Nepean News 8 March 2024 DIGITAL

Appointment as Shadow Minister for Western Sydney and Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability

BY MELISSA MCINTOSH MP

IAM honoured today to be announced as the Coalition’s Shadow Minister for Western Sydney and Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability.

Amidst the cost of living crisis, energy costs have continued to put immense pressure on everyday Australians, manufacturers and small business. While people are waiting for their $275 reduction in energy bills promised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, their power bills have gone up about 30%.

As a proud Western Sydney MP, I have been fighting the Albanese Labor Government’s $5 billion of infrastructure cuts across our region. The Government has forgotten Western Sydney, or even worse, they just don’t care.

Our community has been vocal for adequate consultation for Western Sydney International Airport since the election of the Albanese Labor Government. I will continue this push, alongside the need for fairer flight paths.

I will continue to represent my community with diligence as I take on this new role and represent the whole of Western Sydney and fight for energy affordability for all Australians.

95B STATION ST, PENRITH

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From the NHS to Nepean Hospital

AFTER two years in the UK’s National Health Service, Dr Sam Sussmes has relocated from England for the chance to work and learn at Nepean Hospital.

The Oxford graduate has joined Nepean Hospital as a Resident Medical Officer and says he opted to work at Nepean Hospital after learning about what the tertiary centre had on offer for junior doctors.

“I found that there’s lots of experiences to be had, different specialties and exposure to lots of different types of medicine, especially things we don’t get in the UK,” says Sam.

“I’ve got to do some reading up

on how to deal with snake bites. We don’t have many of those in the UK!”

Sam says the positive and supportive learning environment for junior doctors at Nepean Hospital has been evident in his first few weeks.

“Everybody’s very friendly and approachable. The workplace feels like more of a team than a hierarchical structure and asking questions is actively encouraged. It’s great to know you can seek out help and it’s available,” says Sam.

Read more: www.nsw.gov.au/ health/nbmlhd/news/stories/fromnhs-to-nepean-hospital-residentmedical-officer-enjoys-a-change-ofscene

Blue Mountains hydrotherapy pool turns 21

THE hydrotherapy pool at Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital marks its 21st year in 2024.

Officially opened on 13 March 2003, the popular health facility now sees more than 4,000 attendances each year.

Throughout its 21st year, pool users will help to celebrate the milestone by sharing their comments and memories of the pool in yearbook.

Amongst those marking this anniversary is

regular pool patron Tom Colless, who recalls fundraising for the construction of the pool.

Tom says, “It is such a good facility. I am 92 years old and would not be still walking around if it wasn’t for the hydrotherapy pool.”

“It is more than the physical exercise. The staff create a friendly and cheerful place that helps uplift you.”

Another patron, Baiba Ford says, “Hydrotherapy keeps me going. It’s invaluable and I hope I’ll still be doing my 20 reps till I’m 80.”

Baiba Ford, senior physiotherapist Narelle Bissett and Tom Colless at the hydrotherapy pool.

Penrith Beach swimming season extended until Anzac Day

THE state’s newest beach will remain open to the public for another month as the warm days continue across Western Sydney.

Penrith Beach has been a massive hit with local residents, with almost 200,000 people visiting the temporary activation to cool off since its opening in December 2023, and an average of 5,000 people continuing to visit the beach each week.

The fresh water oasis provided significant relief to local families, without the need to pack the car and drive over an hour east. Temperatures regularly soared above 30 degrees, reaching 39.7 on Thursday this week.

The NSW Government has now extended the activation of the site beyond the original 3 March 2024 closing date given this strong support from the Western Sydney community.

Lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW will continue patrolling the beach under new operating hours. The public will be able to visit on weekends and public holidays from 9 March between the hours of:

• 10am and 6pm; and,

• 10am and 4:30pm from 7 April 2024, at the end of daylight savings.

Facilities at the beach will remain open during these times with visitors able to access toilets and change rooms and enjoy the 130-metre-long beach. Free car park passes are also available online.

For more information, visit Penrith Beach.

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“In just a few short months we have

seen almost 200,000 Western Sydney residents vote with their feet, visiting Penrith Beach for a day out by the water.

“At the opening I said this move is about fairness. For too long Western Sydney locals were neglected as the Liberals and Nationals focused all their energy on investment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“After watching the site sit behind a locked gate for decades, locals have embraced Western Sydney’s first

ever beach, and are loving having somewhere to cool off right on their doorstop.

“I am delighted to see the season extended at Penrith Beach for Western Sydney to enjoy.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Penrith Beach has shown how critical new swim sites are for communities living away from our coastline.

“The beach has been a big drawcard with local residents and has provided relief for the people of Western Sydney.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM said:

“Seeing thousands of Penrith families enjoy this beach has been the highlight of summer for the Penrith community.

“I encourage everyone in Western Sydney to come and experience the tranquillity of this location.

“Having our own beach is an absolute delight and I am thrilled to see Penrith Beach will remain open through to Anzac Day.”

Changed traffic conditions on the M4 Western Motorway between Russell Street, Emu Plains and Clyburn Avenue, South Penrith

THERE will be changed traffic conditions on the M4 Western Motorway between Russell Street, Emu Plains and Clyburn Avenue, South Penrith for road maintenance work to repair damaged sections of the road.

The work will take place over 6 night shifts between Monday 11 March and Wednesday 20 March 2024, weather permitting. Working hours will be from 8:30pm to 5am. No work will occur on Friday or Saturday nights.

There will be temporary traffic impacts while we complete this work. This includes closure of the M4 Western Motorway eastbound between Russell Street, Emu Plains and Clyburn Avenue, South Penrith. Westbound lanes will remain open.

Motorists travelling eastbound on the M4 Western Motorway will need

to use the detour via Russell Street, The Great Western Highway, and the Northern Road. Motorists can also access Mulgoa Road using this detour. Motorists wishing to continue travelling eastbound can re-enter the M4 Western Motorway at The Northern Road.

This detour is expected to increase travel time by around 10 minutes.

There will be a temporary speed limit reduction in place after each shift whilst the pavement is being replaced. Motorists are advised to allow for additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this work.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Most improved: Attendance shows promising lift in NSW public schools

WITH the 2024 school year in full swing, the NSW Government has launched a new phase of its campaign to remind parents and carers of the critical importance of good school attendance as figures from 2023 show a promising lift above the improvement rates of other states.

Student attendance increased from 85.2 per cent in 2022 to 88.1 per cent in 2023, a nation-leading improvement of 2.9 per cent, but schools are continuing to work hard to make further progress.

The Department of Education’s latest ‘Every Day Matters’ campaign aims to raise parent, carer and community awareness of the importance of attending school daily, showing how just one day off school can lead to students missing out and falling behind, both academically and socially. Research shows positive school attendance benefits students’ academic achievement, engagement and wellbeing, whilst students who attend school regularly are also more likely to experience positive health,

social and economic outcomes after leaving school.

Whilst school attendance rates have increased across the state, there’s more work to be done, and the NSW Department of Education is supporting schools with strategies to lift attendance across the state.

Parents and carers are encouraged to reach out to their child’s school if they have attendance concerns, so they can access support.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue

Car said:

“A day or two away from school may not seem like a big deal, but missing just one day per fortnight adds up to an entire year of missed learning over a student’s school career.

“We have made good progress on lifting attendance in NSW since coming to government, but there is more to do.

“Unless your child is unwell, please send them to school. It’s the best thing you can do to ensure your child receives the best education possible.”

Paddlers make a splash at Penrith Beach

BY NOEL ROWSELL

WESTERN Sydney residents enjoyed kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding at Penrith Beach over the first weekend in March.

Supported by Paddle Australia ambassador, Olympian Jess Fox OAM, who attended both days, the first-time event was hailed as a success by organisers and promoters.

The free paddle activation was delivered by experienced Emu Plains operator, Horizon Line Canoes, who supplied equipment and staffing for free for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

“We were thrilled to see hundreds of spots booked and so many happy faces on the water”, said Richard Fox

MBE, who led the event promotion for Paddle Australia.

“People heard about the event via social media and booked in online. If there were gaps, others were able to sign up from the Beach. Penrith suburbs like Cranebrook and Jordan Springs were well represented, and we also saw people from the Hills, Campbelltown, the Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains, which shows how popular the beach has become.”

The agreement with the NSW Government for the activation at Penrith Beach was for one weekend, and Richard Fox said he would like to see similar programs at Western Sydney Lakes, and around Sydney, in the future.

“It is one paddle stroke at a time,” he said. “We would love to see more people across the city getting out there for a paddle, it’s a great way to stay active and spend time on the water.”

Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team member, Tim Anderson, one of the Horizon Line water guides, said: “We were kept busy doing safety briefings, putting people on water with the right equipment and then guiding them through the basics like forward paddling and turning. It was fantastic to see people enjoying themselves and discovering a new activity in a safe environment”.

In addition to the free Paddle Australia activation, countless recreational paddlers showed up to enjoy the clean water and natural mountain backdrop.

Emmie Barratt, coach of the Western Sydney Whitewater Club, brought down the club’s junior “Slay Squad” for a training session. Jess and Noémie Fox both joined in to lend a welcome hand, before heading overseas for a training camp at the Paris 2024 Olympic venue.

