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LOCAL NEWS Australia Day 2026 Ambassadors announced to celebrate Australia
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OCAL Government Areas across NSW will play host to 111 inspirational Australians on 26 January as the Australia Day Ambassador Program, the largest in the country, enters its 36th year. Set to take part in local events spanning the state, ambassadors for 2026 represent all facets of our community and what it means to be Australian. They are champions in their respective fields; from a world-renowned interior designer, a celebrated Superbike Champion, an awarding winning flautist, and celebrity chefs, to the voice of Blinky Bill. Every year, the Australia Day Council of NSW selects a group of remarkable Australians whose achievements spark a sense of national pride and 2026 is no different. Their personal journeys are as unique and uplifting as the towns and regions they travel to. From Balranald Shire Council in the Murray Region, the Kyogle Council in the Northern Rivers, to Parramatta and Blacktown in Sydney, the Ambassador program covers every corner of the state and enriches local events and celebrations. Participating ambassadors and LGAs have both seen an increase from 2025, a testament to the way NSW communities and residents are honouring our national day in a way that is meaningful to them. Minister for Jobs and Tourism the Hon Steve Kamper said: “Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us. Our shared values. Our diversity. The spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian. “It is wonderful to see so many inspiring individuals volunteering their time to support Australia Day 2026 in NSW communities. The breadth of their collective achievements is truly remarkable. “The Australia Day Ambassador
program and the sheer volume of local events planned across the state are a reminder of how strong our sense of community in NSW truly is.” Ambassador commitments include presenting community members with Citizen of the Year awards, participating in local events and welcoming new Australians at citizenship ceremonies. They also get involved in judging quintessentially Australian competitions such as thong throwing, yabby races, watermelon eating and backyard cricket, all while experiencing the warm hospitality that only NSW can offer. Each reason for an ambassador to partake in the longstanding program and what they seek to contribute with their role is different. First time Australia Day Ambassador, TV Cook, Broadcaster and Writer, Fuzz Ali said: “I am
excited to get out into the community, and to meet our local heroes who embody this spirit. People who have been here for more than 60,000 years, and those who arrived in our generation, all hoping to leave the world, and this wonderful country, better than how we first experienced it. “I had the privilege of being born in Australia, growing up in Fiji, and returning to Australia as an adult, I’ve experienced the generosity of this country here at home, and out in the wider world. This is something worth celebrating.” General Practitioner and television host Dr Cindy Pan has been an ambassador for over 15 years and her commitment to the program is a personal one. “It’s taken me to places I might otherwise not have visited and it’s a valuable opportunity to reflect
and consider what it means to be an Australian, to consider my heritage and how my parents each came to be here; to explore and interrogate our family’s and our country’s past, appreciate our present, dream about our future.” she said. Australia Day events whether regional or metropolitan are the catalyst for bringing people together within their local communities to celebrate their achievements, strengths and unique character. The full list of 2026 NSW Australia Day Ambassadors and the communities they will visit is available at: australiaday.com.au/ about/australia-day-ambassadors. The NSW Government’s lead agency for tourism and major events, Destination NSW, is delivering the Australia Day in NSW event program on behalf of the Australia Day Council of NSW.
