Stclair october 2017

Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au OCTOBER 2017

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St Clair Erskine Park

News

Ph: 9834 2966 Em: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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ISSUE 26

Watch out!

There’s snakes about It is the season for spotting snakes! There are sightings, especially at this time of year in the backyards of St Clair and Erskine Park homes. Keep an eye on your pets and children. Read more from local vet, Dr Richard Miller inside.

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Kickstart your career with a Council traineeship

Talented individuals have the chance to fast track their careers by applying for the 2018 Penrith City Council traineeship program.

Providing specialist traineeships, Council is calling on motivated people to apply, whether you are currently studying or completing your HSC, want a career change or are returning to the workforce.

Applications open on Tuesday 3 October with around 50 traineeship positions on offer across Council departments including Childcare, Human Resources, Information Technology, City Planning, Library Services and many more.

Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said Council’s traineeships combine a year of paid work, accredited training and an internal mentoring program.

“Trainees have a variety of experiences that help them build on their potential and develop vital skills and knowledge,” said Cr Thain. “They receive a nationally recognised qualification and work closely with a team of experienced staff to provide a high level of service to the Penrith community.

“Our Traineeship Program is well regarded and has provided a strong foundation for many fantastic careers.”

Applications close on 5 November 2017 and trainees will start work in January 2018.

Apply online at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or call 4732 8212 for more details.

Council practices EEO and WHS principles and supports the employment of persons with a disability.

Getting to know: our Deputy Mayor

By Keegan Thomson

COUNCILLOR Tricia Hitchen has dedicated her professional working life to making western Sydney a better place for all. Cr Hitchen is the newly re-elected Deputy Mayor of Penrith, a job she holds with a lot of pride, but prior to that she was a police officer working in some of the busiest police stations in NSW. Having a background in police work has allowed Cr Hitchen to bring to her role of Councillor a unique understanding of how local government and law enforcement work together.

“There are a lot of things that happen that makes people ask, “why can’t Council do anything about it?” Having a policing background, I understand what can and can’t be done. Sometimes we can’t do anything because it is against the law,” Cr Hitchen said.

Between her roles on Council and her former positions within the police force, there are many overlaps with the work a Councillor does and the work of a police officer.

“Both jobs are very community focused,” Cr

Hitchen said. “In the police force a lot of what you do is community work, and dealing with people’s problems is what we do here on Council. “Generally when people have a problem and they don’t know who to turn to, they will call either the cops or the Council,” she said.

During the Ordinary Council Meeting for September, Cr Hitchen was re-elected back into the position of Deputy Mayor with a clear majority, including a vote from the current Mayor, Cr John Thain.

Reflecting on her time as Deputy, Cr Hitchen says the last 12 months have taught her more about her role than the previous years as a Councillor.

“I’ve learnt so much being Deputy Mayor,” Cr Hitchen said. “I was on Council for four years and I’ve never learned as much as I have over the past 12 months.

“You have more access to the staff, you attend more community events and you have a new level of responsibility in representing the local area. I look forward to learning more over the next 12 months,” the Deputy Mayor said.

Holy spirit to benefit from grant

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has congratulated the Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in St Clair upon receiving a grant worth $28,520, administered under the NSW Government’s 2016/17 Community Building Partnership Program, to contribute to the installation of an all-weather shade roof over Mirrabooka Court.

“The very essence of the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program is to support and recognise projects that encourage growth and development within our local community,” Tanya Davies said.

Tanya Davies was joined by Father Michael Belonio, Father Sumesh Illkkaparambil, Father Vincent Tran, Parish Chairperson Fleur Mathias and Parishioners David and Margaret Currie at the Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in St Clair, where the cheque was presented.

In particular, the $28,520 was used to help install a

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large all-weather shade roof for the local community to utilise.

“This allocation of this grant to the Holy Spirit Catholic Parish will ensure that the local community has an adequate meeting space that can be enjoyed throughout the year and is easily accessible and safe for all,” Tanya Davies said.

Parishioner David Currie said “What a great benefit to the community, this beautiful shade structure will allow our community to reach out to all. Thanks to the NSW Government we now have a place to meet.”

“I am certain the all-weather shade roof and accessible, smooth entrance will be of great benefit to the local community,” Tanya Davies said.

