Westernnews 17march2017

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The domestic violence epidemic strikes again

By Keegan Thomson

YET another innocent life was lost last week after Harjit Kaur was allegedly killed in a domestic violence incident in Glenwood.

Last Tuesday, March 7, police were called to Mrs Kaur’s house after her son found her dead. Since then police have charged her husband with her murder.

On Monday night, March 13, nearly 200 people packed the Bowman Hall in Blacktown to show their support to the Kaur family during a candlelight vigil.

Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali, called on the community to stand up to domestic violence.

“We as a community can no longer stick our heads into the sand when we hear our neighbours down the road yelling or fighting. We need to knock on the door and ask, are you ok?

“We need to think of ways of helping,” Cr Bali said.

Including the tragic death of Harjit Kaur, since 2015 there have been four women who’ve died in the Blacktown LGA in because of domestic violence situations.

In 2015, Kirralee Paepaerei and her

Stephen Bali with local MP John Robertson. Photo: Keegan Thomson

unborn baby died due to fatal head and chest injuries inflicted by her partner. He was charged with murder.

In the same year, Linda Addams and her seven year old grandson were stabbed to death on their front lawn.

A family member was charged with their murders.

Linda Locke was bashed to death in her family home by her partner in April of 2015.

The Mayor said the epidemic needs to be stopped.

“80 women are killed each and every year in Australia as a result of

domestic violence.

“It happens far too often and the large number of victims is a shame on the nation,” he said.

Rachel, was a friend and work colleague of Mrs Kaur. She spoke at the vigil of her relationship with her.

“Harjit was a very kind and special woman. She was a co-worker and she was a friend.

“The strength from her to defeat the turmoil and to overcome, so she could improve herself and become her own independent woman was very brave.

“I give full praise to her for

showing her independence and her fine spirit.

“Our hearts go out to the family and her two sons. We can’t believe it. Harjit rest in peace sweetheart, we’re thinking of you always,” Rachel said.

Blacktown City Council has been holding candlelight vigils for domestic violence victims since 2015. The vigil was organised by the Blacktown Women’s and Girl’s Health Centre with support from Council and State Member for Blacktown John Robertson.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

3 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

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4 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

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SINCE the inaugural season of the Hyundai A-League in 2005 the fans of Australian football have had encouragement and excitement about our own domestic league and how we can perform in Asia and help develop Australian youth players. However, 12 years later and the A-League almost seems to have taken a step back in the progression with the quality of football, crowd numbers at games and the expansion of the league halted by the Football Federation of Australia. Many fans are questioning the reasoning for a lack of expansion in the league and the quality of players Australian clubs can sign within the salary cap.

The lack of development and opportunities for Australian youth have meant that they have gone overseas to have an opportunity or given up on pursuing a career as a footballer.

Australian football hit its pinnacle in 2014 with the Western Sydney Wanderers wining the Asian Champions League against all odds and proving that dedication, belief and hard work is more important than money in football.

However, three years later in the same competition Western Sydney Wanderers, Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar have all suffered humiliating defeats and the once champions of Asia, the Western Sydney Wanderers have lost their first opening two games of the Asian Champions league 4-0 and 5-1, showing a lack of development and quality in the A-League compared to the rest of Asian domestic leagues.

The FFA have held back on the expansion of the Hyundai A-League and the possibility of raising the salary cap that makes it so difficult for Australian clubs to keep hold of their valuable players and signing quality players for the A-League.

This leads to the discussion of how or if the National team could be affected due to the lack of development and progression within the domestic league.

Current Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has helped the national team to a good World Cup campaign against strong opposition with Spain, Netherlands and Chile and a win in the AFC Asian Cup. Although, the success and progression of the national team could still be halted due to the quality of youth players coming through the A-League and around the world.

I believe with a lack of expansion in the A-League, no raising of the salary cap or investing in the development of Australian youth players, will not only hurt the Hyundai A-league clubs in the immediate and long term future both domestically and in Asia, but could possibly and very well hurt the progression of the Socceroos and our long term goals for the national team.

Your thoughts? conner@nepeannews.com.au

Opal price freeze set to thaw out

By Keegan Thomson

WESTERN Sydney commuters could be hit with another price hike on their Opal cards according to Shadow Minister and Member for Londonderry, Prue Car. In May last year, the state government put a freeze on all cost increases to Opal fares. This freeze is set to melt out in July this year with the state government yet to make an announcement on any proposed price hikes.

If there are any changes to the price of Opal they will come into affect within the next 18 months, with senior gold card holders set to cop the full force of the changes.

According to figures sourced from the Shadow Minister for Transort, proposed changes to the Opal fares could include an increase of the senior daily cap from $2.50 to $4, a weekly travel cap set at $72 up from $60 and the daily cap increased to $20 from $15.

Maximum bus fares also have the potential to rise from $4.50 to $5.60 per trip.

Local MP for Londonderry, Prue Car said the uncertainty around fare increases isn’t helping the home dynamics of many western Sydney locals.

“There are very few communities that would feel it as hard as we would feel it if the government decides to increase fees to this level,” the MP for Londonderry said.

Ms Car went on to say that western Sydney locals are copping an economic battering from all sides due to the forthcoming toll on the M4.

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Prue Car MP with Shadow Minister for Transport Jodi McKay. Photo: Keegan Thomson

“Whatever way you look at it we’re a commuter town. Whether we’re on the train or on the M4.

“We are copping it from all angles and we need to put pressure on the government to come clean on what’s going to happen with our Opal fares in a town were 60 per cent of the people travel outside of the area for work.

“This government is going to whack our Opal fares

up in a huge way. They’re going to make us pay for a toll on an existing part of the M4 when western Sydney is already buckling under increasing cost of living pressures like we’ve never seen before,” Ms Car said.

There is yet to be an announcement on the issue of Opal price rises but the government has said they’ll make an announcement sometime soon.

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Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Asbestos fears at Parra stadium

By Keegan Thomson

By Keegan Thomson

ASBESTOS has been found in the areas surrounding the multi million dollar revamp of the Parramatta stadium.

A spokesperson from Infrastructure NSW told Western News that there had been no asbestos fibres found in the construction site but there has been traces of the substance found nearby.

“As part of extensive environmental assessments, no asbestos was found in the stadium however asbestos has been identified in areas surrounding the stadium,” the spokesperson said.

Back when the stadium was built in 1986 asbestos was used as landfill to flatten and fill in the ground around the site.

It has also been confirmed that there is elements of asbestos in the current buildings at the Parramatta public swimming pool.

“Asbestos identified in the cement sheeting in the eaves lining of the existing pool buildings will be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist contractor,” the spokesperson said.

The pool, the buildings in the facility and the nearby carpark have been scheduled to be demolished as apart of

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the stadium’s refurbishment.

Even with the potential impacts of the asbestos still not known, Infrastructure NSW said they’ll follow an appropriate plan of action for the removal of the asbestos at Parramatta public pool.

“The remediation of asbestos will follow an approved Remediation Action Plan and industry best practice will be followed at all times.

“This includes; engaging hygienist companies and an independent site auditor, air monitoring, obtaining hygienist clearances, following all Worksafe Regulations and Codes of Practice,” the spokesperson said.

There is no word on whether or not the state government plans to move or treat the current asbestos around the grounds of the stadium itself.

Western News contacted the Minister for Western Sydney for comment but he did not respond to our requests before we went to press.

IN a shock move the Liberal Party has decided not to field a candidate in the Blacktown Council ward two byelection.

There will be only four candidates representing Labor, the Greens, Australia First Party and an independent.

The by-election was triggered after the late Leo Kelly passed away earlier this year. Whoever is successful on election day will represent the ward for the remainder of the four year council term.

Quakers Hill local and ALP branch president, Kevin Gillies won preselection over Leo Kelly’s daughter, Melissa Kelly, who put her name into the hat during the preselection.

Mr Gillies is the favourite to win the spot on council after Labor won previously with 46 per cent of first preferences.

The other candidates up for the position are Greens candidate Chris Winslow, Australia First Party candidate Cassie Orrock, and independent Kittu Randhawa.

The by-election will take place on April 8 with around 42,000 residents

Labor candidate Kevin Gillies.

Photo: Contributed

needing to cast their vote or risk copping the $55 fine.

Ward two includes Marayong, Kings Park, Glenwood, Kings Langley, Lalor Park, and some parts of Blacktown and Seven Hills.

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King Brian’s Final Swing for Charity

By Garion Thain

LEGEND of the West King Brian McCombe is preparing for his 12th and final outing as patron of the Kidney Golf Day, an annual event organised by Lou and Elizabeth Marevich to raise funds for Kidney Health Australia. Mr McCombe has spent the majority of the Golf Day’s 17 year tenure as the patron and intends to make the 2017 Golf Day the biggest and best yet, before the energetic Rouse Hill resident has some well-deserved rest, following the Friday April 7th charity affair.

Mr McCombe and I met again at Griddle Rouse Hill, a sponsor of the Brian McCombe Golf Day and favourite hangout of Mr McCombe, to talk about his hopes for the 2017 Golf Day over succulent steak.

Mr McCombe began by reflecting on his working life. Shooting to Greater Western Sydney fame thanks to the King Brian ads of the 90s’, Mr McCombe is also celebrating 50 years of working in Blacktown.

“I’m enjoying work, still getting the targets, a lot of people are repeat buyers,” said Mr McCombe.

