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By Keegan Thomson
PENRITH Council has a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor after last week’s Mayoral elections. Cr John Thain has been elected unopposed as Mayor with Cr Tricia Hitchen being elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor. New local government legislation put in force by the state government says the Mayor of Penrith City Council now has to serve a two year term, meaning newly elected Mayor John Thain will be in his position for two years. During his acceptance speech, Cr Thain thanked the people of Penrith for voting him
back into council, and he gave special mentions to the returning and new councillors for voting him into the position. “I’d like to thank my councillor colleagues for their support, I am very humbled and excited to be Mayor,” Cr Thain said. “I’d also like to thank the people of Penrith for electing me as your representative,” he said. “I promise to do my best to serve the city to the best of my abilities.” This is the second time Cr Thain has served as Mayor with his previous stint in the job being 2005-2006. Cr Hitchen echoed Cr Thain’s remarks and added she was expecting a ‘very steep learning curve’. The Deputy Mayor position, unlike the Mayor’s position, is for a single one year term. Former Mayor, Cr Karen McKeown congratulated Cr Thain on his promotion, saying “It is now the second time that you have been elected unopposed.” “I can’t think of any time in my 12 years of Council where any candidate has been elected unopposed,” Cr McKeown said. Other matters before council this week included the divvying up of councillors to represent the many different organisations and committees run and represented to council.
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Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
Leaders elected unopposed
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by Kerrie Davies
THE October long weekend has been and gone and brought with it a couple of nice little gifts; day light saving, slightly warmer weather and the NRL premiership rightfully being owned by a Sydney team, the Sharks. We went to a local BBQ to watch the game, and, even though the guest list consisted of people from various racial backgrounds, when the anthem was played we all stood, in a simple backyard in suburbia, and sang our hearts out. We all love this country regardless of whether we were born here, or whether our original ancestors were born here or elsewhere. Like just about every country in the world, we have a history that has not always been one to be proud of. Some people who have walked these lands long before us have done some horrid things. It is our past and nothing can ever be done to scratch it out of our history. But we can learn from it and change the future. The way forward must come from ideas that unite us, not divide us. Mundine’s calls to boycott our national anthem were not followed, and I’m glad. Unity can never come from a place of bitterness. There are so many other ways that our scars can be healed, but we need to take lessons from the unrest occurring in other countries, and tackle it as a united team. Mere talk of a protest against our anthem was already proving divisive as it swept across social media. I mean, who would such a protest have even been be aimed at? Our great nation, Australia, whom the song is about? She is just an innocent bystander... her ravishing beauty standing for thousands of years accommodating the human species, observing how we’ve battled through good times and bad. She has watched over our proudest achievements, our greatest challenges, our joy, our sadness and even our shame. But her welcoming arms pass no judgment, she cares not about the colour / race/ religion of her inhabitants. She sees us as one. We still have much to learn from her. Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
The facts about desexing your pet
Nepean
Veterinary REPORT
with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET
Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair
Why should I desex my pet? WellPet Vets offer desexing services to most small domestic animals. These include; Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, Ferrets, Rats and Guinea Pigs. Desexing your pet prior to them reaching puberty (this is approximately 4-6months of age) greatly reduces the incidence of; • unwanted pregnancies, • hormone related, unfavourable behaviour traits, (e.g. urine marking) • serious health issues such as testicular or mammary cancers later on in life. How long does the procedure take? Generally Desexing is considered a “Day Procedure” and so your pet will be in hospital for the day. We perform all routine procedures from Monday to Friday. Your pet will need to be fasted for the procedure. This means for most pets (Note, pockets pets will be different and you should speak to your vet or vet nurse about their requirements) food should be withheld from 9pm the evening prior to their surgery, until their admission, however the water bowl can remain available. Your pet will have a 15min admission appointment booked for the morning of the procedure. At this
appointment you will meet the surgery nurse on duty that day and they will take you through the procedure your pet will be having and discuss any concerns you might have. They will also ask you to sign a consent form and a receptionist will organise your deposit before you leave your pet with us. You will then receive an update via phone from your pet’s surgical nurse after your pets surgery and when your pet is in recovery. They will at this time, book a discharge appointment for your pet that afternoon. Is desexing my pet safe? At WellPet Vets we take the safety of Anaesthesia and your pet very seriously. However, with every anaesthetic there is a mild risk. We compensate for this by using the latest and safest anaesthetic protocols
and drugs. We also have a qualified Veterinary Nurse monitoring your pet’s anaesthetic and vital functions throughout the procedure. We can lower the risk of anaesthetics further by doing two things: 1. The first is pre-anaesthetic blood work. This is a series of blood tests done in the hospital to screen your pet for any abnormalities prior to giving your pet any medications. 2. The second thing we can do is use IV fluids prior/during and after the procedure. This keeps your pets internal organs supported by helping maintain an adequate blood pressure and flushing out the anaesthetic drugs in their system. This helps them recover faster. Unfortunately, although we feel and recommend that pre-anaesthetic blood work and IV fluids are very important for EVERY procedure, they are not currently industry standard and therefore incur and additional fee. Please speak to your surgical nurse upon admission to elect for Preanaesthetic testing and IV fluids to be performed for your pet. If you would like more information on desexing your pet or to make an appointment please contact our friendly team on 1300 WELLPET.
Powerful role model By Kerrie Davies
W E S T E R N Sydney based Senator Marise Payne, Minister for Defence, has been named as the fourth most powerful woman in the country. Senator Payne claimed position number four in the Australian Women’s Weekly Power List, which is published annually. Joining the Liberal Party in 1982, Senator Payne has been an inspiring role model for women in politics, racking up some impressive history making femalefirsts during her political career. She was the first female Federal President of the Young Liberals and she is also Australia’s first female Defence Minister. Senator Payne also claimed the highest number of votes of all NSW senate candidates in the 2016 federal election. The number one spot on the Power List went to Senator Payne’s colleague, Julie Bishop, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Listen to our very own Keegan Thomson with News Hour - Monday mornings from 9am to 10am www.wowfm1007.com.au
SOLD BY 9834 1044 NEPEAN DISTRICT
Stuart Ayres
MP
Member for Penrith
Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith
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Snakes slither into spring By Keegan Thomson
WITH the warm start to Spring, snakes are waking up early for their winter hibernations and we’re all being warned to be on the look out. Freya Kade, from Australian Snake Catchers, says we’re now at peak snake time. “We’re now at the start of snake season, spring is their breeding season, so you can expect to see a few more snakes about,” Ms Kade said. “The weather has been helping, with all the rain followed by drier weather making the snakes more active,” she said. Ms Kade said on average she and her husband are being called out to about five snake catches a day. Right now is the best time to start preparing your yard for any snakes, Ms Kade said. “Snakes eat mice and rats, so make sure you keep your yard clean and clear of anywhere that mice, rats or snakes could hide,” she said. “Keep your pet’s food in a container up high, make sure you have mowed lawns and keep wood piles away from your house.”
Australian Snake Catchers wrangling a dangerous and highly venomous red belly black snake from last week. Photo: Facebook
With the very active start to the snake breeding season, vets are putting out warnings about the dangers of snakes to pets. Australia’s peak veterinary body, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) says animal owners should take precautions to prevent deadly encounters with snakes. AVA President, Dr Robert Johnson
said snakes tend to be at their most active towards the end of a hot, sunny day. “Snake bites tend to occur in the late afternoon or early evening, however, when on the alert for snakes it’s important for people to remain vigilant throughout the day,” Dr Johnson said. He said the best way to keep your
pets safe is by keeping them away from areas which are prone to snakes. “They tend to be attracted to areas where there’s a good supply of rats and mice, wood piles and piles of rubbish,” Dr Johnson said. “Outside, keep a close eye for snakes in bushy areas or near water. It’s best to try to keep horses, cattle and sheep away from bushy areas if possible.” Outside dogs and cats are particularly prone to snake bites, but Dr Johnson had some suggestions for people with pooches. “Dog owners should avoid snakeprone areas, particularly if they are walking their dog at the end of the day. Snakes can also venture into backyards, and over the spring and summer months even city dogs and cats can be at risk,” he said. One of the surefire ways to tell if an animal has been bitten is if they’re irritated and agitated, if they’re vomiting or shaking or if they’re bleeding from any puncture wounds. You should take your pet to the vet if your animal is bitten by a snake. You can find out more about Australian Snake Catchers and get regular updates from them by liking their facebook page.
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Funding for pet programs STUART AYRES MP, Member for Penrith has joined Councillor Josh Hoole, to announce that Penrith City Council will receive a grant of $10,000 from the NSW Government to promote responsible pet ownership in the local community. Stuart Ayres said the funding boost will allow the council to provide important programs such as free microchipping and community education workshops. “Penrith City Council will team up with the Animal Welfare League and local Vet clinics to offer training on responsible pet ownership, targeted at owners who’ve been subject to a complaint or anyone who has asked for advice,” Stuart Ayres said. “Any owner who then completes the training will then have access to free microchipping and de-sexing.” Clr Hoole welcomed the funding boost. “Pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households across Penrith and it is vital that we are supporting our communities in promoting responsible pet ownership,” said Clr Hoole. The NSW Government introduced the
Bernard Bratusa
Penrith City Councillor with Conner Lowe
Responsible Pet Ownership Grants scheme in 2014 to target programs that will increase microchipping, lifetime registration and de-sexing rates. The Grants scheme is also aimed to help reduce euthanasia rates and dog attacks through funding innovative and collaborative projects that encourage responsible pet ownership. “The Baird- Grant Government is committed to improving the positive benefits of pet ownership while strengthening safety and education in our local neighbourhoods,” added Stuart Ayres.
