The Penrith electorate has secured $400,000 in funding for a total of eight projects through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program.
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities including a fantastic new playground for emu Plains Public School and theatre upgrades for the Museum of Fire.
“This grassroots funding will directly help create a more vibrant and inclusive local community with positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes across Penrith,” Stuart Ayres said.
“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”
Belinda, who is the CeO of the Museum of Fire said she was delighted to receive the exciting news.
“It has been a very difficult few years and it seemed that every time we developed a project plan to help revitalise the Museum we were faced with more lockdowns or flood evacuations so it is great to have received this support so that we can begin to put some of our team’s plans into action in the new year!”
The full list of successful projects in the Penrith electorate for the 2022 round are:
• Noro Music -Soundproofing for the Music Therapy Clinic,
• Museum of Fire Inc -Museum Theatre refurbishment,
• St Nicholas of Myra -The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Parramatta
-Installation of AV facility for local community meeting space,
• Emu Plains Public School P&C Associationemu Plains Public School new outdoor playground project,
• Cambridge Gardens Public School P&Chelping the land to help our kids with a yarning circle and landscaping,
• Platform Youth Service Inc-Platform Yarning Circle,
• Team Skatel Artistic Roller Skating Club
Incorporated-Team skatel rink maintenance program - Floor scrubber dryer,
• Blue Mountains Concert Band Inc-Timpani purchase.
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.Applications for the 2023 Program open in May 2023.
For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
The Penrith community’s fantastic Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) efforts are helping contribute to a circular economy, with recycled organics being used as topsoil dressing on local sporting fields.
Penrith City Council has been on site at Caddens Oval in Claremont Meadows and Mulgoa Rise Fields in Glenmore Park, spreading more than 350m3 of nutrient-rich top dressing, largely made up of recycled FOGO material.
Penrith Mayor Tricia hitchen commended and thanked residents of the City for their ongoing commitment to separating their weekly food and organic waste.
“Council is really impressed by the Penrith
community’s consistent FOGO efforts – this resurfacing project is tangible proof that what our residents are doing at home is working and directly benefiting our community,” Cr Hitchen said.
“The high-quality FOGO compost being used as top dressing on our local sporting fields will improve the soil quality and promote healthier growth,” she said.
“This compost also helps retains moisture which is great for the warmer months especially as we will use less water, meaning the benefits of recycling FOGO material are far-reaching for our community.”
Council has been working closely with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to prepare this quality
top dressing, which combines FOGO material with a mix of other organic waste matter.
Penrith was the first metropolitan council in Sydney to implement FOGO. From August 2009 to June 2022, Council composted more than 400,000 tonnes of FOGO that was diverted from landfill.
In the 2021-22 financial year, Council composted over 41,000 tonnes of FOGO waste material.
“Penrith has always been a leader in this space and is still one of only a few councils in Sydney using the FOGO system,” Cr hitchen added.
“This is a big win for our community and Council thanks our residents for their continued support.”
To find out more about FOGO and Penrith’s waste services, visit penrith.city/waste
Stuart a yre S MP, Member for Penrith joined students, staff and P & C members at emu Plains Public School to announce a grant of $150,000.00 through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.
Stuart ayres said the State Government funds will deliver a great new playground including softfall and shade.
“this is fantastic news for the school students and also for the wider community who use the school facilities through ‘Share our Space’ during school holidays.”
“the draft impressions of this new playground show a space where kids can slide, climb, swing and balance, doing the things that kids do best, having fun.”
a representative of the school P&C said they were incredibly grateful for the support through this grant.
“It would’ve taken years through traditional fundraising to raise enough to build the playground, and now the students can benefit in
the first half of 2023.”
“It will allow the students greater choice to stay active during breaks, and playgrounds like the one we will build are proven to build motor skills, coordination, cognitive abilities, imagination and more.”
