Nepean News 6 August 2021

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ore than 200 residents in the Penrith Local Government Area will start the week as new Australian citizens as Penrith City Council moves its Citizenship Ceremonies online.

During the lockdown and now with the government’s four-week extension of stayat-home orders, several ceremonies which would normally be held in person were being postponed. With uncertainty around further extensions and the impact to residents waiting for their citizenship, Council advocated for and has been able to host its ceremonies via an online ceremony.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM officiated online ceremonies over the weekend and said they are a practical alternative to face-to-face events during a pandemic.

“Council had the opportunity to congratulate and welcome 240 new citizens across eight ceremonies held on Saturday,” Cr McKeown said.

“Rather than accumulating a backlog of ceremonies, we are adapting to the changing times and using modern technology to our advantage, giving our eager and excited new citizens the proud moment they have patiently waited for.

“This has proved to be a great way to keep our planned ceremonies in place, whilst ensuring the ongoing safety of our community members, which is paramount.

“Penrith is a wonderfully diverse City and Council is pleased to be able to bring joy to some

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residents of our growing City at a time when we could all use some positive news.

The feedback from the citizens was fantastic with many of them appreciative of the steps taken to grant them citizenship during these difficult times,” Cr McKeown said.

From 80 countries of origin, Penrith’s latest Citizens reside in 25 suburbs across the Local Government Area, with Jordan Springs being the highest represented suburb.

Council thanks the many participants who took part in their respective, new-look Citizenship Ceremony.

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA) Board & Committee Nominations Open Be part of Penrith‘s creative heart

Deadline 15 August 2021

PP&VA is seeking nominations from interested Greater Western Sydney-based community members to its Board of Directors and three Community Advisory Committees (Education Committee, Performing Arts Committee and Visual Arts Committee).

These are volunteer positions.

A public company limited by guarantee and a controlled entity of Penrith City Council, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts is a producer, curator, presenter and a leader in industry-led arts education experiences in the region.

PP&VA is looking to diversify its Board and Committee representation to best reflect the community we serve. We are particularly interested in nominations from those with a passion for arts and cultural growth in this region including: · Local business representatives · Artists and creatives · Representatives of Joan and Gallery community hiring groups · Those from a diverse cultural background · Young people (aged between 18 and 40) For more information and to apply, visit www.ppandva.com.au

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Citizenship online

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Greg Yanda 0425 232 043 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

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

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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Delta Blues hings are not looking up at all in our local area, with case numbers and exposure sites increasing.

I live in St Clair, and at the time of writing this I’m seeing exposure alerts come past my desk for Woolies St Clair, Aldi Erskine Park, the chemist, IGA and bottle shop at St Marys and Bunnings at Minchinbury. That’s almost my entire shopping network right there.

Thank goodness for home delivery.

People are starting to get restless. We’re locked down, we can’t see our friends or family. Many are struggling to pay the bills, even with the government assistance. Single households are really feeling the empty space around them and families are in each other’s space 24/7. Its not a lot of fun and the case numbers aren’t going south. One would be forgiven for wondering if we’re losing control of the delta.

People are fighting with each other a lot more on social media, They’re arguing over whether a protestor punched a police horse or pushed it.

It is hard to believe we are debating the levels of disrespecting our police as if one action might be more acceptable than another.

People are arguing vaccine risks vs exposure to Covid and there’s still, incredulously, those who want to tell everyone that the virus is all a scam.

Armchair experts without any qualifications dismissing science, doctors, professors, politicians, paramedics and police is really not helpful. Luckily it is a very small minority who clearly do not tune in to what has been happening around the world.

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We need to get back to being on the one team in order to win this battle.

We need to fight the pandemic, not each other. Team Australia. United we stand, divided we fall.

Thumbs up to these awesome legends While the virus is becoming quite scary and tempers are flaring easily, there’s also some really good people doing really great things. I want to give a shout out to some of those.

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Everyone in the Penrith business world knows that Gai Hawthorn CEO of the CBD Corporation is the go-to person when there’s anyone in need. If you know of any person or business that is suffering, you pick up the phone and call Gai, and she’s rounding the troops up as you speak.

She’s a great asset to Penrith during the good times and she’s an absolute lifesaver when times are challenging. Thumbs up to you Gai. Tricia Hitchen is the Deputy Mayor of Penrith and whenever volunteers are needed to dig in and get the work done, Tricia is rolling her sleeves up in readiness before you finish the sentence. A former member of the police force, Tricia is one of those rare gems who doesn’t just talk about a local worthy cause, she gets to work and physically supports it. Thumbs up to you Tricia.

When covid exposure recently caused the Cafe at Lewers and Tins and Wood restaurant to close their doors on an already paper thin trade, Checho’s restaurant opened their big hearts with an incredible pledge.

At a time when they could have capitalised on other restaurants around them closing, they donated $5 from every order to the two closed venues.

That’s extremely admirable. Thumbs up to Checho’s.

And lastly to the anonymous person who visited the Leaf Cafe in St Clair and paid for the next ten coffees, you are amazing. To do that and walk away and not even hanging around to take credit is something else.

Thumbs up to whoever you are.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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enrith City Council is donating $3,000 to Penrith Community Kitchen to help cover costs during the ongoing pandemic.

Councillor Greg Davies raised the request to assist the volunteerrun charity during General Business at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday (26 July).

“With COVID-19, they are having a lot of difficulty with demand outstripping supply in the short-term and I thought we might be able to help them out,” Cr Davies said, asking the three wards to contribute $1,000 each from Voted Works.

Councillors expressed their unanimous support and carried an urgent motion to provide the monetary donation.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said now is the time for the community to band together.

“We are facing unprecedented times as we head into another four weeks of lockdown; our City has a great sense of community spirit and it is crucial that we support one another,” Cr McKeown said.

“Council is always willing to lend a helping hand, where possible, to express our gratitude and support wonderful organisations such as Penrith Community Kitchen to continue delivering much-needed assistance to our residents.”

Penrith Community Kitchen has provided free, warm meals to the community’s homeless and less fortunate for more than 20 years. It is currently offering a takeaway lunch on weekdays.

Secretary Gai Hawthorn thanked Council and said the donation came at a time of great need, as the level of demand is seeing the kitchen also prepare food hampers for families and local schools, who are seeing students attend without any recess or lunch.

“Lockdown is different this time around and it’s a challenge for families who can afford it.

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Knowing that, we can only imagine how hard it is for people doing it tough,” Ms Hawthorn said.

“The support we get is amazing and without the drive of Council and the community we wouldn’t be able to reach out to those who need our service right now.

“Penrith is one of the most passionate communities, so to receive this donation when times are tough for everyone makes such a difference in people’s lives.”

With schools not operating as they normally would, some of the programs that ensure vulnerable local kids get fed were not operational.

Nepean News was happy to help with a call out for donations and food, and the community eagerly answered.

Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen volunteered her time and worked around the clock packing and delivering bags of food to our local schools.

“Tricia has done a magical job, she must be exhausted,” Gai Hawthorn said.

Big thanks also go to Abcoe, Sydney Fruit Markets, Kris Gauci, Trevor Hitchen, Hitchens Storage, Marlene Shipley, Liquor Accord, James and PCYC Penrith, Cathy Craig and the ladies at the kitchen and Gai and the CBD Corp crew. What a great community!

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

A helping hand amid pandemic struggles

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

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local news

The whole town on the phone with Scomo The questions from residents were predominantly about vaccinations, and the PM arlier reiterated that high vaccination this week numbers would be the way out of Lindsay lockdowns.

MP Melissa In answer to a senior resident McIntosh put out an invitation expressing the desire to have to Lindsay residents to join in the Pfizer vaccination but only on a conference call with Prime having the AstraZeneca vaccine Minister Scott Morrison, with an available to them, Mr Morrison opportunity to ask questions. said the recommendation for over “Our community has been 60s was the AstraZeneca. doing it tough during this A local business owner, who lockdown, but we are backing was a hairdresser, wanted to know each other and getting through it a timeline for small businesses in with the best community spirit in order to plan reopening. the country!” Ms McIntosh said.

Mr Morrison sympathised, but “Now, I am bringing the Prime said he wished he had a crystal Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) ball and could give her the to Lindsay via a Telephone Town Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photo taken prior to lockdown. answer. Again, the focus was on Hall so he can hear from you, and Mr Morrison reflected that no country had done the importance of getting people vaccinated. you can receive a first hand update on our response Mr Morrison also spoke about local gold medalist, to the pandemic, and our plan to get back to the everything right in this very challenging time.

He said here in Australia we’d been successful Jess Fox. Australia we all love and miss.”

“When Jess won a gold medal, she didn’t get The Prime Minister was on the phone for in suppressing the virus, and that it was a very local residents to hear from 7.30pm Tuesday night, challenging situation at present because the Delta there by not pushing through,” he said. “Australians draw great inspiration from our athletes. and he expressed some encouraging messages. He strain is a gamechanger.

