Nepean News 30 August 2018

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ISSUE 234

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IN THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE WITH BRAD FITTLER

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.

Why are villages attracting Australians in such great numbers?

The benefits of retirement living are plenty. From community to lifestyle and convenience, flexibility and affordability, many residents, once settled in, only have one question and that is, ”Why didn’t I do this years ago?”

The thought of downsizing from the family home can be overwhelming.

However once the move is complete, the boxes unpacked, it’s time to relax and focus on enjoying your new home, coffee with friends in the clubhouse, a convenient location and action packed social calendar. Just think, no more lawns to mow. Instead, just think, “does happy hour start at 4pm or 5pm?”

Or “Lets go to the clubhouse and enjoy a swim in the pool we don’t have to clean”. From social activities, minutes from shopping, cafes and transport or simply relaxing in your beautiful new home with a village of like- minded neighbours, we’ve got your covered at Jordan Spring Retirement. You’ll have time to enjoy your life.

A brand new over 55’s village is coming to Jordan Springs. Perfectly located across the road from Jordan Springs Shopping Centre, 7km from Penrith and with a bus stop right out the front, you couldn’t be more connected. Call Carolyn on 0430 189 447. You can be amongst the first to register for VIP updates on the new development, or visit jordanspringsretirement.com

local news

Services Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am Wednesday Fellowship Wednesday 7:30pm Healing / Revival First Friday of Month 7:30pm Contact: (02) 9673 1009

www.newhorizonschurch.org.au

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

Ballet under the stars

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Stuart Ayres MP, Libby Christie - Executive Director The Australian Ballet, Dancers - Katherine Sonnekus and Sarajana Crowe

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that The Australian Ballet will return to Penrith for the popular Ballet Under the Stars.

Ballet Under the Stars is a free outdoor performance of world-class ballet in the beautiful surrounds of the Sydney International Regatta Centre that will be held on Saturday 6 October 2018.

The Australian Ballet will perform a full length production of the romantic Giselle set against the

impressive Penrith Lakes with views to the Blue Mountains.

“Ballet Under the Stars is an ideal opportunity to gather family and friends, pack a picnic and sit back to enjoy this spectacular evening,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Previous years performances have been outstanding successes, attracting locals and visitors and showcasing the Penrith region.”

“I encourage everyone to get online early and register for tickets,” added Stuart Ayres.

For pre-registration visit: www.australianballet. com.au/penrith

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Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Hilary Nathan Media 0402 841 434 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

N my former life which I call BMW - Before Moving West - I had a part-time job at a place called Joseph Dahdah & Co in Surry Hills.

The boss, who we called “Mr Peter” was a mad Panthers fan and as many footy fans will know, ended up being the Panther’s jersey sponsors for a while.

My main friend at work was a bloke we called Davo. Everyone loved him, he was like having round-the-clock comedy without having to buy a ticket.

He could imitate any person perfectly. Mr Peter would storm into the office in a foul mood because Panthers had lost, and wouldn’t realise that Davo was walking behind him imitating his every gesture. We’d all die laughing underneath desks and behind water coolers.

He had a never-ending stash of jokes and he was perfect at delivering the punch lines. Even if the joke wasn’t particularly funny, his telling of it would be gold.

We all pegged him as the type of person whose life was just one big long laugh.

That is until he never showed up for work one morning.

Later that day Mr Peter called a meeting and broke the horrific news that Davo had taken his own life the night before.

It was an enormous shock. At his funeral his mother told me that he’d kept diaries that revealed he had battled depression for years, and one cold winter’s night he took a cocktail of drugs that could have taken out ten people.

The point to all this is that people with depression don’t always wear it as a badge for all to see. Some find ways to disguise it, and battle their demons internally. Alone, which often leads to a devastating outcome.

These days many people with depression are declaring it and owning it.

The stigma of shame or embarrassment is evaporating. It isn’t something one chooses, or can just shake off and those of us who don’t have it have become more understanding It is vital that this attitude continues and improves if we are ever to conquer the demon.

September 13 is R U OK? Day. Take the time to let your loved ones know you care. www.ruok.org.au

You’re invited to a complimentary Property Investment Education Workshop where you will learn the tools of strategic property investing that will allow you to achieve consistent and reliable capital growth and cashflow. This two-hour workshop will be facilitated by qualified property investment advisor, Peter Ward.

Workshop Details Monday 10 September 2018 6.30pm Registration for 7:00pm Start The Henry Sports Club (144 Henry Lawson Ave, Werrington County) Register here www.smartline.com.au/mortgage-broker/sroddick/ contact/is-it-possible-to-predict-property-growthcycles-when-investing/ Email: sroddick@smartline.com.au Mobile: 0420 289 381

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith recently announced that 18 new recruits will join the Nepean and Blue Mountains Local Area Commands following on from their recent graduation from the Goulburn Police Academy.

“After more than eight months of training at the academy and university-level education it’s great news that our community will see 18 new officers patrolling the streets and attending to incidents, following the Police attestation parade of Class 334,” said Stuart Ayres “Community safety is of paramount importance and I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the new probationary constables to the Nepean/blue Mountains region.

“Becoming a sworn police officer is a tremendous honour. The mere presence of a blue uniform puts our minds at ease, however it also comes with enormous challenges.

“As a community, we turn to the police in our worst hour and expect them to stand in harm’s way to prevent and disrupt criminal activity.

“I commend our newest officers on making the decision to put the community’s safety above their

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith own and joining one of the proudest organisations in the state.”

The Minister for Police Troy Grant said the Liberals & Nationals Government committed to increasing the authorised strength of the NSW Police Force to a record 16,795 over this term, and we have achieved that and more.

“The security and safety of the people of NSW is a top priority for this Government and these new Probationary Officers will be a great asset in helping to identify, disrupt and combat crime in the local community,” Mr Grant said.

“These men and women are about to embark on a tough but rewarding career. I am proud to welcome the newest members to the NSW Police family, and I wish them the best for their future policing career.”

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

18 new police officers

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Parking right behind in Judges Car Park!

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

MONTH ago few would have predicted that we’d be yet again changing Prime Ministers, but that we have and new PM Scott Morrison has also made some changes to his cabinet.

Local Nepean resident and Senator for NSW, Marise Payne, who was formerly Minister for Defence, has been promoted to Minister for Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Julie Bishop.

Out-going Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop recommended Senator Payne to be her replacement, and Prime Minister Morrison had no hesitation in appointing Senator Payne to the role, Senator Payne has been beside Julie Bishop during many engagements across the globe and is well-respected by leaders and officials from all over the world.

“I am very pleased to be asked by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to serve as Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs,” Senator Payne said on the day the big news was announced.

“I look forward to continuing to advance Australia’s interests around the world, following the outstanding work of my friend and colleague the Hon Julie Bishop MP over the past five years.

“Julie has been an exceptional Foreign Minister and has worked tirelessly to strengthen Australia’s strategic, cultural and economic relations with our partners and allies. As Minister for Defence, I worked closely with Minister Bishop as we increased our international defence engagement and could not have asked for a more supportive

Foreign Minister and loyal friend.

“In this increasingly uncertain global environment, Australia must continue its active diplomacy to help advance a secure and prosperous Indo–Pacific and strengthen the rules-based international order.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve

as our nation’s Minister for Defence for the past three years. I would like to thank the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.”

Senator Payne said over the past three years under the Coalition Government, thousands of members of the Australian Defence Force have been deployed around the world.

“We have delivered unprecedented levels of investment in Defence capability, we will deliver a complete regeneration of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet, we have grown and developed our regional engagement and we have undertaken a number of critical legislative reforms,” she said.

“We finalised and launched the 2016 Defence White Paper, setting out our strategic plans for our nation’s defence, securing a significant increase in funding for Defence, and increasing defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP. “We are enhancing Defence’s counter-terrorism support to the states and territories, and have updated our ‘call-out’ provisions to ensure Defence can respond more effectively in a time of crisis.

We have also ensured that the Australian Defence Force is able to target all members of Daesh in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

“Without doubt, the most significant and rewarding part of my time as Defence Minister has been meeting the men and women of the ADF and Defence organisation who work day-in and day-out to keep us safe, often in immensely challenging environments. I am so proud of them. I thank them, and their families for the support they give to them, for their service to this nation.”

$15,000 to support St Clair and District Men’s Shed

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ember for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies and Minister responsible for Volunteering, Ray Williams announced St Clair and District Men’s Shed will receive $15,000 to support building a bigger shed to accommodate the growing number of volunteers.

Mrs Davies said she was proud to be returning to the organisation to provide much needed funding for a larger and more effective weather proof shed.

“St Clair and District Men’s Shed has nearly 50 volunteers from across Western Sydney who offer services to local schools, charities and clubs,” Mrs Davies said.

“This funding will support members of the Men’s Shed continue to work on projects and give up their time so other members of the community benefit.

“Not only do members of the group give back to our community, but they also have the opportunity to meet others and gain new skills.”

President, Aurel Vasilescu, said the organisation was grateful to receive support from the NSW Government.

“This funding will go a long way to help build a more effective weather proof shed for our members. Thank you to the NSW Government for recognising this need and supporting us to continue to deliver our services

to the community,” Mr Vasilescu said.

Mr Williams said in NSW, there are more than 2.1 million volunteers contributing more than $5 billion to the NSW economy annually.

