Pictured: Councillor Todd Carney, Mayor of Penrith, Mickey and Aileen Beaini of Beaini Projects and Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek.
Photo credit: Jarrad Hillman Opus Media group
St Marys Ripples reopens
RIPPLES St Marys has welcomed patrons back to the indoor pool which is now fully functional and available to keep up their swimming, aqua aerobics or learn to swim routines in the comfort of a heated pool during the winter months.
After experiencing a significant failure of the filtering system and loss of pool water, Council’s partners have been busy working on providing the best, one-of-a-kind technology to enable its operations for many years to come.
The extensive work included the renewal of filter cells and isolation valves, the installation and replacement of pipework to the ballast tank below and above ground floor of the plant room, pool shell refilling and installing a new pool well to assist in backflow circulation.
Another significant milestone was achieved during the closure, with the addition of an adult accessible changing room, providing greater access for the community. This is a dedicated
facility accessible by using a MLAK key and includes an adult change table, shower, and toilet facilities.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the reopening of the indoor pool along with the fantastic improvements undertaken overall improves the facility for all members and visitors.
“The essential upgrades completed at St Marys ensures the ongoing safety and maintenance of the pool, particularly with the new capabilities behind the scenes, enabling the operation of the indoor pool to function appropriately,” Cr Carney said.
“The work did take some time to complete, and I want to thank patrons for their patience in allowing us to carry out the installation of this new and improved water maintenance systems.
“By doing so, it allows any future work to have little to no disruption to plant operations which is a wonderful outcome for our Ripples community.”
To find out more, visit https://ripplesnsw.com. au/
Indoor Pool at St Marys Ripples.
New equipment at St Marys Ripples.
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From the Editor’s Desk
WBY KERRIE DAVIES
A step in the right direction: Criminalising coercive control
ORKING as a journalist for nearly two decades, I have covered many stories of domestic violence and often written about the need to charge up our response to it.
Across the country, the horrors of physical abuse often dominate the headlines and spark our attention, but there’s also an insidious form of abuse that often goes unnoticed: coercive control. This form of domestic violence leaves no visible bruises but it scars its victims deeply, trapping them in a web of manipulation and fear.
Coercive control involves a range of behaviours designed to dominate, intimidate, and isolate a partner or former partner. It can be subtle and relentless, manifesting in ways that are hard to identify yet profoundly damaging. It is harrowing for those who have experienced or are experiencing it, and often has a horrendous impact on children and other family members.
I am really pleased that, starting this week, coercive control will be criminalised. This legislative change is a monumental step forward in the fight against domestic violence. Each case of domestic violence is unique, requiring a tailored approach rather than a cookie-cutter solution. I believe criminalising coercive control acknowledges this complexity and sends a powerful message: psychological abuse is as harmful as physical abuse and will not be tolerated.
And although each case will be entirely different to the next, it is a behaviour not hard to spot. Characters who engage in the big C’s will always have form. It is a repetitive pattern of conduct that they unleash to control and dominate others.
This change is not just a legal shift; it’s a societal one. I’m encouraged that it will serve as a warning to abusers: their actions are being scrutinised and will be punished. Coercive control is no longer hidden in the shadows; it is being brought into the light.
St Marys Lights Up with 15,000 in attendance
ST MARYS Lights Up celebrates another successful year of bringing the Penrith community together at Queen Street, with Penrith City Council’s evening event seeing 15,000 people brave the cold and enjoy the winterthemed night.
The lines for the free amusement rides and synthetic ice rink only grew longer as the night went on, with attendees enjoying winter craft workshops, Laughter House Entertainment’s Little Big Stage performances and a variety of activities and games for the entire family.
important that we provide an evening where all the entertainment is free, including the amusement rides.
Council’s event supported local Queen Street businesses, with many attendees exploring what the street had to offer with stores extending their opening hours throughout the night.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney was thrilled by the event’s success, praising it for bringing the community together as families and groups of friends enjoyed the free event, especially given the current economic climate.
“Many people let our Events team on-site know how much they appreciated the event, especially with the variety of activities available for families and groups to participate in free-of-charge,” Cr Carney said.
“With the current cost of living being what it is, we felt that an event like this allowed families, individuals, and groups of friends the chance to experience a great night out at a low cost. It was
“When we first debuted St Marys Lights Up three years ago, the event spanned four nights and saw over 18,000 people attend. It’s blown us away to see how well-received this event has become in one night.
“We identified in our St Marys Town Centre Place Plan the community’s desire to see more events hosted in the area, with St Marys Lights Up being one of those initiatives.”
Check out the photographs and video from the night at Council’s Facebook at facebook.com/ penrith.city.council
Council would like to thank St Marys Town Centre for sponsoring the synthetic ice rink and Western Sydney International Airport for sponsoring the winter craft workshops.
St Marys Lights Up is proudly funded by the NSW Government.
A family enjoying St Marys Lights Up 2024.
Women dominate at Parklea graduation
PARKLEA Correctional Centre has welcomed 13 new officers, the majority of whom are women.
Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor said he was pleased to swear in the second class of graduates this year, meeting MTC Australia’s commitment to ongoing recruitment to ensure a safe, decent and secure facility.
“It is always an exciting day to welcome new officers into the corrections family, as I’ve found my 35 years in the industry to be a rewarding career and no day is the same,” Mr Taylor said.
“As an important public service, corrections provides a stable career with opportunities for advancement in the various areas that are essential to the running of a prison.
“Correctional officers play a vital role in keeping the community safe and help reduce reoffending, yet they are often overlooked, as they are not as visible as other frontline staff.
“Today enables us to shine a light on their work and thank them for taking this step to serve the community and make a positive impact on those in our care.”
Mr Taylor said the seven women and six men graduates were as diverse as the community they will serve, coming from various fields, different
cultural backgrounds and ranging in age from 19 to 42.
“The type of person attracted to becoming an officer has vastly changed over the years, with Parklea staff representing many different cultural backgrounds and 40 per cent of our workforce are women,” Mr Taylor said.
“The diversity of our custodial and non-custodial team enables us to work more effectively with inmates from similarly diverse cultures and backgrounds in what is often a challenging and dynamic environment.
“The Parklea team bring all these things together to make a difference by employing MTC’s decency and respect principles and BIONIC (Believe it or Not I Care) philosophy.
“I’m delighted to welcome our new officers into the Parklea family and I look forward to working with them.”
MTC Australia’s Initial Training Course is a rigorous 10-week training program, which covers subjects such as policies and procedures, deescalation and use of force tactics, mental health and general first aid. Trainees also participate in simulated
search and emergency response exercises and weapons training.
MTC is recruiting for more officers now.
To apply to become a correctional officer, go to: www.mtctrains.com. au/careers/ Parklea has been operated by MTC Australia on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since 2019.
Westmead Hospital transforms for ‘mass casualty’ scenario with 150 staff involved in immersive training
FROM triaging hundreds of patients to a media press conferences, Westmead Hospital has mobilised for an impressive exercise featuring over 150 staff simulating a crisis response.
Using the scenario of a nearby stadium collapse, teams were broken into 20 groups and spent a day running through the exercise to test system capacity, operations and response when faced with a disaster situation.
Known as ‘emergotrain’, this exercise is a Swedish disaster training tool providing a chance to review mass casualty plans particularly following COVID. This event was the first to run in NSW since 2019 and took over six months of planning.
and establishment of workflows in this event, all participants reconvened to share key learnings from the practice.
Whether it was an increased need for communication between departments or a surplus of helpers that were identified by each group, these learnings helped to demonstrate how the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) community would rally in the event of a large-scale disaster.
The day started with an all-in briefing at one of the lecture theatres in Westmead Hospital, outlining the details of the disaster (dubbed ‘Exercise Janus’) which involved a stadium collapse and the assessment of preliminary impacts on the hospital.
crisis, and separated to each of their departments in the Westmead hospital WECC.
Staff were then split into teams according to their function in the
This ranged from the hospital’s emergency operations centre (EOC) to departments representing areas like emergency, operating theatres, intensive care, pharmacy and radiology, with participants from a variety of specialties to simulate as closely as possible how a real-life disaster event would unfold.
Each team was equipped with a special phone line, packs containing details of the scenario and live updates were relayed back and forth to the EOC and clinical areas to recount new information which would impact proceedings, and resources required.
After several hours to let the exercise run its course for immediate reactions
The day was organised by Deputy Director of the Emergency Department at Westmead Hospital, Dr Kavita Varshney, and involved the assistance of over 40 instructors, medical umpires and runners to execute the detailed plans.
