Nepeannews 8june2017

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Thursday, 8 June 2017

ISSUE 202

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Getting chilly!

Time to get your woolies out, winter is well and truly here!

localnews Worship and Communion Sunday 9:30am

Programmes Children’s Church (Primary) Dare Youth (High School) • Enthuse (Young Adults) Wednesday Fellowship • Monthly Healing & Revival

Contact: (02) 9673 1009

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Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has announced that Regentville Rural Fire Brigade has received a grant worth $45,000 administered under the Community Building Partnership Program to fund upgrades to station amenities.

Tanya Davies was joined by members of the brigade, in Regentville where the cheque was presented.

“The allocation of this grant to the Regentville Rural Fire Brigade signifies the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting projects that encourage growth and development in our local community,” Tanya Davies said.

The grant will fund upgrades to the station’s amenities, allowing for better and safer access to vehicles during emergencies, as well as provide

brigade members with a designated area where their protective equipment can be cleaned and stored.

“The funding will undoubtedly assist the volunteers at the brigade in performing the various tasks that are undertaken as part of their roles,” Tanya Davies said.

“I would also like to expend my deepest appreciation to all the volunteers at the Regentville Rural Fire Brigade, I acknowledge the often difficult nature of work they are confronted with serving the Mulgoa community,” Tanya Davies said.

For more information on the program, please visit: http://www.communitybuildingpartnership. nsw.gov.au/home.

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Upgrades to amenities

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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4 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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by Kerrie Davies

Will everything implode while we are so busy being nice?

MY MOTHER has a saying for every occasion, and one that she often trots out is “People will treat you how you let them.”

And although as kids we’d roll our eyes - behind her back of course, or we’d cop an ear-clip - as I’ve matured I realise how true the saying is.

It applies to so many things in life, because, the crux of it is that we enable bad behaviour by ignoring it and not speaking up against it. Bad behaviour is further encouraged when there are no consequences. People will treat us how we let them.

You don’t have to go far to hear a complaint about the behaviour of children and teens these days. “They run amok in restaurants.

They show no respect. They refuse to do as they are told. They seem to rule the roost.” Sound familiar?

But is it that this generation of children have just taken it upon themselves to be little monsters, or are we too busy being nice? Is everyone around them relaxing the rules and therefore unwittingly allowing them to behave this way by removing boundaries and consequences in an effort to be nice?

If we end up with a generation of self-centred jerks, at least we can say we were always nice to them.

I often talk in this space about those who have committed shocking crimes getting let off with light sentences, only to be released from prison way ahead of time and being a further threat to the community. The courts are so busy being nice, looking for “excuses” like mental illness or drug addiction. Meanwhile that courtesy extended to criminals puts the innocent public at risk.

When criminals are released early and commit more violent crimes, at least we can say the courts were nice to them.

And dominating the news again is terrorism, with extreme Islamic lunatics committing the most horrific atrocities and killing people across the globe.

But we can’t even be grown up enough to have civil conversations about the root of the problem that is driving their murderous rampages, because that wouldn’t be nice.

To question who comes into this country isn’t being nice. To question or investigate what is being taught to young impressionable minds in some circles within Islam isn’t being nice.

We seem to think that ignoring the common denominating factor and shouting down anybody who dares mention the religion of the perpetrators will transform into some sort of solution.

We think trotting out messages about united fronts is going to scare them into dropping their evil plans and switching it to fairy floss and puppy dogs for everyone. It’s not. It is enabling and empowering them to recruit more and more into their madness.

The problem is an evil ideology that exists within the Islamic religion. Saying that doesn’t crucify every person who has ever read the Quran. We need to stop focusing on the feelings of the innocent people who happen to be Muslim and focus on the terrorist element that exists in that religion.

It is about time we stopped all the PC mumbo jumbo and focused on the problem in front of us rather than focusing on being nice to people who aren’t even connected to terrorism. When the Catholic religion was put under the blow torch, we didn’t focus on being nice to innocent Catholics - we focused on the problem. Why invent victims and take away the concentration that needs to be placed on fixing the problem for fear that anyone on the sidelines might be offended?

If terrorism rises to a degree that threatens the world, at least we can say we tried our hardest to be nice.

Which brings me to another famous saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

New SES trucks for Penrith

IN a boost for the local State Emergency Service branch, the state government has given Penrith SES a new emergency response truck.

Minister for Emergency Services, Troy Grant, and Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, officially presented the SES Penrith Unit with the brand new emergency response vehicle at a handover ceremony last week.

“The NSW Government is proud to support the SES and its volunteers by providing more than $179,000 to purchase this new emergency response truck for the Penrith Unit,” Mr Grant said.

Mr Ayres thanked Mr Grant for visiting the Penrith Unit and for the additional storm response vehicle.

“The Penrith Unit volunteers will now be better

resourced to respond to flood, storms and other emergency jobs,” Mr Ayres said.

“This is one of many initiatives the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is investing in to ensure our local SES volunteers can keep up with the tremendous work that they do.”

NSW SES Sydney Western Region Controller, Peter Cinque, said the new vehicles will help volunteers carry out important emergency storm response work.

“The Mercedes Benz Light Storm Vehicle is specifically designed to provide light storm response capability and are the first vehicles of this design for the NSW SES,” Mr Cinque said.

“This new vehicle is a welcome asset to the Penrith Unit fleet and will be used in a number of emergency tasks including responding to storms, floods and supporting other agencies during land searches.

“The NSW SES Penrith Unit is made up of 53 volunteers who over the past 12 months have carried out over 658 emergency tasks, so this new emergency response vehicle will certainly be put to good use by this busy Unit,” Mr Cinque said.

Last storm season Penrith was battered by a number of large storms, including numerous hail storms. This new truck will provide some much needed assistance to the numerous, generous SES volunteers who help the community during times of need.

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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

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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What is happening to our boys?

By Keegan Thomson

THERE is a silent epidemic claiming the lives of the young men across western Sydney yet unlike a contagious ailment there isn’t any physical signs of it, there often isn’t much warning of it even striking.

Suicide has claimed the lives of around six young people from our local area in the past month yet it seems like no one has any answers as to how we can stop it from continuing.

I will not report on the details of these incidents because the families involved deserve so much more. They deserve to be given the space to grieve and we must give them that.

Instead of turning our heads towards the gossip and gory details of these events we must switch our hearts and minds on to action and prevention of such tragedies.

Sadly a large majority of the victims of these suicides were males who were struck down in the prime of their youth.

Statistics say men are more prone to suicide. According to Lifeline, the leading body in suicide prevention, men commit suicide at a rate that is three time higher than women.

There isn’t any concrete reasons why

suicide is more prevalent in men, but there are some figures that help show why young men are more likely to slide into mental health issues.

Headspace recently released figures that says only 13 percent of young males reach out at times of mental stress.

In response to these startling stats, Headspace has launched a new campaign aimed at connecting young men with the most influential person in their lives: their fathers.

CEO of Headspace, Jason Trethowan, said there are a lot of things fathers can do for their sons, particularly when it comes to mental health.

“Fathers can play a vital role in identifying the early signs of mental illness and helping their sons get the support they need but many men are unsure how to start the conversation or what services are available,” Mr Trethowan said.

“From a practical level, dads can set the scene and think about where they are going to have a conversation, in the car perhaps, or kicking the footy– the conversation should be had in a safe and comfortable space,” he said.

Another leading factor in the downward spiral of mental illness is social media and the increasingly

visual media on social networks like Instagram.

The picture sharing application, Instagram, was ranked the worst social network for young peoples’ mental health, and has even been accused of fuelling a mental health crisis amongst young people.

In the UK, 1500 teenagers were surveyed by the Royal Society of Public Health and they all came to the conclusion, Instagram has dramatic, negative results on the mental health of a developing teenager.

“Instagram easily makes girls and women feel as if their bodies aren’t good enough as people add filters and edit their pictures in order for them to look ‘perfect’”, said one female respondent in the anonymous report.

“Instagram resulted in me not eating

properly and losing a lot of weight and becoming very depressed, I finally recovered which was hard for myself only to be bullied online again in year 8. Overall I would say social media has caused me many issues and has caused me to be depressed many times”, another respondent said anonymously.

With the advent of social media, the classroom, schoolyard and backyard dynamics of teenagers has changed dramatically over the past decade.

There is more pressure to succeed, there is more pressure to show off an always-happy lifestyle and there is an increasing stigma around not being ‘liked’ on social media.

Luckily there are a number of resources online that fight mental health illness and suicide prevention.

R U OK? Headspace and Beyond Blue all have a number of resources which can help fight against youth suicide.

Mental health and suicide are two hard conversations to have but the alternatives can be even harder to deal with.

If you want more information on suicide and mental health you can find a number of resources at headspace. org.au or if you find any of these issues raised in the article upsetting you can contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Getting to know....

Karen McKeown

Penrith City Councillor with Conner Lowe

1. What was your first paid job? Trainee Hairdresser 2. What is your guilty pleasure? A nice glass of red wine 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Snakes 4. What is your worst habit? Taking on too much!

5. Best advice you have ever been given? If you

watch every cent, then the dollars will look after themselves 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would

you spend it? To treat my family 7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

Vietnam as I appreciate the history and loved the food 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

Go the Panthers 9. Name one reason that you love Western Sydney?

The people are salt of the earth, it is a great place to

bring up a family and we have some of the

most beautiful natural environment.

10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Lazy-lunch, friends and family

Promoting good health and happiness Penrith Council, Community Junction and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District are proud to launch the Village Café, promoting good health and happiness as we age.

The project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of North St Marys residents, aged 50 or older. The Village Café is a fortnightly pop up café, with good coffee and fresh produce, an arts program and an exercise program.

