Nepean News 20 February 2026

Key roles for Melissa McIntosh

BY KERRIE DAVIES

LEADER of the Opposition, Angus Taylor has announced his shadow ministry, which includes Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh and brings back firebrand Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Andrew Hastie MP.

“Melissa McIntosh will take on the role of Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services, Shadow Minister for the NDIS, and Shadow Minister for Women,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is a key economic portfolio: lifting participation, reducing long-term unemployment, and ensuring families can get ahead. Melissa will be on the front line fighting for Australian families that are falling further and further behind under this prime minister.”

The appointment places Mrs McIntosh at the centre of some of the nation’s most critical policy debates, including cost of living pressures, workforce participation and disability support.

“It is an honour to be appointed to Angus Taylor’s Shadow Cabinet. As the Leader of the Opposition said, this is a key economic portfolio: lifting participation, reducing long-term unemployment, and ensuring families can get ahead,” Mrs McIntosh said.

“I will be on the front line fighting for Australian families that are falling further and further behind under the Albanese Government. My new portfolios touch the lives of millions of Australians.

“From people starting a family, age pensioners or people needing financial assistance in their time of need, our social services system is there to support

them. More than 5.3 million Australians over the age of 16 receive support through the social services portfolio.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme supports nearly 800,000 Australians. People with disability and their families deserve the very best care and support to live independent and fulfilling lives.

“Every week I receive complaints to my office in Western Sydney about delays and cuts to people’s NDIS plans, providers taking advantage of our most vulnerable citizens or providers not getting paid. I am pleased to continue in my role as Shadow Minister for Women. There are so many opportunities to protect and better the lives of women across our nation. I am committed to better health access and outcomes for all women and girls, supporting women escaping domestic violence, improving financial security and better education and work pathways.”

95B STATION ST, PENRITH

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LOCAL NEWS Vale Norma Thorburn OAM 29 November 1938

– 4 February 2026

IFIRST met Norma in 2001 when I joined the St Marys & District Historical Society, Norma was the current President. A well-dressed lady who had clarity of thought and a vision in mind for the society and had already gained credibility through her many talks on St Marys history. She had the ability to inspire members and others outside of the society to assist and they often did. Some of these were Penrith City Council, St Marys Rotary, St Marys RSL, local schools, and local businesses.

Norma came equipped with a hard work ethic, thorough research and presented it with a sense of humour mixed in. During a talk on St Marys/ South Creek, one of her lines was that when Mary Putland married LieutenantGovernor Maurice O’Connell, as a wedding gift she received 1055 acres of land in the Evan District (Orchard Hills) from Governor Macquarie. Norma would then relate that when she got married, she received a canteen of cutlery, which always amused the audience.

Her involvement with other groups such as the St Marys Development Committee and the St Marys Spring Festival as well as a member of the St Marys Senior Citizens, South Creek (St Marys) Probus Club, and her enthusiasm for ballroom dancing along with all things family kept her on the hop.

Norma had a good sense of humour, and it was not unusual to find ourselves in fits of laughter whilst working at the Chambers. It was often in this relaxed atmosphere that the seeds of plans would take shape in acquiring equipment and organising future events.

Unbeknowns to me both our family’s friendship started in the 1930s by way of our grandmothers who were great friends. Norma told me that her parents decided to name her after my aunty, Norma Hackett, who would often

push baby Norma in her pram around Victoria Park whilst our grandmothers enjoyed a chat.

So, I believe, years later it was fate that our paths would cross and eventually become friends with a shared interest. Therefore, I list just some of Norma’s deserved acknowledgements over the years.

Life Member P & C St Marys South Public School, Centenary of Federation Medal –Centenary of Federation Celebrations – Service to Community, Service Award - The Wall of Achievement AwardPenrith City Council, Penrith City Council Australia Day – Citizen of the Year – Community Services, St Marys Rotary – Paul Harris Fellow, Mulgoa Local Woman of the Year, St Marys Community Spirit Award and

The Order of Australia – The St Marys & District Historical Society

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

Pet tags are now available

THE Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter, which services the Penrith area, now has its own Tag Machine!