“Exercise Janus has provided us with a very unique opportunity to prepare for the worst case scenario and refine our strategy for mass casualty events in a controlled environment,” Kavita said.
“Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of staff from all areas of the hospital was very rewarding, and I sincerely thank all who participated for their dedication to patient care.
“It speaks volumes of the staff at Westmead Hospital and the district that we can invest our time and energy into these training exercises and have such a positive outcome from this learning opportunity.”
BY KERRIE DAVIES
THE Penrith CBD Corporation hosts a coffee catch-up for local small business people; a great monthly networking event bringing together the Penrith community. This week everyone joined for a group photo to send their best wishes to
all Olympic athletes, wishing them luck and success in their upcoming endeavours.
This month’s coffee catch-up was attended by NSW Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman MP. His presence highlighted the significance of the event and provided an opportunity for local business owners and community members to discuss important issues.
One guest, Nicky from ANZ, celebrated her retirement after 33 years of dedicated service. All agreed it was quite an achievement and enjoyed the amusing tales from her extensive career.
In a significant move to bolster local businesses, the Penrith CBD Corporation is launching their “Support Penrith Business” initiative. This aims to promote and highlight local enterprises over the coming months, especially during slower business periods. More to come on that.
Penrith CBD Corporation’s commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening community ties helps to keep our city thriving. Contact them today on 4722 5556 if you’d like to join in on future events.
Jenny Young and the Zonta Club Birthing Kit Assembly Day
BY RACHEL WONG
THE Zonta Club of Nepean Valley celebrated their 20th Anniversary of the annual Birthing Kit Assembly Day on Sunday 23rd June 2024. Forty-seven local people gathered to assemble 1,000 birthing kits and to enjoy an afternoon tea at Our Lady of the Way Church Hall at Emu Plains. The kits assembled on the day will be sent to various countries around the world.
Among those who volunteered were Karen McKeown OAM - MP for Penrith and Robin Cook – Councillor Penrith City Council, both long-term supporters of our event. We welcomed the first time support of Samantha Talakola (Liberal candidate for Londonderry). The Club appreciates the generous donation of Penrith City Council towards the cost of purchasing the items for this event.
The first Birthing Kit Assembly Day for this club was instigated in 2004 by member Jenny Young. Jenny has been responsible for organising 21,000 birthing kits at a cost of $51,410 during the last 20 years, apart from 2020 during the Covid epidemic.
Jenny initially held the club’s own
Birthing Kit Assembly Day at her home on Melbourne Cup Day in November 2004. A thousand kits were sent to Myanmar. Kits were later assembled at Springwood Civic Centre, Blue Mountains Grammar School, St. Paul’s Grammar School, Penrith Anglican College, Nepean Hospital, U3A Hall in Penrith and Our Lady of the Way
Church Hall, Emu Plains.
During this period, Birthing Kits were sent to countries such as Myanmar, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Haiti, India, Timor, Uganda, Zambia and Northern Australia.
Margie Ely: Her story of resilience, empowerment, and impact
MARGIE Ely was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in November 2022. As a mother of three, working two jobs, this diagnosis was challenging for her, but it has also inspired her to put herself out there to raise awareness for breast cancer.
In 2023, Margie started modelling and competing at pageant shows in her spare time. In early 2024, she was the First Runner Up for Ms. Australia Legacy International. Nowadays, she is laser focused on using her platform to inspire confidence and uplift the voices of other breast cancer survivors.
Margie’s treatment story
After Margie’s breast cancer diagnosis, she was told she would need two surgeries – a mastectomy and a reconstruction. Unfortunately, it was too expensive for Margie to receive these surgeries in Australia, so she had them done in Penang, Malaysia in July 2023.
After that, Margie returned to Sydney for hormone treatment. Her medical team advised her that there is a 50% chance of the treatment working for her because she has a mix of HER2 and hormonal breast cancer.
Margie is currently in France receiving further treatment.
Using her platform for good Margie started her career as a model
in 2023 and since then, has made it her mission to use her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Margie says, “I don’t want to just be a stereotypical model – I don’t want to show myself for no reason. I want to have something that grows out of me, to leave a legacy.”
Margie is very vocal about her breast cancer diagnosis on her Instagram feed and during Ms. Australian Legacy International. She has also received the Young Achievers award at the SIMBA Gala Awards 2024. She hopes that being open about her experiences with cancer will inspire other people living with cancer to continue living their lives to the fullest.
“I want to prove for myself. I want to show myself and others what you can achieve, even after you’ve reached the lowest point in your life”.
Receiving support from Cancer Council
Margie mentions how she called Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support line and received guidance on how to navigate the financial impacts of cancer.
For example, after her diagnosis, Margie had to take a lot of personal leave. Because of this, Margie was demoted from her position as supervisor because the company claimed she was unable to do her work.
Cancer Council was able provide Margie with free financial counselling, and also connected her with a pro bono lawyer for legal advice.
“The assistance I received has made a significant impact on my life”, Margie says. “When I spoke with the Cancer Council, they connected me to the advice I needed. They helped me prepare all the official documents I needed and helped me navigate the medical bills to reach out to my bank to talk about my mortgage”.
What’s next for Margie?
Looking ahead, Margie plans on continuing her advocacy for breast cancer awareness by taking part in
more pageant shows and sharing her story. She also hopes to work with more photographers and feature in more magazines to build her profile.
It’s clear when you speak to Margie that she’s determined to make a difference for good. As she’s written on her Instagram, “I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. But through it all, I’ve emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. Now, I’m showcasing my strength and confidence in every shot”.
Find out more about breast cancer and financial assistance on the Cancer Council webpages or please contact our support line on 13 11 20.
Jenny Young and Lily Cowen.
Saints brings $25,000 to 32nd charity bash
ST MARYS Rugby League
Club’s terrific trio – Wazza, Burnsey and Mickey – put the pedal to the metal again, with Saints donating a huge $25,000 to Variety –The Children’s Charity in this year’s Variety Bash.
Club Patron Warren Smith OAM, Vice President John Burns and Director Mick Hilton, threw the ’77 Ford Falcon into gear at the starting line in Gunnedah, joining 300 other mates on the ‘round about’ 2400km journey to successfully take the chequered flag in Newcastle earlier this month.
The trusty Falcon EL, decked out in its brand-new Saints branding, was also packed with merchandise, donations, and giveaways courtesy of the Club for the rural children.
In total, more than $95,000 in grants was awarded to rural schools along the route, with a combined total of over $1.2 million raised this year, according to Variety.
“Now in its 32nd year the bash is a spectacular display of camaraderie and community spirit,” Saints CEO Rod Desborough said.
“Saints is proud to support this annual event for the past 18 years, as it raises funds for disadvantaged, sick or disabled children,’ Mr Desborough said.
“We can’t seem to get Warren, John or Mick out of the Saints Bash Car, they just love this yearly adventure.
“Doing the miles for the kids’ smiles, raising awareness and giving back to the community – it’s in their blood.”
This year’s Bash marked the trio’s 15th time together co-piloting the Saints 2760 beast across the country.
they
out
“There is nothing more rewarding than rolling up to a school, seeing the children eagerly awaiting us and knowing that we have much needed resources on board to give” said John Burns, Vice President.
Saints has given more than
$290,000 this year to community projects and organisations through the ClubGRANTS program.
For more information about ClubGrants, and the continued community support that Saints provides visit https://stmarysleagues. com.au/about-us/saintcares/
In 2023,
proudly took
the Spirit of the Bash title.
The Saints crew were on hand to present Mallawa Public School with a grant for $5167 during the journey.
Images courtesy: Justin and Alison Worboys, and Chelsea Russell, volunteer photographers with Variety.
Help is at hand
SAINTS is proud to announce that St Marys Rugby League Club is a stockist for Escabags Escape Bags. These are FREE tote bags filled with essential items for victims of abuse and their children, providing vital support when they need it most.
If you or someone you know is in need, these bags can be collected from reception.
Together, we can make a difference.
BY KERRIE DAVIES
RECENTLY
we ran a story about how Blue Mountains Clay Collective is raising money to fight hunger locally by joining in the international project Empty Bowls.
To recap, Empty Bowls is an initiative to fight hunger, personalised by artists and art organisations on a community level. The money raised is donated to soup kitchens, food banks and other organisations fighting hunger locally.
A call out was made for donations of ceramic bowls for the soup. They need at least 200-300 handmade bowls that can hold between 350500mls.
