Penrith City Council is leading an exciting planning pathway for the future of St Marys town Centre. the draft St Marys town Centre Structure Plan is a design-led strategic planning document that will guide the growth of St Marys town Centre into the future.
Penrith Mayor tricia hitchen said feedback from earlier community engagement has helped in creating the draft structure plan.
“i want to thank the community members who participated in the early rounds of engagement this year,” Cr hitchen said.
“With the draft Structure Plan now on exhibition i would encourage the community to look over it and provide their feedback too. We have a great opportunity to create a place where one would find everything one needs which celebrates the abundance of natural assets and rich history.
“A contemporary and high-quality built environment, St Marys will attract people from all walks of life as well as businesses looking to operate in an inclusive and diverse community.”
the draft St Marys town Centre Structure Plan will set a place vision, place outcomes and strategic and spatial directions so that St Marys grows as a vibrant, welcoming, sustainable and authentic strategic centre that meets the changing needs of our community.Withover 3,500 people living in the area, it is undergoing significant transformation with investment in city shaping transport infrastructure such as the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line. Council’s projections are that the town Centre
will be home to another 11,000 - 12,500 people over the next 20 years
St Marys town Centre is one of two major centres in the Penrith Local Government Area and is located at the apex of the east-West and north-South Corridors of the economic triangle. the study area for the draft Structure Plan extends roughly between Glossop Street to the north and east, South Creek to the west and the Great Western highway to the south. it is served by the t1 Western rail line and has a thriving main street, productive industrial lands, a shopping centre, two schools, and key natural and community assets.
the draft St Marys town Centre Structure Plan is on exhibition from now until 26 September 2022. to view the draft plan and to leave feedback visit: https://yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys2041
Enjoy a fun day out with the family at the annual Willmot Festival!
The free community festival will take place at Willmot Reserve on Saturday, 24 September, with a range of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Festivalgoers can enjoy singing, dancing and live music from local artists, and there will also be rides, free face painting, a petting zoo, market stalls and delicious food.
“The Willmot Festival is a fantastic family day out which celebrates the community spirit that is alive and well in our City,” Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale oAM said.
“The suburb of Willmot is named after Thomas Willmot, who was the first President of Blacktown Shire Council in 1906.
“Today, Willmot is small but tightknit community with residents from diverse backgrounds.
“The Willmot Festival gives residents the chance to celebrate their local community, it’s history and diversity, while also showcasing local talent and community pride.”
“The Willmot Festival is a great day for everyone, and best of all, it’s free.
“I look forward to seeing you there!” Mayor Bleasdale said
The Willmot Festival is brought to you by the Willmot Festival Committee and Blacktown City Council.
Event information
What: 2022 Willmot Festival
When: Saturday, 24 September, 10am – 3pm
Where: Willmot Reserve, Carteret Ave, Willmot
The Willmot Festival will offer a fun day out for the family.
St Clair residents and school children can enjoy their new inclusive playspace with the upgrade of the David Currie Playspace now complete.Formerly known as Banks Drive Playground, the new playspace has been renamed in honour of the late David Currie who was a passionate disability advocate for Penrith. the inclusive playspace invites people of all ages and abilities to play, stay andPenrithrelax.
Mayor tricia Hitchen said the playspace is a wonderful reflection of David’s passion for making Penrith more accessible for all community members.
“David was an active member of Council’s access Committee and worked tirelessly in this role to ensure people with disabilities could engage in a more fulfilling civic life,” Cr Hitchen said.
“David’s dedication and passion for helping others will live on in this new playspace. He was an inspiration and this playspace will be a constant reminder of the work he did, and the difference he made in Penrith.”
The final design was developed in consultation with local residents and school children, with many of their ideas incorporated into the design to ensure the needs of children and parents of children with different abilities were met and that the playspace would be a lasting legacy they could be proud of.
a key feature of the upgrade is a fully fenced, inclusive playspace with a variety of equipment for all ages and abilities including an accessible spinner, climbing net and slide, multi-bay swing, sensory play, wheelchair accessible trampoline and an inclusive double flying fox.
the upgrade also includes new pathways, fitness equipment, basketball half court, seating, an accessible bike track, shade sails, landscaping, picnic shelter and car park upgrades.
the $856,000 upgrade was jointly funded by Penrith City Council which contributed $511,000, the australian Government which contributed $270,000 through the local roads and Community infrastructure Program, and the NSW Government who contributed $75,000 through the Everyone Can Play program.
The Department of Planning and Environment’s Commissioner for Open Space and Parklands Fiona Morrison said people and communities are at the heart of our decision-making around the future of public spaces, and we want those locations to be free, green, open, and readily accessible to everyone.
“We’ve worked closely with Penrith City Council throughout the Everyone Can Play program and are proud to have helped deliver a playspace that incorporates the area’s character, while ensuring it’s inclusive for everyone,” Commissioner Morrison said.Member for Mulgoa tanya Davies MP said the David Currie Playspace was supported by the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program which aims to build playspaces to ensure people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds can play.
Council will also begin construction on a new amenities building this year which will include an adult change space, accessible toilet and ambulant toilet.Find out more at:
yoursaypenrith.com.au/banksdrive
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, Margaret Currie and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies unveil the commemorative plaque at the new David Currie Playspace.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies check out the inclusive flying fox with David Currie’s daughter, Elizabeth, and grandchildren Lucas, 4, Sophia, 7, and Isla, 9.
oFFenDeRs who refuse to provide information or assistance to locate their victim’s remains cannot be granted parole, under new “no body no parole” laws.
nsW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the government’s proposed Bill would mean offenders must co-operate with investigators and disclose the location of remains for any chance of release on parole.“We will make it impossible for offenders who willfully and deliberately refuse to disclose information about their victim’s remains, to be granted parole,” mr Perrottet said.
“Being unable to locate a loved one’s body is
extremely distressing and traumatic for the families and friends of victims and it denies a victim the dignity of being laid to rest appropriately.
