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Thursday, 6 June 2019
ISSUE 253
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Winter Warmth The #Project Warmth Winter Appeal was launched recently to help the homeless and underprivileged people in our local area. Best and Less Penrith were very generous. More on page 7.
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Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am
Programmes Children’s Church (Primary) Enthuse (Young Adults) Wednesday Fellowship • Monthly Healing & Revival
Contact: (02) 9673 1009
www.newhorizonschurch.org.au
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n celebration of our local volunteers, Council held a Showcase morning tea last month where local organisations attended to present their work and describe “a day in the life of a volunteer” to peers and Councillors. Many attendees said how volunteering was personally fulfilling as it provides them with unique challenges, opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people they often develop long-lasting friendships with. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said that he was impressed by the level of dedication and the work ethic of the organisations that presented. “I am proud of the many locals who give up their time to help others and the invaluable work that they do for the community,” Cr Fowler said. “Volunteering is a great way to give back, bring
people together and develop as an individual. It’s an activity that plays a vital role in developing social connections between people and alleviating loneliness,” he continued. “People develop skills, networks and values integral to professional environments which can often lead to employment. “When it comes to volunteering, there’s something for everyone. There’s a diverse range of roles available in Penrith.” Council will be holding a free Volunteer Expo in late September where organisations will be showcasing their work. Everyone is invited to come along and learn more about how to get involved in their local community. For more information about the Expo, please contact Council’s Disability Inclusion Officer on 4732 8081.
For all your car service requirements Ask about our No Interest Ever Offer
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Celebrating Penrith’s volunteers
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS
1300 288 662 Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Road, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au
From the Editor’s Desk
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
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203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Sales: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Email: Web:
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 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. Phone for complete list of distribution outlets
By KeRRIE DAVIES
T
he bitterly cold winter nights are starting to set in now, and it won’t be long before the old ice pic is needed to get your car out of the driveway each morning. As you jump in your nice warm bed tonight and lay back on your warm fluffy pillows, switching on your electric blanket if you have one, or pulling the ultra thick doona right up to your eyeballs so that only your eyebrows feel cold, spare a thought for our homeless people. In these cold conditions, they are likely sleeping on cold concrete or grass, with a piece of cardboard for warmth. And if you’ve gone out and purchased new, bright, ten-inch thick bedding for the winter, how about donating the old bed covers to a collection point for our homeless. Or the next time you go shopping and spot gloves and beanies for a few dollars each, if you can spare it why not purchase a pair or two for someone who can’t afford them? Thick winter jackets, beanies, gloves, socks and tinned hot meals are all things that will come in handy to those who don’t have the comfort we have to come home to. There are so many local charities across our large region that will pass on the goods for you, and it can really make a difference to someone’s life – particularly at this time of year. If ever there’s a time where a kind gesture is appreciated by those in need, it is during the coldest months of the year. #ProjectWarmth Winter Appeal is underway right now in Penrith. Read more about how you can help on page 7.
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local news Position Vacant!!! Fully Qualified Mechanic wanted to join our busy team at REDBACK AUTOMOTIVES.
Must have: • Own Tools • Full Drivers License & Own Transport • Knowledge of Classic Cars & Modern Cars • Be hard working, reliable and dedicated. Pink &/or Blue Slip Certified is a plus but not a must for the right applicant.
Phone: 4731 1110 or email redbackautomotives@outlook.com
Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith
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OCALLY based Liberal Senator Marise Payne has been re-appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs. She has also been appointed as Minister for Women. “I’m honoured to have been sworn in to the Morrison Ministry as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women. “I’m looking forward to representing Australia and our interests, and being a voice for women and girls at home and abroad,” Senator Payne said last week. Senator Payne was appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs last year, following the resignation of her colleague, Julie Bishop. Local residents, business owners and politicians
from all sides of politics were in agreement that Senator Payne was a great choice to take on the role of Minister for Women. Joining the Liberal Party in 1982, Senator Payne has been an inspiring role model for women; racking up some impressive history-making female-firsts during her political career. She was the first female Federal President of the Young Liberals and she was also Australia’s first female Defence Minister. Senator Payne also received the highest number of votes of all NSW senate candidates in the 2016 federal election. Her senate position was not up for election in May, but will be at the next federal election.
Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Inspirational role model
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Parking right behind in Judges Car Park!
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Penrith’s first pet-friendly café Shop 2/450 High St, Penrith E: bookings@thorscafe.com | P: 4721 0292
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COVER STORY
By KeRRIE DAVIES
T
he #Project Warmth W i n t e r Appeal was launched recently to reach out to the Penrith community and get them to help the homeless and underprivileged people in our local area. The project is sponsored by Penrith CBD Corporation, Stuart Ayres MP, ANZ Bank and the Creative Fringe. The first part of the concept is to encourage the people of Penrith to donate items for comfort packs; such as beanies, scarfs, gloves, socks and jackets and drop them off to the Penrith CBD Corporation. One community member, Elizabeth, saw the promotion and alerted some contacts she had at Best and Less Penrith. The good folk from the Best and Less store didn’t hesitate to donate. “They have been incredibly generous, donating warm clothing, blankets, socks and underwear,” Elizabeth said. People can also help stock up the Penrith Community Kitchen so that they can continue to provide hearty hot meals by donating canned food items. Have some time up your sleeve? How about taking part in the Creative Fringe’s Think Outside The Square challenge, and knit a square that will contribute to a warm blanket for somebody sleeping rough.
Deputy Mayor Greg Davies said that by banding together the community could really make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. “If everyone that could afford a beanie, scarf, socks, blankets or jacket spent, say $20, that would make a huge difference to someone this winter that doesn’t have access to those items,” Cr Davies said. Penrith CBD Corporation CEO Gai Hawthorne said the winter appeal helps not only homeless people but many under privileged in our community. “Penrith Community Kitchen continues to offer a hot meal at lunch each day of the week and Westcare
offers relief packs, clothing and support. We need you to help us deliver these services,” Gai said. “The cost of living is increasing and once food and medicine is purchased many families can’t afford the basic warm items needed. “The Creative Fringe is asking everyone to knit a 20 x 20 square, go to their website www. thecreativefringe.com.au for further details. “Together we make a difference, you may only be able to afford one scarf - but that helps someone cold during winter and that is a big difference,” Gai said.
The two dogs injured in sick random attack are home
By KeRRIE DAVIES
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undy and Kujo were two playful dogs minding their own business when danger struck and almost cost them their lives. Talking a walk in a park in Silverdale with their respective owners, the two dogs were let off leash for a few minutes. They returned from the embankment with visible injuries. The owners of the dogs confronted a male, who left the scene. According to one of the owners, the male allegedly said the dogs had “fallen on his knife.”
The dogs, a Kelpie/Bull Arab mix, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback, were taken to the vets in a serious condition. A friend of the two couples who own the dogs started a Go Fund Me Page to help the couples take time off work and with the vet bills At the time of going to press on Tuesday, over $7,000 had been raised. “Please let everyone know how grateful we are to the community and the kindness everyone has shown,” Sarah, one of the owners said to Nepean News.
The good news is that both the boys are now home! “It has been the biggest roller coaster of a week, but we are overjoyed that both our boys, Kujo and Bundy, made it home. They are so strong!” said Kujo’s owner, Sarah. “I feel like I can not say it enough, thank you everyone for your support throughout this whole ordeal. Despite everything terrible that has happened, this has just shown us how many wonderful people there are out there willing to help another in need. Your support means more to us than you will ever know!”
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Winter warmth for those less fortunate
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Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
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local news
Mum’s tropical escape has been won
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lenmore Park Town Centre Management and Flight Centre at Glenmore Park ran a very successful competition last month - ‘Win Mum a tropical escape’ Jenny Davis from Glenmore Park was delighted to hear she had won the competition after husband Larry put an entry in while shopping at the shopping centre. The competition criteria was to drop a docket into the box after spending some money locally. As you can imagine, Jenny was ecstatic that husband Larry had thought to pop his dockets in. Armed with her $2500 voucher and after looking at so many
options for travel across the world and within Australia, Jenny has decided on Vietnam. They’ll use the voucher towards a more extensive trip, which will be a total of ten nights in Vietnam. They’ll fly in to Hanoi, followed by a small group organised tour towards the south. The trip will include an overnight train trip as well as a couple of nights spent on boats. Jenny said planning the trip was very exciting and wanted to send a big thank you to Linda Becke from Flight Centre and Guilia Barron, Marketing Manager of Glenmore Park Town Centre. Congratulations Jenny!