They’d like to say a big THANK
Penrith’s 2024 Local Celebration Award Winners announced
ALOCAL media editor, a young athlete, a passionate volunteer, a disability champion and a mental health advocate are just a few of the individuals recognised in the 2024 Local Celebration Awards, with the winners announced at Penrith City Council’s June Ordinary Meeting.
The Local Celebration Awards, now in their fourth year, recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by people in the Penrith community. This year seven individuals have been acknowledged across four categories.
The 2024 Citizen of the Year is Troy Dodds, local media editor, mentor, volunteer emcee and host. Troy has shown vision and determination in sharing local stories.
The 2024 Young Citizen of the Year is Jack Conroy Everyone who knows Jack has been inspired to watch him overcome obstacles, reach extraordinary milestones and make it to the highest levels of sporting, educational and community achievements.
There are two Mayor’s Local Heroes for 2024: Mike Hicks, a dedicated community organiser and the Managing Partner of Outback Steakhouse in Penrith. Mike is a familiar face to many, thanks to his tireless fundraising for local schools, sporting clubs and charitable organisations. Our second Mayor’s Local Hero is Julie Parsons, who – despite the significant challenges she has faced – blazes a trail and lives an extraordinary life with disability.
YOU to those who have pledged. They’re currently at 85 bowls, so please keep them coming!
There are three recipients of the Making a Difference –Community Service Award Angela Lambros champions the importance of support networks in our community; she founded the Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk which provides a safe social space for women to gather, connect and build community. Bailey Hand is a valued volunteer at Mama Lana’s Community Foundation, where he prepares and serves meals for people experiencing food insecurity, always with his characteristic kindness and good humour. Lucinda Harvey founded Saving True Blues, a mental health charity which runs four-wheel driving weekends, creating safe spaces and combating the stigma of discussing mental health.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said that the Local Celebration Awards are an important annual milestone and remind us to reflect on how we can all be of service.
“Contributions to our community can come in many forms, and these Awards help us acknowledge and celebrate the people making those contributions,” Cr Carney said.
“It could be helping others in a time of crisis, volunteering or simply living an extraordinary life and leading by example – the Local Celebration Awards bring together and recognise local heroes from our everyday lives,” Cr Carney remarked.
Penrith’s 2024 Local Celebration Awards ceremony will be held on 25 July at St Marys Leagues Club.
To register your interest please email bluemountainsclaycollective@ gmail.com or call Linda Kemp 0430 477 301 for more details.
Steve with his Auction Piece for the Silent Auction
Denise McDonald
Troy Dodds is Citizen of the Year in the Local Celebration Awards.
Mike Hicks is a Mayor’s Local Hero in the Local Celebration Awards.
Julie Parsons is a Mayor’s Local Hero in the Local Celebration Awards.
WEDNESDAY 10TH & 17TH OF JULY
$10 BINGO or $15 BINGO & LUNCH
(Includes pen, pkt chips & a popper)
BOOKS ON SALE FROM 10AM GAME RUNS 11AM TO 12PM
LOTS OF PRIZES TO BE WON
JULY in Christmas
FRIDAY
26 JULY
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Including half hams, meat trays, hampers and more. Tickets on sale 5pm. Drawn 7pm.
MEMBERS HAPPY HOUR 4pm to 7pm
LIVE
8pm to 11pm
Sub-Branch members awarded RSL Australia Life Memberships
BY NOEL ROWSELL
IN order to be awarded a Life Membership of RSL
Australia, a member must have displayed long, continuous and outstanding service to the League.
Accordingly, a very important moment was witnessed on Sunday 23rd June at the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch, as living legends Mr John Fenton and Mr John King OAM were both presented RSL Australia Life Memberships, in recognition of their tireless, enduring commitment to Veterans, Welfare and advocacy.
“Two great gentlemen who truly deserve this recognition,” said Peter Ward.
John Fenton has been the Wellbeing Officer at the Penrith sub-Branch for the past 22 years, after spending 25 years in the Australian Army.
John commanded 17 Construction Squadron Workshop in Vietnam, commanded the North QLD Area Workshop, and the Army Aviation Workshop during his service.
He was also part of an Exchange Program to the United Kingdom, where he worked with the REME Support Group in Woolwich. He also worked at HQ Logistic Command in VIC and was the Joint Exercise Planning Staff
for the Kangaroo Exercise, conducted jointly with the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, alongside the American Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
John was also a Vice President for 1 term at the Penrith sub-Branch and derives great satisfaction from helping fellow veterans. As Wellbeing Officer, John works across the Veteran Entitlement Act (Vietnam Veterans), Defence Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (Peace Time Service) and the Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Act
(Irag, Afganistan and East Timor Veterans).
John King is a recipient of the Centenary Medal, has been awarded an OAM, and was awarded a Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner’s Commendation. He was a member of the Rooty Hill RSL sub-Branch from 1977-79, before joining Penrith in 1979 and remaining a member ever since.
John has been Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Vice President and a delegate to the Far West Metropolitan
CITY OF PENRITH RSL SUB-BRANCH
Council with the sub-Branch and is also a long-term member of the RFS. He recently suffered a stroke but is recovering well and went back to work last week as a voluntary driver for Nepean Food Services. He praised the nursing staff and doctors at Nepean District Hospital, through the Emergency Department, Stroke Ward and Rehabilitation. He also spoke highly of Dave Cuff from the St Marys RSL sub-Branch, who visited him on a daily basis throughout his stay in hospital.
MIDDLE EAST AREA OF OPERATIONS COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE
VENUE: Memory Park - High St Penrith
DATE: Thursday 11th July 2024
TIME: 4.30pm arrival for 5pm start, conclusion 6pm
DRESS: Coat and Tie, Uniform and Medals
This is a RSL NSW initiative supported by the Penrith RSL Sub Branch. The MEAO commemoration will reflect upon the sacrifices of all ADF personnel and their families who served in conflicts in the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan during 2001 – 2021. The date marks the date that ADF troops were withdrawn from the MEAO on 11 Jul 202. The City of Penrith RSL Sub Branch invites everyone to attend and really hopes to inspire a large gathering. This is a significant Commemoration that is likely to encourage the involvement of a younger base of ADF veterans in the wider Veteran Community. 176 Air Dispatch Squadron will be conducting the Military duties on behalf of the ADF.
Phillip Chin (Director, RSL NSW), John Fenton, John King OAM, Jeff Townsend (President, City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch).
Damien Thomlinson: incredible resilience and triumph
BY KERRIE DAVIES
CIRCLE July 11 on your calendar. At
St Marys RSL subBranch’s Middle East Area of Operations Commemoration, you’ll hear from one of the most inspirational Australians you’ve ever encountered.
Damien Thomlinson, an Australian veteran of the war in Afghanistan, is a living testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit. Inspired by his grandfather’s military history, Damien joined the Australian Defence Force, achieving his dream of becoming a Commando at just 24.
This elite unit undertakes some of the most demanding and dangerous roles in the armed forces.
In April 2009, while serving with the 2nd Commando Regiment in Afghanistan, Damien’s life took a drastic turn. His unit drove over an improvised Taliban bomb during a night patrol, resulting in severe injuries and the loss of both his legs. Despite the severity of his injuries, Damien’s determination and will to survive astonished his medical team. Instead of succumbing to despair, Damien treated his injuries as a challenge to overcome. He committed to his rehabilitation with extraordinary drive and learned to walk again
using state-of-the-art prosthetic legs. His journey of recovery and resilience is chronicled in his bestselling autobiography, “Without Warning.”
Damien’s passion for life and drive to inspire others have seen him participate in numerous physical challenges. He has taken part in the TARGA Tasmania classic car rally, walked the Kokoda Track, and competed globally in snowboarding. He represented Australia at the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games, showcasing his athletic prowess across various sports.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Damien pursued
acting, studying the craft and landing a role in the 2016 blockbuster “Hacksaw Ridge.” He also appeared on “Australian Survivor” as part of the “Champions vs Contenders” format.
In 2019, Damien shifted his focus to golf, aiming to represent Australia internationally. He won his first All Abilities tournament in 2020 and is now ranked among the top three multi-amputee golfers globally.
Damien Thomlinson’s story is one of reinvention, embracing change, and maintaining a positive outlook. His remarkable journey embodies the ANZAC spirit, proving that no challenge is insurmountable.
ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
A priceless gift for Patches
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
THREE-YEAR-OLD Fox
Terrier, Patches, faced a dire situation when he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA), a serious and lifethreatening condition that affects both dogs and cats. IMHA causes the pet’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own red blood cells, leading to severe anaemia and widespread inflammation. This condition requires aggressive therapy and often hospitalisation, including IV fluids and blood transfusions, to stabilise the patient and allow other treatments to take effect.
