Nepean News 23 January 2020

free Thursday, 23 January 2020

ISSUE 269

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.

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

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Happy

a i l a r t Aus These little Aussies have suffered horribly over the last few months.

Here’s hoping for a fire-free future this year.

i30 N

day

local news

W

estern Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has helped make the daily lunchbox pack a lot easier with healthy lunchbox sessions offered to 22 local schools.

More than 1,500 local families received tips on how to prepare a healthy lunchbox as part of the Live Life Well @ School initiative, which provides support to schools on how to improve students’ health and wellbeing.

WSLHD Centre for Population Health deputy director Christine Newman said packing a healthy and appealing lunchbox can make a big difference in preparing your child for learning at school.

“Finding the time to source, prepare and pack nutritious lunches for kids can be a challenge for many parents but we also know kids can be fussy with their meal choices,” Christine said.

“When children have healthy food, they are generally more alert and focused. They can sustain their concentration for longer, which means they’re more ready to learn and thrive.”

Lunchbox contents can make up a third of a child’s daily nutrients and can provide the energy they need to get through the day.

Here are some simple tips to help build healthier eating into lunchbox time: • Include something from each food group in the lunchbox – vegetable; fruit; wholegrain bread/ cereals (such as a soft wholemeal bread roll or a pita pocket); dairy (such as cheese or yoghurt) and protein rich food (such as a boiled egg, hummus or home-cooked chicken).

• Try to set a good example with your own

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Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

Back to school

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Mum Melinda Aslin and daughter Macy.

lunches. Make it normal to eat healthy foods in front of your kids. They’re more likely to try new foods if they see others eating them.

• Encourage children to help choose and prepare their own lunch. They might like to make a list of the foods they enjoy.

• Make sure foods are easy for little fingers – for example, chopped or small fruit and veg (like cherry tomatoes, grapes or carrot sticks).

• There are limited times for children to eat during the day at school. Children may prefer to play with friends instead of eating. Encourage your child to sit and eat before heading out to play.

For more easy healthy lunchbox ideas and information on the Live Life Well @ School initiative, check out healthykidswesternsydney. com.au and healthylunchbox.com.au.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

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

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A sad message From the Lions Club of Emu Plains

It is with great sadness I announce the passing of Barry Leavett-Brown; a Lion known to a great number in the local community as the ‘King of the Lions Christmas Cake.’

As a ‘new’ Lion and from another Club, Barry always had an encouraging word or suggestion for you, to help accomplish your aim.

RIP Lion Barry.

Sh our See op B, new us in 201 pr Hig em h S ise tP s enr ith

ice r P r e w o Beat P ow!

N s U l l a C creases,

In

Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home

www.nepeansolar.com.au

Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au

local news Magazine & Newspaper Design

By KeRRIE DAVIES

P

enrith City Council is holding a free community talk - Homes & Heat: Innovative Design, Building & Retrofit Solutions - to help local residents beat summer heat in their homes without incurring crippling energy bills.

To be held on 18 February at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, the talk will include practical information for new home builders, as well as those wanting to update existing homes.

Mayor Ross Fowler OAM, said the event will feature national and local experts and is a must attend for anyone wanting to make their home more comfortable in summer.

“Four days into the new year, the temperature in Penrith soared to an almost unimaginable 48.9 degrees, making it the hottest day in Greater Sydney since records began. Clearly it’s imperative that we design homes in Western Sydney to be cooler and more efficient, to cope with this heat,” he said.

Council’s engaging evening talk will delve into what it takes to keep a home cool in Penrith and explore concepts like passive solar design and passive house. Presenters will include Dr Josh Byrne of ABC’s Gardening Australia, Mark Davis of Mark Davis Design and Nevin Sweeney, President of Permaculture Sydney West.

Event details at a glance What: Homes & Heat: Innovative Design, Building & Retrofit Solutions

Creative Designs Business Stationery Newsletters Banners / Posters

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0420 319 893

stacey@nepeannews.com.au

Where: Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre When: 6.15-8.00pm Tuesday 18 February 2020 Cost: Free!

Bookings: Bookings can be made online. Tickets are free but places are limited, so don’t miss out.

Penrith City Council is committed to tackling urban heat through innovation to ensure we maintain our city’s liveability. That’s why in addition to increasing tree coverage, Council is delivering a range of projects this summer which lead the way in finding effective solutions to Sydney’s urban heat dilemma: Tips for Penrith residents to ‘Beat the Heat’ Did you know that extreme heat kills more people than all other natural disasters combined?

Stay cool this summer and when its hot outside, check on neighbours, family and pets. Beat the heat this summer with Council’s simple tips, things to do and places to visit!

For more information visit: penrith.city/ beattheheat

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

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

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

Tackling summer heat

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

he loving bond between St Marys residents, Elizabeth and Michael Worth began when they were pen pals back in 1961.

Michael was in the British Army stationed in Hong Kong, while Elizabeth was in Bradford, Yorkshire.

“I returned to England in early 1962 and this is when I went to see Elizabeth for the first time,” Michael said.

“I went to Bradford to meet her. As soon as I saw her, to me it was love at first sight.”

On the 26th of January, 1963 Elizabeth and Michael were married at the East Bowling Baptist Church.

“She came with me to Dortmund Germany when I was still in the Army, after six years service I decided to leave the army and try civilian life, which I did not like after a couple of years,” Michael said.

“This is when we decided to come to Australia, and I joined the RAAF in London.

“We then came out by ship, which was the Fairstar, and we docked in Melbourne. From there we went to Edinburgh in South Australia where I did my training, after which I was

posted to Williamtown NSW. “I was there for six months and then found out I was going to have to leave Elizabeth and the children as I was posted to Vung Tau Vietnam for one year.