“these laws are to stop inmates convicted of murder or homicide offences from getting parole unless they co-operate with police to end the torment of families and return to them the remains of their loved ones.”
the proposed reform will mean the state Parole Authority (sPA) must not grant parole unless it concludes the offender has cooperated satisfactorily in identifying the victim’s location.
under the reforms, the sPA must rely on written
advice from the Commissioner of nsW Police Force and other relevant information to determine whether the offender has co-operated satisfactorily to identify a victim’s Correctionslocation.minister Geoff Lee said the reforms are modelled on laws in other jurisdictions and would apply to all current and future inmates in nsW to capture convicted offenders who have not yet been considered for parole.
“Any offender in prison coming up for parole should really think hard about maintaining their refusal to cooperate with police if they want to retain their prospects of getting parole,” Dr Lee said.
Communities from across the state are encouraged to recognise and support their local veterans through the $100,000 Anzac Community Grants Program.
minister for transport, Veterans and Western sydney David elliott announced an increase to funding available to local community groups to apply for a grant, worth up to $3,000.“the nsW Government has increased funding available to honour former and current serving personnel. i encourage anyone who is interested
in the service and sacrifice of veterans in new south Wales to apply for an Anzac Community Grant,” mr elliott
said.“We’re looking for projects that honour and support our veterans and those who currently serve, and that broaden our understanding of their military efforts and peacekeeping contributions. this is an opportunity to get projects off the ground, at a local community level across the entireApplicationsstate.” are open to individuals and not-for-profit
organisations, including local government authorities, ex-service and non-government organisations and educational institutions.
Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and support to members of the nsW veteran community.ministerelliott said the program, which delivered more than 50 projects across the state last year, helps address key concerns for veterans
including wellbeing, education and recognition already highlighted in the nsW Government’s submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide.
“We are committed to supporting the more than 1,200 veterans that transition into nsW communities from the Defence Force every year, and to honour their service,” mr elliottDetailsadded.on how to apply for the Anzac Community Grants Program can be found here. the grant round closes at 5pm on 11 november 2022.
NiNdi Crescent playspace in Glenmore Park has received an exciting upgrade with a “Going on a Bear Hunt” themed transformation.Thenewplayspace design was developed in close consultation with the local community and includes hidden bears throughout the reserve for children to find, climbing equipment, swings, a slide, and an accessible multi-play unit.
The upgrade marks the halfway point of Council’s commitment to upgrade 40 playspaces over a fiveyear period between 2019-2024, with 20 playspaces now renewed across the Local Government Area.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said it was heart-warming to see local families and children enjoying the improved playspaces.
“It is important to have safe, modern and inclusive recreation spaces across our City which give young people and families the opportunity to get outside, connect and have fun,” Cr Hitchen.
Additional features of the upgrade include seating, landscaping, and a new pathway to allow for better access to the playspace. A shade sail will also be installed as part of a Council program to improve shade facilities at 90 playspaces, which is
a key component of the Cooling the CityPenrithStrategy.City Council invested $80,000 toward the Nindi Crescent playspace upgrade through its ongoing asset renewal program, with the NSW Government contributing an additional $75,000 through the
Everyone Can Play grant.
Member for Mulgoa Tanya davies MP said through the Everyone Can Play grant, the NSW Government is helping to renew, renovate and build inclusive playspaces to ensure that people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds can play.
These playspaces were identified through Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy which is a 15year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across our City.
Find your nearest playspace at: penrith.city/playgrounds
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies at the upgraded Nindi Crescent playspace in Glenmore Park.
Photo
Emu Plains, Cambridge Park, Penrith, Richmond, mount Druitt and nepal Himalaya lions clubs gathered at Emu Plains lions Park on sunday 18th september, celebrating 75 wonderful years of lions Club australia with a community BBQ.
melissa mcintosh mP, Federal member for Penrith, and Penrith City mayor Tricia Hitchen were two of the special guests on the day.
“Thank you for your warm hospitality today, it’s this spirit that makes each lions Club volunteer such a gift to our community,” said mrs mcintosh.
“Here’s to 75 more years serving our community!”
Since the first Lions club was formed in lismore in 1947, lions australia has grown to be australia’s largest service club organisation, with a strong history in community service and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Lions Clubs members gathered in Lions Park, Emu Plains to celebrate the organisation’s 75th Anniversary in Australia. Photos supplied
With 67,327 hSC students entering their very last week of school, NSW public schools are encouraging conversations around student wellbeing.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said Checkin Week, a new initiative under the Stay healthy hSC program, is an opportunity for teachers and families to connect with and support students.
“I know this week is filled with mixed emotions for our hSC students – they are looking forward at what is to come and that can be exciting for some and daunting for others,” Ms Mitchell said.“the last week of school is a great time for students to connect with others and ensure they have the support networks they need in place before they leave the school gates.
“We want the hSC Class of 2022 to know there are friends, teachers, classmates, family members and professional support services who want the best for them and are available to talk.”
Chief Executive Officer of ReachOut Ashley De Silva said the mental health and wellbeing of young people, particularly hSC students, remained as important as ever.
“to support students feeling their best while they work towards the finish line, we have some great online resources available that are useful for students, as well as their parents and carers,” Mr De SilvaRunningsaid. from now until Sunday 25 September, schools will be provided with Check-in kits which include:
• key messages for HSC students as they prepare for final exams,
• links to Stay Healthy HSC resources endorsed by 2022 hSC students,
• conversation starters to help school communities check-in with their hSC students, and a wellbeing checklist for hSC students.
As Check-in Week gets underway, the 2022 hSC enrolment snapshot has also beenEnrolmentsreleased. are consistent with previous years, with Mathematics, Biology and Business Studies attracting the largest number of students for nine years running. this year 815 sets of twins and 13 sets of triplets and one set of quadruplets are enrolled in hSC courses.
hSC written exams will commence on 12 October with English and conclude on 4 November with Design and technology.
