IN the trenches of the Western Front during World War I, a soldier said to his dying mate “I’ll look after the missus and kids”. This became known as The Promise.
Realising the dire circumstances of the tens of thousands of veterans, widows and children left behind, those who returned set out to help them. In 1923, Major General Sir John Gellibrand formed the Remembrance Club in Hobart. Another returning soldier, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, was inspired to establish a similar club in Melbourne which was named Legacy.
In responding to the needs of families of veterans for 100 years, Legacy, in conjunction with the network of Legacy Clubs throughout regional and metropolitan Australia, stands proudly as the veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated solely to the care and support of our veterans’ families.
Legacy Week kicked off this week with a 100 year history.
“We pay special tribute to Legacy for their support for the families of those Australian Defence Force personnel who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice as a result of their
service,” said Penrith MP Karen McKeown OAM.
“Legacy was built on a promise to a dying soldier, to look after his family and 100 years on that promise continues to be kept, an amazing achievement and one we are all thankful for. Please support the volunteers and buy a badge.
“In Penrith we recently had the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay proudly held here by David Trist and supported by local Eric Easterbrook who is Chairman of Legacy Australia”
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St Marys is the heart of Sydney’s Western suburbs; grounded in history and inspired by growth, St Marys respects its rich heritage, acknowledges its present and is ready to embrace its aspirations for the future.
St Marys embodies opportunity for growth and is strengthened by its diverse community. The future of St Marys is NOW.
The St Marys Town Centre is seeking forward thinking business professionals to join our Board. This voluntary role of Director will effectively represent and promote the interests of the St Marys Town Centre and be responsible for the overall strategy, governance, and performance of the organisation.
Commitment is key to this role. A time commitment of between four and 8 hours per month will include attending and participating in monthly Board meetings (held on site at the St Marys office), general meetings, and relevant committee meetings, as well as preparation time. Board members are required to have knowledge and experience of the role including legal, ethical, fiduciary, and financial responsibilities.
The successful applicant will possess competencies in the following:
• Strategic expertise
• Commercial acumen
• Corporate Governance
• Risk Management and Compliance
• Leadership
• Ethics and Integrity
If you would like to apply, please send an expression of interest to info@stmarystowncentre.com.au by Monday 11th September 2023.
BY KERRIE DAVIESIN my former life which I call BMW - Before Moving West - I had a part-time job at a place called Joseph Dahdah & Co in Surry Hills.
The boss, who we called “Mr Peter” was a mad Panthers fan and as many footy fans will know, ended up being the Panther’s jersey sponsors for a while.
My main friend at work was a bloke we called Davo. Everyone loved him, he was like having round-the-clock comedy without having to buy a ticket.
He could imitate any person perfectly. Mr Peter would storm into the office in a foul mood because Panthers had lost, and wouldn’t realise that Davo was walking behind him imitating his every gesture. We’d all be cracking up laughing underneath desks and behind water coolers.
He had a never-ending stash of jokes and he was perfect at delivering the punch lines. Even if the joke wasn’t particularly funny, his telling of it would be gold.
We all pegged him as the type of person whose life was just one big long laugh.
That is until he never showed up for work one morning.
Later that day Mr Peter called a meeting and broke the horrific news that Davo had taken his own life the night before.
It was an enormous shock. At his funeral his mother told me that he’d kept diaries that revealed he had battled depression for years, and one cold winter’s night he took a cocktail of drugs that could have taken out ten people.
The point to all this is that people with depression don’t always wear it as a badge for all to see. Some find ways to disguise it, and battle their demons internally. Alone, which often leads to a devastating outcome.
These days many people with depression are declaring it and owning it. The stigma of shame or embarrassment is evaporating. It isn’t something one chooses, or can just shake off and those of us who don’t have it have become more understanding
It is vital that this attitude continues and improves if we are ever to conquer the demon.
September 14 is R U OK? Day. Take the time to let your loved ones know you care. Ask them if they are okay. And wait for, as well as listen to, the answer.
Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
FOR the month of October, Penrith has a very important job. It’s to turn the whole town PINK.
A few years back McGrath Foundation selected Penrith as the first metropolitan area to head the Pink Up Your Town Campaign.
Now in its 6th year, Penrith has really made a difference and on behalf of all those who have been affected by Breast Cancer, a big THANK YOU.
“On behalf of the 1 in 7 women (yes 57 people are diagnosed every day in Australia including 212 men this year) their families, their friends. colleagues and loved ones we ask you to join us again,” said Gai Hawthorn OAM, President and Ambassador of Pink Up Penrith.
“We have such a tight knit community here and I know we will band together again to raise money
for Breast Care Nurses that help individuals (and their families) affected by breast cancer.
“A super committee consisting of business owners from Penrith and St Marys is dedicated to bring the town together to create and encourage local businesses, groups, schools to plan fundraising events to fund specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia. The Committee hopes the entire town will turn pink and get on board for a worthy cause!”
OR TO DONATE GO TO: www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/ wwwpinkuppenrithcomau/pink-up-penrith
Will you join in and do something PINK? Send us your ideas and your pics to appear in Nepean News! Email us at nepeannews@aol. com and let’s show what we can achieve when we all get behind a great cause!
BY MELISSA MCINTOSH MP
IHAVE consulted with our community about the upcoming Voice referendum, including a survey on whether local people support constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples, and if they support the Voice to Parliament.
The majority of respondents are in favour of Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s first peoples.
However, an overwhelming majority said No to the Voice. Feedback from our community has been around the lack of detail provided on the Voice and what risks and implications it could have. People want us to be united, not divided, and to have equality for all which is everything in this country.
Let’s remember the Albanese Labor Government has been scant on detail since the beginning of this referendum debate, when they refused to release the original advice from the Solicitor General regarding this risky change to our nation’s Constitution.
I want better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Western Sydney, which is best achieved through local programs on the ground. We have many Aboriginal support organisations in Lindsay which are making a real and positive impact.
The Liberal Party supports local and regional Voices that will ensure communities have a say about what will best suit them, not this Voice referendum, which is the biggest change to our Constitution in history, and is not bringing people together but causing division.
PENRITH City Council has completed a series of major upgrades to Parker Street Reserve sports precinct and Hickeys Lane sportsground in Penrith as well as Eileen Cammack Reserve in South Penrith.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the improvements continue Penrith City Council’s commitment to providing exceptional sporting facilities to the community.
“By enhancing the amenities, accessibility and functionality of these three sporting hubs, it means more people in our community can lead active and healthy lives. Local football, cricket and athletics clubs will benefit greatly from these improvements,” Cr Hitchen said.
“These upgrades are a real game-changer for our City and I look forward to seeing the community enjoy the full potential of these sporting facilities.”
Parker Street Reserve sports precinct features a new amenities building alongside improvements to floodlighting, irrigation, fencing, and playing surfaces. The amenities building features a ‘Changing Place’ facility, designed for those with high support requirements.
This project was funded by Penrith City Council ($1.8 million) and the NSW Government through
Hickeys Lane sportsground upgrades include a new amenities building as well as enhancements to floodlighting, a car park, irrigation and fencing. This project was funded by Penrith City Council
($1.36 million) and the NSW Government through the Penrith Sporting Infrastructure Project ($1 million).
Eileen Cammack Reserve has undergone significant improvements, with upgrades to the existing amenities building, including an accessible toilet and improved change room facilities. This project was funded by Penrith City Council ($235,000) and the NSW Government through the Penrith Sporting Infrastructure Project ($500,000).
Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM, said the upgrades are a win for the Penrith community.
“The enhanced facilities at Parker Street Reserve, Hickeys Lane sportsground, and Eileen Cammack Reserve are a testament to Penrith City Council and the NSW Government’s commitment to active lifestyles and community growth,” Cr McKeown said.
“By providing modern, accessible, and inclusive spaces for people of all ages to engage in sports, we are laying the foundation for a healthier future.”
These projects were identified through Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space across the City.
For more information visit penrith.city/spros
THE 1 Million Turtles (1MT) Community Conservation Program has won the 2023 Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science.
1MT was recognised on Wednesday 23 August at the 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, the country’s most comprehensive national science awards, honouring excellence across research and innovation, leadership, science engagement, and school science.
Led by ecologists and social scientists including Associate Professor Ricky Spencer from Western Sydney University’s School of Science, the highly successful national citizen science program is a collaboration between partners and the community.
Co-lead Associate Professor Ricky Spencer said the award recognised the efforts of the program’s many contributors, including hundreds of dedicated citizen scientists.
