Nepeannews 5july2018

free Thursday, 5 July 2018

ISSUE 230

Build a Duplex on a 400m2 block Find out if your block qualifies.

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Fly high sweet angel The Nepean region is reeling at the tragic passing last month of local schoolgirl, 14 year old Stephanie Hayes from Cranebrook. Story page 9.

Lyn and Carolyn’s Guide to Retirement Villages in Greater Western Sydney

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etirement Living is on the up and up in Western Sydney, and everyone wants something different out of their retirement. More security, less maintenance, opportunities to connect with new friends and support from people you trust. Meet Carolyn and Lyn, two experts with years of experience in the retirement industry. Here they share their insights and answers to the frequently asked questions people have about living in a retirement village.

Whatever you’re seeking, they’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about retirement villages.

1. They’re not aged care! Villages are for people over 55 who are active enough to live independently in their own home. In fact, plenty of people who live in a retirement villages are not retired at all. Many are simply making the most of the benefits of village life; less home maintenance, new home designs, social connections and great locations.

2. Find the right home for you. Ask yourself what sort of home do you see yourself living in? And what amenities are important to you? You might prefer to be near golf courses, or if you have a pet, finding a pet-friendly village could be at the top of your list. Consider whether you need or want off-street parking, a swimming pool, nearby shopping and dining options or other amenities.

3. Ask friends and residents. Living in a retirement village means being part of a community of like-minded people. Talk to friends who have already made the move into a village about their experiences. Residents are the greatest advocates for gaining real insight into a village, so drop on in to an event and get a taste for the lifestyle. You don’t need to worry about messy or loud neighbours, a village is about enjoying life in a peaceful community. You can socialise with friends or choose to relax in the peace and quiet of your new home. Live life on your own terms.

What are you waiting for?

If you’re interested in finding out more about a brand new village coming to Jordan Springs in Western Sydney call Carolyn on 0430 189 447 or visit jordanspringsretirement.com Don’t miss out on being part of a beautiful new address in an established and vibrant community.

local news

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HE cold weather always sparks thoughts about how we can help those less fortunate.

Jordan Springs are partnering with The Creative Fringe to help produce knitted or crocheted squares that will be added together to create a community blanket.

This blanket will then be given to a member of our community that could benefit from some

warmth and comfort.

All abilities (novice to expert) are invited to come along, meet new people and chat while you knit or crochet.

All equipment will be supplied as will tea and refreshments.

The sessions will be held on Friday 13th July 10am till 12pm and Friday 20th July 630pm till 830pm.

Please RSVP to help with catering. RSVP to MayAnn.Fontimayor@lendlease.com

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Think outside the square

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Hilary Nathan Media 0402 841 434 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HIS last week or so I’ve been reminded again about how fragile life is and how we should never take time with our loved ones for granted.

My beautiful neighbour Bert has just lost his mother and then his father only about a month apart. Having lost my own mother six months ago, I know how hard it is to come to terms with the loss of a parent, so I can only imagine how awful it must be to have one death almost immediately followed by another.

I also covered one of the saddest stories about the loss of the beautiful Stephanie, who is featured on our front page, and conducted one of the most difficult interviews ever in order to write it. What can you possibly say to parents who have just lost their beautiful daughter? I thank Stephanie’s parents, Keri-Anne and Tim for speaking with me during the most difficult time in their lives.

When one loses someone very close to them it is so shattering it is impossible to function while grief takes over. And the reality that most of us don’t talk about is the the financial burden that grief places on you: sudden funeral costs stand before you, and the ongoing living expenses like mortgages, electricity and phone bills still need to be paid, yet there’s no way you could even think about going to work.

Friends of Stephanie’s family have set up a ‘go fund me’ page to assist the family with that rarely spoken about extra burden. If you’d like to contribute please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/sendoffforsteph?viewcontent=97973596

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

N

early a third of the NSW Government’s record paramedic workforce boost will go to western Sydney in 2018-19, including the new Penrith superstation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, joined by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and NSW Ambulance Deputy Commissioner David Dutton, marked the official opening of the Penrith superstation by announcing 60 of 200 extra paramedics in 2018-19 would be for western Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Penrith MP Minister Stuart Ayres and Greg Allchin Deputy Chairman of the NBMLHD. Sydney, including 12 at the Penrith superstation.

“This is a record investment in the frontline Ms Berejiklian said patients in the paramedic workforce, and will immediately plug Blue Mountains and western Sydney region will gaps right across NSW – we are deploying as many immediately benefit from the NSW Government’s paramedics as is possible to train within the first record 750 extra paramedics and call-takers over year,” Mr Hazzard said. the next four years announced in last week’s Mr Ayres said the new Penrith superstation will Budget. better support paramedics to deliver emergency “The NSW Government is investing more than care to patients in the Nepean Blue Mountains $1 billion into NSW Ambulance in the Budget region, Western Sydney and beyond.

2018-19 to ensure it continues to deliver world“With an extra 60 paramedics in the greater class emergency care,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Western Sydney region, we are going to see better Mr Hazzard said communities across the State response times, reduced paramedic fatigue and, would benefit from the employment and training ultimately, even better emergency care for our of the first round of 200 extra paramedics and 13 patients,” he said. call centre staff in the coming 12 months.

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Leading the way in health

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local news

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rime Minister Malcom Turnbull; Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham and Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne visited Mud Puddles Cottage Long Day Care and Pre School at Emu Plains this week to talk about the new child care reforms in effect from July 2, which will bring much needed child care relief for local families.

“Our reforms will mean more subsidies for Lindsay families working the most and for Lindsay families earning the least, scrapping the annual rebate cap for most families as well as an hourly rate cap to keep downward pressure on fees,” Senator Payne said.

“In fact in Lindsay more than 8,400 families are set to benefit from the reforms.

“Many families in Lindsay will be hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year better off under the Turnbull Government’s reforms,” Senator Payne said.

“Thank you to the owners and managing directors of Mud Puddles Cottage, Kirstie and Mark Jackson, who are coincidentally celebrating one year of ownership today, and the lovely children who attend the centre for spending their morning with us.”

Mrs Jackson was impressed with the new reforms.

“We believe the new child care package is beneficial to our working families,” Mrs Jackson said.

Minister Birmingham said the reforms would put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Australian families.

“The Turnbull Government’s reforms will inject an extra $2.5 billion into the system and are set to benefit almost one million families nationwide,” Minister Birmingham said.

“We’re also introducing an activity test to ensure subsidies are targeted to those who depend on child care in order to work, train, study or volunteer, or who are looking for work or want to work additional hours.

“This better reflects the needs of modern Australian families and their desire to base their child care around their work, rather than making their work suit their child care. It’s estimated around 230,000 families will increase their workforce participation,” Minister Birmingham said.

“These changes are key to the Turnbull Government’s plan for a stronger economy that helps guarantee the essential services that so many families rely on, such as child care and early learning support.

“Our reforms stand in stark contrast

Community Kitchen needs donations

By CONNER LOWE

A

s we reach the middle of winter the temperatures begin to plummet below freezing throughout the night.

The Penrith Community Kitchen’s ‘project warmth’ is asking for donations of beanies and scarfs for the homeless while they endure the cold weather during winter. The homeless don’t have the benefits of warm shelter, blankets or even warm clothes while they sleep outside during the freezing nights of winter.

Rebecca Liu-Brennan, the Head of Fundraising for Penrith Community Kitchen spoke about the numbers they need to help weekly and the importance of donations for the kitchen.

“The community kitchen at PCYC has been running for 20 years. We feed 500 homeless every week and 150 of those are kids, people can come in any day and get a hot lunch,” she said.

“All ladies that work there are volunteers and rely completely on donations from the public and for extras like warm clothing to help the homeless community during the cold months.”

Most people have the luxury of a heater or fireplace and can sleep inside during the cold weather. However, this isn’t a luxury for all and the Community Kitchen is asking for donations to give the homeless some extra warmth.

Rebecca also spoke about the struggles the community kitchen is facing and the decline in donations coming in.

“It’s freezing outside throughout the day and especially at night, even at home I need a heater and blankets to keep warm,” she said.

“I did ‘Sleep Out’ recently to raise awareness and more funds for the Community Kitchen to help get more food into the kitchen, as the food count

is currently the lowest it has ever been.

“Costs can be up to $2000 a week for the kitchen and unfortunately it’s not getting the donations it used to which has made it difficult in recent times.

“Although recently a lot of food has been getting donated which is great, we just aren’t getting nearly as many clothing donations as we usually do, but people are knitting them and dropping them in slowly.”

If you would like to donate a scarf or beanie for project warmth then you can do so at the PCYC, the Penrith CBD Court and at Stuart Ayres office in Penrith. You can also donate funds at mycause.com and look for the Community Kitchen!

to the Labor Party who voted against more child care support for families and who have refused to outline any plans for Australia’s early childhood education and care system,” Minister Birmingham said.

If families haven’t made the switch yet, they should visit www.education. gov.au/childcare or update their details on myGov so they can start to benefit from the new system. Back payments of the new Child Care Subsidy for up to three months are available for families who are yet to make the switch.

› Elderly man arrested Police have made another arrest in relation to alleged horrific, historical child sexual abuse at Daruk Boys’ Home.

The Nepean Police Area Command formed Strike Force Eckersley in late 2016 to investigate a series of complaints referred by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Around midday on Wednesday 27 June, officers from the Australian Federal Police, accompanied by NSW strike force detectives, arrested an 81-yearold man at a home at Ainslie in the A.C.T. The suspect was taken to the A.C.T. Watchhouse where he remained in custody, charged by virtue of a court warrant with 11 counts of indecent assault on a male and four counts of buggery.

The following day he faced the A.C.T. Magistrates Court where Nepean detectives successfully applied for his extradition to New South Wales.

It’s the fourth arrest this year in relation to the abuse that allegedly occurred at the Daruk Training School at Berkshire Park, near Windsor, between 1965 and 1985.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Prime Minister visits Emu Plains to talk child care relief

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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local news

Council recognised for excellence

GSCAwards – The Quarter: Chair of The Quarter Leadership Committee Greg Allchin with Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, and Greater Sydney Commission Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull AO.

GSCAwards – Village Café: PCC Community Engagement Officer Lila Kennelly and Community Projects Officer - Village Café Erin Olejniczak with Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, and Greater Sydney Commission Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull AO.

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enrith City Council has won two planning excellence awards for The Quarter and Cooling the City along with receiving a commendation for The Village Café at the Greater Sydney Commission Planning Awards held on Tuesday night.

The Greater Sydney Planning Awards, presented by Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts, and Greater Sydney Commission Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull AO, covered six categories recognising excellence in planning and placemaking.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the awards recognise Council’s commitment to planning and a sustainable future for Penrith.

“These awards capture Council’s vision and aspirations for Penrith,” Cr Thain said.

“The Penrith Health and Education

Precinct, The Quarter has been nurtured through collaboration across the nine key stakeholders to deliver significantly better patient outcomes through linking Education with Health for bench to bedside innovations.