“Whilst in the RAAF we were sent to Amberley Qld, Butterworth Malaysia, Richmond NSW where we decided to leave the service after 12 years.”

For 10 years of his service years, Michael was a Security Dog Handler.

“I then became a Security Officer with TNT which I did 25 years service with the same company, but the name changed a few times.”

The loving relationship between Elizabeth and Michael has not only stood the test of time, it has, at times over the years stood the test of distance.

On January 26 the couple will celebrate 57 years of blissful marriage!

“I still love Elizabeth very much, but even more now as years go past.

Thank you for this Elizabeth,” Michael said.

“Happy Anniversary, our 57th one now - on Australia day, I love you very much my darling wife. from your loving husband Mick.”

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

Local pen-pals share a lifetime of love together

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Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

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local news

Australia Day Awards for Penrith’s best P

enrith Council’s Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Malcolm Robar for his service to the community as a passionate and dedicated volunteer with various organisations including the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service and Marine Rescue NSW. Malcolm was one of seven recipients recognised and celebrated in Penrith Council’s Australia Day Awards at a formal dinner held at the Penrith Civic Centre on Wednesday 22 January.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said this year’s worthy recipients are all outstanding members of the local community.

“Council’s Australia Day Awards acknowledge community service at a local level. This year’s recipients have all made an enormous contribution of time and effort to their chosen cause and I’d like to thank them for their dedication to our community,” Cr Fowler said.

MALCOLM ROBAR Penrith Citizen of the Year Mr Malcolm Robar has dedicated his life to helping others in times of need, in his career as a member of the Australian Federal Police and as a volunteer for several organisations including the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Marine Rescue NSW. Malcom’s passion for service and helping people began during his time with the Australian Federal Police (1985-2000) where he worked in areas such as Fraud and General Crime, Drug Operations, Organised Crime Branch, Internal Affairs and as part of the security planning team for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

For the past 10 years, Malcolm has been a dedicated volunteer for organisations providing emergency responses to natural disasters including hail storms, floods, bushfires and other major events. He coordinated responses and worked to coordinate agencies to ensure people received help when they needed it the most.

Malcolm has also been an active member of local sporting clubs supporting Softball and junior Rugby League players in his capacity as a coach and manager for teams in Penrith, and also recently visited the remote Kimberley Region of Western Australia to work with the Indigenous community teaching basic computer skills.

JOSE RELUNIA Penrith Local Appreciation Mr Jose Relunia is a highly trusted, respected and recognised leader among the Penrith and Greater Sydney Filipino Community and he has devoted his life to helping others and sharing his culture with the broader community.

As President of the Western Sydney Fil-Oz Association, Philippine Australian Society for Senior Citizens Inc, Philippine Community Council of NSW and Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Jose has played an important role supporting newly arrived migrants, fostering inclusion and promoting Philippine culture.

In retirement, Jose has dedicated his time to his faith and the community volunteering for the Filipino Chaplaincy, Diocese of Parramatta, Liturgical Committee, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith and as a columnist for the Philippine Community Herald.

IAN WEST Penrith Local Appreciation Mr Ian West has volunteered for the Emu Plains Lions Club for many years and has played an important role in driving their fundraising, donation and community programs which support the local Penrith community as well as international aid organisations.

This year Ian celebrated 20 years’ service with the Club, and has served as President twice; from 2003-2005 and 2014-2017. During this time he was responsible for coordinating the collection of over 25,000 pairs of prescription glasses for 3rd world countries, the Annual Lions BBQ for the NAIDOC Cup and the continued support of the Lions Youth of the Year Program.

Ian was also instrumental in forming the Penrith Men’s Basketball Club and Penrith Junior Australian Rules Club and has volunteered for other local community groups including Oz Harvest and Shalvey Community Centre, receiving and distributing food to those in need.

ROBERT RIGBY Penrith Local Appreciation Mr Robert Rigby has been a committed and respected Cubs Leader for the 1st South Penrith Scouting Group for over 10 years and has made a significant contribution to the education, safety and wellbeing of children (cubs) in this time.

Robert goes above and beyond what is expected, taking the time to plan and execute an extraordinary variety of outdoor activities including camping, bushcraft, hiking, rafting and canoeing to ensure children are engaged and excited to learn and experience new things.

Robert is well-respected amongst the children, parents and other leaders and invests a great deal of time and effort to ensure children under his care enjoy a well-rounded, fun, challenging and adventurous experience.

CHERISE TERRYJONGEJANS Penrith Local Appreciation Ms Cherise Terry-Jongejans volunteers as a Youth Cadet Leader for St John Ambulance Penrith Division each Friday night, teaching young people aged 12-18yrs important first aid skills and sharing her passion for helping people.

As a St John Ambulance volunteer, Cherise also attends local events including those held at the Nepean River, ANZAC day parades and at the Penrith Community Tree Lighting. Her enthusiasm for helping people has encouraged large groups of Cadets to join her in volunteering at these events.

When she’s not volunteering Cherise is a registered nurse and a registered qualified Paramedic with the Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains sector of NSW Ambulance where she provides rapid response, emergency medical assessment, treatment and care for members of our community when they need it most.

MAMA LANA’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Penrith Community Group Award Mama Lana’s Community Foundation has been providing ‘Kindness with No Strings’ to the local community since 2013. Mrs Lana Borg along with her husband Roger started the Foundation during the Springwood bushfire disaster, providing support and sandwiches to exhausted RFS personnel.

What began as something small and simple soon grew as they identified an urgent need to care for and feed the homeless and disadvantaged in the Penrith community. Mama Lana’s Community Foundation began serving hot meals six nights a week from an uncovered outdoor area in Allan Place, then from Judges Carpark and now from a house on Woodriff St, Penrith.

