Nepeannews 19may2016

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Thursday, 19 May 2016

ISSUE 175

IKEA MARSDEN PARK IS CELEBRATING THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH A SCAVENGER HUNT - PULL-OUT MAP INSIDE P23-26

DIG DEEP

Aussies will be asked to dig deep on the weekend of May 28-29 for the annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.

Story by Garion Thain on page 7

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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$21 million rorted out of our seniors

By Kerrie Davies

IT IS an incredibly low act to steal the pennies from those who’ve worked hard their whole lives to save a nest egg for retirement.

But of course those willing to live it up on funds they steal from other people were hardly ever going to have morals or a conscience, sadly.

Our seniors are being encouraged to become scam savvy during National Consumer Fraud Week as NSW Fair Trading offers advice and support to Australians over 55 on how to avoid being caught up in pernicious scams.

Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe says that it’s important for seniors to be aware of scams and to know what resources are available to them if they become involved in a scam.

“In 2015 Australians over 55 lost $21 million to scammers. We hope that by providing our seniors with valuable information that we can decrease this number in 2016 and beyond,” said Mr Stowe.

The most common scams, making up for half of the money lost by Australians over 55 each year, were related to online dating and investment, costing senior consumers $12 million in 2015.

NSW Fair Trading suggests that seniors take the following precautions to avoid getting caught up in deceitful scams: - Do not let anyone pressure you into making on-the-spot decisions.

Scammers will often try to create a sense of urgency and threaten

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

consumers with legal action or fake emergencies to trick the consumer into complying with the scam.

- Get a second opinion. If you have doubts run the situation by a reliable third party before parting with any money or signing anything.

- Do not respond to e-mails from an unknown address and do not send money to anyone via e-mail or allow them to access your computer.

- Government agencies are most likely to send you a letter if you are entitled to money. If you receive a phone call offering you money it is most likely a scam.

- If you have not entered a competition then you probably have not won a prize.

More information about scams is available from NSW Fair Trading at www.fairtrading. nsw.gov.au or on 13 32 20; or by contacting Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au or on 1300 795 995.

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE

ON PAGES 23-26

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by Kerrie Davies IF you’re a reader of this column you’d already know how much I love politics.

When I get the chance to watch telly, I just can’t sit through the over-abundance of reality shows on offer.

I have absolutely zero interest in who gets a rose on the fake-dating shows, nor do I have any desire to watch people cook food that I will never get to eat on all the cook-off shows.

My kind of reality tv are shows like Q and A, where I get to sit in my arm chair and turn my back on those I think are fruit loops and yell “Get off” to the people who make me sick.

Equally, Parliament House is my Hollywood and I would rather watch a good sesh of question time than a blockbuster movie.

It might sound weird, but that’s me. And funnily enough I managed to find possibly the only other person on the planet who is just like me, so I married him. But that’s where our similarities end, because when it comes to determining who is a fruit loop and who should get off, we are NEVER on the same page. But the nightly debates sure are stimulating.

Which brings me to the federal election, a fabulously fun time for political nerds such as us.

But alas, we actually agree on something this time around - this election is so far nothing short of BORING. Where are all the political personalities with the cheap shots and gold oneliners? We’ve got a Prime Minister who, in my mind, rarely puts a foot either right or wrong. He just cruises. And we’ve got an Opposition Leader with the personality of a garden gnome, who never ever, ever smiles. Does he have teeth? If so, I’m still yet to see them.

I find myself - shock horror - watching the US election more than ours, if purely for the entertainment value of Trump.

We’ve got seven weeks to go so things might hot-up in that time, but in all honesty if it stays on the even keel it is now, I just might flick the channel on the remote to see who gets the rose!

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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THE Turnbull Government is helping small businesses generate jobs and growth through lower taxation rates and simplifying red tape.

The benefits of the Government’s plan were there to see when Defence Minister, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Fiona Scott MP, visited Petrolink Engineering in Penrith.

Petrolink is a home grown family business which employs 32 people.

Fiona Scott MP, Defence Minister, the Hon Senator Payne Today they are an and Petrolink CEO Barry Bone’. important Department of Defence contractor, providing petrochemical measures outlined in the May Budget, including: infrastructure and storage.

• Cutting the small business company tax Defence Minister, Senator the Hon. Marise rate to 27.5 per cent for small businesses with a Payne said the visit was important to “engage turnover less than $10 million. directly with Defence contractors to understand • Increasing the tax discount for unincorporated their business and further develop the small businesses from 5 per cent to 8 per cent, relationship”. capped at $1,000, for businesses with a turnover Federal Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott less tha n $5 million.

MP added, “This visit further highlights • Extending access to the instant asset write off innovation and opportunity in the Lindsay so that small businesses with a turnover less than electorate and how this Government has $10 million can instantly deduct each and every developed programmes to help hard working asset under $20,000.

Australians”.

• Making life easier by simplifying Business The Turnbull Government is helping Activity Statements (BAS), reducing reporting businesses like Petrolink with a range of labels from seven to three.

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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Dig deep for the Salvos Red Shield Appeal

By Garion Thain

Robin Pullen is the local Director of the Red Shield Appeal. The Salvation Army is in “desperate need of collectors.”

A CHARITY drive so ubiquitous with giving a helping hand it hardly needs an introduction, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is making its return this year over the May 28th/29th weekend, and the Salvos are keen for any good wishes and help the community can offer.

The annual drive adheres to the Salvation Army’s goal to “collect valuable resources to service the vital needs of the community,” according to David and Robin Pullen, who were recently featured as local legends in this publication.

They graciously offered some time to share the goals of the Red Shield Appeal in 2016 and explain the trajectory of the appeal in the Greater Western Sydney region.

Robin Pullen, the Director of the Red Shield Appeal in the Nepean, shared some needs and explained where the support goes.

“Vibrance is a need – the aim is to be an integral part (of the community),” said Mrs Pullen.

“100 per cent of the money raised goes back into community programs.”

In the Nepean area alone, these programs include the Drive for Life safe driving Program, Sports Leadership Program, Mature Age Workers Program, Money care program and welfare services Doorway Program.

The Pullens suggested some may be unaware of just how many programs are active at any one time.

“We like to engage in that community presence, so during

the Red Shield Appeal weekend we’ll also be in most shopping centres for example, not just doorknocking,” they said.

“This weekend the salvation army will be at the Panthers/ Titans game.”

The Pullens say they are in desperate need of collector volunteers for the Sunday. For those who may want to lend a helping hand, one can register online directly at salvos. org.au “We believe in the power of community. People loving other people, and people helping other people,” a spokesperson states on the official Red Shield Appeal website.

“Those who ‘have’ sharing generously – sacrificially – with those who don’t. People finding acceptance, encouragement, healing and support without discrimination.

We believe no-one should have to ‘go it alone’.

“Our goal is to be community builders, not just service providers. We don’t give up on people – not only responding to immediate needs but journeying with people for the long haul, helping them to find freedom and stay free as well.”

As their one main collection drive of the year, The Red Shield Appeal is traditionally the time that Australians pull together and dig deep to help those in crisis.

Whether it is a fire, flood, family breakdown or another disaster, the Salvos are always there to offer a helping hand.

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

City Park proposal A PLANNING Proposal, seeking to rezone land for the future development of a City Park in the Penrith City Centre, is on public exhibition until 30 May 2016.

The proposal seeks to rezone land bound by Station Street, Henry Street, Allen Place and Woodriff Street from B3 Commercial Core to B4 Mixed Use. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said a City Park had been considered a critical component in the transformation of the Penrith City Centre for some time.

“Throughout extensive community engagement for Penrith Progression, a wide range of stakeholders supported a centrally located ‘city heart’,” she said.

“A City Park will transform our City Centre. A contemporary public space, surrounded by a mix of housing and specialist retail opportunities, will in turn foster redevelopment of private land in the area.

“Council is dedicated to finding partners to deliver innovative and remarkable results for our growing community.”

Early action breeds success STUDENTS are making impressive improvements in literacy and numeracy at Kingswood Park Public School, thanks to early intervention made possible by NSW signing up to the Gonski Agreement.

Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres visited the school to see firsthand the benefits of the Early Action for Success program.

The $690,000 investment in the program at Kingswood Park provides students with access to an intervention teacher, an instructional leader, a speech therapist and an occupational therapist.

Mr Piccoli said that the program means the needs of students are assessed upon entry into Kindergarten.

Teachers receive classroom-based professional development.

“This is an evidence-based practice.

Teachers monitor and track the progress of Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students, and all these students have learning targets,” said Mr Piccoli.

“Staff closely observe student progress and make changes to ensure children who have not progressed as expected get the support they need.”

The school’s improvements in 2015 included:

• 73 per cent of Kindy students reaching grade level standards or higher in numeracy compared to 55% of students in 2013; and • 88 per cent of Year 1 and 2 students reaching grade level standards or higher in numeracy compared to 43% of students in 2013.

Mr Ayres said that bringing students up to or above the expected standards at a young age has an enormous benefit for future learning.

“Kingswood Park has been involved

in Early Action for Success since 2013 and I’m delighted to see the tangible difference it’s having for students,” Mr Ayres said.

“This approach works for all students, those who require extra support and others who are looking to be further challenged and motivated.”

The NSW Government provides funding for the Early Action for Success program which is part of the $261 million commitment to the Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan.

Penrith set to shine as Ballet host

The Australian Ballet’s cygnets join Artistic Director David McAllister, Hon. Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport, Executive Director Libby Christie and Cr Jackie Greenow OAM at today’s ‘Ballet under the Stars’ launch.

THE Australian Ballet has launched its annual outdoor community program Ballet under the Stars, confirming Penrith will host the event in 2016.

The free event will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on Saturday 5 November 2016 and will include a special excerpt performance from the sold-out Sydney season of Stephen Baynes’ Swan Lake.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said Council worked hard to have Penrith selected as the location for Ballet Under the Stars in 2016,

following Destination NSW’s announcement of its three-year tenure in Western Sydney last year.

“We’re very pleased to be able to bring this performance to Penrith with the support of local business JK Williams,” Cr McKeown said. “Ballet under the Stars is a wonderful addition to our busy calendar of events and will be a major drawcard for visitors.”

“Penrith has a thriving arts and culture scene and worldclass attractions. This event is an opportunity for us to showcase this to

new visitors, and encourage them to return and experience what our City has to offer.”

EVENT INFORMATION Ballet under the Stars is a free event for everyone.

Pre-registration will help to secure fast entry. It is advised that this be done prior to the event, however guests will be able to use facilities at the gate to enter.

Gates open at 4pm for a 7:30pm performance. No glass, bottles, cans,

packaged and commercial takeaway food, audio, visual, recording equipment can be brought into the venue. Bag searches will take place at the gates where prohibited items will be confiscated. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Check australianballet.com.au/penrith from 3pm on the day for wet weather updates.

PRE-REGISTRATION australianballet.com.au/Penrith So far over 12,000 people have registered for the event.

9 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

The first step

Community urged to update smoke alarms

WORK has started to upgrade a section of pathway through Tench Reserve, north of Jamison Road. The 600-metre section of shared path will be widened and, when complete, will reconnect with existing paths through the park.

Further sections of path at the northern end of Tench Avenue will be upgraded later in the year.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the upgrades were part of a broader plan, outlined in Council’s Our River Masterplan.

Together, the improved pathways will form the first stage of work to create an “arrival hub”.

“At the moment, when you reach the bend at the end of Jamison Road, you can’t see the river,” the Mayor said. “We want to create a dramatic entry point to what we call the ‘river precinct’, one that celebrates and showcases our most-loved natural resource.”

Council adopted the Our River Masterplan in 2013. It was prepared following extensive community consultation with an aim to celebrate the river precinct.

MEMBER for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP, joined Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters to urge the people of Mulgoa to replace their smoke alarms, ten years on since smoke alarms became compulsory installations in all NSW homes.

“We know that smoke alarms need to be replaced at least once every ten years, due to the impact of dust, humidity and ageing and, so, many alarms are now beginning to reach their use-by date,” Tanya Davies said.

As a result of legislative changes, all NSW dwellings where people sleep must have at least one working smoke alarm per level. FRNSW recommends that smoke alarms be installed in all bedrooms, in order to maximize safety.

“Unfortunately, while there is widespread understanding in the community as to smoke alarms saving lives, it can be easy for many to forget about their alarms once they are installed,” said Tanya Davies.

“That is precisely why, throughout May, FRNSW and I are encouraging Mulgoa residents to ReAlarm their homes against fire, by replacing old alarms with more effective photoelectric smoke alarms, either connected to the home’s electrical system by an electrician or with ten-

year lithium batteries,” Tanya Davies said.

FRNSW Commissioner, Greg Mullins, reiterated that smoke alarms are also mandatory for all caravans, campervans and other mobile dwellings where people sleep – even if the vehicle is kept off the road.

“Photoelectric smoke alarms have fewer false alarms and are more effective at detecting the types of fires that are most likely to result in a home fire death,” Commissioner Mullins said.

According to FRNSW, a fire can

take hold in just three minutes, filling your home with deadly smoke.

“It is vital that Mulgoa residents ensure that they have working smoke alarms, which provide crucial seconds to escape a blaze in the home, before being overcome by smoke and the heat,” Tanya Davies concluded.

Assistance in checking and replacing the battery in smoke alarms can be sought by contacting your local fire station, under the Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement (SABRE) program for seniors and people with disabilities.

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New domestic violence laws help victims come forward

By Keegan Thomson

LAST week changes to the existing Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders were introduced into Parliament to better protect victims of family and domestic violence.

The changes will allow victims to apply for ADVOs even if they don’t appear in court and the definitions of what is a domestic violence offence have been widened.

Stuart Ayres, state Member for Penrith, said these changes to the ADVO will further protect victims of family violence.

“These changes are vital to protect domestic violence victims and their families in Penrith,” he said.

Mr Ayres also said the changes will make it easier for victims to place a legal barrier between themselves and the perpetrator.

“We know victims are often reluctant to come forward because they are afraid of their partner, so the NSW Government is making it easier for them to get an ADVO without having to prove a fear of violence in court,” he said.