“1MT brings together researchers, industry, government and the community to work towards a common goal of conserving turtle populations across the nation. As a
team, we’re incredibly proud to have been recognised for our innovative approach to achieving this,” said Associate Professor Spencer.
1MT uses the TurtleSAT app to involve citizen scientists in hands-on activities such as habitat construction and restoration, nest protection and fox management.
Emphasising science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) literacy and First Nations knowledge, the Australia-wide program has influenced policy and saved over 1000 freshwater turtles and 200 nests in 2022 alone.
Professor Deborah Sweeney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and VicePresident, Research, Enterprise and International, offered her warm congratulations to all involved.
“This significant award reflects
Western Sydney University’s world-class research, impact and partnerships, highlighted through the success of an innovative program that is deeply engaged with the community,” said Professor Sweeney. 1MT is a collaboration between researchers, conservation NonGovernmental Organisations (Aussie Ark, Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife), universities (Western Sydney, La Trobe, Sydney, Murdoch, New England, Ohio University), government agencies (Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, Transport for NSW, Department for Industry, Science, Energy and Resources), wildlife organisations (WIRES), communities (including Turtles Australia and Turtle Rescues NSW) and schools.
To find out more about the program, visit https://1millionturtles.com
AFUN event was held last week at Panthers to celebrate Penrith CBD Corporation’s 10 year milestone. Those in attendance were treated to a video showing all of the events that CEO Gai Hawthorn OAM and the team at the CBD Corp have organised over the last ten years. It was a trip down memory lane and a great way to reminisce over the last decade.
Ten years ago the Penrith CBD Corporation was formed. They work closely with Penrith City Council and key business partners to assist and support local business owners, retailers and restaurants “unlock the opportunities” and grow their
business ready for our cities future. Little did anyone know at that time, Penrith was about to embark on an incredible transformation. You only need to take a five minute drive or a half hour walk around the city to see it has improved by leaps and bounds over the past ten years. What was once thought of as just an outer western Sydney suburb is now a
vibrant thriving city at the foot of the mountains.
Steering the CBD Corporation ship is Gai Hawthorn - a well-respected CEO who is most definitely a mover and shaker. As a newspaper editor I’ve worked with Gai over the 12 years that she has been managing the Penrith Business District and I can tell you there is nothing this woman
cannot do. It is not unusual for her to be juggling several huge projects at any given time, and in between she’s busy helping charities, small businesses and promoting Penrith at every given opportunity.
Congratulations to Gai and the team; Beth, Berni and Derek, and to all past and present Board Members for your incredible contribution.
WESTFIELD destinations across Australia and New Zealand have today announced the finalists for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grants program. Celebrating its sixth year, the program highlights three outstanding finalists, shining a spotlight on every day role models who make a positive impact on their local community or the environment.
The successful hero for each centre will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their group or organisation. Since the program was established in 2018, the Westfield Local Heroes program has made a significant difference to more than 600 community organisations, investing a total of $6.135 million in community grants, with a further $1.26 million to be awarded this year.
This year’s Westfield Local Heroes finalists enrich the lives of others and create positive change across a wide range of sectors including emergency services, registered community groups, sporting clubs, notfor-profit, schools, authorities, and the environment.
Westfield Penrith is proud to announce its three finalists for 2023:
• Kris Gauci, Our Community Cares
Kris Gauci is the driving force behind innovations that touch people’s lives across the Penrith local government area. Kris is the Chairperson of Our Community Cares, which raises funds for cancer patients, school children, the elderly and others. Kris makes a point of supporting causes that would otherwise fall through the cracks.
• Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, A List Hub
Madeleine Jaine Lobsey has a magical touch for making autistic children, teens and their families feel socially connected. As the Western Sydney General Manager of The A List Hub, she works tirelessly to give young people in the neurodivergent community opportunities to hang out, make friends and just be themselves.
• Nicole Mannyx, St Andrew’s Penrith Presbyterian Church
Nicole Mannyx has rolled up her sleeves to create a community pantry that offers free groceries, low-cost personal items and a friendly chat. A special feature of the weekly pantry is that it offers gluten and dairy-free items for people with food intolerances. Nicole also enhances community by encouraging people to stop for a cuppa and chat.
Westfield Penrith Centre Manager, Matilde
Princiotta said: “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on those in our community who are making an impactful contribution through the Westfield Local Heroes program.
“This year’s finalists span a wide range of sectors, showcasing the widespread and positive impact of these grants to the community. As we introduce our three 2023 finalists, we welcome the community to vote and join us in recognising and celebrating our local heroes.”
The voting period for Westfield Local Heroes opens on Tuesday 22 August and closes on Monday 11 September. The successful hero of each Westfield destination will be announced on Tuesday 10 October 2023.
To view your Westfield Local Heroes finalists, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield website to read about the finalists and cast your vote.
their screening test, compared with a national average of 41 per cent.
The successful event provided Western Sydney residents the opportunity to meet Wanderers players, hear from community leaders and cancer survivors, and enjoy food, games and activities.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said early detection is vital.
“Bowel cancer can develop without symptoms, and can grow in the bowel for years before spreading to other parts of the body,” Minister Butler said.
BY KERRIE DAVIESTHE Australian Government is teaming up with Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club to urge Western Sydney residents to Get2gether to beat bowel cancer.
A free community event was held last Friday at the Wanderers’ private training facilities in Rooty Hill. The aim was to encourage more people to take part in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which sends free bowel cancer screening tests in the mail every two years to people aged 50 to 74 years.
If caught early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully. But only 36 per cent of eligible Western Sydney complete
“When detected early, the vast majority of bowel cancers can be treated. Getting your bowel screening test done as soon as it arrives in the mail could save your life.
“Thanks to the Western Sydney Wanderers for teaming up with us to connect with fans and beat bowel cancer.”
Scott Hudson, Western Sydney Wanderers CEO spoke about teaming up with the government to spread the word and raise awareness.
“We’re proud to be working with the Australian Government to encourage more of our community to complete their free bowel screening kit,” Mr Hudson said.
“Community has always been an integral driver at the Wanderers, so it’s important we do our part to educate Wanderers fans and community leaders
on the importance of bowel cancer screening, especially as we know that screening rates are lower in the Western Sydney area.
“Together, we can encourage our community to prioritise their health by taking a free test that could potentially save their life.”
FOR over 20 years, Paula Fenton’s presence has been a comforting constant in the bustling corridors of Mount Druitt Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).
Often hailed as the very heart of the ED, Paula’s recent retirement marks the end of an era after over two decades of service, most recently as a Clinical Support Officer.
She describes Mount Druitt Hospital lovingly as her “second home.”
Starting her journey in 2000, Paula initially joined Mount Druitt Hospital’s ED donning various roles including communications clerk. She
later transitioned to the Children’s Ward, Ward 2B, serving as a Clinical Support Officer.
Her commitment and adaptability shone particularly bright during the COVID-19 pandemic when she took up a pivotal role as an Executive Assistant to the Director of Nursing for the WSLHD Integrated and Community Health team. Looking back at that challenging period, Paula said it remains a “precious and proud memory.”
“I was so proud of how staff came together during COVID-19, offering mutual support. The daily office chats, the camaraderie, the friendship, and the immense support
from the hospital staff over the years is something I’ll deeply miss.”
Paula’s departing message for her colleagues was a reminder of the passion that first brought them to their current roles, and the importance of serving the western Sydney community by providing quality health care and treatments and their families.
David Glastonbury, Nursing Unit Manager of the ED, shared heartfelt sentiments about Paula’s departure.
“Her unparalleled enthusiasm, dedication, and sense of humour have made her an integral part of our team. Her unwavering commitment to putting patients and their families at
the forefront is an inspiration to us all. We wish her a blissful retirement,” David said.
Mount Druitt Hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing, Kirsty Wallis, also praised Paula’s legacy.
“Paula’s dedication to the WSLHD community over her 23 years of service is truly commendable. She’s been an invaluable asset to our ED.”
As she steps into a new chapter, Paula has exciting plans for her retirement. She looks forward to travelling, possibly residing abroad for a year, mastering a second language, and most importantly, spending treasured moments with her three grandchildren.
NEPEAN Blue Mountains Area Health District child and family health nurses check your child’s developmental milestones from 1 week to 4 years old.
Local parents know the importance of developmental checks even if they do not have concerns.
The first 2000 days are a critical time for physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
Call the Community Health Centre on 1800 222 608 and ask for a blue book check-up for your child.
ON a seemingly normal August day, the Mount Druitt Hospital community witnessed a moment of utter wonder: Samuel Mercado, once paralysed from the neck down, took steady steps into the awaiting embrace of his wife, Belinda Pomizawa.
