The annual easter egg hunt and family fun day presented by St Marys Town Centre will be back at Coachman’s Park for 2023. The local community are invited to enjoy a day of free magical fun and entertainment including an easter bunny dance party, face painting, magic shows plus special guests elsa & Olaf.
There will also be a bunny food making activity the kids will love and a performance by Minchinbury dance academy, BAM Performing Arts.
Children are invited to wear their best easter hat to participate in the easter hat parade and dress up to join the popular easter egg hunt - visiting Queen
Street St Marys Town Centre retailers to collect easter treats! With great prizes to be won, it is sure to be a day the whole family will enjoy.
When: Saturday 1 April 2023
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Coachmans Park, St Marys
To register and receive an easter hunt bag and instructions plus view the full program of events, visit eventbrite via the QR code.
NomiNatioNs are now open for the 2023 Local Celebration awards - the award program that recognises people of all ages who go above and beyond, who dedicate their time to make Penrith a great place to live, or who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.
Penrith mayor tricia Hitchen encourages nominations so that we can continue to recognise the valuable contribution of these local heroes in our community.
‘i have been both delighted and humbled by the selfless work of the past Local Celebration Awards winners – incredible people like 2022 Citizen of the Year steven Green, and mayor’s Local Heroes Lisa Harrold and Ditte Kozak, whose dedication to local charities, groups and causes has made such a positive difference for our community,’ Cr Hitchen said.
‘i know there are many people in Penrith quietly
achieving great things, and i am looking forward to hearing more about their work and meeting them once this year’s Local Celebration awards are announced later this year – so get your nominations in now!’
Nominations for the 2023 Local Celebration awards are open until 30 april 2023 and submissions will be accepted in person, online, by mail and by video. There are four award categories to choose from:
• Citizen of the Year (over 18yrs old)
• Young Citizen of the Year (aged 24 years and under
• Mayor’s Local Heroes Award (all ages)
• Making a Difference – Community Service Award (all ages).
the award recipients will be announced at Council’s Ordinary Meeting in July 2023.
Following the announcement in July, the Local
Celebration award winners will be formally recognised at a Civic Reception event held in August 2023.
Find out more about the award program, selection criteria and how to nominate at: penrith.city/localcelebration-awards
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Well, here we are with just one more sleep before State election Day. I can hear you clapping your hands from here. As the campaign wraps up, those interested and invested in what the outcome will be are just as excited as those who are tired of hearing about it.
Are we about to change government or give the current government another term? In the absence of a crystal ball nothing is ever definite in political campaigns, but it does appear that all the indicators are pointing to a labor victory. If that proves correct this weekend, it would mean Chris Minns will be the new Premier of NSW.
The question hovers, would the government have been poised for re-election victory if Gladys Berejiklian was still at the helm? It’s something to add to the list of things we will never know. But interestingly, whilst the polls tip a labor win, many have Dominic Perrottet rating higher as the preferred Premier.
What about locally? Of course, history has proven time and time again that anything can happen in politics. But, for what it is worth (and some may say nothing) here’s my opinion and guesswork.
LONDONDERRY
It looks like it will be an easy win for Prue Car. The candidates who’ve put their names up against her have ran great campaigns for the seat, but it is hard to imagine Prue not storming home by a londonderry mile. And she deserves the win. Prue has worked extremely hard - not just as the Member for londonderry, but as a Shadow Minister and the Deputy labor leader. She’s juggled all her roles successfully, even when life threw her some pretty shocking challenges. She’s strong and passionate and I believe her political career will take her as high as she wants to go with it.
BADGERYS CREEK
This one is a little closer, but it would appear that Tanya Davies will return to parliament. Being a liberal MP, this will mean that if the government does change to labor, she’ll be in opposition. She’s very popular locally and is seen at pretty much every event around town. Tanya has also worked hard and she has proven during her time in parliament that she doesn’t always necessarily ‘follow the leader’. If she does end up returning to parliament with labor at the helm, I can see she would be formidable in opposition.
labor’s Garion Thain has certainly thrown everything he had into the campaign. If not successful this weekend, I don’t think you’ll hear the last of him. When labor ran with the catchphrase “Fresh Start” many questioned what was fresh about it with some mature candidates who’d been around for many years. But I think they had Garion in mind when they ran with the slogan. He’s young, intelligent and enthusiastic. If he comes in second best on Saturday, labor would be crazy not to get him on their next Penrith Council ticket and have him prepare for a crack at the federal election or the 2027 state election.
PENRITH
This is one of the tightest battles in the state. Stuart Ayres, who has been in parliament since 2010 is in the political fight of his life to retain the seat, with a challenge from former Mayor and current labor Councillor Karen McKeown.
The seat of Penrith is held by Stuart with a razor-thin margin, but polls and betting agencies are tipping a win to Karen.
In a tightly contested seat that could well decide government and the future of Penrith, there’s a lot to unpack here.
If returned to office, Stuart would be in opposition should Labor win the overall election. I doubt that even the labor camp could deny he’d be pretty outstanding, considering he’d be one of the most experienced politicians in the parliament. There’d also be quite a strong possibility of Stuart being very high up in the opposition ranks, given the level of experience he brings to the table.
If Saturday delivered a Liberal win and a return of the government, Stuart would definitely be back in the Ministry.
If Karen wins the election, you’d imagine that would most certainly be in-step with a Minns victory, and she’d be taking a seat in a new Labor government. It would be Karen’s first election to parliament, and she’d take with her the experience she has chalked up on Council as a former Mayor and Councillor.
What happens to the candidates after the election? If voters elect the labor Candidate, Karen, it would, at least for now, take Stuart Ayres out of politics and end his political career. If voters elect the liberal Candidate Stuart, it would be back to business as usual with both candidates remaining in politics; Stuart in the NSW parliament and Karen on Penrith Council.
I’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with both Stuart and Karen and I’ve got to know them both well over the years. As a Penrith Councillor since 2004, Karen has worked with my husband Greg when he was on Council. Nepean News has covered many stories over the years with Karen, particularly during her time as Penrith Mayor.
I’ve enjoyed a great friendship for many years with Stuart, whose partner is a very dear friend of mine, Marise Payne.
My working relationship with Stuart has kept me super busy, because Stuart is a doer. Just look around Penrith and think of the town back when he first entered parliament in 2010. He’s literally been a major part of changing the landscape, the vibe and perception of Penrith.
There’s a joke that gets bandied around Nepean News that sometimes the publication looks like the ‘Stuart Ayres News”. That’s not due to any kind of favouritism; we support all local members’ announcements regardless of their party. It is due to the fact that we receive more releases and announcements from Stuart’s office than any other member and have done every single week since the day he was elected. Some might say, ‘well, do you need to run them all?” Then we flick through them and see they are all good news for our local area, so the answer has been pretty simple. Yes.
It is now time for the voters of Penrith, londonderry and Badgerys Creek to decide who our representatives are.
Good luck to all candidates. As I said last week it is a great privilege to live in a democratic country and have a say in who our government is and who that government consists of. Make your vote count.
Are-elected liberal and Nationals Government will immediately deliver on a range of key priorities in the first 100 days of government to support families through uncertain economic times and keep NSW moving forward, according to Premier dominic Perrottet. Mr Perrottet said a re-elected liberal and Nationals Government would not waste a minute putting its plan for NSW into action.
“My number one priority will be to continue to provide families the support they need, including slashing $250 off every household power bill and cutting the weekly Opal cap by 20 per cent,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I will also charge my team with getting straight to work delivering expanded health services at pharmacies, expanding our First Home Buyer choice policy, and with setting up the Kids Future Fund accounts.
“We will continue to drive the major infrastructure projects that are transforming our state, including kicking off the first stage of work on the new Western Sydney Metro lines which will connect our city like never before.
