Nepeannews 20march2014

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Thursday, 20 March 2014

ISSUE 120

Corner Castlereagh & Peachtree Roads, North Penrith

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3 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Hey - ay ay ay!

By Kerrie Martin

IT IS finally here, the week we’ve all been waiting for - the Penrith CBD festival is on this weekend!

Music, singing, shopping, dancing, great food and a street parade - what more could you want? Make sure you head to High Street on Saturday 22nd March for the stupendous wonderful Festival!

There will be so much to see and do it will be hard to fit it all in, so be sure to arrive early.

Fancy getting yourself a vintage-style makeover? A vintage pop-up salon, hosted by Dolls & Dames will be taking place at the festival, offering ‘Mad Men beehives, bouffants and Rockabilly glamour’, with three looks especially created for the Penrith CBD Festival!!!

“Oh Bee-have” is a deconstructed, backcombed beehive bouffant, “Starlet” is 1950s curls,”Rockalilly” is a customised faux bang and bandanna style to suit your hair and face.

The Dolls & Dames team specialise in hair and make-up from the 1930s - 1960s, using traditional techniques to create everything from a Hollywood’s golden age Screen Siren, a rock n roll pin-up or a Mad Men bombshell.

Appointments will be available on the day, but please contact Dolls & Dames directly and pre book if you can. Get in touch via email

dollsndames@gmail.com The Sustain Community Housing School Building Challenge will be something to see!

Four local schools will be taking part and building a model house on site. Come and see students from St Dominics, Xavier College, McCarthy College and Kingswood High take part in this challenge to win a prize for their school and a trophy. Thanks to Bunning North Penrith for agreeing to sponsor the supplies for the schools!

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From the Editor’s Desk

4 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Advertising Representative: Journalist: Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Martin 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Raylene Vidler 0478 176 819 Annette Thain 0425 073 331 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

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

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

by Kerrie Martin I SAT in front of my computer on Sunday to begin editing some pages for this week’s edition.

Minutes later I was a mess - overcome with a mixture of sadness and anger to read that we have such absolute mongrels in our society who have the audacity to call themselves human beings.

I refer to the story sent in by Dr Tony from Nepean Animal Hospital for his column below. I spoke to Dr Tony and unfortunately it gets worse - he treated another shooting victim - the second in a week. If you’re not immediately filled with the same amount of anger and despair as I am right now, I’d be very surprised.

People who are cruel to animals should be dealt with by our courts in the same way as those who are cruel to people. They obviously have zero compassion, zero conscience and are as weak as urine.

They aren’t fit to be in our society and when caught and sentenced, we should lock them up, throw away the key and rid ourselves of these oxygen thieves.

Statistics show that many rapists, torturers and murderers began their criminal careers using defenseless animals as victims. We shouldn’t be giving them the opportunity to progress to that if they’ve already shown they can treat someone’s pet in such a horrific way.

While I highly doubt the perpetrator of this cruel act would be intelligent enough to be reading a newspaper, if by some chance they are reading this, I suspect many readers would join me in saying we hope you are swiftly caught, thrown in the slammer and left to rot in hell, you gutless bastard. kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

Shot through the face and dumped out of a car

Ninja’s xray

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 4733 3456

SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

By Dr. Tony Karolis

THE incredible story of survival of the courageous Staffy Ninja.

Ninja, a not so stealthy two year old Staffy, went missing on the 2nd of March. His owners searched for him high and low but by nightfall they began to fear the worst. Shortly after that, they heard a car pull up outside their house. The car drove away and left behind Ninja, who was bleeding

profusely from his face and nose and struggling to breathe. Initially thinking he had been in a dog fight they rushed him to Nepean Animal Hospitals’ 24 hour emergency and critical care service, Western Sydney Veterinary Emergency Service. Dr. Ava and Nurse Rebecca immediately assessed Ninja. He had severe facial injuries and was bleeding uncontrollably from his nose. X-rays were taken which revealed that Ninja had been shot through the face.

The bullet had passed right through Ninja’s face leaving a trail of metal fragments and smashed bone before lodging under the skin on the far side of his upper lip.

Surgery was required to remove the bullet and also remove fractured teeth and fragments of bone and bullet that had been left inside Ninja’s face.

The bullet had caused an Oronasal

Fistula, which is an abnormal passage between the nasal sinuses and mouth.

A team of Veterinary surgeons, Anaesthetists, and Nurses worked through the night and well into the next day to stop Ninja’s bleeding, remove the main part of the bullet, flush out the bullet fragments, extract his fractured teeth, and repair the damage to his face. Obviously with the severe tissue damage and contamination from the bullet, Ninja also faced a high risk of infection.

After his surgery was complete he was moved into the intensive care ward at Nepean Animal Hospital where he received around the clock pain relief, nursing care, antibiotics and veterinary assessment. A drain had been placed into Ninja’s face to help minimise the build up of fluid and swelling.

Ninja is now making an excellent

Ninja

recovery back home with his owners.

He is a little scared to go outside at the moment but is doing well with lots of love and encouragement. He is one very lucky and very brave dog!

The Western Sydney Veterinary Emergency Service is the only fully staffed 24 hour emergency and critical care service in Between Lithgow and Baulkham Hills. It is located at Nepean Animal Hospital 50 Mulgoa Road Regentville and can be reached on (02) 4733 3456.

If you want to know your pet can get help any time of night and will be monitored throughout the night then there is only one choice.

We Buy & Sell Jewellery

Labor Candidates selected THE Labor Party has selected former David Bradbury staffers Todd Carney (pictured) for Mulgoa and Emma Husar for Penrith in the state elections to be held in late March next year.

Mr Carney will run against sitting Liberal member Tanya Davies. The Mulgoa seat has been affected by some boundary changes and the margin is currently over 12 per cent towards the Liberals.

Mr Carney lives in Glenmore Park with his wife Sharon and their two children. He worked as an electorate officer for David Bradbury for almost six years.

“As a Labor Candidate I will work tirelessly knocking on doors, talking to residents and listening to the concerns of the community.

“Our region needs someone who will fight for local residents, even if it means ruffling a few feathers in State Parliament,” Mr Carney said.

Minister for Fair Trading and Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres holds the seat of Penrith for the Liberals on a margin of just over 16 per cent. The Labor candidate Ms Husar said she is a disability advocate and a local mum.

In Londonderry, Cr Prue Car has been the

Labor Candidate for some weeks now and has already begun campaigning. The sitting Liberal member, Bart Bassett is awaiting Liberal preselection results in his bid to run in the seat of Hawkebsury in the first week of April.

Liberal pre-selection for Penrith is also expected in the first week of April and as far as Nepean News is aware there will be no preselection for Mulgoa and Tanya Davies will run again in the election.

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5 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

WHO AM I?

???

?

Perhaps I’m a bit of a rough diamond because I’m often referred to as Jewels Those who enjoy Stepping Out for a quiet drink to watch a local duo will see me around the traps I can also often be found hanging out at kid’s discos

The Editor of this publication reckons Tina Arena is my Doppelganger Result on page 26

Winners announced FOLLOWING a successful summer membership drive, Mayor Ross Fowler OAM and canoe slalom world champion and London Olympic Silver medallist Jessica Fox drew the winners of the library campaign.

Mayor Fowler said the summer membership drive, which ended on February 28, had been a big success.

“Library membership has been declining over the past five years, not just in Penrith, but across Australia,” Cr Fowler said.

“Our last peak was just over 1500 new members over the 2009-2010 summer, and it’s been declining steadily since then, down to 1110 during the 2012-2013 summer.

“This summer 1984 new members joined the library – an increase of 78 per cent on last summer.

“This year we put extra effort into recruiting new members through our summer membership drive.

“Thanks to Jessica Fox (a member since 2004), our sponsors The Joan and Penrith Whitewater, and our hardworking library team, and we got great results.”

The summer campaign included a prize draw for tickets to The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Whitewater Stadium passes, and iPads. The winners and their prizes are: • iPad: Bruno Provic , Michelle Stafrace • iPad mini: Cooper Renny, Michelle Ellery • Whitewater Stadium pass: Kia Critchley, Ihsan Akcerlik • Family pass to The 13-Storey Treehouse at The Joan: Rylan Batac • Double pass to “1984” at The Joan: Rosalind Domingo You can join the library any time if you are a resident, student, work in the Penrith Local Government area, or are a landowner. Just visit your local branch at Emu Plains, St Clair, St Marys or Penrith.

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PLANT MECHANIC Needed in Wetherill Park area – Must be trade qualified and have experience in servicing, repairs and maintenance of earthmoving equipment as well as welding skills for pre delivery machines – $32 - $34 per hour + super (Dep on Exp) – 7.30am – 4pm Mon - Thurs and early finish Fridays – Immediate start – Temp to Perm position.

SERVICE MECHANICS Glendenning area – Must be trade qualified (Light, Heavy or Plant) with good experience – variance of work on offer, servicing, repairs and maintenance on access equipment, travel towers, trucks, tele-handlers etc – Great company to work for – pay rate will be dependant on your experience – Immediate start.

ROAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN Wetherill Park area – perform all repairs, breakdowns, maintenance and servicing on access equipment (scissor lifts, boom lifts) – Covers NSW region + interstate and New Zealand work on occasions - $32 p/h + super + vehicle + mobile + laptop – Immediate start – Permanent positionri YARD HAND / CONSTRUCTION / FORKLIFT DRIVER EMU PLAINS $23.00 P/H Hardworking Yard Hand required, Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm. Must have C class drivers licence, LF forklift licence and current White Card. Must also have the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

PRODUCTION WORKERS EASTERN CREEK $23 P/H To assist in roll form manufacturing steel sections for the construction industry. 6:00am – 4:00pm Mon – Fri (some Sat required). Need LF forklift licence, own car & drivers licence.

PROCESS WORKERS COLYTON $20.47 P/H DAY OR $23.54 P/H AFTERNOON Process workers required for day / afternoon shift (5am – 1pm or 3pm – 11:30pm) in Colyton must have drivers licence and a car. Working on a conveyor line, packing products into packets, stacking pallets. Must be flexible for both shifts.

TRANSPORT FORKLIFT DRIVERS / LO OPERATOR EASTERN CREEK $22.50 P/H Loading and unloading trucks, gas counter balance experience is a must, transport industry experience, linehaul & interstate vehicles, remove gates, open curtains etc. Must hold current LF forklift licence and drivers licence. Day and Afternoon shift available.

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Sleep in your car – help homelessness PROPERTY Managers from The Professionals Real Estate St Marys are once again showing their support of Youth Homelessness Matters Day by giving up their beds and participating in ‘Sleep In Your Car’ on Wednesday 9 April in the carpark of the Fusion Youth and Community Centre, St Marys.

Sleep In Your Car is being held

by Fusion Western Sydney to raise awareness of youth homelessness and the team from The Professionals would like to challenge other businesses and community members to join them on April 9 and show their support of young people either at risk of or experiencing homelessness with the community.

Most people have an image of homelessness as being about older people sleeping rough on the streets.

Youth Homelessness Matters Day aims to raise public awareness about youth homelessness and the factors that cause it. The day also aims to celebrate the resilience of young people and to convey a message that young people experiencing homelessness are homeless, but not helpless! With good support and accommodation young people can move forward and live their lives

productively.

