Nepeannews 30march2017

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Thursday, 30 March 2017

ISSUE 197

SUDEP: Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy. Be aware, take care. More inside.

SUDEP is a little-known-about killer and it claimed the life of one of our region’s sweetest angels, Alexis. Full story by Kerrie Davies page 9 Pictured: Mark Geyer with Bert and Roe Bronkhorst, who tragically lost their daughter to SUDEP, raising awareness and pushing for funds.

Photo: Kennedi Geyer

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Western News 31 March 2017 Issue 31

Barnsey uses his strong vocal chords against domestic violence

By Kerrie Davies

AS an Australian icon, Jimmy Barnes is so well-known that he is part of the fabric of who

we are.

He has been belting out songs in his unique style, as Cold Chisel’s singer and as a solo artist, for many decades.

His voice is unmistakable, and his stage presence commanding. But there’s a lot more to the lad who, as a young child left his home in Glasgow, Scotland, with his family and sailed to Australia for a new life.

Last week at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, a packed Penrith audience was treated to the story of Jimmy’s life, told by the man himself, both in words and in song.

“Working Class Boy” details the life of Barnsey from birth to present; and it’s a raw, sad, and at times, truly horrific story.

It is a story that some might be ashamed of telling: full of poverty, struggle, abandonment and family violence.

Inspired by Rosie Batty, who has become a warrior against domestic violence following the very public murder of her son by his estranged father at a sporting field, Jimmy saw

the importance in using his strong voice for more than just belting out Khe Sahn.

It’s a heartbreaking yarn about a boy who just wanted love, nurture and safe place to call home. But he instead was dealt a life of scratching around bare cupboards for food, wearing strips of cardboard in his shoes to stop the mud getting through all the holes, and, hiding in cupboards to escape the violent fighting between his parents.

The audience was transfixed as Jimmy shared his memories, many times becoming emotional, all of the time driving the message about the harmful environment domestic violence creates for kids.

An extremely powerful stage show, Working Class Boy also gave the audience the chance to see that Jimmy Barnes can still bring the house down with that incredible voice.

Accompanied in some songs by his daughter Mahalia, the apple doesn’t

fall far from the tree; her voice is also incredible.

If you missed the show, I hate to tell you missed a great one. But you can still see Barnsey rock out a gig, locally.

Barnsey is set to take the stage at Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa on May 7. Tickets are on sale now, and the details are on page 19.

This is a local concert that will be talked about for years afterwards; you definitely don’t want to miss it!

WIN tickets to Barnsey!

Nepean News & Western News in conjunction with Fernhil Estate are giving away 2 double passes to the May 7 concert at Fernhill Estate. Visit Fernhill Estate’s facebook page for more details.

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Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain joined ground-breaking innovators on stage at the inaugural Penrith Talks: Innovation event at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre recently.

Ground breaking innovators in the fields of mathematics, health, science and education took to the stage recently for the first Penrith Talks: Innovation event.

The benefits of STEM education was reinforced by key-note speakers David Burns and Aimee Edwards from Battelle Education.

Pioneers in the delivery of this model across the US, the pair are playing a leading role in the development of the Sydney Science Park STEM School in Luddenham.

The role of innovation in science, maths and health was also highlighted in panel discussions led by the ABC’s Bernie Hobbs and featuring former Australian of the Year and 2Mar Robotics Maria Cheng and Professor Jamie Vandenburg.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the success of this inaugural event demonstrates a growing interest in these areas, and the significant role innovation will play in the future of Western Sydney.

“It’s clear that the Penrith community wants to learn from and be inspired by worldchanging innovators, futurists and thought leaders and we’re proud to be providing them with this opportunity through the Penrith Talks: Innovation series, “Cr Thain said.

“The next event in this series will profile innovation in business and leadership. More information will be available soon, and when it is I invite anyone with an interest in these areas to register their attendance.”

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Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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From the Editor’s Desk

4 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Tom Carey 0425 803 180 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 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.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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

by Kerrie Davies Politicians, emergency service members, group leaders and editors <myself included> have been calling for harsher penalties to be handed down in our courts for horrific crimes.

If you haven’t heard the story already, while babysitting this innocent seven-month old baby, a loathsome individual inflicted upon him the most disgraceful injuries you could ever imagine - multiple skull and vertebrae fractures, broke his ankles, bit him and bruised his genitals.

And yet in just a few years this sickening mongrel could be living in your street.

Yes. That’s the reality when our courts persist in handing down lenient sentences for abhorrent crimes - in this case Nolan was given a fraction of the 25 year maximum available.

It makes you sick to the stomach, doesn’t it?

Little Bobby from Glenmore Park survived the unimaginable against all odds. But he can’t walk. He is severely brain damaged.

He has lost the quality of life he had before that monster got his hands on him.

Yet Nolan won’t be paying for it with his life. Not even close.

Perpetrators of the most horrific crimes can’t keep getting let back out in the streets so quickly. There are loads of murder cases where the abuser had been previously convicted of other crimes yet was back out on the streets far too early, costing lives.

What kind of message does it send if a piece of garbage like Nolan can cause such horrendous injuries to this innocent little darling, ruin his life, and be back among the public before his victim even starts high school?

I’m ashamed our courts could let Bobby and his family down so badly.

The system needs an overhaul - NOW. We owe it to this little fella to protect him - and lock creatures like Nolan away from society for a very long time.

If you agree with me, please sign the petition to get justice for Bobby: go to http://bit.ly/2o7KLpZ

Foster carers needed now

9834 1044 NEPEAN DISTRICT

Stuart Ayres

MP

Member for Penrith

Stuart Ayres MP visited Wesley Dalmar Penrith and joined Wesley Mission staff and volunteers this week to raise awareness for the need for foster carers here in Penrith and right across NSW. “Foster carers are incredible people doing incredible things by providing safety, stability and a loving home to some of the states’ most vulnerable children,”Mr Ayres said.

“Where traditionally foster care has been seen as a placement for children for a short time or until they turn 18, now it is about finding a forever family for a child who can never go home.

“I hope to encourage people from all walks of life in my community to consider becoming a carer.”

The CEO of Wesley Mission, the Rev Keith Garner, said he was delighted by the support shown by Minister Ayres in the drive to recruit

more foster carers.

“Foster care comes with a range of responsibilities and each day can bring new experiences and great rewards for families,” Mr Garner said. “Wesley Mission needs more foster carers - people who want to help transform the lives of children.”

Wesley Mission runs two foster care programs at its Penrith site: Penrith West and Penrith East.

Some 102 children are in care, supported by 79 carers across western and south western Sydney.

Each Penrith program has a centre manager, two team leaders, five case managers, a carer recruitment officer, support officer and an education officer. The programs are supported by a clinical team.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer contact Fostering NSW on 1800 236 783 or visit www.fosteringnsw.com.au.

5 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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Politics at play over penalty cuts

By Keegan Thomson

FIGURES reported from the office of Lindsay MP, Emma Husar, suggest the electorate around Penrith will be one of the hardest hit by the proposed penalty rate cuts.

According to the data more than 12,000 people in Lindsay will be affected by the cuts due to their employment in “retail, food and accommodation industries”.

The decision to cut penalty rates from 150 per cent of hourly wage to 125 per cent of hourly wage on a Sunday comes after the Fair Work Commission handed down their findings of an investigation into the matter.

In a statement from Ms Husar’s office, they claim local spending will be battered by the cuts with millions of dollars of spending being pulled from the local economy.

“Cuts to penalty rates are also bad news for our local economy as these workers will now have less money to spend in local shops, restaurants and businesses. Our local economy could have up to $930,160 ripped out each week – more than $48 million less in spending each year,” the statement said.

 Emma Husar, MP for Lindsay, in Parliament House. Photo: Supplied.

In Canberra the Opposition have put all the blame of the penalty rate cuts right into the hands of the Federal Government, even though the Fair Work Commission is a free and independent non-partisan body.

“Residents of Lindsay will be hit hard

by the Turnbull Government’s refusal to stop the Fair Work Commission’s cut to penalty rates,” the statement read.

The Fair Work Commission reviews several awards across its compulsory four-yearly review of all modern wage awards, meaning

the research into the cuts started back in 2013 when Labor was in power.

Currently the government is trying to stay afloat under dismal opinion ratings, some of which are at low 45 per cent to Labor’s 55 per cent, two party preferred.

During the first week of the last parliamentary fortnight before the 2017 federal budget, Labor brought forward a Private Member’s Bill to prevent changes to penalty rates.

Right now that bill looks like it will be voted down with the government instead spending their time chasing a their own legislation on corporate tax cuts.

Across Lindsay and around Penrith the immediate hip pocket effects of the penalty rate cuts will likely impact many across the region. Some locals are set to lose out more than $100 a fortnight according to Ms Husar’s figures.

No matter how this situation plays out politically the people of Lindsay will be the ones who lose out in the long and short term. The electorate might be three years away from an election but dissatisfaction and the loss of income are two things that aren’t forgotten easily.

7 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Getting to know....

Steve Beard

Wentworth gets renovated

By Keegan Thomson

Select Mortgage Finance

with Conner Lowe

1. What was your first paid job?

Refereeing soccer at 13 2. What is your guilty pleasure?

Honey bourbon 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Global warming as it is changing they way we all live 4. What is your worst habit?

Talking to my kids in a grumpy tone 5. Best advice you have ever been given?

All things are ok in moderation 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

Play cards with my mates and try to double it but would probably lose it.

7. Favourite holiday destination and why? Prefer to go to new places each time where life is different to home 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

The mighty Panthers - forever!

