Nepeannews 23july2015

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ISSUE 154

THIS WEEK’S SECRET DEBATE: LIBERAL PMS NOT APPEARING ON Q & A - FAIR OR FOOLISH?

SLEEPING ROUGH Left to right: Phil Antonie (Platform Youth Services), Sophie Head and Jake Nauta (Fusion Youth Services) and Katie Dodd (Platform Youth Services) prepare for the third annual SLEEP IN YOUR CAR, to be held on Wednesday 5 August in the Fusion Western Sydney carpark, 12 Carsons Lane St Marys as part of National Homelessness Persons Week. Story p7

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Don a daffodil WEAR a pin this Daffodil Day to show you care about beating cancer Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day – Friday 28 August 2015.

Friday 28 August is Daffodil Day, a national day of hope which encourages Nepean Blue Mountains locals to wear a daffodil pin to show support for someone they know who has been affected by cancer.

Within a year, in the Nepean Blue Mountains region alone, it is predicted that 1,889 people will be diagnosed with cancer and 575 people will die from the disease1.

By supporting Cancer Council this Daffodil Day, people will be contributing towards beating cancer by funding cancer research, support services and prevention and advocacy programs.

This year marks the 29th Daffodil Day in Australia, and as the largest national fundraising event in the southern hemisphere, Cancer Council hopes to raise $3.3 million in NSW and

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$8.5 million nationally.

In addition to wearing a daffodil pin, residents can show they care this August by signing up to volunteer and purchasing merchandise either online or at stalls on Daffodil Day. By showing you care, together we can beat cancer and create a better future for all.

For more information, to register your support or buy merchandise for Daffodil Day 2015, visit: www.daffodilday.com.au.

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Tanya Davies Member for Mulgoa

Phone (02) 9833 2913 Address Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys Email mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790

363 HIGH ST, PENRITH

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4 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Advertising Representative: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalst: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Sergio Carrasco 0413 461 017 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

by Kerrie Davies AS we all went about our duties last Friday, wrapping up the week’s work and planning how to spend the weekend, yet another apparent victim of domestic violence lay dead on the floor.

And although it is too soon to declare what actually happened, it does appear that police, friends and family of the female I speak of, are leaning towards a murdersuicide situation.

I never knew her, but some of my friends on facebook did, and I sat up late on Monday night reading their comments as they shared what they knew of her with each other - and their united shock.

Tuesday morning I still felt rattled by what I’d read, and as I sifted through all the Choppergate jokes on social media, I was thinking why aren’t we investing this much time on very real problems - such as the sickening loss of life through domestic violence?

I’m not minimising the need to ensure MPs do not milk the public purse in mammoth proportions, but really - just expose it, fix it and then move on to more pressing issues instead of spending weeks on end rehashing the same thing in 20 different ways.

Faith was restored when I spotted a piece in the Fin Review. A thoughtprovoking and insightful article about domestic violence penned by my very good friend, Senator Marise Payne - Minister for Human Services.

In her articulate way, Marise addressed this extremely complex issue, drew on our proven record as a nation in tackling other complex issues in the past - and mapped out a plan to drive it down.

Our local Senator is not one to merely pay lip-service to a topic - she’s about grabbing hold of it, dissecting it and finding real solutions that actually have a solid chance of making the difference that is so badly needed.

If you missed the article, I promise you it is worth the read. You can view it on our facebook site: Nepeannews Nepeannews.

Domestic violence, particularly against women and too often resulting in death, is one of the most challenging yet urgent problems this country faces in 2015.

We have a very good shot at actually making a difference with Senator Marise Payne in our corner.

Fleas brave the cold!

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT

with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET

Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

DESPITE the cold weather, we have still seen a high number of clients struggling with fleas on their pets this winter. Although winter is generally a time where fleas lay dormant, most of us are heating our homes, creating an artificial warm environment. Having fleas on your pets and in your house can be very frustrating. However, if you follow the guidelines below then together we can get your pets, family and house flea-free!

The adult fleas will jump between your pets. So if you find a flea on one animal, ALL of your animals will be infested. This means that all cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets and pocket pets in family need treatment. The fleas on your pet are only 5-10% of the problem. This means that 90-95% is not on your pet but made up of the ‘immature life stages’. By this we mean the eggs, larvae and pupae. One adult flea can lay as many as 100 eggs per day! Because the eggs are smoothshelled, they slide off the animal and into the pet’s bed, onto/between the floorboards/skirting boards/carpet, into the grass or onto your bed or lounges.

So…. Here are the steps to get rid of them!!

1. Treat ALL pets with a vet recommended treatment, at the recommended dose and frequency for

a minimum of a year. This should be done routinely for life.

2. Vacuum daily and empty vacuum after each use, make sure you move furniture and vacuum underneath them.

3. Wash/Dispose of all soft furnishings that your pets have come in contact with. When washing ensure you wash in temperatures greater than 40 degrees.

4.

Use flea bombs effective against the immature stages that have activity for 9 months.

5. Use the professionals and remember to treat outside too!

6. Keep grass etc short.

7. Monitor for effectiveness – using flea combs and flea traps regularly to monitor flea burdens on your pet and in your home. Flea traps

can be made or bought in order to monitor the effectiveness of your flea eradication measures. A low-sided bowl/pan half full of soapy water is ideal if you want to make your own.

The fleas are attracted to the water and jump in but sink as the soap changes the surface tension. With non-soapy water they would not be heavy enough to break through the surface. Putting a floating candle in the water increases the attractiveness as the light also draws fleas. Traps can be placed in areas where high flea numbers are likely to be.

Fleas can be very frustrating but keep at it and you will see the results!

If you have any questions about this information please feel free to call us anytime on 1300 WELLPET or pop in to see one of our vets.

localnews local

PENRITH’S innovative Pop Up Park is set to become a permanent fixture.

Penrith Council this week endorsed a report that recommended a new permanent park be designed for the location at the western end of High Street, in consultation with local businesses, residents and the Penrith CBD Corporation.

Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said this ambitious trial project had been a success and could (L-R): Penrith CBD Corporation Chairman Owen Rogers, CEO Gai Hawthorn with Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM. be used as a blueprint for other Australian communities wanting to Planning Consultants Hames Sharley Pty Ltd place urban transformation in local hands.

“The park was designed by community and following the park’s trial period, showed that a business representatives, designers and student majority of users and business owners believed architects in 2013. They were guided by world it should become permanent.

“The construction of the trial park has renowned urban tactician Mike Lydon and place-making specialists Place Partners and The allowed Council to assess the need and impacts of a permanent facility at minimal cost,” Cr Lot,” Cr Fowler said.

“The recognition of this project in the Fowler said.

“The temporary nature of the park meant prestigious Planning Institute of Australia (NSW) Great Place Awards program is testament that some compromises were originally made to Council’s innovative approach to trialling in regards to the choice of construction material.

This will be addressed in the new design.” changes in public spaces.”

Council resolved that the new design should In June 2014 Council responded to feedback from users and business owners and the eastern also address the need for amenities, lighting end of the Pop Up Park was reopened to vehicle and wi-fi with an ongoing marketing program traffic, with the introduction of parking spaces planned.

The Pop Up Park will continue while a for short term parking.

Surveys, conducted by Urban Design and permanent park is designed.

Creative Designs • Magazine & Newspaper Design • Business Stationery • Invitations • Banners / Posters / Flyers • Newsletters • Signage Call S Call Stacey tacey on on

0420 319 893 stacey@nepeannews.com.au

SERVICES Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am Wednesday Fellowship Wednesday 7:30pm Dare Youth Saturday 6:30pm Healing / Revival First Friday of Month 7:30pm

Contact: (02) 9673 1009

www.newhorizonschurch.org.au

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 July 2015 Issue 154

Pop Up Park permanent

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6 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Communities unite

Keeping the gutters clean

By Garion Thain

By Kerrie Davies

LOCAL community organisations have merged to form Community Junction; an exciting new meeting point of services, skills and ideas.

Penrith Council has built strong working relationships over the years with North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre, St Clair Youth and Neighbourhood Team and the Werrington Community Project.

Deputy Mayor Greg Davies said that Council expected the relationship to be consolidated and amplified by the merger.

“Each of the services has made a significant contribution to our city,”

Cr Davies said.

“Their passion for the communities they work with is well documented and the Community Junction will continue this great reputation.

“We look forward to working together as they extend their reach into the communities that fall under their now, much bigger umbrella.

We are particularly excited about the Team Colyton pilot program.”

Cr Davies said working together will make the organisations stronger.

“I have no doubt that combining these services is a good way to keep local workers on the ground in their communities.

“It will ultimately bring benefits to the service providers and the communities they serve,” he said.

THE possibility of having council more heavily monitor dropped foliage in the gutters of high street was raised at council just over a fortnight ago by Cr Jim Aitken, saying that it could prove problematic for the public on days with inclement weather after a heavy build-up of leaves and pollen over time, which could cause clogs, difficulty in run offs and ultimately damage to property.

Cr Aitken, himself the owner of property in high street, believes that council could do more to keep high street clean and prevent build up in the gutters, saying the responsibility shouldn’t rely solely on shop owners. “[High Street] not only gets dirty but it becomes a total mess

Councillor Jim Aitken believes pollen and leaves stuck in the gutters on high street become problematic for shop goers and the general public on windy days. Photo: Tom Carey

from the drop off from all the trees along the street in winter,” Mr Aitken said.

“They hang over and then litter the gutters and the footpath,” he continued.

“It gets so bad and they aren’t doing more to clean it, maybe they don’t want to.

“They planted the wrong trees on high street,” he finished.

It is known that blocked gutters also create the risk of flooding as water would not be able to properly run off during a rainstorm.

“I said they could do more to tend to the problem more often,” Cr Aitken said.

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Sleep rough for those doing it tough!

FUSION Western Sydney and Platform Youth Services are holding the third annual SLEEP IN YOUR CAR on Wednesday 5 August, 2015 as part of Homelessness Persons Week 2-9 August, to raise awareness and support the dreams of homeless young people in western Sydney.

Home is a privilege that most of us take for granted. On any given night in Australia, there are over 100,000 people without a home and safe place to sleep of which 26,000 are young people. Most people have an image of homelessness as being about older people sleeping rough on the streets. SLEEP IN YOUR CAR aims to raise public awareness about youth homelessness and its causes.

The event also aims to celebrate the resilience of young people and to convey a message that young people experiencing homelessness are homeless, but not helpless! With good support and accommodation young people can move forward and live their lives productively.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR will be held on Wednesday 5 August commencing from 4pm with Fusion Youth Radio broadcasting live from outside the Fusion Western Sydney Youth and Community Centre in

Carsons Lane, St Marys. Participants will sleep in their cars in Bowler’s Carpark, Carsons Lane, adjacent to the Fusion Western Sydney Centre.

This year participants are being asked to raise a minimum of $100 which will go towards the ongoing work of Fusion and Platform in their care for homeless or “at risk” young people in western Sydney.

