Nepeannews 25february2016

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Thursday, 25 February 2016

ISSUE 169

INSIDE: SPECIAL 12 - PAGE PANTHERS LIFT-OUT WITH GLOSSY 2016 TEAM POSTER FOR YOUR WALL

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Prue Car MP

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Member for Londonderry

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

Dr Lam Yin Lok, Chairman of Twin Creeks Development with Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown

THE new owners of the Twin Creeks estate at Luddenham were in Penrith last week to discuss their future plans for the strategic site.

The Twin Creeks Development consortium purchased Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club last year and have plans to capitalise on the site’s key location near the future Western Sydney Airport to provide accommodation and conference facilities in Penrith.

“The airport will connect Penrith with the rest of the world, making us the gateway to Australia’s largest and most exciting capital City for business, tourism and manufacturing and a number of investors are already talking

to Council about the opportunities they see,” Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said.

“We’re committed to opening the doors to new projects, capital investment and creating employment opportunities in the City,” Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said.

Chairman of Twin Creeks Development Dr Lam Yin Lok spoke of their plans for future development in Penrith beyond their existing proposal.

“Dr Lam also talked of his corporation’s interest in becoming part of the community and enriching the diverse culture of Penrith,” Cr McKeown said.

Tanya Davies Member for Mulgoa

Phone (02) 9834 2966 Address Shop 43, St Clair Shopping Centre, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair Email mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759

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

87-109 BAKERS LANE, KEMPS CREEK NSW 2178 For further details, application and prospectus, please contact Mrs Biermann or Mrs Schembri on 9670 4588 or visit www.emmaus.kempscreek.catholic.edu.au

4 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalst: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au

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

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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by Kerrie Davies THROUGHOUT the day every day, NSW Police media sends us through news of what is happening across the state.

I’ve noticed of late, quite an increase in children being approached - in the city, on our beaches and right here in our local area.

Just last week a 46-year old man was charged with allegedly approaching an eight year old child in the female toilets of a fast food restaurant in High Street and filming her going to the toilet.

CCTV footage of the alleged perpetrator was put on our facebook page, as well as many other facebook pages and it was shared thousands of times. It would appear that social media helped the police track down the person of interest because he was swiftly arrested the same day. Amongst the negative talk about social media, it does have its advantages.

But it is a good time to note that, although social media is great tool in those circumstances, it also has the power to create victims out of vulnerable children who are easy prey for the online paedophile.

A five-person child sex racket was also busted last week with at least one of the members living locally.

We’ve all heard stories of grown women and men fleeced of all their hard-earned by “online lovers” who they never realised were up to no good.

Imagine how easy it is for a paedophile to fool an unsuspecting child that they are a “friend” of the same age?

We live in a age where kids spend more time looking at a screen than bowling a cricket ball at a garbage bin / cricket wicket, and more time playing World of Warcraft online than hopscotch.

The talk parents gave kids in the hopscotch era about stranger danger needs to be repeated and adapted for the online gaming and facebook era.

Kids are simply not safe indoors if they’re out of sight.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Stuart Ayres

MP

Member for Penrith

STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith joined Donna McFadzean, Principal of St Finbar’s Primary School to announce funding of $20,000 for the school under the NSW Government’s $20 million Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) grant program.

“It is fantastic to make this announcement which will no doubt make life easier for many families in our local community,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We understand working parents need flexibility and that is why we have now expanded the grant program and opened it up to more schools. This will provide more places for our kids and enable our local school communities to better meet this growing demand.

Mr Ayres also announced that more grants are available for Out of School Hours Care places.

Grants of up to $30,000 are available to help with the cost of establishing or extending existing OSHC services. The grants can be used for fitouts, tendering or equipment costs by schools with new or existing OSHC services.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams said the NSW Government understands that families need early childhood education care options.

“We are delivering on a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government election commitment to increase the number of before and after school care places available for parents.

“We encourage parents who need before and after school places to get in touch with their schools.”

For criteria and applications visit: https:// beforeandafterschoolcare.smartygrants.com.au/

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Local leading lady

Making a noise about airport

By Kerrie Davies

MEMBER for Londonderry Prue Car MP has congratulated Londonderry Woman of the Year, Anne Denham – Principal of Willmot Public School.

Ms Car said that she was proud to nominate Anne Denham as the Londonderry Woman of the Year after being blown away by her passion for public education and the Willmot Community.

“Everyone who knows Anne knows how dedicated she is to her school and to the Willmot Community.

“Schools like Willmot Public School are the center of communities like Willmot, and thrive under the leadership of Principals like Anne.

“Families in the community know that Willmot Public School under Anne’s leadership is a place they can always come to for help.

“Public education benefits with dedicated Principals like Anne and I want to commend her for her hard work.”

Ms Denham, who is in her third year in the role of Principal, said she was incredibly humbled to receive what is essentially a title; Londonderry’s

Heavens Above

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

The Art Of Sticking I clearly remember my Dad’s turn of phrase when referring to certain foods..”This is good tucker son...It’ll stick to ribs!”

In addition to those true words, I found the only true way of learning is to have lessons that stick by you or by lessons that stick In you Also, the best way to achieve things is to stick at it I am not sure where those thoughts came from. Nor do I know where any of my thoughts come from...Have you got a thought on that?

I often think about where thoughts come from, but I think I’ve said that before!

A couple of things that have me thinking at the moment are: The boomerangs found at Tutankhamen’s Tomb and now American Archaeologists have proven our Indigenous fellow Australians are not only the original custodians of The Great Southern Land... but the first humans on Mother Earth!

Wow ...put that in your peace pipe and think about it.

I’m not sure where to start thinking about these revelations, but by Jingo....I’m going to “stick at it!! “ Let me know your thoughts: rev@ sacredgardens.org.au Your Mate, Rossco

Lindsay Xenophon Team candidate, Stephen Lynch with Senator Nick Xenophon

By Kerrie Davies

Woman of The Year.

“It’s my work and it is my passion and the kids at this school drive that passion,” Ms Denham said.

“We are in an area that is sometimes seen as controversial; but the kids are just beautiful. They’re open, honest and keen to learn - they suck in everything we teach little hoovers!”

“They may have other challenges, but we have great attendance. That also inspires other work across the community with the parents their families, we’ll always put them in contact with the best support services without judging.

“It goes beyond education; involving the families - it’s a wrap around effect.”

NEWLY released figures from the NSW Roads and Maritime Services showing that traffic around Kingsford Smith airport is as slow as 10km/h is a sign of things to come for our region, according to the Nick Xenophon Team candidate for Lindsay, Stephen Lynch.

Mr Lynch said he is calling upon the government to ensure that a rail link connecting Western Sydney Airport to the city is up and running from day one of the airport’s operation.

“The Government’s assertion that these passengers will be catered for by an efficient bus service similar to Adelaide Airport is fanciful,” Mr Lynch said.

“Adelaide Airport is only 7 km from

the city. Western Sydney Airport is 57km west of the Sydney CBD.” A rail link is just one of Mr Lynch’s campaign platforms concerning the proposed Western Sydney Airport.

“If the Sydney Airport Group becomes the monopoly owner of Sydney Airports, then any legislation governing their operation should be amended so that it applies equally to each airport in the group’s portfolio, including the Sydney Airport Curfew Act and the Sydney Airport Demand Management,” he said.

“It’s not as if we moved next to an airport and then started protesting about the noise.

“This is a case of the government moving an airport into our backyard and then expecting us to keep the noise about it down.”

Heavyweight fights for families and Fusion St Marys AUSTRALIAN business heavyweight, Rod Walker, is fighting for families when he attempts the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most boxing rounds ever to raise money for the not-for-profit youth and community organisation, Fusion, based in St Marys.

The event aptly titled, FIGHTING FOR FAMILIES, will take place on Sunday 28 February at North Sydney Leagues Club.

Rod is one of the country’s most respected business leaders as the previous CEO of The Freedom Group, NED of Rebel Sport and Chairman of Witchery Group and Bras n’ Things to name a few. Rod is currently Chairman of companies including Godfreys, PAS Group, Carpet Court, and Bendalls Group. He is also volunteers as a consultant and is a keen and active supporter of Fusion and in particular the Fusion Families work.

“I’m thrilled Fighting for Families will help raise much needed funds for Fusion Western Sydney. This is undoubtedly the toughest, yet most rewarding challenge of my life.

Knowing the money I raise will be used to equip and inspire parents to build healthy, loving families and promote a brighter future for our communities,” Rod said.

“This event was the brainchild between Fusion champion, Sallie Hammond, from Bidwill, and myself. Parents today need support

more than ever before with family relationships under unprecedented stress. According to research, a strong emotional connection with parents is the factor that protects young people from high-risk behaviour above everything else. Parents engaging in the Families Course run by Fusion not only learn new skills, but also become part of a supportive community who can encourage each other to continue on, knowing they are not alone” Rod continues.

Rod began boxing seven years ago when he wanted to improve his fitness.

Remarkably, the father of five took his boxing from a workout regime all the way to becoming a 2013 Australian Masters Champion. Now, in the challenge of his life, Rod at the age of 59 is preparing to go toe to toe for at least 125 continuous three-minute rounds to beat the world record.

Rod hopes that with the support of

the wider community he will raise an incredible $250,000 for Fusion through corporate donations and silent auction on the day. The money raised will allow families around Australia, regardless of their financial situation access to the various Fusion families programmes.

Since Fusion first started over 50 years ago, it has worked tirelessly to bring young people and their communities together with hope, determination and permission to make change. The team work with young people in schools, after-school and holiday programs, and care for homeless and at-risk youth and families through early intervention support.

Its community work includes caring for the disabled and frail-aged, running community events and using the arts as a tool for change.

Fusion offers accredited training for youth and community work and has thousands of staff and volunteers in 18 teams and centres around Australia.

Fighting for Families, Sunday 28 February 2016 from 9am, North Sydney Leagues Club.

Entry to the event is free and will include celebrity appearances, entertainment and some incredible auction prizes. To support Rod Walker fight for Aussie families, please visit www.fightingforfamilies.com.au and click ‘Donate’. For information about Fusion Western Sydney please click on www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au.

Sex, crime and politics HISTORY lovers won’t want to miss this year’s Annual Makings of a City, History Conference on Saturday, 12 March at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

This year’s theme ‘Sex, crime and politics – Castlereagh Connections’ will explore the earliest settlement area in Penrith.

Castlereagh is the earliest settlement area in the City of Penrith and as a result of the close community that developed amongst the families in the area, evidence points to a web of family inter-relationships with scandalous liaisons and flourishing crime. The conference will look at the Castlereagh connections of bushranger John Vane and eminent Queensland politician Sir Arthur Rutledge Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the conference, now in its 15th year is very popular with the community.

“Penrith has a long and fascinating history full of intriguing stories of the people who made them,” Cr McKeown said.

“The annual conference is a way of exploring the stories of the people who established settlements in the area for it to grow and prosper into the

High St Penrith (looking east) 1930

city that it has now become.”

Library Research Officer AnnMaree Bonner will demonstrate the value of local government records in local and family history research.

For more details on the conference or for bookings, call 4732 7891.

15th Annual History Conference Topic: The Makings of a City: Sex, crime and politics – Castlereagh

Connections Date: 12 March 2016. 8.30am registration for 9am start Location: Bonynge Concert Hall, The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, High Street, Penrith Ph. 4732 7891 or email researchservices@penrithcity.nsw. gov.au Cost: $50 per person

Pack your bags!

7 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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NATIONAL Seniors Australia, Penrith Evening Branch will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday March 1, at 7pm, in the Penrith Seniors Centre, 86 Station St., Penrith.

Our guest speaker will provide an informative introduction to Barrier Reef and Central Queensland holidays for matureage travellers.

All are welcome to join our friendly, busy and active group.

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday evening of each month, and we offer a wide range of activities and outings during the year.

Coffee and bikkies provided.

For more information: 0439 926 423.

MAKINGS OF A CITY: SEX, CRIME & POLITICS – CASTLEREAGH CONNECTIONS 15th Annual History Conference, 12 March 2016 CONFERENCE - SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2016 • $50 per person • Time: Register from 8.30am, Conference 9am-4pm • Venue: Bonynge Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street Penrith Programme: • Keynote Address – Associate Professor Grace Karskens – Complex family relationships that defined Castlereagh from the early years.

• Craig Bratby – Family connections that tied bushranger John Vane to Castlereagh • Graham Rutledge Wilcox – Recently published a book about Sir Arthur Rutledge from Castlereagh who, as Queensland attorney-general, brought Queensland into the Australian federation • Ann-Maree Bonner – value of the local records held in the Research Room for local and family history research Contact Alison Spencer on 47327687 or researchservices@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

www.penrithhistory.com

The Luddenham Squadron, Australian Light Horse (Penrith City Library)

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Countdown to a new era in disability services A NEW era for people with disability and their families in Mulgoa begins in just five months.

From 1 July 2016, people with disability and their families in Mulgoa will be able to access the support they want and live the life they choose as they join the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Tanya Davies MP said 2016 will be an historic year for people with disability and their families, as she visited the Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation (NADO).

“Make no mistake, the NDIS is a game-changer. For the first time, people with a disability and their families will have real choice and control over their lives and the support they receive,” Tanya Davies said.

“Importantly, the NDIS will deliver many economic and social benefits to Mulgoa. New and existing providers will be looking to employ more staff to support people with disability, while more participants will be empowered to seek employment and access the community more,” Tanya Davies said.

Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka said the NSW Government was committed to delivering the NDIS in NSW. “The NDIS is one of Australia’s great social reforms. However, with

any reform there is the potential for some early challenges. To help make the rollout as smooth as possible, I would encourage people to start getting ready now,” Minister Ajaka said.

“People with disability, their families and carers should start thinking now about their goals and aspirations as well as what support they will need to achieve those goals”, said Minister Ajaka, “Everybody in the community can participate in this life-changing scheme. The NSW Government has made TAFE courses free for those who want to be one of the 25,000 additional staff we need in

the disability sector.”

During her visit to NADO, Tanya Davies spoke with Denise Heath, CEO of NADO, as well as Anthony Mulholland, a man that suffers a mild form of intellectual disability.

Mr Mulholland was glowing in his endorsement and enthusiasm for the NDIS. “All changes that have been brought in under the NDIS have been beneficial. It’s interesting how the NDIS has helped people with disabilities integrate with the community. The NDIS allows people like me to live a life that we deserve,” Mr Mulholland said.

Denise Heath said, “Our workforce is already growing and diversifying, with much more emphasis on participants achieving goals and services through individually selected teams. We are passionate about helping people reach their goals and excited to be playing a part in this historic reform.”

With so many people coming into the scheme in such a short period of time, there is a planned approach to how people will access the NDIS. The majority of people currently receiving specialist disability supports will be able to access the NDIS in the first six months of the scheme launching.

The NSW Government will build on the lessons learned from the overwhelming positive experiences of those in the Hunter trial site and from the early rollout of the NDIS for children and young people aged 0-17 in Penrith and the Blue Mountains.

From 1 July 2016, people living in South Western Sydney, Hunter New England, Southern NSW, Central Coast, Northern Sydney, Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains will be able to access the NDIS. Information to support people and providers to get ready for the rollout on 1 July 2016 is available at www. ndis.nsw.gov.au

Dob in a Dealer – supporting Australia’s fight against ice FIONA Scott MP, Federal Member for Lindsay has welcomed the launch of a new million dollar partnership between the Coalition Government and Crime Stoppers Australia to establish a national Dob in a Dealer campaign.

The Commonwealth Government is providing $1 million to raise awareness of methamphetamine, or ice, and encourage local communities to contact Crime Stoppers to help tackle the issue of manufacturing and distribution in their local area.

Fiona Scott said crimes relating to ice continue to be a concern for local police and the community alike.

Last year Fiona Scott MP listened to community concerns through a forum and subsequent meetings, publishing a report, “Ice Meltdown”.

