Nepean News 25 January 2023 DIGITAL

Going, going, gone – apply now for your vouchers

Stuart ayreS MP, Member for Penrith is encouraging parents of primary school-aged children to download the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $500 Before and after School Care (BaSC) voucher by 31 January 2023.

the NSW Government’s $155 million BaSC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 305,000 vouchers have already been downloaded by parents. Of these, more than 219,000 have been redeemed at a BaSC service to help families with the cost of care. Parents have until 30 June 2023 to redeem BaSC vouchers at a participating service.

Stuart ayres said the 31 January deadline is quickly approaching however once downloaded, parents may use the voucher up until 30 June 2023.

“these vouchers can be used towards before and after school care and also for vacation care over the holidays.

“We know the Before and after School Care vouchers help to ease financial pressures for our local hardworking parents,” Stuart ayres said.

In addition to the BaSC, parents are reminded that they can now access $150 worth of vouchers through the Premier’s Back to School NSW program, giving a boost to household budgets

“Parents, guardians and carers, including foster carers, can apply for three $50 Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers per child, which can

be used at registered businesses towards items including bags, shoes, prescribed textbooks and lunchboxes.

“applying for the vouchers is quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes using the Service NSW app, on the phone or by visiting a Service NSW Centre.”

the Premier’s Back to School NSW program is one of more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program.

To apply or find out more information about BaSC vouchers, visit : https://www.service.nsw. gov.au/basc-voucher and for the Back to School NSW vouchers: www.service.nsw.gov.au/backto-school-vouchers

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644

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Larry Davis 0432 062 643

Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777

Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202

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Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113

Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844

Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893

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An American friend of mine recently posed a question to me. “There’s an expression that Aussies use that’s a bit confusing to me. What is the meaning when y’all say ‘yeah-nah’?”

“Well,” I replied, “it’s neither a full yeah or a full nah. It’s almost like a third option. But it’s more of a nah than a yeah.

“And the circumstances in which we use it can vary also. It can be out of politeness, where we add a pointless yeah because it softens the blow of the nah.

“A direct nah can be too harsh if not accompanied by a yeah prefix.

“It’s also used to accentuate a nah. A nah on its own is just saying no to a question. A nah with a yeah in front of it is still a nah, but with added info. The yeah in the front can represent any of the following; absolutely not, how bloody ridiculous or I can’t believe you asked that question.

“Does that make sense my Texan friend?”

Yeah-nah would have been the perfect response from him at that point.

But only an Aussie would understand that - he just looked at me and blinked repeatedly.

What surely must seem batcrap crazy to everyone else, totally unites us Aussies. We have a nationally recognised sub-language that has never been formally taught. But we all know it even if we didn’t realise that we know it. it’s almost like a secret code.

It’s shortening everyone’s names or giving them a nickname.

It’s giving everybody else the credit even when you know you were the hero of a situation.

It’s asking people “how’s it going?” but not actually needing an answer.

It’s discussing the weather with people you don’t know from a bar of soap. “Beautiful day” and “This bloody rain” are acceptable replacements for hello.

And it’s unleashing your inner bogan on Australia Day and being proud to be an Aussie, the most unique breed in the world.

This time of year will always bring up debates on appropriate dates and changing the flag and anthem and we’ll be a bit divided on that.

But the one thing we won’t be divided on is that we live in the Lucky Country and there’s nowhere in the world like home.

Would you want to be anything other than an Australian?

Yeah-nah!

Community and place funding to deliver for Penrith Aboriginal Community Project

Stuart ayreS MP, Member for Penrith has announced that yana yirabana aboriginal Corporation will receive a grant through the NSW Government’s inaugural Community and Place funding program.

The first round of the landmark Community and Place Grants Program will provide $20.5 million in funding across the State to solutions-focused projects that immediately engage and benefit aboriginal communities.

Stuart ayres said yana yirabana right here in Penrith will receive $90,000 for their “Many Voices” project to help deliver real benefits and connections for our local Aboriginal community.

Yana Yirabana meaning “walk this way” will encourage Aboriginal people to seek assistance with health, family support and culture.

“I’m delighted that yana yirabana can now get on with starting up and working closely with our local aboriginal people,” said Stuart ayres.

rodney Matthews of yana yirabana said we welcome this funding that will enable us to get

in and consult with the growing local aboriginal community and get them the services and supports they need and making sure they are heard.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the Community and Place funding program is delivering tangible local benefit and impact to aboriginal communities against Closing the Gap targets, while also recognising that aboriginal communities have the solutions to issues in their community.

“This is a terrific and unique program that will put important funding in the hands of Aboriginal groups who best know how to bring about improvements and opportunities for their community,” Mr Franklin said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government knows that by investing in local community initiatives we will significantly increase the likelihood of NSW achieving our targets under the National agreement on Closing the Gap.”

For more information on the Community and Place grant program, visit the aboriginal affairs NSW at www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

New scheme to provide protections against domestic violence

Anew scheme to help people find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence offences will be launched across New South Wales by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

The Right To Ask Scheme will provide the opportunity for NSW police to disclose information to a person who is a potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposed scheme would be based on the UK’s Clare’s Law and would empower people at risk of domestic violence to make informed decisions about their relationships.

“There are simply too many heartbreaking stories of women and men being seriously hurt or murdered in circumstances where the perpetrators had a history of prior domestic and violent criminal offences that they didn’t know about,” Mr Perrottet said.

“None of us want to see a loved one scarred by domestic violence and wishing they’d known their partner’s history sooner.

“We cannot continue to have women being killed in our community so we need to have new approaches, new thinking and new policies to back up our record domestic violence support funding.

“This is not the only solution to the growing domestic violence issue facing our state and many communities across Australia but if it saves one life then it will have been worth it.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said NSW was the first state in Australia to trial a domestic violence disclosure scheme in 2016.

“The dating landscape has shifted considerably

since then with more and more people accessing dating apps and dating outside known friendship circles,” Mr Toole said.

“We want to take the lessons from the experience in NSW and other jurisdictions around the world to develop this scheme with input from safety advocates that empowers people who may be at risk of domestic violence.

“This is an opportunity to help people go into relationships with their eyes wide open. It will allow them to make more informed decisions about continuing a relationship, moving in with someone or making them a part of their family, particularly where children are involved.”

