Nepean News 22 November 2018

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ISSUE 239

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ONE ON ONE Q&A WITH NEW PANTHERS NRL COACH IVAN CLEARY - SEE PAGE P46

Gingerbread town Penrith is about to receive a giant gingerbread village complete with local locations that include Panthers Stadium, High Street, Penrith’s giant Christmas tree and of course a nativity scene. This is the first time a feat of this size has been attempted in Penrith, but local bakery Poles Patisserie is up for the challenge. Read more on page 11.

Carolyn’s Guide to Retirement Living in Western Sydney R

etirement Living is on the up and up in Western Sydney, and everyone wants something different out of their retirement. More security, less maintenance, opportunities to connect with new friends and support from people you trust. Carolyn is an expert with years of experience in the retirement industry. Here she shares her insight and answers to the frequently asked questions people have about living in a retirement village. Whatever you’re seeking, they’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about retirement villages.

1. They’re not aged care! Villages are for people over 55 who are active enough to live independently in their own home. In fact, plenty of people who live in a retirement villages are not retired at all. Many are simply making the most of the benefits of village life; less home maintenance, new home designs, social connections and great locations.

2. Find the right home for you. Ask yourself what sort of home do you see yourself living in? And what amenities are important to you? You might prefer to be near golf courses, or if you have a pet, finding a pet-friendly village could be at the top of your list. Consider whether you need or want off-street parking, a swimming pool, nearby shopping and dining options or other amenities.

3. Ask friends and residents. Living in a retirement village means being part of a community of like-minded people. Talk to friends who have already made the move into a village about their experiences. Residents are the greatest advocates for gaining real insight into a village, so drop on in to an event and get a taste for the lifestyle. You don’t need to worry about messy or loud neighbours, a village is about enjoying life in a peaceful community. You can socialise with friends or choose to relax in the peace and quiet of your new home. Live life on your own terms.

What are you waiting for?

If you’re interested in finding out more about a brand new village coming to Jordan Springs in Western Sydney call Carolyn on 0430 189 447 or visit jordanspringsretirement.com Don’t miss out on being part of a beautiful new address in an established and vibrant community.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

E

t y m o l o g y, irredeemable, and enthusiasm were just a few of the words Emilia McCarthy, aged nine, successfully spelled at the 2018 NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee securing her win in the junior division.

Emilia McCarthy, a year four student from Glenmore Park Public School, was among 100 junior and senior finalists from across the state that went letter-to-letter at the Premier’s Spelling Bee on Friday 2 November.

Over 170,000 years 3 to years 6 students from almost 1,000 public schools across NSW took part in the Premier’s Spelling Bee. Glenmore Park Public School was one of only nine schools in the state to have finalists in both the senior and junior completion.

Fatimah Abid, in year five, represented the school in the senior division.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies visited Glenmore Park Public School to congratulate Emilia McCarthy and Fatimah Abid on their success.

“This is a marvellous achievement for both Emilia and Fatimah. To be among the best spellers of the state requires hard work and a passion for learning,” Tanya Davies said.

“I congratulate Emilia on this extraordinary

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achievement of being crowned the best junior speller in NSW.” Principal of Glenmore Park Public School, Natalie Mansour expressed her elation over the success of the Glenmore Park Public School students.

“We are all so proud of Emilia. Making it to the finals is fantastic, but winning…is out of this world!” Natalie Mansour said.

Junior division winner Emilia McCarthy likes arts and science, as well as learning about history.

When she leaves school she would like to be an engineer.

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Emilia wins the Premier’s Spelling Bee

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Sales: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

R

ecently I was talking to someone who was bending my ear about the importance of saving our libraries. While my heart doesn’t cope well with change of any description to be quite frank, my head at first thought there was probably a valid economical argument against their necessity in this digital age.

But last night as I was browsing the bookshelves in our sitting room, I came across a couple of old favourite books that have been in my possession since I began reading as a young child.

The Folk of the Faraway Tree, Trixie Belden and a bunch of Famous Five books - just to name a few.

As I turned the cover of one book for the first time in decades, I was met with my former little girl self.

Scrawled across the title page in my eight-year-old handwriting was my full name, school class and a small note dedicating the book to my dog Rigby.

On the inside cover was a pocket made of cardboard that I had stuck on with sticky tape. Inside the pocket was a hand-made library card I’d made for myself.

I’d drawn up columns and a heading stating “Date Due” and I’d filled in the details when I’d “borrowed” the book from myself and the date in which I must return it.

I’ll bet you anything I returned it to myself exactly on the 11-5-1977 as required.

I know what you’re thinking, I chuckled to myself at what a gawk of a kid I was.

I was an only child until eight and I was often bored. Books were my escape, I’d get so involved in the world inside the book I’d forget the real world outside of it existed.

The Library played a massive part in my childhood.

I highly doubt I’d have become a journalist and editor without its influence.

Some things are more important than an immediate economic value.

Libraries have served an important role in shaping the dreams of countless geeks like me, and should be retained for future generations of authors, writers, researchers, historians - and those who simply seek literary escapism to enjoy.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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local news

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith congratulates Mr Gerard Buchtmann of Emu Plains, for 50 years of service to the community as a Justice of the Peace.

“Mr Buchtmann is one of the longest-serving JPs in the state, who has donated countless hours to helping local people,” said Stuart Ayres.

“Just about everyone needs a JP at some point in their life - such as when they buy a house or access their superannuation – and Mr Buchtmann has always been happy to lend a hand.”

Mr Buchtmann is among more than 250 NSW JPs who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee of service in 2018. Many of the JPs attended a ceremony at NSW Parliament yesterday where they were presented with a commemorative certificate.

“During the 50 years, Mr Buchtmann has been witnessing documents and he has also witnessed profound social changes and advances in technology.

“The way people track down a JP is among the many things that has evolved, with people now more likely to search online than rely on word of mouth.”

Stuart Ayres said the NSW online register of Justices of the Peace is being upgraded to make finding a local JP faster and more convenient than ever.

“The revamped system will enable JPs to specify the dates and times they are available and what languages they speak,” Stuart Ayres said.

“For Justices of the Peace, this will mean fewer unwanted calls when they’re busy, while people who urgently need a document witnessed or certified will be able to search the register for someone who can help them promptly.”

The new-look register will begin operating in early 2019. The current register only allows users to search for a JP by name, registration number or postcode.

JPs act as independent and objective witnesses to documents people need for a variety of purposes.

Their main functions are to witness affidavits and statutory declarations, and they may also certify copies of original documents. JPs provide their services on a voluntary basis.

There are over 95,000 JPs covering all corners of the state. For more information on JPs or to find one in your area go to www.jp.nsw.gov.au

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Honoured for 50 years

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local news › White Ribbon Walk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

E

V ER Y B O D Y talks about how great they are, so you’ve got to be quick as the Lions Club of Emu Plains will be selling their renowned Christmas cakes and puddings at the Lennox Shopping Village on Saturday November 24.

Buying a cake or a pudding for $13 enables Lions to support Nepean Food Services, Penrith Community Kitchen and the Salvation Army with a donation of cakes for Christmas.

The Club will back up and also sell cakes and puddings along with freshly cut Xmas trees for $35 from 7:0011:30am on Saturday December 8 at Lions Park, Great Western Highway near the Melrose Hall at Emu Plains.

Proceeds from the sale of trees will be donated to Christ Mission Possible and Heartfelt.

The Club orders the trees from Oberon each year and will receive 80 ‘natural’ Christmas trees.

“The beauty of the natural trees is that ‘no two are the same,” Lions organiser, John Choma says.

“It is a family thing, Dad holds the tree whilst Mum and the kids inspect it for height, shape, etc.”

Based on previous years, it pays

to get there early to ensure you don’t miss out.

The Club is also selling a St. Dalfour spread Christmas pack for $15 to support Charlie Teo’s Foundation for Brain Cancer research ($2.25 from each pack is donated).

Penrith Council is proud to support White Ribbon Day to help bring an end to violence against women in our community.

Join in and show your support at this free community event.

The walk starts at Weir Reserve and is 3.5km to Tench Reserve, Nepean River, Penrith. Speeches and White Ribbon Oath reading takes place before the walk starts at Weir Reserve.

After the walk, stay for the free breakfast BBQ courtesy of Outback Steakhouse and live music at Tench Reserve. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes and water bottle.

Free shuttle bus back to Weir Reserve from 10.30am. White Ribbon merchandise will be available for purchase with all proceeds going to the White Ribbon Foundation.

For more information contact Erin on 4732 8028 or go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Get in quick for cakes, puddings and trees

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ONE WOMAN EVERY WEEK IS MURDERED BY HER CURRENT OR FORMER PARTNER. Source: United Nations Women #HEARMETOO #ORANGETHEWORLD

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news

Vinnies celebrates 10 millionth container collection

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tuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith has joined representatives from St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and Tomra Cleanaway to celebrate a Return and Earn milestone with 10 million containers collected across the charity’s numerous return points.

Stuart Ayres congratulated Vinnies on this milestone at the newly opened Penrith automated depot site, which is one of four automated depots and 15 over the counter return point sites operated by Vinnies as part of the NSW container deposit scheme.

“Vinnies is a great example of the success of Return and Earn, with 19 return points operating across NSW to facilitate 10 cent refunds for customers and to help support the important work that the charity does in our communities,” Stuart Ayres said.

“From opening their first return points in December 2017 through a number of Vinnies shops across Western Sydney, the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven, to now having four bulk deposit sites and processing their 10 millionth container is a phenomenal effort and a testament to how popular Return and Earn is in NSW. “Since the scheme began on 1 December 2017, more than 944 million containers have been returned to return points across NSW and Return and Earn container litter volume has dropped by one third in NSW. “These are brilliant results and I congratulate Vinnies on their 10 millionth milestone and the NSW community for embracing the state’s largest litter reduction initiative and

helping to keep our communities litter free.”

Vinnies Executive Director for Central Councils and Commercial Operations, Peter Knock, explained that the St Vincent de Paul Society’s participation in the Return and Earn program expanded on the Society’s ethos.

“Our participation in the container deposit scheme is intrinsically linked to the Society’s ongoing commitment to recycling, and is an extension of our retail store philosophy of reuse – helping to divert waste from landfill and supporting those in need at the same time,” Mr Knock said.

“To reach the 10,000,000 container milestone within a year of our participation in the scheme through over-the-counter and bulk sites is really promising, and we hope that the community will continue to embrace our bulk deposit centres as convenient options for processing their eligible containers.

“By simply using the facilities, customers are helping to raise important funds so that Vinnies can keep providing a hand up to those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness in our communities, and we’re encouraged by the growing number of refund donations that

further enhance our ability to provide help where it’s needed most.”

A list of Vinnies return points is over the page. A full list of more than 685 return points across NSW and more information about Return and Earn is available at www.returnandearn.org. au

Have your say on the Glenbrook Station upgrade

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today invites the local community to have their say on the proposed accessibility upgrade at Glenbrook station that will be delivered through the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.

“I’m pleased to advise that the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) outlining the plans for the upgrade is now on display and open for feedback from the public,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The upgrade will significantly improve the experience for customers with limited mobility, those with a disability, people with prams and luggage and the elderly,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Community members are also invited to meet with the Transport for NSW project team who will be onsite at Glenbrook Station between 4pm and 6pm on Thursday 15 November and Tuesday 20 November.”

Key features of the upgrade include: A new lift to provide access to the existing footbridge, a new accessible kiss-and-ride area on Burfitt Parade, upgrades to CCTV, wayfinding and lighting to improve safety and security, new ambulant and family bathrooms, new station entrance and accessible pathways connecting the Eastern car park on Burfitt Parade to the station, upgrades to existing platform surfaces and footpaths around the station precinct to improve accessibility.

To view the REF and provide feedback, visit: https://www. transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/glenbrookstation-upgrade

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

HE’S just 11 years old and plays like all the other kids in her class at Londonderry Public School, but last weekend Scarlet Hill did something not many kids do - she was crowned Miss Australia Pre-Teen 2019.

It all started with Scarlet’s modelling agent encouraging her to fill in an application to see if she would be chosen for the Royal International Miss Australia 2019 team.

About three weeks after sending in the application Scarlet received a congratulations email stating she had made it through the selection process to the Titles Crowning day at the Brisbane International Conference Centre, on November 18.

Her mother, Belinda said Scarlet’s morning was spent with the Royal International Miss Australia, Director, discussing what it means to be a Miss Australia Queen and the standard one must uphold, should she be crowned.

After the lunch break, Scarlet was crowned Miss Australia Pre-Teen 2019.

A stylist team did Scarlet’s hair and make up for official Royal International Miss Australia shots and for the shots that will be on her portfolio page for Royal International Miss International finals, which will be held in Orlando, USA, from 4th July - 14th July 2019.

There she must give a one minute introduction on herself, complete an interview

section by 20 judges from around the world, a fashion forward section - which is fun, edgy fashion - and an evening gown section. Scarlet has been nominated for the International Role Model section.