Grants available for local community groups
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ouncil is inviting local non-profit organisations and community groups to apply for small grants through the annual Community Assistance Program (CAP) to deliver activities, events or projects that strengthen the community, address community needs and improve opportunities for participation in Penrith City. Applications for the 2019-20 CAP grants open 9am Friday 7 June and close at 3pm on Monday 8 July 2019. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said that the program’s 25 years of success can be attributed to the hundreds of local community organisations and
groups who volunteer their time to run activities and projects that benefit local residents. “Council has always been proud of the impact the program has each year,” Cr Fowler said. “The impact of CAP grants over 25 years is something we’re very proud of, and we are pleased to be able to again offer financial support to community groups, recognising their valuable contribution to our City.” In 2018-19 Council contributed $30,000 through the program which funded 37 separate projects benefitting children, young people, seniors, people with disability and residents from culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds. They include: Believe Support Connect – a support group for women experiencing abuse to build self-esteem, belonging and wellbeing Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services – community outreach to connect isolated community members to services and build social connections Paying it Forward Homelessness Services – emergency relief for Penrith’s homeless patrons and rough sleepers in extreme summer weather Police Citizens Youth Club Penrith – sport, incidental education and mentoring to encourage disengaged
and at-risk young people to connect with the police and the community St Clair and District Men’s Shed – first aid training for shed volunteers to ensure first aid is available for all members attending the shed Sunnyfield – music equipment for the free weekly music program in St Marys for clients with intellectual disability For more information on the Community Assistance Program, visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Grants or contact Council on 4732 8532 or casey. holtom@penrith.city. Applications need to be submitted online at penrith. smartygrants.com.au/
Applications open for youth led projects Organisations looking to kick-start projects promoting youth engagement and inclusion can now apply for a $1.5 million NSW Government fund. Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies has urged non-government organisations and local councils to apply for the Youth Opportunities Fund. “Youth Opportunities is a wonderful
program that provides a platform for young people in our state to engage with the community, socialise with others and gain new skills,” Tanya Davies said. “The program supports young people from all walks of life to thrive, including those from regional areas, Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, disadvantaged youth, and people with
a disability.” One-off grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available for new youth-driven projects that use strategies to support participation and community engagement. Since the program was established in 2012, more than $10 million has been invested in projects across the state. “Young people involved in the program get the chance to participate
in a diverse range of activities and develop a range of skills, including management skills, hospitality skills, event planning and artistic development,” Tanya Davies said. Applications for grants under this year’s program close on 16 July 2019. To apply or to find further information about the program, visit: www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youthopportunities/
local news
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estern Sydney’s leading law firm, Coleman Greig Lawyers has opened its third full-service office within the Greater Sydney region, at 121 Henry Street, Penrith. The state-of-the-art office will house a team of experienced lawyers and support staff dedicated to providing a full range of CBD-style legal services to clients across the Nepean region. The official opening saw Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, Mayor of Penrith, welcome Coleman Greig to the region at an event attended by a diverse list of local business representatives, members of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce and representatives of Penrith City Council. “On behalf of Penrith City, I would like to officially welcome Coleman Greig Lawyers to the region,” the Mayor said. “Having been a part of the Western Sydney community for some 90 years, it’s fantastic that the firm’s expansion has included a dedicated office in the Penrith region especially during a time of such growth and development for the city. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact that Coleman Greig’s presence will have on the community!” As with Coleman Greig’s offices in Parramatta and Norwest Business Park, the newly opened Penrith location will offer a wide range of
Coleman Greig Lawyers - Penrith Office Opening (L-R): Andrew Grima (Principal Lawyer, Commercial Property – Coleman Greig Lawyers) Karina Ralston (Principal Lawyer, Family Law – Coleman Greig Lawyers) Councillor Ross Fowler OAM (Mayor – Penrith City Council)
commercial legal services to the local business community – including Commercial Law, Litigation & Disputes, Commercial Property and Employment Law & WHS – as well as a selection of training and educational opportunities for business owners, such as accounting and financial planning professionals. In addition, private clients will be able to access the firm’s full suite of personal services including specialist Family Law services, Family Law Mediation, Wills & Estate Planning, Conveyancing and Retirement Living. With the office having been
specifically designed and built with the benefits of activity-based workspaces in mind, it boasts a range of key features that focus on creating a more flexible and productive environment for staff. Guests at the opening event were given the opportunity to explore the various workspaces and see how they will shape the future of work, with employees being able to choose the most appropriate setting in which to complete a task. Coleman Greig Principal Lawyer Andrew Grima, who lives locally and will be heading up the Penrith office with Family Law Principal Lawyer
Karina Ralston, is enthusiastic about the benefits the new office will deliver. “We couldn’t be more excited about our move into Penrith. It is a fantastic opportunity for Coleman Greig, as well as anyone in the Nepean and Blue Mountains region that requires the high-quality legal services that are usually only accessible through Sydney CBD firms. We’ve designed the office with both staff and client accessibility in mind – so it’s going to be exciting to see the impact that the new activity-based workspaces will have on our everyday operations. With an environment designed to improve staff wellbeing and productivity even further, we are anticipating great results for our clients!” – Andrew Grima, Principal Lawyer, Coleman Greig Lawyers. With the vast majority of staff working at the new office also living in the region, clients of Coleman Greig’s Penrith office can rest assured that their legal matters will be handled by a team who has a genuine personal connection to the area, as well as the high levels of expertise and experience for which Coleman Greig is renowned. Located in Suite 1, Level 2, 121 Henry Street, Coleman Greig’s new office is conveniently placed right next door to Westfield and across the road from Penrith Station.
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Bringing CBD-Style Legal Services to the Penrith Region
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Dr Muthukrishnan’s
Kingswood Medical Centre 40 years of uncompromising excellence in family practice Offering you:• family medicine • immunisation • antenatal care, family planning, IVF advice • travel vaccination • care plan • mental health issues • stop smoking, gambling and alcoholism • mental health issues • weight loss with hypnosis • work cover • depression anxiety and panic attacks • habit and addiction control • sexual and marriage counselling • eradicating fears and phobia • comfort for cancer patients and carers • nutrition and acupuncture • performance enhancement for students artists and athletes • full range of hypnosis and meditation services • study skills with hypnosis for year 12, 11 & 10 students
St Marys Freight Hub Community Information Pacific National will be hosting a community information desk at St Marys Village Shopping Centre about the proposed St Marys Freight Hub on: Thursday 13th June (3:00pm-6:00pm) Friday 21st June (10:00am-2:00pm) The proposed St Marys Freight Hub will be built on industrial zoned land at Pacific National’s vacant site bordering the main Western train line and Dunheved Industrial/Business Park. The freight facility will have the potential to: ◆ Create employment in the community with 60 jobs during construction and more than 150 new full time jobs
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◆ Support the local economy by developing vacant industrial land into a freight hub close to established warehouses
Bulk billing for most services
◆ Remove 70,000 - 80,000 trucks from the regional and state road networks
Just call in and talk to our friendly staff for the services you may need
open seven days 3/149 Great Western Highway Kingswood NSW 2747
◆ Reduce container truck movements across Sydney by 29,212 kilometres every day (more than 10 million kilometres per year) ◆ Establish St Marys as a major transport and retail distribution centre between Port Botany and Western Sydney.
P 4736 6900 • Fax 4736 5800
For more information visit www.stmarysfreight.com.au call 1800 137 929 or visit our information desk at St Marys Shopping Village.
rmoothoo@gmail.com
For employment opportunities please contact jobs@stmarysfreight.com.au
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
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local news
Crazy socks show support for our Docs
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urrently on rotation in Nepean Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Austin Lee is becoming increasingly familiar with a job that combines life-or-death responsibility with a demanding educational journey. “Once you’re a Resident Medical Officer, it’s a huge step up from being a medical student,” says Austin. “There’s suddenly a lot of pressure on you, and some junior doctors unfortunately don’t ask for help. Those are the situations where people can break down or crash.” Inspired to support his fellow clinicians, Dr Lee is advocating for people to join the ‘Crazy Socks 4 Docs’ campaign, a social movement founded by Australian Cardiologist, Dr Geoff Toogood. The campaign encourages people to wear their most whacky and wild socks on the first Friday in June and share their pictures and messages on social media to help normalise conversations about mental health. “Crazy Socks 4 Docs is a perfect idea because doctors’ mental health is in danger at many moments,” says Austin. “A lot of the time it is intense. There’s people dying. Unfortunately it’s unavoidable at all levels of medicine.” While all Health workers are supported by special programs and services to help maintain their mental and physical health, Dr Lee emphasises the simple value of a culture of good relationships, which he is thankful to enjoy in his current rotation through Nepean Hospital’s ICU. “Starting from the top and all the
way to our level, the culture here is fantastic,” says Austin. Creating a respectful and supportive culture in medicine is also the personal passion of Nepean Hospital’s Director of Medical Services, Dr Peter Thomas. “Doctors health and wellbeing is critical to our ability to provide high quality clinical care to our
patients and our community,” says Dr Thomas, who trained as an anaesthetist. Nepean Hospital was an early adopter of state-wide initiatives that support the mental health of Junior Medical Officers (JMOs), including the JMO Safe Working Hours initiative and the JMO Wellbeing program, which Dr Thomas says
demonstrates a “commitment to supporting and enhancing our medical workforce, especially when burnout or other mental health issues may arise.” To help support Austin and health practitioners everywhere, don your craziest socks on Friday, 7 June and join the campaign on social media at #CrazySocks4Docs.