Some local residents and business owners were “They don’t hand out gold medals for homespoke about our ability as a nation to adapt and overcome and urged residents to keep pushing able to ask questions directly to the PM and he schooling and getting through this but it is a gold answered each question posed. medal performance from all Australians.” through.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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TAFE NSW helps mum honour late son with nursing diploma

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errie Whitby’s life changed forever in 2019 when her son Harrison tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle accident.

Harrison was only 17 and just 10 days shy of collecting his HSC. Instead, his 14-year-old sister Arabela bravely stood beside his Hawkesbury High School classmates and collected Harrison’s accolades in his stead.

“I decided at that moment to push myself. I wanted to stand up at the end of 2020 and collect my Diploma of Nursing in his honour,” Kerrie said.

Despite her incredible loss, Kerrie found a measure of solace in study, and with the support of her teachers at TAFE NSW Kingswood, completed her diploma with flying colours.

Earlier this year, she was nominated for 2021 Vocational Student of the Year at the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Training Awards.

“I found studying during COVID-19 rough, but it only made me more determined to succeed and make my teachers proud,” Kerrie said.

“I have gained a better love for myself as a person through this journey. Juggling personal grief and study was hard but it only made me stronger and hungrier for success.

Sometimes the pressure felt too much, but the TAFE NSW teachers were always there for me. There was such an amazing network of support.”

Kerrie, who lives in Ebenezer with husband Tony and daughters Arabela and Tilly, now works at the Day Surgery Unit at St John of God Hawkesbury District Health Service.

“I enjoy how in the Day Surgery

Kerrie Whitby (fourth from left) at the Western Sydney Training Awards with her daughter Arabela (front) and colleagues from the St John of God Hawkesbury District Health Service (l-r) Deb Upton, Melissa Jory, Fiona Montford, Toni Harrison, Kerrie Hopping and Martin Tulan.

Unit we form a circle of care, which involves many health care workers, to treat a patient,” Kerrie explained.

“Working and being part of an effective team is vital, and the practical skills and work experience I gained at TAFE NSW are essential in my current role. You need everyone coming together as a team to help save a life.”

Nursing Teacher Mohamed Helmy said Kerrie had impressed her teachers and fellow students at TAFE NSW Kingswood.

“Her support of others despite her own personal hardship reflects her unique character and her great passion for the nursing profession,” Mr Helmy said.

“Kerrie had been an operating theatre assistant and an assistant in nursing, so she had more knowledge than some of her classmates.

She took real pride in supporting them whenever she could and won the admiration of both staff and students.”

Kerrie’s daughter Arabela, who is in Year 10, is now determined to follow

her mother’s example and undertake a school-based traineeship with TAFE NSW as the first step toward a career as a theatre nurse.

“I needed to show my girls what it meant to keep living,” Kerrie said.

“I’ve already inspired Arabela to pursue further study and I have TAFE

NSW to thank for helping me achieve that. I want people to know you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Explore hundreds of courses and pursue your passion with lifechanging training at TAFE NSW. For more information visit www.tafensw. edu.au or phone 131 601.

Kerrie Whitby with her late son Harrison, husband Tony, and daughters Tilly and Arabela in happier times on a trip to England.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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OCKDOWN and home schooling is extremely challenging for young families. It is hard enough for adults to understand this situation we find ourselves in, so one can only imagine what it is like for the kids.

An innovative idea that provides a great positive distraction can be found if you make your way to the facebook page 2747 Werrington Rocks.

The group was started by Amelia and Rebecca and went absolutely gangbusters and needed an admin team to help manage it. The admin team now consists of Amelia, Kimmie, Jasmine, Kimberley, Rebecca, Manuel and Angela.

So what is 2747 Werrington Rocks?

Its a new group that is all about rock hunting. It is a fun and free thing for families to do.

All rocks are hidden in the local areas like parks and trails and lakes. They are usually hidden in trees, behind or in bushes etc.

Rock hunting is fun and is to spread happiness and joy throughout the community, especially during lockdown where there is not much to do.

“We want to bring families together at this time,” said Amelia. “Its a great way for them to spend quality time together.”

A few weeks back Angela found a rock with the name of the group on the back. She looked it up and was so taken with the idea that she has now joined the admin team herself.

“I enjoy painting rocks and hiding them for others to find,” she said.

“If anyone wishes to they can also paint and hide rocks. You don’t have to be an artist. Please write on the back of the rocks 2747 Werrington rocks NSW and post a photo of what you drop in the group .

“Or if you find a rock, please post in the group as well. A lot of painters love to know that their rocks have been found.

Angela said when Sydney went in to lockdown and exercising was one of the few things people could still do, she checked with police that it was allowed and was given the nod.

“We’d of course recommend that people sanitise regularly and take the usual precautions they take whenever stepping outside the house and touching things.

“Our membership has exploded to 2300 in a very fast time, I think it is has saved the sanity of a lot of people.

So if you’re looking for a boredom buster for the whole family, that’s free, local and legal, join the group and start painting, hiding and searching!

“Happy hunting and keep smiling,” Angela said.

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Free fun for the whole family in lockdown

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

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local news

Nepean hospital redevelopment reaches milestone

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Photo taken prior to hospital tower construction

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith announced that Stage 1 of the Nepean Redevelopment has generated more than a million construction hours onsite as works edge closer to completion for the new 14-storey tower at Nepean Hospital.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering the $1 billion major expansion and upgrade of Nepean Hospital and communitybased services,” said Stuart Ayres.

“The new hospital tower has become the tallest landmark in the Penrith catchment area and, as one of the biggest hospital infrastructure projects in the state, the Nepean Redevelopment is a great source of employment for people from across Western Sydney,” said Stuart Ayres.

Since construction began, more than 3650 workers have been inducted onto site.

In recent weeks, the construction crane has come down, the scaffolding has been removed and Nepean Hospital staff have commenced preparation of their move plans.

“Work is now being focused on the interior fitout of the tower including the installation of major medical equipment and new technology systems to ensure the communities in Penrith and the Blue Mountains have access to world-class health care now, and into the future,” said Stuart Ayres The tower is on track to open in the first half of 2022, delivering an expanded emergency department, 18 birthing suites, a neo-natal intensive care unit, 16 digital operating theatres, more than 200 additional beds and a roof-top helipad.

In parallel with construction, the designs for the second stage of the hospital building is well underway and construction is scheduled to start following the opening of the Stage 1 tower.

Nepean Redevelopment Stage 2 will include a new intensive care unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, cardiology services, more beds, community health services and a front of house for the hospital.

The community will have an opportunity to preview the new tower at a Public Open Day which is being planned for early next year.

Construction is being carefully staged to minimise disruption to patients, visitors and staff, and to maintain hospital services at all times.

Council receives funding to fix safety issues, save lives in black spots Penrith City Council will soon introduce greater safety measures on dangerous roads in the LGA thanks to funding from the Australian Government.

Council is receiving $623,000 under the Black Spot Program for 2021-22, with the money to be spent on overhauling two unsafe thoroughfares.

These include Forrester Rd (between Glossop St and Christie St) in St Marys, and Victoria St (between Richmond Rd and east of Burton St) in Werrington – sites Council identified as black spots prior to applying for funding.

The approved Black Spot funding allocations have been announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and

Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, and Chair of the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel, Dr David Gillespie.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM welcomed the news and was pleased Council could continue making the City a safer place for residents.

“This additional funding is a win for Penrith and will go a long way towards local road safety,” Cr McKeown said.

“Many residents of our growing City travel these main streets to get to work so it is crucial that we improve our roads, not only to meet the needs of the community but also to keep people safe.

“Sadly, we still see high rates of accidents and fatalities. Council is committed to significantly reducing these numbers.

“We thank the Australian Government for its ongoing support, and we look forward

to fixing two more major black spots with this funding.”

Of the approved funding, $408,000 will go towards the St Marys site, while the remaining $215,000 will fund the stretch of road in Werrington. Each site is set to benefit from various new safety measures, including additional street lighting and either ‘Give Way’ or ‘Stop’ signs.

Council has been successful in its Black Spot funding applications over consecutive years and continues to put the money towards remediating safety concerns.

These two projects will be carried out in addition to other intersection upgrades and road works taking place around the City.

Find out more about Council’s projects and programs at penrith.city/ roadsafety

local news

Mulgoa residents Wally and Margaret Cox are celebrating 50 years of marriage. Photos supplied.

By Noel Rowsell

L

egend of the Nepean Wally Cox and his wife Margaret are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary, although any parties and otherwise sharing the moment with family in person is currently on hold due to the Covid-19 lockdown in Greater Sydney.

Wally and Margaret were married in the Methodist Church in Parramatta in 1971 and moved to their current home in Mulgoa in 1972.

“We’re planning to copy the Olympics and have our big celebration the following year,” said Wally.

“It will be a party to celebrate 50 years of marriage, held after 51 years, which will however be 50 years since we moved to Mulgoa.”

The lockdown makes the couple’s current isolation from their 2 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 grand-grandchild even more heartbreaking but they can all look forward to celebrating even harder in 2022.