After an 11-month battle with Guillen-Barre Syndrome – a condition where the immune system turns against the body’s nerves, causing paralysis – Samuel’s confident journey through the doors of Mount Druitt Hospital served as a testament to his grit and determination through a sometimes gruelling period of recovery.
Samuel’s health battle began when he suddenly collapsed at home in September 2022. Quickly, the situation escalated.
His lungs collapsed and he needed immediate medical attention. He was promptly admitted to Blacktown Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
For three months, he fought for his life.
By December, was transferred to Mount Druitt Hospital’s Ward 1C for intensive treatment.
Throughout his journey, Samuel’s spirit remained unbroken. He drew strength from the unwavering support of the healthcare professionals who surrounded him.
“I received fantastic, professional care from the staff at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals,” he said.
“They are all beautiful people and in the 11 months that I’ve been in hospital, they have made me feel like I’m in a home away from home and not a hospital.
“Even though I am far away from home and have been here a long time, I feel like I’m living with people who really care about me.
“They see me not just as a patient but as a person and a friend.”
WSLHD hospital staff went to great lengths to make Samuel comfortable during his stay –including designing a staff-alerting bed buzzer with the Maintenance team that Samuel could activate with his cheek.
The condition had a serious physical and psychological effect on Samuel. At times he felt his lowest; helpless and having to rely on people for assistance. He credits his recovery to the kindness, interactions, support, and encouragement from the staff.
“I would have two to three nurses taking care of me at all times, from getting me out of bed, getting into the wheelchair, to going to the gym where the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapists would work with me.
“Everyone in the hospital I have come in contact with all played a major part in my recovery.
“When my Physiotherapist and my Occupational Therapist saw me walking for the first time, they actually cried because it took me so long to walk again.”
Samuel’s story isn’t just a testament to his resilience, but also to the tenacity and passion of those who cared for him.
Hoping to inspire others grappling with GuillenBarre Syndrome, Samuel was passionate about sharing his story on The Pulse.
“There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
“It may take you three months; it may take six months but there will be a time that you are going to be standing up and walking out.”
As this Mount Druitt father-of-three walks beside his loved ones, he credits his second chance at life to the compassion and dedication of the BMDH team.
YOUNG Matildas and friends
Bryleeh Henry and Kirsty Fenton are walking to raise funds for kids facing cancer, having joined up to Camp Quality’s Big Walk for Little Kids during September.
Both were motivated to join as they have personal experiences with cancer.
Penrith resident Bryleeh had a close family friend who she grew up with who woke up one day with a swollen leg, 7 days later she had passed away. She also lost her Nan to NonHodgkin’s lymphoma in 2016.
Blacktown resident Kirsty has lost a few family members due to cancer whether that be from breast cancer, skin cancer and currently has her great nan struggling with throat cancer.
Bryleeh made her senior Matildas debut in October 2020 against Brazil, playing alongside one of her football idols, Sam Kerr. In 2022, she started in all three of the Young Matildas games at the Under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica. The 19yr old made the move to Melbourne City FC for the 2022/23 A-League women’s season.
In 2022 Kirsty played for the Young Matildas at the Under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica. She currently also plays for Sydney FC in the A-League women.
Big Walk for Little Kids is a virtual event during September, where everyday Aussies walk, run or roll 50km, 100km or 150km to raise funds for Camp Quality’s programs and services for kids and families facing cancer. Participants can sign up online and get friends, family members, school or work mates to sponsor their efforts to help raise funds to give kids and their families a break from cancer. Participants can form virtual teams and track kilometres online using Fitbit or Strava. Every step taken helps Camp Quality get closer to their goal of sending kids facing cancer on Camp.
Camp Quality brings positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer.
“Our services and programs help families build optimism and resilience through community, education and fun. We are there for kids (0-15 years) dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of a sibling or parent, every step of the way,” a spokesperson said.
“Our programs provide ageappropriate education and information and build a supportive community through Camp Quality-run events, available via registration at campquality.org.au. Our services
include digital resources and counselling services, accessible whenever and wherever they are needed.
“We’re
cancer, and their families, for almost 40 years.”
Camp Quality is excited to announce six-time Paralympic Gold Medallist and childhood cancer survivor Ellie Cole as this year’s Big Walk for Little Kids champion.
Ellie Cole knows all too well the effect cancer can have on a child. At just three years of age, she lost her leg after being diagnosed with a rare tumour - a sarcoma that was wrapped around the nerves in her right leg which had to be amputated above the right knee.
“Childhood cancer is traumatic and has a huge emotional impact, not only on the child but their siblings and parents. It’s moments of happiness that help families get through these difficult times and that’s why charities like Camp Quality are so important in the childhood cancer journey,” said Ellie.
“I’m so excited to be a part of Big Walk for Little Kids and have some fun while raising awareness and much needed funds for kids impacted by cancer. I encourage everyone to get their steps up and join me in supporting this fun and important cause,” she added.
To sign up, visit www.bigwalk.org.au
proud to have improved the quality of life for kids impacted by
After being paralysed from the neck down for nearly a year, Samuel has walked out of Mount Druitt Hospital into hisSamuel Mercado and wife Belinda Pomizawa
YOUNG road users in NSW were reminded of their responsibilities in the car and on our roads at Australia’s largest road safety event, bstreetsmart.
Almost 25,000 Year 10, 11 and 12 students took part in the sessions hosted at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park from August 22-24.
Young adults, aged 17-25, represented about 13 per cent of all licence holders but accounted for 19 per cent of all drivers and riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022.
bstreetsmart was founded in 2005 by Westmead Hospital trauma nurses
Julie Seggie and Stephanie Wilson in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and is a one-day program repeated over three days that aims to help reduce fatalities and serious injuries among young people.
Transport for NSW was a sponsor of the event, contributing $300,000 to this year’s event.
More than 242,000 NSW high school students have attended bstreetsmart since it started in 2005.
Westmead Hospital trauma nurse, Julie Seggie said:
“Driver distractions such as mobile phones, conversations and loud music play a large role in many of the incidents we see in the emergency department.
“As nurses, and many of us as mothers, we wanted to find a way to prevent death and the often-devastating
injuries that occur as a result of road crashes.
“As young people walk away from bstreetsmart we want them to think about how they would feel if they were responsible for the death of a friend or causing someone such severe injury that they can never lead a normal life again.”
Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:
“Students and teachers learnt about road trauma through real-life simulated crash scenarios, interactive displays, a theatre sports performance, powerful presentations from survivors and personal accounts from family members of people killed in crashes.
“bstreetsmart promotes responsibility and encourages our young drivers to take care of each other by not taking risks on our roads and is a confronting
yet effective way of demonstrating the possible consequences of being distracted as a driver.
Minister for Roads, John Graham said:
“Between 2018 and 2022, 143 young drivers aged 17-25 died on NSW roads and about 2,233 were seriously injured.
“Empowering young people
to understand the life-changing consequences of their decisions behind the wheel and as a passenger is crucial for road safety.
“bstreetsmart is a great way for our young drivers to learn about the responsibility that comes with driving in an interactive way.
“Students watched a simulated crash scenario and took part in interactive displays at the Towards Zero Stand and the pass the ball exercise to show the impact of mobile phone distraction while driving. They also heard emotional testimonies from road trauma survivors and family members.
“Learning to drive or ride is an exciting time for young people but it’s a big responsibility. We all have the power to make safe and responsible decisions to help ourselves and others on the road get home safely.”
For more information, visit https://bstreetsmart.org
PhD candidate and proud Palawa man, Edward (Ted) Vanderfeen will be heading to the United States for a once in a lifetime internship with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory after being selected for Monash University’s National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), supported by the Australian Space Agency.
Representing Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems and the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Ted will be partnered with a scientist or engineer mentor at NASA’s JPL in California for a 10-week internship to complete projects outlined by NASA mentors while also contributing to current NASA JPL space missions.
Ted says his love of engineering when he was a child had inspired him to study engineering at university, as he has always had a keen interest in space, and often opened and pulled apart everything mechanical to learn how it worked.
“Engineering is in my blood. My dad was an automation engineer when I was growing up and he would bring his work home. I would always get curious as to how things worked, I pulled them apart and destroyed all the stuff he bought home –much to his dismay – but looking back, I don’t think I’d want to do anything else.”
“I’m a very analytical person, I’ve always enjoyed maths and science, so it seemed like a pretty natural fit studying engineering,” he said.
Applying for the NISA program after completing his Bachelor of Engineering degree with 1st
Class Honours with the University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Ted said the NISA program opportunity has come at the right time.