“With uncertain economic times
ahead, only the liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan will keep NSW moving and provide certainty and security to families across the state.”
deputy Premier and Minister for regional NSW Paul toole said the NSW liberal and Nationals plan would tackle cost of living pressures now and lay the foundations for a brighter future for families and businesses long-term.
“Our plan puts people first, prioritising help with household bills now and rolling out landmark reforms that create opportunities for the future – from help studying for your first career to buying your first home.”
Key Priorities for the first 100 days:
• Open expressions of interest for our NSW Kids Future Fund on Service NSW, and work with tcorp to finalise the design of the account.
• Make the $250 energy bill rebate available for all households that undertake a comparison of their current energy deal.
• Direct Transport for NSW to reduce the Opal cap by 20 per cent, effective 1 May.
• Introduce and pass legislation in Parliament to:
- expand the First Home Buyer
choice program, giving eligible homeowners the opportunity to continue paying an annual fee instead of stamp duty for future home purchases.
- Allow domestic and family violence victim-survivors to have their first home owner status reinstated.
- Increase community involvement in planning decisions.
- legislate the right to one-year of free preschool for all children.
- Ban offshore mining and exploration in NSW waters.
• Appoint a new Supply Chain Commissioner and hold the first industry roundtable, with a focus on regulatory barriers.
• Roll out a trial in pharmacies across the state for the diagnosis and treatment of UtIs and the renewal of contraceptive pill scripts.
• Make the $1,000 Small Business Fees and charges rebate available through Service NSW.
• Continue planning works for the construction of new preschools on school sites across NSW.
• Establish the cashless gaming transition taskforce - including industry and harm minimisation experts - to lead the implementation of our plan for cashless gaming.
• Commence the procurement process for the business cases for the four new Sydney Metro lines to ensure Western Sydney has the infrastructure needed for a growing population.
• Commence industry and stakeholder consultation on our ‘reasonable grounds eviction’ policy, standard three and five year lease agreements and design of the rental bond rollover scheme.
• Open applications for the expanded Farm Innovation Fund from July 1 to help farmers invest in innovation and infrastructure to futureproof their operations.
• Go-live of our website reporting on the delivery of election commitments.
AustrAliA and the world’s number-one ranked female canoe slalom athlete Jess Fox OAM has been honoured with a plaque celebrating her career, which will be installed at the entrance of the Penrith Whitewater stadium.
Penrith City Mayor tricia Hitchen and Jess jointly unveiled the plaque in front of dignitaries, friends and Jess’ parents richard Fox MBE and Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi, both world renowned paddlers in their own right during their respective racing careers.
“in the year 2000, six-year-old Jessica Fox watched from the stands here - cheering on Australia at the sydney Olympic Games canoe slalom event,” said Mayor Hitchen.
“Her parents - both world champion paddlers - had moved their family from France to take up a coaching role with the Australian team for the 2000 Games. their plan was to stay for two years.
“23 years later, and still here in Penrith, Jess is the most successful paddler in history and renowned as the greatest individual paddler of all time!
“today we honour her outstanding sporting achievements, her contribution to our City as an ambassador for Penrith, her sport, and as an advocate for women in sport.
“since 2009, Jess has represented Australia in canoe C1 and kayaking K1 singles.
“in 2011, she juggled sporting commitments while finishing her Higher School Certificate. She scored an impressive AtAr of 99.1 – and was dux of Blaxland Hs. Not long afterJess competed at the 2012 london Olympic Games and won silver in the women’s K1 event to become the youngest woman to ever medal in canoe slalom at the Olympics. But it was on the 29th of July, 2021, at the tokyo Olympics Games, when
the entire nation watched on as Jess lined up in the final of the C1 Canoe slalom.
“She qualified first for the final, recording a time of 110.59 seconds.
“An hour later, she would be the last canoeist out on the course. she waited and watched. When Britain’s Mallory Franklin recorded a lightning-fast time of 108.68 seconds, we were all nervous.
“But when Jess’ turn came, she delivered a technically perfect run and finished 3 seconds clear to grab an historic C1 gold.
it is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever Olympic performances.
“to date - Jess’ achievements include 38 World Cup gold medals, 9 World Championship titles, and 4 Olympic medals from three Games.
“Next year, she will defend her
Olympic C1 crown and strive for the K1 gold at the Paris Olympics.
“And with Kayak Cross, a new head-to-head format, making its debut at the Games, Jess could be chasing an historic three gold medals in Francethough she may be up against one of her toughest competitors and training partner – her sister Noemie.
“in 2025, our community will have the chance to see Jess in action again when Penrith hosts the iCF Canoe slalom World Championships – 25 years on from the sydney 2000 Olympics.
“i am proud to say Penrith has played a large role in Jess’ success. she got her start with the Penrith Valley Canoe Club, who train on the Nepean and has spent many hours on course here at the Penrith Whitewater stadium. And Penrith is proud of Jess.
“last year she was awarded an
“she’s been Penrith’s Citizen of the Year and sportsperson of the Year- and has worked with Council to help market our City, drive library membership and has inspired many as a guest speaker at a variety of functions.
“Jess continues to take time out of her busy schedule to attend civic events, promote Penrith and her sport.
“so today, we unveil a plaque in honour of Jess, a permanent reminder of her achievements and dedication to a sport and community that respect and adore her.
“And - it may just inspire the next Penrith Paddler to reach for excellence.”
Paddle Australia CEO Phil Jones also spoke glowingly of Jess’ success, popularity and significant contribution to the sport of Canoe slalom, not just on the water but also with her involvement within the community and her participation in administrative roles.
“Jess is a member of the Athlete’s Commissions for the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the international Olympic Committee (iOC) and Paddle Australia (PA),” Mr Jones said.
“it’s a huge honour to see this (plaque) today and to have my name on the wall,” Jess said. “i thank Penrith City Council, the Penrith Whitewater stadium, Phil Jones and Paddle Australia.
“i was here (Penrith Whitewater stadium) as a 6-year old in the stands and i’m passionate to call it home.
“this is my playground, workplace, training venue and race venue and is a part of my family’s life story. i look forward to high-fiving the plaque every day on my way to training.
“i look forward to welcoming the world to Penrith in 2025 (World Championships).”
Are-elected liberals and Nationals Government will invest $1.5 million to make walking and bike riding safer in regentville, with the delivery of a shared user path on Factory road connecting Mulgoa road to the Nepean river.
the funding will create a shared path for walkers and bike riders within the existing road reserve to provide a safer, more equitable connection for families in the growing local community.
Minister for Infrastructure, cities and Active transport rob Stokes said the commitment was the latest example of the liberals and Nationals’ $1.2 billion investment in active transport infrastructure across NSW.
“everyone deserves the opportunity to walk or ride safely in their neighbourhoods and investments like this can have a transformative impact on the way families move around their local area,” Mr Stokes said.
“It’s important that we create walking and cycling connections to our public parklands, and this shared path will link to the recently upgraded tench reserve.”
“this funding commitment complements the $14 million investment in tench reserve, giving
walkers, runners and riders along Factory road a safe shared path connecting to a treasured public space on the banks of the Nepean river.”
Member for Mulgoa tanya davies said the commitment follows a $325,000 grant to Penrith city council to design the project as part of the Get NSW Active program.
“the liberals and Nationals are committed to making walking and cycling safer across Western Sydney and this investment will allow council to put shovels in the ground and get on with building this critical link,” Mrs davies said.
“this investment will make it easier for families in Glenmore Park and beyond to enjoy our fabulous local environment and live relaxed, healthier lives.”
Labor Leader Chris Minns says a Minns Labor Government will make the rental system “safer and fairer for tenants” by introducing new data protection requirements for real estate agents, reviewing the role of NSW Civil and administrative Tribunal (NCaT) in rental disputes, and providing additional funding for tenant advocacy services.
“one in three New South Wales households are now renters. but that number is on the increase, as rising house prices and stagnant wages continue to make owning your own home increasingly difficult,” Mr Minns said in a press release.