Help design a new mural for Gipps Street Recreation Precinct
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ENRITH City Council is inviting young people aged 12 to 24yrs who live, work, learn or play in Penrith to help design a vibrant new mural for the Youth Zone at the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct. The mural is for the large 11-metre wall that sits behind the half-court. This blank canvas offers an exciting and highly visible space for an artwork that reflects the energy, creativity and diversity of local young people. They’ll be collecting ideas and inspiration from young people online and at a workshop. The workshop, held over 2 days in January, will be led by artists Daniel Walton and Scott Nagy who have strong experience in youth engagement. Ideas gathered will be used to help shape the mural design. Painting will take place in March
2026 ahead of the mural’s official launch during Youth Week celebrations between 16 to 26 April 2026. Get involved Young people can share their ideas in two ways:
Attend a free 2-day design workshop A 2-day design workshop will be held in the January 2026 school holidays. This free workshop will guide participants through exploring themes, stories and colours that will inspire the
mural design. Dates: Tuesday 6 January and Wednesday 7 January Times: 3:30pm to 5pm (finish time is approximate) Location: Amenities Building, Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, 34 Gipps Street, Claremont Meadows Share your feedback online If you can’t attend the workshop, you can still help shape the artwork by sharing ideas, themes and inspiration. To help guide your submission, we have included some ideas as prompts under the categories: • Stories • Colours & styles • Imagery & symbols • Themes & messages Young people can submit their ideas until 5pm on Friday 30 January 2026.
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Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
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OCAL nurse Emily Chisnall has been recognised by her local community for her exceptional commitment to compassionate, highquality patient care at the annual Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Together Awards. Emily received the Above and Beyond Consumer Award, a community-nominated honour celebrating staff whose dedication, empathy and professionalism make a lasting impact on patients and families. Hawkesbury Hospital hosted a special celebration to announce and honour award recipients who consistently go above and beyond in
their everyday roles. Nurse Unit Manager, Tracie Norman said Emily’s recognition is well deserved. “Her compassion and professionalism embody the very best of midwifery and nursing, and we are fortunate to have her on our team at Hawkesbury. Whether working within the Maternity team or deployed to support other departments, she consistently delivers care at the highest level and makes a real difference every day.” Congratulations Emily and thank you for the incredible care you provide our community.
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FTER an incredible 65 years at Guido’s Haircare, Guido will be semi-retiring at the end of January. While he’s stepping back, you’ll still see his friendly face every Tuesday in the salon. Guido would love to thank all his loyal customers for the years of support, chats, and memories. If you’d like to pop in and say goodbye before the end of January, he’d be so happy to see you — or feel free to drop by on a Tuesday to say hello. Thank you, Guido, for 65 amazing years!
Authorised by Karen McKeown OAM, Shop 23 Ground Floor Tattersalls Centre, Penrith NSW 2750 using Parliamentary entitlements.
Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
Guido to semi-retire this month
Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
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LOCAL NEWS
7 new police officers hit the ground in Penrith
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HE Minns Labor Government is delivering 341 new police recruits to help make NSW safer with the largest class in 13 years attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy. Class 367 is the third recordbreaking class to attest in 2025, proof that the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to police pay and recruitment are making inroads to rebuild the NSWPF. Class 367 will be deployed to 57 Police Area Commands and Police Districts, serving as General Duties officers and strengthening the NSWPF’s capability to fight crime and keep the community safe. In December, the Probationary Constables began 12 months of on-thejob training across NSW including: • Central Metropolitan Region – 77 • Northern Region – 65 • North West Metropolitan Region – 74 • South West Metropolitan Region – 65 • Southern Region – 30 • Western Region – 30 Class 367 is made up of 248 men and 93 women, aged between 19 and 54. The cohort also includes 14 First Nations officers and officers who were born in 19 different countries. Class 367 not only includes recruits that applied directly after finishing their HSC, but also from a wide range of vocations including hospitality, plumbing and mechanics. Policing works best when it reflects the community it serves, and today’s class shows exactly that. Diverse in
age, culture and life experience. This class also includes 50 officers from regional communities who have elected to serve in or near their hometown after attesting, taking advantage of the Minns Labor Government’s Be A Cop In Your Hometown program and bolstering regional policing resources. The Minns Labor Government delivered a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police in November 2024, we have seen an additional 1,255 new recruits join the force. That is more than double the recruits from the previous 12-month period. The government says it is continuing to rebuild the NSWPF and create safer communities through: • Establishing an historic scheme
to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF. • Establishing the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting. • Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join. • Launching the new Cadet Traineeship Program to give young, aspiring officers a pathway into the NSWPF. • Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support existing officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSWPF.