“It was very serendipitous timing, it felt like the opportunity that I had spent my entire degree here at Western Sydney University preparing for. It’s a dream come true to get to spend 10 weeks at NASA JPL and really immerse myself in that experience… It’s like Disneyland for engineers,” he said.
Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy ViceChancellor Indigenous Leadership congratulated Ted on his successful selection to the NISA program empowering Indigenous youth, describing it as a once in a lifetime opportunity paving the way for future students and ultimately the world’s first Aboriginal astronauts.
“The University is incredibly proud of Ted for being a part of the exclusive first cohort of Indigenous students bolstering Australian space research capabilities. Ted will be learning from the best and brightest in the world to solve real-world challenges. It is my hope that Ted’s experience will lead to other Indigenous youth in Western Sydney also recognising that they too can achieve anything they set their minds to,” said Professor Trudgett.
“Ted is a dedicated and bright student who will no doubt soak up every moment of this internship. I’m confident that he will share his newfound knowledge with fellow researchers and student cohort upon his return.”
Ted will also begin his PhD journey at Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) upon his return to Australia, under the mentorship of Associate Professor Gregory Cohen, Deputy Director of ICNS as his academic supervisor.
Prior to flying out to the United States to begin his NASA JPL internship, Ted will complete a ‘Space Boot Camp’ preparation program run by Monash University’s Faculty of IT covering aerodynamics, robotics, rovers, astrophysics, planetary science, engineering, computer and earth sciences as well as past and current space exploration missions at NASA.
To learn more about the National Indigenous Space Academy program, please visit their website www.monash.edu/it/nisa
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IS it just me or does there appear to be an increase in armed robberies, hold ups and shootings?
Now I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I have been very blessed (not) to have worked in many a club and pub over the past 25 years in security and I lurve to observe the human creature in its most natural habitat - the club!
The thing that I find the most hilarious (well not hilarious - let’s just say hypocritical) is that the hotel manager is usually the first to scream “Why Me?”Almost like a love song gone wrong.
Now who am I, I am just a mere security officer that had the wonderful job of clearing the drunks out (who all love me). On closing time the bar staff are winding down and chucking wet rags at each other, the manager is in the office because he has been there
all day dealing with the crap and needs to update Facebook. The safe door is wide open because that’s where the night takings are going, the registers are being counted (usually at the bar) and the beer-filled mats are being hosed down out the back car park or loading dock with the fire door chocked open with an empty keg. The band is packing up and have chocked open the main glass doors to pack their cars.
Oh and don’t forget camera 16 has been playing up for a while and that just happens to be over the safe area, but that’s on the to-do list, gotta go to the board or the manager has been busy buying meat raffles, right? Dear dear dear folks – I’ve seen it time and time again and I just shake my head.
I seriously reckon they should place a neon sign on the main highway and say “get it while it’s hot” because all the crap I have just said above has just
freedom from constant grooming rituals and the assurance of flawlessly smooth skin can boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to flaunt your beauty without reservation.
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With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
given the baddies a good chance to hold up your premises!
Okay, so what can we do to stop our mates at Work Cover asking for a free lunch at your joint for the next 15 weeks whilst they investigate the ‘why ya didn’t do it and how ya coulda stopped’ it scenario?
Batten down the hatchets captains, because your closes should be tighter than a fishes bum (sorry but love that saying). Controlled access points, security, security, security and secured doors and staff escorted from club to car. Control is the answer my friends, if the baddies see control and the fact that their hold-up attempt may be hindered or observed, they will move onto the next place. It is as simple as that! They try the element of surprise, always be one step ahead of them!
Let’s just pretend that you’re in a horror movie and that the blob is going
to get in the access points, that’s how you should treat your club or pub on closing time; shut the doors, lock the doors. Also recommended is a decent security service. If your security officer is on his mobile or chatting up the staff it’s time for a change kidssecurity have a really important role of checking toilets, securing doors and controlling access points whilst the club is placed in lockdown. A security dude chatting up the last single lady in the club is not the look you needwouldn’t happen on my watch or in my company - period!
So there you have it kids, control, security, close the access points and be tighter than a fishes bum, which I might add I have never seen or experienced. (Tick).
PS. Please be aware that no fish were injured during the writing of this column.
IT is hard to imagine a better value holiday than a cruise. Most cruises can be purchased for around the same price as an overseas return plane trip AND it includes the accommodation, the food and loads of activities! It is time to contact Penrith’s Cruise Specialist, Belle from iTravel, book your cruise and get packing! Call her on 02 4711 3321.
The NSW Premier Chris Minns has ended COVID rules for cruising as the industry prepares for a busy summer.
Premier Minns has signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.
The Cruise Protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The participating state governments – NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA – approved the cruise protocols, which have been implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.
The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully-vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these four states.
It also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.
Governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from
the cruising industry since voyages resumed.
The Premier’s move follows an announcement late Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
The AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.
The committee did note that cruise ships remain a higher risk setting for communicable disease and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up-to-date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.
The NSW Government encourages the cruise industry to continue its work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other outbreaks on voyages, in line with the updated Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s advice.
“We need to get life back to normal,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more.
“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.
“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.
“But this change is needed – we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.
“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID. They were never meant to remain forever.”
“We are so happy that Australian states have finally removed all cruise COVID protocols,” said Belle from iTravel. “The Premier has removed vaccine mandates and mask rules on cruise ships as of Aug. 27. Premier Chris Minns signed paperwork, formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Seaboard Australian cruise protocols. Lets all get back to Cruising !!!”
EL Gaudry is the Sydney Coordinator of the Women Veteran Network Australia (WVNA), a past board member of Blue Mountains Zonta Club, past board member of the Penrith RSL Club, past board member of the RSL & Services Clubs, past Trustee Director of RSL NSW and currently the National President of the Defence Forces Welfare Association (DFWA).
A staunch advocate for Current and ex-Serving members of our Defence Forces, Del marches in Sydney on every ANZAC Day with the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF).
Locally, Del is more commonly known as the coordinator of the WVNA ANZAC Day Commemoration services which are held in Memory Park, Penrith, honouring all the women who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. This includes those who have given their lives, have served overseas, in disaster relief, at home, full time and reserve. For those who have suffered, and continue to suffer, with mental and physical conditions.
The three Services held thus far have
Dbeen unique, featuring an all-female Catafalque Party and Chaplain, and the 2023 service featured women in all roles at the Service. This was topped off by a C130 Hercules fly over with two female pilots.
Del was born in Oakdale and the family initially lived in the Burragorang Valley, with their home one of hundreds subsequently resumed and later flooded in 1958 through the creation of Warragamba Dam.
One of 7 children (5th in line and the 4th daughter), Del attended Oakdale PS and Camden HS, then decided to travel Australia for 12 months, before settling in WA and working as a shoe saleswoman in Perth.
In 1976, Del volunteered to join the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF) as a cook but was instead given the role of Clerk/Supply and was posted to the Richmond Air Force base.
She was ultimately in and out of the RAAF three times and in 1989, was the first female officer accepted into the RAAF as a single parent.
In 1994, Del left the RAAF again and took on the role as a Stand-By Reserve, and would be in that role until 2006, when she re-joined the RAAF
In 2006, she returned as Squadron Leader for the Defence Reserve
Tom, Del, daughter Kimberly and sister Joanne.Support in Sydney. Since then, she did a variety of jobs with the Reserves (Human Resources roles), including State Manager of Defence Reserves Support (DRS) NSW.
During her time in DRS she had the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Track. “When I walked the Kokoda Track in 2008, it really brought home how tough it must have been for our veterans who were there. I was there equipped; they were there ill-equipped on so many levels,” Del said.
In the last five years of her Air Force career, Del has worked in the welfare area, assisting members who were wounded, injured or ill transitioning out of the Air Force. She also served as a Leadership Coach and Mental Health First Aid facilitator.
Del is currently the WVNA Coordinator in Sydney and in 2020, she coordinated the first-ever WVNA Service in Penrith, which was attended by Senator Marise Payne.
In November, 2022 Del was elected as the National President of the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA).