Patches’ condition was so severe that Dr. Jennie, had doubts about
his survival. Despite the guarded prognosis, she was determined to give Patches every chance possible. In a critical moment, the call for a blood donor was answered by an unexpected hero: Ripley, the German Shepherd. Dog blood transfusions are crucial in veterinary medicine for treating trauma, disease, or anaemia. Just like humans, dogs have various blood types, categorised by Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) types. The most common is DEA 1.1, and knowing whether a dog is DEA 1.1 positive or negative is essential for successful blood transfusions. DEA 1.1 negative dogs are considered universal donors, capable of donating blood to any other dog regardless of their DEA type.
Ripley, with his DEA 1.1 negative blood type, was perfectly suited for the lifesaving donation Patches desperately needed. Only a small percentage of dogs are DEA 1.1 negative, with breeds like Greyhounds, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Dobermans, and German Shepherds more likely to be universal donors. Ripley’s timely donation was
Fof Hawkesbury
Animal
SWEET MORTICIA WANTS TO MEET YOU
Morticia is a very sweet, sleek cat that has a beautiful nature. She is a friendly girl and likes affection so would make a great companion for someone looking for a feline friend to share their life with. As well as chin scratches and pats Morticia loves her food and will still play with a toy if given the opportunity. If you think this striking girl is the one for you then please come and meet her anytime during open hours.
Cost: $99 Age: 1 Year and 3 Weeks Type: Cat Breed: Domestic Short Hair Sex: Female
49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills
a critical factor in stabilising Patches’ condition, allowing other treatments to work and giving Patches a fighting chance at recovery.
The transfusion process involves intravenously incorporating the donor dog’s blood into the patient’s bloodstream, effectively increasing blood levels and stabilising the patient. This procedure was vital for Patches, whose red blood cell count had plummeted due to IMHA. With Ripley’s blood, Patches’ body received the boost it needed to combat the disease and support the medical treatments he was undergoing.
After the successful transfusion and intensive care, Patches’ condition began to improve. However, IMHA is a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can be managed with long-term medication and regular medical check-ups. Patches will require frequent rechecks to monitor his red blood cell count and adjust his medication as needed.
The story of Patches and Ripley underscores the critical importance of blood donations in veterinary care. While Patches’ journey with IMHA is far from over, Ripley’s heroic donation gave him the chance to live a fuller, healthier life. This incident also highlights the need for more donor dogs, as every donation can potentially save another dog’s life.
IMHA remains a challenging condition, but with dedicated care, adherence to treatment protocols, and the willingness of donor dogs like Ripley, dogs like Patches can continue to lead happy, active lives despite their diagnosis. The bond between Patches and Ripley serves as a touching reminder of the incredible resilience of animals and the profound impact they can have on each other’s lives.
For more information about IMHA or blood donations call the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.
these animals to Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow
look them up on facebook and twitter.
Tessa is a lovely friendly dog who just loves to be where the action is. She will sit when asked and is only too happy to take her treats gently. Tessa loves to play in the exercise run alongside the other dogs enjoying all the fun and excitement. If you have been looking for an active fun dog to join your family please come to the shelter with your dog and the children to meet her just so we can be sure they are all going to get on well together.
Cost: $99
2
These two gorgeous dogs came in together, and it would be wonderful to see them go to a
RIENDS
Companion
Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs and temperament tests of the animals to
post online and promote the animals. They upload their images and opinions of
them,
Glenmore Village official opening
Introduction
GLENMORE VILLAGE, the latest addition to the retail landscape of Glenmore Park, was officially opened by Councillor Todd Carney, Mayor of Penrith, and Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, on 26 June 2024. This opening marks a significant milestone for the community, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience.
In the heart of Glenmore Park, a vibrant new retail hub has emerged, heralding a new era in community connectivity and convenience. Glenmore Village, developed and constructed by Beaini, stands tall as a testament to architectural ingenuity and community aspirations. Mickey Beaini, Director of Beaini Projects, reflects on the journey with excitement, anticipating the positive impact on the local retail landscape. Vanessa Sullivan, Head of Marketing for Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith, who manage the centre, said the community has been excited to see this development come to life.
THE first step in researching businesses offering any kind of service in any industry can be daunting, because there are so many out there – and naturally, no two are the same. However, for solar, the process can be especially challenging due to the prevalence of scams and downright unreliable companies.
To give you an idea of the landscape, a Google of solar in the Penrith area will feed you the names of hundreds
Glenmore Village is celebrating their grand opening this Sunday, 7 July, with a huge day filled with fun and giveaways. The event promises lots of rides and activities for families and a chance to meet the retailers. Giveaways totaling $10,000, including the chance to win a $5,000 holiday, add to the excitement.
Location and Accessibility
Nestled within the Mulgoa Rise estate in Glenmore Park, Glenmore Village is conveniently situated adjacent to the Mulgoa Rise sporting complex. The centre boasts ample parking facilities, including both undercover and open-air options, ensuring ease of access for visitors. Centrally located on Glenmore Ridge Drive, it offers unparalleled convenience to the local community.
Diverse Offerings
Glenmore Village is anchored by Woolworths Metro and features an additional 43 retailers, offering a diverse selection of retail options.
Visitors can enjoy casual dining spots, restaurants, beauty services, medical and health services. The comprehensive range of services includes a medical centre, pharmacy, physiotherapy clinic, and Australia Post, all prioritising visitor convenience.
Fitness and Recreation
For health and fitness enthusiasts, Glenmore Village is a prime destination. The centre features two gyms, one open 24/7, and a swim centre, catering to the whole family’s fitness journey.
Community Hub
Modern amenities and close proximity to residential areas and sports facilities enhance the overall shopping experience. With its convenient location, diverse offerings, and commitment to visitor satisfaction, Glenmore Village is poised to become the go-to retail destination for residents of Glenmore Park and beyond.
Jim’s Gems
of ‘renewable energy experts’, and thousands of articles published to supposedly ‘help’ find a good one.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of trawling through such an extraordinary amount of information to determine who to trust is nothing but overwhelming, confusing, and discouraging.
Even as the owner of a solar business, I’m bombarded with misleading nonsense. It’s no wonder so many people pull out of the process so soon!
“Is it even worth the hassle?” you might be wondering? Well, yes – and that’s not just because I’d be out of a job if I didn’t say that. Solar is the only investment that is guaranteed to make you money. Add in a battery, and Bob’s your uncle!
You just need to figure out which companies will have your back.
First and foremost, I recommend reaching out to long-standing businesses, local to your home. Ideally, they’ll have an office you can drop into and speak to someone in person, but having other contact information available on their website, social media, or Google Business page is important too.
“Hold up, is that not a minimum?” Well, yes, but you’d be surprised what’s out there - specialising in nothing other than door knocking, cold calling, and pushy sales.
In my experience, it’s also worth taking some time to read through the good and bad reviews of a business before you sign off a contract. The dodgy do their best to hide dishonesty, but technology can help the community uncover the truth and make informed decisions.
Moving on from red flags – of
which I’ll add, if you don’t mind, a company that hounds you with calls, texts, and emails at all hours… you should only engage with a business that is registered as a New Energy Tech Approved Seller and accredited with Solar Accreditation Australia.
I’ll share more about avoiding scams next week, but if it’s too good to be true… I can assure you, it very likely is!
With Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions
A fun-filled golf program for children
THE Big Swing Kids Clinic is an engaging program designed to introduce children to the fundamental aspects of golf. This interactive experience covers essential skills such as grip, stance, posture, swing, chipping, putting, and using drivers. Children will learn to refine their techniques and understand the nuances of each aspect of the game.
The clinic culminates in a fun and practical session where kids can put all their newly acquired skills to the test by playing as many holes as they like on state-ofthe-art golf simulators. This handson approach ensures that children not only learn but also enjoy the process of mastering the game.
In the second hour, the fun continues with free play, offering a variety of sports and activities. Kids can choose from golf, baseball, soccer, zombie dodgeball, or basketball. This segment of the program allows children to explore their interests and enjoy maximum fun in a child-friendly environment.
The Kids Clinic is designed to provide a balanced mix of structured learning and free play, ensuring that children remain engaged, active, and entertained. Whether they are honing their golf skills or playing their favorite sports, kids are guaranteed to have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Sydney’s BIGGEST dinosaur event roars into Sydney Zoo these school holidays!
GET ready to step back in time as Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek transforms into a prehistoric wonderland with the NEW Dinosaur Safari - this year, with double the dinos!
