Nepean News 3 September 2020 by Nepean News

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ISSUE 285

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local news

s previously reported, the Local Government Election (Council election) will not be held this year in September due to the pandemic. It will be postponed until September 2021. The benefit to some is we all have another 12 months before the arduous task of trudging up to our local school to cast our democratic vote, the downside is that the schools miss out on their regular fundraising from the Lamington and sausage sizzle sales. So the BBQ goes back into storage for another 12 months and the butchers won’t be using their sausage sales to recoup any COVID-19 sales losses. There are always winners and losers, so to speak. Penrith Councillors will still elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the next twelve months on the 28th September. Over the last term Labor and Liberal Councillors have kept an alliance; in the first two years, Labor’s John Thain was Mayor with Liberal’s Tricia Hitchen as his Deputy, and in the next two years it was Liberal’s Ross Fowler as Mayor and Labor’s Greg Davies and Karen McKeown respectively as his Deputies. Official announcements about who will be running for the positions are yet to come from the members in the Labor and Liberal camps. Word on the street is that Councillor Greg Davies will put his hand up for the Mayoral position. Whilst he was unable to give Nepean News any confirmation, Clr Davies said he would be interested in running for Mayor for the 12 month period.

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

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RUOK? A conversation could change a life By KeRRIE DAVIES

n my former life which I call BMW - Before Moving West - I had a part-time job in a uniform factory in Surry Hills. My main friend at work was a bloke we called Davo. Everyone loved him, he was like having round-the-clock comedy without having to buy a ticket. He could imitate any person perfectly. The boss would storm into the office in a foul mood, and wouldn’t realise that Davo was walking behind him imitating his every gesture. We’d all be left trying to keep a straight face while at bursting point. He had a never-ending stash of jokes and he was perfect at delivering the punch lines. Even if the joke wasn’t particularly funny, his telling of it would be gold. We all pegged him as the type of person whose life was just one big long laugh. That is until he never showed up for work one morning. Later that day the boss broke the news to us that Davo had taken his own life the night before. It was an enormous shock. At his funeral his mother told me that he’d kept diaries that revealed he had battled depression for years, and one cold winter’s night he took a cocktail of drugs that could have taken out ten people. The point to all this is that people with depression don’t always wear it as a badge for all to see. Some find ways to disguise it, and internally battle their demons. Alone, which often leads to a devastating outcome. These days many people with depression are declaring it and owning it. The stigma of shame or embarrassment is evaporating. It isn’t something one chooses, or can just shake off and those of us who don’t have it, have become more understanding. It is vital that this attitude continues and improves if we are ever to conquer the demon. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. In the lead-up to R U OK?Day, September 10, the RUOK? Organisation is helping us to know what to say when someone says they’re not OK and guide them through how they can continue a conversation that could change a life. You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life. Learn more by visiting www. Ruok.org.au

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local news By KeRRIE DAVIES

ederal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP has established an Advancing Manufacturing Taskforce aimed at investigating, promoting and advocating for policies that create local, national and international opportunities for manufacturing in Western Sydney. “I’ve brought together representatives in manufacturing, industry, business and education so we can tackle the obstacles facing Australian manufacturing and form practical solutions that create local jobs, for local people,” said Ms McIntosh. “Australian innovation, value and quality set us apart and give us a competitive advantage. By educating and training our kids in the jobs of the future, we can create and sustain generations of local jobs through advancing manufacturing.” Taskforce member Don Wright, Head of Launch Pad Innovation Program at Western Sydney University, said, “Western Sydney has an opportunity to establish itself as an advanced manufacturing innovation leader in the Asia Pacific region by embracing technology such as Industry 4.0 to compete on value, not cost.” Kristian Pritchett, Managing Director of local manufacturer SpanSet, echoed the capability of Australian manufacturers to beat the competition on value and quality. “With advanced manufacturing, we will bring about the efficiencies required to lower production costs and allow Australian manufacturers to

Stuart Ayres MP compete against comparable imported products,” said Mr Pritchett. “The time is now to make the change and buy Australian Made.” Lead Scientist at the Royal Institute of Australia, Professor Alan Duffy, emphasised the importance of education and training. “It’s critical we teach all our students as well as existing employers on the opportunities and excitement that advanced manufacturing presents us,” said Professor Duffy. Ms McIntosh said the Taskforce “will work across sectors to bring together local and national experience to explore new and exciting ways to create local jobs by backing Australian manufacturing. Western Sydney holds the key, if we are willing to fight for it.” The Taskforce also includes representatives from the Sydney Science Park, Schools Industry Partnership, universities and tertiary education, and local manufacturers.

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

MP establishes task force

Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, 331 High St, Penrith NSW 2750.

local news

enrith City Council is revitalising its 35 year old nursery to ensure Council is self-sufficient in plant production of local providence plants and shrubs to meet existing and future operational needs within the LGA Council has for many years operated a nursery that supports day to day operational requirements of the City Presentation Department including supplying soil, mulch, landscape supplies and the management of fallen trees and branches. The site on Castlereagh Road, Penrith has also supported a range of typical nursery functions such as seed collection, plant propagation and growing, and the supply of plants for some Council projects. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM welcomed the revitalisation project saying there are a number of positive outcomes from the project. “The first outcome is to bring the nursery up to contemporary standards which is being achieved by implementing the right infrastructure, equipment and tools for its operation,” Cr Fowler said. “From there we can improve the nursery’s capacity to produce the volume and quality of plants required to meet Council’s own requirements

to support significant environmental change and provide opportunities for community development,” Cr Fowler said. Penrith Council plants in excess of 99,000 trees a year through of a range of programs that includes the Living Places program (street trees planted on nature strips in suburbs that lack tree coverage), shade tree planting program for sporting ovals and playgrounds, Trees for Mum/Dad and various Bushcare initiatives.

(LtoR) Penrith City Council General Manager Warwick Winn, Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM and Cr Robyn Cook at Council’s nursery.

for our internal customers such as Sustainability, Bushcare, Major Projects and Events teams.” Physical works that will be undertaken will include the upgrade of existing amenity facilities, installation of gravel paved work areas and potting tables, pathways, a refurbished glasshouse, improved material store, solar panels, recycled water and the undergrounding of power lines to improve safety and create more usable space.

“As the site matures, we will be able to grow capacity to provide plant giveaways and other programs to support the greening of the City,” Cr Fowler said. Council is also exploring partnership opportunities to provide people with physical or intellectual disabilities opportunities to gain both work and life skills in a nurturing and supporting environment. “The revitalisation of the nursery is an exciting project that has the capacity

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Revitalised nursery growing from the ground up

local news By Noel Rowsell

uest Apartment Hotel, 83 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith was established in 2018 and contains 115 self-contained apartments, specialising in Corporate and Group bookings. Guests include crews employed in multiple accelerated infrastructure projects in the area, local and interstate sporting groups as well as corporate clients taking advantage of the flexible conferencing packages. Quest Penrith was heading for it’s best year since opening, prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic, thanks to strong support of the local community. As a result, the Quest management wanted to give back to the community, thus providing both recognition and a reward for a previously unsung Local Hero. The worthy winners are a young, hard-working couple who each fit three jobs into their hectic schedules and have also recently celebrated the birth of their first child. Cherise Terry-Jongejans and Leigh Ries work as a Paramedic (Nepean District Hospital) and Security Officer (Rosehill Gardens) respectively but each find time to fit in 2 additional careers. Cherise is also a Nurse on a part-time basis plus she spends up to 5 hours per week working with St John Ambulance, in addition to caring for baby Henry. Leigh also spends 5 hours per week with St John Ambulance and has also just started a live-screening business covering sports.

Cherise has been with St John Ambulance for 10 years, whilst Leigh has been with the organisation for 5 years, rising to Grade 3 at State Level, before voluntarily stepping back to Grade 4 in the role of Superintendent in the Penrith District. Leigh is in charge of the Penrith Unit, Cherise is in charge of the training of the Cadets and work-mate Sarah Taylor, who nominated Cherise and Leigh for the Local Hero award, is in charge of planning for events. The prize for the Local Hero is a fully serviced apartment with parking at Quest Penrith for one night, plus dinner at Avli Greek Restaurant, 540A Cranebrook Road, Cranebrook. Avli Greek Restaurant originated in 2017 as a dream of Kiriakos (Kerry) Tsaparopoulos., who has been a business owner in the Penrith area for over 35 years and, throughout all these years, his passion laid in food.

Avli is renowned for its truly distinct and unique venue, in which a heritage and historic church refurbished into an architectural restaurant ensures that the warm ambiance of Greece is captured. The word Avli derives from Greece and means ‘The Backyard’. The owners and staff at Avli strive to produce flavoursome traditional Greek food, using only the best quality Greek ingredients and local fresh produce. All food is prepared onsite daily by Executive Chef Dimitris Rigas and his talented team of staff. Dimitris was born in Athens and has been a chef for 30 years, working as an international chef in countries such as Greece, France and Italy and specialising in traditional Greek cuisine and seafood. Dimitris has also had the privilege to be the personal chef for the Greek Prime Minister, the German Chancellor, the European Parliament President and the Greek national football team.

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Quest Penrith announce Everyday Local Heroes

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

local news

Happy Father’s Day Dad .. our first one without you We wish to acknowledge the many expressions of love, concern and support from friends and loved ones since Harry’s passing. Words cannot express the strength you have given us during these most difficult of times. Harry’s sense of fairness and his larger than life personality will live on in us all. Gone but never to be forgotten. The Slaughter Family

enrith was very saddened at the news of the passing of Harry Slaughter in April this year. At a time when restrictions were at their tightest, the community was not able to give Harry the send-off they’d have liked to. Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill released a statement at the time of Harry’s passing. “All of us at Panthers are deeply saddened by the passing this morning of our friend Harry Slaughter. “Harry was a Panthers Director from 1967 through to 1980 (when the PDRLFC and PRLC Boards merged) and was a dedicated and loyal member of the Panthers family. “Harry’s involvement with local Rugby League began in the 1960’s when his sons commenced school at St Dominic’s College. “He started helping run the football side and was a driving force behind the formation of St Dominic’s College JRLC in 1968. “Harry was awarded PRLC Life Membership in 1979.

“His interest and passion for the club continued well into his final years. “Harry’s service to Panthers and the greater Penrith community is valued, and will be greatly missed, by many. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends including his wife Colleen and children Kerry, Joanne, Greg, Steven and John.”

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local news By Noel Rowsell

he Great Walk Foundation is legendary in its multi-faceted support of the community in the Nepean District, including hospital/cancer care/aged care transport, etc. Unfortunately, this year’s planned walk from Bathurst to Lapstone (which would have been the 13th annual walk) was cancelled due to Covid-19, along with other events including MG’s Pioneer Tavern lunch, golf days, etc. However, the Foundation has been able to make a sensational contribution to the needy of Penrith, donating a truck to WestCare Community Services for its services to clients and other local charities. “I reckon this is just the best kind of community story – where one local charity (The Great Walk Foundation) buys another local charity (WestCare) a vehicle that will directly take our benevolent activities in Penrith to another level – and it has all taken place within the dreaded Covid-19 season!” WestCare Director Andrew Paech said. “The addition of this highly practical vehicle has immediately and substantially increased our capacity to deliver vital services to a wide demographic of socially disadvantaged Penrith residents,” Andrew said.

