Nepean News 2 June 2023 DIGITAL

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Zig Zag re-opens

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Zig Zag Railway reopened on the weekend for the first time in over a decade, with tickets for all journeys over the two days quickly selling out.

Intense interest from both the media and the community ensured the re-opening would be a success, and organisers are delighted to have the line finally open to the public once again.

Enquiries for tickets and / or more information on the Zig Zag Railway can be made at: https://zigzagrailway.au

Photos courtesy of Thomas Glastonbury

ST, PENRITH

Bright and productive: Penrith a focal point for manufacturing

IT was a bright and productive morning last Friday for the Lights on Penrith – ‘Made Here’ event, which saw businesses and industry experts fill the Drink West Brewery at Manufactor – Penrith’s newest industrial hub.

Hosted by the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, with Penrith City Council one of the major sponsors, the event was a chance to discuss challenges and identify opportunities to ensure the long-term growth and success of Penrith’s manufacturing industry.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen detailed the City’s long history in manufacturing that dates back to early European settlement, when it was initially agriculture-based until new road and railway connections to and from Penrith and St Marys enabled new industries, including quarrying, tanneries, dairies and vineyards.

The Mayor said Penrith remains a focal point for manufacturing and presents fantastic opportunities. Manufactor is a prime example, with the former Crane Enfield Metal Site having undergone a 100-million-dollar redevelopment to house local manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

“Today, Penrith remains a focal point for manufacturing. With over 820 manufacturing businesses employing over 6,750 local people - it’s the fifth largest employment sector in our City,” Cr Hitchen said.

“This includes industries that enable manufacturing, such as freight, logistics and warehousing. It’s also our most productive industry, generating almost $7 billion dollars for the Penrith economy.”

The common themes for all speakers and panellists were:

• How Penrith is set to directly benefit from the Western Sydney Airport and the Sydney MetroWestern Sydney Airport rail line.

• The importance of creating local jobs for current and future generations.

• Ways businesses can access resources and support to grow their work.

Thank you to the Chamber for this fantastic event, and to speakers Tom Nance, Adam Buckley, Warwick Scherf, Justin Harness, Ben Kitcher, Dr Anders Hallgren, Tony Shepherd and John Joannou for sharing their insights.

Victor & Cathy Glanville

Help our homeless over the cold nights of winter

AS the temperature drops, you can help keep our Penrith homeless and underprivileged community warm this winter.

Penrith CBD Corporation have kicked off this year’s Winter Appeal.

You can help put the warmth back into the lives of our homeless and underprivileged this winter by donating jackets, blankets, beanies, socks, gloves & scarves.

Donations can be dropped off at the collection point in the foyer or at the following collection points:

Karen McKeown MP office - 510 High Street

NAB - cnr Riley and Henry Street #projectwarmth

Krispy Kreme celebrates National Doughnut Day 100,000 Original Glazed® doughnuts up for grabs!

TO celebrate National Doughnut Day on Friday 2 June, home of the Original Glazed® Doughnut, Krispy Kreme will be giving away 100,000 FREE Original Glazed® doughnuts –that’s enough OGs to cover the length of seven Sydney Harbour Bridges!

Customers can visit any participating Krispy Kreme store across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and SA on the day to claim their free doughnut.

To help fans celebrate the day with ease, the team at Krispy Kreme has come up with four hot tips on how to get your hands on our beloved Original Glazed®:

1. Spot the Hot Light from 5-8 pm

Sure the Original Glazed® is hands down the best doughnut in the world BUT there’s something else that truly gets fans going… the Hot Light. Whenever Krispy Kreme’s Hot Light is on, it means the fluffy doughnuts are rolling down the production line, glistening through the glaze waterfall, and going straight into your box fresh and warm. All Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made and delivered fresh daily, but life is not complete if you haven’t tried a warm doughnut straight off the production line. It tastes like a delicious warm cloud, light in texture, and melts in your mouth. Did you know more than half (55.2%) of Aussies have never eaten a Krispy Kreme doughnut whilst it’s still hot!?

So go on… spot the Hot Light this National Doughnut Day at your nearest Krispy Kreme Hot Light store, and thank us later

2. Doughn’t visit during peak hour

According to last year’s National Doughnut Day, between 45 pm close to 8,000 Aussies rushed to their local Krispy Kreme stores to claim a free OG. This year, Krispy Kreme recommends fans to visit during quieter times between 6 - 11 am. After all, it’s

never too early or too late to enjoy a doughnut. If you’re having Original Glazed® doughnuts for morning tea, we recommend you grab a coffee while you’re there!

3. Plan your travel ahead of time

It’s serious business claiming your free OG. For Sydneysiders, the busiest store from last year was Liverpool, followed by Chatswood, and Parramatta Fresh. If you want to avoid long queues, plan ahead and map out your travel route for the day, or simply visit another nearby store.

4. Share your joy

Grab your friends, family, roommates and make a day out of it… because who doesn’t love doughnuts? OR be that cool person who rocks up to work with a box of a dozen Original Glazed® doughnuts… it’s a Friday and National Doughnut Day, there is no better excuse to spread joy!

Aimee Cutajar, Head of Marketing at Krispy Kreme ANZ says “National Doughnut Day is our most popular event of the year. Our much loved Original Glaze® Doughnuts are made fresh daily and all our retail staff are rolling up their sleeves in preparation for a busy day ahead. We love to share joy with our fans and thank them for their support. Nothing says National Doughnut Day like a Free Krispy Kreme Original Glazed® Please do drop by and celebrate with us and your close family and friends.”

Psst…for those who can’t make it on National Doughnut Day to nab their free Original Glazed®, don’t fret just yet. From now until 10 July, if you spot the Hot Light being lit up across any participating Krispy Kreme Hot Light stores, you can redeem a free Original Glazed® doughnut - no purchase necessary! You’re welcome.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club calls on community to give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal

NEPEAN Evening VIEW Club is urging the local community to give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal this year, to support thousands of children and young people with their education.

The education charity is aiming to raise $6.2 million nationally to give over 14,000 children across Australia access to its proven learning and mentoring programs.

CEO of The Smith Family, Doug Taylor, said whilst inflation is affecting all Australians, the most vulnerable members of our community are faring the

worst. It comes as a survey released by the charity found Australians believe the cost-of-living crisis is having a greater impact on education than the COVID-19 pandemic.

“By donating to the Winter Appeal, Australians can help young people most in need by giving them access to extra learning tools, so they can get the most out of their education and create better futures for themselves.”

VIEW (Voice, Interests & Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation supporting Australian

children experiencing disadvantage. VIEW is also the largest community sponsor of students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program with Nepean Evening VIEW Club supporting five students through its fundraising activities.

Nepean Evening VIEW meets the third Monday of the month at 7pm at Panthers Penrith Leagues Club, Mulgoa Rd, Penrith.

For more information about VIEW or you would like to join visit view.org.au or email nepeanview@ gmail.com

New Chief Executive Officer of The College

WESTERN Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Campbell as Chief Executive Officer of The College.

An experienced CEO, Glenn brings strong experience in the higher education sector along with a diverse leadership career specialising in policy, strategy and operations.

For the past five years, Glenn has been the Executive Director and CEO of Deakin Co, where he led the organisation successfully through the COVID pandemic challenges to subsequently develop significant growth in new markets. Prior to this, Glenn held senior leadership roles at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), Barwon Water and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

He is excited to be joining The College, particularly at such an exciting time for western Sydney with growing and emerging industries such as those associated with the Aerotropolis.

“I’m excited to join Western Sydney University and look forward to leading The College through its next phase of innovation and growth. I’m impressed with the advances and transformation already underway at the University,” said Mr Campbell.

Professor Clare Pollock, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, congratulated Mr Campbell on his appointment.

