Nepean News 26 November 2020 by Nepean News

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ISSUE 291

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PENRITH PROUD

Photo: Noel Rowsell.

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Penrith Proud campaign: keep jobs, buy local. Read all about it inside.

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olunteers play an important role at Nepean Hospital and help make a difference to patients, staff and visitors. Are you looking for a way to give back to the community? Would you like to help others during a difficult time? Are you friendly, reliable and have a genuine desire to make a difference? When you volunteer at Nepean Hospital, you will be helping people who really need you. There are many different volunteering opportunities across a range of exciting roles such as: • helping to guide patients and visitors to their destination • delivering books and magazines to patients • fundraising to help purchase medical equipment; and • courtesy drivers, getting visitors and patients around our large campus. Volunteers help contribute to the CORE values of providing a compassionate and caring experience for patients, carers and visitors. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum period of 6 months and be available to attend a regular 4 hour shift. They’ll work with you to

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create a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Volunteers are required to complete a Working With Children Check, available free to volunteers. On the job training is also provided. If you would like to support Nepean Hospital as a Volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Application Form which can be found on the nbmlhd.health.nsw.gov.au website. www.nbmlhd.health.nsw.gov.au Post to Att: Volunteer Manager Nepean Hospital PO Box 63, PENRITH, 2751 or email nbmlhd-volunteers@health.nsw.gov.au. You can also contact the Volunteer Office on 4734 3683 Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm to register your interest. On receipt of your application they’ll review it, and if suitable, they’ll contact you to attend a recruitment interview.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

An important role

TO CELEBRATE A LIFE PARTNERSHIP

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Journalist: Sports Editor: Journalist: Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

By KeRRIE DAVIES

ell we are in with a shot - at conquering the spread of COVID-19 with a vaccine that is - pardon the pun.

After a year that not even Nostradamus tripping on LSD could have predicted, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel. By a country mile, it has been the most challenging year in living memory. Restrictions, isolation from family and friends, business closures, job loss and all the anxieties that came with it. And worse, illness and death, often accompanied by the inability to visit those who were sick nor attend the funerals of those we lost. It’s hard to imagine worse, until you look at what’s happening on the other side of the equator. Things are so bad in many countries, I can’t begin to fathom how it could be reversed without a miracle. Hopefully that miracle is a vaccine. No matter how good the news is these days, there’s always some group waiting in the wings ready to poo-poo it. In this case it is the anti-vaxers. It was music to my ears that Qantas is moving to ban travel to anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated.

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. Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

That should sort out the nut jobs. It is pretty normal to feel slight reservation until we see there’s no adverse reaction. But some of the theories coming out of the anti-vaxer clan are just plain ludicrous. Anybody who truly believes that the government is injecting us with control mechanisms, thousands of aborted fetal organs or that it is a plot to change the population’s DNA to Asian should probably just stay inside and isolate for eternity. Bring on the vaccination I say, so we can kick 2020 right in the backside and send it into oblivion and go back to living our lives. Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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he Lions Club of Emu Plains have assisted Tanti Financial Services this Christmas by selling them mini Christmas cakes; and at the same time, it’s a great benefit to the local community. Tanti Financial Services has been in business for over 30 years, helping clients with all Financial Planning, Insurance, Lending and Accounting matters. Through these uncertain times during covid-19, a lot of businesses have struggled or had to adjust to survive. It has been a challenging year for all of us. Tyron Tanti from TFS said the Christmas cakes purchase had worked a treat. “We wanted to say thank you to our clients and thought this year we will put together hampers, filling them with items that supported the local community and businesses,” Tyron said. “This led us to Lions and the acquisition of the mini Christmas cakes. We are happy to support a local organisation like The Lions Club of Emu Plains and at the same time we can contribute to the great work they are doing in the local community.” Emu Plains Lions Club advised that the sales of cakes and puddings funds donations of cakes to specific charities; Penrith Community Kitchen, The Salvation Army and Nepean Food Services / Meals on Wheels.

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

It also generates funds for cash donations to other local charities. Publicity Officer, Jim Devine said “We are very pleased that Tanti Financial Services, a local organisation, is joining Emu Plains Lions 2020 Christmas Cake Program.” If you’d like to enquire about the delicious Lions Christmas cakes please contact Jim Devine on 0427 110 061.

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith Authorised by Stuart Ayres MP. ‘Funded using parliamentary entitlements’

Learn To Swim Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life! 4730 8900 www.nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au

MELISSA McINTOSH MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LINDSAY Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 02 4722 0600 melissa.mcintosh.mp@aph.gov.au www.melissamcintosh.com.au MelissaMcIntoshforLindsay Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Supporting each other

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

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Prue Car says more school counsellors needed

SW Labor is renewing calls for the Government to “urgently address the chronic shortage of counsellors in high schools” across the state. It comes after the Government announced every teacher in NSW will undergo mandatory mental health training in response to mounting pressure to provide more support in schools. The Shadow Minister for Education, Londonderry MP Prue Car said it was a step in the right direction but warned that school counsellors were urgently needed in addition to teacher training. “The Government committed to at least 1 full-time counsellor in every high school but has failed to deliver when it was needed most. Analysis shows 75 per cent of students will be forced to wait until after 2022 before the counsellors promised at the last election are delivered,” Ms Car said. “Students have seen the largest disruption to their schooling in generations. Young people are in desperate need of more mental health support at school. “Despite the Government’s big promises, not one additional school counsellor has been put in place in

NSW schools to assist students with mental health over the course of the pandemic. The Government has failed to deliver when it was needed most. The Shadow Minister for Mental Health Tara Moriarty said the Government “must stop tinkering at the edges when real support is urgently needed.” “The Government’s ignoring the needs of some of our most vulnerable

young people. Hundreds of students across NSW are missing out on vital mental health support to ensure they flourish throughout their education,” Ms Moriarty said. “Today’s announcement falls short and misses the mark. The responsibility shouldn’t fall on teachers, the Government must provide the additional resources in schools it promised.”

Ms Car said analysis by Labor shows hundreds of NSW schools receive little more than an hour of counselling each week: 341 schools get fewer than two hours a week from a counsellor, the equivalent of 0.05 per cent of a fulltime role. A further 143 schools get around four hours a week, the equivalent of 0.10 percent of a full-time position.

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ustralian not-for-profit disability provider, Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability), runs a Carer Support program to support the wellbeing of parents and carers of individuals with disability as part of the organisation’s whole-of-life approach to disability supports. With the events of 2020 challenging many people across the country, Afford encourages all Australians to recognise and appreciate the valuable contribution of carers in the community. At just 21 years of age, Charmaine became the full-time carer of her older sister, Monique, who lives with intellectual disability in Jordan Springs. For the past five years, Charmaine has been Monique’s daily support for bathing, meal preparation and getting out and about. Charmaine put her studies for a career in aged care on hold, after study and work became too difficult when coupled with caring for her sister. Not wanting to rely on friends or family to care for Monique, Charmaine turned to Afford’s Short Term Accommodation (respite) services in Lakemba, St Marys and Eschol Park for weekend breaks to give

her time to catch up with friends or take on extra shifts at work. Charmaine is one of the many unpaid carers who go above and beyond to care for a loved one with disability. There are around 2.7 million carers across Australia who provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, alcohol, or other drug issue or who are aged(1). Afford’s Carer Support Program provides parents and carers with opportunities to participate in social outings with others who share similar life experiences. Outings include everything from lunch and spa days through to evenings out at cabaret shows at the theatre. “Afford recognises the physical and emotional challenges faced by many carers and families supporting an individual with disability. Through our Carer Support program, we aim to encourage time for carer wellbeing through events and respite options, so they can be the best carer for their loved one,” said Jessica Scicluna, Events Coordinator – Carer Events.

“Our Carer Events give everyone the chance to share the tough times and the triumphs and help them draw strength from others to continue their role as carers.” Afford offers Short Term Accommodation to provide individuals living with disability a chance to take time out from the everyday and explore their interests in a supportive environment. Short Term Accommodation for individuals with disability also provides respite for families and carers to catch up on other aspects of their lives or simply take time to care for their own wellbeing. Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 68 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day. As one of Australia’s longest-serving not-forprofit disability organisations, Afford goes above and beyond traditional service offerings to adapt to new operating environments to support individuals achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS. For more information visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Afford supports carers of individuals with disability

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

local news

Alleviating the stigma of addiction By Nepean Blue Mountains Area Health

ddiction is one of the most stigmatised of all health conditions. There is a mistaken belief that addiction is the result of weak character and poor choices, however science has clearly shown it to be a disorder arising from alterations in brain circuitry. General Manager of Drug and Alcohol Services, Gael Rao explains, “The accompanying shame and stigma can result in people avoiding health services even when they might need or want help and as a consequence many Australians and their families suffer in silence.” Alleviating stigma is not easy. Ms Rao emphasises that in the health care setting, “treating patients with dignity and compassion is the first step.” Additionally, Ms Rao says the strain of the past year may have impacts for people who struggle with addiction. Isolation and stress can be a worrying combination for those who suffer from substance abuse. Ms Rao advises that Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Drug and Alcohol services have remained open throughout this year with their staff available to provide care and support when it’s needed most. “Our service is inclusive and culturally responsive

to client needs. We understand the effects of stress and isolation and our specialised and experienced team can provide you with free, non-judgemental and confidential advice.” People can self-refer or be referred by families, friends, GPs, medical and nursing staff or other service providers.

NBMLHD Drug and Alcohol services are available in Lithgow, Katoomba, Springwood, Penrith, Cranebrook and St Marys. More information about accessing our services, including details on locations and assessments or call our Central Intake Line: 1300 661 050 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm).

Valuable assistance for dads and dads-to-be

free pilot program to help new and expectant fathers through the physical, mental and emotional challenges of parenthood is being rolled out in Western Sydney. The ‘Focus on New Fathers’ program sends texts to dads, offering valuable health advice and links into pathways to ensure support options are available. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Focus on New Fathers project coordinator Brendan Bennett said the program is a ‘game changer’ whether you are expecting your first or fifth child. “As a father of two girls, I love being a dad and wouldn’t change it. But some days and nights are pretty tough,” Mr Bennett said. “Being a dad is about being the best you can be for your children and your partner. Focus on New Fathers reminds dads that they are not an island – that

they don’t have to fix everything themselves or pretend to know everything about how to be a dad.”