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Local legend reaches gold

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local news

Palliative Care pain in the Nepean

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t a time when families should be able to support their dying loved one, to say goodbye, and to know that the best possible care is being provided, the absence of a palliative care unit in the Nepean region has left patients and their families without a peaceful end to life, says Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies.

On the 18 June 2021 the Hayward family lost their beloved father after a rapid 3-week decline.

What should have been a time where Mr Hayward could be surrounded by his loved ones, the family said he was disrupted as he was shifted from ward to ward, being offered no palliative care support until two days before his passing. On the day of his passing Mr Hayward’s family were sent home, due to the ward’s limited visiting hours, and he passed away several hours later with only two family members present.

The Hayward family is now calling on the NSW Government to fund a dedicated Palliative Care Unit to give care, dignity and comfort to palliative patients and their loved ones.

Mr Hayward daughter, Leigh Nadalini, has created an e-petition through the NSW Parliament which has already received 5599 signatures. When the petition receives 10,000 signatures it will be debated in NSW Parliament.

“Our family and many others have experienced the devastating effects of a hospital system that was unable to meet the needs of end-of-life patients,” Mrs Nadalini said.

“We constantly endured my father being moved three times to different rooms, unrealistic visiting hours due to the ward he was placed in, and untrained nurses (non-Palliative Care) on the ward.”

“To make matters worse, we found out towards the end of my father’s life that the Palliative care team were not even notified of his case until the last couple of days.”

“I would not want anyone else to endure the heartbreak and callousness that we were shown by some employees of Nepean Hospital.”

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, who

(L-R) Brad Hayward, Danielle Hayward, Alex Nadalini, Leigh Nadalini, William Hayward, Sharyn Hayward, Kylie Hayward, Darren Hayward, Tammy Vassallo & Joe Vassallo.

will table the e-petition in Parliament, is urging the community of western Sydney to sign the petition so it can be debated and voted on in Parliament.

“At a very difficult and emotionally draining time, when a loved one is approaching the end of life, you want to take comfort in the fact they are in an environment with specialist care and support,” Mrs Davies said.

“At the moment, it’s a luck of the draw where they will be located, with a high probability that they won’t be cared for by specialist palliative care nurses and doctors.”

“Families in western Sydney should have the assurance that their loved ones will receive the best possible support and care at the end of their life.

Sadly, this is not the case.”

“Given the significant investment in Nepean Hospital and the growing population in western Sydney, now is the opportune time to build a Palliative Care Unit at Nepean Hospital.”

Currently, palliative care patients are relocated to Mount Druitt, the Hawkesbury or Springwood.

For those that remain at Nepean Hospital, palliative patients are spread out across three different wards in the hospital, with no specialist or dedicated care.

A dedicated Palliative Care Unit at Nepean Hospital would ensure expert medical skill and specialist nursing to support both palliative patients and their families, ensuring not only quality of care but also quality of life.

The petition closes on the 22 September 2021. To sign the petition visit: www.bit.ly/3hzZPco

Five year olds contacting Kids Helpline

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ata from Kids Helpline six monthly report identifies a 200% increase in counselling contacts from 5 year olds over the first six months of 2021 when compared to 1 st January to 30 th June 2020. Citing issues including emotional wellbeing and loss or grief concerns, national numbers spiked from 14 contacts from 5 year olds in the first six months of 2020, to 42 counselling contacts to Kids Helpline in the first six months of 2021.

With homes going into lockdown across the nation to help flatten the coronavirus curve, many stressors have been potentially felt by children and young people, putting them at risk of mental illhealth.

“The upheaval and stress Australian children and young people are experiencing from the pandemic is a cause for concern. Over the past six months we have identified that 1,610 contacts to Kids Helpline were from young children aged 5 – 9 years of age up from 1,588 for the first six months of 2020,” said yourtown CEO Tracy Adams.

The number of answered contacts requesting counselling support from four age cohorts, 5- 9 years of age, 10 – 14 years of age, 15 to 18 years of age and 19 - 25 years of age have all increased in the first half of this year compared to the first

half of 2020. Each age group lists mental health concerns as the top reason for making contact with Kids Helpline, while Self-injury/self-harm for 1518 year olds has crept into the top 5 reasons for contacting Kids Helpline increasing by 34% from 1,217 to 1,635 over the first six months of 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020.

“Children and young people are increasingly experiencing mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation/behaviour and self-harm,” said yourtown CEO Tracy Adams.

“Responding to concerns children and young

people have in relation to their mental health and wellbeing is a major area of Kids Helpline’s work, the third most common reason for making contact is relating to suicide concerns,” Ms Adams continued.

Data just released reveal that Kids Helpline answered 1,788 more contacts from children and young people related to suicide concerns in the first six months of 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020. This figure equates to 69 times per week a child or young person is making contact with Kids Helpline’s professional counsellors about suicide concerns.

Ms Adams said Kids Helpline counsellors acted upon 37 emergency care actions on average every week in 2021 related to a suicide attempt. This figure jumped 95% from the 19 emergency actions taken by counsellors each week in the first six months of 2020 related to suicide attempts.

An emergency interventions is an instance where Kids Helpline counsellors make contact with police, child safety or ambulance services because a young person is deemed to be at imminent risk of harm.

Kids Helpline, a service of yourtown plays a critical role in areas like mental health and child protection. Free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

local news

11 Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Men’s Shed robbed during lockdown

By Noel Rowsell

T

he St Clair & District Men’s Shed has been a quiet location of late due to Covid lockdown and thieves have taken advantage of the reduced security, breaking in and stealing batteries, chargers and drills.

The robbery was not immediately evident when a member of the committee dropped by to check on the damaged alarm, as the specific location was isolated from the main work area.

Among the items stolen were AEG batteries and chargers, which members had received from the community centre at the time of the Shed’s move to St Clair.

Other stolen items include Ryobi chargers and batteries, which had been donated by Bunnings following the assistance of the Men’s Shed members at the Blacktown store, for the filming of a segment on the Today television show.

The break-in occurred between 6:17am and 6:28am on Monday morning 25th July and anyone who can assist with information should contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible on 1800 333 000 or

The Official Opening of the St Clair and Districts Men’s Shed in May this year.

www1.police.nsw.gov.au/cs.aspx Andrew Moody, Secretary of the St Clair & District Men’s Shed said “We tried to get a grant from Community Services to install a CCTV system but this was rejected by the NSW Department of Planning ‘due to privacy reasons’.

A spokesperson at the Department of Planning has advised they wouldn’t consider the application until the completion of a full design of the proposed system by NSW Police.

Unfortunately, the Police won’t do the design unless the grant has been approved, so the Men’s Shed sits in limbo due to bureaucratic red tape.

Covid restrictions are particularly of concern with all men’s sheds, as

many of it’s members rely upon the interpersonal contact on a regular basis.

President Paul Tarlinton is ringing all members on a regular basis to ensure they have outside contact and are not isolated but the longer the lockdown ensues, pressure rises on the more vulnerable members of the community.

“Support for the St Clair & District Men’s Shed has been wonderful with both the community and local businesses,” said Secretary Andrew.

Incidents such as the break-in expose the worst element in our community and the impact is even more severe when we are already suffering through a pandemic.

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

12

local news

Missing persons week 2021 Very much missed locals: where are they?

T

he issue of missing persons in Australia is complex and multifaceted.

In 2020 over 51,000 missing persons reports were made to police in Australia.

In Australia a missing person is defined as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and where there are fears for the safety or concern for the welfare of that person.

A long-term missing person is someone who has been missing for more than three months. In Australia there are over 2,600 people listed as a long term missing person.

Anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or educational background, may become a missing person; however, adults are more likely to be listed as longterm missing persons.

LYNETTE MELBIN

MARTIN ERASMUS

MICHAEL RYAN

JORDAN MORRIS

Missing since: Monday, June 5, 1972 Last seen: Penrith, NSW Responsible jurisdiction: NSW Year of birth: 1957 Age now: 64 Gender: Female Height: 154cm Build: Medium Hair: Blonde Eyes: Green Complexion: Fair Circumstances Lynette Melbin was last seen on Monday 5th of June 1972 by her mother at Woolworths Penrith Plaza. The MP attended Woolworths where her mother worked and informed her that she was going to her boyfriend’s house in Penrith. Lynette never arrived at her boyfriend’s house and has not been seen since. The clothing Lynette had worn when seen by her mother was found at her home and other clothing taken.

Missing since: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Last seen: Penrith Responsible jurisdiction: NSW Year of birth: 1976 Age now: 45 Gender: Male Height: 185cm Build: Medium Hair: Light brown Eyes: Brown Complexion: Medium Circumstances Martin was last seen leaving his place of residence, in his work uniform, on 19th of November 2008. He did not return home that night and the green sports bag that Martin was usually seen with was also missing. He has not been seen or heard from since and family hold grave concerns for his welfare.

