Nepean News 25 November 2022

(L-R) Penrith City Council’s Director City Futures Kylie Powell, Journalist Helen Dalley, Member for Londonderry Prue Car, Penrith Deputy Mayor Todd Carney, and Journalist and MC Juanita Phillips at the Connected St Marys event, held as part of Council’s Positively Penrith Symposium Series.

New Safe Haven

The NSW Government is investing significantly in mental health services in the Penrith and Blue Mountains region, with a new Safe Haven opening to provide support to people who are at their most vulnerable.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said bookings or referrals are not required to attend the new Safe Haven at Penrith.

“The past few years has undoubtedly been tough for so many in NSW, including our Penrith and Blue Mountains communities,” Stuart Ayres said.

“This new Safe Haven is accessible to every single member of our community and offers a calm, welcoming and supportive space for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said “Safe Havens are for anyone in moments of crisis. You do not need to struggle alone and this new purpose-designed centre offers a soothing and safe environment to go, and speak with someone who understands what you are going through.

“This facility is staffed by peer workers who each have their own personal lived experience of suicide and recovery, and are in a unique position to offer emotional support. They are also wellplaced to link people to additional services and support programs,” Mrs Taylor said.

The NSW Government has committed $45.7 million to the Safe Haven initiative as part of

the $143.4 million investment across four years in Towards Zero Suicides initiatives. There are currently 19 Safe Havens open across NSW.

The NSW Government is investing $2.9 billion investment into mental health services as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

The Penrith Safe Haven is delivered in partnership with the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Wentworth Healthcare (provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network) and non government organisation, Neami National.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:

• Lifeline 13 11 14

• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644

Korena Hale 0403 045 880

Larry Davis 0432 062 643

Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777

Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202

Greg Yanda 0425 232 043

Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113

Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844

Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893

Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

From the

Icaught a city train last weekend for the first time in years. Everyone was quiet in my half-full carriage, mostly checking out their phones.

Somewhere between Mt Druitt and Doonside, the silence was interrupted when a fellow stood and politely introduced himself.

“I’m very sorry for the interruption everyone,” he said as he stated he was homeless. “I’ve had no sleep and nothing to eat for a while. If anyone can help with a meal or a shower or warm bed it would be very appreciated. I’m sorry to interrupt your afternoon but I’m at the point where I’m basically living on this train so I am reaching out. God bless and thank you all for listening.”

I looked around the carriage and the reactions from the passengers varied. Some looked sad for him and shrugged helplessly. Others never lifted their heads from their phones. Some laughed and sniggered.

“He should get a job then,” the stranger beside me said to nobody in particular.

Homelessness in NSW reportedly increased by 10 per cent following the peak of the pandemic.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel and I’ve seen that its a global problem.

In Europe there are lot of middle-aged homeless women. I can’t imagine how they ended up in this situation, but I noticed most dismiss them as gypsies.

In San Francisco we stayed at a fancy hotel with a bell man in top hat and coat tails opening doors for us. Ten metres away a family with young children had made a home out of cardboard boxes. The perspective overwhelmed me and I was overcome with embarrassment at the contrast.

Last year we caught a Greyhound bus from Cairns to Townsville. When we arrived at the bus terminal at 6am, homeless people were camped out under the shelter. Security came through calling out that the sun is rising, time to pack up and move on. To my horror, an indigenous couple well into their 80s crawled out from under their makeshift tent, piled their life possessions on to their mobility walkers and shuffled slowly off as directed. I cried all the way to Townsville.

I’m always affected by it, but the reality is my pity does nothing to help them. Charities and government programs are the only hope these people have got. I really don’t know what the answer is, but it certainly isn’t sniggering or dismissing them as people who don’t want jobs.

If you have any ideas on what we can do collectively as a community to help with this increasing problem, please email me: kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

All about convenience: New Coles Penrith

Coles is bringing convenience to local residents with the launch of its new Penrith Westfield store, part of the multimilliondollar transformation of Westfield Penrith.

The new supermarket is complemented by a brand new Liquorland store under the sleek new black-and-white branded format to deliver customers a single, convenient destination for food and drinks.

The 4000-square metre Coles Penrith Westfield store will offer an enhanced shopping experience and allow customers to have their groceries and liquor delivered straight to their car with the store’s Click&Collect direct to boot service – the only Click&Collect service for groceries in the shopping centre.

Catering to busy shoppers, Coles Penrith Westfield features a large range of convenience meals to grab-and-go including delicious curries and lasagnes plus a variety of ready-made sandwiches and salads for quick and easy lunches.

The store’s new deli includes a large range of local and imported cheeses, and Coles’ much-loved RSPCA-approved hot roast chickens, hot roast beef, and hot roast lamb will be available.

In store customers can pick up flatbread, sourdough, and a range of patisseries from the impressive open front bakery. There are delicious mochi, macarons and mini gelato in the frozen dessert bar, and customers can squeeze their own fresh orange juice using the in-store orange juice machine.

Four-legged friends have not been forgotten,

with Coles Penrith offering a pet treat bar which includes a pick-and-mix selection of tasty dog treats.

Coles Penrith Westfield is welcoming 74 new team members, who will be joining an experienced team of 36 Coles team members who have transferred from other stores so they can work closer to home.

Coles Penrith Westfield Store Manager Tim Daley said he was proud to be bringing a brandnew shopping experience to Penrith and for the local community to see the exciting new timesaving features on offer.

“The store has great access to public transport, with the train station and bus terminal just across the road, but now we’re making it even easier with Click&Collect delivered straight to the car. We’re taking convenience to a new level with an easy to shop layout and large range of ready to eat meals we know customers will enjoy after a long day shopping,” he said.

As part of Coles’ goal to become part of Australia’s most sustainable supermarket, Coles Penrith Westfield is donating $2,000 to SecondBite, an organisation Coles has worked with since 2011, helping donate enough unsold edible food to provide the equivalent of 190 million meals to disadvantaged Australians over the past decade.

Coles Penrith Westfield is located at Westfield Penrith, 585 High Street, Penrith and will officially open on Wednesday 16 November at 9.00am. The store will be open 7:00am – 11:00pm daily.

Coles Penrith forms part of Westfield Penrith’s new food and entertainment precinct

Overseas Visitors enjoy Penrith and the Blue Mountains

LocaL Friendship Force members hosted twenty three international visitors from canada and the USa for a week, and enjoyed showing them our home on the Nepean River in Penrith and in the World Heritage Blue Mountains - the best off both worlds.

Friendship Force International is a non-profit organisation focused on promoting goodwill, understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through home-stay journeys.

We met our visitors at Emu Plains Station and held a welcome lunch in the park at Melrose Hall. a week of activities had been planned and organised by club members. In Penrith, we enjoyed good weather as we visited Sydney Zoo, had an sunset evening meal at the Nepean Rowing club, watched the Jannawi Dance clan at the Lewers Gallery and walked over the Yandhai Nepean crossing pedestrian bridge. other days we explored Katoomba, Medlow Bath, Hartley, Lithgow, Mt Tomah and Bilpin.

The organisation was founded in 1977 by Wayne Smith and U.S. president Jimmy carter. Their mission was to promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people. The group follows the philosophy that every friendship formed across the barriers of nationality, language, religion, or politics makes the world a better place.

Like to travel - so do we. When travelling, members become ambassadors for their country, and when we host people from other parts of the world, we are ambassadors, making lifelong friendships and memories. It’s not just a travel club, it’s also about learning about others and becoming friends. There are more than 15,000 members, travellers, and hosts, in 350 clubs in more than 60 countries.

