Apply now for Seniors Festival Funding
TANYA Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek is encouraging local incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and NSW local councils to apply for funding through the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Grants program.
“These grants will go towards delivering important events and activities to ensure our wonderful seniors stay connected and active across the community,” said Tanya Davies.
“Whether it is learning a new skill or just getting out and making new friendships, it is all about healthy and happy aging.”
The 2025 NSW Seniors Festival will run from Monday 3 March – Sunday 16 March 2025.
The NSW Seniors Festival Grant program encourages Seniors in NSW to celebrate or build on their diverse skills and interests, enjoy new experiences, continue learning,
stay active and connect to their communities.
There are two funding levels that applications can apply for:
• $1,000 to $5,000 for local community programs and activities
• $5,001- $10,000 to local government organisations for large scale community and regional programs and activities
Projects must be located within NSW and started by 3 March 2025 and the project must be completed by 16 March 2025.
Application for the 2025 NSW Senior Festival Grants program are now open and close 5pm on Friday 6 September 2024.
For full details please visit: www.nsw.gov. au/grants-and-funding/seniors-festivalgrants-program/nsw-seniors-festival-grantprogram-2025
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Can you help?
OUR Penrith community is like no other.
Community support is, and always has been, what makes Penrith great.
PCYC Penrith has been an integral part of helping vulnerable, at-risk and disengaged young people in Penrith for over 50 years.
The PCYC Ambassadors Club is a new initiative to provide local youth with access to PCYC programs and activities for FREE.
As a not-for-profit organisation PCYC is roughly 90% self-funded and we rely heavily on the support of locals who have a commitment to making a difference to our local youth.
Your involvement will provide local youth with FREE opportunities, a few examples:
• 12-month PCYC memberships
• Gym / Boxing memberships
• Support with Nations of Origin – Off field uniforms and food/drink on the days of the event.
• Programs such as Alpha Girls – Female Empowerment program and Strong – Teen Gym program
Ambassador Sponsors will receive recognition within the club and on our socials, updates on fund usage, and opportunities to network.
ALL FUNDING SUPPORT OVER $2 IS TAX DEDUCTABLE 100% of your funding support goes directly to PCYC Penrith youth
Join the Ambassadors Club to be part of this new and exciting vision for PCYC Penrith!
For more info or to sign up please email tsummerhayes@pcycnsw.org.au
BY PCYC PENRITH STAFF
New Community Funding Program
THIS week marks a significant milestone for the Penrith community with Penrith City Council announcing the launch of its new Community Funding Program. The new program sees existing funding revamped and new opportunities on offer.
Through the Community Funding Program, Council is delivering grants to assist and amplify a diverse range of activities, and events that support strong and connected communities that are thriving, vibrant and creative.
The Community Funding Program which will open soon, consists of:
• Safe Communities – Domestic and Family Violence Grant: A commitment to combat domestic and family violence is reinforced through this grant, which supports primary prevention projects targeting the root causes of such issues.
• Local Events Grant: Recognises the importance of social cohesion and community wellbeing. This grant supports events that bring people together, fostering unity and collective wellness.
• Magnetic Places Grant: This grant supports creative arts projects that magnify resident stories through creative expression and activate locations across key neighbourhoods, enhancing our collective sense of place and belonging.
The Thriving Communities grant which aims to deliver activities that create healthy and connected communities will open later in the year, whilst a new Local Creativity grant will commence in 2025 – more details on these will be provided closer to their release.
General Manager of Penrith City Council,
Andrew Moore said Penrith has a long history of supporting community through a range of grants.
“Council’s grants program is known for the assistance it gives community organisations, groups and individuals so they can deliver activities which promote social and cultural outcomes for our community.
“I encourage local groups and organisations to visit our website and speak to Council staff to gain an understanding of Council’s new Community Funding Program, its aims and objectives.
“Working with community organisations, we can achieve the best possible outcomes for our residents and the City”.
For more information on the Community Funding Program visit penrith.city/grants
Royce’s Big Walk: an Incredible 300km Journey
BY KERRIE DAVIES
WOW ! Day 10 is complete, and that brings Royce’s Big Walk to an incredible close. 300km walked in just 10 days—starting from the Royce, and finishing at the Royce, with one final walk to Panthers Stadium. The moment Royce, his family, and his crew walked around the stadium was unforgettable. The stadium roared with support as Royce made his lap, and to top it off, the Panthers presented Royce with a staggering $100,000—a truly amazing contribution to the foundation.
“What an incredible 10 days it’s been! Nothing but smiles the entire way,”: said a spokesperson from the foundation.
“This journey has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the immense support from everyone involved has been overwhelming. We can’t express our thanks enough to everyone who played a part in this—from the sponsors, to the crew, to everyone who donated, and even to those who followed along the journey.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
TAFE NSW Kingswood plugging the gap in a dental health skills shortage
AS National Skills Week approaches, more people are being encouraged to take up a career in the oral health sector, with high demand for dentists, dental technicians, and dental hygienists increasing according to Jobs and Skills Australia 2023 Skills Priority List.
TAFE NSW, Australia’s leading registered training organisation, is actively addressing this skills gap by offering targeted programs in dental assisting and technology. The Certificate III and IV in Dental Assisting, along with the Diploma of Dental Technology, are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these in-demand roles. Between 2020 and 2022, enrolments in these courses have increased, reflecting the increasing recognition of the career opportunities in this field.
According to the NSW Government, employment in dental assisting is projected to grow by 13.4 percent from May 2023 to May 2028, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals in this area.
Stepping up to meet this demand is 24-year-old Kingswood resident Elizabeth Tuliloa who is currently studying a six-month Certificate III in Dental Assisting at TAFE NSW Kingswood.
“I chose to study at TAFE NSW Kingswood because of the handson nature of the course and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives,” Ms Tuliloa said. “I now wake up excited, knowing I’m on the right path. Dental assisting offers a stable and fulfilling career in healthcare with the opportunity to pursue further study.
“The Certificate III in Dental Assisting course at TAFE NSW Kingswood provides a great balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. I feel confident that I’ll be
well-prepared to enter the workforce. In the future, I hope to continue my studies to become a dental hygienist or technician.”
Head Teacher of Health Services at TAFE NSW Rhonda Mulligan said the Certificate III in Dental Assisting at TAFE NSW Kingswood is the perfect launchpad into the dental industry.
“Our dental assisting course is highly popular because of the abundant job opportunities and the practical, in-demand skills our students gain,” Ms Mulligan said. “With hands-on experience, state-of-the-art facilities,
and strong industry partnerships, our graduates are well-prepared to support dentists in delivering quality dental care. Many of our students continue their studies in dental technology or oral health, further enhancing their skills.”
National Skills Week, running from 19 to 25 August 2024, marks its 14th year in highlighting the importance of vocational education and training (VET) in creating attractive career pathways. As the job market evolves and Australians change employers every 3.3 years on average, VET plays a crucial role in bridging skills gaps across industries, strengthening both communities and the economy.
During National Skills Week, TAFE NSW will host its annual virtual Open Day on 22 August, from 9 am to 4 pm. The event is open to prospective and current students, educators, industry partners, and the general public. Attendees can explore 12 webinars, access on-demand content, take virtual campus tours, book one-on-one meetings with teachers, or join dropin sessions to gather information to support their lifelong learning goals.
Register for the TAFE NSW Virtual Open Day at: https://tafenswevents. eventsair.com/virtual-openday-2024/register.
