Nepeannews 25august2016

FREE ODONOGHUES _EMUPLAINS

ODONOGHUES.COM.AU

Thursday, 25 August 2016

ISSUE 182

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.wsnewsgroup.com

BASKETBALL BLITZ Penrith’s Division One Youth League women’s team has taken out the premiership title with two gritty performances at Finals Weekend. Photo: Kim Vernon. Story by Noel Rowsell p46

AUSTRALIA’S BEST SMALL CARS

SANTA FE

5 YEARS

FREE SCHEDULED SERVICING*

Extas not included. + 1% P.A. Comparison Rate Finance*

TUCSON $ FROM

31,990

DRIVE AWAY

VELOSTER $ FROM

35,990 DRIVE AWAY

+ 1% P.A. Comparison Rate Finance*

HURRY! SEE US TODAY FOR SAVINGS ON OTHER GREAT MODELS!

Cnr York Rd & Batt St Jamisontown NSW 2750 PH: 02 4721 8171 sinclairhyundai.com.au

localnews local

By Keegan Thomson

ONE could easily describe the local mythos that is Ross ‘Rossco’ Hutchison as ‘a man of many talents’ but that would be unfair because anyone who talks to him realises he is much more than that, and his new biography is prime evidence of his stellar career.

Working with Queensland author and biographer Maggie Richardson he has penned a 100-plus page glimpse into his life in the limelight which includes his career as an entertainer, a charity man, a healer, choreographer and much more.

Rossco, who is a regular contributor in Nepean News, said he decided to cowrite the book because he felt it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

“Being a dinosaur now, over the years people have said, ‘why haven’t you done a book?’ and I though, yes I will do that book, it would be a great opportunity,” he said. “I’ve had an amazing life and I think I’ve tried to make every post a winner, grab everything. You grab everything with two hands because you don’t know what opportunities you’ll get later on.”

Rossco said people had come to him directly and said he should put his life on paper because it might help others strive for their best.

“Really the book was first pushed at me because people suggested it maybe of help and inspiration to others,” he said.

When a biographer goes through your life and digs around in your closets, Rossco said it can be a little intimidating.

“It is very daunting to write a story about yourself, and Maggie Richardson who is the author has come up with stuff that I’ve forgotten about,” he said. “It is a bit intrusive.”

“I know I’m not regarded as a shy person but I am. I’m very private, I’m humbled by the things I get to do, and I’m even more humbled when I look at the book and think about the things I’ve been lucky enough to do in my lifetime,” he said.

Even though the book hasn’t had an official launch yet, Rossco let Nepean News in on some exclusive and exciting news. He told us book two is already on the way.

“It is a completely different genre to this first book. It is going to be, ‘the thoughts of Rossco’ and it is the motivational side of life,” he said.

You buy the book on Rossco’s life by Maggie Richardson at http://bookstore.xlibris.com/ Products/SKU-001066990/The-Sky-Is-Not-theLimit.aspx or you can see him signing the book on September 3 at 11am at Dymocks in Penrith Plaza.

If you’d like to win a signed copy of Rossco’s book head over to our facebook page for more details!

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

Contact: (02) 9673 1009

www.newhorizonschurch.org.au

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Rossco’s fabulous life in print

3

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Ross Fowler, Mark Davies and Tricia Hitchen are your Local Liberal Team Delivering for Our Community ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Sporting and recreational facilities Werrington Arterial and Kent Road off ramps Sydney Science Park Luddenham enhanced employment opportunities for 10,000 residents Community Safety, Queen Street Methadone Clinic gone Multi-Storey 1,350 spaces Penrith CBD car park

Ross Fowler

Get in touch with your local Liberal Team

Mark Davies

ROSS FOWLER NORTH WARD ross@rossfowler.com.au 0419 738 484

MARK DAVIES SOUTH WARD mrkdavi@gmail.com 0416 085 597

Authorised by Natalie Hilton. 11 Tindale St, Penrith NSW 2750

Tricia Hitchen TRICIA HITCHEN EAST WARD tricia@hitchens.com.au 0417 365 313

4

From the assistant Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: 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 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Jarrod McGrouther 0406 826 259 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

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

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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

by Keegan Thomson THIS last week, whilst Kerrie was sipping cocktails in Bali, I was sitting at the Assistant Editor’s desk.

The Assistant Editor’s desk really isn’t anything different, in fact it is the same desk that I normally sit at, but that is besides the point. I feel very lucky to be working as part of a team who trusts me in this role - even though I’ve only been in the job since April.

Working for an independent paper I realise how important independent media is in Australia, a country where there are only two mainstream newspapers in our biggest metropolitan cities.

It was recently announced in The New York Times that the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax mastheads might stop publishing a paper throughout the week, choosing to only publish newspapers on the weekends. If that happens the only person in this country printing newspapers 7 days a week will be Rupert Murdoch.

The greatest thing about independent media is it doesn’t have to follow the mainstream, meaning we can think outside the box and we can put the community first. Nepean News is different, swimming against the mainstream, because we bring stories about local legends doing legendary things without all the negativity and specific political party line toeing.

All the opportunities I’ve been given here at Nepean News have been given to me because of our independent nature. I’ve been able to to pursue politicians of all persuasions during elections, push for more transparency on the western Sydney airport, and fight for the rights of greyhound owners and trainers on the eve of the greyhound racing ban.

I can’t wait to see what other things I can fight for in this community of Penrith and the Nepean across my time here at Nepean News, proudly independent.

Do you have something to say or a story to tell? Send me an email at keegan@nepeannews.com.au

POSITION VACANT Powersmart Electrical is a St Marys based company who are seeking to employ a Licenced Electrician to carryout service and installation works in the metro west area.

The right person must meet the following criteria to be successful • Be a holder of a current electrical and drivers licence and OHS card.

• General commercial, industrial and domestic electrical experience.

• General data install and termination experience.

• Be able to work alone or with a team.

• Have good communication skills verbal and written.

Should you wish to apply please forward your resume to vic@psmart.com.au Powersmart provide a company vehicle, uniform and an attractive salary package to the right person.

LEASED

5

More commuter woes for Penrith

9834 1044

By Keegan Thomson

COMMUTERS at Penrith train station now have another struggle to add to the rush hour commute after Transport for NSW changed a long standing 15 minute pick up point into a taxi zone.

The drop off and pick up zone out the front of Penrith station on Jane Street, used by commuters and parents picking up and dropping off children, has been changed from a 15 minute parking zone to a taxi zone. These changes have angered Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown.

“We made other suggestions to Transport for NSW but it has all been ignored,” she said.

“Drivers don’t know what is going on and they’re getting fined.”

According to Mayor McKeown, Transport for NSW hasn’t utilised the expertise of the local council saying, “If they want to talk to the experts about the kind of traffic, pedestrian activity and parking needed in the area, Transport for NSW need to talk to council.”

She went as far as to describe the situation as a “dog’s breakfast”.

Her major concern was about the access issues posed by the changes. The Mayor said, “There’s a whole range of safety concerns. You’ll have kids being dropped off at the traffic lights, running in and out of traffic because there is no safe place to pull over.”

The changes have already been made but at the August Penrith City Council meeting, Cr Greg

NEPEAN DISTRICT

Stuart Ayres

MP

Member for Penrith

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

The offending taxi zone. Credit: facebook

Davies requested a letter be sent to Transport for NSW, local MPs and the Premier demanding to have the decision reversed.

Across the Nepean News facebook page concerned locals have made their opinions clear.

Ian Carr suggested the changes are a ploy to pull a few more dollars into the government’s pockets writing, “Anything to catch people out to make money out of fines. Disgusting.”

Barry Oliver echoed the Mayor’s comments saying, “That sucks. No-where to drop off & pick up kids or older people.”

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Creative Designs

Services Include: ✶ Magazine & Newspaper Design ✶ Business Stationery ✶ Invitations ✶ Banners / Posters ✶ Flyers ✶ Newsletters ✶ Signage

Stacey

0420 319 893

stacey@nepeannews.com.au

363 HIGH ST, PENRITH

Ph: 47 321 767 47 323 786

www.pantherspizza.com.au

Open everyday of the year Home Delivery or Pick-up Wide range of other foods available* You can also order online www.eatnow.com.au

New MPs go back to ‘school’

By Keegan Thomson

EMMA HUSAR, the new Federal MP for Lindsay, spent her first week in the nation’s capital exploring Parliament House and learning the ins and outs of parliamentary proceedings.

Ms Husar, who is the fifth person to represent Lindsay and the first to represent the electorate as a part of the federal opposition in its 32 year long history, said she’ll make the most of her time in Parliament.

“Being here today has reminded me of the vastness of our Federal Parliament – my job here is to make sure the issues facing western Sydney are top of the agenda in Canberra. I’ll be shouting from the rooftops to ensure we get our fair share,” she said.

In her first week Ms Husar went back to school and took part in a two day crash course where she learnt the appropriate proceedings and methods of Parliament.

“I’ve spent the day at MP school – learning the rules and procedures of the House and meeting the staff who keep the Parliament working,” she said. “It’s also been great meeting other MPs who have just recently been elected.”

On top of her classes Ms Husar also spent time meeting with the speaker of the house, party whips, clerks and other parliamentary officials who run Parliament House.

She was also given the keys to her new office.

The MP for Lindsay wasn’t the only new face in Canberra with 38 other new members being introduced to the parliament during the last few weeks. Another greenhorn was the new member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, who said she was very privileged to be representing her electorate.

GET IT SORTED

SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

GET THE APP

Emma Husar MP, stand outside her new office in Canberra.

Credit: facebook.

“A big day of orientation and learning the procedural rules of this place. Feeling very honoured to be here,” Ms Templeman wrote on facebook.

Lucky there is no detention in Parliament House because Ms Husar told 9 News she was reprimanded for taking selfies in the House of Reps.

“Don’t take selfies while in the House of Reps chamber,” she told 9News.

“Me and a few of the other rookies got caught up with that this morning.”

Both Houses of Parliament return on August 30.

Tea and consent THURSDAY, August 25 marks the Day of Action against Sexual Assault. The day aims to commemorate both victims and survivors of sexual assault and create opportunities to generate discussion about this crime.

This year, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Integrated Violence Prevention and Response Service at Springfield Cottage has launched a campaign about young people and the issue of consent during sexual contact.

Penrith schools and youth services have received posters and postcards as part of the campaign to encourage conversations between young people, their peers and the supportive adults around them.

The campaign also utilises the ‘Tea and Consent’ video launched by the Thames Valley Police in the UK, which explains consent by comparing drinking tea to having sex.

Help is available. For support and assistance contact Springfield Cottage on 4734 2512 or NSW Rape and Domestic Violence Service on 1800 424 017.

To view ‘Tea and Consent’, visit www.consentiseverything.com.

7 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

ELECTRONIC WASTE DROP OFF JAMISON PARK 9AM TO 3:30PM

Entry via Jamison Road, South Penrith Pack your old televisions, computers, microwaves, stereos and other electronic waste in your car or trailer.

The friendly staff will unload for you and the items collected will be recycled.

Whitegoods, gas bottles, batteries and paints cannot be accepted at the eWaste drop off day.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au for a full list of acceptable items, or for more information phone 4732 7615.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

8

localnews local

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Getting to know ...

Jarrod McGrouther

Gina takes out WSABE award

Nepean News Journalist with Jarrod McGrouther

1. What was your first paid job?

McDonalds, I started the day I was 14 and 9 months 2. What is your guilty pleasure?

A cold Corona with lime. Nothing better on a hot summers day or after a hard day of work 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Spiders. Hated them since I was little and they still get me 4. What is your worst habit?

I get in trouble all the time for leaving scraps of food in the sink…

5. Best advice you’ve even been given?

Treat others like you’d like to be treated 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

A big breakfast with my girlfriend. I love my food and coffee 7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

A tie between Ireland and Boston. Very friendly people, lots of interesting history 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

Penrith Panthers NRL, Port Adelaide Power AFL, Boston Red Sox MLB – I think I’m the only one with that trifecta 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney The people are down to earth and my favourite sporting team is from here so plenty of fond memories growing up 10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday Coffee, breakfast, footy

By Kerrie Davies

ONE of Penrith’s greatest success stories has been recognised by taking out the Business Leader Award at the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) at their Gala Dinner last weekend.

Gina Field, owner and operator of Nepean Regional Security, President of our Chamber of Commerce, Nepean News G-Spot Columnist, and I’m proud to say a good mate of mine, has

once again put Penrith on the map with her latest prestigious award.

“It just goes to show if I can do it, anybody can do it,” Gina said.

“Anybody in small business or in business should just believe in themselves and give it a go.”

Gina’s husband Paul said he was incredibly proud of his wife and that the award was testament to the effort that Gina puts behind everything she does.

“Her intelligence, knowledge and everything she has is just brilliant,” he said.

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT HIRE US FOR ALL YOUR BUS NEEDS!

Phone

4732 2195 14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith

Victor & Cathy Glanville

Mob: 0416

157 668

enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au

www.vicsmaxitransport.com.au

Local charity is biggest Relay fundraiser

By Keegan Thomson

HELPING HANDS, a local cancer cure and prevention charity, has been named as the biggest Relay for Life fundraiser in the state.

To date the group has raised more than $140,000 through year round charity work, Kim Hicks the groups Team Leader told Nepean News.

