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Thursday, 24 March 2016
ISSUE 171
WISHING ALL OUR CLIENTS AND READERS A VERY HAPPY EASTER
LINK US IN! Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce speak out about infrastructure links to Western Sydney Airport. Cover story page 7 Picture: Sharon Newman Photography
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Prue’s promotion By Kerrie Davies
MEMBER for Londonderry Prue Car may be only in her first term in state politics, but she’s been working the electorate daily for many years as a candidate and councillor. Her tireless efforts have paid off, not just with her resounding election result, but now she is honoured to have been promoted to the NSW Shadow Cabinet today, serving as Shadow Minister for Skills and Shadow Assistant Minister for Education. Ms Car said that her priority will be fighting for TAFE across NSW and prosecuting the Baird Government for its war on vocational training. “It is a huge honour to serve in the NSW Shadow Cabinet under Labor Leader Luke Foley,” Ms Car said. “One of my biggest passions as a Member of Parliament has been fighting to save our local TAFE, and I am looking forward to continuing that fight as the Shadow Minister for Skills.
Prue Car MP
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Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au “TAFE is so important to communities across NSW and the feedback I receive as a Local Member is that people want to see more funding for TAFE, not cuts. “As a Shadow Minister, I look forward to working with teachers and students to save TAFE, so that people who want to learn a skill and get a job can do so. “We must keep up the fight to save TAFE and I am looking forward to taking up this fight in Parliament and across the State.” Congratulations Prue, from all of us at Nepean News, well done.
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Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Western Sydney Creative Industries Opportunities
FIVE POSITIONS AVAILABLE Penrith Performing & Visual Arts is seeking passionate arts workers across a range of areas to join our expanding team of extraordinary people dedicated to offering the very best in artistic and cultural experiences in the Western Sydney region. Based at either the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith or at Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest in Emu Plains, the current opportunities are: • Marketing Coordinator (FT) • Gallery Assistant (FT) • Venue Services Assistant (FT) • Technician (2 x PT) We are also looking to grow our pool of casual Front of House staff and Venue Services Officers. If you love the arts and thrive on a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, then we’d love to hear from you. Applicants should ensure that their written application addresses the Key Result Areas and includes a current CV. For more information on PP&VA, our sites and the vacancies visit: www.thejoan.com.au and www.penrithregionalgallery.org Full details at: http://thejoan.com.au/?p=396 Closing date: Tuesday 29 March, 5pm.
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From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalst: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au
Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet. Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets
“I am the resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in me will not die but have eternal life.” - John 11:25
by Kerrie Davies SCAMMERS are getting cleverer (and angrier) as it is becoming more difficult for them to rob us of our hard-earned. And they seem to be more prevalent lately also. Not too many people these days would fall for the old “my dead Nigerian husband has left 4 million dollars in a bank account, I like you and trust you so I’d like to partner with you and give you half” emails. So the scammers have had to come up with new ideas that don’t include a dead relative. Now they call you direct rather than email, and they use names that you’d be familiar with, knowing full well that chances are you’ll shudder at the other end of the phone. “Australian Taxation Office” “Commonwealth Bank’s collection agency” Once they’ve notified you of some horrific debt, it is usually followed with “payment must be made today otherwise you may face legal proceedings including imprisonment.” Pretty scary stuff, even if you do smell a rat, just a little bit of blood will probably drain from your face. And that’s what they’re counting on. Another cracker is that your computer is about to explode, and in my experience, these scammers have had enough of people being on to them. Here’s how a call to me last week went: The call came from private number. Wait several seconds while it connects overseas. Caller: Ma’m I’m ringing about your computer as it is at urgent risk Me: Haven’t you people learned yet that this isn’t even a clever or believable scam? Caller: Ok, how about I come to your house and slit your throat bitch? Clearly they are becoming desperate. Our best defence is in spreading the word, so if you’re reading this make sure you share it with anyone in your family or friends network that may not be aware of the level of scammers there are out there.
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Calling for Nominations • Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) is a not for profit indoor sport facilities and function center provider. Our organisation has been in operation since 1988 • We are seeking nominations for two vacancy’s on our Board of Directors (Volunteer based) • The Board is responsible for strategic planning and the continued success and viability of this important community asset • Preference in one of the two positions will be given to a candidate with a high level of financial expertise Nominations or enquiries should be sent to our General Manager Stuart Jones at stuart.jones@pvrsc.com.au or PO Box 8094 Werrington County 2747
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MEMBER for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP, announced that Penrith City Council will receive $29.1 million to upgrade intersections along Erskine Park Road, between Bennett Road and Explorers Way. “I am delighted that Erskine Park Road will be receiving these necessary upgrades, in order to ensure the safety of commuters who travel along this busy and traffic-heavy road each day,” Tanya Davies said. The funding is part of the Federal Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – Local Roads Package, which will be managed by the NSW Government through Roads and Maritime Services, working with local councils. “St Clair and Erskine Park residents have raised with me the difficulties that they are confronted with when trying to access Erskine Park Road, especially during peak hour times. Such issues have centred on significant time delays and unnecessary risks for commuters to just get on the road in the first place,” said Tanya Davies. “Since being elected as the Member for Mulgoa, I have been making representations on behalf of my community to the Minister for Roads, arguing the case for the upgrade of this increasingly busy road,” Tanya Davies said. In response, the upgrades will provide for new
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channelisation of intersections and the widening of Erskine Park Road from two lanes to four, between Bennett Road and Coonawarra Drive, to match the existing four-lane configuration. “Perhaps the most notable of these upgrades is the installation of traffic lights at the Bennett Road and Explorers Way intersections, which will, undoubtedly, provide substantial benefits to commuters and residents in the area, enhancing their safety and minimising delays,” said Tanya Davies. “I am very grateful for all of the feedback that I have received from the community about the need for traffic lights at Bennett Road and Explorers Way. I can now confirm that these will be delivered.”
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Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
Car hits power pole A MAN died after his car hit a power pole at South Penrith at the weekend. The crash happened about 1.20am on Sunday 20 March, when a northbound white Hyundai Getz hatchback left The Northern Road at South Penrith, and hit the pole. The driver, a 76-year-old man from Glenmore Park, had to be released from the wreckage by officers from Fire & Rescue NSW. The man sustained multiple injuries and was taken to Westmead Hospital by NSW Ambulance Paramedics. Police from Penrith Local Area Command were advised the man died shortly before 10am that day. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com. au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages
Large scale police operation in Mt Druitt POLICE have arrested 17 people in an operation designed to reduce gang violence and public place shootings within Mt Druitt Local Area Command. During the evening of Friday 11 March and early hours of Saturday 12 March, Operation Talon officers, in conjunction with police from Mt Druitt Local Area Command and specialist police, saturated Mt Druitt Local Area Command, in particular Shalvey. Simultaneously, officers conducted a drug dog operation at Mt Druitt Railway Station; provided high visibility police presence on all public transport; served pre-emptive consorting warnings on gang members; engaged with licensed premises and local businesses, and conducted traffic enforcement initiatives. During the operation, police made 17 arrests, laying 20 charges including 1 x breach ADVO, 2 x breach bail, 3 x disqualified driver, 6 x suspended driver, 3 x Mid Range PCA, 1 x low range PCA, 1 x Special Range PCA, 2 x offensive behaviour, and 1 x possess prohibited drug. One cannabis caution, and two Young Offender Act cautions were issued for possess prohibited drug. Six Criminal Infringement
Notices, 3 for offensive behaviour and 3 for offensive language were issued. Police also issued 47 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) and 17 Rail Infringement Notices (RINs). Police conducted 630 Random Breath Tests, issued 15 pre-emptive consorting warnings to gang members, conducted 30 bail compliance checks, and in total spoke to over 500 people. Inspector Chris Nicholson, from Operation Talon, says the operation was a huge success which received strong community support. “Last night we sent a strong and clear message to people associated with gangs in this area that police are
committed to eliminating the scourge of gang violence and these public place shootings that endanger us all. “They need to understand that we have the resources to come after them, and will prosecute them to the full force of the law,” Inspector Nicholson said. Operation Talon was formed in August 2013 to reduce the incidence of public place shootings, with a focus on engaging the victims and offenders of public place shootings as well as large scale community engagement to remove the freedom of people to engage in this type of activity regardless of where they live.
Penrith Chamber speaks out on rail corridors THE Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce applauds the infrastructure currently planned for the North West and South West Growth Corridors. The Western Sydney Airport is part of that infrastructure, and Wayne Willmington and Gordon Henwood from the Advocacy Committee say there are three things to remember: - This is not Sydney’s second airport. It is Western Sydney Airport. - Despite political rhetoric, by the leaders of all levels of government, a rail link to the airport is unlikely until after the airport is operating. - Everyone wants a ‘piece of the action’ for themselves. “What remains important is that those, who are planning future transport needs for the whole Sydney basin, be allowed to get on with the job,” Mr Willmington said. “The process is exactly the same as when Badgerys Creek was selected, in the 1990s, and land identified for the airport. “There will be ten years of distracting headlines, claims and counter-claims, just as we suffered throughout the 1990s, but the key is to identify the land for a transport corridor and protect it.” Mr Henwood added that as tempting as it is to engage in discussion about
short term solutions that favour Parramatta or Sydney CBD or Liverpool or Penrith, the primary task is long term planning for the future of the Sydney basin as a whole. “The preliminary work, planning a rail corridor between St Marys, Badgerys Creek and Narellan, is fully supported by the Chamber,” Mr Henwood said. “However, the greater long term need is to join all the nodes listed here
from Rouse Hill through to the main southern rail line south of Camden. “Greater economic good will flow from Sydney West Airport - if it is integrated into the economy of West Sydney.” The Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce firmly believes that every attempt to make it a second airport for Sydney CBD or Parramatta will limit the airport’s usefulness and ultimate success.
“It is essential that we as a community get the economic growth and access to employment right for future generations and now is the time to plan and to provide the infrastructure as well as corridors for the future,” Mr Willmington added. In Summing up it is the Belief of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce that that the following need to completed in this order. 1. Upgrades to Northern Road from Penrith to Narellan (planning & design underway) 2. Preservation of a Rail Corridor from the Western Line to the Southern Line via the Airport. 3. Construction of Western Sydney Airport (due to commence in 2016) 4. Construction of the M12 Motorway from the M7 to Northern Rd (Penrith side of Luddenham) 5. Preservation of a Corridor for the M9 Sydney Orbital linking the Central Coast, North West & South West Growth Centres, Penrith and the Illawarra. 6. Construction of the Rail line between Western & Southern lines as well as the Airport 7. Investigate the possibility of a Fast Train from Sydney to Western Suburbs to either Airport or Penrith
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Accolades for our zesty girl Michele By Kerrie Davies
ANYBODY who has had the pleasure of meeting Michele Ellery from the Queen of Hearts Foundation would know that this is a girl on a mission, bubbling over with boundless energy and determination. Her mission is to support the seeking of justice and healing for sexual abuse and domestic violence victims. It’s a topic that still faces many challenges; including stigma, secrecy, overcoming victimembarrassment and social taboos. But Michele is breaking through those barriers locally and has become a much-needed local advocate and voice, not only for the victims, but also in raising awareness to the broader community. Michele’s efforts have been recognised in the ZEST Awards, which showcase the great work of the local community sector, promoting a positive image of Greater Western Sydney region through highlighting our assets, our diversity and our creative and innovative work. As the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Michele Ellery was awarded a highly commended for: Outstanding community Leader – Volunteer Capacity. “I’m elated to see the fruits of Michele’s labour recognised in such a prestigious manner. Michele
won’t be happy being in the limelight but she honesty deserves the recognition for her tireless efforts in addressing this perceived taboo topic in our society,” said Chairman, Adam Joy.
The highlight of the evening was when The Queen of Hearts Community Foundation were announced overall winners as Outstanding Voluntary Group and Organisation. CEO Michele Ellery was adamant that the award was a result of the entire team’s efforts. “All the people involved with Queen of Hearts Community Foundation contribute to what the foundation is today,” she sad. “We have volunteers, team members, ambassadors and directors who are all focused on the goal of eradicating these horrendous crimes and assisting the healing process for the victims who have endured so much.” Michelle is very keen to spread the word to get more local people involved in the charity. “Our Vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world for a child to grow up, free of abuse and violence. The Queen of Hearts Community Foundation supports and protects survivors of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and victims of crime.” Your writer recently referred someone in need of advice to Michele and sat in on the meeting. It was very apparent that Michele will go over and beyond any expectations to help anyone in need. Michele is thoroughly deserving of recognition for the work that she does, she’s one in a million and luckily for Penrith, she’s one of ours! Well done.
