Nepean News 30 June 2023 DIGITAL

St Marys, we have pawsome news!

CONSTRUCTION is starting soon on the upgrade of the Boronia Dog Park.

�� A key feature of the upgrade is new fenced offleash areas for small and large dogs to give dogs of all s izes the opportunity to exercis e and s ocialis e w ithout anxiety . Thes e areas w ill be s ecured by an air-locked double gate.

You and y our favourite furry friends can als o look forw ard to:

• dog-friendly drinking fountains

• w as te bag dis pens ers

• bins

• acces s ible s eating w ith s helter

• pathw ay s , and

• s hrubs and tree planting.

This project is being funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government through the Community Building Partners hip program.

Check out the final des ign and find out more at www.yoursaypenrith.com.au/boroniadogpark

95B STATION ST, PENRITH

Tatts no longer a barrier to blood donation under rule change

TATTOOED Aussies can now donate blood just a week after getting fresh ink, potentially contributing up to 10,000 extra donations each year.

People can make a plasma donation immediately after getting a tattoo but until now had to wait four months to donate blood.

The latest rule change, which comes into effect today, significantly reduces this wait time between getting a tattoo and donating blood from four months to just seven days.

The new rules apply only to tattoos received in licensed Australian tattoo parlours or cosmetic clinics. People who received tattoos in unlicensed or overseas premises will still need to wait four months before donating.

A study of tattooed donors conducted by Lifeblood in partnership with the Kirby Institute at UNSW found that those inked in Australian licensed tattoo parlours or cosmetic clinics are safe to donate.

With one in four Aussies now inked and the trend for tattoos showing no sign of abating, Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone said the change will provide a boost to blood donations.

“We’re thrilled that from today we can welcome thousands of eligible

tattooed donors who would previously have had to wait four months to donate blood,” Ms Stone said.

“You can now donate blood just seven days after a new tattoo, or you can donate plasma straightaway, without any wait period at all.

“Close to 10,000 donors report one or more tattoos a year to Lifeblood, so this rule change could result in around 10,000 extra blood donations a year.”

After a Lifeblood survey found more than 15% of Australians believe having a tattoo means you can’t donate at all, Ms Stone said the change provided an opportunity for community education.

“People with tattoos are perfect donors because we know they’re not afraid of needles - one of the biggest barriers for new donors donating blood or plasma for the first time.

“We want to make sure everyone knows being inked doesn’t disqualify them from donating.

“We’re fortunate to have one of the safest blood supplies in the world, and we’re continuing to focus on making it easier for Australians to donate, while ensuring our blood supply remains safe for patients.”

To check your eligibility and book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

The school holidays are almost here!

AMESSAGE from Nepean Police Area Command

Time to check your vehicle is ready for the trip ahead along with hints and tips on making your home safer when you’re away.

YOUR VEHICLE:

* Have you checked your vehicle’s tyres for legal tread depth?

* Is the air pressure in your tyres the recommended pressure?

* Is there water in your window washer?

* Are your window wipers in good order so they don’t smear when on?

* Have you checked your oil, water, and other fluid levels before you travel?

*Have you serviced your vehicle before your road trip?

YOUR HOME:

So, when the holidays arrive, here are some tips to make your home a little safer when you’re away

* Ensure you lock all doors and windows of your property

* Have someone clear your letter box while you’re away.

* Ensure your home is looking lived in.

* Are your sensor lights working along with the CCTV cameras?

* Have you told your trusted neighbour, or does someone from your extended family know where you are going?

Sarah’s aiming to turn Type 1 into Type None

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Sarah Peatman of St Clair is taking over Nepean River parkrun on July 15 to raise awareness and funding for kids living with Type 1 diabetes.

The event is part of National Diabetes Week (July 9-15), with Nepean River parkrun partnering with JDRF Australia, a leading charity funding vital research into reducing the burden of living with Type 1 diabetes and searching for a cure.

Sarah was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during a family holiday on New Year’s Day 2023. Her harrowing diagnosis journey included an emergency airlift in a Toll air ambulance from Coffs Harbour Base Hospital to the intensive care unit at The Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, due to the severity of her condition and the level of care she required.

Sarah recovered quickly and is now adjusting to life with Type 1 diabetes—her routine now including multiple daily injections, finger prick blood glucose tests, constant counting of carbohydrates, and numerous insulin dosing calculations at every meal.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own insulin-making beta cells in the pancreas so it stops producing its own insulin. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 is not diet or lifestyle-related, however a healthy diet and active lifestyle are important to avoid poor health outcomes,such as organ failure or blindness, later in life.

For Sarah it was most difficult coming to terms with the loneliness of feeling different from other children. At the time of her diagnosis, Sarah was the only child she knew going through all these new daily struggles and she discovered how little people knew about her condition.

Sarah wanted to find a way to help kids just like her so turned to one of her favourite family events for support; parkrun.

parkrun is a free, weekly, five kilometre walk, jog, or run held at over 450 locations across Australia every Saturday, and it’s managed completely by volunteers. Nepean River parkrun has been running since 2017 along the eastern bank of the Nepean

River in Tench Reserve.

On July 15, Sarah is inviting everyone, but especially those living with Type 1 diabetes and their families, to join her at Nepean River parkrun to get some fresh air and exercise while making new friends. Participants are encouraged to dress in blue to help raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes. Following parkrun there will be a meet and greet for childrenliving with Type 1 diabetes in the adjacent playground so they can share stories, make new connections or just be kids and play.