Blue Mountains Friendship Force is our local club and is now in its 16th year. Members from the Mountains and the Plains meet at Springwood four times a year. The club also organises social events and outings for members

throughout the year. Generally we host an inbound International group and an australian Inbound group each year. The flip side is we travel overseas to another Friendship Force club and to another club in australia. Members have just returned from a memorable trip to Perth and plans are underway for a trip to Japan in 2023. More information can be found at the Friendship Force International web site https://friendshipforce.org or visit the facebook page or contact the local club - president on deni-rock@ bigpond.com or the article writer on jafoster@tpg.com.au

See the world through different eyes.

New cyber security course rolling out to Nsw schools

NSW secondary students will be taught the skills of the future with an australianfirst cyber security course developed collaboratively by the NSW Department of Education, industry and cyber Security NSW.

Minister for customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the nationleading program, rolling out to schools across the State, would provide students with a highly immersive experience to strengthen their cyber skills under the 2021 NSW cyber Security Strategy.

“From learning the fundamentals of cyber security and its important impact on day-to-day life to building hardware and gaining hands-on experience with coding, we are preparing our students for future careers in cyber,” Mr Dominello said.

“cyber Security NSW has played an important role in developing the learning programs and

resources which will be used in the delivery of the cyber security topic in NSW classrooms.

“Whether it is learning how data is sent from one device to another, how cyber technology is used in cities and regions, or understanding the importance cyber security has across different parts of people’s lives – as technology grows and evolves, it is important we give students the skills they need for a digital world.”

cyber Security NSW has also invested in the development of cyber city, a complete, opensource platform to help teachers deliver the new cyber security curriculum, including the new iSTEM cyber Security specialised topic.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said iSTEM was a student-centred elective that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“cyber city gives teachers the tools to create

relevant and engaging lessons for students. This is teaching skills beyond just awareness, empowering the future cyber security workforce of australia,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Through hands-on learning and simulations, students will build, maintain and automate essential infrastructures such as hydro dams, power grids or satellite telecommunications on a smart city network in the classroom.

“We want to show our students that cyber security is more than inputting code in a computer, in fact 60 per cent of the industry are not coders.”

The cyber city program is being piloted and will be ready for release in 2023.

Educators are invited to register their interest to participate or integrate the cyber security learning experiences in their classrooms from 2023.

For more information about cyber city, visit: https://cybercity.education/about-us/

Meeting our visitors and a Welcome Lunch at Melrose Park, Emu Plains

Our visitors spent a long time in the Koala enclosure at the Sydney Zoo.

The Jannawi Dance Clan at the Lewers Gallery

With Jon and Deb Wagner on the Yandhai Nepean Crossing pedestrian bridge. Jon is President of the Lake Simco Friendship Force Club in Canada and a Board member of Friendship Force International.

By Jenny Foster

State’s New Chief Cancer Officer visits Penrith

Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and Cancer Institute NSW CEO, Professor Tracey O’Brien visited Penrith as part of a twomonth, state-wide tour of local health districts.

Professor O’Brien, a highly respected paediatric oncologist and haematologist, was appointed the state’s Chief Cancer Officer in July. She met with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) Chief Executive Kay Hyman as well as senior staff from the District to discuss local cancer outcomes and how the Institute can continue supporting the local health district in lessening the impacts of cancer in the Nepean Blue Mountains.

“NSW is recognised as a global leader in cancer care, with survival rates among the best in the world, but there is still much more we can do to lessen the impact of cancer,” Professor O’Brien said.

“However, cancer continues to impact too many people in our community with one in two people across NSW diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

“There are also communities that continue to experience poorer cancer outcomes, including Aboriginal communities, people living in rural and remote NSW and multicultural communities. Working closely with these communities to ensure equitable cancer outcomes is a priority of our state’s new Cancer Plan.”

“In the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, it is projected that this year alone, 2,369 people will be told they have cancer, and 713 people will lose their lives to the disease. Part of the Institute’s work is supporting local health districts to deliver effective, efficient, affordable cancer treatments.

“I’ve looked forward to visiting the region and meeting Mrs Hyman and her team to discuss local cancer treatments, patient care and support, as well as cancer prevention and screening programs. A priority in the NSW Cancer Plan 2022–2027 is the prevention of cancers, which is one of the most effective ways to achieve the Institute’s vision of ending cancers as we know them.”

Mrs Hyman said it was a privilege to host Professor O’Brien and discuss cancer care in the region.

“Delivering expert, compassionate cancer care is our priority and like the Cancer Institute NSW, we are focussed on strengthening the way we support all people affected by cancer, while doing everything

possible to prevent cancers in the Nepean Blue Mountains through continued access to screening and early detection programs, ” Mrs Hyman said.

The Institute has developed a Snapshot Report on Cancer in the NBMLHD which outlines expected cancer incidence and mortality in the region in 2022, the most common cancers and highlights how residents in the district can reduce their risk of developing some of the most common types of cancer.

The NSW Government invests around $175 million each year, through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer care in NSW and lessen the impact of cancer for people across the state.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Chief Executive, Kay Hyman with Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and Cancer Institute NSW CEO, Professor Tracey O’Brien (centre) and NBMLHD Director Cancer Services, Amanda Stevanovic (right.)

Planning pushes forward for Mamre Road upgrade Stage 2

Planning for the future of Mamre Road is moving full speed ahead with the start of site investigations south of Erskine Park Road.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said both Stage 1 and Stage 2 would support jobs in Western Sydney.

“i’m excited to see the start of construction next year on Stage 1 between the M4 Motorway at St Clair and Erskine Park Road at Erskine Park,” Mrs Davies said.

“Stage 2 between Erskine Park and Kemps Creek is also crucial to the Mamre Rd Precinct which will also include 5,200 construction jobs and 17,000 ongoing jobs when fully complete.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads natalie Ward said $10 million in funding will be used to progress a concept design and Final Business Case for Stage 2.

“We’re committed to ensuring the growing

number of people in this region have access to the infrastructure they need into the future which includes an upgraded Mamre Road,” Mrs Ward said.

“Site investigations will begin now for the second stage of the upgrade between Erskine Park Road and Kerrs Road which will connect the Mamre Road precinct to major motorways which include the M4 in the north and the future M12 in the south”.

The community will continue to be consulted and will have their say as part of the planning approval process for the project.

longer term planning will also see the area served by the Western Sydney Freight line, including an intermodal facility.

For more information, go to nswroads.work/mamreroadupgrade

Penrith lights up with LED streetlights upgrade

ThE Penrith local government area (lga) will be a lot brighter over the coming months thanks to Penrith City Council and Endeavour Energy’s partnership to upgrade the non-LED fitted residential streetlights with energy reducing efficient LED fittings across the community as part of the “lighting the Future Together” program.

The changeover will see over 9,800 non-lED fitted streetlights across the LGA upgraded, which is expected to result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across Penrith.

“lighting the Future Together” is the third stage of the “Light Years Ahead” program, which first successfully launched in 2015 with over 140,000 streetlights in the Endeavour Energy network changed over to LED fittings.

it was followed by further success in 2019 which saw Penrith City Council contribute $3.3 million in funding to upgrade 7,738 residential streetlights across Penrith.

Penrith Mayor Tricia hitchen said that the streetlight upgrade forms part of Council’s plan to continue moving towards a more sustainable future.

“Streetlighting is responsible for almost half of the energy consumed by Council and presents a significant opportunity for energy efficient projects such as this one,” Cr hitchen said.

“We are proud of the long-term benefits the lED streetlights have provided for the community, including a significant reduction of 77% of our greenhouse gas emissions and an approximate annual energy saving of $148,000 since 2015. it is expected to save more than $13 million in energy costs over the next 20 years,” she said.

Penrith’s current streetlight network consists of 20,619 luminaires where 9,808 are still fitted with non-LED fittings. This program will see those

remaining lights changed to lED lights over the next few months.

The upgrade to a full lED streetlighting network is expected to save a total of 3,424,623 kWh per annum, equating to 2,774 tonnes of carbon dioxide reduced across the community.

