Nepean News 9 January 2020

free Thursday, 9 January 2020

ISSUE 268

Alex McKenzie B Com

Principal Financial Planner T: (02) 4704 8585 E: alex@futurefinancialservices.com.au W: www.futurefinancialservices.com.au A: Suite 9, 488 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

Join Nepean News on Facebook! Website: issuu.com/nepeannews

Heartbreaking start It has been a horrendous start to 2020. The picture that broke our collective hearts. Our local firefighters, emergency services and the wider community are united in mourning the loss of life during the devastating bushfires.

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RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presents RFS volunteer Geoffrey Keaton’s son with a posthumous Commendation for Bravery and Service at his funeral in Buxton. Credit: NSW Rural Fire Service

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patioman Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms

Call Peter Dunn

4735 5055 or 0416 035 645

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Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

New lifts at Kingswood and Glenbrook stations

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T

he new lifts at Kingswood and Glenbrook stations opened prior to Christmas providing much needed accessibility for customers travelling during the holiday season. “Construction work at Glenbrook and Kingswood stations started in February this year, and I am pleased that the new lifts will be available for customers ahead of schedule,� said Penrith MP Stuart Ayres.

For more information on the projects please visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/glenbrook and https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/ current-projects/kingswood-station-upgrade

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

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203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

Sh our See op B, new us in 201 pr Hig em h S ise tP s enr ith

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Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home

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Strike team deployments

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landilo 7 and crew deployed last Friday evening to Cooma as a forward staging ahead of the bad conditions, and crews were sent to the Pollys gully fire near Numeralla are now heading home.

Llandilo 1 and crew were deployed to Bundanoon on the weekend, working on the Morton Fire assisting with property protection all through the evening and are currently still on the fire ground.

Londonderry MP Prue Car was high in praise for our local firefighters.

“What absolute legends!” she said.

Llandilo 1 crew resting after doing property protection from an ember attack.

Powersmart Electrical

Powersmart Electrical is a St Marys based company who are seeking to employ a Licenced Electrician to carryout service and installation works in the metro west area. The right person must meet the following criteria to be successful: • Be a holder of a current electrical and drivers licence and OHS card • General commercial, industrial and domestic electrical experience • General data install and termination experience • Be able to work alone or with a team • Have good communication skills verbal and written

Should you wish to apply please forward your resume to vic@psmart.com.au Powersmart provide a company vehicle, uniform and an attractive salary package to the right person.

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0415 982 093 Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith Quick to get out and do what they do best, Penrith Rotary was out raising funds last weekend. All monies raised will to go to the Orchard Hills RFS. “They are our true aussie heroes! Lets support

them so they can support and protect us!

We are so proud of Penrith; our community is being so generous,” was stated on the Rotary Club of Penrith’s Facebook page.

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

Penrith Rotary raise funds for our local heroes

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Thank you for your support in my first year as your local federal MP. Wishing our community a Happy New Year.

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ith bushfire season well underway it is important to have a safety and evacuation plan in place for your family, including your pets. Whether your pets are at home with you or need to be relocated, you need to prepare for their safety.

It is important to know that pet should not be abandoned unless it is absolutely impossible to safely evacuate them. When organising your pets

for evacuation, try to take as many of the following items as you can before leaving your property: • Microchip paperwork • Current vaccination certificates • Pet medications and information on any medical conditions • Bowls, bedding and non-perishable food • Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is on a lead or in a carry cage If you are in the situation that you are unable to evacuate or have to leave your pets behind, try to remember the following advice:

• Where possible bring your pets inside and confine them to a small space so you know where to locate them. Ideally a room with smaller windows and adequate air flow such as a bathroom • Provide hiding places for your pets – A carry cage where the door opens at the end is the perfect option for this • Do not tether pets up as they will be unable to flee if danger is imminent • Ensure pets are easy to identify with a collar and tag • Leave multiple water bowls and food bowls in the room • Dogs can be housed in a portable crate If you have livestock such as horses, ensure there is plenty of water available from a source that does not rely on above ground pipes or power. In a bushfire move pets to a closely grazed paddock with water troughs, steel fencing and solid shade area. Do not place synthetic blankets on horses as they may melt during extreme heat.

