Nepeannews 24july2014

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Thursday, 24 July 2014

ISSUE 129

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PENRITH: ADVENTURE CAPITAL Penrith is establishing itself as the adventure capital, see cover story on page 9

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NOMINATE as a volunteer National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Regional Advisory Committee member and have a say on the care, control and management of national parks and reserves.

Member for Londonderry Bart Bassett is encouraging people in the Londonderry electorate to nominate for a position on the Blue Mountains or Metro South West NPWS region which include parts of the Blacktown, Hawkesbury and Penrith council areas.

“The national parks and reserves in Australia are environmental treasures that are the responsibility of us all to look after,’’ Mr Bassett said.

“We are even more fortunate in this area to have the priceless Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area right on our doorstep here in the Londonderry electorate and can see it in the short and medium distance.

“Some constituents even live within its boundaries.’’

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Join the committee

NPWS regional advisory committees provide advice to NPWS and the State Government on the care, control and management of national parks and reserves.

The current term of appointment for volunteer members of the local committee expires on 31 December 2014.

Go to the State Office of Environment and Heritage website at www.environment.nsw.gov. au/NPWS/AdvisoryCommittees.htm for more information and a nomination form.

Nominations close on 1 August 2014.

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4 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

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Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

by Kerrie Martin

Be very careful with rat bait A GOOD friend of mine suffered a cruel blow this week- losing both her family’s beloved dogs in less than 24 hours.

Bullet, the little black pup and Jackson their older dog passed away in a terrible way - after accidentally eating rat bait.

Rat poison is of course very toxic - as it is designed to kill and unfortunately little Bullet went very quickly - he didn’t stand a chance.

Older dog Jackson fought the good fight for as long as he could, but the dreaded poison took him too.

My friend Narelle and her family are understandably devastated, and they want to warn others to be extra vigilant about placing rat baits in homes that house pets and small children.

Choking back tears, Narelle said although people think of them as messy, mouse traps are a much better way to go when preventing rodent problems.

RIP to Bullet and Jackson, let’s hope your terribly unfair deaths serve as a warning to others how toxic rat baits can be.

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YARRAMUNDI resident Anja Nissen has proved she has the most powerful voice in the country, taking out the 2014 title on The Voice program.

The 18 year old was a ‘wild card’ contestant on Team Will I Am and this week took out the number one spot in the grand final.

The pretty girl with the dazzling smile and powerhouse voice wooed audiences week after week and belted out some great renditions of well known songs.

A semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent when she was 12, Anja has enjoyed some spotlight from that moment, and notes singing the Danish national anthem in the company of Princess Mary of Denmark as a personal highlight.

Anja found her voice at a young age on her parent’s rural property where she could sing at the top of her lungs. Here she also discovered a love for animals, nature and motorbike riding.

Coach Will I Am wasted no time, declaring he would like to sign Anja to his label before the ink was dry on her new title.

Anja attended high school at Winmalee High and her grandparents lost their home in Winmalee during the bushfires.

Congratulations to Anja, we’ll all be watching your shining star rise and rise!

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Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

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Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Council grants wishes Trade training under review PENRITH City Council is offering support to local non-profit community groups through small grants of up to $1200.

The grants are available through Council’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) to support local community groups that provide services to residents in the Penrith Local Government Area.

Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the grants will help community groups deliver valuable programs to those in the Penrith area.

“The program offers small grants for non-profit community groups to

use toward holding a community event, undertaking a special project or purchasing equipment,” Cr Fowler said.

“It can be tough financially in providing the services that many of the community groups offer. The Community Assistance Program enables Council to help support many local organisations and groups run valuable grass roots projects and activities.

“It is a small contribution that can make a big difference to many in our community.”

In 2013-14, Council approved 34 grant applications totaling $34,794 that enabled community groups to provide cultural inclusion activities, gardening classes and a nursery as well as neighbourhood celebrations for new residents.

The annual funding round for CAP opens on Monday 21 July closes on Monday 18 August 2014.

For more information visit Council’s Website at http:// www.penrithcity.nsw.gov. au or contact Council on 4732 7838.

LINDSAY MP Fiona Scott says the quality of Trade Training Centres (TTC) in schools programme, which was introduced by the previous government, will be independently reviewed amid feedback students are not graduating with the skills employers need.

“Industry has raised numerous concerns about inconsistencies in the quality of training, qualifications and equipment offered from one Centre to the next,” Ms Scott said.

“We need to get more of our kids into trades and training if we’re going to address skills shortages, but training needs to be high-quality and include on-the-job experience to be effective.”

“Unfortunately, Labor’s TTC’s programme was more focussed on building flashy new buildings, rather than the quality of training delivered inside.”

“We need to ensure our kids know trades and training are first-class career pathways, just like university, and that the quality of training and qualifications they receive reflects

this. That’s what the review is all about.”

“These Trade Training Centres are operating with 20 year contracts, so our review is about ensuring they deliver taxpayers and students maximum value going forward”, Fiona Scott concluded.

The Abbott Government is currently working with the states and territories to update the national Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) framework for the first time since 2001 and this review will complement that work.

Local Trade Training Centres in Penrith and St Marys can also have a say, via www.education.gov.au/tradetraining-centres-schools-program The independent TTC review is being conducted by Ms Patricia Scott, an economist with wide experience in policy and service delivery as a senior policy adviser and former Departmental Secretary.

The report into Trade Training Centres is expected to be presented to the Government later this year.

Is your chimney sending you smoke signals?

WESTERN Sydney councils are joining forces to tackle wood smoke pollution.

The Western Sydney Wood smoke Project, run by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), aims to make residents more aware of the proper operation of their wood heaters which will ultimately save money, reduce nuisance smoke and improve regional air quality.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said smoky chimneys could be a real problem during winter months, when wood smoke haze is trapped over built up areas.

He asked residents with wood heaters to check their chimneys for excessive smoke.

“Unfortunately wood smoke pollution can harm the environment and your health and can be upsetting for neighbours,” Clr Fowler said.

“Ideally, chimneys should not vent any smoke, just a heat haze. Older models may vent thin wispy smoke.

However, if your chimney has obvious smoke this means it’s not operating as efficiently as it could be, regardless of its age.

“Proper operation of your wood heater does not only reduce wood smoke, it is also economically more efficient.”

Simple steps to reduce wood smoke are: • Don’t let your heater smoulder overnight – keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame.

• Burn only dry, aged hardwood in your wood heater. Unseasoned wood has lots of moisture, which causes a fire to smoke.

• Store your wood under cover in a dry, ventilated area. Freshly cut wood needs to be stored for at least eight to twelve months.

• Never burn rubbish, driftwood or painted or treated wood. These are sure to pollute the air and can produce poisonous gases.

• When lighting a cold heater, use plenty of dry kindling to establish a good fire quickly.

• Use several small logs rather than one large log and stack them loosely in your heater, so air can circulate around them. Don’t cram the firebox full.

• Keep the flame lively and bright.

Your fire should only smoke when you

first light it and when you add extra fuel. Open the air controls fully for 5 minutes before and 15 to 20 minutes after reloading the heater.

• Check your chimney regularly to see how well your fire is burning.

If there is smoke coming from the chimney, increase the air supply to your fire.

• Have the chimney cleaned every year to prevent creosote build-up.

• If you are buying a wood heater, make sure it has a compliance plate

showing it meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4013:1999) and obtain the relevant Council approvals prior to installation.

Penrith Council and WSROC are holding a free workshop on Tuesday 12 August at 6.30pm about wood smoke pollution. The workshop will provide tips for better wood heater operation. All participants will receive a free goodie bag and go into the draw to win an iPad. A light meal will also be provided. To register telephone 4732 8055.

Help Rossco to help others

By Kerrie Martin

MANY disadvantaged people in the Penrith region have Ross Rossco Hutchison to thank for making their lives just that little bit easier.

This wonderful man is the champion of all charities, is the first to raise his hand to help those in need and never seems to run out of puff.

Rossco leads an extremely busy lifestyle which includes hosting a show on Vintage FM, offering spiritual guidance, working his magic on horses as a chiropractor and performing Master of Ceremony duties at many an event.

The man is an enigma - you’ll find him involved in just about anything at all in Penrith - in fact it was no surprise not long ago when I was at Penrith Paceway and past me trots Rossco in full satin regalia steering his horse up to compete in the next race!

It makes me tired just listing what he does before I even start on his charity work!

When it comes to charity, Rossco has helped sick children, teenagers, the disabled, the homeless and the

list goes on and on - in fact any person encountering pretty much any problem could turn to see a smiling Rossco with his out-stretched hand ready to help them.

But in order for this incredible human being to continue doing his great work in our community, his charity, The Ross Hutchison Foundation needs funds.

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“The proceeds will also send a

7 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

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busload of our disabled friends on a round Australia Tour and ignite our “Teaching Of English Through Radio” as part of providing the funds for the construction of Fresh Water Wells and Schools in Cambodia,” Rossco said.

Please support his efforts to help others.

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Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

WHO AM I?

?

I hold St Marys and Penrith close to my heart Being sociable and social are things I strive high for

I spend a lot of time laboring for the community

Since this photo I have decreased the hair on my head but increased the hair on my chin Result on page 30

City Park a step closer PENRITH City Council will continue to investigate the merits of a City Park after a report was tabled at its Policy Review Committee Meeting.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the genesis for the creation of a city park began in 2006.

“In 2006 Council adopted the Penrith City Centre Strategy which recommended a park to give the city a civic heart for community gatherings and celebrations,” Cr Fowler said.

“Unlike the Macquarie towns of the era, Penrith was never surveyed with land allocated to specific uses such as a central park to meet the future civic needs of its population.

“As Penrith’s city centre grows and we plan for a vibrant, economically robust regional city that will accommodate 12,000 new jobs and 10,000 new residents, our research and community consultation through Penrith Progression is pointing to the need for a civic heart.”

Penrith Progression has been actively engaging the community through its workshops, seminars,

forums and online development of ideas that explore and test how to transform the city centre into a better place to live, work and invest.

Participants in the many forums and focus groups have raised the need for a local gathering space and a place for connection with other people and the environment.

A review will be undertaken in the coming months to confirm what the park’s role could be in the future and how it could help shape the urban form of the city by acting as a catalyst for investment. The review will help to define how big the City Park should be according to the range and scale of uses, taking into account anticipated future growth of the City Centre.

The concept of City Park is still in its early days of planning and will be subject to the outcomes of the City Park review and feedback from Penrith Progression. Feedback from both forums will be used to prepare a design master plan and funding plan for further community consultation.

Ammunition on train A MAN has been charged after allegedly being found in possession of ammunition while travelling on a train towards Parramatta earlier in the week.

About 2:30pm, Wednesday July 16, a 36-year-old man boarded a train at Penrith Railway Station to travel to Parramatta.

During the journey the man was spoken to by officers from the Police Transport Command who requested to see his train ticket.

The man was allegedly unable to produce a ticket and was submitted to a search.