“It was our first time at Penrith Beach and everyone really enjoyed the change of scene and the clean water, which is great for practising our eskimo rolls. Now the opening has been extended to ANZAC Day, we will definitely be back,” Barratt said.

Local paddler Eileen O’Callaghan brought her grandchildren down for a splash and said: “My seven-year-old had an extra slalom lesson when Jess and Noemie came over to give some rolling tips to some of the kids, it had a really good vibe.”

Penrith Beach opened at Western Sydney Lakes in December last year and is being operated by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).

Close to 200,000 visitors have enjoyed Penrith’s new beach, with the opening extended on weekends through to ANZAC Day on April 25.

Community achieves Return & Earn milestone

AS NSW celebrates the major new Return and Earn milestone of 11 billion containers recycled, Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, commended the local community for having recycled countless bottles, cans and cartons through their local return points.

“Congratulations to the Badgerys Creek community for making Return & Earn an important part of your regular routine,” Mrs Davies said.

“Your enthusiastic participation is playing a vital role in growing our local economy and achieving a more sustainable future.”

Mrs Davies said since its introduction by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government approximately 6 years ago, the scheme has surpassed all expectations in NSW, with more than a billion dollars in container refunds back into people’s pockets and almost a million tonnes of materials recycled.

Charities and local community groups are also benefitting from the scheme, with $54 million raised statewide for hundreds of charities and community groups via donated refunds and return point hosting fees.

Mrs Davies, whose son Harry is a keen contributor to the scheme, encourages the community to maintain their involvement, stating “recycling your eligible bottles, cartons and cans through Return & Earn is an easy way for all of us to help the environment and support the work of some amazing local charities and community groups.”

The Shadow Minister for Environment, Kellie Sloane MP, also weighed in, stating “I’m thrilled to see that six years or so after its introduction by the Coalition Government, it’s become a way of life for so many local households.” With all plastic and glass drink containers collected through the network recycled in Australia, Return and Earn has led to a 54% reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels.

For more information about Return and Earn or to find your nearest return point visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

Action at Penrith Beach. Photos courtesy of Pixflix

headspace Hawkesbury officially opens

THE new headspace

Hawkesbury centre was officially opened on Friday 1 March, by the Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, together with Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie.

headspace Hawkesbury is federally funded through Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, who commissioned Uniting NSW.ACT to establish the service.

The full-service centre provides free early intervention support to young people aged 12-25 years across mental health, physical health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug needs. The official launch welcomed stakeholders from across the region who played a part in helping to secure and establish the centre, including young people from the community. It was an opportunity for people to come

together to celebrate the successful opening of a new service to benefit young people in the local area.

Lizz Reay, CEO of Wentworth

Healthcare, said they have worked closely with Uniting NSW.ACT to deliver a service that addresses the increasing mental health needs of the

Hawkesbury region, where anxiety and depression are two of the top five most prevalent diagnoses. It is estimated that of those aged 5-17 years in the Hawkesbury, over a quarter have mental health needs or are affected by a mental health disorder.

“We are passionate about improving the mental health of our local communities and know there is a real need for ongoing services in the Hawkesbury. headspace services play a vital role in supporting young people and their mental health, as well as their family and friends. Young people in the Hawkesbury have been through so much over the past few years, from drought to bushfires, a pandemic and multiple floods. Early intervention programs such as headspace are critical as they not only impact young people’s lives in the present but can influence the whole community as these young people mature into adulthood,” she said.

Cambridge Park Lions - Youth of the Year Awards

FIVE exceptional students from three local high schools competed in the Final of the Lions Club of Cambridge Park’s Youth of the Year (YOTY) competition, which was held on Tuesday 27th February.

The Finalists were Yakshita Singhi (Glenmore Park HS), Leandra Chris and Nicole Zhungu (Penrith Christian School) and Dhyanasai Yelamanchili and Alejandro Gacis-Cusay (St Mary’s Senior HS).

The students were all interviewed on the preceding Sunday, having completed an extensive and detailed entry form. Then, on Tuesday night, they each had to first answer two impromptu questions, followed by a 5-minute speech on a topic of their own choice.

Nicole Zhungu from Penrith Christian School won the Public Speaking section, with Yakshita Singhi from Glenmore Park announced as the overall winner.

Yakshita will now proceed to the next level of the Area Final, which will be held locally in March. If successful in the Area Final, Yakshita will go on to compete in District, State and National finals.

Since its inception in 1964, the ‘Youth of the Year’ program has fostered and optimised the confidence, leadership and citizenship qualities in thousands of

leavers.

The national winner receives $5,000 but all contestants are rewarded with new friendships, networking opportunities, honed interview skills and a great sense of accomplishment. YOTY participation is highly regarded by many employers

and tertiary institutions.

was

school

The Final

attended by State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM, Penrith City Mayor Todd Carney and Cllr Ross Fowler, along with the judging panel of Carole Tabor, Cllr John Thain, Shirley Gilbert and Jim Mason OAM.

Overall Winner Yakshita Singhi with Judges’ Chairperson Shirley Gilbert L-R Yakshita Singhi, Leandra Chris, Nicole Zhungu, Dhyanasai Yelamanchili, Alejandro Gacis-Cusay.

Public Speaking Winner Nicole Zhungu, with judge Shirley Gilbert and Jan Eaton in background.

Judges L-R Carole Tabor, Cllr John Thain, Shirley Gilbert and Jim Mason OAM.

Left-Right: Lizz Reay, CEO, Wentworth Healthcare, Jason Trethowan, CEO, headspace National, Assistant Minister Emma McBride MP, Leah Venables, headspace Hawkesbury Youth Advisory Committee, Susan Templeman MP, Chatal Nagib Duffy, Head of Recovery, Uniting NSW. ACT, together with young people from local high schools.

New manufacturing program to change the game for building NSW public schools

DOZENS of new and upgraded public school and preschool facilities will be built under an innovative new program that employs modern methods of construction to deliver high quality, sustainable schools in a shorter timeframe while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

The Manufacturing for Schools program incorporates a range of cutting-edge construction techniques including digital technologies, offsite manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements to deliver high quality school buildings faster and at a lower cost than with traditional construction methods.

The program brings together industry professionals via a Manufacturing Partner responsible for connecting the supply chain to deliver the ‘kit of parts’ for new and upgraded schools across the state’s growth areas. A contract has been awarded to The APP Group for the manufacturing partnership.

The Manufacturing for Schools program is expected to deliver cost savings of up to 20 per cent and slash construction time by up to 30 per cent.

At Oran Park Public School, a Stage 2 upgrade that opened for students to use on Day 1, Term 1, 2024, was installed on site in eight weeks. From design to completion, the project took a total of 13 months.

The construction approach prioritises students and growing school communities, especially in high growth areas such as NorthWestern and South-Western Sydney.

There are plans currently under way to deliver more than 30 new and upgraded schools under the Manufacturing for Schools program, including new primary schools at Sydney Olympic Park and Box Hill/The Gables, and high schools at Jordan Springs, Gregory Hills/ Gledswood Hills, Schofields/ Tallawong, Leppington and Medowie.

The program is also being deployed to rebuild schools on the North Coast that were devastated by floods, and deliver the majority of 100 public preschools across NSW at locations recently announced.

In addition to faster build times and reduced costs, the new program will reduce carbon emissions, material waste and water waste on sites in comparison with traditional construction methods.

Manufacturing in a controlled factory environment, combined with the shorter build times, also ensures less noise and overall disruption

to student learning for projects on existing school sites.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Manufacturing for Schools program represents the future –a major shift in our approach to designing, building, and delivering new schools and facilities for students and families in NSW.

“This is an economical, sustainable, and speedy solution that will deliver school facilities meeting the needs of our growing population, while getting better bang for taxpayers’ buck.

“In challenging times like natural disasters, the program’s speed and efficiency will ensure a swift rebuilding process, allowing us to reinstate the schooling routine for affected students and families promptly.

“I am proud we are leading the way with industry partners to deliver a new era of school building through this innovative program.

“This future-focused strategy for sustainable and modern school building will ensure we can support teachers and students to achieve outstanding learning outcomes.”

ONE WEEK TO GO until Western Sydney’s Memory Walk & Jog!

WITH only a few sleeps to go walkers, joggers and runners are gearing up to participate in the 2024 Western Sydney Memory Walk & Jog at Tench Reserve in Penrith on March 10.

More than 600 people have already signed-up to take part – but there’s always room for more with online registrations still open, or sign-up on the day of the event.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said it is fantastic to see locals from Western Sydney communities throwing their support behind Memory Walk & Jog.

“As we prepare to host Memory Walk & Jog on Sunday at Tench Reserve for another successful year, we hope everyone will consider joining us,” Ms McCabe said.

“It’s estimated that 65 per cent of

people living with dementia live in the community. This could be a family member, a friend or a neighbour. It could be anyone in our community. By walking, jogging, or running, raising money and awareness, you will help the countless families impacted by dementia in Western Sydney and across Australia.”

This event is one of 22 Memory Walk & Jog events which will be held across Australia in 2024. Participants can register as an individual or an entire team, to remember a loved one, or in support of a loved one who is currently living with dementia. Each event offers a wonderful opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, walk or run, at any fitness level, and to raise money and share stories.

