Nepean News 21 November 2019

free Thursday, 21 November 2019

ISSUE 265

Alex McKenzie B Com

Principal Financial Planner T: (02) 4704 8585 E: alex@futurefinancialservices.com.au W: www.futurefinancialservices.com.au A: Suite 9, 488 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

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Amazing achievement

Out of 22 million students, five of our local kids from Penrith Christian School will be representing Australia at F1 for Schools; the World’s largest School STEM competition, in Abu Dhabi. Pictured here with Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh, who said, “It was a pleasure to meet the incredibly talented students, who built their miniature F1 cars from scratch, to present them with Australian flags and to get a demonstration of how their cars work. I wish Team Ascension the best of luck at the finals and encourage them to shoot for the stars.”

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

P

enrith will once again demonstrate its continuing commitment to ending domestic and family violence in our community with a Walk Against Domestic Violence on Sunday 24 November.

Everyone is welcome to participate and this event continues to grow each year. The more people that participate, the stronger the message that domestic and family violence is not OK. Australian statistics show that, on average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner and that domestic violence is the principal cause of homelessness for women and their children. Sadly, with domestic violence often going unreported, the true impact is often invisible.

Penrith Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM said events such as Council’s Walk Against Domestic Violence sends a strong message that domestic and family violence is not OK and that raising awareness is crucial.

“Community safety is one of Council’s top priorities and with the event growing each year, it shows how serious Penrith is about bringing an end to domestic and family violence in our community,” Councillor Fowler said.

Penrith’s 2019 Walk Against Domestic Violence has a few major changes to previous years. For the first time, this year’s event will start from the

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reserve on the eastern side of River Road, Emu Plains, opposite Regatta Park at 9am. It will finish at Tench Reserve approximately 45 minutes later.

The highlight of this year’s walk will be the crossing of Penrith’s new walking bridge across the Nepean River - the Yandhai Nepean Crossing.

Participants need to remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring a water bottle.

On arrival at Tench Reserve there will be music, food and beverages for everyone to enjoy. A free shuttle bus will be available to take people back to car parking areas on River Road, Emu Plains and Weir Reserve, Penrith. The buses will leave from 10.30am.

For further information contact Erin Davidson on 4732 8028.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Walk Against Domestic Violence

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

ell here we are at the business end of the year already, with just under five weeks until Christmas.

It is a beautiful time of year of course, the weather is warmer and you’re thinking about time off work or time with family.

But what is it about this time of year that also brings people’s craziest ideas out? Just when I think I’ve heard it all and there’s nothing left to roll my eyes at, out trots the movement from “new age” style parents who say that allowing your child to believe in Santa Clause will traumatise them because you’re lying to them.

Kids will be forever scarred by the conspiracy that you as a parent created and left them out of, they say.

What absolute garbage!

Personally I find it traumatising that there are parents out there who want to drop the Santa bomb and spoil the magic of Christmas for their children.

And what’s more, these “informed” children will no doubt roll up to school and share their discovery with the children of those parents who were happy to allow their kids to enjoy a childhood full of imagination.

If you are raising a child that you think will be traumatised by the magical aspect to Christmas, then I’m sorry to say that I think you’re in for much bigger problems down the track.

A child who is able to become a “victim” at a young age over a fairy tale that is filled with fun and excitement will not be very well-equipped when life doles out actual problems.

If a child feels agonised by the eventual revelation and sees it as a personal deception by its parents as they head toward high school age as these loonies suggest, perhaps a good life lesson for said child would be to take them to a cancer ward in a children’s hospital, or show them pictures of children who are starving in under-developed countries; and teach them what actual traumatic situations are, and what actual victims look like.

Western society is getting sillier and sillier by the day.

As we head towards December I wish you and your family all the excitement that goes with this magical month, and with only a couple of weeks until Santa Clause makes his appearance, make sure you have your Christmas list ready!

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor.

We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.

Kingswood Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist 4732 2182 • St Marys 9623 4589

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

here has been disappointment with the announcement that a number of local Christmas tree farms will not be able to provide trees this year. But the Lions Club of Emu Plains will be selling ‘real’ Christmas trees on Saturday 14th December, at Lions Park, Great Western Highway, Emu Plains.

The banner announcing the date and above location should be erected by Council about two weeks prior to the sale.

The trees are sourced from Oberon where the grower advises they are not affected by drought or water restrictions.

Lions have had to marginally increase their selling price to $40 per tree, commensurate with the supplier’s increase.

“Selling prices have remained unchanged for the last 3 years, and it is only a modest increase this year in line with the suppliers increase. A comparable tree from some of the ‘supermarket stores’ retails at double what we are selling them for,” Lions Coordinator, John Choma said.

The estimated drop-off time for the trees is between 6:30 and 7:00 am and there will be only 90 trees available, so the Club recommends that you GET IN EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! The proceeds of the Christmas tree sale will enable the Lions Club to make a donation to Ronald McDonald House at Nepean Hospital.

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

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Real trees, be quick!

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local news

By Noel Rowsell

L

i b e r a l Senator for Western Sydney the Hon Marise Payne, along with the Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP and Penrith City Mayor Ross Fowler, were on hand to mark the official opening of the Greygums Oval Upgrade in Cranebrook on Friday 15th November, 2019.

“Having worked on the delivery of this project since 2016, I am delighted that the long-awaited upgrades to the new amenities block are now complete,” Senator Payne said.

“Developing sport at a grassroots level is definitely about having the right infrastructure in place, as it supports our sports men and women as well as tireless club volunteers, so this is a great outcome.”

Mayor Fowler had opened the proceedings and thanked the Australian and NSW Governments for their significant investment in the facility, saying it was ‘money well spent’.

“Grey Gums Oval is a much-loved and well-used space and now, with a new canteen, the clubhouse and

Photos from the opening of the Greygums Oval Upgrade. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

increased storage, it has even more to offer local clubs and visitors - another great result for the community through all three levels of Government working together,” said Cr Fowler.

Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh also welcomed the upgrades and congratulated all levels of Government on collaborating to deliver this project.

“This is just one of the many commitments from the Morrison

Government to improve access to our local sporting facilities and encourage our kids and families to lead healthier lifestyles.”

“This upgrade includes a new canteen, accessible toilets and three new storage buildings for Greygums Oval, which is an important local sporting field in our community.”

“The Morrison Government has made this $750,000 investment under the Community Development

Program and we’re getting on with the job of delivering these important projects in Lindsay,” said Ms McIntosh.

Director of the Penrith Rams Mr Greg Corless said “We were thrilled with the generous contribution from the Morrison Government.”

“This upgrade will be of great benefit, not only to our players and volunteers but to the broader Penrith community all year round.”

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Greygums Oval Upgrade Delivered

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local news

Trees of Hope at T

rees of Hope is underway again at Panthers Penrith. This Christmas, members are invited to support local charities and giving them a chance to vote for their favourite tree.

Every year, 10 local charities are selected to decorate their own Christmas tree.

Panthers members, staff, and directors all get the opportunity to vote with charities getting the chance to win up to $4,000.

With Panthers Penrith donating a total of $10,000, the event aims to bring community spirit into the club as well as spread Christmas cheer. It is also a fantastic opportunity for Panthers to also showcase the incredible work that these local charities do to help make our local area a better place to live.

The 2019 Trees of Hope participants are: 1. Regentville Rural Fire Service 6. Penrith Community Kitchen 2. Penrith Rainbow Club 7. Blue Datto Foundation 3. Headspace 8. The Haven 4. WestCare 9. Panthers On The Prowl 5. Nepean Therapy Dogs Inc 10. Australian Red Cross Blood Service Open to members, if you would like to vote for Trees of Hope our forms are located in the foyer.

Regentville Rural Fire Service

The Regentville Rural Fire Service has been protecting Penrith since 1951. Ever present in protecting the homes of in Penrith and beyond, this dedicated team of volunteers face the harshest of conditions to save lives, homes, properties and livestock when fire threatens. You can bet that every summer, sometimes even earlier, that these volunteers are at the frontline of every battle. Volunteers and firefighting equipment are always needed to help and any assistance is always greatly appreciated.

You can help by voting for the Regentville RFS.

Penrith Rainbow Club

Penrith Rainbow Club provides individualised swimming lessons for young children with a disability every Saturday at Kurrambee School on Werrington road.

The community support and early intervention offered by the club ensures that the child and their family can live a life that includes them in local community activities.

Evidence shows that this early intervention enables a life that has greater quality at home and at school. It helps develop friendships and reduce social isolation. To facilitate this Penrith Rainbow Club subsidises the cost of individualised swimming lessons for children under 7 years of age so that finance is not the barrier to participating socially.

You can help by not only voting for their tree at Panthers Penrith, but also donating to the cause.

Headspace

Headspace Penrith provides free face-to-face information, support and services to young people, aged 12 – 25, and their families and friends. They can help with mental health, general health, alcohol and other drug services as well as work support. They also have a specialised service for young people who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis or are at ultra-high risk of experiencing psychosis. Young people aged 12 – 25 do not require a formal referral. Simply phone, email or show up in person to arrange an appointment with one of their staff during business hours.

They would like to thank you greatly for your generous donation. Funds will go directly to supporting the young people who access their services as well as their family and carers.

If you would like to assist Headspace in their cause, vote for their tree or make a donation on their website.

WestCare

WestCare exists for one reason – to see “Local Needs Met By Local People”.

100% of their support comes from within the Penrith community to provide: • Domestic Violence crisis housing for mums and kids • Support and insurance cover for the ‘Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk’ • Emergency Relief food and assistance for families in need • Clothing vouchers and other help for the Homeless • Nepean HomeStart support for ex-homeless families • Personal CareKits for the Hospital and other charities • Annual Christmas Appeal hampers for 500+ families • ‘Happy Pets’ safety program for DV-effected families • Other vital programs and services across Penrith Please help WestCare to keep making a real difference in our great city today by donating to them or voting for their tree.

local news

Nepean Therapy Dogs Inc

The Nepean Therapy Dogs are a group of experienced therapy dog volunteers, who use therapy dogs to help people overcome difficult periods in their life. Working with children, in palliative care, victims of crime, medical facilities and aged-care, Nepean Therapy Dogs use man’s best friend to connect with people on a range of levels and assist them with challenges that life can sometimes bring. Therapy dogs stimulate positive memories and remind people they belong to something much greater than the events they are going through and help reconnect with society.

Always a comfort, a loving paw is always at the ready to help anyone in need.

How can you lend a paw? Vote for the Nepean Therapy Dogs Inc and/or make a donation today.

Penrith Community Kitchen

Penrith Community Kitchen has been feeding the community for over 20 years.

Feeding approximately 500 to 800 people a week, the volunteers ensure the hundreds of homeless and underprivileged individuals to come and have a hot meal and a chat. Relying on the kindness of local community, businesses, schools, churches and more to survive, there is much that you can do to support this worthy cause.

Blue Datto Foundation

Making waves in Australian Road Safety is the Blue Datto Foundation. Blue Datto Foundation was established by the Vassallo family following the tragic death of 17-year-old Philip Vassallo in a crash in which both drivers were red ‘P’ platers.

Since this terrible tragedy, the family and Blue Datto have worked hard to protect the lives of young Australias through road safety education. They are working towards a zero death toll in ‘P’ platers and have since spread their programs across NSW. If you would like to assist Blue Datto in their cause, vote for their tree or make a donation on their website.

The Haven

Scary fact: the Penrith LGA has the second-highest reported incidents of domestic violence in Sydney. Between October 2016 to September 2017 alone, there were 1,094 incidents of domestic violence reported in the Penrith region. It was cringeworthy statistics like this that prompted the development of the new charity to Penrith. Only a few months old, The Haven supports women and children of domestic violence. The supportive and nurturing team of volunteers helps pick up the pieces of broken lives and provides victims with a safe place to live, then builds up their confidence to create self-sufficient, independent women and families that reconnects safely back into the community.

Want to help? Make your vote count and vote for The Haven.

Panthers on the Prowl

The Panthers on the Prowl Community Development Foundation has been providing a positive and lasting difference to the wellbeing of young people in our local communities. Panthers on the Prowl work with primary school-aged children and target students in the middle and late primary years who are at risk of disengaging from school and who may need additional assistance in order to reach their full potential. They also work with Secondary Schools children provide high school students in the local community area with unique opportunities and broader awareness of different careers and career pathways available to them. Panthers on the Prowl also conduct weekly Adult Computer Literacy Classes aimed at adults in the community that have little or no computer skills and would like to develop their confidence with technology.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Blood is surprisingly versatile. The blood you donate can be made into 22 different medical treatments.