The first Village Café will be held on Thursday 8 June from 9am at the Parklawn Place shops in North St Marys. Local residents will be able to pick up some free fruit and veg for the week, and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

The Village Café will be held every second Thursday, following the launch, at the Parklawn Place shops, North St Marys from 9-11.30am.

Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said that the project is much more than a pop up café.

“While the promise of a great cup of coffee is an important part of the project, there’s so much more to it than that,” Cr Thain said.

“It’s a fantastic initiative that is trying to connect with people in the North St Marys community and support greater access to preventative health services.

“We want to find out what the community needs, and then work together, services and the community themselves, to keep our older residents healthy for longer,” he said.

Minister for Ageing, Tanya Davies commended Penrith City Council on their innovative program

which encourages people to more actively engage in their communities.

“Our vision is that older people across NSW enjoy opportunities to participate in, contribute to and be included in their communities. Programs like The Village café will help us achieve that vision and support older people in NSW to live longer and healthier lives,” Mrs Davies said.

All are welcome, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, as well as people caring for family members are warmly encouraged to attend.

The Village Café is funded through the NSW Government’s Liveable Communities grants program, and is one of the projects of the Health Action Plan Council recently signed with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.

Children and dogs – Part 2 Last week we started discussing children and dogs and the signs to look for that indicate a dog is feeling uncomfortable around children. This week we will discuss preparing puppies for children and how to raise a puppy that interacts well with kids.

To accomplish a good relationship between pets and children, there should be frequent positive interactions for the young pup to meet children during its early months of life. Puppies are most social and receptive to learning up to 12 weeks of age; the experiences and interactions they have during this time can make a lifelong impression.

This means that if a young child accidentally hurts a young puppy, the puppy may be scared or act inappropriately towards children all it’s life. Ongoing positive experiences between children and puppies are essential to maintain healthy social relationships.

Puppies should be introduced to children when they are calm, and treats should be used to facilitate introductions; this allows the puppy to build a positive association with children. Positive interactions at a young age help prevent the development of fear, avoidance behaviour and aggression when the pet becomes older.

All family members should make a point of gently and positively handling the puppy in ways

that a child might touch it. This may mean that you give the puppy treats while touching the tail, ears, body as well as during grooming, nail trimming and teeth brushing. This will allow the puppy to become used to handling and not become fearful. Any type of physical punishment, threats with the hand or forceful interactions should be avoided. Pets must learn that the human hand is friendly and not to be feared; if pets associate hand movement with threats or discomfort, they can bite when a child moves a hand towards them as they may associate it with a

previous negative interaction.

Puppy classes that encourage family attendance can be a great way for puppies to interact with other dogs, people and children in a controlled environment. However, it is important that puppies are not overwhelmed so they do not develop fear or avoidance behaviour towards other animals or people.

If you have any questions about your new puppy or are interested in puppy classes, please contact Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic on 4731 3055.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone 47 313 055

Getting around is now so much easier for Chris

By Conner Lowe

People in wheelchairs and their careers know all too well how challenging it can be to get in and out of cars in order to complete the daily tasks like shopping and doctor appointments.

Al Palmer knows it too, so he sells an assortment of wheelchair vehicles perfect for those with mobility challenges. A friendly family-run business located at 4 Robertson Place in Penrith, Al Palmer Repairs has been serving the local community since 1974.

With a focus on pleasing their

customers, this is the place you should head straight to if you or a family member is in need of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. There are many options available.

“We stock and can supply mobility vehicles to accommodate three people, four people and right up to seven people, we also have vehicles that carry one or two wheelchairs. Some

vehicles have side wheelchair access or rear vehicle access, some of our vehicles even come complete with a wheelchair,” Al said.

“We are always happy to give advice and try to overcome any problems.

“After seven years of supplying vehicles to the market place we have lots of experience. We can demonstrate more than one type of mobility vehicle

in order to determine which vehicle is most suitable for many different situations.”

Chris Parsons, a recent customer of Al Palmer’s spoke about how he is enjoying his new car and how driving has become much easier because of his new car.

“It’s magnificent, I can’t get out of cars normally, it makes it a lot easier to get in and out of, because of the power lift at the back of the car it allows me to get my wheelchair in and out very easily. It seats five people and one wheelchair or six people if you want to sit in the wheelchair,” Chris said.

“I’ve referred some people back to him and my son in law has got his car serviced there for the first time recently and was very satisfied. Al gives a loan car out while he services your own car, they are very nice people to do business with.”

Call in and ask for Al to discuss options on how you can make life a bit easier getting around. These vehicles are very impressive – you’ll be glad you did!

9 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Colourful shadecloth puts smile on kids’ faces

 Owen Caraig, Daniel Oh, Gian Caraig

Colourful new construction fence shadecloth has arrived at Mount Druitt Hospital’s child care centre to brighten up the outdoor play area while construction is underway on the new dialysis centre next door.

The dialysis centre is part of the Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospital’s expansion project.

The standard blue construction shadecloth has been replaced with vibrant finger-paintings of things kids

 Daniel Oh

believe will make hospital happier, like rainbows, the beach, animals and stars.

The children used paint, glitter, glue and craft materials to ‘magic’ plain boxes into works of art.

The transformed boxes were then photographed by our arts team and the images were transferred to the mesh.

The kids also provided some helpful comments including “The hospital should be like my bedroom”, “It

should have toys”, “The hospital needs a garden with plants and flowers”, and “The hospital needs doctors, needles and machines - I’m not scared but my brother is”.

Centre manager Amy said the kids “love it!”.

And there’s more fun stuff to come – their adjacent playground area will soon get a major makeover with great new equipment that’s safe for little kids as well as the older ones, so all

our child care centre stars will be able to make the most of it!

Thanks to wonderful Mount Druitt child care centre Supernovas and Comets, staff and parents, and Marily and Malcolm from our HARC arts team and our partners Health Infrastructure.

For more information about the dialysis project visit: http://www. bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au/ Projects/Community-Dialysis-Centre

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What do you love about Penrith?

By Keegan Thomson

A new campaign lead by Penrith Council is asking residents to share on social media what they most love about the region.

The campaign is called, Brag About Penrith, and aims at encouraging locals to share photos or videos of their favourite spot, thing to do, restaurant or local event on their personal Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

All posts which include the hashtags #BraggingRights and #VisitPenrith go in the running to win a GoPro HERO5 with Karma Drone, Samsung Galaxy S8 or one of 25 x $100 Westfield Gift Vouchers.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said he’s looking forward to learning about Penrith’s hidden gems through this campaign.

“Locals know better than anyone the best things about Penrith. By sharing this local knowledge you’re helping to spread the word about Penrith as a great place to live, work and visit,” Cr Thain said.

“So whether it’s your favourite park or playground, the cafe that serves the best coffee or the activity you do with your friends or family on weekends; we want to know about it.”

Mayor Thain said one of his favourite places to visit, in his spare time, is Werrington Lakes.

Already there are a number of posts online from Penrith locals who are bragging about their favourite spots across the city.

Shelley Cootes posted a picture of the Penrith Parkrun saying, “Best thing to do in Penrith is parkrun

 Mayor Thain, with the ducks, at Werrington Lake. Photo: Supplied.

of course!”

Michelle Toro bragged and posted a picture of one of the regions most-loved action attractions, Cables Wake Park.

Ms Toro wrote about the Cables Wake Park in Penrith, “Beautiful Everyday. Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Hayley Ashe stood up for all the beautiful spots in the region with her post on Instagram showing a vast

outlook over the Nepean River.

Ms Ashe wrote, “Despite what people say and all the negative comments, there are also a lot of naturally beautiful spots in and around Penrith.”

Winners will be announced every Friday and featured on the official Visit Penrith Facebook Instagram and Twitter pages. Competition details and Terms and Conditions can be found at visitpenrith. com.au

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Emu Plains Reserve named in honour of the Ausburn family

By Conner Lowe

WHEN the Panthers came into existence in the 60’s the club was able to continue with the support of their foundation members and fans. One of these foundation members was Ken (Poker) Ausburn, who was also Chairman of the board at Penrith Leagues Club when he sadly passed away in 1976.

Recently, a Reserve in Emu Plains has been named after Ken and his family who have supported the Penrith Panthers and all their efforts within the Penrith Leagues Club and the community. Ausburn Reserve is located on Nepean Street in Emu Plains and will always be named in the memory of a wonderful man and family.

Ken was a Penrith High School boy who went on to be a Welder Special Class at the Munitions Filling Factory at St Marys and was enthusiastic in his support of the community. This included leading by example and encouraging his workmates to make donations to Penrith High School. In recognition, the school established the ‘Ken Ausburn Trophy’, a perpetual award for the best and fairest rugby league player.

Ken’s brother, Bob Ausburn, was a member of the 1939-40 lightweight fours rowing team that secured Penrith’s first State Rowing Championship, a win that set the scene for the growth and development of rowing in Penrith. Bob was a life member of the Nepean Rowing Club and a regular at the club until his passing in 2014. He was also very involved in the Penrith Golf Club and Penrith’s Deputy Sherriff from 1988 to 1998.

Bonnie Turner, the sister of Ken and Bob Ausburn also is recognised for her work in the Penrith community.

Penrith Council recognised Bonnie’s contribution to our community with

a Local Appreciation Award in 2008, in particular her support of Nepean Hospital. As a long-standing volunteer with the Emu Plains Auxiliary, Bonnie helped raise funds for lifesaving equipment for the hospital. She also volunteered with the Nepean /Blue Mountains Cardiac Support Group for more than twelve years.

Bruce Turner, nephew of Ken and Bob Ausburn spoke about the work they did in the 70’s and how that is reflected today.

“The Nepean community would not have experienced the joy of the Panthers successes over the last fifty years, including their premierships in 1991 and 2003,” he said.