Members of WestCare and the Great Walk Foundation unveil the new WestCare truck. Photo: Noel Rowsell

“It strengthens our capability to collect and distribute bulk food products, and also deliver furniture and other items to domestic violence survivors and previously homeless clients, through the ‘Fresh Start Go’ project and the ‘Nepean HomeStart’ program.” “And it adds year-round capacity across other activities (including CareKits, Youth Services, Christmas Appeal, etc) without the requirement to often hire trucks, or over-work our iLoad van.” As a purposeful indicator of the new truck’s role in WestCare’s work, the first activity it completed the moment it arrived in Penrith from the SelecTruck dealership in Huntingwood, was to pick up a household worth of furniture from a donating family selling their home. Later that same day the team

delivered those items to a young woman referred from NSW Dept of Health, who was beginning her new life journey moving into a new unit after surviving serious physical and sexual assault. “That in a way represents a snapshot of how meaningful this vehicle is”, said Andrew. “At the end of the day, our consuming community vision is ‘Local Needs Met By Local People’, and this simply enlarges our capacity to meet those needs”. Andrew said “The Covid-19 season has been challenging for many local not-for-profit organisations. WestCare, as a 100% community funded organisation, has felt the effects of cancelled fundraising events throughout the year.” “But remarkably there are several particularly significant new activities arising out of this same period.”

“For example, an astonishing contribution of high-quality baby and infant clothing valued at fifty to sixty thousand dollars was recently donated, which will form the basis of WestCare’s upcoming ‘Kidz Blitz Penrith’ post-Covid project, which is also supported by Penrith City Council.” “And in breaking news, we can confirm that thanks to the support of St Marys Diggers and Band Club, WestCare will shortly launch a ground breaking initiative that will see 60 regular attendees of the Penrith Men’s Walk & Talk trained in mental health engagement in coming months.” Great Walk Foundation originator and Board Member Jonathan Green said of 2020, “This would have been our 13th consecutive walk but obviously it was cancelled due to Covid-19.” “However we have yearly sponsors who had once again provided funds and we also had some money in the bank, so the opportunity to assist WestCare was adopted.” “We (Great Walk Foundation) have a strong relationship with Andrew (WestCare) and appreciate his passion, enthusiasm and work in the community.” “WestCare have been our major recipient of funds over the years, along with many other local worthwhile charities and causes. It is the greatest delight of the Foundation to contribute to these efforts.”

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Great Walk Foundation put WestCare on the road

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

local news

My journey to lose 10kg and get fit with MG of my besties as a training buddy. Thank you Rachel! It is so much easier training next to someone who you can chat to. The time goes quicker and we can share info about muscles that hurt that we didn’t even know we had. It was also a great thing for me to look around and see so many familiar faces! Encouragement was coming left right and centre from my good mate Cheryl and her daughter Ally, Toby, Mark and Loz, Dave, Brett and my old work buddy Kennedi. New friends Kaz and Peita feel like people I’ve known forever, yet it is only just over a week. It really is like joining a family. Results-wise I can already feel my fitness level improving and I have lost a kilo - yay! Nine more to go!

By KeRRIE DAVIES

n the last print edition of Nepean News I told of how much I’d overindulged during isolation. Although it was fun, hubby Greg and I spent way too many nights sitting on our bums playing cards and feasting on a diet of wine and cheese platters. Greg was lucky - yes he’s one of those oh-so-annoying blokes - he didn’t put on a pound. All the extra fat hovering around looking for a home made its way directly to me.. without passing go or collecting $200. So I called out to my good mate Mark Geyer, who quite handily for me, has recently opened a gym - and begged him to help me. And of course he has helped. So, so much. He’s been amazing, as he always is. Fast forward to today and I’m sitting here writing my first instalment of my twelve week challenge. Considering I have gone from basically no exercise - zero - to 6am starts at the gym, I think I’ve done pretty good! I can’t take all the credit myself though. Sure, I’m doing the work and dragging my body out of bed at the ungodly hour of 5am. But I’m getting loads of help and encouragement and without that, I’d probably still be sitting in front of the telly eating popcorn. I turned up for my first session at MG Activ as I assume many other non-gym people would: no water bottle, no towel and no idea what I

The big fella MG with Cheryl, Ally, Yours Truly and Rachel.

was doing. I also felt a little nervous. What will the others all think when they see how unfit I am? Will they all stare at the new girl? If I get down on the ground will I be able to get back up? What if I trip on the treadmill and get wrapped up inside the conveyor belt? There were many things to ponder. I walked in and I was greeted by the smiling faces of MG and his son Logan. They introduced me around and everyone was friendly. Everyone! My hands were sanitised,

temperature taken and then it was down to business. Treadmills, rowing machines, pump exercises, floor exercises, medicine ball throws and sprints became my thing for the next half an hour. And all the while with MG checking on me, encouraging and then congratulating. It is not a scary place at all, in fact it is pretty good fun! Realising that my weakness is being motivated to exercise - especially first thing in the morning - I recruited one

Rachel and I doing sprints

local news By KeRRIE DAVIES

oe Bruzzese from Llandilo is one of those likeable guys that you warm to the minute you meet him. He has a great sense of humour, is an easy going and happy character, and a little bit cheeky. I met with him last week at Minchinbury Community Hospital to interview him for this story. It was a meeting that, by all accounts, was never meant to happen. It wasn’t meant to happen because a few months ago Joe suffered a catastrophic health incident and was not expected to still be alive today. On the 18th April this year, Joe was working from home as his restaurant, The Potager at Mt Tomah, was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. “I felt a little bit weak and I thought I just have to lay down for a while,” Joe said. Joe’s girlfriend Anita and one of his mates who was visiting at the time called an ambulance. Joe suffered an aortic dissection and it looked like his life of 52 years was about to be cut short. “Basically, what that means is, the pipe (the aorta) blew off the pump (my heart). Normally you don’t recover from that. I was rushed to Nepean Hospital and they sent me to Westmead,” Joe explained. “At Westmead, they are really fantastic at what they do. They simply split my chest open, removed the blood from my body and chilled it down to 18 degrees. They did the operation, replaced the piece of the aorta and then put it all back together again.” When this occurred, Joe had several clots. “I was lucky I clotted, because otherwise I would have bled to death. However, those clots went to my brain,” Joe said. This unfortunately meant not just one stroke, but numerous strokes. Joe said the prognosis at that point was anything but good. “It was, ‘he may not survive, and if he does, worse case scenario he’ll be a vegetable. Best case scenario is his cognitive function will be diminished, he won’t be able to use his left arm and perhaps left leg. If I did wake up, I may not recognise anybody or be able to speak,” he said. Joe was put into an induced coma for nearly a month. His three children 17, 19 and 21 watched on helplessly while doctors tried to save their Dad’s life. “It was very hard on my family. Not so hard on me, I was in a coma. But my kids were very distraught to hear that Dad might not wake up and if he does he’s not going to be the same person,” Joe said. The traumatic event was even more challenging for the family than it may

have been any other time, given that April had an abundance of pandemic restrictions to visitation, especially to ICU. The family had to run a roster system, giving each person a different visiting day and so there were many days between visits. After being deemed ‘non-responsive’ for three and a half weeks, Joe did wake up. But when he tried to talk he couldn’t. When he tried to write what he wanted to say, it was scribble. When he finally was able to get a legible question out, it was, “What is happening?” “My brain was working fine, but I had trouble getting things out. My leg was weak and my arm was like a dead weight. Everything was weak, I couldn’t stand. My cognitive functions were quite blurry. “I knew that I was going to have to really push myself to get better. While at Westmead I’d be reciting poetry, history, times tables... just trying to talk and thinking, what can I remember? “I’d be teaching the nurses Man From Snowy River,” Joe laughed. As the days following dragged on, Joe knew he needed help with physio and rehab but he also began to feel the need to get out of the hospital. He started to wonder if he would ever recover and it started to affect his mental health. “I appreciated everything done for me at Westmead, but I got to a point where I knew I had to leave,” Joe said. “My sister knew the Hospital Director, Marilyn Piggott at Minchinbury Community Hospital and some phone calls were made and I got a transfer there.” Joe said when he arrived at Minchinbury he was in a hoist and

couldn’t pick up a clothes peg. A sling was used to transfer him from the bed to a chair. “But it was like a breath of fresh air. Everyone at Minchinbury Hospital was so encouraging. ‘You can do this! You’re getting better!” “Every bit of positive reinforcement they gave me, filled me with hope. “The positiveness came from every one of them, every day.” Joe spent three weeks as an inpatient and has now been doing a day rehab program at Minchinbury Hospital for eight weeks. The camaraderie he has with the staff is evident throughout our interview. Many stop to see how Joe is, or share a joke with him. The Joe of today is a far cry from the Joe who arrived three weeks ago. He now talks fluently, walks flawlessly and even drove himself to our meeting. “I’m surprised at the extent of the recovery that I have made in here,” Joe said, pointing at the rehabilitation facilities. For two hours, three days a week Joe’s rehab has been concentrating on improving movement, building strength and mobility. You can see that Joe is a very independent man, and the hospital staff have tailored Joe’s rehabilitation utilising that key factor. “The team gave me the opportunity to use my skills, enabling me to relearn how to do things. Simple things, like walking and bouncing a ball - it’s learning how to multi-task again. “During my time at Minchinbury Hospital, they’ve assisted me in relearning to do everything. I can hold and read a newspaper, and turn the pages. I can pick things up, I can bounce a ball, I can catch a ball.”

I said to Joe as we wrapped up the interview, “I’m blown away. All that you have been through, yet I’m looking at you and you look like someone this never happened to. You’re amazing.” Joe responded, “If I’m amazing it is due to the people at Minchinbury Hospital and their support and encouragement. I can’t state enough how much the positive attitude has helped me through this.” Joe admits his lifestyle prior to the incident was one of a workaholic, burning the midnight oil every single night. Running several small businesses at once, fourteen hour work days were not uncommon. He also smoked, drank occasionally and had a terrible diet. “My blood pressure was high. I rarely went to a doctor, I thought I was invincible,” Joe said. “Visits to a doctor were often ten years apart. Doctors had mentioned the high blood pressure and the need to look after it, but I didn’t. “That’s what caused the aortic dissection, which started the whole chain of events. Joe grew up in St Marys, has a university degree and has an extensive background in small businesses including small goods, fresh meat, cafes and restaurants. His days began at 5am with a “coffee and a smoke.” After an incredibly close brush with death, Joe is very lucky to still be here today. And it sounds like he is very lucky that the decision was made for him to work with the team at Minchinbury Community Hospital. Their combined efforts have defied expectations and been a miraculous success.

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Joe’s incredible recovery from a life-threatening incident

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local news Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Marise Payne has announced that Australia will support the Gavi COVAX Facility Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC) to improve access for Pacific and Southeast Asian countries to safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines. The COVAX AMC will secure and distribute COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, not just those that can afford to purchase or manufacture vaccines themselves. Australia’s contribution of $80 million will help secure COVID-19 vaccines for Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries. The AMC will address the

acute phase of the pandemic, providing doses for up to 20 percent of countries’ populations in its first phase, ensuring that health care workers and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, have access. “Access to vaccines will play a critical role in the economic recovery of our region from this pandemic,” Senator Payne said. Pacific countries eligible for COVAX AMC support include Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Kiribati. Eligible countries from Southeast Asia are Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines and Vietnam.

“Australia’s investment builds on our strong support for Gavi. Australia will continue to promote health security in our region through our role as the Vice-Chair of the Gavi Board,” Senator Payne said. “International investment in vaccine manufacturing and procurement is stronger when nations work together.” In making this investment, Australia joins key donors such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy and Norway. The COVAX AMC forms part of the wider COVAX Facility, a global mechanism designed to enable rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to end the acute phase of the pandemic by 2021.

Your COVID-19 test has come back positive. What happens next?

ore than 188,000 people in Western Sydney have had a COVID-19 test this year. For over 480 of these people, their result was positive. What happens next? If your test result returns negative, you will receive an SMS text message with the good news. You’ll receive a phone call if your test result is positive, either from the GP who referred you to a COVID-19 testing centre, or the Public Health Unit. Western Sydney’s Public Health Unit is informed of all positive COVID-19 cases and a public health officer will contact you about your positive result. What will the Public Health Unit ask me? When the public health officer phones you, they will ask several questions. Your information is private and confidential. Questions may include: • The symptoms you experienced and when you first started to feel unwell • Your travel history 14 days before you became unwell • If you’ve been in contact with people or places known to have COVID-19 • Any pre-existing medical conditions • Your detailed movements and recent contact with other people in the last few days, including family members, friends, or work colleagues (this is called contact tracing).