During a search police allegedly located 21 rounds of live ammunition in his backpack.

He was also in possession of a petrol-powered bicycle which are deemed to be dangerous articles and prohibited from being carried on trains.

The man was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was charged with possess ammunition without holding a licence, travel on train without valid ticket and posses thing that contains petrol on public passenger vehicle.

He will appear in Parramatta Local Court on August 13.

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Penrith: Sydney’s adventure capital

By Kerrie Martin

OUR region has long been known for its history and heritage, flowing river along the base of the Blue Mountains escarpment, lake scheme and picturesque valleys; but now Penrith is boasting a new source of attraction - it is becoming known as the adventure capital.

And as proof that we are rapidly establishing as a must-see destination, well known travel program host Mike Whitney spoke to Penrith tourism operators at a networking event at Penrith Civic Centre on Tuesday.

The former Australian one day and test cricketer hosts Sydney Weekender exploring travel destinations across NSW. The program, now in its 21st year, shows Whitney traversing the state profiling the best places to stay, eat and play.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said no one knows tourism in NSW like Mike Whitney.

“Mike has travelled far and wide within the state showcasing many travel and tourist destinations. His knowledge of the tourism industry and what makes a great travel destination

9 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

cover story

“Worth the trip to Penrith”

will be welcomed by our own tourism operators,” Cr Fowler said.

“Penrith is well established as an adventure destination where visitors can sky dive, go whitewater rafting, wakeboarding or get behind the controls of a jet aircraft. And soon adrenaline junkies will be able to race go-karts and participate in motorsport activities.

“And there is so much more.

Adventure is all about discovery. From the fire museum to the art gallery, award winning chocolate to great outdoor activities. Penrith has it all.”

Whitney is no stranger to the attractions the adventure capital boasts, often visiting them during the course of filming Sydney Weekender.

Last month he tried his hand at indoor skydiving at Penrith’s latest attraction, iFly.

Thrill seekers have been bombarding the website Trip Advisor to say how exciting their iFly experience at Penrith was - and the rave reviews come from all ages. Here’s a sample: “My Family (at my request) bought me the deluxe package as a 50 something birthday present…. What a hoot!”

“I loved it and would highly recommend for any age, there were two young girls in my group who would have only been 3 and 5 and they were fantastic!”

“I am an experienced skydiver so know what is it like to freefall and iFLY Downunder really simulates the feeling.

Worth the trip from Sydney to Penrith!”

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10 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Playgrounds galore SEVERAL exciting new playgrounds will be installed across the City in coming months.

Six playgrounds will be upgraded with the latest, contemporary equipment in St Clair, Emu Heights, Erskine Park, Cranebrook (two), and Jamisontown as part of Council’s forward works programs.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said kids deserved the best play equipment Council could provide and our programs had seen nine playgrounds replaced in the past year alone.

“In the coming financial year, another six playgrounds are being upgraded to include the latest in safe and creative play space design,” Cr Fowler said.

One of the new playgrounds will be at the Jamison Road end of Tench Reserve, and because people come from across the city to visit the river, Council is asking the wider community what they’d like to see there.

“Tench Reserve is very popular with families and can get very busy, particularly on weekends,” Cr Fowler said. “We’re replacing the older of two playgrounds with new equipment positioned closer to Jamison Road which will provide an alternative to the main playground and complement the bbqs and seating already there.

“The community told us reinvigorating the public space around the River was a key aspiration when we developed the Our River Masterplan last year and a key principles was to develop a more active and vibrant river,” Cr Fowler said. “New play equipment will provide a fun and inviting way for our younger residents to enjoy the river.”

Building youth self-esteem AN important employment and community initiative for western Sydney was launched this week at PCYC Mt Druitt with the establishment of the Citizens Cafe at the Mt Druitt Community Hub using a social enterprise model.

The training cafe will be a living classroom providing accredited certificate in hospitality training and work experience while creating a vibrant, dynamic social space in the heart of Mount Druitt.

Project manager Karen Quinn said the Citizens Cafe effectively responded to the needs of disadvantaged youth by allowing young people between the ages of 16 and 21 to obtain the necessary qualifications, skills, experience and confidence required to gain employment in the hospitality sector.

“I have been with PCYC for 10 years working in the Mt Druitt and Penrith LGAs and know the struggles some of these young people have with unemployment, low self-esteem, little adult support or even good role models and constant peer group pressure,” she said.

“Our close partnerships with Mt Druitt TAFE and local employment agencies will allow us to offer traineeships, paid work experience and casual employment to young people from the Blacktown and Penrith local government areas.”

PCYC Police youth case managers will also have an input into the cafe, identifying any young people involved in their programs at the PCYCs at Mt Druitt, Blacktown and Penrith who may have a passion for the hospitality industry

Cuppa time! MP’s Ed Husic and Richard Amery join Karen Quinn at the launch

and who would benefit from training, mentoring and a chance to build their lives.

The Citizens Cafe will be open Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm and providing an all-day menu suitable for breakfast, lunch, quick bites, takeaway and meetings (meeting space for up to 20 people is available). There will also be weekly specials, freshly squeezed juices and Morgans’ outstanding coffee. An extensive catering service will also be offered to business and community groups or offices offering sandwich platers, finger food and sweets.

Hospital staff recognised in healthcare awards AN innovative program of care for dementia patients designed by staff at Nepean Hospital and a team of nurses from the Blue Mountains were major winners at the 2014 Quality Awards on Thursday (17 July) night.

The awards, now in its third year, recognise, encourage and reward innovation and outstanding achievement by staff across the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD).

In previous years, award winners from the district have gone on to be recognised at the state level and their projects have been adapted as best practice in hospitals across NSW. A total of 25 teams were nominated for awards in nine categories including the two major awards; the Chief Executive Research Award for Innovation and the Chairman Award for Quality and Safety.

Winner of the Chairman Award for Quality and Safety, was ‘Top 5, A best practice dementia initiative’, a program which works in cooperation with carers of dementia patients to identify and implement five strategies that are familiar to the patient, such as word or routines used at home.

Data collected during a 12 month trial of the program at Nepean Hospital demonstrated a significant reduction in falls, complaints, and the use of restraints. The program has shown a positive impact on quality of care and safety, reduced critical incidents, mortality rates and length of stay in hospital. The program is now being rolled out across the Local Health District.

Acting Nurse Manager, Kim Maddock, said treating Dementia patients is difficult because each person responds differently, and being in a foreign

11 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

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The winning team from Nepean. From left, Kim Maddock, Acting Nurse Manager, Aged Chronic Complex and Cancer Care, Loretta Isaac, Carer Program Project Officer, and Chair of the District Board, Associate Professor Patrick Cregan.

environment also tends to increase confusion for these patients.

‘It’s amazing how something so simple can make a huge difference to patients’ care and safety,’ said Kim. ‘It’s important that family and carers are comfortable and involved. They are the experts; they know the patients better than we do. They know what works and what doesn’t work,’ said Ms Maddock.

Associate Professor Patrick Cregan, Chair of the District Board presented the award to the team: “The successful strategies of ‘Top 5’ have made a

significant and important contribution to improving quality of care and patient safety.”

The 2014 Quality Awards were supported by gold sponsor Panthers Group and supporting partners Bupa, Impressive Print and AMF Bowling Penrith.

The awards were attended by the District executive, Board, staff, special guests and supporting partners. A total of 25 nominee teams showcased a range of innovative and patient centred projects, focussing on quality improvement and safety in the delivery of care throughout the district.

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Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Help at hand for domestic violence victims

By Kerrie Martin

THE Australian Government is taking family and domestic violence seriously and has just launched an important resource to aid those caught up in a violent situation to seek assistance.

Family and domestic violence occurs when someone uses behaviour that is violent, threatening, intimidating or controlling, or intended to cause the family or household member to be fearful. Such behaviours may include: physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse, controlling money, stalking, neglect in a relationship of dependence, harm to an animal or property and restricting spiritual or cultural participation.

Minister for Human Services, Senator Marise Payne said help is at hand for those finding themselves in violent domestic situations.

“I’m pleased to release the Department of Human Services Family and Domestic Violence Brochure - an important resource for people suffering from domestic violence or who know someone who is,” Senator Payne said.

“Domestic violence unfortunately affects people of all ages, genders and cultural groups, so we need to have a meaningful community discussion in order to tackle this scourge head-on.”

Victims of violence may live in fear for themselves and their family even when they have left an abusive relationship. People from all walks of life can be affected by family and domestic violence and it includes all types of relationships such as current and past intimate relationships, co-habiting, carers and guardians, other family members including step families, those who fall within Indigenous or culturally recognised family groups, and is irrespective of gender and sexuality.

Local resident, Sharon Hill* said support for domestic violence sufferers has come a long way since she was in the situation over ten years ago.

“I separated from my husband in 2001 following ten years of violent episodes, but the support back then was harder to come by and there were many challenges for me as a separated single mother,” Sharon said.

“Once I made the decision to leave, my husband became even more violent and constantly stalked me. If I went to visit a friend he’d arrive there demanding I leave with him, and many times I felt I had to go with him in order to shield my friends from his drama.

“Unfortunately by cowering to his demands, I helped create a bigger monster and his stalking progressed to arriving at my workplace and kid’s school and causing embarrassment, and entering our home at any time even though I’d had the locks changed.

“I was eventually able to obtain an apprehended violence order with the help of some very dedicated detectives at St Marys Police.”

But Sharon said there were other challenges associated with trying to keep her ex husband at arm’s length.

Working full time to cover expenses was a

Help for people experiencing family and domestic violence

humanservices.gov.au

problem for Sharon due to fears of her ex husband arriving at the workplace and jeopardising her employment and fears of leaving her three young children in care and constantly worrying he’d arrive there and intimidate the care staff.

“I wanted to move to another home, thinking it would prevent him from assuming he had a right to enter it. Unfortunately there were too many hurdles to even do that.

“Because I was a home owner, I would need to rent our home out to cover the mortgage and take on a new rent at a different location. That would have meant that the family home became an investment and therefore an income, and I wasn’t able to obtain employment at a wage high enough to support the taxes involved with doing it that way.

“I was also worried about hitting him up for child support, fearing the repercussions that would come with it. At that time, it appeared that government departments weren’t as accommodating with domestic violence issues as they are today, so I was basically left to jump the financial hurdles as best I could myself.

‘I think the government is much more in tune these days that domestic violence is a large problem, and no two situations are the same. I commend the Minister and the government for seeking ways to not only help people in difficult situations, but to understand that flexibility is required in order to help

with the different types of challenges that people face according to their unique situation.

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the kids in these situations don’t suffer, and it’s not always possible to ensure that when you suddenly find yourself a single parent, juggling to keep the bills paid, food on the table and trying to keep a violent ex spouse at bay,” she said.

The department of Human Services can help you if you are in, have left, or are preparing to leave a situation where you are affected by family and domestic violence.