By upgrading these streetlights to LED fittings, the new lights will have greater uniformity of light across and along the street, better colour rendering and visibility, less depreciation of the light output over time, greater reliability, and lower maintenance costs as the new lights have a longer lifespan of approximately 20 years.

Endeavour Energy’s crew are installing these new lights across the Penrith lga. The changeover

involves a single elevated work platform with two to three crew members and typically takes less than 10 minutes to replace a streetlight.

The works are scheduled during times of low traffic, with any disruption to traffic flow in streets being minimal. all cars can remain parked on streets while this project is undertaken.

For more information about the streetlight upgrade, visit penrith.city/streetlights

New opportunity to provide feedback on Warragamba Dam proposal

ThE nSW Department of Planning and Environment is now seeking further community input on the proposal to raise the Warragamba Dam wall, with the release of WaternSW’s Response to Submissions and a Preferred infrastructure Report.

a spokesperson for the Department said that it requested WaternSW provide a Preferred infrastructure Report, which details further information and any changes on the proposal in response to matters raised during the last consultation period in 2021.

“The community can lodge submissions up

until midnight Monday 12 December, and then WaternSW will provide a second Response to Submissions Report,” the spokesperson said.

“Once it receives WaternSW’s response, the Department will undertake an assessment of the proposal, before providing its final report and recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Minister for homes, who will be responsible for making the final decision.”

The proposal includes raising the dam wall by 14 metres, to temporarily store floodwaters upstream, and release them in a controlled manner.

The Department of Planning and Environment

will assess the proposal against the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and other legislation, whilst Commonwealth approval would also be required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, in order for the project to proceed.

The proposal was declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure last month.

To read the proposal and lodge a submission by midnight Monday, 12 December 2022, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/ projects/warragamba-dam-raising

An Endeavour Energy crew member replaces the non-LED fittings for LED fittings in streetlights across Penrith.

LED lights illuminate a residential street in Werrington County.

Photos courtesy of Endeavour Energy

More places to play for Colyton residents

Penrith City Council has completed an upgrade of the Brooker and Day reserve playspace in Colyton.

the new playspace design was developed in close consultation with the local community and features a variety of play equipment including a multi-bay swing set, see-saw and balance trail.

Penrith Mayor tricia hitchen said

the project complemented a recent upgrade to the nearby iron Bark Way playspace.

“We are thrilled to have delivered two new recreation spaces for Colyton residents and their families to enjoy,” Cr hitchen said.

A new picnic table with awning, bin, water bubbler, pathway, trees and shade sails were also included in the upgrade.

Council invested $131,168 in the upgrade through its ongoing asset renewal program, with the nSW Government contributing an additional $57,787 through the Community Building Partnership program.

Member for Londonderry Prue Car MP said she is proud to have supported the project to deliver this new recreational facility, which is

now a fantastic asset for the Colyton community.

the project is part of Council’s commitment to upgrade 40 playspaces over a five-year period between 2019-2024, with 23 playspaces now renewed across the Local Government Area.

Find out more at: www.yoursaypenrith.com.au/ brookerandday

Shining a light on students’ STEM research

StuDentS from seven high schools in the Penrith Local Government Area will soon share the findings of their inquirybased research projects as part of the SteM Community Partnerships Program (SteM CPP).

this is the second year Penrith City Council has partnered with Australia’s national science agency, CSirO, to deliver the SteM CPP program, which culminates in an end-of-year Showcase.

Local Year 9 and 10 students are guided by industry professionals in the Science, technology, engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields as they research solutions for real-world challenges.

the aim is to encourage innovative thinking and nurture problem solving skills in the lead up to students presenting their work to industry professionals, their peers and community members at the Showcase event.

Penrith Mayor tricia hitchen congratulated the students for completing the program and said they were one step closer to landing exciting careers in STEM fields.

“it is fantastic to have many of our City’s bright, young minds engaged in a program that is giving students hands-on experience and creating vital career pathways in SteM jobs of the future,” Cr hitchen said.

“Council is proud to support the SteM Community Partnerships Program, launched in 2021 in Penrith, a fast-growing City where more people are choosing to live and work, and where vital infrastructure and further transport links are growing and connecting our community to other parts of Sydney and the rest of the world,” she said.

“Our City is being transformed and with that comes new opportunities for a skilled workforce – by learning about the real needs and challenges of our community at a local level, these students are well on the path to becoming the leaders of tomorrow in crucial SteM jobs.

“Well done to this year’s cohort, i

look forward to hearing more about their forward-thinking research at the Showcase.”

the SteM CPP is part of CSirO’s Generation SteM, an initiative made possible through the nSW Government’s $25 million endowment to the Science and industry endowment Fund.

Generation SteM aims to empower the next generation of young people with the skills to meet the growing need for a SteM-focused workforce.

Over the past two years, participating students have connected with mentors from Council to understand local issues and see problem-solving in action, as Council continues to enhance the City for current and future generations.

Council’s nursery Coordinator, Mark Viler, is a SteM CPP mentor who recently welcomed 20 students from Colyton high School and took them on a tour of the facilities at the Penrith site.

Mark explained the propagation process, from seed to tree and from cutting to shrub, all of which are planted around the LGA.

“We talked about Council’s Cooling the City strategy and the importance of increasing canopy cover. We looked at specific species, listing their benefits, and also discussed Council’s Bushcare program,” Mark said.

Colyton high School’s Community Liaison Officer, Jodie Mitchell, said the site visit supported students in their SteM CPP project, which is focused on heat stress in the natural environment and creating cooler spaces in the community.

“Students had the idea to create a micro-forest at our school and mapped out plants before our visit – Mark showed us many of the plants we had on our list which was great as it gave students a really visual experience,” she said.

Colyton high School’s SteM CPP cohort joined students from other local schools at the Showcase on Wednesday (23 november) to present their work.

To find out more about the program, visit www.csiro.au/generationstem

Member for Londonderry Prue Car and Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen at the upgraded Brooker and Day Reserve playspace.

Council’s Nursery Coordinator, Mark Viler, speaks to Colyton High School students about different types of plant species during their visit to the Nursery. Image courtesy of CSIRO

St Marys is on the fast track to success

The potential of St Marys’ growth and connection as a City Centre is sky high and this notion provided a platform for discussion and valuable insight at Penrith City Council’s Connected St Marys event.

The event was part of Council’s Positively Penrith Symposium Series, which has brought together local businesses, investors, organisations and other stakeholders to share the unfolding opportunities and vision for the Penrith Local Government Area.

Penrith Deputy Mayor Todd Carney expressed his excitement about the future of St Marys, a growing strategic centre that will be connected to the Western Sydney International (NancyBird Walton) Airport from day one of operations, and will be integral in a true east-west and north-south transport link.

“St Marys has something unique that other areas won’t have – it’s at the epicentre of something truly significant, a once-in-a-generation transformation that will reshape the City Centre forever,” Cr Carney said.

“Council projects that the St Marys City Centre will be home to another 11,000 people in the next 20 years, with 9,000 new jobs created and around 7,000 new dwellings developed by 2041,” he said.

Cr Carney shared Council’s commitment to delivering a 30-minute City and plans to capitalise on the economic and social growth opportunities that will be made possible by a world-class transport network, connecting St Marys to other parts of Sydney and the rest of the world.

he also detailed Council’s vision for a vibrant, authentic, welcoming and sustainable City Centre, which Council has mapped out in its draft St Marys Structure Plan, a strategic document designed to guide future growth in the City Centre.

Throughout the breakfast event, attendees also heard about plans to revitalise the City Centre and major projects Council has underway, including the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, a 32-hectare development in Claremont Meadows, near St Marys, that will be a landmark sporting destination for the region.

The NSW Government has just committed an additional $7 million contribution to the $41 million Gipps Street Recreation Precinct through its WestInvest fund, that will enable Council to streamline the design and speed up the delivery of what has been a long-held aspiration for the community. The project has already received $27.5 million in funding from Penrith Council and $6.5 million from the NSW Government from other grants.

