Western Weekender January 23

PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP

weekender the western FRI 23 JAN 2015 • Issue 1187

Printed on 100% recycled paper

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Happy

Australia Day Penrith P enrith twins twins Courtney and Olivia Olivia Powell Powell are are preparing preparing to celebrate celebrate Australia Day on the Nepean River. How will you be spending the day?

Coverage pages » 23-29

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Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

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Fire

the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

Blaze rips through local factory Hundreds of firefighters rush to Dunheved Business Park as black smoke blankets the local area KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

he blue skies blanketing the local area last weekend were blemished by an ominous pillar of black smoke on Saturday when a factory in St Marys went up in flames.

89 ‘000’ calls were made to emergency services from 12.50pm on Saturday, January 17, resulting in around 130 firefighters rushing to the factory in Dunheved Business Park.

The fire, caused by the spontaneous combustion of materials being stored at the factory, ripped through the business.

“The fire was in a business that recycles disused oil; the building where the oil was kept was well alight when our crews first arrived,” said Superintendent Tom Cooper of NSW Fire and Rescue.

“The first arriving crews said that there were a large number of explosions heard, which was probably the sound of the drums containing the oil exploding.”

When emergency services arrived, the occupants of adjoining businesses had self-evacuated. A Hazmat crew was on the scene as well as two aerial appliances, which were NSW Fire and Rescue trucks with tall ladders attached.

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Fire crews work to contain the blaze at St Marys. Photo: Jason Donnelly “Burning oil was running down the driveway, so our first action was to set about stopping the fire from spreading,” Superintendent Cooper said.

“It began to spread to a business on the left.

“That business sustained minor damage to the rear due to radiant heat and fire spreading from the running fuel fire.”

Due to the nature of the fire, large clouds of black smoke were seen from as far as Katoomba and Blackheath.

“It took about 45 minutes for our crews to fully contain the fire. Even when it was contained, the fire was still issuing large amounts of black smoke,” Superintendent Cooper said.

“It was a very hot day, which assisted

us as far as smoke management was concerned. The smoke travelled straight upwards and didn’t affect any areas or main arterial roads.”

The fire was completely extinguished at 5.47pm that day and investigations into the cause completed on Monday, January 19, determined that there were no suspicious circumstances.

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You couldn’t quite call it a classic Australian tradition, but last week I found myself at Pizza Hut in Windsor – yes, the all you can eat version.

It was something of a step back in time – I remember going to the Penrith restaurant on High Street as a kid, and this was pretty much a replica pulled from the 1980’s.

With time comes change, and many of the traditions we enjoyed growing up are no longer with us.

With Australia Day just a few days away, I thought it’d be fun to look back on some of those traditions, particularly those closer to home here in Penrith.

In last week’s edition of the Weekender, we looked at the wonderful history of Mike Walsh’s Hayden Twin Cinemas in the Penrith CBD. I can remember seeing a few movies there in the mid 1990’s, including the classic flicks ‘Speed’ and ‘Titanic’.

I can still vividly remember spoiling the ending of ‘Titanic’ for my cousin while we were waiting in line to go into the cinema, telling him that Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jack, dies at the end. He wasn’t impressed.

I’m not a “back in my day” kind of person, but there’s no doubt that a night at the Hayden Twin Cinemas was better than any of the current multiplex offerings.

Another great tradition in Penrith, particularly at this time of the year, was Cables Waterski Park. Of course, Cables has made somewhat of a comeback as a wake boarding facility, but nothing beats the two waterslides (which, decades after their closure, still remain standing at Panthers) that kept thousands of local kids entertained throughout the summer.

Green was the fast slide, yellow was the slow slide. The slides had nothing on the modern rides at places like Wet ‘N’ Wild, but boy, were they fun for a kid who lived nowhere near the beach.

the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith

TROY DODDS @troydodds

Whatever happened to the Nepean Nippers?

Of course most of us sports fans have had some sort of great memory at Penrith Stadium, and in fact, new memories are still being created.

But who remembers the big drama back in 1983, when concerts were banned from Penrith Park after a drama involving Midnight Oil? Rugby league officials banned future concerts after more than 18,000 people at the Midnight Oil concert left the playing surface in awful condition, with broken bottles, cans and other rubbish forcing the Panthers to train elsewhere while emergency works were done to ensure the playing field could return to good working order.

These days, Penrith Stadium boasts one of the best playing surfaces in the NRL. Public transport has also evolved significantly over the years.

As late as 1983, you could still reserve yourself a seat on a Blue Mountains train, or country service as we often call them.

The system was finally brought to an end in the mid-1980’s, with most passengers agreeing that it was time to move on.

And while we’re on public transport, whatever happened to the Nepean Nippers?

Our shopping habits have changed pretty dramatically too.

Surely we can all remember the ‘old’ Penrith Plaza – whatever happened to that water tank in the food court?

And who remembers Waltons, which opened in Penrith in May 1973?

On Monday, we’ll all celebrate Australia Day in different ways. For some, it’ll be a fun family day before heading down to Penrith Lakes for the fantastic entertainment and fireworks display.

For others, it’ll be a few beers and some backyard cricket.

For me, I always like to do something that helps me remember the Australia I grew up in. Keeping those memories alive is so very important.

Advertising: penrithsales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd CIRCULATION: 59,400 [CAB Audit November 2014]

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Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

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State Election 2015

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Jobs to be main focus of election NSW Treasurer visits St Marys to talk up Government’s credentials @daledrinkwater

DALE DRINKWATER

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Phone: (02) 9833 2913 Address: Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys 2760 Email: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail: PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790

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State Treasurer Andrew Constance and Bernard Bratusa at St Marys Leagues Club our jobs incentivising plan, including 170 in St Marys alone,” he said.

Mr Constance said the State Government plans to inject more money into the west through infrastructure.

“From construction jobs on hospital sites through to public infrastructure around motorways and rail lines it’s a very healthy job creator for the region,” he said.

Mr Bratusa believes Londonderry is about to explode in terms of corporate investment and has reminded people of the job opportunities the Badgery’s Creek Airport may bring.

“When you get the airport, you get the building component for the infrastructure, and the added bonus of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment,” he said.

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SW Treasurer Andrew Constance visited St Marys Leagues Club on Tuesday to highlight the need to create more jobs in western Sydney amid nationwide talks about unemployment rates.

Mr Constance was joined by Liberal Candidate for Londonderry, Bernard Bratusa, and said he thinks the March 28 election will be won based on jobs at a local level.

“It’s been pleasing to see that last week we were announced as having the lowest unemployment rate in the country. And we will continue to hone in on the jobs action plan as a means to continue to drive jobs,” Mr Constance said.

“If you consider the state’s unemployment rate is at 5.9 per cent, nationally it’s a couple of points higher, western Sydney’s [rates are] very close to the national averages.”

Mr Constance said the jobs incentivising plan, that provides businesses with payroll tax relief, has created hundreds of more jobs in western Sydney.

“We’ve had a real core focus on jobs, so just even within this local area we’re now at over 400 jobs created off the back of

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

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Crime

Public may hold key to murder mystery KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

olice believe that information from the public may provide the final piece of the puzzle in their investigation into the murder of St Marys man, Brett Watson.

The 41-year-old’s body was found by a passer by on Tuesday, October 21, dumped by the side of the road at Greengrove.

Officers attached to St Marys Local Area Command formed Strike Force Pilliga to investigate the murder and have so far made three arrests, alleging that the man was killed by his ex-wife, Raquel Hutchison, 36, and her partner, Paul Wilkinson, 35, who were assisted by a number of others, one of whom has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder.

It is alleged that the pair took the man from his home, against his will, and brutally beat him over a 12-hour period.

Mr Watson died as a result of his injuries.

“The brutality and the callous nature of this crime has touched my investigators quite significantly and it is a very, very hard investigation that we’ve been through,” said Detective Acting Inspector, John McKervey of St Marys LAC. “Investigators have been able to estab-

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lish that Mr Watson was taken from his premises here in St Marys and to a number of locations throughout the Sydney metropolitan area including Minto.”

Police are endeavouring to discern exactly what happened in the Minto area in the 12 hours before Mr Watson’s death, hoping that a member of the public may have seen the vehicle that was used.

“What police are asking for now is any person who has seen a motor vehicle, a white Ford Mondeo, in the Minto area on the day in question, if they could contact St Marys Police or Crime Stoppers with any movements of that vehicle. That vehicle would have been containing a female, a male and a young child,” Detective Acting Inspector McKervey said.

The child that police say was in the car was the victim’s nine-year-old son, who was in the car throughout the ordeal.

Police say that the victim and the woman who was charged with his murder had a long history of family court battles in relation to custody of their children, a nine-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl.

All three people who have been charged over the murder appeared before Penrith Local Court this week, with neither Ms Hutchison or Wilkinson, who still remain in custody, applying for bail.

Above: Murdered man Brett Watson. Below: The white Ford Mondeo

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Llandilo: Man loses licence after riding at high speeds

Police are appealing for information from the public after a man broke into a home while a woman was in the shower. At about 2am on Friday, January 16, police say that an unknown male entered a unit on Dent Street, Jamisontown, through an unlocked balcony door. Inside, a woman was alone and in the shower. She got out of the shower to find an unknown man standing in the kitchen with her wallet in his hand. The man left through the door that he entered in and ran from the scene with the wallet. Police have examined the scene. The unknown man has been described as about 20 years of age, six-foot tall, wearing a cap, red shorts and a red hoodie. Anyone who saw the man or has any information should contact police.