“The Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to supporting volunteers across the

State,” Mr Williams said.

“It has been a privilege meeting some of St Clair and District Men’s Shed volunteers today who all make a remarkable contribution to their community.

“For individuals wanting to follow the lead of St Clair and District Men’s

Shed members and contribute to the community, a great starting point is to visit the NSW Government’s Volunteering Website.”

To find information about volunteering or to find volunteering roles, visit: www.volunteering.nsw. gov.au

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

Marise, our new Foreign Affairs Minister

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Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

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local news

Pink it up! Passion. Pride. Penrith.

F

or the month of October, Penrith has a very important job and that is to turn the whole town PINK. The McGrath Foundation selected Penrith as the first metropolitan area to head up the Pink Up Your Town Campaign.

“It’s a great honour that the McGrath Foundation chose the Penrith LGA to lead this fantastic cause. We have such a tight-knit community here and I know we will band together to raise money for Breast Care Nurses that help individuals (and their families) affected by

breast cancer,“ said Chairperson Gai Hawthorn.

To achieve this mammoth initiative, a super committee consisting of business owners from Penrith and St Marys is dedicated to bringing the town together to create and encourage local businesses, groups and schools to plan fundraising events to fund specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia.

And no idea is too big or too small. From colouring your pooch pink to hosting a pink cocktail night or selling pink coloured food - the ideas are endless.

“Cancer doesn’t give anyone a choice unfortunately,

so any way we can help to make life that little bit easier for individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer is the least we can do,” explained Gai. The Pink Up Penrith Committee (P.U.P) will be reaching out to the whole town to think pink and pink up the town.

Individuals, families, community groups or local businesses you are all needed! Please start the ideas and conversations to help McGrath Foundation this October. Register now Website: pinkuppenrith.com.au or 0437 506 517 or admin@penrithcbdcorp.com.au

Oooh ahhh have lunch with Glenn McGrath!

By Gai Hawthorn

J

oin us for our inaugural launch at Panthers for “Pink Up Penrith.” We are proud to support the McGrath Foundation with their initiative to Pink up our town.

Penrith, St Marys and everywhere else in the Penrith Local Government Area, lets go pink and raise awareness and funds this October for breast cancer nurses to help those in need.

The launch will include special guest

Glenn McGrath as key speaker, joined by 2016 Olympic Rowing silver medal winner Cameron Girdlestone plus some other surprise guests!

Tickets are $125 or you can get a table of 10 for $1000, which includes a 2 course meal plus beer/wine/soft drink.

Limited tickets available, you’ll have to be quick! For more information see page 19.

I’d like to thank our sponsors, with their help we will make this a massive success!

Senator Payne seeks community feedback on local sport facilities

T

he Turnbull Government has announced the launch of the Community Sport Infrastructure Grants program, which enables sport and community organisations to apply for grants up to $500,000 to upgrade sporting infrastructure.

“Local sporting clubs are at the forefront of helping to build a sense of community and encourage active and healthy lifestyles, and I want to ensure that our clubs have the best possible facilities for players, coaches and volunteers alike,” Senator Payne said.

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne has also launched the Western Sydney Sport Survey to encourage Lindsay residents, sporting clubs and associations to help identify sporting facilities in need of an upgrade.

FREE ADMISSION

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne is encouraging locals to provide feedback on sporting facilities in need of an upgrade.

Senator Payne’s survey was launched online through her website and on social media, and asks respondents to identify sporting clubs

in need of an upgrade.

“The Survey is designed to give sporting groups across western Sydney the opportunity to nominate

a facility which they think would benefit from an upgrade,” Senator Payne said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for residents and clubs to use their local knowledge, and to help give back to the sporting groups which do so much to connect our community.”

The program will be managed

by Sport Australia, the Australian Government’s leading agency for sport and physical activity.

Applications will remain open until September 14 and more information on the Community Sport Infrastructure grant program can be found at https:// www.sportaus.gov.au/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0008/677879/CSI_Grant_ Program_guidelines. pdf

local news

Photo: Noel Rowsell

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

he staff at Minchinbury Community Hospital shed their usual medical garb last week and went to work dressed in Aussie dinky-di farming attire.

The boots, hats, jeans and flannies

were all in aid of a very good cause; to help raise much needed funds for our farmers who are facing horrendous drought conditions.

The day was a great success, with the hospital staff and management getting behind the fundraiser.

“The staff and patients were all very willing to donate on the day,”

said Joan Borg, Multidisciplinary Liaison Officer.

“We raised $1,200 at the hospital and the owner of Minchinbury Community Hospital, Doctor Thomas Wenkart, has happily agreed to match the amount!

“So we have raised a total of $2,400. The money will be given to Aussie Farmers Foundation. This

foundation was established by Aussie Farmers Direct and are committed to supporting farming communities directly,” Joan said.

It’s great to see communities rolling up their sleeves to help our fellow Aussies in challenging times.

Well done Minchinbury Community Hospital, what a great initiative!

Delivering funds to help those with PTSD

By CONNER LOWE

A

ustralian Rotary Health for PTSD in Returned Servicepersons have received their donation after the Charity Classic Dirt Track Racing Event held at the beginning of August.

Wally Cox, a former member of the Rotary spoke about the importance of raising money for the charity this year.

“I was keen to have our annual Charity meet dedicated to Returned Services people this year being an important year in Australia’s Defence history,” he said.

Many local and other businesses were invited, as in previous years to make donations to the event in favour of the nominated charity.

These businesses in return had their logos printed in the programme, plus naming rights for the various race events, depending on the sponsorship amount.

Wally spoke about how successful the weekend was and how much money has been raised over the years for charity.

“The weekend was a great success in all aspects of our sport. On top of monies collected for our selected charity, in that it was a meeting of friends with common interest, a great

Photo: Hilary Nathan Media

social event with several local and others who travelled long distances camping at the site from Friday night,” he said.

“Two 25 lap events were run on the Saturday, one was for machines built prior to 1975, and one for bikes prior to 1990.

“Sunday’s events were all for pre 80’s and then the Super Senior event was for riders over 65 years, with any model motorcycle they preferred.

“In respect of the amount donated from these events over about twenty years I estimate approximately fifty to sixty thousand has been raised in total and shared among various charities, including Cancer Council, Penrith Homeless Youth, Careflight and others.”

Wally also wanted to thank all the competitors and individuals involved over the course of the weekend, to raise money for the charity.

“Thanks first to the competitors who entered the two-day event especially those who travelled long distances,” he said.

“Thanks go also to all the officials, organisers, lap scorers, corner marshals and general volunteers that gave their time, Nepean Motor Sports Club who waived the track hire fee for the weekend and of course Jean Vranich and The Australian Rotary Health Team of collectors.”

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

Dressing up and digging deep to help our farmers

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Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

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local news

Taking steps along the Nepean River to raise funds

O

n Saturday September 15, the Sydney International Regatta Centre is set to host its 10th edition of the annual Defqon.1 music festival.

Since its inception in 2009, the world-renowned and International award-winning event has been attracting growing numbers of young free spirits from all over the globe, who all make the yearly pilgrimage to what they refer to as “their holy grounds.”

“We create the experience together with our fans” says Geoffrey Homma, spokesperson of Q-dance Australia.

“We refer to our fans as our family, and we treat each other that way. We are all united by the same passion. It is this unique bond that creates the opportunity to take our dedication to new levels, and also create with each other outside the confined boundaries of the festival itself. This is also why we started with our annual Defqon.1 Volunteer Day back in 2012, which is a day during which we dedicate our time giving back to the community that has provided so much for us over the past decade.”

For six years in a row in lead-up to the festival, the Q-dance family have run various projects in the Penrith area during which festival organisers and fans work together with

local organizations and volunteers to contribute to a better tomorrow for the community. Samples of past projects include refurbishment of the Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural & Education Centre, and a bush clean up and tree planting at Cox’s Cottage Protection Zone in Mulgoa. For this year’s volunteer day, Q-dance decided to try something new, and put the initiative and creative control into the hands of their fans.

“We put a call out amongst our community, and inspired our fans to create their own action that would benefit or contribute to the wellbeing of the Penrith community”.

The initiative called ‘THE

PROJEQT’ immediately caught the attention of local Penrith resident and hardcore Q-dance Ambassador Louanna-Rose Johnson, who had been a participant in nearly every previous Q-dance volunteer day herself.

“It is my birthday early September, and I decided to leverage the opportunity to get all my friends and family involved in a unique celebration that would also give back to the local community”.

Rather than asking for birthday presents, Louanna sent out an invitation asking people to join her for a birthday charity walk around the beautiful Penrith Great River Walk, with all proceeds donated to House With No

Steps, Australia’s leading disability provider dedicated to helping people with a disability live a great life.

On Sunday, Louanna’s friends, family members, and other Q-dance fans gathered at the Great River Walk, a 7km serene walking track loop, along the picturesque Nepean River.

For every kilometre walked, Louanna encouraged all those in attendance to donate $1 towards House With No Steps.

Louanna raised nearly $600 with her projeqt, after which Defqon.1 festival organiser Q-dance donated an additional $600, which brought the total to nearly $1200 raised for House With No Steps.

ArtyBra & Tie – Doing it for the Girls and the Boys

A

rtyBra & Tie is a fundraising initiative of Cancer Wellness Support (CWS) and is its major fundraising event. The event is held every two years with 2018 being the fifth event.