9. Name one reason that you love Western Sydney?

Love the people because they are genuine and not pretentious.

10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday? Walking in bushland

WENTWORTH Community Housing in Penrith has received a beaming new revamp thanks to funding from the state government.

The freshly renovated and expanded office of the social and community housing not-for-profit was opened by a slew of dignitaries including the Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, the Minister for Social Housing, Pru Goward, Mayor of Penrith, Cr John Thain, and the CEO of Wentworth Community Housing, Stephen McIntyre.

Some of the new features of the office include an sleek, updated lobby with a new desk and waiting seats, new offices for staff and a family interview room for tenants with families.

Chief Executive of Wentworth Community Housing, Stephen McIntyre, said the whole upgrade of the building was aimed at helping their clients.

“We always want our clients to have a welcoming and open experience,” Mr McIntyre said.

“We want to improve the experience of people who come in to see us, no matter if they’re homeless or they’re experiencing housing stress.

“We’ve expanded the size and modernised the reception area. It is very contemporary and not institutional at all. We want to make people feel welcome when they come in,” he said.

The Member for Penrith praised Wentworth Community Housing for the lengths they’re going to so people in need across the region can get a roof over their head.

“I fundamentally believe Wentworth Community Housing is setting a standard across the country.

“There is so much about the spirit of this organisation, whilst it is permeated across western Sydney, Wentworth has its roots deep in the Penrith community.

“Community housing providers in our local area

 Stuart Ayres MP, Pru Goward MP, Mayor John Thain.

Photo: Keegan Thomson

like Wentworth play an important and expanding role in the provision and management of social and affordable housing,” Mr Ayres said.

Wentworth Community Housing manages more than 2200 properties across the Penrith, Blacktown, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury Local Government Areas, and at any time could be housing more than 4000 people.

Ms Goward, who manages the portfolio of social housing, said the refurbished office will improve service delivery in the greater western Sydney area and improved access for Wentworth’s growing number of clients.

“Wentworth Community Housing provides vital support to vulnerable people throughout Western Sydney.

“I particularly commend Wentworth’s work in its specialist homelessness service, which in 2016/17 is expected to provide assistance to 800 new people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness across Penrith, the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury,” the Minister said.

Hole in one for Penrith

By Keegan Thomson

World class conditions at Twin Creeks.

PENRITH has won the rights to host yet another world class sporting event after it was announced Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club would host the 2017 NSW Open.

The event previously took place in Blacktown’s Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club but the new home of the Open in Luddenham is set to be bigger than ever.

Council estimates the event will attract some 3,000 odd spectators as well as around 160 international and national professional golfers. The local economy is set to get a injection in excess of $320,000 due to the number of visitors coming to the region for the event.

Councillor Greg Davies said the fact Penrith Council could secure the 2017 event was a big win for the local community.

“The 2017 Open will have great economic benefits to Penrith.

“We’re going to have another opportunity to showcase our city to the whole country and to the world,” Cr Davies said.

The 2017 NSW Golf Open is yet another sporting event that the local Council and the community have been able to secure.

Later this year Penrith is set to host the NSW Veterans Cricket Championships as well as a slew of other canoe and rowing events in the coming future.

Cr Davies said the council aims to push for more world class sports events for the region.

“Council wants to be on the forefront so we can attract as many major events to our city as possible.

“Already we have the whitewater rafting, canoe slalom world-champs, the rowing world-champs hosted on our Nepean River.

“We have the perfect grounds, the best facilities and a local community set up for these things so we’re excited to keep pushing for more of these types of events,” he said.

Council has committed to a partnership with the NSW Open for the next three years.

The NSW Open will be held later this year from November 16 to 19 and will return to the Twin Creeks Golf Club for the following two years.

SUDEP: More awareness needed about a killer taking young lives

By Kerrie Davies

WHEN local residents Bert and Rosemary Bronkhorst received a phone call back in May 2009 to say that their eldest daughter Alexis had collapsed and been rushed to hospital, they were extremely worried, but had no way of knowing that every parent’s worst nightmare was about to unfold.

A young mother expecting her second child, Alexis had always been happy and healthy.

It was an exciting time in their lives; Alexis and her husband Kurt were over the moon about the impending birth of their second child, and three-year-old Bryce was excited to become a big brother. Little sister Ashleigh was to become an aunty again and Bert and Rosemary proud grandparents.

In the week prior to presenting at Nepean Hospital, Alexis had been suffering from headaches and had been off-colour.

It was over two months before Alexis was finally released from hospital. In that time she’d been transferred to Westmead, had spent five weeks in intensive care where she’d been placed in an induced coma.

She had also undergone numerous tests, spent three weeks in the High Dependency Unit, and had been pumped full of medication to try to stop her seizures.

Her diagnosis at discharge was Epilepsy.

Weekly follow-up visits were prescribed, along with medication to control her condition, but epilepsy soon became part of every day life for Alexis, who was by now having between one and 10 seizures a day.

But she didn’t complain; just took it in her stride, as she had done with all challenges in her life.

“The seizures did become part of her life, and as a father I found it hard to witness them,” Bert said.

“Rosemary was amazing though, as was Kurt. And Alexis herself - on

 Bert and Rosemary Bronkhorst with Mark “MG” Geyer, holding a framed photo of beautiful Alexis who had the world at her feet before being taken far too soon.

the rare occasion that she had a prewarning from her body, she would try to place herself somewhere where she could not hurt herself.”

Despite these new challenges, later that year healthy baby boy Zaine was born via C Section and life for the the young family resumed.

But many changes had to be made to best cope with the cruel hand that Alexis had been dealt; she was unable to drive nor be left alone. Kurt had to become full time Dad and carer for his wife.

Providing for his young family had become quite a challenge for young Kurt as the following couple of years went by, and occasionally he was working late into the night on his laptop after the family had all gone to bed.

Just before 3am on November 22, 2012, Kurt finished up and decided to take a shower before climbing into bed next to Alexis. He walked past her sleeping frame to the bathroom, and as he returned he noticed that she was face down on the bed. Sensing something was amiss, he attempted to wake her, and his worst fears were realised as he discovered she was

 A sisterly bond: Alexis and Ashleigh

unconscious. He performed CPR while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.

Bert and Rosemary were woken by a 3am call from their daughter’s neighbour; there was ambulance at the house.

Flying out the door with a feeling of dread, it was sadly to become the worst day of their lives; forever etched in their hearts.

Alexis could not be revived.

She had lost the battle she had fought so hard to conquer, and one of life’s most valued treasures was taken away in an instant.

But her memory lives on, loved and sadly missed by the many hearts she touched during her short life of just under 26 years.

The kind-hearted, happy go-lucky girl with the stunning smile who loved to sing and dance and reveled in the role of being a mother will be treasured forever.

“She passed three weeks before her 26th birthday,” Rosemary said, emotional and tearful after going over the traumatic events in order to share Alexis’ journey.

“We all miss her so much.”

“We hope that it can help explain the risks in epilepsy, and help prevent other families from suffering the same loss as we have.”

I’d like to thank the Bronkhorsts for opening their hearts full of memories of their beautiful daughter with me, in order to bring awareness to this very important issue.

Not many people realise that Epilepsy can be fatal. Awareness of SUDEP - Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy - is being promoted this month, and March 24 was Purple Day in an effort to raise awareness. The condition also needs to be high on the political radar to ensure it receives the research attention it needs to prevent the fatal risks.

It is a cause that is also close to heart for local legend Mark Geyer.

Two of MG’s daughters have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

“Epilepsy needs to be tagged for research funding,” MG said.

“Bert and Rosemary have lost a beautiful daughter in very traumatic circumstances, yet they are leading the charge in an effort to help others.”

Epilepsy Australia states that the risk of SUDEP nationally is one in 3000 persons over a one-year period. For persons with poorly controlled seizures the risk is one in 100 persons over one year. In children, SUDEP is an even rarer occurrence with the risk as low as one to two in 10, 000 over one year.

“One of the very important challenges for Epilepsy Australia is to raise awareness and understanding of possible risks related to living with epilepsy,” A spokesperson from Epilepsy Australia said.

“While this is a difficult topic for all concerned it is essential that we use research and community education to clearly identify where risks exist and what strategies can be developed to reduce them.

“This includes the question of epilepsy-related death. While modest progress has been made in understanding epilepsy-related risks, there is still much work to be done, especially in the area of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

“Life is precious, and while the risk of SUDEP is low, all factors that may lead to injury or loss of life should be included in any risk management discussion. Informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle can only be made if all the information is provided and consequences discussed.”

Epilepsy Australia’s SUDEP Research & Education Fund receives donations from families, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one to epilepsy, and donations dedicated to epilepsy research. Donations to this fund can be made online atwww.epilepsyaustralia.net or for more information, emailsudep@ epilepsyaustralia.net Turn to MG on the mark, page 30 for more editorial comment.

 Alexis had always been a happy and healthy child

9 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Green thumbs compete for top prize

The Greenest and Most Sustainable Garden competition is on as part of preparations for International Compost Awareness week coming up in May. Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said Penrith Council is proud to be a major sponsor of the event.

“Our involvement in this initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and securing the environmental future of our City,” Cr Thain said.

“It would be really wonderful to see locals getting involved, and who knows, maybe there’s a winner somewhere in Penrith,” he said.

Sustainable gardening includes improving soil, growing native plants and growing fresh fruits and vegetables, using organic and renewable resources that nature provides, from rain water to solar power.

If you have a sustainable garden, make sure you enter the Greenest and Most Sustainable Garden competition.