For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
Korena Hale 0403 045 880
Larry Davis 0432 062 643
Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Greg Yanda 0425 232 043 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews
Welcome Sofia to the world and to 2023! Born at 4.26am on January 1, Sofia is the first child for proud parents Carla and Jay from Cambridge Park. Sofia is also the first baby born at Nepean Hospital for 2023. Congratulations to Carla and Jay! We wish Sofia, and all the 5000 or so babies expected to be born in Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District hospitals in 2023, happy and healthy lives.
cameras catch hyena pair cooling off at the new Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney.
Humans are not the only ones taking time out to enjoy a good swim this summer.
Sydney Zoo’s happy hyenas, Entana and Mahali were seen, splashing, dunking, and wriggling around in a tub of water to cool off and help clean all those hard-to-reach places.
Entana was first to jump in, rolling around, creating a whirlpool of water.
He then coaxed Mahali into the tub to join in on all the fun.
Besides being a good way to cool off, a bath also acts as a great sensory experience.
Hyenas are very capable swimmers. They have been seen in the wild holding their breath and feeding off a carcass at the bottom of waterholes.
See the playful carnivores at Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney during these school holidays.
Penrith City Council has completed the final stage of its three-year program to install shade sails and plant trees at 98 playspaces across the City.
Stage Three comprised of 34 playspaces across Caddens, Cambridge Park, Colyton, Erskine Park, Glenmore Park, Jordan Springs, Kingswood, Londonderry, North St Marys, Penrith, South Penrith, St Clair, and Werrington.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the shade improvements will protect residents and their families from the sun’s UV rays and heat through the summer months.
“Shade will continue to be a vital part of the designs for all future playspace upgrades and new playspace projects to ensure we are keeping our City cool,” Cr Hitchen said.
The $2.7 million project was delivered as part of the Council’s commitment to the Shade Facilities and Playspaces Policy that was adopted in late 2019.
Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP said she knows how important sun safety is for families.
“I’m pleased that the shade sails will help our local kids play safely outdoors.”
The shade sails are designed to meet Australian Standards, block out 97-99% of UV rays, minimise heat and allow appropriate airflow, while tree planting provides a long-term shade solution, increases biodiversity and habitat, and reduces noise pollution.
Find your nearest playspace at penrith.city/ playgrounds
Data reveals household chores and socialising found to be the most common causes of breaks in active adult supervision
Kidsafe is urging parents and carers to actively supervise children around water in a bid to reduce the number of drowning deaths.
The call comes as thousands of families are enjoying backyard BBQs and pool parties over the summer holidays.
Research into fatal toddler drowning incidents conducted by UNsW sydney, James Cook University and Royal Life saving society of australia, found that household chores - everyday tasks such as checking on dinner, taking the out the rubbish or putting the washing outwere the most common distractions which led to lapses in supervision of children around water (41%). This was followed by talking or socialising (11%) and electronic distractions (9%).
Campaign ambassador and australian Olympic swimming champion, Matt Welsh, OaM, highlighted how quickly toddlers can get into trouble around water.
“Toddlers are naturally curious and love water, yet they don’t understand the dangers it can pose. a split second is all it takes for a child to gain unsupervised access to the water area and 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown”, said Mr Welsh.
Mel anderson knows just how quickly and silently drowning can happen as she almost lost her 10-month-old son while at a Christmas family barbeque. she has shared her story in a new video titled ‘Through My eyes’ which has been released as part of Kidsafe’s annual ‘safe Barriers save Lives’ backyard pool safety campaign.
“One second Matt was playing on the ground at my feet and the next, as there was no pool fence to prevent him crawling over to the pool, he fell silently into the water. i felt sick - i thought he was gone,” said Ms anderson.
“Thankfully, my dad had just completed a first aid course the week before and started performing CPR straight away. i’m told it was the difference between life and death for my son. i am so grateful that he is still here with me but the after effects of that day still traumatise me.”
