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Ready to reopen Mark Geyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gym, MG Activ on York Rd is ready to reopen as restriction ease this month. Pictured with son Logan

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enrith Council is set to invest millions towards shade provisions for 90 playspaces within the City. Commencing this month, the three-year program will see Council upgrade 90 playspaces with trees and other shade structures. The program forms part of a shade assessment that was completed in 2019 as part of Council’s Shade Facilities at Playspaces Policy. The assessment noted 90 playspaces that required additional shade to enhance the experience for adults and children using the space while beating the heat during our summer months. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said playgrounds are at the heart of our neighbourhoods and should be accessible for everyone, all year round. “With sun protection and UV radiation a major concern in Australia, we’re proud to have taken this important step in providing extra sun protection for our community,” Cr Fowler said. The shade structure works will take place on a rolling schedule and during normal business hours between Monday to Friday. Residents will still be able to use the playspaces on weekends and public holidays.

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The shade materials meet Australian Standards, provide specified UV blockout ratings between 97-99%, minimise heat conduction and allow appropriate airflow. The tree planting program will be delivered during times of optimal growing conditions throughout the three-year period. Not only will they provide a long-term shade solution, the trees will deliver additional benefits including biodiversity, habitat and reduced noise pollution. The project is part of Council’s Cooling the City strategy, designed to improve the liveability of our City and help us beat the heat. For more information, visit www.penrithcity.nsw. gov.au/facilities-recreation/outdoor-recreation/ playspace-upgrades.

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

New shade provisions patioman for 90 local playgrounds

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Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

he NSW Government will pursue its pause on public sector pay rises through the Industrial Relations Commission, after the policy was disallowed in parliament. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government has to consider what is in the best interests of the eight million people living across the state. “We’re in the grip of a once-in100-year crisis and it is simply not appropriate to pretend this is a year like any other,” Mr Perrottet said. “When it’s a choice between a pay rise for some and a pay cheque for others, I’ll do everything I can to help

get pay cheques back in the hands of people who’ve lost work. “Because each dollar we spend on pay rises for politicians and public servants is a dollar we won’t have to invest in job creation.” Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said the State Government had shown “deep disrespect to workers who had risked exposure to COVID-19 over the last three months” and accused the government of bullying and blackmail. “Teachers, nurses, hospital cleaners, police, prison officers and other public sector workers earn modest incomes and they spend most of what they earn. Cutting their incomes in a downturn is economic lunacy,” Mr Morey said.

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local news By Nepean Police Area Command

o reduce the opportunity for thieves to gain entry into your home, it is worthwhile considering the following security tips: • Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted to all doors and windows. • Even when you are outside, be sure to lock all doors and windows. • Lock gates, garages and sheds when not in use. • House keys, car keys and garage remote controls should be kept in a safe location. Thieves may use them to gain entry to your home or to steal your car. • Install and activate an alarm system. • Keep trees and bushes in front of doors and windows trimmed to avoid being used as hiding places. • Lock all garden tools and ladders away securely so they cannot be used to break into your home. • Don’t leave valuables in obvious places. Thieves often target jewellery boxes on bedroom dressers and other valuables in bedside drawers and cupboards. • Break down packaging of expensive items and place it in your bin. Don’t leave it next to your bin

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

on the street. • Lock your meter box to prevent thieves interfering with your power supply (contact your local electricity provider for more information). Mark Valuable Property • Use an engraver, ultra violet (UV) pen or microdots to mark property. • UV pens are best used for items that cannot be engraved e.g. ceramics, antiques etc. • Mark your valuables with your driver’s licence number, prefixed by the first letter of your state or territory. • Photograph jewellery with a ruler beside it to give an indication of the actual size. • Record all details on a property record and keep this in a safe place

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

MELISSA McINTOSH MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LINDSAY Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 02 4722 0600 melissa.mcintosh.mp@aph.gov.au www.melissamcintosh.com.au MelissaMcIntoshforLindsay Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750.

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Keeping housebreakers at bay

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

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Palliative care in the time of COVID-19

n 2020, National Palliative Care Week was held last month from 24 May – 30 May. Palliative care can help people with life-limiting illnesses to live as well as possible, for as long as possible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Supportive and Palliative Care has become an essential component of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s frontline response with staff working to provide the best possible care for those who are suffering from this virus and those who will sadly succumb to the disease. Dr Jeyanthi Kathiresan, a Staff Specialist in Palliative Medicine at Nepean Hospital, has been on the frontline, supporting COVID-19 positive patients. She says COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for palliative care workers providing endof-life care. “It has been challenging to deliver holistic palliative care to our patients in isolation because of COVID-19. Caring for these patients without families at their bedside is very different to how we would usually provide care,” says Dr Kathiresan. Dr Kathiresan explains, “Our approach to palliative care is holistic and includes the whole family working closely with us to address the patient’s physical, spiritual, emotional and psychosocial needs.” Most often, this approach includes face-to-face consultations with family members and the regular or ongoing presence of families at a patient’s bedside.