“While we’ve made progress, there is more to do, and we’ll continue working hard to rebuild the NSW Police Force and deliver a safer Penrith and NSW for all,” said Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM. “I warmly welcome the 7 new recruits to the Nepean Police Area Command. They will play an important role in delivering safer streets and stronger communities. “I’m grateful for their decision to put on the uniform and dedicate themselves to serving and protecting our people in Penrith. “I look forward to supporting them in their work and seeing the contribution they’ll make to our community.”
From Sunrise to Sunset: Australia Day 2026 bigger “and better than ever” THE Minns Labor Government has unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity. From sunrise to nightfall, communities across NSW will come together with friends and families to enjoy a program filled with free events curated for all ages, and wrapping up with a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House forecourt. Australia Day Live will feature an all-star Aussie lineup, including Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton and Jude York, alongside supergroup The Fabulous Caprettos, composed of Wendy Matthews, Rai Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson and Joe Camilleri. The concert will include a tribute to the families and communities affected by the terror attack in Bondi last month and a performance by Sydney based band SHIR - Australian Jewish Music Festival, who performed their moving rendition of I Am Australian at the Bondi vigil last month. The concert will feature a unique fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay, delivering a memorable celebration for locals and visitors. Sydney will mark the day with a series of major celebrations across the state, including via the Australia Day Ambassador Program featuring more than 100 inspirational Australians and a series of moving ceremonies in NSW.
From dawn and into the night on 26 January 2026, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour will be the focal point of activity, with events across land, water and sky, designed for people of all ages. • The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated for the Dawn reflection at sunrise with a striking artwork by Garry Purchase, a proud Aboriginal man, which will be followed by the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo’s Walumil Lawns . • The Harbourfest daytime program will be action packed with the Midday Salute honouring the contributions of Australian veterans through a triforces display, as well as Maritime Mayhem and the Harbour Parade, with vessels dressing to impress in a colourful display of national spirit, and the Australia Day Regatta. • Surf Life Saving NSW will host its Fun in the Sun activation at First Fleet Lawn, offering free activities and games where children can engage with volunteers and learn how to stay safe in the water. • The return of the popular Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal will offer giant games, inflatables and arcade action for families. Further announcements will be made ahead of Australia Day 2026, with full details available at australiaday.com.au. Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said: “As we approach Australia Day, there is an opportunity to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us – a shared belief in freedom, respect
and a fair go. “This year, we are hosting the largest Australia Day celebration anywhere in the country, with free events from sunrise to nightfall that bring people together across Sydney Harbour and right around NSW. “Throughout the day, Sydney Harbour will come alive with activities that celebrate the Australian spirit, showcase our vibrant multicultural communities, honour our First Nations history, and provide moments of reflection as we stand with those affected by the vile antisemitic Bondi terror attack.” Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us. Our shared values. Our diversity. The spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian. “At the end of 2025, we saw that spirit at its strongest, as communities came together to support one another in the wake of the tragic events at Bondi. “Australia Day 2026 gives us the chance to come together again with care, respect and unity to reflect on who we are and what we stand for. “The Minns Labor Government has delivered an action-packed program that’s bigger than ever, with free events for all ages across the day, and a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House. “Whether you’re starting the day at Dawn Reflection, or firing up the BBQ, make the most of Australia Day 2026.”
LOCAL NEWS 7
Photos from 2025.
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LTHOUGH April might feel a long way away during the heat of summer, preparations are already underway for the Emu Plains Community Anzac Day Service for 2026. With Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay now part of the Federal electorate of Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP is proud to be involved in organising the service at the Emu Plains War Memorial, having worked with Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh for the 2025 service. Once again, representatives from local organisations are stepping up to be involved, including volunteers from City of Penrith RSL Sub-branch, Nashos, Emu Plains Lions Club, Emu Plains Girl Guides, the Nepean District Historical Society, Nepean Valley Trefoil Guild and Emu Plains Anglican Church. “I also welcome the involvement of NSW State MP for Penrith, Karen McKeown, who is joining
the organising committee, as well as the support of Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and local Councillors serving on Penrith Council,” said Ms Templeman.
