Western Weekender February 20

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weekender the western FRI 20 FEB 2015 • Issue 1191

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WESTERN PROPERTY

Last minute cruelty

Don’t forget to check out our market-leading property mag

League rivalry runs deep Pride on the line as Panthers and Eels do battle in Penrith this weekend NATHAN TAYLOR

Penalty ruins Wanderers’ day p.33

Power pain as businesses shut p.13 GREYHOUNDS Industry on its knees over live baiting claims p.10

@natetaylor87

I

t may be a trial game but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any feeling this Saturday evening when the Penrith Panthers take on cross-town rivals Parramatta at the newly named Pepper Stadium in Penrith.

This weekend’s clash will be the final trial game of the season for both clubs, who are each expecting to have bumper seasons in 2015.

For couples like Stephen Sargent and Brooke Byrne, love is put aside this weekend as their rugby league passions are divided.

Penrith’s pre-season form has been somewhat shaky so far, but that’s expected to improve this Saturday when the club fields a near full-strength side to take on the Jarryd Hayne-less Eels.

Speaking with the Weekender, Panthers captain Peter Wallace, who made his surprise return from injury last weekend in New Zealand, expects the Eels to come out firing.

“They’ll have a point to prove with Jarryd going,” he said.

“I think the rest of the boys will want to prove the point that they’re not a one man team and that they’re still going to be a force. I expect them to be full-strength, it’ll be a pretty tough game.”

Wallace returned last weekend in Penrith’s disappointing 18-4 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand. After seven months off recovering from ACL surgery, the St Marys junior said he felt fine after the game.

“I was feeling a bit rusty, my timing in defence was off,” he said.

Story continues on » p. 6

Divided loyalties: Panthers fan Stephen Sargent and his girlfriend, Eels fan Brooke Byrne

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Roads

Major roads project will cater for projected growth and connection to local business parks DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

onstruction on the Werrington Arterial Road will begin within weeks after a joint announcement by the State and Federal Governments at Claremont Meadows on Monday morning.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs made the announcement, joined by Federal Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott and Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies.

Stage one of the project will be undertaken by western Sydney company, Burton Contractors Pty Ltd, a family business that Mr Briggs said will utilise local contractors.

“It’s another terrific element of the package we’ve put together with the NSW Government that so much additional work is going to local people, creating local jobs, ensuring a stronger western Sydney for the future,” he said.

Mr Briggs said the $70 million commitment made last year will service growth in the area and support the establishment of the new airport.

“The Werrington Arterial Road Stage 1 forms part of our $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan and will

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Fiona Scott, Tanya Davies, Jamie Briggs and Bernard Bratusa make the announcement deliver a stronger road network for a region that is expected to grow from two million to three million people in the next 20 years,” he said.

The stage one upgrade of the arterial road will include dual carriageways between the M4 and the Great Western Highway, with two M4 ramps accommodating traf-

fic coming to and from the east. There will be no new westbound on-ramp for traffic heading towards Penrith, but officials will monitor future need.

Ms Scott said the project’s aim is to relieve the pressure of traffic eastbound from Claremont Meadows and to connect the M4 to the Werrington Business Park and into the Dunheved Business Park.

“This part of Sydney has a jobs deficit anywhere between 180,000 and 220,000 jobs,” she said.

“Two thirds of this workforce have to commute every day, so for Penrith alone it’s estimates within the vicinity of 65,000 people have to commute, mainly by road.

“The Penrith Business Alliance estimates that these two business parks each will contribute 6000 jobs to this part of western Sydney.”

Ms Davies said the announcement was a dream come true for western Sydney families, and the project will be immediately beneficial to the region.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2016.

Are you happy to see the Werrington Arterial construction getting underway?

Tell us what you think via email at news@ westernweekender.com.au or Tweet us via @wwpenrith.

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the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Construction to begin on Arterial

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troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Rugby league’s greatest threat comes from within the game itself Some say the biggest threat to the National Rugby League (NRL) comes from the resurgent A-League or the ever-present AFL. But I’d argue that increasingly, the NRL’s biggest threat is coming from within.

Rugby league was thrown into chaos last week when details of an incident involving the South Sydney Rabbitohs at a pre-season camp in Arizona were made public.

While the behaviour of Luke Burgess and John Sutton was disappointing, it was the way the situation was handled by the NRL that has become this story’s key talking point.

The NRL embarrassingly reopened its investigation last week because, to put it bluntly, the so-called Integrity Unit didn’t do its job.

Journalists digging into the story quickly discovered there was more to it than the picture being painted by South Sydney.

The information wasn’t hard to find, and you would think the NRL’s Integrity Unit should have the knowledge and ability to investigate incidents in great detail.

Perhaps it needs people with a journalistic background on the panel.

It was an embarrassing situation for the NRL and in particular CEO Dave Smith and Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Young, who has been surprisingly quiet during this whole affair.

That’s despite saying back in November that she had been successful in business because of skills such as “discipline, courage, team work, inspiring leadership and good communication”.

Talking of communication issues, the latest issue bubbling away at the NRL is one over the issuing of weekend team lists.

Traditionally released on a Tuesday, team lineups will now be issued on a Wednesday.

This is a major issue for Big League magazine, often referred to as the game’s bible. They confirmed to me via Twitter on Monday that there was no guarantee they’d be able to print

TROY DODDS @troydodds

The NRL is one step behind at every turn

team lists this season because of the change to Wednesdays. Their print and distribution deadlines are the key issue.

The NRL will effectively kill off a 95 year tradition of the match day program if it does go ahead with changing the team lists to Wednesday.

Such a change would affect publications such as ours, too, but the only information available on all of this comes from the NRL rumour mill.

Despite the season being just weeks away and a major structural change being made, the NRL hasn’t told the wider media about the change.

I emailed the NRL’s media department last week but two weeks out from the season, they can’t clarify the situation.

Then there’s the issue of Shane Richardson’s appointment to a key job at the NRL. He was CEO of the Rabbitohs when the Arizona incident took place and has been accused in some corners of a cover-up.

How the NRL handles Richardson and his appointment in the coming weeks will speak volumes about the code’s current administration and the ever-silent ARL Commission.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Wilson from the Daily Telegraph on Saturday revealed that the sacking of marketing man Paul Kind is not quite how it has been portrayed by the NRL. The bottom line here is that the NRL remains too protective, too reactionary and seems to hang on to the archaic belief that you can keep a secret in rugby league. You can’t.

From the outside looking in, it would appear the NRL is one step behind at every turn.

It reacts to incidents because of media coverage, rather than a real set of guidelines that determine punishments and policies.

League fans won’t desert the game because of soccer or the AFL. But maybe one day, they’ll get fed up with how the game we all love is being run.

And that should be a major concern to all officials charged with managing the game.

Peter & Kate Kinsella Lead Pastors

the western weekender Join us every Sunday at 10am Kids program for ages 1-12 years old

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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

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

Editor: Troy Dodds • Journalists: Nathan Taylor, Katherine Tweed, Dale Drinkwater, Kate Reid Photographer: Melinda Jane Production Manager: Irene Adams • Production: Alana Christanga, Maddy Searle • Administration: Karlee Hansen Sales Manager: Simon Gould • Sales Executives: Paula Allsopp, Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Lewis, James Miller, Gina Perrin, Katie Grasso, Howard Cox

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NBN

Copper network to be switched off in some parts of Penrith from today KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

he copper network switch off today in National Broadband Network (NBN) enabled areas of Penrith will leave residents who haven’t swapped to the new system without access to the Internet or a phone line.

Today’s switch off will affect 3,600 homes and marks the completion of the area’s transition to the NBN, which is one of the first to make the transition in Sydney.

“These homes and businesses will join more than 40,000 premises nationwide to make the transition to the NBN,” said NBN Co spokesperson, Darren Rudd.

“The move to the NBN is not automatic.

The remaining residents and businesses in the area need to move their landline phone and Internet services over to the NBN if they wish to continue using them.”

Mr Rudd said NBN Co were committed to ensuring no one gets left behind in the switchover.

“For the past two years NBN Co has run a comprehensive communications campaign which has included local advertising, community information sessions, door-to-door service calls and sending at least four direct mail pieces to

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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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The NBN has been installed at thousands of local properties. Photo: NBN Co ensure residents are informed about the switch off,” he said.

But the Weekender can reveal that a number of local residents who have placed an order for the NBN won’t have their connection installed by today’s deadline.

“If you place an order before the switch off date you will not lose access to existing services,” a spokesperson said.

“If you don’t place an order for services

over the NBN with your preferred service provider before the switch off date for your premises, you will lose access to affected existing Internet and landline services.”

For 20 working days after the switch off, residents who haven’t made the switch will have access to a ‘soft dial tone’ which allows them to make emergency calls.

Tell us your NBN experience: news@ westernweekender.com.au.

Blue Mountains 4759 2403 Penrith 4722 3083 www.greatcommunitytransport.org.au WW16132

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Bernard Bratusa and Mike Baird

W r Londonderry

Bernard Bratusa has lived in Western Sydney for over 30 years and currently serves on the Penrith City Council. He was the Managing Editor for The Western Weekender, dedicated to promoting the local economy, businesses, and community events. As the Liberal Candidate for Londonderry, Bernard is committed to continuing the good work of the Mike Baird Liberal Team and will fight to ensure essential services such as health, transport and education are delivered to Lo Londonderry.

Bernard Bratusa Liberal for Londonderry Authorised by Tony Nutt, 100 William Street, East Sydney NSW 2011.

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the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

No web access today? Here’s why...

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a

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Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

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Battle of the west

Media

Story continued from » p. 1

We’re going back to the future

“You do a lot of attack in training but with defence, you need to play a game to get your timing back, but overall it felt pretty good.”

The 29-year-old former Broncos half played around 30 minutes during his comeback last Saturday in Rotorua but expects to play close to double that this weekend at home.

“I’ll definitely play a lot longer, I’m not exactly sure what the plan is but it’ll definitely be a big part of the game. I’m aiming for 60 minutes to get the miles up in the legs before Round 1,” he said.

“This game against the Eels will be a dress rehearsal for Round 1, we’re taking it pretty seriously and want to perform well.

“I suppose you want to win so you can take confidence into that first round but as long as we improve on last week, that’s the main thing.”

Wallace added that he enjoyed rekindling his combination with fellow half Jamie Soward on the weekend and believes it won’t be too long before they are firing together again.

This will be Penrith’s final hitout before the round one clash with the Bulldogs on March 8.

The team won’t play next weekend but will instead be focused behind the scenes, with a civic reception next Thursday at Penrith City Council and the club’s official season launch next Friday night at Fernhill in Mulgoa.

The Penrith Panthers take on the Parramatta Eels this Saturday, February 21 at Pepper Stadium in Penrith. Kick-off is at 5.10pm.