“If it was not for the firm foundations set back in the 1960’s and 1970’s by visionary locals such as Ken Ausburn, Merv Cartwright, Roger Cowan and others. The Panthers are integral to the identity of the Penrith community”.

The work that not only Bonnie, Bob and Ken did in the community but other family members such as Bruce Turner AM who is Bonnie’s son and his work in championing good governance and all other family members that have contributed to the community. The Ausburn family is a great example of families who help our community and have made Penrith and the Nepean area what it is today.

Penrith local to push 100km to raise money for young Cooper

By Conner Lowe

IT’S always a difficult and costly time when you need a transplant.

Cooper Randall needs a kidney transplant and Nathan Pentecost the Panthers wheelchair Rugby League captain will be participating in the 100km push. On the 9th and 10th of June, Nathan will start and finish the 100km push around the Sydney National Regatta Centre.

The money raised will help Cooper’s family pay for medical costs and the kidney operation.

Cooper was diagnosed with Congenital Posterior Urethral Valves when he was still in his mother’s womb, this then resulted in Chronic Kidney Disease stage three. Once Cooper was born he was transferred to Sydney Children’s Hospital where at 24 hours old he underwent Laser Surgery on the Urethral Valves to help release his urine.

To monitor Cooper’s health, he attends Westmead’s Children’s Hospital on a regular basis where he has Blood Tests, Ultra Sounds, PET Scans. Cooper suffers from a lot of urine infections. In January 2015, he had another surgery Metronoffenoff which was unsuccessful. Cooper needed to wear Calostrol Bags 24/7

to catch the urine that leaked from the hole near his belly button. In September 2016, 20 months of having

to wear a Calostrol bag Cooper’s belly was getting infected from the bag and was causing it to bleed and a lot of

discomfit. After another surgery, the doctors were able to tighten the hole. A bag is no longer required and a catheter is inserted every 2 hours to drain the urine. Cooper now requires a kidney transplant; he is lucky his dad is a match and will be donating his kidney to Cooper.

Cooper has a few health issues from this Nocturnal and Diurnal Enuresis, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of Renal Origin, Metabolic Acidosis, Bilateral Hydro-nephrosis, Trabeculated Bladder and Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

Brendan Randall, Cooper’s dad spoke about his appreciation for Nathan’s help and how the funds raised will help Cooper.

“I am very grateful of Nathan raising money for Cooper’s transplant journey.

It will help with the costs of Cooper’s needs to get through week by week at school and out of school.

“It’s hard to find the words to thank someone for doing something so inspirational but we are greatly appreciative,” he said.

All funds raised will help with the ongoing costs of medications, doctors’ appointments, bags and anything else that might pop up along the way that will help Cooper. You can help Cooper and donate at: https://www.gofundme. com/28yrut4b

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Lions work with extraordinary fundraiser

By Jim Devine

The Lions Club of Emu Plains first met Mark Nielsen, at the Salvation Army’s 2016 Red Shield Appeal Doorknock.

Mark was again a collector for the 2017 Appeal, but the intervening period has been quite extraordinary for this 13 yearold Glenbrook student, who attends Year 8 at Penrith Anglican College.

Mark’s list of ‘achievements’ include, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award, raising money for Run 4 Bibles, the Leukaemia Foundation, Cancer Council, Heart Foundation, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Anglicare Christmas Appeal, Operation Christmas Child and of course, the Red Shield Appeal, as well as various College Service trips, which are designed towards assisting the communities visited.

Mark has also won a recognition Award for Community Service at the NSW/ACT Young Achiever Awards and a Rotary Youth Service Award. Mark has also met with current United States Vice President Mike Pence.

How was that arranged? Mark wrote him an ‘old-fashioned’ hand written letter! Mark’s overall aim is to become the ambassador to the United Nations, which he told to the ‘VP’.

“When I told him I wanted to be the ambassador to the United Nations he put his hand on my shoulder and said to never

let go of your dreams and always keep on believing.’’ Mark said.

Mark’s current ‘project’ is Sleep Sound Winter Appeal. The aim of which is to help those doing it tough to sleep more soundly this winter by providing them with donated sleeping bags, blankets, bedrolls and one-man tents.

Donated items can be left at Penrith Anglican College reception from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. If you can’t make it to Penrith Anglican College please send an email to emuplains@lionsclubssydney.org.au or come to the raffle at Lennox Village on Sat 17 Jun, and arrangements can be made.

Mark is always thinking of ways to help those less fortunate and Lions are in awe of this young fundraising ‘dynamo’.

Mark truly is an outstanding and inspirational young person and others from around the Penrith region, should draw from his work. If you like helping others, then Lions is for you.

To enquire about joining Lions, please contact Memberships Manager, John Choma at home on 4735 5120 or jwchoma@bigpond.com, or Secretary, Sue Hunt on 4735 7789, mobile 0409 393 711 or jacknsue@bigpond.com, or come to a casual dinner meeting at Emu Sporting Club, Leonay on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Look for the yellow shirts!

 Incoming President & Glenbrook resident, Alan Cooper presents the Red Shield Appreciation certificate to Mark Nielsen. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Devine

now re-opened

Cnr Forrester and Boronia Roads, St Marys North

localnews

By Keegan Thomson

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that Penrith customers will have more express services and more seats when travelling to the Blue Mountains, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. The improvements will be delivered as part of the More Trains More Services Program, a $1.5 billion NSW Government initiative to boost capacity across the network through hundreds of extra services, better infrastructure and new trains for Sydney.

From late 2017, Penrith customers will benefit from the following: 24 new express trains on weekends to take them to and from popular Blue Mountains destinations.

Dedicated 8-car weekend express trains travelling to and from the Blue Mountains More than 25,000 additional seats every week, including an extra 18,000 on weekends; A new weekday Sydney to Lithgow return express service including a stop at Penrith Station as well as Parramatta and popular Blue Mountains locations

like Springwood, Katoomba and Mount Victoria.

Stuart Ayres said the improvements are as a result of increased demand for services between the Blue Mountains and the Sydney CBD. “Not only will these improvements be a huge win for those travelling to and from one of NSW’s tourism hot spots, it’s also fantastic for Penrith locals who can take advantage of additional

trains taking them to destinations like Parramatta and the Sydney CBD for work or pleasure,” Stuart Ayres said.

Penrith customers travelling to Katoomba will also enjoy journey time savings of around 17 minutes on a return trip.

In addition, the NSW Government will fast track some further improvements in coming weeks by doubling capacity on six existing

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

All aboard the Penrith Express

15

weekend Blue Mountains line services that service Penrith Station, providing customers with more than 4,000 additional seats on weekends.

“We know Penrith is a rapidly growing area of Sydney and it’s important that we provide locals with a bettering offering of train services to meet their needs and encourage a greater use of public transport,” Stuart Ayres said.

We are a Penrith-based business that is rapidly expanding due to a number of new government & corporate contracts which allow us to provide a number of job opportunities for local people to join our busy team. Do you have trades skills that fit our role? Looking for a challenge and IMMEDIATE START? Send your resume now to hr@hix.com.au or call 4721 7500 for more information.

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LICENSED ELECTRICIAN – Industrial / Our Projects team is on the move with a range Commercial Maintenance & Installation of projects under way for key clients !!

We are a Penrith Based business with a range of projects throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area and are now seeking to add to our team.

We are seeking a Licensed Electrician, who enjoys “being on the tools” and has solid projects experience including construction and commercial fitout.

You will work under the direction of our Projects Manager, performing and overseeing site works , guiding other team members, ordering materials and attending site meetings .

You will be meticulous with quality, have experience in working on a range of medium to large projects, both in a team and independently, and have strong Work Health and Safety and Environmental management values.

Whilst our company is based in Penrith, work will be in the local and Sydney metro area.

Attractive wages, vehicle, uniforms and phone provided.

Please forward your resume to: hr@hix.com.au Enquiries to Andrew Osborne or Justin Walker: Ph: 4721 7500

Must be meticulous in your work, have good customer service skills & be willing to use a Smartphone as a part of our Electronic Job Management System.

16

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

The Penrith community kitchen helping locals this winter

By Conner Lowe

Every winter it gets harder and the need grows to feed those who can’t afford to buy their own meals. The Winter appeal helps all in the Penrith area and anywhere that it can stretch to help those in need. Wentworth housing help distribute the goods received and the money goes towards the kitchen for rent and food expenses.

“When you eat a hot meal tonight and jump into that cosy bed, give a thought to the less fortunate please,” said CEO of Penrith CBD Corp, Gai Hawthorn.

“The Penrith Community Kitchen is located on the corner of PCYC. It is open from Monday to Friday from 11:30am – 1:30pm and approximately feeds around 80-100 meals a day, and even more in winter.

The kitchen is run by volunteers that receive no funding from federal state or local governments, but they all do try and assist when needed.”

“Food outlets, schools and church groups often run days and donate from tin drives and other various forms of donations.”

The current president Bob Bains and his wife Pat have been with the kitchen for 19 years. The present location of PCYC is the third location in 19 years. The kitchen started back in behind Scott’s Auto Repairs which is now where Centrelink is on High Street. It was then moved to Calokerinos arcade and has since moved to its current destination at PCYC. When the kitchen started at Scott’s Auto Repairs, they didn’t have a lot of money. They received help and funding from Reverend John Martin, the Uniting Church and the Penrith Catholic Church who helped contribute to the rent. It was a slow progression at first as people did not know the kitchen was there for free meals.

The kitchen is there for anyone who needs a meal, whether they are homeless, in need of help or have suffered from a significant tragedy.

One day an elderly man came in he was nervous and said he was not homeless but his wife had died

recently and he didn’t know how to cook, but he would be glad to pay each day. A few months later another man came in the same situation and the two men became good mates. On Fridays, the kitchen ladies would tell them what to buy and helped explain how to cook for themselves on the weekend.

