Nepeannews 22september2016

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ISSUE 184

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Seat provides perfect resting place A BEAUTIFUL carved wooden seat has been installed at Tench Reserve for residents and visitors to sit and enjoy our beautiful Nepean River views.

Penrith Council worked with the Western Sydney Aboriginal Men’s Group to install the seat and recognise the valuable work the group does in our community.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the seat mirrors those placed in parks in Parramatta and Blacktown as a totem (L-R) Co-ordinators for the Western Sydney Aboriginal Mens Group symbol of an Aboriginal Michael Maher and Bob Gordon with Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown. men’s meeting place.

“For 14 years the Western Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.”

The Western Sydney Aboriginal Men’s Group Men’s Group has created a place for men from our region to come together to share life experiences is involved in a number of projects to better the lives of Aboriginal men including supporting and challenges,” Councillor McKeown said.

“The group’s work to support and empower the establishment and ongoing success of the Aboriginal men to improve their physical, social, NAIDOC Jamison Park Family Gathering and emotional and spiritual lives creates real change. supporting the Penrith and St Marys Aboriginal “They have been meeting at Tench Reserve for Police Consultative Committee.

They also work with NSW police to provide some time and this seat will provide a sense of place and belonging for their members, as well Aboriginal youth with bikes donated by the local area commands, they also take part in White as be a beautiful resting place for others.

“Council looks forward to continuing to Ribbon Day activities at the Penrith Civic Centre collaborate with the Western Sydney Aboriginal to help stop violence against women and children Men’s Group to benefit our many Aboriginal and are strong role models.

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NOVENA

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am. I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your name I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life Jesus, I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your precious blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen. RDS.

3 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

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4 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

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by Kerrie Davies The below picture was taken of my husband Greg and I one sunny afternoon at Rosehill Races. As I smiled into the camera, little did I know that just a few months down the track, my silly cheesy grin would feature on the pages of just about every news outlet across the county, and a few overseas ones to boot.

If you recognise me, you probably already know the story.

If you don’t, here’s the background. I was rushing around last Saturday to get ready for the Music 4 Life Ball. I decided to duck over to Westfield to look at some dresses, and as I walked past a hair salon, I thought I could save some time if I got a shampoo blow-dry.

In hindsight, had I gone in search of a dress first, I would have discovered before the point of irreversible embarrassment that I’d left my wallet in my other bag. But alas, it was not to be.

I entered the salon, and I left there so incensed that I posted the following rant on facebook.

Rant over, I headed off to the Paceway for the function. When I took out my phone at the end of the night, I couldn’t understand how the battery had gone flat so quick when it had been fully charged a couple of hours before.

There’s a little thing called ‘facebook notifications’ that eat away at your battery life.

Puzzled, I put my phone on charge and went to sleep. When I awoke the next morning, I rolled over and looked at my phone, and, thinking I must still be dreaming, saw I had 312 friend requests. Then I saw the post I’d made the day before had more likes and shares than I’d ever seen in my life!

Fast forward to the end of the weekend and my post had gone absolutely out of control. People were sharing it and posting comments quicker than I could possibly read them.

It had gone viral.

Some 20,000 likes later, I received a call from the owner of the salon. He apologised, and said he’d be putting some staff training in place.

At 5am Monday morning I began getting hounded by the hungry media.

By the time I’d had my morning coffee, I’d fielded calls from just about every news outlet I’d ever heard of.

I decided if I was going to do any engaging at all, it would be with my good friend Mark Geyer on Triple M. MG is the only interview I did.

But that didn’t stop the media frenzy. They printed and posted the story regardless, and before I knew it my head was everywhere. By the time I stopped the post it had reached in excess of 54,000 likes and 22,000 shares. It has certainly been a lesson in the power of social media. My goodness, it’s still hard to believe how it spread like wildfire. People were calling “walletgate” and calling “Drew for Prime Minister”.

On Tuesday, I was not only in the Daily Telegraph, I was the subject of the editor’s editorial. I guess the story struck a chord for some reason and people were calling me from all over the country to say it was the talk of their town.

Drew the security guard had become a household name, God love him.

If there’s a moral to the story I think it is that we are all human and everyone makes mistakes. Just as I made a mistake in forgetting my wallet, the salon also made a mistake in their handling of it. Three cheers for the salon owner for taking quick steps to rectify the problem for the future..

And a million cheers for people like Drew from Westfield Mt Druitt. He was the gentle-giant hero in all of this and I hope Westfield realise the value in having such a magnificent employee.

The “story” has now come full circle and will die as quickly as it formed.

But it has certainly pointed out the enormous power of social media.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com

LEASED

Farewell old mate

9834 1044

By Kerrie Davies

NEPEAN DISTRICT

PENRITH Paceway staff, members, guests and the wider community are mourning the passing of Lionel Don Clough OAM, last week in hospital.

Known affectionately as “Donny” or “Cloughie” he was a Penrith Paceway Director and a legend within the industry.

Always ready to greet you with a smile, he was well-known as the ultimate gentleman.

A spokesperson from Harness Racing NSW paid tribute to the stalwart of the sport.

“He will certainly be remembered as an absolute legend of the sport as he truly did it all.

“For several years Don in his “retirement” helped in an administration role at Penrith Paceway until just recently and his memory will live on at that track forever with the new stabling complex named in his honour late last year.

“Prior to this, Don fulfilled virtually every role in harness racing, from owner, trainer, driver, breeder, studmaster and punter.

“To all of Don’s family and many friends, Harness Racing NSW extends its deepest condolences.”

Aged 89, Donny had been struggling with health issue for a number of months.

Donny will be laid to rest on Monday, 26th September at St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith

Stuart Ayres

MP

Member for Penrith

at 10.30am, and then at the North Chapel, Pinegrove Memorial Park. A celebration of his life will follow at Penrith Paceway.

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Local woman arrested POLICE have arrested a man and local woman after they allegedly attacked a security guard in Sydney CBD. About 10:45pm yesterday (Saturday 17 September 2016), emergency services were called to a hotel on George Street, Sydney, following reports of an altercation.

Police have been told that a 34-year-old man from Doonside and a 29 year-old woman from Oxley Park were refused entry into the hotel by security staff.

The man and woman then allegedly assaulting the security guard.

Several other security guards assisted and both the man and woman were detained until police arrived.

They were arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station.

The man was charged with assault and using offensive language. He was given strict bail conditions to appear the Downing Centre on 12 October 2016.

The woman was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault. She was given strict bail condition to also appear before the Downing Centre on 12 October 2016.

Cancer Council warn of invisible dangers

By Keegan Thomson

SPRING has arrived and western Sydney residents are being reminded to be sun smart after the Cancer Council released a survey that showed more than a third of NSW adults are still confused about what causes sunburn.

The survey found 35 per cent of adults do not realise UV radiation is the only cause of sunburn, mistakenly claiming temperature, cloud cover, wind or humidity as useful measures of sunburn risk.

Cancer Council’s Greater Western Sydney Community Engagement Manager Aruni Ratnayake said everyone in the West needs to understand it is UV that causes sunburn and is the major cause of skin cancer.

“UV radiation is an invisible danger because it’s not like the sun’s warmth, which we feel, or the sun’s light, which we can see,” Ms Ratnayake said.

“UV rays are high enough to damage our skin even on cooler days in spring, so, if we’re relying on temperature to work out whether we need to protect our skin or not, we’re making a big mistake.

UV radiation is an invisible form

of energy produced by the sun and is measured on a scale from 0 to 11+. It can reach our skin directly, or can be reflected off of other surfaces, such as water, sand and concrete.

The Cancer Council recommend people cover up when UV levels reach more than 3.

Ms Ratnayake said spring was an especially important time to be aware of UV exposure.

“UV levels increase rapidly to late December when they can reach extreme levels, so it is important to check your local weather forecast or

the SunSmart app for the times of the day when sun protection measures are recommended.

“Remember that UV levels are not connected with maximum temperatures. At this time of year UV levels are already high enough to damage skin and it is very easy to get sunburnt by being caught unaware, especially if the day feels a bit cool,” added Ms Ratnayake.

Across western Sydney, it is predicted that 349 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, with 44 deaths expected.

MP opens up about past in maiden speech

By Keegan Thomson

IN HER inaugural speech to the House of Representatives, Emma Husar MP for Lindsay thanked the community for electing her and she opened up about her past as a domestic violence survivor.

“In winning Lindsay we achieved the impossible, something they said could not be done. Lindsay is no longer a bell- weather seat. And I am proud to be the first Labor woman to represent Lindsay,” Ms Husar said.

Opening up to the Parliament about her life as a domestic violence survivor, Ms Husar suggested family violence will be eradicated if survivors are elected into decision making positions in the community.

“Life for me hasn’t been without adversity. I have spent 29 out of my 36 years, both as a child and as an adult, living in Domestic Violence. If you want to know how to address the biggest challenge facing women and our children today you need to ask the people who have been affected.

“Even better than that you need to elect them to decision making tables where rhetoric won’t be accepted and only action will be good enough,” she said.

Community notices OUR next meeting of Penrith National Servicemen’s Association will be held on Sunday 25th September, commencing at 10.30am.

Morning tea provided free.

Meetings are held at Penrith RSL Club Tindale Street Penrith.

New members welcome and membership is $25 per year.

Further information can be obtained from the Publicity Officer on 0448 983 399.

Emma Husar MP speaks to Parliament for the first time. Photo: Supplied.

During her 20 minute speech she ran through a list of thank yous that included mentions for her team, family, friends, the community and a number of local Unions.

Throughout the 2016 federal election, Ms Husar advocated for the people of Lindsay, saying she would fight black and blue for them in the Parliament, and with her maiden speech she has made that clear.