Many community members are sympathetic to the plight of homeless people however often find it hard to know how they can help.

Youth Homelessness Matters Day aims to inform people how they can directly aid homeless young people in their community.

Fusion Western Sydney is an international youth and community

development organisation committed to caring and supporting young people and families. Fusion Accommodation and Support Service provides supported accommodation, a living skills programme, case management and children’s support programme for young people aged 16-24 years.

Youth Homelessness is everyone’s business.

Join The Professionals

7 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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Real Estate and Sleep In Your Car, Wednesday April 9, from 5pm, Bowlers carpark, adjacent to Fusion Western Sydney Youth and Community Centre, 12 Carsons Lane St Marys. Fusion Café open and free bbq provided on the night.

Registrations essential at www. findyourplace.org.au or phone 8805 5900. AN ALCOHOL FREE EVENT.

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Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Time for kids DURING the month of April, hundreds of PCYC Clubs across the Country will partake in ‘Time4Kids’ where people come together to support their local PCYC and Do Time to Stop Youth Crime.

Mt Druitt PCYC will be holding its annual Time4Kids event in the Centre Court at Westfield Mt Druitt on Thurdsay April 10, between 9am and 6pm.

The Mt Druitt PCYC ‘Time4Kids’ event is a fun opportunity whereby volunteer ‘detainees’ are locked-up in a mock gaol cell for 30 minutes, under the supervision of a Police Officer and they must raise $1,000 bail through pre- received donations to be set free. To get into the spirit of things, ‘detainees’ will also be provided with a “prisoner” uniform to wear and a tin to rattle while locked up (to accept further monies.)

All funds raised go towards youth development and police crime prevention programs for local youth in and around the Mt Druitt area.

“Mt Druitt PCYC is lucky enough to have many high profile celebrities and business people on board already,” said Scott Lewis, who is helping organise the event.

“Among those are league legend,

Mark “MG” Geyer and now Triple M ‘Grill Team’ host and Nepean News columnist, along with TV personality and another member of Triple M’s ‘Grill Team,’ Gus Worland. There will be also entertainment right throughout the day.”

To get involved, or to donate to those already involved, you can visit Mt Druitt’s PCYC ‘Time4Kids’ donation website: https://time4kidspcycnsw2014.everydayhero.com/au/ Mt-Druitt-PCYC For Further Information please contact: Scott Lewis on 0422 475 951

Wonderful woman HAYLEY Bellamy has received the 2014 Woman of the Year Award for Penrith.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise the achievements of women across our state and acknowledge inspirational role models, women who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and women who have made significant contributions in their local community.

Diagnosed at 18 months of age with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Hayley is reliant on an electric wheelchair and needs assistance for most of her physical needs.

Hayley was an Ambassador for the 2012 Don’t Dis My Ability Campaign and worked towards breaking down some of the obstacles in the area of employment, by encouraging equal employment opportunities for all those with a disability.

“Hayley is an inspiration to the people within the community by not accepting physical limitations whilst in pursuit of her goals,” Mr Ayres said.

Hayley has completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in

psychology and is in the process of completing her Bachelor of Design Visual Communication/ Information Technology. She has also completed telephone support training at Lifeline, committing 92 hours volunteer telephone support for the first 12 months following training. Hayley also participates as a volunteer with Anglicare, assisting with administration.

“I congratulate Hayley on her dedication to achieving her goals and in encouraging others to strive for theirs. This award is an expression of the appreciation the people of Penrith have for everything she does,” added Mr Ayres.

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Suzanne: Mulgoa’s woman of the year Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies was delighted that Suzanne O’Connor was named the 2014 Local Woman of the Year for the Mulgoa electorate in recognition of her extracurricular school activities in addition to her full time role as teacher at Glenmore Park Public School.

Mrs Davies presented the award to Suzanne during a special assembly at Glenmore Park Public School in front of colleagues, students and family.

Mrs Davies said that Suzanne is an extraordinary and inspiring woman.

Despite being faced with a number of family challenges, she successfully performs her role as a full-time teacher at Glenmore Park Public School while also studying, running a Shutterbugs and journalism group at the school mostly outside of school hours, and fundraises by running ‘mud runs’.

“Her contagious, positive attitude; care for others and selflessness are admirable and were the reasons I nominated her for the award” Mrs Davies said.

Ms O’Connor said that she was honoured to receive the award especially for simply doing what she loves to do.

The Local Woman of the Year award is a special recognition to the

outstanding role women make in our local communities.

NSW Minister for Women, Pru Goward said that the government is committed to supporting and recognising the significant work and

the dedication of NSW women to our community.

“These Awards help us identify women and publically applaud their contribution and the positive example they provide, particularly to the

younger generation”, said Minister Goward.

For more information on the 2014 NSW Women of the Year Awards and the winners, visit www.women.nsw. gov.au

9 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Talk to ploice ST MARYS Police will be hosting a Parent & Community Forum on Thursday 3rd April at 6pm at the St Marys Community Centre.

We will be discussing topics on home and community safety, road trauma, alcohol and violence in the community and graffiti.

The last Community Forum was a great success and local residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to interact with our local police and discuss community issues.

Wanting to contact any relative of Lionel Edgar Milsom, please contact Helen on 0409 548 655

Telling tales in school

By Annette Thain

STUDENTS at St Paul’s Grammar School recently enjoyed a visit from children’s author Tristan Bancks. Tristan grew up in the Lower Blue Mountains and his books include My Life & Other Stuff I Made Up, Galactic Adventures First Kids in Space and the Nit Boy series (about a boy with the worst case of nits in world history).

St Paul’s middle school students were entertained by Tristan’s tales of his life as an actor and writer and the stories in his books. The aim of the visit was to encourage students to be creative and develop their imagination by answering tricky questions such as, “How far would you go to get out of detention or escape the wrath of an angry teacher or parent?”

The students learned tips on creative writing such as sourcing ideas, taking notes and different methods to get into the mood to write.

Tristan says, “I’ve always loved stories; writing them, performing them, visualising them and reading them. Story has been a unifying theme for me.”

“He made me want to read, and I don’t like to read,” said St Paul’s student, Christian.

Tristan has more tips for creative

writing for students and teachers on his website together with information about his books. www.tristanbancks.com

local news

The bare facts! Ashleigh Peters bravely went bare, supported by admirer, Fiona Scott MP.

Little petals! Tiffany and Jo Dickens from Kingswood Florist.

RESIDENTS of the Nepean have once again joined in the battle to find a cure to leukemia by signing up for the annual World’s Biggest Shave fundraiser.

When you get sponsored to shave, colour or wax your body hair, you help to reduce the impact of blood cancer by supporting the Leukemia Foundation’s important work - supporting families through free emotional and practical services, and investing in research to find cures.

Every day, an average of 31 Australians will be given the devastating news that they have leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood disorder.

These blood cancers can affect anyone, of any age, at any time.

They can’t be prevented and because treatment usually lasts longer than for other cancers, there’s a greater impact on emotional, physical and financial aspects of life.

Hairies from the Nepean have always strongly supported the World’s Biggest Shave and 2014 was no exception.

Laura McKenzie and her Penrith Box ‘n’ Burn buddies raised $1200 when she had those lovely locks shorn on Monday night, Next Monday our brave Laura undergoes major surgery. What a woman!

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Shaving for cancer

11

In the pink! Chris Tillott (Heartland Holden), Harvey Osman and Nadim Joukhadar (Freedom Taxation) were among many Australian Arms patrons who contributed around $3000 after getting the gratis treatment from the wonderful Rachel Bray (Midges Salon).

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Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Open for business Midwife bids farewell

By Kerrie Martin

The Henry Sports Club, formerly known as the Henry Lawson Club has always been an extremely popular spot to go for a feed or catch up with friends for a drink or two.

And contrary to what you may have heard, The Henry is still well and truly open for business.

There aren’t too many sports you can’t join in on when you become a member of the Henry – there’s darts, soccer, cricket, social golf, junior rugby league and camera club. There’s also the Henry Lawson Theatre if watching an exciting show tickles your fancy.

Just when you thought that everything you’d want to do is covered at the club, there’s more! Unique hair and make-up is located in the club.

How many people can say they walk

OUT of a club looking their best? Not many, unless they are a patron at the Henry of course!

“Come and help us build on the wonderful club we already have,” General Manager Margaret Smith said.

“We are calling now for new members and they’ll be looking out for the new promotions that we are currently working on, to launch very soon.”

So next time you’re looking for somewhere fun to go for a meal, the menu at the club is full of mouthwatering options for a reasonable price.

And while you’re there ask for a social club membership form and be a part of all the excitement that is on the horizon!

The Henry is also a great place for function!

THE first baby at Nepean Hospital delivered by retiring midwife, Sue Ulanis was born in August 1970. That baby would now be 43 years old.

After a career spanning almost half a century, Sue has been given a send-off by the many friends she has made at the hospital.

When I asked Sue about the highs and lows of her time at the hospital, she said that every day was a highlight.

“There are little miracles every single day,” Sue said. “I think the number is around 3,500 births a year at Nepean Hospital, so I’ve always been assured of a job!”

Sue shared some memories about being a midwife before the technologies we have today were available.

“Prior to ultrasound machines, multiple births were quite a surprise,” she said. “We had no prior knowledge that more than one was coming while in the delivery suite.”

The advancement in technology has certainly made

things easier, but Sue said the unexpected still happens and of course she has witnessed some tragedies as well.

“The thing is you just never know when things are likely to change and we can be rushing a patient to have a caesarean section without much prior warning that it was going that way.

Sue said it was the combination of her love for the job and the very friendly staff in what she called a country style atmosphere at Nepean that kept her delivering baby after baby for 43 and a half years.

“I will miss everyone very much, but I’ll certainly pop in and visit!” she said.

It’s all happening @ the Henry

MONDAYS Surf & Turf $15 Henry Lawson Ave Werrington Country

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Specials on Standard and Premium Schooners and “house” wine.

No further discounts apply on these products during the games

MEAT RAFFLES Thursdays and Sundays

‘Top Cop’ Awards

By Annette Thain

THE ROTARY Club of St Marys is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2013 St Marys LAC Police Officer of the Year Awards have been selected. The Award night dinner will be held on Wednesday, April 2 at St Mary’s Leagues Club and is open to the public. Tickets are $35.00 for a 3

Nepean History books Have you been thinking about purchasing a copy of Nepean History: The creation of a Unique Treasure but haven’t got around to it?

The Nepean News team will be selling the books at the Penrith Festival on March 22, they’re just $10 and if you pick one up from us you save on the $5 postage! Remember, 50 per cent of the proceeds go to the St Marys & Districts and Nepean & Districts Historical Societies.

We’ll also have copies of Nepean News, which of course are free, so make sure you pop in and say hello!

course meal plus entertainment and are available by contacting Chris Miller on 0417 409 720.

Special guests include Federal and State and MP’S, Mayor of Penrith City, the Police Commissioner and Assistant Police Commissioner.

Five finalists have been selected from each of the categories; Peer Awards and Community Awards.