The new scheme will be designed with input from domestic violence organisations. It will enable a person who may be at risk to apply through an online portal or phone line to access information about their partner and be accessible in multiple languages.

NSW Police will approve any information before it is provided, with strict privacy controls in place including criminal penalties for malicious applications.

The service would also facilitate a referral to domestic violence support services where required.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said there was no single solution to addressing domestic violence.

“Our priority is to protect a woman’s right to be safe in a relationship which is why the Liberal and Nationals Government has committed record funding to prevention and support,” Mrs Ward said.

“We’ve also passed affirmative consent

legislation, outlawed coercive control and expanded our primary prevention campaign Make No Doubt because we are addressing domestic violence at all stages.”

The scheme will be reviewed following 12 months of operation.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has a proud record of initiatives and investment to support Women’s safety including:

• $426.6 million to expand the Core and Cluster initiative, to deliver and operate new women’s refuges that will support up to an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year. This is the largest funding commitment ever made to the domestic violence sector.

• There have already been 39 new refuges announced as part of this program. This is on top of the 86 government refuges currently operating.

• Doubled Domestic and Family Violence leave for NSW Government sector employees from 10 to 20 days.

• Landmark laws to criminalise coercive control in intimate partner relationships and nation-leading affirmative consent, with the new laws commencing on 1 June this year.

• Introduced five new jury directions to address common misconceptions about consent at the same time releasing state-wide plans to address domestic, family and sexual violence that will respond to and align with the National Plan.

• Banned self-represented people accused of domestic violence in criminal and related proceedings from directly cross-examining domestic violence complainants.

Expansion of electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders

A Re-eLeCTeD NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will commit $20 million to expand the use of electronic monitoring for more domestic violence offenders across NSW to help keep victimsurvivors safe.

This funding commitment will see up to 200 new devices made available as part of the Domestic Violence electronic Monitoring program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said more high-risk domestic violence offenders will be electronically monitored around the clock through this expansion.

“Victim-survivors and their families deserve to be able to go about their daily lives knowing there are significant protections in place to keep them safe from people who have harmed them in the past,” Mr Perrottet said.

“electronic monitoring provides an extra layer of

protection for domestic violence victim-survivors and their families.

“This extra investment will enhance our ability to provide this protection, ensuring the movements of more offenders are closely monitored to help keep victim-survivors of domestic violence safe and out of harm’s way.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said further consultation will occur with domestic violence advocates, legal stakeholders and the NSW Police on this expansion.

“We’ve seen successful examples in other states of how this program can be rolled out, including Project Vigilance in Tasmania, which saw great success with the electronic monitoring of highrisk and persistent family and domestic violence

offenders,” Mrs Ward said.

“We are always considering new and innovative ways to increase women’s safety. This expansion of electronic monitoring builds on our already record investment in initiatives to help prevent and support victims of domestic violence.”

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said electronic monitoring is an important tool particularly for parolees.

“We’ve had great results using technology to monitor offenders 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure they are complying with court orders and this expansion will build on that success,” Mr Lee said.

The Domestic Violence electronic Monitoring program applies to offenders released on parole and those sentenced to an Intensive Corrections Order.

Labor will build a high school in Jordan Springs

By KeRRI e DAVI e S

MeMber for Londonderry, Prue Car said an elected Minns Labor Government will build a new public high school for families in Jordan Springs.

The high school would be partnered with Jordan Springs Public School as its feeder school, ensuring all children growing up in Jordan Springs will have both a local primary and high school to attend in their suburb.

“Land will be secured for the high school in the Jordan Springs east precinct, where there is vacant land still available,” Ms Car said.

Ms Car said the school will be built to cater for at least 1000 students and master-planned for future expansion as needed.

“Jordan Springs Public School currently has more than 900 students enrolled, making it larger than most other public schools in the Penrith region. This demonstrates the clear need for a local high school in the suburb,” Ms Car said.

“It is the number one issue raised with me by families in Jordan Springs and I couldn’t be prouder to announce that a Minns Labor Government will deliver it.

“I fought alongside the community to get Jordan Springs Public School up and running, and I’m just as determined to get this high school built.

“The fact the current Liberal Government says a high school in Jordan Springs isn’t needed shows they have lost touch with the community and a fresh start is needed.

“The community has made their voices heard about the clear need for a high school in Jordan Springs and only Labor will build it.”

Nsw parents set to save on preschool in 2023

Parents across nsW are set to receive cost relief on their preschool fees with savings of up to $4,220 a year, thanks to a landmark investment from the nsW Liberal and nationals Government.

For the first time, parents whose children attend preschool programs at Long Day Care settings will enjoy subsidised fees, following the introduction of the new $1.3 billion start strong affordable Preschool Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and nationals Government will ease the cost-of-living pressure for families and ensure more children receive high quality early education.

“research has shown that preschool is where the building blocks for lifelong success are established. It is vital that we can support families in accessing quality early childhood education,” Mr Perrottet said.

“this investment shows that the Liberal and nationals in Government are committed to ensuring families across the state have brighter futures and less pressure on wallets.”

treasurer Matt Kean said investing in our youngest learners makes economic sense.

“every $1 invested in early childhood education delivers a $2

boost to the nsW economy,” Mr Kean said.

“We’re reducing stress for families across nsW by providing fee relief on this important part of their child’s growth and development.”

Minister for education and early Learning sarah Mitchell said families can now save up to $4,220 per year depending on where their child attends preschool.

“the nsW Liberal and nationals Government has been providing significant fee relief for families attending community and mobile preschools for the last two years,

and from this year fee relief will be available for more families than ever before,” Ms Mitchell said.

“this government is investing in the futures of our children at a level never seen before and in a way that also helps parents with the household budget.”

From this month, all nsW families will be eligible for:

• up to $4,220 per year in fee relief for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds attending a community or mobile preschool,

• up to $2,110 per year in fee relief for 4 and 5-year-olds attending preschool in a long day care setting

on top of their Child Care subsidy payment, and

• the equivalent of 5 days a fortnight of affordable preschool fee relief for all children in Department of education preschools.

to access the start strong 2023 preschool fee relief, parents are encouraged to speak to their service today. Families enrolled in a community preschool or long day care service must complete a declaration form and nominate one service from which they would like to receive the fee relief.

the nsW Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood commitments announced as part of the 2022-23 budget to deliver a brighter future for every child in nsW.

through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the affordable Preschool fee relief, the nsW Liberal and nationals Government is ensuring nsW is the best state to live, work and raise a family.