Further changes to the legislation include, a wider and more overarching definition of what domestic violence crimes are. These include offences where the perpetrator intends to

Michele Ellery, founder of Queen of Hearts, welcomes the changes to ADVO legislation.

Source: Keegan Thomson

coerce, control or cause fear in the victim, like using a mobile phone device to menace, harass or cause offence.

“Magistrates will be able to hear final applications for ADVOs even if the victim doesn’t appear in court and police will be notified of any application to change or revoke an

ADVO,” said Mr Ayres.

Michele Ellery, the director of Queen of Hearts, a western Sydney charity supporting survivors of domestic and family abuse, said this was a big step forward by the government.

“I think this is a great step and definitely an improvement on existing AVOs in relation to the new

amendments that have come through,” she said.

But she also said that we need to be doing more to fight domestic violence, not just on a state level but also on a federal level.

“There is always room for more discussion, for more ideas and other plans of action, because this is something that is prevalent and we are not able to fix the issue in one round of discussions,” Ms Ellery said.

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics the Penrith LGA had nearly 1100 reported domestic assaults in 2015, ranking it 35th out of 139 LGAs surveyed for domestic violence crimes.

The new laws offer up a solution and a salvation for current victims, however in order to curb and eliminate the wasteful and malignant problem of domestic and family violence we need to start thinking about generational systemic reforms.

“As long as children can absorb some kind of information [about family violence] we need to keep up the education,” she said. “I just think we need to go back to grassroots, and not just the structure of school, but to include the parents and the carers, because children are going to learn from all types of environments.”

11 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

2016 Federal Election The Daily Telegraph reports Labor swing except for in Lindsay ACCORDING to the Daily Telegraph, there is swing back towards Labor across western Sydney seats by 3.5 percent, except for Lindsay.

The results of a Galaxy Research marginal seat poll, commissioned by the Daily Telegraph, showed a strong Labor swing across much of the west, however the paper reported, “it was not enough to take back the seats it needed if it wants to form government.”

The poll also showed a rise in Labor primary votes in all seats except for Lindsay.

“The surprise was the Penrith heartland seat of Lindsay, where Labor’s primary vote has tanked five points to a low of 34 per cent after former Gillard minister David Bradbury lost the seat in 2013,” reported the Telegraph.

If these stats are correct, Labor candidate and ALP loyalist, Emma Husar will have a fight on her hands.

Greens candidate against negative gearing LINDSAY Greens candidate, Kingsley Liu is campaigning against negative gearing, claiming it is pushing the less-financial out of the market-place.

“I am appalled at the growing inequality where those western Sydney people are losing first home buying opportunities where wealthy investors are buying into three or more houses (as connected blocks in R4 LGA zones) at 30 - 50 per cent premium over market price and constructing developments of more medium density two bedroom apartments

across the Penrith CBD,” he said. ”For every home ending up in the portfolios of negative gearers .. there’s one home less for a needy young family.

“By continuing with negative gearing the Liberal Government is over-rewarding the landlord class located at the top end of 3% income bracket.

“Greens Policy is to abandon the Negative Gearing benefits and Capital Gains Tax discount, and create a saving of $120 billion over the next ten years.”

Cr. Cornish quits the Liberal Party PENRITH City Councilor, Marcus Cornish, has resigned from the Liberal Party, fueling speculation he may make a run at the upcoming Federal election.

Cr Cornish shied away from saying whether or not he would be running instead he only said he “won’t rule anything out.”

He told Nepean News, “I’m enjoying being an independent and I left the Liberal Party because I want to focus on independent issues.”

Prior to his resignation Cr Cornish was serving a suspension from the Liberal Party due to an email he circulated where he criticised the Prime Minister, the Liberal Party and Fiona Scott, the MP for Lindsay.

In his resignation Cr. Cornish outlined 21 reasons why he was leaving the Liberal Party. Some of those included, “The Liberal Party no longer represents the Conservative views of the people of Australia”, “favouring Islamic refugees over Christian, Buddhist, Hindu etc.” and “the lack of conservative policies”.

Previously Cr Cornish has been outspoken on a number of issues around Penrith including on matters of infrastructure and the proposed 24

hour operations of the Badgery’s Creek Airport.

“I plan to be more outspoken at all levels of government,” Cr Cornish said.

Talking to Nepean News, Cr Cornish said the main issues he wants to focus on as an independent are, “transport and parking in Penrith and the waste of ratepayers money.”

Even though Cr Cornish said he was still mulling over a run in the upcoming federal election, he said he would still contest the council elections. If Cr Cornish wishes to run in the Federal election he has to apply before June 9th.

Flight path merge-point scrapped

MPs Fiona Scott and Louise Markus

THE Turnbull government have listened to the complaints of hundreds of western Sydney locals and announced they’ll be changing the flight paths in and around the proposed Badgerys Creek airport.

Original plans to have flight paths merge over the Blue Mountains community of Blaxland were shelved after community backlash, instead a new flight path will be announced later this year.

Fiona Scott, the MP for Lindsay, said even though there are challenges around the build, the Federal government is listening to resident’s issues.

“There are always challenges in building infrastructure projects such as this, however this announcement shows that the government is listening to community feedback and is ensuring fairer outcomes for all residents,” Ms Scott said.

Last month Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced, if Labor were voted into government, he would introduce a ‘no-fly zone’ around the airport between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, which would only limit planes from flying over some western Sydney homes but would not be a full nighttime curfew.

However Emma Husar, the ALP

candidate for Lindsay in the upcoming Federal election, said there would be a curfew of sorts enacted at the airport if Labor were voted in during the upcoming election.

She said, “we [the ALP] support a curfew on operations at the airport from 11 pm to 6 am, with only limited flights during these hours, as at Kingsford Smith Airport.”

Even with the chopping and changing of airport policy from both sides of the government local groups still oppose the construction of the airport wholeheartedly.

Peter Harvey, from the Mulgoa Progress Association, said he believed the vast majority of people within the local area supported a curfew at the airport.

“They’ve announced that they need to run it as a 24 hour airport so it can remain economically viable, and that at night time they’d fly freight aircraft in,” Mr Harvey said.

“Now these freight planes aren’t the 21st century aircraft we fly overseas in, they are the noisy and polluting clunkers and they’ll be coming over our homes 24 hours a day 7 days a week,” he said.

The airport is set to be a hot topic across the next 7 weeks of the campaign, even though the airport won’t be finished until sometime around 2026.

Roddick named ALA candidate for Lindsay AUSTRALIAN Liberty Alliance (ALA) has endorsed local Penrith businessman, Steve Roddick, as their candidate in Lindsay in the upcoming Federal Election.

Mr Roddick, a mortgage adviser with Smartline Mortgages in Penrith, may look familiar to regular readers of Nepean News as he writes a monthly finance column. He is also a member of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce board.

Steve told Nepean News,

the ALA have 20 key policies, including smaller smarter government, reciprocal property rights for foreign nationals, and a 10 year moratorium on resident visa applications for people from countries within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

with Keegan Thomson

PM visits Penrith business women PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull met with local Penrith business women during his first stop in the marginal electorate of Lindsay on the first week of his Federal Election campaign.

Mr Turnbull spent the good part of an hour with women from the western Sydney women’s group Women With Altitude, discussing and outlining how the recent 2016 budget would affect their businesses.

Although the PM mainly kept on message with his repetitive ‘jobs and growth’ spiel when it came to the business women he had a lot of nice things to say about Fiona Scott, MP for Lindsay.

“You bring to the task of representing this community an understanding of business and an understanding of economics that enable you to be a powerful voice in parliament,” Mr Turnbull said.

During the garden morning tea, held at the Penrith Regional Gallery, some of the business women raised a few issues with the Prime Minister.

Angela Maguire, the director of The Gap Consultancy, raised the issue of public education.

“While the Prime Minister talks about innovation and all these amazing things we can do, if we’re not educated appropriately how can we have all the innovation?” she said.

“I’m on the P and C board of my local school and our toilets have not been updated for over 40 years, and we’re not able to get the funding to fix that, where there are schools who are getting more than their fair share who are able to use that money to build things like swimming pools,” Ms Maguire said.

Minister visits Winmalee and takes q and a from students

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the middle of the press scrum.

Source: Keegan Thomson

Debbie O’Connor, one of the women behind the Creative Fringe work environment said she feels the government is helping small businesses but it is going to the wrong places.

“I think the government is trying to do a lot to help these co-working spaces but not enough in the independent spaces. Independent operators, like myself are finding it really hard to get funding because we don’t fit into one of the government’s boxes,” Ms O’Connor said.

“We are really after small amounts of funding to help us set up infrastructure and to help give us a leg up so we can find our feet faster,” she said.

With Lindsay being a Liberal marginal seat by only 3% there is no doubt that the Prime Minister will be back in the western Sydney heartland before the election is over.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, and MP for Macquarie, Louise Markus tour Winmalee High. Source: Keegan Thomson

THE Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, visited Winmalee High School, in the Blue Mountains, taking a tour of the school and answered questions from year 12 school students, alongside Louise Markus, MP for Macquarie.

Ms Bishop was greeted to the school by a sea of protesters demonstrating against Gonski reform and the proposed airport at Badgerys Creek, reminding us all that we are in the middle of an election campaign.

Inside an auditorium Ms Markus introduced the Minister speaking of her passion for Pacific affairs.

“I love what she is doing in the Pacific. I have family in the region and a soft spot for the communities of the Pacific,” she said.

Ms Bishop took questions from a batch of eager year 12 students,

who offered up some punchy questions including her possible future ambitions to become Prime Minister and the treatment of asylum seekers in offshore detention centres.

After the q and a session with students, Ms Bishop and Ms Markus were shown around the school’s food technology kitchens, the pride and joy of Winmalee High, where students baked and prepared a morning tea fit for a king.

As a sheer show of the Minister’s popularity, on her way out of the school she was stopped by no less than 5 students asking for a picture, some advice, or simply a brief hello.

With Macquarie being a marginal electorate, Louise Markus won the electorate in 2013 with a 2.9% swing, there is bound to be more visits from senior ministers across the long election campaign.

Liberals a safe bet

Women With Altitude met with the Prime Minister to discuss business and the budget.

Source: Keegan Thomson

AUSTRALIA is a lucky country, and we can prove just how lucky we are by placing a bet or two on the upcoming Federal Election.

Sportsbet is running the odds on every electorate across the country as well as the final results as for who will form government.

There is even a cheeky little special bet called the Jacqui Lambie Extra Market, where punters place bets on how many Senate seats the Jacqui Lambie Network will get.

Currently bets on the local marginal electorates are running at pretty predictable odds.

For Lindsay, Liberal MP Fiona

Scott, is sitting on $1.58 with Emma Husar, the ALP candidate trailing at $2.40. The candidate for the Greens, Kingsley Liu, would bring in big rewards to any punter, with his bet sitting on $21.00.

For Macquarie you’ve got Liberal MP Louise Markus pulling in $1.50 with the ALP candidate, Susan Templeman sitting on a close $2.20. The Greens, with their hopeful Terry Morgan, are sitting on $26.00.

We’ve got a long election ahead of us and we’ll keep you up to date with any changes that happen on the betting front.

13 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

NDIS forum ACCORDING to the Australian Services Union NSW, “78 per cent of disability sector workers believe the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will give greater support and independence for local people living with a disability. However 59 per cent of workers are concerned their employer could use the NDIS as an excuse to cut their pay and conditions.”

A recent survey conducted by the Australian Services Union NSW – the disability sector union - also indicated that just a quarter of disability workers feel their employer is ready to deal with the introduction of the NDIS, despite the scheme launching in Nepean on 1 July.

The ASU is holding a forum next Tuesday to bring together Nepean disability workers from across local providers to discuss these concerns.

Judith Wright, Acting Secretary of ASU NSW is urging all disability workers to attend the forum to learn more about the NDIS and plan a campaign together to respond to members’ concerns.

“The impending introduction of the NDIS is very exciting and strongly supported by the workforce. However, we are concerned providers are not doing enough to ensure they attract and retain a dedicated workforce so the NDIS is the best it can be. We know that secure jobs, a decent safety net of conditions, and encouraging career paths for workers will be key to ensuring the NDIS is a success.”

“I strongly encourage all disability sector workers in Nepean to attend the forum on Tuesday to discuss the impact of the NDIS on local workers.”

NEPEAN NDIS FORUM 1:00pm-2:00pm, Tuesday May 24 South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre, 3 Trent St. South Penrith Please note: this is a closed forum, however media interviews and vision can be arranged upon request.

Green light for tender on green bridge

By Keegan Thomson

THE concept that started in 2011, the proposed pedestrian bridge, Green Bridge, over the Nepean River, has finally received a finalised tender.

Stuart Ayres, State Member for Penrith, announced Seymour Whyte Constructions would be awarded the tender for Green Bridge, which will cost the NSW state government an estimated $49 million, $25 million over the original budget.

At the unveiling of the tender, Mr Ayres said the delays in the process was important for the community.

“We’ve been through a number of designs and changes to the original plan but this longer than usual process was important for the community,” Mr Ayres said.

He also justified the delays saying, “this government is about proper planning and that is exactly why we have taken time to get this project right.”

Some of the reasons given for the delay were industry consultation and numerous local and design challenges, including the impacts of flooding, a submarine high pressure gas main and the heritage value of the area.

However the Labor MP for Londonderry,Prue Car has taken a swipe over the cost blowout.

Stuart Ayres, MP, oversees plans with Duncan Gay, Minister for Roads, Maritime & Freight.

Source: Supplied.

“Stuart Ayres has mismanaged this bridge from the start. He promised construction would begin in 2014.

It’s now 2016, and all we have seen is an announcement that the cost of this bridge has blown at an extravagant cost to the taxpayer,” Ms Car said.

Ms Car says the money from the $25 million bridge budget blow out could have been spent on more important things for the local area.

“That is $25 million that could be spent on Nepean Hospital to provide urgent support to the doctors and nurses struggling with an ever

increasing workload. That is $25 million that could be spent on fixing up local schools in Penrith, including maintenance to ensure basic safety requirements are being met,” she said.

The construction process is set to begin in the second half of 2016 on the bridge that Minister Duncan Gay described as “a new worldclass bridge, providing a whopping 257 metre shared path with viewing platforms, canopies and a terrace to take in the picturesque views of the Nepean River, Blue Mountains and historic Victoria Bridge.”