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Harmony Day - a celebration of diversity NEPEAN Arts & Design Centre students at Western Sydney TAFE celebrated diversity by creating Harmony Day Posters. Penrith City Council Mayor Karen McKeown helped judge the event. Harmony Day, 21 March, celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It is a day for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common. The central message for Harmony Day is that ‘everyone belongs’, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness to all Australians. There are some fascinating statistics about Australia’s diversity that can be good conversation-starters. Did you know: • Around 45 per cent of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was • 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia • Apart from English the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Vietnamese, Tagalog/Filipino, Spanish and Hindi • More than 60 Indigenous
Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown and Western Sydney TAFE Institute Director, Robin Shreeve hand our graphic design student Rachana her runners up prize and certificate.
languages are spoken in Australia • 92 per cent of Australians feel a great sense of belonging to our country. These facts are taken from ABS
2011 Census Data. Check out the Australian Bureau of Statistics websiteand the Mapping Social Cohesion National Report 2014 from the Scanlon Foundation website.
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Business matters lunch
Exciting environment at Emmaus
JOIN Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce at one of Penrith’s high level Business Luncheons sponsored by Panthers Penrith to understand the Business Growth Opportunities within the Western Sydney’s innovation corridor – development of the Sydney Science Park. The 250ha science park at Luddenham promises to deliver 12,000 new “smartâ€? jobs to the region amongst other business opportunities. Facts about the Sydney Science Park • Sydney Science Park will be 287ha • 340,000sqm will be commercial, research and development space • 100,000sq m reserved for education • 3,400 new homes will be built • 30,000sq m of shops, restaurants and entertainment are planned The Sydney Science Park will be a place to call home as well as a science centre The first stage of the school is expected to be opened in 2019. STEM teaching: Is a curriculum focused on educating students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an integrated manner based on real-world applications GUEST SPEAKER Mr Jeremy Spinak – Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Special Projects - Celestino Jeremy will be speaking on answers
VISITORS to the campus at Emmaus Catholic College at Kemps Creek frequently comment on the attractive rural surroundings. Students and staff of the Science Faculty at Emmaus are excited about two new activities which demonstrate their commitment and energy in implementing initiatives. Commencing this year, an Emmaus enviro group has been set up. “We received a grant from Western Sydney University late last year,� explained Science teacher Mrs Corbin. “The purpose was to set up a sustainable initiative at Emmaus.� With a team comprising Year 12 Earth and Environmental Studies students Rachel Clark, Mark Mifsud and herself, Mrs Corbin decided to install green waste bins in the Food Technology classrooms, with composting bins located behind the Food Tech block. “Composting is already taking place,� said Mrs Corbin, “and will be available for the College gardens in a few weeks.� The second success for Emmaus is the selection to participate in a school
to the questions most business professionals are seeking about the Sydney Science Park Business Opportunities. How do we bring high tech jobs to western Sydney? What is Celestino’s vision for the Sydney Science Park? How will the Sydney Science Park be a catalyst to drive change and bring those high tech jobs to Western Sydney? Members: $95 including GST Non Members: $110 including GST Tables of Eight: $685 including GST 3 course luncheon with wine, beer and soft drink. Venue: Jamison Room – Panthers Penrith – Mulgoa Road Penrith Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 Time: 12noon – 2.30pm Email: info@penrithchamber.org.au
By Aline Lyons
tree planting event. Staff from Greening Australia will visits Emmaus College, inspect the site and donate plants. These will build a Cumberland Plain Woodland forest. “As this forest is native to the Greater West of NSW,� said Mrs Corbin, “and is critically endangered with only 60 per cent of the original forest remaining, it is a great opportunity for Emmaus students to participate in the restoration project.� “That as well as the benefits ensuing from the tree planting, the College will also be providing a native habitat for critically endangered species,� Mrs Corbin added.
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Victim to victory: Kim turns her life around By Kerrie Davies
ROPES CROSSING resident, Kim Cancellier, has recently secured her place as a National Finalist in the 2016 Australian Galaxy Pageant; an event that encourages and motivates the contestants to be the best possible version of themselves and to become role models to their peers. Growing up locally helped to shape and mould Kim into the person she was destined to be. She spent time down on the river, riding motorbikes, learning the history of the area and interacting with her community in a strong way. Not your typical pageant girl, Kim is just as comfortable getting down and dirty catching lizards with no makeup on and her hair pulled into a pony tail! Kim said as a survivor of domestic abuse, she entered her first pageant at 28 years old as a way to fight back, regain her identity and restore her self confidence. “I spent years being told I was ugly and that I had nothing to offer so I felt entering a beauty pageant was the perfect way to prove my abuser wrong,” Kim said. “I never imagined I would have achieved all that I have!” While the physical abuse was minimal, Mrs Cancellier said she was told who she could or couldn’t talk to, what to wear, how to act, places she was ‘allowed’ to go and more. Eventually, she said, the abuse became too much and with her newborn daughter she packed a bag
and left in the very early hours one morning. This simple act set into motion the amazing future that would be paved for her. Along with her Queens without Scars campaign (previously shown on Channel 7 news) and over the past two years Kim has personally raised over $65,000 for other charitable organisations. Kim is an international spokesperson speaking out about violence against women (having spoken in countries such as Canada, Malaysia, the United
States and more), an advocate for White Ribbon Australia, is on the board of directors for Teal Wings of Hope and a strong community leader… not to mention a wife, mother of two toddlers and a local business owner. I’m ready for a rest just typing all that she does! Over recent months and using her Australian Galaxy Pageant title, Kim has organised a Toy Drive for children (and their families) struggling to provide gifts this Christmas, Homeless Hampers which included essential items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, hygiene products, socks and more. She has put together ‘Helping Hand bags’ for women who are currently living in shelters after escaping domestic violence, collected gently wornshoes for Soles4Souls Australia, fundraised for Make-a-Wish Australia, Wildlife Warriors, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and even more. A firm believer in the importance of community devotion and philanthropy, Kim will take her beliefs with her to the Nationals finals, being held April 13 to 16 on the Gold Coast, in the hope it will continue to inspire others. There (at the finals) she will compete in Evening Wear, Swim Wear, FashionWear, Personal Interview and photogenic judging alongside 70 other women from across the nation. The winner from this competition will then go on to represent Australia in the United States next August with the hopes of bringing back an international crown to our island home. What an inspirational girl. Kim, we wish you the very best of luck!
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Going purple MICHEL’S Patisserie St Marys is partnering with renowned Australian charity Epilepsy Action Australia this month in the lead up to their biggest annual fundraising event, Purple Day on March 26. Purple Day is a global initiative dedicated to educating the public about epilepsy and raising much needed funds for people living with the condition. Michel’s Patisserie franchisees Stephen and Carolyn Rymer said the team at St Marys is excited to be involved with Purple Day and hopes the community will also get behind the cause. “Customers can show their support of this well deserving charity by purchasing a pen, wristband, keyring or lapel badge from the Epilepsy Action Australia merchandise box on the front counter,” Stephen and Carolyn. All Michel’s Patisserie stores in Australia will be stocking Epilepsy Action merchandise boxes for the entire month of March.
OPINION: The truth is by Steve Roddick THE truth is our government is too big, too introverted and too self-serving. The halls of Parliament are filled with a large number of reality-removed career-politicians who have lost touch with every day Australians. Most of us simply want to make an honest living and pass on a strong, safe and free country to our children. The truth is our government is spending our money hand over fist and debt is out of control. The truth is we have far too many wasteful government programs and cuts need to be implemented from the top down. The truth is Australia is hundreds of billions of dollars in deficit. It is irresponsible and damaging to our country, and yet the politicians themselves are enjoying enormous salaries and benefits. None of us could run our homes or businesses in such a manner. It appears the government’s solution is to increase taxes and place an even greater burden on responsible and already productive members of our society. It is time we address this waste and broaden the tax base so the burden is shared. We must make it more attractive for Australian and overseas companies to remain or invest here to grow our economy.
The truth is we need a better balance between the benefits of targeted foreign investment, the wishes of local communities and the need to protect our national interest. The right of foreigners to purchase real estate and other property must be fully reciprocal. Only nationals of a country, which allows Australians free access to its own property market, should be permitted to own property in Australia. Everyone else can lease Australian real estate. The truth is we must challenge what is going on with the global discussion on climate change. We know for a fact that throwing $1 billion at a problem that so far has been hijacked by speculation, and special interest groups is not going to make one iota of difference to actual climate conditions. We need independent scientific research and measurable action that will address our impact on the planet. The truth is our education and health systems have been hijacked by bureaucracy and red tape to the extent our teachers and health care professionals are bound up with endless paper work that does little if anything to improve outcomes for students or patients.
The truth is small businesses and other employers are hamstrung by rules and regulations that make employing others and growing their businesses risky and unattractive. It is time to seriously consider how we can protect and encourage growth of Australian industries. We must protect our small percentage of arable, or useable land from foreign investment and potentially damaging land uses. The truth is multi culturalism is a failure and we need to reassess our immigration policies and our association with the United Nations. For many years we have proven that we are an open, tolerant, welcoming country. We have demonstrated how multi ethnic integration works. But what doesn’t work is encouraging multicultural practices where communities form enclaves and where criticism of ideas are censored. The truth is, we need a change of thinking at a policy level, join me in supporting Kirralie Smith, NSW Senate Candidate for Australian Liberty Alliance, Kirralie will be in Penrith on 28 March to outline ALA policies and answer questions. Register your interest at www. vote1ala.org.au
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John blitzes the Lions’ area finals THE Lions Youth of the Year Quest is designed to foster, encourage and develop leadership in conjunction with other citizenship qualities of our youth, at the age when they are about to enter the fields of employment or higher education. The local judging is held over two days; with a preliminary interview before a judging panel of three members, followed on by an evening with a public speaking dinner. The student is required to prepare a five minute speech for the dinner as the public speaking section of the quest, as well as provide two minute answers to two impromptu questions. The Lions Club of Emu Plains ran their 2015/16 Quest in November and the overall winner was John Nolan of Emu Plains, who attends Penrith Anglican College. On Saturday 12 March, John went up against other winning entrants from Caringbah, Engadine, Kogarah, Oatley, and Lugarno Clubs, at Mortdale RSL, in the Area final. John won both the Public Speaking and Overall categories, and was awarded two trophies plus $80 and $120 respectively, towards his studies. The Lions Club of Emu Plains, supported and congratulated John, his mum and dad; Carol and Garth,
his mentor/teacher; Charles Merz and PAC, for the excellent result. John now progresses to the District Final in early April, where the judging is condensed to one day and the judging panel increased to five members.
Do you or Did you know The Cuthell Family of Luddenham? Around the years of 1968,1969, 1970 Kathy Cuthell gave birth to a baby boy who was adopted at birth. I am that baby boy’s half sister, our father is Roy Winsor. I have been searching for many years for information about my brother. I have recently found out he may not know he is adopted, so if you are a member of the family or maybe a close family friend and were born in any of the above years please contact me so we can bring the truth out and be a real brother and sister. I have a feeling the family are still in his life from information I have so I feel it’s someone close to Kathy and Roy. This is a long shot but since I have tried for so long, with no help from Roy or Kathy I am praying someone knows something about this adoption.
Please contact me on 0412 997 710 Susan
If successful, John would advance to the State and National Finals. All enquiries for next year’s Quest should be made to the Lions Club of Emu Plains Quest Chairman; Jim Devine on 0427 110 061.
Applications open STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has encouraged public reserve managers to apply for a share of the $15 million available under the NSW Government’s Public Reserves Management Fund Program (PRFM) to improve and develop more public spaces for the Penrith community to enjoy. The 2016/17 PRMF program, which opened last week, is part of an annual program of grants and loans from the NSW Government to assist public reserve managers to develop, maintain and protect important public assets including showgrounds and community halls, local parks and reserves and caravan parks. “Whether it’s taking your kids to the local park, annual holidays at a favourite caravan park or using the local community hall for a party, we all rely on these public spaces and have many fond memories using them,” Mr Ayres said. “The NSW Government wants to make sure they are up to scratch for years to come and this annual program of grants and loans helps with the development, maintenance and improvement of these important assets.” For more information call 4722 8660.