Time to consider who you’d like on Penrith
THE Local Government elections will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.
If you live in Penrith and are on the electoral roll, you must vote in the Local Government elections on or before Saturday 14 September 2024. Voting is compulsory, and fines apply if you don’t cast your vote.
Local Government elections do not allow absentee voting, so if you are not going to be in Penrith on election day, you will need to request a postal vote or make a pre-poll vote. Applications for a postal vote are available from 6 August 2024 to 9 September 2024. Pre-polling will be available from 7 September 2024.
It is important to remember that Penrith is made up of three wards – North, South and East. If you are voting on the day, you must vote in your ward. Find your closest polling both on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website.
The polls will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 14 September 2024 at various locations across the Penrith LGA.
The 2024 Local Government elections will be managed by the NSW Electoral Commission. Helpful information as well as questions from voters and candidates can be accessed
via this: https://elections.nsw.gov.au/faqs
To find out more information, such as how to apply for a postal vote and where you can go to vote, visit the https://elections.nsw. gov.au/
If you are over 18 and haven’t yet registered to vote, now is your chance. You can enrol to vote by visiting https://aec. gov.au/enrol/
You can also check your enrolment and on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.
Translated information
Information about the NSW Local Government elections is available in 24 different community languages.
WARDS
Under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), a local government area can be divided up into areas called wards. Each ward contains roughly equal numbers of voters and are represented by the same number of Councillors.
Penrith City is divided into 3 wards - North, South and East, each represented by 5 Councillors. Residents can check their ward and enrolment details at roll.elections.nsw.gov.au/ NSWLookUp/
Council
South Ward Suburbs
The South Ward includes the suburbs of Badgerys Creek, parts of Emu Plains, Glenmore Park, Jamisontown, parts of Kingswood, Leonay, Luddenham, Mulgoa, Orchard Hills, parts of Penrith, Regentville, South Penrith and Wallacia.
East Ward Suburbs
The East Ward includes the suburbs of Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, parts of Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys.
North Ward Suburbs
The North Ward includes the suburbs of Agnes Banks, Berkshire Park, Cambridge Gardens, Cambridge Park, Castlereagh, Cranebrook, Emu Heights, parts of Emu Plains, Jordan Springs, parts of Kingswood, Llandilo, Londonderry, parts of Penrith, Werrington, Werrington County and Werrington Downs.
EXTENSIVE ELECTION COVERAGE IN THE PRINT EDITION NEXT WEEK
PARIS 2024
AMANDA REID
PENRITH-BORN Amanda Reid is a two-time Paralympian and proud Indigenous woman, whose sporting career started in the swimming pool. At the 2011 Global Games, she claimed a remarkable seven gold medals, before winning two silver and three bronze medals at the 2011 Arafura Games. Aged just 15, under the coaching of Jackie Barck, Amanda placed fifth in the 100m breaststroke at the London 2012 Paralympics.
In 2015, Amanda went back to cycling, one of several sports she’d been involved in before swimming and within just a few months, working with coach Tom Dawson, she broke the national C2 Individual Time Trial record at the NSW Paracycling Championships. Amanda then smashed the national record in the 3km individual pursuit at the
2016 Australian Para-cycling Championships. Amanda has cerebral palsy and an intellectual impairment. She established herself on the world stage with silver in the 500m time trial at the 2016 Para Track World Championships, leading to her selection in the 2016 Australian Paralympic Games Team. At Rio, she won a silver medal in the 500m time trial combined classification C1-C2-C3.
Since Rio, Amanda’s success has continued, most notably breaking the world record at the 2019 Para Track World Championships. She was selected for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she aimed to win a gold medal in the women’s 500m time trial C1-3 and break the world record.
At the Games, Amanda not only achieved both of these goals, but she also made history by becoming
GORDON ALLAN
AFTER watching the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games on TV as a 10-year-old and learning there was an avenue for people with a disability to compete on the world stage, Gordon Allan (Lalor Park) made it his goal to one day become a Paralympian.
He had started learning to ride a bike like most kids. However, unable to progress from training wheels like his mates, Gordon put the bike aside as he thought he’d never develop the required balance. In fact, he didn’t touch a bike again until the age of 12, when he was at a park with some friends and they dared him to ride down a big grassy hill. Somehow, he says, he stayed upright and, from there, his passion was ignited.
Gordon competed in football, athletics and swimming through primary school and early high school but discovered Para-cycling after attending a Paralympics Australia Talent Search Day in 2011. With the help of Paralympic cycling champion Peter Brooks, Gordon became determined to become a Paralympian himself.
Fast forward seven years, many hours of hard work – and a crash or two later – Gordon broke into the Australian Cycling Team at the age of 19. As the youngest member of the squad, he qualified for the 1km Time Trial at the 2018 Para Track World Championships, where he finished fifth. From there, the determined and hungry track cyclist grabbed every opportunity, going on to break multiple world records and claim World Championship medals in his quest to become the best athlete he can be.
Making his Paralympic debut at theTokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Gordon finished in a personal best of fifth position in the men’s 1000m time trial C1-2 (C2), crossing the line in 1:10.331. In the mixed 750m team sprint C1-5 event, he teamed with Meg Lemon and Amanda Reid to finish in ninth position.
Outside of cycling, you’ll often find Gordon watching sport, reading about sport or studying for his degree in Sport and Exercise Science.
the first Indigenous Australian to win a Paralympic gold medal in cycling. She rode a world record breaking factored time of 35.581 in the women’s 500m time trial C1-3 to become a Paralympic champion.
Away from sport, Amanda enjoys mentoring people who have a disability, disadvantaged kids as well as young Indigenous kids. She loves snowboarding and is a qualified Level 1 snowboard instructor.
Born in Penrith, Amanda lived in the Blue Mountains and is immensely proud of her Indigenous heritage, stemming from the Wemba Wemba and Guring-gai Aboriginal people.
Amanda is competing in the 500m Time Trial, ITT and Road Race in Paris.
Amanda Reid. Photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Gordon Allan. Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia
PARIS 2024
PAIGE LEONHARDT
BY NOEL ROWSELL
WHEN Paige Leonhardt was five years old, she was in a car accident in which she was thrown from the car. Her injuries from the accident were severe, requiring four years of recovery with spinal taps, MRIs and operations to remove fluid from her brain. She had haemorrages behind the eyes and now suffers from drusens, yellow deposits under the retinas.
She continues to suffer hemiplegia on her right side, as well as intacraneal hypertension, epilepsy and autism.
Born in Penrith, Paige started swimming when she was 12 years old, when she was undergoing therapy and started competing through school with able-bodied athletes.
A breaststroke specialist, Paige competed at the Australian Championships in 2014 at the age of 13. Competing in the open multi-class 50m breaststroke, she took home the bronze medal. At the Australian Age Championships that followed, she won gold in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke.
At the 2015 Australian Open Championships, Paige won bronze in the multi-class 50m breaststroke, as well as making the final of the 100m breaststroke. At the 2015 Australian Age Championships, she won silver in the 50m breaststroke, as well as bronze in the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle.
Paige made her Paralympic debut
at the Rio 2016 Games, where she qualified for the final in the 100m butterfly, finishing in sixth place, and the 100m breaststroke, where she also finished sixth.
In her second Paralympic Games campaign, Paige was able to secure her first medal, winning a silver medal in the women’s 100m butterfly S14. Swimming in lane 5, she flew
JAMES TURNER
BY NOEL ROWSELL
PENRITH-BORN James Turner made his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and from the moment the gun sounded, the men’s 800m T36 was all but won.
