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By Keegan Thomson

HERE was a win for garbage truck drivers and rubbish collection workers on Monday night after Penrith Council voted down a recision motion that could have led to pay cuts. At an extraordinary meeting Councillors debated the recision motion that would have seen waste management workers’ pay cut by up to $300 a week if it passed. According to the Transport Worker Union, if the recision motion was passed workers would have also lost all allocated long service leave, sick leave and annual leave.

Richard Olsen, State Secretary of the TWU said workers weren’t looking for an increase in pay but fighting to keep the pay they deserve. “It is important to note that Garbos are not looking for more pay, they are simply looking for the chance to keep doing the same job they do now for the same pay they get now, not less,” Mr Olsen said. Councillor Greg Davies said by voting down the motion Penrith Council has put everyone vying for any contracts on an equal playing field. “It means a level playing field for anyone who wants to put in for the contract because it means people wont be able to use wages as a leverage. No one will be using Penrith Council as an excuse to reduce wages,” Cr Davies said.

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Garbos win at Council

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

S many would know, sadly I lost my mother just before Christmas last year. While essentially she survived Lung Cancer following surgery, she passed away from a combination of health problems spearheaded by a horrible, dreadful thing with the acronym COPD, which in layman’s terms is basically emphysema. In the last year of her life she spent more time in hospital than out of it, and the hospital wards at Nepean - particularly the respiratory ward - were a real eye opener about the effects of smoking. Yes, yes I know not all people diagnosed with Lung Cancer are smokers or former smokers. But if you take a walk through that ward and have a bit of a chat with the guests staying in there, a common pattern does emerge. The vast majority of those suffering from various breathing-related illnesses including Pneumonia, COPD and Lung Cancer were... or are... smokers. If you’ve been smoking for a lot of years and witness this, chances are you’ll think “ahh well the damage is already done. It’s too late now.” I know this because I was in that group. I’d have dismissed the link like I did those pesky ads on TV because it’s “too late now.” I think the age-group to target is the teens. Forget the festering toe ads and the gangrene pics. How about walking kids through respiratory wards and let them see actual people relying on oxygen tanks to keep them alive. Let them hear the coughing, wheezing and choking. Show them the reality long before they will one day say “Ahh it’s too late now.” The patients I spoke to would have been more than happy to be part of a program that teaches impressionable teens the dangers of inhaling smoke. I think it’s something our governments should look into. Some things you see you can never un-see. For the record, it has been 79 days since I last smoked a bunger! Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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LEASED

By KeRRIE DAVIES

9834 1044

PENRITH Panthers became the proverbial political football this week as a stoush broke out between representatives of the two major parties on where the Panthers games would be played in the future. Shadow Minister for Sport Lynda Voltz joined Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry and Labor Candidate for Penrith Karen McKeown on Monday calling on the Government to “come clean” on whether Penrith Stadium will lose its NRL games. “Stuart Ayres needs to come clean on which suburban grounds which will lose their home games to prop up his big Stadium splurge. Especially when it comes to our own team,” Prue Car said on social media. Stuart Ayres fired back via his own social media page. “This is nothing short of disgraceful politics! “As I said in Parliament last week when asked,

NEPEAN DISTRICT

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Stadium stoush

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

only the Penrith Panthers will decide where the Penrith Panthers play their games. “This is fear-mongering at its absolute worst,” Mr Ayres exclaimed. “Here is some free advice for the three of you... stop the cheap, disgraceful and fear orientated politics. Go grab a Panthers Flag and Stand Up with it alongside 20,000 fans at the next Panthers game. Leaders unite communities not divide them.” A spokesperson from Penrith Panthers said Phil Gould had made it “quite clear” that Panthers “were a local Penrith team and that there was no desire whatsover to take home games out of Penrith.”

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Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

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Join in the hunt for the Easter Bunny

he Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to St Marys Town Centre this year and will be hiding lots of treats, for happy little boys and girls to find. “The St Marys Easter Egg Hunt is amazing. It encourages families to get dressed up, get into the spirit of the season and explore their local area. For those that know where to look, there are some great Easter treats to find or win,” Alex Karavas, Chairperson of St Marys Town Centre said. “There are over 40 businesses involved in this year’s St Marys Easter Egg Hunt so, put your walking shoes on and prepare to have a great day. There will be an Easter animal farm for the littlies, visits from the Easter Bunny himself and lots of talented locals will be taking to the stage to entertain families in Coachman’s Park. It is a fun day out for the family and best of all participation is free. “We appreciate all the effort that the community puts into supporting the event. There will be local dance groups, singing schools and other talented performers that have been practicing for weeks in the lead up. “Come down from 10am till 2pm on Saturday 24th March to enjoy the entertainment. Plus, lots of the local retailers have donated prizes and those in the crowd that dress up, get involved and participate might just walk away with an early Easter present.” St Marys Town Centre will be holding pre-registration sessions in the lead up to the event on Saturday 24th March so for more information on these and what is happening at the Easter Egg Hunt, please check St Marys Town Centre out on Facebook.

Festival of fun for all the family W hat does a dragon; fairy and dinosaur have in common? They are all coming to the Penrith CBD Festival of Green this 17th March 2018 thanks to Penrith CBD Corp, our major sponsor Penrith Council and Diesel Dirt & Turf. Organisers Penrith CBD Corp have been living, breathing and embracing everything green and loving it! “It brings about awareness and showcases all the CBD businesses while connecting the local businesses, charities and non-for profits too – which is our key objective for the Penrith Festival, explains Gai Hawthorn, CEO of Penrith CBD Corp. “I’m always talking to the locals and there is an immense amount of pride and ownership of our town. That definitely shines come Festival day!” The children of Penrith will have so much to take in they won’t know which incredible area to run to first! Would it be Dinosaur Train Stage show at 1.30pm? Or the meet and greet with T-Rex and superheroes and lots of your favourite characters from Disney? And don’t forget the FREE all-day entertainment from a host of talented dance schools. Each year PAWS Studios Principal Rebecca LiuBrennan creates a special pantomime for the day. Make sure you make it down to the main stage so as not to miss out on “The Kingdom of Enchantment” complete with fairies, a dragon and a wizard. The CBD Festival of Green also gives a nod to the Irish to celebrate St Patricks Day. One of Australia’s most dynamic Celtic influenced bands, Riogh will be performing and their music will captivate and uplift the

crowds. And what’s Irish entertainment without a bit of a jig? The Penrith Gaels Maher School of Irish Dancing will have award winning performers grace the stage. Local music star, Nicki Gillis will also be performing big female rock hits from the 80’s with her band The Rainmakers and Suzie Leigh from the theatre show “HerStory – A History of Women’s Rock.” For something a little different, the CBD Festival of Green boasts a recycle/upcycle area, and plaster

painting and crafts, will have the kids entertained too. Nepean Men’s Shed is building a giant rainbow with a pot of gold for a selfie area and if you feel like a bit of a physical challenge, head down High St to tackle the 15 metre rock climbing wall. All that activity will no doubt stir up a hearty appetite, and that’s where the Festival has it covered. The local cafés and restaurants will be ready to whip up delicious meals for the crowds and an assortment of food trucks and stalls

spanning several tasty cuisines will be ready to tantalise your tastebuds. “The activities, entertainment and food are a large and fun part of the day. I love the happy smiles and the enjoyment on the children’s faces. The amount of locals that wander through the CBD always makes me pleased because it means that we have such a strong and loving community and the chance to keep planning bigger and better experiences for Penrith” says Gai.

local news support,” she said. Purdy Watene-Zelezniak is the wife of EANNE Mallard is a Panthers player Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. caseload midwife and She worked with Mrs Mallard during her registered nurse at pregnancy and delivery of her six and a half Nepean Hospital and across month old son Orlando. the recent months Mrs Mallard has been “Leanne was simply so awesome,” Mrs very busy delivering babies for the partners Watene-Zelezniak said. of six Penrith Panthers players. “From the get-go she was supportive and It all started with one, Mrs Mallard says, made a big difference to my pregnancy.” but being such a tight group the word spread Mrs Watene-Zelezniak said Mrs Mallard and suddenly more wives and partners of the was able to offer advice no matter what time players were lining up to have Mrs Mallard of day or night on a range of things from work with them. medicine, physical activities, foods as well “Initially they spoke to me and we talked as emotional support. about the pros and cons that are offered “When you’re pregnant you’re quite with caseload midwifery and within weeks vulnerable and insecure because everything word had gotten out and I had a number of is changing and to have someone to love player’s partners and wives lined up to have and nurture you in the way Leanne did it is their babies with me,” Mrs Mallard said. a big positive,” Mrs Watene-Zelezniak said. The caseload midwifery program at When Orlando was born, Mrs WateneNepean Hospital offers specialised services Zelezniak said the birth was really easy, but Prudy Watene-Zelezniak and Orlando with Leanne Mallard. Photo: Supplied. to mothers who want to have the same she puts that down to Mrs Mallard’s help. midwife from the first consultation about pregnancy, interstate or abroad because of their partner’s career “Leanne came in on her day off and helped with to the birth and through to any postnatal catch ups. the birth,” Mrs Watene-Zelezniak said. commitments. Being a die-hard Panthers supporter Mrs Mallard “It was an easy birth but so much of that is credit “Some of the women have moved to Australia said she’s it’s been an eye-opening experience to because their partner’s career has called for it. Not to Leanne.” work with the families of the players. Nearly seven month after the birth Mrs Mallard is all of them have positive support networks here,” “It has been a big honour to meet them personally. Mrs Mallard said. still keeping in contact with the Watene-Zelezniak Getting to know the players you get a good idea idea “These women have given up a lot for their family and she’s even considered part of it. about the pressures they’re under,” Mrs Mallard partners and I feel bless to be able to give back. “Leanne’s made everyone in my family and the said. “Some of the men travel interstate or overseas Panther’s family closer together. She’s our one big There are a lot of pressures on some of the women for games and aren’t around for any late term thing in common and to us she’s considered a part as well, with a lot of the wives and partners moving complications so I’m always there to offer extra of our family,” Mrs Watene-Zelezniak said. By Keegan Thomson