Many key recommendations from that report have been taken up by the National Ice Taskforce. Recently a violent ice related incident occurred at Nepean Hospital, bringing home the devastation this drug can cause. Senior Police Constable, Luke Warburton has spent more than a month recovering from serious injuries after attending a callout to the Emergency Ward.

“Drugs such as ice can have devastating consequences for entire communities, and putting a stop to it will require a whole of community response. There is no single answer, and police can’t do it alone,” Fiona Scott said.

“This is a vital cog in a wider plan in Australia’s fight against ice, but its level of success will be reliant

on the local intelligence Crime Stoppers receives. I urge all Lindsay residents to rid our streets, parks

and neighbourhoods of criminals profiteering from the misery of ice, by undermining any criminal business models operating in our local area.”

Minister Keenan said the National Ice Taskforce Final Report, delivered in December, identified that the most important strategies to protect Australia from this devastating drug – and the violence it causes – is to disrupt supply and reduce demand.

“We’ve made significant investment in policing our borders and our streets and committed an additional $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement,” Mr Keenan said.

“While it is critical that these efforts continue, targeted Dob in a Dealer campaigns will help ensure our communities are no longer the end-game for international drug kingpins.

“Crime Stoppers provides residents with a safe, secure and anonymous avenue to report those suspected of being involved in the manufacture or supply of ice and other illicit drugs. It is up to all of us to work together to do all we can to protect our communities from the devastation of illegal drugs.”

If you have information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing in ice call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Government secures endangered bushland THE Australian Government has secured more than 38 hectares of endangered Mulgoa bushland as part of its commitment to establish a Cumberland Conservation Corridor in Greater Western Sydney.

The Mulgoa Road property will create an important link between the Cumberland Plains Woodland and Mulgoa Creek to help boost the resilience of critically endangered ecosystems.

“It is vital that we continue to protect our native bushland and create green corridors for the longterm survival of our native plants and animals, and to preserve urban green spaces in Western Sydney for future generations,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Mulgoa Road property contains intact native vegetation, including Shale Gravel Transition Forest (Cumberland Plain Woodland) which is listed as critically endangered under national environment law. The property also includes state listed threatened habitat and vulnerable species.”

“This announcement is part of the Government’s commitment to restore or protect approximately 700 hectares of Cumberland Plains woodlands

through future land covenants, land acquisition and activities under the Green Army and the 20 Million Trees Programme.”

“The Australian Government is delivering on its $15 million election commitment to establish a Cumberland Conservation Corridor through three actions.”

“First, applications have been opened for grants to plant one million

trees and rehabilitate 400 hectares within the Cumberland Conservation Corridor as part of the 20 million trees programme.”

“Second, fifteen Green Army teams will restore over 250 hectares of habitat in the Cumberland Conservation Corridor.”

“Third, the remaining part of the 700 hectares will be placed under conservation covenants through

Commonwealth purchases and this land will be held in public hands forever. Today’s announcement brings this goal one step closer.”

Federal Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott MP, said the Mulgoa Road property will make a significant contribution to conservation efforts in the Cumberland Plain Woodlands.

“The local community and I have a deep personal connection to this land. Preserving green urban spaces is an important step in connecting communities with the environment and making our growing cities more livable,” Ms Scott said.

The land will be managed by the Nature Conservation Trust of NSW and the Cumberland Land Conservancy.

This funding is part of a $15 million commitment over three years to protect the Cumberland Conservation Corridor under the National Landcare Programme and Green Army Programme.

More information is available is available online at http://www.nrm. gov.au/national/20-million-trees and http://www.environment.gov.au/land/ green-army.

9 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Fatal motorcycle crash POLICE are investigating after a fatal motorcycle crash at Mulgoa last Sunday.

About 2pm on Sunda February 21, emergency services were called to Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa, following reports a motorcycle had crashed.

The rider, a 42-year-old man, died at the scene.

The passenger, an 11-year-old girl, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead with minor injuries. She is in a stable condition.

Officers from Penrith Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Mulgoa Road was closed between Roscrea Drive and Vincent Avenue in both directions.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Nominate a senior MEMBER for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP is calling for nominations for the 2016 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, which recognise the significant contribution seniors make to the Mulgoa community.

“Seniors play a pivotal role in enhancing and strengthening our community. Their wisdom and lived experience, alongside their calm and caring character, make them invaluable assets to our society,” Tanya Davies said.

“The NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards are an opportunity to thank a special senior for all that they do, in selflessly helping and assisting others and in advancing our region,” said Tanya Davies.

Minister for Ageing, John Ajaka, commented on how seniors are valued and respected members of our society.

“Whether it is volunteering for a charity, lending a helping hand to a local sporting club or caring for a loved one, older Australians do so much to make our families and communities stronger,” Mr Ajaka said.

The 2016 NSW Seniors Local

Previous winner, Mr Cecil O’Donnell with Tanya Davies MP

Achievement Awards will celebrate seniors’ achievements in a range of categories, including business, environment, science, agriculture, health and wellbeing, learning and community service.

Nominations for the 2016 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards are open from Monday, 22 February until Friday, 1 April. They will be presented as part of the 10-day-long NSW Seniors Festival from 1-10 April 2016, formerly NSW Seniors Week.

NSW Seniors Festival celebrates

and acknowledges the important role that seniors play in our community.

It is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, with an estimated 300,000 seniors expected to attend more than 1,000 free and discounted events throughout the State.

The activities support the objectives of the NSW Ageing Strategy, which was launched to support the health and wellbeing of seniors.

For more information, visit: http:// www.nswseniorsweek.com.au/

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Much-needed shade LOCALS who use Jamison Park are well aware that quality shade is at a premium.

Fiona Scott MP, Federal Member for Lindsay has been working with local community groups to secure a solution that benefits the many visitors who utilise the parks facilities.

Members of the community can now look forward to improved infrastructure provisions at Jamison Park as part of a $13,000 Federal Government grant.

As part of the Stronger Communities Programme, the grant will allow the construction of a weather protective awning to be built on an existing amenities building.

Fiona Scott said, “Jamison Park is the spiritual centre of community sport in Penrith. It is the home to community sporting organisations including the Penrith RSL Soccer Club and the Penrith district cricket & netball associations. Anyone who uses Jamison Park will be well aware that bar the exception of a few trees along the border, trying to find shade is difficult”.

“The installation of this weather protective awning ensures that visitors to the park have adequate protection against the sun, it also stimulating

social engagement for those participating in recreational activities”.

Fiona Scott further emphasised the Turnbull Government is committed to providing quality community infrastructure to the region and that no matter how small or large the project may be the Government is responding to community needs.

This infrastructure upgrade was also

co-funded by Penrith RSL Soccer Club and the Penrith City Council.

The Stronger Communities Grant Programme (Round 1) is a Federal Government initiative to help local organisations with in-kind grants up to $20,000. Fiona Scott commissioned an independent panel from respected pillars of the community to assess each applications merit.

Park gets nod PENRITH Mayor Karen McKeown has given the redevelopment of Barr and Bass Street Reserve at Colyton its final inspection ahead of its official hand over to the Colyton community.

The playground’s renewal is a result of local students from Bennett Road Public School and Colyton High School Trade School participating in the Penrith Mayoral Challenge 2015.

The students were given the task of planning a playground for the Colyton community, and their concepts were transformed into a design which they presented to Council at a meeting on 24 August 2015.

The final inspection by the Mayor signals the near completion of the park designed by the students for the community of Colyton. The upgrade includes a flying fox, climbing net, nest swing, bike track, BBQ, and picnic area.

The local community will be invited to attend the official opening of the park at a public celebration on Friday, 1 April from 3pm – 6pm.

11 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

localnews local

By We are a Penrith-based business that is rapidly expanding due to a number of new government & corporate contracts which allow us to provide a number of job opportunities for local people to join our busy team. Do you have trades skills that fit our role? Looking for a challenge and IMMEDIATE START? Send your resume now to hr@hix.com.au or call 4721 7500 for more information.

EXPERIENCED PLUMBER

We are seeking a Plumber who: • Is meticulous with their work & has a range of experience across maintenance and projects • Is neat and tidy • Is genuinely concerned about customer needs & wants to perform all work to create a successful outcome • Is keen to be part of a team but can also work effectively alone • Works safely at all times and is committed to Work Health and Safety • ALWAYS leaves the site clean, tidy & safe and promptly completes all paperwork required • Is keen to learn more and to train apprentices • Has a range of experience in domestic and commercial plumbing which may include Hot Water, Pipe relining, backflow prevention etc • May have a Rail Industry Worker Card or be willing to undertake this training

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We provide vehicle, uniforms, SmartPhone ( as a part of our electronic job management system) a safe work environment and flexible start and finish times.

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Must be meticulous in your work, have good customer service skills & be willing to use a Smartphone as a part of our Electronic Job Management System.

12

RECRUITMENT REVIEW

with Linda Kemp

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Performance reviews IF you ask most employees what they think about performance reviews, you’ll probably get a wide range of responses, but why is this?

Performance reviews are often viewed with suspicion or even feared by people who have previously had bad experience of them, but they shouldn’t be.

Used effectively, performance reviews should be a positive experience for both employees and employers. They can assist in staff development, performance management and with open communication and feedback from both parties, can be a catalyst to create improvements that benefit both employee and employer.

So how should you plan a performance review? First, establish what you need to review, then create a document that details the areas of responsibility and skills to be reviewed.

These should reflect the employee’s job description and KPI’s.

Each employee should be provided with a copy of their job description and KPI’s so that they know your expected performance standards and goals. (It’s difficult to know if you’re doing a good job, if you have nothing to measure yourself against).

The performance review document should be dated and show the employee’s name and job title clearly on each page.

Create sections to reflect aspects of their job description, with separate columns for the employee and the reviewer to rate performance in each. Under each section, there should be space for both the employee and the reviewer to comment and make suggestions. (As the employee is performing the role, they may have greater insight into changes or improvements to systems, duties or processes that may benefit the organisation).

At the end of the document have a section for them to list workrelated strengths and areas where they feel they need further training, also where they see themselves within the company.

Customise the document you create to reflect each role/job description. Explain to the employee what is involved and

hand or email the document to them, to be completed and returned to you at least 48 hours prior to their performance review meeting.

KPIs, performance reviews and appraisals help employees know how they have been doing and what further development or training they need to do to improve. Having goals gives focus and reviews/appraisals can show them that their good work is recognised. It’s also a time to discuss any weaknesses or problems so that you can identify and implement solutions together.

The most effective way to set up the process is a combination of structured face to face discussions with diary notes quarterly, half yearly reviews and a more detailed review at the end of the year.

In conducting a performance review you should: • ask the employee to rate themselves for each point, and comment on their rating • complete the employers section of ratings and review comments when you receive the completed document • make sure that you support any positives and negatives with specific examples • arrange to hold the performance review meeting with the employee within 48 hours of completing the written performance review • provide a signed copy of the written performance review to the employee • note and file any employee comments including achievements and areas for further training and ensure that the final version goes on file for future reference • Ensure follow up and implementation of any actions to be taken, (i.e. planned training, changes to processes etc. which come up as a result of the review) • Diarise the date of the next review remembering to refer to previous notes Good Luck ☺!

Complete Recruitment Solu ons is different from most specialist recruitment consultancies…… you’ll see why from the moment you apply to us.

For both temporary and permanent roles, we source the most suitably skilled and experienced candidates for our clients’ needs. Our guarantee to our clients means that all candidates are required to complete our screening process.

This includes thorough reference checking, skills assessments and in depth interviewing.

Here is a small selec on of the roles that we are currently recrui ng:

POSITIONS AVAILABLE FORKLIFT MECHANICS $34 P/HR WETHERILL PARK Temp to perm field service role – Must have previous exp performing all repairs, servicing and maintenance on forkli s (Diesel, LPG, Electric).

PRODUCTION TEAM LEADER $65K $70K MID BLUE MOUNTAINS Permanent role – Excellent leadership & problem solving – Lean/5S exp needed – Customer service driven.

TIG WELDERS $30 P/HR WETHERILL PARK Ongoing roles with opportunity to go permanent – Workshop based custom work – mild steel, aluminium and stainless steel.

WELDERS/BOILERMAKERS $32 P/HR WINDSOR/RICHMOND Ongoing roles with opportunity to go permanent – workshop and onsite work – looking for long term ambi ous people – plenty of over me.

DIESEL MECHANICS $32 $34 P/HR WETHERILL PARK Role is performing repairs, servicing and maintenance on tanker trailer units – must have previous experience and a stable work history.

FORKLIFT DRIVERS WESTERN SYDNEY Experienced, reliable, & efficient forkli drivers and storepersons needed.

MR, HR & HC DRIVERS Permanent roles available. Must have truck and dog experience and a good driving record. Plenty of over me available.

WELDERS WESTERN SYDNEY MIG & TIG Various roles for experienced MIG & TIG welders in western Sydney, first & 2nd class welders needed.

For more information please call us on

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Egg—tastic Easter egg hunt!

IT is nearly that time of year again, it’s time to round up the kids and the grandkids and let them go hoping mad in Queen Street, St Marys.

“Last year saw approximately 700 kids register for this event and we are hoping to increase that number this year,:” said Paulette Adams, Town Centre Manager.

“Kids register, receive their passports, wristbands and Easter bags and off they roam to our participating retailers throughout Queen Street with a little help from our traffic controllers.

“From entertainment on the main stage, face painting and balloonists, Kindifarm with their petting zoo and not to mention a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself, the kids won’t be disappointed.

“Kids love a good treasure hunt and we encourage parents to bring them along for a fun FREE event that they will love!”

The kids will have an opportunity to enter our Easter hate parade at 1.15pm and there will be prizes for best hat for 0-3 yr old boys and girls, and 4-7 yr old boys and girls.

We will also have a raffle after

finishing, so pop your passport in the box provided for your chance to WIN some great Easter prizes.

You will have an additional week to get your passports in by post prior to being drawn.

This year the Easter Egg hunt falls on Saturday March 19 from 10am till 2pm.

Registrations will commence from 9am at the Town Centre information tent in Coachman’s Park.

There is a pre-registration process which can be done online by downloading the registration

form from our website www. stmarystowncentre.com and sending in once complete, or by filling out a form at St Marys Library located at 207 Queen Street, St Marys.

To keep up to date with regular updates, like us on facebook.com/ stmarystowncentreltd or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ StMarysTownCtr Don’t miss this FREE community event in Coachman’s Park, Cnr Charles Hackett Drive and Queen Street, St Marys.

Warren Wilson gone WITH just over two weeks to go before the start of the Penrith Panthers’ 50th season in the NRL, Group CEO Warren Wilson AM, the man credited with resurrecting the financial health of the Panthers Group, has tendered his resignation from the club.

Wilson, who has been linked the NRL’s vacant CEO role since the departure of David Smith, is understood to be resigning for personal reasons and won’t be taking that role.

Panthers Chairman, Brian Fletcher who confirmed the resignation, stated that the club will convene next week to discuss replacement plans but offered no further comments at this time.

Warren Wilson’s departure continues a trend of key positions that have been vacated in the past 12-18 months with the likes of Phil Moss, Don Feltis, Justin Pascoe, Sue McNeill, Ivan Cleary, Anthony Frantzis, having all moved on for a myriad of reasons.

The former boss of Tabcorp and Sky Channel does leave the Panthers Group in a far stronger financial position then what it was when the club was just days away from insolvency back in late 2011.

13 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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14

localnews local

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Spectra the squeaky puppy

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

THIS is the story of Spectra the little puppy who swallowed 4 squeakers!

Spectra is a 16-week old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Spectra, like most puppies, loves to chew and play with squeaky toys! On one occasion this fun pastime was not so fun. Spectra began to vomit and pass strange material from his bowels after dinner.

Spectra’s owners took him to the Western Sydney Veterinary Emergency Service where he was examined by WellPet emergency vet, Dr. Sarav. Dr. Sarav was suspicious that Spectra had swallowed something he shouldn’t have.

Spectra’s owners confirmed that Spectra did like to chew and pull apart his squeaky toys. Dr. Sarav admitted him into hospital for close observation. He was given medications to control the vomiting and make him feel comfortable. Dr. Sarav recommended X-rays to see if any foreign objects could be seen in his gastro-intestinal tract.

