Nepean News 31 January 2019

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ISSUE 244

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Carolyn’s Guide to Retirement Living in Western Sydney Meet Carolyn, an expert with years of experience in the retirement living sector.

Here she continues her column sharing insights and answers to the frequently asked questions people have about living in a retirement village.

Why are villages attracting Australians in such great numbers?

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

The thought of downsizing from the family home can be overwhelming. However once the move is complete, the boxes unpacked, it’s time to relax and focus on enjoying your new home, coffee with friends in the clubhouse, a convenient location and action packed social calendar. Just think, no more lawns to mow. Instead, just think, “does happy hour start at 4pm or 5pm?” Or “Lets go to the clubhouse and enjoy a swim in the pool we don’t have to clean”. From social activities, minutes from shopping, cafes and transport or simply relaxing in your beautiful new home with a village of likeminded neighbours, we’ve got you covered at Jordan Springs Retirement. You’ll have time to enjoy your life.

A brand new over 55’s village is coming to Jordan Springs. Perfectly located across the road from Jordan Springs Shopping Centre, 7km from Penrith and with a bus stop right out the front, you couldn’t be more connected. Call Carolyn on 0430 189 447.

You can be amongst the first to register for VIP updates on the new development, or visit jordanspringsretirement.com

local news

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enrith Council believes that ‘old’ is just a state of mind, which is why they hold the Reimagine Ageing Festival every year.

This year the Festival is on Saturday 16 February, and has a new home – Thornton Community Centre and Oval, just a 3 minute walk from Penrith Station.

The whole community is invited to come to Thornton Community Centre and Oval between 5-8pm and enjoy free food and entertainment and join in fun activities aimed at helping remind us that age isn’t a barrier to loving your life.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said that the Reimagine Ageing Festival is so important because age isn’t what it used to be.

“Getting older in 2019 is much different than it was even 20 years ago, which is why our Festival program focuses on the question ‘who says getting older means slowing down?’, which is a great message,” Cr Fowler said.

“Our population is ageing and staying more active and engaged than ever before, and I think it is really important that we provide experiences, opportunities and adventure for ‘seniors’ that are as creative and vibrant as they are,” he said.

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

www.newhorizonschurch.org.au

Whether you want to kick back and relax, enjoy live music and performances, challenge a friend to a game of chess or table tennis, grab a delicious bite to eat, or learn about the great range of local groups and services on offer in our City, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Local organisations will also be there, sharing the interesting events, classes and activities happening around Penrith, all year. And there will be prebooked cooking demonstrations, a dog behaviourist Q&A session, and a community garden workshop.

Join us at the Reimagine Ageing Festival to get active, get creative and stay connected: www. penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ReimagineAgeing2019.

Reimagine Ageing is part of the NSW State Government’s Seniors Festival.

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

Reimagine Ageing Festival

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

203 Banks Drive, St Clair

Valentine’s Day: shower your honey with love!

Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Sales: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

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V

ALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching - the most romantic day on the calendar. Many lovers will shower each other with gifts, hopefuls will choose the day to declare love to an often unaware conquest and others will agree to tie the knot.

In a changing world where there’s some push to de-genderise just about everything, I’m going to risk all, bare my old-fashioned soul and declare that this day is one of utmost importance to the ladies!

Uber-feminists might want to hang me from my bra straps, but I’m putting it out there that in general the female species yearns for love and to be shown love.

Valentine’s Day represents a day of hope when there’s someone out there we fantasise will fall madly in love with us. Its the day of judgement for those fellas who’ve just started dating us. And for those in long-term relationships and happy marriages, it can be the day of ensuring we still feel loved. For troubled relationships, its the day of reckoning.

But for the ladies who have no current love interest, it can be Single Person Awareness Day. (SPAD) If you’re in the loved-up category, it’s a good idea to be mindful of the feelings of those friends in the SPAD phase, they probably don’t want to hear all about the perfect roses, perfect chocolates and perfect hand-written poems you received from your perfect boyfriend... 27 times. They’ll get it the first time you say it.

And I have some tips for the lads, too. If you want a lady to know how you feel about her, take the punt and aim cupid’s arrow in her direction - send her some flowers! The worst that can happen is you’ll be a few bucks out of pocket, and if the same spark isn’t felt by her, at least she’ll always refer to you as “that sweet guy.”

If you’re in a new relationship and wondering if it is too soon, I have one point to make. It is NEVER too soon.

Married guys who think its all commercial BS - get off the platform on this one - steal some flowers out of the nearest garden and present them to her.

Blokes who’ve not been the greatest partner they could have been - shell out a few bucks, get a bouquet and write some nice words in a card. A bit of sly cash and ten minutes worth of effort could reverse a multitude of sins in one hit. Do it.

And even though I think Valentines Day is a special day on many a female’s calendar, there’s definitely some guys out there who rate it too. So girls, if you’re dating a SNAG, married to a romantic or not been the best partner you could have been yourself, shower your honey with love and show them what they mean to you.

Happy Valentines Day! (Hopefully my husband reads this, ps I love red roses)

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

473 High St, Penrith | Ph 4721 2555 | Open 7 Days

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PRESENT THIS VOUCHER TO RECEIVE

OUNCILLOR John Thain will be calling on Council to look at ways to address the heat in Penrith which he says has become virtually unbearable over the last three years.

He’d like to see a summit or a think tank on how the heat could be combated, as he says residents have become prisoners in their own home as it is too hot to go anywhere.

“I’m going to ask if we can put a team together to look at it, and I think it is important that we look at our own development control plan,” he said.

“I think it is important that buildings four stories or above have a roof garden - every single one of them. Its great to plant trees, and we are doing that, but we need a bigger endeavour to stop Penrith being just a heat sink.”

“I think it is time to look at foliage on the side of buildings, the materials we use for parking - why does it all have to be black asphalt - and perhaps we need to also look at what the optimum roof colour is for housing and use that for every one.”

Cr Thain said he will be raising his ideas when Council resumes on February 4.

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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State Election March 2019

Construction business owner and former Royal Australian Navy sailor Belinda Hill has been endorsed as the Liberal Londonderry candidate for the state election.

Mrs Hill lives in Londonderry, where she has been raising Scarlet (11) and Trindall (7) with her husband.

Belinda said she is a passionate supporter of a number of local charities and community groups, including the Penrith Community Kitchen, The Haven DV Shelter, Girl Guides and the Luke Priddis Autism Foundation, and an active member of the Rural Fire Service.

With extensive business experience, having owned and operated two retails stores and now a successful local construction business, Belinda added that she is well placed to support the small business community within the electorate of Londonderry.

“I’ve built many houses across this region, and I deeply care about the future of people who have made them their homes. The Liberal Government has made a huge difference in the lives of our community, delivering strong policies that continue to support local families and our small businesses,” Belinda Hill said.

As one of the few female sole owner operators of a construction company in the region, Belinda said she had the work ethic and the resilience to represent her community in State Government.

“I believe that I have the right kind of experience to deliver for families and local businesses as part of the Liberal Party.

“If I am elected in March, I will fight for continued investment in infrastructure and transport in our community, as well as ensuring the delivery of new schools and improved health and aged care services for Western Sydney.”

Schools backlog “wiped to zero” Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the NSW Government announcement that every school in Penrith will have its maintenance backlog wiped to zero, ensuring students enjoy the best possible learning environments.

Stuart Ayres said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government would clear every maintenance job currently outstanding in Penrith’s 22 public schools by July 2020.

“Over the past four years this Government has worked tirelessly to collaborate with our schools to ensure

they are kept in the best condition,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We’re now wiping the slate clean and ensuring all outstanding maintenance jobs at our schools such as carpeting, roof maintenance and painting works will be carried out.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government inherited a $1 billion school maintenance backlog from the former Labor government.

“We have worked hard to reduce the maintenance backlog and I am delighted to confirm we will now clear it completely,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It is only because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals that we are in a position to keep our schools in their best possible condition, and fix the problems created by Labor.

“When Labor was last in Government, they closed schools, sacked teachers and racked up a huge maintenance liability as our schools fell into disrepair.”

Education Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest a further $449 million to clear the backlog by July

2020, bringing the total investment to nearly $1.3 billion.

“We are making the largest investment into public school infrastructure by any State government in Australian history. This investment shows our commitment to maintaining existing schools as well as building new ones,” Mr Stokes said.

“We’re delivering more than 170 new and upgraded schools across the State and we will ensure that each school provides the worldclass facilities that our students and teachers deserve,” he added.