“I see our people and I count the people of Lindsay as our number one asset. We don’t ask for much. We’re fair minded, we’re loyal, we help each other out and we work hard,” she said.

“The people of Lindsay know they need someone in their corner, one of their own, someone like them to advocate for their needs and those of their family and the people they care about.”

Community Junction’s AGM COMMUNITY Junction Inc will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Monday 10th October at North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre, Cnr Debrincat Ave and Oleander Rd North St Marys commencing at 9.30am followed by morning tea and a Tree Scarring Ceremony.

For more information or to RSVP please contact 9834 2708.

7 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

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Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

Getting to know ...

Aaron Duke North Ward Councillor with Conner Lowe

1. What was your first paid job?

- Working at a fruit shop in Luddenham, ‘David’s Stall’ when I was 14.

2. What is your guilty pleasure?

- Netflix binge!

3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

- My biggest fear is snakes.

4. What is your worst habit?

- Biting my nails 5. Best advice you have ever been given?

- Sometimes you have to eat sand and smile about it 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

- Food, of course 7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

- Japan. I went on exchange when I was 15 and fell in love with Japanese culture (and food). Can’t wait to go back!

8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

- The Hockeyroos! (and the Panthers, obviously) 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney?

- The people. Honest, salt of the earth and no pretentiousness.

10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

- Beach, friends, food!

Emma Husar opens her office

By Keegan Thomson

WITH much fanfare, a few balloons on the walls and a red and blue ribbon, Emma Husar MP for Lindsay, opened her new electorate office.

The guest list included a handful of local RSL branch members, police officers, charity lobbyists and the first member for Lindsay, Mr Ross Free.

Ms Husar said she was excited to get on with the job and the opening of her office was an important milestone.

“I’m the fifth member for Lindsay and the first Labor female to represent this seat, and I’m extra proud of both of those achievements,” Ms Husar said.

In launching her new office, Ms Husar made it clear the doors of her

new establishment would always be open to members of the public no matter what their concerns.

“This office is going to become a hub of all of the issues that matter most to all of us here in Lindsay” she said. “If I can facilitate meetings of anyway or help by bringing any members of the community together I’ll be more than happy to do that.”

The member of Lindsay made it clear she was not simply open to fighting the federal government from her new office, but also she

Emma Husar MP cuts the ribbon with Ross Free.

Photo: Keegan Thomson

was also open to take on any issues with the state government.

“The issues we look after in here are at a federal level, but we are certainly open to tackle any issues at a state level,” she said. “I’ve already started making some linkages to where people can go for more help, and I think thats really important as a community leader.”

The Lindsay electorate office is at Suit 1, 331 High Street, Penrith.

Investing in our veterans legacy

Monaro Nationals

STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomed the announcement that funding is now available to protect and repair local war memorials and fund educational and commemorative programs which preserve the Anzac legacy.

“As we continue to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac now is the perfect time to invest in our local war memorials and educational programs which honour the men and women who have served our country,” said Stuart Ayres.

Applications are now open for the Community War Memorials Fund (CWMF) and the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP).

The CWMF was set up to fund projects which help protect and conserve existing war memorials across the state. Applications for amounts up to $10,000 can be made by veteran groups, community organisations and councils until Remembrance Day (Friday, 11 November).

The ACGP funds projects which benefit the veteran community and promotes a greater understanding and recognition of the Anzac legacy.

Applications for amounts up to $2000 can be made by schools, historical societies and community organisations

PENRITH Paceway will be the venue for a very exciting event next month.

The Monaro Nationals are held somewhere in Australia every two years, showcasing one of Australia’s finest muscle cars at their very best in a “Show & Shine” The event is held over four days for “Entrants” 14th - 17th October, and Saturday 15th October for walk in spectators into the Show & Shine at a cost of $5 for adults and accompanied kids free.

For more information please call Greg on 0411 878 198 or Jo on 0439 835 007 www.monaroccnsw.com

for educational programs and commemorative events and close on Friday, 24 February, 2017.

Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said “Repairing and looking after local war memorials is a vital part of honouring those Australian servicemen and women who sacrificed so much for our nation. While supporting educational programs that tell the story of the Anzacs is another way to reach the next generation of Australians.”

The CWMF applications will be

assessed by the State War Memorial Committee which is made up of NSW RSL, Public Works Advisory, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and Veterans’ Affairs. A separate committee will assess applications for the other program. For more information, including application forms, please visit: http://veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/ community-war-memorials-fund/ http://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/ education/anzac-community-grantsprogram/

Lalor’s recovery

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

REMEMBER Lalor? 6 weeks ago, Lalor was rescued from a drain by Blacktown Fire Brigade. She had severe Demodex (skin condition), a broken leg and was on deaths door.

But look at her now! I think you will agree that she has made a remarkable transformation.

She currently continues her recovery journey at WellPet Vets Nepean, under the care of our head nurse Megan Crawford and the WellPet Vets team.

It’s been hard for a puppy with her energy level to keep rested whilst her leg heals. It’s been equally as challenging for the staff at WellPet Vets to ensure she keeps to her stringent physic routines. She mustn’t over do it and requires physiotherapy 4 times a day as set out by pet physiotherapist Helen Nicholson.

Throughout her recent stages in recovery she has had numerous play times outside whilst she learns to socialise with her soon to be new family, the Brandt’s. We believe this week she may have pushed herself a little too much during one of her outside play sessions. As a result she has lost a small amount of progress on her leg. Helen has noted her limping has worsened a little, which has slowed her progress by a few weeks.

She’s such a cheeky girl and because she is feeling great will often forget

she even had a broken leg! She will therefore continue strict cage rest and shorter playtimes at WellPet Nepean until such time she is given the all clear from her physio. Then Linda and Mark Brandt, her rescuers and new owners will permanently adopt her!

Lalor continues to win the hearts of all who have followed her story. On behalf of Lalor, we send a big thank you to all that have contributed to her

specialist treatment she has needed throughout her recovery. If you would like to, you can still donate to Lalor’s recovery by contacting our Nepean Animal Hospital on 47333456. If you would like to purchase her a gift, she loves to chew things and given she is restricted in her activity, chew toys have become a favourite to keep her busy and stimulated!

Get well soon Lalor!

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A day in the life of... a human rights lawyer

By Keegan Thomson

LAWYERS are often seen as these ruthless, courtroom hawks who swoop down and take as much as they can before flying onto another case, but Kingsley Liu is fighting to change that perception.

Operating out of his home in Penrith, Kingsley Liu said the reason he became a human rights lawyer is not for the money or the prestige but instead because he wanted to do better than the rest.

“I met so many dodgy people who were lawyers and I thought, I can do a better job than you, so I decided to become a lawyer,” Mr Liu said.

“I always though I could do a better job in serving, in client relations, in helping the community and trying to impact the community in a positive way, compared to other lawyers out there.

“A lawyer has the opportunity to engage in the community, if he or she wishes to, but there are quite a lot of lawyers who don’t take up that opportunity,” he said.

Across a week Mr Liu will not just fight for cases which involve human rights disputes, he will also help and service the community in need. He said in the past week he has had a lot of consultation on the phone.

“A certain amount of advice I’ll offer up for free,” he said. “If someone calls me up and it is a

Kingsley Liu at his home office. Photo: Keegan Thomson

simple solution then I’ll tell them what they can do themselves, because that is what people in the community want really, free advice.

“However if it gets to the stage where I’ve got to run around, write letters and go to court, then I’ll work out a deal for someone,” he said. “This means I’m more likely to take on complicated cases because they’re always interesting to me, particularly when you’ve got to go to court.”

One of the most important skills you need to have as a lawyer, according to Mr Liu, is the ability to network with others.

“I’ve lived overseas for about 20 years of my life, and through my contacts, my friends and my networks I’ve broadened my horizons,”

he said. “Just last week I was in talks, offering advice, to someone in Hong Kong.”

“It is important to retain your connections no matter where you are,” he said.

Besides their hawking style of work, lawyers are also known for their long work hours and uber commitment to their careers, but Mr Liu says what is more important is a balanced work and social life.

“I don’t open up before 9 and I make sure everyone is on their way home around 5 PM because it is important to reflect on your life,” he said.

“If you have time to reflect then you might find some extra meaning in life that isn’t the mundane and the usual meaning of life,” Mr Liu added.

All in all, Mr Liu said the most important part of being a human rights lawyer and a community solicitor is the ability to engage deeply with your community.

“It is really important to be involved deeply in the community because as a community lawyer you’re not just feasting on the back, you’re actually involved in building the community” One piece of advice Mr Liu gave for upcoming law students is the ability to maintain relationships is key.

“The most important thing about law is whilst the theory is about truth, justice and to some people they think it is a career, but don’t forget it is all about managing relationships,” Mr Liu said. “The art of relations is very key.”

You can contact Kingsley on 0414 580 428.

DIY at Bunnings stores

PENRITH Valley residents are invited to head to Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith on weekends throughout October to receive expert advice and help develop their D.I.Y. skills through a range of D.I.Y. Workshops.

Every Saturday and Sunday throughout October, local team members from Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith will host free D.I.Y. workshops for adults and kids and share their expert advice with local residents.

Bunnings Warehouse Area Manager

Robyn Hudson said the October workshops, which include Gardening D.I.Y. Workshops, Decking D.I.Y. Workshops and National Water Week Workshops, will provide local residents the opportunity to learn a wide range of new skills.

“Bunnings D.I.Y. Workshops are a great opportunity for local Penrith Valley residents to come in and receive tips and advice from expert team members for their next D.I.Y. project,” Robyn said.