If you need assistance with your pets, contact your local Greencross Vet early to arrange boarding or treatments. If you need assistance with an evacuation plan contact NSW Emergency Services and they can help you take the appropriate action to keep you and your pets safe.

Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

Pets & Bushfire Safety Plan

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Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

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enrith City Council has released a 15-year draft Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy, which will include new sporting facility and playground projects and significant improvements to current facilities.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the draft plan includes 82 proposed projects valued at $125 million to be delivered in the first five years, making first class recreation and sport facilities available for local residents close to home.

“The plan proposes a number of exciting sporting facility and playground projects, such as the provision of an outdoor gym in Chapman Gardens, the creation of a multi-purpose recreation space in Cambridge Gardens and Bennett Park, among others,” Cr Fowler said.

“It also proposes the city’s first synthetic sportsground to be installed at Jamison Park by 2021, with further sports amenity upgrades completed at Mulgoa Rise, Hunter Fields, Roper Rd, Leonay Oval, and Parkes Ave. Recent investment has seen the completion of new play and recreation facilities at Robin Wiles and Mulgoa Park.

“Our community values access to open space close to natural landscapes and has a strong desire to protect and enhance the local environment,” he said.

“The plan meets these values as well as our aim of providing residents in established suburbs with up-to-date facilities while making new sports fields, play grounds and parks available

in new areas for when residents arrive.”

Council has secured almost $30 million in grant funding over the last 18 months through programs offered by the Federal and State Governments and other agencies. Projects included in the $125 million package include new and upgraded open space, play, sport and recreation facilities.

Penrith General Manager Warwick Winn said the Strategy provides a

framework for the planning, design and management of local open spaces and recreational facilities.

“With 1,200 hectares of open space and hundreds of different facilities across the greater council area, Council recognises the importance of preserving and maintaining local recreational and green spaces for current and future residents.

“The Penrith Sport and Recreation

Strategy includes clear guidelines designed to ensure future developments provide the appropriate type, quantity and quality of open space, recreational areas and facilities,” Mr Winn said.

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft Penrith Sport and Recreation Strategy when it is placed on public exhibition between January and March.

Helping injured animals

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enrith City Council is reminding people about what to do if they come across injured wildlife.

“If you find a stressed animal, please remember that approaching them has a high risk of creating more stress,” they state on their Facebook page.

“Keep handling to an absolute minimum. Keep a cardboard box or towel handy so you can wrap them loosely in a towel and place them in a cardboard box.

“It’s important to offer them fresh, clean and cool water for dehydrated animals to drink.”

If you find an injured wild animal, call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

School Canteen Licence Tenders are called for the license of the School canteen for the school year commencing 2020 and for a term of approximately 3 years. Annual school enrolments will be approximately 390.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Sarah Springett Banks Public School banks-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Telephone: 9670 6506 Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential - School Canteen Tender” and sent to: The Principal Banks Public School, 182-194 Banks Drive, ST CLAIR NSW 2759 Tenders close at 3pm on17 January 2020. A tender visit and briefing session is planned for early Term 1, 2020.

All applicants must make themselves familiar with clause 2 of the tender offer.

Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

Council investing in a healthy and active community

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Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

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Flashback: school holiday swimming over 70 years ago

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njoying the river 1946 with McCanns Island in the background. This group of swimmers from left to right are Dorothy Carter, Barry Quigley, Pat Quigley, Alf Hook, Valda Carter,

Maureen Carter and Elaine Hook.

Want to know more about our local history? Penrith City Library’s Archives and Penrith in Pictures has it all. View it here: http://ow.ly/ VCOK50xrdUf

Cool off at Cables Wake Park on Australia Day

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cool change is coming to Penrith’s Australia Day celebrations in 2020 with Cables Wake Park announced as the new venue for Council’s community event on Sunday 26 January.

Free wakeboarding, free entry into the inflatable Aqua Park and a range of fun water play activities for kids under 6 are on offer, with preregistration for on-water activities now open.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said after consecutive years of hot weather on Australia Day he expects the renewed focus on water-play will be a popular one.

“Cables Wake Park is one of Penrith’s favourite water sport parks and it is the perfect venue to escape the hot summer heat and make a splash with your family and friends,” Cr Fowler said.

