Nepean News 27 September 2018

free Thursday, 27 September 2018

ISSUE 236

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Let’s pink up Penrith!

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Carolyn’s Guide to Retirement Living in Western Sydney Meet Carolyn, an expert with years of experience in the retirement living sector. Here she continues her column sharing insights and answers to the frequently asked questions people have about living in a retirement village.

What are the benefits to downsizing my home and making the move?

Village living is not just about the home you move into, it’s about upgrading your lifestyle and enjoying your hard earned retirement. It’s not having to waste your money and time maintaining your aging home and worrying about the cost of repairs. Imagine enjoying a cold beer with friends in the village clubhouse and bar instead of mowing the lawn! How about taking the grandkids for a swim in your own indoor heated pool, and you don’t even have to clean it! It’s a retirement you deserve.

Want to know more?

A brand new over 55’s village is coming to Jordan Springs. Perfectly located across the road from Jordan Springs Shopping Centre, and with a range of low maintenance and well-designed floor plans on offer, call Carolyn on 0430 189 447 to register your interest for VIP updates on the new development, or visit jordanspringsretirement.com

local news

ocal engineering, innovation and problem solving all combined for Western Sydney University’s Solar Team win at the 2018 American Solar Challenge where they held off a field of leading universities to win the 1762.7 mile (2836.7 km) race in August.

The advanced engineering capabilities of the University and its innovation in sustainability with the solar car has showcased Penrith and Western Sydney as the region further strengthens is credentials in STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Penrith City Council and Western Sydney University share the same vision and aspirations for Penrith with the airport being a catalyst for growth in engineering, health, defence and science.

Councillor John Thain said Penrith is a leader in sustainability practices and education with the partnership contributing to the development and rise of advanced engineering, sustainability and renewable energy.

“What the students have achieved is really astounding,” Cr Thain said.

“They showcased Western Sydney’s ingenuity and talent, competing – and holding their own – against world-class universities and car manufacturers.

“And as part of their work, they’ve built a research facility for emerging design and manufacturing technologies such as 3D metal printing right here in Kingswood.”

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Provost for Kingswood Campus, Professor Kevin Dunn, welcomed the delegation from Council at the commencement of the tour.

“The university recognises the importance of local council in encouraging industry and community engagement with Kingswood campus,” Professor Dunn said.

“Our Advanced Manufacturing Facility and the Solar Car Project are consistent with the ‘Penrith Talks: Innovation Series’ and other council activities promoting a culture of STEM and innovation.

“We are grateful for the renewal of support for the Solar Car and look forward to working with Council on this and other projects.”

In congratulating WSU on their solar car achievements and their leading education programs in the STEM field, Penrith Council will again be a Silver Sponsor of the solar car team as they develop and refine their cutting edge technology for next year’s World Solar Challenge, from Darwin to Adelaide.

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Uni Solar Team win L

3

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Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

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Let’s get pink!

W

e want all the community to come together and pink up their home/ office/class room/ car!

Pink up Your Town Penrith LGA is this October which will help make life that little bit easier for individuals and families experiencing breast cancer. We’re looking to Pink Up the entire town during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Get involved by holding an event. Ideas include: High Tea, office Mufti Day, Pink up your Pooch day, BBQ at home, Pink cocktail party, cricket match with mates, let us know and REGISTER!

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.

Our local businesses have all you need to help you pink up too: All Flowers Emu Plains have pink neon fluro hearts and flamingos.

Duck In on High Street will have a whole section of pink props and accessories.

You can also order your Pink Kits for $25 or large pink bows for your shop fronts or office.

Simply register and email for a merchandise form.

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

Contact: admin@penrithcbdcorp.com.au or phone 4722 5556 for more details. www.pinkuppenrith.com.au

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

P

ENRITH Councillors voted for their leadership team on Monday night, with Liberal Councillor Ross Fowler elected as Mayor and Labor Councillor Greg Davies as Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Fowler will represent our region as Mayor for the next two years and Cr Davies will be Deputy for one.

A long-term local resident, Cr Fowler is in his seventh consecutive term on Council after first being elected in 1991. He served as Mayor in 1995-1996 before being elected Mayor on 23 September 2013 and again for a third term on 22 September 2014. Cr Fowler holds qualifications in Accounting (Bachelor of Commerce), is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a registered Company Auditor and Tax Agent and is the Principal of a Chartered Accountancy firm in Penrith.

Cr Fowler was instrumental in securing the Whitewater venue for Penrith in the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics, and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company which operates the facility since its incorporation in 1999. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mutual Management Services Limited and also an executive member of the Boards of Ripples, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts Ltd and the Children’s Services Co-operative Ltd. He also represents Council on the Audit Committee and Regional Strategic Alliance.

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Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

New local leadership

5

Member for Penrith New General Manager Warwick Winn and newly elected Mayor Ross Fowler

Cr Fowler’s extensive financial acumen has been of great benefit to Council and he is passionate about improving the facilities and services of Council, proper financial management and good governance.

He has been a volunteer Director of the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) since 2004 and is currently Chairman of its Board of Directors.

He is an active member of St Marys Rotary Club, having held positions including president, club service director, community service director, secretary and treasurer. He is also the President of the Board of Trustees for Blaxland Crossing Rest and Recreation Ground Land Manager at Wallacia.

I spoke to former Mayor John Thain about his last two years as Mayor, you can read the full story in our next edition.

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local news

C

onstruction on Western Sydney Airport has begun and the Prime Minister says it will boost jobs, create much-needed infrastructure and strengthen the economy.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Western Sydney Airport will provide a gateway to the world, not just for people but for job-producing freight as well.

“For half a century Sydneysiders have talked about a second airport. By tomorrow, bulldozers will be moving and work on the Western Sydney Airport will be underway,” the Prime Minister said.

“This airport will remove the handbrake from the Western Sydney economy.”

“This is job generating infrastructure. Most times when infrastructure is built, there is job creation in the short-term and then it tails off when the project is completed. But with this project, job creation will accelerate when the airport is completed.”

The Prime Minister said the Government had achieved all the approvals over the last four years and congratulated Western Sydney Airport Company, which it established to make the airport at Badgerys Creek a reality.

Minister for Finance and the Public Service, Senator

Mathias Cormann said the Government’s investment of up to $5.3 billion in equity in Western Sydney Airport will have long-term economic returns.

“The airport will be at the centre of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which will be a global hub of innovation for sectors including defence and aerospace, freight and logistics, agribusiness, pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

“We have already seen industry leaders Qantas and Virgin commit to being at the airport from the day of opening and significant investment from the defence and science sectors committed.”

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said the project is not just about building an airport, but about bringing jobs, education, industry and innovation together to create a prosperous and sustainable future for the people of Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney Airport is all about boosting jobs, busting congestion and bringing opportunities to the region,” Mr Tudge said.

Around 11,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase and around 28,000 within five years of opening.

“The airport is already driving further investment

in the region, including billions of dollars of Commonwealth and NSW Government investment in road and rail connections, including the M12 motorway and North-South Rail Link,” he said.

“The rail link is part of the historic Western Sydney City Deal, a 20-year agreement that will make the region around the airport a better place to live, with better transport, education, liveability and job creation.”

“Through the City Deal, all levels of government are working together to deliver a modern and vibrant Western Parkland City, an employment-generating Aerotropolis, and congestion-busting road and rail infrastructure, all of which will enhance liveability for people in Western Sydney.”

Western Sydney Airport will cater for up to 10 million passengers when it opens, but a gradual expansion to two runways means it will eventually cater for up to 82 million passengers, the size of London Heathrow and JFK in New York.

Initial earthworks are due to be completed by the end of 2019. Western Sydney Airport has called for expressions of interest for the first of three major earthworks and airside civil works packages, which is expected to be awarded in mid-2019.

Fusion Café supports R U OK Day

T

hursday 13 September was national R U OK Day and local youth and community organisation, Fusion Western Sydney showed its support by running an event in the Fusion Café to raise awareness of how we can better check in with those around us and support those who may be struggling.

The day began with a free bbq (courtesy of St Marys Shopping Village and Bakers Delight) and lots of fun activities to raise awareness of R U OK Day and the role we can all play in checking in with those around us.

Deputy Mayor of Penrith Councillor Tricia Hitchen and Welfare Co-Ordinator of the Penrith Panthers showed their support of the day by encouraging all of us to step out and play a role in keeping each other safe.

Judy Tweeddale from Fusion said, “It was great

to see so many from the community come along to show their support and chat to those around them.”

“There was a real feeling of positivity and a sense that people wanted to make a difference.” “Highlights of the day included local rapper xGRiiPZ perform his newly written rap for R U OK Day and seeing people take the time to sit with a coffee and write an R U OK postcard to someone they hadn’t seen for a while and show they care”.

The day ended with a fundraiser Trivia Night for R U OK in the Fusion Café with local Queen Street St Marys businesses gathering together to show their support of this important issue.

Suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge. Funds raised will further the work of R U OK with at-risk communities by developing resources and collaborations to enhance community wellbeing and help more people ask R

U OK? And start a conversation that could change a life.

Fusion is a national youth and community notfor-profit that has been around for sixty years with a vision to see transformed communities where young people and families thrive. Fusion Western Sydney provides preventative and resilience building programs for vulnerable and at risk young people both in local high schools as chaplains and wellbeing workers, and in after school programmes and skills based training programmes including Fusion Coffee and Fusion Radio.

The Fusion Café is a social enterprise supporting the work of Fusion Western Sydney with vulnerable young people and families in western Sydney. For more information about Fusion Western Sydney go to www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au and R U OK go to www.ruok.org.au

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Breaking Ground on Western Sydney Airport

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Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

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local news

Lt. Col. Harrold Woodman DSO - One of Our Finest Men

By Darryl Smith

I

would like to share with you some experiences from a man who led a remarkable life, one filled with bravery and honour. I met Harrold when I was a patient at Nepean Hospital in April, 1968. He was also a patient in my ward. He was a 76 year old man and I was a local policeman, nearly 30 years his junior.

Well before dawn on Anzac morning, Harrold was up and getting dressed to head off to an Anzac service. To my utter amazement, I later turned the TV on and there he was, leading the entire Sydney procession! I could hardly believe it. I soon became friends with Harrold and his wife and I was fascinated with the stories he told me.