In recognition of her outstanding service over her lifetime, both in the RAAF and the community, Del has received a number of awards, including:
• Australia Day 2023 Honours List
- # Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for services to the RAAF in the areas of Women, Peace and Security UNSCR 1325 Implementation; and, Welfare and Mental Health training to improve Human Performance
• RSL and Service Clubs Association Spirit of ANZAC Award 2018 for “Outstanding Community Member”
• Head Cadet Reserve Employer Support March 2014: Division Medallion for services toward Defence Reserves Support
• Australia Day 2014 – RAAF Gold Medallion for Services toward Women in the RAAF
• Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) 2010 Gold Commendation for services to Defence Reserve Support NSW
• Air Vice Marshall’s Bronze Commendation for Services to the RAAF 1993
Del has also fulfilled many and varied volunteer roles during her life, including:
• Defence Force Welfare AssnNational President (Nov 22 – present)
• Women’s Veterans Network Australia (Current) - Sydney Coordinator 2013 – present
• Rural Fire Service – Blaxland Brigade (Fire Fighter – various roles from 2009 to present)
• Ryder Cheshire Foundation (Committee member of Victoria – 8 years)
• Eltham Horse and Pony Club -Vice President (3 years), Committee member (5 years).
WVNA is open to all women who have served or who are serving in Defence regardless of their age, their Service, their rank, where their Service took them, or their length of Service. It is a place for friendship, support, health and well-being. A very difficult area to discuss is that ex-Serving women have a much higher likelihood of dying by suicide than the general female population.
# The Conspicuous Service Cross
Del Gaudry was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Peter Ward.
If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
(CSC) is awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force “for outstanding devotion to duty or outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement or dedication, in nonwarlike situations”.
Del Gaudry. Photos supplied.SINCE January 2023, the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital have joined forces with the RSPCA Outreach team and travelled across various regions of New South Wales. A joint collaboration between RSPCA NSW, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, Vets beyond Borders, Animal Rescue Cooperative, Petbarn Foundation and various councils, we are able to provide essential services for pet owners in need.
Over the past eight months the team has managed to provide over 405 free
health checks and vaccinations to more than 477 residents in seven different communities, including Tamworth, Tenterfield, Dubbo, Orange, Riverwood, Chifley and Warwick Farm. Microchipping and subsidised desexing programs in various locations have also been provided as well as behaviour and training advice, pet food and free parasite prevention.
to offering preventative health services. Our aim is to create a lasting impact, ensuring the long-term welfare of both pets and their owners.
be able to work side-by-side with them.
By actively listening and engaging with every pet owner, we gain valuable insights that allow us to assist those in need in our communities. Working in the community, our hearts swell with gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of both animals and their dedicated owners. The bond between humans and their pets is a powerful one, and being able to ensure this bond remains strong brings us immense enjoyment and pride.
Resources are freely available to help educate owners on how they can best care for their pets. Healthy Pet days such as these are not solely dedicated
We are grateful to all involved, especially local residents for fostering a brighter, healthier future for their pets. Stay tuned for our next destination across NSW to ‘make a differenceone community at a time’.
FRIENDS of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs and temperament tests of the animals to
The rising cost of living is putting a significant strain on everyone’s budget, forcing people to make difficult choices between meeting their own basic needs and providing proper care for their beloved pets. RSPCA NSW stands proud as an organisation that can offer vital programs like these that can help bridge this gap and Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital are pleased to For
post online and promote the animals. They upload their images and opinions of these animals to Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow them, look them up on facebook and twitter.
YOGI IS READY TO JOIN YOUR FAMILY
Yogi is a friendly boy full of character who would be best suited on acreage. Yogi is true to his breed being very vocal. Yogi does seem to think that every thing is one big game so he can be a little hard to catch. Yogi will benefit greatly from training and socialising to help him settle into his new home . If you are interested in adopting yogi please come to the shelter to meet him.
Cost: $99.00 Age: 2 years
Type: Dog Breed: MAREMMA
Sex: Male
Maddison is a very well behaved puppy she will just sits and wait quietly for your attention. So if you have been looking for a beautiful natured pup to join your family please come to the shelter to meet Maddison.
Cost: $99.00 Age: 6 months
Type: Puppy Breed: Staffordshire Cross Mastiff
Sex: Female
Spot is a happy, friendly, bouncy boy that has so much love to give a new family. At just 12 months old Spot has a long life ahead of him to share with you! A daily walk, fetch and hanging out with family is what Spot craves. If you can offer this gorgeous boy a home please come and meet him.
Cost: $99.00 Age: 1 Year
Type: Dog Sex: Male
Breed: American Bully X American Staffy
THE 2023 Penrith Show Talent Quest attracted forty contestants, with coordinator Ross (Rossco) Hutchison stating “The level of talent appearing in the Quest each year just keeps getting better and better.
“I was also very impressed with our three judges (Rebecca Hackney, Kylie Rincon and Julie Sheldrake), who were very articulate with their comments and faced a very tough challenge to choose the winning acts from such a strong group.
“Our overall winner Dhanvi Bhatt is also a dancer, and was a finalist on ‘Indian Australian Idol’. Second place in our Quest was Alana De Aoio.”
Winner Dhanvi Bhatt with Rossco and the judges. Photo supplied Four of the other finalists. Photos by Noel Rowsell Photos by Noel Rowsell
IT’S with great pleasure we announce the promoters of Dinner By The River & The Hawkesbury Flood Relief Concert have joined forces with Hawkesbury Race Club to bring you the very first ROCK THE RACECOURSE event at Hawkesbury Racecourse on Saturday 21st October 2023.
This is an event not to be missed, with ARIA hall of fame inductee RICHARD CLAPTON headlining a star studded lineup of Oz Rock royalty including The Superjesus, Eurogliders, The Radiators, Rick Price, Bluesfest’s (band of the festival) 19Twenty, Ciaran Gribbin (INXS), Australian Idol Winner Kate DeAraugo, Rose Carleo Band, The Mental Lizards featuring Matt Charnley & Craig Gordan, Dave Blues & still more to come,
ROCK THE RACECOURSE is sure to be a fun filled day of great music, great food and great company right in the heart of the Hawkesbury at the Hawkesbury Race Club.
On the day you can expect amazing food options including the awesome Black Bear BBQ plus market stalls, massage suite, retro clothing and other great market stalls. The gates open at 1pm and the event finishes at 9.30pm.
For those who would like to make a weekend of it why not look at the Hawkesbury Race Club Motel (which is on site) or if you would like the full “Hawkesbury Experience” the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley is the way to go.
There are two ticket price options: 1) The GA ticket. The GA ticket is priced for everyone, it also has the “Time To Pay” option so you can pay your ticket purchase off over 4 regular payments. This ticket includes amazing food options, club priced drinks available
from the Race Club bars, plenty of toilets (not porta loos) and the wonderful lawned area of the Hawkesbury Race Club concourse where you can sit, dance or sing your heart out to some of the songs that have become the soundtrack to our lives.
2) The Giddy Up VIP Bar ticket. This ticket includes exclusive use to the Ted McCabe Function Room and all its facilities including a private bar, reserved seating and private toilets. There is a full buffet dinner which includes Salmon Fillets, Pork Sausages, Grilled Steak, Glazed Chicken, Roast Vegetables & Salads with all the trimmings.
You receive a free drink on arrival, a $25 gift card of Rock The Racecourse merchandise and a ticket to go in the draw to win a Fender Stratocaster signed by the Artists.
For locals, Sydney and interstate concert goers your transport options are fantastic as Clarendon train station is right next door. If you do drive there is ample parking. Check the Rock The Racecourse website for details.
Head to www.rocktheracecourse. com for all ticket purchases and frequently asked questions.
Sunday 10th September 2023
NEW VENUE
10am-3pm
Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High School
115-119 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains
ADULTS $6, CHILDREN $2, UNDER 5 FREE
• Doll & Bear Competition
• Dollhouses & Miniatures
• Doll, Bear & Craft Supplies
• Doll Clothing & Accessories
• Antique & Reborn Dolls
• Valuations
• Wooden Items
• Jewellery
• Lucky Door Prizes
• Collectable Dolls, Bears & Toys
• Lace, Ribbon & Beads
• Handmade Gifts
• Raffle
• BBQ & Refreshments
ENQUIRIES
Val Newman 9am-7pm - (02) 9602 2242 - 0414 922 073
Pandoras_dolls@yahoo.com
Gail Ladner - 0407 498 021 - gaillad@optusnet.com.au
Proudly supporting Ovarian Cancer Research & Domestic Violence
THE annual Penrith Dolls, Bears, Craft and Collectables Show will be held on the 10th of September. Come and see the delightful stall displays with plenty on offer for everyone from the collector of antique, vintage and modern dolls, bears and toys to unique handmade gifts, jewellery, doll houses, miniatures and more. Pick up some pointers from the ladies from the Nepean Embroidery Guild or some interesting wood craft from the Nepean Men’s Shed.