Mr McCombe is notable for his daily Facebook photos of people he meets up with or works with throughout the week. His approachable attitude is good for business and outside of work, he says.

“I look after people,” he said.

“You do nice things, and hopefully it comes around.”

Mr McCombe mused on his first year as patron of the Golf Day, a cherished tradition for him.

“Lou [Marevich] approached me, he knew me from the King Brian days, and he said “would you like to be the patron?’”

Mr McCombe had a great time at the golf day,

engaging the crowd and having fun.

“At the end I asked the crowd, ‘If I come back, will you come back?’ And the crowd roared,” Mr McCombe said.

He then did it the 11 years since.

“We’ve sold out every year, and we’ve received tremendous community and business support. I’ve always been supported by John Chary, who gives us our beautiful trophies.”

Mr McCombe said he has many people to thank for the generous prizes on offer for this April’s event.

“Among our many goodies to be won this year are a year’s supply of Tim Tams, a digeridoo, and the first prize of a ten-person harbour cruise valued at $5000.

“We’ve had an outpouring of support and prize donations, from businesses, hotels, restaurants and interested persons,” Mr McCombe continued.

“We had to get six extra karts from twin creeks for all the teams.”

Among this year’s celebrity golfers are Dean Bourne, Lizzy Taylor and David Owens.

Mr McCombe reflected on how he will miss the golf days, but he always remembers why he does it.

“I met a girl once, she had lost her kidneys at 15, and was on dialysis every second day.

“That’s what we do it for.”

Mr McCombe thanked Mr and Mrs Marevich for having him as patron for 12 years.

“I’d like to thank everybody,” he said.

“This year we have a great course, Fox Hill.”

“I’m looking forward to a top day, with good friends.”

The April 7th Presentation Lunch is available for booking for only $30. To book or make inquiries about the event, contact 0412 890 120.

Mr McCombe, who has worked in Blacktown for almost 50 years, is the patron of the Kidney Golf Day for the 12th year in a row.

7 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

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Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Our Gina is number one

GETTING TO KNOW....

Kerrie Davies

By Kerrie Davies

Editor of Western Sydney News Group with Conner Lowe

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What was your first paid job?

Warlords Video parlor. I earned $2, put the lot in the space invaders machine and cried all the way home that I was a gambler.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Indian. Madras Curry extra extra hot.

What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Mice, rats, anything that resembles a rodent.

The sight of them makes me vomit.

What is your worst habit?

Over-analysing. And losing things. Pens and sunglasses have very short lifespans.

Best advice you’ve even been given?

People treat you how you let them.

If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

I’d probably back a horse and try to double it.

Maybe I am a gambler??

Favourite holiday destination and why?

My favourites would be New York and Vegas.

Glitz and glamour baby.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?

As a born-and-bred Bondi girl, I’m always torn between the Roosters and the Panthers.

Name one reason that you love western Sydney Let’s just say the Panthers are winning question 8.

Westie pride.

In three words, describe your perfect Sunday Hanging with Greg.

GINA FIELD. It’s a household name around the region due to the many, many roles this amazing girl plays in our community. She is the CEO and Founder of Nepean Regional Security, the President of Penrith Chamber of Commerce, G Spot Columnist at Western News, winner of many awards and now she’s just been named the NSW Woman of the Year for 2017!

Nominated by Maralyn Kastel from the Detail Devils, Gina was invited with the other state finalists of the prestigious award for afternoon tea with the Governor and his wife.

“That was the pinnacle,” Gina said, “I kept touching the gold walls and staring at everything like a kid in a lolly factory, I actually started to get the frog in my throat and I wanted to savor every minute of that.”

Little did she know, Gina’s lovely day was about to turn absolutely fabulous.

“Compared to the other finalists and their achievements, I was extremely humbled that I was even among them,” Gina said.

“I guess I underestimated myself, I was sitting there thinking what the hell am I doing here, what have I done that is so special?”

Then came the magical moment when the girl from western Sydney took out the statewide gong.

“To be perfectly honest it was hard to hear

whilst up on stage, so I was terrified I missed it and it was going to be an Oscars moment where I ran forward and it really wasn’t me called,” she quipped in her comedic style.

“I couldn’t believe it, it wasn’t until I heard (husband) Paul scream out YES that it really sunk in.

“I did it, I really did it, I won!”

When asked what advice she would pass on to other aspiring women, Gina didn’t need to think about her answer.

“Hard work is the only way to succeed, and knowing that there are no get rich quick schemes, It has to be about YOU YOU YOU for a while, you and your business,” she said.

“Women find it hard to do that as they put family and partners first. You have one life and a chance to have a shot at it. Blow your own trumpet and always stay humble and grateful for every achievement.”

Congratulations Gina, you are an inspiration for other women, especially in our local community.

A day in the life of... A palliative care volunteer

By Keegan Thomson

FACE it, we don’t have much say as to how we’re going to die. Reality says it is something as inevitable as taxes. With this in mind there are volunteers across western Sydney who’re there to help those who are facing their final days.

David Calderwood and Gwen Mason are two western Sydney locals who give up their time to care for dying people because they’re palliative care volunteers.

After her mother died, Ms Mason became involved with palliative care volunteering nearly 10 years ago. She said the volunteering is about helping out those who’re in need.

“Mostly my clients have been single people, they have family, but for whatever reason they can’t be with their family, and that can be quite sad for someone,” Ms Mason said.

“It can be really rewarding to help with someone like that.

“One lady is even teaching me to crochet.

“I take them out, take them to their doctors appointments, we’ll have a chat and make a cup of tea,” she said.

Palliative care volunteers are some of the most selfless people around. They’ll go into the homes of

terminally ill people and offer respite to carers. They’ll also go out of their way to assist terminally ill people who need transportation to their doctor appointments.

Mr Calderwood, a Vietnam veteran, became involved in palliative care after his wife died in 1999. This is his 18th year of volunteering.

He said even with all the mental strains involved in his line of work he remains openly optimistic about it all.

“We can’t help them or fix them medically and we realise we can’t stop the clients from dying,” he said.

“We’re not there to play God or anything.

“But what we can do is we can offer some help, and if we can make the client feel good or give the family some rest and relaxation time, then we’ve done our part,” Mr Calderwood said.

He cut to the chase with a very

simple explanation, “We’re there to help the family, and help the clients, with dying.”

Ms Mason reinforced by saying she doesn’t see her work as being negative or morbid.

“If we can give someone a little extra enjoyment and company before they pass then we’ve done our job.

“You get to know the clients and often some people will confide in you more than anyone else because you’re not there to offer up judgements on anything,” she said.

Being a military man, Mr Calderwood said his training has equiped him to connect to veterans who’re terminally ill on many different levels.

“Sometimes former veterans can’t talk to other people about what they saw, what they went through, and having someone to relate to, particularly when you’re dying, can make a big impact.

“I’ve had former Diggers tell me things they’ve never told their closest mates or even their family,” he said.

Palliative care volunteering is a volunteer based service offered at Nepean Hospital and across the Western Sydney Local Health District.

If you have an open heart and a set of working ears then consider inquiring about the life changing opportunity that is palliative care volunteering.

Garden Tour Guide awarded Senior Citizen of the Year LONG-TIME garden bus trip organiser and community worker Jean McLean of Blacktown is the 2017 Blacktown Senior Citizen of the Year.

Her award recognises more than 40 years of tireless work for the community, Mayor of Blacktown City Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“Mrs McLean has made a positive difference to the lives of many seniors through her group ‘Betty and Jean’s Bus Trips’,” he said.

“A passionate gardener herself, Jean started organising bus trips for local seniors to visit gardens throughout Sydney and beyond,” Mayor Bali said.

“These bus trips have continued for three decades and have proven to be a wonderful social outlet for seniors sharing a common interest in gardening.”

In addition to her work for local seniors, Mrs McLean has also left a positive legacy for the St Patrick’s Primary School community in Blacktown.

“During the 1980s, St Patrick’s relocated and Jean was the driving force, mobilising people to help build and maintain gardens at the new location,” Mayor Bali said.

“She also spent countless hours volunteering at the school canteen, fetes and working bees when her

Surviving Suicide

children were of school age.”

Mrs McLean was named Senior Citizen of the Year at Blacktown City Council’s annual Seniors’ Week Concert, held at Bowman Hall on Sunday 12 March.

The concert capped off a week of activities across Blacktown City to celebrate seniors as part of the 2017 NSW Seniors Festival from 3-12 March.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Council to thank all senior citizens for their contribution to the Blacktown City community,” said

Mayor Bali.

“Blacktown City’s seniors volunteer at community festivals, organise charity events, help out at local schools and run non-profit groups such as Lions and Rotary clubs.

“They spend countless hours caring for their families, particularly their grandchildren, as well as complete strangers, not asking for anything in return.

“The Blacktown Seniors Festival is a small way of saying – very sincerely – thank you for making Blacktown a better place to be.”

‘A safe and therapeutic support group for people whose lives have been impacted by suicide’ Fortnightly FREE Support group at Hawkesbury House partnering with Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network Time 9.30am to 11.30am Hawkesbury House www.hawkesburyhouse.com 6 Christie Street Windsor The groups will meet on the following dates: 28th March 4th April 18th April 2nd May 16th May 30th May 13th June 27th June RSVP is appreciated on 02 4577 6454.