He was born in Gawler, South Australia in 1892. He was awarded the Royal Shipwreck & Humane Society medal after attempting to save a young boy from drowning in a reservoir near Silverton, in outback NSW. He was only 14 years old.

His family moved to Dungog some time later and he became a skilled carpenter. He was a talented rugby player and was sorely missed by the close-nit town when he enlisted in the army at the very start of the Great War. On 20th October 1914, Harrold was part of the 4th Battalion AIF and left Sydney on board the HMAT EURIPIDES. On 25th April, 1915, Harrold set foot upon the sands of Gallipoli and fought gallantly as a machine gunner until the very end of the campaign. He was a strong man and showed qualities of leadership and trust. He quickly rose through the ranks from private to sergeant. According to his family, he was under personal instruction from General Birdwood that he was to be the last person on the beach, to ensure every ANZAC had evacuated safely.

Officer on Leave - Harrold, bottom row 2nd from left

St Marys General Cemetery

From Gallipoli, he was shipped to France and Belgium. Again, he showed tremendous courage and tenacity. He was badly wounded, mentioned in despatches three times and received the DSO, which is just short of the Victoria Cross. According to his war records, the reasons for his award were “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He prepared strong defences in carefully chosen positions, and not only he, but all of his officers and men, knew the ground thoroughly as the result of well-organised reconnaissance. At an early stage, he counter-attacked a large force of the enemy, and succeeded in holding up

Harrold Leading 1968 Sydney Anzac March

Harrold Woodman Sculpture

Portrait of Harrold

their advance until reinforcements arrived. He was largely responsible for saving a critical situation.”

After the war, Harrold returned to Australia where he remained in the army & was promoted to Captain, then Major and Lt. Colonel in 1924. Around this time, he helped build a beautiful building in Dungog which was used as a private hospital for 20 years.

He then headed off to New Guinea in the 1920’s in the search for gold and in 1925, he was working with the Department of Works on New Britain (an island off New Guinea).

In 1926, he took part in the Nakanai punitive expedition, following a brutal massacre of four Australian gold miners. Harrold’s leadership skills were noted and he was soon working as a Patrol Officer in the Sepik district.

For 14 years, he took on many duties in very remote, dangerous and primitive conditions. He was responsible for collecting taxes, keeping tallies of populations, peace keeping, organizing repairs to roads and buildings, treating the sick, arresting criminals and even building gallows! He encountered devastation after earthquakes and floods, plagues of rats and mosquitoes and even head hunters!

He gained much respect from the locals and a tribe made a wooden sculpture of him- the first white man to be sculptured in New Guinea. It is presently on display at the National Gallery of Australia. He was also instrumental in the early design of New Guinea postage stamps and building new runways and post offices in remote areas. Early stamped envelopes from those days with Harrold’s name on them, now sell for very high prices.

A keen stamp collector, his collection was valued at 9000 pounds, way back in 1941.

He rejoined the army during the Second World War and spent his time training recruits in Australia. He then settled in Penrith, where he named his Jamsion Rd property, “Madang Park”, after the town that meant so much to him as a patrol officer. He ran as a Penrith Council alderman in the 1950’s and often gave community talks about his collections including New Guinea artefacts.

I am very proud and honoured to have known Harrold and to lead the police procession on my motorcycle to his resting place at St Marys in May, 1974.

Madang Park, Jamison Rd, Penrith.

‘Keba’, built by Harold in the early 1920’s in Dungog, NSW

Photos: David Bowen

local news

By CONNER LOWE

T

he St Marys Band Club has jumped aboard the ‘Pink Up Your Town’ initiative by taking part in the ‘Pink Up St Marys’ initiative throughout October.

The “Bandy” as most people know it, has been involved with multiple events to help raise funds for charity.

The initiatives the St Marys Band Club will be holding are: • A Pink Up Morning Tea on Wednesday 10th October (tickets $25) • A Pink Glitter Kids Disco on Saturday 6th October (Gold coin donation) • A Go Pink Trivia Night ($10 per team) • 2 x Go Pink Bingo Days • Pink beverages across the Club, a pink shelf at the café and Chef’s Special chicken breast at Family Table • Club decorations including giant pink bows, staff in pink t-shirts and donation boxes throughout All the proceeds will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

The St Marys Band Club CEO,

Marlene Shipley spoke about how the Club wants to help and make a contribution to the community.

“St Marys Band Club is a proud

member of the St Marys community and is honoured to support a cause so close to the hearts of so many,” she said.

“Through our various events and initiatives within the Club throughout the month of October, we look forward to making as significant a contribution as possible to the great work done by the “Pink Up Your Town” committee and the McGrath Foundation.”

The McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals (and their families) experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support. The McGrath Foundation funds 120 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, mostly in regional and rural areas where such treatment may be hard to find. The McGrath Foundation has supported more than 64,000 families since 2005, however their mission is to reach out and help every family going through breast cancer.

St Mary Band Club have also made over $96,000 in donations to various community groups, initiatives and projects in 2018. The Bandy loves to help the community in any way possible and raise funds for those in need. Get around to the St Marys Band Club and help them raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

Residents urged to be prepared and ready this bush fire season

By KeRRIE DAVIES

R

ural Fire Services opened their doors to the community recently to help people be aware and prepare for bush fire risks this summer.

Stuart Ayres MP said it was particularly important for residents who live near bushland and areas prone to grass fires to start preparing now and take the time to participate in Get Ready Weekend.

“With the entire state in drought and ongoing warm conditions expected over the coming months, it’s more crucial than ever for residents to be vigilant around their properties,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We’re fortunate to have some of the most skilled and experienced firefighters in the world here in NSW; however, they’re facing a potentially long and protracted bush fire season so we all need to do our part in the community to be as prepared as possible.

Stuart Ayres encouraged residents to visit their local brigade to pick up vital fire safety information, and thank our outstanding local firefighters for the tremendous work they do to help keep our communities safe.

“I urge households to update or create a Bushfire Survival Plan and make sure the whole family knows what to do when faced with a fire. It could save your lives,” Stuart Ayres said.

The top four tips to getting ready for

bush fire season are: • Discuss what to do if a bush fire threatens your home; • Prepare your home and get it ready for bush fire season; • Know the bush fire alert levels; and • Keep all the bush fire information numbers, websites and smartphone app handy.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane

Fitzsimmons said Get Ready Weekend was a great opportunity for families to get to know their local firefighters and find out about the fire risk in their area.

“We’ve already seen during August how quickly fires can develop and threaten homes and lives, so it’s a timely reminder to get ready,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“The first step in getting ready is

knowing your risk, and local brigades can help you with that while providing valuable advice on preparing your home and family.”

A range of displays, demonstrations and activities for families were available at the events last weekend.

You can download a Bushfire Survival Plan at: https://www.rfs. nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-firesurvival-plan

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

St Marys Band Club jump aboard ‘Pink Up Your Town’

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Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

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local news

Feral pigeons invade our neighbourhood

By KEN BAILEY

P

enrith seems to be in the midst of a feral pigeon epidemic and if you live in a double storey home with solar panels on your roof, it seems likely these ‘flying rats’ will nest under your panels. However it’s not just the annoying early morning cooing of pigeons above bedrooms that residents are contending with.

As is the case with rats, pest birds

play host to many diseases, parasites and mites that, left unchecked, can spread disease to the home occupants.

Ultimately, pigeons nesting under your solar panels will deposit droppings absolutely covering your roof tiles, solar panels, and the side of your house and air-conditioning units whilst filling your roof gutters. And my goodness is it foul.

So what can local residents do about this? As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, so if

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pigeons haven’t colonised your solar panels yet, get them meshed. Solar panel meshing prevents damage and filth caused by birds, rodents and possums as well as obstructing the build-up of leaves under the panels. Locally-sourced solar bird prevention mesh requires no drilling or screwing thereby protecting the warranty and reduces maintenance costs. This solution comprises of galvanised UV PVC coated welded wire mesh and specially-designed clips for securing to solar panel frames.

If pigeons are already frequenting your solar panels, it’s best to act quickly. Local businesses such as EcoKleenSolar Nepean will clean the droppings from the gutters, destroy the nests, clean under the panels and remove chicks where possible. They install the special mesh around the solar array and wash the solar panels.

Essentially they remove the ability for pigeons to nest under your panels and clean up the mess.

To effectively control this plague, neighbours need to work together.

Remove pigeon nesting spots by having your solar panels meshed and cleaned, don’t feed pigeons, have them exterminated, and act quickly once you notice them.

local news › Gone Fishing Day at Nepean Weir

Bass Sydney Fishing Club members and twitchers (bird-watchers) discuss the health of the environment on the banks of the Nepean River. Photo by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Bart Bassett

I

f you are retired and you want to stay connected with people and enjoy a variety of activities then consider joining the St Marys Branch of the Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association of NSW (CPSA).

The CPSA is the peak organisation of pensioners, superannuants and older people in NSW. Its broad aim is to promote the living standards, rights and well being of this large and

growing section of our community.

The St Marys Branch has been in existence since 1933 and has several members with over 30 years of service.

David Brown is the President of the St Marys Branch and he is encouraging new members to join.

“We are a friendly group who want community members over 50 to come and meet us and join in the activities,” David said.

The members meet socially every fortnight on a Thursday and weekly on a Thursday they have bingo from

10.30am. They also have indoor bowls, supplying all equipment, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am.

“As well as the activities onsite we also provide bus trips every Monday all day so there is something interesting going on every week for our members,” David said.

The St Marys Branch of the CPSA meet at the Senior Citizen Centre located at Building 4, 29 Swanston Street, St Marys.

For further details you can contact David on 02 9623 8116.

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Stay connected with like minded people

11

Bass Sydney Fishing Club, in conjunction with Department of Primary Industry (DPI) Fisheries, OzFish Unlimited, Penrith Council and BCF Penrith are holding a ‘Gone Fishing Day’ at 10am on Sunday the 14th of October, adjacent to Penrith Weir.

There will be giveaways for the kids, along with a plant, which staff from Council will assist in planting along the riverbank.

South Penrith Scouts will also be conducting a sausage sizzle.

Bass Sydney Fishing Club members will be on hand to explain what Bass Sydney is about and to provide information on both Bass Fishing and riverbank rehabilitation.