A new domestic violence plan for the west By Keegan Thomson
PENRITH and Mount Druitt have been named as domestic violence ‘hot spots’ according to a new government action plan aimed at curbing family violence across western Sydney. Liberal Senator for New South Wales, Marise Payne told Nepean News that under the government’s Women’s Safety Package, $100 million in funding is being directed at resources to break the cycles of violence. The package will include funding for specialised education programs, extra money for support groups and and expanding of training for frontline workers such a police, doctors, emergency department staff and social workers. “I have seen workers in all those areas across Western Sydney bring their special brand of support and professionalism to care for people at their most vulnerable, when under attack in the family home,” Senator Payne said. In a statement, Senator Payne said it is up to the government to help break the endemic cycle of family violence across the west. “Domestic violence is an issue for families across Western Sydney, indeed across Australia. The vision of the Coalition’s 12-year strategy is for women and children to live free from violence. “It is the responsibility of all, government and community, to help break the cycle, and we are also providing additional resources to help teachers, parents and students learn more about respectful relationships,” she said. Some of the counselling and frontline services which will receive extra funding from the government under the package include 1800RESPECT and mensline.
Getting to know ...
1. What was your first paid job? Worked in a petrol station on weekends from 8am till 8pm for $10. I was 14 at the time and knew absolutely diddlysquat about cars 2. What is your guilty pleasure? Ice Cream with chocolate sultanas covered in milo or chocolate syrup 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why? Being poor. I know how hard my old man worked to put food on the table and I couldn’t live with myself if I let my family down and couldn’t do the same. 4. What is your worst habit? How long is a piece of string? I’m a perfectionist and it tends to annoy the tripe out of people. 5. Best advice you have ever been given? Remember where I came from and never forget the friends who helped me along the journey. 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it? Trying to make it $100 7. Favourite holiday destination and why? Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast followed very closely by Mollymook. Love anywhere with a golf course, TAB and a cold beer. 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team? There is only one, the 2017 NRL Premiers - Penrith Panthers. 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney? The people, they are hardworking and fair dinkum. 10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday? Golf, beers, family! (and a cheese platter)
Angel’s fundraising bake sale Angel’s handmade posters for her bake sale. Photo: Jenish Gopal
By Keegan Thomson
Photo: Kieren Tilly
Recently, the government launched a $30 million national campaign to change young people’s attitudes to women and violence. All up there have been more than 32 million online views of the TV ads with the campaign website receiving more than 400,000 views. Even though Senator Payne now holds the defence portfolio, she has worked previously as Minister for Human Services. She said no matter how much or how little we put in, we can all make a difference in ending the domestic violence epidemic. “Previously as Minister for Human Services I worked with the Department of Human Services to start the ENOUGH programme in the department, to support both staff and customers who are experiencing family violence. From day one, the positive feedback and uptake was clear. In all walks of life we can try to make a difference,” Senator Payne said.
IF you’re looking for something sweet to eat on the weekend but you’re worried about giving into your guilty pleasure then head to Hebersham and pick up a homemade treat from Angel’s fundraising bake sale. Angel Gopal, 8 years old, is doing something very special to end her school holidays. She’s putting her mind to the broader community and the disadvantaged by setting up bake sale selling homemade cakes, slices and other goodies with her friends to raise money for the Westmead Children’s Hospital. Angel’s father Sanjay will be on board to lend a hand but he says she was the one who came up with the idea. “She came to me and my wife with the idea and she was so excited. She’s made a few posters to go with it all, and she’s even going to making all the cakes for the stall as well,” Mr Gopal said. The stall will be set up on Saturday October 8 from 4:00 in the afternoon at 81 Bindaree Street, Hebersham - but you’d better get in quick because all the best cakes, slices and biscuits will surely sell out quick. We will check back in with Angel to see how her bake sale went in our next issue.
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Ban to cost kids footy team 17k By Keegan Thomson
THE wider ramifications of the NSW Premier’s ban on greyhound racing are being felt across western Sydney with a kids football club in Londonderry next in the line of fire. President of the Londonderry Greys rugby league club, Buck Rogers is anxious about a possible $17,000 funding blackhole opening up if the Richmond Race Club goes under due to Premier Mike Baird’s greyhound racing ban. “If the greyhound club falls then we lose our support and then all of a sudden $17,000 disappears from the coffers of the rugby league club,” Mr Rogers said. More than 100 children and adults play for the Londonderry Greys across five different divisions, with more than 50 other volunteers, coaches, trainers, referees and club staff involved in the operations of the club. Mr Rogers doesn’t just have the club’s financial interests at heart, he also has his own personal and emotional interests on the line as well. “I used to play for this team, my
Londonderry Greys footy club next in the firing line. Photo: Coralee Brunsden
daughter used to play for this team, and about 30 years ago it all went under,” Mr Rogers explained. “Last year, after my daughter died, I decided to get it all back together and get the team training again.” The $17,000 in sponsorship comes from a deal with the Richmond Race Club as well as the money the team raises through weekly raffles held at the greyhound club race days. “All up it could be well more than $17,000, I just don’t know because we run lots of fundraising at the race club, and if it closes we won’t have that as
our primary fundraiser,” he said. Even with the uncertainty of the future of the industry looming large overhead, CEO of the Richmond Race Club, Brad Adam has backed the Greys for the 2017 season, saying he will find some way to offer support to the football club. “With the looming legislation to be implemented in July next year unfortunately the deal with the Londonderry Greys is going to have to be put pack on the table and questioned,” Mr Adam said. “But I can assure we will offer some form of
support to the club in the 2017 season.” However he said his hopes for a longer and more “synergetic” deal between the Greys and the Race Club will be put on hold for the foreseeable future. “We’ve been a major support of the team, this was their first year back and they’ve been outstanding,” he said. “We’ll be able to support the club for the next season but we’re unsure as to what will happen after that.” Member for Londonderry, Prue Car has been a vocal opponent of the greyhound racing ban and has come out in support of the Londonderry football club. “The tragic consequences of Mike Baird’s cruel closure of the greyhound industry will be felt right across the state,” Ms Car said. “Greyhound clubs that support footy teams like the Londonderry Greys may be forced to close, leaving local sporting clubs in the lurch.” Recently there have been reports Premier Mike Baird might be rethinking the size and scope of the greyhound racing ban due to the statewide backlash and a plunge in the polls, however late last week Mr Baird said the date of closure was “locked in.”
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Muru Mittigar gives financial help to the community By Keegan Thomson
MURU MITTIGAR has opened a new facility for disadvantaged people of western Sydney who’re looking for financial help under any circumstances. The Community Finance Hub coordinated and operated by the team at Muru Mittigar is designed to help anyone who has an emergency need for money. Mike Quarg, the Strategy and Funding Coordinator at the Community Finance Hub (CFH), said the Hub is designed as a safe place for anyone looking for financial help. “We offer financial counselling, no interest loans to help people purchase essential items and emergency help when it comes to paying for things,” said Mr Quarg. “No matter what your situation is come in and we can have a chat.” According the Mr Quarg, the loans given out at the Hub aren’t cash hand outs and they’re not designed to be used for everything, but they can be used for practical house hold goods. “The loans aren’t for cash, they’re not for debt consolidation, they’re not for payment of fines, but they’re generally for things which people need in emergency situations. Things
Peter Chia, CEO of Muru Mittiagr with Stuart Ayres MP and Mike Quarg of CFH
like lounge suits, fridges, washing machines and televisions,” he added. Traditionally Muru Mittigar has been an aboriginal focused organisation but with the expansion of the Community Finance Hub they’ve opened their doors to everyone. “Whilst Muru is an Indigenous organisation everyone is free to come and see us,” said Mr Quarg. “We’ve got qualified financial councillors working with us, no-interest-loanscheme professionals working for us, the loans are assessed by an independent assessment committee, so anyone who needs help can see us.” MP for Penrith, Stuart Ayres said
the Community Finance Hub is a much needed addition to the Penrith CBD on account of the amount of forprofit money lenders in the vicinity. “There is no doubt we have a number of lenders in a high concerntration inside the CBD location, but my real key message here is, if you need some financial advice then this community hub gives you the opportunity to sit down with someone and map out a financial plan that is right for you,” Mr Ayres said. The offices of the Community Finance Hub is open Monday to Friday 9 to 4 at 454 – 456 High Street, Penrith NSW.
Nepean girls ready to represent NSW By Conner Lowe
THE Women’s Nepean hockey association has five players representing NSW in Hobart for the Women’s Australian Master’s hockey. All women are representing NSW in age groups that start from over 35’s, over 45’s, over 50’s and over 55’s. Michelle Kennedy is a true icon in women’s hockey after representing NSW 14 times and Australia 11 times. Michelle will be representing NSW in the over 55’s team and shared her excitement for the upcoming tournament. “Getting selected for NSW is the best part of the whole year, because every tournament is different with the teams you play in and the coaches you have, and it’s all worth it if you get selected for Australia at the end of the tournament,” she said. Chantal Knowles and Michelle Ward are two more women from the Nepean hockey district that will be representing NSW down in Hobart. Both will be competing against Australia’s other states in the over 35’s team. But for the girls this will be the first time representing NSW together since they were both in the U’16’s. “It’s exciting to represent NSW again and to play with Chantal at state level again, we play together at Penrith Panthers hockey club, but obviously it has been a long time since we shared the same team for state,” said Michelle.