M4 temporary closure at The Northern Road over long weekend
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olidaymakers heading to and from the Blue Mountains and motorists travelling through South Penrith over the June Long Weekend are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time and plan ahead as the M4 Motorway at The Northern Road will be temporarily closed for critical road upgrade work. NRL fans travelling to the Penrith Panthers V Sydney Roosters game at Panthers Stadium in Penrith on Sunday, 9 June should also leave early and factor in some traffic delays to arrive on time for kick-off at 4.05pm. The M4 Motorway will be closed at The Northern Road at South Penrith from 9pm on Friday 7 June to 4am on Tuesday 11 June so crews can safely remove an existing 40-year-old bridge that does not have the capacity to meet future traffic needs. During the closure, the M4 Motorway will be closed to general traffic in either direction at The Northern Road and motorists will be diverted up and over The Northern
Road interchange ramps with an alternative detour option via the Great Western Highway. Transport for NSW Coordinator General, Marg Prendergast, said traffic in the area is expected to be heavy and motorists should allow extra travel time and avoid the area if possible. “The busiest traffic times are expected to be between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 8 June and between 10am and 2pm on Sunday 9 June,” Ms Prendergast said. “We’ve scheduled the work to start from 9pm on Friday, 7 June, which is after most holidaymakers are off the road and traffic volumes are lower so anyone planning to head to the Blue Mountains or further west on Friday 7 June should leave early to avoid the extra travel time.” As the work will require a 79-hour closure of the M4 Motorway, the June Long Weekend was identified as an optimal time to remove the bridge. Historical traffic data also indicates
that this weekend is a lower than normal traffic volume time to carry out this closure. “Carrying out the work in three days, rather than the alternative of up to 20 weeks of night closures, will minimise disruption to both motorists and residents and improve safety for workers,” Ms Prendergast said. “We’ll be monitoring the network around-the-clock, there will be traffic controllers on site as well as network operations managing signals and electronic message signs displaying real-time traffic information to keep traffic flowing and to respond to conditions as required.” The Northern Road upgrade between Glenmore Parkway and Jamison Road is being delivered as part of the Australian and NSW governments’ $4.1 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan to improve safety and increase road capacity as well as reduce travel times and congestion in the future. As part of this upgrade, work is
continuing on a new interchange across the M4 Motorway to support the thousands of motorists who currently use it to travel to various destinations including Penrith, the Blue Mountains and the Sydney CBD. The demolition of the existing bridge will involve the use of heavy machinery including cranes, excavators and a large number of trucks, which is why a section of the M4 Motorway will be temporarily closed. Once complete, the entire 35 kilometre upgrade of The Northern Road between Narellan and South Penrith will provide a high quality connection with the M12 Motorway, the M4 Motorway, Elizabeth Drive and Bringelly Road. Visit livetraffic.com for the latest information on traffic conditions before you travel. More info on the project: https:// w w w. r m s . n s w. g o v. a u / p r o j e c t s / sydney-west/the-northern-road/ stage-3/index.html
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t’s hard to believe that four in five of our dog and cat patients over three years of age have some form of dental disease. While many people believe that bad breath is normal for their furry friends, it can be an indication of a problem. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common problems we see in our pets, especially our small breed dogs with small faces such as Cavaliers, Poodles and Shi Tzus. Dental disease is inflammation of the teeth and gums caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is made up of food particles, saliva, and bacteria which sticks to the surface of the tooth. If not removed, it will calcify into tartar and progress from there. This takes place above and below the gum line. Over time, it leads to the destruction of the bone, resulting in bad breath, oral pain, and loss of teeth.
There are seven signs that your pet may be suffering from dental disease • discolouration or build-up on teeth • bad breath • swelling under the eye • discomfort, lumps, or bleeding around the mouth • gum redness or inflammation • pawing at the mouth • difficulty eating or loss of appetite Regular vet checks will help to identify any development of dental disease. For adult pets with existing dental disease, a scale and polish under general anaesthetic is often necessary to get their mouth back into top condition. This will allow us to start preventative measures with a clean mouth and
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
What are your pets’ teeth telling you?
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prevent, or slow down, dental disease developing again in the future. There are things you can do at home such as introducing specialty dental diets that can significantly reduce the development of tartar. Some chewy treats are also specifically designed to reduce tartar, promote healthy gums and freshen breath. If your pet is calm and relaxed, daily brushing of their teeth with a specially designed pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste is also beneficial. From June through to August Greencross Vet Coreen Ave will be offering discounts on Dental Procedures including dental checks, treatments and products. Phone us on 4731 3055 to organise your pet’s free dental check and discuss the best dental options for your pet.
Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750
Local dancers raising money for charity By CONNER LOWE
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t’s always been a dream for Shane McIntyre to use his talent and passion for dancing for a greater cause than simply entertaining
an audience. Originally from Sydney, Shane McIntyre of Shane Keri Dance (SKDance), moved to the USA over a decade ago where he enhanced his professional dance career and started his long time relationship with using the excitement and popularity of dance as an impetus to support charities around the world which are close to his heart. Shane has recently returned to Sydney and jumped head first into producing dance events which support Australian charities, bringing his generosity and altruism full circle. The SKDance team are excited that his upcoming event is in our back yard and is creating awareness for the Kids Helpline, AU. Join Shane, Keri and the entire SKDance Team for the most amazing of dance events in the Western Suburbs this year! At the West Tradies auditorium on Saturday, June 29th, is where it all happens. Dancing with a Star Ball and Fundraising Gala features terrific personalities from all walks of life - Policeman, Yogi, Professional Golfer and Body Builder - all giving their time to dance for a noble cause. The Ball is much more than a spectator event! Have your voice heard by voting/bidding for your favourite couple. Besides cocktails and a lovely three course meal there will be great music,
social dancing, performances by the “Stars”, bidding for your favourite couple and LIVE dance entertainment by several local artists and teams. Let’s help the Stars raise the maximum funds for the Kids Helpline! Turn your passion and appreciation for dance into something wonderful and help to raise awareness and funds for the Kids Help Line - a charity that matters to our kids in these tumultuous. Note: Beginning at 7pm Meet the Stars for
Cocktails and get ready for a scrumptious dining experience with a three-course meal at 7:30pm. At 8:15 the fabulous Emcee will kick off the evening of spectacular performances with our “Stars”, intermingled with amazing exhibitions and social dancing along the way. For information on tickets, tables or sponsorship please contact Shane McIntyre at 0401 256 245 or learn more at: https://www.shanekeridance.com. au/dwas-ball-june-29th-2019/
Legends of the Nepean Wally Cox
Photo supplied by Wally Cox By Noel Rowsell
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ally Cox is a man of many pursuits, with some (including Motor Cycle Track Racing) inexorably heading towards their final days, whilst others (including Music) are gathering momentum.
Born in Bairnsdale, Victoria in 1937, Wally was smuggled into NSW hidden in the back seat of the family car, at a time when the Polio illness was rampant and had brought about strict travel restrictions between Australian states. Wally’s family moved to Guildford and he would attend Fairfield PS, Canley Vale HS and Liverpool Junior
Tech during his school years. “I wasn’t really academic,” Wally said. “My parents separated when I was 11 or 12 and it affected my outlook.” “I only passed two subjects in the intermediate Certificate but my lack of success in subjects such as English was only due to my failure to complete ‘any’ assignments” said Wally. “I did remarkably well in English to score in the 90’s in the test but failed the subject due to the lack of completed assignments.” “My first job was as an apprentice Motor Mechanic at Moore Road Machinery, firstly in Ultimo and later in Silverwater - I worked with them for 9 years.” “I then worked for Fair Deal Car Sales in Parramatta for 9 years, before joining the Water Board and serving another 9 years with them at Granville.” “I transferred to Warragamba and would serve another 16 years there, followed by various other locations with the Water Board before I was made redundant,” said Wally. “I was diagnosed with Prostate
Cancer but once I got past that hurdle, my wife Margaret and I opened the Mulgoa Service Station and ran it for the next 11 years.” “I also joined the Mulgoa/Wallacia Rotary Club and was a member for 5-6 years, whilst Margaret served as President of the Club on two occasions.” Wally married Margaret in Parramatta in 1971 and the couple had two boys, Frank and James. Describing himself as a ‘bit of a joiner’ Wally has served in many organisations, including Rotary, the Mulgoa Progress Association, the Mulgoa Bush Fire Brigade and the Warradale Men’s Shed. Wally worked with the Progress Association against the proposed cemetery at Fernhill and is of course one of many in the community uncomfortable with the decision to locate a cemetery on part of Wallacia Golf Club. Wally served separate terms as President and Secretary of the Progress Association and President of the Mulgoa Bush Fire Brigade. Wally also served in National
NEW MENU Including: Funghi Ripeni, Salt And Pepper Squid, Crispy Asian Chicken, Antipasto Platters, Sydney Rock Oysters, Kumara And Pravalone Ravioli, Pork Belly, Lamb Rump, Pistachio Crusted Duck And Seafood Platters For 2.
Wally Cox was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie Davies. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
Wally above (#883). Photo by Mark Staudinger.
