St Clair & Erskine Park News July 2019

Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au JULY 2019

&

St Clair Erskine Park

News

Join us on facebook: St Clair Community News

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

ISSUE 43

Cuppa anyone?

Feel like a cappuccino or a latte? The newly renovated Foodworks St Clair in Melville Rd now has an inbuilt Cafe ready to serve you with delicious coffee, cakes, pies and more from 6am weekdays, 7am weekends.

Stay tuned for a detailed spread on all the renovations in our next edition!

Enriching reading for our local school libraries

2

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

t Clair High School was the venue for a scrumptious morning tea at a gathering of local High School representatives to select a bundle of military books for their school library.

Members of the St Marys RSL Sub-branch donated loads of books to various local school libraries.

These books have been laid as Tributes during ANZAC and Remembrance Day Commemorative Services over recent years by organisations and individuals who wished to honour a loved one or make a general tribute to those who have fought (the many who gave their lives) for our tremendous country, Australia.

The High Schools attending included St Clair, St Marys Senior, Colyton, Cambridge Park, Mamre Anglican and Emmaus College.

“Thank you to those schools for continuing to support the role of the RSL sub-Branch in St Marys,” Tony Fryer said.

“President Ron Blakely addressed the gathering to remind them of our continued offer to assist schools in a variety of ways, before he let them loose to choose a selection of titles for their library.

“Thank you to St Clair Principal Julie Tegart for enabling us to hold the event in the school’s cafe.

The Hospitality Class (under Rajni) did a superb job in catering the function.”

Council trainee wins prestigious award

3

By KeRRIE DAVIES

O

ne of Penrith Council’s 2018 trainees, Sarah Tracy, has won a prestigious award at the Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government. The awards celebrate the contribution of women to local government in NSW. Sarah was successful in the Women in Traineeships or Apprenticeships for a Metropolitan Council award category after excelling in her Business Administration traineeship. She has continued on at Council this year.

The awards, presented at NSW Parliament House, celebrate the contribution of women to local government in NSW. In addition to recognising the significant contribution of award winners, the awards aim to encourage more women to take on roles in local government.

Sarah’s award is a glowing endorsement of the Penrith Council traineeship program that has provided a strong foundation for many fantastic careers.

“On behalf of Council I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sarah on her success and I look forward to seeing her build on her career

Greg DAVIES Deputy Mayor

Sarah Tracy accepts her award from the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP.

here at Council well into the future” said Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM. Each year around 50 traineeship positions are offered across Council departments. These trainees gain a variety of experiences that helps them build on their potential and develop vital skills and knowledge, while at the same time receiving a nationally recognised qualification and working closely with a team of experienced staff.

Application rounds for 2020 open in September.

Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor

Phone 0419 177 259

Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Council

St Clair Community

News

Join us on

East Ward Councillor

Phone 0417 365 313

&

St Clair Erskine Park

4

News

is proudly brought to you by the Nepean News team.

To contact the team call: Office:

9834 5579

Editor:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644

Sales Manager:

Korena Hale 0403 045 880

Sales:

Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319

Graphic Designer:

Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893

Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the editor: stclairnews@aol.com Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StClairCommunityNews 203 Banks Drive, St Clair

• • • • • • • •

Sales Installation Service MAINTENANCE DUCTED SPLIT SYSTEMS REPAIRS VENTILATION

10%

discount on service for Pensioners

heating & cooling specialists Call us today for a free quote or EMAIL: Lmas@tpg.com.au

www.Lmac.com.au

Showroom: 2/129 Russell St, Emu Plains

From the Editor’s Desk

O

by Kerrie Davies

ver the last few weeks we have received many emails and messages regarding anti-social behaviour in St Clair and Erskine Park.

We’d like to discuss the problems on behalf of our readers with the local police ad Penrith Council.

In order to follow up with them armed with a broad idea of what the issues are and how wide-spread they are, we want to hear from you.

The problems that have been flagged with us so far are: Egged cars and driveways Stray shopping trolleys Rubbish in parks and tunnels Motorbikes burning through grass Wheelie bins tipped over Letterboxes damaged Have you had to put up with the above? If it is problematic, please let us know as we are keeping a record. You can write to us at stclairnews@aol.com or message us on facebook.

Cheers, Kerrie

Vax rates makes for healthy future

AI Roofing, Driveways & Restorations

0450 299 148

FREE S QUOTE

JUNE SPECIALS Roofs Painted - 3 Coats From

$1,850

Colourbond Fencing Recoloured From

$950

Driveways Sealed & Recoloured From

P

arents are being congratulated for keeping their children’s vaccinations up to date, with almost 100 per cent of children across the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District fully vaccinated, but some, especially young ones are still missing out on potentially lifesaving treatment.