Another Council vision for a green civic heart is a step closer to reality,

with a further $21 million WestInvest funding committed to the delivery of the St Marys Central Park. It will feature a central lawn, outdoor performance stage, natural shade and public artwork.

Importantly, it will link Queen Street to local shopping precincts, transport, and will boost the day and nighttime local economies for community members, visitors and workers to enjoy.

Keynote speaker and Walkley Award-winning Journalist in business and economics, helen Dalley, said trends revealed that private enterprises tended to follow investment in particular areas.

She said the injection of money in

the St Marys City Centre and broader connections for the Penrith Local Government Area, with the planned Sydney Science Park at Luddenham, is an example and positive sign for those considering starting a business or investing locally.

“This is not about a single development or putting up a couple of new buildings, this is not about piecemeal, ad hoc decisions - this is coordinated, thought-through planning across three levels of government to futureproof this region,” Ms Dalley said.

She said St Marys’ growing transport connections would complement the community’s existing strengths and had the potential to attract “the next

generation of makers, creators and entrepreneurs”.

During the event, attendees also had the opportunity to engage with Council and share their insights.

The event’s MC Juanita Phillips, one of Australia’s most experienced television news anchors, encouraged the 100 attendees to complete an interactive questionnaire about investment and business opportunities in St Marys.

Attendees were also given copies of Council’s new Investment Prospectus, a comprehensive guide to the City’s unique opportunities which invites government, investors, businesses and the community to collaborate, and join the journey as Penrith becomes a world-class City.

Member for Londonderry Prue Car also shared her thoughts and congratulated Council on leading advocacy and the conversation around St Marys’ major transport connections of the future.

Ms Car spoke highly of the community’s strong sense of identity and diversity in terms of demographics, cultural background, and even housing options.

She said change was already happening in St Marys and stressed that education, road and rail infrastructure, town centre and retail activation, enhanced liveability and more, must all combine to create better opportunities for the next generation in an area that is “certainly ready to take off”.

“We are open to new ways to improve but I would urge everyone here to keep talking to the people of St Marys and beyond on these ways to improve – it is their right and privilege to want to be taken along on the journey,” Ms Car said.

This event is a part of the ongoing collaboration and engagement that Council is undertaking to promote Penrith and the vision for a vibrant, connected and liveable City.

To find out more about investment opportunities in the Penrith Local Government Area and to access the new Investment Prospectus, visit penrith.city/invest-penrith

Keynote speaker and Journalist, Helen Dalley, shares her insights with attendees during Council’s Connected St Marys event.

Police Cottage restorations officially unveiled

By Noel Rowsell

Penrith City Council has unveiled the restored historic Police Cottage at emu Plains and the $3.2 million upgrade means more residents and visitors to our City will be able to enjoy the riverfront, with the café set to open in January 2023.

Penrith Mayor tricia hitchen said “it’s fantastic to see Council’s innovative idea and the joint vision of Council and the nSW Government to bring the former Police Cottage back to life as a restaurant coming to fruition.

“Both Council and the nSW Government wanted to celebrate and conserve the City’s heritage, whilst also ensuring the community can enjoy this historically significant site for many years to come.

“the Police Cottage was originally constructed in 1908, as a purposebuilt police station and residence for emu Plains until the 1950s, then later served as a private residence until 2015.

“now refurbishment and enhancements are completed (both) inside and out, i’m thrilled to see the Police Cottage reopen to the public for the first time in over 70 years,

with the new restaurant soon to offer a memorable dining experience alongside the beautiful nepean river,” Cr hitchen said.

the refurbishment of the Police Cottage was proudly funded by the nSW Government and Penrith Council, with $1.5 million stimulus funding from Crown Land and a further $1.7 million from Council.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith, said the restoration of the Police Cottage showcases a great adaptive reuse of this beautiful heritage building.

“Bringing this building back to life has given it a bright future and offers

locals and visitors the opportunity to experience its history, whilst enjoying a coffee or a meal right on the banks of the nepean,” Mr Ayres said.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the Police Cottage had been sensitively refurbished to restore its facade, with upgrades to services, roof and verandas, internal areas and outdoor privy.

“the restoration has preserved a gem of local history, on a Crown reserve adjacent to the $24 million regatta Park redevelopment at emu Plains, giving it a new lease of life for generations to come,” Mr Anderson said.

Celebrating a ‘harmonious’ approach to mental health

WeStern Sydney Local health District (WSLhD) has celebrated Mental health Month last month with several lively events across the region.

the theme was ‘tune in this Mental health Month’, with a focus on selfcare, community, connection and resilience.

these are sentiments that Professor Bill Brakoulias, executive Director Mental health Services WSLhD, said are crucial to mental wellbeing. Bill said the Mental health Month festivals have served as a fantastic resource for people to bond and share with their community.

“We are encouraging people to get help for their mental health issues, to reduce stigma, to enable people to see that mental health is just as important as physical health,” Bill said.

“We want people to see that there are many opportunities to get help, and these uplifting events encourage us all to look after our mental health and work together in a harmonious way to share kindness and good mental health.”

Starting at the Blacktown Civic Centre, attendees were welcomed with a free coffee and treated to live performances and breathing exercises. there was also face painting, colouring-in and information available from experts on hand.

Just like the highs and lows of

mental health, the weather went from torrential rain and storms in Blacktown to sweltering heat and sunshine in Parramatta.

Peer Worker Andrew Fleming spoke candidly about his lived experience with mental distress and suicide to the crowd gathered at Centennial Square in Parramatta.

Along with the dancing, drummers and performances, Andrew said that the

ability to hear from different speakers and access information face-to-face was a huge benefit from these events for the community.

“it’s so important to get out there and raise practical awareness – not just Zoom or leaflets and forms and things like that – and also network between the teams,” he said.

Mental health support contacts:

• WSLHD Mental Health Services:

www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth-services

• NSW Mental Health Line

– 1800 011 511

• Beyond Blue helpline

– 1800 512 348

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

• Transcultural Mental Health Line 1800 648 911. For more information on transcultural Mental health Line, please visit: www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/ transcultural-mental-health-centretmhc/transcultural-mental-healthline/transcultural-mental-health-line

• Check out the mental health support services and programs here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/ mentalhealth/Pages/default.aspx

Executive Director Mental Health Services

WSLHD, Professor Bill Brakoulias, spoke at the Parramatta event.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, Belinda Simpson, Shane Simpson, Stuart Ayres MP

Stuart Ayres - smoking ceremony

Local students set to thrive in a digital world

Creating the next generation of tech leaders, entrepreneurs and experts is at the heart of the new Computing technologies curriculum released this week.

it comes as part of the nSW government’s ongoing delivery of the most comprehensive Curriculum reform in a generation.

Member for Mulgoa, tanya Davies said the updated curriculum ensures students across Western Sydney are prepared for future jobs in a fastchanging digital world.

“Students across Western Sydney need to develop an understanding of essential computing skills to not only keep themselves safe in a digital world, but also to thrive in the careers of the future,” Mrs Davies said.

“these new syllabuses mean that right from the beginning of high school, students can learn fundamental skills in coding, cyber security and information systems for businesses.”

“the curriculum has also been updated to better reflect the latest computing technologies and the expectations of industry, so that we can create the next generation of tech savvy experts.”

Minister for education and early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the new enterprise Computing and Software

engineering syllabuses for Years 11 to 12 will also see secondary students sitting more HSC exams online in 2025.

“the nSW government is bringing subjects and the HSC into the modern era with new syllabuses that align to our fast-changing digital world,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Modernising the HSC is essential if it is to remain a world-class qualification. While currently only one subject has an exam conducted on a computer, this will be expanded

to reflect the increasingly online world we are living in.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital government Victor Dominello said the nSW government is committed to providing the State with the skills for the 21st century.