Award recognising community spirit MEMBER for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP, congratulated Mr Scott Wheeler on receiving the 2016 Mulgoa Senior Achievement Award, in recognition of his ongoing community service work, as a volunteer and now Chairman of Nepean Food Services.

“Scott is a worthy recipient, having dedicated so many hours in advancing the cause of helping those who are vulnerable and require assistance in our community, most notably elderly residents, who wish to remain independent in their homes,” Tanya Davies said.

Initially, Mr Wheeler was a volunteer for Nepean Food Services, primarily delivering meals to frail elderly people, as part of the NSW Meals on Wheels program, before taking on the role of Chairman of the organisation in 2012.

“Nepean Food Services has been operating in the Penrith Local Government Area for nearly 25 years as a not-for-profit incorporated organisation, providing services for elderly and frail residents, as well as those living with a disability and their carers and stands out as an exemplary organisation, in selflessly advancing the needs of others,” said Tanya Davies.

The 2016 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards celebrate seniors’ achievements in a range of categories, including business, environment, science, agriculture, health and wellbeing, learning and community service.

The awards coincide with the NSW

Seniors Festival, the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrating and acknowledging the vital role that seniors play in the community and across the State.

“Undoubtedly, our seniors play a crucial role in the direction of our State and it is individuals like Scott who exemplify selfless and sacrificial service, emblematic of the character of the seniors of Mulgoa and New South Wales, borne by their life experience and ability to empathise

with others,” Tanya Davies said.

“I sincerely hope that the work Scott has been doing for our community, over the course of many years, along with his recognition, serves to spur all members of the community to consider ways in which they can assist others and give back, for all that they have received,” Tanya Davies concluded.

Further information can be found at: http://www.nswseniorsweek.com. au/

Fit for the future THE Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has endorsed Penrith Council’s vision for a strong Regional City by approving a Special Variation (SV) application.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the determination was great news for the City.

“IPART’s positive determination gives Council the mandate and mechanism to take the next steps forward for our City,” she said.

“And it’s important to note that even with the determination, future Penrith Council’s rates will be below the average residential rate of neighbouring councils.”

“The successful application is part of Council’s commitment to meet our community’s expectations and the growth of our City. As well as being deemed Fit for the Future, Council has realised ongoing productivity savings of almost $5 million per year by undertaking comprehensive financial and organisational capacity reviews.

“Penrith has experienced an era of unprecedented growth and Council continues to ensure our community

has a secure future in a City that has its own strong identity complete with renewed infrastructure and assets.

“The SV will realise $46 million over 4 years to maintain, renew and create new assets, pay down debt, boost Council’s service levels and assist in delivering projects such as Our River Masterplan. Council will also address the planning of a multi deck CBD car park and a state-of-theart city park.”

POLICE FILES

12 year old approached – Penrith POLICE are investigating a child approach in Penrith last weekend.

About 10.30am on Saturday May 14, a 12-year-old boy was waiting at a bus stop on Derby Street, Penrith, when he was approached by an unknown male.

The man committed an act of indecency towards the boy, causing the boy to walk away.

The man then walked off in the opposite direction.

Police from Penrith Local Area

Command are investigating.

The man is described as Caucasian appearance, 25-30 years old, 170cm tall, slim build, brown hair with a long fringe, blue eyes and a goatee.

At the time of the incident he was holding a yellow JB Hi-Fi bag in one hand and a $20 note in the other.

Any witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Child grabbed by woman – Penrith POLICE are investigating after a child was grabbed from her mother in Penrith last week.

About 10am (Friday 13 May 2016), a 19-year-old woman was pushing her eight-month-old daughter in a pram along High Street, Penrith, adjacent to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, when they were approached by a woman.

The mother of the child stopped to retrieve a bottle from a bag, at which point the woman removed the harness and picked the child up from the pram.

The mother grabbed the child back and returned her to the pram before leaving the scene.

The incident was later reported to police from Penrith Local Area Command, who commenced an investigation.

The woman who grabbed the child is described as Caucasian appearance, about 30 years old, 185cm tall, with dark brown hair, and at the time she was wearing black pants.

Police believe there are witnesses to the incident who have not yet been spoken to by police, and these witnesses are urged to come forward.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

Mr Price lives in his old seat of Chifley, in the outer Nepean Region.

THE Hon. Roger Price is a man who hardly needs an introduction to many of you dear readers. For those that would like one, Mr Price is a man whose name is practically ubiquitous with Western Sydney politics – as he held the seat of Chifley in Sydney’s Greater West for 26 years before choosing to retire in 2010. Mr Price is an intelligent man and politically astute, but he has a big heart and has always held a reputation as a man of the people, and always has been a “bloody Westie,” as he says.

I had the privilege of telling Mr Price that he had been nominated as a legend, and met with him at his Mount Druitt home this week to talk about a community he loves, a long spanning career and his thoughts on 2016 politics. As Labor’s longestserving member in the parliament at the time of his retirement, there was never a doubt this conversation would turn political, but Mr Price is a fair man, and his insights come from years of experience and a place of care for the electorate he loves.

“After 26 years, one thing still really tickles me,” Mr Price began with.

“I was someone who was thrown out of high school, been through a number of jobs – but I still managed to be endorsed by the Labor Party and become a Member of Parliament.

“I’m fond of telling that to students,” he continued with a chuckle.

“I made it to 5th class in Primary before they discovered I couldn’t read!”

That’s not to say Mr Price undervalues education. In fact, one of his proudest fights was the fight to bring a university to Western Sydney, and a senior high school to the region.

This culminated with the founding of St Mary’s senior, a school he said is a “big success,” and the eventual founding of a senior high school in Mount Druitt.

He also calls himself Western Sydney University’s “harshest critic,” but only because “[his] expectations are so high.”

Mr Price, as mentioned before, has always been a Westie. His journey began in Parramatta where he lived until his father’s fencing business went broke in the credit squeeze, and he moved to Mt Druitt. He was

always interested in politics, and has been a member of the Labor Party for over 50 years.

In school, he got in trouble for being political.

“I had a good mate, who went on to be Dux of the school, and I tried to start a Labor Party group, he tried to start a Liberal Party group – we both got in trouble from the Principal.”

It may come as a surprise in retrospect that Mr Price wasn’t aiming to chase high office at first, in fact the thought of running for local council petrified him.

“Tony Johnson – the member for Mount Druitt – was my mentor and I was his first campaign director.

When he asked me to run for Local Government in a bi-election, I was scared, thinking ‘what did I do wrong?’” He laughed.

Local Government gave Mr Price his first taste of public representation, and he still says he likes the immediacy of it.

“In Local government, when someone asks you to fix a pothole, you can go and fix the pothole, as opposed to being a state member, etc.”

In 1984, Mr Price was elected as the Federal Member for Chifley, a

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THE HONOURABLE ROGER PRICE member of the last intake into the old parliament. He successfully held his seat for 26 years with continued community support. During his tenure he saw the entire spans of the Hawke, Keating, Howard and first Rudd governments. Despite the outcome of the Rudd government, Mr Price says the 2007 federal election is one of his happiest moments.

“You could say I’ve seen a few leadership challenges in my time,” Mr Price said.

I then asked about Hawke-Keating for good measure. Mr Price said he liked Keating, and said people often “accuse him of being arrogant,” when Mr Price found him to be “very patient, respectful.”

Turning the topic over to 2016, we noted the long-term governments of old haven’t been happening recently.

Mr Price said a higher influx of information may have led to more swinging voters, which he believes is good for democracy, if not the traditional party politics.

“Some people might zone out for long periods of time, but in the end they’ll zone in,” he said.

“I’ve never thought there’s such thing as a ‘safe seat.’ I’ve always

campaigned hard at every election.”

He also said that recent leadership switching isn’t something he believes voters will easily forgive, and when it comes to problems with leadership, there needs to be a more direct dialogue.

“I always thought there might be a problem in the second term of Rudd government, not the first,” he said.

“The irony is in my opinion, Abbott made Rudd’s office look like a well-oiled machine. Perhaps there should have been more direct confrontation.”

It was Kevin Rudd who sent Mr Price to the United States as ConsulGeneral to Chicago, an experience Mr Price greatly enjoyed. He still loves the West though. His closing comments?

“I’m truly grateful for the overall support I had,” he said.

When asked about his legacy, he said he hoped he gave a good name to the Labor party, and hoped he helped the idea that people in the Greater West can achieve great things.

With all the legends of the Nepean, including Mr Price himself – he might just be right.

17

The Hon. Roger Price early into his time as Federal Member for Chifley.

Outside the west: Mr Price served as the Australian Consul-General to Chicago for three years. Pictured is a collage of his tenure.

Mr Price says he was quite close with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and was happily surprised by the amount of Australians leading innovation ventures in the United States, including Westies.

The Honourable Roger Price nominated as a Legend of the Nepean

by Greg Davies.

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

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WHY ARE YOU A RUSTED-ON VOTER?

He Says........................... .........................She Says Why I would never vote conservative Its amazing when I hear the tories talking about how unfair it is that the Greens preference the ALP in an election, yet I never hear them saying anything about the Nationals who help them form Government.

Another case of “we are privileged and allowed to say and do whatever we like.” Its precisely this “born to rule” mentality that would prevent me ever supporting them.

Well that’s one of the reasons, but I can add more like: 1. Having no big vision or the guts to build that vision if they think of one.

For example, Australia was built on big projects, big dreams.

Think of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Snowy Mountains Scheme, Warragamba Dam, Murray Irrigation area and now we can’t see any future in investing in High speed rail. We know we have to do it eventually but let’s build an airport first. Rail - a project for 100+years, versus an airport that will eventually become redundant without

WIN!

fuel.

2. Being so focused on money that they forget a lot of expenditure can really be classed as an investment in the future. (Remember the NBN) See those projects above and look closely now at the NBN. Properly done, serving every household in this country, this would add billions to our economy and provide the thousands of jobs that are part of the innovative employment we talk about for the future. The conservative’s answer is second rate internet will do for the peasants, and whilst pushing innovation we will cut scientists at the CSIRO. Doh!!

3. Being focused on the “well to do” and assuming that everyone has the same chance no matter what circumstances life has dealt you.

Late breaking news…..Not everyone is born equal, some have to struggle and some get a nice kickstart. But rich or poor, a lot give up because life seems too hard. The problem is that the harder the road the more chance of giving up and the poor have a much harder road to hoe.

Why I would never vote with the left 1. Victim mentality My biggest gripe with the left (Labor and Greens) is they seem to promote a mass-victim mentality. “Woe is me, why can’t I have this, I should be entitled to that” I believe that the “visions” from the left - including doling out handouts to those who don’t even bother trying to have a go have had an incredibly negative impact on the productivity level of our country.

Blind Freddy can see that some people will not even bother to strive to be employed if they’re going to get handed cash for doing sweet bugger all, laying on the lounge all day playing playstation.

2. Pandering and apologising too much to minority groups Once laws have been made to ensure minority groups are not discriminated against and have the same opportunities as everyone else, it needs to stop

there.

But the left never seem to stop.

They expect the silent majority to give, give, give and are not happy until we get to the point that its actually the majority who are being discriminated against.

I saw a facebook meme that said “Middle-class Caucasian Australians: the only group you’re allowed to rubbish and discriminate against” It might actually be funny if it wasn’t true.

3. The left seem jealous of success Tall Poppy Syndrome is rife in the leftie ranks. The rich are greedy. Bosses are jerks.

Landlords are money-hungry creeps. This mentality drives me nuts, because without the go-getter folk who are willing to risk all and take chances, where would all the jobs and the rental properties come from?

If all jobs were government, and all properties housing commission, guess what we have? Communism.

Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.

Get ready for winter at Bunnings PENRITH Valley residents are invited to make their way to Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith on weekends throughout June to learn a variety of handy energy saving tips and to develop their skills through a range of D.I.Y. Workshops.

Every Saturday and Sunday throughout June, local team members from Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith will host free D.I.Y. workshops for adults and kids, to provide expert advice through easy to follow steps.

Bunnings Warehouse Area Manager Robyn Hudson said the June workshops, which include Tiling and Plastering, Indoor D.I.Y. Projects, Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry, as well as Energy Saving Workshops, are ideal for residents looking to learn a wide range of skills to get the home winter ready.

“Penrith Valley residents of all skill levels are invited to come in to the store and learn a useful range of D.I.Y. tips to winter-proof their homes as well as ways to save energy and water around the home. Bunnings team members are pleased to be able to offer local Penrith Valley residents workshops to achieve their D.I.Y. goals”, Robyn said.

Free Kids D.I.Y. Workshops will also run each weekend throughout June with fun themed workshops including World Environment Day, Wall Art, Animal Craft, Dress Up, Decorator Workshops and more.

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE D.I.Y. WORKSHOPS – June 2016 DATE Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June Saturday 11 June and Sunday 12 June Saturday 18 June and Sunday 19 June Saturday 25 June and Sunday 26 June DATE Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June Saturday 11 June Sunday 12 June Saturday 18 June Sunday 19 June Saturday 25 June Sunday 26 June

ADULT WORKSHOPS Save Energy & Water Around the Home Workshops Learn tips on how to save energy and water in your home Tiling & Plastering Workshops Get expert advice and tips on tiling and plastering for your next D.I.Y. project Indoor Project D.I.Y. Workshops Our expert team members will give you advice and information on how to kick start your indoor projects Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry D.I.Y. Workshops Get expert tips on how to seal you windows and doors to keep in the heat and block out the cold KIDS WORKSHOPS World Environment Day Workshops Learn about World Environment Day and use recycled materials to create a craft project Wall Art Workshops Create your very own piece of wall art Game Makers Workshops Create your own fun with the game makers workshop Dress Ups Workshops Have a day of fun dressing up and get creative with costumes Animal Craft Workshops Make your own special craft animal How to Plant a Tree Workshops Learn tips to plant your own tree Decorator Workshops Get tips on how to best decorate and let your creative side show

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays throughout June Adult D.I.Y. Workshops are held at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm Kids D.I.Y. Workshop times vary so please contact your local Bunnings Warehouse for times WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Cnr John Hines Avenue & Great Western Highway, Tel: 8882 0600 Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith, 2169 Castlereagh Road, Tel: 4720 2000 Bunnings Warehouse Penrith, Wolseley Street, Regentville, Tel: 4737 5400

www.nepeanrowingclub.com.au

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20 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

What is the best food for our pets?