“renters provide a wider range of documents than ever before, including identity documents such as driver’s licences, years of work and rental history, and bank statements. This is an increasing cybersecurity risk, with little regulation about how this data is stored and protected.
NSW Labor will work with Fair Trading, renters, and industry to develop a system that allows legitimate data to be collected to verify rental applications but protects renters
against potential data breaches.
“applications to NCaT can be a long and expensive process, and decisions made by the tribunal can be inconsistent. NSW Labor will conduct a review of the application process, case resolutions and hearing proceedings,” Mr Minns said.
“NCaT should be an accessible and transparent process to help renters and property owners resolve issues or disputes.
“We will also provide an additional $1 million for tenancy advocacy services to help ensure the crucial services continue to operate and families are supported through tough times.
“The Liberals and Nationals have had 12 years to provide improved protections for renters, but instead they have sidelined and ignored them.
“Labor’s plans build on our comprehensive renter’s package, which is aimed at reducing upfront costs and ensuring fairness for renters, while also providing certainty to mum and dad investors.”
Labor’s plan to make renting fairer and more affordable includes:
• Establishing a NSW Rental Commissioner to be an advocate and voice for renters, working closely
with both renters and owners, along with government and stakeholders; Introducing a portable bonds scheme to help relieve some of the cost pressures of moving homes by allowing renters to transfer their bond from one property to another;
• Introducing reasons for eviction;
• Banning secret rent bidding to ensure more transparency for renters;
• Increasing housing supply by looking at transport land holdings close to public transport;
• Targeting 30 per cent social, affordable, and universal housing on surplus public land, including an audit
of all available public land close to Metro stations and infrastructure, and
• Longer-term five year funding arrangements for key community services - including tenancy advocacy and support services.
“For too long the rental market has been stacked against renters. only NSW Labor has a plan to make renting fairer and more affordable,” Mr Minns said.
“anyone who rents in Sydney knows just how anxious and challenging a process it can be to find suitable accommodation, never mind the fear of having your data breached.
“These are sensible changes which will help give renters the peace of mind they need.”
Courtney Houssos, NSW Shadow Minister for better regulation & Innovation said NSW Labor understands renters are under increasing pressure and have a clear plan to address the crisis.
“We understand the need to verify data for rental applications, but it should not mean people run the risk of having their personal details exposed on the internet,” Ms Houssos said.
“We will also provide additional funding for the important work our tenancy advocacy services provide renters.”
The Penrith Museum of Printing has acquired a wooden printing press from the 1700s, which remarkably is in excellent working condition.
This type of printing press was widely used from the mid-1400s to the early 1800s, with Benjamin Franklin being a notable user during his lifetime.
With the introduction of iron presses, such as the Columbian and Albion in the midto-late 1800s, the wooden press eventually became obsolete.
“Fortunately, our Printing Museum has all three of the above types of presses in our collection, and all are in working order.” said Publicity Officer Graham Elphick.
“The ‘Common Press’, which is what our wooden press is called, was generously donated to our Museum by Richard Germynn from eden, NSW, who also donated a Book Press and 1902 Linotype, which was powered by gas, which is most unusual.
“Visitors to our Museum can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a functioning print shop of the 1950s.
“The printed word had a profound impact on the world, and the Museum is proud to showcase the history of printing technology.
“We are open on Sundays from 10am, and admission is only $5.00 per person, with
Penrith Museum of Printing’s new acquisition - a Wooden Printing Press. Photo supplied children under 16 admitted for free.
“We also hold bus tours, and have typography, poster and ADANA printing press courses for the printing enthusiast, or just people who would love the experience of setting an item in old lead printing type, or posters using ancient wooden type. Bus tours and courses are by arrangement, and can be arranged by e-mail, or phone on 0415 625 573.
The fitness team at Ripples are holding a charity fundraising event on Saturday 25th of March, beginning from 8am.
Members, family members or anyone else can punish their favourite trainer, whilst supporting the charities closest to the respective trainer’s heart. each of the Ripples trainers have a menu of exercises, which you can choose from, to create their banquet of a workout (45 minutes of torture for the trainers), and staff from Ripples will be streaming the event and taking photos. each trainer has selected their exercises, with each being valued at different prices (as some exercises hurt the trainers more than others).
You can view and support each trainer’s supporting charity at www.ripplesnsw.com.au/about-us/news-events/train-thetrainer.
Labor Candidate for badgerys Creek, Garion Thain, said he’s pleased to announce that if elected, NSW Labor will back our local councils by delivering $400,000 for upgrades to our parks and play spaces for local residents.
Mr Thain said locals deserve to have the same upgrades to their public spaces that everyone else does.
“When I put my hand-up to run, I said that I wanted our community’s services to keep up as our electorate evolves,” Mr Thain said.
“I’m really pleased to say that a Minns Labor government will deliver $400,000 for upgrades to our parks and play spaces.
“I’m proud to be backing our local councils, and hopefully these funds will help make our public spaces even better for residents.
“our locals deserve to have the same upgrades to their public spaces that everyone else does.”
The NSW Premier says families will be better off under a reelected Liberal and Nationals Government’s long-term economic plan, which will deliver immediate relief for families while setting them up for success in the future.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said only the Liberal and Nationals will keep NSW moving forward by easing pressure on household budgets now as well as investing in the future of our children through policies such as universal pre-Kindergarten and the Kids Future Fund.
“Our strong plan provides both immediate relief for families experiencing household budget pressures and also sets up our children for a more affordable and secure future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We recognise that families are feeling the pinch right now from higher inflation and interest rate rises. That’s why the Liberal and Nationals Government has a comprehensive plan to support families through these current economic headwinds.
“Immediate support, such as reducing the Opal card cap, toll relief and our $250 energy Bill Saver, will help ease pressure on family budgets.
“We will also invest in initiatives like universal pre-Kindergarten,
which will give every single child access to five days of free, highquality learning in the year before they start school, as well as more access to affordable childcare and the Kids Future Fund to secure a brighter future for families across our state.”
Minister for education and early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Liberal and Nationals Government will make childcare services more accessible and more affordable for families.
“Labor has no vision for the future of our state, and without an economic plan or experience, a vote for Labor will take our economy and your family’s finances backwards,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Under a Liberals and Nationals Government families have certainty. Chris Minns needs to come clean to parents about what their children will miss out on under Labor. From tutoring to new teachers, all are facing cuts under a Chris Minns government because of their wages black hole.”
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s plan to support families includes:
• NSW Kids Future Fund –delivering the most significant investment in financial security in NSW history, with children to have
access to a fund worth up to $49,000 to assist with the costs of education and home ownership once they reach adulthood. Labor are opposed to this game-changing plan.
• Universal pre-Kindergarten –delivering the $5.8 billion plan for a full year of free preschool for all students in the year before primary school. Under a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government, we will accelerate the build of 500 preschools on public school sites, creating 50,000 new preschool places in the next four years.
• Affordable Preschool fee relief –investing $1.3 billion, saving families up to $4,220 this year alone.
• Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund – investing $5 billion to expand access to high quality, affordable childcare across the state.
• First Home Buyer Choice –giving first home buyers the choice to pay up-front stamp duty or a smaller annual fee for properties up to $1.5 million and any subsequent purchases.
• Energy Bill Saver – delivering $250 in household energy bill relief. Chris Minns has said he will cut this assistance for around 1.5 million households.
• Opal cap reduction – reducing the Opal cap by 20 per cent to $40 per week for adults and $20 for concession holders, delivering cost of living relief and easing pressure on family budgets.
• Toll relief – up to $750 per year off toll bills to ease pressure on household budgets.
• Voucher swap – enabling families to use their Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers interchangeably from Term 2, letting kids do more of what they love.
• Infrastructure investment –$260 million to commence work on completing the Metro in Western Sydney, $1.2 billion in new health infrastructure and $1.2 billion in new education infrastructure commitments over four years.