Dads and dads-to-be are sent text messages with tips about looking after themselves and supporting their

partner, reminders of how their baby is growing, and tools for parenting. “This program is about letting fathers know they’re not alone and there is support for them when they need it,” Mr Bennett said. Men living in Western Sydney can sign up if they are over the age of 18, and their partner is at least 16 weeks pregnant or their baby is up to six months old. They need to have a mobile phone capable of receiving and sending text messages. The pilot, which is being delivered by the University of Newcastle in partnership with NSW Health, will run over the next year in four regions: Western Sydney, Northern NSW, Northern Sydney and Murrumbidgee local health districts. For more information and to sign up for the program, visit: https://www. health.nsw.gov.au/public/Pages/focuson-fathers.aspx

Local road benefits from Federal funding Farm Road at Mulgoa will be re-surfaced thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants program. The $200,000 project will re-surface approximately 1.2 kilometres of the road that is suffering from disrepair as a result of increased traffic from motorists by-passing the roadworks on The Northern Road. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM thanked the Australian Government and the Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh for the grant. “Penrith City Council is grateful for the funding from the federal government to repair Farm Road,”

Cr McKeown said. “Traffic on Farm Road has increased significantly over the past few years as motorists look for alternatives to move about. “It’s important to recognise that this particular road was never meant to be the main thoroughfare for traffic, instead its purpose is to service local residents who live in the Mulgoa area. “The governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants funding will allow Council to repair the road and return it to a much more desirable condition.” Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP said,

“For many people in Mulgoa, this road is an important part of their daily commute to work and school, and back home again. Upgrades like this improve the condition of our local roads, and increase safety while getting around our community.” “Better and safer roads are part of my plan for Lindsay, and delivering $200,000 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program will provide this critical safety upgrade.” The work is expected to take 3 days to complete, starting today - Wednesday 18 November. Detours will be in place with motorists asked to exercise caution around the roadworks and crew.

COVER STORY By Noel Rowsell

mall businesses are the lifeblood of our community and Penrith’s pride is core to who we are. Now we can show that pride and help our local economy at a critical time through the Penrith Proud campaign. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said our local economy is underpinned by nearly 15,000 businesses – 96% of those are small businesses - who have been hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19. “Keeping these businesses viable means our local jobs, services and facilities will still be around long after the pandemic,” Cr McKeown said. A new campaign called Penrith Proud has been launched to promote the benefits of buying local and will celebrate many of the unique businesses that are doing us all proud with their innovation, industrious spirit and entrepreneurship. The campaign includes a business directory of local businesses – more will be added over time. “Each and every one of us living in Penrith City can make a difference by choosing local when making our daily purchasing decisions. Buy that coffee, try that hair salon, buy your Christmas presents from our independent retailers and if you’re in business, source materials from local suppliers and use local tradespeople when you can. “You’d be surprised by how many of the things we need are available locally – either made in the area or supplied and sold by businesses that employ local residents and your support can give a moral and financial boost at the time they need it most.”

Photos: By Noel Rowsell

Penrith Proud is an initiative of the Penrith Rising Strong Recovery Plan which Council adopted in September. Council established two taskforces in May to coordinate Penrith City’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. The Economic Recovery Taskforce membership includes representatives of local CBD and Town Centre Corporations; the Chamber of Commerce; cultural, sporting and educational institutions; prominent businesses, franchises and service providers. One of the goals set out in the 30day and 100-day recovery plan is to promote and encourage the support of local businesses. Taskforce member Phil Willey, franchisee of Quest Penrith, said the Penrith Proud campaign extended on the goodwill shown during COVID by local residents and provided a real opportunity for the community to show their support for local

businesses and employers. His business continues to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 and associated restrictions on travel and cancellation of events. “In the tough times, it’s the support of our customers and the dedication of our staff that has enabled so many businesses to keep their doors open and operating – being Penrith Proud is a rallying cry to our community to keep that going.” “And for businesses like ours, a reminder to support other local businesses whenever we can,” Phil said. Follow Penrith Proud on Instagram or Facebook to see some of the businesses that are proud to be local. Locals can win prizes by showcasing their Penrith Proud support using the hashtags #PenrithProud and #StMarysStrong – more information www.penrithproud.com.au

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Penrith Proud campaign: keep jobs, buy local

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

local news

Woolies customers across the Nepean can join in appeal

ollowing what has been a difficult year for many Australians, Woolworths across NSW is encouraging customers to give back to people in need this Christmas, through its annual OzHarvest Christmas Appeal. Research from Foodbank’s Hunger Report revealed a significant increase in the number of Australians seeking food relief and support as a result of the pandemic, with 3 in 10 Australians experiencing food insecurity for the first time whilst the number of Australians seeking food support at least once a week has doubled to 31% when compared to 2019. 2020 marks Woolworths’ twelfth year of support for Australian food rescue organisation, OzHarvest, and Woolworths’ 6th annual OzHarvest Christmas Fundraising Appeal, with this year’s goal to raise $3 million dollars which will provide six million meals to Aussies in need. Woolworths kickstarted the Appeal with a $500,000 donation. From now until December 24, customers at Woolworths stores in the Nepean region who spend over $30 at the self-checkout will have the option to make a donation to the Appeal by rounding-up the cost of their shop to the nearest dollar. Customers can also choose to make a 50 cent donation when they shop, with each donation helping to provide one nutritious meal to a person in need. OzHarvest State Manager New South Wales, Richard Watson said; “The ongoing financial and economic impacts of COVID-19 means more Australians are experiencing food insecurity than ever, with many going without a meal at Christmas time. “We’re asking Woolworths stores in the Nepean area’s customers to show their generosity by donating

to this year’s OzHarvest Christmas Appeal to help keep our wheels turning and provide vital food relief this holiday season and beyond. This fantastic appeal will help provide six million meals to Aussies in need.” With the pandemic, devastating bushfires and drought affecting so many Australians in 2020, new research by Woolworths found that more than 40 percent of Aussies believe it is more important to give back this year than in 2019[2]. Local Woolworths Operations Manager, Ian Roper said; “As Woolworths stores in Nepean customers get ready to celebrate Christmas, it’s important to remember those in the community who will be doing

it tough this season. “We’re always amazed by the generosity of our customers and we’re encouraging those who are in a position to help to donate and help make a real difference to those who need it most.” Woolworths is also bringing back its popular limited-edition Santa Cookies which will be available in store from 25 November 2020. 50 cents from every packet sold will go to OzHarvest to help the charity feed Australians in need. Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2008 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.

local news By KeRRIE DAVIES

ollowing the most tumultuous period in living memory, the NSW Government has had the unenviable task of delivering a damage-control budget for our state. Creating and supporting jobs through targeted stimulus measures, billions of dollars for infrastructure and maintenance, tax cuts for business and record health funding are at the centre of the 2020-21 NSW State Budget. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Budget reinforces our world-class health system that has made NSW a global leader in tracking, tracing and containing COVID-19 to keep our people safe, as part of a record $29.3 billion health budget. Job creation is front and centre with a record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline targeting shovel and screwdriverready projects, while a skills and training blitz will help people get back into the workforce after this year’s significant job losses. Hip-pocket support will give families peace of mind, with 15 hours of free preschool per week extended to the end of 2021, and $100 worth of Out & About vouchers for every adult resident to inject new energy into the economy, help businesses doing it tough and encourage employment. More assistance is being fasttracked to help those most affected, with what the government says is the biggest mental health budget in NSW’s history, and a major investment to provide intensive tutoring in schools to help students overcome the challenges

of a rollercoaster school year. The Premier said the Budget takes decisive action to meet the needs of people across NSW, as we emerge from an unprecedented health and economic crisis. “The people of NSW have done it tough over the past 12 months, faced with the triple crises of drought, bushfires and COVID-19,” Ms Berejiklian said. “We are doing whatever it takes to stay ahead of the pandemic and provide the support our households, businesses and communities need to get back on their own two feet.” The government said in a statement that the NSW economy contracted by 1 per cent in 2019-20, with negative growth of ¾ per cent projected for 2020-21, followed by a projected return to growth of 2½ per cent in 2021-22. The Budget will make targeted investments to turbo-charge jobs over the next five years with the unemployment rate projected to fall to 5¼ per cent by June 2024 as

up to 270,000 people return to the workforce. “With so many people out of work this year and more predicted to become unemployed, we’re in a race against time to help create as many new jobs as we can,” Ms Berejiklian

said. “This Budget has workers at its heart, with temporary, targeted stimulus to generate jobs and get businesses booming again.” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said nine years of strong financial management had put the Government in a strong position to deploy its fiscal firepower, which would be coupled with record low interest rates, to stimulate a strong recovery through responsible borrowing. “The risk of long-term economic damage is too great if we do not take action, so we are taking advantage of record low interest rates and a strong balance sheet to turbocharge our recovery,” Mr Perrottet said. “That doesn’t mean abandoning our firm commitment to fiscal responsibility. This Budget includes measures to chart a course back to surplus by 2024-25, and a strong economic recovery will support that goal.”

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

State Budget delivered as we emerge from unprecedented crisis

Labor leader delivers budget reply speech The NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay has used her Budget reply speech to reveal Labor’s plan to put jobs at the centre of the State’s economic recovery. Ms McKay said Labor’s priorities include: Passing the NSW Jobs Firsts Bill to make sure taxpayer funds spent on procurement create local jobs and support industry A Building Better Neighbourhoods approach to local jobs and

infrastructure and a local jobs guarantee at Badgerys Creek and the Aerotropolis Getting women back to work through free access to preschool for at least 18 months Guaranteed employment, education and training opportunities for young people Establishing a Royal Commission into Mental Health and Suicide “Budgets are about more than just numbers,” Ms McKay said.

“A Labor Budget would deliver for people, their jobs, their families and their communities.” Ms McKay said the Government’s Budget during a recession and pandemic is disappointing: “This is a short-term Budget. It’s the same one they could have delivered any year. “The world has changed but this Budget doesn’t recognise that. It’s the same old Budget from a tired 10-yearold Government.”

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Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

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Trees of Hope at

rees of Hope is underway again at Panthers Penrith. This Christmas, members are invited to support local charities and giving them a chance to vote for their favourite tree. Every year, 10 local charities are selected to decorate their own Christmas tree. Panthers members, staff, and directors all get the opportunity to vote with charities

getting the chance to win up to $4,000. With Panthers Penrith donating a total of $10,000, the event aims to bring community spirit into the club as well as spread Christmas cheer. It is also a fantastic opportunity for Panthers to also showcase the incredible work that these local charities do to help make our local area a better place to live.

The 2020 Trees of Hope participants are: 1. Panthers On The Prowl 2. Friends of Nepean Emergency 3. Penrith Men’s Walk n Talk 4. Regentville Rural FS 5. The Haven

Open to members, if you would like to vote for Trees of Hope the forms are located in the foyer.

Panthers On The Prowl

The goal of Panthers on the Prowl is to make a positive and lasting difference to the wellbeing of young people in our local communities. Panthers on the Prowl has been operating for over 15 years and has had a significant impact on hundreds of young people and their families. As well as this important individual gain, it has proved that communities and agencies working together can produce mutually beneficial outcomes for everyone. Since it’s launch in 2002, the Prowl has expanded its programs and personnel to encompass seven different initiatives in local communities. The building of social capital is at the centre of the Prowl’s enterprise. All of the Prowl’s programs are monitored and evaluated by partners at University of Western Sydney and it is these evaluations that continue to drive and improve the programs.

Friends of Nepean Emergency (FONE)

FONE began in 2018 as an initiative of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains. Volunteers work in pairs, for two hour shifts in the emergency department at Nepean Hospital. Their main focus is on providing support to children and their parents. They assemble and distribute Activity Kits to children aged 3-12. These contain pencils, stickers and an age appropriate activity book. Children include patients, their siblings or children of sick adults. They also provide craft kits, books, toys, bubbles and care bears. Sometimes they play games with the children or simply keep siblings occupied so parents can concentrate on their sick child. Parents benefit from a good FONE listener and a cup of tea or coffee. FONE has provided play equipment and installed wall stickers, and they supply bubbles for staff to distract children during procedures and they run a clothing pool for patients who require a spare set.

Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk

6. Penrith Rainbow Club 7. Westcare 8. Blue Datto Foundation 9. Nepean Therapy Dogs 10. Penrith Community Kitchen

In a determined effort to engage and confront Australia’s most challenging issue, male suicide (which takes 6 male’s lives every day of the year), the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk has grown to become the largest weekly mental health activity in Australia. The original organisers first began the Walk in March 2019 after noticing some mates were going through struggles but communication opportunities with them were difficult to find. Empowered by the motto, ‘Never Walk Alone’ the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk now provides an effective platform for men to meaningfully connect, with a growing number of Walkers testifying that the Walk has likely saved their lives! Between 60 and 200 local Penrith men meet every Thursday at The Coffee Club Nepean River, where free coffees are sponsored each week. After a good social catch-up and a brief address the Walkers head off to complete the 6.4km main section of the Great River Walk, which takes approximately 75 minutes. Men who attend are comprised of all ages and backgrounds, from Gen Z to ’Golden Oldies’. Some bring their sons, whether in a pram or in their teens, while others bring their dogs. The Thursday nights often celebrate Men’s Mental Health events and regularly host guest speakers alongside short talks from the organisers, sponsors or other walkers.

Regentville Rural Fire Service

The Regentville Rural Fire Service has been protecting Penrith since 1951. Ever present in protecting the homes of in Penrith and beyond, this dedicated team of volunteers face the harshest of conditions to save lives, homes, properties and livestock when fire threatens. You can bet that every summer, sometimes even earlier, that these volunteers are at the frontline of every battle. Volunteers and firefighting equipment are always needed to help and any assistance is always greatly appreciated.

The Haven Shelter

- Nepean Women’s

A local refuge that provides up to three months crisis accommodation to women and children fleeing family and domestic violence or who are at risk of homelessness. Since The Haven opened their doors in 2018, they have provided almost 10,000 bed nights of crisis accommodation to over 200 women and children. Penrith holds the unenviable position of being one of the Local Government areas within NSW that has the highest reported incidences of family and domestic violence. The Haven employs qualified and dedicated case workers who develop individualised case management plans for the women and children who call The Haven home and begin the process of recovery and rebuilding using trauma informed best practice to ensure an exceptional level of support. The Haven then assist with locating transitional accommodation and other outreach services.

local news

Penrith Rainbow Club

Penrith Rainbow Club provides individualised swimming lessons for young local children with a disability. The community support and early intervention offered by the club ensures that the child and their family can live a life that includes them in local community activities. Evidence shows that this early intervention enables a life that has greater quality at home and at school. It helps develop friendships and reduce social isolation. To facilitate this Penrith Rainbow Club subsidises the cost of individualised swimming lessons for children under 7 years of age so that finance is not the barrier to participating socially.

WestCare Community Services

WestCare’s all-consuming community vision is captured in their mission statement, “Local Needs Met By Local People’ and is a 100% Penrith-focused charity. WestCare’s ‘1000 Safe Sleeps’ crisis accommodation program provides safe Domestic Violence refuge accommodation for Mums with up to six children as they flee dark violence home situations. Their ‘Happy Pets’ initiative cares for pets of these families as they flee. The team provides a range of food, clothing and other practical support to most other local DV services. Food Relief and other vital assistance is provided to many vulnerable families through the Emergency Relief Service in Henry Street. The Penrith City CareKits program supplies much needed personal care items and clothing through many local Social Worker teams and other local charities. The Nepean HomeStart program helps ex-chronically homeless families and individuals start afresh as they get housed in new tenancies. Correctional Care activities include the motivational Juvi Team who visit young men in Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre to encourage them towards a positive lifestyle. The annual Christmas Appeal provides hundreds of hampers, toys and gift packs to a wide range of disadvantaged families who perhaps wouldn’t otherwise have a Christmas experience. The newly launched ‘Kidz Blitz Penrith’ project is providing high quality baby and toddler clothing to many of Penrith’s most challenged households as they transition out of the Covid-19 season.

Nepean Therapy Dogs

A group of experienced therapy dog volunteers who use therapy dogs to help people overcome difficult periods in their life. Working with children, in palliative care, victims of crime, medical facilities and aged-care, Nepean Therapy Dogs use man’s best friend to connect with people on a range of levels and assist them with challenges that life can sometimes bring. Therapy dogs stimulate positive memories and remind people they belong to something much greater than the events they are going through and help reconnect with society. Always a comfort, a loving paw is always at the ready to help anyone in need.

Blue Datto Foundation

Making waves in Australian Road Safety is the Blue Datto Foundation. Blue Datto Foundation was established by the Vassallo family following the tragic death of 17-yearold Philip Vassallo in a crash in which both drivers were red ‘P’ platers. Since this terrible tragedy, the family and Blue Datto have worked hard to protect the lives of young Australias through road safety education. They are working towards a zero death toll in ‘P’ platers and have since spread their programs across NSW.

Penrith Community Kitchen

You can never truly identify who will need a warm meal, an encouraging smile, a place to feel safe as the faces of the people visiting “The Kitchen” this year have had greater variables than ever before. The volunteers who prepare and serve meals to those in need are hard workers, planning and preparing meals that suit the many clients who visit but this year have actually worked just as hard ensuring that although their practices changed to takeaway, as did every other food service, the warmth and the welcome they have been known for has not changed. Every donation is carefully apportioned mostly with some thrift but also with dignity, respect, care, community and love being tantamount to how the funds are spent.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Panthers Penrith

Caddens Corner now open

local news

he much anticipated Caddens Corner neighbourhood shopping centre, developed by Western Sydney University, has officially opened. Located on O’Connell Street in the heart of Penrith’s Health and Wellbeing Precinct, Caddens Corner is a vibrant new retail and community destination that is set to generate over $60 million in local economic activity in the first 12 months and support over 400 new jobs. Caddens Corner includes a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, health and wellbeing services, a gym, food and dining precinct, a range of speciality retail stores, and a 500-car onsite car park, complete with electric vehicle chargers. Western Sydney University ViceChancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said Caddens Corner will contribute to the region by supporting people to live, learn and work in a community that is well connected to services, shops and other amenities. “The University is proud to bring this retail project to life. The Caddens Corner development is set to enhance the liveability, productivity and sustainability of our local community, while creating much-needed new jobs for the local economy at a time when we are all focused on the economic

teaching, engagement and research, and secure the financial sustainability of the University.” The centre has impressive environmental credentials. A fivestar, green star development, Caddens Corner has been built from sustainable materials and is powered by extensive solar panels. Its design features a lowlying profile so that it complements the landscape and adjoining suburbs. The design also incorporates natural ventilation, which allows for rainwater to be harvested to maintain landscaping, and solar-powered lighting in the car park, that includes three charging stations for electric vehicles. Cyclists are catered for with bike parking and end of journey facilities.

recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Professor Glover. “Caddens Corner is part of our ‘Western Growth’ strategy – a plan that is reshaping the University’s campus network and co-creating cities and infrastructure across Western Sydney.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Western Sydney University opens new retail precinct Caddens Corner

This is being done in partnership with industry and government and fosters a deep engagement with our local communities. “This innovative project is enabling the University to maximise its investment in our core activities of

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Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

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Community bbq upgrade for St Thomas Anglican

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith visited St Thomas Anglican Church Cranebrook (TOMS) to open their new Community BBQ area. Stuart Ayres said this project was funded through the NSW Government’s My Community Project program with a grant of $42,054. The My Community Project was made possible by the NSW Generations Fund to help improve the well-being of people and communities and put the decision-making in the hands of local residents to nominate which projects they wanted to see delivered. Senior Minister, Adam Taylor said we are so grateful for the support we have received to upgrade our facilities. The new BBQ area opens fresh opportunities to extend our care towards the people of the area and further develop relationships and a strong sense of community over food. TOMS strive to provide a safe space for local residents to come and enjoy a BBQ, encouraging a sense of community. The new area is wheel chair accessible and the church has

members who are Working with Children check approved and course qualified in safely working with children and the vulnerable. “It is my pleasure to see the finalised

project which I know will benefit the congregation and the greater community,” said Stuart Ayres. “While the NSW Government is getting on with delivering major

infrastructure projects across Penrith, we also understand the importance of smaller local community projects to improve our local facilities,” added Stuart Ayres.

$10 million grants program to assist women back into the workforce

omen across the State will have access to grants of up to $5,000 through the NSW Government’s new $10 million Return to Work program, as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the program would provide women with financial assistance and targeted support including mentoring, advice and training to help them return to the workforce. “These grants will help women whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 to overcome some of the obstacles in returning to the workforce,” Ms Berejiklian said. “I encourage women from all walks of life to apply for these grants and use this springboard to jump back into their former career or even start a new one.” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said helping more women get back to work will not only provide a financial lifeline for them and their families, it will also boost the economy. “We know that many part-time or casual positions and female-dominated industries were severely impacted by COVID-19, so we are looking to empower as many women as possible to be able to get back into paid employment,” Mr Perrottet said. It is estimated that women make up 53 per cent of directly affected industries and 65 per cent of secondary industries impacted by the pandemic. These include accommodation and food services, retail, arts, and professional services. Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor

said the grants are available to all women who have been out of work for at least one month. “There are so many costs involved in starting up again, so it is great that women looking to return to work will be able to use these grants towards things like training and education, office supplies, or whatever it is they need to get back into a job,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The money can also be used for childcare, including before and after school care and transport, which will really help mothers overcome some of the biggest barriers to getting back into work.” Eligible recipients will be given a Return to Work Coordinator to develop a plan, which will set out the resources that will assist them getting back in the workforce. They must be a resident

of NSW and plan to start paid work within six months. The Return to Work Program aligns with the NSW Women’s Strategy, which sets the NSW Government’s priorities for supporting women and girls, especially following times of crisis. For further information, visit https:// www.service.nsw.gov.au/registerinterest-return-work-program.

local news

heila Kitchingham joined Penrith Netball from the Blacktown Netball Association as the Association Coaching Convenor in 1986. At that time, Sheila was the highest-credentialed coach at Penrith with a Level 2 Coaching Accreditation - one of a few at this level in NSW. Sheila had an enormous role. Firstly, she was responsible for coaching clinics for Penrith Club Coaches and importantly, the Mentor for the Penrith Representative Coaches. The task of developing coaches to be sufficiently skilled to coach at the Representative level was enormous. In 1987 Sheila took on the role of coaching our top State League team, at that time graded in the 4th Division. Winning the premiership, Sheila then went on to be the Manager of the State Opens team in a Mentor role. Sheila was the Association Coaching Convenor for 5 years and in that time continued to coach Penrith State League teams. Players who benefited under the coaching of Sheila included sisters Michelle Hendrie and Annette Chapman. Others included Lorrae Sampson, Gabi Watts and Melissa Moran. Following a period of mentoring by Sheila, Annette went on to be a successful State League coach. In 1991 Sheila coached the Penrith State Age 13 Years team, which the following year under the coaching of Dianne Stilgoe went on to become State Champions. After stepping down as Coaching Convenor, Sheila then spent a number of years coaching Penrith junior rep players and assisting Penrith Rep Coaches. As well as coaching juniors, Sheila also devoted herself to coaching our senior

in later years. After two years on the Coaching Committee and coaching at the same time, Sheila then took on the role as the Manager of the Penrith Opens, State League 1, State Age 14 years team and in 2001 also coached the 17 Years State Team, her last year at Penrith. Sheila will be remembered as a person who not only taught great skills on the court but also many life lessons off the court. She was encouraging, would always give valuable tips to every player that she coached. A forerunner to elite coaching at Penrith, Sheila’s legacy is the beginning of the successful coaching structures and the many players and coaches who were touched by her, either at Penrith or elsewhere in the netball world. The funeral service for Sheila was held on Monday 23rd November at the Castlebrook Crematorium, Rouse Hill. Photos supplied by her daughter Tracey