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT

with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET

Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

WITH the current furore over the influence major pet food companies are having in our Veterinary Nutrition curriculum, the question “what is the best thing to feed my pet?” has never been more relevant. If the designated experts in our community are not being taught in an unbiased manner, how can they be relied upon to provide unbiased advice?

Regular “Pet Food” is not the best solution At the moment the majority of graduating veterinarians advise people to feed their pets a premium dry commercial dog or cat food.

They are supposed to contain all the nutrition your pet requires for optimum health. But the immediate question that springs to mind is, “If I go to a

human nutritionist, they would never advise me to live on a diet of highly processed, mass produced biscuits. So what is different about our pets?”. The answer is “nothing” of course; highly processed food is not ideal for your pet.

The pet food-marketing situation has reached the point that new pet owners are afraid to feed their pets anything but “Pet Food”, for fear of injuring their pets.

The reality is that a large number of health problems are caused by commercial pet food diets, and that every day animals are suffering and even dying (many in agony) because of the excellent marketing techniques of the large pet food companies.

Mismatch between dry food and the pet’s normal diet In their natural diet, dogs receive a lot of water through their food, which is not given with the dry “pet food”.

The water content is but one issue.

The high carbohydrate content and non-animal protein sources have been implicated in our pets (dogs and cats) developing diabetes, obesity, and other diseases.

So where does this leave the pet owner and the veterinarian? It is hard to find unbiased scientific research because the large pet food companies control the research agenda. Vets are scientists and like to have scientific studies to back up their clinical decisions. Yet all the studies are based around the biscuits rather than foods designed to replicate a wild diet.

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I am currently gathering data from zoo veterinarians, research that has been done on wild and zoo animals, a range of experts in pet nutrition, and the limited research that does exist in this area.

The right diet Dogs are not very difficult to provide a balanced diet. If you make a diet that is balanced to you then it is likely to be balanced for your dog. When in doubt add a multivitamin and mineral supplement. There are proponents of various raw diets for dogs, and some of the concepts behind these diets have merit. However, given dogs love to scavenge and eat a range of foods in the wild, I would avoid getting too strict about what your dog eats. A common sense approach with the usual no go foods such as onion, etc. is fine. Don’t forget that domestic dogs have been living on the food we throw away for thousands of years. They are amazingly well adapted to eat a human like diet.

As we learn more about the mistakes humans have been making in their own

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diets (such as ingesting large quantities of carbohydrates since 1980), we must also transfer that to dogs.

There are diets on the market that are supposed to replicate a wild diet.

These diets are definitely a big step in the right direction. However, there are a couple of caveats I would mention.

Firstly, make sure they have the correct nutritional profile (try and find one that is linked to a veterinarian or someone similarly trained in animal nutrition). Secondly, they generally use a large animal (such as kangaroo) as the primary source of meat. There is mounting evidence that if you want the best for your pet then a similar weighted animal diet is important. Not many small dogs are capable of taking down an Eastern Grey Kangaroo or Cow. Conclusion So the answer to the original question is evolving. My current advice is not to over complicate it. A range of foods, avoiding those on the dangerous list, and a raw lamb shank or something similar with the meat on the bone for some fun and a bit of a dental work out. Avoid dry commercial foods (particularly in cats), and watch this space as new foods are produced that truly do represent the ideal diet for our pets.

For more details about this issue and more please visit www.vet.expert, the site shall be up and running by May 2016 and will contain unbiased information for the public from veterinarians and other pet health experts recognised for their expertise in a particular area of pet health.

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Supporting emerging western Sydney Art Educators

By Kerrie Davies

PENRITH Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest is proud to announce the recipient of its new 12 month paid Education Internship program - Christine Ghali. In a Sydney first, Penrith is the only gallery in Sydney to offer a paid Education Internship of this nature.

This exciting professional development initiative is part of the Gallery’s on-going commitment to supporting and enhancing career opportunities for young and emerging arts professionals. Over the twelve month period interns will build skills and knowledge in the development of education programs, including how to identify and meet the needs and expectations of education audiences.

The inaugural recipient Christine Ghali, is a recent graduate of the College of Fine Arts, UNSW, where she majored in ceramics. Subsequent studies include a: Masters of Arts Administration course.

Christine’s studies looked at the potentially transformative effect that participating in the arts can have on children and youth at risk. Christine’s findings from her research paper: Is There A Place for Art Education in Western Sydney? An Investigation on Its Importance for the Development of Children and At Risk Youth, will make a valuable contribution to the on-going work of the Gallery’s education team.

Christine will be developing and delivering a regional youth project in response to the gallery’s Winter exhibition suite, George Gittoes, I Witness, 28 May until 21 August. I Witness presents a chronological journey of Gittoes’ 40-year career artistically documenting sites of cultural conflict.

I Witness explores the capacity of figurative art to address issues of an ethical, if not spiritual, nature where the question of being human is starkly framed in the context of war and terrorism.

Like Gittoes, Christine Ghali’s own art practice also looks at conflict and is informed by her cultural heritage as a Coptic Christian. It is a response to the oppression of Coptic people in their native Egypt and will be on exhibition in Penrith City Council’s library from 28 May until 21 August 2016.

Christine uses ceramics and multi-lingual text in her art work, Hear No Evil, See No Evil, , 2011, whereby she has inscribed words in Arabic, Coptic and English into multiple figurative clay forms in response to the Egyptian revolution, which exacerbated the already existing difficulties the Coptic (native Egyptian) Christians were experiencing in their homeland.

“The figures in my artwork are not portraits,

they are representatives of the suffering of people living in situations of religious, political and cultural intolerance,” Christine said.

“In particular Hear No Evil, See No Evil, 2011, is a response to the brutal and inhuman treatment of the Coptic people in Egypt. Being of Coptic heritage (Copt) I feel that it is my responsibility to bring light on the suffering that we as a community face, either first hand in daily life in Egypt or remotely, after migration, through the media and communication from distant family and friends.”

Christine will be mentored by Naomi McCarthy the Gallery’s Manager of Education who received The Museums and Galleries NSW International Fellowship in 2013 for curatorial work, developing and presenting the “Lewers Learning Centre” a contemporary art exhibition program with a focus on interactive, intergenerational learning and engagement in galleries.

21 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

How well do you know your skin?

MELANOMA continues to be a major health issue, particularly for young people, prompting Westmead Hospital to host a public information session on the skin cancer.

The Melanoma Monday in May event will feature a panel of experts from several hospital fields, discussing the science of melanoma, early detection, imaging and the latest treatment options.

Speakers will include Prof Graham Mann, from the Westmead Institute for Medical Research Centre for Cancer Research, Dr Cathy Zhao and Dr Shelley Hwang from Westmead Hospital’s Dermatology Department, Dr Julie Howle, from surgical oncology, and Dr Matteo Carlino, from medical oncology.

Westmead Hospital Department of Dermatology head A/Prof Pablo Fernandez-Penas, who will also speak at the event, said Australia had one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.

“The number of people diagnosed with melanoma in Australia is still growing; every year, we see the numbers rise,” he said.

“It is also the most common cancer in young people; we are still seeing teenagers who want to have tanned

Nita

Ask

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

IF liposuction doesn’t appeal to you, yet you still struggle with stubborn fat pockets, the good news is that the answer doesn’t always have to be plastic surgery. There is a new, painless, non-invasive approach to weight loss called CoolSculpting, or non-invasive body contouring.

Developed by Harvard scientist, CoolSculpting is a TGA approved alternative to liposuction and other invasive surgeries.

It has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure. There is no incision required with CoolSculpting, like there is for liposuction, and you

skin, they think it is nice and beautiful and they’re willing to sit out in the sun to get it.

“What they don’t realise is that melanoma kills more young Australians than any other single cancer – that’s why prevention is so important.”

Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the skin’s pigment cells.

It is mainly caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can grow very quickly if left untreated.

A/Prof Fernandez-Penas said the information session would focus on detection and the importance of regular skin checks.

“We want people to be able to check

their own skin and the skin of people they care for, and know what to look out for,” he said.

“The ABCDE guidelines are a useful way to monitor skin and check for warning signs.”

It is important to seek expert advice if you notice any of the following: • A – asymmetry – one-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

• B – border – the edges of a melanoma are uneven, scalloped or notched.

• C – colour – a mole with a variety of colours could be a sign of melanoma.

• D – diameter – the area is larger than six millimetres (about the size of

a pencil eraser) • E – evolving – be on alert if a mole has changed in size, shape, colour or any other trait.

Prof Fernandez-Penas said the forum would also cover the importance of sun protection, particularly for people with fair skin.

“Overexposure UV light causes 95 per cent of melanoma, so protecting your skin from the sun is critical,” he said.

“People should make sure they wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and sun protective clothing and seek shade, especially in the hottest part of the day.”

Early detection of melanoma is key, according to Prof FernandezPenas, who said nearly 95 per cent of cases caught in the early stages were curable.

“If a melanoma is less than one millimetre in thickness, it is generally easily treatable; a biopsy may be all that is required,” he said.

The Melanoma Monday in May event will be held on Monday, May 23, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Westmead Hospital Education Centre (enter through main entrance).

To book, call (02) 9845 7983.

Refreshments will be provided.

RESHAPE BY FREEZING FAT can continue on with your day right after the procedure is complete. You can even relax and read a magazine while you’re having the procedure done.

The procedure, which primarily targets very limited volumes of fat of the flanks, abdomen, back, thighs, man boobs, arms and chins, non-invasively eliminates stubborn fat deposits. It is a procedure that is performed on both men and women. Coolsculpting is NOT a weight loss solution for people who are obese, or a substitute for surgical methods such as liposuction.

Ideal candidates for this procedure are in relatively good shape, and are also in good general health.

Lasting around 45 minutes per treatment, the CoolSculpting procedure is quick and very straightforward. No incision is required. The device is placed on the target area, which then draws up the bulge between two cooling panels.

The sensation is likened to a firm

pulling sensation.

The area is then cooled to a point where the underlying fat freezes, and the fat cells die. The results of CoolSculpting, for most, are visible after the first treatment. Fat gradually disappears over time. Dead fat cells will be eliminated from your body through natural processes, with no damage to the overlying skin.

It’s important to note that multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results. The fact that CoolSculpting is non-invasive means that there is no recovery or healing time after a session. Some patients experience pain or discomfort, but this is very rare. Side effects can include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness to the touch, cramping, itching,

tingling, and numbness. If numbness occurs it can persist up to several weeks after a procedure.

Rejuven8 will have 2 machines so that both areas could be treated at one time. Therefore doubling the result at one time. Imagine how easy it will be to freeze away both love handles in 45 minutes.

You can reshape your figure with no downtime, proven results and minimum discomfort.

If you would like to attend a future Coolsculpting information event, call Rejuven8 Penrith Cosmetic Clinic (part of Total Face Group) 02 4732 4009 to express your interest.

BODY STUDIO

www.rejuven8.com.au

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CLAIM YOUR FREE TRIAL 140 Henry St, Penrith

4732 4006

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

By Kerrie Davies

WHAT could equate to the trifecta of all great things combined for many blokes out there, The Face of Origin brings beer, footy and hot looking girls together in the one event. Hooda thunk it?

Yes, the hottest sports model search is back – The face of Origin - returning in 2016 and billed as the hottest Rugby League model search.

Face of Origin is the definitive search for one young woman from to represent all the glamour and excitement that is the State of Origin.

The competition is open to all young women over the age of 18 on June 1: the Pioneer Hotel is hosting the Face of Origin on the same nights as origin game nights 1 and 2 - June 1 and June 22 respectively.

Contestants will compete in three categories of dress: Cocktail, Theme footy wear and of course, you know it’s coming - Swimwear.

The blood, sweat and tears on the field will quickly transform into bikinis, glamour appeal and toned physiques on stage with only one lucky girl selected to represent their venue at the Face of

E

OF

FIC

IA

LV

U EN

Origin Grand Final on the night of State of Origin Game 3.

This year’s Grand Final will be hosted on the night of State Of Origin Game 3 on Wednesday July 13, held in Brisbane, QLD. With a fantastic prize pool valued at over $10,000 in cash and prizes plus a feature shoot in Rugby League Player Magazine, the organisers say this event is the prfect opportunity for models or potential models to launch their career in the industry.

See the Pioneer’s ad for more details!

Heritage festival events PENRITH Council’s Library Research Services has a big week in store for history enthusiasts as part of the National Trust’s Heritage Festival from 23 -29 May. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said a series of interesting events will showcase the valuable historical and family history collections and service at the Library.

“History is interesting, but it also gives us insights into who we are today and about those that have gone before us,” Councillor McKeown said.

The events include talk and practical workshops by guest speakers and library staff: • Tuesday 24 May 10am – Using Trove and the Library’s new catalogue for local and family history research Vanessa Stockford, Librarian, Penrith City Library • Wednesday 25 May 10am – Using local history resources for local and family history research - Ann-maree Bonner, Librarian, Penrith City Library • Wednesday 25 May 4pm – Bookbinding and conservation repairs (bring in your books and archives for assessment) -

Ted Chapman from Chapman Bookbinding • Thursday 26 May 10am – World War One soldier wills and probates at State Records NSW - Vicki Wilson from the Document Detective • Friday 27 May 10am – Family history research at Penrith City Library - Lorraine Stacker, Librarian, Penrith City Library – followed by a presentation by Nepean Family History Society.

• Saturday 28 May 2pm – History of postcards gleaned from the Library’s Joyce Cole Collection - Alison Spencer, Library Technician, Penrith City Library All events are free, but limited, so please book. Tickets available from Library service desk. For more details phone 4732 7891, or 47328040 or email researchservices@ penrith.city During the week from 23 – 29 May, the Research Room will also be open extended hours from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm, where staff will be on hand to provide help with your research.

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

Something extra for Origin!