Finalists for the Peer Awards were nominated by fellow officers of St Mary’s Local Area Command while Community Awards nominations evolve from letters received from the public to St Mary’s LAC Command and nomination forms submitted to The Rotary Club of St Marys at public venues and the website.

The finalists for 2013 St Mary’s LAC Police Officer of the Year are: Inspector Karen Clogher, Senior Constable David Colbourn Senior Constable Danielle Corliss Detective Sergeant Brad Element Constable Daniel Hadley Senior Constable Brett Henry Detective Senior Constable Geoff Kendall Constable Terry Lee Constable Daniel Peen Senior Constable Ben Willshaw

N E PE A N HIST RY the creation of a unique treasure Do you like reading the history pages featured in Nepean News?

Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling.

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2012 Award Winners, Sergeant Gary Salafia and Leading Snr Const Andrew Collins

13 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

local news

Original Macca’s Crew Reunion SUE Crawford was fifteen when she started her first job at Australia’s first McDonald’s restaurant in Yagoona NSW. 34 years later, she is back working as a barista at North Penrith’s award-winning McCafé.

She decided to leave the Yagoona restaurant to pursue an office job as a data entry operator. After a 30 year career working in various other industries, it was after dropping in to her local McDonald’s restaurant for a snack and seeing a woman the same age as her working, that Sue considered a career with McDonald’s again.

“Macca’s was very different back then. The boys wore paper hats and we would write down the orders on pen and paper. We certainly didn’t have trained baristas making cappuccinos in a dedicated café in the restaurant.

I loved working at McDonald’s when I was younger, and was excited to be part of the team again. I have now been working at McDonald’s North Penrith for five years, and don’t plan on retiring any time soon,” said Sue. Frank Meduri, McDonald’s North Penrith Licensee, was one of Sue’s first managers at Yagoona, and now

continues to work with her at his North Penrith restaurant. He remembers Sue as being an eager crew member, and was excited to hire her when she applied for a job at his restaurant in 2009.

“We are like family here at Macca’s, so it was nice to see a familiar face. Sue is a real asset to the team, and one of the best baristas in the area. We wouldn’t have been able to win Best Local Café in the Penrith Valley Dining Awards in 2013 without her,” said Frank.

Frank and his wife Marie employ over 320 local residents and continue to focus on creating career and training opportunities for their crew. Sue is an example of crew members taking on a variety of roles available at Macca’s restaurants, spending most of her time as the dedicated barista at McCafé.

“I enjoy working at our McCafé because I find most customers visit for a coffee and a break. They have more time for a friendly chat and it really breaks up my day,” added Sue. The North Penrith restaurant offers a wide range of meals to cater for the whole family, including the café style snacks at McCafé. Both Sue and Frank encourage locals to head

to the North Penrith restaurant for a snack, break and a chat with either one of them.

“Since I started with McDonald’s, my motto has been to treat staff like

family, and our customers as guests.

I always make sure both my crew and customers are well looked after,” concluded Frank.

15 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

local news

16 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

HAD a tough day at the coal-face?

Well, I have the perfect remedy to pick you up.

And no, it isn’t two fingers of scotch or a thirst-quenching schooner of the amber ale.

Your writer discovered the perfect remedy after his own hard day at the coal-face one day last week.

Yes, journalists sometimes do work up a sweat finding, researching and writing stories!

(Tell that to my fine colleague and editor next time you see her out and about).

Where were we?

Oh yes, the perfect pick-me-up!

Late one afternoon I had arranged to meet the subject of this edition’s Legend of the Nepean article at her residence in Edinglassie Village over in Emu Plains.

But after a long slog in the field, interviewing an octogenarian wasn’t high on my list of needs.

(My mate ‘The Duff’ thinks an octogenarian is half man-half octopus!)

I was thinking: “I’d kill to be

sitting on the deck at home quaffing a six-pack of beer” when Jean Stephens OAM opened the door to my knock.

May I introduce you to the perfect remedy!

“Welcome Greg,” Jean said with that beaming smile which would melt the heart of a parking cop.

That smile. The obvious warmth of her welcome.

Jean made you feel like the burdens of the world were lifted from your shoulders.

And that was before having a chat and learning about her remarkable life!

Apart from her extended family – she has four children, 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren - Jean has three abiding passions – the church, history and the Red Cross.

All three have benefited greatly by her involvement throughout the greater part of her long life.

Her contributions to those three passions have endeared her generations of folk within our community.

Sitting down at the dining table in her tiny flat, we were surrounded by photographs, awards and other mementos of her tireless contribution

to the residents of the Nepean.

Jean has always been the ilk of person to put her hand up when something needed to be done.

Despite her many years of service to “my three passions” Jean has by no means hoisted the white flag to put her feet up and reminisce about her life.

“I have always firmly believed that if you don’t use it, you lose it,” Jean laughed.

“And that means body and mind!

“I need a walker to get about these days but thankfully I can still drive so I am able to get out and about and keep doing the things I enjoy.”

As to the mind, Jean is always exercising the grey matter.

Sitting at that dining table doing crosswords – there’s half a dozen crossword books spread around the table – and word puzzles – anything to keep those connections sparking.

At the moment Jean is well advanced in researching and writing a book about the history of the Red Cross in Penrith and is heavily involved in a committee organising a gala dinner to celebrate the centenary of the society in Australia and locally.

“We are planning a really

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JEAN STEPHENS disaster and emergency services and education services.

And I’m sure you learned readers are aware that the Red Cross is paid to maintain Australia’s blood and organ donation services.

Jean’s involvement with the Red Cross began in 1953 when she had her first posting as a teacher to a school in Peakhurst.

“On the first day of term, the headmistress gathered the staff together and rattled off various extracurricular tasks to each of us,” Jean recalled.

“She pointed at me and said: ‘Jean you will have the Junior Red Cross’ – I just nodded and wondered what that was all about.

“I quickly learned and soon enough I learned to love it.

“My roles with the school’s Junior Red Cross unit were to teach them – and myself – first aid, home nursing, crafts and how to raise funds.”

Thus began Jean’s long and fruitful involvement with the Red Cross.

Now let’s quickly get to know a bit more about Jean.

Raised at Peat’s Ridge, Jean was educated at the local primary school,

Gosford High and then Newcastle Teacher’s College from where she graduated in 1953 and being posted to Peakhurst.

Several years later, Jean found herself in Vanuatu teaching at a mission school and that’s where she met the love of her life, Roy, a local who owned a cattle and coconut plantation.

The couple married in 1959 and remained in Vanuatu before selling up in 1968 and moving to Cambridge Park with their four children.

Roy’s many and varied skills enabled him to earn a living as a handyman whilst Jean kept at the teaching caper until retiring in 1993.

Sadly, Roy passed away in 1988 – a bitter-sweet year for Jean.

“Losing my Roy was shattering but ’88 was also the year I was awarded my Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community,” Jean said.

The year before, Jean graduated as a mature age student with a BA from Macquarie University.

“Life was so good but Roy’s sudden death really knocked the stuffing out of me but I was able to go on thanks to the love and support

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

wonderful occasion in which to celebrate our 100 years in both Australia and Penrith,” Jean enthused.

“Can you let your readers know about it?”

Certainly Jean!

The dinner will be held on August 16 at the Skyline Lounge at Penrith Paceway – cost is just $35 for which you get the opportunity to share in a wonderful occasion and also receive a copy of Jean’s History of Penrith Red Cross.

The Australian Red Cross organisation commenced in 1914, just nine days after the start of World War 1 – one of the very first branches was established at Penrith.

The Mission of the Australian Red Cross is: “To be a leading humanitarian organisation in Australia, improving the lives of vulnerable people through services delivered and promotion of humanitarian laws and values.”

The Australian Red Cross supports and runs a number of projects and raises awareness about the current issues or problems which may affect them.

Projects which are either run by or assisted by the Australian Red Cross are blood services, first aid projects,

17

Let Jean Stephens brighten your day.

of my family and friends and my involvement with various community activities,” she said.

And Jean goes on and on and on.

For that, those of us in the Nepean will all be forever thankful!

Jean Stephens was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Greg Davies.

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

18

local news

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Win by losing! Ryan brings HURRICANE Studios is looking for six people (male and female) to participate in a special promotional offer of a six week fat loss and exercise programme, at no cost. The programme is normally valued at $1,500.00.

Each participant would receive individual instruction by personal trainer Mario Abdel-Sayed.

The exercise programme consists of 30 minutes gym training, five days a week, together with an individual nutritional plan designed to loose fat while building strength and muscle.

The promotional offer is conditional upon applicants participating in a “before and after” story by Nepean News.

“We are looking for people who are serious about weight loss and health, who are willing to work hard and change their lifestyle,” said Mario.

The three key strategies of the programme are: • Focus on the individual’s ability – it is not a competition.

• Learn tools for life – how to maintain a healthy weight.

• Learn how to train efficiently – it is not necessary to spends hours at the gym every day.

Mario believes that fad diets, shakes or gruelling boot camp programmes as seen on reality TV only produce temporary results because they are missing the main issue. “It’s like when someone loses a lot of weight for their wedding, once they are married their goal has been achieved; they don’t have a target to focus on and the weight comes back on. We aim to set realistic goals and change the mindset to weight loss; which involves a change of lifestyle.”

If you would like to participate in this promotional offer contact Mario for an interview on 0424 174 157 or email mario@hurricanestudios.com. au . Hurricane Studios is located at 6/55-61 York Road, Penrith.

home the gold ST CLAIR Little A’s member resident Ryan Thomson brought home the gold at the recent Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Townsville held on 6 December 2013.

Ryan was part of the NSW Athletics team who travelled to Townsville for the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.

He competed in the under 14 boys 3 km Race Walk, where he won gold. The event was held under extremely humid conditions. In a tough race against the nation’s top walkers, Ryan was triumphant, winning by eight seconds. “I was just aiming for a medal and tried to get into a good position early,” Ryan said.

Ryan is coached under the watchful eye of Olympian Cheryl Webb. He has only taken up the sport three years ago and is already beginning to reap the rewards.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP presented Ryan with the State Representative Award Certificate for competing at this

▲ Tanya Davies MP with Ryan Thomson, his dad Pat, mum Jodie and sister Jada at Saunders Park

event under the NSW banner.

“I am very proud to recognise that we have a young and dedicated champion who is growing up in our local community,” Mrs Davies said.

Ryan also won the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships held at Homebush in October last year. He represented his school, Emmaus Catholic College which qualified him to compete at the Australian All Schools Championships in Townsville.

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local news

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Former Emmaus girls team up again

By Kerrie Martin

CASSIE Petersen is the local 22 year old owner of Pets Warehouse in Penrith, which is celebrating its first birthday this month.

As with most businesses, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing but Cassie has met each challenge with courage and initiative and been able to overcome them all brilliantly. And the hurdles this fascinating young girl has had to jump are far too many to fit on this page, but amazingly she has been able to tackle each problem without ending up in the foetal position in the corner of a room somewhere!

When I caught up with the gorgeous and talented Cassie, she pushed the credit for her success on to others; namely her parents and her schooling, which was Emmaus Catholic School.

“Being lucky enough to be educated at Emmaus has equipped me with the skills I have needed to be where I am right now,” Cassie said.

“They are responsible for the successful qualities I now have, such as leadership and the ability to overcome challenges.’