Walk or jog with us. We are in this together.

Sign-up to walk, jog or run or join in as a Volunteer at www.memorywalk. com.au. Share your Memory Walk & Jog experience on your socials and Donate today to support people living with dementia across Australia.

If you can’t attend an event, why not organise your own group or individual walk or jog, with a MyWay event. Choose your own date and location and register at www. memorywalk.com.au/get-involved/ mw.

Dementia Australia spokespeople are available for media stories. Please contact Ash Blakemore, Senior Media & Communications Advisor, 0448 170 672, ash.blakemore@ dementia.org.au

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia. org.au

Nominations now open for 2024 Local Celebration Awards

NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2024 Local Celebration Awards.

The Local Celebration Awards program is Penrith City Council’s opportunity to shine a light on the unsung heroes in our community. The Awards recognise people of all ages who go above and beyond, who dedicate their time to make Penrith a great place to live, or who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney encourages nominations for Council to recognise and reward the valuable

contribution of deserving people in the community.

“I have been both delighted and humbled by the selfless work of the past Local Celebration Awards winners – incredible people like 2023 Citizen of the Year Royce Simmons, and the Mayor’s Local Hero Andrew Paech, both of whose dedication to helping others through charity and fundraising work is an inspiration for everyone in our community,” Cr Carney said.

“I know there are many people in Penrith quietly achieving great things, and I am looking forward to

hearing more about their work and meeting them once this year’s Local Celebration Awards are announced later this year – so get your nominations in now!”

Nominations for the 2024 Local Celebration Awards are open until 15 April 2024 and submissions will be accepted in person, online, by mail and by video. There are four award categories to choose from:

• Citizen of the Year (over 18yrs old)

• Young Citizen of the Year (aged 24 years and under

Switch off for Earth Hour

EVERY year, Penrith City Council proudly participates in Earth Hour and encourages community members and businesses to join them in switching their lights off as part of this global movement.

On Saturday 23 March 2024 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, Council will be turning off non-essential lighting at its facilities as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with thousands of others across the country.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney was proud for Council to participate for its seventeenth year, and encouraged residents who would be joining in for the first or seventeenth time to

participate in the initiative.

“I’m proud that Council has been participating in Earth Hour since its inception in 2007, and I encourage everyone who can participate to turn out their lights for an hour on the day to show how one small action can have a big impact,” Cr Carney said.

“Earth Hour is a great starting point for change — many residents and businesses have turned switching off their lights when not in use as a part of their everyday life. When we turn off our lights and appliances when not in use, we’re decreasing the pressure put on the electricity grid and the fossil fuels used to create our electricity.

“Participating in this event is a small step, but Council is committed to playing our part by growing our environmental initiatives, reducing our emissions, and encouraging our community to do the same.

“Council proudly uses an electric vehicle, the Renault Kangoo, which turns five this year and runs on renewable energy, at a cost of just $1,926 in total. Our Library uses our second electric vehicle and has so far covered 7,956km and is recharged using 100% Greenpower at a cost of $336.”

Some of Council’s initiatives include hosting various tree planting events

• Mayor’s Local Heroes Award (all ages)

• Making a Difference – Community Service Award (all ages).

The award recipients will be announced at Council’s Ordinary Meeting in June 2023.

Following the announcement in June, the Local Celebration Award winners will be formally recognised at a Civic Reception event held in July 2024.

Find out more about the award program, selection criteria and how to nominate at penrith.city/localcelebration-awards

throughout the year, from residential and business-oriented tree planting projects like Greening our City to our beloved Trees for Mum and Trees for Dad community planting days. Council also has a 100% renewable energy power purchase agreement in place for our large sites, streetlighting and smart metered small sites as well as rooftop solar systems installed on 43 sites that generate electricity across the Penrith local government area.

For more information about Council’s sustainability initiatives, visit penrith.city/sustainability

For more information about Earth Hour, visit earthhour.org.au

The 2023 Local Celebration Awards recipients from left: Reece Nuttall, Andrew Paech, Royce Simmons, Susan Hunt, Maragaret Collier, John Fenton, Kevin Canning. Pictured with Councillor Tricia Hitchens

Councillor Tricia Hitchens presents 2023 Citizen of the Year Royce Simmons with his award .

First Nations hip hop stars to shine bright at Penrith

PENRITH City Council is proud to announce the return of Ngana Birrung, (pronounced Nin-Gahna, Bir-Rung, Dharug for ‘black stars’). The beloved concert will showcase some of Australia’s best female First Nations hip-hop musicians at an all-ages welcome event on Friday 22 March, 6pm-8:30pm at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith.

The empowering all female line-up includes rising Australian actor, hip-hop artist and songwriter Kootsie Don, with headline acts, the multi-award winner Miss Kaninna and 2019 ARIA Award winner, Kaiit.

Ngana Birrung is presented by City of Parramatta in partnership with Penrith City Council, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts and Campbelltown City Council. This event strives to elevate First Nations artists in Western Sydney, bringing together some of the best talent in the country. Ngana Birrung series is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney is delighted to see the return of Ngana Birrung to Penrith and urges our community to support First Nations artists and the stories that they bring.

”Get ready to experience a great evening of Live Music in our City. Ngana Birrung is all set to showcase the incredible talent of all-female hip hop artists from the First Nations community once again,” Cr Carney said.

“I urge the Penrith community to take advantage of this experience to witness spectacular performances and enjoy a night filled with music, dance, and pure entertainment!”

The Ngana Birrung concert series commences in Penrith on Friday 22 March 6pm-8:30pm at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, with following shows at Parramatta Town Hall (23 March) and Campbelltown Arts Centre (24 March).

Bookings are essential, for more information and to register for your ticket go to www.thejoan.com.au/events/ngana-birrung-2/

Please note that the use of strong language, cultural sensitivity and adult themes may be present. Parent supervision recommended for ages 18 and under

Local Leading Ladies International Women’s Day:

BY KERRIE DAVIES

THE glass ceiling is a metaphor used to represent an invisible barrier that keeps a given demographic from rising beyond a certain level in a hierarchy. The metaphor was first coined by feminists in reference to barriers in the careers of high-achieving women.

Life for Australian women has changed dramatically over the decades. Some of us are old enough to have lived through the changes, but even then we tend to forget how different it was until reminded.

If you are a married person now, who grew up in the seventies and eighties (like me) chances are your parent’s marriage and lifestyle was vastly different to how you live now.

For instance, my mother didn’t work for the first 15 years of my life, she didn’t drive and her home-time dress

code was an apron and rollers in her hair. She served up meat and three veg at precisely 6 o’clock on the dot so it would be piping hot when Dad walked in the door.

By stark contrast, I work, I drive and my standard home-time dress code is pyjamas and two inches of regrowth in my hair.

My husband Greg and I share the cooking duties, and more often than not if it’s my turn we are getting Chinese on Uber Eats.

A line springs to mind from the old song from Mary Poppins, circa 19 Sister Suffragettes: ‘No more the meek and mild subservients we; we’re fighting for our rights, militantly.’

And fight they did!

It is somewhat hard to imagine now, a world where women were not allowed to vote. And although we were leaders of sorts by being the second country to “allow” it (hello New Zealand #1) we

Happy 2024 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, wishes all women a Happy 2024 International Women’s Day!

Mrs Davies stated, “I thank and recognise all women for their endless and valued contributions to their loved ones and to society. To all mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters and nieces, today is a day to celebrate you.”

Mrs Davies paid tribute to Leisa McGivern OAM, resident of Glenmore Park, who was announced as the 2024 Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year.

She was awarded the honour in recognition of her extraordinary service to children as a foster carer over the last 24 years, in which she has fostered more than 60 children.

Mrs Davies stated, “It’s women like Leisa who showcase the lasting impact that women in society can have when they dedicate themselves to their passion. I commend Leisa for giving a safe, loving and nurturing home-life to many vulnerable babies and children over many years.”

Mrs Davies provided some words of encouragement to all women on this special occasion. She stated, “To all women in our region, it is my hope that you feel valued and appreciated in whatever sphere of life you are in. Take courage to chase your dreams and let’s always be encouragers of each other. I wish you all a Happy 2024 International Women’s Day!”

Local Leading Ladies

Celebrating the Nepean region’s female success stories on International

Women’s Day

Shattering the glass ceiling

didn’t allow Aboriginal women to until much later. On that note, Aboriginal men couldn’t vote either, but that’s another story for another day.

Women were once not allowed to open a bank account without their husband’s permission; therefore they couldn’t take out loans or have access to their own savings. My head hurts just typing this!

Far less women had jobs or an income, and prior to the contraceptive pill being introduced had little alternatives on how their life would be played out.

Did you know that we once lived in times where if you were a female and enjoyed an alcoholic beverage, you’d be sat in a “Ladies Lounge” at the pub because women were banned from entering the public bar?

My grandmother used to tell me about my grandfather courting her. Many of their “dates” consisted of her

sitting in a tiny room of the pub knitting him a scarf, along with several other girlfriends doing the same, while the blokes they hoped to marry drank up a storm in the main bar.

Can you imagine!