Readers requiring support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

9 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

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Legends of the West

By Garion Thain

Ms Greenhow was elected to Penrith City Council in 1995.

JACKIE Greenhow is a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, a life member of St Marys High School, St Marys Senior High School and is a triple life Member of the P&C Association of NSW. Recently, she left Penrith Council as the city’s longest serving female councillor, serving over two decades as an Independent, and was honoured for this achievement with several female walk lights in the St Marys town centre and Penrith CBD, well before Melbourne did it this year. Ms Greenhow is someone who has devoted years of her life to the people of St Marys and North St Marys, and was recently honoured for all of her work with a surprise commendation as the 2017 Londonderry Woman of the Year, presented to her by Member for Londonderry Prue Car last week for International Women’s Day. As someone with a long history of helping people, giving others a voice and standing up for the entire community no matter their disadvantage, Ms Greenhow’s

recognition and Legends feature is no surprise.

Ms Car gave Ms Greenhow the award at North St Marys Public School, her place of work, at an assembly in front of the entire school.

Afterwards, Ms Car reflected that “Anyone who has met Jackie will know of her passions – St Marys, community service and helping others.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day I am so proud to have nominated Jackie for this award.

“She is a true role model for others seeking to make a difference.”

I was lucky to talk to Ms Greenhow shortly after receiving this award at the library of North St Marys Public School, the place where Ms Greenhow has worked as a Community Liaison Officer since her time on Penrith Council. Ms Greenhow graciously shared with me what motivates her, and her thoughts on being recognised.

“It was incredibly humbling,” commented Ms Greenhow.

“Prue [Car] was coming to the school assembly, and the Principal asked me if I could be there,” She said.

“I’ve worked with Prue and have

done a lot of work with politicians, so this wasn’t unusual.

“Prue walked in with [Councillor] Aaron Duke, holding something close to her chest – again I didn’t think anything of it.

“Prue was addressing the kids, then she started talking about me. I looked at the Principal, the Principal and the teachers were looking at me smiling,” Ms Greenhow laughed.

“Then I saw my son at the back, pleased as punch.”

Ms Greenhow said to Ms Car, “You’ve well and truly got me.”

Ms Greenhow was volunteering before she first ran for council. She has three boys, and volunteered on the P&C when they were school aged.

She also worked at the canteen, and did anything to be active with them and the school.

In many ways, Ms Greenhow now serves on the other side of the spectrum, being the bridge between the school and families.

Ms Greenhow began advocating for her community heavily in 1988 when her and many neighbours’ houses flooded, and she and the community felt council’s drainage was not up to scratch.

JACKIE GREENHOW “My Husband passed away in 1982, and I had three young boys. I wanted the best for them and started speaking to council on behalf of the community,” she said.

“People began telling me to run for council. They knew me from canteens, tennis courts, in ways I didn’t think mattered.

“If I said I would do something, I did it.”

In 1989, Ms Greenhow did run in a by-election, but lost to Dianne Beamer by 100 votes. In 1991 she didn’t run, but by 1995 she was being pushed again.

“There were people that were flooded with me in 1988 and supported me when I first ran for council who owned McDonalds’, and Jeff from Pinnacle Taxation.”

Ms Greenhow became excited about the idea of community representation. It’s hard to think now after 21 years of service, but the night Ms Greenhow was elected was particularly harrowing for her.

“On the night of the election, people said to me ‘Who the hell do you think you are? You’ll never beat these businessmen.’

Ms Greenhow said she was in

complete tears. She went home feeling defeated, but received a jubilant call from her son Brent, who informed her she was Penrith’s newest councillor.

The rest of course is history.

Ms Greenhow spent her years as a public servant as an advocate – particularly for the disadvantaged and disabled. She received her Order of Australia medal for disability advocacy, serving as the Chair Person of Nova Employment and Training for over 10 Years.

In 2017, talking to Western News as a Legend of the West, Ms Greenhow is still a St Marys favourite. She works closely with parents in North St Marys to make sure they are as involved in their children’s education as they can be, and to make their experiences with the school meaningful. This could be to erase old attitudes, or help those who don’t know how to deal with administration.

At the end of the day, Ms Greenhow has a quote, a mantra of sorts, that sums up her attitude best.

“If everyone gets it right for the lowest common denominator, you get it right for everybody.”

11

Ms Greenhow met with me at North St Marys Public school to talk to me about a long and decorated career as a public service and advocate.

Jackie Greenhow was nominated as a Legend of the West

by Prue Car Member for Londonderry.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

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Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Brunch at Bungarribee

Two charged over 6 year-old’s death TWO people have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a six-year-old boy two years ago.

Between 22 and 28 April 2015, a man and a woman with their six-year-old son attended a self-healing conference at a facility on Park Road, Hurstville.

Just before 10pm on Monday 28 April 2015, emergency services were called to a nearby hotel on Forest Road, Hurstville, following reports the boy had been found in an unconscious state.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the location and commenced CPR, however the boy could not be revived.

Officers attached to St George Local Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, police attended a home in Upwey Street, Prospect, and arrested a 56-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman.

Both were taken to Blacktown Police Station where they were charged with manslaughter.

The woman was granted conditional bail is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court today (Wednesday 15 March 2017).

The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday 12 May 2017.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing and police are still looking to speak to a number of people.

WESTERN SYDNEY Parklands invites you to Brunch at Bungarribee a free familyfriendly event in Bungarribee (corner of Doonside Road and Holbeche Road) on Saturday 25 March 2017, from 8am to 12 midday.

Come and enjoy a range of fun activities: • Get the kids active with fun, free games and entertainment • Meet animals from Sydney Zoo • Watch aerial drone displays • Listen to our live New Orleans band • Meet local sporting identities

• Hear talks by Indigenous elders and park rangers Bring your own brunch or treat yourself to delicious snacks, coffee and drinks from some of Sydney’s most popular food vans.

For more information visit www. westernsydneyparklands.com.au Brunch at Bungarribee will be held in the new Bungarribee Park, Western Sydney Parklands (corner of Doonside Road and Holbeche Road, Bungarribee) on Saturday 25 March 2017, from 8am to 12 midday.

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All aboard new bus for Mount Druitt Hospital MOUNT DRUITT Hospital’s hardworking volunteers have taken the first journey behind the wheel of their new transport service bus after it was officially handed over on Tuesday..

The 14-seat Toyota Hitachi commuter bus, which was gifted on NSW Health’s Volunteer Appreciation Day, was one of several donations from Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation, which has been supporting western Sydney hospitals for more than seven years.

The volunteer transport bus service offers free transport for patients to doctors, hospitals (Mount Druitt, Blacktown and Westmead) and a variety of western Sydney clinics and health facilities.

The service has been operating for more than 15 years and is completely run by volunteers, including 18 drivers, five escorts and six office staff.

Mount Druitt Hospital general manager Sue-Anne Redmond said the volunteers’ bus was definitely in need of an upgrade.

“The old bus, which was acquired through donations and raffles run by the volunteers nearly eight years ago, had run up 300,000km and was becoming increasingly unreliable,” she said.

“This is an extremely valuable service to the Mount Druitt community and we are so grateful for

Volunteers Ken Ross, John Vella, Robert Howe, Margaret Biggs, Vic Hooper and Pat Moir with Brian Andrews from Sargents Pies.

the contribution of the volunteers who give their time to make this service possible.”

“Many patients who use the bus have no other mode of transport to get to the clinics or facilities and often rely on walking frames. The volunteer transport service is able to park close to buildings to drop off and pick up patients, minimising walking distance, and the driver also assists patients to get on and off the bus.”

My Westmead partnerships manager Susie Saba said the foundation was thankful for Sargents’ continued support: “thanks to Sargents’

generosity, the bus was recently funded, making a difference to the nearly 300 patients transported each month.”

Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation representative Brian Andrews said the organisation was thrilled to be involved: “the Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation is pleased to be able to provide a new bus to make the work done by the volunteers who give their time to assist patients in getting to their appointments on time at the hospitals without the worry of an unreliable vehicle.”

Sargents’ generosity goes beyond

the bus - in 2016, Sargents helped fund Fabian ventilators, which were attached to the emergency transport shuttles that move critically unwell babies between hospitals for urgent surgery. Sargents had previously donated the shuttles and were thrilled to later provide the PIES (pre-term intensive emergency support).

Additionally, Sargents’ funding has also provided vital equipment for the new skills and simulation lab at Blacktown Hospital, where students completing their HSC learn basic nursing skills such as taking vital signs, pulse and blood pressure, bathing patients, performing simple dressings, basic life support and other routine tasks.

Finally, to build on the success of the previously funded exercise equipment for Westmead Hospital’s Redbank House, this year, the introduction of an exercise physiologist – generously funded by Sargents – will further develop the children’s ability to manage stress and anxiety both at home and at school.

For information on My Westmead, call 1800 639 037 or visit mywestmead. org.au Mount Druitt Hospital’s volunteers are looking for drivers to help with the transport service.

For more information, contact the volunteers on 9881 1536.

STAYING WITH YOUR CURRENT LENDER COULD BE COSTING YOU THOUSANDS ALEX SONCINI

OUR loyalty may cost us, though, because we have a blind spot when it comes to how much we pay for our mortgage and in associated fees. Results of a survey by a major lender revealed 85 per cent of Australians don’t know their home loan rate while most Aussies can remember their phone number (94%), their number plate (77%) and their parent’s phone number (76%).

