Nepeannews 1march2018

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ISSUE 221

w w w. z a c h o m e s . c o m . a u

Go Panthers! This is our year! Go Panthers!

UNITED WE STAND That’s the clear message the Panthers continue to convey to their sponsors, members and supporters on the eve of the 2018 NRL season. But the burning question remains - Is the window of premiership opportunity for Penrith still open in 2018?

Find out how the Panthers are shaping up for the season ahead in our exclusive 2018 NRL season preview liftout. Photo: 77 Media.

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enrith Council is pleased to announce that the brand new Jordan Springs Community Hub is finished and ready to open.

Council’s Facilities team will be holding open house sessions to introduce the community to the new facility, enjoy some delicious refreshments and share the vision for the Hub and how the community can make use of its multi-purpose spaces. Open house sessions have been held at the Jordan Springs Community Hub, 2-6 Cullen Avenue, Jordan Springs, and will continue today and Saturday.

Everyone is welcome at the drop in sessions.

Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said the building was a real feather in Penrith’s cap.

“The Jordan Springs Community Hub is the first of its kind in the Penrith area, and we want it to be well used by local communities,” he said.

“It’s been built using sustainable materials which make it comfortable to use all year round and helps reduce running costs,” he continued.

The Hub is designed to be a multifunctional space that can be easily used by the community for group meetings and activities, and special events like birthday parties.

“Neighbourhood Centres and Hubs have a long tradition of providing meeting places for neighbours to build community, and we’re excited to continue that tradition with the new Hub at Jordan Springs,” Cr Thain said.

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

New Jordan Springs Community Hub

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

THIS month we celebrate International Women’s Day, and fittingly, we have featured some local women who have absolutely smashed the glass ceiling and are kicking goals all over the place.

Politicians, business owners and charity champions who are proving to young girls all over Penrith and western Sydney that you can be whoever you wish to be. Inspirational stuff.

Long gone are the days where women had no say in the running of our country, had to ask their husband for permission to buy a dress, and cooked the obligatory meat-and-three-veg to be ready at precisely six o’clock for when said man returned home from work.

I can remember the very early days of my childhood being like that, although I think my Dad got ripped off as I only ever remember there being meat-and-two-veg. Never three.

We’ve come a long, long way and there’s lots to be proud of.

I believe though, in order to stay on track we need to be mindful not to take it all too far.

By all means we should call out instances of disrespect, harassment and worse.

But women who feel offended by every single thing a man says to them and those who run with “hashtag me too” because someone whistled at them are trashing our brand.

To me equality of the sexes is showing that women are strong, capable and when needed, formidable members of the human race. Being offended by anything and everything and calling “trauma” at the way a man spoke to us thirty years ago when the rules were completely different is making us look delicate and weak.

We are not that, so let’s not portray that.

Lets stand tall and strong, sisters, and pick the battles that matter!

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Across the Andes: San Pedro de Atacama

By BEN CRANNEY

People passing through San Pedro de Atacama, in northern Chile, might describe it as a moonscape. In fact, a big attraction is the Valley of the Moon. But just a couple of days exploring reveals a lot more, from multi coloured lagoons and hills, to salt flats, lonely cactus and amazing starscapes.

The town itself, built from dirt red mud bricks, feels like it’s molded straight from the ground. It’s a lively place, built on the tourist trade of people looking for something a bit remote, but still well serviced.

Most people only come for the Valley of the Moon, where you can hear the rocks talk as the salt inside them expands in the midday sun, or to swim at Dos Ojos, pools of the world’s most dense salt water outside of the Dead Sea. Many don’t get as far as the Geysers del Tatio, which need a 4am wake up to drive to 4,300 meters by sunrise. The freezing morning air (rug up!) and the heat of the geysers makes a spectacular show of rising steam, almost topped by the pancake breakfast and views of the sunrise dancing across the snowcapped mountains. Don’t bother with the hot

spring. It’s more of a ‘warm spring’ and swimming in it was like shaking a particularly sweaty hand.

Even less people visit Rainbow Valley where heavy mineralisation colours the hills in greens, reds, whites and browns. On the way there, you’ll stop at an ancient Andean marketplace, covered in rock paintings telling stories about the old trade routes. You’ll also find a special cactus. Small, spiky and round, it looks like a particularly uncomfortable pillow, and is named the ‘mother in law’s cushion’. I’m not sure if this is because she reserves it for you, or you for her.

I was disappointed to miss Salar de Tara, an even more remote and apparently very beautiful salt flat. But they only go if they get the numbers or you pay for empty seats, so I missed it.

Most disappointing was missing the star gazing. Our astronomer kept cancelling because of the clouds or the brightness of the moon. Even so, the starscape to the naked eye is first class.

San Pedro is also an entry point to Bolivia and the salt flat Salar de Uyuni, a very beautiful place which I’ll tell you about next time.

And if the weather is kind, I’d love to see your pictures of the night sky.

local news

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enrith Council’s General Claremont Meadows, Werrington Manager, Alan Stoneham County, Werrington Downs, Jordan will retire from Council on 30 Springs and Thornton (amongst June 2018. others) had not been developed.”

When he steps down, Mr As Planning Director and General Stoneham will have worked for Manager, Mr Stoneham was involved Penrith Council for 43 years – 10 as in much of this development. He General Manager – and in the Local also helped secure the Whitewater Government sector for 47 years.

Stadium as a Sydney 2000 Olympic As a Planner, Planning Director venue, oversaw the approval of and General Manager, Mr Stoneham the Penrith Lakes Scheme and the has helped shape the Penrith of today Erskine Park employment area.

Penrith Council’s General and the future City that will continue Mr Stoneham said local jobs growth Manager Alan Stoneham to lead our region. continues to be one of Council’s key In the decade he has led the organisation, Mr priorities.

Stoneham has worked with Councillors and staff He cites Penrith’s rise as a venue for a wide to expand and improve services across the board. range of National and International events as just During his tenure, Penrith City Children’s one of the ways Council is striving to create jobs, Services has grown from two centres to 26, all of boost the local economy and expand tourism to the which meet or exceed National Quality Standards. region.

Under his leadership, Penrith was the first NSW “Penrith Council’s strength lies in the fact that council to establish a Sustainability Team and our it thinks and acts strategically to secure the best award winning 3-bin system. future for the City and the region,” he said.

Mr Stoneham said he was proud of Council’s “We take our responsibility as a leader of the ongoing work to improve, protect and maximise region very seriously, and the work currently the potential of the Nepean River precinct. This underway with a number of cross regional projects, includes securing the first Greenspace Grant and including the Western City Deal, really gives us the subsequent ongoing grants from state and federal chance to share our knowledge and expertise.” governments.

Mr Stoneham describes his 10 years as General Penrith has grown and changed a great deal Manager as “challenging at times, but also since Mr Stoneham first joined Penrith Council in enjoyable and rewarding”.

1972.

“I’d like to thank the Councillors and our staff for “I started working for Council when the their support over the past 10 years,” he said. “I’m City had a population of only 60,000,” he said. confident this organisation will continue to work “The suburbs of South Penrith, Glenmore Park, hard to deliver great services for our community.”

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Penrith Council’s General Manager retires

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

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

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local news › No cemetery

new partnership between the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains and Nepean Hospital’s emergency department will see children admitted to the hospital given fun and educational activity packs to help combat fear and boredom during their hospital stay.

The packs, containing a colouringin activity book, pencils and stickers, are an initiative of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains and have been created for children aged three to eleven. Each child will be given their own pack, on admission to the emergency department, to take with them on their hospital journey.

The Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains have delivered the project in partnership with Penrith Panthers Rugby League Club, who contributed over $15,000 towards funding the packs, and Rotarian and local business owner, Jim Aitken, who donated the colouring books valued at $10,000.

Rotarian Carolyn Fitzpatrick says the Club wanted to improve the hospital experience for children and families awaiting treatment or test results in the emergency department.

“You can just imagine a frustrated, tired, stressed parent with a bored, sick child in the emergency department. Our activity packs will give these children something to do,” says Mrs Fitzpatrick.

SUPPORTERS for the Wallacia Golf Club filled the viewing gallery at the first meeting of Penrith Council for 2018 as Councillor Bernard Bratusa wanted to set the record straight on reports that a smaller 9 hole golf course would be adequate for the historic Wallacia Club.

He rebuked claims that golf was a dying sport saying annually golf brought in $1.2 million into the NSW economy.

He was impassioned by news that property around the 18 hole course might be sold off to create “the largest cemetery in Australia in our backyard”.

Speaking to Council, Cr Bratusa said he wants to see Council take further steps to stop any sell off of the land and any further development of the golf course.

Council already has the stance that they oppose any cemetery built on the site but Cr Bratusa wants to see more done to fight the development.

“We need to make sure this part of our village, part of our culture, is protected,” Cr Bratusa said.

A

Mrs Fitzpatrick says 520 packs will be needed in the emergency department each month to meet the demand.

“Together with Penrith Panthers and Jim Aitken, we’ve been able to pool our collective resources and energies to give back. Panthers accepted Rotary’s grant proposal with open arms,” Mrs Fitzpatrick says.

Peter Graham, Penrith Panthers Director, says the Club considered the project to be a wonderful thing to be involved in.

Dr Claire Helm, Director of emergency medicine, says Rotary’s project will help Nepean Hospital to

better meet the needs of paediatric patients and improve the hospital experience for children.

“The activity packs are just the start of what I hope is a wonderful working relationship with the emergency department,” says Mrs Fitzpatrick.

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Activity books for kids help improve hospital stay

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

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local news

By-election speculation hits Penrith

By Keegan Thomson

P

OLLSTERS and political pundits go into overdrive around election time so it is only fitting that we start to uncover who is and who might be running in the two upcoming byelections.

Sue Day, an independent who has run previously for South Ward, has confirmed she will again be running for a spot on Council.

Ms Day came in a close sixth in the 2016 elections, narrowly missing out on a spot.

Ms Day looks set to run up against the Greens 2016 number one candidate for South Ward, Patrick Darley-Jones, who said he wants to run again with or without the backing of his party.

“I’ve thought about running as an independent because as a resident of Luddenham I feel very passionately about making sure we get the best deal possible for our community,” Mr Darley-Jones said.

Being close to the Badgerys Creek Airport development site, he said he wants to make sure Penrith Council has the best foot forward so they can get the maximum benefits out of it.

Sue Day will run again as an independent.

With his open-minded stance on the airport Mr Darley-Jones might have some opposition at pre-selection because the Greens are unequivocally against any airport development.

On the opposite side of the political spectrum, there has been no word on

whether or not One Nation will field a candidate. Insiders say conversations are being held but so far there is no formal announcement to be made.

Penrith City Councillor Marcus Cornish is already a member of One Nation but he has said he sits on

Council as a staunch independent.

Someone else who has been rumoured to be vying for an independent spot on Council is former Councillor Maurice Girotto, who sat on Council only two years ago.

Owner of Vintage FM, Wayne Willmington denied rumours about a run for Council after there were whispers from both sides of politics that he had been approached.

Mr Willmington said a run at politics wasn’t top of his priority list but if he was to run he said he wouldn’t run with any political party.

“I can do a lot for the community without being on Council,” Mr Willmington said.

In 2017 the Party for Freedom shook up Penrith by loudly protesting an Islamic school that was proposed for the Penrith CBD. At the time Nick Folkes, the founder of Party for Freedom, said it couldn’t be ruled out that they wouldn’t run a candidate during an election in Penrith.

No word yet on who might run for the Liberal Party or for Labor but with the balance of power up for grabs both major parties will surely run some top-notch candidates and full on campaigns.

Let the 2018 Penrith City Council by-election begin!

Two resignations in one week

By Keegan Thomson

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ENRITH City Council has been rocked by two resignations from two Councillors within a matter of days.

South Ward Liberal Councillor Josh Hoole and East Ward Labor Councillor Ben Price both resigned last week leaving two vacant spots on Council and forcing two separate by-elections.

It is expected that the by-election will be held on May 12, 2018, because the vote needs to be held within three months of the Council positions becoming vacant.

Councillor Josh Hoole released an exclusive statement to Nepean News outlining his reasons for quitting Council.

“Over the past few months, I have been unable to give everything and to properly and holistically meet the wants, needs, desires and aspirations of our community,” Cr Hoole told Nepean News.

“Personal circumstances have meant that I am unable to discharge the duties and responsibilities that are rightly demanded and expected of any and every Councillor.

“This has become an evident but, undoubtedly profoundly disappointing, reality and one that I have been struggling to accept,” he said.

Noting the disruption that a by-

Josh Hoole

election will cause people, Cr Hoole says it wasn’t an easy decisions to leave Council.

“I am conscious that this will cause inconvenience – and that is precisely why I have not made this decision lightly or without regard to the consequences,” the Councillor said.

“The gravity of this decision has been weighing on me for quite some time.

“I have come to the conclusion that this is the only appropriate response,” he said.

Ben Price

Similar to this, Cr Ben Price noted personal reasons for the motivation why he was vacating his place on Council.

“Recent changes to my employment have seen the need for my family and I relocate to Queensland,” Cr Price said.

“Accordingly, it was unsustainable for me to continue to represent Penrith as a Councillor and I have tendered my resignation to Council effective immediately.

“I will always look back with

fondness at my time in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and will follow Penrith City with keen interest,” he said.

A statement from Penrith Council says it can be a tough job working as an elected official.

“Council respects that personal circumstances can change from time to time, and acknowledges the significant responsibility expected from individuals in their role as an elected community representative,” a spokesperson said.

local news

By Keegan Thomson

D

RIVE around the streets of Oxley Park and you’ll find a brand new playground, on the corner of Australia Street and Brisbane Street, attracting lots of over-active children.

The playground was specially designed by students from Oxley Park Public School as a part of the Penrith Council’s ‘Parkitects’ program.

Parkitects, a program launched in 2017 to get children engaged with their community and their local government, allows students from schools across the Nepean to design, budget and plan a new local park or playground.

The Mayor, Councillor John Thain, endorsed the park and the hard work the school kids had put in.

“I’m very happy to be opening up this great park today,” Cr Thain said.