Some fond memories the kitchen have are helping serve people on Christmas day, with decorations and tables going down the arcades. They also receive help from Penrith CBD Corporation and local small businesses helping around 280 people each Christmas.

Forum to support and protect junior doctors Health professionals, medical colleges and health services will discuss ways to better support junior doctors at a groundbreaking forum in Sydney on Tuesday.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard ordered the JMO Wellbeing and Support Forum after concerns were raised about the pressures felt by young doctors.

“In my discussions with young doctors, it has hit home to me that the system is not working as well as it should to protect them, particularly those in specialty training programs,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This is a cultural issue that goes back decades.

It is likely that there is a need to make sure that more experienced doctors, who are supervising those in training, recognise how to support their junior colleagues and help them in difficult times.

“Colleges may also need to take steps to relieve the pressure on trainee doctors, who are working long hours.

“Junior doctors are also concerned that they may be reported if they consult a doctor about mental health issues.”

A 2013 National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students found that doctors reported substantially higher rates of psychological distress and attempted suicide compared with other

Australian professionals.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the forum was an opportunity to gather expert advice to assist in the development of NSW Health’s plan to improve and expand support mechanisms for junior doctors.

“I’m concerned some young doctors are feeling alone and under pressure. They have worked hard to get where they are and we need to ensure that they have people to turn to and effective supports when things get tough,” Mrs Davies said.

The NSW Government has invested $1.8 billion for mental health services in 2016-17, including $7.1 million for suicide prevention and clinical care.

More than 200 participants were invited to the forum, representing doctors, colleges, mental health and suicide prevention experts and health organisations.

A life will be lost every second day Western Sydney residents urged not to ignore potentially lifesaving screening test By the end of 2021, 2,880 people in Western Sydney will be diagnosed with bowel cancer and 820 will lose their life to the disease.

New data from the Cancer Institute NSW shows that from now on someone will die from bowel cancer in this community every two days on average.

A simple test can save lives, according to experts.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends a bowel cancer screening kit to all Australians 50 to 74 on a regular basis.

The screening can be done in a person’s home and can detect potential warning signs of bowel cancer at a very early stage, before symptoms develop.

Early diagnosis gives people the best chance of survival.

A positive result on a bowel cancer screening test can lead to changes being detected and treated before they turn into cancer.

Westmead Hospital senior staff specialist in medical oncology Dr Mark Wong said bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Western Sydney and the second most common cause of cancer deaths.

“As clinicians, too often we have to have difficult conversations with families about their diagnoses and treatment options. If we had detected these cancers while they were still localised, the prognoses would be very different,” said Dr Wong.

The state’s Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow

Bowel cancer was detected in Colin Campbell, 66, in February 2016 and he completed cancer treatment in February 2017.

stressed the importance of the test.

“The most important thing that a person can do to improve their chances of surviving a bowel cancer diagnosis is to have the cancer detected early. When you get your kit in the post, don’t put it off. It could save your life.”

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is a free service which mails screening kits to people

aged 50 to 74 years. For more information and to check your eligibility, visit cancerscreening.gov.au or call 1800 118 868.

If you have symptoms such as a persistent change in bowel habit, pain in your abdomen, bleeding, tiredness or weight loss, or if you are worried about your bowel health in any way, you should not wait for screening, but contact your doctor.

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17 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Tax office warning: Stop! Scammer time!

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding Australians to stop and think before giving their personal details or hard-earned money to scammers this tax time.

Assistant Commissioner Kath Anderson said 48,084 scams were reported to the ATO between July and October last year.

“We have already seen a five-fold increase in scams from January to May this year and typically expect further increases during the tax time period,” Ms Anderson said.

“Already this year, the ATO has registered over 17,067 scam reports.

Of these, 113 Australians handed over $1.5 million to fraudsters with about 2,500 providing some form of personal information, including tax file numbers.

“One victim lost $900,000 to scammers over the course of several months, even borrowing money from family and friends.

“The large number of people lodging their tax returns means scammers are particularly active, so it’s important to keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious and protect your private information.”

Ms Anderson said Australians are generally good at catching and reporting scams, but some scams are

Top tips to avoid tax time traps

harder to spot than others.

“Scammers locate genuine ATO numbers from our website and project these numbers in their caller ID in an attempt to legitimise their call – a form of impersonation known as “spoofing”. While we do make thousands of calls per week to the community, our outbound calls do not project numbers on caller ID. If one appears, it’s most likely a scam.

“People should be wary of emails, phone calls and SMS during tax time

that claim to be from the ATO, even if it seems legitimate. If you’re ever unsure about whether a call, text message or email is genuine, call us on 1800 008 540. If it’s real, we will connect you with the right area of the ATO.” If you think you or someone you know has fallen victim to a tax related scam, call the ATO on 1800 008 540 to make a report.

For more information on how to verify or report a scam, visit ato.gov. au/scams or for updates on the latest scams, visit Scamwatch.

1. Be aware of what you share You should only share your personal information with people you trust and organisations with a legitimate need for it.

2. Stay secure Keep your mobile devices and computers secure by changing your passwords regularly, keep your anti-virus, malware, and spyware protection software up-to-date and don’t click on suspicious links.

3. Don’t reply Don’t reply to any SMS or email with your personal or financial information.

4. Recognise a scam If someone asks you for your bank account or personal details, or demands money, refunds or free gifts, be cautious. Also avoid requests in emails or SMS requesting you to click on a link to log onto government or banking digital services.

5. Report scams If you think you or someone you know might have been contacted by a scammer, or have fallen victim to a tax-related scam, contact the ATO on 1800 008 540.

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Game-changing machine for Blacktown Hospital chemotherapy patients

Hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy at Blacktown Hospital could be a thing of the past, thanks to a new machine, donated this week by the hospital’s auxiliary.

Blacktown Hospital’s Cancer and Haematology Centre is the first facility in western Sydney – and one of few public hospitals in NSW – to house a Paxman Cooling Cap system for chemotherapy patients.

The machine was this week installed in the cancer centre, courtesy of a generous donation by the hospital’s long-serving auxiliary volunteers.

The treatment system uses a cold cap to cool the scalp, preserving a patient’s hair – and their self-confidence – during chemotherapy.

Blacktown Hospital Cancer and Haematology Centre manager Leanne Watson said the machine would be a game-changer for chemotherapy patients.

“Hair loss can affect how a person feels about themselves and many patients are reluctant to have chemotherapy because they’re worried about losing their hair,” she said.

“This treatment uses a frozen cap

that’s worn tightly on the head before, during and after a chemotherapy session; it is administered via tubes filled with coolant that chill the cap and limit the chemotherapy getting to the hair follicles – without increasing the chances of the cancer returning.”

The hospital’s cancer and haematology centre nurses are now being trained to use the machine, before it is available to patients later this year.

Blacktown Hospital general manager Sue-Anne Redmond thanked the hardworking auxiliary for donating nearly

$43,000 to fund the machine.

“We are so grateful to the auxiliary – we know many members are cancer survivors so they had a personal connection to raising funds for this piece of equipment,” she said.

“The auxiliary’s ongoing and longterm support has enabled us to enhance the quality of care for our patients.”

The auxiliary also recently donated a bladder scanner, worth $8700, to the hospital’s cardiac unit. Since its inception in 1959, the auxiliary has funded more than $750,000 worth of equipment.

19 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

localnews

*Purchase any New and Demo Mazda (excluding Mazad2) from Penrith Mazda nd receive Free CTP, REGO and Stamp Duty. Plus genuine Mazda Accessories valued $500, (excludes Mazda2). Car must be puchased and delivered between 10th-30th June 2017.

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e n t e r t a i n m e n t

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Heavens Above

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

22

with Reverend Ross Hutchison

You never know where your next good deed can go!

Let me explain.

A friend recently was in the right spot at the right time.

She had past a shop that displayed a “Closing Down Sale”.

We all see these signs and they often don’t register, unless something catches our eye, something that has a meaning for us. That’s normal.

My friend on the other hand, had something that caught her eye that was in no way connected with her life.

But something made her turn back to the store that she has just gone past and discovered a whole bundle of children’s brand new joggers.

For some reason these joggers reminded her of me and parts of what I do. Well, look out poor shopkeeper!

A realisation dawned of what these shoes would mean to the kids that the Ross Hutchison Foundation cares for, and Angel Friend not only purchased one or two needed pairs BUT bought the bloomin’ lot!

SOLUTION: 25th May

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

The difference that these gifts made to the child recipients, cannot be described in huge enough terms.

I feel it is within every one of us to sometimes take a second look at ourselves and every situation that surrounds us.

To give greater value to ourselves and the world in which we live.

Don’t miss a chance to do someone a favour.

Don’t ever doubt the miracle that you are!

Life Is Great.

Cheers For Now, Your Mate Rossco

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Wealth (7) 5 Put on clothes (7) 9 Pernicious (9) 10 What fish breathe

with (5) 11 Inner spirit (7) 12 Dawn (7) 13 Crystal (9) 15 Secure or fasten (5) 17 Loose temporary

stitches (5) 19 Space for movement (9) 22 Unsinkable ship (7) 25 Inate skills (7) 26 Pulsate (5) 27 Cover with zinc (9) 28 Courage (7) 29 Dragged the bottom

of a harbor (7)

DOWN 1 Not succeeding (7) 2 Repeat payments to performers (9) 3 Take one’s clothes off (7) 4 Soften and moisturize skin (9) 5 Writing tables (5) 6 Causing the improvement in offspring (7) 7 Ragout (5) 8 Tropical starchy tuberous root (7) 14 Beset with controversy or conflict (9) 16 Existing in abundance (9) 17 Basin (7) 18 Give a title to someone (7) 20 Government financial assistance (7) 21 Give false information (7) 23 Latin for “Earth” (5) 24 Clever (5)

solution 25/5/17

Secret debate Religion: fact or fantasy?

