Nepean News 20 October 2023 DIGITAL by Nepean News

Dazzling

DANCERS

Around 110 dancers will be performing at The Joan for the Abirami Natya Shestra concert on Saturday 21 October. More on page 8.

LOCAL NEWS 3

ENRITH Council is pleased to join the community for its sixth year of Pink Up Penrith. Pink Up Penrith is a campaign that aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for the McGrath Foundation. The McGrath Foundation provides support to families experiencing breast cancer, with the goal of ensuring that every family has access to a breast care nurse. To show support, the Civic Centre is being illuminated in The Penrith Civic Centre lights up in Pink during October. pink throughout October to support Pink Up Penrith, as Breast Care Nurses that help individuals and their part of its efforts to raise funds toward specialist families affected by breast cancer,” Cr Carney said.     McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities “By lighting up the Civic Centre in pink, we across Australia. hope to raise awareness about breast cancer and the Whether in public or private care, the McGrath important work of the McGrath Foundation. We Breast Care Nurses are available to assist anyone encourage everyone to show their support during affected by breast cancer, providing care and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.”   support for early or metastatic breast cancer.   Council would like to thank the McGrath Penrith Mayor Todd Carney expressed his Foundation for their important work and for allowing gratitude seeing the community come together for us to show our support through this initiative. If you a good cause. would like to learn more about Pink Up Penrith, “We have a tight-knit community here and I please visit pinkuppenrith.com.au know we will band together to raise money for

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Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Penrith Civic Centre Lights Up in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

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LOCAL NEWS

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

95B STATION ST, PENRITH Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Wellbeing Out West Expo!

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Distribution Map Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

ON’T miss out on joining Penrith City Libraries for the Wellbeing Out West Expo! Join them on Saturday 21 October from 10am-3pm at the Mondo for a range of activities that focus on your wellbeing. Activities include: • A free author talk with Steve Macdonald at 10am, which you can register for at https:// stevemacdonaldPEN.eventbrite. com.au • A free talk with Sallyanne Pisk, who will give you tips on how you can eat healthily, which

you can register for at https:// dontweightforwellbeingPEN. eventbrite.com.au • Tai-Chi • Yoga and meditation workshops • Information stalls from local support organisations • Craft activities There is something for everyone! This free expo is proudly presented by Flourish, Likemind, headspace, International Association of Human Values, Neami National and Penrith City Libraries, in celebration of Mental Health Month. #penrithcitylibrary #mentalhealth

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LOCAL NEWS 5 Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Local wildlife finds a home in 34 fauna boxes

HANKS to Penrith City “Tree hollows provide Council’s conservation animals refuge from weather program, local animals and predators and are safe sites across eight of Council’s for roosting and breeding. As reserves found a place to rest they take a minimum of 100 and nest within 34 habitat boxes. years to form, the installation These boxes were designed of these habitat boxes allows for a range of species, including for the instant reintroduction of sugar gliders, parrots, bats, habitat for our animals, such as possums, pardalotes and the sugar glider, ringtail possum, microbats. caterpillars, ants, and even As part of their successful huntsmen spiders,” he said. conservation efforts, Council Trained professionals carefully installed multiple habitat boxes inspected 34 habitat boxes via across these reserves to combat Sugar glider inside one of Penrith City ladders or tree climbing and Council’s habitat boxes. Photograph the increased loss of habitat and discovered that the boxes were taken by Adrian O’Hara from old trees in the Sydney Basin used by sugar gliders, ringtail Cumberland Plain Regeneration. Region, with reserves selected possums, potter wasps, huntsmen due to their native vegetation, the presence of spiders, caterpillars, eucalypt leaf beetles, bush multiple large trees, and location to housing and cockroaches, white cedar moths, ants, and parasitic popular areas. wasps. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney praised the “We are really excited that our local wildlife has installation of the habitat boxes, stating that it was taken to the habitat boxes and hope to see plenty a complementary initiative to Council’s Bushland more animals make use of them over the next and Biodiversity teams’ successful efforts in year,” Cr Carney said. seeing Penrith’s bushland and wildlife continue to Council’s wildlife rehabilitation experts took thrive. photographs of a few of the animals found in “We’re grateful to provide additional homes and these habitat boxes. These photos, along with nesting opportunities for our local animals at our more information about the boxes, can be found at reserves,” Cr Carney said. penrith.city/faunaboxes “It’s more important than ever that we If you’re interested in getting involved in reintroduce vegetation and replicate tree hollows Council’s conservation of our native fauna to encourage our animals to nest and rest, species like this one, contact the Bushcare team at especially when old, hollowed trees around urban bushcare@penrith.city and check out the available areas are removed. volunteer opportunities at penrith.city/bushcare

Authorised by Karen McKeown OAM, Shop 23 Ground Floor Tattersalls Centre, Penrith NSW 2750 using Parliamentary entitlements.