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Midwife delivers Panthers cubs

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

local news

Penrith Citizen of the Year is now also Queen of the ladies By CONNER LOWE

ANY local females and a few men - joined together for breakfast last week to celebrate International Womens Day. Held at Penrith RSL and hosted by the club, Penrith CBD Corp and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres, guests enjoyed listening to some local inspirational women including Youth Speaker – Chloe Shaw, Business Speaker - Kathryn Garton and Australian Olympic Champion Jessica Fox. There was also a special announcement from Mr Ayres. “It was my absolute pleasure to announce Michele Ellery as the Penrith 2018 Local Woman of the Year, “ Mr Ayres said. Michelle Ellery, CEO of the Queen of hearts spoke about why she works to help better the lives of families and how she feels to help these families. “Through my own personal experiences in my family, I am passionate about making a difference in the community and reducing these alarming statistics for domestic violence and child abuse and also reducing the significantly high waiting times for victims to receive specialised

Photo: Hilary Nathan Photography

counselling and support in the community,” she said. “I wish we did not need to help anyone daily and that violence and abuse never existed. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and knowing many women and children can access free professional Counselling, case management,

programs and other services within 7-10 days and sometimes sooner is a huge positive for the client, reduced wait times reduce the impacts of prolonged trauma, mental health and the impact on the family.” Michelle Ellery is the CEO of the Queen of Hearts Community

Foundation, a Penrith-based charity organisation which assists children who have been abused and families in domestic violence situations. Michelle Ellery also spoke about how she felt receiving the award for Penrith local women of the year and being rewarded for what the Queen of Hearts do on a daily basis. “Shocked, overwhelmed and grateful to everyone that has supported the Queen of Hearts and believed in our vision,” she said. “I am happy the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation is receiving recognition for our tireless work in the community and how much this service is needed and the reward is knowing people will know how to access our centre and feel safe and secure when they are here. “The Queen of Hearts is a family of individuals that give their time, talent and donate and without all of them the Foundation would still be a dream, so i thank all of them for their support to get to where we are now.” “Special thanks to everyone who came along and thank you to the many supporters of this event including the Penrith CBD Corporation and the Penrith RSL and congratulations to the very deserving Michele Ellery,” Mr Ayres said.

local news

Photo: Hilary Nathan Photography By Keegan Thomson

INE acclaimed, trailblazing, strong and communityminded women were handed awards from Lindsay MP Emma Husar at her second annual Women of Lindsay awards. Out of the nine winners, Elise Webber, the mother of Bobby the Brave, was named the Lindsay Woman of the Year. Ms Husar said Mrs Webber put in hours of thankless effort to support her son and deliver the round the clock care he needs. “Elise spends her days working tirelessly with therapists to help her son Bobby live his best life,” Ms Husar said. “After a horrific act of child abuse by his non biological uncle Andrew Nolan, Bobby has been left with cerebral palsy, blind, spastic level 5 quadriplegic and brain injuries which were

described as catastrophic and not compatible with life. “Bobby has multiple life long injuries which have severely impacted the way his family live their life. Elise cares for her son Bobby the Brave with the most incredible attitude,” she said. Fighting back the tears, Mrs Webber said she cares for her son just like any other family would. “For me I’m just caring for my son,” Mrs Webber said. “Any family who goes through this would do the same thing as me. I’m just doing what any other mother would do.” Mrs Webber has always been very open about the traumatic assault that left her son with critical, life long injuries. “Our lives changed forever that day but I’m not bitter about what happened because each day we are blessed because Bobby is in our lives,” Mrs Webber said.

List of award winners Woman of the Year: Elise Webber Educator of the Year: Mandii Carr Young Woman of the Year: Georgia Wood Junior Woman of the Year: Emma Hogan Carer of the Year: Elise Webber Business Woman of the Year: Rebecca Jarrett-Dalton Sports Woman of the Year: Linda Cerone Volunteer of the Year: Natalie Ballard Artist of the Year: Celeste Cannell Senior Woman of the Year: Barbara Mitchell

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Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Women of Lindsay awards

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

local news › Prue Car MP State Member for Londonderry

I welcome the decision to build part of the North South Rail line from Western Sydney Airport to St Marys – this is a necessary and long overdue announcement. The Western Sydney airport will be a game changer for our region but only if public transport investment and planning are right from day one. If the airport is to be a success, the remaining components of the rail line must be built. It was disappointing that the announcement did not include the necessary link to Macarthur and the extension to Rouse Hill—connections that are vital if this deal is to succeed. It is disappointing that the State Government has been so slow to guarantee public transport corridors in Sydney’s growth regions. In some suburbs in my electorate families have been waiting years—in some cases decades—for the Government to come clean and to release public transport corridors. I have written to the Minister for Planning and asked that he instruct the department to hold a community meeting in Claremont Meadows to answer outstanding questions resulting from this weekend’s announcement. Residents in Claremont Meadows and surrounding suburbs and I await the Minister’s response. These residents should not be ignored in this Western Sydney City deal.

City Deal = Economic growth

By Keegan Thomson

ITHIN eight years time Penrith will be a city that barely resembles what it is today after the groundbreaking and long awaited Western City Deal was revealed by the local, state and federal governments. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, State MP Stuart Ayres and Mayor John Thain joined a slew of other MPs and Mayors from across the western Sydney region to ceremoniously sign the paperwork that aims to deliver jobs, education and infrastructure to the Nepean and beyond. The three major pull outs from the Western City Deal include; the north south rail link, the Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis and the Western Parkland City Liveability Program. The north south rail link, something Penrith Council has been lobbying in favour of since 2015, will initially run between St Marys train station and the yet to be developed Badgerys Creek airport. It will be the only functioning rail line to the Badgerys Creek

airport when it opens in 2026 (more on page 11). Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis will be a growth centre, adjacent to the airport, that will include new jobs in defence industries, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness and robotics. In conjunction with this there will be a yet-to-be-named university campus opening up that will offer industry links for students and professors. The development of the Aerotropolis, and the other specialised airport based infrastructure, the government estimates there will be 200,000 jobs created for people of western Sydney. The Prime Minister said the jobs that will be produced from the Aerotropolis will flow on to other areas. “It will create tens of thousands of jobs in the aviation, aerospace and defence industries, jobs that will flow into other sectors such as education, agribusiness, health, hospitality and retail,” Mr Turnbull said. “We see the potential for a STEM-focused university, vocational facilities and high schools, all with links to smart industry, growing inside the Aerotropolis.”

› Marise Payne Senator for Western Sydney THE Western Sydney City Deal marks the unprecedented uniting of the eight councils within the Western Parkland City, and the State and Federal governments through a 20-year agreement, and is a strong demonstration of the Turnbull Coalition government’s support for and engagement in Western Sydney. The multi-billion dollar plan reaching across all three tiers of government will create some 200,000 jobs, further driving the economic powerhouse that is our region. At the forefront of the deal between the Turnbull and Berejiklian governments is the commitment to the first stage of the North South Rail Link from St Marys to Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis via the Western

Sydney Airport. This builds on a $5.3 billion investment in western Sydney through the Airport, to provide investment, development and job opportunities. The Aerotropolis will become western Sydney’s advanced manufacturing, research, medical, education and commercial hub, driving new investments and jobs in the region. Within the Aerotropolis the NSW Government will deliver a Vocational Education and Training (VET) facility which will focus on construction, aviation and aeronautical engineering, as well as a new public high school with vocational links to the Western Sydney Airport and aviation and

defence industries. The Deal takes in several major Western Sydney University (WSU) education and research infrastructure sites across Sydney’s outer-west, including its Penrith, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Liverpool CBD network of campuses. The City Deal will facilitate a great boost in jobs providing the people of western Sydney with the opportunity to work closer to home, while crucial infrastructure upgrades will mean less time travelling for those who commute. The City Deal also includes a commitment to adopt Indigenous, social and local employment and procurement targets in construction projects.