“These commitments are in addition to the Liberal and Nationals Government’s efforts to make services easier and more accessible for families, including through our pharmacy reforms, establishment of 25 Urgent Care Services and trials to extend the school day, ensuring families receive quality and convenient services where and when they need it.”
With cost of living pressures impacting families, there has never been a better time to attend a My Kids Market, held regularly throughout Sydney and NSW.
My Kids Market is the original and largest market in NSW to buy, sell and recycle quality preloved and new baby and kids items. it’s a unique inperson event connecting buyers and sellers of baby and kids goods.
My Kids Market provides opportunities for parents and grandparents to purchase quality preloved items at huge savings, in some cases up to 90% off retail prices. A few items even have the original price tags still on them.
The market is filled with 60 - 70 local stallholders selling their family’s gently used baby and kids goods that they no longer need. With this many stalls, there is a huge range of items to choose from.
And there is no shortage of bargains so it’s best to get there early as the market attracts hundreds of shoppers. Popular items like clothing and toys followed by nursery items such as prams and rockers sell fast! A regular sight is shoppers leaving with bags and bags full of clothing mentioning that they only spent $50 in total. it’s a win for both buyers and sellers.
Families can host a stall and earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars by selling items their kids have outgrown instead of adding items to landfill. At a recent market, a stallholder made $1100 from selling a large amount of kids clothes while at a Newcastle My Kids Market last year, a stallholder booked two stalls and netted over $1700 from selling her goods.
Everything families need can be found at My Kids Market including baby and kids clothing, shoes, toys, books, prams, bikes, cots, highchairs, car seats and other nursery items.
the Market caters to all baby and kids needs from pregnancy and newborns to approximately 10 years but there’s no set age limit with tweens also cashing in on the second hand market.
Market goers will find their favourite brands at My Kids Market such as Bonds, PureBaby, Country Road, Seed, Love to Dream, Cotton on Kids, V-tech, Fisher Price, Little tikes, Bugaboo, Safe ‘n’ Sound, Boori and Mountain Buggy and more!
My Kids Market NSW is held on a rotating basis in different parts of Sydney as well as on the Central Coast and Newcastle. Sydney locations include Dee Why, Five Dock, hornsby, Kellyville, Liverpool. Penrith, Stanhope Gardens and Sutherland.
“if you’re trying to save money on baby and kids
expenses, shop at My Kids Market.
You’ll find huge savings on gently used baby and kids clothing and goods. Bring lots of bags as you’ll find tons of bargains” said Jennifer Harrison, Event Manager of My Kids Market.
“Unlike Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, you can browse through different stalls, examine items before you buy to verify the quality and speak directly to stallholders.”
My Kids Market also helps families be sustainable by saving thousands of tonnes of baby and kids items from landfill including large items, toys, clothes and more.
“instead of chucking unwanted items that kids have outgrown in the rubbish bin, parents can recycle their children’s clothing and toys via My Kids Market and on-sell them to other families looking for affordable and sustainable baby and kids goods,” Jennifer Harrison said. “Shopping gently used items is a great way to be ecofriendly.”
My Kids Market also supports small businesses with a limited number of Small Business stalls at each market. this enables business owners to launch and sell their products directly to parents and grandparents.
Upcoming Event:
Date: Sunday 2 April
Location: Penrith Valley Regional Sports Stadium, herbert St, Cambridge Park
Time: 9am to noon
Shoppper Entry: Adults $4, Kids free.
Website: www.mykidsmarket.com.au/
ThEy say that a good pedicure will result in your feet looking and feeling so good that you want to show off your toes to the world. But what about our pets? Are your dog’s nails constantly tapping across your porcelain tiles or wooden floor boards and in need of a pedicure?
Clipping your dog’s nails may seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With a better understanding of how often you should trim your dog’s nails, as well as the right tools and treats on hand, you can make it a positive experience for both you and your dog.
Why is nail clipping so important? - Trimming your dog’s
nails is important for their health and well-being. If their nails get too long, they can lead to lameness, ingrown toe nails, and even damaged joints. Left untrimmed, your dog’s nails grow into a curved shape. Eventually, they may penetrate the skin, making it uncomfortable and even painful for them to walk. Long nails also put your dog at risk of injury if they get caught in the fabric of furniture or carpets.
How often should you clip your dog’s nails? - This will depend on how quickly their nails grow. The nails should be clipped as often as they need to be to prevent them from touching the ground when they stand. This can mean clipping them as often as every 4-6 weeks.
How do I clip my pet’s nails?Gently hold the toe between your fingers and work slowly and carefully. Clip the tip of the nail only and don’t forget the dewclaws, located on the inner side of the paw. Avoid clipping past the curve of the nail or you will risk hitting the quick of the nail that contains the blood vessels. A nick
there is painful and will bleed. For dogs with dark nails, watch for a chalky white ring and do not clip beyond this point.
Tips to make nail clipping easier
Start your dog early - The younger that you start clipping your dog’s nails, the better. As a puppy, your dog will be more open to new experiences, and you have an opportunity to build positive associations that will carry them through to adulthood. Touch your puppy’s paws often and reward them with a treat afterward, even if you’re not clipping their nails. This helps get your dog comfortable with having their paws touched which will not only make clipping their nails easier, but it can make future vet appointments less stressful as well.
Make nail clipping fun - For most dogs, nail clipping is a stressful experience – or at least something they would rather avoid. Reward your dog frequently for calm behaviour, and give them plenty of praise and treats. The more positive you can make the experience, the easier it will be next
Is it me, or are a lot of people on social media
overwhelmingly stupid?
Even the aliens on other planets are saying, “hell no. We are not going there; they are a messedup bunch down there.”
I often ask new clients if they wear their underpants on the outside of their jeans. Of course I get some questioning looks, and then I say, ‘well why place all your sordid details on social media?”
I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon thingy ma jiggo, but I do know that the baddies look at social media posts.
yep you read it right, the BAD peoples!
This post for example: ”Oh God I get sick of being put on close at the pub and closing every night at 11pm.” Then add a check in, location services, pictures, map, “I am always the last one here…sigh.”
All I can say is that comments like this are at upper cut level– with a Bruce Lee famous roundhouse kick. People might as well have a flashing neon light,
time. Try using ‘dog-safe’ peanut butter on a lick mat as a stress relief treat and distraction.
Seek professional help - If trimming your dog’s nails is too stressful for both you and your dog, seek help from your veterinary team or a professional groomer. If the experience is all too stressful, your vet can discuss sedation and/or a brief twilight anaesthetic to avoid heightened anxiety.
Be consistent – If you find clipping your pets’ nails stressful, it is tempting to put this task off. Remember, the experience gets easier the more that you do it. Dogs love routine, and clipping their nails regularly helps them get used to the process. It also keeps their nails at a manageable level, making it easier to clip them next time.
If you would like more information about clipping your pets’ nails, phone the team at Orchard hills Vet on 4736 2027.
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
“hey, rob my house because I am out for the day!” or “hey, hold up my pub at 10:50pm because I am the only one here …sigh!”
Even posting your holiday pics highlights the fact that you’re not home.
Photos and pictures, for goodness sake think about what you’re posting and who can potentially see it.
“Look at my sweet baby girl only 5 in her new bathing suit, we are staying at bonehead point, in dropkick apartments right on the beach.” As vomit provoking as it may sound, there are really sick people on social media, so you can’t be too careful. And bath photos … don’t get me started on them.
“We are off on holidays for a week, great to get the whole family out of the house.” (smiling Emoji) with duck face kissing selfies. All I can say is that unless your Persian cat staying at home has been martial arts trained and is a black belt in kicking the crap out of anyone entering, then this is a stupid post … just say’n.
I love the medical posts, dear numbskull group, my baby has a giant red mark on his head, can anyone diagnose that for me, I am so worried #feelingdepressedandanixious.