A man has been stripped of his licence and will face court after he was caught riding his motorbike at 168km/h in a 60km/h zone. Police were patrolling Eighth Avenue in Llandilo when they came across a man riding a Yamaha YZF R1 motorcycle at very high speeds. He was clocked at 168km/h.

Police indicated for the man to stop. He had his licence suspended on the spot and the bike’s registration plates were also confiscated. The man will appear in court at a later date. In addition, police were surprised by the lack of protective clothing the man was wearing. “It is very likely that he would have had serious injuries had he been involved in an accident at that speed,” said Penrith Local Area Command Acting Crime Manager, Detective Sergeant Stuart Gordon.

Emu Plains: Street locked down during incident

Luddenham: Woman dies in tragic two-vehicle crash

A domestic incident left a local street in lock down for a period of time last week.

At about 4.30pm on Friday, January 16, police from Penrith Local Area Command were called to a home on Grey Street, Emu Plains in relation to a domestic matter. Police had to close and lock down a portion of the street for a period of time while they negotiated with a person involved. The person surrendered himself to police some time later and police removed a number of firearms from the home. The issue has been dealt with by police. No one was harmed in the incident and the street was re-opened to the public.

A two-vehicle crash in Luddenham on Friday, January 16, resulted in the death of a woman and has left two others injured.

At about 4.20pm, emergency services were called to the Northern Road, near the intersection of Littlefields Road. There, a Mitsubishi Lancer and a Toyota Avalon had collided. A woman, who was a passenger in the Mitsubishi, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of that car was airlifted to hospital from the scene. The male driver of the Toyota was assessed by ambulance paramedics and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Local roads were closed for some time.

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

Police snapshot

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ON THE DAY

Online entries are closed, but you can still register on the day from 6:30am! See try.weetbix.com.au for more event details WW15153

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

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Police

Federal Politics

Double demerits in force for Australia Day long weekend

Doctors may not be laughing for long despite Medicare backflip DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ederal Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott has defended the Federal Government’s decision to drop the $20 Medicare rebate cut, while local doctors are still not 100 per cent happy.

The Federal Government recently revoked its decision to cut the Medicare rebate on short consultations from $37.05 to $16.95, one that would have seen patients potentially making up the $20.10 difference.

Dr Steven Wong, from Penrith’s Tindale Family Practice, said although the back down is a step in the right direction, there is still cause for concern.

“I feel good about the back down, but it’s just the start,” he said.

“There’s two other items though, and it still looks like the $5 co-payment will go through and the freezing of bulk billing will continue.

“It’s just like asking a pensioner to freeze their pension for the next five years and not account for inflation.”

The main issue with the freezing of bulk billing over the coming years is the potential widening gap between the rebate and the costs of running a practice.

“Most GPs will have no choice but to charge more than the rebate to recoup costs,” Dr Wong said.

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Police will have a strong presence in the local area this weekend KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

ocal residents planning on celebrating Australia Day this year had better be on their best behaviour as police will be out in force in and around the local area on Monday as part of a highvisibility operation.

With a number of events happening in the local area on Australia Day, particularly Penrith Council’s Australia Day at the Lakes where 6,000 people are expected to attend, and large volumes of people expected to flock to areas like Tench Reserve, local police will be making more

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patrols to ensure that the community is kept safe.

“There will be a police operation in place for the event happening at the Regatta Centre and we’ll also be conducting our usual Australia Day high-visibility operation at local pubs and clubs,” said Penrith Local Area Command Acting Crime Manager, Detective Sergeant Stuart Gordon.

Police are also running Operation Safe Arrival from today (Friday, January 23) and over the entire Australia Day long weekend.

Double demerits will also be in place during that period.

Experiencing hearing loss or know someone who is?

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DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Application has been received by Council: s N F Billyard Pty Ltd DA15/0012 34 Sydney Street, St Marys Demolition of existing structures and construction of a multi-unit housing development (5 x attic style villas) with associated car parking, drainage and landscaping works Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222 Closing Date: 10 February 2015

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

Nepean Village Shopping Centre Corner Station & Woodriff Sts, Penrith

Monday 16 March to Sunday 22 March

Pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free of charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Applications s G Gavanas DA14/1092 Lot 212 DP 16937, (No. 56) Canberra Street, Oxley Park

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penrithcity.nsw.gov.au WW15480

Dr Steven Wong Ms Scott said she supports the cancellation of the reforms and the Government’s decision to undertake what they are calling a “consultation period”.

“To make Medicare sustainable, the Minister is undertaking wide ranging consultations with doctors and the community across the country, in order to come up with sensible options to deliver appropriate Medicare reform,” Ms Scott said.

“By placing any changes on hold, the Minister will consider all options to secure the viability of Medicare for future generations.”

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 5 x attic style villas and associated car parking, drainage and landscaping works s Property Innovations Group DA14/1150 Lot 64 DP 9969, (No. 43) Australia Street, St Marys Demolition of existing structures and construction of 6 x attic style villas with associated car parking, landscaping and drainage works Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Viewing of Development Applications The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

penrithishere.com.au WW15415

9 the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

AUSTRALIA DAY

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ADMINISTRATION Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.

COUNCIL BRIEFS ss Penrith residents can take advantage of waste and recycling programs with Council’s free ‘Resource Recovery Reminder’ SMS service.

F: (02) 4732 7958

The service can sms registered residents about a variety of programs including: s #HEMICAL #LEAN /UT DROP OFF DAYS n -ARCH s %LECTRONIC 7ASTE 2ECYCLING COLLECTIONS n -ARCH s 2ESOURCE 2ECOVERY INITIATIVES

Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

Residents can register for the free SMS reminders by email or phone.

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Email your name, home address and mobile phone number to rrr@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au to register for the free service.

For more information, go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or phone 4732 7615.

Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: (02) 4732 7777

SERVICES Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735 Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

Graffiti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES

s Council will hold a community workshop outlining the restoration project of the Cranebrook Wetland and Bushland on Saturday, 21 February between 9.30–11.30am.

PUBLIC NOTICES Road Name Pursuant to Clause 7 of the Roads Regulation 2008, notice is hereby given that an application has been received for the naming of the following road/s.

Proposed New Name Macadamia Court, Caddens Burrawang Close, Caddens

Location off Casuarina Circuit off Angophora Avenue

Written submissions on the proposed name/s may be made to Penrith City Council by 20 February 2015. For further information please contact Mrs Cindye Russell on 4732 7617.

Application for the Use of Sportsgrounds Winter 2015 21 March 2015–6 September 2015 Applications are invited for the use of Penrith City Council’s Sports grounds for the 2015 Winter Season.

Staff from Council’s Environmental Health department will outline the features of the restoration which will include a short walk around the Cranebrook Wetland and a Q&A session to answer resident’s questions.

All applicants (both new and existing) are required to attend an information meeting at Penrith City Council to submit an application for hire. Priority will be given to applications submitted at either of these meetings.

There are limited spaces available for the workshop. To register email cranebrookwetland@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or jmurphy@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or phone 47328084.

Meeting details are as follows:

Council Meetings

When: 6.30pm on Tuesday, 3 February 2015 Where: Nepean Room, Penrith Civic Centre, High Street, Penrith OR

2 February 2015 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

When: 4pm on Wednesday, 4 February 2015 Where: Nepean Room, Penrith Civic Centre, High Street, Penrith

9 February 2015 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

We ask that RSVPs be received by Friday, 23 January 2015.

For additional information and to register for the meeting, please contact 4732 8232 or email: mwilliams@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithishere.com.au

Notification under Section 47A – Local Government Act 1993 Naval Association of Australia is currently leasing land from Council on Part of Lot 8 in DP 583415 being Lot 8, Bruce Neal Drive, Penrith, which is classified as ‘Community’ land under Council’s Plans of Management.

s Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the only man-made whitewater course of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, has been named as one of the top ten adventure attractions in the State by Destination NSW. Learn more about this world-class facility at the free ‘Come and Try’ kayaking event on Monday, 26 January from 10am–3pm. No bookings are required. www.penrithwhitewater. com.au or call 4730 4333.

Naval Association of Australia current Licence Agreement expired in 30 November 2014 and has requested Council grant them a new five (5) year Licence Agreement over the premises under Section 47A of the Local Government Act 1993 to continue usage of this facility for naval related activities.

Submissions in writing may be made to Council by the public concerning the above proposal within thirty (30) days from the date of this notification and addressed to Penrith City Council, C/- Property Development Department, PO Box 60, Penrith 2750.

For further information please call Peter Blazek on 4732 7668.

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Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

10

State Election 2015

Premier welcomes new raft of interns Record number of medical graduates begin work within the NSW health system DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

SW Premier Mike Baird and Health Minister Jillian Skinner visited Nepean Hospital on Monday to welcome a record number of medical graduates into the NSW health system.

It marked the very first day for almost 1000 graduates to begin their internships, 59 of them starting their careers in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.