Fusion Western Sydney is a non-profit, youth and community organisation based in St Marys with

a deep, ongoing commitment to developing resilience in young people, focussing on early intervention and prevention. Platform Youth Services, also a non-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for homeless young people (aged 1225 years) or those “at risk” of being homeless in the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury. Both organisations care for vulnerable young people, their families and communities.

7 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

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Youth Homelessness is everyone’s business. Give up your bed for the night and SLEEP IN YOUR CAR, Wednesday 5 August from 4pm, Bowlers carpark, adjacent to Fusion Western Sydney Youth and Community Centre, 12 Carsons Lane St Marys.

Fusion Café open and free bbq provided on the night. Registrations essential via the website http://sleepinyourcar.com. au or call Fusion Western Sydney for more details on 8805 5900. SLEEP IN YOUR CAR is an alcohol free event.

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Closing soon STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith is encouraging community groups to apply for the 2015 Community Building Partnership program.

“With just over two weeks to go, I encourage community groups to submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this community infrastructure grant,” Stuart Ayres said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this program deliver positive social, recreation, and environmental outcomes in our community.”

Funding is available for local infrastructure projects that will benefit the local community.

Applications close on Friday 7 August 2015.

Applicants can apply for the Community Building Partnership by visiting www. communitybuildingpartnership. nsw.gov.au

Nasho’s meeting MEET on the third Sunday of each month at 10.30am at Penrith RSL. Arrive early for morning tea Contact Colin on for more details on 0400 129 006.

Community fishing program

STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith reminds the community that the Sydney International Regatta Centre hosts a free Community ‘Catch and Release’ Fishing Program each Tuesday (subject to events on site).

“Whether an amateur just wanting to give fishing a go or an enthusiastic angler, the program caters for all,” said Stuart Ayres.

“NSW Department of Primary Industries ‘Fishcare Volunteers’ supervise the program and are happy to offer advice relating to fishing gear,

fish and knots.”

All fishing is shore based and participants are required to bring their own equipment, including barbless hooks and bait (corn, bread or worms are suggested, live bait is not permitted).

The program focuses on educating people about responsible catch and release practices whilst also promoting and increasing awareness of the Penrith Lakes as a major recreational fresh water fishing venue in Western Sydney.

Native fish communities in the

Penrith Lakes play a key role in the succession of ecosystems in the developing lake environments, as well as providing recreational fishing opportunities.

There are currently 9 species of freshwater fish including Australian bass, freshwater catfish, long finned eel and carp.

A current NSW Fisheries recreational fishing licence is required (some exemptions apply) and children under the age of 16 years must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian.

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F A S H I O N S

Car pushes for new school

By Garion Thain

THE NSW Opposition has drawn attention to the omission of funding for a primary school in Jordan Springs in the recent state budget, with opposition leader Luke Foley visiting the proposed site after the issue was raised by Prue Car MP in June.

The budget, revealed last month, sees the state allocating an average of $10.3 billion a year on infrastructure over the forward estimates and included funding for infrastructure in the Nepean region such as a Nepean Green River Bridge and funds for social housing in the area, moves celebrated by local MP Stuart Ayres as opportunities available for the region thanks to the budget surplus. Funding for a primary school in Jordan Springs, part of the Londonderry electorate, was not present.

Luke Foley said that Minister Andrew Constance promised funding for the school at his visit to the site on March 24 in the last electoral term, promising the school would be completed by 2019.

Prue Car, Member for Londonderry, made further comments associated with the budget at a visit

Member for Londonderry Prue Car standing at the proposed site for a school in Jordan Springs, presently vacant. Photo: Tom Carey

to Jordan Springs, where she was doorknocking on Tuesday.

“It takes years and years to plan and get approvals for a school to be ready in four years,” Ms Car said.

“You would assume there would be money in this budget and a forward estimate for it to be ready for 2019,” she continued.

“The only thing you can assume is that they’re trying to wriggle out of a commitment.

“With Jordan Springs the fastest growing new release area in NSW, construction for a school needs to start well before 2020, hence both parties committing [in March] to delivering a new school in this term.”

Ms Car said she penned a letter to the Minister who said a school would be built, and received another letter after asking the secretary of the department for a timeline saying “I reiterate to you that there will be a school.”

“What I’m trying to do now is galvanise the Jordan Springs community,” Ms Car said on her doorknocking.

A call to Mr Constance’s Bega office asking for a comment or media release related to the March 24 visit revealed any associated media releases were kept at Sydney. A call to his Sydney office was not met with an answer.

August National Family History Month NATIONAL Family History Month has been an annual event since 2006. Originally only a week of celebrations it now covers the month of August due to increased popularity.

It is a great opportunity to promote our Society to those in the local community who are researching their genealogy and family history and to help them understand the social context within which their ancestors lived. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the valuable resources that exist locally.

This year the Nepean Family History Society has an ‘Open House’ policy where research can be conducted for free.

We are also hosting a number talks throughout the month. A Calendar of Events is attached for your information.

The Society is seeking your assistance to promote our activities to the wider community.

For more detailed information, or to visit us at the Society please contact me on 0431 559 059.

9 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Betcha bottom dollar it will be fun

By Greg Martin

FUNNY lot, my colleagues at the Nepean News!

When I told them I was going to get along to Penrith Community’s Kitchen’s big fundraising Casino Race Night at Penrith Paceway on August 20, they stopped wolfing down lamingtons and asked me, would I be dressing as James Bond.

“Oh, is it fancy dress?” I asked.

“No,” replied Kerrie Davies.

“Dress is evening attire so all the men will be donning dinner suits and we girls will be wearing our finest frocks.”

“There’s what the organisers are calling ‘James Bond 007 Best Dressed Awards’,” chipped in Korena Hale.

“Shame it’s not characters from Bond movies – you could go as Jaws!

“Or Oddjob,” Kerrie laughed, putting in her two-bob’s worth.

I don’t wanna be a Jaws or Oddjob or any other of the Bond movies’ dastardly henchmen, so “Bond, James Bond” it will be!

All funds raised will go to the wonderful folk who operate the lifesaving – and it is just that – Penrith Community Kitchen.

Tickets to the Casino Race Night are $100 per person for which you receive $20 worth of chips to be used at the casino tables, feast on a lavish Smorgasbord, quench your thirst with beer, wine or soft drink and also receive a complimentary race book.

The evening’s fun and frolics are proudly sponsored by Penrith CBD Corporation - for full information on the Casino Race Night, contact Gai on 0437 506 517 or 4722 5556 or go to gai@penrithcbdcorp.com.au Penrith Community Kitchen’s sole purpose is to provide a cooked lunchtime meal for anyone in need.

LABORER / TRADES ASSISTANT We require a Laborer who is a LOCAL RESIDENT and has EXPERIENCE in general labouring, concreting & minor form work to join our busy team.

Must also have, as a minimum, MR Truck license and may hold other High Risk licenses along with Whitecard & Current Drivers License You will be an enthusiastic “go getter” who can assist our Electrical & Plumbing Trades ,will be meticulous with your work & adaptable to different job requirements.

BASED IN PENRITH with work throughout Sydney Metropolitan area, hours may also require some night work.

Attractive wages, uniforms & electronic Smartphone provided.

Please forward your resume now to : HR@hix.com.au Enquiries to Ian Hicks - (02) 4721 7500

It welcomes all, without question, provides a meal without cost within a welcoming environment, respects the client’s right to privacy at all times, is aware of cultural variances and that that many clients have health and social integration difficulties.

The kitchen is operated by volunteers, managed by a Committee of Volunteers, and relies on community support for funding.

“In 2014 we served 21,264 meals – to 15,332 men, 5,584 women and 348 children,” said secretary, John Cottee “Visits to the kitchen consistently

top 80 each day and on some days exceeding 100.

“Our funding is unstructured. We rely on local church and community groups, some very supportive individuals, a few small businesses and we place our faith in the annual ClubsGrant scheme to round out the funding.

“Our immediate goal is to secure ‘sponsorship’ from local businesses which choose to support our volunteers’ efforts in making a small a difference to the lives of 80 – 100 people each day.

“The kitchen’s annual expenses approximate $62,000. Within this budget, our accommodation costs $30,000; kitchen expenses including groceries amount to $26,000 and administration costs including insurances is $5500.

“We are also writing down the installation costs of the kitchen at around $8000 per annum for the next five to six years.

“In current terms we have funds for operating the kitchen for only a further 12 months.

“Each $5000 donated adds an extra month of operation. Our preferred position would be to hold 20 - 24 months of funds.”

ELECTRICAL/FIRE SERVICES – ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT We have a new & unique role for an experienced Electrician/Fire Services Technician who has worked in the maintenance and fault finding area BUT has a preference for carrying out administrative duties associated with this field ( either because you are now unable to perform the physically challenging parts of a trade role or simply have a preference for working in the office rather than on the tools).

You will be responsible for: • checking and accuracy of invoices & quotes ready for processing • preparing paperwork and documentation for jobs • assisting the section managers in preparing quotes and reports etc Your strengths will be: • good knowledge of the trades fields (Fire services not essential but a willingness to learn is a must) • attention to detail and accuracy • strong computer skills and ability to learn the operation of our Job Management system quickly and effectively • Good phone manner and ability to deal with clients and staff alike Please note this is not a Supervisory role and Trade Knowledge and experience is a MUST. If you are interested, please send your resume to: HR@hix.com.au or contact Lea Hicks, General Manager if you require further details, on (02) 47217500.

Don’t let diabetes beat you this winter

By Kerrie Davies

IT IS a nasty disease that not only wreaks havoc on the quality of life of those it digs its dreaded claws into, it is potentially a killer.

Peter Horsfield was a local resident who suffered from diabetes and was a salt of the earth all-round great bloke.

He loved reading Nepean News and he and I would exchange many, many emails. Unfortunately I never got to meet Peter in person before the disease he was so passionate about raising awareness for claimed his life.

Nepean Blue Mountains Health district has some alarming statistics - they say due to lifestyle factors it’s predicted that 25 per cent of the Australian population are at serious risk of developing diabetes.

People living with diabetes can’t sustain healthy levels of glucose in their blood. Glucose is a form of sugar which is the main source of energy for our bodies; for our bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy.

Unhealthy levels of glucose in the blood can lead to long-term and shortterm health complications. Diabetes can be managed well, but the potential complications are the same for type

Local resident and avid Nepean News reader, Peter Horsfield, sadly lost his battle with diabetes just over two years ago.

1 and type 2 diabetes including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, limb amputation, depression, anxiety and blindness.

Diabetes is the most commonly diagnosed medical condition in Australia today with over 280 people diagnosed every day across the

country and affecting over 1.7 million Australians.

“We now estimate eight per cent of the local population in Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury LGAs, has diabetes today. This equals 25,440 living in the local area with diabetes,” Brad Marney, Nurse Unit Manager

Nepean Diabetes Service.