Independent Mark Tyndall has a tilt at both state and federal “For the past six almost seven months, I have been out in our local community doorknocking, letterboxing and visiting the main streets, listening to the concerns of residents, business owners and community organisations. There appears a common thread when it comes to issues affecting local residents and local businesses, issues such as the rising costs of living, overdevelopment, housing affordability, health care, transport and infrastructure,” Mr Tyndall said.

“While I have been campaigning at a federal level, the average punter does not see a difference, they just want honest advocacy and authentic representation on the issues impacting their lives.

I get questions on population and immigration policy right after a question about traffic lights or roundabouts at the end of a

voter’s street.

“I have found that many in the community are sick and tired of being promised solutions only to see the major parties default on their promises, primarily due to partisan fighting. Personally, I am sick and tired of Penrith being sold a bunch of lies, we each only have to look at our electricity bill to know exactly what I mean.

“After reflecting on this and giving much thought to how I could most effectively bring about positive change for the families of Western Sydney, I have decided to take up that challenge and run for the state seat of Penrith.

A choice I could only make with the support and encouragement of my wife, my children, and the wider community – I don’t know where I will find the extra days in the week, but I am up to the challenge,” he added.

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

Belinda Hill announced as Liberal candidate for Londonderry

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Penrith’s outstanding citizens recognised

P

enrith City Council has bestowed the Australia Day Awards honours to outstanding locals in recognition of their contribution to the City.

Penrith’s Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Mrs Farah Madon who has dedicated much of her time to supporting people with a disability throughout Penrith. As an advocate for the rights of people with a disability, she works on a local and national level to ensure that the built environment and services are equally accessible to all regardless of their physical abilities.

Local Appreciation Awards were presented to Ms Grace Brinckley OAM, Ms Joh Dickens, Mrs Marlene Harris, Mr Sean Hogan and Ms Melissa Spurrier for their dedication. Their achievements make a real difference to real people, providing traineeship opportunities, mental health support for men, Christmas presents for disadvantaged children, work attire for women in refuges, fundraising for homeless and sick people and bringing hope to elderly residents through social activities.

The Community Group Award was also conferred, with Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade receiving their nomination for 48 years in service and

outstanding contribution to the Penrith community.

When Council called on the community, they wanted to know who made you proud to be an Australian living in Penrith. The unfailing dedication of the nominees is enough to make anyone proud.

Penrith Citizen of the Year: FARAH MADON Mrs Farah Madon supports our local residents living with a disability and champions accessibility equality for all on a national level.

Farah has dedicated herself to supporting people with a disability

who live, work or utilise services within Penrith and surrounding areas.

As a committee member of Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre and Chairperson of Penrith Disabilities Action Forum she has been a key voice in advocating for and representing the needs of local residents with access needs. As a long-serving community representative member of Penrith City Council’s Access Committee, Farah’s knowledge and input has been invaluable in assisting Council to continue improving access for people of all abilities across the City.

Farah is Vice President of the Australia Association of Consultants

in Access Australia, the peak national body for access consultancy and a major partner in advancing equity of built environment for people with a disability.

Penrith Community Group Award: ORCHARD HILLS RURAL FIRE BRIGADE Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade has been serving the Orchard Hills and Penrith area for 48 years. The Brigade, full of dedicated men and women from all walks of life, ranges from 12-year-old volunteers to those with more than 20 years of service.

Available 24/7 and attending to

Valentine‘ s Day

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AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

emergency callouts throughout the district, as well as raising funds and awareness at community events throughout Penrith, Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade are an asset to our community.

Local Appreciation Award: GRACE BRINCKLEY OAM Ms Grace Brinckley OAM has been improving the lives of Penrith’s senior citizens for the past 35 years. Playing a key role in the formation of the Penrith Seniors Centre and the Pensioners and Seniors Club Inc., she has acted with the Centre Management Committee since it formed in 1988 and has been Treasurer, Secretary, Vice Chair and, most recently, Chair.

Grace was vital in the creation of the seniors’ dance group; the Blue Gum Frail Aged Friendship Group (ran for 22 years); a bush band that played at nursing homes, hospital and schools; a folk dancing group; seniors’ march group and seniors’ ukulele group. Her work was recognised when she received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her projects.

Local Appreciation Award: JOH DICKENS Ms Joh Dickens has owned her local florist and balloon business for 30 years. Joh is always the first to volunteer her time, and over the years has donated to dozens of charities and organisations including Penrith Panthers Women in League, Luke Priddis Foundation, Music for Life Charity Ball, OZWAC, The Haven, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and

the Thorndale Foundation. Joh also donates her time supporting her industry and fellow florists, providing traineeship opportunities and serving on the Interflora state Board and the Professional Florists Association committee for many years.

Local Appreciation Award: SEAN HOGAN Mr Sean Hogan is a single father of two children who, despite his full time commitment to his own family, devotes much of his time to support men and boy’s mental health. After the tragic death of his son’s childhood friend and losing members of his local AFL team to suicide, Sean approached GOTCHA4LIFE and local football clubs to talk about how they could work as a community combat the epidemic of men and boys suicide and support positive mental health. Together they held footy fundraising days in 2017 and 2018 which raised over $40,000. Sean has also organised sportsman lunches and ‘A night for blokes’ events that raise money and awareness, and teaches local boys and men that it’s OK to not be OK. Sean’s passion and selfless work has made an enormous impact in the lives of men and boys in the community.

Local Appreciation Award: MARLENE HARRIS Mrs Marlene Harris has volunteered her time for many years to help disadvantaged children, and women and children affected by domestic violence.

Marlene has worked tirelessly to collect and make toys to ensure no child is forgotten at Christmas,

Farah Madon

bringing joy to children most in need. She also collects quality work wear that women in refuges can use to help gain employment and start to rebuild their lives. Marlene has a passion for bringing joy and hope to women and children in need, and her enthusiasm inspires others to follow in her footsteps.

Local Appreciation Award: MELISSA SPURRIER Ms Melissa Spurrier has played a key role in the creation of ‘Our Community Cares Penrith’, a community force that gives the homeless, elderly and sick the support they need to feel a sense of worth. With first-hand experience of the impact of illness, Melissa brings an empathy to her work that helps people feel a sense of belonging within the community.

The charity actively fundraises through a range of activities including an annual high tea. Last year, among other causes, they raised vital funds for chemotherapy patients of a local cancer centre and worked closely with Relay For Life.

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

in Australia Day awards

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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local news

Desire to change government brings Diane Beamer out of retirement

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

recently met with the Federal Labor Candidate for Lindsay, Diane Beamer to find out what brought her out of retirement to bid to represent this area locally and in Canberra. She was quick to answer; “I want to change this government.”

“I want to see the seat of Lindsay stay in the hands of the Labor Party and I want to see this government end,” Ms Beamer said.

Although she was young to retire she’s only 58 now - Ms Beamer did call it a day after being a local state member from 1995 to 2011. During that time Ms Beamer served as a Minister of several departments over the years, including Fair Trading and Juvenile Justice.

The mother of six and her husband live in Emu Plains.

“The reasons that I retired aren’t there anymore,” Ms Beamer said. “I had two daughters about to do the HSC, and my mother came to live with us as she was very ill.

“Now my two daughters have graduated from university and my mother sadly passed away a couple of years ago. Those things that I had to do for my family don’t exist anymore in terms of me needing to be home.

“I feel enthusiastic about doing this and representing my people again!”

Ms Beamer said that during the hiatus of being out of the political limelight, she never lost her passion and it gave her an opportunity to

become more federally focused.

“Your interest in politics never wanes I think. Anyone involved in politics.. it never really leaves them,” she said.

Mrs Beamer said she’s been buoyed by the amount of people who have remembered her while she’s been out on the campaign trail.

“The people in this area are very generous to their politicians. I think they are very fair in listening to you; whether they are going to vote for you or not,” she said.

Ms Beamer said she had noticed that the people were just as geniune

now as they were during her previous representative roles in state parliament and also during her many years as a Penrith Councillor.

“In all that time I had my home phone listed - yet I don’t think I ever received an abusive call.”

Ms Beamer said while there were a lot of local issues raised by voters, the main issues federally seemed to be climate change and the flight paths and infrastructure surrounding the airport.

“I’m really enjoying being back on the campaign trail, I’m invigorated and it is exciting.

“I feel like it was if I had a bike in the shed and I thought, ‘oh I’ll give that a try again.”