“Listening to your community and encouraging one and other to be your best, you have proved yourself as outstanding school citizens and community leaders.”

When the school children set out to design the playground they wanted to create a park that offered inclusive access for all ages and abilities, so with this in mind they’ve included improved access with pavement and ramps for disabled children.

Zoe El-Chami, a student involved in the program, said she gained new skills and learnt a lot about local government from Parkitects.

“It was a new experience, we learnt to work with others and it was fun to work as an architect,” Ms El-Chami said.

Emily Grima, Cr Tricia Hitchens, Mayor John Thain and Zoe El-Chami. Photo: Supplied.

“The best part of the program was designing the park, working with the plans and then presenting our plans to the Council and talking to the Mayor about it in the Council Chambers.”

Emily Grima, another Oxley Park student involved in Parkitects, said it was really great to see the final park come together.

“Seeing it all finished, it isn’t what I expected,” Ms Grima said.

“It is much better than I’d ever expected.

“Working as a group was difficult because at times people didn’t agree with others on what they wanted in the park but we tried to include everyone in the park,” she said.

Kim Smith, the Principal at Oxley Park Public School, said Parkitects helped give students

perspective of their place in the world.

“Learning about local and global connections is really important, and knowing that the space around them is open for everyone to use in cohesion helps build these students into global citizens,” Ms Smith said.

“This shows them that their input and experiences matter when it comes to shaping their community.

“If the kids take ownership of this park and of their community then they will grow and stay engaged in their little pocket of the world,” she said.

Judging from the amount of kids swinging, climbing, running and playing, this playground will go down a treat with the community.

You can view the Mayor’s full speech and see the park in full play at the Nepean News facebook page.

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Oxley Park school kids become ‘Parkitects’

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

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local news

North-South rail link is just the ticket for local jobs

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HE opinion of the people has been sought and the answer is an overwhelming ‘bring it on’.

A North-South rail link will improve connectivity across Western Sydney, creating access to more local jobs for residents of the region, according to 87 per cent of respondents to a recent Western Sydney Rail Alliance survey.

The online survey asked 2,000 residents from Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and surrounding suburbs about their current public transport experience and if they support a NorthSouth rail link.

In addition to more local jobs, the survey identified a range of other benefits that NorthSouth rail would provide residents across the entire Western Sydney region, finding: • 70% of respondents would use North-South rail • 60% agree that it would effectively connect Western Sydney to other parts of Sydney • 54% would use it to avoid road congestion • Others said it would save money running a car, be more relaxing, better for the environment, provide an opportunity to get more work done and remove the stress of car parking.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the survey response wasn’t surprising and reinforces Council’s consistent advocacy for North-South rail.

“The response to the survey cuts to the heart of why Council is committed to North-South rail. It’s a game-changer for the region; a catalyst for new

employment opportunities that will enable residents to find work in Western Sydney, close to home,” Cr Thain said.

“Connecting the north and south via a rail link will open Penrith to new local jobs and housing, easing congestion on our roads and cutting travel time. There is no other single piece of infrastructure as vital to the future of Western Sydney.

“Recent figures released by the Western Sydney Rail Alliance show that a North-South rail link joining Western Sydney Airport to Penrith in the

north and Campbelltown in the south could add almost 120,000 new jobs to the region.

“To ensure the job opportunities provided by Western Sydney Airport are fully realised and easily accessible to the people of Penrith, it’s essential that a North-South rail link is up and running from day one of airport operations.

“Penrith residents are calling out for NorthSouth rail to improve connectivity in their local communities. The benefits are clear to everyone who lives in Western Sydney,” said Cr Thain.

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local news

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

M

ANY disadvantaged people in the Penrith region have Ross Rossco Hutchison to thank for making their lives just that little bit easier.

This wonderful man is the champion of all charities, is the first to raise his hand to help those in need and never seems to run out of puff.

Rossco leads an extremely busy lifestyle which includes hosting a show on Vintage FM, offering

spiritual guidance, working his magic on horses as a chiropractor and performing Master of Ceremony duties at many an event.

The man is an enigma - you’ll find him involved in just about anything at all in Penrith - in fact it was no surprise not long ago when I was at Penrith Paceway and past me trots Rossco in full satin regalia steering his horse up to compete in the next race!

It makes me tired just listing what he does before I even start on his charity work!

When it comes to charity, Rossco has helped sick children, teenagers, the disabled, the homeless

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Please help Rossco continue to help others

and the list goes on and on - in fact any person encountering pretty much any problem could turn to see a smiling Rossco with his out-stretched hand ready to help them.

But in order for this incredible human being to continue doing his great work in our community, his charity, The Ross Hutchison Foundation needs funds.

Please support his efforts to help others. Always up for a chat, call Rossco on 0422 664 448 to find out how you can help him continue his neverending quest to help those who live around us that could use a helping hand.

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

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local news

Penrith’s Real Festival gets funding boost

D

estination NSW has awarded Penrith’s annual Real Festival $20,000 in funding to enhance the marketing and promotion of the event in 2018.

Penrith Council secured the Flagship Event Fund grant after a competitive application and selection process under Destination NSW’s Flagship Event Fund Program.

The $20,000 grant will boost Council’s marketing and communication campaign by supporting activations in surrounding regions aimed at increasing visibility of the event and attracting more visitors.

Penrith Mayor John Thain welcomed the announcement.

“We’ve always known Real Festival has the potential to become an iconic event for the region and this funding demonstrates that Destination NSW not only shares our confidence but is also committed to investing in its success,” Cr Thain said.

“We’re looking forward to sharing Real Festival with an even wider audience this year and giving more people the opportunity to experience our world-class program of entertainment, activities and experiences from 2-3 November.”

Keep up to date with news and information about Real Festival by visiting the websiterealfestival.com. au and subscribing to the e-newsletter.

The spectacular performance of The Spheres thrilled audiences at last year’s Real Festival at Nepean River.

Destination NSW has awarded Penrith Council $20,000 in funding to enhance the marketing and promotion of Real Festival in 2018

Local women trek for a cause F

By Keegan Thomson

OUR strong and empowered Cranebrook women will be among nearly 3,000 trekkers gearing up for the tenth annual Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek, that aims to raise vital funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Olivia Goodchild is on team ‘St Pauls Super Trekkers’ with friends Michelle Whitmore, Melanie Timmerman, and Susan Williams, who all have daughters in Year 3 at St Paul’s Grammar School.

With less than three weeks until the event, they are not only training for the 60km trek, but also raising funds towards the event’s overall goal of raising $2.8 million for The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Together they are holding a fundraising dinner at Lakeside Restaurant, in the Sydney International Regatta Centre, on Saturday 10 March, with ticket sales going towards their fundraising goal.

“It is a startling fact that four out of five blind people are needlessly blind and two-thirds of those who are needlessly blind are women, because they have less access to medical services,” Ms Whitmore said.

“Giving the gift of sight is an amazing thing, it has the capacity to completely change someone’s life from improving the ease of simple daily activities and seeing your family to career possibilities and long-term survival.

“Fred did much while he was alive and The Foundation has carried that

work on for the past 25 years helping blind people in poorer communities have a better opportunity at life.”

Since 2009, more than 25,000 Coastrekkers have walked an incredible 1.2 million kilometres across the three Coastrek events, in Sydney - the equivalent of walking to the moon and back, and back to the moon again.

Their efforts have also raised more than $20 million for The Fred Hollows Foundation, helping restore sight for hundreds of thousands of people living in the world’s poorest communities.

Sydney Coastrek stretches for 60 kilometres from one iconic beach at Manly to another at Bondi, or 30

kilometres from Kirribilli to Bondi Beach.

Founder and CEO of Wild Women on Top Coastrek, Di Westaway, said Sydney Coastrek was a way for women to come together for their own health and wellbeing, while also changing the lives of others.

“Coastrek motivates women to prioritise their own health while helping others. They regain their confidence through fun fitness with friends and their wanderlust experience makes them feel awesome,” she said.

“Coastrek has an even greater impact on the millions of women and girls who make up more than half of the world’s blind.

“By taking part in Coastrek, women are restoring sight to other women, which helps them to return to work so they can provide for themselves and their families, and also helps girls to return to school and continue their education.”

To support Olivia and her team, go to sydney.coastrek.com.au and search for their name.

The fundraising dinner will be held at Lakeside Restaurant, in the Sydney International Regatta Centre, on Saturday 10 March at 6pm. Tickets are $60 and include a three course meal and a glass of wine. For bookings email info@lakesiderestaurant.com.au or call 4729 3222.

local news

By CONNER LOWE

I

t’s not every day you wake up knowing you are the Australian Supermodel of the Year, but for Adriana Maltese this is a reality.

Adriana has everything to admire from tanned skin, sleek hair and a fun and loving personality and it’s no surprise that she is quickly rising to the top.

Growing up in Orchard Hills Adriana didn’t realise her talents for such a demanding industry until she hit the age of 16. Her family and friends were constantly asking her to give modelling a shot and since her first photo shoot the rest is history.

Adriana spoke about her modelling agency and where you might see her online.

“I’m signed by Neon Model Management.

My agent finds me work, such as e-commerce and look book shoots, so I’m featured on online websites such as Ozsale,” she said.

Adriana has been modelling seriously for a year now and at such a young age of 19 and so early in her career she has won the prestigious Australian Supermodel of the Year.

Adriana spoke of how she felt when awarded with the title and where she hopes it can take her career in the future.

“To have won Australian Supermodel of the Year is crazy! It was completely unexpected and overwhelming, it was a complete surprise,” she said.

“I hope one day to be modelling internationally, travelling the world and walking in New York Fashion Week.”

This title is sure to propel Adriana up the ranks and kick start what will surely be a very successful career. Congratulation Adriana Maltese on becoming the Australian Supermodel of the Year from the Nepean News team.

Sally Smithard: Mulgoa’s 2018 Local Woman of the Year

I

n recognition of her dedication and hard work in the Mulgoa community, Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has named Sally Smithard as Mulgoa’s 2018 Local Woman of the Year.

Tanya Davies said Sally Smithard’s commitment to bringing positive change to Mulgoa through her outstanding leadership of St Clair High School during challenging circumstances made her an outstanding candidate.

“In 2014, a devastating fire destroyed 80% of the infrastructure and contents of St Clair High School.

Shortly after this, Sally took the role of Relieving Principal and management of the school rebuild. The rebuild has faced a number of challenges and issues over the past 3 and a ½ years and it is through this adversity that Sally has lead the school with grace and strength,” Tanya Davies said.

As Minister for Women, Tanya Davies also said the NSW Women of the Year Local Awards celebrate

the contributions and successes of women who are often quiet achievers.

“The Local Awards are designed to acknowledge women who are making a significant impact in the places where we live and work, and in the lives of people around them. Local award winners exemplify the spirit of their communities,” Tanya Davies said.

Mulgoa’s Local Woman will attend the 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony in Sydney on International Women’s Day, Thursday, 8 March with Tanya Davies MP and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Statewide Award winners, as voted by the public, will be announced at the Awards ceremony. To view the full list of Award categories and finalists go to www.women.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards program recognises remarkable women across the state who have achieved inspiring things in their careers, in business or in their communities.

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Adriana taking Australia by storm

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local news

By Keegan Thomson

T

HE TEAM at the Creative Fringe have just launched not one but two community campaigns to help the disadvantaged and homeless people of the Nepean.

Last winter the Creative Fringe teamed up with Mama Lana’s Community Foundation to challenge the local community to band together and knit 20cm x 20cm squares that would be sewn together to create warm blankets for survivors of domestic violence and rough sleepers.

Following the success of last year’s campaign, the team at the Creative Fringe are asking for more knitted and sewn squares or blankets, but they’re also asking for your plastic shopping bags as well.

Community Manager at the Creative Fringe, Rienna Kroh said they want to make soft, waterproof, crocheted plastic mats for rough sleepers to sleep

on, which will go hand in hand and with their blankets.

“This year TCF have created this new challenge called ‘Plastic Fantastic’ because we learnt that there is a need for not only warm blankets but for something for our homeless

community to sleep on,” Mrs Kroh said.

The plastic mats are designs as portable, light weight beds for rough sleepers. They’re made by crocheting plastic yarn, or plarn, into a pattern.

Debbie O’Connor, the CEO and

Creative Director of the Creative Fringe, has been teaching herself how to make plarn. She said the new initiative was helping to address two problem areas in the community.

“By using plastic bags we are recycling excess plastics and removing them from landfill,” Mrs O’Connor said.

“We are helping with the social issue of rough sleeping and we’re bringing the community together to help out.

“It is environmental issues, social issues and the community all coming together,” she said.

Running in conjunction with their ‘Plastic Fantastic’ drive the Creative Fringe are running classes and workshops on how to create the plarn and some basic crocheting hints and tips.

If you want to drop off donations you can deliver them at the Creative Fringe Unit 6, 51 York Road, Jamisontown.

You can contact the Creative Fringe for more details at their website http:// www.thecreativefringe.com.au/.

Micro-chipping reunites!

We have a large number of stray animals brought into our clinic, especially after storms. If pets are microchipped and the owner details are up to date, we can normally reunite pets and owners very quickly. A scanner is used to find the microchip number, the number is used to search the register for the owners contact details.

Microchipping and registration with council has been a legal requirement for cats and dogs for many years. Unfortunately, we still see several pets either with no microchip or incorrect contact details so we are unable to find the owner. If a stray animal comes to a veterinary clinic without a microchip or the contact details are incorrect we are legally not allowed to hold the animal and they must be sent to the local council animal shelter. There the rangers can continue to investigate who the legal owner is.

Before the pet is released it must be microchipped and fines will apply.

Microchipping is a relatively quick and cheap procedure. Once the animal is microchipped the owner details are recorded on the register. The government has developed an online microchip register. Once the animal is microchipped you can create a profile and log onto the register. You can check your details and if you move or your contact details change you can update them. The more information you put on the register the more likely you will be reunited with your pet if they go missing. We recommend adding work, home and mobile numbers, emails and nominate at least one secondary contact.

So why aren’t all dogs and cats microchipped?

is a form available to change the ownership details but now it can also be done online.