To keep guests refreshed there will be Devonshire Teas and a delicious BBQ as well as sandwiches The show includes a raffle. The major raffle prize is a signed jersey from Panthers 2022 NRLW team. There are also Lucky door prizes.
All proceeds support Ovarian Cancer research and local Domestic violence through the Ross Hutchison Foundation. Ovarian cancer is one of the biggest killers of women in Australia with a survival rate of just 49%. 1400 women died in last year.
Venue: NEPEAN CAPA HIGH SCHOOL, 115-119 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains
DATE: 10th September, 2023, 10am – 3pm
ENTRY: Adults $ 6.00, Children $2.00, Children Under 5 Free
FOR as long as I can remember, the event that has signalled the end of winter and a big warm welcome to the beautiful sunny days ahead is the St Marys Spring Festival!
September 2 is the day, so make sure you’ve cleared your diary so you can join in all the fun in Queen Street St Marys. It never fails to be an amazing day of family fun!
Every year the St Marys Spring Festival attracts an enormous crowd. People come from near and far to join
in the celebrations - because it is just so good. Included in the festivities there will be food trucks, market stalls, stage performances, and a lively parade.
There will be plenty of kids’ activities and street entertainment that will keep the smiles coming!
Many of the shops in Queen Street will be open for the festival, so it doubles as a great opportunity to see all that St Marys has to offer.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable family field day. The fun kicks off at 10am and runs through until 3pm. See you there!
REAL FESTIVAL is ready to captivate audiences once again from 15 - 17 September at Tench Reserve. The festival is set to shine once more, showcasing an impressive line-up of immersive experiences and unforgettable entertainment, firmly reestablishing itself as a highlight across Penrith City’s annual events calendar.
The festival’s headline performance by Illuminart will provide an enchanting transformation of the Nepean River with storytelling through light and sound displays on Friday and Saturday nights. Audiences can expect a captivating and animated artwork by the No Boundaries Art Group starring the iconic Nepean Belle.
Junkyard Beats will be returning to the Festival with their high-energy drumming, dancing, comedy and creative recycling performance and workshops.
Another not-to-be-missed highlight is the Roller Rink by Busways, bringing a nostalgic roller-skating experience by the riverside for skating enthusiasts and novices alike. Pre-booking is required for FREE 30-minute sessions including skate hire. Numbers are limited so get your skates on and book now at realfestival.com.au
Interactive and immersive experiences are set to transform the riverbank day and night with highlights to include illuminated art installations, a silent disco, a retro open-air arcade and fun kids shows.
Real Festival will offer a bustling market area, with local artisans and vendors plus the food truck lineup will satisfy all taste buds, with delectable treats and culinary delights. For those looking to relax and unwind, the Festival Bar will be the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing beverage while taking in the beautiful views of the Nepean River.
This year’s program also offers a diverse array of workshops, providing a chance for attendees to explore their creative talents. From handson arts and crafts to circus skills and dragon boating, there’s something for everyone to learn and be inspired by.
Penrith Mayor Councillor Tricia Hitchen expressed her excitement for the much-awaited event encouraging everyone to come along and experience Real Festival once more.
“The return of Real Festival is a momentous occasion for Penrith,” Cr Hitchen said.
“After a three-year hiatus, we are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Tench Reserve with such a spectacular program to enjoy.
“This year’s program offers a vibrant array of entertainment, activities and experiences suitable for people of all ages.
“There will be many highlights across the event, with some including the Roller Rink by Busways, the many workshops on offer and the visual, interactive and illuminated experiences available to festivalgoers.
“We are bringing the very best in fun and family-friendly entertainment and activities to Penrith. Real Festival is free to attend and this year’s program is not to be missed,” Cr Hitchen said.
To view the program, book workshops and plan your trip to the event, head to the Real Festival website realfestival.com.au.
Connect with Real Festival on Facebook to keep up to date with news.
Real Festival is proudly produced by Penrith City Council with the support of Destination NSW, Busways, KIIS FM, the Blue Mountains Gazette and The Western Weekender.
WHAT: Real Festival
WHEN: Friday 15 September, 4pm-10pm
Saturday 16 September 4pm-10pm
Sunday 17 September 10am-3pm
WHERE: Tench Reserve, Tench Ave, Nepean River
WEB: realfestival.com.au
SOCIALS: Facebook.com/realfestivalpenrith Instagram.com/realfestival
#realfestival #visitpenrith
Thursday
Bruce
from 3.30-4.30pm at Penrith City Library, where he’ll discuss his book, ‘Footprints: On the Bank of the Nepean’. The book follows central character, Bonnie Turner, and how each person connected to her contributed to the community of the Nepean Valley.
THE Clarendon Classic Machinery Rally is an annual event held in September at the Hawkesbury Showground. It runs over the weekend of 16-17 September and is managed by volunteer members of the Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc.
It is great fun and is an educational day out for all the family. Entry is affordable at $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Parking is free on site through Gate 4 and Clarendon Train Station is only 100m away. For extra fun you might want to hop on a vintage double decker bus from Richmond Station for a gold coin donation and be dropped at the show gates.
There are always hundreds of running vintage machines such as old tractors, pumps, and generators,
all chugging, roaring and hissing. Lots of classic cars and trucks are on static displays, and the variety of stallholders sell collectables and old parts. Model and Hobby shows will also entertain. The Kenworth Klassic is held on site at the same time.
There will be free jumping castles for kids, and a tractor-pulled ride trailer to ferry sore-footed people around the grounds. There will be plenty of food stalls, items to buy from collectable stalls, the tractor pull, and wood cutting demonstrations.
There will also be displays of chain-sawing, steam engines, classic boats, motorbikes, military vehicles, and buses.
For more details go to www. SydneyAntiqueMachineryClub. com
1 A reckless person (9)
6 Locate and correct programming errors (5)
9 A brutish character (7)
10 Native of Gambia (7)
11 Languages (7)
12 Fortified wine (7)
13 Malformed (9)
15 An emperor of Japan (5)
16 Sound of a cymbal (5)
19 Non-indulgence (9)
22 Insult (7)
23 French for “New” (7)
25 Foolish (7)
26 Type of skin ulcer (7)
27 Sword (5)
28 Frees (9)
DOWN
1 An old gold coin (5)
2 Judgments (7)
3 Orgy (7)
4 Climbing plants (5)
5 They connect bones and muscles (9)
6 A mark against a person (7)
7 United Kingdom (7)
8 Family tree (9)
13 Equip with armored vehicles (9)
14 Pragmatic (9)
17 Cause suffering (7)
18 An early Christian heretic (7)
20 A South American country (7)
21 A vessel used to travel over ice (7)
23 Wealthy man (5)
24 Utilisers (5)
solution 18/8/23
OVER one hundred years ago, nothing but fire-grimed walls remained of the Penrith Temperance Hall that was in Station Street. The International Organisation of Good Templars (IOGT) originated as one of several fraternal organizations for temperance or total abstinence founded in the 19th century, and with a structure modelled on Freemasonry using similar ritual and regalia. Unlike many however it admitted men and women equally and made no distinction by race. The IOGT named themselves after the Knights Templar citing the legend that the original knights “drank sour milk because they were fighting “a great crusade’ against this terrible vice of alcohol”. The motto of the organization was “Friendship, Hope and Charity”. For forty years the hall was Penrith’s chief entertainment and meeting place and the people who did not know the hall did not know Penrith. The fire made short work of the inflammable material within the structure of the building. Onlookers said that they had never seen a fire make such rapid headway as this one did. As with most fires the problem was how did this fire start?
First to notice was Archie Greenbanks from Mulgoa whose attention was attracted by smoke issuing from the anteroom’s building attachment that was situated south-west of the building and it was about 9 pm after his discovery when he reported immediately to Constable’s Cavanagh and Flint in High Street and the officers of the law were promptly on the scene to investigate and became aware that a serious outbreak was pending.