For more information on the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, please visit http://www.communitybuildingpartnership. nsw.gov.au/.

Police seeking info on injured St Clair man A police investigation has commenced after a man was located in his St Clair home earlier this month with head injuries.

About 7pm Thursday 5 October, the 51-year-old injured man was found in his Feather Street home.

He was taken to Nepean Hospital and was treated for wounds to his head, nose and eye socket. The injuries are not considered life threatening.

St Mary’s police attended and commenced an

investigation.

A crime scene was established at the man’s house and the circumstances surrounding how the man was injured are being investigated.

Inquiries are continuing.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

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St Clair Erskine Park

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is proudly brought to you by the Nepean News team.

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9834 5579

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From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies AND we’re baaack! By popular demand after a bit of a spell St Clair Community News has returned and this time we’ve incorporated Erskine Park.

Please contact us if you have any ideas, stories, charity functions, community notices - or for any reason at all, really!

All the details are below, but be sure to also follow us on facebook.

A big shout out to all our advertisers who were happy to jump back on board. We’d love to have more, so give us a call if you’d like a price - we are cheaper than you think!

Another big shout out to all the local shops who stock our publication.

Thanks for reading, we value your feedback: stclairnews@aol.com

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St Clair Community News

A safe way to trick or treat!

By Kerrie Davies

Kids, head to St Marys with your parents and take part in the FREE 2017 St Marys Trick or Treat Trail. Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and register to participate.

There will be loads of free entertainment including airbrush tattoos, jumping castle and prizes to be won.

It is free to register and you will receive a free trickor-treat bag.

If you would like to skip queues on the day, please head to St Marys Town Centre facebook page to download the registration form, fill it in and bring it with you to a pre-

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registratiton session (but they have spares if you need them). If you pre-register it simply means that you don’t have to queue up on the 28th October, and can start finding your stops as soon as the clock hits 10am.

They will be running two pre-registration sessions: 21st and 26th October 4pm-5.30pm at Coachman’s Park.

But don’t worry, if you can’t get to a preregistration session, you can still register on the day at Coachman’s Park from 9am.

Saturday 28th October, 10am - 2pm at Coachman’s Park, St Marys.

Your local East Ward Councillors

Ben PRICE

East Ward Councillor

Deputy Mayor

Phone 0410 601 343 E: ben.price@penrith.city

Phone 0417 365 313

Penrith City Council

Greg DAVIES East Ward Councillor

Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor

Phone 0419 177 259

Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Council

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A hole in one for locals

Residents are being offered the chance to see golf at its best and all for free when the 2017 NSW Golf Open Championship comes to Penrith next month.

Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club will host the four-day event from Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 November, residents who register online for tickets will secure a free four-day pass to the event.

This is a unique opportunity for golf lovers and sports enthusiasts to get up close and personal with their sporting heroes; with some of Australia’s best players set to play at the event.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said Council is proud to bring yet another major sporting event to Penrith for its residents to experience.

“As a sponsor of the 2017 NSW Open Championship, Council is delighted to have delivered another thrilling and unique sporting event for locals to enjoy,” Cr Thain said.

“Events like the NSW Open Championship give residents the opportunity to experience world-class sporting events right here in Penrith.

“They also provide a welcome economic boost to

local businesses, as we’ve seen with the economic success and increased visitation from recent events such as the Matilda’s vs Brazil match, Defcon.1 and the Penrith Tennis International.”

“I encourage all sports fanatics, golf lovers and families looking for something new and fun to do, to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the pros of the PGA tour of Australasia go head-to-head right here in Penrith.”

Register online at visitpenrith.com.au before 29 October to score your free four-day event pass.

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Embrace the fun at Real Festival 2017

 The ABC’s Craig Reucassal will make learning about the environment fun.

 Strange Fruit will perform their world-class stage production The Spheres.

World-class performances, spectacular stage shows, well-known TV stars and illuminated artworks are set to bring the Nepean River to life at Real Festival from 3 - 4 November.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the new expanded format, which runs over Friday and Saturday, means there are even more opportunities to experience the river in fun and adventurous ways.

“It’s not just the event itself that’s grown this year, the sheer size and scale of what’s on offer and the big names we’ve attracted that will blow everyone away,” Cr Thain said.

