Nepean News 20 December 2018 by Nepean News

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ISSUE 242

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Merry Christmas

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Carolyn’s Guide to Retirement Living in Western Sydney Retirement Living is on the up and up in Western Sydney. So why are these villages attracting mature Australians in such great numbers? The benefits are plenty, from community to lifestyle and convenience and affordability, and here Carolyn continues her answers to the frequently asked questions people have about buying into a village. Navigating the contract When you’re considering retirement living, a clear understanding of contracts, costs and value is essential. You sign a contract when you buy a house or when you get a job – it’s no different when you move into a village – except that you also have to sign a resident contract, as you’re also buying into a community. Ask questions about everything, from long term costs, contract options and what happens when you move out. A buy into a retirement village means you get all the benefits of living in a low maintenance home, in a community of like-minded neighbours, at a similar stage of life. Why not find out more about retirement living? The master planned community of Jordan Springs is proudly growing with the addition of village exclusive to over 55’s. Call Carolyn today on 0430 189 447 to register your interest to receive updates, invites and VIP information on how to register your interest. jordanspringsretirement.com

avid Borger, Western Sydney Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, proposed the question – could trackless trams be a reality in Penrith? As a guest speaker at The Quarter’s industry breakfast held at Penrith Panthers last month, Mr Borger explained that our unique character, availability of land and the future of Penrith as a key city in Sydney’s west makes it a prime location for innovative transport. “Imagine taking a tram at Panthers and moving up High Street, past Kingwood station via The Quarter, Penrith’s Health and Education precinct, before arriving at St Marys city centre.” With the new airport, aerotropolis and Northern Gateway precincts on our doorstep, a tram line terminating at St Marys would provide an easy transfer to the North-South Rail Line, which received a funding commitment from Federal and State Government in March. With a 10 minute train ride, our residents could arrive at their job or set off on a dream holiday. This link would also encourage travellers, businesses and investors to come into the region, boosting the local economy and further enlivening the city. Penrith’s residents would also benefit from the tram system not only as a way to get around, but by reducing congestion in the city centres and connecting to The Quarter which is set to become a leading centre for health care, medical research and world-class education in Western Sydney.

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The idea of a trackless trams was linked to the work of Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtain University, which identifies that trackless trams are highly effective and efficient at connecting communities and linking into other major metro systems. “Trackless tram systems can be delivered for around 10% of the cost of light rail due to them not requiring major excavation work for tracks or their own power systems” Mr Borger said. Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler OAM, commended The Quarter for creating a space for thought leaders to share their ideas of what Penrith’s future might be. “Penrith is a region on the rise. With major changes already happening across the city, a collaborative view between thought leaders, experts, residents and Council is the key to our continued success. It’s fantastic to have these forums,” said Cr Fowler.

3 Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Trackless trams?

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

ELL here we are again just a couple of days away from Christmas. And here I am again, trotting out the same old lines: “How quick has this year flown?” “I haven’t even started Christmas shopping yet” and the old “I should have dieted ages ago because now my Christmas diet of junk food and beer begins.” Some things never change. And usually I’d be grateful of that because change is my enemy, but this year I am hoping at least one thing will change. All I want for Christmas is for this country to return to normal. 2018 will forever go down as the year of being eternally offended by everything. Every single thing you can imagine has offended some person this year. And the outrage. I’m so tired of it. I’m hoping 2019 will see outrage replaced with “inrage.” That’s right, rage all you want but do the rest of us a favour and keep it to yourself. Inrage. I like it. Easy going, dinky-di, happy-go-lucky, no worries, she’ll be right mate. That’s the Australia I want back for Christmas. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Our first edition back is January 17.

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that the local community will see 9 new officers on the beat and responding to emergencies, following the recent police attestation from the Goulburn Police Academy. The 9 new probationary constables from Class 335 have started duties at Nepean and Blue Mountains Area Commands, where they will embark on their new policing career. Stuart Ayres congratulated the new recruits on attesting from the academy after more than eight months of training and university education. “Community safety is absolutely paramount, and I am thrilled to welcome the new probationary constables to the Penrith region,” Stuart Ayres said “Becoming a sworn police officer is a tremendous honour. The mere presence of a blue uniform puts our minds at ease, however, it also comes with enormous challenges. “As a community, we turn to the police in our worst hour and expect them to stand in harm’s way to prevent and disrupt criminal activity. “I commend our newest officers on making the decision to put the community’s safety above their own, and joining one of the proudest organisations in the State.” Minister for Police Troy Grant said the Liberals

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith & Nationals Government has also committed to fortify the force into the future with the recent investment of more than $583 million over four years to deliver 1500 extra police. “This will ensure we’re not only able to maintain the current level of service and protection the community expects, but can also meet emerging crime-trends head-on,” Mr Grant said “The security and safety of the people of NSW is a top priority for this Government and these latest Probationary Officers will be a great asset in helping to identify, disrupt and combat crime in the local community. “They are about to embark on a tough but rewarding career. I am proud to welcome them into the NSW Police family, and I wish them all the best for their future policing careers.”

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

9 new police officers S

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By CONNER LOWE

anta Claus has arrived in Colyton at the home of local charity man and community advocate George Asciak. For the 16th year in a row Mr Asciak is donning the big red suit to put smiles on the faces of children from all across Sydney whilst raising a little bit of money for local charity. This year Mr Asciak is donating the proceeds of his Christmas light display and Santa show to Nepean Hospital. Already he has raised nearly $1000 with a $500 donation from Lycan Group and a $400 donation form the Colyton Shopping Centre, however Mr Asciak intends to raise around $4000 by Christmas. The charity work Mr Asciak does during his Christmas light and Santa extravaganza was sparked from one simple interaction with a disabled young boy during Christmas a number of years back. “It all started when I had a young man come here with his son who had autism. The young boy was in a stroller and I was handing out presents and chatting away to kids on stage,” Mr Asciak said. “When I had a spare minute, I came down and spent some quality time

with the autistic boy and gave him a present and some high fives. “Afterwards his dad came back over and offered me $50. He was so appreciative of the time I spent with his son that he wanted to pay me,” he said. Being a charity man Mr Asciak refused the money but suggested he donate it to charity. Since then Mr Asciak and his wife, Cathy Asciak, have been raising money for local hospitals during their annual Christmas shindig. “Giving back, this is what Christmas

is all about,” Mr Asciak said. “So much is being taken away from Western Sydney, it is right to be able to give back something to the community instead of taking it away.” It is clear Mr Asciak doesn’t do any of this for his ego or his hip pocket. Each year he will set aside about $2000 of his own pension money to pay for presents and treats for the thousands of children who visit him in December. “Each child deserves something nice and something to give them a smile,” he said.

Across the later half of the year Mr Asciak’s two sons Luke and Mark climb onto a hot roof and put up thousands of Christmas lights for the families’ charitable display. This year there is a Santa sleigh, a Santa throne and numerous fantastic light displays. The Asciak family have made sure the whole set up is completely accessible for children in prams and wheelchairs. This year there are a couple of special changes, Gelato Fruit Mania will have a van serving tasty treats every night up until Christmas Eve with 20 percent of donations going to Nepean Hospital. Mr Asciak will also be doing a special entry as Santa Claus at 7pm on Saturday 22nd when he replaces his sled for a tri-bike and rolls in with over 50 motorbikes behind him. The address of the Santa show and lights display is 7 Arcadia Place, Colyton. Santa will be sticking around between the hours of 8:00pm and midnight up until Christmas Eve. Mr and Mrs Asciek would like to thank all the sponsors that include Lycan Group Pty Ltd, AVC Pest Control Service, Mick T’s Clothing Sinclair, Australian Scaffolding, Marsden Park Fire Brigade, Grove Hire, Unwanted Few Motorcycle Club (FMC), Woolworths Mt Druitt, EK Racing Club and Colyton Shopping Centre.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Santa Claus has arrived in Colyton

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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Everyone should have the joy of eating Christmas cake!

mu Plains Lions sold 595 Christmas cakes and puddings, in the lead up to Christmas, which allowed them to donate three cartons of 1kg cakes to each of the Salvation Army, Penrith Community Kitchen and Nepean Food Services (Meals on Wheels); a total of 108 cakes. So, if you bought a single cake or pudding, or many, like Jim Aitken + Partners and Bespoke Realty, you have contributed to someone who may otherwise have missed out on having the small enjoyment of a cake this Christmas. Emu Plains Lions ‘cake master’ David Kitley, said it was his great pleasure to deliver the cakes to the three charities.

“I feel a bit like Santa Claus giving gifts and receiving that all important smile from the recipients,” David said. Lions do great work in the community, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year. Lions need your help. They need members. Why not see how you can help? Attend a bistro meeting at Leonay Sports Club on the 3rd Wednesday of each month or ring Memberships Manager, John Choma on 4735 5120. So, If you are interested, and have a view to helping others, who may not be as fortunate or need assistance, and you also enjoy associating with like-minded people in contributing to achieve positive social outcomes, Lions is for you!

Happy 100th birthday Bert!

anya Davies recently met with Albert (Bert) Leslie Le-Merton to wish him a happy 100th birthday. Bert is a St Clair resident, who turned 100 on 18 November 2018. Bert served as a Sergeant during WWII. He’s a witty, active and fit gentleman who walks 3.5 km every morning. He lives at home and manages his own lawn, housework, groceries and cooking by himself.

Tanya Davies MP met Bert recently to wish him a very happy 100th birthday, “The secret to a long and healthy life is to exercise your brain and body. Many of my friends retired and then spent too much time in front of the TV,” Bert said. He has gone to all their funerals, and found the motivation that keeps himself active! “Bert is an intelligent, witty, sprightly 100 years young gentleman. Happy birthday Bert!” Tanya Davies said.

› Supporting St Marys Salvation Army at Christmas By Chris Miller

Once again St Marys Rotary Club and Goodman Fielder (Erskine Park) combined to help the less advantaged members of our community at Christmas. Thirty grocery bags were prepared and along with gifts they were handed over to the Salvation Army at the Citadel in Morris Street before been sent off for distribution. St Marys Rotary Club Members and Goodman Fielder Staff handed donations to St Marys Salvation Army. On behalf of the members of St Marys Rotary Club we wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and have a great 2019.

Aileen meets her idol after 60 years of being a fan AILEEN Mudiman has been a fan of Australian legend singer Frank Ifield since she was 15 years old. Last weekend Aileen’s daughter-in-law Sharon took her to see Frank Ifield perform at the Penrith Paceway, and was able to meet him following the show. Aileen had a copy of a book about Australian Country singers, which Frank had signed decades ago. He signed it for her again. Frank’s performance was part of the legends supporting up and coming young local talent series that he is doing with Ross Rossco Hutchison. Frank took the audience on a trip down memory lane, telling of his rise to global fame and vigorously performing the hits that made him a household name. You’d never guess by watching the energy that exudes with each hit that he is 81 years old!