Every blood donation can help save three lives People of all walks of life need blood products. Some need it to get them through a serious event in their lives, like cancer or a difficult pregnancy. Others have medical conditions which mean they need blood products regularly to stay alive or be healthy.

There are about five litres of blood in the human body and it’s made up of several useful components.

You may be able to donate blood, plasma or platelets. Each type of blood donation is used for different medical treatments, and your blood type determines the best donation for you to make.

What can you do? Roll up your sleeves, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com. au to make an appointment to donate today. And come into Panthers and vote for their tree.

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Panthers Penrith

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Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

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local news St David’s Llandilo Faces the Goliath Challenge of Suburban Sprawl

S

ydney’s rampaging population surge is inexorably closing in on the historic St David’s Church, Llandilo.

Having survived World Wars, the rejection of heritage protection from the State Government and a threat of closure / sale in earlier times, along with a senseless breakin and desecration in 1993, the small beloved church may now simply be overwhelmed by suburban sprawl.

The houses on the outskirts of Jordan Springs are situated a few streets south of Llandilo’s community shopping precinct but Father John Hebblewhite is praying his congregation and church will escape the all-encompassing land

grabs which precede the oncoming housing projects.

Built 120 years ago in 1899, St David’s was originally an Anglican Church within the Parish of St Marys, until the end of WWll. The Church was subsequently placed under the jurisdiction of St Paul’s Emu Plains, before authority passed to St Paul’s Cambridge Park in the 1970’s.

In 1998, a decision was made by St Pauls to sell St David’s but thanks to quick thinking by a group of St David’s parishioners, the Church would thankfully be saved.

Former Penrith City Councillor Kevin Crameri organised a loan from

PCC with his own home as surety and the Church and it’s congregation commenced a new period in their history under the auspices of the Llandilo Hall Committee.

Fund-raising activities within the Llandilo community were instrumental in the Church debt being fully paid by the end of 2006, ensuring the historic building would continue to be available for worship in the Nepean district.

Retired clergyman Father John Hebblewhite, who lived in Penrith, was lured from St Mark’s Granville, where he was assisting as Honorary Associate Priest and weekly services resumed in March, 2006.

Following a seminar in 2006, the Church established ‘mountains and rivers’ which is a forum for people to come together in occasional worship, utilising seminars to enhance the understanding of the faith.

‘Brighter Days’ is another Church initiative, with the congregation fully committed to maintaining the building and the continuation of worship.

Despite it’s 120-year history, the building’s integrity stands as a memorial to those who constructed the church in 1899.

The above information has been extracted from a wonderful booklet ‘Reflections on St David’s Llandilo’

by Marian Dawson.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

F

our executives from Malaysian infrastructure provider Ardtech Road Snd Bhd travelled to western Sydney last week, to sign an exclusive national distribution agreement for Geo-Ionic™ road stabiliser, a product designed, patented and produced in St Marys by local company Project Innovations Pty Ltd. The agreement was brokered by Australasean Group - another local company - who specialise in fostering business relationships and commerce between South East Asia and Australia.

Australasean Group acquired the Asia Pacific distribution rights to GeoIonic and Geo-Ionic Plus in September 2019, and Ardtech Road Snd Bhd will be the first national distributor to be signed up.

“This is a ground breaking agreement which we believe will open up the south East Asian Market,” said Mr Evans, Executive Director of Australasean.

Geo-Ionic is a state of the art compound which is widely used in rural Australia, and has been listed as an approved supplier to the United Nations since December 2014. The product is an Ionic compound which excludes water, and therefore is very stable under all weather conditions.

“We have done a great deal of research into the available solutions,” said Mr Areezman, CEO of Ardtech.

“However the things that impressed us most, were the product’s environmental safety, longevity, ease of application and cost effectiveness. It was simply the best on the market,” he said.

“In Malaysia, the instability of our roads in remote areas due to monsoonal and other factors, means this in not

only a commercial problem for the government, but also a social one,” said Mr Areezman.

“In many circumstances children cannot get to school and the sick and elderly cannot get assistance, when roads are damaged by severe weather.”

The delegation included Mr Azmi Atan, Executive Director, Mr Abrizan Abdul Rahim, Chief Operations Officer, Mr Mohd Daud, Director and Areezman Abdul Rahim, CEO of Ardtech Road Sdn Bhd. Interestingly, two of the group, Mr Areezman and Mr Mohd are graduates of Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.

The group were unofficially welcomed to Penrith by East Ward Councillor and Emeritus Mayor Greg Davies. Many of the meetings and the signing of the agreement, were held at Panther’s World of Entertainment where the group were interested to learn about the local Rugby League team.

Following the meeting, the group all became financial members of Panthers, and indicated that they were looking forward to coming back to watch a game in 2020.

Mr Abrizan, a Rugby Union player

in Kuala Lumpur said that “Panthers should organise a feeder club in Malaysia.”

The Group returned to Malaysia on Sunday.

Melissa McIntosh says stem is the future for our local kids

T

he Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP has visited Penrith South Public School for the CSIRO’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Schools event to help encourage local kids to be interested in these subjects to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

“Thank you to the teachers and students at Penrith South for hosting me. With over 300 schools taking part in the CSIRO Stem in School’s week, I am proud that Penrith South were able to showcase their talent and discuss how we can encourage our kids to pursue STEM in school.

“The response from students was exceptional. We discussed studying STEM related subjects and preparing for the jobs that will be coming to Western Sydney with the Airport, Aerotropolis and Science Park,” said Ms McIntosh.

STEM in Schools is being facilitated

by Australia’s national science agency,

CSIRO, and aims to make STEM careers more visible and relatable by inviting STEM professionals into the classroom to share their work and their stories with students. STEM

professionals from across CSIRO, Origin and the Bureau of Meteorology are taking part, and will explore the important role that scientists have in addressing global challenges.

“I look forward to working with our local schools and education institutions as part of the Lindsay Jobs of the Future Forum. Early next year I will host some of Australia’s leading scientists and industry providers to ensure that our kids are trained and educated in the jobs of the future; in STEM, advanced manufacturing, space and more.

“It’s important to recognise the role our schools play in shaping our students’ careers. If more of our local students of today can work where they live in the future, they will be part of something important. We know that in Western Sydney over 300,000 people commute each day for work and I want to make sure investment in Western Sydney ensures our kids are the priority for local jobs.” said Ms McIntosh.

For enquiries relating to these any of these programs, please contact the office of Melissa McIntosh MP, Federal Member for Lindsay.

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Penrith Company Helps Kids Get to School in Malaysia

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local news

L

OCALS in and around Penrith are rallying for the ‘ladies of the land’ campaign, with donations coming in thick and fast.

The campaign, which kicked off last month, is designed to give ladies in the farming communities struggling with the ongoing drought, something to smile about in the form of pamper packs.

Greater Sydney Local Land Services (GS LLS) signed up to support the campaign, nominating its Penrith and Wyong offices as a drop off point for donations.

“The response has been heart-warming, we put it out on our social media and donations started flowing through the door,” General Manager Sharon Elliott said.

“It’s a great and hugely important cause and one we’re proud to get behind.”

Linsey Hall from Glenmore Park ladies social group A Taste of Everything visited the GS LLS office this week to drop off several packages.

“We just really enjoy giving back to the community,” she said.

People can donate by filling a shoebox with special pamper items, wrapping it in newspaper and tying a ribbon around it.

Donations need to be delivered by December 10

Linsey Hall with GS LLS customer service officer Gail McCall.

to ensure delivery to impacted areas by Christmas.

Greater Sydney Local Land Services offices are located on Level 4, 2-6 Station Street, Penrith and

22/32 Pacific Hwy, Wyong.

Visit the Ladies of the Land NSW facebook page for more information.

Faces Of St Marys: a project in street photography

L to R: Nepthelo Janiola, street photography facilitator, Coral Collins, Nicole Condon, Sarah Spearpoint, (students from Nepean Arts & Design Centre, Kingswood TAFE), Martin Davis (St Marys Railway Station Duty Manager) Estinelle Nieckissa, Michelle Sly (students from Nepean Arts & Design Centre, Kingswood TAFE) and Judy Tweeddale, Fusion Western Sydney and Project Co-ordinator.

F

aces of St Marys is a project in street photography celebrating the diversity of St Marys.

Funded by Penrith Council Magnetic Places, the project brings photographers and artists together with residents, commuters, shop owners and those just passing through the St Marys transport hub to capture the faces and stories of St Marys.

A collaboration between Fusion Western Sydney, photography students from the Nepean Arts and Design Centre, Kingswood TAFE and Sydney Trains, the project is focussed around the northern end of Queen Street, the Fusion Café and the St Marys railway station and bus terminal precinct.

The aim of the project is to build a sense of connection and pride in St Marys by capturing the faces who make up St Marys including two free community photography workshops for beginners in street photography, exhibitions of selected images and written word. Engaging local community resources to enhance community spirit, Faces of St Marys will bring conversation between

participants, partners, artists, and local people. The project began in early November and will culminate in a launch and exhibitions in June 2020.

Sydney Trains is very supportive of this initiative as it’s an excellent opportunity to connect positively and creatively with commuters and build a sense of community in the transport precinct.

Nepthelo Janiola is a lifestyle, commercial and wedding photographer who will oversee the workshops in street photography, working with small groups of TAFE students and community volunteers. Nepthelo’s desire is to use photography as a tool to help support the work of organisations like Fusion to build connection, creativity and wellbeing in the community.

Community Artist, David Ryan from Shiney Pictures, will design and curate the exhibition phase of the project. He’s worked in St Marys making art and culture in the community for over six years.

David’s played a key role in other Penrith Council Magnetic Places projects including Meet St Marys, projection of dance and film in Coachmans Park, The GeriActivists Virtual Reality Salon at St Marys

Library, and St Mary’s first pop-up light-art gallery Solas on Queen St. Fusion is a not for profit youth and community organisation, with a deep and ongoing commitment to building resilience in the lives of young people, families and communities. Each week the team at Fusion run programmes and activities in schools and other community settings to build resilience and well-being. The Fusion Café is a social enterprise supporting the work of Fusion in western Sydney.

Fusion believes that engaging people in the arts is essential for development, sense of connection and good mental health.

If you’d like to be part of the Faces of St Marys and learn skills in street photography, register for the first free community workshop being held on Tuesday 10 December, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm in the Fusion Café, Cnr Queen & Station Streets St Marys. To register for the workshop and for more information about Faces of St Marys, contact judy.tweeddale@fusion.org.au or phone 8805 5900. For more information on Fusion go to www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Locals rally for Ladies of the Land

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local news

Pets & Bushfire Safety Plan

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

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W

ith bushfire season well underway it is important to have a safety and evacuation plan in place for your family, including your pets. Whether your pets are at home with you or need to be relocated, you need to prepare for their safety.

It is important to know that pet should not be abandoned unless it is absolutely impossible to safely evacuate them. When organising your pets

for evacuation, try to take as many of the following items as you can before leaving your property: • Microchip paperwork • Current vaccination certificates • Pet medications and information on any medical conditions • Bowls, bedding and non-perishable food • Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is on a lead or in a carry cage If you are in the situation that you are unable to evacuate or have to leave your pets behind, try to remember the following advice:

• Where possible bring your pets inside and confine them to a small space so you know where to locate them. Ideally a room with smaller windows and adequate air flow such as a bathroom • Provide hiding places for your pets – A carry cage where the door opens at the end is the perfect option for this • Do not tether pets up as they will be unable to flee if danger is imminent • Ensure pets are easy to identify with a collar and tag • Leave multiple water bowls and food bowls in the room • Dogs can be housed in a portable crate If you have livestock such as horses, ensure there is plenty of water available from a source that does not rely on above ground pipes or power. In a bushfire move pets to a closely grazed paddock with water troughs, steel fencing and solid shade area. Do not place synthetic blankets on horses as they may melt during extreme heat.

If you need assistance with your pets, contact your local Greencross Vet early to arrange boarding or treatments. If you need assistance with an evacuation plan contact NSW Emergency Services and they can help you take the appropriate action to keep you and your pets safe.

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

Can you help reunite these pets with their families?

When a pet goes missing it is a particularly distressing time for any owner. And by the look on the faces of some of these local pets who’ve been found, it can be pretty distressing for the pet as well.

Have you seen any of our missing pets?

Do you recognise any of the pets who have been found?

There’s a facebook page called Penrith Area Lost and Found Animals and they are exceptionally good at reuniting lost pets with their owners. If you have any information regarding any of our featured pets, please head to the page and scroll for the owner’s information. Alternatively, if you don’t use facebook feel free to call us on 9834 5579 and we will hook you up!