Thank goodness those days are gone and on International Womens Day, March 8, its a great time reflect on how far we’ve come - because it is proof that change can and does happen.

Let’s hope some of passion and drive that eventuated in previous changes can be captured. We need it to push for some important changes for the future - such as pay equality and stamping out domestic violence.

Local Leading Ladies

Celebrating the Nepean region’s female success stories on International Women’s Day

DR CAMILLE BRANDT

Dr Camille Brandt BVSc (Hons I), MVS (SAP) is a shining example of a local business woman supporting our local community. Growing up in the Blue Mountains and attending Springwood High School, Camille completed her Veterinary Science degree with first class honours before settling back home in Western Sydney to share her knowledge and look after the pets of Penrith.

Camille opened Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital in 2010 which has undergone a relocation and substantial growth in the past 13 years. Initially a one vet practice, the hospital now employs 8 Veterinarians and 31 nurses from the local area.

Winning five local business awards for outstanding pet care, Camille and Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is also a regular column writer for Nepean News and the District Gazette. Camille has a genuine interest in supporting and mentoring student veterinarians, providing work placement and giving them a valuable insight into practical life in the veterinary industry. Always one to support the Penrith community, Camille and her team are often seen assisting the RSPCA Outreach team and raising funds for charities such as RSPCA and Guide Dogs NSW.

When Camille is not at work, she continues to study and find time to spend with her own pets Pony, Leo, Macka, Yum Yum (a cat) and Schatzi the mischievous German Short-Haired Pointer.

BVSc (Hons I), MVS (SAP)

SUE DAY COUNCILLOR

To me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating women. It helps shine a spotlight on all the inspirational women and it provides the opportunity to honour the women who fought against gender inequality, these same women who over the generations have empowered us, so we can work to achieve our full potential.

As a mum of two beautiful daughters, I’m determined to be the best role model I can be. I want them to be able to achieve their dreams and goals without barriers.

I knew from an early age that you need to continually learn and improve your skillset and more importantly, build great relationships. I knew firsthand how hard it is to juggle motherhood, work and study. I look back now and realise how lucky I was to be surrounded by great support, personally and professionally. I will be forever grateful for the support other professional women gave me, with their help, I was able to build the foundation for management roles in finance. To me, no girl should grow up thinking she can’t do something just because she’s a female. As a mother, Grandmother, Manager and now Councillor, I want to be able to support girls and women in my life. We need make sure they feel inspired and empowered so they can become the best version of themselves. I celebrate everyday the amazing women and girls in my life I truly believe that when women support each other we can achieve incredible things.

MARLENE SHIPLEY

Marlene Shipley is the CEO of the very popular St Marys Diggers & Band Club and elected Councillor in the East Ward.

Marlene celebrates 30 years working at the club and within the community.

Appointed as the CEO of the Band Club in 2007, and then assumed the role of CEO in 2019 for the newly merged club now known as The St Marys Diggers & Band Club.

Even though Club life keeps her busy, Marlene always finds time for others. Volunteering on numerous boards allows her to spread her wings and gain more experience in other fields within the business community.

Katrina is passionate about Penrith. She grew up in Penrith and moved to New Zealand at the age of 19 where she spent most of her adult life. Her days in New Zealand were spent in Cambridge with racehorses and raising two kids, Jake (27) and Bronte (24), which Katrina says is her greatest accomplishment. “New Zealand gave me many amazing memories and Cambridge was a fantastic town to bring up the kids”.

In 2016 Marlene became an authorised marriage celebrant, simply because she loves people and loves to share in their stories.

“Driven by the community, I will continue to contribute and give back where I can”, Marlene said.

“For 30 years I’ve worked in St Marys. I enjoy the people, culture, the stories, and the history. Often, I will sit with our members and listen to the many stories that they have from their many years of living in the community,” Marlene said.

Currently Marlene is a member of the St Marys Town Centre Corporation. Marlene is a mum of three adult children and grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren.

These days Katrina is well known in the Penrith community and proudly manages WOTSO Penrith. WOTSO is the fastest growing coworking space with 26 locations across Australia and NZ. WOTSO has had a home in Penrith for the past 7 and a half years and Katrina has been the sole Manager for its entirety. “It’s like my baby” said Katrina who manages a busy work life with networking, family life and a good amount of social life too.

WOTSO offers modern serviced offices, meeting rooms and event space to everyone from start-ups and sole traders, to project teams and larger corporates. With 24/7 secure access, high-speed internet, breakout areas in a COVID-19 safe community Katrina believes WOTSO has it all. “It’s your one stop home away from home”. All of WOTSO’s memberships are on a month to month basis with no lock in contracts. WOTSO has thrived in Penrith and is looking to expand to meet the demands of our ever-growing community. katrina@wotso.com | 1800 4 WOTSO | 95B Station St, Penrith

KATRINA COUCHMAN

WOTSO

Mention

Local Leading Ladies

Celebrating the Nepean region’s female success stories on International Women’s Day

GAI HAWTHORN

One leading local lady who has managed to make an impressive mark over the years is Penrith CBD Corporation’s CEO, Gai Hawthorn. Everything Gai does is with a focus on promoting Penrith and supporting small business. Anyone who has called in at the CBD headquarters in High Street will agree that it is simply amazing that such an enormous amount of work gets pumped out of her tiny office. The businesses in Penrith have an amazing resource at hand to help them achieve great success, and that is Gai. She always goes over and above to ensure no promotional opportunity is missed and that the community loves to shop local.

Gai has managed to turn community focus on celebrating all that is Penrith with her vibrant events, competitions and festivals. Inside her mind is a treasure trove of ideas and like a chameleon, she ensures Penrith continuously reinvents itself and is never left static. Not only has Gai talked the talk, but she has walked the walk - and earned the trust of business owners around her and is a godsend to the local media (especially here at Nepean News!) “I love working with Penrith businesses and the wider

Penrith CBD Corporation

community; we do a great job of all pulling together and joining forces for a positive outcome,” Gai said in typical humble form, giving the credit for success to others.

There are many qualities in which Gai possesses that have contributed to her success but one of the most important is that she has passion for Penrith running through her veins and always, always gives her best. She thoroughly enjoys working with local businesses to help them grow and sustain for the future.

Gai is also well known for her philanthropic nature and giving back as a leading figure on Committees building a better future in Penrith, such as Penrith Community Kitchen, PCYC and Pink Up Penrith with McGrath Foundation.“Together we make a difference.” Gai is a much loved part of the Penrith community and her tireless work is appreciated.

TRICIA HITCHEN Councillor

A PENRITH local, Tricia is a highly decorated former NSW Police Chief Inspector. Tricia spent all of her Police Service working in the outer western suburbs giving her a unique understanding of the difficulties faced by many families in this area. After retiring from the Police Force through injury Tricia continued her public service when she was elected to Penrith City Council in 2012 and again in 2016. Married with three children, Tricia and her husband Trevor run a family owned removals and storage business, which has operated in the Penrith area for over 60 years.

A founding member of the Aussies for Orphans charity, Tricia has served on the Board of a number of local organisations including the Nepean Medical Research Foundation, Ripples, CBD Corp, St Marys Town Centre Board, The Haven and is currently on the Panthers Board.

The mother of a special needs child, Tricia is a strong advocate for disabilities, accessibility and equity and was successful in her campaign to have Council open an Adult Change Room in the Penrith CBD and one in St Marys. Tricia was formerly the Mayor of Penrith.

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION

GINA FIELD

Beth and Berni, two dedicated local women at Penrith CBD with extensive experience, who consistently exceed their duties. They always greet with a smile and are always ready to assist with any task. Notably, they actively contribute to the community by volunteering with various local charities, including our top three favourites. Their commitment goes beyond personal efforts as they also involve family and friends in their charitable endeavours. Working alongside peers who share a strong work ethic and a commitment to giving back is truly an honour. Local businesses appreciate their extra mile in supporting their efforts and contributing to the success of the community.

Nepean Regional Security

Gina Field is a shining example of a woman determined to break down gender barriers and not only succeed but to become one of the best in a male-dominated industry. Starting her own security company 26 years ago as a home-based business with only one employee, Nepean Regional Security is now one of the most recognised and awarded security companies in the State. Winning over 30 industry awards including an International business award and the NSW Business Woman of the Year, Gina has featured on TV business programs, radio, newspapers, magazines and is a regular column writer for Nepean News, aptly called the “Left of Field “ (formerly G Spot).

Now employing over 30 FTE personnel, Nepean Regional Security has been successful in Local, State and Federal

Government Tenders and being selected to be on the Whole of Government preferred suppliers panel.

As well as running her 24/7 365 days a year business, Gina has an interest in watching other small business grow. She supports shopping and employing locally , whilst encouraging Women to make the career change to the Security Industry. In her spare time she does public speaking and mentoring at business events and local schools. She has been an inspiration in business and was called a “ Tycoon” in business by the Sunday Telegraph.

nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au ginafield.com.au

Master Licence Number: 405714685

Let’s go Panthers GO! LET’S

PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW 2024

Yandamonium

You know what time it is…

Well here we are again, the start of a new NRL season.

The time of the year everybody has hope in their heart in anticipation of what’s to come in the next six months.

We aren’t disappointed yet and we look to our team optimistically before becoming misty optically at stages during the year.