Spectra was sedated and X-rays were taken. It was noted that there were some strange round objects in Spectra’s stomach. Dr. Sarav was uncertain exactly what these objects were, but certain that they needed to come out due to the effect they were having on Spectra. A fibre-optic endoscope was used to investigate further.

Spectra was anaesthetised and endoscopy was performed. The foreign objects were identified as round plastic squeaker discs commonly found inside dog toys.

These plastic discs were then carefully removed using the endoscope biopsy forceps via the esophagus and out of Spectra. We successfully removed a total of 4 squeakers as you can see from the photo. This was good news and meant that Spectra would not need surgery to remove them!

Spectra made a full recovery, and is a very lucky puppy!

He is back home now. His owners will be keeping a close

eye on his toys to ensure he doesn’t swallow any more of them. It’s important to ensure you supervise toy play with your young pets, especially if those toys contain potentially harmful components like squeakers that may cause damage if swallowed. Spectra was lucky in this instance, the squeakers caused minimal damage but it could have been a lot worse. If you have any concerns about your pet and think they may have swallowed something they shouldn’t, rest assured we are here to help at anytime of the day or night. Nepean Animal Hospital has vets and nurses onsite 24/7 in the case of an emergency.

PH: 1300 WELLPET.

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Win win win!

ST MARYS Village is proud to present two cooking phenomenons, offering shoppers the chance to win 1 of 20 Thermochef appliances and a major prize of an in-home private masterclass for themselves and 5 friends with Kim McCosker of the International best-seller 4 Ingredients.

4 Ingredients is Australia’s most successful published cookbook series with over 8 million copies sold worldwide. The series is so popular there are now over 20 titles available and found in 1 in 7 Australian homes.

Alongside the major prize of Kim’s in-home masterclass, St Marys Village is also offering customers the chance to win 1 of 20 ThermoChef packs nationally. ThermoChef is the ultimate cooking appliance with over 10,000 units sold across Australia. The kitchen whizz can chop, blend, grate, cook, steam, stir, sautee, juice, weigh and boil and is the perfect appliance to perfect 4 Ingredients recipes at home. Entry is free and simple, online at thermochefgiveaway.com.au.

“We’re so pleased to provide our customers with two fantastic

cooking phenomenons, being Kim McCosker’s 4 Ingredients together with ThermoChef. It’s everything you need to become a chef-extraordinaire at home using the finest fresh produce St Marys Village has to offer,” Lisa Curtin, Marketing Manager.

Win a masterclass with Kim and ThermoChef prize pack Competition From: Monday 15th February to Sunday 13th March, 2016 How: Free entries online at thermochefgiveaway.com.au There will be one national major prize across participating Mirvac shopping centres of an in-home private masterclass with Kim McCosker for one lucky winner and 5 friends. The major prize also includes a ThermoChef prize pack which includes a ThermoChef appliance valued at $795 plus the entire 12book 4 Ingredients cookbook back catalogue. There will be 19 runners up prizes up for grabs nationally, each winning a ThermoChef prize pack valued at $1,096 each.

For more information visit www.stmarysvillage.com.au

15 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Child left in car A MAN will face court after allegedly leaving his child in a car at Mt Druitt last weekend.

About 3.10pm on Sunday February 21, emergency services were called to a car park in the grounds of a hospital, after an unattended child was located in a Mitsubishi 4WD. The four-year-old child was allegedly located by a member of the public in the unlocked car.

The child was assessed at the scene

by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and was not injured during the incident.

About five minutes later, the child’s father returned to the Mitsubishi and was interviewed by police.

Police will allege the child was left unattended in the vehicle for at least 30 minutes while the father visited a relative in hospital.

A 31-year-old man will be issued with a future court attendance notice for the offence of leave child unsupervised in motor vehicle and is expected to appear at court at a later date.

Family and Community Services (FACS) were also notified of the incident.

The incident has prompted police to remind members of the public that it is unsafe in any circumstances to leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

Have you seen Katherine?

POLICE are seeking public assistance to locate a woman missing from St Marys for several days.

Katherine Ackling-Bryen, 37, was last seen dropping her two children at school, before attending a shopping centre on Charles Hackett Street at 11.30am last Friday (19 February 2016).

It appears Ms Ackling-Bryen returned to her home on Great Western Highway, St Marys, and left again between 1pm and 3pm.

Police from St Marys Local Area Command and Ms AcklingBryen’s family hold concerns for her wellbeing.

Police are now appealing for public help to locate Ms Ackling-Bryen, who is described as Caucasian, medium height, medium build with brown hair and hazel eyes.

She was last seen wearing a grey top, black tracksuit pants, light blue hat, and sunglasses.

A photo of Ms Ackling-Bryen has been released publicly in an attempt to locate her.

Anyone who sees Ms AcklingBryen or knows her current whereabouts is urged to contact St Marys Police Station on 02 9677 7499.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Rich rewards for years of hard work

By Greg Martin

JIM Kalamiotis is a rich man.

Sure, he’s not exactly queuing at the soup kitchen for a bite to eat but for this self-made man wealth comes in many forms.

As the principal of one of Australia’s premier car dealerships, Penrith Mazda, Jim isn’t wearing the seat out of his suit pants but for him, life offers other riches.

Rich in family and friends. Rich in supporting our community. Rich in rewards from a life-time of hard work.

The son of Greek immigrants, the 61-year-old Jim grew up in Penrith. He’s proud of his heritage and proud of his community.

As did many of their fellow Greek migrants, Andy and Vicki Kalamiotis ran a successful fish and chip shop in High Street Penrith.

They worked umpteen hours a day, seven days a week for many years.

Their work ethic rubbed off on all the family – young Jim began working in the shop as a six-yearold doing “odds and ends – just giving mum and dad a hand”.

After completing his Leaving Certificate at Penrith High, Jim worked for two years in the white goods industry before landing a job as a car salesman at Boomerang Motors in Penrith where he honed his skills as a salesman and administrator over many years.

In 2002 Jim bought Penrith Mazda from Ray Boyle who had purchased the business in the mid

17 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Jim Kalamiotis with one of the first Mazda’s imported into the country, a 1964 Mazda R360

80’s from its founder, Michael Saad who kicked off the dealership in 1978.

In November, 2008 Jim moved the business to the swankiest of new homes at its present site on Mulgoa Road.

During his time at the helm, Jim has transformed Penrith Mazda into not only one of the leading Mazda dealerships, but car dealerships in the nation.

The multi award-winning business is

renowned for its sales and service, respect for the environment and wholehearted support of such causes as the Variety Club, Mazda Foundation, Luke Priddis Foundation and a host of sporting clubs.

For Jim Kalamiotis, a successful business, respect within the business community and love of his wife Kathy, their three children and four grandchildren, is “money in the bank”.

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Local Leading

Ladies

Celebrating the Nepean region’s female success stories on International Women’s Day

DR LYNN MATHISON,, DR NICOLE MCMILLAN & KELLIE TICKNER

Coreen Ave Vetinary Clinic

Coreen Ave Veterinary clinic is operated under the partnership of Dr Lynn Mathison, Dr Nicole McMillan & Kellie Tickner.

This multi-award winning business is a purpose built veterinary clinic established in 1996, and located in Penrith NSW. The aim of the practice is to provide high quality medical and surgical facilities for pets in the Penrith and surrounding suburbs.

The motto ‘Quality Loving Care’ – The Coreen Ave Vet team believes that every pet should have the opportunity to be loved, cared for and recognised as a priority. They understand that every pet entering the practice is an integral part of a family unit and aim to

deliver the same attention and love as they receive at home, acting as an extension of their own families. The staff understands that going above and beyond is what gives our Clinic heart. This philosophy embodies the core of their service.

Whether it is working with individual clients or within the larger community, all members of the Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic team place the welfare of animals and their owners at the forefront of every action.

They pride themselves on being active community participants and their multiple community projects allow staff to assist the people and pets of Penrith in genuine need.

FIONA BOULOUS

Guardian Funerals Fiona commenced her working life as a primary school teacher and is now the Location Manager for Guardian Funerals at Minchinbury. She finds the role very rewarding and gains much satisfaction from helping families through a difficult time.

Guardian Funerals say “Every goodbye is different”. The team at Minchinbury strive to provide the highest standard of care and service to families seeking that special touch when organising a funeral.

The Guardian office is located in the grounds of Pinegrove Cemetery and Fiona and her team attend to the details of each funeral personally. Fiona maintains strong relationships with Clubs, Nursing homes, Community Groups and Churches in the local area.

Many people would prefer their family not to be burdened with the cost of a funeral. If you would like to take care of your own funeral needs, you can contact Lynne Garland who is a Guardian Consultant for Pre-planned Funerals on 0413762146 and she would be more than happy to see you either at home or in our Minchinbury Office.

Kington Street, Minchinbury NSW 2770

Phone 9625 8500

GINA FIELD

Nepean Regional Security Gina Field is the Managing Director of Nepean Regional Security and the President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Nepean News columnist, and her monthly G Spot column has become one of the most read pages in our publication. Readers adore Gina’s “no BS” take on life and she has developed quite a fan base.

Starting her own company as a home-based business in 1998, NRS is now one of the most awarded security companies in the state.

Gina has featured in magazines, TV commercials, and business radio channels and on a TV program called “Business Sense.”

Being hailed as a business tycoon by the Daily Telegraph for her business success, Gina has provided security for blockbuster movies and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Recently being awarded the Bronze (3rd in the world) as Executive of the Year in the International Business Awards, Gina put Penrith on the world stage. She also serves on various boards.

She was chosen to be a spokesperson for small business in the “Too Big to ignore’ campaign and was awarded a certificate of achievement by the Prime Minister of Australia at Parliament house.

Gina was a recipient in the 2014 Australia Day awards for her contribution to small business and her own business success.

Gina and her company have won 18 industry awards to date and she is an exceptional representation of a female succeeding in a male dominated industry.

An outstanding local leading lady, we are a very lucky region to have her.

ROBYN CHEAL

RAMS Penrith Robyn Cheal, Franchise Principal of RAMS Penrith was the first female franchisee at RAMS. Along with her fantastic team they have been providing a range of specialised mortgage and home loan products and services to the Penrith and surrounding local community for the last 11 years.

“I’ve been involved in finance related roles all my life, the RAMS brand really stood out for me when I was looking at a franchise business. I’ve certainly faced challenges, surprises and opportunities along the way but owning a RAMS franchise has changed my life for the better,” Robyn said.

“I love what I do, and what we achieve as a team. I find inspiration and new insights working alongside my team every day.

“Golf is another passion of mine. I use the time to catch up with other people in business. It’s a great way of taking time out, and discussing common challenges and opportunities.”

Robyn is well-liked and respected in the community and her success is testament to her hard work and dedication to helping others achieve their dreams.

YOUR 12 PAGE 2016 PANTHERS LIFT-OUT

NEW BEGINNINGS AS PANTHERS TURN 50 The winds of change certainly swept through Penrith during the pre-season build-up to its 50th year in the NRL, with the appointment of Anthony Griffin as coach and a young local junior, Matt Moylan as it’s new captain. Photos: 77 Media

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

REPEAT SETS WITH STEW MOSES

@THERIFFMARN

Moylan’s eventual move from one to six seems like only a matter of time at this point but it will be interesting to see just how long it takes for new coach Anthony Griffin to call time on Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace should the Panthers falter early on.

Moylan’s been missing since Round 12, 2015 so don’t expect the coach to burden his new captain with the added responsibility of adjusting to a new position in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the NRL.

New Panther Trent Merrin will lead what looks to be an inexperienced yet exciting forwards pack. Photo: 77 Media

A Golden Year Awaits Despite the Winds of Change Go back to 2014, Penrith had in its management and coaching ranks the likes of Warren Wilson, Phil Moss, Justin Pascoe, Don Feltis, Ivan Cleary, Trent Barrett and David Fairleigh.

The off-field management and coaching team complimented what looked to be a strong and experience playing group with the likes of Nigel Plum, David Simmons, Brent Kite, Jamal Idris, Adam Docker, Lewis Brown and Sika Manu.

The team finished one win away from an unlikely grand final spot.

Fast forward to February 18, 2016 and Warren Wilson’s speedy and unexpected resignation from the role of the Group CEO completes the exit of each of every name mentioned above.

Injuries conjured to condemn the Panthers to within a game of the wooden spoon that looked as unlikely as did their appearance in that preliminary final the previous year.

For whatever reasons (and there are many) the winds of change have certainly swept through Penrith these past twelve months.

But as doors close for some, opportunities open up for others and on the eve of the Panthers’ 50th year in the NRL there is renewed optimism that under a new coach and a new captain, something special might be just around the corner.

The Penrith Panthers are coming off a disastrous 2015 NRL season, which saw the 2014 finalists slide to 11th position after injury tore through their playing squad.

2015 was a year to forget for the Panthers as the team battled endless injuries and slumped from a preliminary final in 2014 to an 11th placed finish.

But if injuries can be much kinder to Penrith in season 2016, the question now is does Penrith have the squad to make a return to the finals?

Comings / Goings: Gains: Sitaleki Akauola (Wests Tigers), Sam Clune (Mackay Cutters), Zach Dockar-Clay (Parramatta Eels), Ben Garcia (Catalan Dragons), Josh Hall (Gold Coast Suns AFL), Andrew Heffernan (Canberra Raiders), Peta Hiku (Manly Sea Eagles), Viliame Kikau (North Queensland Cowboys), Te Maire Martin (Wests Tigers), Suaia Matagi (Sydney Roosters), Trent Merrin (St George Illawarra Dragons) Losses: Sam Anderson (Redcliffe Dolphins), Lewis Brown (Manly Sea Eagles), Adam Docker

(Retired), Jamal Idris (Released), Isaac John (Manly Sea Eagles), Brent Kite (Retired), Apisai Koroisau (Manly Sea Eagles), Sika Manu (Hull), Kieran Moss (Parramatta), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Salford Red Devils), Nigel Plum (Retired), David Simmons (Retired), Shaun Spence (Retired).

Panthers’ losses mentioned above amounts to well over 1,000 NRL games experience, one of the bigger drops experienced among the NRL clubs.

However they have recruited plenty of capable replacements including international players in Trent Merrin, Peta Hiku, Suaia Matagi, Ben Garcia, and Sitaleki Akauola.

Complimenting these signings are the additions of the game’s next potential superstars in Te Maire Martin, Viliame Kikau and Zach Dockar-Clay.

Notwithstanding the fact that Penrith already boasts some of the game’s most promising talents in Robert Jennings, Tyrone May, Soni Luke, Oliver Clark, Sione Katoa, Moses Leota, Corey HarawiraNaera, Brent Naden and James Fisher-Harris, all earmarked as long-term NRL prospects.

While coach Anthony Griffin has plenty of young talent in his squad at his disposal and will be hoping he can convert them into superstars capable of competing in the finals, it still is a roster that is still thin on experience.

Key Signing - Trent Merrin Whilst Trent Merrin’s name hasn’t come up in everyone’s top signings list, this is still a marquee signing for the Panthers, as Merrin brings Origin and Test experience and utility value to be able to play upfront or on the edges, to a squad of young forwards.

With Cartwright and Peachy able to provide the spark, Merrin can focus on what he does best, making metres and popping offloads. His ability to get quick play the balls away will create space for dynamic dummy half runners like James Segeyaro.

Player to Watch – Matt Moylan In 2014, Matt Moylan was placed in the top three among fullbacks for both try assists and line break assists and was on track to emulate those feats in 2015 until that season–ending injury happened.

Moylan’s stats reflects that of a pure playmaker as opposed to your hard-running Josh Dugan or Roger Tuivesa-Sheck fullback type and his attacking stats exceeded Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace combined in 2015.

Player Under Pressure – James Segeyaro Whilst it would be easy to nominate the halves, Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace, spare for a thought for the pressure one of the games’ most dynamic hookers James Segeyaro is under to stay on the field.