Crossing the line in 2:02.39, more than seven seconds ahead of his nearest rival, James obliterated the world record. It was the race of a lifetime, and rightfully earned him the title of Paralympics Australia’s 2016 Rookie of the Year.
Incredibly, James was a bit of an unknown quantity in Para-athletics prior to winning gold. He was an Australian representative in football 7-a-side and only made the switch to the track when the Pararoos missed qualification for the 2016 Paralympic Games.
James proved he was more than a one-trick pony, pushing his body to the limit to win three world titles from three events at the 2017 World Paraathletics Championships in London, England, before relocating to the ACT in 2018 to train under esteemed Para-athletics coach Iryna Dvoskina alongside three of the world’s most professional Para-athletes in Scott Reardon, Vanessa Low and Chad Perris.
Whilst James did not have the opportunity to defend his Paralympic title in the men’s 800m T36 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (it was removed from the Paralympic program), he was able to race in both the 200m and 400m.
home to finish second in a time of 1:05.48, behind Valeriia Shabalina of the RPC. Paige also contested the women’s 100m breaststroke SB14 and the 200m individual medley SM14, placing in sixth position in both events.
Paige is competing in the 100m Butterfly, 100m Breastroke and 200m Medley in Paris.
the
a
and
the
In
400m T36 final, James was able to claim gold with
Paralympic record of 0:52.80
in
100m T36 Final, he won silver, his second medal at the Games. James is competing in the 100m T36 and 400m T36 Athletics in Paris.
James Turner. Photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Paige Leonhardt. Photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia
PARIS 2024
TIM HODGE
BY NOEL ROWSELL
AT just 14, Timothy Hodge (Kings Langley) achieved selection to his first Australian team, travelling to Glasgow, Scotland, for the 2015 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships. It was a bittersweet moment for Timothy, who only just missed the opportunity to compete against his hero, Matthew Cowdrey, on the world stage – with Matthew retiring earlier that year.
Timothy represented Australia once again at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, but it has been in the years since then that he has truly come into his own. His first major international medals came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where he clinched silver in the men’s 100m breastroke SB8 and men’s 100m backstroke S9. They were followed with a pair of bronze medals at the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships in London.
It is the silver he won in the breaststroke that shines brightest for Timothy – he set a personal best, far exceeding his own expectations, and shared the podium with his Paralympic
ELLA JONES
teammates Timothy Disken and Blake Cochrane, who won gold and bronze respectively.
Swimming in his second Paralympic Games campaign in Tokyo 2020, Timothy found his spot on the dais for the first time. The 20-year-old claimed his first Paralympic medal in the men’s 100m backstroke S9, swimming a personal best time of
1:02.16. Timothy then secured the silver medal in the 200m individual medley SM9, touching the wall in 2:15.42 to come in second behind the Russian Paralympic Committee’s (RPC’s) Andrei Kalina.
In the men’s 100m butterfly S9, he missed a spot on the podium, finishing fifth in the final. He captured his third Paralympic medal of the Games as
part of the men’s 4x100m medley relay 34 points. The Australian team, consisting of his fellow teammates Timothy Disken, Will Martin and Ben Popham, finished the race in 4:07.70 behind the RPC.
Tim will compete in the 100m Butterfly, 100m Backstroke, 100 Breaststroke, 200m Individual Medley and 400m Freestyle.
ELLA Jones never really considered sport as a career. The South Australian enjoyed swimming in lakes and backyard pools but it took some time before she made the leap.
Ella, who has cerebral palsy which affects her movement and posture, was born in Penrith and began to swim competitively when she was 15 with the Springwood Swimming Club under Nick Robinson.
She made her Para-Dolphins debut as one of nine rookies at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in London. In January 2021, she moved to Lismore to train under Simon and Hannah Watkins, then followed them to Adelaide after the Commonwealth Games.
Ella made her Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in 2022, where she reached the final of the 100m backstroke S8 and 100m breaststroke SB6.
Ella is a triplet, with brother Daniel and sister Georgia, and also has an older brother Joshua. The massive Penrith Panthers rugby league fan wants to become a nurse or a midwife after she finishes swimming.
JASMINE HAYDON
JASMINE Haydon (Wilberforce) is the ramp assistant for Para-Boccia player Jamieson Leeson, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was 18 months old. Jamieson has won a handful of medals, including silver at the 2019 Boccia Australia National Titles, and says becoming a Paralympian is about more than the opportunity to represent her country – as incredible as she knows that is. She also hopes to be able to use the platform it creates to inspire others who have hopes and dreams similar to the ones she held not all that long ago.
Jamieson made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020, teaming up with Dan Michel and Spencer Cotie in the mixed pairs BC3 competition.
Jasmine has been working with Jamieson for 12 months.
Tim Hodge. Photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Jasmine Haydon (Wilberforce) is the ramp assistant for Para-Boccia player Jamieson Leeson.
Ella Jones.
Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia
PARIS 2024
CHLOE OSBORN
CHLOE Osborn (Gables) has always enjoyed sports, particularly soccer, but when she was 12 years old, a cancer diagnosis put her life as she knew it, on pause.
Chloe was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer in her spine. Surgery to remove Chloe’s tumour resulted in some nerve damage and a spinal injury. Unable to return to any contact or impact sports, her physiotherapist recommended swimming.
She channelled all her efforts into the pool, as her competitive potential rose rapidly.
Chloe has always wanted to achieve the highest level of sport, and whilst that sport changed over the years, her dream to represent her country didn’t.
Chloe currently races as an S7, training five to six times per
STELLA BARTON
STELLA Barton (Windsor) started horse riding at Riding for the Disabled when she was seven years old. At what was meant to be her final lesson, Canadian equestrian para-coach Mary Longden saw her ride and told Stella and her family she should be training for the Paralympics.
Stella was introduced to renowned coach Sally Francis OAM at 14 years old, describing it as a ‘true sliding doors moment’, all thanks to her mother. Francis still coaches Stella today.
In 2022, Stella graduated from university and decided to dedicate the next 18 months working towards selection for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Pride for the green and gold undoubtedly runs in the Barton blood, with Edmond Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister, Stella’s great, great, great uncle.
For Stella, competing at the Paralympics will be a dream come true. She believes representing Australia at an international level such as the Paralympics, is the ultimate honour and recognition of excellence in sport.
When she’s not training and competing Stella enjoys reading, art and is a history buff.
Stella will compete in the Grand Prix Test and the Freestyle Grand Prix in Paris.
trials in Adelaide, where she achieved a personal best in the 100m and a season best in the 50m. She says she is representing not
JONATHON MILNE
PARA-ARCHERY was a natural fit for Penrith-born Jonathon Milne, who had always enjoyed an active lifestyle. He could never have imagined however he would be the one to win Australia’s first Paralympic medal in Para-archery in 32 years.
In 2012, Jonathon dove under a wave at Avoca Beach in New South Wales, clipping his forehead on a sandbar. He was paralysed immediately. The then 26-year-old was flown to the Royal North Shore Hospital and spent five months in hospital and rehabilitation.
Jonathon started archery as a hobby when he was going through physiotherapy and loved the challenge
of how long it takes to master. He made his Australian debut at the 2015 World Archery Para Championships in Germany, where he just fell short of a podium finish.
Jonathon went on to represent Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, overcoming Ai Xinliang from China by three points to win bronze in the men’s individual compound open.
