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Thursday, 26 November 2015
ISSUE 163
LEGENDS OF THE NEPEAN: P16-17 | MIKE’S PANTRY: P26 | HISTORY: P36 | MG: P42
SSAVE OUR OU RIVER Save our river - Penrith’s untold story with Garion Thain p10-11. Photo: Tom Carey
r u o r o f s u n Joi g n i t h g i L e e r Christmas T s y r a M t S n i 0pm ER 6.30pm - 9.3 eet, St Marys B M E C E D H T 1 Str FRIDAY 1 tt Drive & Queen acke
k, Cnr Charles H
Coachman’s Par
• FREE family fun • Visit from Santa • Kozi and Pinky free facepainting and balloonists • Entertainment • Snowflake rollerskaters • Jumping castle • Move n groove Christmas concert • Plaster painting & reindeer food craft • Gingerbread man meet n greets • Human snow globe
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Roaring success THE Lions Youth of the Year Quest is designed to foster, encourage and develop leadership in conjunction with other citizenship qualities of our youth, at the age when they are about to enter the fields of employment or higher education. The Lions Club of Emu Plains ran their quest recently and it was a roaring success. The judging is held over two days; with a preliminary interview before a judging panel, followed on by an evening with a public speaking dinner. The student is required to prepare a five minute speech for the dinner as the public speaking section of the quest, as well as Cr Jim Aitken with winner John Nolan provide two minute answers to two impromptu questions. Fiona Scott, Federal Member for Lindsay and ‘YOLO’, You Only Live Once. The other contestants were; Hayley McKenzie Karen McKeown, Mayor of Penrith City, both attended and presented certificates to students of Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High School and Kiara Auddino of McCarthy Catholic and teachers who mentored them for the Quest. The overall winner was John Nolan of Penrith College. The Sponsor for this local event is Jim Aitken Anglican College. The public speaking winner was Elayna + Partners. All enquiries for next year’s Quest should be D’Ermilio of McCarthy Catholic College. Elayna’s speech entertained the audience of made to the Lions Club of Emu Plains Quest 60 guests and was titled the real meaning of Chairman; Jim Devine on 0427 110 061.
Tanya Davies Member for Mulgoa
Phone (02) 9833 2913 Address Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys Email mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
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From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalst: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Greg “Harpo� Martin 0420 655 524 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au
Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet. Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets
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by Kerrie Davies IF you’re offended by harsh language or you have a child looking over your shoulder, please turn the page over now and don’t read the rest of this column. The last couple of weeks have been a stark reminder of just how many gutless bastards we have in this world. Oxygen thieving, bottom of the gene pool spineless rodents. First we have ISIS - a bunch of deluded morons whose existence is so utterly pathetic they actually believe they are proving some kind of point by entering public places, detonating themselves and taking out dozens of innocent lives. Young, happy carefree lives. Blown up. Shot. Beheaded. And for what? 70 virgins? If they’d spent less time learning how to be a misguided twat and more time learning basic knowledge, they’d have learned to question that ludicrous trophy-prize long ago. Even a simpleton would question why 70 beauties would be floating around in heaven waiting for some butt-ugly suicide bomber to come and pop their cherry. And what happens to the virgins once they’ve been deflowered? They can’t be recycled. Their job is done, they’re no longer of any use. Where the hell do they congregate while making room for the next set of virgins to line up? The place must be as jam-packed as a sardine can. So let’s shelve those evil bastards for a bit and look at some of the gutter trash we have here at home. How low would you need to be to steal brass memorial vases from graves, as reportedly happened to over 100 gravesites at Castlebrook Cemetery and other cemeteries around the state last week? I’d say lower than a carpet slug. As if families grieving the loss of their precious loved ones don’t have enough heartbreak in their lives, but now they have to deal with these pieces of poop? Disgraceful. And finally, even closer to home, the “alleged� heinous monster from Penrith who seemingly bashed and burned a ten month old baby. What a rotten, dirty low-life swine. It’s when you hear of mongrels like this that you truly hope the old theory that inmates give child bashers and killers a horrendous time in prison is not a myth. As you can probably tell by now, I’ve had a gutful of creatures who dare to present themselves as human beings. But I think I have an answer. ISIS is a mammoth problem. It’s hard to imagine being able to wipe them out without force. Force means war. War means the loss of more innocent lives. So how about we round up all the baby bashers, grave robbers, senior smashers and kiddie fiddlers and send them over to confront ISIS on a suicide mission of our own? Enough is enough. Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
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The Christmas tradition continues
9834 1044 NEPEAN DISTRICT
Stuart Ayres
MP
Member for Penrith
SATURDAY December 12 is a date worth noting - as it will be the Club’s ‘fresh’ Christmas tree selling day at Lions Park, Great Western Highway, Emu Plains. The trees are sourced from Oberon each year and will be sold on that Saturday for $35 (unchanged from last year) with the net proceeds donated to the NSW Cancer Council later that same day at the Carols by Candlelight to be held at the Emu Sports Club, Leonay. “It’s more than just a personal taste issue,”
John Choma, Club organiser, commented. “Our customers firmly believe it’s ‘real’ trees for Christmas or it’s no tree at all! Some drive up from the Hills area, to support Lions and also because they’re so cheap!” The Club normally purchase about 80 trees, so you have to be quick! Lions will also organise the car parking at the Carols (for a gold coin donation) and run the BBQ at the Carols, so by supporting Lions you’ll be supporting NSW Cancer Council.
Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith
Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
More parking for Christmas
Lighting up for Christmas
THE lead up to Christmas is a lift for the local economy and shoppers too with Penrith Council boosting the number of temporary parking spaces around Penrith’s city centre for the busy Christmas period. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said Council will provide about 200 extra parking spaces within easy reach of Penrith shops from now until early January. “Council is keen to make life easier for shoppers, business and workers by providing extra car parks before and after Christmas. This year, temporary parking is being extended to cater for the extra shoppers drawn to Penrith by summer sales,” Councillor McKeown said. “The additional parking is all day parking and will take pressure off existing car spaces to meet the needs of the many people using our CBD. People driving to and from work will also benefit from additional the all day parking spaces close to the CBD. The temporary parking areas are located at: • Woodriff Gardens Tennis complex, about 90 spaces • Judges Place, Penrith CBD, an extra 55 spaces • Council’s Civic Centre car park, about 45 spaces.
CIRCLE Friday the 11th December on your calendar, because St Marys Town Centre will be holding their Christmas tree lighting event in Coachman’s Park. This event will commence at 6.30pm and run till 9.30pm and will not only feature a special visit from the man in red - Santa - but will also include the Move and Groove Christmas show for the kids, free facepainting and ballooning with Kozi and Pinky entertainment, Snowflake roller skaters, jumping castle, Meet n greets with the Gingerbread man, Michelle’s Plaster Painting will be onsite for the kids to make their special reindeer food, there will be entertainment on stage and a human Snow Dome for the kids. The event will be held in Coachman’s Park, Cnr of Charles Hackett Drive and Queen Street, St Marys and will feature a 20ft Christmas tree that will be lit up on the 11th and will be a permanent fixture in the park until the 28th December 2015. “We held this event for the first time last year and saw a few hundred people on the night, so I’m hoping we have a lot of people come down and enjoy this free family event,” said Paulette Adams, Town Centre Manager. “The board and I, along with the business owners feel that this is a wonderful event to put on for everyone,
and to give back to such a great community.” “We will also have Santa here from 12th December till the 24th December 201 in Coachman’s Park for FREE Santa photos from 10am till 2pm, so bring your camera. (Excludes Sundays).” And the Christmas fun in St Marys doesn’t end there! “Saturday 19th December from 10am till 2pm will see us continue our annual Christmas festivities with Santa’s arrival, entertainment, jumping castle, a chance for the kids to make their very own reindeer food to take home, Rudolph meet n greets, Kozi and Pinky face painting and ballooning and more.” These are all FREE family events for the community to enjoy! For more information, please call the St Marys Town Centre office on 02 9833 2433.
How suddenly things can change By Kerrie Davies
ALL the dreams that Brendan Sewell and Rebecca Borg had were coming true. They’d just picked up the keys to their new home in Jordan Springs and Brendan had just bought a mechanic franchise. Life was good. But how quickly things can change and spiral downwards - Brendan awoke last Wednesday with a severe headache, vomiting and ended up passing out. After being rushed to Nepean Hospital he underwent extensive life saving brain surgery. He has two aneurysms on his brain. “When these rupture like they have in Brendan’s case it normally results in death and disablement,” Brendan’s best friend, Andrew Sarsan said. “Brendan is very lucky to have survived this far but the battle is not over yet, Brendan will need to spend the next few weeks in intensive care as this surgery carries significant risks which can be potentially fatal.” Andrew has created a recovery fund page for Brendan to assist in the mortgage payments that he and Rebecca will be faced with. “This could not have come at a worse time for Brendan and his partner Rebecca, having recently moved into their new home and Brendan’s Mobile Mechanic business which had been thriving, years of hard work finally paying off,” Andrew said. “Unfortunately being self employed Brendan will be out of work for some time and he and his partner are under immense financial pressure having to meet mortgage payments and business payments as well as unexpected medical expenses throughout Brendan’s lengthy recovery. “This time last week Brendan was a fit and healthy 28 year old with everything starting to fall into place. I
just hope we can all chip in and keep this dream alive so that in the months to come Brendan still has everything to look forward to.” Nepean Regional Security CEO, Gina Field has been helping spread the word. “He was so excited to have just bought a mechanic franchise and not only that, he couldn’t contain his excitement picking up the keys to his new home in Jordan Springs last week,” Gina said. “We went out there to quote his alarm and cameras for him and he was as happy as a pig in mud; talking so fast like a kid in a lolly shop. “He explained how he was going to work on his new business have a life with his girl in their newly bought home and he just started to get new clients - life was good. “The first thing he wanted to do is ring all of his clients and apologise to them- he is devastated. His Grandad rang yesterday (I don’t know him at
all) and said that his grandson wont be able to get the alarm now but thanked me for the quote and for coming out. “I wish I could do more , such a sad outcome. The fact that this kid woke up and wanted everyone contacted was just amazing - even a security
company that just did a quote for him. He has a long trek ahead of him now.” Showing once again what a nice guy he is, after waking from surgery and learning that people had started to donate money to the cause, Brendan said,” I would like to thank everyone for their wonderfully kind and generous support. If there is anything i could do to repay your kindness then please let me know.” “This will go a long way in helping Rebecca and i get through the next few months.” Brendan will be going for more scans and tests to make sure that the two blood vessels doctors repaired are okay and to take a look at the third one to see if they can repair it without cutting into his skull again. “I’m in a fair bit of pain but have had wonderful nurses and doctors looking after me. Everyone at Nepean hospital has been wonderful and I could never repay them for their efforts to save my life, but also to keep me as comfortable as possible,” Brendan said. If you would like to contribute go to https://www.mycause.com. au/page/115831/brendan-sewellrecovery-fund
Extra bin collections PENRITH Council is providing extra bin collections this Christmas to allow households to cope with any extra waste during the festive period. Council will provide two weeks of extra collections from 25 December to 7 January 2016 when residents can place all bins kerbside for weekly collection. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the need for waste services tends to increase around Christmas Day and New Year. “Our residents do an excellent job of recycling and reducing waste all year but at this time of year, there is a lot more waste to contend with,” Cr McKeown said. “In providing an effective service and keeping waste management costs low for the community, Council is providing two weeks of additional collections, similar
to that provided in past years. “To make sure all extra bins are emptied, the trucks and drivers are starting early and working longer hours than normal to fit in the extra bin collections.” Bin collections go ahead even if the collection day falls on a public holiday. To ensure the collection of your bins please leave all of them at the kerbside the night before your normal collection day and leave them there until they are emptied. Penrith City residents can take advantage of waste and recycling programs with Council’s free ‘Resource Recovery Reminder’ service. Email your name, home address and mobile phone number to rrr@penrithcity. nsw.gov.au or phone 4732 7615 for reminders about Resource Recovery initiatives.