“i’m sharing my story so others don’t have to live it.”
Despite significant reductions in toddler drowning deaths over time, drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for australian children under 5 years of age.
Kidsafe recommends designating supervisors so there is no miscommunication over who is keeping watch of children around water.
“at social gatherings such as BBQs and pool parties, there are lots of adults around and it can be easy to assume that someone else is actively
supervising the kids, when in fact, nobody is,” said Mr Welsh.
“for toddlers, active adult supervision means keeping them within arm’s reach at all times around water, without any distractions.”
“To help make sure children are actively supervised at all times, we recommend appointing designated supervisors whose role it is to supervise children in and around the pool. Rotating this role throughout the day ensures everyone gets a chance to enjoy the festivities.”
along with active adult supervision, compliant pool and spa barriers play an important role in keeping toddlers safe.
“Maintenance and compliance of
pool and spa barriers is vital because they are exposed to the extremes of weather all year round which can lead to rust, loose or missing bolts or screws, and wear and tear over time,” said Mr Welsh.
Kidsafe’s summer Pool safety Tips:
● Actively supervise children in and around water at all times. for toddlers, this means having an adult within arms’ reach
● Appoint designated supervisors at BBQs and pool parties whose role it is to supervise the kids in and around the pool. This role can be shared throughout the day so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the festivities
● Ensure your pool barrier is secure and in proper working order
● Ensure no climbable objects are near the barrier e.g. pot plants, chairs, BBQ’s or pool pumps which could allow a child to climb over the barrier
● Never prop the pool gate open, this allows children easy and often unsupervised access to the pool area
● Don’t rely on inflatable pool toys to keep children safe - they are not life saving devices
● Learn CPR and update your skills regularly
● Be mindful of other potential outdoor water hazards, as toddlers can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water - including eskys with melted ice, wading/inflatable pools and ponds for more information on Kidsafe’s ‘safe Barriers save Lives’ campaign and to download a comprehensive pool safety checklist, please visit Kidsafe australia’s pool and spa safety website.
iT has sadly been revealed that a local mother and child were on board an ill-fated chopper in the terrible Christmas holiday tragedy at the Gold Coast.
Two helicopters collided near sea World on Monday, killing four and leaving many others injured.
Vanessa Tadros (Geagea) was on holiday from
Glenmore Park and was sadly one of the four who lost their lives.
The daily Telegraph reported that she and her 10-year-old son, Nicholas, boarded the doomed chopper on Monday. Her husband remained behind.
“Mrs Tadros was killed, while her son was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. family said
Nicholas was undergoing his fourth surgery since the accident on Tuesday morning. They said the family travelled from sydney to be by his side,” the dT stated.
Nepean News sends our condolences to Vanessa’s family as we all pray that Nicholas makes a full recovery.
By KeRRI e DAVI e S
ASSETJourney
– the asset management software co-created by Tulich and implemented at The Royce for both their retirement living and aged care residents – has won Aged Care Innovator of The Year at the innovAGEING National Awards.
ASSETJourney’s Co-Creator, Aidan O’Flaherty said their experience in the Aged Care and Retirement Living space allowed them to create an innovative product specifically in response to the Retirement Villages Act and Aged Care Quality Standards, with a dedicated focus on compliance.
“We are very fortunate at The Royce to have excellent management and operational teams who came on the journey with us with a proactive and positive attitude,” Aidan said.
“Implementing ASSETJourney at The Royce was streamlined and effective given the import template to upload all the village and Aged Care assets into the system.
“Following this, product training and process training were key to a positive implementation process. ASSETJourney was then ready to be a part of BAU processes.”
“What an honour it is to be National Winner of Innovator of the Year 2022. We felt privileged to be nominated as a finalist and to win the award makes us extremely proud,” Aidan said.
“At ASSETJourney, we pride ourselves on being an asset management software created by operators, for operators. To have won this award is a significant achievement and a direct celebration of the great team at Tulich and their experience in
the Aged Services industry.”