He was selected again for the Tokyo 2020 team, where he made it through to the Round of 16, narrowly missing out on a place in the Quarterfinals by just two points to Andre Shelby.
Jonathon will compete in the Individual Compound in Paris.
Stella Barton. Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Chloe Osborn. Photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia week, and competes regularly. She previously qualified for the 50m and 100m freestyle events at the Australian Paralympic swimming
only her country, but everyone with a disability – spreading awareness and hope for the next generation of Paraathletes.
Jonathon Milne. Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Nurse Lea leaves behind big shoes to fill
FOR 53 years Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse, Lea Freeman has been delivering passionate health care to every single one of the patients she cares for, and only once has she ever forgotten to wear her nursing shoes.
It’s one of many memories Lea reflects on as she shares memorable moments that defined her career before she begins retirement.
It was her first day at Nepean Hospital and Lea had just moved from Canberra. During her first shift the then Director of Nursing, noticing Lea’s shoe choice, questioned whether this was the career path for her.
Determined to succeed Lea put the comments behind her and has always put her best foot forward – wearing shoes.
As both a midwife and nurse Lea has had a fulfilling career with lots of experiences to show for it. From helping new mothers learn to breastfeed to assisting the next generation of nurses coming the hospital corridors, Lea has always been reliable and a person you can count on. Her bright and bubbly personality never fading.
“I never thought I would work until the age
that I am. I thought I would retire at 65 but I wasn’t ready. I work with such a lovely team. Their young and energetic and they make me feel 20 years younger,” says Lea.
“I often drive past the hospital on a weekend and wonder how the nursery is going. I’ll probably keep doing that once I’ve retired.”
Those who know Lea know that she is kind, caring and nothing is ever too much. She has touched the lives of thousands of families and has supported and educated so many of her colleagues across nursing.
This adornment by her colleagues is a sentiment shared by Neonatal Services Nurse Unit Manager, Kylie Gale.
“Lea is such a valued member of the neonatal team at Nepean Hospital. She is the kindest, most patient and helpful nurse I’ve ever met. We will really miss her in the unit and I’m sure she will be missed by our patients and their families too,” says Kylie.
“On behalf of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team past and present, and everyone who has had the privilege of working with Lea we would like to express our appreciation and thanks. We wish Lea a happy and healthy retirement.”
Nominations now open for the Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year Award
TANYA Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek is pleased to announce that nominations for the Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year Award are now open.
The Local Woman of the Year Award is an annual program to acknowledge a remarkable woman in the electorate. The community is encouraged to nominate a local woman whose efforts positively impact our local area.
“These awards provide the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of inspirational women across our community,” said Mrs Davies.
“We all know a woman who quietly goes about her extraordinary work, and this is the chance to thank and acknowledge them for the vital role they play.
“This could be a woman who has made a difference through their profession, by volunteering or excelling in a sporting field.
“To nominate an outstanding woman please email my office with a detailed explanation outlining why they should receive the Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year Award.
“I look forward to reviewing the nominations as I know we have many women of exceptional caliber who will be well deserving of this award.”
Previous recipients of this award have included women for service to children as a foster carer, improving building standards for people with disability and service to sport.
The Badgerys Creek Woman of the Year will be presented with a framed certificate, included in the Woman of the Year Honour Roll and will be invited to attend the 2025 Women of the Year awards ceremony.
To nominate please email: badgeryscreek@parliament. nsw.gov.au
Record cancellations prompt urgent call for people to donate blood
AUSTRALIA’S blood supply has felt the freeze this winter with the percentage of people cancelling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms the highest it’s been in five years.
An average of one in every five blood donors has cancelled or rescheduled their donations due to cold and flu symptoms each week during winter. This means as many as 1000 donor chairs have sat empty each day due to people calling in sick throughout the colder months.
The drop-off has prompted Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to urgently call for 8,500 people over the next week to help replenish stock.
“After months where cancellation rates due to illness were at their highest, now is the time to enjoy the warm glow that comes with giving blood and saving lives,” said Steve Eldridge, Lifeblood Director of Donor Relations.
“As a nation we need thousands of blood and plasma donations every day. Therefore, we need more people to become regular donors. If more eligible Aussies start donating, especially when our regular donors are off sick, they too might get hooked on that positive feeling that comes from saving lives.
“If you are feeling healthy and well,
step up and join the donor movement, and help us fill those empty donor chairs,” Steve added.
Every week, Australia needs around 33,000 donations to meet demand and Lifeblood will struggle to meet patient needs if cancellations continue and appointments aren’t filled coming off the back of the colder months when cold and flu rates peak.
Just over 3% of people in Australia donate blood and plasma regularly, however it’s estimated up to 57% of the adult population are eligible to donate, which is an extra 10 million people who could roll up their sleeves.
“We know donors feel so disappointed when they have to call in sick for a donation, but for us the most disappointing thing is when empty
spots go unfilled especially when we know there are millions of people who could help,” explained Steve.
Knowing when blood is needed is now simpler than ever with the launch of the Lifeblood Blood Supply Update in June.
With the nation’s blood supply levels now available to view in realtime online, it’s hoped that more people will donate more often, especially if they know that their specific blood type is needed.
“We rely on the generosity of donors to provide vital blood products to people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, needing surgery, or even women giving birth.
“You never know when you, or
someone you love, might require blood, plasma, or platelets to survive, so make yourself cosy in a donor centre this winter and give someone the gift of life.
“The best way to find out your blood type is to book a donation at your local donor centre,” said Steve.
Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.
Anyone who books a donation before September 8 will receive a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous artist and two-time Olympian Brad Hore. The bandage acknowledges the life-changing impacts of a community of giving.
You can book a donation now by calling 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
State breakdown of the additional donors needed in the next week, 20 –26 August:
NATIONAL: 8,500
VIC: 4,200
NSW: 1,800
QLD: 1,000
WA: 700
SA: 500
ACT: 200
NT: 50
TAS: 50
ILEFT OF FIELD
KNOW this truly has nothing to do with security. However now that I have been writing this column for years, and you are all family, I thought I would share this little thought, insight, blurb or whatever ya wanna call it, with you.
I was reading my stars in a VERY predominant Sunday newspaper, coffee in hand and very relaxed on the back lounge and my stars read “You won the lottery the moment you arrived on this planet.” I must have missed that memo/email when I came out of my mother’s womb, because the last time I looked I had $4.50 in my wallet and an inflated mortgage. The next line then read that I have managed to manifest myself in this world as a human? The writer must be like Albert Einstein because what the hell else would I come out as? A cat, dog, grasshopper perhaps? I was going to continue on, however I considered sticking a fork in my eye might be more entertaining.
I was driving late the other night and noticed all of these weird and wonderful number plates getting around now. What a great idea I said to myself, actually personalising plates to the point of looking like someone had vomited over them. Oh, the kaleidoscope of colours, leopard prints and mismatched coloured plates and all that stuff going on, all you need is dancing girls and vivid Sydney lights and you’re right to go.
IT shouldn’t surprise you to read that rainy days are not my favourite.
I am, after all, the owner of a business specialising in solar and battery storage systems - and we rely on the sun for our installations!
I noticed one tiny flaw in them, however -ummmm you can’t see the numbers and letters on some of them. Maybe at certain angles you may (if you twist your neck sideways and stand on your head maybe) but straight on, no hope in hell.