Families, individuals and community groups will benefit from the $150 million Western Parkland City Liveability Program which will deliver key community infrastructure projects in each council region including parks, playgrounds, libraries and sporting fields.

local news

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

With all of this growth there is a need to focus on the environment. The Liveability Program has been heralded by Penrith Council as “smart and responsible growth”. The $150 million plan aims to make sure the urban sprawl that is synonymous with western Sydney won’t continue as the region grows. MP for Penrith and the Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the Liveability Program will be jointly funded by the NSW government, the local governments and the commonwealth government. “It’s co-contributed by the federal and the state governments to the tune of $60 million and the councils themselves are putting in $30 million,” Mr Ayres said. “It’s an example of all three tiers of government working together, not just in a planning sense, but also financially. Each of the councils want to make sure that they invest in the liveability of their local communities,” he said. Mayor of Penrith, Cr john Thain said the properly planned out development will preserve the “unique way of life” in Penrith. With the Liveability Program, Penrith Council aims to invest money into the redevelopment of tench reserve and the Nepean River precinct. “This will bring our river to life, to allow more people to enjoy our natural asset while boasting tourism and recreational activities for residents and visitors to our city,” Cr Thain said. “With this Western City Deal we now have a framework to create a smart city that is more liveable, more productive, has more advanced skills and is more innovative.” Business groups around the Nepean have praised the City Deal. Penrith Valley Camber of Commerce said it is great that all stages of government have been able to work together to form a concrete plan. “The City Deal is a game changer for Penrith, it will be a huge advantage for local business and will see Penrith and adjoining areas become a major hub in Australia,” Mr Willmington said. The full effects of the City Deal are yet to be seen but on paper it looks like Penrith is set to become a completely different place.

North south rail line a step closer By Keegan Thomson

ENRITH residents will benefit from the long awaited north south rail link, a new rail line that will join St Marys station to the airport and the proposed Aerotropolis at Badgerys Creek. The new line is a part of the City Deal arrangement between the federal and state governments and eight local councils of western Sydney. A spokesperson for the Minister of Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, said the budget for the line hasn’t been fully scoped but it is estimated to be between $15 billion and $20 billion. It appears that when all stages of the rail are complete it will start at Schofields, travel to St Marys and onto the Western Sydney Airport and Badgerys Creek Aerotropolis before finishing up at Macarthur. St Marys station is set to get a major overhaul as well because it will be one of the primary rail links into the Sydney CBD from the airport. It will also be the only rail line linked to the airport upon the opening of the airport in 2026. Penrith Council has been lobbying the government for years to bring a north south rail link through western Sydney via the Penrith Council local government area. “Council has been a leading advocate for north

south rail since 2015 and the announcement that this piece of infrastructure is a key focus of the Western City Deal is testament to the determination and hard work of many people across this organisation,” Mayor of Penrith Councillor John Thain said. “The north south rail link will transform this region; stimulating the growth of local employment hubs, invigorating housing development, slashing commuting times and creating thriving communities unshackled from the constraints of poor connectivity.”

Currently the finalised rail corridor is under investigation with a spokesperson for Minister Fletcher saying the NSW government is responsible for the corridor. “A more detailed north south rail corridor and other considerations such as station locations will be looked at as part of the business case, as well as the work by Transport for NSW on corridor protection,” they said. Nepean News has been advocating for the north south rail link since 2016.

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

local news

Rosemary Weaver leaves very big shoes to fill By Lisa Finn Powell

ne Saturday afternoon back in the year 2000, Rosemary Weaver’s phone rang. She answered it and said hello to a seventeen year journey and a lifelong connection with the Nepean District Historical Society. She vividly remembers a friend on the other end of the line telling her how she should ‘get down to the Arms of Australia Inn Museum.’ “There was a book launching and a special presentation of a bugle to the members and my friend said that I should film it, which I did, and never left!” said Rosemary. And the rest…well, it’s ‘history’ of course, in every sense of the word.

She started out as publicity officer and was responsible for all press publicity, writing and producing brochures, videoing special events and helping with exhibitions. In 2008 she became editor of the Chronicle - an in-house newsletter - and produced 107 issues over the years. Her interest in history began when she first came to Australia in 1964 from the UK. ‘Australia’s European history is relatively short so you can get a handle on it and it is more personal,’ she said. ‘I got very involved with the Blue Wave steering committee for the reenactment of the crossing of the Blue Mountains

by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth.’ She enjoyed getting articles for the Chronicle about all sorts of things that the early settlers got up to, which she found very enlightening. In the late 60s, she played with a number of Melbourne orchestras, while also working for a PR agency, volunteering for Freedom from Hunger in Victoria and writing travel articles for newspapers and magazines. She met her husband, Robert, while on a trip to India. They returned to Australia and then back to England, where their son was born in 1972.

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FROM DELUSION TO EVOLUTION

Making Happiness Happen Almost Every Day

Eighteen months later they were on their way to Cairo for two years, followed by two years in Israel, where she coordinated for her husband for Visnews. After that, they spent a few years working in the UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong before returning to Castle Hill permanently in 1991 and in 1997 they moved to Valley Heights in the Lower Blue Mountains. During those years, Rosemary ran her own communications company from home selling copyright free music, producing videos, taking photos, organising exhibitions and producing newsletters for a number of companies including the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce. Somehow, she managed to find time

for her hobbies which included horse riding, gardening, classical music, reading and painting. Phew! A farewell luncheon was held in November at O’Donoghues Pub where she was awarded, a very well earned Lifetime Membership!. We were all sad to say goodbye to her and are very grateful for all of her hard work and dedication over the years. She is now happily ensconced in Ballina on the North Coast where the views remind her of the English Countryside. She has also recently joined the local historical society, Alstonville Plateau Historical Society, who run the Crawford House Museum which is owned by the Ballina Shire Council. No surprise there. Ballina, you are very lucky to have her.

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts | Penrith Conservatorium

Music Programs Coordinator Penrith Location | Part-time | LGA Level 5

Are you passionate about music education? Interested in the role music can play in people’s lives? The thrill of live performance and new ideas and initiatives in music? Then we’d love to hear from you. The Joan is on the lookout for a Music Coordinator to play a vital role in supporting and developing music education and engagement activities across genres. Working as part of the Penrith Conservatorium of Music team, the Music Coordinator implements and supports music education programs with a focus on the Penrith Youth Orchestra (delivered in partnership with Penrith Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra) and ensembles. Through these programs, the Music Coordinator will also build access and understanding around music performance and career pathways, as well as working toward the highest level of visitor experience for all teachers, students, parents and partner organisations. The Music Coordinator will also assist in supporting links to of a range of music programming and engagement strategies via the Conservatorium, community, commercial and entrepreneurial programs. Closing date: 3 April 2018 More information: thejoan.com.au/jobs

Friday Night: $20 - Saturday $85 - Sunday $85 - Credit cards most welcome

All Bookings Phone Ross Hutchison 0422 664 448 or Heartland Spiritual Retreat (07) 54 816 777 or 0414 524 601 Venue: Sacred Gardens Penrith

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street Penrith

local news By Jim Devine

HE Lions Youth of the Year Program(YOTY) reached an exciting stage with the Region E Final being held at West Pennant Hills Sports Club on the weekend. Contestants were sponsored by various Lions Clubs, with Monique Schoebel (Penrith Anglican College) representing Emu Plains Lions Club. Other contestants were Grace Faulder from Penrith Selective High (Penrith Lions), Harkanwarv Maan from Glenmore Park High (Cambridge Park Lions), Lauren McGrath-Wild from PLC Sydney (Burwood Lions) and Samuel Prince from Normanhurst Boys High (Sydney Host formerly Yagoona Lions). The YOTY Program has been running since 1964, and is designed to foster, encourage and develop the leadership qualities of our youth, in conjunction with other citizenship qualities at the age when they are about to enter the fields of employment or higher education. The students were firstly interviewed before a panel of five business leaders for approximately 40 minutes, then asked in a public forum to respond to two impromptu questions and give a five-minute speech before assembled guests.

Monique Schoebel’s speech was ‘The loose change menu’, cleverly juxtaposing what you might spend as loose change from your car console, in a fastfood store, against donating to Oxfam, where if overseas, the value would go further, and could benefit from the accumulation of the relatively small amounts. Despite a clever topic and an excellent delivery, Monique was just ‘pipped’ in the public speaking by Samuel Prince, with the overall winner being Lauren McGrathWild.

Lauren goes on to the District Final on March 24 at Bankstown Sports Club. As the Emu Plains Lions Youth of the Year Chairman, I notice that each year the performance levels are raised. Monique did a fabulous job and represented herself, school, family and our club admirably. My sincere thanks to Penrith Anglican College, mentor/teacher Monica Palmer and Monique and her family for their participation.

Bridge in progress

Work is ramping up on the Nepean River Bridge with another major milestone achieved as the structure reaches halfway across the river. The Penrith community will soon be able to enjoy the new pedestrian and cyclist bridge, with more than 70 per cent of work now complete. The bridge is now 100 metres across the Nepean River and still has 100 metres to go before it reaches the pier on the western side of the river.