Should Segeyaro be side-lined for any reason, the Panthers struggle for experienced back-up options all be it talented nonetheless.

With Sione Katoa debuting in the final round of 2015 and former Eels half Zach Dockar-Clay yet to feature in the top grade, the Panthers will struggle in the event that Segeyaro goes down with injury.

Peter Wallace may be one left field option if Griffin opts for an experienced option over a promising one.

Predicted Round 1 Line Up It’s getting increasingly hard to get a read on who is, who isn’t going to be right for Round One. Having gotten through pre-season with a minimum of fuss injury wise, the trials haven’t been kind to Penrith recently but while the injury concerns aren’t long term, it is concerning for a club that needs a strong start to the season more than most.

With the news late today that captain Matt Moylan (back) could miss up to four weeks if reports are correct and with Dean Whare and even Reagan Campbell-Gillard racing the clock to be for Round One, we’ve come up with an alternative team that may have to do the job for Griffin.

1. Matt Moylan / Will Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare / Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Trent Merrin 9. James Segeyaro 10.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Tyrone Peachey 12.

Elijah Taylor 13. Isaah Yeo INTERCHANGE: 14. Leilani Latu / James Fisher-Harris 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Bryce Cartwright

So Where Will the Panthers Finish?

Penrith will need to start well and learn win away from home early on given the fact the club is at home twice between Rounds 4-16 (Penrith only won twice away from home in 2015).

An injury-free year is crucial and the halves need to return to their 2014 form. They have the blocks to build success upon and with some luck and with the talent (albeit somewhat raw) at their disposal the Panthers might just storm home with their favourable home draw over the closing rounds to sneak a place in the finals in seventh or eighth spot.

See you at the game!

THE EGM - Phil Gould HEADING into the club’s 50th year, Panthers Executive General Manager says the club experiences over that time has enabled the foundations to be laid as the club prepares to undergo changes that will help it become one of the biggest if not the biggest sporting organisation in the country.

“It’s a wonderful milestone, at 50 years we’ve established a base, we’ve established a history for the club and we’ve established what the Panthers are and who we want to be,” Gould said.

“I first came to the club forty years ago but I was there at the first game the Panthers ever played so to watch the development of the club and the growth of the club has been exciting.”

“It’s been wonderful to have been involved with it but the biggest development is the growth that’s yet to come as our club is about to emerge

over the next five-ten years as the biggest in Australia.”

One major change that already occurred even before the pre-season preparations to the club’s 50th year had a chance to commence was the sacking of NRL coach, Ivan Cleary and the subsequent quick appointment of former Brisbane Broncos coach, Anthony Griffin.

Gould is more than happy with the progress made under Griffin given the relatively inexperienced squad currently at his disposal, adding that the best years for this current squad, are yet to come.

“I think he’s come to our club at the perfect time for the age of our roster and a lot of young players are going to benefit from the experience of what he brings to the club,” Gould said.

“We are sort of at the stage of our development where last year we let

THE COACH - Anthony Griffin FOUR months on after having his NRL coaching career resurrected at a moment’s notice by Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM, Anthony Griffin who ironically turns 50 later in the 50th year of the Panthers, says he and the team can’t wait for the season to kick off in less than two weeks’ time against Canberra.

“The family and I have all settled in now which is really good,” Griffin said.

“It was a really quick transition when it happened (my appointment) but I feel at home here now and from a football point of view we’ve had a really good off-season and as a club we’re ready to go for the season ahead.”

Griffin says he can definitely feel the importance of Rugby League to the local community.

“Penrith is definitely rugby league

heartland as I suspected and as everyone told me,” Griffin confirmed.

“With over 9,000 juniors, the Panthers Leagues Club and the way the whole community revolves around the Panthers I love that feel about the place.”

Numerous players have commented that under Griffin it has been their toughest pre-season to date but the coach affectionately known as “Hook” refutes this stating it hasn’t been any tougher to any he has been previously involved with.”

“I haven’t done anything different to what I’ve been doing for the past fourfive years,” the coach explained.

“Our game is very tough physically and you need to prepare for that physicality as well as mentally.”

“It has been tough but the players have handled it really well, they’re in

Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM, gives his assessment of the Panthers at last week’s Penrith Council function. Photo: 77 Media.

a number of older players who we brought in to do a short term job for us, go.”

“I think there were nine players left (in our top 25) and of that I think we’ve replaced them with probably six or seven of our own development players which is a great result for the system.”

“What I’m really pleased about is probably the top thirty players in our club at the moment every one of them we’d like to keep for at least another four or five years and I think that’s where the club is really going to really good shape.”

Whilst the Panthers are relatively injury-free going into Round One compared to last year, the number of playing personnel changes still has Griffin cautious about what his team can achieve in 2016.

“I’m not sure and to be honest I’m not looking that far ahead at the moment,” Griffin said.

“We just need to worrying about making sure we are fit as we are and getting away to a good start.”

“It will take a while to build as a team because we do have some new changes with Peta Hiku, Trent Merrin and a couple of other guys.”

Despite having no expectations as to where his squad will finish, Griffin did have this message for the fans as to what they can expect from his players.

“What they (the fans) can expect is that the players will make them feel proud to be Panther supporters and

THE CAPTAIN - Matt Moylan IT might just be a play on numbers but in the club’s 50th year, a player who has played just 50 NRL games was appointed captain by a new coach who just happens to turn 50 later this year.

For Matt Moylan, even though leading out the team against the Bulldogs in the club’s first game of the season it still hit home just how special it was to be appointed captain.

“The first time leading the team out it’s a pretty special experience even thou it was just a trial game,” Moylan explained.

“I’ll probably get that feeling again in Round One as well when there’s two competition points on the line but it’s been an unreal experience so far.”

As with most kids growing up playing rugby league in Penrith, Moylan’s dream was simply to play for the Panthers without any thoughts of

one day also being its captain.

“I don’t think (when I went to the games as a kid) that I ever thought I would be captain of the first grade team for Penrith,” Moylan said.

“Being a young kid growing up out here and playing rugby league I always wanted to play first grade for the Panthers that was always my dream which came true.”

“But to be captaining the side as well is a massive achievement and a huge honour.”

Moylan says the team been very helpful in assisting the fullback grow into the new role and adds that former skipper Peter Wallace, remains a leader within the team.

“They’ve (the boys) been unreal and haven’t really changed towards me at all, it still feels like its business as usual,” Moylan explained.

Matt Moylan says the team is capable of playing finals footy if the team can avoid injuries. Photo: 77 Media

“Wal’s going to be a massive help for me throughout the season.”

“He’s a natural leader and he’s still a leader in the team as well, being our halfback and a senior player.”

“It would be stupid of me not to pick his brain and ask for help where I need it.”

Moylan says that despite the changes to the playing roster, he’s optimistic

develop.”

“We’ve already had extraordinary results in a short space of time winning two NYC titles and the next crop that come through from (the 2015) side that won the NYC and those that will play NYC this year are going to be really well prepared and they will start to emerge in 2017 and 2018 so I’m very optimistic about the longer term.”

“It’s a young squad this year and whatever they get, they’ll get great experience.”

In a message for fans, Gould reiterated that this is a young side that Penrith supporters can and should really want to identify with as the club celebrates the 50th year milestone.

“Come and be part of it, be proud of the Panthers, celebrate the team and understand that we’ve got a young side that has a great future ahead,” Gould said.

“Enjoy a day out at Pepper Stadium, where it’s one of the real great game day experiences in the NRL.”

New Panthers coach Anthony Griffin, speaking at last week’s Penrith Council function, says the playing group are in great shape: Photo: 77 Media

that’s the main thing.”

“How many wins that gets us I’m not sure at the moment but I’d like to say to all the members out there that we’ll be doing our best to make sure that they can really identify with us during the year.” that this young squad can play finals footy in 2016 IF the squad can avoid injuries before adding that the fans need to support the team more than ever.

“I think we are definitely capable of playing good footy all season long in order to play finals footy,” Moylan said.

“The last couple of years have been unfortunate with injury but we’ve pretty much got everyone back on deck besides a couple of minor injuries (Campbell-Gillard, Whare and George Jennings), so I think we’re looking pretty good for the start of the season.”

“I think we’ve shown in the last couple of years we are capable of playing good footy and we’ve definitely got a lot more experience and a good crop of young players coming thru as well.”

“So come out and support us in what could be a special year for the Panthers in more ways than one.”

21 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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THE PLAYER - James Segeyaro PANTHERS hooker, James Segeyaro says the pre-season has been tough but with the benefit of being a much fitter playing group, believes it will put the team in general in a much stronger position to reclaim a spot in the top eight in 2016,.

“Last year wasn’t the best season for me personally but that’s what this preseason is for, as I’m looking for a big 2016,” Segeyaro said.

“While it’s been a very tough preseason I believe we needed it and moving forward I think with everyone’s training on the field at all times it will make a massive difference.”

“You’ve got to build combinations and know your players outside and inside you and build a bond amongst the playing group for however long the season goes.”

Segeyaro admits that while the transition from Ivan Cleary to Anthony

Griffin has been tough on him personally at times, working under the new coach has nonetheless brought plenty of positives.

“I’ve built a relationship with Ivan over three years and it’s hard in any job when a new boss comes in and it can be hard to adjust to at first,” Segeyaro admits.

“But he’s said what he wants and stamped his authority on things from day dot.”

“He’s the sort of bloke who doesn’t muck around and what you see is what you get and straight to the point which is what you want out of a first grade coach.”

Segeyaro also confirmed that competition for spots for Round One is fiercer than ever.

“Everyone is starting on a level playing field in terms of no one actually knowing where they stand so we’re all

A revitalised James Segeyaro is ready for a big 2016 season as he looks to secures a new deal with Penrith. Photo: 77 Media

fighting for a jersey and it’s been like that ever since November,” the hooker said.

“They (Katoa, Dockar-Clay, Luke) are young blokes but they’re here to play first grade so they bring a lot of energy and a lot of competition which makes you want to step up and show them what it takes to be a first grader.”

“Good healthy competition builds a great football club.”

2016 is also important season for the 2014 Dally-M Hooker of the Year as he looks to renew his contract for

LOWER GRADES - Steve Georgallis & Cameron Ciraldo FOR Penrith’s lower grades coaches, Steve Georgallis and Cameron Ciraldo, 2016 brings a lot of challenges for different reasons.

Georgallis, who only returned to the club over the off-season after the promotion of Garth Brennan to the role of assistant coach to Anthony Griffin in the NRL, says it’s great to be back the club, having spent time at Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles since leaving the Panthers at the end of 2011.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to come back to a club where I had some of my fondest memories as a coach,” Georgallis said.

“It’s amazing that despite the changes that have been made to the club since I was last here, the one constant is the fans.”

Steve Georgallis (left) returns to the club where he was caretaker NRL coach in 2011 while Cameron Ciraldo (right) looks to defend a title he won in his first year as a coach. Photos: 77 Media

“They have once again been very accommodating to me which is a good feeling.”

Georgallis is arguably coaching in the toughest of all three grades – NSW Cup. In a grade where it’s not uncommon

THE CONSUMER - Nathan Russell ONE of the success stories for the Panthers in recent times has been the growth in memberships and merchandise sales.

Heading into the club’s 50th season, General Manager – Consumer, Nathan Russell is confident that on the back of some very innovative offerings, the Panthers, who surged to 20,000 memberships in 2015, will break membership records for the third consecutive year.

“Memberships are tracking well, especially in relation to last year,” Russell said.

“If the trends remain the same, it should be another record year.”

One very popular option with fans continues to be the $30 Club membership which includes two tickets to a home game that allows casual fans to enjoy a game day experience as a member, while the new $199 Flexi 6 - Jersey Membership has equally been

an instant hit.

“The Panthers Group has over 130,000 members so we have the opportunity to grow to the largest NRL membership base,” Russell explained. “(The new $199 membership) offering is being trialled as a means to get new members.”

“So far 95% of those who have signed up for this package are brand new (members) or have upgraded from an entry level membership.”

With games in Bathurst and Christchurch, the Panthers play only ten games at Pepper Stadium in 2016 but a favourable draw means there should be no excuses for fans not to attend home games especially given more-favourable timing and the opposition being played.

“The draw is a win not only for Panther fans, but also Panthers financially,” Russell said.

“Having the Tigers, Eels, Bulldogs

to see 40-50 players used during the course of the season, Georgallis explained that only in the past fortnight has he started to see some of the players he expects to be playing NSW Cup. “I’ve been really pleased with the way the cup squad has been training.”

Georgallis said.

“We’ve had to rely largely on Ron Massey Cup and some Holden Cup players to boost the size of the squad and it’s just good to get some of those players back from the NRL squad like Moses Leota, Chris Smith, Corey Harawira-Naera, Viliame Kikau and Zach Dockar-Clay.”

They’re all guys I expect to challenge for first grade at some point during the year.”

For Cameron Ciraldo, the hunter and Rabbitohs means for the first time in four seasons we have all four Western Sydney-based teams (at Pepper Stadium).”

There has been an equally overwhelming response to the club’s latest merchandise offerings as the club gears up for it’s 50th season, with Russell confirming one more jersey will be unveiled at next week’s season launch.

“The gold jersey in particular has had the most praise, tying perfectly being our golden jubilee,” Russell said.

“We will be wearing another special jersey in our Round 2 first home game clash against the Bulldogs (who ironically were the first team Penrith played back in 1967), with that design being unveiled at our season launch.”

Russell also confirmed that the MG Members March will continue and said there would be other exciting initiatives that Panthers fans will get to enjoy as the season unfolds.

“With it being our 50th season there will be some initiatives related

2017 and beyond, admitting that while the club has yet to speak to him, his preference is to stay at a club where he called home for four seasons now.

“It’s my fourth year and this (Penrith) is like home to me and I don’t really know anywhere different so if I get the opportunity to stay and play with the Penrith Panthers I’ll jump at it,” Segeyaro said.

“But at this point, there’s been no discussion with the club at all.”

“Hopefully I’ll get re-signed by the club but if not that’s the way footy is.”

Having finally claimed a starting role as hooker during 2014, an injuryplagued 2015 meant Segeyaro often had to share the hooking role at times with Apisai Koroisau but he is determined to resume playing 80 minutes regularly in 2016.

“To achieve my goal of being that 80 minute player again, I need to do all my preparation right especially the fitness to get my body right to play 80 minutes week in week out,” Segeyaro said. becomes the hunted as his Holden Cup side sets about defending their title.

While Ciraldo does have the vast bulk of last year’s squad available to play Holden Cup again this year, he expects that some of those players will see NSW Cup or even first grade action in 2016.

“It may look on paper that we have a similar side but in reality it’s going to be a different side to last year,” Ciraldo explained.

“The likes of Robert Jennings, Tyrone May, Soni Luke, Oliver Clark and James Fisher-Harris are all likely to see limited game time in Holden Cup this year as they will get the chance to continue their development in the higher grades.”

“How this playing group and the crop of SG Ball players that come in handle that will determine how well we got this year.”

If the large crowd that flocked to last Thursday’s night team appearance at Westfields Penrith is anything to go by, Penrith could see a leap in home crowd attendances in 2016. Photo: 77 Media.

to this (MG Members March), but we are looking to increase engagement, particularly with members with an announcement coming in the lead up to Round 2,” Russell said.

“While we are not ready to announce other initiatives as yet, it wouldn’t be right if we did not celebrate our 1991 and 2003 premierships at some stage during the year as well as all of the players that have put on the Panthers jersey.”

THE DRAW PENRITH fans finally have the perfect opportunity to see more games than ever before, particularly with more home games being played at familyfriendly times against mostly Sydneybased opponents.

In 2016, seven of Penrith’s ten home games feature Sydney teams including traditional crowd-pullers – Parramatta, Canterbury and Wests Tigers.

Another great aspect to the 2016 draw is the recognition to allocate Penrith’s opening three home games as night games instead of often allocating the club day-time games in the heat of March.

In another boost for Penrith, Monday night football or Saturday 3pm games will not be played at home in the opening 20 rounds.