They will consider if you are eligible for a range of payments and services such as parenting payment, income support payments, crisis payments and exemptions from seeking employment or collecting child support based on your personal situation.

There may be specific payments and services that can help you: • if someone has been removed from your home, or you have had to move houses due to violence • if you are in financial hardship due to circumstances relating to violence • if you are under 21 and unable to live at home due to violence • if you are unable to search for work due to illness, injury whether permanent or temporary or other related issues of experiencing violence • if you have recently moved to Australia and are unable to be supported by others due to violence • if applying for or collecting child support would put you or your family’s safety at risk • when another adult or child needs to be removed from or added to a Medicare card Their social workers offer private and confidential interviews for counselling and support.

They can help you work out your options including assessing your payments and exemptions to some requirements. They can also help you access other support services in the community.

To find out what payments and services are available, visit: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/ customer/subjects/domestic-and-family-violence, call 132 850 and ask to speak to a social worker or visit a DHS service centre. *Name has been changed to protect her identity.

And its bye bye carbon tax

By Kerrie Martin

IT IS a topic that has provided headline fodder for media outlets across the country and peppered many a conversation over the last few years.

From former Prime Minster Julia Gillard’s famous declaration in 2010 that we wouldn’t have one under the government she leads, to the 2013 campaigns with incoming Prime Minister Tony Abbott promising to scrap it and an eleventh hour promise by hopeful PM Rudd to axe it, the Carbon Tax has finally been repealed.

Lindsay MP Fiona Scott said the vote by the Senate to repeal the Carbon Tax is great news for local families and small businesses.

“Scrapping the Carbon Tax will save the average household around $550 a year, including around $200 on the average household electricity bill and around $70 on the average gas bill. This will reduce cost of living pressures for all Australians.

“The Government’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has been given extra funding and powers to ensure that savings are passed on to consumers.

“Scrapping the Carbon Tax will also take a cost burden off local businesses. This will make it easier for them to compete and employ more people.

“I’ve listened to many local residents concerned about how this unfair tax has imposed a real burden on their small businesses and their family.

“The Carbon Tax is a $9 billion a year hit on the economy. It hurts small businesses and costs jobs.

“Scrapping this tax has been a grassroots effort – led by the Prime Minister, but helped by the voices of everyday Australians. It may have taken time and there were obstacles along the way, but we’ve done this

together,” Fiona Scott said.

“Scrapping the Carbon Tax is just one part of our plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs. It is also important we get the Budget under control, continue to reduce paperwork and build the infrastructure we need, like the expansion of Northern Road.

“There’s much more to do, but removing the world’s biggest Carbon Tax from the backs of everyday small businesses and families is an important step in building a stronger economy,” Miss Scott added.

Stephen Cartwright, the Chief Executive of the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, believes the repeal of the carbon tax will bring much needed certainty to the business community across Australia.

“The NSW Business Chamber has been a leading voice since day one of the introduction of the tax that this was bad for business and would have no benefit to the environment, and anything that can be done to reduce energy price pressures for business,

and as a result their customers, would be good for the economy,” Mr Cartwright said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the power companies pass on the reductions.

“In NSW, it will have a double benefit should the State Government be re-elected in March and press ahead with their plans to recycle 49% of the poles and wires. There could be an end in sight to the ever increasing power price increases.

“What has always bemused me is that if you were anti the carbon tax you were also tarred with the brush of being a climate change denier. That couldn’t be further from the truth, but the fact is this tax was going to have no environmental benefit and I’m happy to see the Senate pass the Legislation to formally repeal the tax.”

However not everyone is thrilled with the news - Labor Spokesperson for Lindsay John Thain said the government’s claim that families will be $550 better off without the carbon tax is wishful thinking.

“I challenge families in Lindsay to hold Tony Abbott to this promise,” he said.

“I feel the electorate is in for another disappointment of broken promises. Any economic benefits that are passed onto the electorate will be swallowed up by the GP co-payment and the fuel levy, not to mention other budget initiatives that will leave middle and low income earners worse off than under Labor.”

Mr Thain said he believes that the repeal of the carbon tax is out of step with international views on climate change and pricing carbon emissions.

“Fossil fuels are finite and Australia should be encouraging investment into renewable energy,” he said.

“The repeal of the carbon tax sends the wrong message to international investors in renewable energy projects, we have already seen Lockheed Martin withdraw a 230 million dollar investment deal into ocean wave energy since the carbon tax was repealed.”

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13 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

local news

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local news

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Bicentenary of Cox’s THERE has been much ado about something across the Nepean and the Hawkesbury these past weeks with both historic regions celebrating the building of the first road over the Blue Mountains.

This plaque commemorating Cox and Evans’ achievements was unveiled on the site of Evans’ old homestead in Richmond by Hawkesbury mayor, Kim Ford.

The Hawkesbury proudly claims as its own the two men whose efforts paved the way – if not the road surface – for the event which opened up the rest of NSW on the other side of the Great Dividing Range.

They of course being noted explorers, the surveyor, George Evans and the man who supervised the building of the road, William Cox. Prior to their stupendous achievements, Evans and Cox were friends and neighbours who lived in the Hawkesbury – they had homesteads alongside each other on present Dight Street, Richmond, in behind Richmond RAAF. On July 13, Hawkesbury mayor, Kim Ford, unveiled a memorial plaque on the site of Evans’ old home, Clarendon, to commemorate Evans and Cox’s achievement and the fact they were locals.

But the main action commemorating their achievements centred in Penrith where both men commenced their arduous journeys.

A big crowd was in attendance last Sunday to celebrate the bicentenary of the building of William Cox’s Road across the Blue Mountains at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum.

The roadwork commenced on July 18, 1814 and was completed in January the following year.

The dirt track from Penrith to Bathurst was 3.7m wide and stretched for 163.3km.

And how large was this workforce which did such a remarkable job in such a short period of time?

amazing achievement Cox supervised just five free men, 30 convict labourers and eight soldiers!

Governor Lachlan Macquarie heaped praise on Cox and his men and stated that the project would have taken three years if it had been done under a contract.

To mark the bicentenary, the Nepean District Historical Society, with the support of Penrith City Council, re-enacted the start of Cox’s journey from Regatta Park, Emu Pains at 10.30am to the Arms of Australia Inn Museum for the William Cox Festival and formalities.

Cox’s descendants from as far away as Stradbroke Island, Brisbane, Scone, Mudgee and the mid-North Coast took part in the re-enactment.

There was something for everyone who was on hand to celebrate the bicentenary.

Roger Corbett and Clare O’Meara from The Bushwackers, Australia’s best-known bush band, joined Tall Timbre Country and Western Band to delight music lovers.

The NSW Corps of Marines had displays, drills, and re-enactments from the life and times of the early colony and members of the 1st Windsor Light Horse Regiment were on hand to help keep order.

There plenty of food, stalls, entertainment, music from the Penrith City Show Band, and songs and poetry readings from the Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School students.

Children enjoyed old fashioned games, wrote

on slates in the old school room, rode a pony, pet animals in the animal farm, jumped to their heart’s desire in the jumping castle tried trampolining and bungee jumping and joined in the ever popular, tug of war.

15 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

local news

16 Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

Legends of the Nepean

By Greg Martin

TWO outstanding colts put magnificent Fernhill Estate on the map because of their remarkable performances on the racetrack and at stud during the 19th Century.

Grand Flaneur and Chester were both bred on Fernhill by owner, Edward Cox, the son of William Cox

who built the first road over the Blue Mountains from July, 1814 to January, 1815.

The superbly proportioned gallopers starred on the racetrack and in the breeding barn – both won Melbourne Cups – Grand Flaneur was unbeaten in nine topclass races – and each produced outstanding gallopers when retired to stud.

Fernhill owners, Simon and

For a young Tommy Lawson, rugby and music was a team made in Heaven.

Brenda Tripp have unearthed another champion “colt” in 42 year old Tommy Lawson, whom, like those two colts of yesteryear, is letting his performances do the talking in ensuring the future of Fernhill.

Tommy is the Chief Operations Officer at historic Fernhill since taking up that role in November, 2012.

The transformation of Fernhill since then has been mind-boggling and testament to the hard work put in by the Tripps, Tommy and his staff.

“The place had been in receivership for two years and the entire property – building, fences and grounds were in a terrible state,” Tommy said.

“I remember the first visit to Fernhill – driving up the long entrance drive with the grass higher than the roof of my car.

“You could obviously see immediately that there was a lot of hard work to be done to restore the property!”

But that hard work has paid off with Fernhill returning to its former glory.

The numerous sandstone buildings, including the mansion are immaculate and the grounds, which

include a 2400m racetrack, are in pristine condition.

The trio’s vision for Fernhill was to not only restore the home to its former glory, but to revitalise the estate as a viable, working enterprise, accessible to the public, a showcase for Western Sydney, and a drawcard for local, national and international visitors to the region.

The Tripps, aided immensely by Tommy have achieved that goal.

Fernhill has been licensed by Racing NSW to conduct six picnic race meetings – the first, held last November, was an outstanding success and everyone at Fernhill and those who attended the inaugural event , are eagerly anticipating the second meeting later this year.

Fernhill recently hosted a magnificent concert featuring Tommy and the Penrith City Orchestra and a 15-piece swing band.

It also played host to the Melbourne Cup Trophy Tour and also attracts visits from school groups who witness farriers shoeing horses, horses being groomed and having their teeth tendered to.

Fernhill also stands two show jumping stallions and it offers classes

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agistment for thoroughbred broodmares and racehorses.

Tommy Lawson has had his finger in all those pies. Aiding and abetting his close friends into realising their dream.

So what is a music, fly-fishing and rugby union loving South African doing out at Mulgoa on one of the nation’s renowned heritage properties?

“I suppose the catalyst for it was my music,” Tommy explained.

Briefly, Tom was one of the most popular musicians in South Africa – a former member of leading band, Photograph, his passion for Rugby and music proved a winning combination.

He has followed the Springboks throughout the Rugby world, officially singing the South African national anthem and then performing at postmatch concerts which were always the ‘go’ back home.

“I first began performing at the Rugby internationals in 1995 and have rarely missed a major series since,” Tommy said.

A pretty handy centre during his playing days - he was good enough to play in junior representative teams – and for four years played for Durban University while studying law.

“I had developed a reputation as a pub singer-guitar player when Mark Bourne, who managed Photograph, gave me two days to consider an offer to join the band,” Tommy recounted “The offer to become a full-time musician was too good to refuse so I dropped out with just one year to go to complete my degree.”

Tommy remained with Photograph for four years, travelling the world, living the hectic life of a rock star.

But by 25 Tom had had enough and left the band to pursue other interests.

These interests down the track included operating an advertising agency in Johannesburg and then running a small pub.

All the while combining his love of music and Rugby, performing at all the major tournaments across the globe.

Such was his talent and renown, Tommy’s CD’s became best sellers not only at home but aboard.

Perhaps his biggest thrill was at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Johannesburg during a Tri-Nations match in 2007 when 85,000 roared their approval when he manned the microphone.