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Youth Leadership Program draws to a close

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

local news

The G Spot

I have often wondered whether sticking my head in an oven and turning on the gas or riding a horse bare back with razor blades super glued to the saddle is more fun than standing in a queue at the bank. But, you can even supersize that by sitting on one of the colour coded plush lounges and waiting for ya hubby standing in the bank queue, which equals grumble bum and a painful wait. (Yippee) Now you may say to yourself “What has this got to do with anything?” but alas folks it does, because whilst I am sitting there contemplating my navel, it gives me a chance to do what I do best and that is… observe and do me some bonehead spotting.( I’m excited) I would have to say that I could count on my fingers and maybe throw a few toes, the amount of people (retailers) that deliver the cash to the bank. The next thing that I find really really intelligent is that fact that they

are still wearing the company logo on their shirts, which is like a capital Doh with bonehead thrown in.. Seriously. I think an announcement over the PA is better…. (Bing, Bing, Bing) Excuse me shoppers, just announcing that the numb-skull shop is now delivering over 10K to the bank, they are wearing the company shirt, please wait outside and do them over! Thank you and also we have 30% off men’s underwear as a red light special. You see, if I can see it (and I am no rocket scientist) I hate to tell you, so can the baddies. I think the most entertaining part was the Kid (barely born) that was carrying the calico bag and face-booking at the same time (Multi-skilled , I’m truly impressed). Okay this is the serious part so I am typing with a serious look on my face, when it comes to the transportation of cash (Pointing index finger), you should have systems in place, risk

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

assessments, staff hold up training, change of routine, change of route, change your clothes, change your people, try and implement ways to limit the amount of cash you take. (See told you I had security training) Because if one of your people get held up and injured, can I tell you, you wanna hope you have all of this type of stuff documented and really good coffee at your office, because the lovely people at Work Cover are gonna become your best friend for a while. (A little like saying a needle ain’t gonna hurt you). The next phone call you’re probably gonna make is to the really nice people at your insurance company, just so you can get the money back that was stolen. Of course they will say in a happy voice “Oh didn’t you read the fine print in minus 17 non bold font, your money is only covered whilst in your store, but have a nice day and we are truly sorry that your screwed”.

Now, I can guarantee by this time you have probably round-kicked every shelf in your office and eating stress tablets like Tim Tams. Roully good idea to see if your cash is insured whilst in transportation (out of the store) and roully good idea to have documented systems in place for your money in transit. The next best thing is to get a licensed security provider to carry your cash you. (Hint Hint)…. (Only ones that have that type of cover, training and insurance of course). Okay well there you have it, I am still sitting here on the lounge (Tick), hubby has moved up two spots and has mouthed a few choice ( Naughty words) in bold about the bank (Tick) more retailers have walked in with cash to bank (Tick) Work cover truly are nice people..cough cough (Tick) and I have had my daily fix of bonehead spotting for the day (Tick).

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SOLUTION: 1 March

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local news

Penny-9 months-Petbarn’s Choice Puppy of the Year

Petbarn Penrith Homemaker Centre are offering new puppy owners a complimentary grooming service for their four-legged friend this International Puppy Day, Friday March 23. Local Petbarn Penrith Homemaker Centre Store Manager, Alison Barber spoke about expanding the family to include four-legged member. “Welcoming a new puppy into the family is a very exciting time which is why we are offering free grooming services for first-time puppies.” The ‘Free Puppy’s First Groom’ includes a bath and dry, hygiene clip, tidy up of face and feet, and nail clip. This offer is available for puppies up to 6 months old.

Pet owners can download the ‘Free Puppy’s First Groom’ offer from the website at www.petbarn. com.au There are also special discounts including 20 per cent off dog bedding, dog treats, dog kennels and crates, selected dog toys, selected puppy food and much more in Petbarn’s Puppy Guide, which includes everything you need to know to be the ultimate puppy parent. “A new puppy is like a new family member and just like the rest of the family, you want to ensure they stay healthy, safe and happy. “At Petbarn, our team are experts in providing support for young puppies at every stage of their development. We offer tools such as a new puppy

Luna – 16 weeks

checklist, advice for puppy proofing the home and what food to buy, as well as a wide range of services including training, grooming and veterinary care,” Alison said. “At Petbarn Penrith Homemaker Centre, we have an extensive range of products including collars, ID tags, leads, bowls, puppy treats, beds, chew toys to help with teething, play toys to stop boredom, waste control bags and toilet training products including puppy pads,” Alison continued. Wherever possible, Petbarn also encourages pet adoption and has partnered with animal welfare charities across the country to run the Petbarn Adoption Program.

Dangers of chocolate Chocolate is dangerous to pets, particularly at Easter time when we often have so much more of it in the house. It is one of the more common causes of poisoning in dogs. The toxic components within chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, these are called methylxanthines. All animals are susceptible to the effects of methyxanthines. Luckily for humans this dose is so high you would have to eat a huge amount of chocolate or drink a large amount of coffee to be affected. Unfortunately for our pets the dose is very low. The toxicity of chocolate depends on the type. The higher the chocolate solids the more toxic it is. From most to least toxic are cocoa powder, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate flavoured products and white chocolate. A small amount of chocolate can be deadly. If your dog eats any amount of chocolate, it is important to immediately contact your veterinarian for advice. It can be determined if a toxic dose has

been ingested by knowing the pets weight, the type of chocolate and the amount eaten. This information will also help predict what clinical signs can be expected and what treatment is required. The symptoms of toxicity depend on the amount of chocolate eaten. The higher the dose the more signs are seen. They generally start with vomiting, diarrhoea, progress to increased heart rate and heart arrhythmias. In severe cases, affected animals can even seizure and die. There is no anti-dote available so treatment is generally supportive. If the ingestion was within the

previous few hours then medications can be used to induce vomiting. This may reduce the amount of toxin absorbed but may not prevent clinical signs. Medications such as activated charcoal can be given orally to bind up any left over toxin. Animals that are already showing symptoms are also usually placed on intravenous fluids to help flush the toxin from their body. Gastric protectants are often required. If heart abnormalities are noted specific medications to stabilize the heart are required. If seizures occur anti-seizure medications are given to control them until the body clears the toxin. The toxins within chocolate can take days to be fully metabolized by the body. The high fat content of most chocolate products can also trigger a metabolic disease called pancreatitis in dogs. This is a potentially life threatening disease. The pancreas becomes inflamed causing inappetence, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and dehydration. It requires intensive therapy with dogs often requiring days in hospital on intravenous fluids and injectable medications to control their pain and nausea. We hope you all have a wonderful Easter. Please take care with chocolate around the home and ensure your pets do not have access to it. Remember as with most things prevention is far better than cure.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone 47 313 055

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Puppy’s health and happiness is a walk in the park

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

NEPEAN HISTORY

St Marys’ “True-Blue” Vigoro Club

In England in 1902, “Vigoro” was a new game invented by John George Grant and played by Martin Hawke, 7th Baron Hawke known as “Lord Hawke” who was an English amateur cricketer who played for Yorkshire and England from 1881 to 1911. Other enthusiasts of the game were Eustace Miles (world’s tennis champion) and Abel, Hayes and Brockwell (English cricketers). Vigoro was heavily promoted by NSW resident Ettie Dodge who met John Grant during a trip to the UK. Ms Dodge was the President of the NSW Women’s Vigoro Association from 1916-1966. The game was first introduced in NSW schools in the 1920s and played in our local schools. In 1934 the St Marys’ women’s teams had the name of “True-Blues” and the “Heavyweights” and played on Victoria Park. “The Robin” team from Penrith played on new ground behind Memory Park. The Blues played a match against the “Britains” at Ridge Park in 1934 and were victorious by 128 runs. It was only their first game as a team, but by their creditable performance they were said to become one of the leading teams in the future, so much so that they entered a team in the Hawkesbury District summer competition where they hoped to be among the ‘’runners up” in the final round. In the first round of that competition the Blues registered a convincing win over “Country Life” No. 2 team with the match played at Riverstone. Showing wonderful improvement, the Blues dismissed Country Life for 35 runs in the first innings, Minnie Moore and Daphne Moore the Blues’ consistent bowlers taking 5 wickets for 15 runs and 3 wickets for 20 runs respectively. The Blues then opened their innings to run up a brilliant 68 runs. In the second innings Country Life was again back in with a similar score of 35 runs, Minnie and Daphne collecting 3 for 18 and 4 for 17 respectively leaving the Blues needing only 3 runs to win which gave their Captain Thelma Thompson to close the innings having won by 7 wickets and 7 runs. Shelia Thompson, Thelma’s sister was faultless in batting and topped the score with 30 runs. In October they were unsuccessful in the last match at Pitt Town having to take the field with a much weakened side but next they had a drawn to play the “Waratahs” on the Blues wicket at St Marys where they hoped to be victorious, but before that they played a friendly match against Petersham that on all accounts was to go a long way in giving the team both experience and confidence for future competition matches. In October the “Robin” team played the Blues and were successful by 62 runs. The Blues put up a good performance, but their team were not at full strength and if so, they would probably have given the Robins a big surprise. In May 1935 the first match in the Hawkesbury District Vigoro Association’s winter competition was played between the Robin and the Blues on the Robins’s new ground - the Robin’s won. In June the “Heavyweights” played the Blues. The Heavyweights were defeated by 15 runs. In June the Blues lost to the Robins and in November in the first match of the season against the Robins (who won), the Blues players were:- Vera Chesham, B Smalley, Daphne Moore, B Luxford, Minnie Moore, C Creek, T Thompson, T. Kroehnert, C Brown, B. Dollin, Jean Woodland, Aileen Desborough, D. Field, Wilma Chesham, H. Kroehnert, Phylis Moore, C Long B Carrington, Thelma Thompson, D. Kroehnert, C Long. Another game against Country Life the Blues won and they won the next game against the Robins in December. January 1936 and another game against the Robins with the following players of the match: - N. Smalley, Thelma Thompson (Captain), Minnie Moore, A. Luxford, L. Ausburn. Daphne Moore, T. Carrington, L. Carrington, Z. Brown, Vera Chesham E. Jackson, C. Roberts, E. Creek, J. Long, D. Field, B. Dollin, H. Khoehnert. Thelma Thompson gained the fielding