“Who cares,” I hear you all scream, well yes, however the next time a cop asks me what the rego was on a particular vehicle that may have done something wrong, I will say “I dunno? but according to the personalised plates they are Rabbitoh supporters, with a twist of fluro pink flowers in leopard print and blue letters ending in J. I Think?”
Have had a number of calls about break and enters lately while the people are still inside the house. It seriously amazes me how many people say, “I was gunna, I shudda and I woulda, do something” about the security on their house. It is not about spending millions on dogs, cameras, fortress walls, armed guards and Pol Air hovering over your house. It’s about using common sense, the old C word –Common sense, costs nothing and comes in sealed packs with an expiry date.
Lock it, Lock it, Lock it…. And what do they all say? “Its insured but I hate the feeling of knowing that someone was in my house going through my stuff” and “I feel dirty.” There is a line there, but I think I will leave it at that…
Went to a house that had a break in the other week,
However, my own annoyances aside… it’s nothing but a myth that solar doesn’t work when the sun is not out. Solar panels actually operate via radiation, so just as you can still get burnt on a cloudy day, you can still generate power – and while rain might have you needing to use your dryer more, it brings benefits too.
Before I get into that, I want to share with you what the relatively small set-up we have at our office performed for us on one of such days earlier this week.
We had little to no sun, a sky full of clouds, and a fair bit of rain on and off, but throughout the day, our 6.6kW solar system still managed to generate a total of 12kW of power.
lovely BIG house (swing a cat and a jet plane). You know those lovely glass panels next to the front door with the lovely designs ( yes I hear the angels singing now) well that is how they got in. Smashed the panel and opened the front door up, the house had an alarm, but you know, busy day. Kids were crazy, running late, hubby was supposed to do it, forgot the alarm blah blah blah, was going to get deadlocks and was on the to do list. Yep I’ve heard it all before. Guys, its not rocket science, think about it, there are so many links on the website to help you with cheap ways to secure a house. It still amazes me how people are still reactive rather than proactive when it comes to the security of houses and cars and business. Yet other materialistic objects get precedence (See, I can use big words that don’t mean much and make me look like I know what I am talking about).
So there you have it kids, I can write meaningless crap too, my stars next week will tell me that I am really an alien, and I was dropped on my head at birth from a spaceship, can’t wait for that …sigh. They will bring out musical number plates next year that match the colours. Tip: don’t try sticking a fork in your eye. At least I used a hot pink plastic one so when I got to the hospital it matched my pyjamas and check out the web for tips on home and car security.
www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au
There’s no denying that this isn’t anything like what we get when the weather is nicer. In fact, in the middle of Summer, we expect to see about three times as much as that on our monitoring platform, but what we did generate on this less-than-ideal day was still enough.
It covered the majority of our consumption, and because we’re mindful of how much we do use, we even had some power leftover to add some charge to our battery for wholesale trading overnight.
This is all made possible because, while direct sunlight is preferred for performance, solar panels manage pretty well with daylight alone. As long as you have a system that was designed specifically for your needs,
you can reduce your reliance on the grid and of course, the cost of your electricity bills.
We just like rainy days to be fewer and further in between, so that you can get the most out of your system as much as possible!
All that said though… while rainy days are not ideal, they aren’t writeoffs – and they’re certainly not the end of the world. They can actually help keep your panels clean and free of debris by giving them a good rinse. So when the sun does return, you can rest assured that your system is operating at its best.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out. Whatever the weather conditions, we’re here and happy to help!
Plant a tree for Father’s Day
IF you’re looking for something to gift Dad for Father’s Day, Penrith City Council’s annual Trees for Dad community tree planting event returns for its sixth year on Sunday 1 September at Blue Hills Wetland in Glenmore Park.
Everyone is invited to plant a tree in honour and celebration of their dad, grandfather, uncle or father figure.
The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8.30am and the last session at 12pm.
Registrations are essential to join the day and help Council’s Bushcare team to ensure they have enough trees and tags for participants to plant and write on. Register at penrith.city/events
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was excited that the event was returning for its sixth year after Trees for Mum welcomed an impressive 500 participants earlier this year.
“Trees for Dad is becoming bigger and bigger every year — and it’s quickly become an important event our community looks forward to — we had an impressive turnout last year with 320 people attending,” Cr Carney said.
“Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your dad, grandfather, uncle or a father figure in your life and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Father’s Day.”
“When we held our biggest Trees for Mum event on Mother’s Day this year, it was touching for the Bushcare team to hear beautiful stories from participants about why they had come to celebrate and honour their mum, and I hope that Trees for Dad continues to provide such a space to remember Dad.
“Trees for Dad is not only a great way to gift Dad something special, but it’s an opportunity to learn about our local environment and help restore our
bushland by planting native trees or shrubs.
“Council’s Bushcare team is looking forward to another great day planting trees and celebrating our local dads,” Cr Carney continued.
Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and a hat. Sunscreen will be available on the day.
Foreign bodies in pets
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
LIKE toddlers, pets have a tendency to chew anything they can get into their mouths. This becomes a serious and potentially lifethreatening problem if the objects are swallowed. In the past month we have treated dogs and cats who have ingested various ‘foreign bodies’ which have included toys, clothing, string, rocks, socks and underwear!
Recently, Jett the 18-month-old Schnauzer was presented to the hospital, generally not feeling well. He was not eating and soon began vomiting. An x-ray revealed a foreign body in his intestine, causing a partial obstruction. After being stabilised with IV fluids/electrolytes, pain relief and antibiotics, Jett was closely monitored by our veterinary team of Dr Camille and Dr Lydia. The team had to decide whether Jett could naturally pass the foreign material or whether surgical intervention was required.
The digestive tract is essentially a long tube, passing food from the mouth, down the oesophagus, into the stomach, through the lengthy small intestine, then forming stool in the colon and out the rectum. It generally takes the foreign body from 1024 hours to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can actually remain in the stomach for longer periods of time, even months.
When objects are too large to pass, they usually obstruct at the stomach outflow or within the small intestine itself. With linear foreign bodies, the continual movement of the intestinal tract can
To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant and so Council’s Bushcare team can coordinate the 30-minute sessions, please book your attendance by registering at penrith.city/ events
literally bunch the intestines into an accordion-like mass.
If the foreign body has managed to move to the colon, it will probably successfully pass. But, defecating a sharp object may prove painful and may even need veterinary assistance.
Jett was very fortunate and managed to successfully pass the ingested rock avoiding the need for an invasive surgical procedure.
If you suspect that your pet has swallowed a foreign body, call Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 0247362027 immediately. The sooner your pet receives medical attention, the better their chances of full recovery with fewer complications.
endangered
Council’s Nursery proudly provides the native trees and shrubs available for planting onsite.
One of the many handwritten personalised notes from a participant at Trees for Dad 2023.