Tommy’s signature tune is the haunting Ben E King number “Stand

by Me” and when he belted it out, the huge crowd went wild.

So it was through Rugby and music that Tommy met the Tripps in 2002 at a party in South Africa thrown by the CEO of brewery giant, SAB Miller, the major sponsors of Rugby in that country.

“We developed a friendship which we built on down the years with regular visits to each other’s country,” Tommy said.

“Simon and I had a long-standing arrangement that I would perform at his 50th birthday in March 2011.

“Around 3am, with a few drinks aboard, Simon and I were comparing the merits of living in South Africa and Australia with Australia getting the edge.

“Later that year Simon suggested

we ‘do something’ together, and cutting a long story short, here I am.”

“There’s a never a dull moment here,” Tom said. “One moment I’m in the office doing bookwork then out on the tractor filling in ditches or in the cattle-yards tagging cattle.

“We have a saying here: You never own Fernhill – you just belong to it for a while.”

“And I can tell you, I am enjoying belonging!”

Tommy Lawson was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean

by Kerrie Martin.

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

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17 Nepean News 10 July 2014 Issue 128

TOMMY LAWSON

How sweet the song!

Tommy Lawson performs at a recent fundraising event.

18

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Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Education – that’s life!

STATE MP for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, recently visited Life Education NSW at Colyton to view the renovated classrooms.

Ms Davies was impressed with the extent of transformation the 2013 Community Building Partnership grant of $28,000 delivered.

The grant provided much-needed funds to assist Life Education NSW to deliver its program to students by renovating the classrooms at the static centre at Colyton.

This will provide additional aid to Life Education in teaching local children to respect their bodies, be healthy and active and to make wise choices in life through drug and alcohol education.

Life Education is a not-for-profit organisation that through the use of classrooms at Colyton, Mobile Learning Centres and its iconic mascot, Healthy Harold, delivers healthy life-style messages to children in Kindergarten to Year 6, secondary classes and parent forums throughout NSW. Ms Davies tried out the new technology interactive video screen, which allows the tutor or students to interact with video programming in

Nita

real time.

“I’m delighted to see modern technology put to great use in assisting our younger generation to be educated on important social issues such as drug and alcohol education,” Ms Davies said.

Jay Bacik, CEO Life Education NSW, was delighted by the grant.

“The grant was so important for us because it allowed us improve and upgrade our classrooms at Colyton, not only with new carpets but also with the latest technology, essential to ensuring all children receive the highest quality program possible,” Mr Bacik said.

Life Education programs are based on the latest research and provide high quality drug, health and safety education for schools.

The programs include role-play, social skills training, correction of common myths, fast moving interactive activities using the latest multimedia technology delivered by a team of specialised educators who believe in the potential of young people to make informed decisions.

“I encourage all community based organisations that are eligible to participate in the Community Building

Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies tries out the new technology interactive video screen

Partnership grant submissions to apply for future NSW Government funding support, Ms Davies said.

For more information, please visit www.communitybuildingpartnership. nsw.gov.au

Ask

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THIS treatment is what is termed a ‘lunch-time’ treatment – twenty minutes to half an hour, no wet hair due to the self-neutralising nature of the peel and no need to even remove the patient’s eye make-up! This is also a wonderful peel for men who want “no-fuss” anti-ageing treatments.

What we find so positive about this treatment is that it is a no-fuss,

skin resurfacing system that not only causes skin exfoliation but deep cell regeneration. The greatest bonus of all was the great patient satisfaction with this treatment.

Six treatments are generally recommended but as always, we prefer to do three or four peels and then reassess how many more treatments are required to meet the patient’s expectations.

The resurfacing treatment has targeted treatments for the following skin disorders: o AGEING o ACNE o HYPERPIGMENTATION o CHRONIC REDNESS The range includes pre and

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

post treatment products which we recommend to prep your skin pretreatment and post-treatment. Other treatments include a brightening treatment with Vitamin C – a lovely boost for your skin before a special celebration.

We are able to offer this peel year round instead of just in the winter months although we always assess the candidates carefully – if their lifestyle is an outdoor one with sports such as golf, hiking etc, then we would recommend the peels from April to November. However, people who do not like to go into the sun and actively practise sun avoidance would be able to have these treatments at any time of the year.

Information about the pHformula Company: It is a pharma-cosmeceutical which finds itself between new generation cosmeceuticals and the doctor’s practice. This dermatological skin resurfacing system focuses on a range of skin disorders which include premature ageing, sensitive skin, acne and hyperpigmented skin.

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education

feature

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

A community building pathways to success

C

OLYTON High School Trade School is a 7-12 comprehensive high school providing students with an innovative and engaging curriculum. In Year 11 and 12 students are offered a full range of academic courses of study, as well as school-delivered VET and TAFE-delivered VET courses incorporating apprenticeships and traineeships. As a Trade School students are provided with the opportunity to undertake an Education and Training pathway that offers accreditation for both the Higher School Certificate and study leading to Certificate II in Carpentry, within the context of a highly supportive school environment.

The school offers gifted and talented, sporting, creative and performing arts programs, with success in Rock Eisteddfods, Schools Spectacular and many local showcases.

The school is a leader in the effective use of technology as a multimedia platform for the delivery of animations, simulations and Internet based content into classrooms.

At Colyton High School Trade School there is a strong emphasis on student leadership programs and an effective School Student Representative Council with Junior and Senior School Captains.

feature

Emmaus business students rewarded

F

OR some bright hard-working young men and women success is achieved even before secondary school is completed.

Joshua Westlake and Fransesca Djerke from Emmaus Catholic College at Kemps Creek have had their diligent approach to Business Services acknowledged and rewarded.

Business Services is a subject studied within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools program.

Joshua and Fransesca completed their schooling at Emmaus in 2013. The College nominated them for their brilliant consistent achievements during the course of study. “Both Joshua and Francesca worked really well. I consider them worthy recipients of the award as they achieved very positive outcomes,” said Mrs Melissa Else, Emmaus teacher of Business Studies.

The Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) is a federal award which recognises the value of vocational education as a preparation for continuing training and employment opportunities.

Joshua and Fransesca each received a certificate and cash award of $2,000.

Emmaus Catholic College congratulates the award winning students and staff member Mrs Else for her encouragement and support.

EMMAUS CATHOLIC COLLEGE ENROLLING NOW FOR YEARS 7 - 11 2015

Every aspect of the College meets the needs of students, giving them the best preparation for modern life in the 21st Century. We are committed to providing unique and enriching learning experiences for all students.

Students and Parents at Emmaus experience: • a College with strong traditional values and high expectations of all its students • a place where prayer and sacrament are valued and nourished • a place where life-enhancing relationships are characterised by respect and authenticity • a learning environment of challenge, discovery and innovation, where each student is expected to personally excel • an exciting transition year in Year 7 • a broad choice of courses in Years 9 – 12 • advanced technology enriching the learning environment with extensive vocational courses and university and TAFE linked courses in Years 10 - 12 • a wide variety of sports played at a representative level and cultural opportunities including Visual Arts, Digital Photography, Drama, Mock Trial and Music recitals • a highly qualified and committed teaching staff • a community where personal responsibility and justice are valued and expected • a peaceful and beautiful rural environment

For further details, application and prospectus, please contact Mrs Biermann 9670 4588 or visit www.emmaus.kempscreek.catholic.edu.au

23 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

education

24

education

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Penrith Conservatorium of Music

feature

Art Blocks For Tots

Lifelong learning: From kindergarten to Covent Garden THE Penrith Conservatorium of Music (PCoM) is a much-loved and highly regarded hub of music education in Western Sydney. Located at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, PCoM offers courses and private lessons in most instruments, as well as voice, theory, musicianship and composition.

In over 20 years of operation, PCoM has taken hundreds of students through many levels of AMEB, HSC and tertiary level music studies exams; with students from across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains taking up the opportunities on offer at this fine institution.

The Joan’s Music Education Co-ordinator Leigha Wills said “Having HSC marked and taught many students throughout this area, I’m continually impressed by the quality of the students we have coming to PCoM week after week”.

The PCoM team of twenty tutors have outstanding qualifications as both performers and teachers, and have been associated with many prestigious international and national institutions including the London Opera Centre; the Sydney

Conservatorium of Music; Opera Australia, the Australian Institute of Music and the Mozart Academy, Salzburg.

Students can learn purely for the love and enjoyment of music, or have the opportunity to gain formal qualifications. The Conservatorium is also a major examination centre catering for exams such as Australian Music Education Board (AMEB), and Trinity College or Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Limited.

James Fischer, Director of Community Engagement at The Joan said: “At the Conservatorium, we take the idea of lifelong learning to its fullest; with courses and individual lessons suitable for toddlers through to professional standard with performance opportunities”.

The Conservatorium takes enrolments for courses at the beginning of each term and also offers mid-term bookings for private lessons.

Visit: www.jspac.com.au or call 4723 7611 for more information.

JOIN us for a creative hour at the Gallery as we find inspiration in the exhibitions and help pre-schoolers to discover their inner artist in a fun and hands on art activity in the studio. Parents and carers don’t pay but must stay!

In this month’s art making session, explore Island6’s Remixxx, (animated laser light) in the Winter Light exhibition and then head to the studio to create a life-sized, paper-portrait, ready to be filled-in with drawing, collage and colourful patterns.

Friday 25 July 2014 10am - 11am 3 - 5 years old $12 per child Bookings and pre-payment essential Ph 4735 1100

education

feature 25

ST CLARE’S Catholic High School is focused on excellence and improvement, providing our students with a supportive and challenging learning environment.

To guide our students on the path to excellence we ask them to follow our ‘4 Ps’: • Peacemaker - be respectful, just, compassionate and humble • Passion for Learning - to think critically, communicate clearly, to be creative and work collaboratively • Persistence - be determined, be positive, find alternatives and strive for success • Pride - be part of a community, have a sense of purpose and value yourself and others St Clare’s is a co-educational high school catering for students from Years 7-10, with students continuing to Loyola Senior High for Years 11 and 12.

We want our St Clare’s graduates to be mature, responsible and compassionate young adults with an array of intellectual and

practical skills and an appreciation of cultural and physical pursuits.

St Clare’s has the professional staff, resources and facilities to integrate 21st century learning technologies into all Key Learning Areas, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills required for them to thrive in today’s world.

St Clare’s gives students access to a community where their Catholic faith can be discovered, explored and shared.

We encourage our students to feel a strong sense of pride in themselves and their school and ask them to show respect for themselves, their families and the community.

All students are expected to be safe, respectful learners and peacemakers.

I look forward to welcoming you into the St Clare’s community and invite any interested students and their families to visit us on site to learn more about the opportunities we provide.

Mr Robert Muscat Principal

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Principal’s address

“

School is a place to learn many things.

School is a place for pride, persistence, passion for learning and a place for peace.

If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. But if you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.