Toddler critical after inflatable pool drowning

A two-year-old boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition after a drowning incident in Ropes Crossing on Tuesday.

It’s understood the child was found by his family face down in a backyard inflatable pool at a home in Ropes Crossing.

CareFlight’s rapid response rescue helicopter was

tasked shortly after 7.00pm, landing in a reserve a few hundred metres from the scene.

NSW Police met the landing helicopter and conveyed CareFlight’s critical care team to the residence to assist NSW Ambulance paramedics who had provided initial treatment.

CareFlight’s specialist doctor and critical care

paramedic provided additional treatment at the scene and throughout road ambulance transport to hospital.

The child remained unconscious the medical team intubating and placing him on a ventilator to stabilise his condition.

The infant was taken to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a critical condition.

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Legends of the Nepean

By Noel Rowsell

V

ince Le Breton OAM is one of Penrith’s latest recipients of Australia Day awards, receiving his ‘gong’ in the 2019 Honours List for Services to Junior Rugby League.

Born and bred in Penrith, Le Breton attended St Nicholas of Myra PS, St Dominic’s College and Penrith High School, before graduating as a teacher and working at Bede Polding College, South Windsor until he retired on health grounds in 2015.

A life member of the Brothers Penrith Junior Rugby League club since 2000, after first joining in 1990 and then holding the position of President since 1996.

Le Breton has been involved

in every aspect of the Club, including coaching, managing and committee member from juniors through to seniors and Brothers is certainly one of the powerhouse clubs in the Penrith District.

Brothers will be nominating teams in the Harvey Norman Women, Ron Massey and Sydney Shield competitions in 2019.

Le Breton has organised the Brothers Sports Luncheon for the past twenty-three years, which have raised over one million dollars to be poured back into junior rugby league development.

This includes the introduction of a senior women’s team into the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership competition and the introduction of ‘Try Time’ in 2013.

The Try Time Junior Rugby

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Vince Le Breton OAM League program provides a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment where children, teenagers and adults with Special Needs and Intellectual Disabilities can play Rugby League in their local community.

Catering for both females and males who have Special Needs and Intellectual Disabilities ranging from but not limited to: Autism, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay and Vision Impaired with the core focus on Ability, not their Disability.

Try Time has been hugely successful, with an initial eight players growing to forty in 2018.

The players have played demonstration games at Penrith Stadium and Shark Park and were also special guests of the NSW Blues State of Origin team at a training

camp in 2018.

Not content with his rugby league success, Le Breton has also been heavily involved in other junior sports in the Penrith District.

Along with wife Robyn, Le Breton was one of the founding members (and Vice President) of the Penrith RSL Netball Club, which has now been in existence for twenty-five years and is the biggest Netball Club in the Penrith District.

Le Breton was also on the board of Penrith RSL Cricket for ten years, moving on from that position when his son finished playing the sport locally.

Le Breton quit his own competitive sport career (which included both Cricket and Rugby League at both junior and senior level) at thirty-nine

years of age and has since then been a driving sport in multiple sports from both the sidelines and the boardroom.

Good friend and Life Member of Brothers Paul Crofts said “Vince is one of those ordinary Australians who are always helping others”.

“He (Vince) is always compassionate, helping people and is a genuine all-round good bloke”.

Crofts said “With Vince, it’s what you see is what you get – I’ve never said a bad word about him – his services to junior Rugby League are exceptional, ranging from five-year olds through to seniors”.

“His dedication and enthusiasm goes far beyond what’s required or expected”.

Le Breton’s energy and expertise has seen him stretch his responsibilities

outside sport and he is now also a Board Member of the Henry Lawson Club.

Le Breton said “I’ve had great support from the family, which includes wife Robyn, son Andrew and daughters Danielle, Melissa and Renee.”

Vince Le Breton OAM was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie Davies.

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

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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Valentine’s Day A Valentine’s Day poem I was searching for my valentine And decided to make a list A man who’ll love me madly My charms he wont resist

And when I buy him jewellery He’ll wear it all with pride And when I want to have “a talk” He’ll stay - not run and hide

As I looked through my list Realisation dawned like day These things that I expected Meant my perfect man was gay

He’ll love me more than football He’ll love me more than beer He’ll love to take me shopping My feelings he’ll love to hear

He’ll want to sit and cuddle And always hold my hand And when I get pre menstrual He’ll always understand

The perfect man from my list Will be my greatest friend But the man I give my heart to Will love me til the end

He’ll love my girlie movies We’ll gossip about the stars We’ll sit and paint my toenails Talking fashion, and not cars

And when I look my worst He’ll see Marylin Monroe We’ll share tips on how to look our best Wherever we may go

When it comes to my valentine I’ll throw away this list I’ll accept that we’ll have differences Unconditional love will then exist

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Happy ’s e n i t n e l a V D ay!

Seven ways to say I love you on Valentine’s Day they’re nagging you daily to trade the commodore for a BMW.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

truggling to work out the best gift to give your significant other on the 14th? We’ve prepared a list that might help you a little!

1. Flowers Although this gift is anything but unique, it is always appreciated.

Especially delivered in front of all the workmates. Gush, gush.

2. Cupcakes Ohh cutesy lovey-dovey messages seem so much less cringe-worthy when they are written on a cupcake. Perhaps that’s because you can extinguish their existence the instant you bite into them.

3. Teddy bears Nothing says “I wuv you” more than a cute fluffy bear. Unless you have been fighting lately. If that’s the case, never ever poke the bear with a teddy bear.

4. Fill the room with balloons This little plan really makes a great statement. Be careful not to crowd it with so many that you can’t make your way to each other. The sound of a busted balloon, especially in close proximity scares the crap out of people

6. Watch a romantic movie Nothing gets you in a romantic mood more than cuddling up to a great movie. And romantic movies don’t discriminate, there’s been a plot written for every kind of love that has ever existed.

7. Propose Now that marriage is finally open to everyone, what a great time to ask your love to tie the knot! If you are a romantic you will have just picked the ultimate day to do it. If you aren’t romantic you can insist that the wedding day is exactly in a years time and remove the risk that your new fiance might pick a date that clashes with Bathurst or the Bachelor Final. And when your wedding is on Valentine’s Day you can ruin every body else’s Valentine’s Day by making them drop their plans to focus on you!

5. Leave cute notes around This gift will cost you basically nothing and most people will adore you for putting this much thought into it. If they don’t adore you for it, get rid of them before you’re married and

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15 Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

Valentine’s Day

local news

Dental disease in pets

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

16

Does your pet have bad breath? A staggering 70% of pets suffer from some form of dental disease. It is one of the most common diseases that we see in animals. Any dog or cat can be affected but dental disease is more common in smaller breed dogs with small faces such as Cavaliers, Poodles and Shi Tzus.

When food particles and bacteria are allowed to accumulate in the mouth, it can form plaque.

When plaque combines with saliva, it forms a hard substance called calculus. This causes gum irritation and inflammation which is known as gingivitis.

After a period of time, the calculus builds up under the gum line and separates it from the teeth – at this point in time, this is irreversible disease of the teeth and will lead to bone loss and formation of pus between the gum and teeth. Advanced periodontal disease can be very painful for your pet and often the best course of treatment is surgically removing the teeth.

Periodontal disease is best prevented and there are several things that you can do to make sure your dog or cat has a clean and pain free mouth. The best

thing you can do is brush your pets teeth daily but many animals will not tolerate this.

There are commerically available diets such as the Hills Science Diet T/D which will reverse the build up of mild calculus and prevent future build up. Also providing your pets with chewable treats such as dentastix and greenies are great for reducing plaque build up. Minimising wet food is also great as wet food tends to cling to the teeth and cause a build up of bacteria. Bones are best avoided as they can fracture teeth and cause gastro intestinal upsets

and constipation.

Just like we go to the dentist and have our teeth scaled and polished, we can also do this for your pet. Depending on the severity of your pets dental disease, they may benefit from a thorough clean under anaesthetic. Scaling and polishing the teeth will reverse the early stages of gingivitis and cure bad breath!

February is dental month. Phone us on 4731 3055 to organise your pet’s free dental check and discuss our special dental packages.

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

Feral rabbit reduction program roll out

If you own a pet rabbit it is vital that you check that it is immunised and protected before the feral rabbit reduction program rolls out in February. Greencross Vets can be contacted on 47 313 055 for vaccination information.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

Greater Sydney Local Land Services will roll out a feral rabbit reduction program in the Penrith region from 21 February.