The Royce has received some really positive feedback, including: “ASSETJourney has made available a program that has addressed the requirements and compliance of the Retirement Village Legislation.”
“Being compatible with Office 365 makes using this programme easy, with options to download to XL Spreadsheets which can be tailored to your specific Village needs.”
“The team ASSETJourney are more than obliging when it comes to making changes, adding new supporting functions and providing explanatory “step by step” guidelines to assist.”
“A fantastic program that is workable, accessible and affordable.”
If you have any questions about how ASSETJourney is integrated at The Royce and how it can benefit you or your loved one, please contact the team on 0419 435 311.
WeSTFIeLD Penrith opened the doors at the end of last year to its new casual dining and entertainment precinct as part of a $33 million investment with casual dining, fresh food, and entertainment venues Archie Brothers Cirque electriq and Holey Moley, just in time for the Christmas.
In a first for Western Sydney, Westfield Penrith welcomed Funlab’s highly anticipated Archie Brothers Cirque electriq and Holey Moley on Riley Street for families and customers of all ages to enjoy during the school holidays and beyond.
Alongside this, Hanaromart Asian supermarket has opened its first Sydney-based store bringing the best Korean and Asian food products and groceries. Customers can also stop for a bite to eat across the day and into the night with new casual dining retailers Smiling Dumplings and Noodles, Thai Thae and Sushi Bar Jin now open, and No 1 Malatang opening in time for Christmas.
Bringing local customers more choice and convenience and rounding out the precinct, a brand-new Coles and Liquorland are now open offering fresh food and local drinks for festive entertaining.
Scentre Group Centre Manager Westfield Penrith, Matilde Princiotta “We’re thrilled to be welcoming customers to our new Coles, casual dining and entertainment precinct with retailers we know will be a hit
with the local community. Westfield Penrith continues to be a place for our customers to connect with family and friends, with even more on offer now with the addition these new retailers.”
Westfield Penrith will also offer extended trade right up until Christmas, including the new precinct, providing flexibility and convenience for busy customers.
For more information about Westfield Penrith and the casual dining and entertainment precincts, customers can visit www.westfield. com.au/penrith
Westfield Penrith’s new retailer line-up includes:
• Coles - a full-line Coles supermarket with a large deli and open front bakery, offering great value and an enhanced shopping experience.
• Liquorland - Coles is
complemented by a new Liquorland store complete with refreshed blackand-white branding format – a onestop destination for food and drinks.
• Hanaromart - sharing the best Korean and Asian food products and groceries. With some 22 stores in Queensland, Penrith will be the first in Sydney and will cater to all cooking needs.
• Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq - a feast for the senses, Archie Brothers Cirque electriq brings ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia to life, with the best in new and traditional arcade games, ten-pin bowling, and a cocktail bar serving up delicious tipples.
• Holey Moley - Australia’s favourite mini-golf venue. Putt around 18 uniquely themed holes including five new holes exclusive to Westfield Penrith.
IS it just me or have people noticed the (Jaws music please) the New Year’s Resolution walkers!?
Run for your lives, they are taking up our streets, roads, footpaths and even parks, they are everywhere, don’t feed after dark or add water.
Yes folks these are the people that you never see all year round, they are like hermit crabs all year and then suddenly......
The one thing I also notice is all the different types of walkers out there.
Mixed Matched walker - The mixed match walker is a person who has never bought fitness gear in their life and it appears that they have replaced an engine block prior to the walk.
The determined walker - This is a person that has the look of pain on their face, like they are passing a large object, however they’re walking slower than a snail. There’s a lot of arm pumping going on but not much distance happening.
The I don’t give a rat’s bum walker - This is a walker that proceeds to kick every stone up along the path and meander like they are heading to work or something.