Mr Baird met with graduates before the formal proceedings, and shared a laugh when asking how nervous they were to begin their new chapter.

“What you have achieved is truly incredible. You’ll have to deal with families that are heartbroken, and that takes a very special person,” Mr Baird said.

“In life people put forward goals and hopes, and it’s not often they’re achieved, and certainly not often achieved with the long path you have taken to get to where you are today.

“The amount of work... blood, sweat and tears and obviously talent, but the perseverance to get here is something that should be celebrated.”

One of the students, UWS’ Michelle

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Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Premier Mike Baird at Nepean Hospital

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Huang, said that after six years of study, she was nervous about having the responsibility but couldn’t wait to begin her career at Nepean.

“I’m most looking forward to solidifying what we have learnt so far, and putting to use what we’ve learnt,” she said.

“It will feel nice to really have a purpose.”

Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, said Monday was an exciting day for the interns, as they start their first day in the workforce as qualified doctors.

“Of the 59 interns that started here last year in this network, 57 remain,” she said.

“They’ve chosen this as the place to be and I’m not surprised.”

Mrs Skinner said she was proud of the number of interns that were starting in the health system this year.

“There are 980 interns to be precise, that’s 21 more than last year. Just to give you a sense of it, that 980 is over 200 more than any other state,” she said.

“We’ve spent $107 million... but we think this is money well spent because of the future roles that you will play in NSW health.”

Mrs Skinner has prioritised the need to grow the capacity for interns and Mr Baird said the only way to increase this was by continuing to grow the economy.

Mayor’s News The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Australia Day Australia Day is the most important celebration of our country.

In Penrith, Australia Day at the Lakes is the perfect place for family and friends to celebrate what’s great about the place they call home.

Penrith Council is extremely proud of this free annual event and we appreciate our sponsors who help make this possible.

From humble beginnings, it has evolved into an important regional celebration which includes live musical entertainment, shows for the kids and a fireworks finale.

Held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, this unique celebration offers something for everyone.

This year we have a star studded list of artists with 2014 ‘X-Factor’ winner Marlisa Punzalan and 2013 runner up Taylor Henderson performing their hit singles along with crowd favourite Seattle Sound.

The young at heart amongst us can dance and sing-along to ‘Play School’ presenter Justine Clarke and the The Jitterbugs will keep the energy high with their fun-filled show.

The fireworks spectacular will celebrate the unique colours of Australia’s

outback, taking the audience on a wild and explosive adventure.

The ‘Colours of the Outback’ is the largest arena pyromusical performance ever produced in Australia and is the first show where pyrotechnics, flames, projection and lighting have been choreographed to a live band performing on stage.

I invite you to come along on Monday and share in the spirit. Gates open at 5.30pm.

Penrith Council is also proud to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day to welcome new Australians to our city.

More than 800 people receive their citizenship in Penrith each year. Some have lied in Australia for many years, others have arrived quite recently.

Australia’s heritage is made richer by contributions from people from all continents and cultures and we welcome them to our city.

We wish everyone an enjoyable Australia Day. For more details visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday.

ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

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Community

Online petition launched in effort to bring Matthew Stevens closer to his family in Werrington Downs DALE DRINKWATER

any new clients, but he’s not a new client.

There has to have been a vacancy occur within the Penrith area in seven years.

You can’t tell me nothing’s come up,” Mrs Stevens said.

Mrs Stevens and her family received an almost automated response from Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, John Ajaka and said she never really received an answer. Matthew’s family, including sister Christine Thompson, are hoping an online petition via Change.org will gain enough signatures to take to ADHC and Mr Ajaka.

To sign the petition to bring Matthew home, visit www.change.org.

@daledrinkwater

fter suffering brain damage during birth, Matthew Stevens has endured the hardship of cerebral palsy his whole life, and after 45 years of pain, his family just want him to come home.

Matthew needs 24-hour care, and after seven years of lobbying and countless phone calls to try and find him accommodation in or near Penrith, Matthew is still over an hour away from his elderly parents, in a home at North Ryde.

“After lots and lots of phone calls, and lots of the same answer, he is still where he is, seven years later. He goes through enough. We need to be there for him,” Matthew’s mother, Rosalie Stevens said.

The elderly Werrington Downs couple need to bring him home for the weekend to see him, which means lifting him in and out of the car and shower.

“We are getting older and when we bring Matthew home we don’t have a hoist to help us, we actually have to lift him ourselves and we are finding it difficult now,” Mrs Stevens said.

Mrs Stevens revealed that she and her family see him only once a fortnight, and

A

Matthew’s family, Christine Thompson and Rosalie and David Stevens Matthew gets sad every time they leave.

“Even though he can’t verbalise, he knows that we are just too far away,” she said.

Mrs Stevens sent a letter to Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) in Penrith last November, but said she was

not happy with the response. It outlined the new residential homes in Penrith are not for new clients but for people who are moving out of Large Residential Centres – a centre that Mrs Stevens said Matthew had previously lived in.

“They were telling us they weren’t taking

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

Family’s plea to bring their son home

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

14

Granville Train Disaster

Granville train disaster will never be forgotten DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

t was a tragedy that rocked Australia and for many in the local Penrith area, the Granville Train Disaster hit close to home.

The 38th anniversary of the disaster was commemorated last weekend, and Penrith Councillor Kevin Crameri was among those who paid tribute to the 83 people killed on ‘The Day of the Roses’.

Last Sunday, Cr Crameri visited the Granville Town Hall with representatives from other emergency services and Council, in honour of those who lost their lives in the disaster, those who almost did, and those who tried to save them.

Cr Crameri was a Councillor at the time of the tragedy in January 1977.

“I have a very strong affinity with the disaster that day,” Cr Crameri said.

“I know a fellow who was very lucky not to be in it... at the time we had been friends through work for two years.

“His car came to a stop with no bridge in front of him. I’ve seen how it has affected him, it never left him. If he were two to three seconds earlier, he would have been in it.”

Cr Crameri also associates his strong

I

affiliation with the memorial over the last 38 years to his half-century support to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

“I have been involved in the Bush Fire Brigade for over 50 years, and at the time we were asked to make ourselves available,” he said.

“I was on holidays at the time of the incident, and I rushed back and waited for days, ready, with all my stuff packed to go help.”

Cr Crameri said he waited for the call but it wasn’t until four days after that he was finally allowed to head down.

The incident that claimed 83 lives, and injured over 200, affected thousands of people from Penrith and the Blue Mountains.

“Fortunately for me, there was no-one injured in it that I was closely associated to,” Cr Crameri said.

“I’m very familiar with all the people organising the ceremony every year. I’ve known them through working with the SES or through Council.

“We will not forget or allow it to be forgotten.”

After the service at the Town Hall, the service moved to the Bold Street bridge, where 83 roses were dropped onto the tracks below.

Councillor Kevin Crameri vividly remembers the Granville Train Disaster in 1977

News in Numbers New figures from the Cancer Institute NSW have revealed that despite only one in 10 (12.7 per cent) 18-24-yearolds in NSW trying to tan the previous weekend, almost double that number got burned (22.2 per cent).

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a big risk factor. Only 36 per cent of young people surveyed regularly apply sunscreen before going out, while over 40 per cent say they simply forget to protect themselves from the sun.

A quarter (26 per cent) say they can’t be bothered, and one in five (22 per cent) say they don’t have time. Some still see sun protection as unfashionable, with 15 per cent saying this is their reason for not protecting their skin.

Blanche Marchant, Manager of Skin Cancer Prevention at the Cancer Institute NSW, says that these figures should be used as a catalyst for change.

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Environment Minister Rob Stokes has announced that, for the first time in NSW, fines for littering from vehicles can be issued based on reports from the public.

Mr Stokes said reports from the public of littering from cars, trailers and trucks can result in a fine under the new system.

“Thousands of community members already report littering from vehicles to the EPA each year resulting in warning letters, so we know there is tremendous support in the community for reporting and a low tolerance for littering,” Mr Stokes said.

“We want people to know that, if they litter from a vehicle, they run the risk of

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Education

School turns to YouTube in quest for new facilities DALE DRINKWATER

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ingswood High P&C have showed they are relentless in their campaign to secure funding for a new school hall by launching online videos of students demanding their school “deserves better”.

Kingswood Deserves Better campaign spokesperson, Stephen Neale, said the current school hall holds around 200 people, nowhere near suffice for 780 pupils, plus teachers and parents.

“The school currently utilises a gymnasium as a small makeshift hall. At its current size and with the limited facilities, the current gymnasium cannot host the entire student body,” he said.

“There is a makeshift stage which is only accessible from the front and lighting is only florescent lighting overhead – totally inadequate for whole school functions or performances.”

Mr Neale said the school has many extremely talented students whose Rock Eisteddfod, Flannofest and Wakakiri performances cannot be seen by the whole student body at once.

“In 2014, students won four awards in the NSW final for Wakakiri. The majority of the school community will never see this award-winning performance because of the lack of facilities,” he said.

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The campaign has received considerable support from both sides of politics, and has received widespread community support.

“We have met with the Shadow Minister for Education, Ryan Park, Emma Husar and Prue Car. All three agreed that the school needed a hall and that it should be a priority,” Mr Neale said.

State Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres also expressed his support for the hall in parliament late last year.

Former student and teacher at the school, Moana Waddell, highlighted that the current hall is uncomfortable for everyone.

“I endured sitting exams in the freezing cold and also in extreme heat finding it hard to concentrate,” she said.

You can watch the students’ campaign video on YouTube.

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

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Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

18

Open Day

Locals to get an insight into policing as St Marys station opens its doors Open house: Public invited to open day at local police station on February 8 KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

he inner workings of St Marys Police Station are a mystery to local residents, who rarely get a chance to have a look inside.

But it won’t remain a mystery for much longer, with the station preparing to open its doors to the public next month to give local residents a sneak peek at what goes on behind closed doors at St Marys Local Area Command.

“The Open Day is an opportunity for our community at St Marys to interact and engage with their local police in a less formal environment,” said St Marys Local Area Command Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Danielle Corliss.

“It also allows for the community to gain an inside view of some police duties and see, touch or use some of the resources we use to protect the community.”

Local residents will have the opportunity to check out a number of different police vehicles used in the local area, including Highway Patrol cars and police dirt bikes.

There will also be vintage police cars on display.

“There will be an interactive stall for children, which is run by our crime prevention team. It will include Constable Charlie, who is our police mascot, colouring in, face painting and balloons,” Senior Constable Corliss said.

Local people will be able to step inside the station and have their fingerprints taken, if they wish, and step into the shoes

T

Police officers from St Marys are inviting the public to an open day on February 8. Photo: Melinda Jane of local police in an interactive crime scene.

“The interactive crime scene will be in the ‘charge room’ of the police station, where people can identify certain objects

and information that they believe would be useful for an investigation,” Senior Constable Corliss said.

The Open Day gives children and adults alike the opportunity to see what life is

really like inside a working police station.

The Open Day is taking place on Sunday, February 8, from 10am to 2pm.

There will be a Rotary run BBQ available throughout the day.

Employment

Power struggle as jobs in Penrith go on the line DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

heated battle between electricity operators and unions has escalated, resulting in several employees at Penrith’s Endeavour Energy depot losing their jobs.

One former employee, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said two people have currently lost their jobs and five more have been told they have six months left.

“I found out a week before Christmas. I don’t think it’s very loyal, and uncertainty in the lead-up to Christmas isn’t the best news. I wasn’t sure what to do next,” the former employee said.

“Other people have kids, most people have mortgages and lots of bills to pay for just before Christmas.

A

“Some people were offered six month fixed term contracts, but a couple chose not to take them. You could go and try and find work now or you could do it in six months when everyone else is trying to find it.”

The former employee expressed gratitude toward the unions but said there are concerns over how long they will keep fighting.

“They’re really standing up for us at the moment, but I don’t know how long they can take it,” the former employee said.

The Electrical Trade Union (ETU) and the United Services Union (USU) have made an application to Fair Work Australia over conditional offers made to employees

by Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy last September.

ETU Secretary, Steve Butler, said workers

Endeavour Energy, Penrith

rejected the conditional offer that would see cuts to allowances and the take home pay of workers.

“Electricity workers perform dangerous work often in treacherous conditions to make sure the people of NSW have a safe, reliable and continuous supply of electricity,” he said.

“Workers are staring down the barrel of massive job losses after Ausgrid flagged the potential loss of 2,400 jobs while Endeavour Energy has indicated 700 jobs may be lost over the coming years.”

Endeavour Energy’s Penrith depot currently has around 140 employees.

A spokesperson from Networks NSW, said the NSW electricity network businesses do not support industrial action and the companies would continue to engage in good faith bargaining with unions over new Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.

The businesses understand job security is important, however said the wage increases proposed by the unions would destroy jobs and not protect them.

They added that they will be reviewing the application made to Fair Work Australia before formally responding to the matter.

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

20

dear weekender...

Police

St Marys residents have a chance to say thanks to local police

email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750

Penrith of the future Council are paying some Muppet probably half a million to come in and tell us to put restaurants on High and Henry Streets and use the river. Fair dinkum, remember that French lady they paid $250,000 to come up with a plan that was never achievable and far fetched? (Penrith of the future, Western Weekender January 16). Pay me next time Penrith Council!

MARK THOMPSON, VIA FACEBOOK

I used to love going to that place until they halved the cinema sizes and built the lounge cinema (Turning back time, Western Weekender January 16). If we went there and the movie was on in the lounge cinema we’d walk out as there was no point paying a full price cinema ticket for such a small screen. We ended up going to the Astro (I think it was called that?) at Mt Druitt for our movies as a result and never went back to the Hayden.

JASON BROWN, VIA FACEBOOK

Troy Dodds wrote his column last week (Western Weekender January 16) before it became known that Luke Foley has been done for drink driving in the past.

One incident is somewhat acceptable, a second just proves that you don’t learn your lessons. Clearly, Labor knew that the Government had this dirt on Foley and would most likely release it in the week or two before the election, prompting Mr Foley to put the information out himself. From what I can see, it’s done him very little damage. The story seemed to disappear from the news cycle very quickly. I don’t believe Luke Foley is any chance at the March election. He’s simply cannon fodder. I highly doubt he’ll lead the party to the next election either. Why governments and oppositions constantly shoot themselves in the foot by changing leaders and having internal dramas is beyond me.

ROB CLARKE, CRANEBROOK

Great times at Hayden

State politics - who cares

They had some good theme days, I remember going to a Steven Spielberg day. It was good to see films in a big theatre on a big screen. They made a mistake when they tried to cut the big rooms in half, wasn’t the same after that.

ROB DUNN, VIA FACEBOOK

Troy Dodds may say Luke who? but I say, who cares about any of them? State politics is really only reserved for those who are particularly passionate about the political realm. I highly doubt most people know who Mike Baird is let alone Foley.

TONY SMITH, VIA EMAIL

Cinema memories

Nominations are open until February 16 for the St Marys Police Officer of the Year KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

f St Marys residents do not get their nominations in soon, the police officer that they are betting on to take out the local Police Officer of the Year title may miss out on the recognition they deserve.

Nominations for the St Marys Local Area Command Police Officer of the Year awards for 2014 are closing on Monday, February 16, and local police are calling on the public to get their nominations in before it is too late.

“I believe it is important for the community to get involved because it is a way for

I

local people to formally thank the officers who have who have assisted them in trying or difficult times,” said Detective Acting Inspector John McKervey of St Marys Local Area Command.

“Police officers working in all parts of St Marys Local Area Command are humble in the work that they do and because of this, never expect to be rewarded or recognised for their efforts.

“The Police Officer of the Year awards are one of the only time that our officers are recognised for their work.”

The awards, run by Rotary, take place every year. Visit St Marys Police Station to pick up a nomination form.

Foley is cannon fodder

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space.

For more information, see our public notices section.

Education

Senior students urged to find the balance in busy years ahead

Have a fresh NU LOOK this

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

enior students at Penrith’s local high schools are heading into the toughest years of their schooling lives next week.

Year 11 students have just under two years of hard work ahead, where they will pave the way for their future careers, while the Year 12 students have the dreaded Higher School Certificate (HSC) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams quickly approaching.

Rashmi Shingde of Leonay completed her schooling at St Pauls Grammar School last year and shared a rare perfect IB score of 45/45, which equates to the maximum ATAR of 99.95, with one other student from the school, Andrew Coulshed, and a handful of others from around the world.

While you would think that a student who received a perfect score in her Year 12 exams would’ve had no social life, nothing could be further from the truth for this local 18-year-old.

“The biggest challenge for Year 11 students is to learn to balance everything. You don’t want to study so much and work so hard that you come out of high school to realise that you didn’t have the best time,” Ms Shingde said.

“You have to work hard but it is more important to work smart. You have to plan your week, learn when to take a

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Ms Shingde encouraged local Year 12 students to keep a positive mindset during their final year.

“Even if you don’t feel the most prepared, you have to go into the exam ready to do the best that you can. You just have to stay calm and remember what you have learnt,” she said.

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Over the past five years, there has been millions of dollars worth of research undertaken by the PCFA, with much funded by donations from groups and individuals.

“The research program aims to make discoveries which will improve the length and quality of life of men with prostate cancer, especially prostate cancer which cannot be cured by surgery or radiation therapy,” said PCFA CEO, Associate Professor Anthony Lowe.

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Australia Day

There’s many ways to celebrate our national day Social media to be a big part of Australia Day celebrations this year esearch shows more Australians than ever plan to get involved in Australia Day events and activities for 2015, with 81 per cent of people surveyed planning to celebrate Australia Day. There are as many different ways to mark Australia Day as there are different Australians.

While hundreds of thousands of Australians are expected to attend an organised event on Monday, others will spend the day at home with family and friends and some will be working on the public holiday. Some will become proud, new Australian citizens while the Indigenous community will rightly celebrate the survival of the oldest known culture on Earth.

According to the National Australia Day Council, it doesn’t matter how you celebrate Australia Day or what your viewpoint is, it’s acceptance and understanding of the many different

R

Australian experiences we should all aim to embrace.

“Australia Day means different things to different Australians, but the things which unite us all are pride in our nation and a wish to make our community more understanding, more peaceful and more accepting,” said National Australia Day Council CEO, Jeremy Lasek.