point and the Blues won outright by 14 runs. In February the Robins again played the Blues, the Robin team members were: - Eileen Creek (captain.) Molly Jessup, Elva Jackson, Celma Roberts, Stella Payne, Mary Hurst, Lylie Ausburn, May Hatter, Doreen Gilligan, Josie Tornaros, Billie Long, Nina Smalley, Ivy Sutton and Ruby Thompson and the Blues defeated the Robins at Penrith by 50 runs. The Blues also played Country Life at Riverstone and beat them by 4 runs. They were congratulated for their rapid progress from the bottom of the ladder to the top. The season’s awards went to Thelma Thompson for most catches, Phylis Moore for fielding points and Daphne Moore for bowling and batting. Other games in February 1937 saw the Blues defeat the “Granville Diggers” and the “Toongabbie Pioneers” where they won the district competition. In March they defeated the “Pirates” and “Wenty Juniors” but in April they were defeated by “Berala” and in May “Guildford” won against them. It was also in May when a team representing St Marys’ Council Aldermen and staff (plus a few professionals) played the Blues on Victoria Park on Coronation Day. The Aldermen thought it was going to be a draw but one of the girls didn’t know this and made a devastating hit that won the match by four runs. The teams were made up of Council players: - L. A. Muscio, A. V. Sutton, H. Dollin, H. P. Christie, W. Gibson, S. Young, O. H. Hinton, N. Field, Harriett Chesham, S. C. Young, C. Trout, H. Pond, A. V. Sutton, P. Christie, W. Gibson, P. Young, L Dollin, D. Pond, R Hinton and N. Field. The Blues: - – Vera Chesham, Minnie Moore, Phylis Moore, Thelma Thompson, Ailsa Desborough, Daphne Moore, Wilma Chesham, M. Ogilvie, E. Ogilvie, Rose Gassman, E. Fowler, M. McCulloch and E. Towle. Once again in May they beat the Wenty Juniors by 38 runs. In November 1938 a blow to the club came when 16-year-old Aileen Desborough, daughter of Dot and Bert of Station Street at St Marys passed away. The True-Blue Club was well represented at the funeral along with the Manager and employees where she was employed. Along with her parents and many friends, as well as sister Elizabeth “Betty” and three brothers Donald, Bobby, and Keith were at the gravesite at St Mary Magdalene Anglican cemetery, St Marys. When the game ceased to be played in St Marys the equipment was found in a cupboard and donated to St Marys Public School. Maybe you were one of the lucky pupils that used that equipment to play school vigoro? I know I was! Lyn Forde – Research Officer of the St Marys & District Historical Society Inc Source: Nepean Times, Mackay Dailey Mercury, Photo & Family information courtesy of Faye Adams (Moore).

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

ENTERTAINMENT

Footloose comes to the Joan By Keegan Thomson

S P E C I A L collaborative musical event is coming to Penrith with the presentation of Footloose by the LOUD Theatre Company. This one-off musical event will feature students from all across Sydney from public, Catholic and private schools including Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School and St Paul’s Grammar School. Molly Bugeja is a year 11 student at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High. She’s been dancing since she was three years old and she’s scored a featured dancer role in the ensemble cast. “This is my first musical so I’m a little awestruck at the scale of this,” Miss Bugeja said. “It is so amazing to be in one place with so many talented people.” All up there are 38 students in the full cast with around half of the students involved heralding from western Sydney. By having contact with so many performing arts students from across Sydney, Miss Bugeja said she’s making so many connections for

potential future work. “All of us want to be performers so an added bonus of us working together is that we’re able to make really lovely friends. I hope I’m going to be working with all of my new friends for the next years to come,” Miss Bugeja said. Sophia Holland is the director of the musical and the founder of LOUD Theatre Company. She said she puts on special performances like this because there are so many passionate kids who want to perform in western Sydney. “It is for really passionate kids who want to get involved. I wanted to produce something that they could get involved in and share with like minded people,” Mrs Holland said. “Performing arts students are always so busy and socialising outside of your normal curriculum can be hard but something like this brings passionate kids together in a creative and supportive environment.” This LOUD Theatre Company presentation of one of the most explosive movie musicals from the 80s cuts loose live on stage at The Joan on March 16 & 17 with exhilarating results. The show will tour across four different venues in ten days with the

big final at the Big Top at Luna Park in Sydney. The shows will be on Friday March

16 7.30pm, Saturday March 17 2pm & 7.30pm. For your tickets you can ring the box office on 4723 7600.

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

ENTERTAINMENT

ST MARYS DUTCH FESTIVAL MARCH 2018

In touch with the Dutch

At the REMBRANDT Dutch Club 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys ~ 9623 2569

Friday 23rd 10am - late Saturday 24th 10am - late Sunday 25th 10am - 4pm ~ Dutch shop, food and bar ~ Dutch Australian genealogy group ~ Children Corner ~ Children ride and jumping castle from Friday after school

Entertainment Friday • Little Black Ducks • Norm Bakker • “Remixers with Chris” and “Herman” SATURDAY • Miss Bliss & Grace Losurdo • Cool River and ShElvis • The Great Escape, Herman SUNDAY • Dutch Connection • Backwater

FREE ENTRY Friday - Senior day The first cup of coffee is on us, Bring your senior card

Only during the Festival days will there be a free shuttle service from St Marys train station to the Rembrandt Dutch Club and back; Follow the sign at St Marys station. The Rembrandt Club St Marys is usually open Fridays 11am till 11pm Tuesdays 10-4pm. Information for members and their guests

RAB your clogs and your family and head on down to the Dutch Festival for a great time enjoying a cultural blast of everything Dutch on March 23, 24 and 25. Friday March 23 is senior day, the fun starts at 10am with entertainment from the Little Black Ducks till 2pm (by special request). If you have senior friends, take them out for the day! Only on the Friday, bring your senior card and get a free cup of coffee. There is no entry fee all weekend. Saturday and Sunday there will also be loads of things for the children to do. There will be live music all weekend,

from typical Dutch to Country and Australian tunes. The award winning Elvis impersonator (Sheryl) will ‘show off’ on Saturday. You simply haven’t lived if you’ve never tried Dutch donuts (no holes, but plenty fruit) or the Poffertjes (mini pancakes). Your tastebuds are in for a treat with all the Dutch goodies available over the weekend. Visit the Dutch Festival on 2324-25 March held at the Rembrandt Club located at 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys and keep in touch with the Dutch!

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Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Consider insurance essentials With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

he list of things you can insure is increasing all the time. If you insure everything you have and do, your yearly insurance bill will probably be very high. I am not an insurance expert but in my 30 years of banking and mortgage brokering experience, I have learnt a bit of general knowledge about insurance products. People tend to only choose the common items to insure like their car, their health and their home and personal contents but they don’t insure their most valuable item, themselves and their ability to earn an income. The following information is of a very general nature and you should not base any decision to insure or not to insure based solely on this article. You should get independent expert advice before making any important financial decisions around insuring the major aspects of your life. The following notes are some of the tips that I have learnt over the years that may assist you with your choice of the many insurance options available to you. SHOP AROUND FOR QUOTES - Many insurance policy premiums have a lower cost in the

first year and then increase each year. It pays to shop around each year to get the best quote but make sure the new policy will cover all the important items you need. Getting a multi policies discount with the same insurer is not always the cheapest way to go. Usually the cheapest quotes are obtained online and if you elect to pay annually rather than monthly. If you phone for a quote, the premiums are usually higher. HOME AND CONTENTS INSURANCE Many houses that are burnt down are unable to be rebuilt because the building was under-insured. You must also allow enough cover to pay to demolish the remains, council fees, site works plus the cost of rebuilding. Building new homes is very expensive, especially if you are near any bush and may have to add fire protection measures to the new home. LIFE AND TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY COVER - This cover is very important but most people are under-insured as they don’t have enough insurance to repay their home loan and debts iif any one of the income earners of the family die or are un-able to earn an income. The financial problems can be worse if there are also ongoing medical expenses required. INCOME PROTECTION INSURANCE this is a separate policy to Life and TPD (above) and replaces your income, usually at the rate of 75

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

percent of your last years’ income. This is more expensive than Life and TPD as well and the cost can depend on your type of employment. These above two insurances are more important when you are starting out buying your first home and then a lot more valuable when there are children involved. Most people lose their homes due to injury or illness and the associated loss of income from those incidents. Buying property in Sydney is very difficult for most people. Unfortunately, if you lose your ability to keep your income it will usually mean a loss of more than is required to keep making your loan repayments. Best to protect your most important assets: your home and yourself. Even if one partner stays at home to look after the household and children, they should also have cover. TRAVEL INSURANCE - For the relatively small cost for these policies, my opinion is that you should always have cover when travelling overseas. The medical facilities are very different and costs can be extremely high compared to what people expect in Australia. You are not covered by Medicare if you leave the country. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you want to discuss any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Law enforcement assistants (8) 5 Evaluate (6) 9 Dimmed (8) 10 Coiffure (6) 12 Draw out (5) 13 Hindrances (9) 14 Main course (6) 16 Savior (7) 19 When the moon blocks all sunlight (7) 21 Expel (6) 23 Bizarre (9) 25 Forest god (5) 26 An introductory section to a story (2 words) (6) 27 Found on roofs (8) 28 Harm to property (6) 29 Baffle (8)