Starting from July 6th, Sydney Zoo’s 4,000 animals will be joined by an impressive array of life-size, moving, and roaring dinosaurs. Armed with your Safari map, you’ll discover all your favourite beasts, from the giant T-Rex with its razor-sharp teeth and powerful presence, to the majestic Brachiosaurus with its towering neck and gentle demeanour, and the swift Velociraptor, known for its intelligence and agility.
Plus, explore many more incredible dinosaurs along the way.
The immersive Safari trail promises endless fun and surprises at every turn, letting your imagination run wild as you explore a world where dinosaurs come to life before your eyes.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Don’t miss the NEW interactive Raptor show, running daily in the zoo’s amphitheatre. Get up close with the fierce yet captivating star of the show and be
prepared to roar with delight. For budding palaeontologists, the Dino Dig offers a chance to uncover hidden treasures. Brush away the sand to reveal dinosaur bones and experience the excitement of discovery firsthand – a perfect activity for curious minds and aspiring scientists. Then, be sure to follow the footprints and snap a photo inside the jaws of a giant Megalodon to capture lasting memories.
Sydney Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari is FREE with your zoo entry ticket, making it the ultimate destination for families these school holidays. Kids’ tickets are just $19.99, parking is FREE, and so are kids under 3, offering incredible value for an adventure of prehistoric proportions.
Don’t miss out on Sydney’s BIGGEST dinosaur event at Sydney Zoo – on for a limited time only.
This week in pictures
Question
Time….Stuart Ayres interviewing the Premier Chris Minns in his new role as CEO of UDIA NSW.
Mavrik Geyer before the game against the Cowboys last weekend
Gateway to growth: Penrith CBD Corporation held their Property Owner and Investors night.
Deputy Premier Prue Car held ‘Listening Posts’ in Jordan Springs, Caddens and Ropes Crossing.
Heritage Locomotive #3265 on its way through Penrith, headed to Valley Heights, on its fourth run from Penrith on Saturday 29th June.
Heritage Locomotive 3265 is a preserved former NSW Government Railway C32-class steam locomotive. Built in 1902 by Beyer, Peacock & Co England, it is owned by the Powerhouse Museum and is based at the NSW Rail Museum, Thirlmere. 3265 is the only surviving member of its class with an original low frame.
Gumbirra Children’s Centre and Cook Parade Children’s Centre welcomed Penrith Mayor Todd Carney, General Manager Andrew Moore, Acting Director of Community and People Sarah Dean, Acting Children’s Services Operations Manager Deone White and members of the Leadership Team.
So proud of our boys in blue!
New Café, Restaurant, and Bar set to open in Penrith Mid-July
EXCITING news for Penrith residents and visitors alike! A new café, restaurant, and bar, Long’s House, is set to open its doors in mid-July, promising a delightful addition to the local dining scene. Located at 89-151 Castlereagh St, Castlereagh, inside Sydney Helicopters, Long’s House is gearing up to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a versatile culinary experience.
Long’s House will be open from Wednesday to Saturday for all meals, and from Sunday to Tuesday for breakfast and lunch. This schedule caters to various dining preferences, whether you
are looking for a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an intimate dinner. Patrons can look forward to enjoying casual drinks at the bar, making Long’s House a perfect spot for any occasion.
The menu, which will be available soon on the Long’s House website (longshouse.com.au), promising contemporary Australian dining with a twist, complemented by European delights. This diverse culinary offering is expected to appeal to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that every visit to Long’s House will be a unique and satisfying experience.
The strategic location inside Sydney Helicopters
adds a unique charm to Long’s House, making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re booking an intimate dinner, planning a long lunch, or just dropping by for casual drinks, Long’s House aims to provide a welcoming and memorable dining experience.
As anticipation builds for the grand opening, residents of Penrith and surrounding areas are encouraged to keep an eye on the Long’s House website for the latest updates and the official menu reveal. With its eclectic mix of contemporary and European flavors, Long’s House is poised to become a favourite dining destination in our region.
Serving breakfast lunch and dinner
Open Wednesday – Saturday for all meals
Open Sunday to Tuesday for breakfast and lunch
Book an intimate dinner, a long lunch or casual drinks at the bar Menu coming soon to our website, menu will be contemporary Australian dining with
and European
OUT N ABOUT
To advertise in Nepean News or request your event to be added call Malama on 0416 203 777 OR EMAIL: sales@nepeannews.com.au with Malama
Did you know that you can save on the cost of a nutritious meal and delivery by including Meals on Wheels services as part of your NDIS plan? Whether you are agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed, they can provide peace of mind for you and your family members knowing that you have access to a well-known and trusted brand in the community. Receive regular meals from a trained volunteer whilst having a friendly chat. Call Nepean Food Services on 4733 7200.
Panthers Penrith is bringing back the nostalgia with a spectacular celebration! Remember Roadworks Café, Grand Prix Room and Reactor 1 at Panthers? It’s time to Take On those unforgettable nights again!!
DJ Rocky Warren Back to the 80’s Band Dancing girls
We’ll be Dancing With Somebody to all the hits, so go ahead and Jump over to our website to book your tickets now! bit.ly/Reactor1Party
The Blue Mountains and Penrith District Orchid Society will be holding its 2024 Winter Show in Melrose Hall, Cnr Great Western Highway and Park Street, Emu Plains on Saturday 6th July (9am ~ 3pm) and Sunday 7th July (10am ~ 3pm).
The Winter Show will include plant sales, orchid displays and a raffle.
$2 entry (cash only). Children under 15 free. Card facilities available (Plant sales only).
Photo displayed is the 2023 Grand Champion.
Do your kids love to dance?
Join Bop Till You Drop at Penrith City Library’s fun disco on Monday 15 July from 10.30-11.30am.
It’s best suited for 3-8 year olds. The session costs $7 per child. Book at https://mini_groove_festJuly2024.eventbrite.com.au
Looking for some fun for the kids during the winter school holidays? Join Council’s free event - Mini Makers! City Park
Wednesday 10 July, 2024, 10am – 1pm Kokoda Park
Wednesday 17 July, 2024, 10am – 1pm
Teacher Edgar Fuller
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
EDGAR was born in June 1825 at Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest District, Essex, England and baptised at Dr Williams Library in London, England of Baptist faith. His father’s name was Thomas Fuller who married Elizabeth Marie Edwards. Edgar married Mary Anne Faithfull in May 1850. She was born in 1825 at Camberwell, the Borough of Southwark, Greater London. Edgar and Elizabeth arrived from Adelaide as steerage passengers into New South Wales in October 1850 on the ship “Jane Morrison”. In March 1855 Edgar obtained a Hawkers & Peddler’s Licence at Strawberry Hill. This area was part of a 70-acre land grant to John Palmer in 1794 and close to Sydney. In January 1856 Edgar signed a petition to elect James Martin Esq to represent the city of Sydney in the new Parliament, and in July 1860, now living at Castlereagh he signed a petition under the Municipal Act in Penrith not to make his locality into a municipality. In 1879, Edgar now living at Colyton asked for the first quarterly list of horse and cattle brands. In June 1880 in the “Appointments for Teacher at Colyton Public School”, his Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council was pleased to appoint Mr Edgar Fuller to the offices specified such appointments to take effect. He obtained a position as a teacher at Colyton Public School after a Teachers Character Reference from James Young & John Guild of St Marys. He was the first principal of the school and headmaster but between that time he was removed from Colyton to a teaching position at Dural Public school at an annual salary of £102 a year that was later cancelled and he returned to Colyton public school. It is said that he ran a private school for several years before the Government School system began and at that time he would send the boys out into the bush to gather wood that he would sell as a private means of income, even though the parents of the boys were paying him to educate their sons. In 1883 he stated that he was 58 years old and he was out of service from 1st May 1860 to 13th April, 1861. In a letter to the Postmaster General in July 1883 from Edgar saying, “On behalf of the people of this district, I beg to ask if you will be pleased to consider the advisability of establishing a Post Office here, this request is for Colyton”. In the will of James Davis in March 1889 of Mount Druitt, farm labourer deceased, the executors of the will were William Emert of Mount Druitt, fruit-grower and Edgar Fuller of the same place, Schoolmaster. Also in April the Minister had approved the recommendation that Edgar be allowed to retire from the service on 30th June 1889 and by August that year Edgar retired from the School and received a pension of £72 a year granted under the Civil Service Act of 1884, and teacher J D Miller takes his place coming from Burrill Public
school. His wife Mary Anne died at the age of 68 in July 1893. The Nepean Times obituary reads “Another old resident, Mrs Fuller (Nee: Faithfull) was the wife of the schoolmaster at the Colyton Public School. She was very much loved and respected all over the district and had been ailing for a very long time, suffering mainly from senile decay. Edgar died in June 1916 and lived to the ripe old age of 91 years and is buried with Mary in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalene church, St Marys. Photo of the grave at St Mary Magdalene cemetery from Ancestry online.