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lenmore Park is now home to Western Sydney’s first ever dedicated treetop wildlife crossing structure opened by Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies this week. On the corner of Bluestone Drive and Parakeet Street in Glenmore Park, this crossing will give animals a safe passage to freely move across the tree canopy between the two reserves. Tanya Davies congratulated Mulgoa Landcare on the initiative to collaborate with local agencies and partners to deliver the first ever treetop wildlife crossing in the region. “This wildlife crossing was an initiative of the community and built by the community. I congratulate Lisa Harrold from Mulgoa Landcare for her strong advocacy in ensuring we protect and care for the natural habitats in the Mulgoa valley.” A partnership between the NSW Government, Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Mulgoa Landcare, Penrith City Council, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the crossing will provide a safe passage for local tree-dwelling wildlife between the Mulgoa Nature Reserve and bushland at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills via the Surveyors Creek Wildlife Corridor.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said Council was pleased to be part of another important initiative to protect our City’s natural environment for future generations. “I would like to thank Greater Sydney Local Land Services for their ongoing support of projects in our City, and the Mulgoa Landcare volunteers for their continuing dedication and hard work.”

Greater Sydney Senior Land Services officer Peter Ridgeway said it was an exciting and important achievement. “The crossing is a 22 m long rope ladder supported by telegraph poles which was installed by local contractor Jamie Moore of Eleserve Communications at Bluestone Drive in Glenmore Park,” he said. “The new crossing will help

wildlife such as the Sugar Glider, Feathertail Glider, Brushtail Possum, and Ringtail Possum. Previously these animals were blocked by Bluestone Drive which cuts between the reserves, forcing animals to ground where they were at risk from cars and domestic animals.” “We certainly hope that our work can inspire similar improvements at other wildlife corridors to reduce roadkill and improve our local environment.” NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Area Manager Katie Littlejohn highlighted the importance of cross agency partnership to protect native wildlife. “This project is an excellent example of how a number of stakeholders can work together to improve wildlife corridors, and the opportunities for our native wildlife to move around the landscape, in Western Sydney,” NPWS Area Manager Katie Littlejohn said. “NPWS is very appreciative of the cross agency efforts that have gone in to this project which now links an isolated Nature Reserve with surrounding bushland all the way to Orchard Hills providing important habitat for many of our unique native species.”

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

First treetop wildlife crossing for Glenmore Park

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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› Upskirting offences – Penrith A man has been charged over a large number of “upskirting” offences. About 11.40am on Tuesday 11 December, a 52-year-old man was observed videoing under the skirts of female shoppers at a major shopping centre in Penrith. He was arrested by police from Nepean Police Area Command, with his mobile phone being seized. Examination of the phone revealed over 28 video recordings made over the past two days within the shopping centre. The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with three counts of filming a person without consent. He was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court. Examination of the man’s phone continues, and further charges are expected. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Little Tylen: the best Christmas present ever By KeRRIE DAVIES

or new parents Helen and Tristan the best Christmas present this year wasn’t under the tree, it was the day they could finally take baby Tylen home after 97 days in Nepean Hospital. Born at 25 weeks, Tylen was admitted to the Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialised treatment. Due to health complications shortly after giving birth, Helen was unable to express breast milk for young Tylen. “My health went downhill quite quickly and I needed the best option for myself and Tylen,” said Helen. NICU staff suggested donor breast milk as an alternative to formula to help Tylen have the best start to life. “Switching to donor milk allowed him to put on more weight and grow much faster. “I’m extremely grateful to the wonderful women out there who go out of their way to donate milk. It is a small act of kindness but it makes a huge difference. You are honestly amazing,” said Helen. Nepean Hospital was the first hospital in the state to receive supply of donor breast milk from a newly

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Parents Helen and Tristan with their newborn son, Tylen.

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premature babies a better chance to fight off life threatening disease. Nepean’s NICU is one of nine across the state benefiting from the newly announced service.

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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A big thank you to St Marys Historical Society By KeRRIE DAVIES

S another year comes to a close, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the St Marys Historical Society for the great work the volunteers do in preserving our local history. We are also very thankful for the great articles written by Lyn Forde that feature in Nepean News. I’m sure you’d agree that it is great to read about the people and places from this great region so long ago. St Marys Historical Society has been supporting our publication since the very first edition, and we are now about to go into our 10th year! On Saturday December 15 the St Marys Historical Society had their annual year-end breakup Christmas Party at the Chambers in St Marys and Greg and I were honoured to be included as their guests. Also attending was their very special member Jackie Greenow OAM.

Almost all of their members were there along with President Lyn Forde who made a short speech before the feasting began, and what a spread it was. The Historical Society is famous for our morning and afternoon teas when the public turns up for Norma’s Tours and the Christmas lunch certainly didn’t disappoint. Each year the members chips in and bring some home-made delights and it

makes for one of the best feasts you’ll find anywhere! I’m still dreaming about Norma’s trifle. “The Chambers will be closed over January 2019 and will open again on Wednesday February so please come in and visit, as we are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Our members would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year,” Lyn said.

Penrith to celebrate 2019 nsw Women’s Week

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that Nepean Community Neighbourhood Services (NCNS) and Wentworth Community Housing (WCH) will each receive a NSW Government grant to hold events for 2019 NSW Women’s Week. “We want women to have every opportunity to achieve their social and economic goals and supporting these organisations so they may host events will help women to do just that,” Stuart Ayres said. “I’m thrilled that NSW Women’s Week is coming to Penrith to challenge outdated perceptions about women and girls, celebrate their achievements and provide practical support to help them succeed in whatever they choose to do.” Wentworth Chief Executive Office, Stephen McIntyre, said the team was delighted to know their project had been shortlisted to receive the grant. “Our tenants have a broad range of strengths and experiences and we want them to be proud of who they are, their stories, and the important roles they play in their communities.” “We see the activities leading up to the NSW Women’s Week as an opportunity for our tenants to celebrate their personal journeys with each other. Through art, we want them to feel encouraged to express their dreams, goals and future.” Wentworth Community Housing will receive $4,900 to host an arts-based project to increase connections and create opportunities for creative expression for women and girls who live in community housing. A series of micro engagement activities will be held in the lead up to the

major event. The event will celebrate the resilience and aspirations of women who use WCHs services. Nepean Community Neighbourhood Services will receive $4,990 towards their “Her Stories” project that aims to celebrate the economic, political, social achievements and contributions of women, past, present and future in the Cranebrook community. The project will capture the stories and photos of the women of Cranebrook. The culmination of the project will be a book launch where each attendee will be given a copy of the book. Books will also

be donated to local schools and community centres to be used as future reference resources. The local events are just some of 32 events and activities during NSW Women’s Week that will focus on the three priorities areas of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022; women’s economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment. NSW Women’s Week will be held to celebrate International Women’s Day from 3 to 9 March 2019. For more information, visit: www.women. nsw.gov.au/nsw-womens-week.

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idwives at Nepean Hospital hosted a BBQ fundraiser at Bunnings North Penrith on December 16 to help support grieving parents who have recently experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth. Proceeds raised at the fundraiser will go towards the purchase and decoration of ‘memory boxes’. Nepean Hospital Midwife, Alicia Hatcher, said memory boxes are a special way to cherish the loved ones who have passed away. “A memory box contains special keepsakes for families who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth,” she said. “Staff help parents to gather items including the baby’s footprints, photos, clothing and wraps the baby has worn and hair clippings. “Parents are often very grateful when they are given a memory box. It is a very emotional time and whilst it is confronting at first, many have described it to me as a way of healing and provides some comfort.” The antenatal ward at Nepean Hospital is currently supported by local charity Ava Grace who donates clothing, wraps and teddy bears for the babies.

Alicia Hatcher, Kim Baxter, Amber Cubis, Sue Ireland and Natalie Flak at one of their earlier Bunnings fundraiser events.

› Ma’di Youth Conference

ST MARYS Community Hub was host to the Ma’di National Annual Youth Conference and Convention last weekend with over 200 participants taking part in the festivities. The aim of the conference is to develop solutions and recommendations to deal with issues Ma’di Youth face. Topics covered included Cultural Value, Spirituality, Youth Crime, Generation Gap, Social Media and exploring the past, present and future. Deputy Mayor Councillor Greg Davies was in attendance and said it was a pleasure to be there. “It was great to see the commitment of a group of Australian Sudanese helping their younger people in adjusting to the trials of a new life so far from their original home.” he said.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Leaving a lasting memory

WE NEED MORE TAX INCOME AND LESS PEOPLE With our Health, Welfare, Education, Communication and Public Transport Systems all under enormous pressure, we turn to our representatives, to our government, in order to seek innovation and representation that is so desperately needed to curb patient wait times in our emergency department; reduce pension processing times; produce a better NDIS funding model; improved water harvesting to drought proof our regions; and more practical and reliable public transport, such as North/South Rail links across Western Sydney. So what is needed to address this? More strategic investment and better planning and put quite simply, this requires more tax revenue and lower migration. But how is that even possible? Surely it is counter intuitive right? Did you know that in the 2015-16 financial year, 732 companies paid no tax in Australia, with a collective value of more than $500 billion. Just imagine what we could achieve as a country if we secured all $500 billion in payable tax revenue. I know for one thing; it could pay for an integrated and master-planned heavy rail system in Western Sydney which would unlock investment and jobs. It could pay for an inland freight rail system, a world leading internet network and a high speed rail network along the eastern seaboard. This would in turn dramatically lift our productivity and liveability, which also has a positive knock on effect for the economy. Moreover we would have the money to build up the CSIRO and tackle a water management system for the entire country. We could fund a world leading health system and look to more preventative care to reduce burdens

on emergency departments. Lastly we could return funding and build up our Universities and TAFE for domestic students – for your children – who could then take up the opportunities created by the aforementioned and much needed strategic investment. Finally and most importantly by focusing on multi-national and national companies; whom profit primarily by carving up our country, it would be possible to reduce the tax rates for Small Business Enterprises and Individuals. Putting money back in our pockets to inject it into the economy and supercharge the backbone our sunburnt country: Small Business. Coupled with reigning in corporate tax dodgers, we must address the elephant in our major cities, the one that both State and Federal Governments and both Major Parties have agreed to push onto us for the last 4 to 8 years. An ever growing immigration rate. It is clear we need to significantly reduce our migration intake.

While Corporate interests trot out “pay for comment” academics and boffins to tell us population growth is not an issue, the truth is we live its impacts each and every day. The growth in the immigration rate has vastly outpaced investment in critical infrastructure, health services, housing affordability and wages growth, just to list a few key areas. As you read this, you will have now doubt heard that just months out from an election both the Prime Minister and the Premier are decrying and back flipping on the very policies their respective governments promoted, as recent as a few months ago. To vote for either of them, is to beg them to lie to you just to get elected. To vote for either major party is to invite more factional nonsense and self-serving political careerism. As for me. I am only interested in sensible solutions that deliver a fair go for Lindsay and a push back on cost of living pressures for all. That is why I can confidently say that if elected I will be pushing for a return to the long term average of 70,000 migrants per year. I however be pushing even harder for a minimum two year moratorium on immigration to allow sufficient time for the government to address these issues. This is enough time catch up on the processing of migrants, assess our baseline infrastructure needs and tie the intake of any population policy to the ongoing infrastructure and services needed to meet the demand of current citizens not future ones. After all isn’t our constitution meant to serve us – existing citizens?