CWS appealed to individuals in the community to decorate an ArtyBra or ArtyTie. They could run the full gamut of their imagination –paint, sculpt, stitch, construct or embellish an individual ArtyBra or Tie, turning a bra or tie into a thing of wonder, a joyous, decorative fantasy.

ArtyBra or ArtyTies were then donated to CWS. Sixty entries have been received for this year’s event, and the pieces in this unique collection will go to auction on September 8 at a cocktail event at The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba. All proceeds will go to CWS. The entrants involved in this project assist the work of CWS to support people living with cancer and raise awareness of the issues they face. Cancer Wellness Support (CWS) is a local organisation, unique in NSW, supporting people diagnosed with cancer in the Blue Mountains and Penrith communities.

CWS offers a range of complementary therapies to assist and support individuals and their families throughout their cancer experience. These therapies are not intended to replace recommended medical interventions, but to mitigate some of the negative aspects of cancer and its treatment and minimise some of the residual effects, such as lymphedema.

“We are thrilled to announce that Rebecca Gilling will be the guest speaker at our ArtyBra & Tie Auction” said Robyn Yates OAM, Cancer Wellness Support’s CEO. “To have Rebecca with us at our major fund-raising event will be very special indeed. We are so excited by the ArtyBra & Ties we have received, such love and creativity has gone into each and everyone. We are grateful to our supporters. What a night it is going to be!”

All proceeds from the ArtyBra & Tie Auction will go to Cancer Wellness Support.

The fundraising event will be held on Saturday, September 8, 4.30 - 7.00pm at The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba. Tickets are only $45 and includes entertainment, delicious food and drinks.

For bookings & payment details please go to: www.cancersupport.org.au (02) 4784 2297 events@cancersupport.org.au RSVP 4th September, 2018 Tickets will also be available on the day of event.

‘Gaultier in Salted Caramel’ The chocolate bustier is one of the sixty entries and has been created by Chocolatier Jodie Van Der Velden of Josophan’s Fine Chocolate Leura. Jodie’s inspiration came from a Jean Paul Gaultier piece. The Mannequin and base is made of dark Fair Trade CallebautBelgian couverture chocolates. The Bustier is made of CallebautGold salted caramel chocolate. Weight about 12-15kgs.

local news

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L

ast Monday afternoon St Marys Rugby League Club did what they do best – showing the local community how much they care by donating a massive $35,000 cheque to Christ Mission Possible.

This incredibly generous donation is solely to support the Brown Paper Bag Project by becoming the sponsor of the bags.

The Project was launched by Christ Mission Possible in 2016 and collaborates with teachers and principles to identify children within schools who do not have access to a nutritious recess snack or lunch. The Project then prepares a home-style lunch pack consisting of a sandwich, fruit, muesli bar and a juice and delivers them to schools in a brown paper bag.

In a matter of months, the weekly lunches created went from 100 lunches a week to just over 2,000 each week – and it’s still growing. Christ Mission Possible now partner with over 20 local schools, and the results are amazing; students participating have shown better attendance, grades are up, and the child’s behaviours have improved dramatically.

Marketing Coordinator Yvette Haines has worked closely with the charity over the past six months and has

L-R: From Christ Mission Possible - Lauri Marshall, David Collins, Kylie Kearney, Martin Beckett (CEO), Gaylene Grant, Yvette Haines (St Marys Rugby League Club) and Jessica Topham.

seen first hand the amazing work this charity does. “I’m so impressed with what this dedicated group of people do every single day” she said, adding that she is hopeful that the Club’s $35,000 donation will mean that there is one less thing the charity has to worry about. “All of the food for the lunches is sourced by Christ Mission Possible

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Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

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and a team of volunteers make and pack the lunches, our contribution now means that they don’t have to pay for the actual brown paper bags”.

Christ Mission Possible CEO Martin Beckett is beyond thrilled to have Saints come on board as the Brown Paper Bag sponsor, saying “we know that a good breakfast can

change a child’s morning, but knowing that when the bell rings for lunch and recess, they have a lunch bag full of nutritious food can change their entire day”.

Christ Mission Possible volunteers and donations are always needed.

Find out what you can do at www.cmp.org.au.

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts

Finance Assistant

Full-time Penrith Location LGA Level 4

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts – comprising the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Q Theatre, Penrith Conservatorium and Penrith Regional Gallery – is seeking a Finance Assistant.

Do you thrive on maintaining order? Have a keen eye for detail? Proficient with numbers? Committed to accuracy? Then we’d love to hear from you.

Responsible for supporting the financial management of the organisation, the Finance Assistant is accountable for the accurate and timely provision of payroll services, financial reconciliations of payables and receivables, invoicing and administration of human resource functions.

Accounting qualifications and proficiency in financial and MS Office systems essential.

1300 288 662

Closing date: Sunday 2 September More information: thejoan.com.au/jobs Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street Penrith

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

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local news

Guinea pigs make great pets Guinea pigs make great pets as they are small, clean, quiet and relatively easy to care for. Although they are quiet they can be very vocal and have a range of calls. There are many types of breeds, colours and coat lengths. Guinea pigs are social animals best kept with other guinea pigs as they don’t like to be left alone, and can be comfortable with handling if started at a young age. If you have rabbits as well, it is best to keep them separate from guinea pigs as they can contract diseases from rabbits.

Enclosures for guinea pigs need to be as large as possible, predator proof, well ventilated, regularly cleaned and with plenty of hiding places. Avoid wood enclosures as they can be harder to keep clean, plus guinea pigs will often chew them. Hay, straw or shredded paper can be used as bedding.

Guinea pigs are herbivorous and require a wide variety of vegetables and leafy greens. It is best to offer the variety from a young age as they can become very fussy and only accept a small number of foods. Slowly introduce new foods at a rate of one new food every 3 to 4 days. As guinea pig teeth grow continuously, they need a constant supply of grass or grass hay to help keep their teeth in check!

Variety in food colour, smell, taste and texture not only provides nutrients but also environmental enrichment. Pellets are available but should be of high quality and only be given in small amounts offering them in plastic containers with holes is much more stimulating than a bowl. Guinea pigs are also coprophagic (meaning they eat their own faeces) which recycles their gut bacteria and keeps their gastrointestinal system in good health.

Guinea pigs can breed rapidly from an early age, only 2-3 months old, and can be nursing one litter while being pregnant with the next. Baby guinea pigs are different from other animals, as they are born well developed with hair, teeth and their eyes already open. They can start to eat solids soon after birth but it is best if they suckle from their mothers for at least three weeks. If breeding guinea pigs it is important to allow the female to breed from a young age, because if her first pregnancy is delayed she is at high risk of complications. Separating males and females, or desexing male guinea pigs, is recommended to prevent unwanted litters.

Guinea pigs do not make their own Vitamin C, and run the risk of getting scurvy if their diet isn’t supplemented with feeding leafy greens. They can also develop dental disease from poor diet, which is hard to treat once developed. Contamination of bedding and food can cause bacterial enteritis which can become a serious illness and is caused by contamination of bedding and food. An infection referred to as ‘bumble foot’ can be caused by being on hard flooring and unclean bedding, and requires ongoing treatment. Guinea pigs are also susceptible to bacterial and viral respiratory disease and can develop pneumonia. Lice and mites are also common, but these can be treated with medications from your vet. Guinea pigs are very susceptible to heat stress so it is vital to keep the enclosure in a cool spot on warm days and provide adequate water. As water bowls get dirty, it is best to use dripper bottles, with at least two available at a time in case one gets blocked.

Keeping an eye on your guinea pig is important, monitoring how much they eat, their toileting behaviour and weight and to regularly check their eyes, coat, feet, mouth and ears. Coats need grooming and nails may need to be trimmed. Guinea pigs do not require vaccinations but health checks are still important to detect any issues. Examination of new guinea pigs is particularly important if being introduced to other guinea pigs and annual health checks are recommended. If you have any questions or concerns about guinea pigs please call the clinic.

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

The G Spot

Do you remember growing up and ya mum used to say, “ wear clean undies” just in case we got hit by a bus and you needed to go to hospital? Mums were so caring in those days. No seriously they were.

Dumb, but caring!

Now, I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I am not sure what condition your undies will be in after you have been hit by the 478 heading to Sydney on the fastest route on a time schedule from hell, but it isn’t going to be pretty, that’s all I am saying.

Having said that, I had the enlightening, wonderful, exuberating (big word attack with no idea of the meaning but it looks good for the column) day of riding on a Sydney bus - oops sorry buses (Plural).

I swear the driver was a frustrated wannabe retired racing car driver in a previous life. He felt compelled to drive up everyone’s tail-end and then slam on the brakes every 15 seconds, placing my neck into whiplash and the dude next to me to spill his coffee.

I was seriously considering sticking my OPAL card where the driver’s sun didn’t shine with a couple of round-house kicks and an upper cut thrown in.

Anyway, sigh, getting back on track, one of the many many things I did notice was the amount of people on social media - smartphones, ipads, laptops you name it - they were friggn on it. I reckon I could have done a nudie run up and down the aisle, and no

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

one would have noticed. The great thing was that I was able to actually see what people were viewing.