“We all want the same things and that’s what brings us all together.

“This year, we’re encouraging Australians not just to celebrate your way – whether that’s at an event, having a barbecue at home or sharing time with friends – we’re asking you to share with us how you spend the day by Tweeting a photo with the hashtag #AustraliaDay. “Sharing how you traditionally mark Australia Day, where you are for this Australia Day or what being Australian means to you is a way for us all to learn more about each other and appreciate the many differences which make us whole.”

The call has gone out to the nation to capture tens of thousands of Australia Day images to create a digital snapshot of our national day. The National Australia Day Council, the National Museum of Australia and Twitter Australia have joined together to showcase the many ways Australians celebrate Australia Day through a live curated digital exhibition on January 26.

Australia Day Your Way encourages Australians everywhere to share their Australia Day traditions by posting an image using #AustraliaDay. The Tweets will be curated by the National Museum of Australia into a live digital exhibition that will highlight the great diversity of our nation in celebration.

To be part of Australia Day Your Way, simply Tweet a photo which shows how you mark Australia Day and use the hashtag #AustraliaDay. If you’re attending Australia Day events, you can also use the special Twitter Mirrors on site to take a photo and Tweet your message.

As the nation gears up to celebrate another long weekend, the Blood Service is calling for an extra 800 donors from across Australia to roll up their sleeves to prevent blood stocks hitting a snag.

Blood donors in NSW are still needed to give blood this Australia Day long weekend. Their donations will ensure cancer patients, people with bleeding disorders and new mums can share another barbie with their family.

Blood Service spokesperson, Jessica Willet, said the majority of NSW donors are needed on Monday, January 26 when appointments are less than 20 per cent full.

“Snags are very popular on Australia Day as people celebrate with a barbie, but the Blood Service hopes to keep its long weekend snag free,” she said “However, like many Aussies on Australia Day, we also like to keep our fridges well-stocked.

“That’s why we’re calling on NSW donors to help ensure the nation has a continuous supply of platelets, the shortest-lived blood products that are vital to the ongoing treatment of cancer patients.

“We’re calling for donors to act now and make an appointment to donate on January 24 or 26.”

Ms Willet said it doesn’t take much to take a little bit of time out of your long weekend plans to help those in desperate need.

“Before you roll up your sleeves to cook a barbie, why not arrange to drop into a donor centre and give blood?” she said.

“Donating only takes an hour of time and saves three lives, which means there’s plenty of time left to enjoy a barbie.”

Every week Australia needs 27,000 donations of blood to meet patient demand.

The local blood donor centre is located in the ABCOE Centre, on the corner of York Road and Batt Street in Jamisontown.

To make your appointment to donate this Aussie Day long weekend, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.

The day before you donate, drink plenty of fluids, especially in warm or hot weather and visit the donateblood.com. au site for other tips.

23 the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

Blood stocks urgently needed

Courtney and Olivia Powell getting into the Australia Day spirit in Penrith

24 Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

Australia Day

Fireworks and live shows part of extravaganza at Penrith Lakes spectacular fireworks show that celebrates the unique colours of Australia’s outback will be the main drawcard of Penrith’s Australia Day Concert at the Lakes on Monday, January 26.

“The Colours of the Outback is the largest arena pyromusical performance ever produced in Australia,” said Howard and Sons spokesperson, Andrew Howard.

“It’s also the first show in Australia where pyrotechnics, flames, projection and lighting have been choreographed to a live band performing on stage.

“This show takes the audience on a wild and explosive Australian Outback adventure.”

The fireworks finale will follow other attractions including 2014 ‘X-Factor’ winner Marlisa Punzalan and ‘X-Factor’ contestant Taylor Henderson.

‘Play School’ presenter Justine Clarke will also take to the stage to entertain the kids with her well-known songs.

Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler, said the free event will go for more than three hours.

“It’s the perfect place for family and friends to gather and celebrate Australia’s national day,” he said.

“The line-up of talent means there will be something for everyone and it will culminate in a fireworks display that is truly unique.

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Australia Day

Beer on the menu for Australia Day Overall beer consumption trends are bucked when it comes to our national day eer is on the menu for people gathering for Australia Day occasions with beer sales expected to increase in the lead up to our national celebration.

Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) says Australia Day beer sales have been increasing year on year, with a jump of 3.4 per cent from 2013 to 2014, bucking overall beer consumption trends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relaxing and beer go hand in hand with most people who drink beer seeing it as something which makes them feel laid back and sociable,â&#x20AC;? CUBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeremy Griffith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Australia Day is a celebration day, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely a day to spend with friends and a beer.â&#x20AC;?

Australia Day week features as one of the biggest beer selling weeks of the year, sitting just behind the week leading up to Boxing and Christmas days.

Overall, in the lead up to Australia Day beer sales across the nation hit the $300 million mark in both pack and draught.

CUB said Australia Day being a beer occasion wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprising, with latest trends showing that when young adults get together, they like to share food and they like sharing beer.

Across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland sales of premium and the

B

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret: Australians love a beer on Australia Day more contemporary beers increase in the week before Australia Day. In South Australia itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary and lighter brews.

Western Australia is strong in the contemporary beers and in premium brews, whereas the Northern Territory shares its tastes across the light, classic

and premium brews. Tasmania shows its like for classic brews. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those contemporary beers, the lighter, less bitter but easier-drinking brews are popular with men and women so it makes sense they are increasingly on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda when planning their Australia Day celebrations,â&#x20AC;? Mr Griffith said.

However the brewer admitted that the industry hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t helped itself in the past with beer brands largely being irrelevant or unappealing to women when advertising. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen a decline in beer consumption more broadly over the last few decades and we know that is in part due to the industry only talking to blokes and ignoring opportunities to talk to women as well,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Australia Day being a great beer occasion is a good sign for the industry, but we know weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got more work to do in convincing some people beer not only has an enormous variety â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it can be sophisticated.â&#x20AC;?

Only 500 beer brands existed a decade ago and there are now more than 1700 on the market in Australia.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favourite beer? Email news@westernweekender.com.au or Tweet us @wwpenrith.

Australia Day

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Be responsible: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a bin bludger on our national day ussies are being urged not to take a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be right mateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude when it comes to leaving litter behind this Australia Day long weekend.

Keep Australia Beautiful said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fair dinkum fact that Australians will throw away tonnes of extra rubbish while patriotically partying over the long weekend.

National CEO, Peter McLean, said Keep Australia Beautiful is reminding all Aussies, from the back oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bourke to the big smoke, to do the right thing and put it in the bin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a barbie with mates or dusting off the budgie smugglers and bikinis for a beach break, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re celebrating this great country,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tonnes of rubbish including ciggies, tinnies, tents, chairs, thongs and piles of Australia Day paraphernalia are expected to be left by revellers in the hangover. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to be true blue in protecting our natural wonders and that includes making sure our rubbish goes in the bin.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no excuse to be a bin bludger either, if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find one, bag it and take it with you.â&#x20AC;?

A recent three year CSIRO and Earthwatch marine debris survey found that the majority of coastal debris, which can have a devastating impact on our environment, comes from Australian sources and is not carried by currents from elsewhere.

A

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a bin bludger on Australia Day â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aussies need to take a ridgy didge look at themselves this weekend and take some pride and responsibility in cleaning up our own backyard,â&#x20AC;? Mr McLean said.

Celebratory stuff aside, Mr McLean said its Aussie smokers who are still the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst litterers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to the Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index 2013-14 23 ciggie butts are collected per 1,000m2 nationally and while this has actually decreased over the past five years, one littered butt is still one too many,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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Australia Day

Many ways to celebrate

Join one of Australia’s most renowned pianists on a personal journey through the works of Gershwin and the classical composers in his world.

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Australia Day will be celebrated with lots of colour at Panthers KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

ustralia Day is finally upon us; the day when we slap on some Australia flag boardies, fire up the barbie, head to the beach, set up a game of backyard cricket and catch up with friends and family.

The day is one of the most loved Australian public holidays, probably because it is exclusive to Aussies, and is celebrated in Penrith with a number of events.

Drawing thousands to the Sydney International Regatta Centre every year is Penrith Council’s annual Australia Day concert at the Lakes.

But if the event isn’t your thing, a number of local venues are holding special Australia Day celebrations.

Festivities at Penrith Panthers kick off on Sunday afternoon, January 25,

A

with ‘The Great Australian Raffle’ from 1.30pm, and continue into the evening with live entertainment.

Australia Day at Panthers will be a fun one for the family, with live entertainment on the Terrace from midday and free face painting, rides and market stalls from 3pm.

There will also be Australian themed games and competitions plus a fireworks show at 8.30pm.

Penrith RSL’s Australia Day celebrations will be taking place on Sunday too with Dwayne Elix performing from 2pm and Pop Dynasty featuring Cavan Te at 9pm.

For a more relaxed Australia Day celebration, the Nepean Belle will be running a special Devonshire Tea Cruise along Penrith’s iconic Nepean River.

Local residents who would rather not spend the day enjoying the outdoors can enjoy a trip to AMF bowling and Hoyts.