NBMLHD Director of Public Health, Associate Professor Bradley Forssman says immunisation rates across the District are amongst the best in the state for the October – December 2018 quarter.

“Our latest statistics show 99 per cent of Aboriginal children, and 95 per cent of non-Aboriginal children aged four, are fully immunised.”

“These results are very welcome. The shots kids receive are helping to set them up for a healthy future.”

“Vaccinations help defend young children from diseases including tetanus, polio and whooping cough. A vaccine is most effective once a full course has been completed,” says Associate Professor Forssman.

“Getting immunised also helps you protect other vulnerable members of your family who are also experiencing illness.”

The high immunisation rate for young Aboriginal children is a result of improved health education and increased awareness about vaccinations says Aboriginal Immunisation Health worker, Kelly Hodges.

“As part of my role I help to create an understanding of what the benefits of getting a vaccination are and I help facilitate and remove the barriers that are preventing people from accessing vaccines.”

“We work very closely with local GPs, our community health centres, mothers groups and schools to ensure that even the most busiest of families have access to the vaccines their children need,” says Ms Hodges.

For more information relating to immunisations please visit the NSW Health website.

$450

Your Flower Boutique

(02) 9834 4273 Shop 13a Swallow Dr, Erskine Park Shopping Village

Deliveries Available

Long Line Shoes Specialists in Longer Footwear

Ladies Shoes SIZE 10.5 - 14 Mens Shoes SIZE 13 - 18

PH 9623

8176

LAYBY AVAILABLE

10 weeks to pay* Cond Apply

Shop 1, 55 Phillip St, St Marys

Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri 9.30am-5pm Thurs 9.30am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-3.30pm, Sun Closed

norman’s scrap metals $$$ FOR SCRAP

NOW AVAILABLE 30 Ton Weighbridge at our Penrith site

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Free Call 1800 225 235 AUBURN

6 Bligh street open 6 days ph: (02) 9748 0611 FAX: (02) 4721 7658

PENRITH

34 PEACHTREE ROAD open 7 days ph: (02) 4732 1683 (off Castlereagh Rd)

55

Arthritis in dogs and cats

6

Symptoms of Athritis in Dogs

By DR RICHARD MILLER

A

rthritis is a very common problem in our pets and it’s this time of year, when it’s getting colder, that they feel it the most. Arthritis can be seen in young dogs affected by juvenile joint problems including Hip and Elbow Dysplasia but is most common in older dogs and cats.

It is relatively rare in cats because of their small size. Being big, overweight and very active throughout life are all predisposing factors for arthritis when older because, fundamentally, it is a wear and tear thing. Moving parts in cars wear out so they do in our pets.

Arthritis can affect any joint with spine being most common then hips then elbows.

Symptoms range from stiffness to lameness, reluctance to get out of bed in the mornings to difficulty standing up, short-stepping or shuffling gait, swollen painful joints to generalized lethargy including crankiness if they are particularly uncomfortable.

Mamre ROAd

Veterinary Surgery

Soreness in Hips

Back Pain

Whining for No Reason Slow Going Up and Down Stairs

Slow Walking

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms it could well be that they are suffering from arthritis.

There are several medications that can immediately help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and others that nourish and repair joints and help slow the progression of this painful condition.

If you are worried your pet may have arthritis please give us a call or come see us for advice.

Incorporating Puppy Preschool, Cat Boarding Along with a full range of medical, diagnostic and surgical services and facilities

Serving the local community

Mamre Rd

9623 3970

St Marys player celebrates Lotto division one win A St Marys player has had a start to the week they’ll never forget, scoring division one in the weekend’s Saturday Lotto draw.

The entry was one of the five division one winning entries nationally in the weekend’s Saturday Lotto draw 3961 on Saturday 6 July 2019. Each entry took home a division one prize of $774,826.59.

The division one winning entry was purchased at St Marys Newsagency, 118 Queen Street, St Marys.

The winner has chosen to remain completely anonymous and celebrate in private.

St Marys Newsagency manager Kalpesh Patel said he was thrilled for the winner.

“It took us hours to recover from the thrill of selling the winning ticket!” he exclaimed.

“It’s such great news! Congratulations to our winner, we hope they really enjoy their prize.”

The winning numbers in Saturday Lotto draw

3961 on Saturday 6 July 2019 were 30, 23, 15, 44, 18 and 41, while the supplementary numbers were 1 and 5.