So having dusted off the Velcro dartboard because I am not allowed to have sharps in the house, here is some guesses at what’s to come in 2024. A little bit of guessing in rugby league never hurt anybody, did it?

Top eight:

Broncos – on the upswing from the wooden spoon in 2020 and are getting better.

Panthers – seasoned champions rarely skip a beat. Process and perfection.

Sea Eagles – surprise packet. Need luck with injuries and good enough if they can get close enough.

Storm – copy and paste from the last 15 years.

Roosters – hard to beat. Time will tell if they meet their expectation.

Bulldogs – they are due. No other reason.

Cowboys – have been hit and miss in recent years, 2024 will be a hit.

Titans – long names on big money. What can Des Hasler get out of the sleeping giants?

Having said that keep an eye on the Rabbitohs, Raiders, Tigers, Dragons….everybody else really, except Parramatta.

Go the Mighty Panthers!!

WITH GREG YANDA

PNG a No for me.

Papua New Guinea can’t be the 18th NRL franchise. While we hear about the nation’s fanaticism for rugby league and how the kids love the game, the sad truth is there are far more pressing matters on the national agenda including crime and civil unrest.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website smartraveller.gov.au has PNG’s overall advice level at Exercise a high degree of caution. This is currently the same advice as Türkiye, Kenya, Brazil and China.

The website advises urban locations including Port Moresby have common crimes including murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault and gang rape, bag snatching and carjacking.

“Most crime is opportunistic, but foreigners have been targeted at home, at work or while travelling,” the website said. “Robbery is a higher risk while driving (carjacking), walking on the street (particularly after dark), at shopping centres or markets, visiting hotels or restaurants, visiting areas frequented by foreigners…”

Sounds sketchy AF if you ask me, and I have been there! I have PNG heritage and love the Kumuls but let’s just put the Bears in Perth and get on with it.

See ya later!

Penrith and Melbourne resume hostilities in round one.

Photo: NRL.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS

DUCTED AIR CONDITIONERS

MULTI-SPLIT SYSTEM

PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW 2024

PANTHERS PLAYER PROFILES

DYLAN EDWARDS FULLBACK

Height: 183 cm

DOB: 10/1/96 Age: 28

Weight: 94 kg

Birthplace: Albury, NSW Nickname: Dyl

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 10/7/16

Opposition: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Round: 18

TAYLAN MAY CENTRE

Height: 183 cm DOB:19/8/01 Age: 22

Weight: 92 kg

Birthplace: Blacktown, NSW Nickname: Tiny

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 7/8/21

Opposition: Sydney Roosters Round: 21

NATHAN CLEARY (C) HALFBACK

Height: 182 cm DOB: 14/11/97 Age: 26

Weight: 92 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Clez

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 4/6/16

Opposition: Melbourne Storm Round: 13

SUNIA TURUVA FULLBACK

Height: 181 cm DOB: 4/9/02 Age: 21 Weight: 88 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Tito

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 3/6/22

Opposition: Canberra Raiders Round: 21

BRIAN TO’O WINGER

Height: 182 cm DOB: 18/8/98 Age: 25 Weight: 97 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Bizza

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 17/5/19

Opposition: New Zealand Warriors Round: 10

MOSES LEOTA PROP

Height: 182 cm DOB: 20/7/95

IVAN CLEARY Coach

Date Of Birth: 1/3/71 Age: 52

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Joined Club: 2019

Previous Clubs: Warriors (2006-2011), Penrith Panthers (2012-2015), Wests Tigers (2017-2018)

IZACK TAGO CENTRE

Height: 184 cm DOB: 5/4/02 Age: 20

Weight: 93 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Tages

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 29/5/21

Opposition: Wests Tigers Round: 13

JAROME LUAI FIVE-EIGHTH

Height: 184 cm DOB: 16/1/97 Age: 26 Weight: 90 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Romey

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 11/5/18

Opposition: Newcastle Knights Round: 10

MITCH KENNY HOOKER

28

Birthplace: Auckland, NZ Nickname: Moss

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 12/6/16

107 kg

Opposition: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Round: 14

Height: 183 cm DOB: 15/1/98

26 Weight: 90 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: -

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 23/5/19

Opposition: Parramatta Eels Round: 11

PENRITH PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW 2024

JAMES FISHER-HARRIS PROP

Height: 187 cm DOB: 5/1/96 Age: 28 Weight: 103 kg

Birthplace: Rawene, NZ Nickname: Fish

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 5/3/16

Opposition: Canberra Raiders Round: 1

SCOTT SORENSEN 2ND ROW

Height: 183 cm DOB: 16/3/93 Age: 30

Weight: 100 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Sorro

Debut Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Date: 24/8/14

Opposition: Canberra Raiders Round: 24

MATT EISENHUTH LOCK

Height: 197 cm DOB: 20/8/92 Age: 31 Weight: 111 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Eiso

Debut Club: Wests Tigers Date: 17/6/17

Opposition: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Round: 15

Height: 183 cm DOB: 22/1/04 Age: 20

Weight: 98 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: -

Debut Club: Bulldogs Date: 4/3/23

Opposition: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Round: 1

LIAM MARTIN 2ND ROW

Height: 183 cm DOB: 5/3/97 Age: 26 Weight: 103 kg

Birthplace: Temora, NSW Nickname: Marto

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 30/3/19

Opposition: Melbourne Storm Round: 3

LUKE GARNER 2ND ROW

Height: 190 cm DOB: 6/9/95 Age: 28 Weight: 94 kg

Birthplace: - Nickname: -

Debut Club: Wests Tigers Date: 15/7/18

Opposition: - Round: -

SONI LUKE HOOKER

Height: 178 cm DOB: 25/2/96 Age: 28 Weight: 85 kg

Birthplace: Penrith, NSW Nickname: -

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 24/4/22

Opposition: Canberra Raiders Round: 7

DAINE LAURIE FULLBACK

Height: 181 cm DOB: 20/7/99 Age: 24 Weight: 83 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Daino

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 8/8/20

Opposition: Canberra Raiders Round: 13

ISAAH YEO (C) LOCK

Height: 195 cm

DOB: 6/11/94 Age: 29 Weight: 106 kg

Birthplace: Dubbo, NSW Nickname: Yo-ee

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 8/3/14

Opposition: Newcastle Knights Round: 1

TYRONE PEACHEY LOCK

Height: 183 cm DOB: 8/8/91 Age: 32 Weight: 93 kg

Birthplace: Wellington, NSW Nickname: Peach

Debut Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Date: 19/5/13

Opposition: Canberra Raiders Round: 10

LINDSAY SMITH PROP

Height: 194 cm DOB: 13/1/00 Age: 24 Weight: 106 kg

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW Nickname: Larry

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 4/6/21

Opposition: Wests Tigers Round: 13

LIAM HENRY PROP

Height: 190 cm DOB: 24/7/01 Age: 22 Weight: 105 kg

Birthplace: Orange, NSW Nickname: Horse

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 3/9/22

Opposition: North Queensland Cowboys Round: 25

PAUL ALAMOTI CENTRE

PANTHERS GETTING TO KNOW YOUR

WITH MARK GEYER

Panthers mugged in Wigan!

THE Panthers efforts at trying to obtain the club’s first ever World club Championship last Sunday morning Sydney time fell agonisingly short. But it was the way in which they lost that sent the Rugby League World into meltdown.

Its hard enough travelling to the North of England, playing in freezing 3 degree weather, on a slippery surface, against 17 players and their fanatical 24,000 strong home crowd, only to be robbed of a chance to win because of not 1, not 2, but 3 howlers from the referee (who should have been wearing a balaclava) and his man upstairs in the video box.

I’m always loathe to blame the man with the whistle on the results of a contest but unfortunately this time he simply cannot escape the unwanted spotlight.

Leading 12-10 at halftime the Panthers and Wigan were going blow for blow in what was a physically entertaining contest. But it was after the break where things began to go pear-shaped if you’re a Panther fan.

The first BLOOPER was when Wigan centre Jake Wardle had a try allowed in the 52nd minute when everyone watching could see he fell way short of the try line. Even if he was tackled closer to the line he still had to perform an illegal double movement to get the ball over the line for 4 points.

Controversially the referee Liam

Moore declared ‘I’ve got a try’ to his ol mate upstairs, who then found ‘insufficient evidence’ to overturn Moore’s original decision.

Panther great Greg Alexander has said since “its the worst video ref call of all time!” And most of the League world agreed, even non-Panther fans.

But it didn’t stop there.

Ten minutes later with Wigan running the ball out from their own try line, the Panthers Liam Martin performed a ‘one-on-one’ strip of the ball which our mate Moore ruled a penalty because he thought there were more than one player in the tackle. Again, poor decision which could have lead to another Penrith try.

And the 3rd and final CLANGER came right on full-time when Penrith’s Taylan May got the ball and headed

for the try line right in the corner of the Wigan line. Referee Moore’s first ruling was “NO TRY” which, you guessed it, his upstairs comrade couldn’t find “sufficient evidence” this time to award the Panthers a game levelling four pointer.

Unfortunately for the Panthers that’s now 4 from 4 that we’ve lost to the poms in our quest to snatch the World Club Challenge Trophy.