Justin Bocasan — School Captain

�

St Clare’s Catholic High School Hassall Grove A Catholic school of excellence and improvement

St Clare’s provides:

4U $MBSF T $BUIPMJD )JHI 4DIPPM PGGFST TUVEFOU DFOUSFE FEVDBUJPOBM QSPHSBNT EFTJHOFE UP FOIBODF UIF MFBSOJOH PG FWFSZ TUVEFOU "U 4U $MBSF T XF QSJEF PVSTFMWFT JO LOPXJOH BOE DBUFSJOH GPS UIF OFFET PG UIF TUVEFOUT BT JOEJWJEVBMT

t 5SBOTJUJPO QSPHSBNT GPS TUVEFOUT NPWJOH GSPN :FBS UP :FBS t )JHIMZ RVBMJýFE BOE DPNNJUUFE UFBDIJOH BOE TVQQPSU TUBGG t $SFBUJWF BOE QFSGPSNJOH BSU PQUJPOT t &YUFOTJPO BOE MFBSOJOH TVQQPSU QSPHSBNT t &YUFOTJWF UFDIOPMPHZ UP FOIBODF TUVEFOU MFBSOJOH JODMVEJOH DPNQVUFS MBCT POF UP POF BDDFTT UP MBQUPQT BDDFTT UP J1BET BOE B AHSFFO SPPN VTFE GPS WJTVBM NPWJF NBLJOH

&/30--*/( /08 '03 175 Buckwell Dr, Hassall Grove

1I t 'BY www.clarehassallgrove.catholic.edu.au

26

education

feature

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Astute Training

MAZE

EXPANDS

Go from the top of the snowman down to the ground.

LEADING Penrith-based registered training organisation, Astute Training Pty. Ltd. (Astute), has expanded its rooms and now has six training rooms, three with the latest video conferencing.

Astute is providing training for more than 30 students, including Evolve Housing tenants, existing workers and other members of the local community currently unemployed.

Astute has already commenced training programs at its Parramatta centre, with a Certificate III program in Aged Care currently underway.

The aged care course will also be offered at Astute’s main training base in High Street.

Astute’s General Manager Di Groves, says the aged care course is very popular for people looking for work in the under-resourced sector.

“There is a significant shortage of qualified staff working in aged care,” Ms Groves explained.

“The size of the aged care workforce in aged care needs to almost triple by 2050 so we find that this course offers students a real opportunity for employment when they complete it.”

In addition to aged care, Astute’s trainers deliver other programs to local and overseas students, including business certificates, computer and lifestyles courses, first-aid and specially tailored traineeships to promote practical business and career development opportunities across various industry sectors.

“Astute’s vocational education and training courses are based on nationally accredited and industry-led programs,” Ms Groves added.

“We maintain strong working relationships with industries, employer groups and local communities across western Sydney and have a proven track record of high level service delivery and excellent support services for our students.”

Quality training solutions for personal and professional development

Astute Training is proud to announce that they now have training rooms in both Parramatta and Penrith The Penrith campus expanded and now has 6 training rooms 3 of which are equipped with data projectors and the latest video conferencing technology as well as wi-fi access

Community Service Courses Certificate III in Aged Care CHC30212 Certificate IV in Disability CHC40312

Certificate IV in Aged Care CHC40108 Certificate IV in Community Service Work CHC40708

COURSE COSTS Course Cost Certificate III Aged Care: $995 Course Cost Certificate IV Disability: $1,750

Course Cost Certificate IV Aged Care:: $1,500 Course Cost Certificate IV in Community Service Work: $2,000

Also courses available in: • Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint • Certificate III in Business Administration • Certificate IV in Business • Diploma in Business • Touch Typing and Reception Skills Astute Training is also a registered CRICOS provider delivering courses to international students For more information on all courses, call Britt or Lauren on (02) 4732 5088 or email britt@astutetraining.com.au or lauren@astutetraining.com.au

1/497-507 High Street Penrith 2750 and 9 Argyle Street Parramatta 2124

education feature

• Boys Years 3 to 12

The secret’s out WOLLEMI College is an Independent boys College that teaches the Catholic Faith, situated on 10 hectares in Werrington, in Sydney’s West since 2004. The College is of the PARED (Parents for Education) Foundation.

These schools are founded on the principles that parents are the primary educators and that schools exist to give parents every support.

This support is found in the quality of the academic curriculum, in the way that staff work with students and parents in the unique tutorial system, in the emphasis on character development and virtues in the curriculum, and in the concern that staff have for students and families.

Home and school are united.

Wollemi College performs exceedingly well both academically and in extra-curricular activities such as public speaking and debating. The

• Parents and teachers working together to build character and faith • Unique personalised tutorial system

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

27

• Outstanding results in public examinations

2013 NAPLAN results placed us 31st in the country for boys’ schools. This is a remarkable achievement as no other school with an ICSEA rating like ours was in the top 50. This is more evidence that the Parents, Teachers, Students model pioneered at the PARED schools goes a long way to ensuring that we develop men who make a difference, not only being good men, but also being academically strong.

So why not come to an open day and have a look inside the best kept secret in Western Sydney – Wollemi College.

OPEN DAYS 30 JULY & 15 OCTOBER from 10am 4 Gipps St, Werrington NSW 2747 Ph: (02) 9833 0499 Fax: (02) 9833 0599 info@wollemi.nsw.edu.au

www.wollemi.nsw.edu.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Reverend (8) 5 Delegate (6) 9 Width of a circle (8) 10 Makes angry (6) 12 Accumulation (9) 13 Verbalize (5) 14 Fee (4) 16 Vigilant (7) 19 Floating mass of frozen water (7) 21 The founder of a family (4) 24 Hindu loincloth (5) 25 Apparently (9) 27 Blanks at the start of a new paragraph (6) 28 Inherent aptitude (8) 29 Contraptions (6) 30 Simile (8)

solution 10/7/14

DOWN 1 Lunatic (6) 2 Subtlety (6) 3 Vista (5) 4 Old Testament prophet (7) 6 Woodpecker (9) 7 Recognize or name (8) 8 Holes in the nose (8) 11 Chew (4) 15 Submissive behavior (9) 17 What Nero was doing (8) 18 Recharged a weapon (8) 20 Mirth (4) 21 The systematic study of things (7) 22 Odor (6) 23 A marine mollusk (6) 26 Additional (5)

N E PE A N HIST RY the creation of a unique treasure

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Penrith Visitor Information Centre, Panthers Carpark, Mulgoa Rd. OPEN 7 Day a week

Henry Lawson Club OUR Editor Kerrie Martin chatted with Sharon Tassell, General manager of the Henry Lawson Club this week.

KM: When did you start in your role at the HLC? ST: I started at the Henry in April this year.

I was General Manager at Rosehill Bowling Club for 4.5 years, and have been in our great industry for 20 years.

KM: What do you like most about your job?

ST: I just love the hospitality industry, and love people. We make a difference to people lives every day, just by providing the basics, great customer service, great value food and beverages and a safe family friendly environment.

KM: What do you think sets the HLC apart from other clubs in the area?

ST: The Henry Sports Club offers something for everyone, whether you would like to come in for a bet and a beer, a family dinner, or book one of our great function areas, we can do the lot.

We have recently commenced a new Wednesday night members promotion, where we give away wish vouchers, free trivia Thursday nights, and entertainment is back on a Saturday evening.

Our Courtyard is just amazing, and we are now taking bookings for functions out there, you can have a BBQ package, cook your own or we will cook it for you, it is a great alternative for any style of function, and great for the kids, as we have a playground and plenty of room to run around.

KM: What can you say about the HLC community? (members, guests) ST: Wow is all I can say, our members and guests are just amazing!!. They are all so supportive of the Club, and are always giving positive feedback on the changes we have recently made. I cannot thank these guys enough for their support.

Without them, we wouldn’t be here.

FRIENDSHIP ACQUAINTANCES BOYFRIEND BUDDY CLOSENESS COMPANIONS CONFIDE

FAVOR FONDNESS FRIENDLINESS FUN GIRLFRIEND GOOD TIMES

HELP LEND LOYALTY PAL PRANKS SHARE

Secret debate

WHAT’S BETTER - THE OLD DAYS OR MODERN TIMES? He Says........................... .........................She Says AH the good old days, what a great time to live, assuming that is that you like the smell of cigarettes whilst eating in the restaurant or recovering in hospital.

Then we also had far less traffic on the road, which is just as well given we managed to put about 1200 people per annul in an early grave from motor vehicle fatalities. Did I mention the injured and disabled victims that accompanied drunk driving and no seat belts?

What else was there, ah yes we built houses for returned soldiers and poorer people from asbestos sheeting, the results of which we will bear for the next 50 years assuming asbestosis has not got you already.

But we did have 6pm closing at hotels. That meant you could swill down as many last beers as possible, before going home to abuse the missus and kids.

Speaking of wives and women in general, we kept them in their place too. Made them work during the war for little money and then sacked most at the

WIN!

finish or kept them working for far less than the male wage, after all it is a mans world isn’t it?

But we did have Australian made cars, remember them. Put together with minimum thought about comfort, safety or anything that resembled good engineering.

Mind you, good engineering required higher education and we made sure that only the elite had any access to universities, can’t have the masses getting above their station in life.

I know this is a bit tongue in cheek, but people only remember the good old times, not the bad parts that went with it. It is great to reminisce but does anyone really want to go back to iceboxes for refrigeration, black and white remoteless TVs or sitting in the old red rattlers heading to work? I doubt it.

Enjoy today, because in 20 years time you will look back and say, “gee it was good back then,” or in the words of Richard Clapton “Don’t waste time, these are the best days of our lives”.

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.

TAKE me back to the good old days anytime, when people valued what little they had, worked hard to get it and raised kids to have respect.

Sure we have a lot more labour-saving things today, but what have we really achieved with all the time we have gained?

Where are all the children getting exercise and fresh air on the street or the park playing hopscotch and cricket with the neighbourhood kids?

That’s all been replaced with obesity problems and social issues from living in internet game world.

When did you last make the effort and time to sit down to dinner as a family and just talk about what happened that day?

Now it is a rush to gulp

WHO’S WINNING Should Euthanasia be legalised?

down food and charge off to another job, a function or the computer and internet for games and chatting with people that in most cases you don’t even know.

Maybe I live In a timewarp but I can still remember the good times where we did not know as much about the world as we do today but we knew everything about our kids, family and neighbours.

I suppose I don’t really want to go back to the days of no mod-cons, but I do wish we could have bought those values we had back then into our modern world.

It would be a real shame if words like respect, discipline and consideration are words that disappear out of the modern dictionary.

SHE WINS

29 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

E N T E R T A I N M E N T Spotlight on a local business: WORD SEARCH

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 30 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Step back in time

JOKES

EVENTS

1567 - Mary, Queen of Scots, is forced to abdicate and replaced by her 1-year-old son James VI. 1847 - After 17 months of travel, Brigham Young leads 148 Mormon pioneers into Salt Lake Valley, resulting in the establishment of Salt Lake City. Celebrations of this event include the Pioneer Day Utah state holiday and the Days of ‘47 Parade.