Photos supplied by Wally Cox
Service and upon his discharge in 1957, helped organise the purchase of land in Cranebrook for the Penrith Motor Cycle Club (PMCC). Twelve months and a lot of hard work from PMCC members saw the opening of the Nepean Raceway in 1959, which celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year. Wally has owned some exceptional motor bikes, including and AJS (his first), a 1959 BMW 600, a LE Velocette 200cc, a Royal Enfield 700 and an L-Star Frame Yamaha 500cc. The list of tracks Wally raced on include Amaroo Park, Goulburn, Griffith, Taree, Heddon Greta, Arcadia and of course Nepean Paceway. Many of the tracks Wally raced on during his career are now however just memories, giving way to either housing and/or industrial developments. Wally also had a passion for cars and fondly remembers his own MG TC, brother Kerry’s MG TF 1500 and
*Valid until 30th June 2019, not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.
a close mate’s Austin Healey. “We were really tearaways and my brother was both fast and fearless,” said Wally. “I loved cars but never considered racing them, or racing motorcycles on tarmac.” “I’ve made so many great friends in the Motorbike world,” said Wally, who is known at the Nepean Paceway as the ‘Hole Shot King’. “I may not be the fastest around the track any more but I’m always first to get to the first corner.” Wally won the Super Seniors at the Charity Event in 2015 and was subsequently used as the ‘poster boy’ for the 2016 event. “This year (2019) looks like being my last,” said Wally. “I cracked 3 or 4 vertebrae in the 70’s which were never treated properly and my back is starting to give me trouble, along with declining eyesight due to glaucoma.”
As to life after racing, Wally said “I’m now learning piano - which is extremely difficult.” “I’ve also been singing karaoke at Clubs for a couple of years so I’m building up a number of activities for the time after racing has finished.” “I learnt the Violin from 8-12 years and was awarded a certificate from the Conservatory of Music – I do regret not continuing with the violin,” said Wally. The Nepean Raceway has run a Charity Race Weekend every year for the past twenty years, with past beneficiaries including Homeless Youth on the Streets, Careflight, Cancer Research, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and this year Early Onset Dementia. This year’s event is being run on 1718th August and is being supported by Australian Rotary Health. Rotary has also recognised Wally’s fund-raising efforts, acknowledging him as a ‘Diamond Friend’ in 2018 for raising over $2,500 for Australian Rotary Health.
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
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local news
Golden couple celebrate golden milestone!
N
eville and Unity Maitland are a local couple from Glenmore Park who are proof that a good marriage can stand the test of time - they are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! On June 11 the couple will celebrate the fact that it was half a century ago that they tied the knot. Nev and Unity have been local residents for the past 24 years. They are childhood sweethearts - first meeting in their hometown of Maymyo, Burma. They have 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, awaiting 1 more great child next month. This weekend they will celebrate with their family and friends at Penrith Bowling club. There’s a special message from Michelle who contacted us on behalf of the family, “We love you lots, Mum Dad Mama Papa Mama G Papa G.” Happy anniversary!
Don’t waste water By GREG DAVIES
I love a sunburnt country A land of sweeping plains Of rugged mountain ranges OF DROUGHTS AND FLOODING RAINS Familiar, yes however the flooding rains are still some time away it seems but the droughts are here, so now it’s time to rethink the use of our most precious resource, water. With the dam now at around 50 per cent, Sydney Water has introduced Stage 1 Restrictions. The restrictions are not that onerous and relate to using a bit of common sense.
Don’t use the hose to wash the driveway, use a broom; when washing your car use a hose with a trigger nozzle and don’t water the lawn with a hose before 10am and after 4pm. That’s just a summary and as I said its pretty much common sense. You can probably think of more ways to assist the restrictions with a little imagination. Remember, however, if you break the rules you will be contributing to the government’s coffers as the Sydney Water rangers will be patrolling and issuing fines. Ignorance is not a valid excuse either, so make sure you are aware of what is and what isn’t allowed. Let’s all just “Do The Right Thing” For more information on restrictions visit the Sydney Water website.
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Lately (8) 5 Stellar (6) 9 Invigorates (8) 10 Delegate (6) 12 On par (5) 13 Will (9) 14 Self-love (6) 16 A company that flies passengers (7) 19 Specify individually (7) 21 Without difficulty (6) 23 Flagrant (9) 25 Coops (5) 26 From India (6) 27 Uneatable (8) 28 Lancelot was one (6) 29 Thoughtless (8) DOWN 1 Passes a rope through a hole (6) 2 Tally (9) 3 Written fictional story (5)
solution 23/5/19
4 6 7 8 11 15 17 18 20 21 22 24 25
Protracted (7) A yellowwood tree with aromatic leaves (9) Increase in salary (5) Make longer (8) Largest continent (4) Trademark or signature (9) Unreadable (9) Crony (8) Ancient Biblical kingdom (4) The central theme (7) Evaluate (6) Diameters (5) Encrypted (5)
local news
With LUKE SPICER, Skyline Solar
L
iterally, solar power is the hottest topic right now even leading into winter; many people already have it or are about to get it. Others may want to install it but don’t really know who to trust or which brands to buy. It’s all too scary for most and just plain confusing for others. How do you know if what you’re getting is what you want or even more importantly what you need? Well just sit back for a minute and don’t let it scare you too much! You’re no different to most clients who call us and say, ‘I don’t know a lot about solar so I’m hoping you can help me.’ Well of course we can! Skyline Solar has been installing solar power for almost a decade. In 2010, I started on solar roof installation for other companies. All up, I’ve seen the best and worst that the industry has to offer, which led me to starting up the retail side of the business with a focus on quality components for our clients. Like all businesses, we had some learning curves, which led to some of our clients getting upgrades along the way. This was our way of keeping them happy with their investment; we have always focussed on consumer law and protecting our clients in the best way that we can. Australian Consumer Law protects the end user and also the retailer and I am happy to add that we have never have had a Department of Fair Trading case against us.
A great thing about us our Vineyard showroom, open Monday - Friday 9:30-5:00pm; it’s a good way of getting detailed information on which system size is suitable for your home. We also have realistic performance and financial savings expectations on hand, through our latest satellite imagery and solar design program. We can present to you real life situations with our live streaming data from clients’ homes, showing you what you can expect from a system and the monitoring capabilities it comes with. It’s one thing to install solar power with a basic system but at the next level, you can manage the power you produce by having a visual display of how you are using your energy. We often hear clients say, ‘It’s all a bit high tech for me,’ but we don’t see that as a problem at all as our
technical advisor will solve 99 per cent of any issues over the phone. Common issues are things like new modem swaps and communications need resetting; this can be fixed with a simple phone call from Skyline Solar. Other companies will ignore you, take weeks or months to get to you, or tell you to get an IT person out which could set you back hundreds of dollars. When dealing with solar companies make sure you ask some basic questions, such as, will the qualified licensed and accredited tradesman actually be on site for the installation or will he just swing by at the end and sign it off?; do you have dedicated staff for trouble shooting future issues?; and, have you been installing solar for over five years? A lot of companies that were originally doing general electrics have recently started selling solar but claim to have been in business for many years. If considering them, check if they are an approved solar retailer; if they are not, then it is very likely they wouldn’t pass the means test and possibly can’t be relied upon to be around to support you long term. The same with battery installation — ensure the tradesman holds the necessary battery endorsement associated with his solar accreditation. For more information visit the showroom and find out how solar can help your home or business. Skyline Solar, 5/317 Windsor Rd, Vineyard. Call us on 1300 759 765 or visit www.skylinesolar.com.au for more information.
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Powering your home with solar panels
15
Buy One, Get Sun FREE Your Local Residential and Commercial Solar Power Specialist
Since 2010
1300 759 765 317 Windsor Road, Vineyard
www.skylinesolar.com.au Lic No. 263893C
ENTERTAINMENT
17 Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Winter(fest) is coming
A
t Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair, you can enter a medieval realm which brings the settings of Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings to vibrant life! Escape the everyday and explore a world of history and fantasy at this popular family friendly Photo: John Cully. fair. From knights, Vikings and peasants to unicorns and orcs, the including a traditional archery range, two day event features an extensive Celtic drumming workshops, and the chance to learn to use a rapier. program to delight the whole family. Winterfest is one of the longest Meet mythical mermaids in the running annual medieval fairs in Kids Corner, and take a photo with the Sydney metro region. It is held Winterfest unicorns. Children can on the first weekend of the winter practice their skills with (safe) swords school holidays, 6 and 7 July, at the and get creative with medieval themed Hawkesbury Showground, located drawing, colouring and crafts. Visit the ‘Artisan Alley’ with between Richmond and Windsor. There is a wonderful line up of lots of educational and interactive entertainment which gives you the displays of traditional skills, and opportunity to completely immerse take a stroll through the ‘Merchant’s Row’ to browse the vibrant range of yourself in another world. stalls including quality artisan and Here is a taste of what is on show. - The exciting Winterfest Jousting handcrafted wares. Roaming entertainers add to Tournament: see the faceoff between the festival atmosphere, including champions in the sport of kings! - International Full Contact Fighting: musicians and minstrels, and The best from Australia, New Zealand, ‘Feldergast the Fool’, the delightful and China compete in the Historical wandering jester. There is face painting Medieval Battles (HMB) tournament for the children and a great selection of for selection to represent their country quality food vendors to choose from. Immerse yourself in the festival in the Battle of the Nations World environment by wearing something Championships! - Graceful and powerful raptors fly a bit different from the usual. The free in the Full Flight Birds of Prey Winterfest Costume and Cosplay display. Learn about birds of prey in competition returns in 2019. Join the competition parade for judging, or Australia and the history of falconry. - Melee Battles with knights in if that’s not your thing, you may be armour from a range of historical surprised with an on the spot prize. periods. Watch the groups battle for Come along in a medieval-inspired supremacy in the ‘Combat and Arms’ outfit or fantasy style clothing; all display, which concludes with the medieval periods, cultures, and styles are welcome. ‘Grand Melee’! With so much to do, explore and - The Mounted Skill-at-Arms: demonstrating the skills required for discover, Winterfest is perfect school holiday family entertainment. knights in training and for battle. Tickets are now on sale through - The Re-enactors’ Row: here you Precan try helmets, armour, shields and ticketebo.com.au/winterfest. weapons. Friendly re-enactors from purchase your tickets now to take the dark ages through to the 17th advantage of exclusive online century enjoy sharing their knowledge discounts. For more information about about the people and period they are Winterfest, please visit winterfest. com.au and like us at facebook.com/ re-enacting. Have a go at hands on activities WinterfestSydney.