A courteous and thoughtful little girl who seems wise beyond her years, Scarlet was a delight to interview for this story.

“Yes it very exciting, getting crowned - quite enjoyable,” she told me.

“I’ll be heading off to Orlando Florida next year.”

When asked about what excited her most about the opportunity, Scarlet’s kind heart and passion for helping others was very evident.

At such a young age, Scarlet has already began developing a program for kids and teenagers at risk of suicide called “Talk 2 ME” Her program has sparked the interest of local Alan Harding, who tragically lost his son.

He’d like to work with Scarlet on developing lines of communication between kids and their parents.

“Its to help kids between the ages of 9-16 deal with mental health issues. Talk 2 ME is aimed at parents: get off your phone, I am right here, I need you, Talk 2 ME, not your Facebook friends,” Scarlet said.

“Too many programs focus on adults helping kids, but kids don’t always listen to adults, Talk 2 ME is about kids helping kids together.”

Well Scarlet, you are one very impressive young lady and we look forward to hearing more about your program and also your time in Orlando!

St Marys Freight Hub Community Information Pacific National will be hosting a community information desk on the proposed St Marys Freight Hub. The proposal is in the early planning stages on the vacant land bordering the main Western train line and Dunheved Industrial/Business Park.

An information desk will be held at St Marys Village Shopping Centre for the local community on: Friday 23rd November: 1am - 3pm Thursday 29th November: 3pm - 7pm Saturday 1st December: 10am - 2pm The St Marys Freight Hub will have the potential to: ◆ Create employment in the community with 60 jobs during construction and more than 133 new fulltime jobs ◆ Remove 50,000 - 60,000 trucks from regional and state road networks ◆ Reduce the number of container trucks driving across Sydney by 15,100 kilometres every day or 5.5 million kilometres each year ◆ Establish St Marys as a major transport and retail distribution centre between Port Botany and Western Sydney For more information visit www.stmarysfreight.com.au call 1800 137 929 or visit our information desk at St Marys Shopping Village.

For employment opportunities please contact jobs@stmarysfreight.com.au

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Sweet Scarlet crowned Miss Australia Pre-Teen 2019

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news

Karen McKeown: bring back the toll cashback

By KeRRIE DAVIES

L

ABOR Candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown said new figures out today reveal that only a fraction of Penrith motorists are benefiting from the NSW Government’s registration discount scheme for toll users.

Mrs McKeown said within the Penrith postcode only 280 motorists have received the rego rebate, according to new documents released under Freedom of Information laws.

NSW Opposition Leader Michael Daley accused the government of not giving “Penrith families the relief they need while struggling with the cost of living.”

Mr Daley said he believed the Government’s policy failed and stood in contrast to Labor’s M4 Cashback, which he said would stand to benefit hundreds of thousands of commuters and families across Western Sydney.

“Every time this Government does a deal with toll operators and stadium builders, it’s ordinary citizens and NSW families that always come off second best,” Mr Daley said.

“Voters will have a clear choice: If they want more tolls, vote for Gladys Berejiklian, if they want Cashback

vote for me.

“A Labor Government will restore the M4 Cashback and make a real difference to living costs for thousands of families across Western Sydney.”

Mrs McKeown said the current toll

scheme didn’t equate to relief for local families.

“The Liberals say that they will offer motorists relief but the reality is their scheme isn’t providing it for Penrith families,” she said.

“NSW Labor’s promise to restore the M4 Cashback will ease cost of living pressures for Penrith families in contrast to the Government’s failed scheme which still leaves them out of pocket.”

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Billington Place, Emu Plains

COVER STORY

By Debbie O’Connor

P

enrith is about to receive a giant gingerbread village complete with local locations that include Panthers Stadium, High Street, Penrith’s giant Christmas tree and of course a nativity scene. For train enthusiasts the village will also include a station and fully functioning train set.

This is the first time a feat of this size has been attempted in Penrith, but local bakery Poles Patisserie is up for the challenge. The project will involve 50kg of gingerbread, 25kg of royal icing and 15kg of lollies and hundreds of hours of labour.

“We wanted to bring some fun to Christmas this year,” agreed Poles Patisserie owners Ricky Ardila and Jason Poles. “The idea is to bring something that is usually only seen in the city, here to Penrith.”

The Poles team will start the construction of the village at 5pm on Friday 30 November as part of the Penrith Christmas Tree Lighting festivities which are run by the Penrith CBD Corporation. Families can come down and watch as the gingerbread village comes to life, as well as enjoy the food stalls, live music, market stalls, face painting, the lighting of

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

The Sweetest Penrith this Christmas

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Max O’Keefe, Chanelle Teuma, Antoinette Mifsud, Matthew Sultana, Jessica Shembri, Kristin Alexander, Bradly Cook and Jason Poles

the tree and of course the muchanticipated visit from Santa.

“Every year the Christmas Tree Lighting becomes a bigger and better community event,” said Penrith CBD Corporation CEO Gai Hawthorne “We

are very excited that Poles Patisserie has offered to create this unique gingerbread village to add to the start of our Christmas celebrations.”

The tree lighting is being held at Memory Park on the corner of High

Street and Woodriff Street and will run from 5pm to 10pm with Santa arriving at 8pm.

After the Christmas Tree Lighting, the gingerbread village will be displayed in Westfield.

PP&VA proud of Q Theatre artists award success

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our Q Theatre artists have been awarded 2018/19 Create NSW Fellowships. The artists will share in over $95,000 to support self-directed professional development programs and career advancement projects.

This outstanding result is testament to the long term, consistent development pathways for artists offered by the Q Theatre program, led by Nick Atkins the Director of New Work – and a fellowship recipient himself.

“As well as being a presenter and producer, Penrith Performing and Visual

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Arts (PP&VA) is a creative hub focussed on artist development and employment. Our programs are led by practising professional artists and they are very well placed to know how to assist other artists in their professional practice” said CEO of PP&VA, Hania Radvan.

“We deliver programs that offer training and development opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers – including tuition programs for children, through to support for early career and independent artists in our region and professional commissions.”

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news

Christmas spirit begins this weekend in St Marys

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

T is that time of year already! Yes, grab the family and friends and get into the Christmas spirit by heading down to Coachman’s Park on Friday night to fill your year with Christmas cheer.

Join in the community celebrations as the St Marys Christmas tree is turned on for the first time this year.

It will stand proudly in Coachman’s Park from the 23rd November all the way through till Christmas.

There will be lots to entertain the kids and famiy members of all ages with a great evening planned including animal farm, jumping castle, air brush tattoos, entertainment, lots of prizes to be won and much more.

See you there!

local news

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eniors in regional areas and those who speak a language other than English are the focus of the NSW Government’s popular Tech Savvy Seniors program in 2019, with $500,000 to connect a diverse range of people across the State.

Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies announced that the program will be delivered in almost 200 locations in 2019, including towns Walcha, Kempsey and Oberon, and revealed that courses are available in two new languages, Bengali and Tagalog.

“We’re proud to expand the availability of courses to more seniors, with new locations in regional NSW and 12 languages now on offer,” Mrs Davies said.

“More than 30 per cent of NSW residents speak a language other than English at home, so it’s important that we ensure Tech Savvy Seniors is accessible for everyone.”

“Older people often experience higher rates of social isolation and mobility issues, especially in regional areas, which is why we are empowering seniors to learn how to use computers, tablets and smartphones to stay connected online.”

Delivered in partnership with Telstra, Tech Savvy Seniors provides

free or low cost training through a network of community colleges and libraries across NSW. Mrs Davies said Tech Savvy Seniors has supported thousands of seniors to boost their digital skills, with more older people trained than

anticipated thanks to an increase in the available places from 6,500 to 9,000 each year.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government committed $2 million in 2015 to increase training places for seniors, which has been achieved two

years ahead of schedule with over 55,000 spots this year.”

For more information, or to find your nearest Tech Savvy Seniors program, please visit:https://www. facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/ageing/ overview/chapters/tech-savvy.

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Calling all NSW seniors: get tech savvy in 2019

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news

Penrith digs deep to help brain cancer research

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

t is one of the most supported charity events on the Penrith calendar, and this year was no exception as the local community rallied behind Vintage FM’s Ann Willmington and her annual fundraiser, Music 4 Life.

Held at the marquee at Panthers, there were dinner suits, bow ties and dresses galore as Penrith turned out in their finest to raise money to fight brain cancer.

Another great success, the guests dug deep for raffles and auctions before dancing the night away.

A week after the event, the trailblazing organiser Ann Willmington hosted a morning tea to thank the sponsors and supporters of this year’s event.

Ann also announced that this year’s Music for Life Ball had raised the amount of $41,720.00 bringing the total money raised over the past eight years to over $453,000.00 - an incredible effort!

Ann presented a cheque to the Charlie Teo Foundation CEO, Krzystof Kuczynski who was very pleased to accept it on behalf of the foundation.

“This money will go straight into Brain Cancer research,” he said.

Charlie Teo Foundation Ambassador Marcella Zemanek said Music for Life is one of the best events that she attends, and that she has only missed one.

Ann thanked all the Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers and said that without them Music for Life would not happen.

Ann also presented Michael Creed from Thor’s Café with his Music for Life Ambassador plaque for 2018.

“We need to find a cure for Brain Cancer and to do that, the Charlie Teo Foundation needs money to fund research, together we can make a difference,” Ann said.

Expressions of interest open for the third round of the DiG Space Program Penrith Council has opened Expressions of Interest for the third round of the innovative DiG Space Program, which will run from 4 March – 21 June 2019.

The DiG Space Program assists emerging artists to further develop their practice and profile in the industry by helping them build their professional and creative capacity through formal mentorship with an experienced creative professional.

Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler OAM, said this unique 16-week residency and mentorship program offers artists invaluable experience.

“Through this innovative program,

local artists have the opportunity to create pathways, learn new skills, develop networks and work on a live creative collaboration project,” Cr Fowler said.

“Creative industries have such a positive impact on the local community and touch almost every aspect of our lives. They not only play an important role in shaping individuals and regions, but also in contributing to social cohesion.

“Council is excited to be setting the standard in the development of creative industries in Western Sydney and supporting local artists with this unique program.

“The DiG Space Program showcases the breadth and quality of talented creatives we have in our region, and highlights the economic value of supporting creative enterprises in Western Sydney,” Cr Fowler continued.

Council is looking for multidisciplinary digital artists and designers who are within the first five years of professional practice to join this unique program. It is open to talented creatives from Western Sydney who either live, work, study or were born in Blacktown, The Hills District, Fairfield, Cumberland, Parramatta, Bankstown, Blue

Mountains, Hawkesbury, Liverpool or Penrith areas.

The third round program runs from 4 March – 21 June 2019.

Expressions of Interest are open until 5pm Wednesday 9 January 2019. Details about the program and the application forms are available at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/CultureCreativity The DiG Digital Maker Space project is funded by Create NSW. Council also receives support from project partners - Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW and the Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA).

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

P

e nrit h ’ s position as a leader in education, research and medical excellence was strengthened last week when it hosted the inaugural Together – achieving better health conference.

The Conference was preceded by a networking breakfast coordinated by stakeholders from The Quarter, Penrith’s health and education precinct.

The conference brought together some of the best medical minds in the country and demonstrated how The Quarter’s collaborative approach leads to better outcomes for our community and region.

Speaking at the breakfast, The Quarter chair, Greg Allchin, likened the conference to The Quarter, as a coming together of “great people with great ideas”.

“This conference, and The Quarter, is about patient care and integrating leading-edge education, research and robotics into local medical services for our community now and in the future,” Mr Allchin said.

The Quarter brings together key stakeholders, including Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Nepean Private Hospitals (who sponsored the breakfast), Western Sydney University, Sydney University Nepean Clinical School, TAFE NSW, Celestino and Penrith Council.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said it was the commitment of the partners that gives the precinct such strength.

“We are very lucky to have some of Australia’s best medical specialists and academics located and practicing in our region,” he said. “It is exciting to hear about the results of their work and to be part of a team helping to realise the possibilities.”

Cr Fowler highlighted The Quarter’s important role as a major employer in our region and the more than 6,000 additional jobs that will be created in the precinct in the next 10 years.

This growth, he said, will be fuelled by the attraction of complementary health and educational services to the precinct through the availability of land and desire for organisations to be connected to the potential in our City.

“There are almost 12,000 students studying across The Quarter’s educational institutions and more than $9 million in medical research

projects in train,” Cr Fowler said.

“Added to this, we have significant new infrastructure underway or starting, including the Nepean Hospital and Nepean Private Hospital redevelopments and at the impressive Sydney Science Park. Penrith is at the dawn of an exciting period of progress and The Quarter is at its heart.”

Image Caption: Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM, the Hon Peter Collins AM QC, The Quarter Chair Greg Allchin, GSC District Commissioner Western Sydney, Elizabeth Dibbs, and Sydney Business Chamber Western Sydney Director David Borger.