He Says.....................................................She Says Religion, the one subject that will split even the most faithful.

I cannot profess to know how the world began, but I am quite sure it wasn’t created by Adam and Eve and an apple tree.

And there lies the problem, there are no facts but a lot of stories which were interestingly put together in a time where most people could not write or read. Chinese whispers come to mind.

Often we hear the term “cult” as an evil group of misled people. My view is the only difference between religion and a cult is the amount of followers.

Has anyone ever noticed that in any religion, believers will always say it is the right of everyone to have faith, when what they really mean is “as

WIN!

long as it is the same faith that I have.”

I for one have difficulty accepting Noah and his two by two ark or any of the other tall stories in the “book”.

I do however believe in the basis of the philosophies of the Ten Commandments.

They are rules that provide for the basis of a strong society - I just don’t think they were left on a mountain for an Edmund Hillary of the day to find.

Religion is about power over people, I prefer an elected Government that we can turf if we need to.

Most of the clergy are good and fair people who help others, I tend to think these men and women would be the same without the need to be part of a sect.

Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.

I can hear the voice of George Michael singing in my ear as I write this: “You gotta have faith, faith, faith” There has to be a God. No ifs, no buts - because something created us.

Have you ever tried to construct a barbecue? Or erect a tent? Sure we might succeed in the end, but not before hours of painful instructions that don’t match the corresponding diagram, several expletives and a tossed tool here and there - it’s very difficult!

Now imagine creating a living, breathing human being?

Complete with an action pump to create blood flow throughout the body, long sticks that will enable the human to walk, run and jump. Shorter sticks with extensions on the end to enable

WHO’S WINNING Big Australia - yes or no?

it to pick things up, write, play music. A lump of meaty flesh to insert in its head that will somehow enable it to think, plan, dream and create!

Or a food chain of animals, plants and insects that ensures thousands of species can eat to survive and thrive? Oh and a venue that has just the right mix of oxygen, gravity and heat to make it all work or the whole thing comes tumbling down.

Something pretty spectacular had to create all that. If it wasn’t God, please introduce me to this incredibly talented creator.

If you don’t believe in God, then you don’t believe in heaven - so when we die its just, well a pile of dust.

How depressing is that?

Amen.

SHE WINS

23 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Dragalicious Does Hollywood

Performance dates: Saturdays 17th & 24th June starting at 7pm You can depend on both Wendy and Candy even on your worse days to bring a smile to your face. Wendy Wantsit (if she wants it, she gets it) is Sydney’s drag royalty and does a fabulous tag team with the irresistible Candy Cumpot to re-enact scenes from Baby Jane and Gone with the Wind to name just a couple.

If you enjoy the hilarious wit of these sharptongued drag legends with a heart of gold, you can’t go past Dragalicious Does Hollywood.

With the drag-a-thon of sing-alongs and cutting one-liners, they’ll keep you skyrocketing out of this world!

To name just a few Hollywood stars they will celebrate: Tina Turner, Julie Andrews, Doris Day, Shirley Temple and many more!

Come with a group of friends dressed in drag and be prepared to compete and win prizes.

Tickets $25 when you book online or $30 at the door Ticket price is - $25.00 (limited seating available) To book tickets for the show go to www. trybooking.com/267492 Dragalicious Does Hollywood will be performed at Emu Sports Club, 1 Leoany Parade; Leonay.

02 4736 4647 THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

New evocative play comes to the Joan

By Keegan Thomson

IT takes a lot of guts to get up on stage and perform in front of an audience but it takes even more gusto to get up and perform in a one-woman play.

Chenoa Deemal, an Aboriginal woman from Cape York, is bringing her adaptation of the one woman play, The Seven Stages of Grieving, to the Joan later this month.

Ms Deemal says the play is widely accessible and takes a deep and meaningful look at Aboriginal culture in Australia.

“It’s a great show,” Ms Deemal said. “It’s not all about grief, there’s lot’s of humour and lightheartedness.”

“Emotionally, it’s a very well balanced show and audiences around Australia have loved it so I don’t think the people of western Sydney would receive it any differently,” she said.

The Seven Stages of Grieving was written 20 years ago by Aboriginal writer Wesley Enoch and Indigenous actress Deborah Mailman, though the script has been reworked for a more contemporary audience.

Due to the heavy themes explored in the play, Ms Deemal said she’s had to become “show fit” in order to

 Chenoa Deemal on stage in The Seven Stages of Grieving. Photo: Supplied

perform as a solo artist.

“You have to get “show-fit” when you’re performing in a play like this and that includes the mental preparation,” she said.

“I use a lot of emotional recall and sense memory in order to

have a deeper connection with the monologues.

“With content like this, it can be very taxing mentally and emotionally so it’s very important to look after yourself and get plenty of rest and downtime.”

Growing up in the remote Queensland mining community of Cape Flattery, Ms Deemal said she’s always had a calling for the stage.

“I’ve loved acting since I was little,” She said. “Every year we did a concert for our families and the miners, it was then that I fell in love with performing.”

“I guess I stayed involved with theatre as I got older because I felt a deeper connection to myself when I was on stage, it’s hard to describe but I felt it was something I just knew would be my path in life,” she said.

Even though she’s now a bonafide, professional stage actress, Ms Deemal said as an Aboriginal actress it is still hard to break through traditional stereotypes around Aboriginal and Indigenous people.

“I think one of the biggest struggles we face as indigenous artists is that we consistently have to break down stereotypes. We persistently have to remind the rest of Australia that we don’t fit into the boxes that others want to place us in,” she said.

Chenoa Deemal’s performance of The Seven Stages of Grieving will play at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on June 16 and 17. Tickets are available form their website or the box office.

25 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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nepeanhistory

26 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Convicts at Emu Plains

By Paul Wheeldon

‘it is with the entire conviction of the importance of the Agricultural Establishment …that I have given every possible growth to the station at Emu Plains; have nourished Bathurst as a depot for welleducated convicts; and founded a new settlement on a small scale at Wellington Valley.’

Governor Brisbane’s reference to Emu Plains refers in part to his naïve and ill-fated venture in sending 25 female ‘volunteers’ to that establishment in July 1822 so that they might be employed at field work and might hence become useful farmers’ wives. He also appears to have hoped that the male convicts would be improved by the softening influence of female company. The convict women were housed in bark huts built for them next to the gaol near the Nepean River, and about three quarters of a mile from the men and a quarter of a mile from the Western Road.

Peter Murdoch, the superintendent of the station, foresaw an immediate problem of segregation and control, and called on the Colonial Secretary, Major Goulburn, in Sydney to seek guidance on the Governor’s policy. The Major was alleged on oath to have replied that the women must not couple with more than seven at any one time. The subsequent tales of the conduct of the Emu Plains station could hardly have improved much on the reality of the situation, and by the following year had excited a powerful sensation in England against the unfortunate Governor’s supposed motive and ineffectual supervision.

This episode helped to inhibit further thought of even limited integration of the sexes at convict establishments until the homosexual scandals of the mid 1840s.

Shortly after August 1825 the superintendent of the Wellington Valley settlement in NSW, Percy Simpson, had employed his ‘gentlemen convicts’ in constructing a brick and shingle barrack for their residence. It was on the same plan as the Emu Plains stockade which Backhouse described

 Thomas Makdougall Brisbane (1773-1860), by F. Schenck, c1850 State Library of New South Wales, GPO 2 - 51937.

in September 1835: ‘The huts are but temporary structures … they form three sides of an area, the fourth side of which is closed by a high stockade …the prisoners sleep on sheets of bark on large platforms.’

Reference: Kerr, James Semple, Design for Convicts – An account of design for convict establishments in the Australian Colonies during the transportation era. Chapter 7 - Stockades 1822-1842

Great news for first home buyers in NSW! The NSW government on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive package for first home buyers that will make owning your first home in NSW a whole lot easier*.

To help improve housing affordability for first home buyers, from 1 July 2017 the government will: • abolish stamp duty on all homes up to $650,000 • give stamp duty relief for homes up to $800,000 • provide a $10,000 grant for builders of new homes up to $750,000 and purchasers of new homes up to $600,000 • abolish insurance duty on lenders’ mortgage insurance This presents a great opportunity to contact us now to see what you can borrow – you may be able to purchase your first home sooner than you thought!

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27 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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30

finance and real estate matters

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Real estate prices may have peaked but help for first home buyers With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

The local and greater Sydney real estate market appears to have reached its peak in prices over the last month or so. Demand from investors has decreased substantially due to the changes to lending policies introduced by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) who govern the lenders.

APRA wanted to cool demand and prices in the two biggest markets of Sydney and Melbourne by making lending more difficult for investors.

They were also very concerned about the high number (37 per cent) of all home loans in the country that only have interest only repayments. Too many owner occupiers are getting interest only loans, which means that they are not paying down any of the principal balance.

If there is a market downturn in prices, people may be caught out by having a loan with a balance greater

than the value of their property. This is a very dangerous situation to be in personally as well as being a drain on confidence and the overall economy.

Most lenders have been increasing interest rates for all investment loans with greater increases for interest only loans for investment properties. For example, at the National Australia Bank, owner occupiers paying principal plus interest variable rate loans can get 3.99 per cent but have to pay 4.47 per cent if the repayments are just interest only.

Still at the NAB, investors paying the principal plus interest can get a variable rate of 4.43 per cent or a higher 4.81 per cent if the repayments are interest only!

So the difference between an owner occupier paying the standard principal plus interest repayments is a rate that is 0.82 per cent lower than an investor paying interest only repayments.