Lost in floral rain:

7

written by a local doctor O

n Friday June 21, Minchinbury Community Hospital had a book launch for the novel “Lost in Floral Rain” written by one of the hospital’s Rehabilitation Consultants, Dr Pushpa Suriyaarachchi.

It was a wonderful evening starting with a Lamp Lighting ceremony followed by a welcome from Marilyn Piggott the Hospital Director.

Rasika Suriyaarachchi gave an introduction to Sri Lanka then Dr Suriyaarachchi gave some reflection on the book.

Guest speaker James Humberstone gave a talk on the impact of writing followed by Dr Jeyanthi Arockiam giving a review of the book.

Doctor Pushpa Suriyaarachchi has worked at the hospital since 2011. The story is about a medical student’s journey in Sri Lanka, through the turbulent era of the 1970’s and the hardships she faced. The names and characters are fictional but some stories echo Dr Suriyaarachchi’s life experiences.

Following the presentation of the book, guests were invited to feast on traditional food from Sri Lanka. Some of the hospital staff got into the spirit of the night dressing in saris.

Proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to two literacy initiatives in Sri Lanka.

8

SUDOKU: EASY 1

SUDOKU: EASY 2

INSTRUCTIONS

Solutions May Easy

Medium

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 People of faith (9) 6 Male reproductive cell (5) 9 Entrails (7) 10 Scented (7) 11 Anagram of “Deserts” (7) 12 Homosexual woman (7) 13 Committing an act of treachery (9) 15 Bearskin (5) 16 Empower (5) 19 Disaster (9) 22 Capuchin monkey (7) 23 Slid (7) 25 A loose African men’s tunic (7) 26 Artist’s studio (7) 27 Abominable snowmen (5) 28 Homesick (9)

DOWN 1 Constructed (5) 2 Merciful (7) 3 The joined continents of Europe and Asia (7) 4 Made easier to bear (5) 5 Limelight (9) 6 Husbands and wives (7) 7 Strange or rare objects (7) 8 Mislead (9) 13 Fortunately (9) 14 Added into a group (9) 17 Putting money into your account (7) 18 Issues an injunction (7) 20 A fire-breathing monster of Greek mythology (7) 21 Barking in a high-pitched tone (7) 23 Large amounts (5) 24 An order of classical Greek architecture (5)

Solution: June

Quality and assurance for your solar system

R

escom Solar was founded with a view to provide quality solar system installations, every time.

“We aim to provide the presale and after-sale support that gives you confidence in your decision to install a solar system,” said Alex Ali, owner.

“We have built a team of experienced installers and knowledgeable salespeople who share our vision to build a name and reputation that separates our business from other solar installers.

“In addition to our experience and expertise, we offer a five-year workmanship warranty on each installation.

“We recommend quality solar brands with solid warranties and proven performance, so together with our installation warranty, you can have confidence in your Rescom Solar system.

“A Rescom Solar system is an affordable investment that will deliver long term savings for your home or business.

“We custom design each solar system with our

L IA * C E ER Last P S FF ks O c

9

recommended solar brands to meet your home or business requirements.”

Call our helpful sales team to learn about what solar brands will suit your home or business energy needs and investment budget.

Rescom Solar is one of the leading companies providing residential and commercial solar installations and our strong belief in giving our clients the best quality and the best price every time ensures that you get the best value every time.

The price is inclusive of GST and it includes all expenses so there is nothing hidden and nothing extra to pay.

“We pride ourselves in providing you with honest advice and best quality brands and installation at the best possible price,” Alex said.

“If you come across any other company which offers you the same brands and no hidden costs and are cheaper then our quoted price, please give me a call before you pay any deposit and I will beat that price to win your business.”

Call Today 1300 128 747 sales@rescomsolar.com.au

to

S til

Un

*Single Story House *Single phase *Standard metro Installation

6.6kW System Candian Poly Split Max

WE

ALREADY USE THE ENERGY OF THE SUN!

$3,490* Inc GST

10

Known For Lounges

We have the know how on Lounge & Sofas

Family Owned and Operated, Specialising in Quality Customisable Australian made Lounge and Sofas with the best prices in Sydney!

Open 7 days

K

nown For Lounges have the know how on creating Quality Lounge and Sofas that dreams are made of with Massive MID YEAR SALES happening now in our 2 showrooms to celebrate the new Minchinbury store opening.

Our family has been providing customers from all over Sydney, Hawkesbury, The Hills, Penrith, Blue Mountains, Western Suburbs and Country areas with Quality Lounge and Sofas for over 50 years now and Known For Lounges now with the next Generation Bridgette and Ben joining the Family Business at Vineyard, we have now expanded and opened up our new store in Minchinbury (Eddie Rd). Our family has been working hard together over many years to make Known For Lounges known for what it is today.