Missing since: Monday, Dec 10, 2012 Last seen: Penrith, NSW Responsible jurisdiction: NSW Year of birth: 1960 Age now: 61 Gender: Male Height: 190cm Build: Medium Hair: Greying / Light brown Eyes: Hazel Complexion: Fair Distinguishing Features: A 15cm vertical scar on his abdomen and tribal/mythical scroll tattoo on his right upper forearm.

Circumstances Michael Stephen Ryan was last seen by his family on the 10 December 2012 at 1am. He was noticed missing the following day when he failed to arrive home and had not taken his phone with him. His family have grave concerns for his welfare.

Missing since: Friday, April 24, 2015 Last seen: Penrith NSW Responsible jurisdiction: NSW Year of birth: 1992 | Age now: 28 Gender: Male | Height: 165cm Build: Thin | Hair: Brown, Shor Eyes: Blue | Complexion: Fair Ethnicity: Caucasian Distinguishing Features: Tattoo – left wrist ‘Dad’; left lower arm – Crucifix design with inscription ‘Grandad’ Circumstances Jordan Morris was last seen in the vicinity of Castlereagh Road (Boundary Creek), Penrith at 3:15pm on Friday 24 April 2015. Prior to this, Jordan last made contact with his mother on 17 March 2015 via Facebook, however he has not made contact with his family since this time. His disappearance is considered out of character. Despite an extensive investigation and multiple searches in the area, police are yet to locate Jordan and there are serious concerns held for his welfare.

KATHERINE ACKLING-BRYEN

Missing since: Friday, Feb 19, 2016 Last seen: St Marys NSW Responsible jurisdiction: NSW Year of birth: 1978 Age now: 43 Gender: Female Height: 165cm Build: Medium Hair: Dark Brown, Short Complexion: Pale Ethnicity: Caucasian Distinguishing Features: Tattoo of ying/yang symbol on right shoulder Circumstances Katherine Ackling-Bryen was last sighted in the suburb of St Marys, NSW about 12:15pm on Friday the 19 February 2016. Since this time there has been no contact with Katherine, her whereabouts remaining unknown.

WILLIAM FENSOM

Missing since: Saturday, Jan 18, 1986 Last seen: St Marys, NSW Responsible jurisdiction: NSW Year of birth: 1935 Age now: 85 Gender: Male Height: 170cm Build: Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Complexion: Fair Circumstances William was last seen on the 18th of January 1986. At the time William was reported missing, it was believed that he was residing with a distant family member however when the family came together it was noted that no one had seen him in several years. Family and Police are concerned for his welfare.

Call the hotline on 1800 000 634

Local legends at the Olym p

ics

Photos: Paddle Australia/Bence Vekassy

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

Local legends at the Olympics Delfour quick in Tokyo but misses a medal

By Noel Rowsell

P

Congratulations to all our Olympians who continue to lift and inspire us all.

Special shout-out to our own Jess Fox on her outstanding achievements, she is a great Ambassador for Penrith.

MAYOR

KAREN McKEOWN oam

Phone: 0401 995 945 karen.mckeown@penrith.city

“

enrith’s Lucien Delfour was in the thick of the Canoe Slalom action in Tokyo, competing in the Men’s K1 event.

Lucien had previously been chosen for Australia for the 2016 Rio Games, where he finished in 17th position.

In Tokyo, Lucien qualified in 3rd-fastest position for the semifinal, then in 6th spot for the Final.

A slow run and penalties would prove costly for Lucien in the Final and he would eventually finish in 8th spot in a very high quality field.

World champion Jiri Prskavec (Czechoslavakia), who won bronze in Rio, won the Gold medal in the event, ahead of Slovakia’s Jakub Grigar (Silver) and Germany’s Hannes Aigner (Bronze).

French-born, Lucien has been competing for Australia since 2010.

Congratulations on your outstanding personal best during the Tokyo Olympics.

“

14

You have made Penrith proud!

OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

Jessica Fox wins debut C1 in Tokyo

By Noel Rowsell

J

essica Fox, the four-time Women’s C1 World Champion is now the debut C1 Canoe Slalom Olympic Champion, following an outstanding win in the event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Starting as the last competitor to race in the 10-woman Final, Jessica rowed a flawless race to completely dominate her rivals and claim the first-ever Women’s Gold Medal in this event at an Olympic Games.

Jessica finished 3:64 seconds ahead of Mallory Franklin (Great Britain), who claimed the Silver medal and 6:09 seconds ahead of Andrea Herzog (Germany), who claimed Bronze.

Fox later told Channel Seven she was physically sick before the event.

“Twenty minutes before the final I thought I felt good, but then I went and threw up,” Jessica said.

“I’ve never felt that nervous before a race.”

But Jessica said it was an amazing feeling to be an Olympic champion.

“So much emotion, so much joy, so much builds up to this moment.

“It’s just incredible. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me get to this point, because it’s a really special moment.”

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Local legends at the Olympics

15

Photo: Angelos Zymaras for AOC Media

Jessica had begun her Olympic program earlier in the week in the Women’s K1 and performed brilliantly to be the fastest qualifier through both the heats and the semi-final. Unfortunately, her run in the Final would not rise to those earlier lofty heights, with two penalties spoiling yet another fast run to drop her back to third spot and the Bronze Medal.

“I went through all the emotions today! Proud to win an Olympic bronze medal,” said Jessica.

“It wasn’t the perfect run I was chasing but I really fought hard and gave it everything, so I’m lucky and grateful to be on the podium and cherishing this third Olympic medal. Congratulations Ricarda Funk (Germany) and Maialen Chourraut (Spain).”

Congratulations Jess Fox!!! “ Penrith’s own

Gold Medallist “ What an amazing achievement.

Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith

MP

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

OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

Australian Rowers Strike Gold at Tokyo

By Noel Rowsell

A

ustralian Women’s Rowing Head Coach John Keogh has described the performance of Australia’s rowers at the Tokyo Games as exceptional.

The rowers and staff faced huge challenges in just getting out of Australia, due to the increasing humber of restrictions being imposed by several state governments, and left Sydney five days earlier than planned to avoid lockdown.

The team members drove to Canberra to avoid the Penrith bubble, then flew to their training base in Rockhampton where they spent the next 2 1/2 weeks in camp, prior to flying to Cairns, then joining a charter flight with many of Australia’s other athletes for the flight to Japan.

Following a safe flight, it then took a further 5 hours to negotiate customs, quarantine and Covid checks before the athletes left the airport, finally arriving at their Olympic accommodation at 5am.

Covid checks were conducted every morning, along with temperature checks to ensure only healthy athletes were accommodated in the Olympic village.

John said “The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) were phenomenal, doing a wonderful job with our accommodation and the food was very good.”

“We were well looked after with our facilities, including a gym in our building, ice baths and nutrition station, where we could also get meals without having to go to the central area.

Having said that, the competition at the Olympics is getting harder and harder every time, with Tokyo providing a different type of course with warm salt water.”

“There were plenty of surprises for all competitors and many champions from different boats were eliminated early in their events.”

Australia’s fourth and fifth gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Games were won by our rowers, with Australia claiming the Gold medal in both the Women’s and Men’s Fours.

Lucy Stephan, Rosemary Popa, Jessica Morrison and Annabelle McIntyre finished ahead of the

The Gold Medal-winning Australian Women’s Fours after their success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Photo courtesy of Rowing Australia

Netherlands with Silver and Ireland winning Bronze in the Women’s event.

This was the first Games since 1992 in which the Women’s Fours had been held and it was an emotional win for the Australians.

“Our fours have been just so brave, we’re just such a unit and have so much trust even though it was pretty hard conditions today,” Rosemary Popa told Channel Seven.

“I know everyone at home is so, so proud.

They’ve been there for all the tears, and ups and downs, so I think this is as much for them as it is for us.”

The next race on the agenda was the Men’s Fours and Alexander Purnell, Spencer Turrin, Jack Hargreaves and Alexander Hill claimed Gold for Australia in an Olympic record time, ahead of Romania (Silver) and Italy (Bronze).

Australia’s win broke a 5-Games stranglehold on this event by Great Britain.

The following event in morning session was the Men’s Quadruple Sculls and Australia (Jack Cleary, Caleb Antill, Cameron Girdlestone, Luke Letcher) claimed it’s 3rd medal of the morning (and in a row), claiming the Bronze Medal behind The Netherlands (Gold) and Great Britain (Silver).

Australia also won a fourth medal during the session, claiming Bronze with the Women’s Quadruple Sculls (Ria Thompson, Rowena Meredith, Harriet Hudson and Caitlin Cronin) behind China (Gold) and Poland (Silver).

Keogh said “You train for 5 years, race for approximately 6 minutes and the difference between winner and runner-up at the end is less than a second.”

“Our success in Japan is testament to our hard work.”

“I feel bad the Japanese public couldn’t be part of the Games but we had a lot of Japanese personnel working in the Village and they were very proud and very gracious.”

The Australian Women’s squad is based at the National Women’s Training Centre in Penrith under coach John Keogh and the squad’s success at the Olympics is a reflection on their training and the high-quality facilities in Penrith.