View the full 2022 hSC enrolment snapshot here
Visit the Stay healthy hSC hub here
Occasion: Celebrating the International Day of the Girl. This year’s theme is Empowered girls grow up to be empowered women
Guest speaker: Belle Powell
Place: Penrith Panthers Club Time: 6.30 for 7pm Cost: $32 for a 2 course meal with tea/coffee rsVP: rachelswong@hotmail.com by 28th September
Hear a presentation from an inspiring young woman. Belle Powell was the 2018 YMCA Minister for Women’s Affairs and Youth Parliamentarian of the Year as well as the Zonta Club’s St Marys Senior High School awardee in 2019. She is currently a University of Sydney student in her second year studying Politics and International Relations. Belle believes in compassionate politics and hopes to use her degree for change making and advocacy work that supports equality, voice and opportunity for all people.
PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, has launched the national Remember September campaign aiming to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer, a disease that is now the 3rd biggest cancer killer of Australians.Remember September encourages people to stand with those lost to the disease, and those fighting to survive, by giving up a vice of your choosing like caffeine, sugar or alcohol, or choosing to walk 63km over the month of September to honour the 63 Australians that pancreatic cancer claims each week.
Michelle Stewart, PanKind CEO, said “Remember September provides a unique opportunity for Australians to help solve one of our country’s fastest growing health concerns, pancreatic cancer. Survival rates are unacceptably low and it is a devastating disease with dire statistics. Investment in research is critical to increasing the very low survival rate, yet funding remains desperatelyPancreaticlow”.cancer is the third most common cancer killer in Australia and has a devastatingly low five-year
survival rate of only 11.5%, a statistic that drops to around 6% in rural and regional areas. Last year the disease claimed almost as many lives as breast cancer. Almost 4000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and 80 per cent of patients will die within 12 months. It has the lowest survival rates of all main cancer types.
In its 8th year, PanKind’s Remember
September campaign is rolling out across Australia and to date has raised over $2 million for pancreatic cancer research, including projects that focus on new treatments and the early detection of the disease. Australians are encouraged to take up the challenge or support a challenger. Participants can Give It Up by removing caffeine, sugar or alcohol from their diet, or
alternatively Move It by walking 63km over the month of September.
Participants are supported by an online community, resources to take part in the Move It challenge and a “Purple Pass” is provided to those choosing Give It Up, which allows a night off the challenge for a special event.
Registration & more information: www.rememberseptember.org.au
LoCAL community groups can apply for $3,000 grants for projects supporting local veterans or boosting awareness of their role in Australia’s military history.
Tanya Davies, Member for Mulgoa said applications are now open for the $100,000 Anzac Community Grants Program and urged locals to apply.“Veterans past and present served to keep us safe and this is a great chance to recognise their sacrifices, while enriching our communities,” Mrs Davies“Maybesaid.it’s restoring a medals’ display cabinet, creating an interactive remembrance garden or researching a local veteran; let’s see what our community ideas and needs are.”
Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and support to members of the NSW veteran community.Applications are open to individuals and not-forprofit organisations including local government authorities, non-government organisations, exservice organisations and educational institutions.
Just over 50 projects were selected in 2021, including the purchase of memorabilia cabinets, the research of local veterans and commemorative murals.Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott has announced an increase to funding available to local community groups to
STUArT AyrES MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the announcement that applications are open for innovative ideas to boost public access to Penrith’s most significant heritage places and stimulate the localStuarteconomy.Ayres said this is a fantastic opportunity for the Penrith community to get involved and celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
“We are so lucky to have incredible heritage sites in Penrith and I’m excited to hear ideas on how we can reinvigorate these sites to draw people in to learning about and experiencing the history of the area,” Stuart Ayres
“Acrosssaid.the state, $5 million in funding will support these heritage projects and I encourage people from Penrith to be part of a new wave of innovative ideas that will enhance our heritage spaces.”
Minister for Heritage James Griffin said the NSW Heritage Grants program is now in its 44th year and, for the first time ever, a $1 million matched funding grant program will be trialled.
“The $1 million matched funding grant trial is designed to protect and promote NSW heritage by incentivising owners and custodians to revitalise state heritage listed sites and bring them back to life,” Mr Griffin said.
“We want to see applications that engage communities in our rich heritage, contribute to community wellbeing, and support economic activity within local areas.
“The Heritage Grants are all about revitalising some of our most meaningful places in NSW, and preserving them for our future generations.”
The 2023-2025 NSW Heritage Grants program has
apply for a grant, worth up to $3,000.
“The NSW Government has increased funding available to honour former and current serving personnel. I encourage anyone who is interested in the service and sacrifice of veterans in New South Wales to apply for an Anzac Community Grant.” Mr Elliott said.
“We’re looking for projects that honour and support our veterans and those who currently serve, and that broaden our understanding of their military efforts and peacekeeping contributions. This is an opportunity to get projects off the ground, at a local community level across the entire State.”
Applications can be submitted online until 5pm on 11 November 2022: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/grants
six categories, including:
• The new Activating State Heritage Grant where one successful applicant will be awarded $1 million in matched funding
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Grants where applicants can apply for up to $80,000
• Caring for State Heritage Grants where applicants can apply for up to $150,000
• Community Heritage Grants where applicants can apply for up to $50,000
• Emergency Works Grants to help address emergency situations at state significant sites
• Local Government Heritage Grants program designed for NSW local councils.
For more information, including guidelines and applications, visit the Heritage NSW website at www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/grants
LokI’S owner was just sitting down ready to snack on a piece or two of Cadbury Chocolate, when he turned away for a split second and 19-week-old puppy Loki had devoured the entire block! Unfortunately, chocolate contains theobromine which is slowly metabolised by animals and can be poisonous to dogs & cats.
While you shouldn’t give your pets any type of chocolate, some chocolate is more toxic than others. It is the concentration level of theobromine in chocolate that determines how toxic it is. Concentration levels vary among the different types of chocolate, but an easy way to tell how poisonous it is by how dark it is – the darker the chocolate the higher the level of theobromine it will contain.
If your dog has ingested a potentially toxic amount, they will begin to show signs and symptoms of poisoning between four to 24 hours after eating the chocolate.