The original owner must “release” the pet and the new owner can then “claim” them. If you cannot get in contact with the previous owner, contact the council, they will often request a statutory declaration explaining where you obtained your pet from, how long you have had them and why you cannot get in contact with the original owner.

The microchip number is required to search, check and change details. When you purchase an animal the microchip number should be provided. If you do not have a copy of the microchip you can have the animal scanned for no cost at your veterinary clinic.

A form will be provided for verification of the microchip number.

If you find a stray animal it is important to take it to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter Micro-chipping reunited local resident Kurtis Martin with his within the local council area as they cannot beautiful husky Milo after a stormy scare take animals from outside the local council Legally all dogs and cats should be microchipped areas. Some people will pick up a stray animal when by the person that breeds them. Breeders, pet shops travelling and then take the animal to their own vet. and rescue organisations will routinely microchip It is important to remember the further you take the dogs and cats before they are sold. We recommend pet away from where it was found the further you ensuring this has been done before you finalise your are taking it from the owner.

Although it is not a legal requirement to have purchase. People who are not registered breeders may not realise they are required to microchip other species microchipped more people are animals before they sell or give them away. As microchipping other pets like ferrets, rabbits and soon as a new owner takes on an animal without large birds.

The register can be found at www.petrigistry.nsw. a microchip it is then their responsibility to get the gov.au. microchip done by 12 weeks of age.

We volunteer our time with the RSPCA and How can the details be incorrect? When an animal is sold, or given away it is the responsibility Veterinary Students from the University of Sydney of the original owner to update the details. This is twice a year to assist the Penrith Council with their often simply forgotten or people assume the new free microchipping days. If you need any further owner will do this. Years can go by and people may information on microchipping please contact the not have any contact with the original owner. There clinic.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone 47 313 055

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Creative ideas help the disadvantaged

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

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local news

Festival of fun for all the family W hat does a dragon; fairy and dinosaur have in common? They are all coming to the Penrith CBD Festival of Green this 17th March 2018 thanks to Penrith CBD Corp, our major sponsor Penrith Council and Diesel Dirt & Turf.

Organisers Penrith CBD Corp have been living, breathing and embracing everything green and loving it! “It brings about awareness and showcases all the CBD businesses while connecting the local businesses, charities and non-for profits too – which is our key objective for the Penrith Festival, explains Gai Hawthorn, CEO of Penrith CBD Corp. “I’m always talking to the locals and there is an immense amount of pride and ownership of our town. That definitely shines come Festival day!”

The children of Penrith will have so much to take in they won’t know which incredible area to run to first! Would it be Dinosaur Train Stage show at 1.30pm? Or the meet and greet with T-Rex and superheroes and lots of your favourite characters from Disney? And don’t forget the FREE all-day entertainment from a host of talented dance schools.

Each year PAWS Studios Principal Rebecca LiuBrennan creates a special pantomime for the day.

Make sure you make it down to the main stage so as not to miss out on “The Kingdom of Enchantment” complete with fairies, a dragon and a wizard.

The CBD Festival of Green also gives a nod to the Irish to celebrate St Patricks Day. One of Australia’s most dynamic Celtic influenced bands, Riogh will be performing and their music will captivate and uplift the crowds. And what’s Irish entertainment without a bit of a jig? The Penrith Gaels Maher School of Irish Dancing will have award winning performers grace the stage. Local music star, Nicki Gillis will also be performing big female rock hits from the 80’s with her band The Rainmakers and Suzie Leigh from the theatre show “HerStory – A History of Women’s Rock.”

For something a little different, the CBD Festival of Green boasts a recycle/upcycle area, and plaster painting and crafts, will have the kids entertained

too. Nepean Men’s Shed is building a giant rainbow with a pot of gold for a selfie area and if you feel like a bit of a physical challenge, head down High St to tackle the 15 metre rock climbing wall.

All that activity will no doubt stir up a hearty appetite, and that’s where the Festival has it covered.

The local cafés and restaurants will be ready to whip up delicious meals for the crowds and an assortment of food trucks and stalls spanning several tasty

cuisines will be ready to tantalise your tastebuds.

“The activities, entertainment and food are a large and fun part of the day. I love the happy smiles and the enjoyment on the children’s faces. The amount of locals that wander through the CBD always makes me pleased because it means that we have such a strong and loving community and the chance to keep planning bigger and better experiences for Penrith” says Gai.

Ribbon cut on innovative childcare centre

By Bart Bassett

I

n our last edition we wrote about the state of the art childcare centre Grace Village Early Learning coming to the Huntingwood business park district.

The Centre was officially opened by Mayor of Blacktown, Stephen Bali and Hugh McDermott MP, State Member for Prospect on Saturday 17 February. The opening was an exciting event with a large number of community members in attendance.

On inspection the Centre certainly lived up to expectations and is designed in such a way that children will be inspired to learn and parents will undoubtedly benefit knowing their child is being looked after in a facility that is second to none. For more details contact Grace Village Early Learning on 1300 854 388.

local news

By Keegan Thomson

S

OME very lucky locals caught a rare sighting of a native koala in gumtrees just near Silverdale last month.

The young male koala was found by local Michelle Allen, who became aware of the usually shy animal after she heard loud, strange grunting sounds.

Originally she thought it was an injured kangaroo, something that is often seen around Silverdale, but instead she found a koala nestled high in the branches of a tree.

Being a local, Ms Allen said she had always heard of koalas living around the area and knew of some colonies living on the western side of Warragamba Dam. Marcus Zorich, Managing Director of the Koala Retreat, was one of the first on the scene to assess the curious critter.

Mr Zorich said he was able to determine the sex and the rough weight of the koala after climbing up the tree to assess its health.

“The koala was solid and in great health,” Mr Zorich said.

“He was unsure of my approach and came down the tree to inspect me. I

snapped some twigs to give him a little jolt, with the aim of testing his reflexes and physical attributes and was happy to note that his survival instinct, energy levels, response time, and general physical health were all great.”

Mr Zorich is a qualified koala specialist who has decades of experience consulting zoological bodies and providing koala management training and education.

He said the arrival of the koala offers up some interesting questions about the animal.

“It is expected that his parents would be approximately 10 to 20 hectares away,” Mr Zorich said.

“It is common for a young male to be pushed away from his parent’s home range, particularly as mothers can become aggressive toward their joey.

“Male joeys often reach an age where they may compete with their father and other males in their main core group of their home-ranger, jostling for a higher position in the hierarchy,” he said.

Koalas are listed as “vulnerable” according to the NSW government, with some environmental agencies saying there are less than 100,000 koalas in the wild. The World Wildlife Fund found an estimated average decline for koalas in NSW of 26 percent over the past three generations and the next three generations.

The arrival of a koala in the Mulgoa Valley is positive news to Mr Zorich, who believes there are more koalas out there hidden amongst the eucalyptus.

“The presence of this young male is a pleasant surprise, and residents should be grateful by how resilient koalas are, as they are determined, like any creatures to survive, and now knowing there’s a young male out in Silverdale there are at least three koalas in the area,” Mr Zorich said.

If you spot a koala around urban environments Mr Zorich suggests you contact emergency services on 000 and then follow up with a call to Koala Retreat on 0419 956 723.

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Rare koala sighting in Mulgoa Valley

17

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

18

Movies: Musicals A CHORUS LINE ALL THAT JAZZ ANNIE BLUE HAWAII BRIGADOON BUGSY MALONE CABARET CALAMITY JANE CAMELOT CARMEN CAROUSEL

CHICAGO EVITA FAME FANTASIA FUNNY FACE FUNNY GIRL GIGI GODSPELL GREASE GYPSY HAIR

HELLO, DOLLY! HIGH SOCIETY HOLIDAY INN JAILHOUSE ROCK LA TRAVIATA MARY POPPINS MOULIN ROUGE MY FAIR LADY NEWSIES OKLAHOMA! OLIVER!

PAL JOEY SHOW BOAT SILK STOCKINGS SOUTH PACIFIC STATE FAIR SWEET CHARITY SWING TIME THE MUSIC MAN TOMMY TOP HAT WEST SIDE STORY

SOLUTION: 15 February

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 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 15/2/18

e c i r P r e w o P !

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

20

local news

Get ready for another entertaining earthmoving experience

W

ith the third annual Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo fast approaching, the increasing numbers of exhibitors reflects the dramatic growth in the Expo’s popularity. Its success has prompted many earthmoving machinery and attachment dealers to express keen interest in holding the event in all states.

Companies comprising the Australian earthmoving industry have collaborated on the unique formula for the Expo which has reignited excitement for earthmoving trade shows. Three years on, this industryowned and managed construction show is the biggest in the country, with loads to see and great entertainment for the whole family.

The EXPO’s home is by the lake and on the expansive grounds of the Penrith Panthers Club. This location is a great display area with excellent public access. For the convenience of interstate and international exhibitors and guests, there’s plenty of free parking, accommodation, restaurants and bars in the one location.

Operators and fleet owners from all over Australia will be there to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to check out the huge savings and new model releases that will be offered by many exhibitors.

Earthmoving machinery

Major exhibitors are planning to mount large displays of their latest machinery, with the added incentive of extremely attractive price and finance deals.

All the major brands will be there: Volvo, Komatsu, Toro, Kobelco, Wacker Neuson, Takeuchi, Bobcat, JCB, Kubota, Hyundai, Toro, ASV, Case, CAT, Manitou, Dieci, Yanmar, Mustang, Kanga, Ditchwitch, Toyota, Dingo, Dynapac, Hitachi, Vermeer, Liebherr and many more.

With the title ‘best stand’ at stake, you can bet these machinery companies don’t hold back on their displays as they fight for this prized trophy, so expect to see some very impressive displays.

Earthmoving attachments As well as large equipment, attachment suppliers such as AugerTorque, Kinshofer, MB Attachments, Norm Engineering, Auswide Trailers and Ramps, Digga Australia, Boss Attachments, Sureweld, Roo Attachments, Atlas Copco, Hogan Buckets, Salmon Buckets, Adjusta Buckets, Atom Lasers, EI Engineering, Xcentric Rippers, Doherty and Millers, to name a few, will be putting on spectacular displays of their finest attachments.

Every ‘boy’s toy’ will be there; trucks, cars and bikes; tipper trucks, interstate haulers, truck bodies, Dodge

Ram, Suzuki, Honda, Can-am, quads, bike accessories and the great Harley Davidson display will be shining up their best gear, so you can drive or ride away with a bargain.

There will also be a massive display of mowers, lasers, ground engaging tools, irrigation equipment, scales, tyres and mags, plant hire equipment, finance companies and much more.

Fun and amusements for everyone Plenty of exciting entertainment is scheduled throughout the three days of the Expo, so the organisers recommend you lock in April 13-15 in your calendar for this event that’s not to be missed! There is a large licenced hospitality area with live music playing throughout the day, so guests can kick back with a cold beverage and a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks.

The kids can, wear themselves out on the huge jumping castle and be amazed by other attractions like Little Big Rigs, NSW Police Highway patrol cars, drag cars, Harley Davidson Dyno and many more.

Free Style Kings are back and will be performing 12 shows again over the three days. Showcasing Australia’s top freestyle Riders, The Free Style Kings are a very impressive bunch of athletes who will perform record breaking stunts, with riders pushing

skills to their limits.

Major equipment auction Pickles Auctions will have over 100 machines displayed over a huge area.

All machines must be sold so you don’t want to miss out on this massive sale.

Live Demonstrations on all the latest machinery will be running over the three days. This is your chance to test drive many different machines to see what gear is right for you.

Big cash prizes and trophies in the Operators’ Challenge will test your skills. The Takeuchi excavator challenge is sponsored by Semco and an ASV Posi-Track challenge is sponsored by the Porter Group. If you think you’re up to it and want to challenge your mates, this is your chance to win some cash prizes and hold the bragging rights for the next 12 months. In all, $26,000 in prize money is there to be won.

Prizes and Give-Aways Major prizes include a Toro rideon mower and stump grinder. Norm Engineering is again giving away 50 fuel vouchers to random customers.

Many exhibitors will be giving away prizes, so there will be dozens of chances to be a winner. For a chance to win prizes, all you need to do is be there.

For event details turn to the ad on the front page of this publication.

2018 PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

‘

Is 2018 Penrith s Premiership Window ?

Credit: 77 Media

By STEWART MOSES

I

@TheRiffMarn

t was only twelve months ago that Penrith entered the season as joint favourites alongside eventual premiership winners, Melbourne.

The media couldn’t get enough of talking up the Panthers’ premiership credentials.

And the fans were certainly swept along for a ride that no one had predicted.

An awful start to the season saw the Panthers in 15th spot at one point, having lost seven of their opening nine games, as they failed to come to grips with the pressure that goes with being tagged as a premiership favourite.

But aided by a soft draw and a decision to finally move Matt Moylan to five-eighth, Penrith’s fortunes were revived, winning eleven of their next thirteen games to suddenly loom as a premiership contender once more.

However three losses from their last four games and a seventh-placed finish to the season, although an achievement of sorts considering their start, still left Penrith supporters feeling a little hollow, lamenting what could have been given the strength of their roster.

But if you think quiet times were ahead for the Panthers heading into the off-season? Think again.

Lower grades coaching guru, Garth Brennan, finally got his well-earned NRL coaching gig, after being appointed NRL coach at the Gold Coast Titans.

Hooker Mitch Rein followed Garth soon after.

Matt Moylan left the club for Cronulla.

Premiership-winning Sharks five-eighth James Maloney became a Panther.

But even that came at an additional cost with prop Leilani Latu also leaving for the Gold Coast after a third-party deal for Maloney was knocked back by the NRL. But wait there’s more.

Bryce Cartwright’s summer of discontent and ongoing off-field problems eventually came to a head and he too left to become a Titan.

Speculation continues to mount that off-contract winger Josh Mansour and recently appointed skipper Peter Wallace won’t feature in Penrith’s 2019 roster. ....Continued on next page

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

22

2018 panthers season preview Continued from cover....

And as we go to print, Tyrone Peachey, despite being under contract until the end of 2019, is expected to confirm shortly that he too will head to the Gold Coast, at season’s end.