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local news

Cat fight abscesses

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

12

C

ats love to roam and explore their environment, however, cats that have access to outdoors will occasionally get into a fight with another cat. Cats are territorial animals and will fight with each other to defend their territory. If your cat gets bitten during a fight, bacteria from the other cat’s teeth will enter the wound and this may result in the formation of an abscess. An abscess

is an accumulation of pus that usually forms as a result of a puncture wound. Cat fight abscesses are most common around the face, shoulders or around the rump/tail. If you know that your cat has been in a fight, it is always a good idea to see a veterinarian immediately – early use of antibiotics can prevent abscess formation and also avoid surgery.

What are the signs that my cat has an abscess?

Abscesses usually appear 2-7 days after your cat gets bitten. Affected cats will often be lethargic, have a poor appetite, have a fever and sometimes have painful areas on their body where the bite wound is. Often you will also find a soft warm lump and sometimes, if the abscess is burst, you will find a weeping wound.

How are abscesses treated? Treatment generally involves surgery to flush out the pus and remove any dead/traumatised tissue. Sometimes drains are placed when there are large pockets and this allows the skin to heal. Antibiotics and of course pain relief are also used to keep your cat nice and comfortable.

Surgery can often be avoided if your cat is brought in as soon as a bite happens.

How can I prevent this in my cat? Most abscesses are caused by cat fights, so the best way to prevent them is by keeping your cat indoors as much as possible. It is also essential to get your cats desexed; entire male cats are very territorial and are much more likely to fight than desexed cats! It is also important to see your veterinarian as soon as you think your cat has been in a fight. You can usually prevent an abscess from forming with early treatment for any injuries.

It is also important to remember that the FIV virus (feline AIDS) is transmitted through cat bite wounds. Cats that have access to outdoors are at risk of contracting feline AIDS. We strongly recommend testing for and vaccination against FIV for all cats that go outside.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact us on 4731 3055.

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

I

The G Spot

s it just me or have we become too over sensitive and easily offended? We are offended at being offended so we don’t offend someone to be then tainted as an offensive offender.

I don’t know if anyone has watched the movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson in a skirt, but posting a personal opinion on social media is like Mel taking on the entire enemy holding his skirt up and swinging a single sword trying to take as many down as he can. He dies by the way..... but, he tried at least, ya gotta give him that.

I now type up this column and delete line after line because I think, oooh too harsh can’t leave that, oops the environmentalist will get upset with that line (delete), the feminists will hate this line (delete), The millennials won’t understand (because they don’t look up from their phones anyway) -delete, the mums, the unemployed, the religions, the cultures, the bogans, the ferals, the drunks and the list goes on and on delete, delete, delete. Sigh.

So all we end up with is a two-lined column full of crap, pretty much like

this one. Hopefully I haven’t offended someone so far? I will probably get a private message saying Mel was in a kilt not a skirt, but we get the gist, right?

A monthly column that used to flow for me like water off a leaf, is now as disjointed as the current Government and the Government wanting power.

Opps, Can I say that?

So I then turn to the newspaper for some ideas or creative juices of what to write for the column and find that unless you are a vegan-loving, greens leftie or have a chain saw to get the knife out of our premier’s back, there’s not much of interest on the news front, oh and I forgot the part about the NSW Police not knowing where 200 sexual predators are located.

But besides that, news is rather slow. No Creative juices there.

So you are probably wondering what this all has to do with security?

Not much really, I could talk about the DefQon event, however that is a taboo subject as well and my opinions on that will probably see my house burnt to the ground with the swastika

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

spray painted on the Council strip out the front.

What I will say is, don’t necessarily believe everything you read in the media, just saying. Some of it was so beefed up that the farmers were asking for the cows back. Oh, and no I am not knocking farmers, it’s a joke.... settle! Put the pitch fork away.

So perhaps I could speak about the beauty and the magnificent splendour of alarm systems? (Crickets) how fantastic and great they are? (Crickets) and that you really should have one installed in your home or business (Crickets).

It amazes me ya know, people spend all this money on houses and cars and all of this luxury crap and then say can you please sharpen your pencil on the price of an alarm, like go figure, wanting French champagne on a beer budget. We are not quoting on wiring up the Taj Mahal Palace however it’s a good idea that if you have a nice house and stuff, get something that is going to at least protect the asset.

Don’t even get me started on the buy off the shelf and install yourself stuff.

But I guess if people are silly enough,

then knock yourself out with that.

That’s my opinion anyway, as Braveheart would say. Then when the house is broken into or burnt down and the insurer says “oh did you have a licensed installer and back to base alarm monitoring” the self-installer slash home owner happily says “ No” and then frantically looks at section 21.1.b.c.a.2 page 176 of the insurance policy in a font of 6 where it says “Licensed alarm installer only” or VOID. So who’s sharpening the pencil now?

Hang on, just let me do a quick read of this column first to make sure all of the minority groups are okay with this so far, give me a few minutes. Might have to delete a few lines, I’m baaack, seems okay, maybe a few words here and there, but I will take the hit on that.

Well so there you have it, a column pretty much about nothing, zip, zilch, zero, it has as much grunt and grit as a Datsun 120Y going uphill with the air-con on, Sorry to all the Datsun owners and the Datsun club of NSW for the mention, hope you forgive my lack of empathy.

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14

Legends of the Nepean

Alfie Armstrong

Alf & Betty Armstrong’s Wedding 1955

By Noel Rowsell

A

lfi e Armstrong is one of the Nepean District’s dwindling number of octogenarians who carry a wealth of knowledge of Penrith’s growth, from a small country town to a thriving city.

Close family friend Bruce Turner, who nominated Alfie as a Legend of the Nepean, said “Alfie was one of the true characters of Penrith when I was growing up here (in Penrith)”.

“Alfie ran a Motor Vehicle Repair Shop just west of Tatts (Tattersalls) Hotel in High Street, Penrith”.

“He (Alfie) was always full of life, provided a ready laugh and told a good story”.

“His (Alfie’s) fun-loving ways brightened the lives of many people, including those experiencing hard times and brought great joy”.

Bruce said “In addition to fixing cars, Alfie was also the ‘go-to’ man for fresh eggs (which were sourced from the Vella’s farm) and other commodities”.

He (Alfie) also drove a wedding car (his white Ford Fairlane) and drove my wife to our wedding forty years ago in 1978 – and we are still together”.

“I remember getting Alfie to do an

oil change and grease on my car on 11 November 1975 when I was working at the Rural Bank in Penrith”.

“It was Alfie who broke the news of the sacking of (then Prime Minister) Gough Whitlam when I collected the car later that day - what a momentous historical event”!

Born in Ryde in 1932, Alfie moved firstly to Thornleigh, then settled in Castlereagh, where his father worked a dairy farm and the sight of a horse and sulky was not an uncommon sight in the streets of Penrith.

Alfie worked his early adult years in the Brickworks in Copeland Street, Kingswood, which ceased operation in the mid-70’s, then went to work at former Penrith mayor Leo Spees’ Garage on the corner of High Street and Station Street, Penrith.

Following his marriage to wife Betty in 1955, Alfie moved across High Street to open his own Motor Mechanic business, which he ran successfully until his first stroke in 1983.

Whilst primarily working as a mechanic, Alfie built the reputation as the go-to man and says “I’d trade anything”.

Ironically, his former boss Leo Spees became one of Alfie’s regular customers for car services.

Penrith in those early days was a

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Alfie Armstrong was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Bruce Turner.

15

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

Daughter Karen & Alfie Armstrong at Karen’s Wedding 1986

 High Street Businesses late-50’s

far cry from the city of today, with the Parker Street bridge a simple onelane carriageway and a level railway crossing at Kingswood Railway Station.

Entertainment was limited but included the Nepean Theatre and the Dungowan Dance Hall, where

‘everyone living in Penrith’ went to socialise.

Betty recalls “Penrith was a Country town, you simply knew everyone and you couldn’t walk up the street without meeting people you

knew”.

Following his first stroke, Alfie and Betty subsequently moved to Emu Plains, across from Dukes Oval.

The stroke had however been a major blow, with Alfie firstly suffering a cerebral haemorrhage, then a stroke.

Not being someone to sit idle, Alfie

became a well-known face at the Oval, keeping a close eye on the well-being of the cricket field and often repairing the white fence palings and scaring away the ruffians, vandals and graffiti artists.

At 80 years of age, doctors discovered an abscess on Alfie’s brain, which had been growing since the first stroke.

Surgery was required to remove the abscess and they discovered Alfie also had Osteomyelitis, which also needed to be removed and a titanium plate inserted.

 Alfie’s business in the 1970’s.

Photo: Courtesy of Penrith City Library

The doctors have marvelled at Alfie’s resilience, amazed that has retained all of his faculties through all of the serious medical trauma.

Unfortunately, Alfie then suffered another stroke and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Following the latest stroke, Alfie and Betty moved to Mulgoa to live alongside daughter Karen and her husband Doug in an adjoining dwelling.

Despite his medical dramas, Alfie has a positive mind-set and is always ready for a chat with visitors, whom he greets with a handshake which can still make a Blacksmith wince.

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local news

HE weather is warming up, it’s a great time to Spring clean so why not start in the bathroom.

We’ve heard a lot in the news recently about the respiratory health problems associated with mould.

Our bathrooms are often the dampest rooms in the house, they become a breeding ground for dangerous mould and mildew, and grout between tiles is often the first place it starts.

Mould eats into porous grout making it nearly impossible to remove and not only looks and smells unpleasant but creates an unsafe environment for the young and elderly if left unattended.

“If you’ve had constant unsuccessful

attempts to remove mould from grout and silicone without achieving the result you’re after, I recommend it’s time to call us at Tile Regrouting,” said Andrew Marsh, Director.

“The regrouting process involves removal of old grout and silicone and replaces with fresh new clean grout, bringing back that new bright look to your bathroom whilst completely removing mould.

Tile Regrouting also repairs a leaking shower, the smallest gap or grout that has begun to crumble can lead to a leaking shower, which typically goes undetected until adjoining rooms show signs of water damage on carpets or walls. Regrout

before this causes expensive structural damage not to mention an unpleasant damp smell and more mould.”