In 1991 we lost to Wigan 21-4. In 2004 we lost to Bradford 22-4. Last year it was a 13-12 loss to St Helens and then this years result.

Overall as I stated earlier it was a willing contest if you throw out the three glaring mistakes from the officials. Wigan’s Aussie connection were good, with ex Eel Bevan French being awarded man of the match.

Fullback Jai Field pulled off a couple of stunning tackles, and ex Panther Kaide Ellis never stopped trying.

As for the Panthers their 3 best on ground were Edwards, Yeo, and Marto. Whilst Brian To’o was again strong and Taylan May’s return from a 12 month lay-off proved promising after the loss of Stephen Chrichton.

Now the Panthers can concentrate on round 1 of the NRL where the Storm await them in Melbourne, doesn’t get much harder.

Next column I’ll run my eye over the competition and try and predict the Grand Finalists, top 8, Wooden Spooners, and teams and players to watch out for this season.

See you at the game…

MG (random Westie) OAM

MARK ON THE

WITH MARK GEYER

This week’s Panther who we are getting to know is flamboyant outside back...

SUNIA TURUVA

1. What age did you start playing footy? 6

2. Favourite Song? Too many to choose from

3. Apart from Bluebet Stadium what is your favourite other ground to play at? Suncorp Stadium

4. Favourite Movie? Fast and Furious

5. If not footy what would you be doing? Personal Trainer

6. Favourite TV Series? Prison Break

7. What 3 famous people would you’d love to have a night out with? Chunkz, Filly, Darcus

8. Favourite Video Game? FIFA

9. Favourite other Sport and Athlete? Damian Lillard NBA

10. What is your death row meal? Chicken and Rice

Date of Birth: 4 September 2002

Birthplace: Sydney, NSW

Age: 21

Nickname: Tito

Height: 181cm

Weight: 88kg

Debut Club: Penrith Panthers

Date: 6 August 2022

Opposition: Canberra Raiders

Round: 21

Previous Club: -

Junior Club: Berala Bears

“BATTERIES are way to expensive”, “I’ll wait until they’re cheaper”.

These are a couple of common responses that I hear when discussing batteries with clients.

As I pointed out in previous articles, the shift in how we use electricity, how we now get charged exorbitant

Jim’s Gems

rates for buying and how the retailers give us a pittance for our excess Solar during the day, but what can we do about it?

If you have Solar installed and see the F.I.T (feed in tariff) credit on your electricity bill, that is not an indication of what your Solar has generated, but rather what your Solar System has generated, and you have not used.

Think of it as excess Solar or wasted energy.

You pay for a Solar System, get the benefit of cheap power during the day, sell the excess at 5-cents and they then sell it back to you at night at 40-cents!

So, you think about a battery system, but you hear they’re all too dear.

Well let me tell you, there are several affordable options around,

Igood quality, reliable, all with long warranties. These can be installed for under $10k and you can even set them up with wholesale electricity retailers, like Amber for instance and earn up to $17.00/kWhr at certain times when the wholesale electricity price spikes and recharging your battery from the grid when prices are very low, even negative at times!

There are many other benefits to having a battery such as grid outage protection and keeping those necessary appliances such as fridges and lights powered when the grid fails.

With payback periods reduced to well below the warranty periods and power prices continuing to rise in the future, now might be just the time to revisit a look into battery storage for

LEFT OF FIELD

KNOW this truly has nothing to do with security. However now that I have been writing this column for years, and you are all family, I thought I would share this little thought, insight, blurb or whatever ya wanna call it, with you.

I was reading my stars in a VERY predominant Sunday newspaper, coffee in hand and very relaxed on the back lounge and my stars read “You won the lottery the moment you arrived on this planet.” I must have missed that memo/email when I came out of my mother’s womb, because the last time I looked I had $4.50 in my wallet and an inflated mortgage. The next line then read that I have managed to manifest myself in this world as a human? The writer must be like Albert Einstein because what the hell else would I come out as? A cat, dog, grasshopper perhaps? I was going to continue on, however I considered sticking a fork in my eye might be more entertaining.

I was driving late the other night and noticed all of these weird and wonderful number plates getting around now. What a great idea I said to myself, actually personalising plates to the point of looking like someone had vomited over them. Oh, the kaleidoscope of colours, leopard prints and mismatched coloured plates and all that stuff going on, all you need is dancing girls and vivid Sydney lights and you’re right to go.

I noticed one tiny flaw in them, however -ummmm you can’t see the numbers and letters on some of them. Maybe at certain angles you may (if you twist your neck sideways and stand on your head maybe) but straight on, no hope in hell.

“Who cares,” I hear you all scream, well yes, however the next time a cop asks me what the rego was on a particular vehicle that may have done something wrong, I will say “I dunno? but according to the personalised plates they are Rabbitoh supporters, with a twist of fluro pink flowers in leopard print and blue letters ending in J. I Think?”

Have had a number of calls about break and enters lately while the people are still inside the house. It seriously amazes me how many people say, “I was gunna, I shudda and I woulda, do something out the security on their house.” It is not about spending millions on dogs, cameras, fortress walls, armed guards and Pol Air hovering over your house. It’s about using common sense, the old C word –Common sense, costs nothing and comes in sealed packs with an expiry date.

Lock it, Lock it, Lock it…. And what do they all say? “Its insured but I hate the feeling of knowing that someone was in my house going through my stuff” and “I feel dirty.” There is a line there, but I think I will leave it at that…

Went to a house that had a break in the other week,

your home.

Untill next time, think about how storage may work for you.

If you have a question about your system or a question in general regarding Solar or Solar battery storage and you would like to learn more, please email me info@ nepeansolar.com.au or call our office on 0247 600809.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

lovely BIG house (swing a cat and a jet plane). You know those lovely glass panels next to the front door with the lovely designs ( yes I hear the angels singing now) well that is how they got in. Smashed the panel and opened the front door up, the house had an alarm, but you know, busy day. Kids were crazy, running late, hubby was supposed to do it, forgot the alarm blah blah blah, was going to get deadlocks and was on the to do list. Yep I’ve heard it all before. Guys, its not rocket science, think about it, there are so many links on the website to help you with cheap ways to secure a house. It still amazes me how people are still reactive rather than proactive when it comes to the security of houses and cars and business. Yet other materialistic objects get precedence (See, I can use big words that don’t mean much and make me look like I know what I am talking about).

So there you have it kids, I can write meaningless crap too, my stars next week will tell me that I am really an alien, and I was dropped on my head at birth from a spaceship, can’t wait for that …sigh. They will bring out musical number plates next year that match the colours. Tip: don’t try sticking a fork in your eye. At least I used a hot pink plastic one so when I got to the hospital it matched my pyjamas and check out the web for tips on home and car security.

www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au

Doggie Dementia

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

DEMENTIA in dogs, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is a heartbreaking reality for many pet owners. Just like humans, our canine companions can experience cognitive decline as they age, leading to a range of behavioural changes and challenges. Recognising the signs of dementia in dogs is crucial

for providing them with the care and support they need in their golden years.

One of the earliest signs of dementia in dogs is often subtle changes in behaviour. Owners may notice their once-vibrant and energetic pet becoming increasingly disoriented, confused, or forgetful. For example, a dog with dementia may wander aimlessly or appear lost in familiar surroundings. They may also experience changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more during the day and experiencing restlessness or pacing at night. Other common signs include decreased interest in activities, loss of house training, and changes in social interactions with both humans and other pets.

As distressing as it may be to witness these changes in our beloved furry friends, there are steps that owners can take to help manage their dog’s dementia and improve their quality of

life. First and foremost, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and develop a tailored treatment plan. Whilst there is no cure for dementia in dogs, medications, supplements, and environmental modifications can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for dogs with dementia. This may involve minimising stressors, such as loud noises or changes in routine, and providing plenty of mental stimulation through interactive toys and puzzles. Maintaining a consistent daily routine can also help reduce anxiety and confusion for dogs with dementia.

In addition to environmental adjustments, dietary changes may also benefit dogs with dementia. Specialised diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support

cognitive function in senior dogs. Moreover, regular exercise tailored to your dog’s age and physical condition can help improve their overall wellbeing and cognitive function.

Above all, providing love, patience, and understanding is paramount when caring for a senior dog with dementia. Whilst the challenges of managing this condition can be daunting, the bond between owner and pet remains unbreakable. By staying informed, proactive, and compassionate, we can ensure that our aging canine companions enjoy the comfort and dignity they deserve in their twilight years.

For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 0247362027.

What’s on at PP&VA in March

Alex Lloyd

Supported by Dominic Breen

9 March 7.30pm

With his distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, the enchanting singer-songwriter has captured the hearts of music lovers around the globe. With a string of chart-topping hits such as Green, Coming Home and Beautiful, he has solidified his status as one of Australia’s most beloved and respected musicians.

A Taste of Ireland

14 March 7.30pm

*SELLING FAST*

Presented by Pace Live

Hot off its sold out 2023 UK Tour, A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation returns to The Joan this March. Having performed over 300 shows since 2019, A Taste of Ireland has merged cultural traditions, modern flair, and craic galore to deliver a performance that has brought the house down night after night. This season, join an acclaimed cast of champion Irish dancers, dazzling musicians, and a contemporary vocalist, as they blend Irish charm with mind-blowing talents to present an unforgettable night of entertainment.