• Smiling Dumplings and Noodles - this not-so-traditional take on Chinese food specialises in dumplings along with a mix of mainland cuisines and dishes from across South-east Asia.
• Thai Thae - already a hit amongst residents in Hurstville and Mascot, Thai Thae will expand to western Sydney serving some of the best Thai food, from moreish noodles to classic curries, and flavourful stir fries.
• No 1 Malatang - blending Sichuan cuisine with the flavours of Northern China, No 1 Malatang serves up the classic spicy malatang soup, perfect comfort food.
• Sushi Bar Jin - perfect for quick, simple and delicious meals. Always ready for take away, whether you love seafood, chicken or classic Japanese style rolls or a bento.
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
The sweaty walker - This is a walker that looks like they have swum 10 laps and then jumped out of the pool for the evening walk. The sweat beads are pouring out and the t-shirt looks like the last scene of Rocky when he is yelling out for his wife, Adrian!
The male bum crack walker - This is a walker that feels the need to wear shorts with no elastic. Their pants are constantly sliding down and they are presenting a crack bigger than a plumber’s.
The Harry High Pants - This is a walker who wears their shorts so high it looks like they need an operation to get them off.
Colour co-ordinated walker - Thank God for these ladies, with matching shoes, socks, tops and of course the Lycra pants, with, yes folks, the matching thin colour stripe down the side of the pants. (I hear the angels sing).
Supermodel walker - This is a walker who attends the beautician to have their hair and make-up done simply for their daily walks. These people don’t care if they are getting fit as long as they get 20 thousand car horns beep, they’re happy.
Now I know you’re asking what has all of this crap got to do with security, but alas my dear readers it
has a lot, because I am going to give you walking security tips. So just keep ya knickers on!
Firstly, tell people where you are walking, so when you are not back in 48 hours they know where to come looking. They can also cash in on your life insurance as well.
Secondly, we know how much you love Dolly Parton, but having her screaming at 70 thousand decibels in ear phones is not really good, considering you won’t hear anything or anyone around you.
Thirdly, walk in groups, so society not only has to put up with one of you on the street but 15. (Yippee)
Fourthly, don’t keep checking facebook. Taking selfies on every street corner is not really needed, because to be quite frank we don’t really care that you have decided to walk for two weeks only into the New Year, and it also takes your attention away from what you are actually doing.
So there you have it the NYRW (New Year’s Resolution Walker) not for the faint-hearted folks, this is a trend that you must approach with fear and caution as it only happens at 12.01 on the 01/01 of the New Year - miss the boat and you have to wait another 12 months!
aria M Latifi is an educator, a multiple award-winning author and was the 2022 Londonderry Woman of the Year.
A tireless worker on a myriad of projects and passions, Mariam established 12 months of kindness project at the start of 2022, where in each month she does a random act of kindness, for example, Breast Cancer awareness in October.
“Unfortunately, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, as reported by breastcancer.org,” said Mariam.
M“So, to inspire hope, perseverance and strength amongst the millions of women and men who are affected by this disease, we focused on reaching out to our community to support us for our Breast Cancer Awareness Drive, so we could all come together to help support these patients and make a small difference.
“We are very thankful for these wonderful small businesses that took part, which included The Hijab Label; Obsession The Cake Hub; The Modern Hijab Boutique; Lunar Rose and Co.
Among Mariam’s recent acts of charity was a donation of scarves, caps and beanies to Nepean Hospital in October to help support Breast Cancer patients and a donation of 50 hand-made paper roses to a Nursing Home in Windsor in November.
Born in Afghanistan, Mariam came to Australia in her early childhood, after first spending a year in Pakistan.
Sponsored by an uncle, Mariam’s family lived in the Parramatta district, where she attended Parramatta East
PS, then Macarthur Girls HS, before attending Sydney University and attaining her Bachelor of Primary Education.
She has also since attained her Masters in TESOL at Monash University whilst self-publishing her first children’s book.