State League team for another two years. Most notable in that team were Lisa Zerafa and the Power sisters, Katie and Jillian. Katie said ”I had the pleasure of being coached by Sheila and also worked alongside her with Men’s NSW teams.” “She was an amazing coach who always had everyone’s best interests at heart.” In 1998 Sheila was appointed to the Penrith Coaching Committee where she again transformed the coaching structure at Penrith which laid the groundwork for many successful coaches in Penrith

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Vale Sheila Kitchingham

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

local news

Mental health support from those who’ve been there

eeking help for any medical issue can be a daunting prospect, and especially so when it comes to mental health. It can make a world of difference to speak to someone who’s been through a similar situation and understands how you’re feeling. Suzanne Rix is one of those people. “I know what it’s like to feel isolated, not knowing what to do and what might happen next,” Suzanne said. “Our job is about providing hope and showing that you can live the life you want to lead.” Suzanne is the workforce manager in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Peer Services team based at Cumberland Hospital, which is made up of peer workers or ‘lived experience workers’. In addition to the Peer Services team, peer workers are also embedded in individual teams throughout Mental Health Services. All told, there are currently 12 peer workers in WSLHD hospital and community settings. The unique aspect of this crucial workforce is they all have lived experience with mental health issues and recovery. They use their experience to not only support and advocate for consumers (known also as clients or patients), but also help fellow health staff better understand how consumers might be feeling and to see things from their perspective. “Being in hospital can be scary, so we’re here to break down the barriers and help people on their journey,” Suzanne said. “We use layman’s talk, not clinical language, to

Members of the WSLHD peer workforce (from left) peer worker Letishia Rolfo, Peer Services manager Suzanne Rix and senior peer worker Mitch Patsiavas.

give people the information they need and explain how the system works. We’re here to help empower people, and sometimes be their voice if they are not able to speak for themselves.” Suzanne has been with the WSLHD peer workforce for 20 years and in that time has got to know countless consumers, as well as being a voice for people living with mental health issues in the planning of projects. She has recently contributed to work including the new Boronia non-acute and Pavilion buildings on Cumberland campus and the ongoing work at Blacktown and Cumberland hospitals. Suzanne said her role can be challenging but is ultimately rewarding. “The connection between a peer worker and a consumer is very valuable. We can help them to know recovery is possible. When they’re in a place that’s not too good, hospital and using mental health

services in the community can feel never-ending. So to see people who too have experienced mental health issues working and having meaningful relationships gives them hope,” she said. “Just sitting with someone who’s scared, lonely and doesn’t understand what’s happening can be so important to them in that moment. Even if our exact experiences are different, having a mutual understanding does really help people to accept their circumstance and break down the stigma. “We have to be real with people and sometimes have difficult conversations about the tough road ahead. But it is the message of hope that is really important.” WSLHD peer workers undertake a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work with the Mental Health Coordinating Council. They work in hospital and community settings with consumers of all ages and backgrounds, including adolescents, adults and older people. To find out more, call the Peer Services team on (02) 9840 3868 or email WSPeerServices@health. nsw.gov.au. October is Mental Health Month. Find out more about taking care of your own health and checking in with others at mentalhealthmonth.org.au. Help is always available if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health issue: • Lifeline 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 In an emergency, please call triple zero (000).

local news By KeRRIE DAVIES

OCAL resident, Vishwa, has spent more time in hospital during her short life than she has spent out of it. The challenges the little girl has faced during her seven years are more than most would face in an entire lifetime. At just two weeks old, little Vishwa was tragically diagnosed with kidney disease - Congenital nephrotic Syndrome. She spent the first couple of months of her life in The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Once discharged, Vishwa needed to return to hospital for dialysis four times a week, had a central line in her chest and gruelling weekly infusions. It was a very frightening introduction into parenthood for Vishwa’s family. “Being our first baby, it really was a big shock,” Vishwa’s mum, Mital said. “I really didn’t know how to handle it all.” Doctors ultimately told the family their only hope for Vishwa was a kidney transplant. With neither mum nor dad able to donate, Vishwa’s Grandma in India offered to be the donor for her then four-year-old granddaughter. She flew to Australia for the life-saving transplant surgery. While feeling positive after the surgery, the family were hit with a devastating blow. Vishwa was diagnosed with another lifethreatening condition, earlier this year.

“It is very hard for a seven year old to understand,” Mital said. “Vishwa asks when in hospital, ‘why am I here? Why can’t I play with friends like other girls?’ It is very hard to explain to her as we never really know if each day will be spent in hospital or at home.” Sadly, Vishwa lost her long hair due to her treatment but, showed she has such a beautiful heart when she bravely decided to donate it to help someone else.

“It was very hard, she was sad to lose her hair,” Mital said. “But she wants to help others where she is able to.” Amid so much pain and heartache, came the happiness the family needed when Vishwa was granted her Starlight Wish. Vishwa loves playing princesses so she wished for a special ‘Princess Room’ for her and sister Rishwa. The family have only just relocated from Westmead (where they were living to be close to the hospital), so Vishwa is excited to deck out her brand new room! The anticipation and excitement of her wish helped Vishwa get through her toughest days. As part of her new Princess Room, Vishwa has asked for a princess bed, pink barbie wallpaper, a princess vanity, dress ups and all things fluffy! There was also some special surprises along the way, including a Barbie Dream House and special limited edition Barbies! Vishwa’s parents said the room will be a special place for her and baby sister to laugh and play dressups together. It will be extra special

for Vishwa to have her own room for the first time and do all the things she missed out on in hospital. “It is wonderful to see Vishwa so thrilled,” Mital said. “I salute the Starlight Foundation for making our little girl so happy. She has been smiling and very excited, calling all her friends to tell them.” If you would like to contribute to brightening the lives of sick kids like Vishwa, visit starlight.org.au

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Princess Vishwa gets her starlight wish

Legends of the Nepean BerT Le-Merton By Noel Rowsell

ert Le-Merton has become a household name in 2020, walking around his local streets to an equivalent distance of the length of the Kokoda Track, to raise funds for veteran support charity ‘Soldier On’. Whilst raising the funds, Bert turned 102 years of age but in spite of his age and a leg injury, it has hardly stopped his efforts as he walks to help a younger generation of veterans. Bert has seen first hand how many returned veterans struggle to adapt back to civilian life after service and set himself a modest target of $10,000 for his walk. The community however has rallied magnificently and Bert passed the $102,000 mark on the day he turned 102 years of age. Born in Wagga Wagga in 1918, Bert said “I became a man when I joined the Citizen’s Military Forces (CMF) at 21 (1939). On 27th May 1940 Bert enlisted in the 2/13th Battalion, 20th Brigade, 9th Division Australian Infantry Forces (AIF) and just 11 months later would be a member of the first Australian Regiment to engage in battle with the German Army in WW2. Bert was a member of the 3 Section Mortar Platoon and would become one of Australia’s legendary ‘Rats of Tobruk’.

Photos: supplied by Trent Le-Merton

In October 1942 Bert spent time in Palestine where, as a qualified Mortar Instructor, he trained reinforcements. With the Allied Forces in control in the Middle East, the 2/13th Battalion returned to Australia to be re-outfitted and trained in Queensland for the ongoing war in the Pacific against the Japanese. Bert left Australia bound for New Guinea and arrived in Milne Bay in July 1943. Just 2 months later, the Battalion were sent to Yellow Beach (near Malahang), where Bert would take part in the Battle of Balikpapan. Following that campaign, Bert went on with his Battalion to Borneo and was there when the war ended in 1945 having served in Tobruk, El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. Bert’s best mate Johnno Dickson had a kid sister Joan that Bert used to correspond with during the War, after receiving a care package. Bert and Joan continued to write to each other and following the end of the war, Bert was invited to meet Joan in Manilla, NSW in February 1946. Just two days later they were engaged, marrying in 1947 and were together for 49 years before Joan passed away in 1996. Bert and Joan lived in City Road, Chippendale when first married and in 1955, bought 5 acres at Plumpton as Joan was a ‘bushy’ and Bert wanted to make her happy with a place in the country.

Bert Le-Merton was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Sonia Borg. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

They moved to St Clair in 1990 where Bert is still a local resident, with 2 children Gregory (67) and Trent (62), 2 grand children, 2 step-grandchildren and 4 step great-grandchildren. In civilian life, Bert worked for the Australian Tax Office (ATO) in the Instalments Section until his retirement in 1980. Bert was heavily involved in the local community, including the Plumpton Progress Association and the Plumpton Park Committee. ‘Le-Merton Place’ in Rooty Hill was named after the family by Blacktown City Council, in recognition of their contribution to the community. Bert was also a founding member of the Rooty Hill RSL Sub-Branch, at a time when the Club was just a galvanised iron shed located on Rooty Hill Road North.

Bert joined RSL NSW on the day of his discharge from the Army in 1945 and he is still a current member, arguing for the admission of both Korean and Vietnam War Veterans to be allowed membership of the SubBranch, so the RSL did not simply die with the passing of the WW2 Diggers. There are undoubtedly a wealth of memories and occasions which have stood out in Bert’s life, including his exemplary War Service. He attended Blackfriars Public School in Sydney and as a young man, had a passion for both Road and Track Cycling. Bert was on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the Grand Opening on 19th March 1932 when Captain Francis De Groot infamously cut the ribbon before the Premier of the day Jack Lang had the opportunity to officially

open the bridge In addition to being a Special Ambassador for ‘Soldier On’ Bert is also the Patron for the ‘March On’ campaign in which he has personally raised over $105,000 and was fortunate to host His Excellency Governor General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (retd) and his wife for morning tea, prior to going for a walk around the block. A spokesperson for Soldier On said “It is little wonder representatives from Soldier On have dubbed Sgt LeMerton a ‘true living legend”. “His bravery and sacrifice during WW2 is admirable to say the least, all in the name of supporting our sunburnt country and land of sweeping plains.” “It is clear that his (Bert’s) passion for supporting our current and future generation of veterans and their

families is close to his heart – and this is why he has chosen to invite you on this journey to support ‘March On with Soldier On’. Should you wish to contribute to Bert’s fund-raising journey for Soldier On, please go to https://fundraise. soldieron.org.au/marchonwithbert

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

local news Have your say on proposed new m4 Roper Road westbound on ramp

oad users and residents of Erskine Park, St Clair and Penrith are invited to have their say on a proposed new on-ramp at the M4 Motorway. Tanya Davies MP said Transport for NSW is proposing to install a new west-facing on-ramp at the M4 Motorway as part of a suite of infrastructure projects and transport links being delivered in Sydney’s west. “The proposed on-ramp has been identified as a key project to ease congestion and reduce travel times on the M4 Motorway and local roads around Erskine Park, St Clair and Penrith,” Mrs Davies said.