MARK TYNDALL INDEPENDENT FOR LINDSAY 1300 MARK 4L (6275 45)

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local news By KeRRIE DAVIES

S we worked in our St Clair office to put this week’s edition to press, we could hear helicopters hovering above. Then the news came through that there was yet another major accident just metres away on Mamre Road. Thankfully this one wasn’t fatal, but a Mum and her nine month old baby were among the injured and were taken care of by CareFlight. Last week the young female driver tragically wasn’t so lucky, and lost her life on the dangerous patch of road. Londonderry MP Prue Car and Candidate for Mulgoa Todd Carney were at the site a few months ago calling for action from the state government.. Now, after what seems an almost weekly event of more accidents on this road, they are renewing the call. “My thoughts are with the families impacted during this difficult time,” Cr Carney said. “Residents in St Clair and Erskine Park have known for years that the notoriously dangerous Mamre Rd is well overdue for an upgrade. Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies has petitioned the Federal

government,stating that with the new Western Sydney airport the traffic will only get worse and the pressure placed on the already dangerous Mamre Road will only increase. However Cr Carney and Prue Car MP say “the NSW Government should fund the upgrade and stop passing the buck.”

“Mamre Rd has seen countless shocking accidents in recent times and is becoming increasingly congested with new suburbs in the region adding more cars to the road,” Cr Carney said. “In her own petition, Local Member Tanya Davies notes that ‘Every day Mamre Road is not upgraded more lives are at risk’

Prue Car MP said Mamre Rd needed to be put at the top of the list. “Sadly we have seen yet another senseless tragedy on Mamre Road,” Prue Car MP added. “We need the NSW Government to urgently prioritise the upgrade to avoid future fatalities and accidents.”

Toy Library wins Outreach Award

By CONNER LOWE

enrith City Library has won the 2018 NSW Public Libraries Association’s ‘Innovation in Outreach Services’ award for its toy library service. The award recognises the diversity and high quality of outreach services provided by public libraries in NSW and acknowledges innovation in providing services to meet the diverse needs of local communities. Since 1980, the toy library has been

offering inclusive play opportunities for all local children. Today the service operates a combination of weekly ‘stay and play’ sessions where families are able to drop in, play and socialise in a relaxed setting. A mother of two children who frequently visits the toy library, Cathy Jones spoke about the benefits of the toy library and how great it is for her children. “The toy library initiative has been a huge success for the Penrith library, I see families come into the library constantly, so their kids can play and interact with other children,” she said.

“I enjoy bringing my two children to the toy library as they are able to run around and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. “It also saves myself the hassle of buying them new toys that they will stop playing with in a month, so they are able to pick and choose new toys at their disposal which is great!” Children can also borrow toys to take home, this is an easy way for families to keep up with age and developmentally appropriate toys without the financial burden. The toy library’s outreach program also offers easy access to resources

for families with children and young adults with diagnosed disabilities and ongoing high support needs. The sessions are specifically tailored to cater for the particular developmental needs of the participants in a fun, safe, supportive and friendly environment. Last financial year approximately 4,630 adults and 6,830 children attended the toy library sessions. The prize of $1,100 will be invested into further resources for the toy library. Find out more about what’s on offer at the library, including our school holiday activities at penrithcity.nsw. gov.au/library.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Mamre Road is in urgent need of an upgrade

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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Asperger’s explained in Noah’s Story By ELLEN HILL

ow does a child with Asperger’s syndrome experience everyday life? How does it feel to be child who is different? New children’s book Noah’s Story answers those questions and more, and gives children with the condition a tool with which to explain their condition, their symptoms and how they feel. Blue Mountains resident Grace Kim wrote the book to help her son Noah Hylkema, his friends and teachers understand his Asperger’s diagnosis in 2016 after a long period of challenging experiences at school. Noah illustrated the book. Written in Noah’s “voice”, it uses examples of behaviours a person whose brain works differently and offers practical suggestions for how others can respond. Ms Kim wrote the book after Noah’s diagnosis after she and husband Teije Hylkema had read numerous books and attended workshops and seminars about autism to understand the condition and find a way to disclose the information to Noah and his classmates. “After reading a mountain of books, I still couldn’t find a book that resonated with us personally,’’ she said. “So one desperate night, I decided to write a story from Noah’s perspective to help him, his friends and teachers understand him and his diagnosis. “I showed it to Noah to check with him if I represented his feelings correctly (thankfully, yes!) and asked if he would like to do some drawings for it to take it to school the next day. “This ended up being a wonderful way to introduce the subject and for him to be fully involved and in control of his ‘coming out’.” Hazelbrook Public School student Noah, 9, who has written stories and illustrated since he was four years old, said the book was a way to explain Asperger’s to his classmates in a format they would understand and relate to – “my class likes stories”. He summed up Asperger’s in one sentence: ``I have a brain that’s a bit different to yours – I find some things easy that other people find hard (like computer coding and haiku poems) and some things hard that other people find easy (like handwriting).” Endorsing the book, Friends and Ben Bumblefoot author Teena Raffa-Mulligan said Noah’s Story ``presents the message `Sometimes I will make mistakes but I am learning just like you’ with beautiful simplicity’’. A concert pianist, artistic director and Churchill Fellow, Ms Kim said she never intended to write a book for public publication but hoped Noah’s Story

Photo: David Hill, Deep Hill Media

would encourage others to share their own stories. The book complemented the Sensory Concerts she instigated last year to provide access to quality live music to people with sensory issues that prevent them from attending public events such as concerts. Run by the Your Music Inc registered charity and always featuring Ms Kim and often cellist Mr Hylkema, the concerts have been designed for people of all ages, especially families with sensory or special needs such as autism spectrum disorder, physical or intellectual disabilities who experience feelings of being overwhelmed by crowd, noise, light, smell and touch. Performed to small groups in a relaxed atmosphere, they have a range of seating options and a retreat space where audience members

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can self-regulate or seek support from the onsite occupational therapist and psychologist. Your Music Inc (yourmusic.org.au) also holds tailored concerts in aged care facilities, hospitals, schools and private homes. Noah’s Story ($37.80) is available on Amazon and from publisher Karen Mc Dermott ($26.77) at https://bit.ly/2xOpl7K The free Noah’s Story book launch will be held at Bullaburra Village Green (wet weather option Bullaburra Progress Hall), Noble St, from 10.30am to 12.30pm Sunday, December 16. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase, and there will be live music, reading and a playground for children. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/ events/265681834065809/?active_tab=about.

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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Tree sales help those in need of crisis accommodation

mu Plains Lions sold 88 ‘real’ Christmas trees earlier this month and the net proceeds were donated to charities. One of those charities was Christ Mission Possible (CMP), who held their Big Christmas Dinner last recently at Panthers. CMP offer support in two key ways; “Housing Solutions” and “Food Solutions.” Food Solutions provide support to thousands of local people in need on a weekly basis, through programs such as CMP’s Brown Paper Bag Project, Free Food Shops and Hot Meals on the Streets. Housing Solutions offer best practice Crisis accommodation to

individuals and families experiencing homelessness. “With over 60,000 bed nights a year, CMP are the largest of their kind in Sydney NSW,” said Emu Plains Lions President, Alan Cooper. “In addition to crisis accommodation they pioneered what is now known as Rapid Rehousing. Rapid Rehousing was first launched as a pilot with Housing NSW and St Vincent de Paul in 2014 and has quickly become the most effective way of housing people long term in a safe, secure and permanent home. “We are pleased to help CEO, Martin Beckett and his team. They do tremendous work in the community.”

Improving the health and wellbeing of local residents

(L to R) Warwick Winn, General Manager, Penrith City Council; Darren Ah See, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service; Kay Hyman, Chief Executive, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District; Lizz Reay, Chief Executive Officer, Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network

he Penrith Health Action Plan has been extended after key health providers and Penrith City Council met to endorse the partnership through to 2020, formalising their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of local residents. Council, the Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network have agreed on specific action areas that will see Penrith benefit from improved access to health services and opportunities to address health related issues. Priorities include the promotion and support of the Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service opening in Penrith’s city centre in early 2019, as well as promoting the role of local men’s sheds in reducing isolation and improving mental health. The Penrith Health Action Plan won two awards in 2018 for best practice in collaboration and service delivery to local communities that lead to improved health and wellbeing. A project of note is Council’s ‘Village Cafe’ initiative, which has provided health and social outreach to vulnerable residents in North St Marys and Kingswood. By providing an inviting space for people to come together, health providers have been able to offer services and activities to residents that result in improved health.

Local after hours doctor services ease burden on emergency departments

p to two-thirds of emergency room patients presenting at night and on weekends could have been treated at an after hours GP service, according to local data. In an effort to reduce the burden on emergency departments, a new campaign is being launched to help people find what local after hours medical services are available. Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is behind the ‘Doctor Closed?’ campaign which promotes the new www.DoctorClosed.com.au website. According to Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, most people would prefer to see a GP rather than go to an emergency department but many people don’t know what other options are available. “If you or your child needs medical assistance at night or on weekends, the hospital is not always your only optio, De Reay said. “In some cases, a long wait in the emergency department may not be necessary. The Doctor Closed website provides local residents with alternative options

– there is a helpline and the ability to find doctors that open outside of usual business hours. www.DoctorClosed.com.au provides

the following helpful information: 1. Identify what’s wrong Use an online symptom checker that asks a few simple questions to help identify

the best course of action. 2. Talk to a professional Get advice from a health professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the healthdirect helpline. 3. Find an open doctor Find a doctor near you who is open or search for doctors in your area that make home visits. 4. Need medicine? Find the nearest pharmacy in your area that is open. The ‘Doctor Closed?’ campaign collateral will roll out in hospital emergency departments, GP waiting rooms, local schools and community centres. It will be supported by a digital and social media campaign, including a video, targeting local residents, particularly parents of young children and non-English speaking communities. “Over the upcoming Christmas holidays it’s important that local residents know what options are available when people are sick or injured, and where they can go when their usual doctor is closed,” Ms Reay said. For further information visit www. DoctorClosed.com.au.

SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS St Marys Town Centre would like to wish all our customers a very

Merry Christmas

Mural art recently painted has added vibrancy to the Town Centre, keep an eye out for more changes to come in 2019

Legends of the Nepean Andrew Paech By Noel Rowsell

n d r e w Paech is the Director of WestCare Community Services and is approaching his fifth anniversary working with the organisation. Originally from the Mallee District (country Victoria), Andrew moved into Penrith with his young family in 2002 and became a member of the Imagine Nations Church. Despite working in a Sales background over the preceding fourteen years, Andrew was approached in June 2013 by Imagine Nations Global Senior Pastor Jack Hanes with an offer to head up Westcare in a full-time capacity as Director. Having already experienced a significant religious experience at the age of 21 (which changed the course of his life) Andrew knew immediately

his life and career had been leading up to this moment and accepted the position on the spot. The ensuing five years has been a whirlwind of activity within the Penrith community, with Westcare establishing an ever-growing presence in Penrith supporting people in need. Andrew said “The website states Westcare is devoted to restoring dignity and hope to people in need but a more accurate Mission Statement is ‘local needs met by local people’.” The Imagine Nations website describes WestCare Community Services as a Christ-centred, community-based, not-for-profit, non-government organisation that was established as the strategy of Imagine Nations Church to help the needs of people in our city (Penrith). For 25 years, Westcare has been committed to the relief of poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune and helplessness of people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnic background,

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religion, political beliefs or marital status. Located in the heart of the Penrith Community on Henry Street, WestCare Community Services offers a caring environment with a growing body of experienced volunteers. WestCare Community Services is a great avenue of resource for referrals. By networking with other organisations, we can outsource the best support required for our individual client needs. Likewise, many clients are often referred to us by other government and non-goverment organisations. We are passionate about serving our local community through acts of service, providing skills and resources to see a brighter future. Based upon it’s origins as two separate charities (Distress Call – certified 1977 and Penrith Care), which merged 25 years ago – Westcare’s history stretches back an astonishing 40 years. Andrew said “Our primary focus is to establish genuine needs so we spend time with the right people in the right sector to establish what those needs may be, working closely with other local services and organisations”. “Westcare has recently taken a stronger focus on the issue of domestic violence and met with nearly all of the front-line domestic violence services to get a snapshot of what the genuine needs were”.

Andrew Paech was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Korena Hale.

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

 L-R: Steve Archer, Andrew Paech and Vic Shipley

“Westcare now offer accommodation (fully supported) and partner with both The Haven and West Connect Domestic Violence Services, which does the case management.” “Many victims of domestic violence are from a low socio-economic background and literally walk away with nothing”. “There was a need and so we established the Nepean Home

Start Program and purchase basic necessities such as bedding, kitchen items, children’s items, etc”. Andrew went on to speak at length about Westcare’s role and involvement in the community and it is obvious his drive, commitment, enthusiasm and passion have been invaluable in his role as Director of Westcare over the past five years. “We (Westcare) are now also

engaging in schools to help with the issue of domestic violence” said Andrew. “We’re touching, reaching and making a meaningful difference to people in genuine need”. “To achieve this, we’re not just championing the big end of town but engaging throughout the entire community”. Andrew recently suffered a blood clot and two punctured lungs, which kept him away from Westcare’s 6th Annual Fund-Raising Dinner but he was ecstatic the event has raised over $500,000 – with $150,000 being raised on the night. Former Nepean News identity Korena Hale nominated Andrew as a Legend of the Nepean and said “Andrew represents what true community spirit is all about”. “He (Andrew) has been raising funds through Westcare for many years, to ensure nobody gets left behind”. “On top of that, he’s a really nice person,” said Korena.

Open Christmas Day Merry Christmas from the team at McDonald’s St Marys North

Cnr Forrester and Boronia Roads, St Marys North

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

local news

My pet ate what? F

oreign body ingestion is a potentially lifethreatening condition we regularly see. The most common patient is a young dog but we can see it in any dog breed at any age. It is also common in ferrets and we see them occasionally in cats. Animals can be very inquisitive and will often pick up items to investigate them. Many dogs will swallow non-food items like toys, socks, underwear, batteries and ear plugs. Cats typically ingest string foreign bodies like cotton and wool, often after playing with them. Many ingested items are covered with food or contain food. For example, bones, corn cobs, fruit stones and food packaging. Many items can be swallowed and pass into the stomach with ease but as they move through the intestines the diameter is much narrower and they will become lodged and cause an intestinal obstruction. This prevents saliva, fluid and food from passing the obstruction. Gas and fluid accumulate and cause pain, vomiting, inappetence and dehydration. Bad bacteria within the gut will often proliferate and can cause septicaemia. Large, firm items will typically cause a complete obstruction. Smaller and softer items may cause a partial obstruction. This means that some fluid and gas may pass the item but ingested food may not. These items may also intermittently move along the intestine and the animal appears well for a period, then lodge and make the animal sick again. String foreign bodies will often cause plication of the bowel. This means it will often catch at one edge of the intestines and cause it to bunch up. The string acts like a fine saw and can cut through the bowel. Some items can lodge in the oesophagus and not pass into the stomach at all. How is a foreign body diagnosed? Animals will often present with the typical signs of not eating,

vomiting and pain. Some foreign bodies are large enough to detect with abdominal palpation. Most require imaging with radiographs or ultrasound. Some items can be seen on a radiograph, but softer items may not be visible. However, the obstruction will typically cause a pattern of gas trapping that alerts us that a foreign body is present. Ultrasound can detect smaller and softer items. The oesophagus, stomach or intestines can become damaged by the pressure from the foreign body, the distension the obstruction cause and infection. Damaged areas may perforate and cause peritonitis and septicaemia. Perforation of the oesophagus is very serious and hard to treat, especially if it occurs within the chest. Gut stasis may occur, this means the gut is unable to push ingesta through and may be permanent. Damaged areas may require surgical removal. What do I do if I know my pet has swallowed something? Always seek vet attention if you know your pet has swallowed something. If the item has been recently ingested we can often give a medication to make the pet vomit it back up. If there is a risk of damaging the oesophagus by doing this we may elect to do radiographs to see where the item is. Some items may be small and soft enough to pass through the gut with minimal to no damage. Others may require medical therapy during this time like IV fluids and medications to control nausea and repeat imaging to monitor the item’s progress through the

gut. However most foreign bodies require surgical removal. An exploratory laparotomy is performed, the entire gut is inspected for damage, location of the foreign body and the gut is assessed to see if it is contracting normally. An incision is made in the stomach or intestine to remove the foreign body. String foreign bodies will often require multiple incisions to remove it in small sections as it normally lodges in the intestines and cannot be pulled through in one piece. Any non-viable areas of gut will be resected. Foreign bodies in the oesophagus and stomach can sometimes be removed with an endoscope. Surgical removal of oesophageal foreign bodies is much more dangerous as the chest may need to be opened to access the oesophagus. The animal requires artificial ventilation and the lungs, heart and large blood vessels are exposed. Even after the foreign body is removed life threatening complications can occur. These include wound breakdown, perforation, gut stasis, scarring and narrowing of the gut and septicaemia. Many animals require ongoing IV fluids, antibiotics, pain relief and gut stimulants until they recover. How do I prevent a foreign body been ingested? Treat animals like small children, prevent access to anything that is small enough to be swallowed and cause an obstruction. Do not allow access to bins with food scraps and packaging. Like with most things prevention is far better than cure.

Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

› A thank you from Penrith Nashos to our many supporters By Maureen Gildart

On behalf of Penrith National Servicemen’s Association as the Public Relations and Publicity (Media) Officer I would like to say an extremely big thank you to Penrith RSL Management and Staff for their support they have given me selling our raffle tickets and fundraising in the RSL Club. My raffles are proving to be popular and I have some of my loyal regular customers asking me to contact them when I am next in there. However I could not provide this service without my extremely loyal donors, and supporters who purchase my tickets.

So far my Patchwork quilts are very popular and four people have won a quilts donated by Do Your Block for Charity in the last 12 months. Office Works for their hampers, Woolworths and Trims Fresh fruit at Westfields Penrith are also popular along with Star Buffet at Penrith RSL Club Ltd. Next year I have a growing interest in the SHOWBOAT Cruise that I am working on, and will doing three raffles including Easter, Fathers Day and Christmas. I volunteer all my time along with our Executive, so 100% of our funds go to support our Nasho’s members who are getting on in Age, and with

No Government funding this money is extremely welcomed. I would like to congratulate all our winners and thank all the people who have assisted my self as well as St Mary’s Sub Branch and Nepean News for their support during the year. If there are any companies who would like to come on board I would welcome them especially a printer who can give us a discount or offer a free service that would be appreciated. I also need Sponsorship for next year’s Penrith Festival. Our next meeting is on 20th January 2019 at Penrith RSL Club at 10am with a free Morning Tea. Further details please contact Maureen on 0448 983 399.

local news

id you know that ALL your retail and foodie needs are right in the CBD!? This time of year can get extremely busy and if you are not looking forward to running a gauntlet in a giant department store then a calming shopping experience is just a walk away in Penrith CBD. One Stop Cakes, Yael’s Kitchen and Mrs C’s Cupcakes have got you covered for edible gifts. If you need a fuel stop then High St Depot, Thor’s, Theo’s, Natural Choice and Manic Organic will curb the hunger from your shopping spree. When it comes to thoughtful gifts, Penrith CBD has a wide variety of places to make sure you get the perfect present for your loved ones. Duck In, Sports Power, (who have their 2019 Rugby range available now), The Very Bazaar, Elizabeth Arcade Book Shop, Lola’s Boutique and Mega Games will

ensure your list will be ticked off very quickly. The festive season means a perfect excuse for catching up with friends and family. Why not have a night out at any of the following establishments; Mr Watkins, High St Social, Cooks Castle, Siam Thai, The Village or Penrith Bowling Club? Spoil the special person in your life by pampering them at Chic or send some fragrant blooms from Your Floral Indulgence. Whatever your needs this Christmas – the Penrith CBD covers it all. The local businesses are also getting on board with a SALE DAY on 20th December from 12pm – 2pm that allows you to shop their sales and grab a bargain! There will be roaming entertainment to add to the shopping fun! With the economy boosted over this time of year, to lend support to the local community and businesses in our town raises the Christmas spirit even higher.