Early signs are mild and include: Gastrointestinal upsets, Vomiting & Diarrhoea, Excessive urination and
Increased thirst
Signs can progress to include: Hyperactivity, Increased heart rate andThePancreatitismoresevere signs include: Depression, Heart arrhythmias and heart failure, Tremors, Seizures and ComaAs there is no antidote to theobromine, treatment involves supportive care. This may include
inducing vomiting to remove the toxin, IV fluids to assist in flushing remaining toxins, administering activated charcoal to stop the toxin from being further absorbed into the body and medication to regulate heart rateWhile dogs shouldn’t be eating chocolate, like Loki, they are masters of getting into what they shouldn’t. If you believe, or even suspect your pet
has ingested chocolate seek veterinary attention immediately. Before contacting your vet, try and determine what kind and how much chocolate they ate. With this information your veterinarian will advise you on what to do or if a toxic amount has been ingested.Treated quickly, your pet has the opportunity to make a full recovery like Loki.
On a Saturday in September 1901 near Cott’s “First & Last” Hotel on Victoria Road at St Marys, five women were more or less seriously injured and a valuable buggy terribly damaged and one of the best horses in the district ruined. It started with a meeting of women belonging to the Rupertswood and St Marys’ Presbyterian churches that was arranged to be held at the residence of Miss Anderson at Colyton. Several of the women from St Marys arranged to attend and Mr George Hope agreed to lend his horse and buggy, with Miss Walker the eldest daughter of Mr Robert Walker of St Marys undertaking to drive the animal. The ladies were Mrs George Hope, Mrs William James Thompson, Mrs K Campbell, Miss Guild and Miss Walker. The five found room in the buggy with three sitting on the front seat and two at the back, all went well on the journey along the Victoria Road to Colyton, but on the return just at the crest of the hill coming into St Marys the animal quickened his pace and a little later on Miss Walker called out that the horse was running away. Mrs Thompson tried to help pull the reins but before reaching Mr Roberts’ house, Miss Walker was either thrown or jumped out. By this time matters looked extremely serious and Mrs Thompson secured one rein but could not get the other, then Miss Guild either jumped or was thrown out between Mr Roberts’ and Mr Lane’s residences and on nearing Mr Lane’s place the animal took to the footpath on the northern side and crossed Queen street cutting Montague James Bennett’s wedding party in two as some of the vehicles had turned the corner while others remained on Victoria road. “Monty” as he was known was the eldest son of George Thomas Bennett and had just married Janet May Haining the daughter of James Stanley Haining of St Marys and the party had just left St Mary Magdalene church. By this time, the pace was a gallop, and as the vehicle passed between Cott’s hotel and the telegraph post. Those onlookers who saw it realised the occupants would be smashed to pieces. The animal rushed at full speed just past the “Park View” hotel of the late Mrs Corry whose fence projected out some feet onto the footpath. The suddenness of the impact threw the ladies in all directions. The buggy at first turned almost at right angles then clean over onto the roadway. Fortunately, the horse got loose with part of the shaft and ran on still on the footpath until he was brought up near Mr Brown’s shop. A large number of townspeople were quickly on the scene and all the ladies were unconscious. Mrs Hope soon regained consciousness and although she sustained a fractured rib, a number of bruises and a great shock, she was conveyed to her own residence. Mrs Thompson’s injuries were apparently more severe and she remained unconscious right through the night. The shock and injuries to her was very great. She had a wound on the elbow and cuts and bruises all over her body. Mrs Campbell’s injuries appeared to be dangerous and like Mrs Thompson remained unconscious all through the night, She had a fractured collarbone, a wound on her head and other injuries and they were taken to Mrs Cott’s hotel where they remained all night, being removed the following day by members of the St Marys’ Ambulance Class (Messrs J T Wood, H Francis, F Bonnard, G Giddy and others), on improvised stretchers. Miss Guild and Miss Walker were taken to their respective homes. Miss Guild had one shoulder dislocated besides being bruised a good deal and was suffering a good deal from shock too. Miss Walker suffering from shock had several abrasions about the face and head and many bruises. As soon as the accident
happened telegrams were sent, first to Dr Higgins who happened to be in Sydney, then to Dr McMasters who was away visiting the sick and immediately on his return he drove as quickly as possible to relieve the sufferers. Dr Higgins only came by the 6.11 pm train from Sydney on being informed and drove from the station at a gallop. Prior to the arrival of the doctors, Mr Pye the local chemist and several members of the ambulance class assisted to relieve the sufferers. Mr Hope’s buggy had been knocked clean out of shape and the first two wheels had been turned pretty well inside out with the dash and back rail also broken as well as the shafts and splinter bar. The buggy was said to be one of the strongest in the district. By the Thursday evening all the patients were doing well and Reverend H S Buntine busied himself among the injured ones. Those who witnessed the crash said they will never forget it. Reverend Buntine had only been inducted to the Presbyterian charge of St Marys and Rupertswood a week before and came with special recommendations from the Port Macquarie district where he resided for eight years. The farewell for Reverend and Mrs Buntine at the Port Macquarie Church prior to the departure was a brilliant affair with several going away presents including a magnificent Past Master’s Jewel by his fellow members of the Lodge Hastings (Masons). The jewel was made of solid gold and had the bar inscribed with the name of the lodge and a clasp bearing the Reverend’s monogram. The jewel, in the form of a T square had the following inscription “Presented to P.M. Bro, H S Buntine by Lodge Hastings in appreciation of past services.”
Source: Nepean Times.
Photo of St Marys Presbyterian Church courtesy of Penrith Library
Penrith Cricket Club conducted several trial games on Saturday 17th September. These action pics are from Rance Oval, featuring Miklot’s team and Dent’s team. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Riders preparing to compete at the Agnes Banks Equine Clinic at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) last weekend. Photos by Noel Rowsell.
The St Marys Outpost boys were very excited this week as they were heading off to Thirlmere Transport Museum.
90 Years strong, the Penrith Hospital Auxiliary has forged many friendships and done so much for our community. Here’s to 90 more! Melissa McIntosh MP was delighted to join volunteers at their special celebratory lunch, and award certificates of appreciation.