“On behalf of Western Sydney University, I warmly welcome Mr Campbell and look forward to him officially commencing in the role on 3 July,” said Professor Pollock.

“The College is our leading pathway provider for domestic and international students. We are incredibly proud of its transformative role in opening up higher education opportunities for students who might not have had the opportunity to go to university – particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

“No doubt Glenn’s knowledge and experience of the sector will be invaluable as he leads the College through this next exciting chapter in its development.”

Professor Pollock also thanked Dr Anthony Mitri for his valued contributions as the acting CEO of The College for the past year.

“I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Dr Anthony Mitri in his role as the acting Chief Executive Officer since July 2022. I know The College and its staff benefited greatly from his expertise, including his significant experience engaging with industry.”

Beloved Trees for Mum successfully celebrates 16 years

PENRITH mums, grandmothers, aunts and mother figures were celebrated and honoured with a special booked-out Trees for Mum event held by Penrith City Council’s Bushcare team on Mother’s Day.

The popular and beloved Trees for Mum event saw a record-breaking turnout for its Sweet 16, with 300 participants from the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) and other LGAs planting a total of 380 native plants grown from Council’s nursery.

“It speaks highly about the significance of this event that we’re now celebrating such an important milestone — 16 years of Trees for Mum,” Cr Hitchen said.

“It was a fantastic and really positive event on the day. One thing I appreciate most about the event is the opportunity to plant a tree in tribute to someone special. I know participants on the day feel the same way considering how heartfelt many of the messages written to Mum were.

“People were there for varying reasons; many planting trees as a dedication to a loved one or to people who inspired them as mums,” she said.

“I am a proud supporter of Council’s Bushcare Program, nursery and the hardworking teams behind both. The nursery’s contribution is so valuable for special Council events like this one

and lets the community find out more about our local environment.

“With the heat problems we face here, there has also been an increase in interest in tree planting. This year’s Trees for Mum makes up a component of the Greening our City program, which is seeing more trees planted in neighbourhoods like Cambridge Park.”

The event encourages attendees to write a message for their mum, grandmother, aunt, or mother figure, and dedicate their planted tree in her honour.

Trees for Mum is one of many tree planting projects Council is undertaking this year across the Penrith LGA as part of the Greening our City tree planting program. Find out more at yoursaypenrith.com.au/ greeningourcity

Council has shared a photo album of the event on its Facebook page, which can be found at facebook.com/ penrith.city.council

Council encourages participants to return to Harold Corr Oval in Cambridge Park to see how their trees are growing. These trees will help

provide habitat and shelter for local wildlife and cool the neighbouring community with additional shade.

To keep up to date with similar tree planting events, and to book the first spots for Trees for Dad for Father’s Day in September, subscribe to the Bushcare Bulletin at penrith.city/ bushcarebulletin

This project is part of the Greening Our City grant program that is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government NSW.

Residents planting a tree for Mum on Mother’s Day.

One of the many heartfelt messages written for Mum, Grandma, and other important family members being remembered and celebrated on the day.

City of Penrith Nashos Commemorate 50th Anniversary of the end of Conscription

BY NOEL ROWSELL

BETWEEN 1951 and 1972, almost 300,000 young men were called into two separate schemes for compulsory training in the navy, army, and air force, where 212 died in active service in Borneo and Vietnam.

This week marked 50 years since the last intake of men were conscripted to join the National Service Scheme, before it was abolished by a newlyelected Whitlam Labor government in 1972.

Sunday was also the 17th Anniversary Memorial and Tribute Laying Ceremony by the Penrith City ANSA Inc, which received its charter and flag on April 7th, 2002. Membership of the Penrith City branch is steady in the high 50’s.

Penrith City President Harry May welcomed the large contingent of attendees, which included dignitaries, military cadets, friends and relatives.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP, Deputy Premier and State member for Londonderry Prue Car MP, State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM and Penrith City Mayor Tricia Hitchen.

Mrs Car, McKeown and Hitchen all read prayers, followed by Mrs McIntosh, who gave the commemorative address, before several dignitaries and guests laid commemorative wreaths on behalf of local organisations.

The City of Penrith Australian National Servicemen’s Association acknowledges Penrith City Council for the maintenance of the memorial, Emu Plains Lions Club for their support on the day of the service with the bbq and refreshments, Captain Alex Kilgour (AAC) and the 21 Army Cadet Unit, Ropes Crossing Girl Guides Association and Tyler Watson (bugler) from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.

More parking for Penrith community

MORE than 120 car spots will be available from this week, with the completion of the Mulgoa Road Car Park Upgrade project, which will directly benefit the local community.

Situated in Jane Street intersection in Penrith, the project has been the result of effective collaboration between the NSW Government and Penrith City Council to deliver improvements for the local community.

The upgrade of this section of Mulgoa Road has delivered better connectivity through to Castlereagh Road with major work under the railway to accommodate a wider road.

Work was also undertaken to upgrade intersections High Street and Great Western Highway for improved traffic management and safety.

Work is now underway to widen Mulgoa Road between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road.

“The opening of this upgraded car park is welcomed by our local community and will directly benefit families, local businesses, as well as benefiting the local tennis centre,” Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said.

“The new car park can now accommodate more than 120 vehicles

and features lighting, security cameras, screening, enhanced landscaping and drainage.

“The NSW Government will continue to work on improving our roads and traffic flow in Penrith with the next phase of the Mulgoa Road upgrade getting underway.

“This upgrade will deliver additional lanes and improved intersections, we are well on the way to alleviating what has been a

long-time bottleneck in the heart of Penrith”

Penrith Mayor, Tricia Hitchen said Penrith City Council is pleased to see our car park re-open to the community after being enhanced and expanded in size to significantly increase the number of parking spaces.

“This partnership saw Council’s land used for the upgrade to Jane Street and Mulgoa/Castlereagh Road intersection for the delivery of vital

infrastructure that improves traffic flow along Mulgoa/Castlereagh Road and provides improved connections to our City Centre,” Mayor Hitchen said.

“While we were down parking temporarily during the construction and delivery phase of the new rail bridge and associated roadworks, the reopening of the expanded car park is a win for residents, visitors, and commuters.”

Veterans Walk N Talk Breakfast

BY LEANNE MORGAN

ONCE a month St Marys Outpost Veterans Support Centre (the Train) in collaboration with St Marys RSL Sub-branch hold a Veterans and Family Walk N Talk Breakfast. There is a short walk as well as a longer walk for those who wish to participate, followed by a hot breakfast spread cooked by our volunteers.

The Walk N Talk is an opportunity for Veterans, along with their families to enjoy some fresh air

and some social interaction with other Veterans families. Often Veterans and current serving ADF (Australian Defence Forces) can be the sole focus of attention, but the family unit can also be affected by the Veteran or ADF member’s service. Making connections with other families who can easily relate to each other helps the family as well as the Veteran or ADF Member. This can help to create a support network for families knowing that they are not alone.

After our first Walk N Talk a daughter of a

Vietnam Veteran said that she had clicked with one of the other daughters who could relate to some of the behaviours of their Veteran Dads.

This activity is open to all Veterans and ADF Members and their families. The next Walk N Talk is to be held Saturday 10th June 2023, from 7.30am. Walkers will leave from the Train in the carpark of St Marys Diggers Club, corner of Mamre Road and Hall Street, St Marys. Please contact Leanne at St Marys Outpost Veterans Support Centre to book in for catering purposes 02 9833 4700.