Last July the group were celebrated and recognised, for their continuous efforts in Cancer Council Relay for Life fundraising, when it was announced at the Relay for Life Summit that Helping Hands was the highest fundraising team in all of New South Wales for 2016.

Mrs Hicks said Helping Hands was able to raise the large amount of funds because of the constant charity work and fundraising events they hold throughout the year. She said the group holds two high tea and craft market events per year as well as games nights, dinners, suppers.

Made up of 18 full time members, Helping Hands swells to around 40 participants during the Relay and has been participating in the walk since 2012.

The team is made up of those fighting cancer, those who have survived, carers and those doing it in memory of loved ones lost.

Last week the team held their first successful fundraiser event in partnership with Coffee Club Nepean Village and Our Community Cares, a local charity, in support of improved patient comfort at Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

The team’s philosophy is that ‘the dollar you spend today, could be your cure tomorrow’ and with that in mind they would like to encourage anyone wishing to support the teams ongoing work or wishing to find out more about the team, to contact them through their Facebook page at Helping Hands for the Cancer Council.

The group would like to thank their sponsors; Outwest Party Hire, Mann and Noble, Outback Steakhouse, K&A Meats, Jules Read Jewellery, Panther Travel, Godwin Belcastro, Nicolette’s Fashion, Ferndale Crafters, Fourtunate Quartet, Llandilo Fruit Market, WS TAFE, 1300 Flowers, Bondi Chai, Anathoth Farms, IGA Llandilo, St Mary’s RSL Bowlers, Dan Murphy’s, Hello World Travel and Mission Australia - Kingswood.

Factory fire - St Marys INQUIRIES are continuing after a fire at a factory in St Marys last weekend (Saturday 20 August 2016).

About 12.25pm, an employee at a cardboard factory in Kommer Place noticed a large fire elsewhere in the premises.

There were no other employees in the building at the time.

The male employee sustained minor burns to his face and hands. He was treated at the scene.

No other buildings were affected.

Once the site has been declared safe, the building will be examined by specialist personnel from NSW Police and Fire & Rescue NSW in an effort to determine the cause.

9 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

10

councilelection council

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Labor launches their Penrith Council campaign

LABOR’S team for the upcoming Penrith Council elections has launched their campaign at St Marys RSL on Sunday 21 September.

The campaign was officially launched by The Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, Shadow Minister for Local Government.

The Labor team is headed up by three experienced and hardworking councillors, all of whom have served as Mayor of the city in their time on council.

Current Mayor Karen McKeown is heading Labor’s team in South Ward, Cr Greg Davies is in the number one spot in East Ward, and Cr John Thain is top of the ticket in North Ward.

The Labor team say they are fighting for better local roads, improved sporting and recreational facilities and are standing up to the State and Federal governments to get urgently-needed upgrades to Nepean Hospital.

“Wherever I travel across NSW one thing is abundantly clear, Labor is back and it is back right here in Penrith,” said the Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, Shadow Minister for Local Government.

“It’s a great pleasure to officially launch the campaign for the hardworking Labor for Penrith Council team, who will always stand up for local residents.”

Cr Karen McKeown said it was a great pleasure

as Mayor to be running again for Penrith Council.

“We have an enthusiastic and experienced team behind us ready to serve,” she said.

“Labor will always fight for better local facilities and services that Penrith deserves,” Cr Greg Davies added.

The Labor Team has been out and about campaigning and talking to residents about what matters to them on a council level.

“We’re out in the community doing street stalls and talking to the people about Labor’s plans for Penrith,” said Cr John Thain.

The Penrith Council elections will take place on Saturday September 10 2016.

Greens begin their campaign for council seats THE Greens have kicked off their campaign this week at the Red Cow Hotel with special guest Senator Lee Rhiannon.

The Greens are running candidates in all three wards for Penrith City Council, this September 10th.

“Our lead candidates Michelle Tormey (North), Gavin Smith (East Ward), and Patrick Darley-Jones (South) are longtime residents of Penrith, and are running to give their local communities a strong voice on Council,” a Greens Spokesperson said.

“Michelle has served on Penrith council for four years, and is a strong advocate for native wildlife and woodlands and public transport.

“Gavin has lived all his life in St Marys and is an advocate for workplace fairness, mental health, and the humane treatment of animals.

“Patrick is a tireless activist in the Luddenham area, and advocates for genuine community engagement on major decisions and sustainable development.

“All agree on the need to focus on the lived experience and the quality of life of the community when making decisions on their behalf.

“The Greens stand for inclusivity, sustainability, and the livability of our city. Your community. Your council. It’s time to vote Green.”

Your community Labor Team thank you for your support and the honour of representing your interests over the past four years.

John Thain

Karen McKeown

Greg Davies

North Ward Former Mayor

South Ward Mayor

East Ward Emeritus Mayor

Penrith has seen great progress and we will be seeking to continue this, with your support, into the future.

Early voting opens on August 29 and closes September 9 at: 205-209 High Street, Penrith (Old Blockbuster Video site) St Marys Memorial Hall, Cnr Great Western Highway & Mamre Road, St Marys

12

councilelection council

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Penrith Council roundup

with Keegan Thomson

Park designed by children

Incinerator proposal questioned

A TEAM of school students have planned out and designed a new playground at Chapman Gardens in Kingswood which will be revitalised with new equipment, seats, pathways and handball courts.

Twenty students aged 9 to 11 from Kingswood Public School were involved in the council backed initiative, which involved five workshops through which they shared their individual thoughts and hopes for the playground.

Councillor Greg Davies offered his congratulations to the students, asking them what piece of equipment the children wanted above anything

THE worlds largest electricity producing waste management incinerator which has been proposed for Eastern Creek could have potential health and environmental impacts on the local area, says council.

Councillors Greg Davies and Maurice Girotto had requested a report on the potential impacts the incinerator would have on the Penrith LGA, even though the facility will be house within the Blacktown LGA. The Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed incinerator has been questioned by the Blacktown City Council, who set up an independent inquiry into the

else, but couldn’t fit into their budget.

After a brief moment of consultation between themselves, the students said they would have wanted a climbing net.

Councillor Marcus Cornish jested with the school children asking them, “do you think there should be wifi installed at the park?”

When the motion to pass the design of the park was put forward Cr Davies proposed more council funding for the park so the children could have their climbing net, and it is fair to say there was some excited school kids in the gallery when they heard this news.

EIS which identified inadequacies.

Councillor Greg Davies spoke up on the issue saying their hadn’t been enough consultation from the State government.

“We’re talking about a huge incinerator to be built at Eastern Creek. There has been very little consultation from the state government with the Penrith City Council,” said Cr Greg Davies.

He went further and proposed council hold meetings with constituents in potentially affected suburbs like Erskine Park.

Public exhibition of proposed plans for the incinerator will be on show as of November 2016.

Mayor Karen McKeown pays tributes to former Mayors DURING Mayor Karen McKeown’s Mayor Minutes she paid tribute to two men who shaped the modern Penrith and western Sydney region.

Firstly she spoke about former Penrith City Councillor Bernard Smith, who passed away aged 96.

Mr Smith was one of the first people to spearhead the Penrith lakes scheme way back in the 70s.

Mayor McKeown said, “Bernard met those challenges and the results of his work were apparent in the good relationships he created between Council, staff and the community.”

The other man the Mayor spoke about was Sir Ian Turbott, who recently passed away.

Sir Ian Turbott was the founding Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, now Western Sydney University, and was heavily involved in the development of the

Penrith lakes.

Speaking of his achievements the Mayor said, “Sir Ian’s groundbreaking work with UWS played a significant part in the institution’s capacity to change the historical inequality of tertiary education in western Sydney.”

Councillor Jackie Greenow calls it a day AFTER 21 years serving the Penrith City Council Cr Jackie Greenow OAM will not be re-contesting her seat in the council election.

First elected to Council in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, 2004, 2008 and 2012, Cr Greenow served 5 terms as Deputy Mayor, and as Mayor in 2004-05.

Cr Greenow was the Chairperson of the Penrith International Friendship Committee, the Access Committee and the Heritage Advisory Committee. She was also involved with a variety of

other boards and committees including Hawkesbury River County Council, Flood Mitigation Authority, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts, Local Government Advisory board, the Community Relations Commission and has been appointed a Life Member Australian Local Government Women’s Association for her dedication and commitment to women working for and elected to Council.

Cr Greenow worked for the Department of Education as a Community Liaison

Officer at St Marys North Public School and always had a strong focus on the empowerment of women, disability and flooding issues. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on 10 June 2013 for “service to local government, and to the community, particularly to people with disabilities.”

Her exit from the upcoming elections, as well as Prue Car who will now concentrate on her state MP role, means there will be at least two new faces elected to represent east ward.

It is time for change and it’s time for ACTION I love this city. I’m a passionate local and I want the best outcomes for the people of Penrith. It’s my home and I’m committed to ensure that Penrith is the number one destination to live, work and play.

I’m the first one to admit, that as Penrith grows, it faces a range of demographic, economic and environmental challenges. This is why Penrith needs strong independent voices that are free of partisan politics, and are totally dedicated to improving the Penrith region for all.

As an Independent voice, the best outcomes for the people of Penrith is what matters most. I will work hard on all issues big or small, if elected on the 10th September.

It’s now time for Action. We all know there are powerful arguments to fix the issues now. Better parking and planning are critical to Penrith’s Progression. I believe we can implement solutions and changes that can attract investment.

I will also advocate strongly for small business, they are so important to Penrith. They help our communities flourish, they need strong support. I also give you my commitment, Penrith’s progress will not be at the expense of our unique character and lifestyle.

This election is your opportunity to bring about real change and Action, by voting for me, on the 10th September.

Vote 1 Group G Southward – Sue Day Independent Facebook: Sue Day – The Voice of Penrith | Twitter: SueDay4Penrith Authorised by Tracy Day 90 Racecourse Road South Penrith

Penrith community rallies in support of Bobby the Brave

By Kerrie Davies

LAST edition we featured the heartbreaking story of Glenmore Park resident, Bobby, the toddler who suffered horrific injuries at the hands of his non-biological uncle. Over the last fortnight, the kind and caring people of Penrith and beyond have come out in droves to show their support and raise money for Bobby the Brave.

A team of 16 people started the march from Randwick Children’s Hospital to Penrith Panthers at 4am on a trek to show just how far Bobby has come. The Push 4 Bobby Team led

by Penrith local Greg Bond has so far raised over $15,000 for Bobby and his family with donations still continuing.

The Push 4 Bobby Team was

joined along the way by Brad Fittler, John McLean and Trent Waterhouse culminating in a big finale from Jamison Park to Panthers with an entourage of Penrith Police, five highway patrol vehicles, Bikers for Christ and Bikers against Child Abuse Australia.

Followers lined the footpaths and flooded Mulgoa Road to walk the final leg of the journey with these local heroes!

The finish line at Penrith Panthers was a welcomed sight by the team who had just completed the 63km trek.

“The body is a bit sore and tired but we persevered because we know the pain we were feeling is nothing compared to what Bobby has endured,” said Greg Bond, Push 4 Bobby Team Leader.

The Push 4 Bobby Wheelchair Marathon was followed by a Gala

Dinner held in the Ron Mulock function room at Penrith Panthers with Karen McKeown (Mayor of Penrith), Federal MP for Lindsay Emma Husar, State MP for Londonderry Prue Car and the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce in attendance along with over 200 local supporters.

The Gala Dinner hosted by MC Susie Elelman AM raised in excess of $29,000 for the family to assist them in purchasing a wheelchair accessible van for Bobby’s wheelchair.

“The night was a huge success and I am so thankful to all of the Penrith local businesses who supported this local family” said Event Organiser Nicole Galea.

“The night could not have been possible without the unconditional support of Penrith Panthers, AMA Event Styling, Grill’d Burgers, Tentrix Live Music and the many

other businesses who donated their products and services for our raffle, silent auction and live auction.”

The support for Bobby and his family continues to grow with The Colonial Hotel Werrington organizing a Fundraising Day on Sunday 21st August starting with a sausage sizzle for breakfast, cruise out to the Tahmoor Hotel for lunch then returning back to the Colonial for raffles and giveaways – Entry is $25 per car or bike. Bobby will also be part of the Grill’d Community Matters program in September.

The Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce are also planning to dedicate their annual charity golf day to Bobby The Brave on 28thOctober 2016.

Donations can still be made by visiting https://www.mycause.com. au/page/130128/push4bobby

Bobby the brave: our little 2 year old hero

By Kerrie Davies

THE twinkle in the eyes and the beautiful smile on two-year-old Glenmore Park resident Bobby, mask his exposure to the most sickening and despicable cruelty imaginable.

When you look at this gorgeous little fella you feel compelled to cover him with kisses and hugs, yet one pathetic excuse for a human being tortured this little boy when he was just seven months old, leaving him with devastating injuries.

It’s unfathomable to digest the trauma baby Bobby suffered at the hands of a despicable monster, nor imagine the pain Bobby’s parents and family must have felt (and still feel) that the horrendous assault on their beloved baby was

delivered by a man they knew and trusted.

Bobby’s parents were at the Gold Coast on their honeymoon and their children were being looked after by Bobby’s grandmother, aunty and her fiance. The ladies took the older two children to the movies and the fiance stayed behind to mind baby Bobby.