You can find out more about the early Years Commitment on the Department of education website.

Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy improves chances of walking and quality of life: study

TesTing in the newborn period is more effective than conventional clinical diagnosis pathways for improving health outcomes in infants with the rare genetic disease.

Children with spinal muscular atrophy (sMA) are more likely to walk, be more functionally independent and free of respiratory and feeding support when screened, diagnosed and treated shortly after birth, according to a new study conducted at sydney Children’s Hospitals network (sCHn) by UnsW sydney researchers.

Significantly, the findings show newborn bloodspot screening (nBs) for sMA, coupled with potential to access disease-modifying therapies, is correlated with greater motor milestone acquisition with those diagnosed before the onset of symptoms reaching regular childhood developmental milestones. The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, is one of the first to investigate the effectiveness of nBs for sMA beyond clinical trial populations.

“The research shows the effectiveness of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy in the broader population,” says the lead author of the study Dr Didu (sandi) Kariyawasam in the school of Clinical Medicine, UnsW Medicine & Health, and a paediatric neurologist at sCHn

“it’s an important study for building the evidence base that newborn screening is an approach that leads to better health outcomes for children with spinal muscular atrophy and is impactful enough to justify widespread adoption,” says Professor Michelle Farrar in the school of Clinical Medicine, UnsW Medicine & Health, and a paediatric neurologist at sCHn

Early diagnosis means early treatment sMA is a childhood-onset motor neuron disease. Left untreated, it is a potentially fatal genetic condition caused by a missing or faulty sMn1 gene, which leads to progressive muscle weakness and wasting in babies – limiting their ability to move and sometimes feed and breathe independently.

Clinicians are usually only able to diagnose and treat sMA after symptoms have appeared. By that point, many have already and irreversibly lost up to 90 per cent of their motor nerves, which is why earlier detection is vital.

“Until recently, sMA was the leading genetic cause

of infant mortality worldwide. Many babies born with the severest infantile-onset form of the disease – type 1 sMA – died before their second birthday,” says Dr Kariyawasam.

nBs programs test for a range of rare, treatable conditions as early as possible after birth – even before symptoms appear. While there is currently no cure for sMA, recent advances in the effectiveness of genetic treatments have opened the possibility for a test for sMA to be included in newborn bloodspot screening.

“While the development of genetic therapies has been crucial, having a proactive model for early diagnosis is equally as important as an intervention,” says Dr Kariyawasam. “The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier treatment can begin, which is where newborn screening comes in.”

Newborn screening improves health outcomes

For the study, researchers followed 15 children diagnosed with sMA using nBs (screening group) and 18 children diagnosed by clinical referral (comparator group) for two years from diagnosis. Children within both groups had the potential to access disease-modifying therapeutics.

The two-year survival rate was 93 per cent in the screening group and 89 per cent in the comparator group. But of the survivors, 11 could walk independently or with assistance in the screening group, compared with just one child diagnosed via a traditional clinical pathway.

“even though they are younger, the newborn screening group were almost always more functionally able and had fewer co-morbidities than those in the comparator group who were older,” says Dr Kariyawasam. “it shows that changing the paradigm of diagnosis to being more proactive can improve the lives of children born with spinal muscular atrophy.”

The study found the need for respiratory and feeding support was also seven times less in the screening group.

“The burden of care and the morbidity of sMA was drastically lower in the newborn screening group, which has a huge effect on the quality of life for children and their families,” says Prof. Farrar.

Babies screened for nBs have better health outcomes than those with a later clinical diagnosis. However, forty per cent of the screening group in

the study already had signs and symptoms of sMA within the first six weeks of life, showing how early the disease can start.

“Those with disease onset who get therapeutic intervention continue to gain motor skills, but we do see signs of weakness, the need for feeding and breathing support, compared to those who are treated before signs and symptoms,” says Dr Kariyawasam.

The researchers say nBs for sMA reduces clinical uncertainties that come with delayed diagnosis and help to identify the right treatment pathways.

“nBs for sMA allows us to provide more precise care and set realistic expectations about the likely health outcomes, which can help families deal with some of the uncertainty that comes with such a shocking diagnosis,” says Prof. Farrar.

Research changing rare genetic diseases since 2018, more than 400,000 babies have been screened for sMA in the nsW nBs program. NSW was the first jurisdiction in Australia to pilot testing for sMA in the nsW nBs program and has since committed $1.3 million annually to ongoing screening.

From 1 July 2022, parents of all new babies born in nsW and the ACT are offered free tests for sMA within 48-72 hours of their baby’s birth. sMA screening has now been recommended by the Australian government to be rolled out nationally with support from the research team, who will help develop standardised guidelines.

However, nBs for sMA is still only available in a handful of countries worldwide. The researchers estimate fewer than 5 per cent of newborns are screened for the condition.

“This study helps to build the evidence that newborn screening is an approach that helps achieve better health outcomes for children with sMA and can encourage other countries to adopt it as a standard of care in their country,” says Prof. Farrar.

The research team are also investigating the viability of other genetic diseases to be incorporated into nBs programs.

“All the work is a multidisciplinary effort between scientists, screening clinicians and allied health, demonstrating that clinical research can make a real positive difference to the lives of children and their families,” says Dr Kariyawasam.

Cash back for Sydney drivers

Money will start hitting the bank accounts of sydney motorists in a matter of days with the nsW government’s Toll Relief Rebate scheme now open.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said drivers from sydney’s western suburbs would be the biggest winners of the scheme.

“We are putting more money back in the pockets of nsW families particularly those across Western sydney who use our world-class motorway network,” Mr Perrottet said.

“From today, half a million drivers across our state will be able to get up $750 back on their tolls which will provide a boost to their household budgets.

“This is all about making moving around our city as easy as possible,

and thanks to the nsW Liberal and nationals long-term economic plan, we’re able to provide relief to drivers at a time when they need it most.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the number of people benefiting from the new scheme would more than double and include everyone from families to professional drivers and pensioners.