To enter, send a photo of your garden, along with 150 words or less about how your garden is sustainable, to info@core.asn.au. Entries close Thursday 13 April.

More information about what makes a sustainable garden and details about the competition are available at http://bit.ly/2kU0nM3

Cheaper Green Slips in 2017 Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that NSW motorists are set to benefit from a fairer and more affordable CTP Green Slip Scheme under a proposal announced recently by the NSW Government.

The changes will address problems with the current CTP scheme such as premium unaffordability, delays in payment of benefits to people injured on NSW roads, and reducing fraudulent and exaggerated claims that are driving up premiums.

Penrith motorists will shave around $180 off their Green Slip under the new scheme.

“Over the past decade, Green Slip prices have increased with the average Penrith motorist now paying around $708. This is simply unfair and motorists deserve better,” said Stuart Ayres.

“The current scheme has become the least affordable in the country and just 45 cents in every Green Slip dollar is returned to those who need it most - injured road users. The rest is chewed up in scheme costs including insurance super profits, legal fees and medical fees.

“The changes will not only stop the ongoing increases in average premiums, they will stop insurer super profits and actually reduce the cost of Green Slips for NSW motorists. This will provide a significant household saving to families in the Penrith electorate who often need to insure multiple vehicles every year,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The NSW Government is providing help when needed, is reducing premiums and reducing fraud,” added Stuart Ayres.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the reforms fulfilled a Government promise to deliver a fairer and more affordable scheme.

“Make no mistake – this is a big win for motorists. The new scheme will deliver fast access to benefits for those who are legitimately injured on our roads; it will reduce the exaggerated claims; it will deliver more of the premium dollar back to the most seriously injured; and it will deliver cheaper Green Slips,” he said.

A Bill subject to Parliament’s approval, a new Green Slip scheme is likely to commence in December 2017. Further information is available at www.sira.nsw.gov.au.

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Safer Pathways for DV victims

By Keegan Thomson

Penrith or St Marys locals who are facing domestic and family violence will receive tailored, multi-agency support with the roll out of Safer Pathway.

Commencing in September this year, the Safer Pathway initiative will bring together local representatives from the police, health, family, community and educational services to create a more streamline service for domestic violence victims.

Speaking at Penrith Police Station the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward announced the new initiative along side local MP Stuart Ayres.

Ms Goward said Safer Pathway aims to ensure every domestic violence victim across NSW receives consistent care.

“Courageous victims who have been left traumatised and terrified will no longer have to shop around to get the services they need nor will they have to re-tell their story to a multitude of government agencies,” Ms Goward said.

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres

 MPs Pru Goward and Stuart Ayres with police at Penrith Police Station.

welcomed the announcement that Safer Pathway will be rolling out to Penrith and St Marys LAC. “We know that having the right support in place is vital and that is why I am so pleased that victims needing help in this area will have the tailored

support through Safer Pathway to ensure their safety and recovery from abusive relationships,” Mr Ayres said.

So far the Safer Pathway program has been rolled out across a number of Local Area Commands across the state including Parramatta, Mt Druitt

and Blacktown. This announcement means Penrith and St Marys will be the latest in a long line of LACs to receive the roll out.

The roll out of Safer Pathways is aimed at curbing Penrith’s disgraceful domestic violence statistics.

Across the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) there have been 1,037 reported incidents of domestic violence in the 12 months to June 2016. Those figures gives Penrith the title of the second highest rate of domestic violence assaults in the state.

Sharon Payne, Case Manager at Queen of Hearts Community Foundation, says Safer Pathways will deliver many benefits but the victims of domestic violence must always come first.

“It is a positive that people can now have a one stop shop for services, but there might be issues around confidentiality,” Ms Payne said.

“Security and confidentiality needs to be taken into account and the information of clients needs to be protected.

“It will be great to make it easier for people to access all services in one place but at the core there needs to be the consent and consideration of the client,” she said.

11 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

localnews

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12

Legends of the Nepean

By Garion Thain

JIM Kalamiotis was a Penrith icon, earning the love of many local families for his charitable deeds and operation of one of the city’s most respected and trusted businesses.

The lifelong resident (Migrating from southern Greece as a toddler) was well

known for his enthusiasm, sincerity and love of people. Unfortunately, this legend of the Nepean is no longer with us, Mr Kalamiotis passing away one year ago. Leaving a lasting impression after his passing, it is deserving one year on that Mr Kalamiotis is remembered for his passion and impact on the city. This week, following his memorial service at Penrith Paceway, I spoke to Mr Kalamiotis’ daughter, Vicky Mandadakis, and his son-inlaw Frank Argeetes at Penrith Mazda, the business Jim Kalamiotis cultivated over many years into its current lot, where his daughter, son and son-in-law work. Ms Mandadakis told me about the lasting impression her father has on her and her family.

“It wasn’t my dream to sell cars, but to see Dad crack it, achieve his dream and make it work, it’s inspired me,” Ms Mandadakis said.

“My kids saw it and it inspired them too.”

Mr Kalamiotis started at Mazda as a sales manager, and went on to buy the business from Mr Ray Boyle. Ms Mandadakis said when the Mazda 3 was released, demand exploded and he made the call to expand onto what is now the astoundingly large site,

boasting a full service centre and a café.

“He had everything to do with the site expansion,” Ms Kalamiotis said.

“He did the work of three people, he managed to convince Mazda that the café would work. He was here all the time, but most importantly, he was present for us and all the staff,” she continued.

“Staff would trust him with their problems and for advice. He loved people.”

Ms Mandadakis admitted it was at times hard to share him with so many people. When the business boomed it was harder to see his grandkids, but he always set aside time, Ms Mandadakis noting the importance he put on family.

The intertwining of business and family was always a part of Mr Kalamiotis’ life. When he was young, his family opened a fish and chip shop in Katoomba, and then moved to Penrith and opened a fish and chip shop across the road from Penrith High.

“He went to Penrith high, then at lunchtime would go across the road and sell food with his Mum and Dad,” laughed Ms Mandadakis.

Living in Penrith since childhood, Ms Mandadakis said her Dad didn’t get it easy at first.

“In the early days it was hard. He was beaten for being ethnic,” she said.

“As people get to know you though, they change their attitudes.

“He loved Penrith so much. He got himself involved in the culture, the sport. He loved the Panthers.”

Mr Kalamiotis personally sponsored the Luke Priddis foundation through Penrith Mazda, also donating a car.

Further, he was a massive supporter of the variety club.

Ms Mandadakis said her father wanted to give back to the community that had been so good to him.

“When I had to get his memorial photo sorted out, the owner of the store came out to talk to me about him,” said Ms Mandadakis.

“One day before the memorial, a Woman who worked at his Shephard Rd cornershop as a teenager came up to me to talk to me about him.”

Ms Mandadakis says her family is touched that Mr Kalamiotis had such a positive impact on the people that knew him.

His daughter credits this to his sincerity and the genuine joy he had in his field of work. Frank Argeetes, Mr Kalamiotis’ son-in-law and the DP of Penrith Mazda, agreed that

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Jim Kalamiotis – In Memoriam his father-in-law loved his work and Mazda Motorsport.

As an adult, Mr Kalamiotis was heavily involved in the Japanese car scene in the Nepean, selling with Toyota and Mitsubishi while running other ventures in between, including his own small businesses like the aforementioned corner shop.

At Penrith Mazda, Mr Kalamiotis sourced heritage cars for the site to involve some of Mazda’s history in the dealership. Near the boardroom and service centre, locally made murals document Mazda’s history in motorsport and car design from the 60s’ to present day.

“Jim thought it was important to involve local businesses in it,” said Mr Argeetes.

Mr Argeetes showed me one of these heritage cars, a 1993 RX7 sporting kangaroo insignias on several components to show it as one of the rare 25 RX7’s made for the Bathurst 12 hour race.

Owing to his reverence of the sport, Mr Argeetes explained that Mr Kalamiotis first sold the car in the 90s’, buying it back from a mutual friend in 2012, preserving it. His son, Mr Argeetes’ brother-in-law, also

owns an RX7.

“He was all about the passion,” said Mr Argeetes.

“He asked us – how many cars can we sell each day? as opposed to how much money can we make?”

Mr Argeetes expanded that Mr Kalamiotis saw the dealership as a service for the community, earning its multiple master dealer awards through his own metric.

“He was always honest,” he continued.

“If he had something to say, he always said it to your face,” added Ms Mandadakis.

Mr Argeetes said his father-in-law was his “best mate.”

“If a mate rang and said ‘hey, want to go out for a feed?’ and then my in-laws rang, I’d cancel my plans to see them.”

Mr Argeetes said he would often say how lucky he felt to Mr Kalamiotis’ face.

“In one man I had a father-in-law, a boss, and a best mate.”

Now, one year on, Mr Kalamiotis’ family works tirelessly to honour the platform he’s left, and continue the work he did with joy for decades on end.

13

 I spoke to Mr Kalamiotis’ daughter, Vicky Mandadakis at Penrith Mazda about her father and his legacy.

 The family’s personal – and rare – Australian configured RX7, one of 25 made for the 12 hour Bathurst endurance race, was originally sold

by Mr Kalamiotis himself, who then purchased back the car from a mutual friend in 2012, going on to preserve it.

Jim Kalamiotis was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie & Greg Davies.

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

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Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Making indoors fun for your cat

There are many advantages to keeping your cat indoors. Cats have a detrimental effect on Australian wildlife and the majority of injuries that we see in cats are due to them being outdoors where they can be attacked by other animals or hit by motor vehicles.

By keeping your cat indoors, this will help preserve our wildlife and also keep your beloved cat safe.