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Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

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An online presence is crucial for your business’ success

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ost businesses these days need to be innovative, often in the way they market their products, but also to promote growth, to attract the right staff and many other reasons. So being a ‘creative workplace’ is not limited to those of us in creative industries!

It is common knowledge that we generally all need an inviting workspace in order to work productively.

But have you spent time recently assessing your workspaces?

Open spaces, access to greenery (via windows, easy access to the outside or indoor plants), clean and convenient kitchen, large desks, up to date equipment, whiteboards and pin boards (for those moments of inspiration!), and comfortable seating are just some of the ways you can improve your workspace.

Have you noticed that the best and most creative ideas often come in the middle of the night, or over a relaxed lunch or at other times outside the standard nine to five work day?

If it is possible in your industry type, consider allowing your staff (and yourself) to work flexible hours.

For example, if you know someone is more productive in the very early morning, let them work from 7am and leave mid-afternoon.

You will gain tremendous benefit in the form of ideas and will also boost staff morale because employees are working in a way that makes them most happy.

A sure fire way to boost creativity in your business is to increase the fun in the workplace!

Inject some spontaneous activities into the work week: surprise your employees with unexpected gifts or rewards, buy everyone iceblocks when the temperatures skyrocket, announce that the next work day is ‘loud shirt’ day.

The possibilities are endless and the benefits will include a happier workplace, and quite possibly staff who brag about their great working environment, hence attracting a higher standard of employee.

Everyone wins!

What have you done to give your workplace a better vibe? Let us know by sending an email to news@ westernweekender.com.au or visit www. westernweekender.com.au.

B

y now it should be clear that online marketing should have a big place in your overall marketing plan.

More small businesses are now realising the importance of having a good online presence.

But it is an area that many business owners haven’t grasped or don’t understand properly. Whether you have included online marketing in your business or just don’t know where to start, here are some tips you should take onboard: Don’t underestimate your website: A good website doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Make sure that your website developer builds your website on open-source software, which basically means built in a way that you won’t be tied to their systems for the life of your website.

Always consider the search engine optimisation friendliness of the contentmanagement system (CMS) as it is important that this is as user-friendly as possible. The back-end also needs to allow for functionality such as custom metadata, title tags and URL structures. These just allow you to keep your website competitive and up to date.

Content is still very important: Don’t copy content from competing websites.

You may think this is a shortcut to get your website up and running but it is now more likely to be a shortcut straight out of the search engine results. Search engines like Google are aware of where any content originated from.

Create the type of information your buyers actually want to consume. Marketing with valuable content is a win-win for your company and its customers.

Valuable content will help you sell.

It helps your ideal clients find you and makes it easier for them to buy from you. It’s an opportunity to position your company as the “go to” place to turn to when the time comes to buy. Fresh and new content is the way to go.

Track everything: There are so many analytics tools available, so there is no reason for you not to be tracking everything you put time into online.

Tracking will help you know everything about your website’s performance, including where your visitors are coming from and what pages they visit.

A great start is to sign up for Google Analytics.

Looking for a new challenge in 2015?

Hix Group is a Penrith based Trades Services company employing more than 60 staff across a range of trades including Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Services, CCTV/Security & Carpentry/Maintenance.

We have secured a number of new contracts for 2015 and require new team members in a range of capacities to join us as we expand. We pride ourselves on supporting the local community so are seeking “Local people for our local jobs” WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING ROLES AVAILABLE: • LICENSED ELECTRICIAN/ DATA TECHNICIAN

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Experienced in installation, termination & testing of UTP,SH/UTP and fibre systems across commercial & government sites, with Data Qualifications & Endorsements

• PLUMBER With a range of experience in domestic and commercial plumbing which may include Hot Water, Pipe relining, backflow prevention etc

• FIRE SERVICES TECHNICIAN With a range of experience across testing, inspection, maintenance and repairs including Extinguishers, Pumps, FIP, EWIS, Hose Reels, Fire Doors.

Be a Licensed Carpenter who is an “all-rounder” willing to undertake all aspects of domestic & commercial maintenance, repairs, general cleaning & co-ordination of other trades requirements for domestic, strata and commercial works

• WAREHOUSE / STOREMAN An energetic “all rounder”, with Forklift licence & knowledge in the construction field, to provide warehouse and stores assistance for our technicians and management.

• APPRENTICE ELECTRICIANS 1st & 2nd Year Apprentices also required - must have HSC (including Maths), Manual driver’s licence & may have undertaken a pre-apprenticeship or schools-based apprenticeship

We offer employment to local people across all ages, so if you hold a “White Card”, Driver’s Licence and the relevant qualifications and experience, please forward your resume now or call for more information: Lea Hicks,General Manager - lea@hix.com.au Phone : 4721 7500

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

How creative is your business?

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

32

AUTO

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

H

HYUNDAI

Plugging in to the automotive future

yundai launched its first plug-in hybrid vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last week.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is expected to travel up to 35km on electric power and can recharge in as little as 2.5 hours.

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will be built in South Korea and will go on sale in select markets later this year.

Although the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is very technologically advanced, it will behave much like the regular Sonata Hybrid from the driver’s seat.

A 9.8kWh lithium polymer battery pack, roughly five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, is expected to give Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an all-electric range of up to 35km, farther than any other midsize PHEV sedan.

Owners can manage and monitor the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle remotely via an exclusive Blue Link smartphone app. With the app, owners can access real-time data from their Sonata PHEV and perform specific commands like starting the engine and locking doors.

Hyundai have said they continue to review the business case for the introduction of Hyundai hybrid models in Australia, but currently there aren’t plans to launch the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid locally.

SHOW ‘n’ SHINE Sunday 22nd February ry

$10 Show Car Entry w/ Trophies & Give-Aways s Gold Coin Spectator Donation Entrants in from 7am Open to Public at 9am In the Penrith Leagues Car Parks

For more information, please contact:John Cornish:- Blue Mountains Hot Rod Club 0416 208 730 or, Hotrod.34@hotmail.com Matt Atkins:- McDonald’s 0408 984 695 or, matkins@gartongroup.com.au

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33 the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

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2 Day All Inclusive Tour Famous Newcastle Tram, Newcastle Maritime Museum, Twilight Cruise, Port Stephens, Tomago House

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ADAM PEACOCK

weekender

Asian Cup has been a major success p.39 NRL ALL STARS Matt Moylan, Manu Vatuvei, Jarrod Croker, Dylan Walker, Antonio Winterstein, Kieran Foran, Mitchell Pearce, James Graham, Michael Ennis, Jared Warea-Hargreaves, Beau Scott (c), Jason Taumololo, Paul Galllen. Bench: Jesse Bromwich, Luke Brooks, Will Hopoate, Trent Merrin, Corey Parker, Jeremy Smith, Dave Taylor.

INDIGENOUS ALL STARS Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Will Chambers, Justin Hodges, Josh Hoffman, Ben Barba, Johnathan Thurston, George Rose, Ray Thompson, Ryan James, Tyrone Peachey, Sam Thaiday, Greg Bird. Bench: Chris Sandow, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Dane Gagai, Kyle Turner, Jack Wighton, Kierran Moseley, Brad Tighe.

Panthers prove their star quality Tyrone Peachey in action for Penrith last season. Photo: Melinda Jane

NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

enrith pair Matt Moylan and Tyrone Peachey have been rewarded for their spectacular 2014 NRL seasons, with both being named to take part in the NRL All Stars game on the Gold Coast next month.

Moylan was named at fullback for the NRL All Stars, while Peachey will start in the second-row for the Indigenous All Stars side.

The Indigenous side was picked by rugby league fans through a voting process.

“The public have made it easy for me

P

and I can’t wait to coach this squad,” Indigenous All Stars coach, Laurie Daley said.

“It is a wonderful squad and there is some incredible talent all the way through it. They will play some exciting football and that is exactly what the All Stars concept is known for.”

NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett, who personally selected his side, said he can’t wait for the game next month.

“We have some young guys who proved themselves last season and have a fantastic career ahead of them, combined with those who have a strong representative background,” he said.

it Your Lifestyle

he’ll miss the first month of the season due to a back injury.

Speaking with the Weekender last week, Soward revealed he’d much rather focus on Penrith’s upcoming trial games in mid-February than take part in any preseason fixtures like the All Stars game and Auckland Nines.

The 30-year-old admitted if he was named in the All Stars side, that he would’ve had to make a decision on his availability for the game.

“The season’s only getting longer with all the stuff in the pre-season... so you’ve got to share it around and you can’t play everything,” he said.

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“I look forward to our players being part of the whole week of All Stars activities and community events and I commend them for their ongoing commitment to the All Stars concept, which continues to make a real difference to the lives of many Australians.”

Moylan and Peachey were the only Panthers to be named in their respective squads despite centre Jamal Idris and fiveeighth Jamie Soward polling very well for selection for the Indigenous All Stars team.

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

Sport

35

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

36

AFL

Around the grounds

Giants officials nominated for Life Membership of the AFL NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

WS Giants General Manager of Football Graeme Allan and coach Leon Cameron have been nominated for Life Membership of the AFL for their services to Australian Football.

Cameron qualified during the 2014 season by reaching 300 games as a player and coach, while Allan was nominated under the provision of ‘Special Service to the Game’.