“We want our kids to have the world at their fingertips and this initiative will help us to build a digital workforce of the future,” Mr Dominello said.

Key features of the new syllabuses include:

• A greater focus on cyber safety and

cyber security content.

• Closer links to learning in other subjects such as maths and science to create clearer pathways into future SteM study and careers.

• All senior secondary students will do a new mandatory project as part of school-based assessment to support deeper learning and the development of project skills.

new streamlined geography 11 to 12 syllabuses have also been delivered, removing clutter and allowing teachers to focus on essential learning so students gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to be informed global citizens.

additionally, the nSW government has released new Classical and Modern Languages syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 10.

the nSW education Standards authority, which is responsible for delivering nSW Curriculum reforms, will provide schools with support materials as they implement new syllabuses and prepare for online HSC exams.

the new syllabuses are available now on the Digital Curriculum platform for teachers to plan during 2023 and will be taught in nSW schools from 2024.

Legends of the Nepean Judy & Peter WatsoN

halted by tragedy and injury, with Judy losing her brother one year, succumbing to a broken wrist the following year, and then losing her father, all in consecutive years.

won over 100 major titles / tournaments at the Club.

Judy has been a prolific winner of major events, since joining Dunheved in 1974, including 22 Ladies Club Championships, 21 Mixed Foursomes Championships and 27 Ladies Foursomes Championships titles.

She has not only won an impressive number of the major Ladies Championships titles on offer at Dunheved but put together long consecutive runs in each of the different formats, including a 16-year winning streak in the Ladies Club Championships, a 14-year winning streak in the Ladies Foursomes and an 11-year winning streak in the Mixed Foursomes.

The winning streak was only

Add a further 27 major events to her impressive resume and it is simply a staggering record over the past 48 years, including overcoming two knee replacements, cataract surgery on both eyes and other injuries.

Among her other major successes are multiple Monthly Medals and a Medal of Medals, 3 hole-inone’s, victory in the Illawarra / Blue Mountains / Nepean Champion of Champions competition and representing Dunheved on multiple occasions in both Mixed Pennant and Ladies Pennant competitions.

Judy was made a Life Member of Dunheved GC in 2009.

Judy originally thought golf was a ‘stupid game’ in spite of the success of both her father (Jim Granger) and brother (Richard) in the sport.

JuDy and Peter Watson are both Life Members of Dunheved GC and between them, have

By Noel Rowsell

Judy and Peter Watson (Dunheved GC Life Members). Photos by Noel Rowsell

Both men were very good golfers, with her father being both a Life Member and past-President of Oatlands GC.

A scottish-born member of Oatlands GC convinced Judy to come out and give the game a try and the game immediately worked its magic, turning Judy into a very talented devotee.

Working 5 days a week kept Judy out of the major tournaments early in her golf career but once she had the opportunities, the titles quickly followed.

Her father was Judy’s biggest supporter up until his death, inspiring her to play consistently at a high level.

Judy met Peter, another talented

golfer, in 1975 and they were married in 1977.

Peter also has an impressive history in golf, joining Dunheved in 1963 and remaining a member for the ensuing 59 years.

A single figure handicap player in his younger days, Peter has a win in the South Creek Cup, the

Judy & Peter Watson were nominated as Legends of the Nepean by Tracie Taylor.

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

Men’s Foursomes and the A Grade Match-play to his credit, along with representing the club on multiple occasions in both Major Pennant and Mixed Pennant. He has also scored a hole-in-one.

Peter has been serving on the board of Dunheved GC for a period of 33 years and is the only club member to be elected by members, at an Annual General Meeting, for every position over that period of time, including serving as Club Captain for 5 years (the first year at just 22 years of age), President for 15 years (3 x 5-year terms), Vice-President, Treasurer (current position), Director and Patron.

Peter and his brother Graham (now deceased) introduced the Watson Brothers Trophy in 1978, which is still running and is the longest-running event sponsored by members of the Dunheved club.

Peter was made a Life Member of Dunheved GC in 1995. He has had 3 major back operations but still manages to play and enjoy golf, although now at a more social 27 handicap.

Historic Rectory Demolished

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

At the Easter meeting of the St Mary Magdalene church at St Marys in 1885, a resolution was passed stating that a rectory should be built in the parish and in that year the Honorable Philip Gidley King later donated two acres of land and the conveyance was signed on November 8th 1888. During the previous year His Lordship the Primate Dr Barry visited St Marys and laid the corner stone of the Church of England Parsonage to the delight of about 200 residents of the district and members of other churches. Apparently, the festivities were hastily arranged to the point that “a member of the press had to make a writing desk out of a stack of bricks” the Choir sang several selections and the following clergy present were:- Dr Corlette and Reverend’s R L King (later Canon), A C Corlette, Baber, Wheeler, Spooner, Fryer and tate. A platform had been erected at the south-west corner of the building for the accommodation of His Lordship and a few other gentlemen. the Architect of the Parsonage was Mr Arthur Blackett of Blackett Brothers Sydney and the Contractor was Mr A M Allen. the corner stone of the building bore the inscription A.D. 1897 which reads:

- the Venerable Archdeacon of Cumberland, R L King. the Rev G Brown, Rural Dean.

The Rev A C Corlette, first incumbent of St Marys and St Albans.

Churchwardens: John King Lethbridge, William Beacroft, William J B Neale.

Sidesmen: George turner, thomas E Dryhurst, James Gow, John Herford Joseph H Sainsbury, George Bennett, John Stevens. Sexton, Henry Burgess.

Alexander M Allan, Summer Hill, contractor. Robert Robinson, Hon secretary, building committee.

the Bishop preached at the church in the evening to a crowded congregation and the commemoration stone was unveiled by Reverend A C Corlette who was to be the first clergyman to occupy the Rectory when it was built. the stone originally formed part of the old private observatory alongside Dunheved near St Marys that was the home of Anna Josepha the widow of Governor King. In 1931 a Building

Committee was appointed with a loan of £200 and tenders were called for electric lighting of the Rectory. the Jubilee year of the Gidley Street Rectory was commemorated by a special gathering in the grounds on a Saturday in October 1937. the rectory at 34 Gidley Street was demolished in May 1957 as the building became uninhabitable with the walls cracking and plaster falling off and the movement of the ground was just too much for the old structure and on the advice of the building inspector from Penrith Council and Messrs. Collier Madge who were the building consultants from Sydney, it was decided to recommend to the Archbishop that the building needed to be demolished. the Archbishop replied saying that Archdeacon F W tugwell and a builder Mr R B Ashley had also recommended the demolition as it would be uneconomic to spend further sums of money patching it up. In the emergency the rector and his family found it necessary to vacate the premises. the parish council of St Marys called for tenders for the demolition of the building and the clearance of the site. It was anticipated that the new rectory would be built on a new site near the church. At that time the scroll was found giving details of the history of the rectory and was signed by the Rector and churchwardens and around ninety past and present parishioners that had been placed in a sealed tube and deposited by John King Lethbridge in a prepared cavity in the stone along with a copy of the Sydney Papers, coins of the realm and the Nepean times Newspaper that had been sealed in a bottle. Also enclosed was a scroll on engrossed parchment that was the handiwork of Mr t E Dryhurst of St Marys Public School that read “This corner stone was laid by the Right Reverend Alfred Barry, Bishop of Sydney and Primate of Australia on the 18th November and during the jubilee year of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria in the year of our Lord 1887 and during the Governorship of the Right Honorable Charles Robert Baron Carrington a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honorable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the most Distinguished order of St Michael and St George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of New South Wales and Its Dependencies.”

Source: Nepean Times – November 1887, Jan 1958.



Photo of the rectory in Gidley Street – Original Unknown

A free night out to the movies

It was a good roll up to St Marys Cinema recently! It was a fun night at Spring Cinema as the attendees relaxed in the twilight and enjoyed the family classic, the Croods: A New Age.