“It is clear how important it is for our community to come together with their neighbours on Anzac Day, to honour and reflect on the service and sacrifice of defence personnel,
veterans and their families, with hundreds of people turning out to the 2025 ceremony. “I am proud to be part of making sure this event will continue. “Like I did last year, I am looking forward to marking Anzac Day with our community here at Lions Park in Emu Plains, to show our respect for the military personnel who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our country safe, and to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.” Additional volunteers are needed to assist with the preparations, and local businesses can also get involved in supporting the service. To register your interest, please contact Susan Templeman MP susan. templeman.mp@aph.gov.au or Karen McKeown MP penrith@parliament. nsw.gov.au. The next meeting is happening on Friday 16 January at 4pm at the Emu Plains Girl Guides Hall.
Construction to start on Mulgoa Road Stage 2 - statement by Transport NSW “THE Australian and NSW Governments are delivering another significant piece of Mulgoa Road, with an 850 metre stretch between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway to be upgraded. Known as Mulgoa Road Stage 2, work will now begin after the contract with Transport for NSW’s Mulgoa Road Alliance delivery partners Seymour Whyte and Turnbull
Engineering was signed. Building on Stage 1 from Jeanette Street to Blaikie Road, this new section will seamlessly tie into Stage 2 and deliver better, safer access in and out of Glenmore Parkway and the southern sections of Mulgoa Road. Key to the Stage 2 upgrade will be replacing the roundabout at Glenmore Parkway and Mulgoa Road with traffic lights. There will also be up to
three additional lanes on the approach roads and dedicated turning lanes at the intersection. A shared path and dedicated bus lanes will also form part of the upgrade. With the Stage 1 upgrade due for completion next year, Stage 2 work will gather momentum with completion expected in 2029. Stage 1 work is seeing the road
widened between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road to three lanes in each direction along with intersection upgrades and better access in and out of Penrith Homemaker Centre. Progress along Stage 1 has now seen traffic switched into its final configuration as the upgrade advances. This work is part of a jointly funded $230 million from the NSW and Federal Governments.”
Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
Preparations already underway for 2026 Emu Plains Community Anzac Day service
Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
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NEPEAN HISTORY
The Passing of a Penrith Pioneer D
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
INAH Fanny Jones of ‘’Telopea” Belmore Street in Penrith was the wife of John Jones and was born in January 1845 in the town of Lawson in the Blue Mountains to parents Henry and Sarah Wilson (Affairte). In June 1869 she married John at St James’ Church, Sydney and soon afterwards they settled in Penrith. Dinah’s birthplace was the old ‘’Blue Mountain Inn” that was first licensed by Henry in 1840. The inn was one of the few two-storied buildings of the historic early days and was the place of Dinah’s early childhood and years before the telegraph and railroad lines crossed the Mountains or even arrived in Australia (1879). The original two-story inn was accidentally destroyed by fire and later rebuilt as a one-storied building and Henry and Sarah continued to run. They were among the leading pioneers of the Lawson district. In those far remote years the mail and passenger coaches from Parramatta to the outback townships were the best means of travel. It was the wild, heroic, formative era with promise and on the verge of expectation of the great gold discoveries on the Turon. Dinah was their juvenile observer and saw the pristine misty valleys and mountain ranges in all their virgin splendour. In 1915 it seemed every ‘’approachable’’ ridge had its hamlet or town, its Lawson, Springwood or Katoomba with its urban institutions that were civic tributes and monuments to the genius toils and foresight of the pioneers who laid their foundations by their colonising effort of years ago. A young Dinah left Lawson with her parents in 1850 travelling enroute over many parts of the first Government road over the mountains, built under the supervision of William Cox in 1814. On coming to Penrith in 1850, Dinah’s father Henry took over the business of the ‘’Governor Bourke Hotel”, the historic building and in 1915 once occupied by Arthur Bennett