MISSING

MISHKA FROM GLOSSODIA

MISSING

MAX FROM ERSKINE PARK

FOUND

JORDAN SPRINGS

MISSING

PRINCE FROM CRANEBROOK

MISSING

SHREK FROM ST CLAIR

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

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local news

Diabetes debate heats up as temperatures rises

W

estern Sydney can be up to ten degrees hotter than other parts of Sydney, presenting a unique health challenge for people wanting to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Amid World Diabetes Day, the Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) Alliance shared this new insight into their fight against the diabetes epidemic.

Western Sydney was described by experts at a recent diabetes alliance forum as a ‘heat island’ significantly impacting the health of local residents.

Co-promoted by WSD, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, the event was an opportunity for researchers, clinicians, members of government and the private sector to discuss ideas for tackling the local diabetes epidemic.

The higher average temperature makes exercise and activity challenging, particularly during the summer months when the heat becomes trapped and lingers late into the evening.

Tips to beat the heat and continue exercising during the warmer months?

Supercharge your day. Early morning is the best time to exercise outdoors, so set your alarm earlier and be inspired knowing the activity will help you feel energised and alert!

Keep hydrated. Ditch the sugary sports drinks and make sure you have water handy for any activity, especially in warmer weather.

Dive in. Swimming is a great way to improve your heart health, lung health and muscle strength, all the while staying cool.

Stay sun-safe. Arm yourself with a cap, wraparound sunnies and sunscreen to keep the rays away.

WSD director, Professor Glen Maberly, said creating liveable cities is key to improving the health of our community and in beating type 2 diabetes.

“Approximately 72,000 people in Western Sydney are affected by diabetes, costing an estimated $1.16 billion in healthcare expenditure each year,” Prof Maberly said.

“Routine testing for diabetes at the Emergency Departments at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals revealed that Western Sydney is a diabetes hotspot and people who live here are twice as likely to have, or be at risk of, diabetes, than people living in the northern or beachside suburbs.

“The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented. By losing 2-4 kilograms, it is possible to beat type 2 diabetes, but we need to ensure our urban environment is built in such a way that it promotes healthy lifestyles.”

Diabetes Alliance members Thomas Astell-Burt (University of Wollongong), Xiaoqi Feng (University of NSW) , Matthew O’Connor (Blacktown City Council), Prof Glen Maberly (Western Sydney Diabetes), Alex O’Mara (Department of Planning and Environment), Janine Dawson (Western Sydney Diabetes), Dr Sebastian Pfautsh (Western Sydney University), Ian Corless (Diabetes NSW & ACT)

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue executive director Adam Leto said being physically active can take more effort in Western Sydney compared with other parts of Sydney, so the region needs greener, well-designed public spaces to enable people to get active including better protection of our water assets.

“Increasing the levels of physical activity through our parklands, rivers, bike lanes and active travel options can only help reduce obesity if people use them. For this to occur, a whole-of-community approach to place-making is required,” Mr Leto said.

“It’s especially important that younger Australians feel encouraged and enabled to embrace an active lifestyle, as childhood behaviour generally evolves into lifetime habits.”

Prof Maberly said the health system is not the only player when it comes to beating type 2 diabetes.

“More than 120 partners have joined forces at the WSD Alliance and are working collaboratively on joint initiatives aimed at addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges in the west,” Prof Maberly said.

“Tackling the diabetes epidemic requires a whole-

of-community approach as the health system alone can’t fix the problem.

“We have harnessed the power and passion of our WSD Alliance members through a new custombuilt online platform that will enable our partners to connect with each-other, share ideas and progress important initiatives together.

“Launched at the WSD Alliance forum, we hope the WSD Alliance Hub will enable more connectivity among our members so we can continue to beat diabetes together.”

WSROC president, councillor Barry Calvert, said the WSD Alliance is an important initiative tackling one of Western Sydney’s greatest heath challenges.

“WSROC is proud to have been part of the WSD Alliance since its beginnings in 2013,” said Cr Calvert.

“The strength of the alliance is its holistic approach. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease, so prevention requires tackling all the components that influence our lifestyle choices.”

To find out more about Western Sydney Diabetes please visit /www.westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/

Get tested – let’s eliminate HIV transmission

I

f you’ve never been tested for HIV or haven’t had a test for more than a year, Western Sydney Local Health District is encouraging you to get one done.

Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre director Professor David Lewis said this HIV Awareness Week (23 - 30 November) in the lead up to World AIDS Day (1 December) is a good opportunity to take a test.

“HIV testing is simple and confidential. There are now a variety of HIV tests available including free tests,” David said.

“You can get tested at your local GP or sexual health service. Or, if you want to test yourself at home, the Dried Blood Spot testing kit can be delivered to you and results are sent back by text, email or phone.”

“People at risk of HIV, particularly men who have sex with men, can now use a combination of prevention methods to reduce their risk including taking HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and using condoms, which are available for free.”

NSW has made significant progress towards the goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2020, with a 13 per cent drop in the number of new diagnoses in NSW between January to September 2019 compared to the previous five-year average.

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said this reduction is due to more people seeking early testing and treatment and taking steps to prevent HIV transmission including the use of PrEP. “A late HIV diagnosis can be life-threatening and increases the chances of passing on HIV to sexual partners. Early diagnosis means you can receive

treatment, live a long, healthy life and prevent transmission to others,” Dr Chant said.

Between January to September 2019, 159 men who had sex with men were diagnosed with HIV in NSW. Of these men, 45 per cent had not had a test in the past 12 months and 18 per cent had never had an HIV test.

“With almost 40 per cent of these men diagnosed with HIV in the late stage of infection, we are urging those at risk to get a test,” Dr Chant said.

The NSW Government has committed $22.4 million in 2019-20 to strengthen testing, treatment and prevention with 47 state-funded Sexual Health Clinics also making testing easily accessible.

For information on HIV testing, visit www. health.nsw.gov.au/hiv-test or call NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (Free-call).

local news

S

eptember 16 was just like any Monday for Cowra school teacher Lucy Beckett. There was no warning that the next day she would be urgently flown to Westmead Hospital, her world turned upsidedown.

Two weeks later Lucy gave birth to her son Leo at just 26 weeks – three months shy of his due date and about one-third the weight of a full-term baby.

“It was a traumatic experience. The first few days was just a lot of doctors and a lot of information and paperwork,” Lucy said.

“There aren’t words for it. It was very frightening to not know if he would survive.”

Though he weighed barely more than one kilogram, Lucy and her husband Dean were able to hold Leo when he was just one week old thanks to the emphasis on kangaroo care at Westmead Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Kangaroo care is a special and safe way to hold your baby against your skin, like a joey in a kangaroo pouch.

The benefits for practising kangaroo care regularly include stabilising the baby’s heartrate and breathing, better sleeping, improved weight gain, and earlier breastfeeding. Evidence also shows it can lead to earlier discharge from hospital For parents it helps reduce their stress and anxiety, improves bonding, and also helps mums to produce breastmilk.

Ahead of World Prematurity Day (November 17), NICU hosted an afternoon tea on Friday to officially launch the long-awaited kangaroo care guidelines

Dean and Lucy Beckett demonstrate kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) with their son Leo.

Lucy went in early labour when Leo was at just 24 weeks gestation.

He was born 15 days later.

NICU nurse Hannah Skelton developed the policy over the past three years to ensure all staff had access to information that was backed by research and empowered them to make the best decision in each unique situation.

Over the next fortnight the NICU staff will have the opportunity to take part in education workshops involving simulation, where they learn the skills to be effective in facilitating kangaroo care for premature babies in hospital.

“We know kangaroo care is beneficial but you need to assess how suitable it is each day. So the aim of these guidelines is really to equip staff, answers their fears and concerns, and ensure they’re making decisions backed by evidence in order to guide the parents,” Hannah said.

“I love facilitating and witnessing the first cuddle between a mother and her premature child. It’s very emotionally rewarding. That’s why we’re all here; to provide good care for parents and bubs.”

Lucy said it was very important for her to be able to cuddle Leo as soon as possible.

She’s now able to hold him every day for hours at a time, and hopeful he will soon be able to breathe independently and be transferred to Orange Base Hospital.

“We’ve been here for two months and I’m missing home terribly. The magnificent social worker found accommodation for me and has helped me get financial support, but I’d like to be closer to home,” Lucy.

“But the beautiful doctors and nurses here have been fantastic with Leo.”

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

‘There aren’t words for it’: What it’s like having a baby at 26 weeks

17

Thank You

Pink Up Penrith Pink Up St Marys Penrith CBD Corp and St Marys Town Centre would like to thank the local businesses, schools, elected representatives and the community for getting behind and supporting the event across the month of October

Together we have made a difference Watch our facebook pages to see the final amounts raised as they are tallied up

Well done Penrith and St Marys!

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

18

local news

Penrith High School Reunion 50th Anniversary Class of 1969 A reunion of students who commenced Penrith High School 1st form in 1964 in and completed 6th form in 1969, including those who came and went in between. Other students who were at the school during this time are also welcome to join us.

Details 29th Nov 2019 — School Tour 30th Nov 2019 — Luncheon at Nepean Rowing Club Cost: $60 Contact: Derek Thompson (02) 4256 5780 thompson@idx.com.au

www.facebook.com/groups/ • PenrithHighSchoolReunion1964to1969/

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HEALTH

By KeRRIE DAVIES

J

anet Wilton knew she was struggling, but it wasn’t until a suicide attempt landed her at Westmead Hospital that she decided to take her mental illness seriously.

The mother-of-four was among the guests at the Western Sydney Mental Health Month event in Dawson Mall Mount Druitt on Thursday, October 24.

This year’s theme of ‘Share the Journey’ resonated with Janet as she recalled her traumatic childhood and decades of trying to cope alone.

“I suffered from depression for many years but I tried to ignore the signs. It wasn’t until I attempted suicide that I realised I didn’t want to die and I reached out to my sister for help,” Janet said.

“Now I’m an abuse survivor and a depression survivor. I’ve got a lot to be proud of considering where I’ve been and where I am today. No matter how many times I fall into the dip of depression I keep moving forward.”

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Mental Health was among the organisers of today’s event, which featured emergency services and

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not-for-profit support organisations including LikeMind, Parramatta Mission and atWork Australia.

WSLHD Mental Health director A/ Prof Beth Kotze encouraged people take care of their mental health every day, and feel comfortable seeking informal and professional help.

“The theme of ‘Share the Journey’ fits for health workers as the journeys of our consumers inspire us to provide the best possibly mental health service,” Beth said.

“It’s so important not to walk that journey alone but to connect with people and support each other. It can be daunting taking that first step in asking a tough question or giving a personal answer, but connecting with others gives us a sense of security, support, purpose and happiness.”

Janet said she is alive today thanks to the support of family, friends

and mental health organisations. atWork Australia helped her land a job at McDonald’s Granville last year after she was forced to leave her childcare job due to workplace bullying.

“Not everything in life is going to go your way. You are going to have challenges and defeats, but for me I just stay positive and do the best I can wherever life takes me,” Janet said.

“You only get the privilege of living once and I’ve realised I don’t need much.

I have my family and my girlfriends and that’s good enough for me.”

If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, please call triple-0 or the following organisations for support: Mental Health Hotline (Open 24 Hours) – 1800 011 511 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36 Men’s Help – 1300 78 99 78

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Suicide survivor calls on others to speak up

19

Legends of the Nepean Eric Kent

By Noel Rowsell

E

Eric & Valerie’s Wedding

ric Kent is a Life Member of St Marys Historical Society, having joined the group in 2014 and serving for a period as Vice President.

A long-term resident of St Marys, Eric was born in Leura in 1937 and adopted at birth by William and Jessie Kent.

William worked on sheep farms in western NSW, before initially taking up a role as a Warder at Hay Gaol.

The Gaol was taken over as a Prisoner-of-War camp during WWll and William was transferred to another ‘country’ gaol at Emu Plains.

The family moved to Penrith, then on to Llandilo in 1942.

Electricity was not available, nor town water or sewage so the house featured a large water tank outside the kitchen door, kerosene for both lighting and cooking.

William Kent died prematurely in 1944 and Eric remembers his mother Jessie working tirelessly, relying

heavily on the Widow’s Pension then later taking in boarders to ‘keep a roof over their heads’.

Jessie re-married Frederick Cooney in 1952 and Eric remembers his stepfather as a wonderful person.

During his childhood years, Eric’s mother moved to the ‘Duration Cottages’ in St Marys and he attended St Marys PS and St Marys HS. Former Legend Caroline Volkier also lived in the Duration Cottages, whilst another Legend Norma Thorburn was a classmate of Eric’s at St Marys PS. St Marys was vastly different in 1952, with a few small shops near the Railway Station (including a grocery store and a Milk Bar).