“It will provide motorists with an additional route choice, ultimately improving connectivity and alleviating some of the demand on the existing road network. “The new on-ramp is being proposed from Roper Road to the M4 Motorway to provide westbound access to the M4 Motorway, for motorists travelling in either direction on Erskine Park Road and Roper Road. “It also involves installing a left turn lane to allow southbound motorists on Roper Road to access the new on-ramp, as well as upgrading the existing Roper Road and M4 Motorway westbound off-ramp

Mim’s House of Beauty is a local beauty salon that provides eyelash lifts, eyelash extensions, spray tanning, waxing and I’m proud to announce the newest addition, BODY CONTOURING! Summer is just around the corner and I want you to feel and look the best you’ve ever felt. I have many different packages and treatments that allow me to target all areas of the body.

intersection to accommodate the new on-ramp and allow northbound motorists access from Erskine Park Road.” The community is invited to have their say on the proposed new onramp by close of business on Monday 7 December via phone 1800 974 989, email m4roperwramp@transport. nsw.gov.au or mail M4 Roper Road Westbound on ramp project PO Box 973 Parramatta NSW 2150. All feedback will be considered and the community will be updated as this project progresses. For more information about this project visit nswroads.work/ m4roperwramp.

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local COLUMNIST

s the Christmas season approaches, you might be starting to think about how you can include your pet in the festive fun, after all they are a member of the family. There are plenty of ways you can get your pet involved, and some people do this by dressing their pets up in festive costumes, photos under the tree and with Santa Claus. Sharing the fun and being silly is part of the joy of the season, but if you are going to dress your pet up, there are a few things you need to think about to ensure your pet is having a good time too. There are many different kinds of costumes on the market. While little antlers and Santa hats are okay to wear as long as the pet is comfortable, owners should also be aware of potential problems. Costumes that are made of synthetic fibres and cover your pets’ body can cause your pet to warm up very quickly and become uncomfortable. Pets can become overheated and show signs of heat stroke such as vomiting, distress, and collapse. Avoid costumes when the weather is hot, for longer periods of time or if your pet appears uncomfortable. Ensure pets do not become entangled in their costumes, potentially cutting off circulation or airways, which can be dangerous. Pets may also chew at the costume in an attempt to remove it, and may accidentally swallow pieces of fabric, which can cause them to choke, or get stuck in their digestive tract. Be aware that wearing a costume may make it difficult for your pet to communicate with you. Animals use body language to tell us how they are feeling, and if their movement is inhibited, they may not be able to tell you if they are stressed or anxious. What is fun to us may not mean fun for your pet. This is another reason that your pet should

only wear a costume for a short period of time and only under close supervision. Finally, if your pet looks uncomfortable, is a reluctant participant, and just isn’t into it, it’s best to abandon the idea. No pet should have to suffer for our fun. Animals don’t naturally want to wear clothes, and yours might prefer to wear a festively decorated bandana instead. There are plenty of

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

A merry costume christmas

other ways to spoil your pet throughout the season, and many of them involve treats and fun, so watch this space where we will be putting together a list of things you can do with your pet during the holidays over the coming month. For any information regarding your pet please contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Can you help reunite these pets with their families?

hen a pet goes missing it is a particularly distressing time for any owner. And by the look on the faces of some of these local pets who’ve been found, it can be pretty distressing for the pet as well. Have you seen any of our missing pets?

Do you recognise any of the pets who have been found? There’s a facebook page called Penrith Area Lost and Found Animals and they are exceptionally good at reuniting lost pets with their owners. If you have any information regarding any of our featured pets,

MISSING MISSING north st marys

WARRIMOO

please head to the page and scroll for the owner’s information. You can also call Hawkesbury Animal Shelter (which also serves the Penrith area) on 4560 4644. Alternatively, if you don’t use facebook feel free to call us on 9834 5579 and we will hook you up!

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

‘MG Activ Family’

If your last venture into fitness left you flat and wanting more, I am quite certain you’ll find it, walking into MG Activ’s door. If your ego controls your actions or you prefer to train alone, Don’t take this personally – but you won’t fit into this zone.

s I cruise on toward the end of the 12 week challenge I set for myself, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I’m fitter, far more agile and now 8 kilos have gone. People are starting to notice when they see me, which is very motivating! Some who are not from our area have noticed, and asked if I’ve been working out. It makes me laugh...and inclined to preen just a little! People closer to home have usually read about my shenanigans so they know that the big fella MG is my guiding light towards my goal of fitness and sveltness. One person who has been reading my updates and spying the fading belly flab is my mate Gina Field, of Nepean Regional Security and Nepean News columnist of the G Spot. She asked me about the journey so far and before we finished our conversation she’d signed herself up to MG Activ. Gina doesn’t muck around. The 6am class was the only thing

CHEERS to these champions: Mark and Logan Geyer who have made Mr Danny Tribute so welcome at @mg_activ. This tribute is dedicated to all their mates and members who make it a family.

We all know MG’s reputation, the big tough enforcer on the field, But become a member of his gym and the true man is revealed. He has a caring, compassionate nature, he wants to be your friend, An opportunity to join the family is exactly what he will extend. Mark Geyer is the face but his son Logan is by his side, And an entourage of mates, supporting them with pride. They include Coxy, Toby and Fitzy, Bobby and Macca too, The original Wild Panther members and some of MGs tightest crew. What started in a garage is now a fully-fledged gym, The ‘PainAway’ gorilla greets you every day as you walk in. When you look around inside you won’t see your own reflection, No mirrors and no judgement, just humans making connections.

that extracted a groan from her, and when I received a text message from her the first day as I rolled out of my driveway at 5.40am I would have bet quids it was Gina pulling the pin. But no, she was already there, in full gym gear and ready for action. So now another mate has joined Rachel, Jimmy, Meaghan and I. Whose next? It isn’t that hard to make a decision that will be 100 per cent good for you. All you need is a towel and a water bottle and bit of motivation. If you want to hear more, give me a call!

After smashing out your session – be it Cardio, Strength or Activ Fit, Altogether we do a “finisher” – push each other not to quit. So if it’s time you become healthy or need to boost your self-esteem, Get down to MG Active and be a part of MG’s team.

Get your 5 Day Free Pass

www.mgactiv.com.au

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Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Another one bites the dust

DISCOVER & WIN WHILE YOU

SHOP LOCAL Find the 12 QR Codes near 12 CBD business in High and Henry Streets... Scan and enter to win!

Spectacular Virtual Community Tree Lighting this Friday 27th November at 7.30pm. Santa and his helpers will light the tree plus you will be entertained with characters and performers! Watch from your home. Facebook: Penrith CBD Corp

Each code you scan builds a piece of Santa. Once complete, go into the draw to win Christmas Vouchers in the CBD! Starts 27th November | Closes 21st December 5pm and Drawn 22nd December at 10.30am For more information go to: www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au/christmas-code/

ENTERTAINMENT

enrith CBD Corporation has traditionally organised a massive event at the end of each November to bring the Community together to celebrate the lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree that is situated in Memory Park on the corner of High St and Woodriff St. This year, as with many other events, we will not be able to close the streets for this celebration due to the crowds that always attend. But that does not mean that the Penrith Community will not be celebrating Christmas and bringing the delights of this special season into the CBD. The decorations are in place and the stores

and businesses are stocked and ready for sales, so we must have a tree - of course we will! The tree will be in Memory Mall and will be bigger and better than last year, plus Santa and plenty of special helpers will come out to light the tree live on Facebook Friday night (November 27). Everyone can still join in by going to the Penrith CBD Corp Facebook page this Friday night at 7:30pm, grab a treat and relax to watch the magic of the Tree lighting story be told via phones or computers. Turn the sound up and share the experience with your family and friends and then shop local and discover the CBD this Christmas.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

What can you do when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold an event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; go virtual?

Saturday December 5

Christmas gift markets from 9am-2pm

through Penrith CBD offering unique and specialised gift ideas

TWILIGHT markets 4pm-9PM

at PCYC car park with Food Trucks and market stalls Proudly supporting local business

www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

ENTERTAINMENT Ben Cranney’s travel tips to keep for when we can travel again!

UNESCO heritage in central Cuba

Over Trinidad

was near empty, apart from the guys walking up and down selling pizza. There’s no surf, and apart from the horizon, the blue sea is endless. On the same day, we visited the ruins of a plantation at Valle de los Ingenios, where we learnt of horrific slavery conditions, and the incredible strength of the enslaved women, who were forced to work until they gave birth, and then forced to return to work almost immediately. We visited another plantation, Manaca Iznaga, with its seven story tower, built to watch for escaping slaves. Now days, Manaca Iznaga has a little market of beautiful handcrafts, and we bought some little hand sewn booties for our daughter, even though she was still four and half years away at that stage. Trinidad itself is a beautiful place, with a UN heritage listing. The streets are framed by brightly coloured houses. Donkeys and horses pull

By BEN CRANNEY

n Trinidad, Cuba, we smoked our first cigars. I was with two girls who were more interested in the Insta shots than the experience. There was lots of pretending to smoke with dainty inhales. I don’t smoke, so I had no problem with this, until the girls realised that if you don’t smoke the cigar properly, it goes out. Which means that there are no wisps of smokes, or ash to tap for the perfect photo. The problem was, they still didn’t want to actually smoke them. So, in a very short amount of time, I smoked two more cigars than I’d smoked in my life. I was very sick. And I don’t think they posted anything. Thankfully, Trinidad is near some amazing beaches that are perfect for cleaning your lungs out. We hired a fellow and his 1960s convertible to visit one on the Ancon Peninsula. It

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carts across the cobbled stones. White lampposts lead you up to the town square, where the House of Music, la Casa de la Musica, plays Caribbean beats into the night. When it finishes, the party continues at La Cueva, the nightclub in a cave where circus performers get the crowd to do stupid things like lifting a picnic table with

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Penrith Rotary Club celebrates 75 years! It was a very special milestone birthday celebration at Penrith Bowling Club last week. Penrith Rotary turned 75! With special guests joining in the celebrations from Richmond Rotary, a great night was had by all.