Constable Flint operated the fire alarm at Murray’s corner situated on the corner of Station and High Streets and Constable Cavanagh notified Mr McLean the proprietor of the picture business conducted there. As Mr McLean lived in Station Street South Constable Cavanagh’s next step was to commandeer a horse and make post haste for the fire station where he sounded the bell. At about 9.15 pm the fire burst with all its fury into the main hall that became quickly on fire from back to front. The excessive heat by the fire in the anterooms was practically spontaneous ignition throughout the whole of the building and the whole interior assumed the appearance of a vast furnace with flames shooting up to a great height that attracted the attention of a large crowd from far and wide. The fire brigade under Captain Hudson arrived on the scene about this time and some delay was experienced in the attack on the flames because the hydrant in Station Street was covered up by road material and had to be picked at for a while before the box could be open. It seems that when Mr E Walsh was Captain of the local brigade, he drew the attention of Penrith Council to the absolute necessity of keeping the hydrants clear of anything that might hamper the firefighting operations and he was under the impression that this matter had been attended to. When the hose was played onto the flames with a fairly strong force of water, the building was past being saved as the firemen never had much chance owing to the rapidity with which the flames spread. However, they worked hard to make the best of things and among other things their attention was devoted to saving adjoining buildings, the nearest was fully 60 feet away from any danger. Fortunately, there was no strong wind blowing in the direction as the fire would very probably have spread further. The hall was the property of Cecil Horstmann who had insured it and various contents belonging to him for £500 with the Guardian Insurance Coy. Among the articles was the piano. The hall at this time was leased by Mr McLean whose possessions were insured for £500 with the Phoenix Assurance Coy/Ltd, with C J Welch the local agent. The insurance that the picture showman had, caused him heavy losses by the fire. The articles covered by his insurance was his picture business fixtures, fittings, etc, a Kynock gas engine and appurtenances, a biograph machine and accessories and a 5
H.O. dynamo. The engine and dynamo were in an iron shed adjoining the lodge anteroom where it was believed that the fire started. Many of the people early on the scene were of that opinion, though some others who appeared to be in a good position to judge was of the opinion that the fire had its origin in the lodge room (known better perhaps to many dancers as the “supper room”). In the engine room there was one tin of benzine and many empty tins. For many years the hall was the venue of many a merry-making gathering, entertainment, business meeting, electioneering addresses or some other form of public or semi-public assemblage. It was built in 1879 by the Nepean Division of the Sons of Temperance. The builders were Messrs. Hardy and Willis. Formerly it was the meeting place of many friendly societies including the Manchester Unity, the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Protestant Alliance and in more recent years it was used only by the Sons of Temperance and remained the property of that group until 1913 when it was bought by Cecil Horstmann who conducted it as a skating rink for a while, as well as a place of general entertainment. Later, Mr Horstman leased it to Mr Tremaine for picture purposes who later sold his picture business to Mr Martin then it was passed in turn to Mr Carrington and then to Mr McLean. When Mr Horstman acquired the hall, it was smaller. The hall was devoted regularly to picture shows around 1918. When Mr McLean purchased the picture show from Mr Carrington in October 1922 through agent C J Welch, he changed the name of the hall to the “Empire Picture Theatre”. The hall enjoyed a splendid record and in its best days the floor being made of tallowwood was ideal for dancing and had the very desirable qualification that it did not splinter easily but would wear in time and deteriorate. In the supper room there was a tablet that bore this inscription “In memoriam. Brother John Raynor, 1st W.P. Nepean Division, No. 42, Sons of Temperance. Died at Springwood, September 11, 1888. Aged 76 years”. Among the articles destroyed in the fire were lodge property including regalia. When the fire bell rang on that horrible night, someone entered the side door of the Nepean Picture Theatre in High Street and yelled out “fire” that created almost a panic by people who made a hasty exit thinking that the fire was in that theatre until there were shouts of it being a hoax.
Source: Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW: 1882 - 1962), Saturday 6 January 1923, page 5
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14-YEAR OLD Jessica Fog (Penrith GC) has captured the 2023 Penrith Cup, which was played on Thursday morning 24th August at Penrith GC. Her round of 3-over par 78 gave her a 4-shot winning margin over runner-up Joanne Ogle (Penrith GC).
Jessica attends Glenmore Park HS,
Di Edwards (Penrith GC) won Division Two Scratch, ahead of Su Kim (Muirfield GC).
The Nett winners were: Division One - 1st Sunghee Jung (Muirfield GC), runner-up Sung Chung (Muirfield GC); Division Two - 1st Kerry Hill (Penrith GC); runner-up
In Pennant Golf news, Leonay has won its section in T.L Warren (B Grade), whilst Twin Creeks and Stonecutters Ridge have both won their respective Sections in W. Gibson. All three clubs will now progress to the playoffs.
T.L. Warren (B Grade - home teams shown first): Eastlake 2-1 over Richmond, Campbelltown down 2-1 to Twin Creeks, Leonay 3-0 over
Rosnay, Penrith 3-0 over Lynwood, Massey Park 2-1 over Stonecutters Ridge, Bardwell Valley 3-0 over Wallacia.
W. Gibson (C Grade - home teams shown first): Eastlake 2-1 over Richmond, Campbelltown down 2-1 to Twin Creeks, Leonay 3-0 over Rosnay, Lynwood 2-1 over Penrith, Massey Park down 2-1 to Stonecutters Ridge, Bardwell Valley 2-1 over Wallacia.
THERE is an action-packed 3 days of major golf tournaments in Penrith over the next four days, beginning with the Glenmore Cup (Vardon event) on Saturday. This will be followed by the Glenmore Seniors (SOOM) on Monday, then the Penrith Seniors (SOOM) on Tuesday.
There are four previous winners of the Glenmore Cup competing on Saturday, including Andrew Robb (2013, 2018), Stuart Nelson (2015), Ben Michelmore (2021) and Chris Moreton 2022.
The event has attracted a high quality field, with 9 players on handicaps under scratch, 12 on handicaps of 2 or less, 14 on handicaps of 4 or less and an impressive total overall of 64 players on single figures.
“We are also hosting our inaugural Seniors (over 50) event next Monday (4th September),” said Glenmore Heritage Golf Club spokesperson Andrew Robb. “This is a NSW Senior Order of Merit event (SOOM) and Golf NSW are awarding the best two scratch scores a start in the men’s NSW senior Open, which is being held at Thurgoona over 27-29 October.
There will be a total of 37 different golf clubs represented in the Seniors event, with 6 players on Scratch or less, 8 on 2 or less, 10 on 4 or less and an overall total of 43 players on single figure handicaps. The Glenmore Seniors will be a shotgun start at 8:00am.
Entries are also flowing in for next Tuesday’s Penrith Senior Open, with anticipation of a record field for the NSW Senior Order of Merit tournament.
The Open has been building since it was revamped two years ago and chief organiser Danny Acret said early entries have been the highest on record.
“Two years ago, we had 52 players representing more than 20 clubs, and last year there were 62 players from 39 clubs,” Danny said.
“The aim this year was to receive 70 entries and we are on target.
The defending champion, Dunheved’s John Fearney, will return and will no doubt be inspired by a two-month trip to Britain, where he played some of Scotland’s great links and attended the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.
Tuesday’s tournament has a shotgun start at 9am. The entry fee is $60, which includes lunch, and players will be vying for $1300 in prizes.
Online entries close Monday. Walk-in entries will
be accepted prior to tee-off. For further information contact the Penrith professional staff on 4736-1613 or Danny Acret on 0419 408 221.
** Penrith GC hosted Division 4 in Round 5 of the 2023 Super Senior Pennant on Tuesday, with Castle Hill defeating Cumberland 6-2, Liverpool defeating Stonecutters Ridge 6-2 and Richmond defeating Cabramatta 6-2.
Castle Hill is the runaway leader in the Division and should finish in first position, whilst Liverpool has leapt into second, just ahead of Cumberland and Richmond. The final round matches Liverpool with Cumberland and Stonecutters with Richmond. Results will be crucial to gain second position and a spot in the playoffs.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Blue Mountains DRFC
(Mountain Goats) will play minor premiers Hunters Hill in the Grand Final of the Kentwell Cup, at 3pm this Saturday afternoon at Concord Oval.
The Kentwell Cup originated in 1923 and is the major trophy for the NSW Suburban Rugby Union (NSWSRU), colloquially known as the “Subbies” competition.
The NSWSRU is made up of five divisions and is the highest level of amateur Rugby Union in NSW. Blue Mountains fields five open-age teams (1st grade – 5th grade) and a Colts (Under 21s) in Division One of NSWSRU. The Kentwell Cup is the trophy awarded to the winning first grade team in Division One.
Teams that have played in the competition since its inception include those linked by geographical location, such as Blue Mountains
DRFC, Drummoyne DRFC, Lane Cove RUFC and Petersham RUFC; some are linked by connections to schools, such as Old Ignatians, Newington Old Boys (NOBs), St Patrick’s RC and Knox Old Boys; whilst others have been linked by occupation, such as Fire Brigades, Royal Australian Artillery, CBC Bank and Bondi Lifesavers.
This year’s list of first division teams, in order of their finishing position on the competition ladder at the end of the regular season, were Hunters Hill, Blue Mountains, Waverley, Drummoyne, Colleagues, Mosman, Petersham, Forest and St Patrick’s.