“The organisations that make up The Quarter provide two thirds of all jobs in the Penrith area.”

“Recognition for Council’s Cooling the City strategy is the combined effort from across Council to think about the issues of urban heat and how we can make Penrith a more liveable place now and into the future,” Cr Thain said.

Results for Penrith include: PLANNING FOR JOBS AND SKILLS - Winner: The Quarter The Quarter is a fantastic example of cross-government collaboration underpinned by broad engagement and clear direction. The health

GSCAwards – Cooling the City: PCC Sustainability Coordinator Carmel Hamilton with Minister for Planning and Housing, Anthony Roberts, and Greater Sydney Commission Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull AO.

GSCAwards – Penrith: Representatives from Council’s award winning submissions.

and education precinct is home to knowledge-intensive jobs, with strong potential to be an economic engine for the Western City.

Penrith City Council has taken a commendable holistic approach, ensuring The Quarter is also an attractive community social hub. The judging panel applauds the positive steps taken to ensure there is a balance between residential opportunities and jobs within the local government area.

GREAT SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE - Winner: Cooling the City Penrith City Council’s Cooling the City strategy demonstrates strong local government leadership in the sustainability space and a practical approach to achieving positive outcomes for Penrith.

The judging panel commends the tangible efforts made and results

already achieved by Council. These include: 99,000 new plants, educating and engaging residents, employing sustainable building practices and strategic partnerships to create a more environmentally resilient region.

GREAT COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Commendation: The Village Café Penrith City Council’s Village Café project is a thoughtful way of caring for members of the community who may otherwise feel left behind in a rapidly changing city.

The ‘relationship first’ community engagement model respects the knowledge, strengths and lived experience of community members and has created an atmosphere of trust.

The Commission commends the project team’s efforts to build a strong sense of community and deal innovatively with social isolation.

› Nominate the next NSW Woman of the Year

O

utstanding women across the State will deservedly again be thrust into the limelight as the NSW Government calls for nominations for the NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Minister for Women Tanya Davies today officially opened nominations ahead of the 2019 Awards program, which will be celebrating its eighth year.

“These Awards are our chance to recognise exceptional women across the State, particularly those who have

excelled despite adversity or made contributions that improve the lives of others,” Mrs Davies said.

“Women from all walks of life make outstanding contributions to our communities while overcoming gender inequity to pursue their personal and professional goals.”

Earlier this year Professor Hala Zreiqat was named 2018 NSW Woman of the Year for her extraordinary contribution to regenerative medicine and research, as well as an unwavering commitment

to improving opportunities for women around the world.

“Whenever I have the opportunity to meet these incredible nominees and hear their stories I am absolutely inspired and in awe of their selfless achievements,” Mrs Davies said.

The 2019 NSW Women of the Year Award categories include: • NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year • NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year • Community Hero

• Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year • Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year • NSW Business Woman of the Year • First State Super Lifetime Achievement Nominations for 2019 close on Sunday, 11 November 2018. For more information or to nominate visit www. women.nsw.gov.au. The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on Thursday March 7, the day before International Women’s Day.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

HEN KeriAnne and Tim Hayes waved goodbye to their 14 year old daughter Stephanie as she went off to a friend’s place for a sleepover, they never could have guessed that every parent’s worst nightmare was about to unfold.

The happy year 9 student at Xavier College’s beautiful smile was to be enjoyed by her parents and 12 year sister Olivia for the very last time.

The devastating tragedy began on the morning of June 2 when Stephanie woke at her friend’s home, headed for the bathroom and then suddenly collapsed. Her friend and her friend’s parents commenced CPR before she was rushed to Nepean Hospital in an ambulance where she was admitted to ICU in a critical condition.

Sadly, she never regained consciousness.

A CT scan revealed there was a large tumour the size of a fist in Stephanie’s chest, located between her heart and lungs, which was pressing on these vital organs and was the reason she went into cardiac arrest.

Unfortunately, further tests showed that her brain had suffered significant damage and she remained unresponsive as her family kept a bedside vigil.

On the Monday night, after Stephanie’s immediate family and close loved ones said their final goodbyes, her life support was switched off.

Her devastated family left the hospital to return to their home in Cranebrook without their beautiful daughter as the news spread and broke the collective hearts of our entire region.

Shock, tears and devastation spread across social media as the terrible news was shared among those whose lives she had touched in her very short time.

As her parents and sister struggle to imagine life without their beautiful Stephanie, they are finding some comfort in the fact that Stephanie would not have felt any pain in the way her life sadly ended.

“Her passing was peaceful and completely without pain,” her father Tim said.

“Our daughter was such a beautiful girl, so well-loved and always happy.”

“She was so caring and compassionate, she would do absolutely anything for anyone.”

Stephanie’s mother Keri-Anne reflected on how she loved to have a chat.

“Oh she loved to talk, she wasn’t one of those teenagers who have little to say; she’d tell you everything and always with that big smile on her face,” she said.

Stephanie’s short life was very full, she was active in dancing, physical culture and her favourite was her Friday night youth group at St Thomas Anglican Church where she was a Group Leader mentoring students

who were mainly aged kindergarten to year 2.

Students from Xavier College formed a guard of honour at her farewell service and sporting teams have worn arm bands and held a minute’s silence prior to games to reflect on the sweet girl who brightened the day of everyone around her.

She will be very sadly missed, but never forgotten.

RIP Stephanie, your beautiful memory will be treasured by all of us.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Fly high sweet angel with the beautiful smile

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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local news

New President at Penrith Rotary Club

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enrith Rotary Club celebrated its 72nd annual changeover at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club on the 18th June 2018. It was well attended by about 90 members, partners and guests.

John Scott, who has been elected president of Penrith Rotary Club for the year 2018-2019, received the Chain of Office from District Governor Susan Wakefield OAM and she wished him and his Board

every success for the forthcoming Rotary year.

“I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of Penrith Rotary Club and excited for the what the next 12 months will bring to the club and the support it will deliver to the Community”, John said.

The Scott name is synonymous in Penrith, with the family’s history in the area dating back more than 150 years. The family business was started in 1936 by

Jim Scott, John and Dennis’ father, which later John and his brother continued with their father’s legacy.

John’s father was also a Rotarian at Penrith Rotary Club and in 1996 presented his son John Scott with his first Chain of Office as the newly elected President.

Special thanks to the sponsor Aaron Tyers of ATPrint, special guests, family and friends and fellow Rotarians.

› Council’s food safety ratings at your fingertips With more than 800 food businesses across Penrith, it can be hard to decide where to eat out or get takeaway, but Council has helped make the choice a little easier.

A free app now means you can see quickly and easily which restaurants, cafes and takeaway food sellers Council has rated highly for food safety and hygiene.

Download the free Scores on the Doors app from the App Store or Google Play, or visitscoresondoors. org to see which were awarded 3

stars (good), 4 stars (very good) or 5 stars (excellent) in their latest routine inspection by Council.

Council’s Environmental Health Officers regularly inspect all registered food businesses as part of our Food Safety Program. During an inspection, food businesses are assessed against a standardised food safety checklist and assigned a star rating reflecting their overall performance.

The Scores on Doors Program, part of the Food Regulation Partnership between the NSW Food Authority and

local government, was implemented across Penrith from 1 July 2016. It means businesses that perform well in their inspection can display a certificate for potential customers to see.

Penrith Mayor Councillor John Thain said Council plays an active role in protecting the health of our community, including by helping make sure local food businesses follow high standards so the food they sell is safe to eat and doesn’t make people sick.

“The Scores on Doors program rewards the vast majority of local food businesses that do the right thing and provides an extra incentive for them to continually follow best practice,” Cr Thain said.

“By providing our results through the Scores on the Doors app and website, alongside those of several other councils, we are making it even easier for people to have the information at their fingertips while they’re out and about across the City,” he said.

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ONDONDERRY MP Prue Car said an elected Foley Labor government would return thousands of dollars in tolls a year with the re-introduction of the Cashback on the M4, an announcement she says will “deliver a fairer deal for families struggling with the cost of living under the Liberals.”

Ms Car said Labor’s M4 Cashback for private vehicles will remove the burden for hundreds of thousands of western Sydney motorists who are now paying up to $4.74 per trip since the government re-introduced the toll on the widened section of the M4 last August.

She said western Sydney motorists commuting daily along the tolled stretch are paying more than $2,275 in tolls a year.

Labor’s “Lightening the Load M4 Cashback” will operate on the same rules as the M5 Cashback introduced by the NSW Labor government in 1997. Ms Car said it builds on Labor’s already announced Tolling Transparency policy which delivers a fairer deal to Sydney’s road users.

Mr Foley made the announcement to the Labor faithful at Sydney’s Town Hall, the very same venue and occasion that Bob Carr used 22 years ago to announce his plans for a Cashback on the M4 and M5.

The toll on the M4 was taken off in 2010 by the previous Labor government because the road had been paid for.

“In August 2017 the Berejiklian Liberal government brought back the toll and hiked it up to $4.74 - almost double the amount motorists were paying eight years ago,” Mr Foley said.

“Under Labor that will end - western Sydney has already paid for a road that under the Liberals has become a cash cow for other road projects such as Premier Berejiklian’s Northern

Beaches mega tunnel.

“The Liberals sold a lie to the people of NSW when they promised that electricity privatisation would pay for essential infrastructure yet they are doubling the number of toll roads and the cost of living continues to soar.

“We are on the side of the people not the toll road operators, the bankers and the deal makers that thanks to the Liberals are set to make fat profits from those who work the hardest and complain the least.

“Cashback has a proven track

record with the public and it is a Labor solution to a Liberal problem,” he said.

Labor Candidates for Penrith and Mulgoa, Karen McKeown and Todd Carney said they were pleased with the announcement.

“Motorists in Western Sydney are being slugged unfairly by the M4 toll.

Labor will deliver a fairer deal for motorists,” Ms McKewn said.

“Labor understands that families in Western Sydney are struggling with cost of living – this is why we will deliver the M4 cashback,” Mr Carney added.

Government: Free rego for Mulgoa motorists

M

EANWHILE, the NSW Government said toll road users across western Sydney will benefit from free vehicle registration under their Toll Relief program which commenced on 1 July.

Tanya Davies MP, Member for Mulgoa welcomed the announcement from Premier Gladys Berejiklian which she says will save eligible motorists between $423 and $729 a year on registration costs.

Tanya Davies said toll road users will be eligible for free vehicle registration if they spend more than $25 a week on average, or $1300 over a 12 month period.

“The cost of living is a pressure

faced by many families and individuals in western Sydney and that is why this Government is committed to relieving financial pressures wherever possible,” Tanya Davies said.

“The latest Census showed that 78.7% of people in the Mulgoa electorate commute to work by car each day. That is 14% higher than the rest of NSW.” “There is no doubt that many people in Mulgoa will save money through Toll Relief, with Glenmore Park and St Clair residents in the top 10 suburbs most likely to benefit.”

“Toll Relief delivers a fair go for the many drivers across Mulgoa who are regular users of toll roads and is another example of the NSW Government putting money back in your pocket.”

