries can be dealt with by Council more quickly through the use of real time data.

“Customer service will be data driven, meaning that the contractor will use the latest technology in the trucks to provide Council with the most up to date information. This means better service and support for our residents, as this data can

assist performance management for greater immediate support to residents for waste and resource recovery enquiries.”

“Penrith residents already do an amazing job of diverting waste from landfill. This is an important outcome for our environment and our city now and into the future,” Cr Thain said.

In the last 12 months alone, residents in the Penrith community have: • composted 29,267 tonnes of food scraps, garden clippings and organic material • recycled 18,331 tonnes of bottles, containers, cans, paper, cardboard, glass and cartons • reduced the amount of waste going to landfill, which is a great outcome for the environment • collected 97 tonnes of hazardous household waste for responsible reuse or safe disposal, and • recycled 80 tonnes of electronic waste.

SUEZ is the successful tenderer who will collect all three bin services and will process the red bin residual waste.

Australian Native Landscapes will process the Food Organic Green Organic material from the green bins to produce a high quality compost product.

local news

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orget the lemonade stand in the front yard, the next generation of entrepreneurial youngsters is turning their unwanted toys into cash at My Kids Market NSW. “This year we have seen an increase in the number of kids hosting stalls with their parents to make some money to buy a prized toy or experience,” said Jennifer Harrison, Market Organiser, My Kids Market NSW. “Just recently we saw Alec and his Mum on a mission to sell his unwanted toys and books to make way for his long awaited Xbox One! “The markets have always been a great way for mums and dads to clear out unwanted baby and kids items from the house and make some extra cash for the family” Sydney mum Leanne Lewis is one such parent.

“My 8-year-old has been wanting an Xbox One for some time. We’ve resisted and decided that if he wanted it, he’d have to earn it. Selling all of his old toys was the way to go.” Mum, Leanne said. “The benefit of the market stall was far greater than the cash 8-year-old Alec made to purchase his prized Xbox One. This was such a valuable learning exercise for my son. He got to work for something that he wanted, the value of working for his money, sorting through his old toys and honestly saying that he no longer wanted them, also pricing the toys, which proved to be hilarious fun!”

Are your kids dreaming of something new? To help them on their mission My Kids Market NSW are giving them a special $10 cash-back from their stall fee on Market Day! To be eligible book a stall at Penrith Market online

and type the words NEPEAN CASHBACK in the notes when you make your booking then email info@ mykidsmarketnsw.com.au confirming your booking with a photo of the kids cleaning out their unwanted treasures. Stalls at the market are only $59 and with the cashback will be just $49, the event is held indoors

MILO THE MINI-TUG

Winter Fun!

Come along and have a cozy ride on Milo the Mini Tug and enjoy the beautiful river with your loved ones this winter. All age groups enjoy the old world charm of this unique little boat.

Kids especially like having a drive on the way back to the Wharf at Windsor.

Milo can take 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children at a time... We usually do half hour cruises for $40 per adult and $20 for children but you can also book Milo to cater for a picnic on the river too!

Refreshments available on board!

and the table is provided.

Here are the My Kids Market’s top five decluttering tips to help get you and the kids started: 1. Start your declutter in the morning rather than the afternoon. You need the kids to be on board with the idea and not grumpy or tired. Plan a fun activity for the afternoon as a reward.

2. When starting your toy cupboard clear out, create four piles – keep, sell, donate and throw.

At the end of most of our markets we have a local charity, such as Mummies Paying It Forward, come to collect any items stallholders don’t want to take home so you can kill two birds with one stone.

3. A visible goal will help keep their eyes on the prize! Stick a picture on the wall of whatever it is the kids are planning to do with the money they make from selling their toys.

4. When it is time to pack away the toys the kids have decided to keep, if there are any that you don’t think the kids will actually play with again, put them in a separate box and store it out of reach. If the kids ask for a toy in the box you can get it down, otherwise after a few months you can suggest that these are also toys that they no longer need as they didn’t even realise they were missing.

5. Encourage the kids to identify unwanted toys on an ongoing basis. Keep a box in the laundry or garage and anytime they decide that they have outgrown a toy they can pop it in the box for their next market stall. It will make the decluttering process much simpler next time.

For more details or to book a stall visit www.mykidsmarketnsw.com.au

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

Pint-sized stall holders converting their toys into cash

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Solicitor Director: Joseph M Grassi Dip Law (SAB) LLM Accredited Specialist Property Law Notary Public Solicitor: Grant Wiblin LLB, BSocSc, GDipLegalPrac Licensed Conveyancer: Wendy Harvey | Office Manager: Lois Grassi | Administration: Emily Beal

Member

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

ell-known Penrithbased legal firm Joseph Grassi and Associates have reached a significant milestone this month, they are celebrating their tenth birthday!

The family-based business has been serving the legal needs of the Penrith and surrounding community for a decade now and Director Joseph Grassi says the time has flown by.

“The time really has gone by quickly,” Joe said. “It really doesn’t seem that long ago that I was finishing up at Lamrock’s and starting my own practice.”

Many would recognise Joe’s smiling face; he’s been very active in the community over the years, a former Vice President in the Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the NBMLHD and supporting numerous charities across the region.

Joe first started working locally as an employed Solicitor in January 1979 at Lamrock’s in Penrith, where he became a partner in 1981 and stayed for 27 years.

Fast-forward to July 2008 and Joe was opening the doors to his own firm, bearing his own name.

The first Christmas party, back when it all began.

Joe and his wife Lois operated the practice, and they recruited Kristi to manage conveyancing matters and a client’s daughter Loren to be his PA. Today the five-strong office consists of Joseph Grassi, Solicitor Director; Lois Grassi, Office Manager; Grant Wiblin, Solicitor; Wendy Harvey, Conveyancer; and Emily Beal looking after administration.

While the firm specialises in property and business law, the experienced team is available for representation on all legal matters.

“We understand that buying or selling residential, commercial or

industrial property is a big decision and a significant matter for most people,” Joe said.

“Our clients include first home buyers, investors, owner occupiers, property developers, real estate agents, professionals and non professionals alike.”

Although Joe hasn’t been immune to the usual challenges of small businesses like cashflow and red tape, he says overall the last ten years has been a great experience.

When asked what it was that has made his business so successful, Joe puts it down to two main things.

“Persistence and looking after your clients very well,” he said.

“Your clients are your best form of marketing.

Although advertising helps of course, clients rating their experience with you highly to others is the best marketing tool you’ll ever have.”

Joe added that another success trigger is that the Penrith community is second to none when it comes to supporting each other.

“People here work and blend so well,” he said. “Penrith has been an incredible place to live work and play.”

The long-term goal at Joseph Grassi and Associates is to continue to strengthen their relationships with their clients and the community in which they serve, based on trust, understanding and reliability.