Sources: NSW State Archives website, Deceased Estates Index 1880-1958, Sydney Morning Herald, NSW Government Gazette, NSW School Teachers’ rolls 1869-1908 Volume 1, Ancestry family information, Nepean Times, Trove, NSW Unassisted Immigrant Passenger Lists, 1826-1922 for Fuller - Series 1291, Reports of vessels arrived (or Shipping reports) Reel 1277-1850 Jan 01-1850 Dec 29, NSW, Public Service Lists 1858-1960, registration of the Brands Act of 1856, Sydney, 18th June, 1880 - Department of Public Instruction, History of Mt Druitt NSW, The Nation Archives Post Office Files - Dated 1883 Filed B 79/12-Received 3rd July 1883, NSW Civil Service Colyton – Educational Dept. Teacher Public School. Classification 3a 1885. NSW Australia, Public Service Lists, 1858-1960.
Native of Gambia (7)
Group of 8 (5)
in the
(7)
(7)
Seedlings (9)
Frisky or flirtatious (9)
Cause to overturn (5)
Do away with (7) 7 Proof of innocence (5)
Plunges (7)
Illuminate (9)
Bring to a head (9)
17 Disappointment (7)
Lawmaker (7) 20 Attacking with explosives (7) 21 One of New York’s baseball teams (7) 23 Carries (5)
Wicker basket (5)
Photo of the grave at St Mary Magdalene cemetery from Ancestry online.
Pole and aerial athletes to reach new heights in Penrith
BY NOEL ROWSELL
AUSTRALIA’S leading pole and aerial athletes converge on Penrith this month, with the aim of representing their country on the world stage.
The 2024 Australian Pole and Aerial Championships (APAC) will be held at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) on 13 - 14 July and it is the second successive year the venue has hosted the national sporting event.
In the biggest Australian Championships to date, 64 athletes will present more than 80 awe-inspiring routines that combine strength, flexibility and musicality. Top-tier athletes will compete to represent Australia at the upcoming World Pole and Aerial Championships, which will be held in Sweden.
Deborah Roach, Treasurer of the Australian Pole Sports Federation (APSF) and three-time International Pole Champion said, “Participation in Pole and Aerial Sports is growing across Australia, demonstrated by the increase in entries for 2024. Entries across all categories have increased, which means we’re in for a truly exciting competition across two days.”
“Last year, we sent 10 outstanding Australian athletes to the World Championships, signalling strong growth in the sport and showcasing our talent on a global stage.”
Mrs Roach, who was born without her left arm and is a long-time advocate for inclusiveness in sport, said APAC offered a fair and equitable environment that supported all abilities. “The APSF ensures a fair and inclusive competition environment, where athletes of all ages and skill levels can thrive,” she said. “From amateurs to elites, inclusiveness remains central to our ethos.
“Our scoring system reflects our dedication to diversity and fairness,
FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS
ensuring a rewarding experience for all participants and we’re the only competition that offers Para Pole categories that support participants with disabilities. We invite the Penrith community to come along and witness these awe-inspiring performances on a national stage.”
The two-day APAC schedule kicks off on Saturday 13 July at 1pm with an Opening Ceremony, which has free entry for spectators. It will be followed by Aerial Hoop Sport and Artistic categories from 2pm. Pole Sport and Artistic Pole will be contested on Sunday 14 July, starting at 9am.
“The competition offers a
diverse view of Pole and Aerial Hoop disciplines,” Mrs Roach sad. “The Sports categories emphasise athleticism, whilst the Artistic categories put greater focus on storytelling and expression.”
Two-day spectator tickets are now available to purchase via Humanitix. Don’t miss your chance to witness Australia’s finest in pole and aerial athletics. Visit https://events. humanitix.com/2024-australianpole-and-aerial-championships For more information on the Australian Pole Sports Federation or the Australian Pole and Aerial Championships, visit: www.auspolesports.org
Economic update and the latest RBA meeting
DESPITE rising prices, property market sentiment has been the worst I can remember for property valued above the lower price points. While it is nice to see the numbers continuing to climb across my portfolio, there has been a seemingly neverending onslaught of articles that see-saw between the housing affordability crisis, the rental crisis, rising insolvencies, and the rising cost of living. Doesn’t help that as I drive past the servos, I get constant reminders when I see the price of 95 octane fuel at $2.50.
This is the effect of monetary debasement playing out in real time. The 180 litres of petrol I put into my car at $2.50 isn’t 166 percent more valuable than the 180 litres of petrol that cost $1.50, since I can’t drive 166 percent further or faster. It simply costs 166 percent more. There’s an important difference between price and value.
The purchasing power of money is visibly eroding, as evidenced by the cost of living (such as fuel prices) rising faster than wages. On the other hand, asset prices rise even faster, which not only protects us against monetary debasement but also allows us to run against the tide and become wealthier.
The secret is that as the purchasing power of money
declines, it also erodes the value of debt. That is to say that if you borrow money to buy an asset (like a house) and never pay it off, the debt falls in real terms. In other words, while the dollar number of your debt doesn’t actually go down, the value of the debt does. It falls at the same rate that the Australian dollar loses its purchasing power. It’s the Aikido* of money.
RBA UPDATE
Today, the RBA decided to hold rates steady again despite a few calls from crazy people saying there would be a hike. The truth is that the RBA is stuck between a rock and a hard place. It wants CPI to drop into its 2-3 percent target band while maintaining full employment. At the same time, the house is burning down around it.
The economy is in the doldrums, having effectively been in recession for five quarters, and all the forward indicators point to a rapidly weakening jobs market. Construction companies are dropping like flies, with insolvencies up by 140 percent, and in accommodation and food services, insolvencies are up by 130 percent. So, we’re faced with no building supply, and household spending (60 percent of the economy) has contracted to the point where people don’t want to go on holidays or eat out.
At the same time, the immigration floodgates have been opened, further suppressing wage growth and putting additional strain on the already strained property market. This drives up rents, which then adds
to rent inflation. Annualized GDP growth in Q1 2024 was extremely weak, falling to 0.8 percent, while the population increased by 2.4 percent, meaning that in per capita terms, we’ve gone backward. It’s like trying to fill a leaky bucket.
Holding interest rates here for too long (let alone raising them) is a game of brinksmanship and puts Australia at risk of falling into a deep recession. Inflation has continued to fall, unemployment and underemployment continue to rise, job ads are down, household disposable income is the weakest in the developed world, and the economy is in reverse. The RBA should start cutting rates late this year but many economists are now predicting the first cut won’t be until early next year. This will provide a much-needed boost to consumer confidence and take some of the strain out of household budgets.
*Aikido is a martial art designed to redirect the opponent’s force against them. I have to say that it doesn’t work in many real-life situations (unlike using debt to buy income-generating assets)
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.
This information is of a general nature, and you need to take all your own circumstances into consideration before making any commitments.
WITH STEVE BEARD Select Mortgage Broker
Action from the 2023 Championships in Penrith. Photos supplied by Deb Roach
Local teams set for Master Pennant Showdown
BY NOEL ROWSELL
PENRITH GC and Twin Creeks
CGC will recreate history this Sunday, when they meet at Liverpool GC at 8:15am, in the Division 2 Final of the 2024 Golf NSW Master Pennant competition.
These two clubs met in 2020, in the Final of the Division 2 Major Pennant competition, a historymaking day which resulted in a win to Twin Creeks but both teams winning promotion to Division 1 for 2021.
Fast forward to 2024 and the two clubs have both won promotion to Division 1 for Master Pennant but there will still be a prestigious title on the line when they match up on Sunday.
Penrith’s squad is Eric Banguis, John Bright, Denis Day, Jeff Gadd, Graeme Howland, Tony Hunter, Peter Morris, Duane Orth, Colin Stockley, Dale Turner, Scott Walker, and Robert Zadrevec, manager Danny Acret.
Twin Creek’s squad is Glenn Johnston, David McMillan, Ian Ashcroft, Greg Corben, Colin Gallen, Stephen Waite, John Glasheen, Tyrone Emtage, David Quirk, Michael Hogan.
In other qualification playoff matches, Monash defeated Stonecutters Ridge 6.5-1.5 in Division 1 and North Ryde defeated Richmond 4.5-3.5 in
Division 3.