Thankfully, Bill sitting down at the pub on his 13th beer, has just read the post and he will tell you it is a possible bee sting and to rub metho on it – as his dad did in 1974.
From a security perspective, I often urge people to have a think first before posting stuff on social media. The potential for exposure is huge if it is a public post, and people need to be mindful that they are sharing personal information and private photos with a lot more people than Aunty Ethel and Uncle Bob.
Be choosy with what you share online! you’ll protect the safety of your family and home from the baddies, and there will be a lot less groans coming from the goodies who have to read it all. Juz say’n.
Be inspired by local filmmaking talent and get involved in free filmmaking workshops as part of the StarBurst Film Festival and Filmmaking Symposium in Penrith on 1 April and StarBurst at St Marys Film Festival on 2 April.
The StarBurst Film Festival and Filmmaking Symposium debuts in Penrith on Saturday 1 April at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Kicking off with the Symposium at 9am, join a panel discussion with experts in the film industry who will share tips and insights on how to access film funding and broadcasting agreements. From 1pm, enjoy a range of short films made by local creatives that have been submitted as part of the StarBurst Film Festival competition.
Penrith City Council and Screen NSW, through the Screen NSW Film Festival Funding Program, are major sponsors of this event, partnering with event creator Kirstie Boerst, an experienced creative producer and Penrith local. Boerst developed the StarBurst Film Festival to celebrate the film industry, which was significantly impacted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kirstie is a passionate advocate for local filmmaking and for the creation of film content that inspires and motivates audiences.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said that this event will promote local creative talent and provide an open door for filmmakers to learn more about the film industry.
“StarBurst Film Festival and Filmmaking Symposium is an exciting new event for our City. It’s a testament to the creative talent we have in our area and the dedication of Kirstie Boerst to give the next generation of filmmakers an opportunity to grow,” Cr Hitchen said.
“Penrith City Council is a supporter of the arts and I hope that our community will embrace this event and encourage our local filmmakers.”
StarBurst at St Marys Film Festival on Sunday 2 April invites the community to take part in a range of free stop motion animation and filmmaking workshops where attendees create their own short film with the guidance of film industry professionals.
At Coachmans Park a green screen experience offers young and old the chance for some interactive movie fun from 4pm, followed by a screening of the short, familyfriendly films from the StarBurst Film Festival on the big screen from 6pm. Free pizza is on offer for the first 100 people as well as free popcorn for the first 250 people.
“StarBurst at St Marys Film Festival encourages our community to embrace their creativity and take the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, all at no cost. Wonderful memories will be made at these fun and interactive workshops,” Cr Hitchen said.
StarBurst at St Marys Film Festival is sponsored by Screen NSW through the Screen NSW Film Festival Funding Program.
The StarBurst Film Festival & Filmmaking Symposium will be held Saturday 1 April from 9am until 9pm at The Joan Sutherland Performing Art Centre. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from penrith.city/events. StarBurst at St Marys Film Festival will be held on Sunday 2 April with free workshops beginning from 10am. To register for classes and for more information, go to penrith.city/events
IT’S Friday night chill time and a chance to slide into the weekend with art, music and tapas at Penrith Regional Gallery’s Twilight at Lewers.
Explore the galleries brought to life with drop-in workshops for all ages and live performances from exhibiting artists. This is a wonderful opportunity to see ‘A House Full of Paintings’ which is the first survey exhibition of Margo Lewers’ work in over 20 years - right there in her former home.
There will be a pop-up artisan market in the beautiful heritage garden and of course a chance to catch up with friends and family while enjoying
delicious drinks and tapas from Cafe at Lewers.
As always, the music is live and local. Featured artist this week is Yvonne Elsworthy, a brother and sister duo who bring relaxing and funky vibes for a singalong and boogie.
This is a FREE event - no bookings necessary and walk-ins welcome.
Twilight at Lewers is FREE and on at Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest on Friday 31 March 5pm. www. penrithregionalgallery.com.au/events/twilightat-lewers-2023/
Activity PA rtici PA nts
Coffee n ChatVeterans
Social Guild Veterans & partner
Descri P tion/t iming
Mon – Fri early mornings – simply just a chat on the Train veranda (Veterans Support Centre)
Occasional social outings local or coach overnight
Hospital Visitations Veterans & partner Teams of 2 visit veterans in local hospitals
Guitars for Vets Veterans Wednesday mornings @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train); learn to play or join a jam session
Monthly BBQ B’fastVeterans & family
8.00am Last Thursday of each month @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train)
Exercise classes White or gold card holdersTue and Fri @ 8.00am @ Ripples, St Marys; occasional walks from/to the Train in lieu; must meet criteria
Walk n Talk Veterans & family Monthly walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre (the Train)
Small bus day-tripsVeterans
Occasional, weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre
Computer ClassesVeterans and partnerTuesday mornings @ Veterans Support Cente (Train carriage); for beginners
Merrie Widows Partners of deceased vetsLast Wednesday of each month - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club
Gov King Day ClubVeterans & partner
Packing Care BoxesVeterans
Wednesdays 9.00am @ Mamre House area
6-monthly day trip to Randwick to pack care boxes
Barefoot BowlsVeterans and partner1st Friday of the month - mornings @ St Marys Diggers Club
DAte Activity
Wednesday 1st, 15th, 22nd & 29th MarchGov King Day Club - Guitars for Vets
EVERY THURSDAY Coffee n Chat
Friday 3rd March
Exercise Class - Coffee n chat - Barefoot Bowls
EVERY MONDAY Coffee n Chat
EVERY TUESDAY Exercise Class - Coffee n chat - Computer Intro Class
Wednesday 8th March
Friday 10th, 24th & 31st March
Gov King Day Club - Guitars for Vets - Care Box Packaging
Exercise Class - Coffee n chat
Saturday 11th March Walk n Talk
Thursday 30th March
BBQ B’fast
co-conducted by St Marys RSL sub-Branch and St Marys Veterans Support Centre a WeLLBeInG PrOGraM designed for all Veterans and their family Yes, here at st Marys!
Are you a veteran? Are you interested in meeting other Veterans of a like mind in activities of interest to you? Minimal cost involved - maximum gain for you.
The program contains a broad range of ativities from coffee chats, to local walks, to computer classes, to guitar lessons, to barefoot bowls, to exercise classes, etc etc - check the Wellbeing webpage for St Marys RSL sub-Branch to scan the full list of activities on offer, who they are for... or phone/email the contacts below and lodge your interest.
Some activities on offer are for your partner also; some for the whole family; age ? (younger or older) - all welcome. You don’t NEED to be a member of RSL ... but it helps ... that way you can keep up with what’s happening.
Come, try it and see! Want more DETAIL?
ALSO, for VETERANS wishing to lodge a claim with DVA ... our ADVOCACY Service has a very high level of successful outcomes
By Tony Fryer
Our new Wellbeing Program for Veterans and their families in St Marys kicked-off on Friday (3rd March) with a good roll-up of bare feet - for Bowls. A dozen adventurers (most with little to no understanding of the game) happily shed their shoes and socks (not TOO smelly!!) for an hour to test out the superbly mown ‘lawn’ of the Green. Our Tutors from St Marys Diggers and Band Club Bowlers, Oscar and Michael, were very patient, even when the ‘IN’ ring was on the outside a few times.
A couple of ‘observers’ (contemplating whether they might try it themselves next month) watched humorously while the four ‘teams’ persisted in maintaining a good distance from the kitty! However, there were a few occasions where the bowl kissed the kitty … more by accident. Tony Briffa proved to be the day’s champion with some consistently excellent results.
After socks and shoes were retrieved, we all headed in to Hall St Café for a well-earned cuppa,
compliments of the rSL sub-Branch. Thank you Michael and Oscar for your tutelage.