When keeping a cat indoors it is important to enrich their environment so they do not become bored and destructive. The environment can be enriched in several ways through feeding, toys, play, training and environmental aspects.

Enrichment through food is important to simulate natural hunting behavior.

There are toys available that can be filled with food for the cats to empty

and this will keep them occupied and active. Family food tossing sessions can also be great to enable the cat to chase food. Water fountains are also a interesting addition to the environment as most cats love flowing water and this keeps them well hydrated.

Toys and games are essential for cats and they should replicate a cat’s natural behaviour. Young cats seem to

enjoy stuffed toys that can be attacked while others enjoy toys suspended from strings that bounce and sway.

Rotating the selection of toys is important to increase their novelty and interest. Make sure that string and thread toys are kept hidden between play sessions as these can be dangerous if eaten. Always remember that hands and fingers should never be used to

encourage play and play biting should always be redirected to toys.

The most important way to keep your cat happy and active is to enrich the environment itself. The house should be able to satisfy each cat’s specific needs. Some cats like to explore multiple levels and ‘cat shelves’ can be mounted on the wall to allow them to perch at higher levels.

Sunny areas are perfect for perching areas and most cats love to sit by the windowsill and watch the world go by!

Cardboard boxes with treats can also be placed around the home to encourage exploratory behavior. Objects for the cat to scratch should be provided as this will help unwanted scratching on furniture – some cats prefer vertical scratching posts while others prefer horizontal posts.

While it is safer to keep the cat indoors, some cats can be confined in the yard using special types of cat fencing. If you have any questions regarding your kitten or cat’s behaviour, please call us on 4731 3055.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone 47 313 055

A day in the life of... Prue Car MP

By Keegan Thomson

DEPENDING on the news cycle, politicians tend to make up around 80 per cent of the nightly television news coverage. Whether they’re arguing with other politicians, spraying rhetoric, rebutting comments, kissing babies or spinning some policy you can almost guarantee that they’ll be on the boob tube.

One politician who is constantly in front of the media’s cameras and microphones is local state MP for Londonderry Prue Car. She’s a self declared activist for all Westies, a force to be reckoned with in the Opposition, and a mum.

Ms Car is a face that many western Sydney locals would have seen across the last few years. Starting her political career in Penrith Council she moved onto state politics after feeling the call to action.

“State government should be about the equitable distribution of services,” Ms Car said.

“That means you should be able to go to a good school no matter where you come from. You should have access to quality health care, you should be able to get a roof over your head.

“Western Sydney should get all those services and they should all be equal to

the services you can get in any other part of the state.

“Fighting for those things, that is why I decided to run for state parliament,” she said.

As a member of the Opposition and as Shadow Minister for Skills and Shadow Minister for Education, Ms Car has battled the Government on a number of tough fronts.

She’s fought the Government on local issues such as health funding for Nepean Hospital, a school for Kemps Creek and most recently on the matter of the western Sydney incinerator.

“Our job as Opposition is not to simply fight against the Government.

We are here to keep the Government accountable to the voters of New South Wales.

“I’m also personally here to fight for the people of western Sydney,” she said.

The day’s activities of a state MP in the Opposition Party can vary dramatically from day to day.

When Ms Car is based in her local office at Werrington she said no day is ever the same but there is always a community theme to all her work.

“Today I started at 6am at Werrington train station. I was doing a mobile office, a place I can talk to locals and let them know the things that we’re fighting for and I can get some feedback from people as to what is on their minds.

“After that I might be off to a meeting. I’ll usually hold or attend meetings with community groups so that I can then listen to whatever is on their minds.

“I’ll do media interviews as well.

Media is a big thing. I’ll use the media to help communicate the issues I’m fighting for and local media is really

important for that.

“But also I’ll just have a chat with constituents in my office as well,” Ms Car said.

When she’s in Parliament House in Sydney she’ll be playing a completely different ball game.

“The parliamentary day is determined by the Government. So as a member of the Opposition we’ll hold the Government to account on what they say.

“For me I will spend my time talking to the chamber about issues and events in the area.

“Last week I gave a speech about something the local RSL was doing, I made a speech against the incinerator proposal, there was the Australia Day honours and recently I spoke about the Men’s Shed opening.

“As a member of the Shadow Cabinet I’ll attend Shadow Cabinet meetings and we’ll discuss what we can do for the community,” she said.

Without a doubt being a proud Penrith local has shaped the way Ms Car works as a politician. She is a proud Westie who vouches that western Sydney is the best place in the country.

“We fight for our fair share, we’re proud of our accomplishments and we’re a very community-minded place.

In western Sydney we believe in our area and that is what makes us the best.”

The G Spot

I was sitting on the lounge, late one night , in my attractive onesie, seriously girls if you want to give the vibes of “not tonight” the onesies the way to say “Hell no, this shop is closed for business.”

I am so attractive in my onesie that Greenpeace were banging on the door screaming “throw water and uncover the blow hole, we may be able to save it!” Mine is glow in the dark, which means I have to wear sunnies to bed.

It’s really good for freaking the cat out too, it’s like it is on a bad LSD trip. (But don’t tell the RSPCA).

Anyway, I was sitting on the lounge having a few well-earned bevvies just to make sure my kidneys and liver are getting the workout they crave, and on comes Gilligan’s island.

Now I am no brain child, but here’s a deserted island and the professor built everything from the kitchen sink; 5 star luxury cabins with ensuite to a restaurant, but he could not build

a crappy raft and get them off the island? And how the hell did Ginger keep her make-up so perfect? She was on a deserted island…….just sayn.

Which then led me to Flight 370 that has now been missing for two years, yep that plane, where the hell is it? I have read more theories than an Agatha Christie novel, including aliens have taken it, but where is it?

How the hell do you lose an entire big mother of a plane? I mean I lose my car keys all the time, however! Let’s not worry our little cotton socks about that right now, where’s…. da plane?

Da plane?

We have heated toilet seats that vibrate with relaxation music and automatic wipers (with forward or back option at the press of a button), but we can’t track a plane? We have the technology to put GPS trackers on dog collars, and look at the dog’s location on our smart phone - but we can’t track a plane? We can google

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

earth a house location (with picture), but we can’t track a plane?

So what are trackers? Satellite Navigation or Global Positioning thingies and how can they be useful to us mere mortals? I have tracking on the security patrol cars, it’s a great system.

You can track just about anything (except a plane of course), car, boat, cat, dog, mother in law - and these bad boys are so advanced you can see exactly where your asset is. How, I hear you say with eagerness in your voice (I mean eyes because you’re reading this) Well my avid readers, there are so many systems available, and parents are now placing tracking in their kid’s car to track speed, braking, and of course, where the hell your little Johnny is ( after he said he is going to Aunt Maple’s for apple pie..cough cough).

If on a car, these devices show the opening and closing of the doors,

speed , gear changes, fuel and oil levels, replay an entire day, route , stopping times, ignition on and off and of course, the location of your beast ( not the wife - your car). Great, if the car is stolen you can even set up what they call a “Geofence” which means placing a border around an address (so to speak) and when the car enters that “Geofence” it will sms or email your smartphone. I do ask that you don’t get red paint and paint around an address, it’s in the virtual thingy on the navvie thingy on your computer.

So there you have it folks, we can track kids, cars, boats, truck, dogs , cats, elderly people, phones, bags, car keys BUT WE CAN’T TRACK A PLANE!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and the cat rang, he is actually on LSD and is seeking help as I type this! My toilet seat is on backorder and wish I had tracking on my favourite jacket that is M.I.A!

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Smurf In Wanderland David Williams is a Sydney FC fan who has devoted a stage production to the fans of his club’s biggest rival.

By Garion Thain

SYDNEY FC fan David Williams brings his take on being an outsider in the Western Sydney Wanderers’ RBB to an interesting medium, with his theatre production Smurf in Wanderland playing at Riverside Theatres from April 20-27.

For those not following, ‘Smurf’ is the nickname given to a Sydney Football Club Fan and ‘Wanderland’ is the home ground of the Western Sydney Wanderers. Williams is a selfdescribed “long-suffering Sydney FC fan,” who frequented Western Sydney Wanderers’ games on their home turf in Parramatta. Kitted out in his Sydney FC sky-blue jersey, Williams-the-Smurf stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the sea of red and black.

Instead of fearing for his life, Williams says he

found a beautiful and profound unity amongst the ritual and fierce loyalty of the Wanderers fans.

Directed by Griffin Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Lee Lewis, Smurf in Wanderland is a must-see for both theatre-lovers and football fans alike across Western Sydney and beyond.

This is a story that breaks down the barriers of geography and debunks the myths of hooliganism at the football. It tells a tale of loyalty and unity integral and familiar to all football fans.

In conjunction with the production, National Theatre of Parramatta will present a photographic exhibition ‘Wanderland’ by award-winning photographer and die-hard Western Sydney Wanderers fan, Eric Berry (2015 Photographer of the Year, FourFourTwo). The exhibition will feature stunning images from Western Sydney Wanderers matches and a unique insight into the magic of football.

* new connections

Applications open for NAIDOC week grants STUART AYRES MP, Member for Penrith encourages grassroots organisations to hold local events during NAIDOC Week 2017 and apply for a share of the $200,000 in grants to help celebrate the history, culture and accomplishments of Aboriginal people.

The national theme this year is ‘Our Languages Matter’, highlighting the importance of growing and sharing Aboriginal languages. NSW is linguistically diverse with over 35 Aboriginal languages - all currently critically endangered.