If you missed out, the good news is Penrith Council says you can circle another date on your calendar! there’s more movie fun in store to finish the series on a festive note with Christmas Cinema on Saturday 17 December from 6pm-9pm at Coachmans Park, St Marys as we watch a Christmas favourite, Elf (2003).

• Dress up in your best festive outfit - there is free face painting to help complete the look!

• Enjoy free popcorn for the first 200 people and free face painting for the kids.

• Dessert trucks will be there with tasty treats available for purchase.

• Christmas is nearly here, so why not join in for a relaxing and fun night at the movies! Find out more at www.penrith.city/events

Blue Mountains launches new ice-skating rink

frozen Christmas has come early in the Blue Mountains, with fairmont resort Blue Mountains opening the region’s only ice skating rink.

Powered by local solar-panels, the 600sqm rink is open to guests of the fairmont and all visitors to the Blue Mountains, and is ideal for families, couples and groups.

The new ice-rink is the only one in the greater western Sydney/Blue Mountains area following the closure of the Penrith Ice Palace in June.

Blue Mountains Ice Skating rink will operate seven days - Monday to friday from noon to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 8pm and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. Tickets are available for $29 (adult) and $26 (child) per session, with a family ticket available for $85, including skate hire and use of ‘penguins’ (an assisted way to get around the rink) $8 each. There are also ice-skating facilities for the disabled.

The venue is suitable for skaters of all abilities – from novices to experienced, with tuition for groups able to be arranged.

exclusive-use arrangements can be made for conference and incentive groups, as well as party groups, schools and other organisations.

The launch of the Blue Mountains

Ice rink builds further on the fairmont’s extensive leisure activities, which include golf, tennis, spa centre, swimming pools, Kidszone, and a wide range of bars and restaurants.

Announcing the latest addition to the fairmont resort’s facilities, owner Dr Jerry Schwartz said the large ice-skating rink would make the Blue Mountains an even more attractive destination for interstate and international visitors.

“It is clear that families and groups are still cautious about travelling too far, so they are looking for regional venues with exceptional leisure facilities,” said Dr Schwartz.

“We can offer a complete program of activities for visitors and guests, based around our premium setting in the Jamison Valley, adjacent to the World-Heritage-listed Blue Mountains national Park. By adding new facilities such as the ice-rink, we

provide even more reasons for visitors to travel and stay locally.

“The opening of the Blue Mountains Ice rink takes on even greater significance for sporting skaters and enthusiasts as the Penrith Ice Palace closed in June, leaving the wider Sydney west and mountains region without a suitable venue.”

The award-winning fairmont resort Blue Mountains is located in Leura, just 90 minutes drive from Sydney. The resort offers extensive facilities for conference groups, weddings and other special-occasion groups. restaurants and bars include the new Azzurro Trattoria and Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern, along with embers, no. 1 Sublime Pt, Jamison’s, Sublime Lounge and the Leura Golf Club Bistro. rooms and public areas offer spectacular views over the Blue Mountains.

Stay & Skate family Special package at fairmont resort

A Stay & Skate package including accommodation and ice-skating for families has been launched for the opening of the Blue Mountains Ice rink. The Stay & Skate Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation at the fairmont resort

• Buffet breakfast in Jamison’s restaurant

• Ice Skating tickets (1 session per day)

• Skates Hire (per person, 1 session per day)

Prices from $384 per night* and valid for two adults and two children or one adult and three children, when sharing the same room. Valid till 28 february, but strictly subject to availability

Bookings and further information: www.fairmontresort.com.au

Active Care Gardening Club blooms once again

The Active Care Gardening Club took out their gardening tools once again for the Club’s successful relaunch.

The Active Care Network and Penrith City Council’s Nursery have partnered to run the Club which aims to provide opportunities for seniors who may be socially isolated, to come together and participate in fun workshops whilst getting their hands dirty.

The relaunch in October kickstarted the Club’s active program, which features activities such as hands-on demonstrations, growing seedlings, propagating plants, troubleshooting problematic plants, creating indoor gardens, education and wellbeing programs with guest speakers, external outings to nurseries, gardens and festivals.

Penrith Mayor Tricia hitchen praised the partnership and was thrilled to see the Active Care Gardening Club running once again.

“The Club is a really great opportunity for people to come and

learn some new skills and meet new people in a safe environment,” Cr hitchen said.

“What’s become clear over the last two years of lockdowns is how important it is for us to stay connected with the people around us,” she said.

“I’m glad to see the Active Care Gardening Club is back after the pandemic and can’t wait to see what activities and workshops they bring to Council’s Nursery.”

The Club runs workshops primarily at Council’s Nursery and will be hosting activities until the end of December. Join the remaining 2022 workshops on Monday 28 November, Friday 9 December, Monday 12 December and Wednesday 21 December.

Attendance is free; spaces are limited per workshop. Contact the Club’s coordinator, Coralie, via phone on 4702 1288 or via emailing coralieg@ activecarenetwork.org.au for more information.

Image courtesy of the Active Care Network.

Sydney Hotshots Live at Henry Sports Club

LOOk out ladies, the hunks from Sydney hotshots are back to sizzle and seduce for one night only with a brand-new killer show.

The 2-hour production is a visual feast, choreographed and developed by Australia’s leading professionals.

Their hand-picked selection of dreamy guys will have the ladies up from their chairs, screaming for more, night after night! With a totally interactive production, The Secret Fantasies Tour is the perfect night out with the girls!

A high energy production, our shows boast the perfect mix of killer dance routines, eye-catching costumes, acrobatics, and jaw dropping athletic male physiques.

The smorgasbord of sexy guys are selected from 100’s of men nationwide and put through an intensive “hotshots Bootcamp”, all graduating with an A+ in hip thrusting! The fellas come from various backgrounds from Tradies, Cops, Farmers and even Fireman to tour Australia and entertain the ladies! hosted by seasoned professional Paul Reynolds (original cast member of Manpower Australia and Las Vegas headliner), Reynold’s showmanship and cheeky banter with the audiences makes for an extra entertaining evening. Don’t miss the showthis Saturday night (November 26) at The Henry 7.30pm. Purchase tix by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/2kctzzvm

ROAM Penrith the place to be this weekend

Stimulate your senses this weekend with the sounds, sights and aromas of Penrith at ROam Penrith and enjoy a range of family friendly events in triangle Park, High Street and masters Place Car Park which will enchant and enthral.

the fun begins on Saturday, 26 November from 5pm –10pm with the stage in triangle Park hosting great music and a laid-back vibe.

While mum and dad enjoy the sights and sounds of ROam Penrith, younger family members will be making their own artwork and exploring their creative side.

ROam down High Street to masters Place Car Park and Woodriff Street for some fun flower-making sessions, where people can take part in a unique installation program where things are not all that they seem!

On the way, you will find an array of street performers and maybe even pick up a special deal from one of our local shops. make sure you check out the 3D chalk artist using the pavement and transforming it into an amazing landscape.

Penrith mayor tricia Hitchen said ROam Penrith will captivate young and old, and is a great opportunity to rediscover the Penrith CBD.

“High Street has always been the focal point of our city and ROAM Penrith is the perfect time to find everything that makes our main dining and shopping strip fabulous,” Cr Hitchen said.

“i am looking forward to seeing everyone coming down to experience wonderful local talent, check out our great local businesses and ROaming Penrith.”

ROam Penrith will be held on Saturday 26 November from 5pm-10pm and Sunday 27 November from 11am-9pm in High Street Penrith between triangle Park and the masters Place Car Park off Woodriff Street.

Find out more at penrith.city/events

Lighting up the tree and spreading the Christmas cheer around Penrith: Mayor Tricia Hitchen and Stuart Ayres MP

Congratulations to Andrew who won an MG ZS Excite in the Penrith RSL Spring Sweeps last Friday night!