Living and having raised their family in the local area, Joe and Lois have three children; Michael, Stuart and Giulia. And although none of the children now work in law, they all have careers related to property and have all been very successful, no doubt in part due to having great rolemodel parents.

Congratulations to Joe and the team on your 10th birthday!

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

Celebrating ten years of serving our local community

13

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

14

local news

Diabetes in Pets Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs and cats. This disease is most common in animals over 6 years of age but younger animals can also be affected. The pancreas is a small organ near the stomach that has two important roles – to produce enzymes necesssary for good nutrition and also produces a hormone called insulin which regulates blood sugar. Diabetes occurs when the cells that produce insulin fail and blood sugar is not adequately regulated in the body.

Why is insulin so important? Glucose is the main energy source and insulin is the key that makes glucose available for energy. Initially, dogs who do not metabolise enough sugar will have an increased appetite and increased thirst. In the later stages, the body starts to metabolise it’s fat stores and this causes weight loss and makes the animal feel sick.

The early signs of diabetes are frequent urination, drinking lots of water, increased appetite and unexplained weight loss. In the more advanced stages of the disease, animals may develop a loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration and weakness. These

more worrying signs are a result of fat metabolism in the body that produces a byproduct called ketones.

These ketones make the blood acidic and make the animal feel very ill.

How is diabetes diagnosed? Diagnosis generally involves blood and urine testing. It is important to do this as other diseases can also cause increased appetite & thirst and need to be ruled out.

Can diabetes be treated in pets? YES! Just like in humans, dietary control and daily injections of insulin can regulate diabetic dogs and cats. Insulin requirements need to be individually tailored for each animal as each has different needs. Refinements in doses are made after rechecks and most animals go

on to live long and happy lives.

The initial treatment can be challenging as sometimes there are complicating factors such as infections. However, once these are controlled, most animals are stable and happy. It can be daunting to learn how to inject your pet but it is easier than you think and most animals barely notice the tiny needles used to adminster the insulin.

It is important to investigate any changes in weight, appetite and thirst in your pet. If you have any questions, please call the clinic.

Remeber that any changescat. If you have any concerns about your pet, please contact us on 4731 3055.

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local news

By CONNER LOWE

N

e p e a n Hospital will be presented with six colourful artworks created by NSW students to be hung up permanently on their Hospital walls.

This generous donation of artworks is an initiative of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Operation Art is a program which encourages NSW school students to create artworks for sick children in hospital. This year, a total of 829 entries were received across New South Wales with selected artworks being donated to hospitals across the state including Nepean Hospital.

John Guevarra, Acting Nurse Unit Manager of Nepean Hospital’s Children’s Ward spoke about how the artwork helps the children in the hospital ward.

“We’re always grateful for the support offered to help make our Children’s Ward as welcoming as possible for our young patients. These Operation Art artworks will be great new additions to our ward,” he said.

“Having artworks, especially bright and colourful ones like the ones donated, help the children feel more

calm and secure in a pinacol setting.

“The Operation Art program has had previous donations and they are still displayed in our Children’s Ward today and as the ward expands it’s great to have continuing donations to keep displaying artwork in the new areas of the ward.”

Heidi Windeisen, Operation Art Coordinator, is proud of the program’s ability to give students real purpose for their art making.

“Each year I am blown away by all the artworks we receive. Each student interprets the brief in their own way and the results are unique

and outstanding,” she said.

“From the 800 submissions we receive, 50 are chosen to become part of the touring collection and they travel around NSW to a range of different art galleries and they end up in the art collection at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

“The program gives children a reason for their art making which is a really nice idea, cause quiet often their art lessons in school are about making something pretty, but this program gives them a brief idea of how art can have an impact on people in a positive way.”

Ivy Baddock, Art Curator at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, believes art plays an important role within a clinical setting.

“Research shows that bright, colourful, optimistic artwork can play a vital role in the healing process, giving patients an outlet or distraction during long hospital. This year, the students have really captured the essence of positivity, creativity and colour,” she said.

Operation Art is made possible by the generous support of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

$100 For creative kids in Penrith

F

ollowing the $100 Active Kids rebate, a new $100 Creative Kids rebate will allow school children to experience cultural and learning activities outside of school.

From early 2019, parents will be able to access both the $100 Active Kids voucher and the $100 Creative

Kids Rebate each year for every school-aged child.

“These rebates are all about easing the cost of living for parents and giving our kids the opportunities to learn new skills and make new friendships outside of school,” said Stuart Ayres.

Rebecca Liu-Brennan, Principal of

PAWS Studios said “There is a wealth of talent in the Penrith community and this rebate will help many of our families.”

The Creative Kids Rebate can be put towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition fees for creative and cultural activities such as music lessons, language classes,

coding and digital, visual and performing arts.

Parents will be able to access the rebate online or in person at a Service NSW centre.

More information about the rebate, including the eligibility criteria and providers, will be available in the coming months.

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

Operation Art brings colour to Nepean Hospital

15

16

Legends of the Nepean Cathy Craig OAM

By Noel Rowsell

C

OAM recipients June Woolard and Cathy Craig (right) celebrate the first birthday of the Penrith Community Kitchen in 1999.

athy Craig was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community with the Penrith Community Kitchen back in 2012 but she has certainly not rested upon her laurels since that time.

Cathy is continuing to fulfil a vital role for the Kitchen (which is located at the rear of the PCYC), leading a team of volunteers to feed underprivileged and homeless people in the local district.

A committed team of twenty ladies work at the Kitchen on a roster basis five days per week, with an additional small group of helpers acting as collectors of bread, milk, fruit and other food items from local businesses.

This hard-working team caters for an average seventy people per day but can reach 500 in a week.

Cathy began her involvement with the Kitchen back in 1993, after

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

 The Wednesday volunteers in the Kitchen, ready to swing into action for the day. L-R: Olga Mouromtseva, Paula Ewings, Lorraine McConnell, Carmel Vagg, Kath McInerney (Vice President), Cathy Craig Coordinator), Iris Elmer-Atkinson.

answering an advertisement looking for volunteers for the local soup kitchen, which was located in the old ‘Scotts Spare Parts’ building in Worth Street (now the Centrelink building).

The initial tasks were physically arduous, with the volunteers needing to clean old fridges, freezers, etc prior to use.

Cathy and June Woolard were the early coordinators and were both awarded OAM’s for their services to the community – Woolard since retired from the Kitchen in 2008.

The early days were also tough in regards to fund-raising, with Fetes,

Festivals, Bookstalls, Cake Stalls and sausage sizzles providing the muchneeded capital to keep the Kitchen afloat.

Former volunteer Margaret Woodley was the first person to raise a greater awareness of the needs of the homeless in the district and in more recent times, committee Secretary Gai Hawthorn has been utilising Social Media to help raise awareness.