THE QUARTER The Quarter is a health and education precinct located across 300ha between Penrith and St Marys. The Quarter stakeholders are Nepean Private Hospital; Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District; Celestino (Sydney Science Park); Health Infrastructure (NSW Government); Penrith City Council; Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network; Western Sydney University; University of Sydney Nepean Clinical School; TAFE NSW and Nepean Blue Mountains Education and Medical Research Institute.

Renewed focused on catching illegal dumpers

T

he dedicated team of professional investigators from the Western Sydney based Regional Illegal Dumping Squad (WSRID) have been fighting illegal dumping across the Sydney Region for the past two decades and they haven’t given up yet.

On the back of the recent conviction and imprisonment of one Sydney’s notorious serial illegal dumpers, responsible for transporting hundreds of tonnes of waste to a number of unauthorised landfill sites across Sydney’s western suburbs, the WSRID Squad investigators are about to ramp up their surveillance and operations in the continued fight against illegal dumping.

Illegal dumping continues to be an unsightly and at times dangerous scourge on our community.

In 2017-18 the Western Sydney RID Officers handled over 1575 complaints from community members across the Blacktown, Cumberland, Fairfield, The Hills and Penrith Local Government areas.

Whilst over 110 infringement notices totalling $234,000 have been issues to offenders the cost of cleaning up these illegal dumps is increasing, with asbestos and other hazardous materials often being dumped by these unscrupulous people.

“Illegal dumping is not acceptable in any community and I call on our community members to speak up and immediately report any person or vehicle seen illegal dumping by calling 131 555 or reporting online on the RID Online website at https:// ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.

If you see illegal dumping on

your street, in your parks, reserves or bushland and you report it immediately we can have our RID Officers respond and catch these people and in doing so prosecute them and make ground in breaking the cycle” RID Program Co-ordinator Leon Marskell said.

“Prompt detection, early reporting and making sure the dumpers know they will get caught and won’t get away with their illegal activities is the only way we are going to stop it,” Mr Marskell said.

Investigators will be undertaking high visibility patrols across Western Sydney as well as conducting a number of specific joint agency operations across the region in the coming months.

“Information provided by the public are often the key in identifying

dumpers – information such as a photo, a registration number or the name of a person or company you saw dumping the waste helps our investigations. If you see illegal dumping occurring, please speak up,” Mr Marskell said.

The RID Squad was formed in 1999 to focus on illegal dumping in Western Sydney.

RID Squad Investigators currently investigate dumped waste in Blacktown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Penrith and The Hills Local Government Areas.

The RID Squad is supported by the NSW Environment Protection Authority with funding from the waste levy.

To report illegal dumping call the Western Sydney RID Squad on 131 555.

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Health and Education the perfect combination for a growing city

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news Smiles all round as St Marys Sub-branch awards scholarships

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.

In its 15th 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 ‘Colin Shepherd OAM Memorial School Scholarship Program’, participating schools conduct a competition based around military-related topics agreed with the sub-Branch. The scholarship winners

› Bearded Dragons

One of our readers, Rebecca Thornley was greeted by some unusual characters while walking across our new bridge with a friend.

“The photos were taken last Thursday when I went for a walk with my friend at Yandhai Nepean Crossing then walking along River Road.

“We saw three beautiful beard dragons in different areas.

“Such a beatific sight, wow!”

Thanks for sharing the images you captured with us Rebecca!

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.

It could be essay, powerpoint-style, 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.”

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.

New school fitness area

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today visited Penrith South Public School to officially open their new fitness equipment

area.

“Each week, teachers are required to provide students with 2 ½ hours of activity and this new equipment will help to keep them fit and healthy and active while having fun,” said Stuart Ayres “The new fitness equipment is modern and safe and will ensure students can enjoy outdoor activities and play for years to come,” said Stuart Ayres.

School Principal, Ms Kerrie Beeby said initially

the equipment will be used by the 256 students in years 3 to 6 and by the 80 children who use the Before and After School care service.

The fitness equipment was made possible through a grant of $30,000 through the NSW Government’s 2017 Community Building Partnership (CBP) program.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

F you were one of the thousands of people who attended the Centenary of Armistice held at the Paceway on Remembrance Day, I’m sure you’d agree with me that it was a day that not only felt great to be an Australian but also proud to be part of the Penrith community.

The combined efforts of Penrith CBD Corp CEO Gai Hawthorn and St Marys, Penrith and Blaxland/ Glenbrook Sub-branches resulted in one of the finest commemorative ceremonies this region has ever seen.

An early ceremony with Mayor Ross Fowler, poppy park, a commemorative address by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne, a didgeridoo player and the Haka performed by some members of the St Clair Comets were just some of the highlights of the day.

Very well done to all involved!

Special thanks to Luciano Vranich for these fabulous images!

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Proud to be Australian on the Centenary of Armistice

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news

Penrith Council joins farmers and community in need

P

enrith City Councillors have joined with Council staff to raise money for drought affected farmers in Lachlan Shire, NSW. Penrith Council and Lachlan Shire first entered into a Friendship City Agreement in 2006 and have since enjoyed 12 years of mutual friendship.

In this time they have partnered to deliver community programs and events as well as facilitating exchanges between Council staff, local students and sporting groups.

Penrith Mayor, Cr Ross Fowler OAM, said that supporting Lachlan Shire during the drought was an easy decision given the close bond between the two communities.

“Penrith has an incredibly fruitful relationship with Lachlan Shire.

Hearing the stories of hardship first hand from Lachlan Shire Mayor Cr John Medcalf has inspired us to come together and raise funds for our rural friends. Together, Penrith Council’s staff and Councillors raised $8400 for the community of Lachlan Shire which will be distributed to farmers in need, their families and the wider community.”

“Lachlan Shire Council is touched by the generosity and support,” Cr Medcalf said.

“The funds donated by Penrith City Council will be donated to drought stricken community members

by way used to stores”.

“The between

of vouchers that can be purchase goods at local longstanding friendship Lachlan and Penrith is

incredibly valuable, there have been many highlights and good times over the past 12 years. On behalf of my fellow Councillors I thank Penrith Council for being there for us in these

challenging times.

Cr Fowler OAM has pledged Penrith’s ongoing support for the Lachlan community as it continues to face tough drought conditions.

Penrith Community Tree Lighting Friday 30th November | Memory Park, High St Woodriff St, Penrith

I

t’s that time of the year that the whole Penrith Community gets together for some Christmas cheer and where shopping and dining local gets a major workout.

Penrith CBD Corp, along with our major sponsors Commonwealth Bank, Westfield Penrith and Penrith RSL will be lighting our huge Christmas Tree in Memory Park!

The adorable Christmas Wish Pony will be back this year along with the Kindi Farm, and the fabulous Glow Bugs will be back too.

There will be LOADS of entertainment from PAWS Studios and A-Live Performing Arts Centre along with other great stage acts that will get everyone moving.

It’s traditional to bake and eat gingerbread at this time of year but how does a whole gingerbread city sound? The talented Poles Patisserie will be creating and building this on the night. There will also be elves, loads of food trucks, market stalls, rides and of course the special man in the red suit making an appearance at 8pm.

Come on down to the Penrith CBD with your friends and family to discover the wonder and magical Tree Lighting for 2018.

20

Legends of the Nepean Joh (Petra) Dickens

By Noel Rowsell

J

Joh with daughter Tiffany and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres

oh (Petra) Dickens was born in Germany, before initially moving to Orange in country NSW then finally settling in Kingswood, where she attended Kingswood PS, then Penrith HS before studying Floristry for four years at Sydney TAFE. Floristry has been her passion since those early days and would inspire her to purchase Kingswood Florist in 1988, celebrating that thirty-year milestone this month.

Kingswood would be the first of a quartet of businesses, with Joh subsequently purchasing Penrith Florist in 1994, Creative Balloons in 1996 and St Marys Florist in 2011.

All of those businesses still exist but there is now only one physical store-front, being Kingswood, whilst all of the others are now handled online.

Joh is an icon in the business world and the local community, having held the role of President of the Professional Florists Association for the past 15 years.

In addition, Joh is a past-Chairman of Interflora for seven years, a past board member of the Chamber of Commerce for five years and a current board member for the WRAPS Foundation (The National Wholesale Retail and Personal Services Industry Training Council).

Described kindly by friends as a ‘soft touch’ Joh also actively supports other local charities and organisations, including the Luke Priddis Foundation, Music for Life (Fund raising for Brain Cancer) and The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter.

‘You have to give back’ said Joh. I’ve lived here all my life and it’s important to support not only the big charities like Queen of Hearts but also the little ones, like The Haven’.

Originally from a Fruit & Vegetable

Classes for all ages and abilities!

ALL TEACHERS ARE INDUSTRY EXPERTS & FULLY QUALIFIED Contact us on 0449 946 912 or email: dance_industrie@outlook.com St Clair Leisure Centre 6 Botany Lane, St Clair NSW 2759 www.facebook.com/ DanceIndustrieStudios

Joh (Petra) Dickens was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean

by Michael Creed.

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

background working for father Karl Preuss, Joh quickly found the Floristry business to have unique challenges, especially for a newcomer to the industry.

Good advice from friends, especially from father Karl, enabled Joh to conquer all of the early challenges and continually grow her business during the ensuing thirty years.

Joh said she has been particularly fortunate to travel all over the world

due to flowers, particularly with Interflora, and made many friends along the way.

She and daughter Tiffany, herself a successful florist, have also entered many competitions and Tiffany had success early, finishing second in an Australian Junior competition.

Joh does not have an end date on her love affair with flowers but is hopeful Tiffany may one day take over the business.

Describing herself as a ‘Kingswood

local’, Joh said ‘It (Floristry) is not a job, it’s an emotional thing’.

‘You follow people’s journeys – we used to say you hatch them, match them and dispatch them’.

‘That’s about how it works’ said Joh. ‘It can be very emotional, particularly when people come in buying flowers for funerals – especially for children’.

‘You work with brides, then they have babies – it’s always different’.

‘I have one gentlemen who has bought his wife flowers for their wedding anniversary every year for the past twenty-five years and that’s lovely’ said Joh. ‘Kingswood is a small community with a large population - a small community with a heart of gold’.

21

local news

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

22

Congratulations to Joh Dickens, whose local business Kingswood Florist has just reached a 30-years-in-business milestone.

Kingswood Florist was the first of four local businesses this lovely lady owns and runs successfully; there’s also Penrith Florist, Creative Balloons and St Marys Florist.

Joh, you have made and continue to make a tremendous impact on our community through your business and also your charity work.

Congratulations on 30 successful years and many more to come!

local news

W

armer weather often means many trips to the park, beach, friend’s places and holidays. It is important to plan ahead when travelling with your pets. Most dogs and cats will travel well if they are accustomed to car travel and a few tips can make your trip smooth and easy.

It is important to restrain your cat or dog whilst travelling. The way you do this will depend on the size and breed of your pet and the size and type of car you have. Cats and some smaller dogs travel best in a crate or cat cage as they feel secure when confined.

You need to make sure that a pet crate is well secured and cushioned in case of sudden braking. Most dogs are comfortable with a specially designed seatbelt harness. It is law in NSW that all dogs are secured in

the car. Be aware that some cars contain airbags and these can be very dangerous for dogs when deployed.

It is often best to sit them in the back seat. If you have a cargo compartment where your dog travels ensure that it has a partition and is well cushioned for sudden stops.

During the trip, it is important to stop often so your pet can stretch their legs, go to the toilet and burn off some energy. Small breaks hourly with a longer break every 4 hours are recommended. Always have your pet on a lead when you stop and make sure that your microchip details are up to date. Ensure that all

dogs have a collar with your contact number on it in case your pet is lost. Try to make the rest stops in the shade and never leave your pet unattended in the car.

Remember cars become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes in the warm weather.

Many pets sleep in the car but many become restless just like young children. It might seem fun to let your dog stick its head out of the window but this is dangerous. They can be hit by objects or fall out of the window. It also makes them susceptible to ear and eye irritations.

Preparing your pet for car trips is also important.

Get them used to lots of short trips. Some pets suffer from anxiety or car sickness in the car. Medications are often useful in these cases. A travel kit is also a great idea. Include water and food bowls, a supply of cool water, some toys and chews for the trip and a small supply of dog food. A first aid kit, some extra towels and wipes in case of accidents may also come in handy.

Traveling can be fun and exciting for both you and your pet, but make sure you plan ahead.

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

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Car travel with your pets

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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local news

Oh Frank Ifield, I remember yoooo-oooooo

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

IMES have changed for young budding singing stars, and many say these days it has become much harder for young talent to “be discovered” and make it.

One local champion who has dedicated his life to helping others is Ross Hutchison, affectionately known as Rossco. Known mostly for his charity work, radio announcing, ministries and work with horses, the abilities of this talented man would make your eyes spin!

He has had an amazing career in show business and he knows a thing or ten about how to assist someone on their journey to the top!