Stuart Ayres said we have a number of active local Aboriginal groups in Penrith and I encourage them to consider applying for a grant and hold an event to celebrate our Aboriginal communities’ strengths and achievements Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell said NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all in NSW to get together and celebrate the unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our communities.

“This year NSW will become the first state in the nation to introduce legislation to recognise and protect Aboriginal languages, as well as establishing a Centre for Aboriginal Languages of NSW to support community-led revival efforts,” Mrs Mitchell said.

Grant applications totalling $200,000, are open through to Thursday 27 April. Not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to apply via www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au.

NAIDOC, which stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, is held nationally each year in the first full week of July.

This year NAIDOC will run from 2 – 9 July.

15 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Come Celebrate Easter With St Marys. It Will Be HUGE!

The St Marys Easter Egg Hunt is bigger and better than ever.

With locations all around St Marys CBD this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hunt is going to be hours of fun for the families of St Marys.

The Easter eggs will be hiding up and down Queen St on Saturday 8th April as part of the St Marys Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will have the opportunity to dress up and search for the bunnies that will be hiding out in their favourite Queen St businesses.

Best of all, the hidden bunnies will be rewarding the kids that find them.

This Easter event is all about free family fun. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our way of thanking the shoppers who support us all year round by giving them the opportunity to get out as a family and enjoy themselves.

There will be lots of free entertainment such as a face painting, roving characters, a jumping castle, animal farm, kids shows and more.

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Beat the queues, get prepared and attend the pre-registration session on Saturday 1st April from 11am till 1pm in Coachmans Park, St Marys.

Rego forms are available on St Marys Town Centre’s Facebook and website. Check it out, print it, fill it in and bring it with you to exchange it for your St Marys Easter Egg Hunt kit.

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e n t e r t a i n m e n t

Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Fernhill Estate treats Bobby’s parents to a night of Barnesy

By Kerrie Davies

IF you read “From The Editor’s Desk” on page 4 of this edition, or previous stories in this publication, you’d know all about the Nepean region’s favourite little champion, Bobby the Brave.

Bobby, who is now three, has come along way since he suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of his non-biological uncle in 2014.

At just seven months old, Bobby endured multiple skull fractures caused by blunt force trauma, blood pooling in his eyes from being violently shaken, carpet burn marks on his forehead, fractured vertebrae, shattered ankles, bruised genitalia, bite marks on his little body among other atrocities too graphic to disclose.

He was not expected to live through the catastrophic injuries inflicted on his tiny baby body.

But our little hero is a fighter, and he defied the odds that were stacked against him.

Sadly, Bobby will never fully recover from the lifechanging injuries he suffered. He has been left with brain damage and many other medical conditions that will require lifetime full-time care.

The Penrith community was united in their instant love for the innocent little boy from Glenmore Park, and they opened their kind hearts to raise funds to help give Bobby the best possible future.

It has been a heartbreaking journey for Bobby’s parents, Elise and Barry.

Big-hearted Mark MG Geyer, who will be MC at the upcoming Jimmy Barnes concert on May 7, along with Fernhill Estate representative, Rachel Nikolic, recently met with Bobby, Elise and Barry at Penrith

Rachel from Fernhill, Elise and Barry Webber and Mark Geyer with Bobby. Photo: Kennedi Geyer

Paceway to see how Bobby was doing.

Little Bobby took an instant like to MG, who I might add is exceptionally great with kids. He scooped little Bobby into his massive arms, covered his face and neck in kisses and the big smiles on Bobby’s face were priceless to witness. In return Bobby gave MG a huge hug and nestled into his shoulder as if he’d known him all his life.

I do believe I saw a tear or two form in big MG’s eyes.

The team from Fernhill Estate had heard that Elise was a major Barnesy fan, so they were armed with a nice surprise for Mum and Dad, who have gone through more heartache than any parent should ever have to endure; free tickets to the show!

“On behalf of Fernhill Estate we are so pleased to

be able to treat this family who have been through so very much, to a night of singing along with Jimmy Barnes, a bit of a break from the routine,” said Rachel from Fernhill.

Elise and Barry were over the moon.

“Oh wow, how lucky are we?” Elise beamed.

“Barry and I don’t often get to take time out for ourselves to enjoy each other’s company.

“I am so touched by this, that the people from Fernhill thought of us, this has made us so happy!”

Jimmy Barnes will be playing live in concert at Fernhill Estate, Mulgoa on May 7. Tickets are on sale though ticketek If you’d like to contribute to Bobby’s future, you can donate by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/ bobby-the-brave

bring in THIS ad to receive a free garlic or herb breaD

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

We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

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e n t e r t a i n m e n t

Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Another spin on the turn table East - Cold Chisel

SUDOKU: EASY

20

By Keegan Thomson

SOLUTION: 2nd March

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

BY the late 1970s the hype surrounding Cold Chisel, an emerging, energetic and unapologetic Australian pub rock band, was reaching a pinnacle. They’d just come off the back of a number of highly successful tours and they’d released a number of hit singles, but the full enormity of their legacy had yet to be made.

In the early months of 1980 the band started work on what would become their third studio album, East. The work was continuous with the producer Mark Opitz booking out the Paradise Studio in Sydney. From the get-go the band wanted to make something more commercially viable, what they got was a smash hit album which still stands the test of time.

At the forefront of the album stands staple Aussie rock tracks like Standing On The Outside, My Baby and Rising Sun, with anthems like Cheap Wine and Choirgirl added in for good measure.

From the first track off the album Chisel were making a statement. They wanted the world to know that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Standing On The Outside launches the

album into the world of traditional, fast paced, no BS rock n roll, something that Chuck Berry would be proud of.

My Baby, is another track that drives home the 1950s rock n roll roots of Cold Chisel.

Breaking down for a little bit, the band have a breather on Choirgirl, a track with a heavy political subtext. Written

by Don Walker the song was one of the band’s biggest hits, even though the context of the song is extremely heavy.

Without holding much back, the song is about abortion and the loneliness in terminating a pregnancy. The real driving power from the track comes from the chanting chorus, “Looking like a choir girl, crying like a refugee.”

Go to any pub on karaoke night and without a doubt you’ll hear a ripping version of Choirgirl.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 9 Relationship between

lovers (7) 10 Move in a sinuous

manner (7) 11 Goof (7) 12 Ones who direct or

guide (7) 13 Players who line

up behind the line of

scrimmage (9) 15 Detected (5) 16 Paper fasteners (7) 19 Searchers (7) 20 Pertaining to sound (5) 21 Indigestion (9) 25 Correction to a

printed mistake (7) 26 A cut of meat (7) 28 “_______ up!” = Stop

being foolish (7) 29 Class (7)

solution 16/3/17

DOWN 1 Pre-built (6) 2 Induces vomiting (6) 3 Leg joint (4) 4 Interfere (6) 5 Opposite of explodes (8) 6 Torment (10) 7 Glue or paste (8) 8 Holy wars (8) 14 Congratulate (10) 16 Apprehensiveness (8) 17 Not usual (8) 18 Planning (8) 22 Surprise attack (6) 23 Mean (6) 24 Flora and fauna (6) 27 Metrical unit of syllables (4)

Spice up your life

Spicy Penrith is on again and for the first time it’s come to the Joan.

More than 100 performers will come together to perform music and dance showcasing the vibrant subcontinental cultures of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India.

“Don’t miss out on this spectacular night of dance, food and colour,” Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said.

“Spicy Penrith is one of those events that people rave about and there are more seats available this year than ever before, so it’s the perfect time to experience it for yourself,” he said.

The concert is on Saturday 1 April from 6 to 8pm. From 3-5.45pm the Mondo will have a range of stalls from these communities, including henna artists, fair trade products, Indian Artefacts, and Pink Sari who promote breast cancer awareness for the subcontinent community.

Heavens Above

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

Come along and catch some wonderful performances at Spicy Penrith this year.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $17 for concession (including children under 12 years), and include a food voucher so you can enjoy your choice of Indian or Nepalese cuisine.

Tickets can be bought online at www.thejoan.com. au, over the phone on 4723 7600 or via email.

It’s Not The words You Read & Hear...It’s The Action You Take!

Words have power, so beware of negative speech!

Far too many people are the cause of illnesses developing in their bodies due to the usage of Toxic Words and Phrases.

Words that express hatred and envy are venomous and are the sure way to puncture and poison a person’s well-being.

When people use words of hate or envy or criticism to condemn any person or anything, their face distorts, their lips twist and they just make themselves ugly.

It is shameful and achieves nothing but sickness to all concerned.

Use only words that compliment, that praise.

Words that bring hope and joy.

Find only positive reasons to speak, or just keep your mouth closed.

Speak the words that bring comfort and hope.

Every time and everywhere you go. Bring happiness Be kind to yourself, speak kindly to yourself and you will be kind to others.

Start with yourself - you deserve it!

Remember: It is the action you take that makes the difference.

Cheery Cheers, Your Mate, Rossco

21 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

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nepeanhistory

24 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

John Whitton, the father of New South Wales Railways  John Whitton’s bust at Central Station, Sydney.

V

 The finished Victoria Bridge.

ictoria Bridge and the railway line between Penrith and Weatherboard (Wentworth Falls) are 150 years old this year.

In the early 1850s, a bridge was urgently needed over the Nepean River to Emu Plains as the amount of foot and horse drawn traffic heading west to the gold fields and Bathurst was huge. The only ways across the river were the ferry and the ford (which was not always fordable).

A company of business men formed the Penrith Bridge Company and raised enough money to build a low-level wooden bridge which was opened in January 1856. But three years after it was opened, a flood washed the centre of the bridge away. It was repaired but, although it withstood two large floods, the great flood of 1860 washed it away, too.