Professional Regrouting is an economical option and is available at a price to suit all budgets. Regrouting is

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So don’t hesitate call now for your FREE quote, phone 98221872 or for more information visit our website www.tileregrouting.com.au

New hospital set to deliver new services for Penrith

S

eptember 2018: The expansion of medical services within the Nepean Health Care system in Sydney’s West and Blue Mountains is one step closer, with an official ground-breaking this week signalling the start of demolition and construction at the area’s newest state of the art facility – Somerset Specialist Centre.

A development consortium, led

by Barwon Investment Partners and hospital operator DPA Health, were on site to celebrate the first sod turned on Friday 14 September.

The Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres MP, also attended the groundbreaking along with local community and health representatives, and project staff.

Minister Ayres said the new hospital will enable clinicians to provide oncology services (medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgery) in the Penrith Local Government Area.

“This new facility in the Nepean health and education precinct will complement the NSW Government’s $1 billion redevelopment of Nepean Hospital and provide the residents of Western Sydney with state-of-the-art health care services.”

“Doctors and specialists will have the opportunity to invest locally in private rooms to deliver patients augmented services close to home.”

The centre will feature 6,300 sqm of space for healthcare service providers

with 2,500 sqm still available. The centre has onsite medical services including five theatres, 16 private hospital rooms, day treatment facilities, a radiation therapy linear accelerator and a broad range of diagnostic services.

Tom Patrick, Partner from Barwon Investment Partners, said the new facility will enable a high volume of surgery, that was previously redirected or delivered outside of the area, to be handled in Penrith.

“Thanks to this investment in increased capacity for Western Sydney, patients and doctors can now access and provide integrated medical care in their own community, under one roof.

This project represents an excellent opportunity for our investors and we are delighted to be able to deploy capital in a manner that will benefit

the wider communites of Penrith and Western Sydney.”

Jonathan Edelstein, Director of DPA Health, said rapid population growth has led to record demand on services in Western Sydney.

“We are in a position where cancer patients and specialist doctors are travelling to private facilities in northern, eastern and central Sydney for timely treatment. It is a situation that is not sustainable and an added strain for anyone dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis.”

Hacer Group General Manager NSW Quentin Howell said Hacer Group is excited by the opportunity to partner with DPA Health, Barwon Investment Partners and GenesisCare.

“Leading the construction of such a well considered and much needed private hospital in Sydney’s west is

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GenesisCare NSW General Manager Ben Ward said: “Patients receiving cancer care deserve the best possible experience, with the best possible outcomes.

Our comprehensive services will make it simpler and easier for people living in Western Sydney to access world-leading care at the right time. We’re pleased to be working with DPA Health, Barwon, the community and clinicians, to design and deliver full service oncology care at this new facility.”

With construction now declared officially underway, the centre is expected to be completed by September 2019.

Images of the final building are available at www. somersetspecialistcentre.com.au.

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BEFORE

AFTER

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Time to freshen up your home T

17

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

18

NEPEAN HISTORY

JAMES ANGUS of MINCHINBURY

H

e was born in 1836 in Scotland, the son of James Angus (Snr) a farmer and his wife Elizabeth née Cuthbert. He was educated in Scotland and became a turner and sawyer. In 1863 he married Charlotte de Vernet Moodie at Blackford and they migrated to NZ. He became a sawmiller at Invercargill and later moved into railway contracting and supplied 50,000 sleepers for the Bluff-WintonKingston railway. When the railway boom ended in 1879, they moved to Sydney where an association led to the formation of Topham, Angus & Co., a firm that built a duplication of Gjedsted’s tramway and the initial tracks for steam-trams in the city and suburbs. After this partnership was dissolved around 1884, Angus & Co. played a major role in railway construction in NSW and Victoria, winning contracts in NSW worth £606,943 including duplication of the GranvillePicton line in 1888-92. In 1890 Angus bought the Minchinbury estate at Rooty Hill from Charles Mackay and in 1895 James Angus & Sons bought out the Lucan Park Estate from Dr McKay as well as the whole stock-in-trade and goodwill of the wine business that was carried on by him. At that time his land was leased by James Walker from Dr McKay, now the land was leased to the Riverstone Meat Company for their cattle and sheep. The firm advertised in the Nepean Times to authorised that “no person is to receive any monies on our account, or to act in any way as our Agent or Collector for the Minchinbury Vineyard and. Cellars without written authority from us.

The only person at present holding such authority is our Manager, Mr Walter Brown”. Dr McKay’s former home was being renovated inside and out as well as the other properties on the land and James enlarged the vineyard and cellars. James called this new residence “Artornish Hall”. In 1895 James sustained a very painful accident when he went to go to his vineyard and cellars on a young and spirited horse, but attempting to mount, the horse jumped sideways and he was thrown heavily to the ground, breaking his arm just above the elbow and a doctor succeeded in reducing the fracture, so later it was reported to be “progressing as favourably as can be expected” and James was about again and looking well after his accident. By November of that year, James was shutting off “the hill” from Rooty Hill visitors because he had almost finished the 10 barbed wire-fence around it with the people hoping that there would be a stile on Rooty Hill Station to enable visitors to have their usual look around the town. In 1896 James was elected one of the Vice-Presidents of the Nepean Agricultural, Horticultural & Industrial Society. In December 1897 a meeting of the District Public School Board was held with members - Messrs J K Lethbridge, Edgar Cox, John Herford and John Guild being present and three additional members were nominated for appointment by the Department of Public Instruction of which James Angus was one. In August 1898 the first meeting of the Rooty Hill Progress Association was held at the Imperial Hotel. Those present were Messrs Angus, Cox, Herford, Pringle, Lister, Smith and Shephard. James Angus was unanimously elected Chairman for the ensuing 12 months and James thanked them for the honour.

Some of the following motions was placed on the minutes that James would move at their next meeting being; “That the postal requirements of the district be considered.” Mr Herford to move, “ That a new road from Rooty Hill to Blacktown be opened up.” Captain Pringle to move; “The desirability of Woodstock Road be placed in the hands of

our Association as trustees” Mr Shepherd to move;, “That a road be formed from Rooty Hill to Colyton” Mr Lister to move. At the end 1899 James attended a meeting regarding the St Marys General Cemetery and the formation of an Artillery reserve at Rooty Hill.

In July 1900 James was now a JP and in August of that year Messrs Angus & Sons were selling all the stock belonging to their dairy as they were selling out of the dairy business. Also, that year a meeting was called to purchase land for a building and site for a School of Arts at Rooty Hill and James Angus’ site was selected due to a good road to the site with his son John Angus also in favour of this site. Edgar Cox moved that the site be selected as he had approached the St Marys Mechanics Institute that was closed for the building to be used as a School of Arts but told it would not do. Mr R Lalor seconded the proposal and it was carried unanimously. In 1901, with Leo Buring as Manager they won prizes at exhibitions in Australia and London, including gold medals in 1909-12 at the Brewers’ exhibitions in London.

In November 1913 he sold the estate of phylloxera-resistant vines along with the entire stock, the good-will and book debts to Penfold & Co, for around £50,000, then a record in the Australian wine-trade. Angus & Son kept the larger part of the property to run sheep. He still remained a resident at his Artornish Hall, but Angus concentrated on interests in the Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd, the Vale of Clwydd Colliery Ltd, the Clyde Brick Co. and the NSW Cement, Lime & Coal Co. Ltd. He was also a Vice-President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, a foundation member of Blacktown Shire Council, a Life member of the Nepean Cottage Hospital Board, an advocate of the Warragamba dam, a leading Elder of the Presbyterian Church and Vice-President of Burnside Presbyterian Orphan Homes and many more too numerous to mention here. Angus was accidentally killed at Rooty Hill railway station in 1916 by the ‘Fish’ express. An inquiry was held at Penrith Courthouse with the Coroner saying “I find that James Angus died at Rooty Hill on 12th April 1916 from shock and injuries accidentally received the same day at the Rooty Hill railway level crossing being struck by the engine of No. 10 up train.”. He is buried at St Marys’ General Cemetery (Presbyterian Section). His wife died in 1923 and is buried with him. His estate was sworn for probate at £172,862. Angus’s second son John Henry Angus born in 1875 came with his family from Scotland and was educated at Newington College and at Scots College where he was the first head-prefect. He gained experience on the NZ & Australian Land Co Limited’s Pareora station at St Andrews NZ then taught by his father the ‘Angus tradition of home building, temple building, city building and empire building’. He ran the retained part of Minchinbury and acquired Bareenong, near Forbes. After his father’s death he became chairman of Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd, the Vale of Clwydd Colliery Ltd, Hydraulic Power, Electric & Hydraulic Lifts Ltd and of several small companies mining coal and lime. John died in St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney in 1937 and was buried in the Presbyterian section of St Marys’ cemetery. He was survived by a son and a daughter by his wife Fanny Oatley, née Cleeve, whom he had married at Penrith in 1912. His estate was valued for probate at £106,958.

Sources: - Nepean Times & various information from 1836 to 1916. Photo of James courtesy at the website thedistillerywoodfire.com.au Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

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ENTERTAINMENT

T

he Nepean Art Society is holding its Spring Exhibition in the Glenbrook Community Hall on the weekend of the 13th and 14th of October with our opening on Friday 12th at 6pm. This continues a long tradition of showcasing the work of our members and all works are for sale.

The Nepean Art Society is now in its 51st year. The Society began as the brainchild of two local businessmen, Max Forth and George Frazer, who shared a common love of art. They decided to advertise in a local paper for any interested people to come to a meeting at the Methodist Sunday School Hall, Evan street, Penrith.

Representatives from an art group

based in St Marys and other interested people met and decided to amalgamate, forming the Nepean Art Society. The first meeting was held in 1967.

The aims of the society are to promote an interest in fine and creative art and to advance the work of local artists. We conduct classes, exhibitions, meetings, demonstrations and workshops to assist local artists and promote visual art in the Nepean district.

Over the years we have enjoyed the membership of many talented and successful artists such as Warwick Fuller (still our patron), Guenter Barth, Frank Hodgert, Joe Cartwright, Judy Joyce and Julie Simmons to name a few.