Mama Lana’s Community Foundation now has more than 180 volunteers on a rotating roster and has grown to become a vital service in the local community offering regular meals to the homeless and disadvantaged, free counselling services and working with NGOs to provide access to housing, mental health services and the NDIS.

PENRITH GIANTS KICKABILITY TEAM Penrith Community Group Award

The Kickability program, run by the Penrith Giants, is an award winning program developed locally to provide options for children on the autism spectrum or with intellectual, communication and attention difficulties to participate in Aussie Rules football.

The program was developed in response to parents wanting to involve their children in local sport, but the traditional Auskick program was not suitable. The Giants designed and piloted a program specifically created to meet the challenges of including children with special needs being smaller numbers, one to one coaching, modified and simplified rules (also available in Auslan for nonverbal children) and on field support.

The program has been a hit with kids and parents alike; graduates of Kickability are now playing alongside other children in junior teams, and older junior members are also participating as Coaches and support for the younger children. The Kickability program was also recently awarded the 2019 inclusion in sport award by ‘Play by the Rules’ organisation and worked closely with Relay For Life.

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

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local COLUMNIST

Prepare ahead for the Australia Day fireworks

F

ireworks may make us humans happy and excited but the same isn’t true for our furry friends. Just like thunderstorms, the loud, unexpected noises of fireworks can cause our pet’s extreme distress.

It’s therefore important to create a safe, calm environment for them. This will prevent them from hurting themselves or becoming lost in panic.

Prepare: Know when the fireworks night will commence and ensure your pet is in a safe and secure place a few hours before they start. Ensure your pet is exercised and well fed before the fireworks begin as this may help them de-stress, and be more inclined to nap once festivities begin Create a safe place: Pets can have a ‘flight’ response to unexpected noises, sometimes ending up kilometres from

home in their panic. Because of this, pets should be kept indoors whenever possible, including rabbits & guinea pigs.

Creating a calm, secure area for your pet inside your house will also help them feel protected. Close the curtains and put familiar bedding in a small, confined hiding place. A laundry or bathroom is ideal. Otherwise, allow your pet to be with you while you play music or turn the television on to cover the sounds. (NOT the fireworks)

Speak to your veterinarian early: If you are concerned about how your pet will cope speak to your veterinarian early! Short term medications may help your pet but supervision is still recommended.

Monitor for signs of stress: Staying home with your pet will help them feel comforted. If this isn’t possible, try to arrange overnight boarding at a kennel or veterinary hospital.

When the noises begin, keep an eye out for subtle stress signs. Dogs may

lick their lips, yawn or begin panting.

Other signs may include vocalisation, heavy panting, shaking and shivering.

If your pet does show signs that they are frightened, never raise your voice or punish him. Speak softly, stroke them, try to distract them, and reward calm behaviour with positive playtime and treats. A treat filled kong toy or filled Kong or favourite toy is a great distraction.

Microchip & Collars: If your pet does manage to escape, keeping microchip and registration details up to date is vital. A collar with identification is also a good idea Locating a lost pet: Losing your beloved fur baby can be devastating.

If you have lost your pet, contact your local veterinarians, Penrith City Council Animal Rangers, Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter and the various lost & found Facebook groups in the area.

For more information about making this Australia Day fireworks season less stressful for your pet, phone Greencross Vets Coreen Ave on (02) 4731 3055.

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

The G Spot

IS it just me or have people noticed the (Jaws music please) the New Year’s Resolution walkers!?

Run for your lives, they are taking up our streets, roads, footpaths and even parks, they are everywhere, don’t feed after dark or add water.

Yes folks these are the people that you never see all year round, they are like hermit crabs all year and then suddenly......

The one thing I also notice is all the different types of walkers out there.

Mixed Matched walker - The mixed match walker is a person who has never bought fitness gear in their life and it appears that they have replaced an engine block prior to the walk.

The determined walker - This is a person that has the look of pain on their face, like they are passing a large object, however they’re walking slower than a snail. There’s a lot of arm pumping going on but not much distance happening.

The I don’t give a rat’s bum walker - This is a walker that proceeds to kick every stone up along the path and meander like they are heading to work or something.

The sweaty walker - This is a walker that looks

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

like they have swum 10 laps and then jumped out of the pool for the evening walk. The sweat beads are pouring out and the t-shirt looks like the last scene of Rocky when he is yelling out for his wife, Adrian!

The male bum crack walker - This is a walker that feels the need to wear shorts with no elastic.

Their pants are constantly sliding down and they are presenting a crack bigger than a plumber’s.

The Harry High Pants - This is a walker who wears their shorts so high it looks like they need an operation to get them off.

Colour co-ordinated walker - Thank god for these ladies, with matching shoes, socks, tops and of course the Lycra pants, with, yes folks, the matching thin colour stripe down the side of the pants. (I hear the angels sing).

Super model walker - This is a walker who attends the beautician to have their hair and makeup done simply for their daily walks. These people don’t care if they are getting fit as long as they get 20 thousand car horns beep, they’re happy.

Now I know you’re asking what has all of this crap got to do with security, but alas my dear readers

it has a lot, because I am going to give you walking security tips. So just keep ya knickers on!

Firstly, tell people where you are walking, so when you are not back in 48 hours they know where to come looking. They can also cash in on your life insurance as well.

Secondly, we know how much you love Dolly Parton, but having her screaming at 70 thousand decibels in ear phones is not really good, considering you won’t hear anything or anyone around you.