Originally scheduled for release last October, the program was postponed due to ongoing wet conditions and the high number of young rabbits in the area. Greater Sydney biosecurity team leader Lee Parker said the new date ensured the program would have maximum impact in reducing rabbit numbers.

“This program involves the release of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, commonly known as RHDV1-K5, this virus doesn’t spread as quickly in wet weather and baby rabbits are immune which is

why the decision was made to hold off,” he said.

“As always, we urge owners of pet rabbits to vaccinate their animals as soon as possible to ensure they are not impacted by the virus. The virus is spread mainly by contact between rabbits or via insects such as mosquitos and flies. RHDV only affects rabbits and if pets are vaccinated they become immune.”

Mr Parker said the release was the third of its kind following the initial national program roll out in March 2017 which led to a 42 per cent reduction in feral rabbit numbers across NSW. “This program is designed to complement ongoing control efforts on private and public land,” he said. “We encourage landholders experiencing issues with feral rabbits

to continue working with us to roll out coordinated control campaigns in partnership with their neighbours wherever possible,” he said. Feral rabbits are a declared pest in NSW due to the significant amount of agricultural and environmental damage they cause.

They are believed to have contributed to the decline or extinction of a number of NSW native species including the greater bilby and the yellow footed rock-wallaby and their overgrazing is estimated to cost Australian agriculture more than $200 million every year. The virus will be released in the Wallacia and Llandilo areas. For further information contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on (02) 4724 2100.

local news

By CONNER LOWE

T

he incredibly grateful Spicer family have once again given back to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Ward by providing a special breakfast to families celebrating Christmas at Nepean Hospital.

Chris and Paul Spicer have been hosting a Christmas breakfast for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Ward for the last eight years.

Naz Spicer, the wife of Chris Spicer spoke about how her daughter was in the ward for 10-weeks and the special day they got to take her home.

“Our daughter Isabell Naz Reen was born prematurely and stayed at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for 10 weeks before she was discharged to go home,” she said.

“Fortunately, it was on Christmas day she was discharged, and she could come home with us. We had incredible amounts of support, kindness and advise from staff that we are forever grateful to.

“We organised breakfast for all in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the day and have carried on doing the same every year since then.”

The Christmas breakfast is now an

annual family tradition for the Spicer family and has become so large that they now need to prepare to feed over 250 people every year. The family supply food to those who are unwell at the hospital, visiting or working on the day to help those who can’t be at home with their families.

Naz Spicer spoke about how grateful she was for the help they received on the day and the milestone she is looking forward to the most.

“Over the years our team of helpers has grown, and we are grateful to those who leave their cosy beds at 6am to serve staff who have shift change over around 6.30am,” she said.

“Santa (Paul Spicer) makes his annual visit mid-morning to all the tiny miracles spending their very first Christmas with their families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and gives out their presents.

“This year we’ve had the generosity of a local business in Penrith (Better Built Homes) donate 40 Christmas Myer Bears to be given to all premature babies as their first Christmas presents.

“2019 is going to be our 9th year, however I’m already looking forward to our 10th anniversary helping the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” she added.

56 new intern doctors for Nepean Hospital

M

ember for Mulgoa Tanya Davies has welcomed 56 new doctors to Nepean Hospital, who were part of the new interns starting across the state.

“Interns are a vital part of the professional team at the frontline of the health system,” Tanya Davies said.

“We are very happy to greet this new team of enthusiastic and talented doctors who want to make a difference, and develop their skills in the public health system.”

“NSW has a record 1021 intern positions, more than any other state or territory, and 251 positions more than under Labor.”

2019 Intern Distribution across NSW hospitals Western Sydney LHD Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital 47 South West Sydney LHD Fairfield Hospital 10 Liverpool Hospital 46 Nepean Blue Mountains LHD Nepean Hospital 56 “The NSW Liberals & National Government has invested close to three-quarters of a billion dollars in the internship program since 2011.”

“Under Labor, the investment in the program was just $63 million in 2010.”

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said “I wish our new doctors all the very best as they commence their yearlong internship at Nepean Hospital. “’Under the guidance of our local clinicians they will be provided with excellent training and support.”

During their one-year internship, the graduates will complete compulsory terms in the specialties of

medicine, surgery and emergency as required by the Medical Board of Australia. While the second year focuses on consolidating professional practice and experience in different clinical settings.

The interns will rotate through a network of metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as

GP practices.

The 2018/19 State Budget has added 1,370 health staff, including 300 medical practitioners, 950 nurses and midwives and 120 allied health professionals – resulting in a record frontline clinical and clinical support staff of over 105,000 people.

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

Spicer family give back to Nepean Hospital

17

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

18

SUDOKU: EASY

SUDOKU: HARD

SOLUTIONS: 17 January

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Arrange by categories (8) 5 Refrained from

harming (6) 9 Uses up (8) 10 Relating to the iris of

the eye (6) 12 Approaches (5) 13 Sweet edible berry (9) 14 Split (6) 16 From Belgium (7) 19 Connote (7) 21 Vapors (6) 23 Unlawfully (9) 25 Not sooner (5) 26 The inside of a pants

leg (6) 27 Not the long way

around (8) 28 Console (6) 29 A sunken engraving (8)

solution 17/1/19

DOWN 1 Cyphering (6) 2 Attracting (9) 3 Outdoor storage

buildings (5) 4 Something provided

without charge (7) 6 Conic curves (9) 7 Detection device (5) 8 Rotting (8) 11 Bushback (4) 15 Trademark or signature (9) 17 The same (9) 18 Becomes bony (8) 20 Shout (4) 21 Winged monster (7) 22 A small cave (6) 24 Lariat (5) 25 Insect stage (5)

Valentine’s Day Dinner Bring your Valentine to the Gaels for a romantic dinner in the JA Room. Doors open from 5pm.

THURSDAY 14 February, 5PM Live Entertainment by Charlie Camilleri from 5.30-8.30pm. Complimentary glass of bubbly.

3 course meal $60pp (book & pay by 13/2/19) or 3 course meal with hot & cold seafood $70pp (book & pay by 13/2/19).

Bookings essential, limited numbers.

Irish Fry Up Traditional Irish Breakfast in the Shamrock Bistro

3rd Sunday each month from 9am-12pm

SUNday 17 FEBRuary

Starting

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS Annual St Patrick’s Day LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10 Charity Golf Day MONDAY Barramundi Night $15 FRIDAY 15TH MARCH Dunheved Golf Course Tee Off 7am | Tickets $85

TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Bangers & Mash Night $15 THURSDAY Parmy Night $15

Includes green fees, breakfast roll & a 2 course lunch at the Gaels Club from 12pm

Prizes & Raffles • Lunch Only $40

Between 5 & 8pm (Conditions apply)

Numbers are limited - Book early

SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members

All profits go to the Ronald McDonald Family Room Nepean

FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 1 FEB - 8PM

SATURDAY 2 FEB - 7PM

Show Pony

JJ Duo

SUNDAY 3 FEB - 2.30PM Banter 5.30PM Soul Jam

FRIDAY 8 FEB - 8PM

SATURDAY 9 FEB - 7PM

Backlash

Nova Tone

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

20

ENTERTAINMENT Orava Quartet with Greta Bradman

O

ne of Australia’s most exciting young quartet on the block Orava Quartet brings unique sound and breathtaking intensity to the classics. Founded in 2007 by brothers Daniel Kowalik (violin) and Karol Kowalik (cello), Thomas Chawner (viola) and joined by David Dalseno (violin) in 2011, Orava Quartet is known for their passionate and engaging performances. They have been hailed

by The Australian as, “the future of Australian Chamber Music, the real deal.”

Signed to Universal Music Australia and selected by Deutsche Grammophon Australia for the label’s historic, first ever recording release in 2018, Orava has performed

throughout Australia, North America, the UAE and Asia.

Orava Quartet will be joined on stage with Greta Bradman, one of Australasia’s most celebrated operatic and concert artists. Her 2015 debut album for Decca Classics My Hero (c.

Richard Bonynge; English Chamber Orchestra) received five-star reviews and topped the classical and classical crossover ARIA charts for several months. Her latest album Home was nominated for a 2018 ARIA Fine Arts award.

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ENTERTAINMENT

V

icky O’Keefe, daughter of legendary Johnny O’Keefe, presents a unique tribute to her father which leaves her audience mesmerised, joyous and tearful after an emotional trip down memory lane.