DOWN 1 Avoid (6) 2 Employees (9) 3 Not those (5) 4 Something very ugly (7) 6 Swordsman (9) 7 Enlist (5) 8 Financial supporters (8) 11 Utilizer (4) 15 Atoning (9) 17 Fazed (9) 18 Revolted (8) 20 Beige (4) 21 Excavator (7) 22 Found on most pencils (6) 24 Assertion (5) 25 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5)

solution 1/3/18

Celebrity

ROUND 2

ROUND 3

CRO syd BRI NZW PAN MEL MAN CAN MEL BUL WES CAN SOU PAR GCT SYD STG bul NQC GCT SOU WES PAR NEW NQC PAN BRI NZW MAN CRO STG NEW March 15 March 16 March 16 March 17 March 17 March 17 March 18 March 18 March 22 March 23 March 23 March 24 March 24 March 24 March 25 March 25 8.05pm 6.0pm 8.05pm 3.05pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 4.10pm 6.30pm 8.05pm 6.00pm 8.05pm 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 4.10pm 6.30pm

SCORE

Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

8 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

10 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

4 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

12 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

8 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

2 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

6 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

10 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

12 Iris Russell -Benard VenueBratusa Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Councillor

10 Thor Thor’s- Cafe Aaron- Tyres @print- 4721 0292

TIPSTERS ROUND 2

ROUND 3

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

8 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

4 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

10 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

4 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

8 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

12 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600

10 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

8 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

6 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

10 Sharon Mudiman - Bespoke Realty Group - 0413 757 998 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

GRIFFIN RUBBISHES “CLUB IN CRISIS” CLAIMS AFTER ROUND ONE WIN Penrith may have won the game 24-14 but it did nothing to dampen the media hype surrounding coach Anthony Griffin at the after-match press conference. But the Panthers coach was in no mood to appease the media when asked about on-going speculation regarding his future at the club and his relationship with his players and Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould. “I don’t read the newspapers. I don’t write that stuff,” Griffin quipped. “From our point of view the club is in a really good place. “I just get on with what I do and what we do as a club. “I have never felt the need to do that (address the players about the rumours). “I never felt the players needed to answer the question.” Panthers skipper Peter Wallace hosed down any suggestions of player unrest with the coach. “It’s all outside noise. It’s not coming from us. We know what we’re doing inside those four walls over there (at the academy),” Wallace declared. “We’ve had a really good pre-season and I think that showed in that second half how fit we are and how together we are as a unit.” The players to their credit have not denied Gould’s involvement with the side, but as Dylan Edwards states, despite the benefits such assistance from Gould provides, the buck stops with coach Anthony Griffin. Furthermore the Panthers fullback confirmed that Gould’s involvement is not as recent as everyone would like to believe. “Gus is obviously one of the most knowledgeable people in the game. He’s obviously coached teams to premierships so to have him floating about (can only be good for the team),” Edwards told Nepean News. “He has always liked to have his little inputs. He has always has done so since I’ve been in first grade. “Gus does a bit of everything. He will talk to anyone he thinks he needs to and puts in his little bits that he feels he needs to add (to our game). “But he definitely doesn’t take over and it’s definitely not a new thing for us. “Hook is 100 percent our coach and he’s the one who makes the final decisions and tells us what we need to do as a team. Gus just helps out.

offer somewhere else, I think I have the blessing from the club to go. “I want to stay here. It is my desire to stay here, but we’ll have to see what happens. I’ve got to do what’s best for my family first and foremost.’’ One player who can be ruled out of leaving the club is Reagan Campbell-Gillard, after a media organisation reported rumours of the Australian prop wanting out, which saw the player take to social media (Instagram) to show his disdain for the report in no uncertain terms. Panthers coach Anthony Griffin rubbished claims of ongoing unrest at Penrith. Credit: 77 Media.

“We don’t worry about those noise being made (about Griffin). I don’t think even he worries about it. “Hook knows where he stands with us. We are behind him and have got a lot of respect for him.” The so-called player exodus that is in part being blamed unfairly on Anthony Griffin could continue with Josh Mansour confirming recently with NRL. com that the off-contract winger will be thinking family-first when it comes to securing his deal. Having remained at the club since 2012 and knocking back several offers along the way, Mansour’s loyalty is sure to be put to the test given he will be looking to provide for his young family now that he has recently become a father for the first time. ‘’I love this club. I’ve always loved this club,’’ Mansour told NRL.com. ‘’And I’ve always believed in what this club is going to achieve in the years to come.’’ “But I have a young family and now I can’t make selfish decisions based on what I want. “Any decision I make is purely based on my family. Everyone knows how much I love my family. “Family is my No.1 value in life. I’ll do whatever I can to make them happy.” The reality is there is a feeling out that Mansour may have to move on in order to retain Nathan Cleary post 2019. ‘’I think the club is going to do the best it can to keep me. I have no doubts about that,” Mansour said. “But I’m sure if I was going to get an awesome

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With all the lead-in hype surrounding former Panther Matthew Lodge’s return to the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos after his much publicised wrong-doings both at home and abroad, it is was interesting to see Gould reveal last week in his Wide World of Sports column that Lodge could return to the club after expressing a desire to return home to Penrith in a meeting late in 2017. But whilst the door remains open, Gould says he advised Lodge to show first loyalty to the Brisbane Broncos for season 2018. Last Sunday’s crowd of 21,506 was the highest opening home game attendance achieved in Penrith’s history at Panthers Stadium. The sell-out was declared last Friday morning and forced a temporary suspension on the sale of memberships. The last time the ‘house full’ sign was raised at Panthers Stadium was in 2014 when Penrith defeated Parramatta 38-12 in front of 19,141 fans. Sam McKendy’s first NRL appearance in over 600 days meant he has moved to 16th on the alltime list of playing most first grade games for the club (146 NRL games). Standby for a new improved Panthers scoreboard to be installed at the Howell Oval end of the ground, sometime in 2018 after the Panthers Board of Directors agreed in concept. If formally approved, the new Panthers Scoreboard will encompass the big screen while also informing members and fans of the final scores in the ISP and Jersey Flegg fixtures. See you at the game! #PantherPride.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

FIJIAN CONNECTION INSPIRE PENRITH’S COME FROM BEHIND WIN Fijian internationals Waqa Blkae and Viliame Kikau were instrumental in Penrith’s 24-14 win over the Parramatta Eels last Sunday afternoon. The pair scored all three of Penrith’s tries to secure the two competition points in front of a packed Panthers Stadium that was stunned early when Parramatta led 14-0 midway through the first half through a double to winger Josh Hoffman as well as a show and go try to playmaker Corey Norman. The Panthers were their own worst enemies. A less than 50% completion rate from their opening eleven sets and a plethora of missed tackles and penalties all conspired to ensure Penrith had just 33 per cent of possession and trail on the scoreboard by at least that 14 point margin. The Panthers finally got themselves into the contest five minutes from halftime when Waqa Blake shrugged off four defenders in a 30-metre run to score next to the posts. The Panthers may have went to halftime trailing 14-6 but had plenty of wind in their sails. Coach Anthony Griffin said after the game that despite doing everything they could to lose the game early on, the team remained calm and were positive that the Blake try would give them the impetus to go on with the job in the second half. “(I was) a bit frustrated like the players. We couldn’t have done any more wrong in that first 2025 minutes,” Griffin declared. “We got ourselves into a hole obviously. They were nice and polished with some of their attack early on and we couldn’t handle a couple of things they threw at us. “(Waqa’s try) just came out of nothing. We weren’t doing much with the ball there. “We weren’t attacking well so to get that six points steadied things and changed our mind set a fair bit. “We were always confident we had a really strong 80 minutes in us and 14-6 was really good for us at halftime.” While Blake’s try gave Penrith a much needed boost in front of 21,506 fans, it was the decision by Griffin to put starting forward Viliame Kikau back to the bench that proved to be decisive. In just 35 minutes, the 118kg Fijian back-rower scored a try, carried the ball 77 metres from nine runs, made five tackle breaks, one line break, one line break assist and one offload, and proved too much to handle for the Eels defence. Kikau turned the game on its’ head in the opening minutes of the second half with a try in the 42nd

to play the full 80 minutes. Next fortnight will see the defending premiers (minus Cartwright) host the North Sydney Bears and the New Zealand Warriors. In earlier action, Penrith’s Jersey Flegg side had defeated the Eels 26-18, having led 14-6 at halftime. The home side watched a 12-point lead evaporate in the second half, before scoring the match-winning try with six minutes left in the contest.