Dr Jeyanthi Kathiresan, Palliative Medicine Staff Specialist at Nepean Hospital

Overcoming the physical distance between isolated COVID-19 patients and their families has been paramount for the palliative care team. “We have put in extra to do what we can to keep families connected. Personal connection is incredibly important at the end of life. Grief is very complicated. If families haven’t said goodbye, if they haven’t been able to speak with their loved one, it doesn’t give them any closure once that person has passed,” says Dr Kathiresan. “It is also important for the patient to have their loved ones with them. We know that seeing or touching a family member or hearing their voice can help the patient to have a more peaceful death.” To overcome COVID-19 visitation restrictions and isolation requirements, the palliative care team has worked hard to keep families connected with

special arrangements made for visits where possible and regular video calls using smart phones or iPads when they are not. Dr Kathiresan assures that though COVID-19 patients must be physically separate from their families, they are not alone as they receive their end-oflife care. “Their families cannot see them, cannot touch them, and so we must be the eyes and ears for the families. We speak with the families and we work hard to find out what the patient’s needs are and what they might like while they receive our care. For example, we’ll play a particular type of music or hymns in their room, we can make arrangements for pastoral support or we change the lighting in the room depending on how they might like it.” “The families cannot be there to do these things in person, so we do this

on their behalf, to bring comfort to the patient and their family. During this time, we have also put in extra to help families to come to terms with what’s going on. It is very difficult for them to be apart from their loved one and so we work hard to keep them informed,” says Dr Kathiresan. “Even with patients who are unresponsive, we have seen that when their family are saying their goodbyes on the phone or a video call, there are signs that the patient is aware of their voices. We often see that these patients die very peacefully after their families have said goodbye, and for us, that validates what we have done.” For example, the family of one patient who received care for COVID-19 at Nepean Hospital were able to say their goodbyes over the phone shortly before her passing. Her family spoke with her one last time as a nurse held the phone to her ear. The patient was able to squeeze the nurse’s hand and this was then relayed to the family member on the other end of the phone. Dr Kathiresan says the palliative care team caring for COVID-19 patients feel and understand the community’s deep sadness for these people and their families. “We have really, really tried our best to do whatever we can for these patients. It has been a very tough time but it has also been very rewarding helping to keep these families as connected as possible. The families know you have done something invaluable for their loved one and they carry that with them,” says Dr Kathiresan.

Booze buses are back With the easing of various COVID-19 restrictions since Monday (1 June 2020), including increased patronage at licenced premises and higher traffic volumes, frontline police across NSW have resumed proactive stationarytesting operations. Motorists should also expect to see an increased police presence on the State’s roads from midnight on Friday (5 June 2020), for the high-visibility road safety operation over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Tafe fee-free courses pass 100,000 enrolments The NSW Government’s fee-free TAFE NSW short courses has passed 100,000 enrolments since being introduced in April as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the enthusiasm for upskilling during this period of restrictions shows TAFE NSW is a vital educational provider. “To pass 100,000 enrolments in such a short time is truly a remarkable result. Every part of NSW has embraced the 21 fee-free courses on offer in some way,” Ms Berejiklian said. “This program is assisting people look for a new job or allowing career progression at a time

when we are facing enormous economic and social challenges.” Some key points about the initiative include: - 54 per cent of enrolments are from regional NSW; - 46 per cent of enrolments are from metropolitan NSW (Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong); - ‘Statement of Attainment in Medical Administration Skills’ was the most popular course in regional NSW; - ‘Statement of Attainment in Team Leader Skills Set’ is the most popular course in metropolitan NSW; and

- 48 per cent of students are studying with TAFE NSW for the first time. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee took the opportunity to note the Queensland Labor Government copied the idea to offer fee-free TAFE courses as part of their COVID-19 response. “As happy as I am for the Queenslanders to pass 7000 enrolments at their last check, if it was a State of Origin match, the score would show a big win for the Blues by a mere 93,000 enrolments,” he said. Go to www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-shortcourses for more information about the TAFE NSW fee-free short courses.

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ederal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP, is encouraging her community to be stronger in backing Australia manufacturing and getting behind Australian made. Ms McIntosh said buying Australian Made products whenever possible is a practical way to back local producers and manufacturers. “When I speak to local businesses and people in our community, one issue that is brought up often is how we can bring manufacturing back to Australia,” said Ms McIntosh. “One of the best things we can do is to buy local, because when you buy Australian Made you’re not just helping our local small and family businesses, you’re supporting Aussie manufacturers and all the businesses in their supply chains from farmers to designers. “The Coronavirus global pandemic has exposed our overreliance on imports from China, and now there is a rebalance needed to bring manufacturing back to Australia where we can compete on value and quality. “I often say Lindsay is full to the brim and overflowing with community spirit. Now we need to pull together to back our local businesses and manufacturers.” The Morrison Government earlier this year committed $5 million to expand the reach of the Australian Made logo, so our manufacturers could take on new markets around the world. More can be found about Australian Made at https://www.australianmade.com.au/

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Member for Lindsay encourages community to get behind Australian Made

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

local news Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport: A game changer for Sydney

roperty Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government and NSW Government on the start of construction for the $11 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Rail Project to service the Western Sydney International Airport in 2026. “It is fantastic to see the next step announced in the delivery of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Rail project which is set to reshape the city’s growth, service the planned Western Sydney International Airport and unlock new opportunities for urban renewal while increasing connectivity across Sydney,” NSW Executive Director, Jane Fitzgerald said.