Staff are excited to be able to offer this service for anyone in the community who needs an ID Tag for their pet.

Alot of the pets that come to the shelter don’t have current updated information for a variety of reasons, and a simple ID Tag for

their collar would make getting home a lot faster (as well as having up to date Microchip details).

For $10 you can choose one of the many designs and sizes available and have your pets new stylish tag ready when you walk out the door.

You are welcome to go in anytime during open hours and buy a tag over the counter with your information added while you wait.

Funding extended for supporting Primary Care Response

AN innovative program that has been piloted by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network to tackle family and domestic violence has been extended by the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, joined Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney, for the announcement of $22.7 million funding to extend family violence training for general practices called the Supporting Primary Care Response to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Pilot.

Ms Templeman said the program provides GPs, nurses and practice staff with training sessions and supports to increase awareness, knowledge, and confidence to recognise and respond to family, domestic and sexual violence.

“This program is life-changing and potentially life-saving,” Ms Templeman said

“After meeting with some of the local practitioners involved in the program, including a GP and practice staff who have participated so far, I strongly advocated for its continuation,” she said.

“Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, emphasising how this training and support is helping them recognise signs of abuse, respond safely, and provides referral pathways so they can connect victim-survivors to specialist services.”

Funding for the Supporting Primary Care Response to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program is provided through Primary Health Networks. Local organisation, Wentworth Healthcare, is the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary

Health Network, and their CEO, Lizz Reay said she was delighted the program (called Care and Connect locally) had been extended.

“A whole of system approach is needed to address domestic, family and sexual violence and an important part of that is increasing awareness around what it actually is, the signs and symptoms, and upskilling those who are in a position to help. We believe that general practice plays a crucial role in this as not all victim-survivors can, or will, access

specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services,” she said.

“That’s why this is such a fantastic Program. It gives GPs, other healthcare professionals and their staff the training and tools to identify and respond to patients impacted as in many cases, these services may be the first point of contact for victimsurvivors. The Program also funds ‘linkers’ across the region who are specially trained domestic, family and sexual violence support workers that both health professionals and patients can access, to help victim-survivors navigate the support they need to be safe,” said Ms Reay.

“Since the launch of the Pilot we have trained over 600 health professionals in our region and helped over 250 victim-survivors get the support they need. Now that this funding has been extended, we look forward to training many more health professionals so that victim-survivors have increased options of safe places to seek help,” she added.

If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available through the following services: 1800RESPECT, which offers counselling, information and support via phone, online chat or discreet text messaging

Link2Home on 1800 152 152 provides emergency accommodation and housing referrals

If you are in immediate danger, always call the police on 000.

Full MR containing more details about the program and quotes attributable to A/Min White and A/Min Kearney: https://ministers.pmc.gov.au/white/2026/227million-extend-family-violence-traininggeneral-practice

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers

THIS week we came together as a community at WOTSO Penrith to say a heartfelt **thank you** to the incredible volunteers, sponsors and supporters who continue to stand behind the Penrith Community Kitchen.

From generous donations and food drives to the countless hours given in the kitchen, your support ensures we can continue providing meals and hope to those doing it tough in our community.

We were honoured to be joined by our Mayor Clr Todd Carney, State Member Karen McKeown OAM - MP for Penrith and Federal Member Melissa McIntosh MP.

It was wonderful to see leaders from all levels of government standing together to support our mission and our community.

A special announcement was made on the day, Gulf Western Oil who already proudly support one of our 11 schools we deliver Kids 4 food program with, breakfast lunch and snacks, is proud to and commit to sponsoring a second school in 2026, fantastic news for North St Marys Primary School!

Our President also extended sincere thanks to

our dedicated volunteers, especially Cathy Craig who leads our Kitchen along with all committee members and supporters. We are incredibly grateful to our local business partners including:

• Bega

• Amazon

Better Built Homes

ABCOE

PRD Real Estate Penrith

Mirvac Homes

Kingspan

PCYC Penrith

Penrith City Plumbing Services

Rotary and Lions club Penrith

Penrith RSL

BFT Penrith

Panthers Penrith

Quest Penrith

Morton Real Estate - Penrith

White Lady Funerals

Snappy Business Consulting

Witten Partners Chartered Accountants

Penrith CBD Corporation

…and so many more who quietly give behind the scenes we truly value everything each and every one does to support us!