One lady was actually transferring funds through her online bank account and had quite a healthy bank balance, I must say. I was also very blessed to have viewed her account details and work out the password. Pretty scary! I was trying to work out if she was a bonehead or just complacent? At least it took my mind off contemplating my navel for the trip.

Oh hint, if you are going to watch, well let’s just say, 18+ educational movies (Cough Cough) make sure your headphone jack is all the way in the computer socket and so the rest of the bus can’t hear it. At first I thought that two wounded hyenas had entered the bus.

I was lucky enough to attend a Cybercrime training course and whilst I am no expert in the field, one of the many things that I learnt is that the online scammers are pretty darn advanced. I saw so many people on emails that morning and all it takes is one click on an attachment and bingo, whammy or whatever you want to call it, the scammers are in.

Click! that quick. Be very very careful of what you open. Its mind boggling how many people really believe that a Russian Heir have left them millions of dollars in a will and click the attachment and get the ball rolling. Rule of thumb if you don’t know

who the email is from, delete! If it is legit they will contact you somehow.

These scamming mules, and I will call them that - mules, because they are usually working for a syndicate group and leader. These mules send out hundreds if not millions of emails, hoping that someone clicks open an attachment in an email or someone responds. Some of these mules, feed off the more vulnerable folk, ones looking for love or down in their luck in life needing companionship.

Some people have lost millions on scamming dating sites thinking that they are assisting an online love interest (that they have never met) when in actual fact its just a mule, that in many cases are doing it to feed a family in a poverty stricken country. Many of these cases are not reported because people are too embarrassed to report that they wired $500,000 to a person that they had never met, in the hope of (one day) return love and got ripped off. Whilst we can judge and call these people stupid, it truly happens daily and is happening right now as I type this.

So to close off, its okay to ride a bus naked , no one will notice anyway, the bus driver survived his trip, my OPAL card doesn’t need sterilising, the guy watching his educational movie had a great day and its okay to look like a constipated duck whilst sending emails.

Roger that? Over and out!

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“They ‘R’ Back!!”

Saturday 22nd September Now the Cast is as follows...

Making a triumphant return we will be featuring

Arena McClellan

Natasha Tatarinoff

Emily Nkomo

Omar Maayah

They will be supported by the

Top Line Professionals

Brett Thomas

Marty Morton

Rossco is threatening to put Himself into the Show too... So Look Out!!!

This time the show will be backed by our brilliant local big band...

Bird Yard Big Band The Band has 17 members who are just Superb It will be another great night out full of fantastic new talent!! Brilliant comedians and superb music and dancing plus delicious food!!! A perfect night out!! (We may introduce a few further surprises)

Dinner and Show Only $65 per head - Paceway Showroom 7pm for 7.30PM Bookings Essential | Phone 4721 2620 | PENRITH PACEWAY

14

Legends of the Nepean Ivan Casson

By Noel Rowsell

Ivan Casson and George Tait at the Smithfield Industrial Park

Bob Parkes, Norm Heinz, Ivan Casson at the Rutile Sands Project, Kingscliff

Road construction at Coomba Park, Forster

L

ocal Emu Heights resident Ivan Shortridge Casson was born in 1931 and named after Travis “Shorty” Shortridge, the pilot of the ill-fated Southern Cloud aircraft which disappeared over the Snowy Mountains on 21st March that year.

One of five children, Ivan lived his early years in a small timber cottage on Brooms Head Road, Gulmarrad (formerly Taloumbi), which is located south of Yamba on NSW far north coast.

Despite leaving school at just 14 years of age, Ivan was destined to become a legend in both the Earthmoving industry and the world of vintage and veteran vehicles.

Such is his reputation, Earthmoving Equipment magazine ran a huge story on his life, chronicled by older daughter Jane in 2010, cataloguing many of his vast and varied earthmoving projects around Australia.

Among these were his time with

Hornibrooks, building the first of the canals on Queensland’s Gold Coast where he managed 80 Plant Operators.

Ivan would also work on the Tweed Coast during the mineral sand-mining boom, where Rutile, Zircon and Titanium were dredged from Fingal, Kingscliff and Cudgen Creek.

Other major earthmoving projects were at well-known locations, including Bundeena, the Industrial Park at Smithfield, Walgett, Grafton and of course his own subdivision in Emu Heights – among countless others Ivan worked most of his adult life with developers Lucas & Tait and was one of the first customers in Australia for Japanese manufacturer Komatsu, purchasing the first D120 Dozer in this country.

Komatsu subsequently flew Ivan and eleven other Contractors to Japan for a tour of the Komatsu factory, where he got an early glimpse into the development work being conducted in Japan to bring its manufacturers into direct competition with the world’s then-current leading manufacturers.

Among countless other international

Helen Kennett’s Airstrip - This photo shows Ivan alongside the grader he uses to maintain the airstrip.

work and private flights, Ivan also travelled on the ill-fated Concorde, prior to the devastating crash which led to the end of the aircraft’s future in air travel.

He was invited into the cockpit during part of the flight and recalls the pilots talking with the base in Antarctica and also to Jumbo pilots flying well below Concorde at ‘only’ 20,000 feet, whilst Concorde flew at a remarkable 60,000 feet.

Whilst making a huge impact in the earthmoving industry, Ivan also had a passion for motorcycles and spent his adult life collecting an amazing array of rare and quite often unique vehicles.

His array of motorcycles is enough to turn any enthusiast’s head and

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Ivan Casson was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Jim Hill.

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

Ivan Casson with a few of his curios and memorabilia

includes many brands which have long since disappeared, including Matchless, AJS, BSA, Sunbeam and Brough, alongside current brands such as Triumph, BMW, Honda and Bennelli.

Two Wheels Motorcycling Magazine ran a double-feature on Ivan and his motorcycle collection, covering his Charity Day at his home in 1982, where over 900 people

flocked from all parts of Australia to view the magnificent collection of 90 motorcycles on show.

In addition to the motorcycle collection, add a ‘mint’ 1967 VW Beetle, a rare Falcon Fairlane with zero mileage on the clock, a collection of motoring memorabilia including petrol, oil and motorcycle signs, more curios than you can possibly count and it is obvious Ivan has been a

discerning collector.

There is also, of course, the obligatory Aveling-Barford Bulldozer in the backyard, which had been dropped into New Guinea at the start of WW11 to help build roads and has now found it’s way to Ivan’s collection of treasures.

The dozer is naturally a rare specimen and is the only one of its kind to be found outside a Museum.

When you can finally stop wandering and take breath, there is also possibly one of the largest collections of National Geographic magazines in Australia (if not the world), mint editions of the Sydney Morning Herald and the now-defunct Daily Mirror (celebrating the end of WW11), first edition and autographed hard-cover books dating from the early 1900’s and the list goes on.

Ivan’s mantra has been ‘never throw anything away’ but there is an underlying fact – every collected item is of interest.

Ivan’s joy of riding motorcycles has unfortunately been permanently curtailed due to ongoing knee problems but even at 87, he is a nonstop worker, talker (raconteur) and collector.

His knowledge of places visited and recollection of people he has met in his lifetime is astonishing and his passion for work remains undiminished, as evidenced by his continuing to maintain a private airstrip in Luddenham for a close friend.

15

local news

T

he St Marys Spring Festival also gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of a citizen who has provided outstanding service to the St Marys community by awarding the St Marys Citizen of the Year.

The St Marys Town Centre opened up nominations during the month of June, and from those nominations the selection committee voted on the recipient of the 2018 St Marys Citizen of the Year.

The St Marys Citizen of the Year for 2018 is Mr Tom Thorburn. *Tom has lived in St Marys for 30 years,” said Chair of St Marys Town Centre, Alax Karavas. *He has served as the web master of the st Marys historical society for 22 years.

“Tom has been an active volunteer with the St Marys Spring Festival for over 20 years, including creating a database and assisting with the organization of the event.

“He has been a member of the St Marys Senior Citizens for 10 years, currently he is the Vice president and has also served as President for three years.

“He has stood as a director for the Sydney mechanics school of art for 25 years and is a life member, he has been married to Norma Thorburn for 26 years and is currently employed as her private executive chef,” he quipped.

Congratulations Tom!

Acquisition Seminar

By Janis Donnelly-Coode

Is the government purchasing your house, part of your block, or your neighbour’s house? We want to provide you with information you need. You will hear from a lawyer, a valuer and a real estate agent. Sure you can do it yourself, but you could miss out on money and certain rights without proper advice.

Don’t Google legal advice or try to improve your property by doing what they do on ‘The Block’. Come to our seminar and find out what you should really be doing.

Bruce Coode from Coode & Corry will talk about the legal process. You are entitled to more than just the market value of your home. Helena Crumpton is a real estate agent at Property Central Penrith and she will talk to you about the process of moving, for instance should you buy a new place simultaneously with the sale of your current home or should you rent in between the two properties? Terry Davis is a valuer from T.J. Davis & Associates Pty Ltd will talk about the value of your home and how it is calculated, so you don’t waste time fixing things that won’t add value.

While the seminar is free, you need to register to attend. The seminar is on Thursday 6 September at 6:30pm at the McAuley Room at the Penrith Bowlo.