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

LOCAL NEWS Penrith named Sustainable City after Penrith City Council win

ENRITH City Council is thrilled to bring home two sought-after sustainability awards at the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards. Four of Council’s innovative inaugural programs were recognised as finalist nominations across three categories — Recycled Coffee Cups in Road Base (Category: Circular Economy), Textile Dropoff Day and Recycle Your Bicycle — Bike Drop-off and Repair Event (Category: Resource Recovery and Waste Management), and Wheelie Good Repair Skills – Vacation Care Bike Workshops (Category: Communication and Engagement) — with Council winning the Circular Economy Award and the Overall Sustainable Cities Award, which recognises all four nominations. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said it was an honour to win not only the Circular Economy Award for an Australian-first project, but for Penrith City Council to be awarded the Overall Sustainable City Award for 2023. “It’s an honour for Penrith to be recognised as the winner of the Overall Sustainable City Award in

Photo credit: Paul Benjamin Photography

light of the projects and initiatives we’ve implemented and will be introducing to the community over the next several months,” Cr Carney said. Penrith Council is one of six councils to receive recognition as a finalist for the Overall Sustainable Cities Award category, which recognises a metropolitan council that has successfully undertaken projects or actions in multiple areas of sustainability and inclusion.

“Over the last couple of years, Penrith has been a leader in sustainable development across our City, with projects such as the recycled coffee cups into roads, textile and bicycle drop-off days, tree planting, habitat restoration, and other various initiatives,” he said. “Recycling coffee cups into roads is an Australian-first and saw 740m of local roads resurfaced with PAKPAVE asphalt road base, incorporating 50 per cent of recycled materials

including fibres used in single-use coffee cups. It’s amazing to see 136,000 coffee cups collected from our Simply Cup collections across the City be put back into the community. The Circular Economy Award acknowledges innovation and excellence in product stewardship, product design, resource recovery, and strategic systems operations and planning. Council’s award-winning submission, Recycled Coffee Cups in Road Base collaborated with State Asphalt NSW, University of NSW, and Closed Loop to investigate innovative solutions to single-use coffee cup waste as part of their circular economy strategy. “We take great pride in our sustainability initiatives, and I am pleased that the hard work of our teams and the proactive uptake from our community is being recognised by two prestigious awards,” Cr Carney said. More information about Council’s circular economy projects can be found at penrith.city/circulareconomy To keep up to date with Council’s sustainable initiatives and waste and recycling programs, visit penrith. city/waste

Have Your Say on Council’s Draft Penrith Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategies

ENRITH City Council is pleased to present two new strategies to build on the vision for a city where people can live, work and play. Both the draft Economic Development Strategy and the Visitor Economy Strategy are now on exhibition until 8 November 2023 to seek feedback, and for the community to engage in these important plans. There has never been a better time to be in Penrith. Already a strong regional economic driver and a muchloved visitor destination, the strategies set out a plan for sustainable growth and how to increase the number of local jobs available for residents. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the draft strategies, which build on Council’s strong leadership in economic development and the visitor economy, provide our community with an opportunity to help shape the future of our City.   “Penrith is experiencing transformational change across our City through unprecedented investment from all levels of government in infrastructure and open space/recreation projects – this will be a magnet for investors and visitors alike,” Cr Carney said. “We know our region already has strong visitor appeal with over 1.6 million visitors annually, this will accelerate rapidly when we open to the world, being the closest city centre

Penrith City Council EDS image

to the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. “These strategies are a comprehensive plan of action to support economic growth and create jobs, as well as enhancing lifestyle and experiences for locals and visitors across the city. “We’re inviting residents, members of our business community, and key stakeholders to share their input on these preliminary strategies during the exhibition period.”    Our vision is to build on Penrith’s strengths by attracting investment and nurturing favourable conditions for local businesses to prosper. These strategies have been developed through a collaborative process with input from key stakeholders including local businesses, industry groups, government agencies, and community

VES Cover photo, from Real Festival

representatives. Have your Say! View the documents online at www.yoursaypenrith.com. au/thrive or for hard copies, visit the Penrith Civic Centre, St Marys Business Office or any Penrith City Library.     For more details, visit: www. yoursaypenrith.com.au/thrive What is the Draft Economic Development Strategy (EDS)? The aim of the EDS 2031 is to support growth of the local economy and create jobs closer to home for our residents. The draft strategy identifies areas of growth and where additional jobs can be delivered through targeted policies and actions. Advocating for investment in land servicing, transportation connectivity, research and development partnerships, urban upgrading initiatives, education and

training programs can all support further jobs growth. What is the Visitor Economy Strategy (VES)? Penrith is undergoing rapid and significant change. It is becoming a vibrant, world-class city with quality amenity connected to a diverse range of opportunities for employment, leisure, and lifestyle. Penrith is well placed to grow the visitor economy for the benefit of residents and visitors. The VES provides a roadmap for all stakeholders to take advantage of these opportunities and the major infrastructure developments occurring in and around the LGA. Our VES has been developed as an initiative of Council to provide ongoing coordination, advocacy, and support to the tourism industry stakeholders and the community.