Following on from the success of his previous talent shows, which showcased superstars mentoring new talent, another very talented fella has decided to team up with him!

Enter Frank Ified, who blasted onto the charts in the 1960s with his unique style of yodelesque/country/rock and has remained a consistent favourite ever since.

Can you imagine what a talented duo like Rossco and Frank can do with a group of young “undiscovered” local kids with a dream?

Make sure you see the shows - over two nights next month see the ad on the next page for more details!

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

Local Councillors serve up burgers on McHappy Day

T

here were many familiar faces at McDonalds restaurants across the region last Saturday.

McHappy Day was another great fundraising success and many local business owners, sportspeople, and politicians dedicated their time to get

behind the counter.

Two Penrith Councillors (pictured) John Thain and Greg Davies were spotted lending a hand at North St Marys Mcdonalds.

Pictured here with store owners, the Meduris.

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT

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4732 2195

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0416 157 668

14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au

www.vicsmaxitransport.com.au

The Dream Team Dates are Over two big entertaining nights December 14 and 15 at the Penrith Paceway Now the Cast is as follows...

Arena McLellan

Kate Simpson

Frank Ifield Matthew Avery

Natasha Tatarinoff

“

It’s all about Australian Talent

“

Tamara Bentsen

Rossco is threatening to put Himself into the Show too... So Look Out!!!

“Last June, following Local Talent Quests, it was declared that these talented youngsters should be given a chance to enhance their career and skills by being put in a specially designed Professional Show, supported by Full Time Professionals... And Boy !..

Didn’t that happen!!!... It was such a success that it has led to new shows happening on 14th & 15th December at The Penrith Paceway .. A Great Night is assured” said Rosco.

It will be another great night out full of fantastic new talent!! Brilliant comedians and superb music and dancing plus delicious food!!! A perfect night out!! (We may introduce a few further surprises)

Dinner and Show Only $65 per head - Paceway Showroom 7pm for 7.30PM Bookings Essential | Phone 4721 2620 | PENRITH PACEWAY

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

26

ENTERTAINMENT

Travel: The Majesty of the Great Ocean Road

By Noel Rowsell

A

u s t r a l i a’ s most famous road stretches 244 kilometres along Victoria’s south coast and driving the route is undoubtedly regarded as one of ‘The great road trips’ in the world.

The Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay and winds along the Victorian coastline to Allansford, near Warrnambool, offering an almost unbelievable vista of freestanding rock formations and towering cliffs.

Comprised of Miocene limestone, overlaid by calcarenite and ferricrete and under-laid by a clay-limestone rock called Gellibrand marl, the coastline presents some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia.

Erosion estimated to have begun over 10-20 million years ago has created the free-standing formations, including the world-renowned Twelve Apostles.

Whilst erosion on the southern coastline occurs slowly in geological terms and therefore unnoticed in a human lifetime , the collapse of London Bridge in 1990 allowed us to witness first-hand the destructive nature of the weather and tides along the Great Ocean Road.

Famous towns along the Great Ocean Road include Bell’s Beach, Lorne, Apollo

Bay, Port Campbell and Warrnambool, whilst the stand-out attractions include but are not limited to Cape Ottway, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Gibson Steps, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and The Grotto.

The governance of the Great Ocean Road Region includes more than fourteen responsible public entities including five councils, two coastal committees, two water corporations, two catchment management authorities, Parks Victoria, VicRoads and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Anyone travelling west along the Great Ocean Road should not automatically end their journey at Warrnambool, as a visit to the neighbouring town of Port Fairy offers an enchanting vista of ocean and river, along with a rich history.

Port Fairy was voted as one of the world’s most livable cities with a population under 20,000 after winning the 2012 International LivCom award.

The town’s buildings are protected by the National Trust of Australia and nearby Griffiths Island holds a breeding colony of short-tailed Shearwater, otherwise known as the Australian Mutton Bird.

Originally established by John Griffiths as a whaling station in 1835, Port Fairy was later named Belfast by Sydney Solicitor James Atkinson in 1843, before changing back to Port Fairy again in 1887.

What you ‘Cane Do’ 64% of people who use white canes have been grabbed or handled by a member of the public even though they didn’t ask for help, according to a new national client survey by Guide Dogs Australia.

A similar number of people who use white canes (67%) also reported that people talk to their sighted companions instead of them directly when out in the community.

Guide Dogs Australia’s Cane Do community awareness campaign aims to remind members of the community what they ‘cane do’ to help people with a white cane navigate public spaces in a safe and independent way.

Ask the person using a white cane if they would like assistance and if so, how?

If you see a person with a white cane, be aware and give them space to navigate.

Don’t be offended if a person with a white cane declines your offer to help. They may simply be confidently travelling independently or concentrating.

Alert the person with a white cane if they are in any immediate danger.

Report all hazards in public spaces to your local council.

A cooking-free

Christmas Day! Christmas Day

Sensational Seafood Buffet 11.00am-1.00pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm

All your Christmas favourites including chilled seafood, antipasto, carvery (ham, turkey and roast beef ), hot dishes, salads, and 9 dessert selections! Tea and coffee also included.

Tickets are just $55 for members, $58 for guests, and $3 per year of age for children up to 12 years.

Book via Reception or on 9623 1211 (excludes online bookings).

View the full menu at

www.stmarysbandclub.com.au 411 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY, ST MARYS

9623 1211

The G Spot

THIS month we are going to enlighten ourselves with car security tips. The almighty car can mean many different things to people, and at times I have often wondered why some males have married their wives and not the beloved car.

That hunk of metal that you have cashed yourself up to your eyeballs in, that sits (quietly) on the driveway is also the bearer of many of your darkest secrets such as the odd scratch, the odd nose pick at traffic lights, singing Mariah Carey in high C and thinking that you sound great and body gas that could wipe out the state forest.

Hint one - Nothing quite spells please smash my window and grab me like an iPad, iPhone, navigator, laptop and any other electronic contraption on the planet left on show in your car.

Really good idea to take all that crap

with you, because nobody (except the baddies) really care that you own a laptop bigger than Sydney airport’s flight command centre equipment.

Hint two - The 11th commandment - Locketh thy car. You would be soooo surprised how many boneheads leave the car unlocked in car parks or driveways and wonder why it got stolen or broken into. We have all been guilty of this - rushed, kids screaming, bottle’o calling your name in 3D - however it is imperative (my big word for the day) to lock your car each and every time you get out of it.

(Copy that, Roger Wilco).

Hint three - Car alarm systems, most new makes and models come with all that crap in them, however many don’t squeal like a pigeon having its feet pulled. They quite often don’t have all the bells and whistles (Unless it’s a $400,000 sports whatever car

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

with a coffee maker), I am still a firm believer of the beloved extra car alarm, beep, beep, immobiliser etc, that just does what is designed to do.

And get it installed by someone who knows what that hell they are doing not Uncle Harry who has a world title in macramé.

Hint Four - Okay hands up who leaves car keys in the ignition while getting fuel (don’t lie)? This deserves the Chuck Norris upper cut award in bronze, because yes folks cars have been stolen from servos. Take your keys with you, sorry yeah I know it will add 3 seconds to the fuel up time …but? This is a big tut tut tut with an index finger wave.

Hint five - Parking the machine in a dark place, now unless you are doing a stick up, drug transaction or some other activity, it is a great idea to park in well-lit areas and where

people are around.

Hint Six - Pimping da ride- love the $10,000 tyre rims with the Swarovski crystals on each nut? Well so do the baddies. If you are going to beef up the bad boy, it may be a good idea to have it as the Sunday ride only, fully garaged ( you thought I was going to say fully sick didn’t you?) and also have a very hungry Pit Bull stapled to the driver’s side door. It’s great that you are spending a mortgage on your car, however be aware that it will draw as much attention as a state of origin match. Just be aware that it is high on the Richter scale of car theft.

So there you have it, Gina’s handy tips on car security, your car will be safe (tick) we won’t laugh at your gr8 number plates (tick)no animals were injured during the writing of this article (tick) and the bottle’o is still calling your name (tick).

KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

28

ENTERTAINMENT

h t 5 2 R E B NOVEM

A night with Lee Child

Ngala Sunday Markets Last Sunday of the Month @ PENRITH VALLEY SCHOOL LOT 3 WERRINGTON RD, WERRINGTON

Linda Kemp getting the latest novel signed by the literary genius, Lee Child

By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

To book a stall phone: 9623 7532 We walk together

N AUDIENCE that included myself were given quite a treat at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Monday night, where they wee able to get an insight into writer Lee Child.

Lee was in Sydney for just 96 hours and Penrith fans of his books were able to listen to “a conversation”

between Lee and writer Candace Fox. It was a sold-out crowd and anyone there with a keen eye for a familiar face would have also noticed Laurie Oakes was among those wanting to find out a little bit about what makes the creator of the Jack Reacher novels tick.

Lee took questions from the floor and also made himself available to sign books and get selfies with those who chose to - which was pretty much the entire crowd!

or Book now f as tm your Chris ly Party! On s e a few tabl left!

ENTERTAINMENT

with Michael Creed from Thor’s Cafe Penrith

Chicken Kiev Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts For the filling: 50g salted butter 2 cloves of garlic 1 handful flat parsley For the coating: 1 egg 1 handful of flour 100g breadcrumbs A few dashes of olive or vegetable oil Cooking: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C. 2. Peel and finely chop the garlic and parsley.

3. Blend the butter, garlic and parsley either by hand with a fork or in a food processor until thoroughly mixes and starting to become lighter and fluffier.

4. Prepare three shallow plates or dishes with the flour, lightly whisked egg and finally the breadcrumbs ready for coating the chicken breasts.

5. Trim any fat or remaining white from the breast and place it on a chopping board flat side down.

6. Taking a very sharp knife, carefully

cut a pocket half way up the breast from the thickest point so that there is a cavity about two inches long and going most of the way through.

7. Stuff the cavity with the garlic butter and press the edges of the breast down around the butter so none of it is visible and there is a bulge in the breasts.

8. Preheat a thick frying pan to a hot temperature and place a dash of oil.

9. Thoroughly coat the breasts one at a time in the flour followed by the egg and finally the breadcrumbs.

10. Individually seal the chicken and colour the breadcrumbs in the pan for around 30 seconds to a minute on each side until the coating is golden brown.

11. Place each on a lightly oiled baking tray ready to go into the oven.

12. Once all four are complete they can be covered and stored in the fridge for several hours or immediately baked in the oven for 18-20 minutes.

13. Serve immediately.

• Evening Private Parties • Fundraising • Indoor Playground Cafe • Themed Party Packages • Vacation Care

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Mike’s Pantry

29

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

30

ENTERTAINMENT

Ha n hin dy ts

Candle wax - to remove wax from carpeting or other fabric, first scrape away the excess then place a brown paper bag over the wax and run a warm iron over the bag, the wax will melt right into the bag.

Continue moving the bag around as you pick up the wax so you are always using a clean section. If a little grease stain remains on carpet, sprinkle with baking soda and allow sitting overnight before vacuuming.

Eliminate Kitchen Cooking Smells by placing a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the grate of the exhaust fan and on the globes of your overhead lights. If you have a light over your stove place some on that too. The heat from the cooking and the globes will release the scent and reduce the cooking odors.

It is safe to use of fluorescent lights also.

Keep cooked rice - Don’t waste leftover rice - it can be frozen for later use in patties, fried rice and other dishes.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs - to prevent eggshells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

Stop Celery Wilting - Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Ovens - Reduce oven-cleaning time by lining the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil cut to size.

The foil catches drips and grease and can be easily replaced when dirty Weevils - to prevent weevils in flour and grains put a bay leaf in the packet.

Red wine on carpet - pour some (cheap) white wine on the red wine stain. The proteins which cause the stain are the same and it will neutralize the red in the stain so you now have a white stain which you can clean up as normal.

Tarnished Silverware - Line a baking tin with aluminum foil. Fill with water and add 1 tblspn. of baking soda per 2 cups of water. Heat to 150 degrees. Lay silverware in pan, touching aluminum foil. Watch the stains disappear!

Scratches - To hide scratches on furniture rub a wax crayon of the same colour on the furniture, you’ll never see the scratch.

Venetian blinds - Clean aluminum and plastic Venetian blinds by hanging them up somewhere outside against a flat, vertical surface. Sponge with mild detergent and then gently hose them down. For timber blinds wipe the slats with household cleaner.

Walnut furniture - Small scratches can be removed from walnut surfaces by rubbing over scratch with a raw walnut kernel broken in half.

Remove sticky tape from varnished wood doors and furniture by spraying with window cleaner, leave for a while and tape will come off with no tell tale marks.

Washing Pillows - When cleaning mattresses and bedding always check the manufacturer’s care label first. In the case of pillows, chances are it can be thrown in the washing machine.

Place two or three pillows in the machine, making sure to distribute evenly around the agitator. Use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent.