You can email me for more information, or to register. janis@coodecorry.com.au, www.coodecorry.com.au/compulsory-acquisitioncommunity-seminar/ www.facebook.com/events/1936634163061646/

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

Tom is St Marys’ finest citizen › Free Compulsory

17

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• Enquiries: 0418 circus – 0418 247 287 or 0428 circus – 0428 247 287 Book online: www.stardustcircus.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

18

A new Western Sydney twist to Hamlet

By CONNER LOWE

A

Sydney based company is bringing ‘HANNAH’ a twist on Shakespeare’s Hamlet to theatre in September this year, as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival.

GradCo.Studio is a not-forprofit organisation whose main purpose is to create new theatre productions with graduates from Sydney Theatre School. With a decline in investment of the arts across all sectors, the first round of graduates from Sydney Theatre School decided to form a collaborative to create work for themselves.

Dale William Morgan, the Director of the play spoke about his interest in plays that focused on real people and their lives.

“Growing up in Western Sydney I always felt there was a lack of stories in the Australian theatrical landscape that focused on real people,” he said.

“I longed for stories that mirrored the lives I’d witnessed, tales that displayed the systematic cycles of poverty and continuing social stigmas that keep those in the west on

the cultural fringe.”

The play is about Hannah who is visited by the ghost of her father who pleads with her to seek revenge on his murderer. A twisted tale of domestic violence, addiction and homophobia that ends in tragedy. The play is directed by Dale William Morgan with performances by Paris Change, Elsa Cherlin, Erin Cotton, Charlotte Day, Bernadette Fam, Sean Foster, Adam Golledge, Carita Gronroos and Elizabeth Nicholls.

GradCo.Studio provides graduates

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with the opportunity to continue working on their skills and earn an income from their art. By helping transition these actors from students to paid professionals, they hope to establish them in an otherwise tough industry.

Dale also spoke about how he rewrote the play to resemble Western Sydney and to suit a wider audience by removing the complicated language in the original.

“In creating ‘HANNAH’ I wanted to merge my love of Shakespeare

with my experiences growing up in Penrith,” he said.

“Through our development process we looked at the original script of Hamlet and pulled out all the juicy bits, and whilst we’ve reworked the language into a Western-Sydney vernacular, the essence of our play is still very much the original story.

“In creating this piece, we wanted to make Hamlet accessible to everyone, and when you take away the complicated language it allows a wider audience to enjoy the bard’s work.

“The cast of nine are strong in their adaptation of this classic; like myself they’ve all drawn on their own experiences and I couldn’t be prouder of how this amazing ensemble has handled such a challenging and confronting play.”

Tickets for the show are $20/$25 and the show will commence on the 4th and end on the 8th September.

The show will start at 8.30pm at The Living Room, The Emerging Artist Sharehouse, 104 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, Sydney, 2043.

For more information on the company or to read up on their past productions please visit their website www.gradco.studio

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Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

20

ENTERTAINMENT

The punchlines keep rolling in

THE JOAN PRESENTS A Sydney Theatre Company production

S

THE WHARF REVUE 2018 The punchlines keep rolling in.

Another glorious year of political satire.

Politicians take cover and pundits stand back, because there will be songs, there will be dance, and there will be some very funny impressions.

We like to think of it as continuity with change.

WRITTEN AND CREATED BY Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe DESIGNER Charles Davis MUSICAL DIRECTOR Andrew Worboys LIGHTING DESIGNER Matt Cox WITH Rachael Beck, Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, Douglas Hansell

TICKETS

22 SEPT 2PM & 7.30PM 20, 21 SEPT 7.30PM STANDARD $75

CONCESSION $70

4723 7600

|

UNDER 30S $30

www.thejoan.com.au

JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 597 HIGH STREET, PENRITH NSW 2750

pill or be spilled. If the past week has taught us anything about politics, it’s that we need a good sense of humour to survive its craziness. Perfect timing for The Wharf Revue to roll into Penrith.

The Sydney Theatre Company’s indefatigable kings of comedy, sorcerers of satire and masters of mockery, Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe are back in the saddle and gearing up for another glorious year of political satire with The Wharf Revue 2018; showing at The Joan from 20 – 22 September.

Another instalment of what has become a true Sydney institution - we like to think of it as continuity with change. From keeping the nation’s political and cultural leaders on their metaphorical toes through a series of side-splitting impressions and satirical songs, it is evident no one is safe.

So, politicians take cover and pundits stand back, because there will be songs, there will be dance, and there will be some very funny impressions.

Join us as we sort the wets from the dries, the leaks from the fakes, and the factions from the fictions in this bigger, better and wharfier Revue than the Wharf could ever handle.

“What’s so brilliant… is how the

material constantly falls between sharp, incisive satire and deliriously cheap gags.” - Crikey Bookings www.thejoan.com.au or 4723 7600.

Thursday 20 September 7.30pm Friday 21 September 7.30pm Saturday 22 September 2pm & 7.30pm TICKETS: STANDARD $75 / CONCESSION $70 / UNDER 30s $30 Musical Director Andrew Worboys Lighting Designer Matt Cox Sound/Video Designer David Bergman Performers: Rachael Beck, Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, Douglas Hansell

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!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

22

the penrith district

show

Official Opening

7-year olds Audrey (left) & Natasha with Lego dolls from the display

The 2018 Penrith Show was officially opened on Saturday afternoon by the Mayor of Penrith Councillor John Thain The Show Society celebrated 175 years of the Penrith Show last weekend The attendance for the Show was in excess of 7,000 people.

Centre stage hosted non-stop performers on the entertainment Stage in the Food and Wine precinct which was very popular.

The Grand Parade

The D-Max Precision Driving Team were spectacular as were The Monster Truck and ShowMow Racing made for good entertainment not to mention the spectacular fireworks display.

All sections of the show were well supported and Penrith District A H & I Society would like to thank all competitors for their support in making the Penrith Show such a success.

Lawnmower Racing

Congratulations to all of the winners in all sections – well done.

The Society would like to thank all of the section heads and volunteers who gave up their time to contribute towards this important annual event.

A special thanks to numerous sponsors and donors who continue to support our Annual Show.

The Grand Parade

Lorraine Pozza, PENRITH PACEWAY - CEO

Best in Show Judging

Animal Farm Nursery

Social Butterfly Photos by Noel Rowsell

Isuzu D-Max

Dog High Jump

CROSSWORD ACROSS 9 Away from the wind (7) 10 Astounding (7) 11 Inhabits (7) 12 Mixed together (7) 13 Inspire with confidence (9) 15 Pertaining to birds (5) 16 Consequences (7) 19 Protects (7) 20 Dusk (5) 21 Convents (9) 25 Anxious (7) 26 A son of Jacob and Leah (7) 28 5th letter of the Greek

alphabet (7) 29 Weirdos (7)

DOWN 1 Parisian palace (6) 2 Busy (6) 3 Phone (4) 4 City in south central Ukraine (6) 5 Wagerers (8) 6 Oversimplify (10) 7 A disposition to kindness (8) 8 Directions of travel (8) 14 Exceptionally (10) 16 Call forth (8) 17 Gain in wealth (8) 18 A singalong (British) (8) 22 A projecting spout (6) 23 Adorned (furniture) (6) 24 Most rational (6) 27 A novel (4)

solution 16/8/18

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

23

NEPEAN HISTORY

John Wallace & Thelma Metcalfe – a Dynamic Duo S

leeping in the graveyard of Penrith General Cemetery at Kingswood is Librarian John Wallace Metcalfe who was born in 1901 at Blackburn, Lancashire, England. He was the eldest son of Henry Harwood Metcalfe and his wife Lilian, née Wilcock. Henry was a paper-bag maker. The family migrated to NZ in 1908 and then onto Australia, living briefly in Adelaide before settling in Sydney in 1911.

John was educated at Marrickville Superior Public School and Fort Street Boys’ High School and later joined the State Department of Taxation in 1917. After a few weeks he took up an appointment in the Fisher Library at the University of Sydney. He enrolled as an evening student, graduating (BA) with first-class honours in history. In 1923 he was appointed to the Public (State) Library of NSW as the Principal Librarian & Secretary where he remained until 2/3/1942 with an annual salary of around £1,525.

In 1927 he won the Beauchamp prize for an essay on a literary subject.

When he failed cataloguing in the librarianship examination in 1928, the principal librarian arranged some practical experience for John and he developed a passion for the subject and in his own time compared cataloguing in the Public Library with five other codes and in 1932 he was promoted to the new position of Deputy Principal Librarian. He delivered a paper on public library systems at a conference in Melbourne in 1933. In March 1934 at St Matthew’s Church of England in Manly, John married Thelma Constance daughter of Victorian-born parents Harry Vagg, farmer, and his wife Emily Ann, née Sallery. Thelma was born in 1898 at Fitzroy in Melbourne and educated at Albury District School and the University of Sydney and taught languages in NSW public schools from 1922 until her marriage. John was awarded a Carnegie Corporation of New York travel grant in 1934 and began a six-month study tour of libraries in America and Europe along with Thelma. In 1935, John became a ‘technical adviser and chief publicity writer’ for a citizen’s lobby group called the Free Library Movement and as their Committee Secretary he wrote most of their reports and helped to draft a bill that became the basis for the NSW Library Act of 1939 and the blueprint for Government-subsidised public libraries. In 1937 he was a founding member of the first local professional association of librarians, the “Australian Institute of Librarians” later known as the Library Association of Australia and now known as the “Australian Library and Information Association”. He drafted much of its constitution and served as the Institute’s first honorary General Secretary and devised its examination scheme, setting the first national professional standards for librarianship in Australia. In 1944 he was the executive member of the Library Board of NSW and was Australia’s most influential librarian where he became known to the public through radio broadcasts and journal articles. He established a central purchasing and cataloguing scheme for books for NSW public libraries and arranged for Government department libraries to be staffed by his own officers, a system that remained in place until the 1970s. When he left the Library Board in 1959, two-thirds of the NSW population had access to a free public library. In 1959 he joined the University of NSW as the university librarian and director-designate of the first library school at an Australian university. The school of librarianship opened in 1960 offering a postgraduate diploma and soon adding a master’s program and the opportunity for doctoral research. In 1963 he travelled to Britain to buy books and to visit library schools.