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Art Exhibition Springs into Glenbrook

19

The Nepean Art Society 2018 SPRING Exhibition & Sale Saturday 13 OCTOBER (9am-4pm) SUNday 14 OCTOBER (10am-4pm) FREE ENTRY

Raffle PRIZE

OFFICIAL OPENING 6PM FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER ($5 Entry fee to Opening) Glenbrook Community Hall Cnr Great WESTERN highway & Ross St, Glenbrook

www.facebook.com/nepeanartsociety

www.nepeanartsociety.org

“Coastal Colours” Donated by Margaret NG

CROSSWORD ACROSS 6 Always (7) 7 Parental brother (5) 9 “Darn!” (4) 10 Abductors (10) 11 Put in jail (8) 13 Suffuses with color (6) 15 Prefix indicating half (4) 17 Golfing assistant (5) 18 Solemn promise (4) 19 A request made to God (6) 20 Wall frame uprights (8) 23 Exasperated (10) 26 Probabilities (4) 27 Heir (5) 28 A branch of the US military (7)

DOWN 1 Brotherhood (10) 2 Elicits (6) 3 Poke (4) 4 Mankind (8) 5 An Anglo-Saxon minstrel (4) 6 A meeting place (5) 8 Sincere (7) 12 Connecting points (5) 14 A tracking dog (10) 16 Angers (7) 17 Travel trailers (British) (8) 21 Bovine mammary glands (6) 22 Naked people (5) 24 Precipitation (4) 25 Woolen caps (4)

solution 13/9/18

ENTERTAINMENT Ages 2–7

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

20

Sing and Dance for Lah-Lah’s 10th Birthday

G

Come and party with stars of aBC Kids Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band!

LAh LAh 10Th BIRThDAY PARTY FRIDAY 12 OCT 11am Duration: 50 mins

(and everyone gets to meet the band, and the instruments, after the show)

Joan sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street Penrith

TICKETS

Adult $25 / Children $20 / Family (4, at least one adult) $76

Bookings thejoan.com.au | 4723 7600

ather up your little ones, pull out your best stripy gear and get ready to celebrate at the biggest party around! Pre-school musical favourites Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band are turning 10 and are celebrating at The Joan on Friday 12 October as part of their national tour.

Come and party with stars of ABC KIDS! Little ones will be singing and dancing to popular Lah-Lah hits including Brush Your Teeth, Shake It Like This, Cinderella Samba, Band On the Bus and their ARIA nominated single Having Fun - an hour of singing and dancing fun, full of joy and laughter.

With their infectious songs and success travelling far and wide, Lah-Lah are growing their fanbase across the globe through the broadcast launch of LahLah’s Adventures music video clips on US cable TV Channel Universal Kids, as well as Lah-Lah’s Adventures TV Series, which screens in Australia on ABC KIDS and CBeebies, and across the UK on Virgin Media.

There will be an opportunity for the audience to meet the band and cast after the show – musicians will come down into the audience where children can touch and play the musical instruments in an immersive and one-of-a-kind experience for your little ones.

Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band is one of Australia’s bestloved bands for the under seven crowd, so make sure you come along and join them for what will be their grooviest party yet!

Tickets: Adults $25, Children $20, Family $76.

Suitable for ages 2 – 7 years.

The Pioneer Tavern invites you to an Audrey Wilkinson Wine Appreciation Night Join Audrey Wilkinson, renowned 150 year old Hunter Valley winery, for a 6 course feast carefully paired with Audrey Wilkinson wines.

DATE: Thursday 18th October LOCATION: Pioneer Tavern, Cnr Maxwell St & The Northern Rd, Penrith TIME: 7pm

To book call (02) 4736 4466 or ask at the bar.

Limited tickets available - book now to secure your seat!

02 4736 4647 THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

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ENTERTAINMENT A masterpiece of intrigue and treachery

L

oved by the people, Caesar’s power is growing –which is dangerous if you live in a world driven by ego and idealism.

Those who rise too fast must be dealt with. For the good of the country.

For the good of those who wish to be rulers themselves.

Coming to The Joan on 5 and 6 October - Bell Shakespeare’s Associate Director, James Evans, will direct a production that’s seething with rage, leaving audiences breathless at how quickly violence reveals the fragility of democracy.

Set in ancient Rome, the play examines the climate of society at the time - emerging from war

with the sons of Pompey and on the brink of ‘modernity’. Julius Caesar is Shakespeare’s most overt exploration of politics and power – and is particularly relevant in today’s treacherous times.

Shakespeare explores what happens when fear infects a society and deals with issues that are urgently contemporary, inviting audiences to draw comparisons between themselves and their society.

Starring Kenneth Ransom (Gods of Egypt, Belvoir’s Prize Fighter) as Caesar, this production will open up opportunities for audiences to experience the tension between aspiration and ambition, the triumphal entrances and brutal exits, as it is all laid on the line for Rome.

Stand witness to the assassination that leads to a life and death struggle for power in the Republic. Citizens’ mutiny, Mark Antony schemes, and the fate of Rome hangs in the balance…

Session Times Friday 5 October 7.30pm Saturday 6 October 2.00pm & 7.30pm Tickets Standard $65 | Concession $60 | Under 30s $30

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Julius Caesar -

21

J U L I U S C A E S A R

B E L L S H A K E S PE A RE Shakespeare’s political thriller: a masterpiece of intrigue and treachery

6 OCT 2.00PM 7.30PM

5 OCT 7.30PM

TI C K E TS STANDARD $65 CONCESSION $60 UNDER 30 $30

BOX OFFICE 4723 7600 | www.thejoan.com.au JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 597 HIGH STREET, PENRITH NSW 2750

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Enjoy the GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY on the big screen

SUNday 30 SEPTEMBER

DESPERADO Happy Hour Prices the EAGLES Show during the MAIN GAME SATURday 27 OCTOBER 8PM

Tickets Members $25, Non Members $30

1st Try Scorer Jersey of your choice to be won after the main game Each purchase during the main game will receive a FREE ticket

Tickets available at Reception

TRIVIA, LIVE MUSIC & COMEDY Please join us for an evening of Irish themed fun, supporting documentary development on

Day Lunch TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER • Includes a 2 course meal and glass of bubbly • Entertainment by “Steppin’ Out” from 12pm • Best Dressed & Lucky Door prizes to be won • Tickets $45 pp (bookings essential)

THE AUSTRALIAN BATTLE OF VINEGAR HILL

Australia’s Battle of Vinegar Hill was a rebellion by 300 Irish convicts and political prisoners that took place in Castle Hill, North of Parramatta in 1804.

This was the first Eurpoean uprising to take place place on Australian soil and first timeMarshall Law was declared.

It’s an important story with links to the Battle of Vinegar Hill, Wexford, Ireland and a story that should be well remembered.

Lots of Prizes & Games!

• No speeches apart from the director • No name tags!

SATURday 29 SEPTEMBER

7PM

Cost $40 pp, max teams of 8. Includes refreshments & special previews from recent interview footage, with a project update by producer/director, Sandra Pires.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 28 SEPT - 8PM

SATURDAY 29 SEPT - 7PM

FRIDAY 5 OCT - 8PM

SATURDAY 6 OCT - 7PM

Lounge Lizards

The Remixes

SHOW PONY

BLACK WATER

SUNDAY 7 OCT 2.30PM BANTER 5PM SOUL JAM

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

24

SPORT PVSF Sky Encouragement Award

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Sienna Bruce from Cranebrook the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of September for her amazing development and skill in Touch Football.

Sienna received the Encouragement Award as she has such a love for Touch Football and when she is playing she is just incredibly happy. She enjoys playing at school as she gets to mentor other kids who haven’t played before. She has such dedication to not only the game but to her club and team.

Sienna spoke about how she feels to receive the award for her efforts in Touch Football and why she loves the game.

“I just love to be active. Some sports I’m good at some not too much but as long as I’m having fun then that’s the main thing. But I do love Touch Football so it’s kind of exciting to receive the award,” she said.

“It feels pretty cool, I think my whole team should be recognised for the award though they were all pretty awesome.

“I love that Touch Football is a team sport. When we work well together we were like a wrecking ball and that’s how we were able to be so strong and win the State Cup. “Each player has something they are good and strong at and when that’s all put together and we work together it’s awesome to watch. Along with two pretty cool coaches the State Cup was

fun and enjoyable.”

Recently in the three-day State Cup Tournament Sienna injured her ankle. She went to the physio tent to tape it up and two hours later she had an allergic reaction to the tape resulting in 3rd degree burns around both her ankles.

However, she found the strength to continue playing throughout the remainder of the tournament and her team ended up in the Grand Final against Manly, where they ended up taking home the winner’s trophy and she even managed to score a try.

Sienna also spoke about her teams win in the Junior State Cup and what her plans for the future are in Touch Football.

“The best achievement would be this year in the 2018 Junior State Cup held in Port Macquarie my U/12’s team played the whole competition undefeated and won the Grand Final, it was a great feeling,” she said.

“I play once a week and in representative season I train two times a week. We also take part in gala days over the weekends.

“My plans for the future are to win and bring home the State Cup for 2019 for Penrith Touch with my team and just keep playing and enjoying the sport and getting more people to come and try out the game.”

We would like to congratulate Sienna on her award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue her incredible dedication and sportsmanship in all sports.

PVSF Junior Sportsperson Award

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Jayla Dicker from Llandilo the Junior Sportsperson Award for the month of September for her amazing development and skill in Netball, Oz Tag and Touch Football.

Jayla currently plays club Netball with St Marys and has been selected for the last two years for the Penrith State Representative side. She has played Touch Football for Penrith for the last two years and made the Penrith Touch State team. She has also played Oz Tag now for three years for Nepean Oz Tag with two years in the Nepean State Oz Tag team. This year, Jayla competed in all three state sport teams and won all three titles.

Jayla spoke about how she felt to be recognised for her sport and how it wouldn’t be achievable on her own.

“It’s is great being nominated for sports person of the month but not achievable without all my team mates and coaches,” she said.

“All the fitness involved, playing and hanging around with all my team mates.

“It’s good to see all my training and hard work has been recognised.”

Jayla also spoke about her greatest sporting achievement thus far and

how often she trains for each sport weekly.

“My greatest achievement would defiantly be this year winning three State titles in three different sports Netball, Touch and Oz Tag. “Also, winning the club Grand Final for St Marys this year for the first time and getting player of the match in the Touch State final and receiving the Representative training award for Netball.

“Netball Representative season we train Tuesdays and Thursdays, then play Saturday and Sunday carnivals.

Club netball we train Wednesdays play Saturdays.

“Touch Representative and Oz Tag I train both on Sunday, however play Touch games on Wednesdays and Oz Tag games on Tuesdays.”