Is the club a departure lounge? Are players not happy with the coach?

Given the number of departures and looking from the outside looking in, there’s certainly a case to say yes to both those questions, especially given the number of departures since Griffin joined in 2015.

But while some in the media find it easy to tag a departure because of the coach, in most cases there are reasons that don’t involve a disagreement with the coach.

Yet Griffin continues to polarise media and fan opinion like no other Panthers coach has, despite signing a recent two-year contract extension.

On one side you have the coach who has a knack of bringing through a junior player, perhaps a little

earlier than expected yet they respond and thrive to the challenge.

But on the other side there is that lingering doubt as to whether Griffin can take a roster as talented as Penrith’s and improve on consecutive season sixth-seventh placed finishes and week two finals departures.

The stats suggest that Griffin is a fair weather coach.

An overall winning record of 55% from over 150 NRL games played. Not bad.

An even better winning record of 67% against non-top four sides. Good.

But the damming stat is just SIX wins from 35 games played against top four opposition, which therein lies the problem many have with Griffin.

Surely to be the best you have to able to beat the best, otherwise performance can only go so far.

Ordinarily most fans would be easy pleased if their team perennially made the top eight.

But when you have a roster as special as Penrith’s, more sixth or seventh-placed finishes and week two finals departures will not cut it with this fan base.

Whether Griffin can go to another level and improve on that record ultimately is the key to Penrith’s premiership chances in 2018.

So with that all in mind, is the premiership window still open for Penrith in 2018?

I think they’ll improve beyond their seventhplaced position of 2017.

But I also sense that until Penrith can prove that they can consistently beat the best, then it’s fifth at best for mine.

I’d love to be wrong but!

In bringing you this 2018 season preview, Nepean News has spoken to many a Panther to get their perspective on what lies ahead this season.

So sit back, strap yourself in and enjoy what could be a very unpredictable yet enjoyable ride through the 2018 season. #PantherPride.

Return of the Mac Sam McKendry

It’s been a long journey since that ill-fated night at ANZ Stadium against the Wests Tigers on July 2, 2016 when Sam McKendry was conveyed from the field in agony with a season-ending ACL knee injury.

That journey was then cruelly extended further in 2017 when just minutes into his return match in a pre-season trial versus Parramatta, the 145 NRL game veteran prop, again tore the ACL in the same knee and required more reconstructive surgery.

But after two trials to open the 2018 season, the prop they dub “The Mac Truck” is not only relieved at having come through unscathed but is set to complete a stunning comeback should he be selected for Penrith’s opening game of the NRL season against traditional foes, Parramatta.

“To get through those two trials injury-free, I’m really stoked,” McKendry told Nepean News.

“These trials sure have helped me. I would have liked to have played more minutes against the Bulldogs in that second trial.

“But it is what it is and I just have to get ready for that first round clash.”

McKendry says the ordeal of getting through a second consecutive long-term knee injury was made all the much easier by the support he received from club team mates, staff and friends and family.

Watching Penrith’s current skipper Peter Wallace make a similar comeback from two knee injuries particularly inspired the prop forward.

“I just had to be positive. I had plenty of good support from the family, the wife (Kristen) and good staff at Penrith that got me through it and here I am playing footy again,” McKendry responded.

“Peter Wallace also had a couple of ACL injuries

Sam McKendry sizes up his opponent: Photo: 77 Media.

and I took plenty of positives out of seeing him come back from those.”

McKendry also admits that the birth of his two children while sidelined with injury was equally a welcome distraction, but says he won’t be having any more children, any time soon despite the club going through something of a baby-boom in recent times.

“It’s been good having the two kids, they have certainly kept me busy and helped me take my mind off the tough times I’ve been through with my injuries,” McKendry declared.

“There must be something in the water at the

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club that we’re drinking but for now two is enough.”

McKendry is confident that a spot in the 17 is there for the taking for that first round clash and believes that the team is set to have strong season despite an indifferent showing in their last trial match against a vastly under-strength Bulldogs side.

“There sure is (a sense that a first grade spot is there for me),” the Kiwi international prop replied.

“I’ve just got to train hard and see what happens next.”

“It’s unfortunate about the result against the Bulldogs.

“We didn’t play our best and we were guilty of playing for ourselves.

“But lucky for us it wasn’t for two competition points.

“At the end of the day they are just trials and we know what we have to work on for our first game against Parramatta.

“We’ve got heaps of talent and have all the makings of a good team.

“We just need to put in together for the next two weeks in order to come good.

Although Coach Anthony Griffin stops short of endorsing Sam’s immediate return to first grade, he admits McKendry’s return is akin to having a new player at the club.

“It’s great to see Sam McKendry back on his feet which is a real plus for us in the middle,” Griffin replied.

“It feels like we’ve got a new player in Sam. It’s been really good to see him come back (through the trials).

“He’s a quality front rower and a really good guy to have around the club.”

Wishing Panthers all the best in 2018

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2018 panthers season preview

Panthers CEO, Brian Fletcher says that the time has come for the club’s current playing roster to deliver on years of promise, if Penrith is to challenge for its third premiership title.

Having gone to within two games of an NRL Grand Final appearance in consecutive seasons, Fletcher told Nepean News that with the squad virtually injury-free, coupled with the addition of James Maloney to the roster, there are no excuses for Penrith not to challenge for the 2018 title.

“We are over saying it’s a young side now. We’re old enough to be competitive now,” Fletcher declared.

“In the last two years, we’ve finished only two games away from playing in a grand final so we don’t have to improve much.

“You have to remember last year too, we started the first eleven rounds without Josh Mansour as well, so we had our share of injury problems.

“This year will probably be the best start we’ll have from an injury point of view for a long time too.

“We only have one player (Tyrone May) in the sick bay, where normally we’ve always had five or six.

“I also think that with the expertise of Maloney joining the squad, I’m certain they’ll find an extra couple of lengths (in 2018) and we’ll finish a lot closer than two games away from a grand final this year. “(All things being equal) we’ll have no excuses in 2018.”

But the window for premiership success could close temporarily as young talent matures and become in demand as being the game’s next superstars.

Having already released the likes of Matt Moylan, Leilani Latu and Bryce Cartwright in recent months, there is the real prospect that players like Tyrone Peachey and Josh Mansour may have to move on given that the Panthers, as they look to build its future around halfback, Nathan Cleary, will need to significantly upgrade his modest deal in order to retain him beyond 2019.

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

THE CEO Brian Fletcher

Fletcher concedes it is becoming increasing difficult to keeping together the nucleus of one of the club’s strongest NRL rosters in recent memory.

“That’s the reality (we face). Along with some other players, Nathan is the future star (of this club) and we’ll be doing everything in our power to keep him,” Fletcher re-affirmed.

“We’d love to keep them all but the sad part about it is that once we show off the talent that we have, these young blokes automatically double in price and you just can’t keep them all.”

THE COACH Anthony Griffin Having just completed his third pre-season at the club to date, Panthers coach Anthony Griffin says he is happy with where the team is at, on the eve of what could well be a defining year for the Penrith coach.

Whilst happy with the fitness and attitude of his squad, Griffin concedes that his side has worked hard on improving their attacking game in order for the club to improve on it’s week two finals appearances of the past two seasons.

“Most pre-seasons everyone goes through some conditioning phase, there’s no easy way to do hard work,” Griffin explained to the Nepean News.

“But the whole group has been really good. Their attitude has been great. “(As a result) we’ve probably been more settled this pre-season, which has allowed us to focus more on the football itself and work a bit harder on

our attacking game.”

However Griffin refuses to reveal where he thinks his side will finish in 2018 but is adamant the Panthers will improve, given they will start the season with arguably the fittest squad in Penrith’s recent history.

“Like every other team, our goal is to improve.

Without making predictions about where we got to end up, I feel like we are building on what we did last year,” Griffin replied.

“The important thing at this time of the year is that we have got though the trials without losing anyone to injury.”

Nonetheless Griffin says the team will make a membership base that is up 5,000 members on same time last season, having reached around 16,000 members, very proud in 2018.

“It’s great to see the fans are leading with their

THE CAPTAIN Peter Wallace Penrith’s latest captain, Peter Wallace, certainly can’t deny his footy career has now turned the full 360 degrees - and for the better.

Having been relieved of the captaincy soon after Anthony Griffin’s arrival at the club, the local junior’s NRL career as a halfback looked all but over.

But the switch to the hooking role has revitalised Wallace’s career, culminating with Griffin’s decision to reinstate the rake as NRL captain for the 2018 season after former skipper Matt Moylan, was released to join Cronulla.

“A few years back I didn’t know where my career was going to take me,” Wallace told Nepean News.

“It is funny how life works sometimes but I’m happy with how it’s all panned out.

“Obviously it’s a huge honour to lead the club.

It comes with added responsibility but I’m really honoured.”

Told of his captaincy appointment just before Christmas, Wallace says that he takes great confidence from the fact that Griffin didn’t consider other candidates for the role, confirming just how far their working relationship has recovered in recent seasons.

“It was (a great show of confidence from Hook) as Hook and I get along great now,” Wallace replied.

“We have a good working relationship. It’s great to have his support in getting this job.”

For Griffin, it was a no brainer to reinstate his hooker back in the leadership role for a second time.

“It’s good for Pete. He’s gone through a lot the past couple of years getting himself back from injury and getting himself into that hooking role,” Griffin declared.

“Pete also had a really tough year last year with injuries, missing out on that State of Origin spot.

“But he finished the year strongly and led us really well at the back end of the season so it as a natural thing to have him in there this year.”

Wallace says there is plenty to be excited about the season ahead given the strong pre-season and the experiences his young side have gained in recent seasons.

But to become a top four team, Wallace concedes they need to start faster than the previous two seasons when the Panthers won just five of their opening twelve games.

“We’ve had a really good pre-season and we’re

23

Credit: 77 Media

wallet and buying memberships,” Griffin exclaims.

“We’re very conscious of that (growth this year) and I’m sure we are going to make them proud to be members this year as we look forward to Round One.”

Credit: 77 Media

confident but we need to make sure we get ourselves off to a good start,” Wallace said.

“We haven’t made the top four in the past two seasons because of our starts.”

“But our younger players still had a good year under their belt last season.

“It was filled with adversity for a while there, but we were able to play finals in the end which was a really good experience for them.

“They’ll be better for that and I’ve seen a lot more improvement in them over the pre-season too.

“Not just in how they have developed as players but also physically, they’re bigger and stronger.”

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

26

2018 panthers season preview

the Playmaker James Maloney It’s no secret that Penrith’s prized acquisition for 2018, James Maloney, has played for a plethora of clubs since bursting on the NRL scene for the Melbourne Storm in 2009.

In a career that has since spanned across over 200 NRL games across another three clubs – New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks, since 2010, Maloney has made three grand final appearances (2011, 2013 & 2016) culminating with two premierships under his belt.

But what isn’t as well known is that Maloney could have possibly been a Panther as early as 2013, if they prepared to pay more than the other clubs that were in the mix for his services at the time.

Nonetheless much has changed at Penrith since 2013 to now and the NSW and Australian representative five-eighth couldn’t be happier with his decision to join the Panthers until the end of the 2020 season.

“Ivan Cleary asked me (about the possibility of signing with Penrith) but I think I just told him that basically they would need to pay overs to get me out west over some of the other options I had,” Maloney confirmed. “(But now) the club is in a really exciting position,

Credit: 77 Media

they are doing a lot of things right as a footy club and I think there’s good times ahead.

“There is a really strong forward pack for me to play behind and there is some really exciting young kids coming through to probably help develop and in some way help their NRL careers take off.

“I especially hope that I can build a nice combination with Nathan and play some good footy.”

Despite the relatively short period of time Maloney and Cleary have been able to spend together since the former commenced training at his new club only last month, his new coach, Anthony Griffin is pleased how well his key playmaker has settled in and is looking forward to the calming influence Maloney will have on Nathan Cleary’s game.

“Bringing Jimmy Maloney here has been great for the club. He’s been great at training, has a great attitude and has fitted in really well,” Griffith declared.

“It’s well documented that he’s a State of Origin five-eighth and that he’s been to three grand finals.

“But he is at the point in his career where he can really pass on some experience not just to Nathan but to our whole team.”

The Young Gun Viliame Kikau The quite, un-assuming Fijian may not think it just yet but his transformation from a bit-part middle NRL bench player into a bona-fide eighty minute edge-forward in the ISP, might prove to be the master stroke that allows Kikau to re-establish himself in the NRL. The decision was made to drop Kikau from the NRL squad mid-way through last season and instead play on the edge in the ISP, where his obvious ball-running, offloading and passing abilities could be best utilised.

It turned out to be one of the key reasons why the Fijian giant was not only pivotal in Garth Brennan’s team’s ISP / State Championship title double, but was also instrumental in Fiji’s run to the World Cup semi-finals with a series of devastating performances on the left edge.

In fact Kikau played more games than any other Panther in 2017.

But just when you would think the body would be sore from such an unexpected and long rugby league campaign, the Panthers back-rower has come back refreshed and with renewed confidence

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Credit: 77 Media

to reclaim a spot in the NRL squad.

“I thought that I would be a lot sorer to be honest but I’m actually feeling good and ready to go for the season ahead,” Kikau told Nepean News.

“Most importantly for me, the World Cup has allowed me to come back heaps more confident to play in the NRL than last year.

“I sort of had a good year last season but hopefully with my World Cup experience I can bring back more to the team this year.

“I prefer to play on the edge now but I need to work hard at training especially on my defence as it is a bit different to playing in the middle.”

Having initially lived in Townsville prior to joining the Panthers back in 2016, Kikau admits it has taken time to settle into a different way of life but says he is getting more confident by the season.

“I wouldn’t say it is easy now but it’s getting better every year that I’m here at Penrith,” Kikau conceded.

“If I keep building on that confidence every year as I play, get to know the boys and spend more time with them, I will develop and get better every year.”

2018 panthers season preview

When you think about lower grades success, the name Garth Brennan would spring to most fans’ mind.

But Guy Missio is arguably the most successful lower grades coaching staff member in Penrith’s history.