The Panthers are getting ready for their Saturday game against South Sydney Rabbitohs and are one win away from the Grand Final.
Enjoy a PAWsome day out with your furry, feathered or scaly friend at the Blacktown City Pet Festival this october.
The Pet Festival will return on Sunday, 9 october, after a two-year hiatus due to CoVID-19, with a range of fun interactive activities, demonstrations and exhibits for pet lovers.Blacktown
City Mayor Tony Bleasdale oAM is encouraging owners and their pets to come along and celebrate pets of all shapes and sizes at Blacktown Showground.
“The Blacktown Pet Festival is a fantastic event on our City’s annual calendar and celebrates all things pets, while also promoting responsible pet ownership,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Blacktown is a city of proud pet owners, and this festival provides a great opportunity for local pet organisations and businesses to showcase their causes, products and services in a pet-friendly environment.“Therewill be free-microchipping for Blacktown City residents, free vet checks and an adoption stall with pets looking for their fur-ever homes.
“This year will be the final time we celebrate the Pet Festival at Blacktown Showground, with the
event to be held at Council’s new Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre, or BARC, from next year.”
Council will once again team up with the Blacktown Animal Holding Facility (AHF), which provides a safe
home for lost animals whilst attempts are made to reunite them with their family or rehome them.
Throughout the day, there will be a special guest appearance from Farmer Dave, who is famous for his amazing
work with dogs through training, sports and socialisation.
A highlight of the festival is the pet fashion parade and canine high jump competition, with prizes on offer for: the tallest pet, shortest pet, best trick, ugliest pet, best AHF rescue, best dressed and most like owner.
The festival will also feature:
• Dog obedience
• Pet competitions
• Free jumping castle
• Free face painting
• Reptile display
• Free pony rides
• Free vet checks
• Free microchipping
• Sheep shearing demonstrations
• Pet stalls and displays
• Animal Holding facility animal adoption stall
• Food trucks
Visit the website for more details: Blacktown-City-Pet-FestivalEvents-and-activities/2022-www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/EventinformationWhat:
2022 Blacktown City Pet Festival
When: Sunday, 9 10am-2pmoctober,
Where: Francis Park, Blacktown Showground, Blacktown.
money every month. i’ve recently saved a client over 1 percent by switching to another lender.
Spring has arrived so time to start planning for your Christmas festivities and holiday. if you don’t have enough savings in the bank to pay for your Chrissy joy, then best to look at how you can reduce your expenses now.
With interest rates escalating at the fastest rate in our history, people with home loans have seen the rates increase by 2.25 percent over the last few months. There will be more increases this year as well, as the Reserve Bank tries to reign in inflation. Until demand decreases, and prices for goods and services stabilise, expect more financial pain.
renters are also being hit with large rent increases on average of about 10 percent in Sydney. rents will probably continue to rise over the next 12 to 18 months due to increasing demand and falling supply.
Here are some financial tips to get your debts under better control.
HOME LOANS - review the interest rate you are paying. Ask your lender for a lower rate and the best options for your circumstances. if they don’t give you a better rate, talk to me about me about refinancing to a lender who will give you a lower rate and save you
Some lenders are offering rebates of $2,000 to $4,000 to switch your home loan to them as well.
CREDIT CARDS - put the credit cards in a draw until you are able to repay the outstanding balance in full and only use your cash and savings to buy essential items. if you don’t have enough cash or savings, then don’t buy it, especially if it is not essential.
if you have multiple cards or debts, pay in full the smallest balance card or debt and then destroy that credit card. Then start repaying the next smallest balance card and so on. Having outstanding balances each month on multiple credit cards is a recipe for financial disaster.
BUY NOW PLAY LATER FEES - These payment options like Afterpay and Zippay etc are increasing in popularity very quickly, whilst credit card use is declining. They usually don’t charge any interest if you pay the minimum monthly repayment but the monthly fees are high compared to the debt incurred.Forexample, Zippay charges a monthly fee of $7.95 and Latitude charges a monthly fee of $8.95 plus $0.95 every time you make an online payment. So, if you have a debt of only $100, Latitudes fees equate to 10 percent per month (that’s 120 percent
per annum!!) or 5 percent per month on a debt of $200.
INSURANCES - Most general insurance policies start off cheap but then the price rises on renewal as insurance companies know that most people will stick with their current policies. it pays you to shop around every year or so. You can save hundreds each year by doing some homework on the net or on the phone. Most insurance companies will give you a lower premium if you apply on-line as well.
ELECTRICITY AND GAS - Shop around. You should be able to get 25 per cent off the usage rates recently for both electricity and gas. if you call another supplier and they say the maximum discount is 20 per cent for example, then go back to your current supplier and ask them to better that offer.
SUBSCRIPTIONS - Cancel any subscriptions to gyms, Foxtel, TV streaming services, newspapers etc that you don’t use regularly. go for a nice long walk with your kids or friends instead. If you are puffing while walking and talking, your body, relationships and your wallet are all benefitting.
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.
iS it me or are our socks living their best lives somewhere? i know that this is probably a really infinite and pick the fluff from your navel subject and you are possibly thinking, “has this woman been on the happy pills again?“
BUT alas, it is a real dilemma, and I believe that through my security investigative training i have possibly found a loop hole, the answer, the sign?
You see, the other day i placed 6 pairs of socks into my front loader, lovingly drenched the in-tray with softener, lavender of course, washing liquid and some other crap that’s supposed to thicken, soften and keep the colour.
Yes i know, you are saying to yourself, “They are just frigg’n socks for god’s sake,” but wait there’s more. They are not merely just that, they are a piece of clothing that is a vital part of our everyday living, particularly like me if you have ugly toe nails (sorry to those eating).
now before you throw a chair and burn this news article at the stake, continue reading because
i think i have found the answer to a century-old question.So,iwas standing and watching the cycle go around and around and around and around and aro… i think you get the drift, and i wondered what actually goes on in the mind of a sock in the washer? Does it think, “holy sh*t balls i hope she hasn’t got this on 155 minutes – with a 1200 spin at the end, as i may spew up a fur ball, or does it think wow this is great finally I get the heel crack skin out of my cavities?