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Are you staying home this Easter? There’s plenty of fun to be had right here in Penrith, so hop to it! FAMILIES needn’t travel of the many park or aquatic long distances to keep the kids playgrounds. entertained over the Easter 3. Family-friendly food: long-weekend. Penrith has The Panthers Complex many activities, attractions and is home to many eateries events and it’s only an hour including Silver Spur which from Sydney’s CBD. has a great playground, Penrith Mayor Councillor there’s the Coffee Club by Karen McKeown said a the Nepean River which is weekend at home in Penrith famous for its kids activity is guaranteed to be a fun and zone. Café at Lewers is set in Luddenham Raceway is open all Easter The Aqua Park at Cables Wake Park is open all Easter memorable experience for the a picturesque heritage garden ong-weekend and will be giving away long-weekend from 10am -5pm with a Special Easter whole family. of the Gallery, with plenty easter eggs to all visitors rate of $9.95pp for a 50min session instead of $15pp. “Families are really spoilt for of outdoor space for kids to choice here in Penrith. There is so much to see and Guide is a great resource and will help you make roam and explore. do over the Easter long-weekend the problem will the most out of your time in Penrith. You can view 4. Give them adrenaline rush (not a sugar rush!): or download it from our website.” be deciding where to start,” Cr McKeown said. Kids can try indoor skydiving, wakeboarding, can The Easter Long-Weekend in Penrith “Penrith is home to a number of world-class experience the thrill of whitewater rafting at an 1. Enjoy the great outdoors: Easter is the best Olympic venue and put their pedal to the metal goadventure attractions which cater to kids of all ages. Instead of a giving kids a sugar rush over Easter, time of year to be outside and Penrith is the perfect karting. They can fly as much as 10 metres above place to enjoy the outdoors. Try bushwalking to the the water on a jet-pack and even learn about the parents can give them an adrenaline rush instead. “Easter is such a great time of year to be outside famous Rock Lookout, or explore the Nepean River drama and danger of fire and firefighting. and there is no better place than Penrith to enjoy by boat, canoe or jet ski and observe the wildlife 5. Event central: Penrith is a popular choice the great outdoors. The Great River Walk or a bike along the way. for family-friendly music, sport, culture and 2. Explore the parks and playgrounds: Penrith community events. Check out the calendar of events ride at the Sydney International Regatta Centre are fun and affordable activities for families to do has a number of parks, playgrounds and picnic on the website to find out what’s on and when, and spots which are a fun and affordable option for sign up to the Visit Penrith eNewsletter to kept uptogether,” Cr McKeown said. “If you need help planning your long-weekend in families. Bring a picnic rug and watch the action to-date with what’s happening in Penrith. Penrith or just want to get some ideas, check out on the banks of the Nepean River, visit one of the For more information about Penrith please go to the new Visit Penrith – Official Visitor Guide. The many skate parks or jump, spin, swing or fly at one visitpenrith.com.au
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Legends of the Nepean By Garion Thain
EVEN before we met face-to-face, I knew an in-person chat with Uncle Greg Simms was going to be an interesting one. The bloke represents some of the west’s best qualities, showing up in local news time and time again for his activism in
reconciliation, dedication to education and community outreach. This is a man who’s constantly invited to share his words with politicians, business owners and other activists alike. When people say they know Uncle Greg, they’re quick to point out how genuine the Elder is in his advocacy for aboriginal affairs, and they’re not wrong. When I first gave him a ring
Uncle Greg pointed to his father in the background of this photo. Heritage is an important part of how he chooses to educate and speak to others.
to tell him he’d been nominated as a legend, he couldn’t hear me at first because he was at the Sydney MardiGras doing the welcome to country, and was quick to speak to me about his heritage in the area, his “Great Grandmother’s country, Gadigal.” Straight away I knew as a journalist that Uncle Greg is the real deal when it comes to community activism. Our talk over the phone made me even more intrigued when we settled on a time to meet. And truly I was not disappointed – this is a man with a lot of stories to tell. After two weeks I met Uncle Greg face-to-face at his work, ability options employment. “Finally,” he said laughing as I finally shook hands with the local legend, “after six years we meet in person.” Uncle Greg was quick to point me to pictures and stories that relate to his heritage. In the Nepean, he recently became one of the elders at Western Sydney University. He showed me his university’s picture which has his father and many of his uncles in the background. It’s interesting to hear him speak about his beliefs, a strong one being
the belief in two-way communication. Lecturers, elders and students can all learn from each other he says. And if WSU lecturers can take away a little bit of new information, a new perspective on something from him, then he’s done his job. And as we sat down and started talking, and Uncle Greg started sharing his stories, we came to agree that all his stories share a common element. Education. “All I want to do is break down barriers, build bridges and educate people,” he said. Cultural learning is an important part of Uncle Greg’s work, as well as his daily life. “A lot of people read to be educated, I educate through the oral book. [Elders] are educated from Mother Earth.” “I learnt from my elders, I never went to university myself.” A lot of Uncle Greg’s teaching in the literal sense is correcting misinterpretations and showing his side of cultural and political affairs. One example is his definition of what makes someone Aboriginal. “Too white to be black? Wrong
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UNCLE GREG SIMMS attitude,” he said, referring to comments he’s head from a variety of differing people. “People are people. Aboriginal people come in all shapes and sizes – Dark, Brown, fair, and milky white!” He was quick to turn to a clever analogy of his own making. “Think of a coffee. No matter how much milk you put in the coffee, it’s still coffee.” In essence the man tells stories of his own life about the themes of harmony and education. He mentioned that the Aussie way of life is great and relaxed, and encourages harmony when done right. “You gotta live the Aussie way!” He said passionately. “People trying to impose their authority – that’s not what the Aussie way is about. They’re the kind of people who wake up in the middle of the night, check under the bed and see how much sleep they’ve lost.” He said he loves Australia day, and doing welcome to country when he can. His belief of inclusivity is what turned him to defending MiddleEastern and Muslim communities in recent years, whom he firmly believes
are being unfairly stereotyped. He stressed how important he finds standing up for those communities has been to him in recent years, because he says he knows what it is like to be stereotyped, mentioning his efforts multiple times proudly. One of his most recent public speaking events about stereotyping was at the ANZ stadium corporate box. “A lot of people might be surprised that an Aboriginal elder would speak about Muslim communities, but they deserve to not be stereotyped too.” In a time of change, cultural education is still an important facet of Australia’s journey. “It’s important to work together. Sometimes there are, frankly, rude bastards that say horrible things and couldn’t care less.” “Again, education. I tend to find they don’t have enough education on the matter.” Uncle Greg has spent much of his life teaching and speaking for Aboriginals and recently other minority groups. While he is an older man now, his spirit of activism is truly alive and he will keep at it for a long while yet. The passion in his words showed me that.
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Uncle Greg Simms at ability options employment, and is a prominent community activist in the greater west, presently living in Mt Druitt.
Uncle Greg Simms nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Bart Bassett. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
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Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
Help the Easter bunny this Easter WellPet Vets would like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy Easter holiday period!! We would also like to bring you a very important message for your pets regarding Easter; Chocolate is a poison for cats and dogs! Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and so on… Easter is full of delicious tempting sweet food. Although for us chocolate is a nice treat, for cats and dogs chocolate can be very dangerous. Chocolate contains both of the chemicals; caffeine and theobromine. Both of these chemicals are safe in humans at the doses we eat and drink, but toxic to dogs and cats. All chocolate contains both of these chemicals, but they are much stronger in darker chocolate, especially the 70% 80% cocoa varieties. This toxin in pets effects their hearts, liver and brain. There is no antidote and the effects can accumulate over time. Therefore it’s very important to never give your pet chocolate no matter how small the amount, at anytime. Early symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and hyper-activity, this can then lead to tremors, seizures, racing heart rate, and even death.
Nepean
Veterinary REPORT
with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET
Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair
Nita
If your pet does eats chocolate, your vet can help. You will need to provide your vet with the approximate time the chocolate was eaten, your pets weight and the approximate weight of the chocolate eaten. Your vet will use a formula to ascertain the level of toxicity your pet has been subject too. Your vet will then recommend a treatment plan for your pet based on the above information. This may include, emesis, hospitalisation and medical therapies. So, you have our permission to keep your chocolate to yourselves this Easter and keep ALL chocolate safely away from your pets. Don’t ever feed it to them, don’t let them take it and if you have any worries that they have
got hold of chocolate call your vet immediately. WellPet Vets will be celebrating this Easter with Pocket Pet Recuse group Porsches Rescue! Porsches Rescue is an animal welfare group dedicated to helping re-home, rehabilitate and provide veterinary care to abandoned and orphaned pocket pets including Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets and more. This Easter long weekend we will be selling paper paws to place on our “Paws for Cause” Wall at Nepean Animal Hospital for $2 each. All proceeds from these paws will go to Porsches rescue to help save Easter bunnies and their small friends this Easter! WellPet will also be hosting a virtual Easter Hat parade on our Facebook page with some awesome pet prizes to be won so follow our page and join in on the fun! Over this holiday period remember to have handy the number for the Western Sydney Veterinary Emergency Service – 1300 WELLPET (1300 9355738) or (02) 4733 3456. This service is operated out of Nepean Animal Hospital, 50 Mulgoa Rd, Regentville and has staff onsite and is open *24 hours a day 365 days a year. *Public holiday surcharges apply
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industry and in fact only rely on complaints to protect the public. I have had to repair many “botched” jobs from injectors that are illegally working, who are shockingly going to homes, beauty salons and even hairdressers. One lady in particular changes her name, frauds certificates and continues to work using illegal imported injectables. Even “Current Affair” and lawsuits have not stopped her! I am so relieved that legitimate
clinics authorised and overseen by doctors are now grouping together. Rejuven8 is very proud to join this premium group of clinics. Collectively not only do we want to protect the public from injector cowboys (or cowgirls) but we will raise the bar of service. Total Face Group is a group of clinics that provides clients premium results, using premium products authorised by a cosmetic physician.
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Police scale down search POLICE have decided to scale down the search for a woman who’s been missing in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, for the past 14 days. 76-year-old Elizabeth O’Pray was reported missing on Monday 7 March when she failed to return from a bushwalk near her Medlow Bath home. Police deployed thermal cameraequipped helicopters, sniffer dogs, trail bikes and up to 150 searchers each day of the operation but now concede there is little chance of finding Ms O’Pray alive. “The search of the area has been exhaustive,” North-West Metropolitan Region Commander, Denis Clifford, said. “We’ve been over the walking tracks in the area several times and now with the advent of wet weather, it’s proving too dangerous to continue to send large search teams out into the more rugged, inaccessible terrain,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford added. “We will continue to search some of the more isolated areas using specially-trained rescue personnel
from Police Rescue, the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and other local groups because we desperately want to find Ms O’Pray. “On behalf of Ms O’Pray’s family, the community and police, who have the highest regard for the local identity, I particularly want to thank the volunteer searchers for their efforts to this stage.” A s s i s t a n t Commissioner Clifford has declared the situation a critical incident as the police operation was authorised shortly after Ms O’Pray’s disappearance. Investigators are still trying to piece together Ms O’Pray’s exact movements before she went missing and are keen to receive any camera, phone camera or dash cam footage, in which she may be featured, around the time of her disappearance. Ms O’Pray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall with a thin build and short, grey hair. Anyone who can assist is urged to contact or attend the Katoomba Police Station or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Clubs give community help NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisations across Penrith can get a financial helping hand through the annual ClubGRANTS program. Penrith Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown said in 2015 over half a million dollars was given to local organisations and projects through the program which is coordinated by Penrith Council. “In 2015, $643,241 was distributed to 52 organisations for 59 projects which ranged from initiatives to help children, families, older people, people with a disability, women and the broader community,” Cr McKeown said. “ClubGRANTS is a community development funding program where our local registered clubs with an annual gaming machine revenue in excess of $1 million are able to make available 1.85% of this revenue to specific community development and support projects. “I encourage local organisations that are not-for-profit and incorporated to apply for this funding.” The Category 1 funding round opens on Monday 21 March and
closes on Friday 6 May. To find out how the program works and how to apply go to the ClubsNSW website: http://www. clubsnsw.com.au Applications must be submitted via the online ClubGRANTS system http://clubgrants-penrithcity-council.smartygrants.com. au/2016cat1 For further information or support with the application process, contact Council’s Community Projects Officer, Vesna Kapetanovic on 4732 7771 or email vkapetanovic@ penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Registered Clubs that participate in the Penrith Category 1 ClubGRANTS program are: Club Paceway, Emu Plains Sporting & Recreation Club, Henry Lawson Club, Kingswood District Bowling Club, Nepean Rowing Club, Penrith Bowling & Recreation Club, Penrith Gaels Cultural & Sporting Association, Penrith RSL Club, Penrith Rugby League Club, St Marys District Band Club, St Marys RSL & Ex Servicemens Club and St Marys Rugby League Club.