Buy your discounted tickets online today!
WEEKLY PRIZES
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02 4736 4647 THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750
We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
ENTERTAINMENT The Whitlams ~ 13 June, 8pm The Whitlams will perform at The Joan for their “Last drinks at the Morrison Hotel” tour, along with one of their favourite artists Ella Hooper. It has been 20 years since Blow Up the Pokies was released on the multi-platinum album, Love this City. The band’s career achievements include seven albums, three multi-Platinum and three Gold and three ARIA Awards, and more recently earned the 17th spot in Triple J¹s Hottest Australian Albums of All Time. $60 Standard, BOOK NOW.
The Maestro and The Magician ~ 16 June, 11am Ever-popular duo George Ellis and George Washingmachine return to PSO in a brand new musical adventure. Learn all about the orchestra, or get up close to the musicians and their instruments, as they introduce the amazing sights and sounds of the symphony orchestra. It’s all tremendous fun for the whole family, as the two Georges create musical mayhem in their unique and rollicking show to the sounds of Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Mancini and Ravel. $35 Standard | $25 Under 16 $95 Family, BOOK NOW.
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
What’s on at the Joan
19
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
20
ENTERTAINMENT
Two Aussie rock band icons on the one night Mentals
By KeRRIE DAVIES
O
nce upon a time, a group of art students passed themselves off as a band in order to con the local publican into giving them a gig in exchange for free beer. The deception worked better than intended with the group receiving beer in return for music and came to be known as Mental as Anything. Four decades later, they are in their words “still irritating the public” with
their highly listenable, idiosyncratic brand of garage pop. “The rock ‘n’ roll road to stardom is a dangerous road indeed littered with the corpses of starry-eyed hopefuls, wannabes, one hit wonders and jagged ‘if only’s’ while many bands self-implode before they even leave the garage, victims of classic clashing egos and personalities,” the bio for The Mentals reads. “Few survive.” With well-known and remembered songs like ‘If you leave me, can I come too; ‘The nips are getting bigger’ and Too many times’ Mental
Rads
As Anything always draws a great crowd to their gigs. The Radiators have been churning out their unique brand of rock for 40 years. The band began to make their impact in the late seventies in western Sydney, often clocking up several live gigs a week. Delivering their best with their cheeky lyrics at a time when music in Australia was still pretty conservative, they were a guilty pleasure we all liked to have. The walls and floors are always rocking at any venue they play at,
14th-23rd June
with audiences singing along to ‘Comin’ home; ‘Fess song’ and who could forget, ‘Gimme head.’ If you were a Mentals and Rads fan back in the day or a younger lover of music who’d like to see the best in good old Aussie rock, the amazing news is that these two bands will team up on the one night at one of the best venues around; Penrith Panthers. Playing live in the Evan theatre at Panthers on June 8. Head to ticketek to secure your tickets for a show that promises to be one of the best nostalgic rock pair-ups around.
HAWKESBURY SHOWGROUND Hawkesbury
CASH SALES ONLY
showtimes Friday 14th June Saturday 15th June Sunday 16th June Thursday 20th June Friday 21st June Saturday 22nd June Sunday 23rd June
6pm 3pm & 7pm 11am & 3pm 7pm 7pm 3pm & 7pm 11am only
ticket prices VIP RINGSIDE: Adult $42 Child $32 RINGSIDE: Adult $35 Child $25 A RESERVE: Adult $30 Child $20 B RESERVE: Adult $28 Child $18 Child pays 3 to 14 years. Air Cond Tent.
‘With a Touch of The Wild West’ Featuring Pole, Silks, Miniature Horses, dogs & clowns plus exciting circus acts and Western dancing. Fun & laughter for all ages
PHONE BOOKINGS 0448 247 287 - 0448 CIRCUS (TICKETS ON SALE 1 HOUR BEFORE EACH SHOW) or CASH SALES AT THE ON SITE BOX OFFICE (Wed to Sun) (10am-5pm) or BOOK ONLINE: www.weberscircus.com
Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au
Game 2 - Sun 23rd June Game 3 - Wed 10th July win the best seats in the house! Raffle tickets for the “best seats in the house!” This will be done for all three games. $2 each or 3 for $5. Winner gets best seats in the house to watch the State of Origin, $100 bar tab and a hot food platter served at half time!
WIN A JERSEY... 3 to be WON! Watch the State of Origin at The Penrith Gaels, buy a beverage to get a ticket into the draw for a jersey. Winner will be drawn after each game.
HAPPY HOUR PRICES DURING EACH GAME!
SATURDAY 6TH JULY, 8.30PM 16th JUNE, 9AM TO 12NOON
A tribute show to Christy Moore, Luke Kelly & the Wolf Tones by Paddyman
sunday 14th july, 2-6pm JA Room ~ Tickets: $25 Members, $30 Non Members
BACON & EGG ROLL with hash brown, $10 TOASTED WAFFLES with vanilla ice cream, strawberries & maple syrup, $12.50 shay’s irish bacon with two fried eggs, soda bread & roast tomato, $15 SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLED EGGS with baby spinach & soda bread, $16 THE GAELS IRISH FRY UP with bacon, eggs, sausage, black & white pudding, tomato, mushrooms, soda bread & hash brown, $19.50
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY 7 JUNE - 8PM Lloyd Bowden Duo
SATURDAY 8 JUNE - 7PM Lenny Duff
SUNDAY 9 JUNE - 5.30PM Crazy Minian
FRIDAY 14 JUNE - 8PM Backlash
SATURDAY 15 JUNE - 7PM Shaylee Wilde
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
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NEPEAN HISTORY
Andrew Hardie McCulloch (Snr) By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
H
e was the epitome of the ruthless wheeler dealer in saleable land, who always had inside information. An anti-hero of the 1870s and 1880s. He was a solicitor, conveyancer, real estate speculator and pastoralist who practised in Sydney from 1867 until 1904. He was born in Scotland in September 1820 to Thomas and Sarah McCulloch (Nee: Allan) who married in February 1816 in Glasgow. His father Thomas was born in Scotland in 1787 and came out to Australia as a convict, convicted for 14 years on the “Speke” in December 1820. His occupation at the time of sentencing was “stocking maker” (or weaver) also at this time he was considered a respectable settler. Thomas was one of 19 “Scottish Radicals” transported as part of the trials for “high treason” in Scotland under a Special Commission held at Stirling in the year 1820. The ship arrived in Sydney in May 1821. The “Radical War”, also known as the Scottish Insurrection of 1820, was a week of strikes and unrest. The end of the Napoleonic Wars brought economic depression, and in 1816 some 40,000 people attended a meeting on Glasgow Green to demand a more representative Government to end the Corn laws that kept food prices high. The industrial revolution affected handlooms (weavers in particular) and unrest grew, despite attempts by the authorities to employ jobless men and open relief centres to relieve hardship. His wife Sarah came to Australia in November 1823 on the “Jupiter” with Andrew aged three and his brother Thomas (Jnr) thanks to the Government plan to re-join relatives. Thomas (Snr) was free and living in Clarence Street in Sydney. He was fully pardoned in August 1835 and went on to make a modest contribution to the colonies as a businessman and craftsman. He was also the great-great-grandfather of Eleanor Dark the author, who wrote “The Timeless Land” in 1941. Thomas died in March 1863 at the age of 75 years and is buried at St Johns’ Anglican Church cemetery in Ashfield. Andrew married Elizabeth Thompson Griffin in 1841. The Australian newspaper in 1844 states: - Andrew Hardie McCulloch of Elizabeth Street in Sydney in the colony of NSW, at present serving under articles of Clerkship to Mr George Allen of Elizabeth street in Sydney. This gentleman is one of the Attorneys of the Supreme Court of NSW. I do intend to apply to their Honours the Judges of the said Court on the last day of the next term, to be admitted an Attorney Solicitor and Proctor of the said court. When the O’Connell Estate at St Marys was being divided up, all but sixteen hectares was sold. In 1855 some of this land (eleven lots) was sold by mortgagees to Andrew, who in 1856 re-sold to Charles Hadley, George Hope, George Dempsey, James Cummins, Henry Nash and William Cummins. In 1858 Andrew was one of two Executors’ of John Tindale’s will that was being contested in the Supreme Court by Martyn & Schroder “Auctioneer & Commission Agents” who lost their case for the amount of over £558, and were ordered to return that amount or sufficient disposable property to the Estate, but they were made insolvent. Greater access to the Blue Mountains came when the railway was extended to Weatherboard (now called Wentworth Falls) and opened in July 1867. Sir Henry Parkes bought a large acreage at Faulconbridge in 1876. Sir James Martin, who was both a friend and ministerial associate of Parkes bought a total of 900 acres in 1876-7 between Faulconbridge and Linden and adjoining Parkes’ holdings. He re-sold some of it in October 1878
Michelle Latham 1300 HEVNLY ( 1300 438 659 ) michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au
PH: 9623 6656 | MOBILE: 0418 250 242
196 Queen Street, ST MARYS (Directly Opposite Library)
Eurama House