NSW Creative Kids Program a step closer

amilies will soon be able to access the new $100 Creative Kids voucher unlocking the creative abilities of a new generation across the State from 1 January 2019 when the program takes effect. Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres joined Hania Radvan, CEO of The Joan to call on relevant providers to register with Service NSW so they can participate in the program. Parents will be able to use one voucher for every school-age child per year to help meet the cost of structured creative and cultural activities, such as music lessons, languages, coding, drama and theatre, photography and graphic design. “The NSW Government has returned more than $200 million to households this calendar year through various cost of living incentives. Creative Kids will provide parents with even more hip pocket relief,” Stuart Ayres said. “There are so many local organisations out there who could be eligible for the

Hunter and Addison Moore, participants in “Starting Out”, the StudioQ theatre training course for ages 5-8 and Stuart Ayres MP

program. We are calling on them to register with Service NSW so that parents can claim their $100 vouchers with them in the New Year. “This program compliments the hugely popular Active Kids voucher and for a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year.” Ms Radvan said we are delighted to register as a Creative Kids provider. This program will make our successful, artist-led theatre, music and visual arts education programs more accessible to a broader range of families in our region. Creative Kids is one of a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, free car registration for regular toll users and the FuelCheck app. Further information including guidelines for providers is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/creativekids

› Charged with stealing from elderly victims A woman has been charged with stealing highvalue jewellery from elderly victims while she worked as a cleaner in their homes. The 52-year-old woman has been employed for two years as a residential aged home care cleaner around the western suburbs and the Blue Mountains. On Thursday 6 December 2018, it’s alleged the woman stole a gold and sapphire ring from an 81-year-old woman, while she cleaned the woman’s St Clair home. The same day, the woman attended a 72-year-old

woman’s home at Wentworth Falls, where while undertaking her cleaning duties, she allegedly stole further jewellery which was worth in excess of $100,000. Last Wednesday, the woman pawned numerous stolen items at a shop in Penrith. Later that day, police attended her Hebersham home and arrested her. She was charged with two counts of larceny relating to the alleged thefts and conditionally bailed to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday

16 January 2019. During a search of the woman’s home police located about 50 other items of jewellery suspected to be stolen over a two-year period from unsuspecting elderly clients. Police are currently in the process of identifying the owners of these items of jewellery. Anyone who believes they may be assist with information is urged to contact police. Further charges are expected in the coming weeks.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Shopping and dining local in the cbd

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Look forward to 2019 with PSO

SO returns with yet another wonderful season in 2019! Featuring some of the greatest works of the symphonic repertoire alongside opera, new compositions and lesser-known gems, there really is something for everyone. “I’m very excited about PSO’s 2019 season. To be able to present a concert performance of Carmen with soloists from Opera Australia, and some of the greatest concertos in the repertoire with so many of Australia’s most talented young soloists is a rare privilege.” - Paul Terracini, Chief Conductor and Artist Director

A Premier Event comes to Penrith in 2019, as PSO presents one of the greatest operas of all time, Bizet’s Carmen. Enjoy the delights of PSO’s Symphonic Series. Highlights include Dvorák’s much-loved Symphony No.

8, the sublime Sibelius Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting Sleeping Beauty Suite. We haven’t forgotten fun and adventure, with audience favourites

Pops for Tots with George Ellis, and The Family Christmas Concert returning as exciting new shows. Take advantage of the early bird rates and save up to 25% on standard

ticket prices. This great deal is only available until December 21. Come and explore PSO’s 2019 season. You might even find that perfect Christmas gift for family or friends.

144 Henry Lawson Ave, Werrington County P: (02) 9623 2119 | E: sharont@hlclub.com.au

www.henrysports.com.au

Something for everyone at the Henry Normal Club entry rules apply

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enrith Performing and Visual Arts is delighted to welcome two new artists for Penrith Regional Gallery’s Summer Studio Residency, an initiative committed to supporting the professional development of artists within and beyond our region. This year, the gallery will host artists Miguel Olmo and Marian Tubbs from 10 December – 20 January 2019. Marian Tubbs’ installations and digital works look critically at where society places value. Natural and ‘artificial’ imagery is captured in fluid and static collage, with abstract narratives of trash the key to the work. In 2019 Marian plans an ambitious sculptural installation using augmented reality and gaming applications. The new work will playfully take apart the ways standard rendering applications produce chromed or glistening surfaces, presenting how the ‘virtual’ can be anything one desires. Miguel Olmo’s works are eclectic and diverse; ranging across sculpture, installation, video, sound, and 2D work with a strong focus on sustainability, using materials such as reclaimed wood and papiermache. Drawing from his Spanish heritage he explores time, memory and ephemerality through works made up of a series presented as installations. In 2019, Miguel will work on further development of an installation and performance titled ‘Cocoon,’ incorporating elements of spoken-word, soundscape, sculpture and music to be presented as part of the 2019 Sydney Sacred Music Festival. Undertaking a residency at Penrith Regional Gallery gives artists the opportunity to think, create, and story-board their work in a generous,

‘Hypersea’, 2018, Mimosa Echard, Rebecca Jagoe, Anna Solal, Marian Tubbs, Jala Wahid, Young Girl Reading Group

professionally equipped modern studio space with all relevant facilities. Resident artists are also presented with invaluable exposure to Penrith Regional Gallery’s community of multi-disciplinary curators, artists, academics and technicians, as well as access to the Gallery’s permanent collection of Australian modern and contemporary art. Marian Tubbs and Miguel Olmo will undertake their residencies at Penrith Regional Gallery in the Sonia Farley Studios from Monday 10 December 2018 - 20 January 2019.

Miguel Olmo, Fear Not, 2017, papier mache, enamel, marine varnish, wire, dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist

144 Henry Lawson Ave, Werrington County P: (02) 9623 2119 | E: sharont@hlclub.com.au

www.henrysports.com.au

Something for everyone at the Henry Normal Club entry rules apply

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

New local artists for Summer Studio Residency

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lvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Rufus Thomas Jnr, Howlin’ Wolf, and many more all had one thing in common – they launched their careers at the famous Sun Record Company in Memphis. Kicking The Joan’s 2019 Season off in style on January 18 & 19, is Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis; a show that will transport you to that special time and place with amazing tales, brilliant music and hilarious anecdotes from the famed Sun Records artists and the label’s creator, Sam Phillips. Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis will inform and educate the audience while rocking them senseless. The show takes a chronological tour of Memphis’

famed Sun Records, focusing on the early period of 1950-57, showcasing artists including Ike Turner, BB King, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis & more. For the last six years, Sun Rising have performed sell out shows all around Australia and have amassed a huge fan base and received glowing reviews. The band has travelled the country, playing sold out performances and dazzling crowds with their incredible musicianship, infectious passion and standout renditions of this timeless music. The Songs That Made Memphis is no tribute show – it’s an authentic and undeniably alluring musical journey through the decades from the birth of Rock n Roll. Expect a super-charged night of blazing hits, and lots of fun. Tickets: Adult $60, Concession $55, Under 30’s $30, Seniors Matinee $30. This show is also available for subscription, ranging in three sizes with respective discounts on pricing for shows; a four pack saves you 10%, six pack 12% and an eight pack 15%. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now online at www.thejoan. com.au or by phoning 4723 7600.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Celebrate the legendary Sun Records with Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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Keegan’s Kitchen Best drunk Christmas pudding recipe This is a recipe that was jokingly handed down to me by my nan, and it was handed down to her by her mother, so it is a multigenerational recipe. It is a bit of a joke how easy this recipe is but there are some hidden meanings behind some of the method. Remember Christmas was made for overindulging so when you’re making this pudding, if you’re able to, make sure you have a few drinks handy! This recipe With an electric mixer, beat one cup is best read aloud at first. of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add

Ingredients: 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of butter 4 large eggs 1 cup of dried fruit 1 cup of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1 teaspoon of salt Lemon juice mixed nuts 1 or 2 bottles of fine whiskey

Nativity JESUS ANGEL MARY JOSEPH GOLD

SHEPHERD SHEEP STABLE MANGER INN

DONKEY STAR BETHLEHEM MYRRH WISE MEN

STRAW GIFT GOD SON NATIVITY

Method: Before you start, sample the whiskey to check for quality, you don’t want it to have gone off. Select a large bowl, measuring cup and other utensils. Check the whiskey again as it must be just right. To be sure the whiskey is of the highest quality, pour one level cup into a glass and drink it as fas as you can. Savour the feeling.

one teaspoon of sugar and beat again. Meanwhile make sure the whiskey is as good as it was at first. Cry aanother cup. Open second bottle if neshessary. Add 2 large leggs, 2 cups of fried druit and beat until high. Shample the whishkey again to check it for consh… conshis… sonshistenshy. Next sift 3 cups of or antyhing-it really doesn’t matter… CHECK whiskey again for lumps by tasting it. Grind a pint of lemon juice, fold in chopped butter and strained nuts. Add 1 babblespoon of brown sugar or any old colour you can find, my favourite colour is orange so that is a good one too. Mix well until you’re happy with it and it smells good I guess? If you have any left over whiskey finish the bottle and add it to the mix. Grease the oven and turn the cake pan to 350 gagrees. Pour the lot into the empty hiskey wottle from the first one, stir it into the boven and ake. Winish the friskey off if any left over and bo to ged.

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTIONS: 6 December MEDIUM

HARD

SUDOKU: medium

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 Source of aid or support (8) 5 Discrimination against the elderly (6) 9 Threshold (8) 10 Daughterly (6) 12 Card game (9) 13 Blood vessels (5) 14 Past tense of “To be” (4) 16 Small dining room set (7) 19 Not himself (7) 21 Coral island (4) 24 Not daytime (5) 25 They import illegally (9) 27 Makes skin soft (6) 28 Language spoken in Tokyo (8) 29 Cease (6) 30 Compliant (8)

solution 6/12/18

DOWN 1 A pungent edible root (6) 2 Bobbins (6) 3 Cause to overturn (5) 4 Cleft (7) 6 Complaint (9) 7 Start (8) 8 Syrup made from sugar cane (8) 11 Emasculate (4) 15 Instances of hard physical labor (9) 17 Roofed (8) 18 Warships (8) 20 Bother (4) 21 A plant sometimes used in pies (7) 22 Break away (6) 23 Express agreement (6) 26 Secretes a hormone (5)

ENTERTAINMENT By KeRRIE DAVIES

WAS honoured to be invited to judge the Christmas window decorating competition in Queen Street St Marys this year. I met with the girls from St Marys Town Centre and we walked along the street and marked the participating businesses on the creativity and the Christmas Spirit of their window displays. I was so excited to be a judge that I added a half page advertisement in Nepean News to whomever we declared the winner. The winner was Jamjo, whose Christmas display is just incredible. You should get down there and have a look when you get a chance! It was a close competition and highly commended were Enchanted, who had put a lot of effort into ensuring the display matched their branding colours, and Hair Options By Mary who had a delightful nativity scene complete with the baby Jesus. “We had a great show of participation and Christmas cheer this year at our tree lighting event which saw Christmas lights decorating the stage in Coachman’s Park as well as the traditional Christmas tree that lights up the park for the month of December,” Sue Fryer, Business Development Manager for St Marys Town Centre said. “This year we also ran a Christmas window decorating competition and with 11 finalists we saw everything from giant chalkboard Christmas trees to beautifully decorated trees and ornate window displays. “It was great to see the businesses getting involved and everyone that entered had a slightly unique way of decorating their window” Sue said the plans for Christmas next year will be bigger and better and hopes that we get more businesses inspired to share their Christmas spirit next year.