Highlights include world-renowned Production Company Strange Fruit performing their mesmerising stage show The Spheres for the first time in Sydney; guest appearances by the ABC’s Craig Reucassel and Costa Georgiadis; several art installations towering up to seven metres high and a Fire Jet show running every 25 minutes from 7.30pm both nights.

“There’s also demonstrations, fun hands-on activities, delicious food vendors, artisan markets and inspiring artworks, performances and entertainment for all ages across Friday and Saturday,” Cr Thain said.

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 Everyone favourite gardening guru will return to Real Festival this year.

“Morning workshops in art, craft, fitness and photography are offered on Sunday for anyone wanting to learn a new skill or pursue their passion.

With limited spots available, you will need to preregister on the website.

“There’s so much to get excited about but what’s most exciting to me and what I’m most proud of is that it’s all for free. So mark this event in your calendar, head to the website to view the full event program, register for workshops and start planning your weekend,” Cr Thain said.

The Real Festival is proudly produced by Penrith City Council with the support of Major sponsor Busways.

REAL FESTIVAL EVENT INFORMATION When:

Where: Entry: Details:

Friday 3 November 5pm-10pm Saturday 4 November 2pm -10pm Sunday 5 November 8am -12pm (pre-registered workshops only) Tench Reserve, Nepean River FREE realfestival.com.au

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PROGRAM: 10:00AM 10:10AM 10:40AM 11:00AM 11:30AM 11:45AM 12:00PM 12:30PM 1:00PM 1:30PM 1:45PM 2:00PM

Official Opening All Star Dance Vivid Performing Arts Red Hot and Country M.C. Dance Company Shaolin Martial Arts Centres All Star Dance Julia Parashko Singers Fancy dress parade Julia Parashko Singers Joven Estigoy - Singer EVENT CLOSES

Program subject to change. True and correct at the time of printing.

For more information on the event and on how to pre-register visit stmarystowncentre.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/stmarystowncentreltd

Penrith’s second uni

By Keegan Thomson

CAN Penrith sustain another university in town? That is the question Councillor Aaron Duke posed to Council during the September Ordinary Council Meeting.

“I would like a report to come back to Council for more tertiary education in Penrith,” Cr Duke said during the meeting.

Speaking to Nepean News after the meeting, Cr Duke said the young people of western Sydney would receive major benefits that would come out of a second university opening up shop in Penrith.

“We’re a growing population of young people. We have a changing economy and the demands of that economy will mean people need to get the

right education for the jobs of the future,” Cr Duke said.

According to Cr Duke there are 200,000 places for university students east of Parramatta but out in western Sydney only 25,000 places open for students, meaning Penrith locals seeking out tertiary education have to travel upwards of 90 minutes each way just to get to university.

Currently the only tertiary education institution operating in Penrith is Western Sydney University, which has three campuses across Werrington and Kingswood, as well as a handful of WSU campuses in the Hawkesbury.

“Council should investigate the possibilities of reaching out to other universities across Australia,” Cr Duke said.

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“I think WSU is doing great but when you compare it to what is going on in the inner city we don’t have the variety and the opportunity of choice. With the airport and the technology park developments I would like to see a STEM uni come to western Sydney so our young people can better equip themselves for the future.”

Nearby Blacktown City Council is currently trying to woo over prospective universities that might be interested in opening up a campus in the Blacktown CBD.

Forgotten memorial cleaned up

By Keegan Thomson

Vietnam Veterans from the St Marys RSL sub-branch are pleased that Council is investigating the “sorry state” of a local war memorial that has been left to wrack and ruin.

In a statement mailed to our news desk the team of veterans from St Marys also wanted to raise awareness of the fact that there is a fourth war memorial in St Marys despite the NSW government register of war memorials only stating there is three in the region.

Currently listed on the war memorials register are three memorials: one in Victoria Park, another near the train at the St Marys RSL club and the third in Kokoda Park near Charles

Hackett Drive and Carinya Ave. According to the Vietnam Vets there is a fourth in Lang Park, St Marys that has been forgotten.

“It’s a memorial to those munitions workers who filled the casings and shells at the St Marys Munitions Factory during and beyond World War II, many of whom lived in some of the ‘Duration Cottages’ that were situated in that area,” the statement reads.