Now an author of two books, Mariam continues to home school her three young children, had previously tutored migrant and special needs children and currently teaches at a local government primary school in Parramatta.
As a mother of three young girls, Mariam established a playgroup, Morning Teas as charity fund-raising events, Mother’s Day events and Harmony Day.
Prue Car MP recently spoke in Parliament, stating: “I proudly recognise the 2022 Londonderry woman of the year, Mariam Latifi. She is a powerhouse community leader. She is an educator, an English as a second language teacher, a published author and the CEO of Gift of Knowledge, an organisation focused on empowering student learning. Mariam also organises and leads the Elara Playkiddies Community Group,
which brings together families from across the growing estates. That is how I met her. It was such a pleasure to join Mariam, her mother and her sister at this year’s NSW Local Women of the Year Awards. Mariam is an outstanding role model for young women. I am proud to work alongside her for our community.”
Performance date: Performance date: January 7th, 14th and 21st at 11am and 21st at 3pm
As if the rat infestation in Hamelin isn’t bad enough, poor organization on the part of the Mayor has paved the way for the egotistical Pied Piper to take advantage of the town in his search for fame and fortune. With the help of the audience, the Piper’s clever assistant manages to rid the town of the rats, straighten out the Mayor’s schedule and teach the Pied Piper how responsibility to others often comes with special gifts and talents. In this delightful participation comedy, adults and children alike become villagers, school children and those pesky rats. Simple to stage and easy to tour.
Written and Directed by Anthony Brown
Kingdom of Coral is an underwater world full of fish who you’ll grow to love. You are invited to come into the Kingdom and be part of their world. What really happens under the deep waters when no one is watching? Full of color and mayhem in a fantasy world underwater.
Two shows for the price of one ticket during school holidays!
Ticket price is $20 per person.
To book tickets go to www.trybooking.com/CCKYD
To reserve show only email rubyproductions99@gmail.com
“THE PIED PIPER And KINGDOM OF CORAL” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street, Penrith. www.rubyproductions.com.au
Two shows for the price of one ticket during school holidays! Ticket price is $20 per person. To book tickets go to www.trybooking.com/CCKYD To reserve show only email rubyproductions99@gmail.com “THE PIED PIPER and KINGDOM OF CORAL” will be performed at John Lees Centre, 15 Evan Street, Penrith. www.rubyproductions.com.au
Presented by Penrith City Council in partnership with Comedy for a Cause Celebrate Together
We would like to invite you to a special celebration of the Seniors Festival 2023. Come together to The Joan on Tuesday 7 February 2023, for a FREE morning tea at 9.45am followed by a good laugh at 10.30am. Featuring a hilarious line-up including Tommy Dean, Chris Ryan, Bruce Griffiths and Umit Bali
TICKET PRICE Free, bookings essential. Applicable for Seniors 50+ only.
DATE & TIME Tuesday 7 February 10.30am (morning tea at 9.45am)
VENUE The Joan, Penrith Richard Bonynge Concert Hall
It’s nice to see a Member of Parliament acknowledge the hard work of their team. 2022 was a tough year for Londonderry MP Prue Car and her staff always had her back.
“A lot of you would know my amazing staff in the Londonderry Electorate Office,” Prue Car MP said.
“They help people in their hour of need, keep our community informed and work tirelessly to serve the people of Londonderry.
“This year more than ever, they have gone above and beyond to keep things moving and our community serviced while I was on leave.
“I will be forever grateful for their commitment and loyalty.
“2023 is going to be a big year and I can’t wait to do it alongside these guys.” Well done to the Londonderry office team!