On top of these higher interest rates, most lenders have also tightened lending criteria for interest only lending. Most lenders now limit these types of loans to 80 per cent of the

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

property valuation/s. This means that you need more equity to purchase with this type of repayments.

Australia’s biggest home loan lender, Commonwealth Bank, has also stopped any new loans having interest only repayments for any construction loans after the construction has been completed. They probably think that construction loans are more risky than standard property loans so want to reduce their exposure to the segment of the market.

Whenever loans become more expensive and harder to get, demand for property usually decreases. This is what APRA wants to achieve.

First Home Buyers have also had some assistance reinstated. Last week, the NSW government announced that they are bringing back stamp duty exemptions and concessions for First Home buyers purchasing existing properties. These concessions apply for purchasers who sign contracts from the 1st of July.

The stamp duty is waived for all purchases up to $650,000 which

will mean savings of up to $24,740.

Concessions (discounts) apply to purchasers between $650,001 and $800,000. The exact amount of these concessions have not yet been announced and are subject to being passed through both houses of the state parliament.

Stamp duty concessions for First Home buyers buying vacant land is not being changed from the current policy.

These discounts to stamp duty for First Home buyers will increase demand from this group in the short term. This should mean more people trying to buy property around the $650,000 price range. This will probably mean that some of all of the savings will be lost to the vendor in higher prices.

At least First Home buyers now have less competition from investors at the moment!

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@ selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker We are a Penrith-based business that is rapidly expanding due to a number of new government & corporate contracts which allow us to provide a number of job opportunities for local people to join our busy team. Do you have trades skills that fit our role? Looking for a challenge and IMMEDIATE START? Send your resume now to hr@hix.com.au or call 4721 7500 for more information.

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You MUST have a sound knowledge and experience in the above areas and a clear understanding of Australian Standards and Building Codes along with a willingness to provide professional standards of service to our clients.

We offer attractive wages and allowances, fully equipped vehicle, uniforms, mobile phone and electronic tablet (for use in accessing our Job Management System) and a great working environment.

If you are interested in joining our team, please send your resume to: hr@hix.com.au Enquiries to Shane Watts, Manager: (02) 4721 7500

Must be meticulous in your work, have good customer service skills & be willing to use a Smartphone as a part of our Electronic Job Management System.

“Nervous” Mansour plays starring role for Penrith

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

Josh Mansour may have ran out on to ANZ Stadium last Sunday having played the most number of games as a Panther among the seventeen that took to the field.

But after last Sunday’s triumphant return barely seven months after rupturing his ACL during the Four Nations series, the Australian, NSW and Penrith winger conceded he was the most nervous he has ever been in his 88 NRL game career to date.

“Definitely the most nerves I have had coming into a game,” Mansour admitted.

“All these thoughts came into my head, both good and bad.”

“You try not to think about it but you can’t really help it.”

It’s easy to understand where those nerves come from when you consider the dark times Mansour admits he experienced as he slowly worked his way through the rehabilitation process, while watching his teammates go through a roller-coaster start to the 2017 season.

“I was pretty much training by myself every day in the heat, the cold and the rain,” Mansour stated.

“Plus I’m not the best spectator. It’s very difficult watching the boys win.

“You like to see them win but it’s frustrating as well as you want to be a part of that winning culture.

“And when you see the boys lose you feel helpless and can’t really do much.

“But I’m very grateful to have the medical and rehab team we have at the club.”

The Penrith winger also admitted he needed to back himself to in order to overcome those nerves.

 Josh “Man-soars” towards his 49th NRL try for Penrith. Credit: 77 Media.

“I just wanted to have a positive outlook and treat it like it was a normal game,” Mansour claimed.

“I needed to believe in myself knowing that I did everything I could to get to this point and I knew that if I just stuck to what I knew everything was going to work out.

“I just had to take the game head on.

I couldn’t come in half-hearted, I just had to come in play hard.”

Mansour certainly took the game head-on, turning in a typical powerhouse performance.

21 runs for a game-high 213 metres, five tackle-breaks, two offloads, a line-break, a try assist after kicking to Nathan Cleary before capping off the game with a signature diving effort to score in the left corner.

But Mansour admits it took him a while for him to get a feel for the game.

“The first twenty (minutes) was the most challenging, just getting into the game and kind of trying to pace myself and get involved I think that was the hardest part,” Mansour said.

“My first run especially was like being in slow-mo to be honest, it was weird.

“But I knew that as soon as got that run out of the way I knew everything would fall into place.

“Going into the second half I found my second wind.

“I was getting a few low tackles and that got my confidence a bit up and I couldn’t be happier with the way I finished.

“It was my first game and while I’m feeling great and very happy to get it out of the way, I can’t get too carried away and I’ve got to keep working hard.”

Whilst Mansour’s game had some suggesting he could make a quick return to the NSW side for Game Two in just over a fortnight’s time in Sydney, the 2016 Origin winger was more realistic, instead suggesting that regaining his Kangaroos jersey in a World Cup year is a more obtainable goal as he focuses on playing good footy for Penrith.

“Obviously very hard to change that first team that won up in Queensland so to be honest I’m not even thinking about Origin right now,” Mansour conceded.

“If the opportunity arose I would definitely be grateful to be back in the NSW team.

“But to be honest, I’ve come back in the middle of the year when everyone’s already at peak match fitness. It’s going to be slow going for a little while.

“I just want to think about doing my job here for Penrith, getting back to that form from last year and see what happens from there.

“That said the World Cup is definitely on my mind.

“I want to finish the year strong and try take my form into the World Cup, wherever that leads me and hopefully I’ll get that test jersey back at the end of the year.

“It’s the highest accolade you can get in rugby league and obviously to play in a World Cup on home soil that would be a dream come true.”

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31 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

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ROUND 14 CRO MAN BRI GCT PAN MEL NEW SOU NZW CAN June 8 7.50pm

June 9 6.00pm

June 9 7.50pm

June 10 3.00pm

June 10 5.30pm

ROUND 15

PAR NQC

WES SYD

BUL STG

SOU GCT

June 10 7.30pm

June 11 4.00pm

June 12 4.00pm

June 16 7.50pm

MEL CRO PAR NQC WES STG June 17 5.30pm

June 17 7.30pm

June 18 4.00pm

SCORE

Sharon Mudiman - First National Glenmore Park - 0413 757 998

124 Greg Taylor - Stanton & Taylor - 0418 235 333

136 Lauren Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Prestige Cleaning - 0415 166 306

122 Mark Fitzpatrick - Penrith Valley Pest Control - 0430 220 263

134 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

116 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

130 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

124 Tricia Hitchen - Deputy Mayor - 0417 365 313

BONUS 4 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUNDS IN ROUND 12 & 13

★

130 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

114 Jeff WatsonBenard - Club Bratusa President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211 Councillor

124 Aaron Tyres- -Venue @printManager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Iris Russell

114

TIPSTERS ROUND 14

CRO MAN BRI GCT PAN MEL NEW SOU NZW CAN June 8 7.50pm

June 9 6.00pm

June 9 7.50pm

June 10 3.00pm

June 10 5.30pm

ROUND 15

PAR NQC

WES SYD

BUL STG

SOU GCT

June 10 7.30pm

June 11 4.00pm

June 12 4.00pm

June 16 7.50pm

MEL CRO PAR NQC WES STG June 17 5.30pm

June 17 7.30pm

June 18 4.00pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

118 Drew Clegg - BOQ - 0427 998 111

116 David Seager - Seager Financial Services - 0411 107 776

108 Prue Car - Memberfor Londonderry - 9833 1122

112 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

126 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

122 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

126 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

134 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

124 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

118 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

106

34

mgcup

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

MG Cup produces an exciting round of Rugby League

By Conner Lowe

THE MG Cup is in full swing and saw multiple schools clash in last week’s games. The two competitions are for U14’s and U/16’s and will see schools all over Western Sydney play each other.

In the U/14’s competition there were three matches played. Glenmore Park High School defeated Jamison High School 38-18 in a very close contest. Erskine Park defeated Chifley Dunheved 42-nil in a game where Erskine Park High School were too good for their opposition. The closest game of the round in the U/14’s was between Chifley Shalvey who defeated Chifley Mt Druitt 16-10. The game was played in the highest spirits and was filled with some great footy, overall a very good display of Rugby League in the MG Cup.

In the U/16’s competition there was two matches played. Both games were very even contests and could have gone either way. The first game was St Columbas who defeated Rooty Hill High School 21-16. The game was a very good contest and either school could have won, however it was St Columbas who came out as victors in the end. In the other match Chifley Shalvey defeated Nepean CAPA 286. Again, the game was a very close contest with Chifley Shalvey able to capitalise on more of their

U14’s

chances and come away with a comfortable win in the end.

Over both age competitions, there was some extremely good Rugby League played and some close results. The next round of the MG Cup will be played through the next school week, with hopefully another round of exciting school Rugby League to be played.

The Mark Geyer Cup focuses on school attendance and good behaviour in order to play rugby league.

U16’s

RESULT Glenmore Park - 38

Jamison High – 18

RESULT

Erskine Park - 42

Chifley Dunheved – 0

St Columbas - 21

Rooty Hill – 16

Chifley Shalvey – 16

Chifley Mt Druitt – 10

Chifley Shalvey - 28

Nepean CAPA – 6

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Repeat Sets with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

MOYLAN MASTERCLASS HAS PANTHERS PURRING AGAIN It was just four weeks ago when Panthers skipper said he wanted to remain at fullback.

But with dual injuries to Bryce Cartwright (knee) and Peter Wallace (groin), the time had come for the skipper to make the Darren Lockyer-like switch to the five eighth role for the clash with the Bulldogs last Sunday at ANZ Stadium.