There is a perception that there are no fees or it the cost is next to nothing for your accounts. This perception is incorrect as many accounts may have monthly admin fees, ATM fees, overdraft over limit fees, credit card fees even though some lender products may package these most of these fees in an annual fee subject to T’s and C’s.

Being loyal or “complacent” to your current lender could be costing you thousands of dollars over the life of your home loan. These consumer perceptions and behaviour can add up to big profits for banks. The mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of lenders offering great deals to all types of borrowers.

Refinance home loans and you could end up with a cheaper home loan which better suits your needs.

Refinancing is the act of switching home loans.

This can be by moving your loan to a new lender, or just by changing the type of home loan you have with your existing lender.

Usually, refinancing is done to get a lower rate or a loan suitable for pursuits such as renovations.

More often it’s done by switching to a new lender that may offer an interest rate or features that better suit your situation usually done to reduce costs or to better suit variable rate# your life.

Refinancing should be done when you can get a home loan which costs less (either in fees and rates) and still variable rate˜ meets your needs, or suits them better than your previous loan.

Reasons for refinancing include: • For a better interest rate • To get new features and low fees • To renovate your home • To consolidate debts • To buy a new home • Access home equity Refinancing is certainly not as difficult as it used to be and Wealthwiz Wealth management can guide you through the entire loan process. We do all the work for you, for example, deal directly with other banks to discharge a mortgage and they have the expertise to handle all your financial needs, not just

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To get a better understanding contact Alex Soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@welathwiz.com.au.

Home Loan Deals contact to Alex Soncini 0419 600 177.

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DISCLAIMER Auswide Bank Ltd ABN 40 087 652 060. Australian Credit Licence 239686 is the credit issuer. Approval is subject to meeting our credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Prior to entering into a credit contract with us you should read our Credit Guide. #This offer represents a special ‘life-of-loan’ discount of 1.54% off the applicable standard variable rate. *This offer represents a special discount of 0.55% off the applicable standard fixed rate - upon expiry of the fixed term, unless refixed, the rate reverts to a discount variable rate determined by the applicable tier of the Freedom Package at the time of settlement. These offers are not available for investment purchases or interest only payments. ~This offer represents a special ‘life-of-loan’ discount of 1.73% off the applicable standard variable rate. **This offer represents a special discount of 0.24% off the applicable standard fixed rate - upon expiry of the fixed term, unless refixed, the rate reverts to a discount variable rate determined by the applicable tier of the Freedom Package at the time of settlement. These offers are available for investment purchases including interest only payments. All offers apply to a new ‘Home Loan Plus’ with Freedom Package of $150,000 or more. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not available for existing loans, loans with an LVR over 90%, construction loans or loan ‘pre-approvals’. An annual Package Fee applies. +Break costs may apply. ^Comparison Rate is based on a secure loan of $150,000 or more over 25 years.

WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.

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13 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

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Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

POLICE FILES

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SOUGHT FOLLOWING MULTIPLE CAR BREAK-INS – ST MARYS Police from St Marys Local Area Command are appealing for public assistance following a spate of car break-ins in the St Clair area at the weekend.

In the early hours of Saturday March 11, 16 vehicles that were parked and secured in local streets around St Clair were broken into.

A significant amount of property, including wallets and personal property, was stolen.

Some of that property has since been used fraudulently.

Police believe a man described as 160-170cm tall with a slim build, aged between 30 and 40 and wearing a black baseball cap with a white t-shirt and long black tracksuit pants might be able to assist with their inquires.

Anyone with information that may be able to assist with the investigation should contact police at St Marys Police Station on (02) 9677 7499, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

POLICE INVESTIGATE PLUMPTON CRASH Police continue to appeal for witnesses following a crash involving a Rural Fire Service truck and a car, in Plumpton earlier this year.

Just after 8.30am on Tuesday January 31, emergency services were called to Power Street, on the M7 at Plumpton, following reports a Rural Fire Service truck and a Hyundai Santa Fe had collided.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 63-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital.

He has since been released.

The driver and the two passengers of the truck were not injured.

Officers attached to Mount Druitt Local Area Command, with assistance from Crash Investigation Unit, have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of the crash or anyone who witnessed the crash and have not yet spoken to police to come forward.

TEENS CHARGED OVER DOUBLE CARJACKING AND PURSUIT ROOTY HILL Two teenagers have been charged after a double car-jacking and a police pursuit across Sydney’s west on Sunday morning.

Just after 3am on March 12, a man stopped at a service station in Plumpton was approached by a 15-year-old boy.

As the man got into his vehicle, a Ford Fairlaine, the boy allegedly produced a knife and threatened the man, demanding his vehicle. Police have been told a second 15-year-old boy also entered the car before driving away.

The owner of the vehicle contacted police and officers at Mt Druitt Police Station.

It’s been alleged a taxi driver located the Ford and the two teenage boys, about 4am and stopped after being flagged down. The two boys asked the driver to take them to a train station.

Both teenagers, allegedly produced knives and threatened the driver, demanding he stop. The man has jumped out of the taxi and the teenagers drove off.

Officers from Rosehill located the taxi driving along James Ruse Drive, Rosehill and as it turned on Parramatta Road, Granville, and a short pursuit was initiated.

As the vehicle approached the Great Western Highway, Wentworthville, the car struck the median strip and the pursuit was terminated.

Both boys were arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station. One of the boys was charged with two counts of aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in/on it armed with weapon; two counts of not stop at stop line at red light, unlicensed for class, and police pursuit not stop driving dangerously.

The second 15-year-old boy was charged with two counts of aggravated take/ drive motor vehicle with person in/on it armed with weapon.

They were both refused bail.

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Breast screen while shopping!

Stanhope Garden’s marketing manager Lisa Curtin with Westmead BCI health promotion officer Melissa Mackay and the BreastScreen van.

WESTMEAD’S Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) is continuing its efforts to offer free breast screening to busy women, setting up its mobile van at Stanhope Village Shopping Centre this month.

The BreastScreen van, staffed by female breast screening specialists, will be stationed at the shopping centre until Friday, April 7, giving eligible women the chance to have a free breast check.

It is recommended that women aged 50-74 have regular mammograms every two years.

A mammogram only takes around 15 minutes and is vital, given 1 in 8 women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Nine out of 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan, Director of the BCI, encouraged women to make time for their health and ensure regular screens were undertaken.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with almost 16,000 women diagnosed with cancer every year,” she said. “Yet only half of all women in the target age

group are being screened regularly in western Sydney. Finding breast cancers in their early stages will save lives, so we need to raise awareness about the importance of screening.”

Stanhope Village for Mirvac Retail marketing manager Lisa Curtin said the shopping centre was thrilled to host the van.

“Stanhope Village Shopping Centre is a community-based centre,” she said. “We want to support the women in our community in the early detection of breast cancer by providing this service to our customers”.

Westmead BCI manages the BreastScreen program in western Sydney.

Melissa Mackay, Health Promotion Officer for BreastScreen Sydney West, said she was also delighted to have the service available at Stanhope Village: “it’s important that this service becomes available to new and emerging populations in greater western Sydney” To book a free mammogram at the van or a BreastScreen clinic, contact BreastScreen on 13 20 50.

Stanhope Village Shopping Centre is located at 2 Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens.

Man injured in brawl – Parramatta POLICE are appealing for public assistance after a man was injured during a brawl at licensed premises in western Sydney this morning.

Emergency services were called to the business on Church Street, Parramatta, about 4.45am on Sunday morning, following reports of an altercation between two groups of men.

Upon arrival, police located a 28-year-old man with facial injuries and lacerations to his torso.

He has been taken to Westmead

Hospital where he is believed to be in a stable condition.

A crime scene was established and police have spoken to a number of witnesses.

Police have been told a number of men described as being of Asian appearance and aged between 25 and 30 left the premises soon after the incident They are still seeking information from the public and urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

15 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

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Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Another spin on the turn table

Alive theatre in the west

Midnight Oil - Diesel and Dust NEVER has their been a more politically charged album than the 1987 magnum opus from Australian rockers, Midnight Oil, Diesel and Dust. Electrified with political frustration and backed by the strength of their convictions, the band brings to light the struggles of Aboriginal Australians and polarising political issues.

Off the back of their 1986 tour of the Australian outback, Midnight Oil were compelled to compose an album that raised awareness of the disastrous and overlooked living conditions of Indigenous Australians for rural locals.

First off the bat is the powerful anthem of a generation, ‘Beds are Burning’. Lyrically the song doesn’t hold back any punches, laying blame and demanding answers.

“The time has come, a fact’s a fact, it belongs to them, let’s give it back.” The band weaponise their highly accessible and catchy rock music to bring social issues like Aboriginal land ownership into the forefront of the minds of white Australians.

The band have always worn their environmentalism on their sleeves but Diesel and Dust took their stance to a much

bigger level. ‘Dreamworld’ is a track protesting the destruction of Queensland’s natural and historical cultural heritage at the hands of former Queensland Premier, Joh Bjelke-Petersen. “The last square mile of terra firma gavelled in the mail, so farewell to the Norfolk Island pines, no amount of make believe can help this heart of mine.”

Every single track on Diesel and Dust is a call to action for one cause or another.