A person arrived for testing at drive-through clinic at Western Sydney University Parramatta south campus.

This information is needed to help understand virus spread in the community, and how to stop it from spreading to other people. This phone call will also cover how to isolate yourself, including how to do this if you are living with other people, and whether you need support with things like groceries. A followup email will provide more advice and tips on what to do or avoid. How will my health be monitored? If you are very unwell the public health officer will arrange medical assistance. People diagnosed with COVID-19 who are not hospitalised receive a daily phone call from a ‘Hospital in the Home’ nurse to monitor your symptoms and any changes to your health. They will help determine when you are clear of the virus. What about the people I have

Nepean Evening View Club Nepean Evening View Club is a friendly group of women who fund-raise, sponsor, volunteer and advocate for The Smith Family to support disadvantaged children and families through education. They meet the 3rd Monday of the month at Penrith Panthers at 7pm to enjoy a delicious three course dinner and varied guest speakers. For more details please phone 0411 306 150 or email nepeanview@gmail.com For more information visit: www.view.org.au

been in contact with? Many people diagnosed with COVID-19 worry about their family and friends. After your call with the public health officer, they will have identified all the people considered to be your close contacts while you were infectious. Being infectious means that you are at risk of spreading the virus to other people. A close contact is somebody who: Has had 15 minutes of face-toface time with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case during their infectious period, or Has been in a closed space for over 2 hours with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case during their infectious period. The infectious period for a positive COVID-19 case is 48 hours before they first experienced symptoms.

A public health officer will telephone your close contacts to discuss the situation with them. This is part of the contact tracing process. Close contacts will be advised to self-isolate at home for the next 14 days and to get a COVID-19 test if they experience any symptoms. They will also receive a phone call every 1-3 days from NSW Health who monitor their symptoms during their isolation period. For more information Get tested if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19. Western Sydney testing centre locations: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-toprotect-yourself-and-others/clinics Get tested for COVID-19 if you have the following symptoms: • Fever • Cough • Sore/scratchy throat • Shortness of breath • Loss of smell or taste • Muscle or joint pain • Diarrhoea • Nausea/vomiting • Loss of appetite Stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 news and case locations: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latestnews-and-updates For FREE Western Sydney COVID-19 Community Resources: www. wsl h d . h e a l t h . n sw. g o v. a u / COVID-19-Wellbeing/home For health information and questions about COVID-19, call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 (24-hour helpline).

NOVENA

Thank you Lord Jesus for all the blessings given to my family, especially my daughter. May the name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and praised throughout the world forever. Amen.

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

COVID-19 vaccine access for our region

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100th year birthday

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

By Noel Rowsell

Arthur and Lillian Baldwin

he City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Sunday night, with 100-year old member Lillian Baldwin given the opportunity to blow out the celebratory cake. A fire in 1929 destroyed the records indicating the exact date the Club was chartered and the Committee sought the permission of Lillian to share her birth date (16/8/1920) as the official birth of the Sub-Branch. Lillian was born in Geelong, Victoria and attended Ashby State Co-ed School from the ages of 5-13. The family were devout Salvation Army members and Lillian has remained a member of the Salvation Army her entire life. Lillian met her future husband Arthur at an ‘Evening for Soldiers’ in 1939 and he declared his intention to marry her at that first meeting.

Photo supplied by the Sub-Branch

Arthur and Lillian later married in 1940 and shortly after, Arthur was posted to the Middle East where he would fight during WW2. Lillian also joined the Army during the war years but only served for 12 months, before her father passed away. She was given compassionate leave and returned to live with her mother until the end of the war and Arthur’s return to Australia. Lillian and Arthur had 3 daughters and there is now an extended family of 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Arthur passed away in 1968 and Lillian moved from Queensland to Sydney, living for a time in Five Dock, Drummoyne and Merrylands, before moving in during 1985 with daughter Shannon, son-in-law Ron and grandson Garth at Werrington, then later moving with them to Caddens. Lillian has been a member of the RSL for the past 42 years and having achieved her 100th birthday, has been swamped by congratulatory cards and messages from Australia and England, including Her Majesty The Queen, The Hon. Scott Morrison MP (Prime Minister of Australia), General Sir David Hurley AC, DSC, FTSE (Governor-General of Australia), The Hon. Stuart Ayres (Member for Penrith), The Hon. Jonathan O’Dea MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Gladys Berejiklian (Premier of NSW), Melissa McIntosh MP (member for Lindsay) and Cr Ross Fowler OAM (Penrith CC Mayor). The City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch was first formed in 1919 after the de-mobilisation march

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Photos supplied by daughter

/ parade. It’s first title was the ‘Penrith Soldiers Club’, as part of ‘The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA)’. The first official Charter was awarded in 1920 and during that decade, the name was changed to the ‘Penrith Returned Soldiers Club’. As well as member welfare, the Club’s agenda was to also conduct Commemorative Services for both Armistice Day and ANZAC Day. One of the first projects the members of the Penrith RSSILA were involved with was the development of a War Memorial in Penrith, with plaques depicting the names of those who had served in World War One. The first dedication was by His Excellency, Sir Walter Davison KCMG in July, 1922.

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

celebrations at Penrith RSL

Photo supplied by the Sub-Branch

In 1940, the name of the League changed to the Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA) and in 1965, the name changed to the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL). The first Schools’ ANZAC Day commemoration was conducted in 1975 as a Western Sydney event. In 1989, Memory Park Memorial was again redeveloped to include the names of deceased Penrith servicemen from WWII, Korea and Vietnam, dedicated by His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir David Martin KCMG AO. During 1995 an extra Commemorative Service was conducted as the ‘Year Australia Remembers’ and this was the 50th anniversary of the ending of WWII.

In 2004 the Sub-Branch decided to re-develop the War Memorial once again. Work commenced in 2007 and the next dedication was on the 31st October 2008, performed by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashier, AO, CVO. From the 1970’s the Sub-Branch provided a significant display of war medals and memorabilia and this was further developed in 2012. The Sub-Branch concentrates on its Commemorative role within the wider community and the well-being of the ex-Service community. To date, there have been 23 Sub-Branch members awarded Life Membership of the RSL, whilst 2 of the Sub-Branch’s Life Members have been awarded the RSL Meritorious Medal, being A. G. (Jim) Kinder MBE and R.A. (Alan) Ellison BEM.

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Legends of the Nepean Mark Nielsen Jnr By Noel Rowsell

Father Mark Snr and mother Maxine pictured with Mark Jnr at his School Formal.

ark Nielsen Jnr is an extraordinary young man who started life against the odds, born 8 weeks premature and suffering from Dispraxia (which affects speech and motor skills). As a 5-year old, Mark showed an awareness of the plight of others and asked his parents if he could give away his Christmas presents to the needy and also gave away his pocket money to co-sponsor (with parents Mark Snr and Maxine Nielsen) 2 compassion children in Mexico. Mark was inspired by friend Ethan Craig, who was diagnosed with Luekemia, and another school friend who was admitted to the Children’s Hospital due to tumours in her back and spine. From those early days, Mark has built a reputation as a caring, committed and undoubtedly driven individual, who cares for the welfare of others ahead of himself. Mark began his school life at Penrith Anglican College and has impressed

the entire faculty from his first year. Mark has developed an awardwinning reputation at the College, claiming one of the School’s highest honours (a Colour band) for his Community Service in 2013 and subsequently winning a coveted ‘Colour’ every year between 2013 and 2019, covering Community Service (5 Colour bands), Fellowship (1 Colour) and Leadership (1 Colour). Mark has also just received his Prefect’s band this year, taking his total to an impressive 8 bands in 8 years. Mark’s resume of achievements begins in 2009, being awarded a Headmaster’s Award, Teacher’s Award, Headmasters & Prefects Award (speech development) and a Certificate of Merit. The ensuing years have seen Mark develop a maturity beyond his years and has resulted in a string of Certificates of Merit, Teacher’s Awards, Headmasters & Prefects Awards, the John Lambert Award (Point Score) 8 times, a Headmasters Award 7 times, Jump Rope for Heart Certificate of Appreciation as the highest money-earner in the College

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Mark Nielsen Jnr was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Jim Devine. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Michael Richard Pompeo is an American politician, diplomat, businessman and attorney who, since April 2018, has been serving as 70th United States Secretary of State.

(2014), the Fred Hollows Humanity Award (2015), 2 Gold Awards in 2016, NSW Government Young Achievers Award (2016), Finalist in Penrith City Council Youth Mayor competition (2016), Member of Junior ROCK (World’s Greatest Shave 2016), World Youth Adventures Top FundRaiser for Nuwakot School in Nepal (2016), Young Achievers Award from Freemasons of NSW/ACT (2017), Youth Service Award (Rotary Club of Nepean 2017), President’s Award for Young Achiever (Lions Club of Emu Plains 2018), Community Recognition Statement (Mrs Tanya Davies MP 2018). Whilst achieving all of the above, Mark has continued to be active in his school activities, including as a member of the College Debating Team, participating in College Tours and off-campus displays for aspiring students to PAC, involved in College

Michael Richard Pence is an American politician and lawyer serving as the 48th Vice President of the United States, since 2017.

productions, completing the Premier’s Reading Challenge, a Silver Award in a French competition, the ‘Cranmer Crown’ for outstanding Cranmer House Spirit and still donates and organises gifts for less fortunate children every year in the Anglican Christmas Appeal. The Lion’s Club of Emu Plains have made Mark a ‘Friend of the Lion’s Club’ as he is still too young to officially join but Publicity Officer Jim Devine extols the efforts Mark has made on behalf of the local Lion’s Club, including Fund-Rasing for a Service trip to Nepal, winning an Award for Public Speaking in the Youth Lion of the Year competition, volunteering on a weekly basis at Mama Lana’s, serving dinner to the homeless and less fortunate people of the Penrith Community and participation in Clean-Up Australia. “Mark Nielsen Jnr is an

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extraordinary young man, who has in a very short time performed more charitable work than many of his Lions peers,” Jim said. “Mark Jnr and I first crossed paths at the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal in 2016 and then in 2018 and 2019.” “His father Mark Nielsen Snr took the opportunity to explain to me the fund-raising activities that Mark Jnr had undertaken and Alan Cooper (President Lions Club Emu Plains) and I decided to offer Mark Jnr to become a ‘Friend of Lions’ as he was too young to become a Member,” said Jim. Mark Jnr’s service to the community has not gone unnoticed among community leaders and politicians and he has been privileged to meet an amazing number of powerful and influential people in his young life. These include, among a host

of others, the United States VicePresident Mike Pence, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Australian Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, former Federal Treasurer and Ambassador of Australia to the United States Joe Hockey, current NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and former Premier Mike Baird, local MP’s Stuart Ayres and Tanya Davies, with the latter taking a particular interest in Mark’s future plans and ambitions and helping to guide him along the way. Mark has lofty goals and would like to be a future Australian Prime Minister and also the Australian Ambassador to the United Nations. US Vice-President Pence complimented Mark on his ambition when they met in Sydney and urged him to follow it through to fruition. Few young Australians can claim to have achieved so much in such a relatively small number of years but given his considerable achievements at just 17 years of age, Mark undoubtedly has the ability, vision, drive, passion, energy and significantly, compassion for his fellow Australians, to succeed at any level.