And that’s when the horror began.

Bobby’s seven-month old body was subjected to the most disgraceful abuse, much of it too distressing to print. The injuries inflicted included blunt force trauma to the head, shaking until his eyes were bleeding, carpet burns, broken bones and bruised genitalia.

I make no apologies for calling the abuser a monster. I can barely type out this heartbreaking story - it’s horrific.

During Bobby’s stay in intensive care, doctors advised Bobby’s parents that his injuries were too substantial

for him to survive, and that they should turn his life support off. Bobby’s parents made the heartbreaking decision and made preparations for his funeral - which included burying him in his mother’s wedding gown.

But Bobby is a fighter, and to the delight of his family, friends and doctors, he continued to breathe without life support and began to move.

Since then Bobby’s condition has improved and his fighting spirit has overcome unbelievable odds.

But he has a long way to go. He needs round-the-clock care, special equipment and an abundance of love.

He has been left with a brain injury and quadriplegia.

If you’d like to help Bobby live his life to the best of his potential following the most horrendous start he has had, please donate by visiting https://www. gofundme.com/3mquxafg

13 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

14

localnews local

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Bronzed Aussie Jess Fox. Credit: Keegan Thomson

Jess Fox welcomed home

By Keegan Thomson

SOME 13,500 kilometres away from Rio de Janeiro, local Olympian Jess Fox brought a little Olympic spirit to Blaxland High as she showed off her new bronze medal to a packed sports centre.

“Its really lovely to be back here,” she said dressed in her green and gold team Australia colours. “Really awesome to see all the students supporting me and supporting all the Blaxland High Olympians.”

Jess came back from Rio a week before the closing ceremony so she could spend some time with family and friends before she jet sets off to Europe for the last two world cup events. Jess said she’s loving being back home.

“After 5 months away it is really great to be back home on your home course and your home whitewater,” she said. “It is nice to do those things that are at home, they keep you grounded and help you appreciate things you take for granted.”

Her home whitewater is the Olympic

whitewater facility in Penrith, which she says is her favourite course.

“It is still a world class venue and it is my favourite course. I don’t think I’m biased, I know a lot of athletes who really like coming here for training during the winter months in Europe.

“The Rio course was newer and it had this fresh feel to it where everything is brand new. Penrith is getting older but it is still in great nick. Rio was smaller but it has features all the way down,” she said.

Even with the technical course offering up a number of obstacles one of the biggest hurdles Jess had to navigate was the heavy expectations weighing on her from the media, the Australia public and herself.

“You can’t be prepared for that until you’ve experienced it really so that was definitely a big learning curve, knowing how to deal with that expectation and pressure and sort of being able to manage it.

“Coming into Tokyo I’m assuming it will already be the same because people are already saying the only medal I’m missing is the gold, so that is already the expectation,” she said.

Local Olympian Amanda Spratt did us proud

By Jarrod McGrouther

ONE of the local Australian athletes we flagged to watch in Rio was Amanda Spratt, the diminutive road race rider from western Sydney. In her second Olympic games, Amanda performed exceptionally well, ranking the highest of all Australian athletes in her event. Her 15th placed finish was only four minutes behind the eventual winner, so on a tough course, in tough conditions, Spratt did Australia immensely proud.

Following her gutsy display in Rio, Spratt was good enough to speak to Nepean News about her race, her Olympic experience and the hotly debated topic of Rio as a host city.

When asked to give her take on the road race, in true Aussie spirit Spratt revealed she left everything she had out on the course, with the final climbs making the real difference.

“I was really happy with my performance and the performance of the Australian team in Rio. It was definitely one of the toughest one day races we have ever raced. The combination of the wind, climbs, cobbles and the technical aspects made it an unrelenting course.” She continued.

“I felt like I had good legs for most of the race and was still in the front group when we started the final 9kms climb. I just didn’t quite have the legs to stay with the front group up that climb, but I gave everything that I had to try and stay there and was only 100m behind with a few kilometres to go on the climb before I totally blew up- so I know that I couldn’t have given any more.”

Spratt also pointed to a nice moment during the race shared with her team, allowing her to enjoy the last few moments of the race, something she is glad to have done.

“With a few kilometres to go I was by myself chasing the bunch in front of me. My team car came up to tell me to make sure I enjoyed the final kilometres, because it was a pretty

amazing atmosphere along the beach front of Fort Copacabana. It was great to take the time to appreciate it and take the pain away from my legs a bit.”

There has been a lot of negativity about Rio as the host city. Though Spratt was quick to praise organisers but also pointed out that safety was paramount.

“As an athlete I have had a great time in Rio. I have not encountered any of the problems that have been spoken about in the media and have found the Brazilian people to be really supportive. Compared with London we had to take extra precautions with regards to safety, which meant that we weren’t able to do as many things outside of the Games, overall though it hasn’t really been an issue.”

Appreciative for those back home who supported her, including the thousands who rose at 1am to watch her compete, Spratt promised to thank each

and every one of those who were willing to send kind messages her way.

“I have been overwhelmed with the amount of support that I have had from back home. I was surprised to hear that so many people woke up at 1am in Australia to watch my race.” She continued.

“I have to thank everyone for the support and messages. I was not on social media much in the lead up to my race and haven’t had much time to be on it since, so I am still in the process of reading and replying to everything.”

They say there’s no rest for the wicked, and no truer words have been spoken, with Spratt back in training as the Rio Games come to a close. It was for good reason however, with a heavy European schedule ahead.

“I had three days off training after my race and then got back into training here in Rio in preparation for my next races with my trade team Orica-AIS in Europe. I am not sure how the legs will be after the Olympics but I am definitely still looking for a good result in France at GP Plouay World Tour Race on August 28th.”

With an impressive result in Rio, and impressive results in general over the last year or so, Amanda is set for a big few years ahead and has her sights set on the Commonwealth games at home in 2018, but will we see her again in Tokyo?

“For now I am just enjoying Rio and what I achieved here. But at the same time I am already looking ahead and thinking about how I can make myself better and improve my results and fitness.

When I get back to Europe I will sit down with my coach Gene Bates and map out my next goals. The World Championships next year in Norway could be a course that suits me and then the Commonwealth Games in 2018 are definitely something I would really like to target. Then I will see where I am at and decide whether Tokyo could also be an option.”

The Commonwealth games will take place on the Gold Coast in 2018, with the Tokyo to host the next Olympic games in 2020.

Dirt bikes race off to help Careflight take off

By Jarrod McGrouther

THE City of Penrith Motor Cycle Club (CPMCC) held its annual charity race day over the weekend, with over 70 riders from the ages of 18 through to 78 competing at Nepean Raceway.

Dirt bike racing is not a new sport in western Sydney. The CPMCC has been around even before the establishment of the Raceway in 1959, and will continue to grow into the future. A great deal of successful motor cycle riders have dirt bike roots, including Australian great Casey Stoner, so the sport is rife with history.

Roy Gay, club president, said the day went fantastically well and thanked members for their help in raising much-needed funds for Careflight.

“Each year we try and choose a different charity in the local Penrith area. A few of our guys have had to use the Careflight facility, so we chose them this year,” he continued.

“In previous years the figure raised has been around $3,500 so we expect similar results this time.”

The weekend included differing race classes, including a super

Photo: Kennedi Geyer

senior’s over 65’s race. The race was a spectacle to see and was won by long time member Wally Cox. In the two main events, the Pre 75 class and Evo Open, each 25-lap races, Brett Glover (Pre 75 class) and

Clinton McDonald (Evo Open) came away with hard earned victories.

The club functions by providing an annual schedule of events, with members competing on these given days. To ride at the venue, you have to

be a member.

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a member, information on how to join can be found on the CPMCC’s Facebook page.

15 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

16

Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

AN easy rule one could apply to almost every human being is that we are the sum of our

experiences. For some, that might define our personality, others their lifestyle. For Jeff Muir, a sense of “justice” has propelled him on his self-professed life’s mission, that being in part to guide people towards being facilitators of their own success.

For what has amounted to over 30 years, Mr Muir has trained young people and career professionals alike with life skills that improve communication, assertiveness, and importantly skills relevant to finding and keeping jobs that aren’t taught in conventional secondary education classrooms. By teaching these experiences in classrooms and “reversing the negative experiences” last received in them, Mr Muir conveys practical life skills to his students, and has them teach them back.

Growing up as one of the truest definitions of a Westie in Perth, and now mentoring in Western Sydney, including Mount Druitt, Mr Muir’s stories and lessons more than qualify him as this edition’s Legend of the West.

Before going back to 1983 to observe the starting point of Jeff Muir’s mentoring, it’s actually

important to go back even further, to when Mr Muir indicated his sense of fairness for kids came from. Mr Muir attended (against his will, he was quick to mention) the Hale boarding school in Perth, where he was relentlessly bullied and beaten for wearing leg braces, “like Forrest Gump,” Mr Muir said. Feeling let down by the teaching faculty who he feels didn’t qualify him for the working world, and fed up by the politics of private school hierarchy, Mr Muir was left feeling bitter from the experience.

By 1983, Mr Muir was working on a property and operating a horseriding business. Around this time, he started receiving a hefty amount of business from the Hawke government, which was sending disadvantaged and unemployed youth to go horse-riding and work on the property for one week at a time. Mr Muir noted at first he was sceptical.

“I thought it was a waste of money at first,” he said.

“It was good for my horse-riding business, but I didn’t know what good it would do.”

He changed his tune, however, when he talked to one 16-year-old girl who didn’t want to go home at

the end of the week. Realising that she was a full time carer of her mother and siblings at home, the week on the property had been a respite, a place where she received three meals a day in a warm and safe environment.

Later, back in Perth, another girl ran up to Mr Muir in the street and said after working around the horses and trails, she got her first job.

“The ride changed her life,” Mr Muir reflected.

Mr Muir said he realised that a lot of kids don’t have role models to guide them, or influences to convince them they can chase a goal despite coming from a low socio-economic environment.

“Academia is one type of smart,” Mr Muir said, “but you don’t have to be strictly academic to succeed by any means.”

Mr Muir said he himself struggled in school due to Dyslexia, and understands that a lot of young people have to take different paths to fulfilling careers.

As we talked this week, Mr Muir mentioned he had been driving around country NSW selling blankets with a mate who had imported too many.

Out of the ordinary to be sure, but by

LARGEST GRANNY FLAT L BUILDER IN NSW CALL US TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR GRANNY FLAT INFORMATION SEMINAR ADVANTAGES OF A GRANNY FLAT?

Licence Number: 66902C

• A Granny flat will pay itself off in 5-7 years • A Granny Flat will make money using dead yard space • A Granny flat will maximise your rental return • A Granny flat can be council approved in 10 days

• • • •

A Granny Flat provides a steady income once paid off A Granny Flat will Increase the value of your property immensely A Granny Flat can be a great tool for negative gearing A Granny flat is a Long term investment

FOR A FREE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON YOUR PROPERTY:

Visit our Exhibition Centre at 152

Russell Street, Emu Plains

CONTACT US ON

1300 721 150

www.grannyflatsandstudios.com.au

JEFF MUIR the time they’d reached Queanbeyan, they’d practically sold them all. Mr Muir said in short, you can’t be afraid to ask for things, going out and doing the hard yards, instead of relying for opportunities by only using your CV, like the schooling system promotes.

“As an employer – you would impress me if you turned up on time, stayed even five minutes longer than you’re supposed to and didn’t play on your friggin’ phone.”

“Conviction is important, just keep your agreements,” he said.

Mr Muir currently runs an education program called That’s Easy Learning, but is still personally mentoring four young people. He elaborated on how important it is for the people one’s teaching to be able to teach back. One of the methods he uses is showing students one of his successful animated YouTube videos, such as ‘Are you too nice?’ Then he has the students teach the lessons back, because you “Don’t learn anything unless you teach it.”

The students have ranged from 12-year-old children to business executives. Mr Muir is proud to say he has enjoyed positive feedback from all.

17

“That’s easy learning!” Jeff Muir has been invested in mentoring young people and career professionals for over 30 years.

Now working all around Sydney and mentoring young people in Mount Druitt, Mr Muir also has an office in Emu Plains.

“I’ll be doing this until I die,” he said proudly.

His closing comment? His mission – that he hopes his corporate clients will go on to sponsor his program.

For more information on Jeff and his training program, visit http:// www.thatseasylearning.com/

Jeff Muir was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie Davies.

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

e l b a l i a v A w o N e g a r o t S y r e t t Ba TO FIND OUT HOW A LOCAL SOLAR EXPERT CAN HELP YOU, CALL 4760 0809

The smart energy choice for your home

localnews local

18 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

THE G SPOT

NOTHING like a Sunday reading the paper and out falls the travel escape insert. Don’t deny it; the front page picture is like staring at a screensaver on your computer for hours wishing you were there. You faintly hear the Hawaiian musically tones in your ears, the smell of coconut oil and the taste of seafood with an expensive bottle of wine. You close your eyes and block out the kids fighting, cat meowing, dogs barking and hubby saying “where’s me coffee darl?”

So in all my expert wisdom, I decided to look for handy tips for the traveller and perhaps summarise and then give them to you, my avid G Spotters.

Soooo, I was reading a travelling tip guide, just to get the juices flowing for this column, because I just can’t be simply brilliant constantly. I came across these 50 handy tips for the traveller.