“once a driver spends $375 on tolls in a year they will be able to claim the 40 percent rebate up to that $750 limit,” Mr Kean said.

“Pensioners can claim that cash along with free car registration and a free driver’s licence as we help them drive their pension dollars further.”

Rebates will be backdated to 1 July 2022 with the first payment expected to be made within days of applications being received.

This is just one of more than 70 cost of living rebates initiated by the Liberal nationals government and another example of providing practical, simple and tangible savings for household budgets.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads natalie Ward said drivers across Western sydney from Rouse Hill to Liverpool will benefit from the scheme.

“We know Western sydney families, workers, tradies, and truckies are amongst the biggest users of our motorways because of the time savings they deliver,” Mrs Ward said.

“now, not only will they still be able to enjoy the travel time savings, they will be getting money back on the trip costs as well.

“This scheme is for every driver across nsW but we’re particularly

encouraging those in Western and south Western sydney to apply and take advantage of the savings on offer.”

Minister for Customer service Victor Dominello said eligible motorists need to register through their Myservice nsW account to receive the rebate.

“Motorists wishing to claim the rebate simply need to link their toll account to their Myservice nsW account when lodging their claim. Payments will then be made directly to their nominated bank account,” Mr Dominello said.

“Anyone needing any assistance can call 13 77 88 or visit a service nsW centre.”

For more details on the new Toll Relief scheme please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/ toll-relief-rebate-scheme

2022 Museum of Fire Art Competition

By Noel Rowsell

t the start of 2022, the team at the Penrith Museum of Fire selected “Floods” as the theme of the year’s art competition.

In the previous two years, the competition had paid tribute to the terrible bushfires of 2019-2020 and, more recently, the resilience the community showed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These topics all reflect how difficult the last three years have been and whilst the artworks created by the children could have reflected a very pessimistic or gloomy view of the world around them, instead many of the artworks included messages of hope for the future and showed there is always hope. When the decision for the 2022 competition theme was made, staff at the MOF were reflecting upon the impact of the March 2021 floods on both the Museum and local community. Everyone hoped that the year ahead would bring with it a much-needed break from the trials of the previous years.

Despite all those hopes, we jump forward one year to January 2023 and we are once again reflecting on a year that was severely impacted by floods. the Museum was located within a

Aflood evacuation zone, which meant it was forced to close and staff waited with bated breath until they were able to return to the Museum and assess any damage. Luckily, on each occasion, the Museum had minimal damage and that was thanks in large part to the preparation work by the heritage team ahead of each evacuation.

“Our team at the Museum have seen firsthand the efforts of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to protect the community and aid in reducing the impact of the floods, as well as the important work undertaken in the aftermath of a flood to aid the community in recovery and re-building activities,” said Ella Murtagh, Assistant Curator.

“Both the SES and FRNSW also play an important role in not just the rescue of individuals during a crisis but they work to promote community awareness around preparation ahead of a crisis and in the aftermath.

“the artworks on display in the Museum illustrate these important tasks and represent the hope that comes with seeing a rescue worker approach someone in need. To reflect this element showcased in so many of the children’s works, our team selected the theme of ‘rescue’ for the 2023 competition.

“As we enter a new year and look

forward to a brighter future, we have much to be thankful for. Despite the hardships of recent years, the Museum is still operating and going stronger than ever. We would like to say a big thank you to all the parents and children who have helped grow the art competition into the success it is today.”

the winners from last year’s Art Competition have been on display in our main exhibition space this past year and will soon be added to our permanent collection with the artworks from 2020.

The First Place Grand Prize Winner was presented at the conclusion of the ceremony by the Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres, with the winner, Year 6 student Stacey Yip (Artwork titled ‘Flood Rescue Operation’), receiving a $200 Museum voucher, an Officeworks art prize, a perpetual trophy and having her artwork become part of the Museum’s permanent collection.

“My drawing illustrates the brave actions of our firefighters in rescuing and evacuating flood victims in NSW,” said Stacey.

FRNSW were also represented at the event by Acting Commissioner Megan Stiffler and Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.

Megan presented the FRNSW Commissioner’s Choice Award

Hills and will also be added to the Museum’s permanent collection. Phoebe describes her artwork: “Rainbows show hope after the floods and storms”.

Other winners - 2nd place: Elyssia Christiansen, Year 6, ‘Saving those Who Are in Critical Danger, Sailing Away’, People’s Choice Award and Heritage team Award: Aarav Sharath Akshaya, Year 5, ‘Live and Let Others Live! A tree that Stay, Flooding it Away!’; CEO Award: April Kear, Year 4, ‘Destruction’; Curator’s Choice Award: Sammy Burkhart, Year 6, ‘Blue Branches’; Age Group Highly Commended: Year 6: Sammy Burkhart, ‘Blue Branches’; Year 5: Aarav Sharath Akshaya, ‘Live and Let Others Live! A tree that Stay, Flooding it Away!’: Year 3-4: Diya Vinoth Kumar, ‘Flood of Fear’; Year K-2: Phoebe Madden, ‘The Rainbow After the Storm’.

to get a closer look at the winning artworks and the rest of the shortlisted entries from 2022, go to www.museumoffire.net/artcompetition-2022-shortlist

to the winner Phoebe Madden (Kindergarten) for her work ‘the Rainbow After the Storm’, where she received a FRNSW gift pack from the Museum. Phoebe’s artwork will be displayed in the Emergency Services Academy at Orchard

Stacey Yip being presented with her 1st Place Grand Prize Winner alongside the Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres

(L to R) Museum of Fire CEO Belinda McMartin holding April Kear’s artwork, FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell holding Aarav Sharath Akshaya’s artwork, SES Commissioner holding Elyssia Christiansen’s artwork, Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres holding Stacey Yip’s artwork, FRNSW Acting Commissioner Megan Stiffler holding Phoebe Madden’s artwork.

Australia’s first

suffering from traumatic brain injury and their families will benefit from a new research initiative based at Concord Hospital, the first of its kind in the country.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the australian Veterans’ Brain Bank, officially launched today, will lead to better health outcomes for service men and women by increasing understanding of the impacts of repetitive head injuries.

“the establishment of the australian Veterans’ Brain Bank is a significant step forward in advancing the understanding of the long-term effects of head trauma among veterans,” Mr Hazzard said.