In fact Cassie puts so much faith into the quality education she observed at Emmaus that she has now employed another former student, Sarah Francis.

The former Emmaus students now make many local families happy by providing cute and cuddly pets and supplying the very best in pet products.

Cassie’s father, Wayne is very proud of her achievements and also gave kudos to Emmaus, particularly

their former Principal, Paul Ryan.

“The passion that Paul Ryan had in student development was exceptional and the qualities he helped instil in my children as students, both educationally and morally will steer them throughout their life,” Wayne said.

Cassie said another teacher from Emmaus had also played a major role in guiding her in the right direction – Suzanne Davies, who taught

hospitality and dance.

“She was a quality teacher who gave me leadership roles and was really enthusiastic about our Rock Eisteddfod. She was like a mentor to me and I’ll be forever thankful for everything she did for me,” Cassie said.

Call into Pets Warehouse Penrith for great friendly service from the amazing former Emmaus students!

Secret debate

Public housing: $20 for unused bedrooms: yay or nay?

He Says........................... .........................She Says HEARD the latest, the O’Farrell government is introducing a “bedroom tax”.

Now before all you with twisted minds start to worry about the cost of your bedroom antics, let me straighten out what this is about.

The government has a problem with older people who currently live in 3-4 bedroom Department of Housing accommodation. They may have lived in the same house for 30-50 years, their kids have left home and there may be only one or two living in the home.

The government believes that it would be fairer to move those people into smaller accommodation to allow larger families who need bigger premises to utilise these properties.

The government answer to the problem is to increase the rent by $20 per bedroom to encourage them to move. I have no problem

WIN!

with the theory behind it.

What I do have a problem with is the alternate accommodation on offer. You can’t ask elderly or disabled people to move away from the area they have lived all their lives or into a walk up flat.

To make people move from say St Marys to Liverpool or Dubbo, away from their friends and community is not going to cut it.

The alternative should be suitable smaller accommodation close to where they have spent most of their lives. Without this option it is just cruel punishment.

Forget the $20 bedroom tax, just find the suitable alternate and the move will be far less painful.

The other side of the coin is with a housing waiting list 12-15 years long, where is that suitable housing coming from.

It’s a good theory but the proposal needs a lot more meat on the bone before implementation.

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

IT might sound all warm and fluffy to let people stay in the public housing that they may have lived in for many years even though they’re only using one of the three or four bedrooms.

But the reality is we have families with children who have been on a waiting list for several years waiting for that type of property to become available. Some are living all in one bedroom, some are lounge surfing with relatives, or worse some are living in cars.

It just isn’t fair to have one person in a property that was built for a family. And if there is no consequence (for example a $20 per room extra cost for staying where they are) then what incentive would there be to move? Zero.

It may seem unfair to some,

but to be honest things could be a lot worse. They will still have housing. Just not as extensive housing.

I understand that there will always be a need to house those who cannot afford to rent or buy. But that doesn’t mean that those people have some kind of entitlement to housing that bares no restrictions does it?

If you’re a private tenant your landlord could decide to sell at any time. Those people have no choice but to make other plans. Just because you’re in public housing shouldn’t exempt you from ever having to change your plans – and I would think an expectation to give up a large home and move into one suitable for one person is not an outrageous call – they still have a public housing roof over their head at the end of the day.

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local news

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

WORD SEARCH

Fight through the fear

By Paul Gittany

More 80’s Songs AFRICA ALWAYS AMERICA BEAT IT BROKEN WINGS CALL ME CONTROL CRUISIN’ DOWN UNDER ENDLESS LOVE FAITHFULLY FAME FAST CAR FREEDOM GLORIA GUILTY HEARTBREAKER HEAVEN HOLD ME

HUMAN HUNGRY HEART INFATUATION KOKOMO LA BAMBA LET’S DANCE MAGIC MANIC MONDAY MONY MONY NEVER NOTORIOUS OUR HOUSE PASSION PATIENCE PINK HOUSES PURPLE RAIN ROCK ON SAILING SARA

SATISFIED SHOUT SONGBIRD SUKIYAKI SUSSUDIO THE FLAME THE LOOK THE ROSE TIME TOO SHY TRUE TRULY TWO HEARTS VACATION VOICES CARRY WE BELONG WHIP IT YOUR LOVE

IT’S a misconception that the youth of today are not equipped emotionally and mentally to handle life outside of the comfort of their own home and the party environment. The reality is that they are. Generation X and Generation Y and even the millenial’s are equipped just as much as the Baby Boomers were. The problem today is guidance. Each individual is has the potential to do great things. They were born with the qualities to handle life’s challenges but they only require a guiding hand and time.

The Australian Fighters and Martial Arts Exhibition has established a new initiative to help those people who need it most. BullyStop is a new initiative which will subsidise the training of martial arts to at risk youth and young adults who endure bullying in their work place or place of education. The purpose of training in martial arts is not to turn students into killing machines, but rather acquiring the self confidence and values for an individual to stand on their own two feet in the face of adversity. With the right teacher and enough guidance, and commitment to learning, the student will be able to extinguish conflict by demonstrating a presence. Posture, speech, eye contact, body language are the benefits of martial arts training that someone can learn in time. The need for violent means to walk away from a confrontation with their head held high is not needed.

The victim of bullying yearns for dignity and personal self. If it’s Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo, or even Military arts will all teach someone to know themselves through training.

The effect of bullying only takes hold when the victim does not know his or her true identity.

The bully’s strength comes from disrupting the victims mental self image. It’s only through pushing someone to the edge, in a safe supportive environment can someone really learn who they are. A good instructor will identify weaknesses in a person and help them to grow. All the while the student will be acquiring, in some cases, a university like education in the most personal form of combat which is self defence. With many arts having origins at least 2000 years old, this method of self improvement is tried and tested over the centuries. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Even the tiger starts out a defenceless baby and eventually end up as a fearless predator after years of training and self development.

Victims of bullying will find this initiative the only real way of self improvement and learning. The initiative is open to all people and limited places are available for this year’s funding. If you know someone aged between 10 and 20 who is suffering with bullying and has no where else to turn to. Please contact paul@ afmae.com.au or send an email to contact@ angelsgoal.org.au to find out more information.

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Heavens Above

24 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Do you know how to detect a stroke?

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

Earth Angels From my very formative years I have heard of Angels.

All kinds of Angels.

Angels that fly around the Heavens, doing all kinds of wondrous deeds for God and through the Saints.

Guardian Angels, Arch Angels, Silver Angels, Golden Angels, Healing Angels - all these wonderful Angels in Heaven that travel around helping us mortal beings and I guess everything and everyone throughout the Universes.

It is my strongest feeling that there must be and have been through the ages “Earth Angels”.

How about Mother Teresa? She lived amongst us as a human being.

Mother Mary Potter, Fred Hollows, Victor Chang and Dr Earl Owens.

Some very current ones too, like Dr Charlie Teo. How many more are there and how many have been with us and we didn’t recognise them as God’s Special Envoys sent to make this a better World and give us a better way of Life?

Look for them now, beside you in your club or neighbourhood.

Maybe you yourself.

Like so many things we seek “Out There” are in fact “Right Here” in front of us.

Make your own list and send them to me. See how many we can come up with.

“Earth Angels” don’t have to be perfect beings. Just people who care and make this place better.

Cheers, Your Mate Rossco rev@sacredgardens.org.au

Nita

Ask

A STROKE happens when the supply of blood to the brain is suddenly interrupted. Some strokes are fatal while others cause permanent or temporary disability.

The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke related brain damage.

Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.

The easiest way to remember what to do if you’re with someone who you suspect may be having or has had a stroke is remember this word: FAST. Why fast? Because it’s a good acronym to remind you what to check for: Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arm Can they lift both arms?

Speech Is their speech slurred?

Do they understand you?

Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Symptoms include weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding, dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall, loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes, headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches and difficulty swallowing.

Even if the symptoms disappear, you should still consult a doctor to rule out a mini stroke.

What is Hyperpigmentation

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

HYPERPIGMENTATION is characterized by darkening of any area of the skin caused by the over production of pigment or melanin. It is relatively common and harmless, but for cosmetic reasons, it is a nuisance to those who have it. Either one or two things occur when you suffer with Hyperpigmentation, an

abnormally high concentration of melanocytes produce melanin or when melanocytes are hyperactive. For instance, sun exposure stimulates the production of melanin. Although it can affect anyone, this condition is more prevalent among certain ethnicities such as Asian, Mediterranean, Africa or Latin. Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body including the face, hands, feet and neck.

What are the causes of Hyperpigmentation?

There are various causes of Hyperpigmentation, including over exposure to the sun, sun damage, heredity, picking at the skin, hormonal changes, and certain medication such

as antibiotics, hormone treatment, anti-seizure drugs and inflammation and skin injuries such as acne vulgaris.

Is there a cure for Hyperpigmentation?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Hyperpigmentation as in there is no magic pill or cure in a jar that can make it completely disappear.

The good news is we can treat this problem.

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Mike’s Pantry

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

SUDOKU: EASY

26

with Mike Creed

Creamy Tomato, Chorizo and Chicken Pastabake

INGREDIENTS: 250g Farfelle Pasta 4 Chicken breasts, roughly cubed 1 large Chirozo sausage, diagonally sliced (thick) 2 tins of diced tomatoes 250ml of low fat fresh cream 1 diced onion 1 garlic clove minced 100g grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese Olive oil Salt & pepper Fresh basil leaves

SOLUTION: 6th March

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

METHOD: • Fill a large saucepan with water.

Add salt to the water and bring it to the boil, then add the pasta.

Cook the pasta according to packet instructions and then drain it. Set the pasta to one side.

• Heat some oil in a large frying pan and add the onion and the garlic.

Cook them for about 5 minutes or until softened. Don’t burn the garlic otherwise it will taste bitter.)

Step back in time EVENTS

• Add the chorizo and cook for a couple of minutes, and then add the chicken and cook on all sides until browned. This should take about 5 minutes.

• Put the chicken and chorizo mixture and the pasta into a large oven dish and mix well.

• Heat the tomatoes in a large saucepan until simmering and then add the cream. Season with salt and pepper and cook for five minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

• Pour the sauce over the pasta, chicken and chorizo and mix well.

• Sprinkle the cheeses over the top of the pasta and then cook in a medium oven for half an hour.

• Serve with the roughly chopped basil leaves sprinkled on top.

Enjoy!

JOKES

1.

Ninety-nine percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

235 - Maximinus Thrax is proclaimed emperor. He is the first foreigner to hold the Roman throne.

1602 - The Dutch East India Company is established.

1616 - Sir Walter Raleigh is freed from the Tower of London after 13 years of imprisonment.

1852 - Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin is published.

1916 - Albert Einstein publishes his general theory of relativity.

1942 - World War II: General Douglas MacArthur, at Terowie, South Australia, makes his famous speech regarding the fall of the Philippines, in which he says: “I came out of Bataan and I shall return”.

2003 - Invasion of Iraq: In the early hours of the morning, the United States and three other countries (the UK, Australia and Poland) begin military operations in Iraq.

2.

Borrow money from a pessimist -- they don‛t expect it back.

3.