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Sensory santa SANTA really is a special man. He has a whole team of Elves to manage and a herd of Reindeer to train so he can travel the hundreds and thousands of kilometres to create a wonderful Christmas for families every year. He loves photos. Every year he takes pride of place in many families’ prized Christmas photo. This year at St Marys Village, Sensory Santa is visiting children with special needs and sensory disorders such as Autism, and he will be available for families to have their Santa photo taken. Sensory Santa is being held by St Marys Village in partnership with Chanelle Avison, who runs Sensory Movie Day, a not-forprofit organisation for families with special needs children. “The event is so wonderful because it provides these families with the opportunity to enjoy the one Christmas experience that is otherwise impossible. Because of their child’s sensory needs, many of these families have never been able to have a family Santa photo,” said Ms Avison. Sensory Santa at St Marys Village provides a sensoryfriendly environment for families to have their child or children photographed with Santa. Families can book their preferred time which means no queuing and the setting is quiet, providing a low-stress environment for children to meet Santa. The Sensory Santa experience includes a complimentary Santa photo and gift for each child. Lisa Curtin, Marketing Manager, St Marys Village said, “Christmas is a time for celebrating family. This year, we’re celebrating with and providing the special needs families in our community the simple joy of having their family Santa photo taken.” Sensory Santa runs on Sunday 6 December 2015 8am to 10am and Tuesday 8 December 2015 5pm to 7pm. For bookings or to learn more, email info@stmarysvillage. com.au or contact St Marys Village Centre Management on 9623 7700. For more information visit www.stmarysvillage.com.au
Domestic violence prevention TEACHERS and students will be given the means to recognise and act on domestic violence with a new ‘toolkit’ for the mandatory Year 7 to Year 10 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus from Term 1 in 2016. Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward was joined by the Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres today at Penrith High to launch a new teaching resource that is now available for teachers to incorporate into their lesson plans for 2016. Ms Goward said by addressing the issue of domestic violence in the classroom students were better able to protect themselves and others. “By educating and working with our young people we can ensure they are empowered with the knowledge of what domestic violence is and how they can identify possible ways to protect themselves and others,” Ms Goward said. The new resource, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Toolkit, includes: • signs and symptoms of abuse • support available • sample activities • frequently asked questions. Mr Ayres said domestic violence is a
whole of community issue and it is critical the community works together to prevent it. “Teachers and schools play an important role in all our communities. They have the knowledge and experience to equip young people with the understanding and skills to help change attitudes and behaviours around domestic violence,” Mr Ayres said. The toolkit was development by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) with specialist advice from Domestic Violence NSW and other agencies. Visit the BOSTES website to download the toolkit: http://www.boardofstudies. nsw.edu.au/syllabus_sc/domestic-violenceprevention.html
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F A S H I O N S
Airport pain in the detail LAST month the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Airport Plan for Badgerys Creek were released – showing all incoming flights and most of the outgoing flights would impact Penrith City residents, day and night. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the EIS fails to explain why this concentration of impacts is proposed and what other options are available for the flight paths to be in different locations or more dispersed. “The EIS also confirms the airport will operate 24 hours a day and that the majority of planes will take off or land over our City. “Why are all of the proposed flight paths over Penrith and the lower mountains? Subjecting these communities to 100 per cent of the aircraft movements in and out of the new airport seems glaringly unfair,” Cr McKeown said. “To do so without the curfew that protects other Sydney residents is even more alarming.” Council and the community have been given until December 18 to make a submission on the airport proposal. “We’ve been pushing for more time. We feel 60 days is not enough time to completely assess the impact
Photo: Tom Carey
the airport will have, talk with our community and respond,” Cr McKeown said. “This second Sydney airport has been on the drawing board for over 60 years – 60 days to decide what it means for our community is an insult.” Cr McKeown said the complex noise modelling methods didn’t paint a clear picture for residents. “Making sense of what the impact will be is hard. Using the Government’s modelling tool, with a bit of effort you can work out around 120 planes will fly in over Jamisontown in a 24 hour period at between 4500 and 5000 feet
and this can see more than 20 events exceeding 70 decibels per day. 70dBa equates to the noise you experience on the kerb of a busy city street or standing next to a vacuum cleaner. In Erskine Park there will be 50 flights daily at under 2500 feet. And this is considered acceptable? “But by 2050 the number of planes along just one of the proposed corridors over Penrith will increase to 300 flights per day. “Penrith and the lower mountains will bear the burden of this airport for Western Sydney. Is this fair?” “We’re also adamant the Sydney
Airport Curfew Act should be amended to include the new Airport and offer the same protection for our residents as those enjoyed at Mascot.” Council is funding an in-depth, independent review of the EIS with other affected Councils which will give a much greater understanding of the impacts and inform Council’s submission. “I strongly encourage you to take a look for yourself and if you’re remotely concerned, make a submission at westernsydneyairport. gov.au or talk to your local MP,” Cr McKeown said.
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Saving The Nepean Bill Dixon and Greater Sydney LLS collaborated with the CSIRO to introduce an insect from Argentina which eats the salvinia weed.
By Garion Thain
THE Nepean River, one of Penrith’s most spectacular natural assets. One that, as Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown says, perhaps doesn’t get talked about enough. With the Nepean River being practically ubiquitous with Penrith itself, the notion of it being undervalued is in some ways a hard pill to swallow – that is until you discover the sheer effort and resources it has taken to bring it to where it is today, and go out on the river and savour the beauty yourself. Last week I went on a river tour held by Fiona Scott, the Federal Member for Lindsay, which included a presence from Greater Sydney Local Land Services and Green Army
representatives. The tour was by canoe, and everyone in attendance were able to independently –and at their own leisure - row to remote and significant points of interest along the river between Emu Plains and Yellowmundee reserve wherein speakers talked about the unfathomable sum of work that has been undertaken, even in the last decade alone, to recover the river into the beautiful and vibrant state it is in today, a point punctuated by the truly magical natural scenery on the journey. These efforts by Greater Sydney LLS, and future planning to assure the river thrives even further, haven’t received a hefty amount of public attention, which is odd considering the river’s important role in the Penrith and New South Wales ecosystem. Fiona Scott knows this and hoped the tour would shed some light on the revitalisation underway. “This river is so significant,” Ms Scott said. “I think we forget how incredibly special our region is. The river is the lifeblood of the community.” Noting that Penrith creeks are still not in best condition, she spoke of the challenges ahead before the
Lindsay MP Fiona Scott collaborated with Greater Sydney Local Land Services to host the tour after working for further federal funding for the region. Photo: Tom Carey
tour began saying “One of the big pressures [Karen McKeown] and I deal with is the growing pains of housing, but how do we offset that with the environment?” Ms Scott brought members of her office on the tour, including a young intern from Wollemi College, so they could experience the river first hand. Ms Scott feels strongly about the river, being around it since she was young. Cr McKeown, who was also present
The tour began at Emu Plains and followed the river to Yellowmundee reserve through spectacular natural scenery, river islands and rapids.
– Penrith’s Untold Story
“I’ve always said we need to talk about the river more often,” said Mayor Karen McKeown. Photos: Tom Carey
for the tour, commended Ms Scott for her work to secure federal funding for Penrith which in part will allow council, the Green Army and Greater Sydney LLS to plant 100,000 trees in the area. It’s not just forthcoming projects that the day was about though, and after finishing the first leg of the paddling the work Greater Sydney LLS has done became truly apparent, and we were reminded that not even
ten years ago, the river was in a much worse state. Greater Sydney LLS Manager Bill Dixon used before and after shots to convey the intensity of a salvinia outbreak that choked the river for kilometres in the early 2000’s. Nutrients in run-off that flowed into the river were one of the contributing factors that made the weed, described at the talk as the most noxious on Earth, infest the region and disrupt the
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ecosystem. In the before shot, the Nepean River was a vivid green as the weed had engrossed the entire breadth of the river. To expel the salvinia, large harvesters tore up a staggering thousands of metric tonnes of the plant, but Greater Sydney LLS teamed with the CSIRO in a creative, $250,000 move that has helped the river recover from the brink of disaster and thrive in the years since. An insect that feasts on the plant was brought across – after extremely careful consideration from the CSIRO and the state government, and it brought the salvinia under control and has staved off infestation in the years since. Willow Warriors member Jeff Cottrell also mentioned the delicate nature of avoiding infestation to this day. After paddling further, speaker Matt Plunkett spoke about Sustainable Agriculture and federal investment in funding agriculture that benefits the river by nourishing it with healthier nutrients. He also touched on the sheer scope of agriculture in the Penrith region, a facet of our community not commonly touched upon.
“Agriculture in Greater Western Sydney is an over one billion dollar industry,” Mr Plunkett said. “Federal investment like the funding we’re getting now allows us to grow better crops in a smarter way that actually benefits the river in the same way it supports farmers in the area,” he continued. Greater Sydney LLS general manager David Hogan concluded the tour by accentuating the fact that the river is an asset for farmers and a lifeblood for the natural ecosystem. At this time the journey had taken almost four hours and much of that time was spent canoeing the open spaces of this lifeblood. The Nepean River is in our own backyard but the attention it deserves and recovery it is making has not been touched on enough. Without passionate locals and environmentalists giving it this care, it would cease to be the amazing, open attraction we can all enjoy on and off its banks. Canoeing was the experience I needed to be reminded of this beauty and how lucky we are to have it here. To know that it is being taken care of though, and more is yet to come, is heartening.
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One tap away from help A NEW travel safety app that connects travellers with overseas emergency services and embassies at the touch of a button, and can translate critical emergency questions into the local language, was unveiled at the launch of the Travel Aware App this week. In the event of a terrorist attack, accident, natural disaster, or crime, Travel Aware provides international travellers with important emergency information, contacts for 2172 embassies worldwide, translations of key emergency phrases in over 200 languages, and secure storage of passport and insurance details. Speaking at the launch of the Travel Aware App, engineer and inventor Neil Wallace said he designed the app after identifying a need for people to seek help quickly and easily if they are caught up in an emergency situation overseas. “The App has been in development for more than three years and the launch has been planned for months, however, the terrible situation with the recent terrorist attacks in Paris has highlighted how beneficial this app could be,” Mr Wallace said. “They say hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Imagine being stuck in another country during a major natural disaster or terrorist attack, without knowing how to contact emergency services or find the closest medical facility. “Finding yourself without a wallet or passport, or an understanding of the local
Fernhill providing inspiration
Neil Wallace with his invention
laws, with no way of contacting the local embassy is another problem, especially if you don’t speak the language. “Travel Aware provides peace of mind in your pocket. The initial reaction we’ve received from travel industry, safety and insurance experts is that nobody should be leaving the country without this on their phone.” The App has undergone vigorous testing to ensure the accuracy of data, which is stored securely in the phone, meaning it can be accessed offline. “I think it’s a really exciting app. As the Prime Minister talks about, if we embrace technology Travel Aware is available for Apple and Android phones for $3.99, which includes future upgrades including additional countries and translation languages.
PANTHERS on the Prowl took 12 students from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School to explore Fernhill Estate for a day in June earlier this year. The students learned about the history of the estate and spent time photographing and sketching various features of the homestead and grounds that inspired them. After months of work back in the art room at school, guided by a dedicated faculty, they created an impressive collection of work including, exquisite sketches, beautiful paintings and marvelous ceramics. This month their collaborative efforts were exhibited in Fernhill Estate’s Ballroom. Honored guest Fiona Scott MP, Federal Member for Lindsay opened the exhibition to the families of these talented young artists. Georgia Moore-Garland, a year 8 student donated her oil painting of the homestead to be hung at Fernhill. “We are honored to be able to share a piece of Penrith’s history and to be included in such a special occasion with such a talented group of youngsters,” said Fernhill CEO Brenda Tripp. “Many thanks to Graham Collins and “Panthers on the Prowl.”
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Maintenance / Programmed Maintenance Electrician Solar Electrician We require a Licensed Electrician with experience in programmed maintenance, repairs & fault finding to join our team. Duties will involve Programmed Electrical Maintenance and a range of repairs & installs. Whilst we are based in Penrith, work will extend across the Sydney Metro area and will include most work between Parramatta & the city centre. Early starts (& therefore early finishes to deal with traffic & client requirements) will be required.
We also require a Licensed electrician with experience in general property repairs & maintenance, including Hot Water, Stoves & ovens, lighting & power to join our Penrith Based Maintenance Team. Duties include domestic and commercial real estate maintenance, commercial offices and government works including Rail, RMS & council premises. Experience & accreditation in Solar installation & repairs would also be a major advantage.
Must be meticulous in your work, have good customer service skills & be willing to use a Smartphone as a part of our Electronic Job Management System.
Fill your house with puppy love ADD some extra magic to your household this festive season by volunteering to be a short-term carer for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. The organisation is urgently seeking residents living in the Penrith area to care for puppies over the Christmas and New Year period. These volunteers provide care when full-time Puppy Raisers go away for weekends or on holiday, or during the interim period between the end of training and when the Guide Dog is placed with their future handler. Those interested in becoming fulltime carers, Puppy Raisers are also needed to care for potential Guide Dogs from the age of eight weeks to 14 months old. “As well as providing lots of love and cuddles, a Puppy Raiser’s job is to introduce their pup to the sights, sounds and smells it is likely to encounter as a Guide Dog,” Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Raising Manager, Karen Hayter said. “Our volunteers make a wonderful contribution in helping to transform a playful puppy into a responsible Guide Dog that will one day change the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired.” It takes almost two years and costs
more than $35,000 to raise breed, raise and train each Guide Dog and Puppy Raisers play a vital role in this. “We are looking for people that are home most of the time, who are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog. What
you will get in return is a fantastic experience,” Ms Hayter said. “Guide Dogs will provide food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and be on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance,” she said.
“Puppy Raisers need to have a fully-fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time, have access to a car and attend training days in the local area.” The Puppy Raiser and their pup also regularly visit the Guide Dogs Centre at Glossodia for vet checks and Puppy Pre-School. Puppy Raising is a wonderful opportunity for individuals or families who may not want the lifetime commitment of having a dog of their own, and it’s a great way to give back to the community. After 12 months the confident, well-mannered, young adult dogs return to the Guide Dogs Centre to undertake formal training. Every day in Australia, 28 people are diagnosed with vision loss that cannot be corrected, including nine who will become blind. These figures will rise by 20% in the next five years, so there is a huge demand for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s free services. If you would like to become a short-term or full-time Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, please apply online at www.guidedogs.com. au or call the Guide Dogs Centre at Glossodia on 4579 7555.