Wellbeing activities for Veterans and their families

ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS DESCRIPTION/TIMING

Coffee n Chat Veterans Mon – Fri early mornings – simply just a chat on the Train veranda (Veterans Support Centre)

Social Guild Veterans & partner Occasional social outings local or coach overnight

Hospital Visitations Veterans & partner Usually Tuesday mornings; Teams of 2 visit veterans in local hospitals

Guitars for Vets Veterans Wednesday mornings @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train); learn to play or join a jam session

Monthly BBQ B’fast Veterans & family 8.00am Last Thursday of each month @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train)

Exercise classes White or gold card holders Tue and Fri @ 8.00am @ Ripples, St Marys; occasional walks from/to the Train in lieu; must meet criteria

Walk n Talk Veterans & family Monthly walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre (the Train) Breakfast provided on return

Small bus day-trips Veterans Occasional, weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre

Computer Classes Veterans and partner Thursday mornings @ Veterans Support Cente (Train carriage); for beginners or for Photoshop classes

Merrie Widows Partners of deceased vets Last Wednesday of each month - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club

Gov King Day Club Veterans & partner Wednesdays 9.00am @ Mamre House area

Packing Care Boxes Veterans 6-monthly day trip to Randwick to pack care boxes

Barefoot Bowls Veterans and partner 1st Friday of the month - @ St Marys Diggers Club

Wellbeing Activity for JUNE 2023

DATE ACTIVITY

EVERY MONDAY Coffee n Chat

EVERY TUESDAY Exercise Class - Coffee n Chat

EVERY WEDNESDAY Gov King Day Club - Guitars for Vets

Wednesday 29 June

Merrie Widows

EVERY THURSDAY Coffee n Chat - Computer Classes

Thursday 30th June

Friday 2nd June

BBQ B’fast

Barefoot Bowls

EVERY FRIDAY Exercise Class - Coffee n chat

Saturday 10th June Walk n Talk

Media Statement – Aerotropolis Contributions Plan

AT its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 29 May 2023, Penrith City Council endorsed the draft Aerotropolis Development Contributions Plan to provide muchneeded local infrastructure within the emerging Aerotropolis precinct.

The draft contributions plan seeks to deliver $815m in local infrastructure by apportioning a contributions rate of 5.5% within the Penrith Local Government Area for development within the Aerotropolis precinct. This will deliver the roads, bridges, active transport connections, open spaces and embellishments identified in the Aerotropolis planning package.

Both Penrith and Liverpool Councils exhibited in November 2020 with a joint plan at a rate of 6.5% based on land use and built-form assumptions to give the development industry certainty and

an indication of the contributions plan for the Aerotropolis precinct. Since this time, the planning framework for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis has been finalised, providing clarity around land use planning and infrastructure outcomes.

As a result, the total cost of local infrastructure to meet the needs of the Aerotropolis for both Penrith and Liverpool Councils is estimated at $2.8bn.

There are differences between the unique requirements and individual costs of infrastructure provisions associated with each Local Government Area. Penrith has significant industrial and business logistics land uses, whilst Liverpool has a mix of industrial, commercial and residential development, meaning the contributions rate varies between the Local Government areas.

A key change in the new draft Aerotropolis Contributions Plan is that both Penrith and Liverpool Councils now have their own Plans to enable greater autonomy and simplified administration of the Plan. Developer contributions collected through this plan is the only funding mechanism available to Council to pay for the infrastructure required in the Aerotropolis.

“We acknowledge there are other costs associated with developing in this precinct and call on all levels of government and developers to work together to ensure sites across the precinct have the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the roll out of development in this area,” a release from Penrith Council stated.

Council’s draft Aerotropolis Contributions Plan will be on exhibition from mid-June 2023.

Investing in apprentices: Bert Evans scholarship opportunity

MEMBER for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies has announced that applications are now open for the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships and encourages all hard-working apprentices to apply.

The scholarships support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship, demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and are

committed to completing on and off the job training.

Tanya Davies said that a total of 751 scholarships have been awarded to outstanding apprentices in NSW since 2014.

“An apprenticeship is a great way to kick-start a career, and apprentices are vital to our State’s growth, but we also understand it’s not always easy to complete a qualification,” Mrs Davies said.

Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said apprentices were vital to driving NSW forward.

“We want to back our apprentices by giving them a helping hand to complete their training and gain a qualification so they can make a strong contribution in their jobs and in the lives of their families and communities,” Mr Clancy said.

“Across the state, many industries

are experiencing vacancies, so this scholarship could not have come at a better time.”

The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years. For more information and to lodge an application, visit https://tinyurl. com/3na62kxs or phone 13 28 11 to contact your local Training Services NSW Office.

Supportive care for the one condition that affects us all

BY NEPEAN BLUE MOUNTAINS LHD

AFTER birth, death is the only life event that is both inevitable and universal. Palliative care services at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District bring people and their loved ones together with an integrated team of health professionals and volunteers, increasing comfort and quality of life at the time it is most needed.

Palliative care, sometimes called supportive endof-life care, represents a transformative point in the patient journey.

Instead of a focus on medical interventions aimed at extending one’s years, a more holistic and supportive approach takes over, focusing entirely on quality of life towards its end.

Carolyn Wilkinson, Volunteer Coordinator at Nepean and Hawkesbury for NBMLHD’s Supportive and Palliative Care services, is keen to emphasise the varied and complex ways in which well-conceived palliative care can positively enhance someone’s end-of-life experience.

“Mitigating issues with symptoms and particularly pain is certainly a priority,” says Carolyn, “but that’s not all palliative care takes into account”.

“Caring for people who are dying often means focusing on these sorts of questions, and we are also very much focused on whoever else is on that journey, such as family members and loved ones,” says Carolyn.

The nuanced work of palliative care aims to turn these broad considerations into a range of supports that meet the individual needs of clients.

“It’s a very integrated and holistic approach across inpatient and community services,” says Carolyn.

“Goals of care are discussed collaboratively with the family and the person themselves, and we then make sure that all the doctors, nurses, allied health staff and volunteers are united in striving for those goals.”

Holistic and personalised support

Whilst medicine often still has a central role to play, palliative care also offers much needed companionship and a range of other practical supports.

These supports can include accompanying patients to appointments, running errands, prepping meals, or providing much-needed respite for carers.

In recent years NBMLHD’s Supportive and

Palliative Care services have also offered clients the opportunity to complete their biography, putting intangible memories into words, or helping to preserve and memorialise a life’s history using photographs, diaries, and letters.

Much of this support is provided by dedicated volunteers who bring great experiential knowledge to their work.

Louise, a volunteer for over five years, says that caring for someone who is dying can be both rewarding and challenging.

Robin, who trained as a nurse and has been a palliative care volunteer for over twenty-five years in the Blue Mountains, explains how her personal journey led to a fulfilling vocation.

“I started doing it because I had nursed my husband when he was dying at home, and I came to realise the value of being able to make that choice; to die at home,” says Robin.

“Because you’re not part of the family but are coming in as an outsider, often the client will talk to you about things they feel they can’t share with their nearest and dearest, and that’s very important.”

Matters of life and death

NBMLHD’s Carolyn Wilkinson says that while some may consider her field of work emotionally difficult, it is in fact a great privilege to share in and contribute to people’s valuable end-of-life experiences.

“Palliative care includes recognition and support for families and carers, which has a synergy with the beginning of life,” remarks Carolyn.

“Someone’s life may have a predetermined end, but even when their time is short they can still be supported to live - and sometimes they live extraordinarily well”. Enquiries about palliative care volunteering can be made to the Nepean and Hawkesbury Palliative Care Coordinator, Carolyn Wilkinson at carolyn. wilkinson@health.nsw.gov.aulaunch, or through Melissa Williams at our partner organisation Belong Blue Mountains: mwilliams@belongbm.org.aulaunch

Find more information about supportive and palliative care services on our website, and at Palliative Care NSWlaunch.

National Palliative Care Week ran from 21 to 27 May aiming to raise awareness of palliative care whilst normalising important conversations about death and dying.