Two-try hero Waqa Blake got Penrith going with this blistering run to the try-line. Credit: 77 Media.

minute after trampling Eels fullback Bevan French and taking Jarryd Hayne across the line with him. Soon after scores were level when Brad Takairangi conceded a penalty by holding down Kikau after another barnstorming run saw the edge-forward beat Mitchell Moses and French. Things went from bad to worse for the Eels when Moses was sin-binned for failing to get square at marker after making a desperate tackle on Nathan Cleary and the subsequent penalty goal put Penrith ahead for the first time in the match. The Panthers soon capitalised on their one-man advantage to extend the lead to 22-14 in the 59th minute with a second try to Blake, after Cleary sent him racing down the touchline. A late penalty goal completed Penrith’s confidence-boosting 24-14 win given the all the negative press of late. In Intrust Super Premiership action, a brave Penrith side threatened to come back from a 24 point halftime deficit despite injuries and departures but fell short in the end, going down 32-24 to the Wentworthville Magpies, in what was Guy Missio’s return as a head coach at this level. First half injuries to Maika Sivo (hamstring) and Jed Cartwright (groin) were compounded when Sione Katoa left the field to fulfil 18th man duties for the NRL side and the Panthers were left with an empty interchange bench when prop Oliver Clark (concussion) was forced from the field during the second half. It meant the likes of Panthers big men, Tim Browne, Kaide Ellis and Jack Hetherington had

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Penrith remain unbeaten in both SG Ball and Harold Matts after claiming their fifth consecutive win after claiming victories over the previously undefeated Newcastle Knights last Saturday at St Marys Leagues Stadium. In Jersey Flegg action, a 24-point haul from fiveeighth Matt Burton inspired Penrith to a 32-16 win over Newcastle Knights on Saturday. The win comes after recording a strong win the previous Sunday at TG Millner over North Sydney 46-8. In Harold Matthews, Penrith are the only undefeated team left in the competition having toppled Newcastle Knights 18-12 after leading 10-6 at the break. The win comes after an equally convincing performance against North Sydney, winning 46-0. However the Tarsha Gale Under 18s girls side having defeated the Sydney Roosters 46-20 the previous week, have fallen to fifth after the Knights leapt frogged them into 4th with a 52-28 win. As expected Dean Whare is named in Penrith’s 21-man squad for the Round Two Saturday 5:30pm home clash with Souths. The squad is as follows: 1. Dylan EDWARDS 2. Josh MANSOUR 3. Waqa BLAKE 4. Tyrone PEACHEY 5. Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. James TAMOU 9. Peter WALLACE (c) 10. Reagan CAMPBELLGILLARD 11. Viliame KIKAU 12. Isaah YEO 13. Trent MERRIN 14. Corey HARAWIRANAERA 15. Sam MCKENDRY 16. Moses LEOTA 17. James FISHER-HARRIS 18. Sione KATOA 19. Tim BROWNE 20. Dean WHARE 21. Christian CRICHTON #PantherPride

27 27 Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Repeat Sets

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Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

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PENRITH PANTHERS

Potential Dyl-lemma looms for Edwards By STEWART MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

n coming weeks, Penrith fullback, Dylan Edwards, is set to join the growing ranks of players who have welcomed the birth of a baby into their families. Over the past twelve months the likes of Tyrone Peachey, Peter Wallace, Josh Mansour, James FisherHarris, Waqa Blake and Sione Katoa have welcomed the birth of a newborn child into their families. Edwards is excited by the prospect of his first baby arriving as scheduled between Penrith’s games against Souths (at home this Saturday) and the following Friday night away clash against the Bulldogs. But the Panthers custodian also admits he does have a dilemma on his hand should the birth not take place until on or just before their Round Four clash against premiership favourites, North Queensland Cowboys on the Thursday before Easter. Edwards concedes he isn’t sure if he will play or not given his preference is to be at the birth of his first child. “I’m really excited. Not long to go now. One and a half to two weeks actually she is due,” Edwards told Nepean News. “Hopefully the baby comes on time and hopefully it doesn’t go over as we have to go to Townsville the week after. “Obviously the birth of your first child is something very special and I admit I haven’t really thought about it (if it does go over).

Dylan Edwards and Viliame Kikau were among Penrith’s best in the second half fightback against the Eels. Credit: 77 Media.

“But I’ll make up my mind if and when it comes to that.” Whilst Edwards has the potential of a dilemma looming off the field, the fullback overcame plenty of a pre-season injury dilemma to be one of Penrith’s best in their come-frombehind 24-14 win over local rivals, Parramatta last Sunday. Edwards’ pre-season wasn’t ideal with the Panthers fullback having to battle the on-going effects of a groin injury that he concedes he only managed to get on top of just weeks

out from the start of the season. But despite those pre-season disruptions and a shaky start to the game with two turnovers in the opening half, Edwards picked up where he left off his break-through 2018 season and was one of Penrith’s best, accumulating a game high 174 metres from 13 runs, with two line breaks, a line break assist and 10 tackle breaks. “I’ve been in and out of pre-season with groin troubles but of late it’s been pretty good,” Edwards confirmed. “I’ve pretty much been back in the

Coach’s Corner T

NRL Round 1 Review:

he opening weekend of the NRL season proved that as much as things are ever changing, some things stay the same. The Storm looked ominous as they comfortably handled a more fluent and open Bulldogs team in Perth. The Cowboys ground out a tough win over the Sharks in Jonathan Thurston’s 300th game. The Dragons put an uncharacteristically sloppy Broncos team to the sword in the opening match of the Premiership. The Broncos have some concerns in the halves and the decision to start Sam Thaiday at hooker was a real head scratcher. Ben Hunt and Gareth Widdop look as though they will form a very strong halves pairing which could push the Dragons into Top 4 contention. The Knights managed to squeak out a win in golden point over the Sea Eagles in a strange but entertaining game. The halves issues that made me predict the Sea Eagles to finish at the bottom of the table this season were very evident with Daly Cherry Evans having to create all the offensive momentum for the team and they are going to rely on Jake

Trbojevic to act as an extra ball player in the middle of the field. The Sea Eagles deserve a heap of credit for their effort as they had no ball in the second half and the Knights should have ran up a score with the possession they were afforded. Young Kayln Ponga played well above his level of experience scoring a try and saving a couple in front of a massive crowd in Newcastle. The Warriors looked fit, strong and fast as they smashed the Rabbitohs in somewhat of a surprising result with Blake Green adding whole new dimension to their team and they looked composed and measured in everything they do. The Tigers caused the biggest upset of the round as they rolled the conservative and below par Roosters who look to need time in order to develop combinations and fluency in their attack. Benji Marshall looked to have a new lease on life as he returned to his former club and Ivan Cleary has the Tigers roster playing well above their on paper ability. The craziest game of the weekend turned out to be the final game as the Titans came back from 18

swing of things for the last month and it’s been good. “Parra definitely showed up ready to play but we didn’t make it too easy on ourselves, particularly my stuff ups early on. “I just tried to brush those errors aside and the boys helped. “I thought that with an even share of possession then maybe we could put some points on them. “Thankfully we weathered the storm so to get that first win for the year already is good to get.”

Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

points down to win on the siren against the Raiders. It proved to be a game of two halves as the Raiders folded to allow the Titans back into the game. And the biggest game of the weekend was at Penrith Stadium which was packed with the house full sign up as the Eels rolled into town for the local derby. Another game of two halves as the Eels led and were dominant in the first half but wilted under some quality Panthers play in the second half. Too much focus has been off the field for he Panthers and I am sure all involved at the club were glad to see a ball kicked off in anger this past weekend. They will look to continue their momentum this weekend as the Rabbitohs roll into town in what will prove to be a dangerous game for the Panthers as their opposition look to notch up their first win of the season. Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright seem distant memories for Panthers fans on the back of Sunday’s performances of Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary and James Maloney who will only form a stronger combination as the season progresses.

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SPORT By STEWART MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

ust as their senior counterparts did just over twelve months ago in claiming Sydney Grade Cricket’s First Grade One Day Title, the fourth-placed Penrith Under 21s side claimed the Poidevin-Gray title in style, with an effortless 84run win over sixth-placed Gordon at Howell Oval last Sunday. The win is the club’s fourth title in this competition and their first since 2009-10 when a few handy cricketers by the names of Pat Cummins, Jordan Silk and Ryan Gibson featured in that title win. Penrith having won the toss and electing to bat, raced to 1/90 in the 16th over before captain Cameron Weir (46) departed which triggered a mini-collapse in the middle overs, losing 5-47, before before Jake Wholohan and Trent Weir (33) put on 65 runs for the seventh wicket to ensure the Panthers would finish their innings at 7/229. The 230 run target proved too much for a young Gordon side when prolific first grade batsman, skipper Axel Cahlin was dismissed early on for just 13 by Ryan Fletcher (2-29). By the 25th over, the visitors were

in trouble at 5/81 and Gordon were left with far too much work to do against a Penrith attack featuring four spinners that relished the conditions and bowled their opponents out for just 145 runs in the 44th over with Andrew Hazard (3-22) and Raajdeep Singh (214) making significant contributions. But it was Jake Wholohan who was awarded the Shane Lee Medal after being named player of the match after scoring 65 with the bat and taking 1-28 with the ball. It was a great note for the all-rounder to finish a tough season on, noting that it also the last time that he, Cameron Weir, Brent Atherton and Hazard can play in this competition. “It’s very surreal to be honest. I’ve had a pretty tough season this year so to win PGs today is an unbelievable feeling, it’s been three years in the making this premiership,” Wholohan told Nepean News. “I would not have thought I would have been the top scorer but to get the runs today and hold the innings together was a great feeling. “I thought with 230 on the board it was always going to be pretty tough to get in a final and then we got Axel early. “Spin was really hard to play on this wicket. It worked in our favour really well (playing the four spinners).

Jake Wholohan ends the season on a high, winning the Shane Lee Medal as MOTM in Penrith’s latest PG title win. Credit: Ian Bird Photography.