The Women’s squad will now have an extended 5-6 week break, with all rowers returning to their homes directly from their quarantine hotels.

The squad will reassemble in October for a Standard Test Camp, although the Olympians will have a bit more time off before returning to training.

Boomers reach the medal rounds

By Noel Rowsell

A

t the time of the Nepean News going to print, the Australian Men’s Basketball team (Boomers) had swept into the semi-final rounds in Tokyo, following a crushing 97-59 win over Argentina in the quarter finals.

That win set up a mouth-watering clash against the USA on Thursday, which will have been decided when our paper hits the stands.

Australia have improved in every game of their Tokyo Olympic campaign, defeating Nigeria 84-67, Italy 86-83 and Germany 89-76 to finish at the top of their Pool.

The Australians moved their game up several notches against Argentina, trailing 22-18 at quarter time but quickly recovering to lead 39-33 at half time and 60-48 at the end of the third term.

An astonishing 19-0 run in the final quarter crushed

Argentina’s much-vaunted and highly-credentialed lineup, setting Australia up for it’s equal highest winning margin in history.

Australian coach Brian Goorjian had the luxury of clearing his bench in the final quarter and several of the younger and more inexperienced players took full advantage of their court time, including former Penrith & Districts Basketball representative Josh Green.

The 20-year old Olympic debutante scored his first points at Olympic level and finished the game with 6 points (3-3 shooting) and 2 rebounds (1 offensive, 1 defensive), in a short but impressive 4 minute burst.

The USA had been somewhat unimpressive during the preliminary rounds but showed worrying signs of finding both their cohesion and teamwork in their 9581 win over Spain in the quarter finals.

With both Australia and the USA in good form, their clash on Thursday is simply a ‘must-watch’ game, not just for basketball fans but for sports fans in general.

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Local legends at the Olympics

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

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OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

“So proud of our local Olympians”

Local legends

at the Olympics

BY Noel Rowsell

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Congratulations

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Thumbs up from all the local Penrith CBD businesses. “

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Congratulations! from Capt. Chris, Carol and the Staff and Crew at the Nepean Belle

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You all have done so well.

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Australia struggles in defence of Olympic Women’s Rugby 7’s title

T

he Australian Women’s Rugby 7 team were among the favourites leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but surprise results in both the preliminary rounds and the quarter finals would prove a cruel blow, destroying the teams chance of successfully defending their Gold Medal success of 2016.

Early wins over Japan (48-0) and China (26-10) indicated the Australians were in strong form but a surprise 14-12 loss to the USA would be the first stumbling block in the program.

Australia subsequently met Fiji in the quarter final and were beaten by an identical scoreline (14-12) for the second successive game, knocked out of medal contention and relegated to the 5th-8th playoffs.

Two strong performances against the ROC (35-7) and the USA (17-7) would give the disappointed Aussies some consolation, although their 5th placing was a bitter pill to swallow, given their high ranking leading up to the Olympic event.

Penrith’s Madison Ashby was a member of the Australian Women’s team and finished the tournament with two tries, scoring them against China in the preliminary rounds and the USA in the 5th / 6th playoff game respectively.

Olyroos eliminated early in Tokyo

W

estern Sydney Wanderers forward Keanu Baccus will return home from the Toyko Olympics without a medal, following Australia’s disappointing elimination from the tournament at the completion of the preliminary rounds.

Australia (the Olyroos) had started the tournament brilliantly with a 2-0 win over Argentina but conceding a late goal in their second game against Spain was a huge disappointment for the players, having defended so valiantly for the majority of that game.

The final pool game against Egypt was crucial to the Olyroos advancing in the tournament, with a draw enough to put Australia into the playoffs.

Ultimately, Australia would be eliminated from the tournament earlier than hoped, with a 2-0 loss to the Egyptians ending this Olympic Games Photo: campaign.

Football Australia

OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

at the Olympics

BY Noel Rowsell

Australia’s softball heroes emptyhanded in Tokyo

S

oftball made its return to the Olympic Games in 2020 and the Australian Women’s team (which included Penrith local Taylah Tsitsikronis) was hoping to build on a proud history, having won a medal at every Games where the event had been previously held.

The sport made its debut in Atlanta in 1996 and the Aussie Spirit won bronze. Four years later at their home Olympics in Sydney, the Aussies again won bronze, before moving up a notch in Athens 2004 to win a Silver Medal.

Beijing 2008 was the final Games before the sport was removed from the schedule and after losing a marathon preliminary final against Japan, the Australians would again claim a bronze medal.

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics did not however prove a happy hunting ground for the Australians, winning just one of four preliminary games to miss out on the medals.

Australia lost it’s opening game 8-1 against Japan and despite recovering with a 1-0 win over Italy, lost their subsequent games to Canada 7-1 and the USA 2-1.

Unfortunately, there will not be an opportunity to quickly redress the result at the next Olympic Games in Paris, France, as the event is not on the 2024 schedule.

Congratulations to Australia’s Olympic athletes. You have done an amazing job competing against some of the world’s best athletes.

And a huge shout out to Penrith home town hero Jessica Fox. You are an inspiration!

4731 2899 www.stantonandtaylor.com.au Photo: Softball NSW

Wu chases Olympic medal in 10m Platform

P

enrith-born diving champion Melissa Wu was scheduled to begin her program of dives in the Women’s 10m Platform on Wednesday 4th August, hoping to improve on her best Olympic performance, in this event, of a 4th place at London in 2012.

Melissa has previously won an Olympic Silver Medal in Beijing in the 10m Synchro, where she became the youngest Australian diver in history to not only compete at an Olympic Games but also become the youngest Australian diver to win an Olympic medal.

By the age of 16, Melissa had medalled in every major International diving tournament, including a Silver medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, when she was just 13 years of age.

Her other Commonwealth Games medals are Gold (10m Synchro) and Silver (10m Individual) in Delhi in 2010, along with Gold (10m Individual) in Australia in 2018.

The Preliminary Rounds of the 10m Platform were scheduled for the 4th August, followed by the semi-finals and Final on 5th August.

The results will have been decided when the Nepean News comes out in print and we hope there will be a medal around the neck of our locally-born Australian champion.

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Local legends

A big congratulations to all our local legends!

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

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OLYMPIC GAMES TOKYO 2020

Local legends at the Olympics Spratt disappointed after brutal Olympic Road Race

By Noel Rowsell

P

enrith’s Amanda Spratt has failed to finish in the Women’s Road Race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Spratt had suffered a earlier setback in the lead-up to the Olympics on July 10, when she fell hard into a gutter after Bike Exchange teammate Georgia Williams crashed in the latter stages of the Giro Rosa women’s road race.

Amanda subsequently elected to withdraw from the Giro Rosa, in an attempt to regroup for the Olympic Games Road Race.

In an interview with the Blue Mountains Gazette, Amanda said “It wasn’t the race I wanted to have and I feel really disappointed for that.”

“The conditions were brutal - very hot and humid and I was drinking upwards of two litres an hour but unfortunately I just didn’t have great legs.

“No one wants a bad day to be on the day of the Olympics but I can’t hide away from that. As an Australian team, I’m still proud of how we raced and particularly happy for our road captain Tiff Cromwell, who had an exceptional ride after doing so much work keeping us hydrated and in position. It was certainly a memorable Games for many reasons!”

Spratt added “It was a very different Games experience due to COVID and restrictions but the AOC, and our staff in particular, were great in supporting us and ensuring that we had minimal disruptions to our schedule.”

Amanda Spratt with the Olympic Mascots in Tokyo. Photo from her Instagram page.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prue Car MP

Member for Londonderry

Congratulations to all our Olympic heroes!

Our courageous athletes have given us so much hope, just when we need it most.

We are incredibly proud of their stellar achievements.

Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. August 2021

21

Penola Catholic College Emu Plains Vice-Captain Jack Prendergast has been named a finalist for the prestigious Trainee of the Year Award in the regional NSW Training Awards (Western Sydney and Blue Mountains).

T

he McDonald’s Penrith Trainee is no stranger to success: just last year he received the 2020 Stuart Ayres All RounderAward, the Principal’s Award for Exceptional Academic Achievement and the P-TECH Graduate award.

Jack was nominated for the award by McDonalds Penrith and appreciates the skills he’s been able to develop through his traineeship there. As the eldest child, Jack understands the important role he plays in being a good role model for his siblings and supporting his dad, especially since losing his mum in Year 7.

“My job is to help others,” Jack said. “The people management and customer service skills I’ve learnt at McDonalds will be so helpful in the future, especially with my hope to become a teacher.”

“I’m the eldest so with younger siblings, I have a duty to help and to teach them things,” Jack added.

“I’m proud of being able to help my dad with our family. He’s really proud that I’m doing well and is looking forward to coming along to the awards night.”