Changes to lifestyle factors are an important way to curb the rise of diabetes. Make Healthy Normal is a NSW Health initiative that provides information about the importance that positive food and exercise habits play in a being healthy and making being healthy your normal. Visit http://www. makehealthynormal.nsw.gov.au/ whats-healthy for more information.

“Another major concern at this time of year is when people with diabetes get the flu. Influenza can play chaos with their blood glucose levels and they may become extremely ill with severe respiratory infections,” says Brad.

Brad and his team recommend that people with diabetes get a flu vaccination each year and see their local doctor for regular check-ups and diabetes control. Even though the flu season has started already, it is not too late to get a flu shot for this year.

“Unfortunately diabetes, and many auto-immune diseases, cannot be cured at present but they can be successfully managed. Working with your local GP and/ or specialist with a management plan is the best way to ensure you stay well this winter,” says Brad.

11 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Quality teaching STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the launch of a major new investment which will enable some of the best local public primary school teachers to mentor and coach other teachers, improving the results of students.

The $224 million Quality Teaching, Successful Students package begins this term and will benefit 15 schools in Penrith.

“It’s great to see schools in Penrith benefit from this key election commitment. Improving the skills of our teachers will help students achieve better results,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Expert educators have knowledge and skills that are even more valuable when they are shared with their colleagues.”

A recent three-year study of 6,000 NSW public school teachers found that collaborating with colleagues was the most significant professional learning practice for primary teachers.

“This initiative, made possible

by NSW signing up to the Gonski agreement, gives schools an opportunity they have been seeking for years – to use their best, most experienced teachers to improve teaching and learning in every classroom,” Mr Piccoli said.

Tregear walk addressing issues

By Garion Thain

TREGEAR residents met on Monday to partake in a community walk where they could identify a broad range of issues effecting their community.

The early morning walk saw the residents joined by Cathy Birchall, Housing Communities Program Worker at Bidwill Uniting, Blacktown councillor Charlie Lowles and Londonderry MP Prue Car who hosted the walk.

This week’s walk was a community first, which residents Georgie McCann and Dianne Mullarvey hope will grow in popularity and gain more traction in future years.

“This is our first community walk,” said Ms McCann.

“It’s not massive this time but we want it to build momentum – baby steps.”

When asked what issues they’d be identifying on the walk, Ms McCann said “Area lighting is the major one, definitely lighting.”

Rubbish and broken glass on the road and footpaths were another community issue put forward by Ms Mullarvey.

The idea for the community walk spawned from a Tregear Community Meeting held in June.

Both complimented Blacktown council however, on their efforts to trim problematic overhanging branches and foliage over the road.

“There’s no more trees hanging over signage, which is great!” Ms McCann said.

Prue Car elaborated on the specific role of the walk, saying the purpose is to provide residents of Tregear an opportunity to inform proper agencies of the problems most frustrating them, and explained its origins.

“Cathy and I have organised this walk as a follow up from feedback I received at my Tregear Community

Meeting that I held last month,” Ms Car said.

Ms Car said that residents who attended the meeting were eager to draw attention to issues they faced in the community.

“Residents raised a number of issues in relation to housing, crime and anti-social behaviour. Residents also wanted to have a greater say in their community and want a way they can put a spotlight on these local issues.”

Outcomes of the walk are expected to be discussed further at the Tregear festival on August 29.

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It pays to shop local

By Garion Thain

SEVERAL IGA stores across the Nepean are participating in a new Price Match initiative, not only lowering prices on assorted goods to match the country’s large supermarket chains, but keeping the savings in the Nepean.

IGA and IGA SUPA stores across the greater Penrith region, including stores in Colyton, Claremont Meadows, Luddenham, Penrith Nepean, Werrington and Kingswood are all independently owned and ran, keeping a larger percent of money they earn in the community than their competitor’s local stores, a fact IGA State Board Chairman, Vasilli Karellas is lauding at the program’s launch as a key differentiator between IGA and its competitors.

“By shopping local at an IGA store, customers are helping us in our commitment to keep supporting and building independent Australian brands and suppliers,” Mr Karellas said.

The new program also sees money Nepean customers spend at IGA filter down into the community through

Gary (pictured) works at Colyton IGA, one of the several Nepean stores participating in the price match and community chest initiatives intended to support the local community. Photo: Tom Carey

IGA Community Chest, which raises funds to support local community organisations, claims Mr Karellas.

Two cents from every sale of one of the store’s signature products in one of the aforementioned stores goes to the community chest for the Nepean region.

Mr Karellas says he hopes “price match will come as welcome news to Nepean residents who want to support their independent grocers but have

previously found it more expensive to do so.”

Price Match, which started in early July, sees the local stores match the prices of a various assortment of items including breakfast cereals, coffee and pasta. IGA does this by first scanning the prices of their competitors, and then “bringing down the price barrier.”

The price matching program is currently ongoing.

Opal top up STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced an Opal top up machine would be operating at Kingswood train station from 29 July, providing more choice and more convenience for customers.

The roll out of Opal top up machines is now extending from more than 30 locations to nearly 100 stations and wharves, giving customers the option to add value to their card on the go.

“Opal has transformed the way people catch public transport, with 3.2 million cards issued and 320 million passenger journeys taken. Now we’re making it more convenient for customers,” Stuart Ayres said.

“By providing extra top up machines we can further improve the customer experience, with people able to add value to their Opal with their debit or credit card on the go.

Customers can already easily add value with cash or cards at more than 2,000 Opal retailers or with the convenience of going online to opal.com.au or calling 13 67 25 (13OPAL) at any time, any day of the week.

13 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

localnews local

New hospital menu

Nepean dietitian Naomi Hanger

By Kerrie Davies

HOSPITAL food - the mere mention of it usually comes with the obligatory screwing up of your face. But not so if you’re a patient in one of our local hospitals!

Patients within Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District are now receiving a new improved menu.

The new menu offer patients a variety of tasty meals that meet mandatory state-wide nutrition standards. Consultation with local clinicians has been taken into account to cater for the demographic and health needs.

“The new menu has been created for better health outcomes and to meet the higher nutritional requirements to ensure our patients are getting the best care”, says Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Dietitian, Naomi Hanger.

“Patients in our hospitals can now enjoy meals that are catered for their special dietary requirements such as low preservative, low allergy, halal and maternity diets, to name a few.”

As part of the new menu roll out, Nepean Hospital will become the first major Sydney metropolitan hospital to receive the new Mobile Menu Entry ordering system, where patients place their orders with Dietitian Assistants who use iPads to transmit their choices instantly to the kitchen.

Mobile Menu Entry enables Dietitian Assistants to provide patients more information about their meals, including nutritional value, particular ingredients in meals. This Mobile Menu Entry system enables diet changes immediately visible to staff taking menu selections improving efficiency.

Food Services staff at each hospital have been provided with training on the new systems and processes.

Meals on the new menu include chicken and potato pie, oriental chicken and lamb curry, to name a few, which patients can select according to their preferences and dietary requirements. Patients will also continue to be offered sandwiches and nutritious soups as well as new desserts.

15 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

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16

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

Proud to be a Saint – Warren Smith.

ONE of the funniest shows on Idiot Box in the early 60’s – 1960’s, that is – was Car 54 Where Are You? - a series about two lackadaisical New York cops who were forever AWOL in their patrol car when any job needed to be done.

Well I don’t know where Car 54 has got to but I do know the whereabouts for a few weeks each year of Car 2760!

Car 2760 has been St Marys Leagues Club’s entry in the annual Variety Club Bash for 13 of the past 15 bashes which were founded in June, 1985 by businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith.

That first event raised $250,000 for Variety and since then over $200 million has been raised by and annual bash through the bush.

Car 2760 – the number is the post code for St Marys – has made a huge contribution to that amazing figure, raising close to $730,000 to help those in our society less fortunate than ourselves.

But Car 2760 and St Marys Leagues Club do much more than just

raise funds for charity on the Variety Club Bashes.

Along for the ride with the crew each year is around $17,000 worth of footy gear such as jerseys, shorts and socks and sporting equipment including balls for a number of sports including league, soccer, basketball and netball.

Along the bash route, Car 2760 visits schools and sporting clubs in small bush towns such as Condobolin, Brewarrina, Gundagai, Manildra and Broken Hill to distribute muchneeded sporting gear and equipment.

The crew also take along sporting memorabilia which can be auctioned or raffled by the various sporting associations to raise funds.

Aboard Car 2760 in eight of those bashes as a member of the four-man crew has been St Marys League Club’s long-serving president, Warren “Ratu” Smith.

Other regular bashers include long-time club vice president, Ron Coskeri and his and Warren’s fellow directors, Mick Hilton and John Burns.

The sprightly 75-year-old Warren has been a truly wonderful servant to not only both the St Marys licensed

and rugby league clubs but to school and rugby league clubs all over the nation and further afield to Fiji.

Ratu? As you learned readers are well aware, Ratu is the Fijian term for someone of chiefly rank and to Fijians, Warren Smith is just that.

“Ever since 2006 when we took the first St Marys under 13 years squad on what has become an annual end-of-season trip, Saints have been strong supporters of rugby league in Fiji,” Warren explained.

“Saints sponsors a five-team club in Lausoka which campaigns as the Yasawa Saints – we provide the club each year with five sets of shorts, socks and jerseys and we also provide jerseys to several other village teams.

“The Fijians gave me the Ratu title early in the piece as a mark of their respect for me and the club I represent.”

Warren was given another honour by the Fijians when Saints hosted a Rugby league World Cup qualifying game between Fiji and Italy at St Marys Stadium in 2012.

In recognition to Warren’s contribution to Fiji Rugby league and the people of Fiji, FRL chairman, Peni Musunamasi, presented Warren with

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WARREN SMITH teams onto the paddock in the NSW Rugby League third and fourth tier and fourth ier competitions, the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield.

Warren has been involved with the Saints since 1973 at all levels in both the junior league and licensed club – player (“just a couple of games”), highly successful manager and match and tournament organiser, footy secretary, board member and since 1990, revered president.

Born and raised in Lismore, Warren came to Sydney as a 15-yearold to work as a telegram boy for the old PMG (Australia Post).

“I pushed a bike for a couple of years but ended up in working in the manufacturing and sales of plywood industry for 40 years before retiring in 2005,” Warren said.

He and his wife, Robyn, who sadly passed away in 2008, moved to Tregear in 1971 where the family was soon boosted by the arrival of daughters, Joanne and Debbie and in more recent times, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

As we are restricted to just two pages with these Legends yarns, it is impossible to fully list Warren’s achievements for his club, St Marys

a Tabua which is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in Fijian society.

They are traditionally given as gifts signifying esteem.

For his services to rugby league and the community in general, Warren has been showered with honours down the years.