Lamming’s General Store was in the middle of Queen Street, along with a Butcher, Bakery and the Methodist Church, whilst there were more shops up at Western Road, including another Butchers, a Barber, the Mechanic’s Institute and the ‘Old Buffs’, which was demolished to make way for the first Band Club.

Whilst living at St Marys, Eric became a member of the Nepean

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Eric Kent was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Jackie Greenow OAM. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

The extended family at a Grand-daughter’s wedding

District Pipe Band from ages 15-17, only stopping due to ill health.

Eric contracted Tuberculosis as a 17-year old and spent 18 months as a resident of Wentworth Falls Hospital, which has since closed.

“It was a bit like a holiday camp” said Eric.

“Three meals a day, watching TV or strolling in the grounds - it was all a home away from home.”

Eric was also a Scout briefly in 1950 and would subsequently return to the organisation in 1967, when his eldest son wanted to join the Cubs at 1st St Marys Scout Troop.

After serving as ‘Baloo the Bear’ with the Cubs for the next 5 years, Eric would become Cub Leader from 197274, only leaving at that time to move to Darwin working to help re-build houses following Cyclone Tracy.

Mother Jessie passed away in 1970

and step-father Frederick in 1973.

Eric’s life turned upside down upon the death of his mother, when he discovered he had been adopted as a baby.

A prolonged search would initially discover his father’s identity, which then led to the discovery of both his birth mother’s identity and the existence of four siblings (2 brothers, 2 sisters), who have all since formed a strong bond of friendship with Eric.

Eric had married sweetheart Valerie in 1957, at the Presbyterian Church in Mt Druitt and they would have 6 children (5 boys, 1 girl), with the extended family now growing to include 15 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren (with another on the way).

During his working life, Eric started with Ducon / Plessey and remained with the company for 14 years, before

moving into the construction industry for the following 20 years.

Eric lost Valerie to Breast Cancer in 1995 and her loss still affects him deeply, as evidenced during our interview.

Eric contracted Prostate Cancer in 2002 and after successfully beating the disease, has now been a member of the Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group for 10 years.

He was made a Life Member of the Group in 2014 and they have proudly supported Penrith’s ‘Relay for Life’ for 10 years.

Eric has been a member of the St Marys Historical Society since 2014 and became a Life Member earlier this year.

He said “I’ve been fortunate to have a privileged life, whilst many others have not been as fortunate.”

Photos provided by Eric Kent

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Val & Eric at a company dinner

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local news

SchoolieS week - trash or treasure?

He Says........................... .........................She Says Schoolies week, what on earth possesses normal, intelligent, loving parents to agree to throw their hard earned cash at their kids as some sort of reward for finishing an exam that tells them how successful or unsuccessful they have been in getting the education that we worked hard to pay for?

Now I might have some sympathy for an 18 year old who has achieved great results after their HSC and actually did some work during their school tuition, but what’s with the School Certificate celebration requirement for 16 year olds? Most 16 year olds have trouble remembering it is bloody garbage night.

Six kids with individual IQ’s of 100 would be lucky to achieve a combined score of 120 when put together.

Schooling is tough, our kids have to spend at least four hours per day learning and only get 12 weeks a year holidays with pupil free days etc. Wow how do they survive?

That equates to about 800 hours a year of schooling compared with the average Joe or Josephine’s working year of about 1900 slave hours a year.

WIN!

Tell the lazy little buggers to go and get a holiday job and earn some cash so they can send their parents on an all expenses paid holiday as reward for what we have done for them.

On a more serious note, why on earth is a school only six hours a day attendance?

It may be ok for young kids in primary school but surely these hours should be increased to at least 7-8 hours a day in High School. We should be getting them ready for the working life ahead of them instead of pandering to some out-of-touch educator who has been cocooned in a school environment their whole life, who says it’s hard to concentrate for longer than six hours.

If that’s the case then let’s reduce the working hours to six a day for everyone.

Enjoy your break kids, because the real world is rapidly approaching.

I say let them have their week of fun before the harsh realities of life set in - the last hoorah, so to speak.

Let’s face it - those of us like me who were put on this earth before the schoolies legend was born don’t like it because we’re just plain jealous!

Where was the week of boozin fun away from the ever-watchful parental eye when we finished school?

The best we had to look forward to was an awkward school formal, where we spent the entire year obsessing over who would or wouldn’t ask us to be their date.

And we females didn’t get to get doled up to the nines in a wedding-style flurry of makeup, spray tans and tiaras either - the chosen dress was often vetoed by our fun-spoiling parents who wanted us in pretty pink frills that revealed as little skin as possible.

Imagine the fun of having almost your entire grade running amok on a sun-drenched holiday with you - not to mention the absence of teachers or parents to plan the activities!

It is the literally the best age of your life; with school behind you and the world at your feet, you’re finally old enough to participate in anything and everything and what’s best is you look the best you’re ever likely to look while doing it.

The memories gained from schoolies week will last with the younger generations forever. When life deals the blows that ultimately hit us all at one time or another, they’ll always have fond memories of dreamy days where life was wild and carefree for a one-week window.

And maybe, just maybe, it will serve to motivate them that having a good job and being sensible with their hardearned cash will serve up more holidays in the future, albeit more mature ones with different types of fun to be had.

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.

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Secret debate

23

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

24

local news

Smiles all round: St Marys sub-Branch scholarship recipients

All 2019 winners from the 5 St Marys schools, along with Presenters, Cr Greg Davies, Mrs Judy Shepherd and Mrs Jackie Greenow OAM

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HERE were some very happy scholarship recipients at St Marys RSL last week; for in their hands was a financial boost to assist with their education in their senior high school years.

Now in its 16th year, the St Marys RSL sub-Branch offers a two-year educational scholarship each year to three qualifying Year 10 students in each of a number of High Schools in the St Marys district.

Titled the ‘Colin Shepherd OAM

Memorial School Scholarship Program’, participating schools conduct a competition based around military-related topics agreed with the sub-Branch.

The judging panel have the unenviable task of choosing the winning entries and the scholarship winners receive a financial award to assist them with their subsequent educational needs, usually into Years 11 and 12.

“This year the students were asked to select one topic from a range of options and submit a piece of work in response. Topics this year included finding a link to a friend or family

member who served, the role of animals in conflict and awardees of the Victoria Cross. The work could be in the form of an essay, powerpointstyle, poem, song, or in whatever is their strength to illustrate their response,” said Honorary Secretary, Tony Fryer.

“The emphasis is on their opinions rather that the google facts. We don’t necessarily expect to agree with their opinions, just that we want them to have some, with relevant logic to back them.”

The Colin Shepherd OAM Memorial School Scholarship Program first started in 2003 and was

named after Sub-Branch member Colin Shepherd, who sadly passed away before seeing his brilliant idea come to fruition.

“Congratulations to all the scholarship winners and thank you from our RSL sub-Branch members for the effort students put into their entries. All entrants will have taken the opportunity to become more aware of Australia’s military culture and traditions, along with its history.

“We wish these Year 10 students from participating schools, the very best in their studies as they venture into Years 11 and 12.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

26

Announcing: The 2020 Season at The Joan 18 Fun, Classic and Adventurous live shows celebrating Dance, Comedy, Drama and Classical Music 29 February – 10 October Spiegelesque | Grace Under Pressure | Easter Oratorio | Gospel According to Paul | Jekyll & Hyde | 30 Something | Playlist The Sentimental Bloke | Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Spooky Men’s Chorale | The Lights In The Park | Mell-O-Tones The Wharf Revue | Carmen | Kangaroo | DADS | 30th Anniversary Concert | Lamb

W

e love each and every show at The Joan.

We love the big ones, the small ones and those that refuse to be defined. We know each show has its own voice and song and story and we want to help you connect with the right show for you. This year, our 2020 program will stretch across all specialties of the performing arts. In 2020, we want to celebrate all the love and stories that know no bounds. Our season will feature comedy, dance, cabaret, fine and contemporary music and of course, the great Australian theatre that charms us, compels us and keeps us coming back for more.

We begin on 29 February with Spiegelesque - part cabaret, part dance, part circus and all decadent world-class entertainment, Spiegelesque is immersive and eclectic. We ask audiences to leave their real life at the door and immerse themselves in a world of dynamic dance, aerial artistry, sultry singers, sequins, feathers and poles. Showing on 29 February at 2pm & 7.30pm.

On 28 March, audiences are invited to peek behind the scenes of the fascinating medical industry in Grace Under Pressure; a compelling, confronting, hopeful and deeply moving work of theatre by acclaimed verbatim theatre makers David Williams and Paul Dwyer in collaboration with the Sydney Arts and Health Collective. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking but always compelling, Grace Under Pressure weaves together the experiences of the health professionals that look after us. Don’t miss it on 28 March at 2pm & 7.30pm.

For a beautiful lead-in to Easter, we welcome Bach Akadamie Australia to our Concert Hall on 4 April at 7.30pm for one spellbinding night with the lush sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach in the Easter Oratorio. We welcome internationally renowned American countertenor Reginald Mobley to Australia for this musical celebration of Easter that continues to inspire and comfort us these many hundreds of years later.

In May, we boast a big month of theatre for all kinds of tastes… We see the return of funny man and long term Sydney comedy legend Jonathan Biggins in The Gospel According to Paul on 2 May. Showcasing eviscerating wit, rich rhetoric and ego the size of Everest, Gospel distils Paul Keating’s essence into 85 minutes, focussing on key biographical milestones, landmark political achievements and personal obsessions of the man who grew up in the tribe of the Labor Party. Showing across two huge shows on Saturday 2 May at 2pm & 7.30pm.

Comedy, thrills, chaos, delight. On May 8 & 9, the bonkers rendition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Jekyll and Hyde is retold by a team of charmingly ‘French’ performers with the help of the audience. Gather up your friends, lovers, and distant cousins, and prepare to unleash your inner monster!

Revel in all the gloriously silly fun over three shows on Friday 8 May at 7.30pm & Saturday 9 May at 2pm & 7.30pm.

On Saturday 27 May we enter a world of dance, theatre and pure femme power. Playlist is Beyoncé meets the women’s marches meets Australian Idol.

Five incredible young women talk about their favourite female pop stars and how these narratives inspire and shape their personal worlds in this genredefying dance theatre work by celebrated theatremakers Powerhouse Youth Theatre (PYT) Fairfield, showing on 27 May at 7.30pm.

Then, on the following weekend, we travel to New

Spiegelesque

Year’s Eve 1939, somewhere between Casablanca and The Cotton Club. Join award-winning Maestro of mischief Phil Scott and powerhouse canary Catherine Alcorn for a thrilling joyride back to a very dramatic era where you’ll soon see she’s 30 Something and he’s... not. Politics, the great depression, booze... and that’s just in the dressing room! Showing on Saturday 30 May at 2pm & 7.30pm.

Through the second half of the year, we combat the chill of Winter with some of the most heartwarming productions across film, drama, comedy, fine music and the biggest of Big Bands. On 13 June it’s a comedy, a romance, a ripping good yarn; The Sentimental Bloke is an icon of Australian early silent film set in the Sydney working class suburb of Woolloomooloo. Raymond Longford’s film humorously tells the heart-warming story of larrikin Bill – the Sentimental Bloke – his sweetheart Doreen, and his ruffian mate Ginger Mick. Don’t miss this iconic Australian film when it shows at The Joan, accompanied by a specially commissioned live musical score by Ian Munro and Calvin Bowman on Saturday 13 June at 2pm & 7.30pm.

Western Sydney audiences have a great sense of humour and The Joan knows it. On 16 June at 7.30pm we put comedy front and centre with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. Buckle up for a night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song! We continue the laughs, albeit on a more melodic note, on 3 & 4 July when we are joined by the Spooky Men’s Chorale - sometimes silly and humorous, sometimes blissfully tender-hearted, and always striking a deeply human chord. Armed only with their voices, a sly collection of hats and facial hair and a twinkle in the eye, the Spooky Men commentate on the absurdity and grandeur of the modern male over two shows on 3 July at 7.30pm & 4 July at 2pm.

It’s the ultimate big band! On 25 July Sydney’s finest jazz and swing musicians come together to perform a sparkling repertoire of classics from the swing-era with The Mell-o-Tones. For one day only, the 15-piece big band brings us music from the golden age of Broadway and Hollywood, Latin-American cha-cha, rumba and mambo evergreens; and big band versions of the great songs associated with legends like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire. A sparkling delight of music and performance not to be missed! Catch The Mell-o-Tones at 2pm & 7.30pm on Saturday 25 July.