LOCAL NEWS 7

OCAL residents in Western Sydney will be encouraged to take up secondary careers in teaching under a new program targeting areas with high demand for teachers. Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the Grow Your Own: Local Teacher Pipeline (LTP) program would help to address the state’s teacher shortage by providing participants financial and other support to complete a secondary teaching qualification. In return participants would teach at a local public high school for at least three years. The new pipeline program expands on the existing Grow Your Own initiative, which supports non-teaching NSW public school staff to gain their professional qualifications as teachers. Eligible schools will help identify local people with teaching potential for the LTP program, including potential career changers, school administration and support staff, high school leavers, and existing Initial Teacher Education students. The team will work with interested schools to identify which areas are most in need locally, with participants’ studies starting from Term 1, 2024. Up to 75 applicants will be offered a place in one of three paths to qualification:

• The Undergraduate pathway, with a $30,000 training allowance over four years; • The Postgraduate pathway, with a $30,000 training allowance over two years; • The Industry Experience pathway, with a $30,000 training allowance over two years and a retention incentive of up to $30,000 paid over the first three years of teaching in a NSW public school in an agreed location. Participants will work one day a week to benefit from in-school experience in a local NSW public high school while completing their studies. Applications are now open until October 31 for participants to begin study in Term 1, 2024. Those who wish to apply can do so via this link: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teachnsw/get-paid-to-study/grow-your-own/ grow-your-own-local-teacher-pipeline Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said, “This program is tailor-made to help schools where the demand for teachers is particularly high, by tapping into existing local talent within these communities. “Alongside our once-in-a-generation wage rise for teachers and moves to ease teacher workload, this is another step the Minns Labor Government is taking to restore teaching as a career of choice and lift student academic outcomes.”

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

New program taps local talent to ease teacher shortages in high-demand parts of NSW

www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au

COVER STORY Council throws support behind dazzling Indian dance showcase

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Local performers from Indian dance school Abirami Natya Shestra will soon take the stage for their annual showcase.

HIGHLY anticipated dance showcase will be held at The Joan this month – and famous Indian actress and Bharatanatyam dancer, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, is coming to Penrith to lead the dazzling event. Penrith City Council is throwing its support behind the ninth annual Abirami Natya Shestra concert, with Councillors voting during the September Ordinary Meeting to donate $3000 to help the popular dance school put on the drawcard event. Councillor Marlene Shipley called on her Councillor colleagues to contribute $1000 from each ward and was met with support of her request. “There are some big expenses with costumes and the dance lessons, so this funding will help to cover the cost of hiring The Joan,” Cr Shipley said. Newly elected Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said Council was thrilled to be welcoming a renowned, international star to Penrith for an exciting event in the City’s multicultural community. “Our Local Government Area is

home to people of many diverse backgrounds that enrich the pages of Penrith’s story, and Council is pleased to support an opportunity for residents to showcase their heritage and talent,” Cr Carney said. “It is fantastic to hear that Indian actress and dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy will grace the stage with talented local dancers of all ages – I am certain the event will bring together attendees from near and far in our city centre,” he said. Around 110 dancers will be performing at The Joan for the Abirami Natya Shestra concert on Saturday 21 October. Director and Choreographer, Meera Joy, said the school was “very grateful” for the donation in the lead up to the event. “We are thankful to Council for helping us – people will get to see all kinds of exciting dancing styles like classical, semi-classical, fusion dance and lots more,” Mrs Joy said. The event starts at 4pm and tickets cost $60 per adult and $30 for children. For more information, go to thejoan.com.au

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LOCAL NEWS 9

ENRITH City Council’s innovative Let it Bee wildflower meadow has once again received recognition from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), earning a nomination for the National Landscape Architecture Award. The project was recognised by AILA NSW earlier in the year in the ‘small projects’ category and continues to create a buzz. The temporary wildflower meadow garden located in Cranebrook, south of Grey Gums Oval along the Great West Walk, was the first of its kind and resembled a bee from above, with a host of native and exotic wildflowers suited to Penrith’s climate helping create its pattern and shape. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said it was an honour for the Let it Bee project to receive yet another accolade from AILA after being recognised by the organisation earlier in the year. “The Let it Bee temporary wildflower garden is an exciting project that we’re thrilled to see continue to be recognised for its innovation,” Cr Carney said. “While the garden was temporary

and its flowers have since been cultivated back into the ground to improve the soil quality, its creation has allowed us to plant more trees in the area, leading to a cooler City for

ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

future generations. “The garden was a unique way to help mitigate heat during the hotter months, while also providing the community with a beautiful

installation to enjoy and visit,” he said. The Let it Bee wildflower garden was proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Ph 4736 2027 49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills

Snakes alive

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

ARMER weather awakens our native snakes as they seek out water and a food source. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of pets attending the hospital after ‘playing’ with a snake. Snakes are generally timid creatures and stay away from humans and pets. It is often our inquisitive pets that seek out snakes and tend to lead to problems. Dogs are generally at highest risk of being bitten but cats are also susceptible, especially those that like to hunt. In the Penrith area we tend to see two main types of venomous snakes; either red belly black snakes or brown snakes and both types of snake bites are potentially fatal. Both have been sighted in Glenmore Park area and along the Nepean River recently. The brown snake tends to cause more neurological