To dry, place in the dryer along with a clean pair of sneakers to keep them from bunching up. To give them a fresh scent, use a couple of fabric softener sheets.

Sheets - Stitch a thread in the center top of your sheets, blankets and bed spreads and line these up with the center of the bed head for a perfectly neat bed every time.

Shed smell - Get rid of that shed smell by cutting an onion in half and leaving it on the shed bench. Tie a scarf around your mouth to avoid inhaling harmful odours and dust.

Ballpoint pen marks - Remove on wood or painted surfaces with distilled white vinegar. Simply dab with a clean rag soaked in vinegar until mark comes off.

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ham raffles will be starting

2 DECEMBER until 23 december

Prizes Include:

- 15x half hams - 5x pork roasts - HP Laptop - PS4 console + game - Drone - Lego - Laser Tag game - Giant flamingo pool float - Girl’s + boy’s bikes - Baby Alive - Remote control monster truck - Board games - Plus many more prizes!

All raffle prizes will be replaced with Ham or Pork

Thursday 8pm Friday 7.45pm Saturday 8pm Sunday 6.30pm

Sunday, 2nd December, drawn at 6.30pm (Replacing the regular Sunday Raffle)

Tickets $5 for 5 numbers. Available at reception now.

Must be present at draw to claim prizes.

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10

Sunday, 2nd December 2018 2pm to 5pm, tickets $5

MONDAY Barramundi Night $15 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Bangers & Mash Night $15 THURSDAY Parmy Night $15

Entertainment by Disco Jewels Finger food and drinks for the kids A visit from Santa Jumping Castle Airbrush tattoos All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

Book at reception today.

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

FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 23 NOV - 8PM

SATURDAY 24 NOV - 7PM

SUNDAY FRIDAY 25 NOV - 5PM 30 NOV - 8PM

SATURDAY 1 DEC - 8PM

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BLACKWATER Eric Lewis BLACKWATER Duo

SUNDAY 2 DEC - 5PM Soul Jamz

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

32

Penrith Youth Orchestra to perform with Australian Chamber Orchestra

T

he Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), The Joan and Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO) are thrilled to present a performance by the Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO) on Sunday 25 November.

Following the success of their inaugural performance in May 2018, the PYO will present a concert filled with orchestral and chamber music favourites, including music

by Beethoven, Wagner and Dvorak directed by conductor Paul Terracini.

The concert will also feature a performance from the ACO Education Ensemble, who will perform works by Mozart and Piazzolla.

The Joan is proud to present this exciting performance and showcase the outcome of a long-term vision by the PSO, The Joan and the ACO to build musical and orchestral skills in young musicians in Western Sydney, supported by the Crown Resorts Foundation’s Western Sydney Arts Initiative.

Penrith Conservatorium Manager, Meena Ahn, says it is important that young people in Western Sydney have opportunities to participate in

a focused, high-quality orchestral program such as this.

“Penrith Youth Orchestra offers an exceptional opportunity for young Western Sydney musicians to be trained by and perform alongside professional musicians from the PSO and the ACO in the fine rehearsal facilities and concert hall at The Joan.

During the rehearsals and workshops, students receive expert guidance and advice about the music, instrumental techniques and ensemble playing,” says Ms Ahn. “The mentorship and support of the professional musicians has inspired a passion in these young musicians

to pursue music for the long term, including, for some, tertiary music studies and beyond.”

Enjoy the extraordinary talents of the musicians, who range in age from eight to 21, as they take to the stage on Sunday 25 November at The Joan, at 3pm.

TICKETS Adults $15 | Concession $10 Book now thejoan.com.au 4723 7600 For more information about Penrith Conservatorium visit: www.thejoan.com.au/penrith- conservatorium-music

› 2019 at the Joan 2019 at The Joan is shaping up to be a cracking year, with 18 shows specially selected for audiences; offering a blend of fun, classic and adventurous experiences.

They promise to whisk you away on a captivating journey through the performing arts: from symphonies to circus, drama to stand-up, stories, spectacle and song.

They even have a talking sponge.

The Joan’s 2019 Season explores the finest in music, both contemporary and classical, and features some of the greatest new theatre works in Australia. It’s jam-packed with talented artists including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Emma Matthews, Kenny Broberg, Simon Tedeschi, Naomi Price, both Johns: Bell and Gaden; and an entirely new solo show by Jonathan Biggins.

Subscriptions are again available in 2019 in three sizes with increasing discounts; a four pack saves you 10%, six pack 12% and an eight pack 15%.

Bigger packs are available by contacting The Joan’s Box Office (boxoffice@penrith.city | 4723 7600). Subscribe and save more!

Christmas SPECIAL 2 Course Meal Deal

Ham, Turkey, Roast Vegies, Peas & Gravy Christmas Pudding w/ Brandy Custard GROUP BOOKINGS WELCOME Closed Christmas Day

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

34

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTION: 8 November

SUDOKU: HARD

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 1 Disclosing

unintentionally (8) 5 Awe (6) 9 In a strong manner (8) 10 Declared (6) 12 Dancer (9) 13 Keyboard instrument (5) 14 Self-satisfied (4) 16 Sops up (7) 19 Makes known (7) 21 Inlets (4) 24 A piece of armor to

protect thighs (5) 25 Vista (9) 27 A type of beetle (6) 28 Handling (8) 29 Appeared (6) 30 Becomes bony (8)

solution 8/11/18

DOWN 1 Pulsates (6) 2 Slanders (6) 3 Savor (5) 4 Rhythmic (7) 6 Unmistakably (9) 7 Widows (8) 8 Incivility (8) 11 Festivity (4) 15 Act up (9) 17 Tooth doctors (8) 18 Not faithful (8) 20 Sodium chloride (4) 21 Robbers (7) 22 An island in French

Polynesia (6) 23 Masses (6) 26 Ragout (5)

NEPEAN HISTORY

W

hen Reverend Marsden died, his son Charles Simeon inherited Mamre which he made into a centre of fashionable social life, with carriages containing many of the best-known figures in the country constantly arriving and leaving its gates around its curving driveway. Many happy lavish parties were held by Charles who was beginning to live beyond his means. To keep up, several blocks of land from the original property were subdivided and sold with the property reduced from over 5,000 acres to about 1,200. Facing bankrupt, Charles sold Mamre to Richard Rouse of Rouse Hill near Windsor. Richard had three daughters and they all wanted the property as a dowry. Realising that this was an impossible task, he decided to place the names in a type of lottery which included Mamre plus two other properties and invited the three girls to draw out one each . Mamre was drawn by daughter Elizabeth Henrietta Rouse who later married the Hon. Robert Fitzgerald and because of this marriage the property was passed onto her husband. Mamre is significant for its information on the pre-contact Aboriginal occupation of the South Creek catchment and demonstrating Aboriginal survival. The farmhouse is an iconic feature in the St Marys’ region and the building is an important example of an early 19th century homestead in the Colonial Georgian style and the archaeological significant for its potential to yield information on early colonial landscapes, farmsteads and Georgian architecture. Robert Fitzgerald had always been a friend to the natives and would send his coachman down regularly with food to their camp on the “island” in South Creek but later this custom was discontinued, and the tribe disappeared. Robert Fitzgerald, described as a pastoralist and politician was born in June in 1807 at Windsor NSW, the second son of Richard Fitzgerald and his wife Mary, née Ford. He was educated at Fulton’s School in Sydney. At the age of 21 his father gave him capital, mostly in livestock, and by 1830 he was granted 500 acres at Rylstone. In 1832 he acquired more land in partnership with William Lawson on the Liverpool Plains, and about 1835 at Yarraman (near Coolah Tops National Park) by a deal with aboriginal “Bonegarley”, ‘King of Yarraman Plains’, and receiving official recognition when Robert paid cash for the land. In 1840 he inherited his father’s lands and the agency for Mrs Elizabeth Macquarie’s estate. Robert had one son and five daughters who married and lived overseas. By 1857 he had rebuilt “Springfield” at Darlinghurst and lived there when he visited Sydney. In addition to his pastoral holdings he acquired a lot of real estate in Sydney. In 1861 he rebuilt the burnt-out “Prince of Wales Theatre” (Theatre Royal) in Castlereagh Street. He gave £100 to the organ fund of the University of Sydney and for a time he was the wealthiest man in the country. Coming from a famous Irish family, he shared the Irishman’s love of racing that was probably due to the tan-bark racetrack he developed at Mamre. This was apparently an exceptionally fine racetrack and two Melbourne Cup winners are said to have been trained there.. His second daughter, Mrs. Alston, inherited Mamre but she left Australia when young with her husband, a military officer and never returned to Australia. Robert died from paralysis in May 1865 at Springfield and was buried in St Matthew’s cemetery at Windsor. He was survived by his second wife Charlotte, née Bennett who he married in October 1864 and his one son and five daughters of his first marriage. He left an estate of £90,000 which did not include his pastoral empire. Sadly, due to neglect, Mamre started to fall into disrepair and was let to a series of tenants. One was James Hall. In the Nepean Times dated November, 1890 described a fire at Mamre that occurred and totally destroying the kitchen and contents.

It was supposed that the fire originated from a spark from the fire in the kitchen. The total loss sustained with kitchen and contents was estimated at about £130 but the whole building was only insured at the Phoenix

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Mamre and the Rouse-Fitzgerald connection

35

Fire Office for £50. The magnificent orchard that used to produce the finest fruit in New South Wales was neglected. The substantial cottages Robert had erected for his laborers were allowed to fall into ruins, the bridges over South Creek were swept away in the flooding of the area and were never replaced. Scrub became a problem and at the site of the blacks’ camp at South Creek the natives would expose their dead on the shores nearby. Further tenants included the Shadlow Family, Samuel Barber Dale, the Stonestreet Family, the Ogilvie Family, George Walter Brangwin and Family and Colin MacLaurin and his wife who was a great grand-daughter of Richard Rouse. In 1948 the place was almost completely ruined. One of the outside walls of the .house was on the verge of collapse and part of the floor had gone. There were no doors, windows, or shutters and the cows had been allowed to use the groundfloor as a stable. The stairs also were said to be unsafe and the ceiling of the cellar had collapsed into it taking with it part of the floor. There were practically no fences on the property and the dams were silted up and the scrub had encroached around the place. Income from the property barely paid the rates and at this stage the Perpetual Trustee Company of Sydney who were acting for Mrs. Alston’s descendants, decided to sell it by public auction. Bidding went up to over £20,000 when there were two contestants left, Mrs MacLaurin who wanted to keep the old place in the family and a racing man James “Jim” Hackett. As the price was above the pegged price, the matter was referred to the Land Sales Control authorities who handed it over to Mrs MacLaurin because her son, an ex-serviceman with several children wanted to live there.

A Sydney architect, Mr. E. Lindsay Thompson of the firm of Lindsay Thompson, Spooner and Dixon, expressed the view that he could restore the old house and was given a free hand to do so. The tottering rail was demolished, and the soil used to fill in the cellar. A new wall was built and the whole house tied together by transverse and longitudinal steel ties. The work of reconstruction went on for two years and at the conclusion the MacLaurin family, consisting of Mrs MacLaurin, her son and her three grandchildren moved in. Eighty acres were subdivided and sold and across the remaining 1,060 acres new fences as the land was subdivided into paddocks for grazing. The South Creek flats, about 250 acres in extent were gradually sown with Lucerne because the water table was fairly high and on the higher land good crops of oats were grown. As we know, Mamre is still going strong in the 21st century, a testament to the commitment of those pioneers and the community spirit that still exists at “Sweet St Marys”.

Lyn Forde – President & Research Officer of the St Marys & District Historical Society Inc. Various sources were used for this article. Photo of Mamre courtesy of Frank Walker RAHS.

How do you want your friends to remember you?

With a prepaid funeral, just the way you are.

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

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

36

local news

Just 50 cents can make a different this Christmas

W

oolworths customers across the Penrith and St Marys region can help make a difference by purchasing a 50 cent token in the OzHarvest Christmas Appeal to provide a meal for Australians in need.

With more than 4 million Australians experiencing food insecurity1 and many charities providing food relief reporting they could take double the food to meet demand, hunger is a serious national issue.

The OzHarvest Christmas Appeal at Woolworths hopes to raise more than $1 million nationally to assist in delivering more food to over 1,300 charitable agencies.

Supplemented by regular donations of fresh produce from Woolworths stores across the country, customers who purchase a 50 cent meal token at Local Woolworths or online will be helping OzHarvest to deliver a meal to someone in need.

“There will be many families all across the country, including in the Nepean region, struggling to put meals on the table,” OzHarvest NSW State Manager, Richard Watson said.

“Through the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, together we can ensure charities can help support those in need and meet the growing demand for support.

Local Woolworths Operations Manager Imran Yousaf said Woolworths understands that Christmas is a time to focus on family, friends and the local community.

“By simply donating 50 cents by purchasing an OzHarvest Christmas Appeal token, we can all make a difference together and play a vital role in helping feed an Australian in need,” he said.