The girls back in the U’16s days
Chantal also went on to express the importance of representing your state and the chance to make the Australian team again after being selected for the first time last year after the Australian Masters. “It’s very important obviously to represent NSW, there are rivalries between the states and you never want to let NSW down, also after making the Australian team for the first time, I will definitely be trying my hardest to get my name down for selection again,” she said. Two of the most experienced players out of the five are Judy Grey and Sue Mckay with a respectable 75 years of experience between them. Both will represent NSW in the over 45’s and over 55’s teams at the tournament.
Sue acknowledged how special the Australian Master’s tournament is and how it allows players that are still able to play at a high quality show their talent and experience throughout the tournament. “Tournaments like these are special because it allows the girls to get together, we all still have so much desire and passion for the sport and it allows us to play at a quality level well into our later years,” she said. The Nepean association also has other women who are participating in the Australian Master’s tournament but are representing other states. We would like to wish all the women competing from the Nepean district good luck and hope they can qualify for the Australian sides.
Mt Druitt stabbing POLICE have arrested and charged a man following a stabbing in Whalan on Monday. About 1.30am (Monday 03 October 2016), police responded to reports of a stabbing at a residence on Aitape Crescent, Whalan. Officers spoke to a 41-year-old man who had sustained a wound to the thigh and swelling to the lips and nose. Police attended a property at Aitape Crescent, Whalan and arrested and charged a 25-yearold man with reckless wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intimidation. He will appear in Mt Druitt Local Court on Monday 17 October, 2016.
Seniors group SENIORS Living Well group is an opportunity for seniors living in Colyton & surrounding areas to meet new people, participate in community life & learn about general well-being. Every Thursday 10am - 12pm from Week 2 during school terms at Colyton Neighbourhood Centre (Corner of Willoughby & Jensen St, Colyton 2760). Cost is $5. FREE transport can be provided to & from the venue. Bookings are essential. Light refreshments also provided. For further information or to book please contact Terina on 91889065 or via emailinfo@ communityjunction.org.au
Free first aid course FIRST AID Training provides a Tafe certified statement of attainment in HLTAID003 Provide First Aid. This course will provide individuals with the basic knowledge to respond safely to a first aid situations until help arrives. FREE of cost every Wednesday 11.30pm – 2.30pm between the 19thOctober – 9th November 2016 at Colyton Neighbourhood Centre (Cnr of Jensen & Willoughby). For more information please call 9188 9065 or email info@ communityjunction.org.au
11 Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
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Connecting visitors NEW research from Destination NSW reveals contemporary visitor information services are the key to attracting more overnight visitors to NSW. The internet and social media were highlighted in DNSW’s recently released Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) Host Research paper as growing areas for people to research and plan their trips. Penrith City Mayor Councillor John Thain said at least 37% of domestic visitors go online for information, and these findings align with Council’s approach to destination marketing. “A strong online presence was identified in Penrith’s Destination Management Plan (DMP) as an opportunity to boost visitors to the area, and since its release last year we’ve made considerable headway,” Cr Thain said. “The Visit Penrith website is a dynamic platform, providing comprehensive information about attractions, experiences and upcoming events in Penrith. We’ve also invested in digital advertising, a suite of mobile information kiosks and active engagement across social media.” Penrith’s visitor numbers have grown from 1.07million to 1.3million over five years to 2014; an average increase of 58,000 per year, and of these more than 67% of the international overnight visitors and 50% of domestic overnight visitors are the VFR market. “This VFR research confirms what we already knew about residents being a valuable source of local knowledge for their visiting friends and relatives. Our regular ongoing communication to residents, through traditional and new media campaigns, reflects this, “he said.
Boost for Penrith schools
STUART AYRES MP, Member for Penrith said that local schools and students would benefit from the NSW Government’s new Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2017-2020. Stuart Ayres said the $340 million investment in quality teaching by the NSW Government will help to ensure students have the essential literacy and numeracy skills they need to succeed at school and later in life. “The skills of reading, writing and numeracy are crucial – particularly in the first few years of school. Everything a student achieves in school depends on a solid foundation in these skills,” Stuart Ayres said. The NSW Literacy and Numeracy Strategy will focus on areas including: • Increasing our focus on early intervention, with experts supporting the literacy and numeracy skills of at-risk Kindergarten to Year 2 students in nearly 700 schools; • Evidence-based literacy and numeracy
progressions that map student learning from Kindergarten to Year 10; • A ‘Best Start’ Year 7 literacy and numeracy assessment on entry to high school, to identify students needing additional assistance and plan the support they need to succeed; and • Ensuring graduating primary and secondary teachers are better prepared to teach literacy and numeracy by strengthening initial teacher education programs. The following local schools are set to benefit from targeted assistance: Braddock Public School Cambridge Gardens Public School Corpus Christi Primary School Kingswood Park Public School St Joseph’s Primary School St Nicholas of Myra Primary School “The support is targeted at helping those schools which face additional challenges to ensure students are on track for success,” Stuart Ayres said. “The initiative will help students of all abilities to develop better literacy and numeracy skills which continue to be so important to success in work and future studies. “Parents can expect more regular information about their children’s progress, and teachers will be better able to identify areas needing improvement.” For further information on the strategy, visit https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/ about-us/literacy-numeracy/literacy-andnumeracy-strategy-summary.pdf.
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Real Festival: Put it in your calendar
By Keegan Thomson
THE banks of the Nepean River will transform into a hive of activity when the inagural River, Environment, Art and Lifestyle (Real) launches. Real Festival will be a two-day celebration of tasty and exciting food, live music, art and mindful living. This two-day festival is one one of the biggest multi-day events to grace the shores of the Nepean River. Penrith’s new Mayor Councillor John Thain said it will be a delight to
see the Nepean River come alive in this way. “Our community told us they’d like to see the Nepean River used for more activities and events. Their feedback has helped to inform the concept and design of this festival,” Cr Thain said. With four key themes; river, environment, art and lifestyle, there will be something for everyone at the event which includes about a dozen food trucks, live music performances, yoga classes, environmental talks and children’s activities. The program for the event looks chockablock with the Friday night
activities including food trucks, live music and lots of relaxed weekend vibes. Two of the food trucks which will be offered up at Real Festival were on offer at the events launch. I can safely say the food that will be offered at Real will be ridiculously good. Make it a priority to check out the knafeh, a delicious Middle Eastern dessert. Anyone heading to the event on the Saturday should expect lots of activities for the children and lots of wildlife. Indigenous Rangers from Muru
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Mittigar will be on hand to give talks about bush tucker and local wildlife and plants, there will be workshops on wildlife and plenty of other outdoor activities. Entry into the event is free with the Mayor hoping the event will welcome new visitors into the area. “We look forward to delivering this innovative event for our community, welcoming new visitors to the region and showcasing our beautiful Nepean River throughout the event,” Cr Thain said. Real Festival will be held from November 4 to 5.
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Farewell Schubachs
The Milestone hotel gets U.G.L.Y By Conner Lowe
STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has farewelled John and Christine Schubach and Alistair Copps of Schubachs Newsagency on their final day of trade. Schubachs first started up in High Street, Penrith in 1939 and after 77 years of servicing the Penrith community they will close their doors. John Schubach, the son of John (Jack) Schubach who founded the business, took over the running of the newsagency in the early 1970’s. John said the decision to close was a difficult one however the time had come for them to retire. “Schubach’s has been a stalwart of Penrith small business. Chris and John have earned every day they will enjoy in retirement and I wish them all the very best,” Mr Ayres said.
THE Milestone hotel in Kingswood is taking part in the U.G.L.Y bartender charity for a second year in a row to support and raise money for leukaemia. Shondelle O’Connor is a bartender at the Milestone hotel and the nominee to raise money for the U.G.L.Y bartender charity. Shondelle has a close connection with the U.G.L.Y bartender charity as her cousin and uncle have both suffered from the illness in the past. “My uncle and cousin have suffered from Leukaemia in the past, so supporting the charity is something I wanted to be a part of to raise funds for people who are suffering with the illness,” she said. Last year Shondelle, with the help of the Milestone hotel were able to raise just under $17,500 and finished second in the state for money raised for the U.G.L.Y bartender charity. Shondelle expressed her gratitude for the support she received last year and was confident of raising more money this year. “This year we are aiming for $20,000, so hopefully with the same support from the community as last year, we will be able to reach this goal,” she said.
During October and November Shondelle and the Milestone hotel will be holding events to raise money for the charity. “We will be running a car wash on the 8th and 29th of October from 114pm. A trivia night will also be held at the Milestone hotel on Saturday the 8th starting at 7pm with a $20 entry and on the 12th of November we will be hosting the ‘big ugly day out’ where there will be a car show
between 10-2pm, another car wash, a jumping castle, a mechanical bucking bottle, raffles and a BBQ,” she said. Shondelle and the Milestone hotel would also like help from local businesses to help fund prizes to be won in the raffles and support the charity. So get down to the Milestone hotel during October and November and show your support for Shondelle and the U.G.L.Y bartender charity.