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Queen Street lights up and spreads Christmas cheer

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

local news

The G Spot

PREPARE yourselves folks for..... (Jaws music please) the New Year’s Resolution walkers! Run for your lives, they will be taking up our streets, roads, footpaths and even parks, they will be everywhere, don’t feed after dark or add water. Yes folks these are the people that you never see all year round, they are like hermit crabs all year and then suddenly...... The one thing you will notice is all the different types of walkers out there. Mixed Matched walker - The mixed match walker is a person who has never bought fitness gear in their life and it appears that they have replaced an engine block prior to the walk. The determined walker - This is a person that has the look of pain on their face, like they are passing a large object, however they’re walking slower than a snail. There’s a lot of arm pumping going on but not much distance happening. The I don’t give a rat’s bum walker - This is a walker that proceeds to kick every stone up along the path and meander like they are heading to work or something. The sweaty walker - This is a walker that looks

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

like they have swum 10 laps and then jumped out of the pool for the evening walk. The sweat beads are pouring out and the t-shirt looks like the last scene of Rocky when he is yelling out for his wife, Adrian! The male bum crack walker - This is a walker that feels the need to wear shorts with no elastic. Their pants are constantly sliding down and they are presenting a crack bigger than a plumber’s. The Harry High Pants - This is a walker who wears their shorts so high it looks like they need an operation to get them off. Colour co-ordinated walker - Thank god for these ladies, with matching shoes, socks, tops and of course the Lycra pants, with, yes folks, the matching thin colour stripe down the side of the pants. (I hear the angels sing). Super model walker - This is a walker who attends the beautician to have their hair and makeup done simply for their daily walks. These people don’t care if they are getting fit as long as they get 20 thousand car horns beep, they’re happy. Now I know you’re asking what has all of this crap got to do with security, but alas my dear readers

it has a lot, because I am going to give you walking security tips. So just keep ya knickers on! Firstly, tell people where you are walking, so when you are not back in 48 hours they know where to come looking. They can also cash in on your life insurance as well. Secondly, we know how much you love Dolly Parton, but having her screaming at 70 thousand decibels in ear phones is not really good, considering you won’t hear anything or anyone around you. Thirdly, walk in groups, so society not only has to put up with one of you on the street but 15. (Yippee) Fourthly, don’t keep checking facebook. Taking selfies on every street corner is not really needed, because to be quite frank we don’t really care that you have decided to walk for two weeks only into the New Year, and it also takes your attention away from what you are actually doing. So there you have it the NYRW ( New Year’s Resolution Walker) not for the feint-hearted folks, this is a trend that you must approach with fear and caution as it only happens at 12.01 on the 01/01 of the New Year - miss the boat and you have to wait another 12 months!

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NEPEAN HISTORY

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

ears ago, I came across this little book compiled by Kathleen McArthur and thought it was relevant for this History Page. Bread and dripping were a staple in every home in Australia during the world wars but only if your family had meat to save the “dripping”. This Christmas when you sit down with family and friends around a wonderful arrangement of mouth-watering food, spare a thought back to how you would have survived on this wartime fare. Kathleen writes in 1977 that – “Since WW2 Australians have been hit over the head with culinary culture. That is no exaggeration, they have, literally been brow-beaten. They have been taught to put away their old bad ways of eating to learn from the French, the Indonesians, the Indians, the Spanish, the Chinese, to bring fresh flavors into food, to use lots of herbs, to use vegetable oils in place of animal fats, earnestly counting calories and measuring cholesterol, to be innovative, to be daring, to open up the horizons of their eating habits, to learn what wines to drink with certain foods and to hate the habit of calling the family to the dinner table when the teapot is brought in, keeping warm in its gaily coloured woolen jumper. It seems that everything we did in the past was wrong. We were so unimaginative, so ignorant and we have been made to feel ashamed of the old days and old ways in adopting the new, in this era of the “tele” and the “deli” is its temple. So, we no longer worship before the Sunday Roast that succulent roll of beef or leg of mutton or the crackling-topped joint of pork with the roast potatoes and onions and pumpkin with maybe some sweet-bucks (sweet potatoes?) as well and the boat of gravy to pour all over it. That was not the end of the meal of course, it could have been steamed golden syrup pudding and rich egg custard. It is just not on now. Our smart friends would despise us for our backwardness and would probably point us out to their friends like they would do to someone who hasn’t yet got colour TV like the poor, the ignorant, the deprived. Smart members of today’s elite society have their Porto-gas BBQ for cooking their rump steaks on Sundays that are washed down with the vintage year Hunter Valley claret. They know the ropes! They are executive material who must hold their own with their competitive fellows who may invite them back to a Sunday luncheon of chicken legs steamed in orange juice and honey and served with a Barossa Valley dry white around their pool. And what is just as essential is to be dressed in the right gear, whether the right is the latest in high fashion or op-shop fun clothes. Sunday roasts and Sunday best clothes might have been good enough for our parents – those dear, funny old people who hadn’t the advantages of the culture brought to this country by our post-war migrants. Just thinking about that roast dinner makes one nostalgic, secretly of course. We remember how it was when we were young, and we begin to recall how we use to live in those far-off backward years before the war, when the air was clean and sex was dirty and houses were built of wood and their roofs were iron and it rained so much harder then, rain on the hot tin roof is never to be forgotten. And, Oh! For shame, there might have been a dunny in the back yard and probably a fowl yard too, into which were thrown the kitchen scraps. Really? It can’t be true! Yes, it is, Oh! Yuk! If we are going to be nostalgic in thinking about the Sunday Roast – whatever happened to bread and dripping? Tell the young with drooling mouth about bread and dripping and they open their eyes wide and say – “What’s dripping?”. After the long walk home from school, there was bread and dripping for afternoon tea, liberally sprinkled with pepper and salt. In sheep districts it was mutton dripping and those children swore it was the best kind, but cattle families plumbed for beef dripping. Nothing

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Bread & Dripping Days

was ever heard of pork dripping, probably because pig-breeders grow so fond of their charges that they can’t bear to kill their darlings for their own consumption. It would be like eating one’s darlings for their own consumption. It would be like eating one’s own friends – outright cannibalism. While you may slaughter a bullock, kill a sheep – this little pig goes to market. The mention of bread and dripping can introduce a long sociological debate for while almost everyone it seems, use to eat bread and dripping, most did so without inhibitions because it was good and tasty and so acceptable but also because it was cheap or virtually costless as a by-product of the cooking of meat in the days when meat was cheaper than most of the foodstuffs in Australia. Yet, the taste of it for some people was tainted with the thought that is was not quite socially acceptable behavior – not done in the best society to which they might someday attain through knowing the right thing to do. Some people felt it as a deprivation to be eating bread and dripping when they might be eating “Crosse & Blackwell’s” imported black currant jelly. Children do not invent such absurdities, they came from parents. Children like to conform. In this hypothetical debate on bread and dripping someone will contribute the fact that his or her mother was a snob so while they were allowed bread and dripping at home, they were not allowed to take it to school. Children don’t think that way. The child given “Crosse & Blackwell’s” imported blackcurrant jelly is just as likely to feel deprived because all the other children had bread and dripping and not him or her. This failure to be able to conform in the basis of children’s insecurity that may well lead to the psychiatrist’s rooms in later life. This wish to confirm in children can be both embarrassing and amusing for their parents. A daughter told her illustrious parent that she was not fit to be a mother. Why? Because she didn’t give bridge parties like the mothers of her school friends. Another small child thought her well-dressed mother should wear felt slippers with red pom-poms and coloured hair nets like a special friend’s colourful mother. (Note from Lyn Forde – President/ Research Officer of the St Marys & District Historical Society Inc – I could keep typing as this book does go on but I would run out of room for this History Page. Kathleen’s book (of which I have a signed copy) was for the Caloundra Lunch-hour Theatre program on the 18th July 1977 in the Gilbert Hall in Caloundra and the proceeds from the sale of the book went to the Girl Guide Association of Landsborough for the upkeep of their center “Boomajarril”). Bread and dripping recipe - Fat and meat juices to be left in the roasting tin to cool then scrape the dripping off the pan and then put the dripping in a jar or pot. Spread on bread. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. YUM!

How do you want your friends to remember you? With a prepaid funeral, just the way you are. Not only will prepaying and preplanning your funeral protect your loved ones financially and emotionally, it also ensures that it’ll be representative of the life you’ve lived; that all the details will be tasteful, just the way you like it - almost as if you were there in fact...

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

local news

Nita

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veryone is talking about the latest in fat reduction technology and the positive results it has provided its 3 million + clients across Australia. The popular CoolSculpting technology was first approved by the FDA in 2010, but has gained attention as a non-invasive alternative to liposuction, promising to eliminate love handles and bra bulge by freezing it. Some may say that it sounds too good to be true, however

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

SPORT

Comets get lights for footy training

estricting training will soon be a thing of the past with Cook & Banks Park in St Clair set to receive new floodlights so St Clair Junior Rugby League Club can have more teams train at night during the winter months. Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies announced the NSW Government would contribute $150,000 towards these new floodlights through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program. “These new floodlights will ensure that the St Clair JRLC can train throughout the winter months, long after the sun has set,” Tanya Davies said. “For too long St Clair JRLC have had to stop training at sunset, or go somewhere else, now they can train at Cook & Banks Park throughout the winter.” “This is fantastic news for the players, parents and coaches and will encourage more children in St Clair to play sport.” Sectary of the St Clair Comets JRLC, Bill Borg said the funding will ensure players can train safely throughout the winter months. “This grant of $150,000 from the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program along with our own contribution of $30,000 will allow us to upgrade the lights at Cook and Banks to the standard that is required to be able to train safely in the winter nights,” Bill Borg said. “At present we are very restricted with training due to the limited light coverage at night at these fields.

“This upgrade will give our teams so much more evening training capacity on Monday’s to Fridays and in a safer environment.” “We cannot thank Tanya Davies enough for her ongoing support to all the local sporting bodies in her electorate of Mulgoa.” The electorate of Mulgoa has secured a total

of $330,000 in funding for a total of eleven organisations through the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program which will be announced in the coming weeks. The Community Building Partnership program has funded some 13,800 community projects across NSW since it commenced nearly a decade ago.

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SPORT By Noel Rowsell

› $80,000 for Penrith Rams

aurie Cupples, one of Leonay GC’s most prolific title winners in recent history, has added yet another title to his ever-growing resume. Cupples and former Leonay GC Professional Wayne Worthy both won through to the Final of the A Grade Match-Play Championships (after finishing fifth and sixth respectively in the Club Championships). Both players won their elimination contests in the Match-Play rounds and faced off on 7th December in a 36-hole winner-take-all battle for the Match-Play title. The first nine holes was a telling factor, with Cupples playing rock solid golf but Worthy unusually wayward on occasions. Cupples raced to an early 5-hole lead and would hold that margin over the opening eighteen holes. Cupples then parred the following twelve holes to grab a comfortable 8-6 victory. Leonay has proved a happy hunting ground for Cupples over the past 26 years, playing in 17 Finals and being successful on 8 occasions. Peter McFarlane and James

A Grade Match-Play Champion Laurie Cupples in action during the NSWVGA StrokePlay Championships - photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Markham played the B Grade Final over 18 holes and this proved a much closer contest, although McFarlane was able to hold a slender lead throughout the match.

McFarlane eventually prevailed, grabbing a 2-1 victory and the B Grade title. Paul Key defeated Terry East 2-1 to win the C Grade title.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith visited Greygums Oval to announce that the Penrith RAMS will receive a grant of $80,000 through the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership program. Stuart Ayres said the State Government funds will go towards the construction of the second amenities block at the oval. Greygums Oval is used by over 500 participants each week from AFL, Little Athletics, school activity groups and outdoor fitness classes. Greg Corless, representative of the Club welcomed the funding and thanked Mr Ayres. “I congratulate Penrith RAMS on their successful application and look forward to seeing how this project makes a difference for the players and wider community,” said Stuart Ayres.