The Soup Kitchen became the Penrith Community Kitchen, located in the Calakerinos Arcade in High Street and was officially opened by Jackie Kelly MP in 1998.

In 2010, the Kitchen moved to it’s current location at the PCYC in Station Street.

Cathy has cut her hours down in recent times to just three days per week but ensures food production covers the days she is not in attendance.

Long-term volunteers Kathy McInerney (Monday) and Mandy Rideout (Friday) take on the management of the Kitchen on Cathy’s days off.

Cathy said “When I first volunteered in1993, I had intended to work one day per week”.

“It was soon full-time but then I

was planning to leave in 2009, due to the pressure of family and our own business”.

“However, I was able to cut back to three days per week, which worked out well”.

Cathy added, “I have no plans for retirement but I am taking a holiday, which I’m calling my Long Service Leave”.

Anyone wishing to donate food, funding or other services can do so by calling the Cathy at Penrith Community Kitchen on 47211444.

Interested parties are also welcome to pop in and have a look at how the Kitchen works.

The management committee of the Penrith Community Kitchen meets on the second Wednesday of each month and consists of Bob Barnes (President), Kath McInerney (Vice President), John Cottee (Treasurer), Gai Hawthorn (Secretary), Derek Hawthorn, Pat Barnes, Rebecca Lui-Brennan and Cathy Craig (Coordinator).

17

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

18

NEPEAN HISTORY

Australian Bush Craftsmen

by Paul Wheeldon

I

t has often been said that necessity is the mother of invention.

No doubt the necessities of the Australian bushman were many, which accounted for the versatility of his early and repeated inventions and improvisations, which are not particularly confined to his early pioneering forebears and today we see continuous evidence of his creative ability.

It’s the versatility of the Australian bushman and woman that built Australia’s outback. The bushman excelled in using the materials at hand. His early bark hut, with bark roof and slab walls from the split timber at hand, was a symbol of the pioneer.

Apart from the care of his animals and the treatment of their maladies, this same ability of improvisation was apparent in his everyday routine. Some of these accomplishments in nearly every trade are really astounding. Many of their handcrafts would in many cases astonish today’s generation.

To replace a worn or faulty thread on a bolt or, perhaps even a sulky axle nut, was quite an accomplishment. The thread would be started with a three-cornered file often as small as six or seven millimetres. As the filing progressed, the nut would be advanced and tested as to fit and the work carried on until the necessary length of thread required was reached by the patient and slow process of one thread at a time. Time was of no serious consequence and in the case of a sulky or dray axle nut and axle thread, the place would be without transport to bring in supplies.

Of course many homesteads had a forge and many tools and the like were hand-made in the smithy. Many were renowned for their horse and bullock shoes.

Crude and rustic wood work was another accomplishment from simple chairs and general furniture to the rough old gate probably made of saplings on the dividing paddock fence. A comfortable bed was made from the use of four forky sticks, two lengths of sapling and perhaps a couple of chaff bags. The fire place was probably made from stones at hand.

In the wood work creations, whittling as it was known, was quite a skill. Often the only tool employed was a sharp pocket knife.

Many tobacco pipes were whittled out of a selected piece of timber and finished with a piece of broken glass and scraped to a nicety.

The hole in the stem was as often as not burnt out with a piece of red hot fencing wire. Whittling was a rewarding spare time occupation especially for teamsters and drovers on the road. Another favourite piece for the whittler was a walking stick – again often quite well carved.

The finest stock whip handles one could imagine were made in this way. Some were quite elaborately carved and even inset with polished pieces of bone. Many intricate designs were often affected

 The photo is my great grandfather’s sister, Rose Muller (nee Wheeldon) in a sulky with one of her children outside the Cunning Reading Room on 10 August 1900

with the assistance of a red hot wire to burn out sections of the design.

The bushman excelled in his use of fencing wire. Not only did he affect temporary, and often permanent repairs, but again his creative ability was brought to the fore. While he might tie up the broken sulky shaft or the broken gate, he would make such things as the toasting fork or the grilling iron. It was almost a universal saying, ‘tie it up with wire’.

In the building of, perhaps, a stone house and he wanted the stone cut to a workable size, he would heat the rock and pour a stream of water across it, when it would crack straight across. Another method was that used in some types of rock by the Egyptians thousands of years before. This was to drill out holes in the area he wanted to cut it and plug wooden plugs in the holes. The holes were then filled with water and kept wet when the expanding wet wood finally cracked the rock. Primitive and slow, but most effective.

Weights beyond his power were often raised by the use of blocks and wedges.

There must be another 100 talents we haven’t touched on.

Women folk were no less accomplished in their domestic sphere.

The flour sacks were washed and made up into everything from pillow slips to aprons. The empty bottles around the place had the necks cut off them with a hot cutting ring, plunged into a bucket of water to cut them off and the rough edge would be ground off with scythe stone or file. Filled with jam, it was sealed with several layers of brown paper and paste. The jam would keep for years. Our Australian troops in the middle east well remember this bottle cutting technique to obtain their beer mugs, which they affectionately referred to as “Lady Blamey’s”. The Australian bush folk were indeed people of the utmost ingenuity.

ENTERTAINMENT

L

AST YEAR marked 30 years since Diesel literally stepped off the bus after making the Nullarbor crossing from Perth with his band Johnny Diesel And the Injectors, a “hobby” band made up of remnants of an imploded previous band.

Arriving with just $95 between them meant that 9 shows a week ensued for many months.

By ’88, after playing everywhere and supporting everyone (including a fortuitous slot with Jimmy Barnes on his Freight Train Heart tour) they were poised to impact with their debut eponymously titled album.

Impact they did, winning ARIA’s for Best New Talent and Highest Selling Album. The very same album went on to become the highest selling Australian debut album of all time.

Now, due to overwhelming demand, new solo shows have been added to the ’30 Year Thang’ tour.

After circling the country with his band in 2017, Diesel is out in solo mode this year, allowing him to roam even further into the “nooks and crevices” of his back catalogue as he trawls through the Highways and back roads that have

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

30 years of Diesel

19

made him the journeyman of music he is today.

So, what better way to celebrate than with a night that combines a 25th Anniversary commemoration of Diesel’s breakthrough #1 solo album “Hepfidelity”, with hits from a 30 year career to date. Hepfidelity – Through The X-ray will see Diesel retracing tracks from the album that established him as a solo artist and musical traveller. Diesel Rewound is where we get to ‘rewind’ through the hits of a 15-album career, that has produced 35+ singles.

So “get on the bus” and celebrate Diesel’s 30 year thang!

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

20

ENTERTAINMENT

Exploration of the unknown

W

hat do we know? Do we know it for sure? Is it definitive? In July, Q Theatre’s Originate ensemble brings you Mouth of the River; an original work by 13 theatre makers. Weaving together oral, sonic and physical storytelling they uncover the worlds of mystery, mythology and fact to piece together the truth…or at least, versions of the truth.