Penrith’s best weekend read has some positive changes ahead he Western Weekender is going back to the future from next week, with some significant changes to the way the newspaper is presented.

After consultation with readers and advertisers, the Weekender is returning to its traditional format with all our content in the one place – reinforcing the Weekender’s place as Penrith’s biggest and best local newspaper.

“We were able to boost our entertainment and lifestyle content through the launch of West Life, and I’m happy to say that all of that content will still be retained in the new format,” said Weekender Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.

“We know readers were keen to see everything back in the one place – and we’ve listened to their feedback.”

Western Property will remain as a separate gloss magazine.

“The change means that in the one newspaper you’ll be able to catch up on all the latest local news, read some advice on business, check out the latest sports news and find out what’s on in terms of entertainment in Penrith – plus a whole heap more,” Mr Dodds said.

“The Weekender has dominated the local newspaper scene for the last few years, and we’re looking forward to 2015 being our best year yet. Our team is

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Weekender team members Dale Drinkwater, Andrew Harris and Katie Grasso committed to delivering the best possible product to local homes and businesses each week.”

The Weekender is the only local newspaper delivered in a sealed bag each week –

ensuring its quality is retained no matter what the weather. The changes start next week and Extra Time, the Weekender’s NRL and Penrith Panthers supplement, will launch in two weeks.

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Cambridge Park: Police question man’s intentions

Penrith: Men charged with drug offences

Police are calling on information from the public after a girl was approached in Cambridge Park. The 16-year-old was walking west, towards Harrow Road, when a maroon station wagon drove slowly past her at about 11.30am on Monday, February 16. Police say the man continued to pass her, making u-turns at the end of the street.

The girl ran from the scene. The vehicle was last seen driving towards Wrench Street. St Marys Local Area Command officers were contacted and began to investigate. They would like to speak to a man described as in his late 30s, unshaven and who was last wearing a brown akubra hat. The vehicle in the incident had green ‘P’ plates and white number plates with black letters. There were also personal belongings scattered throughout the vehicle. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers.

Police have charged two men with drug related offences following an incident at a local hospital. Police allege that security at the hospital noticed two men acting suspiciously at about 4.30pm on Saturday, February 14, and exchanging something between each other. Police were notified and arrived at the scene shortly after, arresting a 36-year-old male and a 38-yearold male. The men were searched and police found an amount of an illicit substance.

The 36-year-old from Lethbridge Park was charged with ‘possess prohibited drug’ and was initially refused bail to appear in court at a later date. The 38-year-old male was also from Lethbridge Park and was charged with ‘supply prohibited drug’. He was bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Oxley Park: Local man killed in motorcycle accident

Police are appealing for information after a woman reported that a man exposed himself to her while she was on an evening jog. Police say that a 22-year-old female was running along Smith Street at about 8pm on Monday, February 16, when she heard a man call out to her from behind her. She turned around and saw that the man was exposing himself to her. The man has been described as about 25 years of age, 183cm tall and 90 to 95kg in weight, with dark hair. At the time he was wearing a black shirt, black shorts and thongs. Anyone with information or who knows the man should contact Penrith Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A local man has died in a motorcycle accident, which occured on the M4 at Greystanes on Tuesday, February 17. Police were called to the scene after, at about 6pm, a motorcycle collided with two trucks in the eastbound lanes of the road. The 23-year-old driver of the motorcycle was from Oxley Park. He sustained critical injuries and was assisted by passers by until NSW Ambulance Paramedics arrived and transported him to hospital. He died later in hospital. Police were investigating at the scene for over an hour while the M4 was closed.

Penrith: Police looking for man who exposed himself

the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Police snapshot

Australian A ustralian Women Women & C Children’s hildren’s R Research esearch Foundation Foundati tion

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Heroes and Villains Charity Ball Satu Saturday, turd tu rday ay, 16 6tthh May ay y 2015 Chairman’s Lounge, Sportingbet Stadium Penrith Hosted by Tara Dennis, Entertainment by Brittanie Shipway, The Veritable String Trio & DJ

~ 7pm Pre-Dinner Drinks, 7:30pm start ~ Tickets: $120 each or $1,100 for a table of 10 Includes Pre-Dinner Drinks and 3 course meal Corporate Table Sponsorship $1,200

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Business

State Election 2015

PBA to focus on health precinct and revitalising city centre

Labor, Greens candidates sign a pledge to the community DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

abor and the Greens continue their fight against privatisation of public assets with resounding support from the audience at a candidates forum on Tuesday night.

The Penrith Valley Community Union (PVCU) organised a congregation for State Election candidates for the Londonderry, Penrith and Mulgoa electorates to answer the public’s questions and sign a commitment to the community.

Greens and Labor candidates from the area signed the ‘Pledge to the People of Penrith’, committing themselves to improve on the tax system, public services, infrastructure, affordable housing, not privatise health and cap contestable funding on education.

Among the pledgers were Labor candidates Todd Carney, Prue Car and Emma Husar, and Greens candidates Kingsley Liu, Shane Gorman and Mark O’Sullivan.

Independent candidate Jackie Kelly was in attendance but refused to sign the pledge.

Mrs Kelly said it was on the basis of a few amendments she wanted to make, and created her own pledge to the community that she sent through to the PVCU prior to the meeting.

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Penrith Business Alliance CEO Bijai Kumar and Chairman Paul Brennan DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

he Penrith Business Alliance (PBA) has released its five key issues it plans to advocate to the Government to drive employment and growth.

PBA Chairman, Paul Brennan, said as a part of the PBA’s five year strategic plan, it was vital to maintain Penrith’s economic corridor that includes sport, entertainment, the city centre, health and education.

“Penrith is not the last point of call away from the city, but the first point of call when coming into town from the west.”

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The PBA will focus on key areas to build on their long term strategic initiatives, including leveraging the infrastructure commitments for the ‘Plan for Growing Sydney’ and invest in Penrith’s Health and Education Precinct (PHEP).

“Our preference is either health or transport because we’ve got the health precinct and Badgerys Creek airport,” PBA CEO, Bijai Kumar said.

The PBA will also focus on advocating for an investment in the Penrith’s City Centre Revitalisation Program that includes a pre-commitment to move government departments to stimulate development.

Independent candidate Jackie Kelly The event, organised by the PVCU, gave the public the opportunity to ask candidates questions on health, education and public services.

The community questioned whether the candidates would ensure disabled care will stay with ADHC, and if they supported one nurse to three patients ratios in emergency departments.

Labor candidate Emma Husar went through Labor’s five point plan for people with a disability, and explained its importance to her with a disabled child.

Both Greens and Labor promised to support the emergency department ratios, and Mrs Kelly said there were a bunch of issues at Nepean Hospital.

Liberal candidates Tanya Davies, Stuart Ayres and Bernard Bratusa were invited but did not attend.

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9 the western weekender Âť Friday 20 February 2015

PENRITH

WORLD DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP PENRITH PACEWAY

NEWS

Thursday 26 February from 6pm FREE ENTRY

Visit www.clubpacewaypenrith.com.au for details.

CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

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

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: (02) 4732 7777

COUNCIL BRIEFS s As part of the Cranebrook Wetland and Bushland Restoration Project, Council is enhancing Cranebrook Wetland and the bushland surrounding it to improve the area for the local community. As it’s a big task and we need volunteers to take part in helping us clean up Cranebrook Bushland as part of this year’s Clean Up Australia Day campaign on Sunday, 1 March 2015.

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

When:

9.30–11am

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

SERVICES

You can register on the day or on the internet at: cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/Cranebrook+Bushland

Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735

Come along and get involved in giving something back to the local environment! s Penrith Library has free access for students to yourtutor. Yourtutor is an interactive online service providing live, one-to-one homework and study help for children aged between three and 12 years.

GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

Membership is free for all students living or going to school in the Penrith area. So with yourtutor and your 24/7 library card, help is just a click away.

MEETING DATES

Go to yourtutor.com.au/connect/clients/10/connect for more information.

Council Meetings 23 February 2015 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting) 9 March 2015 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

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

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

Meet in the clearing opposite 79 Soling Crescent, Cranebrook

What to bring: Water, covered shoes, long pants, hat, sunscreen and garden gloves

Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

facebook.com/penrith.city.council

Where:

F: (02) 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL ONLINE

s An exciting and creative initiative, an information blog – stmaryscorner.info will be launched on Wednesday, 25 February by the St Marys Corner Community and Cultural Precinct.

This information blog shows St Marys Corner as a place of cultural and community exchange. It will show major past, present and planned future cultural projects, events and initiatives. It will also introduce over 200 artists and creative members of the community who contribute to the vibrant cultural life of our City.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Publication of Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 Amendment 4 (CITY-WIDE LEP) Penrith Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2010 Amendment 4 was published on 28 January 2015. The LEP commences on 25 February 2015 and sets out land use zoning and planning controls for all land in the Penrith Local Government Area excluding areas that have been deferred from this plan.

Penrith LEP 2010 Amendment 4: s 0LACES LAND USE ZONES AND SETS PERMISSIBLE AND PROHIBITED USES for each land use zone; s 3ETS DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS INCLUDING MINIMUM LOT SIZES BUILDING heights and oor areas; and s 0ROTECTS IMPORTANT HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND LOCATIONS

Road Name

Name

Location

Penrith LEP 2010 Amendment 4 has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Regulation 2000, and in particular, with the Standard Instrument for Local Environmental Plans developed by the NSW Department of Planning & Environment.

Bridport Place

Luddenham

Copies of Penrith LEP 2010 Amendment 4 are available from:

Farmingdale Court

Luddenham

s #OUNCIL S #IVIC #ENTRE (IGH 3TREET 0ENRITH

Ganton Way

Luddenham

Extension of Halmstad Boulevard

Luddenham

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.

Written submissions on the proposed name/s may be made to Penrith City Council by 6 March 2015. For further information please contact Mrs Cindye Russell on 4732 7617.

s #OUNCIL S WEBSITE penrithcity.nsw.gov.au s The NSW legislation website legislation.nsw.gov.au For further information, please contact the City Planning Team on 4732 8196 or at cityplanningteam@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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Industry in crisis

Greyhound industry is in the dog house @troydodds

he greyhound racing industry is on its knees after sickening revelations on the ABC this week sparked multiple investigations.

The ‘Four Corners’ program on Monday showed disturbing evidence of live rabbits, possums and piglets being used to train greyhounds. The animals are tied onto mechanical lures and hurled at speed around the track while greyhounds are released to pursue, catch and maul them.

Live baiting is illegal across Australia.

RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil said multiple greyhound trainers including those with a high profile in the industry across three states are implicated, indicating an entrenched industry culture where animal cruelty and suffering is seen by some as an accepted cost of the sport.

“If it is this widespread in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, it would be naïve to think it isn’t happening elsewhere,” said Ms Neil.