Donations for the event can be made via the JDRF website at https://bluearmy.jdrf.org.au/ s/3649/3143/e or by following the event link on the Nepean River parkrun Facebook page facebook. com/nepeanriverparkrun

Nepean River parkrun starts near the playground adjacent the old boat ramp in Tench Reserve (opposite “The Orchard”) at 8am every Saturday. For more information go to www.parkrun.com. au/nepeanriver or the Nepean River parkrun Facebook page.

Changed traffic conditions on Wallgrove Road at Eastern Creek

MOTORISTS are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions later this week on Wallgrove Road at Eastern Creek for essential road maintenance.

The work involves replacing southbound sections of the road near Wonderland Drive and Interchange Drive over six shifts between 8pm and 5am from Thursday 29 June to Friday 7 July, weather permitting.

VIEW’s sweet success N

EPEAN-EVENING VIEW Club’s cake stall at North Bunnings on Saturday June 24, was a huge success. Thank you to Bunnings for providing the venue and to the generous community of Nepean Penrith for purchasing our delicious baked goods.

Thank you to all the club members who baked, donated and worked on the stall.

Nepean-Evening VIEW Club supports five students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program. The money raised will go towards supporting these students and their families to meet the cost of school essentials like uniforms, books and excursions.

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

For more information about VIEW visit view.org.au or email nepeanview@ gmail.com

No work will be carried out on Saturday.

Traffic control, lane closures and a reduced speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.

Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

St Marys Rugby League Club celebrates 115th Anniversary

ST MARYS Rugby League Club celebrated its historic 115th anniversary at the weekend.

Laying claim to being one of the largest junior rugby league clubs in the world, Saints is as old as rugby league itself, having formed in the PenrithSt Marys district in 1908, the very year the 13-man game was founded as the NSWRFL, the predecessor of the NRL.

Today, with more than 1000 players, the club supports and nurtures the development of 63 rugby league sides from under 6s through to the Ron Massey Cup, making it one of the

most successful rugby league clubs in the history of the game.

To mark this momentous occasion, Saints held its 115-year reunion on Saturday 17 June at the St Marys Rugby League Club, exclusively for former players, coaches, trainers, managers, committee members and officials, providing an opportunity to reunite and share the stories or yesteryear and today. It was attended by more than 300 guests.

Earlier in the day, Saints stadium hosted landmark games - Saints Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup v arch-rivals Brothers at St Marys

Leagues Stadium, as part of the commemorative celebrations, with Saints being victorious in both games, winning 28-24 and 30-24 respectively.

Rugby League Manager Adam Przybyla, said it was a huge day and a fitting celebration for one of the oldest and most renowned clubs in rugby league.

“We were proud to deliver this event, as it is a way for past and present Saints to catch up, share stories and connect the past with the present,” Mr Przybyla said.

“Club life members, junior league men and trophy winners were

recognised as well as the family traditions of our club.

“Our limited-edition commemorative polo shirt, which will become a collector’s item, was created for the event and proudly worn by several people on the night.”

Many fine players have come through St Marys over the last 115 years, many going on to play first grade, successfully representing their state and country including current Panthers greats Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Lindsay Smith, Moses Leota and Izack Tago to name a few.

President Warren Smith OAM with Paul Burns (above) and (right) hosting the anniversary dinner at St Marys Rugby League Club.

Western Sydney University researchers awarded as semi-finalists in globally prestigious Longitude Prize on Dementia

A RESEARCH team led by Western Sydney University has been selected as semi-finalists and awarded a Discovery Award grant worth over $145,000 AUD to develop a new assistive technology solution for dementia patients as part of the UKbased Longitude Prize on Dementia.

Based on three years of collaborative research, the ‘MemoryAId’ project team from the University’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, together with research partners at Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, have developed a concept for a flexible technology solution that supports daily living activities and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia at home.

Project lead, Dr Celia Harris from Western Sydney University’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, said the prize will enable prototyping and testing of an intuitive, easy to use MemoryAId home assistant technology that sends reminders and prompts for people living with dementia to support quality of daily life and enable living at home for longer.

“The idea of MemoryAId is that it can be delivered flexibly across

familiar and existing hardware options already in the home, including large screen devices such as smart TVs, small screen devices such as tablets, a telephone handset attachment, and a small wearable device that can pair with the system to provide alerts,” said Dr Harris.

“This modular concept allows people to select the hardware options that are most suitable for their circumstances and to use what they already have to enable people living with dementia to interact with the technology in ways that they prefer and find most useful.”

The MemoryAId system is designed to need minimal initiation or management once it is programmed and adapts to the individual needs of a person living with dementia as the individual’s dementia progresses.

Dr Harris said consultation with people living with dementia as well as their carers and families had revealed the value of being able to precisely tailor prompts for the individual needs of the user, highlighting that good technological solutions need to adjust prompts for changes in cognition, including fluctuating ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’, and for changes in support needs over time.

“Adjustments to the nature of

prompts and activities offered can be made over time, to accommodate changes in preferences and abilities. Our concept involves a ‘human-in-theloop’ approach to smart technology, to make it as tailored, modifiable, and user-friendly as possible.”

Research partner Dr Simon Parker, Head of Major Projects at Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, said the MemoryAId innovation aims to have transformative impact for people living with dementia by actively

enabling and supporting living at home independently for longer.

“Our research to understand the most pressing needs for people with dementia living at home yielded three domains where people wanted support - completing activities of daily living, engaging in meaningful activities, and maintaining social relationships. Our vision for MemoryAId is that it will be a flexible and customisable platform for meeting all these needs and can support any kind of activity that is valued by a particular individual,” he said.

The Longitude Prize on Dementia selects solutions that use the latest advances in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in combination with user data and testing to provide personalised support for people living with dementia. The semi-finalists compete for additional prize rounds and funding over three years.