Free Kids D.I.Y. Workshops will also run each weekend throughout October with fun themed workshops including Garden Creatures, Dress Ups and Footy Fever Workshops, as well as many more.

Polls declared for Council

By Keegan Thomson

PENRITH has survived the second election in less than three months with the LGA election results being declared on Monday.

Most of the councillors from last term who threw their hats into the ring, were reelected, with the exception of Maurice Girotto, and there were a few new and familiar faces voted in.

In East Ward there was strong support for the Labor ticket headed

by Greg Davies, with three out of the five elected councillors coming from team Labor: which saw the entry of newcomers Todd Carney and Ben Price.

Liberal Councillors Tricia Hitchen and Bernard Bratusa were also returned.

Result: Labor 3, Liberal 2.

In South Ward Labor Mayor Karen McKeown polled strongly, as did Liberal Mark Davies and Independent Jim Aitken. Labor’s Kath Presdee returned after a one-term break and newcomber Josh Hoole, Liberal was elected. Result: Labor 2, Liberal 2, Ind 1.

Voters were quick to endorse the return of Labor’s John Thain, Liberal Deputy Mayor Ross Fowler and Independent Marcus Cornish.

Labor’s Aaron Duke will join council for the first time.There was a close contest in North Ward for the last spot - it was so close in fact that a result was not known for days who had it. Seasoned-councillor Kevin Crameri took it out in the end.

Result: Labor 2, Liberal 1, Ind 2.

Photo: Kennedi Geyer

At the declaration of the polls a number of the Councillors spoke about how positively they felt about the campaign.

Deputy Mayor, Ross Fowler said because the council ran their own election ratepayers saved some big bikkies.

“I would like to thank council itself because I think we saved rate payers about 100,000 by doing it ourselves, and that is money in the rate payers pockets,” Cr Fowler said.

Independent Councillor, Marcus Cornish, commented by saying the campaign felt bigger than a local government election.

“They were more like state or federal campaigns, and that’s the way it should be. People need to be informed and I congratulate all parties on doing a very hard campaign,” Cr Cornish said.

The Mayor thanked all the volunteers who helped with the many campaigns for all the candidates.

“I would like to thank the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers who turned up at pre poll and on the day who worked for all candidates to get them elected,” Mayor McKeown said.

Councillors will elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at a special sitting of council on Monday September 26.

The political make-up of the Councillors who will be electing the positions is Labor 7, Liberal 5 and Independents 3.

You can read up on the four new councillors in Nepean News on page 12.

Listen to our very own Keegan Thomson with News Hour - Monday mornings from 9am to 10am

www.wowfm1007.com.au

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Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

Introducing your new councillors

By Keegan Thomson

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL has four fresh-faced Councillors, newly elected after the recent Local Government election, and they’re all ready to forge

Photos: Kennedi Geyer

on with the job.

I sat down with all four newcomers to discuss why they were inspired to run for council and what they can do for the local area across the next four years.

For this list we have left out Cr Kath Presdee who is a new face on the Penrith City Council but is being elected to the council for her second time. We will try to feature an interview with her in a future issue.

Aaron Duke (ALP) - North Ward

Ben Price (ALP) - East Ward

Cr Duke is the first openly gay male to serve on Penrith council but he says he doesn’t think it is that remarkable.

“It isn’t something that defines me exclusively but it is something that I’m proud of. It won’t change the ways in which I do my duties as a Councillor,” he said. “But I do want to fight more for LGBT rights and people in Penrith.”

Another thing Cr Duke said he wants to keep his “finger on the pulse of” is the need for sustainable housing and infrastructure around the constantly growing Penrith population.

“We are seeing huge population increases like in Jordan Springs where literally thousands of new homes are coming to the area, so I want to make sure we are meeting those growth areas with infrastructure needs,” he said.

Being one of the youngest people on the current council, Cr Duke wants to be an advocate for the youth by being “a voice for young people across a range of issues” by getting “more young people involved in decision making processes of council.”

Small business is a great stepping stone into council and Cr Ben Price’s abilities in running a successful real estate business for many years is sure to be a great help in his new role.

Cr Price was given a membership to the Labor party for his 15th birthday from his father, former MP for Chifley Roger Price, and has held that membership ever since.

“For me it is a bit like a football team, the Labor team, and their values are something which is entrenched in me,” he said.

Cr Price said one of the things he wants to push for in the Penrith area is more promotion of business and the increase in opportunities for people in the area.

“I’ve got a young family, so I’d like to make sure Penrith is a safe and nice area to live in, and I want to make sure there are good opportunities for the community,” he said. “Things like planning and opening up the area to visitors, as well as ways in which we can promote business to come into the area.”

According to Cr Price the west is being duped when it comes to new investment and upgraded infrastructure, something he wants to see stop.

“What disappoints me about things that come out to the western suburbs, is that when they come out they’ve always got some form of a condition attached.

We need to make sure that we can get the best for Penrith and the best for the region,” Cr Price said.

Todd Carney (ALP) - East Ward

Joshua Hoole (LIB) - South Ward

After an unsuccessful run for the seat of Mulgoa in the 2015 state election, Cr Carney has won a seat on the Penrith City Council.

Cr Carney said one of the things he is most looking forwards to is working with the community on a grassroots level so that every one in the community can get what is fair.

“Over the next four years I am looking forward to getting out knocking on doors, meeting people at street stalls and at various community events to find out what issues concern them the most and making sure our community gets its fair share,” Cr Carney said.

He said one of the best things about council is that is is the closest form of government to people’s day to day lives.

“Council is the face of government for many people in our community. It is the level of government where people have the most contact - whether it’s your waste pick up, state of the local roads, the condition of local community facilities or a tree you are looking to remove,” he said.

“I have always been passionate about our local area and I believe that working with the community is the only way to get things done.”

The youngest politician on the current Penrith City Council, Cr Hoole is just 23 years old but has worked with MP for Mulgoa Tanya Davies for the last little while.

Being young and in tune with what younger voters want, Cr Hoole said he wants to help restore the nightlife to the Penrith CBD. “One of the things I’m particularly keen on is the revitalisation of the night-time economy around the Penrith CBD because at the moment it feels pretty flat,” Cr Hoole said. “We have the chance to make this a big city in terms of nightlife so we should aim to make it better.”

He also mentioned the contentious issue of parking as something he’d like to change.

“I want to make sure we don’t introduce parking meters in Penrith, that is just wrong,” said Cr Hoole.

But most importantly, Cr Hoole said the development of Penrith as a national growth area should be something council continues to push, and he sees Penrith becoming a national city, not just a jewel of the west.

“Penrith and its surrounds is the new growth corridor of not just of western Sydney but also of the state, so we need to get on with the job and get Penrith out there for all the experience and see because we’re growing on a massive scale,” he said.

A big thank you from all of us!

The newly elected Labor party Councillors wish to thank the people in the Penrith Local Government area for the faith they have shown in the massive endorsement at the election.

We will honour that trust and we commit to serving the interests of the city and its people.

14

localnews local

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

THE G SPOT

I AM not sure if I was lucky or just drew the short straw, however I was very blessed to have worked on a job that allowed me to contemplate my navel for 12 hours.

It’s amazing how you can go into a coma when required to sit in a car for 12 hours and just watch. I played I spy with my little eye, but knew the answer cause it was only me in the car, and played flick the biro off the dash and catch it ya mouth without stabbing yourself in the eye. Seriously it is great fun, I assure you. The best part is playing with the seat height adjuster, now that’s living the dream, I give you the drum!

So here I am in a suburban street, parked outside a house up the road from a site I was watching, and what’s astounding is nobody noticed. I saw number 22 come out for a smoke 3 times a night, number 32 walk the dog at 9.30 nightly and talk on the mobile

about how useless her hubby was in the bedroom, 26 must be a baker because he left at 1.13am each morning with 2GB blaring at 600 decibels and amazingly enough the only creature that froze and spotted me was a stray cat.

The actual owners of the house drove in the driveway and did not even wonder why a strange car was parked outside their own house. Like seriously, are we really that busy or just stupid?

The amazing thing about it is that they are the first people to scream, “OMG! I’ve been broken into! Where are the bloody cops when you need them?” Sigh…..

So here I am on the 8th hour wondering, “How do some people actually perceive security?” Bouncers, do they have more hair than a baboon at Taronga Zoo? And just drag their knuckles? Grunt three times and then

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

pound you into next year to eject you from a pub? The guard at a site, the so-called plastic cop or wanna be cop? The gatehouse guard that reads a newspaper all day and does nothing?

On the contrary folks.

Security funnily enough is a regulated industry and controlled by a department called SLED (Security Licensing Enforcement Directorate) which is the NSW Police. All security personnel are required to be trained, finger printed, compliant and licensed.

All security companies require a Master Licence, so hiring unlicensed uncle Joe to do security at your party is a no no. Alarm installers (cough cough don’t get me started) have to be security licensed, kids. Basically anything that includes a security activity should display a Master Licence. Advertising a security activity? Must have a Master Licence in the ad, I could play pick the breach (just for fun times) in most

newspapers and websites. We are so regulated that we are even told the font size to have our Master Licence details displayed or worn or cop a $550 on the spot fine for failure to do so. The list goes on, paperwork, incident registers, first aid, responsible service of alcohol.

We have more licenses hanging around our necks than an RTA (opps sorry RMS) inspector.

So as I drift back it’s the 12th hour and time to head home. The cat is still staring at me, number 28 is going on her morning jog, wearing more fluro Lyrica than boy George at a bad 80’s concert, 22 is back out the front with his first smoke for that day, 36 has more kids than a child care centre and is screaming at them just to let the entire planet earth know….ahhhh life is good aint it?

As I write in my security report 0600 hours S/O Field off duty, Nothing further to Report.

KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

1300 SECURITY ML No. 405714685

A Parents Guide to Snapchat?

6 MONTHS FREE

BACK TO BASE MONITORING*

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Are you being too nice?

By Jeff Muir from That’s Easy Learning

WHAT is Snapchat? - Snapchat is an application which is free to download on iOS and Android devices that allows users to send images and videos (‘snaps’) to each other. Snaps can be viewed for up to 10 seconds before they ‘dissolve’.

Its important that Parents are aware of apps their children are using on line to keep them safe.

ThinkUknow has various fact sheets for parents to keep them up to date on things like What is the age restriction for Snapchat?

Should I be worried if my child is using Snapchat? Does an image really delete on Snapchat?

What are the potential problems with Snapchat?

For more information go to https://www.thinkuknow.org.au and click on the link for Parents.

WHY can’t you talk about difficult issues and have tough conversations?

This is a very common complaint and too many people wait until the last minute to speak up or just avoid it all together. They risk dealing with the inevitable anger or disappointment rather than speaking up now.

So here’s a simple way of thinking about your fear of speaking up and having tough conversations. You are being “Too Nice.” Now there is nothing wrong with being nice, nice is being agreeable, pleasant and kind but when you are “Too Nice” you will…

• give in to others when you don’t want to • be a pushover and a door mat • do other people’s work to keep the peace • buy stuff you don’t want • never ask for help • never ask for discounts • play the victim role really well So the way out of this terrible and life draining disease called, being “Too Nice” is to consider that you are protecting yourself from the possibility of conflict or rejection.

You are being “Too Nice” because you really don’t care enough about the other person - and your stories and justifications about why you can’t tell

the truth, keep you stuck in this awful place.

There is more information about being “Too Nice” online, so go to this

link and check out our animated video lesson called “Are You Too Nice” and we look forward to your feedback and comments.

Jeff Muir is an entertaining guest speaker available for schools, business and community groups.

www.ThatsEasyLearning.com | Transforming All Relationships Tel: 1300 555 635 | info@thatseasylearning.com

The countdown to Christmas is on!

Get your brand now on a flag or booklet for xmas Deadline for Xmas Book and Flag 4th October

H T E V A S

E T A ED

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING 11TH NOVEMBER

CBD the place to bee this Christmas!

Shop local and Dine local in Penrith CBD Download the Penrith App for all your local information on shop local Proudly supporting CBD businesses

www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au

16

Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

Mr Kiely cosplaying as ‘Drax the Destroyer’ from Guardians of the Galaxy.

ENTRIES to Legends of the Nepean are always devoted to deserving candidates, the title only being bestowed to those in the community who have pursued their passion in our region, improved the lives of others or both. After meeting Mr Steve Kiely last Wednesday, I believe he should have no hesitation in saying he is one of those who has done both. Mr Kiely, owner of his own gym Be Strong Training, is the first to say he had a troubled past as a youth. He also decided at a young age however to step up to adulthood and reach out to help others before he got himself in more trouble. A couple of horrifying setbacks including a broken back and a bushfire later, and in 2016, having pursued his hobby of personal training for over a decade, he is in a great place.

This has resulted from a long journey.

Speaking about his early years, Mr Kiely says he now has a lot of perspective. After being kicked out of home at 14, he “bounced around from house to house” before he went to jail.

During the court process he decided he wanted to “put his past to good

use,” and became a qualified youth worker at Tafe. The authorities sensed a change and he received a reduced sentence, becoming a youth worker proper in Katoomba with troubled kids following his release.

“A lot of people try to hide their past,” said Mr Kiely.

“I can’t change mine, but I can change the future.”

Mr Kiely is a confessed believer in Karma, and at 23 he had a major accident whilst trying to help someone get home safely.

“I had a lot to make up for,” said Mr Kiely.

“After an event one girl was walking home drunk. There were cars flying past, it was the country on a dirt road,” he continued.

“I put her over my shoulders and began to walk her home, but then I slipped down an embankment and broke my back,” Mr Kiely recalled.

“For the first week and a half, I had no lower body movement. Slowly I began to get feeling back in my toes, feet.”

Mr Kiely was also working at a community pool at this time, and after returning to work confessed to a co-worker he was feeling depressed,

having put on weight and reaching 124 kilograms. “[The co-worker] said I should become a bodybuilder,” he laughed.

“So I did. I went down to 79 kilograms in 5 months.”

Mr Kiely followed this up with a 3rd place finish at the Sydney Amateur Natural Bodybuilding Competition.

Fitness and health became a major interest, and after eventually managing pubs for eight years he resigned to pursue personal training full time.

“It was a struggle,” he reflected, “I was scared to throw away a good paying job.”

At this time, Mr Kiely and his wife were living in Winmalee and had just had a fourth child. In 2013, they suddenly lost everything in a bushfire.

“I was working with the boys at Cobham,” said Mr Kiely, “and you can’t have your phone on you inside.”

“I got it back to emergency phone calls, saying to get the kids, they’d blocked off the way to the house,” he continued.

“One of my mates is a firefighter, he called me at 9pm and said ‘it’s all gone mate.’”

The Kielys received care and temporary shelter from the Salvation

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STEVE KIELY Army. Mr Kiely said it was hard on his family, particularly for his youngest who has an autism diagnosis.

“My wife and I considered a lot of things,” he said, “Including moving to Wagga or moving to Bathurst and setting up a studio.”

Amazingly the family received an overwhelming amount of support on social media thanks to Friends of the YMCA and Police Officers, and this gave the family time to think.

“We could move away and throw away everything,” Mr Keily said, “or we could keep building.”

With persistence, Mr Kiely managed to make his next step the opening of Be Strong Fitness in 2015.

“I love it!” Mr Kiely said enthusiastically.

“I open at 5am, finish at 8pm most days.”

It’s the amount of impact, of helping people, on kids, having those sports programs, weight loss programs and helping people as a family that make it so rewarding,” he elaborated.

Mr Kiely finished with a story about one of the gym’s success stories.

“One young guy, he transformed his life since he started the gym,” Mr Kiely said.

Mr Kiely met with me at Silver Spur Penrith, where he and many members of his gym Be Strong Training frequent on Wednesdays, to talk about his life’s passion and “Karmic” journey.

“He got and held his first job, competed in strongman, and lost a lot of weight.”

In the gym, we’ve got a big wall for the people whose lives we’ve transformed, with before and after photos.”

In 16 months, the transformations are pretty profound. It needs to fit into your life, become sustainable and a

healthy habit. We don’t lie to people,” he said.

Mr Kiely has spent most of his adult life helping others tackle hurdles and defeat their own obstacles. With living proof as someone who’s tackled some of his own, there is indeed no doubt that Steve Kiely earned his article as a Legend of the Nepean.

Mr Kiely looks over the remains of his personal training studio following a house fire that claimed his family’s home in 2013.

Steve Kiely was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Linda Kemp.

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

17

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

18 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

WORD SEARCH 20 years of entertaining

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

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

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

FROM the love of magic and circus, Kozi and Pinky started what they thought would be a little hobby on the weekends and did their first kids party on the 22nd September 1996, 10 months later they ditched their so called “normal jobs” and became full time as they were turning away a lot of weekday enquiries, since then they have been consistently booked up to 2 months in advance.

They started as Clowns and continued that for a number of years, but it soon became apparent that Clowns were regarded a bit scary for little kids and uncool for older kids, and they were being pigeonholed. So they put all that behind them approximately 12 years ago and transformed themselves into a delightfully lovely pair of modern “variety entertainers” who can host anything from shopping centre openings to sales promotions to

school holiday activities and even your child’s birthday.

Kozi has focused more on his ballooning skills and Pinky has perfected the art of face painting.

Now they pride themselves on providing/ supplying high quality entertainment/entertainers for all corporate events. Face/ body artists, balloonists, roving entertainers, (jugglers, magicians, hoolist’s, unicyclists and more).

These coming School Holidays you can catch their team at Nepean Village, Lennox Village, Glenmore Park Town Centre and also Coachman’s Park in St Marys.

You can also checkout their Facebook page for more free activities in other areas. www.facebook.com/kozipinky www.koziandpinky.com

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www.maxibuses.com E: ellen@maxibuses.com P: 4729 0666

20

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

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

SUDOKU: Motown comes to the west MEDIUM

By Keegan Thomson

SOLUTION: 8th September

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

THE glitz and glamour of Las Vegas will be on show in western Sydney when Songs in the Key of Motown return with their spectacular live concert production.

Direct from the Vegas Strip the show features seasoned Motown and R&B performers Spectrum and Radiance, who’ll perform classics from The Temptations, The Supremes, the Jackson Five and so many more.

The front man of Spectrum, Cushney Roberts, said the show will bring a big slice of Vegas and Motown to the west with a 14 piece band.

“We’re going to try our very hardest to get people dancing and clapping along because this show is going to be unlike anything anyone has seen before,” Cushney said. “The crowd is always responsive to our performances.”

“We have a massive backing band and everyone will get some time to do a solo, the men do this great Jackson Five medley which will get people dancing,” he said.

Cushney said the show is separated into three acts of a kind

Keegan’s Kitchen Potato and goat’s cheese croquettes ... makes 12 WITH the weather warming up there is no time like the present for hosting dinner parties and afternoon lunches, but with all the people around the questions arise as to what to serve!? Croquettes are cheap and easy to make, and they can be made in large batches, they’ll surely go down a treat. If you want to change up the recipe you can always add in sweet potato and some cajun spices to add some more powerful flavours.