Palliative care patients set to explore the world through virtual reality

PALLIATIVE care patients at Nepean Hospital will soon get to explore the world from their hospital beds with newly donated virtual reality (VR) sets donated by local charity, Our Community Cares and VR specialists, Mobiddiction.

Not just for watching movies and playing games, virtual reality can eliminate the boredom and stress of the hospital environment for patients.

With pre-programmed experiences, patients will be able to immerse themselves in a virtual world where they can recreate the rush of going skydiving, explore the wilderness and listen to sounds of nature, or travel to another land taking in the breathtaking sites of another country.

In recent years VR has been shown to improve patient outcomes such as

managing pain, supporting patient anxiety levels, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Senior Staff Specialist,

Supportive & Palliative Care Dr Alan Oloffs says the VR devices will make a big difference to many of our palliative care and cancer patients.

“This technology will allow them

to have experiences they no longer can have otherwise and improve the quality of their lives,” says Dr Alan Oloffs.

The virtual reality clinical experience is one of the first of its kind for Nepean Hospital as it has a specific VR enabled application designed for use with the patient experience in mind.

Supportive and Palliative Nurse Practitioner, Rebecca Palmer explains how VR can offer the very best possible experience of care at a truly difficult time.

“We are able to offer patients the chance to experience spectacular sights from around the world, to reconnect to the past and share precious memories with their family & friends, that is truly something special,” says Rebecca.

Carolyn Wilkinson is Volunteer Coordinator for Supportive and Palliative Care services in Nepean and Hawkesbury with the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District

Local organisations donate virtual reality heads to enhance palliative care services

What does life mean to you at this point? What’s been important in your life so far?

“

I’ve had experiences as a palliative care volunteer that have been fantastic for both the clients and for myself. Louise

Louise and Robin are long-serving volunteers with Supportive and Palliative Care services in the Blue Mountains.

This week in pictures

Nola has been one of Ripples Leisure Centre’s longest standing staff members. Nola began her journey as a member in March 1995 before she commenced working with Ripples in October 2001 within the fitness department as a Group Fitness Instructor.

State against State, mate against mate. Our Premiers geared up for Origin 1, unfortunately it was QLD 26 -18

Leading ladies. Deputy Premier Prue Car MP was thrilled to meet with former Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week.

Penrith CBD Corporation’s Communitea Biggest Morning Tea supporting the Cancer Council NSW

Penrith Relay for Life was a huge successwatch out for our Picture page in next week’s edition!

49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

uremic toxins into the bloodstream. This is a very serious condition and can become fatal quickly if the symptoms are not noticed.

What are the symptoms?

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

AURINARY blockage in cats is a very common and serious condition that can become fatal quickly if the symptoms are not noticed. The condition is caused by a blockage in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the urethra is blocked, urine cannot flow properly and can back up into the bladder leading to the build-up of

The most common symptoms of urinary blockage in cats are straining to urinate, urination outside of the litter tray, blood in the urine and vocalising in pain. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to veterinary attention as soon as possible.

What causes a blocked bladder?

There are several causes of urinary obstructions in cats, often difficult to predict. Most commonly obstructions occur due to an accumulation of minerals in the bladder that form small stones, crystals or plugs. It can be caused by urinary tract infections and less commonly, lesions or tumours.

When do I seek veterinary attention?

Cats that have a urinary obstruction

require emergency treatment. An anaesthetic is generally required so that a catheter can be passed into the urethra to relieve the blockage. The bladder is thoroughly flushed and drained. Typically, the catheter is left in place and the cat placed in intravenous fluids to encourage urine production and flow. Blood tests may be performed to ensure that there has been no damage to the kidneys.

Can this be prevented?

Unfortunately, this is not a simple answer as there is a well-documented link between stress and urinary disease in cats. High levels of stress in cats can cause a sterile bladder infection which may lead to a blocked bladder. Try and avoid sudden changes in diet, litter types, environment and routine with your cat to minimise stress. If your cat is at risk for urinary blockage, your veterinarian may recommend a

Toilet troubles in cats Find your new furry friend

IF you’re looking for a furry companion to keep you warm this winter, then the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is open every day for you to visit and adopt your best mate.

All dogs are just $49 at the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter until further notice, which is a huge saving on standard prices. All prices include microchipping, lifetime council registration, desexing and first vaccination.

Council receives cats and dogs from the five local government areas of Cumberland, Penrith, Hornsby, The Hills and the Hawkesbury, the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Sarah McMahon explained.

“We receive dogs and cats from many areas, and we encourage people from far and wide to come to our shelter for a pet rather than go to a pet shop,” Mayor McMahon said.

“Our friendly shelter staff are always happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about caring for dogs and cats or what their personalities are like to find one that suits you.”

At the Shelter, you will have the chance to meet friendly dogs like Fuchey, who is a lovey older boy who just loves going for walks with you. Fuchey is placid and very well behaved and is happy just to be with you. If you have been looking for a lovely friendly dog to join your

ALL DOGS

urinary diet to help reduce crystalluria and dissolve stones. Encourage your cat to drink fresh water as this may leave the urine more dilute and less prone to urinary issues.

For further information, contact the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 0247362027.

family please come to the shelter to meet him.

Tyson is another great catch – a submissive boy with a gentle nature, he has been good with the other dogs while he has been at the Shelter. If you are interested in meeting Tyson please come along to meet him, and if

you have a dog and kids, bring them along to meet him too!

See photos of Fuchey, Tyson and other dogs and cats on the adoption photo gallery at www.hawkesbury. nsw.gov.au/for-residents/animalsand-pets/animal-shelter

For opening hours and more

information, visit www.hawkesbury. nsw.gov.au and click on the Shelter link or call 4560 4644.

Australia’s ultimate comedy road trip

AUSTRALIA’S biggest and best comedy festival is hitting the road for a huge 25th year! Featuring the best and brightest of the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and bringing the funny to Penrith! Get ready for a stellar line-up with Roadshow favourites alongside the most talked-about breakthrough stars of the moment, together in one jam-packed show that’s sure to leave the whole nation laughing.

Brett Blake (MC) is a self-proclaimed bogan genius with a mullet to prove it! He is a whip-smart, high-spirited stand-up who has performed widely across Australia and the UK. A regular sell-out at the Melbourne International Comedy and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, Brett also starred on Common Sense for Network 10, has a hand in Melbourne’s Comedy at Coopers Inn, is a regular visitor to The Little Dum Dum Club, shared the reins on Worst First Dates podcast with Kelly Fastuca and currently co-hosts the bonkers double-dare fiesta that is Flat Stick with Nick Capper.

Chris Ryan - is a journalist, a mum and one of the most exciting new voices on the Australian comedy scene. She won ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Sydney Comedy Festival in 2019 and a ‘Best Newcomer’

nomination at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2021. Her dry snark has landed her at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Oxfam Gala (2022) televised on ABC, Just For Laughs Gala (2022) on Network 10, Sydney Comedy Festival, Canberra Comedy Festival and TEDx Canberra (2018) and she often appears on ABC Radio Sydney’s Thank God It’s Friday with Richard Glover.

Blake Freeman is widely regarded as one of Australia’s brightest new comedians, with his own brand of energetic and disarmingly honest comedy, making the intensely personal relatable. A standout 2022 saw him perform in New York, LA, and at the prestigious Just For Laughs Montreal Festival. He won the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s ‘Best Newcomer’ award. In 2018, he was hand-picked for Melbourne International Comedy

Festival’s prestigious Comedy Zone and appeared on ABC TV’s Comedy Up Late series, toured nationally and hosted his own radio show.