Special thanks to Little house

our coffee today.

Thankyou to Kris Gauci and Sam

from Our Community Cares for the sandwiches too. Together, we can be thankful that we are able to give a little hope to those in need across our community. When we come together, we make a real difference.

Please donate at www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au

RSL sub-Branch returns lost war medals

BY NOEL ROWSELL

CITY of Penrith

RSL subBranch member

Peter Ward said, “We were pleased to return the full set of medals, which were lost several years ago following the death of RAAF National Service veteran Reverend Nole Melzer’s, to his widow.””

Mr Ward, acting on behalf of the sub-Branch President Mr Anthony Eddie, returned the medals to Mrs Melzer in the new City of Penrith Military Museum on Friday 13th February 2026.

“She was understandably extremely pleased to receive her late husband’s

lost medals and thanked the subBranch for taking care of them, as they meant a lot to the late Reverend.

“Mrs Melzer explained that the family had no idea what had happened to the very precious and coveted family medals. Members of the family had been looking for them and had no idea of their whereabouts, their best conclusion was that the medals might have been in some furniture donated before Mrs Melzer moved to Springwood.”

Mr Ward said he had found the medals in Tindale Street, outside of the RSL Club, in 2023. At the time, an exhaustive search was conducted, without success, via records that are available to the sub-Branch.

Mr Ward resumed his search in 2025, in his capacity as the Secretary of the sub-Branch. It was known the medals belonged to a Mr Melzer, as they were the original stamped issue. During the search, Peter said that he chanced upon a site with the assistance of ‘Honours and Awards’ being ‘Lt Col Glyn Llanwarne Lost Medals’.

Lt Col Llanwarne immediately responded with contact details for the medals’ owner, the widow of the late Reverend Melzer. Again acting on behalf of the City of Penrith subBranch, Mr Ward contacted Mrs Melzer and arranged the safe return of the lost medals.

NASHOs 75th Anniversary Commemoration Service at Penrith

MEMBERS of the City of Penrith RSL subBranch, St Marys RSL sub-Branch, St Marys Outpost and the Penrith sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association (NASHOs) gathered together with family and friends at Penrith RSL on Saturday morning (National Servicemen’s Day) to mark the 75th anniversary of National Service, with a humble Commemoration Service, Between 1951 and 1972, more than 280,000 young men were called up for National Service. Over 200 died on active service overseas, and others died whilst serving in Australia.

Wellbeing activities for Veterans and their families

Coffee n Chat Veterans Mon – Fri early mornings – simply just a chat on the Train veranda (Veterans Support Centre)

Social Guild Veterans & partner Occasional social outings local or coach overnight

Hospital Visitations Veterans & partner Usually Tuesday mornings; Teams of 2 visit veterans in local hospitals

Guitars for Vets Veterans Wednesday mornings @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train); learn to play or join a jam session

Monthly BBQ B’fast Veterans & family 8.00am last Thursday of each month @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train)

Exercise classes White or Gold card holders Tue and Fri @ 8.00am @ Ripples, St Marys; occasional walks from/to the Train in lieu; must meet criteria

Walk n Talk n Breakfast Veterans & family Monthly walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre (the Train) Breakfast provided on return

Small bus day-trips

Occasional, weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre Computer Classes

and partner Thursday mornings @ Veterans Support Cente (Train carriage); for beginners or for Photoshop classes

Merrie Widows Partners of deceased vets Last Wednesday of each month - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club

Gov King Day Club Veterans & partner Wednesdays 9.00am @ Mamre House area

Packing Care Boxes Veterans 6-monthly day trip to Randwick to pack care boxes

Barefoot Bowls Veterans and partner 1st Friday of the month - mornings @ St Marys Diggers Club