Craig Baird won 3&2 and Andrew Moore was all square for Stonecutters Ridge.
Richmond and North Ryde turned on a nail-biter, with 3 matches squared, 3 won narrowly 2&1 and only 2 big wins - 1 to each club. Jason Moss won 5&4, Darren Adam won 2&1, Matt Horton was all square, Richard Gerlach all square and Wayne Palmer all square for Richmond.
In the Relegation matches, Glenmore Heritage Valley fell 5.5-2.5 to The Coast and will drop to Division 3 in 2025, whilst Wallacia won 5-3 over Northbridge and will remain in Division 3 in 2025.
Local juniors to contest NSW Junior Championships
SIXTEEN western Sydney juniors will contest the 2024 NSW Junior Golf Championships, over 9th -12th July, which will be played at Liverpool and Cabramatta Golf courses.
The NSW Junior Championships (both Boys and Girls Divisions) are open events and any player aged 12-17 Years who meets the Handicap Guidelines is eligible to register.
Boy’s Maximum Handicaps per age group: 17
Years – 6; 16 Years – 9; 15 Years – 12; 14 Years – 15; 13 Years – 18; 12 Years – 21.
Girl’s Maximum Handicaps per age group: 17 Years – 10; 16 Years – 14; 15 Years -18; 14 Years –22; 13 Years – 26; 12 Years – 30.
The registered players from local golf clubs are: Jessica Fog, Riley Cleminson, Xavier Stamatakis, Nicole Son (Penrith GC), Annoushka Maikap, Sean Sammons, Jack Gillett, Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC), Luke Carruthers (Dunheved GC), Farmaan Dhillon (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC),
Jake Thompson (Leonay), Noah Mcdonell (Fox Hills), Jesse Hardaker (Wentworth Falls).
Other clubs represented are: Ti Fox, Chayse Thorpe (Concord GC), Darcy Mackay (The Australian GC).
There will be a cut following 36 holes, with the Top 100 Boys (plus ties) and all Girls qualifying to play the 3rd and 4th rounds. In addition to the Top 100 Boys and all Girls, a MINIMUM of 8 players from each of the Boy’s age divisions will also make the cut and qualify for the final 2 rounds.
Locals highly placed in NSWCHSSA Golf Championships
THE NSW CHSSA Golf Championships were held last week at The Coast and Moore Park golf courses. The event featured players from Combined High Schools (CHS), Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) and Combined Independent Schools (CIS).
Jamie Smith (Australian Christian College, Marsden Park) and Michelle Bang (Marsden HS, Meadowbank) emerged victorious, dominating their respective divisions with outstanding performances.
Jamie clinched the win in the Boy’s division by 3 shots, finishing with a total score of 5-under-par after a stellar 6-under-par final round at The Coast GC on Day 3.
Riley Millers (Australian Christian College, Marsden Park) finished 2nd, Darcy Mackay (St Dominic’s College, Kingswood) 3rd, Chayse Thorpe (Colo HS) 7th and Blake Hodges (St Dominic’s College, Kingswood) 12th.
In the girls’ division, Michelle Bang
triumphed with a phenomenal 9-shot lead, finishing with a final score of 4-under-par after Wednesday’s 3rd round.
Stonecutters Ridge GC representative Michelle Yang (Cammeraygal HS) finished in a tie for 3rd place, ahead of former western Sydney local Camilla Kim in 5th, Annoushka Maikap (Our Lady of Mercy, Parramatta / Stonecutters Ridge
GC) 14th and Jordyn Deen (Australian Christian College, Marsden Park) 16th.
The top sixteen in both the Boys and Girls divisions qualified to play in the final round at The Coast GC on Thursday, with the Top 6 and 2 reserves in each division selected for the NSW All Schools team, which will play in the School Sports Australia Championship at Royal Canberra in August.
Jamie continued his outstanding form on Day 4, shooting a magnificent 63 (the lowest round of the tournament) for a total of 266, finishing 9 shots clear at the top of the qualifiers, ahead of Riley in 2nd on 275, Darcy 5th on 284, Chayse 8th on 289 and Blake 9th on 290. Jamie and Riley also finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the CIS standings, Darcy and Blake finished 1st and 2nd respectively in CCC, whilst Chayse was 4th in CHS.
Michelle Bang also continued to dominate in the Girls division, finishing 10 shots clear of the field, with Camilla 3rd with 288, Michelle Yang tied 8th on 300, Annoushka 14th on 312 and Jordyn 16th on 317.
Michelle Yang and Camilla finished 3rd and 4th respectively in CHS, whilst Jordyn finished 2nd in CIS.
Jamie, Riley, Darcy and Chayse (2nd reserve) were all chosen in the NSW Boy’s team, whilst former western Sydney junior, 13-year-old Camilla Kim, was chosen in the Girl’s team.
David McMillan (Twin Creeks) and John Bright (Penrith). File pics by Noel Rowsell
BY NOEL ROWSELL
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Blake Hodges and Darcy Mackay. Photos courtesy of Kass Rogan / Golf NSW
Panthers and Bruins share the spoils in NBL1 East
IT’S been a bumpy ride this season for
Penrith basketball fans, with both senior teams sitting in the bottom half of their respective competition ladders in the 2024 NBL1 East competition.
There is however a defining line between the Panthers women’s and men’s teams, with the former now on a 3-game winning streak, and inching its way up the rankings, whilst the latter is now on a 13-game losing streak, unable to break through in several closely-fought contests this year and unhappily grasping the wooden spoon.
Penrith and Bankstown last met in Round 3 at Condell Park, with the Panthers finishing the night with 2 losses.
Since then, the Penrith women’s team has established a tougher demeanour, with only the occasional game slipping out of control early on the night.
The Panthers were again in a winning frame of mind against the Bankstown Bruins on Saturday night at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports
(PVRSC), Cambridge Park, dominating the first quarter 27-13, then doing just enough to edge even further ahead in the next two quarters,
points, Tahlia
Tupaea 19, Tatiana Beaumont 10 and Mia Heide with 15 boards.
The Penrith men have found a lack of consistency has been a telling factor this season and although starting strongly against the Bruins, found themselves trailing 21-14 at the first break.
A 29-18 second quarter response took the Panthers to a half time lead (43-39), before the Bruins again won the third quarter to bring the margin back to one point at the final break in play (Panthers ahead 64-63).
There would be little joy for the home fans in the final quarter, although many might have contemplated a rare victory, at several stages of the term, but the Bruins would ultimately close out the game in the dying minutes for an 89-84 win.
Zeke Evans grabbed a doubledouble of 16 points, 15 boards for the Panthers, Atien Acuel had 17 points, Joshua Kalwy 16 and Ben Kearins 10.
This weekend’s Round 13 games will see the Panthers host the Sydney Comets on Friday night (women 6pm, men 8pm) and the Norths Bears on Saturday (women 5.30pm, men 7.30pm).
Centre
building a sufficient buffer to hold off a late Bruins effort.
Penrith won 71-57, led by Chloe Williams with 24
Chloe Williams and Atien Acuel. File photos by Noel Rowsell
Noemie Fox selected for Paris in Kayak Cross
BY NOEL ROWSELL
NOEMIE Fox will make her Olympic debut in Paris, with the 27-year-old selected by the Australian Olympic Committee to contest the new discipline of Kayak Cross.
Noemie will join sister Jess Fox OAM, mother Myriam and father Richard Fox MBE as canoe slalom Olympians.
Noemie’s selection comes after she secured a quota for Australia in the Kayak Cross by winning silver at the Global Qualification event in Prague in June.
Athletes contesting the K1 and C1 in Paris are also eligible for the kayak cross event, meaning Noemie and Jess Fox will join the ranks of Australian Olympic sisters to compete in the same event – just the fifth set of Australian sisters selected to contest the same individual event at an Olympic Games.
Born in Marseille, France, Noemie is currently in France finalising her Paris 2024 preparations.
“It’s still hard to find the right
words to describe how special this feels,” she said. “For so long the Olympics felt very unattainable, as we only have one spot per category in our sport and well - the Greatest of All Time has been a bit of a barrier to entry!
“With an extra three global quotas available in the Kayak Cross for Paris 2024, I had a small opening to go to my first Olympic Games and chased the dream down hard, no matter how slim and unattainable it felt. As an athlete, these are the moments you
dream about, crossing the line first, and all your hard work paying off at that perfect time - and for me that’s exactly what happened in Prague.