“This is such a huge milestone for Western Sydney - it is a game changer and will reshape this region, not only creating an enhanced level of connectivity right across the city, but unlocking major infrastructure and jobs to support the economy and unlock growth in key precincts. “A project of this enormity and significance is even more critical at this time to support our economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, and supporting the property and construction industry to create jobs to support businesses and families right across Greater Sydney.” Property Council’s Western Sydney Regional Director, Ross Grove has said, “Station locations are crucial to giving landowners the certainty they

need to unlock plans for the future.” “There is a great deal of willingness among landowners to build and deliver employment generating uses around the airport, and decisions around zoning, infrastructure and sequencing the release of land are crucial to making that happen. “We look forward to working with the government on the next steps in this process, so we can maximise the employment benefit of the transport infrastructure to the people of Western Sydney and our members.” The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport includes six proposed metro railway stations, including: • Two stations within the airport site, at the airport terminal and at the airport business park;

• A station serving the commercial heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis; • A station at St Marys, interchanging with the existing suburban railway station and connecting customers with the rest of Sydney’s rail system; • A station at Orchard Hills and, • A station at Luddenham to service a future education, innovation and commercial precinct. The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is being funded on an equal joint basis by the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments under the Western Sydney City Deal. The $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is being fully funded by the Commonwealth Government.

and how we conduct ourselves in the face of adversity. “I’d encourage all residents to contribute to this wonderful initiative; look at the weekly theme and either share something on your own or get your immediate family together to pay tribute to our City in a time of crisis,” Cr Fowler said. Penrith Stories will commence on Monday 1 June and will run until

Sunday 28 June. Each week will feature a different theme of either kindness, courage, gratitude and happiness. To participate in the program share your story through your own social media pages and use the hashtag #PenrithStories For more details about the Penrith Stories visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/ penrithstories

Share your stories Penrith

enrith Council is inviting local residents to share their stories of strength, resilience and perseverance during the COVID-19 crisis. Across a four week period, residents will have the opportunity to share stories and photos on Council’s Have Your Say website: yoursaypenrith. com.au/penrithstories Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM

www.Lmac.com.au

said “Penrith is such a resilient City, I’m often amazed and inspired by the stories I hear when talking to residents.” “This is a great way for these experiences to be shared and to leave an enduring legacy of this time we experienced together. “Shared experiences, such as what we’ve experienced, build a deep connection to who we are as people

local news

he Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) mobile screening van will visit the St John of God Hospital, 2 Day Street, Windsor from 16 June until 22 July. In addition, screening has commenced in BCI Sunflower clinics located in Myer stores at Blacktown Castle Hill, Parramatta and Penrith. Clinics are also operational at Auburn, Katoomba, Mount Druitt and Westmead Hospitals. BreastScreen NSW Sydney West, which is managed by the Westmead BCI, provides free mammograms to eligible women aged between 50 and 74 in the Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains area. BCI staff have taken all necessary measures in relation to COVID-19 to protect women, staff and the wider community in all BreastScreen services. This includes: • Pre-screening questions around personal health and travel • Limiting the number of people in the clinic/van • Practicing social distancing and providing hand sanitizer in waiting rooms

• A minimal contact check-in process • Additional cleaning of equipment and commonly used surfaces. Westmead BCI director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women aged 50-74 can do for their health. “Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy,”

Nirmala said. “Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. This is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.” “Bringing this vital service means more local women can be screened for their two yearly mammogram. Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority.” The mobile van is in town from 16 June until 22 July and is located on the grounds of the St John of God

BELLE GOLDIE

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Breast screening safely returns

Hospital, 2 Day Street, Windsor. The service is free and there’s no referral needed. Mobile vans have the latest digital mammography technology and secure wireless communication system. The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is investing $62.2 million in breast cancer screening this financial year. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

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Jamisontown Day Program: a fresh new approach

ommunity access restrictions across the country have challenged many disability providers to adapt the delivery of supports. Faced with more time on-site, disability services like Afford’s Jamisontown Day Program in the Penrith region, are taking a fresh approach to supports. The site is incorporating new, meaningful, and stimulating experiences for all who access the service during isolation. Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) is a leading disability provider that has successfully adapted to the change in operating environments by establishing new initiatives to ensure continuity of disability supports for all Australians. The organisation credits much of its success to frontline staff. Afford go above and beyond to provide individualised supports on-site to engage clients in meaningful activities during isolation. Team Leader, Leonie Pearson, and her team at Jamisontown Day Program, led by Lisa Chantler, have worked hard to replicate many popular outings and activities at their day program. Activities incorporate skill development, as well as entertainment and fun for continued client engagement. “Visiting the library was a weekly excursion for our clients before COVID-19 restrictions came into effect. Activities that encourage literacy and mental stimulation support client development and wellbeing, so we created an outdoor reading area on-site. We read books just like we’re

at the library,” said Leonie Pearson, Team Leader at Jamisontown Day Program. Before COVID-19 restrictions, Jamisontown clients enjoyed a weekly sailing program as well as lunch outings to the local pub or club. Leonie and Lisa brought these muchloved experiences to life on-site for all to enjoy in the comfort of their day program. “Going out for lunch is a cherished experience for our clients. They can engage with others and practice skills for everyday life. They build their confidence by ordering food for lunch and paying for it with their own money,” Leonie explained. “To replicate the eating out experience on-site, we transformed our Afford van into a temporary food truck with a menu and tickets for customer orders. Clients developed their communication skills and were

excited to participate.” Leonie and Lisa integrate a variety of engaging activities on-site for Jamisontown Day Program clients, including cruise days, a pen-pal club, sensory gardening and treasure hunts. All activities support skills development and help clients maintain a happy and healthy mindset. Afford has also established Afford TeleCare to deliver disability supports to individuals across Australia via an innovative, contact-free and virtual solution. Via Afford TeleCare, individuals benefit from continued access to essential care from allied health professionals for overall health and mental wellbeing. Afford TeleCare connects individuals to professionals across a range of services including, but not limited to, psychology, occupational therapy, emotional regulations, and