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

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Balance At Work

he time to trust your gut is lunchtime. Not when you’re hiring a new staff member. Managers often rely on their intuition or ‘gut feel’ when making staffing decisions. I have done this myself. It’s amazing how often we hear “it just felt right”, “she seems like a good fit” or “I feel very comfortable with him”. We do seem to have a lot of confidence in our intuition, don’t we? When it turns out the person hired is just not up to the job, we are very unlikely to say “I guess my intuition isn’t reliable”. We’re more likely to place the blame elsewhere. Instead of taking responsibility, we might say things like “he did a great job of selling himself at the interview” or “her referees exaggerated her ability”. For managers who rely on outdated or ineffective recruitment procedures, the wrong decision is usually

seen as someone else’s fault. Most often, it’s the new hire. Is that fair? There is always a place for intuition in decisionmaking, but it’s also good to know its limitations. Compare hiring to other critical business decisions. When was the last time you heard a manager use “it just felt right” as justification for an equipment or software purchase? Of course, few would. So I wonder why we are comfortable to take a gamble on ‘gut feel’ when making the major investment of hiring a new staff member. Here are a few things we know about successful hiring: 1. Past work experience is a poor indicator of a candidate’s ability to perform well in a new role; 2. Motivation and cultural fit are the best indicators of future performance, yet not all hiring managers assess these objectively;

With Susan Rochester

3. Matching the right person to the right job by measuring their ‘fit’ to the role is easy and inexpensive. And much cheaper than making the wrong decision. A predictably disastrous appointment at AMP is just one example of the issues ignoring cultural fit will cause. As their experience shows, an essential requirement for recruiting well is to understand the culture you wish to create or maintain and to recruit accordingly. As the key decision-maker, you have a huge influence on the results you get from your next new hire. It’s up to you. Apply the best tools and advice you can afford to ensure the ongoing health of your organisation. We are here to help you stay true to your values and your vision in your role as an employer. Call us today to find out how we can help you.

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Police files Man charged over alleged sexual act on train A man will appear in court next month after allegedly performing a sexual act on a train before it pulled into Penrith on the weekend. About 6.20pm Sunday 30 August, a 33-year-old woman was travelling on a westbound train from Blacktown, when an unknown man sitting near her allegedly committed a sexual act in front of her. The woman alerted staff when she arrived at Penrith Railway Station who contacted police. Officers from the Police Transport Command attended and arrested a 34-year-old man at the Railway Station. He was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with carry out sexual act with another without consent. The Busby man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday 22 September 2020. Inquiries are continuing.

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Two officers assaulted, man charged with DV offences A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting two police officers in the Mt Druitt area on Friday. About 11.00pm Friday 28 August, police were called to a house at Reliance Crescent, Wilmot in relation to a domestic disturbance. Officers from Mount Druitt Police Area Command attended and commenced an investigation. It will be alleged in Court a 51-year-old became aggressive towards police and resisted attempts to restrain and arrest him by punching and kicking the officers. Police used OC spray to control the man and further officers were required to assist with affecting the arrest. The man was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with seven offences including two counts of assault police occasioning actual bodily harm and four counts of resisting arrest and common assault (domestic violence related). Both officers suffered lacerations to the face and neck but did not require hospital treatment. The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 29 August 2020).

Officers assaulted after breaking up large party Four teenagers have been charged after police were called to a large party at a home at Lethbridge Park on the weekend. About 12.30am on Saturday 29 August, police attended a home on Mindanao Crescent after receiving reports about people fighting. Officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command attended and found approximately 100 people at the home, allegedly in breach of COVID-19 restrictions. It’s alleged a number of the teens surrounded the officers and were abusive and violent towards them. Four teens – three males aged 17, 16 and 13, and a 17-year-old girl – were arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station. It’s alleged that while at the police station, the teens continued to be abusive and volatile towards officers. It’s further alleged two of the boys urinated in the station before spitting at officers, hitting a constable in the eye. The 17-year-old was charged with resist police, assault police, and breach of bail. The 13-year-old boy was charged with resist police, assault police, assault paramedic, malicious damage, and breach of bail. The 17-year-old girl was charged with possess drug, resist police, obstruct police, and breach of bail. The 16-year-old boy was charged with malicious damage, resist police, assault police, and breach of bail. All four were bail refused to appear at a children’s court. Inquiries into the party continue, and police expect to issue an infringement notice to the occupier.

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POSTCARDS FROM HOME

ver the past months, we’ve all had to keep our distance and move through our streets in new ways. Perhaps you’ve observed something new about your home life, maybe work has changed or you’ve been able to rest more. Whatever your experience you’re invited to share it at POSTCARDS FROM HOME. People need connection. During isolation, we’ve been unable to meet as we once did, we’re missing the experience of coming together or being part of something bigger than ourselves. As restrictions change there can be mixed feelings of fear and uncertainty. POSTCARDS FROM HOME creates an opportunity to share with others in our local community and be connected through a virtual network. The project also creates an archive that reflects and shares what our community has been experiencing during 2020. Kathleen Travers, emerging artist and designer for the project will manage the sharing and archiving of the postcards. An ex-student of St Marys Senior High School, Kathleen is developing her own creative practice as a freelancer in a range of artistic mediums. Her work can be viewed @kathleenmadethis. “When approached by Fusion to design this project I was delighted at the opportunity to collaborate on a community-based artwork. I had recently been made redundant from my job and was feeling the social-distance from others as I

began to freelance full time. I am so excited to be part of this creative idea to help build connection right now. I think the novelty of the postcard brings a physicality to how we are communicating over distance. I hope this archive becomes a platform to honour our community’s experience through this time, whatever it may be.” Kathleen Travers Whether you live, study, work or pass through

St Marys, Penrith or surrounding suburbs, you’re invited to be part of this innovative archive of POSTCARDS FROM HOME. Pick up a postcard from the Fusion Café, opposite St Marys railway station, or from Penrith, St Marys or St Clair libraries. Return your completed postcard to one of those same sites and it will be digitally archived online, the physical copies displayed at the Fusion Café and then given to the St Marys Historical Society. Be part of a digital archive of the St Marys and Penrith community through isolation. Follow @PostcardsFromHomeArchive on Instagram and check out postcardsfromhomearchive.com to read how your neighbours have been going. POSTCARDS FROM HOME is an initiative of Fusion Western Sydney to help bring individuals together and communities together during these uncertain times. The initiative is funded by Penrith Council’s Magnetic Places Grant which is focussed on building resilient and inclusive communities in the Penrith local government area. Fusion is a national youth and community notfor-profit that has been around for sixty years with a vision is to see transformed communities where young people, families and communities thrive. For more information about Fusion Western Sydney go to www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au or to request a postcard in the mail, call 8805 5900.

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Connect with your community

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

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Workers with Disability continue delivering

teve works at Afford’s ADE (Australian Disability Enterprise) three days a week. Through supported employment he can earn money to make sure his young family has everything they need, but most important to Steve, is being a good role model for his kids. At the factory, Steve runs pallets to and from jobs, and loads pallets onto the trucks. As a dedicated father of two children he wants to be a good role model by succeeding at work. Recently, Steve participated in sessions with his speech pathologist to familiarise himself with numbers and terminology used in forms at the factory. His skills have progressed and now enjoys the extra responsibility of validating stock that comes in on the trucks, against paperwork supplied. Every day, close to 500 employees with disability across five Afford ADEs are supported by Afford Supervisors to realise their valuable contribution to the Australian workforce. Working at the ADE allows them to enjoy social interaction, gain independence by earning their own money, and participate in work that makes them happy. Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) is a leading Australian disability provider that provides meaningful work opportunities for people living with intellectual and physical disability.

Meaningful Work Opportunities for People Living with Disability As a not-for-profit, Afford provides services to multi-national companies through its ADEs to generate income to invest in the development and continuation of supports and services for Australians living with disability. Afford ADEs provide labelling, and packaging services to companies that manufacture consumer goods that

are purchased by Aussie households every day. Supported employees across Afford’s ADEs have adjusted work routines and procedures to ensure the safe continuation and delivery of service throughout COVID-19. Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Employees with disability At Afford, working in an ADE is

not about just having a job. It’s about living life with independence and making friends with others who share similar life experiences. Afford ADE Supervisors organise quarterly social gatherings – during work hours – to promote work/life balance for supported employees. “Many of the supported employees are work colleagues, as well as good mates. Allowing them to take some time out while at work to strengthen their friendships also encourages camaraderie and team culture,” said Gordon Griff, Executive Manager Commercial Services. “We order pizza and give our employees the chance to get to know each other on a deeper level. They share common interests and have a laugh. It makes the factory a place where they feel safe to share their feelings and talk about things that matter to them.” Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 68 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day. As one of Australia’s longestserving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford goes above and beyond traditional service offerings to adapt to new operating environments to support individuals achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS.

Westmead professor’s remarkable study could cure diabetes

roundbreaking new research from Westmead Hospital clinician Professor Chris Liddle has discovered that human stem cells can be used to create insulinproducing pancreatic islets, paving the way to a cure for type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin — the hormone that allows your body to use sugar. It affects more than 120,000 Australians and there is no cure. The condition is managed for life with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump. But a study published today in the the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal Nature has shown that islets grown from human stem cells can control blood glucose levels when injected into diabetic mice. Professor Chris Liddle — a principal investigator at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research’s Storr Liver Centre and University of Sydney — co-authored the study, which was led by researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. According to Prof Liddle, this study used stem cells derived from human umbilical vein and human fat that were re-programmed to generate ‘human

islet-like organoids’ (HILOs). “Pancreatic islets contain multiple cell types, not just insulin-producing beta cells. The research team created three-dimensional HILOs that not only include beta-like cells [the cells that produce, store and release insulin in the islets of the pancreas], but also other supporting cell types found in normal islets,” said Prof Liddle. “Under the microscope, and using gene sequencing analysis, we are able to show that the three-dimensional HILOs are very similar to human islets. When the HILOs are transplanted into diabetic mice, they secrete insulin when blood glucose levels are high, just as normal islets would.” While human pancreatic islet transplantation has been a major advancement in treating severe cases of type 1 diabetes, the availability, quality and limited cellular longevity of this approach limits its application. Pancreatic islet transplantation currently involves implanting insulinproducing islet cells from a deceased human donor into the liver of a person with type 1 diabetes. When successful, the procedure can control blood glucose levels, reduce the frequency and severity of hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar) episodes and potentially eliminate the need for regular insulin injections.

A number of transplants are usually needed, and immunosuppressant drugs to prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted cells are also required. While the procedure is now funded by the Australian Government, pancreatic islet transplantation is currently limited to people with severely unstable type 1 diabetes, particularly those for whom insulin therapy alone is not effective and who experience recurrent and severe hypoglycaemic episodes. Professor Philip O’Connell is executive director at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and pioneered pancreatic islet transplantation in Australia. Almost 20-years ago, he led Australia’s first pancreatic islet transplantation trials at Westmead Hospital and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. Today, he continues his research, aiming to improve this procedure and develop islet transplantation as a mainstream treatment for type 1 diabetes. Professor O’Connell, who was not involved in this research study, said: “Pancreatic islet transplantation has saved hundreds of lives around the globe however, it has its limitations. For example, pancreatic islets are taken from deceased donors, and the wait for

Professor Chris Liddle

donor islets can be lengthy. Once donor islets are obtained, not all are suitable for transplantation. “This research indicates the potential to alleviate some of these issues. Stem cells derived from readily available human tissues can be expanded then reprogrammed into potentially unlimited numbers of islets that are suitable for transplantation.” The Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia and a key provider of jobs for the greater Parramatta and Western Sydney region. It includes four major hospitals, three world-leading medical research institutes and the state’s largest research-intensive pathology service.