Hold on its coming, So this Brainiac’s tip number 2 was – don’t miss your flight because that will suck! And the crickets start….ummmm? I am no rocket scientist but this is a no brainer, right?

Tip 15 – Take a memory card because you will need it! Like der that’s what it is a memory card is,

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

ya drop kick, it never forgets.

Tip 17 – Contraceptives are not the stupidest idea in the world! This guy quit his job for this, well hopefully he doesn’t breed, that’s one good thing I guess.

Tip 25- Take something that will entertain you for hours. Now that’s a great tip, I have a mother of an ingrown toe nail that I can dig at on the plane for at least 16 hours and flick that crap everywhere. With a plastic knife of course - don’t want to be arrested as a suspected terrorist.

Tip 31- Having a change of underwear- Yep another great tip, because when you get hit by that moped in Thailand by some drunk driver you want to know that the pants you just crapped in are changeable.

Tip 43- Try and hang out with people just like you whilst on holidays. The last time I looked you want to get away from people or you would be drinking beers on a deck chair on the loading dock of your workplace.

Clapping wildly - Okay here’s a good one - Clear the throat, Tip 7 – Don’t carry luggage that is too heavy for you, please see handy hints 3 &4 - I go to hints 3&4 – please see tip 7.

Tip 39- If it can’t be worn for three days then don’t bring it! This is the type of dude that you get stuck in economy class and he is in the middle seat and wearing the same shirt for three days. You have to vomit in the sick bag just to change the smell in the room. Anyway, I have to secretly concur with this tip, my clothes are ready for scientific testing by the time I’ve finished my holiday.

Tip 1- Give a photocopy of your passport & itinerary to family and friends. Now this is a great tip, except when they get arrested in a corrupt country and hand over your ID saying they are you. But, yeah good tip, I will give this to him.

So there you have it, travelling tips for that next 5 star holiday, bring undies just in case you crap your pants, forget the kids, if it gets too hard just wear your clothes for three days oh and don’t miss your flight or you can’t do the above.

Oh and my handy security travelling tips- Don’t take hordes of cash in a bum bag and carry your mobile phone in your hand whilst walking the streets.

Place all cash in secure safes at your hotel, lock your doors and put all valuables away. Don’t flash it baby or it will be gone!

KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

1300 SECURITY ML No. 405714685

Nita

Ask

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

EVERYONE is talking about the latest in fat reduction technology and the positive results it has provided its 3 million + clients across Australia. The popular CoolSculpting technology was first approved by the FDA in 2010, but has gained attention as a non-invasive alternative to liposuction, promising to eliminate love handles and bra bulge by freezing it. Some may say that it sounds too good to be true, however the technology really works and here

6 MONTHS FREE

BACK TO BASE MONITORING*

www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au

* new connections

The popular CoolSculpting technology are some answers to your frequently asked questions.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE COOLSCULPTING PROCEDURE? The CoolSculpting fat-reduction procedure is specially designed for those who have unwanted fat in targeted areas. Unlike weight-loss surgery (e.g. gastric bypass), the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight-loss solution for people who are obese. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of.

Many people want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

HOW LONG IS EACH TREATMENT? HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? Your CoolSculpting physician will help you create an individualized

treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting treatment will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. While each CoolSculpting treatment generally lasts about 1 hour, some patients have more than one treatment during the same office visit. Some practices even have multiple CoolSculpting systems and applicators, so it’s possible for a patient to have multiple areas treated at once. You and your provider may also schedule additional treatments or office visits in order to meet your goals.

CAN THE COOLSCULPTING PROCEDURE REDUCE FAT ANYWHERE ON MY BODY? The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared to target stubborn fat bulges in specific areas: abdomen, flank/side (“muffin top” or “love

handle”), inner thigh, outer thigh, double chin.

The treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate fat without surgery or downtime, just released its next generation treatment technology and the latest enhancements make it possible to offer patients transformational results with shorter treatment times and greater comfort than ever before.

Total Face Group are the largest provider of CoolSculpting™ in Australasia and now offer Dualsculpting and the new Cool Advantage. All of your questions and more are answered on coolsculptingaustralia.com. au or you can book your obligation free consult with our CoolSculpting Specialists at TFG Rejuven8 Penrith.

Now is the time to transform your winter body into a summer body.

A day in the life of... A funeral arranger

By Keegan Thomson

MOST preconceived judgements about funeral directors, or funeral arrangers, have something to do with death, so it is no wonder people think the job is a little bit morbid, but funeral arranger from Guardian, Josephine Fava wants to set the record straight.

Understandably there are some common misconceptions and misunderstandings about what a funeral director’s job entitles, but arranging funerals isn’t as grim and bleak as you’d expect, says Ms Fava.

“I don’t think it as morbid, I look at it as a loved one now being in a beautiful place. I see that they’ve moved onto another beautiful place, they’re finally at peace. The morbid part comes from watching too many horror films and crime shows,” she says.

Josephine Fava has been working as a funeral arranger for the last four years, a career change she made after running her own cafe for nine years prior. She made the change because she wanted a job that would offer her more fulfilment.

“You become very cynical working

Josephine Fava, funeral arranger, a big heart always ready to give. Photo: Keegan Thomson

for 9 years, 7 days a week, 14 hours a day without any rewards, so I thought I wanted to do something different,” she said.

On an average day Ms Fava gets into work around 8:00, answers some emails and messages from families, and then she might meet with a family or help coordinate a funeral. Families who are in need and are grieving are always a priority.

“If we have a family coming in we spend two hours with them arranging the funeral. Sometimes we get a lunch break, but if families need to see

someone we will always see them when they need to be seen,” she said.

Even though the job of a funeral arranger might seem very personal and warm, behind it all there is a large mountain of paper work. Ms Fava suggests at least 60 per cent of her job is administrative tasks.

“People underestimate the amount of paperwork involved in arranging a funeral. Really there is a lot of admin work. Making sure that the coroner is aware we are taking the loved one, making sure the hospital or the nursing home is aware,” she said.

Working with families at what is often a difficult and traumatic time can take a mental toll, Ms Fava said.

Though like every job, she said, it is important to share the mental strains with your colleagues.

“I’ve personally heard a lot of horrible stories, we deal with murders and violent crimes and suicides, and they’re the ones that affect me the most, and they’re the ones we need to debrief on.

“I tend to shut down a little bit, I try to ground myself. I’ll debrief with my colleagues, and they’ll lighten the mood, because this work isn’t something you can go home and talk to your family or your relatives about because it is very confronting,” she said.

Despite the paperwork and the mental strains, Ms Fava says she loves her job and suggests anyone looking for a rewarding and supportive career should consider funeral arranging.

“It’s not the job for everyone but if someone has an overload of empathy and compassion and they feel that is not being utilised they need to look at the quality of their working life. Not many people go home from their jobs and feel like they’ve done something rewarding, but I do,” she said.

19 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

TURTLE NURSERY

and LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE All materials available in small bags Specialising in 1 tonne Bulka-Bags

DELIVERIES 7 DAYS • Decorative Gravels • Nepean River • Griffith Red • Cowra, White & Gold • Charcoal • Crushed Tile • Aussie Brown

• Scoria Red & White • Blue Metal • Road Base • Sand 14 Types • Recycled Aggregates • Bush Rock • Sandstone Flagging

Cnr Windsor & Rouse Rds ROUSE

Phone: 9629 2299

• Cements • Softfall (Play Ground) • Pine Bark • Coloured Wood Chip • Eucalyptus Mulch • Hardwood Chip • Softwood Chip

HILL

OPEN 7 DAYS • Leaf Mulch • Cypress Wood Chip • Top Soil • Organic Garden Mix • Premium Garden Mix • 80/20 Top Dressing • Organic Top Dressing

• Filling Sand • Turf Underlay • Mushroom Compost • Treated Pine Sleepers

Cnr Racecourse & Blacktown Rds SOUTH

WINDSOR

Phone: 4574 3299

www.turtlenursery.com.au

N E PE A N HIST RY the creation of a unique treasure Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean?

Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling.

Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!

9834 5579 or email nepeannews@aol.com A GREAT KEEPSAKE OR GIFT In turn you will help maintain our region’s history sources as 50 per cent of proceeds go to the Nepean and St Marys Historical Societies S i ttii

ORDER NOW!

POST TO: Nepean News, 203 Banks Drive, St Clair NSW 2759 PHONE: 9834 5579

PAYMENT TYPE Cheque Credit Type Expiry Date

Credit Card

RETURN POST TO: C/C Name Credit Card No

ONLY $10 + $5 postage and handling

Just how scary is ringworm?

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

OVER the last month WellPet Vets has seen an increase in cases of Ringworm and we find the condition is often misunderstood and met with fear and confusion. Truth be known, ringworm is not that scary at all, just a nuisance.

Despite its name, ringworm is NOT a worm, it’s not even caused by a worm! Ringworm is a fungal infection of the top layers of the skin and hair.

Ringworm is found in a variety of species and the most common species found in pets is called Microsporum canis.

How do we get Ringworm?

Ringworm is most commonly caught from the environment. It can be caught from a variety of sources ranging from the soil, as well as other people and also from your pets. It is one of the very few infections that can be transferred from animals to humans. As the fungi can live on stray hair follicles and skin cells even if they are not on the host, it is quite easily transmitted. One species of ringworm (Microsporum gypseum) is a soil organism and can be picked up spending time in the garden.

• Young children, animals and people that have their immunity compromised are most likely to contract this disease.

How is Ringworm Diagnosed?

• Observation – Ringworm has a distinct circular pattern to its appearance. It is also common for the hair to fall out in this area and for the skin to have a scaly appearance.

• Woods Lamp – or blue light will cause some species of ringworm to fluoresce • Fungal Cultures – Your vet or doctor to confirm a diagnosis may send hair follicles to a lab for testing, this testing involves the growing of the fungus and can sometimes take up to 2 weeks for a conclusive answer but will generally give preliminary results within a few days • Microscopic examination – Your vet or doctor may also look at hair follicles under the microscope in order to identify fungal spores on the hair shaft.

How is ringworm treated and what should you do if you have ringworm?

If you know your pet or another person has ringworm, avoid the following: • Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal – using gloves when handling or applying treatment is always recommended.

• Sharing of towels, clothing or sports gear • Contact with infected household

items, such as a brush, pet clothing, towels and furniture.

• Treatment may include topical treatments, such as shampoos and ointments and/ or oral medication.

• Treating the environment with an antifungal product, is a must, and is fundamental in getting things under control. You should always vacuum thoroughly and ensure any pet hair is cleaned and removed from the environment regularly. Bedding and brushes for example.

• Ringworm does not grow in inflamed tissues, so massaging the ointments or shampoos into the lesions (rather than just dabbing them on) discourages the fungi to grow.

• It is always important that you use stringent hygiene techniques when dealing with Ringworm, use gloves

when treating or handling, and always wash your hands after handling your pet.

Where would you see ringworm lesions on your pet?

• In pocket pets such as Guinea Pigs for example you will most likely see it on their face and feet • In kittens and puppies you may notice the lesion anywhere as they can be generalized, though we find often it is predominately the nose/ head as these are the areas that kittens in particular last learn to groom properly.

If you spot an itchy red, bald, dry, round spot on your family member of your pet, investigate it with your Veterinarian and health care professional sooner, rather than later.

For more information, you can contact WellPet Vets on 1300WELLPET.

Missing something? Lost dogs waiting for their owners at Hawkesbury pound

Corgi - female - Cambridge Park

Fox Terrier - female - Werrington

German Shepherd - male - St Clair

23 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

localnews local

WOODHEATER

SALE

AUSTRALIAN MADE, FAMILY OWNED. SPECIALISING IN OUTDOOR HARDWOOD FURNITURE. CUSTOM ORDERS ARE WELCOME.

TURBO 10 HI TEC 2000

FULL RANGE OF FLUE KITS & SPARE PARTS AVAILABLE

4721 2622 40 COX AVENUE, KINGSWOOD Monday-Thursday 8am-4.30pm • Friday 8am-2pm • Saturday 10am-2pm

E N T E R T A I N M E N T RECENTLY I was looking through some recipes online when I came across an article which outlined 10 surefire steps to a dinner party success. Now I like a good dinner party, so I wondered what other modern-day women had to say about it.

Point 1. Consider your guest list.

Here she recommends that you only invite people who are likely to get on and have things in common. My problem with this is that this often translates into a fairly beige evening where platitudes are exchanged and people check their watches hoping that they have spent enough time to be able to politely excuse themselves as the baby sitter is waiting.

Point 2. Never cook a dish for the first time.

Where’s the fun in that? We all loved the Bridget Jones Diary scene when she left string on the ingredients for a soup dish and it turned blue. It was a talking point and it tasted terrible of course, but hey it could really fix up an uncomfortable pause in conversation.

Point 3. Set the scene.

Apparently a few cushions and a blanket under a

tree creates a great set up. Well maybe if you are 20 and your bones don’t creak when you get up.

Point 4. Set the table.

Wow!! Good thing I saw this list otherwise I could have forgotten to put cutlery on the table!!

Point 5. Create a dedicated drinks area.

Isn’t this called a fridge or even an esky?

Point 6. Bring out some nice tableware - or borrow some!