Customers can purchase an OzHarvest 50 cent

meal token when shopping at any Woolworths store or online until 24 December 2018. Customers can place their name on any token once purchased, and take it home or put it on display at Woolworths stores across the Nepean region.

Last year, the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal received an overwhelming response raising over $1 million for the food rescue organisation, providing two million meals for Australians across the country.

Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2015 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

38

SPORT

Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis

N

ow that the hot weather is here, you may be itching to get back outside and get moving.. Whatever the reason for your fitness hiatus, spring is an ideal time to get back to exercise.

Whether you jog a few km’s, tee up for a round of golf or shoot hoops with your kids in the backyard, it’s important to prepare your body for activity, especially if frigid temps kept you glued to the couch all winter long . Otherwise you run the risk of overdoing it. Even ordinary activities can take a toll. The “no pain, no gain” approach to fitness doesn’t work.

Instead, try these five strategies to shape up this spring.

1. Underestimate your abilities.

Most people regress during the winter months, even if they’ve stuck to a regular fitness routine. If you don’t underestimate your ability and ease

back into your activities, you’re setting yourself up for muscle soreness and injury, and that can sideline you for weeks. You might not feel the pain the day after a tough workout, but two days later the soreness may be so intense you can’t lift your arm above your head.

2. Start small. If you’ve been sedentary for weeks, check in with your doctor before amping up your activity. Once you get the all-clear, start with an easy walking schedule or stretching regimen. The slow, gentle movements will help prep your body for more intense activities like tennis, gardening and golf. Start with 10 minutes every day or every other day for a week. Then increase to 15 minutes the following week. Add five minutes to your workout each week until you’re walking for 30 to 45 minutes at a stretch. You can even break up sessions throughout the day.

And don’t forget to stretch before and

after your workouts.

3. Go slow. Even though sunny days may be calling your name, make sure to start slow. A good rule of thumb: Never increase your weight, time, speed or intensity more than 10 percent per week.

So, 10 percent of 10kg weight is 1kg. Similarly, if you’re running 8 km’s per hour, boost it up to 8.5 km’s per hour. Also, keep in mind that running on the ground is different — and usually more taxing — than running on a treadmill. The best approach may be to vary the intensity throughout your workout. Sprint for 1 minute, jog for 10 and then walk for 5.

Repeat the process until you feel your workout is complete. Called high intensity interval training, this type of training offers more gains than maintaining a steady pace.

4. Stretch it out. No matter what your sport or activity, incorporating stretching into your routine can help you stay at the top of your game.

Competing in a tennis match? Focus on your arms and shoulders and prep your body to pivot. Playing a round of golf? Stretch out your trunk and lower back, bending side to side and twisting from left to right.

5. Keep your expectations in check. The longer your break the more time you’ll need to get back to on track. So, if you worked out three to four times per week prior to your winter break, it will take about four to eight weeks for you to get back up to speed. Remember, too, that you didn’t become inactive overnight, so you won’t become fit overnight. Patience is key.

Exercise stresses the body. While it’s mostly good stress, if you do too much too quickly, you’re more likely to suffer from an injury that sets you back even farther, particularly if you’re packing more weight postwinter. The added weight can place increased pressure on your joints during high-impact activities. Lowerimpact activities like swimming, cycling, Pilates and yoga can be easy on the joints.

Follow ‘Wild Panther Fitness’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@wildpantherfit.) For any enquiries: info@wildpantherfitness.com.au Until next time “STRENGTHEN YOUR WEAKNESS!”

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

HE Matildas have sold out Penrith Stadium for the second time in as many months as they faced Chile recently.

The matildas are currently ranked sixth in the world and are one of Australia’s greatest current sporting teams.

The Matildas have been proving their critics wrong and especially in the last year with selling out stadiums and moving close to being in the top five countries in the world for football.

The Matildas suffered a rare home defeat to Chile, who secured a 3-2 smash-and-grab win in the international friendly.

Emily van Egmond put Australia ahead with a penalty on nine minutes and the in-form Aussies seemed on their way in front of a Matildas’ Sydney record crowd of 15,185 at Penrith Stadium.

But Francisco Lara capitalised on some self-inflicted defensive chaos with a smart long-range strike to draw Chile level midway through the first half.

The situation worsened for the Matildas almost immediately after the break, as Australia failed to clear a free kick and Carla Guerrero steered home as Elise Kellond-Knight just failed to clear on the line.

Australia’s control on the match soon disappeared and the match turned into a stop-start affair with limited sights of goal and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams barely touching the ball.

The Matildas had their opportunities to draw level with Kerr hit the post late with a header and substitute Katrina Gorry failing to score with only the goalkeeper to beat, but it was Yesenia Huenteo who broke away to score the sealer for Chile.

Van Egmond managed to score her second from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of the match

after the referee deemed Kerr had been upended in the box.

Despite the defeat the Matilda’s have shown their capabilities of attracting crowds and preforming on the international level.

The Matildas first sold out against Brazil back in September when the FFA decided to bring the national team out west in a huge match-up against the South American team.

The atmosphere, pitch and all-round quality of the match was recognised by the FFA and led to their decision

to again bring the Matildas out to Penrith.

The Matildas two sell out games prove that they have a huge support base in Western Sydney and within Australia. It also shows that women’s football in Australia is developing and growing at a rapid rate with the quality of players and the number of fans attending the matches.

The Matildas game also shows that Penrith is becoming a great location for International games and football fans in Western Sydney will be hoping to see more events out west in the near future.

New multi-purpose hardcourt for Emu Plains Public School

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith visited Emu Plains Public School (EPPS) to announce they will receive a grant of $130,000 through the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership program.

Stuart Ayres said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to the playground space for the children of Emu Plains Public School.

“This is fantastic news for Emu Plains Public School who will utilise the funding to create a multi-purpose hardcourt for basketball, netball and handball.”

Dr Anthony Place, EPPS P & C Grant Coordinator

said this project will enhance student outcomes through improved social skills, health, fitness, and a capacity to learn. Students will be able to get out on the court to reset, and return to the class room ready to learn.

“The broader community will also benefit through the Department of Education open playground initiative,” said Dr Place.

Lapstone Public School P & C will also receive funding of $22,000 through the CBP program to construct a single multi-purpose sports court at the school.

“I congratulate Emu Plains Public School P

& C and Lapstone Public School P & C on their successful applications and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for our local students.”

Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government’s strong economic management ensures we are in a position to invest in these important local projects.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded some 13,800 community projects since it commenced nearly a decade ago.

For more information about the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cb

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Matildas sell out Penrith Stadium again

39

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

40

SPORT

Golfing success puts Penrith on the map

T

housands of spectators took to the greens alongside Australia’s best golfers when the 2018 AVJennings NSW Open Championship returned to Twin Creeks for the second year, Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 November.

The unique format, which allows fans to walk the fairways behind the players, ensured the event was a great day out for locals, visitors and players alike.

Queenslander Jake McLeod took out the Championship with rounds of 67, 68, 62 and 71 for a tournament total 20-under 268.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM, said the event was a great way to finish off Penrith’s big weekend of sporting action which also saw the Westfield Matildas take on Chile at Panthers Stadium in front of a packed crowd.

“This weekend has been a great success for Penrith with the 2018 AVJennings Golf Open Championship and the Westfield Matildas vs Chile both attracting impressive crowds.”

“Major events like these not only provide an opportunity for Penrith residents to see national sporting action right here in Penrith, they also inject valuable tourism dollars into the local economy.”

“These events also highlight Penrith as a destination with the infrastructure and facilities to support headline sporting events,” Cr Fowler said.

Although the golf is finished for another year there’s still plenty to do in Penrith. For the latest event announcements and newest attractions see visitpenrith.com.au.

Richmond take out Club of the Year title in WSRVGA Inter-Club Competition

By Noel Rowsell

R

ichmond GC has won the ‘Club of the Year’ title in the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club competition, following completion of the final round at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC on 7th November.

With their Club already holding a commanding lead in the Club of the Year rankings, Richmond members Ken Powell, Judy Benson, John Manczak and Paul Evans took out the day’s team prize to emphatically secure this year’s title for the Hawkesbury club.

‘Male Player of the Year’ went to front-runner Jim Lyons (Richmond) on 115 points, with club-mate Noel Byles narrowly tipped out of second place by the fast-finishing Steve Francis (Wallacia) with 112.

Byles finished third on 111, whilst the remaining Top Ten players were Graham Anderson (Wallacia), Ted Malicki (Wallacia), Colin Cheyne (Richmond), Neil Johnston (Penrith), John Ross (Glenmore), Steve Loader (Stonecutters) and Brian Metcalfe (Leonay).

Diane Bowen (Dunheved) won the ‘Ladies Player of the Year’ title with 104 points, ahead of a deadheat for second between Gabrielle O’Dempsey (Richmond) and Judy Loader (Stonecutters Ridge) on 103.

The remainder of the Top Ten were Denise Chant (Wallacia), Elaine Lovatt (Glenmore), Elaine Williams (Dunheved), Annette Leck (Richmond), Julie Edwards (Glenmore), Carol Lozier (Richmond) and Shirley Owen (Wallacia).

Glenmore spokesperson and WSRVGA Vice President John Lovatt said “Yesterday was the final Inter-Club for 2018 and 133 players took part in the event”.

“Apart from the rain shower that came in around 11.30am and lasted for about an hour, the day was a great success”.

George Thompson (Leonay) tees off during the WSRVGA Inter-Club event at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC, watched

by Ron Thomas (Leonay). Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Lovatt said “Given the harsh winter and lack of rain, the course was in very good condition and is a tribute to Steve (Course Manager Steve Konkolics) and his green keeping staff”.

“Sponsors are crucial to these events and I’d like to acknowledge Lower Mountain Air Conditioning, Drummond Golf, One Point Health, Pro-Tel Antenna service, Woolworths Glenmore Park, Swimart, Guardian Funerals, Frasers Property and the Richmond Club” said Lovatt.

The full list of winners at Glenmore were: Men’s: Division One – Neil Johnston (Penrith), runner-up Warren Husband (Glenmore); Division

Two – Ken Powell (Richmond), runner-up Peter Whiddon (Dunheved); Division Three – John Manczak (Richmond), runner-up John Edwards (Glenmore).

Women’s: Division One – Judy Benson (Richmond), runner-up Jean Kenyon (Glenmore).

2BBB - Peter Green and Peter Whiddon (Dunheved), runners-up Garry Allsopp and Rex Smith (Penrith) 2BBB Medley – John Manczak and Leonie Manczak (Richmond), runners-up Judy Benson and Roy Benson (Richmond).

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

S

am Appleton for most of the year chases his dream, training in the US and racing Ironman events across the world but any chance he gets he loves to get home to Australia to catch up with family and friends and race high profile Australian events such as Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney (25 November).

Nestled at the base of the stunning Blue Mountains, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney is Appleton’s hometown event and he is keen to put his local advantage to good use when he takes on Ironman New Zealand Champion and record holder at Ironman Western Australia Terenzo Bozzone.

“I grew up in the Blue Mountains, about 20 minutes from Penrith. But I spent a lot of my time cutting my teeth with the lads out of Penrith Panthers Tri Club, so it definitely feels like a home race to me,” Sam said.

“I love racing in Australia. I still try and do a few races in Australia every year even though I spend a lot time in the USA. Australia is home and it is my favourite country to race in.

“It is really cool to be able to race in front of friends and family in Western Sydney. Last year I raced and had a tonne of support out there that was amazing.”

One of the most consistent performers on the global Ironman 70.3 circuit, Appleton kicked off the year with a win at Ironman 70.3 Geelong and he can think of nothing better than book ending his year by picking up the 70.3 title in Western Sydney, where his triathlon career started.

“The start list looks great, with a lot of Aussie talent assembled and with Terenzo Bozzone returning to racing,” he said.

“I’ve raced everyone on the start list quite a few times, and particularly raced the likes of Tim Reedy,

Tim van Berkel and Craig Alexander a lot.

“It is kind of fun because we are all good friends off the course, but love nothing more than to beat each other out there. It is good for bragging rights.”

“It has been a good year so far. I have managed three 70.3 wins and a sixth place at the Ironman 70.3 World Champs in South Africa.

“Like every year it has had its ups and downs, but generally it has been trending more to the up.

I just came off a win at Los Cabos 70.3 in early November, so that is a nice confidence booster that everything is on track for Western Sydney.

“I am doing Western Sydney and then finishing off the racing calendar at Ironman 70.3 Taupo two weeks later. I want to head out there and check

out the race venue as its the 70.3 World Champs location for 2020.

“Obviously getting a win at either or both of these would be amazing and definitely something I am shooting for, but I am also aware that the fields assembled in Oceania are really strong these days.

“I would love to come back to defend my title in Geelong as I love the race there and have won it two times. At the moment though I am unsure where I kick my season off,” he added.

As an Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifying race, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney offers 35 qualifying slots to the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, to be held in Nice, France.