“I’m so honoured, proud and grateful to be joining my teammates
Tim Anderson, Tristan Carter and my sister Jess Fox on the Australian Olympic Team. We really seized every single opportunity to try to make that Olympic dream come true so to execute the plan is truly the most special win for me, my family and my team - and one that I’ll remember for
the rest of my life.
“Competing in France feels like a full circle moment. In Sydney 2000 we had recently moved from France so I was cheering with French and Australian flags in my new home. Now I’ll be wearing the green and gold in France and it will definitely feel like a home Olympics in some ways.
“I’m now the final piece of the puzzle joining my family of Olympians! The Olympic Spirit is something that has been ingrained in my upbringing since the startgrowing up in the aftermath of the Sydney 2000 Olympics idolising Ian Thorpe, Susie O’Neil and Cathy Freeman. I still have the book of signatures from athletes including Anna Meares and Jodie Henry from the Welcome Home Ceremonies in 2004 and 2008 at Sydney Airport.
“I then experienced London and Rio in the stands watching my sister win silver and bronze. In Tokyo I worked for the Organising Committee as the English announcer for Canoe Sprint. It’s so special to be taking part of the Olympic Games as an athlete this time round.”
AOC announces Australian Rowing Team for Paris
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Australian Olympic Committee has selected a 37-strong team across nine boats to contest the Olympic Rowing Regatta at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris.
The team features six athletes making their third Olympic Team, 20 heading to their second Games and 11 debutantes.
With 23 women and 14 men, the squad features seven Olympic gold medallists and a further four who won
bronze in Australian rowing’s famed ‘Hour of Power’ at Tokyo 2020.
And whilst 26 athletes return from the Tokyo regatta, many are heading to Paris in a different boat.
Women’s Four champions Anabelle McIntyre OAM and Jessica Morrison OAM will crew the Pair, whilst Lucy Stephan OAM moves from the Four to the Women’s Eight.
Australian rowers first appeared at an Olympics in 1912, and then every Games since Paris 1924, meaning Paris 2024 will mark 100 years of Australian rowing’s continuous
participation in the Olympic rowing regatta.
The Australian team enters Paris on a high, after finishing on top of the medal tally at Rowing World Cup III in Poland in June, where they claimed 11 medals out of 13 events, including six gold.
Local residents chosen in the Australian team are: Quad ScullLaura Gourley (Glenbrook), Caitlin Cronin (Warrimoo), Pair - Annabelle McIntyre OAM (Penrith), FourOlympia Aldersey (Penrith), Women’s Eight - Katrina Werry (Penrith), Lucy
Stephan OAM (Penrith), Sarah Hawe (Mulgoa).
The other rowers selected in the Women’s team who are based at the National Intensive Training Centre in Penrith are: Single Scull – Tara Rigney, Double Scull – Amanda Bateman, Harriet Hudson, Quad Scull – Rowena Meredith, Ria Thompson, Pair – Jessica Morrison OAM, Four – Molly Goodman, Jean Mitchell, Lily Triggs, Eight – Paige Barr, Bronwyn Cox, Georgina Rowe, Hayley Verbunt, Jacqueline Swick, Giorgia Patten, Sarah Hawe.
Locals set to shine at Morgan Park in ASBK
ROUND 4 of the 2024 mibike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), presented by Motul, will be held at Morgan Park Raceway, QLD over 12th-14th July and promises to be another thrilling display of motorcycle racing, with local western Sydney riders once again to be prominent in the standings.
Recent upgrades both on and and off the track to the Raceway have boosted the credentials of the venue, helping to further cement itself as a staple on the ASBK calendar.
The 12-turn layout is an absolute magnet for eye-popping battles across all the championship classes, from the premier Alpinestars Superbikes to the
(Glenhaven), Jack Favelle (Cattai) will all compete in Michelin Supersport. Andrew, Russo and Jordan are currently ranked 8th, 14th and 15th respectively in OJC, Hunt is ranked 20th in Supersport 300, Nahlous, Favelle and Farnsworth are ranked 1st, 2nd and 11th respectively in Supersport and Jake Passfield (Bidwell) and Aaron Bennett (Kingswood) are ranked 1st and 14th respectively in Superbike Masters, which is not competing at Morgan Park. The Superbike Masters category is additionally broken up into classes, with Passfield ranked 1st in Period 6 Formula 1300cc and Bennett ranked 2nd in Period 5 Unlimited.
Full race fields and results can be found on the www.computime.com. au website.
junior stars of tomorrow in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC). Elijah Andrew (Marayong), Adam Jordan (East Kurrajong) and Zachary Russo (Sackville North)
will all compete in the Oceania Junior Cup, William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) will compete in the Australian Supersport 300, Jonathan (JJ) Nahlous (Glenwood), Jake Farnsworth
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Jack Passfield, William Hunt. Photos by Noel Rowsell & Rob Mott
Noemie Fox in action in the Kayak Cross - photo courtesy of Paddle Photography / Paddle Australia
Lillypilly
Winemaker
Getting to know...
MATT EISENHUTH
1. What age did you start playing footy? 6
2. Favourite Song? Give It Away… Red Hot Chilli Peppers
3. Apart from Bluebet Stadium what is your favourite other ground to play at? Suncorp
4. Favourite Movie? Superbad
5. If not footy what would you be doing?
6. Favourite TV Series? Entourage
7. What 3 famous people would you love to have a night out with? Scott Sorenson, Jaeman Salmon, Liam Martin
8. Favourite Video Game? I don’t play them
9. Favourite other Sport and Athlete? UFC/ Alex Volkanovski, Rob Whittaker
10. What is your death row meal? Tomahawk with mash and Veggies!
Date of Birth: 20 August 1992
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Age: 31
Nickname: Eiso
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 111 kg
Debut Club: Wests Tigers Date: 17 June 2017
Opposition: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Round: 15
Previous Club: Wests Tigers Junior Club: Wentworthville Magpies
ON THE PENRITH
MARK
WITH MARK GEYER
KEEP THE PANTHERS OUT OF THE WET!
ANOTHER loss in wet weather has seen the Panthers miss out on a valuable two points heading into Friday night’s blockbuster against the team they beat in last year’s grand final, the Broncos.
The Panthers have lost 5 of their 6 games played in the wet since 2023. Conversely they have only lost 6 out of 36 in dry weather since 2023!
The Panthers have done amazingly well this season without their main man Nathan Cleary. They’ve blooded youth, had a plethora of players playing origin, again, and on the whole have had a solid 8/10 season with 10 rounds left in the season proper.
They just can’t seem to win in the wet!
Saying that, they did overcome the Dogs in round 10 this season which was played in slippery conditions, so obviously they can do it, it just seems to be the only thing close to an Achilles heel for them as they search for their 4th title in a row!
Last Sunday was only the 2nd time in their past 74 games at home that the Panthers have failed to score more than 6 points. Obviously it is anything but panic stations, but playing with an under strength team, against an under strength team, on your home
deck, a win needs to be gobbled up.
Instead of sitting snuggly on 26 points just one win away from Melbourne, they remain on 24 points, level with the Sharks, with the Roosters, Bulldogs and Dragons coming home hard with their sails soaking.
As I mentioned earlier there is only 10 rounds left before finals footy starts, which is eerie in itself to think how quickly this season has gone.
Let’s have a quick look over those teams that are a genuine chance to take home the ultimate prize come grand final day.
Penrith and Melbourne definitely. Roosters also join those two in my opinion as a team who can most definitely win the comp. Then there’s up to 6 teams who you just wouldn’t rule out at this stage. Sharks, although they’ll have to start beating teams in the top 8. Bulldogs, who are looking better and better each week. Cowboys, who have one of the best rosters in the comp with no less than 6 origin players. If they gel, anything could happen. And of course the Broncos, who are missing their star half Adam Reynolds a lot more than they would have first thought.
Then you have teams like Manly, the Warriors, the Knights and Souths (who have won 4 in a row) who you just know will provide an enormous amount of nuisance value come the run home. The other teams have no chance of winning this year’s competition.
This Friday night is a massive game in the context of the season for both the Panthers and the Broncos. With all origin players back on deck but still without their team’s star number 7’s, both sides will be looking for a victory over each other, in a contest that is fast becoming a ‘must-see’ in NRL terms.
The Broncos have lost 4 in a row and currently sit in 10th spot on the ladder. They will be desperate. So too, will the Panthers! This game has the hallmarks of an epic, wherever you are whatever you’re doing, make sure at 8pm this Friday you are somewhere in front of a TV!
See you at the game
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a new car contact my great mate at Sinclair Hyundai, Toby Hughes.
MG (random Westie) OAM
A mixed weekend for NRL teams