An Order of Australia (AM) for services to sports in 2006, life membership of the St Marys Rugby League Club, recipient of the Leagues Club Australia Directors Plaque recognising 25 years continuous service (2011) as well as that body’s prestigious Jack Martin Award (2014).

The Jack Martin Award recognises outstanding achievements within the club industry.

Under Warren’s watch as president since 1990, St Marys Leagues has grown to become one of the biggest and best clubs in the country, boasting membership of 44,000.

The club prides itself on its promotion of rugby league and currently fields 45 teams from under 6s through to A Grade in the Penrith District Junior Rugby League competitions.

And next year they intend putting

17

That’s Warren Smith giving Car 2760 a bit of a scrub during a river crossing in the 2011 Variety Club Bash.

and the wider community.

Suffice to say, he really is a Legend of the Nepean.

I asked Warren his reasons for putting so much time, effort and expertise into doing what he does.

“Simple really, I love being involved in sport- rugby league in particular - and I love helping people out,” he told me.

“With the kids playing footy, well I just think it is wonderful to see them go out and enjoy themselves on the field and develop not only as

footballers and good sports but as citizens.”

Amen to that!

Warren Smith nominated as a Legend of the Nepean

by Donna Lee If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at greg@nepeannews.com.au

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

THE G SPOT

IS it just me or does there appear to be an increase in armed robberies, hold ups and shootings?

Now I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I have been very blessed (not) to have worked in many a club and pub over the past 25 years in security and I lurve to observe the human creature in its most natural habitat - the club!

The thing that I find the most hilarious (well not hilarious - let’s just say hypocritical) is that the hotel manager is usually the first to scream “Why Me?”Almost like a love song gone wrong.

Now who am I, I am just a mere security officer that had the wonderful job of clearing the drunks out (who all love me). On closing time the bar staff are winding down and chucking wet rags at each other, the manager is in the office because he has been there

all day dealing with the crap and needs to update Facebook. The safe door is wide open because that’s where the night takings are going, the registers are being counted (usually at the bar) and the beer-filled mats are being hosed down out the back car park or loading dock with the fire door chocked open with an empty keg. The band is packing up and have chocked open the main glass doors to pack their cars.

Oh and don’t forget camera 16 has been playing up for a while and that just happens to be over the safe area, but that’s on the to-do list, gotta go to the board or the manager has been busy buying meat raffles, right? Dear dear dear folks – I’ve seen it time and time again and I just shake my head.

I seriously reckon they should place a neon sign on the main highway and say “get it while it’s hot” because all the crap I have just said above has

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

just given the baddies a good chance to hold up your premises!

Okay, so what can we do to stop our mates at Work Cover asking for a free lunch at your joint for the next 15 weeks while they investigate the ‘why ya didn’t do it and how ya coulda stopped’ it scenario?

Batten down the hatchets captains, because your closes should be tighter than a fishes bum (sorry but love that saying). Controlled access points, security, security, security and secured doors and staff escorted from club to car. Control is the answer my friends, if the baddies see control and the fact that their hold-up attempt may be hindered or observed, they will move onto the next place. It is as simple as that! They try the element of surprise, always be one step ahead of them!

Let’s just pretend that you’re in a horror movie and that the blob is going

to get in the access points, that’s how you should treat your club or pub on closing time; shut the doors, lock the doors. Also recommended is a decent security service, if your security officer is on his mobile or chatting up the staff it’s time for a change kids security have a really important role of checking toilets, securing doors and controlling access points whilst the club is placed in locked down. A security dude chatting up the last single lady in the club is not the look you need - wouldn’t happen on my watch or in my company - period!

So there you have it kids, control, security, close the access points and be tighter than a fishes bum, which I might add I have never seen or experienced.

(Tick).

PS. Please be aware that no fish were injured during the writing of this column.

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Midway measure-up and we’re both smiling

By Kerrie Davies

KORENA and I have just completed week four of the KK Challenge and the day we had been dreading arrived on Monday. Chime the death knoll - facing Rejuven8 Body Studio’s Megan and her measuring tape.

It was the day that could make us or break us; since we’ve taken on the challenge so publicly every second person I speak to asks me how it is going - so failure was going to feel like being stood out in the middle of a football field naked. (And fat) We’ve been setting our alarms for early morning rises (yes in this weather!) and heading to the Rejuven8 Body Studio at least three times a week.

The first part of our session, which is putting on the suit that blows up and massages us is one of the most relaxing things we’ve ever done. In fact we’ve fallen back to sleep on many occasions. How easy can weight-loss be? We literally lay on a bed while the suit does all the work, bringing our circulation to the surface so that the exercise we are about to embark on gets to those hard to budge areas.

Once we are done in the suit, we move on to phase two, which is much like an exercise bike in an oxygen chamber. Even this is no real hardship - we pedal for 30 minutes, but we get to lay down while we are doing it, chat, look at our phones, read a book - whatever takes our fancy.

We’ve also been “shaking” as we like to call it - that is replacing meals with Isogenix chocolate shakes. Korena has stuck to this regime like a boss - whereas I have been less consistent - but I blame that on my Deputy Mayor husband who is always

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A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

EVERYONE is aware that they need to exercise to keep fit and to help themselves lose or maintain their weight but it is really hard to stay motivated during the colder months.

Maybe you have heard about certain heat treatments that will warm you up and also help you to achieve your body goals, from weight loss to detoxing and even pain relief!

What are heat treatments and what can they really do?

We have two different heat treatments that are available at

whisking me off to a function. The worst thing about functions and being on a diet is they’ll usually serve up entrée, main mail and desert. So I’ve had to compensate by walking a lot of that off.

Anyway, the results are in and we haven’t failed!

In fact, we’ve done pretty good. We still have two weeks to go, so here’s hoping we continue to be losers!

KORENA

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Heat treatments work from the inside out. This means that generally, they heat up your core temperature which helps to speed up your metabolism. Speeding up your metabolism means that you will burn through calories more sufficiently,

meaning you will continue to lose weight easier after you have completed the recommended amount of sessions. Not only does it do this, but because you do get so warm and sweat you are ridding yourself of any nasty toxins that are in your body which will help improve your energy levels (and because you are sweating you are in fact losing more weight!)

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22

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Hockey all in the family

By Greg Martin

THIRTY years ago in Newcastle the very first Masters (then known as Veterans) State Hockey tournament was held for these “recycled juniors”.

Western Districts Women’s Hockey in 1985 was an association of New South Wales Women’s Hockey.

With amalgamation occurring both at HNSW and in our area, the teams now play under Nepean Hockey Association as a result of Western Districts Women and Penrith Men’s Association becoming the one body.

The Women’s Masters Full State tournament this year is being held in what we are expecting to be a freezing Bathurst where close to 400 games will be played throughout the round-robin and finals series.

The action starts today (Thursday) and continues through to Sunday.

Three Nepean teams are entered - Over 35 Division 1, Over 45 Division 1 and Over 50 Division 2.

A big celebration is to be held to honour and congratulate those ladies who played or were officials at the first tournament three decades ago.

Nepean has two ladies from that first team to play in Newcastle all those years back and who are still involved in Masters events and that’s Pam Nelson and Nepean News’ hockey correspondent, Jan Harrison.

Two of Pam and Jan’s team-mates from yesteryear, Anne Aitken and Jean Honeman have

Three generations of Nepean Hockey players gathered at the Penrith Hockey Centre last Saturday to say “cheese” to our photographer, Bob Aitken. Pictured, back (l-r): Max Buckley, Annie Buckley, Corrina Buckley, Amba Korvemaa, CJ Honeman.

Front: Pam Nelson, Anne Aitken, Jean Honeman, Tiani Honeman and Jan Harrison.

other children and grandchildren carrying on the hockey family tradition.

Anne Aitken’s daughter, Corrina is a past Australian rep), granddaughter Annie Buckley is a member of the NSW under 15 years squad and her grandson Max is also a Nepean rep.

Jean’s hockey genes flow through grandchildren, Amba Korvemaa, a Nepean under 13 representative this year and juniors Tiani Honeman and grandson CJ Honeman.

All the ladies are wished good luck and lots of goals being scored at the tournament which has attracted 117 teams from throughout NSW. Hockey New South Wales has already selected Masters teams for the Australian titles in Brisbane (September 21 -October 3) and Nepean Hockey boasts four ladies in the squad who will be playing in Bathurst in the 35 years division 1 team.

So our congratulations to Chantal Knowles, Michelle Kennedy, Sue McKay and Kim Butler.

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Secret debate

Liberal MPs not appearing on Q and A - fair or foolish?

He Says........................... .........................She Says I THINK the question should be are you smart enough to answer some questions from the public.

That’s probably why the Abbott has instructed his minions to boycott the show. Let’s face it without the protection from the Bishop in the chair, who just tosses people out when they don’t agree with the government, it would be a tough gig facing up to a moderator who is unbiased (most times).

Let’s get over this nonsense, it is a TV show with a political edge that is trying to be entertaining. Maybe the PMs girls and boys should be restricted to, The Bachelor or Bachelorette, or a cooking show, hey how about Survivor in

WIN!

the wild?

Perhaps not, it’s hard to book your helicopter in the jungles of Borneo.

Seriously, they are elected representatives who are supposed to be leaders of the country.

They went to the people on an election and sought support to represent their interests. If they can’t handle an hour TV Show what hope do we have?

Is Q and A a bit left leaning, yes it is but similarly Bolt, Hadley and Jones are very conservative and the opposition benches are not banned from appearing on those shows.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and let someone who can, take control.

I MUST say I can completely understand why Liberal MPs would shy away from going on Q and A when the focus is seemingly on “gotcha” moments rather than hearing differing views no matter what they may be.

Why would any politician throw themselves like a lamb to the slaughter?

Its much the same reasoning as why most Labor politicians don’t take up an invitation to appear on Andrew Bolt or 2GB. We’ll always have politically oneeyed media and blatantly biased programs.

But in my view Q and A ventured into dangerous territory having this Zakky character facing off with a Minister.

True, Zakky was acquitted of terrorism charges, but considering his admission to threatening violence to Commonwealth officials, giving him the opportunity to face-off with a Commonwealth Official on a public-funded network without giving prior warning to said Commonwealth Official is absolutely appalling in my view.

What a shame that a show with such a great platform idea of discussing issues

with all sections of the community could stoop into dangerous territory to push their glaringly obvious one-sided agenda.

And it scared the crap out of me that there were people in the audience who clapped the idiot.

If someone is going to ask a question on Q and A, it must be submitted beforehand, so the program was well aware they were giving this imbecile oxygen. I think Q and A needs to be held to account over this. I see a network that deliberately set up a Minister to be challenged publicly by someone who could be potentially dangerous. Now he’s doing the left-wing media circuit like a rock star for goodness sake.

While we have plenty of bias media on both sides of the fence (Guardian, Bolt, Jones etc) if you’re not the target audience then you simply don’t tune in. The ABC is funded by the tax payer and it’s being used as a platform to embarrass the government and incite hatred with the cue applause for lunatics.