The scheme will apply to private drivers who use existing toll roads and will apply to any new toll roads in the future. The scheme is backdated, so eligible motorists will enjoy free vehicle registration if they spent more than $25 a week from 1 July 2017 up to 30 June 2018.

Ms Davies said the program is one of many NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressures for households including through the Fuel Check app, cheaper hospital car parking, Active Kids vouchers and CTP refunds.

For more information visit:www. service.nsw.gov.au.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

LABOR: M4 cash-back to make a come-back

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Legends of the Nepean Natalie Ballard

By Noel Rowsell

I

t’s undoubtedly unusual when a person is nominated as a ‘Legend’ when they are still in their 30’s but local MP and member for Lindsay Emma Husar had little hesitation nominating local Lawyer Natalie Ballard for this honour.

“Natalie Ballard is a local lawyer, a mother of two young children and an advocate for our community” said Husar.

“She (Natalie) currently serves on the Boards of the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation, the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Western Sydney Business Centre, the Luke Priddis Foundation and the Penrith Giants AFL”.

“Natalie leads by example and is well known amongst the local business community and non-government organisations for her advocacy on behalf of those who are vulnerable.”

A local girl born and bred, Natalie’s education was entirely in western Sydney, including obtaining her Law Degree at Western Sydney University (now UWS).

Her first job as a Lawyer was at Morris Blackburn, where she cut her teeth on the infamous Dow Corning case.

Natalie subsequently moved to Gaedens (now Dentons), followed

by Adams & Partners, before setting up her own Law firm with business partner Cynthia Attard, called Novus Law Group.

Any fan of John Grisham novels will have a concept of ever-busy lawyers, working long hours and billing accordingly.

The partners at Novus Law Group are definitely not cut from that cloth, with Natalie heavily involved in her extensive community work with the various charities and organisations mentioned above.

Natalie describes her new firm

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Natalie Ballard was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Emma Husar MP. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Business partners Cynthia Attard and Natalie Ballard discuss the week’s agenda during a breakfast meeting at Thor’s Cafe in Penrith.

as ‘All-female, family-friendly and flexible (in terms of hours of the day she and Cynthia are available for busy clients).

“Due to busy schedules of many clients, it’s not uncommon for Cynthia and I to conduct meetings as late as 9pm” said Natalie “I first became interested in being a lawyer when I was about 5 and my parents purchased their first home” said Natalie.

“I remember sitting in the (Solicitors) meeting room and one of the walls had a floor to ceiling bookcase filled with books”.

“I also remember asking my mother what they (the Solicitors) did for work and her response was that they read books for a living and from that day on that is what I always wanted to be a lawyer and read books like these men

in the suits did in that office”.

“In Year 11 at Cranebrook High, I had a teacher called Mrs Unger who at the end of the year asked me what I wanted to be and when I told her “be a lawyer” her response was that I would never make it, as I was a girl from Western Sydney and people like “us” just didn’t become lawyers”.

“I was determined to prove her wrong and here I am!” said Natalie.

“As for personal time”” says Natalie, spending time with my beautiful boys is what relaxes me”.

“I also love dressing up and going out with my partner (Andrew Compton) for a nice meal, either alone or to one of the many charity functions”.

The Giants are the newest of the positions on Natalie’s growing community resume, with elder son

Jordan joining the AFL’s Auskick program in 2017 and Natalie subsequently being invited onto the Giants’ Board of Directors.

The Penrith Giants are being supported strongly at the senior level by the Western Sydney Giants AFL club, which organises senior players to regularly attend the juniors’ training sessions in Penrith.

The Queen of Hearts Community Foundation is a registered charity that is a community based support and resource centre for men, women and children, who live, work in Penrith Local Government Area and it’s immediate surrounds. For more information, go to www. queenofhearts.org.au/about-us/h The Luke Priddis Foundation aims to improve the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

For more information, go to www. lukepriddisfoundation.com/aboutus/ The Western Sydney Business Centre, with thanks to the NSW Government’s Business Connect Program and the Australian Government’s Small Business Advisory Services Programme, provides business advice for new and existing businesses across the entire Western Sydney Region. wsbusiness.com.au/ “The vision of Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce is to be the preferred choice, non profit organisation in attracting and sustaining membership throughout the entire business community”.

The Chamber’s motto on their home page states an aim “To promote & support free enterprise, trade and commerce for the benefit of all”. w w w. p e n r i t h c h a m b e r. o r g . au/#!map The Penrith AFL Giants was formed in 1981 and fields junior teams through to Under 19’s. www.penrithjafc.com.au/

15

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HE group of locals who n e t w o r k each month at Akira Teppenyaki, Penrith, have used their latest luncheon to raise funds for locally-based charity The Haven. The networking group consists of small business owners based in Penrith and surrounding suburbs and they managed to raise almost $10,000 for the The Haven’s worthy cause

of supporting victims of domestic violence.

The Haven is a community funded shelter, supporting women and children with crisis accommodation and complementary services.

Their mission is to provide a safe inclusive environment to empower and inspire women to rebuild their lives with dignity. They do this through: • Offering a safe haven for women and their children escaping domestic violence

• Providing knowledge and support with a strengths based focus • Working in partnership with women to build the confidence to regain control of their lives • Providing services which inspire the strength to rebuild an independent life free from violence.

• Establishing a sense of community, connection and safety to enhance well being To find out more information about the Haven go to www.thehaven.org. au

Enhancing services for people living with disability

T

hanks to Magnetic Places Funding provided by Penrith City Council, the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) has further enhanced the organisation’s main disability services hub for the Penrith Valley region, with a community inspired sensory garden mural and garden pieces.

The Magnetic Places scheme has provided $10,000 to fund a three month Cherrywood Hub beautification project which involved a series of 10 workshops to transform a once plain, open space, into a vibrant, sensory, engaging and educational hub for the many people with disability who attend the site.

Located in picturesque bushland setting of Llandilo in the Penrith

Valley, Cherrywood Hub now boasts a new mural to complement the multiple sensory gardens on site, which has been completed by many Afford clients who visit the Hub for regular art programs. In addition, local work experience and high school students and volunteers have worked alongside Afford clients to complete the project.

Throughout the project, clients have visited Cherrywood Hub from across Sydney to make tiles for the mural.

Participants would make the tiles and put them into the kiln for hardening and setting.

They would then return and release their creativity and imagination as they painted the clay tiles. The final stage of the project involved participants installing their completed

tiles on the wall at Cherrywood Hub for showcase.

Steven Herald, Afford CEO, says that Afford staff are regularly looking for ways for clients to express themselves creatively and use their imagination to tell a story about how they are feeling or about their life experiences.

“We have established Cherrywood Hub as the ‘go-to’ place for disability services in Sydney and we are so pleased that our clients are able to contribute towards the decorative and visual appeal of the Hub,” he said.

“We are thankful to Penrith City Council for their Magnetic Spaces funding. This funding has enabled Afford to engage our clients in this beautification project which has not

only enhanced their skills, but has created an amazing display of colour and imaginative artwork that reflects the interests and remarkable abilities of our clients.”

Afford is a leading not-for-profit disability organisation that supports people living with disability across Sydney.

It is one of Australia’s longest serving not-for-profit disability organisations and continuously goes beyond traditional service offerings to deliver new life experiences, work opportunities and lifelong friendships.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in NSW for 65 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people across Sydney every day.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Locals dig deep to support The Haven Penrith

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local news

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith encourages residents of Penrith to celebrate the grandparents and older people in their lives ahead of Grandparents Day this October, by nominating them for an award or getting involved in local events in the community.

Stuart Ayres said nominations are now open for the 2018 NSW Grandparent of the Year Local and State Awards, which celebrate the valuable contributions grandparents and seniors make to their families and communities.

“There are some truly inspiring grandparents and older people such as Di & Barry Murphy who make our local community a supportive, inclusive place to live,” said Stuart Ayres.

“This is our opportunity to showcase the selfless seniors of Penrith and show our appreciation for their hard work volunteering their time, sharing their knowledge and wisdom, as well as supporting their families. I encourage our local community to submit a nomination to my office for the Penrith Grandparent of the Year.”

Meanwhile, amateur and professional photographers alike are urged to spend some time with their grandparents and snap a photo of them in their everyday life for the Grandparents Day Photography Competition.

Stuart Ayres said the competition aims to foster intergenerational relationships in NSW, as grandchildren learn from their grandparents’ experiences and advice while sharing their own lives.

“Grandparents and older people have lived exciting lives and still have so much more to give.

I encourage budding photographers in Penrith to grab their phone or camera and pay a visit to their grandparents to make memories that will last a lifetime,” Stuart Ayres said.

Winter Glam High Tea

K

ingswood based not-for-profit, NordoffRobbins Music Therapy, are holding their popular Café Series “High Tea” event at Mulgoa Valley Receptions, 1440 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa on 29 July 2018 from 1pm – 3:30pm.

It is an opportunity to get together with friends and family, to dress up and support a great local cause. Building on the established tradition of fine food and great entertainment with our High Tea fundraisers, this event will not disappoint.

Event Manager, Brenda Simmonds explains “Funds raised will be going to our Sandra Cogswell scholarship in honour and memory of her generosity and amazing work that she did for our organisation.”

“The money from this scholarship is applied to people who would otherwise be unable to afford to access our life changing music therapy programs.”

Brenda further explains, “as a not-for-profit organisation that receives heavily on the generosity of the community to fund many of our music therapy programs which assist some of the most disadvantaged in our community. We would really appreciate everyone’s support in getting behind this event”.

Tickets: $60 with champagne on arrival Dress code: As glam as you please.

Bookings are essential and can be made via www.

NoroHighTea.eventbrite.com Enquiries and phone bookings can be directed to Brenda in our Kingswood Clinic on 4736 0240 or bsimmonds@noro.org.au.

Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies said Grandparents Day is an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable role grandparents and seniors play in improving communities across the State.

“Grandparents dedicate their time and energy to making our communities better and they deserve to be recognised for their tireless efforts,” Mrs Davies said.

“Along with the Awards and photography competition, the NSW Government is funding

local events across the state to say thank you to grandparents everywhere.”

NSW Grandparents Day will take place on Sunday 28 October 2018. Nominations for the 2018 Penrith Grandparent of the Year Award are open until 17 August 2018.

To submit a nomination for the statewide NSW Grandparent of the Year Award, enter the Photography Competition or for more information visit www.grandparentsday.nsw.gov.au.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Acknowledge Penrith’s inspirational grandparents

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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local news

Have you been to The Bandy lately?

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

T MARYS Band Club, affectionately known as The Bandy, has carried a lot of labels and stigmas over the years. Although perhaps they’ve been a little unfair, unwarranted and certainly unPC, the reality is they’ve managed to stick, and they relate mainly to the demographic that most frequently patronised the club.

Recently the club underwent an absolutely massive renovation, and with the very capable and progressive-thinking Marlene Shipley at the helm as CEO, the club’s eating facilities, family-friendly environment and entertainment has undergone a complete overhaul as well, changing it’s focus entirely.