Grace Lee wins Brett Ogle Junior Masters

By

Outstanding young golfer grace Lee (glenmore Park) has continued on her winning way, taking out the 2022 JnJg Brett Ogle Junior Masters at goulburn gC. grace (Concord gC) and sienna Clarke (st Michael’s gC) shared the lead at 2-under par 70 on saturday, then grace shot a par 72 on sunday to hold off the fast-finishing Sophie Eppelstun (Club Catalina gC) to win by one shot, with sophie a further two shots behind in third place.

Grace also finished first in the 16/17 Years girls age group scratch and 3rd on handicap.

Outstanding 12-year old Camilla Kim (Lynwood CC) finished 6th overall in the tournament but cleared out from her rivals in the 12/13 Years girls age group, winning by a massive 19 shots.

Camilla also claimed the nett prize in that age group, winning that category by 11 shots.

Penrith juniors seeded number one for playoffs

PEnRitH gC entered a team in the golf nsW Encourage shield competition this year, the first time in many years it had sufficient up and coming juniors to do so.

the Penrith squad showed great form from the outset, remaining undefeated through the preliminary rounds, conquering Lynwood CC, north Ryde gC and Pennant Hills gC.

“this has been challenging for the team, as it is the first time most of the players have played in a tournament this big,” said tim armstrong.

“the team had its ups and downs on the course but have managed to stay strong. this young team, with ages 12-16 years, and featuring both boys and girls, has developed a great bond, supporting each other, practising together and growing as young golfers.

“they are going into the semifinals seeded 1st and play Cromer GC at Campbelltown gC at 12:30pm on sunday 27th november.

should Penrith

- time and date to be announced.

Stonecutters Ridge hosts NSW Women’s Medal Final

stOnECuttERs Ridge gC will host the 2022 golf nsW state Medal on Wednesday 30th november, with all players teeing off in a shotgun start at 8:00am.

90 ladies from golf clubs throughout nsW will play across three divisions, including Joanne Ogle (Penrith gC) in 1st division, Maxine Mcnally (Leonay gC) and anne Reidy (Fox Hills gC) in 3rd division.

the nsW Women’s Medal is a competition conducted over six stroke-play rounds at club level and held between January and september each year.

the winner of the Medal in each division at club level is the player returning the lowest nett aggregate of three (3) scores at the end of the six rounds.

All club level qualifiers competed in their

respective district & Metropolitan gold, silver or Bronze Playoffs, with the winner of each district (the leading 3 players in the case of Metropolitan finals) progressing to the Golf NSW Medal State Final.

The field for this year’s Final is twice its normal size, with the qualifiers from both 2021 and 2022 competing due to last year’s Final being cancelled due to Covid.

in the Boys division, darcy Mackay (stonecutters Ridge gC and Blake Hodges (nsW gC) were the

best-placed overall, finishing tied for 11th spot. Darcy also finished in a tie for 3rd in the 14/15 Years Boys

Age Group, whilst Blake finished tied for 8th in the 16/17 Years Boys age group.

Noel Rowsell

Grace Lee in action at the Brett Ogle Junior Masters. Camilla Kim. Photo supplied by JNJG

“We’d like to thank our sponsors, goliath Fire and Car net Smithfield.”

win, they will

advance to the grand final to play the winner of the Oatlands gC vs Moore Park GC semi-final

Penrith GC Encourage Shield squad and staff: L-R Michael Organ (Manager), Ryder Jerzyna, Kyle Armstrong, Jessica Fog, Talia Govender, Zavier Button, Josh Bourke, Brent Gadd, Blade Gadd (Manager).

By Noel Rowsell

Windsor Polo Club hosts polo and jumping events

Windsor Polo Club continued the Hawkesbury summer series Polo on the weekend, with the Giddiup Cup hosted at Killarney Polo Club.

Bellevue Polo - Heather Torrey, Tom daltonMorgan, Henry Batchelor, Peter Handbury - took out the 4-Goal competition, with a very convincing win over Cutcliffe Polo.

Giddiup Polo - Anna dowling, Hamish dowling, James Parry-okeden, Tom Parry-okeden- won the 0-Goal over TrFd Polo and stone Polo - Archer Buchert, olivia Mcintosh, Teneille Murray, Adam Buchert - won the sub-Zero over Killarney and Enviroganic.

Best Playing Pony went to indy, played by Tom dalton-Morgan for Bellevue Polo.

The weekend’s sponsor was Giddiup, which donated fantastic prizes and has been supporting polo for many years - and will be for many years to come.

The Hawkesbury summer series continues next weekend, with the Cutcliffe Properties Cup featuring 8, 4, 0 & subzero.

Windsor Polo Club also hosted the sydney Jumping Association on the Windsor Polo Fields, with practice on saturday before the main event on sunday. strong winds however severely hampered the competitors on sunday, forcing organisers to cancel the event.

By Noel Rowsell

Equestrian action from Saturday. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

4-Goal Polo winners Bellevue Polo. Photo supplied

The Sharp edge of the bat

By Noel Rowsell

Fourteen-yearold Athletics and Cross Country para-record holder Layla Sharp is preparing for one of the best trips of her life, headed to Adelaide SA for a training camp for Australia’s blind female cricketers.

the purpose of the camp in Adelaide is to prepare the players for competitive cricket and have two women’s teams compete against each other at the national Cricket Inclusion Championships (nCIC) in Brisbane in February next year.

Layla is currently a blind cricketer at club level, with the Sydney thunder, and is one of eight females who’ve registered to play blind cricket this season. She is the youngest among the other women and girls, but is returning to cricket, having first played the game as a 9-year old in 2017.

Bearing a congenital sight impairment, Layla has been classified as Level B2 vision impaired, which means she has partial vision.

“When you’re younger, you try

to do multiple sports,” said Layla. As a result, she left cricket after a short stint and has since achieved outstanding results in Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming

Five years later, Layla admitted the one thing she missed with her other sports was being part of a team. “I did hang out with a couple of girls and made a few friends (in the other sports),” she said. Layla also realised

team sports had their own appeal, so whilst continuing with athletics, Layla will also play cricket again this year.

Layla participated in the blind cricket trials at Cricket nSW’s head office, Cricket Central, in September and loved being a part of it. She has gone on to be coached by Jason Stubbs, General Manager, Blind Sports & recreation, nSW & ACt, and is proud to be part of a team

captained by oscar Stubbs, one of blind cricket’s finest players.

Layla’s goal is to represent Australia in blind cricket. other than her captain and coach, she says one of her greatest cricketing influences was the late Shane Warne.

As befits her intensity and passion in her other sports, Layla is dedicated to being successful in cricket. She practices in the nets every Friday and spends her Sundays playing matches, or on her off-match days, training for at least three hours.

Layla trains at Cricket Central and is thankful to nSW Pathways Manager nic Bills for organising a training spot for blind cricketers at Cricket Central.

“We take great pride in being able to work with cricketers of all abilities in helping them achieve their goal of representing nSW,” nic said.

Layla is in Year 9 at emmaus Catholic College, is a high-achieving student and has many academic accolades to her name. Layla said emmaus has helped her balance studies and sport and in addition to being a good athlete, she wants to become a lawyer.

Young Tyros final round of 2022 Oceania Junior Cup

noveMBer 25-27, 2022 has the best Australian Superbike (ASBK) riders on hand at the world-class venue of the Bend Motorsport Park, SA for the 2022 mibike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.

the Bend Motorsport Park is one of the most significant developments in Australian motorsport history. A state-of-the-art, world-class motorsport facility, the Bend delivers an exhilarating experience for competitors, enthusiasts and spectators alike.

the Bend’s international circuit is 4.95km long and its 18 turns are designed to encourage thrilling racing, with corners offering passing opportunities and innovative racing lines.