“this service will be able to provide more accurate diagnoses for loved ones of late veterans who have pledged their brains to research and improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain disease during life.”

The Australian Veterans’ Brain Bank, the sister organisation to the Australian Sports Bank, will work in partnership with the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare (nCVH), which is located in Concord Hospital’s new clinical services building built as part of the nsW Government’s $341 million redevelopment.

The brain bank is a collaboration between the nCVH and royal Prince alfred Hospital’s Neuropathology Department.

Minister for transport, Veterans and Western sydney David elliott said research into the impacts of brain trauma and injury would be driven by those delivering care to veterans.

“this will help health professionals gain better insights into the long-term impacts of brain injury on veterans while also supporting healthcare workers to

Brain Bank in Nsw

Opened in 2019, the NCVH is the first Australian service to combine specialities to meet the complex needs of the Australian veteran community. The specialist team includes Psychiatry, Pain Medicine, rehabilitation Medicine, Drug Health, Clinical and neuro-Psychology, Physiotherapy, exercise Physiology, Dietetics, Occupational therapy, Diversional Therapy, Social Work and peer support.

Both brain banks were founded by Royal Prince alfred Hospital’s Head of neuropathology, Associate Professor Michael Buckland.

“The Australian Veterans’ Brain Bank aims to expand our understanding of the long-term impacts of head injury, including any association with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (Cte), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease,” associate Professor Buckland said.

“We would like to encourage veterans to pledge their brains to help us further that research.”

Medical Director of the national Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare Dr Cameron Korb-Wells said the partnership will lead to better health outcomes for veterans.

“We work very closely with veterans and veteran organisations to ensure we continue to understand veterans’ healthcare needs and provide the best possible support,” Dr Korb-Wells said.

be better prepared in the future care of our service men and women,” Mr Elliott said.

“Through this Australian-first collaboration, researchers hope to increase awareness of the potential impacts of head injury among veterans, their families and the organisations that support them.”

Donated brains will be stored at the Brain and Mind Centre at royal Prince alfred Hospital with research being carried out between there and the NCVH.

For more information or to register for brain donation, please visit www.veteransbrainbank. org.au

Damien Thomlinson, AVBB Ambassador

Good ole-fashioned Aussie

›

As flash as a rat with a gold tooth

› It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick

› He’s got a head like a beaten favourite

› Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane

› She’s got a kangaroo loose in the top paddock › He was grinning like a shot fox › He’s as fat as a butcher’s dog › Feeling as crook as Rookwood › She’s up at a sparrow’s fart

› That’s about as rare as rocking horse poo

›

Off like a brides nightie

› She’s done the Harold Holt

› She shot through like a Bondi tram

› He’s lower than a snake’s bum

› She can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles

› I’m so hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider

› I’m busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition › She could eat a toffee apple through a tennis racquet

- (applied to buck teethed women)

› My throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage › She’s got a face like five miles of unmade road

› As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem.

› As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike › He’s as reliable as a two bob watch › His language was so bad, he’d make a warfie blush › Fits like a bum in a bucket › She’s as thick as two short planks › He’s so fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him

Q: What is the difference between an Australian wedding and an Australian funeral?

A: One less drunk at the funeral

Q: Why do kangaroos hate rainy days?

A: Because their children play inside.

Q: What did the necktie say to the Akubra Hat?

A: “You go on a head mate, I’ll just hang around.”

I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record. Bit bloody ironic is it not?

Authorised by Chris Bowen MP, ALP, Fairfield West

A river of memories

HOW about this for a blast from the past? Summers of the last few years have been varying temperatures but the locals of Penrith past were swimming at the Nepean River weir back in 1981.

Today the river is still abuzz with activity on a hot summer day. You’ve got kids jumping from Tarzan style rope swings into the river, risking their necks by climbing up high trees to jump into the water,

and families relaxing under the shade of the breezy trees.

Another batch of water sports that are still popular on the river includes rowing and canoeing. Head out to the rowers club on any weekend morning, just after the sun raises its head over the Nepean Valley, and you’ll see a small armada of rowers powering up and down the river.

In 1951 the first 100 mile canoe marathon started at the weir on Nepean River and went all the way along the Hawkesbury to Singleton. Although this route is now congested by motor boats and the river

has had many changes since then, you can still see the passion for rowing, boating and canoeing that the river inspires.

Across the next 12 months we’ll have the opening of the new pedestrian bridge over the river. Hopefully after that we will see more visitors to the city to take part in the Great River Walk around the beautiful natural waterway Penrith was settled besides.

This summer take advantage of our natural assets and go for a dip in the river, enjoy the river walk or simply lay down a picnic rug and enjoy a good book in the shade of the river bank.

By Keegan Thomson

Canoes getting ready to take off at the weir for the 100 mile marathon. Photo: Memories of Penrith facebook

Swimmers dipping at the Nepean River weir. Photo: Memories of Penrith facebook

AUSTRALIA DAY 26 January

THE COFFEE BREAK

By TOMAS (PADDY) HAMILTON

I watched them as they shuffled past, from the coffee shop

Their weary hands were trembling, but they didn’t spill a drop Finding an empty table, they eased into a chair

Totally oblivious, to others sitting there

They clinked their mugs so gently, sharing a salute And softly said “i love you”, their voices almost mute

The shoppers seemed to drift on past, without a second glance Ignoring in their daily haste, this scene of quiet romance

They spoke of that long distant past, when luxuries were few As we were transported back, to a world that we once knew Where mateship was a fact of life and your word a binding law

And we read about our heroes, who lived in days of yore University was for the rich, or the very smart If your old man was in the know, you might just get a start Nursing was the sole demain, of the fairer sex Split shifts and bed checks, they were often nervous wrecks

Every child learned to swim, when they started school

No one had ever seen, a private in-ground pool

If the copper caught you wagging school, he’d really make you pay

With a swift kick up the arse and tell your dad next day

No macca’s there in those days, the colonel was a rank And you had to strain the tadpoles, from the water tank A movie was a well earned treat, at the local picture show And the hero always saved the day, how i’ll never know

They gazed across the food court, as if looking for a friend Perhaps to share a memory, or another ear to bend But their voices became silent, with nothing more to say So they both pulled out their i-phones and merrily scrolled away

2023 January What’s On Events

Event Name : History Festival

Event details The Nepean District Historical Society will be holding a History Festival at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum on Thursday 26th January 2023 at Emu Plains, NSW from 10am to 3pm. Admission is free.