From 13 – 15 August, the comedy institution we all know and love - The Wharf Revue - bids

farewell. Don’t miss out on this one last hurrah when after 20 years of bringing the institution to life, the indefatigable trio of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott reunite with dazzling accomplice Mandy Bishop for one final victory lap of The Wharf Revue, showing at 7.30pm on 13 & 14 August and at 2pm & 7.30pm on Saturday 15 August.

Returning to The Allan Mullins Studio for another knock-out season, the crew from Australian Theatre For Young People (ATYP) join forces with our very own Q Theatre team to bring you a brand new production exploring the intertwined lives of strangers in Lights in the Park, showing from 5 – 15 August. Shortly after, things heat up as Carmen faces her fate in Bizet’s most popular opera showing on Friday 28 August at 7.30pm. Presented by Opera Australia, this new production of Carmen features gorgeous sets and vintage-inspired costumes, highlighting the colour and vibrancy of the opera’s Spanish setting.

Celebrating the finest in theatre, September brings us productions that engage, intrigue and make us smile. On 4 & 5 September, we meet three strangers in a small regional town, intricately entwined by the events of one fateful night in Kangaroo; a truly inspired new Australian work by a playwright based in Bathurst. Kangaroo follows three people as they share the funny yet tragic stories that cause their lives to converge head on - don’t miss this unique drama on Friday 4 September at 7.30pm, with sessions at 2pm & 7.30pm on Saturday 5 September.

On 18 & 19 September enter a secret underworld of Dad dancing, inspired by the experts – the Dads.

Produced by Dance Makers Collective, the team behind Dads have taken inspiration from their family histories, memories of dance, and their own experience of being professional dancers. It’s not all daggy dance moves (although there’s a few), but a beautiful foray into the layman’s perspective on art.

Showing at 7.30pm on Friday 18 September and at 2pm & 7.30pm on Saturday 19 September.

In a beautiful celebration of the iconic music on which our centre was founded, Tamara-Anna Cislowska returns to The Joan as Musical Director and pianist for our much anticipated 30th Anniversary Concert on 26 September at 7.30pm. Stephanie McCallum, Kathy Selby, Clemens Leske, Neal Peres da Costa and many more will come together for one special concert that features the stunning spectacle of six grand pianos and two percussionists on stage.

We close the season in October with a touchingly beautiful play featuring original music by Mark Seymour (Hunters & Collectors) and written by multi-award-winning playwright Jane Bodie.

LAMB follows two generations of family set on an Australian sheep farm spanning over 40 years. Told with subtlety and humour, LAMB tells an intimate story of family and rural life. See it when it heads to The Joan on Friday 9 October at 7.30pm and Saturday 10 October at 2pm & 7.30pm.

Here at The Joan, we are all about being inclusive and ensuring that we have great programmes accessible for everyone. We love all our audiences, young and old(er). We’ve set a special $30 Seniors Matinee price across eleven of our 2pm Saturday performances and continue with our $30 Under 30 ticket offer across all season shows.

To book individual shows and subscriptions, and to check out the full 2020 Season please visit: www.thejoan.com.au/whats-on/

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

28

Announcing: The Morning Melodies 2020 Series at The Joan

F

rom January through till December, on the fourth Wednesday of every month*, The Joan’s Morning Melodies series will bring audiences some of the best world-class entertainment from 11am – 12.30pm, accompanied by a delicious Devonshire Tea. For 30 years Morning Melodies has entertained a loyal community of followers who have become a vital and ongoing part of The Joan’s history. Valda Silvy OAM, Music Programmer for the Morning Melodies series, says that it has been truly heartwarming to see so many new faces joining loyal regulars over the past few years.

When talking about the Morning Melodies series in 2020, Valda says, “I’m so excited about this year’s program, it’s star-studded and full of fun – a perfect way to celebrate The Joan’s 30th Anniversary! Come and join us for another great year of marvellous music. We look forward to seeing you.”

The beginning of the year sees a celebration of our home country in Aussie Icons Forever on 22 January. In an early celebration of Australia Day, Little Pattie, Jim Haynes and the Greg Hooper Trio have all pooled their talents to provide a morning of absolute Aussie entertainment and iconic musical treasures.

A tribute to the greatest duets from stage and screen on 26 February sees Tony Mazell, Guy Taylor, Shilo Khader & Sara Mazell in Duets. It’s a showcase of the worldwide hit duets spanning the 40s to today - from Frank & Nancy Sinatra’s Something Stupid to Dirty Dancing’s Time of my Life and many more perfect pairings.

Listen, watch and witness why this icon is still adored and respected after nearly 60 years recording

Aussies Icons Forever

and on stage… Lonnie Lee & The Leemen return on 25 March with Lonnie Lee’s Back to Base X – 63 Years And Still Rockin’. Guaranteed, you will be amazed at his energy and exciting vocal style.

Look out in the early Nepean News editions of next year for more information on the later shows.

How to buy tickets to the 2020 Morning Melodies series at The Joan Tickets can be pre-booked over the phone via the Box Office on 4723 7600 or via the website www.thejoan.com.au/ All tickets include a delicious morning tea served from 10am with performances beginning at 11am and concluding around 12.30pm. All seats are allocated.

6 SHOW SUBSCRIPTION - $20 PER TICKET Choose any six shows in the season, securing your ticket, your favourite seat and our lowest ticket price.

There is also flexibility to exchange for another show at no cost if your plans change – you never know when a holiday might pop up!

PRE-BOOKED AND PAID TICKET - $22 PER TICKET Reserve your tickets in advance and pay

$22 per ticket. Tickets must be paid for up to a week in advance or they will be released back for other Morning Melodies patrons to purchase. Due to the popularity of Morning Melodies, we’ve had waiting lists full of people missing out because many tickets have been reserved but not collected on the day, and we want to make sure as many people as possible get to come along and enjoy the entertainment. If you have reserved a ticket and not yet paid and collected it (or arranged a digital e-ticket), you will receive an email two weeks prior to the show to remind you to finalise your purchase.

PURCHASE ON THE DAY - $25 PER TICKET Purchase your tickets on the day of the concert and pay $25. Phone, internet and card transactions all incur a $5 booking fee. *A Jolly Holly Christmas on the third Wednesday of December The full line-up for the 2020 Morning Melodies series is as follows; January 22 - Aussie Icons Forever February 26 - Duets March 25 - Lonnie Lee’s Back to Base X

– 63 Years And Still Rockin’ April 22 - Leading Men with a Leading Lady May 27 - The NSW Police Band June 24 - Elvis & Friends July 22 - With Love – Marilyn August 26 - Headliners – Stars of Yesterday and Today September 23 - The Royal Australian Navy Band October 28 - The Golden Boys of Aussie Rock ‘N’ Roll November 25 - Showstoppers December 16 - A Jolly Holly Christmas

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St Marys

Christmas Tree Lighting

d N n o 2 v 2 e mber y a d i r F 5pm - 8.30pm Coachman’s Park, St Marys

Music • Prizes • Santa arriving!

• Kids activities • Christmas Carols • Entertainment for all ages

ENTERTAINMENT

I

t’s hard to believe that we are less than five weeks away from Christmas!

Sue Fryer, Business Development Manager with St Marys Town Centre knows just how many days are left till Christmas as she and the St Marys business community have been busily getting ready to put up the giant Christmas Tree in St Marys. “I can’t wait,” she said. “Last year was the first time that we installed Christmas lights in Coachman’s Park and the feedback was amazing. So much so, that we have a few new surprises going in this year.”

“St Marys is such a tight knit community, the St Marys Christmas Tree is our way of giving back to the community for all the support that they have given us over the year.” Sue said.

“To mark the start of the festive season, the St Marys Christmas Tree lights will be turned on for the first time at approximately 830pm on Friday 22nd October.”

“Come on down as there will be carols, dancing, an animal farm and lots of cool prizes to be won. Dress up in something Christmas inspired for your chance to win.”

St Marys Town Centre will have lots of activities and free entertainment in Coachman’s Park in the lead up to Christmas tree lighting. Come down from 5pm to enjoy the activities. Check out the St Marys Town Centre’s Facebook page for more information.

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

St Marys is a glow with the Christmas Spirit

31

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ENTERTAINMENT

33

I

t’s a night out with a difference.

Council is hosting its first Penrith Producers evening at Triangle Park on Friday 22 November. From 5pm, local Penrith producers will be showcasing locally crafted brews and ciders, delicious foods and devilish desserts for everyone to taste and purchase.

Local musicians will be performing during the evening.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said that Penrith Producers brings the community together, as friends, family and workmates, to enjoy a night of Penrith Made.

“You don’t need to travel outside of Penrith to experience the best craft brews, foods, desserts and music. We have it all here for one night in our City Centre,” said Cr Fowler.

“Penrith Producers is a great opportunity for friends and families to venture out into the City Centre and discover amazing items that are Penrith Made. Our local producers offer a range of locally made products, from small goods, decorative biscuits, raw foods, American style brisket and sushi bento boxes.

“Penrith Producers is a part of Council’s ongoing work to activate the Penrith and St Marys Centres,

including much-loved events like Lunchtime Tunes, Open Mic Night and Alive After 5,” he continued.

“This isn’t a night you want to miss,” he said.

Penrith Producers will be held on Friday 22 November from 5pm to 10pm in Triangle Park, the western end of High Street. Parking is available via Union Road.

For more information about the event, visit penrith.city/events

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 A fragrant oleoresin (6) 4 Dubioius (8) 10 Luxurious (9) 11 Touches of the tongue (5) 12 Incentive (5) 13 Mixes drinks (9) 14 An easy victory (slang) (7) 16 Breastplate (4) 19 Male cow (4) 21 Swaggering show of

courage (7) 24 A reprieve in intensity (9) 25 Trophy (5) 26 A printed leaf or page (5) 27 Substance dependence (9) 28 Freedom from normal

restraints in conduct (8) 29 JFK’s assassin (6)

solution 7/11/19

DOWN 1 An American sport (8) 2 Radiant (8) 3 Initial wagers (5) 5 See (7) 6 Dancer (9) 7 Front of a building (6) 8 Sheen (6) 9 Wholesaler (6) 15 A dwelling on water (9) 17 Cathedral (8) 18 Ruled (8) 20 Away from the wind (7) 21 Befall (6) 22 A severe scolding (6) 23 A light medieval helmet (6) 25 Light kisses (5)

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

A special night of Penrith made

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

34

ENTERTAINMENT

Gateway

Mike’s Pantry

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

with Michael Creed from Thor’s Cafe Penrith

Don’t Be Just A Mate...

Be A Dynamate Over the decades of doing what Rossco does, I can honestly state that my greatest love of all...

Is people.

Many a time I have confirmed, That to have a good friend, Is first and foremost, to be one.

Those of us who are privileged to have a good friend, Know the warmth and security in being able To share the most innermost joys and fears With a true friend and mate.

Secure in knowing what You share is safe It goes without saying, that the same honour and trust is returned by us.

So, now let’s all lift our game even higher.

We are no longer going to be “Just A Mate” We are going to be “Ä Dynamate!”

(Our new word...let me hear it everywhere!)

Your mate, Rossco

SUDOKU: EASY

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

Cheesy Vegemite Scrolls Ingredients: • 2C Self raising flour • ¾ C Milk • 30g Butter • ¾ C Grated tasty cheese • 1T Vegemite • Extra milk to glaze Method: Preheat oven to 200c.

Line baking tray with baking paper.

Sift the flour into a bowl. Now using your fingertips rub the butter in until you end up with a fine breadcrumb texture. Slowly add the milk and then knead until you form a soft dough.

Roll out into a rough rectangle and then spread the vegemite over the dough and the sprinkle the cheese over the top.

Roll the dough up firmly and place the roll on the tray with the seam

side down.

Using either scissors or a knife cut into the top of the dough at 3cm intervals (be sure not to cut all the way through.) Once you have done that, brush with the extra milke to give it a nice glaze.

Place tray in the oven and then bake for around 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

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FREE ENTRY - 8.30pm, In the JA Room All those shooting stars of the pop world that rose to instant fame with one big tune and then sank into oblivion soon afterwards are indulged with tongue in cheek irreverence. The band covers musical styles to suit tastes from Disco to Glam Rock, Pop to Current Top 40.

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

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Christmas Ham Raffles Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, starting 28th November!

Between 5 & 8pm (Conditions apply) SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members

FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 22 NOV - 8PM Us Too

SATURDAY 23 NOV - 7PM AM 2 PM

SUNDAY 24 NOV - 5PM Blackwater

FRIDAY 29 NOV - 8PM The Remixes

SATURDAY 30 NOV - 7PM Marty’s Place

ENTERTAINMENT

37

I

hope you get this: Raquel Ormella is the new Summer exhibition featuring at Penrith Regional Gallery from 30 November, bringing together a selection of new and recent work by one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, Raquel Ormella.