Well I don’t think I would be bringing out borrowed plates. What’s the next point because 6

with TP

was just plain silly.

Point 7.

Create ambiance and lighting.

I have to say that this is an important point. I’m sure that you can all recall a time when bright lighting made you feel like you were being interrogated by some underground intelligence agency, or when the mood lighting was a little on the dark side and you mistakenly picked up the flower vase instead of your drink.

Point 8. Set the playlist.

Not bad advice when you consider that most people probably don’t want to listen to death metal whilst eating a seafood bisque.

Point 9. Some dinner-party etiquette.

Are you ready for it? Give your guest a drink when they arrive!! Omg really?!

Point 10. Make a detailed party plan.

Well having served mains up to guests at 10pm I have to admit that this is very sage advice indeed!

So in summary I think there were 2 or 3 points which actually were of any real use. But it was an afternoons entertainment taking the mickey out of it. :)

02 4736 4647 • THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

To dine or not to dine?

27

We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. alhgroup.com.au

28

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Donate towards emergency crisis accommodation THE WestCare Fundraiser Dinner held at The Coffee Club Nepean River has increasingly become a September social highlight for the 160 people who attend to support this great local charity each year.

While the three course gourmet dining experience with beverages and lively entertainment is reason enough for a great night out, the wider community benefits of the event now speak for themselves.

The 2015 Dinner saw the launch of the Penrith City CareKits program that has since changed the caring landscape of the city through its support of the Nepean Hospital social work team, nearby schools and a dozen other local charities.

Andrew Paech, Assistant Director of WestCare and manager of the Emergency Relief Service, says this year’s Dinner on Thursday 8th September will take the charity’s contribution to the community to another level with the launch of the ‘1000 Safe Sleeps’ project.

“Our goal is to provide one thousand safe sleeps per year for those who are homeless or at the risk of homelessness in our community.

That is one thousand nights of care

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS - donating their time and hospitality skills for the WestCare Fundraiser Dinner 2015

and accommodation to actively help end homelessness in the Penrith area,” he said.

The ‘1000 Safe Sleeps’ project includes the refurbishment of 2 x two bedroom units and a dedicated team to facilitate emergency crisis accommodation, seven days a week.

It will play an important part in the wider ‘Heading Home – Ending Homelessness Here!’ project coordinated by Wentworth Community Housing, providing an

accessible local stay of one to three nights during the early high risk period that can often see candidates drop out of the process.

“This is very much a community oriented initiative, it doesn’t get much better in our view. A well-documented need to be met through a multi-faceted solution, with many different people and organisations playing their part to see it come together. The Penrith community is simply awesome,” Andrew said.

“There are a number of key ways for people to support this project. We welcome tradespeople, suppliers and labourers to supply the goods and physical work.

“We are receiving taxdeductible donations to meet financial costs. And coming up on Thursday 8th September is our Annual Fundraiser Dinner which is focused on the ‘1000 Safe Sleeps’ project. Tickets to the dinner can be purchased online at WestCare.org.au or contact me on 0407 00 00 67. People can also donate auction items and prizes.”

“Special mention must go to our hosts for the evening, Jeremy and Aaron from The Coffee Club Nepean River and Luke from Sydney Direct Fresh Produce,” said Andrew.

“It would be difficult to measure the great extent their support of WestCare has had on the vulnerable of our city these past few years. Many people can be very grateful for them.”

The WestCare Annual Fundraiser Dinner is on Thursday 8th September.

Tickets cost $150 per person and include canapés on arrival, main meal, dessert & beverages. More information is available at WestCare.org.au

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Keegan’s Kitchen

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

30

SOLUTION: 11th August

Hearty winter pie...

Serves 4

Growing up in a family of bakers means quite often on a rainy and cold winter day we’d have hot meat pies for lunch or dinner. There isn’t anything quite like a traditional, crispy, chunky meat pie coated with tomato sauce, and this hearty winter pie is as traditional as they come.

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

INGREDIENTS: 700g lean beef mince 2 large, halved and thinly sliced brown onions 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 200g sliced brown mushrooms 1 large zucchini, cut into 1cm pieces 2 teaspoons brown sugar 375ml (1 1/2 cups) Campbell’s Real Stock Beef Salt Reduced 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 sheet puff pastry, partially thawed 1 egg, lightly whisked 60ml olive oil METHOD: Start by preheating your oven to 200C fan forced. Heat 2 table spoons of oil in a non-stick frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Add mince and stir until browned. Transfer to a bowl and set to the side.

Heat 2 table spoons of remaining oil in the pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, season accordingly and

stir occasionally until soft. Add sugar and vinegar and stir until caramelised. If it starts to burn turn down the heat and then transfer to a bowl.

Heat remaining oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and zucchini, cooking it until soft. Return mince and caramelised onions to the pan.

Heat and combine the mixture, add the stock and stir constantly until smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce for a kick. Bring to boil and simmer until slightly thickened.

Transfer to a 2 litre baking dish and smooth out and place your pastry over the top. Brush with egg so the pastry crisps up. Cut a small slit in centre of pastry so any air can escape and bake for 25 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Serve with a helping of mashed potatoes or baked veggies and gravy.

Don’t forget you can add more veggies and you can always substitute the meat.

Let me know your favourite recipes at keegan@nepeannews.com or look us up on facebook.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Suggesting (14) 10 Pork strips (5) 11 Location (9) 12 Normal (7) 13 City in Washington state (7) 14 Outdoor storage buildings (5) 16 Weightiness (9) 19 Translate (9) 20 Nigerian monetary unit (5) 22 Issue (7) 25 Stone pillar (7) 27 Iota (9) 28 Exhilarate (5) 29 Contrasted (14)

DOWN 2 Receiver (9) 3 Terror (5) 4 Burial chamber (9) 5 Snares (5) 6 Surgical procedure (9) 7 Clumsy (5) 8 Amasses (7) 9 Slackens (6) 15 Napkin (9) 17 Space traveller (9) 18 Do away with (9) 19 Levied (7) 21 Foot joints (6) 23 Abbreviated (5) 24 Cut into two equal parts (5) 26 Swelling under the skin (5)

solution 11/8/16

i n v e n r A s a h r t y 9 1 E E L Y A H S WILDE M P 1 1 M 7P $1,900 BADGE DRAW MUST BE WON - 1st Draw 6pm

SUNDAY AUGUST 28TH PAUL & TARYN from 5pm FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 26 AUGUST JACK THOMPSON TWINS

FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER US TOO

SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER HOORAY FOR EVERYTHING

32

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

MAZE

Alice in Zombieland

WHAT would it be like if Alice was to return to wonderland? Would it be the same?

Ruby Productions presents this fun, colourful and unconventional story following Alice’s journeys back into wonderland.

But there’s a twist! It is no longer wonderland, it is now Zombieland!

Meet your favourite characters

along the way as Alice tries to bring back wonderland by uncovering the hidden reason as to why everyone is turning into Zombies.

A great family show and suitable for all ages, let these well-known characters take you on a ride across Zombieland to the source where an unsuspecting surprise awaits them…...

Ticket price is - $25.00 (limited seating available) Or Concession only - $ 20.00 To book tickets go to www. trybooking.com/197228 To book show only phone (02) 47355422.

“ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street; Penrith.

The White House by the Nepean River

by Jim Low

S

CATTERED in the bushland on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains are many reminders of the past. The four ruined walls of what was known as ‘the white house’ are an example. They are all that remains of a two storey house built on the western side of the Nepean River opposite Upper Castlereagh. The walls are made of various sized sandstone pieces held together with cement, some of the outer walls and corners appearing to be dressed. These walls are around 35 centimetres thick.

Although a modest, unpretentious structure, for many locals this isolated white coloured house became a familiar landmark. It has always been a difficult place to access. Crossing from Castlereagh was usually accomplished by fording the river or crossing by boat. The river’s dangerous susceptibility to flooding further isolated the area.

For many years I have lived close to the ruins, unaware of their existence.

On hearing about the white house a few years ago, I went in search of the ruins and their hidden history in May 2013. The thick covering of lantana and blackberry made finding them difficult. Later in October a severe bush fire raged through this area. Returning in December, I found the ruined walls now clearly exposed in the blackened landscape.

From the arrival of Europeans to present times, the region where the white house ruins are appears to have been somewhat difficult to develop and manage. Originally part of the Colo Shire, since 2000 the area has been part of the 485 hectare Yellomundee Regional Park.

In 1789 Watkin Tench explored this area, describing it as a lonely, intimidating and unfamiliar place, full perhaps of hidden dangers. Over the years, this description has remained appropriate to much of the country along the mountain escarpment on the western side of the river.

Was it possible to develop a sense of belonging when living in such a place?

In 1902 Thomas Galvin, a carpenter and builder, purchased a 40 acre block with his wife Mercy (nee Selby) and built the white house. Three times he rented the furnished house, along with ‘four or five cows, horses and ploughs’. Despite the low rent, none of his tenants was able to see out the duration of their tenancy.

School teacher Arthur Street was appointed to Penrith Public School in May 1938. He became interested in the history of the Nepean Valley.

‘Now and again,’ he wrote, ‘something mysterious or intriguing would present itself. Such was The White House.’

When he first took students on an excursion there, ‘there were four walls left of a cottage, garden beds and some lime trees’. The walls ‘were painted white and visible for miles.’ In 1967 his interest was roused again when he noticed ‘the disappearance of the familiar landmark’. Street asked his students if they knew anything about the building. He received a letter from student Peter Jackson’s grandfather, Cecil, who as a child had lived in the white house with his family. Street apparently did not return to the ruins until early in 1984 when he self-published a booklet about the white house.

The White House. Arthur Street Collection - Penrith Library. NSW

Included in Street’s booklet is Cecil Jackson’s letter about white house life. The following account of life at the white house between 1916 and 1922 comes from information contained in that letter. I have also used information from interviews with Cecil’s sister Helene McManus (known as Nellie) and brother John, conducted by Street in the 1980s. On 16 May 1984 Street also interviewed John (Jack) Jackson who was living at Emu Plains then aged 78.

The Jackson family moved to the white house after the start of the First World War. They rented Tom Galvin’s white house farm for five years.

The family comprised John Thomas and Eva (nee Wright) Jackson, their four sons and three daughters. The Jacksons always referred to their home as ‘the white house’. According to John, its real name was Oakley.

The children worked hard there but also enjoyed themselves. Their jobs included milking the cows and feeding the calves. If there was insufficient grass for the cows and horses to eat, they would climb and cut branches from the oak trees for feed. The children also helped with the collection of water from the river. They used a wooden yoke to carry the water kerosene tins. They looked after the vegetable garden, growing tomatoes, cabbages, melons, and fruit trees. Their father grew tobacco plants. Fowls were locked up each night to protect them from foxes and traps were set for dingoes.

Continued next issue...

33 Nepean News February 2015 Issue 182 143 Nepean News1925 August 2016

nepeanhistory nepean

34

realestate real

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

THE SMART LINE with Steve Roddick

Maximising capital gains from your investment property CAPITAL gains on property are a glorious thing. If you buy well you may enjoy a larger gain than expected, netting you a tidy profit which could set you up for life.

Over 92 per cent of Aussies who sold in the March Quarter of 2016 enjoyed a profit on sale according to CoreLogic RP Data, meaning it’s something you too can achieve. So to help make sure you’re in the 92 per cent and not the eight, here are a couple of tips to help guide you to maximum capital gains from your property. Following these will surely make paying off your investment loan a breeze.

Buying in the right location can help ensure your property investment grows.

Location is all important When buying for capital gains

location isn’t everything, but it’s pretty close. During the March quarter of 2016, almost 98 per cent of Sydney sellers made a profit on their property as stated by CoreLogic. Compare this to the Western Australia success rate of under 75 per cent and you can begin to see how important the area you buy in is.

The first thing to consider is an area’s growth prospects, compared to the price of buying there – placing importance on finding low-cost high growth suburbs in which to buy.

Generally the highest rates of growth can be seen in Sydney and Melbourne or surrounding areas, which according to a Residex report account for 50 per cent of all dwellings in Australia.

Over 92 per cent of Aussies who sold in the March Quarter of 2016 enjoyed a profit.

Despite this, buying in the city central may exceed your budget, so looking in lower cost areas surrounding capital cities may be more realistic. One area in particular which is performing miraculously well is the Bega Valley, a small suburb in NSW that saw a 49 per cent increase in median property value from 2014 to 2015, according to a report by NAB compiled using CoreLogic data.

Finding your own Bega Valley before its prices skyrocket is key to making massive capital gains on your investment.

Get help The prospect of quickly netting a massive profit from your property can cause buyers to dive into investments headfirst to make a quick dollar. It’s important you proceed with caution, treading carefully during the first

m 0420 289 381 f 02 4786 1242 e sroddick@smartline.com.au

www.smartline.com.au/ sroddick

steps towards making an investment, ensuring you’ve secured the most suitable loan possible with the help of alicensed Australian mortgage broker.

You can contact me anytime on 0420 289 381 for mortgage advice.

Or complete our call request form and we’ll call you!

• Home Loans • Commercial Loans • Business Finance • Investing • Insurance • Car Finance

Innovation Roof Restoration ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE LOOK OF YOUR ROOF?