Wellbeing activity for March 2026

EVERY MONDAY

n Chat - Exercise Class

EVERY TUESDAY Coffee n Chat - Exercise Class

EVERY WEDNESDAY Gov King Day Club - Guitars for Vets

EVERY THURSDAY Coffee n Chat - Computer Classes

EVERY FRIDAY Coffee n Chat - Exercise Classes

Wednesday 11th March RSL sub-Branch Meeting

Wednesday 25th March Merrie Widows

Thursday 26th March

Friday 6th March

Saturday 14th March

For enquiries about any of the activities, please contact either Leanne G at the RSL sub-Branch 0406 399 976, st-maryssb@rslnsw.org.au or Leanne M at the Veterans Support Centre 9833 4700, vietvet@vvaastmarys.org.au

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY & SUNDAY 1 MARCH 2026

BULL RIDE • WOOD CHOPS • DOG HIGH JUMP

ANIMAL NURSERY • MOTOR BIKE SHOW • ICE CREAM EATING COMP

SHEEP DOG TRIALS • ELVIS SHOW • CAMP DRAFT

HORSES, CATTLE & POUTLRY • STRONG ARM • RIDES • SHOWBAGS LEGO COMP • ART & CRAFT PAVILION • LIVE MUSIC • FIREWORKS

WHIP CRACKING • KIDS ENTERTAINMENT • HORSE & COACH RIDES & SO MUCH MORE!

Entry Closing Dates:

Poultry: 22 February

Art & Craft: 25 February

Horses: 25 February* (via nominate)

Cattle: On the day

Cakes: 27 February

Produce, Fodder, Flowers etc: 27 February *Nominate is the preferred entry platform.

The show with something for everyone

THE Luddenham Annual Show is back on 28 February and 1 March with thousands expected to attend the annual agricultural event. The Luddenham Show has a range of entertainment for the whole family with organisers expecting to build on the record crowds of previous years. A shift in programming sees the bull ride move to Sunday afternoon making way for a blockbuster Saturday night of live music and entertainment.

Saturday has something for everyone with children’s entertainment plus Dennis Dingo Dryden, the pet show, dog high jump, horse and coach rides and the Madstylemoto Motorbike Show who will perform three times throughout the day. Camp drafting will make its way to Luddenham for the first time in more than 25 years with a team competition on Saturday afternoon. The King, David Cazalet will bring his world-famous Elvis

show to the stage at 4.30pm, before passing the reigns to Country music stars Ronnie Judo and the Whiskey Sodas who will perform until late. A quick intermission at 9pm will make way for the fireworks which follow the fire brigade demonstration in the main arena.

Sunday presents the opportunity for crowds to get involved with the strong-arm competition, pumpkin lawn bowls, whip cracking, ice cream eating and Lego building competitions. For those who prefer to sit and watch, the sheep dog trials will be on in the adjacent paddock whilst woodchopping and the bull ride will occur the main arena. The adrenaline rush continues with Madstylemoto performing two shows in the afternoon including a meet and greet with fans.

All of your classic Luddenham Show favourites will be back with the cattle, horse and poultry events

occurring across the weekend. The new baby doll sheep demonstration will join the animal nursery, chook washing and milking demonstrations in the cattle pavilion for those who would like to get to know the Show’s farm animals.

The pavilion competitions are free to enter with categories for art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, and of course Lego. Returning this year is the “man cake” competition, designed to encouraged men to enter baking competition with cash prizes up for grabs. Other favourites include painted rocks, decorated gumboots, scare-crows and decorated vegetables.

Luddenham Showground is on the corner of Park Rd and Campbell St. Full programming, schedules and other information can be found at www.luddenhamshow.com.au or on the Luddenham Show Facebook and Instagram pages.