speech pathology on a virtual platform to develop routines and explore meaningful activities during isolation. “Afford TeleCare changes the way disability supports are delivered. The virtual platform gives people access to regular allied health supports from the comfort of their home. Afford uses various forms of technology to provide remote, contact-free care so that individuals receive continued health management throughout the current isolation and social distancing measures,” said Afford CEO, Steven Herald. Afford TeleCare is available for existing and new clients who wish to access these services. Afford is committed to developing new methods of delivering disability supports so that every person living with disability has the opportunity to achieve their goals and feel assisted during COVID-19 under the NDIS. Watch this video to find out more about Afford TeleCare: h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=LGs6bZcZlhg. 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 longest-serving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford supports individuals to achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS. More information: Afford TeleCare - email telecare@ afford.com.au or call1300 379 308. Afford - visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

local news

he Penrith local community will be the first to explore the historic grounds of Western Sydney’s Fernhill Estate, with a new walking track opening to local residents this weekend. Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said a new 2.6 kilometre walking track within the Estate will trial opening on weekends from Saturday, 6 June. “Fernhill Estate was purchased by the Government for public open space in 2018 and will be a fantastic parkland once it’s fully opened, providing more than 400 hectares of open space for the community to enjoy,” Mr Stokes said. “In the meantime, we’ve created a new loop track for local residents to tour the grounds and the outside of the homestead in what is one of the earliest surviving estates in the Sydney basin.” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said two neighbouring properties had also been purchased to expand the Estate. “Fernhill Estate will be a wonderful asset for the people of Western Sydney for generations to come and we are working to restore and repurpose it for public use,” Mr Ayres said. “We are developing a Plan of Management that will set out the NSW Government’s vision for the site

and outline its future use, management and preservation.” Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the new track will give residents a glimpse of the historic homestead and its grounds. “Surrounded by the Cumberland Plain Woodland and boasting beautiful gardens, lakes, paddocks and sandstone buildings from the 19th Century, Fernhill Estate will provide a haven for visitors to enjoy and wildlife to thrive,” Ms Davies said. “COVID-19 has highlighted the importance our parks, tracks and public spaces for the health and wellbeing of the community and this new track will provide a wonderful place for residents to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.” The trial will see the 2.6 kilometre

scenic walking loop open for Penrith LGA residents on weekends and public holidays between 10am and 4pm,

with the view to extend it to the wider Sydney community as COVID-19 restrictions ease. For the safety of the community, the number of visitors will be capped at 100 people in the morning and 100 people in the afternoon to ensure that social distancing practices can be maintained. Penrith residents will need to register online to book their visit. Community consultation has been reopened to allow the community to have its say on the future of Fernhill Estate once they’ve had a chance to visit the site. Consultation will be open until Tuesday, 30 June 2020. For more information and to register, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fernhillestate.

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Penrith locals first to explore Fernhill Estate

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Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

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Panthers: Open for business I n line with the easing of NSW Government restrictions, we look forward to welcoming you back to Panthers Penrith. The health and wellbeing of our members, guests and staff remain our number one priority. To ensure the safety of our members, guests and staff we have adopted the following measures: • Venue capacity capped at 700 people, • New social distancing practices, • Increased hand sanitising stations throughout the venue, • New sign-in procedures for members and visitors, • Encourage the use of contactless payments, • Separate venue entry and exit points, • Increased frequency of cleaning during and after opening hours, • Mandatory CovidSAFE training for all staff, • CovidSAFE Marshall monitoring the Club and its patrons, • Discourage commingling and contact with others, • Preventing people from entering if they are displaying cold and flu symptoms. Under the current government restrictions the following activities will remain suspended: • Bingo • Cash Housie • Poker • Raffles • Promotions and giveaways • Live entertainment.

Yes, we’re open

As restrictions ease, we will look to reintroduce promotions, entertainment and activities Areas within the club that will be open for use include: • Restaurants • Bars • Gaming • TAB • Aqua Golf. Timezone will remain closed until restrictions ease.

As we slowly open up our venue to you, we suggest you consider visiting us during off-peak times as the venue capacity is strictly capped at 700 pax. Please know that we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we can provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience to share with friends and family. We thank you and appreciate your continued support during this challenging time and hope to see you soon.

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hilst it won’t quite be business as usual, the doors of St Marys Rugby League Club are finally open, and no-one is happier than Saints CEO Rod Desborough saying “The Club will be operating under NSW Government restrictions, but this is a great step towards normality, and we embrace the opportunity to welcome our staff and our Members back the Saints way”. Almost all areas of the Club are now open with the exception of the new Signature Buffet which is still under construction and trading hours are pretty much back to normal. The Club had just finished major renovations before they went into shutdown so are now relishing the opportunity to showcase the changes throughout Saints, including Waterstone Grill, MILYS, Ironbark Pizzeria & Terrace as well as the Sapphire Lounge. Saints staff have been working tirelessly towards reopening day and to see Members waiting for the doors to open at 10 o’clock on Monday morning is testament to how important this local Club is to its community. In accordance with Government restrictions and in the best interests, safety and wellbeing of the Club’s staff, Members and the community, restrictions include limited venue and patron capacity for the immediate future as well as Member only, over 18’s access only. It is hoped that these restrictions will only be in place for a short period of time and that there will be a further easing of restrictions in the not too distant future. So if you’ve been missing your favourite pizza, waiting to catch up with family & friends or just looking forward to a quiet drink at your local Club, head to St Marys Rugby League Club.