With this in mind, I took the hubby, son, daughter-in-law and two grand-kids for a meal on the weekend to check out the new club.

Wow, what a surprise we got!

The club has had a complete face-lift and the difference is incredible. The pleasure at the transformation begins when you first enter the ample undercover parking area; gone are the days where you’d drive around and around before giving up and parking across in Aldi or risking a ticket on Queen Street. There’s now plenty of parking, yay!

The extensive makeover the club has had hits you the minute you walk through the door.

It’s bright, its airy, full of wide open spaces and has a fresh and exciting vibe.

We did a quick tour around the club before sitting down and the facilities are exceptional. The foyers, the dining areas, kids playgrounds, gambling areas, the sports areas, seating areas and even the bathrooms are impressive.

You really have to see it to believe it.

We took a table in the restaurant right near the kid’s play area. Very comfortable seating, and not noisy like some venues where you have to shout in order to be heard during simple dinner conversation.

A trip to the bar put a smile on Gregory’s face when he compared the price of beer to

local news

other establishments in the area. Soft drinks are also very reasonably priced, which is different to some venues in the area where you’d be forgiven for wondering if you’d accidentally ordered a nip of something in the outrageously priced glass of coke. The Bandy’s bar prices are very decent.

Time to order food and we were pleasantly surprised to see many pages of choices. There were many items on the specials list at just $13.90, and even the choices throughout the main menu were not expensive.

Greg opted for lamb cutlets, and is still raving about them days later; he loved the home-cooked feel to them. Daughtern-law Brooke was very happy with her chicken snitty. My son Kurtis has a “feed the man meat” kind of mantra so the mixed grill was the pick for him. There was everything imaginable on that plate, and the price was very pleasing. The tin lids chose fish and chips and enjoyed being out for a dinner where relaxed rules applied, eating two chips and running into the play area, back for a bite of fish and off again and so on. I picked something on the menu but when I went up to order I spotted the special’s board advertising Lobster Mornay for just $39 - so my mind was immediately changed. And let me tell you it was divine! Creamy, cheesy and fresh - it was delish!

Our experience at The Bandy was amazing, the club is fabulous, the food scrumptious and the prices fantastic!

The good news about the The Bandy is that its not just about the great food - their upcoming events are going to be amazing!

Diesel will be playing live on July 28, Carole King’s Tapestry Tribute Show on Sept 22 and Menopause The Musical on Nov 17, just to name a few!

There’s loads of fun to be had for the kids with free monthly discos, and they get to eat free on Sundays.

The Bandy also provides a great meeting place for new Mums in a warm, family-friendly environment. The New Mums Meet Up is on every Tuesday, with supervised play for the kids!

You’ve got to get down there and check it out, you won’t be disappointed!!

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

You’re in for a big, big surprise

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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local news

H

The G Spot

AVE you ever wondered why doctors’ surgeries have magazines dating back to 1975 in their waiting rooms? I know that it doesn’t really have anything to do with security, but they are either stuck in a time warp or that was when the last patient went in and you’re next. I dunno, just some trivial crap I was pondering over whilst contemplating my navel.

Today kids, we are going to dabble in the subject of (drum roll) SAFETY! And the crowd goes wild (roar). Now, before you all go into a self-induced coma because safety is about as interesting as watching your wife knit a scarf with sewing needles and scrubbing tile cracks with a broken tooth brush, it is something that people are not really proactive in. (Stern voice with finger point, maybe a tut, tut, tut thrown in).

Speaking of safety, I must say I was really impressed a couple of weeks ago whilst travelling to Queensland. On the side of the road (both sides) was a kangaroo safety fence. Yep, in the middle of nowhere, there it was, in all its gracious glory to assist our little skippies from jumping out onto the road. My heart was overwhelmed and full of love for who ever thought of this ingenious idea, and then the fence stopped. What the hell!!!

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

So let me get this straight, approx. 5-10 km of fencing and then nothing? I immediately thought: “Gosh the kangaroos are smart out here and know not to go over that border where no fence is and know to stay behind the fence that is there….sigh….. next subject!

Anyway, getting back to it, let’s talk about child safety. Oh, before we start I don’t actually have any kids myself so this is purely from a safety program that I poached off the internet, however (before all of the copyright people get there knickers in a knot) I have read it and placed it into my own words, as only the G Spot can!

Okay, page 1 (cough, cough, clear throat) Burns and scalds: It says don’t let kids near hot water (like friggin’ derr!), heaters and irons, BBQ’s , cooking appliances whilst hot (what sort of moron wrote this?), cigarettes, fires, candles, matches and lighters and let’s not forget the sun. (This writer was institutionalised for his/her whole life).

Next, Poisoning: Medications, household cleaning products (yeah, I will give them that one, I clean the shower with that bleach crap and I need an ambulance and an oxygen mask), pool chemicals, pesticides (have you ever noticed Areoguard doesn’t work? I got the bird from a mosquito last summer).

Okay next! Choking: Small items like beads, toys, foam, coins, food items, lollies and a pair of parents hands around one’s throat.

Not long to go folks - we are nearly there, stay with me now, get up take a walk outside and come back to me.

Next subject: Entrapment? Is that like when you tell your husband the dress was on sale and he reads the price tag? Is that Entrapment?

Okay, I will stick to it: Between cot railings, vertical railings, curtain and blind cords and playground equipment. (Yeah gotta agree with the blind cords one, almost choked myself running out the back with a six pack, gotta be careful with those - might drop the beer .

Last but not least: Breaks and Sprains: It says - falls , trips, collision? (flipping the page).

That’s it! Falls, trips, collision. Did I miss something? Because I don’t know about you but you don’t really have to be Einstein to work that one out.

Okay wake up now, it’s the end. So there you have it folks, always take your own mag to the doctors, realise that kangaroos are really intelligent and wrap your house and kids in 15kgs of bubble wrap.

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Cat Adoption Program

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oreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic has a long history of finding new homes for abandoned kittens. In fact, over the years we are proud to have rehomed over 700 orphaned cats and kittens with the help of our dedicated cat lovers and pet owners in our local area. Our kitten adoption program assists the community by housing, caring for and rehoming orphaned kittens.

All of our kittens that are looking for new homes come fully vaccinated with the highest cover available (F5 + FIV vaccines), microchipping, flea treatment, worming as well as being desexed. We usually have up to 10 cats available at any one time that we care for until we are able to find them forever homes. Our wonderful nurses have hand raised many kittens, taking them home at night and on weekends to give them round the clock care.

Before deciding to adopt a kitten, make sure that a cat will suit your lifestyle. Cat’s are wonderful pets that are very intelligent and playful. They are generally less active than dogs and enjoy sleeping for a large portion of the day. They do not usually need or even tolerate walks and are well suited to a family

with a less active lifestyle.

Cats can be happily kept indoors when provided with litter trays. This is generally advisable especially if you live near busy roads. Keeping cats

indoors avoids injuries such as dog attacks, motor vehicle accidents and also avoids cats hunting our precious wildlife. If you are interested in getting a new beautiful kitten, please contact us on 4731 3055.

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

Phone 47 313 055

local news

A

t Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair, enter a medieval realm which brings the settings of Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings to life!

Escape the everyday and explore a world of history and fantasy at this popular familyfriendly fair. From knights, vikings and peasants to unicorns and orcs, the two-day event features an extensive program to delight the whole family.

Winterfest is one of the longest-running annual medieval fairs in the Sydney metro region, held on the first weekend of the winter school holidays, 7th and 8th of July, at the Hawkesbury Showground, between Richmond & Windsor.

Immerse yourself in the action with a wonderful line-up of entertainment, including: The exciting Winterfest Jousting Tournament: see the face-off between champions in the sport of kings!

Full Contact Fighting: The best from Australia and New Zealand compete in the Historical Medieval Battles (HMB) tournament for selection to represent their country in the Battle of the Nations World Championships!

Graceful and powerful raptors fly free in the Full Flight Birds of Prey display. Learn about birds of prey in Australia and the history of falconry.

Melee Battles with knights in armour from a range of historical periods. Watch the groups battle for

supremacy in the ‘Combat and Arms’ display, which concludes with the ‘Grand Melee’!

The Mounted Skill-at-Arms, demonstrating the skills required for knights in training and for battle.

The Re-enactors’s Row, where you can try helmets, armour, shields and weapons. Friendly re-enactors from the dark ages through to the 17th century enjoy sharing their knowledge about the people and period they are re-enacting.

Have a go at hands-on activities including a traditional archery range, Celtic drumming workshops, and the chance to learn to use a rapier.

Children can practice their skills with (safe) swords and get creative with medieval themed drawing, colouring and crafts. The popular Winterfest unicorns

are back, and they love pats from you and the kids.

Visit the ‘Artisan Alley’ with lots of educational and interactive displays of traditional skills, and take a stroll through the ‘Merchant’s Row’ to browse the vibrant range of stalls including quality artisan and handcrafted wares.

Roaming entertainers add to the festival atmosphere, including musicians and minstrels, and ‘Feldergast the Fool’ the wandering jester.

There is face-painting for the children and a great selection of quality food vendors to choose from.

Immerse yourself in the festival environment by wearing something a bit different from the usual. The Winterfest Costume and Cosplay competition returns in 2018. Join the competition parade for judging, or if that’s not your thing, you may be surprised with an on-the-spot prize. Come along in a medieval-inspired outfit or fantasy-style clothing; all medieval periods, cultures, and styles are welcome.

With so much to do, explore and discover, Winterfest is perfect school holiday family entertainment.

Tickets are now on sale through ticketebo.com. au/winterfest. Pre-purchase your tickets now to take advantage of exclusive online discounts.

For more information about Winterfest, please visit winterfest.com.au and ‘like’ us at facebook.com/ WinterfestSydney.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Escape the everyday and explore a world of fantasy

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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Plenty of local FUN during these MILO THE Milo the mini tug MINI-TUG Winter Fun!

Come along and have a cozy ride on Milo the Mini Tug and enjoy the beautiful river with your loved ones this winter. All age groups enjoy the old world charm of this unique little boat.

Kids especially like having a drive on the way back to the Wharf at Windsor.

Milo can take 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children at a time... We usually do half hour cruises for $40 per adult and $20 for children but you can also book Milo to cater for a picnic on the river too!

Refreshments available on board!

Take the family for a ride on the beautiful river. Kids will love the charm of this little tug and they even might get to have a little drive, imagine their delight!

Rides are for just the right amount of time out on the water, not too short and not too long, and even though it is winter the days in the sun have been quite pleasant!

Australian history Another great idea is to whisk the family back in time and spend a day at the Australian Pioneer Village, where they’ll enjoy an amazing day seeing old buildings, old fashions and of course horse and carriages!

Saturday & Sundays 10am-3pm. Other days by appointment only.

Call and book 0415 206 502 or 4579 1214 bookings@tizzanaminitugs.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN PIONEER VILLAGE July school holidays we are open on the 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th July School Holiday Theme - Nature Come along and join in our many Nature activities, crafts and games – see our Volcano erupt throughout the day.