Time is what keeps things from happening all at once.

4.

Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math.

5.

Never answer an anonymous letter.

6.

Always go to other people‛s funerals, or they won‛t go to yours.

7.

If we aren‛t supposed to eat animals, why are they made with meat?

8.

Give me ambiguity or give me something else.

9.

He who laughs last thinks slowest.

BIRTHS

10. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

1906 1908 1934 1950 1957

11. There are three kinds of people: Those who can count and those who can‛t.

-

Ozzie Nelson, American actor, singer, and bandleader (d. 1975) Michael Redgrave, English actor and director (d. 1985) David Malouf, Australian author and playwright William Hurt, American actor Spike Lee, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

DEATHS 1413 - Henry IV of England (b. 1367) 1726 - Isaac Newton, English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher (b. 1642) 1997 - Tony Zale, American boxer (b. 1913) 2008 - Eric Ashton, English rugby league player and coach (b. 1935) 2013 - George Lowe, New Zealand-English mountaineer (b. 1924)

12. Why is “abbreviation” such a long word?

WHO AM I? from page 6

I am Julia Parashko

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

By Rob Weaver

THE Nepean Art Society’s 2014 Autumn Exhibition and Sale on April 5 and 6 will be officially opened by internationally acclaimed Australian landscape artist Warwick Fuller.

Fuller, whose career spans over 35 years, is a Fellow of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales. He has been associated with the NAS since the early 1970s and is currently the society’s Patron.

His paintings – in oils – are hung

in private, corporate and institutional collections around the world. In 2012, Fuller was chosen by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as the official artist to record their visit to Australia.

The show will be held on Saturday April 5 (9am-5pm) and Sunday April 6 (10am-4pm) at the society’s headquarters in the old Penrith Council Chambers at 129 Henry Street (the entrance is off Station Street).

Warwick Fuller will perform the official opening at 3.00pm on Saturday, April 5 and members of the public are welcome to attend and mingle with the artists.

Around 120 works by local artists will be on sale. They will include works in pastel, oil, acrylic, watercolour and other media.

Well-known local artist Joe Cartwright has donated a watercolour painting as the raffle prize. Entitled ‘Sunset over Lake Bonney, South Australia’, it is framed and valued at

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Our finest art on show next month

27

$400. Tickets will be on sale at the exhibition. The raffle will be drawn at 4.00pm on Sunday April 6.

THE NEPEAN ART SOCIETY 2014 AUTUMN EXHIBITION & SALE Saturday 5 April (9am-5pm), Sunday 6 April (10am-4pm) Admission FREE. At the former Council Chambers. 129 Henry Street, Penrith (entrance off Station Street).

Official opening 3pm Saturday by internationally known artist Warwick Fuller. All welcome.

Around 120 paintings by local artists - all for sale Further information: Rob Weaver 0418 791 039 or from

www.nepeanartsociety.org

RAFFLE Framed watercolour by Joe Cartwright (value $400). Tickets at show.

Drawn 4.00pm Sunday.

THE BREATHING CONIFER - EXHIBITION BY PHILLIPPA CARNEMOLLA

THE Breathing Conifer is the culmination of Phillippa’s work as artist-in-residence at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Phillippa Carnemolla, the 2012 Artist in Residence for the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, embarked upon a journey exploring geometry and patterns in plants, and the interdependence of flora and fauna in the Garden.

The centrepiece of Phillippa’s residency, the Breathing Conifer is based on the geometry of cycads and conifers. The Breathing Conifer is a hanging copper sculpture that pulses

with a gentle heart beat. Reminiscent of plant, seed, insect and heart, this sculpture comments on the universality of life, the interdependence of plant and animal and the beauty in natural rhythm. Complementing this remarkable centrepiece is some of Phillippa’s jewellery created from 22k gold, sterling silver, diamonds, topaz and other precious gemstones.

Exhibition items available for sale through the Garden Shop.

Visit www.phillippa.com.au/ gallery/

Date: Saturday 15 March - Sunday 25 May Time: *9.00am to 5.00pm (*9.30am weekends) Cost: Free Where: Visitor Centre, The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah Enquiries: 4567 3000 ARTIST WORKSHOP – WITH PHILLIPPA CARNEMOLLA Experience exhibition artist Phillippa Carnemolla’s insight into natural geometries on a guided walk of

the Garden’s conifers. Create intricate spherical paper sculptures based on the geometry of life and the universe in Phillippa’s unique workshop.

Date: Saturday 17 May Time: 10am - 3pm Cost: $95 per person ($85.50 for Foundation & Friends Members) Where: Waratah Education Centre, The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah Bookings essential: Phone 9231 8182, email or online Materials List: Provided on booking.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 28 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

ST MARYS DUTCH FESTIVAL MARCH 2014 ...its on Rain, Hail or Shine At the REMBRANDT Dutch Club 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys ~ 9623 2569

Friday 28th 11am - late Saturday 29th 10am - late Sunday 30st 10am - 4pm Clog-making demonstration ~ Dutch shop, food and bar ~ Dutch Australian genealogy group, mobile shooting range ~ Children-festival-stall and Lucky dips and more ~ MOCZA fossil display ~ Saturday & Sunday all day children’s ride and jumping castle ~ Entertainment

• Tony’s One man Band • Herman’s One man band • Dutch Connection • Dutch treat • Cool River Band with Elvis Impersonator Show • Dutch Folk Dance Group • Backwater • 1815 Dutch Militia Group

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS WILL BE PERFORMING

THE H IRISH I ISH DANCERS ANC S MILLENIUM DANCE PRODUCTION ABOUT DANCE SCHOOL OF DANCE Only during the Festival days will there be a free shuttle service from St Marys train station to the Rembrandt Dutch Club and back; call Johan’s mobile 0416 235 331 The Rembrandt Club St Marys is usually open Fridays 11am till midnight and Tuesdays 10-4pm. Information for members and their guests

All welkom LOOKING for something different yet interesting to do with the family? Well we have just the event for you!

The Rembrandt Dutch Club is located on Dunheved Circuit and there will be lots to see and do on the weekend of March 2830.

Take the opportunity to taste some authentic Dutch cuisine while listening to some fantastic entertainment - this year’s line up includes the very popular Cool River as well as Dutch Connection, BackWater and many others.

There’s a mobile shooting range, stalls stacked with goodies and, wait for it, there’s even a clog making demonstration!

So take the family to experience a bit of Dutch culture without flying all the way to Holland. There are many, many prizes to be won including holidays, passes to museums and sanctuary parks and a round of golf for four people.

So that’s Friday March 28, 11 til late, Saturday March 29, 10 til late and Sunday March 30, 10 til 4pm and entry is free.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Retaliatory strikes (14) 10 Gawked (5) 11 A musical instrument with 3 strings (9) 12 Breadwinners (7) 13 Willingly obedient (7) 14 Sag (5) 16 Lenient (9) 19 Apparently (9) 20 Get to one’s feet (5) 22 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 25 Unrestrained (7) 27 Dancer (9) 28 Due (5) 29 Sins (14)

DOWN 2 Deliberate (2 words) (9) 3 Gentle push (5) 4 Stamping (9) 5 Afflicted (5) 6 Gossipers (9) 7 Steep high face of rock (5) 8 Type of onion (7) 9 Concurred (6) 15 Inmates (9) 17 Fantasies (9) 18 Radiation (9) 19 Ice containing milk (7) 21 Senility (6) 23 Helmet shaped (5) 24 Move about rapidly (5) 26 Native of New Zealand (5)

solution 6/3/14

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

All about

30 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

by Aunty N.

THE first sign of the zodiac, Aries is the sign of those born between 21st March and the 19th April. The ruling planet is Mars, the god of war, but the true association is with the warrior, not warlike activity itself. Mars supplies huge energy to the typical Arian and gives them the courage to face themself (the baser self), the one enemy we all have in common and the one enemy Arians have the most difficulty with!

Aries is a fire sign and with negative attributes such as jealously, impatience, self-involvement and a short temper, it’s no wonder they are sometimes their own worst enemy.

Arians are also courageous, generous, optimistic and enthusiastic about their goals. They enjoy the thrill of the hunt, ‘wanting’ is always better than ‘getting’ for a typical Arian and once a goal has been achieved it is time to move on to the next adventure.

By far the most defining characteristic of those born under Aries is Independence; often they put too much pressure on themselves to achieve, and the key to reaching personal and professional success is self-confidence.

Careers that Arians would excel

Aries

at are: paramedics, public relations, stockbroker, movie producer/director, law enforcement and the military.

Arians like to be in charge of a situation, or at least be in a position to influence the outcome. Not one to hide their light under a bushel, nothing could be worse for an Arian than employment where their opinion wasn’t sought and valued.

Best relationship matches are Leo and Sagittarius, although the mind boggles at the trouble a pairing with the later might lead to! At their best though, Aries and Sagittarius could lead an action packed life of adventure that would put Indiana Jones to shame.

Not so much fun would be a pairing with Pisces – too many tears, or Gemini – too many arguments, or Virgo – too many fussy restrictions.

NEW MENU Set on the banks of the beautiful Nepean River, The Rowers is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week and breakfast Saturday and Sunday.

Relax and enjoy the view at our outdoor terrace or enjoy a coffee and cake inside with the large screen TV and keno. Our terrace is available for bookings on Saturday afternoons and evenings for your special occasions such as weddings, christenings, corporate events etc.

WEEKEND

Breakfast B kf t

BIG Steakk & Seafood S f RA R A F F LE LE

EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

BIG Easter t Egg E

7PM PM FRIDAY PM R DA AY YA APRIL PR L 1 PR 18 8 GOOD FRIDAY

Every Tues 1pm Friday 7pm Sun 6pm Meat Trays, Fruit & Veg, Gifts & Groceries

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB’S

Sunday Entertainment ‘Simple Dreams’ 12.30PM SUNDAY MARCH 23

86th Birthday

12.30PM 27 12.30PMSUNDAY SUNDAYOCTOBER MARCH 30

RA FFL E RAFFLE

PROMOTION

6PM M SUNDAY SU S UND NDA AY YA APRIL PR RL1 13 + MEAT TRAYS

BIG G 7PM P RA RAFFLE R FFLE E FRIDAY APRIL 11

Ukulele BAND

Simple DREAMS 12.30PM SUNDAY APRIL 6 Dwain Elix & The Engineers

J OI N T ODAY! O DAY! Become a member of our Great Little Club! Forms available at the Bar.

ONLY $5 PER YEAR!

MON 7.30PM & FRI 11AM New players always welcome

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 32 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Show like no other

THE Camden Show is on again - where the city meets the country - showcasing local agricultural, horticultural, industrial and commercial resources through competition, exhibition and entertainment.

With over 40,000 visitors each year, the show also provides an important rural educational event for youth, children and families. So no matter where you are from, or what you like or what your interests are, there is something for everyone at The Camden Show.

The Camden Show Society is not for profit organisation run almost entirely by volunteers and with the help of dozens of community organisations. It is an agricultural show run “by the people, for the people.” The whole town becomes

involved with the Show and there are generations of families who participate in the show each year.

There’s horses, cattle, goats, alpacas and many other animals.

Carnival rides, showbags, brumby run, sheepdog drials and much. Much more.