Our New Minchinbury store will provide the same High level of Quality, Best Prices and exceptional customer service that our Vineyard store offers as you’ll be dealing directly with one of our family Members; Marc, Toni, Bridgette and Ben. Our family is so proud to be able to run and operate our own Business ‘Known For Lounges’ and able to compete against all the bigger retailers in price, quality and service. We also aim to deliver our Australian made Product within 4-6 weeks.

We provide so much variety in our 2 showrooms

and along with the option to change all our Australian made products we offer endless opportunities for our customers that not a lot of other Businesses can do and we can do it in such short time frames as well. When dealing with a small family Business our customers know who they are dealing with and little details don’t go unnoticed, we make sure we offer our knowledge to anyone who walks through our shops and are willing to help anyone needing our expertise.

We just have so much passion for creating beautiful lounge and sofas and providing an outstanding easy buying experience and being able to custom make products at such a high quality and short time frame really makes us different from all the big name shops!

With over 50 styles in our 2 showrooms that can be made as a Sofa, Corner Lounge, Modular Lounge, L shape Lounge, Chaise Lounge, U Shape, Recliners and Custom style lounges with the options of Quality Warwick fabrics and Italian Leathers.

Now sitting in both Style and Comfort has never been easier.

Chaise lounges from $1190 Large L shape lounges from $1790 Corner lounges from $1999 Reclining corner lounges from $1999 Reclining suites from $1599 Home theatre lounges from $1999 All can be customised in colour and size

Innovation Roof Restoration

Are you happy with the look of your roof?

Best rates in town!

Licence No. 251151c

Call Kurtis on 0475 555 000 for a free quote All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

ST CLAIR BASED

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Kitty returns for a final performance of Smashing K

itty Flanagan is back in Sydney for a special encore of her smash hit show, Smashing, at The Joan, Penrith on Friday August 16th .

Sex, algorithms, Cirque du Soleil, footy players, harbour porpoises - everything is getting “smashed”.

Leave the kids at home unless you want them getting a Kitty Flanagan style education. Kitty Flanagan is one of Australia’s best-loved comedians. She has been seen in ABC TV’s The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, Working Dog’s Utopia (ABC iView), and is a regular and formidable force on Network Ten’s comedy quiz program, Have You Been Paying Attention?

Kitty added author to her list of many achievements with her debut book Bridge Burning & Other Hobbies hitting the shelves in 2018. Don’t miss this final opportunity to see Kitty Flanagan smashing it.

Performance Details Venue: The Joan, 597 High Street Penrith Date: Friday 16th August, 2019 Times: 8.00pm Tickets: Available online at thejoan.com.au $54.90 + transaction.

11

12

Double delight for local active kids

By KeRRIE DAVIES

K

ids are keeping active while their parents are keeping the cash, with each school-enrolled NSW child now able to access two $100 Active Kids vouchers from July 1.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the money helps parents pay registration costs for sport and recreation, so our kids can participate and stay active all year-round.

“Families across NSW keep telling me how much the Active Kids Vouchers help them manage the cost of living. Now with two per school enrolled child, parents keep even more money in their back pocket while their kids stay happy and healthy,” said Mr Perrottet.

Since the Active Kids program was launched in 2018, more than one million vouchers have been redeemed and more than $100 million saved by NSW families.

Minister for Sport John Sidoti said it is a big win for NSW when more kids can participate in sport

because of the Government’s drive to take down the barriers to expensive registration costs.

“Whether it is soccer, scouts, AFL, rugby, netball, golf or volleyball, you’re sure to find an activity kids will love. Active Kids really is making a difference to children’s participation in sport and active recreation in NSW,” Mr Sidoti said.

From January – June there was an overall increase of 13 per cent in the number of Active Kids’ vouchers created, including a 17 per cent rise in vouchers created for girls following an influx of registrations for dance, gymnastics, tennis and swimming Active Kids providers.

“These are incredible results and demonstrate why the NSW Government is investing an additional $40 million this year to expand the Active Kids program.”

From today, parents of school-enrolled children can access a second $100 Active Kids voucher to use towards registration and membership fees for sport and active recreation each year. For further information visit sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids or call 13 13 02.

Aaliyah’s kind heart wins her a kid’s shout

By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

aliyah from St Clair is a standout sports kid.

Her mum Jacinta nominated her for a kid’s shout in the Emmy Gee awards, and reading about Aaliyah’s kindness melted MG’s heart.