22nd July – Teddy Bears Picnic This is a very popular Event – join our stations with all our Teddy Bear themed crafts, activities or food.

Bring your Teddy Bear for a day of fun.

We are open 10-4. Entry costs $5 per adult, $3 per child and $15 per 2 adults and 2 children

school holidays Andy and Terry’s treehouse just keeps growing! Join CDP Kids, the team behind The 13-, 26- and 52-Storey Treehouses Live on Stage return with the newest, biggest, brightest blockbuster in the series, The 78-Storey Treehouse.

Featuring at the Joan Sutherland on 17 and 18 of July.

Something sweet to take home

High St, Penrith Like our (Opposite Cincotta’s Chemist) Facebook page for new lines & regular updates 0428 080 100 CHOCOLATE, CONFECTIONERY, CANDY & GROCERIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

Your School Holiday Destination

Most kids have a sweet tooth and if you’re looking to make their day by way of a special treat, it’s hard to go past tantalising their tastebuds, and yours while you’re at it! Sweet Surprises Candy Shop in Penrith literally has something for every one! Imported candy, chocolates, groceries, extremely hot sauces, novelties and much more!

And something to entertain..

Now that you’ve got the treats to take home, how about something to entertain the kids for some fun time at home? Mega Games in Penrith is bursting with new cards, puzzles and board games. They have something for everyone, so get down there and check out the wide range.

478 High Street, Penrith | Phone 4722 9975

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EXTRA 5% off full price product Discounts and free gift not applicable to Collectable Card Games and accessories. Valid til 20/7/18.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

The 78-Storey Treehouse

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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ENTERTAINMENT

Curry at the Himalaya Penrith: a sure-fire winner

By KeRRIE DAVIES

N

OW that the cold weather has set in many of us are thinking with dread about the next three months and how to stay warm.

We find warmth in heating, extra clothing, and of course, in comfort food!

In my opinion, there’s no greater comfort food than a nice hot curry!

My friend Karen and I love our Indian food and have been meeting on regular dates to eat it for years, so we consider ourselves pretty good

connoisseurs of what is good and what is... well, not.

Karen comes from an Indian background, but don’t let that fool you into thinking she will dive into the extra hot stuff - oh no, when it comes to tucking in to extra hot spice she’s pretty soft. I am the one who loves the spice. In fact I like it so hot that I enjoy breaking out in a sweat while eating it!

Karen and I always have a giggle at the fact that I’ll order “extra extra hot madras” and she’ll order “mild butter chicken” but most waiters will bring the dishes out and plant the extra hot one in front of the darker girl.

So on a cold night last week we

decided to head to Himalaya Penrith, located on High Street for an Indian feast.

And what a feast it was!

The chef and owner, Jamal serves up the most mouth-watering curries the perfect remedy for making a cold winter’s night bearable.

We started with a mixed entree plate, which consisted of crispy samosa, tandori chicken pieces, succulent fish pieces and the most divine lamb cutlets I have ever tasted.

For mains we had Karen’s mild butter chicken, my extra extra hot chicken madras and some biryani - which for those who have never heard of it, is a

scrumptious mildly spicy rice dish with meat added. The flavour of biryani is amazing and once you’ve had it you may never order plain rice again!

And just when we thought our taste buds had sampled the finest foods on the planet, Jamal served us the traditional Indian desert of mango kulfi which just melted in our mouths and made for the perfect taste to follow his beautiful rich curries.

If you love a curry - hot or mild - I can thoroughly recommend that one of the best you’ll find is at the Himalaya - but you won’t need to travel to the other side of world to get it, just head to High Street!

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

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SATURday 28 JULY from 5.30pm

Pop Up Gaeltacht

An informal get-together. All welcome to learn or just listen to the Irish language being spoken.

SUNday 8 JULY from 1pm - approx 5pm

STATE OF ORIGIN WEDNESDAY 11

JULY

Local Beers at Happy Hour Prices during game Best seats in the house Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5 available at Club.

Drawn day before each Origin.

Win

STATE OF ORIGIN JERSEY Free ticket when drink purchased during origin series and drawn at completion of game 3. Only 1 Jumper to be won.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY 2 Course Christmas Dinner with a Glass of Bubbly ENTERTAINMENT FROM 6PM WITH FIONA FIELDS Tickets $50 Available at Reception.

Book early, tickets are limited.

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10 MONDAY Barramundi Night $15 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Coffee & Cake $8.50 THURSDAY Kids Eat FREE (conditions apply) SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members

FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 6 JULY 8PM US TOO

SATURDAY 7 JULY 7PM SOUL JAMZ

FRIDAY 13 JULY 8PM BACKLASH

SATURDAY 14 JULY 7PM Martys Place

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

WORD SEARCH

Winter Wonderland BLIZZARD

SNOWFALL

SKIING

ICICLE

FROZEN

WINTER

SNOWBALL

SKATING

HOT CHOCOLATE

FROSTY

SNOWFLAKE

SLEDDING

NIPPY

GLISTEN

WONDERLAND

SUDOKU: EASY

ENTERTAINMENT

28

SOLUTION: 24 May

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8. Fraught with extreme

danger (4) 9. In a harmful manner (10) 10. Speech-giver (6) 11. Discharge (8) 12. Leg joint (4) 13. Dries up (10) 17. Sicknesses (4) 18. Not sharp (5) 19. Within (4) 20. People who perform

risky stunts (10) 22. Accomplished (4) 23. In a peaceful manner (8) 27. Frozen north (6) 28. Neurotic (10) 29. Three squared (4)

solution 21/6/18

DOWN 1. A fragrant oil used in perfumes

and insect repellent (10) 2. Found on birds (8) 3. Astonishing (10) 4. Look amorously (4) 5. Pocketbook (4) 6. Sacred text of Zoroastrianism (6) 7. A range of male singing (4) 14. Nymph (5) 15. Repugnant (10) 16. Not contractions (10) 19. Immodest (8) 21. A good look (6) 24. Baking appliance (4) 25. Pelvic bones (4) 26. Anglo-Saxon slave (4)

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

29

NEPEAN HISTORY

The Corlette Dynasty

O

ne of the very first Ministers at St Mary Magdalene Church in St Marys was Arthur Christian Corlette who was born in Sydney in 1851. In fact, his mother Frances Rebecca Corlette (Nee: Turnbull) who was born in Chard in England in 1812 died in December 1891 at the age of 79 and is buried in the churchyard. She was the daughter of Isaac & Elizabeth Ann Turnbull (Nee: Stacey). In September 1834 she married James Corlette from Port Stevens. Arthur’s father James died in Newcastle in 1876 at the age of 72 years. In August 1883 an article in the Government Gazette states that Arthur “had been registered for the celebration of marriages” in November 1887 and was granted the Minister of the “Church of St Mary Magdalene at South Creek with the parish annexed in the County of Cumberland” by Alfred Barry the Bishop of Sydney, Metropolitan and Primate. Arthur married Minnie Gow Price in June 1895. She was the daughter of John & Charlotte Price (Nee Crisford) born in September 1870. After eleven years at St Marys Arthur was given charge of the parish of St Johns’ in Ashfield in April 1898 and that discharged him from our St Mary Magdalene Church. His place was temporarily filled

by Rev. Francis Witherby. After a very short time, Arthur moved again in September 1898 to the parish of St Pauls’ in Kogarah that included St Johns’ Church at Rockdale. At St Mary Magdalene, Rev. Witherby was followed by Rev. Dixon Hudson who at that time was the Curate of St Phillips’ church in Sydney. Arthur died in January 1941 at the age of 86 after preaching for 17 years at the All Saints Church in Sutton Forrest and is buried in the Christ Church Anglican Cemetery at Moss Vale Road in Bong Bong. Minnie his wife died in June 1920 and is buried in All Saints Anglican Church cemetery at Sutton Forest. His nephew James Montague Christian Corlette was the fifth son of his brother, Rev. James Christian Corlette and his wife Frances Edith Manning. She was the daughter of Sir William Manning and they were married in Paddington in 1867. He was born in Ashfield in August 1880 and his occupation was that of an engineer/soldier. He was educated at Sydney Grammar School and the University of Sydney where he graduated BE with honours in civil engineering in 1902 and mining and metallurgy in 1903. For eighteen months he demonstrated in the university engineering school, then lectured at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines, Western Australia. In 1908 he returned to NSW and joined the engineering staff of the Hunter District Water Supply and Sewerage Board. He rowed in the Grammar crew and played Rugby football for his school and, in 1900-05 he represented his university at rifle shooting. He captained the W.A. Rugby XV against a NSW’s side in 1907 the next year playing for Northern Districts of NSW against an Anglo-Welsh team. He had been Sergeant Major in the Sydney University Scouts Rifle Corps and in May 1906 was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Goldfields’ Infantry

Regiment of W.A. In 1908 he transferred to the 4th Australian Infantry Regiment at Newcastle in NSW. A Captain from January 1910, he spent six months training in India in 1911-12. In 1913 he transferred to the Australian Engineers and was promoted to Major. In 1914 he was appointed to the A.I.F. but before sailing for Egypt he married Ruby Saunders the daughter of the Editor of the Newcastle Morning Herald in September at St James Church, Sydney. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and was promoted Major in July commanding the 1st Field Company. He had a distinguished career in the Army until his demobilization in August 1919. He was five times mentioned in dispatches, awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1917 and the Croix de Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur in 1919. He was awarded the Volunteer Officers’ Decoration in 1923. He returned to the Hunter District Water Supply and Sewerage Board and was chief engineer in 1925-45. He was a foundation member of the Northern Engineering Institute of NSW where he contributed technical articles on military bridge-building and surveying to its journal. As a Lieutenant-Colonel he was part of the 2nd Division, Australian Military Forces in 1921.

Promoted Colonel in May 1926 he commanded the 1st Infantry Brigade until 1932 and as a Brigadier administered the command of 1st Division at Victoria Barracks in Sydney in 1932-33. During World War II he served with the Volunteer Defence Corps and was on full-time duty in 1941-43 as Group Commander of the Newcastle area. He took a keen interest in returned soldiers and in 1927-56 was President of the United Service Club in Newcastle. ‘Monty’, as he was known was an alert, humane man whose grit, loyalty, co-operative spirit and quiet commanding presence were an inspiration to all who met him. In 1945 he was awarded the Institution of Engineers’ Warren Memorial Prize for engineering and in 1946 the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal for a notable contribution to the Science and Practice of Engineering. In 1960 he was elected a fellow of the institution and in 1966 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Engineering by the University of Newcastle.

He was also a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London.

Bernard Christian Collette another nephew of Arthur served in the Light Horse Brigade (4th Ammunition Reserve) during World War 1. Before enlistment in April 1915 he was teaching at a school in Sutton Forrest.

He returned to Australia in April 1919. James Christian Corlette died in Sydney in December 1969 and was cremated after a service in Christ Church Anglican Cathedral at Newcastle. The Corlette Fountain Court in the engineering school of the University of Newcastle was given in his memory in 1973.