Social Butterfly

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU: EASY

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SOLUTIONS: 12 November EASY

hard

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Disappointing (14) 10 Result (5) 11 A school sports facility (9) 12 Forsake (7) 13 Indulge oneself (7) 14 Urged (on) (5) 16 Wrongdoers (9) 19 Swordsman (9) 20 Master of ceremonies (5) 22 Pamphlet (7) 25 The feel of a surface (7) 27 A gradual increase in intensity (9) 28 What you sound like (5) 29 Sins (14)

down 2 Longing for something past (9) 3 Rectify or change (5) 4 Not devious (9) 5 Exhausts (5) 6 Dare (9) 7 Willow (5) 8 Complains (7) 9 Turned into (6) 15 Stalemates (9) 17 Uses (9) 18 Omission (9) 19 Request urgently (7) 21 Smoothed (6) 23 Sporting venue (5) 24 Used in laser printers (5) 26 Twenty-seven in Roman numerals (5)

solution 12/11/20

ENTERTAINMENT

enues must use electronic registration systems such as QR codes to record the names and contact details of patrons, or risk serious penalties, under new COVID-19 rules. Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said electronic registrations are easy to use and will help authorities with rapid contact tracing in the event a case attended a venue while potentially infectious. “Businesses have had long enough to get their houses in order. With summer fast approaching we must remain vigilant,” Mr Dominello said. “Digital systems are contactless and safer to use, and allow NSW Health to respond faster to outbreaks. Inspectors will be out in the community enforcing compliance and will crack down on wrongdoing. “So far more almost 22,000 businesses have used a NSW Government QR code and 94 per cent of customers have given the COVID Safe Check In the thumbs up.” Scanning a NSW Government QR code captures the business name, address and the customer’s contact details. The information is securely stored for 28 days for the sole purpose of contact tracing and can be instantly

accessed by NSW Health if needed. After this time, it will be destroyed. For customers who do not have access to a smartphone, venues should record their contact details and time of entry using an electronic device. If there is an internet outage, venues can record the necessary contact details manually and then enter them electronically, for example into a

spreadsheet such as Excel. Mr Dominello also said customers can now use the Service NSW app to check in and check out when they next head to a café, restaurant or COVID Safe-registered business displaying a NSW Government QR code. “The ‘Check Out’ functionality is a voluntary process that gives customers an extra layer of reassurance by

capturing the time spent at a business,” Mr Dominello said. “Customers simply need to select ‘Check Out Now’ when they’re leaving the premises, to record the date and time they left in the Service NSW app. This will help authorities to identify people who may have been exposed to a case with more precision.”

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 compared with the average Joe or Josephine’s working year of about 1900 slave hours a year.

WIN!

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 sun-drenched 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 best 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 double pass to lunch on the Nepean Belle

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Electronic registration mandate takes effect

Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

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local news

enrith City Council is encouraging the community to help shine a light on the dedicated, selfless and inspiration people in Penrith by nominating them in the inaugural Local Celebration Awards. The new award program aims to recognise people of all ages who go above and beyond, who volunteer their time to make Penrith a great place to live, or who work tirelessly for the benefit of others and for the community. Penrith Mayor Cr Karen McKeown OAM said after a difficult year of unprecedented challenges there’s never been a better time to celebrate Penrith’s can-do attitude and resilient spirit. “Over the past year our community has experienced bushfires, flooding and the social, emotional and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout it all, and despite it all, we know there are amazing people doing great things in Penrith,” Cr McKeown said. “These awards are an opportunity for us to highlight the people in our community who have shown us the best of themselves in some of the worst times and give them the recognition they deserve. “I encourage residents and our wider community to put forward a nomination - this is your chance to shine a light on the heroes who make us all proud to be part of this City,” Cr McKeown said. Nominations for the 2021 Local Celebration Awards are open until 30 April 2021. Submissions will be

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM with volunteers from Mama Lanas Community Foundation who were recipients of the 2020 Penrith Community Group Award.

accepted in person, online, by mail and by video. There are four award categories to choose from: • Citizen of the Year (over 18 years old) • Young Citizen of the Year (aged under 17 years old) • Mayor’s Local Heroes Award (all ages) • Making a Difference – Community Service Award (all ages). The award recipients will be announced at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 18 July 2021. This is an important date for Council and a significant date in Penrith’s history, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the very first meeting of Penrith Municipal Council held on 18 July 1871. Following the announcement in July, the Local Celebration Award

winners will be formally recognised at an event held in August 2021. Find out more about the award

program, the selection criteria and how to nominate at: penrith.city/localcelebration-awards

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM with Lana and Roger Borg

Ageing gracefully

1. When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison. 2. To me, “drink responsibly” means don’t spill it. 3. Age 60 might be the new 40, but 8pm is the new midnight. 4. It’s the start of a brand new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles. 5. The older I get, the earlier it gets late. 6. When I say, “The other day,” I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago. 7. I remember being able to get up without making sound effects. 8. I had my patience tested. I’m negative. 9. Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn’t fit any of your containers. 10. If you’re sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, “Did you bring the money?” 11. When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say “nothing,” it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing.

12. I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever. 13. I run like the winded. 14. I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don’t know whose side I’m on. 15. When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, “Why, what did you hear?” 16. When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminium can stuffed with celery? 17. I don’t mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited. 18. When I ask for directions, please don’t use words like “East.” 19. Don’t bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That’ll freak you right out. 20. Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops. 21. My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Celebrating the heroes in our community

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

local news

Opinion: Flood safety must come first By BART BASSETT

aising the Warragamba Dam wall is for flood safety - not a Trojan Horse for development. When Warragamba Dam was built it was built as a water storage facility not a mitigation dam. Even to this day, that is exactly what the operating procedure is for the dam; to keep it as full as possible to supply Sydney with quality potable water. Prior to 1995, the Fahey Government were very responsible in planning to minimise the potential for a catastrophic flood in the Hawkesbury/Nepean Floodplain. They believed the risk of a catastrophic flood was so great they embarked on an investigation to mitigate such a flood and the decision was made to raise the dam wall by 23 meters. Unfortunately, during the State Election campaign leading up to the 1995 state election Bob Carr was desperate to appease The Greens and garner their preferences and he committed that, if elected, the dam wall would not be raised. Little consideration was given to the devastation to both private and government assets downstream of the wall in the event of a flood but to protect the integrity of the wall, a spillway was built and to protect lives downstream of the wall flood evacuation routes were upgraded in the floodplain but it did nothing to aid in reducing catastrophic consequence to property. The potential for a devastating flood in western Sydney would wipe out tens of thousands of private homes and businesses as well as countless

government and private assets. That would plunge the state budget into billions of dollars in costs and even more in lost economic activity over the time it would take to rectify the damage. Now, following years of further studies and expert advice the State Government has gone out to public consultation on raising the dam wall by 14 meters and yet again the usual â&#x20AC;&#x153;anti-everything groupsâ&#x20AC;? are dragging out every conspiracy theory to try and stop the project. One such conspiracy theory is that it is being done

so development can occur in areas of the floodplain where development is currently prohibited, this is completely incorrect, there is no plan to change the building flood height. This plan is all about flood safety on the Hawkesbury/Nepean floodplain. Just for once, could sense prevail so that the safety of people and property in western Sydney takes precedence over the usual cheap political propaganda that we have become accustomed to every time a infrastructure project is announced.

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

NEPEAN HISTORY

A Penrith Hotel Family

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

ntil Australia became a Federation in 1901 each of the six colonies were responsible for their own defence. Early in the nineteenth century a type of a Volunteer Force existed in NSW for a few years, and on several occasions some form of the force or “Militia” existed. The first Colonial military activity was the creation of a Volunteer Force in 1854 and consisted of Artillery, Cavalry and Rifle units. At the end of that year recruiting began and was responded to “with an enthusiasm which merits the highest praise”. Even then however, a woman complained of the lack of volunteers and suggested that “the government should make it compulsory for bachelors to join the Corps, and then if the Colony does not get gentlemen soldiers, at least some of us will get husbands”. The NSW Volunteer Rifles between 1860-1870 occupied the southern range of buildings at the Hyde Park Barracks in Macquarie Street, Sydney (now demolished). Difficulty was experienced in recruiting volunteers and by 1867 the Volunteer Force was in danger of extinction. As an inducement that year the Government introduced a scheme where a volunteer who served for five years received a grant of land that was successful and by 1874 the military forces reached their maximum size. But the grant of land scheme proved too expensive and it was discontinued following a subsequent decline in the numbers of volunteers. The Corps was the forerunner of today’s reservists. Private Elam Squires of the Penrith Volunteer Rifles Regiment was born in 1840 in Gloucestershire in England to Matthew & Elizabeth Squires (Nee: Mitchell). His brother John was also a member of the Regiment. The Squires family came from England in October 1848 as assisted immigrants aboard the ship “Castle Eden.” Matthew was born in 1814 at Westley in Gloucestershire and a farm labourer. His parents were William and Esther, living at Westley. Matthew’s wife Elizabeth Mitchell was a farmhouse servant also born in 1814 in Wiltshire. Her parents were Thomas and Hannah Mitchell living in Westley. Matthew and Elizabeth were married in 1836 in Bristol. The children onboard the ship were:- William 8, John 2, and Anne 4, all born in Westley. Elam was not mentioned on the ship’s manifest. Elam married Agnes Matilda Stedman in 1868 in Sydney. Agnes was born in 1841 at Norfolk, England. In December 1872 just before the grants were discontinued, fifty acres in Warialda was granted to Elam by the NSW Land for Volunteer programs. His brother John also received a Volunteer grant that same year but in Penrith. These were the forerunner to the WW1 soldier settlement grants in NSW. A year later Elam’s grant was sold, and he transferred to Penrith to join his family. In January 1876 Penrith Council was under the old law of one-third of the council elected each year and on this occasion Michael Long, Charles King and Alfred Colless were chosen aldermen while W H Judges and Elam were elected auditors. Elam’s father was the proprietor of the “Squires Nepean Hotel & Boarding House” near the river. In 1883 Elam was in the Parramatta Quarter Session charging James Dacon with forgery and uttering against him. James received two years hard labour in Windsor Gaol. In November 1885 at Penrith railway station at 11 o’clock at night Elam (who leased the Penrith railway refreshment room) was crossing

Michelle Latham

michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au

PH: 9623 6656 | MOBILE: 0418 250 242 186 Queen Street, St. Marys (Star Arcade)

the railway line in front of the station when he ignored the proximity of the train that was coming along the track and was knocked down and literally “cut to pieces” The Coroner John King Lethbridge released the details of Elam’s personal property. He had £500 in cash and an Insurance Policy worth £800. He is buried at Emu Plains General cemetery. Agnes died at Katoomba in 1917. Elam’s obituary read:- “Penrith was alarmed by the sad news of the fatal accident to Mr Squires who was always known to be a most temperate and careful man and besides this he had been seen and spoken to by a large number of people the previous evening. The deceased gentleman was a resident of the town for over 25 years and was always greatly respected. He was a most energetic citizen and to him belongs the credit of having placed the first passenger steam launch on the Nepean. He was for 15 years the Penrith agent of the Sydney Morning Herald having discontinued it some four years ago and he likewise conducted the agency of the Evening News for a similar period, and only discontinued it some few months ago. He was ever foremost in acts of charity and will be sadly missed in Penrith. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and nine children. His life was insured in the Australian Mutual Provident Society. Both of his parents are alive and in good health and it was the intention of Elam to have kept up the celebration of their golden wedding early next year. The funeral was a large and influential one with nearly all principal residents of Penrith and Emu Plains along with the chief officers in the railway department at Penrith, besides several friends of the deceased from Sydney”. He was 45 years old. We know the hotel continued in the hands of the family because in 1888 in the Parramatta Court, William Cunningham was appealing against a decision of the Penrith Bench who convicted him under the Vagrant Act of being a suspected person. According to the evidence William was arrested while attempting to get his hands into people’s pockets in the bar of the hotel on the occasion of the 1887 Hanlan-Beach boatrace on the Nepean River. His Honour upheld the conviction and William received three months imprisonment. Elam’s brother John died in 1920 in Penrith. His obituary read:- “John Squires, a respected resident of Penrith died at his residence in High Street. Deceased usually enjoyed good health but took ill a little over three weeks ago evidently being seized by a chill. A couple of days afterwards he was obliged to take to his bed. His condition became serious and he developed bronchial pneumonia. He was married at Emu Plains to Elizabeth Sarah Upton and they lived at Emu for a couple of years then moved to High Street his home at the time of his death. He was an upright and conscientious citizen, one whose quiet and unassuming ways won for him the esteem of those with whom he was associated. He was a tinsmith and plumber by trade and also a member of the Sons of Temperance Lodge for nearly 52 years. He was buried in the Methodist section of Penrith General Cemetery. Matthew’s Hotel photo 1889 is courtesy of the National Library of Australia.