That makes it a pretty important issue as far as I’m concerned.

Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to the editor to kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Shortage of support workers predicted for NDIS roll out Along with other disability service providers in the Nepean and Blue Mountains area, Better Caring welcomes that the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) at this weekend’s PossABLE expo.

With the introduction of the biggest social reform since Medicare was introduced in 1975, the rollout of the NDIS will strain the shortage of appropriate services for people with disability in this area, and will put upward pressure on their cost and availability.

To get the most out of NDIS funding and make your funding go further, Better Caring recommends that recipients not get ‘locked in’ to a provider but to shop around to get the best ‘deal’.

Only by creating a competitive business environment will innovation and best practice be able to thrive, says Jane Floyd of Better Caring. There is a clear need for improvements in the responsiveness, flexibility and quality of services to meet the needs of people with disability.

“Better Caring is not a service provider, but a community of freelance support

workers for hire who offer their services directly to clients. It’s an online platform that showcases support workers in the local area. And at rates between $25 and $35 per hour – it’s a much more affordable choice than hiring through an agency.

Jane says that hiring an independent care worker meets people’s desire for more flexibility and choice. “People don’t want to have to fit in with the times that a service provider can provide a service, rather than services fitting in with a client’s daily routine.”

Younger people with a disability and their carers say there is a lack of recognition by service providers that younger clients are more likely to require community care services to be provided flexibly as younger people work and have other commitments to balance with the services they receive.

Younger people say that they find it difficult to access appropriate respite services and other social activities. Better Caring meets this need by providing realtime access to local support workers offering flexible, affordable care and support – at up to half the cost.

Jane Floyd, Better Caring Pty Ltd

Don’t put up GST I can’t believe the Liberal state government are wanting to up the GST by more than 50 per cent. Why on earth didn’t they say this before the election? If the state is in such a crisis perhaps the first thing to be shaved needs to politician’s perks!

D. Johnson, Penrith Awkward or just plain this generation?

Kerrie, I read with mirth your article relating to your son and his äwkwardness”! (probably not a word lol) I only have four legged kids whose language is of course bark! Which I add, I understand although I may never know what is directed at me when I lay down the law for what ever reason!

I too find Kerrie some, I could say, annoying traits in everyday conversation (unless you are of their age!) of these folks.

I find no longer is it “for example” no its “like”. Like what?

The other that vents my spleen is not “he said and she said” its and “he goes and she goes”. Goes where?

Hang in there Kerrie at least your boy appears to have the required abundance of grey matter that will see him through his awkward moments.

Oh and PS what is YOLO ?

J. Harrison, Penrith YOLO = You Only Live Once Kerrie Davies Hip and cool facebooker

WE WON’T BE BEATEN

nepeanhistory nepean

26 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Volunteer Arms Hotel ...Continued from 25th June 2015

W

ILLIAM was born at Fareham near Portsmouth in England in 1862. He came to Australia in 1883 and entered the Queensland police at Brisbane having previously belonged to the British constabulary. He came to Sydney in 1886 and joined the NSW police and was transferred to Penrith in 1887 where he served until his discharge. At the Penrith Licensing Court in October 1891 William was asked to show just cause why his license should be renewed. William said he was the licensee of the “Volunteer Hotel” and he had been in the Police Force in the Penrith district for over four years and left the force with a good discharge and he had been the licensee of the hotel for a year. When Constable Martin swore that William had conducted his hotel badly, William firmly denied this because he had just spent £400 doing it up. He also said that he had not kept the hotel open for the sale of liquor during prohibition hours or sold liquor on Sundays and that the witness named Carpenter falsely said in court that he had sold him liquor during the prohibition hours. William said that George R Nicholls who was the Editor of the St Mary’s Gazette, was once a lodger. William’s renewal was granted and was also renewed again in 1892. In September that year there was a fatal accident and a young boy Frederick Scott died. The inhabitants’ of St Marys were thrown into quite a melancholy state by the shocking fatal accident that happened to young Fred who was engaged as a carter at James Farrell’s tannery. Fred was riding on top of a load of tanning bark that he had picked up from St Mary’s railway station and was travelling along Saddington Street just about opposite William Fleming’s brickyard when one wheel of the van suddenly dropped into a rut throwing poor Fred off onto the ground and the wheel passed over his chest killing him almost instantly. The inquest was held at William’s Volunteer Hotel and returned a verdict of accidental death. Fred was buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery and the funeral was attended by a large number of his friends “by whom he was greatly esteemed”. He was only 26 years old. Because of Fred’s death the Nepean Times censured St Mary’s Municipal Council for not repairing Saddington Street before closing Pages Road. In 1894 William was improving the hotel once again and stated as being “up to his neck in it”. William, along with Pat Bowley were busy excavating for a new cellar that was being put under the bar. William was doing good business and kept a good house along with a well stocked bar but by September 1895 William sold out to Percy Hallett whose advertisement stated that “he wishes it to be generally known that he has purchased the Volunteer Hotel and trusts by civility and attention to the requirements of his customers, to merit a fair share of supporters. A good table is kept with the best brands of beers and spirits and a splendid billiard table”. In September 1896 a tree planting was carried out in St Marys, said to have been a

red-letter day with the Mayor and Aldermen being congratulated for having “struck out of the old groove” and adopted one of the best means known for beautifying and popularising the town. Pretty St Marys it was said had long been called the town of leather but the hope was when the trees grew and more were planted that “pretty St Marys” would be the case. The street selected for the first tree planting was Princess Street (now Princess Mary St) where St Mary’s Public School stands and the old Volunteer Hotel stands on the corner and run

by Percy Hallett. The street was the first selected because of the pleasant memories held by the old St Mary’s residents, but it was thought that the “powers that be” made the mistake of planting the trees too close together but that no blame would be made because this was the first attempt at tree planting along a street. Mr Thomas Richard Smith (Member for Parliament) supplied the trees but did not attend the planting owing to the death of his father Thomas Smith (“Red Cow Inn”) that morning. It was said that this sad affair somewhat cast a gloom over the whole proceedings. Also in September Percy hosted the Old Buffer’s Reunion held in Victoria Park as well as the Leather & Combined Trades football match also on the Park. Percy, who for some time had successfully carried on business at the Volunteer Hotel was to keep the hotel until March 1897 when he took over the business of the “Australian Arms Hotel” on the corner of High and Castlereagh Streets at Penrith. The Volunteer Hotel had been thoroughly re-stocked and renovated and Percy and his wife who were said to be good people at the business and would always do well providing a good table and liquors of the very best. Percy was originally from the Railway Department and very well known in the district. Before taking over the Volunteer Hotel, Percy was in the employ of the railway department at Blackheath in 1890 when the locals got wind of his removal from Blackheath for the purpose of opening a staff station at Ilford that is a small town about eight miles this side of Brogan’s Creek on the Mudgee line and they decided that they would not let him leave without recognising in some way their appreciation of the manner in which he had always carried out his duty, so a presentation and social with about sixty people assembled in the Skating Rink Hall after a collection of £15 was made in one day. Percy, when presented with a clock that would never fit in his pocket (laughter) said he would always remember Blackheath as a place where he had spent many happy days. On ending the presentation part of the festivities everyone joined in singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” The clock (cost £7/7s) was purchased from the old establishment of Messrs. Hoffnung & Co in Sydney and was ornamented around the dial and at the bottom had two brass figures. Percy was the son of William & Mary Hallett. He married Elizabeth Graci at St Peters in 1887. In 1889 he was Secretary of the Blackheath Rifle Corps. He died at Northbridge in 1948. He was living at Lane Cove.

Sources: Nepean Times drawing of William Moseley (1890) – BDM & Trove websites.

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

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E N localnews

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

28

Tamara’s Boutique

SOLUTION: 25th June

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Come and enjoy a great night of fun while supporting a worthy local cause

H E L L O everyone! This week I would like to let you know about an amazing event that has just taken place in Sydney - ‘Supanova!’

For those who don’t know what Supanova is, it is a popular fan convention focusing around science fiction, fantasy film, anime, gaming and collectables genre. It gives people the chance to dress up and express their inner selves. It is held every year over a weekend across the nation making it a popular occasion for everyone, that is, if you are into it.

Everyone gets together to celebrate their favourite movies, games etc. But the highlight is it gives people the opportunity to dress up as their favourite character from their favourite show or TV sitcom.

I went to Supanova this year.

It was a great day and occasion, with lots of quirky people, with lots of amazing costume ideas. Many people came from across NSW to express themselves, and their inner superhero. I was intrigued, and very fascinated by many people’s costume ideas, which were creative and

unique. You could tell people went to a lot of effort!

A lot of costumes were handmade or purchased online. People dressed from Disney princesses to the super marvel characters of Catwoman to superhero capes. It was very amusing to see how much of the tiniest details were put into each outfit and how much time and energy spent on making them.

I interviewed a couple of people I knew who attended and most of them told me they made their costumes from scratch, sewing or gluing things together.

If you’ve never been before, I would recommend that you give it a go next year, or go to similar events where you can shine your inner self, and show off your character. You could actually make something you never knew you had talent for. I think it’s definitely an occasion you should experience at least once in your life!

If you have any photos you had taken from Supanova this year and you would like to show them off in the next issue of the Nepean News, please email me your photos to Tamara.Correy1@hotmail.com or to nepeannews.aol.com. I would love to see them!

Australian Jazz at its finest

La Stupenda – A Voice Eternal

THIS month Emma Pask will entertain audiences with a classic repertoire of Jazz and Latin music at The Joan.

Emma’s voice and style are unique, but she exudes the sounds of the classic era of jazz, when swing was top of the charts, and the cool cats filled the clubs. Emma will bring her special brand of cool to The Joan’s Q Theatre this winter.

Emma made her name after starring on ‘The Voice’, though Jazz fans know her best for her world class appearances with the great James Morrison, with whom she recently celebrated a 20 year

AT the official opening of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in 1990 Dame Joan Sutherland performed her last ever concert recital, accompanied by husband Richard Bonynge, to a packed house in the Richard Bonynge Concert Hall.

Twenty-five years later The Joan pays tribute to La Stupenda with a glamorous evening featuring some of Australia’s best musical talent coming together in celebration of both the Dame and the power of the human voice that La Stupenda embodied.

The 25th Anniversary Concert will feature some of Australia’s most exquisite classical musicians including stunning vocal group The Song Company; one of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognised pianists Tamara Cislowska; and fittingly on a night honouring Dame Joan, the singer ‘touted as the next superstar of Opera’ Amelia Farrugia.

Joined on stage by the sublime strings of the Acacia Quartet and William Barton, Australia’s most celebrated didgeridoo player, and featuring a world premiere by Australia’s greatest living composer Elena Kats-Chernin, the 25th Anniversary Gala will be both a joyous concert of celebration and an extraordinary night of the finest music.