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

After 10 long weeks, the doors of Saints are open!

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

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What Can I report on the Community Portal??

ost items, Malicious Damage, Theft, Fraud. What you need to report to the Community Portal: Your current, valid email address. Your personal details and the personal details of the owner of the property, e.g. full name, date of birth, contact details. When the property was last seen and when it was discovered missing. Possible locations for where the property may have been lost. Description of the property and any identifying details, e.g. serial or IMEI numbers. Description of how the property was lost. What to expect from the Community Portal: You will need to validate your email address, using a verification code sent to your email account to commence a report. You can save your report as draft prior to submitting it to the NSW Police Force. Once you submit your report, you will receive an email confirming the successful submission, with a NSW Police Force Community Portal reference number. You should receive an email reply within 48 hours which will contain your NSW Police Force Event number. If clarification regarding your report is required, you may receive a phone call or email from a NSW Police Force, PoliceLink Customer Service Representative. #NSWPFCommunityPortal #ReportItDontIgnoreIt #ASaferCommunity #NSWPF #NepeanPAC For more information: https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/

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ur pets have been reaping the benefits of our extra time at home: more play time, more walk time and more cuddle time. While they have been an enormous source of comfort to our family, we need to prepare them for our return to work and ‘normal life’. Whether they have been a part of our life for many years or are a recent addition to the family, there will be a time of confusion when we get back into our regular routines. Here are a few tips you can implement now to ensure your dog is prepared for life after COVID-19. Stick to a routine: Like us, dogs

are creatures of habit. Create a routine that includes time with the family, rest, exercise and alone time during the day. Remember to set aside time to head out of the house without them even for a short time. Not another walk: Depending on breed and general overall health, most dogs need 30 - 45 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. While we may think that we are doing our dogs a favour by taking them on extra walks, remember to keep them within their capabilities. Start an exercise routine that you are able to keep up once you return to work.

Let sleeping dogs lie: Dogs’ sleep pattern vary according to their age, general health and activity levels. Most dogs sleep for an average of 12 hours a day while puppies will sleep and rest more. If your dog is catching up on sleep, leave them to rest as none of us like being woken up! Toy time: Dogs need to learn to play without the constant interaction with their pet parents. Rotating toys, filling treat toys with food and interactive toys will keep your dog engaged. Placing toys in a toy box at the end of toy time will greatly increase their interest and novelty value the next

time they come out. Dogs can even be taught to put their own toys away! Training time: Now is a great time to invest in some positive rewardbased training and education. This can be done at home using you tube videos of accredited trainers. Ask your vet for the best on-line training resources. Remember to always use reward-based training over negative or adverse training methods. A refresher course of the basics such as sit, come, drop, stay is always good place to start. Creative cooking: Think of some creative feeding techniques like Kong toys, puzzle feeders, chew bones and scatter feeds to increase the time and mental energy spent eating. These feeding solutions will also keep your dog entertained while you’re away from home. The team at Greencross Vets Coreen Ave are here with you every step of the way and have puppy preschool trainers that can answer your questions and concerns. Please contact us on 02 4731 3055.

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Preparing our pets for life after COVID

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

Can you help reunite these pets with their families? When a pet goes missing it is a particularly distressing time for any owner. And by the look on the faces of some of these local pets who’ve been found, it can be pretty distressing for the pet as well. Have you seen any of our missing pets? Do you recognise any of the pets who have been found? There’s a facebook page called Penrith Area Lost and Found Animals and they are exceptionally good at reuniting lost pets with their owners. If you have any information regarding any of our featured pets, please head to the page and scroll for the owner’s information. Alternatively, if you don’t use facebook feel free to call us on 9834 5579 and we will hook you up!

FOUND

JORDAN SPRINGS

FOUND

MISSING

CAMBRIDGE PARK

MISSING MARSHMALLOW - CAMBRIDGE PARK

MISSING ST MARYS

LUXFORD RD

SOUTH PENRITH

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Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Balance At Work

IKE the old feel good Ben Lee song says, ‘I woke up this morning, I suddenly realised, we’re all in this together’. Some new business owners struggle with how to treat their ‘competition’. Do you research what they’re doing? Do you try to beat them on price? Do you poach their customers? Do you even try to undermine their integrity? Now more than ever we should ask ourselves a curious question, what if collaboration with competition is a better option? It can be difficult when you’re in start-up mode not to have a negative view of your competitors. They are already established, they already have the customers you would like to have and they may have the staff and infrastructure you can only dream of at this stage.

A much more constructive approach to competition is to see them as potential collaborators and partners. Here’s why: They already know the market and they’re talking to your potential clients. They’ve made mistakes you can avoid if you know about them. Most people want to help you because it makes them feel good. Learning from what your competitors do well, and tapping into what and who they know, can be a real shortcut to getting your business off the ground. Getting to know your competitors (and I don’t mean spying on them!) will be one of the best steps you can take towards having a successful business. Ask yourself: How can I help them?

With Susan Rochester

What expertise, tools and experience can I offer that will support their success? What mistakes have they made that I can learn from? A friend of mine has a funny made up word for this, ‘co-opetition’. It is based on the idea of collaboration with competition. I’ve built my business on close relationships with other businesses that outsiders would see as my competition so I subscribe to this quirky idea. Opportunities for collaboration are everywhere – if you’re open to seeing them. If you are still hesitating about picking up the phone and having that first conversation, give us a call first. We are always open to opportunities for collaboration and happy to help with tips to start you on your ‘co-opetition’ journey.