There will be special displays in the Inn telling the history of the building and the Penrith area.

There will be activities for the young and old - including the old

fashioned school room where you can write on slates

There will be a Tea Room, Sausage Sizzle and Soft Drinks for sale.

Time: 10am to 3pm

Venue Address: Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Cnr Gardenia Ave and Great Western Highway, Emu Plains

Contact phone or website for public enquiries: Call 02 4735 4394 on opening days or email info@ armsofaustraliainn.org.au www.armsofaustraliainn.org.au

AUSTRALIA DAY 26 January

Where did the Aussie accent come from?

ONE element of the Australian story that is often overlooked is the linguistic history of the Australian accent. It is a harsh accent with lots of hard sounds and unique abbreviated colloquialisms, but where did it come from?

The story is cemented into us from the fourth grade of school: The First Fleet of lawbreaking convicts from across the English Isles made their way into Sydney Harbour to start up the new colony of New South Wales.

From the second the convicts set foot on Australian shores they started chatting. They probably spoke about the rough ride over, the crappy food, the rats they had to share their beds with and most important the weather. You had convicts from Scotland talking to thieves from London’s East End and petty criminals from the highlands of Wales. They all started mixing their accents, words and phrases from the get go.

Professor Catherine T. Best is the Chair in Psycholinguistic Research and Director of Research at the MARCS at Western Sydney University. She has studied accents and the difficulties of learning a second language. Her research has helped her better understand the linguistic history of the Australian accent.

Prof Best says there are many elements to what made the contemporary Australian accent what it is today and they all date back to the First Fleet.

“The first English speaking people to come to Australia came from all over the United Kingdom.

They were criminals and their overseers from across the British Isles,” Prof Best said.

“Within the UK there are very marked accent differences and in Australia these accents came together.

“Here people were thrown together with all different accents and vocabularies and told to work productively together. To do this they needed to communicate. When people come together in that way they start developing a similar lingo overtime so they can community effectively,” she said.

Prof Best says there is evidence to show the Australian love affair with shortening words into colloquial abbreviations comes from the first convict settlers.

“This tradition has some connection to secret word play that convicts would have used to cover up criminal activities and talk to one and other in code,” Prof Best said.

“The tendency to make Australian abbreviations, like calling an electrician a sparky, comes from these

Before British settlers came to Australia there were hundreds of Aboriginal tribes living across the continent. Their history, language and culture has had many impacts in the way the Australian accent has developed.

“There were many tribes of Indigenous people who worked with the English settlers in many productive ways. As a result everyone tried to learn each other’s languages,” Prof Best said.

“By sharing the terminology and subtle changes of the pronunciation of some words the changes to an in-between pronunciation that is mixed between a British English and an Indigenous accent.”

The subtle language elements that the Indigenous people contributed to the Australian accent is similar to that of Australia’s new wave immigrants.

Listen in and you can hear the three main Australian accents spoken across the country. A broad accent, spoken by someone like actor Paul Hogan, an educated accent, spoken by the previous Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a more general accent that is spoken in major cities.

These three main accents also have subtle changes that can also be heard across state lines and in different regions.

“Informally there is a ‘Westie’ accent,” Prof Best said.

“It isn’t a broad Australian accent but it has features that distinguish it from the general Australian accent spoken in, say, Gosford,” she said.

It is difficult to figure out where the Australian language is going but if we listen in extra hard we might be able to hear the changes.

By Keegan Thomson

abbreviation codes and cockney rhyming slang.”

Sudden Death

By

ACoronial inquiry by Arthur Judges in July 1907 on the death of Hutley Sunderland (better known as ‘Yorkie’) who died suddenly aged 60 years. He was born in 1847 at Yorkshire West Riding in England. At St Peter’s Bradford Cathedral in Yorkshire in September 1872 he married Charlotte Ann (Crosland) who was born in Sheffield in 1851. In 1883 the family came to Australia as assisted immigrants on the “Gladstone” arriving in October with their sons Abraham 10, Samuel 6 and James Henry 3 years. Hutley’s occupation in England was a “Wool sorter” and Charlotte’s was a confectioner, both could read and write. In 1889 Hutley was living at 25 Centre Street at Redfern still working as a wool sorter, but the rest of the family returned to England in the late 1880’s along with Charlotte (Jnr) who was born here. There was no post-mortem and no possessions. At the inquest George Love said he was a labourer and travelling, he had seen the body lying in the hospital morgue and knew it as the body of Hutley. George said he was camping with a friend and first saw Hutley at 6 am when he came to their camp under the Nepean Bridge. He was sober and could converse plainly but complained of feeling very cold and he went to their fire standing almost over it for about 10 minutes then he staggered back and fell on the back of his head, but he thought “Yorkie” had fainted. He could see that “Yorkie” was very ill and while his mate ran for water he borrowed a bicycle and went to the police station and saw the sergeant and returned with a constable to the camp. George said that “Yorkie” had been up all night, but he had no time to tell them anything about himself before he had the bad turn and was unconscious when he returned with the constable. The constable asked him and his mate to watch “Yorkie” while he went for a cart, when he returned with Constable McLean they lifted “Yorkie” up and tried to walk him and he seemed to rally, so they sent for a little whisky for him which he drank. George said he then left to have his breakfast. About a quarter of an hour later Constable McLean told him that “Yorkie” was dead. Next, Herbert Facey a traveller corroborated the previous witness’s evidence and James McGrath said that he was a clerk and lived at Emu Plains and recognise the body as that of Hutley who had been in the employ of Magrath Brothers as a wool classer for about 18 years and he had known him for all that time. James said “Yorkie“ lived at the works and a fortnight ago he had a week off because of chest troubles and during the last week he complained of shortness of breath that became worse when he stooped down. James thought he was a married man, although he would never say anything about his affairs and he had no relatives in the State or any property and he spent it as he made it. James said he paid him his wages at midday yesterday and he seemed alright and the last time he saw him alive was at 11 am when he was lying on the riverbank and he was present when “Yorkie” died there. He thought he had been out all night that was not an uncommon