27

AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST FOOTY MODEL SEARCH

HEAT 1 WEDNESDAY 1ST JUNE & HEAT 2 22ND JUNE, 6.30PM

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

We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. alhgroup.com.au

28

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

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

Mike’s Pantry

Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison

with Mike Creed

Hey, it’s great to be so happy!

Bobotie

Now that’s a pretty bold statement...but how important it is to be happy!

Happiness is a state of mind and well-being. It makes us bubble and our eyes and face shine.

Happiness also attracts more happiness...sadness works as powerfully the other way.

Here I go again, “If you want to be happy sing a happy song” - oldie but still works.

How many millions of things around us make us happy if we let them!

How many occasions do we let fly past us without savoring them and letting them in?

To bring the simplest of joys to our hearts, our minds and spirit.

Look around you at this very moment. Everything is a miracle!

From the grass you maybe standing on, or the chair you are sitting in.

Have you just missed the chance to change someone else’s life by sharing a smile?

Have you just missed the chance to change someone else’s life by not taking the chance to do them a favour?

“It’s in giving that we receive!”

It doesn’t take much for the light that shines within you to go from being dim to being switched to “bright” It doesn’t take much to go from feeling bright to feeling even brighter.

Go ahead, brighten your life! Take the challenge.

Life is too long to be unhappy!

Have a goodie Your mate, Rossco.

INGREDIENTS: 1 kg minced lamb 2 large dried peaches, chopped 1/2 cup seeded raisins, chopped 1 slice white bread 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter or oil 2 large onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon madras style curry powder 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar salt and pepper 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 small eggs 1/4 cup almonds 2 lemon or bay leaves METHOD: Preheat oven to 200.Soak dried fruit in water for 30 mins, drain and set aside.

Heat butter or oil in large frypan, broen mince then remove mince into a large bowl.

Add the onions to the frypan and

some extra oil if needed, fry until soft but not coloured. Add curry powder, sugar, salt and pepper and stir for one minute. Stir in lemon juice and bring to simmer, then pour contents of the pan over meat. Add milk soaked bread, i egg and the peaches, raisins and almonds. knead by hand until all combined well.

Pack the lamb into greased lasagne dish and tuck the bay leaves under the surface of the meat.

Beat one egg with 3/4 cup milk, season lightly and pour over the surface of the meat. Bake in oven for 40 minutes until the surface is browned and firm.

Serve hot with boiled rice and vegetables.

THURSDAY 2 JUNE - 6.30PM BOOK NOW! (02) 4736 4466 pioneer.tavern@alhgroup.com.au

MENU Natural Oysters 2015 Semillon

TICKETS $55

Salmon Canapes with Garlic Cream Sauce & Dill 2014 Chardonnay

Twice-Cooked Pork Belly served with Potato Puree and Fresh Beans 2014 Tempranillo

Eye Fillet served with Red Wine Jus & Steamed Seasonal Vegetables 2013 Shiraz

Cheese Platter & Seasonal Fruit 2014 Dessert Semillon

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

We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. alhgroup.com.au

The Fossicks fight for a place in western Sydney

By Keegan Thomson

IN this day and age, where we’re being overloaded by radio hottest 100s and online top download charts, it is hard to find completely original music. Fighting for the creatives is the Fossicks, a band hailing from western Sydney, who’ve decided to turn their back against the sounds coming from the west and gone done a more original path.

Fusing a blend of music which they’ve personally described as Queens of the Foo Monkeys, a play on Queens of the Stone Age, the Foo Fighters and the Arctic Monkeys, the Fossicks are forging their own blend of punk and alternative music.

Jack Vietze, the band’s lead guitarist, said “we saw the music was coming out of the inner west, western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and we thought, screw that we don’t want to sound like that.”

Drummer, Tristan Blackett, said the secret to their success is their humble beginnings.

“We met at TAFE and we are all multi instrumentalists, so we all came together and bounced ideas off one and other, and a lot of these ideas stuck,” he said. “We’ve always wanted to

make something really different.”

David Pedrucci, the vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the Fossicks and Doonside local, added by saying, “ We grew up with a lot of heavy rock influences, a lot of bands that have something to say, so that has inspired us and gave us some voice. As cliche as it sounds, we are going to do what we want and we don’t care what anyone thinks.”

To change up their sound they’ve employed local blues and roots legend, Claude Hay, to help mix

their forthcoming EP, which they recorded at Sky Valley Studios in the Blue Mountains.

“We want to make something that sounds really different so we asked Claude in and what he has done with the band is pretty freaking cool,” said David. “Our new stuff will sound completely different to our older stuff.”

But even with a new album in the mix and a strong following of fans, the Fossicks said because of the lack of music venues willing to support local up and coming bands they often find it hard to get gigs in western Sydney.

“We have met a lot of good musos and bands from the west and it seems everyone is struggling. We’ve got nowhere to have a home base. It is killing the buzz,” David said.

Despite the issues with gigging the band is warming up more material for more shows and an album in the future.

“We are going to be trying to release an EP soon.

We want to get the finishing touches and then we will start an album,” Tristan said.

You can find the Fossicks on facebook and on soundcloud.

If you’re a local western Sydney band and you want your story told email keegan@nepeannews. com.au and we’ll get in touch.

29 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

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

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

WORD SEARCH

CHOCOLATE ADDICTIVE BAKING BARS BITTERSWEET BROWNIES CAKES CANDY CHIPS CHOCOLATIERS COCOA

CONFECTIONERY COOKIES CREAM PIE CUPCAKE DARK DECADENT DELICIOUS DESSERT DRINKS

FILLING FONDUE FOOD FUDGE ICE CREAM ICING INGREDIENT MILK MOUSSE

PUDDING SEMISWEET SUGAR SWISS SYRUP TREAT TRUFFLES UNSWEETENED WHITE

SUDOKU: EASY

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

30

SOLUTION: 5th May

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Intense sorrow (9) 6 Deleted expletive (5) 9 Blow up (7) 10 Sowed (7) 11 A tropical cereal grass (7) 12 Trade stoppage (7) 13 Regards with suspicion (9) 15 Pertaining to the Hellenic Republic (5) 16 Without companionship (5) 19 Fazed (9) 22 Sharp turn (7) 23 Smooched (slang) (7) 25 Inane (7) 26 Piano music with a syncopated melody (7) 27 Contemplates (5) 28 Subverts (9)

DOWN 1 They often grow on heads (5) 2 Asserts (7) 3 Instructor (7) 4 Whipping, clotted or ice (5) 5 Female imperial rulers (9) 6 A small weighted cloth bag (7) 7 The Muse of music (Greek mythology) (7) 8 Firmly fastened with a device (9) 13 Controls the size of a camera aperture (9) 14 Wastes (9) 17 Beginnings (7) 18 Depletes (7) 20 Notion (7) 21 Prolonged unfulfilled desire (7) 23 Bush (5) 24 Sediment (5)

solution 5/5/16

THURSDAY 26 MAY, 11AM Come along and enjoy a free tea or coffee. Buy a cupcake, raffle ticket or make a donation All proceeds go to the Cancer Council

STATE OF ORIGIN

on the BIG screen June 1st Win 4 front row VIP Lounge Seats in front of the Big screen at Penrith Gaels for you & your mates, including drinks and snacks Tickets for the promo of drinks and snacks are $2 each or 3 for $5 available at reception

With every bar purchase during all three games (Wednesday 1st June, Wednesday 22nd June & Wednesday 13th July)

receive a free ticket to go into the draw to win a NSW or QLD state of origin jersey, which will be drawn at the end of the 3rd game on the 13th July Must be present to win and first drawn will have the choice.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY 20 MAY SKYZ THE LIMIT

SATURDAY 21 MAY REMIXES

SUNDAY 22 MAY GEORGIE

FRIDAY 27 MAY RADIO CITY

SATURDAY 28 MAY STEPPING OUT

MORE ON THE

“Wagon Wheel Hotel”

I

N November 1959 the first Australasian parachute championships were held at Tamworth where a number of enthusiasts from the Nepean district attended. Three young men were singled out to compete.

Flight Sgt. Bob Milligan and Laurie Potter of St Marys and Keith Hensby of Penrith. Five teams were also competing from New Zealand along with a special girls’ exhibition team who were trained and instructed at Camden by Flight Sgt. Milligan. They were giving exhibition descents from 1,000 feet. Nick Devery of the Wagon Wheel donated the trophies for the girls’ team. Vacuum Oil Co sponsored the whole championship with a donation of £100 for trophies and supplied 100 gallons of aviation fuel to get the show airborne. That was the first time two countries held an international standard championship of that type in the Southern Hemisphere. All the advertising posters were donated and Evan James from St Marys was the official recorder. In 1960 the St Marys’ Fishing Club held monthly meetings at the Wagon Wheel, also that same year Nick was regaling listeners of 2KA’s “Nepean News Spot” recalling the life of the Reverend Samuel Marsden who lived at “Mamre” at St Marys and he also wanted those listeners to know that he was assisting with a display of “Local History of Art” that was part of the Nepean Summer Festival. Nick also made available rooms at the Wagon Wheel for a presentation for Mr J Ewart of St Marys who was the agent for the AMP Society in 1960 and was being presented with a gold medal in honour of his 15 years service with that company. The results of another parachute jump this time at Bathurst commenced in January 1961 where St Marys’ men again played an important part in establishing the Australian “free fall” parachute descent record. They were Keith Hensby (aged 23) who was a house painter and lived at Benelong Street at St Marys. He reached an altitude of 2,700 feet before jumping and was one of the two to make the free fall. Brian Murphy (aged 25) of Woronora Street at Hurstville and Bob Milligan (now Warrant Officer). They delayed opening their parachutes until they were only 2,300 feet above the Bathurst aerodrome where the Cessna plane had taken off. Warrant Officer Milligan lived at Edgar Street at St Marys and from the Parachute Training Flight R.A.A.F. at Williamstown supervised the parachute descent. The cost of the oxygen equipment that was absolutely necessary for the flight was sponsored by Nick Devery who was keenly interested in aviation sport as well as many other district interests. Extreme cold was experienced in the upper atmosphere and frosting of the plane occurred. For their free fall, Hensby and Murphy used altimeters and stop-watches strapped to their bodies. As well as the free fall record they also gained the high altitude record for Australia. It was also thought that both achievements were Australasian records. Both men were members of the Camden Parachute Club and were considering an attempt on the world record. Also in December of that year there was another “free fall” by Brian Murphy at the Camden Aerodrome Pageant with the funds in aid of the Macarthur District Ambulance. He jumped from a De Havilland “Dragon” aircraft at 2,500 ft and he fell 400 ft before opening his parachute. Again another parachute jump to coincide with the Nepean Summer Festival carnival was arranged by Bob Milligan where two members of the parachute school at Camden were to make the first descent at St Marys with the parachute drop planned to start over the site of the carnival and finish with a landing in an adjoining property. The drop was to be a height of 1,500

feet with the plane supplied by the NSW Flying Group but was postponed due to flooding in the district. Other events postponed on the program was the cycling races and gymkhana that was to be held on Waterhouse’s property bordering South Creek but an inspection of the sports arena on the property showed the trotting track to be badly damaged and the ground too soft. Another function held at the wagon Wheel hotel in 1961 was the formation of a Lions Club at St Marys. The first meeting inducted 16 members into the club at the function. The new St Marys’ club was sponsored by the Penrith club who had a large number of their members at the meeting. The first function attended by David Ramsden as Charter President was the opening of the new Bennett Road Public School. Also that year the Nepean District Historical Society visited St Mary Magdalene Church that was the first stop with the graves of the King and Lethbridge families and other pioneers were visited and the inscriptions noted. Other historical sites visited on that excursion were an old demolished cottage in Mamre Road and “Bayly Park” the home of the Walker family. Sandstone bricks of the cottage had been laid on a foundation of ironbark logs.

Members were impressed by a Kurrajong tree evidently of great age on the “Bayly Park” property. On the return journey the members called on Nick Devery at the Wagon Wheel who (it is said) was well versed in the history of South Creek now known as St Marys. Nick must have been a man constantly on the go. As well as what has been written about him in these articles, Nick managed to also be the Patron of the Cabra-Vale Branch of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen’s Club in 1945. In 1948 he challenged all members of the Camden Rotary Club over 40 to a race of 100 yards. Same year he was President of the Camden Branch of the Road Safety Council of NSW. In 1950 he was the President of the Near Southern District of the U.L.V.A. (United Licensed Victuallers Association of New South Wales) where he attended a conference at History House in Sydney and was given high praise at that conference for his several suggestions regarding the improvements of the meals side of a hotel. In 1961 the hotel license of the Wagon Wheel was taken over from Nick by Clarence “Clarrie” Burns from East Sydney. Nick moved to Cronulla and at that time had no immediate business plans.

Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc. To be continued....

Source: “History of Competitors & Records” by Fiona McEachern – (Photo shows L-R: Louis Johnston, Tom Nicol, Bob Thomas, Keith Bullied, Graeme Grigg, Warren Hutchings, Bob Milligan & Joe Finta).

33 33 Nepean NewsNews 19 February 2015 Issue 143 Nepean 19 May 2016 175

nepeanhistory nepean

34

finance and real estate matters

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

LOW INFLATION IS GREAT NEWS IF YOU HAVE A HOME LOAN With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

LAST month I wrote about the low interest rate environment that Australia is now a part of. Since that article the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decreased the official cash rate by 0.25 per cent on May 3.

The main reason that forced the RBA to do this was the surprise negative consumer price index (inflation) figures for the three months to March.

What this means is that the overall cost of living in this country went down by 0.2 percent over those three months.

This follows the previous two years of declining inflation.

The main point of the featured graph is that inflation usually rises in a strong and expanding economy and falls when the economy is weakening and contracting.

When the cost of living is decreasing (deflation), most would think that is a great thing to happen as goods can cost less than they previously did.

However, governments and the RBA hate deflation for various reason. If prices continue to reduce, than a lot of people will put off buying items in the hope they can purchase later at an even cheaper price. This mentalityreduced confidence which then feeds on itself to stop more and more people from spending which can escalate the rate of price declines.

The government and the RBA both want to stimulate confidence and spending to try to increase the economy and create more jobs. This would mean more people and employers paying more tax to increase the government’s income so they can start to repay Australia’s debt.