We would like to congratulate Jayla on her award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue striding for success in sport for the future.

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ember for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP visited ColytonSt Clair Little Athletics Centre and Penrith City Softball Association to announce Community Building Partnership grants for both sporting clubs.

The Colyton-St Clair Little Athletics Centre received a $13,655 grant for new long jump pits at Saunders Oval in St Clair.

The $13,655 grant provided the

funding to upgrade and repair the western field long jump pit, as well as replacing and lengthening the concrete surface of the northern run up to 20m.

The grant also saw the replacement of the synthetic surface of the southern run by up to 27m.

Tanya Davies also visited the Penrith City Softball Association to announce a $4,000 grant for the sporting club to host the Panther Paws Under 11 Softball Tournament.

“Our sporting clubs are the lifeblood of our community,” Tanya Davies said.

“It is vital that as a Government we support every sporting club to ensure they can continue to provide the community with a range of invaluable skills.”

“Participation in sport contributes to health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and that is why the NSW Government is committed to supporting our local clubs to maintain

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

State government supporting local sport

25

and grow participation.”

“Between the Community Building Partnerships Fund, the new Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund, the Local Sport Grant program and many more, we are committed to upgrading and providing new infrastructure for sporting clubs across the community,” Tanya Davies said.

“I encourage all sporting clubs to contact me to discuss the needs for your sporting club.”

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Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

26

SPORT

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses @TheRiffMarn

Hawks’ Wings Clipped by New Skipper’s Powerhouse Panthers Penrith has started the 2018-19 season in empathic fashion, battering local rivals Hawkesbury into submission with a comprehensive 227 run win in last Saturday’s limited overs clash at Howell Oval, that sees them in a three-way tie for top spot on the NSW Premier Cricket ladder.

It was a game of firsts for many reasons.

The first time these two sides had met in a limited overs clash since Penrith’s thrilling one-day final over Hawkesbury in February 2017.

First time appointed skippers for their respective clubs in Ryan Smith (Penrith) and ex-Australian, NSW & QLD batsmen Peter Forrest (Hawkesbury).

Jake Wholohan’s first game in Hawks colours since making the controversial move away from Penrith over the offseason comes ironically against his old team.

Late inclusion Ryan Gibson and Ryan Hackney opened the innings for the first time for Penrith in a limited overs clash.

The new opening pairing went within 12 runs of snatching the all-time first grade opening partnership record of 207, set by S Small and T Everest back in 1979/80 as the Panthers scored 5/311 with both openers scoring memorable centuries.

It was also one of the rare occasions where ten of the starting eleven that took to the field, were in fact local juniors and they defended their massive total in fine style, dismissing the visitors for just 84 runs with Luke Hodges leading the way with 3/1 from just 9 balls and on a hattrick next time he bowls.

But it was the opening duo of Pat Cummins (2/12) and Josh Lalor (2/8) that inflicted the initial damage before Smith (2/23) and Trent Weir (1/40) made further inroads into the fragile Hawkesbury lineup.

Newly appointed as skipper, Smith was delighted with the all-round effort of his team, especially Gibson who was dropped from the NSW JLT Cup team the night before.

“It was really good to see the contracted players stand up when they were needed. I think Gibbo and Hackers

once his HSC exam commitments are completed.

There’s also been changes made within the coaching ranks with the likes of Kevin Geyer (batting) Dale Turner (spin bowling), Pat Jackson (batting) and Geoff Sullivan (batting) all providing varying degrees of coaching support to the likes of Warren Buttigieg (bowling coach) and Michael Wholohan (club coach).

Former player Jarrod Lee has also taken up the first-grade coaching role, assisted by Glenn Liddiard as team manager, taking over from the recently retired Ron Halse, who remains one of the club’s independent selectors.

Ryan Gibson’s 125 was scored off just 108 balls faced. Credit: 77 Media.

batted extremely well. They set up the game for the rest of us to play with a bit more freedom,” Smith told Nepean News.

“He called me at 5:10pm on the Friday and gave us the bad news that he was dropped for NSW which isn’t good to hear.

“But we’ll always have him whenever he is available and today it showed what a class player he is “Cricket NSW have changed their thought on Gibbo and where they see his role in their setup this year and this to open the batting, so he has to open for us now and it’s paid off in our first game.

“I think also having the two Ryans opening together, it helps us as both of them know each other’s game and know when to push on.

“Ryan’s (Hackney) always been a really talented cricketer and I think now he’s just starting to get that belief now.

“He’s got that contract that shows that he can actually do it, not just against his own age group and I’m looking forward to him having a massive year.

“If we don’t see him because he is playing higher honours, that’s what we want as well but while he is here I’m happy for him to churn out 100s for us.

“Then having Pat Cummins and Josh Lalor opening up the bowling for us got us off to fantastic start (in the field)

getting their four best batsmen out, really made my job as captain look easy and allowed the other bowlers to settle into their spells.

“However they won’t be bowling much for us this year. Josh Lalor is only playing white ball cricket up until the leadup to the Big Bash season.”

With wins also in seconds, thirds and fifths, Penrith are off to a solid start in the Club Championship, sitting in second position.

In a pre-season of unprecedented player movements amongst the clubs, Penrith has seen little in terms of player movement activity.

The return of Chris Withers and Jona Sammut to the fold this season after not being able to see out last season, is offset by the loss of Michael Castle (QLD), Nick Carrathurs (Bankstown) and Jake Wholohan (Hawkesbury).

Pat Lawrence (Hawkesbury) flirted with the idea of joining Penrith but has since decided to remain with the Hawks.

One player to watch that could come up through the grades is talented 18-year old Dubbo all-rounder Henry Railz, a member of the ACT-NSW Country Under 19s squad, who will make the move to Penrith permanent,

On the management front, the club hopes to finalise a new club secretary to take over in the role vacated by Peter Hazard in coming weeks, while it appears the recently advertised social media co-ordinator role, will be taken care of by Marketing Manager, Max McNamara, having been ruled out for the season after having surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder late in the AFL season.

Good news on the sponsorship with the Panthers Leagues Club set to double their sponsorship deal with the cricket club said to be worth $30,000 per annum, with the emphasis on establishing closer ties between the main winter and summer sporting teams in the district.

Two other significant sponsors have come on board in 2018-19 with GJ Gardner Homes and Southlands Shopping Centre (apparel sponsorship level) jumping on-board.

The club will also have a new women’s first grade coach for 2018-19, with David Williams who previously worked with the club’s Brewer Shield side, appointed to the role.

On the player front, some good news with the club set to welcome back Sarah Coyte as she looks to prepare for her upcoming WBBL season with the Adelaide Strikers.

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NRL Grand Final Preview

he NRL competition is down to the Sydney Roosters who won the Minor Premiership and the Melbourne Storm the defending Premiers.

First against second, the best two defensive teams in the competition and the two teams that had the benefit of the week off leading into their Preliminary Final matches. These teams are led by two outstanding coaches who are intelligent, articulate and have a work ethic that sets them apart. This Sunday is the 21st Grand Final in the NRL era and during that time the Storm and the Roosters have participated in the decider an astonishing 16 times yet this will be the first time they meet in the big dance.

There is a heap of off field interest with Cooper Cronk carrying a severe shoulder injury and Billy Slater facing suspension in his final game for a shoulder charge incident. Having to submit this column before either result is known in terms of whether either will play I would predict they both miss the big game. However if there is one player who will not sleep and do all the rehab possible in order to play it is Cooper Cronk. And I do not think Billy Slater deserves to miss the Grand Final for what I would constitute a bump on Sosia Feki.

Slater did not make contact with the head or place Feki in any danger, his only motivation was to save a try. There are still photos which show one of Slater’s arms wrapping slightly and also stills of his arms extending which will help his case. Sadly we have become a society that revolves around outrage and social media pressure and too often the NRL bows and reacts to it and I expect that Slater will unfortunately miss the Grand Final. But I hope I am wrong and both players take the field on Sunday night!

When looking through some key statistics in

previewing this game it becomes very difficult to separate them to find a winner but I was able to work through and find some little areas each coach may attempt to exploit in their opposition. We have a matchup between the best two defences however the Roosters has been significantly better only conceding 56 tries to the Storms 65 this season. The Storm however hold an advantage when coming out of their own end of the field with their back three players carrying the ball twice as often as the Roosters on average this season, which will allow the Storm forwards time to get back on side and reduce the impact of fatigue. The Roosters key position players have generated more try assists than their Storm counterparts generating 77 tries to the Storm 63 tries, this could be put down to the loss of Cooper Cronk for the Storm and the benefit of his addition to the Roosters. If Cooper Cronk misses the Grand Final the impact will be far greater for the Roosters as opposed to the Storm losing Billy Slater, due to the fact Jerome Hughes has positively impacted games on a consistent basis whereas Sean O’Sullivan has played a limited roll this season for the Roosters.

The Melbourne Storm have made a concerted effort to offload the ball more this season with 250 to the Sydney Roosters 190, this allows opportunities for Billy Slater and or Jerome Hughes through the middle of the field at a broken or retreating defensive line. Cameron Smith will be looking for opportunities to kick early and pin the Roosters in their own end of the field particularly when the Storm are coming out of their own end and the Roosters wingers are up in the defensive line, the Storm have 58 kicks this season that have found space to the Roosters with only 39 any advantage in this area on Sunday night will play a massive role in determining field position

Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

for both teams. When in good field position the Roosters have forced 45 line drop outs this season with the Storm only forcing 33 which will play a role as it allows a team to build pressure and fatigue.

It also brings into play the sin bin, which has had an impact on games this season and also in State of Origin at key moments. The Roosters have had 10 players sin binned this season to the Storms 4. If the Storm can win field position and force repeat sets it will bring into play the sin bin as the Roosters are more than happy to concede penalties before tries when defending their line.

Looking into both teams defence they are so similar in all the key areas. The Roosters effective tackle percentage sits at 87.9% and the Storms at 88.4% but when you look at tries conceded it tells you a little bit about the effort and pride the Roosters have had in their line this season, they are saving tries through scramble and desperation. They will need all of that effort against a quality side who will be well prepared this Sunday.