Sources: NSW Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, Daily Telegraph, Bowral Free Press & Berrima District Intelligencer, Ancestry, The early volunteer corps-the origins of the modern Australian army by D. M. MacCallum, Australian Royalty website, Gloucestershire Church of England Baptism, Nepean Times, BDM online.

Contact Michelle for Pre-Planning & Pre-Paid Funerals 1300 HEVNLY (1300 438 659)

SPORT

t has been a long time without racing for Australia’s whitewater paddlers, but last weekend (Sunday, 15 November) Paddle Australia’s NSW canoe slalom paddlers and those based at Penrith Whitewater Stadium got in their first official race of the 2020/21 summer season. Dual Olympian Lucien Delfour, who is set to represent Australia at his second Games in Tokyo next year, spearheaded the 2020 Paddle NSW Canoe Slalom Championships and took home the win in the men’s K1. Fellow 2020 Paddle Australia Senior team members Tim Anderson (NSW) and Benjamin Pope (WA) finished second and third respectively. Following a foot injury, Delfour has only been back in the boat for a few weeks, but despite some ongoing rehab, this did not stop him from taking out the win. “It felt good to be racing, although the event was obviously quite low key due to current restrictions. I wanted to go fast but the goal was to stay safe and focus on keeping things under control as I still have limited range of movement, as well as limited amount of weight I can put on my foot. It will take a few more weeks to recover properly, but it’s all going well,” Delfour explained. In the women’s K1, Alexandra Broome took out the win ahead of Georgia Rankin with 13-year old Codie Davidson impressing with a third place. Broome also won the women’s C1, once again ahead of Georgia Rankin and with Danielle Latter in third. U23 paddler Kaylen Bassett won the men’s C1 event, ahead of his training mates and Senior team paddlers Steven Lowther (WA) and Brodie Crawford (WA) respectively. Lowther and Crawford spent a few months back home in Western Australia this year, but have been back in Penrith to train since restrictions were lifted. “It was really good to be back racing formally. We are all really competitive in the C1 and anyone can win on the day, so I think it should make things interesting for the next few years and hopefully we can continue to push each other with the goal to become a strong

Lucien Delfour - Photo Credit Mackie Kayaking

C1 nation,” Bassett said after his first NSW State Champs win. “The high performance team has been working really hard for us to keep doing some race simulations every few weeks, so I didn’t feel too rusty and I think when the borders open and we get more fresh faces it will be a different feeling again and something I look forward to. Plus, having been working with the local canoe club we are wanting to try and replace some races that may have been cancelled over summer,” Bassett added about the current competition situation. Bassett had made his first U23 canoe slalom national team earlier in the year, but with World Cups and the World Championships cancelled, he made the most of his time at home and never lost focus. “Going forward I’ll be just sticking with the process. I feel I’ve made improvements and been able to make the most of being at home all year. Just staying focused on my objectives and seeing the small progressions towards that has been rewarding. So, for now I’ll stay focused on the big goals, making the Senior team and 2024, my small objectives and just enjoying the process.” While the 2020 Senior and U23 team paddlers dominated the medal ranks, some exciting up and coming talent charged down the rapids as well with

13-year old Codie Davidson (Penrith Valley Canoeing) taking home a medal in the open women’s K1 and finishing fourth in the C1. In the open men’s events, 11-year old Sevan Billaut also put in some strong racing and is following the footsteps

of his dad Julien Billaut, who works as National Senior Slalom Coach for Paddle Australia and is a former French representative paddler and three-time canoe slalom World Champion. Growing up around a fine selection of the world’s best canoe slalom paddlers, Sevan Billaut amongst others enjoys training together with champion and Olympic paddler Richard Fox, who also contested the State Champs and showed some of the youngsters how it’s done by finishing in the top ten in the men’s K1. Penrith’s whitewater paddlers will be back in force for the annual Santa Claus racing on 20 December 2020. And in the hope that COVID-19 will permit a national competition season, paddlers continue to train for the Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom Age Championships (15-17 Jan 2021, Eildon, VIC) and the Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom Australian Open (1214 Feb 2021), which are currently scheduled for early next year with further details yet to be confirmed.

Kaylen Bassett - Photo JGRImages

Codie Davidson - Photo JGRImages

Alexandra Broome - Photo Credit Mackie Kayaking

Sevan Billaut - JGRImages

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Canoe Slalom Paddlers get back into racing

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Hole in One Double Header

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

Ian Forrester & Steve Williams share the joy after both aced the 15th hole at Penrith GC. Photo supplied by Jonathon Green. By Noel Rowsell

Penrith veteran golfer Steve Williams was delighted when his tee shot on the 15th hole at Penrith GC finished at the bottom of the cup, for a hole in one and a certain ‘Nearest the Pin’ prize. Imagine his surprise when his playing partner checked the NTP card, only to find a player in the preceding group had also aced the hole. Another veteran Ian Forrester had his name on the card first but fittingly, he and Steve would share the NTP honours and prizemoney.

Left-handed Ian had been having a shocker up until the 15th but his mood improved dramatically when his 7-iron shot holed out. Right-handed Steve was also playing below handicap when his 8-iron produced the same result, allowing him to improve and finish the day just 2 shots off his handicap. Ian has had prior success on the 15th, also aceing the hole in 2019, whilst Steve also has a prior ace, recording the feat at Leonay GC 40 years ago.

Vale Former Panther ‘Stormin’ Norman Taylor

he Australian basketball community is mourning the passing of Illawarra Hawks NBL great ‘Stormin’ Norman Taylor, who died at age 55 after suffering a heart attack. Originally from Bridgeport Connecticut in the United States, Norman signed to the Illawarra Hawks in 1989 and played 67 games between ‘89 and ‘91. Norman was also involved in the Penrith District in 1997, joining the Panthers when they entered the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) competition - once the largest interstate sporting competition in Australia before its demise in 2018. Norman was an unstoppable powerhouse for the Panthers, finishing the season with stats of 348 points (19ppg), 246 rebounds, 35 assists, 25 steals and 14 blocks, along with a highly impressive 77% shooting accuracy from the Free Throw Line. 1997 was a huge year for the Panthers, with coach Curt Forrester taking out the East Conference Coach of the Year award, Travis Lane selected to the East Conference ‘All Star 5’ and Norman taking out the award as the East Conference ‘Leading Rebounder’. Former Penrith team-mate Peter Fenton maintained a close friendship with Norman and had only recently joined the big man for a friendly game of golf. “We (Norman and I) played golf maybe 3 months ago and he was great,” said Peter. “He was very happy and had met a new lady.” “I spent a lot of time with him over the years and he was about to have 6 weeks off work, so we were trying to find time for another game of golf.” Norman’s funeral service was held at the Dapto Anglican Church on Saturday 21st November. Penrith’s head coach in 1997 Curt Forrester said

Penrith Panthers 1997 team-mates Curt Forrester (coach), Travis Lane and Norman Taylor

“My first encounter with Norman was him being interviewed by myself and the Board of the Penrith CBA.” “The questions were going out hard and fast and Norm was handling it all in his stride and at the end, he looked all of us in the eye and with his big smile, says he’s in.” “I always used to worry at first during our games, because Norm was always shorter than his opponents.”

“That feeling came to pass as Norm was known for his wide body frame, which made it impossible for many people to guard him,” said Forrester. “A couple of things which really stand out about Norm was when he arrived at games, he had the biggest grin on his face and his family behind him.” “He (Norm) was a great team member to all and was a great support to all the younger players on the team.”

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Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

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Tex’s tales with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker The curtain has now been drawn on an indifferent Rugby League season and many clubs are now planning for 2021.

Grand Final and State of Origin loss, but it is those experiences that will provide him with one of the toughest mindsets in the game.

Some of the Panthers NRL squad will return to training in mid December with the whole group back on deck in the first week of January.

Nathan knows he has to get better if he is going to turn a 2020 season filled with missed opportunities into future success. And I have no doubt he will.

SO what did we learn from 2020? As a Panthers fan you learnt plenty and should be extremely excited for what lies ahead in the next few years. Nathan Cleary may not have finished his campaign the way he would have liked, with a

The NSW Blues have plenty of soul searching to do after losing the ‘unlosable’ series to a young Wayne Bennett coached Queensland outfit. Game 3 - Queensland simply wanted it more. For mine the scoreboard flattered NSW as the Maroons butchered three tries in their 20-14 victory. I’m sure following an Origin debrief Brad Fittler and his coaching staff will suggest they should have done a few things differently. I listed my team before Origin 1 and had Stephen Crichton left centre and Zac Lomax at right centre, both their natural positions. Instead

There was one piece of good news for Cleary - he was named winner of the Brad Fittler Medal as the best Blues player throughout the Origin series.

NSW picked Clint Gutherson (it simply didn’t work) and Dally M player of the year Jack Wighton, who was kept quiet all series. Wighton should have been partnering Nathan in the halves and after his dazzling grand final display many were bewildered as to how Ryan Papenhuyzen wasn’t named the utility on the bench. The youth and exuberance that these three portray would have been the injection NSW required. Hindsight is a funny thing and I’m sure next year NSW will take a leaf out of Wayne Bennett’s book and have faith in their young guns and set them free.

Panthers 2021 Memberships are now available and start at just $15.91 per game.

• Invitation to members-only events with the players*

Unlike 2020 everything is on track for all fans to return to Panthers stadium and create a graveyard for visiting teams.

• Receive breaking Panthers news direct to your inbox

The Bronze Membership at $15.91 per game has the following inclusions; • Experience all home games at Panthers Stadium from the Northern or Southern Hills, or from the unreserved seats in the Eastern or Western Terraces • Members merchandise pack including a 2021 Members Cap and 2021 Members Scarf • 10% discount on merchandise • Members Offers Booklet – bigger and better in 2021

It was most concerning to hear that the likeable Brent Naden has recently admitted himself into rehabilitation. Full respect to Brent for total transparency and speaking to the club. Penrith Panthers has issued the following statement in regards to Brent Naden: “Following the 2020 NRL Grand Final, Brent Naden approached the club and disclosed a number of personal issues he wished to address. “As a result, Brent is currently undertaking a voluntary rehabilitation program in a private Sydney facility. “Brent, his family, his management and the club kindly ask the media to respect his privacy and will be making no further comment at this time.” Nepean News and Brent’s thousands of fans wish him all the very best.