“The callous disregard for animal suffering shown by individuals captured in this footage should see the state and territory racing bodies immediately suspending the trainers and others implicated; the 22

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already suspended is likely to represent only the tip of the iceberg.”

A property called ‘Wilshire Park’ in Londonderry was implicated in the ‘Four Corners’ program. It is a breaking-in centre run by Zeke Kadir, who was suspended

by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) last week after raids in Londonderry.

The area is well known for greyhound training and the Richmond Greyhound Club is nearby.

Since the airing of the program on Monday, GRNSW has announced the establishment of a taskforce with wide ranging powers to investigate the extent of live baiting within the NSW greyhound racing industry.

GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan said he was disgusted with the images shown and hoped those featured in the ABC program were punished to the full extent of the law.

“There is no place whatsoever for animal cruelty of any kind in our sport. Animal cruelty is totally unacceptable and anyone found guilty of a cruelty offence is not welcome in the sport,” Mr Hogan said.

Racing Minister Troy Grant was also shocked and appalled by the footage and hopes agencies take decisive action to stamp out illegal live baiting practices.

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

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Work locally A new way of working is now available to Penrith residents. Last week I had the pleasure of accompanying Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres in opening our city’s smart work hub. iWork@Penrith offers workers an alternative to working at their normal place of work and thus avoid commuting. About 65 per cent of Penrith residents leave the area for work each day often commuting by train or car for long periods. The opening of a smart work hub offers a smart alternative. iWork@Penrith offers a unique work environment suited to a variety of users as well as commuters, trades people and contractors or those who operate small businesses from home can use the hub. The centre caters for about 40 people at any one time, has 24/7 access through a secure swipe card system and is available on either a flexible part time basis or fulltime arrangement.

It boasts modern facilities and services including high speed internet, printing facilities, meeting rooms and a large conference room with computer connectivity to its smart board.

The NSW Government is supporting a number of Smart Work Hubs in areas

with large commuter populations.

Penrith Council has provided funding to the grant from NSW Trade and Investment which has benefits for our local economy too.

By turning up to 45 commuters into telecommuters, we’ll get close to removing a train carriage of people heading out of Penrith each day. If this model is successful, this and other remote work hubs could convert to many carriage loads less a day leaving our city for work.

Not only does the local economy receive a boost through these workers spending locally but the environment also wins with the reduction of cars on our motorways and energy used to transport people long distances out of Penrith.

I urge anyone who endures the long commute from Penrith to their workplace to investigate how iWork@ Penrith can help in restoring balance to your work and family life. Whether it is only one day a week or a more permanent arrangement, working closer to home can increase productivity and job satisfaction.

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13

Business

Business owners outraged after Endeavour Energy switches off power for an entire work day KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

tafford Street businesses are up in arms after they were notified that their power supply was to be severed for an entire day this week, leaving business owners with no option other than to close their doors and cease trading for the duration of the outage.

Business owners were given two weeks notice that their power was going to be interrupted for upgrades to the system between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday, February 18, and that any inconvenience, damage or loss incurred would not be compensated.

“There are more implications that need to be considered – you can’t just say ‘we are going to turn your power off’ and leave us with no alternative,” said National Locksmiths Penrith owner, Brett McVea. “I am angry because I am set to lose a couple of thousand dollars worth of trading in one day. I still have to pay staff for the day,” he said prior to the outage.

Rachel Bray has owned Midges Beauty Salon on Stafford Street for 14 years and has never experienced a power interruption before, saying that upgrades usually take place at night.

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Brett McVea and Rachel Bray both run businesses on Stafford Street in Penrith She elected to close her business on Wednesday.

“I have to close for the whole day because we can’t do any work. I still have to pay wages but we are still losing a whole day’s trading,” Ms Bray said.

“I have had to ring and reschedule all my appointments. Most of my clients make appointments two or three weeks in advance so two weeks notice doesn’t really help.”

Endeavour Energy said it was carrying

out “important upgrades” throughout the day, which will improve the reliability and security of the electricity supply in Penrith, and said that the interruption was essential for the safety of workers.

211 local consumers were affected by the outage.

“Requests were received from some of the 16 affected businesses to undertake this work outside normal business hours.

However, this would have led to an even greater level of inconvenience to the other 195 residential customers who will be without power during these planned works,” a spokesperson said in the lead-up to the outage on Wednesday.

“We’re also working hard to keep costs down by carefully managing overtime and passing these savings back to customers. This is why our customers have the lowest network charges in NSW.” The spokesperson said that Endeavour Energy does not generally provide generators to customers unless there are special circumstances.

“Endeavour Energy understands that no interruption to power supply is ever convenient... Endeavour Energy would like to thank the customers affected by these planned works for their patience as we complete this important upgrade.”

Cnr Woodriff and Derby Sts, PENRITH NSW 2750 • ph: 4721 2515 www.penrithbowling.com.au facebook.com/penrithbowlingclub

WW15196

the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Power cut impacts local businesses

Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

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Education

Students get insight into university Fast Forward conference gives high school kids the chance to explore further study options KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

00 students from across western Sydney attended the University of Western Sydney’s (UWS) annual Fast Forward Year 12 Conference last week.

The program has been designed to bridge the gap between school and university, offering school aged students from Year 9 to Year 12, who are likely to consider further studies, with mentorship and information about university.

A number of Year 12 students from Emu Plains’ McCarthy Catholic College attended the conference and teacher, Craig Laffin, said that many of them are the first in their family to consider postschool study.

“It is a terrific support program run by the university for students who have university potential. The program opens the eyes of the students involved and allows them to broaden their perspective and their horizons,” Mr Laffin said.

Students are selected to be part of the Fast Forward program when they are in Year 9 and have to meet a particular criteria.

After selection they are involved in a

6

Harmony Jones, Nicholas Adamcewicz, Lachlan Matthews, Audrey Sproule and William Salafia look at their university options

number of activities and events, including award nights, special presentations, university experience days, in-school workshops and HSC preparation workshops.

They are also eligible to apply for a $20,000 Fast Forward Scholarship if they enrol in UWS. “I have found it to be a really good experience. Every year we have the opportunity to meet with mentors who teach us new skills,” said McCarthy student, Harmony Jones.

“If I wasn’t in the program, I really would have no idea about what I want to do after school. I would have no clue what to study or where.”

At the conference on Wednesday, February 11, students were encouraged to mingle with other students and had the opportunity to meet with current university students “It is great. We have the opportunity to find out what university is actually like; what they have been through,” Ms Jones said.

600 students attended the conference on Wednesday from 46 western Sydney high schools.

Six of those were from the Penrith local area.

News in Brief Minister for Sport and Recreation and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has announced details of the first two community information sessions where people can find out more about the Draft Vision Plan for Penrith Lakes Parklands.

Lakes update

The community information and feedback sessions are an opportunity for the public to have a chat with the project team and view potential plans.

WW16119

88*mp15

One in five Australian couples is getting married or committing to a de facto relationship not expecting that they will be together ‘til death do us part’.

The finding comes from independent research commissioned by Slater and Gordon family lawyers of more than 2000 Australians in committed relationships.

Senior family lawyer Heather McKinnon said the research found 20 per cent of the respondents entered into their union not expecting it to last forever.

“It was pleasing to see that the majority of Australian couples still have faith in the institution of marriage,” Ms McKinnon said.

“Most of us believe that when we say

“I encourage all western Sydney residents to have their say on the future development of Penrith Lakes,” Mr Ayres said.

“This Draft Vision Plan is only a starting point and it will require input, ideas, imagination and feedback from the community to deliver a site that could become one of western Sydney’s most significant recreational assets.”

The two sessions will be held on Saturday, February 21 (drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm at the Sydney International Regatta Centre) and Saturday, March 21 (drop in anytime between 10am and 3pm at the Penrith Festival in High Street, Penrith).

For more information visit www.opl. nsw.gov.au/latestnews.

‘I do’ it means forever, but the fact is that there are roughly 50,000 divorces granted in Australia each year.

Love

on the rocks “Around one third or 32 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 said they went into a serious relationship not expecting it to last, but only 10 per cent of over 55s felt the same way.”

It seems love is not always in the air.

15 the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

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WW16128

Friday 20 February 2015 ÂŤ the western weekender

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WW16056

17

Education

Mamre Anglican College opens exciting state-of-the-art Senior Studies Centre KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

ith study nooks and innovative classrooms, Mamre Anglican School’s Senior Studies Centre is set to provide a new and unique learning experience to students.

The centre was officially opened with a special ceremony on Tuesday, February 17, celebrating not only the completion of the building but the bright future ahead for the local school.

Mamre Anglican School has increased in student numbers by 300 per cent since 2009 and with the official opening of the new centre, is ready to take on the challenge of teaching senior students again.

“18 months ago I received the news that the Commonwealth Government had granted Mamre Anglican School $150,000 for a project to build this stunning centre,” said Headmaster, Victor Branson.

“My immediate thought was not just about the building but the statements that we would have to make with it to stake a claim about the future of this school. I wanted to say two things, the first was that Mamre was going to proceed to Year 11 and 12; we were going to become a complete school – we last had a Year 12 in 2009.”

W

Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, officially opens the new Senior Studies Centre

Students and parents were consulted in the design process for the centre, which contains two science labs, three large learning spaces that can be converted to one large hall, two seminar rooms, a number of smaller ‘niche’ spaces for private or small-group study and a staff room.

“When our imaginative architects reflected with us, with our students and our parents, we began to weave a dream into reality; a building of light and colour, of space and intimacy, creating both community and contemplation,” Mr Branson said.

The Year 11 students, who are the first senior students to go through the school since 2009, are thrilled by the idea that the new building has been purpose built for them.

“In such a short space of time this has become my favourite building in the entire school. We were all involved in the original design and planning of this space,” said student, Tiana Robinson.

“The physical layout communicates a sense of belonging and intimacy and this has become effective in the sense of connection and trust that has evolved in us who learn and the teachers who teach here.”

2014 HSC Success

The Caroline Chisholm College community provides quality Catholic education for girls from Year 7 -12 and congratulates the HSC class of 2014 Our 2014 results reflected the hard work and perseverance of our students and the dedication and professionalism of our experienced staff. These results continue the tradition of Caroline Chisholm’s fine reputation for academic excellence.

Lee-Anna Pascucci, Madeleine Rushton, Isabella Ryan, Stephanie Severin, Abbey Shannon, Agrima Shrestha, Sarah Simmons, Sophie Stanojevic, Marina Tamer, Jasmin Toro, Tahlia Tuckwell, Cristin Warda, Meghan Warda, Tara Xiberras

Our college Dux Cristin Warda achieved an ATAR of 98.3.

We were again honoured to have a number of students’ art works selected and exhibited in the prestigious ARTEXPRESS. Congratulations to Scarlett Dunn, Rachel Gutteridge, Emily Kraljevic and Riley O’Connor whose work will be exhibited in a number of galleries over the coming months.