Vicky presents a moving duet with her dad on the big screen akin to Nat and Natalie King Cole. This was due to public demand, modern technology and a yearning to perform with her father after losing him at a very young age and never fulfilling the dream and plan of singing on stage together. She incorporated this with a tribute CD -”I’m Counting on You” which she launched at the Casinos nationally.

Vicky started playing the piano when she was five and picked up a guitar shortly after. Her mother also played the piano and both parents encouraged music in the family. Coming from such a musical background it was a natural progression to also sing and write songs followed by regular live performances at school concerts.

After losing her Dad at seventeen, Vicky threw herself into her music becoming a prolific songwriter and formed her first original rock band VOKROK touring the east coast of Australia in the early 80’s when the pub scene was booming. She scored

Nita

Ask

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries I am often asked what lead me to become a cosmetic nurse injector.

For me, it was a personal journey of wanting to improve my appearance and self esteem. I disliked my constant frown as I looked cranky all the time.

I frowned thinking, frowned driving, frowned when I was angry, I even woke up frowning.

I tried everything to stop myself from frowning, as I could see the frown lines deepening. Some things I tried were quite comical like putting a bandaid across my frown lines before bed hoping it would stop me frowning in my sleep. Instead I would wake up with deeper lines as the band-aid dug deeper into the lines.

a publishing contract with Warners Music and a record deal with RCA records. Her first international support tour was with the legendary Rick Nelson (Garden Party) followed

by Suzie Quatro and America. She also opened for Aussie rockers Midnight Oil, Goanna and Dragon to name a few. These performances led to regular television appearances on high rating music and variety shows.

Vicky relocated to Melbourne in the mid 80’s after disbanding and worked

in the nightclubs with her brother Peter adapting a more jazzy style.

They also collaborated in song writing creating a moving ballad for their father - ‘Keep the Candle Burning’.

This song has become a highlight in Vicky’s live performances.

Vicky’s soulful voice and emotional performances have matured and she has developed as an artist and songwriter with a wonderful legacy and a catalogue of over 200 original songs. Vicky loves to connect with her

audience, ‘’Keep the Candle Burning’ for father and follow her dreams to play music.

Digger is one of our Originals, a Pioneer of Australian RnR. Digger hit our music scene with a bang in 1959 as “DIGGER REVELL and the DENVERMEN.”.. and today, five decades later, is still captivating Australian audiences.

Digger has starred in over 60 National television appearances, including SIX O’ CLOCK ROCK, BANDSTAND, SING SING SING, THE JOHNNY O’KEEFE SHOW, SYDNEY STADIUM, etc.

Three No. 1 Hit Records and Fifteen hits in our Top Ten. Digger completed more tours of war torn Vietnam than any other artist in the world... He still receives fan mail and appreciation letters from both American ex servicemen as well as our Aussie diggers.

Today, Digger continues to perform to capacity houses, reliving those incredible “60’s”.

Don’t miss THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES Show With The John Charter Rebels Band, consisting of former members of The Delltones.

At Panthers, Sunday February 24, 4 pm Showtime.

My journey as a cosmetic nurse Then I discovered my miracle, Botox.

Oh my how I loved the feeling of the constant relaxed forehead. No more frowning, no more stress headaches and the frown lines gradually dropped out and disappeared. That was 30 years ago.

I still can’t live without my Botox but now I only need small amounts and less often treatments. I have learnt to modify my frowning behaviour and now my muscles dont need it as much.

The past 30 years has truly been a journey of self educating, seeking up to date knowledge and discovering new techniques.

A registered nurse as of 1976 I decided to follow my passion 30 years ago by attending as many training sessions offered by the cosmetic injectables companies. I attended every conference I could. Working alongside cosmetic Physician Dr Soo Keat Lim for the past 20 years I have learnt so much and we continue to work together.

I found a photo that I took 30 years ago (just after I had a chemical peel). A

photo can speak a thousand words and I was amazed when I compared my results after 30 years of preventative and corrective treatments.

I often get asked “Have you had anything done?” My reply: “I’ve had everything done!”.

So what treatments have I had done?

I have had Botox to my frown lines, forehead and lower face to reduce dynamic lines.

Fillers to my forehead, temples, cheeks, jawline and lips to restore a more youthful face shape.

Ultherapy skin tightening to my neck and lower face.

Skin peels to rejuvenate and minimise pores.

Prp to my eyes and neck to regenerate crepey skin.

Upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove excess eyelid skin).

Corrective Rhinoplasty due to a broken nose.

Cosmetic tattooing of eyebrow as the 1970’s thin eyebrows is very ageing.

I think I’m living proof that long

term cosmetic injectables can be preventative ageing treatments and can still be natural looking. I’m passionate about helping my clients achieve natural looking rejuvenation and enhancements and as a master injector I offer complimentary treatment plans to achieve desired goals.

Book your complimentary consultation at Immersion Clinical Spa (also known as Rejuven8 part of Total Face Group) 02 4732 4009.

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

Digger Revell and Vicky O’keefe, together in concert

21

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

22

NEPEAN HISTORY

A Convict with a History

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

T

homas Pamphlett (Pamphlet), also known as James Groom, became a brickmaker at Manchester in England and as James Groom he was 22 when he was charged in September 1810 at the Lancaster Assizes of stealing five pieces of woollen cloth and a bay mare in the County of Chester. He was found guilty and given the death sentence but the Justices of Assize sentenced him to 14 years transportation to New South Wales. He arrived in Sydney on the Guildford in January 1812. He worked at Brickfield Hill and lived at The Rocks. In May 1814, Thomas was charged with two others of stealing the windows from Birch Grove House, the first and only building on the Balmain Peninsula, on 13 May. His punishment was 100 lashes at the marketplace and six months in the Sydney gaol gang in double irons but in October he absconded but was recaptured and put in the carpenter’s gang, but he escaped again. Finally, in March 1815 he was sent to Newcastle, a place of secondary punishment 100 miles from Sydney but within a few weeks, he disappeared again and on recapture, Thomas was given 50 lashes for “absenting from government labour”. In October, he received another 50 strokes for “neglect of government work” but in January 1820, Thomas successfully applied to the Governor for commutation of sentence and due to his good conduct he was given a conditional pardon.. He was returned to Sydney with a wife and three children and they lived in the Hawkesbury River area west of Sydney where Thomas worked on the river in some capacity.

He was sentenced to seven years at Port Macquarie penal settlement for stealing from a house at Pitt Town in early 1822, but was let off due to “unsound mind”. He was also reported as “occasionally insane”.

Thomas, along with two other ticket-of-leave men, Richard Parsons and John Thompson, and a full convict John Finnegan were hired by settler William Cox to fetch cedar from the Illawarra District, (or the Five Islands now known as Wollongong) and set sail on their maiden voyage in March 1823 in an open boat, on board were large quantities of pork and flour and five gallons of rum to buy cedar from the timber cutters, plus four gallons of water. They got to within sight of the Illawarra when a strong breeze blew them away from the coast. They were hopelessly lost and blown north further out to sea by a storm, and it was five days before they could use any sail. Thompson succumbed to the lack of fresh water and the elements and collapsed and died so the others decided to drink the water and the rum on board. They had kept Thompson’s body on board thinking they would be able to land and bury him, but they couldn’t find a spot free of wild surf, so they buried him at sea after two days. Thomas spotted land on their twenty-second day at sea and their boat was wrecked on the outer shore of Moreton Island. Thinking Sydney was to the north, they set off along the beach in this direction with two sacks of flour and a few other items. They spent the next seven and a half months walking around Moreton Bay, island hopping and following river and creek banks until they could find a way of crossing them. They lived for periods with several Aboriginal tribes who fed them fish and fernroot. The natives took them by boat to Stradbroke Island. Here the castaways made their own canoe and got to the mainland where they landed near what is now Cleveland.

They continued their journey northwards along the waterfront in hope of reaching civilisation. It wasn’t long before the trio stumbled across a large river which they found too wide to cross. They trekked upstream for almost a month weakened due to lack of good food. With Thomas the only reasonable swimmer, they had to follow the banks of many of

the creeks they encountered. Upon reaching Oxley Creek they procured a canoe and attempted their first crossing of the river. The canoe was on the western bank of the creek and Thomas had to swim to get to it and they used the canoe to return to the mouth of the river and continued north. (The present “Pamphlett Bridge” at that spot was named for that event). While Thomas attended a series of organised fights with an Aboriginal friend, Parsons and Finnegan headed further north but the pair quarrelled and Finnegan returned to Bribie Island to the south.