CROQUETTES: 500g potatoes - peeled & chopped 50g unsalted butter 1 egg - lightly beaten 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup soft goat’s cheese - can be substituted for feta cheese 1/2 cup plain flour 1 1/2 cups flaked crushed almonds or bread crumbs Olive oil for frying Parmesan cheese for serving METHOD: Boil the potato in a pot of salted water until tender and soft. Once cooked drain and return to the pot. Mash up the potato with the butter until smooth and fluffy. Season as you go so you’ve got lots of flavour. Mix in the the yolk and goat’s cheese with a fork. Divide the mixture into quarters then roll each quarter into a thick log. Cut up the logs into 3 hefty pieces.

Separate the flour, beaten egg and almond into individual bowls. Roll the croquettes

first in flour, then egg mix, then almond or bread crumbs. Put a splash of olive oil into a large frying pan and heat to 190°C. Fry croquettes for 2-3 minutes until golden. Set aside on paper towel so any excess oil can drain off. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve with aioli.

Like all the recipes, you can mix it up.

Let me know your combinations and changes by emailing me at keegan@ nepeannews.com.au

each with their own specialities and individualities.

“Spectrum is a mens Motown band so we take up one act, Radiance is the women’s band and they’re another act, then finally the third act brings us all together and we just jam and sing all together on the stage,” he said.

Above all other things the one thing Cushney said he is most proud of is the authenticity of the performance.

“The show is very slick with costume changes, original material with a live band,” he said. “All of our show is researched and prepared in a way that makes it 100 per cent authentic.”

One of the things which sets Songs in the Key of Motown apart from other shows, says Cushney, is that the band stays behind and mingles with the punters after the concert.

“We love to get to know our fans,” he said. “They’ve paid good money to see us, so we love to get in and meeting and greet the people after our shows.”

Songs in the Key of Motown will be performing at the Evans Theatre in Penrith Panthers on Friday October 7. You can book tickets 4720 5555.

Cushney Roberts, lead singer for Vegas Motown act Spectrum.

Photo: Supplied.

Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison

As Rippley said....

“Believe It Or Not” Things that really believe are I believe we all have special individual gifts.

I believe we are all a living miracle.

I believe we can all live in peace.

I believe we can all find self respect.

I believe in self honour.

I believe in love.

I believe in marriage.

I believe in angels.

I believe in in a commitment made through a simple handshake.

I believe in the godhead.

I believe that if I say I can, I can.

I believe that if I say I can’t. I’ll be right again.

I believe that my health is my responsibility.

I believe in karma.

I believe that all of shadows are the same colour.

Please send me your positive beliefs, so that we can share even more good stuff.

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

Tenterfield to Rio A Peter Allen Tribute

AUSTRALIAN grown – Peter Allen and Olivia Newton John tribute – Tenterfield to Rio! Danny Elliot, Sharna Le Grand and the Di Heaton Dancers pay tribute in Tenterfield to Rio, to the boy from Oz, Peter Allen and the girl next door Olivia Newton John at The Joan on Wednesday 28 September, 11 am.

Come along and listen to favourites as Danny signs and dances his way through the highlights of Peter Allen’s energetic and touching performances including I go to Rio, Tenterfield Saddler, I still Call Australia Home and Quiet Please.

Joining Danny on stage is Sharna Le Grand who will perform the well know and loved songs of Olivia Newton John including I Honestly Love You, Let Me Be There and Banks of the Ohio.

The Di Heaton Dancers add extra colour and pizzazz to a show that will have you wanting to sing along!

So come and join us at 10am for a free morning tea ready for the concert

to start at 11am. Tickets are just $20.

To book call The Joan’s Box Office on 4723-7600 or online at www. thejoan.com.au. The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is located at 597 High Street, Penrith. Nearby parking and public transport is available.

21 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

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

22 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

Chris ‘cains it’ when he gets on his guitar

By Kerrie Davies

THE Sydney Blues and Roots Festival in the Hawkesbury has become one of those events that you absolutely must circle on your calendar; it provides us the opportunity to see and hear the greatest musical talent from near and far, showcased right here in our own beautiful backyard.

One of the must-see acts this year is packing his bags as you read this, and getting ready to fly all the way from California USA for your musical pleasure, Chris Cain.

A master on the guitar, his career has spanned many decades and taken him to play before riveted audiences all over the globe.

And now it is our turn, and I promise you you will be thoroughlydelighted!

When Chris picks up his guitar it is like an extension of his own arm; it’s meant to be there. And that’s when the magic begins. He gives the instrument an almighty work out, and, the combination of that with his soulful bluesy voice results in an incredible sound that will leave you gasping for more.

I spoke with Chris from his home in the states and I can add ‘absolute gentleman’ to his list of many charming qualities.

He said he was really looking forward to heading ‘Down Unda’ as it is one of his most favourite places on earth.

“Some of the greatest times I’ve ever had have

been in Australia,” Chris said.

“The folks I’ve met, the musicians and people whose homes I’ve stayed in, it really touches me just how beautiful the people there are.

“They’ve showed me things I’ve never seen before and I’m always left with a fond, warm feeling from spending time with them.”

Chris first picked up a guitar when he was nine years old, and it has obviously been as fitting a combination as a hand to a glove ever since that day.

“My father was a truck driver and he loved the Blues,” Chris said.

“He made his own little set of tunes and he showed me how to play them, he’s been a great

influence in my life.

“I may have only been nine years old, but I knew that BB King was greatest.”

By the time he was in his teenage years, Chris was well on his way on his Blues and Jazz journey. Now at the age of 60, thankfully there’s no sign of this Master slowing down any time soon.

“I actually get more joy out of it now than I ever have!” Chris told me.

“I think because I’ve been with my current band for years, it is reminding me of how much I love it and how much joy I get out of it.

“Having played for so many years, somewhere along the way the fun snuck out the back the door on me, but now I am really enjoying playing my tunes and other people’s tunes.

“Songs are like vehicles, and an opportunity to project your feelings through sound. I love playing songs that move me, I just love anything,” he said.

Chris is really excited about the upcoming festival and can’t wait to “play to anyone who wants to listen.”

Rest assured, there will be plenty of people willing to do just that.

For more information on the Sydney Blues and Roots Festival (27-30 October) go to sydneybluesandrootsfestival.com

02 4736 4647 • THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. alhgroup.com.au

STEPTOE and Son by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson is a classic BBC comedy sitcom that ran from 1962 to 1965 followed by a second run from 1970 to 1974. The series was voted 15th in a 2004 BBC poll to find Britain’s Best Sitcom.

The program centres around two characters, a father and son, “rag and bone” men who peddle their junk trade around Shepherd’s Bush in West London. Albert, the father, has seen a lot of what life has to offer someone in his position and does not like what he’s seen one bit.

His son, Harold, on the other hand has social ambitions and wants to move up in the world, mainly to escape the family home and his father.

However his plans are always foiled by his father’s deliberate put-downs or outright sabotage.

The Acting Factory Director Mark Bell reunites some of his talented cast from last year’s successful run of Fawlty Towers at Mamre House and adds some well-known talent for key roles.

“I get great enjoyment directing stage adaptations of classic British sitcoms and the cast and I am confident we can pull it off again.

From costumes to set, the audience will be transported to Oil Drum Lane,

Shepherds Bush,” Mark said.

The Acting Factory will be performing two classic episodes from the series: Desperate Hours – Set on a cold winter’s day the peace and quiet of a game of cribbage is interrupted by the arrival of two escaped convicts, elderly Frank and the younger Johnny.

Recovering from their initial fright, the two rag and bone men soon find they have much in common with the two felons.

A Star is Born - Harold has joined an amateur dramatics group who use the Steptoe house as a rehearsal room for their play set in Afghanistan during the days of the Raj. Initially

mistrustful of actors Albert changes his mind when given a part in the play.

The Acting Factory will be performing Steptoe and Son at Rooty Hill RSL on the 2nd and 9th of December.

For bookings visit www.rootyhillrsl. com.au or call 9677 4916.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Happily (8) 5 Abroad (6) 9 Not moving (8) 10 Titillating (6) 12 Not our (5) 13 Elaborateness (9) 14 Goliaths (6) 16 Insincerely emotional (7) 19 Ordinary (7) 21 Victoria, Elizabeth and Mary (6) 23 City in Maryland (9) 25 Islamic name for God (5) 26 Wry (6) 27 Unit of mass (8) 28 Fatty (6) 29 Killer (8)

solution 8/9/16

DOWN 1 Floor beams (6) 2 Whining (9) 3 Medium to dark brown (5) 4 Lollypops (7) 6 Strength (9) 7 Additional (5) 8 Rotting (8) 11 Stalk (4) 15 Negates (9) 17 They rent apartments (9) 18 Beating (8) 20 Crucifix (4) 21 Questions (7) 22 Medicine man (6) 24 Not tight (5) 25 Alewife fish (5)

23 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

E N T E R T A I N M E N T Rag and bone father and son team

24

nepeanhistory nepean

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

Continuation of the I N June 1955 a car ran into a gutter one night at St Marys where the patrolling police saw it happen. An inquiry followed at Penrith Court of Petty Sessions where a St Marys’ man pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving a car on the Western Highway at St Marys while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Constable Leeding of St Marys stated that he and Constable Field were patrolling the Great Western Highway in a police car when they saw a car that had gone head first into a gutter about 25 yards east of Bennett Road. Constable Leeding said that he questioned the driver and afterwards said to Constable Field “This is the driver of the utility.” Constable Leeding told the Court that in his opinion the man was well under the influence of liquor. He also stated that “I had a conversation with two women who were seated in the front of defendant’s utility and they were both well under the influence of intoxicating liquor.” Constable Field also stated that at St Marys’ Police Station the man was told that he was entitled to be examined by a doctor because he was well under the influence but he refused. The man said that he had been to the “Rex Hotel” in the morning and he had a couple of middies at the “Park View” hotel in the afternoon and he was returning from St Marys along the Highway about 6 o’clock and it was his intention to turn right down Bennett Road to go home and as he approached the corner he was blinded by headlights from a car and when the car had gone by he made a turn into what he thought was the road and ran into the gutter. He walked up to his brother’s place to get his brother to tow him home but at his brother’s place there was a bit of a party so he stayed there about an hour then he came back with his brother to the utility. He was taken to the Police station and charged. Mr Watson who appeared for the man stated that the man was an original member of the 8th Australian Division in the Second World War and had been a prisoner of war for three and a half years and was disabled due to malaria but Mr Stonham S M still fined him £20. In October 1956 a terrible road accident occurred when five men were killed in a collision between their car and a truck on the Western Highway at St Marys. All were employed by the Utah Company in St Marys. One man recovered from his injuries but all the other men died. Two were killed instantly and two died in Nepean District Hospital. They had been staying at the Wallgrove Hostel. Detective Mackenzie of Penrith said that he visited the scene of the accident and he saw the lorry on its correct side of the road but it was in a damaged condition and loaded with four tons of general merchandise. The car was at an angle towards the gutter on its correct side of the road. He made an examination of the car and found that the speedometer indicated 53 mph and was stuck in that position.