New Council Chambers for St Marys
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District
SINCE the incorporation of the municipality in 1893, the St Marys council had been a tenant and never possessed a home of its own until December 1933 when it officially entered into possession the fine premises erected on Mamre Road. It was a great day in the town and the important ceremony that was performed by Mr J Jackson (M.L.A) was largely attended by local folk and visitors. Present and past St Marys’ Councillors were well represented in the splendid gathering with the elements been most considerate, unsettled conditions giving way to ideal weather. The current (1933) St Marys Council was represented by the Mayor H P Christie who was accompanied by Mrs Christie the Mayoress and Alderman W A Kennelly (ex-Mayor), J Irwin (ex-Mayor), R Beacroft (“father of the council” who has been an Alderman for 23 years), L T Roberts, L A Muscio, P Thompson and J Oag. Other ex-Mayors present were Messrs: R Dent, T W Brooker, W Morris and F Brell. Mrs Garner the first Mayoress of St Marys was among the gathering, and neighbouring municipalities and shires were represented by Aldermen A H Hand (Mayor of Penrith), Councillor J C Page (President of Blacktown shire council), G N Stuart (shire clerk Blacktown), Councillor Scott (Nepean shire) and D Leitch (Castlereagh council clerk). The Water Board was represented by Messers Cheetham and Maunders. The new building was the design of Mr Carfrae one of Sydney’s best-known architects, (who also designed the WW1 War Memorial in Victoria Park, St Marys). The Council building was erected by C and R Ellis, builders from Rhodes. It has a vestibule entrance, a public office, Town Clerk’s room, Inspector’s room and a spacious council room. It was built of Roughtex brickwork with semi-glazed mottled tiled roof and is on reinforced concrete foundations. It was designed on the semi-colonial style. The joinery is of polished maple and the floors of polished tallow wood. For the work the building relief committee advanced £1,000 at 3% interest with the amount being repayable over 15 years. Speeches at the opening ceremony were delivered from the verandah of the building and the large crowd congregated on the footpath and roadway. Mr Jackson was accompanied by his wife and by his brother J N Lawson the member of Macquarie. In introducing Mr Jackson the Mayor said “I would like you to know how much assistance Mr Jackson has been to us in getting the money for us for this council chambers and also in extending the terms. Five years is the usual term for a loan from the loan council but Mr Jackson has managed to have it extended to 15 years. You quite understand that it will be quite a light load with interest being only 3%. Our thanks are also due to him for his interest in the town and also for his help in obtaining a grant for relief work. It is the hope of every council to have its own home and in St Marys we are the proud possessors of a beautiful building the cost of which is very little more than the rent we have been paying for inadequate quarters. Last year we moved to a one-roomed building and it was not very adequate and we were always paying rent. In 15 years’ time we won’t have to pay anything and we will have a building of our own. We thank the architect for the splendid design and for the builders in the way in which they have faithfully followed out his plan and also to our local men. The work of polishing the floor and tables, attending to
seating and renovating the depot alongside the council chambers was only carried out by a local man (Mr Stanton). I would like to thank all the people who have helped in the past, more especially those who have helped in the functions we have held for charity in the district. They have been a great source of help to me. They came along every time and things went on very successfully (Applause). By request of the Mayor, Mr and Mrs Jackson each planted a young jacaranda tree in the front of the Chambers, each supplementing the act with an appropriate little speech. Mr Jackson was presented with a beautiful bouquet from Winsome Thompson and Mrs Jackson was presented with a similar gift from the Mayoress, expressing the hope that Mrs Christie would live to have many happy memories of this day. Mr Jackson said that he had been asked to perform the simple ceremony of opening the council chambers. It was a small act turning the key in that door to walk in and declare the building open. But this incident had considerable significance to him and he regarded it as a great day because he wanted to see most earnestly the developing of country towns, and if Australian towns were to be developed they can only be developed by the public spiritedness of the citizens who dwell within their borders. He said “When I came here today and looked over this Council Chambers it is plain to me that it has been well conceived, well architected, well built and that with such a start this community can look to the future with complete confidence. It is a great privilege with any Alderman to lead the people in his district to better days, better service and better organisation and it is a great privilege for him to be allowed to serve the people among whom he dwells. It is a great opportunity for those who live in a township like St Marys. It is their privilege under our system of local Government to give self-expression through their municipal authority and when the Aldermen that you have selected sees to it there is a central point from which its Government shall radiate all the qualities of this structure. It indicates quite clearly that they had a mind in keeping with the traditions of their jobs. It is a great thing to be an Alderman of St Marys. I know of no sweeter word in the English tongue than ‘St Marys’. Any man entering this village from the hilltop gazing across the panorama, if he dwells here he can feel nothing but pride in the fact that in this township is his residence. It is a township that has a very wonderful history. It has traditions in everything that matter and is second to none in this great island continent of ours, for it was here in the early days that some of the great standard of St Marys was recognized. Here was the manufacture of means of transport of such a quality that its reputation spread to the borders of NSW and no matter what modern means of transport exist today, there is no man possessing the latest that is procurable in aeroplanes and motor cars or any other means of transport who regard their possessions with greater pride than did the men who owned the wagons in days gone by that were built in the little village by the South Creek stream. I repeat that a very higher standard was set here and those of us who have had any association with it will be proud of it. Turning the key in the front door Mr Jackson added “I declare this building open for business”. (Applause). The building is now the headquarters of the Historical Society.
Source: Nepean Times 9th December 1933.
Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist.
Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor. We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.
Historical Society Inc.
The Nepean Times photo of the opening in 1933.
Penrith Youth Orchestra & Valda Silvy Ensemble
IN 1786, at the age of eight, Hummel went to live and study with Mozart in Vienna. During his two years as a lodger in the family’s apartment in the Domgasse, he would have listened many times to his teacher singing, humming and trying out the odd phrase from the music composed and performed which included Mozart’s masterpieces Le Nozze de Figaro and Don Giovanni.
Hummel went on to arrange several of Mozart’s Concertos and Symphonies for chamber ensemble. Hummel’s arrangement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 brings a new dimension to the music, highlighting different voices and instruments, and allowing listeners to appreciate the composition from a different perspective.
An unforgettable musical experience is promised
Zonta Club of Nepean Valley
September Dinner meeting
TUESDAY
3RD SEPTEMBER 2024
Guest Speaker: Cindie Hughes, The Haven Place: Penrith Panthers Time: 6.30 for 7pm
Cost: $35 for a 2 course meal with tea/coffee RSVP: rachelswong@hotmail.com by 28th August
Cindie Hughes is a former senior NSW Police Officer, where she had first hand experience in dealing with domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents.
Cindie gained a clear understanding of the hardship and trauma that women and children suffer, but having limited options to provide women on where to go was always difficult. These experiences have fuelled her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of women and children experiencing DFV. Cindie is proud to be part of The Haven, an organisation making real change in our community.
as the Valda Silvy Ensemble delivers a mesmerising rendition of this piano concerto, and the Penrith Youth Orchestra breathes life into Beethoven’s iconic Finale from his Ninth Symphony
Date & Time: Sunday 1 September, 3pm
Ticket Prices: Standard $25, Concession $20
Venue: Concert Hall, The Joan, 597 High Street, Penrith
Performing horses, flying trapeze, 12 person Teeter Board Act, Clowns, Comedy, Acrobat and much, much more.
SHOWGROUNDS • RACECOURSE RD
Friday 23rd Aug to Sunday 1st Sept
SHOWTIMES
Friday 23 Aug 7pm
Saturday 24 Aug 3pm, 6pm
Sunday 25 Aug 11am, 2pm
Thursday 29 Aug 7pm
Friday 30 Aug 7pm
Saturday 31 Aug 3pm, 6pm
Sunday 1 Sept 11am, 2pm
TICKET PRICES
NSW teams miss out at National NBL1 Finals
THE NBL1
National Finals were held on the Sunshine Coast, QLD over 16-18th August, with reigning champions the Knox Raiders winning the Men’s title and Waverley Falcons winning the Women’s title.
NBL1 media reports the Raiders dug deep to produce a huge second half fightback, overrunning the Mackay Meteors 87-84 to win backto-back NBL1 Men’s National Championships.