“She loves sports and gives everything a go,” Jacinta said.

“She is in squad swimming, club soccer, school soccer program (Mamre Anglican) athletics, oztag and just competed at Wagga Wagga for representative touch football.”

Aaliyah is a busy girl! She’s also a high achiever across all sports.

“She excels in any sport she tries and shows wonderful sportsmanship,” her proud mum said.

“At one of her competitions, a competitor didn’t place in anything, so Aaliyah gave one of her medals and made that little girls day.”

One of Aaliyah’s greatest achievements is representing her school at a state level in 100m & 200m sprints. In her school’s regional athletics Competition she was the highest point scorer and was awarded CSSA age champion.

Well done Aaliyah, take your family to the Pioneer Tavern for lunch or dinner because it’s your shout!

To enter kid’s shout in the Emmy Gee awards, send an email to our editor Kerrie and MG at kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

13

PVSF Sky Encouragement Award

14

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Charlie Hart from Erskine Park the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of June for his amazing contribution in Rugby League.

Charlie has been playing Rugby League for six years and currently is in his fourth year with the St Clair Comets. Charlie has been an outstanding player helping his team to back to back grand finals in 2017 and 2018.

Charlie spoke about how proud he is to receive the award and how he continues to develop his skills and knowledge every week.

“I am very happy and proud of myself to receive the award because I believe I am doing well playing my favourite sport,” he said.

“I play Rugby League at school on lunch breaks and at home, plus I have two training days and a game day every week.

Playing with my mates helps me to become better with my football skills and knowledge.”

Charlie has really stepped up for his team and club receiving the ‘Best and Fairest’ Award in 2017 and last year receiving the ‘Iron Man’ Award for playing the most club games in a season.

Charlie was also selected in the PSSA Rugby League and was the only student from his school to receive selection.

Charlie also spoke about his greatest achievements thus far for the Comets and his hopes to play professionally one day.

“Some of my greatest achievements are; three years straight my team got into the Junior Rugby League Finals, two of those years my team finished runners up, with one of those years competing we were undefeated,” he said.

“I got the only Iron Man Award for the St Clair Comets for playing the most competition games, and I took home the Best and Fairest Award in my team.

“I was also the only student in my senior age group to be picked to represent my school and play for the St Marys PSSA League Team. I have now played 100 junior league games and 50 for my current club.

“I want to continue to play my best footy and one day be an NRL player.”

Charlie is determined, focused and most importantly shows great sportsmanship. He has so much enthusiasm and consistently encourages all his teammates throughout training and games.

We would like to congratulate Charlie on his award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue his incredible dedication in Rugby League.

TRADES & SERVICES

15

Phone KORENA ON 0403 045 880 OR KERRIE ON 0422 067 644 to place your Trade Service ad BINS

PATIOS

CONCRETING

ROOFING

GREG McSPADDEN CONCRETE SERVICES Specialising In: • Driveways • Pool Surrounds • Entertainment Areas

Innovation Roof Restoration

ST CLAIR BASED

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

• Stencil Specialists • Patios • Call for a quote!

No job too big or small

Are you happy with the look of your roof?

Best rates in town!

Call Greg on 0408 868 860 or 0433 345 088

Call Kurtis on 0475 555 000 for a free quote All work comes with a 5 year guarantee Lic No. 251151c

HANDYMAN

TREE SERVICES

Western Building Installations ALL HANDYMAN JOBS INCLUDING CARPENTRY, JOINERY & INSTALLATIONS

Free Quotes available! Call now!

Bob - 0414 336 492

Westernbuildinginstallations@outlook.com Lic No. 210688C

MECHANICAL REPAIRS

WINDSCREENS

AL PALMER REPAIRS

M&M WINDSCREENS

CALL US: 4721 5060

• Service & repairs • Pink & Blue Slips • All makes & Models

Award Winning Licensed motor Mechanic

4 Robertson Pl, Jamisontown | palmer99@tpg.com.au

PENRITH TO LOWER MOUNTAINS

*Subject to variation

★ All new & used car & truck screens from $150* ★ Windscreen crack repairs ★ Door glass & quarter glass ★ Workshop facilities ★ Insurance work ★ Mobile service available ★ Windscreens re-sealed • 28 years experience ★ Lifetime warranty (conditions apply)

mandmwindscreens@live.com.au

3/19 Copeland St, Kingswood prompt, punctual, reliable

4731 4044 0414 990 793

PATIOMAN

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

Call Peter Dunn

4735 5055 or 0416 035 645

www.patioman.com.au