We also celebrate the enduring

alliance.

“The greatest gift to Australian Jazz Vocals in the last decade.” James Morrison Emma was spotted by James Morrison during one of his regular high school visits when she was just 16. She first sang with his band that night, and was soon their featured singer. This led to regular touring throughout Australia and internationally, boosting her profile, and enabling her to fast-track both her vocal skills and stagecraft in the company of James and the other first-class musicians in her band.

Since then, she’s performed for 80,000-strong audiences, crooned her way through Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s bridal waltz, sparkled in Carols by Candlelight and bagged a Mo Award for Jazz Vocalist of the Year.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to sample some cracking jazz at The Joan.

Australian Jazz at its finest! 26 July at 3pm.

All tickets are $35 standard and $30 concession and include a glass of wine with cheese and crackers after the show.

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

partnership between community and Council which makes The Joan possible: Penrith City Council – building owners and funders of operating company Penrith Performing & Visual Arts have additionally enabled the commissioning of Elena Kats-Chernin’s remarkable piece; La Stupenda to mark this milestone.

The event will also celebrate the community’s ongoing and deep engagement with The Joan over the past quarter century, as we invite all users and past attendees to share their memories of this local institution: from school children to soloists and everyone in between. We will be collecting memorabilia of all kinds, including photographs, tickets, programmes and stories - to add yours, please email marketing@jspac.com. au.

Tickets are $75 adult and $70 concession and include sparkling wine and canapés after the performance.

29 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

WORD SEARCH

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ACCORDION BAGPIPE BALALAIKA BANJO BASS BODHRAN CABASAS CELLO CHIMES CITTERN CLARINET CONGA CORNET COW BELL DIDGERIDOO DRUM EUPHONIUM FLUTE FRENCH HORN GUITAR HARP

HURDY-GURDY LAOUTA MANDOLA MARACAS MELODICA MIZMAR OBOE OUD PENNYWHISTLE PICCOLO SAZ SITAR TARKA TRIANGLE TROMBONE UKULELE VEENA VIBRAPHONE VIOLIN XUN

T E R T A I N M E N T Am I ever gonna see your face again?

By Garion Thain

THE ANGELS are coming back to Penrith for their full-on A-Z tour, playing at Panthers on August 7.

The A-Z tour is a two and a half hour long show that aptly includes 26 tracks, opening with a new version of their classic ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’ recreated, in the bands’ words, to be as close to the original tape as possible.

In addition, the recording will be released as a limited edition vinyl record, as well as a CD version, to coincide with the tour and will be made available only at the gigs.

Rick Brewster spoke to Nepean News about the tour and shed some light on his experiences in the west.

“The greater west has always been our area,” said Brewster, noting they’ve played many shows at Panthers before.

“Lots of memorable pub gigs in the west, especially the Comb & Cutter in Blacktown,” he continued.

Brewster remembered that the shows at the Comb & Cutter had lots of bikers, and one night after a gig he was introduced to them. One told him that his name was “Damage.”

“I went home and stayed up all night writing a new song after that show, Mr Damage,” he said.

“The next night at Stagedoor Tavern near Central, the room was totally overcrowded – I pulled out my guitar and played Mr Damage to the band, they all flipped out!”

Rick Brewster says the A-Z tour incorporates songs from their new and older catalogues, as well as borrowed tunes, including a ZZ top jam for Z, La Grange which will include a harmonica solo as the band sees Billy Gibbons’ guitar solo as “hallowed ground.”

“It’ll have some old, some new,

something borrowed,” Brewster said.

Brewster also said that Dave Gleeson, the bands’ new lead singer is “excited for this tour” and “lives for performing.”

“He loves this band and we love him,” he said.

“We gave him a shot four years ago and we’ve never looked back, he gives 110% every night.”

The Panthers show will be on August 7. For information visit http:// penrith.panthers.com.au

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison

How much power do you wield?

Little things mean a lot!

Bees for example are very tiny beings; yet they have the power in their even tinier sting to create pain in anyone. They can also cause people to go into a coma!

They have the power using a tiny apparatus.

We have power also with the apparatuses we use.

A tiny “bit” in a horses’ mouth can be used carefully and produce wonderful results.

It can be used roughly and destroy any chance of harmony.

A horse can be anything from 300 kg to 1000 kg and even more.

Such another tiny piece of apparatus that we use.

Another example is the tiny wheel of a ship. A launch or even a speedboat. Another small piece of apparatus doing a big job.. It’s all in the way we use it that decides if the craft stays upright or goes under.

Can I mention the tiny apparatus we ourselves posses and do we know just how powerful it is? This tiny apparatus is our tongue.

How wonderful it can be when used with love! But how damaging it is when we use it with gossip and lies.

We have “the power “ and “little things mean a lot” Just a Thought Cheers for now Your Mate Rossco

Mike’s Pantry with Mike Creed

SLOW COOKED GREEK LAMB INGREDIENTS: 1 leg of lamb (Bone in) 2T olive oil 3 crushed cloves of garlic 1t dried thyme Salt and freshly ground pepper 2 lemons Extra-virgin olive oil 2T chopped parsley METHOD: Preheat oven to 160c. Cover the lamb in olive oil, garlic, herbs, some salt and a good hammering of freshly ground pepper. Then squeeze the juice of one of the lemons over the shoulder.

Lightly grease the rack and then place the lamb shoulder on it and place in a roasting pan.

Pour enough water into the base of the pan, about 2-3cm should do it.

Cook for 5 hours.

TIPS: Check the lamb every hour and proceed to baste the meat with the pan juices.

Once the meat is golden brown on top (usually takes about three hours) cover it with foil and continue to cook the meat.

Once finished, allow the meat to rest for about 20 minutes before you serve.

When you serve it, drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice and give it a good sprinkle of salt and pepper and throw some chopped up parsley for a garnish.

JOKES

Brrr! Perhaps a laugh or two will warm the cockles of our hearts and the rest of our chilled bodies following the recent bouts of cold weather.

1. Last night, it was so cold, the flashers were only describing themselves. Johnny Carson.

2. It was so cold… pickpockets were sticking their hands in strangers‛ pockets to keep warm. Anonymous.

3. It was so cold… when we milked the cows, we got ice cream.

4. Four of us slept in the one bed; when it got cold, mother threw on another brother. Bob Hope.

5. It‛s so cold...Playboy magazine stopped publishing because no women would take their clothes off.

6. It was so cold… the politicians had their hands in their own pockets..

7. It‛s so cold that...hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs.

8. It‛s so cold that...the optician is giving away free ice scrapers with every new pair of eyeglasses.

9. It‛s so cold that...we had to chisel the dog off a lamp-post 10. It‛s so cold that...you have to open the fridge to heat the house 11. It‛s so cold that...people look forward to getting a fever 12. It‛s so cold that...when I put on my coat to take out the garbage it didn‛t want to go!

EVENTS

1829 - In the United States, William Austin Burt patents the typographer, a precursor to the typewriter.

1903 - The Ford Motor Company sells its first car.

1914 - Austria-Hungary issues a series of demands in an ultimatum to the Kingdom of Serbia demanding Serbia to allow the Austrians to determine who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Serbia accepts all but one of those demands and Austria declares war on July 28.

1926 - Fox Film buys the patents of the Movietone sound system for recording sound onto film.

1995 - Comet Hale-Bopp is discovered; it becomes visible to the naked eye on Earth nearly a year later.

BIRTHS 1773 - Thomas Brisbane, Scottish general and politician, 6th Governor of New South Wales (d. 1860).

1888 - Raymond Chandler, American author and screenwriter (d. 1959).

1892 - Haile Selassie I, Ethiopian emperor (d. 1975).

1938 - Bert Newton, Australian actor and television host.

1950 - Alan Turner, Australian cricketer.

1961 - Woody Harrelson, American actor.

1967 - Philip Seymour Hoffman, American actor, director, and producer (d. 2014).

1974 - Maurice Greene, American sprinter.

DEATHS 1373 - Bridget of Sweden, Swedish mystic and saint, founded the Bridgettine Order (b. 1303).

1948 - D. W. Griffith, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1875).

1971 - Van Heflin, American actor (b. 1910).

2002 - Leo McKern, Australian-English actor (b. 1920).

2001 - Amy Winehouse, English singer-songwriter (b. 1983).

2013 - Emile Griffith, American boxer (b. 1938).

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Certification (14) 10 Earlier in time (5) 11 Exclusive (9) 12 A fire-breathing monster of Greek mythology (7) 13 A perforated sheet used in duplicators (7) 14 Sends out (5) 16 Piety (9) 19 Chastise (9) 20 Backs of necks (5) 22 Army reserves (7) 25 Wedge-shaped (7) 27 Timber workers (9) 28 Labor organization (5) 29 Sins (14)

DOWN 2 Heat, water and electricity (9) 3 Steed (5) 4 Longing for something past (9) 5 Runs an engine in neutral (5) 6 Accumulation (9) 7 Relating to the lower body (5) 8 Pins (7) 9 Native American tribe (6) 15 Speed (9) 17 Bandages (9) 18 Increasing in size (9) 19 King Arthur’s capital (7) 21 A trigonometric function (6) 23 Vampire (5) 24 Knights wore this (5) 26 Nymph (5)

solution 9/7/15

33 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

E N T E R T A I N M E Nlocalnews T Step back in time

IT’S GETTING HARDER TO GET HOME LOANS APPROVED NOW With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

IN May, I wrote about how lenders were starting to tighten their policies from pressure from Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) due to concerns about the escalation of prices of real estate in the two main markets of Sydney and Melbourne.

Since then, all major lenders have changed various policies that will make it harder for some higher risk people to get a loan. The interest rates used by a lot of lenders to calculate borrowing capacity has also increased which reduces the amount of money that can potentially borrow.

Loans above 80 per cent of the purchase price have also become harder to get approved and lenders are taking a closer look at applicant’s credit history and number of credit applications that are shown on your credit files. Some lenders are also using the new credit reporting system that

looks at the previous on time and late loan payments as well as the previous details that only used to look at any credit defaults and bankruptcies etc.

The biggest home loan lender in the country, the Commonwealth Bank, are also adding a 20 per cent loading to all existing debts plus only using up to 80 per cent of overtime and bonus income received, when they would previousy use 100 per cent.

Westpac have made some big changes that affect borrowers with investment loans in that they have removed the tax benefits from the interest paid on investment loans which used to decrease the tax paid; which consequently increased the net income received to be able to service any proposed owner occupied or investment lending.

Some lenders are now limiting the ratio of investment to loans to 80 or 90 per cent of the value of the security.

Also, some lenders have higher interest rates available for investors with the best deals and lowest interest rates only available to owner occupied

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

lending. It is now harder to shop around for a better deal on your rates if you have any investment loans in your portfolio.

All of these changes are designed to make it harder for riskier people to get a loan for a higher amount and also to create a larger buffer in case the real estate market has a correction or extended period where prices do not rise. Some polices are also aimed at reducing loans for investment properties and to give owner occupiers a better deals.