Special congratulations to all the students who achieved ATARs over 90:

Collectively the Year 12 students performed extremely well:

Sweeta Chand, Bernadette Fam, Siobhan Hamilton, Ravneet Kaur, Jennifer Mazzei, Agrima Shrestha, Sophie Stanojevic, Cristin Warda and Meghan Warda.

• 100% of our students achieved a Band 4, 5 or 6 in the following range of subjects: Drama, Extension 1 English, Extension 2 English, Mathematics (2 unit), Music 1, Physics, Society & Culture, Textiles & Design & Visual Arts

The following students are congratulated for receiving a Band 6 in at least one subject: Jessica Attard, Chloe Baldacchino, Claudia Borg, Rita Challita, Sweeta Chand, Carmen Chrobok, Scarlett Dunn, Bernadette Fam, Jodie Frugtniet, Krysta Gregory, Rachelle Gutteridge, Siobhan Hamilton, Ravneet Kaur, Emily Kraljevic, Shannen Lobo, Meaghan Lonard, Jennifer Mazzei, Chloe Micallef, Rochelle Murray, Riley O’Connor,

• More than 90% achieved a band 4, 5 or 6 in Business Studies, Community and Family Studies, Advanced English, Mathematics Extension 1, Studies of Religion I and Studies of Religion II. • More than 80% achieved a band 4, 5 or 6 in Legal Studies and PDHPE. • A total of 62 Band 6 results were achieved along with 209 Band 5s across a range of subjects.

OPEN NIGHT Monday 9th March, 2015 6.00pm to 8.30pm

College Principal Mrs Mary Leask pictured with Cristin Warda (ATAR DUX).

Caroline Chisholm College: Serving the community for over 40 years

Follow us on:

Phone: 4737 5500 | 90-98 The Lakes Drive, Glenmore Park 2745 Email: carolinechisholm@parra.catholic.edu.au | Web: www.cccglenmorepark.catholic.edu.au WW16047

the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Senior students are welcome again

Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

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Questions over Jane Street plan

State Election 2015

Is this the local area’s most dangerous intersection?

Recipe for disaster: Intersection must be fixed to reduce accidents

Penrith Councillor Jim Aitken

DALE DRINKWATER @daledrinkwater

enrith Council has requested further reports on the Jane Street and Mulgoa Road Infrastructure Upgrade in a meeting last week, raising the issue that it is merely a “band-aid treatment on a heart attack victim”.

Council endorsed the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) preferred option but highlighted additional matters need to be considered.

Penrith Councillor Jim Aitken expressed concern with the current design and said “what they are doing is a straight out band-aid waste of money”.

“There needs to be a holistic plan that will allow west to east, east to west, north to south, south to north in all situations, it’s a main road,” he said.

The option recommended by the RMS offered “substantial” movement for north-south traffic by adding lanes in each direction between Museum Drive and Union Road.

However, Council reports show the option offered only “some” improvement for east-west traffic with increased capacity at both the Jane Street and High Street intersections.

Cr Aitken said it’s not enough to fix a problem that’s only going to increase with developments approved for along the already busy road.

“The traffic is huge there every day of the week, the north-south and the Mountains road. There’s also going to be more employment and more people travelling to the Lakes Scheme,” he said.

“Let’s do it properly so it’s there for eternity. We should not be cutting one option out for another, we should be increasing over the Nepean River at the same time.”

The additional matters that Council will submit to the RMS for consideration include the ability to accommodate a future fourth leg extension, an upgrade to the drainage to ensure the underpass does not flood and close, and the addition of a left turn slip lane for southbound traffic turning into High Street.

It also highlighted the need to widen the rail underpass, maintain ease of access to a future development site, keep existing layby provisions to Woodriff Gardens and incorporate off-road shared pathways.

Cr Aitken recommended to “go back to the original plan instead of spending $54 million to fix only one little part of the road”.

“It might cost $154 million but over three or four things,” he said.

Cr Aitken added the plan includes “nothing about safe flood evacuation routes in times of flood”, which he said was a major concern.

P

Ray Williams and Bernard Bratusa with concerned shopkeepers in Werrington County. Photo: Melinda Jane DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

he vehicle entry and exit point at Werrington County Shopping Village has all the ingredients of a recipe for disaster, and Penrith Councillor and Liberal Candidate for Londonderry Bernard Bratusa wants to clean up the mess.

Cr Bratusa invited Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads, Ray Williams to the shopping centre on Dunheved Road to talk to business owners after a record number of accidents in one week.

Cr Bratusa said he was aware of multiple accidents in the area and started to conduct research into the matter.

“That has been a problem for me personally, and as we indicated there are multiple areas that require total concentration and vision,” he said.

“There’s the bus stop, the traffic turning into the centre, the traffic turning right, there’s dual lanes coming at you, dual lanes you’re going with, the pedestrian crossing, and additional traffic coming out of the petrol station.”

Cr Bratusa said Council’s dataset showed between 2008 to 2013 there were 10 accidents in the one site, seven from the Werrington County Shopping Village driveway, and this year, in one week, there were three.

T

Recipe for Disaster 2 x bus stops 2 x westbound lanes 2 x eastbound lanes 1 x traffic coming out of the petrol station 1 x traffic coming out of the shopping centre, turning left 1 x traffic coming out of the shopping centre, turning right 1 x traffic coming into the shopping centre from the eastbound lanes 1 x traffic coming into the shopping centre from the westbound lanes 2 x pedestrian crossings

“Penrith City Council has a responsibility and there is a commitment in their 2015/2016 budget for this particular road to be looked at,” he said.

Supa IGA’s Managing Director, Tony Rizk, said with a speed limit of 70km/h there was a risk to pedestrians and drivers alike in multiple locations in an area with a history of accidents.

“Three last week were all customers, none of them were staff and they were regular shoppers who have navigated the intersection before,” he said.

“I’m definitely worried about business.

Customers avoid using the intersection so they won’t come to the centre.”

Mr Williams said the last thing you want to see is a small centre like Werrington County Shopping Village suffer as a result of accidents.

“There’s a safety issue, a pedestrian issue, and I’m sure that there’s an appropriate traffic design that can be implemented,” he said.

“There is now going to be a significant investment in the partnership between both the state and council area to implement the appropriate design out the front which will correct this problem.”

Elaine Roberts from Bubbles Florist said she sees children risking their lives to get across the four lanes to the buses.

“They run out in front of traffic to cross the street, there should be a crossing there or something,” she said.

19 the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

SATURDAY, 21 FEBRUARY

TIME: 6PM UNTIL LATE WHERE: REGATTA PARK River Road, Emu Plains

Kids activities will be available from 6pm including CircusWorks, Face Painting and the Mobile Playvan, with the feature film, Madagascar 3 starting at 8pm.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events WW15395

Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

20

dear weekender...

No confidence It’s time the government moved a vote of “No Confidence” to the Human Rights Commissioner.

They are grossly out of touch with reality, serve no useful purpose and must go. They are a useless waste of taxpayer money.

G J MAY, VIA EMAIL

Red Cross Calling As Australia prepares to commemorate the landing of the first ANZAC troops in Gallipoli 100 years ago, we ask that you also remember the work of Red Cross by supporting Red Cross Calling during March. Just like the thousands of Red Cross volunteers who worked so hard to support our ANZAC troops in 1915, Red Cross volunteers still continue to care for those who need it most. By making a donation or organising an event for Red Cross Calling during March, you can support the everyday work of Red Cross such as working in NSW bushfire relief and recovery centres, making daily phone calls to elderly Australians living alone, providing breakfast for children who might otherwise go to school hungry, and supporting young

parents. In years to come, many people will continue to turn to Red Cross for help in times of crisis and we’re determined to be there when they do. Red Cross Calling is the one time of year when local Red Cross members, community groups, schools and individuals can all work together to raise money for Red Cross through local fundraising events. To make a donation, or to find out how you can get involved with Red Cross Calling go to our website at redcrosscalling.org.au or phone 1800 008 831.

JODY BROUN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NSW, AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS

Message from the PM [Last] week, the hostages of the Lindt café, as well as the families of Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson were welcomed to this Parliament. We acknowledged the atrocity that took place in Sydney’s CBD and we pledged to keep our country as safe and as secure as we humanly can.

Both the Commonwealth and State Governments are currently considering the joint review into the Martin Place siege and we

will shortly release the report publicly, along with our response.

We are both determined to learn the lessons of this attack and will promptly take any necessary remedial action. It’s clear to me, that for too long, we have given those who might be a threat to our country the benefit of the doubt. There’s been the benefit of the doubt at our borders, the benefit of the doubt for residency, the benefit of the doubt for citizenship and the benefit of the doubt at Centrelink. And in the courts, there has been bail, when clearly there should have been jail. We are a free and fair nation. But that doesn’t mean we should let bad people play us for mugs, and all too often they have: Well, that’s going to stop.

The rise of the Islamist death cult in the Middle East has seen the emergence of new threats where any extremist can grab a knife, a flag, a camera phone and a victim and carry out a terror attack.

As a nation we are responding to this threat. Abroad, Australia is working with allies to disrupt and degrade the Islamist death cult. At home, we have provided our security services with more

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

powers, more resources and stronger laws. We are currently considering additional legislation on data retention that’s before the Parliament – and this will make it easier to keep you safe and we want to get this legislation passed as quickly as we can. I give you this assurance: As a country, we won’t let evil people exploit our freedom.

TONY ABBOTT PRIME MINISTER

Subsidising Indonesia I totally agree with GJ May (Letters, Weekender February 13).

Subsidising Indonesia is obscene.

I recall Robert Menzies selling iron ore to Japan prior to WW2, and we received it back in the form of shells and bullets from the Imperial Japanese Forces. Menzies was forever after referred to by many in Australia as Pig Iron Bob. In light of their complete disregard of Australia’s pleas for clemency for the two Australians about to be put to death, I believe we should not just sweep this under the carpet like we so often do. We continue to be the laughing stock of the world!

NEIL WILLIAMSON, VIA EMAIL

Facts need to be known In regards to the leaflet currently being distributed in the LGA regarding approval of a Prayer Hall and Community Centre for the Islamic faith. Council cannot legally refuse a Development Application, it’s the law. The current LEP, a State instrument, allows this type of development in the zone. The submitted DA’s were fully compliant and allowed under the Local Environment Plan. With Council’s officers’ assessment of recommending approval it left no room for Councillors to refuse.

If the DA was rejected a certain Land and Environment Court case would have been the outcome.

Council’s costs would have been significant to the ratepayer, reducing our ability to provide shade cloth, play equipment etc.

We understand the community concerns but we are not policemen, we can only deal with a DA and planning laws.

The applicants were from the group currently being persecuted

by ISIS, ISIL and unlikely to offer these lunatics any support.

JOHN THAIN, PENRITH COUNCILLOR VIA EMAIL

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Horse owners in the Penrith LGA will be able to attend an equiculture workshop hosted by Penrith Council.