Other favourites such as wood chopping, grand parade, sideshow alley and fireworks ensure that there is something for absolutely everyone!

2014 sees the introduction of a MilitaryTattoo, in conjunction with the Camden Branch of the RSL, in preparation for the 2015 Centenary of the ANZACs landing at Gallipoli.

For more information and event information go to www.camdenshow.com

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

By Kerrie Martin

SLEEP with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight because Damage Inc, the Australian Metallica tribute band will be taking to the stage at the Colyton Hotel on April 7.

Nothing else matters once Sydney boys Clint, George, Brad and Drew light up the stage at the Collo; they will Seek & Destroy!

For ten years Damage Inc has brought their Metallica tribute to the crazy ‘Tallica fans of Australia, so this special decade anniversary show promises to be an experience you’ll never forget.

The show first hit the road in March 2004 and after playing a handful of gigs, the word quickly spread that this rocking cover band really know their stuff and were serious about moving ahead.

Being able to brandish the kind of musical fire-power that Metallica has unleashed for more than two decades, Damage Inc has plugged right into the strength of Metallica’s music and helped heavy music shine.

Damage Inc recreate the live Metallica experience so well, you’ll swear you have just seen the heavy metal legends themselves.

Covering songs from Metallica’s 30 plus year career, Damage Inc is a band not to be missed if you love your heavy metal.

The American band Metallica first formed in 1981 and earned a growing fan-base in the underground music community and were described as one of the most influential and “heavy” thrash metal albums.

Metallica has released nine studio albums, four live albums, five extended plays, 25 music videos, and 37 singles. The band has won nine Grammy Awards, and has had five consecutive albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200, making Metallica the first band to do so.

Metallica is now of course a household name and it is the seventh biggest selling band in America. Kicking off at 8.30pm to 9pm. on April 7, circle this one on your calendar as one of the notto-be-missed local gigs of the year!

What’s at The Colyton

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Off to never-never land

33

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 34 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU? Take the quiz by Kerrie Martin You buy a lotto ticket for the first time in 10 years. Once you have it in your hand you: A) Immediately begin planning what you’ll do with your millions complete with visuals of your oceanfront mansion and a shiny Merc in the driveway.

B) Fantasise for a few minutes about how you’d divvy up your windfall then get back to the real world.

C) Feel annoyed with yourself that you wasted the money on a pipedream.

D) Buy it and then forget it. What will be will be.

You see a dream job advertised, but you’re a little under-qualified for it. You: A) Start setting a goal to improve your skills so that one day the dream job will be yours.

B) Go for it – if you don’t get it at least you’ll feel proud for giving it a shot C) Assume it is as good as yours if you want it – what kind of tin-shed operation are they anyway if they refuse YOU? D) Dismiss it entirely knowing you’ll never be in that league

You plan a picnic day at the beach, and as you prepare to leave, an almighty thunderstorm erupts. You: A) Stomp around the house, throwing everything out of the packed bags, declaring you just knew this would happen.

B) Shrug your shoulders and plan another day – you can’t control the weather.

C) Pack raincoats and umbrellas and head to the beach anyway - if there’s sheltered areas you’ll make the best of it.

D) Assume it’s a ten minute storm and drive off in your swimmers because nothing is going to foil your plans.

As you walk into a room unexpectedly, your best friend says your name and then immediately ceases speaking. You can hear a pin drop in the room and everyone is exchanging uncomfortable glances.

You: A) Assume they are planning your surprise milestone birthday party – in seven years time.

B) Laugh and say “Okay, come clean, what about me?”

C) Act like you didn’t notice,

whatever it was about doesn’t matter – your best friend is always on your team no matter what.

D) Storm out in a huff – obviously the friendship was not what you thought it was!

And finally, the glass is: A) Half empty.

B) Half full.

C) Depends – if it was full and then you drank half, it is half empty. If you only poured half a glass, it is half full.

D) A silly thing to ponder because everyone knows to just say full so that they sound optimistic.

Now add up your score: Q1 a) 10 b) 6 c) 2 d) 4 Q2 a) 5 b) 7 c) 10 d) 2 Q3 a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 d) 10 Q4 a) 10 b) 5 c) 8 d) 1 Q5 a) 4 b) 10 c) 6 d) 2 Over 40: Wow, you are the eternal optimist! I can almost see you skipping down the street whistling your favourite tune. Just be careful that any danger signs don’t get blocked by all those rainbows and butterflies in your world.

16-39: You have a happy and balanced outlook on life- you have the ability to always look on the bright side without being delusional. You probably handle disappointments and stress very well also.

Under 15: Grab a dictionary and look up the word pessimist and don’t be surprised if there’s a picture of your head in the definition. Try to let a little sunshine in your life now and then - it’s exhausting always being a victim.

186 Smith Street

|

p. 4721 5764

R AIN, HAI L OR SH INE Present this ad to receive a

COMPLIMENTARY GARLIC BREAD WITH ANY MEAL PURCHASED conditions apply

nepean history

by Paul Wheeldon NDHS Member

CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE......

THE tree was felled by either axe or cross-cut saw. The slabs were split with maul and wedges. As regards early huts etc. nails were virtually unprocurable and all jointing was either by mortice or with tenon or dowel pegs. Yet another variation of the slab hut was the ‘drop hatch’ construction.

Much more demanding in skill than its more common vertical slab brother, it was considered a more substantial construction, though in actual fact it has not really proved to be. Slabs were mostly adzed both inside and outside. All posts and door and window openings were usually channelled down each side. The specially prepared slabs were then dropped into their correct recesses from the top of the wall and thus laid horizontally one over the other.

More often than not the fireplace was externally of slab with an interior of clay and stone. Some refinements included the caulking between the slabs with clay mortar generally mixed with animal urine or ox blood. Later, strips of zinc or galvanised iron were tacked between the slabs. Very often in the primitive huts the earthen floors were of clay, cow dung and urine, which made a fine hard floor. A hut is generally considered to be a dwelling of two rooms – one portion the living quarters and the other the sleeping area. On the other hand there have been and still are some quite substantial homes of slab. Many of these larger slab homes provided comfortable living.

Many had wooden floors and often plaster-line and offered many refinements. Such places are to be seen still in use in many areas of eastern Australia. The earlier dwellings were often lined with newspapers which were continually added to, eventually getting quite thick. The ceiling was often just suspended hessian or calico.

A somewhat later development many of these dwellings had all refinements including glass windows.

In the primitives, the windows were just small opening doors suspended on leather or green hide to act as hinges. Often the split inside of the slab was adzed to smooth it down and a verandah was attached over the one end and only door entrance.

It is a tribute to the builders and their selection of timbers that their durability is responsible for their continued use today. They have outlived their bark or shingle roof and are to be seen with replaced galvanised iron. Many of them owe the change to iron for the inclusion of an additional verandah or so. Another era of an early colonial dwelling had passed with the advancement of time.

Building implements and their meanings: Adze: An ancient type of edge tool dating back to the stone age. Used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking, similar to an axe but with the head mounted perpendicular to the handle.

Augur: A drilling device, or drill bit, that usually includes a rotating helical screw blade called a ‘flighting’ to act as a screw conveyor to remove the drilled out material. The rotation of the blade causes the material to move out of the hole being drilled.

Broadaxe: A large broad headed axe used for shaping logs by hewing.

Maul: A large hammer, heavy wood splitting tool resembling both axe and hammer.

Cremation Celebration Services Dignified Burials RSL Services Memorial Services

“Now offering Pre-Paid Funeral Plans” Michelle Latham (JP) 1300 HEVNLY (1300 438 659) P: (02) 9623 6656 • M: 0418 250 242 E: michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au W: www.heavenlycelebrations.com.au Office: 196 Queen Street, St Marys NSW 2760 (Directly opposite St Marys Library)

Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120 Nepean News 4 March 2014 Issue 119

Those Amazing Slab Huts

35 35

Nepean News 10 October 2013 Issue 110

3

BRAND NEW 3 BEDROOM HOME - $539,700 Settlers Estate

The wait is over, this perfect house and land package is simply ideal for today’s modern family.

This brand new designer home features three large bedrooms with ensuite and walk-in to main, modern Kitchen with the latest appliances and stone Benchtops, large living and dining area, designer alfresco area for all your entertaining needs, double remote control garage with two remotes all set on a 352sqm (approx) block in Penrith’s newest land release Settlers Estate.

These packages have already seen a lot of attention so be sure to get in fast.

To secure your dream home and receive a full list of inclusions please call Parker and Partners Real Estate on 4722 6933 or visit the Settlers Site office on the corner of French and George street opening Saturday 10am (site office Hours 10am5pm).

BRAND NEW 4 BEDROOM HOME - $614,990 Settlers Estate Combing modern design and elegance with the perfect location, this brand new, large, four bedroom home with a large open plan dining and living area, full designer Kitchen with 900 mm stainless steel appliances, high 2590mm ceilings and all set on a 450 (approx) square meter block in the highly sought after Settlers estate located in close proximity to local shops, public transport, health facilities ,schools and tranquil parklands.

A House and land package like this will not last long so be sure to secure this once in a life time marvel today.

For further information please call Parker and partners real estate on (02) 4722 6933.

BRAND NEW 4 BEDROOM HOUSE AND LAND PACKAGE - $561,650 Settlers Estate

This brand new double story designer home features four large bedrooms with ensuite and walk-in to main, modern Kitchen with the latest appliances and stone Benchtops, large living and dining area, designer alfresco area for all your entertaining needs, single remote control garage with two remotes all set on a large 450sqm (approx) block in Penrith’s newest land release Settlers Estate. This package offers a spacious graceful and modern way of living and is situated in close proximity to schools, local shops, medical facilities and parklands.

These packages have already seen a lot of attention so be sure to get in fast.

To secure your dream home and receive a full list of inclusions please call Parker and Partners Real Estate on 4722 6933 or visit the Settlers Site office on the corner of French and George street opening Saturday 10am (site office Hours 10am-5pm).

PERFECT LOTS IN PERFECT LOCATION - $289,750

BRAND NEW 4 BEDROOM HOME IN IDEAL LOCATION - $529,990 Jordan Springs Yes it’s true you can now be the owner of a brand new four bedroom home with a large open plan dining and living area, full designer Kitchen with 900 mm stainless steel appliances, high 2590mm ceilings and much, much more. This ideal family home is set in the highly sought after Jordan Springs estate located in close proximity to local shops, public transport, health and fitness centres, and schools.

A House and land package like this will not last long so be sure to secure this once in a life time marvel today.

For further information and a full inclusions list please call Parker and partners real estate on (02) 4722 6933

PERFECT LOT SIZE - $319,750 Settlers Estate

Have you been searching for the ideal family community, an estate that offers a large variety of vacant lots as well as modern and spacious house and land packages?

Well let me welcome you to SETTLERS Penrith’s newest estate.

The Settlers Estate offers easy access to the M4 motorway and Great Western Highway and is located in close proximity to schools, the University of Western Sydney, Nepean Hospital, local shops, places of worship and public transport.

Another feature to the estate is the central parkland within the development, with wide open spaces to encourage community interaction and recreation.