But Penrith has a distinct lack of home games in the opening half of the season.

Between Rounds 4 and 16, Penrith only plays at Pepper Stadium twice, with “home” games versus Canberra (Round 9) and New Zealand (Round

10) instead being played at Bathurst and Christchurch respectively.

Despite the club’s poor away form in 2015, new recruit Trent Merrin played down the issue, saying that if the club has its best squad on the field each week, they’ll win more games than they’ll lose.

“We’ll address that when it comes but we just need everyone on the paddock fit and healthy and ready to go for Canberra,” Merrin explained.

“We’d like to win all our games not just our away games.”

Coach Anthony Griffin admits that while the draw presents its challenges, fans need to understand the commercial realities behind taking home games elsewhere.

“We’ve taken some home games away which is going to be a great commercial move for the club,” Griffin explained.

“We’ll be away from home for a while but in the whole scheme of the business I understand why that happens.”

THE CHEERLEADER - Nat Sinclair PANTHER fans can once again be excited that many of arguably the NRL’s best cheer squad, the Penrith Pantherettes, will be returning again in 2016, including law/ arts degree student, Nat Sinclair, who is excited as ever about Penrith’s prospects, as she enters her fourth year as cheerleader.

“Out of the squad of 22 we have 20 that have returned for 2016,” Sinclair said.

“The girls do a great job and a very loyal to the team hence it definitely is harder to get in then get out of our squad.”

“I feel this year the team won’t have the injuries that we did last year so we should be able to get back to our 2014

form which is very exciting.”

Sinclair also admits that Matt Moylan is her favourite player and says that the new Panthers captain deserves his appointment.

“Matt Moylan is definitely my favourite player and it’s very exciting to see him as captain,” Sinclair exclaimed.

“Very well deserved, he’ll be good for us.”

Nat Sinclair’s desire to become a cheerleader came from her passion as a supporter of the club right from an early age and says being there on the field is a reward in itself.

“I always wanted to be involved anyway I could because from a very young age I supported Penrith so I

Penrith also has two games where players will be subject to five-day turnarounds which disappoints Merrin.

“We’ve been praying for change for a while but we can’t sit here and whinge about it,” Merrin said.

“We’ve got to be as professional as we possibly can every week.”

Our Panther 2016 Six Pack: Round 2 vs Bulldogs Thurs Mar 10 @ Pepper Stadium 8:05pm: A test for Panther fans first up with Penrith’s first ever Thursday night home game against traditional crowdpullers, Canterbury.

Round 3 v Broncos Sat Mar 19 @ Pepper Stadium 7:30pm: New Penrith coach, Anthony Griffin doesn’t have to wait long to coach

auditioned to become a cheerleader and it all went from there,” Sinclair explained.

“Just getting to be on the field is the best feeling ever.”

“We get a really good atmosphere at Pepper Stadium and you feel like you’re involved because you’re right there on the side lines.”

Speaking of that atmosphere, Sinclair said that in the club’s 50th year, it’s crucial for fans to turn up to the games where possible.

“We need our fans to turn up to the games from the get go, even its rainy or cold and be as vocal as possible because the boys really appreciate the support,” Sinclair said.

“It makes our jobs that much easier when we get to perform before large crowds.”

THE FAN - Josh Hoogenboom ACCORDING to Panthers Den leader, Josh Hoogenboom, 2016 represents another opportunity for the Den to continue its growth as the club’s active supporter base and urges fans looking for that unique game day experience to jump on board.

“The Panthers Den is an unique place where as a fan you can be loud and proud, cheer and sing and get behind the team.”

“We’re lucky that we get a section of the stadium where we can all gather as one each game and get that loud atmosphere going to support the team and (membership to the Den) costs exactly the same as a general admission membership ($135).

“The people that have been there have become good friends and it’s a brilliant place to socialise as well as

support your footy team with those who share the same passion.”

“The Panthers Den has definitely created a Panther family so to speak.”

Hoogenboom explains that the Panthers Den is the latest evolution of the active supporters group that have been based in Section 6 of the Eastern Terrace since the early 2000’s.

“It’s evolved over the years from the Scarters Army to the Black Hole and now the Panthers Den,” Hoogenboom said.

“I’ve been around for most of those years since the early 2000’s so it’s a very good environment to be in and adds to the atmosphere of supporting your footy team.”

Hoogenboom says the fact that not only do the players love the support that the Den provides, the fact that the

Panthers Den leader, Josh Hoogenboom is optimistic an injury-free season will see Penrith make the finals in 2016. Photo: 77 Media

club to continues to provide support to ensure that it remains a viable game day experience option for Penrith supporters, make it all the more rewarding to be a leader within the group.

“Most games the players come over to us and applaud us for showing that support, which definitely makes it all worthwhile,” Hoogenboom said.

“We’re very lucky that the club has given us memberships for the Panther Den as well as a seated section in the stadium and have actively helped us

against the club that sacked him for Wayne Bennett.

Round 4 v Dragons Sun Mar 27 @ WIN Stadium 4pm: Trent Merrin equally doesn’t have to wait long to play against his former club for the first time on his old stomping ground.

Round 10 v Warriors Sat May 14 @ AMI Stadium Christchurch 5pm A historic moment as Penrith takes it’s second “home” game across the Tasman for the first time.

Round 14 v Sea Eagles Sun Jun 12 @ Brookvale Oval 4pm A grudge game with Penrith’s all Kiwi international centre pairing of Dean Whare and Peta Hiku returning home to face former Panthers Lewis Brown, Apisai Koroisau and Isaac John and coached by none other than exPanthers assistant coach, Trent Barrett.

R18 v Sharks Sun Jul 10 @ Pepper Stadium 4pm Two teams who came into the competition in 1967, enjoying their 50th season in the NRL. Another opportunity for the Panthers faithful to “welcome home” Luke Lewis and Wade Graham.

Natalie Sinclair says the squad is ready to cheer on the boys to what should be finals glory in 2016 once more. Photo: Supplied.

“We are very excited for the year ahead and we would like to see everyone get out to the games as much as possible to support our boys.” making our flags and our banners.”

“The club also provides great feedback and we know where we stand with them when we discuss key issues relating to the Den.” “It’s a wonderful relationship to have.”

The Panthers Den have many activities planned for away games as well in 2016, which can be found on either their Facebook page (The Panther Den) or on Twitter @ PanthersDen01.

“We’re quite lucky that the Panthers in 2016 have a lot of away games still in NSW so we are planning road trips and party buses to get to the away games and have a bit of fun away while bringing that loud and proud atmosphere that we bring to support the team,” Hoogenboom explained.

“We want to let the opposition supporters at away grounds know that we are here and we’re going to sing for our team too.”

23 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

penrith panthers celebratinglocal 50 years localnews

Back Row (L to R) Jason Wrigley (F Cameron Ciraldo (Holden Cup Coach), David Boyle ( Liam

Middle Row (L to R) Krystal Sharp (Physiot Shane Elford (Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator), Josh Sione Katoa, Zach Dockar-Clay,

Front Row - Kneeling (L to R) Kieran Morga Matt Moylan (Captain), Dallin

Fro

ey (Football Manager), Anthony Griffin (NRL Coach), George Jennings, Suaia Matagi, James Fisher-Harris, yle (NRL Strength and Conditioning), Isaah Yeo, Te Maire Martin, Sitaleki Akauola, Peter Hiku, Viliame Kikau, Moses Leota, am Ayoub (NSW Cup Trainer), Alex Melville (Technical Performance Analyst)

ysiotherapist), Lee Hopkins (NSW Cup Trainer), Ronnie Palmer (NRL Trainer), Laura Clint (Intern - Sports Therapy), osh Mansour, Elijah Taylor, Waqa Blake, Trent Merrin, Jeremy Latimore, Will Smith, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dean Whare, ay, Jamie Soward, Sam McKendry, Garth Brennan (NRL Assistant Coach), Tom Lovell (Sports Science)

organ (Physiotherapist), Robert Jennings, Chris Smith, Ben Garcia, Andrew Heffernan, Andy Saunders, Leilani Latu, allin Watene-Zelezniak, Bryce Cartwright, Peter Wallace, James Segeyaro, Alan Mair (NRL Trainer) Front Row - Sitting (L to R) Tyrone Peachey, Reagan Campbell-Gillard Absent: Steve Georgallis (NSW Cup Coach) Photo: With thanks to Penrith Panthers

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Press vs Pollies picks for top 8 in 2016 Our representatives from Council, State and Federal politics go up against our journalists to see who can write a list that is closest to the top 8 at the finish of the competition. We’ll report back on this at the end of the season to declare the winning team and the overall winner!

Mayor Karen McKeown Panthers Cowboys Broncos Bulldogs Eels Roosters Souths Manly

Stewart Moses, Nepean News Cowboys Broncos Storm Sharks Eels Warriors Panthers Manly

Prue Car MP

Fiona Scott MP Broncos Cowboys Rabbits Storm Bulldogs Warriors Manly Panthers

MG Mark Geyer, Nepean News Broncos Cowboys Manly Penrith Storm Roosters Sharks Souths

Stuart Ayres MP Panthers Broncos Raiders Storm Cowboys Eels Roosters Manly

Kerrie Davies, Nepean News

Broncos Panthers Cowboys Bulldogs Eels Roosters Storm Dragons

Korena Hale, Nepean News Roosters Cowboys Broncos Panthers Eels Broncos Manly Sharks

Sharks Broncos Warriors Raiders Eels Panthers Storm Souths

Wishes the Penrith Panthers good luck in 2016

GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES

Is there more to Warren Wilson’s resignation?

The official media statement from Panthers concerning the sudden resignation of Panthers Group CEO, Warren Wilson asks more questions than answers despite stating that Wilson’s resignation is for personal reasons.

Going back through some of the media releases concerning some other high profile departures in the past twelve months, Justin Pascoe being a good example, even though he was leaving for a CEO’s role at a rival club, at least he was acknowledged for his efforts and wished all the best.

Cue to last week’s announcement and there is none of that when it comes to Warren’s statement.

No thanks, no best wishes for the future (which certainly won’t include a certain job still available at Moore Park) for a man who many credit as being the saviour of the Panthers Group.

One could think there is more to this departure than meets the eye, especially with the statement confirming that the board will convene this Wednesday night to discuss a replacement. As they say in the classics, watch this space.

Panthers Season Launch With A Twist Confirmation that Panthers’ season launch scheduled for this Thursday night will include the launch of the Heritage Jersey that the Panthers are likely to wear at their first home game of the season against the Bulldogs, who incidentally were the first team Penrith played when they entered the competition back in 1967.

Make of that what you will but we believe the design could very well be similar to what was worn back in that Round One, 1967 clash.

Could We See Another Round One NRL Debutant?

While Penrith put in a poor second half performance with ball in hand to go down to a new-look Parramatta side 22-8 last Saturday night, coach Anthony Griffin continues to sing the praises of James Fisher-Harris, having identified the Junior Kiwis forward as to one to watch and could very well make his NRL debut as early as Round One. “Fisher-Harris out of the 20’s (is one to watch),” Griffin said.

“I thought he was very good, he’s a big boy, very aggressive.”

“I think he can offer some value to this team.”

After the Eels game, Griffin confirmed that while Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who has been rested from any pre-season games played to date, he is

Ross Fowler

@THERIFFMARN

to this year’s State of Origin series.

Peachey says the jersey is a great design is hopeful of being able to run out in the jersey later in the year when City and Country clash at Tamworth’s Scully Park on May 8.

The KARI Chairman, Gary Potts, added that the partnership with the NSWRL was a special one for not only KARI but the broader Aboriginal community across NSW.

Penrith’s Tyrone Peachey shows off the new Indigenousthemed City Origin jersey. Photo: NSWRL Media.

confident the prop will be available for Round One. But with Sam McKendry already relegated to NSW Cup (although Griffin thought he responded well to that demotion and would be considered for Round One) and with bigger names ahead of FisherHarris having failed to impress against Parramatta, there is a real chance that the 2015 Holden Cup winning forward could join the likes of Isaah Yeo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and George Jennings as yet another shock Round One debutant.

Other Injury News Griffin also confirmed that Dean Whare (calf) will need to run this week to have any chance of being considered for Round One. The injury for now avoids a potential selection headache given the form of a leaner meaner looking Waqa Blake at right centre throughout the Nines as well as the trials.

Leilani Latu (sternum) is likely to be OK for Round One. In the lower grades, Ben Garcia (shoulder) should be available for Round One selection but prop Moses Leota (ankle) is battling to be fit for Round One. George Jennings, who remarkably got himself in a position to play in the opening trial versus the Bulldogs can’t seem to take a trick at the moment with a shoulder injury expected to sideline the unlucky winger for one-two rounds.

A Panther Unveils A New Look Rep Jersey Penrith’s Tyrone Peachey was given the honour of unveiling the first-ever Indigenous KARI City Origin jersey at the Penrith offices of the Indigenous organisation, KARI to mark the 100 day countdown

27 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

penrith panthers celebrating 50 years sport

Big Names Remain Unsigned As Panthers Shore Up Future The last fortnight has seen plenty of up and coming players from Penrith’s Holden Cup winning squad, with Oliver Clark, Soni Luke, Tyrone May and Dylan Edwards committing to the club until the end of 2018.

In further exciting news, Penrith utility forward, who played in both the 2013 Holden Cup and 2014 NSW Cup winning sides, re-signed until the end of 2019.

In the meantime the likes of James Segeyaro, Elijah Taylor, Josh Mansour and the Jennings brothers Robert and George remained unsigned in a clear shit that the club is looking secure the players ear-marked for long-term success in the NRL and having gone through the system.

Junior Reps News A mixed start for Penrith’s junior rep teams. SG Ball have started well winning both games – 3616 versus Balmain (Round One) and 18-12 over Newcastle (Round Two).

Harold Matts have had a tougher start to the season with an opening round 16 all draw with Balmain before going down last Saturday 31-10 to the Newcastle Knights.

Next up for the Panthers is Cronulla this Saturday at Windsor Sporting Complex.

Details of Penrith’s 2016 Harold Matthews and SG Ball squads can be found at www.nswrl.com.au

Former Panther Lands Fox Sports Job The new TV deal is creating opportunities for new commentators to come into the game. Former Panthers skipper, Craig Gower recently made his debut as a commentator in the Charity Shield game between Souths and St George Illawarra and looks well suited to his new role.

See you at the game!

DEPUTY MAYOR

Wishing the Penrith Panthers the very best of luck for the 2016 season p: 4722 3066 | m: 0419 738 484 | Email: ross@rossfowler.com.au

Goodluck Panthers for 2016

28

penrith sport panthers celebrating 50 years

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

COACH’S CORNER

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

NRL COACH POWER RANKINGS AND 2016 SEASON PREDICTIONS

OVER the past fortnight I have run the rule over the sixteen coaches as we look ahead in anticipation for the start of the 2016 NRL season. After several hours of research, deliberation and conversation I have ranked the coaches based on: their previous achievements, influence on team / individual player performances and their future prospects.

1. Wayne Bennett – Broncos.

Career Win Percentage: 62%.

Premierships: 7.

Bennett is the most successful coach in NRL history and is entering his 29th consecutive season as a head coach. He has won multiple premierships spanning three decades. Bennett has an incredible ability to simplify what can at times be a complex game. He has adapted his coaching style through several generations of players, constant changes to the games rules and complex tactics.

2. Craig Bellamy – Storm.

Career Win Percentage: 66%.

Premierships: 3.

Bellamy enters his 14th consecutive season with the Storm and currently holds the longest active coaching appointment at the one club in the NRL. He has led the Storm to the Finals in every season except 2010 when the club was engulfed in a salary cap scandal and later stripped of their 2007 and 2009 premierships. Bellamy has a reputation for developing elite talent such as Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Israel Folau through to the highest level of the game. His greatest attribute as a coach is his ability to improve and get the best from journeyman players whom have struggled at other clubs.

3. Trent Robinson – Roosters.

Career Win Percentage: 70%.