13 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
localnews local
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Council Column
The assorted goings-on at Penrith City Council from this week and the November 23 meeting.
By Garion Thain
North St Marys Residents Win Grandparents of the Year Marjorie and Graham Elphick, local residents from North St Marys, were recently named the 2015 Grandparents of the year at a ceremony in October. Grandparents’ day is a state funded initiative that celebrates the vital role grandparents play in society as custodians of individual and cultural memories and as providers of care and love to their children and grandchildren. The Elphicks received the award for over 45 years of volunteer work at North St Marys primary school, where their children and now grandchildren attend. For years they have been taking care of the school pets and helped with gardening on weekends. They are also very active at the local neighbourhood centre. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown commended their contribution to St Marys in a mayoral minute. “Mr and Mrs Elphick step in whenever help or support is needed,” said Cr McKeown. “They have an unstinting dedication to North St Marys.” Councillor Jackie Greenhow also volunteers at North St Marys primary school and expressed her delight at the Elphicks being recognised for their role in the local community. “They do an enormous amount,” said Cr Greenhow. “If they weren’t there, it would be a great loss,” she continued. “They even knit for people overseas and are involved with the indigenous community at the neighbourhood centre.” Councillor John Thain who is also familiar with the Elphicks said “If I ask nicely they might adopt me, they are wonderful people.”
Mr and Mrs Elphick beat out candidates from all over NSW to win the state funded Grandparents of the year award.
Kendo Club The Japanese martial art/disciplinary sport of Kendo is growing in Sydney and a member of the Penrith club in Castlereagh has appealed to council to help fund part of the hall rental. Dennis Burke contacted Cr Thain to ask if he could inform other councillors about the activity. The trainer and founder of the Castlereagh club, Andrew Mellito, is an internationally recognised trainer due to his extensive experience in Japan. The club operates on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30pm. The martial art is hugely popular in Japan and advocates clean eating and living principles in training and outside the club. Mr Burke intends to get in contact with Council’s Friends of Fujieda to involve Kendo in the city’s exchange program.
Wellness Clinic • Weight loss • Depression, anxiety, stress • Sexual problems • Professional burnout • Mental health issues • IVF success
Youth Week Funding causes verbal tiff A brief moment of argument arose at Monday’s meeting in regards the allocation of further funds for 2016’s Youth Week celebrations. Cr Bernard Bratusa recommended that an extra $1650 be allocated to next year’s event, however Cr Fowler suggested this could set a precedent to other organisations looking for extra funding themselves. The other councillors agreed against the recommendation, however Cr Thain suggested an overall budget increase to be considered for youth week in the future, to which Cr Mark Davies agreed. Cr Bratusa called the other councillors scrooges, saying “I’m extremely disappointed in my fellow councillors, our youth are our future.” Cr Jim Aitken took exception to being called a scrooge, saying he was happy to support organisations
WITH
with his own money. Cr Bratusa was then asked to retract the comment. Links Road Recycling Centre Established Council is partnering with Toxfree Solutions Ltd to found a new recycling centre in St Marys. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown says the centre will come at great benefit to residents. “The funding will be used to build a drop-off facility for residents to recycle and safely dispose of household problem waste such as paints, batteries and oils for free,” Cr McKeown said. “Toxfree Solutions Ltd - the appointed service provider for the NSW EPA contract to collect and reprocess the household problem wastes - have proposed to use their current facility at 66 Links Road, St Marys.” The Community Recycling Centre will open in 2016.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to the editor to kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
Inflamed about flag burning Re your editorial last edition - From The Editors Desk with Kerrie Davies - I could not agree more. The sooner the Federal Govt makes it illegal to burn the Australian flag the better. It is at least treason at best sedition. Why should we bend over backwards to accommodate a minority of the community whose main aim is to take over us all and install their way of the world. One other thing that has me steamed up right now is the fact that we have so many homeless returned veterans that would cost $M60 to remedy when we are spending $M700 to infiltrate 12,00 refugees with full benefits. The only time this comes to light is around Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. it is an outrage and the Govt. should hang their collective heads in shame. Daphne, Penrith Losing our right to patriotism Well done Kerrie Davies. (Editor’s Desk, November 12). Great to read an editorial that wasn’t apologising to anyone for simply being Australian. I share your fear that our right to be proud of our country is becoming unacceptable. If people don’t speak up now we will look back in a few years and wonder why we didn’t stop this crazy crap when we had the chance to. Aussies, stand tall, be proud and most of all be heard!!! G.Shaw, Emu Plains Terror attacks in Paris Now it is more important than it ever has been to keep our collective sensible heads together in light of the attacks which happened in Paris. This is not a time to blame all Musims for the atrocities committed by some radicals. The people who killed in Paris are not Islamic, they are murderers. Lets keep that in perspective and not make normal Muslims the scapegoats. Aaron Parsons, St Marys Great local school During the last five weeks, I have attended the Transition to school program with my grandson who will be enrolling in 2016. This program, run by the teachers at St Clair public school, is designed to introduce new kindergarten children to school life and establish a relationship with the children. I am delighted with the welcome we have received from all the staff and older children who have helped us. I have to say that I am very impressed with the school itself. The facilities are great, especially the areas other than the classrooms including the great cooking area for the kids, Library and mini farm that has plants, vegetables and chickens that the children can access. The classrooms are large, bright and cheerful and proudly display work that children have done posted on the walls. The teaching staff have made us feel very welcome, explained to us what the process will be and we know that our grandson’s future is in good hands with the professionalism of the teachers who will be looking after him. All the teachers are encouraging, helpful and display excellent educational qualities. You can see how much effort the kindergarten teachers have put into this orientation program. It is obvious by the way they interact with the children and parents that they love their jobs and are proud to be part of a great team of dedicated teachers, looking after the education of our children. I strongly recommend St Clair Public school to any one with Kindy and Primary School age children as the best possible school to enroll their children. Congratulations to the Principal and her team. Christine Harrison, Greystanes
NOVENA Oh, most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Sweet Mother, I place this prayer in your hands. (3 times). Amen.
15 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
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Legends of the Nepean By Greg Martin
SHE’S that type of gal who still retains her youthful beauty at 34 years of age without the aid of Botox injections, plastic surgery or sweatinducing daily workouts in the gym. She is one of the most popular ladies in the Nepean and many have fallen for her charms and return time and time again to enjoy her company.
“She” is not the cat’s mother but the magnificent Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler which has graced the Nepean River with its presence since being launched in October, 1982 by the Wakeling family. The Wakelings operated ‘the Belle,’ as she is affectionately known, for 32 years until local husband and wife, Chris and Carol Bennett, purchased the business in October, 2013. It was an emotional time for Chris
Way down upon the Nepean River! The glorious Nepean Belle.
who was a member of the original crew aboard the Belle when she first started cruising the Nepean River all those years ago. “I was still at school at St Dominics and landed a part-time job as a deckhand which I did for three years,” Chris said. He and Carol were determined to continue and maintain the success and reputation of the Nepean Belle and to that end, they have exceeded beyond all expectations. Crikey, the grand old lady is as full as a Botany Bay-bound convict ship whenever she leaves her berth at Tench Reserve. Unlike those poor blighters, those who step aboard the Belle travel in utmost comfort – none of that chained up in the hold and only seeing the light of day on rare occasions. The Belle can hold up to 120 passengers for seated meals or 170 customers for a cocktail function and all get the opportunity to get up on deck to have fun and admire the fabulous views. Whether you come for a morning tea, high tea, lunch or dinner to cruise the wilderness areas of the Blue Mountains National Park and the Nepean
Gorge, customers are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Sunlit by day or floodlit by night, the sandstone peaks of the Nepean Gorge tower up to 150 metres above the water and provide great photo opportunities. In the Blue Mountains National Park, guests are treated to unique views of a largely unexplored wonderland of natural flora and native wildlife including wombats, wallabies, lizards, eagles, cormorants and even mountain goats and white breasted sea eagles! Carefully negotiating “the Narrows” at “Rocky Island” near Glenbrook creek, the pinging chorus of bellbirds resonates in song through the Gorge until the boat reaches its turning point at Euroka Creek. During the day sunlight cascades over the stunning ascending rock formations carved out by the spectacular Nepean River it is one of Australia’s beautiful and largely unknown, natural archaeological splendours. The Nepean Belle, which cruises at a leisurely speed of four knots, is modelled on the Mississippi sternwheelers, though it has side wheels and two non-functioning smoke stacks.
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NEPEAN BELLE The paddlewheels are independent, each having their own engine which enables the boat to turn around in her own length. Once on-board, one could be forgiven for going searching of a game of cards with Maverick or listen for someone on shore to belt out Swanee River! Winner of a number of Small Business Awards from 1985, the Nepean Belle boasts sumptuous meals, a licensed bar, lavish interiors, all beautifully panelled in cedar, teak, maple and oak, and an unrivalled, world-class view from 360 degree viewing decks. Little wonder Carol and Chris love being part of the Nepean Belle story! After leaving school, Chris became indentured to a mechanic, qualified with flying colours and went on to utilise his remarkable skills on racing cars – and speedboats. A topflight skier – he was good enough to post a record-breaking win in the annual Bridge to Bridge Race on the Hawkesbury – Chris knows the Nepean River like the back of his hand having skied and boated on it since he was a youngster. Chris, who has a Masters V
certificate, puts his skills to use not only captaining the Belle, but also ensuring the engines purr as soft as a kitten. Carol has worked all her life in IT and she has taken over the administrative side of the business she had the “smarts” to develop the Belle’s excellent website. The Bennetts also operate the Platypus as Bennett’s on the River which is moored at Tench Reserve as a coffee shop, restaurant and bar serving breakfast, morning and afternoon teas and lunch. Occasionally Platypus-Bennetts leaves her mooring and is chartered for cruises along the Nepean. The Bennetts have 23 local people in their crew including deckhands, wait staff, baristas, chefs and admin staff. The couple have been tremendous supporters to the community – they recently hosted a fund-raising morning tea aboard the Belle with proceeds going to Nepean Hospital’s Cardiac Unit. Their largess in providing cruise prizes for raffles and auctions extends to many charities and organisations including the Salvation Army and Relay for Life.
Cap’n Chris Bennett and trusty lieutenant and wife, Carol.
Nepean Belle nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Korena Hale. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at greg@nepeannews.com.au
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Child’s play COLYTON is set to get a brand new playground at Barr and Bass Street Reserve thanks to the fantastic creative efforts of local students. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown and Deputy Mayor Ross Fowler OAM have turned the sod on the re-development of Barr and Bass Street Reserve at Colyton. Students from Bennett Road Public School and Colyton Trade High School have been participating in the Penrith Mayoral Challenge where they given the task of coming up with a playground for the Colyton community. The student’s concepts were transformed into a design which they presented to Council on 24 August and the design was endorsed. The turning of the soil on this project marks the start of construction of the park designed by students for the community of Colyton. The works include a flying fox, climbing net, nest swing, bike track and picnic area which are due for completion in early 2016.
Help the Salvos spread Christmas cheer PENRITH Valley residents are encouraged to bring some Christmas joy to the lives of other Australians doing it tough this festive season by supporting their local Salvation Army at Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith and Bunnings Warehouse Penrith. Each year, almost 100,000 Australians turn to The Salvos for help during the Christmas season and Penrith Valley residents are encouraged to assist the organisation to help as many people in need as possible. Salvation Army spokesperson Dr Bruce Redman said they look to people’s generosity throughout the Christmas period, as The Salvos encounter Australians who don’t have it easy during this time, with many unable to afford the basic essentials. “We encourage Penrith Valley locals to assist The Salvos by giving generously this year, as their assistance allows us to provide food parcels, presents and other essentials to people and families in need,” said Dr Redman. “We hope this festive season residents visit their local store and support The Salvos through a range of activities,” said Dr Redman. Bunnings Warehouse Area Manager, Robyn Hudson said team members are looking forward to supporting The Salvation Army’s fundraising initiatives during November and December. “We encourage Penrith Valley locals to pay us a visit, share the Christmas spirit and support The Salvos who make a difference to so many in need,” said Robyn. The Salvos will be visiting their local Bunnings to spread some festive cheer with carolling and band performances, as well as raising much needed funds through fundraising activities like tin shaking. Visit your local Bunnings Warehouse for more information.
WHEN: November and December 2015 WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Minchinbury, Cnr John Hines Avenue & Great Western Highway, Tel: 8882 0600 Bunnings Warehouse North Penrith, 2166 Castlereagh Road, Tel: 4720 2000 Bunnings Warehouse Penrith, Wolseley Street, Regentville, Tel: 4737 5400
POLICE FILES
Unthinkable act A man has been charged with inflicting critical injuries to a baby in Penrith this week. About 3.50pm (Sunday 23 November 2015) NSW Ambulance Paramedics called for police assistance at a home in Penrith where they were treating a 10-month-old baby for severe burns. The boy had suffered significant burns to his head, neck, chest and back, and was also suffering significant head and facial injuries. He was taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead where he was placed in an induced coma and remains in a critical condition. Police attended the Penrith home and spoke with a 23-year-old man. He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with recklessly inflict
grievous bodily harm.