For support the veterans reached out to the Penrith Council for help, requesting that the Memorial be restored as soon as possible and that it be reregistered as a War Memorial,” the veterans said.

Currently Councillor Greg Davies of East Ward is working with the Council staff to

redevelop the memorial status and clean up the memorial after the Mayor, Cr John Thain, expressed his support to the RSL sub-branch.

In response to Council’s efforts to sort out the situation, St Marys RSL sub-Branch President Ron Blakely said he was very thankful that Council has responded so enthusiastically.

“The memory of those women and men who undertook such dangerous work which enabled our troops on the front line to win the day when our country - our way of life - was under serious threat from Japan, must not go forgotten,” Mr Blakely said.

“Such memory must not be lost in the upheaval of the area simply in the name of progress,” he added.

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Travel: Spotlight on China

By Ben Cranney

I’ve always wanted to go to China. I couldn’t say why. I just did. So when I got the chance last month, I jumped. The question was, how do you spend two weeks in a place that has the Silk Road, the Great Wall and Giant Pandas? I wanted to see everything but was happy with anything, so flight price partly dictated the destination.

The only definite was Harbin in the frozen north.

As a Russian refuge after the revolution at the start of the 20th century, it’s an amazing mix of Russian and Chinese culture. Russia really comes out on the main drag, with its cobbled stones, street vendors selling delicious pork sausages and classic music playing through hidden speakers. If soaking up street atmosphere isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to fill your time.

For the thrill seekers, the kilometer wide frozen river to the north was covered in kite boarders, tube riders behind 4WDs, ice skaters and dog sledders.

Just walking across the river was an experience for an Aussie, although the giant cracks were a worry.

For the history buffs, there’s Unit 731, to learn about Japanese occupation during World War 2 and the horrific human experiments that were conducted.

For the animal lovers, the Siberian tiger park.

There’s something special about watching a playful 300kg cat from the inside of a mini van with windows made of something suspiciously like chicken wire.

For the shoppers, there’s a rabbit’s warren of stalls built under the city, away from the cold, inviting you to get lost for hours.

But the star is undeniably the snow and ice festival. At a water bottle freezing -28, nothing melts. Every year, up to 16,000 workers descend on the city to build castles, temples, ships and towns out of snow and ice. Up to 30 meters tall and lit up like Sydney’s Vivid on steroids, it’s spectacular.

You just have to deal with the cold. The trick is to layer, protect your extremities and every hour or so, head inside to thaw out.

There are three main ice and snow sights, and you probably need a couple of hours at each. For the furthest and most spectacular, some of the hotels have enterprising locals running free shuttle buses if you buy entrance tickets from them.

Just remember where they are picking you up from! It’s a long, cold walk back.

Instagram: exploringtheworldscranneys

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Local mum looks forward to talk about raising teens Local mum, Rebecca Joy enjoys raising her three kids but at times can feel overwhelmed as the teen years bring challenges particularly in relationships and their online world.

Youth and community organisation, Fusion Western Sydney is holding a special Talk for parents, grandparents, caregivers to provide local parents like Rebecca with some practical handson tools and tips to help. The Talk is called RAISING RESILIENT TEENS and will be held on Friday night, 27 October at Colyton High School.

The Talk is open to anyone in the community.

The Talk will be given by psychologist, teacher, lecturer and writer, Collett Smart. Collett has more than 20 years experience working with children and families around the world and appears regularly on national television and radio as an expert in family and teen issues. She is a mum to three children aged 9, 14 and 16 so she knows the challenges of parents first hand.

‘My teenagers have been going to the Fusion programmes for two years, learning new things, meeting new people and having fun. The youth

Bec Joy

workers really care and I know the kids are safe.

I’m so excited that now there’s something for me.

Times have changed... it’s harder for parents than when we were kids… technology, social media…

I’m flying blind! This is a chance for me to take time out, listen and soak it all up’.

You can book to hear Collett Smart on RAISING RESILIENT TEENS – Life, Relationships and their online world, on our website www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au/events or buy a ticket from the Fusion Café, cnr Queen and Station Streets St Marys (open weekdays 7am – 3pm).

Enquiries 8805 5971.