Since 2010, Missio has made four ISP (NSW Cup) grand finals, winning in both 2014 as well as doing the ISP / NRL State Championship double last season (both under Garth Brennan) and has also made two NYC grand finals, winning one under Cameron Ciraldo in 2015.

But after a hugely successful five years assisting other coaches to grand final success, Missio is excited to be back as a head coach (with David Simmons as his assistant), having learnt plenty in his time under Brennan and Ciraldo.

“It certainly is exciting to back as a head coach again,” Missio declared.

“I wouldn’t say it has been a long five years but they’ve been really enjoyable and a successful five years as an assistant to Garth and Cameron.

“I’ve had a bit of luck with making five successive grand finals. Won a few lost a few.

“I’ve learned a lot, particularly about preparation and training, getting players ready for a game, especially big games.”

2018 also sees a new name in the lower grade coaching ranks with former Penrith Jersey Flegg player and current Panthers Academy coach Ben

Guy Missio Credit: Penrith Panthers

Harden, taking over the reins from David TangataToa in the revamped Under 20s NSWRL Jersey Flegg competition.

Harden, who himself retired from football at just 22 years of age in 2009 after suffering multiple knee injuries, has transitioned to coaching, culminating with Under 18s National Championships success in 2016 with Penrith’s all-conquering SG Ball side.

But the coach admits that he didn’t think it would come so soon, as he looks to ironically defend the

Would like to wish the Penrith Panthers all the best in the 2018 season

www.wsnewsgroup.com

Ben Harden Credit: Penrith Panthers

title last won by the club in 2007.

“It was a step that I was looking forward to making (coaching at this level) but I didn’t think it would happen this quickly,” Harden said.

“Thankfully I’m coaching a lot of boys that I’ve worked with over the past couple of years in our junior rep system, particularly SG Ball, which makes it a seamless transition.”

“It’s funny that ten years ago, we last won that competition and the boys have been certainly reminded of that.”

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

LOWER GRADE COACHES Guy Missio / Ben Harden

27

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

28

2018 panthers season preview

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

PANTHERS TAKE INDIFFERENT TRIAL FORM INTO ROUND ONE BLOCKBUSTER CLASH V EELS There’s still plenty of work to do ahead of Round One clash versus the Eels if recent trial results are a guide.

A reasonably strong looking Penrith accounted for the vastly under-strength Sydney Roosters, 30-18 at home, before a virtual full-strength side succumbed to a Bulldogs ISP strength side, 24-10 last Saturday at Belmore Sports Ground.

Speaking after the trial loss, James Maloney says that while much of the poor result could be attributed to complacency, the Panthers five-eighth adds these are issues that can be easily addressed and resolved in time for the season opener.

“I think that’s why sometimes those (sluggish) performances come. It’s a bit hard I suppose to mentally get up to play a bit of a lesser side,” Maloney conceded.

“I thought we were on top and doing it very comfortably for the first twenty-five minutes and then we got a bit complacent, thinking it was going to be a bit of a walk in the park. “(Instead) they stood up and offered a bit of footy.”

Coach Anthony Griffin is expecting the likes of Viliame Kikau, James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota to step up to the next level and establish their spots in the NRL squad in 2018.

“Kikau got his first taste of NRL last year and got that experience at the World Cup” Griffin said.

“Obviously we have got to progress him and give him every chance with us.

“Guys like Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota, who have been around for a few years now, they’re a little bit bigger and stronger. It’s a good look for us at the moment.”

Griffin is also excited by the promise shown by young talents such as Christian Crichton, Caleb Aekins and Wayde Egan throughout the trials, hinting they could see first grade in 2018.

“Throughout the trials we have used a lot of young guys that haven’t played first grade but are banging away, hard at work,” Griffin replied.

“But that’s the type of club we are. We’re about giving young people opportunity.

“Every time we have done that we have seen guys take that chance.

“That’s one of our strengths as a club and no doubt this year there will be a couple more.”

Peter Wallace admits he isn’t sure whether he will continue to play eighty minutes in 2018 given the emergence of Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan,

“Honestly I was picked out of nowhere. I have got the worst voice in the team,” Kikau declared.

“I can’t believe people were saying how good my voice was but I was overwhelmed by the response of the fans.

“But I’m blessed to have been given the opportunity to lead the hymn every time I represent my country.

“It’s a church hymn that we would sing before we started the day and ended the day as it represents our belief that we think God is there in everything we do.”

Emerging Blue Moses Leota is expected to establish himself in the NRL squad in 2018. Photo. 77 Media.

who impressed against the Roosters.

“I’d still prefer to play the 80 minutes to be honest,” Wallace told Nepean News.

“But I suppose that will come down to who we are playing and how the team is travelling too, whether we need another utility on the bench or another hooker.

“But I supposed we will have to wait and see what Hook has in mind, once the season gets under way.”

Tyrone May and Tyrone Phillips are set to be the only two top squad players not available for Round One selection, after coach Anthony Griffin confirmed injured winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (ankle) is a genuine chance to recover in time for the Parramatta match.

The Panthers coach also confirmed that Jed Cartwright has had a groin problem, which has seen the centre spend long periods in rehab and was restricted to a few minutes in Penrith’s most recent ISP trial.

Reports linking off-contract winger Josh Mansour to Parramatta for 2019, look to be off the mark at this stage.

However, the Gold Coast Titans are expected to shortly confirm the signing of Tyrone Peachey on a multi-year deal starting from 2019.

There’s little doubt Viliame Kikau was one of the players of the recent World Cup both on and off the field, where he is just as fondly remembered for his pre-match lead of the Fijian Hymm.

But the man himself says he still can’t believe how he got the gig, given he thinks he has the worse voice in the team before explaining what the hymn is all about.

New ISP coach Guy Missio says he is excited to be able to bring in retired Panther, David Simmons, to the coaching ranks.

“Dave (Simmons) is a very calm person and he is also has very smart judgment of football,” Missio declared.

“I’ve coached Dave at Windsor on and off and I am very grateful that he is part of my coaching staff for sure.”

Panthers Jersey Flegg coach Ben Harden admits their trial form has been scratchy given the number of experienced players out injured at the moment, including the likes of Dean Blore, Brian Too, Mose Filio, Jermaine Hopgood and Tom Skinner.

“I know our results in the trials haven’t been where we’d like them to be.

“However at the moment, the boys are slowly finding their feet.”

Harden also confirmed that Mitch Kenny will be Flegg captain for the 2018 season.

Penrith’s junior rep sides continue to go from strength to strength over the opening rounds. In consecutive weekends, Penrith’s Harold Matts, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale sides all recorded wins over Canberra and Parramatta respectively.

After Round Three, both Harold Matts and SG Ball remain undefeated while Tarsha Gale are unbeaten in their last two games.

Penrith’s Round One clash at home against Parramatta next Sunday week is set to be sell-out given only single reserve seats remain along with general admission tickets.

Remember, if you have any Panthers news you wish to share, feel free to email me: stewart@ nepeannews.com.au. #PantherPride

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Ladies

Local Leading

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

TANYA DAVIES

Member for Mulgoa The Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women and Minister for Ageing

Being a Member of Parliament is an incredible honour. I have an opportunity to stand up and fight for my community and see real change and benefit delivered for families and communities. Just some of these benefits include the $100 sports voucher to help families with the cost of sport registration for their school-aged children; delivering over $20.0 million for the St Clair High School Rebuild; delivering $576.0 million for Stage 1 Nepean Hospital rebuild; closing the St Marys Methadone Clinic; delivering green

CR Tricia Hitchen

Deputy Mayor Penrith Council

A Penrith local, Tricia is a highly decorated former NSW Police Chief Inspector. Tricia spent all of her Police Service working in the outer western suburbs giving her a unique understanding of the difficulties faced by many families in this area. After retiring from the Police Force through injury Tricia continued her public service when she was elected to Penrith City Council in 2012 and again in 2016. Married with three children, Tricia and her husband Trevor run a family owned removals and storage business, which has operated in the Penrith area for over 60 years.

PRUE CAR MP

slip savings; boosting school maintenance budgets and many more improvements for sports grounds, community centres and local organisations. While I can look back on many achievements that I have delivered for my community, the future potential for western Sydney is even brighter. I am focussed to continue to speak up and stand up for what my community needs and ensure I deliver the quality lifestyle and infrastructure we deserve here in the Nepean region.

A founding member of the Aussies for Orphans charity, Tricia has served on the Board of a number of local organisations including the Nepean Medical Research Foundation, Ripples, CBD Corp, St Marys Town Centre Board and The Haven.

The mother of a special needs child, Tricia is a strong advocate for disabilities, accessibility and equity and was recently successful in her campaign to have Council open an Adult Change Room in the Penrith CBD, with one in St Marys on its way. Tricia was elected Deputy Mayor in September 2016.

Shadow Minister

Prue Car was elected as the Member for Londonderry in March 2015. Prue grew up in Penrith and prior to her election to Parliament she served eight years on Penrith City Council. During her time on Council, Prue was a passionate advocate for a number of local issues including leading Penrith Council’s opposition to the transfer of radioactive waste from Hunters Hill.

Prue was appointed to the NSW Shadow Cabinet in March 2016, where she currently serves as Shadow Minister for Skills and Shadow Assistant Minister for Education. In this role, Prue has been leading the NSW Opposition’s campaign to save TAFE and fighting cuts to schools right across the state.

ANN WILLMINGTON

Vintage FM and champion for brain cancer awareness

Every now and then you come across someone who is so truly inspirational that they touch your heart in a way that makes you feel proud to be part of the human race.

Ann Willmington from Vintage FM is one such person.

Ann was diagnosed with a brain tumour nine years ago that very nearly claimed her life. Given just a ten per cent chance of survival, Ann underwent a six-hour operation to have it removed - and defied the odds.

Without paying too much thought to needing recovery time, Ann threw herself into raising funds for Music for Life - because she felt motivated to help find a cure so that little children didn’t have to go through the ordeal that did.

Four years later at a yearly check up, Dr

Charlie Teo delivered the unfortunate news that another brain tumour had grown. Ann underwent surgery to remove the tumour from her brain, but this time it was cancer so it needed to be followed up with radiation and chemotherapy.

You’d think trying to cope with the greatest challenge of her life would pin her down, but the most important thing Ann has in mind is raising funds for Music for Life at the anual event she has been holding every year.

The Ann Willmingtons of the world are a treasured gift to our community. Please help this amazing and courageous lady realise her dream of helping those, including small children, who are diagnosed with brain tumours. If you can contribute towards raising awareness or can donate any items for this year’s event you can contact Ann on 47 31 1876.

Local Leading Celebrating the Nepean region’s female

JOH DICKENS

Kingswood Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist

Growing up in Penrith and helping out at her parents’ fruit shop, Joh Dickens studied floristry and completed a diploma in business. In 1988 she bought Kingswood Florist in1988.

Since then Joh’s smart business acumen, attention to detail and her commitment to customers has resulted in massive growth, and her business now incorporates Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and most recently St Marys Florist.

When asked what ingredients have ensured her success, Joh said commitment to the customers they have and the desire and ability to network 24/7 to create a recognisable brand of their own have been major components.

“Our business has grown and we are truly passionate about our products, our services and ensuring that our customers expectations are always exceeded,” Joh said.

“In addition to the reputation that we have developed for floral art, we are recognised as being the only company in western Sydney that specialises in balloon and flower combination decorating.

“We believe in continuous improvement. We’ve taken steps to ensure that Kingswood Florist keeps up to date with new trends and maintains its fresh

EMMA HUSAR

Federal Member for Lindsay

Emma has lived her entire life in Penrith and loves the community she represents. As a single parent, she is keenly aware of the difficulties local families face trying to access government services. Emma has consistently argued for proper funding for Nepean Hospital and local schools and protecting the wages and conditions for our community.

Her lived experience with domestic violence, and raising a child with special needs has helped her be a strong voice for change. Her Parliamentary work as Secretary for the Status of Women Committee helps influence policy where

GINA FIELD

approach while staying abreast of modern designs, in addition to the more traditional preferences of some of our clients.

“We are continually participating in workshops and international designer classes and we work tirelessly in the business and general community.”

Joh and her business have also got behind many local causes, sponsored and supported many foundations and donated time to help out at charity events. The Charlie Teo Foundation, Luke Priddis Ball and the Queen of Hearts Foundation are among the local fundraising and awareness events that have been helped out.

“Over the last 30 years my company has become an integral part of many local and wider reaching business network groups ,in particular I am on the board of the Penrith Valley Chamber and have been since 2014 - and now as Vice President,” Joh said.

The business is also the face of the new marketing of the Telstra NBN, their image in on their advertising material.

They’ve also been awarded the longest serving business in the local business awards after 25 years of operation, and won Florist of the Year in 2016.

“I love being a part of the Penrith community and business hub, continuing to serve and look after our many clients,” Joh said.

it adversely affects women. In 2017, Emma launched the campaign for a new women’s shelter at her International Women’s Day Breakfast. One year on, The Haven Nepean is a reality, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the local community who supported it. This year’s Women of Lindsay Awards Breakfast on Friday 9 March will again celebrate local women’s achievements. Emma believes empowering women creates a more equal society and strong economic environment for everyone. www.emmahusar.com.au

Nepean Regional Security

Gina Field is the Managing Director of Nepean Regional Security and the immediate past President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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

Starting her own company as a home-based business in 1998, NRS is now one of the most awarded security companies in the state. Gina has featured in magazines, TV commercials, and business radio channels and on a TV program called “Business Sense.”

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

Recently being awarded the Bronze (3rd in the world) as Executive of the

Year in the International Business Awards, Gina put Penrith on the world stage.

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

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

Gina and her company have won 25 industry awards to date and she is an exceptional representation of a female succeeding in a male dominated industry.

An outstanding local leading lady, we are a very lucky region to have her. Gina was also announced as NSW Business Woman of the Year in 2017.

ANTHEA STRATHDEE

Lower Mountains Air Conditioning

Small businesswoman Anthea Strathdee has two motivations: Great quality standards and exceptional customer service.