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

The RBA likes to see inflation running between 2 and 3 percent as this is a sign of a health and expanding economy. The current annual rate of inflation is now at recent low point of only 1.3 percent.

The winners from our declining economy are of course people who have homeloans and will get another reduction to their interest rates. However, not all lenders are passing on the full 0.25 percent reduction as per the following table:-

Now is a great time to do a homeloan review as I can almost guarantee you that another lender will be able save you some substantial interest by refinancing to them. Some lenders are also offering rebates to refinance of up to $1,500 as well so you can have large savings from day one.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

LENDER

REDUCTION

APPLICABLE FROM

NAB

0.25 PERCENT

16TH MAY

BANK OF QUEENSLAND

0.25 PERCENT

18TH MAY

CBA

0.25 PERCENT

20TH MAY

ING

0.25 PERCENT

20TH MAY

ST GEORGE

0.25 PERCENT

23RD MAY

WESTPAC

0.25 PERCENT

23RD MAY

CITIBANK

0.21 PERCENT

23RD MAY

AMP

0.20 PERCENT

23RD MAY

BANKWEST

0.20 PERCENT

20TH MAY

SUNCORP

0.20 PERCENT FOR OWNER OCCUPIED

25TH MAY

SUNCORP

0.15 PERCENT FOR STANDARD VARIABLE INVESTMENT HOME LOANS

25TH MAY

ANZ

0.19 PERCENT

13TH MAY

Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au

Selling fee 1.4%* Management fee 4.4%* *limited time only, terms and conditions apply

9833 4002

1/99 Canberra St, Oxley Park

Ask

LATTS

35 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

realestate real

All your real estate questions answered, with Darren Latty ~ darren@prd.net.au Paul from South Penrith asked “How do interest rates effect the real estate market?”

IN the modern economic cycle interest rates have an immediate impact on real estate activity. In fact the rumour of a change can often have as much impact as the change itself.

Buyers often lack the confidence to make a decision based on their own research so they are often influenced by what the media has to say. Quite often, if the media has chosen a topic that scares buyers like talk of a price bubble, changes to negative gearing or interest rate increases the effect at

ground level (meaning open house attendance) drops accordingly. By the same token if the media is positive about real estate growth the opposite occurs. At the beginning of last year Penrith was identified by many industry experts as an investment hotspot. Over the next few months investors flocked to Penrith like never before and prices rose dramatically.

Interest rates have by far the biggest impact though as this directly effects how much the property will cost to

keep. I bought my first house in 1991.

Interest rates were 17%. I thought I was clever locking in a fixed rate of 15.5% for 5 years. 2 years later interest rates were 7%. The house that cost me $105,000 had a penalty payment of $20,000 if I wanted to get out of the fixed loan. The real lesson from this was that the market has far better knowledge of where interest rates are heading. If the fixed rate was so far below the variable rate then the market was confident

that rates would drop. Fixed rates moved up mid to late last year then dropped again in the past couple of months. My advice is to always do your own research and don’t rely on speculative media reports to make one of the most important decisions of your life. Surround yourself with people who know their facts and always remember that an investment in real estate is a long term investment not an overnight money making machine.

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0430 106 399 ABN 5411 933 9171 Licence 265238c

OFFER ENDS 31ST MAY 2016

Offer ends 31/5/2016. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

36

sport

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

Wanderers sign academy players Scott and Shabow

By Chris Layland

THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have signed Lachlan Scott and Mario Shabow to first team contracts.

Forward Lachlan Scott and midfielder Mario Shabow have both signed one year Hyundai A-League contracts, becoming the first players from the newlyestablished Wanderers Academy to earn deals with the first team.

It is an early mark of approval for the new academy which has seen the Red & Black establish a direct pathway from U13s to senior football with a total of seven teams in the PS4 NPL competitions along with the existing Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League, Foxtel NYL and Powerchair teams.

Fans have already seen a glimpse of Shabow when the teenager made a brief cameo in a win against Central Coast Mariners, highlighted by an impressive spin as a late substitute in the 2-0 victory.

The contract is a dream come true for Shabow who has become the first player to make the transition from the Red & Black Bloc to the Wanderers first team: the 18-year-old being a regular on the terraces since attending

the Club’s first ever game against Nepean FC in 2012.

“I’m a very passionate fan of the Wanderers: playing for the team I support just makes me more passionate and makes me want it more. Not a lot of players can say they play for the team they support so it’s a great feeling signing my first senior contract here,” said Shabow.

“I still remember the first preseason game in 2012 and the first few moments when I fell in love with the club and the crest and now being on the other side makes me look back and wonder how it came so quick. I can’t

wait to put that jersey on again.

“The time I’ve spent with the Wanderers so far has been the best in my life, I feel very strong, the fittest I’ve been and hopefully I can continue improving.”

Scott too is a name familiar with a number of Wanderers fans with the recently announced Foxtel NYL Player of the Season catching the eye with a number of impressive goal scoring efforts.

Having scored 15 goals in 18 appearances for the Wanderers this season in all competitions, the 19-year-old really turned heads when

he came off the bench to score five goals against defending champions, Spirit FC, in the Red & Black’s historic first ever NPL match.

“I’m really happy to have signed a professional contract with the Wanderers and I’m looking forward to a year of hard work to keep improving.

Popa is such a hard coach but so rewarding: he pushes you so you keep improving,” said Scott.

“Training with the first team is at such a high intensity but a lot of the boys have helped me: blokes like Bridgey, Santa and Dimas have kept me motivated and I’m enjoying training with such quality players.

“I’m a striker, scoring goals is my job and working hard so I can score for the Hyundai A-League team is what I have to do.”

Mario Shabow 18-year-old midfielder Hyundai A-League appearances: 1 Foxtel NYL appearances: 6 (3 goals) PS4 NPL2 appearances: 10 (5 goals) Lachlan Scott 19-year-old forward Foxtel NYL appearances: 8 (4 goals) PS4 NPL2 appearances: 10 (11 goals)

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

Penrith may have taken a NRL home game to Christchurch last Saturday but the cameras of 77 Media were still on hand to capture all the lower grades action at Pepper Stadium between the Panthers and the NZ Warriors

Flying Fijian Ratu Tuisese gets set to score his 14th try of the season.

Panthers centre, Braidon Burns had a day out scoring five tries

As did Nathan Cleary (seen here getting his pass away despite heavy attention) who scored 26 points

Panthers Intrust Super Premiership Five-Eighth Will Smith in Motion

Panthers Winger Josh Hall soars above and beyond to grab the opening try

Panthers centre Waqa Blake looks to fend opposing centre, Konrad Hurrell

COACH’S CORNER

BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com

SHORT AND SHARP OPINIONS

The Bunker: The purpose of the NRL’s implementation of the much-maligned ‘Bunker’ was to deliver consistency. In that regard it has failed up until this point in time. This consistency largely revolves around the obstruction rule. Most experts agree the current interpretation is incorrect, despite the fact at a recent coaches meeting where 15 of the 16 current NRL coaches were present they agreed to keep the current interpretation while allowing referees to use more discretion… To me this defeats the whole purpose of why the ‘Bunker’ was implemented, using discretion will not create consistency in decisions, it opens the door for inconsistency. In regards to the obstruction rule, I am a big fan of the current interpretation as the referees seem to have finally understood the impact of a lead runner crashing into a defender regardless of where he is situated in relation to the play. To apply the logic that lead runners taking out a defender 10 metres from where the try is eventually scored is a ridiculous argument. The fact the defensive line is corrupted by poorly executed or organised attacking play should be of no disadvantage to the defensive team. The referees have it spot on to disallow tries where this occurs. When defenders make poor

decisions and go to lead runners the play should be allowed to continue and tries awarded.

Parramatta Eels Salary Cap Crisis: The Eels should go and buy themselves a lottery ticket. When you look at the punishments handed down to the Bulldogs in 2002 and the Storm in 2010 the Eels should consider themselves very lucky. The fact they can play for points and potentially make the finals or heaven forbid win the competition is a black mark on the short tenure of the current NRL administration. To allow a team who has blatantly and systematically cheated the cap to have a chance at winning the competition is ridiculous. Todd Greenberg’s reasoning for such a light punishment was that he thought to be playing for no points as the Storm did in 2010 would be ‘soul destroying’.

I’m sorry Todd, but it should be soul destroying in order to deter clubs from cheating the cap in the future.

Rep Round: I have a lot of issues with Rep Round. Firstly the timing makes no sense at all in that we stop the NRL season for a test match which is rarely a contest and a City Vs Country game which has become a farce. The player exodus from the City Vs Country match should tell us enough

in that the players and clubs don’t take the game seriously and it is no longer a legitimate Origin trial.

NRL clubs need to take a leaf out of the Panthers book and start to service a country town / region to which they take at least one home match each season. The Panthers have taken their past two home games to Bathurst and Christchurch. The NRL could implement a ‘Country Round’ where all games for that week are taken to country venues.

The Pacific nation’s test matches were good, but the timing and scheduling makes no sense. Origin should always be played prior to Test matches, save International football for the end of the season.

NSW State of Origin Team: For the record this is the team I would select for game one of the 2016 Origin series. A lot of people have hammered Mitchell Pearce in the past and at the suggestion he will be picked again this season. I don’t understand all the uproar. He is the best we have, so pick him.

My team: Lachlan Coote, Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan, Michael Jennings, Josh Mansour, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen, Robbie Farah, James Tamou, Boyd Cordner, Beau Scott, Greg Bird. Reserves: Trent Merrin, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Bryce Cartwright.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY PENRITH PARTY HIRE (02) 4731 1313

AROUND THE GROUNDS with Jarrod McGrouther

A FORTNIGHTLY UPDATE ON LOCAL SPORTS IN THE NEPEAN AREA @J_MCGROUTHER RUGBY UNION

The Penrith Emus are currently at the halfway mark of their season.

With ex-Wallaby Jeremy Paul and his team working hard, the effort on the field is improving and starting to showcase the ability of the squads. Last weekend saw first grade go down 59-5 to Norths, with players showing solid commitment right to the final whistle. With the next two weeks at home, the club is asking supporters of all ages to come down to support what could be the Emu’s first win of the season.

In particular May 28th with the Emus and Penrith RSL are hosting the local Western Derby and Back to Penrith Day. First grade is set to kick off at Nepean Rugby Park at 3pm.

ICE HOCKEY

The Sydney Bears hosted the Melbourne Ice this past weekend in Brisbane. The initiative was run by the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) to bring national level ice hockey back to Queensland. On Saturday, the Bears fell agonizingly short 3-2 in a shootout. It was an intense battle that saw Bears Canadian import Ryan Annesley take a nasty slash to the nose. The injury didn’t stop the defender from burying the puck in the back of the net during the incident, cutting the Ice’s lead in half. Sunday’s match up brought even more intensity, with both sides playing a strong game of hockey. The game ended with the Ice taking home a 3-1 victory. The highlight of the game was import Brent Vandenberg scoring his first AIHL goal. Many Bears fans made the trip up to Brisbane, which was great to see.

Both games were sell-outs with over 500 fans in attendance. The Bears are back home at Penrith Ice Palace this Saturday May 21 to take on the Newcastle North Stars.

AFL

The Penrith Rams retained third spot on the Sydney AFL ladder with a comprehensive 107-point win against Randwick on Saturday at Greygums Oval. It was their third win in succession following last week’s victory against the previously undefeated Camden Cats. Brayden Wilson and captain Nathan Wright were both outstanding. In the curtain raiser, the Ramettes fought a tough Pennant Hills Demons outfit. With scores locked up at halftime, they prevailed by 32 points to maintain their third spot on the ladder. Representative stars Nikki Perrett and Renee Tomkins lead the way for the Ramettes. This Saturday, the Rams meet Western Suburbs, whilst the Ramettes play Newtown Breakaways, with both games at Greygums Oval commencing at 11 AM. It is the “Past Players Day” with a match scheduled for 1 PM featuring players of the past. Any former Rams players are invited to play. Contact Chairman Greg Corless on 0412 579 061 for details. New recruits also welcome.

Thank you to Ellen Smallacombe (Emus), Bianca Musico (Bears) and Greg Corless (Rams/Ramettes) for their help with the updates.

37 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

sport

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

Time to welcome back Panthers from

(Clockwise from top left) Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Bryce Cartwright and Trent Merrin are strong chances to play for NSW. Credit 77 Media.

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

PENRITH greats, Greg Alexander and Mark Geyer say that Penrith, having not had State of Origin representation since Game Three, 2012, deserve to have as many as five players selected when the Blues team for Game One to be played at ANZ Stadium, is announced in little under a week’s time.

That five includes a bolter who just five rounds ago was dropped to play Intrust Super Premiership, Tyrone Peachey.

Four of the five Panthers identified by the pair, Bryce Cartwright, Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour and Peachey would all be making their Origin debuts while Trent Merrin (with 13 Origin games to date) would be playing his first Origin game as a Panther, if selected.

Both Alexander and Geyer say that the talent pool available to pick from at Penrith in 2016 is amongst the best in the NRL and that its time for NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley to take advantage of a playing roster that after an inconsistent start, is starting to hit its straps.

“There’s no doubt I think we’ve got some of the most talented players

in the competition and they’ll be the ones pressing for selection for Origin,” Alexander said.

“The fact that we’ve won five games when we could have easily won eight or nine games, we’ve still had a very good season so far.”

“We’ve had some narrow losses and some narrow wins but I think individually when you look at some of our players they’ve been outstanding.”

“We could quite possibly have five players in this Origin team.”

The former Origin players also say that last year’s Game Three drubbing reaffirms their view that Daley needs overlook many of the players who played in the last series and instead look to the future.

The pair also added that it’s important to get the likes of those identified from Penrith that either have points in them or can provide pointscoring opportunities, if NSW are to match Queensland’s ability to score points.

“We (NSW) had fifty points put on us in Game Three last year,” Alexander lamented.

“There’s got to be some recrimination for that performance.”

“We can’t just roll in with the same players and hope that they get it done.”

Geyer added “We’ve got to start going with blokes who we think can

score points as Queensland have got a team that can score close to 20 points each game.”