After this disaster there were no funds to start again and the government was unwilling to help. By this stage the western railway was fast approaching Penrith and it had to cross the Nepean River to head up the mountains.

NSW Engineer in Chief of the Railways, John Whitton, had discussions with the Penrith Bridge Company and they accepted his idea of a road/rail bridge which Whitton then designed.

John Whitton was born in 1820 near Wakefield, Yorkshire, UK. He gained engineering and architectural experience during a seven year work experience when he was articled to John Billington of Wakefield. He prepared plans and tenders for railway construction and waterworks.

From 1846, Whitton worked as an engineer on the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincoln railways.

In 1852-56 he was the Resident Engineer to the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway. He succeeded I.K.Brunel working on the Great Western Railway from London to the west coast of the UK. He was elected a member of the institution of Civil Engineers, London in 1854.

In 1856 he was appointed engineer-in-chief to the NSW Government Railways with a salary of £1,500 per year.

John and his wife Elizabeth arrived in Australia on the ‘Royal Charter’ in December of that year. When he arrived he found that

NSW only had 23 miles (37km) of 4ft 8ins (1,435mm) gauge railway lines, four locomotives, 12 passenger carriages and 40 trucks.

He had to resolve a number of contradictory issues which included standardising the railway gauge throughout the colony. He wanted NSW to have the same gauge as Victoria and South Australia. Another was explaining to the governor, Sir William Denison, who wanted to use horse drawn tramways, that it would be impossible with the volume of freight expected.

Another problem he had to solve was the use of steel rails instead of iron . Steel rails lasted six times longer than iron. Similarly for his bridges, the government wanted to use wood, he wanted to use iron.

He was proven right on both counts and many of his bridges are still in use today.

He instituted a system of account keeping for the locomotive and carriage branches, track maintenance and workshops. He changed the wood-burning locomotives to coal, as the wood smoke caused damage to passengers’ clothes and properties along the lines.

For the large numbers of viaducts, stations, bridges and culverts he needed to get the trains over the Blue Mountains, he used local sandstone, as he also did in other places, with the result that most of them are still in use today. Also, to get the trains up the steep eastern side of the Blue Mountains, he built the Zig Zag track, and later a similar one down the western side to the plains below.

Whitton tried to keep the rails on flat grades and gentle curves allowing for future duplication. Again he ran into trouble with the government which wanted to keep it all to a minimum cost, with no thought to the future!

He was a determined man, who could be difficult, uncompromising and didn’t let his judgement or his extensive railway engineering experience be compromised by government pressures. He is considered as ‘The father of New South Wales Railways’.

When Whitton retired in May 1890, he had supervised the laying of 2,171 miles (3,494km) of track, on which no accident had occurred due to defective design or construction. He died aged 80 in February 1898 and is buried in St Thomas’ Cemetery, North Sydney, NSW. Rosemary Weaver

OFFER ENDS 30TH APRIL 2017

Offer ends 30/4/2017. See in Store for Terms and Conditions.

Blake ready to wing it for Penrith

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

He was one of the stars of Penrith’s run into last year’s semi-finals, having finally found his feet in the NRL as a right centre after a nervous debut season in 2015.

At one point he was set to break the club record he jointly holds with Rhys Wesser for most number of consecutive games played where he had scored a try (seven).

However with the return from injury of Kiwi International outside backs Dean Whare and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Waqa Blake now finds himself playing outside a red-hot Tyrone Peachey on the left wing.

But if you think the Fijian outside back is disappointed by the move thou, think again as this young player on the rise clearly knows his place in the side despite having a preference to play in the centres.

“It’s not about where I am in the team, we’re all quality players and we’re just trying to do what’s best for the team,” Blake told Nepean News.

“Dean’s come back after missing a lot of games last year and he’s played well and with Dallin too the combination they’ve formed, they play well together as it showed last night (versus Newcastle).

“They’re both international players and they deserve their spot. ”I’m still going to try and work my way back in there (the centres) but I’m prepared to wait in the meantime.”

Having played inside Dallin last season, Blake admits it will take some time to form a new

 Blake’s good form has carried over into 2017.

Credit: 77 Media

combination with Peachey, whom he credits for his much smoother transition to the wing where he has not played a lot of in the past let alone in the NRL where he has played just ten of 43 games played in that position.

“I haven’t played a lot of wing but the boys have made it a lot easier especially Peachey,” Blake said.

“I haven’t got much ball off him yet but I know that will come.

“It’s hard when it’s a player like him who likes to break tackles and can find the try-line and is good defensively but I still enjoy playing outside him.”

It was error-riddled debut season back in 2015 by Blake, especially when asked to play at times in an unfamiliar position but as the winger admits, there were circumstances behind those nerves and says he is a far more confident player in 2017 to handle the transition back to the wing.

“In 2015, that was my rookie year and I didn’t really do a full pre-season and I was rushed into it (playing in the NRL),” Blake explained.

“I wouldn’t say I wasn’t ready but a lot of players were injured and we were going through that tough time.

“Whereas now it’s my third year in the NRL and I definitely right now.”

Despite atoning for a tough 14-12 loss to Sydney Roosters with a huge 40-0 win over Newcastle, Blake and his Panther team-mates will need to muster all that confidence and then some, if they are to get the better of the competition front-runners, Melbourne at AAMI Park this Saturday night, a ground they have never won at.

In fact the Melbourne Storm is Penrith’s undisputed bogey side.

Just seven wins from 31 games played overall, including just one of the past eighteen played (a home win back in 2013) since winning their last away game in Melbourne back in 2005.

But with that big win over Newcastle now behind them, Blake says he and the team are ready for the challenge given their form over the past fortnight.

“It was massive, especially after the tough loss against the Roosters who are a quality team,” Blake declared.

“We knew the Knights were going to come down and try and get the win but we turned up.

“We’ve just got to take that confidence up to a red-hot Melbourne Storm, who haven’t lost a game and have a lot of key players back especially Billy Slater.

“We’ll enjoy this win but then quickly move on and get ready for this week.”

Martin’s tackle brings back Sattler memories

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

Sixty-fifth minute and Penrith have the game in their keeping, leading Newcastle 34-0 and are yet again peppering the Knights try-line.

Suddenly a loose ball from a kick into the in-goal is swept upon by the man they call White Lightning, Nathan Ross.

The NRL’s leading try-scorer heading into Round Four, Ross streaks away as he looks to go coast-tocoast and open Newcastle’s account in spectacular fashion.

But cue Te Maire Martin.

The Panthers five-eighth was already turning in a man-of-the-match performance with a try and a hand in several others, when he set off in pursuit.

And much to the surprise of many, including Martin himself, he rounded up the Newcastle flyer with 30 metres to spare, reminding many that it was an effort not too dissimilar to that of Scott Sattler and THAT tackle in the 2003 Grand Final.

“I’m not too sure whether I should get credit for that,” Martin told Nepean News.

“I was having a breather out on the western sideline.

“I had a 40 metre head start on him so I think I should have caught him and I just got him by the boots.

“I think I had the wind behind me.

“But in all seriousness I think it was the crowd that helped me get through that chase as I got tired so I thank them for their support tonight.”

Martin revealed that he may have tired during

 Te Maire Martin starting to reap the benefits of a Four Nations series. Credit 77 Media.

that chase given he just starting to get back to fullfitness, having had a limited pre-season brought about by his selection for New Zealand in last year’s Four Nations series, which he took plenty out of despite playing just the one game.

“I obviously got to learn a bit from some of the key players, Johnson and Leuluai,” Martin said.

“I’ve tried to take a bit out of their game.

“But I missed a bit of pre-season getting my holiday and that might have cost me a bit.

“It’s taken a lot longer than I expected to get my fitness back up but I feel good now and looking forward to Melbourne.”

While Martin wasn’t exactly confident he’d catch Ross, team mate Waqa Blake backed his five-eighth to do so.

“100 percent I knew he’d get him,” Blake said.

“At the start I started chasing back but didn’t see him (Martin) until the last second.

“But he caught him with ease.

“I think (his speed) is a little hidden thing that he’s

got (in his game).”

Martin explains that while defence has become a key part of the Panthers’ game, with the team having already kept two teams try-less in 2017, the team needs to fine-tune its attack, especially when to pick the right moment to play what’s in front of them, with competition front-runners Melbourne their next opponents.

“The most pleasing thing (of the win) was that we held them to zero,” Martin declared.

“There’s some attacking stuff we need to work on.

“A few costly errors made especially in that first fifteen minutes when they got a few repeat sets on our line so we’ll work on that this week at training.

“We might have played a bit too much and forced the ball.

“We should pick our times better when to do it but that will come in time and with some experience under our belts.

“But we’ll need to go another step up and if we do those same errors against a side like Melbourne, they’ll make us pay for it.”

The NRL debut of yet another Kiwi for the Panthers in Corey Harawira-Naera last Friday night highlighted another reason why Martin chose Penrith.

“That’s one of the reasons why I came here actually because there was a lot of Kiwis,” Matin admitted.

“We’ve got a good group of Kiwis.

“Corey has really deserved his spot, he has played well in the NSW Cup and he runs that line that you want all your backrowers to run, a real strong line.

“We all backed him that he would do a real good job and he got a try too.”