This 450 sqm block is set on the high side of the estate, ensuring for the best views that settlers has to offer, the blocks are set opposite the settlers parkland, which means that the perfect, peaceful, playful family picnic is just metres away from your doorstep.

The settlers estate features a marvellous, picturesque surrounding with mature trees and native vegetation that promote its natural setting.

To Register interest today call (02) 4722 6933 to ensure that you can secure your dream lot today

NEW LONDONDERRY LAND RELEASE – FROM $279,990 Londonderry Estate Fantastic vacant land in the heart of Londonderry.

If you have been looking for vacant land in a sought after area this is it, located in the Heart of Londonderry Village and, in close proximity to shops, local parks and schools yet only minutes from Richmond or Penrith.

Properties such as this are hard to find if you are looking at large lots don’t miss out.

Contact Parker & Partners Real estate on (02) 4722 6933.

BRAND NEW HOUSE AND LAND PACKAGE IN MULGOA RISE – $649,990

Settlers Estate

Mulgoa Rise

Welcome to the ideal family community, an estate that offers a large variety of vacant lots as well as modern and spacious house and land packages.

The Settlers Estate offers easy access to the M4 motorway and Great Western Highway and is located in close proximity to schools, the University of Western Sydney, Nepean Hospital, local shops, places of worship and public transport.

Another feature to the estate is the central parkland within the development, with wide open spaces to encourage community interaction and recreation.

These 350+ sqm blocks feature the perfect dimensions to accommodate houses to suite any budget, the blocks are also ideally located to enjoy the best of what settlers has to offer.

The settlers estate features a marvellous, picturesque surrounding with mature trees and native vegetation that promote its natural setting.

To Register interest today call (02) 4722 6933 to ensure that you can secure your dream lot today.

Be sure to get in quick because this, large, double story brand new four bedroom 29 Square (approx) home will not last long, this home includes; a large open plan dining and living areas, full designer Kitchen with Caesarstone kitchen benchtop 900 mm stainless steel appliances, alarm system, split system air conditioner, package also includes driveway path and fencing.

This marvel is set on a fantastic block in the highly sought after Mulgoa Rise estates situated in close proximity to shops public transport and schools.

As mentioned House and land package like this will not last long so be sure to secure this once in a life time opportunity today.

For further information and a full list of inclusions please call parker and partners real estate on (02) 4722 6933.

BE SMART WITH YOUR CREDIT CARDS With Steve Beard

Select Mortgage Broker

We Aussies love to use our credit cards and most of us couldn’t imagine living without one or three cards in our pockets.

Sure they are very convenient and mean we can but whatever we need or like not having to go to an ATM to get the cash first.

And of course, if you’re smart enough to only use a credit card to pay for your normal household expenses and pay the balance in full at the end of the interest free period, then you’re a winner as you have had free access to the bank’s money for up to 55 days and you can also get free stuff from banks’ reward programs.

However, all these nice benefits are quickly outweighed by the usually high interest rates (21 plus percent) that applies to standard reward type cards and interest rates of around 15 percent for non-rewards type cards.

As a mortgage broker, it is one of

my roles to look at people finances and banking habits to ensure they have the capacity and ability to meet their current and proposed obligations. What often amazes me is the number of times I see people who have large sums sitting in bank accounts that attract zero or little interest but also constantly owe $5,000 or $10,000 or more on credit cards and are paying the bank interest of up to 22 percent!

It is smart to always have a few thousand siting in your account for those “rainy days” and emergencies and it helps some people sleep better at night knowing that funds are on tap. However, the smarter way to use your money is to reduce and clear any debt attracting interest before worrying about building a buffer in your savings.

So if you want to pay the bank less interest on your credit card debts but don’t have the savings available to repay it straight away or within a few months then one smart option is to transfer your existing debt to another bank who is offering zero interest of balance transfers. If you look at various

Do you have time to compare over 30 lenders?

comparison websites, (like creditcard. com.au) you can compare various credit card offers. There are now two main types of offers availableBALANCE TRANSFER OFFERSSome offer up to 14 months with zero interest on transfers. Look out for ones with lower or no annual fees. Citibank is offering up to 2 years with zero interest but the catch is they charge you a fee of 3 percent of the transferred balance, the annual fee is $199 and they charge 20.99 percent interest on purchases.

NO INTEREST ON PURCHASES OFFERSSome bank now are offering this option to attract new customers.

Citibank’s Clear Platinum card is offering no interest on purchase and balance transfers for 6 months with an annual fee of $49 in the first year then $98 thereafter. The rate that applies after 6 months is a low 12.99 percent as well.

St George’s Platinum Visa card has no interest for 12 months on purchases and 9 months on balance transfers and 15.99 percent applying thereafter. The annual fee is $89.

Please keep in mind that banks don’t give money away for nothing. These offers can be made knowing that a large number of people who take them on will pay a lot of interest down the track and repay the bank for the nil interest at the start.

Be smart with your debts by reducing them each month and only use the bank’s money if you have the funds in your account to repay it in full each month. Draw up a budget and live within your means. Don’t worry about having the latest and greatest gadgets, toys and clothes etc.

In the long run you will be wealthier and healthier and have less stress in your life.

This information is of a general nature and should seek the advice of experts before taking any action regarding your finances.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 47394500, 0403 166207 or beards@ selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

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

39 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

finance matters

Mighty mites headline fight night

By Greg Martin

THE last time Nazih Kheir was in a ring it was full of jelly and he was doing battle with the victor of a women’s jelly-wrestling tournament.

The lady jellyette had size on her side and despite his best efforts, Nazih had to cry-out, ‘nuff’.

A showman of the old school – he’ll do anything to earn a quid, a la the great American impresario, P.T. Barnum – Nazih will step into the boxing ring on the Saturday Fight Night at Richmond Greyhound Club on Saturday, March 22.

In what will be one of the highlights on an action-packed amateur program, “No Fear” Kheir will fight a fellow short-statured showman as the main support to the headline stoush between Australian champion, Daniel Lewis and Joe Taylor.

There will be around 20 bouts on the card including several fights between highly-rated women - there will also be dancing girls and footstomping music - all contributing to an entertaining night’s entertainment.

Donning the gloves against “No Fear” is Allan “Ship ‘em Out” Shipley, who at 125cms, is two centimetres shorter than his opponent.

Nazih and Allan make full use of their lack of height to pull in a dollar or three.

“We have done film work, appeared in commercials, the jelly wrestling of course, and do gigs at parties and clubs doing meet and greets.

“It keeps us off the streets,” he quipped.

Both men go into the ring unbeaten in short boxing careers – Allan being one for one – a bout which was televised on Foxtel – and Nazih has toed the line on two occasions for unanimous points victories.

Nazih says that although they are good mates, once they begin throwing punches, “friendship goes out the window”.

Both men have been in hard training for the bout, putting in long hours to ensure they can go the full three, two-minute rounds.

“I have been sparring four times a week at Billy Hussain’s gym at Lakemba and am ready to go,” said Nazih.

“The toughest part of the training has been the pad-work where Billy calls out combinations of punches and I’ve got to brush away the tiredness and do what he calls,” Nazih said.

“I’ve also been able to do a fair

Nazih Kheir pounds away at the pads during a training session with Mark Hardman

bit of sparring with a couple of Billy’s boxers, including a little young bloke which gives me some sort of chance of trying to land punches to the head!”

Mark Hardman, who co-promotes the Saturday Fight Night with Jason Lewis, put Nazih through his paces on the pads when he visited the House of Stoush during the week.

“He’s pretty good with his footwork and I tell you what, he packs a wallop, especially in his right hand,” said an obviously impressed Mark.

ON THE MAT THE Nepean District Pennant season, proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank, finally got under way after the first round was washed out.

A ‘double header’ was played on March 8-9. At the completion of round 3 the standings are as follows: Grade 1 – Blacktown Workers 15, Austral 12, Glenbrook Panthers 11, Penrith 8, Blacktown City 7 and Wallacia 1.

Grade 2 – Penrith 10.5, Austral 9.5, St Marys RSL and Springwood 7 and Kingswood 2.

Grade 3 – Penrith and St Marys

RSL 11, Blacktown Workers 10, Springwood 9, Windsor 7 and Glenbrook Panthers 6.

Grade 4 – Penrith 14, Springwood 11, Pitt Town 9, Blacktown City and St Marys RSL 7 and Glenbrook Panthers 6.

Grade 5.1 – Kingswood 11, Windsor 10, Blacktown City 9, Wallacia and Penrith 3.

Grade 5.2 – Wisemans Ferry 10.5, Blacktown Workers 10, Glenbrook Panthers 7, St Marys RSL 6.5 and Austral 2.

Grade 6.1 – Kingswood 14.5,

Pictured (l-r) are Geoff Hatch (Windsor president), Eddie Dries who was awarded the Royal New South Wales Bowling Association Merit Badge which is the highest honour bestowed on a bowler and State Councilor Zone 5, Mick Gilfoyle.

Nazih also has what he calls his “day job”.

Each week-day he picks up and drives three disabled children to the Broderick Gillawa School at Revesby and then delivers them safely home again at day’s end.

However, he’ll be delivering a different sort of package on Saturday Fight Night!

For further information, contact: Mark Hardman on 0408 401 488 or Jason Lewis on 0421 459 513.

With Col Crossingham

Austral 10, Springwood 9, St Marys RSL and Glenbrook Panthers 8.5 and Penrith 3.5.

Grade 6.2 – Richmond 12, Penrith 10, Blacktown Workers 9, Windsor 3 and Glenbrook Panthers 2.

Grade 7.1 – Blacktown City 16, Glenbrook Panthers 12, Windsor 9, Austral and Penrith 6 and Blacktown Workers 5.

Grade 7.2 – Blacktown Workers 17, Kingswood 16, Richmond 10.5, Glenbrook Panthers 7, Penrith 2 and Windsor 1.5.

WINDSOR Bowling Club has celebrated its first President’s Day for a long time in honor of president, Geoff Hatch.

Zone 5 Councilor Mick Gilfoyle represented the State Association, District President Neil Workman represented Nepean District and District Match Chairman, yours truly, accompanied Neil.

RNSWBA Merit Badges were awarded to Club Chairman Eddie Dries and Men’s Club SecretaryTreasurer Neil Cant.

Bowls Secretary Terry Flannigan and Board Member Bill Thorn were awarded RNSWBA Tie Bars by Mick Gilfoyle.

Ladies Brooches were awarded to Valda Thorn, Cecily Foster and Ann McVicar for their assistance throughout the Pennant season.

Also, Arthur Rutter (Dad’s Army) and Board Member, Clayton Hollebon, received District Most Valuable Member Badges from District President Neil Workman.

The rain meant that bowls had to be cancelled but members enjoyed fellowship and a lovely meal prepared by the ladies.

A Spider was held to raise money for the Leukemia Foundation for which Board Member Clayton Hollebon is to lose his hair in the near future.

THE winner of the Nepean District Bowling Association ‘Bowler of the Year’ was announced at Penrith BC on March 9.

The winner for the second year running was Trent Whittingham from Penrith, the runner-up was Jim Lord also from Penrith and third place went to Austral’s George Bevan.

The ‘Bowler of the Year’ is based on points accrued during the district championships. Congratulations to all those that participated!