Coach’s Corner How can I incorporate fitness into my training sessions?

W

ith the commencement of most Rugby League preseasons at the elite and junior representative levels this month it got me thinking about how conditioning and traditional fitness training has changed within my time as both a player and as a coach. I can remember my early years playing Harold Matthews and SG Ball the traditional torturous fitness sessions we would be subjected to with no skill element just with the goal to push every player over and beyond their physical limit in an attempt to weed out the unfit players.

How times have changed thankfully! When planning my preseason in consultation with my strength and conditioning coach the importance of ensuring we are meeting multiple goals within each session and drill is fundamental in ensuring we are utilising our time efficiently to both get the players into peak physical condition but also with plenty of repetitions of skill and game scenarios within the training program. So how can this be adapted for junior coaches once you begin your preseason programs?

Junior coaching programs should never include traditional fitness or conditioning drills. Fitness should never take precedence over the development of skill and the enjoyment of athletes at the junior level. Fitness can easily be implemented into your

coaching sessions through adopting the ‘less talk more action’ approach from a coaching perspective, get the players moving as much as possible for as long as possible. Within a one hour training session athletes should be moving for a minimum of 50 minutes. Fitness will be achieved during the drills and games which you have set up to be competitive, fun and challenging within each session. The best part of having games and drills achieve your fitness outcomes is that the athletes do not associate fitness with any specific aspect of your training sessions which maximises their enjoyment. It should also eliminate the ‘oh no, not this again’ comment which can become all too common from players!

Coaches who have players repetitively run laps or sprints to achieve fitness goals in my opinion are wasting and burning critical time which would be much better spent developing skills and teaching the fundamentals of their specific sport. Junior athletes sign up to learn, have fun and play! So create an environment which allows them to do so. For the coaches doubting this approach… Firstly when do players ever run a lap during a game? When do players ever run in a straight line for any more than 10-20 metres during a game? The answer is rarely if ever. This type of fitness training does not directly

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

relate or improve the skill of Rugby League, Netball, Soccer, Rugby or AFL players. No wonder the players are saying ‘oh no, not this again’! As a coach if a drill or game I am running does not directly flow into an improvement or development of a skill or tactic for my players when transferred onto the field on game day then I must ask myself: What is the benefit of me running this drill or playing that game within my training session? We must always be working on the process of building the skills of our players which will in turn over time improve the performance of our teams.

The best type of fitness junior athletes can get is within live games. Encourage players to get to training early and allow them to create their own games and own rules. There will be plenty of time for your players to focus on fitness and conditioning once the game becomes serious as young adults. But as coaches if we are not providing a fun, engaging and challenging environment the players will not stay within the game long enough to even get that chance. The main priority as a junior coach should be to retain our players within each of our individual sports through fostering an environment of learning through fun, challenging and engaging coaching programs.

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

Local champ has eyes on Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

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SPORT

Josh Lalor at the crossroads

By STEWART MOSES

V

@TheRiffMarn

eteran Penrith speedster, Josh Lalor admits his stellar grade cricket career is at the crossroads, with the former NSW Blues bowler focused on prolonging his involvement in T20 cricket in the lucrative Big Bash League.

The 31-year old left arm quick, recently re-signed

by BBL franchise, Brisbane Heat for another two seasons, has restricted his availability for Penrith to just white-ball cricket only in season 2018-19 as he looks to preserve a body that has seen it’s fair share of injuries in previous seasons.

Lalor in just three outings – a T20 game and two one-dayers, has been one of Penrith’s best with the ball, having taken 7 wickets at an average of just 6.50 and is one of the reasons why Penrith is sitting among the competition leaders, a third of the way into the NSW Premier Cricket season.

But while Lalor continues to play for Brisbane, his non-availability for Penrith in the longer forms of the game, will continue.

“The Brisbane Heat pay the bills,” Lalor told Nepean News.

“They’ve basically told me ‘we don’t need you to be able to bowl 20 overs on a Saturday, that doesn’t really help us.’

“We don’t want to overload you especially (now I’m) getting slightly older.

“For me it’s about reducing the volume and making sure the intensity is quite high, which lines up more with the shortest form of the game.”

Whilst Lalor welcomes the rest to his body whenever Penrith plays a two-day game, it hasn’t been so easy to maintain any sort of rhythm with his bowling, given Lalor says it has been difficult to maintain a regular weekly bowling workload given his current employ at Cricket NSW. “To be honest it’s a bit tricky to get into any kind of rhythm,” Lalor said.

“I haven’t bowled as I would have liked but it’s coming back to that age where I have a bit of better understanding of the game.

Lalor has been in outstanding form whenever available to play for Penrith.

Photo: Michael Gibson.

“I can understand when I am at my best and when I am not, still work out how I can still be effective.

“I look after the metropolitan male academy which has been really interesting for me to be able to focus on that 9-5 through the week.

“I’ve struggled with work at the moment to be able to get out and train out west, so I normally train at the SCG. “At the moment, it’s about making sure that I can get 6-8 overs in a week with the right intensity that allows me to practice for the kinds of things you will come up against in a T20 game.

“Stuff with the new ball, types of variations

through the middle overs and then bowling at the death.”

With the birth of son August, five months ago, Lalor says that while he remains interested in playing the longer forms of the game especially with Penrith, family needs to come first.

“I am still definitely interested in playing for quite a few years. It’s just in what sort of form that looks like,” Lalor replied.

“The career is still progressing so firstly I have to make sure I am still living in and around Penrith first and if we are doing that then is a pretty good chance I’ll be playing for Penrith.”

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SPORT @TheRiffMarn

Penrith look to bounce back against Easts after surprise loss to Gordon The summer Panthers have it all to do if they are to claw back top spot on the NSW Premier Cricket ladder after a mixed fortnight of cricket.

Last Saturday week, Penrith suffered a shock loss to Gordon in a game where the visitors were outplayed for the vast majority of the contest as the home side piled on the runs setting the Black Cats 287 to win on a flat Chatswood Oval wicket.

The total could have been greater had it not been for Penrith’s fightback in the closing overs, taking 6/50, as Ryan Smith and Michael Collins took three wickets each.

But in the unfamiliar position of chasing rather than setting a total, Penrith lost their way early to be 6/90 before a 109 run 7th wicket partnership between Tyran Liddiard (93) and Collins (46) put the visitors back into the game to a point where with 8 overs remaining, they required a little more than a run a ball to win.

But Liddiard’s dismissal ultimately saw Penrith finish 39 runs short to be all out for 247, their first loss in twelve games.

Skipper Ryan Smith admits the side needs to work on how they chase totals following the shock loss.

“We didn’t play our best cricket. It wasn’t a good day but these things happen and hopefully we bounce back this week against Eastern Suburbs,” Smith told Nepean News.

“We did bowl well in the last ten overs to stop their momentum from blowing out much further.

“But we’re still figuring out our way of chasing totals. Losing a few consecutive wickets didn’t help the process by any means.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t approach it in the right manner we should have.

“We didn’t set ourselves targets against Gordon that we should tick off along the way when chasing a big total.

“We are an aggressive team and we’ll continue to play that way but we’ll need to work out that fine balance in also playing smart cricket.”

The third-placed Black Cats will be somewhat disappointed with their batting efforts against Eastern Suburbs.

Quite a few batsmen got starts – Brent Williams (74), Ryan Hackney (68), John DiBartolo (45) and Tyran Liddiard (43).

But none went on to post a really big score and with Penrith losing 5/21 to dismissed for 295, skipper Ryan Smith says he can’t help but feel that they left a few runs out there on a flat Waverley Oval wicket.

“A good toss to win. The wicket was quite flat and I think we were a lot more patient this week with our shot selections and we were able to get a few really good key partnerships going when we were batting

Tyran Liddiard last weekend became the first batsman from the club to score 500 runs in all forms of the game in season 2018-19.

Credit: Michael Gibson.

which was good,” Smith said.

“A lot of blokes got starts but I was a little bit disappointed that no one could go on and get a really big score and give us a really good total to defend. I probably would have liked another 30-40 runs.”

Penrith did hit back late on day one to have the home side in some trouble 3/14 having removed both openers and one of three night-watchmen employed

by Eastern Suburbs.

But despite having the likes of NSW keeper Peter Nevill, England international Sam Robson and exciting Blues rookie Baxter Holt to bat, Smith says he hopes they will take their confidence and momentum from day one into this Saturday’s play in order to get the six points.

“We had ten overs at them and took a few wickets and hopefully we’ll keep that momentum going in our direction come this week,” Smith declared.

“They have a fairly handy batting line up but with our bowling attack, we’re confident about defending that total.”

A win over Eastern Suburbs sets up a clash most Penrith cricket lovers having been waiting following news that suspended Australian skipper, Stephen Smith will be available to play for his grade cricket club, Sutherland at Howell Oval on Dec 1 & 8, after a T20 competition Smith had signed to play in the UAE during December, had collapsed.

Officials are quietly confident Smith’s appearance will attract plenty of Penrith’s junior cricketers and with a crowd of 1,000-2,000 anticipated per day, the club is planning to put on a BBQ, host signing sessions and ramp up additional catering and sponsor marquees.

The club will also host its T20 double header this Sunday at Howell Oval, dubbed “Back in Pink” day, as the Black Cats look to remain on track for finals qualifications when they host the table-topping

Sydney University and Fairfield-Liverpool. Josh Lalor’s availability for the double-header has been confirmed.

For those can’t get to Howell Oval, it will be livestreamed by “The Sporting Chance” where yours truly may make an appearance on at some stage during the day. The link being https://livestream. com/BLive/PenrithCCKingsgroveT20Cup

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses

43

What hasn’t been confirmed is the availability of the Sydney Sixers’ Jordan Silk and Sam Billings for the following Sunday’s T20 clash at Bensons Lane against Hawkesbury. Club officials are quietly confident that Silk will be available to play but little contact has been made with Billings and there are doubts that the English import will play for Penrith in the T20 format this summer.

Good news for the PG’s side who in the last fortnight have taken top spot in the U21s competition since the format has changed from T20 to 50 overs a side, after away wins over Northern Districts and University of NSW. A final round fixture at home to third-placed Parramatta will more than likely determine who goes into the finals in top spot, but should they lose, the Black Cats will not finish any lower than seventh.

Despite losses in four of the five grades against Gordon, the Black Cats remain in third spot on the club championship.

2s: Penrith (13th): 189 (A Bayliss 64) def. by Gordon 6/270 (R Fletcher 2/48) 3s: Penrith (13th): 8/262 (J Newton 67, R Smith 52*) def. Gordon 186 (W Nadeem 3/40) 4s: Penrith (13th): 222 (J Aldridge 61) def. by Gordon 4/237 5s: Penrith (6rd): 93 def. by Gordon 4/94 (E Devere 2/25) Penrith’s Lady Cats have got their T20 season back on track moving up into 4th spot after overcoming the disappointment of their opening round loss to Northern Districts with back-to-back wins last Sunday away to Campbelltown-Camden and Parramatta.

The Lady Cats, having lost Sarah Coyte as she prepares for the upcoming WBBL season with the Adelaide Strikers, will also have to make do without Naomi Stalenberg and Lisa Griffith after both players renewed their WBBL commitments with the Sydney Thunder for another two seasons. #LTC

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Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

44

SPORT

Western Sydney Roller Derby celebrating 10 years

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western Sydney Roller Derby League is celebrating their 10-year anniversary since they got together and introduced the sport to the Western Sydney community.

In 2008 a group of women were inspired to create a Western Sydney Roller Derby league. They hadn’t played before and some of them couldn’t even skate but were inspired to bring what is such a fun, diverse sport into Western Sydney.

Tracey Weir, a founder of the Roller Derby League spoke about what has made the league successful since its introduction 10 years ago.

“It has since become one of the most successful leagues because of the family friendly atmosphere we create,” she said.

“We have a few teams including co-ed teams and our championship winning team ‘The Boutlaws’, and let’s not forget about our fearless Junior League!

“I think what makes the league so great is that this is an all-inclusive sport. We are a co-ed team that supports diversity and inclusion and family. This and the family friendly

bouts is what makes us so strong.”

Roller Derby gained a lot of momentum when the movie “Whip It” with Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore came out. That was the catalyst for many leagues starting and for a lot of community engagement. Over the years the Roller Derby league has seen numbers decline, not only in community engagement and support but with new skaters joining and older skaters retiring and no one to replace them.

Tracey also spoke about what differentiates Roller Derby from other sports and why it should interest people of all ages.

“That you don’t have to be fast.

Some other sports require you to be fast where as in derby anyone of all fitness levels can join. Of course, you develop fitness and agility through training, but you don’t have to be great to start. It’s not an intimidating sport to start,” she said.

“It’s so much fun. It’s unpredictable,

very exciting both to play and to watch and it’s different.

“This sport would not work well if you weren’t working together so tightly as a team. You almost become one with the other members of the team, eventually being able to predict their next move.

“Without this understanding of how your teammates work and how you work together the team wouldn’t be as successful.”