Mouth of The River was created by the 2018 Originate Ensemble and produced as part of Q Theatre’s Workshop series. This work aims to bring emerging theatre makers and musicians together to collaborate and create a new show about the here and now. Guided by co-directors from theatre and music, the group moves through a workshop process that

dreams a new performance from the ground up.

The Q Theatre’s Workshop series offers a range of classes, mentorships and projects designed to develop skills and enable artists in our community.

In July you can catch three new projects coming out of the Q Theatre, including Decoded, Breakthrough: Open Studio and Mouth of the River.

The Originate Ensemble seeks to up-skill early-career artists in the areas of new work development, cross art form practice and to facilitate new collaborations.

As part of the Q Theatre’s stunning new work series, Mouth of The River is showing from 19-21 July at The Joan. Come along to question, learn and unlearn.

START ➔

Mazes FOR KIDS

➔ END

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Deal (7) 5 Rod-shaped bacteria (7) 9 Reproduced (9) 10 The sharp edge at the

junction of 2 surfaces (5) 11 Voter (7) 12 Ceded (7) 13 Lead (9) 15 Show someone to their

seats (5) 17 Mongrels (5) 19 Child (9) 22 Biting (7) 25 In an unspecified

manner (7) 26 Father of Methuselah (5) 27 Disturbance (9) 28 Smiled contemptuously (7) 29 Baby cats (7)

DOWN 1 Boundaries (7) 2 Be a delegate for (9) 3 Flyer (7) 4 Infamy (9) 5 In a poor fashion (5) 6 French country house (7) 7 Horrible in savagery (5) 8 A personal with confidential

information (7) 14 The lower joint of the leg of a fowl (9) 16 Bum rides (9) 17 Social deportment (7) 18 How a snake moves (7) 20 Acrobat or tumbler (7) 21 Reverses the tape to the beginning (7) 23 Writing style (5) 24 Secretes a hormone (5)

solution 5/7/18

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

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Innovation Roof Restoration

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Celebrity

ROUND 19

ROUND 20

PAR CRO BRI NEW WES NQC NZW MAN BRI NQC BUL MAN SOU MEL GCT SYD BUL CAN PAN GCT SOU STG MEL SYD CRO NEW WES PAN PAR CAN NZW STG July 19 7.50pm

July 20 6.00pm

July 20 7.55pm

July 21 3.00pm

July 21 5.30pm

July 21 7.35pm

July 22 2.00pm

July 22 4.10pm

July 26 7.50pm

July 27 6.00pm

July 27 7.55pm

July 28 3.00pm

July 28 5.30pm

July 28 July 29 7.35pm 2.00pm

July 29 4.10pm

SCORE

Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

182 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

166 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

152 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

164 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 1300 897 170

152 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

154 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

158 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

158 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

146 Iris Russell -Benard VenueBratusa Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Councillor

150 Thor Thor’s- Cafe Aaron- Tyres @print- 4721 0292

168

TIPSTERS ROUND 19

ROUND 20

PAR CRO BRI NEW WES NQC NZW MAN BRI NQC BUL MAN SOU MEL GCT SYD BUL CAN PAN GCT SOU STG MEL SYD CRO NEW WES PAN PAR CAN NZW STG July 19 7.50pm

July 20 6.00pm

July 20 7.55pm

July 21 3.00pm

July 21 5.30pm

July 21 7.35pm

July 22 2.00pm

July 22 4.10pm

July 26 7.50pm

July 27 6.00pm

July 27 7.55pm

July 28 3.00pm

July 28 5.30pm

July 28 July 29 7.35pm 2.00pm

July 29 4.10pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

150 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

156 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

146 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

134 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

146 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

150 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600 - www.emmahusar.com.au

156 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

154 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

140 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

168 Sharon Mudiman - Bespoke Realty Group - 0413 757 998 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

142

*An error in scores appeared in two Tipsters last edition. Those have been corrected in scores in this edition.

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

26

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

PVSF Junior Sportsperson Award Young Rovers set sights on cup

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Ariana Levy from Cranebrook the Junior Sportsperson Award for the month of June for her amazing development and skill in Javelin.

Ariana started Little Athletics when she was 5-years-old and began to develop her skills in various sports. It became clear that she had developed her skills in Javelin tremendously and shortly after began to win medals and Ariana spoke about how she felt to receive the award and her greatest achievements so far in Javelin.

“I am very happy to be nominated and my talents to be recognised. Whilst I compete mostly to achieve personal bests and maybe try to win some medals at state and national championships, being nominated for special awards is definitely a bonus,” she said.

“It feels great to receive the award.

I work hard and train hard and sometimes have to miss things like birthday parties or other fun events because I’m at training or competing.

The sacrifices I have made are worth it when I achieve good things in athletics or when I receive awards like this.

“Earlier this year I won two NSW state titles for Javelin. I won the little athletics NSW U/13’s State Title and the Athletics NSW U/14’s State Title.

I also won the Athletics Australia U/14’s National Title. It feels great to be able to say that I was the best Javelin thrower in NSW and Australia in my age group.”

Ariana has won many events and medals when competing in Javelin including; • Athletics NSW state champion U/14’s Javelin • Little athletics NSW state champion U/13’s Javelin • Athletics Australia national champion U/14’s Javelin 2018 • NSW All schools combined event championships - Silver Medallist Multi Event • 3 x State Medallist Little Athletics NSW State Multi Event (Heptathlon) • Western Sydney Giants Junior AFL

By CONNER LOWE

T

U/12’s representative team 2017 • 2 x State Champion (little Athletics and athletics NSW) in Javelin 2018 Ariana also spoke about how much time she puts into Javelin and what she hopes to achieve in the future.

“I love the fact that I can challenge myself. I know my personal bests and I can go out every time and try to better them. I have been able to travel to places like New Zealand and the Gold Coast and I hope to make the NSW team for the Australian All Schools Championship later this year in Cairns,” she said.

“I train three times a week currently, including two athletics sessions and one AFL session. Last year I made the Western Sydney Giants U/12’s development team for the representative carnival. It’s not my main sport, but I really enjoy playing it during the winter and training for it while my athletics training is a bit lighter.

“The Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and Commonwealth games in 2026 are my biggest targets. But for now, I just want to do well and make more NSW state teams for national championships after making two this year. I also hope to be able to go to the youth Olympic Games and the World Junior athletics Championships in 2021 or 2022.”

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

he Penrith Rovers under 15’s football team have set their sights on playing in the prestigious Fiji Cup in December this year.

The boys from Penrith have come along way over the years with some excellent coaching from Danny Bagnall and Todd Hackett, to become a dominating force in their competition.