She co-operates with her husband Andrew their “local business of the year” award winning Lower Mountains Air Conditioning, and is always striving to stay one step ahead of the game.

“You’ve got to be completely in the business on all fronts because that way you get the most hands on idea of where your business is going,” Mrs Strathdee said.

A Penrith local for her whole life, Mrs Strathdee believes great customer service is one of the reasons why her business is set a part from the rest.

“I always make sure that I’m following up with people because people want a human connection,” she said “It is important to instil this to our staff and our installers as well because they’re the ones interacting with the customers.”

With her business she also champions local community groups, clubs and schools through sponsorships, donations and charitable give aways.

On top of being an award winning business owner, Mrs Strathdee works six days a week, is mum to three children and is the President of her local P and C committee.

Ladies

success stories on International Women’s Day

AMANDA WYLLIE

Insignia Hair & Day Spa

You only need to look at Amanda Wyllie to see she knows all about beauty.

Having owned Insignia Hair & Day Spa for nine years now, this beautiful lady is the epitome of a self-made success story.

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

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

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

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

“There have been a lot of ups and downs, tears and triumphs - but I

Marlene Shipley

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

Amanda’s achievements have been recognised many times and she has had lots of highlight moments, including working backstage at The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, winning a trip to London to do a course with Vidal Sassoon, working backstage at New York fashion week twice, winning hairdresser of the year 2012 and again in 2014 and 2016, and winning Business of the Year 2014.

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

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

The Bandy

Marlene Shipley is the CEO of the very popular St Marys District Band Club.

She was appointed CEO in 2007 after working as Senior Manager in Finance and Administration, and has been with the Bandy for 25 years.

Even though the Bandy always keeps her busy, Mrs Shipley always finds time for others. Volunteering on numerous boards lets her spread her wings and gain more experience in other fields of business and community.

In 2016 Mrs Shipley even became a civil marriage celebrant, simply because she loves people and loves to share in their stories.

“Driven by the community, I will continue to contribute and give back where I can,” Mrs Shipley said.

SHARON MUDIMAN

“For 25 years I have been working in St Marys, I enjoy the people, the stories and the history. Often I will sit with our club members and listen to the many stories that they have from their many years of living in St Marys.

“There are a lot of good people in our local community and spending time with them the way I do I find extremely satisfying, especially being able to marry them,” she said.

Currently she’s a member of of the Ripples Leisure Centre board and the St Marys Centre Management Corporation, as well as an executive for the St Marys Penrith Liquor Accord.

Mrs Shipley is a mum of three adult children and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren.

Bespoke Realty Group

Sharon Mudiman is a recognised name in Real Estate with 22 years experience and ten years as owner and operator of Bespoke Realty Group, formerly known as Glenmore Park First National.

2017 saw the opportunity for expansion with the acquisition of Penrith Century 21 Renshaw Realty, a reputable local office. With the expansion Sharon took the decision to rebrand her business to Bespoke Realty Group and depart from the First National brand. “The process of renaming and rebranding has been challenging and exciting, it’s provided me with the opportunity to reflect on our business and to choose a name that better defines what we bring to the table. Bespoke is a term which means to customise, and we believe it entirely reflects how we service our clients and customise solutions to meet their needs”.

Servicing the entire Nepean region Bespoke Realty Group has three offices located in Glenmore Park, Jamisontown and the new office

GAI HAWTHORN

situated in the iconic old Bank building on the corner of Castlereagh and High Streets in Penrith.

Sharon leads a team of 18 staff as well as actively listing and selling property. “I thoroughly enjoy what I do and love the community I work for. I attribute my longevity, success and the growth of my business to sheer hard work, backed by a team of dedicated and hard working professionals and word of mouth business”.

Sharon’s style of leadership is to lead by example, doing the right thing even when no one else is looking and especially when there is nothing to gain. “I believe leadership involves being empathetic to the needs of individuals whether they’re clients or staff and recognising that everybody is different and we all have different needs. Leadership also means making tough decisions and owning the consequences.”

www.bespokerealtygroup.com.au

Penrith CBD Corporation

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

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

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

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

“I love working with Penrith businesses and the wider

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

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

There are many qualities in which Gai possesses that have contributed to her success but one of the most important is that she has passion for Penrith running through her veins and always, always gives her best. She thoroughly enjoys working with local businesses to help them grow and sustain for the future.

“I also have two fabulous females in the office helping me, Manisha and Bernie,” Gai said.

Gai is a much loved part of the Penrith community and her tireless work is appreciated.

Ladies

Local Leading

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

DEBBIE O’CONNOR

White River Design

You know how the harder we work the luckier we get?

Debbie O’Connor is one of the lucky ones.

Her big-picture, forward-thinking and progressive approach to graphic design has not only taken the industry to new levels, but also catapulted hundreds of businesses into the marketplace with stand-out brands that are brimming with personality.

How? She thinks differently. A simple Google search will tell you all you need to know – she’s passionate about educating small business owners that their logo is not their brand. So passionate, in fact, that she’s led her multi award-winning design studio White River Design (WRD) to focus on developing an online branding course to share the love. But more on that in a minute.

Debbie works with clients all over the world. She’s a successful

Kimberley Talbot

Richmond Club

With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, Kimberley Talbot is a pioneer in club management and is the first female CEO of a large registered club in NSW. Beginning her career at 17 in Broken Hill, she has worked across six registered clubs, moving to the Hawkesbury in 1999.

Ms Talbot has over 30 years’ experience in community and voluntary work, particularly in the areas of disability and aged care. To meet the needs of the ex-servicemen as they changed over the years, the club made a move in 2005 to acquire Richmond Community Nursing Home in an attempt for it to remain a community asset and release it from ongoing debt. In cooperation with the Richmond Club Board of Directors, she established Hawkesbury Living – which since then, has turned its financial

Michele Ellery

situation around to make a profit, while also offering a new and innovative way of improving the experience of aged care.

In 2009, she was also a key figure in the establishment of the Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust, which successfully brought oncology and chemotherapy services to the local area in 2017.

She was the recipient of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow for outstanding service to the community, as well as the University of Western Sydney’s Women of the West Award. Her role at Richmond Club was also recognised through her success in the Outstanding Contribution to the Club Movement Award.

Ph 4578 1144 | www.richmondclub.com.au

Queen of Hearts Community Foundation

Penrith is a hot bed for charity groups and organisation with the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation leading the charge.

Michele Ellery, the CEO of Queen of Hearts, is the master of three girls and has been a campaigner fighting in the corner of domestic violence victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Ms Ellery is also the 2018 Penrith City Council’s Citizen of the Year, an award she was given because of her groundbreaking charity work. She was also a finalist for the NSW Community Hero Women’s award for 2018.

Ms Ellery established the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation in 2014 after she was inspired by her own struggles.

Since then she has provided specialised trauma counselling

HELEN KOSTRUBIEC & JADE FLETCHER

author and co-host of the 12-part televisions series Build My Brand.

And she’s driven by a passion for small business. So much so, in fact, that she developed the online Brand Magic Masterclass for those unable to afford a business consultation. Brand Magic Masterclass ensures that individuals and small business owners have access to the information, tools and techniques they need to understand the essentials of building a stand-out brand in the marketplace.

On the side she runs both WRD and Penrith’s inspired co-working space, The Creative Fringe.

After all, it’s about standing out, not fitting in. As Debbie so eloquently puts it, “We create kelpies; we don’t create sheep,” www.whiteriverdesign.com www.brandmagicmasterclass.com

and raised awareness and funds to help provide better survivor services.

Queen of Hearts has also worked with the Western Sydney University on a program to educate children on predatory and aggressive behaviour. Her work has delivered care packaged to nearly 1000 women, including over 350 emergency rescue packs of clothes and toiletries to local families and women in need.

A trip into the offices of Queen of Hearts reveals a comforting and welcoming space, a special place Ms Ellery constructed and designed herself with young ones and troubled families in mind.

She is someone who is always thinking about the ways in which she can help out more and more people.

Explorers Conveyancing

Helen Kostrubiec and Jade Fletcher met several years ago working together at a local law firm, and decided to combine their experience to form Explorers Conveyancing.

When asked what it was that had guided them so easily to success, they believe it is a combination of their dedication to helping people with their most important asset, their ability to overcome challenging transactions and their people skills.

“I think clients like coming here because we talk their language - unlike some solicitors or conveyancers who forget that the clients aren’t used to the legal jargon,” Helen said.

“Yes, we explain things in terms that are easy to understand, and we’ve made so many good friends out of clients over the years,” Jade added.

Helen and Jade are both licenced conveyancers and their knowledge of the property conveyance process is immense.

While sitting in their office based on Explorers Way, St Clair the home

office was a hive of activity.

We conducted the interview between a phone that constantly rang and clients popping in to say hi. These very talented girls took it all in their stride, showing that juggling several projects at once is something they do with ease! And the thing that stuck out the most is that they absolutely love their work. They work incredibly well together, they bounce ideas off each other constantly and most of all, smile and laugh through their day.

If you are buying, selling or transferring property ownership, give Jade and Helen a call on 9670 1161. They are a breath of fresh air and I believe you’ll thank me for making the recommendation!

Chances are you will be sorry to say cheerio when the transaction is completed, but like many others in their massive client base, you’ll probably want to call past and say hi long after their service to you is completed. In fact, I didn’t want to wrap up the interview. Great girls!

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

34

The Gaels Club 10th annual Golf Day

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Gaels Club in Penrith will be holding their annual St Patrick’s Day Charity Golf Day that will be held on Friday 16th March this year at Dunheved Golf Course. The two-man Ambrose event, “Mystery Handicap”, tees off at 7am with a BBQ breakfast provided on course. After completing the 18 holes, players return to the Penrith Gaels Club for a delicious lunch and an afternoon of raffles, auctions, games, and prizes for the golf players.

This will be the Penrith Gaels Club 10th year holding this Golf Day, and over the past 10 years they have raised over $55,000 which was

donated to local charities including the Nepean Hospital Neo-Natal Unit Family Room, Karelle Life Enrichment Service, Nepean Youth Accommodation Services, and Nepean District Disabilities Organisation.

Money raised this year will be going once again to the Nepean Hospital Neo-Natal Unit Family Room. Lunch only tickets are available for anyone who doesn’t play golf but wants to come and enjoy the lunch and afternoon’s activities.

A limited number of tickets are still available from the Club. Players $85 each, Lunch only $40 each. If you are wanting to purchase a ticket head in to the Club to fill out your registration form and pay your fees.

FRIDAY 16TH Annual MARCH St Patrick’s Dunheved GC 2 Man Ambrose Charity Event Golf Day ‘Mystery Handicap’ • Tee of 7am (shotgun start) • $85 each (includes green fees, breakfast roll, gift bag, 2 course lunch + 2 beers at the Gaels Club • Prizes galore, raffles + more • Numbers are strictly limited, register & pay early to avoid disappointment

Amusing and entertaining local production!

T

he worst students of Ruby Primary School combine with their less than eloquent substitute teacher Miss Moore to take on the amazing choir from Diamond Private school and their evil teacher Mrs Crowley!! Will they serve it up to them or will they GET SERVED!???

Playing from 3rd March, the majority of the cast in this show are young people aged 10 up, they are also all residents of Penrith!

Ticket price is $25 for adults and $20 concession.

To book tickets go to www.trybooking. com/275547 To reserve show only phone (02) 4735 5422.

“DIAMONDS AND RUBYS” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street; Penrith. www.rubyproductions.com.au

st patrick’s day

entertainment all day Patrick Brady 9am

17TH MARCH

St Patrick’s Day Raffle

1st prize

$5,000 Irish dancers

Lenny Duff 2.30pm

throughout the day

Blackwater 6.30pm

Shaylee Wilde

Bistro open from 9am for Irish fare all day

9pm

2nd prize

$1,000 Tickets

$10 each

RECOVERY DAY - SUNDAY 18TH MARCH Relax with a Guinness |

Entertainment from 1pm

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY 2 MAR - 8PM NOVA TONE

Saturday 3 MAR - 7PM THE QUOKKAS

FRIday 9 MAR - 8PM BACK LASH

SATURDAY 10 MAR - 7PM THE REMIXES

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

36

ENTERTAINMENT

All About Women

J

oin us at the Joan and celebrate International Women’s Day early!

Experience the main stage action of All About Women as it is streamed live from Sydney opera house, right here in Penrith at The Joan Sunday 4 March 1 - 3:30pm.

Our local host Andrea Turner-Boys will MC the event bringing her skills and passion to the fore as she creates an opportunity to connect, engage and enjoy invigorating discussions on issues and ideas that matter to women today.

Grabbing Back: Women in the Age of Trump, will stimulate a conversation on how the Trump administration is affecting women world-wide. Trump may think putting a wife to work is a dangerous thing, but resistance is springing up. Women are uniting. Trump has inspired conversations, marches, and many, many memes. In fact, he has delivered women a new challenge: howdo we respond to the new world order? #METOO: The Making of a Movement, Tarana Burke and Tracey Spicer, explore how the mass movement #MeToo – a campaign to amplify the voices of victims of sexual harassment – was built. Questioning the consequences of calling out

abusers, is this a turning point in the history of male power and protection?

Asking the important questions: Why now, when it’s been going on for so long? Will there be a backlash? And most importantly, what’s going to change?

Attend one or both sessions - All About Women - Sunday 4 March 13:30pm.

Be part of this symposium streamed live - no woman, aspiring feminist, jaded women’s libber, or man who, as Oprah reminded us at the Golden Globes, has chosen to listen, can afford to miss it.

Tickets $10 a session or both sessions $15.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

37

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Great Walk Foundation is in its 11th year of operation, helping raise money for numerous local charities and affecting our local community.

Founded by locals Jonathan Green and Mark Mulock, the fundraising activities incorporate a lengthy walk up the Blue Mountains by a bunch of charity-driven locals including our own Mark Geyer.

The Pioneer Tavern in Kingswood, for the last three years have hosted a lunch with special guests including Matty Johns, Wendell Sailor and Mark Geyer to help raise money for the foundation.