Sources: Sydney Morning Herald, Rev. Corlette’s Ministerial License, NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages Index, A.I.F. Project website – Photo of Rev. Arthur Christian Corlette. - Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

30

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Dwelling prices expected to fall further, but a hard landing looks unlikely With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

T

he below article is courtesy from Commonwealth Banks’ publication of 22/5/18.

• Dwelling prices expected to fall further, but a hard landing looks unlikely • Australian residential property prices have fallen over the past six months.

• Additional declines appear likely over the next 1½ years due to a further tightening in lending standards, a continued lift in supply, potentially higher mortgage rates and more rational price expectations from would-be buyers.

• A hard landing, however, looks unlikely and is CBA’s central scenario.

Dwelling prices go through both long-run super cycles as well as shorter-term cyclical trends. The recent evidence suggests that Australia’s latest residential property short-run cycle has come to an end. After a little over five years of incredibly strong property price growth, driven by Sydney and Melbourne, dwelling prices have been deflating.

It is CBA’s view that prices will to continue to deflate over the next 1½ years. Credit standards are likely to be further tightened, supply will continue to lift, mortgage rates are more likely to go up than down and buyer expectations have adjusted

downwards from exuberance to more rational levels. We do not expect a hard landing, however.

Population growth, driven by net immigration, is expected to remain strong. And rental growth is still positive, which ensures yields look reasonable in a low interest rate world.

CBA also expect the unemployment rate to gradually drift lower, which means that the risk of default is low. Given that household debt sits at a record high relative to income and the RBA cash rate is at a record low, there is also a valid question as to whether we are also at the end of the property super-cycle. That is, the capacity for dwelling prices to inflate beyond growth in incomes, as has previously been the case, is far more limited in the absence of even lower interest rates.

As interest rates cannot go much lower, at least not in a material sense, we are unlikely to see the sort of growth in dwelling prices over the next 30 years that we did in the previous 30.

Australian property prices are have the longestrunning housing boom having risen 6,556 percent over the past 55 years. Rather, we focus on what we think is likely to happen over the short-run.

While predicting property prices can look foolish retrospectively, CBA’s quantitative assessment of the market overlaid with our qualitative views leads us to conclude that further falls in dwelling prices nationally of around 5 percent look probable, driven

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

by Sydney and Melbourne. Latest dwelling prices in the eight capital cities combined fell by 0.3 percent in April. This was the sixth consecutive monthly fall. Dwelling prices are now down 0.3 percent over the year - the first time they have declined in annual terms since 2012. Units have generally been performing better than detached houses. Over the year, unit prices were up by 1.9 percent while detached houses were down 1.0 percent. Units are generally cheaper than houses and the bottom end of the market is holding up better than the top.

That’s in part due to first home buyer assistance measures in NSW and Victoria that came into effect last year. Price falls in Sydney and to a lesser extent Melbourne have been behind the national move lower.

Dwelling prices in Sydney have fallen for eight consecutive months. They are down 4.3 percent from their peak in mid-2017. Sydney dwelling prices rose by around 75 percent between early 2012 and mid-2017. So with that perspective the current deflation has so far been quite mild.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you want to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with. This information is of a general nature and should consider your own situation carefully before making any decisions.

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ROUND 17 MEL STG July 5 7.50pm

PAN BUL NZW CAN July 6 7.55pm

July 7 7.35pm

ROUND 18

GCT BRI

PAN CRO

NEW PAR

BUL SOU

July 8 4.10pm

July 13 6.00pm

July 13 7.55pm

July 14 3.00pm

MAN CAN BRI STG GCT MEL NQC NZW WES SYD July 14 5.30pm

July 14 7.35pm

July 15 2.00pm

July 15 4.10pm

July 15 6.30pm

SCORE

Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

168 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

159 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

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

152 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 1300 897 170

138 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

138 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

146 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

150 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

134 Iris Russell -Benard VenueBratusa Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Councillor

142 Thor Thor’s- Cafe Aaron- Tyres @print- 4721 0292

154

TIPSTERS ROUND 17

MEL STG July 5 7.50pm

PAN BUL NZW CAN July 6 7.55pm

July 7 7.35pm

ROUND 18

GCT BRI

PAN CRO

NEW PAR

BUL SOU

July 8 4.10pm

July 13 6.00pm

July 13 7.55pm

July 14 3.00pm

MAN CAN BRI STG GCT MEL NQC NZW WES SYD July 14 5.30pm

July 14 7.35pm

July 15 2.00pm

July 15 4.10pm

July 15 6.30pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

136 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

146 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

137 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

120 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

136 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

134 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600 - www.emmahusar.com.au

142 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

134 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

130 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

156 Sharon Mudiman - Bespoke Realty Group - 0413 757 998 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

130

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

34

SPORT

PVSF Sky Encouragement Awards

By CONNER LOWE

T

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Georgia Wright from Erskine Park the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of June for her amazing development and skill in Netball.

Georgia has been playing Netball for six years and currently represents Erskine Park. Recently Georgia was selected in the Penrith District Netball team and trains with both teams throughout the week.

Georgia spoke about her award and why she loves Netball.

“I’m very glad because I really love netball, I feel happy and proud of my achievement,” she said.

“I love playing netball, the positions I play are ‘Centre’ and ‘Wing Attack’.

Netball is a lot of fun and very competitive and it also keeps me fit.”

Leanne Wright, Georgia’s mother spoke about her approach to the sport and her dedication.

“Georgia always goes into Netball

with a big smile on her face. She is never dirty and always shows enthusiasm and respect to the opposition in every game she plays,” she said.

“Georgia is a good sport and is very dedicated to Netball and it has begun to show with her development in the game and her selection into the Penrith representative team. She lives and breathes Netball.”

Georgia also spoke about how often she trains with both teams and her dream for the future.

“I train on Wednesday for my local club which is Erskine Park Netball and I train on Thursday nights for Penrith District Netball. I play Saturdays and I have representative carnivals on a Sunday, I also play for my school in PSSA,” she said.

“My plan is to play for the Sydney Swifts and my dream is to play for the Australian Diamonds in Netball.”

We would like to congratulate Georgia on her award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue striding for success in Netball for the future.

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Coopa McMahon from St Clair the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of May for his amazing development and skill in Rugby League.

Coopa who plays Rugby League and Oztag has received the award for his dedication and good sportsmanship when on the field.

Kylie McMahon, Coopa’s mother spoke about how much he loves his sport and his achievements.

“When Coopa has footy not much else matters during the week, whether it’s training on Tuesday or Thursday or game day Saturday, Coopa can’t wait to run around with his mates,” she said.

“If ever training or footy is off his coach rings Coopa and apologises because he knows he gets upset if it’s called off.

“Coopa has played Oztag for the last two seasons and won both grand finals. He has started playing basketball at school and has made us buy him a basketball hoop for home.”

Coopa at 7-years-old is very determined and an extremely caring boy with a fantastic attitude towards all sports he participates in and he especially likes to give out high-fives to his team mates.

Coopa spoke about winning the award and who he wants to play for in the future.

“I’m very happy to win the award, I love tackling and training with my friends. I also want to play for the Cronulla Sharks when I get older,” he said.

Wallacia Golf Clubs Strong Win in Inter-Club

By Noel Rowsell

V

ictoria sent it’s harsh Winter weather north to NSW for the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club event in June, with 142 senior male and female golfers braving often appalling conditions including rain, winds, rain, occasional sunshine and then more rain in the bitter cold.

Wallacia GC’s Steve Francis took all the adverse conditions in his stride to finish with a red-hot 42 points for a runaway four-shot victory in A Grade but was one of only six players in the entire field to break their handicap.

Allan Renshall (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Jim Lyons (Richmond GC) both posted scores of 38 points to win B and C Grade respectively, whilst Mrs Carolyn Lozier (Richmond) had 36 points to win the Ladies division.

Wallacia GC (148 points) prevailed to win the Inter-Club point score, with

Action from the WSRVGA Inter-Club at Dunheved GC on 19th June.

Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

the team comprising Steve Francis, David Knox, Don Firth and Ted Malicki.

Dunheved GC (147) finished second and Richmond GC (143) third.

Wallacia GC has now moved into a share of the lead in the Guardian Funerals ‘Club of the Year’ standings, alongside Richmond GC.

The next Inter-Club will be held at Leonay GC on 24th July.

2BBB: Winners Roger Price, Bob Pillay (Dunheved) 46 points), Runners-up Steve Francis, Steve Small (Wallacia) 45.

Medley 2BBB: Winners Robert Ayre, Mrs Jan Martin (Dunheved) 47 points, Runners-up Mrs Elaine Williams, Mrs Dianne Bowen (Dunheved) 44.

Singles A Grade: Winner Steve Francis (Wallacia) 42 points, Runnerup Keith Strathdee (Glenmore) 38.

Singles B Grade: Winner Allan Renshall (Stonecutters) 38 points c/b, Runner-up Mahdo Prasad (Dunheved) 38.

Singles C Grade: Winner Jim Lyons (Richmond) 38 points c/b, Runner-up Roger Price (Dunheved) 38.

Ladies: Winner Mrs Carolyn Lozier (Richmond) 36 points, Runner-up Mrs Diane Bowen (Dunheved) 34.

Inter-Club: Winners Wallacia GC 148 points (Steve Francis, David Knox, Don Firth, Tod Malicki).

Kylie also spoke about Coopa’s development and how much enjoyment he gets from playing with his mates.

“Coopa has become a very good League and Oztag player and there is no greater joy than watching your kids excel in anything they do, but we get great enjoyment watching how happy sport makes him,” she said.

“He loves being on the field with his mates and gets just as much enjoyment out of when his mates score as when he scores. Even when the opposition score, Coopa claps and pats other kids on the back.”

We would like to congratulate Coopa on his award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue his incredible dedication and sportsmanship in all sports.

Leonay Golf Club has announced it’s two senior Men’s Pennants teams for the upcoming T.L. Warren and W. Gibson competitions, which both commence on 29th July.

A total of forty-one Golf Clubs from the Sydney Metropolitan Area will contest the two competitions, with the local clubs participating being Leonay, Penrith and Wallacia.

Leonay finished runners-up in the Gibson Trophy in 2017 and will be hoping to take that extra step this season and capture the C Grade Pennants title.

Committee member, A Grader and Masters Pennants representative Peter McFarlane will manage the B Grade team, whilst Club stalwarts John Malvern (manager) and Ron Lammey (assistant manager) will be in charge of C Grade.

The full teams are: T.L. Warren Trophy (B Grade )- Steve Masters, Mark Pennefather, Trevor Day, Warwick ChinNam, Mick McCormick, Jordan Wright, Jack Mallard, Paul Latimer.

W. Gibson Trophy (C Grade) - Marc Vanderham, Ian Gribble, Bill Brace, John Rennie, Ron Grandemange, Brendan McKeown, William Klohn, Barry Mason.