Matt Ford carries the demeanour of a cranky 40-yearold, with acerbic observations and hilarious blunt delivery. Matt has earned rave reviews at festivals across the nation as one half of Indigenous comedy show Aborigi-LOL. In his final year of high school, he won the 2010 Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns competition and performed at Brisbane Comedy Festival as part of Comedy Hits Puberty His style is an inspired mix of social commentary musings with absurd everyday observations.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 20 June at 7:30pm. Duration: 135 minutes (includes a 20 minute interval). Tickets: Standard $45, Concession $40 www.thejoan.com. au/events/micf-2023/

Audience Info | Recommended for people aged 15 years and older. Contains course language, adult themes, sexual references and material that may offend. Smoke machine/hazer may be used during this performance.

Functions, Events & Training at a price to please

rooms offer a continually evolving menu of Australian cuisine that complements seasonal produce, aligns with food trends and surprises with new and exciting flavours.

a function room to suit every need,” Ms Talbot said.

ARENOWNED hospitality identity is heading up the recently renovated contemporary cafe at Richmond Club, and operating Richmond Club’s four relaunched function rooms available to hire for free for all Richmond Club members and community groups.

Richmond Club has partnered with Alpha Global Catering who bring more than 20 years experience in boutique service environments to the club, and the strength and professionalism of a team of more than 100 dedicated and meticulously trained staff, to relaunch cafes and spaces at the heart of the Hawkesbury community, Richmond Club.

Alpha Global Catering are the foodies behind the much loved Olive & Oak at East Leagues at Bondi, Bella Pasta and Co in Casula, The Sawmill in Pymble, and Henry’s Bar and Restaurant in Penrith, as well as menus at Kingswood Sports Club, Sydney Roosters headquarters and Sydney Olympic Park.

The revamped Enigma function

“We’re committed to keeping things fresh, while continuing to provide unwavering service and exceptional amenities at the heart of every community celebration. From christenings to 18th birthday parties, 60th wedding anniversaries and memorial celebrations of life, conferences, and functions at the downstairs function rooms… Richmond Club should be your first thought for your next event,” Richmond Club chief executive Kimberley Talbot said.

The Enigma function rooms are available to hire free of charge and with no set-up fees for all Richmond Club members and Hawkesbury-based community groups. With three of the four rooms boasting a capacity of 650, and all housing newly updated audio and visual equipment, the Richmond Club ensures your 21st birthday party, reunion or wedding runs without a hitch.

“A suite of new electronic whiteboards, mobile presentation LED’s and projectors to make hosting your next conference a breeze, there’s

“Bookings are now open for the Enigma function rooms. Call reception to speak directly with our passionate functions coordinator, dedicated to bringing your unique event to life.”

A sudden decision by the previous operators of the Crafty Brew Cafe after two years of operating it to follow new opportunities has allowed Richmond Club to renovate the space.

“We are proud to launch Abby’s Cafe in conjunction with Alpha Global Catering. Abby’s offers a unique menu from classic sandwiches to higher end Australian cuisine,” Ms Talbot said.

The contemporary Hamptons style cafe provides a beautiful place to relax and catch up with friends and family while the kids play. From cheap and cheerful toasties to specialised meals, the new menu proudly joins the known and loved Villaggio in the culinary delight stakes at Richmond Club. Six lounge spaces allow locals to relax, work, study or enjoy the peace and quiet whilst fueling up on the Abby’s Cafe menu.

To celebrate the reinvigorated spaces, the Richmond Club is offering discounted membership for all new members before the end of this financial year. Membership privileges

include discounts on all regular food and beverage prices, a free meal in Villaggio Bistro during your birthday month, the chance to win up to $10,000 in membership draws, discounts on coastal resort stays in Urunga, Fingal Bay and Sussex Inlet, free door-todoor courtesy bus access to various areas in the Hawkesbury and reward points every time you spend at the Richmond Club’s great venues and events including Villaggio Bistro, Abby’s Café, bars, bingo, raffles, functions and even when you BPAY your utility bills.

“Richmond Club is passionate about pursuing its vision to provide affordable, accessible family restaurants and high quality function centres. Our new Enigma functions rooms and rejuvenated dining options is another step in achieving this goal for our valued members and guests,” Ms Talbot concluded.

The Richmond Club is unveiling a new era of dining, celebrations, functions and family fun

Free Talks & Ideas series at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre discusses the ‘Relationship Between Music and Art’ on 14 June

CURIOUS about the relationship between art and music? On the face of it, there would seem to be little in common between music and painting; music being for the ears, whilst painting is for the eyes.

However, artists have often portrayed music-making in their works – think Picasso’s Three Musicians – and have been inspired by musical sounds or

musical concepts. Composers are often inspired by visual stimuli, landscapes, buildings or works of art, adding another dimension to their music.

As part of The Joan’s Talks & Ideas series, professional musician and presenter Andy Bromberger will unpack this fascinating subject. Andy started her music career with a Bachelor of Music (Performance)

at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in the clarinet. For 20 years, she taught clarinet, played professionally in various orchestras as well as her own successful quintet, Enigma Five, and also coordinated and conducted school bands.

In 2010, Andy changed her career direction when she realised that there are many people attending concerts

and listening to classical music who are passionate about music but have little knowledge of it.

Relationship Between Art and Music by Andy Bromberger is FREE and on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday 14 June at 11am. Bookings Essential: www.thejoan.com.au/events/ relationship-music-and-art/

Penrith City Choir seeks a new musical director

PENRITH City Choir is seeking a new Musical Director following the decision by our current Director, Lucy McAlary, to step down from the position after 19 years of continuous service to the choir.

Lucy was appointed Musical Director and Conductor of the choir in 2005 following her return from the UK and a highly successful career in the field of Arts Education and choral conducting. A highly experienced musician and educator, Lucy has worked to develop the vocal skills of the choir members and has prepared and presented numerous performances in the local Penrith area

Lucy has also been instrumental in the development of the choir’s program for young voices, including both Youth and Children’s Choirs. For the past 10 years she has been Chorus Director for Penrith Symphony Orchestra’s performances of major choral works.

Penrith City Choir has been in existence since 1977, producing many major concerts as well as being involved in local community and civil events. Performances include a range

of choral repertoire, both popular and classical, often collaborating with Penrith Symphony Orchestra in performances of full-scale works. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings during school terms.

Prospective applicants for the position of Choir Musical Director will be invited to conduct a trial choir rehearsal on a designated Wednesday evening towards the end of term 2.

Expressions of interest accompanied by a current CV or Biog. should be forwarded in writing by 9th June 2023 to choir@penrithcitychoir.com.au.

Please mark as “For the attention of the President”. Phone 0400 516 630 for further details.

Don’t miss the Bindi

Bosses at the Joan

GET ready to shimmy, sweat and smile with the BINDI BOSSES drum and dance FREE workshop happening tomorrow at The Joan!

The workshop will also include signature moves and grooves from South Asian and fusion dance styles including Kollywood (Tamil cinema), Bollywood (Hindi cinema) and Hip Hop. We encourage families to come and dance together (for children over

8 years old). No experience necessary. Bookings essential: www.thejoan. com.au/events/bindi-bosses-drumdance-workshop/

The BINDI BOSSES will also be performing at our June Open Day at Penrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest on the Cafe lawn this Saturday 3 June at 1pm! This is a FREE event and everyone is welcome. www.penrithregionalgallery.com. au/events/june-open-day/

Karamtography

Penrith Youth Orchestra Academy Concert

FOLLOWING on the success of their premiere performance in May 2018, Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO), musicians from the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) and Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO) return to The Joan to present a concert filled with the music of Offenbach, Tchaikovsky, and many more.

This showcase performance will delight audiences with an afternoon of wonderful music performed by the full orchestra, the string ensemble and the wind ensemble. The concert also features a quintet performance by the ACO Ensemble.