My prediction… This is as even a Grand Final we have had in a long time, the betting suggests that with both teams listed at 1.90 so not even the bookies can separate them. So what will separate these two great teams? If Slater plays and Cronk does not, or vice versa and Cronk plays but Slater does not that will be enough to give either team a significant advantage. I expect discipline to play a huge role in this game as both sides will defend well and opportunities will be at a premium. History suggests going back to back is very difficult but I am predicting the Storm will be the first team to do so since the Broncos in 1992 / 1993, early indications suggest Cooper Cronk will not play which for me as a huge blow and that should be enough to tilt this game in the Storms favour.

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Local clubs in Junior Pennants Leonay GC’s Coby Carruthers and Zac Lange in action at the Stonecutters Ridge Junior Classic.

Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

T

welve months on from a sterling effort in the NSW Golf Encourage Shield, Leonay Golf Club’s top juniors are moving up into the Junior Pennant competition.

Six members of last year’s squad have returned for 2018, being Eric Summers, Ben Crilley, Zac Lange, Kyle Homan, Jed Drew and Coby Carruthers.

The Junior Pennant competition in the Sydney Metropolitan area is a six-person team match play event for boys and girls combined.

The format has all members playing handicap match play and clubs competing in this competition will be divided into Divisions.

Leonay and Penrith GC are both competing in

Division One, alongside Stonecutters Ridge GC, Wentworth Falls CC, Camden GC and Lakeside Camden GC. Dunheved GC is competing in Division Five, against Beverley Park GC, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown and Pennant Hills.

The winning team from each Division will then compete against other Division winners in the quarter finals, semi-finals and the final.

The overall metropolitan winner will then compete in a state final series against teams from District Golf Associations around NSW to find the overall State Junior Pennant Champions.

The opening round is on October 7, with Leonay playing Stonecutters and Penrith playing Lakeside Camden (both games at Penrith GC) and Dunheved playing Beverley Park at Bankstown.

The Leonay team is: Zac Lange, Ben Crilley, Jed Drew, Eric Summers, Kyle Homan, Coby Carruthers, manager Ben Breckenridge.

The Penrith team is: Blade Gadd, Michael Organ, Blake Murray, Reggie Papps, Lachlan Baker, Tyler Jones, manager Anthony Gomez.

The Dunheved team is: Harrison Zussa, Blake Hodges, Patrick Edenborough, Aka John, Mason Gounder, Connor Hamilton, manager Jarred Hodges.

The full draw can be viewed at: http://www. jnjg.com.au/files/2018_Junior_Pennant_Draw_ Revision_3_-_22nd_Aug.pdf

27 Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Coach’s Corner

SPORT

Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

28

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Nathan Cleary re-commits to Panthers until end of 2024

By STEWART MOSES

P

@TheRiffMarn

anthers halfback Nathan Cleary has finally put months of speculation to bed after announcing on Monday that the 20-year old had extended his contract by another five years to the end of the 2024 season.

Having initially stated his desire to delay contract talks until after November 1, the deal was swiftly completed following Penrith’s heart-breaking onepoint week two finals loss to Cronulla, after Nathan indicated after the game that he was keen to finalise his future sooner rather than later.

Penrith Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM described the deal as the biggest contract he has ever signed a player to, with the five-year extension making the young Origin playmaker the Panthers’ highest ever paid player.

“It’s a significant investment by the Panthers. It’s the biggest contract that I’ve ever signed,” Gould declared.

“I think that in spending this amount of money on such a key position on a quality young man, I think there had to be a long-term commitment to protect Panthers and to protect Nathan’s future as well.

“This is a contract built on potential. It comes with great responsibility and it comes with a performance that we are expecting and we know Nathan will do everything in his power to do that but we are with him all the way.

“We see his (best) football is way in front of him. He’s only 20 years of age but already Nathan has taken us to three semi-final series, which is just extraordinary and we know he has such a bright future in the game and we want to be a part of that.

“I think Nathan is going to be a 300 game plus NRL player and I like to see him play his whole career here and this is a significant step in that direction and we are delighted to have him.”

Despite the season-long speculation that he would join the Wests Tigers in 2020 to fulfil his ongoing desire to be coached by his father Ivan, Cleary admits that it would have been difficult to leave the club that first gave him his NRL opportunity back in mid-2016 as an 18-year old against Melbourne.

“It shows how much I love this club and it

obviously means a lot to me to be able to sign this contract,” Cleary said.

“I don’t think I could have ever done anything different and I’m really happy that we’ve come to this result.

“I couldn’t ask for a better upbringing into first grade and I’m obviously very grateful.

“I feel I owe a lot to this club especially debuting at 18, there weren’t many clubs that would be able to do that.

“They took a gamble on me and I’m really appreciative of that.

“It would be nice to link up somewhere down the track (with Dad) but it isn’t meant to be at the moment.

“In an ideal world he’ll come out here someday but it’s just a dream at the moment.”

An obviously relieved Nathan Cleary also said that the club’s decision to appoint Cameron Ciraldo as interim NRL coach, after parting ways with Anthony Griffin four weeks out from the finals, was another factor in his decision to stay.

“I didn’t know 100 percent for sure. But then at the back-end of the year I don’t think I could have ever left,” Cleary conceded.

“I’ve been really lucky with the coaches I’ve had coming through.

“Cameron Ciraldo, he was Under 20’s coach, then to coach me at the end of the year was something pretty special (and) Peter Wallace, to have him on the coaching staff was a special end to the year as well.

“There’s also some pretty special players in this team that I love playing alongside and I am really looking forward to playing with them for the next four or five years.

“It’s a massive relief to get it out of the way.

“Now I can focus on ripping into a new pre-season and hopefully do well next year.”

Cronulla game sums up our season: Yeo

By STEWART MOSES

A

@TheRiffMarn

battered and bruised Isaah Yeo, Penrith’s lone “ironman” in 2018 having played all 26 NRL games, cut a dejected figure after the game given that his side, having worked so hard to level the scores with ten minutes remaining in the second half, still managed to let a week two finals result slip out of their hands for the third consecutive year.

The 21-20 loss to Cronulla was yet again was a result of conceding a double-digit lead to their opponents, the eighteenth game in 2018 where the Panthers have trailed by ten or more points (having lost ten of those games) having trailed by 18 points during the first half.

“Extremely disappointed just like the other 16 players in the change room,” Yeo declared after the game.

“We wanted to get them into a grind but we just couldn’t do that in the first half.

“We were defending and had no possession and in a semi-final that hurts.

“Obviously we didn’t want to be chasing a side like Cronulla and give them that 18 points head start.

“I thought we gave ourselves every opportunity in the second half to be still a chance of winning an elimination final, but that field goal was like a dagger in the heart.

“But that’s the way it goes sometimes in football.”

Yeo was one of Penrith’s best on the night having scored a try (could have had another but for former team mate Matt Moylan’s one-on-one try-saving effort just metres out from the try line), ran for 112 metres and topped the team’s tackle count with 37.

Tireless backrower Isaah Yeo was one of Penrith’s best in 2018. Credit: NRL Photos.

But the Dubbo junior admits that the slow starts to games needs to be addressed in the pre-season, despite being proud of the team’s efforts in being able to often overcome such deficits.

“That game sums up how we played for most of the season, we haven’t been starting well in games and giving up leads and trying to run teams down and that caught up with us against Cronulla,” Yeo explained.

“We’ve tried everything and we’ve spoken about it (these slow starts) and obviously it happened again against Cronulla, it wasn’t ideal.

“Effort wise we are second to none but we’ve lost a couple of close games during the second half of the season so it is something that we need to address over the off-season.”

Yeo concedes that while the coaching upheaval four weeks out from the finals was far from ideal, the playing group can take heart from the fact that they were still able to get so close to playing in a

preliminary final against Melbourne.

“It’s not quite what we wanted out of it (2018) which is very disappointing but we had a couple of bumpy periods throughout the year,” Yeo admitted.

“It was a bit of a strange scenario that I have never been a part of and I don’t think many of the other players have as well.

“But I thought both the coaching staff that took over from Hook and the players, handled it very well.

“While results didn’t go our way for a month after that, the group never gave up on any situation and I don’t think many other teams could have shown similar resilience and continue to put in such efforts in games as we did.

“I thought we came out the back of that very strong, both against Melbourne and again in week one of the finals, which is something to be very proud of as a group.”

In 2018, Yeo became the first member of the 2013 Holden Cup winning squad to play his 100th NRL game and also made his captaincy debut in James Maloney’s absence.

As one of this year’s favourites for the Merv Cartwright Medal, Yeo is looking forward to reflecting back on the season just gone and hopes to play an even bigger leadership role in 2019.

“That’s something I’ve been trying to work on for the last year or two, (my leadership role),” Yeo said.

“If I can help Jimmy wherever I can I will and that’s an area of my game I will continue to work at.

“But first I’d like to refresh and think about the season just gone.

“Throughout the season there was a couple of little moments which I’m extremely proud of such as being fortunate enough to captain the club along with a few other things.”

PENRITH PANTHERS

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

Sharks End Panthers’ Title Hopes In All Three Grades In the space of just over a week, the Cronulla Sharks has denied current NSWRL Club Champions (Flowers Memorial Pennant) Penrith the opportunity to win a title in not one, not two but in all three grades.

First up the NRL elimination final, where the Panthers did what they do best, trail by plenty then storm home like the wind and threatened to inflict the biggest comeback win in NRL finals, having come from 18-2 down to level the scores 20-all, only to fall short of creating that historic performance, thanks to a late Chad Townsend field goal, at Allianz Stadium.

The first half will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Coming off a stellar performance against the Warriors, James Maloney (affected by a worsening neck issue aggravated the previous game by a suspect Isaac Luke tackle) proceeded to turn in possibly his worst game in both attack and defence for 2018.

The Sharks through their big guns, Andrew Fifita, Matt Moylan and Luke Lewis targeted Maloney in defence and came up with two of their three tries down his channel.

To make matters the five-eighth also gave away a pointless two points with a cannonball tackle, as the Panthers enjoyed just 34% possession on the back of 60% completions in the first half.

But to their credit, the Panthers found their customary second half mojo and inspired by Nathan Cleary’s never-say-die kick-chase try, levelled the scores with ten minutes remaining through tries to Isaah Yeo and Waqa Blake, the latter benefitting from a typical blockbusting run by arguably Penrith’s best player in 2018, Viliame Kikau.