Kingswood High sports oval to be upgraded

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith joined Mr Adam Forbes, Principal of Kingswood High School to announce that community members and sporting groups will soon be able to enjoy a sporting hub at the school thanks to a $300,000 contribution from the NSW Government. Stuart Ayres said due to growing demand in the local area, there has become a need for new sporting facilities. “A new sporting hub is being built at the school, which will include upgrading two ovals with irrigation systems and new quality playing surfaces,” Stuart Ayres said. “This facility will offer a fantastic space for students, sporting enthusiasts and those looking to take part in leisure activities. “By opening up the oval to sporting groups outside of school hours it will encourage higher participation and use by local residents, which will support a sense of local community.” Mr Forbes said “Kingswood High School and its community is going through a time of significant positive change with new capital works programs to ensure our students have the best possible learning environment. This is great win for our school community.” “The ongoing support provided by Stuart Ayres has enabled Kingswood High School to be at the forefront of

quality public education in Western Sydney,” said Mr Forbes. Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the project was funded through the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program.

“More than $50 million in funding is being provided during this current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture,” Mr Toole said.

These grants are funded by a contribution from the state’s registered clubs to reinvest profits from gaming machines back into community projects.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

Cupples claims Match-Play Championships Title

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

SPORT

The tears and tough love behind Liddiard’s rapid rise By STEWART MOSES

“Dad’s always been quite strict because he wanted to see me do well,” Tyran reveals. e’s the Penrith “I remember back in the day when wicket-keeper playing backyard cricket, he would get quickly setting me out and he would have a crack at me Sydney Grade Cricket alight with and I would cry because of getting out. his blistering batting strike-rate and “Even now if I get out when playing lightning quick work behind the cricket, I’ll come off and cop a spray stumps with the gloves. from him. He tells me when I haven’t So far in 2018-19, Liddiard is done well. Penrith’s top run-scorer and has 30 “But I take my hat off to him. Dad dismissals to boot across all forms of has always preached about the values of cricket. doing a lot of practice on your game, hit And when he’s not playing cricket, a lot of balls, do a lot of keeping, catch a Tyran is inspiring the youngsters lot of balls. at Vineyard Public School where “Dad even used to come down to he works part-time as a Teacher’s training and throw balls to me. aide whilst studying for his Masters “Him coming down to watch me play is of Education (Primary School) at Penrith’s Tyran Liddiard on his way to 95 v Sutherland. Credit: Michael Gibson his highlight of the week. University of Western Sydney. “I know Dad is very proud of me and knowing But it could have been a completely different Clair before being graded with Penrith at the age story especially when one comes from a famous of 14, Liddiard was good enough to play reps from that he will be very proud when I do get that 100 Under 10s. motivates me to want to get one soon. footballing family. And it was one moment in a junior reps game that “I am pretty lucky that I have had a good family His father, Glenn, played for the likes of Parramatta and Penrith, while famous uncle, David had a profound effect on Tyran and ensured that setup where they have really helped me chase my cricket career, get me to games and watch me play won premierships with the Eels before playing with cricket well and truly became his priority. “I was playing in the Foster Shield (against all day.” Penrith and Manly. Since emerging out of the shadows of former Tyran could have easily followed in their footsteps. Blacktown). I was nine years old and I had just “I have that football background. I played it for scored my first ever fifty in cricket,” Liddiard recalls. Penrith keepers Tim Cummins and Nick Carrathurs “I come off and Dad said “well done” and was to secure that first grade keeping spot, the question ten years and felt like I was OK at it,” Tyran told the crying his eyes out. now is whether Liddiard may have to move interstate Nepean News. “I had never seen my Dad cry before. in order to take his cricket to the next level. “But playing backyard cricket I thought I might “For me that was a big moment in my cricket “It’s been a while. I started playing here when I get around and see whether I liked it and the first was 14 so I have been here for six years now. It’s game I ever played, I scored 20 or so not out and fell because that was amazing. “Normally Dad’s angry at me for doing something been a long grind but I have loved every minute of in love with the game from there. it,” Liddiard replied. “I couldn’t believe how awesome this game was silly. “But to see how emotional he was that day that I “But I won’t lie, there is a long list of very good and ended up turning into a cricket buff. young keepers and it’s going to be difficult to get “I still love my league but I just have this weird did well, it meant a lot to me.” Having never scored a century in cricket period, some chances here in NSW. feeling where I love my cricket more.” “There’s Baxter (Holt) then there is the UNSW “Dad was awesome about it, he has supported me Liddiard has scored three times in the 90s since in whatever I wanted to do and he actually thought making his two-day first grade debut against North keeper as well, who has scored the most runs and he is only 20 as well. that was a good idea and he loves coming to the Sydney earlier this year. Tyran credits his Dad on the cricketer he has “If a gig came up interstate and I was offered the cricket anyway.” Having taken up the game at eight and playing become today even if it meant there needed to be opportunity to take it, I’d move tomorrow. “But you never know what is going to happen junior cricket with the likes of the Henry Lawson a little tough love along the way and hopes that he Cricket Club, St Marys Leagues and Colyton St can repay his father’s faith with that elusive century. down the track.”

@TheRiffMarn

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SPORT @TheRiffMarn

BLACK CATS EYE OFF STRONG FINISH TO 2018 Second placed Penrith are in a strong position to go into Christmas with a six-two win loss record after dominating a rain-interrupted day one of their two-day clash against Western Suburbs at Pratten Park. Winning the toss and electing to bowl on what looked to be a wicket that would favour the quick bowlers, the home side reached 2/74 at lunch. But with Luke Hodges taking his first five wicket haul (5/23) and supported by skipper Ryan Smith (3/52), Wests lost 8/77 in the afternoon session to be all out for 151. Smith was pleased with the performance of his bowlers particularly after Chris Withers succumbed to an ankle injury after bowling just three overs. “The bowlers bowled really well particularly after losing Chris with his ankle issues an early loss for us,” Smith told Nepean News. “We were able to take wickets and bowl them out for around 150 which is pretty good on that wicket, which looked like it was going to offer a fair bit to the bowlers but it turned out to be a fairly flat wicket.” Replacement openers for the two Ryans, Hackney and Gibson, John Di Bartolo and Tom Sargeant, who became the latest member of last season’s winning Poidevin Gray squad to make his first grade debut, saw Penrith through to 0/7 before storms washed out play. Smith made it clear that he wasn’t happy with directives from BBL franchises, which meant regular opener Ryan Gibson was forced to withdraw from the game. “With a batsman especially they are there to hit cricket balls whether they are white, red, orange or blue,” Smith replied. “It might have been a perfect opportunity to play Ryan Gibson and if so we might have batted first up. “Thankfully things have panned out pretty well for us for the moment.” Play will resume this Saturday at 9:30am with 120 overs to be played. The Black Cats qualified yet again to play in the Kingsgrove T20 finals at the SCG last Sunday after defeating Bankstown by 32 runs the previous Sunday at Howell Oval. But they were unable to replicate last season’s effort in making the T20 Cup final after losing their Thunder conference final to Sydney University. A win over Sydney University would have seen Penrith qualify for the inaugural National Club T20 Championships to be held in Adelaide in March, but it was not to be as the Students chased down Penrith’s 9/126 with nearly three overs to spare. Skipper Ryan Smith reflected upon the efforts of his side just to play at the SCG for the second year

“I spoke to him before his spell with the new ball and I told him “We need something big from you here Duges,” and he shook his head and took the wicket of Dwarshuis, which is a credit to him.” Despite sweeping Sutherland in all five grades, Penrith remain in 3rd position on the Club Championship with 2s in seventh position, 3s in eleventh, 4s in ninth and 5s in fourth.

Penrith skipper Ryan Smith’s stellar season with the ball continues having now claimed 31 wickets so far in 2018-19. Credit: Michael Gibson.

in succession. “We have had a really good campaign in the T20 comp this year and really pleased with everyone’s effort. To make it to the SCG two years in a row isn’t an easy task,” Smith declared. “We weren’t at our best on the day. An extra 2030 runs on that wicket might have made it more difficult for the University’s run chase. “But we will take the disappointment and use it drive us forward for the Belvidere Cup for the rest of the season.” The previous weekend also saw plenty of cricket fans converge on Howell Oval just to see Steve Smith bat at Howell Oval for the first time for Sutherland on day two of their clash with Penrith. But it was a relatively short stint at the crease for Smith, as Withers trapped the former Australian skipper in front of his stumps for 28 runs, a wicket he will long remember. But it was arguably Withers’ dismissal of Dwarshuis with the new ball that ultimately swung the game Penrith’s way, triggering a batting collapse, losing 5/24 to be all out for 263 in response to Penrith’s 316. Smith picked up yet another five-wicket haul (5/54) and now has 31 wickets in all forms of first grade cricket while Withers and Hodges chimed in with two wickets each. Smith reserved special praise for Withers’ bowling efforts have just returned from an ankle injury. “Chris is a fantastic bowler, who wears his heart on his sleeve and that is what we want around the team,” Smith said. “He struggles with injury, but I am sure his match fitness will get there.

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses

It was a matter of agony and ecstasy for Penrith’s Trent Weir and Henry Railz at the National Under 19s Championships that concluded last week in Adelaide. Weir, having taken seven wickets for a NSW Metro side that went through the preliminary rounds undefeated and were hot favourites to take out the title. But his tournament came to an end against fellow team mate Henry Railz’s ACT /NSW Country. Railz’s 78 off 68 balls enabled the regional team to climb off the canvas with a stunning last over win before going on to claim the title the next day defeating Queensland, with the Penrith allrounder again instrumental scoring a quick fire 29, to aggregate 250 runs at an average of 62.5, including two fifties. Railz has now gone straight to the NSW Country championship which started last Monday in Narrabri with the allrounder representing Western Zone. Mikayla Hinkley has decided to give the WBBL another go by signing with the Hobart Hurricanes. It comes as Tasmania’s CEO Nick Cummins revealed that they have been in discussions to lure the Lady Cat down south on a more permanent basis to play WNCL cricket for the Apple Isle. Congratulations to fellow Lady Cat Lisa Griffith, who took her maiden WBBL wicket in the opening game of the season against the Melbourne Renegades and backed up last weekend to take another, this time against the Strikers. Having won just one of their last three games, Penrith with just one game remaining, are clinging to fourth place in the Sydney Womens’ T20 competition as they begin to feel the pinch of not having the likes of Hinkley, Griffith, Naomi Stalenberg and Sarah Coyte available due to WBBL commitments. This is my last column for 2018 but will back bigger and better in the new year as the Summer Panthers look to qualify for the Sydney grade cricket finals in both mens and womens. Have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2019. #LoveTheCats

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Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Competition for spots makes us stronger: Dylan Edwards By STEWART MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