symptoms such as collapse and difficulty breathing. The red belly black snake is more likely to cause haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells). However, either snake can cause both symptoms with disastrous consequences if left untreated. If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a snake, try to keep your pet calm and relaxed and seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. The sooner your pet is seen by a vet, the higher the chances of a recovery. Snake venom can transfer onto our skin and can enter our blood stream, if the bite site is known do not touch the area. If a bite is suspected using gloves can avoid contact with venom. Often dogs may collapse briefly after a snake bite, they may vomit, but then act completely normal again. Remember, pets can react in different ways. Symptoms can include: • Dilated pupils • Weakness in hind legs • Trembling • Drooling • Pale gums • Restlessness • Difficulty breathing • Vomiting • Become unconscious If you have seen a snake in the vicinity of your pet, and are unsure if they have been bitten, it is always

better to take them to the vet for an assessment. If caught early, snake bites can be successfully treated. Identifying the snake can help with treatment and prognosis. If possible, taking a photo can be helpful, but never try to catch or kill a snake. Treatment involves the administration of an antivenom. Antivenom is very expensive and can mean treatment for snake bite is costly. There are combination antivenoms that can be given if the snake species is not known. Other medications and stabilization with IV fluids is also required. Complications including kidney failure and immune mediated disease can occur after a snake bite and animals can die despite treatment. If you suspect that your pet has been ‘playing’ with a snake, seek veterinary attention immediately. For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Innovative Let it Bee project continues to buzz with AILA nomination

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

LOCAL NEWS

Mental Health Month: Free mental health support available for those who need it

CTOBER is Mental Health Awareness Month, which promotes the importance of mental health wellness and encourages us to talk openly about our mental health and wellbeing to help break down the stigma that can still be associated with mental illness. According to the World Health organisation, by 2030 depression is expected to become the largest single healthcare burden in the World. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2017-18 one in ten Australians (10.4%) had depression or feelings of depression, and that was before we experienced the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, COVID-19 and several severe flooding events. Within the Nepean Blue Mountains region, which includes Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith local government areas, it is estimated that up to 17% of the population are

likely to experience a mental illness within a 12-month period. In addition, 23% of the population are expected to be at risk of a mental illness. Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, fund a range of community-based mental health services in the region. They want local residents to know that there is free mental health support available for people of all ages. Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Ms Lizz Reay said, “Mental health issues, just like physical health issues, can affect anyone at any time. Yet, even though conversations about mental health and wellbeing are now more mainstream, there are still people who need support who continue to suffer alone.” Go to nbmphn.com.au/MentalHealth-Month for more information about our services.

Lizz Reay - CEO, Wentworth Healthcare, demonstrating the Mental Health Help Website.

Applications open for Community Building Partnership funding THIS program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion. Applications close 27 October 2023, 5:00 pm. For more key information, eligibility requirements and for support and contact information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/ community-building-partnership-2023-round

Relieving our busy emergency departments by diverting drug and alcohol presentations

HE NSW Government is acting to take pressure off of some of the state’s busy emergency departments by diverting drug and alcohol presentations to specialised units. Safe Assessment Units are designed to better support people presenting to emergency departments with behavioural disturbances associated with alcohol and drugs. Two of these units will be rolled out at the Prince of Wales and Nepean hospitals. People presenting with behavioural disturbances are often vulnerable and become overwhelmed by the environment in the ED.

These units will provide a safe, low stimulus environment in which patients can be admitted, assessed, and treated. They will allow patients to be treated by a multidisciplinary team of clinicans working across mental health, clinical pharmacology and alcohol and drug teams. Similar models of care have resulted in improved patient outcomes, reduced need for sedation and restraint, as well as a reduction in the length of stay and time to be seen in EDs. Both Units are expected to be ready to start seeing patients early next year, and will complement the existing

Psychiatry and Non-Prescription Drug and Alcohol (PANDA) Unit within St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. The PANDA Unit, established in 2020, is co-located with the St Vincent’s ED and was the first service of this kind in Australia. To ensure patients receive ongoing support after discharge, care will be provided through collaboration with the community alcohol and other drug sector, the community mental health sector and other health and community services. The units will be co-located within each ED. Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We are acting to reduce pressure

on our busy emergency departments by providing more appropriate care and treatment to drug and alcohol presentations. “These units create a safe environment, not only for patients presenting with disturbances associated with alcohol and drugs, but also our frontline health workers and other patients presenting to our emergency departments. “As Health Minister, I am embracing new and innovative initiatives to relieve pressure on our emergency departments by ensuring people receive the appropriate care when and where they need it.”

LOCAL NEWS 11 Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Know the signs of Type 1 Diabetes

N November 14 at 4 pm at Nepean Hospital Dr Leong and his Nepean Paediatric Diabetes Team will be launching Multicultural translated video and poster resources in a presentation entitled “The United Nations of Diabetes: DKA Prevention: “Down DKA to 10” a 3-year Campaign to reduce the rates of DKA in our Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District from our current rates of DKA from 38% to no more than 10% of children with newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. We have translated the “4T DKA Prevention Poster” into 12 different common world languages in collaboration with JDRF, QLD Health, and Diabetes Australia. We have developed an educational video for families and the community in English with subtitles in 4 different languages outlining the 4T (“Toilet, Thirst, Tired and Thinner”) symptoms of childhood diabetes for the whole community, including general practitioners (GPS), school nurses and teachers and community nurses and parents of young children in the general community to help in the earlier diagnosis of diabetes in children and to prevent the potentially fatal complication of DKA. This way children with both T1DM and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and their families will start their journey with diabetes in a more positive manner with less anxiety, worry, and fear of diabetes and its health impact on their child. To watch our educational videos go to these two links: https://youtu.be/YZBBEeDBaqs?feature=shared Long 17 min version https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NNFDqUYR2mk&feature=youtu.be Shorter 7min version