situated at “Riverside” Penrith and immediately overlooking the Nepean River. A notable fact was that both these historic places, the Blue Mountain Inn (Lawson) and the garden adjacent to the “Governor Bourke Hotel” (Penrith) was, in 1915 still in the possession of the Wilson-Jones family, being the fourth generation there. Several of the original mulberry trees and an almond tree of the old orchard were still bearing fruit in season. “Governor Bourke Hotel” was originally built by Charles Wilson the brother of Henry and the building still stood in 1915 being lived in by the Bennett family for close on 80 years. During the Wilson family’s occupancy of the hotel the flood of 1867 occurred. A flood of such magnitude it was safe to say never previously known in the Nepean District. The flood waters rose to the top balcony of the hotel that stood at least 50 feet above the riverbank and played havoc with livestock and property on both sides of the river that caused much erosion of the bank. Dinah said that the old line of the riverbank known to her in girlhood had been completely swept away and the old cattle tracks here-and-there obliterated. The hotel and its vicinity were naturally hallowed ‘’ports of call’’ and haunts of golden memories for Dinah. A Russian naturalist named Stein claimed he had seen gold-bearing ore while on a 12-day trip to the Blue Mountains in March 1820 but many people were sceptical of his claim at that time. In 1841 Reverend William Branwhite Clarke found gold at Coxs’ River on the road to Bathurst and in 1843 he spoke to many people of the abundance of gold likely to be found in the colony of New South Wales. Ten years later a delighted Aboriginal prospector found a large gold nugget in the Turon River and Dinah remembered in her girlhood the nightly camps and the drays of the wayfarers bound for the diggings stretched for a mile or more on either side of the river at
Photo of the original Governor Bourke Inn curtesy of Blue Mountains Library
times, and the tremendous procession of the eager gold seekers passing with every form of vehicle from four-in-hand gigs, waggonettes, springcarts, bullock drays, wheelbarrows right down to ‘ Shank’s pony’’ the only ‘’vehicle’’ that thousands of eager diggers could use to reach the diggings of the west and on the tail end after the diggings had been in progress for some time, there came a horde of “jabbering Chinese”, the vanguard that spread over the fields of NSW and Victoria despite the opposition of the disgusted white diggers. The Chinese survived the insults and banishment and returned again as the lucky fossickers of many worn out claims. In the mid-1860s two woollen mills were in full swing on the Nepean, Raynor’s on the Emu side and the shell of the Penrith Company’s Mill standing in a fairly state of repair by James Blaikie’s property on the eastern bank. The vague memory of the manufactures of the past whistled through the empty quarters of the relic of the mill that was still standing in 1915, one of only three woollen mills in the whole State at that time. The old-time bushrangers loomed largely in the formative years of Dinah who became a bright and interested witness. She remembered in her girlhood having the somewhat dubious pleasure of an “unrehearsed’’ interview with the notorious bushranger John Peisley who was executed in Bathurst Gaol in 1862. Accompanied by her young brother Charles they were proceeding across the river bridge towards Penrith one morning when they were confronted by Peisley who requested that she returned to the hotel to supply him with food. He detained her brother as hostage while waiting her return. As it was impolite to argue the point with a hungry armed outlaw Dinah set out and returned with Paisley’s requisitioned staples. Needless to say, the unwelcome guest soon made tracks for parts unknown and, of course, Dinah and her brother were most happy to be rid of his dubious company. Dinah also mentioned that she had also seen bushranger “bold” Jack Donohoe who she described as a small wiry-looking fellow who had great aversion to be seen in the company of the police, and as tradition and local knowledge declares the police kept a very private eye on Donohoe’s Cave in the foothills overlooking the western bank of the Nepean. (But this memory would have been impossible as he was killed in September 1830 at Bringelly, NSW before she was born). Dinah was the mother of our “Master Tanner” Frederick Charles Jones who had his tannery at Stott’s Creek, Werrington. Dinah died in July 1915 at the age of 70 years and is buried in St Stephens cemetery, Penrith. Source: Trove-Nepean Times, Anglican Parish Registers, Ancestry, NSW Births, Deaths &Marriages, Wikipedia.