He returned to Australia via the USA in 1964, presenting a seminar at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey on the organisation of information. In 1966 he relinquished the university librarianship and two years later he retired from the school of librarianship but remained active professionally. John had been awarded, by examination, a fellowship in 1936 of the Library Association of the United Kingdom. He was made a fellow of the LAA in 1964 and nine years later was the first recipient of its highest professional honour, the H. C. L. Anderson award. Scholarships at the University of NSW, the Metcalfe auditorium at the State Library of NSW and the Metcalfe medallion awarded in 1984-98 for outstanding student work, commemorated him. According to John’s colleague Wilma Radford, he was ‘unusually direct, forthright, honest’ and often thoughtful and considerate, but he could also be ‘rude and abrasive in confrontations’. As custodian of archival collections, he allegedly junked some of the Public Library’s official records and although careful with money, he made anonymous donations to that institution. He was never active in politics but suspected that his liberal views led some people to believe that he was a communist. Fascinated by the use of machines in libraries John initiated trials of microfilm, catalogue card reproduction and copying equipment. Of average height, with erect bearing and a neatly trimmed moustache, John often had a half-smile playing on his face. He was more interested in what he was doing than how he appeared and towards the end of his career he had an air of eccentricity, although his mind remained as sharp as ever. His wife Thelma was an early member of the council of the Free Library Movement and president of the Lyceum Club in Sydney in the 1940s. She was also Honorary secretary (1941-48) and president (1948-60) of the State branch of the National Council of Women and lobbied for the foundation of the Nutrition Advisory Council, the Housekeepers’ Emergency Service and the Children’s Film and Television Council. She was the State branch convenor on immigration until 1981, President of the Australian National Council of Women for two terms, ending in 1960 and elected Life Vice-President of the State branch in 1970. Other organisations that she supported were the PanPacific and South East Asia Women’s Association of Australia, the British Drama League, the NSW committee for International Children’s Book Week, the tenancy applications advisory committee of the State Housing Commission, the State division of the United Nations Association of Australia, the State division of the Arts Council of Australia and the Good Neighbour Council of NSW. She was appointed MBE in 1956. John died in February 1982 at Katoomba. She died in May 1984 at Emu Plains after suffering physical disability for some years and is buried with John. They had no children.

Sources - David J. Jones, ‘Metcalfe, John Wallace (1901–1982)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography Volume 18, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University – plus several other sources. Photos courtesy of NSW State & Mitchell Library. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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Celebrity ROUND 25

RABBITOHS WARRIORS STORM WESTS RAIDERS PANTHERS August 30 7.50pm

August 31 6.00pm

August 31 7.55pm

KNIGHTS DRAGONS

TITANS EELS BULLDOGS BRONCOS COWBOYS ROOSTERS SHARKS EAGLES

September 1 3.00pm

September 1 5.30pm

September 1 7.45pm

September 2 2.00pm

September 2 4.10pm

SCORE

Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

230 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

208 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

192 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

224 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 1300 897 170

208 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

192 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

208 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

208 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

198 Iris Russell -Benard VenueBratusa Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Councillor

198 Thor Thor’s- Cafe Aaron- Tyres @print- 4721 0292

208

TIPSTERS ROUND 25

RABBITOHS WARRIORS STORM WESTS RAIDERS PANTHERS August 30 7.50pm

August 31 6.00pm

KNIGHTS DRAGONS

August 31 7.55pm

September 1 3.00pm

TITANS EELS BULLDOGS BRONCOS COWBOYS ROOSTERS SHARKS EAGLES September 1 5.30pm

September 1 7.45pm

September 2 2.00pm

September 2 4.10pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

200 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

208 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

200 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

182 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

196 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

194 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600 - www.emmahusar.com.au

200 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

204 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

200 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

218 Sharon Mudiman - Bespoke Realty Group - 0413 757 998 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

190

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

26

SPORT

Ex-Panther paving way for future stars

By CONNER LOWE

F

ormer Penrith Panthers Prop Tim Browne has continued to impress the Penrith Rugby League community with his talented skills as he teaches young kids the skills needed to evolve their Rugby League game.

The ‘Leading Edge Rugby League Academy’ focuses on teaching kids from the age of seven skills needed to take their game to the next level.

Tim spoke about the reasoning behind starting the academy and how the program can help the kids reach representative Rugby League.

“I started this program to help young players who are continually overlooked for higher levels of Rugby League,” he said.

“I really struggled to get noticed as a young player growing up and needed help with developing my skills and knowledge of the game.

“A lot of kids don’t have access to both quality coaching and training equipment. So, I want to make a difference in this space and help

young aspiring athletes to dominate at club level and give them the best chance of being selected for higher levels of the game.”

Tim began the program in 2017 with the vision to close the gap from club rugby league and representative rugby league.

Leading Edge runs all year round and is broken up into various training blocks throughout the season. The first program for the 2019 season will be starting this November. It will consist of one session per week for six weeks

in the Summer program.

Tim also spoke about the two programs running for the kids currently and the excitement of watching them develop the skills into match day.

“Our Junior Academy is U/7’sU/12’s. These programs are all about showing the kids how much fun Rugby League really is,” he said.

“Our Leading-Edge program is U/13’s and above. This is our bridging the gap program (gap I mean between club and representative level).

“I try to get out and watch as many

of our players play on the weekends I can. The U/15’s Grand Final two weeks ago had eight of our players playing in the one game (four on each side).

“I really enjoy watching our players transfer their skills learnt at training into game day.”

Tim’s future plans for the academy are to reach out to all the players in Country Rugby League also. He wants to help as many players both on and off the field to be the best versions of themselves they possibly can be.

Brad Drew announces 2018 will be his last

A

fter five seasons as head coach of St Marys Rugby League Club, Brad Drew has announced that 2018 will be his last.

Brad’s knowledge, profile and coaching expertise has held a huge influence in the Club’s transition from the Penrith Junior League competition to the NSWRL Competitions of Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield.

St Marys Rugby League Manager, Adam Przybyla said “Brad has been instrumental in shaping the Saints into a force in both the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions over

the past three years”.

“His results speak for themselves. Brad took the Saints to the Ron Massey Cup Grand Final in his first season and then fell one game short of a Grand Final last season “We are very thankful for Brad’s professionalism and dedication to the Saints over the past five years and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours”.

With two competition rounds remaining, the Saints are currently in fourth position on the Ron Massey Cup ladder and sit in second position in the Sydney Shield competition.

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SPORT

By STEWART MOSES

O

@TheRiffMarn

utside of Penrith, it’s probably fair to say that emerging Panthers prop Moses Leota isn’t exactly your household name amongst NRL fans.

But that all changed last Saturday, when video images of the young 23year old Kiwi-born Panther returning to the family home in Auckland to surprise his mum with a new car, went viral on social media.

Those images of his mum being overcome with joy by her son’s gesture, is sure to last in the hearts and minds of many NRL fans as it fast becomes one of the feel-good stories, in what has been a difficult year for the game.

Moses’ deed won admiration from his fellow peers, fans, league personalities, even Russell Crowe.

But to understand those tears of joy, you need to appreciate just how hard life has been for the Leota family, especially Moses’ mother, who has single-handedly raised twelve children in total, including seven who still currently reside at home.

“It was about giving back to my mum. She’s been wanting a car for a while now,” Leota told Nepean News.

“It is a big ask with just my mum to look after all seven kids and she

needed a big car.

“She brought into this world and has made into the man I am today, so I thought it would be nice to help her out with that and surprise her.

“There were no words, just all tears.

Tears of joy.

“Then she just kept saying thank you and couldn’t thank me enough.”

That hardship arguably peaked when the second eldest child of the family, headed to Australia whilst still in his teens, to pursue his dream of playing in the NRL. “I was living in the back of my uncle’s place at Lethbridge Park. It was a rough childhood,” Leota said.

“Every time I would ring back home there was always a few tears there.

“There were times when she wanted me back there because I was one of the eldest and wanted me there to help.

“It was hard but we got through it and it was good that I stayed and now I’m here today playing NRL. “The present reflects me wanting to help her and thank her for being strong.”

The Panthers may have departed early Saturday following last Friday night’s 36-16 loss to the Warriors, but Leota is grateful that the club allowed him to stay an extra day to surprise his mother, given that to date she has been unable to travel to Australia to watch her son play in the NRL. “She’s never been able to get over

here to watch me play but every time I go there she comes out to the game to support me,” Leota replied.

“It goes to show that when I do go back there it’s always a good reunion.

“It’s a little bit easier now (to say goodbye) but it is still hard.”

The prop is just as extremely loyal to his homeland as he is to his family, despite his inclusion in the Emerging Blues squad before the start of this season.