So at the end of the cycle, i pulled the socks out and there it was …. (jaws music) two socks missing!!!!!!!! What the? and not the same colour or set. it’s like the switch internally goes from zero to 100 in 3.2 seconds and you are a crazed person looking for the socks, second guessing, did i or didn’t i? You are almost calling a lost pussy cat, “here socky socky sockeeeeee.” pulling a rubber thingy from every area of the washer.
Then i realised, there must be a secret sock
pipe that the socks escape from, end up in Sydney Harbour and they swim to the Maldives to an island where or course other socks are. roaming aimlessly.Thegreat news is that, no sock is the same, you have stinky footy socks, holey socks all drinking at a bar with the gym socks, short socks, fluro, stripped and of course the pilates rubber bottomed socks (apparently they are not that approachable) so i have heard.
I finally realised that the 30 something years of security and investigative training that i have endured, had finally answered and conquered, the why and where of socks.
Yes folks they are at the Maldives on an island, bouncing around and drinking cocktails on the beach.now
i do realise that this is probably 2 and bit minutes that you won’t get back of your life, but you can say you read here first …at the Geespot!
Bottoms up, or should i say feet up!
With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker With Gina Field, Nepean Regional SecurityOrganisers of this month’s Qatar airways irOnMan 70.3 Western sydney are pleased to announce that the 2022 event is now a sell-out.
irOnMan 70.3 Western sydney returns to the sydney international regatta Centre and surrounds on Sunday 25 September for the first time since 2019.
The event’s return will see more than 1,500 athletes take part, with entries featuring a great mix of first timers and those familiar with the event.
Athletes will take on a 1.9km swim within the Regatta Centre, a 90km ride heading north on Castlereagh Road and a 21.1km flat and fast run around the venue.
Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of Oceania for The IRONMAN Group, said that the response from athletes for the return of the event has been exceptionally strong.
“We’re thrilled to be in the position to put up the sold-out sign for the return of the Qatar airways IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney,” said Meyer. “This event has been a long-time coming for athletes and the community and it’s great that we’re able to be back up and running for the first time since 2019.
“The response from athletes both based locally and abroad has been great, athletes are keen to get back to racing in Western sydney after an almost three-year hiatus,” he said. “This event is perfect for athletes of all abilities and experience, as the venue is ideal for those taking part in their first IRONMAN 70.3 and the flat and fast course is great for those chasing a personal best time.”
The oldest male competitor in the irOnMan 70.3
is Chris Illidge (Great Britain), who is racing in the 80+ category, whilst the oldest female competitors are Clare Labowitch (Darwin), Corinne Fabian (Darwin) and Monique Kusse (Foster), who are all racing in the 65-69 Age Category.
There are also three Para-athletes competing in the event, being Emma Mickle (VIC), Minda Dentler (Usa) and Trevor Murphy (nsW).
There are also 246 competitors in the Teams’ event, which is comprised of 16 Women’s teams, 23 Men’s teams and 43 Mixed teams.
The 2022 irOnMan 70.3 will also feature an IRONKIDS race on Saturday 24 September, with
children aged between 7 and 13 able to take part.
IRONKIDS Western Sydney is set to be a run/ bike/run, with 7-9 year old’s completing a 200m run, 1km ride and 500m run, whilst 10-13 year old’s have a 400m run, 3km ride and 1km run.
For more on the Qatar Airways IRONMAN 70.3 Western sydney visit: www.ironman.com/im703western-sydney or Craig Heydon craig.heydon@ ironman.com Public Relations & Media Director, The IRONMAN Group Oceania Mob: 0402 318 918 or Ruth Bowerman ruth.bowerman@ironman. com Media Executive, The IRONMAN Group Oceania M: (+64) 21 209 6978.
Action from the Age Group categories in 2019 and road closures on near the course on Sunday 25th September.
Photos courtesy ‘Korupt Vision’
There are three Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation (JNJG) tournaments taking place in the hunter Valley next week, headed by the prestigious Junior International, which featured in last week’s Nepean News.
The top-tier Junior International will be held at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club from 27th-30th September.TheJack Newton International SubJunior Classic will also take place next week at Crowne Plaza hunter Valley, for golfers aged 14, 13, 12, 11 and 10 Years & Under, from Tuesday, 27th September to Friday, 30th September .
The Sub-Junior tournament is limited to 208 of the best juniors aged 14 & Under from Australia, with a number of international players also takingLocalpart.entries to date include: Annoushka Maikap, riley Cleminson, ruby Ison, Savannah Webb (Stonecutters ridge), Brent Gadd (Penrith), Camilla Kim, Chayse Thorpe, honey Kim, Jake Franklin (Lynwood), hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks), Ti Fox (richmond).
The Jack Newton International 9-hole Junior Classic is the third tournament, being held at Singleton Golf Club from 28th September to 30th September.
Wednesday 28th will feature Tour Championship Clinics and a Skills Challenge, whilst Thursday 29th and Friday 30th will be rounds 1 and 2 of the 2022 International 9-hole Junior Classic
The 9-hole tournament is for members of the Jack Newton Junior Golf ‘Juniors on the Move’ program, or any junior Under 12 years of age who does not hold an official 18 Hole handicap.
Local juniors entered to date are emma Norman (richmond), hudson hughes (Penrith), Joel Miller, Lucas Wakeling, Luke Miller, Zoe Miller (Lynwood), Talan Bale (Glenmore heritage Valley).
IN our 9th September edition, we mentioned to Umpire awards for the Nepean hockey Association which were incorrect.
The Pam Nelson Senior Umpire award was won by Panthers Max Buckley, whilst the Carol Morris trophy for Junior Umpire of the year was won by Patrick Mortlock from rooty hill rSL.