‘Put Down That Weapon’ demands pacifist action against global conflict, ‘The Dead Heart’ put the audience in the shoes of Aboriginal Australians on Invasion Day and ‘Warakurna’ sings about remote Aboriginal communities and the issues they face.

The continuing relevance and punctuality of Midnight Oil’s music is both a testament to the band and the scope of the issues they’re tackling. Leaders are still debating nuclear disarmament, Aboriginal Australians are still fighting for equal rights and environmentalism is just as important now than it has ever been. Their music might be 30 years old but the power and the passion is still alive in the music.

MEMBERS of the University of the Third Age ( U3A Nepean-Blue Mountains Inc.) who are also members of the Acting Factory Inc. will present a humorous play in conjunction with Seniors Week in March. ’Dirty Dusting’ by Ed Waugh & Trevor Wood will be staged in the U3A School of Arts in Penrith.

When three cleaners, Olive, Gladys and Elsie, are threatened with redundancy it feels as if their lives are coming to an end.

That is, until a chance wrong number gives them a new business idea.

They’ve got motive, opportunity and a lifetime of

experience – some more than others, mind you.

Be prepared for a romp of mature, adult themes and quite a lot of innuendo.

This play is a searing indictment of ageism in the 21st century heavily disguised as a hysterical, laugh-out-loud, heart-warming comedy.

VENUE: U3A School of Arts, 3 Castlereagh Street, Penrith 2.30 pm MATINEE: Sunday 19th March, 2017 8.00 pm EVENING PERFORMANCE: Saturday, 18th March, 2017 Tickets are $20.00 each To book ring 8250 0888 or visit actingfactory.com or buy tickets at the door.

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18 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Sink your teeth into another bloody classic

Photo: Dylan Evans

SHARPEN your fangs, as the multi-award winning theatre company, Shake & Stir Theatre Co are back with a promise – there will be blood! Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece ‘Dracula’ is swooping the country and will be visiting Riverside Theatres from April 1-4 for a strictly limited season.

Created and adapted by one of Australia’s leading contemporary theatre companies, this critically acclaimed adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror-classic is every bit as tortured and charismatic as the novel. The 2015 premiere season of the work garnered stellar five-star reviews and attracted five Matilda Awards nominations including Best Mainstage Production.

Dracula tells the story of young lawyer Jonathan Harker as he visits Castle Dracula in the Carpathian Mountains. Alone and trapped within the castle walls, Jonathan discovers that his host Dracula wants more than just his presence at the dinner table; he might also be the main course. Leaving Jonathan for dead and his castle behind,

Dracula travels to London on a quest for seduction, true love and above all blood.

Directed by the award-winning Michael Futcher and adapted by shake & stir’s Artistic Directors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, this twisted tale features a stellar cast including fellow Artistic Director Ross Balbuziente, Michael Wahr (Othello, Hamlet), Adele Querol (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) and David Whitney (My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, 1984, Rock of Ages).

“Vampire fiction just won’t die – you could say it is un-dead,” said Co-Adaptor Nick Skubij.

“Enjoying a major resurrection with the wildly popular Twilight films, televsion series True Blood, The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, there is no doubt that audiences are as intrigued today as they were in the 19th century.”

“We look forward to plunging into the darkest recesses of human imagination to deliver a good dose of ultra-theatricality across the country - mindboggling, head-twisting, bloodspurting moments and all.”

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20 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Moments as Millionaires

By Ben Cranney

WE were in Vegas and the casino had just presented us with a $1 million dollar cheque. The thoughts that went through our heads with what we could do with that money! Invest. Travel forever. (Almost) buy a home in Sydney. Decide to spontaneously get married with an Elvis celebrant.

Vegas was a lot of fun. The casinos themselves are a bit soulless, each built to the scale of a small town designed to keep you indoors and losing your money. Ours was 5000 rooms, all full, and complete with multiple restaurants, bars, a night

club, and no windows or clocks, so you didn’t know how long you’d been losing your money for. It works, too.

We’d go out for a few hours and come back to find the same people sitting at the same slots, getting free drinks for a tip. I’m not sure a million bucks would have moved them.

If you can escape the gambling, there’s plenty else going on, and you don’t need to be a millionaire. Walk down The Strip, enjoying the overthe-top casino designs, or the street performers. Apparently, the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty are both actually in Vegas, and Cher, Mario or Terminator are regulars on the

footpath. Pick up a free ticket to DJs like Calvin Harris or Hardwell. We got in to Tiesto for free at the KK. And if you have a spare bit cash, there’s plenty of for-money entertainment. See Brittney, choose from four different Cirque de Soleil shows, dance at a pool party with one of those superstar DJs, or blow the budget with the outlet or designer shopping.

To put a bigger dint in a million dollars, take a chopper ride to the Grand Canyon, or, as one attention seeker did, take a Lamborghini for a spin. He was revving the engine at the lights, roof open, bored girlfriend

next to him. The lights changed. He dropped the clutch...and stalled. Right in the middle of the strip. The lights changed at least once more before he limped away.

He would have needed some serious comfort food, and Vegas is the place for that. You just need someone to share with. The highlight was the brownie volcano, half a square meter of brownie, covered in chocolate fudge and ice-cream. We managed to get through it.

We did a lot of these things and more, and dreamed of everything else we’d do with a million dollars. If only we hadn’t won it on April Fools’.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel THE POWER OF THREE THE other day I was giving a reading to a very dear friend, Vivian, when I saw something very strange in the cards. I have been doing readings for her for a few years and this was the first time anything like this had popped out at me. I suddenly became aware of the number ten and the presence of something evil around her and asked her what had happened ten years ago. It turned out that she had been extricating herself from a horrendous marriage and, in an effort to escape, had been dabbling in things best left alone. Not only was there a lot of hatred from her ex directed towards her which does attract evil, but by turning to the occult, she had inadvertently created an opening for some entity to enter.

Over the years, we had wondered why something would happen to pull the rug from under her feet just when things started to go so well and now maybe we had an answer. We had to free Vivian from this daemon. We called my great friend Angelina who knows about things like ghostbusting and arranged to meet at Vivian’s house.

A couple of other friends did have a bit of a giggle about heads swivelling through 360 degrees and levitation, but I was a bit nervous to say the least. The Devil, Old Nick, The Lord of the Flies, whatever you want to call him is very

real. I have never seen The Exorcist. I have always been much too scared, not because it is a scary movie, but because I believe some films can stir up things that are better left unstirred. Take into account the fact that quite a number of people working on the film met early and unexpected ends and I tend to steer well clear. So it was with trepidation that I headed off with my Bible given to me by my Gran and with covers made from the wood of Cedar of Lebanon.

As soon as we went in, we were aware of something dark flitting around the house. We could see it moving around as if taunting us. I didn’t have a clue what to expect, but I immediately read a passage from Timothy’s letter to the Ephesians about protection from evil. Then we started.

I was designated to read a Psalm banishing daemons nine times in nine different parts of the house. As I read, my voice got stronger and I raised my

right hand in front of me as if pushing something. We progressed round the house, all the time trying to banish the spirit who was flitting about all over the place and challenging us. Angelina was smudging the house with sage and Vivian was sprinkling Holy Water.

Gradually the presence got weaker and the house clearer but there was still something attached to Vivian. We had to free her from it. We put our hands on her head, gave her a good sprinkle and a smudge and then read our Psalm three times. She started to judder and moan.

I was petrified but pressed down on her head harder and harder and read louder and louder. By the time we finished the third reading, the presence had left.

Having checked up on her for the past few days, she is now sleeping peacefully and feels much more content. Her luck is also starting to improve again. Hopefully, we have banished whatever had taken up residence and sent him back to whence he came.

The power three: The Holy Trinity, The Eternal Triangle and now The Three Witches of the Hawkesbury.

Never underestimate what can be achieved when love and the power of three come together.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores.

Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

SOLUTION: 3rd March

AUTUMN ACORN APPLE BIRD MIGRATION BLOWING LEAVES BLUSTERY DAY CANNING CHESTNUTS CHILLY COLD CROPS

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SUDOKU: HARD

WORD SEARCH

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

EQUINOX FALL FARMING FEAST FROST HALLOWEEN HARVEST HAYSTACK HICKORY NUTS LONGER NIGHTS

NOVEMBER OCTOBER ORANGE LEAVES PIE PUMPKIN RAKE RED LEAVES SCARECROW SCHOOL SEASON

INSTRUCTIONS SEPTEMBER SHORTER DAYS SQUASH SWEET POTATOES THANKSGIVING TURKEY WINDY YELLOW LEAVES

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 High school certificate (7) 5 Spoke in ignorance (7) 9 Bellicose (9) 10 San Antonio fort (5) 11 A writer of laments (7) 12 Cloths used in mending (7) 13 Very irritable (9) 15 Coarse files (5) 17 Not yesterday (5) 19 Teachers (9) 22 Find innocent (7) 25 Acquired the knowledge (7) 26 City in Viet Nam (5) 27 Grape plantations (9) 28 Jagged (7) 29 Inhabits (7)

solution 3/3/17

DOWN 1 Haggles (7) 2 Struck with a fist (9) 3 Applause (7) 4 A Greek philosopher (9) 5 Pup (5) 6 Praise dishonestly (7) 7 Averse (5) 8 Snoozes (7) 14 Matings (9) 16 Villain (9) 17 Instructs (7) 18 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 20 One who examines processes (7) 21 They inflict pain for pleasure (7) 23 Spanish for “Mister” (5) 24 Emissary (5)

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22 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Ride the night away with Barnsey at Fernhill Estate

By Keegan Thomson

FERNHILL Estate is thrilled to announce that Jimmy Barnes and Jon Stevens will be headlining a unique, first of its kind, all ages concert on the grounds of the Estate on Sunday, 7 May 2017.