Get in touch for a free consultation Call

0448 306 180

or email susanr@balanceatwork.com.au www.balanceatwork.com.au

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assionate advocate for healthy children and families and Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology, Assoc. Prof. Gary Leong loves working with kids and their families to help them enjoy healthier and happier lives. This passion has seen him put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to release his first book, ‘Ride to Life’, a nononsense guide for families to break the cycle of obesity. In the book, Dr Leong shares his knowledge and experience of the last 30 years, including that gained in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service. Since 2016, Dr Leong has worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver the Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service, Australia’s first public whole of lifespan obesity service. This innovative service for individuals and families faced with the challenges of obesity supports clients to maintain a healthy weight and achieve better health outcomes. Dr Leong says that despite his work on the frontline, he felt there was more he could do to help kids and families to enjoy healthier lifestyles.

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“I put down these stories that I had acquired after looking after hundreds of families suffering severe obesity in my clinics,” he added. The book outlines the 2020 Family Health Challenge, a program that

encourages families to “ride together” to learn new ways to play, exercise and eat together to make sustainable changes for a healthier and more active life. “Using the resources I have created –

the book and my website – I hope more families will be able to start their health journey,” says Dr Leong. To find out more about ‘Ride to Life’ visit www.2020familyhealthchallenge. com

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Riding towards a healthy future

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Ask the Expert - Lifestyle Likely To Win Over Location

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

Sharon Mudiman Licensee and Principal of Bespoke Realty Group has been negotiating the sale of property for over twenty-five years in the Greater Penrith Region

ith predictions leaning to an inevitable economic downturn, it may seem unfortunate timing to consider selling your home. With economists predicting a potential 30% decrease in property prices, options and opportunity seem to have given way to doom and gloom. With word of a mass exodus of city-dwellers making the move to more rural climes, it is a good time to consider, how does this impact us? Agents across all states are recording an increase in buyer interest outside of major metropolitan areas. With city rental vacancy rates skyrocketing and buyers eyeing more balanced lifestyle, Penrith may just be the perfect place to be. But location doesn’t outweigh all other considerations, and sellers will have to manage their expectations at this tricky time. But with buyers making their move, there is still reason to be hopeful. Financially, the ball is back in buyer’s court, after so many years of being priced out of the market, but this can still bode well for sellers.

Balanced with a significant increase in buyers looking to relocate, low interest rates remaining favourable for buyers, and an abundance of buyers still shopping, this is still a suitable time for locals to sell. Since on-site auctions and open houses again became available to vendors, we have seen a subtle increase in sellers willing to put their homes to market. Luckily for us, we have chosen to live in a lifestyle area. Once only a dream for many, now people are contemplating their current situations, calculating their priorities, and finally taking the plunge to rearrange their lives and seek out balanced living. With work/life equilibrium well and truly askew, people can now look ahead and create a long-term lifestyle choice that, for many, means leaving big city life behind. So with so much on offer in our beautiful area, we can hope this holds us in good stead in an uncertain market. Lifestyle will likely win over location in the coming months, and that looks like a bright future to us.

Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith shines at NSW/ACT State Awards

aine & Horne Commercial Penrith continues to grow in strength by being recognised and awarded at Raine & Horne NSW State Awards. Keiran McGarity, Senior Sales & Leasing Consultant, was awarded Top Commercial Agent Leasing Value, 3rd Place. Throughout his career, Keiran has established himself as one of the leading commercial agents in the local area by negotiating many high value deals to ensure optimal results for his vendors. Gavin Shatford, Manager of Sales and Investments, was presented 3rd place as Top Sales Person Commercial Value. Gavin has a strong client network and database including high net worth individuals, investors across all property types, property trusts and specialist databases featuring national contacts, banks, administrators, medical institutions, recreational and development groups both private and corporate. Alicia Sanderson, Portfolio Manager, was recognised and awarded as Property Manager of the year – Commercial. With over 21 years industry experience, Alicia is a dedicated Portfolio Manager that oversees of management of three neighbourhood shopping centres in New South Wales and Queensland. Alicia’s role encompasses not only the daily management of the centres, but also the mentoring, guidance and leadership of a team of 11 employees. Raine and Horne Commercial Penrith was established in December 1991 to specialise in commercial, industrial and retail shopping centre sales, leasing and management. Today, the office employs 34 commercial real estate professionals in New South Wales and Queensland and is one of the largest, and most highly skilled, commercial real estate practices in the Raine and Horne Commercial

(L-R) Keiran McGarity, Liz Turai & Alicia Sanderson

Network. The office provides experience, knowledge and services that were historically only available from the Corporate CBD agencies. To learn more about Raine & Horne Commercial and view properties available for purchase or lease, visit rhcommercial.com.au/penrith or call the office on 4722 8500.