BEST RATES IN TOWN! Mention this ad to redeem the offer

Call Kurtis on

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

0475 555 000 for a FREE QUOTE

BEFORE

AFTER

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

Ask

LATTS

All your real estate questions answered, with Darren Latty ~ darren@prd.net.au

35 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

realestate real

Where should I buy my investment property?

THE wonders of modern technology mean it’s now possible to buy your investment property almost anywhere. So is it worth staying local or venturing further afield?

Certainly for your first investment we would recommend buying something that is familiar to you.

Ultimately, if you don’t like it, it is fair to say your tenants won’t either.

Think like potential tenants would.

What is important to them.

Transport, security, lifestyle

options & convenience top the list, with storage, cleanliness and modern decor not far behind. Most tenants see your investment as a stepping stone to buying their own property. It should be comfortable and maintenance free.

It is difficult to get a good economic understanding of a new suburb or area without doing extensive research or living there. Buying close to where you already live means that you have subconsciously done research already.

You know the market, better areas

Specialists in all aspects of concrete work • Driveways

and location of desirable amenities.

You can drive past anytime you want, employ a local agent that you have extensive knowledge about and call on local contractors if any repairs are needed.

Once you look to expand your portfolio there are some real advantages to diversifying your property selections. This requires extensive research to help you ascertain key indicators like vacancy rate, capital growth, time on market,

seasonal fluctuations, calendar fluctuations, holiday movements and infrastructure programs to name just a few.

Investment is a skill that requires training like anything else. Get the right team around you and source the best data.

PRDnationwide research provides regular papers on cities and regions all over Australia. That is why you will regularly see us as the source in property related articles.

GT’s Penrith Valley Painting Service findgarth@hotmail.com

• Patios • House Extensions • House Slabs • Foot Paths • Stamped and Coloured

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

mob. 0422 642 596

0430 106 399 ABN 5411 933 9171 Licence 265238c

OFFER ENDS 30TH SEPTEMBER 2016

Offer ends 30/9/2016. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

36

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Blake’s unfinished business despite union ties

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

THE 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janiero has presented many magical moments.

For Penrith’s Fijian centre, Waqa Blake that moment undoubtedly came when his country won their first ever Olympic medal let alone gold in the men’s Rugby Sevens.

Whilst the historic moment for Fiji has reignited Blake’s passion to return to the sport he once played as a junior back home in WA and represent his country of origin, the centre who was once (unfairly) dubbed the next Greg Inglis, says he has plenty to achieve with Penrith before even contemplating such a move.

“That win meant the world to me. I stayed up for all the games and even my Fijian brothers like Viliame Kikau we’d always message each other,” Blake said.

“Fiji’s been going off and that’s another thing I want to get back to because I love my country and to be part of that would mean the world to me.

“But while Rugby is still in my blood, at the moment I’m trying to concentrate on learning the game of rugby league and I know I can get better each week so I am just going to do my time here and see how I go.”

Despite having that rugby ambition and coupled with the fact that whilst he and his partner, Jessica, have left their family behind in Perth, Blake denied reports that he was interested in returning home to play rugby for the Western Force, adding that she

Waqa Blake embraced after finishing off a 100 metre try against the Tigers last Friday night. Credit 77 Media.

was the driving force behind him being able to chase his NRL dreams with the club that gave him the opportunity to do so.

Everyone’s back home (including) Mum (and) Dad. I’ve got just me and my girl here who’s also from WA,” Blake declared.

“We’re both sort of here alone but I’m lucky to have her as she gets me through my week. “(I’ve heard) nothing at the moment (from the Western Force).

“But my heart and soul is here with the Penrith Panthers.

“I love this club and they always give to me so I’ll do anything to give back to them.”

After a shaky start to his NRL career in 2015, particularly when required to play out on the wing instead of his customary right-centre position, injuries to first-choice centres Peta Hiku and Dean Whare in 2016 have enabled Blake to make the centre position his own.

Despite having 36 NRL games under his belt now, Blake says he still has plenty to learn, especially when it comes to increasing his level of involvement during games.

“I think I’m going alright but I’ve still got a lot of things to learn,” Blake confirmed.

“I struggled last year and the start of this year getting involved in the game with my carries and so forth.

“But I’m lucky that I have the players around me that support and get me through each game.”

Blake says that support comes especially from his team-mates that form the nucleus of Penrith’s right edge; James Fisher-Harris, Bryce Cartwright (both inside players) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (outside).

“The boys around me they are making my job easier because they always tip me up which is helping my game,” Blake said.

“We’re a very young (right) edge.

“I’m the oldest there along with Carty but its’ awesome especially with James Fisher-Harris who is going well with the way he does the little things.

“It’s great having firepower like him and Cartwright on the inside and then with Dallin on the outside to finish off.”

MAXIMUM SERVICE...

MINIMUM FUSS...

• AIRPORT TRANSFERS • CRUISE SHIP TRANSFERS • WEDDINGS • HENS & BUCKS PARTIES • CORPORATE FUNCTIONS • GOLF/BOYS DAY OUT • GIRLS NIGHT OUT • CHRISTMAS FUNCTIONS

LET US BE YOUR PLAN B

www.maxibuses.com E: ellen@maxibuses.com P: 4729 0666

Time to produce my best: Watene-Zelezniak’s birthday pledge

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

IT’S been a roller-coaster two years since the Panthers’ outside back, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak made his NRL debut as an 18 year-old back in early 2014 against the Canberra Raiders.

Dallin, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, produced arguably his best 2016 game to date in Penrith’s comprehensive 40-10 win over the Wests Tigers, says that it still feels like yesterday when he debuted, before adding he needs to finish 2016 stronger than how he started it.

“There’s no difference I don’t think. When I debuted it was the best time of my life being just 18 at the time and to get it at that time of my life is a dream come true and to now I still enjoy every game,” Dallin said.

“While I’ve had a quiet start to the year, it’s almost coming to an end so I’ve got to start trying to being on my best game.”

It’s been an eventful 48 NRL game career to say the least for Dallin.

A finals appearance in his maiden year punctuated by a serious lung condition in 2015 that almost derailed a blossoming career, before recovering to make his NZ debut earlier this year.

But for the prodigiously talented local junior, his main focus in 2016 has been to simply play a number of consecutive games.

“I’ve been happy just to string some games together which was my main goal this year,” Dallin declared.

“I’ve done that and touch wood nothing happens but I’ve come a long way since where I was this time last year.

“Where I am now (with footy) I’m very thankful and very grateful for these blessings in my life.”

Whilst the Panthers winger who is equally at home as a fullback, Dallin says that while he wants to retain his Kiwi jersey despite coming under

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak played arguably his best game in 2016 against the Tigers. Credit: 77 Media.

pressure from the likes of in-form Canberra Raiders flanker, Jordan Rapana, his first focus remains with Penrith.

“Obviously getting a taste of that was one of the highlights if not one the best times I’ve had in rugby league,” Watene-Zelezniak stated.

“There’s a lot of competition but I’ve just got to do my best for the Panthers and focus on us at this point and if the coach thinks I’m up for it, I’ll take it with both hands.”

That focus will need to ramp up given Penrith are all but assured of playing finals footy in just under three weeks’ time, but Watene-Zelezniak says it’s not hard for the intensity at training and going into games to have risen recently.

“100 hundred percent (it’s picked up). It’s been one of our goals from the start of the year to make finals and with that getting close to being achieved,

COACH’S CORNER

it has certainly given us that second wind,” WateneZelezniak said.

“Hopefully we can get a few more wins at the back-end of the season which will be good for us come the finals.”

Whilst Watene-Zelezniak admits the squad is inexperienced, the fact that many of them have won titles in the Holden Cup and NSW Cup, means the team will not be overawed going into the finals.

“Yes we’re inexperienced in terms of the NRL but a lot of the boys, they have put that thought out the window,” Watene-Zelezniak concedes.

“We just know that we’re here for a reason; to back ourselves and to do our best for the team.

“The bond, the chemistry that we have is getting stronger and stronger as a team, which is the main thing I feel you have got to have at this time of the year.”

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

WINNING FINALS GAMES AND FINDING MOMENTUM

Spring weather is almost upon us and with this comes semi-final football and as a coach this is both the most exciting and pressurised time of the season.

To be relevant at this time of the year you need to have put yourself in a position to strike through a solid regular season with enough wins to be at the pointy end of the table. However you can also be in a good position but have run your race and played your best football prior to the finals which will find your team coming up short in the finals as teams continue to improve.

Winning finals games is often mistaken as a complex task. This should never be the case, the simpler you keep things as a coach at the most important time of the season the less confusion and anxiety the players will experience in the lead up to games and the easier it is for the players to execute game plans and play to their potential. The work you have done as a team up until the finals should place you in a position to relax the need for large chunks of information to be conveyed and digested by the players in training and game plans. In the lead up to

the finals you need to be polishing your tactics and style.

If your team is in a good position building momentum up to the finals to ensure your best football is ahead of you is often the biggest challenge.

It takes patience and timing in order to execute this effectively and even in the case of perfect planning the results may still not fall your way. It is important you lay off the physicality in training to ensure the players hit the field fresh and full of energy, if you are trying to achieve fitness goals at semi-final time you are in some trouble! Prioritise what is most important work really hard on that each week and keep it simple.

There are no fool proof formulas but if you keep things simple, work smarter and not harder, keep your players fresh both mentally and physically and also maintain your regular routine this will ensure the team cohesion and momentum is built progressively throughout the finals series. The health of your players particularly in key positions is vital to success, building momentum and combinations

at the important stages of the season and this to a large degree is out of your control as a coach. But be mindful of players who may be tired, carrying injuries or who seem to lack their normal energy / enthusiasm and do your best to keep them fresh and firing, this will often come at the expense of training time during the week but your aim needs to be to get your best players on the field fit and firing in important games.

Having worked with a variety of different teams at different levels who have experienced grand final wins and also early losses in finals series my best pieces of advice for finals time is to ensure you keep things simple, focus on the basic aspects of your game and the overall discipline of your team.

More often than not a team who makes their tackles, minimises errors and penalties will be successful in any game at any level. Keep your players fresh and in their normal routine. Do not complicate game plans or try and implement new plans or structures late in the season and do everything within your power to keep your players fresh, excited, motivated and enthusiastic which is sure to carry onto the field.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY PENRITH PARTY HIRE (02) 4731 1313

37 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

38

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

The second coming of Sitaleki Akauola

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

ON the field he’s the giant-sized interchange forward with the trademark kamikaze head-strapping and those fearless charges into opposing defences to match.

But off it, the quietly-spoken Sitaleki Akauola is just grateful to have another chance at re-building a NRL career that could have easily ended prematurely at his former club, Wests Tigers.

It’s well documented the serious personal problems Akauola confronted during his time at the Tigers but the 24 year-old Kiwi says he has received nothing but praise from fellow players since publicly admitting to those issues and looks forward to helping others who feel they are in the same position.

“I have had a few boys that have come to me and say how happy that someone finally spoke up,” Akauola said.

“Definitely (would like to help others). There’s a lot of guys out there that have or are currently going through this.

“It’s just a matter of getting through it that’s the main thing.

“I’m lucky my family, friends and senior players helped me out.”

Akauola, under contract at Penrith until the end of 2017, credits Panthers coach Anthony Griffin’s positive impact in being able to rekindle his love for the game and resurrect his NRL career before adding that beating his old club was satisfying to say the least.

Sitaleki Akauola has provided plenty of impetus with his fearless runs. Credit 77 Media.

“He’s been good for me and has helped out a lot,” Akauola declared.

“He tells me the areas I need to work on to improve my game which is something I missed out on last year (under current Tigers coach Jason Taylor).

“For me that means a lot especially getting that second opportunity to prove myself at this level.

“I lost track last year but I’m glad got another chance this year at Penrith to keep that dream alive and find that passion for footy again.

“Whilst it would have been nice if got a “meat pie” (try) tonight against the old club, I’m just so happy to get the win as it meant a lot to me for sure.”

With victory over the Tigers wrapping up a potentially season-defining 11 day-period for the Panthers, Akauola, who is excited by the likely prospect of playing finals footy for the first time in his fledging 21 NRL game career, says whilst it’s been tough backing up with such short turnarounds, the confidence and rapport amongst the squad is stronger than ever.

“It has been pretty tough playing three games in eleven days but credit to the team in how we keep turning up for each other,” Akauola said.

“We’re especially turning up for each other in defence more and more as we get closer to the finals and the boys are building nicely together.

“We see ourselves now as more than just contenders so as a group we’re building and trying to improve each week.”

Whilst Akauola says the eight-day turnaround for their final away game of the season against fellow finals contenders, Gold Coast will benefit the team, he adds it will count for little if they allow Jarryd Hayne to dominate this Saturday evening’s clash, despite being one of the few players in the seventeen to have actually beaten a team featuring the Titans’ newest acquisition.

“It’s been a long eleven days so the eight days will help with our recovery for the Titans game,” Akauola declared.

“Having played him (Hayne) once he’s a really talented player so we’ll have to watch out for him.

“Last time I played him we got up v Parramatta in 2014, on an Easter Monday game in front of a packed crowd at ANZ Stadium.”

Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis LET’S face it, it’s not all that difficult to start a fitness routine.

After all, most of us have done it more than once, the trouble for many is sticking with it.