The scheduled timing on the Program for Barefoot Bowls is the ‘first Friday of each month’, however for April, that will be Good Friday so our next rollup will be Friday 5th May at 10.00am for 10.30 start. All Veterans and partners are very welcome to join in a bit of fun, all for only $5 cash on the day …. you just need to let Leanne know (9833 4700) by 3rd May (why not ring NOW – if it’s out-ofhours, leave your name and phone number), so that our Tutors will know what equipment they need.
Some familiar faces have been seen around Penrith lately
Action from the Sydney Eventing Autumn Classic at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Coach Cleary celebrated his 400-game milestone this week.
Hmmm... who loves the Nepean Therapy Dog pooches? Hardi Aged Care Penrith!
Onya Dylan! On his way to the battle of the west.
In January 1896 an accident happened to Railway Guard Frederick William Hainsworth. Fred was born in 1849. In the History Page in July, 2022, I wrote about him coming to Australia on the ship ‘Elamang’ arriving at Sydney in March 1877 and employed by the nSW Railway Department as a porter at Bathurst where he married Annie Devany and they moved to Penrith in 1878. Their family cottage was in Belmore Street. Fred was employed as a guard on the railway here. Fred’s accident happened at Bathurst when the train started leaving the station and a door was still open and he went along the side and closed it but was caught and wrenched off the train dropping onto the open bridge and killed. His body was brought back to Penrith by train and he was buried in St Stephen’s Cemetery at Penrith. His son Hugh Frederick born in Bathurst in 1878 followed his father to work on the railway. In november 1903 an accident happened to an Irish man named John Gunn as he was taking a short cut, being in a hurry to meet the train at the Medlow railway station and while crossing the line he was not aware that the train was so close. His death was instantaneous and his body was frightfully cut up from being dragged under the train. Hugh was 25 and at the inquest said he was a fireman on the No 31 down train and employed by the railway department and was arriving in the train at Medlow. When a quarter of a mile away from the platform he was looking in that direction and could see the line was perfectly clear and he heard the driver sound his whistle as usual. He had nothing more to do as the steam was shut off and he was keeping a sharp lookout. He saw no one approaching and knew nothing about anyone being run over until the driver sang out to him “is he out” and the only thing he saw was the hat of John Gunn fly out from the side of the line and he noticed the driver had applied the Westinghouse brake at the same moment he called out to him and they pulled up in about 40 or 50 yards. He then remained in charge of the engine while the driver went back to see who was run over. Fast forward to 1917 and an inquest in the Penrith Court House on the death of Hugh who died from injuries received from falling from a railway engine in October. At the inquest Harry Edwin Field said he was a fireman in the employ of the Railway Department as fireman on No.1 Passenger Mail train that left Penrith about 9 pm and Hugh Hainsworth who was wearing a cap that night was the driver. He said Hugh was speaking to him shortly after passing Emu Plains Station about the dirty state of the coal, and about half a mile to the Glenbrook tunnel he missed him and thought he must be on the footplate looking around the engine but did see him leave the cab. They reached the tunnel and he knew Hugh would not be on the footplate going through there and because Hugh had not reappeared he drove on to Glenbrook and reported the matter to the Night Officer. He knew drivers went out on the footplate to investigate as occasionally the donkey engine might cease working which meant attention was needed. The night was fairly dark and they were travelling about 15 miles an hour, so Hugh could leave the cab easily and he was attending to his own work of keeping a look out as there was plenty to do. He had known Hugh for about two years and he was a man of very temperate habits and we had been friends since and it did not strike him that he could have stopped the train when he
first became anxious about Hugh at the tunnel but being so near to Glenbrook he thought it wise to go straight on there. He qualified as a fireman and could drive the engine. Hugh was in good spirits on the trip and did not appear depressed in any way and he could not suggest any cause for the accident but Hugh might have been leaning over to pull the water range down or looking to see the side of the engine and over-balanced himself; or more probably been leaning outwards from the engine and tender with his back towards the engine. This is a common practice with drivers and there is a regulation that the driver should watch to see if the train is following properly but he was fully occupied on the trip and therefore did not notice Hugh’s disappearance. James Riley said he was a Railway ganger and on the night he was awakened at 9.30 pm and he was informed that Hugh Hainsworth had been lost off a train somewhere between Emu Plains and the tunnel, so he got on his tricycle and searched and he found the body about 11 p.m., more than 3 miles from the tunnel, lying on the downside of the line and 4 ft from the rail. He lifted Hugh onto the tricycle and Hugh said “I am done,” being the only words he spoke. He brought him along on the tricycle half a mile and got a mate to put Hugh on the double tricycle and brought him to Emu Plains where he went to ring up Dr Higgins and Hugh was taken to the Hospital. The next morning, he returned to the scene and found a cap, and looking at the cut on the right side of the cap he thought Hugh must have been looking back to Emu Plains when he was struck, and he must have been struck hard and held on for a while and then fallen off. Where Hugh’s body was found the sleeper at that spot had hair and blood on it showing that he had fallen on it. Wesley Thomas Cavanaugh the Railway Stationmaster at Emu Plains said he was there when Hugh was brought to the Station then unconscious and he saw the examination by Dr Higgins and presumed Hugh was coming around the projection at the time of passing Hall’s Bridge and he would have 9 inches less of space and his theory was that Hugh had been returning from the side of the engine to his cab in a stooping condition when he struck the post that corresponds with the cut on the cap. Dr Higgins said that he went to Emu Railway Station and examined a man in a very critical condition and recommended his immediate removal to the Hospital. On his arrival he discovered a fracture of the skull about 3 inches long and he was suffering from shock at the time and practically pulseless, but two days later his condition did not improve and an operation was undertaken to release the pressure caused by a depressed fracture, but some hours later he died. The cause of death being probably due to a laceration of the brain and haemorrhage and the depression on the skull was more than likely caused by coming in contact with the sleeper where the body was found, and the injury to the skull was across the back of the head and not the side. The Coroner’s finding was Hugh Frederick Hainsworth at the nepean Cottage Hospital, Penrith, died from laceration of the brain and haemorrhage consequent thereon, the result of injuries accidentally received at Emu Plains whilst driving no. 61 down Mail train.
Sources: Nepean Times, Mountaineer Katoomba, Ancestry, NSW Registers of Coroners’ Inquests, Australian Birth Records, Australian Death Index, NSW Deceased Estate Files-Probate, Family Search (Mormon website).
Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist.
Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor. We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.
Kingswood Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist 4732 2182
St Marys 9623 4589
Windsor Polo Club hosted multiple games / grades over the weekend, in very hot conditions.
The weather did not deter the organisers or the competitors, who endeavoured to play in a safe and cool manner, even if it meant a few early starts.
The highly contested 8-Goal continued over the weekend, coming down to a draw between 3 teams. After a tough penalty shootout, Troika (Peter Huston, neil Gilmore, Aiden nunn, Jake daniels, sub: skye Gilmore) won out. Best Playing Pony:
starling played by Jake daniels
The 4-Goal saw 8 teams enter, which were split into two pools. in Pool A, the Arunga team (Marg Greig, Ben Jones, dylan Jones, Adam Tolhurst) proved to be unbeatable for the 3rd week in a row. Best Playing Pony: roxy played by dylan Jones
4-Goal Pool B: F4Z Polo (olivia Mcintosh, Tom Parry-okeden, ranald McGregor, Jack Berner)
Best Playing Pony: Bee played by Jack Berner
The 0-Goal round robin was played over two tough days, with close scores on saturday meaning it could be anyone’s to take home, but in the end Tibra (Tim Berry, Mike Barker, Jason Varker-Miles
& Ed Matties) was too strong. Best Playing Pony: Bollywood played by rowena rainger our subzero this season has seen a lot of new faces join our club and we welcome all our new players.
subzero: M Polo (Tim Berry, Ben Tiplady, Kim Mcdougall, Ed Mattias). Best Playing Pony: Marley played by Kim Mcdougall
Thank you to Ash Porteous from Mitavite for sponsoring a pony prize for all grades this weekend. The Grooms Prize, sponsored by M-Polo, was won by Genny Mackenzie-Hammond. Thank you for all your hard work, Genny!