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Simply attend one of the Open Day activities along the Heritage Trail on SATURDAY 2ND APRIL 2016, take a photo that depicts your visit and email your photo to bmacho.heritage@gmail.com
Friday 8th April via facebook: Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail
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Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
Festival a success
LAST weekend crowds came from near and far to see the best that Penrith has to offer at the annual Penrith festival. There were many stalls offering gifts, crafts and great food and entertainment to suit all ages. Penrith CBD Corporation’s CEO, Gai Hawthorn puts in a lot of work to ensure the community event is always a great success, and this year was no exception. Gai said she would like to thank all the volunteers, stall holders, sponsors and those providing entertainment, making the event extra special and a fun day out for all.
The traditional airing of the quilts
IF walking among colourful quilts displayed in the open sounds good, the Caring Hearts Community Quilters are having their annual fundraising event on April 9-10th at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Great Western Highway, Emu Plains from 10am 2pm. There will be lots of quilts, a trading table with handmade goods for sale, book stall, Devonshire teas, BBQ, quilt raffle and live music. The senior ladies who make up this group of dedicated patchworkers have been stitching their special kind of magic into quilts now for almost 14 years with the knowledge that they are truly doing something they love
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to do, whilst bringing joy and comfort to those that receive them. The quilts are given to local hospitals for their palliative care and neo natal wards,
along with Women’s Refuge and Blue Mountains Cancer Support and families that have fallen on hard times. Traditionally, Quilt Airings were held in spring as a method of keeping quilts fresh. They would be hung on clothes lines and verandahs to flap in the breeze on clear sunny days. Today it is a chance for quilters to exhibit their work. With the demand by this group for many more quilts, they would like to see more patch workers join their group. They have a huge need for quilters, long-arm, that could quilt the occasional quilt for them. For more information call Margaret on 4735 2058 or 0438 670 012 This is an outside event and will have to be cancelled if raining.
Learn how to make your home fire safe BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE D.I.Y. WORKSHOPS – April 2016 DATE Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 April Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 April Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 April Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 April Saturday 30 April
PENRITH Valley residents are invited to make their way to Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith on weekends throughout April to learn handy tips on home fire safety and to develop their D.I.Y. skills through a range of D.I.Y. Workshops. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout April, team members from Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith will host free D.I.Y. Workshops for adults and kids, sharing their expert advice through easy to follow steps. Bunnings Warehouse Area Manager Robyn Hudson says the April Workshops, which include
Tiling and Plastering, Indoor D.I.Y. Projects and Home Fire Safety Workshops will provide local Penrith Valley residents the chance to learn a wide range of skills for their next D.I.Y. project as well as ways to make the home fire safe. “Protecting homes against fire is so important and it is never too early to learn how to change your smoke alarm”, said Robyn. The easy to follow D.I.Y. Workshops will give Penrith Valley residents the skills they need to make the most of their home and outdoor projects. Free Kids D.I.Y. Workshops will also run each weekend throughout April with fun themed workshops including Craft, Sustainability, Grow Your Own Workshops and more.
DATE Saturday 2 April Sunday 3 April Saturday 9 April Sunday 10 April Saturday 16 April Sunday 17 April Saturday 23 April Sunday 24 April Saturday 30 April
ADULT WORKSHOPS Home Fire Safety Workshops Learn how to change your smoke alarm as well as other handy tips to make your home safe Tiling and Plastering Workshops Get expert advice and tips on tiling and plastering for your next D.I.Y. project Gardening D.I.Y. Workshops Create the garden you’ve always wanted by learning some new skills to start your own garden Indoor Project D.I.Y. Workshops Our expert team members will give you advice and information on how to kick start your indoor projects Basic D.I.Y. Workshop skills Just getting started in D.I.Y.? Learn the basics from expert team members KIDS WORKSHOPS Craft Workshops Enjoy a session of arts and crafts that you can take home Fun with Paint Workshops Create your own masterpiece using paints Grow Your Own Workshops Plant and learn tips for growing vegetables at home Sustainability Workshops Learn how to turn recycled household items into sustainable craft Game Makers Workshops Create your very own games to take home and enjoy Animal Craft Workshops Come in and have some fun creating animal-inspired craft projects Grow Your Own Workshops Plant and learn tips for growing vegetables at home Anzac Day Workshops Create a meaningful project for Anzac Day Woodwork Workshops Sand, saw and hammer a wooden masterpiece!
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays throughout April Adult D.I.Y. Workshops are held at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm Kids D.I.Y. Workshop times vary so please contact your local Bunnings Warehouse for times WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Cnr John Hines Avenue & Great Western Highway, Tel: 8882 0600 Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith, 2169 Castlereagh Road, Tel: 4720 2000 Bunnings Warehouse Penrith, Wolseley Street, Regentville, Tel: 4737 5400
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24 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
E N T E R T A I N M E N T SUDOKU: MEDIUM Dances of Life & Death
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
SOLUTION: 10 March
OPENING The Joan’s annual Richard Bonynge Piano Series on 2 April at 8pm is Ian Munro, one of Australia’s leading concert pianists and composers presenting a thrilling program exploring dance as expressed by several of the world’s greatest composers. With this new program – Dances of Life & Death Munro returns to The Joan for a spellbinding evening that will include Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Satie and Grainger, as well as much loved rags by Joplin and Ian Munro himself. Munro’s career has taken him around the world, to over thirty countries across Europe, Asia, North America and Australasia. A distinguished and highly awarded musician, he’s the only Australian to have received the Premier Grand Prix at the Queen Elisabeth Competition for Composers. Audiences may be familiar with Munro’s ABC Classics recordings and as his work as soloist and chamber musician with the Australia Ensemble. He was also part of The Joan’s Piano Series last year, performing on one of Six Grands with Tamara-Anna Cislowska, Stephanie McCallum, Clemens Leske, Neal Peres Da Costa and Valerie Forbes-Mavridis. The program will feature Mozart – Minuet in D, Sonata in A ‘Turkish Rondo’; Beethoven – Für Elise, Six Écossaises, Andante in F, Rage over a lost Penny; Chopin – Waltz in C-sharp minor, Minute Waltz, Nocturne in F-sharp, 3 Écossaises; Satie – Gymnopédie, Je te veux, Gnossienne; Grainger – Country Gardens, Irish Tune, Molly on the Shore; Joplin – Bethena, Solace; Guastavino – 2 Argentinian Songs; and Munro – Bad Girl Rag, China Rag. All single tickets are $50 or $45 Concession.
Photo credit: Patrick Boland
Subscription prices (four concerts) are $150 Standard and $135 Concession. This year Piano Series Subscribers save 25% - the equivalent of seeing one concert out of the four free of charge. Tickets include a post-show reception offering the chance to share a glass of wine, some snacks and insights with the artists. To book call The Joan’s Box Office on 4723-7600 or online at www.thejoan.com.au
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Annoyed (8) 5 Cigarettes (slang) (6) 9 Holiness (8) 10 Pal (6) 12 Box or jar (9) 13 Coincides in their characteristics (5) 14 Moves (4) 16 Not cognizant of (7) 19 Collision (7) 21 University square (4) 24 A trademarked nickel-iron alloy (5) 25 Hard-hitting (9) 27 Attack (6) 28 Lose an unborn baby (8) 29 Resulted (6) 30 Ahead in development (8)
DOWN 1 Cut in two (6) 2 Calibrating an instrument (6) 3 Additional (5) 4 Prolongs (7) 6 Pot or grass (9) 7 A large covered flat-bottomed boat (8) 8 Avoid (8) 11 German for “Mrs” (4) 15 In another manner (9) 17 Guess (8) 18 Reaps (8) 20 Holes (4) 21 Asked (7) 22 Cloth (6) 23 Remained (6) 26 Hot chocolate (5)
solution 10/3/15
WORD SEARCH
ST MARYS DUTCH FESTIVAL MARCH 2016
At the REMBRANDT Dutch Club 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys ~ 9623 2569
Friday 25th 10am - late Saturday 26th 10am - late Sunday 27th 10am - 4pm Dutch shop, food and bar ~ Dutch Australian genealogy group, ~ Children Corner ~ MOCZA display 6 Meter long Albertosaurus ~ Saturday & Sunday all day children’s ride and jumping castle ~ Entertainment
• Herman’s One Man Band • Roe-Zone • One 2 Many • The Masters • Dutch Connection • Cool River Band with Elvis Impersonator Show • Dutch Folk Dance Group Last performance • Backwater Boys
EASTER ASH WEDNESDAY BREAD BUNNY CALVARY CELEBRATION CHOCOLATE CHRIST CHURCH CROSS CRUCIFIXION CUSTOM
DEATH DISCIPLES EGG HUNT EGGS EUCHARIST FAMILY FASTING FESTIVAL FRIDAY HOLIDAY HOLY WEEK
JESUS LAST SUPPER LENT MARY MASS MEAL NEW TESTAMENT PALMS PARADE PASSOVER PENANCE
SATURDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS PENITENCE PRAYER RESURRECTION ROAST SACRAMENT SATURDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY TOMB TRADITION VIGIL
FREE ENTRY
SENIO WEEK SPECIAL; SENIOR FRIDAY 12 AND 2PM FLOORSHOW WITH NORM BAKKER - ELVIS SHOW
Only during the Festival days will there be a free shuttle service from St Marys train station to the Rembrandt Dutch Club and back; call Johan’s mobile 0416 235 331. Plenty undercover parking at St Marys Station. The Rembrandt Club St Marys is usually open Fridays 11am till midnight and Tuesdays 10-4pm. Information for members and their guests
25 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Locals celebrate St Patricks Day at o
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Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
Gaels Club
Social Butterfly
O’Donoghues
FREE ENTRY
27 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
our two local Irish watering holes
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28 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
E N T E R T A I N M E N T Fabulous frocks, fascinators and fillies
LADIES...isn’t it fun getting all dressed up? The frock, the hair, the tan, the heels, the fascinator, the bling - so many decisions to make to get the drop-dead gorgeous glam look we hope for. Now is the time to start planning your look - for the event we’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner; Ladies night at the trots! Penrith Paceway’s first Ladies Night at The Trots will be held on March 24 and this event ticks every box there is! Its local, so you are bound to know a lot of peeps and you won’t have far to get home after all the fun. And, being the night before a public holiday Good Friday - there is no need to miss this Soiree! There is even a courtesy bus to get the locals home! So ladies, get those gorgeous frocks, heels and fascinators on and join in for a night of music, food, fashion and fun. Oh and there will sure to be some dapper looking fellas there too! Fashionista mums, bring the kids along for some easter fun with jumping castles, childrens play area, also easter craft. Thee will also be a visit from a certain Bunny and hunt for the always prized eggs. Fashions on The Field will be sure to impress with categories for Mrs,
Ms, Miss and event Junior Miss. Not to forget the men in all this, Mr and Master can also enter this fashionista bliss. If an all inclusive package is what you crave, there is The Sky Lounge package available for this day. Mark this one down on your calender NOW! Penrith Paceway have just recently opened their new 3P’s Cafe. “We are proud to say that it has been a huge success,” said Paceway CEO Lorraine Pozza “We encourage all to come and enjoy a night at the races with our spectacular outdoor café. There is no better sport under the stars than Harness Racing. “Our Easter meeting is earlier than usual and hopefully will make for nice weather. “There will be so much to enjoy at this meeting , a real Easter feel with racing and a Hat Parade for adults and the boys and girls and prizes galore.” There will be live entertainment on the lawn, and stalls full of goodies for everyone. Wow!! What a night this will be right on Easter. Don’t miss out. make sure you are there! Entry is free so there’s no need to book.