The Longitude Prize approach is based on a 300-year history of funding international scientific discovery and finding solutions to intractable problems. The Longitude Prize on Dementia is funded by the UK’s Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK and delivered by Challenge Works.

Dr Celia Harris from Western’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development

seeking mature age students

“Most of our classes are conducted in this building, with other classes being held at various venues from Werrington to Blackheath. Our office is open weekdays during NSW school terms, from 10 am to 2pm.

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE first age is childhood and youth. The second age is that period of our lives when we earn a living, buy a house, raise a family, and generally establish who we are. The third age begins when most of our work and many of our responsibilities are behind us, allowing us to pursue new interests and activities. From the U3A point-of-view it starts with our fiftieth birthday.

The University of the Third Age is not a university at all, at least not in any conventional sense. It is comprised of groups of people pursuing shared interests, under the guidance of a tutor who may well learn as much as he/she imparts. Subjects can be academic, general interest or hobbies, or physical. And in case you were wondering, there are no exams and no homework.

In the Nepean Blue Mountains U3A, there are almost 90 courses on

offer. You can learn a language, paint a picture, study basic electronics or computing, try your hand at cooking, and keep fit with yoga or tai chi. There are courses in photography, history, a scrabble group, and a Friday afternoon slot where you can hone your chess skills. On the physical side, there are walking groups and dance classes, both ballroom and line dancing. U3A has something for everyone.

“With the growing number of retirees in the Nepean Blue Mountains region, the time has come to reintroduce our organisation to the community, as we look to growing

our membership which currently stands at just over 1200,” said Micky Marks, Secretary U3ANepean Blue Mountains.

“We are a not-for-profit organisation established in the Nepean Blue Mountains region over 30 years ago, largely thanks to Freda Whitlam, who was instrumental in setting up U3A in Penrith.

“Our target audience is either retired or working part time. Our office is located at the School of Arts Building, 7 Castlereagh Street, Penrith and has just been renovated.

Memberships for the full year start in February and half yearly in July. Membership costs just $50 for the year and $25 for the half year. This allows you to attend multiple courses, generally with no additional cost.

The committee, office staff and tutors are all volunteers, who give freely of their time to make the running of our organisation a success.

U3A tutor Adolfo Gonzalez was ‘The Centre for Volunteering Senior Volunteer of the Year 2021’. Adolfo volunteers at U3A tutoring Spanish classes and a Mediterranean cooking class. He is also a founding member of Nepean Migrant Access and volunteers with both Radio WOW FM and the Nepean Cardiac Unit.

Harry May works tirelessly for U3A in his capacity as Vice President Nepean, Hall Manager, organiser of the Biggest Morning Tea Cancer fundraiser. He is also a tutor for carpet bowls, and runs the fortnightly Movie Nights. “Harry is the go-to man and we don’t know what U3A would do without him,” Micky said. “Harry is also involved with the Nepean District Historical Society and is a Life Member of the Penrith City Australian National Servicemen’s Association (Nashos).

“U3A is a very social environment and gives us the opportunity to make new friends and gives us something to look forward to each week since we retired,” Micky said. “We learn new things in a safe and friendly environment, with the added bonus of keeping our minds and bodies active, which is so important in this stage of our lives.”

The website U3A Nepean Blue Mountains Inc. (u3apenrith.org.au) has up to date information on classes, timetables, and membership.

Line Dancing, Chess and Ukelele are just 3 of the courses on offer at U3A Nepean Blue Mountains. Photos supplied

U3A is the university of the third age

ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills

Puppies need the dentist too

While teething is generally not a painful process for your puppy, they may experience some discomfort in their jaw at this time. The best way to help them alleviate this is to provide your puppy with specifically-designed soft chew toys. This will also prevent unwanted chewing of other objects around the house.

Signs your puppy is teething

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

JUST like human babies, puppies are born with no teeth. Their first set of baby teeth, or milk teeth, grow in between 3-4 weeks of age. When your puppy is around 4-5 months old, these teeth will fall out to make room for their permanent set of adult teeth. By 5-7 months, all the adult teeth will be present. It is important to note this can vary depending on the breed. This means that puppies experience teething twice, once for their milk teeth and again with their adult teeth.

• red, inflamed gums

• drooling and offensive breath

• increased chewing behaviour –chewing is the most obvious sign that your puppy is teething and you can help them by providing them with safe toys and discouraging biting

• bleeding gums – a small amount of bleeding from the gums is normal and you may find specks of blood on your puppy’s favourite chew toys

• missing teeth – you may find these on the floor but it is also common and safe for your puppy to swallow these as they fall out

• decreased appetite – puppies may eat slower or less as it causes them discomfort

When is it necessary to see the vet?

While teething often involves some bleeding from the gums as your puppy’s sharp teeth emerge, if you notice a large amount of blood, immediately seek professional assistance from your vet. Before all your puppy’s adult teeth have grown in, you should book them in for a dental appointment for a precautionary checkup.

What to expect at the dental checkup

We will check your puppy for:

• crooked teeth – this can be caused by two teeth coming in at one spot, or if a baby tooth has not fallen out when the adult tooth is emerging.

• jaw misalignment – for some breeds with short muzzles, a slight underbite is normal However, if your puppy is showing signs of a strong underbite or overbite, intervention may be required to correct chewing and

eating issues in the future.

• bad breath – this is not normal in dogs and may indicate that your puppy has a low-grade infection

• broken or cracked teeth – if a tooth has broken below the gum line and the nerve is exposed, your puppy will be in discomfort and may develop an infection

• tartar build up – while tartar build up is uncommon in puppies, it occasionally does happen.