The three rival Clubs in Leonay’s division are Lynwood GC, Antill Park GC and Richmond GC, with Leonay hosting Lynwood at 10am on 29th July.

PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

By STEWART MOSES

P

@TheRiffMarn

eter Wallace’s shock retirement last month has brought forward the need for his two deputies, Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan to step up into the vital hooking position as the Panthers look to finish in the top four for the first time since 2014.

For Katoa, who had to wait until last year to add to his solitary NRL appearance in 2015, says whilst saddened by the news, it presents a golden opportunity for both he and Wayde to cement their spots in first grade, as they look to share the hooking responsibilities for the remainder of 2018.

“Wal’s announcement recently was a shock to the rest of the team especially me,” Katoa told the Nepean News.

“He’s a great bloke. His always there, putting the team first.

“Wayde and I have some big shoes to fill and it has come a little quicker than anticipated.

“But we have to get on with it and create our own legacy now.”

Having made his NRL debut in 2015, it looked as thou Katoa would get his next NRL chance in 2016 after incumbent, James Segeyaro was sidelined through injury for an extended period.

But that door closed quickly for Katoa, when Wallace was instead preferred as hooker and his impact

Penrith’s latest starting hooker, Sione Katoa. Credit: 77 Media.

was such that it led to Segeyaro’s early release from Penrith later that year.

It would have been easy for Katoa to feel as though his pathway had been blocked by Wallace’s emergence as a hooker, but the Tongan international said that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“I didn’t expect that to be honest,” Katoa admitted.

“I was still playing 20’s when I made my NRL debut in 2015 and I was biding my time, developing my own game.

“Full credit to Wal, he took that position with both hands.

“It’s much tougher position defending in the middle with those big blokes coming at you.

“But he did such a good job and was unlucky not to play there for NSW last year.”

Katoa, with 23 NRL games and eight appearances for Tonga to his name, says that whilst it is still surreal to have played this many NRL games, the opportunity to regularly start in

games is giving him more confidence to express himself more in attack in 2018.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m taking it with both hands,” Katoa replied.

“It’s been awesome starting and I love every moment of it.

“Last year I was a bit hesitant with my game with coming off the bench.

“But now I’m certainly more confident in everything that I do.

“It helps having the two NSW halves directing us around the paddock.

“Nathan and Jimmy attract a lot of defence, which sometimes opens the game up in the middle and allows me to play my running game and put some kicks in.”

While Katoa’s next goal is to play eighty minutes, that’s easier said than done given that the equally talented Egan has also made an impact from the bench since making his NRL debut this season.

“Wayde certainly keeps me on my toes so I guess we’re fighting for that spot,” Katoa conceded.

“I know I’m capable of playing the eighty right now, but I haven’t really thought about it too much to be honest.

“I’m just taking it game by game and while I’m looking to play that eighty minute game, for now with Wayde there, we share the load.

“But it’s good that we have different hooking options on the field at different times to spark things up a bit, while at the same time helping our middle out heaps.”

$4.6 million up for grabs for local sports clubs

By CONNER LOWE

L

ocal sporting groups in Mulgoa are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said $4.6 million was now available across the state for upgrading or creating new sports facilities, new sport programs, community events and projects that improve sports participation.

“Sport is a vital part of our community and I encourage all clubs and councils in Mulgoa to apply,” Tanya Davies said.

“Thousands of local clubs can apply for up to $25,000 to fund individual initiatives, with up to $50,000 set aside exclusively for Mulgoa.”

Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said the Local Sport Grant Program is now in its fourth year.

“It is a key priority of the NSW Government that everyone has the opportunity to take part in local sport

or has access to open space,” Mr Ayres said.

“Already this year, the Local Sport Grant Program has allocated funding for sports clubs in 93 electorates across the state and we anticipate this next round of funding will help hundreds more community groups

and councils.

“This announcement is in addition to the NSW Government’s $290 million Open Spaces and Green Sydney package, along with the Active Kids program announced earlier this year. It also comes on top of $200 million that has been committed

to improving sporting facilities in regional NSW.” The Local Sports Grant Program is now open and will accept applications until 24 August 2018.

For more information visit sport. nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport or phone 13 13 02.

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Katoa ready to create own legacy at hooker

35 35

Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

36

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Yeo confident Penrith can overcome mid-season form slump

By STEWART MOSES

P

@TheRiffMarn

enrith’s first back-to-back losses of the 2018 season, this time at the hands of a Manly side that still sits in 13th position on the ladder with just five wins for the season to date, sees the one-time premiership favourites continue their slide back down the NRL ladder.

That win over the St George-Illawarra Dragons that catapulted the Panthers into top spot just a little over a month ago, seems like a distant memory now.

A scrappy win over Canberra two days after the first Origin match, followed by a mauling at the hands of the Roosters and now last Saturday’s poor performance against the Sea Eagles, has fans concerned that the Panthers are in a form slump.

Panthers back-rower Isaah Yeo admits that their recent form culminating with their latest loss to Manly is disappointing, citing how the team has deviated away from a game plan based on taking on their opponents through the middle and aggressive line-speed in defence.

“We started the year pretty well but our last three games haven’t been our best,” Yeo told Nepean News shortly after the loss.

“We got out of gaol against Canberra and obviously the Roosters really did a job on us.

“I thought we would come back from the bye refreshed but today we weren’t good.

“Too many errors, and gave away penalties at critical times.

“We thought that if we could get into the grind, we would come over the top of Manly but instead we shot ourselves in the foot.

“We played silly football and just weren’t physical enough.

“We tried to play too pretty in that first half by trying to go around them instead of going through them.

Isaah Yeo has been appointed skipper for this Friday’s crucial clash against the Warriors. Credit: 77 Media.

“When you are dropping the ball so much and constantly defending around the middle, it makes it hard to get those carries happening through the middle.”

The losses now sees the Panthers sit precariously in fourth position and could slip out of the top four with a loss at home this Friday night against the team that surprisingly has the best away record in 2018, the New Zealand Warriors.

It doesn’t get any easier for Penrith in coming weeks either, given they will be without their Origin stars for the Warriors game as well as possibly the clash at home against fellow top four aspirants, Cronulla Sharks a week later, before heading up to Brisbane to take on the Broncos.

But whilst the next three games will have a big say in whether the Panthers make good on their top four ambitions, Yeo says the team won’t be looking past this Friday’s night clash.

“The Warriors are one of them sides fighting for that top four spot so it’s a big game for us,” Yeo replied.

“We’d like that guaranteed second crack in the finals but there’s six or seven teams on or around where we are on 22 competition points.

“But at the moment while we’re not playing well, we can’t afford to be looking that far ahead.

“Instead we need to be looking at the areas in our game that got us to where we were a few weeks back and come out this Friday night with all guns blazing as we look to find some form again.

“Hard work will get us out of this mini-slump and I’m confident we will do that.

“It’s just a matter of doing so sooner rather than later and hopefully it starts this Friday night at home.”

The representative period has seen Penrith move into somewhat unfamiliar territory, with eight of its first grade regulars having played at least one game for either state or country in recent weeks.

But despite having one of the highest representation of players for such fixtures among the NRL clubs, Yeo says that it can’t be used as an excuse for the team’s form slump.

“I think our representative workload is a reflection on how well we have played at the start of the season,” Yeo declared.

“I don’t think we have had four playing Origin for a while.

“But Nath’s pretty young. Peach is only playing a few minutes a game in Origin and Jimmy has been there before.

“They’ll know how to deal with it being wonderful professionals.

“We are going to get a few back from injury as well so I don’t think it’s a problem.”

Coach’s Corner Robots In Rugby League Jerseys

“Significant progress only occurs in football when motor learning is combined with cognitive learning!” – Horst Wein. Why as coaches do we often insist on blunting the creativity of players in the pursuit of turning them into robots who follow a one size fits all structure? The simple answer is to suit us. The coaches. We over value the importance and impact we have on our team and the result they achieve in each game.

The modern approach to coaching revolves around the teaching of tactics and the ability to problem solve through game play. Which makes total sense when you consider that the game of Rugby League is a continuous and open environment which can be minimally impacted by coaches during play. The players should be on the field attempting to break down the opposition using their game sense. Instead teams and the creative players within them tend to follow a premeditated pattern, structure and system which does not take into account the deficiencies of the opposition. These systems are more often designed by coaches to fit their philosophy on how they best think the team can be successful through the creation of these structured systems. These systems rarely take into account the strengths and weaknesses of the players at their disposal.

The accountability for poor performances and

results is often blamed by players and coaches on “we didn’t complete our sets” or “we didn’t stick to our systems and structures”, more often than not that is exactly the reason for the poor performances and results in that teams know of no other way to play outside of producing their rehearsed system and structure for 75 minutes of the game which has absolutely zero impact. In the final few minutes when behind on the scoreboard teams throw out the structure and think outside the square and play what is in front of them which often produces a flood of late points. This indicates to me the players are restrained by controlling coaches intent on keeping their job via any means possible.

The traditional approach to coaching is characterised by a teacher / coach directed structure and technique based learning environment. Sadly the majority of Rugby League coaching philosophies are still based around on an outdated premise that winning starts and ends with a structure or a system.

These philosophies are rubbish and the premise is totally laughable. Team structures, systems and styles have existed for as long as Rugby League has been played, but in times past the structure was not so restrictive it squeezed the ability for players to be creative or to occasionally throw caution to the wind and play what was in front of them. Sadly

Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

in modern Rugby League this is the reality we face. Players particularly in the crucial positions of halfback and five eighth no longer possess the creative ability or instinct to read the game, problem solve, break down defences and make decisions in the best interest of the team on a consistent basis.

Why? Because they are told if they just stick to the structure or system everything will be ok.

It is difficult to see this current trend changing with such a large focus and scrutiny placed on winning and the results a club produces in the short term. Winning is the only legitimate currency when a coach is looking for a new contract and a lack of results is often the reason a coach is shown the door.

Several experienced and respected Rugby League commentators, experts, analysts and journalists Rugby League have identified the robotic nature of the game in its current form. Clubs must reclaim their own identity and style in order to gain a point of difference over their opposition. To just copy the style, structure or system of another team because it has made them successful is very short sighted and is not the role of the coach. A coach needs to first and fore mostly have an in depth knowledge of the players at his disposal and needs to implement a style, game plan and tactics which will best allow the team to succeed.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

ANOTHER ORDINARY PERFORMANCE PUTS PANTHERS’ TOP FOUR SPOT UNDER PRESSURE Another fortnight and the form slump for the Panthers has continued after an insipid 18-10 loss to lowly Manly last Saturday.

And it doesn’t get any easier for the out-of-form Panthers as they enter their toughest part of their 2018 draw to date in coming weeks with games against Warriors (H), Sharks (H) and Broncos (A).

Yes the Panthers came into the game on the back of additional rep commitments to go with more Origin disruptions but they did welcome back from injury Viliame Kikau and Moses Leota.

With both St George-Illawarra and South Sydney continuing their winning ways along with the relentless surge from the Melbourne Storm, the Panthers now find themselves in a real dogfight hanging on to fourth spot.