The workshop endeavours to educate owners on rural properties on how to maintain a good balance between care for your horse and care for your property. Jane and Stuart Myers, nationally acclaimed authors and experts on horse property management, will deliver the seminar to demonstrate how good land management practices will benefit your horse, your pocket and the environment. The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 9am at the Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre.

Spaces are limited. RSVP to jhore@ penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.

Planning, funding applications and detailed design can commence, now Council has generated final plans for the Nepean River’s reserve and vegetation management. Two Final “Our River” Plans have been adopted, including the Management for Tench Reserve, River Road Reserve and Weir Reserve; and the Riparian Vegetation Management Plan. Council will move forward after receiving two submissions that were both generally supportive of the plan. One submission was from the Department of Primary Industries, and the other WW15461

from a local resident on River Road, Emu Plains. After the submission, there were no changes to the draft Our River Vegetation Management Plan, but minor changes made to the draft plans to Tench Reserve, River Road Reserve and Weir Reserve including changes to the Management Actions tables.

St Marys Corner Community and Cultural Precinct are launching an information blog, stmaryscorner. info, that presents St Marys Corner as a place of cultural and community exchange. The initiative will showcase major past, present and planned future cultural projects, events and initiatives, and introduce over 200 artists and creatives from the community. The blog launch will feature an exhibition of works by western Sydney photographer Jagath Dheerasekara, a presentation of creative projects produced by David Ryan (Solas Projects) and a musical performance by a student from the Penrith Conservatorium of Music. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler will launch the new information blog on Wednesday, February 25 from 6.30pm at Memorial Hall, St Marys Corner, St Marys. The launch will offer networking opportunities for local and regional artists.

To RSVP, call 4732 7879.

21

Penrith Festival 2015

the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Festival promises to be best yet Penrith CBD Corporation says 2015 Penrith Festival will be bigger and better than ever KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

ith three stages, over 100 food and product stalls, entertainment left, right and centre plus a thrilling atmosphere, the Penrith Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Penrith CBD Corporation launched the festival with its sponsors last week, just over a month before the festivities kick off on Saturday, March 21.

“It is always exciting for me to launch the festival; it brings small business and the community together,” said Penrith CBD Corporation CEO, Gai Hawthorn.

“We are attracting a crowd of over 25,000 and they come from all over, they aren’t just from Penrith. It is a great advantage for small business owners in the area.”

This year’s annual festival is themed in recognition of the centenary of ANZAC and will feature a number of related performances, entertainment pieces, challenges and displays.

In addition, the highly anticipated street parade will feature a special ANZAC tribute.

“It is the anniversary of ANZAC so to us, it was a no-brainer. We respect and remember a soldier, so choosing this

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Sponsors gathered to launch the 2015 Penrith Festival last week theme was the natural thing to do,” Ms Hawthorn said.

The three stages on the day will feature different entertainment genres, with the main stage exhibiting talent of the likes of the High Rollers Swing Band, Nicki Gillis, A Live Tap Dogs and Dance Avenue, while the children’s stage will feature a ‘Wizard

of Oz’ show by PAWS Studio and some well-known characters.

On the community stage, there will be the Sunset Station return Vietnam Choir, the Big Swing Band and plenty of local talents.

The event is sponsored by Penrith RSL, a number of other local businesses and is

partly funded by Penrith Council.

“I am so excited that all the sponsors have taken the opportunity to get involved,” Ms Hawthorn said.

“The festival has grown and continues to grow and that is great but it wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors.

“It’s not to be missed!”

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Council

Hot topic: Council investigates ways to cool down our city

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@daledrinkwater

he State Government has awarded Penrith with $67,000 to look at ways to cool the city and improve living conditions.

Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler, said the funding will enable Council to undertake research in partnership with Leichhardt Council and the University of Technology’s Institute for Sustainable Futures.

“We will undertake heat mapping in four priority areas within the city by mapping surface temperature, vegetation and infrastructure. This will build on pilot research work already completed in St Marys,” he said.

“After the heat mapping is completed and findings are analysed, projects will be implemented as further funding is sourced. Projects could include increasing shade tree cover and other plantings, other shade solutions and water features.”

Cr Fowler said that heat was a health issue and with western Sydney being a hot area, it was up to Council to lead the way on cooling the city down.

Robert Ward, veteran employee from Freeburn Surveyors is passionate about Penrith’s climate and has already sent a submission to Council.

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Mayor Ross Fowler “The Sydney basin used to be a low pressure basin, but now we’ve built on most of it, it’s becoming a little fry pan.

If we keep going at the rate we are going at, we will make irreversible climate change,” he said.

“If the suburbs for instance were all earth covered homes, it would enable us to grow small vegetation or grass, and the paddocks that were once there will still be there.”

He said that contrary to what most would think, it wouldn’t be more expensive to do this and would enable all sorts of benefits.

Mr Ward said to do this, planning laws need to be changed, but the challenge is getting someone to do that. Council expects a completed draft Cooling the City Strategy this financial year.

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23

Health

the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Smile! Expansion coming for local oral health facility LOCAL RADIO

Jai Rowell and Stuart Ayres with dental staff at the Nepean Centre for Oral Health DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ember for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Assistant Minister for Health Jai Rowell visited the Nepean Centre for Oral Health (NCOH) on Tuesday to tour the facility and discuss its upcoming expansion.

Mr Ayres said good dental treatment can improve people’s health and lives, and it’s great to see local services at the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) receive the boost.

“The work that’s done here really does change people’s lives,” he said.

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“The hard infrastructure that exists here with access to additional chairs is a huge asset.”

The expansion, expected to enhance the ability for patients to receive quick dental treatment, is a part of a joint funding initiative by the Federal Government and the NSW Centre for Oral Health.

Mr Rowell said the NSW Government had invested a record spend of $182 million and that good government is about ensuring the money is spent to increase services.

“That’s what we are doing here today, so we can treat more people than ever,” he said.

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Health

Eating at home can make all the difference DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ave you been eating better this Healthy Weight Week? If you answered with a guilty ‘no’, it’s not too late to start.

The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) has issued some easy tips to start you, and most of all, keep you on the right track to eating better, feeling healthy and losing weight.

The Dietitian Association of Australia launched their Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (AHWW) that ran from Monday to Friday this week, to encourage people to cook at home more.

Nepean Hospital dietitian, Janelle Imber, said cooking at home is linked with healthier habits such as eating fruit and vegetables more often, and less visits to fast food restaurants.

“Making small changes that fit with your lifestyle will give you the best chance of losing weight and keeping it off,” she said.

“A good place to start is to cook at home more often. We know this is a key ingredient for a healthier diet.”

NBMLHD’s top eight tips for a healthier you in 2015 include: 1. Rediscover home cooking. By learning

H

to cook at home using healthy ingredients you’ll boost your nutrient intake.

2. Be portion aware. Over the past 30 years, the amount of food on our plates has increased – as have our waistlines.

3. Start the day with breakfast. Breakfast eaters are more likely to be a healthy weight and less likely to re-gain lost weight.

4. Choose low kilojoule, high nutrient foods. Wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and lower fat dairy foods fit the bill.

5. Eat fruit and vegetables. Build up to the recommended five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit every day.

6. Enjoy treats in moderation. You don’t have to cut out any food, as long as you moderate your intake.

7. Choose healthier drinks. Water is the best choice – so have a glass, bottle or jug of water close by at all times.

8. Write down everything you eat and drink. This will help you become more aware of what you eat and highlight areas where change is needed.

To download your free copy of the AHWW cookbook, visit www.healthyweightweek.com.au.

This week is Australia’s Healthy Weight Week

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Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

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Health

Midwives are part of the family Reunion planned to celebrate successful program that makes pregnancy a smoother journey KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

epean Hospital’s Caseload Midwives are almost family to a huge number of local mums, dads and bubs, after standing by their side during what many say are the most important nine months of their lives.

The Caseload program, which sees women looked after by one midwife for the duration of their pregnancy, is celebrating its fifth anniversary at Nepean.

“It is a continuity model; we follow the ladies from 12 weeks of pregnancy all the way through until their birth and we are on-call for them during that time. We come with them when they have their babies and we see them at home for two weeks after that,” said Caseload Midwife, Julie Lambert.

“We get to know our mums, they get to know us. It means that they don’t have to keep explaining information every time they come across a new worker and when they ring us with a problem, we already know who they are. We develop relationships with them and we get to know their family; if they have had one baby and they tell us they are having another, we take them on again.”

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Midwives, mums and bubs will reunite on February 28 to celebrate Nepean Hospital’s Caseload program The program has grown from just four midwives to nine and in celebration the team is holding a special event next Saturday, February 28 from 10am to 12pm, inviting all caseload families to reunite with their midwives.

Local mum Alison Jensen had three of her four children under the Caseload

program and will be attending the event in celebration.

“Being pregnant and having babies is such an important part of your life. Having that personal care and that continuity of care – someone to advocate for you – is great,” she said.

“You create that bond, that connection

and because it is such an important time of your life it is special having that one person there right from the start and all the way through.”

The program has seen over 1,800 babies born in the five years of its existence.

To RSVP, contact Maree Pearce on 4734 2133 or maree.pearce@health.nsw.gov.au.

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27 the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

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

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28 Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

Appearance

Fitness queen in town

Lake Jindabyne and the 3 rivers are stocked with over a million trout and salmon. Kosciuszko National Park is a short paddle across the pristine lake where there are 4,287 square miles of hiking, mountain biking and snow sports.

Property located in quiet, friendly village of Kalkite on Lake Jindabyne. Within 10 to 20 minutes of the residence are schools, post office, supermarket, great shopping, pastry shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, movie theatre, new super clinic.

• 60 second walk right out front to a safe sandy swimming and fishing beach.

• Direct access to the lake for easy launching of any size boat.

• Most private location.

• Paved road.

• No road noise.

• Town water and sewage.

• Heaps of room for cars, RV’s and large vegetable gardens.

• No fleas or ticks.

• The safest location from bush fires.

• Never run out of water.

• Can step right out the door for great walks or hiking, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing etc.

• Best mountain bike trails and road bike riding roads in the country.

• Cruise or sail down to Jindabyne town for lunch or shopping.

• Drive golf balls from your back steps.

The Snowy Mountains has year round the most diverse range of sports and activities in the country. From all snow and water sports plus golf, tennis, horse riding and equestrian, lawn bowls, hang gliding, bike, rowing & sailing clubs, dragon boats, rock climbing, abseiling, white water rafting, shooting clubs, bush walking, 4WD driving – plus quilting associations and flying and RC plane clubs.

Quality built 4 bedroom. 2 1/2 bath house of Oregon, cedar, and treated log construction. Large wrap around veranda / deck with gates – safe for children and pets and perfect for entertaining and watching those glorious evening sunsets.