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

NEPEAN HISTORY

Historic Castlereagh

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

n 1893 an old Castlereagh resident by the name of John Colless died after six months of aged related complications ending in a severe cold. He was born at Castlereagh in 1814 and was said to be “one of the best-read men of ordinary education in the district”. John was a miller who established Mill Farm on the Nepean River with a water mill and a large water wheel where the settlers could get their grain gristed (Grist is grain that has been separated from its chaff in preparation for grinding), but in 1872 after forty years the river changed its course and the mill having no power was dismantled and most of the machinery was buried in the grass. Governor Lachlan Macquarie first visited the area in 1810. He proclaimed Castlereagh as one of his new towns. Castlereagh was surveyed with a town square and streets with lots allocated and a cemetery, but it failed to develop. The difficulty being access to a reliable source of water. After several floods most of the settlers still wanted to stay on their farms that were close to the river where they had reliable water and land that was cleared, cultivated and productive. Settlement was well established by 1806 and the pioneers were a sturdy though generally poor bunch. They were happy to make a living from their little farms and a time came when hay was grown for the Sydney market. The first Methodist Church in Australia was erected in Castlereagh. John Lees an ex-soldier consecrated an acre of his grant to religious purposes and in 1817 erected the old church that was superseded by the present church in 1847. For several years, the old church was used as a school. The Collett family settled at Castlereagh in 1801 and the first school in the district was held in the old homestead. This cottage was long gone by 1929 when William Freame visited the area of the cottage and commented that “its quaint slab kitchen with the chimney and oven occupying all of one end is remembered”. William was born in 1868. He was renown as a local historian. His occupation was that of a painter but during the depression of the 1890’s he walked from Melbourne to Sydney in search of work. He eventually settled in Westmead and was elected Mayor of Holroyd Council in 1909. He was a freelance journalist who published small booklets on his travels and contributed articles to the “Nepean Times” from around 1904 to 1929. He died aged 65 in 1933, his death recorded in the “Nepean Times”. He wrote an article in the Sydney Evening newspaper called the “Historic Marks of Dreamy Nepean” in 1929 and reading his words takes the reader back to a time when Penrith and surrounds still had places to explore the early landmarks of our fascinating history. I would have liked to have been alive at that time to explore this history along with him and hear him talk about what he remembered of the district. He wrote at that time “with the march of progress it was becoming increasingly difficult to locate many notable old landmarks and to preserve for posterity much of our history that is worth recording. Turning north from the Western road at the west end of Penrith we pass disused fields that were once rich in cultivation. Although cultivation has fallen off near Penrith, every highway and byway have liberal green margins specked with flowers and skirted by hedges of briar or hawthorn, and there remain old fruit trees, real old veterans, their aged and gnarled limbs laden with blossom. Scraggy firs and a few tall pines hide an occasional old house that was once a hotel or a comfortable farm home, but time has laid ruthless hands upon the landscape and the visitor motoring through Castlereagh to Richmond sees little to remind them that this was one of the first agricultural settlements in Australia. In a

Michelle Latham

michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au

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

courtyard surrounded by the remains of a large house is an incredibly old tree, where tradition informs us men were hanged. It is also said that the ring bolt in the kitchen is where the kitchen man, or woman, would be chained to work. But one must take old Castlereagh traditions with a grain of salt. On one occasion a pioneer shot at a midnight prowler and so the story ran that one could hear the blood dripping upon the pavement. As a matter of fact, the shot penetrated a big water tank. Gone the curious old church and its parsonage all dating from Macquarie, and old hands who remain links with the past are going fast. We mount the ridge where Chaplain Fulton’s original Anglican church stood, but nothing remains but the mark of its foundations”. Reverend Henry Fulton was the first minister. Born in England in 1761 and ordained to the ministry of the Church of Ireland. He was implicated in the Irish rebellion of 1798 and convicted at Tipperary in 1799 of seditious practices and sentenced to transportation for life, but he hadn’t surrendered for self-transportation because his friends had declared that his Confession was extorted by fear of a species of torture at that time much too common. The departure of Richard Johnson the principal chaplain, enabled Henry to resume his profession, so in November 1800 he was conditionally pardoned and sent as an assistant chaplain to the Hawkesbury and then to Norfolk Island in 1801 where he did well and was granted a full pardon in 1805 and returned to the mainland in 1806. Henry admired Governor Bligh’s policy towards the Hawkesbury settlers. He was in attendance at Government House for the greater part of the day of the Governor’s arrest and was then confined to his own house and interrogated by the rebels without success. He remained loyal to Bligh serving as his private chaplain and declined to officiate publicly while the Governor remained a prisoner. He denounced the rebel administration to Castlereagh and with William Gore, John Palmer and the Campbell family signed an address of loyalty to Bligh. He was restored to his situation by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810 and went to England with Governor Bligh to testify at Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston’s court martial. On his return to the colony in May 1812 he was retained in Sydney until in June 1814 when he was made resident chaplain in charge of Castlereagh and Richmond. He remained active until his death at Castlereagh in 1840 and is buried in the cemetery there. William Freame goes on to say “We climb through a broken fence and find that time and bush fires have played havoc with the old graves over which brambles are growing, showing the Castlereagh pioneers with the names of MacHenry, Fraser, Single, Hadley, Field, Herbert and Rope”. The drawing of the original Anglican Castlereagh Church was authenticated by the Late Alfred Colless and Michael Long who were familiar with the building during its later years. Source: Trove, Australian Royalty, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Holroyd Council.

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Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

#SupportLocal #Penrithcbd #togetherWeCare #ThumbsUp

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To our Valued customers, Due to Covid-19, we have had to close down our showroom temporarily to safeguard our staff and customers. For anyone needing our services, we are still able to produce your jobs. This is being done at an offsite location. Please let me know if you have any orders you would like to place, by emailing me and I can arrange the production and ship out to you or can make alternative arrangements for a drop off or pickup etc. You can still call 0425 840 277 for any inquiries and also send email through to penrith@embroidme.com.au Stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back to the shop in the near future.