APRA, the RBA (Reserve Bank), lenders and governments don’t like to see people having to sell their home at a loss and be in a worse financial situation for many obvious reasons. By taking away some demand, they hope to rein in the escalating property prices and try to keep prices affordable for as many average people as possible for both economic and social reasons.

The biggest risk to the stability of real estate and potential declining confidence of the market is when an escalating number of people are forced

to sell their homes or investment properties because they can’t afford to keep them. When this happens, a lot of people lose - so the powers in charge are building in some safe guards to protect ourselves from ourselves and the market forces and keep the markets stable and confident.

Outside of the real estate markets of Sydney and Melbourne, the government and RBA would like to see consumer and business confidence increased to help stimulate more spending and economic growth.

The press release from the NSW Premier on Monday floating the idea of increasing the GST to 15 per cent may have a negative impact on confidence.

This information is of a general nature and everyone needs to take into consideration their own circumstances and goals.

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.

35 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

finance and real estate matters

Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au

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36

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

Skipper to call it a day IT has been a heady week for the Penrith Panthers in basketball.

As local fans celebrate the ongoing growth in the career of talented youngster Tahlia Tupaea, they will also remember with pride and satisfaction the career of outgoing men’s captain, Josh Morehead.

Penrith’s popular skipper announced his retirement from representative basketball on Saturday night, following the Panthers’ thrilling 89-88 win over the Bankstown Bruins at Condell Park.

Morehead had a tidy 11 points during the game and his on-court leadership will be noticeably missed next season, although young guns Ben Kearins and Noah Cleur each offer tantalising skills in the role of point guard.

Louis Brandt had a day out against the Bruins, finishing with 18 points and 10 boards as he played some of his best this season in spite of an evermounting foul count.

Former Albury/Wodonga Bandits SEABL centre, Alex Opacic, led all scorers with 44 points and 16 boards but even his heroics could not lift the Bruins to victory.

The one-point loss drops the

Penrith captain, Josh Morehead, drives past Sydney City Comets guard Michael Seckold earlier this season.

Photo courtesy Noel Rowsell www.photoexcellence.com.au

Bruins back to fifth spot and they now face a difficult elimination quarter final this Saturday against the Sutherland Sharks.

TAHLIA Tupaea made an immediate impact at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships for Women in Russia - selected in the starting five for Australia’s opening game and scoring the first points for her country, in both halves in their strong 105-62 win over Serbia.

On the local front, the Penrith women’s team faced minor premiers Bankstown and put in a credible performance in their 77-56 loss.

Alicia Poto led the Panthers with 14 points and 15 boards, ahead of Chantyl Szostak who notched 10 points Penrith now head to Sutherland this Saturday when they will face the Sharks in an elimination quarter final in a bid to qualify for the Finals Weekend on August 1-2 which will also be held in Sutherland.

FOUR players from the Penrith Basketball Association finished among the medals at the recently-completed University Games.

WCL team-mates, Cameron Day and Ben Kearins, teamed up with Youth League representative, Sean Weekes, to win gold with the University of Western Sydney, whilst WCL centre, Jarrod Sorenson, won a bronze medal with the University of Wollongong.

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@THERIFFMARN

PANTHERS HIT NEW LOW AS INJURY CRISIS DEEPENS TWO weeks back nothing more pleased than being able to write about two encouraging wins. I did remind myself that my excitement needed to be tempered by the fact that the next two games against Sydney and Melbourne would define where Penrith are at as the finals race heats up.

Unfortunately Penrith came up well short with two lacklustre performances resulting in 24-4 and 52-10 losses to both sides respectively.

The result felt like it should have been 44-4 such was the Roosters’ dominance in attack especially through their right edge, marred by their inability to convert numerous opportunities against Penrith’s left edge in points through poor passes or handling.

Then six days later, the Panthers confronted a side that despite having lost four in a row, was celebrating a significant milestone for their captain on home turf.

A tough task to win their first game in Melbourne since 2005 got even tougher when news emerged David Simmons and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were out through injury before the game.

But when it takes thirteen minutes of the game for Penrith to complete their first set and concede two tries to trail 10-0 in that time, the Storm needed little invitation to inflict a painful 52-10 loss on a Panthers side that is clearly down on confidence as well as troops.

The 52-10 loss was not only Penrith’s 14th loss from the last 15 games played against Melbourne, but also represented Penrith’s heaviest defeat under Ivan Cleary’s tenure, along with the highest score conceded since the 58-24 loss to Brisbane back in Round 23, 2009.

Even more disturbing is the fact that Penrith are ranked 15th overall in attack having been kept to 12 points or less now in nine of seventeen games played in 2015.

With Penrith in 12th spot and teams in the eight already sitting on 22 points, the Panthers could well need six wins from their last seven games to make the finals, a tough task indeed.

THERE’S no denying thou that the Panthers have been affected by injury like no other club in the NRL, and with its relentless number of injuries, it’s inevitable that sooner or later it takes its toll on the playing group as their resolve and belief that games can be won regardless goes amiss.

When compared against opposing clubs’ top

home against early nineties foes, Canberra.

A loss here could see the Panthers go three wins behind the top eight and with just six games remaining after this, that task would be too big a task to achieve.

Despite the controversial decision to charge applicable ticketed members to attend the extra home game, the fact is that unless fans rally behind the team this Sunday and help a great cause at the same time, this time next week fans could start looking forward to season 2016.

Ironically a former Panther may have a huge say on Penrith’s finals fortunes in 2015, with Blake Austin set to play at Pepper Stadium for the first time since leaving the Panthers in 2013.

Having been released by the Wests Tigers a year early, Austin under Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, is arguably the buy of the year with his running game in particular providing some much needed variety and spark to Canberra’s attack.

In team news, David Simmons returns on the wing while Sika Manu will start in the back row with Bryce Cartwright and Robert Jennings going back to an extended bench for a team still missing Moylan, Mansour, Idris, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and George Jennings.

They will face a Raiders side with a good 5-3 away record and will be keen to atone for yet another golden point loss at home, this time at the hands of the Sharks, 21-20.

A dejected Lewis Brown after Penrith’s heavy 52-10 loss to the Storm (Courtesy: Panthers Media)

17 teams, going into Round 19 the Panthers have had just three players play all seventeen available games while missing or projected to miss 107 games which is nearly a staggering eight games missed per player.

It’s a predicament that Ivan Cleary admits there is no hiding from.

“Where we are currently at, it’s been a very difficult year,” Cleary said.

“We’ve had a lot of disruptions, a lot of injuries and sometimes it just gets a bit too hard. At times it tests your belief and under pressure tonight it was found wanting.”

PENRITH’S grand final comes early this Sunday afternoon when they celebrate heritage round at

39 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

REPEAT SETS

sport

SHOULD the Panthers get the win over Canberra, a must win away clash looms against South Sydney the following Sunday afternoon.

Greg Inglis, who missed the 20-6 loss to Penrith due to Origin duty, will need to be contained by the Panthers, while ex-Panther favourite, Tim Grant, will be looking to produce a big game against his former club having left Penrith under somewhat controversial circumstances.

Penrith themselves could welcome back exRabbitoh, Josh Mansour from injury for this clash but as with their dismal away record against Melbourne, the Panthers have not defeated Souths away since 2005 and another failure here could be curtains in 2015.

It’s time the resolve and belief returns to the Panthers should they want to remain in the finals race.

See you at the game!

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42

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS!

Snow bunnies! MG and his Grill Team colleagues, Matthew Johns and Gus Worland, down in The Snowy.

What a bloke! Australian wheelchair rugby captain, Nathan Pentecost, with team-mates and one of his greatest admirers.

IT has been a tale of the extremes amongst the Geyer household of late.

While one of us (me) headed down through the ‘Arctic vortex’ of freezing weather to spend a few days in the snow at Thredbo, another of us (second oldest child, Montana) headed overseas for a Contiki tour of the Greek Islands!

They don’t come more obverse! It was my second ever trip to Thredbo the first being this exact same time last year.

Twelve months ago I made my maiden voyage to the Aussie snow fields and I’ve gotta say it was just as beautiful the second time round.

We’re a ‘head up the coast for a holiday’ type of family, usually at any time of the year.

But after sampling the tranquil serenity the snow vibe gives I can’t wait to get back down there as a fam to do a bit of ‘shredding’! That of course is ‘snow talk’ (I thought shredding was done to paper). It started snowing as we arrived and didn’t stop for the three days we were there.

Meanwhile 24 hours away amongst the seemingly futile existence of a country once called Greece my 19-year-old daughter thought it would be a great idea to head there with some friends.

And yes is the answer to those asking ‘does that worry you?”. But every parent feels the same once their ‘bub’ heads abroad for the first time. We were all at the airport wishing her bon voyage as we started to chat about overseas travel.

I remarked ‘you’ll be our youngest at 19 to head overseas alone honey”, then my oldest reminded us that he went to New Zealand for a week when he was 18.

My wife then added “you were 17 when you went to Thailand babe”! Geez, I was too!

It was in 1985 and Penrith were going to Pattya Beach, Thailand for our end of season footy trip.

My parents had to sign a consent form! I’d forgotten how young I was. And how anxious my parents must have been!

That’s my girl. Montana enjoys herself (and the exchange rate) in Greece.

I don’t think I’d let my 17-year-old boy go to Thailand without me. But am I just being one of the overprotective modern day parents who like to wrap there kids in cotton wool?

Or a dad who has every right to be anxious by how much the world has changed since I went to Thailand in 1985 as a 17-year-old kid? I’d like to think a bit of both!

I’d also hate for any of my kids to not experience the world like I did through my late teens and early 20’s. Aaah, the joys of parenthood, eh guys?

THIS Friday and Saturday my mate, Nathan Pentecost, the NSW wheelchair rugby league vice-captain, will push his wheelchair over a gruelling 100kms to raise money for the Panthers on the Prowl Kokoda Leadership Project which gives a number of local teenagers the opportunity to undertake the demanding trek in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Of course made famous by the courage and sacrifice of the ANZACS in WW ll!

Accompanied by community business leaders as mentors, the Kokoda experience is truly life-changing for the young people selected to make this special journey.

It will start at the regatta centre this Friday from 7am till 5pm and continue at the same times the following day.

Nathan is an extremely unselfish person who continues to embarrass those of able body with his continued drive to help others.

If you’d like to help Nathan help others, go to www.everydayhero.com.au and type in Panther Push For Kokoda.

Not only will you be helping a local champion on his quest, you’ll also be providing a group of school kids the experience of their lifetime!

See you at the game......

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44

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Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

Panthers Snare Another Junior Kiwi….

Penrith have snared quite possibly the best five eighth currently playing in the Holden Cup, Wests Tiger and Junior Kiwi, Te Maire Martin on a three-year deal.