The man who lived was a transport driver for Utah Australia Ltd. He said that he knocked off at 3.30 p.m. and went to the Rex Hotel where he had about six middies of beer and he asked for a lift in the driver’s car to the hostel because he knew that he was stopping there. The other four also came out of the hotel and got into the back of the Hillman Minx car. One of the men sat near the driver and the rest in the back. They then went in the car up St Marys’ hill but he wasn’t taking particular notice of the driving as there was a great deal of talking going on but he noticed that the driver was turning around and talking to the back seat and not watching the road and then one of the men in the back asked to get out and to stop the car because he was not happy with the driver not watching the road. The man who survived woke up in hospital but could not say at any stage of the drive whether the driver was affected by drink or not. Two women who lived at Westmead and saw the accident came to their assistance. One of the women was a Matron and together

Rex Hotel

they assisted the injured at the scene. The Coroner giving his verdict said it was a ghastly and shocking accident and he wished to commend the generous, unhesitating, and competent actions of the two ladies who he was informed had performed such a wonderful task in attending to the injured under what were obviously the most harrowing of conditions and it maybe the fact that at least one of the occupants of the wrecked car is now alive and is due in no small measure to their prompt and effective action. He also said that on behalf of the authorities he wanted also to extend appreciation to all those members of the public who, at considerable inconvenience and even risk to themselves, co-operated with the police and assisted in many ways including the directing of traffic in minimising the effects of such a bad smash across a busy highway at that time of the day. He also conveyed his sympathy to the relatives of the deceased people and it was clear that considerable negligence existed on the part of the driver of the car now deceased and that this negligence, if he were still alive, would have resulted in criminal action being taken against him and to place him on his trial but in the circumstances he intended to record a finding of accidental death in all cases. In August 1955 articles in a local newspaper talked of an advance party from Victoria of 2,000 workers to arrive in St Marys to begin preparations for the construction of the factory area. Most of those workers would be engaged by Utah Constructions who had almost completed the gigantic Eildon Weir water conservation contract. All of them would be seeking suitable accommodation for their families within our district. Also to be constructed at St Marys was the Glossop Street Bridge, a concrete and steel structure with a 48-foot carriageway and two pedestrian crossings of 6 feet each on the eastern and western sides of the bridge that was due to start and would be finished apparently at a small cost of around £7,000 to Penrith Council. The Department of Defence Production advised Council that the Commonwealth Government would meet the initial cost of the project along with the road approach to be estimated at £63,000 and a memorandum had been sent from the Prime Minister to the Premier of NSW to arrange the sharing of the costs for the work.

Source: Nepean Times, Trove – 1956 photo of the construction of the Glossop St Bridge.

Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc. TO BE CONTINUED....

Ask

LATTS

All your real estate questions answered, with Darren Latty ~ darren@prd.net.au

Is now the time to sell?

I’VE answered this question in previous columns but for obvious reasons it needs revisiting from time to time.

As far as Spring markets go this one is a little unusual, but it’s actually perfect for vendors. Typically we see a flood of properties on the market in

spring time but this year there aren’t as many as normal. Buyers are back out in force but there isn’t much for them to choose from.

We’ve been seeing positive signs across the board in recent weeks: - Days on the market are falling (of the last 18 properties we’ve listed, 15

have been under contract within two weeks) - Auction clearance rates are sky high, western Sydney in particular saw a recent weekend rate of 95% - Open home attendance is up, we’ve seen nearly 30 groups at high demand properties

But with little local stock available competition is rife.

Vendors selling now are in a very strong position, and there’s still time to sell and settle before Christmas.

So if you’ve been sitting on the fence about selling, now’s the time to jump off!

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

With thanks to NRL Photos and Penrith Panthers’ Jeff Lambert, here’s how the Panthers’ final fortnight of the season panned out.

Peter Wallace can’t hide his delight at scoring possibly the try of the year.

Josh Mansour’s iconic Panther Roar after scoring the try that sealed victory.

As the Panther Fans say their goodbyes to their early-departing counterparts.

Panther fans out again in big numbers as they “Invade the Capital”

James Fisher-Harris didn’t have the happiest of nights.

Zak Hardaker in what is likely his last match as a Panther tried his best in Waqa Blake’s absence

25 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

realestate real

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

No to Holden Cup finals as Cleary looks to recharge for 2017

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

PENRITH wonderkid, Nathan Cleary has declared that he won’t be making a return to the Holden Cup ahead of Penrith’s preliminary final showdown with the North Queensland Cowboys, in the wake of the NRL team’s season-ending loss at the hands of the Canberra Raiders last Saturday night.

Cleary, despite being just 18, has constantly shown maturity beyond his years in his 15 NRL game career to date and with Bryce Cartwright, formed an unlikely halves pairing that enabled Penrith to go on a back-end of the season run that saw the club get to within two games of a Grand Final.

Their run may have ended at the hands of the home side whose giant pack, led by Junior Paulo, targeted the young half in defence, but although disappointed by the result, Cleary says he has taken a lot out of the loss.

“We didn’t want to go out that way but it was a big learning curve,” Cleary declared.

“It was definitely the biggest game for me that I’ve played in. “(In) finals football, you need to take your chances when

they present themselves.

“You don’t really too many second chances so that’s definitely an important thing.

“He (Junior Paulo) got me a few times but that’s all part of the game.

“I probably need to improve my defence against bigger players running at me but that’s all part of the learning curve.”

But despite the loss, Cleary himself admits it is still hard to believe he was on the biggest stage in the NRL playing finals football. Just 18 months earlier, Cleary was playing SG Ball and had yet to even make his Holden Cup debut.

“I never expected to see myself play one NRL game let alone a semi-final this year, an unbelievable feeling,” the son of former Panther coach, Ivan said.

“It came around so quick but I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s been an amazing year and I’ve definitely learnt a lot these last twelve months and it’s been crazy to be honest. “(Thankfully) there has been some great people in this team that have really helped me stay level headed and improve my game each week.

“Anthony Griffin, I thank him for the opportunity, and Trent Merrin,

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Nathan Cleary is in line for Dally M Rookie of the Year Honours. Credit: NRL Photos

Peter Wallace and Matt Moylan, I can’t thank them enough.”

Panthers coach Anthony Griffin, admitted he was in awe of Nathan’s achievements.

“He’s been great, Nathan. It’s been a wonderful season for him,” Griffin said.

“Nathan started the year in 20s and he’s out here guiding us around the park tonight.

“It’s been a credit to him to get himself to this point.

“There were times during the year, where you were thinking he’ll drop off soon but he just kept coming.”

Cleary, who not became the first Panther to score more than 100 first grade points in their debut season, but also the first player to score over

100 points in both the Holden Cup and the NRL in the same season, ruled himself out of Penrith’s Holden Cup premiership defence, instead preferring to rest up before embarking on his first pre-season as a NRL player.

“I don’t think I can go back to 20’s, but I’ll be watching them,” Cleary admitted.

“If the opportunity came up I might have been keen, but they’re going pretty well at the moment so I don’t really want to interrupt that.”

“I’ll just try to stay fit and get away from footy for a bit.

“It’s been a pretty big year for me, so I’ll relax and be able to be raring to go come pre-season.

“As soon as pre-season comes around I’ll be doing everything and anything to improve my game.

Despite Cleary’s performances leaving many to suggest he should be the Dally M Rookie of the Year despite not making his debut until midway through the season, the young Panther hosed down such suggestions, despite confirming he will be attending the awards night.

“That would be unbelievable, such a great honour,” Cleary admitted.

“But there’s some great rookies this year and I definitely wouldn’t expect to get it.”

sport

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

Injuries halt two of Penrith’s finest

By Noel Rowsell

TWO of Penrith’s finest young basketball players have both succumbed to injury at crucial times of the year, upsetting their respective plans and programs.

Sydney Uni Flames WNBL point guard Tahlia Tupaea (Glenmore Park) has fractured her fifth Metatarsal in training with the Sydney club, and was to undergo surgery on Thursday.

The Flames have immediately begun a search, both locally and internationally, for a suitable replacement and it will be a critical choice, given Tahlia’s important role in the Flames.

In an interview with Sydney journalist Amanda Lulham, Flames General Manager Karen Dalton said “Tahlia is a big piece of the puzzle for us - a major player in this team.’’

“It’s a big setback for the team (and) out of all the possible positions, we (Flames) didn’t need an injury in the point guard role.’’