25 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

penrith panthers

26

sport

Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

Coach’s Corner Brock Shepperd

Sydney Roosters NYC Development Squad - Head Coach | Kaizen Sports Performance Rugby League Academy - Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast | b.shepperd@hotmail.com

How to Keep Junior Athletes Engaged and Challenged As the winter sport season approaches it’s that time of the year where coaches dust of their clipboards and do their best to create a fun learning environment for all of our young aspiring junior athletes within the community. And the most difficult aspect of coaching can often be the planning and implementation of quality training sessions. In my early years as a coach I would stick with drills and games that worked but looking back now I definitely needed to rotate drills to keep things fresh. I was comfortable and so were my athletes… that type of environment is not conducive when you want to challenge athletes and keep them engaged.

Since that time I have always tried to apply the notion of “Killing it before it dies” in terms of my drills and games used within my training environment. Keep training fresh and exciting by not using the same drills and games over and over or your players will switch off and become bored and disengaged very quickly. It is more effective to

end a drill or a game a little early and have your players jumping out of their skin to do it again, rather than having them moaning and groaning with the “not this again” attitude. This will ensure you have enthusiasm within all of your drills and that players remain switched on and engaged which will allow for quality training to occur. If we have enthusiasm and a high quality of concentration and engagement we are going to be constantly improving both individually and as a team through constant learning gains within all of our sessions.

During a training session players should be constantly moving and participating. Minimise the time in which you are verbally giving instructions and maximise the time the players are refining their skills within drills. Ensure players are not standing around waiting in lines disengaged, create more grids and challenge them as much as possible.

Coach and correct while these drills are in progress, it gives you an opportunity to visually analyse and

you can individually coach as many players as you want without disrupting the whole team.

Athlete intelligence is developed through placing players in challenging situations, under pressure in competitive environments, this occurs constantly in live games. The question coaches need to be constantly asking is: How can we best recreate that within training? Games and game scenarios!

Create games for different purposes, make them competitive and fun. Recreate game situations in training and talk players through them and have the players explain their thought process and challenge their thinking. This should make up the majority of your coaching program at the junior level. The challenge as a coach is in creating games and situations to challenge different skills and thought processes of your players as much as possible.

This will then enable you to talk less, and let the experiences of the games and situations teach your players important lessons.

Proudly sponsored by Penrith Party Hire (02) 4731 1313

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

The past fortnight, the cameras of 77 Media were on hand for Penrith’s opening two home games of the 2017 NRL season.

There’s plenty of high-rise out Penrith way these days.

Isaah Yeo felt the squeeze of playing the undefeated Roosters.

And there were handbags at twenty paces as the Roosters hung on.

Hi-fives all round as a different week brings a much different result.

It’s all smiles from Penrith Panther #568 Corey Harawira-Naera.

As for the coach, he’s clearly happy with the 40-0 win.

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses @TheRiffMarn

Finals Washout sees Skipper Matthew Halse Call Time on a Stellar Career Penrith’s washed out qualifying final against Sydney University last Sunday week, has prompted veteran captain, Matthew Halse to announce his retirement from the game.

Halse, who has played 23 seasons at Penrith, says even though it hasn’t quite sunk in as yet, he knew well in advance that this season was always going to be his last as he looks to devote more time to his family.

“It probably won’t (sink in) until next season when the boys are starting to get ready but I knew it was time,” Halse told Nepean News.

“I’ve known for a little while. Before the season started I thought that this would be my last season.

“I still love playing but there’s a lot of other stuff that goes on with the job plus other commitments outside of cricket as well.

“I’m certainly looking forward to spending more time with the family on the weekends.”

Halse admitted that he didn’t think he career would end at the hands of the elements as Penrith were eliminated from the finals as the lower ranked team.

“It was a little bit hollow. It would have been nice to play some cricket even if we had gotten beat,” Halse said.

“As I said to the boys we’ve gotton out of jail a few times (this season) but there’s one opponent you can’t beat and that’s mother nature.

“But we did really well to make the finals this season considering we used nearly 20 players in first grade throughout the year.

“That’s a lot of comings and goings throughout the season and we didn’t quite have that continuity that we’ve had in prior seasons.”

As it turned out Halse’s last game at Howell Oval, was that memorable one-day final against Hawkesbury which the skipper says is a fitting way to farewell his home ground and it’s no surprise it ranks among his career highlights.

“It worked out that way with the wash out against Mosman so not a bad way to go out in terms of the home ground, there’s some good memories there and that’s certainly right up there,” Halse declared.

“A few weeks ago is pretty hard to beat especially the manner in which we did it.

“But I’ve had lots of wins over the years.

“Another one that springs to mind was last season when Bomber (Ryan Smith) and I put on 170 odd for the

grade teams.

Meanwhile fifths and the club’s Metro Cup side benefitted from the washed-out games only to be defeated last weekend, leaving first grade’s one-day title as the club’s only title success in 2016/17 despite finishing in the top four in the club championship.

 One perfect day: Matt Halse’s final game at Howell Oval.

Credit: 77 Media.

last wicket that put us into a winning position against Campbelltown in the qualifying final.

“I’m just really proud to get the opportunity to captain this club at a first grade level.”

Having been captain for the past five seasons, Halse says there are a number of quality players in the team who could easily replace him in the role.

“I think there are a few guys there that could do a good job,” Halse explained.

“There’s obviously Tim Cummins who has done it on occasions when I haven’t been there.

“Josh Lalor has captained at second-eleven level (for NSW) and he’s a pretty inspirational leader on the field.

“And Michael Castle has done it before at a first grade level.”

MATTHEW HALSE - By the numbers: First-Grade: Runs: 2,675 at 20.57 average. Highest Score: 83. 9 Fifties.

Catches: 106 Wickets: 251 at 25.39 average. Best Bowling: 6/24.

Club: 5,731 runs at 21.22 average. Highest Score: 84. 23 Fifties.

Catches: 210 Wickets: 462 at 25.72 average. Best Bowling: 6/18.

Rain also brought a premature end to the season for the club’s third-grade and women’s second

Favourite son, Pat Cummins’ remarkable return to cricket has continued in the recent test series against India.

If not for at times sub-par fielding from the visitors, coupled with some streaky shots from the Indian batsmen, Cummins could have easily taken more than the seven wickets taken thus far.

Cummins’ absence was perhaps untimely for the Blues having regained his services for just the one Shield game.

NSW were very unlucky not to qualify for this week’s Shield final against Victoria, going down to WA by just 6 runs at the WACA in Perth, highlighting the difference Cummins could have provided with both bat and ball.

The annual Penrith All-Stars T20 Charity Match, will take place at Howell Oval on Saturday 22nd April from 1pm.

Featuring the likes of Josh Lalor, Ryan Gibson and Jordan Silk, the game is the brain-child of former player Dale Turner, with the aim being to raise funds for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

It promises to be a great afternoon out for the family with plenty going on off the field as well as on it but if you can’t get to the game and would like to assist a great cause, donations can be deposited into the following Bank of Qld account: D Turner Charity Account, BSB 122 717, A/C 22461125.

Finally as I sign off for the off-season, a reminder that the club’s annual presentation dinner will now be held on Saturday June 3rd.

Stay tuned for further updates on the club’s website www.penrithcricketclub.com.au or on its social media platforms on Facebook / Twitter. #LoveTheCats

Nepean News TRADES & SERVICES Phone 9834 5579 to place your Trade Service ad

GT’s Penrith Valley Painting Service findgarth@hotmail.com

0430 106 399 ABN 5411 933 9171 Licence 265238c

27 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

sport

Celebrity

ROUND 5

ROUND 6

BUL SYD NQC CRO CAN MEL NZW WES BRI new PAN MAN GCT NQC NZW MEL BRI MAN SOU NEW PAR PAN GCT STG SYD bul SOU STG CAN WES PAR CRO March 30 March 31 March 31 April 1 8.05pm 6.00pm 8.05pm 3.00pm

April 1 5.30pm

April 1 7.30pm

April 2 2.00pm

April 2 4.00pm

April 6 7.50pm

April 7 6.00pm

April 7 7.50pm

April 8 3.00pm

April 8 5.30pm

April 8 7.30pm

April 9 2.00pm

April 9 4.00pm

SCORE

Sharon Mudiman - First National Glenmore Park - 0413 757 998

40 Greg Taylor - Stanton & Taylor - 0418 235 333

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 4

★ 40★ 44

Lauren Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Prestige Cleaning - 0415 166 306

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR ROUND 4

Mark Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Pest Control - 0430 220 263

48 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

38 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 4

★

44 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

40 Tricia Hitchen - Deputy Mayor - 0417 365 313

38 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

42 Jeff WatsonBenard - Club Bratusa President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211 Councillor

40 Aaron Tyres- -Venue @printManager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Iris Russell

38

TIPSTERS ROUND 5

ROUND 6

BUL SYD NQC CRO CAN MEL NZW WES BRI new PAN MAN GCT NQC NZW MEL BRI MAN SOU NEW PAR PAN GCT STG SYD bul SOU STG CAN WES PAR CRO March 30 March 31 March 31 April 1 8.05pm 6.00pm 8.05pm 3.00pm

April 1 5.30pm

April 1 7.30pm

April 2 2.00pm

April 2 4.00pm

April 6 7.50pm

April 7 6.00pm

April 7 7.50pm

April 8 3.00pm

April 8 5.30pm

April 8 7.30pm

April 9 2.00pm

April 9 4.00pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

36 Drew Clegg - BOQ - 0427 998 111

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 4

★

44 David Seager - Seager Financial Services - 0411 107 776

34 Prue Car - Memberfor Londonderry - 9833 1122

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

40 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

40 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

40 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

40 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

40 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 4

★

40 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

38

30

penrith panthers

Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

MG on the mark

with MARK GEYER

A bet is a bet, so now I’ve been inked!

It’s been a rocky couple of weeks as a Penrith Panther fan.