It is a good idea to implement a dental routine while your puppy is young to avoid dental diseases in the future. For more information, phone the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4736 2027.

Looking for adoptive parents and forever home

FRIENDS of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs and temperament tests of the animals to

BEAUTIFUL JADE NEEDS A LOVING FAMILY

post online and promote the animals. They upload their images and opinions of these animals to Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow them, look them up on facebook and twitter.

SWEET TINA IS STILL WAITING FOR A HOME

SWEET MAXIE IS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

If you can give our stunning tabby lady Jade a Forever Home then please come and meet her. Jade is a friendly, sweet girl that deserves a caring kind home. Meet Jade anytime during open hours...

Cost: $29.00 Age: 3 years

Type: Cat Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Sex: Female

All prices include microchipping, lifetime council registration, desexing and 1st Vaccination. R251000145

Tina is a sweet submissive girl she would be best suited with a family who will allow her to be a part of the family. If you feel you can give this gentle girl a loving home please come to the shelter to meet her.

Cost: $49.00 Age: 6 years

Type: Dog Breed: American Staffy

Sex: Female

All prices include microchipping, lifetime council registration, desexing and 1st Vaccination. R251000145

Maxie is a lovely boy who has been very well behaved while he has been with us. If you are interested in meeting him please come to the shelter with your family dog and the children to meet him just so we can be sure they are all going to get on well together.

Cost: $49.00 Age: 7 years and 5 months

Type: Dog Breed: American Staffy

Sex: Male

All prices include microchipping, lifetime council registration, desexing and 1st Vaccination. R251000145

Beanies for brain cancer

BRAIN cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia, yet alarmingly very little is known about brain cancer, its causes or how it is treated.

That’s why the Mark Hughes Foundation needs your help need your help. Every dollar helps in the fight against brain cancer. Your donation will go towards vital research to improve patient treatments and, hopefully, find a cure one day.

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. https://donate.markhughesfoundation.com.au/donate/

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport flight path design for single runway operations

THE new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is set to open for freight, domestic and international travellers in 2026.

The Australian Government has released the preliminary flight paths for WSI for the community to view. These flight paths have yet to be assessed and approved by the regulatory authority and will be subject to a formal statutory

planning and consultation period later this year.

You

Innovation Roof

Expression of Interest for Family Fun Day

ARE you a community group, food vendor, or local service? Penrith City Council would love to hear from you!

Their Family Fun Day series is making its way to St Clair featuring culinary delights, local makers, creative workshops and more.

If you are a local business or service in the St Clair, Erskine Park, St Marys, Colyton or surrounding areas and want to be a part of the St Clair Family Fun Day complete the Expression of Interest form below and the team will be in touch to discuss.

Link for details here: https://fal.cn/3zmx0

Women Out West presents Women in the Creative Arts

AS part of its Women Out West series, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts presents a special panel discussion Women in the Creative Arts, with another powerhouse panel facilitated by Lisa Finn Powell. As always, there’s so much to talk about and unpack with an opportunity for the audience to join the discussion during the Q&A.

PANELISTS

Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is an autistic/ADHD theatre maker with a career of over 25 years as an actor, director, choreographer, writer, dancer, singer, project manager, advocate, and teacher. She has acted, written, and directed performances with Junction Theatre Company, Brink Productions, Adelaide Festival Centre, Belvoir St Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, as well as regional tours of South Australia, Victoria, NSW and in feature films.

She is the Artistic Director of Wondiverse (theatre for all) devising, writing, directing, and acting in Adelaide, Sydney, London and Edinburgh. Her onewoman show toured throughout Australia and the UK. Madeleine is currently running theatre making drama workshops for neurodivergent people aged 16 – 30.

Debra Beale is a Sydney based artist with a studio in Warrimoo – formally known as ‘Karabah’ (Where Eagles Land), in the Blue Mountains, Darug Nation. She was born in Gadigal Nation, Eora Sydney and is from the Gamilaroi/Wonnarua and Wiradjuri/ Boonwurung/Palawa/Yorta Yorta nations with ties to the Palaway Nation, Tasmania.

She has exhibited widely over the past 15 years both nationally and internationally with experiences in tourism, painting, Australian Bush Jewellery, ceramics, design, costume design, fashion design,

pottery, sculpture and print mediums. She designed and facilitated an Aboriginal female Youth Cultural Camp, for ages from 12 to 16 years and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Indigenous Studies at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW.

Malvina Tan is a Singaporean mixed media installation and performance artist, based in Sydney and Marketing Director at Penrith Performing & Visual Arts. She was an artist-in-residence with Sydney Fringe Festival’s Art in Isolation programme and presented her latest work, How to make the perfect _____ at the festival in 2022 which was nominated for the Melbourne Fringe Festival Tour Ready Award.

Her highlights include a collaboration with music and fine art ensemble Chicks on Speed, TranSport (Madrid-Singapore), FETTERFIELD Singapore, Making Space, Body As Woman (Singapore Biennale), Singapore Art Week, Something Human FRESHLY PACKED / ALWAYS CHECK THE LABEL (London), Affordable Art Fair Singapore, Future of Imagination 10 International Performance Art Festival, Crack Theatre Festival – TINA Festival (Newcastle), Art Month Sydney and Rebel Live Action 2 International Performance Art Festival

(Bangkok) and Sydney Fringe Festival 2022.

Ann Niddrie is a Blue Mountains-based creative industries strategist, creative producer, connector and commercial photographer with a passion for making a difference for people, and the planet. She is a strong advocate for investment in the creative industries and in valuing their contribution not only to Australia’s cultural fabric, but also to the economy.