Because of an imminent move overseas for family reasons, the price has been dropped from $645,000 to an incredible low $545,000. The buyer could receive a quick sale bonus with the choice of receiving an additional $10,000 off the price of the property or $10,000 in cash paid at settlement.

This is an absolute bargain as the house only rebuild costing from NRMA Insurance is $545,000, so you get arguably the best waterfront property with best rental potential, best boat access and magnificent never built out panoramic views in the entire region for less than the house rebuild alone.

Huge work area / garage under. Lots of potential for expansion or even a granny flat.

Pine paneling throughout. Hardwood floors in the lounge kitchen area with two fireplaces – one two sided with fan. New kitchen with breakfast bar.

Vaulted ceiling lounge dining room and upstairs with reversible fans. Lots of room for a pool table etc.

Michelle Bridges is coming to Penrith this weekend DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ichelle Bridges, who is so well known and respected she hardly even needs an introduction, is coming to Westfield Penrith.

Ms Bridges, who rose to fame as a trainer on the hit reality TV series ‘The Biggest Loser’, is appearing on Saturday, February 21 to meet shoppers and conduct a group exercise session over three hours.

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As one of the country’s most influential health and fitness experts, Ms Bridges will meet with customers to share her passion for health and inspire them to achieve their fitness goals.

200 lucky shoppers will be able to meet Ms Bridges and get a copy of her new book Power Living signed by Ms Bridges herself.

Ms Bridges will be appearing from 12pm to 3pm to share motivating messages and inspirational stories from her 12 week Body Transformation.

Dose of Dorin

It’s all here for yourself, family or rental guests – be they honeymooners, corporate reward or a family just wanting to have fun and get away from the rat race or noisy crowded resorts.

Take another look at your life and get out of your sedentary rut. Perfect place to retire. This would have to be the healthiest, safest, socially cohesive region in the country.

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For more information / inspection appointment, call or text Ken – 0428 874 653 or email – troutville333@gmail.com

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HISTORY

Penrith Weir’s mixed history From floods to tragedies, Penrith Weir has had a long and interesting past, as Dale Drinkwater discovered...

The Weir being constructed in 1909. Photo: Penrith City Library

I

magine the Nepean River so shallow it has visible sand beds. You can’t? Well, that’s what it was like in the 19th century when locals first recognised the need to build a weir.

In November 1888, water levels were so low that they were described as three or four feet below summer level – and that’s summer level before a weir could pool the water.

At the time, the cause of the stream being so low was directed at a large amount of missing boulders from the river bed that once created a natural dam, presumed removed by other locals in the area.

A group of people, including officers, inspected the low river and noticed it was still running well, and they concluded it was in fact the removal of the boulders that caused the fall in water level.

This instigated lobbying for a man made weir from the community and the Nepean Rowing Club to provide a permanent water supply for Penrith and supplement water supply to Prospect Reservoir in times of drought.

However, some said a weir in Penrith just wasn’t necessary with Warragamba

and Prospect Reservoir nearby, and towns further downstream like Windsor and Richmond needed it more.

In 1902, after four years, the first weir was built of mere sandbag.

At the time, the extravagant construction was described to be 13ft (3.9m) wide by 300ft (91.4m) long and 3ft (0.91m) high, backed by large boulders, and the front with three thousand corn bags used with sand, laced together with galvanised wire.

This weir lasted only six years, being washed away by floods in 1908.

The next year, a concrete weir was built with a pump to send water to a reservoir on the corner of Parker Street and the railway line, and then recirculating it through the town.

In 1940, after five years of dry summers, there were the worst droughts of the century that made the riverbed beyond the weir dry, suggesting the weir could have even been too effective.

Since then, there have been alterations to try and best manage the water flow, but it’s either been letting too much water flow or not enough.

This weir stood strong for almost 60

The Weir as it looks today

years until Penrith Council reported to a Government commission of its deteriorating condition in 1968, requesting support to repair the weir that was vital for the Nepean Rowing Club and local farmers.

The weir’s wall was breached on its western side with concrete sections washed away, leaving an open channel for water to get away inducing fears the whole thing would get washed away in the next flood.

The low level of water and weed growth were of serious concern, and the weir was inspected in February 1969.

The restoration announcement involved the protection of the downstream apron by rock filled gabions and to repair reinforced concrete sections of the weir, but work was delayed by consistent rainfalls.

Penrith Council promoted the use of the Penrith Weir Reserve as a landscaped picnic and barbecue area for residents to use at their leisure, but the tranquillity of the weir as a family picnic area was soon overshadowed with the tragic deaths of innocent children swimming in the river.

In 1985, a six-year-old girl almost drowned when she was swept to the centre of the river by a rip, then pushed over the weir and swept 50 metres down the river.

A 16-year-old boy jumped in after her, and concussed himself hitting his head on the rocky outcrops, but managed to grab the girl and drag her to safety.

The same rip that day grabbed her eight-year-old brother and his 10-year-old friend, who were luckily rescued by a fisherman and all three children were taken to Nepean Hospital.

That same year a 15-year-old boy died after suffering an epileptic fit while swimming, just two days before another 14-year-old boy was swept over the weir on a surfboard.

As a tragic stretch of water for children and families, Council prioritised more safety precautions for the area, and in January the next year more signs were installed to warn people of the dangers of the weir, especially in times of rain.

Just a month later, the weir collapsed again during floods, and before a restoration or replacement could take place, in mid-October, another boy was swept over the weir.

The tragedies provoked a discussion and, in late October, the announcement was made for two more weirs to be built in the place of the damaged one.

DISPLAY HOME FURNITURE SALE - Lily Homes We are selling off all our brand new furniture that has been on display at Mulgoa Rise. All furniture and goods to be sold from Lily Homes Displays on Bradley Street, Mulgoa.

Time: Saturday 21st February from 10am to 3pm.

There is a range of household furniture, beds, tables, chairs, ornaments etc.

EVERYTHING MUST SELL. GREAT UNBEATABLE PRICES!!!

Any further information you can contact: Frank on 0477 202 142 WW16120

the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Turning back Time

29

Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

30

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED CONTENT

It’s Penrith’s happy place to shop

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ruly healthy and nutritious organic food is difficult to find. There are many different products claiming to be organic but which contain ingredients that are not good for you. This was the problem that The Apothecary’s Pantry was set up to solve.

The Apothecary’s Pantry is located at Shop 12, inside the Tattersalls Centre Arcade, alongside Priceline Pharmacy.

Why call it The Apothecary’s Pantry? What on earth is an Apothecary? This is a question we have been asked many times but the answer is simple; Apothecaries have been around since Ancient times.

Apothecaries were people who gave health advice and prepared medicines from herbs and spices for the general populace. Ordinary people who could not afford the expensive medical doctors or who found their treatments too painful or horrific went to the Apothecary.

This trend is re-asserting itself again.

John Miller-Crispe, Naturopath

The Apothecary’s Pantry

Shop 12, Tattersalls Arcade, Penrith 4721 0448 www.apothecaryspantry.com.au

INTRODUCING

and Medical Herbalist and owner of The Apothecary’s Pantry said: “Organic healthy food is vital for healthy minds and bodies. The Apothecary’s Pantry investigates all the products it offers the public to ensure that they are not only organic but truly nutritious”.

Within The Apothecary’s Pantry you will find Abundant Life & Health, a popular and long established naturopathic clinic.

John and his staff of qualified naturopaths and nutritionists can advise on any health problem and have helped people to get well for over 24 years. In The Apothecary’s Pantry you will see a huge range of jars containing dried herbs. This is exactly as it was in ancient times and in fact up to the nineteenth century. You can get a mixture of herbs to make a tea for any health problem. They are mixed to order by the qualified staff. Come in and browse around, tell the team what you would like to see stocked and they will endeavour to find the healthiest version of that product for you. It’s a happy place to shop and all that is missing is you.

Bring in this flyer to

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Come along and browse our range, there is something healthy and delicious for everyone –

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The nutritionists and dedicated staff at The Apothecary’s Pantry know that you want your family to be healthy and that can only happen if you eat healthy foods. We have researched our range of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian food lines to ensure that you get what you truly want, food that is truly healthy, delicious and nutritious.

Vegetarian or Vegan?

You know how hard it is to find truly healthy foods that fit this lifestyle. Now you can be assured that you can get exactly this. We know what you need and we guarantee our vegetarian and Vegan options are truly healthy.

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BUSINESS TIPS

31

Can your business survive without you?

Michelle Grice // Founder of Shel Design

Michael Todd // Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC

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ave you been watching ‘Shark Tank’ (the Channel Ten television show where budding entrepreneurs present their business to a panel of potential investors)? In the first episode I found myself cringing and feeling terribly sorry for the business owners who were criticised or rejected. As a fellow business person, I know just how much of your heart and soul is contained in your business. So a rejection would have felt terrible.

But during the second episode, I noticed that my attitude had shifted.

There were a few candidates who were clearly underprepared or failed to present an accurate (or realistic) financial overview of their business.

The investors were clearly annoyed at some of those people, and rightly so.

And I became much less sympathetic toward the candidates.

The people who have made it to this stage of the television show have been provided with an amazing opportunity.

Unfortunately, some just didn’t seem to understand enough about their business (or business principles in general) to present a strong case for why

someone should invest with them.

We all need to make sure we have a better grasp on our business than the unsuccessful entrepreneurs!

Most of us are not looking for investors or business partners, and may not even have to acquire a loan from a bank.

This might lull us into thinking that we don’t need to answer questions (even if it’s just us asking them!) about our financial figures, our projected sales or our potential worth.

You can really only respond well to change and be innovative if you understand your current situation.

Be very clear about where you are heading, where the potential growth areas are and how you are going to sustain and progress your business into the future.

Revisit these areas regularly, share the overall vision with your team, and ensure that you always have a good grasp on where you are headed next.

You always have to be prepared for the sharks!

Do you have a business-related question for Michelle? Email to news@ westernweekender.com.au.

DATA TECHNICIAN / LICENSED ELECTRICIAN

H

ow much time can you take away from your business before chaos strikes?

Not enough business people can afford (not just dollars) to take time away to go on holiday or just spend more time with their family without checking in every half an hour.

Those that have this liberty know it doesn’t come easy. A lot of time is spent on getting a business ready to function without its key person.

It is called key person reliance. The reliance your business has on you going to the office every day, as well as your knowledge of products and services and your relationship with clients. Reducing this level of reliance should be a key strategy in most businesses.

The benefits of reducing key person reliance include your business being worth more, because there isn’t that heavy reliance on a single person and the business can function independently.

Another benefit is that it allows you as the business owner to be able to work on your business and have the flexibility to take time away when needed.

The key is to look at your business and

figure out what you can do to reduce or minimise the risks of key person reliance.