Manly weren’t much better in what was a leading contender for worst game of the year as both sides were guilty of poor handling and ill-discipline.

But when it mattered, Manly’s defence held and finished the game the stronger after Nathan Cleary was sent to sin-bin midway through the second half with the game in the balance at 10-10.

The visitors capitalised to score eight points whilst Cleary was cooling his heels in the sheds and ranout deserved winners, made even more heroic having lost Dylan Walker and Matt Wright to injury during the second half.

To make matters worse Kikau re-injured his knee late in the game but whilst the diagnosis later suggested nothing worse than a bad cork, the Fijian back-rower will be racing the clock to play the Warriors this Friday night.

Coach Anthony Griffin alluded after the game that the loss was their worst this season, all things considered.

“It was a poor performance for us as a club. It’s not what we pride ourselves on,” Griffin lamented.

“We hate losing but clearly we are nowhere near where we need to be.

“We’ve had some really good games this year where we’ve probably played above ourselves a few times.

“But today wasn’t one of our best.

“There’s no excuse for it, we just weren’t good enough.

“We’ve got to have a really honest review and regroup and believe in ourselves and play better than what we did today.

“Next week in a way we’ll have a group of guys that are together for the whole week.

they take on St George-Illawarra at 1pm before travelling to Auckland the following Sunday to take on the Warriors at 1pm.

The Jersey Flegg competition resumes this Friday night when the equal first Panthers (10-2, second on for and against to Newcastle) take on the Dragons, as a prequel to the Warriors NRL clash before they too travel to Auckland the following Sunday to take on the Warriors at 11am.

Waqa Blake finally set to return this Friday night after a long lay-off with injury. Credit: 77 Media.

“An uninterrupted week I think will be a good thing for us even though we will be missing our Origin players.

“If we do that, we’ll get it right again.”

Penrith’s ISP team has reclaimed top spot on the ladder, after Mounties were defeated by NZ Warriors were defeated within minutes of the Panthers claimed an important 26-16 win over Blacktown Workers.

Tyrone May was the star, having a hand in four of Penrith’s five tries scored and could have easily scored one himself had he not dropped the ball over the line, while Fijian flyers Ratu Tuisese (2) and Maika Sivo scored three tries between them.

The game also featured the first start of the season for Corey Waddell and his eighty minute performance proved invaluable for a side that saw Nick Lui Toso (ankle), and Paea Pua succumb to injury during the game, while Liam Coleman battled on with a hand injury.

This Saturday, a depleted Penrith side with possibly four Jersey Flegg players set to make their debuts, will once more play at home when

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It will be a new-look Panthers outfit that takes to the field on Friday with James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey away with the NSW Origin squad, with Tyrone May, Jarome Luai and Waqa Blake set to take their respective places.

Corey Harawira-Naera (groin) returns from injury via the bench in place of Kaide Ellis (reserves) while Viliame Kikau (corked knee) has also been named.

James Tamou will also play after taking the early guilty plea to a grade one contrary conduct charge resulting out of last Saturday’s defeat to Manly, which saw the prop incur only a monetary penalty ($1,100).

Who will take over the goal-kicking responsibilities in Maloney’s / Cleary’s absence, remains wide open with any one of Luai, Harawira-Naera, Sione Katoa or Tyrone Phillips being the likely candidates.

The club has named the following 21-man squad for the Warriors clash, with Isaah Yeo replacing James Maloney as captain for the match: 1. Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 2. Christian CRICHTON 3. Waqa BLAKE 4. Dean WHARE 5. Tyrone PHILLIPS 6. Tyrone MAY 7. Jarome LUAI 8. Trent MERRIN 9. Sione KATOA 10. James TAMOU 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Isaah YEO 13. James FISHER-HARRIS 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Corey HARAWIRA-NAERA 16. Jack HETHERINGTON 17. Moses LEOTA 18. Caleb AEKINS 19. Kaide ELLIS 20. Liam MARTIN 21.

Corey WADDELL The Panthers then back up the following Friday night with a clash against competition heavyweights, Cronulla Sharks at Panthers Stadium, with James Maloney and Nathan Cleary being rested a real possibility.

Make your support count and show your #PantherPride at the game.

37 37 Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

Repeat Sets

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Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

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PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

GOULD SLAMS REPORTS OF COACHING REVIEW / FEUD WITH COACH Panthers EGM, Phil Gould AM, has hit back at reports that suggest the coaching future of Anthony Griffin is once again in doubt.

The denials made by Gould on Channel 9’s 100% Footy, came after NRL.com reported that the club was conducting a mid-season review into the coach’s performances, with claims that he and assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo were set to take a more hands-on approach in coaching the team with a possible view to replacing Griffin at season’s end.

Gould rubbished suggestions of a review and whether there was a falling-out between himself and Griffin.

Gould also maintained that Griffin would see out his contract which expires in 2020, after it has also been suggested elsewhere that Manly’s Trent Barrett and former Bulldogs coach Des Hasler are other possible candidates to replace Griffin.

“It’s totally incorrect,” Gould said in response to the report.

“It’s another example of a journalist taking a titbit of information and then trying to connect his own dots to make a far bigger story.

“The fact he said that we’re going to have a midseason review and review the coach’s performance is totally wrong, totally misleading.

“Our staff conducted a review — we have several reviews during the season — of their operations two weeks ago during the rep round. We do it during the rep round because the players are away.

“The head coach sat in on all those operational reviews and we do it regularly.

“We’re not entering into a review, the review was done two weeks ago if that’s what he’s heard and it had nothing to do with the coaching role whatsoever.

“The head coach conducted the reviews, and in fact he and I reported the findings and the recommendations at 7am last Monday morning to the entire staff so we would be ready when the players came back to work at 8am so we could set sail towards the semi-finals.”

The Panthers have been busy re-signing a number of players over the past fortnight, headed by the five-year contract extension agreed to with NSW and Australian prop, Reagan CampbellGillard, who will remain at the club until at least the end of 2024.

The news of Campbell-Gillard’s re-signing has especially pleased his room-mate and this week’s new skipper, Isaah Yeo.

Bryce Cartwright remains a Titan for now & despite Penrith having first rights to his services should a release be sort, it’s very unlikely that the club has any interest considering Cartwright’s poor form has seen the back-rower dropped back to play for feeder club, Tweed Heads in the ISC. A subsequent broken hand suffered at training last week has ruled out the embattled former Panther for 2-4 weeks.

Despite ten wins and five losses, back-to-back defeats has coach Anthony Griffin’s future at the club under the media spotlight once again.

Credit: 77 Media

“Reg is my away game room mate, so I’m happy for him even though it means a few more years of him annoying me yet,” Yeo told Nepean News.

“He’s a representative player now at both state and national levels and his new deal is much deserved.

“Obviously it would be nice to have him back out there playing again but he’s still got a few more weeks off with that jaw issue which is disappointing.”

In addition, Kaide Ellis, Nick Lui Toso and Caleb Aekins have agreed to new two-year deals that see the trio remain at the club until the end of 2020, while it is understood that Liam Coleman and Adam Keighran have also re-signed.

Yeo was equally pleased that his house mate, Kaide Ellis had also re-signed.

“Being my house mate, I’m stoked for Kaide and it’s very well deserved,” Yeo declared.

“Every level that he has gone to, he has exceeded all expectations.

“He was a fringe 20s player at one point and a couple of years later he became not only a starter in that side but a leader as well.

“He’s captained the ISP side this year and now he’s getting a crack in first grade and doing a terrific job for us. I can’t wrap him enough.”

However the club has parted ways with Tom Eisenhuth (Melbourne until end of 2020) and Oliver Clark (Wests Tigers until end of 2020), having granted the pair an immediate release from their respective contracts.

James Maloney is said to be among the candidates to be made NSW Blues skipper for the third Origin game next Wednesday night, should incumbent Boyd Cordner (calf) be ruled out.

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Panthers duo Billy Burns and Brian Too have been named in the NSW Under-20 squad to take on Queensland in the State of Origin III curtainraiser at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday, under the guidance of coach Matt King, as they look to achieve their seventh-straight victory over Queensland.

For the first time since the top 8 finals format was introduced in 1995, a six point gap between eighth and ninth has emerged.

Teams in equal ninth position will mostly likely need to win six-seven of their last nine games to get to the likely magical number of 28 points required to make the finals.

But it’s hard seeing any of the Raiders, Titans and Tigers making it considering their tough draws.

Public nominations have opened for the 2018 Philips Sports Dad of the Year award, where your nomination will help select ten finalists to vote on prior to Father’s Day. This award recognises sporting fathers who make positive impressions in the community, with the winner able to donate $10,000 to his charity of choice.

There’s no shortage of Panther dads to nominate at www.sportsdads.com.au including Peter Wallace, Sam McKendry, Dean Whare, James Tamou, James Maloney, Tyrone Peachey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Josh Mansour, James Fisher-Harris, Waqa Blake and Dylan Edwards Nominations closes on July 9 and the ten finalists will be announced on August 19.

Spotted: Kiwis coach Michael Maguire watching last Saturday afternoon’s action at Panthers Stadium, in a room adjacent to the media box. #PantherPride

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

Let’s all take a deep breath, exhale, and do it again

 The Troops are coming. Waqa Blake has been missed.

I

t’s certainly not panic stations yet for the Penny Panthers but there has been a lot more nervous twitching of late watching them play.

In round 12 the Panthers thumped the high flying Dragons at home 28-2, but since then they’ve had the wobbles.

Round 13 was their bye, round 14 they came from behind at the 11th hour to scrape to a victory on the back of a late Nathan Cleary field goal against the Raiders 23-22.

Round 15 the Roosters handed them a drubbing, 32 points to 6, and last weekend perhaps their worst performance of the past 4 rounds going down to the much publicised struggling Sea Eagles, at home, 18-10.

The Panthers’ next 5 rounds will tell a lot about their chances of going deep into September this year. This week they play the Warriors at home without their origin players. Round 18 the Sharks at home, then Broncos away, Manly away, and the Raiders at home. Not the comp’s toughest draw but by far not the easiest either.

And the injury toll the Panthers have had to put up with this year was always

 Josh ‘The Sauce’ Mansour is nearing a return.

going to catch up with them, one thought. While Sam McKendry and Dylan Edwards are gone for the year there is a rainbow starting to shine with some troops nearing comeback time.

Waqa Blake, and Josh Mansour are close, Billy Kikau re injured his knee last weekend but early prognosis is good and may only miss a couple of weeks, and Reagan Campbell Gillard’s broken jaw could see him back in action as early as round 20.

Clubs always experienced hiccups throughout a competition chase, it’s how severe or drawn out those hiccups last that ultimately defines the footy team.

Let’s all take a deep breath, exhale, and do it again as we get to the business end of the rugby league season. The good news is that given the Panthers drop in form over this past month they are still 4th in the ladder. A real positive given the quality of football team in this seasons NRL. See you at the game...

MG (random Westie) OAM

39 39 Nepean News 5 July 2018 Issue 230

MG on the mark

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