She works at balancing creative problem-solving with a love for delivering impactful projects, as well as producing and directing public art and cultural projects. Ann facilitates strategic partnerships, and loves exploring innovative solutions to making urban spaces more liveable.

In her role as Creative Industries Cluster Manger and Brand Manager of MTNS MADE, she facilitated business connections within the creative industries and delivered a range of programs to foster entrepreneurialism, and collaboration via the Blue Mountains Creative Industries Cluster.

PRESENTER

Lisa Finn Powell - is a writer, TEDx speaker, performer, presenter and author of The Thin Time (2018) and upcoming Accidental Expat, and Relationships Manager, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts.

Women Out West is proudly supported by Celestino and Nepean News.

Women Out West - Women in the Creative Arts is on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Thursday 20 July, 6:30pm – 8pm. Tickets: $10 www. thejoan.com.au/events/women-in-the-creativearts/

These events are very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment.

The Morehead Family

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

THE Morehead family like many other families coming from overseas were determined to keep the name “Arthur” within the family tree. Arthur James Morehead, born in Ireland in 1810 came to Australia with his family on the “Thomas & Henry” as unassisted immigrants in July 1851 from Draperstown, a village in the Sperrin Mountains in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, shortly after settling in the Luddenham area at Greendale. Arthur married Eliza Margaret Duff at Campbelltown in 1854 and they began farming in the area. A daughter Elizabeth married William Graham of Silverdale. William and Robert Morehead however settled in the South Coast near Bermagui. They became interested in trading and their boat the “Jane Morehead” was one of the best-known boats trading on the South Coast. In 1882 Arthur James was the owner of a sawmill in the area that was purchased by William Webb and in 1889 he was known around the district for winning with his prize race horses, draft horses and cattle at the Luddenham shows. In 1889 his horse “Lady Cooper” just lost a horse race to Arthur Graham’s “Jane” for £5 a-side and in 1891 a notice of a challenge from Abe Easterbrook giving Arthur notice to run a fair and square race with his horse “Blinkboy” against Arthur’s horse “Forsaken” with Arthur taking up the challenge for a half mile on Penrith Racecourse for any sum from £10 or more. The Luddenham show in May 1891 showed that several members of the Morehead family won prizes, Arthur won prizes for Best Filly Draft horse (1year & under 2 years) and in the cattle section he won best prize for two heifers. In August 1894 he was at a public sendoff for Mr T J F Cadden who was the local manager of the Commercial Bank in Penrith and was being transferred to the Queanbeyan branch. In March 1896 he was still winning prizes at the show for two of his stallions “Limerick” and coaching mare “Juliet”. Arthur James died in 1898 in Greendale and is buried at the St Marks Anglican church there. His son Arthur was born at Greendale, Luddenham in 1872 and married Martha Christina Earlam at St Thomas’s Church in Mulgoa in December 1893. Her parents were Isacc Earlam and Jessie Henderson. Arthur started farming in the Luddenham district and in 1904 he bought a well-known and highly improved property from the Walker family at Chatsworth Road, Mt Druitt. Few men in the district identified themselves more active and with the religious, pastoral, commercial and civic life of the community, he was always honoured and respected by all he encountered. He served as a Councillor on the Blacktown Shire Council for many years and was President for four terms. He was a member of the Cumberland Pastures Protection Board for about 27 years and at one time was the Chairman. This Board met originally at Penrith and later at Flemington then the headquarters moved to Moss Vale. Arthur considered the extra travelling too much for his health and he retired. He was also Chairman of the Nepean Co-op Dairy Society for several years and President of the well-known Mt Druitt Hall. He

was a most active churchman and a regular worshipper. During his later years he took over the Secretary’s work of the “Log Cabin Church” that was destroyed by fire. He was keenly interested in livestock, cattle and horses in particular, and in his former years he was a noted exhibitor at shows and a great prize winner just like his father before him. It was said that a visit to his home was something never to be forgotten. Arthur was justly proud of his many trophies. His dairy herd was a notable one and he dearly loved both the blood horse and draught horse and a visit to a showground or a racecourse with Arthur always left pleasant memories. People said that men like Arthur came all too rarely, and his life and reputation in the Nepean district was an inspiration to others to go and do likewise. In 1921 Arthur bought 306 acres of land on the Great Western Road and Ropes Creek at Colyton and before his death Arthur sold some of his property and had hopes to spend his remaining years in another old historic home, but it didn’t eventuate. He died in March 1953 in the Nepean District Hospital after a short illness. Condolences and deepest sympathy in their bereavement were to his widow Martha of (Mt Druitt) his sons Messrs: Percy Herbert Arthur Morehead (Mt Druitt), Cyril Morehead-Government Stamps Office (Kingsford), Don Morehead (St Marys), Eric Keith Morehead (in Japan WW2 - 2nd AIF), Mrs Albert Ward (Wentworthville) and Mrs Daniel Brell (Homebush) Two daughters Misses Alice Nina and Thelma Ivy Morehead died before Arthur. Thelma died aged 44 years found drowned in a dam on her father’s property in 1950 and Alice died aged 50 years in September 1951 at Mt Druitt, and both are buried with their parents. Arthur’s funeral service was conducted by Rector the Reverend E H Lambert and Mrs Edith Pearson presided at the organ. It was very largely attended by a representative gathering of friends and relatives who travelled many miles to pay their last tribute to a good man and an old friend. Some of them could not get into the church that was full. Many fine tributes were paid to the Rector who delivered the funeral oration and who knew of the excellent qualities possessed by Arthur. Telegrams, letters and floral tributes came from all around the district. Among the visiting clergy were the Reverend A J Barrett (Mt Druitt) and Reverend Shearman (Wentworthville). Among the many businessmen present were Mr R Inglis (representing the well-known bloodstock salesmen) and many old identities from the Camden, Cobbitty, Luddenham, Mulgoa, Penrith, Richmond, Windsor, Parramatta and Blacktown districts. Arthur’s remains were laid to rest in the family plot in the old historic church ground to sleep among so many of the pioneers of the district. His widow Martha lived until May 1959 at the age of 88 years and is buried with Arthur at St Mary Magdalene cemetery.