thing with him, but last night was particularly cold and under the circumstances he was sure that everything was done by the police but in the end it was of no use. Constable McLean said that from something he heard on the morning, he went under the Nepean Bridge in the company with Constable Parmenter and James McGrath and he saw Hutley Sunderland sitting under the bridge and he was suffering from the cold and shivering, when Constable Parmenter took “Yorkie” by the arms and walked him about in the sun, he then gave him a glass of whisky and he appeared to come around and remarked that “he didn’t know what came over him but that he was coming round”. The Constable told him that they would take him to the hospital but “Yorkie” didn’t want to go and said that he would get home after he had a few minutes sleep, so he laid down on a bag in the sun for about five minutes and then he asked him, “How do you feel now?” and told him they would let him go down to the camp if he could, and “Yorkie” got up and started to walk about, rubbing his hands and saying that he was feeling alright, but then he sat down for a while and immediately started to shiver again. Constable Parmenter got on his horse to go for a vehicle to take “Yorkie” to the hospital, but he died before the conveyance came. Constable McGrath had “Yorkie’s” body taken to the Nepean Cottage Hospital Morgue. He knew “Yorkie” had said nothing regarding where he had been the night before, and that he had known Hutley for 18 years and had heard that he had been in a similar state of collapse. He searched the body and found 5/8d in money and other sundries, also letters addressed apparently from his wife and family in England. Dr Frederick Charles Higgins said he was a qualified medical practitioner and Government medical officer for the district and had made an external examination of the body of Hutley Sunderland, and from the evidence heard he thought that he had died from sente lobar pneumonia that was very fatal to alcoholics as he had the appearances of having been a drunkard and suffering from kidney troubles. The finding of the inquest was ‘That Hutley Sunderland, at Penrith, on the 7th July, 1907 died from sente lobar pneumonia. Evidently death was accelerated by alcoholism and exposure”. His younger son Sergeant (Gunner) James Henry at the age of 19 enlisted at Newhaven, England in WW1 into the 25th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery and at the age of 39 he died in November 1918 of bronchial pneumonia in the 14th General Hospital in Tourgeville and is buried there in France.

Sources: Nepean Times, NSW Births Deaths & Marriages, Australian Registers of Coroners´ Inquests, NSW Assisted Immigrant Passenger Lists-1828-1896, England & Wales Civil Registration Marriage Index, English 1881 census, Sands Directories-Sydney 1858-1933, Commonwealth War Graves 1914-1921 Tourgeville Military Cemetery Tourgeville France, Ancestry, Find a Grave website, UK British Army WW1 Service Records 1914-1920.

 Photo shows the grave of James Henry

Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

Best in the West Song Contest

Expression of Interest now open - applications close 10 March

Presented by the Joan’s Open Fridays

Best in the West is the Joan’s new singersongwriter competition hosted by Open Fridays.

We know that there are some highly talented writers and musicians in our area, and we want to give them an opportunity to develop their skills, demonstrate their ability, and showcase fantastic lyricists in the region.

Plus, we’re also giving away a prize pack valued at $2500 to one lucky winner!

FORMAT

the contest will be held on one Friday every month from March to June with five different

performers every session. the best song from each round as voted by the audience will progress to the Grand Final where a panel of judges and industry professionals will decide which song is the Best in the West!

REQUIREMENTS

An original song written and performed by you live.

Ability to perform the song on one of the dates below and at the Grand Final if successful in your round.

If you are the overall winner, you will need to be able to perform a set of 40 minutes - 1 hour with a mixture of your originals and covers on an agreed date.

PRIZE PACKAGE (VALUED AT $2500)

A $1000 artist contract

A featured Live and Local performance at Open Fridays

12 hours worth of rehearsal space at the Joan

A stage coaching session

A specialised marketing package

Professional photography and video footage

DATES & TIMES

ROUND 1: 17 March 2023 5pm - 8pm

ROUND 2: 28 April 2023 5pm - 8pm

ROUND 3: 26 May 2023 5pm - 8pm

ROUND 4: 30 June 2023 5pm - 8pm

GRAND FINAL: rehearsal: 25 July 2023 |

Show: 28 July 2023

VENUE the Joan, Penrith

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & SUBMIT YOUR EOI NOW!

Summer Cinema coming soon!

enJOy the last of the warm summer nights at Penrith Council’s free, outdoor summer Cinema series coming to Penrith, st Marys and Kingswood this February.

Bring a picnic or grab some dinner takeaway from a local restaurant as you settle in for a cosy night at the movies. to complete the movie experience there is free ice cream and popcorn for the first 250 people.

Summer Cinema - Penrith

• Saturday 11 February, 6pm-9pm

• Triangle Park, Penrith

• Movie: Night at the Museum (2006)

Summer Cinema – St Marys

• Saturday 18 February, 6pm-9pm

• Coachmans Park, St Marys

• Movie: Shrek (2001)

Your High Street launch + Summer Cinema – Kingswood

• Saturday 25 February, 4pm-9pm

• Wainwright Park, Kingswood

• Movie: Kung Fu Panda (2008)

your High street launch is from 4pm-6pm at the corner of Bringelly road and Wainwright Lane, with live music and free face painting to celebrate the recently completed works. Come and say hello, grab a free fresh juice, then head across the road for summer Cinema from 6pm. Join in for a fun, summer’s night at the movies!

Go to www.penrith.city/events Council’s for more information.

Female focussed projects score funding through nsw Football legacy fund

Stuart ayreS MP, Member for Penrith has announced that local football clubs and players have scored funding as part of a program that will ensure the upcoming FIFa Women’s World Cup 2023tM will leave a lasting legacy on NSW.

the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has kicked off the year in winning style by awarding more than $3.1 million for 100 projects that will benefit football at all levels.

Stuart ayres said Nepean Football association and emu Plains Football Club (ePFC) will receive funding that will go towards participation initiatives, inspiring the next generation of footballers, particularly females across our local community.

emu Plains Football Club will receive $10,000 towards their Females in Football Initiative and Nepean Football association will receive $8,100 towards a program aimed at increasing female coach participation.

Briege Mcauley of ePFC said our club will definitely benefit from this grant as we try to get more junior females involved and it will help us run some programs and purchase new equipment for them to train with.