PYO is an orchestral skills training and mentorship program providing unique opportunities for talented young musicians in Western Sydney. It is also the only youth orchestra that gives young musicians the opportunity to play on stage alongside professional musicians in their midst.

The PYO Academy is delivered in partnership with the ACO, PSO and Penrith Conservatorium at The Joan over the course of three days of ensemble music immersion. Led by renowned violinist Aiko Goto, students are coached by ACO musicians, honing ensemble skills and building friendships with music industry peers

and future leaders. The culmination of the weekend is the Academy Concert.

PYO rehearses and performs four times per year under the guidance of PSO’s Artistic Director, Dr Paul Terracini. On occasion, the Orchestra

also performs in public concerts alongside PSO. There is no audition required and places are allocated according to performance standard and ensemble experience.

Penrith Youth Orchestra Academy

Concert is on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 11 June at 3pm. Tickets: Standard $20. Concession $15. www.thejoan. com.au/events/pyo-academyconcert-2023/

Sad death of a little boy

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

IN July 1898 an enquiry was held into the death of Thomas Henry Coster aged six who was killed when thrown from a buggy. Thomas was the son of Frank and Marion Coster (Nee: Mackay). Frank was born in Young, NSW in 1866. In 1887 he married Marion at the home of the Reverend at Woy Woy. At the time of the enquiry Frank was in WA. The enquiry was held by Coroner John King Lethbridge J P, at the Nepean Cottage Hospital. At the enquiry his mother Marion said that she was the wife of Frank Coster and lived on the York Estate at Penrith and on Tuesday afternoon last she was driving into Penrith with her three children and the road was very bad and full of stumps and about a mile or more from home she turned to go on a new road when a bird flew up and spooked the horse. The buggy went over a stump and jolted her out. Hanging onto the reins she was dragged along the road for some little distance and was a little stunned, but she saw the horse running away with the children in the buggy. She said she followed as well as she could and called to the children to jump out. One of them got out over the back seat and another over the side and they didn’t get hurt, but Thomas jumped out and must have got caught in the wheel and he called for the little girls to come and get him out but the buggy went along a little further and capsized. The horse broke away and she found Thomas hanging over the axel, caught between the wheel and the body of the buggy and he was quite insensible and there was a deep cut on the side of his head that was probably made by the wheel. She said that she shifted the wheel back and got Thomas clear and a woman named Mrs Giddy came to her assistance. Thomas was then taken by her and Mr James Vinn to Dr Pym’s surgery and upon examination Dr Pym ordered his removal to the Nepean Cottage Hospital where he died. Frederick Andrews a grazier residing on York Estate said that he knew Thomas Henry Coster and from something he heard he went out near Mr Buckland’s place and saw where the horse started from, and he saw a stump about three feet high and the marks of the wheel right up the stump and a piece of the top broken off. He said that the horse kept on the road to the corner of Mrs Giddy’s fence and then turned to the left and across the paddock all through several stumps and onto Enfield Street and along the wire fence until the wheel hit a stump that turned the buggy over. He saw blood on the off-hind wheel of the buggy and later saw Thomas in the hospital. His opinion was that Thomas was caught between the break and the wheel that caused his death. Fred said that he knew the horse was a very quiet one and he had seen Mrs Coster driving it often and he believed it would have been an accident. Dr Pym said that he was a duly qualified medical practitioner residing in High Street, Penrith and the deceased was brought to his surgery, and he immediately ordered him to the hospital where Thomas was examined by him and Dr Campbell and they found him to be suffering from shock and unconscious. A portion of the skull was missing, fractured from the forehead across the temple to behind the ear and exposing the brain and membranes about four inches. His face and wound was covered with mud with the pupil of the left eye affected. His left arm and leg was very badly bruised and covered with mud and there were minor bruises on his body. His summation was that Thomas had evidently been dragged along the ground for some considerable distance and his opinion is that in the course of motion, being suspended from the trap, he must have received the blow that fractured his skull. Thomas never rallied and died at 4.30pm Wednesday morning with

the cause of death being fracture of the skull, compression of the brain and shock. The coroner’s finding was that “From the evidence, the deceased died at the Nepean Cottage Hospital on the 6th of July from injuries accidentally received by being thrown from a buggy.” Thomas was born in 1892 at Hillgrove in NSW and is buried at St Stephen the Martyr Anglican Cemetery, Penrith. Marion moved the family to Cue in Western Australia in 1906 where Frank was working. Frank died at Topsham Hospital in Stirling Street, Perth in December that year from Pulmonary Tuberculosis. In the Western Mail newspaper in Perth: “The funeral of Frank Coster, late mine manager of Cue took place on December 6th and was largely attended. The cortege proceeded from 89 Murray Street Perth to the Anglican portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery with the Rev. Mr Marshall officiating at the graveside. Pallbearers were Messrs: T Bath M.L.A., M F Troy M.L.A., J B Holman M.L.A., and E E Heitmann M.L.A. Numerous wreaths and floral tributes and several letters and telegrams were received. Thomas’s mother Marion was born in Queensland in 1869. She died in October in 1964 of Inhalational Pneumonia and Cerebral Ischemia (Pneumonia causing stroke) in Royal Perth Hospital and was cremated at the Crematorium in Karrakatta in the Crematorium Rose Garden. (Some History of mining in Cue. Established in 1893, Cue was once the centre of the Murchison Goldfields boasting a population of around 10,000. It began around the 1890’s when an Aboriginal prospector named Governor found a tenounce nugget at Cuddingwarra about nine miles west of present-day Cue. Encouraged by this find Michael Fitzgerald travelling with two Aboriginal people found gold at the present Kintore Blow on New Years Day in 1892. Kintore Blow is in central Cue close to what is now Austin Street/Great Northern Highway and in the first week yielded 260 ounces of gold. Tom Cue, Fitzgerald’s partner travelled the 80 km’s to nearby Nannine and registered the claim and it is probably for this reason, that the town was later named after Tom Cue.)

Sources: Nepean Times 9th July 1898 – Page 6, Family Search (Mormon website), NSW Births Deaths & Marriages, Ancestry, Western Mail- Perth, Saturday 15 December 1906, page 15, Trove, NSW Australian Registers of Coroner’s Inquest 1821-1937.

Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist.

Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor. We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.

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 Photo of the Crematorium Rose Garden WA from their website.

The hard truths about our rental crisis

approximately an extra 20% of additional expenses to the normal daily obligations that we all have.

MEET Charlotte. Charlotte and her partner settled on their first investment property in July 2021.

In July 2021, the highly sought-after location of Hawthorn Victoria had a vacancy rate of 10.8 percent! That’s almost ten times what it is today. Eight weeks after settlement, their apartment was leased for a mere $345 per week. This was well below what they expected and budgeted for.

With a locked-in rent of $345 per week for 12 months in a city that was still in and out of lockdowns and under restrictions, Charlotte was required to use her savings to help manage her costs.

In May 2022, interest rates started to lift and, as we now know, lifted for ten consecutive months. Charlotte had to dive further into her diminishing savings to cover the now-increased mortgage repayments. Fearful that they would lose their current tenant, Charlotte implemented a conservative rental increase of $40 per week once the tenant’s first lease expired, bringing the weekly rent to $385 per week. This rent was still at least $100 per week behind where the rental market value should be.

Laws in Victoria only allow rent increases every 12 months, so today, Charlotte’s tenant still pays $385 per week. With increased interest rates, Charlotte is paying an additional $900 toward their loan repayments every month. For Charlotte, that’s

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

The ‘rental crisis’ that we have all become accustomed to watching and reading about almost daily is hitting hard for not just tenants but also landlords like Charlotte.

But here are the hard truths about the situations both tenants and landlords find themselves in.

Hard Truth 1. Rents are too high because landlords are greedy – WRONG.