Built in the 1830s, Fernhill Estate is one of Australia’s oldest and grandest properties set on over 1,000 acres of landscaped gardens and lush pasture overlooking the beautiful Mulgoa Valley.

On Sunday, 7 May Fernhill Estate’s natural amphitheatre will be transformed into a unique entertainment hub with a massive stage, a food village and parking for almost 2,000 cars as well as transport options from Penrith Station and Penrith Panthers’ complex.

Fernhill Estate Presents Australian rock legend, Jimmy Barnes Jimmy Barnes is a working class man who is known for his antics on stage and off. With a Barnesy gig there ain’t no second prize because he gives it his all. Along the way he has sold more records and drank more cheap wine than any other domestic rock & roll artist. Jimmy’s live shows are legendary for their intensity and

we can’t wait till he rocks the house at Fernhill Estate. Jimmy always brings the good times.

Along for the show will be Aussie rocker Jon Stevens, who has had a remarkable journey as a singer,

songwriter and performer. He’s best known as the frontman of legendary Australian band, Noiseworks, joining INXS as the “seventh member”, and maintaining a successful solo career as one of the country’s foremost touring

artists. This will be Jon Stevens’ only Sydney performance.

Stay overnight nearby!

With free shuttle buses going between Penrith Panthers and Fernhill, why not take advantage of making a night of it and staying the night at the nearby Mecure Penrith?

You’ll have no worries about getting transferred to your comfortable bed with the free shuttles, and partaking in a beverage or few will also be possible. Check out Mecure Penrith for some great deals! (Contact details in the ad below) Fernhill Estate Presents promises to be a spectacular evening for the whole family and tickets will sell out quickly. For full details on the ticket packages, transport options and Fernhill Estate, go to www. fernhillestate.net.au Fernhill Estate Presents is proud to support the work of NordoffRobbins Music Therapy Australia and a portion of all tickets sold will be donated to the charity.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the inaugural Fernhill Estate Presents on Sunday, 7 May 2016.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, 16 March 2017. See ad on next page for more details!

Mercure Penrith - Preferred Superior Accommodation in Penrith

The Mercure Penrith is next to Panthers World of Entertainment boasting 9 Dining options and 6 Bars, Aqua Golf, iFly and Cables Wake Park.

Free shuttle buses from the concert at Fernhill to Panthers will bring you right near our door.

It’s the perfect escape for the whole family with plenty of things to see and do.

For Reservations Call 02 4721 7700 or email H9877@accor.com | www.mercurepenrith.com.au

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

24 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Women’s Lib? Give me a break! with TP OK relax, the world is a better place, we can all rest easy. Don’t you little poppets lose any more sleep, all evil is overcome. What’s that you say?

Is World hunger a distant memory?

Have all the world’s dictators agreed to give it up and collectively blastoff into space leaving their people to live happier lives? Have all parties in extremist groups decided to lay down their arms and agree to live and let live?

No, it is even more significant than that! Behold the state of Victoria have now installed walk signs designed to be more inclusive by using female figures. And they weren’t even the first to do it as claimed. I know right?!

Earth shattering stuff. I can’t tell you the number of times I felt like I shouldn’t cross the road on the days I was wearing a dress. I mean clearly the little green man didn’t intend for that to happen!

How about getting really serious about being inclusive? I mean there’s a whole heap of other groups who definitely feel marginalised who could do with a shot in the arm in relation to being accepted in society.

How about a silhouette of feathers and big hair and long eye lashes for the drag queen community? Or what

about short cropped do’s to promote the self esteem of the butch lesbian community? There’s about another 1000 groups we could consider but I won’t. Don’t have a go at me, I’m serious! In fact why don’t we have a lottery draw where each winner gets their own silhouette placed onto a walk sign? I’m sure that would be very inclusive indeed. Well it would be for the winners but that brings us back to square one. Someone will feel left out

on such deep down level that even they didn’t know that they felt excluded.

It’s official, political correctness has gone completely and utterly mad.

I have not to my knowledge received any conscious or sub conscious (how would I know?) message about being inferior due to the little green figure on walk signs. But who was to say that they weren’t gender neutral anyway as so many women wear trousers and jeans in modern society. And is there is a

much more sinister agenda in mind? Is it an attempt to get women to think that they should in fact be wearing dresses?

Ahh now we’re onto something. This is clearly an underground movement pretending to push a feminist agenda when all the while their real motives are to tie women to an acceptable style of attire hailing back to the 1950’s.

State governments, not only have you fallen for it you are paying for it too!!

Opinion: Apprenticeships continue to free fall

By Bart Bassett

IT’S all fine and dandy for politicians to talk about housing affordability and increasing housing supply but what if the very foundation of that concept is failing, how can you build when you don’t have the skilled workers to sustain development?

This week yet again alarm bells are sounding that there has been a continuing slide in the number of apprentices going through training. The continued emphasis at school for people to go through to year 12 and then go onto Uni is not the best advice all students should receive. Some people have a greater interest in a hands-on job for life and not one of academia.

We need to realise as a society we need skills in all areas whether that be in degrees through university training or in fact apprentices through the Tafe system including private training organisations.

NSW has been on a economic driving construction boom for nearly 6 years now in the form of major infrastructure projects and extensive housing, commercial and industrial construction. Politicians like to highlight the number of cranes in the sky and talk about the jobs growth created by the construction boom but what seems to be lost in this

simplistic statement is that you need skilled workers as the foundation for that prosperity to be able to continue and a skilled workforce means you need a constant stream of apprentices entering the system.

There has been a 45% drop in the number of apprentices in training across Australia since 2012. In raw numbers that means in 2012 there was 515,000 apprentices and trainees in training and by June last year, in just 4 years, that number had free fallen to just under 283,000. This is an alarming trend because it isn’t only in the development/trades area we need skilled people; in many other areas like aged care and early childhood learning we need a skilled workforce

for an ever increasing demand in those areas.

I wonder how many graduates there are out in the real world who left school and were encouraged to go onto university only to find at the end of the degree there is no job, they have a huge HECS debt and they don’t like the industry that they just spent years studying for to enter. Many I am sure wish they had left school and went into an apprenticeship in an industry that they liked the sound of as well as getting paid along the way and gaining invaluable on the job training which in most cases doesn’t occur to any great degree in the university system.

Tafe in NSW has been under

enormous pressure in recent years with forced job cuts and private training organisations competing directly for training places with some very questionable outcomes. Tafe was a great organisation with a very good reputation and it is time it was reinvigorated with government support to allow it to look for innovative ways to encourage school students to think about the advantages of apprenticeships and training rather than the push in schools for students to go on and complete very expensive university degrees with varying employment opportunities at the end of the study. Also with mature age study available anyone can go back to study and gain a degree if they decide they wish to move from a trade or any other profession to a new profession anytime throughout their working life, it is never the end of the road regarding learning as opportunities are endless.

Surely this is one of those important generational opportunities that Government, Business Council of Australia and the Unions should be able to work together on to reverse the apprenticeship slide and highlight the benefits of getting a trade or skill rather than the current focus on getting a degree at all costs.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T “IF it wasn’t for suffering from anxiety and stress, I may never have started Connections Fairs. Over the years’ anxiety was quite debilitating and I had to find a way to alleviate it. I chose to learn to meditate and I have never looked back”, says Cheryl Cattarin, the event organiser. With a background in natural therapies, Cheryl created Connections fairs because she is well aware of how anxiety, stress, grief, sadness, despair, depression, etc can hold people back from fulfilling their goals and dreams and she wanted to provide opportunities for people to experience another way of dealing with life…a more positive way.

“There are some amazing natural therapies available for people to experience and learn from. By learning new skills, we can bring more hope, happiness and wellbeing into our lives. In the daily struggle to stay on top of things, most people are in survival mode”, she says. “What we do with the fairs is provide a nurturing environment where people can learn to meditate, change negative thinking to positive thinking, learn how to achieve their goals and connect with likeminded’, she says.

There are pampering modalities too, like reflexology and energy healing

Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

How stress and anxiety led me to create Connections Fairs

Sunday 2nd April

treatments. Or if you have loved ones that have passed, then listening to the mediums on stage or getting a reading may be one way to connect with your loved ones and reduce grief.

It’s a full day’s event with wellness workshops throughout the day and psychics on stage. Florence King, one of Australia’s most popular psychic mediums, as seen on the ABC program “Psychics in the Suburbs”, will be appearing on stage at 1:30pm. With over 30 booths to browse selling new age wares and many tarot readers its worth keeping the whole day available.

More information and tickets at: www.ntgf.com.au

25

xxxx

So much to see and do!

SO much to see, explore and learn!

Time spent at Penrith’s Museum of Fire, one of Sydney’s major tourist attractions, is time well spent.

The museum, which has operated for more than 30 years, is a not-forprofit, registered charity and a trueblue community museum.

All profits raised go to educating families to the dangers of fire and preserving the heritage of the communities’ bravest.