The end result? A 38-0 win that smashed all kinds of records and most importantly re-established Penrith’s credentials as a top-eight contender capable of challenging for the premiership.

Anthony Griffin’s decision to move Moylan paid early dividends for a side that has had its well reported issues with their opening half performances, when the skipper rushed out of the line in the Bulldogs’ opening set, dislodging the ball from Kerrod Holland’s grasps. It was a play which wasn’t lost on the coach after the game.

“We had a real focus on coming here and being able to a job defensively for the eighty minutes,” Griffin stated.

“For the team to see their captain fly out of the line like that and get an error in the first set, that set the tone.”

That play enabled back-rower Corey HarawiraNaera to run a great line off a Nathan Cleary pass to open the scoring after just four minutes and in the process giving the Panthers the dream start for the first time since Round Four.

A Moylan line-break allowed Penrith to score again moments later when club debutant Mitch Rein, dived over from dummy half midway through the first half.

Their rediscovered composure in attack continued to pay dividends as the Panthers led 14-0 at the break after quick hands on the last tackle from Leilani Latu and Isaah Yeo saw Moylan score his fifth try in four outings.

If the Panthers were controlled in the first half, they the relentless against the hapless Bulldogs in the second half as Moylan and Josh Mansour capitalised on the strong work up front, led by Yeo, Trent Merrin and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

That man Moylan got the scoreboard ticking over once more when he put Yeo on an angled run to the tryline before the backrower offloaded to Waqa Blake to score in his 50th NRL appearance.

Some loose play on the last tuned into gold when Mansour of all people laid on a try for Nathan Cleary after his kick under the posts was regathered by the half.

 Matt Moylan made an instant impact at 6 last Sunday.

Credit: 77 Media.

Rein soon had his first NRL double since 2012 after Blake again on the last, kept play alive before finding his hooker steaming through back on the inside to reach out and score.

The records tumbled when a typical Mansour try in the corner was converted by Cleary in the dying moments to take the score out to 38-0.

The score-line not only represented Penrith’s biggest win over the Bulldogs but was their biggest win at ANZ Stadium (breaking a five-game losing streak at the venue in the process) and their second biggest win away from home against all opponents.

Apart from the eighty minute performance, coach Anthony Griffin was clearly happy with his team’s ball control and also acknowledged that his team have worked hard to emerge from their form slump and are well primed to challenge for a top-eight spot having won three straight to again reach the halfway point of the season with five wins and seven losses.

“It was just a really good 80 minute display,” Griffin stated.

“Obviously we defended well but I thought our control with the ball in the first half really set us for the rest of the game to be honest.

“I know it hasn’t been pretty the last few weeks but over the 80 minutes we have been getting it done.

“We had plenty of chances not to. We gave away a couple of big leads.

“But I couldn’t fault the way we have been training and preparing.

“We just haven’t been getting it right. Today we got it right.”

However Penrith’s stop-start season in the Intrust Super Premiership continued with

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arguably their most disappointment performance of the season, going down 14-4 to the Bulldogs.

Whilst the side were dealt a blow with the elevation of Dylan Edwards and Mitch Rein to the NRL side, the inclusion of Peta Hiku alongside the likes of Sitaleki Akauola, Moses Leota and Te Maire Martin should have been enough to defeat an inexperienced Bulldogs outfit.

But the Bulldogs, having shot out to an early 12-0 lead, dug deep in defence to protect that lead, restricting the Panthers to a lone second half 80m try to winger Christian Crichton.

The Panthers have it all to do if they want to work their way into the top-four when they take on Mounties this Saturday morning at Pepper Stadium, but are strengthened by the return of Jack Hetherington (suspension) and Jed Cartwright (injury).

David Tangata-Toa’s Holden Cup side are back on track and continue to share top spot with the Cronulla Sharks, after a hard-fought 28-12 win over the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground last Saturday, with hooker Wayde Egan continuing his try-scoring form having scored yet another double.

The Lithgow junior has now scored 12 tries for the season including eight in his last three games.

The Panthers next take on tenth-placed Canberra this Saturday afternoon, also at Pepper Stadium.

Peter Wallace is once again absent with Penrith naming the same 17 that demolished the Bulldogs for this Saturday evening’s “home” clash in Bathurst against an equally desperate Canberra side that like the tenth-placed Panthers, are one win out of the top eight.

The 21-man squad in numeric order is as follows: Edwards, Mansour, Blake, Whare, D WateneZelezniak, Moylan (C), Cleary, Tamou, Rein, Campbell-Gillard, Harawira-Naera, Yeo, Merrin.

Interchange: Peachey, Latu, Browne, Kikau, Akauola, Katoa, Leota, Hiku.

Isaah Yeo and James Tamou, who were both taken from the field late in the Bulldogs game for precautionary reasons, are both expected to be right at this stage for the Raiders clash according to coach Anthony Griffin.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

35 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

penrith panthers

sport

36 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

Coach’s Corner Rid The Game Of Wrestle Mania

State of Origin One last week was the best game of Rugby League I have seen in almost two seasons.

The only exception in that time would be the spectacle that has become the Broncos Vs Cowboys matches which seem to always produce an open and fast style showcasing the elite skill and conditioning of the modern Rugby League player.

Both teams should be congratulated particularly on the first half which was frantic! But when we delve in and take a close look at the reasons behind the spectacle that was the Origin opener we can draw a clear line to why so many NRL competition games have become nearly unwatchable: 1. Wrestling and the constant emphasis on play the ball speed and ground work. 2. The over officiating of matches through the two referees and the “Bunker”.

Wrestling has become a buzz word and an area of emphasis for coaches for at least 15 years in the NRL competition which has seen it drip right down to the junior levels which is a column for another day! The game is won and lost at the ruck and with the speed of the play the ball each team can generate. Hence the coaching and tactics in that area have become the emphasis of game plans and structures. For the past 15 years we have all acknowledged it’s existence and the negative effect it has had on the game yet no one has ever taken responsibility for it and as a game we have done what we do best and shifted the blame, the

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majority onto the Melbourne Storm and coach Craig Bellamy.

To blame the Storm would be short sighted, put simply they are just the best at it and have used wrestling as a part of their success. The Storm are an easy target as every NRL team has a wrestling coach.

I love Rugby League, but I find myself switching games off or fast forwarding through them because of the robotic style we have evolved into through the efficiency of the wrestling. I find most games boring!

Solution?

Firstly the NRL should remove all current coaches from the rules committee. The coaches should not have a say on the rules that are implemented each season. Each coach has an agenda and they want the rules to fit that agenda / style of play. Secondly the NRL should fine every player caught wrestling where another player is put at risk of injury along with a mandatory two week suspension. And finally referees should have the power to send any player caught using wrestling tactics in any game to a 5 minute sin bin.

At the moment the game is over analysed and officiated which has resulted in a stop and start nature to our game. Taking away the element of fatigue and therefore the openness of each match. In State of Origin Game One there were six penalties and minimal stoppages and the referees made the players and the game the focus. As long as the game flowed

the referees stayed out of it, a perfect scenario. But with all our analysis and criticism of referees we have inadvertently given them a profile to which they think they need to live up to each weekend in fear of the constant criticism. The referees should not have a personality or style which influences the game. They are there to enforce the rules and ensure games flow. I am sick of players running at referees and referees calling players by their nicknames. The on field referees have their job description all wrong and don’t get me started on the “Bunker” who are refereeing the game in super slow motion. Solution?

Go back to one referee and give them more power, reward the referees for their performances and not their personalities. Every scoring play goes under a 20 second review from the “Bunker” to eliminate the try / no try embarrassment for the referees and let’s allow them to make confident decisions on the field.

We should implement a “Captains Challenge” where teams can challenge up to two decisions in each half.

And finally, lets start cleaning up our game in order to ensure it is fast, open and inclusive of all body shapes and sizes because at the moment those dominating the game are WWE like body shapes who are taking the speed, skill and excitement away from the fans. If you need any evidence these changes need to be made, do yourself a favour and rewatch State of Origin Game One!

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1110

Pick “Wal” AND Me pleads newest Panther

By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn

Penrith’s latest Panther, Mitch Rein has made an impassionate plea to coach Anthony Griffin to play off the bench when first-choice hooker Peter Wallace returns from a groin injury, most likely after the bye in Round 16 against North Queensland.

The former St George-Illawarra hooker, who has had to wait nearly half a season to make his club debut for the Panthers, has certainly made a strong case to be retained in the 17 after his starring role in Penrith’s 38-0 trouncing of the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The 27-year old veteran of 133 NRL games, scored two tries and made a game-high 35 tackles in a near-faultless 80 minute performance against a side he has previously only defeated on two occasions from eleven starts.

Rein told Nepean News he would relish the opportunity to share the hooking role with Wallace and hopes that coach Anthony Griffin agrees with his view that bringing a different skill set to the role could be of benefit to the team.

“I would love that because Wal

(Peter Wallace) is a great player and we’re totally different players,” Rein said.

“I think I could bring a lot of energy to the side and I think I do have the potential to come on off the bench and speed up the tempo of the game if that is what the coach wants to do.

“But I’m not the coach and it’s up to him to decide at the moment.”

Rein hosed down suggestions that he was looking to leave the club before June 30, but did admit the move out west was tough both on and off-the field as he bided his time as arguably the form player of the Intrust Super Premiership competition before becoming Penrith’s 571st first grade player.

“Yep (I could have moved elsewhere) but it’s a great club here and we’ve got a great future,” Rein stated.

“It’s been a bit frustrating so far this year but I’ve just had to hang in there and wait for my opportunity really.

“That’s the main thing that has kept me motivated.

“It definitely wasn’t the easiest move in the world especially coming out to the West away from all my friends and family.

“But I’m great mates with Trent Merrin. He put me up in his house for

 A satisfied Mitch Rein after making his triumphant club debut for Penrith.