New exhibition toys with space and art
Some scene of the Gravity (and Wonder) exhibition on now at Penrith Regional Gallery. Photo: Keegan Thomson
By Keegan Thomson
GRAVITY, like breathing, isn’t something we are thinking about in our daily lives, but it is something we all have to learn how to fight against and live with. The Penrith Regional Gallery and Lewers Bequest is currently showing a diverse and inquisitive exhibition on one of the most misunderstood and underestimated forces known to man, gravity. The exhibition, entitled Gravity (and Wonder), plays with the forces by pitting it against and merging it with
art, physics, history and curiosity. Gallery Director, Dr Lee-Anne Hall said the exhibition aims to explore the many facets of the science. “The show has a collection that contains items from the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (the Powerhouse) and it is all about the science of gravity,” she said. “To show an alternate side of the science we’re working with 13 artists to explore the wondrous nature of gravity.” To make the exhibition feel as inquisitive and authentic as possible, Dr Hall coordinated a team of specialists in setting up and designing the gallery space. “We worked with Powerhouse
exhibition designers, graphic designers, conservators and registerers so it was a great opportunity for us, as a regional gallery, to access the wonderful collection and creative abilities of the Powerhouse,” she said. Across the showcase of physics and art is a visual media presentation of a weather balloon rising into the heavens only to explode and fall back to Earth. There are ancient astrological surveying and measuring equipment, which would have been used to calculate and measure some of the first, primitive notions of gravity. One piece made especially for the exhibition is from an Australian artist,
Sandra Selig, with her piece Behind the Great Mirror. She uses sewing thread weaved across a wall to convey the multi-dimensions of space and time. One of the most noteworthy pieces is another video piece by Japanese artist, Hiraki Sawa. He has used toy aeroplanes and flown them around his apartment. It’s both fun and magical to watch the planes take off from his bedroom floor and fly around the house, through the hallways and around the kitchen. Gravity (and Wonder) is open for free at the Penrith Regional Gallery and Lewers Bequest until November 27.
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Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
Big weekend ahead at the O’Ds relaunch
By Kerrie Davies
MAKE sure to clear some dates in October and circle them on your calendar because the relaunch of O’Donoghues Irish Pub will be a string of events that are not to be missed. A fabulous weekend is being planned at O’Ds for the relaunch of their new bistro and all the fun kicks off on October 14. You can catch some good old Aussie rock music on Friday the 14th with Sound City getting ready to rock your world from 8pm. On Saturday the 15th it’s time to fire up the vocal chords and head back to the pub for some karaoke, which will be hosted by the fabulous Jakiel, who was part of the group Fortunate, featured on X Factor. After two big nights at O’Ds get ready for the old hair of the dog because the kids will be nagging you to get back down there on Sunday 16th for their fabulous family day. Sunday at O’Ds promises to be a load of fun for the whole family with a monster jumping castle, outdoor animal farm, clown and face painting. The big kids will enjoy the acoustic soloist who’ll be firing up from 12 o’clock. Yes, it is certainly going to be a big weekend at O’Donghues, ensuring the Irish pub in Emu Plains will have the hottest vibe in the district. The succulent great-quality meals being churned out from the new bistro gives pub-grub a whole new meaning. But, even better is that even though the food is top-notch, O’Donoghues still charges pub bistro prices, so you’re getting the absolute best of both worlds. Coinciding with the relaunch, the food specials will have you wanting
to spend every night of the week there! Check out the following specials: Monday night is ‘Mum’s night off’ – Mums receive 50 per cent off any main meal with the purchase of another meal. Tuesday night is $13 pizza night. Wednesday nights is a ripper also with the Burger and Beers night – just $13 burgers and $6 coronas. Thursday night is T -bone and
snitzel night and you can take your pick for just $14. Forget the date with Tom Cruise on Sunday nights because O’Ds has your roast dinner covered! Just $15 buys you your delicious roast offering a selection of meats; pork, beef or chicken. While you’re enjoying the meals, its another great opportunity to bring the kids and check out the brand new kids menu being launched, and there’s
also milkshakes, a slurpee machine and colouring-in packs to keep them entertained! And O’Ds have also got you covered in the beverage department, with some great specials kicking off for a month from the 14th October, including $25 Corona buckets (four per bucket) Belvedere vodka $7, Sangria jugs $25 and Melbourne Bitter and Tooths Pale Ale schooners going for just $5 a pop.
By Conner Lowe
ANOTHER great event is scheduled for the Museum of Fire when the NSW All Chrysler Day will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Sunday 16th October. This is not only a great car display but a much needed fund raising event for the Museum of Fire that will go towards the preservation of this great display of the Fire Services of the past. The gates will open at 8am and everyone is welcome to come along and not only see some of the best Chrysler vehicles but also take a tour through the Museum of Fire for the low entry fee of $20 to put your car on display or just $5 per person as a spectator. Colin Murphy, the event organiser of the NSW Chrysler day promises that the day will be full of vintage to modern day Chryslers and insists that the day is to be enjoyed by all. “Anyone who wants to attend is more than welcome, you won’t be disappointed with the cars on show. While also being able to view the museum of fire with the entry fee paid at the gate, it is a very enjoyable day
out,” Colin said. Colin also would like to share the history of the Chrysler car in the west of Sydney with over 200 cars to be on show. “In previous NSW Chrysler days we have had up to 280 cars on show for the public, with this being the first NSW Chrysler day at the Museum of Fire, we are hoping for over 200 Chryslers for display,” he said. If you own a Chrysler vehicle get it
out of the garage and bring it to the show, this is a great opportunity to show it off and maybe win one of the many trophies that will be presented on the day. There will also be food vendors selling gourmet snacks, hot and cold drinks available all day. If you’d like to see some of Australia’s motoring history from the early 1920’s Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto and Plymouth cars and the very well-
known Valiant and Charger models, circle the date on your calendar. The 1970’s saw some of the best muscle cars ever built in Australia and everyone remembers the slogan “Hey Charger” so pop out to the Museum of Fire for a great day out on Sunday 16th October. For more information, visit the All Chrysler Day website at www.allchryslerday.com or phone 0416 290 487.
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Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
A day in the life of... A gallery director By Keegan Thomson
WHILST wandering around a gallery it is easy to forget how much blood, sweat and tears go into the preparation and maintenance of a museum, but according to Dr LeeAnne Hall, the director of the Penrith Regional Gallery, it about the team work and variety. “It is a very broad job and I work with a big team of people,” Dr Hall said. “The kinds of things I do here include, maintaining the gallery site, the heritage gardens and curating exhibitions. We have an education program that is attached to it all that I oversee and I should also say we have four exhibition spaces which are all thematic, so I manage those as well. “Museums and galleries are constantly evolving places with new exhibitions coming in and old ones going out and with this ever changing environment each day can be dramatically different to the next,” Dr Hall added. “Everyday is different, and this job has periods of heightened activity, and that will generally be around installation weeks,” she said. “When
Dr Lee-Anne Hall Photo: Keegan Thomson
we’re installing usually you’re flat-chat getting everything in and organised, and then there is all the promotional work that comes along with it as well.” Even when an exhibition is in place, she said the job is very dynamic with not much time to stop. “Some days I might have a few talks to give, I might have some reports to write, there are always millions of emails to reply to and there are always meetings to attend with teams, artists, external boards and individuals,” she said. “Quite often I’ll eat my lunch at my desk just so I can follow up on a few emails.”
According to Dr Hall, one important skill to have as director of a gallery is the ability of foresight. “We are always looking forward to what shows are coming up next and what shows will be on in the future,” she said. “At the moment we have exhibitions booked at least two years into the future, with some of our big ones involving a lot of planning and preparation, so it is important to constantly be looking forward.” Above all the things she does in her job, one of the things Dr Hall enjoys the most is the interactions and exhibitions she does with local
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and international artists. “Maybe my favourite part is curatorial, and working with artists,” she said. “We work with many artists here, and most of the artists here being alive and involved in their artwork all of the time. “Working with artists is really pleasurable because you’re involved with people who are always thinking, who are really deeply engaged with ideas and who are masters of their craft,” she said. According to Dr Hall the increasing professionalising of the gallery and museum industry has made it hard for up-and-comers to get into the industry without tertiary education credentials, but she said there is always room for volunteers. “People can get into the industry through volunteering,” she said. “There are still plenty of jobs in different aspects of this industry particularly in education, all it takes is a little persistence.” With the constant involvement with the public, artists and employees, the role of a museum director is one that involves plenty of passion for the arts and for people.
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Spirit Hands and Golden Strings AUSTRALIA Piano Quartet – four of Australia’s most passionate and innovative chamber musicians – will be performing Spirit Hands and Golden Strings as the finale for this year’s Richard Bonynge Piano Series at The Joan. The four musicians – Rebecca Chan (violin), Daniel de Borah (piano), Thomas Rann (cello) and James Wannan (viola) – are regular guests of major orchestras and festivals around the country, and recipients of numerous national and international prizes. Australia Piano Quartet’s residency at the University of Technology, Sydney has challenged boundaries across creative media and art forms. The Quartet, which seeks to be a potent and forward-looking creative force, has commissioned and performed world premiere works by Elena KatsChernin, Nicholas Vines, William Barton and Marcus Whale. Come and enjoy a unique, youthful synthesis of strings and piano in a program including Mozart – Piano Quartet in E-flat major K452 (after Piano and Wind Quintet); Brahms – Piano Quartet no. 3 in C minor op. 60; and new work by Lachlan Skipworth – Polychronicity (2016 APQ Commission).
This very special performance at The Joan Saturday 15 October, 8pm, will provide an exciting and masterful conclusion to the 2016 Piano Series. All tickets include complimentary
wine cheese and crackers at a post show reception where there is the opportunity to meet the artists. To book call box office 47237600 or online thejoan.com.au Show details are 15 October at 8pm.
Nepean News in conjunction with The Joan are giving one lucky reader the opportunity to win a free ticket for you and four friends – valued at $50 per ticket! First to email us at nepeannews@ aol.com will be the winner.