An increased interest rate from 2% (which they were paying back in May 2022) to around 5.5% now means they have almost tripled their interest cost.

Vacancy rates across the country have tightened, and we are now at a national record low of 1.1% vacancy.

Hard Truth 2. Landlords can increase rents to whatever they want, whenever they want – NOPE.

Except for the ACT, there is no restriction on how much a landlord can increase rent. HOWEVER, the landlord must demonstrate that the increase is based on market rent. You have to provide actual comparables, proving that the rent increase being asked is what a tenant would have to pay if they were looking for a rental property on the open market.

Hard Truth 3. The increased rent covers the landlord’s repayments costs. – NOT FOR MOST.

Landlords carry all of the risks that come with owning an investment property. The rent, even in this market, doesn’t always cover the expenses like insurance, body corporate fees, special levies, land tax, annual appliance checks, maintenance, repairs, etc.

Whilst rents are increasing rapidly due to the factors mentioned above, so are the costs associated that come with owning an investment property. And let’s not forget some of us have suffered through the past three years of high vacancy, reduced rent, and minimal or no increased rents.

Hard Truth 4. Capping rent increases will solve the ‘rent crisis’ – ABSOLUTELY NOT.

In Australia, 26% of rental housing is provided by ordinary Australians. Rent control, through capping rent increases, will unquestionably result in a massive exit of the already diminishing property investor pool.

Capping the possibility of growth with any investment is a massive constraint that will make it impossible for people like Charlotte to provide rental property for people.

Hard Truth 5. The final point – let’s get more investors in the market!

Investors are sold on growth strategies. Suppose the focus shifts to helping more people invest in property rather than restricting the very thing that provides homes to 26% of the current population compared to the 3% provided by state and territory housing. In that case, more everyday Aussies will do it.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com. au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Award winning mortgage broker

WITH STEVE BEARD Select Mortgage Broker

Stonecutters Ridge hosts Super Seniors Championship

BY NOEL ROWSELL

86 PLAYERS will tee off at 8.30am on Monday at Stonecutters Ridge GC, in the 2023 Super Senior Championship.

The draw will be posted at www. superseniorpennant.com/ on Saturday 3rd June, under Draws

Stonecutters Ridge is Sydney’s first Greg Norman designed golf course and since being opened in September 2012, has continued to be a popular destination for major events.

Hughes finishes top ten at Mid-Amateur Championships

LOCAL golfer Dale Hughes (Penrith GC) has finished in 10th position at the 2023 Golf NSW Mid-Amateur Championships, which were held at Byron Bay and Ocean Shores golf clubs over the 21st-23rd May.

164 male golfers teed up for the event on Day 1 & 2, with the field cut to the leading 84 players for Day 3.

Dale shot scores of 76/79 to sit in 15th spot after round 2, then shot his best round of the tournament (74) on Day 3, moving 5 spots up the ladder to claim 10th position in the Men’s Division.

The runaway winner was Damon Stephenson (Parkwood International GC), who was the only player to finish under par for the tournament, 8 shots clear of the field in a commanding victory.

In the Women’s Division of 31 players, Myoungjoon Kang (Twin Creeks GC) finished in 14th position outright, and also finished in a tie for 5th in the Nett results.

Cath Stolz (Shelley Beach GC) was the outright winner of the Women’s Division, 3 shots clear of Emma Dooley (NSW GC).

Master Pennant update

BY NOEL ROWSELL

IN home games, Stonecutters Ridge defeated Dunheved 5.5-2.5, Glenmore Heritage Valley defeated Cumberland 5-3, Twin Creeks defeated Beverly Park 6.5-1.5, Leonay defeated Northbridge 6.5-1.5

In away games, Long Reef defeated Penrith 6-2, The Coast defeated Springwood 6-2, Carnarvon defeated Richmond 4.5-3.5. Wallacia had a bye.

There are 4 home games this Sunday, with Dunheved hosting Stonecutters at 11:10am, Penrith hosting Long Reef at 11:15am, Springwood hosting The Coast at 11am and Richmond hosting Carnarvon at 11am.

Twin Creeks are away to Beverly Park, Glenmore is away to Cumberland and Leonay is away to Antill Park. Wallacia has another bye.

Action from players in the Super Senior Pennant competition.

David McMillan (Twin Creeks) and Oliver Samson (Glenmore) in action during the 2nd round of the Master Pennant - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Dale Hughes (Penrith GC) in action during Major Pennants earlier this year . File photo by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Strong representation at Macarthur Junior Masters

BY NOEL ROWSELL

SIXTEEN local junior golfers have entered for the 2023 JNJG Macarthur Junior Masters, which will be played at Campbelltown GC on

Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th June.

The group includes 5 players from Stonecutters Ridge GC (Annoushka Maikap, Darcy Mackay, Michelle Yang, Riley Cleminson, Savannah Webb), 7 from Lynwood CC (Camilla Kim, Ryan Fletcher,

Park).

Michelle Yang and Blake Hodges. Photos courtesy of JNJG

Mitchell Carruthers, Matthew Fullerton, Jordan Bell, Chayse Thorpe and Cody Mavin), 2 from Penrith GC (Jessica Fog, Brent Gadd), 1 from Leonay GC (Jake Thompson) and 1 from New South Wales GC (Blake Hodges - Erskine

Shark attacks claim Panthers in NBL1 East

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Penrith Panthers senior men’s and women’s basketball teams have both lost away games to the Sutherland Sharks on Saturday night, in Round 11 of the 2023 Coles Express NBL1 East competition.

With playing numbers seemingly ever-declining in the Penrith women’s team, this week’s roster was impacted by yet another 3 absentees, Kelsey Waugh, Chiara Porter and starting guard Dominika Faber, with the latter having announced her pregnancy and will now sit out the remainder of the season.

Panthers head coach Bernie Slattery introduced another two young faces in Georgia Toscan and Afdeet Deylo and unsurprisingly, it proved a tough initiation for the newcomers, as the Panthers were crushed 99-47.

Penrith could not get any momentum in the first 2 quarters, trailing 24-8 and 44-16 at the first two breaks in play, then both sides lifted their scoring rate in the third term to have the Sharks leading 74-33 at the final break, before cruising home to a 52-point win.

“Chiara Porter has a broken hand and Kelsey Waugh had personal commitments, but we needed a lot more than that to go against (Sharks guard) Lauren Nicolson,” said Panthers head coach Bernie Slattery.

“They (Sutherland) were up by 40 in the fourth quarter and still pressing full court. Very demoralising for our young kids, and somewhat unethical of them (Sharks).

“We go to Canberra this week and they have just brought in a 6’2” (188cm) scorer (returned from College) and they flogged Bankstown at the weekend.

“After this weekend, we have the long weekend off and then a winnable home game against Inner

West Bulls where Tahlia Tupaea is scheduled to play limited minutes in preparation for the Asia Cup, where she will play for NZ.”

Five Sutherland players hit double figures in the game, led by Nicholson 22, Aliza Fabbro 20 and Olivia White 13 points, 11 boards. Meg Jefferson hit 11 of Penrith’s 17 successful shots in the game to lead the Panthers with 26 points, ahead of Kate Pozoglou with 13 boards and 5 assists.

The Penrith men also trailed from the outset, behind 23-15 at the first break, 44-31 at half time and 67-51 at the final break in play. The Panthers outscored the Sharks 28-25 in the final term but

it wasn’t enough to trouble the home team, which went on to record a 13-point win.

Five Sutherland players hit double figures, led by Marquel Beasley 22 points, 9 boards; Jordan Mitchell 18 points, 7 assists and Deng Gak 13 points, 9 boards, 6 assists. Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe led the Panthers with 22 points, ahead of Jaedyn FetuiFa’amoe 11 and Preston Matia 10.