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Ph 4736 2027 49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills
New Year’s Resolutions for you and your Pet
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
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HE start of a new year is a natural time to reflect and reset. Many of us set goals for ourselves, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to think about our pets— who are very much part of our families. Including your pet in your New Year’s resolutions can strengthen your bond and support their health and happiness throughout the year. Here are some simple, achievable resolutions to help set your pet up for a great year ahead. Learn something new together Training isn’t just for puppies. Teaching new skills or refreshing basic training provides mental stimulation,
builds confidence, and strengthens the connection you share with your pet. Make hydration a daily habit Fresh, clean water plays a vital role in digestion, joint health, and overall wellbeing. Refresh water bowls daily and take note of any changes in your pet’s drinking habits. Reduce stress and encourage calm Pets can be sensitive to changes in routine, noise, or boredom. Enrichment through toys, play, gentle grooming, and quiet time helps support emotional wellbeing—for pets and their families alike. Book a dental check Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see, and it often develops quietly. Regular veterinary checks combined with athome dental care can help prevent pain, infection, and long-term complications. Get moving together Daily exercise supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and healthy weight management. Whether it’s walking, playing, or exploring new environments, shared activity benefits everyone.
Prioritise preventive care and regular health checks Routine veterinary visits allow us to build a picture of your pet’s health over time and often identify subtle changes before they become serious concerns. Issues such as dental disease, arthritis, weight gain, and skin conditions can progress without obvious signs. Detecting them early helps keep pets comfortable, active, and enjoying life, while giving families peace of mind. Health checks are also the ideal time to ensure vaccinations are current and that heartworm, flea, and tick prevention is up to date—simple but essential steps in protecting your pet from preventable disease. Keep Identification up to date Check that microchip and registration details are accurate. It’s a small task that can make a big difference if your pet ever becomes lost. Create an enriching home environment Safe spaces, interactive toys, and consistent routines help pets feel secure and mentally stimulated. Plan new experiences
Exploring new walking routes, parks, or pet-friendly outings provides enrichment and breaks up routine for both pets and people. Be mindful with treats Treats—whether store-bought or homemade—are best given in moderation. A balanced diet supports long-term health and vitality. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, our commitment is to care for your pets as valued members of your family. As we move into the year ahead, we look forward to supporting you with advice, preventive care, and compassion. Phone the team on 0247362027 to arrange an appointment.
Jim’s Gems Battery Rebates Reset for 2026 as Demand Reshapes Federal Scheme
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APPY New Year and welcome back to Jim’s Gems. Australians considering home battery storage in 2026 are being urged to familiarise themselves with upcoming changes to the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, following an unprecedented surge in demand last year. The scheme replaced the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) in mid-2025 after the Federal Government’s re-election, offering
rebates covering around 30 per cent of the cost of a typical home battery installation. With no size limits between 5kWh and 50kWh, the incentive proved highly attractive, with some households receiving rebates of up to $16,000. While the program was designed around the assumption that most households would install batteries of around 10kWh, the once-only nature of the rebate encouraged many consumers to opt for significantly larger systems. Average battery sizes quickly rose to more than 22kWh, rapidly accelerating the drawdown of the program’s original funding allocation. As a result, the Federal Government announced in December that changes will be introduced from May 1, 2026, shifting the rebate to a sliding scale. Under the revised structure, rebates will be reduced for systems above 14kWh, while the core eligibility rules
of the program will remain unchanged. The adjustment, combined with additional funding injected into the scheme, is expected to keep the rebate operating until its original end date of 2030, with scheduled reductions every six months. Industry supply constraints that affected installations throughout much of 2025 have now largely eased, meaning shorter installation timeframes for most households. However, installers are warning that demand is likely to increase sharply in March and April, as consumers seek to secure larger systems before the new rebate structure takes effect on April 30. Households are also reminded that solar panels must already be installed—or installed at the same time as the battery—for the rebate to apply. Importantly, the rebate can only be claimed once the system has been installed and certified, not when a
With Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions
contract is signed. Solar rebates remain available, including for households upgrading existing systems alongside a battery installation. Nepean Solar Solutions, which has served the community for more than a decade, advises consumers to prioritise energy efficiency, product quality and experienced installation when considering battery storage. For more information, contact (02) 4760 0809.