Credit: 77 Media.

a couple of months and he has been a massive help for me.”

Rein says that while there was plenty to draw upon from Nathan Peats’ unexpected but highly successful debut for NSW in last Wednesday’s State of Origin opener (ironically at the expense of his Panthers team-mate), that didn’t stop the experienced hooker from feeling nervous going into last Sunday’s clash against a club he knew well from his days as a Dragon.

“Like Nathan, once you get an opportunity you want to make the most of it, that’s what I wanted to do as well,” Rein admitted.

“But it’s been a long time since I’ve had a run in the top grade and haven’t played there for a while so I was pretty nervous throughout the week.

“I’ve always had some really tough battles against the Bulldogs over the years because they are such a strong side so to get that win today was special.”

Understandably Rein was excited by having scored his first career double since July 2012 (against this week’s opponents, Canberra) and just his second overall in the NRL, but his first concern was simply getting through the eighty minutes.

“I’ve scored a few (doubles) I think over the years, but it’s awesome to get a double in my first NRL game this year as a Panther,” Rein exclaimed.

“Obviously scoring tries is awesome but I wasn’t expecting to get one or even a double.

“I just wanted to get through that 80 minutes. Work hard, get my defence right, play simple and not overplay my hand in attack.

“So I’m more than happy with how things went out there today.”

Sports Scenes

(With Thanks to 77 Media)

The cameras of 77 Media were on hand to capture all the action from Penrith’s record 38-0 win over the hapless Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

David Klemmer “welcomes back” his 2016 Origin team-mate, Josh Mansour.

While Tim Browne revelled in his first home-coming against his former club.

Waqa Blake celebrated his 50th NRL game in style.

He might be sandwiched here but Isaah Yeo again was dominant, setting up two tries.

There’s no doubting that Trent Merrin is back to his bullocking best.

There was no way the “Dogs of War” were ever going to win this battle.

37 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

penrith panthers

38

penrith panthers

Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

FEARS CARTWRIGHT’S SEASON COULD BE OVER AS MOYLAN MAKES THE MOVE TO 5/8 Initially it was hoped that Bryce Cartwright’s knee injury sustained in the Knights game a fortnight back would only see the talented backrower miss just four-six weeks.

But Panthers coach Anthony Griffin last Saturday confirmed reports that the knee injury is worse than first thought, stating that Cartwright will miss another ten weeks which prompted the much-anticipated decision to shift Matt Moylan to five-eighth.

According to Griffin, the decision was a simple one given that Moylan has been the side’s virtual five eighth in attack given Cartwright’s lower leg issue which has been an on-going concern since Round Two, had not healed as well as first thought.

“It’s just the way our team’s evolved through injury at the moment,” Griffin said.

“He’s obviously played there before in Origin so knowing he (Moylan) can play there he gets his chance.”

The Panthers coach also confirmed it was his decision not Moylan’s to play at five-eighth, given it also allowed him to promote in-demand young fullback, Dylan Edwards to the side.

“I asked him to play there. I thought it was the best thing for the team at the moment” Griffin declared.

“We’re fortunate to have someone like Dylan Edwards who has been great at fullback in NSW Cup. “Every game he’s been called up to the NRL during his short career so far he’s done the job so it made the decision easier to put Matt up there.”

However the decision also ensures speculation continues on Te Maire Martin’s uncertain future at Penrith, as Griffin re-affirmed that the Kiwi international still had a lot of work to do to before being considered for a return to first grade.

“Te Maire’s got some work to do and I always speak to him about that every week,” Griffin said.

“Just at the moment from a form point of view Matt’s in really good form playing with Nathan (Cleary) there last week.

“He did a lot of second receiver work against the Warriors the week before as well.

“Bryce just hasn’t been quite right with that leg so Matt’s been pushing up there most of the time anyway so it was just a natural thing to put him there and give Dylan that fullback role.”

Members will get general admission entry to the game plus a 2017 members pack / stationery set, access and invite to members-only functions and much more.

Plus members wishing to take the game-day bus from Penrith to Bathurst can do so for the ridiculously cheap price of just $10.

 Despite being ruled out for ten weeks, there are suggestions Bryce Cartwright could miss the rest of the season. Credit: 77 Media.

In some brighter news, Griffin confirmed that Peter Wallace had run with the team at last Saturday’s Captain’s run and is on track to return after the bye in two weeks against North Queensland as is James Fisher Harris is also likely to return after the bye against the Cowboys.

One welcome selection headache leading into last weekend’s clash with the Bulldogs was who to omit for the returning Josh Mansour, with Peta Hiku the odd man out and playing in the Intrust Super Premiership for the second time this season.

Mansour’s return and the continued strong form of Isaah Yeo and Corey Harawira-Naera in the back-row have again raised questions as to what is Tyrone Peachey’s best position given the utility is restricted to 30-35 minute second half appearances from the bench.

But despite having seemingly found a home at left centre in 2016 and again at the start of 2017, Griffin is more than happy to accommodate Peachey on the bench.

“He just does a good job wherever you put him,” Griffin responded.

“That’s the benefit of having him on the bench, he covers a lot of positions for you.

“He does that role really well and he was great for us today.”

Penrith are urging fans to take up a special Bathurst membership package ahead of this Saturday evening’s clash with Canberra at Carrington Park.

For just $40 ($30 for kids), Bathurst Panther

The Panthers will arrive in Bathurst on Wednesday and will be wasting no time spreading the Panther gospel as they look to host junior clinics, school visits, meet and greets with the fans at Bathurst Panthers as well as the Panthers Sportsman’s lunch the day before the game, featuring Anthony Griffin and Phil Gould AM along with skipper Matt Moylan, Trent Merrin and Isaah Yeo. Despite the expected cool evening conditions expecting to favour the Raiders, one match-up worth the price of admission alone will be Josh Mansour going head-to-head with the NRL’s form winger in 2017, Jordan Rapana.

Congratulations to Waqa Blake who became the latest member of the 2013 Holden Cup winning side to reach 50 NRL games for the club.

Also congratulations to Nathan Cleary who has become the youngest Panther to register 100 points in a NRL season in their first two seasons in the top grade.

Penrith may have found its next Eto Nabuli with “Fijian Flyer” Maika Sivo a chance to feature in the Intrust Super Premiership side, having already scored 18 tries this season for St Marys in the Ron Massey Cup. Speaking of Nabuli, the former Panther could become a rugby union international – for Australia, after a string of strong performances this season for the Queensland Reds has seen him rewarded with selection in a 34-man Wallabies squad.

Penrith have added a new shorts sponsor, the Sydney-based property services group – Glad Group, who will feature on the back of the playing shorts for at least the rest of this season.

See you at the game. #PantherPride

MG on the mark with MARK GEYER

Half yearly awards

 Who can stop the Storm?

 Dragons are flying high

As we hit the half way mark (boy hasn’t that gone quick?) of the current NRL season I thought I’d have a look over the opening 13 rounds of the competition and hand out some awards, and a few gongs.

Best team - Melbourne.

Currently sitting atop the premiership ladder with that look of glory once again. What a team, what a club, what a coach. Melbourne are the complete package when it comes to professionalism a fact backed up by player after player wanting to play down there in the hope of some magic dust rubbing off on them. It would seem it is their competition to lose.

Best Player - Andrew Fifita What a season the often controversial Fifita is having! After winning a competition for the first time with the Sharks, Fifita has gone to the next level.

Not only is he almost unstoppable with the ball in hand he seems to have gotten the memo that rugby league is only a small part of one’s life so he “better start making hay whilst the sun shines”. And boy isn’t he.

Most Disappointing team - Souths Sure they lost their best player Greg Inglis to a season-ending knee injury, but that really isn’t an excuse for a major contender like the boys from Redfern always are. Currently sitting in 14th spot the Rabbitohs would need some type of miracle to make this year’s top 8. Something thought unimaginable before a ball had been kicked pre-season.

Buy of the year - Paul Vaughan Dragons What a year the former Raider has had. His acquisition is one, if not the major reason his team are sitting in second spot on the table. A pure bred origin player that once picked, will be there for a long time.

Best Import - Elliott Whitehead Canberra There are currently a plethora of English imports making their marks in the NRL, but in my opinion Whitehead is the pick. Tough, skillful, and game, Whitehead is an 80 min player integral to the Raiders premiership hopes.

 What’s happened to the Rabbits?

 NSW flying high

Most improved - Jack De Belin Dragons There are a lot of reasons why the Dragons are a real premiership hope this year. I’ve just mentioned Vaughan, there’s also Widdup, Dugan and Frizzell but its De Belin whose game has gone through the roof.

Love watching him play.

Most frustrating team to watch - Warriors Known as the ‘origin bullies’ due to the fact they are hardly ever represented (Lillyman this year) the Warriors offer so much but deliver so little. When it comes to tipping comps who is like me when you say “ok I’ll give them one more chance”? Only to be let down by the inconsistency they show. Should make the 8 every year given they have an entire country to pick their team from.

Likely Grand Finalists? Storm v Sharks You get the feeling we are headed for another showdown between the two teams who battled out last year’s big one. The Storm are so resilient, the Sharks so consistent, they both have untold match-winning abilities, they both have great depth, they both are hungry for success. Recipes for an invitation to the big dance in October if ever I’ve seen it.

And another thing....

It would be remiss of me to not touch upon the epic encounter we witnessed in the opening game of state of origin. Wow! What a first 40 minutes we watched of pure rugby league. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a better first half since I’ve been watching our great game. Congrats to NSW for a fantastic win, an even bigger congrats to the referees who kept their whistles in their pockets allowing us to see something in rugby league that has been missing for a long time- attrition! Bring on game 2.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

39 Nepean News 8 June 2017 Issue 202

penrith panthers

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