“Wakeboarding and Aqua Park sessions are hourly, and spaces are limited. Pre-registration is essential to get on the water so I encourage everyone to head to our website and register early to secure their spot.”

A DJ spinning tunes and two water stunt shows by Australia’s best wakeboarders will keep everyone

entertained throughout the day, and attendees can bring a picnic or purchase something to eat from one of the mobile food vendors on site.

Cr Fowler said the convenient location in the heart of Penrith will make travelling to Cables Wake Park quick and easy.

“There are public transport options

close by, parking on site and we will have a free shuttle service operating from Batt Street near Jamison Park Netball Courts throughout the day so there are a few options to consider”, Cr Fowler said.

In addition to Council’s community event, Ripples Leisure Centres in Penrith and St Marys are offering free entry on Australia Day. Residents keen to have a swim can visit either facility from 9am-5pm and keep cool in the pools and the outdoor splash pads.

Find out more and register for water activities at: penrith.city/ausday EVENT DETAILS Cables Wake Park Jamison Rd, Penrith 10am - 5pm Ripples Leisure Centres (open 9am-5pm) Penrith - 119 Station St St Marys - Charles Hackett Drive

NSW electricity consumers asked to reduce their electricity demand NSW residents are being asked to reduce their electricity demand as a result of the extreme bushfire conditions.

Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean, said “the extensive bushfire activity in the Snowy Mountains and other areas of the state have had an impact on our

electricity supplies.”

“The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), TransGrid and the NSW and ACT Governments are working closely to keep power supplies on, but due to today’s weather conditions as we approach the evening peak there may be a need to turn off power in parts of the

network to keep the overall system secure.”

Mr Kean said “we are asking all consumers to be mindful of any unnecessary electricity usage.”

Things you can do to help include: - making sure pool pumps are off - setting air conditioners to 24 or 25 degrees

- not using washing machines, dishwashers or dryers - turning off appliances and lights in rooms that are not being used.

AEMO is also working with large load electricity customers to reduce their electricity consumption where possible.

Be bat wise W

hile it may be human nature to try and help a distressed or injured animal affected by the heat or bushfires, good Samaritans should be wary and avoid approaching distressed bats as they may carry a fatal disease.

All four species of Australian fruit bats (flying foxes) and at least three species of insectivorous bats can potentially carry lyssavirus, a very close relative of the rabies virus.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Public Health, Associate Professor Bradley Forssman says lyssavirus can be transmitted from bats to humans through infected saliva from a bat bite or scratch.

“Looks can be deceiving and sometimes animals can be infectious without showing visible signs of sickness. The virus can easily be contracted through

breaks in your skin.”

The best protection against being exposed to the lyssavirus is to avoid handling bats in the wild. If you encounter a bat that appears injured or distressed do not try to rescue it.

“You are potentially putting yourself at risk of infection if you attempt to handle a wild bat. For your safety, as well as the bats, the best advice is to call in trained experts from your local wildlife rescue group who can help retrieve and care for the animal,” says Associate Professor Forssman.

In the past bats have tested positive to lyssavirus in and around the Penrith region.

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat Associate Professor Forssman advises to: Clean the wound immediately with soap and water for at least five minutes

Apply an antiseptic solution after washing Seek urgent medical advice from your General Practitioner (GP) and then call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for further advice.

For more information about lyssavirus refer to the Bat Bites and Scratches fact sheet.

Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

Friday 10th & Friday 17th January 2020 $6 per child to play, includes: 10 games, texta, lucky door ticket and lollies!

Calling starts at 11am.

Adults must remain with children at all times.

AUSTRALIA day Sunday 26th January Fun and games throughout the day!

Food Aussie menu all day in the Shamrock Grill Entertainment 5-8pm Blackwater Australia Day Raffle Drawn at 8.30pm, Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5!

Shamrock Grill SPECIALS

LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10 MONDAY Barramundi Night $15 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Bangers & Mash Night $15 THURSDAY Parmy Night $15

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SATURDAY 18 JAN - 7PM Shaylee Wilde

SUNDAY 19 JAN - 2pm UFC

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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ooking for something fun for the whole family? A great day out that doesn’t involve travelling in to the city?

Western Sydney Parklands has welcomed Sydney Zoo to Sydney’s Biggest Backyard – a $45 million new star attraction for Australia’s largest urban park.