Here are a few strategies to get you thinking: Business Systems: Implement procedures and systems into your business to reduce reliance on your knowledge of your product and service. Find a customer relationship management system that suits your business or involve a trusted staff member to delegate the production on processes from administration to dealing with clients.

Staff: Introduce your key staff to your clients. If you trust your staff then they are your greatest assets, so make sure they are not your business’ best kept secret. It is often quite surprising when my clients are hesitant about this at first, but then once they give staff a bit of involvement, they thrive on the extra responsibility and pressure.

Succession: Flowing on from the above point, manage your succession by investing in the development and growth of your key staff, locking them in through options such as equity, profit share and/ or management. This may eventually become your exit strategy.

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the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

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Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Sport

33

p.3 p.36 Wanderers and Pepper join forces

Heartbreaking finale in Newcastle Ante Covic failed to stop a penalty goal during injury time last weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

t doesn’t get unluckier than this.

You’re up 1-0 in injury time, against the second worst team in the competition, and you come out sharing the points.

That was the unfortunate predicament the Western Sydney Wanderers were in last weekend in Newcastle as they eyed off just their second win of the season.

The Wanderers looked home and hosed after substitute striker Brendon Santalab scored a penalty goal in the 86th minute, but that was until Korean Kije Lee did exactly the same for the Jets in the 93rd, to end the ugly encounter 1-1.

The third-placed Reds battled out a 1-1 draw against the competition-leading Perth Glory last Sunday, and have already had the Wanderers’ measure on one occasion this season.

Popovic said he’s determined more than ever to finally get his first away win this weekend.

“Every game is difficult in this league… last week we won our first game and today we wanted to win our first away game, we got very close,” he said.

“Now we’ve got to go to Adelaide to make sure next week’s our first away win.”

Following Western Sydney’s trip south, they’ll head north to Japan to take on Kashima in the first game of the 2015 AFC Champions League.

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Speaking after the game, Wanderers coach Tony Popovic was unhappy with the finish but believed his side were the better team for the majority of the game.

“The first half wasn’t a great half of football but the second half, we dominated and should’ve been up by two or three goals before we got that penalty,” he said.

“I think today was a good performance, particularly in the second half, we were never troubled.

“We got the goal we wanted, we needed to see the game out and we didn’t quite manage to do it and that’s disappointing.”

The Wanderers will continue their quest for their first away win of the season when they take on a red hot Adelaide United in the City of Churches on Saturday night.

THE Western Sydney Wanderers and Pepper Group Australia have taken another step in their partnership with the announcement that Pepper will feature on the front of the Wanderers 2015 AFC Champions League jersey.

The announcement comes just a week after Pepper Group signed on to become the naming rights sponsor of Penrith Stadium, in what is a clear strategy to partner with local sporting organisations.

Pepper Group Australia, who specialise in offering home loans and car loans to a wide range of Australian consumers, currently appear on the sleeve of the Wanderers A-League jersey and made the decision to expand their affiliation with the acquisition of the Champions League front-of-shirt position following the Club’s run to the 2014 title.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas praised the growth of the Wanderers’ relationship with Pepper, now in its second year, as a sign of the connection between the two organisations.

“Our relationship with Pepper has grown from strength to strength following our initial agreement in 2013 and now they will take a prominent place on the front-of-shirt for our ACL jersey as we set about the task of defending our Champions League title,” said Mr Tsatsimas.

“The Wanderers and Pepper Group align in many ways both philosophically with our ‘can do’ attitude and through our growth and successes in Asia.”

Patrick Tuttle, Co-Group CEO of Pepper Group, said Pepper is delighted to take their partnership with the Wanderers to the next level by taking the sponsorship.

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Rugby League

Stadium adds a dash of Pepper New name confuses fans but stadium deal is of huge benefit to Panthers and local community NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

enrith Stadium will have a red hot new makeover this season after it was announced that Pepper Group had taken over the naming rights of the ground.

Pepper Stadium, as it will now be known, takes over from the previous name of Sportingbet Stadium after parent company William Hill Australia and the Penrith Panthers parted ways.

Pepper Group is one of Australia’s leading non-bank lenders, offering a range of consumer finance products and services.

Penrith District Rugby League CEO, Justin Pascoe, welcomed the new partnership.

“We are excited to be joining forces with another truly global partner,” he said.

“The Pepper Group offers diverse financial solutions that will add value to not only our membership base across the whole Panthers group but also the whole western Sydney region.

“This strategic partnership is again testament to the current strength of the Panthers brand and our ability to attract quality businesses across all levels.”

Co-Group CEO of Pepper, Patrick Tuttle, said the partnership between Pepper and

P

Panthers and Pepper Group officials gather to announce the Pepper Stadium name the Panthers was a natural fit given both companies shared values and commitment to the local community.

“The Panthers’ on-field success as well as their strong community engagement programs means that they have been in our sights for some time,” he said.

“To be the naming rights sponsor of their iconic home ground not only gives us great

exposure but will also help us to further engage within this vibrant community.”

This season will be the first time since 2011 that Penrith Stadium won’t be named after a betting company. While the partnerships with Centrebet and then Sportingbet were a good one financially for the club, it didn’t sit too comfortably with some fans and officials.

“I would like to acknowledge the wonderful partnership that has existed between William Hill Australia and their Centrebet and Sportingbet brands,” Mr Pascoe said.

“We completely understand the strategic direction William Hill are taking for their business and we wish them all the best in the future.”

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Mick Gilfoyle The three sections of the NDBA Pairs were completed at Springwood last weekend and in the Senior Pairs Jeff Wiseman and John Davis (St Marys RSL) defeated Wayne Cox and Pat Kirkman (Blacktown Workers). Gary Morehead and Jim Lord (Wallacia) and Les Hickey and Ron Pittaway (Penrith) were the semi finalists. In the Presidents Reserve Pairs, the new addition to the NDBA, Lawson, provided the winners with Michael Stanbury and Rod Crean defeating Owen Miller and Alan Hall (Richmond). Mark Bogart and Bruce Snelling (Springwood) along with Bruce

Kirk and Mick Ward (Penrith) contested the semis. The State Pairs was a battle of two Austral teams and winning by a shot was Sean Sommerville and Chalky (Tony) White who defeated Phil Power and Mick Anderson. Steve Amosa and Morris Luckwell (Blacktown Workers) and Chris Gallagher and John Myers were the semi finalists.

This weekend is the start of the NDBA Pennants season and is the time to find out how good the club selectors are (who would have that job).

Good luck to all clubs participating in the long battle for a flag.

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The Greater Western Sydney Giants have launched a partnership with Soldier On to help returned Australian servicemen and women wounded while serving their country.

The community partnership was announced as the players visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra as part of the club’s Australia Post AFL Community Camp.

The Giants will play the Gold Coast Suns in an historic ANZAC Day match at StarTrack Oval Canberra in one of four matches in the national capital in 2015.

Soldier On works to enhance recovery, inspire communities and empower Australians who have suffered physical and psychological injuries while in the Defence forces.

The Giants will work with Soldier On

through a range of initiatives in western Sydney and Canberra including fundraising support, inner sanctum experiences for veterans and mentoring programs.

Giants Chief Operating Officer Richard Griffiths said the Giants were proud to partner with Soldier On. “As a football club, we aim to enrich the lives of people in western Sydney, Canberra and our broader communities,” he said.

“Soldier On run a range of programs to support wounded men and women and we hope to play a small but important role as they continue their recovery.”

Soldier On CEO John Bale said the partnership would be of great benefit to those who’ve been wounded.

35

Funding lights up fields Council and State Government deliver much-needed new floodlights NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

hings just got a little brighter at Patterson Oval in Cambridge Park after Penrith Council and the NSW Government announced $52,000 in funding to install new floodlights.

The local facility, situated on College Street in Cambridge Park, will receive $27,000 from Council and $25,000 from the State Government to complete the project.

Meanwhile, Myrtle Road Fields in Claremont Meadows will also receive a huge injection of cash with Council throwing in $90,000 and the State Government $25,000 to also install new floodlighting.

Liberal Candidate for Londonderry, Bernard Bratusa, welcomed both grants, saying they will boost participation in sporting activities in the area.

“The installation of floodlights at both of these venues will enable local teams to play in the evenings, which will stretch out available playing time,” he said.

“This is important for participation in sport across the Penrith and Londonderry area, and will assist locals in staying fit and healthy.”

T

Tanya Davies with the Under 9s team

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres, Tatterson Wheatley and Liberal Candidate for Londonderry, Bernard Bratusa. Photo: Melinda Jane NSW Minister for Sport and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres was also at last Thursday’s announcement at Patterson Oval.

“Sport is a huge part of our way of life and the NSW Government recognises that, which is why we are here today presenting this grant,” Mr Ayres said.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits for Cambridge Park and Claremont Meadows as well as the surrounding communities.”

Patterson Oval is home to 300 members

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State Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies said she was delighted to support the St Clair United Soccer Club with their grant submission.

The club’s committee, led by project coordinator Mark Reynolds, strongly advocated for the club throughout the grant submission process.

The grant is for turfing and watering systems on the mini soccer fields used by the Under 8s and 9s teams playing at Mark Leece Oval, St Clair.

“This NSW Government funding will go a long way to improving player safety and enjoyment. The club’s mini fields have suffered in recent years from overuse and under nourishment,” Mrs Davies said.

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Club Treasurer, Louise McDermid, said the club had been in need of new lighting for some time.

“The oval is used four nights a week for training. The new floodlighting will allow the kids to train for longer hours, which I know they’ll love,” she said.

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All smiles at St Clair thanks to $15k grant

Junior Sport

Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

36

Peacock’s Point

Adam Peacock

FOOTBALL

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Football needs full-time referees unday morning, beautiful Sydney day, and I’m down at the local park reffing my son’s trial match.

It’s stinking hot, beach weather really, but we’re all here because it’s an excuse to play or watch some football.

I’m only too happy to take the whistle, because they are kids, and there’s nothing better than seeing kids have a go and, in the most part, enjoy themselves playing sport.

Late in the second half, one kid rips a shot on goal. The goal is one of those temporary ones that you can fold away into something you can carry, like a chair to take camping. There are no posts, just net. The ball sent careering from this kid’s foot hits the net and rebounds out. Did it go in, or over and rebound back out? I dunno. I ask the kids, they don’t know. It all happened that quickly. I give the goal for no other reason than it was a damn good attempt – the kids don’t complain.

They sprint back to halfway to try and do it again.

But immediately, I think of 12 hours beforehand, and Strebre Delovski’s split second decision to award a penalty for

S

Sydney FC against Melbourne Victory.

It was no penalty. We needed a replay to confirm that. It was off the ball, but in the background of Delovski’s line of sight. He thought he saw something that wasn’t there.

The assistant is the real culprit. He was in a much better place to see Seb Ryall merely tripped accidently on Gui Finkler’s feet, as the Victory midfielder turned to chase the ball. It was no-one’s fault Ryall fell – and it wasn’t a dive. Ryall, too, was looking at the ball.