Allan played 141 games for Fitzroy and Collingwood between 1975 to 1986 before moving into football administration. Since his retirement as a player, he has worked as a football manager at Collingwood, the Brisbane Lions and the Giants and has been involved in four premierships.

Cameron played 256 premiership games for the Western Bulldogs and Richmond and has coached 22 premiership games with the Giants. He also played 26 preseason games with the Bulldogs and Tigers, has coached two pre-season games at the Giants and played one state game.

Cameron also won the Western Bulldogs Best and Fairest award in 1993.

Giants Chief Executive David Matthews congratulated the pair on their nomination.

G

Giants coach Leon Cameron at training “This is well deserved recognition for the outstanding contribution both men have made to the game and I congratulate them on being nominated for this honour,” he said.

“Graeme Allan and Leon Cameron are two of the most respected figures in the AFL and to have them playing such key roles at our football club is fantastic for the Giants as we grow the game in western Sydney and the ACT.” Allan and Cameron were part of a group of 13 people nominated ahead of the AFL’s Annual General Meeting in March.

CRICKET: Penrith have made it three straight after they defeated FairfieldLiverpool in Round 9 of the Sydney Grade Cricket competition. Playing in a One Day match, Fairfield-Liverpool batted first scoring a lowly 120.

Penrith’s Pat Jackson was a beast with the ball with figures of 6/27.

When Penrith hit the crease in the afternoon, it only took them 43.2 overs to reach Fairfield-Liverpool’s total scoring 8/121. Luke Morrissey was best of a bad bunch with the bat scoring just 24. Penrith have now moved to third position and will play Mosman in another One Day match this Saturday.

CRICKET: Penrith Cricket Club’s first grade female cricketers lost their T20 semi final against St George last weekend. The Lady Cats scored 6/111 off 20 overs against St George but it wasn’t enough to see them advance to the final. “I am so proud of all of our players, lots was learnt and it was a brilliant achievement to make the semis in our first year in first grade. Congratulations and onwards and upwards in the 50 overs comp,” Penrith coach Kim Hinkley said.

BASEBALL: Penrith returned to action in the NSW Baseball League on Wednesday night against eighthplaced Cronulla. At the time of print the game was still in progress.

However, Penrith and Cronulla will play in a second game at 2pm this Sunday at Andrews Road Baseball Complex in Cranebrook.

RUGBY LEAGUE: A host of young Panthers players took part in NSW Origin Pathway Camps this week.

Shannon Harris, Brendan Hands, Rocky Togatuki, Dylan McBain and Thomas Lofts attended the U16’s NSW Origin Pathway Camp on Wednesday while Jerome Broadbridge, Robbie Graham, Reed Izzard, Nathan Cleary, Joe Vaegauu and Daniel Brown attended the U18’s NSW Origin Pathway Camp on Thursday.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers Y-League side will return to action this Saturday, January 24 when they take on the third-placed Brisbane Roar at Goodwin Park in Brisbane. The side will then back up from that match just four days later with a game against the bottomplaced FFA Centre of Excellence on Wednesday, January 28 at Campbelltown Stadium. The Wanderers currently sit in fourth place on the Y-League ladder.

Submit your news: Email nathan. taylor@westernweekender.com.au or give Nathan Taylor a call today on 4722 2998.

Bowls Mick Gilfoyle

2015 Registration Days Under 6 – A Grade

10 am- 2 pm 31 January – Henry Sports Club 7 February – Amart Sports Penrith 14 February – Henry Sports Club Under 6, 7 and 8 players registration only $60.00 inc shorts, socks & polo shirt All new players require original birth certificate plus photocopy Non refundable $25.00 deposit required upon registration

The NDBA will finalise their Triples Championships at Kingswood on Sunday, February 1.

The semis will commence at 9am and the competitors will be Russell Bakers team from Springwood against Wayne Cox’s team from Blacktown Workers.

The other semi will see John Whiteley’s team from Austral playing Phillip Clarke’s team from Penrith.

The final will commence on the completion of the semis.

Glenbrook Panthers Women’s Bowling Club held an enjoyable social game of bowls on January 15.

Social bowls results: B Coleman, J Lewis, J Snape def M Boardman, P McCormack, D North; P Tolhurst, M Peasnell, J Sell, M Jacka def S Viney, N Norton, D Weatherhead, S Leach; E Hunter, M Auld, M Dempster, E Gaynor def D Carnevale, M Henry, C Dark, S Hammond; P Doggett, M Woodhouse,

A Merrick def V Fitzpatrick, McColl, R Havord; J Savin, F Judge, H Caldwell, B McNulty def Y Skinner, J Hunt, M Halford, V Rumpf; H Hale, J Holdsworth, C Pugh, A Ritter def M Hobson, L Holowaty, A Dodds, M Collins.

President Jackie farewelled our long term member Dorothy Backley, who is moving to Tasmania.

Dorothy has been a member of our club for 12 years after transferring from Lawson.

We wish her and her husband all the best for the future and thank her for her enthusiasm and commitment to our bowling teams and club.

Apologies for writing the wrong Winner on Trophy Day 8/1/15 – Winners were C Dark, N Norton, P Harvey, A Merrick.

If you have any bowls news you would like to submit for this column you can email it to news@westernweekender. com.au.

BRIEF

Enquiries: Kim Wheatley – Registrar 0417 268 286 kimwheatley2@optusnet.com.au Coaches still needed for Under 6, 8 & 17 A Grade Training commences – 27 January 2014 – 6.30 pm U/19 Training commences – 28 January 2014 – 6.00 pm at Allsopp Oval

WW15204

GWS Giants star Jeremy Cameron can return to his All Australian form of 2013, his coach believes.

However, Leon Cameron is more concerned with ensuring his star forward is able to play injury-free after battling ankle problems last season.

The GWS coach said Cameron, 22, was enjoying a solid pre-season and looked to be over the problems that bedevilled him in 2014.

After kicking 62 goals in 2013,

Cameron played 14 matches and kicked 29 goals last season.

“We’re really confident with the preseason that he’s had that he can find that sort of form that he had in 2013,” Cameron told SEN. But Cameron said he was more focused on the forward’s ability to play injury-free than being concerned about his form.

The 2015 AFL season kicks off in early April.

CRICKET

37

Competition Starting Dates: Feb 4 - Wednesday Mens Soccer

Feb 10 - Tuesday Mens Soccer

Feb 4 - Wednesday Mens Cricket

Feb 12 - Thursday Ladies Soccer

Feb 8 - Sunday Mixed Netball

Mar 9 - Monday Junior Cricket

Feb 8 - Sunday Ladies Netball

Mar 11 - Wednesday Winter Junior Soccor 6/7s

Feb 10 - Tuesday Mixed Soccer

Emu Plains Cricket Club’s Pink Stumps Day in 2014 NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

he McGrath Foundation is calling on the Penrith community to turn pink in support of the annual Pink Stumps Day on Saturday, February 21.

Pink Stumps Day, endorsed by Cricket Australia, gives cricket clubs, community groups, businesses and schools the opportunity to bring the magic of the Pink Test into their community to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

Kicking off their 10th anniversary celebrations during the recent Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Foundation set an ambitious goal to increase

T

the number of McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia to 110 to support 10,000 families in 2015.

“Our Breast Care Nurses are at the heart of what we do at the Foundation, and together, they’ve helped to support over 30,000 Australian families,” McGrath Foundation Director, Tracy Bevan said.

Last year, the clubs from Llandilo to Richmond rallied behind the cause raising a collective $13,000.

Officially held on February 21 each year, clubs can hold their Pink Stumps Day event any time up until April.

To register visit www.pinkstumpsday. com.au and you can choose to receive a Pink Stumps Day kit valued at over $500, and possibly meet Glenn McGrath.

Emu Plains JRLFC 2015 Registration

• Canteen/Kiosk • Bowling Machine

Fun Sports Birthday Parties with bubble soccer, zorb balls and sumo suits.

1/16-26 Jack Williams Drive Penrith Phone: 4732 3777 Fax: 4721 7254 Email: info@penrithindoorsports.com.au www.penrithindoorsports.com.au

WW15460

PLAYERS REQUIRED Under 6’s up to A Grade

FREE REGISTRATION FEES FOR NEW U6>U11 PLAYERS

(Can start playing when they turn 4 years old) ALSO LOOKING FOR GIRLS WHO WANT TO PLAY FROM UNDER 6’s UP TO 17 YEARS OLD

Registration Dates

2015 Registration Information Days

• Saturday 7th Feb 1pm/4pm

at New Dimensions Health Club, 4/32 Leonay Parade, Leonay

All clothing can be picked up on these 3 days

• Sunday 15th Feb 10am/2pm at Leonay Oval • Saturday 21st Feb 10am/2pm at Leonay Oval (Skills Day)

At Peppertree Reserve (Cnr Peppertree & Swallow Drive Erskine Park) 7th , 8th and 14th Feb — 10.00am to 3.00pm

You can pickup shorts & socks on all the above dates

ALL REGISTRATIONS AND PAYMENTS ARE NOW ONLINE. VISIT OUR WEB PAGE AND FOLLOW THE LINKS

New players must bring a passport photo & original birth certificate to be sighted plus a photocopy of the birth certificate.