Premierships: 1.

Robinson enters his 4th season at the Roosters looking to win his fourth consecutive minor premiership. He has been able to extract consistent performances from his team over a long period of time. This highlights his tremendous ability to keep his players feeling fresh and challenged. Having lost some key players over the offseason 2016 may see Robinson’s stock rise even higher if he can continue to extract consistent performances with a less talented roster.

4. Paul Green – Cowboys.

Career Win Percentage: 66%.

Premierships: 1.

Green has transformed the mental toughness and intelligence of the Cowboys and within two seasons has turned them into a premiership winning outfit. Green deserves a lot of credit for the Cowboys having reached the summit as he challenged the discipline and culture of the team and has been able to develop key position players to fit around Johnathan Thurston. Thurston has won consecutive Dally M Medals under Green.

5. Michael Maguire – Rabbitohs.

Career Win Percentage: 64%.

Premierships: 1.

Maguire enters his 5th season at South Sydney having never missed the Top 8 and delivering the club their first premiership in 43 years. He is well renowned for his intense approach and there can be no argument he has elevated the players under his tutelage.

Maguire would not have been content with the clubs premiership defence and will need to re think his high intensity approach particularly if his players start to exhibit the tired and fatigued body language they demonstrated for much of 2015.

6. Des Hasler – Bulldogs.

Career Win Percentage: 59%.

Premierships: 2.

Since his high profile switch to the Bulldogs Hasler has been able to get them to within 80 minutes of a premiership on two occasions only to fall at the final hurdle. In recent seasons the Bulldogs style of play has become predictable and opposition teams understand how to nullify their strengths. Hasler has a reputation as an analyst and innovator and the Bulldogs are in desperate need of some innovation to spark some creativity in their key position players.

7. Anthony Griffin – Panthers.

Career Win Percentage: 53%.

Premierships: 0.

Griffin was only moved aside in Brisbane due to the return of Wayne Bennett. During his four seasons at the Broncos he made the finals on three occasions. Griffin was given due praise during 2015 for his contribution to the development of the large crop of Broncos juniors who came within one tackle of winning the Premiership. He arrives in Penrith at a vital stage in the development of another large crop of juniors pushing for an NRL birth and considering his prior record in doing so he seems the logical man for the job.

8. Neil Henry – Titans.

Career Win Percentage: 46%.

Premierships: 0.

The perfect acquisition to rebuild the Titans roster and only an NRL loophole prevented him from securing Daly Cherry-Evans in 2015. Controversial losses in big finals games overshadowed Henry’s tenure at the Cowboys but look at what Paul Green has achieved with what Henry left behind. Prior to his stint up north Henry had the Raiders playing the best brand of football ‘Green Machine’ fans had seen since the glory days of the 90’s.

9. Shane Flanagan – Sharks.

Career Win Percentage: 48%.

Premierships: 0.

An experienced campaigner who had a successful return to the Sharks in 2015 following his ASADA imposed ban. Technically and tactically I do not see him competing with the elite coaches in the NRL. However Flanagan has an aggressive and demanding

approach which suits the Sharks roster.

Considering their offseason acquisitions and strong finish to 2015 there will be high expectations on Flanagan and the Sharks in 2016.

10. Brad Arthur – Eels.

Career Win Percentage: 43%.

Premierships: 0.

Arthur heads into his 3rd season in charge at the Eels looking to take the club to their first finals series in five years. He is held in high regard by some of the games elite players and the fact he was able to lure Kieran Foran away from the Sea Eagles speaks volumes of the respect he held amongst the playing group at his former club. Arthur has great pedigree having served as an assistant coach at both the Storm and the Sea Eagles and will be under immense pressure if he cannot elevate the Eels into finals contention this season.

11. Paul McGregor – Dragons.

Career Win Percentage: 47%.

Premierships: 0.

Exceeded expectations in 2015 as he led the Dragons into the finals for the first time since Wayne Bennett departed the club in 2011. McGregor’s foundation as a strength and conditioning coach shone through as he transformed the Dragons into a very tough, mentally resilient and fit football team. The challenge ahead will be in whether McGregor has the ability to improve the Dragons attack in order to create enough points to beat the big guns in the competition.

12. Ricky Stuart – Raiders.

Career Win Percentage: 49%.

Premierships: 1.

He is the coach who often evokes the most bar room discussion due to his honest appraisal of his team or of the referee’s performance. Stuart has led the Roosters to a Premiership and New South Wales to an Origin Series win, he also coached the national side for a three year period which culminated in a controversial exit after he abused a match official. He had a lot of early success with a red hot Roosters team, but failed stints with the Sharks and the Eels prior to landing at the Raiders will place him firmly in the crosshairs if they do not make the Top 8 in 2016.

13. Jason Taylor – Tigers.

Career Win Percentage: 43%.

Premierships: 0.

Hasn’t had the easiest run as an NRL coach having been at the Rabbitohs during their rebuilding phase, yet he managed to lead them to the finals in his first season. Taylor was sacked two seasons later after a physical altercation with a player while out partying with the team at their end of season celebrations.

Taylor enters his second season at the Tigers under pressure after an awful 2015 season and a very public fall out with Robbie Farah. The axe is looming and he will need some wins early in order to buy himself time.

14. Nathan Brown – Knights.

Career Win Percentage: 53%.

Premierships: 0.

Has admitted publicly he was well out of his depth during his first stint as an NRL coach as he failed to lead a star studded Dragons side to a Premiership.

Brown was moved on in favour of Wayne Bennett and so ensued a stint in the Super League where he rebuilt the Huddersfield Giants into a force and won a competition with St Helens.

Returns a far more experienced coach yet it remains to be seen whether he can transform the Knights into a finals contender.

15. Andrew McFadden – Warriors.

Career Win Percentage: 43%.

Premierships: 0.

McFadden is the coach under the most pressure heading into the 2016 season as he attempts to lift his team’s performances to match the expectations which come with such high profile recruits in Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. If the Warriors start the season slow he may not see it out, if he manages to see off the early pressure he will need to get the Warriors into the finals to keep his job for 2017.

Trent Barrett – Sea Eagles.

Exempt from my rankings as 2016 is his first season as a head coach in the NRL. For The Record… 2016 Season Predictions Premiers: Broncos – They have the best coach and providing they stay injury free one of the best rosters in the NRL. Throw in the pain and motivation that last season’s Grand Final loss should provide and I expect them to be very hard to beat.

Top 8: Broncos, Cowboys, Storm, Sharks, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Eels and Warriors.

Dark Horse: Warriors – They have a roster capable of winning the competition. However they also have a history and culture which suggests they consistently underachieve.

Improvers: Eels – Boast an elite spine in Gordon, Norman, Foran and Peats.

They have a forward pack with a great mix of youth and experience which should dominate teams to lay a platform for plenty of blue and gold victories.

Sliders: Bulldogs – Attacking style is in need of a complete overhaul. Huge forward pack is susceptible to fatigue at the back end of each half with the drop in interchanges. Not convinced by their spine with the exception of Moses Mbye who is an exceptional talent, Morris doesn’t look comfortable at fullback, Reynolds lacks composure and stability and Lichaa looks solid but not elite.

Holden Cup: Panthers – I was fortunate enough to work with Cameron Ciraldo as a coaching assistant with the Panthers premiership winning Holden Cup team last season. A large portion of that squad remains eligible for selection again this year which places the Panthers in a very good position to win back to back titles.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY PENRITH PARTY HIRE (02) 4731 1313

MG ON THE MARK

WITH MARK GEYER

WE’RE READY TO ROLL!

WHAT seems like a summer that’s gone on forever somewhat dissipates upon the arrival of the NRL season next weekend.

Sure we’ve already had the Auckland 9’s, the Indigenous v All Star game, the Charity Shield, and the world club challenge but nothing beats rugby league when there’s two competition points on the offer.

Two teams with plenty of spotlight on them, for more reasons than being our most western geographically are the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels.

The Panthers have a squad to get excited about. Their off-season recruitment has been decisive without being over the top, and the filtering of young locals continues to impress. But facts are facts, last seasons 11th placing ( which could have been last if beaten by the Knights in the final round) is just not good enough.

The hierarchy know this, the coaching staff know this, the players know this, and of course the fans are also well aware.

I’m excited to see Trent Merrin now a mountain man, same goes for ex Manly utility back Peta Hiku. But it seems young Tigers pivot Te Maire Martin is the man who has created most fanfare of late. Already compared to another young kiwi at the same age ( Benji Marshall) young Martin is sure to keep the heat on incumbent half pairing of Pete Wallace and Jamie Soward.

Throw in young Nathan Cleary and the Panthers have an abundance of halves ready to dominate. Now bring on the Raiders in round one and let the games begin!

Our neighbours, the Parramatta Eels have started 2016 in great form.

Winning the 9’s was unexpected but they looked very tidy in their win over the Panthers last weekend at Pepper Stadium. While the Panthers were subtle in their off-season recruiting, the Eels were sledgehammer like.

Keiran Foran, Michael Gordon, Clint Gutherson, Cameron King, Beau Scott, and Michael Jennings signifies a significant change in personnel come this season. Again though, like the Panthers, they just hovered above the wooden spoon ‘death row’ late in the year finishing 12th on 22 points only one win above eventual cellar dwellers Newcastle. But it feels different already in Parra land.

With the above mentioned signings comes an expectation that things are about to change. And if it doesn’t this or next year given their roster and coaching staff - it just may never. I’m really looking forward to watching the revamped Eels this year, and their opening two comp games even more gets the tingles going when they face last years grand finalists the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys. Not a bad way to test your

Nothing better than spending the day with my girls watchin some footy..

new resolve hay?

Good luck to all teams in this years competition. Let it be the best ever!

See you at the game...

MG (random Westie) OAM

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29 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T Local production of one of the classics

BASED on the famous novel by Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility, Ruby Productions brings you a performance adapted by Ashley J. Barnard and directed by Anthony Brown.

When Elinor Dashwood’s father dies, her family’s finances are crippled.

After the Dashwoods move to a cottage in Devonshire, Elinor’s sister Marianne is torn between the handsome John Willoughby and the older Colonel Brandon.

Meanwhile, Elinor’s romantic hopes with Edward Ferrars are hindered due to his prior engagement. Both Elinor and Marianne strive

for love while the circumstances in their lives constantly change.

Well known Leone Sharp is the costume and set designer, sure to create the perfect period style expected.

Don’t miss the chance to see one of the greatest classics of all time in a local production.

Jane Austen wrote the first draft of the novel in the form of a novel-in-letters sometime around 1795 when she was about 19 years old, and gave it the title Elinor and Marianne. She later changed the form to a narrative and the title to Sense and Sensibility.

LIVE AUCTION, LUCKY DOOR PRIZES & RAFFLES ON THE DAY

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

31

PERFORMANCE DATES: Saturdays: March 5th, 12th and 19th at 2pm and 8pm.

Ticket price is $25 for adults and $20 concession.

To book tickets go to www.trybooking.com/140840 To reserve show only phone (02) 4735 5422.

“SENSE AND SENSIBILITY” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street; Penrith www.rubyproductions.com.au

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL TABLES OF 10 RECEIVE A FREE BOTTLE OF WINE Proudly sponsored by

Advertising and promotions contained on ALH Group posters, flyers or newspaper advertising are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

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

32 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

E N T E R T A I N M E N T Roezone at the RSL Hear dead men talking

LOOKING for something fun to do on Friday night?

Roezone is a live music duo based locally, performing in local clubs and functions and this Friday they’ll be plying their trade at St Marys RSL. Their songs are classic retro from rock ‘n’ roll through to current chart. The sound is simply extraordinary anchored by Roe’s absolutely beautiful voice.

Roe Bronkhorst’s vocal talent is truly outstanding. Unfazed by the demands of most popular music, her remarkable singing style and tone will leave you searching for superlatives.

David Neideck is on the keyboard and guitar as well as doing vocals. David is a musician with the uncanny ability to play anything by ear. Alternating between keyboard and guitar, David provides harmony vocals and of course handles the technical stuff.

So don’t sit at home this Friday night, get your glad rags on and head to St Marys RSL before the show starts at 8pm!

HENRY Lawson and Banjo Paterson left extraordinary legacies to Australia and they should never be forgotten. As the world increasingly succumbs to the never-ending and somewhat inevitable pressure of ‘one world culture’ it is vital that small nations like Australia fight back to show their uniqueness. Our national identity was born in the bush and is one of feistiness and determination where pioneers battled with bushfires, floods, droughts, insect plagues and, quite often, authority and the banks. They also fought loneliness and despair but somehow-or-other came out the other side to build this great nation.

Lawson and Paterson emerged at a time when we needed masterful storytellers who would talk to us in our own language and at our own level. They both took the old bush stories and songs and gave them back to us in a colloquial literary catalogue that bridged the gap between bush and city. They gave us a unique voice that still rings true blue today.

Dead Men Talking is a 90 minute stage musical devised by Max Cullen and scripted by Max Cullen and Warren Fahey.

The lively one act show finds the two legendary literary figures having a casual drink at the Leviticus Bar & Grill, Heaven’s Gate, and yarning about their legacies. Slightly cantankerous, yet grateful of their old friendship, Henry Lawson (Max Cullen) and A. B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson (Warren Fahey) discuss each others lives including their famous ‘War of Words’ in The Bulletin. They recite poems, sing songs and generally banter - and have a laugh about life’s

changing circumstance.

Dead MenTalking appears to have hit a solid nostalgic note with audiences who delight in seeing Lawson and Paterson strutting the centre stage and the show has (to use an old show biz phase) “been packing them in” across Australia. The veteran actors have committed to perform the show “for the next couple of years”.

Henry and the Banjo will perform three shows at the Henry Lawson Theatre, Henry Lawson Club, Werrington.

7.30pm Friday 18th & Saturday 19th and a matinee at 2pm on Sunday 20th March. 2016. All welcome.

Tickets are $35 (concessions $30) To book allocated seats go to www.hltheatre.com.au.

Unallocated phone bookings can be made by texting NAME, DATE of SHOW, NUMBER of tickets to 0407 146 506.

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

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Sacred and Profane Teddy!

Chuck!

Put down your iphones and talk to me!

RICHARD Gill and the Sydney Chamber Choir. Enjoy this choral tour de force at The Joan before it hits the city, Sunday, 13 March at 3pm.

In 2016 one of Australia’s most energetic and popular conductors, Richard Gill (Spicks & Specks) takes the reins of one of Australia’s leading choirs – the Sydney Chamber Choir – and will be presenting a choral tour de force through some of classical music’s most remarkable works at The Joan on 13 March.

Sacred & Profane will stir your soul and uplift your spirits on a truly memorable Sunday afternoon. It’s the perfect way to finish off the weekend: a glorious and powerful concert, made to be shared and enjoyed to the fullest.

The contrast couldn’t be greater as the afternoon commences with

one of medieval music’s most sacred masterpieces, Machaut’s Messe de Notre Dame, before culminating with one of the 20th Century’s most powerful and profane compositions, Carmina Burana, Carl Orff’s monumental work for orchestra, chorus and soloists (google O Fortuna, you’ll recognise it straight away!).

Greed, gluttony, lust, longing and laughter are celebrated with music as bold as it is beautiful – and even more thrilling in Orff’s own mighty arrangement. With its earth-shaking sound and powerful rhythms, it’s an awe-inspiring experience, a celebration of all that’s luscious in life.

Tickets are $55 Standard / $50 Concession or purchase them as part of a Subscription and save up to $15 per ticket.

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND WEBSITES Facebook: www.facebook.com/RotaryMarketsAtStMarys/ Stall Holder Application: www.facebook.com/groups/RotaryMarketsAtStMarys/ Websites: rotarystmarys.org.au OR rotarymtdruitt.com.au

INTERNATIONAL comedy star, David Strassman, will have audiences in stitches with his hilarious brand new show “iTedE”. iTedE is an uproarious take on our technology-laden lives. The sharptongued Chuck Wood and loveable Ted E. Bare have been thrust into the world of social media, constantly on their iPads and iPhones, not interacting with the real world. With everyone connected to the internet 24/7, will Strassman get them back under control?