The exhibition explores key themes that Ormella has consistently focused on: social and environmental activism; human and animal relationships; nationalism and national identity.

This exhibition includes work from a wide variety of media, and particularly draws on Ormella’s experimental textile works, revealing her strong relationship with textiles and a playful exploration of semiotics that are critical hallmarks of her work.

Through the use of text and symbols woven into intricate embroidery work, Ormella invites viewers to engage with the themes of nationalism, political activism and environmental intervention.

Ormella’s works aim to stimulate contemplation, connection and engagement with issues of our times.

Often, the materials she uses are things that we all have at home, or for the hoarders amongst us, in some of our cupboards. The title of this show, ‘I

hope you get this’ refers not only to her own position within the works, but also to our reading of these various subjects.

I hope you get this: Raquel Ormella will be the artist’s first major solo exhibition and will show at Penrith

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

I hope you get this: Raquel Ormella

Regional Gallery from Saturday November 30 to Sunday 22 March 2020.

A NETS Victoria and Shepparton Art Museum touring exhibition curated

by SAM Director Rebecca Coates and SAM Senior Curator Anna Briers.

Book now for your Christmas Party!

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

38

NEPEAN HISTORY

Penrith’s Pioneering Son

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

F

rancis (Frank) Stuart was born in May 1844 at Penrith, the son of Robert Stuart, Estate Manager to Sir John Jamieson at Regentville.

Frank’s mother was Elizabeth, (née Matthews).

In 1857 at the age of thirteen, Frank became an apprentice to a Sydney draper but later returned to Penrith to work for a Mr Coulter who was a storekeeper at Penrith. In 1866 at the age of twentytwo he eloped with his employer’s daughter Matilda and they were married in Sydney that year and sailed to Melbourne. Frank joined the fashionable Collins Street store of Alston & Brown. He was later employed by Dixon Bros who were warehousemen in Flinders Lane, staying there until in 1871 at the age of twenty-seven, he started a company making work clothing. In 1884 he joined McIvor & Lincoln who made waterproof clothing, and on the death of the senior partner he took over, with the firm now called Lincoln Stuart & Co. that was registered as a limited company in February 1889. When Lincoln retired, Frank was the sole proprietor. It became a prosperous business and among its early successes was a contract in 1885 to supply uniforms within seventeen days for the hastily raised NSW Sudan contingent. Later, one of his soft goods firms named L. Stevenson & Sons was also in Flinders Lane, he worked there around fifteen years. This firm made hats that became known as “Stuart Hats”. Frank was always looking for new opportunities and recognising possibilities in the rubber industry he joined with Barnet Glass & Sons Co to manufacture waterproof clothing.

He became a director of the company that was later taken over by Dunlop.

Frank was also President of the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures in 1885 and Chairman of the Clothing and Manufacturers’ Association in 1887. In April 1889 he was elected an MLA for East Melbourne in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. When the Munro ministry was formed in November 1890, Frank was appointed Minister without Portfolio, along with (Sir) Simon Fraser and (Sir) Alexander Peacock. He resigned from the ministry in April 1891 but remained a private member. Although a protectionist, he argued persistently for the duty-free import of goods that could not be sourced locally. When he contested East Melbourne in 1894 the Argus described him as an advocate of tariff reform, while the protectionist Age denounced him for having stood on the Liberal ticket to become ‘a mere Tory tool - a political prostitute of the worst sort. No Liberal can tolerate his return to the House with anything but loathing’. Frank was a vigorous and long-standing advocate of intercolonial free trade, campaigning for Federation particularly through the Australian Natives’ Association. In June 1904 he was elected as one of the inaugural members for Melbourne North Province in the Victorian Legislative Council. His parliamentary energies were concentrated on the improvement of education, public health and military training. He denounced dependence on London’s money market, politically motivated railway development and French imperialism in the New Hebrides, and he opposed plural voting, property qualification, income tax and female suffrage. He resigned in May 1907 to have more time for business.

Frank had speculated in real estate, registering 51 land titles in 187090, mostly in Hawthorn and the Gippsland Lakes. He had retired from these ventures before the land boom reached its peak but reduced his fortune by re-entering the market. In 1891-1910 he had acquired 14

titles, and by guaranteeing colleagues who emerged bankrupt. Deciding in 1910 that ‘land and shares is not our business’, he liquidated all except for two country properties to finance an imaginative walkway from Collins Street to the Flinders Street railway station that was being engineered by (Sir) John Monash. He held a commission in the Victorian militia. He achieved acclaim as an oarsman, cyclist and marksman and he was Founding Captain of the Victoria Golf Club and a pioneer motorist who drove in the 1905 Sydney to Melbourne Dunlop Reliability Trial in a Swift motorcar 10-12 hp (horsepower).

The Swift Motor Co made Swift Cars in Coventry in England from 1900 to 1931. During the early 1900’s Swift entered their cars in reliability trials and won many gold medals. Swift made their first prototype single-cylinder car using an Motor Manufacturing Company engine. In 1901 the car was put into production. It had a tubular chassis, a single cylinder de Dion engine and a two-speed back axle. In 1902 the Swift Motor Co was formed. The company produced one, two, three and four-cylinder cars, first using proprietary engines. By 1904 the first Swiftengine car was the twin-cylinder 7 hp and later 10 hp.

This was shortly joined by the four-cylinder 12-14 hp that continued in a bewildering number of guises until the First World War. Motorsport has always been an integral part of Dunlop’s heritage and success in Australia. It was during February 21-25th in 1905 that Frank participated in this trial.

Henry Barton James, an employee with Dunlop, conducted the Dunlop Reliability Motor Contest, a trial from Sydney to Melbourne over 572 miles. This was the first major motorsport event in Australia and only the fourth such event in the world. This trial was over all classes of road and attracted twenty-three cars of which seventeen finished. Frank was an ardent Australian nationalist and proud of being country-born.

He was a voracious reader and founded the Melbourne Beefsteak Club.

Although he was an enthusiastic subject of Queen Victoria, he criticized Imperial strategy in the Pacific and declared that Switzerland had shown that republicanism was ‘the right form of government’. He was said to be a stalwart man of average height, with a clean-shaven square-set face and jaunty air. He died of a cerebral haemorrhage in October 1910 on the “Otranto” returning from a world tour and was buried at sea off Aden. His family continued to use “Nyerimilang” that was situated west of Lakes Entrance in Victoria. Frank had acquired the property in 1891 that was first owned by Alexander Murray. Frank built a holiday home as a base for fishing and shooting at the Gippsland Lakes. During the early 1930s, his son Frank Jnr extended the house and developed the surrounding gardens and lived in style complete with housemaids and a gardener. When Frank Jnr died in 1936 his widow gave the property to the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland for use as a Boys’ Training Farm. Later in 1976 it was purchased by the Victorian Government. A display and a collection of reference material featuring the history of “Nyerimilang” and the natural resources and history of the Gippsland Lakes can be seen in the homestead in the library. The grounds around the homestead is now called Nyerimilang Heritage Park. Photo courtesy of the Australian National Archives.

Sources: Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, Orbost & District Historical Society Inc. of Victoria, Aussie Towns website, Francis Stuart- Merchant in Marvellous Melbourne: Frank Stuart (2002), Dunlop website, Sydney Morning Herald 1905, Swift Motor Co website.

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Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

40

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS Ask the Expert - Holiday Season Sales – Are Great Results Achievable?

Sharon Mudiman Licensee and Principal of Bespoke Realty Group has been negotiating the sale of property for over twentyfive years in the Greater Penrith Region

V

endors contemplating the sale of a home over the holiday season approach real estate agents with the same concern each year. Is the summer season a poor time to sell?

While Penrith’s property market remains buoyant, it is important that vendors consider how to compensate for added variables over the Christmas and New Year period. Therefore, it requires a carefully calculated real estate plan to

ensure the best sales result for your home.

Always play to your strengths. Determining your property’s stand-out feature is the first step to your strategy. Family homebuyers, for example, will be active throughout the latter part of the year to secure a home in a sought-after school zone. Lifestyle properties with particularly beautiful seasonal gardens may be also attractive this time of year.

Working closely with your agent to create a tailor-

made plan to highlight your home’s best features will assist in streamlining the marketing and sales process to target the correct buyers for your home.

Quality vs. quantity. Another key concern is the potential drop in foot traffic at open for inspections this time of year. However, there may be fewer homes listed for sale during this time as well. This can create competition amongst buyers for less stock, which is the prime position for any seller to be in. To get buyers through the door ensure your marketing is on pointe and puts your best foot forward.

Strategise your staging. As with any time of year, it is imperative that buyers can envision themselves living in your home. Keep the feeling of your home light, and remember that your style of celebrating may not be to everyone’s taste. A low-key holiday season may be the sacrifice you have to make to ensure your home appeals to the widest array of buyers.

So while the holiday season sets its challenges, an experienced agent can create an active rather than passive plan to balance any bumps in the road.

A well presented and properly marketed home will always attract buyers, regardless of the time of year.

The benefits of keeping your money in our economy With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

T

he next month or so will see most of us spending up big time, buying Christmas presents for our loved ones and friends. Most retailers rely on this this time of year of increased sales to make their profits for the year.

Most Aussie retailers are doing it tough.

Consumer confidence is very low for many reasons.

Our economy is slowing down and the government and Reserve Bank are worried that we might slip into a recession for the first time since 1991.

We can all do our bit to help keep our economy above water and help keep more Aussies in jobs at the same time. Buying from overseas online retailers will usually save you some money but the only benefit our economy gets is the work done by the courier companies.

Instead of buying, say 10 gifts worth $1,000 in total from overseas websites, spend the same money from Aussie retailers online or in the shop. You may only get 9 gifts but you will be contributing to local jobs and our economy. Also, when local companies have a profit, they pay tax that helps run our great country.

Overseas companies don’t pay any tax here of

course. Their profits are kept off shore as well.

If a local business makes a profit, most of these profits are then spent in our economy buying other goods and services. This then helps generate more employment for more people who in turn spend money and pay tax.

The same philosophy also applies when having overseas holidays. When we spend our money overseas, that money is lost to our economy and doesn’t benefit any Aussies, except the travel agents of course.

If you travel within the country, your holiday money stays in our economy and helps employ many people. They earn an income, then buy goods and services and pay taxes etc.

The more often money moves around the economy, the stronger the economy becomes.

Economists refer to this principle as the “Velocity of Money”. The faster money moves, the better for the economy.

When money is saved and not spent, and banks don’t lend that money out to business to grow or people buying properties (that generate jobs and income and profit), then the velocity of money is slowed, the economy slows and then may go into recession.

On the other hand, most of us will be using credit to buy lots of “stuff”. We want to buy presents to adorn our loved ones with, plus all the food and

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

celebrations, plus a nice holiday if we can get some time off work.

All these expenses usually add up to a large sum, so you have a few choices to make. Do you only try to use your savings to pay for all these expenses or will the credit cards and redraw on your home loan get a massive work out. Will you increase your debt for short term gain with long term pain!

Limit your spending to the amount of savings and extra home loan repayments that you are comfortable in accessing. If that is only a small amount, then have a meeting with your loved ones and explain the budget is tight and limit spending to affordable presents.

Buying “stuff” for the sake of it and just for the “Joy of Giving” is ok if you have the savings and can afford it. But if you have to rack up debt to achieve your desires, then it’s time you gave yourself the best present and avoid setting yourself (and your family) up for a pile of debt that will slow you down all next year.

If you can’t pay your credit card debts in full over the next few months, its time to cut some of them up perhaps!

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

S

ydney Thunder has confirmed Chris Green’s six-year commitment to the club which will tie him to western Sydney’s KFC Big Bash League team until the end of BBL|13.

The deal not only acknowledges Green’s talent as an inspiring player, but it also recognises the traits that make him a tremendous ambassador for the club.

Green spoke of a number of reasons for his decision to want to be a one-team player including Thunder’s commitment to its community and charitable causes and the loyalty the club have shown him since debuting.

“Thunder was the first team that backed me when I was playing grade cricket, so to lock in my future with the club is really exciting,” he said.

“It’s not often you have security, so for me to get that with a club that I love, I’m really excited and very grateful for this opportunity to continue to represent Thunder into the future.”

The 26-year-old has played 41 games for Thunder since joining the club in BBL|04; taking 30 wickets at an economy of 7.00 and scoring 321 runs at an average of 18.88.

The off-spinning all-rounder has also established himself as one of world cricket’s most in-demand T20 specialists.