THE nepean rowing Club had 15 members, representing 8 schools, competing over the two days of the 2023 CHs rowing Championships, which were held last week at the Penrith international regatta Centre.
“With 1200 competitors on the first day and 900 on the second, it was a big weekend for the sport,” said daniel Waddell, rowing Coordinator, nepean rowing Club.
Schoolgirl Head of the River - Year
9 Double:1st place: Blaxland Hs: Viti Young and Emily Boyes; 3rd place: Blue Mountains Grammar: Jessica Harris and sophia Whitelaw.
Year 8 Single: 6th: Blue Mountains
Grammar: Maiya Edwards
Schoolboy Head of the River - Year 9
Single: 1st: Home school: Ezekiel Pratt.
Year 10 Single: 5th: Penola College:
Angus George
Year 10 Eights: 1st: The Kings school:
Luca Bazina
Year 9 quad: 1st: The Kings
AustrAliA will suit up seven Olympic champions as part of a 66-strong Australian rowing team (Art) which is ready to take on the sport’s elite during the international rowing season, which culminates in the 2023 World rowing Championships in Belgrade in september.
the Art was selected after a gruelling series of trials in blistering heat at the sydney international regatta Centre in Penrith, as the Paris Olympics countdown dipped below 500 days, with just over 500 until the Paralympic Games in 2024.
the stakes were high given this year’s World rowing Championships doubles as the Olympic and Paralympic Qualifying regatta. seven Olympic Champions, one Paralympic silver Medallist and six Olympic Bronze Medallists were among the rowers leaving it all on the water in an intense tussle for green and gold honours.
“there has been some tremendous racing over the last week to form the 2023 World Cup team. the competition has been fierce for seats in this Paris 2024 qualification season and the selectors have had to make some tough calls,” rowing Australia High Performance Director Paul thompson MBE said.
“it’s exciting to have more of our tokyo Olympians returning, including Olympic Champion Jess Morrison OAM, as well as some new and talented rowers forcing their way into crews.
Next step for our rowers is the Australian rowing Championships in Perth before the international season commences in June.”
Morrison and fellow tokyo champion Annabelle Mcintyre OAM, who are both based in Penrith at the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National training Centre, will combine in the Women’s Pair, the same boat in which they won the B Final in Tokyo. The duo missed out on qualification for the A Final, competing only hours after winning the Four following scheduling changes from bad weather.
Mcintyre believes they can take major strides as they aim to become a genuine medal threat again in Paris.
“it is really exciting to be back in this combination. We have gone fast in the past and feel that we have more to give in this boat class. We want to build on what we produced last cycle and see where that will take us through this year and into Paris,” Mcintyre said.
Olympic champion lucy stephan OAM will return to the Women’s Four, headlining a new-look quartet that features fellow World Champions sarah Hawe and Katrina Werry and Olympian Giorgia Patten.
And the 2022 World Championship Bronze Medallist and Olympian tara rigney will be back in the Women’s single scull, hoping to establish herself in a famous boat class that saw Kim Brennan AM row to Gold at the 2016 Games in rio.
in the Men’s singles, Penrith’s triple silver Medallist, Erik Horrie OAM has been selected into
the Pr1 category and tokyo Paralympian simon Albury into the Pr2 category.
For the first time, Rowing Australia will feature two athletes in the new para boat class of the Pr3 Mixed Double, with Jed Altschwager and Paralympian Nikki Ayers earning the seats. this new class provides a sculling option for those that classify as Pr3 athletes, while the Pr3 Mixed Four is the continued sweep class. six athletes have been selected into the squad for this boat, including newcomers toby Goffsassen, susannah lutze, Harrison Nichols and lisa Greissl.
teesaan Koo has been selected as the cox and Paralympians Jessica Gallagher and thomas Birtwhistle will compete for the final seat.
Of the 14 Olympic boat classes and the five Paralympic boat classes that Australia could qualify and compete in at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical stadium in Paris next year, each and every Australian crew presents a compelling story to tell. the Art will take to the water at the Australian rowing Championships in Perth later this month, before beginning the overseas swing through italy, Switzerland and finally Serbia.
ART Schedule 2023
• Australian Rowing Championships | March 27 –April 2 | Perth, WA
• International Para Rowing Regatta | June 9-11 | Gavirate, italy
• World Cup II | June 16-18 | Varese, Italy
• World Cup III | July 7-9 | Lucerne, Switzerland
• World Rowing Championships | September 3-10 | Belgrade, Serbia
tHE Penrith Panthers senior women’s team has grabbed its first win of the 2023 NBl1 East competition, outlasting the illawarra Hawks for a fighting 83-74 win.
the Penrith men were not as fortunate, falling 106-63 in the second game of the night.
Penrith jumped to an immediate lead in the women’s game, leading 23-11, 45-30 and 67-49 at the first three breaks in play.
illawarra rallied to narrow the gap
in the final quarter but the Panthers hung on grimly, securing a moraleboosting 9-point win.
Penrith’s higher shooting percentage was crucial in the win, converting almost 45 percent of their 56 shots at goal, whilst the Hawks threw up a hailstorm of shots, launching 89 shots (40 x 3-point attempts) but converting at just 28 percent.
tahlia tupaea led the Panthers with 20 points, ahead of Chloe Williams 17, Meg Jefferson 14, Emily Matthews 12
and Dominika Faber 12, whilst Ella Dent led the Hawks with 26 points & 12 boards, ahead of rebecca Dean 21.
the men’s game proved to be a runaway victory for the Hawks, who led 28-18, 52-29 and 78-43 at the first three breaks in play, then continued in that vein of form in the final quarter to run out convincing 43-point winners.
William Hickey led the Hawks with 28 points, ahead of Tim Coenraad
21 and Noah Pogotto 16 points & 16 boards, whilst Pranaya sakya, Jaedyn Fetui-Falamone and Preston Matia top scored for the Panthers with 11 points apiece, ahead of Noman Massimino with 10 points & 9 boards.
the two Panthers teams are on the road again this weekend, meeting the undefeated Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence men’s and women’s teams on saturday night at the Ais Basketball and Netball Centre.
i N etee N local juniors competed in the 2023 JNJG Peter O’Mally Junior Masters golf tournament in Bathurst over the 18-19 March, with Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Camilla Kim (Kellyville / the Australian GC) recording the highest finishing positions.
12-year old Camilla played superbly against much-older opponents on the weekend, holding down 3rd place on Saturday, following a 75 in Round One.
Camilla shot a 79 on Sunday in Round Two to finish in a tie for 5th outright, but was totally dominant in the 13 Years & Under Age group, winning by a 4-shot margin.
Darcy had a share of the lead following Round One, shooting a 68
to sit at the top of the leaderboard with Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra GC).
NHarry continued to shoot the lights out on Sunday, leading all scorers with a 6-under score of 65 to win by an amazing 8-shot margin.
Darcy moved up and down the leaderboard on Sunday with five bogeys and three birdies, eventually finishing at -1, in a share of second place with Noah Bricknell (Goulburn GC) and ian Kim (St Michael’s GC).
Darcy also finished in a tie for second place in the 14/15 Years age group, whilst Jake thompson (Leonay GC) finished in 10th place in the 13 Years & Under age group.
the next JNJG tournament being played locally will be the 2023 U12 tour event at Springwood CC on 26th March, which is the first of the debut U12 tour Series events being played this year.
tWO of the district’s most promising young golfers have won places in this year’s NSW Men’s Golf Open and NSW Worrells Women’s Golf Open.
Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs) was in full attack mode in Round 1 of the Men’s Open, which was played at Rich River GC from 16-19 March, finishing with 8 birdies, 5 bogies and 5 pars in a round of 68 to be just 3 shots behind the leaders.