“NSW need to fight fire with fire and pick blokes who can help score tries.”

“We’ve got to stop going with the safety-first options.”

In what would be a shock selection, Alexander declared Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey should be man picked to fill the utility role on the interchange bench, given his significantly improved form in recent weeks since returning to the NRL team.

While Peachey’s ability to play in a number of positions and on different sides of the field, makes him an ideal utility candidate, Alexander admits he faces stiff competition from Cronulla’s Jack Bird for that spot.

“As a bit of a bolter, I’d have Tyrone Peachey,” Alexander declared.

“I honestly think our best chance to win the current series is to pick some fresh players and Peachey offers a great deal in any position.”

“But I wouldn’t discount Jack Bird either so it will come down to as whether Peachey as a utility player can win a spot ahead of him.”

Geyer was more circumspect on Peachey’s chances for Game One despite his form but added that his form may warrant serious consideration later in the series.

“Peachey’s been great. I’ve loved his form,” Geyer said.

“But I don’t think he’ll make it for Game One.” “I think Jack Bird has the front running for it because he too can play many positions but if its one-all and you need to score points and you’re looking for someone with an energetic approach for Game Three then Peachey’s your man.”

Both Alexander and Geyer agree Bryce Cartwright is all but a certainty to be picked for NSW but added that the selectors must resist the temptation to start him at five-eighth and instead play him off the bench as a back-rower in order to allow Daley the luxury of having an utility player on the bench.

“I think Bryce Cartwright is a certainty. He’ll be in the 17,” an adamant Alexander stated.

“I just think he’ll be there. He needs to be there. They need him.”

“I’d probably play him off the bench to start with for his first Origin game and I’d play him back-row.”

“I wouldn’t play him at five-eighth.

He could handle it but it wouldn’t be fair to pick him there.”

MG added that Cartwright’s defence, which has been under scrutiny for some time now given he has missed more tackles than any other forward thus far in 2016, is improving with each game

Origin wilderness says Alexander, Geyer

Panthers great Greg Alexander says Tyrone Peachey should be picked on the NSW bench as the utility player. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

and that some within the media are just trying to find fault for the sake of finding fault.

“You can pin-point a lot of negatives in a player’s game but I think people are trying to find fault for the sake of finding fault,” Geyer declared.

“He missed one tackle in City which stood out then he made up for it with a man of the match performance and it’s something he’s been working on every week and getting better with.”

“He’d probably had a quieter game by his own standards against the Warriors but I think he played most of the game at five-eighth.”

“He’s done nothing to hurt his chances.”

It should be noted that after five rounds Cartwright missed 19 of 135 tackles for a 86% tackle efficiency but has improved noticeably the next five rounds, missing just 10 of 153 tackles for a 93% tackle efficiency.

Another contentious position for NSW is fullback but with early favourite James Tedesco currently out injured and incumbent Josh Dugan playing more as a centre, both Alexander and Geyer are adamant Matt Moylan, despite his late start to the season due to injury, has edged ahead of former Panther, Lachlan Coote, given his superior ball-playing abilities.

“It will depend what way Laurie is thinking with Josh Dugan but I think Matt Moylan’s shown enough even though he had an injury to start the year, his class has been very noticeable over the last month,” Alexander said.

“With so much doubt over our halves and over the years there always has, NSW needs a fullback who can be a ball-player and create try-scoring opportunities and Matt does that.”

Geyer felt Coote’s form has tapered in recent rounds after a strong start to the season and that Moylan was the

BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel

Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists.

MG’S BLUES

STEW’S BLUES

Matt Moylan * Josh Mansour * Michael Jennings Josh Dugan Blake Ferguson James Maloney Mitchell Pearce Aaron Woods Robbie Farah James Tamou Boyd Cordner Paul Gallen Trent Merrin

Matt Moylan * Josh Mansour * Michael Jennings Josh Dugan Blake Ferguson James Maloney Mitchell Pearce Aaron Woods Robbie Farah James Tamou Greg Bird Josh Jackson Paul Gallen

Jack Bird * Andrew Fifita Greg Bird Bryce Cartwright *

Tyrone Peachey * David Klemmer Trent Merrin Bryce Cartwright *

(Italics denotes changes to Game Three 2015, * denotes debut) man for the fullback role.

“I think Coote’s form has dropped a little bit the last few weeks to be honest.”

“If you are going to pick it on form then Moylan deserves it.”

“Moylan offers way too much to leave him out of Origin.”

While Alexander believes Josh Mansour despite his strong form, could have a hard time forcing his way into the Blues backline given the options available to Daley, a more bullish Geyer says the robust winger commands selection given he was unlucky to be overlooked for the Kangaroos.

“I think over the last month (along with Semi Radradra and Valentine Holmes) Josh has been the form winger of the competition,” Geyer declared.

“I think Mansour was unlucky not to play for Australia.”

“He’s got the perfect body for an Origin winger.”

CONCHITA: Was one of several impressive triallers at Newcastle last Monday. She ran second after showing a lot of pace, then cruising late. Paul Perry has a slick filly in this daughter of Uncle Mo, sire of Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.

FLIRTATIOUS FEMME: Is prepared by boom young conditioner Michael Costa. She’s a big miss likely to improve off a debut trial defeat last year. Powerful in romped up to win at the Warwick Farm session last Monday.

GHISONI: Is all class and she’s bang on target for her Brisbane campaign after cruising around in a Warwick Farm heat on Monday. Undoubtedly one of the land’s best female gallopers.

GUARD OF HONOUR: Is a lightly raced Northern Meteor youngster trained by Kris Lees. Rolled at Rosehill in January, he bounced back to win his fourth barrier trial to

“He’s got the size and strength and has fixed up the one thing that was kind of holding him back in my view, the errors at the play the balls.”

While both Alexander and Geyer have advocated for change in the wake of that Game Three result, one player who should retain his spot according to the pair is Panthers signing, Trent Merrin.

“I don’t think Trent would be one that would pay the price for that loss,” Alexander said.

“I would still have Trent as one of my middle players but whether he starts or comes off the bench it wouldn’t matter but.”

Geyer chimed in adding “I think he’s done enough. I’d find room for him for sure.”

“He can play front row, second row or lock.”

“He’s the perfect bloke to bring off the bench or even start with.”

date last Monday.

HURRARA: Maintained it’s ranking as a high speed horse by winning its short course trial in convincing fashion. From Garry Frazer’s Hawkesbury yard and primed to do something fresh.

MOUNT NEBO: Did everything right – as you’d expect – in a Newcastle heat. This burly chestnut possesses a fine turn of foot and Alan Denham is bound to place him to advantage.

OXFORD ART: Is a stylish, baldy-faced chestnut from Kim Waugh’s in-form stable at Wyong. He sustained pace impressively to win at the Newcastle trial session earlier this week.

STAR CROSSED: Won upon debut at Scone late in 2015. He’s an imposing juvenile aiming to maintain an unbeaten record after blitzing rivals in a Newcastle trial. Trained by local horseman Phillip Atkins.

39 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

BIG WEEK FOR TWO WESTERN SYDNEY TEAMS

Captain courageous against the Warriors last Saturday

Parra fans showing respect for Nathan Peats

WHAT a week for the two western Sydney rugby league teams.

One, Parramatta, have been in a world of pain given recent salary cap revelations, compounded by a last minute loss to the Rabbitohs last Friday night.

The other, Penrith, have started their climb up the premiership ladder after a statement-making victory against the Warriors in Christchurch last Saturday night.

The Eels dramas have had far reaching effects, the most significant being having to tell their future origin hooker Nathan Peats to move on. The Gold Coast Titans are the beneficiaries in the state swap. They now have the unenviable job of having to win 12 of their final 14 games, surely a task too great given the strength of the NRL circa 2016?

Their steely resolve as a footy team has to be admired though. In particular coach Brad Arthur should be applauded for his epic leadership from the front given the turbulent tsunami engulfing his team.

On to the Penny Panthers. After what could be described as an encouraging loss to the premiers North Queensland in round 6, Hook Griffin’s men have looked slick. A win over the Roosters, a 2 point loss to the Sharks, a field goal victory over the Raiders, and now last week’s most emphatic victory of the season over the unpredictable Warriors sees the mountain men firmly entrenched in the top 8. Bravo!

Penrith are fast becoming the must-watch team of the premiership. It’s no coincidence that since skipper Matt Moylan’s return the Panthers have upped the ante, and with players like Latu, Peachey, and Campbell Gillard improving by the game the future is looking mighty bright for Penrith.

The up-coming home game against the Titans is a game that needs as many

Raff at Triple M

local supporters as possible, get along to see a team, dare I say it, up to their eyeballs in the running to be the 2016 premiers.

And another thing....

I remember vividly as a kid one of the highlights of having a day off school was going to work with my dad, who was a truck driver. I used to ride sidesaddle with him as he drove all over Sydney delivering, first wood to building sites, then plastic to factories.

The thing I remember most was getting up before the sun and eating a big morning tea (little lunch) and an even bigger lunch. I didn’t know it at the time but even as a 10-year-old the bond my Dad and I were establishing whilst chatting in his work truck was profound. And still incredibly strong to the current day.

My youngest child Rafferti got the same buzz just recently when I took her along to check out everything that goes on when putting a radio show together at Triple M in the city.

After coming to grips with the 330am alarm, off we went down the M4 to 50 Goulburn St. Raff sat in our morning prep meeting then helped the producers out running errands around the studio for them.

Then as we were nearing the end of the show our EP asked “MG, do you want to get Raff on-air for a chat?”

“Of course,” I responded. So there she was, my eight year old daughter chatting to us live on air as I just stood there and felt total pride that she was experiencing something that will live with her forever.

Just as it did with me so many moons ago.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Celebrity

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

To Sign or Not to Sign? That Is the Question!

Reports emerged last week in News Limited and again this week on NRL 360 that premiershipwinning Cowboys prop James Tamou, is set to turn his back on a reported four-year $2.5 million dollar deal to stay in Townsville and instead move his family back south to Sydney and accept a fouryear deal with Penrith worth between $3-3.2 million dollars (if the numbers are to be believed).

In a recent poll, Panther fans voted 60-40 in favour of the club signing the test prop, not exactly a ringing endorsement, with many fans concerned by the number of players that may have to depart the club to accommodate Tamou, especially the likes of Josh Mansour and James Segeyaro.

The debate has also raged on social media Panther forums, where those against Tamou’s signing citing it will add as a roadblock to the likes of props, Moses Leota, Viliame Kikau, Oliver Clark and Cowan Epere.

For what it’s worth, the idea of signing Tamou is appealing but it would be great if third party agreements could be sourced to help retain the likes of Mansour and Segeyaro.

The signing could be achieved without blocking pathways for the next generation of props coming through the playing ranks if some smart manoeuvring of the current roster is achieved.

BUT as was the case with Johnathan Thurston who was all but signed, sealed and delivered to the Panthers some years back, whilst reports regarding Tamou suggests otherwise, until official confirmation comes from Penrith, there could yet be one final twist.

As a 2017 Panther is Immediately Released At the same time, Souths have confirmed that rugged Souths back-rower Chris Grevsmuhl has been released from the remainder of his contract which expires at the end of the 2016 season.

Penrith, who already have the back-rower under contract for 2017-18, is expected to sign the Queensland Origin hopeful in coming days.

It remains to be seen whether Souths walk away empty-handed or not after initial reports that suggested that the Rabbitohs will get the youngest and arguably the most talented of the Jennings brothers, Robert.

Adding further spice to the situation, the Junior Kangaroo was a late withdrawal from last Saturday’s Holden Cup match against the New Zealand Warriors, due to a shoulder injury suffered in the match against the Junior Kiwis, which could

@THERIFFMARN

Panthers weren’t just smiling with the on-field result; the Christchurch home game proved to be a success off it too.

Credit: NRL Photos

rule the centre out for six-eight weeks and may as a result, put any perspective deal with Souths for the remainder of 2016 in doubt.

Passport All Washed Up But Not Hung Out to Dry Returning from injury, Panthers centre Waqa Blake was named to make the trip to Christchurch for the Warriors clash but instead found himself playing in the Intrust Super Premiership side.

Dropped? No. The reason? The centre, who travels under a Fijian passport, failed to empty his pockets before doing the washing and there was not enough time available to arrange a replacement.

Let’s hope that replacement arrives before the Panthers travel to Auckland for the “return clash” with the Warriors, later in the season.

Hall of Fame Competition Panthers, as part of its 50th season celebrations will launch the Panthers Hall of Fame on June 25, as part of the club’s invite-only 50th Season Gala Dinner that night at the Panthers Exhibition Marquee.

An expert panel has elected a shortlist of 12 nominees from amongst the 559 players to have represented the club, from which four Panthers greats will be anointed as the first inductees into the Hall of Fame.

Over the next two months, fans will be able to vote online on the Panthers website for their favourite moment for that nominee and win some fantastic prizes.

The nominees announced so far are Ryan Girdler, Steve Carter, Tony Puletua and John Cartwright.

Christchurch a Huge Success Despite getting off to a shaky start courtesy of a 4.7 magnitude earthquake less than 24 hours after their arrival in the Shaky Isles, Penrith’s second “home away from home” game in as many rounds was a massive success with schools, local league teams, the local economy and of course the Panthers themselves all big winners.

Whilst the Panthers may not have enjoyed much actual game-time support from the near 18,000 sellout crowd, all were clearly thankful for Penrith’s decision to take a home game to a city that hadn’t seen NRL action since 2010.

The game was also a resounding success ratingswise with the game attracting 216,000 viewers on Fox Sports, second only to the 244,000 viewers the Panthers v Raiders clash the fortnight before, attracted for the Saturday 3pm timeslot in season 2016.

One minor criticism would be the scheduling, which the NRL needs to get right in 2017.

Between Rounds 7 and 15 (with two byes included plus rep footy weekend), Penrith fans will get to experience a home game at Pepper Stadium only once – this Sunday in Round 11 action against the Gold Coast Titans.

The Rookie The much hyped NRL program, The Rookie, starring our own Mark ‘MG’ Geyer is finally set to hit our TV Screens via Channel 9’s GO channel on May 31.

Filming for the series commenced in the latter half of 2015 with Geyer and fellow former Panther, Brad Fittler integral to the show as members of the coaching / selection panel.