to Sir Alfred Stephen (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) who built a wooden house, but in 1882 due to financial difficulties he sold the house and land to Andrew who purchased the parcel of land for £13,000. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the owners of the properties on this estate were boasting some of the grandest gardens in NSW, developed with the guidance of the curator of the Sydney Botanic Gardens. The estate had a fascinating history created by some of Australia’s political, educational and social elite. Andrew’s “Eurama” house was originally referred to as “Weemala”, an Aboriginal word meaning an expansive view but later it changed to “Eurama Castle”, a Greek word with a similar meaning. The architect of Andrew’s estate was George Mansfield and the builder was Patrick (Paddy) Ryan who had constructed the stonework that was locally quarried. Andrew furnished his country house using the exclusive Sydney firm of Lyon Cottier and Co. The gardens and a tennis court and a dam wall constructed to create a lake were set out at this time. The property was sold in 1889 to John Cliff. None of the original estate survived due to bushfires early in the twentieth century. “Eurama” stood as a stone ruin, gutted by a bush fire in 1968. In August 2015 an attempt was made to sell off the property spanning 93.56ha now called the Eurama Castle Estate (a country-style house and tower) and made up of 15 lots that holds the remains of Eurama. The place called the “playground for the rich and famous of the time” had an asking price of $1 million. The auction advertisement of the uninhabitable ruin said that “despite the house being in ruins, there are standing slabs of its original sandstone walls and established trees wrap around it. A portion of the gully that met an ornamental lake used for small sail boats is still there and there are still two swimming pools there that were cut into sandstone as well as a man-made dam from possibly 100 years ago.” In November 2015 the property was sold for $1,225,000 to the Donghua Group under mortgagee instructions. Andrew (Snr) died in January 1905 aged 84 and Elizabeth died in 1888 at their residence “Tara”, Ocean Street at Woollahra and both are buried in a vault in the Anglican section of the Waverley cemetery at Bronte. His son also Andrew Hardie McCulloch (who was the grandfather of Eleanor Dark) died in 1947 in Mosman aged 88 years and is also buried in a vault near to his parents. Sources: Heritage Newsletter of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, British convict transportation registers 1787-1867, Sydney Gazette 27 Nov 1823, Census of New South Wales November 1828, National Library of Australia, Trove, Ancestry, Australia Death Index, 1787-1985, NSW Government Gazette.
Contact Michelle for Pre-Planning & Pre-Paid Funerals
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
24
SPORT
Teigen ready for the world’s biggest stage
By CONNER LOWE
T
he Women’s World Cup is the pinnacle of sport for women around the world and the Matildas are every chance to go all the way in France. Teigen Allen, who just finished her W-League campaign with Melbourne Victory and currently resides in Penrith was selected in the 23-player squad to travel to France. Teigen isn’t new to the spotlight after making her debut at 16-years-old against Vietnam at the Asian Cup and now at 25-years-
old she will be entering her 2nd World Cup for the Matildas. Teigen spoke about the long road she has taken to get to France and how she will treasure every second spent with the Matildas at the World Cup. “Being in and out of the team for the past couple of years and missing out on the past World Cup and Olympics I have gone through some pretty tough times with football and an ankle reconstruction that kept me out for nearly a year,” she said. “I have come to realise football
gives me a feeling nothing else can fulfil. “It was a tough road to get back to where I am now, but every second was worth it. I had a goal to be here and I wasn’t going to stop at anything. I put the hard yards in and pushed myself and now I’m just embracing every second and living in the moment. “Representing my country feels like it is everything I’m living for. I appreciate every moment with the National team and will cherish these moments for the rest of my life.” The Women’s World Cup is being
hosted in France, playing host to 52 matches across nine host cities, including Paris, Montpellier, Nice, Valenciennes, Lyon, Reims, Le Harve, Grenoble and Rennes. Australia who are ranked 6th coming into the World Cup will be in a group with Brazil ranked 10th, Italy ranked 15th and Jamaica ranked 53rd. The Matildas campaign kicks off against Italy on 9th of June, followed by a game against Brazil on 14th of June and then to finish the group stage the Matildas play Jamaica on 19th of June. Teigen believes that travelling to France is her greatest achievement and the Matildas are ready to bring the World Cup home. “I have achieved a lot with football, but this is by far more meaningful than any achievement, as the road to be where I am now has shaped me and made me realise how much I wanted it and how hard I worked to be where I am,” she said. The team and I have given everything possible in training and at games. “We are ready to make history and bring the World Cup home!” The Matildas will be hoping to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time, and with the likes of Teigen and the rest of the squad, this is the year to make history.
PVSF Junior Sportsperson Award By CONNER LOWE
T
he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Bridie Murphy from Glenmore Park the Junior Sportsperson Award for the month of May for her development and skill in Softball. Bridie started playing Softball at the age of five and has continued for 10 years. Bridie’s father first got her playing T Ball as soon as she was big enough to throw the bat around and she hasn’t looked back since. Bridie currently plays for local club Glenmore Phantoms in the Penrith City Softball Association, as well as playing A Grade in the Cumberland Nepean Competition. She is currently playing in a winter club competition at St Ives in the North Shore Softball Association. Bridie spoke about her appreciation for being recognised by PVSF and who she has to thank for receiving the award. “I feel honoured to be acknowledged for playing softball. I love softball and I am really hopeful that our Aussie team will be back in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” she said. “I’m thankful to all my coaches, my team mates and especially my mum and dad for everything they do for me to make it all possible. “I’m really happy and appreciative of the support from the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.” Bridie isn’t afraid of hard work and currently is doing all training possible to improve her game. She goes to pitching training twice a week and has been doing so for the last six years. She also goes to batting training once a week and trains with her
team three times a week. Also, in the last six months she has begun a strength and conditioning program which involves going to the gym three times a week. Bridie is also in her second year with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport Softball program which involves training once a week and playing in several tournaments throughout the season. She is a member of the Penrith City U18’s Representative team that participates in the NSW State Championships last weekend. Bridie also spoke of her greatest achievements in Softball and her long-term goals for her sport and education. “Late last year when I missed out on selection for the NSW U17 team, I was lucky enough to be picked up by the Victorian State Team and given the opportunity to play at Nationals,” she said. “From this I went on to be selected in the 2019
Australian U17’s Diamond Squad to tour the USA in June/July this year. “It has been great start to the year as I was also selected for the NSW All Schools team in March which competed in May at the School Sport Australia National Championship in Canberra. At the conclusion of the nationals I was selected in the All Australian Schools Merit Softball Team.” “I am hoping to be considered for the NSW U18 State team later this year and working towards bettering my game and improving my skills to increase my chance of making the 2020 Australian Junior Spirit team to participate at the Junior World Cup. My long-term goal is to gain a scholarship to study and play softball in the US College System,” she added. We would like to congratulate Bridie on her award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue striving for success in Softball for the future.
PENRITH PANTHERS
SPORT
25 25
By STEWART MOSES
A
@TheRiffMarn
few weeks back, in the midst of one of Penrith’s worst losing streaks in recent memory, coach Ivan Cleary did the unthinkable and dropped some of his established players back to Canterbury Cup, including Australian and NSW representative players, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Josh Mansour. Both players were struggling for form as a result of injury or confidence but found their mojo quickly enough to be reinstated a week later for Penrith’s break through win over Parramatta. It was no surprise that that both Campbell-Gillard and Mansour have been among Penrith’s best in their recent form resurgence. But Mansour revealed that in hindsight had he opted to sit some weeks on the sidelines to rehab a shoulder injury picked up in the Round One home loss to Parramatta instead of choosing to play on with injury, he may have avoided the need to have been demoted to the Canterbury Cup team. “To be fair, I wasn’t playing good
footy and I was carrying an (shoulder) injury and it showed on the field with my form which wasn’t great,” Mansour told the Nepean News. “But I was in a difficult spot to be honest. “In hindsight I should have taken the time off if I knew it was going to affect me that much. “But in saying that I didn’t want to be selfish and wanted to help the team in any way I could. “I love this club, I love this team and I will do whatever I can to get the results for this club. “Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way when I was carrying the injury.” Mansour says playing Canterbury Cup enabled the former Australian and NSW winger to regain his love for the game, given it came at a time when the Panthers were under pressure in the midst of a six-game losing streak. “Being dropped was what I needed I guess to regain my confidence and I learned to have fun again simple as that,” Mansour replied. “It’s hard to have fun when you are losing all the time. “But in saying that I was coming into the games with thoughts flooding my mind.