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A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

he global injectable market is predicted to more than double in the next decade. One reason for this popularity is because they are seen as ‘non-invasive’, alluding to the minimal disruption to tissue when performed competently instead of opting for surgery. However, whilst the popularity of dermal filler treatments are enjoying an almost exponential increase, so are reports of complications. Although rare, complications from dermal fillers can be devastating. The most serious complications are vascular. Vascular occlusions (blockages) can lead to necrosis (tissue death), scarring and, even more seriously, blindness. Indeed, dermal fillers have already led to 98 reported cases of blindness world wide. In a recent literature review (Beleznay et al, 2015), Hyaluronic Acid (HA)was the second most common type of filler associated with ocular complications,

Blindness from filler complications after autologous (your own) fat injections. HA is the most frequently used soft tissue filler in cosmetic practice. Out of 98 cases of vision complications from dermal fillers, 65 led to unilateral vision loss, and only two cases of vision loss were reversible.Injection sites at highest risk were the glabella (frown area), nose, forehead and nasolabial fold. How can dermal filler injections cause blindness? The basic mechanism of filler induced blindness is central retinal artery occlusion.(ie the artery behind the eye gets blocked.)If the tip of the needle penetrates the vessel, leading to an intravascular injection, and too much pressure is applied to the plunger when injecting, the arterial pressure can be overwhelmed and retrograde movement of HA into the more proximal arterial network can occur. Eventual filler embolisation into the central retinal artery will deprive the retina of oxygen and lead to blindness. How can an injector avoid causing blindness with dermal fillers 1. The only way to avoid arteries is to know where they are, so advance facial anatomical knowledge is imperative. Clinicians delivering dermal filler injections must have an in-depth, working knowledge of vascular anatomy.

2. The Clinician Injects slowly and incrementally. In many cases of retinal vascular necrosis, filler was injected with too much pressure. 3. The Clinician Injects to the correct depth and plane, taking into account the relevant anatomy of the skin, muscle, vessels and fascia. 4. Unfortunately, even with all of the above, no procedure is immune to error. Therefore its imperative that the injector has an emergency management strategy in place and be able to refer the patient immediately to an ophthalmologist within the limited window of opportunity to reverse the effect – after complete central retinal artery occlusion, the retinal survival time is 60-90 minutes. Although a quick intra-occular injection hyaluronidase (an enzyme that dissolves Hyaloronic Acid filler) has been successful in dissolving the filler and preventing permanent blindness, there is no agreed method for reversing central retinal artery occlusion from fillers. Fortunately there has only been 2 cases of blindness caused by fillers in Australia. However, it is 2 too many. Sadly, with the dermal filler market proliferating the risks of complications will also increase. www.nitamchugh.com.au cosmeticnurse@outlook.com

Is someone having a stroke? Think… F.A.S.T. T his week is National Stroke Week and the Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions: Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arms Can they lift both arms? Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away. What to do while you wait for an ambulance

Other signs of stroke

Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs. The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination: • Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body

• Difficulty speaking or understanding • Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall • Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes • Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches

• Difficulty swallowing Sometimes the signs disappear within a short time, such as a few minutes. When this happens, it may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. Stroke can lead to death or disability. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke and an opportunity

to prevent this from happening. If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately. Think F.A.S.T., act FAST A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Nita

Ask

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

local COLUMNIST

Dog attacks

e have recently seen an increase in dog fights and attacks resulting in no less than eight pets requiring urgent medical treatment last weekend. Seeing your pooch attacked by another dog is distressing. The first instinct is to rush to their aid and rescue our pet, but it’s important to keep a cool head and exercise caution. It is important to remember that any dog can become aggressive if they are afraid and feel there is no other way out of the situation. This can be due to a current perceived threat or even past experience making them uncomfortable. Dogs rarely bite without warning. There are clear signs of aggression that dogs are likely to display, including: • Growling • Snarling • Snapping • Baring teeth • Lunging

However, dogs often show signs that they feel anxious or uncomfortable way before these. If another dog shows signs of aggression towards your dog, the best thing you can do is walk away calmly but quickly. Don’t get too close, but try to put a visual barrier like a gate, fence or car in between your dog and the other dog. Recognising a dog’s body language can be helpful in predicting a dog’s behaviour. Signs may include • Licking their lips and/or yawning • Ears going backwards, flattened on their head • Showing the whites of their eyes (“whale eye” – look out for a white

half-moon shape) • Turning their face away • Trying to move or turn away from the other dog • Standing crouched or walking low to the ground. If you find yourself witnessing a dog being attacked try not to panic, stay calm and focused. • DO NOT put your hands in the dogs reach in an attempt to separate fighting dogs. It might be hard, but if you try to pull your dog out of harm’s way you could end up with some nasty injuries, too. You could also injure your dog further if the other dog hasn’t let go.

• Try to distract the other dog from a distance. • You may be able to call your dog away. The owner of the other dog may be able to do the same. • Report the incident to council Animal Services • Even if the dog’s injuries don’t look serious, take them to the veterinarian for an examination. Many bite injuries are a lot worse than they look due to damage to the muscles and tissue underneath the skin and the bacteria carried in dogs’ mouths. For more information contact Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

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

Looking for adoptive parents and forever home

riends of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs and temperament tests of the animals to post online and promote the animals. They upload their images and opinions of

MAGGIE’S EYES TELL A STORY CAN SHE START OVER WITH YOU?

Maggie is a sweet little chunky nugget. She walks well on lead, loves to smooch with you and is looking for a family who will include her in their everyday activities. Maggie has a whole lot of love to give her new family. If you have a resident dog at home or young children bring them along for a meet & greet with Maggie so we can be sure everyone will get along. PCC 324 ‘MAGGIE’ STAFFY FEMALE 9 YEARS OLD - $305.70 Adoption price includes Microchip, Lifetime Registration, Desexing & 1st Vaccination. R251000145

these animals to Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow them, look them up on facebook and twitter. For any inquires related to these animals at Hawkesbury Pound, please contact them directly on (02) 4560 4644.

CASPIAN IS THE PERFECT MAN Caspian is an active, playful boy who enjoys his time out in the exercise run alongside other dogs. Caspian walks beautifully on lead and knows his basic obedience commands. Caspian is looking for a new family who will provide regular exercise and some further training to help him settle into his new routine. PCC 315 “CASPIAN” STAFFY CROSS MALE 2 YEARS OLD - $416.30 Adoption price includes Microchip, Lifetime Registration, Desexing & 1st Vaccination. R251000145

local news Lendlease talks us through

ll too often people get confused about the difference between aged care and retirement villages. Mention moving to a retirement village and many people instantly picture a nursing home – how wrong they are! The new generation of retirement villages are for people active enough to live independently in their own home but seeking the freedom to dedicate more time to their passions. In fact, many residents aren’t even retired! Australian property group Lendlease is one operator committed to perfecting the balance between independence and community in retirement village design – something they have more than 30 years’ experience in. Lendlease’s heritage is uniquely Australian (they built the Sydney Opera House) – now operating more than 70 retirement villages across the country. Locally, Kingfisher Grove will soon be Lendlease’s newest village in NSW, surrounded by 900 hectares of the spectacular Wianamatta Regional Park. “Many residents in our Lendlease villages tell us they wished they moved in earlier!” said Village Manager of Kingfisher Grove, Ben Cadwallader. “One of the key attractions of living in a retirement village is that the homes and environment have been thoughtfully designed and purpose built to make life easy and enjoyable as you age.” Kingfisher Grove will include resort-style

facilities, including an exclusive residents’ Clubhouse, indoor heated pool, cinema, gym, bar, craft room and dining area, as well as spaces for social activities and wellness initiatives. The low-maintenance nature of retirement living, combined with greater security provides a strong sense of comfort to residents, especially those who like to travel. Thoughtfully designed homes, environments that foster a strong sense of community and the ability to live independently – all combines for enviable lifestyle that Lendlease has perfected.

Local Rotarian Chosen as District Governor for 2020/21 By Noel Rowsell

avid Clark of Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club was named as Rotary 9685 District Governor for 2020/21 at a small luncheon held on 19 July. David joined Rotary in 1976 and is a very experienced community leader, having spent several years in Rotaract, before committing to the Rotary Club of Katoomba. David has been President of 4 different Rotary Clubs, in various parts of NSW which, in itself, is quite unique. His latest ‘adventure’ was a successful year as president of Lower Blue Mountains club in 2015/15 – the platform from which he launched his bid for District 9685 leadership. David has also had leadership roles in various District youth activities – namely the high profile Rotary Youth Leadership awards (RYLA) and a junior version of that project, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) and the Pacific Area Cultural Exchange (PACE). He has strong Rotary vocational principles and was elected to lead a Rotary Group Study Exchange team (young business leaders from our community) to Alaska, the Yukon and Russia in 1995. As Governor of Rotary District 9685, Dave’s area of responsibility extends from Blackheath and the

Jenny, David and Michele. Photo: Supplied by Lower Blue Mts Rotary

Blue Mountains, through Penrith and across to Sydney’s northern suburbs, then along the northern beaches to the Central Coast and almost to Newcastle. During his year of leadership (July 2020 to June 2021), Dave is committed to the Rotary International theme of world leader Holger Knaack of Germany – ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’. When accepting the governorship at the District Changeover in July, David made the strong point that Rotary must change to survive in the modern era – and especially in the face of COVID-19. David said he is looking to grow female membership in Rotary and greater involvement of young leaders from business and community.

Rotary’s Rotaract group caters for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 and provides opportunities to develop leadership and social skills vital for their future lives and wellbeing. “Completing our priority project – the eradication of Polio from the World – continues to be a major focus,” said David. “ From 350,000 cases a year when we commenced in 1985, the annual total is now around 100 and confined to the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” “Our 1.2 million members around the world, in 36,000 clubs in 220 countries/geographical regions, will continue to work for our seven areas of focus – peace-building and conflict prevention, disease prevention

and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development and the environment.” “Notwithstanding all of the above, my main goal this year is to put the fun back into Rotary,” said David. “If we are not enjoying it, we should not be doing it – and that is especially so in this testing year,” he concluded. A mechanical engineer by profession, Dave and his wife Narda live in Penrith and have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney spoke in Parliament on David’s appointment to the role of District Governor and said “David has a long and fulfilling history with Rotary, having served in various roles across a number of clubs over the past 50 years and I have no doubt his experience will be put to good use over the next 12 months.” Mr Ayres continued “At the event (luncheon), the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club were also presented with the Golden Quill Award for Public Relations, the District Community Service Award and the very prestigious District Governor Award for Large Clubs - a fantastic effort.” “I sincerely thank all the local Rotary clubs for the invaluable work they do to support our local community and I wish them all the best for the year ahead.”

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Independent living – it’s not just for the retired

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The Snake By TOMAS (PADDY) HAMILTON

I wondered why we settled here, in the land that time forgot When it comes to nasty fauna, this place has got the lot Some simple words of warning, take them for what it’s worth The aussie inland taipan, is the most deadly snake on earth Next up are our spiders, it seems that it’s no lie If a funnel web latches onto you, you can kiss your arse good bye Sharks cruising off our beach, crocodiles in the creek This place is so dangerous, it’s not safe to take a leak. If you use the outdoor dunny, it’s still no easy feat Always check before you sit, there’s no red back on the seat Now i have set the scene, for a yarn that i will relate For if i keep on phaffing on, it will be too flam’in late It was during summer recess, before the sun rose to it’s height We found a dead snake on the road, well at least it couldn’t bite We saw our baker coming, with his horse and cart So, we thought up some mischief, which would give him quite a start On the porch of every home, stood the old bread bin Old toby used to come along and put a fresh loaf in We gathered up the reptile and put it there instead Little did we realise, the bloody thing wasn’t dead

Fathers Day: here’s a few of the best Dad jokes Yes, we know they’re corny. We can already hear you groan. But they just wouldn’t fall under the banner of dad joke if they were funny!

When he came to our house, he lifted up the lid The serpent rose and spat at him, just at the time he did For toby was an irishman, far from the emerald shore And he’d never seen a joe blake, quite this close before

Why couldn’t the bike stand up by itself? It was two tired.

The auld fella took off like a shot, you could see it by his tracks That when he finally made it home, he’d have to change his daks He raced towards the horse and cart, his mortal fears laid bare, ‘Cause every time he glanced behind. The bastard was still there

Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it.