When they ran on to Pepper Stadium to take on the Sydney Roosters there was more at stake then two competition points.

My fellow co-worker on the morning radio show I do for Triple M Sydney < known as the Grill Team > Gus Worland is a fanatical Chook supporter. So as we did a few years back, we decided to have a little bet on the outcome of the game.

The loser of the bet would have the rival team’s mascot tattooed on their rump.

Last time a Jamie Soward field goal saw me escape with out a marking. This time I wasn’t so lucky.

Even with a litany of decisions going against us, including a pass so forward for the winning try it wasn’t funny, it was my turn to man up.

With the last bet my then seven-year-old daughter Raff designed Gus’s tat. This time renowned cartoonist Boo Bailey had the honours.

As you can see in the above drawing to say it was intricate would be an understatement. In turn 90 mins of pain.

Oh well, a bet is a bet. Last weekend there was no such bet with my other co-host on the Grill Team, Matty Johns when the Panthers turned their fortunes around big time in dissecting Matty’s Newcastle Knights.

The night was even more sweeter watching it with a bunch of my mates and their sons in what Rod from KSR Auto described as a “Dads n Lads” night. Big thanks to ‘Hot Rod’ for hosting us all.

Looking forward to your “Ladies n Lasses’ night in the Woman in League Round.

And another thing......

In the few years I have been a columnist with this particular publication I have yet to see two separate stories affect me in the way that two in this week’s edition have.

The story on Bert and Rosemary Bronkhorst and the passing of their daughter Alexis through SUDEP, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy,

 Corporate hospitality

personally hit home.

Two of my daughters were diagnosed with Epilepsy a few years back, junior mychlonic epilepsy to be precise.

There are lots of ‘strains’ of it. Seeing your child have a seizure due to an illness is shocking enough, to have one of them passing away to it is unbearable to think.

Bert and Rosemary are incredibly stoic in their resolve.

Because epilepsy IS NOT funded in any way shape or form from the government, it’s people like the Bronkhorsts who warm my heart with their effort in helping others after their own tragic loss.

The other story that had my blood curdling is the attack on then seven-month-old Bobby Webber.

Because this case is still the subject of an ongoing legal battle comments pertaining to it must

be somewhat guarded. All I can say after meeting Bobby’s mum and dad Elise and Barry recently and having the full extent of young Bobby’s attack spelled out for me, I can only call the attacker a gutless coward who should well and truly pay for such a despicable act on one so young.

The Bronkhorst and Webber families are shells of their former selves due to two different events that have affected their individual families profoundly forever. If you can help in any way please do. They will be eternal grateful.

If you’d like to help Bobby live his life to the best of his potential following the most horrendous start he has had, please donate by visiting https://www. gofundme.com/3mquxafg For more info on Epilepsy visit www. epilepsyaustralia.net See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

REFRESHED CLEARY SET TO RESUME COACHING – BUT AS A TIGER OR BULLDOG? Phil Gould, the man who sacked Ivan Cleary at Penrith, has come out to support the likely appointment of the former Panthers coach to replace the recentlysacked Jason Taylor at the Wests Tigers.

The Panthers GM, who spoke to Fairfax Media just days before announcing an exclusive deal to only provide content for the Nine Network, couldn’t recommend Cleary highly enough for the role.

“For what the Tigers look like they need, he’s probably a perfect candidate,” Gould declared.

“He did a rebuild job at the Warriors and led them to a grand final and did a great rebuild job with the Panthers.

“The Tigers will be a big challenge and he’ll have to weigh up whether he wants to go through that.”

Even without the immediate prospect of son Nathan joining the Tigers any time soon, there are no shortage of ex-Panthers for Cleary to work with including the likes of Kevin Naiqama, Elijah Taylor, Jamal Idris and Tim Grant.

There’s plenty of media speculation suggesting former Panthers RL and now Wests Tigers CEO, Justin Pascoe could announce Cleary’s appointment as early as this week.

But there’s equally plenty saying that with last weekend’s hammering at the hands of Manly, could an under-fire Bulldogs coach Des Hasler leave Belmore to coach the Tigers, leaving Cleary to take over at Belmore instead?

Penrith’s 40-0 win over a hapless Newcastle Knights completed a good fortnight where the Panthers were extremely unlucky not to collect the two points against the undefeated Sydney Roosters, going down 14-12 courtesy of a howler of a missed forward pass in the lead-up to Michael Gordon’s second try.

The incident was such it attracted a rare but quick response from NRL referees boss Tony Archer, who says the match officials got it wrong in not ruling the pass to Daniel Tupou as forward.

While referee Grant Atkins was not demoted from last weekend’s matches, touch judge Jeff Younis wasn’t so lucky.

I’m told that a new deal for Kiwi international winger, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak as first reported back in January, is very close to being settled after somewhat longer than expected negotiation period.

Meanwhile Viliame Kikau’s management has confirmed that no rival clubs have formally

have bounced back from a disappointing 16-6 loss at the hands of fellow front-runners Mounties the previous weekend, to record a 32-10 home win against Wyong Roos, arguably their biggest against the Central Coast team.

Jed Cartwright was again strong, alternating between the back-row and the centres while Mitch Rein and Dylan Edwards were also instrumental in the win.

The Panthers now have back-to-back home games albeit at St Marys Stadium in coming weeks when they take on Canterbury and Newcastle.

 How soon before Nathan Cleary comes up against an Ivan Cleary coached NRL team? Credit: 77 Media.

discussed the possibility of signing the off-contract former Cowboy prop at season’s end despite being linked to Parramatta.

In fact initial discussions with Penrith suggest there is a good chance the club will look to retain Kikau’s services.

No surprise to see former Panther hooker, James Segeyaro finally link up with Cronulla with the club having made an undisclosed settlement with Leeds Rhinos to secure his return to the NRL. As reported previously, Chris Grevsmuhl, who was released from Penrith for personal reasons, has signed a two-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans, where he will link up with ex-Cowboys coach, Neil Henry.

While coach Anthony Griffin admits Bryce Cartwright is a week-to-week proposition, reports during last Friday’s Fox Sports coverage suggesting the back-rower has a hairline fracture and will miss four weeks are apparently wide of the mark, despite not being named for this week’s clash against the Storm.

Meanwhile James Fisher-Harris went under the knife last week to repair a fractured cheekbone (6-8 weeks).

In the lower grades, Ratu Tuisese (elbow) is set to miss up to 6 weeks but has avoided surgery, which would have doubled his recovery time.

In Intrust Super Premiership news, Penrith

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In Holden Cup, new coach David Tangata-Toa will prepare his side for a top-of-the-table clash against the undefeated Melbourne Storm, having now won three games in a row.

In the past fortnight, the competition’s best defensive team has defeated Sydney Roosters 38-12 and Newcastle 40-16.

Recent rain and that controversial new Friday night 6pm timeslot curtailed the opportunity for the club to attract 15,000 plus crowds to their opening two home games over the past fortnight.

However 10,567 did manage to avoid the Friday evening peak hour rush and get to Pepper Stadium which to date is the largest crowd attracted for that timeslot, which is encouraging considering it was a game against one of the game’s perennial strugglers, Newcastle.

Maybe they were there to witness the NRL debut of the frozen OAK! Congratulations to ex-Panther players Ryan Girdler and Carl MacNamara, whose nominations for life membership of the Penrith District Rugby League Club, were accepted at last Thursday’s AGM. Penrith’s 21-man squad for Saturday’s clash with the Storm has been named in numeric order as follows: Matt Moylan (c), Dean Whare, Waqa Blake, Tyrone Peachey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Te Maire Martin, Nathan Cleary, James Tamou, Peter Wallace, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Corey Harawira-Naera, Isaah Yeo, Trent Merrin.

Peta Hiku, Leilani Latu, Viliame Kikau, Sitaleki Akauola, Moses Leota, Tim Browne, Sione Katoa, James Fisher-Harris.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

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31 Nepean News 30 March 2017 Issue 197

penrith panthers

sport

Thursday, 30 March 2017

Shady sporting spots at Whalan Reserve

Licence No. 32795

e l i b o m Auto Repairs

By Conner Lowe

1

THE new development at Whalan Reserve means spectators will be left in the shade by a massive tree planting

project.

Some 320 trees will be planted as part of the major sporting facilities upgrade currently underway that will give the area national-standard playing fields, said the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali.

Mayor Bali, revealed 50 new trees that form the first planting, which includes 23 large Port Jackson Figs around the two shared cricket / AFL ovals.

“Another 270 trees are currently being grown at a local nursery and will be planted next month,” he said.

“These will provide shade for the cricket user groups and the broader community using the reserve for recreation.

The tree planting is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to implement the $5.8 million Master Plan for Whalan Reserve. Also on show was the

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partially-completed $1.8M amenities building – suitable for larger regional events.

“Construction on this block is well passed the half-way mark,” he said.

“Completion is expected within the next two months.”

The building includes: four change rooms (to allow for large carnivals as well as for male and female athletics simultaneously), female and male toilets, an officials’ change room, disabled and ambulant toilets, storage for summer and winter club sport equipment, canteen, meeting room, first aid station and a mezzanine level for administration, a competition office, scorer and timekeeper stations,

as well as box functions for regional carnivals.

“This is a larger building than Council usually provides, and it can service activities that run across eight fields for numerous Council partners including NSW Rugby League and the National Rugby League,” Mayor Bali said.

The amenities building will be home for the Rooty Hill RSL Dragons and will also accommodate regional carnivals, schools and sporting events.

All grounds work will benefit the sporting community as well as the local community that use the reserve regularly.

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