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nepeanhistory nepean
22 Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
Continuing the
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“Rex Hotel”
LICENCE had been signed in 1955 for Emmanuel Debrincat the land owner where the road to the munitions factory was to be constructed and there were provisions in the document to take all steps necessary for the dedication of the road as a ”public road” and the construction was to be in accordance with Penrith Council’s requirements. The cost of maintaining the road would be part of the Commonwealth’s ‘St Marys Project’. Council was informed that a heavy duty pavement would be put on the northern approach to the bridge and not the southern side approach. In a discussion in a Council meeting on the matter Alderman McCalman said that the ratepayers of the municipality had been providing access to the factory area for years by paying for the maintenance of Queen Street. At that meeting it was resolved that Council give its consent to the Department of Defence Production to the project but that in connection with the construction of Glossop Street from the highway to the bridge it should adopt the recommendation of the Engineer. In September 1956 at Penrith Court of Petty Sessions a car driver was fined £100 for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor and another fine of £100 for driving while he was disqualified. The owner of the car was charged with “aiding and abetting” the driver in the offence but the point was taken successfully that the owner, on this occasion, was too drunk to “aid and abet” and he was discharged. A St Marys’ man from the Utah Caravan Park pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a car in Queen Street while he was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Constable Brokenborough of St Marys said he was in Queen Street with Sergeant Gimbert when he saw a vehicle pointing to the northern boundary of the “Rex Hotel” when it backed into and collided with a stationary motor vehicle on the northern side of Station Street and then the vehicle travelled east. The Constable stepped from the police truck and walked towards the car and he called on the driver in a loud voice to stop but the vehicle made a left-hand turn into Queen Street and the driver travelled north across the railway line continuing north on Windsor Road (now Forrester Rd) where the policemen followed the vehicle a distance of over half a mile but not close enough to notice the manner in which the car was being driven and when it turned left off Windsor Road into the factory area near Anthony Squires they drew alongside the car and on three occasions the Sergeant told the driver to pull over and stop as they wanted to speak to the people in the car and he shined a torch into the face of driver in the car but the police had to cut sharply in front of the vehicle in an endeavour to stop it. The driver got out on the driver’s side and staggered back then leaned against the side of the car. When it was explained to him what had been witnessed by the police at the Rex Hotel regarding the vehicle colliding with the other car the driver said that he didn’t know anything about it and he didn’t notice it and he was then asked why it took him so long to stop when the police called out to stop. The driver said that he didn’t know who wanted him or who it was who called out. The police then asked him to produce his licence but he didn’t have it on him. Constable Brokenborough said that the driver had stated that he had visited the Rex Hotel between 8.30 p.m. and 9.45 p.m. and during that time he consumed seven or eight middles of beer and the Constable formed the impression that he was well under the influence of intoxicating liquor. At the Police Station he was asked if he required the services of a doctor he said, “Yes” and all the doctors in St Marys were contacted but none of them could attend at that time. Inspection of the collision showed there was no damage but there was a loud noise. The constable said that he has since learnt that the driver was disqualified. The driver’s Lawyer said that the collision was just a matter of two bumper bars coming into collision
and the owner of the car was drunk and that he was a foreman timekeeper working at UTAH and the driver of his car had hitchhiked to the Rex hotel and when he left the hotel before 10 p.m he was very drunk. The driver then said that he saw the owner of the car outside the hotel being restrained from driving by two men and that he was a recent arrival in Australia as he came from Ireland in 1949 and was engaged to be married so, in this instance, it was thought that he may have saved somebody else’s life by not letting this other man drive and because of that, his action in this matter did not warrant a gaol sentence. Mr Stonham S.M. said that Mr O’Loughlin (the driver’s Lawyer) had made the matter appear in a different light and possibly a heavy fine would meet the case and told the driver that he was fortunate that he didn’t get a gaol sentence of 400 days gaol. Mr Stonham said that Brown was obviously drunk and did not appreciate what was happening so Brown was discharged. In December 1957 the local dignitaries, residents and Mr Debrincat were up in arms regarding a lunch at St Marys being arranged for the handing over of the munitions factory from Utah Construction Co to the Commonwealth Government. Christened by the local residents as the “Menzick” with the Prime Minister Mr Menzies in attendance, the £25,000 to £30,000 lunch party was due to the pushing ahead by four weeks the tar sealing of the road from the Glossop Street bridge to the factory so that the Prime Minister and other guests would not suffer discomfort from the dust clouds that would have risen from the old road. Other costs included new signboards, flagpoles, bunting, food and drink as well as transporting the rockets and guests added up to another £5,000-£10,000. Penrith Council Aldermen and residents said that the Commonwealth humiliated, slighted and insulted them for not being invited. St Marys’ Chamber of Commerce President Mr J Tait said that it wasn’t sour grapes with either the businessmen or returned soldiers but a matter of pride and hurt feelings that the local people have been overlooked. Mr Debrincat was the unhappiest of the bunch as he felt he should have been included because it was his land he sold to the Commonwealth for the road. The Prime Minister Robert Menzies accompanied by the Minister for Defence Production Mr Howard Beale inspected the St Marys’ Munitions area. Mr Beale said that with luck the Utah Project (590) would be completed before schedule in a year. Mr W J Davies the Production Manager of Project 590 explained in a diagram the scheme and the layout of the various sections. Afterward the official party toured the whole of the area covering 15 miles. At the conclusion, an introduction was made by the Minister for Defence Production to the Prime Minister Mr Menzies who gave a short address. He said that the progress of construction was remarkable and it was not much use having people in the services unless they had weapons and it was not much use having weapons unless they fired the appropriate missiles. Mr Beale denied that the final cost of the project would exceed the estimated £23,000,000. After the inspection of the Munitions factory the Prime Minister and the inspection party lunched at the “Rex Hotel”. The company included the Mayor of Penrith Alderman Bernie Fowler and the Town Clerk Mr E P Ross. Later the party revisited the briefing room at the area where other visitors including Mr Roy Wheeler M.H.R. and Mr B Deane M.P and Mr Jeff Bate M.H.R. who arrived late. Sources: Nepean Times, Trove, Photo of Prime Minister Menzies courtesy of Penrith Library. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc. TO BE CONTINUED
Ask
LATTS
All your real estate questions answered, with Darren Latty ~ darren@prd.net.au What do I do if my property isn’t selling? THE current market is hot and properties are being snapped up very quickly. But what if that doesn’t happen? Here are some things to consider if you find your property languishing on the market. 1. Promotion – advertising is key and if your listing has dropped to the last pages of the online portals it won’t be getting the attention it deserves. Ask your agent about refreshing your listing and using new tools to get it seen further. New tools - such as Domain’s social media boost – might be a good option to try to get it more attention. Depending on your agency agreement this may cost a little bit more money but you’re unlikely to get more enquiries
without it. However, before paying for any extras make sure the content is as good as it can be. Are your photos up to scratch? Could the text be improved? Is it speaking to the right target market? And make sure you’ve got the following two points covered too! 2. Price – listen to the market when it comes to price. The sale may be emotional for you, but you need to set aside your feelings about your home and be realistic based to any offers you do have and other recent home sales in the area. Your agent shouldn’t suggest a price reduction unless they feel it’s necessary and it will ultimately be your decision, but be open to what they say.
3. Presentation – are there any obvious flaws that you could fix up? Is the property clean and tidy? Does it smell of pets? Get an outside opinion if you’re living in the home (try not to be offended!) and get your agent to discuss with tenants if it’s leased. If you’re confident that all the above are spot on but think the problem might be with your agent, it is possible to swap. Your agency agreement will have an expiry date, after which you are at liberty to give the property to another agency. If your agreement is longer than 90 days, you are also able to terminate it with 30 days’ notice after the first 90 days have passed.
23 Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
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Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
THE SMART LINE with Steve Roddick
3 mistakes to avoid when investing in property INVESTING in property can reap massive rewards – do it right and you could be living dreams of early retirement. In fact, CoreLogic’s Pain and Gain report reveals that over 92.1 per cent of people who sold during Q1 2016 made a profit, at an average of $239,855 per sale. On the flip-side, if you do it wrong and you could be in for some financial difficulties that may affect your ability to repay your investment home loan and put all of your savings at risk. To help ensure you’re in the former group, read on to discover three of the most common mistakes that fledgling investors make when buying property. Buying emotionally Spending several hundreds of thousands on buying your own little piece of Australia is an extremely exciting and emotional experience. Because of this, it’s easy to get overrun by excitement and make poor
decisions that may jeopardise the profitability of your investment. Instead, it’s absolutely essential that you approach the decision with a level head, buying based on a property’s potential to make a profit rather than other emotional factors. To buy logically, not emotionally, you must do plenty of research on the property and the market, in order to forecast the future of your investment. Not doing your homework In order to ensure that an investment will be profitable you must use all information available
to you to inform your decision. This will include looking at property price trends in the wider area, and specific suburbs, as well as carrying out both a pest and building inspection. For example using the NAB’s 2016 winter housing report, we can see that units in Brisbane are forecasted to decrease in value by 1.8 per cent by 2017. Houses in the same area are expected to increase in value by 1.9 per cent during the same period, making them the smarter investment. Simple insights like this can be the difference between success and failure. Not organising your finances Poorly organised finances and unsuitable loan products will cause you plenty of stress and might deplete the profits of even the smartest investment. Instead of working out the logistics yourself, seek out the advice and expertise of an experienced
m 0420 289 381 f 02 4786 1242 e sroddick@smartline.com.au
www.smartline.com.au/ sroddick
Australian mortgage broker. We know exactly what’s required for investment success and can help you find the most suitable loan product for your needs. You can contact Steve for mortgage advice on 0420 289 381.