Penrith Youth League centre Adam Lulka was also injured in August, sustaining his injury at the School Sports Australia (SSA) Basketball Championships in Terrigal.

Lulka was a member of the

Tahlia Tupaea (Glenmore Park) in action for the Sydney Uni Flames earlier this year.

27

Adam Lulka (East Blaxland) in action for the Penrith Youth League Men’s team this season.

Photos: Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

victorious NSW All-Schools Men’s team, which not only won the national title but had five players (including Lulka) chosen in the Australian AllSchools team, which will tour the United States in December.

Lulka was subsequently invited to trials for the Australian Under 19 Men’s team (Emus), which is being prepared for the upcoming Oceania Series and next year’s FIBA U19

World Championships.

Lulka has been forced to withdraw from both national teams due to his shoulder injury and will also face surgery in the coming weeks.

There has however been some welcome good news for Lulka, who has committed to play in the American NCAA with Albany University in New York for the next four years.

In other good news for the Penrith Association, Youth League centre Natalia Beaumont (Emu Heights) was a member of the victorious NSW AllSchools Women’s team, which also took out their division of the SSA Championships.

Beaumont was subsequently chosen in the Australian All-School Women’s team for their tour of the United States in December.

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

PANTHER PRIDE IS BIGGER THAN EVER DESPITE SEASON-ENDING LOSS The sight of fans actually venturing down the M4 and then the Hume Highway in their thousands in consecutive weeks, warms the heart of this veteran supporter as much as the performance of the team on it.

Upwards of 13-14,000 fans made the hour – long (if not two with heavy traffic) trek to Moore Park for Penrith’s first “home” final since 2010.

And it warmed the heart to see fans clustered as one along the Eastern Terrace, outnumbering the normally huge Bulldogs fan-base and providing plenty of colour and noise rarely seen at any Panthers game.

It was replicated six days later as an estimated five thousand fans (according to Ticketek), decided to make the three-hour trek to “Invade the Capital”.

To put that in perspective, that was double the number of Sharks’ fans that attended week one and ensured that the overall crowd only dropped by four thousand, given that Raiders fans stayed away in droves despite the lure of getting to do one more Viking Clap for season 2016.

Plenty within the media were critical of how Isaah Yeo could return to the field after taking a nasty high shot from UK import, Elliott Whitehead.

Yet the media was strangely silent 24 hours later when the Match Review Committee deemed that there was no case to answer for the English international back-rower, who at a different stage of the season, would surely have incurred a charge if not a suspension.

It was suggested that Yeo was falling in the tackle, ala James Tedesco style but it seems that unless you suffer a broken jaw, a Grade One Careless Tackle charge won’t be considered.

Speaking of Isaah Yeo, the loss on Saturday night probably eases the pain of knowing he was set to miss the rest of season after suffering a medial knee injury late in the game.

As it stands he can be proud that he was one of four Panthers to have played all 26 games this season (plus a Country Origin game on top).

Three players who suffered horrific injuries / health conditions all bounced back in a big way in 2016 with Bryce Cartwright (Kidney), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Lung) and Peter Wallace (consecutive season-ending knee injuries) are the

“Obviously (I’m) very disappointed but we’d done a lot of things wrong before then.”

In some better news, the back-rower recently confirmed to Nepean News that his goal to play for the Kiwis in the upcoming Four Nations is very much alive with Kiwi officials in regular contact with the rookie back-rower.

Panther Pride was in abundance over the past fortnight.

Credit: NRL Photos.

other players to have played all 26 NRL games.

Josh Mansour played the most games in 2016; 28 games – 24 for his club plus three NSW origin and a City Origin clash.

Meanwhile the early return from a broken hand saw Blake Austin instrumental in his first ever finals game.

Austin confirmed after the game, he played with his broken hand against medical advice but was not missing out on the opportunity to experience a home finals game.

Austin also rolled his ankle but when quizzed after the game, the Doonside junior said he always rolls his ankle in games and would be sweet for this week’s preliminary final against the Storm.

James Fisher-Harris may well have wished to take back a five minute period between the 70th and 75th minutes, that terminally halted Penrith’s late large to snatch victory, but his coach Anthony Griffin stopped short of blaming the young Junior Kiwi.

“Disappointed (Fisher-Harris conceded those consecutive penalties) but he’s been outstanding all year for us and is part of the reason why we’re here,” Griffin said.

“He gave away that penalty doing his best trying to finish the tackle count and it was tackle five we were going to get a good ball set at the end of that.

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Speaking of Four Nations, Bryce Cartwright, Josh Mansour and Trent Merrin were named in the Kangaroos Train-On Squad for the upcoming series while Matt Moylan will additionally join the PM XIII squad that will travel to Port Moresby for this Saturday’s match against PNG. Also apart from James Fisher-Harris, DallinWatene-Zelezniak (New Zealand); Zak Hardaker (England) and Peter Wallace (Scotland) are in line for call ups to their respective squads.

Barring Four Nations final selection, the Panthers are primed for another equally gruelling pre-season, with only Bryce Cartwright (ankle) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard (elbow) booked in for off-season surgery. Sam McKendry and Peta Hiku (both knee) are also expected to miss the start of pre-season.

Expect Suaia Matagi and Zak Hardaker to be the main departures from the club over the off-season, with Phil Gould confirming that while the club’s salary cap remains full at this stage, they aren’t in a position to offer new deals.

Whilst Matagi has an option in his favour, his strong season has seen him attract offers from cashed-up NRL rivals.

Hardaker has confirmed he won’t be returning to Leeds Rhinos with several UK and NRL clubs in the mix for his services, with a return home the most likely scenario after admitting Leeds’ refusal to lift the transfer fee a sticking point for NRL clubs given such fees are included in the salary cap.

Meanwhile Hardaker’s “other half” (of the player swap deal), ex-Panther, James Segeyaro, extended his deal with Leeds to the end of 2018, that sees his NRL return clause removed as part of the deal.

Of course if you have any Panthers news you wish to share, email me stewart@nepeannews.com.au See you at the game (in 2017)!

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BEHIND THE STUMPS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

STARS ALIGN AS BLACK CATS PRIMED FOR STRONG START TO SEASON Matthew Hopkins, Ryan Gibson, Jake Wholohan, Jonathan Sammut, Pat Cummins, Josh Lalor, Ryan Smith, Luke Hodges.

In further good news for the club, first grade coach Steve Small has been talked out of retirement and will again take up the reins in season 2016-17, with Michael Wholohan once again overall club coach.

It can also be confirmed that last year’s hugely successful UK import, Worcestershire’s Tom KohlerCadmore, will return once again in season 2016-17.

Kohler-Cadmore, who has had mixed success in the latest English county season will be looking to freshen up his game ahead of the next county season that has seen his team, Worcestershire, sign ex-St Dominic’s College student and Australian international cricketer, John Hastings.

The county batsman confirmed he is looking to arrive in time for Penrith’s Round 3 two-day clash with North Sydney commencing October 8.

Confirmation that Penrith female cricketer and Southern Star T20 player, Naomi Stalenberg will again line-up for the Sydney Thunder in the second instalment of the WBBL. The WBBL, a huge success in season one, will again see Howell Oval feature as a venue with Sydney Thunder set to host two games at the venue in early December.

Worcestershire’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore will return for a second stint with Penrith this summer. Credit 77 Media

The Black Cats are poised to mount a strong start to the newly named NSW Premier Cricket competition, when they play consecutive one-day games at Howell Oval over the next fortnight against Parramatta and University of NSW. The big selection news is the return from injury of Pat Cummins (back) which adds plenty of firepower to a Penrith bowling attack that also features Josh Lalor.

As an added bonus, Pat will play under his older brother, Tim Cummins who has been named captain in the absence of Matthew Halse.

New recruits Michael Castle (who faces his old club first up) and Cricket NSW / Sydney Thunder squad

member Ryan Gibson (who returns to Penrith after a stint with Campbelltown-Camden) have also been named.

And bowler, Luke Hodges has become the bolter having held off the likes of Michael Collins, Max McNamara and Kaine Balgowan to become Penrith’s latest first grade debutant.

With Pat Cummins, Lalor and Gibson all missing initial selection in NSW’s Matador Cup squad that will play from Oct 7-21, Penrith will have a formidable lineup for at least the opening rounds of the competition.

The full team is: Tim Cummins ©, John Di Bartolo, Michael Castle,

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Congratulations are in order for Penrith’s Ryan Hackney and Mikayla Hinkley who were among 14 talented cricketers to receive Basil Sellers Scholarships, last week at the SCG. These scholarships are designed to allow cricketers to pursue an elite level cricket career without placing a financial burden on families and is the tenth season where such scholarships have been granted.

Congratulations are also in order for Penrith’s Trent Weir who has been named in the Under 17’s NSW Metropolitan side that will compete in the upcoming national championships in Brisbane from September 26 to October 6. #LoveTheCats

29 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

PANTHERS FELL SHORT BUT WHAT A YEAR!!

BRAVO Panthers! You have done yourselves as well as your fans proud this season. In a year that was an unknown on just where the mountain men would figure as far as the premiership ladder went, I think I can speak on behalf of all loyal fans when I say you were a pure joy to watch. You’re growth was substantial and finishing 6th on the table was admirable.

Beating the Dogs in week one gave us fans all hope of better things to come but alas the Canberra Raider juggernaut was one big hurdle to hard to jump.

With that, I’ve come up with my awards for season 2016, with presentation night just around the corner let me get in first.

“Best Player”- Matt Moylan Moylan has gone next level after making his origin debut this year for the Blues. The confidence he gained by playing in such an intense series was profoundly beneficial to his club footy. The uncanny resemblance to Darren Lockyer is in fact ‘uncanny’. The more he is involved in the game the more chance the Panthers are of victory.