Strassman’s most technically advanced stage production yet, iTedE introduces new technology that brings the world’s most advanced puppetronics to the stage.

Combined with cutting edge lighting and jaw-dropping production,

33

Strassman and his well known puppet characters will bring mayhem and theatrics to a set designed by one of New York’s most renowned stage designers, Luke Cantarella.

Since his early performances in the 1990s, Strassman has been embraced in Australia and completed numerous television appearances as well as his own show on Channel Nine called ‘Strassman’, with subsequent series on ITV England and TV3 New Zealand. iTedE will be sure to delight audiences with side-splitting comedy, jaw dropping puppetronics and a visual feast on stage. It’s the ultimate great night out.

Fri 4 Mar & Sat 5 Mar 7pm Penrith Panthers Book at www.penrith.panthers.com.au or 1 800 061 991.

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

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

The a mbiguity of headlines are often good for a laugh.

Here’s a small collection.

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates With thanks to Mary from fro om o m tthe Major Oak

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hunting guide (7) 5 Jobs (7) 9 Rehearsed (9) 10 Forest god (5) 11 They decide what goes in a magazine (7) 12 Teach (7) 13 Well-kept (9) 15 Speed competitions (5) 17 Head of a city (5) 19 Nightstick (9) 22 Invigorate (7) 25 Bringing two people together (7) 26 Silk-cotton tree (5) 27 Lacking in refinement (9) 28 Pushes forcefully (7) 29 Braids (7)

DOWN 1 Dinners (7) 2 Inaptitude (9) 3 Things done (7) 4 Without ceasing (9) 5 Mooch (5) 6 Savior (7) 7 Additional (5) 8 Roads (7) 14 Things needed to accomplish a task (9) 16 Elements (9) 17 South African mongoose-like animal (7) 18 Rescinds (7) 20 Pertaining to the most populous country (7) 21 Cancels (7) 23 Outcast (5) 24 At the ends of fingers (5)

solution 11/2/15

CHARITY GOLF DAY SUNDAY 6TH MARCH

FRIDAY 11TH MARCH In support of Ronald McDonald Family Room Nepean

7am tee off

MAIN EVENT 2PM

Includes: Green fees, breakfast roll & 2 course lunch, raffles available. $80 ticket Book at Club.

Limited tickets available. Book early.

Tickets are now on sale for THE RUMJACKS on 26th March in JA room

Jumping Castle from 12pm, Kid’s disco & tattoos

CAMERON MATHER from 2pm

Authentic Irish venue, good food, and winner of multi Guinness awards for pouring “THE PERFECT PINT”

ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY

10AM CAMERON MATHER

2PM LENNY DUFF

6PM BLACKWATER

St PATRICK’s DAY

RAFFL E

9PM SHAYLEE WILDE & THE CELTIC GYPSIES

1st Prize $5000 2nd Prize $1000 Tickets $10 each - Drawn 8pm on the 17th March Winner notified by phone

36

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

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Biggest classical muso gathering comes to Hydro THE largest gathering of professional classical musicians ever in the Blue Mountains will add an extra layer of sumptuousness to a world-famous icon when The Metropolitan Orchestra performs at the Hydro Majestic Hotel this year.

Guests can immerse themselves in the delicate strains of the 32-piece string ensemble playing Little Serenade for Strings by Rojas, String Serenade by Dvorak and Tchaikovsky’s String Serenade conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams at Cocktails & Serenades during the first of three concerts on Saturday, March 12.

The sumptuous pairing of the Dvorak and Tchaikovsky string masterpieces filled with purity, beauty and passion will lift the spirit.

Composed just five years apart and written at positive times in each of the composers’ lives, these joyful and evocative serenades will be complemented by Rojas’ fresh and vivacious work, rounding out a sublime musical evening.

The exquisite concert program will be accompanied by a lavish cocktail and dining package.

Escarpment Group general manager Ralf Bruegger said, ``The Hydro Majestic is the perfect backdrop to the Majestic Concert Series, with its elegant historic venues, sweeping landscape and delicious food. ``As well as harking back to the Mark Foy days when everything was luxury on the largest scale, these concerts featuring musicians of the highest calibre at such a fantastic venue is reminiscent of the grand concert halls of Europe. ``We’re not just putting on a concert. We are creating an occasion.’’

The second concert, featuring more than 50 musicians like the third, will be performed at the Majestic Winter Ball, which will officially launch the Yulefest season for the Hydro Majestic Hotel on June 18.

Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Orchestra

The event will include a three-course dinner package and the music program will feature O’Boyle’s Rhapsody on a theme of Mendelssohn, Horn Concerto no 1 by Strauss, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Symphony no 4 Italian

by Mendelssohn.

The final concert will be Symphony Under the Stars on November 19 featuring Mendelsson’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Overture, KatsChernin’s Ornamental Air (for basset

clarinet and orchestra) and Symphony no 7 by Beethoven. Guests will also indulge in a sultry evening of canapes and cocktails followed by a twocourse dinner.

Under the baton of founding artistic director and chief conductor SarahGrace Williams, The Metropolitan Orchestra comprises Sydney’s most dynamic musicians and is recognised as one of the country’s most versatile orchestras delivering accessible, firstclass and vibrant concert experiences.

The orchestra’s seven-year history features a star-studded array of highlight concert and/or album performances with the likes of Sumi Jo, David Helfgott, Marina Pior, Anthony Warlow, Elaine Paige, John Farnham with Olivia Newton-John, James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Vocal Ensembles Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Chamber Choir, Figaro and members of Opera Australia and Children’s Entertainers Lah-Lah and Buzz.

The orchestra has been involved in special events such as BBC’s Blue Planet and Planet Earth in Concert, Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular, Opera in the Vineyards, the National Rugby League grand final; and sailing the high seas as resident orchestra aboard the Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts.

TMO has commissioned, presented and recorded world premieres by several Australian composers and has workshopped new works by Paul Stanhope, Stuart Greenbaum, Matthew Hindson and James Humberstone.

Cocktails & Serenades will be held at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath, at 7pm on March 12. Cost: $145pp includes 4-hour cocktails and canapes package, $55pp show only. Bookings and details: www.hydromajestic. com.au for more dining, event and accommodation details and bookings.

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

38 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

No need to search to hear timeless hits

By Kerrie Davies

THE SEARCHERS emerged as part of the 1960’s MerseyBeat scene along with The Beatles, The Hollies, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Gerry and The Pacemakers.

Their distinctive jangling sound of the twelve string guitar and the rich harmonies embellished with their immaculate vocals have without doubt assured The Searchers of a lasting place the history of popular music throughout the world.

Frank Allen spoke with Nepean News ahead of the western Sydney leg of their Australian tour, which will see the band playing at Rooty Hill RSL on March 5.

“We love being in Australia, amongst other things the weather here is fantastic,” the British performer said.

“So far on the tour we’ve played in a few country towns ahead of heading to Sydney and the reception has been fabulous!”

Frank said audiences can expect a fun-filled show that explores the history of the band, tribute songs to those they’ve toured with and lots of interaction.

“I enjoy every minute of presenting our show. My favourite song to perform would have to be ‘When you walk in the room’,” Frank said.

“I’ve had many highlights during my career, but the stand outs would be performing at Wembley Stadium with Cliff Richard in 1989 to more than 80,000 people, the Royal Variety show and of course our New York tour where we did six shows a day, seven days a week!”

From their early beginnings in the late fifties as a skiffle group formed by John McNally and a bunch

of friends, through the heady days of the sixties as teenage idols, The Searchers have comfortably settled into a position well deserved by a band whose sound has influenced some of the most important artistes of our generation.

The hit songs were “Sweets For My Sweet”, “Sugar And Spice”, the Jackie DeShannon remake of “Needles And Pins” and “When You Walk In The Room”, “Love Potion Number 9”, a cover of The Orion’s “Don’t Throw Your Love Away”,

“Someday We’re Gonna Love Again” and “When You Walk In The Room”.

THE Searchers have contributed enormously to the British music industry, with record sales well in excess of 45 million and were the second group from Liverpool, after The Beatles, to have a hit in the U.S. when “Needles and Pins” charted.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the performance at Rooty Hill RSL, Saturday March 5, bookings 9625 5500.

The Vicary family Michael with baby brother Jack on horseback.

They would muster the cattle from the winery at Luddenham to Warragamba to graze.

Mum Aileen behind hubby Jack (Norman) fishing at Warragamba after muster 1947

G

RAPE vines were first planted in Australia at Sydney in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet. After many attempts and disappointments the successful growing of grape vines was acheived. Although Phillip Schaeffer was the first private vine grower, credit is given to Gregory Blaxland (one of the three explorers who conquered the impenetrable Blue Mountains) as one of the first to produce wine of reasonable quantity and quality in 1816. He was also the first person to export wine to London in 1822 and was awarded a silver medal.

The property at Vicary’s Winery was originally part of a much larger grant made by John Blaxland grandson of Gregory Blaxland and he named the property “Luddenham” after his home village in England.

Many of the original buildings still exist on the property these include the farm house circa 1860, with the woolshed and shearers quarters having been built prior to 1890. At this time the property was used principally for cattle and sheep with the wool being shipped to England.

When Cecil Vicary took over the property in 1916 he converted the woolshed to a dairy and planted the vineyard in 1918. The first wines were made in 1923 and the winery opened for business.

Cecil’s grandchildren, Michael, Jack and Peter Vicary learned what hard work was all about as kids as they spent many hours working the family business.

“In 1962 I was nine years old when we moved to Luddenham and we were milking cows out the back at my grandfather’s diary,” remembers Michael Vicary.

“A typical day began with a 4am start - I’d go help Dad (Jack Vicary Senior) milk, then I’d walk a mile and a half to the house only to then walk another two miles to get the bus at Luddenham and get to school.

“After school I’d repeat the walk home and then help milk, feed the cows and plough the paddocks until dark.

“The weekends presented even more work to be done. It was a great lesson on working hard to get ahead,” Michael said.

After Jack Vicary Senior passed away in 1970, Michael Vicary ran it for another year - he was just under 18 years old.

The winery is now owned by Chris Niccol a Roseworthy Graduate Winemaker who has worked at a number of wineries throughout Australia including the famous Minchinbury winery near Rooty Hill.

In 1996 Chris introduced his Heron’s Wing range of wines and in 1999 the first “Kosher” wines were made for the Jewish market. The wines are well recognised throughout the industry and this is evident by the number of medals received at various national wine shows.

Sydney wineries are now on the increase with new vineyards and wineries being established. In fact several vineyards are reliant on the winery to process their grapes.

Michael Vicary is still very active in keeping the Vicary name entrenched in Penrith. His concreting company has played a major role in the creation of the ABCO centre, AMF bowling Alley and many other things in Penrith from footpaths in the new Glenmore Rise to Tilt Panel Buildings.

His company, Artisan Concrete can be contacted on 4774 0507.

39 19 February 2016 2015 Issue 169 143 Nepean News 25

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I’m interested in buying off the plan but scared of ending up with nothing. Can this happen?

CHANGES in legislation in November 2015 have made a huge leap in protecting off the plan purchasers. Previously all off the plan developments would include a ‘Sunset Clause’ – which meant that if after a certain date the development was not built, the developer or the purchaser could choose to rescind the contract.

The buyer receives their deposit back, but no other costs are covered (solicitor

or conveyancing fees, for example).

The problem with this was that some developers realised they would make more money by hanging on to the land, and building and selling at a later date once property values had risen. Developers were being accused of delaying work, activating the sunset clause and then selling the second round of proposed apartments at a higher price – one which the original

buyers may well not be able to afford.

Following a series of high profile cases where developers failed to deliver – and where buyers believed they were deliberately stalling for time – the rules around sunset clauses were changed. The new legislation prevents developers being able to pull out in this way. The developer has to get permission from the buyer to rescind the contract. If the buyer does not

agree, the developer will need to apply to NSW Supreme Court to explain why they do not want to go ahead with the development. The court will then decide if any termination is justified.

Buyer will still be able to rescind after the sunset clause date if they choose to do so. To save yourself any grief down the line I would always recommend checking the developers’ record as far as you can.

Australia is spending more than we are earning With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

IN my last article of 2015, I wrote about ways to reduce our personal debts. Now the federal and state governments are focused on reducing their debts and expenditures as the whole country now has escalating debt.

The federal government is now borrowing $100 million every day to help pays its bills.

The current hot topics are major reforms to the taxes system, GST rates, superannuation and welfare spending.

Major changes are necessary for two main reasons.

Firstly, tax revenue from your major exports of coal and iron ore have collapsed due the dramatic decrease in demand (mainly from China) and the prices these exports are achieving.

These exports helped keep our economy out of recession since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. That nice ride is now over!

Secondly, the percentage of

people who actual pay more tax then they receive in welfare benefits is constantly reducing. I was shocked to hear that we will shortly only have 50 percent of adults as net tax payers.

This means that 50 percent of all the adults in Australia receive more welfare than they pay in taxes! This includes pensioners, the disabled, the unemployed and family assistance etc.

Our aging population is also a major drain on welfare and medical expenses.

This is total unsustainable for the future of our great country. This is why the government needs to extract more taxes and revenue from the economy and are trying to do so in various ways. One target is the large multi-national corporations. The government is trying to get them to pay their fair share of tax here, rather than sending most of their profits overseas. This is a harder to achieve than it sounds though.

Other topics of discussion are to reduce tax deductions in superannuation contributions and negative gearing (net losses) benefits

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

for investments in property and shares. Our superannuation system is one of the most generous in the world and is designed to encourage most of us to be self-sufficient in retirement.

Negative gearing is also designed to encourage us to invest for our long term benefit.

These two benefits however cost the government (which means you and all the tax payers) billions of dollars each year and the economy simply can’t afford to do this anymore. These and other benefits need to only be targeted at the people who need the assistance the most, not multi-millionaires who’s standard of living wouldn’t decrease if some the generous benefits were removed.

Possible changes to negative gearing benefits may include only allowing benefits on the purchase of new properties and changes to how depreciation is calculated. It is a pretty safe bet to say any changes will only apply to properties purchased from a future date and not backdated. If you are think of buying an investment property, it may be better to do so

sooner rather than later so you don’t get caught out. If any change is announced, I can see that there will be a rush from investors. This will simply push up prices again due to the increased demand which is not the smartest time to be buying of course.

One of the reasons the government allows negative gearing of properties and deductions for depreciation of investment properties is to increase the supply of housing. This makes renting cheaper and generates a very large amount of employment in the direct construction and indirectly with the supply of goods and services for new dwellings.

Any major reduction to the demand from investors to buy new property will increase rents and impact on higher unemployment. The government does not want either of these things to happen of course.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166 207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au

41 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

Wanderers back on top

By Chris Layland

THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers regained top spot in the Hyundai A-League after a 1-1 draw against rivals Sydney FC in the Sydney Derby on Saturday night.

Dario Vidosic opened the scoring for the Wanderers in what will be one of the best team goals of the season and they were unlucky not to take a lead into half time after an unfortunate own goal to Scott Jamieson.

The second half was more of an even battle with both sides having chances to win the match without converting.

Tony Popovic made a number of changes to the starting line-up defeated by Wellington last Sunday, with the most significant perhaps Liam Reddy being handed a baptism of fire in place of Andrew Redmayne.

And the former Parramatta Power shot-stopper played his part in an enthralling first-half encounter in which Reddy came up with a series of big saves, most notably to deny David Carney after the midfielder was released one on one.

The Wanderers dominance of possession has been one of the cornerstones of their success this season but Popovic was been eager to point out the side’s efficiency on the transition last week and it was a vintage counter attacking goal that broke the opening ten-minute arm wrestle.

Sydney were nearly in on goal at the other end through Holosko but a quickly taken release from Reddy found Andreu who launched a sublime raking ball to Mark Bridge on the left. Bridge’s perfectly weighted cross glided between the opposition centre backs and met by Vidosic who glanced a sensational looping header over Vedran Janjetovic to notch his second Sydney Derby goal of the season.