Pedestrian dies A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on Saturday night. Just before 11pm (Saturday 21 November 2015), police and emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway, Kingswood, following reports a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. On arrival, police located a 56-yearold man suffering critical injuries. He was treated at the scene before being taken by Ambulance Paramedics to Westmead Hospital, where he later died. The 31-year-old male driver of the vehicle was taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing. Officers from St Marys Local Area Command established a crime scene at the location, which was examined
by specialist forensic officers. The road was closed for three hours while investigators conducted their inquiries. Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police to contact Crime Stoppers. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. Plantation seized A man has been charged after unregistered firearms and an enhanced indoor hydroponic cannabis plantation were allegedly located in a home and caravan last week. About 4.20pm (Thursday 19 November 2015), police from Penrith Local Area Command attended a home at Riverside Road, Emu Heights, and spoke to one of the male occupants.
Officers conducted a search of a caravan at the property and allegedly located an amount of cannabis, three rifles, a shortened shotgun and various ammunition types in excess of 250 rounds. Following a further search of the home, officers allegedly discovered an enhanced hydroponic cannabis plantation, consisting of electronic transformers, grow lights and 11 cannabis plants in excess of one metre in height with an estimated potential street value of $55,000. The cannabis was seized. A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with possess shorten firearm (x2), possess unauthorised firearm (x2), not keep firearm safely (x4), possess ammunition without licence, possess prohibited drug (x2), cultivate prohibited plant > small quantity and possess prohibited plant.
Nashos meeting THE Penrith City National Servicemen’s Association meet on the third Sunday of each month at Penrith RSL at 10.30am. Pop in early for a cuppa! All services (Army, Navy and Air Force) welcome. Come along and meet some like-minded friends, and have lots of fun in the process, There’s raffles, bus trips and they also get busy raising money for charities - in fact they’ve raised over $180,000 in the last three years selling badges! Contact Colin for more info on 0400 129 006.
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Secret debate
SCHOOLIES WEEK - TRASH OR TREASURE? He Says........................... .........................She Says SCHOOLIES week, what on earth possesses normal, intelligent, loving parents to agree to throw their hard earned cash at their kids as some sort of reward for finishing an exam that tells them how successful or unsuccessful they have been in getting the education that we worked hard to pay for? Now I might have some sympathy for an 18 year old who has achieved great results after their HSC and actually did some work during their school tuition, but what’s with the School Certificate celebration requirement for 16 year olds? Most 16 year olds have trouble remembering it is bloody garbage night. Six kids with individual IQ’s of 100 would be lucky to achieve a combined score of 120 when put together. Schooling is tough, our kids have to spend at least four hours per day learning and only get 12 weeks a year holidays with pupil free days etc. Wow how do they survive? That equates to about 800 hours a year of schooling
WIN!
compared with the average Joe or Josephine’s working year of about 1900 slave hours a year. Tell the lazy little buggers to go and get a holiday job and earn some cash so they can send their parents on an all expenses paid holiday as reward for what we have done for them. On a more serious note, why on earth is a school only six hours a day attendance? It may be ok for young kids in primary school but surely these hours should be increased to at least 7-8 hours a day in High School. We should be getting them ready for the working life ahead of them instead of pandering to some out-of-touch educator who has been cocooned in a school environment their whole life, who says it’s hard to concentrate for longer than six hours. If that’s the case then let’s reduce the working hours to six a day for everyone. Enjoy your break kids, because the real world is rapidly approaching.
I SAY let them have their week of fun before the harsh realities of life set in - the last hoorah, so to speak. Let’s face it - those of us like me who were put on this earth before the schoolies legend was born don’t like it because we’re just plain jealous! Where was the week of boozin fun away from the ever-watchful parental eye when we finished school? The best we had to look forward to was an awkward school formal, where we spent the entire year obsessing over who would or wouldn’t ask us to be their date. And we females didn’t get to get doled up to the nines in a wedding-style flurry of makeup, spray tans and tiaras either - the chosen dress was often vetoed by our fun-spoiling parents who wanted us in pretty pink frills that revealed as little skin as possible. Imagine the fun of having almost your entire grade
running amok on a sundrenched holiday with you not to mention the absence of teachers or parents to plan the activities! It is the literally the best age of your life; with school behind you and the world at your feet, you’re finally old enough to participate in anything and everything and what’s great is you look the best you’re ever likely to look while doing it. The memories gained from schoolies week will last with the younger generations forever. When life deals the blows that ultimately hit us all at one time or another, they’ll always have fond memories of dreamy days where life was wild and carefree for a one-week window. And maybe, just maybe, it will serve to motivate them that having a good job and being sensible with their hardearned cash will serve up more holidays in the future, albeit more mature ones with different types of fun to be had.
Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Nita
Askk
A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries
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What is lip enhancement and lip rejuvenation? looking lips. Gone are the days when lip enhancement meant a duck bill or trout pout. At Rejuven8 we prefer a natural enhancement that will leave you with fuller lips that look just like you were born with them! What is involved in treatment? Dermal Fillers are injected into the lips in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. Local anaesthetic cream or dental blocks may be administered for increased comfort. What do Dermal Fillers do? Once injected, the gel plumps and lifts the skin gently to replace collagen that has been lost by the natural ageing process. Semi permanent fillers work by creating an internal framework (or scaffolding) on which new collagen and elastin can attach creating the
structure, tone and firmness for a more youthful appearance. Movement and sensation are not affected – your lips and skin will look and feel soft and natural. Is treatment safe? Although there is a variety of dermal filling products our specially trained rejuven8 cosmetic practitioners only use proven and tested fillers. Dermal fillers are biodegradable and most are based on substances naturally occurring within the human body. As they are found naturally in human cells, dermal fillers are well tolerated and there is no need for allergy testing although the dermal fillers have been used for many years they should not be used in pregnancy, lactating mothers and other medical
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conditions. It is very important to tell your cosmetic practitioner if you have health problems or on any medication prior to treatment. How long do the results last? Dermal Fillers usually lasts between 6 to 9 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle and skin maintenance. Some longer acting Dermal Fillers can last between 9 to 18 months. Are there any side effects to this treatment? Side-effects of Dermal Filling may include some swelling, redness and occasional bruising. This will disappear within a couple of days although occasional severe bruising can last up to 10-14 days. Although most people resume their daily routine immediately after treatment some more severe side-effects, such as severe bruising and infection, can prevent you from resuming your normal duties for 2-4 weeks. Serious side effects such as blocking a blood vessel could cause skin or part of the lip to necrose.Thats why it is important that when considering lip enhancement you should attend a clinic with medical staff who are experienced in recognising the early onset of complications.
Anaesthesia and your pet
Nepean
Veterinary REPORT
with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET
Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair
ALL sorts of different animals come into Nepean Animal Hospital for a variety of reasons and many of these animals need to be anaesthetised. An anaesthetic is when we give your pet medication to allow us to perform surgery without pain. The pet is “asleep” unable to feel pain or consciously recognize what is happening to them. Most of the time anaesthetics are performed so we can do a surgical procedure on the pet. However, sometimes we use an anaesthetic as a way to keep and animal perfectly still so we can do xrays or ultrasounds or sometimes even to examine a very upset patient. Generally, anaesthetics are safe, however; giving any drug carries a slight risk. Anaesthetic drugs lower the heart rate of a pet, lower the pets’ ability to breath consciously, lower the blood pressure, and stop the pet from being able to regulate their temperature (they get cold easily). Due to all these changes the pets at Nepean Animal Hospital are always very closely monitored. We use a state of the art Cardell monitor. This machine allows us to monitor your pets heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygenation, blood pressure and temperature every second of the anaesthetic. It also allows us to place an ECG (electrocardiogram) onto your pet. This means we can
see the electrical conduction in the heart every second, if the conductions start to become erratic it can be an early warning sign and we can give preventative drugs sooner. A nurse sits with the pet and charts all the different parameters throughout surgery. The tinniest change in any of the parameters and the nurse lets the vet know what is going on so they can adjust the anaesthetic or give drugs to correct heartrate or blood pressure. As the pet is hooked up to oxygen we can give them extra breaths or breathe for them if necessary to fix oxygenation status. All of our surgical patients are also maintained on a BAIR hugger. This machine blows warm air around the patient and keeps their temperature stable. This is very important as
temperature plays a major role in how well a pet recovers. Keeping their temperature stable throughout the procedure means they recover much faster from the anaesthetic. We often use both these machines for animals in hospital as well. The BAIR hugger is a great way to safely reheat cold kittens or puppies or animals in shock after a traumatic incident. The Cardell monitor can be used to check the oxygenation status of an animal breathing poorly or we can check the electrical conductions in heart beating erratically allowing us to pinpoint the problem in the heart. With our state of the art equipment, and qualified nurses and vet team you know your pet will receive the best possible care and Nepean Animal Hospital.
24
RECRUITMENT REVIEW
with Linda Kemp
Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Ensure you select the best person for your company FINDING the right person when you’re hiring is critical. The right person in terms of ‘fit’ and attitude can be a huge benefit and a boost to the existing team. The wrong person can have such a negative impact that it can affect atmosphere, morale, image and reputation. Worse still, it can create friction and staff turnover. First of all it is important to have a clear idea of what duties will be part of the role, so that you can identify skills and attributes that you need in the person who is going to be your future employee, and part of your team. Points you need to consider include but are not limited to: Do we have a detailed job description? Does it cover all aspects of the role including: • Why is the role available? • What is the main purpose of the role? • What are the duties and responsibilities of the role? • What previous experience do we need for this role? • What skills will be required and at what level? • What equipment will they be using? Do they need licences or experience to operate that equipment? • Who will supervise the new person? • How will we monitor performance (i.e. on the job monitoring; performance appraisals; KPI’s)? • Working conditions, i.e. equipment used, remuneration, hours of work, benefits?
• What if any are the long term opportunities of this role? Do we have a clear idea of what we need in the successful employee (employee specification)? • What qualification/trade/other if any, is essential for this role? i.e. Degree, Diploma, Trade • Do they require specific licences? If so which? • Will they need to use a company car during work, i.e. to do the mail; banking etc (in which case you need to keep a copy of their licence and check their driving record for possible impact on your insurance) • What is the essential experience? – (Must have) • What is the desired experience? – (Not essential but would be beneficial) • What are the specific skills required? i.e. Data Entry- what speed and accuracy required • What are the personal attributes required to handle this role well? i.e. Team focus; customer service focus; initiative; attention to detail, ability to handle pressure etc. Where possible, get input from the roles direct supervisor and other members of the team in addition to the person who is currently performing the role to ensure that you have an accurate picture of the role. The next step is to decide how you will find that person, and we will discuss that in the next edition.
Complete Recruitment Solu ons is different from most specialist recruitment consultancies…… you’ll see why from the moment you apply to us. For both temporary and permanent roles, we source the most suitably skilled and experienced candidates for our clients’ needs. Our guarantee to our clients means that all candidates are required to complete our screening process. This includes thorough reference checking, skills assessments and in depth interviewing. Here is a small selec on of the roles that we are currently recrui ng: WHITE COLLAR POSITIONS AVAILABLE - PERMANENT
INDUSTRIAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE - LONG TERM TEMPORARY
NSW SALES EXECUTIVE WESTERN SUBURBS $100K $110K PKG INCLUDING CAR & COMMISSION Specialist Industrial Equipment company needs an experienced sales execu ve with building/ construc on industry background.
PLASTERERS & CARPENTERS WESTERN SYDNEY BASED COMPANY COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ONGOING WORK Projects based throughout Sydney Metro & CBD areas.
TRADES POSITIONS AVAILABLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER PENRITH/BLUE MOUNTAINS $120K PKG + CAR + PHONE Must have current builders license, experience needed – new home building industry exp, building custom designed and project style new homes. FIELD SERVICE TECHNICIANS FORKLIFTS WETHERILL PARK $32 $36P/H + VEHICLE + PHONE Must hold trade qualifica on and full drivers licence. Exp needed breakdown/service repairs on electric & gas forkli s. PLANT OPERATOR KATOOMBA Licensed excavator operator required, labouring, use of hand tools $27.64ph. CNC PROGRAMMER/OPERATOR Permanent full me role – Programming and Opera ng CNC Lathes. Must have Fanuc, Heidenhain and/or Mazatrol control experience. Based in Revesby - $60k - $70k + super. PROJECT MANAGER PENRITH Work in the home improvement industry, commission based role, huge earning poten al, great team! CNC PROGRAMMER/OPERATOR BASED IN REVESBY $60K $70K + SUPER Permanent full me role – Programming and Opera ng CNC Lathes. Must have Fanuc or Heidenhain control experience.