Blue Mountains and Hunters Hill met on just one occasion during the regular season, with Hunters Hill recording a 31-27 win. The major semi-final between those two teams would however be a triumph for Blue Mountains, scoring a crushing 47-27 win to progress straight to the Grand Final and sending Hunters Hill back to the Preliminary Final to
meet Waverley, which had defeated Drummoyne 39-17 in the Minor Semi-Final.
Hunters Hill lived up to their regular season form, winning 38-31 to earn another crack at Blue Mountains this Saturday in the Grand Final.
Blue Mountains coach Luke Raams is in his second year as coach and, with the assistance of co-coaches Peter Richey and Brad Morgan, along with team leaders Chris Nay, Angus McGrath, JP Sauni and Luke Smart, has turned around a tough season in 2022 to guide the Mountain Goats into the grand final.
“Chris, Angus, JP and Luke are all coaches in their own right, and I really couldn’t have done all of this on my own,” said Luke. “Those guys have taught me a huge amount from their past experience as professional players.”
Luke’s squad through the season has involved 38-40 players, with a rotation of lineups through the season due to work / personal commitments and injuries. The grand final squad
will number 25 players, with 15 in the starting line-up and 10 reserves.
The ages of the players vary from 23 – 34 years, featuring up-andcoming stars of the future playing alongside seasoned veterans who predominantly originate from the Blue Mountains – Penrith districts. Many have moved closer to Sydney for work commitments but still travel back to Lapstone Oval to play for the Mountain Goats.
“I didn’t have a preference as to which team we’d rather face in the grand final. Waverley was very strong and Hunters Hill were deserved minor premiers,” said Luke.
“Everyone is fit and we have one more training session this week before Saturday, when we will be ready to play.
“It’s taken us a very, very long time to make it into Division One, and that’s why it would be such a huge achievement for us if we can win the first grade grand final. It really doesn’t get bigger than this for our club.”
EIGHT local juniors teed off on Saturday morning, in the first round of the 2023 JNJG South Coast Masters, which was held at Catalina Country Club over 26th-27th August.
Camilla Kim (Kellyville / The Australian GC) shot 73/77=150 to finish third overall in the Girls division, and second in the Girls 13 Years & Under division, whilst Jessica Fog (Penrith GC) finished 10th in the Girls 14/15 Years division.
In the boys divisions, Matthew Fullerton (Lynwood GC) finished tied for 1st outright, ultimately beaten in a playoff by Alex Radevski (St Michaels GC). Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC) shot 74/72=146 to finish 4th, having impressively moved up five spots on his overnight standing, and Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC) shot 74/73=147 to finish 7th.
In the Boys Age group placings, Chayse won the
14/15 Years, Matthew finished tied 1st, Blake tied 4th and Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) tied 15th in the 16+ Years.
The South Coast Under 12 Tour event was also held at Catalina GC over the weekend, with Hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks) finishing in 4th spot, just 8 shots in arrears of Andy Zhou (Roseville GC). Hunter was in 2nd position overnight, just one shot in arrears, but fell back on Sunday to finish 4th. The next major JNJG Tour events are over the weekend of 26th-29th September.
The Jack Newton International Junior Classic (15-17 Years) will be held at Cypress Lakes GC, the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic (14 Years & Under) will be held at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley GC, and the Jack Newton International 9-hole Junior Classic will be held at Singleton GC.
SPRING weather is almost upon us and with this comes semi-final football and as a coach this is both the most exciting and pressurised time of the season. To be relevant at this time of the year you need to have put yourself in a position to strike through a solid regular season with enough wins to be at the pointy end of the table. However you can also be in a good position but have run your race and played your best football prior to the finals which will find your team coming up short in the finals as teams continue to improve.
Winning finals games is often mistaken as a complex task. This should never be the case, the simpler you keep things as a coach at the most important time of the season the less confusion and anxiety the players will experience in the lead up to games and the easier it is for the players to execute game plans and play to their potential. The work you have done as a team up until the finals should place you in a position to relax the need for large chunks of information to be conveyed and digested by the players in training and game plans. In the lead up to
the finals you need to be polishing your tactics and style.
If your team is in a good position building momentum up to the finals to ensure your best football is ahead of you is often the biggest challenge. It takes patience and timing in order to execute this effectively and even in the case of perfect planning the results may still not fall your way. It is important you lay off the physicality in training to ensure the players hit the field fresh and full of energy, if you are trying to achieve fitness goals at semi-final time you are in some trouble! Prioritise what is most important work really hard on that each week and keep it simple.
There are no fool proof formulas but if you keep things simple, work smarter and not harder, keep your players fresh both mentally and physically and also maintain your regular routine this will ensure the team cohesion and momentum is built progressively throughout the finals series. The health of your players particularly in key positions is vital to success, building momentum and combinations
at the important stages of the season and this to a large degree is out of your control as a coach. But be mindful of players who may be tired, carrying injuries or who seem to lack their normal energy / enthusiasm and do your best to keep them fresh and firing, this will often come at the expense of training time during the week but your aim needs to be to get your best players on the field fit and firing in important games. Having worked with a variety of different teams at different levels who have experienced grand final wins and also early losses in finals series my best pieces of advice for finals time is to ensure you keep things simple, focus on the basic aspects of your game and the overall discipline of your team. More often than not a team who makes their tackles, minimises errors and penalties will be successful in any game at any level. Keep your players fresh and in their normal routine. Do not complicate game plans or try and implement new plans or structures late in the season and do everything within your power to keep your players fresh, excited, motivated and enthusiastic which is sure to carry onto the field.
MARK down round 26 of this season’s NRL as “Carnage Round!”
I can’t remember a more destructive round of rugby league, seeing up to a dozen of the game’s elite all coming down with worrying injuries so near to semi final action.
While Bronco star duo Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan suffered injuries just prior to this past weekend, it still puts them in the unwanted casualty ward with a massive game this Thursday looming against the “Pappy’s Back” Melbourne Storm. Along with the Panthers, they are vying for minor premiership honours.
Speaking of the Panthers. Going down to the Eels last Thursday certainly wasn’t a dash to the panic station, but watching star playmaker Jerome Luai succumb to an ugly shoulder injury most definitely was! On first view it didn’t look good, but scans have since revealed it may not be season ending and ‘Romy’ could be back for the second week of finals. Fingers (and eyes) crossed.
The Melbourne Storm also felt the wrath of the injury stick this round with not one, but possibly two representative stars injuring a shoulder and knee respectively. Playmaker Jahrome Hughes and superstar hooker Harry Grant being the two players in question. Jahrome an MCL injury to his knee and Harry a shoulder. Both unlikely to play the Broncos tonight (Thursday) and in some doubt for the first finals game.
And for the team creating national
headlines in their hometown of New Zealand, the Warriors suffered an agonising injury to one of their season’s best. Five eighth Luke Metcalf went off with 15 on the clock clutching his hamstring. Metcalf has been one of the most improved players in the NRL this season and his loss will be felt by the competition’s feel good story.
Over at Bondi they also have a tad of drama leading into Friday night’s must-win if they want some finals action against fierce adversaries, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. JWH is out (suspended) and Joey Manu also has a hamstring concern that has him only 50/50 to play.
There is never a dull moment.
Of those teams hoping to be contesting finals footy this year the Sharks, Raiders, and Knights all had major injury scares as well. In the nation’s capital star trio Josh Papali’i (concussion) halfback Jamal Fogarty
(eye socket injury) enforcer Corey Horsborough (suspended) with the two former being long odds to take on the Sharks this Sunday, again a must win for both teams. Their opponents the Sharks have reigning Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes nursing a quad/hip flexor complaint, but by all accounts will play on Sunday.
But perhaps the biggest scare of the weekend came in Newcastle on Sunday. The hottest team in the competition the Newcastle Knights, who have won 8 straight, looked to have lost superstar fullback Kayln Ponga to an AC injury to his shoulder! 30,000 Novacastrians all held their collective breath as Ponga went down late in the game in their big win over the Sharks as Jesse Ramien hit the electric Ponga. Scans have since indicated that he will only miss one week. “PHEW!” say all of Newcastle. If they want to go anywhere near competition greatness this season
they will need Kayln Ponga fullstop. With four massive games this round of footy, the last round before semi final footy, SO MUCH hinges on the health and fitness of some of our game’s out-and-out superstars. Will they or won’t they be ready to play in the most important month of the year, September? Whatever may happen you just know that this year’s finals series is going to be EPIC!! Bring it on!
See you at the game.
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