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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Meet (9) 6 Islamic jurist (5) 9 Absorbent paper (7) 10 Put in place (7) 11 A line of trees used to block winds (7) 12 Giving a speech (7) 13 Land around barns (9) 15 Inhabit (5) 16 The anvil bone in your ear (5) 19 Without happiness (9) 22 A reference book (7) 23 Flapjack (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Motives (7) 27 Smooths (5) 28 Put forward (9)
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DOWN 1 Arm joint (5) 2 Singer (7) 3 Completely (7) 4 Toss (5) 5 In an extremely harmful manner (9) 6 Condiment (7) 7 Easily damaged (7) 8 Unlawfully (9) 13 Stew (9) 14 Lack of acceptance (9) 17 Put together (7) 18 Footwear (7) 20 Drag along (7) 21 Harbor (7) 23 A place for wives and concubines (5) 24 Made easier to bear (5)
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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years
Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
Panthers’ shock loss to plucky Roosters By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
IN two previous meetings, the Panthers had defeated Sydney Roosters by a combined margin of 9026. And at half-time in the Holden Cup grand final, most experts were asking Penrith by how many given the Panthers had opened up the largest first half in the competition’s short history and the Roosters had just lost one of their most influential players, hooker Grant Garvey to injury (shoulder). No thought had been given to the fact that the Panthers could be run down from such a dominant position given that only Brisbane (leading 1612) was the only team to have been defeated in a Holden Cup grand final after having led at half-time. Even the fact that Penrith were in the grand final minus the likes of Nathan Cleary and James Fisher-Harris (NRL), Robert Jennings (injury) and suspended pair, Jarome Luai and Jack Hetherington, had not entered the thoughts of anyone at the time, such was their first half dominance. Sure the fifth-placed Roosters had come back from 14-nil down in the preliminary final against St GeorgeIllawarra, but it was unimaginable that they could do the same thing to a side that had decimated all before them as minor premiers, with the competition’s best attack and defence.
Penrith coach Cameron Ciraldo consoles one of many players left shell-shocked by the loss. Credit NRL Photos.
But rugby league is a funny game, and history counted for little when it mattered most. Having completed just 9 from 15 in the first half to Penrith’s almost perfect 19 from 20 sets, the Roosters on the back of some early momentum picked themselves off the canvas to record the most incredible grand final victory in the history of the Holden Cup, keeping the short-priced grand final favourites scoreless in the second half in the process to record a famous 30-28 win to claim their first title. To say Penrith were shattered by the result is an understatement, having been denied the opportunity to join NZ Warriors in claiming their third title in four years and back-to-back titles. The Roosters in contrast didn’t have as many chances to score points as Penrith but were clinical in taking their opportunities in that second half.
Penrith on the other hand, missed several. The Panthers should have opened the scoring early in the game but backrower Kaide Ellis put down a certain four-pointer having spilled a short ball from hooker Soni Luke under the posts. And were made to pay for it in the next set when Joseph Manu finished off a long-range attacking raid to score the opening points of the game. But despite Penrith blowing another opportunity to score points when Souths-bound centre, Braidon Burns couldn’t reel in what appeared to be an inch-perfect kick, the minor premiers soon claimed the ascendancy scoring the next five tries of the half on the back of several Roosters errors. Christian Crichton opened Penrith’s account scoring out-wide after some good lead-up work from Dylan Edwards and Corey Waddell, before Waddell put Penrith in front after scooping up a loose Roosters pass to race 30 metres untouched. Oliver Clark’s offload enabled some second phase for the Panthers before Burns powered his way over out wide to score his 22nd try of the season to extend Penrith’s lead to ten. The Panthers onslaught continued with simple tries close to the line from Ellis and Wayde Egan, giving them what seemed to be an unassailable 28-6 half-time lead. Fittingly, it was Jack Gibson Medallist and Roosters captain Nat
Butcher who started the comeback, surging over minutes after half-time before a barnstorming try to Sitili Tupouniua cut the gap to just 10 points. Try-scoring winger, Ratu Tuisese had the chance to re-establish that crucial three-try cushion midway through the second half but his foot found the touchline as he attempted to score his 23rd try for 2016. Moments later, Daniel Brown looked set to score a long-range effort before he was rounded up and lost possession through a loose carry. Penrith were made to pay for their inability to convert those opportunities into points when Manu scored his second after Dylan Edwards couldn’t secure the grubber kick, and when makeshift hooker Victor Radley blocked Tyrone May’s kick and sent Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck away to steal the lead in the 73rd minute, a fatiguedlooking Panthers outfit suddenly trailed by two. Dylan Edwards was given a chance to level the scores and send the game into extra-time with three minutes remaining but it was not to be after he pushed his attempt at goal wide from 25m out on an acute angle. The loss signals the end of an era for this Penrith Holden Cup side with coach Cameron Ciraldo set to become NRL coach Anthony Griffin’s assistant coach but in some good news for Panther fans, 16 of the 17 players who took the field are re-signed for next year, including eight until the end of 2018.
Sports Scenes
(With Thanks to 77 Media)
No sooner does the season finish for the winter Panthers, the season starts for their summer cousins, the Black Cats as the cameras of 77 Media are on hand to capture the opening rounds of the 2016/17 NSW Premier Cricket season.
Penrith first grade coach Steve Small shelves retirement plans to take up the coaching reins again.
Penrith spinner Jake Wholohan looking relaxed before taking to the field.
The Black Cats celebrate an early wicket.
Cummins in full flight.
All eyes are on Australian international cricketer Pat Cummins in his first competitive game back from injury.
Penrith’s Josh Lalor has started well, taking six wickets in his opening two games.
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BEHIND THE STUMPS
WITH STEW MOSES @THERIFFMARN
BLACK CATS OPEN SEASON IN STYLE WITH BACK-TO-BACK WINS Penrith have opened their 2016/17 season with two strong limited overs wins over Parramatta and University of NSW at Howell Oval in the past fortnight, which sees the Black Cats in 6th position, two points off early pacesetters Northern Districts. Winning the toss and batting first for the second week in a row, Penrith were in early trouble against UNSW at 3/24 before Jonathan Sammut (78), a fighting 62 from stand-in skipper, Tim Cummins and some late-innings hitting from Ryan Smith (24 not out from 15 balls) enabled the Black Cats to post 7/227. UNSW, having been dismissed the previous week for just 102, surpassed that total without loss and looked on track for a shock win. But spinner Luke Hodges (2/37) and former Parramatta all-rounder Mick Castle (2/31) tightened the screws to claim four quick wickets, before Josh Lalor (3/23) and Pat Cummins (3/43) ripped through the middle and lower order to dismiss the visitors for 178. Skipper Tim Cummins admitted Penrith’s never-saydie attitude proved to be the difference in a game that for long periods, could have gone either way, adding that the strength of the team has been demonstrated in the Black Cats’ early season form. “The way we play, we’re not scrappers,” the older Cummins said. “But we like to put the pressure on in those middle overs, when the spinners come on and really grind it out. “The strength of our side is our depth and flexibility and it shows in so many people doing so well at the start of the year.” Meanwhile coach Steve Small says although it’s a good start to the season, there is room for improvement and that the squad despite its strong depth, can’t get too ahead of themselves at this early stage. “While there has been some good signs from several blokes who have got a bit of a start, they are probably not playing at their best yet,” Small declared. “Not everyone every week is going to do the job so that’s the beauty of a strong squad where someone different each game chips in.” “So while there’s a lot of room for improvement, to still be able to win is still pleasing. “You don’t win the comp in September but you’ve got to set yourself up to go into the pack.” Small singled out the performances of his bowlers, particularly Josh Lalor. “I’m a Lalor fan and I really find it hard to believe that he can’t find a spot in first-class cricket,” Small said. “Being a left hander he can swing it, plus he bats and fields the house down and I just feel that they’ve let slip a cricketer who could play first-class cricket for a long time.”
Having already scored half-centuries for both club and in a representative trial, Gibson made his mark on debut in the Matador Cup for the Cricket Australia XI in their opening game against Queensland having scored 106. Gibson, 22, is part of a squad that forms the seventh team in the one-day tournament and is made up of the country’s best young players not picked for their state squads. Next up for Gibson, will be clash against Tasmania this Wednesday at Allan Border Oval.
Penrith wicket-keeper Tim Cummins leads the Black Cats in Matt Halse’s absence. Credit 77 Media.
A week earlier, Penrith posted a strong total first up against Parramatta, finishing with 8/284 with Pat Cummins, in his first competitive game since suffering stress fractures to his lower back in 2015, playing a starring role with the bat (69 off 60 balls) alongside Jonathan Sammut (66) and Ryan Gibson (65). Parramatta in reply reached 2/96 but the dismissal of Parramatta opener Brett Abbott (60), sparked a collapse that saw the Black Cats take 8/81 to claim a comprehensive 107 run win. Pat Cummins backed up his efforts with the bat, taking 2/32 but it was his NSW team mate, Josh Lalor who starred with the ball taking 3/34, ably supported by Jake Wholohan (2/37) and debutant Luke Hodges (2/31). The next two Saturdays, Penrith will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they host long-time rivals, the winless North Sydney at Howell Oval. For Tim Cummins, he is looking forward to the challenge of jumping from the limited overs format and back into the longer form of the game, despite losing Pat (Matador Cup) for this clash. “I think it’s important for our bowlers to get into spells and find their rhythm and our batsmen scores some big runs,” the skipper declared. “With Pat out for Matador Cup duties, I think Max McNamara and Michael Collins will be pushing for that bowling spot.” Penrith remain unbeaten in thirds (third), fourths (fifth) and fifths (third) but have yet to win in seconds (eighteenth), enabling the defending club champions to sit in fourth position. Ryan Gibson is making every post a winner as he looks to take his career to the next level.