850,000 reasons to care during National Carers Week

ORE than 850,000. unpaid carers around the state are being recognised this week as the NSW Government, service providers and the community celebrates National Carers Week. Minister with responsibility for Carers Jodie Harrison said this year’s theme – ‘Millions of Reasons to Care’ – acknowledges the important role carers play helping others. “Caring for a loved one takes enormous dedication and strength, and this is a week to highlight the vital work carers do,” Minister Harrison said. “There is no job description for a carer. They do whatever needs to be done. This can include helping people perform their daily routines, cooking, cleaning or driving them to medical appointments. “These selfless individuals in our community don’t look for public thanks and praise but their incredible efforts need to be recognised and celebrated.” In NSW, carers support people for a range of reasons, including disability, mental health conditions, chronic illness, age, dementia or drug and alcohol dependency. Caring is nearly twice as prevalent in Aboriginal communities and almost 80,000 carers are young people 25 years or younger. Carers NSW CEO Elena Katrakis said it is important carers look after their own health and wellbeing and for people to know there is support available if they need it.

“Many people don’t think of themselves as ‘carers’. They simply see themselves as a husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter or friend looking after someone they love,” Ms Katrakis said. “It can be incredibly rewarding work, but tough. So, taking time to look after yourself is the best way to be able to take care of others.”

As part of the 2023-24 Budget, the NSW Government is investing $5.1 million in targeted programs and supports for carers, including funding for programs under the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030 and funding for initiatives operated by Carers NSW, such as the Young Carers Program. If you are a carer, there is a

range of resources and supports available for you. Find out more at www.carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737. National Carers Week runs from Sunday 15 to Saturday 21 October 2023 and there are plenty of activities across NSW to celebrate carers. Check them out at carersweek.com.au/events/.

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

NEPEAN HISTORY

An Unexpected Death

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

N 1918 an inquest was held at Penrith Court House into the death of Spencer Alfred Payne. He was born in Newcastle in 1857 and married Elizabeth Fisher in St Stephens Church at Penrith in 1876. She was born in Castlereagh, and they had eight children. Spencer’s first occupation was splitting wood with his father a bushman. First witness was John Scott an engine driver employed by the railway said that he arrived at Penrith at 8.15 am on the 91 down-line passenger train with engine 90 and detached his engine from the train at the southern or down platform for the purpose of crossing to the up-line to the loco yard to prepare the engine for further service and when going forward to the western end of the platform he noticed Spencer coming towards the downline from the southern side and noticed the 192 passenger train coming in from the Mountains. Spencer walked to the side of the downline then turned and walked along the line in the space between it and the No 1 carriage road. John said they were travelling about four or five miles an hour when he shut off the steam, knowing that he could cross over the down and up lines which was the usual route. Spencer was then fully 20 yards away and continued walking westward, but the train was gaining on him all the time and he sounded the whistle frequently to warn him that the train was approaching. About eight yards from him he thought that Spencer might cross and would stop, and he continued whistling with the right hand and applying the break with the left and he looked out, but Spencer had disappeared. He asked his mate Walter if Spencer had crossed the line and come out on his side, but he replied “No”. At this time the engine had come to a standstill, so he got down to see where Spencer was and saw him lying on the four-foot about two yards from the back of the engine and saw that he was dead. Walter and others came on the scene and saw a hat and tucker tin lying about five yards nearer the station and at the side of the line Spencer’s big coat was in the four-foot. He said that crossing the lines to sign on that way to the shed was a little nearer the station, but because of the passenger train it caused Spencer to go a little further west. Employees however, crossed anywhere between the station and the sheds over 200 yards as it seemed best to them at the time and there was a rule that employees when crossing the lines must keep a look-out and not expose themselves to danger. He had no thought that Spencer was in danger when he first saw him, especially as he was such an experienced hand, and it was not until he was within eight yards of Spencer, he thought it wise to continue sounding the whistle and applying the brake. The engine pulled up two yards beyond its own length when he applied the brake. He was not aware that Spencer was deaf because he was walking in his usual way with his head down as if thinking, and the whistling was more than an ordinary warning and he did not see Spencer step in front of his engine as he applied the break. Walter Pullman the fireman said they arrived with the down-passenger train from Parramatta at the Penrith down-platform and after detaching the engine for loco purposes they went forward to change over to another line and about 30 yards away John started applying the brake and blowing the whistle and the engine came almost to a standstill. John asked him if Spencer had crossed over in front of the engine to his side and he said “No”. The engine was still from the time that they left the station, to the time it stopped. He was looking out his side but did not see Spencer at all and when John applied the brake, he instantly applied his hand brake thinking there must be some reason for John to apply the brake and keep on whistling. He could see Spencer lying there and John got down and found Spencer lying about five or six foot behind the engine. Walter