He called out to saint patrick,” please save me from this fate And do it feckin quickly, before i reach the gate” He sprung aboard his chariot, as his body froze with fright And those who lived in hill st ,had never witnessed such a sight The old nag moved so slowly, then came to a sudden halt She knew her bread run all too well and did it without fault We all let fly with rocks and stones, the baker wished that he was dead ‘Cause most of them missed the bloody snake and hit poor toby in the head Now nature will reward those, who perform a goodly deed For nearby lived some kookaburras. Poor toby used to feed Now i guess you’ll all know, how the story ends For it is no secret, snakes and kookaburras are not friends They swooped down from their branch on high, striking deadly blows No trace was left of the snake, not even for the crows When the birds had their fill, they laughed the whole day long But for the poor old reptile, it was its’ requiem song Word of our mischevious deed, spread throughout the town A sore backside a painful prize, for being such a clown We were the stuff of legends. To all our gang at school But the teachers all rebuked us for acting like a fool This all occurred so long ago and i really feel a louse It took poor toby many months, before he left his house In god’s good time he passed away and i’ve heard it said He now sits by the pearly gates, delivering the daily bread, Authors note. Prior to supermarkets bread, milk and vegetables were delivered by vendors to your house

I used to have a job making calendars but I got the sack when I took a couple of days off.

What’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but their flag is a huge plus. Never criticise someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’ll be a mile away, and you’ll have their shoes. What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common? Same middle name. The furniture shop keeps calling me. All I wanted was one night stand. I asked dad if he got a haircut: He said he got them all cut. I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day! Did you know the first French fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece. If a child refuses to sleep during nap time, are they guilty of resisting a rest? The secret service isn’t allowed to yell “Get down!” anymore when the president is about to be attacked. Now they have to yell “Donald, duck!” I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down! What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows. I ordered a chicken and an egg to be home delivered. I’ll let you know. I’ll call you later. Don’t call me later, call me Dad!

31 Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

JOKES ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

Mike’s Pantry

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

with Michael Creed

Chicken, Asparagus & Mushroom Pot Pie Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 leek, washed, thinly sliced • 3 garlic crushed cloves • 130g chopped bacon • 300g sliced mushrooms • 6 Asparagus stalks chopped into bite sized pieces • 2 Chicken Breasts chopped into bite sized cubes • 1 tablespoon corn flour • 11/2 cup chicken stock • 1/2 cup cream • 2 tablespoons of roughly chopped parsley leaves • 1 sheet frozen butter puff pastry, partially thawed Method: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek, asparagus, garlic and bacon. Cook for until soft. (Be careful not to burn the garlic otherwise it will add a bitter taste.) In a separate saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of oil, then add chicken cubes and lightly cook off the chicken

SUDOKU: EASY

INSTRUCTIONS

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

and then add to the other saucepan with the mushrooms. Cook, tossing, for 2 minutes or until mushrooms soften. Mix corn flour with 2 tablespoons of stock. Add to saucepan with remaining stock. Bring to the boil. Add cream. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until chilled. Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a large heatproof dish. Use the dish as a guide, cut around the dish to get the right sized cut of pastry. Pour pie mixture into the dish. Place pastry circle on top of chicken mixture. Press with a fork to seal edges. Pierce a small hole in the centre of the lid. Brush lid with the beaten egg mixture. Place pie onto a baking tray. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until pastry is golden and puffy. Enjoy!

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

SOLUTIONS: 6 August EASY

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

ENTERTAINMENT

WIN WIN WIN Can you name these future superstars? 1

an you name these schoolboys who went on to become very famous musicians? Send your six answers to kerrie@nepeannews.com.au or mail to Nepean News 203 Banks Drive St Clair to go in our draw to win a dinner for two to the value of $100 at Sittanos Penrith. Entries close on September 11 and winners will be notified shortly after. Please remember to include your phone number so we can contact you. Good Luck! Answers in next edition.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Concern (4) 9 System of beliefs (5) 10 Panache (4) 11 A group of six (6) 12 Preoccupies (8) 13 Shuddered (8) 15 Dress up (6) 17 Repossess (7) 19 Paranormal (7) 22 Periodicals (6) 24 Fails on a commitment (8) 26 Weekly TV series are this (8) 28 A loud laugh (6) 30 Hand warmer (4) 31 Valued or ranked (5) 32 A river in central Europe (4)

down 1 A period of discounted prices (4) 2 A celebration (8) 3 A large black diving duck (6)

solution 20/8/20

4 5 6 7 14 16 18 20 21 23 25 27 29

Adds more ammunition (7) Male chickens (8) Detector (6) Story (4) Pays attention (5) Constructed (5) People possessing confidential information (8) Held tight (8) Extreme gluttony (7) Dangerous (6) Front of a building (6) Brood (4) A rounded subdivision of an organ (4)

ENTERTAINMENT

By KeRRIE DAVIES

t once was a common sight to see one of the Vic’s Maxi Transport Mini Buses heading towards the airport with a group of excited travellers. As an avid traveller, I was often lucky enough to be in one myself. But, alongside many other things, the pandemic has taken the airport off the agenda for most people. Owners of the transport company, local couple Cathy and Victor Glanville have adapted their business in line with COVID-19 restrictions and the changes that come with it. Rather than doing regular runs to the airport, they are offering locals a chance to spend some time checking out the amazing scenery right on our doorstep. “In view of the restrictions with the pandemic, we have developed a few local tours that may be of interest. Spring is in the air and people are starting to venture out,” Cathy said. Victor said the tours provided an opportunity for locals to take in the scenery without having to keep their eyes on the road. “We take the headache of driving away so that you can enjoy the sights, and of course partake in the tasting

and really enjoy your day!” There are two tours on offer: Tour to Hawkesbury area. This tour takes you to Bilpin area for a cider tasting at Bilpin Cider or Hillbilly Cider. Followed by lunch at a cafe in Sackville, Tractor 828, wine tasting at two wineries, either Tizzana, Jubilee or Bullridge Winery. Cost is $150 per person, minimum of 6 passengers with a maximum of 10. This includes a paddle of ciders for tasting, lunch, wine tasting and all transport. Tour to Katoomba and Megalong Valley: This tour takes you to Blue Mountains Cultured Beer Company for beer tasting, followed by wine

tasting and lunch at Dryridge Estate. Cost is $160.00 per person, again with a minimum of six passengers and maximum of 10. This includes a paddle of beer for tasting, ploughman lunch and tasting at the winery, and all transport. We may not be able to travel overseas, or even interstate for quite sometime. But that doesn’t mean trips are out altogether. Get a crew together and plan a day trip that ticks all the boxes. * You’re guaranteed to have fun * Its affordable * You can safely social distance * You won’t need to pick a designated driver

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Take a day trip and visit our own backyard

* You’ll be helping our local tour operators and venues rebuild after the most challenging times of our lifetime! For further information please call the office on 02 47 322195 or 0416 157 668.

A group out enjoying themselves before COVID-19

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4732 2195 Victor & Cathy Glanville

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14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au

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Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

FATHER’S DAY RAFFLE - beer for a year

1 case of BEER of your choice each month for 12 months. PLUS an esky. 2nd Prize - 2 cases of beer. 3rd Prize - 1 case of beer. Tickets $2 each, 3 for $5. Tickets available at reception. Drawn Sunday September 6th after the Sunday Raffle.

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FATHER’S DAY FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER Natasha Duarte

SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER Ryan Thomas

SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 5-8pm SOUL JAMZ

FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER Grace Fuller

SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER Jay Parrino

NEPEAN HISTORY

the 2nd Cavalry Mobile Veterinary Section at the university from 1923. He was the first to discover the adverse effects of Australia’s hot dry climate on the fertility of merino rams. “Craithes House” is a Victorian Gothic Revival style rural He managed to combine active teaching with a considerable villa situated at Castlereagh and built by Joseph Daniel volume in a wide field of research, including skin, horn and Single in the 1870’s. It was also known as “Cassola” and organ grafting and fertility studies in sheep and particularly one of the best examples of a mid-late 19th century rural the rams. His meticulous studies on artificial seminal villa identified within the City of Penrith. The property is ejaculation, artificial insemination of ewes and the characters on the State Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1977 of spermatogenesis (the production or development of and listed in April, 1999. Joseph was an Australian politician. mature spermatozoa) led to practical developments in sheep He was born around Castlereagh in 1826 to farmer John husbandry. He wrote his doctoral thesis on fertility in sheep Single and Sarah Baker. He became a pastoralist in the and was assisted in his work by John Anderson Gilruth Gwydir district. In 1872 he was elected to the New South (veterinary scientist and administrator). Rex made many Wales Legislative Assembly for Nepean. Reginald “Rex”  Rex courtesy of the Montague Cairns Gunn owned the house from around 1943 University of Sydney archives contacts throughout Australia with leading sheep studs and stud masters and published mainly in the Australian until his death. He was born in 1893 at Petersham to Joseph Veterinary Journal where he was the Business Manager. He was President Robertson Gunn (an accountant from Scotland) and Eva Louisa Fosdyke of the Veterinary Association of New South Wales in 1926. In 1933 he from Victoria where they married in 1890. Joseph died in Victoria in became Deputy Assistant Director of veterinary services-1st Division 1942. Louisa died in 1914 in Randwick New South Wales. In 1943 in and in 1943 he was transferred to the Reserve of Officers. He was said the Melbourne Herald under the title “River Firms,” a list appeared of to be a man of slight build with a serious expression and a well-clipped the principal Murray shipping companies in the days when Echuca was moustache. His scrupulous scientific approach and his manual skills the second port of Victoria that contained the name of Cramsie Bowden made him an outstanding surgeon. He profoundly affected his students and Co. John Cramsie came out to Australia when he was 26 years of who found him dour and unapproachable, but they respected his great age and went to Swan Hill in Victoria. Later moving to Balranald he ability and teaching. His practical surgery classes were known as “Black started a business as a stock and station agent, but his business increased Wednesday” when all those present ‘felt the lash of his acid tongue’. so rapidly that he took into partnership John C Bowden of Melbourne He demanded strict discipline in the academic and professional work. and they opened business at Hay, Euston, Wilcannia, Milparinka, Mount Students who came in close contact with him after graduating could not Brown, Tibooburra, Echuca, Melbourne and Sydney. They also had a believe that he was their stern and demanding teacher. He was appointed fleet of 13 steamers and barges trading on the Murrumbidgee, Murray, Professor of Veterinary Science as a Reader in 1945 and succeeded Sir Ian Darling, and Edwards rivers and employed in all, close on 1,000 hands Clunies Ross (an Australian veterinary scientist). In 1948 Rex ruled his in the wool season. When John retired and left the firm it continued as J department harshly and his altercations with his professional colleagues C Bowden & Co, and their Manager at that time was Rex’s father Joseph was legendary. He was the Dean of the faculty in 1954-58 and was Roberson Gunn. Rex was educated at Hayfield Preparatory School associated with the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales as a (Homebush) and Sydney Grammar school (founded by Act of Parliament consultant and also the Australian Jockey Club. In 1955 Rex contacted the in 1854 after Sir Henry Parkes tabled a petition from a group of citizens New Zealand Government regarding their need to establish a veterinary concerned that the fledgling University of Sydney should have a ‘nursery’ school. He was an advisor to the Australian Government and a member to provide it with well-prepared undergraduates). Rex later attended the of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) and University of Sydney where he graduated with first-class honours. The travelled on missions to India and Pakistan on veterinary education. university named a building after him. In September 1915 he enlisted In 1961-62 he served on an (FAO) panel of experts. His last career in WW1 in the A.I.F as a farrier sergeant in the Veterinary Army Service position was President of the Medical Science Club. He then retired to Corps and sailed to England in 1916, then sent to the Western Front. his Castlereagh property “Craithes House”. His wife Georgina died at the Granted leave in February 1919 he was admitted to the Royal Veterinary home in November 1960 and five years later Rex married Dorothy Ada College at the University of Edinburgh. Rex also gained the diploma Milne (a stenographer) at St Oswald’s Anglican Church in Haberfield. He and membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (later was 72 and she was 41 years younger. Rex died at “Craithes” in July 1974 becoming an honorary fellow 1954) and was awarded a silver medal by at the age of 81 years and is buried in South Head General cemetery in the (Royal) Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. In 1921 he Vaucluse. In 1980 Dorothy was living at Turramurra. married Georgina Ethel Willis in Ireland. After postgraduate courses in Sources: Hayfield Prep-Sydney Grammar-University of Sydney Copenhagen and Stockholm, Rex (now known as a Veterinary Scientist) websites, University of Sydney Archives, NSW Office of Environment & returned with Georgina to Sydney to take up an appointment as lecturer Heritage Office, Trove, Ancestry, Australian Dictionary of Biography, in veterinary anatomy and surgery at the university. As a Captain and BDM website, Australian Electoral Rolls. Major in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps Militia, Rex commanded By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