Again, a replay told us this. Didn’t see it in real-time, just replay.

Victory fans and the club are screaming for justice. “No more Delovski! He’s screwed us too many times (three bad calls in less than 12 months – they have a point)”.

They won’t think so at the moment, but the real issue is what is done long term.

The way forward is totally up to the FFA. It requires strong leadership, and by strong I don’t mean knee-jerk reactions.

The two are confused so much by politicians and sporting bodies alike on a weekly basis.

The AFL and NRL have full-time refs, but they find it hard due to the rules changing on a yearly basis. Interpretation takes a while to settle on. Mercifully, rule changes are few and far between in football.

What’s required here is clarity. Will fulltime refs alleviate such howlers? If Strebre Delovski sat at home or in the office all week pouring over videos and stats, would his line of sight have been able to take in what actually happened between Ryall and Finkler?

The English Premier League has fulltime officials, and howlers still happen there. That said, they are fewer and farther between, and the assistants over there are much more precise and definitive. Case in point, three weeks ago when a Hull player volleyballed it into Newcastle’s net. The referee gave it, until he saw his assistant, who had a chat, and changed his mind.

Superb officialdom.

Is the answer a fourth official, like in the FFA Cup, who patrols the by-line?

Personally, I’d say all of the above.

For the finals, get in the fourth official, but only ask for his opinion – get the referee to talk to him if unsure, not the

Referees are in the firing line other way around. Get the assistants to be more proactive.

And yes, find the money from the current or next TV rights deal, however much it is, to fund five full-time teams of refs, and get them in the State Leagues during the A-League off season to stay sharp.

They can’t see everything.

They can’t ask the players to see what happened.

Help them help themselves.

Around the grounds CRICKET: Penrith are back in the winner’s circle after they defeated the UNSW in Round 12 of the Sydney Grade Cricket competition.

Playing in a two-day match at the Village Green, Penrith batted first scoring 8/340 before declaring.

Penrith’s Kishen Velani was superb with the bat scoring 96.

UNSW hit the crease last Saturday morning to chase down Penrith’s total but were dismissed with ease, scoring just 257 runs. Penrith’s Ryan Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 5/66.

Penrith have re-entered the top six and will play the best team in the competition, Manly-Warringah, at Howell Oval this weekend.

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BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers have made the NSW State Baseball League playoffs by the skin of their teeth following a mixed round of results against Central Coast.

In their mid-week Round 18 clash against the Marlins, the Panthers won big 7-3 but ended up losing in their Sunday game 6-3.

Penrith will now take on the Ryde Hawks in this week’s semi finals.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers Y-League side can’t buy a win these days, going down to the Newcastle Jets 2-1 at Magic Park.

The Wanderers will return this Sunday afternoon to play the thirdplaced Brisbane Roar at Marconi Stadium. Western Sydney remain

in ninth position on the Y-League ladder.

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Basketball Association will welcome respected coach Rob Beveridge to town on Sunday, March 1 to conduct a Coach Education and Development Clinic.

Beveridge is a former championshipwinning coach of the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League and was also the coach of the Australian Junior Men’s World Championships side.

The clinic, which will run from 10am to 3pm, is suitable for coaches of all aged athletes and will provide information and on-field instructions to enhance knowledge and coaching experience. The cost of the clinic is $40.

For more information and to enrol, visit www.penrithbasketball.net.

LEAGUE: Round 1 of the junior rugby league representative season kicked off last weekend with some mixed results for both the Penrith Panthers and Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) sides.

In the Harold Matthews competition, Penrith defeated Canberra 18-10 while WSAS drew with North Sydney 10-10.

In the SG Ball competition, Penrith lost to the Raiders 20-16 while WSAS drew with North Sydney 36-36.

Send your ‘Around the Grounds’ submissions to nathan.taylor@ westernweekender.com.au.

37

Ante Covic

FOOTBALL

Busy time ahead for Wanderers Drawing a game, you had seemingly won, must be one of the most difficult things to endure especially after the rough season you’ve had. How did you see it?

I think we’ve been in a few of those situations this year and that’s the disappointing part. The Wanderers of old, in those situations, see out a game but we’ve let it slip a few times this year and not finished off teams. I think there was a goal in the corner that was disallowed for God knows what, which I think would’ve suited us better because it would’ve made us play for the remaining 20 minutes, rather than score in the last few minutes. And the way the season’s going I think we started dropping too deep and rather than bringing the ball down and continuing to play we just tried to hold on and a situation popped up, there was a scramble and the referee saw a handball. That was the disappointing part, it should never have got to that stage.

Pretty much all game I had no work to do, I think they had one shot on target. Again it’s a game that we should never have lost.

Tony Popovic said after the game that the side shouldn’t have been in that

position and should have been up by at least three goals. Why isn’t the side converting chances this late in the season?

We just need to pick up small percentages in every aspect – the way we move the ball, the way we press, the energy levels, aggression on the field – all those things add up to an overall team performance and, at the moment, we’re lacking in just about everything. I think we’ve scored 11 goals in 15 games and that’s simply not good enough. We’ve got the players to score but we’ve got to start playing an overall game not just in front of goals.

We’ve got to start moving teams around, start playing quicker football, build that confidence up again and when we get in front of goal believe that we can score not hope that we’re going to score.

When Brendon Santalab scored that penalty in the 86th minute, his post-goal celebration when he took a selfie with a fan’s camera was a bit over the top considering the match was still on the line, how did you view it?

It’s probably something I wouldn’t do,

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You take on Adelaide next who certainly aren’t pretenders and look like a real force this season, how do you stop them?

Adelaide are a very good side and move the ball around well. They are a team that really try and dominate teams in the first 20 to 30 minutes. They play a high tempo game and that’s the time we need to be physically and mentally strong to withhold that. Adelaide are near the top of the table for a reason, they are playing some very good football but they’re not unbeatable and that’s what we’ve got to believe. The last time we played them we

played with 10 men for 75 minutes and lost 2-0. They did dominate that but we didn’t leak goals. I think that’s the key, to withhold and play your own football in the opening stanza.

Following Adelaide you’re off to Japan to kick off the AFC Champions League once again. Are you looking forward to defending that title?

Without question, we are very pumped.

We come back to Sydney and leave on Sunday for Japan. I think, for us, it’s a busy schedule but when you’ve got a busy schedule it means that you’re successful.

You can try and use all the excuses with the travel etc but we’ve got to find a way to deal with those situations. There’s going to be a lot of games, I think its 11 games in 35 days – that’s a huge amount of games.

But, at the same time, you can look at it as a bonus. We enjoyed the experience last time, we’re playing against very good sides and it could be the catalyst to change things mentally and how we play. We could go into Asia and find that lease of life again, and hopefully bring it back to the A-League.

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I’m a little bit old school and like to keep things simple. I don’t know how many photos he took on the camera but maybe one would’ve sufficed (laughs). I guess a lot of pressure was relieved when Santa got that goal, I’m not going to question whether it was right or wrong, that’s probably the coach’s opinion. Santa definitely enjoyed that game, it was two goals for him in two games and he’s probably just happy to be fit and playing again. Each to their own but it’s not something I will ever do.

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the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

Five Shots With

Friday 20 February 2015 « the western weekender

38

Cricket

Grant will help Hawks continue to fly Howzat! Upgrades announced for cricket nets at St Clair’s Cook and Banks Oval NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

oung local cricketers from the St Clair Hawks Cricket Club have celebrated big time after their club received $27,542 in funding from the NSW Government.

The grant, which is provided by the government’s Community Building Partnership program, will go towards sorely needed upgrades to the cricket nets at St Clair’s Cook and Banks Oval.

“The club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and I am delighted to support the St Clair Hawks Cricket Club on this important milestone with the upgrade of their practice nets, which includes a lengthening of the bowler’s run up to the crease,” State Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said.

St Clair Hawks secretary and treasurer, Jason Lockwood, said he strongly advocated for the club throughout the grant submission process.

“Our club membership has risen dramatically in recent years from around 90 players to 275 this season, but the condition and maintenance of these cricket nets has not kept pace with the use they are getting,” he said.

Y

Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies celebrates with members of the St Clair Hawks Cricket Club “We’re really happy, a grant of this size will go a long way to meeting the project upgrade total costs.”

The total cost of the upgrade is estimated at $40,000, the remainder of which will be

provided by Cricket NSW, Penrith Junior Cricket Association and the club itself.

“This NSW Government funding will go a long way to improving player safety and enjoyment,” Ms Davies said.

Do you know of a local sporting facility in need of an upgrade? Tell us about it via email at news@westernweekender.com. au or call sports reporter Nathan Taylor on 4722 2998.

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the western weekender » Friday 20 February 2015

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Friday 20 February 2015

Golden start to 2015 for Fox Queen of the water wins gold at Australian Open event in Penrith NATHAN TAYLOR

THE NEW WEBER

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

@natetaylor87

enrith kayakers Jessica Fox and Alison Borrows have both put in outstanding performances in front of their home crowd to take out gold and silver respectively in the K1W at last weekend’s Australian Open.

Held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the Australian Open saw the best male and female paddlers from around the world converge on the local venue to compete in the year’s first major event.

Fox, who is the current dual senior and U23 world champion, dominated the final, finishing 4.49 seconds ahead of her local rival in Borrows.

“The K1 was a really good race. All of the Aussie girls are paddling really well and it was good to see some international paddlers out here with the Germans, Czechs and the French in the mix in the finals,” Fox said.

“To put down a really good run like that even though I made a mistake at the main wave, all in all the speed is there and the technique was quite good so I am happy with that.”

22-year-old Borrows was equally pleased with her result, a career best, as it secured her

P

Jess Fox during last weekend’s Australian Open. Photo: Sportscene

first K1W berth on this year’s senior team.

“I wanted to make it this year as I was very close last year and the year before, so this was the year to make it,” Borrows admitted.

The Penrith kayaker said she enjoyed competing against the strong international contingent including London Olympic K1 gold medallist Daniele Molmenti.

“It was really good to point down a good run, and put it against theirs and it ended well for me so I am happy,” she said.

The C1W final followed on Sunday afternoon with Australian Rosalyn Lawrence winning the gold, 4.20 seconds ahead of Fox. Borrows won herself a second medal, collecting bronze while rising star Noemie Fox finished fourth.

Meanwhile, Jessica Fox has added yet another award to her ever-growing trophy cabinet after she was voted Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) 2014 Athlete of the Year last week.

Fox was voted by a panel of judges after creating history in becoming the first canoe slalom athlete to win the world championship in two classes last year.

“Athlete of the Year Jess Fox has brought a dynamic presence and profile to her sport… she has emerged as a respected mentor and leader for young athletes across a range of sports,” AIS Director, Matt Favier said.

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