 Photo of the Penrith Railway Coal Elevator courtesy of Australian Railway Historical Society

Herbert Schmidt a labourer on the railway said he heard a whistle blowing short snaps very quickly as if to attract attention and the whistling of the engine was very distinct and he could hear the grinding of the brakes. He said that he was between the elevator and the shed and at a right angle from the scene of the accident and he looked to the 90-engine running in a westerly direction and Spencer walking in that direction towards the shed and when the engine was within three or four feet of him he seemed to look over his left shoulder and step to the right that brought him onto the four-foot and in front of the engine. He saw Spencer struck by the engine and fall and the engine passed over him and saw Spencer lying on his left side in the four-foot, about six feet at the rear of the tender of the engine and the engine was at a standstill. There was a bleeding wound at the back of his head, but he did not know whether it was the buffer or crossbeam of the engine that struck Spencer. He saw a brown overcoat on Spencer’s right shoulder before he was struck. When the sharp whistles were sounded, Spencer was on the clear space between the downline and the down goods siding, and he had never heard so distinct a warning before. Stephen Thorncroft a Sergeant of Police stationed at Penrith said that after a phone call he proceeded to the railway station accompanied by Constable Baker. They went to the elevator and saw Spencer lying on an ambulance stretcher with Dr Higgins present. The body was then moved to the hospital morgue, and they examined the spot where Spencer died and saw a very large pool of blood and marks as if a body had been dragged on the four-foot about 20 feet. One of the employees handed him the heel of a boot Spencer was wearing. Frederick Charles Higgins said he was Medical Practitioner and Government medical officer for the district and he examined Spencer at the railway yard in Penrith and found life extinct, and afterwards examined Spencer more carefully at the hospital morgue and discovered that he had sustained injuries of dislocation of the right ankle joint, numerous lacerations about the upper part of each thigh and the scalp on the right side of the head, and the bones of the skull on the same side were fractured causing compression of an injury to the brain. Death had been instantaneous due to the brain injuries. The coroner’s finding was Spencer Alfred Payne at the Railway Yard in Penrith died on the 11th day of June 1918 from injuries to the brain caused by being knocked down by an engine and accidently killed. Spencer is buried at Penrith General Cemetery, Kingswood. Photo of the Penrith Railway Coal Elevator courtesy of Australian Railway Historical Society. Source: Nepean Times, Australian Royalty website, Ancestry, NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages.

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ENTERTAINMENT

ENRITH Regional Gallery is pleased to announce the launch of Simmer, an exciting new program that will captivate audiences with cutting-edge music and sound art performances, as well as workshops facilitated by guest artists. With a range of analogue and electronic sounds, this series will showcase new approaches to instrumentation and listening environments curated by acclaimed Blue Mountains composer, improvisor and sound artist Monica Brooks. In addition, there will be a number of workshops for participants to try their hand at new and experimental forms of artmaking. The program begins on Friday 3 November with a live music performance, INSIDE/OUTSIDE in the Gallery’s garden, and a Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony workshop. INSIDE/OUTSIDE is the first duo concert of Jim Denley (flutes, gumnut, voice) and Melanie Herbert (violin) who have been making music together for over ten years, mainly in the Splinter Orchestra. They share a unique approach to musicking that doesn’t involve atomised notes, or tones, but polyphonic sound-clouds that are wave-like, full of potential

and ambiguity, yet hard to pin down. Jim’s work emphasises ecomusicality, spontaneity, sitespecificity and co-creation with musickin (human and more-thanhuman). Melanie’s multi-speaker installations and compositions have been presented at MONA FOMA, Vivid Festival, ABC Radio and Liquid Architecture. Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony is presented by professional tea ceremony artist Cathy Zhang, who will lead participants through a traditional tea experience, following the method used in the Song Dynasty, China (960-1279). Cathy is the founder of Ms.Cattea tea company and Ms.Cattea Tea Bar

in Potts Point, Sydney. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tea Science from the University of Southern China Agriculture University and has been professionally ‘brewing’ in the tea industry since 2002. The tea ceremony will take place within the exhibition Parlour Parlëur by the ArtHitects (Gary Carsley and Renjie Teoh). The artists have constructed a dynamic space for personal relationships and ritual, in a visually stunning site-specific architectural experience. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site at Cafe at Lewers. This initiative is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Culture Up Late Western Sydney

program. Simmer: INSIDE/OUTSIDE is on at Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest on Friday 3 November at 7pm. Tickets: $15. www.penrithregionalgallery.com. au/events/simmer-inside-outside/ Simmer: Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony is on at Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest on Friday 3 November at 5pm and 7pm. Tickets: $40. www. penrithregionalgallery.com.au/ events/song-dynasty-tea-ceremony/ Simmer is on from 3 November 2023 – 23 February 2024. Visit our website for the full program: www.penrithregionalgallery.com. au/events/simmer/

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Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Music meets art this summer P

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Fillow Talk Out West Nominated for Best in Comedy at Sydney Fringe Festival 2023! Presented by Open Fridays and Q Theatre.