• Pre-purchase tickets to NRL Finals Series and State of Origin fixtures • Voting rights for 2021 Members Player of the Year • Entry to standalone Panthers Canterbury Cup games at Panthers Stadium • 2021 Panthers Penrith Leagues Club Membership This is just a taste of what is available, head to the Panthers website to view the plethora of membership options.

All Panthers players, staff and fans are behind Brent Naden for a full recovery in the off season

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with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker

Game on - Tyson v Jones Jnr

The AFL has followed similar lines to the NRL implementing rule changes next season to speed up the game and created an increase in fatigue. The NRL successfully introduced the six again rule and the AFL has reduced interchanges from 90 down to 75, hence creating fatigue. The 2021 season will also see an amendment for players standing on the mark, with 50m penalties to be imposed on players who move - outside a one metre “level of tolerance” - laterally off the mark before ‘play on’ has been called. Operations Manager Stephen Hocking told AFL Media’s Damian Barrett “The main reason (for the 75 interchange cap) is to try and open up congestion around the ground. There are a lot of high pressure game styles which have kicked in, the pressure factors have increased, and have been on the increase for five years now, so our belief is we need to put a little bit of fatigue back into the system, and to recalibrate that part of the game and hopefully have the result of opening up the game.” These changes will only increase the game as a spectacle and one would imagine viewing audiences will increase in what should be a highly attacking game.

It might be somewhat of a money grab (Tyson said he is donating his fight cheque to charity) but the Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jnr fight this Sunday has created a high level of interest. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is a red hot favourite to win the bout at $1.37, though he has blown in the market, with Jones Jnr at a tempting price of $2.92.. ‘Iron’ Mike has seen bookmakers lose a little faith in his ability to beat Jones Jr. despite the fact Tyson looks in absolutely unbelievable shape for his age. The Tyson vs. Jones Jr odds have changed drastically since they opened in late July.

It’s easy to understand why there are plenty of Jones admirers. He’s three years younger (51 vs 54), has a three-inch reach advantage. Most importantly, fought competitively in 2017 and 2018. Tyson’s last pro fight was over 15 years ago. The fight will be Tyson’s first sanctioned bout since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. The legends will face off in eight two-minute rounds and will not include a panel of judges or headgear. - World Boxing News. This Sunday you can watch EXCLUSIVELY ON MAIN EVENT AVAILABLE ON FOXTEL AND KAYO FOR $59.95.

The international summer of cricket gets underway in Sydney tomorrow night with the first of the three one day series against Virat Kohli’s India. Three T20 matches are also scheduled along with four test matches. With the recent completion of the Indian Premier League (won by Mumba Indians) many players are experiencing difficulty living in the BIOBubble for such a long period of time. India are currently staying in a biobubble in Australia where neither player or staff are allowed to mingle around, move outside or dine together. Virat Kohli and wife Anushka are expecting their first child. “It does get difficult at times Kohil will leave Australia after the Adelaide test. because it is repetitive,” Kohli, who you want the players to be in the best state mentally led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, told his and physically, “ team’s YouTube channel. The Aussies have plenty to prove having tasted “Mentally, it can be taxing if this continues for this defeat in the Test Series two years ago on home soil. long a period at a consistent rate. It has to be broken Virat Kohli is expected to return to India after the first down, it has to be based on how the individuals are test for the birth of his first child with actress wife feeling and I think that conversation should take Anushka Sharma. place regularly,” he said. The four test schedule is as follows; “These things will have to be considered, what Vodafone Test Series v India length of series and tournaments one will play, what First Test: December 17-21, Adelaide Oval, impact the players will have mentally of staying in a 3pm AEDT (day-night) similar environment for 80 days, and not getting to Second Test: December 26-30, MCG, 10.30am AEDT do anything different, or have the space to go see the Third Test: January 7-11, SCG, 10.30am AEDT family, or small things like that. These things will have Fourth Test: January 15-19, Gabba, 11am AEDT to be seriously thought about. At the end of the day, Have you spotted a celeb in the local area or wish to submit a comment or have a tale to tell? Send an email to infotexfit@gmail.com or follow twitter @texy71.

Nepean News 26 3 September November2020 2020 Issue Issue285 291

Tex’s tales

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

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Coach’s Corner I

Year In Review

n a year which has been anything but predictable we had the displeasure of witnessing the New South Wales Blues be completely outplayed by the Queensland Maroons in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium last Wednesday. I think the less said about the result, the better. However I had made my concerns clear in this column over the last two editions with regards to having players out of position in big games at the elite level. In hindsight I think the Blues would have also played Ryan Papenhuyzen on the bench. The Josh Addo-Carr non penalty try I understand based on the criteria of the rule was the correct decision, however there is no one I have spoken to in the week post game who thinks he would not have gained possession of the kick and scored had he not been fouled by Corey Allan. The refereeing across the series I thought was poor and inconsistent. But it did not decide the series, Queensland were nothing short of outstanding in Game 1 and Game 3 and they deserved to regain the shield. Looking back on the NRL season I am pretty

happy with my predictions having nailed the Storm to win the competition and picking 6 of 8 Top 8 teams post the Covid-19 restart to the competition. The Panthers were the biggest surprise, improver and the most consistent team in the competition, they were never in the Grand Final mostly due to the fact they delivered their worst performance of the year at the most crucial moment. They will be back, it was great experience for the raft of young talent they possess. I also believe Nathan Cleary was the games best player in 2020, again all subjective to personal opinion. But he led both the Panthers and the Blues with distinction and will again only improve into 2021. As for the rest of the competition, the Broncos were the biggest disappointment, talk about a season to forget. And they have plenty to prove in 2021 having run their coach out of town... all eyes on Red Hill. The Titans were a massive improvement in what I think was along with the performance of the Panthers and the Warriors the best coaching

Brock Shepperd Mounties Ron Massey Cup Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

performances in 2020. All for different reasons and challenges faced. Ivan Cleary was on the back of an underachieving season with plenty of pressure but a talented roster. Justin Holbrook took over the wooden spooners of the previous season and turned them into a competitive force. Todd Payton dealt with more than any NRL coach in the history of the competition and did it with class, honesty and passion which clearly resonated with the Warriors players. Peter V’landys deserves immense praise and credit for his work in getting the NRL through 2020. Lets hope that by the commencement of the new season in 2021 that our world has returned to some sort of normality and we can enjoy the games together on the hill or in the stands at Panthers Stadium. Have a safe, happy and enjoyable Christmas break with your friends and family. Reach out to those in our community who need a helping hand and lend it if you can. With lots of love and best wishes from mine to yours, see you in the New Year.

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Fittler Medal winner Cleary shifts focus to 2021 By Todd Balym, NRL.com

NSW halfback Nathan Cleary knows he has to get better if he is going to turn a 2020 season filled with missed opportunities into future success.

he Blues and Penrith No.7 put himself in a position to claim three of rugby league’s biggest prizes in 2020 – a Dally M medal, NRL premiership and Origin series triumph – but instead walked away with nothing. There was one piece of good news for Cleary - he was named winner of the Brad Fittler Medal as the best Blues player throughout the Origin series. As well as Cleary’s award - the Blues handed out two other awards. Daniel Saifiti won the True Blue Award and Hannah Southwell was named Women’s Origin player of the year. Canberra’s Jack Wighton pipped him by two votes to claim the Dally M, Melbourne triumphed over Penrith in the grand final and Queensland defied the odds to secure the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old knows just how close he came to achieving one of the best seasons by a young playmaker. Although it was hard to hide his disappointment in the moment, the desire to reach those pinnacles in 2021 is already strong. “Yeah 2020 as a whole has just been a rollercoaster really,” Cleary said. “Rode the highs and lows, that’s

rugby league. Unfortunately, I’ve lost some pretty big games in the last month or so but that will just fuel next year and I will enjoy the journey. “I’m very grateful for the position I am in and look forward to getting better and improve each year. I think any loss is hard to take especially in a decider. “I thought some of our defence especially in the second half was amazing but we’re disappointed not to get the win and we have to take a lot out of that and learn from it and get better.” If Cleary is to take any positives away from the Origin series, it was how he responded when put under

enormous external pressure. His position in the team came under scrutiny ahead of his man of the match performance in Origin II and although he didn’t get many opportunities in the decider, his kicking game was superb and often looked likely to create chances. What Origin and the grand final showed is that in Cleary and Queensland’s Cameron Munster, rugby league has two excitement machines set to dominate for club and state in the coming seasons. “[Munster] is a freak and a great player and always shows up on the biggest stage too,” Cleary said. “I’ve got nothing but high praise for him.

“I think there will be some great series coming up over the next few years. Hopefully, I get to be a part of it because both teams have some good young players coming through and it will be exciting.” Cleary said winning the Fittler Medal was something he would cherish. “I would have loved to have won it off the back of series win but it’s a great honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have played in the series,” he said. “It’s been crazy month - I’ve lost two of the biggest games of my life, there were a lot of lessons learned but its really put the fire in my belly for next year.”

PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

NRL 2020 season overview

 2020, what a weird and wonderful rugby league season it was!

hat started as a normal rugby league season quickly descended into one of panic and uncertainty when we, and the rest of the world were faced with a pandemic. Two games into the season proper it was lock down time. Along with the pandemonium of the coronavirus pandemic was the real prospect of the rugby league season being defaulted. Something unprecedented. After going into lock down for close to 9 weeks the NRL boss Peter V’landys boldly declared that the competition would restart on Thursday the 28th of May, in a match between the Broncos and the Eels. This made Rugby League, quite extraordinarily, the very first code in the WORLD to resume their competition. The mountain that all had to climb to see our code back on selected fields playing again was monumental, but somehow, it was achieved. From no crowds to cardboard cut-outs as fans, the comp was back up and running. With it came rule changes. There would now only be one referee. Tick. There would be a Captains challenge brought in. Tick. There would be a “6 to go” brought in to try and stop the pea being blown out of the whistle. Tick. A 20/40. Good idea but none were kicked. And you could set your scrum feed anywhere on the line. Tick. The new rule changes instantly stopped players wrestling. And they (rule

changes) most definitely helped some teams more than others. The Panthers gobbled them up. In a whirlwind season the mountain men accumulated an amazing 17 victories in a row, breaking record after record in doing so. In what was a fast and frantic 20/20 season, the youthful Panthers were in total control all the way until the final game of the year. Now with 40,000 fans able to attend matches, the Panthers took on the might of the Melbourne Storm and unfortunately came off second best in a gallant showing. Down 22-0 the Mountain Men didn’t stop or give up, going down 26-20. But nonetheless a season to savour. Once the grand final was over it was time for State of Origin, in November! NSW took on a QLD team full of rookies who against all odds prevailed. NSW got one back in the second game a week later at ANZ, but QLD won the series in a dramatic contest at Suncorp stadium to claim the 20/20 origin series. A weird and unpredictable year was never more reinforced even up to the very last game of the season. Now it’s heads down bums up and on to the 2021 season which you’d think couldn’t get any more unpredictable, could it? See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Nepean News 26 November 2020 Issue 291

on the

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