Adam Burton, Andrew Hazard were exceptional. “I’ve played with Cameron and Brent since under 10s so it’s particularly special with those two. “And to be able to play Poidevin Gray with them and first grade with them it’s unbelievable.” For coach Michael Castle, it was a different yet all the same satisfying feeling to one he experienced as

the Michael Bevan Medallist in last season’s first grade one-day title win, adding that he was very confident that his side that featured up to six players that had played first grade under him, would get the job done. “It’s a very good feeling. A little bit different being a coach than a player,” Castle admitted. “I just warm the players up more than anything else. “Once they enter the field they are on their own. “Without trying to sound too cocky I thought we were always a good chance to win today. “I thought we were definitely a better side on paper than Gordon. “We played to our strengths and to be honest I thought we never looked like losing the game. “The tosses have fallen our way and we have been able to bowl to our strengths. “Not many teams can chase down 220 plus out here. “I also think we were very lucky that we were one of the few sides (with first grade experience) given we have had six guys play first grade cricket in some capacity. “To have that experience in the higher grades it was always going to be quite easy for them to adapt back to PG’s.”

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Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

Resounding win sees Penrith claim fourth PGs title

Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

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Leonay Golf Club Selects Masters Squad for Pennants By Noel Rowsell

eonay Golf Club has arguably announced it’s strongest-ever Masters Pennants team, with several highly-credentialled A Grade players qualifying for the first time in the age bracket. Led by one of the Club’s highestachieving players in captain Laurie Cupples, the Leonay team looks capable of performing extremely well this season. Seasoned Masters campaigners Gary Bennett, Ken Gordon, Peter McFarlane, John Kennedy and Cupples are returning, whilst the new faces are Ian Barnes, Mark Cain, Peter Homan, Brett Evans and Peter Fowler. Leonay GC Committee members Peter Walker and Paul Latimer will undertake the manager and assistant manager roles respectively for the team. Leonay’s opponents this year are Bardwell Valley, Lynwood and Macquarie Links, with the first round of games scheduled for Sunday 29th April, 2018 The strength of the Masters team is underlined by the inclusion of Barnes

Leonay GC members Michael (Mick) and Mabel (Mei) McCormick in action at Blackheath during the 35th Annual Blue Mts Week of Golf. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

and Cain, who are both currently members of the A Grade Pennants squad. Several Leonay GC members competed in this month’s 35th Annual Blue Mountains Week of Golf, with rounds played at Wentworth Falls Country Club, Leura Golf Club, Blackheath Golf Club and Springwood Country Club.

Senior Sport Star of the Month

The Leonay pairing of husband and wife Michael (Mick) and Mabel (Mei) McCormick took out the respective Men’s and Women’s divisions on the opening day of competition. Appalling weather conditions had limited the field to all but the bravest on the first day but the skies cleared for the remainder of the week, providing perfect playing conditions for each

Junior Sport Star of the Month

By CONNER LOWE

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Matthew Alcock the Senior Sport Star of the Month award for his amazing development and skill in Acrobatic Gymnastics. Matthew is an Acrobatic Gymnast from South Penrith. He has been competing in Gymnastics for seven years, since he was 10 years old. He was a State Level Men’s Gymnast and was the State Champion on rings in 2016. He switched to Acrobatic Gymnastics soon after and has been training in Acrobatics for the past 12 months. He is currently training at the Sydney Gymnastics Centre in Rooty Hill. Matthew spoke about his training week for Acrobatic Gymnastics and his best achievements in the sport so far. “I train on Monday and Friday mornings for two hours each time. Then I train on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons for four hours each time. A total of 23 hours per week. These training times are often increased around competition times. Each training session can involve weights, swimming, strength and cardio,” he said. “My best achievement that I have done in Acrobatics is making it on to the Australian team. This has allowed me to compete in Las Vegas where we placed 3rd overall and having the opportunity to go to the world championships in Belgium next month. It is a great way to travel around the World and see different countries.” During this 12 months, he and his

partner Ebony have won gold in all the events they have participated in. This include State trials, National Clubs Competition as well as the World Championship trials late last year. Matthew spoke about how he felt upon receiving the award for the Senior Sports Star of the Month. “I feel great. A lot of training goes into making a National Team and a lot of sacrifices are made due to the amount of time that is put into training and competing. It is great to reap the rewards from all my hard work,” he said. Matthew and Ebony were recently selected to represent Australia in the 12-18 years mixed pair at the World Age Championships that are to be held in Antwerp, Belgium in April 2018. They also represented Australia in Las Vegas in February as a preworld championship competition for international experience.

subsequent day’s competitors. Sharon Blake (Kiama GC) and Paul Atkins (Wyong GC) would prove the best players for the week, taking out the respective Women’s and Men’s Titles. The McCormicks took out an additional prize apiece, with Mick winning a Nearest the Pin prize at Wentworth Falls and Mei winning the same award at Blackheath.

By CONNER LOWE

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Ebony McLean the Junior Sport Star of the Month award for her amazing development and skill in Acrobatic Gymnastics. Ebony has been competing In Acrobatic Gymnastics since she was nine years old. She has represented Australia on several occasions and represented Australia in Las Vegas in February and will again at the World Age championships in Belgium in April. Ebony spoke about her best achievements so far in Gymnastics and what she loves most about Acrobatic Gymnastics. “Competing for Australia in a World cup event in Belgium where my previous partner and I won a silver medal. My current partner, Matt, and I won National Clubs

Carnival title at the end of last year and Matt and I won a bronze medal at the Vegas Cup in Las Vegas in February this year,” she said. “It is unique and there are always interesting skills and choreography to learn. We get to help choose our music and have custom made leotards. I have also been able to travel around the World and see a lot of countries.” She is partnered with Matthew Alcock who won the Senior nominee this month. Together they have won gold in every competition they have contested. This year is going to be a very big year for them both. Ebony spoke about her nomination for the award and how she feels about receiving the award for Junior Sports Star of the Month. “It was a nice surprise to be nominated. A lot of people don’t know what acrobatics is so we get to show it off a bit. It is nice to be able to compete in front of our family and friends so they can see what we do,” she said. “I feel very excited and grateful, especially with our sport not being a mainstream sport even though it is a gym sport. It is good to be able to show people what the sport is about and show them how fun and rewarding it can be.” Ebony and Matt have won gold in the National Clubs carnival in Bendigo, State Championships and won first place and a place on the National Team for World Age Championships this year. She also won Bronze at the Flanders Cup in Belgium when she was just 11 years old.

PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

What a spectacular round of footy!

 Poor

 Better

The opening eight games of season 2018 certainly lived up to the hype, and then some. Now that our appetite has been well and truly whet let’s dissect the clashes individually and see what went right, and what went wrong for certain teams. Remembering this is only round ONE, and the premiership race is a marathon not a sprint. Thursday night- Dragons 34 defeated the Broncos 12. The Dragons ‘spine’ 1,6,7,9, looked slick, now with Ben Hunt able to score points. The Broncos need to quickly arrest their halves combination, their lack of penetration was obvious, but so was their lack of ball security. Dragons 8/10 Broncos 5/10 Friday night game 1. Newcastle 19 Manly 18 The new look Knights started this round’s fairy-tale victories with a golden point victory over Manly. The Knights now have composure thanks to Mitchell Pearce, but it was there ball security (85% completion) that won them the game. Manly may be in a bit of trouble this season. Knights 8/10 Manly 6/10 Friday night game 2. Cowboys 20 Sharks 14 Not much to write about here except that both these teams will be there come late September. Congrats to JT on his 300 games. Cowboys 8/10 Sharks 7/10 Saturday game 1. Tigers 10 Roosters 8 “Houston, do we have a problem?” Wow, nobody saw this result coming did we? The premiership faves were caught in first-gear in what was a very lacklustre affair by the boys from Bondi. On the other hand the Tigers were very brave, especially their defence. The Roosters will bounce back but the Tigers aren’t going anywhere either. Tigers 9/10 Roosters 5/10

 Best

Saturday game 2. The first of the Perth double headers. Rabbits 20 Warriors 32. Most ‘experts’ tip for the wooden spoon, the Warriors, were in a word ELECTRIC! The Rabbits weren’t that bad it’s just that the Warriors were fantastic. Consistency is again now going to be the Warriors hardest opponent. Rabbits 6/10 Warriors 9/10 Saturday game 3 and the second game of the double headers in Perth. Bulldogs 18 Storm 36. The Melbourne Storm are just a juggernaut of a team/club. Slater is ruled out, Munster slots in at number 1 and stars! Again, the Dogs weren’t overly bad it’s just that they were up against a way superior team. Bulldogs 7/10 Storm 9/10. Sunday game 1. Panthers 24 Eels 14 Talk about a game of two halves. Penrith started like the tumultuous offseason had them gagged, but a completely different team in the second half. Parra looked like the hype in the first 40 but fell away badly in the second stanza. Penrith 8/10 Parra 7/10 Sunday game 2 Titans 30 v Raiders 28 As my kids say, OMG! What a game. Titans were gone early but somehow clawed their way back to a victory that could define their season. Raiders were awesome early but ran out of steam. Garth Brennan’s men fought to the final bell to come away with a momentous win. Titans 8/10 Raiders 7/10. One round done, 25 to go! How good is this competition looking so early on? Can’t wait for the next installment! See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 31 Nepean News 15 March 2018 Issue 222

MG on the mark

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