To this day, Leota still isn’t quite sure how he qualified to make the squad, but is adamant that despite the amazing experience the one-day camp provided, he won’t be switching his allegiance to Australia any time soon.

“I’m not too sure how it came about to be honest. I was actually shocked because I thought I was a Kiwi through and through,” Leota declared.

“But I had seen on Instagram that

I was picked. I don’t know how that worked but I showed up anyway.

“It was just amazing to get a gig there and was a great experience to be surrounded by high calibre players.

“I got to be coached for a day by Brad Fittler and meet some of the game’s best ever players like Andrew Johns.

“But I don’t think I’ll be going back to any more camps. I am still a Kiwi.”

But for now Leota isn’t contemplating representative honours, as he focuses on cementing his spot in the NRL squad, as the Panthers head into their third consecutive finals series for the first time since 1989-91.

Penrith’s 2015 Holden Cup Player of the Year, also admits that whilst he made his NRL debut back in 2016 under former coach Anthony Griffin, he feels more at ease under interim coach Cameron Ciraldo, given the pair have worked closely together since their time together in the Holden Cup. “I’ve got to focus on my footy here first before I focus on any of that rep stuff,” Leota conceded.

“But to be honest for me it’s good that Cameron is my coach again.

“Ciraldo and I have been together for a while now. He coached me in 20’s and that bond we have is getting stronger.

“He is a good coach and he knows how to get the best out of me.”

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

Moses Leota: “No words. Just tears of joy”

27 27

Sports Scenes It’s been a tough fortnight for the Panthers with back-to-back losses threatening to derail Penrith’s third consecutive finals series, despite the incentive of Old Boys’ Day followed by the opportunity to repeat their 36-4 win over the New Zealand Warriors earlier in the season. (All photos credit NRL Photos)

Penrith’s “old boys” on parade.

Dean Whare’s season just got worse with a broken arm.

Isaah Yeo has the honour of leading the team out on Old Boys’ Day.

An all too familiar scene behind the posts.

It got wild and willing at times as Newcastle got the points.

But does a late flurry of tries give the Panthers some hope?

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

28

SPORT

Leonay Golf Club Supporting Prostate Cancer Survivors

Action from the Col Roffe Memorial Golf Day at Leonay GC in support of Prostate Cancer survivors - photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

A

strong field of one hundred and thirtynine players teed off at Leonay Golf Club on Saturday 18th August, in the annual Col Roffe Memorial Golf Day. This year will be the second year Leonay GC has supported Prostate Cancer survivors and this year’s beneficiary is the Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG).

The day’s event was a four-person Ambrose and two of Leonay’s topranked A Grade players (David Moore and Daniel Worthy), along with teammates James Markham and Peter Walker, scorched around the course with a fabulous ten-under par score of 57, two shots clear of Robert Kuipers, Adrian Kuipers, Bruce Grant and John Pridans with an eight-under 59.

The Nett Division winners were the team of Terry Flynn, Andrew Brockbank, Gillian Gordon and John Gallagher with a score of 49.37, ahead of Andrew Summers, Eric Summers,

Ben Crilley and Greg Crilley with 49.75.

The Nearest the Pin winners were Brian Metcalfe (6th), Peter Homan (9th), Peter McFarlane (10th), Greg Crilley (13th) and Andrew Taylor (18).

The event raised an impressive $3,900 for the Penrith & Blue Mountains PCSG, comprised of $2,000 from the Men, $500 from the Ladies and $1,200 from a wellsupported raffle.

Nepean / Blue Mountains PCSG President David Wilkinson said

Coach’s Corner

A Predictably Unpredictable Season

It has been asked since the first ball was kicked in early March, who is going to win the competition?

And with five weeks remaining I can honestly say I still do not know!

What we do know is that the Top 8 has been finalised with one round of the regular season to play which allows us to look ahead to the Finals Series and having done hours of research and analysis pouring over results and statistics plus using previous seasons as a guide I am going to do my best to find the winner of the 2018 Premiership.

So let’s take a look at the teams who will contest the Finals Series: Storm: Defending premiers who are missing a stable halfback with Cronk gone. A few key players are carrying injuries but the Storm have the best defence in the competition and the third best attack.

Renowned for their discipline however the Storm make the equal most handling errors of Top 8 teams along with the Roosters.

Roosters: Make a heap of errors and give away plenty of penalties. But have quality across the park and no team supports and pushes on the ball more than the Roosters. Their middle is the best in the competition gaining the most metres and post

contact metres this season. They also get plenty from their back three as they lead the competition in kick return metres. Second best defence in the competition.

Rabbitohs: Pose the best attack of Top 8 teams.

Rookie coach who is sharp and will game plan intelligently. Have created the most line breaks but their major challenge will be stopping points as they rank fifth in defence and will need that to improve to win the competition.

Sharks: Have held the most possession of any team in the competition this season but that has only transferred to the eighth best attack. That should be higher. But the Sharks have won a competition recently have plenty of experience across the park and have the third best defence.

Panthers: Have the wheels fallen off our home town team? Time will tell. They concede the most penalties of Top 8 teams. They rank second in supports behind the Roosters which tells us they are fit and their effort is good. They have the seventh best attack and eighth best defence which will see them struggle against Top 4 teams.

Dragons: One team on the slide more than the Panthers are the Dragons... They pose the best home

“Leonay Golf Club is aware that this insidious cancer (Prostate Cancer) kills an average 3,200 men per year in Australia.”

“Yet, there is often still a disturbing reluctance in the community to not only recognise the illness but also take proactive steps to tackle the problem in the early stages”.

It’s hoped that community events such as Leonay’s golf day will help raise awareness in the community and encourage more men (and women) to be proactive in their overall health management.

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

field record and concede the least penalties in the competition. But with the ninth ranked defence they can’t win the competition especially with no Vaughan and Widdop carrying a shoulder injury.

Broncos: Are a constant soap opera, but the more it heats up off the field the better they get on the field.

Have the best completion rate of Top 8 teams and have the most kick metres in the competition. They also make the least amount of errors. Concerns?

They have the lowest rate of supports and their defence ranks tenth which is a huge concern.

Warriors: Have the best away record in the competition! That will stand them well having to win games away during the Finals Series. Have the most offloads but they miss the most tackles.

Can they win it on their day? Yes. Can they string together four consistent weeks? History tells you they can’t.

Verdict: I like the Roosters and the Rabbitohs.

Their forwards gain the most metres, their back three gain the most kick return metres which should transfer to good field position and more attacking opportunities. With good discipline they both will be very hard to beat. Outside of the Top 4? The Broncos and the Warriors can make long runs in the Finals.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

FORGETTABLE FORTNIGHT AS PANTHERS LIMP TOWARDS THE FINALS It’s hard to see how the Panthers have improved in the past three games since Anthony Griffin, but it was hardly surprising by the same token given where the team’s performances were tracking prior to his demise.

A fortunate golden point escape over lowly Gold Coast Titans three weeks back.

Then a forgettable 20-12 loss against Newcastle on what was Old Boys’ day at Panthers Stadium last Saturday week.

To top it off a 36-16 loss away in Auckland last Friday night against a rampant Warriors side, perhaps aided and abetted by some inconsistency from the match officials but certainly not helped by Penrith’s inability to defend those situations either.

To cut it short the Panthers results reflect their lack of confidence right now, with key players either missing due to injury or down on form.

To be fair on the current coaching setup, the Panthers have been off for some time now.

It can be traced as far back as the win over the Raiders way back in Round 13, when in hindsight key Origin players should have been rested for that game, if not for the Roosters game in Round 14 as well.

But they played and from that, Maloney has played busted for much of the season since.

Campbell-Gillard busted his jaw. Cleary’s form by his own admission, has been busted since Origin.

And the results particularly since the 50-18 drubbing in Brisbane, have been reflective of that.

Team results have been marred by slow starts in scoring points, while discipline and defence has been poor.

Talent can get you so far in terms of fluking some last-minute wins overly bottom eight sides.

But it has been less than an impressive build up to the final series for a team many halfway through the year were lauding as potential premiers.

They are a long way from that right now despite the closeness of the competition ladder among the top eight teams.

This week’s hit-out against their hoodoo team, Melbourne, whom they have never beaten at AAMI Stadium, last won against in 2012 and have just one victory overall from their last 18 encounters since their last win in Melbourne in 2005, will tell us whether the Panthers can turn it around and produce a finals run or whether it will be exit stage left in week one of the finals.

Panthers’ stand-in captain Isaah Yeo says playing

Penrith have been boosted by the return of Jack Hetherington and Nic Lui Toso, while Liam Martin has entered an early guilty plea to a dangerous throw charge and will play, although at time of going to print, Corey Waddell will front the judiciary this Wednesday night to have his contrary conduct charge downgraded in order to miss one week instead of two.

More soul-searching looms for the free-falling Panthers ahead of Storm clash. Credit: NRL Photos.

Melbourne away presents a golden opportunity for his tight-knit group of players.

“Obviously we’ve got Melbourne away (this) week which I think is a wonderful task for us as we head into the finals,” Yeo declared.

“There was improvement this week (v Warriors) I think and that’s a positive.

“We have a very exciting leadup into the semis and we’ve got all the belief in each other that we can make a run from here.”