The Rovers team are currently first place in their competition as they pursue ‘Champions of Champions’ football at seasons end and have made the Final of the Nepean Cup. Todd Hackett, the Manager of the Penrith Rovers Under 15’s team spoke about how the boys have developed over the years and how they continue the improvement of the team.

“The team has improved immensely over the years. We now play a fluent passing style of football with an aggressive defensive structure compared to the first season which was a counter attacking style,” he said.

“In the second season we started to apply the possession based style of play and the boys have had many compliments from spectators about their style of play including Youth League coaches commenting on the way they play football.

“We have small weekly goals to achieve which include things like keeping a clean sheet and better communication with each other on the field, but we wish to continue the success we’ve had and look to grow and improve as a football team and club.”

The boys are currently putting in two 90-minute sessions weekly as well as mid-week games for the Nepean Cup. Their training sessions consist of strength and conditioning training with a mix of recovery training, including their football skills training.

Todd also spoke about the teams aim for the remainder of the season and his admiration watching the boys play football.

“We want to win everything we have entered, including the U/16’s Nepean FA Cup and the Fiji Cup and qualify for the ‘Champion of Champions’ tournament,” he said.

“We know it will be difficult but we believe we have a chance with the quality of players we have and if we play to our potential.

“It’s been a joy to watch the boys improve over the years and it’s been an honour to have such great young men who want to improve not only as a team but also as individuals, the reward is getting to watch them play each week.”

To fund the teams trip to Fiji the team have found sponsors including Global Components, Pace Drilling, Blue Ridge Recruitment, Lift 2 U and Shack (Penrith).

The boys have been busy with BBQ’s at the Sydney RV Show, Chocolate drives, lucky numbers at all home games, rubbish bin number drive and have a trivia night booked in for the 8th of September. They have also run raffles with prizes donated by the local community including some signed memorabilia from Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC. “Most of all we would like to thank the Penrith Rover Committee for giving us a chance to compete in this great competition and the Gaels club for letting us do meat raffles at the club to help us raise money. Also, a huge thank you to all the parents who are helping make this dream come true,” said Todd.

The Penrith Rovers Football team will be competing in the Fiji Cup from the 2nd to the 9th of December. We would like to wish the boys luck with the remainder of the season and in the Fiji Cup.

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ith Origin done and dusted for another season, the race for the top eight has turned for the home straight with perhaps the clearest indication yet of who will be there come September with four points separating Brisbane (8th) from Canberra (9th) and the Wests Tigers (10th).

Newcastle are but a mathematical chance of making the top eight, while the Gold Coast, Manly, Canterbury, North Queensland and Parramatta are already planning for their end-ofseason trips.

28-30 points normally gets you a finals spot, but with the Raiders and Tigers all facing reasonably tough runs home, could 26 points be enough?

The battle appears to be more so how the current top eight will settle.

Souths, with nine straight wins and Melbourne five-match winning streak through the Origin period undefeated will likely battle it out for the minor premiership.

But who will take the two remaining top four spots?

Will it be Penrith, who entered the Origin period in first but suffered the biggest slide of all the top eight teams to come out in fifth position?

The Panthers will have history against them having never qualified for the top four when outside the top four after the round following Origin.

The Nepean News looks at the run in of teams 3-10 and predicts who will finish where, as the whips start to

crack for the run home to September.

St George-Illawarra (3rd – 26 points +111): Front-runners pre-Origin but backto-back losses and the form of Souths and Melbourne has seen the Dragons slip back to third but talk of another 2017-style slide surely is premature in 2018?

Only have two games at home remaining but play just two top eight teams and should finish at least third.

Sydney Roosters (4th – 24 points +103): Have yet to really top gear for most of this season yet the competition’s best defensive team looks primed to hold off three other teams sitting on 24 points and secure the last of the top four spots.

Only have three home games remaining but offsetting that is just three games versus top eight teams over this period, two of which are at home.

Penrith (5th – 24 points +96): Have fallen outside the top four for the first time since Round Three. With just two games at home, the Panthers have a demanding schedule with four interstate games among five away fixtures to be played (three of which against top eight teams).

Penrith could win up to six of their last seven but could still miss out on for and against.

Cronulla (6th – 24 points +42): The team everyone is looking over their shoulders at, as they build nicely towards another premiership tilt, especially with some key players to return from injury in coming weeks.

The Sharks have a favourable draw

Will Josh Mansour’s return inspire the Panthers to finish in the top four?

Credit: NRL Photos.

playing four of last seven at home and just two games against top eight opposition but for and against could see them finish sixth unless they record some sizeable wins.

New Zealand Warriors (7th - 24 points +10): The Warriors with no Origin representation, uncharacteristically got the wobbles during what is regarded as their strongest period of the season, with consecutive losses to Cronulla and Penrith.

But a big away win against top eight rivals Brisbane, may have steadied the ship for a team that knows how to crash post-Origin better than any other team in the NRL. The Warriors have a reasonable draw with four home games and just three games against top eight opposition and SHOULD win enough games to secure seventh spot.

Brisbane (8th – 22 points -26): A three-game winning streak during the Origin period was abruptly ended by the Warriors putting the Broncos back into eighth.

Coach’s Corner

The Value of Authenticity in Positions of Leadership

You and I may own the same car, but that does not mean we drive that car at the exact speed along the exact route on every single trip to identical destinations. Sporting teams are no different, most are driving similar cars towards the same goal or destination but the method in which that destination or goal are reached is decided individually by each team based on a whole heap of different variables. Some of these variables are controllable and others are not. But the goals and destinations do not change, however, the method in which to reach the destination can never be the same.

This also applies to coaching and positions of leadership. No one individual has the same personality and characteristics as another, there may be similarities on a whole heap of levels but no one will ever be identical. As an aspiring coach or leader it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to copy and replicate the methods of someone you admire or who has had an influence in your formative years of development. My father always respected the views and opinions of Phil Gould as a Rugby League coach and analyst, therefore I read his columns in the Sydney Morning Herald from

the age of 13 and would buy the paper every Sunday to try and develop my knowledge an understanding of the game.

In the early years of my coaching career I tried to observe and learn as much as possible from other coaches both within Rugby League and externally in other sporting fields. I often found myself copying their exact methods and approaches thinking because it worked for them surely it would work for me! And to some extent that was correct, I would find elements did work and made me a better coach. But for the most part I was not doing myself justice or those who I was attempting to replicate because there was no authenticity in trying to be anyone but myself first and foremost. I have found players, students and staff alike all see through leaders who are inauthentic who are trying to present themselves as something they are not.

Successful leaders and coaches are authentic.

Having had the lesson on authenticity early in my career was a blessing. But to be a successful coach you need to have a strong philosophy, core values and beliefs in order to have a vision of success and be able to create methods in order to create a pathway

Despite a tough draw facing four top eight sides, Brisbane do have four home games remaining and should comfortably finish eighth.