Spend a few hours or pack your lunch and make a day of it with the large picnic grounds and let your kids run wild with their imaginations.

The museum, which has recently undergone a huge facelift in which several more attractions were installed,

was recently voted Penrith’s No 1 attraction by tripadvisor.com.au, the world’s largest travel site.

Explore the drama and danger of fire and fire fighting at the largest Museum of Fire in Australia. Learn about the history of fighting fires from the earliest times right up to the challenges of present day fires.

The museum is also the leading fire safety education facility in the country, so you will have fun exploring the history of fire fighting and also learn what to do if there is a fire or you catch fire.

Themes covered by the museum are bushfires, dialling 000, burn prevention and treatment, and fire fighting since the early days of European settlement

with fire engines and fire fighting equipment used since then on display including the original switch room from fire headquarters in Sydney.

Tours are available for all groups and bookings are essential. Worksheets and activities for school groups are available and the museum has a fully equipped 120-seat theatre.

The museum is open seven days a week, 9.30am to 4.30pm – it is closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. For more information: www. museumoffire.com.au We loved the experience “We took our three little boys and they were beside themselves with excitement as they played in the trucks,

tried on the uniforms and hopped on the computers to do activities. There were lots of fun activities to keep them busy in the Junior Firefighters section.

We also found the exhibits really interesting and informative.”

“The littlies will just love the fire engines and a chance to put on the uniforms. The oldies will be fascinated by the history of fire in Australia.”

“The kids loved dressing up as a fireman and playing in the mock trucks. A fun couple of hours.”

“The curators and managers ensure that aside from the displays, there are annual shows and exhibitions which attract visitors and members of the community, especially families during the school holidays.”

Parramatta Eels and Life Education NSW strike partnership deal THE Parramatta Eels National Rugby League Club and Parramatta Leagues Club announced today that it had signed a partnership with Life Education NSW. The partnership will support Life Education’s delivery of school based programs across western Sydney aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for almost 40,000 students in 205 schools.

The three-year agreement will roll out a raft of health and safety programs to schools in the Hills District, Parramatta, Western Sydney, Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai regions.

Combined with the Club’s game development strategy, this agreement confirms that the Parramatta Eels has the highest school presence in the NRL and western Sydney.

The co-branded partnership gives every child participating in the Life Education program in western Sydney an opportunity to sign up to Sparky’s Brigade, a Parramatta Eels Club initiative offering free season membership to Parramatta Eels Club, including attendance at Eels home games for children under 16.

Bernie Gurr, Parramatta Eels CEO said the Parramatta Eels Club is honoured to be closely aligned with an iconic Australian organisation.

“Our Club is privileged to partner with such an outstanding community organisation as Life Education. Our Club is committed to community initiatives and to be able to work

with Life Education to positively contribute to the healthy lifestyle of the youth of western Sydney is truly exciting and very meaningful,” he said.

Kellie Sloane, Life Education NSW CEO spoke about the importance for students to learn about their health and well-being.

“We are thrilled to be working alongside Parramatta Eels to educate students in NSW about making smart choices regarding their health and safety. We really value their generosity

which will help us deliver vital life lessons to even more children in the western Sydney region.”

Life Education is the largest nongovernment provider of drug and health education for youth in Australia and for 36 years the organisation has taken its mobile learning centre and famous mascot ‘Harold’, the healthy giraffe, to schools, teaching students about healthy choices in areas of drugs and alcohol, cyber-safety, healthy lifestyle and bullying. The program reaches 278,000 children

across NSW, with 44 mobile learning centres and 53 specially trained educators.

Bevan Paul, Parramatta Leagues Club CEO said Funding for the partnership will come from Parramatta Leagues.

“We contribute a million dollars annually to local community partnerships and we are proud to be supporting Life Education and Parramatta Eels to expand their healthy lifestyle messages through education within our local communities.”

27 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

westernhistory western

28 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

BURNHAM, Edward

P

LACE and Date of Trial: Tried by the second Middlesex Jury before Mr. Baron Hotham at Justice Hall in the Old Bailey 4th December 1799 London, England.

Charge: Edward alias Thomas Haley was indicted on the 14th of December, 1791 for bigamy as he did take to wife Ann Cordon a spinster then on the 21st of January last under the surname Thomas Haley did feloniously marry a second time Jane Lawrence while his former wife was still alive.

Age: 27.

Sentenced: To death though later commuted to transportation for seven years.

Arrived: On the Royal Admiral (2) on the 20th November 1800 from England.

Trade or Calling: Labourer.

In 1802 Edward was assigned to William Joyce working as a labourer at Toongabbie.

On the 16th January 1816 his name appears on a list of persons to receive a grant of land that same year in June he was issued horned cattle from the government herds.

On the 13th January 1818 Edward was granted thirty acres of land at Bathurst in the Parish of Gidley the annual quit rent being one shilling. The land was bounded on the N by 23 chains of Brazels farm to the SW corner bearing W. On the W by a S line of 15 chains on the S by a line bearing E 23 chains and on the E by Pikes farm bearing N 15 chains. Conditions of the grant were Edward not to Sell or Alienate his land for five years and was to cultivate ten acres within the said period, and reserving to Government the right of making a public road through the same, and also reserving for the use of the Crown such timber as may be deemed fit for Naval purposes.

On the 13th January 1821 at St. Johns Church of England, Parramatta Edward married the convict Mary Sherring who had arrived on the Aerolus on 26th January 1809.

By 1828 Edward was Free by Servitude and a landholder at Prospect who had fifty acres of land of which twenty acres were cleared and eight cultivated the only stock recorded was one horse.

Edward died at the age of 60 years on the 11th November 1835 and was laid to rest at St. John’s Church of England Cemetery, Parramatta, NSW.

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EDWARD BURNHAM, SEXUAL OFFENCES > BIGAMY, 4TH DECEMBER 1799

Reference Number: t17991204-33 Offence: Sexual Offences > bigamy Verdict: Guilty Punishment: Transportation Navigation: < Previous text (trial account) | Next text (trial account) > Related Material: Associated Records Corrections: Add a correction Actions: Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 7.2, 16 April 2016), December 1799, trial of EDWARD BURNHAM, alias THOMAS HALEY (t17991204-33).

33. EDWARD BURNHAM , alias THOMAS HALEY was indicted, for that he, on the 14th of December, 1791, by the name of Edward Burnham , did take to wife Ann Cordon , spinster , and afterwards, that is to say, on the 21st of January last, by the name of Thomas Haley , feloniously did take to wife, Jane Lawrence, spinster, his former wife being alive .

RICHARD SHRIMPTON sworn. - Examined by Mr. Vaillant. I am parish clerk of Long Crendon, in Buckinghamshire. (Produces the register-book of 1791; it is read).

‘Edward Burnham, in the parish of Crendon,’Bucks, and Ann Cordon, were married at this’church, by licence, this 14th day of December,’in the year 1791; by me C. Klpling, minister;’this marriage was solemnized between us, Edward’Burnham, his mark; Ann Cordon, her mark, in’the presence of Charles Spencer, John Dodwell .’

Q. Do you know the prisoner at the bar? - A. Yes, that is the man; I was present at the marriage, his wife has left Crendon about five months; I saw her two or three times, about three days before she went away.

WILLIAM ASHFIELD sworn. - Examined by Mr. Vaillant. I am the parish-clerk of St. Giles’s in the Fields, (produces the register book of marriages); reads, “21st of January, 1799, Thomas Haley, of this parish, batchelor, to Jane Lawrence of this parish, spinster.”

Q. Were you present at the marriage? - A. I cannot say, positively, whether I was or not.

JANE LAWRENCE sworn. - Examined by Mr. Vaillant. Q. Do you know the prisoner at the bar?

- A. Yes; I was married to him about twelve months ago, at St. Giles’s church, in the name of Thomas Haley.

Prisoner’s defence. The parish forced me to marry her, they took me up.

GUILTY . (Aged 27.)

Transported for seven years.

Tried by the second Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Baron HOTHAM. OLD BAILEY PROCEEDINGS PUNISHMENT SUMMARY, 4TH DECEMBER 1799.

Reference Number: s17991204-1 Navigation: < Previous text (trial account) Corrections: Add a correction Actions: Cite this text Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 7.2, 16 April 2016), December 1799 (s17991204-1).

The SESSIONS being ended, the COURT proceeded to GIVE JUDGMENT as follows: Received sentence of Death-4.

Transported for seven years.

Edward Burnham, otherwise Thomas Haley,

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sport

By Conner Lowe

THE Western Sydney Wanderers have a must win game at home against the Wellington Phoenix at Spotless Stadium at 7pm on Saturday night, 19th of March.

The Wanderers so far this season have not lost to Wellington with one win and a draw in the two clubs previous encounters.

The Wanderers are still winless at Spotless Stadium in six games this season ending in defeats or draws. Despite a poor season the club still believe that they are more than capable of winning the A-League despite sitting two points inside the top six and with the Wellington Phoenix looking to break into the top six with a win against the Wanderers everything is to play for on Saturday night.

The Wanderers face a tough battle to hold onto their top six position with clubs like Newcastle United, Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners all within five points behind the Wanderers.

With only five games left of the season any slip up on the Wanderers behalf could be crucial in their battle for finals contention. Two of the last five games are against top four teams - Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. The Wanderers have played both Melbourne teams twice this season and only managed to take one point from a possible 12 in all four matches.