Contact us TODAY 4760 0809 info@nepeansolar.com.au
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Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
ORCHARD HILLS
Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
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ENTERTAINMENT
Penrith Wild Photo Competition A
LADY bird found on a California poppy by Jenny Camilleri. Enter Penrith Council’s Penrith Wild Photo Competition! All you have to do is: • Take a photo of an animal or plant local to Penrith • Submit your photo by sharing it in a comment to a Penrith Wild Photo Competition Facebook post (like this one!) OR • Email bushcare@penrith.city with the subject “Penrith Wild Photo Competition Entry” • Keep taking photos until the competition closes! All entrants will go into the draw for the chance to win one of 10 Nature Packs! Winners will be included in Bushcare’s 2027 Bushcare calendar. Terms and conditions apply. The competition is open to all budding photographers and closes 5pm on Sunday 1 February 2026. Find out more at https://shorturl.at/8wAy4 Photo courtesy of Jenny Camilleri
Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist. Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor. We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide. Kingswood Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist 4732 2182 • St Marys 9623 4589
SPORT 11
Left: Jake Farnsworth. Right: Harley Borkowski. File photos from Round One by Noel Rowsell BY NOEL ROWSELL
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YDNEY Motorsport Park (SMSP) was the host venue for Round 2 of the St George Motorcycle Club Summer Night Series, featuring Unlimited F1, F2 and F3 classes, along with 600cc F1 and F2 and the Formula St George and Supersport 300cc/400cc. Several local riders from the Australian Superbikes (ASBK) series were in action on the night, with Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) dominating the 600cc F1 category with two wins from two starts;
Nepean News
JJ Nahlous (Glenwood) and Jake Favelle (Cattai) finishing third and fourth respectively for the round in Unlimited F1; Zac Russo (Sackville North), Xavier Curmi (Wallacia) and Adam Jordan (East Kurrajong) finishing seventh, eighth and twentythird respectively in the Formula St George and Supersport 300cc/400cc category. Top Three placings in all categories as follows: Unlimited F1 - Harrison Voight 1st, Cru Halliday 2nd, JJ Nahlous 3rd Unlimited F2 – Damien Adams 1st, Kayne Gasbarri 2nd, Harley Borkowski 3rd
Unlimited F3 – Robert Salvia 1st, Clint McAnally 2nd, Reece Gordon 3rd 600cc F1 – Jake Farnsworth 1st, Will Nassif 2nd, Valentino Knezovic 3rd 600cc F2 – Mark Vaartjes 1st, Timothy Rodley 2nd, Leonardo Di Lorenzo 3rd Formula St George & Supersport 300/400cc – Archie Schmidt 1st, Brad Gander 2nd, Andrew Pitman 3rd. The full results from Round Two can be found at http://racing.natsoft.com.au/results/#2 Round Three will be held on 13-14th February.
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Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
Round Two of St George MCC Summer Series at SMSP
Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
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SPORT Penrith juniors represent NSW at 2026 East Coast Challenge
Coach Jenna Weekes.