The signing is seen as somewhat of a coup for Penrith with seven other clubs having chased his services including Manly, North Queensland, Melbourne and St George Illawarra.

Incredibly Penrith now have threequarters of the Junior Kiwi spine on their books having renewed the contract of hooker Sione Katoa as well as recruiting hooker-half Zach-Dockar Clay.

And Eye Off Another Halves Prospect Having secured Martin, don’t be surprised if the Panthers sign another back-up half. 24 year old Ipswich Jets halfback, Josh Cleeland has caught the eye of Penrith among others and is rated by many as the best halfback in the Queensland Cup, having drawn comparisons to Daly Cherry Evans.

His coach Chris Walker went as far to say in Rugby League Week recently that Cleeland’s game would be well suited under the guidance of Ivan Cleary. Watch this space.

As A Mission Beckons For An Unlucky DWZ? The rumours won’t go away that Dallin WateneZelezniak will take time out and serve his two year Mormon missionary, despite having renewed his contract for 2016.

The signing of Martin as above, only adds further weight to this possibility as his expected development as a playmaker capable of playing in the NRL, will allow Moylan to continue playing at fullback.

However Watene-Zelezniak has more immediate concerns at the moment as he recovers from a re-occurrence of a genetic lung condition, primary spontaneous pneumothorax that results in the accumulation of air in the space between the lungs and chest cavity.

Although the condition which first presented in 2014 and forced Watene-Zelezniak out of the game for four weeks, doesn’t require surgery, Dallin still faces the prospect of missing at least two-three games.

@THERIFFMARN

What does sound promising for the huge centre is that he has re-commenced running on the knee and is ahead of schedule recovery-wise which may allow him to play in the finals should Penrith make them.

Soward Woes Continue Plenty of players are struggling at the moment for the Panthers but one player whose form is down more than most in 2015 is Jamie Soward.

With back surgery and ongoing shoulder issues having restricted the playmaker to just ten games in 2015, Soward has yet to score a try, has yet to break the line and has made just six tackle-breaks from 27 runs and 215 metres (average: 3 runs and 21 metres per game).

Boom Rookie and Junior Kiwi Te Maire Martin A Panther For 3 Years.

(Photo: Panthers Media) His defence has also been a major concern in 2015 having missed 33 of 148 But Reports Whare Is Returning To Manly Are attempted tackles at a tackle efficiency of just under 78%.

Denied One can’t help but wonder thou whether Brent Read put social media into meltdown on Friday night after suggesting on Triple M that centre comments made by Soward himself on social media Dean Whare and / or one of the Jennings brothers may suggest that all is not well off the field either would be following Trent Barrett to Manly in 2016. which maybe another contributing factor for his onThis news however was quickly rebutted by Phil field struggles. Hopefully for Jamie’s and the club’s Gould on twitter saying that Whare, who is under sake that if true, then things improve off the field for contract to Penrith until the end of 2017, would Soward. be going nowhere let alone to his former club but interestingly no comments were made in regards Raiders Clash Becomes A Hard Sell The Panthers’ decision to play the Raiders game to whether one of the Jennings brothers would be at Pepper Stadium after a deal fell through to play heading to Manly. the game in Christchurch, has been met with mixed response from members and fans.

Another Panther Retires Throw in Friday night’s result and the makings After extensive medical tests and opinions, Shaun Spence recently retired having suffered on- are there for perhaps Penrith’s smallest home crowd going effects from several bouts of concussion of the season at a time when fans need to rally behind incurred early in 2014. The popular lower grades the team in what mounts as an early grand final prop hasn’t been idle in his time off the field as he against what will be Blake Austin-inspired Canberra continues to provide great support to the Panthers team as the ex-Panther returns home for the first time media team, with his insight and dry humour in since leaving the club at the end of 2013.

Local sponsors having spent thousands of dollars interviewing players often a highlight. on tickets to be distributed amongst partner schools and junior rugby league teams around Penrith but While Jamal Doesn’t Rule Out Retirement A fascinating interview with Jamal Idris on despite the fact the whole process surrounding the Triple M last Wednesday revealed rumours of him need to purchase tickets could have been handled leaving Penrith for either Manly or Wests Tigers better, it should not be lost that proceeds from ticket in 2016 are untrue but did admit there was the real and heritage jersey sales will be going to a very good prospect that should his knee not recover to his cause, the Ronald McDonald Nepean Family Room at Nepean Hospital. liking he may have no choice but to retire in 2016.

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BARRIER RISE

with Tony Brassel

Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists.

Nepean News

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE: We haven’t seen the best of this impression specimen even though he’s now shooting for a winning hat-trick. Gai Waterhouse had him ready first up last time in.

GREATWOOD: Team Waterhouse’s smart middle distance type should strike form quickly going on his runaway trial win at Royal Randwick. Defeated a small line-up in dominant fashion.

HAPTIC: John O’Shea’s natural runner was at it again when strutting his stuff at the huge Randwick trial session.

One of Godolphin’s best tyro sprinting prospects.

MOMENT OF POWER: John Sargeant-trained, the unraced Exceed And Excel colt gave nothing else a chance winning his heat. Looks primed for a first-up tilt somewhere.

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45 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

sport

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46 Nepean News 23 July 2015 Issue 154

ON THE MAT WITH the Zone 5 Inter District Sides Championships on at Mudgee next weekend, the District side was looking for a hit-out to fine tune the teams.

A couple of phone calls and emails later we were able to line-up a game against the St John’s Park Grade 3 Pennant side who were also looking for a trial prior to the State Pennant Finals on the first weekend in August.

All three rinks were successful with Matt Slager winning 23 to 13, Matt Lovett-Jeans winning 25 to 13 and Trent Whittingham getting home 27 to 14.

The side now goes to Mudgee brimming with confidence.

The winners of Penrith Women’s Beryl Clough Memorial Shield, Carol Fahey, Mary Byrne and Dawn Robinson, with Don Clough, his daughter, Karen (r) and granddaughter, Kate (l).

Adamstown, Cardiff, Hamilton North and Rathmines.

There were 51 in the travelling group made up of 26 ladies and 25 men. Their numbers were matched by local bowlers from Windsor, Pitt Town, Penrith, St Marys RSL and Austral.

When the dust settled Nepean were in front on the score board and it was decided that the rest of the afternoon would be better spent enjoying high tea and a few beverages swapping yarns about who played the best shots.

On Sunday morning the visitors travelled up the road a bit further to the Kingswood Bowling Club. After the usual cups of tea or coffee the visitors once again ventured out on to the greens to challenge a new lot of local bowlers.

Most of the locals from Saturday

A GROUP of travelling bowlers from clubs in the Newcastle area paid their biennial visit to the Nepean District.

On Saturday, July 11 they made their way down the expressway (with the mandatory comfort stop at the twin servos) to the Penrith Bowling Club.

After enjoying a sumptuous roast lunch they hit the greens for a social afternoon of lawn bowls.

The visitors had bowlers from clubs such as Kahibah, Wallsend, Charlestown, Marks Point,

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returned again and were joined by a group from the host club, Kingswood.

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Byrne and Dawn Robinson.

Donald Clough came along with his daughter, Karen, and granddaughter, Kate, to present the shield. It was a great day but a little cold out there on the green.

Lawson ladies won the Regional Pennant final against St Marys 48-30 and now go to the State playoffs in Berry starting on August 18.

So now both the Lawson ladies and men are preparing for State Pennant playoffs.

That would be quite unusual for a relatively small Club. Wish us luck!

Results of the Ambrose Maiden Shield at Penrith were: 1st Adrian Todd, Mick Galli, Mick Stanbury 3W +42; 2nd Merv Bennett, Les Cliff, John Myers 3W+28; 3rd Lyle Bell, Jarrod Kohlenberg, Gary Pearson 3W +16.

Mark Langfield, John Whiteley and Grant Rogers 26 defeated Matt Dunn, Phil Power and Steve Wilcock 19 in Austral BC’s Men’s Triples Final while in a similar event at Springwood, Brett Auton, John Bowman and Russell Baker 25 defeated Peter McDonald, Jim Peoples and Steve Blake 22.

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) Gift Cards

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Ladies Only TaylorMade Jetspeed Model Driver 12º Loft Can be adjusted down to 10.5º or up to 13.5º Includes Cover & Wrench

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Rescue Hybrid Number 5 25º Loft Includes Cover

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Thursday, 23 July 2015

sport

HARPO’S MARKS

W WATCHED a couple o National Rugby of L League games on the Idiot Box over the weekend and my reaction to the antics of defenders in tackles once again had Mrs Harpo telling me to “stop watching if it upsets you that much”.

Of course I ignored her advice which sent the poor woman away from the comfort of the fire to the outdoors.

“I’d rather chop wood or go around picking up your dog’s droppings than listen to you bellyache,” were her parting words.

Pleased as I was in knowing that she would be splitting the wood and dealing with the dog’s “calling cards”, I was still far from a happy man as I watched the Not-So-Greatest Game of All. Used to be the greatest of all games but there’s just so much about it now which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Sure there are times in matches where I have been exhilarated by some brilliant attacking play or a terrific oneon-one tackle but for the most, I find it as boring as.. .. picking up doggie doings.

The game sort of lost me when the

great majority of tries came on kicks.

Hope the opposing side makes a mistake and gives the other outfit the opportunity to start a set of six inside the defending half.

Five forwards have a hit-up each and then the ball is kicked to the wing where it becomes a lottery as to which flanker can jump the highest.

If I want to see spectacular mark I would go and watch a game of Australian Rules!

But my greatest beef is with the slowing down of the play-the-ball.

I have written before that I would like to referee a match with a pair of .44 Magnums and just shoot any transgressors at the play-the-ball.

I’d make Dirty Harry look like Mahatma Ghandi!

It gives me the Edgar Britts whenever a second or third bloke comes in and flops on the first tackler.

Third tackler then slowly pushes himself upright on the back of the second tackler and then the second tackler does the same to the first tackler.

Crikey, just last weekend I would have seen umpteen occasions when the third bloke to arrive at the tackle must

have come down from the grandstand, so long was he in arriving at the scene and belly-flopping.

If gives me the Tom Tits when a ballcarrier who has been stopped and put to ground, finds himself being pushed backwards by the tackler(s).

I’d love to blow the whistle, hover over the play-the-ball and shoot the offender.

But my greatest beef about the once great game is this ridiculous stripping rule.

There’s so much doubt cast each and every time and ball-carrier loses possession. Did he just spill it or was it ripped out of his hands by a defender?

If the ball carrier cannot hold onto the ball, then he deserves to lose possession!

Anyway, I’m off outdoors to see if I can get the dog to do that voodoo that he does so well, on my neighbour’s lawn.

HIGH MARKS: Mick Fanning escaping unscathed from that shark attack. Whew, wasn’t he lucky!

SAD MARKS: Week after week, season after season, boofheaded rugby league players getting their names up at the wrong end of the newspaper.