12-year old local juniors William Hunt (Mulgoa rise) and elijah Andrew (Marayong) will both suit up for their final round of the 2022 bLu cru oceania Junior Cup on that weekend and both young boys will be keen to lift their yearly rankings.

Phillip Island was a disappointing result for both youngsters, who finished down the list after the three races across two days. elijah also had

a major accident in race 3, brought down by another rider and finishing his weekend being checked over in hospital for some hours.

His lap speed prior to the accident was the 3rd-fastest lap time recorded

in the race, so there will be plenty of interest in how he bounces back from the incident.

The final round of the OJC Oceania Cup will however signal a temporary swansong for William, as he will

be taking a 12-month sabbatical to concentrate on his schooling. Good scholastic results in 2023 should see the talented young rider return to competitive motorcycle racing in 2024.

Layla Sharp training in Blind Cricket. Photo supplied

By Noel Rowsell

William Hunt

SMSP Hosts HSRCA Summer Festival in December

The committee of the historic Sport and Race Car Association (hSRCA) invite drivers and spectators to join them for their final race meeting of the year, to be held at Sydney Motor Sport Park (SMSP) over the 3rd and 4th of December.

The meeting will offer races for all of the usual

fifth category vehicles, as well as speed events for vehicles manufactured up to the 1990s and invited cars deemed compatible with those groups.

In addition, the committee hope to have groups for Formula 5000 and Sports Sedans, and look forward to the traditional Dawson-Damer trophy race for M & O and the always entertaining Group S Enduro race.

The committee look forward to catching up with everyone and a weekend of good racing to wrap

up 2022’s historic motorsport season, with an entertaining and well-supported summer meeting at SMSP.

Spectator passes are available online through Eventbrite and will also be available at the gates on the day.

Tickets are $25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday and $30 for a weekend pass. Concession tickets are $20 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday and $25 for the weekend. Kids 12 and under attend for free.

By Noel Rowsell

Action from the HSRCA round in June this year. Photos by Noel Rowsell

CoACH’S CoRnER

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Shepperd

Chifley College Senior Campus

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What is the best development pathway: 10,000 hours or range?

MalcoM Gladwell in his book ‘outliers’ outlined a theory that in order to become an ‘expert’ at a skill or activity it would require 10.000 hours to achieve this feat. That would require an average of 19.2 hours per week for a decade. But recently the research and recent trends are pushing back suggesting that it requires different amounts of time for each individual to reach an expert stage, as we all develop at different speeds and through different methods.

David Epstein in his book ‘Range’ pushed back against the 10,000 hour rule and did this through outlining and directly comparing the development pathways of Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. Tiger Woods picked up his first club at age 2 and was relentless in his pursuit of perfection within the sport of golf. Roger Federer had range, he sampled across multiple sports and then narrowed his focus in his early teens. Both athletes will be remembered as potentially the greatest individual ever within

their sports yet their pathways were very different in achieving an elite skillset.

In australia we have unfortunately followed the trend towards the 10,000 hour rule and early specialisation. as a result we are seeing a generation of athletes who are focusing on one sport from a very early age and are limiting their range of experiences within other sports and performance environments. This is causing early burn out of young athletes along with more dropping out of their chosen sport due to boredom or excessive pressure from parents and coaches. This trend is worrying and it speaks more to how junior coaches are presenting options and pathways to children and also how parents are advising and directing their children’s sporting choices.

If a young athlete is in love with one particular sport and participates freely on a regular basis and their preference is to play just that one sport there is potential sustainability in this arrangement. In this situation

they will be exposed to other sports and environments with their friends and also within school sporting programs and classes.

The way our youth participates has changed, the preference from parents and children now is for them to be indoors and using technology where in previous generations that time would have been spent outdoors participating in a range of activities. We also have a craving and a need for a structured sporting environment, parents want to see coaches coaching their children in perfect sequential drills or games. Rather than playing games which are unstructured, open and visually look messy and at times unappealing. It is however during this messiness and visual lack of appeal that learning occurs.

The fact we cannot handle having control as parents speaks more to the problems within us. The young athletes are no different now than what they were in the decades previous, the difference is how they are parented, coached and advised. Technology is

not going away and that is something we could all manage more effectively. But what we see as acceptable development and learning within youth sports environments needs to change. Be comfortable with your child making mistakes, participating in open and unstructured games and play. and do not push your child to play only one sport, give them a range of different choices and opportunities and allow them to work it out for themselves. Early specialisation is a myth and the research and data now supports this view and the simple fact is that it usually ends with athletes hitting their late teens and becoming bored and disengaged with the sport in which they decided to narrow their focus.

I hope all readers of ‘coaches corner’ have a fantastic christmas and New Year period, stay safe and enjoy this fantastic time of the year with your families and loved ones. coaches corner will return in February 2023 as we launch into another year of sport!

Brock

Mounties Rugby League Club

NSW Cup Head Coach

Rugby League Program Head Coach

mark ON THE

Rugby League WoRLd Cup had it aLL!

When 19 Penrith Panthers, from 6 different nations embarked upon the Rugby League World Cup in the UK just over 6 weeks ago, I don’t think they could have realised the profound affect they would have all had on the Rugby League landscape.

Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Lebanon, and Italy all had a member or members of this season’s Panthers playing squads amongst them. Quite amazingly between them and their grand final counterparts Parramatta (15), 34 players from these two clubs alone represented a nation competing in england. The 6 weeks of competition proved to be everything and more as the world stage hosted the greatest game of all for the first time since 2017.

The finale last Sunday morning was an old fashioned case of David V Goliath. The Aussies have long ruled the rugby league world, whilst the Samoans were playing in their very first World Cup final after astonishingly not winning a single game in the 2017 World Cup I just spoke of. how far they’ve come!

It was evident early that the Aussies meant business, whilst the Samoan team looked like they’d played their grand final the week earlier when toppling the english. But it didn’t stop their bravery under duress.

Injuries galore cost the underdogs any chance of a victory over their more fancied rivals. But again they showed true grit and determination and walk away with their heads held extremely high knowing that they’ve inspired many a young Pacific Islander in their own quest to one day wear the Blue national jersey of Samoa.

The 4 Panthers donning that jersey certainly delivered throughout the tournament and indeed the Final. Jerome Luai tried his butt off, while Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton scored the only two tries for their country. Spencer Leniu had a wonderful competition given the fact he carried a shoulder complaint into the world cup.

As for the Australians? Well they were in a word ‘professional’ in every sense of the word.

The cream certainly raised to the top as the world cup lengthened. The ongoing scrutiny of nathan Cleary was once again silenced.

honestly when will some factions of the rugby league journalistic fraternity realise that the kid has IT! in bucket loads. And delivered at the exact right time, as he always does.

nathan put on a masterclass in the Final having a hand in 4 of the Aussies tries.

Like the start of his first grade career and like his foray into Origin, Cleary is meticulous in his approach, just like he was in the green and gold jersey. he only imposes his will when he feels the time is nigh, every time! he’s a very special rugby league player.

As are his Aussie Panther teammates, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin. Isaah did NOT MISS ONE TACKLE throughout the entire tournament! Whilst averaging an amazing 41 tackles per game. Staggering.

And Liam Martin? Arguably with Tedesco and Add-Carr our best in the entire competition, improving dramatically with each game played.

The Rugby League World Cup of 2022 may have been run and done but what an impact it had on the footy world.

each team, no matter where they came, embraced the spectacle wholeheartedly and to know that in only 3 years time in France 2025, the next World Cup will take place with even more keen eyes focussed upon it than there was this year!

Can’t wait to see you at the game..... MG (random Westie) OAM

Well that’s a wrap! Thank you so much to our Nepean News ‘family’ for all of your ongoing support throughout 2022. I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and an awesome New Year! Cant wait for the footy season of 2023 to rage back into action. Until then stay safe, have fun, love the ones you’re with. Much love MG ❤ ❤

with MARK GEYER