The Fleetwood Pac

16 March 7.30pm

Presented by Hopkins Music

Ten years ago, a psychic predicted she would wear a top hat. Now, as Stevie Nicks in a Fleetwood Mac tribute act, it all makes sense. The Fleetwood Pac were formed at a time when the world needed nostalgic comfort. Taking you back to a simpler time, The Fleetwood Pac pay tribute to their idols with authenticity and respect.

Sasara Wasana Thuru

17 March 6pm

Presented by Fly Lanka

Don’t miss a once in a lifetime concert for music lovers in Sydney. A memorable night filled with Maestro Amaradeva’s songs performed by Sunil Edirisinghe, Kasun Kalhara, Ranjana Amaradeva, Subhani Amaradeva.

Celebrate International Womens Day locally!

GRAB the girls for for an evening surrounded by other amazing women this International Women’s Day at Brooks Jordan Springs!

If you haven’t checked out this fabulous local venue, now is the perfect time to do so. It’s celebration time and the beverages will be flowing!

From 6:30pm on Friday 8 March, come along to our Clay & Sip session where you will sculpt a woman’s figure, paired with bottomless mimosas and hamper giveaways for $95pp. There will also be a range of small plates for you to enjoy too, like our delicious garlic prawns in white wine sauce!

This is not one to be missed!

Reserve your spot today here - www. brooksjordansprings. com.au/whats-on

Located in Lakeside Parade, Jordan Springs

International Organisation of Good Templars

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

ORIGINATED as one of a number of fraternal organizations for temperance or total abstinence founded in the 19th century and with a structure modelled on Freemasonry, using similar ritual and regalia. Unlike many however it admitted men and women equally and made no distinction by race. The (IOGT) named themselves after the Knights Templar citing the legend that the original knights “drank sour milk because they were fighting ‘a great crusade’ against ‘this terrible vice’ of alcohol”. The motto of the organization was “Friendship, Hope and Charity”. A politician and prohibitionist George Daniel Clark was born in 1848 at Colchester, Essex in England. He was the son of Daniel Clark a labourer and his wife Mary Ann, née Clark. Financial troubles cut short George’s schooling so he went to sea arriving in Australia around 1871 and was employed in Australasian Steam Navigation Co.’s ships. After he married Rosanna Jane Druce in August 1875 at Woolloomooloo he settled in Sydney and became a messenger at the Sydney Observatory. A determined self-improver he already had three loyalties - temperance, Methodism and the cause of labour. About 1873 George had joined the International Order of Good Templars that he chose for its clear commitment to prohibition. He edited the New South Wales Good Templar (Australian Temperance World from 1896) in 1883-1917 and in 1925-32 held high office in the New South Wales Grand Lodge for many years and he was electoral superintendent. The Templars were close knit. Brother Clark tireless and single-minded helped to make the order the most determined and impatient contingent of the State’s temperance cause. In March 1882 the lodge at South Creek was in a very flourishing condition and they had a weekly average of about 30 members. The Reverend Mr Trivett cast his lot with them and with his help they are said to make a great reformation in the little township. The correspondent of the NepeanTimes said that it is wanted, as not a week passes by without some fighting or quarrelling and the origination of all this is that cursed demon drink. By April 1882 the first annual celebration of the Western Star Lodge of Oddfellow’s South Creek took place on Easter Monday. The weather was pleasant but it turned out hot in the afternoon on Victoria Square with very little shade, no seating or shelter but for a small grandstand. The Committee members:- Alf Gassman, Tom Andrews, Charles Hackett with E Paskin Secretary. The South Creek Brass Band headed the procession of IOOF, Order of the Royal Foresters No. 431, South Creek Good Templers and South Creek Guiding Star Lodge of juvenile Templers. The procession numbered 300 and started opposite Mr Gassman’s store marching

two deep as far as Mr Harford’s then turning and marching back to Mr Roberts corner and then to the park. The band in the pavilion played the whole day. Many games were played as well as a game of cricket. The handicap races saw Messrs J Royal, J Giblet and James Hackett running some very close races. Mr A Innis the starter, Alf Gassman the Judge, T. Andrews and C Hackett referees. Over 500 people were present coming in from all parts of the district with one of the most successful racers being the first race handicap winner J H Brown, second race (members only) winner was Charles Hackett, third race boys under 18 years the winner was J Byrnes. Fifth race over hurdles won again by J Byrnes, seventh race won by J H Brown, eighth race for boys under 12 years (was apparently the best race of the day) winner W Erwin. By July a social meeting of the Star of the Western Lodge 214 was held at the Temperance Hall in Penrith. About 120 members and friends started at 8 o’clock with Mr J S Shearstone addressing the congregation saying that when a temperance speaker was ridiculed before and called fanatical it was now they came to be respected by all classes with friends in high order, even royalty with 300 Good Templar lodges in the colony with 11,000 members. Afterwards there was singing by the choir and some of the members and recitals then Reverend Mr Trickett of south creek was asked to address the meeting and there was more singing before the meeting was over. A happy time was had by all.

 Photo of the South Creek band 1920 courtesy of Bert Evans Lifetime member of the Society.

Nepean Club Rowers at Schoolgirl Head of the River

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Nepean Rowing Club had ten rowers represent their respective schools at the Schoolgirl Head of the River on Sunday at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith. “It was warm conditions at the Centre and all of the rowers performed very well against some tough competition,” said Daniel Waddell, Rowing Coordinator, Nepean Rowing Club.

Ellie Taylor (St Columba’s Catholic College) finished 2nd and Georgia Yuen (Australian Christian College) 6th in Year 9 Single; Maiya Edwards (Blue Mountains Grammar) 7th and Elyse Currall (Penrith Anglican College) 9th in Year 8 Single; Viti Young and Emily Boyes (Blaxland HS) 4th in Year 10 Double; Jessica Harris (Blue Mountains Grammar) 5th, Jade Sharpe (St Paul’s Grammar) 6th and Sophia Whitelaw (Blue Mountains Grammar) 12th in Year 10 Single; Genevieve Bazina (Pymbles Ladies College) 1st in Year 9 Division 3 Quad.

Ellie Taylor (left) - 2nd Year 9 Single. Photo supplied

Paddle Australia announces 2024 Canoe Slalom Teams

BY NOEL ROWSELL

PADDLE Australia (PA) has announced the Australian Canoe Slalom teams for 2024.

Following selection trials at the 2024 Oceania Championships and 2024 Canoe Slalom Australian Open, PA announced the senior, U23 and junior teams that will represent Australia on the world stage in 2024.

Olympic gold medallist Jessica Fox OAM and Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team members Tim Anderson and Tristan Carter headline the Senior National team, which boasts a mix of youth and experience.

National Performance Director Kim Crane says the team is well equipped and ready to represent Australia on the international stage.

“Paddle Australia is delighted to confirm the athletes selected to represent Australia at the World Cups and World Championships events,” said Crane.

“2024 will be a big year for Paddle Australia on the international circuit, and we could not be more excited to have such a talented and committed group of athletes representing us on the world stage.

“Special thanks to our HP Program staff and coaches, selection panel members, pathways and club coaches, support teams, family, friends, volunteers and system partners that continue to support our athletes.

“The countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics is well and truly on and we cannot wait to see our athletes shine in France and beyond,” she finished.

Paddle Australia CEO Phil Jones said: “On behalf of Paddle Australia, I’d like to congratulate each and every athlete selected to the Australian Canoe Slalom teams for 2024.

“This year is set to be huge for

our athletes with the Paris Olympics headlining several major international competitions.

“After seeing them all train and race in Penrith over the past month, I

think I can speak for the entirety of our community when I say that I’m excited for them to represent our country and our Australian paddle community across the Olympics, World Cup and

World Championship events.

“I’d like to thank the volunteers, officials and selectors that made the selection events possible, and wish this group of athletes the very best of luck for the upcoming international season,” he said.

2024 Canoe Slalom Olympic team: WK1 (Jess Fox OAM, Reserve Noemie Fox); MK1 (Tim Anderson, Reserve Lucien Delfour); WC1 (Jess Fox OAM, Reserve Noemie Fox); MC1 (Tristan Carter, Reserve Brodie Crawford)

2024 World Cup Teams: (The six athletes mentioned above, plus Georgina Collin, Georgie O’Callaghan, Ben Pope, Mark Crosbee, Kaylen Bassett, Lachlan Bassett, George Pankhurst, Georgina Collin)

2024 U23 Team: (Alicia Berryman, Ada Mackie, Sebastian Montalto, Dominic Curtin, Code Davidson, Riley Galea, Georgie O’Callaghan, Mark Crosbee, George Pankhurst).

2024 JUNIOR TEAM: (Codie Davidson, Sarah Crosbee, James Stamp, Merle Long, Sevan Billaut, Claire Clements, Ada Mackie, Hunter Florisson, Fergus Page-Brown).

Jess Fox OAM (top), Tim Anderson (middle), Tristan Carter (bottom). Photos by Noel Rowsell

Local duo win NSW Senior Foursomes Over 65’s Title

BY NOEL ROWSELL

104 senior (Over 50’s) golfers, forming 52 Foursomes pairs, teed off on Monday 4th March in the 2024 NSW Senior Foursomes Medal at Tamworth GC.