1911 - Hiram Bingham III re-discovers Machu Picchu, “the Lost City of the Incas”.

1915 - The passenger ship S.S. Eastland capsizes while tied to a dock in the Chicago River. A total of 844 passengers and crew are killed in the largest loss of life disaster from a single shipwreck on the Great Lakes.

1950 - Cape Canaveral Air Force Station begins operations with the launch of a Bumper rocket.

1974 - Watergate scandal: the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that President Richard Nixon did not have the authority to withhold subpoenaed White House tapes and they order him to surrender the tapes to the Watergate special prosecutor.

BIRTHS 1783 - Simón Bolívar, Venezuelan commander and politician, 2nd President of Venezuela (d. 1830).

1802 - Alexandre Dumas, French author and playwright (d. 1870).

1888 - Arthur Richardson, Australian cricketer and coach and grandfather to the Chappell brothers (d. 1973).

1947 - Zaheer Abbas, Pakistani cricketer.

1965 - Andrew Gaze, Australian basketball player and sportscaster.

1982 - Anna Paquin, Canadian-New Zealand actress.

Robert “Bob” Monkhouse, OBE (June 1, 1928 – December 29, 2003) was an English entertainer. He was a successful comedy writer, comedian and actor and was also well known on television as a presenter and game show host.

1.

The last time I was in Spain I got through six Jeffrey Archer novels. I must remember to take enough toilet paper next time.

2. Personally, I don‛t think there‛s intelligent life on other planets.

Why should other planets be any different from this one?

3. I remember when safe sex was a padded headboard.

4. Silence is not only golden; it is seldom misquoted.

5. I can still enjoy sex at 74 - I live at 75, so it‛s no distance.

6. They laughed when I said I was going to be a comedian. They‛re not laughing now.

7. Marriage is an investment which pays dividends if you pay interest.

8. I tend to sleep in the nude. Which isn‛t a bad thing except for maybe on those long flights!

9. My mother tried to kill me when I was a baby. She denied it. She said she thought the plastic bag would keep me fresh.

10. How can we expect a politician to believe in the wisdom of the people when he knows it was the people who voted him in?

11. What do gardeners do when they retire?

12. When the inventor of the drawing board messed things up, what did he go back to?

DEATHS 1862 - Martin Van Buren, American lawyer and politician, 8th President of the United States (b. 1782).

1966 - Tony Lema, American golfer (b. 1934).

1980 - Peter Sellers, English actor, singer, director, and screenwriter (b. 1925).

2010 - Alex Higgins, Irish snooker player (b. 1949).

WHO AM I? from page 8 I am Councillor John Thain

Tuesday 29th July 12-3pm Seniors Lunch

3 Course Meal Entertainment Lucky Door Prize bookings essential

E N T E R T A I N M E N T THAT’S great, because O’Donoghues is ready to feed you and offers a large variety with an always changing specials board!

Head Chef at O’Donoghues Bistro, Nick Moshonis thoroughly enjoys being able to serve a broad range of meal styles to his customers - his renowned Specials Board is constantly changing.

With Nick in charge of the Specials Board, you can be sure to always be able to try something new with the mouth-watering options that Nick offers.

Located at O’Donoghues Irish Pub at Emu Plains, the dining options are great, you can eat in the dining area or in the enormous renovated beer garden.

Nick has been at the helm for almost 18 months and he brought with him 16 years experience in cooking tasteful treats. The busy kitchen is staffed with five other chefs and three kitchen hands.

Just a sample to tantalise your tastebuds - customers rave about the New Zealand lamb rump with baba ghanoush, balmain bugs, and array of seafood dishes.

And what’s best is the majority of the high quality meals on offer are priced between $20 and $30!

The desserts are all made in-house. You can wash down a superb meal with a sweet surprise such as classic sundae, chocolate mousse mud cakes (Ask Korena from our office about this dessert - she says it is simply divine and dreams about it often!) chocolate

sticky date pudding and much more.

O’Donoghues Bistro is open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

The function room caters for events holding up to 120 people - and there’s a balcony should you require room for more.

Ideal for weddings, birthdays - in fact any occasion - with prices starting at just $18 per head.

Feeling hungry? Nick and the team at O’Donoghues are waiting to serve you (and your hungry belly) a meal that you’re sure to thoroughly enjoy!

For more information or to book a function, call 4735 5509 now.

JULY 25

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Feeling hungry?

31

E N T E R T A I N M E N T Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Learning about

LEO

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

32

SOLUTION: 10th July

by Aunty N.

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

LEO, the Lion, is the fifth sign of the zodiac for those born between July 23 and August 22. Their ruling planet is the sun; the centre of our universe. In much the same way, Leo often considers themself to be indispensable and the centre of the universe. The Lion loves praise and needs to be careful not to surround himself with sycophants. Leo’s best friends are those loyal supporters who are scathingly honest and not afraid to draw attention to the lion’s shortcomings.

Leos are devoted to high ideals; they aspire to be honourable, conscientious, and generous. At their best they are honest, loyal, dynamic and creative. The Lion is not afraid to face adversity and has the capacity to work very hard to achieve long term goals. Leos are not adverse to having fun or enjoying the finer things in life, only Taurus has a greater appreciation of material wealth than the Lion.

Vanity and ambition are Leo’s downfall; they may also have unrealistic expectations of others, which can lead them to act in a

bullying manner. Leos who fail to overcome these traits can be demanding, domineering, insensitive and destructive, they risk drowning in egocentrism and materialism.

The Lion can flourish in any career they put their mind too but excel in positions of leadership and/or creativity. Careers suitable for Leos include politics, theatre and film.

Best relationship matches are Aries, Sagittarius and Taurus. Leo and Aries are independent, active and headstrong; together they can generate a lot of passion. Sagittarius and Leo will make an exciting connection with the emphasis on fun, travel and adventure.

OPEN MIC NIGHT EVERY SUNDAY FIRST SET

5.30pm - 6.30pm

SECOND SET

7.15pm - 8.45pm Bring your backing tracks or Instrument (No amplifiers) Rego from 4.30pm

SATURDAY 26TH JULY, 7PM

PRESE THIS ANT AND G D 3 TICK ET FOR T ETS PRICE HE OF 2!

WHY NOT ENJOY YOUR NEXT SPECIAL OCCASION IN OUR FABULOUS FUNCTION CENTRE. Enquires at the club.

DOORS OPEN 7.30PM FOR A 8.00PM START TICKETS: $15 MEMBERS, $20 NON-MEMBERS

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY JULY 25TH - 8PM

SKYZ THE LIMIT

FRIDAY AUG 1ST - 8PM

US-TOO

SATURDAY AUG 2ND - 8PM

SHUFFLE BOYS

FULL $10 LUNCH MENU Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink (members only).

7 to choose from.

Monday-Friday Only

SUNDAY MONSTER RAFFLE Starts t att 6 6.30pm 30 Ti Tickets k t on S Sale l from 5pm A variety of prizes

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 34 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison

Don’t be a God worrier....

Be a Warrior It’s absolutely excellent to call on “The Creator Of All That Is” at any time of day and from any place you are on the planet.

The source of your creation will hear you every time, so ask and wait to receive.

Your God lives on the job 24 / 7. Can you imagine what would happen if he took his hands off the wheel for even 1 minute?

Bedlam!

So it is a matter of set and forget. He hears your every thought and word. With all that is happening every split second of every minute of the day. It must be one jumbled mess! We must be precise and clear in our thoughts and askings so that he can clearly distinguish what we need. Can you imagine what he must have to sort through, with all the dribble coming up -just from the planet?

And how many languages he needs to know?

So simply set and forget!

Maybe it’s the reason he has enlisted so many masters (Jesus being the most known) and all the angels and saints, to help him steer a steady ship.

Let’s make sure we don’t bother God with our dribble.

Cause him no trouble and it will make it easier for him to sort out what we really need and get it through to us.

Life’s great!

Cheers again Your Mate Rossco

Mike’s Pantry with Mike Creed

Beef and Red Wine Stew INGREDIENTS: 1 large brown onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 kg beef chuck steak, trimmed, cut into 3cm cubes 250mls (1 cup) dry red wine 375mls (1 1/2 cups) beef stock 2 medium carrots, sliced 1 cup of sliced mushrooms Faggot of herbs – Tarragon, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Bay Leaves Salt & ground black pepper Boiled or mashed potato, to serve COOKING: I used a slow cooker for my recipe and to do that I put all the ingredients in the pan and covered with the stock and red wine add some salt and pepper to taste and let it do its thing for a couple of hours.

Now if you don’t have a slow cooker at home and want to make this in the oven then it’s also very simple. An enameled cast iron pan is ideal as it can be used on both

the stove top and in the oven and distributes and holds heat well or if you don’t have one of those lying around you can use a heavybased ovenproof saucepan or flameproof casserole dish with a lid. Preheat the oven to 160c then add all the ingredients in your pot and make sure place to faggot of herbs just on top so it will be easier to pull it out after you have finished cooking it. Cover with stock and red wine and place in the oven for around 2 hours until the beef is nice and tender and serve with some boiled or mashed potatoes or on a bed of steamed rice.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 34 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Caption to

come

Hitcheenn Lauren and Liam

Caption to come

Tommy Lawson, Brittany Shipway and Damien Leith

Caption to co

me

Penrith MP minister Stuar t Ayres and Gai Hawthorn

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity night @

Caption to come

Outback Steakhouse Caption to come

Gina and Paul Fiel

aig Clarke Damien Leith & Cr

d

Craig Clarke, Brittanie and David Wilson Caption to come

Angie Johnson and Brenda Tripp

Tommy Lawson

Social Butterfly

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US - WE’RE 4 YEARS OLD!!

Come Celebrate At Outback

JULY & AUGUST

*

*Conditions apply. Bring advert in to redeem - one child per voucher with purchase of adult main meal. Not valid with any other offer in-store.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE PANTHERS COMPLEX - 123 MULGOA ROAD, PENRITH | TEL: 4732 2577

E N T E R T A I N M E N T 36 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Attention all Seniors and Retired Nepean News readers!

THE Sydney Harbour Funboat has specially selected 5 dates in August for you to enjoy a 3.5 hour cruise on Beautiful Sydney Harbour with morning tea, mouth watering lunch, desert, Fun interactive entertainment including Trivia, Name that Tune and a fun Bingo session. Prizes for all winners, all whilst cruising Sydney harbour where the scenery changes every 5 minutes.

This Seniors Big Day Out

has received flattering feedback from the media including, Today tonight, Sydney Weekender and has been strongly endorsed by 2GB personalities Ray Hadley, Ben Fordham and Susie Eleleman.

The normal price for this cruise is good value at $45pp, however, the following dates in August (Mon 4th, Tues 5th, Wed 6th, Thurs 7th and Fri 8th) are only $35pp!