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An Erskine Park connection to the Boer War

H

enry Hockney Dawson was born in England in 1825, the son of John and Mary Dawson (Nee: Hockney).

In 1853 Henry moved to Bayly Park along with his sister Fanny and her husband Joseph Longmore and their four children. Later the Longmore family moved to Victoria.

Henry married Wilhelmina Grace Jones in 1859 at Christ Church St Lawrence in Sydney. She was the daughter of Robert Jones and Wilhelmina Townsend Fox. Henry’s younger sister Sarah Eve Dawson also married in 1859 at Cobbitty to James Henry Thomas a farmer at Penrith. When Henry (Snr) died in 1863, James and Sarah moved to Erskine Park. Henry (Snr) is buried in the cemetery of St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church at St Marys. Sarah and James’ first born son was James Francis Thomas, born in 1861 (a nephew of Henry). He attended the King’s School at Parramatta and was in the Cadet’s and after studying law at Sydney University he established his practice at Tenterfield in 1887 when he qualified as a Solicitor.

He was a poet, a newspaper proprietor and editor of “The Tenterfield Star” that he owned for more than 16 years, a legal practitioner, a soldier and a community leader at Tenterfield. He joined the Tenterfield Mounted Infantry Regiment as a 1st Lieutenant in February 1894. His father was an old volunteer and captain of the Volunteer Infantry at Penrith for some years. James’ leadership qualities showed when in 1895 his local reservist troop, the Tenterfield Rifles, won the prestigious state-wide trophy the “Hutton Shield” awarded to the elite of Australia’s Light Horse contingents, based on dress, drill, cavalry attack, marksmanship, horsemanship, fire discipline and command. When the uprising of the Boer’s became serious, James was among the first to volunteer. The Military Headquarters commissioned him Captain and requested he urgently raise a contingent for South Africa. Within less than three weeks in November 1899, the first mounted contingent known as “A” Squadron NSW Citizens’ Bushmen was dispatched to the Boer War under his command. James did his home town proud, with three mentions in dispatches during the War including his award of the Queen’s Medal with four clasps for heroic actions. Having served twelve months in South Africa, the NSW Bushmen contingent embarked at Cape Town in May 1901 for its return to Australia, with one Officer and twenty-nine men. These survivors, James included, disembarked in Sydney the next month and within a month of his return to Australia James led some vigorous lobbying on behalf of his destitute fellow returned servicemen. It was a fight that James won, the Imperial Government subsequently providing free passage from Sydney on the steamer “Britannic”.

James resigned from the NSW Bushmen’s corps and returned to South Africa where he found himself railroaded into the position of Advocate with the rank of Major before the upcoming court martials of Morant, Handcock and George Witton. In February 1902, the Second South Australian Mounted Rifleman Lieutenant Harry “Breaker” Morant and his farrier Sergeant Peter Handcock were executed by firing

squad following a British court martial for their role while serving in an auxiliary guerrilla unit (the Bushveldt Carbineers).

They claimed that they killed (on orders) twelve Boer prisoners and a German missionary who they said was an enemy spy. James was picked on short notice by the British authorities (because he Captained the Boer War Light Horse NSW Bushmen’s Contingent) to act as defence counsel for Morant and Handcock. To the British this prosecution was a foregone conclusion and they deduced that this solicitor from a NSW rural town was considered no match for a well-drilled experienced British prosecution team. But the British were rattled by the unexpectedly robust and capable defence mounted at such short notice by James in which he argued the Boer War was characterised by atrocities and that other auxiliary units acting under orders from Hubert Hamilton followed a deliberate policy of shooting prisoners. Sadly he lost, and his last painful duty falling to him, together with other Australian comrades, was to claim the bodies of Morant and Handcock for burial. James returned once more to Australia in the early part of 1903 where he assisted Witton in the preparation of the book “Scapegoats of the Empire”. He lent Lieutenant Witton (who was reprieved by Kitchener for his part in the case) his copy of the trial proceedings and notes. With some pressure from the Army regarding the issue of the publication of the book and his perception of the court martial he resigned his commission voluntarily. He argued that he tried the case as “a private practitioner of the law and not as an Army man”. He gave the publishing task to Witton and never used the title of Major after returning from South Africa. He unsuccessfully lobbied the NSW Premier for assistance for Handcock’s children (ending up helping them himself) and for an inquiry into the Morant/Handcock case. His properties and his fortunes became depleted and he became more eccentric and often took to sleeping in a tent in the local graveyard at night rather than at his small farm out of town. In April 1915, James sold the “Star” newspaper and his financial position became worse. His law practice was also sold in 1919 and he was stopped from practicing law in Tenterfield until the end of 1925. He never married and being a “thorough gentleman” could not bring himself to trash the reputation of one of his clients of 30 years standing. Mrs Power was the daughter of a longstanding and prominent Tenterfield family and she had James declared bankrupt over outstanding costs relating to litigation she instituted against him following a disagreement over the management of her affairs. Research has unearthed an article that appeared in “Smith’s Weekly” on 7th May 1927 which put James’ case as follows:“Thomas prefers to remain in Long Bay [gaol, in Sydney] as a confinee in contempt rather than pay £77/8/8d legal costs and he is in Long Bay on principle and considers himself a victim of injustice”. James died at the age of 81 in November 1942 and is buried in Tenterfield cemetery.