The Panthers are on the road again this weekend, taking on the 10th-placed Canberra Nationals (women) at 5pm and the 5th-placed Canberra Gunners (men) at 7pm. Both games to be played at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium.

The ultimate self-defence challenge

APENRITH Self Defence Instructor has created an epic web series to test the self defence skills of world famous martial artists.

Jeff Phillips from Western Combatives along with Rokas Leo from the Youtube Channel Martial Arts Journey in Lithuania created a reality TV show set to change the course of martial arts training like the UFC previously did.

Filmed at Jeff’s training centre on the grounds of Western Sydney University Werrington, participants were made to test their skills fighting one another on a moving bus in a

variety of situations including being sexually harassed at work.

Jeff’s intentions were to educate the general public on what self defence truly is.

Episode 1 has had just under 380,000 views and climbing.

“We completed this series with a small budget, generally with things

we had lying around the gym from conducting this training previously. Once we get more sponsors or a network picks this up, the sky is the limit!”

www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PL4FJXg8RNpmqVhFpncyMk4rANel-TRa9

Meg Jefferson and Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe in action from Round 10 against the Sea Eagles.

Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Aussies begin 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup 1

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup 1 began on Thursday 1 June, with Canoe heats and Kayak finals to be held on Friday, Canoe finals on Saturday and Kayak Cross time trials, heats and finals on Sunday. For the full schedule, go to www.canoeicf.com/canoe-slalomworld-cup/augsburg-2023

Heats will be broadcast live via Planet Canoe’s new streaming platform Recast www.canoeicf.com/ news/international-canoe-federation-launchnew-channel-recast-exclusive-live-coverage

The eight-person Australian team is headlined by Olympic gold medalist Jessica Fox (Women’s Kayak and Canoe) and dual Olympian Lucien

Delfour (Men’s Kayak), backed up by Tim Anderson (Men’s Kayak), Kaylen Bassett (Men’s Canoe), Tristan Carter (Men’s Canoe), Brodie Crawford (Men’s Canoe), Noemie Fox (Women’s Kayak and Canoe), Ben Pope (Men’s Kayak).

The first World Cup event of the season will kick off a busy six months for the Australian Canoe Slalom team, with the first Olympic quota positions up for grabs at the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in September.

Jessica said she’s looking forward to kicking off the season at an iconic course in Augsburg.

“Augsburg is a historic course in our sport, it’s the beginning of our sport for many people,” Jessica said.

“The 1972 Olympics were there, and 50 years on it’s still a venue that we go to and that we race at.

Nepean Win A Silver Medal at Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Nepean Hockey Association (NHA) sent two Women’s teams to the 2023 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, with the Over 34’s finishing equal first following the preliminary rounds, before being relegated to the Silver medal on points for and against.

The NHA Over 50’s team didn’t win a medal but reportedly had a fun tournament.

The next Barrier Reef Masters Games in Cairns will be played in 2025, when the NHA will again look to enter two teams.

There was a culture shock for all when the players returned to the freezing cold in Penrith, with the weather in Cairns having been sitting at a barmy 28 degrees all week.

State trials for all State Women’s Masters teams are being held in Newcastle this weekend, with the Australian Womens Masters to be held in Perth 21st-30th September.

“It’s one of the most unique courses because it’s swirly…there’s no real artificial bollards, it’s got a natural course feel to it.”

Julian added that Augsburg has a special place in his heart, after racing there for the first time almost 13 years ago.

“I first raced in Augsburg in 2010, and we had the World Championships there last year,” Julian said.

“Augsburg is a course that we tend to know quite well, because it’s been there for 50 years, and Australians like to spend a bit of time there. It’s quite a beautiful course and it’s also a beautiful city, so it’s definitely a nice place to be.

“The course there is quite special, it’s very different to any other courses in the world, probably because it was built a long time ago.”

Jess Fox and Tristan Carter in action earlier this year at the Australian National Championships. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

The Nepean team’s Silver medals were made of hoop tree wood.

The Over 34’s resting between games.

Photos supplied

Maroons claim Game One in Adelaide

BY ALICIA NEWTON NRL REPORTER

THE Maroons trailed by two with six minutes left and despite being down a man in the sin-bin, Cameron Munster and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow combined down the Blues left edge to snatch an unlikely 1-0 series lead.

Tabuai-Fidow, who finished the match with a double, backed up Billy Slater’s decision to pick the Dolphins fullback over veteran Dane Gagai with a mammoth effort that included the match-winner.

Queensland’s victory was built on effort with multiple try-saving tackles throughout the clash before a freak play from Lindsay Collins, who leaped above Roosters teammate James Tedesco to set up Munster for an unbeatable eight-point lead.

The Maroons were forced to win without Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Selwyn Cobbo (hip) and Murray Taulagi (head knock) in the final stages as the Blues struggled throughout the evening in attack, whilst their defence was questionable.

NSW’s backline struggled to contain the Maroons on the edges with Josh Addo-Carr and Tom Trbojevic failing to inject themselves into the game. AddoCarr, who was recalled, was burnt by Tabuai-Fidow late whilst Trbojevic looked uneasy.

Earlier, the Maroons took a 10-6 lead into half-time after tries to TabuaiFidow and Cobbo, before Liam Martin provided the spark for NSW to get on the board.

A try out of nowhere to Api Koroisau in the 44th minute, who pounced on a Valentine Holmes offload, cost the Maroons with the Blues hooker cleaning up the loose ball to stroll over four minutes after the break to get NSW in front.

Queensland took advantage of a similiar error from Tevita Pangai Junior, who attempted to offload the ball which was scooped up by Reuben Cotter and allowed the Maroons so strike again through Cobbo on the right edge.

NSW were back in front with 14 minutes to go when Penrith’s combination proved pivotal for the Blues with Nathan Cleary providing a kick for Stephen Crichton to pounce out wide.

The sin-binning of Tom Flegler for a high shot on Trbojevic in the 69th minute put the Maroons down a man but the Blues couldn’t capitalise with a short dropout allowing Billy Slater’s side to march back upfield.

Earlier, three penalties inside six minutes created a stop-start opening

for both sides as Blues debutants Tevita Pangai Junior and Hudson Young got into the action early whilst Reece Walsh was tested under the high ball immediately.

Queensland struck first through Tabuai-Fidow when Munster placed a pinpoint grubber kick that split Trbojevic and Addo-Carr on the edge in the eighth minute.

The Maroons went back-to-back when Young was penalised for a twoman strip which enabled more field position for Cobbo to take advantage of opposite number Brian To’o slipping over in the defensive line to cross out wide.

A game-ending injury to Gilbert, who dislocated his shoulder in the 18th minute, was further drama-filled with the Maroons penalised for having 14 players on the field whilst an interchange was being made.

For all of the possession and territory NSW started to create they were denied twice by try-savers from Taulagi on James Tedesco and Tyson Frizell to

further frustrate Brad Fitter’s side.

The injection of the Blues bench - Martin, Junior Paulo and Cameron Murray - sparked NSW into points with Martin running off Jarome Luai to the line on the left edge.

A head injury assessment for David Fifita added to Queensland’s injury woes but NSW couldn’t capitalise before the break as the Maroons again denied the Blues with last-ditch defensive efforts.

What’s next

All eyes will move to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for Game Two on June 21. In between then, players will return to their clubs for at least two NRL games before the next interstate battle. The Sea Eagles have the bye with Tom Trbojevic (head knock) to be monitored ahead of Round 15. Tom Gilbert (shoulder) was already going to be rested for the Dolphins with scans to determine the severity of his injury. Murray Taulagi (head knock) and Selwyn Cobbo (hip) will also need to be checked on by their NRL clubs.

Queensland Maroons will head to Suncorp Stadium on June 21 looking to wrap up the series after defying the odds late to overcome the Blues 26-18 at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night.