By Noel Rowsell
PeNrITh GC’s Men’s Major Pennant team Michael Organ winning 3&2,
Josh Scott 1-up, Jonah Metuangara 5&4 and Chris Lawler a draw. the overall result decided, Dale hughes, Blade Gadd and Josh Gadd were able to cut short their matches as halves, with Penrith taking the second leg win 5-2 and overall 9-5, thereby securing their position in Division 1 for 2023.
Penrith GC Major Pennant team members Jonah Metuangaro and Josh Scott in action earlier in the season. File photos by Noel Rowsell
Carol Morris Junior Umpire of the Year Patrick Mortlock with Junior Umpire Convener Ian Kennedy. Photo supplied
Annoushka Maikap and Michelle Yang in action. Photos supplied
trade as a professional in europe.
Grace Lee (Glenmore Park / concord Gc) has celebrated yet another top golf result for 2022, taking out the Girls category in the adidas Junior 6’s Tour.
By winning the Girls Points race, Grace has earned an exemption into the 2023 NSW Women’s Open and also a 12-month adidas Scholarship.BrielleMapanao (Quakers Hill / The Australian GC) finished the season in 5th place, whilst exciting 11-year old camilla Kim (Lynwood CC) finished 20th.
Outstanding young male golfer Jeffrey Guan (The australian Gc) won the Boys’ Points race, then backed up to win the 54-hole World Final.
Kade Webber (Stonecutters ridge Gc) finished tied 14th in the Boys Points Race.
The Junior 6s Tour was created in 2019 to honour the legacy of tour founder ewan Porter’s father, Norm Porter, with the inaugural event taking place at cronulla Gc in Sydney’s south.
The boys champion in 2019, Hayden Hopewell, has since gone on to win on the PGa Tour of australasia and the runner-up, elvis Smylie, went on to win several highly-regarded amateur tournaments, and is now plying his
2020 saw the addition of adidas as title sponsor, as the tour expanded into a national series. With a season-long points race and the unique twist of boys competing against girls in the Super 6s Knockout, the adidas Junior 6s immediately earned significant global exposure.
In 2021, the growth continued with australia’s best junior golfers teeing it up on some of the country’s finest golf courses, including Royal Sydney, Metropolitan and Yarra Yarra
Unfortunately the season was interrupted by covid lockdowns across australia but by combining the 2021/22 schedules, competitors had the opportunity to tee it up in 20 tournaments, including the Super 6s first international event in New Zealand, with the World Final being played at Kingston Heath Gc on the famous Melbourne sandbelt.Theadidas
Junior 6s Tour’s Mission Statement is to create as many pathways and opportunities for junior golfers as possible. competitors are vying for numerous professional tournament exemptions and 4 Adidas scholarships. These pathways and opportunities for the next generation of stars ensures the adidas Junior 6s Tour has firmly cemented its status as the most exciting, and rewarding, junior golf tour in the world.
By Noel Rowsell Girls Points Race winner Grace Lee with organiser Ewan Porter and Boys Points Race winner Jeffrey Guan. Photo supplied.
By Noel Rowsell
The organisers of Sunday’s Junior Dirt Track Day at Nepean Raceway on Sunday described the event as ‘Awesome’.“Thankyou to all the riders and their families for coming to try Sydney’s oldest, fastest and longest dirt track,” said CPMCC Treasurer Matt“TheAdamson.daywas a huge success and we were stoked to have over 80 junior riders join us.
“There were so many happy faces and plenty of positive comments, but most of all the juniors had an awesome day riding.
“To be honest, it’s not often you’ll find a worn-out junior. Well today, I think they got their monies worth and there will be an early night for everyone!“Abigshout out to all the helpers who pulled this day together, including Nepean Motorsports Club, Motorcycling NSW Minikhana, Nepean Raceway, Minikhana Sports Committee, City of Penrith Motorcycle Club and Penrith Minibike Club.
“Also, thanks to Matt, Christine, Ken, Tim, Andrew, Johnathan, Dave, Mick, Dean and all the flaggies, medical and canteen people just to mention a few – we couldn’t have done it without you.”
AuSTRAlIA has sent a strong team to the 2022 World Rowing Championships, which are currently being held in Racica, Czechoslovakia between 18th-25th September.
A total of 24 female rowers were chosen from the National squad which is based in the hancock Prospect National Training Centre, in Penrith, located alongside Nepean RowingAnnabelleClub.
McIntyre OAM and lucy Stephan OAM are two of the higher-profile female rowers in the Women’s team, which is comprised as follows:
Single Sculls: Tara Rigney
Lightweight Single Sculls: Georgia Nesbitt
Double Sculls: Anneka Reardon and lucy Coleman
Quad Sculls: Rowena Meredith, harriet hudson, Kate Rowan, Amanda Bateman
Pairs: eliza Gafney, Georgia Gleeson
Fours: Annabelle McIntyre OAM, lucy Stephan OAM, Bronnie Cox, Kat Werry
Eights: Paige Barr, Jacqueline Swick, Georgina Rowe, emma Fessey, ella Bramwell, eleanor Price, Jean Mitchell, Giorgia Patten, Coxswain Talia Barnett-Hepples (Reserve laura Gouley)
Penrith’s Para-rower Erik Horrie is also competing at the World Championships and will be racing in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls.
Action from the 2022 World Rowing Championships . Photos courtesy of Rowing Australia Coleman,LucyAnnekaReardonTaraRigney Action from the Junior Dirt Track Day at Nepean Raceway on Sunday 18th September. Photos courtesy of Matt Adamson.Western sydney Whitewater Club is hosting a free Canoe slalom ‘Come and try’ day on saturday 24th november, with a noteworthy selection of coaches on hand, including former World Champions
richard Fox MBe and roslyn Lawrence, who was recently appointed by Paddle Australia as the Performance Pathways Lead for Canoe slalom. the Penrith Whitewater stadium has recently reopened for the summer and the Canoe slalom community is taking full advantage of the whitewater with the following activities:
- Ivanhoe Grammar school from Melbourne ran a
beginner kayaking camp this Mon-Wed - An ‘All states’ national development camp, with paddlers from tasmania, Melbourne, Perth and across nsW attending from the 24th-26th september.-Anational Pathways squad camp on the 29th/30th september, following on from two days at the AIs
By Noel Rowsell
Former World Champions Roslyn Lawrence and Richard Fox (#3) will be two of the coaches at the ‘Come and Try’ sessions. Photos by Noel Rowsell
he Blacktown Red Belly Warriors Rugby League club held their annual Rugby League Men’s and Women’s Knockout Tournament on Saturday 17th September, attracting 14 teams, 280 players and over 1,000 spectators to the Federation Forest Rugby League fields in Mt Druitt.