Josh Mansour is starting to find form again after an indifferent start to the 2019 season. Credit: NRL Photos.
“I wasn’t playing to the best of my ability and that comes with confidence. “The past couple of weeks I have been happy with the way I have been playing. “Making my tackles, making my reads, carrying the ball hard. “I’m glad to be back now and playing good footy again, but I can’t rest on my laurels. “I want to go up another level and keep winning footy games for this club.” Whilst coach Ivan Cleary conceded after the Eels win a fortnight back, that his young side had been adversely affected by the sex video dramas, Mansour says the team can’t use that as an excuse for their current predicament that, despite back-to-
back wins, still sees the team two wins out of the top eight at the halfway point of the season. “We don’t want to use those (issues) as an excuse. There are a lot of factors that were going on but in saying that we weren’t winning games at the end of the day,” Mansour declared. “We haven’t been playing to our best of our abilities and we weren’t playing as a team. “It’s not like we are taking the field for the purpose of losing, but we were making a lot of silly mistakes and then combined with poor discipline, it was really costing us in a number of games. “But recently we have been taking it up another notch at training and everyone is really buying into what Ivan and the coaching staff are saying and as I said, everyone is sticking together. “Wanting to keep work harder together and keep rolling towards our goals by doing all those little things well like complete our sets, good kick chases and so. “We still aren’t playing perfect footy (and) we definitely have a lot of work to do, and (while) I don’t want to get too carried away, I think we are on the right track.”
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
Mansour’s bounce back factor
Balgowan, Hinkley win big on Penrith’s night of nights Kaine Balgowan and Mikayla Hinkley named as Penrith’s player of the year in their respective competitions. Photos: Supplied.
Fast bowler, Kaine Balgowan and departing all-rounder, Mikayla Hinkley were crowned as Penrith Cricket Club’s male and female player of the year, at their annual presentation night at the Penrith Panthers Leagues Club, last Saturday week. Kaine Balgowan, who primarily played second grade for the majority of the 2018-19 season, was the
competition’s joint leading wicket taker, with 34 dismissals, while Mikayla Hinkley was a clear choice as player of the year, having scooped the fielder, batter and bowler of the year awards earlier in the night. It was also revealed on the night that the female Penrith skipper would be leaving the Lady Cats and move north to the Gold Coast, as she prepares to
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take up her contractual obligations with her new WNCL side, the Queensland Fire. Highlights of the night, attended by over 150 guests including NSW MP, Stuart Ayres and Panthers Chairman, David O’Neill, included the acknowledgement of the service provided by retiring players Dale Turner and Kevin Geyer and the presentation of the Premiers’ caps to members of the Belvedere Cupwinning first grade team. Other key award winners announced on the night included: • Perce Hargreaves Club Person of the Year – Paul Goldsmith • Limited Overs Player of the Year –
Brent Williams • T20 Player of the Year – Ryan Gibson • Trevor Bayliss Men’s Batting Award – Cameron Weir • Paul Thomas Men’s Bowling Award – Ryan Smith • Men’s Wicket Keeping Award / PG’s Player of the Year – Tyran Liddiard • Men’s Rookie of the Year – Henry Railz • AW Green Shield Player of the Year – Liam Doddrell • Women’s Wicket Keeper Award – Alana Ryan • Brewer Shield Player of the Year – Eloise Williams
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Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
28
SPORT
PENRITH PANTHERS
Repeat Sets with Stew Moses
@TheRiffMarn
YOUNG GUNS LEAD REVIVAL AS PANTHERS WIN BACK-TO-BACK The mood in Pantherland has lifted considerably. The footy has been anything but flash. But there is a new sense of optimism after the Panthers recorded consecutive Thursday night wins over Parramatta and Manly. Leading the charge for the 4-8 Panthers has been generation next - Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Brian To’o, Mitch Kenny and Brent Naden. Luai has played only a handful of games since making his debut last year, but his presence in the 17 as a starting half rather than a stop-gap hooker on the interchange bench has breathed new life into a stuttering Panthers attack. As for Martin, To’o, Kenny and Naden, most wouldn’t have thought these players would have made their NRL debuts in 2019 let alone make the impact they have with their enthusiasm in just a matter of weeks. But a combination of injuries, suspension and release requests, has allowed these players to embrace their earlier than expected opportunities in the NRL and has played a big part in reviving Penrith’s finals aspirations. If not for Kikau’s withdrawal on game day morning due to illness, Martin would have played Canterbury Cup the following Saturday instead of producing a man of the match performance against the Sea Eagles. Against Manly, the Panthers kept the visitors scoreless for the opening seventy minutes and built up a handy 15-0 lead with Liam Martin and Jarome Luai prominent in both of Penrith’s two tries. But weight of possession in the second half almost enabled Sea Eagles to record an unlikely victory before the Panthers came away with a 15-12 win that moves them to within two wins of the top eight at the halfway point of the season. Coach Ivan Cleary says while there is still plenty of improvement in the team, he was more than satisfied with the effort on display. “The last couple of weeks, it’s been nice to get the wins. Pretty sure our best footy is still in front of us,” Cleary said post-game. “Both sides were depleted so it was a bit of a dogfight, bit of a slow game, the play-the-balls were really slow but two points, we’ll take it. “I think we were asked, we attempted something like 500 tackles, I don’t think I’ve seen that before. “It got a bit sloppy there in the middle of the second half.
the Canterbury Cup, following last Saturday’s come from behind 28-16 win over Blacktown Workers at Panthers Stadium. This Sunday the Panthers will host the third-placed North Sydney Bears at Panthers Stadium (1:50pm) before heading off to ANZ Stadium the following Saturday (3:15pm) to take on South Sydney.
Mitch Kenny has been a revelation in recent weeks but needs another NRL exemption in order to play this Sunday. Credit: NRL Photos.
“But there was certainly more commitment being shown, more teamwork being shown, that’s been obvious the last couple of weeks.”
Penrith remains in second position in Jersey Flegg after easily accounting for Manly, 44-10 at Panthers Stadium last Saturday, as they look to square off against fellow finals contenders, Sydney Roosters (fifth - home) and South Sydney Rabbitohs (seventh - away) over the coming fortnight.
The previous Thursday night, in a similarly scrappy game against traditional foes, Parramatta, a second half defensive shutout of the home team enabled the Panthers to come away victorious from the slippery surrounds of Bankwest Stadium with a 16-10 win over the Eels that ended a six-match losing streak. But it was the post-match comments from Panthers coach Ivan Cleary in explaining what impact, the pre-season sex video dramas had on the playing roster for much of the season. “The fact is that we have a very young team and a lot of the external pressures and some other things that have happened, particularly at the start of the year when we had the video scandal, that was an enormous toll on our team,” Cleary said. “I don’t even know how much but that obviously rattled them because we virtually went off a cliff at the start of the year. “It was a pretty big thing…(and) there was certainly a lot of scrutiny on our boys and you can’t measure it. “All I know is that we had an amazing preseason and everyone was looking great and basically one day before our biggest trial we struggled a bit. “We lost a few close games at the start of the year and that really rocked our confidence and our teamwork has definitely suffered.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has named State of Origin half, Nathan Cleary as a reserve, as the injury crisis continues going into this Sunday’s home clash against the Sydney Roosters. Viliame Kikau (illness) and Wayde Egan (shoulder) return to the starting 13, as does Reagan Campbell-Gillard, replacing the injured Tim Grant (pectoral). Liam Martin, is relegated to the bench, replacing Tyrell Fuimaono, while Hame Sele also comes onto the bench. With Katoa and Egan both available to play, last week’s starting hooker, Mitch Kenny, is relegated to the reserves, pending NRL clearance, while Brent Naden is expected to be given a NRL exemption to partner Isaah Yeo in the centres for at least another week. The following 21-man squad for the Sunday’s 4pm home game is as follows: 1. Dylan EDWARDS 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. Isaah YEO 4. Brent NADEN 5. Brian TO’O 6. Jarome LUAI 7. James MALONEY 8. James TAMOU (C) 9. Wayde EGAN 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Frank WINTERSTEIN 13. James FISHER-HARRIS 14. Sione KATOA 15. Liam MARTIN 16. Moses LEOTA 17. Hame SELE 18. Kaide ELLIS 19. Caleb AEKINS 20. Mitch KENNY 21. Nathan CLEARY The following Saturday, the Panthers venture to ANZ Stadium for a 5:30pm date with South Sydney.