Training starts the week of 9th Feb. All players welcome.

See web page for times and details.

All returning 2014 Emu Plains JRLFC players must register online at http://bit.ly/emurego Visa and Mastercard accepted

For Further Enquiries please contact: Secretary: Bill Borg — 0425 226683 Registrar: Michael Zammit — 0412 531935 Email: bill@stclairjrlc.org.au More details on our web page: stclaircomets.com.au

2015 Registration Fees

New Mini & Mod Rugby League Players (Under 6’s - 11’s) - $45 Mini Rugby League Players (Under 6’s, 7’s & 8’s) - $100 Mod Rugby League Players (Under 9’s, 10’s, 11’s) - $120 Int Rugby League Players (Under 12’s - U15’s) - $130 Int Rugby League Players (Under 16’s - 17’s) - $140

All NEW players will be required to provide a Birth Certificate or Passport to be sighted.

FREE SHORTS, SOCKS & POLO SHIRT WHEN REGISTRATION FEES PAID

Includes:Shorts, Socks, NSWRL Player Insurance

Free socks & shorts for returning 2014 players & new U12>U17 players

A Grade and C Grade training on Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm at Solander Drive St Clair.

REGISTRAR- Jodi Grant: 0412 096 006 SECRETARY-Joanne Vella :0410 439 348

www.emuplainsjrlfc.com.au

• Court Hire

A Grade Coach: Bobby Bright – 0401 855278 MAJOR SPONSOR – ST MARYS RSL CLUB WW15428

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

INDOOR SPORTS

Locals urged to support this year’s Pink Stumps Day

Friday 23 January 2015 « the western weekender

38

Football Years of dedication honoured with prestigious award NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

or 15 years Frances Refalo has dedicated her personal life to actively volunteering in the local football community. Now, Ms Refalo has been rewarded for her tireless work by being named the 2015 Local Woman of the Year for Mulgoa.

NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward was joined by Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies on Wednesday to announce Ms Refalo as the recipient of the highly commended award.

Ms Goward said there were countless outstanding women in NSW and the Local Woman of the Year awards are a chance for the NSW Government and the community to officially recognise the phenomenal contribution they make.

“It is the hard and often thankless work of women like Ms Refalo that make not only our communities great places to live but defines who we are as Australians,” she said.

Ms Davies added that she was proud to nominate Ms Refalo as the Mulgoa 2015 Local Woman of the Year.

“It is truly a privilege to be able to acknowledge the great work in our

F

community of women like Ms Refalo,” she said.

Throughout her 15 years volunteering in local sport, Ms Refalo has performed in a number of official roles, many simultaneously, culminating in her successful election last November as the new president of the Nepean Football Association (NFA).

The NFA governs 32 football clubs in the Nepean District with over 11,000 registered players.

Ms Refalo is the first woman to be elected president of the Association since it was founded 54 years ago in 1961.

From 1999 to 2005, Ms Refalo held various management committee positions with the Glenmore Park Football Club, including the role of secretary, competition secretary, registrar and women’s coordinator.

In 2003, Ms Refalo was elected onto the board of the NFA and has held various positions over the last 11 years, including women’s coordinator, treasurer and now as president of the Association.

In 2008, Ms Refalo joined the coaching ranks of the Nepean Dragons, a subcommittee of the NFA, which provides football activities to children and adults with special needs, imparting the joys of football to both players and their families.

Pru Goward, Frances Refalo and Tanya Davies. Photo: Melinda Jane

WANDERLAND ON TOUR

VS SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY SPORTINGBET STADIUM KICK-OFF 5.00PM

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RUGBY LEAGUE

FOX SPORTS is the only place to watch every game of the AFC Asian Cup LIVE with comprehensive pre and post-match coverage

Adam Peacock

It’s everything that we hoped for ne of the most warming aspects of the Asian Cup has been the opening of horizons, both to and from Australia.

Sure, we hoped it would be this way, but having never hosted an event like this, there was a feeling of the unknown.

Would the football be enjoyable?

Would the crowds come?

Would our guests enjoy themselves?

Apart from some teams not winning a game which makes the final point hard to confirm, it’s all good.

Not one draw from 24 group stage matches at an average of nearly 2.5 goals a game.

400,000 people through the gates (including sellouts for games like JapanJordan and China-North Korea!).

The best is yet to come as the tournament changes tact, with the prospect of free flowing, open football replaced by unbearable tension.

As this is written, Australia are yet to play the quarter final with China.

As this is read, hopefully the Socceroos are preparing for a semi-final.

It’s hard to pinpoint what the major legacy will be.

O

Hopefully this is a major one: more Asian players will come here to play for clubs in the A-League.

Imagine an Iranian star coming here to play, and what that would do to that club’s crowds.

It’s hard to get the best of China, Japan or the resource rich Gulf teams as their best and even mid-range players are on healthy wages in their local leagues.

But there are dozens of players good enough at the right price that wouldn’t look out of place in an A-League squad.

For one reason or another, A-League clubs haven’t exactly raided the region, preferring the traditional European market first and foremost.

Perhaps now, what’s on our doorstep will become closer to the first step in finding a player.

The Western Sydney Wanderers signing two Japanese players is intriguing.

Yusuke Tanaka and Yojiro Takahagi each have about 200 appearances in the Japanese League – which is a step ahead of the A-League in terms of depth of quality.

They are not Shinji Ono, but will be critical in improving the fortunes of the Wanderers, and prospects of getting out of

a really tough group and into the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League again.

The fact there’s a concession in the Champions League for Asian foreign players (four foreign players are allowed in your squad, three from wherever plus one of Asian Confederation nationality) only makes it more attractive for any side playing in Asia’s premier club competition.

All these players that are here will go back to home ports all over the world and tell of how well they were received down here.

Word will spread.

It’s worth their while, and well worth ours.

We keep hearing Asia is the future on many fronts for Australia.

This fortnight of football has told us in this sport at least, the future is now.

Once it’s all over, we’ll be back into the swing of the A-League, which itself will benefit from this great tournament.

Have you enjoyed watching the Asian Cup and cheering on the Socceroos?

Email your thoughts to news@westernweekender.com.au or send us a Tweet @wwpenrith.

The NRL announced on Wednesday the appointment of Shane Richardson to drive strategic game-related projects that create the right game structure and opportunities for future growth.

NRL Chief Executive Officer Dave Smith said Mr Richardson would take up the new position of Head of Game Strategy and Development at the beginning of March.

He will be responsible for delivering key projects that support growth and development across all forms of the game from the grassroots and schools through to the elite and international levels.

Key priorities for 2015 include: » Considering the growth of the game’s footprint and its competition structures » In conjunction with the states and affiliates, developing a blueprint for grassroots junior and senior football across Australia and New Zealand » Considering how the NRL better develops elite players across the different regions and clubs to protect and spread talent, including considering the game’s options for a Rookie Draft system “We have built tremendous momentum over the past couple of years and there has never been a more important time for this role as we head into the next broadcast and digital rights deals,” Mr Smith said.

He said the initiative is all about working on strategic game-related projects across the organisation.

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the western weekender » Friday 23 January 2015

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Friday 23 January 2015

Brown looking at all options But off-contract New Zealand international is keen to stay with Panthers NATHAN TAYLOR

THE NEW WEBER

the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

@natetaylor87

ewis Brown had a career-best year for the Panthers in 2014, and he’s hoping for an even bigger season in 2015 as he plays for his future.

The 28-year-old New Zealand international was one of Ivan Cleary’s first recruits to join the re-building Panthers back in 2013, but his time at the foot of the Mountains may be up at season’s end, if he can’t earn himself a new contract.

Speaking with the Weekender, Brown said he hoped to remain at the Panthers for another stint past this season but admitted he wouldn’t be against moving on if his time was up.

“At the end of the day you’ve just got to do what you can do for the side and if you’re performing well, everything will take care of itself,” he said.

“Back three or four years ago, when I was last off-contract, things were stressful because as a young kid you don’t know how to handle it.

“If I can train well, keep fit and do my job for the Panthers then hopefully I can stay here a bit longer. If not, hopefully there’s another opportunity.”

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Penrith’s Lewis Brown. Photo: Melinda Jane The Weekender understands Brown is seeking a long term deal to remain with the club along with a significant pay rise, but with the Panthers focused on keeping their juniors and rising talents happy, Brown’s future looks cloudy.

“It would be nice to sort things (new deal) out early but, at the end of the day, that’s what I pay my manager to do and he’s starting to sort that stuff out. That’s why I pay him and I play rugby league,” Brown said.

“I’m not thinking about it too much though, I need to make sure I get fit first then bring some experience and confidence back from the Four Nations and start off where I left off last year.”

Brown was dynamite when he came off the bench for the Panthers last season, and he was equally as good during New Zealand’s undefeated run at November’s Four Nations tournament.

The former Warrior said it was one of his best experiences ever as part of the Kiwis squad.

“It’s always a pleasure to put on the Kiwi jumper and it’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid,” Brown said.

“We had a great atmosphere within the camp, and just like at Penrith last year, we all had fun when we played footy and enjoyed being out there.

“To come away with the result and beat the Aussies twice, including in the final, was a big thing for us and made the tournament so much better.”

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