Sources: Nepean Times, NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages, Trove, Ancestry, Wikitree website, NSW State archives at Kingswood, Anglican Parish Records for Marriage at St Thomas’s church Mulgoa.

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 Photo of Arthur Morehead courtesy of Blacktown Memories website

NHA Win Silver at U15 State Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Nepean Hockey Association U15 Girls team has finished runner-up in Division 3 at the Hockey NSW 15 state championships, which was played over the weekend of 16th-18th June in Grafton.

The Nepean girls went through the preliminary round games undefeated, drawing 1-1 with Canberra #2, 2-2 with North Sydney & Beaches #2, 1-0 over Hunter and 2-2 with Newcastle #2.

Those results put Nepean through to the playoffs, where they played Sydney East #2 in the semifinals. The Nepean girls dominated that game from start to finish, winning 2-0 and moving on to the Final, where they would again face Canberra #2.

The Final was a tough game, with Nepean taking an early 2-0 lead before Canberra fought their way back to 2-2 mid-way through the second half. Nepean had a heart breaking disallowed goal late

in the 2nd half and with full time imminent, along with a probable shoot-out, Canberra scored against the run of play in the dying seconds to score a 3-2 victory.

“Very proud of our Nepean girls, they gave it everything they had,” head coach Ryan Knowles said. “Nepean’s captain Summer Knowles was rewarded for her hard efforts over the weekend by being selected in the Hockey NSW 16’s squad, along with Queenslander’s Abbey Croke and Ashley Plane, who both played for Nepean at the Championships.”

The Nepean team was coached by Ryan Knowles and assistant coach Nicole Longhurst. Ryan will also lead the Nepean U13 Girls team to the State U13 Championships, which will be held on the Central Coast from 7th-9th July. Nepean won Division 3 in 2022 and has been promoted to Division 2 this year.

In extra hockey news from the U15 Championships, local Penrith junior Addison

Wilson played for Sydney East #1, winning a silver medal in Division 1. Addison was also named to the state U16 squad and, in additional news for the family, her father Bryan has been chosen in the State Over 50’s men’s team, which will play in Perth in September.

Panthers stung by Hornets in NBL1 East Basketball

BY NOEL ROWSELL

PENRITH’S two senior basketball teams have fallen to the Hills District Hornets on Saturday night at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC), Cambridge Park, in Round 14 of the 2023 Coles Express NBL1 East Basketball competition.

The Penrith women were coming of a great win over Inner West Bulls in Round 13 and were expected to be too strong for the lower-ranked Hornets. The visitors however proved to be a much tougher opponent, with the Panthers leading 17-16 at the end of the first term, before the Hornets tied up the score at 33-33 at the long break.

The third quarter remained a low-scoring arm wrestle, until the last 4:39 minutes, with the Hornets outscoring the Panthers 13-4 in that period to go the final break leading 57-48. Meg Jefferson fouled out for the Panthers midway through the fourth quarter and the Hornets could not be denied, holding on determinedly to run out 8-point winners (66-58).

Brittnee Sewell led the Hornets with 17 points, ahead of Taylah Cottees 13, Kelsey Curtin 12 and Cassandra Pentney 9 points, 8 boards. Meg Jefferson led the Panthers with 15 points, ahead of Chloe Williams 13, Emily Matthews 11 points, 10 boards and Chloe Bloom 9 points, 9 boards.

The men’s game looked fairly even for the first 5 minutes, then the Hornets swung into top gear,

outscoring the Panthers 15-3 in the next 5 minutes to take a 22-10 lead to the first break. The second quarter saw the Hornets continue their relentless offence, surging away to a 30-point lead (54-24) at half time on impressive shooting stats of 57.9%.

The Panthers managed to keep the margin at 30 until halfway through the third quarter, before the Hornets once again dominated the closing minutes to lead 77-40 at the final break, then maintained that margin through until full time for a 38-point victory (95-57).

Former Penrith representatives Ben Kearins (10 points, 7 assists), Joshua Kalwy (9 points, 10 boards) and Lachlan Charlton (17 points) all impressed against their old club, along with Liam Moss 13 points and Shawn Montague 15 points, 8 boards. Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe led the Panthers with 13 points, ahead of Pranay Sakya 11 and Tomas Ramos 10.

Both Penrith teams host the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday afternoon at the PVRSC, with the women’s game at 1pm and the men’s game at 3pm.

Nepean U15 Girls - Silver Medal: Lylah Smith (GK), Ashley Plane, Abbey Croke, Summer Knowles (c), Willow Longhurst, Lara White, Lily James, Zoe Williams, Ruby Hammond, Tilly Casburn, Charlie McDermott, Tiani Honeman, Addison Finnemore, Stephanie ZhangKilgarriff, coach Ryan Knowles, assistant coach Nicole Longhurst.

Summer Knowles (Nepean, above) and Addison Wilson (Sydney East, below) in action. Photos by Click InFocus

Jaedyn Fetui-Fa’amoe and Blair Williams in action against the Hills District Hornets - photos by Noel Rowsell (www. photoexcellence.com.au)

Wallacia through to Master Pennant final

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2023 Golf NSW Master Pennant was in playoff mode on Sunday, with Leonay and Wallacia both playing semi-finals and Penrith and Dunheved playing relegation matches.