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Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

SPORT

Ready, set, go – gyms and kids sport returns

ymnasiums, yoga, indoor pools and dance studios can reopen within a fortnight and kids’ sport can resume across NSW from 1 July, as more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Deputy Premier John Barilaro has thanked the community for its patience while the Government works through its COVID-19 recovery plan that is built around health advice. “I’m proud of this State for following the health advice and flattening the curve to such a point, where we can now re-introduce kids’ sports and open gyms,” Mr Barilaro said. “Sport and exercise boosts morale and this is exactly what NSW needs right now.” From 13 June, the following will be allowed: • Fitness, gymnasiums, pilates, yoga and dance studios can reopen with up to 10 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue; • Community centres, including their recreational facilities can reopen; • Some indoor recreational facilities including pools and saunas can also reopen with restricted numbers; • Tattoo and massage parlours can reopen with up to 10 clients The four square metre rule must be applied at all times. Community sport competitions can restart for those aged 18 years and under from 1 July. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said COVID-19 safety plans for each activity or sport are critical to enable this re-start. “Sport and businesses will need to do things a little differently than in pre-COVID-19 times and following their safety plan is key to keeping people safe,” Mr Hazzard said. “Re-opening kids’ sporting competitions on 1 July gives groups and local government which manages many of these facilities, time to work through all the new changes.” Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee said indoor and outdoor community sports for those aged 18 years and under are ready to return from 1 July. “Children and young people will be thrilled they can get together with friends and teammates again and I am sure parents will welcome the news too,” Mr Lee said. “NSW loves sport, and I am so pleased clubs and organisations will now be able to plan their fixtures list for their seasons to resume.” A decision on a potential return date for adult community sport will be made at a later stage.

Mark Geyer’s gym on York Rd - MG Activ - will be reopening

Coach’s Corner W

The V’landys Way

e have received a lesson in leadership and organisational excellence from Peter V’landys since Australia was swept up in the Covid-19 pandemic. From the original shutdown of the competition in March right through until the recommencement of the competition tonight in late May there has been challenge after challenge placed in front of the Rugby League commission chairman. Most of these challenges arising from within the game; player misconduct, referee strikes, financial incompetence, a lack of assets and rainy day funds to get the game through difficult times. The leadership of the game has for decades lacked authority, integrity and intelligence. This is hopefully now a distant memory as we become the first sport in Australia and one of the first sports across the globe to begin in the wake of the worldwide medical crisis. V’landys has made no apologies for the decisions which have been swift

and have caused some pain across club land and in at NRL head office. We have seen good people lose their jobs, we have seen incompetent people lose their jobs and there has been fat trimmed across the board which was well overdue. Rugby League was never going to be immune to the widespread cost of this economic crisis for the game, there is a misconception that this is a medical issue, which is partly true and is more relevant for the wider and general population like us. But for Rugby League players this is an economic crisis like none seen before, the players wages were threatened with the game paused and no real defined restart in sight. Hopefully this is the near death experience the game needed. V’landys has worked tirelessly with no interest in the outside noise, just a clear and focused work ethic to get the next job done. Rugby League owes him a great debt and hopefully he continues to repair and rebuild the

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

game with the same organisational excellent and leadership for many years to come. With the competition restarting I think it is important to reset our predictions and overall thoughts around how this premiership will play out over the next five months. Originally I had predicted the Rabbitohs to win the competition this year. Throw that prediction in the bin, off field incidents are almost a certain end to premiership chances not to mention multiple off field incidents and injuries. We also need to take into account the impact of one referee and the new six again rule with minor infringements will have on how the game is played and what make up of team this will benefit the most. It is going to have an impact, how significant and who this will benefit remains to be seen. But I predict: Storm, Raiders, Broncos, Roosters, Panthers, Knights, Eels and Manly to make up the Top 8.

PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

We have liftoff! Rugby league is back baby!

fter nearly 9 weeks of hibernation due to the pandemic lockdown, somehow quite extraordinarily, the NRL is back can you believe it? I know I can’t! The hurdles the game has faced in the past couple of months have been like meteorites rocketing to earth and all the game could do is dodge, weave, and evade in hope that nothing would derail where we sit today. There was the player payment issue, the social distancing dramas, the flu shot fiasco, the karate kick controversy, the refs threatening to strike, rule changes, etc etc... but almost unfathomably here we are, about to continue this shortened season of 2020 with the Eels and Broncos kicking off from where we last sat. Amazing. I wrote last column about how I thought that without Peter V’Landys at the helm we wouldn’t even be close to touching the steeden balls of the NRL, such has been his dedication and foresight in pushing on when most thought he couldn’t. But the players and their clubs must also take a big pat on the back. Whilst most of the country is waking from its slumber, the players and coaching staff of each team are still in basic lockdown. The liberties greeting most of us aren’t afforded to the players who are about to give us back our game. They still have to adhere to strict protocols whilst living in an almost dome environment of up to only 30 people and having next to

 Project Apollo, we have NRL liftoff

no contact with the ‘outside world’. Massive sacrifice, especially from the NZ Warriors who left everything behind to make sure the entire 16 clubs of the NRL are going to be represented in this 18 week straight revised comp.

And now not only is the footy back but Mr V’Landys is now talking about having games with crowds by July! Obviously there would be revised attendances and lots of hoops to jump through before then but if he says it I’m not going to argue, every single

thing he’s said from his very first press conference has come to fruition. In Peter we trust! See you at the game (hopefully sooner than first thought)

MG (random Westie) OAM

Nepean News 4 June 2020 Issue 278OWDIG

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