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Tom Kohler-Cadmore has revealed to Nepean News the motivation behind returning to Sydney for another spell with Penrith in lieu of taking a break over winter, having completed his toughest season to date as a county cricketer with Worcestershire. “I felt last summer (here in Sydney) I improved a lot as a cricketer and I feel it would be good for me to try and follow what I did last winter as it went well for me,” Kohler-Cadmore said. “Sure a break would have been nice but I can still control the amount of cricket I play in Sydney so that I perform for the club without feeling burnt out by the time I get home for my season back in the UK.” Although Kohler-Cadmore admits he has had a mixed season playing as part of the first XI county side, he says he hopes to build on some of his season achievements over the coming summer. “Personally it’s been a little frustrating because I’ve not being able to perform consistently over the 3 forms of cricket that I’ve played,” Kohler-Cadmore declared. “But I was pleased with my T20 Hundred off 43 balls as well as scoring 169 out of a team total of over 400 after we were 5/35.” “Hopefully I can build on that over the summer here once again with Penrith.” The Lady Cats’ season gets under way with two limited-overs games over the coming fortnight, with first grade away to Gordon this Sunday before hosting Campbelltown-Camden at Howell Oval a week later. Seconds will play away to Parramatta before returning home the following week against Universities. In an exciting initiative for women’s cricket, Penrith will host women’s social cricket for ladies 16 years and over, with all games commencing at 6pm on Friday nights at Howell Oval, for six weeks starting October 21. Players can register either individually or as a team of six. Cost is just $60 per person to register with absolutely NO experience necessary. Register here: https://playreg.cricket.com.au/pages/ noauth/mpintro.aspx…
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Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
Pat’s comeback on track as brothers re-unite By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
WHILE all eyes were on Pat Cummins’ eagerly anticipated first competitive match since he was diagnosed with stress fractures in the lower back 12 months ago, what may not have been present to all people at the time, was that his return for Penrith in their opening round clash with Parramatta, was made alongside older brother and stand-in captain Tim Cummins. For Tim, who turned 26 on Monday, having arrived home just weeks earlier from a successful stint in the UK, it was honour to once again captain the side in regular skipper Matt Halse’s absence before adding he wasn’t quite sure the last time he had played with his younger brother let alone captained him. “You always feel very privileged (to captain first grade) when you know how many good players you’ve got around you,” Tim said. “It’s been a really good start to the year and it’s always good when you have your big name players all fit and playing. “Three or four years ago, Matt did a calf and I captained a few games then. “I’m not sure if Pat played then but it’s certainly been a few years since I last played with Pat. “But while I do enjoy it (being captain), at the same time I’m looking forward to Halsey returning as well.” It’s now been over a year since Cummins last donned the green and gold, his last appearance coming in Australia’s ODI series against England following the 2015 Ashes.
Tim and Pat Cummins enjoy a rare game together for Penrith Cricket Club. Credit 77 Media.
The 23-year-old has excelled in the 18 one-day internationals and 15 T20s and was part of Australia’s 2015 ODI World Cup-winning squad before his latest injury setback. It ruled him out of the entire home summer, the World Twenty20, Caribbean and Sri Lankan tours, and most recently the winter series with the ‘A’ side. Having come through the opening two games unscathed and with five wickets under his belt along with a rapid-fire 69 with the bat, a relieved and confident Pat Cummins is now set to return to the first-class area albeit in limited-overs cricket in the upcoming Matador Cup series. “It was great to play a game. It kind of felt like the start of the normal season which is probably the first time I have felt that for five or six years so it felt good,” Pat declared. “Obviously it was great to get a win and even
better to do it at Howell Oval having not played there for a couple of years. “It was good to get a bit of a bat, bit of a bowl and run around in the field and remember how tired your legs get after six hours out there, but the body feels good, ahead of starting our Matador Cup campaign on October 7th. “I’ll be available for most of the games but I may rest for one or two of those as it’s a pretty tight schedule but the body’s 100 percent and nothing should hold me back hopefully.” From there the international cricketer hopes to progress back into the Big Bash League, while building up his red-ball fitness in Sydney’s grade competition and second XI cricket in order to hopefully return to first-class cricket in the second half of the Sheffield Shield season. If and when he returns to the Shield, he’ll don the baggy blue for the first time since 2011. But Pat’s ultimate goal is to return to the Test arena, having also not played for Australia since making that remarkable Test debut against South Africa in 2011 when he picked up seven wickets on debut against South Africa as a raw 18-year-old, which remains just one of eight first-class matches he’s played in his career. “Hopefully aim to play everything. After the Matador Cup play (some longer forms of the game) grade cricket and some second XI,” Pat said. “Obviously red ball’s a big goal of mine and those two are probably the best avenues I think to get back to Shield and ultimately the test side. “Hopefully the next month will give me a good crack at it.”
WELL if we thought it couldn’t get any better than last season’s Grand Final we were treated to another classic on Sunday night with the Sharks finally turning the porch light off. The performance they produced to win their maiden title in their 50th season was nothing short of outstanding. Coming into the finals, if there was one top-four side I was willing to write off it was Cronulla. They were hammered by the Storm in their final regular season match and struggled to gain momentum following their mid-season 16 game winning streak. During the win over the Raiders in week one of the Finals, Chad Townsend was hooked and they looked like losing that game until Josh Hodgson left the field injured. That win, when looking back, was the defining moment in their season as they earned a week off and that rest proved invaluable. The Sharks absolutely blew the Cowboys off the park in the preliminary final and the first half of the Grand Final they were just as dominant and took control early on. Full credit to the Storm because their defence was exceptional and withstood a constant barrage from the Sharks and with 15 minutes remaining, somehow the Storm took the lead, this is where your championship metal is tested. If there is one team you want to be on with a lead and 15 minutes remaining it’s the Storm and
BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com
the number 1 defence in the NRL. Yet the Sharks balanced themselves, stuck to their guns and managed to score a late try to win the game. Two seasons in a row, we will now come to expect close finishes in the big one. There were a variety of talking points to come out of the game. The Sharks winning their maiden title in their 50th season the obvious, along with Cameron Smith’s post-match speech which demonstrated a great level of humility and sportsmanship. But for me the most interesting conversation comes around the snubbing of Andrew Fifita as the Clive Churchill Medalist. To me he was the best player on the field and that is what the award signifies. Luke Lewis had a fantastic game no doubt, however when compared to Fifita the numbers do not lie: Fifita 35 tackles to Lewis 28, Fifita 23 carries for 201 metres to Lewis 16 for 149 metres, Fifita scored an individual match winning try, made a line break and also 9 tackle busts compared to Lewis who had no tries, line breaks and only 3 tackle busts. This snubbing is a message that the game is making a stand against off-field behaviour, and it’s about time. Andrew Fifita to me should have been bought to account for his public demonstration and support of a convicted killer a long time before the
Grand Final. I could make an argument he should have missed games during the Finals or even the Grand Final. If he isn’t befitting to win an award for on-field performance why is he on the field at all? The NRL integrity unit has been investigating Fifita for more than a month and neither the NRL or Cronulla have issued a punishment when clearly he is in the wrong and has bought himself and the game into disrepute. The victim’s family must be absolutely fuming and rightfully so, it is simply not good enough to have this overshadowing the most important and exciting month of the season. Today Fifita has been left out of the Four Nations squad for what Todd Greenberg described as the game drawing a line in the sand on player behaviour. Better late than never I guess! For me the NRL exposed themselves by allowing Fifita to play in the Grand Final and once he ran out onto the field he was always a chance of winning the Clive Churchill Medal. The NRL gambled with the game’s integrity and lost because Andrew Fifita, off-field behaviour aside, was the best player on the field in the Grand Final and came up with the match-winning try on the NRL’s biggest stage. We can now look forward to the upcoming Test Match Vs New Zealand and the Four Nations tournament in the U.K!
29 Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
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penrith panthers celebrating 50 years
Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
MG ON THE MARK
WITH MARK GEYER
SHARK ATTACK! 50 YEARS IN THE MAKING AS over 40 people stacked into my house on Sunday, the room was split 50/50 on just who everyone thought would come away victors on the biggest stage of the rugby league calendar in the grand final. Surely after 50 years trying, the Sharks deserved it? But the Storm are the bestdrilled and perhaps most professional club in the land, and just happened to have two of the top five players in the world in Smith and Cronk, Oh, and the games best coach in Bellamy. Given that, both sides started the game remarkably close in all betting. The game started like all great grand finals, with plenty of bash and spite. This is the last game of the year! Then on the 8th minute after having all the running, the Sharks opted for 2 points and a penalty goal instead of continuing the surge. Smart move in hindsight. Seven minutes later, off a clever scrum move, Ben Barba dove over to make the score 8-0, and stayed that way until half time. Absorbing contest, but one got the feeling the Storm would bounce back. And that they did. Ten minutes into the second half big prop Jesse Bromwich plunged over to reduce the score to 8-6, with 30 to go. Game on. Fourteen minutes later in the 64th minute, Melbourne’s best player of the grand final Will Chambers went over, Smith converted Storm up 12-8 with under 15 to play. Surely the Storm will etch out a victory from here? History will tell you they wouldn’t. Because with 10 minutes to go Sharks prop Andrew Fifita somehow miraculously found the stripe, under the posts, with four Storm players trying in vain to keep him out. 12 all, kick to come in front, which Maloney nails. Sharks 14 Storm 12 with a frantic nine minutes
of play to go. And what a nine minutes it was. The Sharks held on to write themselves into rugby league history. Congrats to all involved. Speaking from experience it’s the most euphoric sporting accomplishment a rugby league player will ever encounter. And the great thing is that it stays with you FOREVER!! And another thing. After an astonishing ending to the day, last Sunday didn’t start off on the best note. After dominating all year our Panther cubs were run down from behind
to lose the u/20’s grand final in devastating fashion. Leading 28-6 at half time, Cameron Ciraldo’s men looked unbeatable but succumbed in unbelievable fashion losing 30-28 against a feverish Roosters outfit. Heads up though, the future looks mighty bright for our Penrith juniors and will be there ‘or about’ next season too.