41 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

Panthers to bounce back

By Noel Rowsell

THE Penrith ‘Pioneer Tavern’ Panthers senior men’s basketball team will be hoping to put aside their disappointing form in round one of the 2013 Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition, when they head north this weekend to play the Central Coast Crusaders in Terrigal.

Penrith entered round 1’s clash with the Sutherland Sharks as redhot favourites but found themselves outplayed in almost every facet of the game, with the young Sharks team grabbing an 80-68 win.

Former Sydney Kings NBL point guard, BJ Carter, has taken over the reins at Sutherland this year and won the battle of the debut coaches, leaving Penrith head coach, John Hennessy, looking for his first win.

The Panthers were handicapped from the outset, with key play-maker Louis Brandt only returning from the United States earlier in the morning.

Brandt then undertook an arduous training session with the Sydney Kings NBL squad later in the day - all prior to the long drive to Terrigal for

Saturday night’s game.

Not surprisingly, Brandt was playing on tired legs in the fourth quarter and will be a far more potent force in this Saturday’s clash with the Crusaders.

Central Coast has always been a tough opponent for Penrith teams and the Crusaders started their own campaign with a hard-fought 7269 win over the Illawarra Hawks in Terrigal.

Former Kings Development Player , Callum Jenkins, and his ‘tough-asteak’ teammate, Jason Taylor, were both prominent in the Crusaders’ win and will be Penrith’s biggest dangers on Saturday night.

There has been some good news for the association prior to the start of the season, with the ‘Pioneer Tavern’ signing on as major sponsors of the men’s team and ‘Davlin Security’ as major sponsors for the women’s team.

The Penrith women have another bye this weekend, before starting their season against the Bankstown Bruins on March 29 at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC).

Sydney Flames WNBL legend,

Josh Morehead drives past a Crusaders opponent during the 2013 WCL quarter final.

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

Rohanee Cox, will suit up for Penrith’s women’s team this season and will be a major drawcard at every home game - if not every game of the season.

Sutherland Sharks 80 def Penrith ‘Pioneer Tavern’ Panthers 68 (Louis Brandt 16 points, Nic Pozoglou 12, Jarrod Sorenson 10).

Twenty20 was the right vision

By Greg Martin

Mark Geyer and Gus Worland lead the All-Stars onto the field.

KEVIN Robinson, the kid from Wilberforce who grew up to become a successful engineer, businessman and founder and CEO of Little Wings, oversaw the organisation’s first fundraising venture in Emu Plains on March 9.

The venue was the picturesque Dukes Oval which hosted what will become an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament.

Kevin, a long-time Glenmore Park resident, recently featured in these pages as a Legend of the Nepean subject, has sunk more than $350,000 of his own money into getting Little Wings up, up and away.

Little Wings flies, free of charge, young cancer patients and their families from remote areas of NSW into and out of Sydney for expert medical treatment in oncology units at Westmead Children’s and Nepean hospitals.

Aiding and abetting Kevin and his hard-working team on Little Wings fundraiser: Mark 1 was one of the best Marks you’ll ever meet, the Nepean News’ very own columnist, Mark “MG” Geyer.

As well as co-captaining the MG All-Stars team with Gus Worland his fellow host of 2MMM’s popular morning show, The Grill Team, the rugby league great and media

personality also paid the $200 teamentry freight.

The tall one also packed his side with mates and also provided an auction prize of a ”Grill Team Experience” in which four people could experience all that goes into producing the three-hour program.

The venture was an outstanding success in all aspects.

Eight teams did battle throughout the long day and provided plenty of action out in the centre for an appreciative crowd which lined the picket fence under a clear-blue sky.

The band Urban Kaos provided foot-tapping music, there were two jumping castles for the kids as well as some truly remarkable face-painting

by Tiffany Fennell.

Members of the Cranebrook Lions Club toiled from early morning until sunset cooking up a storm on the barbecue – after all, having lots of fun builds an appetite.

Kevin reports the day’s activities which included a giant raffle, raised in excess of $5000.

“This was our first try at organising something like this and all of us couldn’t be any happier with the outcome,” Kevin said.

“We’ll be back next year and the tournament will be even bigger and better!”

NB: Little Wings had another fundraising day at Dunheved Golf Club later in the week and raised an invaluable $12,000.

WITH MARK GEYER

ONLY A NOSTRADAMUS WOULD BE TWO FOR TWO THE opening couple of rounds in the NRL have proven at least one thing trying to tip a winner is as hard to do as picking a broken nose!

Round 1 saw upsets galore whilst round 2 continued the trend. While most teams have had yo-yo type results in the resumption of 2014 there have been a couple of stand outs.

Both good and not so!

There is of course a long, long way to go in this unbelievably level competition but a quick question. Put your hand up if you thought the Dragons would be two wins from two games?

Those with your hands up - your nose is growing!

OK, put your hand up if you thought the Warriors would have been on a duck egg after their opening two competition games? Bloody Nostradamus if you did!

The fact that picking the winner in a two team contest is so bloody hard means that we are in for one of the closest seasons in a long time.

And after their opening two encounters thus far, the mighty mountain men have justified the early season hype that this year they are capable of matching it with anyone by putting in two more than satisfactory performances.

The Panthers have a big game looming this Saturday against a Bulldogs side that always troubles us out here at home.

Do your best to get along to the home clash and become part of the team by cheering on the local boys.

YOU may have read last weekend that I had decided to fly to Melbourne to undertake a brain examination yesterday.

While reading this column my results would have been already been revealed but I will discuss them in detail with you in this very spot in our next edition.

My main reason for the test is that I watched an old adversary a few weeks back, Ian Roberts, declared on TV that he has brain damage caused from playing the game he loves.

The interview rocked me. Firstly seeing him in that state, secondly if it can happen to him it can happen to anyone.

In my 15 years of grade football I reckon I got a significant head knock once a season.

That’s 15 head knocks too many!

But I’m not blaming anybody; I just want peace of mind.

With the average league player now weighing a massive 108kgs, gone are the days where playing concussed was seen as a badge of honour.

Like applying oil to help with suntans or the heavy toll smoking and fatty foods take on the body, head knocks in rugby league is all about educating the next generation.

I applaud the current concussion rule in the NRL and hope by me being checked other players from my era might think of doing the same.

LAST week my long time mate and I started up a rugby league show on the internet called “Mark My Words”.

That long time mate is Mark Warren, son of the great Ray “Rabbits” Warren, and the show is a no-holds-barred look at the week that was in the Greatest Game of All. The show is shown on Epicentre.tv at 7pm every Friday night and goes for 30 minutes.

But because of how good technology is these days you can check it out anytime any day you like.

Just go to the website mentioned above and hit archives.

It’s free and requires no registration. I hope you enjoy it.

Catch you at the game.

Panthers players Kevin Kingston, Brent Kite, Nigel Plum, Shaun Spence and General Manager Rugby League Phil Moss giving their heads up for charity. Good on you fellas!

45 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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46 Nepean News 20 March 2014 Issue 120

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TRIAL TIPS

NOTHING much caught my eye out of the recent trials so this week, let’s just have a gander at how our tips in the last edition fared.

Two of my barrier trial tips, both out of Newcastle stables, are yet to sport silks – the Paul Perry trained Dalshamar and Senta de Nocha which is trained by Kris Lees.

Dalshamar, a Shamardal youngster, could not have been more impressive – I repeat, could not have been more impressive - in cantering away with a barrier trial at Wyong late last month.

Also still to return to the races is Lees’ unbeaten speedster, Senta de Nocha which has been first to greet the judge in all four outings.

This galloper could be of the highest class –

don’t miss him.

We had a bit of luck with a few of the selections with Veloce Forte, out of the John O’Shea yard, getting the bikkies and It’s a Dundeel, Memorial and Ming being nudged into second placings.

Senta Veloce, a lovely-looking High Chaparral youngster, made an impressive debut at Kemble on March 10 in a 2YO maiden, treating her rivals with contempt to win at $1.80. Stay with her!

It’s a Dundeel showed he was ready to return to his magnificent best with a slashing, close-up second behind the brilliant Boban in the 1600m Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick on March 8.

Both these gallopers will have very successful autumns.

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Memorial lost her unbeaten tag but no admirers when she resumed with an excellent second behind Alpha Miss in the Lohnro Stakes at Warwick Farm on March 8.

This lassie is definitely Golden Slipper material!

Ming ran on nicely on debut for a second over 1000m at Hawkesbury on March 13. The youngster will derive plenty of benefit from the outing.

The only sour note out of the last edition’s tips was the first-up performance of the much-boomed Zoustar which finished eighth of 13 runners in the Canterbury Stakes at Royal Randwick last Saturday.

Zoustar was uneasy in the betting and also in the dead going.

He’s much better than that!

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Thursday, 20 March 2014

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HARPO’S MARKS THE PROBLEM with getting on in years is that it becomes inevitable that you lose loved ones along the journey.

The three certainties in life are death, taxes and change – there’s no avoiding any of ‘em.

The Grim Reaper seems to get busier the older you get.

I have been at this writing caper for a week or so over 46 years and have met people from all walks of life.

The famous, the in-famous, backstabbers, knocktakers, thieves and assorted scoundrels.

But on the other side of the coin, it has been my fortune to meet some truly remarkable and lovable human beings.

Especially in the world of sport!

Sadly many of them are now gone.

The extraordinary Bill “Break Even” Mordey and his right-hand man, Brian “The Ant” Mills, Tommy Burns, Vic Patrick, Ray “Lord of the Ring” Connelly, Ken “Mungo” Irvine, John “Lurch” O’Neill, Dick and John Thornett, Merv Cartwright, Jimmy Lisle, Tony Miller, Phil Hawthorne,

Norm O’Neil, Peter Norman, TJ Smith, George Moore, a host of journo mates.

Must stop!

And now that dastardly Reaper has taken Roy Higgins – the great hoop leaving this place on March 8 at the age of 75.

I first met Roy at the Sydney Easter Carnival in 1969, not long after I had gained a cadetship on the Daily Mirror.

Cheeky, irreverent, intelligent - he was nicknamed “The Professor” for his undoubted nous and his ability to teach others how to ride successful races.

That long ago Easter he kicked home the Bart Cummings-trained Lowland to win the Sydney Cup in which he beat the great Rain Lover which had won the ’68 Melbourne Cup and would complete the double the following spring.

Our paths crossed many times at major carnivals over the ensuing years.

I always found him to be friendly, informative and very, very sociable.

Despite a constant battle with weight, Higgins won almost every

major race on the Australian calendar.

He booted home 2312 winners during his career and won the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership a record-equalling 11 times.

Roy won the Melbourne Cup twice, one Caulfield Cup, two WS Cox Plates, five VRC Oaks, four Victoria Derbies, the Blue Diamond Stakes and the AJC Oaks each six times, two Sydney Cups and two Golden Slipper Stakes.

His last race ride was at Flemington in October, 1983, In the June 1974, Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Higgins was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to “Horse racing as a jockey” and in 1987 he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

SAD MARKS: Vale Roy Higgins.

HIGH MARKS: Counting sleeps until the little men (see story inside pages) get into the ring on Saturday Fight Night at Richmond Greyhound Club this Saturday.