Luddenham Show PROGRAMME

SUNDAY

1st MARCH

EVENTS AROUND THE GROUNDS

Announcer: Darren Adams

6.00am GATES OPEN

8.30am HORSE CLASSES START

9.00am CATTLE/POULTY PAVILION OPENS

9.30am PIONEER WOODCUTTERS

9.30am TEAT TO MILK DEMO (Cattle Pavilion) ALL DAY BABYDOLL SHEEP EXHIBIT (Cattle Pavilion)

10.00am BEEF CATTLE CLASSES START

10.00am MARLEY DRAUGHT HORSES & FREE STAGECOACH RIDES (Paddock)

11.00am ANIMAL NURSERY OPEN (Cattle Pavilion)

11.00am JO JO’S CIRCUS PLAY SPACE & BALL PIT OPENS (Outside Art & Craft Pavilion)

11.15am JOHN’S REPTILE AWARENESS DISPLAY (Cattle Pavilion)

12.00pm TEAT TO MILK DEMO (Cattle Pavilion)

12.00pm MARLEY DRAUGHT HORSES - MEET & GREET HORSES & HANDLERS (Cattle Pavilion)

12.30pm CHICKEN WASHING DEMO (Cattle Pavilion)

12.45pm JOHN’S REPTILE AWARENESS DISPLAY (Cattle Pavilion)

1.00pm DENNIS “DINGO” DRYDEN (Cattle Pavilion)

1.15pm MADSTYLEMOTOR MOTORBIKE

PENRITH PANTHERS Bring on 2026

PENRITH PANTHERS Bring on 2026

Last Chance: 2026 Members Honour Roll

BY PANTHERS MEDIA

All 2026 members who have renewed or joined the Panthers family by Thursday 26 February will feature on the Members Honour Roll to be displayed at CommBank Stadium this season.

THOUSANDS of new members are making their debut as a Panthers member in 2026 as the club prepares for marquee matchups against the Eels, Storm, Broncos, Bulldogs and Tigers at the world class venue this season.

Full season options start from just $25 per game for adults and $61.67 per game for a family of four.

Integrated transport across the Sydney train, bus, light rail and ferry network to CommBank Stadium is included in 2026 memberships.

General admission adult memberships also include a $50 Mber+ Store credit to build your personalised membership pack, whilst reserved seat adult memberships receive $75 credit.

Become a member: www. penrithpanthers.com.au/ membership/packages/

NRL Team List: Pre-Season Challenge

The Panthers squad to face the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval for our first game has been named.

Round 3 - Friday 20 February, 8.10pm Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

1. Dylan EDWARDS

Tom JENKINS 3. Izack TAGO

Paul ALAMOTI 5. Brian TO’O

V8. Moses LEOTA 9. Mitch KENNY

Blaize TALAGI 7. Nathan CLEARY

10. Lindsay SMITH

11. Isaiah PAPALI’I

12. Kalani GOING

13. Isaah YEO 14. Freddy LUSSICK 15. Billy PHILLIPS

16. Zakauri CLARKE

17. Luron PATEA

18. Jaxen EDGAR

PENRITH PANTHERS Bring on 2026

Yandamonium

WITH GREG YANDA

I have my Gouts

DUE to my own experiences growing up, my first thought this week was “whose idea was it to partner Gout Gout up with Vegemite?!” Perhaps I am living in the past a bit here, but Gout squared may be exposed to some online racial slurs and not even know or understand. Or maybe it’s all purely well intended and a great way for an Aussie icon to support a future Aussie icon. My confusion comes from a historical place, a time when as a kid with a “caramel” complexion I was called a range of names from the ‘N’ word to…..drumroll please….Vegemite! The social media comments from the announcement are consistent with my experiences growing up. We can only hope this is called out for what it is and not simply swept under the placemat like crumbs from a delicious piece of Vegemite toast….But if you have rosey cheeks see a doctor. It could be rosacea.

May Ganesh save us all

WE have all had at least one bleary eye on the winter Olympics over the last few weeks and cheered when Australia won a medal of any colour. It’s a huge achievement considering our climate, the access the rest of the world has to snow as well as the funding the European countries get from their governing bodies. We are punching above our weight division even considering the population comparisons. Winter games giants the United States have 233 with a population of 341 million and Germany 189 (85 million), while Australia sent 53 athletes with a population of just 27 million. Arguably the sleeping giant is India which sent just two athletes to these games with the population of 1.4 BILLION! We all know how much influence they have on international cricket, right? May god have mercy on us if the Ganges ever freezes over.