Canberra Tigers (9th – 18 points +62): This team would be morals to be playing finals footy had they converted their second half opportunities earlier in the season.

Canberra face the toughest run home of all remaining finals contenders with six of their remaining games against top eight opponents including Souths, Melbourne and Sydney Roosters and have only have three games at home as well.

It’s a tough ask when you consider they have lost skipper, Jarrod Croker and Jack Wighton for the season and could finish as low as tenth.

Wests Tigers (10th – 18 points -49): Their win over the Dragons has suddenly given the Tigers’ finals hopes a new lease of life given they had won just two of their last ten games.

But is four points too big a gap to close? Tigers do have a reasonable draw with just three top eight teams (two of which against Souths) but with just three games at home, will need a significant winning streak just to be a chance of playing finals footy and thus likely to finish ninth.

So there you have it – Souths to finish minor premiers, Penrith to narrowly miss a top four spot, and the top eight to remain largely as is are the key predictions.

Do you agree? Email me your thoughts at stewart@nepeannews. com.au.

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

in your chosen field to reach that success. There must be a clear balance between your philosophy and remaining authentic. And the best way to ensure you are keeping this balance is to take elements of methods and approaches from a wide range of other leaders or coaches which are going to be holistically beneficial to your program. But in doing so be true to your own beliefs and authenticity.

Every Rugby League club would love to have the same culture of success as the Melbourne Storm. It is not as simple as copying that culture. Select the elements which will benefit your club, study others, speak to your players and staff about what they value and believe and create a similar culture but one that is authentic and owned by those who are going to be living and implementing it each day. Leaders and coaches should always be driving down different streets in order to reach the same destination. There is a daily need to be constantly searching for best practice, new methods and approaches in order to improve from a philosophical perspective. Be authentic and find your personal niche as this is where you will be most effective in positively influencing your organisation.

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

The road to September: Is the top eight already set?

27 27

Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

28

SPORT

Penrith’s running man finally gets his NRL chance

By STEWART MOSES

T

@TheRiffMarn

he Panthers have given six NRL debuts to some of the game’s best up and coming talents in 2018, more than any other club.

But the NRL debut given to Kiwi fullback Caleb Aekins last Friday is arguably the most meteoric when you consider this time last year, the 21year old was still plying his trade in Holden Cup and had not even made his ISP debut until the beginning of this season.

Aekins, who won’t be in Penrith’s top 30 squad until his recently upgraded and extended deal to the end of 2020 kicks in next season, got his chance when Dylan Edwards’ (shoulder – season) replacement at fullback, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak injured his hamstring in Penrith’s 36-4 win a fortnight back.

The NZ-born and Welsh-eligible fullback, says that although making his NRL debut is a dream come true, he admits he didn’t think it would come this season.

“It’s pretty awesome looking back at it. I’m just lapping it up and living the moment right now,” Aekins told the Nepean News shortly after the game.

“If you asked me two years ago if I would be here I would tell you no.

“Even last year I wouldn’t have

Penrith’s metre-eater, Caleb Aekins in full flight. Credit: NRL Photos.

thought that it was going to be possible.

“This year I was just happy to get to the ISP level.

“I didn’t think I would even play NRL this year but it’s always been the goal.

“I’m just glad to finally get a game and enjoyed every bit of it.

“It’s all come on so quick like I resigned then made my NRL debut.

“It’s just overwhelmed by it. I can’t be any happier with the club.”

Despite Dallin’s injury confirmation having come a day after Aekins played in the ISP against the Dragons, the fullback had an anxious 24 hour wait

before he was told by coach Anthony Griffin he was to become Panther first grader #580 and concedes it was an emotional time upon telling his family of the news.

“Hook told me Monday morning in his office and I was kind of shocked at first,” Aekins recalled.

“It didn’t really sink in until I told my parents and saw their reaction.

“There were a bit of tears and that’s when it really set in for me.

“My mum, dad and younger sister have come over and its awesome that they are staying until Sunday.”

After a shaky first half which the fullback concedes was the result of

getting used to the speed and the toughness of the game, Aekins settled in the second half to turn in a stunning performance, running the ball for 277 metres from 23 carries (believed to most metres run on debut since records were first kept in 1999) that included a line-break, three tacklebreaks and an offload.

Having averaged nearly 200 metres per game prior to making his NRL debut, Aekins explained that his running game has always come easy to him even from his childhood days, growing up in Northland.

“I love getting running. I love getting involved but I didn’t realise I had that many runs,” Aekins admitted.

“My body is probably going to be sore for the next few days but it was awesome.

“Back home as a kid I was always liked that, wanting to run with the ball and getting involved.

“It just comes second nature to me.”

Panthers coach Anthony Griffin was understandably in raptures about Aekins’s efforts after the game too.

“I thought he (Aekins) was brilliant,” Griffin declared.

“He’s a kid who this time last year was playing 20s, had done a pre-season with us but was a long way from NRL selection a couple of months ago.

“As things panned out, he got thrown in there tonight and against a quality kicking game and a quality side, I thought he was brilliant.”

Latest halves sensation wants playing future at Panthers resolved

By STEWART MOSES

J

@TheRiffMarn

arome Luai says that in the wake of his sensational twoweek stint in the NRL, he wants to know what plans the club has in store for him, before making the decision to commit to the club long term.

A two-try performance for a depleted Panthers side against a nearfull strength New Zealand Warriors outfit including opposing half and boyhood hero, Shaun Johnson, has seen demand for the young playmaker’s services skyrocket, despite being contracted to Penrith until the end of 2019.

Luai, who apart from making his brief NRL debut against Newcastle back in Round 10, has bided most of the season in the Intrust Super Premiership, given he plays behind the likes of James Maloney and Nathan Cleary.

Cleary’s contractual future with the Panthers post the 2019 season, which has been the subject of much speculation over the course of the 2018 season, will have a bearing on where Luai’s future lies.

The St Marys junior concedes that given his recent NRL exposure, it will

Jarome Luai scoring his maiden NRL try. Credit: NRL Photos.

be hard to go back and bide more time in the ISP competition.

“It will be pretty hard to do so (bide my time again in ISP),” Luai told the Nepean News.

“I’ve been biding my time this whole year and I’ve got the two best halves in front of me.

“The NRL experience is all I want and I need it at this moment.

“I’m on contract until end of next year, but a lot of people are talking about me and where my interests may lie.

“For now my interest are with these boys and they’re are my best mates and I want to be at my best for them

both mentally and physically.

“But I’ll see where I stand with the club and what plans Gus has for me and go from there.”

Luai admits it’s been a crazy time for him in the wake of that two-try performance but credits his teammates for keeping him grounded.