Day 2 saw Coby record a more conventional round, although a couple of late bogeys left him at -1 for the tournament, missing the halfway cut by just 2 shots.
Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) is playing in this weekend’s Worrell’s Women’s Open, which is being played on the tuncurry course at Forster/ tuncurry GC over 24-26 March.
Like Coby, Grace is also a member of Concord GC and the club’s Director
of Coaching David Northey describes her as a ‘real talent and one of the best young female golfers in the country’.
Local golf fans will be watching with interest to see how Grace fares against a field of older and far more experienced professional female golfers.
the Women’s Major Pennant competition concluded at St Michael’s GC on Sunday, with the Australian defeating Concord 4-1 to win the Division 1 title.
12-year old Camilla Kim (Kellyville) is a member of the Australian, although she did not play in the Final, whilst Grace Lee is a member of Concord.
the Men’s Major Pennant competition will conclude this Sunday at Riverside Oaks GC.
Glenmore Heritage Valley will play Campbelltown in Division 4 at 8.30am, Richmond will play Massey Park in Division 3 at 9:30am and Stonecutters Ridge will play Cromer in Division 2 at 10:30am.
Upgraded facilities and amenities for aussie rules players and the local Little athletics Club at Cranebrook’s grey gums Oval will headline a $1.8 million commitment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals government, if re-elected.
Minister for Sport alister Henskens said the funding, which includes upgrading the oval’s floodlights, would help improve amenities and enhance accessibility for girls and women playing sport in the local area.
“grassroots sport plays a critical role in the fabric of our communities and helps to keep people healthy, active and socially connected, which is why the NSW Liberal and Nationals government is committed to making our local sporting facilities more accessible to all,” Mr Henskens said.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals
government has invested more than $2 billion in grassroots community sports infrastructure and programs since 2017, with a focus on boosting female participation.
Member for penrith Stuart ayres said the commitment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals government would play an important part in removing the barriers that stop people, including girls and women, from playing sport in the local community.
“This is a big win for aFL players and our Little athletics community who call grey gums Oval their homeground,” Mr ayres said.
“This investment from the NSW Liberals and Nationals government will go a long way in making sure our local sports clubs can continue to grow their registrations, alongside a modern, fit-for-purpose facility.”
penrith rams president John rix
said this upgrade will allow the local aFL club to provide better facilities for players, volunteers and officials.
“expanded change room options
will provide us with more flexibility on game day, particularly when it comes to hosting female payers,” Mr rix said.
THe australian Superbike Championship (aSBK) is back at Sydney Motorsport park this Friday and Saturday (March 24 – 25th).
The jam-packed event includes action from the Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300, YMF r3 Cup and Superbike Masters competitors, along with Motorcycling australia’s premier junior road racing academy, the bLU crU Oceania Junior Cup (featuring local rider elijah andrew (Marayong).
Sydney Motorsport park will surely be one to catch as the Championship returns for the first time since 2019, and for the first time under lights!
The action and excitement doesn’t stop on the track, with the chance to meet your favourite riders and grab an autograph. Introduce the kids to motorbike riding at bLU crU Mini Moto experience, which is free for kids to ‘Come n Try’
Visit the Spectator Information page www.asbk.com.au/ spectator-info/round-2/ for all the details for race Weekend including schedule, parking details, maps, and more.
announce General Development
Penrith
Monday
A Mitchell Moses golden point field goal after 81 minutes of thrilling rugby league saw the Eels to a 17-16 victory over the Panthers in a rematch of the 2022 Grand Final on Thursday night.
By Corey rosserThe eels had looked set to win 16-14 with seconds left, before a Junior Paulo tackle saw him binned and gave Penrith a penalty, which they kicked into touch before Nathan Cleary nailed a stunning two-point field goal from beyond 40 metres, to force golden point.
In the end it was another sin-binning, this time Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny in golden point, which set the eels up with the winning opportunity, which Moses iced from in front of the posts.
earlier a try from a Penrith junior in his NRL debut looked set to prove the difference for the eels, with interchange hooker Brendan hands scoring, shortly before a Moses penalty gave them an eight-point advantage.
A late converted try to Zac hosking, followed by Cleary’s two-point field goal, forced extra time, but the Eels did enough to avoid starting a season 0-4 for the first time since 2018.
While picking up their first win of the year will likely be all the eels care about, they also ensured Ivan Cleary’s 400th game as an NRL coach ended in defeat and in the process got one back on the side which broke their hearts on Grand Final day almost six months ago.
The victory was built on a brilliant 95 percent completion rate, as Brad Arthur’s men finished 41 of their 43 sets at CommBank Stadium.
The eels made just one error through the opening 40 minutes and should have led at the break, after scoring the opening try and kicking a penalty goal.
Bryce Cartwright got on the end of a Dylan Brown kick 14 minutes in, with Moses converting before adding a penalty just before the half hour mark.
But with seven minutes left in the half the premiers hit go, scoring through Dylan edwards after a nice interchange of passing through the middle, before Cleary added a penalty on the siren to even the ledger.
A fast start to the second period saw both sides trade blows, before hands got over and Moses kicked a penalty to restore an eight-point advantage.
But the Panthers weren’t done and did well to force golden point, before Moses broke their hearts with his
clutch field goal.
Match snapshot
• Mitchell Moses nailed the match-winning field goal a minute into golden point, after Nathan Cleary had kicked a two-point field goal with seconds left in normal time to keep Penrith alive.
• In winning their third-straight game against the Panthers at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta avoided their first 0-4 start to a season since 2018.
• The Eels completed 41 of 43 sets for a final completion rate of 95 percent.
• J’maine Hopgood and Soni Luke both left the field for head injury assessments in the 52nd minute, with Luke failing his and hopgood passing.
• Parramatta prop Junior Paulo was binned with seconds to go in normal time, before Mitch Kenny joined him in golden point.
• A short drop out from the Eels on 12 minutes not only killed off a Panthers’ raid, but set Parra up with possession to score the opening try through Bryce Cartwright, who latched onto a kick and slid over.
• Nathan Cleary bounced a short dropout into touch 13 before the half, but it failed to go 10 metres and gave the eels an easy two points from the ensuing penalty.
But as the Eels looked set to take an 8-0 lead into the break, Isaah Yeo broke free and offloaded to Scott Sorensen, who in turn found a racing Dylan edwards who couldn’t be stopped, with Nathan Cleary converting.
Cleary then added a penalty on half-time to tie scores at 8-8.
Brendan hands broke the deadlock on 56 minutes, with Moses converting and then adding a penalty
eight minutes later, after he was hit late while kicking. Zac hosking’s try nine minutes from time, followed by a Cleary conversion, set up a thrilling finish, which only got better after Cleary hit his two-point field goal attempt.
• On their first defensive set of golden point, Penrith had Mitch Kenny binned for a high tackle, and seconds later Moses kicked the winner.
Play of the game
A player on debut, scoring a try minutes after being subbed on, against none other than his junior club. It was a moment Brendan hands will never forget, with his four-pointer coming after nice build up work from Matt Doorey and Will Penisini, who offloaded late after breaking the initial contact from Panthers defenders.
What they said
“I really liked the way we fought back from eight points down, twice, and it was a real hard slog both times. Disappointing to have the loss, but I think we will get a lot out of that game. A couple of big penalties in big moments tonight [cost us], which is a shame too.” – Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
“[The performance was] more Parramatta like. It was tough, for both teams it was a fair game of footy. I think there was 85 sets in the game and only 10 lost plays, it was just end to end. high quality game, could have went either way.” – Eels coach Brad Arthur.
What’s next
Another Thursday night match awaits the eels in Round 5, this time away on the road to the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. The Panthers meanwhile head to Canberra to face the Raiders, with hopes Liam Martin (hamstring) will be available again.