Thomas also returned to this spot, but Parsons continued northwards.

In November 1823, Thomas and some Aborigines were on the beach at Bribie Island cooking the day’s catch when he saw a cutter in the bay.

It was explorer John Oxley who was then exploring in the Mermaid for the site for a new penal settlement at Moreton Bay. Thomas was taken on board and told part of his story to a crew member and the next day they picked up Finnegan who was returning from a tribal fight.

He showed Oxley the Brisbane River while Thomas and others shared the aspects of Aboriginal culture. Parsons was picked up by Oxley on another trip nearly a year later. Oxley took Thomas and Finnegan back to Sydney. A year and a half later, as a labourer at Portland Head west of Sydney, Thomas committed another crime in October 1826 when he stole two bags of flour, the very food that had initially kept him alive at Moreton Bay and in a further irony, he was sentenced to seven years transportation to the new Moreton Bay penal colony that had been set up after a favourable report on the area by Oxley, thanks to Thomas and Finnegan. The Moreton Bay settlement became Brisbane. Thomas’ tales of his earlier life among the Aboriginals encouraged others to seek relief from the hardships of the settlement. Thomas left Moreton Bay in April 1833 and lived uneventfully until his death at Castlereagh near Penrith in December 1838 at the age of 50 years.

Sources: Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2, 1967, B FieldGeographical Memoirs on NSW (Lond, 1825), H S Russell-The Genesis of Qld (Syd, 1888), E. S. Jackson, ‘Early Visitors to Moreton Bay’, Journal and Proceedings (Royal Australian Historical Society), C. G. Austin, ‘Newstead House and Capt. Wickham, R.N., Journal (Historical Society of Queensland), R. Cilento and C. L. Lack, ‘“Wild White Men” in Qld, Journal (Royal Historical Society of Queensland), ‘The Finding of Pamphlet’ - Picturesque Atlas of Australasia, vol.II, 1886, www.monumentaustralia.org.au – photo of bridge monument.

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FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

F

or the last few years, the Reserve Bank of Australia has been saying the next move in interest rates will be upwards. However, recent data from overseas and domestically are pointing to the possibility of next move by the RBA to be lower.

There are many potential major negative events on the horizon that could put our own economy into recession for the first time in 27 years. Fears are building over the escalating economic problems around the world. Problems include the excess debts built up to sustain expenditure (personally

by Australians and government debt by our main trading partners in China, USA, Japan and most European countries) plus the overall Chinese economy contracting (who are our main trading partner), plus the unknown affects from United Kingdom leaving the European Union etc.

Our economy just can’t keep on growing forever and there must eventually be a time when we have a recession. Just like some people who thought Sydney real estate prices will keep rising, eventually the cycle turns.

Property values and overall confidence can fall when a critical mass of negative information is in the media. The tip here is not to panic and prepare for a possible downturn in the economy and your personal situation (reducing family incomes etc).

Tips to get your home loan approved Most people probably know getting an application for finance approved currently is the most difficult it has a been for many years. Lenders have been told to be more selective and conservative in approving most types of finance, especially housing loans. This is mainly due the previous concerns by APRA (who regulate our finance industry) who were concerned about property prices over heating in Sydney and Melbourne.

Before you submit a home loan application, think about what you can do to get it approved. In 2019, one of the top issues lenders are concerned with is loan serviceability. They want to know you can afford to service the loan while still comfortably meeting your living expenses. Let’s look at four reasons why your mortgage might be rejected this year and what you can do about it.

1. Income and living expenses concerns Problem: Using a high percentage of your income to pay off your home loan. Lenders will carefully scrutinise your debt-to-income ratio and living expenses to determine whether you can afford to pay your minimum monthly mortgage repayments and other debts without financial stress.

Tip: Use a living expenses calculator to see how much you’re spending and apply budget cuts where necessary. Avoid changing jobs leading up to a loan application so you can demonstrate income stability.

2. Poor credit history Problem: You have an insufficient credit history,

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

T

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

The G Spot

he serious G spot is about to surface so hold onto your hat, this may be a bumpy ride.

The bonehead brigade are really out in force. After working in clubs and pubs for many years and watching many a bonehead headbutt poles, hug toilets, suck on door handles (yeah I know) overturn tables, chuck chairs and wear a pool cue stick as new headwear (usually after someone has hit them over the head with it).

I’ve also watched many mulletwearing males kissing someone on the dance floor until the ugly lights came on at midnight and they said they needed to go to the loo and jumped out the window to escape. I have suffered many of a sight at these venues and wished many times that I could have poked my eyes out with a blunt fork and erased the memories, however alas, just when I thought it was safe to be human again, drum roll – bring on

or your credit report shows a history of defaults and debts.

Tip: Start paying your bills on time and limiting bad debt. Positive changes are recorded in your credit report.

3. No demonstrated savings Problem: The money for your home loan deposit hasn’t come from your savings. Lenders see a record of genuine savings as a sign of financial discipline.

Tip: Hold this money in your account for the minimum wait time prescribed by the lender (usually between 3-6 months).

4. High debt Problem: Limited surplus cash available to meet loan repayments because you owe a significant sum of money to creditors.

Tip: Pay off any defaults and reduce your debt before applying for a loan. As you pay off your credit cards, cut the spending limit.

The lower your credit card limit, the greater your borrowing power.Keep in mind that all lenders have different criteria for home loan approval, so what may be a roadblock for one lender, might be acceptable to another. As your mortgage broker, we can help you find the right lender for your application.

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

the next generation of bonehead ….

The dance festivals!!!!!!!!! (Key…..

Jaws music).

I have endured many a bonehead in my working life and have many stories to tell (My book will be a best seller) but these dance festivals are something else. Now please let me clarify before everyone starts going crazy again, sigh….. When I say dance festivals, I am not talking about the organisers I am talking about the clowns that attend and decide to digest the crap that they believe makes them feel great. (Apparently) So, let me get this right, lets just digest bleach, petrol, chemicals and anything else that is batched up and cooked in the backyard toilet to sell to these idiots. I reckon if aliens had a plan to invade this planet, they would be hesitant now, trust me. They would be looking at us from above, saying don’t worry about invading that country because they are just killing

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

themselves anyway.

I think the wording I am looking for is the lack of accountability. What a great word, however very rarely used, particularly in Sydney. Let’s blame everyone else except the idiots taking this crap.

The next word is consistency, another great word, again rarely used.

In my mind if you are going to cancel one festival you cancel them all, that’s it! Its like taking a lollipop from one bad child and giving it to another bad child.

Personally, I can’t see the enjoyment in chewing like a cow on heat with your eyes popping out of your head, but then this is coming from someone who once thought if I jump off the laundry roof with a towel wrapped around my neck I could fly.

I guess everyone’s perception of fun is different.

However, I always knew if I broke something, it was my fault, not the

government’s, not the laundry roofs, but mine. I was the idiot that jumped off the roof. That’s just what I don’t get? Its like we are making the next generation so soft and unaccountable, its total insanity, in my opinion of course.

Ironically, I do actually enjoy working at the festivals and whilst it is sad some of the sights that we do see, its now reality, its real, its here and it is how the next generation need to feel gratified?

Its not about cancelling events with knee jerk reactions, its about managing the issues and accepting that sometimes the result won’t always be perfect. It’s not about blaming organisers that place the gig on, its about accountability and consistencyhey, imagine that in a pill?

Now that’s an interesting concept.

I might see if I can start batching that up in a lab somewhere. We might start producing brainiacs everywhere.

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

What will happen with home loan interest rates?

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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SPORT

Luddenham local to take on Mt Panorama

By CONNER LOWE

L

o c a l Luddenham and Jacal Racing driver Jason Liddell and 3 Amigos Racing drivers Ross Firth, Robert Rowe and Jeff Senior are pleased to announce that they will once again be teaming up to promote the Organ Donor Register at the 2019 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour event.

The 2019 event marks the 7th time that the teams have supported the cause at Australia’s greatest race track since Jason’s first visit there in 2004.

Jason’s wife Kate had a double lung transplant at the age of 26 as a result of Cystic Fibrosis and recently celebrated 21 years post-transplant.

The teams head to the 50th Anniversary races for Formula Ford on a high after securing 2nd and 3rd place in the 2018 Australian FF1600 Championship and plan to take this form into the weekend’s races.

Jason Liddell spoke about the importance of the donor register and how the cause continues to remain close to his family’s heart.