Michelle Latham

michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au

PH: 9623 6656 | MOBILE: 0418 250 242 186 Queen Street, St. Marys (Star Arcade)

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

A Heritage House & A Son of a Gunn

Contact Michelle for Pre-Planning & Pre-Paid Funerals 1300 HEVNLY (1300 438 659)

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS Caddens Corner to boost amenities and jobs for Western Sydney

hen Caddens Corner opens its doors mid-November, the community will benefit from an exciting new retail and cultural precinct, as well as over 400 new jobs for Western Sydney. Owned by Western Sydney University, Caddens Corner is a 5-star Green Star retail precinct located on O’Connell Street in the suburb of Caddens. The precinct will include a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, health and wellbeing services, including a gym, a food and dining precinct called Table Lane, and a range of specialty stores. It is estimated that Caddens Corner will support 428 new fulltime or equivalent jobs, with around 120 jobs coming from Woolworths, and the remaining jobs to be created in retail, hospitality, childcare, medical and professional services. In the construction phase alone, Caddens Corner created 600 jobs, engaging over 1600 tradespeople on the project. Peter Pickering, Vice President, Finance and Resources at Western Sydney University, said the jobs created by Caddens Corner could not come at a better time. “2020 has been a very difficult year for many people, so it is wonderful to be part of a project that is creating jobs and boosting the local economy, and also contributing to the financial sustainability of the University,” Mr Pickering said. Caddens Corner is part of the University’s Western Growth strategy, a plan to reshape the campus network and maximise investment in teaching, engagement and research while fostering connection and community engagement. Western Growth responds to the changing needs of Western Sydney,

From left: Prue Car MP, Mayor Ross Fowler, Peter Pickering Western Sydney University is centre, Clr Tricia Hitchen and Stuart Ayres MP

and aligns with the Government’s vision to boost the livability, productivity and sustainability of the region. It is forecasted that Caddens Corner will generate over $60 million in local economic activity in the first 12 months. “It’s wonderful to see an educational institution strengthen its local economy by providing the catalyst for jobs growth,” Mr Pickering said. Member of Penrith and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, the Hon. Stuart Ayres commended Western Sydney University (WSU) on its strategic approach to growth in the region. “The investment by WSU into Caddens Corner is a huge boost to the local economy when we need it most. Not only will there be jobs through

construction but there will be new retail and service jobs as our economy emerges from the COVID crisis. This innovative development is a win-win for the community and the university.” Caddens Corner will open on Thursday 19 November 2020, ahead of the holiday season, allowing residents to support local businesses as they shop, eat and socialise closer to home. Alongside its retail and dining offerings, Caddens Corner will include feature water play for kids, a fire pit and spaces for local musicians to perform. Built from sustainable materials, the precinct’s green credentials include extensive solar panels and natural ventilation. Rainwater will be harvested onsite for landscaping and the carpark will include three EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Bike storage and shower facilities are also provided for cyclists.

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n a major boost for sport in Penrith, Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith was joined by Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee to confirm the location of the new synthetic sports track. “In consultation with local athletics groups and Penrith City Council the decision has been made to build the new synthetic sports track at Harold

Corr Oval,” said Stuart Ayres. “This sports track will enable athletes to train consistently even during inclement weather and is the first synthetic track in the Penrith area.” Early site investigations and planning are now underway and construction is anticipated to commence mid-2021. “I understand how much the Penrith community loves sport and providing

upgraded facilities which benefit our community is one of my key priorities,” Stuart Ayres said. The new synthetic track was a commitment by the NSW Government at the last election. Stuart Ayres said he was delivering on his promise to provide upgraded sporting infrastructure for Penrith residents.

Coach’s Corner T

Finals Forecast

he NRL Finals are four short rounds away and the picture of who is set to contend and pretend is becoming clearer as the weeks fly by. Our home town Panthers are the complete package and will have their chance to reach the summit in late October. The emergence and maturity of Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, Stephen Crichton and Liam Martin has propelled the Panthers into deserved favouritism and as an added bonus the Panthers will play their first finals match at Panthers Stadium. If the northward curve of improvement can continue until Grand Final day, and they are able to maintain their record as the 2nd best attack and defence in the competition the Panthers are a huge chance of lifting the trophy for the first time since 2003. The two heavyweights priming themselves for the crunch games are the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters. The Roosters have a slew of stars to return and they look as though they will have their best team available when it matters most. The hope for the contenders would be that the Roosters slide outside of the Top 4 across the next month which will make their task regardless of who they have available significantly more difficult as no side under the current finals system has won the competition from outside of the Top 4. The Roosters also have the added pressure of defending their title and chasing a third consecutive Grand Final victory. I believe the Roosters will be the team that the Panthers will have to face and overcome in either the Grand Final or a Preliminary Final. The Storm have some injury concerns and off field distractions as they try to mount a Premiership

tilt while living on the Sunshine Coast away from their home state of Victoria as they battle a second wave of Covid-19. Throw in the Cameron Smith distraction as to whether he will play on in 2021 and a potential move to the Titans or Broncos and the Storm have some obstacles to overcome. But they are consistently contending and have done for the last two decades through quality coaching, a disciplined culture and a quality roster. The Storm will need to be knocked out, they will not defeat themselves and will give opposition teams very little for free in big matches and they boast the best defensive record in the competition. The team on the slide is the Parramatta Eels… was the early season form fool’s gold? They have the worst attacking record of any Top 8 team. And they boast the third best defensive record in the competition. On a dry track and with the forward pack laying a solid foundation they can post points against anyone. But the formula for their success requires a lot to fall their way, and they seem to be uncomfortable in night games on slippery surfaces against teams who can win the middle of the field and not allow their halves and key position players to roll onto the ball on the back of quick play the balls. The Eels have also just lost Dylan Brown to a lengthy injury and he is a key ingredient to any potential success for the team in 2020. The Eels recent form has been ordinary and across their 16 matches so far they have been involved in 9 close matches, the most of any current Top 8 team. They have some issues which need to be solved and most importantly they must finish in the Top 4 in order to content come Finals time.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the NSW Government was proud to support this project which will encourage more Western Sydney residents to be healthy and active. “Sport and active recreation offer many benefits, including teaching resilience, teamwork, and leadership, encouraging friendship and building self-confidence,” Mr Lee said.

Brock Shepperd Wests Tigers SG Ball Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

The two sleepers are the Raiders and the Rabbitohs. The Raiders have a dour resolve and toughness which is going to see them in games and competing when the whips are cracking, my only concern for them is their ability to maintain a consistent 80 minutes with the quality teams in big matches. Their injury situation will disable them from winning four consecutive games come Finals time in my opinion, but they boast a fantastic defensive record and they know after playing in last year’s Grand Final that on their day they can compete especially at home with a parochial crowd and conditions. The Rabbits are gaining some momentum at the right time of the year but their forward pack concerns me particularly when they run into quality packs and need to create momentum for their spine players in Cook, Walker and Reynolds in order to win big games. The two pretenders are the Knights and the Sharks. The Knights simply have too many injuries to key players and will do well to win a Finals match, they will not challenge for the title. The Sharks form has been very unpredictable and they have not defeated a Top 8 team all season. They will play Finals football solely because they have taken care of business against opposition located below them on the NRL ladder. The Warriors currently sit two points outside the Top 8 with an inferior for and against record which will more than likely prevent them from making the Top 8, however the fact they are even in consideration is a credit to all involved at the New Zealand franchise. Enjoy the final four weeks of the regular season and hopefully the Panthers have secured the Minor Premiership when we go to print in our next edition!

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

New synthetic track location announced

Celebrity ROUND 17

ROUND 18

BRI new sou BUL MAN CAN NZW NQC WES BUL PAN STG GCT SYD MEL CRO PAN cro mel GCT WES SYD PAR STG SOU MAN PAR CAN BRI NEW NCQ NZW Sept 3 7.50pm

Sept 4 6.00pm

Sept 4 7.55pm

Sept 5 3.00pm

Sept 5 5.30pm

Sept 5 7.35pm

Sept 6 4.05pm

Sept 6 6.30pm

Sept 10 7.50pm

Sept 11 6.00pm

Sept 11 7.55pm

Sept 12 3.00pm

Sept 12 5.30pm

Sept 12 7.35pm

Sept 13 4.05pm

Sept 13 6.30pm

SCORE

Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets

180 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

188 John Veitch - Parramatta Motor Group - 9912 2000

176 Captain Chris - Nepean Belle - 4733 1274

170 Armchair Champions Podcast - www.armchairchampions.com.au

166 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

184 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538

178 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

172 Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Diggers & Band Club - 9623 1211

170 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400 Councillor Benard Bratusa

174 Daniel Galea--@print Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091 Aaron Tyres

186

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TIPSTERS ROUND 17

ROUND 18

BRI new sou BUL MAN CAN NZW NQC WES BUL PAN STG GCT SYD MEL CRO PAN cro mel GCT WES SYD PAR STG SOU MAN PAR CAN BRI NEW NCQ NZW Sept 3 7.50pm

Sept 4 6.00pm

Sept 4 7.55pm

Sept 5 3.00pm

Sept 5 5.30pm

Sept 5 7.35pm

Sept 6 4.05pm

Sept 6 6.30pm

Sept 10 7.50pm

Sept 11 6.00pm

Sept 11 7.55pm

Sept 12 3.00pm

Sept 12 5.30pm

Sept 12 7.35pm

Sept 13 4.05pm

Sept 13 6.30pm

SCORE

Terry Geyer ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Columnist Clair Comets Mark - Nepean News and Owner of MG Activ

182 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

192 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

198 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

184 Scott Moore - Electra Cables - 0439 021 368

176 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 4760 0809

170 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

188 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

178 Bradley George - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977

184 Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

180 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

176

“Where you can be you”

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

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Tex’s tales with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker The road to the finals continues with the Panthers overcoming a slow start to down the fiery Tigers on Saturday night. The Panthers have now scored 11 consecutive victories and have one hand on the minor premiership. Twice this season both teams have gone into battle with plenty of ill feeling but it was the Panthers defence that allowed them to emerge as comfortable victors. I’m not sure whether Dylan Edwards has taken Joey Leiluia’s lunch somewhere along the way but it’s clear the Tigers centre makes a bee line for him, most often illegally.

Jerome Luai had one of his best games of the season, scoring a brilliant try and setting a couple up as well. “I thought Jeorme was really good, said Coach Ivan Cleary. “He’s started to run the ball a bit more which is pleasing, he’s a dangerous player and is playing with plenty of confidence.” The run home is a good one for Ivan Cleary’s team commencing with the hapless Broncos in Brisbane tonight. Then follows Parramatta, North Queensland and Canterbury, they have every chance to continue the winning trend and make it 15 in a row leading into the semi finals.