While he’s currently representing the Northern Warriors in Abu Dhabi’s T10 League, he’s made his mark in the Pakistan [T20] Super League, Canada’s GT20 tournament, England’s Vitality Blast and the Caribbean Premier League.

“Thunder put me on the map and provided a platform for me to showcase my skills and contribute to the team’s success and as a result, that’s let me travel the world playing the sport I

love,” said Green.

“Within the Thunder set-up, I’ve had opportunities to learn from some of the best in the business.

“I was very fortunate to get to play and win a trophy alongside my idol Jacques Kallis in BBL|04 and BBL|05.

“I still work closely with Mike Hussey as one of my mentors from a leadership and cricket point of view. He’s been an amazing help to me with my development and we’re constantly in touch.

“I’m very fortunate to have had access to high quality players, people and leaders who have helped me grow into the player, person and leader I am today.”

Green pinpointed Thunder’s commitment to community engagement as another reason behind his desire to remain at the club.

“The reason why I love playing for Thunder so much is that we give back to our community,” he said.

“We are very fortunate as cricketers to be doing what we love, and I really think it’s important to give back to others who might not be as fortunate.

The opportunity to make a difference in the community is a big reason behind why I wanted to stay at Thunder for a long time and hopefully be a one-club player for the remainder of my Big Bash career.”

Sydney Thunder is set to open its ninth KFC Big Bash League campaign against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on 17 December, before playing its first game in Sydney on 2 January.

Tickets are now on sale at sydneythunder.com.au/ tickets.

Wanderers off to flying start in the W-League

By CONNER LOWE

A

long range free kick from new recruit Kyra Cooney-Cross has helped secure the Wanderers a last gasp 2-1 win over Adelaide United in the opening game of the Westfield W-League at Marconi Stadium.

Coming on for her debut for the club as a substitute early in the second half, the young Matilda fired in a long-range effort on 92 minutes that eluded everyone in the box before sneaking into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

The Victorian only joined the club earlier this month, signing from Melbourne Victory.

In what was an entertaining game, the Wanderers had to come from a goal down after falling behind to a Mary Fowler penalty in the 37th minute.

However, Dean Heffernan’s side showed plenty of resilience to level up just before half time through US international Kristen Hamilton.

Hamilton was on the spot at the far post to head home a superb cross from the right from Alix Roberts.

Hamilton showed some outstanding touches during the game, exciting the fans with her skill and exceptional speed.

Her compatriot and teammate Abby Smith was also in great form, producing three or four stunning saves.

Despite missing two key signings in Lynn Williams (USA) and Denise O’Sullivan (Republic of Ireland), the Wanderers produced some quality football at times against an Adelaide side that gave them a hard-fought contest for the entire 80 minutes.

The Wanderers started the game strongly, dominating the first 20 minutes with some slick football.

They should have been rewarded just six minutes into the game when Cortnee Vine found herself on the end of a superb cross. Her header hit the base of the left post and the ball fell to Erica Halloway but her effort was cleared off the line.

The Red and Black then peppered the visitor’s goal with a series of long range efforts but to no avail.

United provided a scare on 16 minutes when Isobel Hodgson broke down the right flank, surged into the box and fired off a solid shot that was well saved by keeper Abby Smith.

Smith was again called into action in the 27th minute, coming off her line and getting down low to deny Fowler from point-blank range.

However, Smith could do nothing to prevent United going ahead on 37 minutes with Fowler converting from the spot after she had been fouled in the area.

Western Sydney refused to be rattled and found themselves on level terms just a minute before half time following some great work down the left side

by Roberts.

Roberts took the ball to the line before sending an outstanding cross to the far post where Hamilton made no mistake, nodding home from close range.

The Wanderers had the better of the second half as they searched desperately for a winner, but had to wait until Cooney-Cross’s 92nd minute effort.

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Chris Green signs longest deal in Thunder history

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Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

42

SPORT Neumann to bring some speed to 70.3 Western Sydney Ironman quality short course field.”

“The 70.3 World Championship in Taupo will be a good opportunity to go up against some of the ITU guys looking to race the 70.3 worlds, after the Tokyo Olympics.

“It will be a very interesting race and an extremely good quality field with people deciding what they are going to do with their race careers.

It will be very cool, so Taupo is probably the biggest goal of 2020 for me. I have a lot of work ahead,” Max added.

By CONNER LOWE

I

t took three Olympians and World Triathlon Series stars to keep Max Neumann off the podium at the Noosa Triathlon, so the Australian youngster is in good form and happy to be bringing some genuine foot speed to Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney.

The two-time Mooloolaba Triathlon champ returns to the International Regatta Centre on 24 November hopeful to exorcise some demons from his 70.3 debut in 2017, and make amends for his unfortunate disqualification.

“Funnily 70.3 Western Sydney was my first ever 70.3 race and I actually got disqualified because I forgot to stop for my penalty. I learned a lot that year, so hopefully I don’t get disqualified this year. It was a good lesson learned,” he laughed.

“Coming off Noosa, I definitely have some speed, so we will see how we go when we go back to 70.3 distance. I have raced quite a lot this year, so I will have a good base. I am not too worried about not getting a lot of training in at the moment. I have so many kms in my legs, I can always find something.”

Neumann is looking to wrap season 2019 with a win at 70.3 Western

Sydney before heading over the ditch to check out the competition in Taupo and get a feel for the venue that will host the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in November 2020.

“Western Sydney’s swim is quite simple and once I am on the bike it is quite a nice ride on some nice country roads but if it is hot, the run around the lake, with little shade can be quite brutal. If you get onto the run with a good group of people, it will be a good battle. It will be a good race.”

“After travelling all year, I was just looking for a good local race where I didn’t have to leave Australia, so I thought why not head to 70.3 Western

Sydney and then to 70.3 Taupo to finish off the year.”

During 2019 Max has been mixing up his ITU commitments with some international long course racing, with the ultimate goal of breaking into the ruthless World Cup circuit and cementing himself a reputation as one of the consistent performers in 70.3 racing.

“I have had a big season overseas, mixing up ITU races with some long course racing. It has been a pretty successful year. I raced and won 70.3 Xi’an in China on the way home from Europe this year and I just finished up with a fourth in Noosa against a

Jessica Fox wins Top Gong at Paddle Australia Awards

By CONNER LOWE

A

ustralia’s canoe slalom star Jessica Fox has taken home the top award at the 2019 Paddle Australia Awards held in Sydney.

World #1 and dual 2019 world cup champion Jessica Fox received the 2019 Paddler of the Year - Olympic award topping off a successful year and a special day with the 25-year old celebrating her selection to the Tokyo

2020 Australian Olympic Team at the awards night.

Fox headlined a stellar line-up of athletes, coaches, instructors, technical officials and volunteers, who were recognised for their outstanding achievements and efforts over the past year at the 2019 Paddle Australia Annual Awards night hosted by Seven News Sydney’s sport presenter Jim Wilson at the Mercure Sydney.

It was the perfect finish to an exciting day for Jess Fox, who on Saturday became the fifth Australian

athlete to secure her boarding pass to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, securing a spot at her third Olympic Games.

“Today was really special to be named on my third Olympic team and I think it’s still as exciting as the first time, it’s still extremely special.

I progressed a lot the last three years and I’m a very different paddler from 18-year old Jess in London and Rio Jess and I’m excited for the next 258 days. We’ve been to Tokyo, we’ve had a look and the world championships

have left me very hungry and excited,” Fox said.

The Paddler of the Year – Olympic recognises another stellar season for Jessica Fox, who defended her K1 and C1 world cup crown in 2019 making it three consecutive world cup wins in the C1 and two in the K1. Fox finished the season with two silver medals at the 2019 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships securing Australia the canoe slalom spots for Tokyo 2020 that will see her aim for double gold next year.

“It’s really special to share that moment with my family and to look back on the year and to reflect. I’ve had some great memories this season and some great moments on the water with friends and team mates and I’m really excited about the next year. It takes a village and I’m thankful for everyone who’s helped us get there.”

“It’s always nice to come here and celebrate all the paddle sports. I loved hearing all the stories and see all the people celebrated and I’m very proud of being part of Paddle Australia.”

“I also want to congratulate all the award winners and nominees tonight as well as Alyce (Burnett), Alyssa (Bull) and Tom (Green), the finalists in my category. And thank you to our team on the slalom side and Paddle Australia and everyone who supported us. It’s been a big year and it will even be a bigger one next year.”

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

D

unheved Golf Club’s young Golf NSW Encourage Shield Pennant team has enjoyed a fabulous season, in spite of losing their quarter final against Richmond GC 4-2 on Sunday.

Dunheved’s results for the season included a 5-1 win over Lane Cove GC; a 3-3 draw with Pennant Hills GC; a 3-3 draw with North Ryde GC; a 5-1 win over Ryde-Parramatta GC and finally a 3-3 draw with Muirfield GC to finish in first position in Division One and qualify for the playoffs.

Dunheved GM Tracie Taylor said “it was very exciting for us (the Club) to win our Division, as most of the kids are very new to Golf.”

Dunheved were then matched up with Richmond GC on Sunday at Lakeside GC, Camden in an elimination quarter final but fell 4-2 to end their season.

The full Dunheved squad is Declan Mingramm, Mathew Vukelic, Nate Barnes, Jack Grieve, Connor Hamilton, Noah Tofaeono, Aaron Barlow, Andrew Crumpton (manager).

(L-R): Andrew Crumpton (Golf Shop Manager), Declan Mingramm (FJ bucket hat), Mathew Vukelic (no cap), Nate Barnes (front - white cap), Jack Grieve, Connor Hamilton (srixon cap), Noah Tofaeono. Photo supplied by Dunheved GC.

Monster Trucks fly at The Paceway

By Noel Rowsell

Australia’s newest and greatest Monster Trucks were on show at the Penrith Paceway on Saturday 16th November, along with support acts including the D-Max Utes.

Gates opened at 3:00pm with a party in the pits from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, where the fans both young and old had the opportunity to get up close with their favourite Truck and also met with the drivers.

The Main show was due to commence at 5.00pm but long queues outside the gates convinced the organisers to delay the start, looking to get all the fans into the Paceway before commencing proceedings.

Once the Show began, the action was non-stop, noisy and exhilarating.

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

Dunheved youngsters enjoy Pennant success

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Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

44

SPORT

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses @TheRiffMarn

Back to back losses at once was fortress Howell Oval Penrith has fallen from third to tenth and six points outside the top six, following two successive losses at what was once the fortress of Sydney grade cricket in recent times, Howell Oval, to Randwick-Petersham and Eastern Suburbs.

The back-to-back losses are the first home losses experienced by Penrith since January 2018 against Campbelltown-Camden.

And it doesn’t get any easier this Saturday when Penrith travel to Hurstville Oval to take on eighth-placed Sat George in a one-day match that will have a huge bearing on whether the Black Cats can qualify for the quarter finals of the limited overs competition, before heading off the following Saturday to Rosedale Oval for a two day game against last placed FairfieldLiverpool.

Without regular skipper, Ryan Smith (shoulder), stand-in captain Ryan Gibson won the toss and sent the visitors into bat and with Henry Railz taking his first five wicket haul in first grade cricket (5/31), Eastern Suburbs, who were 2/114 at one stage, were dismissed for 194.

Railz was ably supported by Luke Hodges (2/27), Michael Collins (2/32) and Josh Lalor (1/39).

Penrith were in an equally strong position having reached 3/109 and well on top of the required run-rate.

But wickets kept being lost at regular intervals and the home side surprisingly fell two runs shy of the moderate target despite having just over five overs to spare.

Brent Atherton top scored (47) while plenty of other batsmen got starts without going on with the job, among them Brent Williams (33), Josh Lalor (25) and Cameron Weir (24).

In Round Four action, 385 runs would normally win you most games, especially at Howell Oval.

But not when you are chasing the imposing total Randwick-Petersham posted the previous week – 7/430.

Despite a second consecutive

despite having wickets in hand but they bowled really well, built the pressure up and made it hard for us.”

A first grade career best 5/31 from Henry Railz was not enough to prevent Penrith from losing consecutive games at Howell Oval. Credit: Barry Clarence.

century in as many grade matches from Ryan Gibson, this time a rapid fire 141 off just 136 balls as well as a century to Cameron Weir (114), the fact that only one other batsmen, Brent Williams (30) was able to contribute 30 or more runs to the cause was a major factor behind the 45 run loss.

Smith was left to lament how a score of 385 did not result in a win for the Black Cats.

“385 would win you most games at Howell Oval, we said that after the game,” Smith said.

“You would win 19 out of 20 games with that score but it was just one of those strange instances where they managed to get 430 at Howell and it was a little bit too much to chase.