Thirdly, walk in groups, so society not only has to put up with one of you on the street but 15. (Yippee) Fourthly, don’t keep checking facebook. Taking selfies on every street corner is not really needed, because to be quite frank we don’t really care that you have decided to walk for two weeks only into the New Year, and it also takes your attention away from what you are actually doing.

So there you have it the NYRW ( New Year’s Resolution Walker) not for the feint-hearted folks, this is a trend that you must approach with fear and caution as it only happens at 12.01 on the 01/01 of the New Year - miss the boat and you have to wait another 12 months!

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local news

O

ne of Australia’s greatest athletes, Jana Pittman, is one of 47 interns to join Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals earlier this week as part of the 2020 intake.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Blacktown Hospital to welcome the recruits, who are part of a record 1027 interns that will start work in NSW public hospitals this year.

“I want to congratulate Dr Pittman and her colleagues and wish them every success as they start their medical careers at this state of the art facility,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals have had a $700 million expansion and as a result, these JMOs will benefit from world class mentors in world class surroundings.

“Dr Pittman had many wins as an athlete but swapping her running spikes for a stethoscope is a win for patients, and I thank her and the entire JMO class of 2020.”

The NSW Government is investing $107 million in the internship program this year.

Since 2011, intern positions in NSW have increased by 257 or 33 per cent.

Interns rotate through metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as General Practices.

NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic medical graduates of NSW universities, and provides internships to many graduates from interstate universities.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ medical services director Brett Gardiner said Western Sydney Local Health District hospitals will welcome 130 interns this year.

“Our interns will have the

opportunity to undertake roles in emergency, surgery and general medicine in a new hospital where the well-being of new recruits is a priority.”

Jana Pittman is a dual Olympian, two-time world champion and fourtime Commonwealth Games gold medalist. She has spent the past seven years juggling three children, work and study and is ready to hit the

hospital ground running.

“I loved my athletics career, representing Australia was gold, but I hope my future in medicine will be even better,” Ms Pittman said.

“It’s one of those things where you think you’re never going to get there, but it shows that if you persist with something you love, then it just might happen.”

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

Former Olympian joins 2020 intake of junior doctors

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AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

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Where did the Aussie accent come from?

By Keegan Thomson

O

NE element of the Australian story that is often overlooked is the linguistic history of the Australian accent. It is a harsh accent with lots of hard sounds and unique abbreviated colloquialisms, but where did it come from?

The story is cemented into us from the fourth grade of school: The First Fleet of lawbreaking convicts from across the English Isles made their way into Sydney Harbour to start up the new colony of New South Wales.

From the second the cons set foot on Australian shores they started chatting. They probably spoke about the rough ride over, the crappy food, the rats they had to share their beds with and most important the weather. You had convicts from Scotland talking to thieves from London’s East End and petty criminals from the highlands of Wales. They all started mixing their accents, words and phrases from the get go.

Professor Catherine T. Best is the Chair in Psycholinguistic Research and Director of Research at the MARCS at Western Sydney University. She has studied accents and the difficulties of learning a second language. Her research has helped her better understand the linguistic history of the Australian accent.

Prof Best says there are many elements to what made the contemporary Australian accent what it is today and they all date back to the First Fleet.

“The first English speaking people to come to Australia came from all over the United Kingdom.

They were criminals and their overseers from across the British Isles,” Prof Best said.

“Within the UK there are very marked accent differences and in Australia these accents came together.

“Here people were thrown together with all different accents and vocabularies and told to work productively together. To do this they needed to communicate. When people come together in that way they start developing a similar lingo overtime so they can community effectively,” she said.

Prof Best says there is evidence to show the Australian love affair with shortening words into colloquial abbreviations comes from the first convict settlers.

“This tradition has some connection to secret word play that convicts would have used to cover up criminal activities and talk to one and other in code,” Prof Best said.

“The tendency to make Australian abbreviations, like calling an electrician a sparky, comes from these abbreviation codes and cockney rhyming slang.”

Before British settlers came to Australia there were hundreds of Aboriginal tribes living across the continent. Their history, language and culture has had many impacts in the way the Australian accent has developed.

“There were many tribes of Indigenous people who worked with the English settlers in many productive ways. As a result everyone tried to learn each other’s languages,” Prof Best said.

“By sharing the terminology and subtle changes of the pronunciation of some words the changes to an in-between pronunciation that is mixed between a British English and an Indigenous accent.”

The subtle language elements that the Indigenous people contributed to the Australian accent is similar to that of Australia’s new wave immigrants.

Listen in and you can hear the three main Australian accents spoken across the country. A broad accent, spoken by someone like actor Paul Hogan, an educated accent, spoken by the previous Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a more general accent that is spoken in major cities.

These three main accents also have subtle changes that can also be heard across state lines and in different regions.

“Informally there is a ‘Westie’ accent,” Prof Best said.

“It isn’t a broad Australian accent but it has features that distinguish it from the general Australian accent spoken in, say, Gosford,” she said.

It is difficult to figure out where the Australian language is going but if we listen in extra hard we might be able to hear the changes.

Sunday 26 January 2020

Aussie lingo With Australia Day coming up let’s have a bit of a gander at some old Aussie slang sayings that only true blue Aussies would understand!

Old slang.. all but forgotten!