A genuine all-rounder, Jack attributes his interest

Jack Prendergast has been able to transfer a lot of skills learnt at school to his traineeship at McDonalds

in teaching to Penola Catholic College teachers Rob Feeney (Religious Education and Mission Coordinator) and Damien McGuire (Technology Leader of Learning).

“Mr Feeney’s passion for educating young people and ensuring their wellbeing helped inspire me to take on the challenge to become a teacher,” Jack said. “I always knew I wanted to do something in IT but it’s only been recently and through the guidance of Mr McGuire that I’ve decided I want to help teach future generations of young people develop these skills.”

www.twitter.com/penolaemuplains www.facebook.com/PenolaEmuPlains

Damien McGuire can’t speak highly enough of the hard-working and community-minded student.

“Jack is a thoughtful, supportive, diligent and committed leader of the Penola Catholic College community,” Damien said. “He has consistently displayed our core values of courage, compassion, integrity and hope throughout his own learning journey.”

McDonalds Penrith Training & Development representative Alicia praised Jack’s strong work ethic too, acknowledging that she relied on his assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Penola has given him such great skills, being punctual, high levels of initiative, it’s all helped him be responsible and accountable for all he does.

I can see that Jack will be a great model if and when he becomes a teacher,” Alicia said. “He commands respect, especially with his honesty and how he deals with others. He’d be one of those teachers you remember.”

Jack also acknowledges the P-TECH pathway at Penola in his development, a program that sees students access learning opportunities in partnership with Telstra, Price Waterhouse Coopers and IBM. He has also welcomed the chance to learn through Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s virtual School of Now. Jack is one of five Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) students nominated in the regional finals of the NSW Training Awards. They are joined by Teacher of the Year nominee Michael Kelly. CEDP is a leader in the area of skills-based learning and is a State Finalist in the Small Provider of the Year Award.

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Award-winning Penrith student with the lot

www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au

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Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

24

local COLUMNIST

Featherdale celebrates 49th Birthday with new baby jabiru

D

oonside’s iconic Wildlife Attraction, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, celebrated its 49th birthday recently with the hatching of three healthy Jabiru eggs - the first for the parks’ 40year plus history of caring for Australia’s only native species of stork.

Zookeepers at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park are delighted at this incredible milestone in native bird conservation, especially coinciding with the parks’ 49th anniversary of its opening, on Saturday 22 July 1972. Featherdale’s breeding pair of Jabiru (Black Necked Stork), are the only pair of its kind on the East Coast of Australia, and one of only two in Australia.

‘We are so excited to welcome three healthy Jabiru chicks to our collection, and all the chicks are doing so well.’ commented the Park’s MD Chad Staples (IG: @ zookeeper_chad) who has shared video of the hatching on his popular Instagram account.

Established on seven acres of land originally purchased by Charles and Marjorie Wigg in 1953, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has evolved from a family farm into one of the best privately own wildlife parks in Australia.

The Wigg’s daughter Margaret and her husband, Bruce Kubbere who had studied Australian fauna, opened Featherdale as a wildlife park on 22 July, 1972.

During its’ 49 years, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park in Western Sydney has become well known for its conservation programs and has provided millions of visitors with the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of iconic Australian animals and birds.

These include many threatened and vulnerable species including koalas, Tiger Quolls, the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby, Tasmanian Devils and the Plains Wanderer.

Helping your dog with dementia L ike humans, older dogs are susceptible to developing age-related illnesses like dementia. Owners may notice changes in their pet that indicates that they are suffering from some form of cognitive decline. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) or dog dementia, progresses similarly to the way it does in humans.

There is no exact age that a pet may start showing signs of dementia, but you may start seeing subtle changes in your pet’s behaviour from as young as six years of age. If you suspect that your pet is suffering dementia, your veterinarian will firstly rule out other medical causes before a diagnosis is made. This may include: • Diabetes • Cushing’s Disease • High Blood Pressure • Loss of Hearing • Loss of Vision • Urinary Tract Infections • Kidney Disorders • Arthritis Disorientation. Disorientation is one of the most recognisable signs of dog dementia. You may see your dog wandering around like it is lost, seemingly confused about its surroundings, or going to an incorrect door seeking to be let out. Other signs that a dog may be disorientated include staring at the floor, walls, or out into space without purpose.

Interaction changes. You may notice your dog showing less interest in being social with people or anything in their environment. A dog may start becoming insecure or withdrawing from others.

Some dogs with dog dementia may become more fearful, needy and anxious.

Sleep disruptions. One of the most uncomfortable aspects of canine dementia is the change it causes to a dog’s sleep pattern. Your dog may start having trouble sleeping through the night and may end up pacing the house while barking or whining when everyone else is asleep.

House soiling, memory, and learning. Your dog may start soiling in the house as it starts to forget to tell you that it needs to go outside. Dogs with dementia may also stop responding to commands and it may also become harder for you to get your dog’s attention.

Activity changes. Another sign of dog dementia

is seeing your dog’s activity level decrease. They may show less interest in exploring their environment and decreased responses to external stimuli.

Helping your dog with dementia While there is no cure for dog dementia, there are things you can do to make your pet’s life easier. Ask your veterinarian about steps you can take to support your dog. Medications may be helpful as can administering nutritional supplements.

You can do other things to help your dog, like taking them on walks that encourage them to smell and avoiding any sudden schedule changes. Sticking to a routine can help relieve the anxiety often experienced by senior dogs. Many owners mistake the symptoms of canine dementia for ‘naughty dog behaviour’. Try to remain calm and exercise patience when your older dog does things like soiling inside or waking you up in the middle of the night with their barking. Try to keep the layout of your home the same and keep things as neat as possible. Changing the position of a sofa or leaving clutter around can make things more stressful for dogs with dementia. Your dog should always find their food and water bowl in the same place, so they don’t run into issues when looking for food.

If you think your pet may be suffering from dementia, contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055 to arrange an appointment.

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

NEPEAN HISTORY

A

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

n interesting inquest was held at Penrith Court of Petty Sessions in 1951 by Mr A E Stonham (Penrith District Coroner) into the death of James Arthur Brookes aged 27 who lived in Coogee.

James was standing on the running board of a car being towed by another car when it was struck by a jeep utility travelling in the opposite direction on the Western Highway near South Creek bridge. The evidence at the hearing indicated that when the running board was hit where James was standing it “bellied out” around the doors and threw him off onto the street. Robert Leslie Rowles who lived in Clovelly Road at Randwick stated that about 7.15 pm he drove his father’s Ford car from Sydney to Penrith accompanied by three men, James Brookes, Athol Roy Hain and Clifford Leslie Willis. They arrived in Penrith and went to the Nepean Hotel at Emu Plains where they stayed until about 9.50 pm and they all consumed about four glasses of beer each in 8-ounce glasses and then they went on to the Log Cabin and had three or four glasses of beer there. When they left the Log Cabin Robert said he was not affected by the liquor consumed, “well not very much!”.

They then continued onto St Marys when they saw a car pulled up on the side of the road and a man (known as Mr Glover) was leaning into the engine trying to fix it. They got out to give him a hand and managed to get the car going and attached a tow rope to both cars. James Brooks was standing on the offside of the running board, Clifford Willis was steering Mr Glover’s car with Mr & Mrs Glover inside and Athol Hain was standing on the other side running board for the purpose of telling them how the towing was going as they continued towards St Marys. It was confirmed that the highway at that time was made up of a bitumen strip with gravel sides and where at times the nearside wheel of the car might have been on the gravel, but, at no time did the vehicle move over to the southern (the incorrect side) of the centre line and the headlights were on the whole time and prior to the accident no other vehicle was on the road. Coming towards St Marys they saw a Jeep utility come around the bend just before it came into contact with the car, and they had noticed the headlights on the Jeep about 100 yards away and that the lights of the vehicle seemed to be on the correct side of the road and coming across the road on the wrong side in a gradual curve towards them. They tried to move over to the left-hand side but couldn’t go far owing to the low speed they were doing, so as the Jeep came towards them they felt a bump hitting the side of the doors and found James lying on the roadway. The jeep was driven by William James Davies of Penrith and was the subject of a manslaughter charge who pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving a vehicle negligently on that occasion.