In December 1897 Messrs Richardson and Wrench offered the property “Lenore” belonging to Mr E W P Cox for auction and St Marys tanner Andrew Thompson was the highest bidder at £2,550, later becoming known as the “Lenore Estate”. When Andrew died of a massive stroke at his country property “Tyrone” in October 1918 at the age of 68, his daughter Mary inherited all the household furniture at the time of Andrew’s death. His estate for probate purposes was valued at £26,766. The residue of the estate was left upon trust for the benefit of his widow and his children in equal shares, but in December 1919 the first sale of the Thompson Estate was advertised as township property, shops, cottages, building acre allotments and with each property positioned close to the township and Railway Station. In 1920 the “Lenore Estate” was resumed by the Crown for the “Closer Settlement scheme” a Government scheme whereby land was resumed, then sold back to selectors or returned soldiers who were able to purchase the land on generous terms. The Lenore Estate was subdivided into seven lots of roughly equal size. The subdivisions were designed to enable the settlers to quickly establish themselves as mixed or dairy farmers utilizing existing infrastructure, but the subdivisions on the Lenore Estate did not strictly adhere to the pre-existing boundaries but rather they were configured to incorporate existent outbuildings and dwellings that seemed to account for the odd shape of some of the allotments. “Tyrone” was bought by SecondLieutenant Charles Hely of the 3rd Battalion AIF who returned to Australia in 1917 wounded, and on a war pension. In December 1923 a coroner’s inquest was held into the fire at “Tyrone,”. Charles said he was a dairy farmer residing at “Tyrone” and the deeds were in his name and were being held by the Minister of Land as security under the “Closer Settlement Act” and having 38 years to pay off the purchase money. Charles had an employee, a single man Mr A J McDonald residing with him in the house but at the time of the fire Charles was alone and he was invited to a dance at Hamilton’s at Bailey Park, so he cooked his evening meal at the rear of the premises and because he was late he didn’t wash the dishes but put them under the tap outside. He put some wood in the stove in the kitchen and put some towels in a pot on the stove to boil clean and shut the dropdown door, put his kerosene lamp out and left leaving the doors open apart from the wire doors, leaving in the dark about 8 pm. He walked to Hamilton’s about 1½ miles and it was about 8.30 pm when he got there. He remained there dancing and enjoying himself without leaving the building until about 10 pm when he was told that his house was on fire and he immediately went to the front of Hamilton’s where he had a good view of his house on the hill opposite and saw that the front of the house was burning but he could not see the rear of the property. Charles said that the fire seemed to be burning fiercely on the verandas on both sides but it had not reached the centre of the building in front and he immediately ran as fast as he could in the dark and when half a mile from the house he met Frank “Fletcher” Roberts a neighbour and returned soldier who lived on the “Lenore” estate walking down the avenue away from the fire. Roberts told him it was futile going up there as he couldn’t save anything as the house is burnt out but he took no notice of him and commenced
to run again and ultimately reached the house in tine to save two stretchers and a quantity of bedding. The fire was burning fiercely and the roof of the house and verandah collapsed just then. The fire had died out in the back of the house having apparently burnt out and he put out the tank stands which were burning and saved the tanks that were situated one at the kitchen and one at the rear of the house and removed several things from a shed at the rear of the house in case they would catch alight, which included a can of kerosene, a rifle, service bag, and military gear. Roberts arrived just then and said, “if you are without a bed I will find you one.” But Charles said, “no, thank you I’ll look after myself.” (It seems that Hely and Roberts were not neighbourly and Roberts believed Hely set fire to the house). In the meantime, the tower had fallen down into the house. Charles then walked back to Hamilton’s and met Walter neil Mitchell another returned soldier and farmer at “Lenore” on the way. who expressed his sorrow and offered to befriend him but Charles thanked him and then went on to Hamilton’s and rang up the police to report the matter to Constable Cafe of St Marys who said he would come out in the morning. Charles met him and made a statement at the scene. Charles did not suggest any cause for the fire but said that he left a fire in the kitchen and had been