NBL1 East champions Maitland Mustangs lost both of their games on the weekend, falling 99-89 to the eventual champions Knox on Friday night, then falling 102-98 to the Mandurah Magic on Saturday.
In the Women’s division, the Waverley Falcons have been a team possessed in the back end of the NBL1 South season and are now the National Champions, on the back of a dominant 97-49 win over the Bendigo Braves.
NBL1 East champions Newcastle were without key player Isla Juffermans on the weekend, who had left for the US College season just days after the NBL1 East Grand Final.
Newcastle were noticeably weaker in her absence, losing both games on the weekend. Friday’s game was a 99-85 loss to the eventual champions Waverley Falcons, then an 85-75 loss to the Southern District Spartans on Saturday.
FULL RESULTS: FINALS: WOMEN: Waverley Falcons 97 def Bendigo Braves 49; MEN: Knox
Raiders 87 def Mackay Meteors 84
ROUND 2. WOMEN: Central District Lions 68 vs Bendigo Braves 90; Waverley Falcons 97 vs Rockingham Flames 74; Southern District Spartans 85 vs Newcastle Falcons 75. MEN: Knox Raiders 90 vs Eltham Wildcats 66; Mackay Meteors 95 vs Forestville Eagles 80; Maitland Mustangs 98 vs Mandurah
Magic 102.
ROUND 1: WOMEN: Rockingham Flames 81 vs Bendigo Braves 89; Central District Lions 78 vs Southern District Spartans 70; Newcastle Falcons 85 vs Waverley Falcons 99. MEN: Maitland Mustangs 89 vs Knox Raiders 99; Forestville Eagles 63 vs Eltham Wildcats 69; Mackay Meteors 93 vs Mandurah Magic 82.
Ella Tofaeono is Penrith’s new NZ tall Fern
FORMER Penrith District
Basketball junior representative
Ella Tofaeono has been named in the 12-female ‘2degrees Tall Ferns’ lineup, which is representing New Zealand at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifier tournament in Mexico City from 19-25 August.
Ella is one of three players chosen from the Australian NBL1 competition, where she plays for the Townsville Flames.
This will be the first time the 2degrees Tall Ferns have played in Mexico and they will face Montenegro, Mexico and Mozambique in Group B. If they can advance to the semi-final round, they will face Group A opponents which include Korea, Mali, Czechia and Venezuela.
If the Tall Ferns can finish first overall in the tournament, they will qualify for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in 2026, their final step in securing New Zealand’s first FIBA Women’s World Cup appearance since 1994.
Ella began her basketball career at the Hills District Basketball Association, playing in Under 14 (2010-11) and Under 16 (2012) representative teams.
She move to Penrith in 2013, playing U16 Division 1 that year,
Under 18 Division (2014-15), Waratah Youth League and Waratah Women’s League (2016) winning the Defensive Player of the Year award and voted into the All Star Five.
From 2011 – 2016, Ella was in the Talented Athlete Program (TAP), National Intensive Training Program, played twice in the East Coast Challenge, made the NSW U16 Girls team twice (2012-13), the Basketball Australia U19 Development Camp (2013), the NSW U16 Girls team
twice (2014-15) and the NSW Under 20 Girls team (2016).
Ella moved to the USA to play for Midland College, Texas, playing in 2017-18 (Freshman), 2018-19 (Redshirt), 2019-20 (Sophomore), 2020 NJCAAD Division 1 AllAmerican Third Team.
She moved on to Texas A&M University, playing in 2020-21 (Junior), with the team the Texas A&M SEC Regular Season Champions, Texas A&M SEC Tournament semi-
finals and the Texad A&M NCAA Sweet Sixteen.
Ella returned to Australia in 2023, where she would be signed to play in the NBL1 competition with the Geelong United Supercats, then move to the Townsville Flames in 2024, where she is also currently a squad member with the Townsville Fire WNBL team.
NB: Tahlia Tupaea is the previous Penrith player to be chosen to play for the Tall Ferns.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
2024 NBL1 East Women’s MVP Nicole Munger (Newcastle Falcons) and Men’s MVP Will Cranston-Lown (Maitland Mustangs). File photos by Noel Rowsell
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Ella Tofaeono with Texas A&M University and with Penrith Youth League. University photo supplied, Penrith photo by Noel Rowsell
Coby Carruthers wins Trav Smyth Illawarra Classic
BY NOEL ROWSELL
CONSISTENT high-quality golf has been the key factor in Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) winning the latest NextGEN Amateur Tour event, the Trav Smyth Illawarra Classic, which was held at Links Shell Cove GC over the 15-16 August.
Coby shot a red-hot first round 64 to sit in second spot, 2 shots back from Daley Loumanis (St Michael’s GC), who scorched the course for a fabulous opening round of 62.
Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge GC) shot 69 on Day 1 to sit in 6th, ahead of Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) and Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC) in a tie for 12th on 71 apiece.
Coby again shot the 2nd-best score in Round 2, moving him up to sit just 1 shot behind Daley overnight, whilst Concord club-mate Blake Phillips shot 65 to move into a tie with Coby for 2nd place.
Kade shot 69 to remain in 6th spot, whilst Blake (68) moved into a tie for 9th and Ti (78) dropped 13 places to tied 25th.
The final round was another masterclass finish by Coby, who had 6 birdies, 1 eagle and 2 bogeys in his 65, catapulting into the lead on -14 to win by 2 shots from Daley and Blake, each on -12.
“It was undoubtedly the most entertaining finale we’ve seen in NextGen history,” said Tournament Director Ewan Porter.
“Coby has overcome a 3-shot deficit, with two holes to play, finishing birdie-eagle to earn a 2-stroke victory and his third consecutive NextGen WAGR victory.
“Coby’s rounds of 67-67-65 (-14) sees him earn a trip to Indonesia to spend a week with tournament host Travis Smyth.”
Kade also shot 65 in the final round to move up into 4th spot on -10, ahead of Blake Hodges in a tie for 8th on -3.
Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) finished tied 20th on +6, Ti finished 28th on +11, Alexander Payne (Stonecutters Ridge GC)
29th on +13 and Sean Sammons (Stonecutters Ridge GC) 32nd on +23.
Farmaan Dhillon (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) was off the pace in the Girls division, finishing 8th in a field of 8.
The Order of Merit rankings have now been updated. Kade Webber leads the Future Male division (18-25 Years) on 2,200 points, ahead of Coby Carruthers on 2,050.
Darcy Mackay leads the Junior Male division (Under 18) on 1,625 points, ahead of Ti Fox 1,400. Chaewon Lee is sitting 5th in the 18-25 Female division.
Presentation Photo - Ewan Porter (NextGEN), Coby Carruthers, Travis Smyth. Photo courtesy of Ewan Porter.
Coby Carruthers in action. File photo by Noel Rowsell
Local juniors through to Eric Apperly Shield Semi-Finals
BY NOEL ROWSELL
ERIC APPERLY SHIELD: A large contingent of local western Sydney juniors will contest the 2024 Eric Apperly Shield semi-finals this Sunday, with Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs), Ti Fox (Richmond) and Chayse Thorpe (Richmond) all playing for Concord Blue against Stonecutters Ridge (Ryan Cadle, Jack Gillett, Annoushka Maikap, Jackson Northey, Sean Sammons, Ayoush Verma, Savannah Webb, Kade Webber, Michelle Yang), whilst Blake Hodges (Erskine Park) will play for NSW Silver in its semifinal with Concord Red.