“I’ve just been soaking it all in. My emotions were just everywhere and couldn’t get to sleep the next night,” Luai replied.

“It is still pretty surreal those two tries. It’s been crazy.

“But I have had some really good support over the past couple of weeks which I really appreciate.

“I also appreciate how good the boys have been to me on and off the field.”

Playing either in the halves or at fullback, Luai has risen through the ranks having won both the Holden Cup (2015) and ISP titles (2017).

During that time, Luai has represented both New Zealand as skipper of the Junior Kiwis, before making his senior international debut for Samoa in last year’s World Cup. His fleet-footedness with ball in hand is hardly a surprise given that Jarome idolised two of the best running halves in the business in Benji Marshall and Shaun Johnson, the latter of whom Luai scored a try against, that the Kiwi international halfback himself would have been proud to own.

“I grew up supporting the Tigers during Benji Marshall’s era,” Luai revealed.

“I really enjoyed watching Benji and I played a bit of touch footy in my day as well.

“But once Shaun Johnson came through I really liked how he played.

“I was and still am a massive fan of Shaun as well.

“He has had an amazing career and is what I aspire to be at the moment.”

PENRITH PANTHERS

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

MIXED RESULTS SEES PANTHERS SLIP OUT OF THE TOP FOUR Despite an unexpected yet convincing 36-4 win over the New Zealand Warriors, a 24-12 loss to Cronulla, inspired by Matt Moylan on his return to Panthers Stadium for the first time since his acrimonious split from the club, has ensured that the Panthers finish the Origin period with a 2-3 record that has seen them slide from first to fifth.

Despite the loss there were plenty of positives for the Panthers, having fielding the NRL’s youngest and most inexperienced side for the second week in a row, and could have easily levelled the scores with just minutes remaining, had Christian Crichton grounded a Jarome Luai cross-field kick.

Panthers Coach Anthony Griffin lamented that fact after the game but remained upbeat despite losing their third match of the past four.

“I’m unhappy with the result obviously (but) was really proud of that performance,” Griffin said.

“We don’t accept losing and don’t like losing.

“But I thought we won in a lot of ways and I think it will give us something to really improve on going into the back-end of the year.”

“Our endeavour, our character, our mental toughness just to keep coming back into that game.

“We dug ourselves into a few holes at times but we were a bounce of a ball away from levelling it up 18-all there with a few minutes to go.

“But full credit to them when they got their field position they made us pay at times.

“Like every club we’ve been disrupted (by Origin).

“But now that it’s over to get everyone back, we have put ourselves in a position to have a good crack at it.

“If we can get a few more players back that are fit and build the strength in our squad, we are going to give it a good run at the back end of the year.”

The loss came a week after Penrith pulled off one of it’s best wins of the year over a near fullstrength Warriors side, 36-4.

The win was built off the back of the Panthers strong defensive effort which repelled the Warriors early attacking opportunities before the forwards dominated the middle, allowing young creative halves Tyrone May and Jarome Luai to run riot.

Panthers coach Anthony Griffin praised his halves and said the win was a great response to an indifferent performance the week before against Manly.

Dallin’s early return from injury one of five big inclusions named by Penrith for Broncos clash.

Credit: NRL Photos.

“He was good wasn’t he? I’ve got a couple of halves in there in the Blues that are a bit nervous about when they are coming back,” Griffin replied.

“I was so pleased for Jarome and Tyrone, in that they were able to enjoy that game and play off the front foot.

“Without being detrimental to the Warriors they weren’t at their best tonight.

“But I thought we forced them in a way to play that way.

“I thought we had a really good team effort for eighty minutes.

“It was just a great way to bounce back from last week, which we were obviously disappointed about.”

Penrith’s ISP team has remarkably extended its lead at the top of the ISP ladder to three points despite being decimated by injuries and Origin representation which has seen several fringe players play in the NRL squad.

Wins over top-eight sides St George-Illawarra (24-14) and the New Zealand Warriors (14-10) were achieved despite fielding six Jersey Flegg eligible players, including four debutants against the Dragons.

This Saturday, the Panthers head north to take on bottom-placed Newcastle before heading off to Henson Park the following Saturday to play the high-flying fourth-placed Newtown Jets.

With just six rounds remaining, consecutive wins over the coming fortnight will secure yet another ISP finals appearance for the defending premiers.

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Having won six straight before the break, Penrith’s Origin representation and extensive injury list has taken it’s toll on the Jersey Flegg side over the past fortnight with losses to both St George-Illawarra (24-6) and the New Zealand Warriors (14-12).

The next fortnight looms as Penrith’s moment of truth as they travel this Saturday to take on the competition leaders Newcastle before heading to Henson Park the following Saturday to take on third-placed Cronulla.

It’s a must win situation for the Panthers as four consecutive losses after Round 20 could see the Panthers slip down to sixth position.

Plenty of big names are set to return for Friday night’s must win clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

Origin trio, Nathan Cleary, James Maloney and Tyrone Peachey (bench) have been named although Maloney (toe) will need to past a fitness test at this Thursday’s captains’ run, in order to play.

In further good news, Josh Mansour is set to return from that horrific facial injury that has sidelined him since Round Six, while Dallin WateneZelezniak (hamstring), thought to be out for another two weeks, is also set to make an early return.

Christian Crichton holds a spot on the wing ahead of Tyrone Phillips.

The club has named the following 21-man squad for the Broncos clash, in what will be Isaah Yeo’s 100th NRL game for the club along with Nathan Cleary’s 50th NRL game: 1. Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. Waqa BLAKE 4. Dean WHARE 5. Christian CRICHTON 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. Trent MERRIN 9. Sione KATOA 10. James TAMOU 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Isaah YEO 13. James FISHER-HARRIS 14. Tyrone PEACHEY 15. Corey HARAWIRANAERA 16. Jack HETHERINGTON 17. Moses LEOTA 18. Jarome LUAI 19. Tyrone MAY 20. Kaide ELLIS 21. Wayde EGAN The Panthers then back up the following Saturday afternoon, 3pm at Lottoland with a clash against Manly, where the Panthers will be keen to avenge their surprise 18-10 loss last month.

Make your support count and show your #PantherPride at the game.

29 29 Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

Repeat Sets

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Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

30

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

RETENTION DRIVE SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE WHILE OLD FRIENDS RETURN HOME Penrith retention drive of its core young talent for 2020 and beyond has gone into overdrive.

On the back of several deals already announced in recent weeks, there are whispers that the club is likely to announce in coming weeks a threeyear extension for Wayde Egan that will see him contracted until the end of 2022.

Negotiations for extension deals are also said to be well advanced with Sione Katoa, Jack Hetherington and potentially Penrith’s number one retention target Viliame Kikau, who are also off contract at the end of 2019.