using a kerosene lamp. Charles at that time was camped in a stable at the rear of the premises. The only thing he could say as to the possible cause of the fire was that when they both examined the stove they found the door open, but he had closed it on the evening previous when he left home. Charles bought insurance on 8th April 1920 for a brick dwelling at “Lenore” but not for furniture or effects, and the house was insured for £450 with the Standard Insurance Company and he said that he had signed a number of documents in connection with his transactions with the Soldiers Settlement Board. Before the fire Charles had entered into a contract to sell 29 acres of the land with the premises for £2,500 in cash and 8,500 shares fully paid up to £1 each to the “Tyrone Blue Metal Company” that was proposed to work on his land. Permission was granted by St Marys Council about november to use the road for a tramway but no proposal was made by the engineers for the company to remove that beautifully built dwelling that was totally destroyed that would cost at least, £1600 or £1800 to reerect, and being in a unique position would make it difficult to replace. He had some valuable paintings, originals given to him by the artist norman Lindsay, he also had a gold watch and fob etc, a valuable craft ring given to him by his grandfather, in addition to £17 in notes planted under his mattress. Charles said that the furniture alone was worth over £2,000 and the jewellery, etc., £70, but he could not put a value on the other items as they could not be replaced. He insured the contents of the house for £150 and his burnt clothing was included. The inquest continued for another day. The Coroner viewed what was left of the house and returned an “Open Verdict”.
Sources: Information from State Archives - Historical Archaeological Assessment and Heritage Management Strategy: Oakdale Concept Plan Kemps Creek, NSW Prepared by Australian Museum Business Services for Goodman International Limited – December 2007, from the pages of the Nepean Times, National Archives of Australia, Trove.
Photo of Andrew outside “Tyrone” with two family members in the tower courtesy of Mrs Sales of Luddenham.
The question was posed last year - Can two women with age, experience and a small boat compete successfully in the 2022 Sydney to hobart Race, alongside some of the biggest names and biggest boats?
Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham are both members of the Penrith-based racing crew on ‘It happens’. The pair have spent months preparing their much smaller yacht ‘Currawong 7374’ to meet and comply with the rigorous safety demands which are compulsory for all yachts and competitors in Australia’s most famous yacht race, and continued using the remaining time until race day doublechecking and triple-checking, if only to keep the nerves at bay.
It’s now history the pair have become the firstever two-handed female crew to conquer Australia’s premiere sailing challenge.
It was described as ‘the perfect ending to the 77th Rolex Sydney hobart Yacht Race’, as the 30-foot Currawong arrived to a rapturous reception around the Constitution Dock waterfront, only minutes before the New Year’s Eve fireworks display lit up the sky’.
Kathy and Bridget’s achievement as the first allfemale two-handed crew to complete a Sydney - hobart Race is now etched in history and the moment was certainly not lost on the highlyappreciative crowd.
It had not all been smooth sailing for the two veterans, who opted to pull into eden when hazardous weather conditions threatened the safety of the tail-enders during the race, which is permitted in such circumstances.
Within 24 hours, Kathy and Bridget were back at sea to complete their history-making journey in Australia’s most popular sailing race.
Legendary multiple S2h yachtsman and a commentator on this year’s race, Peter Shipway,
a veteran of 31 x S2h races (with two outright victories and five line honours wins) said “It’s an incredible effort by Kathy and Bridget just to get to hobart. They should be very proud.”
Interviewed by the waiting media pack immediately upon finishing, Bridget and Kathy were jubilant to have completed the race.
“The experience was overwhelming,” said Bridget. “We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare but we learnt a lot during the race. We had such fun and the boat behaved so well. We worked our butts off to get here (Hobart) and it paid off.”
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done,” said Kathy. “Two-handed sailing is very challenging but I’m so in love with the boat. It’s been some of the best sailing I’ve ever enjoyed in my whole life.”
Currawong’s successful finish in the final minutes of 2022 was a perfect introduction to the 2023 New Year fireworks display, which subsequently lit up Constitution Dock and its surrounds.