Ladies Night at The Trots Thursday, March 24 6pm - 11pm Ladies get those gorgeous Frocks, Heels & Fascinators on and join us for a night of Music...Food...Fashion & Fun - Men are definitely welcome and encouraged to attend too! Bring the kids along for some easter fun with jumping castles, childrens play area, also easter craft. Then a visit from a certain Bunny and hunt for the always prized eggs. Fashions on The Field will be sure to impress!
Situated in the heart of Penrith, Club Paceway is the ultimate destination for a great night out. CNR STATION & RANSLEY STS, PENRITH | PH: 4732 4777 | WWW.CLUBPACEWAYPENRITH.COM
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Vanilla Slice with Icing ... Serves 1 INGREDIENTS: 2 sheets ready rolled frozen puff pastry, thawed Melted butter, to grease 750ml milk 375ml thickened cream 8 egg yolks 220g caster sugar 50g plain flour 35g cornflour 50g butter, chopped 2t vanilla essence 230g pure icing sugar, sifted 2T canned flavouring in syrup (passionfruit is always popular) METHOD: • Preheat oven to 220°C. Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Place one pastry sheet onto each lined tray. Bake in preheated oven, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 12 minutes or until the pastry puffs and turns golden brown. Remove from the oven. Cover pastry with a clean tea towel and use your hands to gently push the pastry down to flatten. Set aside for 15 minutes to cool. • Brush square pan with butter to lightly
grease. Line base and sides with foil. Place one pastry sheet, flat-side down, in base of prepared pan. • Gently heat milk and cream in a heavybased saucepan over medium heat until mixture slightly comes to the boil. Combine egg yolks, sugar, flour and cornflour in a heatproof bowl. Whisk until thick and pale. Gradually stir hot milk mixture into egg mixture. • Place in a clean saucepan over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, for five minutes or until custard comes to the boil and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla essence until combined. • Pour over pastry and place remaining pastry flat-side up on top. Place in fridge for one hour or until custard sets. • Place icing sugar and your choice of flavouring in large bowl and stir until smooth and glossy. Turn slice out onto a large chopping board and remove the foil. Spread icing over the top of the slice with the back of a spoon. Set aside for 20 minutes or until icing is set. Use a serrated knife to cut the vanilla slice into either large or small slices.
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29 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
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finance and real estate matters
Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
PROPERTY IS NOW REBALANCING BACK TO NORMAL With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker
MOVES by the federal government to reduce demand for property in Sydney have worked. The property market has been correcting for the last 6 months to a more balanced situation. This is better for the economy as the Sydney market was out of control for most of the last 2 years. Buyers have a higher chance to buy the property of their choice for a more realistic price now. This situation will hopefully continue for some time to give first home buyers and general owner occupiers more of an even chance to buy as demand from investors has decreased dramatically. Locally, prices are around 5 percent lower than the peak around the middle of last year. Sellers need to be more realistic with how much money their property can achieve. Underlining demand from owner occupiers is still strong so all well-
presented properties are still selling for a good price in a timely manner as long as the seller is realistic with the expectations. Core Logic/RP Data predict jobs growth in NSW and Victoria to be the highest in the country at 5 percent and the NSW economy to also be the strongest state. The average property in NSW in now taking 35 days to sell compared to only 23 days mid last year. There is also the highest number of properties for sale since 2012, 22 per cent more than last year. The number of properties sold in NSW is 7 percent lower than 12 months ago. Core Logic’s predictions for property price growth over the next 2 years are as follows-
Core Logic also note that there has been strong price growth and sales volumes in the holiday and costal markets of NSW and the Gold Coast which is benefiting from the Commonwealth Games to be held there in 2018. When confidence is high, more people are willing to buy these types of properties. When confidence falls, these properties can have a dramatic price decrease. If you are considering buying in these types of areas, it is always smarter to wait for bad economic times as you can pick up bargains from distressed sellers. You always make the most gains when you buy when most are selling and you sell when most others are buying of course. Sydney and Melbourne markets
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need some time to rebalance from their respective recent high price gains. A soft landing is better for the economy and the majority of property players. Rental yields did not change over the last 12 months and are at records lows in these markets due to higher prices and higher supply of investment properties. Many experts keep predicting Brisbane to be the best city to buy in over the next cycle. Jobs growth is increasing by 3 percent per annum and the economy has strong fundamentals. Discounting of sales prices by sellers is also decreasing which is sure sign of a strong market. Rental returns are also quite high but there is a high number of new units coming onto the market around the city which could have an impact with prices and rental returns. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.
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33 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
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34 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
MOUNT DRUITT:
Advancement Club Hall / Vogue Theatre / Theatre Mt Druitt / Family Cinema by Les Tod OAM
T
HE foundation stone for the Advancement Club Hall was laid on 18 April 1925 by the President of Blacktown Shire, Arthur Morehead. The hall was situated in Mt Druitt Road South and money for its construction was raised from the local community, principally through a series of social evenings in various private homes. A huge crowd attended the official opening on 8 February 1925 as well as many civic dignitaries. A second celebration took place on 21 August 1925 for the Crowning of the Queen, officiated by the Blacktown Shire Council President, and featuring the crowning of Miss Edna Gehde as Queen. Over the years that followed the hall was used extensively for dancing, library, a Roman Catholic church until a proper church was built, and by organisations such as the Masonic Club, Buffalo Lodge, Independent Order of Oddfellows, Park Committees, Labor Party Meetings, Boy Scouts, Weight Watchers, dancing classes, Sunday School and many more. In November 1925 St Mary’s Police wrote “it is up-to-date in every way and a credit to the district, and complies with every regulation of the Act.” By the end of World War 2 the hall was suffering due to lack of maintenance, and an agreement was made with Mr Dick Simpson, the operator of the Tasma Pictures in the Wallgrove Migrant Camp, to convert it into a cinema. Simpson had to construct a projection room, install theatre seats and install a screen. He opened his Vogue Theatre on 5 June 1946 with Elizabeth Taylor in MGM’s National Velvet. He would run this film again on the first anniversary of the Vogue. Mr Simpson recalls that there were no street lights in those days, and if one looked from the theatre, lanterns and torches could be seen as patrons made their way to the hall. Riders left their horses hitched to the fence outside, and sulkies were left in a nearby churchyard. In 1949 he applied for permission to increase seating from 317 to 343 by adding two rows to the rear seating. In 1955 widescreen CinemaScope was installed, which necessitated a new screen and alterations to the stage area, CinemaScope – more than twice the width of normal cinema screens – was the technological marvel of the day, and many blockbuster films were made in the new medium. In 1957 a new foyer was erected on the northern side of the hall. In 1966 Mr Simpson informed St Mary’s Police that the building
Photo courtesy: Les Tod
was now owned by Blacktown Shire Council. (19) Police advised the Chief Secretary “visited hall on 25 September 1966. I was present when Mr Simpson removed the old curtain that was suspended between the screen and the back wall.” Dick Simpson sold the Vogue Theatre in 1968. A pioneer of cinemas in the far western suburbs, he passed away in 2014. In 1970 it was still screening three times weekly, although by 1974 this was down to two nights a week. The seating at that time was 260. In 1974 it was renamed the Family Cinema, utilising a subsidy from the Whitlam Government to show a policy of family film screenings only. This grant was swiftly withdrawn by the following Fraser Government. In 1976 extensions were completed for the construction of a kiosk and a covered walkway as well as new male and female toilets. By 1978 it was the Vogue Theatre again, and Dick Simpson continued to work there as projectionist, under operator Stuart Ford. Around that time seats were installed from the former Hoyts Esquire Theatre at Chatswood. In 1983 more seats were replaced using almost-new seating from the former Mall Cinema at Merrylands. Air conditioning and stereophonic sound were also installed. The cinema closed after the September 1984 school holidays, then reopened for the December 1984 school holidays. It closed permanently at the end of January 1985 and all of its cinematic fittings were removed. The hall’s career as a cinema had finally come to an end. The projectors are now in the possession of Mt Druitt Historic Society. Many local adults fondly recall going to the Vogue as children, and the hall still stands in use by the community for which it was built.
sport
Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
BEHIND THE STUMPS
WITH STEW MOSES @THERIFFMARN
Black Cats’ Ghostly Qualifying Final Performance The Black Cats have come from the dead last weekend, to defeat Campbelltown-Camden in an epic qualifying final at Howell Oval. The two run win over a side containing the likes of former Black Cats Josh Clarke and prolific run-scorer, Ryan Gibson, sets up a mouth-watering home semifinal appearance against one of the few teams to get the better of Penrith this season, Sydney Cricket Club. The win over Campbelltown-Camden represents the fourth time in 2015/16 that the Black Cats have won a game by two runs. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Penrith were in all sorts of trouble at 8/60 before skipper Matthew Halse and fast bowler, Ryan “Bomber” Smith, rescued the innings in spectacular fashion putting on 172 for the 9th wicket. But the partnership could have ended much earlier had the skipper decided to declare at lunch given he thought there was more in the wicket than first thought. “With the wicket, we thought there would be a bit in it but there was more in it than we thought and we didn’t bat that well,” Halse said. “In fact at 8/80 at lunch I thought for two minutes about declaring and having a bowl but I’m pretty glad I didn’t do that.” The 9th wicket stand between Halse (74) and Smith (98) enabled Penrith to post a respectable total of 235 but Campbelltown-Camden took advantage of some loose bowling to be 0/70 at stumps and back in the driver’s seat going into Day Two. Josh Lalor was the catalyst for another Penrith fightback early on day two, getting the initial break before running out danger-man and former Black Cat, Ryan Gibson in spectacular fashion shortly afterwards and with Smith chiming in with two wickets, the Ghosts went into lunch delicately poised at 4/131. An absorbing middle session of play saw both sides within sight of victory at tea - the Ghosts needing a further 28 runs while the Black Cats needed another two wickets after Lalor took two more wickets while Halse and Max McNamara chimed in with one a piece. The Ghosts got to within three runs but as Penrith have done so often this season, they got the job done when it mattered most with that man, Smith taking the final two wickets to finish with 4/73 and deliver what Halse described as one of the club’s best wins. “It’s probably one of the best wins I’ve ever played in and I’m happy to get away with it,” Halse declared. “We’re never beaten, we never give up and that’s why we got the win in the end.” “That’s what we pride ourselves on.” Halse heaped praise on the contribution of Josh Lalor (3/62) on his return from injury, before confirming that the NSW fast bowler isn’t one hundred percent fit. “Josh is that kind of player,” Halse explained. “He can do something special in a blink of an eye.” “He can win you games and he was real gutsy today.”
35
Skipper Matthew Halse caresses the ball though the off-side for another boundary in what proved to be a match-winning innings. Credit 77 Media.
“He’s not a hundred percent fit and he’s not bowling as quick as he is normally wants to but he is still a formidable bowler.” Halse also said that despite having secured a home semi-final and with destiny in their hands as far making the final is concerned, it won’t get any easier when they take on Sydney Cricket Club. “We’ve got a home semi-final and that’s something first grade haven’t had for a very long time,” Halse exclaimed. “The ball is in our court now but we’ve got to get through the semi first.” “Sydney are a good side, they’ve had a very good year no bones about it.” “We’ll have to be at our best but we’re here now, we’re a chance and if we play anywhere near our best, we’ll give ourselves an opportunity to win the title.”
second place after fifteen rounds despite a shock fivewicket loss to nearby neighbours Blacktown Warriors, the week before. The Black Cats were sent into bat on a difficult batting strip at Joe McAleer Oval and despite having reached 1/136 through half-centuries to Matthew Hopkins (51) and Luke Morrssey (50), runs remained hard to come by and Penrith collapsed to be all out for just 198. Penrith had the Warriors in trouble at 5/105 but Blacktown rallied to win comfortably with nearly four overs to spare, ending an undefeated run that spanned eight games with seven wins and a washed-out draw. Ryan Smith (3/33) and Max McNamara (2/43) were the pick of the bowlers for Penrith. The loss was the first for Penrith in over three months. Their last loss before Blacktown came at the hands of this week’s semi-final opponent, Sydney back in Round Six.