Detective Killen said that about 1.30 a.m. he received a message at Penrith and went along the highway to St Marys and on the eastern side of the South Creek Bridge he saw the scene of the accident. He interviewed William James Davies the Jeep driver and asked him how the accident happened, but William replied that he didn’t know because it all happened quickly, and he didn’t know how he ended up on the wrong side of the road? But he did say that he crossed the line to take the turn at the bridge because “you have to cross the line to take the turn”. One of the five witness’s Mr Begg, said that he had travelled on the roadway extensively and he had never found it necessary to cross the centre line to take the turn, but William replied, “that 99% of drivers do”. When asked about his speed William stated he wasn’t watching the speedo but thought it was about 30 mph and he wasn’t dazzled by

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Fatality at St Marys 1951

25

 Photo courtesy of Penrith Library

the lights. The Detective then asked William that even though he was only 100 yards from the cars when he first saw them he should have had ample time to avoid a collision? William replied again it all happened so quickly and he didn’t know whether to swing to the right, or left, or brake, but Mr Begg asked him why he didn’t swing left from them to which William replied that he could see other lights behind and he didn’t know whether there was another car trying to overtake them or not. The Detective stated that as he shifted the Jeep into the police station yard he applied the foot brake and pumped the foot brake pedal without effect and on the night in question there was no fog as it was a clear and starry night and that stretch of the highway had street lighting. The Detective had noticed that William’s breath smelt strongly of stale liquor and both of William’s eyes were extremely bloodshot, and he could see from the damage to the two vehicles it would appear that he swerved into the car. He knew William who was an industrious businessman who could partake of liquor but did not drink a lot because of his ulcer. He was a man of good character who also had cataracts in both eyes. Mr Corcoran who was Council for William stated he had advised his client not to give evidence and the evidence of the principal witness for the prosecution (Mr Begg) must be discounted to a great extent due to his condition on the evening in question. On the final day of the inquest Ronald George Barrett a garage proprietor of Penrith said he was present when the wheels of the Jeep utility were removed, and he made an examination of the hydraulic braking system of each wheel. On the offside rear wheel there was a seepage of hydraulic brake fluid from the two-wheel cylinder caps. On the other three wheels there was no liquid whatsoever. In his opinion, the liquid he saw was a slow leak that could cause a sudden failure and in a small cylinder if often happened that could be a sudden failure without the driver having any warning of it. The Coroner and the Detective both agreed with Ron Barrett but William was convicted and fined £15 and £3/2/- was added as witness expenses but William was later acquitted.

Source: Nepean Times.

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Celebrity ROUND 21

ROUND 22

NEW CAN PAR NZW SYD MAN BUL GCT MEL STG BRI SOU NQC MAN NZW CRO BRI STG SOU CRO PAN MEL WES NQC CAN PAN SYD GCT WES PAR BUL NEW Aug 5 7.50pm

Aug 6 6.00pm

Aug 6 8.05pm

Aug 7 3.00pm

Aug 7 5.30pm

Aug 7 7.35pm

Aug 8 2.00pm

Aug 8 4.05pm

Aug 12 7.50pm

Aug 13 6.00pm

Aug 13 7.55pm

Aug 14 3.00pm

Aug 14 5.30pm

Aug 14 7.35pm

Aug 15 2.00pm

Aug 15 4.05pm

SCORE

Jeff TobyWatson Hughes- -Club Sinclair President, Hyundai St- Marys 4720 1111 Band Club - 9623 1211

202 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

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

214 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

214 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

200 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 19

★

200 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400

192 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

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

194 Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets Councillor Benard Bratusa

206 Greg Penrith Councillor AaronDavies Tyres -- @print

196

Come join the family

mgactiv.com.au

TIPSTERS ROUND 21

ROUND 22

NEW CAN PAR NZW SYD MAN BUL GCT MEL STG BRI SOU NQC MAN NZW CRO BRI STG SOU CRO PAN MEL WES NQC CAN PAN SYD GCT WES PAR BUL NEW Aug 5 7.50pm

Aug 6 6.00pm

Aug 6 8.05pm

Aug 7 3.00pm

Aug 7 5.30pm

Aug 7 7.35pm

Aug 8 2.00pm

Aug 8 4.05pm

Aug 12 7.50pm

Aug 13 6.00pm

Aug 13 7.55pm

Aug 14 3.00pm

Aug 14 5.30pm

Aug 14 7.35pm

Aug 15 2.00pm

Aug 15 4.05pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News Columnist and Owner of MG Activ

220 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

212 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

218 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

218 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

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

196 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

200 Natasha Hemms - Big Swing Golf - 4721 1296

224 Dale ‘Tex’ Walker - Sports Journalist, Nepean News

204 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

216 Samantha Shakesphere - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977

214

“Where you can be you”

mgactiv.com.au

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

28

SPORT

Clubs name squads for Eric Apperly Pennant Competition

By Noel Rowsell

T

he 2021 Eric Apperly Shield (21 Years & Under) has been postponed to October but each of the local Golf Clubs involved this season have released the names of players in their respective squads. Penrith GC, Stonecutters Ridge GC and Richmond GC are all fielding strong squads and will play in different sections, only gaining the right to claim western Sydney bragging rights if they happen to meet in the playoffs. Penrith will play in Section 1, alongside Concord, Ryde-Parramatta, Pymble, St Michaels (Gold) and Lynwood.

Stonecutters will play in Section 2, alongside New South Wales, Cumberland, The Australian (Red), Lakeside Camden and Killara. Richmond will play in Section 3, alongside Manly, St Michaels (Silver), Bonnie Doon, The Australian (Blue) and Oatlands.

Penrith GC: Josh Gadd (+4 handicap) and has already had two starts in Australasian Tour Events; Blade Gadd (+2 handicap) is also in the Penrith squad, having elected to bypass college golf in the US this year due to Covid; Blade has represented Penrith in Junior, Major and Eric Apperly Pennant competitions; Blake Murray (-2 handicap): has represented Penrith in Junior., Major and Eric Apperly Pennants; Michael Organ (-2 handicap) has represented Penrith in Junior, Major and Eric Apperly Pennants; Patrick Edenborough (0 handicap) is representing Penrith for the first time; Connor Hamilton (0 handicap) is in his second representative year with Penrith in Eric Apperly; Lachlan Baker (-6 handicap) has represented Penrith in both Junior and Eric Apperly Pennants.

Stonecutters Ridge GC: Harrison Wilde - Age 19, Hcp +2, Current Club Match-play Champion, Men’s Major Pennant Representative and SRGC Elite Level Representative**; Kade Webber - Age 16, Hcp 0, Former Junior Champion, Men’s Major Pennant Representative and SRGC Gold Level Representative**; William Blomley - Age 19, Hcp +1, Undefeated in Men’s Major Pennants 2021 and SRGC Country Elite Level Representative**; Ryan Cadle - Age 16, Hcp 2, Current Junior Champion, Men’s Major Pennant Representative and SRGC Gold Level Representative**; Maddy Hagerty - Age 19, Hcp 0, Ladies Major Pennants and 1st appearance in Eric Apperly; Darcy Mackay - Age 14, Hcp 1, has represented SRGC in Junior Pennants, 1st appearance in Eric Apperly and SRGC Gold Level Representative**; Raymond Costello - Age 20, Hcp 2, current and former Eric Apperly representative and SRGC Gold Level Representative**; Cooper Ison - Age 14, Hcp 8, has represented SRGC in Junior Pennants and now as a development player in Eric Apperly, SRGC Silver Level Representative** Richmond GC: Josh Beardsmore (c) - 1st representative appearance for Richmond GC,

Josh Gadd (above) Michael Organ (top right) and Blake Murray (bottom right) are all members of Penrith GC’s Eric Apperly Shield squad. Photos courtesy of Penrith GC

Mason Gounder - has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly; Ti Fox - current RGC junior Champion at Richmond and has previously represented Lynwood CC in Junior Pennants; Reggie Papps - Has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly; Fred Peters - has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly; Charlton Carter - has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly; Ben Izzard - has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly; Patrick Murphy - has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly; Archie Peters - has represented Richmond in Junior Pennants and now Eric Apperly.

Warren & Gibson Shield cancelled & Super Seniors postponed Golf NSW has advised the cancellation of both the 2021 T.L. Warren (B Grade) and W. Gibson (C Grade) Pennant competitions, which had been rescheduled to begin on 16th August.

The extended lockdown in Greater Sydney, coupled with tee time pressures currently being experienced by all Metropolitan clubs, has been the final straw and both competitions have been cancelled for the second

successive year.

Local clubs affected by the cancellation are Leonay GC, Penrith GC, Wallacia CC, Springwood CC, Twin Creeks CGC, Richmond GC and Stonecutters Ridge GC. Golf NSW has however advised it hopes for a bigger and better 2022 for both competitions.

The Super Senior (over 65’s) Pennant committee has taken a much bolder approach, having far more

flexibility in programming due to midweek games.

Martin Gallagher, captain of the Super Senior Pennant competition said “At the Committee meeting held on Friday 30th July, due to the lockdown extension, it was decided to postpone the start of the 2021 Pennant, so that Round 1 will now commence on Monday September 13.

“This will necessitate a renegotiation of some of the rounds, so a new draw

will be posted as soon as completed.

“We overcame similar issues last year and are hopeful of doing so again this year, so we seek every Club’s patience and most importantly, their commitment to participating in the 2021 Pennant.

The local clubs impacted by the Super Senior Pennant decision are Penrith, Glenmore Heritage Valley, Wallacia, Springwood, Richmond, Twin Creeks and Stonecutters Ridge.

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

11-year old William Hunt has a dream – to become a World Champion.

The Year 6 Glenmore Park PS student is one of twenty young motorcycle riders chosen to compete in the Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) at the Australian Super Bike Series in 2021.

Fate appears to have chosen William for a career on two wheels, having received his first balance bike at just 18 months of age.