OIN in the fun with this interactive Filipino comedy experience. The Fillow Talk crew are heading to Western Sydney for the first time ever and performing this laughout-loud improvised show in Penrith at The Joan as part of Open Fridays! The show promises a night of petty issues unravelling into a full-blown family drama, unlimited unsolicited advice, Catholic guilt, and the lingering fear of someone else singing your karaoke song. Get the party started and come in early - we welcome you to join in and have some karaoke fun in the Borland Lounge before we start the show. Who knows, your song might inspire some of Fillow Talk’s hilarious sketch scenes. Delicious Filipino snacks included! TICKET PRICE Standard $15 DATE & TIME Friday 27 October 5pm - Karaoke 6pm - Fillow Talk Out West VENUE Borland Lounge, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street, Penrith

SPORT 15

The St Dominic’s College 2023 PDSSSC Intermediate Champions, along with Coach Mr Chris Meek experience a once in a lifetime opportunity in the presence of the Manchester City Winning trophies. Photos: Dominic Colucci

College Principal, Mr Simon Abernethy and St Dominic’s College students enjoy viewing the Manchester city Treble Trophy Tour.

BY NOEL ROWSELL

ANCHESTER City Football Club’s global ‘Treble Trophy Tour’ made a special visit to St Dominic’s College in Sydney this week. The historic treblewinning trophy set, comprising the Premier League trophy, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League trophy, landed at the school’s Kingswood campus and was greeted by excited students and staff. The treble exhibition also included a surprise ‘quadruple’ trophy - the UEFA Super Cup - which Manchester City secured by defeating Seville in Athens in August. The UEFA Super Cup is a one-off fixture between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. St Dominic’s College was last month announced as one of two new Manchester City Football Schools in New South Wales, alongside Waverley College near Bondi. Commencing in 2024, St Dominic’s College will offer programs for both Year 7 and Year 9 students. Principal Simon Abernethy said interest in the Manchester City Football School was very strong, with a trial held on Saturday, October 7

College Principal, Mr Simon Abernethy and Deputy Principal, Mr Adam Rafferty enjoy the view of the Treble Trophy Tour at St Dominic’s.

and another to come on Saturday, October 14. “As soon as we announced our new partnership with Manchester City Football Club, the enquiries started to flood in,” Mr Abernethy said. “It’s been great to see so many students and families in the area excited about the possibilities this program will provide in the years ahead. Our parent information evening was very popular along with the trials themselves. “Having four global football trophies arrive at the

St Dominic’s College staff enjoying being in the presence of the world’s greatest Football Club’s winning trophies.

College is a privilege for our students and staff to be involved with. It could well be a once in a lifetime opportunity.” For more information about Manchester City’s Australian Trophy Tour, please visit: www.mancity.com/news/club/treble-trophytour-australia-announcement-63831157 For more information about the Manchester City Football School at St Dominic’s, please visit www.stdominics.nsw.edu.au/mancity

College Principal, Mr Simon Abernethy and St Dominic’s College students enjoy viewing the Manchester city Treble Trophy Tour.

Nepean Hockey Association Hosts Hookin2Hockey BY NOEL ROWSELL

HE Nepean Hockey Association will host Hookin2Hockey, the official Hockey Australia program that offers young boys and girls an exciting opportunity to learn the foundational skills of hockey, develop essential motor skills, and forge new friendships whilst embarking on their lifelong passion for the sport! Geared towards children aged 12 and under, this program is thoughtfully adapted to accommodate those who are stepping onto the field for the first time. Hookin2Hockey serves as the ideal starting point for your child’s hockey journey,

offering numerous advantages that come with participation. Delivered in a fun and secure environment, this introductory program introduces children to the wonders of our beloved game. As they progress through the course, participants will master key hockey techniques whilst building crucial motor skills. Through the use of modified equipment, your child will joyfully immerse themselves in the game, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. This is a six-week program that will run for one hour at Nepean - Western Sydney Hockey Fields Tue 31 Oct - Tues 05 Dec . To find out more about this program, please email: hockey@hockeynsw.com.au

Surakshaa Jagadesh and Abbiegail Rowlands.

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

St Dominic’s Host Manchester City’s Treble Trophy Tour

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

SPORT

Panthers announce coaches and trial dates for 2024 NBL1 East Season BY NOEL ROWSELL

HE Penrith Basketball Association has announced its senior representative coaches for 2024, with Jarrod Moore to continue in the head coach role with the NBL1 East Men, and Neil Offner to take up the role of head coach for the NBL1 East Women. “Jarrod is a long-term member of our Penrith Community and we are excited to he is back for the upcoming season,” said P&DBA General Manager Leonie Moore. “Neil has been a long-time member of our Penrith community, coaching in both our Junior and Senior programs.” “I’m very excited to have been given the opportunity to head coach our Women’s NBL1 2024 team,” Neil said. I look forward to working with my assistant Enrique to form a team and help build and grow from our 2023 start in this competition.” “(Our) Record aside, we thoroughly enjoyed the challenge (in our first season),” said Jarrod. “Plenty of lessons were learnt and we cannot wait to do it all again for NBL1 (East) 2024. Our most enjoyable highlight (this year) was the one-point win against Albury, in Albury. That will last in the memories for a while. “A lot of different players stepped up throughout the season. Our MVP for the year, Caleb Fetui Fa’amoe,