Kikau’s retention is crucial given the growing hype that has seen sections of the media draw comparisons of the Fijian forward to Sonny Bill Williams and his asking price will be climbing by the week.

With the club also keen on retaining Waqa Blake, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Jarome Luai, it could mean that one or two of the club’s senior players may have to move on in order to accommodate such talent on the salary cap. Watch this space.

It’s been equally busy on the recruitment front with Tim Grant coming home to Penrith on a one-year deal in 2019, which allows the 30-year old prop, who has played 122 NRL games for the Panthers between 2007 and 2014, to finish his career where it all began.

“I always wanted to finish my career back home where it started and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity,” Grant said.

“Even though rugby league is now a business and players move around, there is one club that will always be your club. For me that club is Panthers.

“I know I’ve still got plenty of good footy left in me. I wouldn’t be coming back to Penrith if I didn’t firmly believe I had something meaningful to contribute.”

Meanwhile while no one is officially confirming the news just yet, expect Malakai Watene-Zelezniak to become another Tiger who is “getting off the bus” and reuniting with brother Dallin at Penrith, following reports from Fox Sports that the 26-yearold winger has signed a two-year deal with the club.

There were initial concerns that a hamstring injury would sideline Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Speaking of the Panthers Origin trio, only Nathan Cleary made an appearance at the Panthers’ well-attended Members Day last Saturday, while Maloney and Peachey were rightly given time out to spend some much needed time with their families instead.

Viliame Kikau is potentially Penrith’s most important signing for 2020 and beyond. Credit: NRL Photos.

for at least three weeks, which explained in part why the fullback relinquished the kicking duties to Jarome Luai, before being replaced seven minutes from time in the win over the Warriors.

But the injury looks to have healed quicker than expected with Dallin named ahead of last week’s debutant Caleb Aekins for this Friday’s clash with the Broncos.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard (broken jaw) is racing the clock to return for the Round 21 home clash with Canberra after the 115kg prop revealed he has ditched the liquid diet that has resulted in a 8kg weight loss, for KFC’s popcorn chicken and mashed potato in a desperate attempt to regain the weight, now that the bands holding his jaw straight have been removed.

Penrith forward Jack Hetherington was very reluctant to talk to the media about an incident with Andrew Fifita where Fox Sports footage captured an angry Fifita shoving the young Panthers prop in the back as both sides walked up the tunnel.

So much so he initially refused to speak but in finally doing so, he offered very little, perhaps mindful of not wanting to inflame the situation.

Meanwhile plenty was made by fans about the Panthers’ Origin trio not being available for the Cronulla clash especially with Cronulla’s QLD representative, Valentine Holmes playing a starring role in the Sharks 24-12 win.

But it must be noted that Penrith’s NSW representatives were coming back to a Thursday afternoon reception and were never in a position to be available to play given they would not even be able to take part in the captains’ run.

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Someone needs to remind Jarome Luai to wear a mouthguard while playing in future after social media pictures emerged of St George-Illawarra’s Gareth Widdop bloodied and re-arranged teeth in the DragonsTigers clash.

Dean Whare continued his run of outs against Cronulla losing his 7th game against the Sharks in as many attempts, while Waqa Blake has now scored at least one try against every NRL opponent after finally scoring a try against the Sharks last Friday night.

A significant moment for the Panthers this Friday night when Isaah Yeo, one of a select group of players from that 2013 Holden Cup winning side to have gone on to playing in the NRL, will become the first from that group to have played 100 NRL games for the club when he runs out to Suncorp Stadium.

Yeo said he didn’t even know of the milestone until Reagan Campbell-Gillard reminded him.

“I actually didn’t realise until Reg told me actualy,” Yeo said.

“It’s something that I’ll look back on more so at the season.

“But I’m just glad I got to beat Dad’s record of 12 first grade games and actually score a try.”

Who else but a fellow Northland native, when James Fisher-Harris presented his childhood friend and house-mate Caleb Aekins with his first Panthers first grade jersey last Friday night.

Queensland may have won the Under 20s State of Origin last week but Panthers winger Brian Too stole the show scoring an incredible try for NSW in the corner that saw among other things a cameraman being taken out in the process.

Meanwhile congratulations to Panthers Harold Matts young guns Zion Tauasa and Donovan Boney, who represented NSW Under-16 side that defeated Queensland 28-14 at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday. #PantherPride

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

Some mixed results but top 4 still in sight

 Jarome Luai, part of the thriving Panther cubs coming through the ranks

T

he Panthers have slipped out of the top 4 in what seems the first time in a long time.

And since we’ve last chatted the Mountain Men have had a mixed couple of weeks at home.

First they thumped the hapless Warriors 36-4, in turn unearthing a new Panther superstar in young local junior Jarome Luai. Boy can this kid play!

Then last weekend they succumbed to a Cronulla Sharks team that turned on a ‘frenzied’ display knocking over Penrith 24-12. But again, another star was born, this time young kiwi Caleb Aekins at fullback. What a fantastic debut for the young 20 year old.

Penrith, fielding the youngest team in the comp, never stopped trying but were simply outplayed by a far more experienced outfit. But let’s not dwell, I’ve always been a ‘glass half full’ kinda guy. And as I peruse the Panthers playing roster I’m buoyed by a lot as a supporter.

For one, our origin players were out for both clashes giving these youngsters I’ve just spoken about unbelievable experience. Also the young crop of guns coming through the ranks who have already played first grade is breathtaking.

Here’s a few names you’ll be hearing lots and lots more of in the next few years

 Welcome to first grade Caleb Aekins

who are all mere babes in the woods when it comes to first grade experience, but have handled themselves admirably thus far.

Sione Katoa, Jack Hetherington, Wayde Egan, Kaide Ellis, Jarome Luai, Tyrone May, Caleb Aekins, added to fellow young cubs who have already proven their ability, Billy Kikau, Dallin Watene Zelezniak, Waqa Blake, Dylan Edwards, and of course Nathan Cleary, and as an old song of the 80’s went “the future’s so bright ive gotta wear shades!”

Penrith sit on 24 points. Last year to make the top 4 you had to have accrued 36 points. If that’s the case this year, Penrith must win 6 of their last 7 games.

Definitely doable, but with 5 of those games away, it is far from a fait accompli.

We’re about to round the home bend of season 2018 and you get the feeling there’s going to still be loads of twists and turns. Whatever may happen to Anthony Griffin’s team, the depth of young gun coming through the ranks reeks of a team who will be very hard to beat for many years to come.

See you at the game....

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 31 Nepean News 19 July 2018 Issue 231

MG on the mark

SPORT

24 St Andrews Drive, Glenmore Park AUCTION 4

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Marie Grima 0433 788 820

02 4737 9977 www.bespokerg.com.au Penrith | Glenmore Park | Jamisontown Bespoke Realty Group formerly Glenmore Park First National

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