Just How Many Lives Does a Black Cat Have? The incredible win over Campbelltown-Camden yet again illustrates the ability of this team to overcome adversity in different situations, be it defending gettable totals, chasing big totals or getting out of tight situations with either bat or ball. But whilst it has been an amazing season to date, do the Black Cats have a ninth life up their sleeve? The tight games Penrith have won: R2: Penrith 6/254 def North Sydney 7/252 R3: Eastern Suburbs 7/378 (dec) def by Penrith 8/380 R4: Mosman 9/325 (dec) def by Penrith 7/327. R7: Gordon 320 def by Penrith 6/322 R8: Penrith 9/227 def Randwick-Petersham 225 R10: Fairfield-Liverpool 92 def by Penrith 7/96 R13: Penrith 342 def Sutherland 340 QF: Penrith 235 def Campbelltown-Camden 233
First Grade Success Replicated in Lower Grades Not only do Penrith have their first grade side playing a home semi-final this Easter weekend, so too will second grade and fourth grades, whom having also finished the regular season in second place, easily accounted for Sydney University and Eastern Suburbs respectively. 2nds: Sydney University 102 (M Collins 4/23, K Balgowan 2/24, J Lee 2/32) and 9/184 (K Niess 3/36, J Lee 2/39, M Collins 2/68) defeated by Penrith 138 (M Collins 32, C Weir 31) and 3/149 (C Weir 56, A Bayliss 42) outright. 4ths: Penrith 256 (C New 86, J Apicella 51) defeated Eastern Suburbs 150 (D Miklosz 5/29, T Weir 3/28). Second grade now take on fourth placed University of NSW who upset 3rd placed Sutherland, while fourth grade play third placed St George.
Last Round Shock Loss to Blacktown Penrith still managed to finish the regular season in
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36
sport
Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
A dream come true: Te Maire Martin By Stewart Moses
@TheRiffMarn
“(MARTIN) He’s had one game, he went alright.” “He had a good game but that’s his first game.” Those were the first words Panthers coach, Anthony Griffin at his press conference used to describe the stunning debut of Te Maire Martin as he attempted to downplay the hype that had gone into over-drive given the five-eighth had only minutes earlier, helped a patched-up Penrith cause the upset of the season over premiership favourites, Brisbane. The Junior Kiwi showed what all the pre-match hype was all about despite having played just three games outside of Holden Cup, firstly scoring the try that levelled the scores with eleven minutes before kicking the field goal that whipped the 12,086 strong crowd into a frenzy. Martin’s debut performance reads like this: 1 try, 2 line-breaks, 5 tackle-breaks from 11 runs gaining 90 metres and making 26 tackles, missing two in defence. And that match-winning field goal. Speaking after the game, Martin said it was still a surreal feeling that he just made his NRL debut so soon after having come across to the Panthers from the Wests Tigers on a three-year deal. “It was a dream come true to make my debut as early as I did,” Martin said. “I expected it to come a bit later but unfortunately we’ve had a few injuries pop up and Hook (Griffin) said I’m ready.” Martin admitted that his first NRL game was much tougher than he thought it would be and credits his team mates for looking out for him. “I’m not going to lie it was tougher than I thought,” Martin explained. “I was gasping for air all the time and Isaah Yeo, my centre, could see I needed help and came in (to help me in defence) but (my game fitness) that will come along after you get three or four games.” Martin also said that making his debut also vindicates his decision to join Penrith despite having established halves in Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace, adding his expectations were exceeded
Te Maire Martin’s running game had the Broncos’ defence in two minds. Credit 77 Media
by playing alongside both of them in his first NRL match. “I’ve really weighed up my options, really thought about it and I really wanted to play with one of them so to play with both (Soward and Wallace) on the field at the same time is a dream come true to be honest,” Martin explained. “They’ve been around for a long time and they know I need the help.” Martin said scoring a try and that field goal was a bonus given that his coach asked him to mainly focus on his defence going into the game. “What he (Griffin) said was to really focus on my defence,” Martin said. “(Hook told me) they have some good attack and they will shift it my way all the time.” Te Maire Martin did his best to come across as the reluctant hero, even declaring that for his first NRL try he was trying to take a breather when the ball came his way. “I was waiting (on the wing) and getting my breath back,” Martin explained. “But the ball ended up coming my way and all I had to do was put on a bit of right foot on and put the ball down.” Then to seal a truly memorable debut, Martin
admitted that he was in the right spot at the right time again by accident to kick the match-winning field goal – with his eyes closed. “(Again with the field goal) to be honest I was falling back (behind the line) because I was tired,” Penrith’s latest hero said. “I sort of closed my eyes, kicked it and peeked to see if went over and it went over.” “I wanted to celebrate but I was gasping for air.” “I’ve finally got my breath back now and I’m over the moon to be honest.” When asked whether he thought he get the opportunity to play St George (and his boyhood idol, Benji Marshall, whom Martin has been compared to already in his career), Martin like his coach earlier in the press conference, was cautious with his response. “He (Griffin) knows what’s best for the team and if that’s me in it I don’t mind,” Martin said. “But there’s about five or six players out injured at the moment and when we get them back we’re going to kill it.” “So I don’t mind going back to Cup because I know I’ve got a lot to work on and if the time comes again (to play NRL) where I do get another shot I’ll be stoked.”
Panthers Division One men flying high By Noel Rowsell
PENRITH’S Division One Youth League Men’s team has been in outstanding form in Rounds Two and Three of the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition, knocking over the Blacktown Storm 95-73 and Sydney Comets 74-68 in successive games. NSW centre Adam Lulka has proved almost unstoppable in the recent wins, scoring a combined 51 points in the two games. The Division One Youth League Women had a 58-42 win over the Hills District Hornets in Round Two, before falling 86-81 to the Comets in Round Three. Emily Potts has led the Panthers in both games for a combined 45-point haul, ahead of Ella Tofaeono with 30. The Division Two Youth League men have had two narrow wins but are now sitting undefeated at the top of the competition ladder. The Panthers defeated the St George Saints 72-63 in Round Two, then followed up with a last-gasp 73-
71 win over the Comets in Round Three. Daniel Ru led the Panthers against the Comets with 16 points, whilst Marshall Ndebele was best against the Saints with 23. The Waratah League is in recess for the Easter Holiday and resumes on April 2, when the Panthers two Division One teams host the Bankstown Bruins and the Division Two Men host the Hawkesbury Jets. There is less joy in the Nepean District for both the Hawkesbury and Springwood Associations, which are both struggling this season. The Hawkesbury Jets Division One State League Men’s team and Division Two Youth League Men’s team are yet to win a game, although the Youth League team does have a forfeit win over the Inner West Bulls to their credit. The situation is even more bleak in the mountains, where the Springwood Scorchers Division Two Youth League Men’s team has been on the receiving end of three huge losses, with every opponent dropping an excess of 100 points on the hapless mountain-men.
Panthers centre Adam Lulka has dominated in the paint in Penrith’s recent victories.
Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Smith’s batting heroics secures semi-final spot By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
PENRITH fast bowler Ryan Smith had a weekend at Howell Oval that he’ll remember for a long time but not just because of his usual bowling exploits. The Black Cats having elected to bat first, were in deep trouble early on in their two-day qualifying final at Howell Oval versus Campbelltown-Camden having reached just 8/60 by the time Smith joined his skipper at the crease. What happened next will go down in Penrith Cricket Club folklore as he and skipper, Matthew Halse (74) put on 172 runs for the ninth wicket with Smith terribly unlucky not to score a maiden first grade century, having never previously reached 50 with the bat at this level. But not even Smith, who’s score of 98 runs off 160 balls in 189 minutes including five fours and five sixes, thought that he and Halse would put on that many runs. “At 8/60 I was just thinking of trying to get some runs and give us bowlers something that we could defend on pressure on,” Smith said. “The wicket was doing just enough and I was hoping it would be enough for the afternoon to get a couple of early wickets before today.” But the Campbelltown-Camden batsmen late on day one had other days as Smith admitted he felt physically drained after his marathon stint at the crease. “I normally feel as if I can bowl all day but it’s totally different batting for half a day,” Smith explained. “It’s totally different muscles you use and totally different fitness you need when batting.”
Penrith’s Ryan Smith hits straight and long during his innings of 98. Credit: 77 Media
Fortunately for Penrith, Smith was able to recover overnight and played a major role with the ball, taking 4/73 including the last two wickets, to send the Black Cats into a home semi-final. Having now taken 32 wickets for the season at an average of just over 22, the latest haul of wickets capped a magical weekend with Smith taking his 200th first grade wicket in the process, ironically against the batsman who denied him his century less than 24 hours later. “It’s been good to win another tight game and to be able to score some runs finally and take my 200th first grade wicket so that’s pretty exciting,” Smith declared. “The 200th wicket was special because it was the batsman who got me out on 98.” “But I thought I was too much of a batsmen, played down the wrong line and hit it out to cover.” Whilst Smith says it is easily his best innings to date when batting, it isn’t his highest grade score. “When I was captaining fifth grade coming back from my shoulder reconstruction I got 176,” Smith confirmed.
“I felt pretty good back then and I felt really good yesterday as well.” The win continues the amazing run of tight victories the team has had this season, a point not lost on Smith. “We’ve come into some tight situations throughout the season and it’s just a credit to the guys who never give up,” Smith said. “We want to win and we will do anything for each other and it’s formed a real bond not only within the team but within the club as well.” “Winning the club championship shows just how strong Penrith is and how passionate we are about our cricket.” Smith is looking forward to this weekend’s home semi-final against the only team that has defeated Penrith at home in 2015/16; Sydney and with good reason, having taken season best figures of 6/40 in what was a narrow loss to the third placed Tigers. “They stared the year really strong,” Smith said. “But despite the loss, we managed to show back then that they are beatable and we are pretty confident that we can beat them next week.”
Penrith win Sydney Grade Cricket’s Club Championship By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
DESPITE an unexpected loss in first grade, Penrith Cricket Club secured its third club championship and first since 2008/09 after completion of the final round of the regular season against Blacktown. Going into the final round incredibly level on points with Sydney Cricket Club, the Black Cats knew that wins in all five grades might not have even be enough given bonus points were on offer in the one-day round. In total four clubs were mathematical chances; Penrith, Sydney, Sutherland and St George but as results began to trickle into Howell Oval from various venues around Sydney, nerves turned to cautious optimism. But it wasn’t until second grade secured a nail-biting 11 run win over Blacktown that the Sydney Smith Cup was heading west once more. The thirty points gained from their win proved to be the difference given the final winning margin was just 28 points from second placed Sydney, as a relieved and equally-elated club president, Paul Goldsmith explained. “It was very very nerve-whacking,” Goldsmith exclaimed.
“We didn’t know until probably half an-hour after close of play.” “Ultimately we were relying on our second grade team and they got up by eleven runs with a run out to win the game in that penultimate over.” Goldsmith said that the club’s third club championship (the others being in 1982/83 and 2008/09) is a tribute to the club’s work ethic and culture. “The coaches have worked the guys hard and we’ve got a great culture well led by our captains and senior players,” Goldsmith said. “They don’t rest on their laurels and we’ve trained in the 40 degree heat when other clubs call it off.” “It’s why we’ve got the results this season because we work harder than others.” Goldsmith confirmed it’s shaping up to be arguably the most successful season in the club’s history since the 1982/83 Club Championship – first grade championship double but says it’s important th club doesn’t lose focus on the even bigger prizes on offer. “It’s been a long time since we’ve won the big prize (first grade title) and this is only our third club championship in our history,” Goldsmith said. “It takes a lot to win one of this and you need the entire club to win it,
Penrith first grade coach Steve Small with skipper Matthew Halse. Just two of many who have contributed to Penrith’s club championship success in 2015/16. Credit: 77 Media
which is why I think it’s a great prize that the entire club can cheer behind.” “It’s a big thing but there’s a few more big prizes to be won yet.” Club coach Michael Wholohan is one of a select few who have been involved in all three club championships and says this is the perfect tonic going into the finals. “I was a young bloke in 1982/83 winning that club championship which was fantastic,” the Penrith coach said.