“My wife was the recipient of a double lung transplant in 1997 due to cystic fibrosis. The donor register provides individuals the opportunity

Jason Liddell at Sandow, 2018.

to express their wishes on the matter whilst they are able to. It relieves some of the pressure off families having to make the decision at a very stressful time knowing that the donor has already made their desire to be a donor known,” he said.

“We will continue to donate the signage space and provide awareness messages at motorsport events we compete in whilst ever we compete.

The cause will always remain close to our heart and we are happy to share

our experience at any opportunity in an effort to raise awareness about becoming an organ donor.

“I started motor racing in 2000 and have run the same car signage promoting organ donor awareness since that time. First promoting the message through Transport Australia until the Organ and Tissue Authority with the donate life message was established in 2009.” He added.

The registration process is now faster and easier than ever to donate

• Register at donatelife.gov.au and you can register in less than a minute • Registration counts, with 90 per cent of families agreeing to donation proceeding when their loved one is a registered donor • There are around 1,400 Australians currently on a waiting list for a transplant, • And a further 11,000 people on dialysis, we need all Australians who say they are willing to be a donor to tell their family and register.

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L

iberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, joined players and staff from the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League to announce that WSA Co will be engaging the League to contribute to the design of the Western Sydney Airport.

This agreement will ensure all Australians – regardless of their mobility issues – have the same level of access to this world-class facility when it opens.

Senator Payne said the the players and representatives from the Wheelchair Rugby League have unique insights into accessibility considerations.

“These players have travelled extensively as a team, and their advice on accessibility considerations for the airport will be invaluable,” Senator Payne said.

Elite competitions are played all over Australia and across the globe, so tapping into the players’ experiences will be important as WSA Co works towards finalising the design of the airport.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, said the Morrison Government welcomed WSA Co’s approach to ensuring the airport provides an enjoyable experience for all travelers.

“One of our Government’s key priorities in delivering Western Sydney Airport is ensuring it is a world-class facility that provides the best experience for all travelers and visitors to the airport,” Mr Tudge said.

“This partnership with NSW Wheelchair Rugby League is one way in which Western Sydney Airport is working to achieve that, and the company will also work

with regulators and a range of stakeholders to optimise accessibility for everyone.”

NSW Wheelchair Rugby League Chairman, Edie George said he was pleased Western Sydney Airport would be supporting the NSWWRL 2019 competition and working with players to put their valuable insights into the design of the airport.

“It’s great to see Western Sydney Airport putting a real focus on

designing and building an inclusive airport that caters to travelers of all abilities,” Mr George said.

“It’s important that all infrastructure projects and all organisations keep these important considerations front and centre so people of all abilities can not only use these facilities but enjoy them and have great experiences.”

Today’s announcement shows how committed WSA Co – and the Australian Government – is to ensure

all parts of our community will benefit from the airport.

“I’m pleased that Western Sydney Airport is partnering with NSW Wheelchair Rugby League at these early stages of the airport design process to build an airport that Western Sydney, and all Australians, can be proud of,” Senator Payne said.

For more information on Wheelchair Rugby League visit https://www.nrlwheelchair.com.au/

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

Working together on Western Sydney Airport design

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Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

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SPORT

PVSF Junior Sportsperson Award

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Ryan Koenig from Mulgoa the Junior Sportsperson Award for the month of December for his development and skill in Judo.

Ryan has been competing in Judo for six years and has been a member of the NSW team on four occasions. On each occasion he placed at the Australian Championships with the following results 2014 - second (junior boys), 2015 - second (senior boys), 2016 - first (senior boys) and 2017 - first (senior boys).

Ryan spoke about how he felt when he won the award and recognised the many talented athletes in the area.

“I feel very honoured to be receiving this award. I have never received anything like this before. It makes me feel proud because my dad went to the Olympics in wrestling and my mum was an Australian Judo representative,” he said.

“I’m very grateful to have won, there are many talented athletes in the Nepean area and I’m stoked that I have been recognised.”

In September 2018 Ryan competed in his first competition having suffered three significant injuries in the first half of the year. Ryan competed in the Sydney International as a cadet in the under 18’s and in the young men under 21’s. Ryan is only 15 years old and came second in the cadets and third in the young men.

He was only beaten by two older competitors from New Caledonia. This result placed Ryan onto the national selection table which is used to select Australian teams.

Ryan spoke about what he loved about the Olympic

sport and the respect all competitors have for one another.

“I love how dedicated you have to be. Judo is a hard sport that requires a lot of physical practice and mental hardness. There is a saying that if you get thrown seven times, you get up eight and you have to keep going. I also love the culture of the sport.

It comes from Japan and I’ve had the opportunity to travel there six times now. It’s really important in the Japanese culture to have respect. In judo we have respect for each other, our partners and our coaches,” he said.

“I also love how there is a strong friendly relationship between everyone in the sport. I train at zoo fitness Penrith and the University of New South Wales’s Judo Club. The coaches and my training partners are great people. They are always trying to get the best out of you.”

Ryan also spoke about his weekly training regime and his desire to be the world’s best.

“When I am not training up to a competition I am doing judo three times a week and about five weight/cardio sessions. When I am training up to a competition, I could be training twice a day which includes Judo, running, sprints, circuits and weights,” he said.

“I really want to represent my country at high level competitions. However, I don’t want to just represent, I want to be competitive with the best in the world.”

We would like to congratulate Ryan on his award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue striding for success in Judo for the future.

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SPORT @TheRiffMarn

BACK-TO-BACK WINS SETS UP TABLE-TOPPING CLASH After losing four of their last five games, back-toback home game wins over Northern Districts and University of NSW, has seen Penrith move back to second position in the Belvedere Cup, just four points behind this weekend’s opponents, current leaders, Sydney University.

Last Saturday’s win over fourth-placed UNSW, ensures the Black Cats, who started the day as rank outsiders to qualify for the one-day competition finals in 12th position, would in fact finish seventh after results went their way and now face Sydney University at University Oval on Sunday Feb 17.

John Di Bartolo skippered the side after regular skipper Ryan Smith (hamstring) was ruled out during the week.

Having lost the toss, Penrith struck early through Ryan Fletcher and recent first grade debutant Henry Railz to have UNSW 2/5.

But a third-wicket partnership of 135 seemed to have UNSW on track for a score of 250 plus until part-time spinner, Brent Williams was introduced to the attack.

His first grade career best figures of 4/33 sparked a collapse from the students to be all out for 199, with Fletcher providing ample support, taking 3/37.

After a solid start having reached 3/129, Williams’ dismissal sparked a mini-batting collapse, losing 4/7 to be reeling at 7/136.

And when top scorer Tom Sargeant was dismissed for 78, the home side still required 31 runs for victory.

But Trent Weir (23*) and Luke Hodges (17*) kept their nerve to secure victory with nearly three overs remaining.

Following the win, Di Bartolo says that although the team are lucky to playing one-day finals cricket, now that they are there, they will give it an almighty shake.

“We probably don’t deserve to be there after our last two one day losses and partially today’s effort,” Di Bartolo told Nepean News.

“But you can never keep a good team down and we are a good team that plays good cricket.

“A lot of people say that if you finish in the bottom half (5th. 6th, 7th or 8th) you can’t win this competition but I think we will give it a fair shake.”

Di Bartolo also had special praise for Sargeant’s breakthrough innings with the young opener having recently made his debut before Christmas.

“Tom’s a good young kid who I have a lot to do with in my five years at the club, so to see that today especially with the heat was quite pleasing with the shots that he played,” the stand-in skipper replied.

“I spoke to him after the first drinks break when he came off and had a shower, he could barely speak.

“He tried to throw up but it just shows his character to stick through that and got us within striking distance of the win at the end.”

The win over UNSW comes after the previous

Ryan Fletcher has bounced back into form in the past fortnight having taking ten wickets.

Credit: Michael Gibson.

weekend’s demolition job over Northern Districts, with the outright result achieved in just four sessions.

Having lost the toss, Northern Districts was dismissed by lunch, day one for just 60 runs with Luke Hodges leading the way with 5/11.

Quick runs before the day’s close saw Penrith reach 153 in reply, before having the visitors in trouble again by stumps having lost three early wickets.

With the overcast and humid conditions still on offer the next morning, Penrith wasted no time in dismissing their opponents for just 88 runs in the second innings, with Ryan Fletcher taking his maiden five wicket haul for the club in any grade (excluding PG’s), while Ryan Gibson chimed in three.

It was the first time in five seasons a team had been dismissed twice for under 100 runs, while Penrith’s 153 was the 17th lowest ever score to achieve an outright, batting just the once.