The technique from Vidosic was first-class, and reminiscent of Jaushua Sotirio’s disallowed goal against the Sky Blues on the same ground back in Round 3.

Vidosic’s opener rattled Graham Arnold’s side and the Red & Black might have doubled their lead when Dimas found himself free in the box after some nervy defending, but curled his shot over with his weaker left foot.

Sydney steadied the ship before half-time and managed to equalise when Alex Brosque’s flick was diverted goal wards by Scott Jamieson.

In the second half neither side were able to replicate the energy and excitement of their first half display with the match stagnating into a tense half with limited opportunities.

Panthers netballers primed

Panthers Premier League netballer Vanessa Mullampy, Penrith Mayor Cr Karen McKeown, Montana Geyer and Claire Shirvington.

PENRITH City Council has partnered with the Panthers Premier League Netball franchise in their inaugural season of the Netball NSW Premier League competition (NNSWPL).

The NNSWPL is a new netball competition to attract the best current and emerging talent within NSW. Its purpose is to offer a local, elite platform for players, coaches, officials and administrators, and provide bridging opportunities in to the Australian Netball League (ANL) and subsequent ANZ Championship.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said this is a great opportunity for the junior players in the Penrith area.

“This competition creates a new pathway for the junior elite players of the area and showcases the talent of Penrith, the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury regions,” Cr McKeown said.

“Penrith is known for its elite athletes in many sporting fields and netball is no exception. The Panthers Premier League Open team Captain, Paige Hadley, is an Australian representative and played her junior years with Penrith District Netball Association”.

“Penrith City Council is proud to partner with the Panthers franchise and wishes them the very best for the season ahead, we will be cheering on every step of the way.”

The NNSWPL will be contested across two Divisions – Opens and Under 20s – with a PreSeason tournament scheduled from 2 March through 23 March 2016, followed by the commencement of the 14-week regular season beginning 18 April 2016. The Finals Series will be contested over three weeks, with the Grand Final currently penned for week commencing 22 August 2016.

Panthers fans face loyalty test

By Noel Rowsell

PENRITH basketball fans will soon be forced to decide their loyalties for the 2016 season, with all of the senior players headed elsewhere as the local Association runs Youth League as it’s premier level.

The majority of senior players have roster spots wrapped up at other clubs in the Waratah Championship League, with Louis Brandt at the Sydney City Comets, Nic Pozoglou and Svetomir Gavrilovic both with the Bankstown Bruins, Jarrod Sorenson with the Illawarra Hawks and Noah Cleur with the Hornsby Spiders.

Rhys Daley and Cameron Day have both headed back to State League, with Daley at Hawkesbury and Day at Hills District.

Penrith will also have three players in this year’s South East Australian Basketball League

Former Panther and Sydney Kings NBL development player Ben Kearins (with ball) has never shied from a challenge - photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

(SEABL) competition, the largest interstate sporting competition in Australia.

Angus Brandt will suit up for 2014 & 2015 premiers the Mt Gambier Pioneers,whilst Ben Kearins and Madol Chol will both suit up for 2015 grand finalists, the Albury Wodonga Bandits.

All three players have been with the Sydney Kings NBL squad for the 2015/16 season and are sure to make significant impacts at their respective SEABL clubs.

The SEABL competition tips off on April 1, with the Pioneers hosting the Canberra Gunners and the Bandits on the road to meet the Dandenong Rangers on April 2 and Frankston Blues on April 3.

The Waratah Championship, State and Youth Leagues all tip off on March 5.

BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists.

BOUNDING: Won her short course heat with the greatest of ease. She’s particularly effective in the early part of a preparation so keep an eye out for her when resuming for Team Snowden.

CAPITALIST: Followed in the footsteps of Slipper winner Vancouver by trialling against older horses. Boy, he went well, leading then coasting to the line behind English. Could have won if serious.

ENGLISH: Turned in close to the best trial of the session – again! Gai’s Golden Slipper placegetter was ridden quietly then charged down top-flight juvenile Capitalist in the final stride.

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE: Ranks with the best of Gai Waterhouse’s gallopers at headquarters. He’s a ripper sort and there was stacks to like about his fast finishing third in a recent heat.

GOOD STANDING: Doesn’t lack size and his trial win over 1050m bodes well for later in the prep. One of the Gooree gallopers operating out of James Cummings’ yard.

HAPPY CLAPPER: Is an imposing individual and the Pat Webster giant only strolled around for sixth in a heat over 837m. Aiming for the Doncaster after winning Randwick’s Villiers last Christmas.

MARAM: Is a million dollar yearling so she was entitled to get the job done in the last of 22 heats on February 19. Untroubled scoring so Peter and Paul Snowden almost certainly have her set first run back.

PROMPT RESPONSE: Speared around Randwick’s inside circuit in dashing fashion, winning by three panels. Looks ready for a big return under Gai Waterhouse’s guidance.

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45 Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

sport

46

sport

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

BEHIND THE STUMPS

WITH STEW MOSES @THERIFFMARN

Wins over Hawkesbury and Sutherland has Black Cats on the Brink of Securing Finals Spot.

A seventh consecutive win over Round 14 opponents, Sydney University in a two-day game at Howell Oval starting this Saturday, will confirm Penrith’s place in the finals.

Wins over Hawkesbury and Sutherland in the past fortnight, not only sees the Black Cats share top spot in first grade but also has Penrith primed to capture their third club championship title, having increased their lead to 102 points, with four out of the five grade teams now sitting in the top six with two rounds remaining.

Penrith retained the Bayliss-Kershler trophy easily in their Round 12 clash versus Hawkesbury at Howell Oval. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Hawkesbury were dismissed on Day 2 for 268 runs with Jake Wholohan (3/48) and Max McNamara (3/56) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Penrith chased down the total in just the 66th over, with John Di Bartolo’s rapid fire 100 off just 81 balls setting up the win, with contributions from Tom Kohler-Cadmore (64), Luke Morrissey (32) and Matthew Hopkins (31).

After the game Penrith coach, Steve Small praised his side’s win but added the side will need to improve how they start games against the better teams, especially after rain hampered their pre-game preparation.

“We didn’t have much of a warmup as we had only fifteen minutes before we had to start the game instead of getting in our usual hour warmup,” Small explained.

“We started pretty slow and our first session wasn’t where we’d like it to be (dropping some catches early on).”

“But in the second session we pulled it back and I think we bowled 30-40 overs for about 60 runs so I think was a pretty good effort in the end.”

Penrith followed that up with what has been described

by Small, as one of the club’s great wins with a two run win over club championship rivals, Sutherland last Sunday, which may have come at a cost with the club’s best bowler, Josh Lalor, who was making his return from a side-strain injury, succumbing to the very same injury after bowling just 2.2 overs.

“It’s one of the great wins the club has had,” Small said.

“Chasing 380 v Easts was pretty special in the club’s history but the wicket at Glenn McGrath Oval was the flattest wicket of all time and being down our best bowler, I think you’ve got to give the team plenty of credit for this win.”

“We stayed in the grind which is something our bowling and fielding does really well,” Small explained.

“Lunchtime they (Sutherland at 2/150) were in a pretty sound position.”

“The second session we took 5 for 96 which set us up but then it went down to the wire.”

“Hopkins dropped one (a catch) on the boundary and I thought that’s the ball game.”

Matthew Hopkins, seen here in action v Hawkesbury, top scored last weekend against former club, Sutherland.

Photo: 77 Media

“But next ball the Sutherland batsman chipped one straight back to our bowler Ryan Smith and there it was, a two run win.”

The game was significant in that NSW under 17’s opener, Ryan Hackney (Player #208) who at 16 years and 220 days, replaced Jordan Silk as the club’s youngest ever first grade debutant, scoring 48 runs.

Penrith, after winning the toss and electing to bat scored 342 with Matthew Hopkins, playing his former club, top-scoring with 75 while Kohler-Cadmore scored 50 in his last innings for the club.

Having been in a strong position at tea at 4/246, Matthew Halse (39) and Ryan Smith (37) lifted the Black Cats from a perilous 8/273 but it the failure to capitalise starts into big scores that disappointed Small.

“We probably should have got another 20 or 30 with the bat,” Small said.

“A few blokes got 40, 50, 70 but no one got a hundred so we probably erred a little bit there.”

“We need to be a little more ruthless out there especially with the games we’ve got coming up.”

With the ball, Max McNamara again led the way with the ball, taking 4/72.

Another Semi Final Loss for the Black Cats Penrith may have white-washed Sutherland in all five grades last weekend, but were unable to defeat them the previous Sunday in the Poidevin-Gray Shield semi-final at the same venue.

Batting first, Penrith started slowly, conceding eight maiden overs before finishing the innings strongly to post a respectable 7/227 with Hackney (71) and Sammut (66) the main contributors with the bat.

However Sutherland secured their spot in the final after losing just three wickets in passing Penrith’s total with nearly four overs to spare.

As One Black Cat Departs Another Returns From the Wilderness Tom Kohler-Cadmore completed his stint with the Black Cats last Sunday, scoring 533 runs in total at 59.2 and taking a handy seven wickets across all competitions at 37.9.

But on the same weekend, O’Reilly Medallist, Pat Jackson, made the stunning decision to come out of retirement, playing second grade where he took 2/34 with the ball and scored 18 with the bat.

If the comeback succeeds, Jackson’s experience and all-round ability makes him the perfect replacement for the English import.

Hinkley Century Fails to Secure Win for the Lady Cats Penrith’s Lady Cats continue to have mixed results.

First grade’s struggles continued with losses to Gordon (by 5 wickets after being dismissed for 98) and St-George Sutherland (by 66 runs, chasing 266) in the past fortnight.

Penrith’s loss to St George-Sutherland was made all that much harder with Naomi Stalenberg’s unavailability but captain Mikayla Hinkley played one of the innings of the summer, to score her maiden century (107 from 99 balls) having earlier taken 2/51 with the ball at Howell Oval.

The Lady Cats remain in 7th position, having won just three from eighteen games played.

Second grade didn’t play at all during the past fortnight having had the bye beore last Sunday’s clash against leaders, St George-Sutherland was washed out.

Currently in fourth position, the Lady Cats remain on track to secure a finals spot. #LoveTheCats

sport

Di Bartolo’s timely return to form

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

FOR most batsman playing Sydney Grade Cricket, having three centuries in twelve rounds against your name normally indicates a dominant season with the bat.

But for Penrith’s John Di Bartolo, his third century of the summer against Hawkesbury, in fact ended a run of outs since his Round Three century versus Eastern Suburbs given the opener had not achieved a score over 50.

Despite the lean trot with the bat, Di Bartolo refused to abandon his unique aggressive style of batting.

It’s definitely good to get some runs again and it’s always special to score a hundred at home,” Di Bartolo said.

“Once you’ve got a formula you know that works you’ve just got to play to those strengths and block out the weaknesses.”

“If you stay true to yourself and not pre-meditate you’ll get runs and today just shows the last few innings I’ve pre-meditating a bit and it hasn’t been working.”

“Today it was good to not worry too much and finally spend some time in the middle and get some runs again.”

The ecstasy of Di Bartolo’s third century of the summer...followed by the agony of being dismissed next ball - again. Photo: 77 Media

While Hawkesbury’s tail may have frustrated the Penrith bowlers, Di Bartolo said it actually played a part in his ability to get some runs.

“It gave me time to get some nerves out of the system,” Di Bartolo said.

“A fresh day you always have nerves early on so it was good to spend some time out there in the field so to get used to the conditions and see how the pitch is going to play so you know you need to bat.”

Having reached a relatively sedate 27 runs off 35 balls at lunch, Di Bartolo took advantage of some poor Hawkesbury bowling after lunch to bring up his century off just 81 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes.

“They just kept bowling boundary

balls so you just play them on their merits and if it’s there to be hit you hit it,” the aggressive opener explained.

“I won’t say I tried anything special.”

“I just I played to how they bowled and they kept bowling boundary balls.”

Having effortlessly scored 72 runs off just 46 balls for his century shortly after lunch, Di Bartolo as he did in his last century against Easts, was again agonisingly dismissed next ball when an even bigger score was at his mercy, a fact not lost on the century-maker.

“All the coaches were saying to me that it happened earlier in the year when I got a hundred and got out next ball,” Di Bartolo explained.

“They said make sure you try and

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work those singles and don’t do anything silly.” “(Instead of trying to play the big shot as he done so against Easts) I tried to work the single but instead I just happened to chop on, so once again I got out straight after getting it.”

“It happens but I just wish it didn’t happen to me.”

“I could have got 150 today which would have been nice but anyway I’ll take the hundred and definitely won’t be complaining about that.”

With UK opener, Tom KohlerCadmore now returning home for pre-season duties with Worcestershire, Di Bartolo says the timing of his century couldn’t be better with the finals looming, especially batting with regular opener, Luke Morrissey.

“Tommy (Kohler-Cadmore) went to the skip (Matthew Halse) during the week and said how about we start preparing for me going and put Moz (Morrissey) up to opener,” Di Bartolo confirmed.

“Obviously we’d done that earlier in the year and it’s a good formula that we have.”

“He has this temperament where you take it easy and feel relaxed so it was good for me today to get back out there with Moz.”

Nepean News 25 February 2016 Issue 169

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Thursday, 25 February 2016

sport

HARPO’S MARKS

WHEREAS the early settlers on Norfolk Island spent seven years at hard labour, I spent seven days of peace and tranquillity on the Pacific Ocean atoll in the week before Christmas.

Norfolk’s population at the moment hovers around 1500 and 120 of those are members of Norfolk Island Golf Club which is superbly situated in the historic Kingston precinct where the first and second convict settlements were established.

Despite its size, Norfolk Island caters for a large variety of sports.

These include rugby league, cricket, athletics, pistol and clay target shooting, squash, mini-golf, fishing, kayaking, trekking, netball, lawn bowls, pony club, Touch, tennis, paintball and archery.

Rugby League has been played on the Island since “around 1910-12” according to one of the old-timers I met over a few schooners at Norfolk Island Rugby League Club.

The club’s secretary-manager, Kim Davies, says currently there are currently no senior sides but the junior ranks are as strong as ever.

“Obviously because of our population

we can’t field a multitude of teams but we put two teams onto the paddock each week in under 7s, under 10s, under 14s and in open schoolboy competitions,” Kim said.

AND I was surprised to learn that Norfolk Island boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest cricket ground.

The MCG and Sydney Cricket Ground are blow-ins compared to Norfolk Island’s Kingston Oval – “ The G” hosted its first match in 1855 and the SCG in 1877!

Whereas according to the meticulously kept diary of Ensign Abel Dottin William Best of the newly arrived 80th Regiment, cricket had been played at Kingston Oval since at least 1836.

In his diary, Best stated that a game was played between his regiment and the 50th Regiment on October 10, 1838 and mentions that the 80th Regiment had been practising on the pitch for two years.

BUCK Rogers was bucking out of his skin when he rang to tell me rugby league has returned to Londonderry.

The Londonderry Greys will campaign in the 2016 Penrith Junior District Rugby

League season and will field teams in the under 6s, under 14-15s, under 17s and A Grade.

League in Londonderry was last played more than two decades ago and Buck and his colleagues have been unstinting in their efforts in resurrecting the game in the village.

Buck wears many hats with the Greys – president, club and first grade coach.

Richmond Greyhound Club is the new club’s major sponsor but others putting in their hard earned to help the club get up and running include greyhound studmasters, John Carruthers (Magic Sprite) and Anthony Azzopardi (Smooth Fancy), Drew Galea Carpentry and Brad Evans Electrical.

The Greys’ home ground will be Londonderry Oval and the first training run of the season will be held at the oval at 7pm on Tuesday, February 2.

Anyone interested in playing or supporting the club in any way should contact Buck on 0417 255 394.

HIGH MARKS: Buck Rogers and the Londonderry Greys.

LOW: Nick Spurious. He should wear boxing gloves to bed!