Sources: Genealogy.com website, Bray Family website, Article of Anthony Hoy “‘The Bulletin” April 4, 2000, Drawing of James from Sydney Morning Herald, Trove, BDM Registers website. Photo of James at the gravesite in 1902 courtesy of Wikipedia website. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

Snake season is here

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By Dr Richard Miller

‘Snake Season’ is upon us again. Snakes are emerging from their winter hibernation and they’ll be on the move and hungry.

Every year we see both dogs and cats envenomed by either Red Bellied Black Snakes or Eastern Brown Snakes. The vast majority of these cases come from properties on the fringes of St Clair and Erskine Park, backing onto grass or bushland and along the freeway. Snakes will also travel along tracts of parkland leading into the suburbs from these areas.

To reduce the risk of snakes entering your property, where possible, snake proof the fence line, keep the grass short and the yard tidy. Snakes are attracted to shelter but also food sources eg mice, and water, so owners of aviaries should be Mamre ROAd

Veterinary Surgery

particularly careful.

Never approach a snake if you see one, call SYDNEY SNAKE CATCHER on 1300 599 938 for safe removal of the snake by a professional.

If you find your dog suddenly unwell or with a snake, even if you’re unsure if they’ve been bitten, seek veterinary care as soon as possible because the effects of snakebite can progress very rapidly and will often prove fatal without appropriate treatment with an antivenin.

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Hindered (8) 5 An Asian temple (6) 9 Strive (8) 10 A coarse cloth with a

bright print (6) 12 Hoods (5) 13 In a futile manner (9) 14 Senility (6) 16 Fleck (7) 19 Aged (7) 21 Not the top (6) 23 A pronunciation mark (9) 25 Prefix meaning “Hand” (5) 26 Cerumen (6) 27 Feathers (8) 28 Most rational (6) 29 Traitorous (8)

DOWN 1 From that place (6) 2 The state of having lost

one’s husband (9) 3 Absorbs written material (5) 4 Speak clearly (7) 6 A reprieve in intensity (9) 7 Leaves out (5) 8 Liturgical assistants (8) 11 Focussing glass (4) 15 Farmers (9) 17 Wittingly (9) 18 Door-to-door salesmen (8) 20 Abominable snowman (4) 21 Rod-shaped bacteria (7) 22 Small amount of food (6) 24 Bib (5) 25 Desert animal (5)

Check next edition for the solution

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Secret debate

Rant hour: What CHEESES you off?

He Says.....................................................She Says People who believe they are owed a living: you aren’t, you are entitled to opportunity but you have to grab it. Unemployed and can’t get the job you want? Take a different one until you can find the one you want. People with jobs find it easier to get other jobs. No one begrudges supporting anyone with a hand up when they are down, that doesn’t mean they want to support you forever. You are the the best person to help yourself.

People who incessantly cry about the bin system. Recycle all your cartons, stop carrying on about the green bin being too big and use the thing for what it’s meant for. Food scraps, lawn clippings or anything organic. Once you learn to do this, you will also find your red bin no longer stinks because it’s not meant to have organic things like food scraps in it. Simple. How can so many people find that hard to comprehend!?