The vessel departs from the

wharf near Star Casino and the most convenient transport is to catch a train to Central station and then connect with the Light rail and disembark at the Star Casino with a short walk across the road directly on to the Funboat.

The cruises depart at 11am and return at 230pm.

Organise a group of friends for this great social day on Sydney Harbour. The vessel is warm and

cosy, the catering is sensational and the entertainment will put a smile on your face.

Bookings are essential. There are limited spaces, so book early.

Call our office on 1300 551804 or book on line at www.funboat.com. au/play-bingo-on-sydney-harbour/ and follow the links. Put in the promo code NEPEAN to get the special offer.

Seniors Big Day Out Special $35pp (normally $45)

CRUISE ITINERARY: Pick up from Star Casino Wharf at 11am Morning tea on arrival LUNCH: HOT ROAST CHICKEN, HAM, MIXED VEGETABLES, ROAST POTATOES, ROAST PUMPKIN, BREAD ROLLS & BUTTER PORTIONS, DESERT

Entertainment | Trivia Name that tune | 5 games of bingo

Buy tickets online | www.funboat.com.au | Ph: 1300 551 804

PLUS REAL ESTATE Fax: 9623 2397 Email: a-plus@realtyagent.com

PO Box 87 Queen Street St Marys NSW 1790

1.8 SELLING FEE % 5.5 MANAGEMENT FEE %

IBRAHIM ABADEER Director/Sales Manager

0416 922 477

WIN THE PERFECT DAY IN PENRITH - WORTH OVER $2000 To celebrate the launch of our new website we’re running an EPIC competition to win the Perfect Day in Penrith! Your chauffeur driven limo from Abbey Limousines will take you and a friend to: Breakfast at Coffee Club Indoor skydiving at iFLY Downunder Massage and Facial at Esteem Hair Beauty Spa 737 Jet Simulator experience Dinner at Trevi’s Cocktails at Dom’s

To enter just like our page, post a video on our wall telling us why you’re Proud of Penrith or let us know what you think of our new website at www.prd.net.au Video entries will also go into a draw to win 4 box tickets to Panthers vs Storm on 25th August.

www.prd.net.au

(02) 4732 3711 379 High Street, Penrith

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Nepean News 24 July 20 2014 14 4 Issue Issssue u 129

39 39

40 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

nepean history

Sir Maurice O’Connell Inn

L

ady Mary Putland came to Australia in 1806 with her father William Bligh and her husband John Putland. She was given the grant by her father, now Governor Bligh, of 600 acres originally known as the “Putland Estate” later changed to “Frogmore” that was situated in the area now known as Werrington. By all accounts Mary was known as a “feisty” protector of her father and a highly spirited women. John Putland died of TB in 1808 but Mary wasn’t a widow for long. Maurice Charles O’Connell came with Governor Macquarie and the 73rd Regiment in December, 1809. He was at one time Lieutenant-Governor of NSW and almost immediately he caught the eye of the widowed Mary who didn’t waste any time in gaining his attention. In only five months in May 1810 they were married by Reverend Samuel Marsden at Government House in Sydney. They produced a son almost immediately, also known as Maurice Charles O’Connell (Jnr) who joined his father’s 73rd Regiment as an Ensign in March 1826 at the age of 15 years. Because their O’Connell estate was later cut up and sold off in the 1840’s, with the exception of “The Square” (Victoria Park), it allowed South Creek (St Marys) to grow and prosper. There is mention in Juliette Palmer-Frederick’s book “Romancing the Inns on the Western Road” of a James Gagen opening a hotel in (old) Gipps Street, South Creek (Werrington) in 1855 called the “Sir Maurice O’Connell Inn” that he closed a year later. In a reminiscence by Mr Charker in the Nepean Times in 1924 regarding the houses on the Western Road in the 1850’s, it was mentioned that the inn was situated “On the southern side, on the opposite corner to where Mr Dan Brell now lives, that is to say on the corner of the Orchard Hills Road, there was a hotel kept by Mr Gagin, (sic) who was there for many years.” This was backed up by the evidence in the NSW Archives Publican’s Licenses that confirms the inn license was granted to James Gagen from 4th December, 1855 to 15th April, 1856 and the inn could have been managed by someone other than James for that one year but it failed to thrive as James was living in Sydney at that time. We have evidence that James was advertising in the Sydney Morning Herald in January 1850 asking for four qualified “coopers” (persons who were skilled in making and repairing barrels and casks) to work at “James Gagen’s Cooperage Factory” in Pitt Street North Sydney. It said that the factory was opposite Dr Bland’s premises. In December that year James was advertising for sale large quantities of tallow casks along with items for the purpose of making wine casks. By June 1852 he had on sale 150 prime American Oak Beef tierces for sale to “beef salters and others”. This time his factory was said to be opposite the Union Bank (probably in the same position). By January 1853 he was asking to buy 1,000 champagne bottles and needed another four “Coopers” to make 200 to 300 tons of tallow

casks out of silky oak, promising to guarantee the qualified workers the highest salary, but it seems that James was over enthusiastic in the running of his cooperage, because by May 1853 the factory was up for sale. In the Sydney Morning Herald in March 1853 James was summoned to the Police Court in Sydney charged with “suffering a horse to stray in the public Government Domain” but the case was dismissed when it was found that the Government Domain was not a public place and had never been declared a public place and James was given a warning not to put his horse in the Domain again. Also in 1853 Philip Parker King sold a block of land at 333 Western Road, South Creek to James. This land was later to become known as the home of Elizabeth Florence Day and Dr Edward James Day whose surgery was on the eastern side of the house. Dr Day was the M.D. for St Marys and Penrith residents for many years along with his sister Dr Prudence Day. James Gagen tried for another liquor license in the Penrith Police Court in April 1858 but was refused. James sold his 333 Western Road land in 1859 to a Mr J Smith who later sold it on to the Hope Family who built the house still standing. Research information has found that James was still living in Sydney in 1860 when he leased a farm near Penrith managed by his son Albert Gagen (aged 21). In 1862 James was again the owner of a cooperage situated this time at Market Street West in Sydney where he was applying for four coopers and two apprentices, but again in June 1863 James was made insolvent, owing creditors £82 and was confined in Darlinghurst Gaol, but by October 1864 he was free again and living in Sydney where he signed a petition for the election of Alfred Bradford (a wealthy Sydney businessman) for election for Alderman of the Brisbane Ward, Sydney Council. In 1869 he had moved his cooperage to Sussex Street and was applying for two boys to help in the factory. James fell “foul of the law” in 1873 when he was fined 14/5d in the Police Court for “not keeping his premises clean”. James continued to live at his residence called “Albertville” in Edgware Road at Newtown. In 1878, his son Albert who lived in Clarence Street (near Druitt Street) Sydney passed away and his funeral at 2.15 pm was followed by internment at the Necropolis. In 1881 James put an advert in the Sydney Morning Herald with a “Notice to all persons indebted to James Gagen, cooper of Sussex Street, are cautioned not to pay their accounts to any person but himself, as none but his receipt will be recognised”.

Death came again in 1886 when his youngest daughter, Lucy Agnes McDonough of Edgware Rd, Newtown passed away. James passed away in December 1892 at his residence. He was 82 years of age.

His eldest son, James Gagen (Jnr) died at Sussex Street in 1900 and his eldest daughter, Mary Ann Gardiner died at her residence at 53 Westmoreland Street, Forest Lodge in October 1902.

Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

sport

THE Zone 5 Singles were contested last weekend at Austral.

In the State Singles 1st round matches, Rodney Crean (Lawson) defeated Martin Byrnes (Mudgee) 31-18 and Gerard Beath (Cowra) beat Keith Sargent (Bargo) 31-23.

In the 2nd round Gerard defeated Rodney 31-28, Penrith’s Trent Whittingham defeated Lee Stinson (Orange City) 31-19.

The final started with Gerard winning 6 of the first 8 ends to lead 13-4.

Slowly, end by end, Trent fought his way back into the game to be trailing 17-21 after 22 ends.

Both players went shot for shot over the next 11 ends until the score reached 28-all after 34 ends of tough bowls.

On the next end Gerard scored 3 shots to take the game and the title 3128.

In the President’s Reserve Singles 1st round matches, Terry Reid (Lawson) defeated Mark Hubber (Cowra) 31-19 and Luke Millican (Wisemans Ferry), after trailing 18- 6 after 16 ends went on to defeat Ian Hawkins (Picton) 3122.

In the 2nd round Luke was defeated

by Terry Reid from Lawson 31-17. Also in the 2nd round Rob Luland (Portland) tossed Phillip Russell (Molong) 31-12.

The final was played over a marathon 37 ends with Rob and Terry matching each other shot for shot.

The scores were never far apart which was evidenced by the final score, Ron edging out Terry 31-30.. Both Rob and Terry were backing up from playing in the Zone President’s Reserve Pairs the previous week at Blacktown City.

There was only one match in the 1st round of the Senior Singles with the bowler from Orange City unfortunately unable to compete.

In the only match to be played, Jim Lord (Penrith) beat Barry Jones (Grenfell) 31-20.

In the 2nd round Jim Lord was defeated by Brian Crean (Lawson) 3124 and in the other 2nd round match Col Missen (Camden) was too strong for Mike Holmewood (Mudgee), getting home 31-20.

In the Senior Final Col Missen won 19 ends to Brian Crean’s 16 ends. The final score being Col 31 to Brian’s 22.

Many thanks to Austral Bowling Club for the use of their facilities for the weekend and for providing the markers and umpires.

Also thanks must go to Zone Executives Col Appleby, Ted Ryan and Neil Workman for marking the finals on Sunday.

A CONTINGENT of 28 players and four officials from Zone 5 will be traveling to Temora in the south of the state this weekend July for a tournament against the ACT and Zone 8.

We wish them all good luck as this is a selection trial for a spot in the Zone

With Col Crossingham

side to contest the Bowls NSW Inter Zone sides Championships at Dubbo in September.

ON Saturday, July 5 the final of the St Marys RSL Major Triples was held with Martin Baker, Brad Johnson & Mal Cameron defeating Joe White, Jock Brown & Steven Swan29- 15.

Last Sunday the final of the Minor Pairs was played at St Marys RSL. The combatants being Paul Luke and Brad Johnson up against Mick Pope and Eddy Rijk.

On the 3rd end Paul and Brad dropped an 8. They fought back and picked up a 5 on the 10th end to lead 13 - 11. They then dropped 2 x 5’s on the next 2 ends and subsequently tried to come back only to lose by 3. The final score being 29-26 to Mick and Eddy.

Even on the last end Paul and Brad were trying to get a six to even the scores and came very close to succeeding.

Congratulations to all four players.

Contributor: Ian ‘Ambo’ Henrickse.

KINGSWOOD Minor Singles Final was played on Saturday, July 19 with Bryan Wilkinson winning 31-19 over Rolf Laib.

Bryan is a relatively new bowler and this was his first effort in a final.

The game was played in trying conditions with Bryan adapting the better.