› As flash as a rat with a gold tooth › It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick › Ya bloody scallywag! › He’s cactus › He’s got a head like a beaten favourite › How ya going Cobber? › Ken oath! › Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane › On the blower › Hum dinger › She’s got a kangaroo loose in the top paddock › Stone the flamin crows › You pong! › He was grinning like a shot fox › She’s the duck’s guts › Amber fluid › He’s as fat as a butcher’s dog › Feeling as crook as Rookwood › Where’s me doovalacky? › Grouse! › She’s up at a sparrow’s fart › He’s come a gutzer › Within a coo-ee › That’s about as rare as rocking horse poo › Big-noting yourself › Bonzer bloke › Off like a brides nightie › Barrack for your team › Strewth › She’s done the Harold Holt › London to a brick › Hoo-roo › She shot through like a Bondi tram › He’s lower than a snake’s bum › She can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles Q: What is the difference between an Australian wedding and an › I’m so hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider Australian funeral? › I’m busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition › She could eat a toffee apple through a tennis racquet A: One less drunk at the funeral - (applied to buck teethed women)

Q: Why do kangaroos hate rainy days?

A: Because their children play inside.

› My throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage › She’s got a face like five miles of unmade road › As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem. › As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike › He’s as reliable as a two bob watch › His language was so bad, he’d make a warfie blush › Fits like a bum in a bucket › She’s as thick as two short planks › He’s so fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him

Q: What did the necktie say to the Akubra Hat? A: “You go on a head mate, I’ll just hang around.”

I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record. Bit bloody ironic is it not?

Prue Car MP “

Member for Londonderry

Our diverse community comes together as one to celebrate the love we all share for this great nation on Australia Day

“

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

13 Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE Good ole-fashioned

“Happy Australia Day! Let’s come together as one people and celebrate our blessed country Australia and the privilege of being an Australian”

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

14

local news

New year, new career at Tafe nsw

A

new year instigates the

notion of new beginnings in the form of resolutions, promises and changes and among this, job hunting begins and career changes rise.

Career transitions are not uncommon over the course of one’s lifetime, as McCrindle Research suggests that the average person will have approximately five career changes and 17 different employers.

TAFE NSW student and Penrith resident George Baker is proof that it’s never too late to be in a career you love.

Mr Baker became a qualified electrician through TAFE NSW and worked in the industry before his passion for computers led him back to the classroom.

He completed his Certificate IV and Diploma in Information Technology at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt and is now working for researchers at University of Technology Sydney to help design an intricate ICT system to help inform diabetes research and has even co-authored an academic research paper.

“I learnt the hands on skills to become an electrician but I returned to TAFE NSW to broaden my skill set because I’ve always had a passion for computers and the teachers taught me how to turn that passion into practical

and employable skills.”

According to research by seek, 43 percent of Australians are currently considering a career change in the next 12 months, but will choose not to for reasons such as family priorities or job uncertainty.

Mr Baker said: “I never thought I’d

get the marks to go to university and now I’m working amongst leading academics, which is something I was only able to achieve through TAFE NSW.” “Being in a career I love is very fulfilling and knowing I had the support of industry recognised teachers gave

me the confidence I needed relaunch my career.”

2020 is the perfect time to make the change for an exciting future. For more information on a range of courses available at TAFE NSW for semester one enrolment, visit www.tafensw.edu. au or call 131 601.

Community care kits for bushfire devastated communities

F

ederal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP is partnering with Hawkesbury City Councillor Sarah Richards and the Mountains Combined Chambers and Community’s Jo Bromilow, to provide Community Care Kits for those affected by the bushfire crisis. Donations are welcomed for people who would like to contribute items to the kits.

The Community Care Kits consist of the everyday items people need and have lost during the bushfire crisis, ranging from household necessities that are needed immediately after losing a home, to back-to-school items.

Ms McIntosh’s parents recently lost their family home of 40 years to fire and her brother and his family lost their home in the 2013 bushfires.

“It takes months and years to rebuild,” Ms McIntosh said.

“From my own experience and speaking with people in our community, the items included in the Community Care Kits will help provide the absolute necessities in those early days and weeks for people who have lost everything.

We also want to support our local RFS who have been giving so much of themselves over this terrible fire season.”

Three kits are being packed at Ms McIntosh’s office over the coming weeks: • Home kit – with essential immediate items of need such as toiletries, cutlery and linen for people who have lost their homes in the fires • School kit – For schools and families who need back-to-school resources for children in fire impacted communities • Firies Energy Snack Kit – For the Cumberland, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains Zone RFS volunteers.

Mountains Combined Chambers and Community representative, Jo Bromilow is calling on local businesses to help the cause.

“It’s in times like this that small businesses step up and show their community spirit. I encourage every local business to donate what they can to make sure that those who have lost so much get what they need,” Ms Bromilow said.

For people who would like to make a donation, a list of items for the kits is available online on Facebook at Melissa McIntosh MP or from Ms McIntosh’s office on 4722 0600. Items can be dropped off at Ms McIntosh’s office at 331 High Street Penrith from 9am 4.30pm weekdays.

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Bring your Valentine to the Gaels for a romantic dinner in the JA Room.

Doors open from 6pm.

Friday 14th February Live entertainment by The Remixes from 6pm to 10pm. Complimentary rose & glass of bubbly.

3 course meal from $65pp (book & pay by 11/2/20).

Bookings are essential. Limited numbers.

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FRI 24 JAN - 8PM DJ Friday, AUSSIE Entertainers

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SAT 1 FEB SUN 2 FEB - 8PM 5PM Crazy Lloyd Bowden Duo Minian Duo

ENTERTAINMENT

T

he Hydro Majestic Hotel will forge ahead with Roaring 20s Festival events in February to rally support for the struggling Blue Mountains community, despite experiencing an unprecedented downturn itself.

The annual Charleston for Charity community dance will be held in front of the Hydro Majestic Pavilion as a fundraiser for Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service at 11am on Saturday, February 8, as planned.