Impatience: What is it with people who can’t wait for anyone?

Drivers who move up to the next car stopped in traffic so that someone wishing to enter the traffic is blocked from doing so. Is one extra car length going to get you to where you are going any quicker?

People who jump on elevators or trains before waiting for those who want to get off. News Flash geniuses, the train or lift wont get you there any faster because you board first.

If your life is it that rush-dependant, get a new one before your heart attack, or is it that you are just plain rude?

WIN!

People who are always victims. Everyone has issues and problems every now and then but those people who seem to thrive on being victims really give me the irrits. Break out the violin! If all you ever do is whinge and whine about every aspect of your life, it’s probably never gonna get any better.

Keep doing the same thing and sure as eggs are eggs, you’ll get the same result. Nobody owes you happiness, self-worth or riches - not even the government. Quit moaning and get out and find it yourself.

People’s facebook statuses.

Seriously!

Sometimes I check my newsfeed just so I can get annoyed. I’ve broken the ones that pain me the most into three categories. The teaser: “I can’t believe that just happened” followed by 20 people asking “What?” - but no further response from the poster. Play your mind games on someone else’s time - I don’t have time to keep checking back to see whatever insignificant thing it was - only to be disappointed that it ended up something silly. Or worse, that you never elaborate at all - and just keep everyone guessing except those privileged enough to receive a private inbox. Spare me. The awkward sharer: “I wish my boyfriend wanted to spend time with me instead of his mates. I just wish I mattered to him.”

Perhaps if you spoke about those sort of things behind closed doors you’d get a decent boyfriend instead of one who is happy to have a girl who SHARES EVERYTHING ON FACEBOOK! Learn the term private information. And live it.

The foody: Oh and I don’t really want to see what you had for dinner every night. I don’t get to eat it so why make me suffer?

Especially when I’m hungry, that’s just cruel.

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

Local boy set to be a motor cross star

15

By Conner Lowe

It’s not often you hear of someone at such a young age who is highly skilled in a competitive and difficult sport like motor cross.

Riley Burgess is just eight years old and he has quickly become a rising sensation and is amazing everyone with his skills on a motorbike at such a young age.

Riley had a passion for bike riding very early on.

He first started riding motorbikes at the age of two; he then started competing at the age of seven and hasn’t looked back. Riley competes and travels to local and interstate events.

Riley has competed in three rounds of the NSW motor cross state titles, successfully finishing first overall in the 7-9 years 50cc class and third overall in the 7-9 years 65cc class.

Riley is also the current NSW state title holder of motor cross in the 7-9 year’s age group.

Wayne Burgess, Riley’s father spoke about how well he has done through 2017 and how good Riley can possibly become.

“Riley’s abilities at such a young age, are inspiring and for 2017 season he has placed in all major events,” he said.

“Without a doubt, it has been extremely expensive and time consuming, however Riley has loads of support. Riley has some local sponsors which helps offset some of the expenses.

We travel all round NSW to enable him to achieve his dreams. With his dedication and determination there is no stopping him. Who knows where this could lead to.”

Riley has a huge future ahead of him in the sport and as he gets older will only get better and better. We would like to wish Riley good luck at his upcoming Australian championships later this year as he continues to show everyone his skills.

Panther players get Kangaroo call-up

By Stewart Moses

A recent announcement saw Penrith’s Kangaroos representation go from zero to two in a matter of hours after the withdrawals of Andrew Fifita (switch to Tonga) and Darius Boyd (injury) enabled the selection of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Josh Mansour for the upcoming World Cup. Campbell-Gillard was initially unlucky to be overlooked by coach Mal Meninga despite being named the game’s best interchange player at the Dally M awards before being awarded the Merv Cartwright Medal less than 24 hours before his eventual call-up.

Mansour’s late selection caps a remarkable comeback from a serious ACL knee injury at last year’s Four Nations tournament.

The Panthers winger, having forgone selection in last year’s Test v New Zealand in Perth due to his wedding, will once again put family first, declaring he is prepared to miss either of Australia’s games versus England (Oct 27) or France (Nov 3) should wife Daniella go into labour as expected on or before November 2.

 Josh Mansour completes an amazing return from injury with his Kangaroos selection. Credit: 77 Media.

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