“The big prize is a first grade championship but a club championship is special.” “Winning that going into the semis is a great feeling.” While for first grade captain, Matthew Halse winning his second club championship was a different feeling to winning his first given the club championship was won despite a shock loss to Blacktown in first grade. “It was a strange feeling to be honest when I first heard we had won after we had come off the field having lost,” Halse explained. “The previous one was a bit more exciting because first grade had to win to win the club championship and also make the finals which was a big thrill but this is still special.” The Club Championship is derived from results gained in the preliminary rounds of the First Grade, First Grade Limited Overs, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade, Poidevin Gray Shield (U/21) and AW Green Shield (U/16) competitions. Penrith scored 1,303 points after finishing second in First Grade, Second Grade and Fourth Grade, sixth in the First Grade Limited Overs competition, eighth in Fifth Grade, sixth in the Poidevin Gray Shield and ninth in the AW Green Shield.
37 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
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Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
Sports Scenes
(With Thanks to 77 Media)
Josh Mansour was one of Penrith’s best
That moment when you close your eyes, take a peek and kick a matchwinning field goal on debut.
Prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard proved to be real handful.
It was a big weekend for Penrith’s two premier sporting teams. The Penrith Panthers on the back of an amazing debut by Te Maire Martin rallied from 22-6 down to defeat the Brisbane Broncos 23-22 in front of 12,086 fans at Pepper Stadium last Saturday night.
Penrith tail-ender Max McNamara enjoyed waiting for his turn to bat.
The Howell Oval Scoreboard tells a sorry tale but 137 runs later and ten wickets the next day, Penrith will now play Sydney at Howell Oval this weekend.
Penrith’s men of the moment Matthew Halse (L) and Ryan Smith (R) earn a well-earned drink.
Not to be outdone, Penrith Cricket Club, the newly-crowned club champions of Sydney Grade Cricket, rallied in first grade from 8/60 versus Campbelltown-Camden to win by two runs, ensuring all grades will play their semi-finals this Easter weekend at home.
COACH’S CORNER
39 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
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BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach, Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com
CHALLENGING AND ENGAGING JUNIOR ATHLETES KILL it before it dies… Keep training fresh and exciting by not using the same drills and games over and over or your players will switch off and become bored and disengaged very quickly. It is more effective to end a drill or a game a little early and have your players jumping out of their skin to do it again, rather than having them moaning and groaning with the “not this again” attitude. This will ensure you have enthusiasm within all of your drills and that players remain switched on and engaged which will allow for quality training to occur. If we have enthusiasm and a high quality of concentration and engagement we are going to be constantly improving both individually and as a team through constant learning gains within all of our sessions. During a training session players should be constantly moving and participating. Minimise the time in which you are verbally giving instructions and maximise the time the players are refining their skills within drills. Ensure players are not standing around waiting in lines disengaged, create more grids and challenge them as much as possible. Coach and correct while these drills are in progress, it gives you an opportunity to visually analyse and you can individually coach as many players as you want without disrupting the whole team. Athlete intelligence is developed through
placing players in challenging situations, under pressure in competitive environments, this occurs constantly in live games. The question coaches need to be constantly asking is: How can we best recreate that within training? Games and game scenarios! Create games for different purposes, make them competitive and fun. Recreate game situations in training and talk players through them and have the players explain their thought process and challenge their thinking. This should make up the majority of your coaching program at the junior level. The challenge as a coach is in creating games and situations to challenge different skills and thought processes of your players as much as possible. This will then enable you to talk less, and let the experiences of the games and situations teach your players important lessons. Junior coaching programs should never include traditional fitness / conditioning drills. Fitness should never take precedence over the development of skill and the enjoyment of athletes at the junior level. Fitness can easily be implemented into the coaching program through ‘less talk more action’ from a coaching perspective, get the players moving as much as possible for as long as possible. Within a one hour training session athletes should be moving for a minimum of 50 minutes. Fitness will be achieved
during the games and drills which you create and set up to be competitive, fun and challenging. The best part of having games achieve your fitness outcomes is that the athletes do not associate fitness with any element of the session. Repetitively running laps or sprints to achieve fitness goals makes no sense! Junior athletes sign up to learn, have fun and play! So create an environment which allows them to do so. For the coaches doubting this approach… Firstly when do players ever run a lap during a game? When do players ever run in a straight line for any more than 10-20 metres during a game? Never! This type of fitness training does not directly relate or improve the skill of Rugby League, Netball, Soccer, Rugby or AFL players. The best type of fitness junior athletes can get is within games. Encourage players to get to training early and allow them to create their own games and own rules. There will be plenty of time for your players to focus on fitness and conditioning once the game becomes serious as young adults. But as coaches if we are not providing a fun, engaging and challenging environment the players will not stay within the game long enough to even get that chance. The main priority as a junior coach should be to retain these players within our sport through fostering an environment of learning through fun, challenging and engaging coaching programs.
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penrith sport panthers celebrating 50 years
Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
MG ON THE MARK
WITH MARK GEYER
BREATH OF FRESH AIR TE MAIRE MARTIN’S first grade debut last Saturday night against this season’s competition favourites, Brisbane was in a word ‘Awesome!’ What a breath of fresh air this young junior Kiwi International is. Sometimes things happen in Rugby Leagues teams that triggers a domino effect. Who would have known that hooker James Segyaro’s broken arm would see one of the Panther’s offseason buys make his debut at 5-8th? But that’s exactly what happened. After experimenting for a week with Tyrone Peachey (a back rower) as play-maker, Coach Griffin showed some intestinal fortitude in rewarding young Martin after two powerful displays in the NSW Cup with a starting role in the halves with experienced Jamie Soward. All game against the Broncos, Martin probed and pursued and never once looked out of his depth, a great sign going forward. His defence was also a stand-out. For such a slight young man to step up to the plate in such a way may prove to be the Panther’s season highlight. Not only did Martin score a vital try on his maiden voyage when he was called upon for the final play of the game he showed a trait that all great playmakers must process. The ability to be the ‘goto’ man in a clutch field goal. The ball rocketed to Jamie Soward who was converged upon by a half dozen of Wayne Bennett’s men. Obviously without a view of the posts Soward astutely then flung the ball to the young rookie who was cool as a cucumber knocked over the winning kick with less than 3 minutes on the clock! What a kick, what a debut, what a humble young man. I can’t wait to see more of Martin as the season progresses. Meanwhile I have a new ditty that the Panthers faithful might like to sing-a-long to whenever Martin takes the field. In the key of the great Dean Martin’s Amore song “when a moon hits your eye like a big pizza
pie that Te Marie...”hahah sure to catch on hey? And another thing.... LAST Thursday was the second installment of the sportmans lunch at the Pioneer Tavern “MG and Matty Johns uncut”, with proceeds going to a local charity I’m very passionate about - The Great Walk Foundation. Helping myself and Matty this year to raise much needed funds for local charities were MC Mark Warrren and comedian Mick Meredith. Also a big thanks to those that attended and made the event a sellout! The day wouldn’t have been the success it was without the unwavering generosity of the Pioneer Taverns boss Iris Russell and her incredible staff. The Great Walk Foundation has raised
$788.162,000 since it’s inception in 2008 with this years being the 9th time the walk has taken place, and with the 2016 now locked in (Tuesday 24th - Saturday 28th May) the magical million dollar mark is closing in. Beneficiaries of the Great Walk include Nepean Hospital Infant Ward, Greater Community Transport, Lithgow Hospital, Panthers on the prowl, and Lifestart co-op to name but several. This years 170km trek from Bathurst to Blaxland promises to be as gruelling as ever and your local support is indeed greatly appreciated. I’ll give those that want more details closer to the event. See ya at the game....
MG (random Westie) OAM
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penrith sport panthers celebrating 50 years
Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
REPEAT SETS WITH STEW MOSES
@THERIFFMARN
AGONY ONE WEEK, ECSTASY THE NEXT AS PATCHED-UP PANTHERS CONJURE AMAZING COMEBACK WIN NINE days is a long time between rugby league games. In that period Panther fans experienced the highs and lows (not neccesarily in that order) of supporting their side. Rewind to Round Two and the Panthers despite an inequitable five-day turnaround from the Canberra heat, started like a house on fire to lead 14-0 midway through that first half through tries to Peta Hiku and Sam McKendry. McKendry’s try in particular was a fitting reward for the Kiwi international prop who some felt was lucky to retain his spot in the side after his minimal contribution in the Canberra game. McKendry certainly was one of Penrith’s best on the night, yielding 132 metres from 14 runs, a line-break, two tackle breaks and 28 tackles to go with scoring his first try since Round 3, 2013 versus Souths. But the points dried up after half-time and the fiveday turnaround began to take effect, with a two-try performance from halfback, Moses Mbye inspiring the Bulldogs to an improbable 18-16 win after debutant Kerrod Holland’s conversion from near the side line after the siren. Coach Anthony Griffin said after the game it was an improved showing by Penrith but a plethora of missed tackles (20 of 30 missed were in the last 20 minutes alone) throughout the second half proved costly. “Two weeks now we’ve been one play away (from winning) and tonight we probably did enough to win but we didn’t,” Griffin stated. “It’s heart-breaking we got beat at the death but as a team we’re getting a little bit better each week and learning the lessons we need to learn.” The loss came with a cost as Dean Whare returned to the side after missing the Raiders game with a calf injury only to re-injure it and be ruled out for at least four weeks. Peter Wallace was Griffin’s choice to replace James Segeyaro (fractured arm) at hooker which saw Tyrone Peachey play at five-eighth, while James Fisher-Harris and Will Smith went back to the Intrust Super Premiership, giving former Tiger Sitaleki Akauola an unexpected club NRL debut. Penrith having led 14-6 at half-time applied plenty of pressure early in the second half, being camped on Canterbury’s try line for several sets before opting to take the easy two points on offer to stretch the lead from eight to ten points, a decision that left many
A proud moment for the surviving members of the 1967 “Founding Fathers” of the Penrith Panthers. Credit 77 Media
baffled but according to Griffin, the decision played no part in Penrith’s loss. “We got beat on a couple of decisions other than that and I don’t want to go into all of them but with a minute and a half to go we would have won the game if we could have defended that last set,” Griffin said.
FAST forward nine days and the Panthers are again at home, this time against the Brisbane Broncos. The early season premiership favourites came to Penrith on the back of an impressive defensive record that had seen the club concede just 118 points in ten games and no more than 18 points in any one game over that period. Already without Segeyaro, Moylan, Whare among others, the Panthers were dealt a further blow when coach Anthony Griffin received a dreaded call from the club doctor, with news Trent Merrin was out of the game with a virus. “About 10am this morning I got a phone call from the doctor saying he had a really bad virus,” Griffin confirmed. “When you see a phone call from the doctor you know it’s not a good thing.” But that news was overshadowed by the news most Panther fans had been waiting for; confirmation that Te Maire Martin was making his NRL debut. The Broncos came out strong and on the back of some Anthony Milford magic, led 22-6. But Penrith’s first penalty of the game proved to be the defining moment for both sides when in the next set, Bryce Cartwright stormed onto a Leilani Latu short pass to score, which sent the Panthers to the sheds at half-time trailing 22-12, a point not missed
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by Griffin. “It was a funny game that first half,” Griffin said. “I know it’s easy for me to say but I didn’t feel we were down and out.” “We were just very loose defensively.” “At 22-6 down, obviously that (Cartwright) try gave us that bit of belief and it gave Bryce that bit of confidence.” While Bryce Cartwright provided the spark that ignited the second half comeback, all the talk after the game centred around Te Maire Martin, who scored the try that levelled the scores before kicking the field goal three minutes from time to seal yet another famous home victory over the Broncos. Griffin having defeated his coaching nemesis, Wayne Bennett once again, praised his side for showing the mental strength to win it at the death after being pipped at the post against Canterbury last week. “It’s a lot better than last week when we earned the win but didn’t get the points,” Griffin said. “I was just really happy for the players, it was heart-breaking for them last week.” “It was a real show of courage.”
HAVING had their season kick-started by that heartstopping win, the Panthers now face a period where they play at Pepper Stadium just once over the next seven weeks. This Sunday the Panthers face an equally rejuvenated Dragons side at Wollongong, with a real chance that Matt Moylan, Sione Katoa, George Jennings and Waqa Blake will be available, as should Trent Merrin, who will no doubt receive an interesting home-coming to say the least. But Penrith may have to do it without prop Jeremy Latimore after he was charged with a grade one dangerous contact – head/neck charge which will see him miss one game regardless of his plea. Many fans will also be hoping boom rookie Te Maire Martin will get the chance to play against his boyhood idol, Benji Marshall. Then the following Sunday, the Panthers face a real test against the Parramatta Eels on their home turf. With former Panthers, Michael Jennings and Michael Gordon likely to play, it adds further spice to what already is one of the grudge games of the year.