Those wishing to help the Pioneer raise funds will be treated to an awesome Friday afternoon on March 23, provided by Mark Geyer, Brad Fitler and the Shepherd brothers MC’s for the day.

Iris Russell, the Pioneer’s CEO spoke about the charities and Caption to go here..........xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx foundations the Pioneer supports throughout the year and how much they’ve raised from all of those together.

“We host dart competitions every year for Men’s Health and Cancer Council, shave for a cure and support the U.G.L.Y foundation. In total last year we helped raise $80-90,000 for all these charities and the community,” she said.

Over the last three years $50,000 has been raised at the fundraiser hosted by the Pioneer, and Iris is hoping to clock up another $10,000-$15,000 this year.

“I first got behind the foundation because I know one of the founders, Jonathon Green. I was amazed by the great work they do for our local community,” Iris said.

You will be treated to a seafood entrée, with a buffet lunch and a chance to bid on two jerseys signed by both Mark Geyer and Brad Fitler during the lunch so don’t miss out. Tickets are $100 a head with all money going to charity.

Part of last year’s fundraising efforts

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

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Big names line up for fundraiser at Pioneer Tavern

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

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

38

NEPEAN HISTORY

EMU PLAINS GOVERNMENT AGRICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT 1819 - 1832

By Lorraine Stacker

T

he Emu Plains Agricultural Establishment operated from 11 September 1819 until 31 August 1832. It was established by Lachlan Macquarie to take the high number of surplus convicts in the colony as well as new arrivals. The agricultural station holds an important place in the history of convict administration in New South Wales, with hundreds of convicts processed through the farm. Some had just arrived on transport ships, some were reprocessed and reeducated in agricultural work, and some remained there to give service as overseers, gardeners, watchmen, butchers and clerks.

The farm played an important economic role in the Nepean district, providing a source for the sale of goods, the employment of clearing gangs and individual assignment of convicts to local settlers. It was ideally placed to not only benefit from its agricultural richness, but also to oversee movements of convicts, settlers and stock over the mountains.

Its first Superintendent was Richard Fitzgerald, an ex-convict of exceptional administrative and agricultural talent. He was well respected by the highest dignitaries in the colony such asJohn Macarthur and especially by the early governors, in particular Lachlan Macquarie, who called him ‘this excellent man’. Fitzgerald set up the farm and remained as its Superintendent until February 1822. Constant criticism and legal challenges by Sir John Jamison of Regentville marred his time at Emu Plains. Commissioner Bigge, in his report, considered Emu Plains successful in its original purpose and was one of the best places of punishment in the colony. Macquarie thought that ‘Emu Plains succeeds even beyond my most sanguine hopes’.

Lieutenant Peter Murdoch was appointed Superintent in April 1822 and remained there until December 1824. He was a Scotsman and a friend of Sir Thomas Brisbane, the new governor. Murdoch implemented the changes suggested by the Bigge Report. Emu Plains increased in size and at times held 500 convicts. Discipline and punishment were important aspects of convict administration during this period. Although Brisbane’s administration came under criticism for sending female convicts to Emu Plains, his purpose was founded upon his desire to employ the women productively. Brisbane thought Murdoch a most moral man. In 1823 a newspaper report stated that ‘The grandest sight that has ever exhibited itself in the colony, in harvest time, is the amazing field of wheat on Emu Plains…we shall not fail to notice the excellent discipline of this place, and the consequent wonderful reformation…of the most abandoned of the human family’.

Murdoch left Emu Plains in December 1824.

After Murdoch, the Kinghorne family, father Alexander followed by his son James, were Superintendents of the farm from 1825 to September 1829. Alexander remained for just twelve months on the farm before his appointment as Civil Engineer of the colony. During his superintendence convicts performed the first plays at Emu Plains.

Brisbane was impressed by the farm for it turned an ‘idle disorderly vagabond…[into] a regular industrious servant’. Emu Plains flourished under Alexander Kinghorne’s superintendence, which exhibited ‘a picture of comfort, regularity and discipline’.

James Kinghorne was appointed in February 1826 and remained there until September 1829. He oversaw a period of great production on the farm of wheat, maize and tobacco. The movement of great numbers of government stock was important aspects of the farm’s activities. In

 Government House Emu Plains, was built to the specifications of Governor Macquarie in 1820. It served as a residence for the overseer and the occasional occupation of the Governor.

July 1826 there were 392 bushels of wheat in the granary, 4000 bushels of wheat in stacks, 6256 bushels of maize in the stores at the farm.

Although under Kinghorne the farm was highly productive, it also went through one of the worst droughts in the colony’s history during 18271829. During this period, Emu Plains was responsible for supporting many of the agricultural and penal settlements in New South Wales, especially Rooty Hill, Moreton Bay and Norfolk Island.

John Maxwell took over from James Kinghorne who replaced Maxwell at the Wellington Valley station. Maxwell had been Superintendent of Government Stock at Bathurst and Wellington Valley. By the time of his arrival in early 1830 the farm had gradually changed its focus from an agricultural to a stock station. He was responsible for all government stock in New South Wales. His primary responsibility was wider than just the station at Emu Plains. Problems with sharing the station with the Mounted Police led to his resignation.

James Smith, the Superintendent of the Grose Farm and Longbottom agricultural stations, replaced Maxwell in August 1831. Smith was to oversee the closure of the farm under the direction of Governor Richard Bourke. Bourke was an agent of change for he also was influential in the decision for Transportation to end in New South Wales. The final twelve months was tied up in deciding if and when the farm would be closed. From January 1832 Smith was struggling to maintain the station, even down to his lack of stationery. From June 1832 the wind-up fully began with the movement of stock and men from the station. A full inventory was undertaken, which included knives, forks, spoons and the three combs left on the station. This inventory was a sad reflection of its vibrant past and a reminder of just how important it was to convict administration in New South Wales.

Soon after the farm closed, H. F. White surveyed the land for a town.

White followed the contours of the agricultural station, laying out the village and streets along roads and paddocks created by the convict farm.

Lorraine Stacker is the author of: Chained to the Soil on the Plains of Emu: A History of the Emu Plains Government Agricultural Establishment; 1819-1832, Penrith the makings of a City.

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Celebrity ROUND 1

DRAGONS KNIGHTS COWBOYS TIGERS RABBITOHS BULLDOGS PANTHERS TITANS BRONCOS EAGLES SHARKS ROOSTERS WARRIORS STORM EELS RAIDERS March 8 7.50pm

March 9 6.00pm

March 9 7.50pm

March 10 4.30pm

March 10 7.00pm

March 10 9.00pm

March 11 4.10pm

March 11 6.30pm

SCORE

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

0 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

0 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

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

0 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

0 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

0 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

0 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

0 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

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

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

0

TIPSTERS ROUND 1

DRAGONS KNIGHTS COWBOYS TIGERS RABBITOHS BULLDOGS PANTHERS TITANS BRONCOS EAGLES SHARKS ROOSTERS WARRIORS STORM EELS RAIDERS March 8 7.50pm

March 9 6.00pm

March 9 7.50pm

March 10 4.30pm

March 10 7.00pm

March 10 9.00pm

March 11 4.10pm

March 11 6.30pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

0 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

0 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

0 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

0 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

0 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

0 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600

0 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

0 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

0 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

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

0

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

42

SPORT › Charity golf day Penrith City Council invites you to attend their annual charity golf day in support of Intellectual Disability Rights Service.

The event will be held at Wallacia Golf Club on Friday 9 March 2018. The event commences with a shotgun start at 7am with a light breakfast served from 6.30am in the clubhouse.

Over the past 20 years, the event has help raise valuable funds for local charities including: Platform Youth Services, Rotary House Nepean Hospital, Lifestart, Bravehearts Inc, Nepean/Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group, Westcare Community Services Penrith; Riding for the Disabled and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

This year’s chosen charity is; Intellectual Disability Rights Service.

The Intellectual Disability Rights Service are involved in the Penrith area and have the new Cognitive Impairment Diversion Program operating from Penrith Court.

This is a new service based in Penrith as a two-year pilot with aim to divert people with cognitive disability from the court system.

The competition is a ‘Three Ball, Best Ball Ambrose’ event using traditional handicapping methods. Players will be provided with a light breakfast and lunch at the completion of the game.

You can enter as a team of three or as a single player where you will be assigned a group. Entry cost is $55 per player.

For registrations and sponsorship opportunities contact Amy Neville on 4732 8155 by Friday 2 March 2018.

Arnold streets the field to win Leonay Open

By Noel Rowsell

L

eonay golf prodigy Wil Arnold (Penrith GC) has won the prestigious Leonay Open by two shots, shooting a one-over par scratch score of 68.

Leonay Major Pennants squad members Ian Barnes (5 handicap) and Dave Moore (4) had a tight finish for second place, with both shooting 70 but Barnes taking the higher position on a countback.

Leonay C2 Grade member Hugh Renny shot the best nett score of the day, relishing his 27 handicap to finish well clear of the field with a red-hot score of 59.

Arnold first came to light as a future talent in the district when selected into the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation program, playing alongside close friend and fellow Penrith GC member Simon Masters.

A four-handicap player at just 16 years of age, Arnold attended St Dominics College before heading to the US in 2015 to play golf at Hutchison Community College for two years.

Now based back in Australia, Arnold was the low-handicapper in this year’s field, playing off an impressive -1 handicap.

The scratch score winners for the event in each grade were: A Grade - Wil Arnold 68, runner-up Ian Barnes 70 on a countback; B Grade - Justin de Villecourt 73, runner-up Guy Annan 77; C1 Grade - Noel Rowsell 83 on a countback, runner-up Brian Wrigley 83; C2 Grade - Hugh Renny 86, runnerup Bob Hargrave 91.

Wil Arnold took out the prestigious 2018 Leonay Open.

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

Wanderers active support hit with ban

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wanderers have had to shut down their active support for their upcoming game against Perth Glory. This is due to the actions of a minority of supporters during the clubs 3-1 loss to arch rivals Sydney FC on Sunday.

John Tsatsimas, CEO of the Wanderers spoke about the decision to shut down the active support against Perth Glory and what will happen if breaches are made again in the future.

“Pursuant to the activities in the active support area at Allianz Stadium last Sunday and in accordance with the letter to Members issued on 12 July 2017, the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club has resolved to close down the Active Support Area for the upcoming home match this weekend against Perth Glory on Sunday 4 March 2018,” he said.

“The Western Sydney Wanderers maintains its position that it will not accept offensive behaviour being displayed at its matches and also will not accept the illegal use of incendiary devices.

“The Western Sydney Wanderers maintain that the majority of those Members in the Active Area have been outstanding and supportive of the Club and the team. Unfortunately, a small group have made this action unavoidable. Investigation into those directly responsible for the lighting of flares is continuing.

“Members who normally attend in the Active

Area will be subject to alternative seating arrangements that will not be active on the day.

Communication to those affected Members will be conveyed later this week.

“The Active Area will be reopened for the following match against Wellington Phoenix on 10 March 2018, however should there be any further breaches of the terms of admission then the Club reserves the right to close down the Active Area for a further indefinite period.

The Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club is committed to its continued engagement with Active Members to ensure a future for Active Support at this Club,” he continued.

This will dramatically affect the club as the team relies on its active support to bring in a crowd and cheer them on throughout the match. However, with the club wanting to avoid any fines of points removed from the FFA the suspension will be a warning to the active support.

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Maddison Krahe the Junior Sport Star of the Month award for his amazing development and skill in various sports including Netball, Touch Football and Swimming.

Maddison Krahe is currently playing three different sports for three different Penrith Representative sides. She is playing in the Under 13’s Penrith representative Softball side that plays in the State Championships. Maddison is also in the training squad for the Penrith Netball under 13’s State Age team for this year’s State Age championships and she played in the Under 12’s Netball State Age Championships last year.

Maddison has been recognised for more than Softball as she has made the Penrith Touch Football Under 14’s side where she played in the Junior State

Senior Sport Star of the Month

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Matthew Beach the Senior Sport Star of the Month award for his amazing development and skill in Softball.

Matthew plays for Penrith Softball Club in the Penrith City Softball Association. Matthew has been playing softball since he was four years old and has represented PCSA as a representative player since he was 10 years old. He has been in the U13s, U15s U17s & U19s boy’s representative teams for PCSA. He has won four State Championships whilst playing for Penrith City in the last five years and has been selected into the NSW Softball U17s Boys State Squad for the last two years.

Matthew spoke about how he felt when receiving the award and is happy that he is being recognised for his efforts in his sport.

“When I found out I was receiving this award I was completely shocked. I was unsure how to feel, but I’m completely grateful for being recognised of my sporting achievements in Softball. All my hard-work and dedication at training is finally beginning to pay off,” he said.

Matthew also spoke about a recent achievement at the Pacific School games and what he plans to do for the future.

“Most recently I travelled to the Pacific School Games in Adelaide to play for the NSW All Schools Men’s team, where we went through undefeated to take the title ‘National Champions’. Being involved with the team and winning the tournament has been a significant highlight of my sporting career,” he said.

“Not knowing what the future could hold is exciting, anything could happen but I plan to remain dedicated to my training program set by my coaches, which I hope will keep me in a good position for the upcoming trials for the 2018 NSW All School’s Team as well as the 2018 NSW U19s Men’s team.”

Matthew is a valued member of Penrith City Softball Association and as a member is often down at the grounds helping set-up for the day of competition, helping with the grounds, helping in the Canteen and will be there to help pack up at the end of the day. His passion and love of the sport is outstanding and can be easily seen by all.

Cup. She also swims in Squads at Dive in Swim academy and she was 2nd age champion last year at her school Caroline Chisolm in Glenmore Park.

Maddison spoke about how she felt to receive the award and what she plans to do when she gets older.

“I’m very blessed to have this opportunity, I feel very excited and privilege as these awards don’t come every day,” she said.

“I would like to get a HSC and go to university and become a teacher. I would also like to keep playing sport and stay fit.”

Maddison spoke about her greatest achievement and what she loves about playing sport.

“My greatest achievement was making it into the state team for Netball touch football and softball,” she said.

“What I love about sport is meeting new people and the competition.”

Maddison is a great asset to all her sporting codes and teams and has been rewarded for her dedication and hard work.