018’s season-ending injury to Dylan Edwards was not only the Penrith fullback’s worst injury to date, but has now opened the door for his replacement, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, to finally make the spot his own in 2019. Such was his NRL form, Kiwi coach Michael Maguire had no problem installing WateneZelezniak as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s replacement at fullback for the end of season tests against Australia and England and on the back of strong performances, the stand-in Kiwi skipper went within a whisker of claiming the RLIF’s prestigious Golden Boot award. However with Watene-Zelezniak on leave until the new year, Edwards has got the early jump and is determined to regain the #1 jersey at Penrith and his efforts during pre-season thus far suggests he is on course to do just that. But the man himself who would have been available to play for Penrith in last season’s preliminary final had they defeated Cronulla, still thinks he can do better. “I’ve been going alright but there is always room for improvement,” Edwards told Nepean News. “I’m one of the smaller guys, a bit lighter than a lot of the other guys so I should be out in front. “I think the pre-season that we are having will steel us for the hard year ahead and get us in good stead to start off on the right foot.” It would have been easy to think that it would have

about for me. “And it makes our squad stronger if anything with everyone competing against each other and if you have a good competitive squad then hopefully that will mean you are going to do well in the comp throughout the year.” Edwards concedes that coach Ivan Cleary has yet to indicate which way he will go for the start of the 2019 season, given that both players can also play on the wing. “Ivan said he wasn’t sure in what he was going to do with me yet,” Edwards said. “He said the pre-season between me and Dal will sort that out, so I am trying to let that play out and work hard and put my Will it be fullback or the wing for Dylan Edwards in 2019? Credit: 77 Media. best foot forward for the role.” Cleary added that while Edwards has been one of been hard for Dylan to watch on as Dallin got better his best performers in pre-season training to date, he and better as the season progressed. And while Edwards admits he can feel some admitted he is a long way off from confirming his pressure for his spot, if you think he is concerned by preferred fullback. “Dylan, he’s been really good. He’s been at the the fact he now has to compete for his preferred spot, forefront of everything we’ve done so far,” Cleary think again. In fact according to Edwards, if anything it can replied. “He’s strong, looks really fit, going really well. only be beneficial in the long run for the team. “And obviously Dallin playing end of the year with “Not really (hard to watch on). I enjoyed watching NZ doing a good job there as well as the season here the boys go well,” Edwards replied. “It’s easier to watch for me when they are playing in the 1 jersey did really well. “They’ll decide that. Partly them, partly me. That’s well given they are in much better spirits when they just one of a few positions that are going to be difficult win. to decide upon. “I can feel that pressure a little bit more. “But it’s a good problem to have. We’ve got pretty “But I rock up to pre-season training every day and good depth in some key positions and those boys can work as hard as I can to stake my claim. “Train hard and compete hard, that’s what it is all both play other positions as well.”

Cricket or League? That is the question for Ryley Smith By STEWART MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

two-year contract to play for the Penrith Panthers. Scores runs at will, be it in junior rep cricket or playing grade for Penrith Cricket Club. And this talented Cranebrook sportsman who has the world at his feet, having secured the Under 16s Watson Shield junior reps title off the back of his blistering 193 off just 127 balls in the final last Sunday week, has now has his sights on leading Penrith to the Under 16’s AW Green Shield title in 2018-19 before preparing to represent Australia in Dubai next month. The win over Newcastle in the Watson Shield decider finally completed one of Smith’s ambitions of winning a junior title, all while he continues to climb the lower grades with Penrith, the club with whom the Springwood junior cricketer was first graded by at the age of 13. “I felt really good right from the moment I got there and just the feeling of being in a grand final, I was like “I’m not going to let our side lose, I just wanted to win,” Smith revealed to Nepean News. “This is the 16s and we’ve played juniors together for six years now and I’ve captained the whole way through. “We made the Grand Final of the 14s and we lost that game and we got this

Ryley Smith will hoping to replicate his Watson Shield success for Penrith in the Green Shield competition. Photo: Supplied.

chance again and I didn’t want to let another loss happen again.” “So when I went out there I had a clear mind and when I got to about 50 off about 8 overs, I thought “that this is it, I’m on today, no one is going to get me out.” “I just wanted to stay in and do it for the boys.” With ten of the Watson Shield winning squad also playing Green

Shield for Penrith, including the likes of Jordan Watson, Liam Doddrell and Ben Tracey, under the tutelage of Shannon Finemore and Cameron Weir, Smith says that his team is a big chance of completing the coverted title double. “I’m pretty confident about our chances this season in the Green Shield,” Smith declared. “We’ve also got a couple of boys coming down from the country which will give us an extra boost to our batting. “I just feel like that with this squad, we can do some real damage in this competition this year. “We all need to perform and the results will come from that.” With a win already under their belt in last Sunday’s season opener against Randwick-Petersham, Ryley got his Green Shield campaign with the bat going in style compiling a rapid-fire 75 off just 38 balls second up against Bankstown on Tuesday. Whilst the 15 year old St Columba’s College student is looking forward to the opportunity to represent his country next month, it not only throws his cricketing commitments with Penrith into chaos, missing at least Rounds 4-7 of the Green Shield competition, but the Glenmore Park Brumbies hooker will also have to put aside 2019 preparations with Penrith’s Harold Matthews squad. “I will be in Dubai with the Under 16s Australian XI squad from January

2-21 where hopefully I can score some runs for my country, but it does mean I also miss training for Penrith,” Smith confirmed. “But I have spoken to Panthers about it and they have been very supportive of it. “I miss one trial game against Parramatta. “They said to me that when I get back I have about a week to week and a half to get myself ready to go for Harold Matts.” While both Penrith Cricket Club and the Penrith Panthers have been very supportive of his sporting pursuits to date, Smith knows that the day is coming when sooner or later he will need to choose one sport over the other, admitting it will be a tough decision whatever way he decides to go. “It will be a hard choice but whenever I make that decision it will probably be based on which sport I may have lost some interest in,” Smith responded. “I am going to keep playing both for now until I lose interest in one or we reach the absolute deadline to make the decision. “There is no timeline as yet. Cricket and footy haven’t said anything as yet. “They have both been supportive, saying to keep playing both and keep enjoying them for now but (I think) before SG Ball is probably the time frame for when a decision will need to be made.”

PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

Ivan confirms Panthers NRL captaincy role is up for grabs Panthers coach Ivan Cleary last Saturday refused to confirm that current Penrith captain James Maloney would retain the role for 2019. Whilst the recently appointed coach has yet to name his leadership group for the upcoming season, Cleary threw open the possibility that young guns Isaah Yeo or stand-in Kiwi captain, Dallin WateneZelezniak could be appointed to the role in 2019. “We don’t necessarily have a logical choice as yet,” Cleary said at Penrith’s annual members’ Christmas party. “I’m not rushing into that decision just yet. “I am keen to see players leading in the absence of leadership at the moment. “Obviously James is in the equation but I just want to get a feel for the squad and see what works well together and we’ll make that decision from there.” Cleary concedes he is impressed by the 24-year old Yeo, who was handed the captaincy reigns in Maloney’s absence throughout the Origin period, having watched him develop over the past five years since giving the Dubbo junior his NRL debut as a 19 year old against Newcastle in Round One, 2014. “Isaah definitely has leadership potential,” Ivan replied. “He is one guy that has noticeably matured since I have come back. “(I) always thought he had the potential to be a good leader and is really growing into that mould.” The Panthers coach whilst initially surprised by Watene-Zelezniak’s move into a leadership role with New Zealand, says that the incumbent fullback is another player to put his hand up for the coveted role. “It was probably a little bit of a shock when he got the (captaincy) job but he loved it,” Cleary conceded. “Just talking to him now, he is another guy who has really matured and he is keen on that sort of role which is great.” Meanwhile scans have confirmed that Panthers prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has suffered a broken jaw for the second time in 2018, following a nasty head clash with a team mate in pre-season training last Saturday. The small fracture is unrelated to the major jaw injury the 25-year-old suffered against the Sydney Roosters earlier in the year that saw him

In fact the popular winger has well and truly become a local, having moved into Leonay, around the corner from none other than new Panthers coach, Ivan Cleary. Tickets for the Panthers v Storm clash at Carrington Park on Saturday, March 30 (7.35pm) went on sale to the public as of last Wednesday with hopes high that last year’s record crowd of 10,287 will be broken. Meanwhile Penrith will now play a trial game against South Sydney at Redfern Oval on Saturday 23 February after the Sydney Roosters opted against making the trip to trial at Panthers Stadium.

Could leading the team out be a permanent gig for Isaah Yeo in 2019? Credit: NRL Photos.

miss games two and three of the State of Origin series, having made his NSW debut in game one. Panthers EGM, Phil Gould AM took to Twitter to explain the injury. “It’s not in the same place as his previous fracture,” Gould said. “It’s not as serious. He will see (the) surgeon to make sure but we anticipate no surgery required. “He won’t be chewing his food during the Christmas break. But he will be right for trial matches.” Panthers lower grades half, Liam Coleman along with Wests Tigers prop Zane Musgrove, will appear in Waverley Local Court on January 23, after being charged with a string of offences, including act of indecency and aggravated indecent assault – offender in company – following a night out at the Coogee Bay Hotel last month. In a released statement, Panthers confirmed that the matter had been referred to the NSW Rugby League and will make no further comment pending the outcome of the court case. Josh Mansour has had a busy lead into Christmas, selling his Turella apartment and finally making the move west last week, after seven years as a Panther.

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Former Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has reacquainted himself with rugby union, having reportedly picked up a casual consultancy role with the NSW Waratahs, after attending a recent training session to put the Super Rugby franchise through some attacking drills. Whilst promoting his recently released book on Fox Sports News, “Cool Hand Luke Lewis”, the former Panther declared that of his premiership wins with Penrith and Cronulla, the latter was the more special of the two given where he was at with his career as well as winning the Clive Churchill Medal in what was the Sharks’ maiden premiership win back in 2016. Former Holden Cup and ISP winning fullback for the Panthers back in 2013-14, Kieran Moss, has returned from the UK to link up with North Sydney Bears for 2019. Those looking to be a part of the Pantherettes, the official cheer squad for the Panthers, auditions are being held on Sunday 20 January, 2019, 10am in the EVAN Theatre @ Panthers Penrith Leagues Club. For further information, contact Laura Harrison at westsidepa@bigpond.com With this being my last column for 2018, I’d like to take the time to wish all the readers a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2019, which is likely to be just as, if not a more exciting season for Panther fans than the last. #PantherPride

Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

2018 Oh what a year it has been!  Children’s ward at Nepean Hospital

 Trophy winners and runners up

WITH only a few sleeps left until the bearded man sets off from the North Pole I’d like to say a big thank you to all our readers for tuning in each fortnight and reading the bits and pieces I share in this space. Have a very Merry and safe Christmas and New Year and see you next year! Food for thought: In January when you next read my two cents worth, we’ll only be a few weeks away from the start of footy! Yeeha

MG (random Westie) OAM

 The Rush Hour with MG

 Brothers - joining the big boys

 Start of the Tough Mudder

47 47 Nepean News 20 December 2018 Issue 242

MG on the mark

SPORT

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