The Roller Derby League is looking to recruit new members in January 2019 so that they can continue playing the sport they love. They are always looking for new partnerships with members of the Western Sydney community.

The Western Sydney Roller Derby League is looking to recruit more non-skating officials and without community engagement and support that is increasingly hard. The Western Sydney Roller Derby league is hoping to increase the promotion of the sport and assistance from sponsors. They are always looking to partner with local businesses.

To start the playing journey, you need to go through stringent training and assessment in line with WFDTA guidelines https://wftda.com/thegame/training/.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

PENRITH CONFIRM EXTENDED DEALS FOR LAUI, HETHERINGTON AS MERRIN DEPARTS After a somewhat protracted process, Trent Merrin’s four-year deal with English Super League Leeds Rhinos was finalised last week, with the former NSW and Kangaroos forward released from his two-year contract extension from Penrith, which was signed off on back in 2016.

The 29-year-old forward, who joined Panthers in 2016, played 72 NRL games and scored eight tries in his time at the club.

He won the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal as the club’s player of the year in 2016, and was named Club Person of the Year in 2017, but at the backend of the 2018 season, wavering form meant the representative forward’s future at Penrith was under pressure given the club’s cap issues.

Merrin’s departure means that the club now has two open spots in its top 30 and some considerable cap space for 2019, despite suggestions the club is set to pay up to around 30% of his 2019-20 salary (estimated at $200-250K).

Despite the cap space, NRL coach Ivan Cleary says the club will take its time to assess whether it will go to market to externally source a replacement for Merrin or promote a player from within.

“We’re not in any hurry. Immediately we’ve got enough players on the up to fill that void but we’ve got to have a bit of a think about actually doing that,” Cleary told Nepean News.

“It does give us a bit of cap space (for 2019) but our roster is still looking pretty strong, with the extra spot available we’re going to have to put our heads together on we are going to do there.”

The club has since confirmed that forward Jack Hetherington has had his deal extended another two years to the end of 2021, whilst making the announcement on Monday that exciting young playmaker Jarome Luai has also extended his contract to the end of 2021.

The new deal will no doubt increase speculation on the future of James Maloney, who returned this training to commence rehab on recent surgery, with speculation the veteran playmaker won’t see out his deal at Penrith, which ends at the end of 2020, with plenty of UK clubs said to be interested in the Penrith skipper.

“I feel blessed to re-sign with Panthers because Penrith is my home,” Luai said.

“It was an easy decision for me as I’ve come through the Panthers system with so many of the players here and we’re basically a family.

Jack Hetherington (left) and Jarome Luai (right) are two more Panthers to have recommitted to the club post 2019. Credit: NRL Photos.

“A lot of us have kids as well so to watch them grow up together will be special.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with the likes of Nathan Cleary and James Maloney as I continue to improve my game.”

Meanwhile discussions with the club remain ongoing with in-demand Kiwi international, James Fisher-Harris with the club quietly optimistic of staving off interest from rival clubs.

Further to last week’s story regarding the playing future of Sam McKendry at Penrith, it appears the club will give the Kiwi international every opportunity to recover from his third knee operation, but it remains unlikely the prop will feature in Penrith’s NRL plans in 2019.

Should McKendry make the final decision to play on when ready to do so in June-July next year, any comeback is likely to be limited to the ISP team given he has not been named in the top 30 squad.

NZ skipper, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finally enjoyed some success in the UK after the Kiwis were far too strong for England, defeating them 34-0 at Leeds last Sunday week.

But the Kiwi fullback was somehow overlooked for this year’s RLIF International Golden Boot award, taken out by English outside back, Tommy Makinson.

A minor coaching change for 2019, with news that former St Marys Ron Massey Cup coach, Brad Drew has taken over from David Simmons

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as ISP assistant coach to Guy Missio.

Penrith will soon announce Keno will take over from Host Plus on a very lucrative shorts sponsor deal, after Host Plus decided to end its 11-year shorts sponsorship with the club.

ICYMI, 2GB radio shock jock, Chris Smith launched a scathing attack on Ivan Cleary on twitter (@chrissmithradio) last Sunday week that were of such a manner that the club should seriously re-think on any commercial commitments it may have with the radio station, particularly his program.

The Panthers have also recently launched their 2019 home and away jerseys with the club saying that the streamlined designs put a modern twist on the club’s famous liquorice all-sorts colour scheme.

Both home and away jerseys are expected to be in stock for purchase before Christmas and given they look fantastic, they are sure to be a hit with the fans.

James Tamou is certainly keeping himself busy having not only accepted a mentoring role with retired team mate Tim Browne’s Leading Edge Rugby League Academy but is also one of two ambassadors for the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League, which will celebrate its Festival of Rugby League, this Sunday at Auburn PCYC. #PantherPride

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

GOLDEN POINTS

45 45

Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

46

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Cleary relishes the challenge of meeting Penrith’s “great expectations” straight forward advice really and I came away from that feeling pretty confident that this will work out fine. I am 100 percent confident of that.

We’ll come across some situations that are probably haven’t thought of or maybe could be a little difficult but I’m sure we’ll deal with it as if it was just like having a situation with any other player.

But the style of our relationship and our personalities should ensure that this will work.

By STEWART MOSES

B

@TheRiffMarn

eing outside a packed, noisy and excited McDonalds Panthers on McHappy Day, certainly wasn’t your writer’s preferred setting for having a meaningful conversation with coach Ivan Cleary given the responsibility of delivering a premiership to a club starved of such success since 2003.

Nathan was hobbling about on crutches following recent ankle surgery but was happily signing autographs for the plethora of fans that were there.

This writer is very grateful, that Ivan agreed to talk and opened up on most matters put to him with regards to his second coaching stint at the club in just three years.

NN: It must be a relief for yourself and the family that the past few months can be put behind you now?

Was it your toughest time as a NRL coach to date?

IC: Yeah it was difficult time. There was a lot of uncertainty for us but I am responsible for this.

Deep down I did everything I possibly could that I felt was the right thing.

I was upfront and transparent with everyone at the Tigers.

It was unfortunate how it was played out publicly. It was a delicate and sensitive situation.

My wife (Rebecca) in particular, she’s much happier now.

NN: When did you realise that Penrith is where you wanted to be?

IC: (Officially) not until a few weeks ago to be honest. It’s been quite a long process.

But in terms of wanting to come back I was immediately attracted (after talks with Panthers chairman, Dave O’Neill).

There’s a real sense of unfinished business.

I never wanted to leave here in the first place and I’ve got really strong connections, not just with the club, players and staff but the community as well.

Ivan Cleary addressing the players at pre-season training. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

are excited about the future of this team and this club and so am I. NN: Surely the expectations are greater this time with nothing but a premiership considered a successful outcome?

IC: It’s a different phase completely for the club. When I first came here it was a case of develop and rebuild.

The club led by Gus (Phil Gould) started on that charter of getting the Panthers back into being a development club.

That system is now seven years on, which is looking really good and right now we are in a position where the goals are a lot higher.

It’s a different challenge but a good one that I am looking forward to.

NN: Does this five-year deal with the club mean that the decision made back in 2015 was possibly the wrong one?

IC: Not really. That’s the past. I don’t worry about that.

NN: Given these expectations when compared to previous coaching roles which have focused around rebuilding and developing teams, is this your riskiest coaching move to date?

IC: I haven’t really sat back and thought about it to be honest. But we are in the risk business. That’s what it is all about.

All I see is opportunity and I am quite humbled to be given that opportunity so I am very excited.

NN: A record deal both financially and tenure (five years) does bring plenty of expectation and responsibility?

IC: Any time you sign a contract to be a head coach of a NRL coach it certainly comes with a lot of responsibility but I accept it and embrace it. It’s part of the job.

I think the fans generally speaking

NN: How has your relationship with Phil Gould over time allowed you to move past what happened in 2015 and return to coach Penrith for another five years?

IC: It’s a pressure environment and people have got to make decisions.

It’s what happened. What happened then didn’t really become a huge part of this decision.

I’m confident that’s in the past and our dealings so far have been really good so I don’t see it being a problem moving forward.

NN: Phil has involved himself with the coaching as seen previously with Anthony Griffin. Will he be allowed that same latitude with yourself?

IC: I learned how to coach under Gus so I guess I am a disciple of his style of coaching and I’m always happy to say that.

He isn’t part of the coaching group but I see him as a great resource, to bounce things off whenever you feel you need it.

But our jobs are to be the coaches and Gus’ job is to look after other areas of the business.

NN: When did you realise Nathan wanted to stay at Penrith given you did try to persuade him come across to the Tigers?

IC: Yeah I did (try). But deep down, I thought pretty much the whole time it would be really hard for him to leave the club.

Nathan loves the club, his team mates, loves the Penrith area so I knew it was going to be hard for him to leave.

While I felt that was probably his preference, then again I could also tell that he was unsure at times too.

But in the end when he said this is what I wanted to do, it didn’t me surprise me.

NN: Your predecessor, Anthony Griffin had a bit to say about the state of the club upon his arrival.

Were you upset by those comments?

IC: A lot of people were a little confused by that. I’ll leave it at that.

NN: Are you returning to Penrith a better coach than when you left it?

IC: Absolutely. I think experience makes you wiser.

I probably understand the game more and myself a little bit more and how to manage people better as you get older.

I am probably more aware of my own strengths and I guess my weaknesses as well.

I also feel the best is in front of me too.

NN: You’ve mentioned quite a bit about your strong connection to the Penrith community. What makes it special for you, given you come from and were heading back to live on the Northern Beaches, having previously played for and coached at a number of NRL clubs?

IC: I was (heading back to live in the Northern Beaches). But Penrith is definitely a unique community.

When I was first thinking about coming here, Freddie (Brad) Fittler said ‘you won’t regret going to Penrith, my best mates and my closest mates are still there at Penrith.’

I’ve never forgotten that.

I’ve been to the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, a lot of places really.

But the lack of pretentiousness out here, I just really love.

It’s a proper community where it prides itself on the NRL team and the other way round too.

I am just really happy to be back and be a part of this again.

NN: You talked to John Lang a few years’ back about what it was like to coach your son at the NRL level, What did you take away from that discussion?

IC: There’s not many people you can talk to about coaching your son but John is an obvious one.

He provided some pretty simple,

NN: Finally the NRL is looking to restrict the ability of coaches being able to accept deals more than a season in advance, which is being dubbed the “Cleary clause”. Is this a good or bad move?

IC: I think anything that allows more certainty for everyone; players, fans, stakeholders, is a good thing.

PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

One tough mudder of an obstacle course

S

 Start

ometimes you watch or see things from afar and think to yourself “I’d love to have a go at that.”

Well last Sunday one of those things that I’d been dying to delve into I did, the event known as Tough Mudder.

Basically it’s an obstacle course that is full of water and mud that pushes your body both physically and mentally to its limits.

I was afforded the opportunity through our radio show on Triple M- the Rush Hour with MG. They asked would we (me, my co-host Liam and producers) like to have a go and invite some listeners to tag along as well?

Bloody oath we would.

So off we trotted to Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast last Sunday.

Looking into the event prior to participating, it was quite evident that it wouldn’t just be a leisurely stroll through mud whilst scaling the odd wall.

Actually far from it.

Firstly, you can do the whole 18km course which takes anywhere between 4 and 5 hours, or you can partake in the ‘half- course’ which at 9km (and just over 3 hours) was right up my/our alley.

We arrived at said venue around 9am for a 10am kickoff. And there were people everywhere, fit people everywhere. What had we just gotten ourselves in to?

After a briefing and pump up from organisers of Tough Mudder we were set to go.

How it runs is, that every 1km or so there is an obstacle or challenge that you

 Middle

 End

have to do to progress along the course.

The challenges range in toughness from crawling under barbed wire in thick dense mud to scaling walls with the help of a teammate or just anyone who might be on hand.

Out of the 11 obstacles in the ‘half mudder’ there was only one that I couldn’t do. It was to run through mud then run up a half pipe to try and grab awaiting hands or arms to help get you up.

At 115kgs and 50 years of age, sorry, not today big boy!

Even the 1km shuffle in between stations had mud up to your knees covered across the track making it near impossible to neither fall over or lose a shoe.

The final challenge was to run through water and mud up to your waste and try an avoid wires dangling that would give you an electric shock. We having fun yet?

Actually we did. As hard and as challenging as Tough Mudder was, the fact that as a team of 12 we completed the course, and that Beyond Blue are the recipients of Mudders generosity, made the whole day a bucket list moment.

My body today, a few days after the event, may think differently, but doing something so far-out of one’s comfort zone is so rewarding that I’ll be back for more.

“No you won’t” Sorry, that was my back, legs, and arms talking.

MG (random Westie) OAM

47 47 Nepean News 22 November 2018 Issue 240

MG on the mark

SPORT

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33 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park 354 High Street, Penrith 12/69 York Road, Jamisontown (Event Centre)

02 4737 9977