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

Junior Sport Star of the Month

43

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

44

SPORT

Fox Shines in 2018 Canoe Slalom Australian Open

Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox in action during the 2018 Canoe Slalom Australian Open. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

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ual Olympic medallist and reigning women’s K1 World Champion Jessica Fox (NSW) has lived up to her reputation at the 2018 Canoe Slalom Australian Open, taking out both the K1 and C1 Women’s events at the Penrith White Water Stadium.

Fox defeated Ricarda Funk (Germany) and young Tasmanian Kate Eckhardt in the K1 Women’s Final, whilst fellow Australian Lucien Delfour won the K1 Men’s Final, ahead of Jiri Prskavec (Czechoslovakia) and Boris Neveu (France).

Fox also won the C1 Women’s Final, ahead of sister Noemie Fox and Eckhardt in third, whilst the C1 Men’s Final was won by Denis Gargaudchanut (France), ahead of Matej Benus (Slovakia) and Luka Bozic (Slovenia).

Australia took out the Gold and Silver in the C2 Men’s Final, with the pairing of Gary Nelson and Kevin Songberg defeating Daniel Shamieh and Bradley McLaughlan.

Fox has already won three World Championship titles in the C1 women’s category (2013, 2014, 2015), in addition to two Olympic medals in the K1 category.

Rosalyn Lawrence (NSW), Noemie Fox and Kate Eckhardt (TAS) will join her on the Australian World Cup team. with both Noemie Fox and Kate Eckhardt also selected on to the Australian U23 Team.

The full Australian squad can be found at: http:// canoe.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018Final-Slalom-Team-Announcement-v2.pdf The first ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup of the season will take place in Liptovsky, Slovakia from 22nd – 24th June 2018, with the season culminating in the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships on the Rio 2016 Olympic course from 19th – 30th September 2018.

The emergence of the Weir brothers as Penrith revival continues

By STEWART MOSES

C

@TheRiffMarn

ricketing brothers from a Penrith Cricket perspective have in recent times been dominated by the Cummins brothers, Pat and Tim. But with Tim’s departure to Sydney University before the start of the season and Pat’s cricketing career at the top continuing it’s resurgence, it’s has enabled a new set of brothers to play for the Black Cats.

Enter St Clair Hawks duo, 21 year-old Cameron Weir and his younger brother, Trent just 17 years old and still at high school, where he is studying for his HSC at St Dominics College, Kingswood.

Both Cameron and Trent have played huge roles in Penrith’s form surge, which has seen the Black Cats win their last three games in succession.

Cameron, who works for Cricket NSW, conducting coaching clinics at schools has been in and out of Penrith’s first grade side since making his debut in 2015/16.

But the Poidevin-Gray skipper, looks set to have finally nailed down a position in the top grade after scoring his maiden century (142) recently against a Fairfield lineup featuring NSW bowler Gurinder Sandhu, before backing up with a fine 90 in the following game against Blacktown.

Cameron said it was relief to finally score some big runs in the top grade.

“Yeah it was a good feeling. It was good to see all the hard work that I’ve been putting in has finally paid off,” Cameron told Nepean News.

“It was a long time coming, I had saved them up all for the one day but it was good to get the result thou. “(That innings v Fairfield) I didn’t feel anything different to what I’ve been normally doing.

“It was just a day where I batted for enough time to score some big runs whereas earlier on in the season I felt I was hitting the ball the same but just wasn’t

The Weir brothers (Trent left, Cameron right) are set to dominate Penrith cricket for years to come. Photos: Michael Gibson

batting enough time to convert into runs.”

Cameron, who has been playing the game since the age of 8, says his love for the game stems from following in the footsteps of other family members.

“My whole family plays cricket too. My older brother Justin, was also a very handy cricketer as a junior, playing rep cricket from U10s to U16s,” Cameron explained.

“Obviously younger brother Trent plays as well and Dad played too when he was younger.

“Trent and I just wanted to follow in both Dad and Justin’s footsteps so with my family playing, it made it easier to love playing the game and continued to play it.”

Cameron and Trent have played cricket together for Penrith before in the lower grades and at U21s level.

But their playing relationship took a dramatic turn in the last game against Western Suburbs, when the pair played first grade together for the first time after left-arm orthodox spinner, Trent was called in to replace the injured Luke Hodges.

The younger brother had an immediate impact, taking 5/58 on debut to become just the second Panther (after Anthony Marr in 2005/06) to take five

wickets for on debut and in the process also has the honour of being the first player born this century to take five wickets in Sydney First Grade Cricket.

Trent says making his first grade debut and playing alongside his brother, was a dream he felt was not achievable at the start of the season.

“Not at all. I was just returning from a back injury (stress fractures) that had kept me out for most of the previous season,” Trent declared.

“I was just looking to make my way up the grades and although I had been doing that, I had been struggling a little bit earlier in the season.

“Playing first grade this season wasn’t really a goal of mine at that point in time.

“I was excited but a bit surprised (when told I was in).

“I’ve played with Cameron in a few second grade and our PG games but to play first grade together was pretty special.

“I was just hoping to play my part and help the boys get the win and my results take care of itself.

“But I certainly was not expecting to take five for, that’s for sure.

“It was pretty exciting and a bit of relief all rolled into one.”

SPORT @TheRiffMarn

Large run chase required for Penrith to win four in a row Sixteenth-placed Penrith, fresh from their best win of the season to date the previous weekend against Western Suburbs in a low-scoring affair, ended day one of their two-day clash at North Sydney Oval chasing a somewhat bigger target than what they may have expected after North Sydney were eventually dismissed for 320 after the Black Cats had them on the ropes at 6/89.

Ryan Smith worked himself into a stand-still, taking a season-best 6/100 from 31 overs, supported ably by his skipper Michael Castle (3/39) and Ryan Gibson (1/39).

Despite the win last week over Western Suburbs, two changes were made to Penrith’s lineup with Luke Hodges returning from injury to take the place of the unlucky Trent Weir, who only a week early became the youngest Penrith 17-year old Trent Weir is clapped off the field after rocking the cricketing world with his 5/58 on debut. Photo: Michael Gibson. player to take five wickets on first grade debut, while Tyran Liddiard has replaced “It was a real tough typical Penrith win. We still have moved up to ninth position in the Club Nick Carruthers as wicket-keeper. only had a modest total to defend, they got off to Championship as losses in seconds, thirds and Penrith coach Michael Wholohan says despite the a flyer in their chase before the game ebbed and fourth were partially offset by a big win in fifths.

The results mean that only fourths (fourth) and bigger than expected target, he remains confident his flowed a bit,” Wholohan told Nepean News. side will get the points provided they negate the opening “Our blokes stuck to their guns and bowled tight fifths (second) remain likely hopes of playing finals cricket in three weeks’ time. hour of play this Saturday. lines, fielded really well to give us that good win.

“320 was more than we hoped for against North “It might be a case of too little too late but I’d Further to last week’s report, confirmation has since Sydney but we probably would have taken that at the much rather be winning than losing. The boys are come through that Josh Lalor (thumb) won’t play again start of play,” Wholohan said. gaining confidence and enjoying their cricket.

“The wicket will do a bit in the morning and we’ll “It’s just a shame we didn’t have those three wins this season. have to bat really well for that first hour or so. at the start of the year, our season would have been It’s been a big fortnight for Penrith’s Naomi “But if we can get through that period, it’s a small completely different.”

Stalenberg who celebrated her return to the ground, it’s a good drop in wicket, and the outfield is fast so if we bat well I’m very confident we will win.”

Penrith has gone through to the final of the Poidevin Southern Stars T20 squad for next month’s tour to Gray U21’s competition in two weeks’ time where they India, with a cameo knock of 28 in the NSW Lend Penrith’s run chase for a fourth successive win will host Gordon at Howell Oval, after play was finally Lease Breakers’ big win in the WNCL final against came after the Black Cats pulled off their best win abandoned due to the wet weather in last Sunday’s the Western Fury at Blacktown last Saturday. of the season, dismissing Western Suburbs 51 runs home semi-final clash with Fairfield.

But the news wasn’t so good for Naomi’s Penrith short of Penrith’s 9/269 (dec).

Batting first, the home side reached 1/66 in the 16th Having reached 6/214 at tea, Western Suburbs over before the heavens opened up and prevented any team-mates after last weekend’s wash out against Campbelltown-Camden confirmed the Lady Cats looked set to chase down the remaining runs required further play for the day. for victory but a stunning 4/4 collapse triggered by Penrith who go into the final as strong favourites, will would not be playing finals cricket in 2017/18.

Despite a season that showed at times plenty of debutant Trent Weir (5/58) and Ryan Smith (3/39) be looking to win their first PGs final since 2009/10. sealed an easy win for the home side in the end.

That 2009/10 team contained some fairly handy promise, the Lady Cats have slipped back to sixth spot, Penrith coach Michael Wholohan whilst cricketers – Jordan Silk, Ryan Gibson and Josh Clarke 15 points adrift of that top four spot, after a severely weakened Penrith side succumbed to Gordon the understandably elated with the win, lamented to name a few. weekend before. how the season could have been different had they #LoveTheCats converted some tough losses into wins.

At the conclusion of last round, the Black Cats

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Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses

45

Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

46

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Coach’s Corner

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

NRL Season Preview

W

ith the 2018 NRL season only 7 sleeps away let’s look at the teams ahead of what promises to be another very exciting and unpredictable season of Rugby League.

Broncos: Look short on depth in the key positions and will need their stars to perform consistently and stay injury free.

Raiders: Josh Hodgson’s injury leaves them very vulnerable at the hooker position. Will need their halves to lift on last seasons performances if they are to make the Top 8.

Bulldogs: Des, Dib and Reynolds out and in comes Dean Pay to try and resurrect the Bulldogs culture. I expect their attack to be less structured.

Can Foran stay fit? Are Frawley, Mbye, Liichaa and Cleeland good enough to take them into the Top 8?

Sharks: Lost Maloney and Bird, gained Moylan and Dugan. They still have plenty of quality across the park. Premiership contenders.

Titans: Need to avoid injuries and off field dramas. New coach and they look like a Top 8 team

across the park aside from their centres and wingers.

Sea Eagles: Losing Blake Green makes me nervous as he allowed Cherry Evans to flourish last season. If they can find a stable five eight and avoid injuries they can make the Top 8.

Storm: Will be Top 4 again unless they have an injury crisis. Slater, Smith, Muster and Bellamy.

Lock them in!

Knights: A young team on the rise. Top 8? Not so sure... but they will be very competitive this season.

Cowboys: Made a Grand Final while missing their best two and most experienced players. Will challenge for the Premiership.

Eels: Semi out, Hayne in. Look to have a great coach. Are clearly a Top 8 team. Can they step up to be Premiership contenders?

Panthers: Endured a wild offseason losing Moylan and Cartwright and plenty of focus on off the field happenings. But on field they look solid.

Maloney seems to win where were ever he goes. Top 8.

Rabbitohs: Your guess is as good as mine! New coach will need to bring new energy. At best they sneak into the Finals.

Dragons: Plenty of pressure on Hunt to perform up to his pay packet. Look a Top 8 side but how do they respond after letting a finals berth slip in 2017?

Roosters: Tedesco and Cronk come into a Top 4 team. Anything short of a Premiership would be a disappointment if they remain healthy.

Warriors: Have the talent. But do they have the resilience and mental toughness to perform consistently? I don’t think so.

Tigers: Surprise packet potential this season!

Good coach, solid roster and will push for a Top 8 position. .................................................................................

My Top 8: Sharks, Storm, Cowboys, Eels, Panthers, Roosters, Dragons, Raiders.

Premiers: Cowboys.

Wooden Spooners: Sea Eagles.

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Footy season: bring it on!

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 New faces - new clubs

even more sleeps! Then the footy is back! In what’s seemed like an eternity the NRL season kicks off next Thursday night when the Dragons host the Brisbane Broncos.

The 2018 season looms as one of the most intriguing in recent memory. So many scenarios, so many twists and turns lie in wake one feels.

Never before have we witnessed such a hectic off-season of player movement, and not just any player movement, marquee player movement. By my count there have been 22 players swap clubs who could all fall under the banner of a “major signing”.

Hows this for a list? James Tedesco, James Maloney, Matt Moylan, Bryce Cartwright, Cooper Cronk, Keiran Foran, Aaron Woods, Mitchell Pearce, Jarryd Hayne, Kalyn Ponga, Ben Hunt, James Graham, Josh Reynolds, Jack Bird, Blake Green, Jordan McLean, Dane Gagai, Tohu Harris, Joel Thompson, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, and Josh Dugan! Phew. Good luck trying to get that squad under a salary cap!

But what the never before off-season calamity of player change has provided, is an unpredictable forecast of just how well and not-so-well certain clubs will perform. And while most clubs have played a couple of trials over the past few weeks those results can’t be taken into account when trying to predict who will be the eventual premier team come October.

Teams tend to rise a few cogs once two points are on offer.

Who will be the dark horse? Who will be the seasons best off-season buy?

Who will win origin? Which team will slide? Who will receive the dreaded

 Brothers - joining the big boys

wooden spoon? And who will win the comp? All questions without a real definitive answer.

But for the time being, ‘click clack’ front and back, and get ready for one hell of a ride, as we embark upon one of the most palpitating 26 rounds of rugby league you’re ever gunna see.

And another thing....

I have had a strong affiliation with Brothers Penrith junior rugby league club for the past 15 years when I coached my oldest son in the u/8’s there. I then coached my other son in his first year of u/6’s.

They are a hard-working club (like most in our district) who have decided to enter teams in both the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey cups this season.

A huge step forward for a junior rugby league club. But also a financial headache supporting these teams.

While they have recently teamed up with the Henry Sports club they are still in need of corporate partners.

If you or a company you know are interested in starting the voyage with Brothers you can contact their President Vince Lebreton on 0438 361 509.

There are packages to support all levels of sponsorship and your generosity in helping grass roots rugby league would be more than appreciated.

Take care, talk in a couple of weeks.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

47 47 Nepean News 1 March 2018 Issue 221

MG on the mark

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