All too often, our initial enthusiasm and energy wanes, we get distracted by other things going on in our lives, or we don’t think we’re seeing results quick enough, and then we throw in the towel.

With Spring around the corner, here are my tips to make exercise a routine which will become habit come the warmer months!

1. Do a variety of activities you enjoy: Remember there is no rule that says you have to go to a gym.

Participating in a variety of activities such as weight lifting, walking, running, tennis, cycling and aerobics classes will ensure that you can do something regardless of the weather or time of day.

2. Commit to another person: The social aspect of exercise is important for many. If you agree to exercise with a partner, you’re less likely to let them down.

3. Make exercise a priority: It has to be a nonnegotiable. Another advantage to making exercise non-negotiable is that friends and family members learn that it’s part of your identity, 4. Exercise first thing in the morning: Many experts agree that a morning schedule is best. If you go to a gym, it should be located between your home and work, this way you can exercise, take a shower, and you’re energised for the day!

5. Exercise on your way home from work: The next best thing to exercising first thing in the morning is to do it on your way home from work.

If you can, don’t go home first! There aren’t a lot of people who are so motivated that after they go home, change clothes, who will go back out again and exercise.

6. Exercise even when you’re “too tired”: Chances are, you’ll feel better after exercising.

It energises you. You’ll get an exercise-induced euphoria during the activity and for some time after.

7. Log your activity: Write down the things that

are important to you. It could be how much time you exercise each day, how many steps you walked, how far you ran or cycled, what you weighed, etc.

8. Be aware of all the indicators of progress: It’s great when your clothes fit better and you can lift heavier weights or work out longer without getting exhausted, and even more importantly, feeling healthier!

9. Walk -- with a pedometer (or a dog): If you enjoy walking and haven’t exercised for a while, 10 minutes three times a day will give you 30 minutes.

Use a pedometer, and work up to at least 10,000 steps a day Then the next week aim to walk a few thousand steps more, then from there increase your steps incrementally each week.

Or Better yet, walk the dog! This is good for you, and the dog, and provides companionship.

10. Reward yourself: Are you telling yourself that you don’t deserve a reward for something you should be doing anyway -- or that once you can zip your jeans without lying on the bed, that will be reward enough? Well, honestly, how inspiring is that?

Making behaviour changes is hard, and rewards motivate. So decide on a goal and a reward, and work towards it. You might buy yourself something you’ve wanted after you stick to your fitness plan for a specific amount of time!

Check out our website at www.wildpantehrfitness. com.au or follow ‘Wild Panther Fitness’ on Facebook, Instagram (@wildpantherfit) and on Twitter (@wildpantherfit.)

Until next time “STRENGTHEN YOUR WEAKNESS!”

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

The cameras of 77 Media were on hand to capture all the moments from Penrith’s big 40-10 win over the Wests Tigers.

Where else would you want to be than Pepper Stadium on a mild Friday evening?

The Bryce Cartwright “Show and Go”.

Penrith’s “Freddie Mercury” look-a-like Reagan Campbell-Gillard, is set to get in on the scoring act.....

.....as is hooker Peter Wallace with this quick dart from dummy-half, catching the Tigers defence napping.

While Nathan Cleary puts a “don’t argue” on former Panther Kevin Naiqama.

Despite Penrith being the dominant team, there is still time to reflect as one after the game.

39 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

40

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

PANTHERS’ SPECTACULAR GRAB AT FINALS FOOTY

Mark Geyer trophy

Captain courageous Matty Moylan

Mark Geyer trophy

WITH two rounds remaining in the NRL premiership season proper the Penrith Panthers have maneuvered themselves beautifully to be sitting snugly in 7th position on 28 points. With the Titans this weekend away then the Sea Eagles at home to finish it would seem that Anthony Griffin’s men - if the table froze now - would face the Broncos at Suncorp in an elimination final. A daunting prospect, sure, but not one that will faze this new breed of Panther. It’s been a joyful experience watching the Panthers play of late and I can’t wait to see just how far they can go in the 2016 competition. Also a big shout out to the Penrith faithful who have come out in droves to support their chargers. Every single one of you will be needed in round 26 against Trent Barrett’s Sea- Eagles.

And another thing....

I recently had the opportunity to speak at the monthly meeting of the Nepean/ Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support group. Of course the ‘C’ word isn’t a nice thing to discuss but with 22,000 Aussie men diagnosed annually, 120,000 living with it, and 3,300 succumbing to it this is my part in promoting a fantastic organisation. This particular support group meet at Nepean Hospital monthly and are a group of men (and their partners) who simply chat and detail the need to speak openly about a preventable illness. Thank you to David Wilkinson, Tommy Walsh and Alan Moran for setting up a much needed group in the

Tom and David from Prostate support group

Nepean area. For more go to www.prostatesupport.org.au or call 1300 13 38 78. And remember “You are not alone”.

While I’m at it....

A big thanks to Vince and Troy from the Brothers junior rugby league club who recently hosted the second installment of the Mark Geyer Trophy for all u/8 footy teams right across this fair city. This year over 300 kids from 30 teams vied for the silverware. In the end St Marys overcame Greenacre to win the day.

I love seeing kids/parents enjoying the greatest game of all, I also love seeing a competition run so smoothly. A big congrats to all involved! See ya at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Celebrity

ROUND BUL MEL MAN GCT CRO NZW NEW PAR BRI BUL STG NQC MEL WES NZW PANN

25&26

NQC BRI CAN PAN SYD WES SOU STG SYD SOU NEW GCT CRO CAN PAR MAN N Aug 25 7.50pm

Aug 26 7.50pm

Aug 27 3.00pm

Aug 27 5.30pm

Aug 27 7.30pm

Aug 28 2.00pm

Aug 28 4.00pm

Aug 29 7.00pm

Sep 1 7.50pm

Sep 2 7.50pm

Sep 3 3.00pm

Sep 3 5.30pm

Sep 3 7.30pm

Sep 4 2.00pm

Sep 4 4.00pm

Sep 4 6.30pm

SCORE

Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

238 Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

★

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 24

234 Sharon Spindler - Aussie Home Loans - 4732 6711

206 Mark Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Pest Control - 0430 220 263

242 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

238 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

244 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

238 Prue Car - Memberfor Londonderry - 9833 1122

190 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

★

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 24

220 Brad Drew -Benard Property Central - 0428 000 734 Councillor Bratusa

232 DarrenTyres Latty -- @print PRDnationwide - 0414 620 532 Aaron

224 Stewart Moses - Nepean News Journalist

256 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

228 Drew Clegg - BOQ - 0427 998 111

250 Michael Creed - Nepean News columnist

178

TIPSTERS

ROUND BUL MEL MAN GCT CRO NZW NEW PAR BRI BUL STG NQC MEL WES NZW PAN

25&26

NQC BRI CAN PAN SYD WES SOU STG SYD SOU NEW GCT CRO CAN PAR MAN Aug 25 7.50pm

Aug 26 7.50pm

Aug 27 3.00pm

Aug 27 5.30pm

Aug 27 7.30pm

Aug 28 2.00pm

Aug 28 4.00pm

Aug 29 7.00pm

Sep 1 7.50pm

Sep 2 7.50pm

Sep 3 3.00pm

Sep 3 5.30pm

Sep 3 7.30pm

Sep 4 2.00pm

Sep 4 4.00pm

Sep 4 6.30pm

SCORE

Garth Tengdahl - GT’s Penrith Valley Painting Service - 0430 106 399

232 Richard Mortimer - Electra Cool - 0407 136 282

220 Ellen Landrigan - Maxi Buses - 0422 428 600

202 Andrew Kurczewski - PC Signage - 4721 7436

242 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

218 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

224 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

220 Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

200 Mark Thorne - Painting Services - 0415 993 036

234 Cameron Faico - Property Central - 0434 400 225

224 Alan Harding - Property Central - 0421 692 213 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 29 2 96 610 0

222

Iris Russell - Venue Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466

198 Adam Sutton - Domayne - 4737 5025

184 Alyce Wing - No Fuss - 4735 8966

210 Greg Davies - Penrith Councillor

210

44

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

FLECTHER BACK AT THE CEO’S HELM AS PANTHERS’ PAYNE SUDDENLY GOES AWAY Plenty has been said about the reports that surfaced last weekend and the subsequent press release that eventually followed last Tuesday.

Whilst there may be a slight element of truth to the official line that stated Corey Payne was looking to “pursue overseas business opportunities” it’s highly unlikely that was the driving force behind his sudden departure.

Much has been made about how Payne in just four months at the helm managed to upset staff, players, even fellow NRL CEO’s (and obviously one RLWC CEO) and the Nepean News has heard its fair share.

Whilst the club has remained tight-lipped over the real reasons for Payne’s departure, one very senior official let it drop after the Newcastle game that he slept very well that weekend after news of Payne’s departure emerged on Friday night.

Panthers Leagues Club CEO, Brian Fletcher, who sat in the rugby league CEO role prior to Payne’s arrival, will again take back the reins for the foreseeable future, with the club in no hurry to find a replacement.

Is James Fisher-Harris too dangerous for own team-mates? That’s the question being asked after Peter Wallace, Reagan-Campbell-Gillard and Chris Grevsmuhl, all found themselves on the wrong side of the rookie enforcer, with all three suffering similar elbow injuries in recent times whilst trying to effect tackles on the opposition.

Injury news and it appears Jeremy Latimore’s knee continues to be of some concern despite being named on an extended bench for this week’s clash with the Titans. In some good news for the club, Chris Grevsmuhl (elbow) was able to play last Friday night, despite not being originally named in the side.

Speaking of last Friday night, Peter Wallace was caught on camera doing what is now known as “doing the De Vanna” in honour of Australian Matilda, Lisa De Vanna who was caught drinking out of the wrong end of her drink bottle’s nozzle during the Rio Olympics, a point clearly not on Matildas team-mate and Panthers supporter, Kyah Simon who promptly took to social

it’s fair to say there won’t be any shortage of takers for his services regardless of that outcome.

In recent weeks two members of the 2013 Holden Cup winning squad, Isaah Yeo and Bryce Cartwright brought up their 50th NRL game and they are set to be soon joined by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who is on track to bring up the milestone in Round 26 at home to Manly, who look set to be missing Jamie Lyon (hamstring) as his career comes to an end.

Rookie forward James Fisher-Harris has been in devastating form in more ways than one. Credit 77 Media.

media.

Standby for an announcement from the club that the final home game of 2016 next Sunday night against Manly, will be an Old Boys Day where former players will be paraded around the ground, form a guard of honour and be allocated their own bay to view the game.

Hopefully the fans will respond to give Penrith its biggest crowd of the season at Pepper Stadium given that crowds so far, despite the club’s surge towards its second NRL finals appearance in three years, have been solid rather than spectacular.

Earlier in the season it was rumoured Ken Sio, currently playing for Hull KR was on Penrith’s radar for next year as he looks to return to Australia and reunite with his young family. Those rumours resurfaced last weekend prompting Panthers GM Phil Gould to deny the rumours on social media.

Whilst reports earlier this year that Panthers recruitment manager, Mark Hughes had already left the club were subsequently wide of the mark, it has now been confirmed by Phil Gould that he will be on the move at season’s end and that the role will be filled internally.

Given the troubles that could be brewing at the Sydney Roosters with their current recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan, it wouldn’t surprise if Hughes isn’t approached for the role although

NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS CASH FOR SCRAP

NOW AVAILABLE 30 Ton Weighbridge at our Penrith site

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Free Call 1800 225 235

With two rounds to spare, Penrith has become the first club to secure back-to-back Holden Cup Minor Premierships, but it appears it may have come at a considerable cost.

Already missing the likes of Robert Jennings, Soni Luke, Tyrone May and Cowan Epere, the Match Review Committee has charged three Panthers for a dangerous throw during last Friday’s game against the Tigers.

Jarome Luai was charged with a Grade Three Dangerous Throw that could see the half miss six games unless successful with a downgrade at this Wednesday night’s judiciary hearing, while Jack Hetherington (Grade Two – six games) and Reed Izzard (Grade Two – three games) will plead not guilty at that same judiciary hearing.

You could have written your own odds at the start of the season had you said James Segeyaro and Jamie Soward would oppose one another in the English Super League this season but that’s exactly what happened last weekend when Segeyaro’s Leeds overcame a spirited performance from Soward’s London Broncos 42-28, the highlight being Segeyaro’s try despite the best efforts of you guessed it – Jamie Soward to stop his former team-mate from scoring.

Some exciting news for those who love to listen to #TheSinBin podcast with Mark MG Geyer and myself set to be joined by Trent Merrin this week.

Make sure you tune in at www.soundcloud.com/ nepeannews.

Of course if you have any Panthers news you wish to share, email me stewart@nepeannews.com.au See you at the game!

Licence No. 32795 E L I MOB Auto A Repairs R

1

✔ Authorised inspection station ✔ Servicing all makes and models ✔ LPG Rego’s Winner Motor Services Mt Druitt

Ph: 9833 7995

Unit 6/176 Forrester Rd, St Marys

REPEAT SETS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

PANTHERS IN SEVENTH HEAVEN AND OFFICIALLY FINALS BOUND – IF THEY GROUND THE HAYNE PLANE AFTER a campaign that has largely been a stop start affair, the Panthers have found their attacking mojo averaging 40 points a game over their last three games to all but mathematically secure a place in the finals with two rounds remaining, with Penrith currently in seventh position.