The Wanderers will need to win

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games against Adelaide United, Newcastle United and Wellington Phoenix who are all sitting below them on the ladder and to hold onto their 6th place.

The Western Sydney Wanderers face a tough schedule leading up to the end of the Hyundai A-League season with games home and away in the Asian Champions League adding to an exciting and gruelling part of the season.

The Wanderers will have had less time to recover for Saturday night’s game, with a big game in Seoul on Wednesday night. The Wanderers will hope they can cement their position in the top six with a win against Wellington and focus on progressing through to the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League and attempt to make a 4th grand final appearance in only five A-League seasons.

Western Sydney Wanderers launch W-League mentoring program THE Western Sydney Wanderers will officially launch the Wanderers W-League Mentoring Program as part of the Club’s month long activities to support Female Football at their Round 24 match against Melbourne City.

As part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to women’s football, the Wanderers W-League Mentoring Program is designed to help players plan for success, build on their personal brand whilst also aiming to support both their mental health and physical well-being.

The program is focused on developing bright futures for the Wanderers’ elite female players, ensuring that they get the support and confidence to manage their home, work and football life balance as well as introducing them to the right networks that will help broaden their career opportunities. The Program aims to achieve long-term outcomes based on opportunities for elite female players.

The Program comes after the success of the first Wanderers Women in Business function held at the season opening Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium, which was hosted by Stephanie Brantz and a talented line-up of successful women including the

Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

Wanderers vital clash against Wellington

29

Wanderers’ own Westfield Matilda Ellie Carpenter, television star and Wanderers Ambassador Nicole da Silva and Olympian Chloe Esposito.

The launch will again be hosted

by ABC’s voice of women’s football Stephanie Brantz and includes mentors across business, sport and education fields.

To celebrate Female Football Round the Wanderers have further extended their support of Women’s football in Western Sydney by offering 1,000 tickets to 2017 registered female players, coaches, referees and volunteers across the Club’s nine members associations to their designated Female Football Round match against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday 19 March at Spotless Stadium.

Female participants will be involved in march past pre-match and help welcome the players to the pitch during the match.

The Club and players from both the A-League and W-League teams will be involved in activations across western Sydney which commenced in The Hills and Nepean in February and will continue well into March with events in Bankstown, Liverpool and the Blue Mountains.

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30 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....

BARNSEY!!

The Skipper back to his best

Jimmy Barnes coming to town!

LAST Sunday, even at this very early stage of the season, the Panthers faced a mini litmus test. Their opening game of the year ended in a drubbing at the hands of the Dragons. Unexpected, but nonetheless eye catching for all the wrong reasons.

Coming up against a team like the Tigers on their home turf after they’d thumped the Rabbitohs the week prior was always going to be an early barometer of just where the premiership contenders stood.

And stand staunchly they did!

With the match at a stalemate for the opening 30 minutes locked at 2 all the mountain men pounced, to go into the halftime break with 3 unanswered tries to break the Tigers backs and spirit.

The subtle change of position from coach Griffin in moving Whare one in from the wing worked wonders, as did unleashing perhaps the biggest bench in the Panthers history. Lead by Fisher- Harris, Leilani Latu and human wrecking ball and debutant Villame Kikau. At 6ft 5 and 119kg this kid looks the goods BIGTIME. But it was the scoreboard that Griffin will be most ecstatic with, only allowing the single penalty goal against a highly dangerous attacking side was the highlight. Along with 7 players running for over 100 metres lead by mercurial skipper Matt Moylan who with his 22 runs and 140 metres was everywhere.

As was NSW bolter Tyrone Peachey. His start to season 2017 has been a real highlight.

Now for the improving Roosters this Saturday night. Your team need you

Panther fans, let’s get there and be loud and proud and urge your charges home.

See you at the game!

And another thing....

It’s about bloody time!! Put this date in your diary, Sunday the 7th of May, 3pm-9:30pm the great Jimmy Barnes, that’s right Jimmy Barnes, along with good mate Jon Stevens as well as a local band or two will unleash a mega concert at the pristine grounds of the Fernhill Estate which is 5 minutes south of Penrith on Mulgoa Rd. It’s a massive coup for all concerned especially my mate Tommy from Fernhill who has been working strenuously over the past few months to pull this off.

And boy have they.

Not since 1983 when Midnight Oil played at Penrith Park in front of 18,000 people has the greater West been afforded such a high caliber of entertainer in such a unique setting. Fernhill is over 1000 acres of sweeping greeneries and it’s hoped that if this concert does as well as is expected it could be the first big show of many to play at the Fernhill Estate.

Tickets on sale now from Ticketek 13 28 49 or online at www.ticketek.com. au but hurry this is sure to be a sell out with anticipation high. Jimmy Barnes is one of the best entertainers I’ve ever seen live, now that he’ll be here in our backyard we should all be excited. www.fernhillestate.net.au

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Ripples wins swim centre of the year

By Conner Lowe

THE Ripples Leisure Centre was awarded the coveted 2016 NSW Recognised Swim Centre of the Year award at the NSW AUSTSWIM Awards Dinner on Friday, 24th February, 2017 held at the Epping Club.

The win comes off the back of the Swim Schools National Award win for Swim Australia’s 2016 Best Swim School Marketing and the 2015 NSW Water Safety Awards Local Community Initiative of the Year for our Free Water Safety Road Show.

Ripples Leisure Centre was awarded this prestigious honour in recognition of the dedication and commitment of the Ripples Leisure Centre staff in providing new opportunities to access and utilise the Leisure Centre, as well as continually educating the community on the importance of water safety and supervision. The win also means that Ripples Swim School becomes a finalist for the National AUSTSWIM Awards held in Tweed Heads in late

September 2017.

Amongst the many initiatives, Ripples Leisure Centre was acknowledged for their work and achievements with: • The delivery of the FREE Water Safety Road Show to local preschools and schools. Ripples educated over 9000 students from over 80 local preschools and schools in 2015/2016. The goals of this program are to raise general water safety awareness in children ages 0 to 14 years, the dangers present in various waterways and practical ways for all

ages to stay safe and enjoy all water environments.

• Participation in industry and affiliated partner initiatives such as Swim Safer Week, Kids Alive “Learn to Swim Week” and creation of our own encouragement program - the “Ripplets Swimmer of the Week” award. This “Ripplets” award is based from instructor nominations for students that behave well, consistently try their best or achieve important milestones.

• The Maniah Betham Squad Scholarship. Maniah was a talented

and beloved National swimmer of the Ripples Squad who tragically lost his life in July 2014 at the tender age of 15. Ripples developed this annual scholarship in honour of his memory and his amazing achievements in and out of the water.

Ripples Swim School is based at three facilities St Marys, St Marys Hydrotherapy Centre and Penrith (Penrith summer season only) and is partnered with many industry leaders to ensure they are delivering the highest quality swimming lessons to their students.

In celebration of their award win Ripples has a very special offer for new customers. Book and Pay for remainder of Block 1 plus Block 2 and get 2 swimming lessons FREE*!

Valued at $29.00. *Terms and Conditions apply. *Offer valid from 13th March until 31st March 2017.

Safeguard your child and give them a skill for life! SWIM, SAFE, SURVIVE! Book your swimming lessons now. For more information, visit www.ripplesnsw.com.au like us on facebook or contact St Marys on 9833 3000.

31 Western News 17 March 2017 Issue 30

sport

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Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council

12 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney

8 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management

20 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird

22 Troy - Urban City Consulting

26 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies

14 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club

18

Western NEWS Friday, 17 March 2017

sport

Panthers win their first game of the season

By Conner Lowe

THE Penrith Panthers have won their first game of the season and silenced critics with a dominate display against the West Tigers on Sunday afternoon.

The Panthers were able to put their defensive problems they had against St George Illawarra behind them with an impressive display defensively against the Tigers. The Panthers not only put on an impressive display defensively but offensively the team was excellent all over the field.

Peter Wallace, the Panthers Hooker spoke pre-match about what needs to change for the upcoming season and if he was feeling any pressure with Mitch Rein “Our attitude across the park against St George was poor, so we need to change that and make sure we are positive.

“We will prepare the same, nothing much has changed we will still prepare the same and obviously we got beaten physically as well against St George so that area in our

game needs to improve as well,” he said.

“I’m focused on playing my best for the team and Mitch Rein is a quality player and I’m sure he will get his chance at some stage this year, so I’ll continue to focus on my game and

how I can help the team for the season ahead,” he continued.

Matt Moylan, the Panthers captain and fullback spoke pre-match about his role as captain and focuses for the season.

“As captain It’s definitely an area

I’m still growing in as a leader and trying to improve each week and make sure the team is ready to go when it’s game time.

“We are always out here putting in our best and I think it’s probably put an extra focus on some little things we want to address this season and mainly our defence,” he said.

Bryce Cartwright left the field early on Sundays match with an ankle problem. However, scans reviled that there was no fracture on the ankle and it’s just bruising on the bone. The medical staff will monitor him and make a judgement at the end of the week whether or not he is fit to play.

Before the season the Panthers were one of the favourites to win the NRL Premiership this season and although after the loss to St George Illawarra, the Panthers looked to have put the loss behind them with their victory on the weekend and look like a Premiership winning team.

The Panthers now look forward to their first home game of the season against the Sydney Roosters who are unbeaten in their opening two games of the season.