The series will culminate with a live finale and whilst I can’t give too much away there is a hint of a famous Penrith connection with one of the contestants.

“The Sin Bin” Lives On Be sure to catch up with our latest edition of “The Sin Bin” with Mark “MG” Geyer and myself, available now on https://soundcloud.com/user127982816 Episode Six which is out now features some big news for Panther members so make sure you have a listen.

Of course if you have any Panthers news you wish to share, email me stewart@nepeannews.com.au See you at the game!

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REPEAT SETS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

PANTHER FANS FINALLY PUT AWAY THEIR DEFIBRILLATORS AS A TITANIC CLASH LOOMS AS has been in the case so far in 2016, the 71st minute ticked over and a Panthers game was in the balance, this time on a blustery Saturday evening at a packed AMI Stadium.

But for once Panthers fans were able to breathe easier with minutes to spare as two tries in the closing minutes saw Penrith run out 30-18 winners and climb to seventh on the NRL ladder, pending the outcome of the Parramatta salary cap saga.

Much of the pre-game hype centred on whether Bryce Cartwright would continue to display the form that has NSW fans’ tongues wagging and league experts pondering.

Instead, appropriately on Indigenous Round, Tyrone Peachey, whose road to redemption is fast becoming a path to prosperity, stole the headlines with a three-try performance that has now put the nephew of David Peachey firmly in the mix for a utility spot on the NSW Origin bench.

Go back four rounds to Round 6 and Peachey was playing at Hunter Stadium for Penrith’s Intrust Super Premiership team.

But since his return to the NRL a week later, Peachey’s form has improved rapidly and his versatility in being able to play on both sides of the field either as an outside back, five-eighth, edgeforward or even in the middle as a hooker, makes the City Origin representative an ideal bench utility for NSW. To cap matters, Tyrone like his famous uncle, scored his first hat-trick in his 52nd NRL appearance.

Matt Moylan also continued his push for State of Origin selection with another classy performance, laying on two tries and having a hand in another, while Cartwright overcame an early defensive lapse to continue with his claims for a Blues jersey as did Josh Mansour and Trent Merrin.

For the Warriors, it proved to be yet another enigmatic performance for their chief playmaker, Shaun Johnson, who cruelled his side’s glorious start after an early try to Solomone Kata.

Johnson’s fumbling and kicking errors in the opening half enabled Penrith to score 14 unanswered points through tries to Jamie Soward and Peachey, separated by a Soward penalty goal before a lucky six-again call allowed the Warriors to storm their way back into the contest through tries to Jonathan Wright and Blake Ayshford to lead 18-14 at the main break.

But despite being down by four, the Panthers gamble to run into the gale force wind in that opening half always looked likely to pay dividends in the second

The Panthers have now won nine straight and their averaging winning score to date is an incredible 4612, as they prepare to take on the 10th placed Titans.

especially once aided by an error and ill-disciplined performance from the away side.

The Panthers, having missed 15 tackles in the opening half, muscled up defensively in the second, holding the Warriors to nil before running in three late tries (two inside that final ten minutes of the game), twice through Peachey as well as a try to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for a morale-boosting, double-digit margin win.

PENRITH not only won their 7th SG Ball title and their first since 2006, in defeating Illawarra 25-10 last Saturday week at Pepper Stadium before capping off the season in fine style, becoming the National Under 18 champions, after defeating the undefeated Mal Meninga Cup champions, Townsville Blackhawks 38-28 last Sunday at .

In the SG Ball final, captain Sean O’Sullivan led from the front with a man of the match performance as the competition’s best defensive team avenged both losses against the only team to have defeated them in 2016.

Penrith then travelled to Brisbane where in a highscoring affair given the scorching conditions, the Panthers were able to keep a determined Townsville side at bay to claim the national title, with hooker, Treymaine Brown awarded Man of the Match honours.

IN Intrust Super Premiership action, Penrith remain two points outside the top eight, having lost their third game in a row, this time at home at Pepper Stadium against third-placed NZ Warriors, 32-16.

The highlight for Penrith was yet again another aerobatic try scored by AFL convert, Josh Hall who showed off his aerial skills to pull down a Will Smith cross-field kick and score the first try of the match.

But from there it was all Warriors, who skipped out to lead by 32-10 at one point before a late Will Smith try added some respectability to the final score.

The ninth-placed Panthers now travel to Belmore this Friday desperate to getting their season on track against the 11th placed Bulldogs, who registered their first win of the season in fine style last weekend.

Meanwhile the defending Holden Cup champions continue to conquer all before them with a comprehensive 74-10 win over the club long regarded for dominating the Holden Cup, the NZ Warriors.

The score is amazingly identical to the one achieved two weeks earlier against the Raiders.

Braidon Burns had a day out scoring a recordequalling five tries and setting up two more, winger Ratu Tuisese scored two more to have now scored 14 tries, while Nathan Cleary’s 26 point haul from a try and 11 goals from 12 attempts has seen him go past 150 points after just ten games.

THE Panthers have a terrific opportunity to further consolidate their position in the top eight when they return to Pepper Stadium (finally) to take on a Gold Coast Titans side, fresh from arresting a five-match losing streak when they defeated the Sydney Roosters 26-6 on Monday Night Football.

The Titans despite being in 11th position, will pose a serious threat to the Panthers should they take them lightly as was probably the case last year when they were surprisingly thrashed 32-6 at Cbus Stadium.

Gold Coast are strengthened by the inclusion of former Parramatta Eels hooker, Nathan Peats while the Panthers have named the same 17 that defeated the NZ Warriors with Tyrone Peachey preferred over Waqa Blake at right centre.

Sunday’s home game will also be used to pay tribute to the local clubs and their thousands of Penrith juniors, past and present, who share our love of the game, as the club’s 50th season celebrations continue.

There will be numerous activities and giveaways taking place on and around the ground, plus an unveiling of two new Panther mascots while a postmatch function at Panthers Leagues Club will allow fans to meet and mingle with the players so plenty of reasons to get to the game this Sunday!

Let’s Gone Panthers! #PantherPride

2016 NSWRL SG Ball and National U18s Champions Penrith. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

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45 Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

46

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

Panthers pack ten games into four days

By Noel Rowsell

IT has been a huge two weeks for the Penrith Basketball Association’s three Youth League teams, playing ten games over four days and splitting the results with six wins and four losses.

Round Nine was a triumph for the Panthers, winning all five games including two in Division One Men, two in Division One Women and one in Division Two Men. There would also be a local derby among those results, with the Division Two Panthers thumping the Springwood Scorchers in Blaxland by 91-56.

The Division One teams were both in Bankstown on Saturday, with the women winning 84-60 and the men winning 85-67.

Both Division One teams were on the road to face the Newcastle Hunters on Sunday and were again too strong for their opponents, winning the women’s game 66-62 and the men’s game 74-71.

Buoyed by those results and holding down spots in the Top Six for all three teams, in their respective divisions, it was hard to imagine the hammer would drop on all Penrith teams in Round Ten.

Jose Flores (7) heads down-court pursued by a Crusaders defender.

The Panthers Division One teams hosted the Central Coast Crusaders on Saturday, falling 69-51 in the women’s game and 75-62 in the men’s game.

The Division Two Men also lost at home on Saturday, falling 80-73 to the Hornsby Spiders.

Sunday featured yet another road trip, this time to the Northern Beaches of Sydney, and the Penrith Women would break the losing streak.

The Panthers had a tough struggle against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, eventually escaping with a narrow 64-61 win.

Binta Salawu brings the ball down-court against the Crusaders.

Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

The Division One Men could not repeat the success of their clubmates, leading their game early but eventually falling 72-69.

Both Division One teams had good excuses for below-par performances in Round Ten, with the Women’s team missing leading scorer Emily Potts and the Men’s team missing three of their regular starting five - Adam Lulka, Tom Lewer and Bryce Field.

Lulka had been invited to Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence (COE) at the start of last week and played two games in Round 7 of the

2016 South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) competition Australia’s largest interstate sporting competition and the second tier in Australian basketball behind the NBL. Lulka played 23:21 minutes in COE’s 102-75 loss to North West Tasmania on Friday night, then showcased his developing skills on Saturday night against Albury Wodonga, playing 29:50 minutes and finishing with 21 points (@ 90%). Fellow Panther Ben Kearins is playing with Albury this season and had 10 points.

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The Company was formed by my best mate Mark Geyer and myself late last year. The idea came about whilst we were training and working out, which we have been actively doing for well over 15 years together. We decided to film a clip of us working out and post it on social media, and the response we got was very telling.

It was then we decided that we had a platform to make an impact on people in leading and living a more active and healthy lifestyle, so we wanted to do something about it, hence Wild Panther Fitness was born.

Plain and simple, Wild Panther Fitness is an online vehicle for everything health and fitness.

Our website is a platform ‘MG’ and myself can use to educate and inform the above on a greater scale providing an array of personalised content that is available 24/7 catering to both male and females of all ages and fitness levels,

ranging from the humble beginner to the advanced lifter!

Here is just a small and brief overview of what our website will contain: • Workouts / Programs: ( Workout programs designed/ tailored for the beginner, to the advanced, of all ages) • Articles: (Fitness, Nutritional, Training, Supplementation, Motivational, Research) • Videos (Fitness, Workouts & Training, Nutritional, Supplementation, Motivational, Research) • Weekly Video Blogs (Including Celebrity Tips and Motivation) • Members Section: (Access to our Member’s Only Zone, featuring more in depth content and workout programs) • Online Store: (Which will feature an exciting range of our workout/ training and everyday apparel such as: Shirts, Singlets, Shorts, Hats, Long Sleeve Shirts, Track Pants, Hoodies and much more.)

All our products are 100% Australian made and are of the highest quality available via our apparel provider, Sinalli Sportswear.

In the months to come we will be implementing and offering the following:

• Online Training Services: Where we provide you with 1 on 1 Personalised consultation via email and video conference in the areas of fitness, nutritional guidance and weight training.

• Personal Training: Be personally trained face to face by one of our accredited personal trainers to align with your health and fitness goals.

• Bootcamps: Social and Corporate Group Training of all fitness levels and ages.

We will be actively putting informative and resourceful content out and keeping you up to date on the happenings pertaining to Wild Panther Fitness through our social media channels, so make sure to follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and on Twitter (@wildpantherfit.)

For more information subscribe to our newsletter by simply filling in the form on our website, whereby you will receive regular updates via email.

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Nepean News 19 May 2016 Issue 175

Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis

47

Signage Group, Pinnacle Tax & Accounting, Heartland Motors and Sinalli Sportswear. Without these guys what we have implemented, and what we have planned for the future would not be possible “Our goal at “WILD PANTHER FITNESS” is to give you the best tools in any type of medium possible that will help you improve yourself to reach your full potential. Training and working out is not just lifting things and putting them down. It’s about selfimprovement, and it’s one of the best ways we’ve seen with our own eyes as a vehicle for people to connect to their inner selves, whilst also becoming better human beings in all facets of their life.”

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Thursday, 19 May 2016

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HARPO’S MARKS

LAST weekend, L rround 10 of the National league, was N ti l Rugby R as you are all well aware, was the annual Indigenous round, which had me looking up the Indigenous Team of the Century which was announced in 2008 to celebrate the game’s centenary in this country.

The team was: 1 Eric Simms 2 Lionel Morgan 3 Steve Renouf 4 Greg Inglis 5 Dale Shearer 6 Laurie Daley 7 Johnathan Thurston 8 Sam Backo 9 Mal Cochrane 10 Arthur Beetson 11 Gordon Tallis 12 Sam Thaiday 13 Cliff Lyons 14 George Green 15 Wally MacArthur 16 Frank Fisher 17 John Ferguson.

The majority of players in the team were names readily recognisable to footy fans but there were three players mentioned who were unknown to most of us – George Green, Wally MacArthur and Frank Fisher.

To quote Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: “Who are those guys?”

Frank Fisher (1905 – 1980) was described as the “Wally Lewis of Aboriginal Rugby league players”.

He was born in Townsville, the son of Frank Fisher Sr and his wife Esme. The senior Fisher served with the 11th Light Horse Regiment in WWI but Fisher’s attempt to follow in his father’s footsteps in 1940 was blocked on racial grounds.

Frank is the paternal grandfather of athletics great Cathy Freeman.

In the 1930s Fisher was captain of the Barambah rugby league team and in 1932 and again in 1936 he played at half-back for the Wide Bay representative side against the Great Britain touring teams.

The English captain, Jim Brough, said “Fisher was the best country player we have encountered.”

On Brough’s recommendation, Fisher was offered a contract with English club Salford but the Queensland Government refused his application to travel under the Aboriginals Protection and

Restriction of Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Qld).

He was been described as “fast, with a distinctive side-step, playing either at fly-half or centre threequarter.”

Fisher was a superb sportsman and was equally adept at cricket.

Once, playing for Cherbourg against Goomeri, he knocked up 105 not out in 32 minutes, thumping 11 sixes and 5 fours.

Edward Green was born in Grafton in 1883 and died in Sydney in 1938.

Ed is reputed to have been the first Indigenous Australian to play rugby league at first-grade level in Australia.

George Green played for the club sides Eastern Suburbs for four seasons - 1908–11 – and with North Sydney for 10 seasons between 1912–1916 and 1918–1922.

A utility forward, Ed played in Easts’ premiership-winning team of 1911 before moving to the Bears – he skippered the teams in 1916 and in 1918-1919 he was captain-coach and

then served as vice-captain during the club’s golden era in its only two premiership winning seasons 1921 and 1922.

After retiring, George went on to establish a successful career in coaching and administration.

Wally McArthur (1933-2015) was born in 1933 in Borroloola, Northern Territory.

McArthur, renowned for his sporting ability – he was a real flier - moved to Adelaide in the early 1950s and was regarded as stiff not to have represented Australia at the ’52 Olympics with the colour bar again raising its ugly head.

Wally played league in South and West Australia before landing a contract to play in England where he ran on in 165 games for Rochdale, Blackpool Borough, Salford and Workington Town.

HIGH MARKS: Learning about Green, McArthur and Fisher.

SAD MARKS: And still the discrimination continues!