In spite of his father Matthew’s concern, just two weeks later William was confidently riding his new bike.

At 3 years of age, William moved on to BMX, then dabbled with four wheels at 4 to win multiple Billy Cart Derby’s and would get his first motorbike (a PeeWee 50) at the age of 5.

Once again, Matthew (a former car racing driver) tried to exert some influence on his young son and divert him into go karts but William would not be swayed, moving on in his motorcycle passion to begin competitive racing.

Since moving into racing, William has raced Dirt track all over NSW and Interstate, predominantly at Somersby on the Central Coast and Kurri Kurri near Newcastle, winning the Canberra Cup, South Coast Cup and the Australian Oil Track Masters in 2018, along with many club races.

2020 was a challenge due to Covid-19 but William was allowed to continue practising, spending every Wednesday night riding on go-kart tracks, alternately at Eastern Creek (twice per month) and Windsor (twice per month) and weekends at

A career path in picture. Photos supplied by Matthew Hunt

Luddenham and Wakefield Park.

2021 however has been an even bigger challenge to stay on form, not only with the tighter Covid restrictions but also suffering a broken finger playing Touch Football at school.

There are several events lined up for the end of August and beyond but it all comes down to the Covid restrictions.

Should the restrictions ease at the end of August, there is a track day at Luddenham and also the Oceania Junior Cup Series.

Whilst still at a very early stage of his chosen sport, William is sponsored

by Sydney City Motorcycles and has ambition and drive, with his goal for 2021 to place in the Top Ten of the OJC Championship.

William lists multiple World Champion Valentino Rossi as his motorcycling hero, not only for his skills but as a kind person.

Debuting as a program in 2019, the OJC is a Junior Road Race Academy aimed at developing Oceania’s next road racing stars, providing these young riders with everything they need

to take to the track and thereby opening the pathway to the next generation of racers.

The programh has officially been named the Road to MotoGP™ program, with the support of Dorna Sports S.L. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is also supporting the OJC for multiple years through FIM Oceania.

“For Dorna to endorse the Oceania Junior Cup under the Road to MotoGP program is an exciting opportunity for all involved and adds a substantial level of credibility to what we are trying to achieve,” explained Peter Goddard, MA President.

“Such an important partnership cements the key criteria of the program, creating a clear progression plan between the Oceania Junior Cup and the world stage. The development of the next World Champion from our region has received a huge boost today.”

A stunningly high percentage of riders across MotoGP™, Moto2™ and

Moto3™ classes came from the various Road to MotoGP™ programmes, with every permanent rider in the Moto3™ World Championship now having raced in a series on the Road to MotoGP™.

“We are delighted to welcome another series to our Road to MotoGP program,” adds Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“The Road to MotoGP is going from strength to strength and has an incredibly successful record in finding and promoting talent. The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be an asset to the program and perfectly complements our aims for the Oceania region. We’re excited to begin this new collaboration.”

The backing of Dorna S.L to assist young riders from Oceania through the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull Rookies Cup continues the support provided by the Motorcycling Australia, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and FIM Oceania, the regional representatives of the FIM

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Test (4) 9 Goals (10) 10 Spies (6) 11 Male chickens (8) 12 Wild African sheep (4) 13 Incarnation (10) 17 “Smallest” particle (4) 18 A Siouan people (5) 19 Metrical unit of syllables (4) 20 Offensiveness (10) 22 Monster (4) 23 Askew or uneven (8) 27 Tillable (6) 28 Evident (10) 29 Traditional Indian music (4) down 1 Absolved (10) 2 Occlusion of a blood vessel (8) 3 Exuberant (10) 4 Partly open (4)

solution 23/7/21

5 Prefix indicating outer (4) 6 Prey (6) 7 Rip (4) 14 Courageous (5) 15 Seamstress (10) 16 Study of numbers (10) 19 The worship of man-made gods (8) 21 A marine mollusk (6) 24 Spheres (4) 25 Plunge (4) 26 Young women entering society (4)

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

Aiming high on two wheels

29

Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

30

SPORT

Coach’s Corner Players cannot learn what they think they already know

W

atching the premiere of ‘Wild Wests – Tales From Tiger Town’ gave a detailed and raw insight into the culture of the Wests Tigers organisation. A brand synonymous with under achievement, losing seasons and a lack of consistency in their on-field performances. This is a team who has not played finals football in a decade. When you get down to the fundamental reasons as to why they find themselves in this drought, they were there for all to see.

In one scene head coach Michael Maguire requests “stop what you are doing and give me your eyes”, a simple request, but yet there were a handful of players who ignored the request and continued to do what they were doing while Maguire conveyed some important messages and tactical information during a half time address. A lot has been made in the media about the future of Michael Maguire, and rightfully so. He is in the business of winning football games and will ultimately be judged based on this bottom line.

But when you are coaching players who think they already know how to execute your vision and game plan, who think they know how to win games and believe they know what good culture looks like, it places Maguire in a near impossible

situation to achieve success with the current playing group.

This was no more evident than last Friday night when the Tigers found a way to lose to a Warriors team that ran out a depleted and emotionally wounded team. It was a statement game for the Wests Tigers, a chance to push for a finals berth with a favourable draw ahead. And make a statement they did, losing in a very inept and ugly manner. Will this be the spark to initiate some of the playing group to enaction change?

To start to listen and pay attention to the message and culture Maguire is driving? Keeping in mind this is a man who knows what success looks like, having played at the Canberra Raiders in the 1990’s during their golden run, beginning his coaching career at the Melbourne Storm under Craig Bellamy and then moving to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he won a premiership.

Not to mention the fact he is the current coach of the New Zealand Kiwis. He knows what good culture looks like, he knows how to implement it but he needs a playing group who is willing to buy into it.

How To Play Left Handed The Parramatta Eels are a team who do not have a plan B or who know how to play left-

Brock Shepperd Mounties Ron Massey Cup Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

handed. Explain? Ok, well good teams will take away your strength (Right hand) through good coaching or tactics and in order to be able to win big games in difficult circumstances against the best teams you need to be able to call on different methods of obtaining victory (Left hand or a plan B).

Parramatta have the ability to run off the back fence and roll through the middle of teams with their power game, when they have ruck momentum, they then use some pretty common shapes on the edges using lead and sweep runners to create space and opportunities for their outside men. This is fantastic when they are winning the middle of the field. But when they are stopped and cannot gain momentum, they do not have a plan B, they will continue to run through the same shapes which become completely ineffective and they continue to try and win in the middle with one out running and a direct power game.

As we head into the final month of the regular season with finals on the horizon, it is vital that the Parramatta Eels add some methods of deception and new tactics to generate momentum when they are placed in situations, within games, where the opposition is on top and they are in need of a change in plan or tactics.

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Far from panic stations

 Grand Final rematch falls short for decimated Panthers

T

he Panthers 37 points to 10 loss at the hands of the Melbourne Storm last Sunday wasn’t the result coach Ivan Cleary was after, but it’s definitely still a long way from any panic buttons being pressed. Playing the best team in the comp at full strength was always going to be hard, but it was made harder by the fact of who the Panthers didn’t have on the field.

No Cleary, To’o, Fisher-Harris, Yeo, Koriasau or May, all out through injury or suspension. Melbourne, as I’ve just mentioned, were not only at full strength but they had an amazing luxury of playing both Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant off the interchange bench! Talk about depth.

But, you don’t win competitions in August.

The 3 games Penrith have lost this season have all been when they have been severely under strength. Like the Tigers and Sharks through origin, or the Storm last Sunday without 6 of their stars. The next 5 weeks the Panthers play the Roosters, Dragons, Rabbitohs, Tigers, and finish off with a battle of the West against the Eels.

Five games where they’ll be hoping to win at least 4 to remain firmly entrenched in the top 4 - which gives a welcome two bites of the cherry come finals time.

I often felt last season through the mountain men’s golden run throughout the

 Penrith’s golden girl, Jess Fox. Photo: Paddle Australia/Bence Vekassy

season that the only thing they hadn’t really experienced was adversity.

Record after record was broken, but sometimes you need to go through patches of chaos (like they’re doing now) to really appreciate how hard it is to be crowned champions of the NRL competition.

While last Sunday’s defeat at the hands of Craig Bellamy’s chargers wasn’t ideal, it’s certainly not even close to a situation where there’s an assumption of competition defeat.

Competitions aren’t won in August.

And another thing..

How bloody good have the Olympics been? My goodness. Our women’s swim team in particular have been nothing short of inspirational. Talk about being a welcome distraction from the current predicament we find ourselves in!

As we head into the second week of competition all of my family and friends would love to see them go for another two weeks! Such is the compulsive viewing.

Massive shout out to Penrith’s own Jess Fox for finally obtaining the ultimate prize of a gold medal after years of perseverance. Great work Jess, great work to all of our Olympic team, you’ve done yourselves and your country proud.

MG (random Westie) OAM

We will see you soon.

31 Nepean News 6 August 2021 Issue 309

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SPORT