Contributor: Ted Ryan

ANYONE wishing to keep track of our Aussie bowlers over in Glasgow can find the results at results. glasgow2014/sports/lb/lawn_bowls. html or on Facebook at facebook.com/ Glasgow2014.

A GREAT time was had by all when Penrith Bowling Club celebrated Xmas in July.

The morning started with a convivial game of bowls where new friends were made and old acquaintances renewed.

Then it was into the auditorium for a sumptuous Xmas lunch and some fun, games and Xmas carol singing.

Contributor: Gary Adnum

Ho, ho, ho! Christmas in July function at Penrith BC.

Tahlia shines at world titles THE Australian U17 Women’s team (Sapphires) has finished the 2014 FIBA World Championships for Women in fifth place.

Whilst the result may appear to be a slight disappointment, the young Australians finished ahead of their rankings and performed superbly throughout the week - losing just one game throughout the tournament. Australia’s results included wins over Japan 54-46, Slovak Republic 58-51, Mexico 64-42 and Mali 72-34 in the preliminary rounds, before suffering their only loss in the quarter final to the Czech Republic 61-50.

Australia rebounded strongly from that result to defeat France 65-48 in the classification round (fifth to eighth positions), then defeated Canada 69-39 in the playoff for fifth and sixth positions.

Penrith junior representative, Tahlia Tupaea, was superb for the Sapphires, fully embracing her role as team captain and leader.

Tupaea led the Sapphires in ‘Steals’, ‘Assists’ and ‘Average Points per Game’, shooting the ball at an impressive 40.6% from the field and 88.9% from the free throw line.

When you consider the talented youngster was playing through the pain of a dislocated thumb (sustained during a preworlds tournament in Italy) it makes her performance at the championships even more meritorious.

The thumb injury was initially diagnosed as an evulsion fracture and scans this week revealed a hairline fracture.

The good news is Tahlia could well be back in action with the Panthers this weekend.

The Penrith women are sitting just outside the top six in 2014 Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition and the action over the final rounds of the regular season promises to be hectic.

Tahlia has just received a letter of offer to join the 2014 Australian U19 Women’s (Gems) squad.

A total of 16 athletes have been invited to attend a camp from September 20-23 , followed by a second camp at the end of November.

A final team of 10 will then attend the Oceania Championships in the first week December in Fiji, with the winner receiving automatic qualification to the 2015 U19 Women’s World Championships.

High flying Tahlia Tupaea shone for the Sapphires at the world titles.

Photo: courtesy Noel Rowsell.

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

ON THE MAT

41

Round

Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

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44 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

You go girls!

sport

BARRIER RISE

with Tony Brassel

FOLLOWING the huge success of the Mark Geyer Cup, the girls now get the opportunity to produce their skills with the fifth Schoolgirls Rugby League Cup kicking off this week.

The after schoolhours competition this year has attracted a record 10 open age teams which will play Action from a 2013 match between Springwood HS (yellow) and Nepean HS (maroon). a weekly round-robin series and then semi-finals and a grand final. next Wednesday at Whalan Reserve.

The round-robin will be played over seven This is an under 16 years comp and has attracted rounds with the semi-finals set down for Wednesday, 12 teams from as far north as the Newcastle September 10, and the grand final the following Knights, east to Manly Sea Eagles and south down Wednesday, September 17. to Canberra Raiders.

High schools contesting the series this year are: Each team will wear the jerseys of the club/ Jamison, Chifley Senior, Nepean, Glenmore Park, region they will be representing on the day.

Winmalee, Springwood and two combined sides, The Penrith District team is: Cheryl Varga, Chifley Mt Druitt/Dunheved and Erskine Park/ Denise Finau, Shanice Neemia, Alisha Oloaga Colyton.

(Dunheved), Tiarna Barwick, Nikita Katoa, 2014 has also seen the inaugural Girls Rugby Jenashia Dixon (Glenmore Park), Brittney Tui, League Division in the Penrith Junior League on Ruby Allen, Taliya Mika (Jamison), Maddison Saturdays.

Brown, Annie Tupou, Talia Lealaiauloto (Nepean), Yes indeed, the interest for girls’ rugby league is Ciara Aigea, Lucy Aigea (Shalvey), Catarena expanding rapidly in Penrith!

Tuiletufuga, Shanai Vakai (St Agnes),Mum Tuau, A Penrith representative girls rugby league team Jasmine Moeroa, Kaleioni Soakai , Chirstine Pauli to compete at the NSWRL All Schools Carnival (Mt Druitt), Ariarna Skinner (Wyndham).

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.

BURNING PASSION: Always in cruise mode when finishing second in a Randwick trial so shaping perfectly for a solid campaign.

FORGET MAYBE: Anthony Cummings trains this youngster and ready to carry on from some decent displays last preparation.

IDA: John O’Shea’s Lonhro filly moves like a decent young sort and her best is yet to come.

KENCELLA: Speedball coming along nicely for his new trainer Chris Waller. Best form confined to 1200m or less.

LYRIC: Greg Hickman trained sprinter with plenty of ticker. Fared nicely when placed in a Rosehill barrier trial.

NAYELI: High grade juvenile from last season and sprinted up a treat to take a Randwick trial earlier this month.

TIGER TEES: All heart and all class so Joe Pride will have him placed in all the right races during the spring carnivals.

VALENCIA: Gai Waterhouse’s blueblood has come back bigger and stronger with a decent race likely to go his way in Springtime.

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WITH MARK GEYER

THE RISE FOR ALEX ROUND DID RUGBY LEAGUE PROUD LAST weekend’s round of NRL was indeed full of emotion.

The “Rise For Alex” movement touched more than your average league lover, it went beyond that!

The fact that Alex McKinnon has been left in a wheelchair after a tackle went horribly wrong goes way beyond sport.

It tells a tale of a kid with the world at his feet, having that world taken away from him, who now has to fight for the rest of his life.

As in the Aussie way we all get behind this kind of story.

It’s the “Aussie way”.

Last Sunday in Newcastle the stage was set to show just how much this kid has captured our hearts.

As he led his beloved Newcastle Knights down the tunnel onto the ground to play the Gold Coast Titans, the first sign of a tear appeared.

As Alex tried to wipe it away before anyone noticed it was too late.

We all were wiping our eyes.

Then as the two teams lined up to face the crowd with their right arms (all with rise for Alex wristbands) and placed them on their collective hearts it got too much for young Alex.

And it caught everyone off guard.

Here is a kid whose world will never be the same yet has remained so stoic.

Then the moment arrived, or the realisation, that this (the record crowd) was all for him!

And he couldn’t hide the trickle of tears any longer, nor should he have.

But it wasn’t just in Newcastle that tears flowed for the loveable young red head.

At every ground at every game last weekend the players, spectators, and viewers all stood as one in respect for one of our fallen.

Alex McKinnon on the boil for Newcastle. The Rugby League world is backing this young man to the hilt.

As Wayne Bennett said post game: “I’ve never been more proud of our game”.

A point of view echoed all across the country.

The Rise For Alex round was a perfect indication of how we rally behind a comrade that needs it.

It has been mentioned that we will have a Rise For Alex round every year, like cricket do with the Jane McGrath SCG Test match, and I think it’s a no brainer.

There should be a fund that helps all players of our game that have had their careers cut short by injury or concussion.

We expect so much from our footballers but basically forget them overnight once they’ve moved on.

The Rise For Alex round every year will help us to remember. As for the game that took place in Newcastle last weekend and the result? It’s secondary, the Rise For Alex movement won by a country mile.

LAST Friday I had my first ever visit to the snow.

We, the 2MMM Grill Team, took the show on the road as they say and headed down the Hume highway for six hours until we stumbled upon a winter wonderland.

The River Inn and Oz Snow hosted us in Thredbo and I have to say it was one of the best things I have ever experienced.

The Geyers are a ‘head North for holidays’ type of family but this trip to Thredbo, albeit for only a day, has changed me for life I just know my kids will love it. There was something magical about standing in a beer garden with 12 inches of snow falling sipping on a warm cider.

Yes I know, but until you’ve tried it back off...

I have been lucky in my job at Triple MMM to experience a lot of ‘first timers’ in the past five years.

But I didn’t think it would be a thing that I simply took for granted to top the list.

Next year, winter school holidays, I’ll meet you on the slopes for a bit of shredding. that’s snow talk people).

Catch you in a fortnight and see ya at the game.

45 Nepean News 24 July 2014 Issue 129

Y Mark T O O F R E MY WORDS V E F

Nepean News 46

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W WHERE is the cconsistency in rugby lleague these days?

Teams are champs one week and chumps the next – most of them can’t string a handful of peak performances together to ensure they finish on the right side on the scoreboard on a regular basis.

So much so that after 19 rounds, only three sides are out of the premiership equation – the Knights (14 points), Raiders (14) and Sharks (12).

All the remaining 13 clubs of have sound claims of figuring in the big end of season fixtures.

Earlier in the season, you’d have bet your left orchestra stall that Souths, Roosters, Storm, Bulldogs and Manly would fill the first five placings with the Cowboys, Warriors, Sharks and Broncos leading the charge for the other three semi-final berths.

But with just six rounds remaining – it is all hands on deck as far as playoff berths go.

As predicted, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Roosters are perfectly placed to ensure their

seasons extend beyond round 26.

The surprise packet has been the Panthers who sit in second place on the points-for-and- against figures.

Whereas I doubt if the Panthers will be alive come grand-final day, they are sitting pretty in regards to bringing home a bit of bacon to the club due to finals appearances.

So that’s six spots covered – leaving the seven clubs to do battle for positions seven and eight.

This promises to be a real exciting run-into the semi-finals with finishing positions one through to eight up for grabs until the final whistle on round 26.

Can’t say the football has been all that exciting but because of the stacked competition ladder, interest will be sky high every week.

My advance tips to finish in the top eight? 1 Sea Eagles 2 Rabbitohs 3 Roosters 4 Bulldogs 5 Panthers 6 Broncos 7 Storm 8 Tigers.

This week’s round 20 looks very interesting in the race for the playoffs as teams like the Panthers who play struggling Sharks and a rejuvenated Wests Tigers tackle St George.

A win would place the Panthers on 28 points and just about assured of a semi-final spot and the Tigers, who played superbly in all aspects against the powerful Bulldogs last week, can keep the ball rolling.

I wrote them off a few weeks back but the enthusiasm the entire team showed against the Bulldogs was electrifying.

There’s a lot to like about the Tigers.

A couple of old hard-heads up front playing in great form, a brilliant young halfback, rough ‘n’ tough youngsters in the pack and a solid enough defensive backline.

They keep producing the goods like that, watch them quickly climb the ladder.

HIGH MARKS: Wests Tigers. A dominant display against their muchvaunted rivals.

LOW MARKS: Lote Tuquiri.

Did you see that neck crunch he did last week against an Eels opponent?

The only person who missed it was one of the ladies in the canteen. Half a brain-snap!