“Most Consistant”- Josh Mansour Similarly to Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour’s origin series elevated him to the elite level. As an ex forward I can tell you there is nothing better than running back towards your line after an opposition kick to see a winger field the ball and bring it back with gusto. Mansour not only does this consistently he 9 times out of 10 breaks the first tackle then gets away a quick play the ball. Fantastic season from an ever-improving flanker.

“Rookie of the year”- Nathan Cleary The composure this kid displays is an asset not many before him have had.

Since coming into first grade it’s been no coincidence that the Panthers structure and success has been dramatically better. It’s quite scary to see how good this kid can potentially become, plus the fact he can kick goals from anywhere only enhances his value to coach Griffins team.

“Mr Courageous”- Peter Wallace What a comeback from the affable Blaxland native. From not really knowing where he stood before a ball was kicked this season, Wallace extended his contract by proving his versatility in covering as hooker once Segyaro vacated the premises. Not only did Wallace fill the role with aplomb he also played with serious injury throughout the year on many occasions, often putting his head where most wouldn’t even put their knees. A tough bugger with a real ‘team first’ mentality.

“Silent Hero”- Tyrone Peachey Peachey is that type of player that every team needs. Back in my day our silent hero was Col Vandeervoort. Every team needs one; not every team has one. Peachey’s ability to virtually be able to play every position on the field (maybe besides prop) makes him a irresistible commodity. And he does his job without the plaudits of his more illustrious teammates. As a coach the first player picked in my 17 EVERY week!

Our new Moodle

“2017 is theirs”- Bryce Cartwright Playing at five eighth Cartwright more than held his own. But with young TeMaire Martin back bigger and better next season you get the feeling Cartwright will be back to his barnstorming/offloading best next season in the second row. I think he’ll cement a spot in the NSW state of origin team. Don’t get me wrong - he was still among the Panthers top three or four performers weekly - I just think the sky is the limit when running onto the ball and not being asked to set play up.

“Fan Favourite”- Trent Merrin Merrin could have figured in every above-listed category (except rookie) such was his acquisition to the Panther fold. I played in the late 80’s when the Panthers brought Chris Mortimer and Peter Kelly from the Bulldogs, I rate Merrin as good a buy as those two legends! And how can you not love a player who extends his deal basically a couple of months after settling in the West?

Great buy, great player, great bloke. All boxes ticked makes him a definite fan favourite.

Another thing.....

We have a new member of the Geyer family. His name is Ottis and he arrived last week from a puppy shop in Brisbane. Ottis is a Moodle (part Maltese part poodle) and is now a younger brother to our other Moodle, Buddy. After having five kids we thought our days of toilet training were long gone. Afraid not.

Toilet training this little bugger has proven to be one of the real challenges of having an indoor dog. Now we’ve got two of them!! But we wouldn’t have it any other way. They are both great companions and now they have each other to wrestle and run around with. Gotta run, Ottis is sniffing around as I write......

Toilet time!!

MG (random Westie) OAM

COACH’S CORNER THE FINAL FOUR

SINCE my last column we have seen four teams eliminated from the NRL Finals series with four remaining in the title race. It is the first season in a long time that many experts gave the teams outside the Top 4 a chance to win the competition. But as we hit the halfway mark of the finals only the Top 4 teams remain. As I stated in my previous column I did not give the Titans or the Bulldogs much of a chance and found it difficult to see the Panthers and Broncos winning the competition as they would need to string together four consecutive wins with the majority of those games away from home against Top 4 teams.

Trying to dissect the remaining teams is no easy task as each possesses their own individual style and brand of football which have been effective enough to place them two wins away from a Premiership. The Melbourne Storm to me still look like the favourites to take out the title for a few key reasons: They will play their Preliminary Final this Saturday night in Melbourne in front of a capacity home crowd on the back of a fortnights rest, they have the two best game managers in the competition in Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith, they hold the best defensive record in the competition and I believe they have the best coach and the best forward pack in the NRL. The Storm also rank number one in missed tackles and errors made, they do not beat themselves. In saying that can I see the Canberra Raiders causing

BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com

an upset? Absolutely! The Raiders have the style of offence which can cause the Storm’s defence massive problems as they have several players who can break tackles and offload the ball which gives them the ability to break down the highly structured and suffocating Storm defence. The Raiders also have the best record over the past six weeks with a 5 win and 1 loss record. The only loss came on the back of losing their best player Josh Hodgson at a key time against the Sharks in week one of the finals when the Raiders led and were run over late in that game.

The Cronulla Sharks went through a rough period prior to the finals commencing and I thought they were outsiders to make a run at the title. But the Sharks managed to win a very tough game against the Raiders without their captain Paul Gallen and also Wade Graham who was concussed very early in that match. This has had a huge impact on the Sharks chances in this competition as the extra weeks rest they gained through that victory will prove invaluable as they face the defending premiers this Friday night. The advantage of the extra weeks rest at this time of the season cannot be underestimated with 12 of the last 16 Premiers having had the second week of the finals series off and then went on to win the competition. The Sharks will need to be at the top of their game over the final two weeks and do have some concerns with Chad Townsend replaced

at a key stage in the game against the Raiders and I still have some questions over their discipline as they are the most penalised side in the competition and can lose their composure during big games against quality opposition. The North Queensland Cowboys managed to get out of jail last Friday night against the Broncos and stay alive in their quest for back to back premierships. They have the ability to play from in front and also the nerve to stick to their style and come from behind. The Cowboys hold the ace in Jonathan Thurston the best player in the game, they have the second best defensive record behind the Storm and they have the best forward in the competition in Jason Taumalolo. I have some concerns with the Cowboys in that Matt Scott looks to be playing injured, Jake Granville is not having the same impact he had on games this time twelve months ago and Lachlan Coote looks down on form and confidence. The Cowboys offload the ball the least of all 16 teams in the competition yet have the most running metres of all 16 teams. If the Cowboys manage to progress to the Grand Final and take on the Storm they will have no problem getting into attacking areas of the field, but they will need to break the shackles and offload the ball in order to break down the Storm’s defence. For the record I am tipping the Storm and Cowboys to play off in the Grand Final with the Storm winning a close one.

Enjoy the last three games of the NRL season!

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Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis WITH Spring upon us and the warmer months ahead, gyms and fitness facilities are in the midst or about to start all their “Weight Loss” challenges urging those to get ready for the Summer months.

Most often than not these last for (812 weeks/2-3 Months) and clients try and lose as much weight as they can during that period.

It’s extremely important before entering or going into these challenges, to think about WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AFTER THE 12 WEEKS?, when you really don’t have that incentive to lose weight or reach your fitness goals as much as you did during that period of which these challenges run, when you aren’t going through strenuous sessions at the gym or sometimes advised to eat low calorie diets, which are just counterproductive in the long run anyways.

There is no real good reason to lose 20kg’s in 12 weeks, only to put on 25kg’s in the following 10 weeks, unfortunately this is often reflected by seeing the same people enter these contests year after year. These challenges aren’t for everyone, the

rate of long term weight loss and maintenance yielded from such is pretty low.

You only have to look at the many reality “Fat Loss’ shows on TV, yes all the contestants lose weight, but when they go back to their normal lives and surroundings they put all that weight on back on and in some cases weigh more than what they did when they first started the shows. Only a minuscule amount of contestants are able to maintain that weight loss, and more often than not there is some financial incentive in the background.

Weight Loss should be a slow journey, a change in lifestyle incorporating small changes over a very long period of time will outweigh a ‘fat loss diet’ and excessive exercise any day of the week.

Remember, when setting your goals, THEY MUST BE ATTAINABLE, BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, MAINTAINABLE! Stay tuned for some exciting news coming to Wild Panther Fitness in the next month. Make sure you also check out our revamped website as well.

Follow ‘Wild Panther Fitness’ on Facebook, Instagram (@wildpantherfit) and on Twitter (@wildpantherfit.)

Until next time “STRENGTHEN YOUR WEAKNESS!”

31 Nepean News 22 September 2016 Issue 184

sport

Thursday, 22 September 2016

sport

Oh when the Saints go marching in

WHEN the St Marys Rugby League Club Board of Directors resolved to enter into the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions in 2016 the aim was to provide local juniors and young Saints with every opportunity to reach their full potential and to provide a clear pathway from Under 6’s right through to the NRL. The Club had aspirations of making the top four in its inaugural year in both competitions but knew that would be a major feat.

The Club was lucky to secure a key signing in former NRL Player Nathan Smith who captains the Ron Massey Cup side. They also secured former NRL players and Saints Juniors Geoff Daniela and

Sonny Tuigamala and in terms of pathways, eleven of the Club’s Under 19’s players took to the field this year in these higher tier competitions.

The Saints Sydney Shield side finished third on the competition ladder and were eliminated in last Sunday’s grand final qualifier after going down to the East Campelltown Eagles 40 to 6. The Saints Ron Massey Cup side finished fourth on the competition ladder and have secured a spot in the grand final after taking down the Western Suburbs Magpies 20 to 14 in last Sunday’s grand final qualifier.

The Premiership will be decided at Pirtek

Stadium, this Sunday 25th September at 2.15pm when Saints take on local rivals Mounties, and whilst the end result won’t be decided until then the Club is already ecstatic with the result. President of the Board, Warren Smith said “To have both the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup sides make it to the Grand Final qualifier in our first year is just terrific and to have the Ron Massey Cup in the Grand Final is just something else and far exceeded our expectations. I encourage everyone to get down to Pirtek Stadium on Sunday, I want to hear everyone in the crowd singing……………Oh when the Saints go marching in.”