Sydney Zoo is the newest addition to Western Sydney Parkland’s Bungarribee and boasts more than 2,000 exotic and native animals across 16.5 hectares of safari-like enclosures and elevated boardwalks.

Executive Director of Western Sydney Parklands Trust, Suellen Fitzgerald said the zoo will be a major drawcard for the region.

“Congratulations to John and Jake Burgess for realising their dream of transforming a piece of our Parklands into an amazing African savannah,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“This is a significant win for our visitor economy and adds to the extensive list of major recreation and tourist attractions that draws four million people to Sydney’s Biggest Backyard each year.

“There’s something for everyone in our Parklands - from award-winning playgrounds to walking, cycling and running trails through stunning bushland, picnic grounds, urban farms, a familyfriendly city farm - and now a state-of-the-art zoo, boosting tourism and creating jobs in our region.”

The Zoo joins the diverse visitor experiences in the Parklands, including Calmsley Hill City Farm, Raging Waters Sydney (formerly Wet’n’Wild), Sydney Motor Sport Park, Tree Tops and Wylde Mountain Bike Trail.

Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

Have a roaring good time without roaming too far

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Ms Fitzgerald said the Parklands are committed to continuing to offer exciting new tourist destinations and creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

“As Australia’s largest urban parkland, we play a vital role in meeting the needs of the current and future populations in Sydney’s growing West.”

Western Sydney Parklands Plan of Management, adopted last year, includes a range of measures around tourism, including a target to increase tourism infrastructure by five per cent by 2030.

So your child ooty! f wants to play Same day service No call out fee Fixed prices All work guaranteed Servicing the local area for over 10 years

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION PLEASE CONTACT

160 Station St, Penrith | Ph: 4731 5888 | 1300 288 662 | MVRL Lic. No. 43130 | ARC LIC AU30526

Registrar - Michael Zammit 0412 531 935 (Weekdays after 4pm) • email: michael@stclairjrlc.org.au Bill Borg 0425 226 683 • email: bill@stclairjrlc.org.au

ENTERTAINMENT

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id’s ABC Bingo is Panther’s first bingo for January School Holidays.

This popular children’s activity has limited tickets, so make sure you secure yours today: http://bit.ly/ ABCKidsBingo See Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band at Panthers this School Holidays.

As seen on ABC KIDS and ABC iView, Lah-Lah is Australia’s premiere band for young children, performing original Australian songs influenced by a diverse palette of musical genres.

For more information and tickets: http://bit.ly/LahLahWeb The Australia Day carnival will be

held on Sunday January 26.

“We are celebrating big this Australia Day with a fun carnival for all! Spend your Australia Day at Panthers for a great day out on Sunday 26 January!

“We have activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy starting from 3pm. We are also excited to announce that this year we have introduced some water rides to keep you cool during the summer season!

Don’t miss out on the Biggest Australia Day Party in the West!

We’ve got: - Fireworks - Carnival and Water Rides - Kid’s Disco and Activities

- Aussie Food Eating Contests - Food Trucks - Petting Zoo - Live Entertainment

Firefighter Fundrasier Join the Panthers family at Panthers Stadium on Saturday as together we raise much-needed funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Entry is free but we’ll be asking everyone to please dig deep and drop their monetary donation in the marked buckets on the day. Keep an eye out for the Pantherettes!

Kicking off at 8am, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will put the team through an open training session which fans can watch from the comfort of the Western Grandstand.

The players will be available for photos and autographs at the end of the training session at approximately 9.30am.

The club will provide a free BBQ breakfast, Sydney Direct Fresh Produce has kindly donated fresh fruit and Jubilee Amusements has donated a jumping castle and teacup ride to help keep the kids entertained.

Renowned barber ‘Nate Da Barber’ and his crew will be on-site providing donated haircuts, in return for a $25 contribution to the cause per trim.

Please note the major bushfirerelated charities are currently overwhelmed with physical donations of food and clothing and are requesting financial donations only.

There will be plenty for everyone to do on Australia Day! Join us in going all out and make this Australia Day one to remember at Panthers!

A note from Panthers

Nepean News 9 January 2020 Issue 268

Lots of fun at Panthers throughout January

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