Concord Blue (#6 seed) got through to the semi-finals with a sudden-death win over Avondale (#3 seed) in the Elimination Playoffs, after the two teams had finished 3-3 following all matches. Coby Carruthers was given the responsibility of playing the sudden-death playoff and sank a 14’ putt on the 1st hole to win the match. Currently laying in a purple patch of form, Coby said “it’s my time.”
Penrith players
chase Golf NSW Bronze Medallion
For Concord, Chayse won 6&4, Ti won 2&1, Amy Squires won 5&3. Coby then won the sudden death playoff.
Concord will now play Stonecutters Ridge (#2 seed) on Sunday at Bonnie Doon, at 7:50am, in one semi-final.
Concord Red (#5 seed) defeated The Lakes (#4 seed) 3.5-2.5 in the 2nd Elimination playoff and will meet NSW Silver (#1 seed) on Sunday at Cromer at 11:30am in the 2nd semi-final.
THE 2024 Golf NSW Women’s Bronze Medallion is being held at Pymble and Monash Golf Clubs on Tuesday 20th August, featuring an 18-hole Stableford competition for teams of four players on GA handicaps from 20.1 to 29.0.
Contested over the two courses, the Bronze Medallion is awarded to the team with the best aggregate of four net scores. Each Club entering the competition nominates the players to represent it and the courses on which each pair will compete.
Penrith GC will be represented by Di Edwards and Lynne Roberts, who will be playing at Pymble, along with Carol Field and Tracey Burke, who will be playing at Monash.
There are 124 players (31 teams) entered, with a wait list of a further 24 players (6 teams).
SUPER SENIOR PENNANT:
Round 4 - Penrith GC has nabbed one of its best results of the 2024 Super Senior Pennant competition, finishing with a 4-4 draw against Wallacia, despite fielding a reduced team of just 6 players.
That disadvantage was further exacerbated when another Penrith player dropped out mid-round, through illness, yet Penrith held on
for a highly creditable draw.
Richmond could not produce that magic against Cumberland, falling 6.5-1.5.
Round 5 action featured Division 3 playing at Penrith GC on Tuesday, with Antill Park vs Springwood, whilst Division 4 was at Cumberland, with Liverpool vs Stonecutters Ridge and Cabramatta vs Richmond.
T.L. Warren: Cabramatta 3-0 over Penrith, Fox Hills 2.5-0.5 over Randwick, Barnwell Park 2-1 over Lynwood, Leonay 3-0 over Brighton Lakes, Macarthur Grange down 2-1 to Wallacia. Twin Creeks 1.5-1.5 with North Turramurra, Camden down 2-1 to Springwood, Stonecutters Ridge 2.5-0.5 over Hurstville.
W. Gibson: Fox Hills down 2-1 to Randwick, Barnwell Park 2-1 over Lynwood,tr Macarthur Grange 2-1 over Wallacia. Cabramatta 3-0 over Penrith, Twin Creeks down 2-1 to North Turramurra, Stonecutters Ridge 2-1 over Hurstville, Macarthur Grange 2-1 over Wallacia
Leonay in charge in WSRVGA
GLENMORE Heritage Valley GC hosted the latest Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-club event on Wednesday7th August. Leonay GC took out the coveted team award and Leonay players would feature in every category of competition on the day.
The Leonay team (Phil Alewood, Peter Blazek, Merv Damrow, Joseph Kent) finished on 142 points, ahead of Stonecutters Ridge (140), Richmond (135) and Glenmore HV (134).
2BBB: Stephen Archer and Peter Blazek (Leonay) 45 points; Runners-up Gary Denny and Phillip Alewood (Leonay) 44.
Medley 2BBB: Dina-Lee Stuart and Kent Stuart (Richmond) 41cb; Runners-up Julie Sutcliffe (Leonay) and Peter Cromer (Wallacia) 41.
Men’s A Grade: Martin Berg (Wallacia) 37 points, Runner-up Joseph Kent (Leonay) 35; B Grade: Todd Tamruksa (Glenmore HV) 37, Runner-up Phillip Alewood (Leonay) 36; C Grade: Kam Cheong (Stonecutters Ridge) 37; Runner-up Merv Damrow (Leonay) 36.
Inter-Club
Ladies: Dina-Lee Stuart (Richmond) 35 points; Runner-up Julie Sutcliffe (Leonay) 34.
Glenmore Heritage Valley lead the Club of the Year rankings on 845 points, ahead of Dunheved (836), Richmond (825), Leonay (814), Springwood (779), Penrith (772), Wallacia (765) and Stonecutters Ridge(746).
Bill Morris (Glenmore HV) currently leads the Men’s Player of the Year rankings on 113, ahead of Chris Sharpe (Richmond 109), Gary Willett (Richmond 107), Alan Bain (Glenmore 105) and Drew Fife (Stonecutters Ridge 105).
Elaine Williams (Dunheved) currently leads the Ladies Player of the Year rankings with 99 points, ahead of Dorothy Wilmington (Glenmore HV 97), Leonie Manczak (Richmond 96), Julie Berg (Penrith 95), Jane Mackie (Richmond 94), Jo Richardson (Springwood 93), Christine Hoppe (Wallacia 92) Julie Sutcliffe (Leonay, 91).
The nest Interclub event is at Wallacia CC on Friday, 27th September.
Ti Fox, Chayse Thorpe and Coby Carruthers in the Eric Apperly Shield Elimination Playoff. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Match Preview: Panthers v Raiders
On the back of a disappointing performance in
Townsville that ended their finals chances, the Raiders must now regroup to face a Panthers side on the rebound.
THE Green Machine entered Round 24 just one game outside the eight and barely got out of first gear as they conceded seven tries to a slick Cowboys outfit that simply ran them ragged.
The Raiders have now lost three on the bounce and face a tough run home against the Panthers, Roosters and Dragons, with this Saturday’s game the only one of those on home soil.
For the premiers, the loss of superstar Nathan Cleary to a shoulder injury was a bitter blow on top of losing the match to Melbourne, but they have shown countless times this season that they can find a way without their main man.
Their hopes of another minor premiership appear to be dashed but they’ll be out to keep the Roosters and Sharks at bay and lock up a home final in week one of the play-offs by finishing second.
With Cleary not expected back on deck before the play-offs it will fall to five-eighth Jarome Luai to again steer the ship and plot the course towards the a fourth consecutive premiership.
TEAM NEWS
Raiders: Jordan Rapana’s return from concussion protocols at fullback sees Kaeo Weekes shifted to fiveeighth and Adam Cook to 18th man. Albert Hopoate comes in on the wing, Seb Kris goes into the centres and Ethan Strange drops out due to a calf injury.
Panthers: Jarome Luai shifts to halfback and Brad Schneider comes in at five-eighth in the absence of Nathan Cleary (shoulder). Luke Sommerton is the new hooker in place the suspended Mitch Kenny. The return of rep back-rower Liam Martin from suspension sees Lindsay Smith revert to the bench and Matt Eisenhuth to 18th player. Paul Alamoti is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from an arm injury while Scott Sorensen (hamstring) remains sidelined.
STAT ATTACK
• The Raiders have not defeated the Panthers at GIO Stadium since 2016.
• The Panthers have won their last five games against the Raiders.
• The Raiders have conceded 88 points in their past two games.
• Panthers centre Izack Tago has scored four tries in his past three games.
• Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored four tries in his past five games at GIO Stadium.