Despite a surprise 20-12 loss to Wentworthville the previous Sunday, Penrith have moved into top spot in
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with Stew Moses
@TheRiffMarn
BRENT NADEN’S REMARKABLE NRL DEBUT Panthers centre, Brent Naden’s playing career has taken a full 360 degree turn for the better, following his NRL debut performance for Penrith in their 1512 win over Manly last Thursday night at Panthers Stadium. Having been named in the Holden Cup team of the year and skippered the team to 2015 premiership success under current assistant NRL coach, Cameron Ciraldo, the precociously talented Wellington junior had the world at his feet. However his career stalled at Penrith, with Naden at one point relegated to playing Ron Massey Cup for feeder club St Marys, before seeking NRL opportunities, without success with Canberra’s feeder club, Mounties and Newcastle. Whilst making the decision to return to Penrith at the beginning of the season, Naden was consigned to playing Canterbury Cup as a non-top 30 contracted player. But injuries to Dean Whare, Waqa Blake and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak and the protracted contractual saga with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, enabled the club to seek NRL exemption for Naden to make his debut in the centres. Naden’s NRL debut follows that of another nontop 30 contracted player a week earlier against Parramatta in Mitch Kenny. Following a successful debut against the Eels, it wasn’t lost on the Penrith faithful, that a week later against Manly, Kenny played 80 minutes in a starring performance, making 58 tackles and consigning interchange hooker, Sione Katoa to playing just six minutes of the game. But with Wayde Egan returning from injury, coach Ivan Cleary, whilst heaping plenty on praise on Kenny post-game, lamented the system for denying further NRL opportunities for non-top 30 contracted players such as his new starting hooker. “Eighty minutes in the middle and almost 60 tackles,” Cleary said. “He just plays the same way every week, trains the same. He’s the same every day, just comes in with a good attitude and does his best. “He goes looking for work, makes his tackles, I don’t think he made a mistake out of dummy half [against Manly], he did exactly what was asked of him. “We’ve only got him in through an exemption the last couple of weeks so, bit of an anomaly in the system we have at the moment that a kid like that
contracted in the NRL top 30 squad, could yet make a NRL return later in season 2019, following news that Tim Grant requires surgery to repair a grade two pectoral tear, incurred in Penrith’s 1512 win over Manly last Thursday night. The 31-year-old will be sidelined indefinitely, but with the popular prop forward coming off contract at season’s end, hopefully surgery will not bring a premature end to the veteran’s NRL career. Plenty of family were on hand to witness Brent Naden’s NRL debut. Credit
won’t be able to keep playing.” “We’ll see how that one pans out but at least he’s shown he’s certainly more than capable. I look forward to him getting plenty more games in the future.” Speculation surrounding the playing future of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has certainly escalated after the club confirmed the New Zealand captain’s management requested a release from a contract that ends at the end of 2020. Panthers deputy chairman, Greg Alexander, declared that the request was made within 24 hours of a discussion between player and coach Ivan Cleary, that was to see the Kiwi international dropped from the NRL side for the Parramatta clash, following some indifferent form in recent times. Initially it was mooted that Parramatta, South Sydney and the North Queensland Cowboys were the clubs vying for the wantaway Panther, but it appears Dallin’s close ties with Kiwi and Wests Tigers coach, Michael Maguire, could see him head to the Tigers at a moment’s notice. With the Panthers happy to accommodate Dallin’s request for a release on the grounds the club carries no salary cap baggage, it has been suggested that a player swap might be on the card, with Russell Packer, Ben Matulino and Elijah Taylor among the names mentioned. So far so good for Sam McKendry’s third attempted comeback from ACL surgery, with the Panthers prop having played Canterbury Cup against Wentworthville and Blacktown Workers over the past fortnight, despite being advised to retire. Penrith’s longest serving player, whilst not
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The injury to Grant in fact completes a horror fortnight for the Panthers, having also lost both centres, Dean Whare (grade two hamstring tear – up to five weeks) and Waqa Blake (grade three medial tear knee – up to nine weeks) to medium-long term injury. But despite losing both first-choice centres to injury, the fact that the Panthers have preferred Naden and Isaah Yeo in the centres, over reinstating Dallin Watene-Zelezniak indicates the playing career of the Kiwi test skipper at Penrith is all but over. Meanwhile there has been some media speculation in recent weeks that the Panthers are interested in adding some mongrel to the pack for 2020 and beyond and as such have been linked with 31-year old Sydney Roosters prop, Jared Waerea Hargreaves. Any doubts about Nathan Cleary retaining his State of Origin halves spot dissipated after his starring role in steering the Panthers to a much-needed win over the Eels, especially with NSW Blues coach, Brad Fittler, spending of his post-match time in the sheds with the Panthers playmaker. Another Blues incumbent, Penrith’s James Maloney wasn’t so lucky, relinquishing his five eighth spot to debutant Cody Walker for Game One in Brisbane. Jack Hetherington’s immediate playing future at Penrith remains under the spotlight after the forward was a late withdrawal from last Saturday’s Canterbury Cup game against Blacktown Workers and has not been named in either grade this weekend, as it is understood he is continuing to work through some personal issues away from the footy field. #PantherPride
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
GOLDEN POINTS
29 29
Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
30
SPORT
Coach’s Corner
Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com
From little things big things grow
Big things start small. A lesson I learnt the hard way during my initial years cutting my teeth as an aspiring coach. Within every successful business, family and sporting organisation the need to effectively manage the small details often determines the outcome. This accumulation allows every member to perform their specific role without distraction or confusion which leads to the bigger elements taking care of themselves. I wanted to know the coaching buzz words, drills and games. To have this knowledge was to feel as though you somehow had the inside word and a gateway to success. But the reality is the buzz words, drills and games constantly change depending on what the successful clubs from the previous season utilised to gain their success. And the cycle which develops is the other organisations study and break down these successful elements and do their best to copy them in order to gain their own success. While in this mindset organisations overlook the small
elements while also not taking into consideration the consistent evolution of how the game is played. It is consistently changing however the core small elements rarely change. What are the small elements? The two biggest areas in my experience along with my constant research into best practice are the following: 1. The ability to effectively execute fundamental skills at a high level consistently while under pressure and fatigue. 2. The players clearly understanding what is expected and effectively contributing to the team on a consistent basis. Craig Bellamy is the proven master of these two elements. It would be disrespectful and narrow minded of me to suggest this the key to his success, because it is only the foundation. From a holistic perspective it is only scratching the surface on what Bellamy demands of the Melbourne Storm players and the staff within the organisation in order to achieve the consistent success they have been able to achieve over the past two decades.
When you use the Sydney Roosters as a case study they have achieved just as much success as the Melbourne Storm over the past twenty years. Their method in achieving it has been starkly different. They have had a handful of coaches, roll over in their playing roster and a lack of junior players pushing through their lower grades. Trent Robinson is a leader in terms of tactics, systems and also the ability to effectively use his relationships with players and coaching staff to bring out the best in his team on a consistent basis. Two successful organisations and two totally different paths to achieve this success. The aligning areas revolve around the simple and small elements. Core skills, knowledge of the teams game model and how as a player they execute their role, discipline, conditioning, a passion for the organisation, positive relationships with those within the organisation and leadership. Small aspects which add up and lead to big outcomes.
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mark with MARK GEYER
State against state, mate against mate
I
sit here writing my column on Monday morning at Sydney Airport as I await my flight to Brisbane for game 1 of the 2019 series. It’s hard to believe that State of Origin turns 40 next year! What an amazing concept it has been. In 1980, as a 12 year old, I asked my dad if I could stay up ‘late’ and watch this new interstate competition. “You sure can mate,” he replied. Until that game in 1980 I hadn’t given rugby league games between NSW and QLD much thought. NSW always seemed to flog them and the crowds were relatively poor. Game 1 in 1980 would change that forever. As immortal Arthur Beetson lead his QLD team out onto Lang Park those in attendance and at home on the lounge were intrigued. At 36 surely ‘Big Artie’ was way past his best? And surely this would be merely another walk in the park for NSW? Uh uh. Actually far from it. My early confusion of teammates playing against each other was quickly cleared up when Mick Cronin ran the ball and his teammate from Parramatta, Artie Beetson smashed him. And then threw in a late uppercut for good measure. “Dad, what’s going on here, how can two teammates be fighting each other?” I asked, “They are calling it State against State, Mate against Mate for a reason son, this is something I’ve never seen before,” dad exclaimed, “And how bloody good is it,” he threw in with raptures. From that moment I wanted to play State of Origin. QLD won that very first match 20-10, and it wasn’t until 1982 that the 3 game series was introduced, with QLD winning the first 3 series until Steve ‘Turkey’ Mortimer’s Blues won our first in 1985. Four years later in 1989 I got my first taste of it. And it was everything and MORE it was advertised as. As we round the bend and head into its 40th year, State of Origin has never been bigger or better. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, think again. It continues to serve up monumental moments and images, one I was lucky enough to be involved in involving a “King” :-) Who will write their own chapter of origin history in this years series? Chances are it happened on Wednesday night. Chances are it will continue to happen long after rugby league’s major show piece hits its 40th, 50th and 60th birthday. State of Origin is well and truly mate against mate state against state, it’s also the gift that keeps on giving! See you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
“Pardon you want to fish where”?
The great Artie Beetson in 1980
31 31 Nepean News 6 June 2019 Issue 253
on the
SPORT