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GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES
The Plot Thickens… A few weeks back, this very column suggested there is more than meets the eye over the sudden departure of former Panthers Group CEO, Warren Wilson and to watch this space. Reports have surfaced in the Sunday Telegraph over the weekend that the Office of Liqour, Gaming and Racing is examining minutes of board meetings over the past six months. While details remain unknown over the exact reasons behind his departure, it would seem that there are growing doubts as to whether he resigned on his own accord.
column written by none other than Phil Gould, AM is that TPAs create an uneven playing field amongst the clubs, virtually rendering the salary cap useless in achieving that very aim. Some clubs particularly in Sydney have a financial disadvantage simply because not all clubs have the big end of town at their door step. Clubs such as Penrith are at the lower end of a TPA scale that could vary by as much as $2 million between the haves and have nots. Some level playing field!
A sweet embrace between Jamie Soward and Cartwright typified Panther spirit last Saturday night.
While the Board is set to Welcome Some New Blood Some mail suggests that well-known local lawyer, Mark Mulock and former Sanyo Oceania Managing Director, Bill Crichton are set to be appointed to the Panthers Board in coming weeks. Their appointments could come as early as this week when the Leagues Club and Football Club hold their annual general meeting, this Wednesday night from 7pm in the Evan Theatre.
The Big Mac Breaks Try-Scoring Drought One player who was reasonably upbeat despite the loss to the Bulldogs was Panthers prop Sam McKendry. Sam’s try early in the first half was his first in nearly three years so he was naturally chuffed when asked. “I was pretty happy that I scored,” McKendry said. “They don’t come often and hopefully there’s many more to come this year.”
Injury News In some good news for the club, the likes of Matt Moylan (back), Waqa Blake (corked thigh), Sione Katoa (knee) and George Jennings (shoulder) are likely to play this week. Coach Anthony Griffin will be sweating on star forward, Trent Merrin a late withdrawal from the Broncos clash, being able to recover from a “severe virus” in time to take on the Dragons at his old stomping ground, WIN Stadium. But in some not so good news, centre Dean Whare, re-injured his calf in the Round Two loss to the Bulldogs and is expected to miss at least four weeks, while prop Viliame Kikau, will have further surgery this week to correct an ongoing problem with his ankle and is out indefinitely.
Dockar-Clay Waits In The Mix Another player fans wanted to see in first grade recently is hooker, Zach Dockar-Clay. But in a recent interview with Hawkesbury Radio, the St Clair junior said that while he thought he was personally ready to step up and play in the NRL, the coach has a different view and has told the hooker what he needs to work on. “Hook (Griffin) wants to play 80 minutes in the middle and get my fitness going,” Dockar-Clay said. “He wants me to play a bit more physical and having a bit more smartness about myself and having a cool head.”
More Commenerative Jerseys Revealed? Hot on the heels of the 1967 inspired heritage jersey worn in Round Two to commemorate Penrith’s first ever clash in the top flight against CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs, comes several pictorial leaks on social media of the next batch of jerseys that will be released to celebrate Penrith’s past. It appears that the jerseys in question will have a distinct 1991 feel to it when the Panthers take on the Raiders in Bathurst followed by a 2003 inspired jersey that will be worn when the Panthers take on the Roosters at home later in the season.
@THERIFFMARN
Journo on the Nose? Which Sydney-based journalist is so offside with the club that even security staff want this person to be banned from game days at Pepper Stadium? New CEO needs to address TPA’s With Todd Greenberg finally appointed as NRL CEO having sat under John Grant’s nose for nearly six months whilst he conducted an expensive global search to fill the role, hopefully he will look at rectifying the situation surrounding Third Party Agreements (TPAs) paid to players and particularly the widening gulf between the clubs in this area. The reality brought to light in a recent Sun-Herald
45 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
penrith panthers celebrating 50 years sport
Podcast Update Great to see the support shown so far to our fortnightly podcast offering recorded at the studios of Vintage FM under the watchful eye of Wayne Wilmington. The podcast features Mark “MG” Geyer and myself talking all things Panthers along with anything else that’s happening in the NRL. See what all the fuss is about and check us out at: https://soundcloud.com/user-127982816 We have plenty of other sports content on the site including captains-run / post-match press conferences and player interviews (including a special chat with 1967 Foundation Penrith Panther Dave Applebee). Lower Grades News Two strong displays have the defending Holden Cup champions back on track. Round 2 saw Penrith defeat Canterbury 46-6 before again piling on the points defeating the Broncos 48-16 to go top of the table pending other results. It’s been a mixed bag for the Intrust Super Premiership over the past fortnight. The Panthers easily accounted for the North Sydney Bears 42-10 but succumbed at home in the second half to a more experienced Wentworthville Magpies outfit, going down 30-14. Junior Reps News A great fortnight for Penrith’s junior rep teams. In SG Ball, Penrith have moved up to 4th position (equal second) after defeating West Coast Pirates 2210 (Round 5) and North Sydney 46-4 (Round 6). Penrith’s Harold Matts side have risen to 5th position having defeated South Western Sydney Academy of Sport 48-4 and North Sydney 46-12 in recent weeks. This Sat is a double-header at Brookvale Oval with Penrith taking on Manly in both Harold Matts and SG Ball, starting from 10am. See you at the game!
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Wanderers lead Hyundai A-League with three matches to go By Christian Layland
THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have gone one point clear at the top of the table with only three matches left in the Hyundai A-League season. It was a frustrating evening for the Red & Black who dominated the match and the shot count 16-3 against Adelaide United but were unable to conjure up a winner despite a barrage of second half pressure. In what was an intense and delicately balanced encounter the best chance of the match fell to Mark Bridge in the final minute of injury time whose shot curled agonisingly wide of Eugene Galekovic’s goal. But the Wanderers could’ve – perhaps should’ve – sealed the game prior to Bridge’s chance with a host of opportunities arriving late in the second half. Both sides struggled to generate momentum from the first whistle and having lost for the first time in 15 matches last weekend it was a back to basics approach from Adelaide that led to a supremely organised performance. The Wanderers began to patiently chip away at the Reds’ resistance with Mitch Nichols and Romeo Castelen each firing shots in anger late in the first half. After the half-time break, the Wanderers began to mount significant pressure on the Adelaide goal. It was Castelen who provided some of the spark missing from the first half, and only a heroic block from Dylan McGowan prevented the Dutchman from teeing up Mark Bridge with a simple finish on the penalty spot. Minutes later Castelen went close himself after
The Wanderers took on Adelaide United in Round 24. The two previous encounters between the teams have been draws. Courtesy Western Sydney Wanderers.
sending a thunderous effort from outside the area fizzing narrowly over the post. With the premiership race hanging in the balance Brendon Santalab was summoned from the bench but not even the super-sub could find a way past the visitors, although he almost managed to net his sixth goal off the bench when his header was spilled onto
the post and then regathered by Galekovic. There was to be one final opportunity for the Wanderers in injury time when Scott Jamieson’s cross slipped through a mass of bodies in the penalty area and arrived at the feet of Mark Bridge but the Wanderers all-time leading goal scorer sent his effort wide.
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BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists. CALIFORNIA ELITE: Looked tidy doing to job narrowly for the Peter and Paul Snowden operation. The camp just churns out winner after winner and here’s another one to jot into the black book. CAPED CRUSADER: Is a real street fighter of a galloper for Gai Waterhouse. He pulled out plenty again, to land his Randwick trial recently so there’s a tidy win or two in the offing on this display. EXOSPHERE: Has already established a boom but he’s still out to cement his lofty position in a major sprint. That could soon be rectified after his awesome trial win at Randwick recently. MOST EXALTED: Is a big galloper out of the James Cummings yard. He rallied big time to land his heat and the race form stamps him as well above average, too.
2016
TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP LADDER
47 Nepean News 24 March 2016 Issue 171
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SAMADOUBT: Hails from Bjorn Baker’s developing stable. Travelled deep yet still too powerful winning a Randwick trial so definitely one to follow. Good mover by Not A Single Doubt. SYLPHEED: Has yet to go to the races after two trials. Gai Waterhouse’s filly was ridden out to win her heat last Friday but the second one, Glamour Gal, goes okay. Seems a surefire future winner. TOP OF MY LIST: Oozes quality and could have won a trial at Randwick for Anthony Cummings. This well-bred mare has a bit of size and strength about her and won’t be a maiden much longer. WHIRLWIND ASCENT: Is a bit of a hulk by Artie Schiller so it is no surprise to see him a giant. The breed are usually big on size and this bloke is big on ability after zooming to win a heat from five lengths last early.
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Thursday, 24 March 2016
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HARPO’S MARKS
M MEDIA personality R Richard Callander hhas been one naughty bboy but I heartily agree with his comments that kickbacks were “racing’s dark little secret” and “it happens every single day in racing in every sale”. If you are not a racing fan, Richie has been disqualified from going onto racetracks for six months and fined $10,000 for his part in the shonky sale to Hong Kong of a racehorse he partowned and managed for a syndicate. The horse, Lil Caesar, was secretly sold for $200,000 to Hong Kong interests but Richie told the other part owners the price was $140,000 – he and a few others kept the “overs”. Lil Caesar - now racing under the name Lucky Year - has gone on to win four of its seven races in Hong Kong and earned its new owners more than $570,000 in prizemoney. Not bad for a horse his Aussie trainer, Chris Waller, kept telling its owners wouldn’t win a schooner at the Tooheys picnic! When I was a racing writer on the late,
sadly-missed Daily Mirror my scribbler colleagues included many of the truly great writers of the turf including Ossie Imber, Pat Farrell, Tommy Brassel, Bert Lillye, John Holloway and Ken “Deafy” Callander. Ken is the father of Richie and I have no doubt he is embarrassed by his son’s actions. Anyways, it was a well known in racing scribe circles that there was a lot of rorting going on at thoroughbred sales both in Australia and at the major Kiwi sales. How’s this for a Rort with Bar! A trainer or horse dealer knowing he would be able to sell shares in a purchase with trusting clients, would ask an always willing vendor what was the reserve price on his/her horse. Say it was $40,000. The prospective buyer would work out some sort of deal in which he and the vendor would split the amount of money above that sum fetched in the sales ring. In case other bidders weren’t keen to go above the $40,000, the buyer would have someone upping the bids and voila, it is knocked down for $80,000
and the vendor and buyer split $40,000. As the late Bob Moore, who did the ring betting fluctuations for all the newspapers used to say: “Show me man, show me money and I’ll show you skulduggery”. Richie should have been born 30 years earlier! Or is it still a practice at sales??? Look, they were rorting back when Alexander the Great bought Bucephalus and Julius Caesar was buying horses to pull his chariots and they’ll be rorting as long as there’s man and money.
I BACKED Capitalist to get the bikkies in the Golden Slipper but lemme tell you there were two very hard luck stories out of the race. The Melbourne visitor and favourite, Extreme Choice, was sent out as favourite on the back of his terrific Blue Diamond Stakes win in which he raced three wide up near the lead and then still kicked away to win. However Extreme Choice had no luck at the start when, out of barrier six, he was hampered by the horses immediately on his inside and outside
as both shifted towards him, forcing his to check and drop back to the tail of the big, strung-out field. Extreme Choice began to make good headway along the rails on straightening and I reckon would have been hard on the heels on the placegetters but at the 200m he was again halted in his tracks by the fast finishing Telperion which was also storming home from well back. To wind up in eighth place was a tremendous performance – stay with this bloke. Which brings us back to Telperion - this bloke handed in the best run in the Slipper and if he goes round in this Saturday’s Sires Produce Stakes on the roomier Randwick track, be on him. The horse had to change course on three of four occasions in the run up the straight but still kept motoring to wind up fourth, beaten two and a half lengths by the winner. LOW MARKS: NRL refs not penalising third flops in tackles. HIGH MARKS: Capitalist winning the Golden Slipper carrying my hard earned.