Panthers coach Cameron Ciraldo certainly couldn’t fault the effort of his players despite the heavy loss that could see the Panthers finish as low as eighth and the prospect of an interstate final against either Brisbane or New Zealand.

“We had another really good week at training, the boys looked really good and ready to go,” Ciraldo told the media.

“But it was disappointing that there were a couple of periods where we let ourselves down.

“What I was pleased with was their effort. They kept their heads up and kept doing what we asked of them. I really pleased with our attitude.

“We were doing some good things out there but the score line didn’t show that.”

ISP minor premiers Penrith, have maintained their unbeaten run that now stretches to 12 games after a come-from behind 22-20 win over Newcastle before escaping Lottoland with a 1212 draw versus Blacktown Workers after being reduced to 12 men when Corey Waddell was sent off for what was deemed to be excessive contact to an opponent with the knees.

As recently revealed, Panthers Stadium will host week one of the finals with their qualifying final against fourth-placed Canterbury to kickoff this Saturday at 1:10pm, with live coverage provided on Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM.

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Offer ends 30/9/2018. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

Mixed results for the Jersey Flegg side means a third-placed finish and a date with Cronulla Sharks in this Saturday’s qualifying final at Panthers Stadium from 3:15pm, after a tight 28-26 loss to the minor premiers Newcastle a fortnight back was followed up with a 22-10 win over Manly last weekend.

Live coverage via Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM. The Panthers will go into the final round of the season against their nemesis, Melbourne Storm without Dean Whare (broken arm – season) but do welcome back skipper James Maloney (knee) back from injury, which sees Tyrone Peachey shift to right centre. Both Peachey and Wayde Egan have been named but are in some doubt due to injury (both knee).

Jack Hetherington has only been named on reserves bench despite returning from a twoweek suspension.

Penrith’s 21-man squad for the Storm clash is as follows: 1. Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. Waqa BLAKE 4. Tyrone PEACHEY 5.

Christian CRICHTON 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. Trent MERRIN 9. Wayde EGAN 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Isaah YEO 13. James FISHER-HARRIS INTERCHANGE: 14. Tyrone MAY 15. James TAMOU 16. Corey HARAWIRA-NAERA 17. Moses LEOTA RESERVES: 18. Sione KATOA 19. Jack HETHERINGTON 20. Kaide ELLIS 21. Tyrone PHILLIPS Depending on where the Panthers finish in the top eight, their week one finals opponent, date, time and venue will be announced on Sunday night.

Make your support count and show your #PantherPride at the game.

29 29 Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

Repeat Sets

SPORT

Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

30

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

WHY NOT CONSIDER WAYNE BENNETT AS NEXT PANTHERS’ COACH? Plenty has been spoken about Penrith’s desire to bring Ivan Cleary back into the fold despite being under contract until the end of 2020 season.

However whilst the Panthers could make an offer to bring Cleary to Penrith in 2021, which could possibly have a destabilising effect to the point of allowing an earlier release, possibly as early as 2019, should other options be considered?

It remains to be seen whether ongoing results will harm the chances of interim coach Cameron Ciraldo should the club need an alternative coach for 2019.

With that said, surely the club’s powers that be have a fiduciary duty to obtain the best coach that is or is set to come on the market, rather than targeting a coach that is seen by some as to be for the reason of retaining his son post 2019?

Enter Wayne Bennett.

The Broncos coach is easily the most wellcredentialed coach out there, should he come on the market as expected, given the Broncos’ clear reluctance to re-sign Wayne post 2019, with the seven-time premiership winning coach not being ready to move on from coaching just yet.

In fact despite his uncertain future, Bennett has got his side firing at the right time in one of the most open competitions in history, having recorded impressive back-to-back wins over top-four teams South Sydney and Sydney Roosters and loom as a serious title contender.

And with St George Illawarra Dragons’ performances being arguably even more dire then Penrith’s in recent weeks amongst the premiership contenders, coach Paul McGregor’s future is certain to come under the microscope once more, with plenty suggesting a move for Bennett is possibly on the cards.

That being the case, the Panthers if they are serious about winning a premiership in the next one-two years with a ready-made talented roster, they could do a lot worse then get the ball rolling and give Wayne Bennett a call, sooner rather than later.

It remains to be seen where Tyrone Peachey will end up in 2019 after reports confirmed by his management suggest the Panther is having second thoughts on taking up a rich three year deal with the Gold Coast Titans.

There’s no certainty Peachey will be able to stay at Penrith should he gain a release from the Titans, given one of the key factors that saw Penrith release the NSW Origin utility player with a year

Will Penrith approach Wayne Bennett re: the NRL coaching role for 2019? Credit: NRL Photos.

remaining on his contract, was due to looming salary cap pressures associated with retaining a number of players coming off contract in 2019.

Penrith may also have some big decisions to make at season’s end regarding key forwards Trent Merrin and James Tamou.

Despite having played 20 games in 2018, Merrin, 28, has seen his average minutes plummet from 66 minutes in 2016, to just 43 minutes per game in 2018, including just 37 minutes last Friday night against the Warriors.

Meanwhile Tamou, 29, who has played 22 games to date this season, also played only 37 minutes last Friday night and averages 40 minutes a game in season 2018.

That’s about $1.3-1.4 million worth of playing talent spending almost as much time on the interchange bench than on the field itself.

Dean Whare is all but out for the rest of the season, after a tackle on Simon Mannering all went wrong for the Kiwi international last Friday night.

But in a major boost to the struggling Panthers, skipper James Maloney returns for the Storm clash, while injured duo Wayde Egan and Tyrone Peachey (both knee) are considered reasonable chances to play, despite both sitting out Monday’s contact session.

Corey Harawira-Naera also sat out the session (concussion protocols) but should be right to play against the Storm this Friday night.

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In some other injury news for the club, Dylan Edwards is expected to cleared to play in grand final week should the Panthers progress deep into the finals, while Jarome Luai is also some chance of playing again this season and is eligible to play for the Panthers’ ISP side as they look to defend their title in coming weeks.

Also Jed Cartwright (groin) got through some decent game time on his return from injury last Saturday, while Nic Lui Toso will also strengthen the Panthers’ chance of going back-to-back in the ISP competition.

However Maika Sivo has played his last game for the Panthers, after his management confirmed the 2019 Parramatta recruit recently underwent reconstructive shoulder surgery.

There was considerable relief for the Panthers ahead of last Friday’s clash against the Warriors when Viliame Kikau was issued with a temporary visa to travel abroad after there were initial concerns that due to an ongoing permanent residency application, the Fijian back-rower would again not be allowed to leave the country to play in NZ. It’s not the first time Kikau has had problems travelling to NZ. In 2016, he was denied the chance to be on standby to make his NRL debut due to visa issues and similar issues arose in 2017 both leading up to the Auckland Nines and later at the World Cup, where the Fijian was left stranded temporarily in NZ whilst awaiting clearance to re-enter Australia.

A bumper crowd of over 14,000 in the last home game of the season versus Newcastle, has ensured that with an average of over 14,600 fans per game at Panthers Stadium in 2018, it represents the best average for Penrith home games at the venue since 2005.

Plenty of Penrith influence in last Saturday’s Challenge Cup final with former ISP players Samisoni Langi and Ben Garcia helping the Catalans Dragons to a historic 20-14 win over a Warrington Wolves side that also featured another former Panther, Ben Murdoch-Masila. #PantherPride

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

Where there’s life, there’s hope

 Panthers in happier times

I

t was always going to have stern significance one felt, but as we near the last round of the season proper we could never have imagined eight weeks ago that the Panthers last competition game against the Melbourne Storm, in Melbourne, if lost, would see the mountain men finish 8th!!

But that’s exactly what the scary scenario is facing rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo and his young chargers this Friday night. Simple; lose and finish 8th, win and who knows, basically anywhere between 4th and 8th depending on other results.

When banking on others to win so as to make your voyage smoother often ends in tears. What we do know is that this is the most open competition in recent memory.

What we also know is that while some teams are peaking at the exact right time (Broncos-Warriors) others are limping their way into September (PanthersDragons).

With the top 8 now decided the teams currently sitting at 7th and 8th respectively are the ones with all the momentum.

Could this be the first time a team outside of the top 4 finally wins the NRL? Wouldn’t bet against it.

Back to the Panthers slide. Ironically it was their performance in round 17 against the Warriors when they won 36-4, without their origin stars, that most

 The time is nigh

trumpeted their premiership favouritism.

Then playing the same team last week in round 24 going down 36-16 most were reading them their last rites. They say that the semi-final series is the start of a ‘brand new’ competition. That we should forget about the season form and brace for a more hectic up-tempo type of league that is 10% better than what we’ve seen over the past 25 rounds. This is kind of true.

After playing in semi final campaigns there is an obvious change up of gears.

It’s also very important to get there in one piece as a team with injuries being a minimum. But is also vitally important to bounce into finals action with at least a ray of momentum.

Panthers and Dragons supporters have had a bad few weeks, but as they say “where there’s life, there’s hope”.

And while we’re being a bit on the glass half full adage, at least they’ve made the final 8.

There are another 8 teams in the competition who would give anything to be where the Panthers and Dragons are at the minute, but instead they’re preparing their ‘Mad Mondays”. Let’s hope the Panthers MM comes later than sooner....

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 31 Nepean News 30 August 2018 Issue 234

MG on the mark

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