FORKLIFT DRIVERS WESTERN SYDNEY Experienced, reliable, & efficient forkli drivers and storepersons needed. MR, HR & HC DRIVERS Permanent roles available. Must have truck and dog experience and a good driving record. Plenty of over me available. Lots of local casual ‘on call’ work for reliable industrial workers with own transport and references
For more information please call us on
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26
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Heavens Above
Mike’s Pantry
Respect
Crumbed chicken drumsticks
with Reverend Ross Hutchison
How many ways can “respect” be described? How many ways can “respect” be identified? Dear friends, a simple way of bringing back harmony and order to our troubled world, is for all of us on this planet, to practise respect, first for ourselves and our individual gifts and also the individual people we share this planet with and the talents they also have! As I have said before, we all have gifts and these gifts we must nurture and honour with respect! None of us were ever given the gifts of hatred, jealousy or Intolerance. These elements within humanity are all man made and are the cause of all that is foul! Maybe we all need to adopt and follow the philosophy of Hippocrates. He was the ancient father of medicine. He said, “find the cause, fix the cause and the body will heal Itself.” We are never too old to learn or re-learn. Food for thought. Your Mate, Rossco
with Mike Creed
INGREDIENTS: 6 chicken drumsticks 3 eggs ½ cup all-purpose flour I packet French onion soup mix ¼ cup bread crumbs (fine dried) ¼ cup crushed ritz crackers ¼ crushed cornflakes 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper COOKING: • Preheat oven to 180c. • In a shallow bowl beat eggs with a fork until blended. • On a plate mix together the flour, French onion soup mix, bread crumbs, garlic, cornflakes, crackers, salt and pepper. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, evenly coating it then dip it into the egg mixture and then back into the flour/ breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for all of the drumsticks. • Once finished place on a tray
and refrigerate them for about 15 minutes. • Lightly coat your baking dish with some olive oil and place the drumsticks into the dish and place in the oven for about 30 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with chopped parsley sprinkled over the top as a nice garnish.
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28
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
An adrenaline rush is closer than you think PENRITH City Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown said it’s time for people to break free of average, “If you want to go on an adventure that makes you feel alive, it’s time to visit Penrith.” Sydneysiders needn’t travel long distances for a taste of adventure when there is a suite of adrenalinecharged attractions in their own backyard. Cr McKeown said it’s easy to see why Penrith is known as the Adventure Capital of NSW. “There is no other place in Australia you can go white-water rafting on an Olympic course, nowhere else in NSW you can try indoor skydiving and we are the only place in Sydney offering jet packing and fly boarding,” Cr McKeown said. “There is a new go-kart facility at Luddenham where groups of friends can race each other around the circuit. Penrith also had a world-class cable wakeboarding park, and people can even experience the thrill of jet-skiing on the beautiful Nepean River. “If it’s action you’re after, we’ve got it in spades. Penrith is only an hour from Sydney’s CBD, the perfect distance for a day-trip with family or friends, and a great place to have your next adventure.” Five adrenaline-charged attractions in Penrith: 1. Penrith Whitewater Stadium: The only manmade white water course in the Southern Hemisphere, Penrith White water Stadium was built to host the canoe and kayak slalom competitions in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Offering guided and unguided rafting and kayaking, this is a great activity for friends, work colleagues or sporting groups. 2. iFLY Indoor Skydiving: You don’t need to jump out of a plane to experience the thrill and excitement of skydiving. Indoor Skydiving in Penrith is safe for
There is only one place in NSW you can go indoor skydiving, IFLY Indoor Skydiving is located in the Penrith Panthers Complex.
If you’ve even dreamt of flying, then you should try jetpacking in Penrith. Penrith is home to the only man-made white-water course in proved hugely popular with thrill-seekers of all ages. the Southern Hemisphere
kids, challenging for adults and a realistic skydiving experience. Suitable for people aged 3 years and over. 3. Jetpack Adventures: Flying as much as ten metres above the water is no longer the stuff of dreams. Make like James Bond and fly across the water with a jetpack or flyboard. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Weight restrictions apply. 4. Luddenham Raceway: Penrith’s newest adventure attraction opened in late 2014 and has
There are two race tracks; a pro-circuit and a rookie circuit (for ages 8 -14 years), and a fly and drive experience involving a helicopter ride! Paintball is also coming soon. 5. Cables Wake Park: If you want to have fun and don’t mind getting wet, then try wake boarding or knee boarding at this world-class facility. Free spectator entry, plus access to the kids play area. The new inflatable Aqua Park is fun for the young, and the young at heart.
Saturday 19th December MEMEBERS $15, NON MEMBERS $20
MEGA Christmas Toy & Ham Raffle DRAWN
6TH DECEMBER 6.30PM
Ham Raffles STARTING 3RD DECEMBER THURSDAY NIGHT FROM 8PM FRIDAY NIGHT FROM 7.45PM SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 6.30PM
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
30 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Step back in time
JOKES
EVENTS
1476 - Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) defeats Basarab Laiota with the help of Stephen the Great and Stephen V Báthory and becomes the ruler of Wallachia for the third time. 1863 - United States President Abraham Lincoln proclaims November 26 as a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated annually on the final Thursday of November. Since 1941 it has been on the fourth Thursday. 1922 - Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon become the first people to enter the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in over 3000 years. 1949 - The Constituent Assembly of India adopts the constitution presented by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. 1970 - In Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) of rain fall in a minute, the heaviest rainfall ever recorded. 2003 - Concorde makes its final flight, over Bristol, England.
BIRTHS 1604 1853 1876 1933 1939
-
Johannes Bach, German organist and composer (d. 1673). Bat Masterson, Canadian-American police officer and journalist (d. 1921). Willis Carrier, American engineer, invented air conditioning (d. 1950). Robert Goulet, American-Canadian singer and actor (d. 2007). Tina Turner, American-Swiss singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress (Ike & Tina Turner).
Well, the Australian summer is nigh and as you are already aware, Australian summers are hot!! 1.
How hot is it? The cows are giving evaporated milk.
2.
How hot is it? The chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs.
3.
How hot is it? I saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walkin‛.
4.
How hot is it? You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
5.
How hot is it? The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
6.
How hot is it? The potatoes cook underground and all you have to do is to pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
7.
How hot is it? The trees are whistling for the dogs.
8.
How hot is it? Satan decided to take the day off.
9.
How hot is it? You eat hot chillies to cool your mouth off.
10. How hot is it? Your dream house is any house in Siberia. 11. How hot is it? You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron. 12. It‛s so hot Jehovah‛s Witnesses started telemarketing.
DEATHS
13. It‛s so hot you can wash and dry your clothes at the same time.
956 - Tommy Dorsey, American trombonist, trumpet player, and composer (b. 1905). 1973 - John Rostill, English bass player and songwriter (The Shadows) (b. 1942). 2007 - Herb McKenley, Jamaican sprinter (b. 1922).
15. It‛s so hot cows give powdered milk.
14. It‛s so hot I saw two trees fighting over a dog.
16. It‛s so hot my thermometer goes up to “Are you kidding me?”
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 What Nero was doing (8) 5 Grins (6) 9 Killer (8) 10 Precipitated flakes (6) 12 Lack of bravery (9) 13 Encircles a picture (5) 14 Male ruler (4) 16 Spartan (7) 19 Relationship between lovers (7) 21 Found in some skin lotions (4) 24 Former French currency (5) 25 Estimate (9) 27 Preferring (6) 28 Singer (8) 29 More unhappy (6) 30 Colossus (8)
DOWN 1 Debacle (6) 2 Disinherit (6) 3 Not a winner (5) 4 Fastening two pieces of wood (7) 6 A public declaration (9) 7 Legislator (8) 8 Made unhappy (8) 11 Queen of the gods (Greek mythology) (4) 15 Naivete (9) 17 Creamy chocolate candies (8) 18 Ventured (8) 20 They come from chickens (4) 21 Windflower (7) 22 A style of half mask (6) 23 Draw (6) 26 The Final Frontier (5)
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33 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
realestate real
How can I get noticed ahead of other buyers? YOU’VE trawled the websites, read the local paper and are thinking about heading out to some open homes. Here are a few things you can do to help give you an edge over the competition. 1. Have your finances in order. This may sound obvious but will give you the biggest edge when it comes to making offers and negotiating. It can also get you through the door before the rest. We have just introduced a VIP buyer’s club for those who are ready to purchase, allowing them private viewings before the first open home. Vendor’s would much rather have weekly open homes so they don’t have to keep their property “inspection-ready” 24/7 – but if we know you’re a serious buyer we’re willing to
persuade them to let you through! 2. Be honest about what you’re looking for and what your situation is. Our Buyer Managers WANT to help their clients find a home! The more they know about you, the faster they can identify any properties that meet your needs. Playing your cards too close to your chest could see you miss out on something that would have been perfect. 3. If you need to sell before you can buy, prepare for the fact that your property might take longer to sell than you think. The market is changing and properties aren’t selling as fast as they were. So start meeting with agents and preparing your home for sale sooner rather than later.
4. Make a genuine offer. Of course everyone loves a bargain and negotiating on price is a big part of property sales, but we see lots of people make really low offers on properties they actually want. The problem with this is that if lots of offers come in, you may be missed even for the negotiation stage. Give honest feedback at opens and if you’re really interested make an offer that’s worth the seller’s consideration. If you’ve been put off by the recent market frenzy, now’s the time to start looking again. The best time to buy is when other people aren’t – there’s more choice and more room for negotiation.
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THE SMART LINE with Steve Roddick
5 reasons the real estate sector is so strong PROPERTY has been one of the standout performers of the Australian economy over recent years, with more people approaching mortgage brokers to get their foot on the ladder. Even as the country has been through the global financial crisis and more recently the downturn in resources sector activity, property has held its own and continued to perform well. Here are just some of the reasons why the Australian dream of property ownership is still alive and well – and is likely to be so for a while longer yet. 1. Strong house price appreciation Fitch Ratings acknowledged that house prices have appreciated considerably over recent months, which in turn has added strength to the national market. In fact, there has been a slowdown in delinquency rates, showing that Australians are making a financial commitment to their real estate. 2. Improvements in the economy Australian homebuyers have also been making the most of an improved outlook for the national economy. CommBank has forecast that economic expansion will reach record highs in 2015-16, which is likely to
have positive knock-on effects for consumer confidence. CommSec Chief Economist Craig James indicated that low interest rates are one factor that has played a part in this, as several previously struggling sectors have been given a lifeline. 3. Supply keeps pace with demand There has been some criticism that the supply of property hasn’t kept pace with the level of demand, but this may have evened out over recent months. Tim Lawless, CoreLogic RP Data head of research, indicated that an increased number of homes are being advertised, so it will be interesting to see whether a new trend is in fact emerging. 4. Construction activity is buoyant The Australian construction sector has also thrived over recent years, which may give people the incentive they need to enter the market. The Housing Industry Association recently commented on official house building figures, which showed a growing interest in new dwellings among those with property investment loans. As demand for homes increases, so does building activity. This has helped keep the real estate sector and economy as a whole moving in the
right direction for some time. 5. Overseas investment changes have been introduced There had been calls for changes to the way in which overseas investors find the finance they need to buy property – and these came into effect in December last year. This has opened up the market to a wider range of borrowers who may otherwise have felt they had been priced out. The Property Council of Australia said the reform package had led to a positive knock-on effect for housing
affordability throughout the nation. Please feel free to contact me anytime on 0420 289 381 or email sroddick@smartline.com.au to discuss your needs or just for a chat about property and finance.