Gold coin donations will be collected from dance participants and all proceeds from beverage sales (tea, coffee, water) from the onsite Vittoria mobile van will go to the RFS. The Majestic Long Lunch at 12pm that day will go ahead but with a focus on RFS fundraising.

The Deco Dinner and The Roslyn’s pop jazz entertainment will wrap up events that day in grand style.

The Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, February 29, will raise funds for Rotary and RFS. The historic Hydro Majestic Hotel is owned by Escarpment Group, which also owns Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Darley’s Restaurant and Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant at Katoomba and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges at Blackheath.

Escarpment Group operations manager Raphael Guillien said the region was struggling with an unprecedented decline in bookings of more than 80 per cent over the Christmas and school holiday season.

“Escarpment Group has operated in the Blue

Mountains for fifteen years and has been through two recessions, a windstorm and the October 2013 bushfires, but has never seen anything like this.

This is a long and protracted downturn which will need consolidation and strategic management of resources.”

However, there was no need for tourists to stay away, Mr Guillien said.

“Our air quality is good – better than Sydney most of the time; none of the tourism assets along the Great Western Highway have been touched by fire; and businesses are open and safe to visit.’’

Events such as the Roaring 20s Festival were a display of confidence in the community and gave visitors a reason to come.

“This is an example of a vibrant artistic local community pulling together, so come up, dress up and have some fun with us,’’ Mr Guillien said.

He encouraged visitors to embrace the #buyitfromtheblueys and #comewithanemptyesky sentiment and stay in the Blue Mountains at least one night to support the community and fully immerse in the festival.

Go to https://www.hydromajestic.com.au/events/ roaring-20s-festival to book Roaring 20s Festival events.

The Children’s Hour

T

he Children’s Hour is a 1934 American play by Lillian Hellman. It is a drama set in an all-girls boarding school run by two women, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie. An angry student, Mary Tilford, runs away from the school and to avoid being sent back she tells her grandmother that the two headmistresses are having a lesbian affair. The accusation proceeds to destroy the women’s careers, relationships and lives. This may be remembered from the popular movie which starred Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Maclaine.

Director Anthony Brown said “This is a play I’ve wanted to stage for many years. I recall as a young boy watching the popular film and truly being effected. This is an important play

and very relevant to today. How incorrect gossip can hurt people. I’m sure we have all at some stage of our lives experienced this?”

This production has quite a few young actors who have worked very hard to bring a polished performance to the stage.

Performance dates: 1st, 8th, 22nd February at 7pm plus 22nd February at 2pm.

Ticket price is $25 for adults and $20 concession, $35 at the door.

To book tickets go to www.trybooking. com/538603.

To reserve show only phone (02) 47355422.

“THE CHILDRENS HOUR” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street; Penrith. www.rubyproductions.com.au

➜

MAZE

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

Hydro Majestic rallies for bushfire recovery

17

➜

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

18

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU: EASY

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

SOLUTIONS: 19 December EASY

hard

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 1 In a strong manner (8) 5 A Hindu festival (6) 9 Dressing gown (8) 10 Seasonings (6) 12 Usurp authority (9) 13 Diameters (5) 14 Neuter (4) 16 Unsinkable ship (7) 19 Madison Square _______ (7) 21 A star in the constellation

Cetus (4) 24 Classical music theatre (5) 25 Opulent (9) 27 Equipped (6)

28 Shouter (8) 29 Military trainees (6) 30 Unfriendly (8)

DOWN 1 Some winners get a blue one (6) 2 In some mysteries, he did it (6) 3 A small fatty European fish (5) 4 Freedom (7) 6 Emperor (9) 7 Collision (8) 8 Inherent aptitude (8) 11 Strike (4) 15 Encountered generally (9) 17 Uncertain of religious truths (8) 18 Land ownership (8) 20 Pout (4) 21 From Mexico (7) 22 Pertaining to the universe (6) 23 Stellar (6) 26 Genus of rhubarb (5)

solution 19/12/19

NEPEAN HISTORY

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

W

illiam Walker was born in Glasgow in Scotland in February 1828. He was the son of George Walker a schoolteacher and Elizabeth (Nee: Ferguson). George, a Presbyterian, was recruited to Australia by Reverend James Dunmore Lang. The family reached Sydney in the Portland in December 1837 and his father opened a Presbyterian school at Windsor where William received his early education and later by Reverend Matthew Adam. Wanting to become a Solicitor, in 1841 William was taken in by Francis Beddek. Francis arrived at Sydney in 1827 and by the end of 1828 was established as a solicitor in Windsor. William was articled as a solicitor in that practice in October 1852. He later practised successfully in Windsor as “William Walker & Sons” right up to 1908. Also, in 1852 he was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court. In March 1853 at St Matthews church in Windsor, he married Mary Hassall the granddaughter of Reverend Rowland Hassall and Richard Rouse. Rowland was born in Tahiti in 1798 and drowned at the Cow Pastures in 1835. Around 1804 grandfather Roland managed the property of Anna Josepha King called “Dunheved” at South Creek (St Marys) while her husband Governor Philip Gidley King was overseas. Richard Rouse was born in 1774 in Oxfordshire in England and came to Australia with his wife and two small children and arrived as free settlers in the Nile in December 1801. Richard carried a letter of recommendation from the Duke of Portland. In March 1802 the family were granted 100 acres at North Richmond by Governor King. Richard died in May 1852. William and Mary’s life together only lasted five years when she died in 1858. William was a member of the Anti-transportation League and acted as election agent in Windsor for Sir John Darvall in 1856 and successfully canvassed for T W Smith against the champagne loving Sir Henry Parkes in 1857. In August 1859 he married his second wife Henrietta Medora Cooper at St. Matthias’ Church in Paddington.