Skipper Ryan Smith, who sat out the second day of play with a slight grade one hamstring tear, said he was thankful he lost the toss.

“I’m glad we lost the toss because I think I would have batted first as well,” Smith revealed.

“With the weather we had I thought it might have been harder batting second on it but in saying that we bowled really well and took all our chances.

“To take 20 wickets for 148 runs is just really great for the team and the momentum that we are building back up again after those couple of losses we had.”

Mixed results for Penrith’s aged teams over the past fortnight. The fourth-placed Green Shield went out at the quarter final stage after losing by five wickets at home to Campbelltown-Camden.

But in better news for the Black Cats, the defending Poidevin-Gray U21s champions, have set up a home semi-final against Mosman next Sunday after defeating last year’s opponents in the decider, Gordon by 46 runs.

Penrith recovered from a mid-innings 8/30 batting collapse to post 9/172 from their 50 overs, with Tom Sargeant (68) again among the runs, before Adam

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Burton and Zac Rizzo claimed three wickets each and skipper Trent Weir, two to secure the semi-final appearance.

With five rounds remaining, Penrith remain in 2nd position on the Club Championship but some staggering 213 points behind Sydney University.

The lower grades are placed as follows after Round 11: 2s – 8th - one point out of the six having defeated UNSW and tied with Northern Districts 3s – 14th - having lost to both UNSW and Northern Districts 4s – 8th (on percentages) - having lost to UNSW after defeating Northern Districts 5s – 3rd - having lost to UNSW after defeating Northern Districts Congratulations to Penrith’s Pat Cummins and Josh Lalor over the past fortnight.

Cummins turned in a man of the match performance, taking both his best career figures (6/23) and his first ten wicket haul in a test (10/62) in Australia’s opening test demolition of Sri Lanka in Brisbane.

Meanwhile Josh Lalor’s BBL career best 5/26 wasn’t enough as the Sydney Sixers easily accounted for the Brisbane Heat at the SCG last Sunday.

Also well done to Dubbo all-rounder, Henry Railz who in making his first grade debut in Penrith’s big win over Northern Districts, became Panther #219.

There must be some concern that the team’s best credentialled batsmen, Ryan Gibson, continues to struggle for runs in both the one-day and two-day forms of the game.

Since scoring two centuries in the opening three games of the season, Gibson has only scored 80 runs from his last seven innings.

The Black Cats having already several players to injury and BBL commitments, face another selection dilemma in coming weeks with first choice keeper Tyran Liddiard set to miss part of the Sydney University and Mosman two-day games with his upcoming appearance in the Impala Cup. Meanwhile injured fast bowler, Michael Collins returned to play last weekend but only as a batsman, while Ryan Smith is hopeful rather than confident of playing this weekend.

For the second WBBL in a row the Sydney Thunder’s womens side, featuring Penrith’s Naomi Stalenberg and Lisa Griffith, will be kicking themselves after they were denied an appearance in the decider against the Sydney Sixers by eventual winners, Brisbane, last Saturday week at Drummoyne Oval.

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

BEHIND THE STUMPS

with Stew Moses

29

Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

30

SPORT

Hodges putting the opposition in a spin

By STEWART MOSES

P

@TheRiffMarn

enrith Cricket Club, after a tough 2017-18 season has bounced back this season in

spectacular fashion.

Positioned second on the Belvedere Cup ladder and the Club Championship with five rounds remaining.

First grade T20 and one-day competitions as well as Poidevin-Gray and Green Shield finals qualification also reflects the strength of the club in season 2018-19.

One of major factors in the Black Cats’ first grade success in particular, has been the improved form of the club’s number one spinner, Luke Hodges, both in terms of wickets, runs conceded and strike rate.

Hodges has 28 wickets to his name in the Belvedere Cup at an average of 16.21 (fourth overall while skipper Ryan Smith with 32 wickets is the second leading wicket-taker).

The vastly underrated bowler is also taking a wicket every 40 balls, 10 fewer than the previous season and credits these improved performances in 2018-19 to his pre-season preparation.

“We had a six-week training period each Thursday at the indoor centre before the season started and I was out there in the middle as well so I can work on certain areas in the game and improve as a player,” Hodges revealed to the Nepean News.

“I have focused on trying to bowl consistently in similar areas, especially to left handers.

“Bowling to right-handers I have been pretty good for the last year and a half, but I really needed to work on how I bowl to left handers.

“Getting my fields set properly, the areas I’m going to bowl and who I am bowling to.”

Hodges is also arguably Sydney grade cricket’s most economical bowler, conceding just 2.41 runs an over, a big improvement on last season where he took just 20 wickets at 25.05 and an economy rate of almost four an over.

The left-arm spinner attributes his ability to dry up the runs on his improved approach to training.

“I’m turning up consistently to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which allows me to think about getting my fields right on Saturdays and Sundays and I bowl to them better than I did last year,” Hodges concedes.

“Last year I was bowling one or two loose balls an over and I have all but eliminated that from my game this year.

“Getting big wickets at the right time has also been an area of my game that has improved.”

Arguably Sydney Grade Cricket’s most improved bowler in 2018-19, Luke Hodges. Credit: Michael Gibson.

One monkey that Hodges is pleased to have off his back is that ability to take five wickets in an innings.

Having broken through just before Christmas with a maiden five for against Western Suburbs (5/23), Hodges bettered that recently against Northern Districts with 5/11.

“It is very pleasing to finally get over that hurdle.

I’ve been in the top grade for nearly two years now so it good to finally get that monkey off the back,” Hodges replied.

“It’s a massive relief that I know that I can get the five fors if I bowl well, it’s a big confidence boost.

“Hopefully I continue to kick on and don’t get injured like last year.”

With his spot in first grade now firmly cemented, Hodges is also relishing the role of being the club’s number one spinner.

“There’s some pressure (being that lead spinner at the club) and I take that as I go. Hopefully I can help out other young spinners that are coming through,” Hodges said.

“I just love knowing that my spot in first grade

is finally cemented and hopefully I can keep taking more wickets as we go deeper into this season.”

No team-mate is arguably prouder of Hodges’ achievements than his former lower grades skipper, Chris Withers, who admits the lure of playing with his mate was a factor in making a return to first grade action at Penrith after time away from the game.

“I admit I did come back to play with Hodgey so to play with him up in ones is actually a good thrill,” Withers declared.

“When I first came to the club, he was not so much on “struggle street” but he was led down the wrong paths.

“I decided to take him under my wing and he’s become my best mate now.

“The maturity he has shown since in the last few years is good for him and I feel as though my job is now done.

“I like to think I have installed a little bit of mongrel in Hodgey and he has come out swinging and proven a lot of people wrong.”

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

is Ciraldo about be snapped up by the sharks?

A

s we speak (write) the Cronulla Sharks have started interviewing for their vacant head coaching role.

Why, I hear you say does that have any bearing on us the readers of the Nepean?

Because the lead contender from what I’ve heard around the traps is Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo!

Ciraldo joins a host of assistant coaches in line to put their hands up to take over from Shane Flanagan after the Sharks mentor fell on his sword a few weeks back. Ciraldo, current Sharks assistants John Morris and Jim Dymock, Jason Demetriou, Justin Holbrook, and Adam O’Brien also join the list that is growing longer daily.

The fact that Ciraldo is a Sharks junior, playing for the Menai Roosters as a whipper snapper, making his first grade debut for the Sharks in 2005, and just about living on the hill at Shark Park growing up selling the Big League magazine, gives him somewhat of a ‘familiarity factor’ that should appeal to the Sharks hierarchy.

The fact that he held himself so admirably late last year when thrust into the Panthers head coaching role when Anthony Griffin was shown the door, at just 33 years of age shows he has enormous potential as a main man at an NRL club.

Ciraldo is ready for the main gig, lead players at Penrith are fans, and with Ivan Cleary, who is also a fan, now back on a 5 year deal with the mountain men, one would think it’s just a matter of when - not if - that Ciraldo gains the top gong at an NRL club.

It would be somewhat of a loss for the Panthers but I’m pretty sure the likes of Gus Gould, the board and coach Cleary wouldn’t stand in the way if a head coaching spot was to come the way of the Italian representative.

MG (random Westie) OAM

 Is Ciraldo heading to the Shire?

 Shane Flanagan a Shark no more

 Sharks interim coach John Morris

31 31 Nepean News 31 January 2019 Issue 244

MG on the mark

SPORT

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