35 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
realestate real
• Home Loans • Commercial Loans • Business Finance • Investing • Insurance • Car Finance
m 0420 289 381 | f 02 4786 1242 e sroddick@smartline.com.au
www.smartline.com.au/sroddick
Development Marketing Looking to Buy or Sell Call Us Today 1/99 Canberra St, Oxley Park p: 0416 922 477 f: 9623 2397 e: a-plus@realtyagent.com
nepeanhistory nepean
36 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Continuation of the
‘Park View’ Hotel - 1926
I
N January 1926 it seems that the women of St Marys were not pleased with the Aldermen of their Council as an interesting insight came to light while delving into their minutes. A small gem is unearthed when the January 1926 minutes revealed the following: “Many of the fair sex of St Marys are incensed that the Aldermen of St Marys’ Council do not take a keener interest in the doings of the town. As one lady put it to us, there is plenty of room and scope to work for both the old and new Aldermen. St Marys is badly in need of water and lighting services but only can it be brought about by the co-operation of the whole of the citizens”. This finally prompted the Council to start the ball rolling in June, but electricity didn’t come to St Marys’ streets until December 1931 and then only street lights in Queen Street and the Highway. Also in January 1926 the licence of the “Park View” was transferred from Annie May to Matthew William Hourigan which he promptly transferred in August to Bridget McCarthy who was the widow of James Patrick McCarthy and formally of the “Gladstone Hotel” in William St at Darlinghurst and the “Australian Hotel” in George Street West in Sydney. In November 1933 the license was transferred to Aubrey William Rees of Pots Point. Aubrey was born at Junee in 1896. He was the son of Walter Edwin & Eleanor Rees. He was a Lieutenant in WW1 in the 29th Australian Flying Squadron. He graduated in November 1917 in England and was appointed a Flying Officer (Pilot). He transferred overseas to France in 1918 and was wounded severely in the head and eye in April and was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps Hospital in England and then returned to Australia medically unfit in August, 1918. In May 1929 Aubrey had been called as co-respondent in a rather messy divorce case - Low v Low which captured the attention of the Evening News, Sydney Morning Herald & the Truth newspapers, with the husband charging his wife with adultery with Aubrey in the “Commonwealth Hotel” in George & Parks Street in Sydney. The wife petitioned that her husband had deserted her and she did not commit adultery with Aubrey. It wasn’t proven and even though Justice Davidson couldn’t find in the husband’s favour the divorce ended in favour of the wife. In 1931 Aubrey’s father Walter Edwin Rees (who was the licensee of the Commonwealth Hotel) died. He left four children, and Aubrey along with his mother Eleanor, was granted (on the letters of administration) £4,763. The estate came into question after the will found in a safe in a bedroom had been mutilated by Walter who cut off the signed bottom of some of the pages. In March 1932 Aubrey and his mother transferred the license of the “Commonwealth Hotel” to Louis John Beness. In June 1933 Aubrey made a claim on the Hotelkeeper’s Estate that had consisted of real estate in Parramatta and the stock, furniture, lease and goodwill of the “Commonwealth Hotel” that was sworn at £4824 (net). The interest in the hotel stock etc was sold during 1932 for £4500 of which £3800 was paid to brewers. Aubrey said that for some time before the death of his father he had been employed by him as manager of the hotel and that £1858 was due to him for wages. His mother refused to meet this claim and Aubrey asked for an order directing his mother to admit his claim to the estate and for a declaration that £1858 was due to him. His mother filed a defence asking Aubrey to prove (1) that he was employed as he
said he was and (2) that the amount of money was due to him as he claimed that it was. His mother said further that no claim against the estate had been made until two months after the death of her husband and further declared that if at any time money owing was due to her son, it was given to him by payments made by her husband or by money appropriated for his own use by her son from the takings of the hotel. After a conference between the parties the Court was informed that a settlement had been reached and by consent an order was made that Aubrey be paid £1500 in full settlement of his claims on the estate and that he be restrained by injunction from acting further in the administration of the estate. In March 1936 Aubrey left for Japan on extended leave and left the “Park View” in the hands of the Housekeeper to run and when he returned in October he transferred the license later to Charles Nelson Whiteman in 1937 and moved on to the “Royal Hotel” at Camden, but in the Penrith Licensing Court in April 1937 the license of the “Hotel Nepean” at Emu Plains was transferred to Aubrey from Cecil Hay. By May 1940 Aubrey was in trouble with the law after being convicted of driving dangerously under the influence and assaulting police. Further on this court case at Parramatta Quarter Sessions Appeals, goes on to say that “In upholding appeals by Aubrey William Rees, formerly licensee of the Emu Plains Hotel at Penrith and now licensee of a hotel at Huskisson, his Honour commented on the actions of police officers cross-examining arrested persons at police stations and then giving this as evidence in court. Rees it was stated, was a flight commander (sic) in the RAAF in the last war and was shot down in combat and was severely wounded in the head. He appealed against convictions imposed on him at Penrith Police Court on charges of driving a motor car while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and assaulting the police and driving in a dangerous manner. At the police court proceedings he had charged the police with assault but this had been dismissed. Evidence was submitted to the effect that when a doctor examined Rees at the Penrith Police Station shortly after his arrest he said Rees was not under the influence of liquor. When Constable Phyllis was giving evidence, his Honour interrupted him and pointed out to him that his evidence was the result of his cross-examination of Rees. Phyllis replied that he was only giving evidence of what had been said between himself and Rees. His Honour said that this was cross-examination. No policeman should cross-examine a man he has under arrest and then come into court and give evidence. It is a wrong thing to do he added. His Honour quashed the convictions”. May 1949 saw Aubrey in the Supreme Law Court being sued for damages by Raymond Brown a taxi driver at Paddington. At this time Aubrey had the “Jervis Bay Hotel” in Huskisson and Raymond wanted £10 000 for falling down dark stairs and breaking his back. The Supreme Court Jury awarded £1250 damages against “the former airman and well-known figure on the turf and horses. Aubrey was well-known who carried his colours included “Disraeli”, “Absconder”, “Downed” and others”. Aubrey died at Huskisson in 1974 Source: BDM, Ancestry, Trove, NSW State Archives, National Archives websites. (Photos of Aubrey young & old). To be continued... Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
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38
sport
Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Sydney Thunder set to storm into Penrith By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
PENRITH cricket fans will get the chance to see some of the world’s best male and female cricketers in action, with Howell Oval hosting Sydney’s first Women’s Big Bash League match as well as a Sydney Thunder KFC Big Bash League practice match. The first ever WBBL match to be held in Sydney sees the Thunder host the Sydney Sixers on Sunday, December 6, which is set to feature two of Penrith Cricket Club’s best female players, Naomi Stalenberg and Mikayla Hinkley, alongside the likes of Australian representatives Alex Blackwell, Rene Farrell and Erin Osborne. They will go up against a Sixers side that is set to feature the likes of Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Lisa Sthalekar. The following Saturday, local cricket fans are in for another treat when the Thunder’s entire BBL squad descend upon Howell Oval to play a practice match. The practice match will give local fans the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best players in their own
Penrith Mayor, Karen McKeown goes into bat as local Sydney Thunder players (from left) Naomi Stalenberg, Mikayla Hinkley and Pat Cummins look on. Credit: Penrith Council
backyard, including Jacques Kallis, Shane Watson and Mike Hussey, just days before the Thunder’s BBL season opener against cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers at Spotless Stadium. Throw in the likes of Usman Khawaja (injury permitting), Gurinder Sandhu, Andre Russell, Clint McKay and Fawad Ahmed, it’s arguably the best Thunder squad assembled to date. One player who won’t be playing for the Thunder in the BBL this season however, is injured fast bowler Pat Cummins. But having come through the Sydney grade cricket system with Penrith, Cummins is excited at the prospect of having his Big Bash team
playing at his home ground. “My first memories of Howell Oval were driving past it as a kid almost every day,” Cummins said. “It feels like home and to have the Thunder playing in Penrith at Howell Oval where I grew up is pretty exciting.” “It’s crazy to think that some of the world’s best players will play at Howell Oval where we train on a Tuesday and Thursday night.” Penrith women’s first grader, Naomi Stalenberg, is also looking forward to the opportunity to open the Thunder’s WBBL campaign on a ground she’s played at many times before. “The WBBL is an amazing
opportunity for the girls, we’re looking to make a really big statement,” said Stalenberg. “To have the first game in our local area is great, hopefully we can get a really big crowd here on December 6.” Mikayla Hinkley at just 17, is one of the youngest members of the Thunder’s WBBL squad, but will relish the familiar surroundings going into one of the biggest matches of her career. “It’s going to be a pretty good, comfortable feeling having your home town around you and supporting you,” said Hinkley. “I think that familiar setting will give me the confidence to play well.” “It’s a great opportunity for all the girls around the area to come and watch and for Penrith to host some amazing cricketers.” Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown added, “Penrith City Council is pleased to welcome Sydney Thunder to Penrith for their inaugural WBBL match and the KFC BBL practice match.” “The opportunity for local sports fans to witness some of the nation’s best cricketers, some of whom are local, is something to get excited about.”
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Another Wholohan makes the grade at Penrith By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
THE name Wholohan is long associated with the Penrith Cricket Club with Trevor Wholohan having served the club for a long time as both player and administrator, while son Michael, has served the Black Cats as a player and now as current club coach. But now there’s a third generation Wholohan; Jake, who looks set to emulate both his father’s and grandfather’s deeds at Penrith Cricket Club. The 19 year old GlenbrookBlaxland junior, who with his ability to bowl off-spin and bat in the middle order, has had a spectacular start to the season, culminating with his first grade selection in Penrith’s sensational Round Three win over Easts Dolphins where he hit the winning runs. Michael Wholohan is understandably proud of his son’s achievements including selection honours in the NSW U19’s team that plays in the Australian Championships in Adelaide from Nov 30, along with another Penrith cricketer, Cameron Weir. “I’m proud to have Jake playing
Jake Wholohan whips one away on the on-side during his innings of 46 vs. Sydney last Saturday.
first grade already.” Wholohan said. “He’s certainly done very well going into his fourth game now. He’s worked very hard over a number of years in the lower grades and he deserves his chance (in the top grade) good luck to him.” “He’s certainly has (had a good start to the season).” “He and another local (cricketer), Cameron Weir are off to Adelaide next Sunday, representing the state in the ten day Australian Championships. Fingers crossed that they will do well.” Since his debut, Jake took four wickets against Mosman before top scoring with 46 in the current game
against Sydney and is understandably proud to carry the Wholohan name into Penrith’s first grade side but admits he didn’t think he would be playing firsts this season. “Absolutely, it’s good to continue the tradition of the Wholohan name and make my first grade debut a few weeks ago (against Easts),” Jake said. “I expected to play the season in second grade but with Pat Jackson retired, it gave me an early opportunity which is good.” “Hopefully now I can cement my spot and stay up (in first grade) for the remainder of my career.” “At the moment, I’m not too worried about the personal milestones, I’m just
focused on doing a job for the team.” Jake admitted that having a father who is also a club coach can be tricky but added it is certainly beneficial for him at this early stage of his cricketing career. “Sometimes it gets a bit frustrating with him as he can get critical at times and when he does I get pretty cranky at him.” Jake explained. “But I like him there (as club coach).” “Dad’s a level 3 coach so he knows what he’s talking about so it’s better for me to listen to him.” As he was with his first grade debut, Jake was also taken aback by his selection in the NSW U19’s team, coached by one of his mentors, Beau Casson, but is determined to succeed now that he has been given the opportunity. “Again (my NSW selection was) another surprise but I performed well at the NSW state challenge which got me a gig in the team,” Jake said. “I’m looking forward to getting down to Adelaide, taking some wickets and scoring some runs.” Jake appears to have the necessary attributes that will continue to see the Wholohan name carried through Penrith cricket for the foreseeable future.
McCarthy girls have magic feet MCCARTHY Catholic College, Emu Plains, students Maggie Devine, Shailee Bartle and Emily Woodhouse are three extraordinary young women. Maggie Devine (16) is the leading Australian Irish dancer for her age group, with a stunning list of firsts: National Champion, State Champion for 2013, 2014 and 2015, 2015 St Patricks Day, 2015 Australian International Competition, 2015 Hills Competition, 2015 Reilly Competition and 2015 Claddagh Competition. Maggie has represented Australia during the 2012 and 2015 World Championships in Belfast and then Montreal, gaining accolades for her technique, skill and performances. “I live for Irish Dancing,” said Maggie, “the music and movement thrills my soul and flows right through me!” Maggie’s ambition is to win a World Championships and perform in Riverdance. Shailee Bartle excels in futsal and soccer. She has been selected to represent Australia in the U16 Girls Team and will tour Brazil in November, 2015. Shailee has been promoted into the NSW City Women’s Futsal Team which will compete in the National Futsal Championships, during January 2016. Selected again beyond her age group, Shailee represented NSW in the U19 Schoolgirls Futsal Team, which finished Runner Up during the 2015 National Schools Futsal Championships. With a host of winning school and club games and championships, Shailee has been appointed Captain
of many teams. She represents Mt Druitt Rangers in the NSW Football Premier League 2. Shailee’s football career demonstrates similar prowess and she has represented her school, PDSSSC, Blacktown Spartans and City Central West. She has been invited to trial for the Football NSW Institute. Shailee sparkled as she stated, “Futsal is an
amazing sport. I love it! Football is my other love! I am lucky to receive a lot of support and encouragement from my school.” Competing in the huge 2015 Wide World of Sports World Dance Championships ESPN in Florida, Emily Woodhouse 14 and her doubles partner Frances, won a Bronze Medal in the Pom category; Australia’s first! Emily’s dance team, ‘Bradshaw Elite’, competing in the Dance Worlds Championships at Epcot, Orlandow, were placed 6th in Jazz, 8th Pom and Hip Hop 11th. There were 18 teams from around the world in each category. Stunning results for Emily and her fellow dancers both prestigious World Championships. Emily has danced and represented Bradshaw Elite in numerous dance competitions, including Winterfest, NSW Dance Championships and Australian National Championships. At the Nationals, Bradshaw Elite won Overall Grand Champions, coming First in Pom, Hip Hop and Jazz. Emily excels as a dancer and her performances have reaped wonderful praise. “When I dance the music roars through me and my emotions are let loose and I seem to flow with the movement. I love dancing,” said an excited Emily. “When Frances and I won the Bronze Medal I couldn’t at first believe it and I just cried with happiness. It was the best moment when the Bronze Medal was placed over my head!” All three McCarthy girls have MAGIC FEET!
39 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
No stoppin’ our Tahlia
All Star voting RUGBY League fans are invited to become official selectors and pick their Indigenous All Stars team, which will take on the newlytermed World All Stars at Suncorp Stadium on February 13 next year. Online public voting for the Indigenous All Stars team is underway, with voting open until Sunday, December6 for fans to help select a 20-man squad. For more details and to vote, fans can visit nrl.com/allstars Some of the game’s greats have taken their place as part of the Indigenous All Stars team in the past, including current NRL Telstra Premiership winning co-captain Johnathan Thurston, who has proudly been selected in each of the five Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars matches to date. The 16 players with the highest number of public votes will be selected in the Indigenous All Stars squad. Daley will then be given four “coach’s picks”.