She was born in St Pancras in London in 1840. She was the daughter of Robert George and Sarah Cooper. Henrietta died in 1874 and is buried in St Matthews Anglican Church in Windsor. In March 1860 he won a Legislative Assembly by-election for Windsor and became a loyal supporter of Sir James Martin, a friend of Henry Parkes. William favoured revenue duties that supported the 1866 Public Schools Act and wanted to make the Legislative Council elective. Without losing sight of wider political issues he proved an energetic and effective local member, agitating for the railway to Richmond and Windsor (opened in 1864), and a bridge across the Hawkesbury River at Windsor (built in 1874). William acted as an unpaid assistant whip for Sir James Martin, who rarely went to an important division without consulting him ‘to ascertain if all was right’, but his support of Martin’s unpopular land legislation led to his defeat in 1869 because it offended his squatting

Michelle Latham 1300 HEVNLY ( 1300 438 659 ) michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au

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friends. In April 1876 he married his third wife Jessy Wood in Windsor. In November 1880 William asked Henry Parkes to recommend him for a seat in the Legislative Council as he believed he was ‘sufficiently independent to sustain the dignity’ because he had a private income of £500 pa and £500 from his profession and explained that he ‘might’ support Parkes’s Government. It didn’t happen until 1888 when he became a Member of the NSW Legislative Council for life. Within William’s lifetime he had known Henry Parkes for over forty years that started with William’s interview with Henry regarding the political influence of his “Empire” newspaper and his considerable interest in Windsor and public education.

In his recollections of Sir Henry Parkes, William said that “On one occasion, while I was a member of the Assembly and during a ministerial crisis, Henry invited a number of his political friends, including myself, to a lunch with him and spend the day at his then residence Werrington (house) near Penrith. The first Mrs Parkes and two of her daughters were present. We were most kindly treated and sumptuously entertained and were also much amused by an inspection of his collection of native wild animals. He had quite a small menagerie and which it seems in his spare moments he took great interest. He also showed us his valuable collection of autographs of learned and distinguished persons. He had great faith in the virtue of gastronomy as a political force and like all Englishmen he believed in a good dinner”. Henry was later asked to leave the Werrington House property due to non-payment of rent. William was an elder of the Presbyterian Church and for many years a representative on its General Assembly, He was Secretary of the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society and Hospital and founding President of the Windsor School of Arts in 1861-77. A long-time advocate of the town’s incorporation, he was an Alderman on the first Windsor Borough Council from 1871 and Mayor in 1878. He contributed articles to the press on the Windsor floods and published a collection of lectures, speeches and articles.

William died of influenza at his home “The Terrace” in Windsor in June 1908. The funeral was largely attended. The polished cedar casket with its heavy silver mounting and an engraved plate held these simple words “William Walker aged 80 years,” was conveyed to the Presbyterian Church for the service and then the cortege wended its way to the Presbyterian cemetery where he was buried. He was survived by four sons and three daughters by his second wife Henrietta Medora, and by two sons and two daughters of his third wife Jessy. His estate was valued for probate at £1,380 and he carefully divided his extensive and historical library among his children. Photo of William courtesy of the Parliament of NSW website.

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

A Scottish Boy Makes Good

19

Sources: J. Steele, Early Days of Windsor, Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, (State Library of New South Wales, Australian Dictionary of Biography (Vernon Crew), W. Walker: Recollections of Sir Henry Parkes written in 1896 copy in National Library of Australia, BDM online, Ancestry.

Contact Michelle for Pre-Planning & Pre-Paid Funerals

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

20

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS The benefits and pitfalls of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

D

uring last years’ Federal election, the Liberal/National coalition announced a scheme to assist first home buyers in Australia who don’t have 20 percent deposit (plus purchasing costs) by paying their lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) premiums from the 1st of January this year.

To take advantage of this scheme, all you need is a 5 percent deposit, plus any stamp duty payable, plus your other costs (conveyancing, title fees, inspection and bank fees).

Each lender charges different premiums for LMI. For example, the LMI on a 95 percent loan of $665,000 to purchase a property for $700,000 in NSW is around $25,000. If you have a place under this scheme, the government pays this $25,000 cost for you.

The scheme is limited to 10,000 places until 30/6/20 and another 10,000 places (referred to as tickets)

will be available from 1/7/20. 3000 tickets were released on the 1st of January to the two main lenders involved, CBA and NAB. These lenders report that all the allocated tickets have been taken up. Once you have a ticket, if your loan application is not pre-approved within 10 days your ticket may be cancelled and reissued to another buyer.

Once you have a loan pre-approved, you have around 90 days to purchase a property and use your ticket.

From the 1st of February, another 7000 tickets will be released. These will be split amongst CBA, NAB and 25 smaller lenders. CBA and NAB may get another 3,000 tickets and the other 25 lenders may only get 4,000 between them. This equates to only 160 tickets to each of the small lenders.

Obtaining a ticket therefore is a bit of a lottery at this stage. On the 1st of Feb, there will be another huge demand to get a ticket and these 7,000 tickets may be allocated within a few weeks or shorter. Last year there were around 7,000 to 10,000 first home

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

buyers each month!

To use a ticket in the greater Sydney region (and regions with populations over 250,000), the maximum purchase price is $700,000. Individuals must not earn over $125,000 and couples over $200,000 in the 2019 financial year.

So, it will difficult to get a ticket but the fun doesn’t stop there. Whenever a government stimulates the property market, prices tend to sharply rise, and the winners are always the sellers.

For example, a client of mine made an offer to purchase a property at Springwood. The vendor was asking $600,000 to $639,000. The house sold within the 1st week of marketing for almost $690,000! This was an amazing result when you also consider that you usually don’t have many buyers in the first few weeks after Christmas.