In the semi-final contests, Wallacia had a strong 5.52.5 win in Division 4 over Georges River, at Brighton Lakes GC, and will now play in the Division Final against Brighton Lakes at 7.30am on Sunday at Twin Creeks GC. Both finalists will also win promotion to Division 3 in 2024.

Leonay lost a nail-biter 4.5-3.5 to Bankstown in Division 3 and will remain in Division 3 in 2024.

In the Relegation contests, Dunheved had a powerful 6.5-1.5 win over Eastlake at Penrith GC, not losing a single match in the contest, and will subsequently remain in Division 1 in 2024.

Darryl Williams won 3&2, Anthony Chapman won 3&1, Oscar Coletto won 5&3, Chris Shaw won 4&3 and Russell Kellam finished all square, giving Dunheved an unassailable lead. The following matches involving Craig Partridge and Craig Williams were subsequently declared as ties, with Dunheved winning 6.5-1.5.

Penrith were not so fortunate, falling 5.5-2.5 to Cabramatta at Eastlake GC, and will now drop to Division 2 in 2024.

Locals clubs contest Eric Apperly Shield Pennant

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THREE local western Sydney golf clubs have entered teams in the 2023 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition (21 Years & Under), with Penrith and Richmond both drawn in Section 4, alongside Pymble, Cumberland, Bonnie Doon and The Australian (Red).

Stonecutters Ridge is drawn in Section 5, alongside Cronulla, Pennant Hills, Killara, Royal Sydney and St Michael’s (Silver).

The competition commences on Sunday 9th July

and runs through to the 6th August, followed by and Elimination Playoff on 13th August, then semifinals on 20th August and the Final on 27th August - all playoff venues / times to be confirmed.

Richmond and Penrith clash in the first round, which will be played at Cumberland, and Stonecutters play Royal Sydney at St Michael’s.

The local squads are: Penrith (TBA), Stonecutters Ridge TBA, Richmond: Reggie Papps, Matthew Gallaher, Pat Murphy, Imogen Carter, Tate Chambers, Charlton Carter, Matteen Mashal, Mason Gounder.

There are also a number of local juniors playing for Sydney clubs again this season, with Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs), Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) and Chayse Thorpe (Richmond) all playing for reigning premiers Concord Blue, whilst Tyler Nesci (Leonay) will play for Concord Red, Blake Hodges (Erskine Park) will play for New South Wales, Camilla Kim (Kellyville) will play for The Australian.

Full details of the competition and the draw / results can be found on the Golf NSW website www.golfnsw.org.au/events-champs/eric-apperlyshield/

Blake Hodges and Camilla Kim will play for New South Wales and The Australian respectively in Eric Apperly Pennant. Photos courtesy JNJG

Dunheved duo Oscar Coletto and Craig Williams in action at Penrith on Sunday.

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

Local juniors finish highly placed in CHS Golf Championships

THREE local juniors have performed well at the 2023 NSW CHS Golf Championships, which were held at Belmont and Waratah golf courses over 18th-21st June.

Former Richmond GC junior member Chayse

Thorpe (Sydney West / Colo HS / Lynwood CC) fired the best round of the day on Day 2, a 3-under par 69 (which included four birdies and just one bogey), then shot an even-par 71 on Day 4. Those two scores helped Chayse finish amongst the leaders in 5th spot overall in the Boys division on 293, 7-over par for the four rounds.

Darcy Mackay (CCC / St Dominic’s College

/ Stonecutters Ridge GC) shot 304 to finish in 15th position, whilst Michelle Yang (Sydney North / Cammerayagal HS / Stonecutters Ridge GC) shot 313 to finish in 11th position in the Girls division.

Sam Cascio (South Coast / Corrimal HS) won the Boys division and Ella Scaysbrook (CIS / Macquarie College) won the Girls division.

Local players shine in Adidas Junior Super 6’s

Hunter McMillan wins JNJG U12

Tour event at Leonay

LOCAL golfers have performed well at the 2023 Adidas Junior Super 6’s tournament in Newcastle, which was held on 19th20th June.

12-year old Camilla Kim (Kellyville) was a narrow 2-shot leader of the Girls division following a first round score of 80, moved 8 shots clear of the field with a second round score of 76, then powered away to an 11-shot victory with a third round 73, her best round of the tournament.

Tyler Nesci (Leonay) held a narrow 1-shot lead in the Boy’s division, following the first round, ahead of

Dujuan Snyman in second and Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs) 5 shots in arrears. Coby recovered to shoot 72, the low round of the tournament in the second round, moving up to a share of the lead with Tyler, still one shot ahead of Dujuan.

Both Tyler and Coby fell away in the third round, each shooting 78’s, whilst Dujuan shot a 74 to win the tournament, 3 shots ahead of Tyler and Coby in a tie for 2nd.

12-year old Camilla and 16-year old Dujuan subsequently met in the headto-head Final, with Dujuan shooting even par to win, just 2 shots ahead of Camilla, who continues to build her reputation as a star of the future.

LEONAY GC hosted the 2023 JNJG U12 Tour event on Sunday 25th June, with 69 players (21 girls, 48 boys) contesting 4 divisions (U10 & Under Boys and Girls and 11 & 12 Years Boys and Girls.

Four local juniors competed in the event, being Emma Norman and Harrison Oram (Richmond GC), Hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks GC) and Talan Bale (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC).

Hunter McMillan rose to the occasion, shooting an impressive 76 around the tight Leonay course to record a 3-shot victory in the 10 Years & Under Boys Scratch division, along with finishing in equal 4th place in the Nett (Handicap) division.