MG (random Westie) OAM
GOLDEN POINTS WITH STEW MOSES
@THERIFFMARN
PENRITH MAKE KEY RE-SIGNINGS BUT AT WHAT COST? Big news out of Pantherland recently was the contact extensions of Matt Moylan (4 years – 2021) and Bryce Cartwright (3 years – 2021). The signings continues the plan to keep the core of the current roster together for the long term, with the following NRL players already on contract for 2018 and beyond: 2018: Josh Mansour, Peter Wallace, Chris Grevsmuhl, Peta Hiku, Te Maire Martin 2019: Tim Browne, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, James Fisher-Harris, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Sam McKendry 2020: James Tamou, Trent Merrin, Leilani Latu 2021: Bryce Cartwright, Matt Moylan. Add the likes of Tyrone May, Oliver Clark, Soni Luke and Dylan Edwards, who have all been tied up until the end of 2018, and it’s easy to see the Panthers will have the nucleus of a very talented roster in the foreseeable future. With Cartwright and Moylan now secured, attention has turned to re-signing Tyrone Peachey and Waqa Blake. The pair are two of four key outside backs who come off-contract after 2017 and are available for negotiation with other clubs come Nov 1 this year. Some big decisions will need to be made with the other two, Dean Whare and Dallin WateneZelezniak. 2017 will be a defining year in the future of the Kiwi international centre, having played just 14 games in the past two seasons, including less than one full game in 2016. Watene-Zelezniak, who has signed two consecutive one-year contracts, has already been linked to the likes of Manly and Newcastle, and with Moylan’s long-term commitment now confirmed and likely to continue to play at fullback, Dallin will have to make a decision sooner rather than later as to whether he is happy to play on at Penrith as a winger or fulfil his fullback ambitions at another club. However despite a less-than certain future, suggestions Watene-Zelezniak will be an offseason departure appear wide of the mark, but the chances of him remaining a Panther post 2017, remain slim. With Penrith having confirmed the worst kept secret that Bulldogs prop Tim Browne will be a Panther for the next three years, the Panthers’ forward stocks have never looked stronger.
end of the season to finish equal ninth overall in the Dally M Player of the Year award. The trio’s selection represents Penrith’s largest representation for the Australian Kangaroos since four were selected in 2009. New Zealand have also named Penrith’s Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Te Maire Martin in their Four Nations squad.
Despite Penrith’s shock Holden Cup Grand Final loss, the future looks bright with the likes of Corey Waddell. Credit NRL Photos.
A 2017 starting pack could comprise of James Tamou and Leilani Latu up front, Trent Merrin at lock and Bryce Cartwright and Isaah Yeo the edge forwards and a bench that could consist of Tyrone Peachey, Chris Grevsmuhl, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and James Fisher-Harris. The likes of Jeremy Latimore, Sam McKendry, Sitaleki Akauola and even Tim Browne could be playing ISP alongside the likes of up and coming props Moses Leota, Viliame Kikau and Oliver Clark. Don’t be surprised if one if not two contracted forwards depart in the off-season. One forward already confirmed as departing for 2017, is Suaia Matagi who will join Manly, despite having an option in his favour to remain at Penrith for next season. Meanwhile the club has confirmed the signing of former Souths outside back Michael Oldfield for the 2017 season. Congratulations are in order for Panthers winger Josh Mansour, who was named Dally M Winger of the Year ahead of favourite, Raiders winger, Jordan Rapana. The selection certainly raised some eyebrows but considering their per game stats were comparable, Mansour with 29 games under his belt in 2016 (more than any other NRL winger) and producing over 100 metres in all but one of those games that earned him an Origin debut for NSW, the selection appears more than justified. Mansour’s stellar season has seen him earn selection in the Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Four Nations alongside Trent Merrin and Matt Moylan. Moylan also polled strongly at the back-
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In other representative news, Waqa Blake and Viliame Kikau have been named in Fiji’s squad that will take on Samoa, while in further good news for the Watene-Zelezniak family, older brother Malakai along with Zach Dockar-Clay were named to represent NZ Maori in their upcoming representative program. The NRL Grand Final once again had a major Panther presence with Cronulla Sharks’ Luke Lewis capping his first premiership since Penrith’s 2003 triumph with a Clive Churchill Medal, while Wade Graham also played a significant role in the Sharks 14-12 win over Melbourne. Penrith junior, Andrew Fifita, arguably best on ground, scored the winning try to end Cronulla’s barren run without a NRL title since coming into the competition along with Penrith in 1967. Speaking of Grand Finals, which Panthers’ NRL outside back was seen at this year’s Grand Final - in a Melbourne Storm jersey? Very interesting to see Panthers Tyrone Peachey (Nanima Common Correction) and Leilani Latu (Newcastle All Blacks) take part at the Koori Knockout which commenced on last Saturday and concluded on Monday at Leichhardt Oval. Presuming both players were given permission to play, it was terrific to see Peachey and Latu play in the event which is a great showcase for indigenous rugby league. Don’t be surprised if half, Darren Nicholls, who has previously been on the books of South Sydney and Brisbane before steering Redcliffe Dolphins to a Queensland Cup grand final appearance, ends up at Penrith on a second-tier deal. Of course if you have any Panthers news you wish to share, email me stewart@nepeannews. com.au See you at the game (in 2017)!
31 Nepean News 6 October 2016 Issue 185
penrith panthers celebrating 50 years
Thursday, 6 October 2016
Panthers announce yearly award winners
Emily Potts and Sean Weekes were each the driving force in their respective Division One Youth League teams. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
By Noel Rowsell
THE Penrith Basketball Association has announced it’s season award winners for the recently-completed representative season, from Youth League down to Under 12’s. Emily Potts (Player’s Player), Dominika Offner (Coach’s Award) and Chloe Bloom (Most Improved) have taken out the awards for the Division One Women’s team, which won the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition in August. The Division One men’s team award winners were Sean Weekes (Player’s Player), Adam Lulka (Coach’s Award) and Shol Meshwang (Most Improved).
In the Division Two Youth League Men’s team, the award winners were Brad McGrath (Most Valuable Player), Gabriel Alvarez (Best Defensive Player) and Josh Shephard (Most Improved Player). NSW Basketball has announced their selections for the High Development Athlete Program for 2016/17, with nine young Penrith junior representatives winning berths. The successful athletes are Rose Nelson (U14 girls), Jaedyn Fetui-Faamo, Caleb Fetui-Faamo, Uriah-Christian Mercado and Feruzi Mnandra (U15 boys); Cameron Collis-Naidu (U16 boys); Alison Brincat (U16 girls); Dustin Grand (U17 boys) and Kay-Huauta Phillips (U17 girls)
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JUNIOR AWARD WINNERS U18 Girls Div.1 – MVP B Salawu, Best Defensive T Offner, Most Improved T Mundine U18 Boys Div.1 – MVP L Charlton, Coach Award T Charlton, Most Improved J Zalac U18 Girls Div.2 – MVP O Schneider, Best Defensive G Kuypers, Most Improved T Smith U18 Boys Div.2 – MVP J Rentoy, Coach Award A Mackay, Most Improved Z Mamo U16 Girls Div.1 – MVP M Jefferson, Coach Award S Daly, Most Improved M Pennay U16 Girls Div.3 – MVP H Heath, Coach Award H Smith, Most Improved G Bromilow U16 Boys Div.1 – MVP R Estacio, Best Defensive B Williams, Most Improved F Swift U16 Boys Div.2 – MVP S Fuller, Coach Award R Almeyda, Most Improved M Vukancic U14 Girls Div.1 – MVP C Graza, Coach Award C Lowe, Most Improved T Petterson U14 Girls Div.2 – MVP E Palmer, Coach Award T Brown, Most Improved N Aguer U14 Boys Div.1 – MVP S Caruana, Coach Award J Balagtas, Most Improved J Pares U14 Boys Div.3 – MVP A Siega, Best Defensive B Schwarzer, Most Improved N James U12 Girls Div.1 – MVP C Williams, Best Defensive S Petterson, Most Improved J Harrison U12 Girls Div.3 – MVP G Blackwood, Coach Award H Bastin, Most Improved E Saab U12 Boys Div.1 – MVP J Lovegrove, Coach Award H Turner, Most Improved J Hickson U12 Boys Div.3 – MVP E Gacis, Coach Award J Gapido, Most Improved T Cooney Junior Male and Female Representative Players of the Year – L Charlton and N Beaumont Referee of the Year – Brendan Reid Coach of the Year – Jarrod Moore