So, what is and will be happening is that there will be a high demand for all local properties under $700,000.

When you have more people able to borrow more money and more people

bidding over the same property, with lower purchasing costs (without having to pay any LMI), then that is a recipe to pay over the actual fair price, inflating demand and the whole market for that price range.

Adding to the demand in NSW is that first home buyers don’t have to pay any stamp duty on all properties to a maximum price of $650,000.

There are also discounts on the duty for properties over $650,000 up to $800,000. So, a first home buyer purchasing at $700,000 only pays stamp duty of $10,490 compared to the standard stamp duty of $26,932.

That’s a nice saving of $16,442!

You can refer to the government website for further details and a list of the 27 lenders at www.nhfic.gov. au. The website refers you to your chosen lender for details on how to get a ticket.

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

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SPORT

N

epean Physie Club, located in Werrington, Londonderry and McGraths Hill had wonderful success as a club in 2019 with great results in both the individual and team component of the dance sport.

“Three of our junior teams won their sections and our 9/10 year old team were awarded Overall National A Grade Champions,” said Head Teacher Kim Annesley.

“Lauren Perry was also awarded the Overall National Champion for her section – placing her first in Australia in her age category.

“The girls have worked extremely hard and we are very proud of their achievements.”

Achievements at a glance: 7/8 and 11/12 year teams won their section in the National A Grade Team Competition.

9/10 year old teams won their section and the Overall Cup in the National A Grade Team Competition held at the Quaycentre, Olympic Park.

1st Place National Champion in the 2122 year old Open Senior section, Lauren Perry. Held at the Sydney Opera House.

6 National placegetters in total ranging from 10 years old to 60 years old.

Congratulations!

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

Nepean Physie Clubs blitz awards

21

9/10 year Overall Champions. L-R: Kiara Tulk, Mia Fahy, Mackenzie Gralton, Georgia Laufer, Naomi Fisher, Olivia Skuse-Hourn, Mary Arthur, Logan Pate Matthew

Nepean 9-10 year and 11-12 year old teams with their prizes.

Senior National Finalists and Placegetters.

Front Row: Olivia Barker (3rd in Australia), Lauren Perry (1st place) and Alana Wade (3rd in Australia).

Back Row: Shayla Smith, Haylee Murphy, Alison Fotheringham, Tabatha Cullen and Erin Taylor.

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Registrar - Michael Zammit 0412 531 935 (Weekdays after 4pm) • email: michael@stclairjrlc.org.au Bill Borg 0425 226 683 • email: bill@stclairjrlc.org.au

Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

22

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Burton earns Panthers promotion

P

enrith Panthers is delighted to announce playmaker Matt Burton has signed an upgraded deal which sees him promoted to the club’s top 30 squad.

Previously on an NRL development contract, the promotion ensures Burton is available for NRL selection from the beginning of this season.

The 19-year-old Dubbo junior has committed to Panthers until the end of 2021.

“To join the club’s top 30 list is an exciting moment for me and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Burton said.

“The last 12 months has been a bit of a

rollercoaster ride. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next.

“My focus is now on doing the work needed to earn a spot in the NRL team and I’m really optimistic about what we can achieve as a club this season.”

Burton enjoyed a spectacular season in 2019 after starting the year in the Panthers Jersey Flegg squad while also working part-time as a teacher’s aide.

He achieved his senior debut in the Canterbury Cup before scoring two tries in a man-of-the-match performance for NSW in the U20s State of Origin clash.

In Round 21 he announced his arrival in the NRL, making a memorable debut alongside teammates Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu in a 26-20 upset win over Cronulla Sharks.

“Matt has quickly progressed through our junior development system and played well at every level to this point,” Panthers Head Coach Ivan Cleary said.

“His performance on NRL debut showed he possesses both the skill and the temperament required to handle the challenge of first grade.

“If Matt continues to work hard, we are confident he will enjoy a successful career in the NRL.”

Wanderers part company with Markus Babbel

W

estern Sydney Wanderers FC have parted company with head coach Markus Babbel.

“It is unfortunate that we have needed to take this course of action because we have a great relationship with Markus,” said Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer.

“However we firmly believe that we have a great squad and the results are most definitely not reflective of the ability of the players at this club and certainly do not reflect the aspirations of the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club.

“We have total faith in the group of players here at the Wanderers and look forward to pushing on with renewed vigour towards the finals series.”

Jean Paul de Marigny has been appointed as caretaker coach, supported by assistant coach Labinot Haliti, while the club commences its search for a new head coach.

CEO John Tsatsimas and caretaker coach Jean Paul de Marigny

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What is MG Activ….?

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hen I retired from professional Rugby League, I tried lots of different ways to fill the void that no longer playing sport with your mates leaves.

I went to gyms, I ran laps of parks and streets, I tried different sports but none gave me THAT feeling. After a time I realised it wasn’t just the physical aspect of Rugby League that I was missing but the comradery, the chats and the laughs with a group of friends.

So…about 15 years ago I set up a home gym in one of our spare rooms. Soon there were 5 or 6 mates coming over. I then converted our carport to an enclosed gym with more equipment and more variety. There are now up to 40 people using our home gym. It’s time to give the people of Penrith what me, my family and our mates experience on a daily basis when we all train together, a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

MG Activ was built for those like me that cannot train alone. For those that love working out with others.

There are no mirrors, no expectations placed on you, just a promise of fulfillment if you decide to become part of the family.

We have times and workouts to suit everyone!

Come and join me at MG Activ – where you can be you!!

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Nepean News 23 January 2020 Issue 269

on the

SPORT 23 23 23

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