(Left) Chayse Thorpe in action at the 2023 CHS Championships (Photo by Golf NSW). Darcy Mackay and Michelle Yang (file photos courtesy of JNJG)

BY NOEL ROWSELL

Hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks GC) with the winner’s spoils.

Photo courtesy of JNJG

BY NOEL ROWSELL

BY NOEL ROWSELL

Girls winner Camilla Kim in action.

Tyler Nesci (2nd from left), Camilla Kim (centre), Coby Carruthers (far right). Photos supplied

Western Sydney Whitewater search for young aspiring female paddlers

BY NOEL ROWSELL

WESTERN Sydney Whitewater Club (WSWC)

is proud to announce the very first ‘Slay Squad’, which is an initiative to introduce and support young girls in the wonderful world of Canoe Slalom.

WSWC is looking specifically for girls aged 1014 years (however 15 year old’s may be considered) and is passionate about empowering girls to do hard things, so that the next generation of ‘Jess Fox-

Kick-Butt’ paddlers can emerge.

To show their commitment to girls in sport, WSWC will cover all tuition fees, boat and gear loan and camp fees from now until 2024.

The goal: by summer 2024, the Slay Squad members will be ready to progress their slalom skills by learning basic whitewater skills. Once paddlers have completed the program, the Slay Squad will graduate into the WSWC Slalom Academy, where individuals will continue to hone skills and gain confidence on the water, all whilst having the friendship and support of their fellow club paddlers

and coaches and being part of a greater community network.

The commitment: Individuals commit to the program and paddle with WSWC’s Paddle Australia qualified coaches up to 3 times per week during terms 3 and 4. Individuals partake in club organised development camps during school holidays, which could be either local or statewide.

To register, go to https://paddleaustralia.justgo. com/workbench/public/events?ref=5D7BEEB8 A39557A7CE96D4E475C57583895D8E47

Siblings Jess and Noemie Fox are successful female role models for the Western Sydney Whitewater Club. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Just Peachey: Panthers overcome absence of stars to down Knights

Tyrone Peachey wound back the clock to score two tries as a ruthless Panthers outfit overcame the absence of their Origin stars to defeat the Knights 20-12 at BlueBet Stadium.

BY BRAD WALTER NRL SENIOR REPORTER

WITH Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o and Liam Martin watching from the sideline with injured halfback Nathan Cleary, Peachey stepped up to help ensure the premiers remain in the top two.

Dylan Edwards took over the captaincy and the fullback set the tone for the match when he stepped Knights opposite Kalyn Ponga to score in the ninth minute after an angled Peachey run towards the posts created an opening near the line.

In a case of “anything you can do, I can do better”, Ponga hit back for Newcastle after sending England winger Dom Young racing down the touchline and backing up to score in the 18th minute.

However, a Peachey double put the Panthers back in control at halftime with the former NSW utility finishing a spectacular handling movement to score in the 26th minute before capitalising on a Knights error to cross nine minutes later.

Leading 16-6 at halftime, the home side started the second half as they did the first, with five-eighth Jaeman Salmon diving over from dummy half after four repeat sets on the Newcastle tryline.

Fiji international Sunia Turuva had a try disallowed midway through the second half after knocking a Jack Cogger kick into Young before falling over the tryline.

Jackson Hastings kept the Knights in the match when he dummied his

way across the try line from close range in the 55th minute but the Penrith defence gave the visitors few other scoring opportunities.

Match snapshot

• Knights prop Jack Hetherington was sin-binned just before halftime for a cuffed slap across the chin of Panthers centre Izack Tago as he was rising to his feet to play the ball.

• Tago (221m) and fellow Tyrone Peachey (179m) helped get Penrith on the front foot with carries from the backfield, while Edwards ran 190m with the ball.

• Newcastle playmaker Jackson Hastings was forced from the field with an ankle injury midway through the second half but returned minutes

later and finished the match.

• Hastings scored his first try since joining the Knights this season.

• Penrith did not make an error until six minutes before halftime when centre Sunia Turuva lost the ball and completed 40 of 44 sets of possession.

• Knights winger Dom Young remains equal top of the NRL tryscoring charts with 16, despite having played two less games than the other player on that number, Maika Sivo. Neither scored in Round 17.

• Penrith have won 12 and drawn one of their past 14 games against the Knights.

• Newcastle have won only one from seven matches away from home in 2023.

• The Knights are still one win short of their 400th victory since joining the premiership in 1988.

• The Panthers have won seven of their past eight games at BlueBet Stadium.

Play of the game

Tyrone Peachey’s 26th minute try put the Panthers in control and the skill shown by hooker Mitch Kenny and prop James Fisher-Harris as the home side quickly shifted the ball to the edge was impressive to watch.

What they said

“I really felt that the boys who played last week deserved another chance with another week’s training and preparing. It is always nice to have your best players playing, obviously, but ... I was confident that we would play well. That didn’t necessarily guarantee that we would win tonight because I was really conscious of the Knights, how they have been playing and the talent they have got in their team, so it was a terrific performance and I am super proud,” - Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.

“It was frustrating for players and frustrating for staff, we just shot ourselves in the foot a little bit with some execution and got a little bit panicky. The opposition tonight were very professional, they didn’t beat themselves. It is frustrating but we have just got to keep swinging. I think both teams started well, there was something like 72 plays consecutively so it was a bit of a ding-dong going on there. We just came up short a couple of times and it hurt us in the end,”Knights coach Adam O’Brien.

What’s next

The Panthers travel to Melbourne to take on the Storm on Friday night, while the Knights return to Sydney on Sunday to meet the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary will welcome back Origin stars Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo after they were rested from the match against Newcastle.

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