Nathan Cleary has quickly become a supreme and complete footballer. He is easily the stand out number 7 in the game. Yes, we can watch his tremendous kicking game, ball in hand, out the back and set up plays but his reading of the game is like no other. To be a complete football player, you must be smart and intelligent, knowing when and how momentum will swing for you or against you. Cleary looks at his opponents during the game and thrives on signs of weakness. A perfect example was providing Liam Martin with plenty of ball to breakdown Matt Moylan against the Sharks last Friday week. A pre-empted game plan that was

executed to perfection. But the cherry on top, so to speak, is his defence, in particular his cover defence. On many occasions this season Cleary has been there to stop what would have been certain tries. Leading 10-0 against Cronulla and looking strong the Sharks were bouncing back up the field. A line break followed by an outside inside ball to William Kennedy saw a Sharks four pointer looming. But no, it was Cleary reading the play and sending Kennedy over the touch line. In the ensuing set of six, and six again call, the Panthers went up the field and bang, scored another try to shift momentum their way at 16-0. That is the play of a near perfect player. He is such a joy to watch.

Api Koroisau’s calf injury is not as severe as first expected. The Panthers Hooker was diagnosed with a grade one calf strain which ruled him out against the Tigers on Saturday

night. He has a chance to resume against the Broncos this week but it wouldn’t surprise to give him another week’s rest leading into the semi finals.

Panther’s ace Spencer Leniu pinches himself everyday to be fortunate enough to play NRL footy. As a student Lenui was most gifted. In senior year he topped the English class. “My teacher Miss (Jacqueline) Merceica pulled me aside and made me realise I

needed more than just football,” he said. “So I took my football focus to the classroom and it worked.” Current Panther players Stephen Crichton, Brent Naden, Tyrone May, Jerome Luai along with Lenui are all success stories from Patrician Brothers Blacktown.

James Tamou with wife Britt and Family.

James Tamou has been nominated for the 2020 Phillips Sports Dad of The Year. It’s a red hot field including Supercar Driver Fabian Coulthard, AFL Stars, Trent Ctocthin (Richmond) and Tom Hawkins (Geelong) along with fellow NRL stars Adam Reynolds, Michael Jennings and Josh Morris. Tamou and wife Brittney have four boys, Brooklyn (6), Barclay (5), Bronx (4) & Bear (2) And the Covid situation has allowed Tamou to spend more time with the family. “The NRL has adopted a fly in fly out type deal for away games, so interstate games are now a little easier on the family,” he said. “It’s always hard leaving Britt and the boys as I know how full on the boys are. They are hilarious and always wanting to be outside kicking the footy or inside pretending they are WWE wrestlers. I love the joy they bring to Britt and I, we are very blessed to have four boys” Wife Brittney said James is a real family man and wants nothing more than to be there for his kids. “He was Brooklyn’s first football coach, with the Under-6 Brumbies team for the past two years, on the field the next morning after his game helping all the juniors in his team learn the game.” And why do Tamou’s kids think their dad is so great? “Because he plays football really good. He is a cool dad, he teaches me everything.” - Brooklyn “Because he is my best friend and he likes to play cricket with me.” - Barclay “Dad shows me cool wrestling moves like Jeff Hardy and we eat all mum’s choc chip cookies together.” - Bronx “Dad is funny.” - Bear Go to sportsdads.com.au to vote for James Tamou. There are some Fantastic Father’s Day prizes to be won, including the Philips Ultimate Father’s Day Grooming Pack valued at over $3,500 RRP.

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with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker

The Warriors could do the impossible and make the NRL Semi Finals.

Fair Play of The Week Award goes to the New Zealand Warriors. The loan players have been fantastic this season, including Panther Jack Hetherington, along with Daniel Alvaro and George Jenning from the Eels. Western Sydney has a huge Warriors supporter base and it’s fair to say they have become the second team for many fans Believe it or not the impressive win over Newcastle has actually given them some hope of making the semi finals. If it were to happen, albeit only an outside chance, it would go down as one of the biggest Australasian sporting success stories ever. The odds are stacked against them as they have a poor for and against record and require results to go their way - but stranger things have definitely happened. They need to beat the Eels to have any chance on Sunday at Central Coast Stadium. I wrote the below story prior to Saturday night’s Tigers game and on Sunday I thought I would have to delete it, but I’ve kept it in.Adam Doueihi didn’t have his best game against the Panthers, and I feel his confidence is shot at the moment. So instead of kicking a man when he is down I’m going to continue the wrap I think he deserves. I want to give some credit to West’s Tigers fullback Adam Douehihi. The youngster had some ordinary games during July and August and he and the Lebanese community were hit hard with the news of the Beirut explosion. After an unexpected defeat at home to The Warriors, The Tigers were pumped by Newcastle the following week. Douehihi was in tears at half time and at the conclusion of the game and admitted it was a tough and emotional build up. And, there were major concerns for the youngster. In three games since Douehihi (prior to Panthers game) has been sublime in his performance, showing grit, fight and determination. He has learnt a lot this year and was copping plenty of flack on social media in the early rounds. He answered his critics in the best possible way with three premium on field performances.

Huge congratulations to Amy Perrett in becoming the first female to Referee a Super Rugby game. Perrett took charge of the clash between the ACT Brumbies and Western Force in Canberra after regularly running the sidelines in other Super Rugby AU matches Referee Amy Perrett in Super Rugby action last Friday night. this season. “I’ve been really fortunate to already achieve a lot, so everything now is all a bit of a bonus, and it’s just a case of taking any opportunity as it arises,” she told rugby.com. au ahead of the game. For the record the Brumbies won 31-14 whilst the NSW Waratahs scored a strong win over the Melbourne Rebels 38-32. The semi finals are just around the corner and the Waratahs have a bye in the final round next week. The Rebels can sneak past them and into the top three but must beat Western Force, with the margin of victory all important. Jeff Horn was never in the fight against Kostya Tszyu last week. What did we learn? Horn - He was a light of other days and provided little competition, Jeff couldn’t match the speed and in your face style from Tszyu. He was gassed after three rounds but showed true spirit to keep going to round 8. Enjoy retirement Jeff. Tszyu - Along with Brock Jarvis, the pair are two of the most promising prospects Australian boxing has seen in a very long time. The outdated Horn assisted Tszyu through his lack of performance but when you are unbeaten in 16 fights it means you have the potential to be something very special. He is fast, powerful and his near perfect stance and posture means he will be hard to rock for many years to come.

The Ring Announcer - Poor fellow was dudded when he was waiting for Tszyu and Horn to enter the ring. But it was one of the longest main event introductions in history. The fact he introduced the fighters as Jeff Horn and Tim Horn in a fight like no other didn’t help his cause either. Meanwhile it has emerged that Tszyu could be back in the ring in December and there is already a sense of anticipation. Touted as a super fight against WBO Super Welterweight Champion Patrick Teixeira, the plan is to have the fight staged at Bankwest Stadium in front of 40,000 fans. Obviously much will depend on covid restrictions but one thing is for sure Australian Boxing is set be in the limelight for many years to come.

Let’s hope the impressive win by GWS over Fremantle last week is the stepping stone towards the semi finals. The Giants sit just outside the top eight on percentages and have a good run home with four rounds remaining.

They would be expecting to secure victories in their next three outings against Carlton (12th) , Adelaide (last) and Melbourne (8th), before a strong match up against St Kilda in the final round.

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Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

Tex’s tales

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

SPORT

Young Tyros chasing golfing history By Noel Rowsell

wo male golfers from Leonay GC will be chasing history when they contest the 2021 Club Foursomes Championships, having just moved into equal 2nd position for consecutive victories following their latest success in 2020. Adrian Kuipers and Ben McArdle achieved their fourth consecutive Foursomes title (5 in total) earlier this year and now sit just one win behind Dave O’Keefe and Paul Matthews, who won five consecutive Foursomes titles from 2003-07. Ben is 31 and started playing golf with his grandfather at the age of 8, before becoming a cadet at Penrith GC at 11. He started High School aged 12 and met Adrian, then joined Leonay GC where Adrian was a member and the duo have played together and against each other ever since. Ben said “We played a lot of Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation (JNJGF) tournaments as kids, having some success.” “I won the Leonay Club Championships in 2010 and I’ve also won the South Creek Cup at Dunheved GC. Adrian and I also both played Encourage Shield, Junior Pennants, Eric Apperly and Major Pennants for Leonay over the last 16-17years.” Adrian is 30 and also started playing golf at about 8 or 9 years of age.

Ben McArdle and Adrian Kuipers celebrate their 2020 Foursomes victory. Photo supplied by A Kuipers

“I was a Junior member at Leonay for a year or so before Ben joined, then we played every school holidays together, 36 holes most days and would get picked up by parents in the dark,” said Adrian. “I won the Leonay Junior Club Championships in 2006 and 2007, the Leonay Open in 2008 and over the years always won a couple of local cups like Richmond Cup.” “Ben and I played a lot of teams events over the years, in which we have been very successful.” “2008-09 would have been the start of our Foursomes career together and I assume we played together during the years of 2011- 2017 - we seem to work better as a team.” There are several duos in Club history who have achieved 4 victories in the Foursomes Championships but only 3 combinations have achieved consecutive wins, with club legends Laurie Cupples and Charlie Xuereb also in equal second with Kuipers and McArdle. Cupples and Xuereb are however Leonay’s most successful combination, winning a total of 8 Foursomes titles as the stand-out pairing in the Club’s history, with their 4 consecutive wins from 1986-89 followed by 3 consecutive wins from 1991-93 then a final win in 1996. The outstanding duo also contested the Foursomes titles with other partners over the past 41 years and Cupples is well ahead with a total of 13 wins (stretching from 1986-2016), whilst Xuereb is just behind on 11 (1979-2002).

PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

Panthers prevail again at “PenBiff Stadium”

he Panthers maintained the rage, quite figuratively last Saturday night against the Wests Tigers. In what at times was quite a spiteful encounter, the Mountain Men made it “number 11 in a row” of victories this year. Quite amazing actually, is the form the Panthers have been able to maintain throughout this disrupted season. The win over the Tigers took their season tally to 14 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss to be sitting way atop the premiership ladder on 29 points. A minor premiership is all but sown up. I have had lots of non-Panthers fans ask me daily, “wouldn’t you want a loss or two heading into finals footy?” Or “gee you blokes out there have been lucky with injuries this year.” My retort is firstly, why? Why would you ‘want’ a loss or two? You can only play what’s in front of you and Penrith have been doing exactly that. As for the injuries, Penrith have had their fair share; it’s just that their depth is far greater than the majority of teams in the NRL. The fact that a player like Matt Burton can’t even get a look in totally confirms this. Last Saturday night against the Tigers, Penrith Stadium turned into “PenBiff Stadium as Moses Mbye and Nathan Cleary locked horns after Mybe lashed out with his leg after being tackled, nearly cleaning up Cleary right in the face with his boot. Cleary resented it and push came to shove with players running in from everywhere to either try and defuse or ignite something. Given the lead up of smack talk from the Tigers boss Justin Pascoe, I suppose it was inevitable that tempers might flare. But the Panthers remained resolute to the cause

 Panthers prevail again at “PenBiff Stadium”

coming away 30 points to 6 victors. Insert something here about the last laugh or something like that :-) Penrith have been the comp’s juggernaut this year but are now becoming the hunted by other teams. They must brush the niggle aside and stay focused on the cause ahead which is premiership glory. Being the 2nd youngest team in the competition this will be harder than it seems. Their run home is the Broncos away tonight. The Eels at home next week in a blockbuster. The Cowboys away and to finish the season proper the Bulldogs away. All winnable games. But when you are being chased by the pack it becomes a lot harder. There was more good news for the Panthers and their fans over the weekend with the opening semi final game they play in being at Panthers stadium. How good!

The only negative on the season so far is that there has only been 4000 fans allowed in each time Penrith play at home. If not for Covid we would have seen the 20,000 mark hit weekly. But oh well, given the current climate we must learn to take the good with the bad. We may be in the midst of a worldwide Pandemic but the 2020 Penrith Panthers have had a season for the ages that will not be mirrored you’d think in a long time. Relish the achievements of your rugby league team, people of the Nepean, they have totally taken this year’s NRL competition by the scruff of the neck and gotten better and better each and every week. A scary proposition for all of their rivals. See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Nepean News 3 September 2020 Issue 285

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