The captains of each of the Men’s teams was presented with a Boondi (aboriginal hunting stick) by the BRBW committee, whilst the captains of each of the Women’s teams were presented with a Coolamon (aboriginal carrying vessel).
“This event was instigated by my grandmother 30 years ago,” said Rondelle Ryan, Deputy Principal
Instructional Leader (Aboriginal Education).
“I’d like to thank the community for getting behind us so strongly with the event and I look forward to seeing them all again at next year’s tournament.”
In the Men’s division, Redfern Next Generation defeated Blacktown Red Belly Warriors, whilst in the Women’s division, Blacktown Red Belly Warriors defeated Yuin.
Mt Druitt defeated BRBW in the Under 17 Boys, whilst BRBW defeated Newcastle Hawks in the Under 15 Boys.
A number of high-profile NRL players came along to watch on the day, including Josh Ado-Carr, Dean Widders and Oregon Kaufusi.
At the request of Blacktown City Councillor Julie Griffiths to keep the tournament alive, it will be held on a similar date in 2023.
By Noel Rowsell BRBW Men’s team
Captain’s of various Men’s teams each presented with a Male Boondi by the BRBW committee
Blacktown City Councillor Julie Griffiths presenting trophies to the BRBW Women’s team.
Penrith’s yacht-racing crew have added a new member to the team, with Char Vella (Caddens) responding to the invitation to come out and try sailing aboard racing yacht ‘it happens’.Charjoins the crew at an interesting time as they prepare to defend their title in the 2022/23 sydney harbour Women’s Keelboat series.
the Keelboat series consists of six races, with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), royal sydney Yacht squadron (rsYs), Manly Yacht Club (MYC) and royal Australian naval sailing Association (rAnsA) all hosting one race apiece, whilst Middle harbour Yacht Club (MhYC) hosts both the first and fifth races.
Crews will be able to compete with either a full female crew or female helm divisions, as well as nominate spinnaker or non-spinnaker racing.
‘it happens’ won the previous series under the control of helmswoman Bridget Canham, who will once again be at the helm for the new series.
One of Australia’s leading tacticians, robert speedy, will also be joining the crew for the Keelboat series, with part-owner Craig Young saying the anticipated success with robert on-board will ruin our handicap forever.
2022/23 Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series Race Schedule
race 1 – sunday 25 september 2022 (MhYC) race 2 – sunday 30 October 2022 (CYCA) race 3 – sunday 20 november 2022 (rsYs) race 4 – sunday 22 January (rAnsA) race 5 – sunday 26 February (MhYC) race 6 – sunday 26 March (MYC)
the popular Wednesday twilight series also recommences on 5 October 2022 and runs through to 22 March 2023. there will be a six-week break in the twilight series from 1 December, whilst the CYCA trophy and rolex sydney hobart Yacht race are being conducted.
the twilight races are non-spinnaker and start at 6:00pm every week, except for the first three and the last two, when the races start at 5:30pm.ithappens and the Penrith / richmond crew will also race ‘it happens’ in the annual rotary solas regatta on Friday 18th november.Findout more about this race at www.rotarysolascharityregatta.com.au/
By Noel Rowsell
It Happens racing in the 2022 Winter Series on Sydney Harbour. Photo supplied
They both know how to win a premiership, they’ve represented the New Zealand Kiwis in international Tests and now they’re focused on driving the Panthers into their third NRL Grand Final in as many years.
Both props demonstrated their talent in the first week of finals with Fisher-Harris scoring a try and Leota setting up another. Combined, they broke seven tackles and ran 277 metres across their stints to help the team to a 27-8 victory over the Parramatta eels.
Reflecting on their performance, they say it all comes down to simply trying their hardest and working with their teammates.
“I just try to do my best job every week for the team to get the win and that’s all it is really,” Leota said.“It just comes from working hard at training, keeping up the intensity and doing the work. That’s when the results come,” Fisher-Harris said.
As a more senior player in the group, Leota explains that knowing when to use his voice to direct the team comes with experience and exposure to high-pressure situations.
“I just try to build up the boys and give them confidence with my voice out there. I let them know whenever they need to pull their heads in too though,” he joked.
Whilst for Fisher-Harris, leading the team is more about reading the game and knowing when his teammates need that extra bit of a boost.
“When I see something out there, it’s pretty easy. I’ve been in the game for a little bit now, so I sort of see what’s going on. I know how to deal with certain moments in the game,” he said.
“With some of the younger boys, I just give them the confidence to keep doing what they’ve been doing all year. They’ve been killing it, so I just pump them up.”
Moving from New Zealand to Australia as teenagers, both forwards made significant sacrifices to chase their football dreams. Fisher-Harris’ manager taught him how to catch public transport and to make purchases, while Leota washed cars to make minimum wage while progressing through the Panthers pathway.
“I started off in a caravan when I moved from New Zealand to Australia,” Leota said. “I lived with my cousin in Mount Druitt. Looking back on that, it’s really humbling knowing where I started from and compare that to where I am now. It’s always good to look back.”
heading into the Preliminary Final on Saturday against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Fisher-Harris says the bond the team shares is what makes him love playing football every week.
“I’ve always loved the game and this is just such a good workplace, I enjoy every day that I’m here,” he
“We’vesaid. been through the ranks together. We’ve had really low lows so being where we are now means so much to us. Now we’re up here, we don’t want to let each other down. I’m confident that no one in this team will let anyone down.”
Around the Panthers playing group, both James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota are regarded as quiet, yet powerhouses,hardworkingwhoputin the extra yards at training and lead by example on-field.