Stuart ayres said from girls and boys lacing up their boots for the first time to participants in our elite development programs, local players and their sports clubs will benefit from projects funded through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Sport is such an important part of the Penrith community. this funding

is a great example of how the Liberal Government is committed to giving more opportunities to local women and girls to enjoy football.”

Minister for Sport alister Henskens said these projects and programs will ensure the FIFa Women’s World Cup 2023 leaves a lasting legacy for football across the State.

“Having the World Cup on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will inspire young girls and

boys to lace up the boots an emulate their football heroes,” Mr Henskens said.

“With six months to go before the tournament kicks off, there is already an enormous buzz around football and this program will help local clubs capitalise on excitement by running programs that will boost participation in the sport.

“It will also deliver funding to improve infrastructure, creating more

modern and accessible facilities for communities across NSW.”

the FIFa Women’s World Cup 2023 will feature 32 teams competing in 64 matches across australia and New Zealand during July and august with seven games at allianz Stadium and four at accor Stadium, including a Semi Final and the Final.

For further information on fixtures and ticketing, visit the FIFa Women’s World Cup 2023tM website.

Richmond GC hosts sMEG Veterans Open

rICHMoNd GC hosted the SMeG Western Sydney Veterans open on Monday 23rd January, attracting 171 veteran golfers from the district. the tournament was generously sponsored by SMeG appliances, with just under $3,000 in prize money on offer.

The aim of the day was to raise the profile

of the Western Sydney region Veteran Golfers association (WSrVGa) and to encourage more interest and participation in Inter-club events. the tournament was open to any male golfers 55+ years and women golfers 50+ years, from the 8 member clubs of the WSrVGa, but was not restricted to only those members who normally play in the Vets competitions.

Richmond GC provided 50% of the day’s field and perhaps understandably, waltzed away with all of the major prizes.

the winners were: Mens division - 1st alan Wilson (richmond) 37 c/b, 2nd Jose Fernadez (richmond) 37 c/b, 3rd rod dillworth (richmond) 37.

Ladies division - 1st rita Gounder (richmond) 42, 2nd Carmen Salkeld (richmond) 33. the great weather made for good conditions to play in and as befitting the host club of the PGa Seniors Championships, there were many compliments about the condition of both the course and especially the greens.

By Noel Rowsell

Sponsors and players at the SMEG Western Sydney Veterans Open at Richmond GC.. Photos supplied.

The NSW Stars Under 13 Girls hockey team,

featuring Summer Knowles from the Nepean hockey Association, has won a Bronze medal at the 2023 Australian Indoor hockey Championships, finishing in third place behind QLD Fire and QLD Flare.

Summer finished the tournament with 5 goals, 1 x ‘Player of the Match’ award and also the Team Award for NSW Stars, presented by the coach for great leadership and being a fun team member.

NSW Stars defeated WA 101, drew 2-2 with VIC, lost 2-3 to QLD Flare, drew 1-1 with QLD Fire, won 2-0 over NSW Lions and won 9-0 over ACT.

NSW Lions, featuring Addison Wilson from the Nepean hockey Association, finished in fourth place. NSW Lions defeated VIC 2-1, ACT 3-1, lost 0-4 to QLD Fire, 0-3 to QLD Flare, 0-2 to NSW Stars and won 4-1 over WA.

In the Boys division, NSW Lions, featuring elijah eagleton from the Nepean hockey Association, finished in 4th place.

NSW Lions defeated ACT 6-1, lost 1-5 to QLD Shots, defeated WA 1-0, lost 1-3 to QLD Shots, drew 2-2 with VIC and lost 1-5 to QLD Spurs.

By Noel Rowsell

NHA representatives Addison Wilson (NSW Lions) and Summer Knowles (NSW Stars) at the 2023 Australian Indoor Hockey Championships. Photo supplied.

NHA representative Elijah Eagleton. Photo supplied.

You’re invited to the Sinclair Ford Fan Day

Panthers is delighted to invite all members and fans to the Sinclair Ford Fan Day on Saturday 28 January in The Backyard at Panthers Penrith.

By Panthers Media

EvEnt DEtails

saturday 28 January

The Backyard at Panthers Penrith Leagues Club

Time: 2pm – 6pm NRL squad arrives at 4pm

This will be the first opportunity fans have to meet new recruits Luke Garner, Zac Hosking, Jack Cogger and the returning Tyrone Peachey.

the festivities will kick off at 2pm prior to the nRl squad arriving at 4pm.

There will be plenty of fun and activities available for fans of all ages with festivities including:

• Carnival rides and jumping castle

• Petting zoo

• Face painting

• FREE sausage sizzle (while stocks last)

• Dessert trucks

• Pass the Ball

• Live entertainment from Soul Tattoo

• Mascot appearances

aRE YOU a MEMBER?

Premium reserved seat categories are currently between 85-95% capacity. Secure your seats for all the must-see moments of 2023 today. Browse the options available at www.penrithpanthers.com. au/membership/packages/

Tickets on sale for early season blockbusters

By Panthers Media

PanTHERS is delighted to announce tickets for the opening three home games of the nRL Telstra Premiership season at BlueBet Stadium and the Battle of the West trial are now available for purchase via Ticketek.

The reigning premiers begin preparations against their Grand Final opponents Parramatta Eels at 6pm on Saturday 11 February. 2023 members receive free entry. This is a general admission only event with no categorised seating.

The Panthers then welcome their northern hemisphere counterparts to the foot of the mountains with Super

League champions St Helens eager to add another World Club Challenge trophy to their resume. Victory for the home side will deliver the Panthers their first ever World Club Challenge trophy.

as an official nRL event, 2023 members need to purchase tickets to the showdown with St Helens on Saturday 18 February.

The season proper will commence with back-to-back home games

against Brisbane Broncos on Friday 3 March and new-age rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs on Thursday 9 March.

The Round 6 fixture against the Sea Eagles kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday 8 april and is the perfect opportunity for families to experience the atmosphere with the next generation of Panthers fans.

MaKE YOUR DEBUt

Limited premium reserved seat membership options remain for the upcoming season. To secure your place at every blockbuster home game call 1300PanTHERS or find the best option at www.penrithpanthers. com.au/membership/packages/fullseason/