There was great news for the Nepean District pairing of Dan Acret & Denis Day (Penrith GC), winning the Men’s Over 65’s title on a countback from Paranjit Singh (Carbrook) / Steve Toyne (Indooroopilly) and Geoff Cranfield (Yaroomba) / Stephen Musgrave (Long Reef).

Matthew Horton / Jason Moss (Richmond GC) finished tied for 16th in the Medal, alongside Graeme Howland (Penrith GC) / John Bright (Castle Hill), whilst Matthew Taylor (Stonecutters Ridge GC) / David McClelland (Wyong GC) also finishing in the Top 20, tied for 19th.

Howland and Bright also finished tied for 4th in the Men’s Nett.

The NSW Senior Amateur followed directly on from the Foursomes Medal, played at both Tamworth and Longyard golf courses from 5th-7th March.

Local clubs secure playoff berths in Major Pennant

WITH one week left to play in the regular season, Springwood CC and Leonay GC have both secured their Section titles in the 2024 Golf NSW Men’s Major Pennant competition.

Springwood defeated 2nd-placed Cabramatta at home on Sunday, giving it an unassailable lead in Division 3, Section 1, whilst Leonay defeated Macarthur Grange 4-3 away, also moving into an unassailable lead in Division 5, Section 2.

Glenmore Heritage Valley is in the box seat in Division 3, Section 2, following an away 3.5-3.5 tie against 2nd-placed Eastlake. Glenmore host Eastlake this Sunday and a win or tie will give it the Section title. Richmond is also in the box seat to win Division 2, Section 3 but must defeat Dunheved on Sunday to finish ahead of Oatlands.

There are however clubs languishing at the bottom of their respective divisions, with Relegation playoffs looming.

Stonecutters Ridge looks destined to finish at the bottom of Division 1, Section 2, whilst Dunheved also appears headed for the relegation playoffs in Division 2, Section 3. Twin Creeks moved out from the bottom of Division 2, Section 2 with a win at home over Bankstown, but need to win or draw against the same opponent away on Sunday to avoid the relegation playoffs.

Men’s Major Pennant (home teams first): Avondale 5-2 over

Penrith, Monash 4.5-2.5 over Stonecutters Ridge, Twin Creeks 4.5-2.5 over Bankstown, Richmond 5-3 over Dunheved, Springwood 6-1 over Cabramatta, Eastlake drew 3.53.5 with Glenmore Heritage Valley, Macarthur Grange down 4-3 to Leonay, Wallacia had a bye.

Home games this Sunday are Penrith vs Monash, Stonecutters Ridge vs Avondale, Dunheved vs Richmond, Glenmore Heritage

Valley vs Eastlake, Wallacia vs Macarthur Grange. Twin Creeks are away to Bankstown, Springwood are away to Cabramatta and Leonay has a bye.

In Women’s Major Pennant, Stonecutters Ridge fell 4-1 to The Australian and must travel to play the same opponent next week. Stonecutters Ridge are already guaranteed 2nd place in Division 1, Section 1 and will advance to the

playoffs irrespective of Sunday’s result.

Penrith hosted the Women’s Grade Pennant last Friday and play competition-leaders Cromer this Friday, at Wakehurst.

Mixed Pennant: Asquith 4.5-0.5 over Richmond, Springwood had a bye. This Sunday’s final round features Springwood hosting Rosnay and Richmond hosting Camden (Studley Park).

Dan Acret and Denis Day (Penrith GC). File photos by Noel Rowsell

Action from the Richmond vs Dunheved match on Sunday. Photos by Noel Rowsell. LEFT: Blake Byrne (Dunheved) RIGHT: Zac Kirk (Richmond)

Rowing Australia names the Australian Rowing Team

BY NOEL ROWSELL

ROWING Australia (RA) has announced the Australian Rowing Team (ART) for its 2024 campaign, after a week of gruelling trials at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith.

The flagship boat of the ART is the Women’s Pair of Annabelle McIntyre OAM and Jessica Morrison OAM, who were part of the Gold Medal Four in Tokyo and also won Silver at last year’s World Rowing Championships in Belgrade.

Australia has never won an Olympic Games Gold Medal in the Men’s or Women’s Eight but RA is confident both crews should be medal contenders, in light of their performances at last year’s World Rowing Championships, where both crews won Bronze Medals.

Whilst the Men’s crew has been finalised, RA has announced a squad of 14 for the Women’s Eight and Four.

“The Eights are the nation’s boats. We’re a proud nation of Eights as well,” RA Performance Director Paul Thompson said. “Both Eights have been winning medals at the World Cups and World Championships. So, we want to be building on our strengths, and not watching what everybody else is doing.”

Whilst the Women’s Eight, coached by John Keogh at the National Training Centre in Penrith, is yet to be confirmed, performances this past week have given selectors belief that the final crew could still be a major contender.

“As with the Men, we have a lot of depth in the Women’s ranks,” Thompson said. “And whoever is finally in it, whether they are from last year’s Eight or Four, we will have two fast boats.”

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S ROWING TEAM 2024: Single Scull (W1X) Tara Rigney. Tara was a Tokyo Olympian in the Double Scull and has won a Bronze Medal at both the 2022 and 2023 World Rowing Championships. Double Scull (W2X) Amanda Bateman, Harriet Hudson.. Harriet was a Tokyo Bronze Medallist in the Women’s Quad Scull. Quad Scull Squad (W4X) Caitlin Cronin, Laura Gourley, Rowena Meredith, Kathryn Rowan, Ria Thompson. Coxless Pair (W2-) Annabelle McIntyre OAM, Jess Morrison OAM. Coxed Eight Squad (W8+) and Women’s Four Squad (W4) Olympia Aldersey, Lily Alton, Paige Barr, Bronwyn Cox, Eliza Gaffney, Molly Goodman, Sarah Hawe, Jean Mitchell, Samantha Morton, Giorgia

Patten, Georgina Rowe, Lucy Stephan OAM, Jacqueline Swick, Katrina Werry, Hayley Verbunt.

PARA : PR1 Men’s Single Sculls (PR1 M1X) Erik Horrie OAM. (Erik has won three Silver Paralympic Medals and five Gold Medals at the World Rowing Championships).

RA also today named its ‘Australia A’ and Under 23 teams, with one eye on developing its talent pool for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. NTC scholarship holders Sarah Marriott and Georgie Gleeson both included in the Australia A team as members of the Women’s Coxless Four (W4-), which will compete in World Cup I at Varese in Italy on April 12-14.

For the senior Australian team, the 2024 season will culminate in Paris with the Olympic Games from July 27-August 3, and the Paralympic Games from August 30 to September 1.

Australia has so far qualified nine boats for the Olympics, from 14 classes (seven men, seven women)

and three for the Paralympics.

RA has been considering three boats for entry in the Final Qualifying Regatta for Olympics and Paralympics at Lucerne in May but any decision on the future of the Women’s Lightweight Double Scull of Anneka Reardon and Giorgia Miansarow will be made after they undergo speed trials at Australian Rowing Championships, in Penrith, on March 18-24.

“We’ve got a really strong team, especially with the depth of it,” Thompson said. “We can be really confident the crews will do Australia proud in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The selectors have left no stone unturned. They have followed the speed. They have followed the data and they have followed all the evidence that they’ve collected.

“Everybody’s got an opportunity. The selection is done. It is now about making your boat the best boat we need it to be. We should be looking to have a strong team performance.”

Autumn Polo Season Commences at Muddy Flatts

BY NOEL ROWSELL

TFurther information can be found on the Windsor Polo Club Facebook page or at www. windsorpoloclub.com.au/tournaments

HE NSW Polo Association reports it was a fantastic way to kick off the Autumn season at Muddy Flatts over the weekend, the home of hard competitive polo and friendly faces. Congratulations to everyone who played and thanks to The Richmond Inn for sponsorship.

8-Goal was won by Jemalong (Jason Varker-

Miles 0, Colt Kahlbetzer -1, Jake Daniels 5, Will Gilmore 4). Pony Prize - Imagine, played by Jake Daniels, Jemalong bred

4-Goal won by Muddy Flatts White (Sam Smallman 1, Shannon Booth 0, Guy Higginson 4, Juliette Webber -1). Pony Prize - Whinny, played by Guy Higginson, Ashton bred

0-Goal won by Kurri Burri (Harrison Marshall -2, Jackson Marshall -1, Dave Marshall 2, Simon

Hill 1). Pony Prize - Castro, played by Dave Marshall, Ellerston bred Grooms prize went to Lana Eastment.

The action moves to Windsor Polo Club this weekend for the Windsor Autumn Tournament, to be played over 9th-10th March.

Members of the Women’s National Training Centre (NTC) Squad who were chosen in the Australian Women’s team. File photos supplied by Rowing Australia.

LEFT: Amanda Bateman, Tara Rigney, Harriet Hudson. RIGHT: Jess Morrison OAM and Annabelle McIntyre OAM.

Jason Varker-Miles and Chris Daily Sam Hopkinson, Adam Tolhurst, Jake Daniels