By Noel Rowsell
LIFE continues to be rosy for Penrith 18-year old Tahlia Tupaea as she continues to star week after week in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) with the competition-leading Brydens Sydney Uni Flames. Tahlia was named as the Basketball NSW ‘Female Player of the Year’ at last week’s presentation night, in recognition of her all-round performances for Penrith, Australia and the Flames. The young lass was subsequently named as the WNBL’s Player of the Week and later included in the WNBL’s Team of the Week. Tahlia scored a career-high of 29 points against the Melbourne Boomers in round three of the 2015-16 WNBL season and her season statistics (after 8 rounds) are 120 points, 22 boards, 27 assists and 8 steals. Absolutely remarkable figures! The Flames moved to the top of the competition ladder after the weekend’s results, when they toppled South East Queensland 94-69 at the Sydney Uni Aquatic Centre. Tahlia had another strong performance, contributing 14 points, 5
Nepean News
Tahlia receives her NSW Junior Basketballer of the Year award.
boards and 2 assists. The highly-talented Tahlia made her WNBL debut for the Flames in 2012 at just the tender age of 15. She has won a bronze medal with the Australian under 19 Women’s Team in both the 2013 (Lithuania) and 2015 (Russia) World Championships for Women. Other Australian selections for this wonderful athlete include the Oceania Championships in 2014 (Fiji), Australia U17 Women’s team at the 2013 Oceania Championships (Melbourne) and 2014 Under 17 World Championships for Women (Czech Republic).
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THE 2015 Keith Fay Shield is played every year in memory of one of the great bowlers and administrators from Nepean District, Keith Fay. The event is 7-a-side, consisting of a single player, a pairs team and a fours team from each club. Early rounds are played at four selected clubs on Saturday and the semi-finals and final being played at the club that won the event the previous year on the Sunday. The club that wins 2 of the 3 disciplines moves to the next round. This year in round 1 at Penrith St Marys RSL defeated Wisemans Ferry and Austral defeated Springwood (2014 winners). At Blacktown Workers. Richmond received a forfeit from Pitt Town as they were on their annual pilgrimage for a weekend of bowls at Kiama and Blacktown City defeated Kingswood. At Glenbrook Panthers, Blacktown Workers defeated Hazelbrook and Penrith defeated the heavily-favoured Lawson. At St Marys RSL, Glenbrook Panthers defeated Windsor and Wallacia had a bye and that brought us to the quarter finals.
Nepean News
With Col Crossingham
Wallacia’s team which finished gallant runners-up to Austral in the 2015 Keith Fay Shield.
In quarters at Springwood on Sunday, Austral defeated St Marys RSL, Richmond defeated Blacktown City, Penrith defeated Blacktown Workers and Wallacia defeated Glenbrook Panthers. In the first semi-final Austral lined up against Richmond. This turned out to be the first 3-0 result for the weekend with Austral winning the singles 3110, the pairs 34-9 and the fours 17-15. The second semi-final saw the singles go down to the wire with a 3130 win to Wallacia. The pairs was also won by Wallacia 29-17 and the fours,
by the barest of margins, 19-18, went to Wallacia. This set up a great final between two clubs that finished 1st (Wallacia) and 3rd (Austral) in the Grade 1 Pennants this year. In the singles Trent Whittingham from Austral scored single shots on the first 4 ends then Mat Searle from Wallacia scored a 3 to be down 3-4 after 5 ends. Scores were close until Trent scored a maximum 4 on the 23rd end to take a 5 shot lead. Trent got out to a 7 shot lead to be in front 28-21 after 29 ends.
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Mat chased hard winning 6 of the next 8 ends however fell one shot short with Trent winning 31-30. In the pairs, Austral was represented by Gerard Short and Tony White and Wallacia by Peter Davis and Jeff Smith. Both sides scored 2 shots on each of the first 2 ends then Wallacia scored 4 singles to lead 6-4 after 6 ends. The teams then went shot for shot end for end and were 10-all after 12 ends. Wallacia scored on the next 2 ends to lead 13-10 after 14 ends. Austral took command of the game winning 6 of the final 7 ends and running out 22-14 winners. That gave Austral the two disciplines they needed for the overall victory, however the fours was a close encounter as well. Wallacia won 12 of the 20 ends played but Austral’s eight winning ends consisted of only 2 singles shots and included a 7 on the 18th end. Austral won by the narrowest of margins 19-18. Austral will now host the semi-finals and final in 2016. Congratulations to all those that played in the event!
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41 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
ON THE MAT
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER
MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS
ONE of my more vivid memories of high school was the night of my Year 10 formal. I remember hiring my ‘baby blue’ suit with a bow tie from Cavalier Men’s Wear at the Mount Druitt shopping centre. I recall how excited I and all mates were. I remember how pretty all the girls looked. I remember being on the dance floor of our disco that night and thinking: “this is the best night ever.” But then I blinked! Now number three of my five kids, my daughter, Kennedi, is doing the same thing. How time really does fly. Although it was the first time I had felt all of my 47 years, the pride I felt overcame any self pity of ageing. To see my daughter standing before me (with my youngest son Mav who escorted one of Kennedi’s friends) was somewhat surreal. They were about to have one of the nights that they will recall in years to come. Exactly as I have down the years! And it’s a memory we all can harp straight back to. Aaah, to be 16 again, hey? To all the kids who have, or who are about to celebrate their Year 10 formals, I hope it is or was a night you’ll always remember. I still do, clearly over 30 years later!
IN the last edition of the Nepean News I wrote of our up-coming excitement surrounding the Ultra Fighting Championship (UFC) in Melbourne. In particular, watching “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey do her thing! Unfortunately for Ronda she wouldn’t see the third round after being sensationally KO’d by the 9/1 outsider and challenger to the women’s bantamweight title, Holly Holm. There has been conjecture since the event by those opposed to two ladies fighting in an octagon. Also some saying the sport should be banned and seeing a girl knock out another girl with a punch then a kick is barbaric. Obviously the UFC isn’t for everyone, you’re either a fan or you’re not. I am! Ronda Rousey has been ‘fighting’ since she can remember and the same goes with Holly Holm. This wasn’t two girls on the street trading blows - this was two elite athletes going toe to toe. Two consenting adults partaking in a brutal combat sport! There’s a reason the UFC /MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world. It’s the ultimate test of one’s attacking and defensive skills. But instead of a ball, fists and feet are used. Yes brutal, but to me and many others that’s the attraction. An unpredictable contest between two athletes who have trained like no other for an extended period of time go head to head with only an Octagon surrounding them. This occasion Holly Holm shocked the world. Next time Ronda might bounce back. Either way I cannot wait.
MG and his mates who trekked down from Sydney to Melbourne to support Ronda Rousey in her world title defence.
Gotta love ‘em. Kennedi and Mav about to hit the tiles at the school formal.
I’M about to venture into a business with a mate that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. As a player, I was never one for the fitness side of the game, merely doing what I had to do to get me to where I wanted to go. Since retiring I’ve realised the adage “healthy body equals healthy mind” really is true! I have found that training clears my head and gives me added focus. So with a bud, Scott Lewis, we have formed a personal and online training company called “Wild Panther Fitness”. The naming coming from my nickname on the Triple M Grill Team. Wild Panther on the prowl. Our aim is to help those struggling with motivation to get a sweat on. For more info check us out on all social media, and get a cap, singlet, or polo at sales@wildpanther.fitness.com.au We will push the button on our new website in mid-January. If you’re looking to shed 5-10kg but still wanting to enjoy life, we’ll help. Our motto? “Strengthen your weakness”. FINALLY, a big thank you to the wonderful people who supported two great causes these past couple of weeks. In uncertain times it’s always more than refreshing to see there are some wonderfully generous people among us. See you at the game.
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES
Penrith Set to Strengthen Roster as Player “Merry-Go-Round” Continues Reports that surfaced last Saturday on Triple M’s popular Saturday morning sports programme, Dead Set Legends that Penrith had signed Rabbitohs forward, Chris McQueen for 2016-17 were quickly squashed by Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould. However, Gould admitted the club has been speaking to several players including McQueen but added that a contract has not been offered to the former Maroons forward at this stage. The Executive General Manager also confirmed the Panthers were looking to bolster a roster that has halved in NRL experience heading into 2016, citing that the outside back, back-rower and prop positions need strengthening and hasn’t ruled out signing one of those players from the English Super League. But Grevsmuhl won’t be a Panther… in 2016 Last fortnight it was reported that Penrith had signed another Souths forward, Chris Grevsmuhl for 2017 with further reports since suggesting the Panthers were set to bring him to the club a year earlier. At this stage however, despite there being talk of several players leaving Souths to accommodate the expensive return of Sam Burgess, it’s unlikely that Grevsmuhl will be a Panther in 2016. While Reports of a Panthers, Roosters Bidding War for the Hayne Plane is Grounded The Daily Telegraph broke a story last week reporting that Jarryd Hayne is ready to quit NFL team, the San Francisco 49’s and return to the NRL, with good friends Phil Gould (Penrith) and Nick Politis (Sydney Roosters) set to go head-to-head to secure Hayne’s services. While both Gould and Politis did not deny their interest in Hayne, both were adamant that NFL convert was unlikely to return to the NRL any time soon, while Hayne’s manager, Wayne Beavis,
@THERIFFMARN
As Alternate Jersey is Set to be Unveiled at Panthers Xmas Brunch Exciting news for Panthers members with the Xmas Brunch to be held this Saturday in TCs Courtyard at Panthers Leagues Club. The members-only registered event is a great opportunity for fans to not only meet the 2016 playing squad and enjoy a free BBQ but also be on hand to witness the unveiling of the 2016 Alternate jersey.
Panthers 50th Year Home (Black) and Away (Pink) Jerseys have certainly created plenty of opinion among fans. Credit: Panthers Media.
also confirmed the former Eel was not prepared to return to the NRL in 2016. The story nonetheless generated a great deal of interest on Panthers social media forums, with fans divided on whether they would want a long-time adversary of the club playing at Penrith, with fears his signing could come at the expense of local talent, but our online snap poll suggested a strong majority of fans would favour Hayne playing at the club. 2016 Jersey Releases Draws Mixed Responses In the past fortnight, Penrith has unveiled its 50th anniversary (or years) 2016 home and away jerseys to mixed responses from their fans. Both jerseys feature a revised playing badge plus emblazed lower down the front of the jersey is the anniversary logo. Players who played fifty or more first grade games for the Panthers, also adorn the front of the jersey while the back of the jersey features all Penrith’s logos used over the past fifty years. The Western Weekender’s snap online poll confirmed what many on Panthers social media forums said, giving a thumbs down to the use of the pink jersey as the away jersey, with many stating the pink should only be used for special events such as the Women in League round. Yet it’s understandable why the
club persists with the pink given the commercial benefits it brings to the club and its principal sponsor, Oak. The home jersey which is predominately black, now features the gold that has been used on training apparel since 2014 and has been strongly received by fans as indicated by our snap online poll. The club adopted a fresh approach in revealing the home jersey last Saturday week, conducting a treasure hunt with clues unveiled via social media for fans to go to various sites around Penrith with the first person to find the jersey not only unveiling the jersey but also keeping it too. Panthers to Play in Pink after Auckland Nines Draw Announcement The 2016 Auckland Nines draw was also released last week with Penrith named to play in Pool Rangitoto alongside 2014 Nines champions and defending NRL premiers, North Queensland as well as Newcastle and Wests Tigers, at Eden Park on 6-7 February. Following specific directives from the NRL which requires all clubs to play in jerseys which are unique and do not clash, Penrith has opted to play in the pink jersey as opposed to designing another jersey specifically for the tournament.
Lower Grade Movements With the dust now settled on Steve Georgallis’ appointment as NSW Cup coach, comes some news on some of the players that have gone from / come into the part-time NSW Cup squad for 2016. Gone are Sam Scarlett (Souths Logan), Daniel Foster (Easts Tigers), Logan Geyer (Burleigh Bears), Matt Eisenhuth (Wests Tigers – NSW Cup) and Eddie Aiono (Mounties – NSW Cup), while several other players have signed with Penrith’s Ron Massey Cup feeder clubs – Windsor Wolves, Blacktown Workers and St Marys. Other players who have been retained in the part-time squad for 2016 include Malakai Watene-Zelezniak and Brendan Attwood, while some old and new faces have joined the part-time squad in 2016 as well. Outside back Zac Mackay (Burleigh Bears) returns to the club where he made a name for himself in Holden Cup back in 2012, scoring 38 points in a game against Gold Coast, while former St George Illawarra and Mackay Cutters fullback / five-eighth Sam Clune is also set to play NSW Cup in 2016. Guy Hodgins and Marli Sini (Windsor Wolves), Chris AuneseScanlan and Atonio Pelesasa (St Marys) and Josh Tangitau, Stanley Waqa, Trent Jennings, Jerry Key and Jordan Hall (Blacktown Workers) are among a group of Ron Massey Cup players who will train over summer with the NSW Cup squad. See You At a Game in 2016!