“I thought we did well to get to 385 given they have a quality bowling attack.

“Ryan Gibson continued his stella form with another hundred while Cam Weir batted superbly for his century.

“We batted well but obviously they scored too many runs for us to chase down.

“Maybe we would have liked to have scored a few more runs at tea

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Concerns remain over the fitness of Ryan Smith after the skipper succumbed yet again to a trouble shoulder injury during Round Four action against Randwick-Petersham.

However having missed the Round Five clash against Eastern Suburbs, Smith remains hopeful that he will return for the one-day clash this Saturday against St George.

“It is still not 100 percent right but there are no tears as such,” Smith told Nepean News.

“I had an ultrasound on it and there was no signs of bruising either so the Physio thinks it is either a strain or a bit of tendonitis.

“Hopefully I will back for the St George game.”

Penrith’s Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup campaign continues to hang in the balance with two rounds remaining after a thrilling final over win over Campbelltown Camden at Raby Oval last Sunday week.

Apart from omitting skipper Smith, Penrith made several changes to their lineup with Lalor, debutant Liam Doddrell, Collins and Tom Sargaent coming in for Trent Weir, Ryan Fletcher and Atherton.

Penrith made what appeared to be too small a target for the home side, having mustered just 110 from 19.2 overs.

But Lalor had other ideas, taking 3/29 including two wickets in the final over to restrict the home side to just 9/107, while Williams (2/21), Hodges (1/13) and Collins (1/23) also played pivotal roles in the three run win that keeps Penrith (fifth) in touch with the top four in the Sydney Thunder conference.

Smith praised Lalor’s efforts but says his team still needs to win both remaining games and hope results go their way to qualify for yet another finals series.

“Josh brings a lot of experience and is a class bowler and we are pretty lucky to have him available for us at the moment,” Smith declared.

“He showed his class when bowling that final over against Campbelltown.

“We need to win pretty much every game and hopefully a few things go our way like Hawkesbury lose one of their remaining games or we have a better quotient then them.”

In lower grades news, Penrith won all their Round Four games against Randwick-Petersham but had mixed results in their Round Five fixtures against Eastern Suburbs: 2s: Penrith 175 def by. Eastern Suburbs 2/176 3s: Penrith 172 (L Doddrell 44) def by. Eastern Suburbs 6/173 (J New 4/27) 4s: Penrith 9/183 def. Eastern Suburbs 180 (M Rockwell 3/41, C Withers 2/20, M Becker 2/41) 5s: Penrith 241 (L O’Hare 56, P Gajula 45) def. Eastern Suburbs 224 (B Velkla 3/21, A Burton 2/35, T Finemore 2/57) After five rounds the Black Cats are positioned as follows: 1s: Tenth, 2s: Sixth, 3s: Fourteenth 4s: Sixth 5s: Fifth In Poidevin-Gray news, Penrith finally got a win under its belt with a round three win over FairfieldLiverpool by 57 runs last Sunday at Howell Oval.

The win sees the Black Cats move into fifth position in the Sydney Thunder conference with three rounds remaining, with an allimportant clash looming with local rivals Hawkesbury this Sunday at Owen Earle Oval.

Penrith’s Lady Cats had a first up bye in the regular season of the NSW Women’s Premier Cricket season but second grade went down by 61 runs to Manly, having been dismissed for 135 chasing 196 at Manly Oval, last Sunday. #LoveTheCats

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PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

Still all quiet on the signings front The Panthers may have three spots available in its top 30 squad for 2020, but the club appears to be in little hurry to fill those spots.

It comes after comments made in the media last Wednesday by Panthers RL CEO, Brian Fletcher confirmed that although the club has cap space available for 2020, they have no interest in Latrell Mitchell, amid mounting speculation the NRL star will leave the defending premiers, Sydney Roosters next season after they sensationally withdrew a contract extension offer.

Penrith, along with Canterbury, Wests Tigers and Newcastle were quickly linked to Mitchell after the Test centre baulked at a new deal to remain at the Roosters from 2021 and could even be given the green light to walk away next year.

But he won’t be heading to Penrith after Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher categorically ruled them out of the mix last Wednesday.

“We have no interest. We have cap space but he is not on our radar,” Fletcher said.

Reports also suggest that another recruitment target, Broncos backrower Alex Glenn, reportedly spurned an offer from the Panthers to re-sign with Brisbane recently.

The news comes as fans’ concerns over the lack of signings news coming out of Pantherland continues to grow.

Those concerns may have some merit when you consider that whilst the club has brought hooker Api Koroisau, who brings 107 NRL games experience, back from Manly, the top 30 roster as it stands is set to become one of, it not the least experienced top 30 roster in 2020 with just 1,242 games experience to date spread amongst the squad, on the back of having released nearly 1,100 games of NRL experience during and post the 2019 season.

James Maloney, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Waqa Blake, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tim Grant, Sam McKendry, Wayde Egan and Sione Katoa alone make up almost 1,000 games of that NRL experience between them.

They leave behind a roster that has just five players that have played over 100 NRL games (James Tamou being the only one to have played 200 plus NRL games), with an incredible 18 players having played less than 50 NRL games each.

However in some non-top 30 squad signing

Nathan Cleary is now one of the senior players in a very inexperienced Panthers roster. Credit: NRL Photos.

news, the Panthers have brought home 2015 Holden Cup winning hooker Soni Luke.

Luke, the 2015 Jack Gibson Medallist in Penrith’s successful title campaign, returns having spent the past two seasons at the Wests Tigers and will provide some much-needed backup to Koroisau and surprise 2019 NRL rookie hooker, Mitch Kenny.

One of the club’s more recent departures, new Parramatta Eels recruit Reagan Campbell-Gillard, has opened up on his struggles whilst at Penrith.

Campbell-Gillard battled form and injury woes, which even saw the 2018 State of Origin prop spend some time in reserve grade earlier in the season and generally has struggled to recapture the form from his breakout 2017 season, in which he was handed a Kangaroos jersey.

Speaking to Fox Sports News, the 26-year-old said the move to the Eels was something he hoped would reignite his love for the game again.

“I didn’t enjoy football [at Penrith], that was just me personally,” Campbell-Gillard said.

“Everything I was trying to do wasn’t working and things like that. Changes are good, I’ve obviously changed clubs now so I’ll be putting my best foot forward for this team.”

Meanwhile the club continues to sweat on the outcome of the Tyrone May court case with the matter set to return to court this Friday.

May has been stood down from playing in the NRL under the code’s “no-fault” stand-down policy until the matter is finalised.

Dylan Edwards looms once again as the player to beat in pre-season fitness testing, as the 45 NRL game fullback recently admitted the pre-season dramas at Penrith in 2019, took its toll on him personally as he fought false rumours from sections of the public that he was involved in the unsavoury video controversies that surfaced in early March.

Edwards’ form suffered as a result and it was no surprise that he was dropped from the NRL side by Round Six before making a successful return to the NRL from Round Ten. “I’ve had some time to reflect and came to the conclusion that hopefully I’ve become a better footballer and person because of it,” Edwards told NRL.com.

“It was obviously a tough year in patches and as a team we didn’t perform the way we wanted. I just want to get better, that’s probably everyone’s goal.”

Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

GOLDEN POINTS

45 45

In representative news, a third try in just two weeks by Viliame Kikau, helped Fiji’s Bati team secure promotion to Pool A of next year’s Oceania Cup after emerging 22-20 winners over the Papua New Guinea Kumuls.

Kikau, along with Koroisau and Samoan trio Jarome Luai, Moses Leota and Brian To’o aren’t expected to return to full time training until close to Christmas following their international duties earlier this month.

A number of Panthers premiership winners turned back the clock at the annual Legends of League tournament at McDonald Jones Stadium last Saturday.

The Legends of League tournament provides an action-packed day of ‘old school’ rugby league and raised much-needed funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Coached by the likes of Luke Lewis and Luke Priddis and led by Panthers Hall of Fame inductee Craig Gower, the Panthers featured ten players who took the field in the 2003 Grand Final triumph over Sydney Roosters.

But in their Pool B results, they came up short against both Parramatta and Newcastle and did not progress through to the finals in a competition that was ultimately won by Parramatta. #PantherPride

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Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

46

SPORT

Coach’s Corner

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

Why don’t we fall in love with sporting dynasties?

T

he Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters, Hawthorn Football Club, Brisbane Lions Football Club, The New England Patriots, The LA Lakers are all examples of sporting franchises who at a certain point during their existence have dominated their sport to a level that they were considered a dynasty. A factory which produces winning players and winning teams for at times close to a decade. When we look at the Melbourne Storm and the New England Patriots it has been dominance for more than a decade.

But yet as a nation and a sporting community we tend to embrace the teams that win the once off title, the underdog story who overcomes the dynasty.

Often these teams who have success do not know how to deal with the distractions and notoriety which come along with the plaudits and they return to the mean. The difficulty is in sustained success and how that is achieved.

The Washington Nationals recently won the

Baseball World Series, a third through the regular season they were last in their division with a 19 win and 31 loss record. The Nationals have spoken about how they turned their season around with a clear focus, attention to detail in everything they did both on and off the field and a commitment to play hard for each other in every single game. That was the secret to their success. Looking at that as a basis for success I would think those expectations would be a minimal standard for most professional organisations. The Nationals qualified to the Post Season as a Wild Card and won their way through and beat the Houston Astros in a deciding Game 7 to claim the World Series. Incredible, cinderella story no doubt but the challenge for the Nationals will be to back that season up in 2020.

The Sydney Roosters this season achieved what had not been done in nearly 30 years in the NRL by winning back to back Premierships. They etched their name into history and have over taken the

Melbourne Storm as the most dominant team in the sport. Coach Trent Robinson spoke openly about the need for the Roosters to play in 2019 with no memory of the 2018 season success. As the previous seasons success was irrelevant in trying to win the title again in 2019. Robinson was building a mindset for sustained success. The Roosters and the Storm are probably the two most polarising teams in Rugby League, they get all the calls, they are over the salary cap, they always get the best players ect ect. We have all heard those recycled arguments for years.

We tend to dislike successful and dominant organisations, it goes against the fabric of our culture.

We look to cut them down, devalue their success and highlight reasons or advantages they have over the competition. Rather than acknowledging the tremendous amounts of hard work, discipline, attention to detail and leadership which are vital ingredients in creating that model for success.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

Pre-season pain in prep for our game

A

s I drove past Panthers last week on Mulgoa Rd I was quickly reminded why my retirement from our great game wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened to me. In fact the older I get the more the very thought of undertaking another ‘pre-season’ sends shivers down my spine.

This particular day there were players in their Panther apparel doing different sorts of drills and contacts whilst the temperature was hovering around the 36 degree mark! Rather a mild day in Penrith :-)

Pre-season training for the uninitiated is the hardest thing any footballer can put themselves through.

This time, now up until a few days before Christmas when you get a week or two to relax with family, is in a word: torturous. It messes with your body, mind, and spirit. You do things that you don’t do in the season proper because it would be deemed reckless.

I remember one of my first ever pre seasons back in the mid 80’s when I was not 18 yet. Our then head trainer explained to the squad that we’d “be heading over to Jamo Park to run tonight boys” so off we jogged from Penrith Park to the open fields of Jamison Park. Once there we were put into groups of 8 with others who played in the same position as you did, warmed up then told of what we would be doing that particular Tuesday night. “6 x 800m, 8 x 400m, 12 x 200m then we’ll finish with a 2.5k time trial!” Ron explained with a wry grin.

Nearly 13 km’s of pain.

And that was every Tuesday in the pre season. In the 2.5km time trial the backs had to complete it in under 9 mins 30 seconds, forwards were given an extra 30 secs, we had to do it under 10 mins. If you didn’t you had to do extras and weren’t even considered for first grade when the games got closer.

Sure, pre-season training has changed and modern players don’t run anywhere near the amount we did back in the day but they still bust their collective arses in order to be at optimum peak fitness come game 1 of the season proper.

 Pre season pain!!

The modern day rugby league player has to be a lot faster and stronger in today’s game, hence a lot of strength and conditioning work in obtaining that extra 5 or 10% that may hopefully propel you into the next level. Pre season training isn’t for everyone and it certainly separates the men from the boys, it’s also in the back (and front) if your mind when deciding if you would still like to go one more season as your career nears its end.

So when you are next driving past Penrith Park on your way to the river or home for a swim and you see footballers in their Panther apparel on a 38 degrees day in the Riff remember they are going through the toughest part of being a professional footballer and the odd bip of the horn to show some support is indeed a welcome act of encouragement.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

47 47 Nepean News 21 November 2019 Issue 265

on the

SPORT