2023 Men’s MVP Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe and head coach Jarrod Moore. Photos by Noel Rowsell

really stepped up, playing against men this year, after just coming out of Youth League. “We cannot wait to see everyone’s progress going into next year. Our veterans will be our likely leaders, with some exciting youth players coming through the Penrith Youth system. “Our training / game strategy will be altered, given the experience gained from this year. Towards the end of last season, we felt we were getting fitter, which plays a big piece towards everything else. Once we lock in the team, have a focused pre-season, with a later start date (early April), we feel we will have more than enough time

to be prepared for another season. “Close to everyone (from this year’s squad) has mentioned they will be trialling once again, and I look forward to seeing them at trials. The only one not coming back unfortunately is Kaylis Beaumont-Tafua. Kaylis is a Brisbane native and has decided to develop his talents close to home. We wish him the best of luck.” Trials for both the NBL1 Men’s and Women’s teams will be held on the 28th and 29th October, with selected players then invited to attend a further trial on 5th November. The junior representative coaches from U12 to U18 have also been named during the week.

NBL1 East Men – Jarrod Moore; NBL1 East Women – Neil Offner; U12(1) Boys – Fidoh Natividad; U12(2) Boys – Tony Saab; U14(1) Boys – James-Dean McDonald; U14(2) Boys – Greg Bolin; U16(1) Boys – Kurt Watts; U16(2) Boys – Lewis Looyscheider; U18(1) Boys – Blake Macfarlane; U18(2) Boys – Daniel Chhuy. U12(1) Girls – Leonie Moore; U12(2) Girls – Aalayah Chhuy; U14(1) Girls – Bryan Campbell; U14(2) Girls – Jess Bloom; U16(1) Girls – Jenna Weekes; U16(2) Girls – Greg Blaxland; U18(1) Girls – Jeff Cooper; U18(2) Girls – Rebecca Palmer.

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SPORT 17

PENRITH PANTHERS

The Kiwis launch their Pacific Championships campaign on home soil in Auckland with a clash against a Samoa side eager to hit back after a 26-point loss to the Kangaroos. BY NRL.COM

DEN Park is sure to be buzzing with the passionate Samoan fans out in force and the battle up front in the opening 15 minutes will be worth the price of admission alone. New Kiwis skipper James Fisher-Harris and his Panthers teammate Moses Leota go head to head with Junior Paulo, Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May, who added plenty of punch off the bench in the tournament opener. Samoa will take plenty of confidence from the fact they went further than the Kiwis at last year’s World Cup and they continue to grow in confidence on the international stage. Young fullback Sua Fa’alogo was devastating against the Kangaroos and he is sure to provide plenty of highlight reel moments again in just his second Test match. The last time these two proud nations met was at the 2017 World Cup with the Kiwis victorious 38-8 at Mt Smart Stadium.

TEAM NEWS Kiwis: Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris takes over as Kiwis captain and will lead a powerful forward pack that includes Moses Leota, Briton Nikora and Joseph Tapine. Warriors star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad gets the nod at fullback with Joey Manu to line up in the centres along with Matt Timoko on Test debut. Hooker Fa’amanu Brown and bench forwards Leo Thompson and Griffin Neame will also make their Kiwi debuts. Storm playmaker Jahrome Hughes and Eels livewire Dylan Brown will call the shots in the halves. Toa Samoa: Marion Seve has come into the side at centre in place of his Storm teammate Young Tonumaipea. Sea Eagles youngster Gordon Chan Kum Tong is named to start at hooker after coming off the bench last week although he may again swap on game day with Justin Matamua. Sharks enforcer Royce Hunt is again 18th Man. STAT ATTACK • Samoa fullback Sua Fa’alogo’s stunning Test debut against Australia featured 176 run metres, a line break and 11 tackle breaks. • The Kiwis have a 4-0 record in Tests against Samoa with a combined scoreline of 144-50 across the four games. • Kiwi winger Jamayne Isaako topped the NRL try-scoring and point-scoring list with the Dolphins in 2023 - the first player since Mal Meninga with Canberra in 1990 to do the double. • Hugh McGahan holds the record for most tries in a Test match for New Zealand with six against PNG at Carlaw Park in Auckland in 1983.

Game Details - WEEK 2 Kiwis v Samoa Saturday 21 October Kick-off: 4pm Eden Park, Auckland

Kiwis

Samoa

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Ronaldo Mulitalo 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Joseph Manu 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Moses Leota 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Briton Nikora 13. Joseph Tapine

1. Sualauvi Faalogo* 2. Murray Taulagi* 3. Izack Tago 4. Marion Seve 5. Brian To’o 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Junior Paulo 11. Luciana Leilua 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Keenan Palasia

14. Kieran Foran 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Griffin Neame 17. Leo Thompson

14. Spencer Leniu 15. Terrell May 16. Heilum Luki 17. Justin Matamua

18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Danny Levi 21. Keano Kini

18. Royce Hunt 19. Ronald Volkman 20. Greg Marzhew 21. Tommy Talau

www.panthers.com.au

Nepean News 20 October 2023 Issue 366OWDIG

Match Preview: Kiwis v Samoa