But a gutsy kick-off play by Valentine Holmes swung the game Cronulla’s way and enabled them to land the important field goal and limped into a preliminary final where, without Gallen, Graham and Dugan, they were no match for the Melbourne Storm and were easily beaten 22-6.

Panthers coach Cameron Ciraldo had mixed emotions about the result.

“My emotions are frustrated and disappointed, but I am immensely proud with how they stuck with it,” Ciradlo responded.

“The main feeling is one of disappointment because now I sort of thought we had played really well in that second half and I thought if we could have jagged a few more things that we’d be going another week.

“At 18-nil down it is really hard to fight back from that. Cronulla don’t just let 18 nil leads slip easily.

The anguish on James Maloney’s face says it all. Credit: NRL Photos.

“They are a tough side. They know what they are doing at this time of year.

“But everyone in that room ripped in and turned the tables in that second half.

“I didn’t feel like we were going to lose for most of the second half.

“But that play from Val was a big play and they were good enough and experienced enough to ice it at the end.”

James Maloney added that the side had more to give in this year’s finals series.

“I think there was more in this team so that makes it disappointing and that hurts a little bit,” Maloney lamented.

“We missed some details tonight but we could have and probably should have got a few other things right and be playing next week.

“But if you get the small things wrong this time of year it is curtains on your season.

“They were out of gas by the end and had we taken a little more out of them in the first half, the result would have been different but it wasn’t to be.

“I am very proud of a young group of players but while they are young, they are also very good players and I have no doubts we could have gone further this year.”

The following day, the ISP minor premiers and undefeated in thirteen games played since May, were somehow denied back-to-back grand final appearances when they had one try unfairly denied and another two try-scoring opportunities

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gone begging, going down to Cronulla’s feeder club Newtown, 28-24 last Saturday week at Leichhardt Oval.

Had the Panthers won, they were set to be bolstered by the inclusion of key playmakers Jarome Luai (injury) and Tyrone May but would have lost Jack Hetherington for last Sunday’s ISP grand final, won by Canterbury over Newtown, 18-12.

The result also meant it was the final game for the club for back-rower Corey Waddell, who again missed the game through a two-week suspension and will make the move to Manly in 2019, which leaves a top 30 spot open despite the recruitment of Tim Grant and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak.

In the leadup to last Sunday’s ISP grand final, four Panthers - Caleb Aekins, Adam Keighran, Kaide Ellis and Liam Martin were named in the ISP Team of the Year but somehow coach Guy Missio, who apart from that 13 game unbeaten streak, won 4 more games than any other team, yet was overlooked as the coach of the year.

Then last Sunday, Cronulla completed their threepeat over Penrith, this time avenging a week one 18-10 loss to Penrith, to claim their first ever Jersey Flegg title, 22-12 after scores were locked up 12-all during the second half.

Penrith fullback Daine Laurie, who was their saviour in last week’s last gasp 30-26 win over the minor premiers, Newcastle and arguably their best player throughout the season, was on track for another best on-field performance after another scintillating first half.

But it quickly became a horror second half for the recently re-signed fullback with a string of errors in both possession and defence proving costly as the Sharks stormed home to clinch the title and deny the 2006-07 Jersey Flegg Premiers an unusual three-peat title in 2018.

The Panthers cause would not have been helped by the mid-week scheduling of the NRL Schoolboys Cup Final in Redcliffe, between Palm Beach Currumbin and Patrician Brothers, Blacktown which not only involved Flegg players Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu, but also coach Ben Harden was on the coaching staff for the school as well, with Patrician Brothers losing the final, 20-12.

Thanks for your support in 2018 and see you in 2019. #PantherPride

29 29 Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

Repeat Sets

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Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

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PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

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Ciraldo or Cleary – Just Who Exactly Will Be Coaching Penrith in 2019?

Just who will be Penrith’s NRL coach for 2019 remains about as clear as mud following comments made recently by both Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM and RL CEO Brian Fletcher.

One is for certain – Cameron Ciraldo will be at the club in 2019 but in what capacity remains to be seen.

Gould, during Monday’s press conference to announce the re-signing of Nathan Cleary, reiterated there was no need to change the current coaching structure for 2019.

“I’ve been very impressed with Cameron Ciraldo at the end of the season,” Gould said.

“Cameron’s our head coach heading into 2019.

“I think all the players are happy about that. I’m happy about that.

“I’m very comfortable with where our club sits with that position at the moment.”

However Fletcher stopped short of confirming Ciraldo as the 2019 NRL coach and didn’t shy away when asked of the club’s desire to bring former Penrith and current Wests Tigers coach, Ivan Cleary back into the fold from 2021.

It’s regarded that should Cleary accept the offer to return to Penrith, it could force the Wests Tigers to release Cleary early, perhaps even before the start of the 2019 season. “(Cameron’s) an outstanding young man who has a very bright future in the coaching ranks. (But) I wouldn’t say that (he will definitely be head coach in 2019). Cameron will be on our coaching staff for sure but in what capacity at this stage I don’t know,” Fletcher told Nepean News.

“For time being we will keep things the way they are. We’ve got all the systems in place. Phil Gould has no dramas with it.

“Ivan’s got a contract with the Wests Tigers for the next two seasons but we’ve always been open to having him in 2021, 2022 and 2023.”

Following the loss to Cronulla, Ciraldo says no matter what coaching role he ultimately serves as, he is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the anguish in losing a week two final by just one point, motivates the playing group in 2019.

“What (ever) job I’ve got or what my role is, I’ve got another year to go on my contract so if I am coach or assistant coach, I don’t really care.” Ciraldo declared.

“Whatever my job title is I will be working my butt off to make sure we are not in this position again.”

2019 will be here.

“But you just don’t know down the track what will happen but there is no indication of a need for other changes at this stage.”

Nathan Cleary’s future is now settled, but will Cameron Ciraldo remain as Penrith’s NRL head coach in 2019?

Credit: NRL Photos.

Ciraldo has support of the playing group including skippers James Maloney and Isaah Yeo. Meanwhile Fletcher has not only confirmed that, in the wake of Nathan Cleary’s recommitment to the club until the end of 2024, the club has already tied up the nucleus of players coming off contract in 2019, but also said that Cleary’s decision not to test the market after November 1 could help in enabling the club to retain remaining key players off contract after 2019.

The RL CEO also cautiously stated that with the impending departures of Tyrone Peachey and Corey Harawira-Naera, there would be no further need for squad movement for 2019 at this stage.

“It’s great for the district, he will be the face of Penrith and Nathan is a wonderful young man and I’m sure he is going to be one of the best assets we will ever have,” Fletcher told Nepean News.

“We’ve got most of them done but it wouldn’t do any harm for anyone that is left put it that way.

“We still have to finalise James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota and that’s about it. All the rest are done.

“Corey Harawira-Naera and Tyrone Peachey will move on which is sad, but you can’t keep them all.

“At this stage everyone else under contract for

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Speculation continues to mount over the playing future of 28-year old Panthers forward, Trent Merrin, whose playing minutes having dramatically fallen away in 2018.

At his peak in 2016, Merrin was playing 66 minutes per game as a lock-forward but those minutes dipped in an injury-riddled 2017 season to 53 minutes and in 2018 have dropped even further to just 42 minutes per game as Merrin made the move to the front row.

That average drops to 35 minutes per game since Round 19 where he has not played over 40 minutes in any game, compared to an average of 48 minutes per game up to Round 18.

In the finals series, Merrin played just 52 minutes in total, including just 20 minutes against the Sharks, where he made one hit up for 11 metres and made 17 tackles, missing three.

Coach Cameron Ciraldo denied after the Sharks finals loss that there was an injury issue with Merrin, stating that he preferred other options during the second half comeback.

“No issue. It was just the back end of the game,” Cameron replied.

“At the end of the game Trent normally comes back on but we were chasing points and Moses Leota has been our best at getting us onto the front foot and we needed him back on there and do that job for us.”

James Maloney (five-eighth and player of the year) along with Viliame Kikau (second row) are considered to be among Penrith’s main award hopes at this Wednesday night’s Dally M awards.

Kikau was recently named in the RLPA team of the year awards alongside Tariq Sims, but faces a tougher battle to win the positional award outright with Tyson Frizzell heavily favoured.

Maloney faces a similar battle for the five eighth award, with Cameron Munster also the favourite to take out the positional award.

The Penrith skipper also held a one-point lead after Round 12 when voting went behind closed doors, but battles with injury over the course of the second half of the season is likely to curtail Maloney’s chances of winning the Dally M Medal.

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And..... then there were two!!

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 And then there were two!

fter a gruelling season of rugby league the competition’s two best teams, the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters will battle it out for the biggest prize of them all, the NRL premiership, this Sunday evening.

But it wouldn’t be grand final week without drama surrounding the week.

Whilst writing this instalment, Billy Slater’s tackle/shoulder charge on Sharks winger Sosaia Feki had been charged but hadn’t yet been ruled upon by the games’ judiciary. It’s touch and go.

Personally I don’t think it was your everyday run of the mill shoulder charge, for mine it was more of a body check that didn’t go anywhere near making contact with Feki’s head. Which should exonerate him.

Even Slater was shown support from his opponent’s captain and coach after the game both declaring ‘he shouldn’t miss a grand final for that”. We’ll see.

The Roosters also have their own form of worry with champion half Cooper Cronk severely injuring his rotator cuff in the first half of last Saturday night’s win over the disappointing Rabbitohs.

Cronk, who looks in severe doubt, will be given up to the 11th hour to prove his fitness for the season’s biggest game.

The irony here is that it will be against the very team he played 323 games

for before heading to Bondi.

This game no doubt would be a much better spectacle if both Slater and Cronk play, but you get the feeling we may not be granted that luxury.

These two teams finished 1 and 2 after the season proper separated by only 8 differential points. They are extremely tough to separate when deciding who wins Sunday. I’m leaning towards the Roosters purely based on their stoic defensive line.

Grand finals are won on defence.

Whoever does lift the shield this Sunday bloody well deserves it.

It’s been a hard, long, and tough year of rugby league. To get to the last week of the competition is one of the hardest things in sport to do.

With or without good mates Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk playing this Sunday, one group of young men will have achieved something that you only dream about when you enter rugby league as a youngster. Being crowned the premiers of the toughest competition we’ve witnessed in recent years.

Something NO-ONE can ever take away from you.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 31 Nepean News 27 September 2018 Issue 236

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