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BEHIND THE STUMPS Round Six: Black Cats Still in the Hunt Despite Poor Batting Having played no cricket for the best part of three weeks heading into their home clash against competition leaders, Sydney, Penrith’s decision to bat first back-fired badly, collapsing to 6-26 before the lower order helped the Black Cats score a slightly more respectable 126. Despite the noticeable green tinge on the Howell Oval wicket, Penrith skipper Matt Halse refused to blame the wicket for his team’s disappointing display with the bat after electing to bat first. “I think we go better when I lose the toss. I’ve been on the receiving end of losing some tosses and then we’ve had to chase some big scores which we’ve won.” Halse explained. “The wicket was pretty good, it was more the overcast conditions that got us.” “We were hoping the clouds would disperse at some point but we didn’t cope as well with the bat as we should have.” “But as I said to the boys in the sheds most of what we’ve been doing with the bat this year has been really good and we’ve had a bad day today.” One player who continues to impress is 19 year old Jake Wholohan, who top scored with 46 in just his third first grade innings. “Jake batted really well for his 46. It’s his fourth game and his done really well from the get go. He’s looked good with the bat each time he’s batted and he’s picked up wickets when he’s bowled so I’m really happy for him,” Halse said. On a day when 17 wickets fell, the Black Cats had Sydney in trouble early at 3 for 16 and 4 for 40 with Ryan Smith on fire taking three of those wickets to fall but a powerful 67 from middle-order batsman, Harry Dalton enabled Sydney to sneak past Penrith’s total. But according to Halse it was a
good performance to have Sydney seven wickets down and leading by just 13 runs given batting conditions improved as the day progressed. “(At 4/40) I felt we were in game but it was always going to get harder as the wicket began to flattened out as the day went on and it didn’t offer as much for our quicks,” said Halse. “In saying that I’m happy with their result tonight as I think it might open up the game next week by giving them the option to declare straight away.” Josh Lalor’s return from NSW representative duties for day two this Saturday, will also be a boost for a team that will be looking for an outright result and the six points that result offers.
Lower Grades Wrap: Round Six Fifth grade have picked up first innings points for the second time this season with Daniel Dent taking his 400th wicket for the club. Thirds look to be on top having taken late wickets on day one while seconds and fourths’ games are in the balance. 2nds: Penrith 189 (T McKay 50) vs. Sydney 0/35 3rds: Penrith 273 (B Betros 156) vs. Sydney 2/27 (D Sparkes 1/12 K Balgowan 1/12) 4ths: Sydney 7/257 (J Patterson 2/26) vs. Penrith 5ths: Sydney 41 (T Weir 4/7 B Vella 2/4 D Dent 2/5 D Miklosz 2/11) vs. Penrith 5/149 (J Newton 47)
Round Five: Rain Prevents Points for Black Cats Day Two as was the case a week earlier saw very little cricket played for the Black Cats across all grades versus Bankstown. The first grade clash saw some action after Penrith sent Bankstown into bat and got the early breakthrough through Chris Withers before
WITH STEW MOSES
rain washed out proceedings with Bankstown 1/24. All other grades were washed out with no play possible.
Poidevin-Gray Wrap: Undefeated Start Marred by Washout Penrith remain undefeated after three rounds yet have only two wins to show for it after their round two fixture versus Northern Districts last Sunday week was called off a day early due to rain despite the game being shifted to Mark Taylor Oval. Last Sunday, Penrith overcame early nerves in their run chase to easily account for University of New South Wales by seven wickets at Howell Oval. Batting first, University of New South Wales started brightly enough to reach 69 without loss before a stunning batting collapse saw them crumble to be all out for 152. Jake Wholohan continued his strong form, taking 4/26 and was supported by Adam Bayliss and Adrian Isherwood, with both taking two wickets each. Penrith were 3/67 early on before Jonathon Sammut (56*) and that man, Wholohan (41*) combined to steer the Black Cats to their second victory.
Women’s Wrap Penrith’s first grade side continues to struggle after losing both games in the past fortnight to Sydney and Universities but Penrith’s second grade side, having been washed out the previous two games, recorded their first win of the season defeating Universities in a T20 clash last Sunday. First Grade: Round 7: Penrith 81 def. by Sydney 3/82; Round 8: Penrith 8/55 def. by Universities 1/57 Second Grade: Round 7: Penrith v Sydney
@THERIFFMARN (drawn); Round 8: Penrith 3/133 def Universities 8/120 (P Kaur 4/7).
Repping the Black Cats Penrith’s Josh Lalor was surprisingly made 12th man in the recent Sheffield Shield clash versus Tasmania in the match transferred to Bankstown Oval having not seen any action in NSW’s previous Sheffield Shield game against Victoria, which was abandoned in controversial circumstances. Lalor however is playing for NSW against Tasmania in a four-day Futures League match in Coffs Harbour that started Monday. Penrith’s Naomi Stalenberg again had limited opportunities with the bat in the Breakers’ double header last weekend in Canberra but did manage to score an unbeaten 21 off just 19 balls in their big win over the ACT on Saturday. The Breakers are gunning for yet another WNCL title when they take on the SA Scorpions at Hurstville Oval, this Saturday. Finally Penrith’s Jake Wholohan, Cameron Weir and Ryan Hackney (Under 17’s Cricket Australia Merit Team) are all set to feature in the upcoming National Under 19’s championships to be played in Adelaide from 30 Nov – 10 Dec.
Next Up Round Six: Saturday 28/11 v Sydney (1st / 3rd / 5th grade - home; 2nd / 4th grade – away) Round Seven: Saturday 5-12/12 v Gordon (1st / 3rd / 5th grade - away; 2nd / 4th grade – home) Womens: Round Nine: Sunday 29/11 v Campbelltown-Camden (both teams at home) Round Ten: Sunday 6/12 v Gordon (both teams away) #LoveTheCats
45 Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
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Nepean News 26 November 2015 Issue 163
Go the Greys BARRIER RISE By Greg Martin
PENRITH Panthers rugby league legend, John Farragher, will be one of the special guests when new Londonderry Greys hold a season launch function at Richmond Greyhound Club on Saturday. The Greys, who are on the verge of submitting an application to become a new member club in the vast Penrith District Junior Rugby League, are hopeful of fielding an A Grade and several junior sides in 2016. Club president and inaugural first grade coach, Buck Rogers and his committee have worked hard in getting the new club up and running. “Penrith has told us that we will need to field at least two Saturday (junior) sides as well as the open age Sunday team and I firmly believe we are on target to achieve that,” Buck said. “We’ll have no trouble in putting a large A grade squad together and I am extremely confident of putting a couple of junior sides onto the field. “We have visited the three main public schools in the area – Londonderry, Llandilo and Cranebrook - and the response by
with Tony Brassel
principals, teachers and students has been very responsive. “Several other clubs around the area likely to have a surfeit of players and we are confident those players, all keen to get a game of footy, will come over to us.” The Greys will be putting on a free sausage sizzle from 6pm and Buck has tickets for those interested in staying on for that night’s greyhound racing. Buck and his team have done a great job in rounding up sponsors including major sponsors, Richmond Greyhound Club. Two local greyhound breeders have provided free services to outstanding sires, Maple Sprite and Smooth Fancy – both of which will be auctioned at a sportsman’s lunch planned for early next year. Anyone interested in supporting or pulling on a Greys jumper next year, is invited along on Saturday.
Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists. BONETE: Wasn’t pushed out much when just behind the winner in a Warwick Farm barrier trial. Joe Pride’s galloper holds form consistently if his previous preparations are any sort of guide. DREADLOCK: Was given a thorough sound-out landing his early trial assignment at Hawkesbury. Always in command, he strolled clear under some urgency and should present a very fit racehorse. IMPOSING LASS: Lived up to her name with a barnstorming winning charge at the Hawkesbury trial session. From Bjorn Baker’s progressive operation, this long-striding miss could be in for a bit of a campaign. JIMARNI: Went around untouched in a Hawkesbury trial earlier this week. He’s a big, classy sort from the Tony McEvoy stable and often comes to hand quickly in a preparation.
LEWINSKI: Zipped straight to the lead and was never seriously threatened in a fine Warwick Farm trial display. From Marc Conners’ yard, she looks talented and definitely one to watch. RELIGIFY: Appears to be one of the most promising young sprinters in Chris Waller’s vast operation. Won a Warwick Farm trial as he liked last week and currently ticking over on the score of fitness. REVVING TO WIN: Is making good progress under the capable gaze of David Vandyke. Lifted its game boldly with a fine Warwick Farm trial success, showing more dash than in a few previous outings. SNIPER: Boasts a solid Kiwi record and there was plenty to like about his application in a Warwick Farm heat. He now gallops for Bjorn Baker and positive trial form bodes well for the future.
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Motorcycle Club hits dirt against Leukaemia By Garion Thain
FOR the 10th consecutive year, The City of Penrith Motorcycle club has raised money for charity through racing by hosting its Charity Classic race meeting at Nepean Raceway. This year, the Two Day Dirt Track race was held to raise money for the Leukaemia foundation and remind the public about the disease. Lifetime City of Penrith MCC member Wally Cox said that the $3200 total was spawned by the help of local businesses entities such as turbo turtle dry-cleaning, and also “donations from riders, entry fees, and various individual donations.” “PMCC has supported various Charities in this annual classic event, which has included charities such as the Cancer Council, Castlereagh Rural Fire Service, Penrith Youth accommodation service, and others,” said Mr Cox. The two day race took place across the August 22-23rd weekend and featured over 20 participants. “It was a great weekend all in all in so many ways, and not to mention what was raised for charity,” the group
said on Facebook. “From all reports everyone that attended had a great time.” The annual charity event is an important facet of the club’s identity, whose goal is “to promote and enhance motorcycle sports and a positive Club image to the broader community.” The City of Penrith Motor Cycle Club’s goal is to promote and enhance motorcycle sports and a positive Club image to the broader community. Their home track is the Nepean Raceway at Castlereagh (between Penrith and Richmond in NSW) and our Senior and Junior members are
involved in Dirt Track, Sidecars and Speedway disciplines. The Club encourages the highest standards of sportsmanship and offers members access to coaching clinics to help develop their skills and knowledge which makes for safer, more competitive riding. The CPMCC’s history is colourful and predates the establishment of the Nepean Raceway which opened in 1959. Over the years the Club and its members have tried their hand at everything from dirt track and motor cross to road racing.
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Thursday, 26 November 2015
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HARPO’S MARKS
W WELL, this time of th the year, for some bbloody reason, I always dwell on the great sportsmen and women who have left this place throughout the year. Two absolute legends who quickly come to mind are Richie Benaud and Bart Cummings but so many other good sports are in whatever place you believe in. Of course just last week we lost the barnstorming Rugby giant –in stature and reputation -Jonah Lomu at just 40 years of age. Arguably the most exciting ballcarrier Rugby has known, Jonah was the youngest ever All Black when he played his first international in 1994 at the age of 19 years and 45 days. Lomu finished with 63 caps and scored 37 international tries. He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame on October 9, 2007and the IRB Hall of Fame on October, 24 2011. There was a lot of heavy traffic of renowned top-line athletes who passed away in November. “Marvellous” Mal Whitfield (Oct
1, 1924 – Nov 18, 2015) won gold on the track for the USA in the 800m and 4x400m relay at the London Olympics in 1948 and grabbed another gold medal in the 800m at Helsinki in 1962. He was a tremendous servant to track and field athletics after his retirement and spent nearly five decades coaching and promoting the sport in Africa. He arranged more than 5000 sporting scholarships for Africans to study in the US. Pat Eddery (Mar 18 - Nov 10 2015) was an Irish flat racing jockey and horse trainer who rode three winners of the Epsom Derby, and was Champion Jockey on 11 occasions. He rode the winners of 4632 British flat races, a figure exceeded only by the great Sir Gordon Richards. Eddery had long battled alcoholism. Steve Hanson (Aug 7, 1961 - Nov 4, 2015) played for the North Sydney Bears and Eastern Suburbs, primarily in the rough ‘n’ tumble of the front row. He was selected to represent New South Wales as a last minute replacement for Phil Daley in game III of the 1988 State of Origin series and scored a try in his only State of Origin
appearance. He died of complications of heart attack he had suffered two weeks earlier while on a holiday. Houston McTear (Feb 12, 1957 – Nov 1, 2015) could tear up the sprint track and was an exceptional athlete over 60 metres, having a lightning fast start and the ability to hit top speed in a few strides. McTear rated in the top 10 in the 100m for the US from 1975–1980 - his 1978 world record in the 60m (6.54s) stood until broken by Ben Johnson in 1986. He died of lung cancer at his home in Sweden. Other sporting legends to pass away in 2015 included cricketers Phillip Hughes, Ian Craig, Frank “Typhoon” Tyson, Tom Graveney, Arthur Morris, Brian Close and Lindsay Kline, the brilliant track star Ron Clarke, golfer Billy Casper and US baseball’s Yogi Berra. SAD MARKS: The loss of Jonah Lomu. However his amazing deeds on the footy field will never fade away. HIGH MARKS: Yogi Berra – he’s up there with Samuel Goldwyn in mangling English!