For Penrith, their “CC’s;” Cartwright and Cleary were again both excellent and complemented each other well, which makes the return of Te Maire Martin this season highly unlikely at this point of the season.

The game was effectively over by half-time with the home side making good on their dominance in possession (65%) to lead 28-6.

Whilst Penrith’s attacking prowess was there for all to see, coach Anthony Griffin was impressed with the defensive work, restricting the normally fluent Tigers attack to just those ten points, in front of a slightly disappointing crowd of 14,876 fans.

“The thing I was most proud of was the way they kept turning up in the last 20 minutes,” Griffin said.

They could have easily dropped their hands and thought we’d done enough but they kept showing up the last 20 minutes which is good.

“Even though we probably had the game in hand our defensive effort was an 80 minute or close to an 80 minute one as we’ve had.

“A few weeks ago we might have lost control of that last 20 minutes even though it got a bit scrappy we held our composure with the ball and defensively.”

If the five from six Panthers can continue their winning form, a home final spot maybe within reach should Penrith not only win their last two remaining matches but also pending whether the likes of the Bulldogs, Cowboys or Broncos slip up but Griffin refused to buy into such a possibility.

“If we’re going to play finals the important thing is we get there in good form so the mistake this time of year is to be looking too far ahead and trying to line up what might happen,” he said. “(Against Wests Tigers) we just had a focus on making sure we got the two points we needed.

“We’ve got to play a really good side (the Titans) away next week that are in the same boat as us.

“That will be the only thing we’re worrying about.

“If in two weeks’ time we’ve earned the right to play finals we’ll worry about that then.”

Bulldogs or Magpies will keep their faint hopes alive.

Trent Merrin, one of the driving forces behind Penrith’s likely return to finals footy. Credit: 77 Media.

THE Tigers win came just five days after a strong second-half performance from the Panthers put to bed any hint of yet another upset result on a weekend littered with them, defeating the Knights 42-6 after scores were locked at 6-6 at the break.

Despite Penrith’s comfortable win in the end, their first half struggles were not lost on the Panthers coach.

“Clearly we dug a bit of a hole for ourselves at times with our discipline with the ball but across the game we had really good energy,” Griffin said post-game.

“Our defence was probably as good as it’s been all year and it’s nice to get it done in Newcastle.

“We tried to force our hand too much at times but it was good our defence could allow that.”

IN Intrust Super Premiership action, five losses in a row by a collective margin of 22 points now sees the Panthers outside the top eight and no longer in control of their finals destiny with one round remaining, after their latest losses at the hands of Wyong 22-16 and Bulldogs 28-22.

Heading into the last round, Wentworthville Magpies have moved into seventh (26 points) while the Bulldogs win in what was a see-sawing affair last Saturday, saw them leap-frog Penrith into 8th position (25 points).

The Panthers remain on 24 points alongside the Bears but with a vastly superior for and against and will know by kick-off on Sunday morning against the Warriors whether losses incurred by either the

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT HIRE US FOR ALL YOUR BUS NEEDS!

Phone

4732 2195 14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith

Victor & Cathy Glanville

Mob: 0416

157 668

enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au

www.vicsmaxitransport.com.au

IN Holden Cup, the newly-crowned minor premiers suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season (and three in their last four) after going down 22-14 at home to Wests Tigers (first home loss in 2016 despite the return of Dylan Edwards, Oliver Clark and Corey Waddell) and 32-24 away to Newcastle.

The opportunity is there now for Penrith to get back into the winners circle over the two remaining rounds of the competition proper, when they play twelfth-placed Gold Coast Titans (away) before returning home to take on wooden-spooners Manly.

WHAT’S install for the finals two games of the season?

First-up an expected sell-out crowd at CBUS Stadium awaits the Panthers as they shape up to play Hayne Plane at his house; or is that Campbelltown Sports Stadium? Or Pirtek? I’ve lost count of how many houses Hayne has exactly but I’m sure he’ll tell us in his own special way this Saturday.

Whilst all eyes will be on the veteran recruit playing again in his preferred position of fullback, they will equally be peeled on the battle of the rookie halves Ashley Taylor and Nathan Cleary with the winner surely the favourite to take out the prestigious Dally M Rookie of the Year honours.

Penrith enjoys an 8-6 win/loss record over the Titans and are 3-3 at CBUS Stadium, where if you follow the winning trend of these games, it’s Penrith’s turn to win albeit against what will be the strongest side fielded by the Gold Coast Titans in 2016.

The Panthers have named the same 17 that all but dismantled the Tigers’ finals aspirations but have added Jeremy Latimore and Moses Leota to an extended bench.

Then provided they get the win on Saturday, a final home–game for season 2016 awaits the Panthers the following Sunday night on what will be the return of Old Boys Day. But first up is this Saturday’s blockbuster on the Goldie where the winner is officially finals-bound while the loser may need one more win to confirm a spot in the finals.

Let’s Gone Panthers! #PantherPride

45 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years

46

sport

Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

Panthers take home the top prize

By Noel Rowsell

PENRITH’S Division One Youth League women’s team has lived up to the promise it showed at the start of the 2016 Waratah Youth League season, taking out the premiership title with two gritty performances on finals weekend.

The Panthers had been the early front-runners at the start of the regular season but injuries played a critical role, with the young team faltering midseason and at times looking as if they could miss out on the play-offs altogether.

A last round win and loss would ultimately however leave the Panthers in third spot, although needing to defeat one of their nemesis teams, the Hornsby Spiders, in an elimination quarter final.

The Panthers were strong enough to win that clash last week, earning a berth at Finals Weekend and a first-up clash with the second-placed Northern Suburbs Bears in an elimination semi-final.

Play-off games undoubtedly define a team and the young Panthers showed their resilience immediately, edging past the Bears 53-48 to win a grand final berth, led by Chloe Bloom with 14 points and Ella Tofaeono 12.

Surprisingly, their grand final opponents would not be the Central Coast Crusaders, the most consistent team of the season.

The Crusaders endured a horror game against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in their semi-final, falling 67-33 to allow the Northern Beaches team through to the biggest game of the season.

Penrith did not falter in their chase for the title,

Back Row: Chloe Schneider, Jaimee-Lee Clark, Natalia Beaumont, Ella Tofaeono, Chloe Bloom, Kate Pozoglou, Adam Reid, Leonie Moore. Front Row: Dominika Offner, Emily Potts, Rhiannon Pope, Meg Creanor, Eliza Jurd, Binta Salawu.

holding off the Sea Eagles to lead at every break in play and running out 66-61 winners, led by Tofaeono 22, Natalia Beaumont 14 and Emily Potts 12.

The full team is Ella Tofaeono (“Best Defensive Player” of the season and “All-Star Five”), Emily Potts, Dominika Offner, Chloe Bloom, Natalia Beaumont, Meg Creanor, Jaimee-Lee Clark, Binta

Salawu, Rhiannon Pope, Eliza Jurd, head coach Leonie Moore, assistant coach Adam Reid, manager Chloe Schneider and team assistant Kate Pozoglou.

Meg Jefferson and Tatiana Beaumont also played some games for the Panthers during the season but did not qualify for the play-offs.

Penrith’s Adam Lulka was also announced in the Division One Youth League Men’s “All-Star Five”.

#SIDELINE-EYE

with Jarrod with Jarrod McGrouther McGrouther

‘KEEPING YOU UP TO SPEED WITH LOCAL SPORTS IN THE NEPEAN AREA’ @J_MCGROUTHER HOCKEY

Rooty Hill senior team over the weekend. Turning over possession regularly, all bodes well for this young girl, who is a member of the state Under 18 side and member of the State Accelerated Athlete Program.

Good luck to everyone participating over the weekend.

The Nepean Hockey Association welcomes finals week, with plenty happening over the coming weekend.

In the Women’s competition, the match up for the finals are as follows 3rd Division, Emu Plains White v Emu Plains Blue, 2nd Division, Blaxland v Panthers 2 and 1st Division, Penrith RSL v Emu Plains.

In the Men’s finals, being played on Sunday 28th Aug, the fixtures are C Grade, Rooty Hill RSL v Penrith Panthers, B Grade, Blaxland Rovers v Emu Plains and A Grade, Penrith Panthers B v Emu Plains A. The juniors are heavily involved too, with their finals being played on Friday 26th August. The under 13’s final is at 5.50pm between Penrith RSL and Blaxland, with the under 15’s seeing the Panthers take on Penrith RSL. A quick mention must go to Hayley Buckley, who was dominant in the

ICE HOCKEY

Saturday afternoon saw the Sydney Bears play their final game of the 2016 season, taking on the Adelaide Adrenaline. In the end, the result was a closely contested 3-2 loss, which really summed up the year for the western Sydney side.

Following the game the Bears held their annual presentation night, with five awards handed out on the night. Jeremy Vasquez was awarded rookie of the year, Tomas Landa the best forward, Brian Funes the best defenceman, Cameron Todd the player’s player and Anthony Kimlin

the MVP. The Bears will be back bigger and better in 2017, stay tuned.

47 Nepean News 25 August 2016 Issue 182

sport

AFL

After a last round loss to minor premiers Camden by 16 points, ending the Rams 13 win streak, the team struck back in the first qualifying final at Blacktown International SportsPark at Saturday. The side were too good, defeating the third placed North Shore Bombers by 28 points. The Bombers led by a point at the end of the first term, but a third quarter which saw four goals kicked to only one set the scene for victory.

Mitch Stevens and Phil Aumann shared the kicking honours with three apiece, whilst Matt Payne, Tom McNamara and Brayden Wilson were the shining lights for the Rams. They now play Camden again on Sunday at Henson Park, with the winner advancing to the Grand Final on September 10, whilst

the loser will play either South-West Sydney or North Shore for a spot in the big dance.

The Ramettes season ended on Sunday at Henson Park, with an elimination final loss to Blacktown, after the previous week accounting for Manly in an elimination final. A horror first term was the difference in the end.

Ivonka Olchowik and Jessie Burnham contributed four goals between them, whilst Nata Camilleri, Georgie White and Bek Boyes all played major roles in the sides tremendous effort.

WHO CAN YOU TRUST? REDBACK AUTOMOTIVES HAS BEEN A TRUSTED PART OF PENRITH FOR OVER 10 YEARS

www.redbackautomotives.com

You can trust Redback Automotive to do it right the first time You can trust our prices and our service is second to none

E C I R P FIXED ICE SERV )

rotected p y t n a r (war

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Cnr Castlereagh Rd & Luggard St

PENRITH

Senior discounts apply Blue and Pink Slips incl. L.P.G Loan car available Wheel Alignments All mechanical repairs Experienced in all local & European made vehicles

LOG BOOK SERV

ICE

With every SERVICE receive FREE 6 months national ROADSIDE assistance

WE DON’T BITE!

Ph: 4731

1110

Thursday, 25 August 2016

Powersmart ELECTRICAL

Premiership dream over for Wanderers

By Chris Layland

24 HOURS

The Best In The West DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL

9673 6766 0415 982 093

sport

THE Western Sydney Wanderers will now put full focus on the finals after a late equaliser for Mounties knocked the Red & Black out of the PS4 NPL2 premiership race.

Needing a win to ensure that next week’s Sydney Derby was a winnertakes-all occasion, the Red & Black looked likely to take all three points until a controversial injury time decision.

The equation was simple for the Wanderers going into the match: win their final two games and they would be crowned premiers in their debut season.

But things did not go to plan early with Mounties scoring in the opening minutes.

Despite the early set-back, heads did not drop and the Red & Black were soon on level terms again after one of the best team goals of the season.

Tate Russell had the ball wide, picked out Lawrence Hanna who then chipped to an on-rushing Tariq Maia for the midfielder to volley into the bottom corner.

It was a sensation team effort and laid the platform for Kyle Cimenti to put the Wanderers ahead with an equally impressive solo effort.

Hanna was again the provider as he fed the ball to Cimenti who was in space out wide: the winger drive down the field before cutting into the box, rounding a defender and slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Looking to go into the sheds after a strong first half, the Wanderers were stunned as Mounties equalised as the clock struck 45 minutes.

It didn’t take long to re-take the lead though as danger-man Hanna got on the end of a Brenton Fox cross only minutes after the break, though he hurt himself in the process of scoring and had to be taken off.

From there the Wanderers looked relentless and created a number of

very good chances, none better than Cimenti’s penalty that was saved by the keeper.

Despite the late flurry of chances, the Wanderers were left to rue what could have been as the referee awarded a contentious penalty in the 92nd minute that saw the points shared and the premiership out of reach.

Next Sunday is the final round of the regular season as the Wanderers host Sydney FC at Popondetta Park.

The match is open to Wanderers’ Members who need to pre-register with the club to attend.

Mounties Wanderers 3 Western Sydney Wanderers 3 (Tariq Maia 16’ Kyle Cimenti 24’ Lawrence Hanna 51’) Western Sydney Wanderers: Matt Symes, Tate Russell, Abdelrahman Kuku, Henry Davies (Tacettin Kumsuz), Malcolm Ward, Keanu Baccus, Charles Abou (Matthew Lecce), Tariq Maia, Kyle Cimenti, Lawrence Hanna (Moudi Najar), Brenton Fox Unused subs: Nick Suman, Solomon Monahan