Maya Collisson. Action from the 2026 East Coast Challenge. Photos courtesy of Basketball NSW
IGHT NSW Metropolitan Basketball teams (two x U16 Boys, 2 x U16 Girls, 2 x U18 Boys and 2 x U18 Girls contested the East Coast Challenge (ECC) at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) over 7-9th January. The U16 teams were selected from the NSW Metropolitan selection camps, whilst the U18 teams consist of the final 20 athletes that remain
in contention in the NSW Metropolitan U18 State Team selection process for the upcoming Australian Junior Championships. Due to the success of the tournament in recent years, both South Australia and ACT joined with NSW and Victoria in this year’s tournament. The ECC is a unique development opportunity, as it takes athletes away from their comfort zone by exposing them to state and national level talented athletes and teams. The aim of the tournament is to create positive challenges for players to become accustomed
to the standard of play required to compete at an Australian Junior Championship. The Penrith Basketball Association was represented by nine players, including Chloe Baffo, Maya Collisson and Ella Pearson (U16 Girls), Ethan Henderson and Logan Coleman (U16 Boys), Emma Rojas and Angela Tako (U18 Girls) and August Straker and Riley McNulty (U18 Boys), along with coaches Jenna Weekes and Blake Macfarlane. Two local referees were also selected for the ECC - Bailey Baxter (Penrith) and Jeremy Karam (Blacktown).
Angela Tako.
Ella Pearson.
Emma Rojas.
Coach Blake Macfarlane. BY NOEL ROWSELL
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SPORT 13 Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
Multiple golf tournaments on show during January
Reece Hackett and Joel Pagett in the 2025 South Creek Cup. Photos by Noel Rowsell BY NOEL ROWSELL
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UNHEVED GC will host the 2026 South Creek Cup on Saturday 24th January, with a high-quality field expected to turn out for the Vardon event. Trophies on offer include the South Creek Cup (scratch winner), Colts winner (scratch), John Fearnley Junior Cup (scratch) and the Captain’s Cup (nett winner). 2025 NSW Junior Male Player of the year and Junior Vardon Trophy recipient Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) is the defending champion, having won both the South Creek Cup (Saturday) and Pymble Cup (Sunday) over a fabulous January weekend in 2025.
Ti will be keen to successfully defend both titles this year, with the Pymble Cup being held on 18th January and the South Creek Cup on 24th January, in addition to being a member of the traditionally strong field which will tee off at the annual Avondale Amateur from 20-23rd January. Ti is currently competing in the Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf (SWOG) over five days this week, which followed his appearance in the Australian Masters of the Amateurs at Southern GC (VIC) the previous week. Ti is one of 16 western Sydney juniors playing in the (SWOG), which is being held at Strathfield (Monday), Castle Hill (Tuesday), Lakeside Camden (Wednesday), Twin Creeks (Thursday) and Muirfield (Friday).
The other local players are Georgia Karagiannis, Jake Thompson, Luke Carruthers, Marie-Claire Domingo, Sam Kruger (Stonecutters Ridge GC), Cooper Lett, Hunter McMillan, Mitchell Dewberry, Nicole Son (Penrith GC), Lucas Quan (Twin Creeks GC) Eddison Sheppard (Lynwood CC), Atina Zhang (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC), Noah McDonell (Fox Hills GC) and Thomas Curtis (Blackheath GC). The first major Jack Newton junior tournament in 2026 was held last week, with Murrumbidgee GC the venue for the 2026 ACT Junior Championships. Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC) was the best performer of the western Sydney contingent, finishing in 16th spot, four shots ahead of Penrith’s Jessica Fog (The Lakes GC) in 17th position.
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Nepean News 16 January 2026 Issue 424OWDIG
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SPORT
PENRITH PANTHERS
Gallery: 2026 Week 1 Training Photos courtesy of Penrith Panthers www.panthers.com.au