A bit of guess work

THE NRL season is almost here and as has been the case for over 100 years, it’s time to have a guess at what’s going to happen. Do you go by the colours? The logo of the football teams? Who’s got the best coach?

Previously I have consulted Paul the Octopus who predicted football world cup winners. Then I resorted to picking them out of a barrel before resorting to a dartboard. This year it’s just going to be guess work.

Premiers: Penrith

Top 8: Canterbury - Penrith - Sydney Roosters – Brisbane – Canberra – Melbourne

– Cronulla - Parramatta

Wooden spoon: Newcastle

Seeya later

Panthers Board reappointed

PANTHERS Group is pleased to confirm the reappointment of its current Board of Directors following the recent board elections.

Chairman Peter Graham, Deputy Chairmen

Greg Alexander and Mark Mulock, and Directors

Rob Wearn and Belinda Leonard have all been reappointed to the Board for a further two-year term.

Tricia Hitchen will continue to serve on the Board in

her role as a board-appointed independent director.

The reappointments reflect a strong vote of confidence in the current Board’s leadership and governance, which has overseen a period of success for both the Panthers rugby league program and the broader Panthers Group.

Over the past five years, the Panthers have celebrated four premierships at the elite level,

alongside continued growth and stability across the Group’s commercial, community, and operational arms. The Board’s continuity provides a strong platform to maintain this momentum while supporting long-term strategic objectives.

The Board will continue in its role for the next two years, guiding Panthers Group through its ongoing growth and future opportunities.

PENRITH PANTHERS Bring on 2026

Three Lukes now legends

BY GREG YANDA

PREMIERSHIP

winning Panthers

Luke Lewis, Luke Priddis and Luke Rooney are among eight former players and administrators to be added to the list of Panthers Legends as recognition for their contribution to the club’s 60 year history.

Following on from the initial naming of 17 players in the Team of Legends in 2006, the club is set to induct administrators for the first time. Long-serving Chief Executive Officers Merv Cartwright and Roger Cowan were instrumental in the administration of the club since it’s inception into the New South Wales Rugby League. John Farragher gave the club 40 years of service following a life-changing spinal cord injury left him quadriplegic. All served on the Penrith Panthers board and will be inducted posthumously.

Lewis, Priddis and Rooney are recognised for their playing career, each being a member of the 2003 premiership winning side in a season which saw them with the club’s second minor premiership since 1991.

Priddis joined the Panthers from the Brisbane Broncos where he won

a premiership in 2000, playing 162 games including the grand final where he won the Clive Churchill medal for man of the match when he set up two tries for Luke Rooney and scored one himself.

Luke Rooney was still in high school when he debuted for the Panthers in 2001. He scored 65 tries on the wing in 140 games to 2008 and played in State of Origin series wins with NSW.

Luke Lewis was on the other wing to Rooney before moving to the centres where they struck up a combination which produced some memorable tries. Lewis’ versatility saw him play wing, centre, lock and in the halves for a brief period. He scored 89 tries in 208 games between 2001 and 2012 and was a model of consistency,

representing NSW and Australia.

Trent Waterhouse also came through with the crop of talent from the early 2000s. Waterhouse regularly came off the bench during the2003 season and was an attacking weapon running off Craig Gower on the edge of the field. Represented NSW and Australia during his 186 game career from 2002-2011.

Former captain Steve Carter is the only inductee from the 1991 premiership side. Carter played 243 games from 1988-2001 which was a record surpassed by Isaah Yeo just last year. Carter was a one-team player during some turbulent seasons in the 90s and led from the front as captain. He represented NSW Country (19912 and 1995) and NSW in the 1992 State of Origin series.

1. Rhys Wesser

2. Bob Landers

3. Grahame

4. Ryan Girdler

5. Alan McIndoe

6. Brad Fittler

7. Greg Alexander (HALL

8. Terry Geary

9. Royce Simmons (HALL OF

10. Tim Sheens

11. John Cartwright

12. Bill Ashurst

13. Colin Van Der Voort

14. Craig Gower (HALL OF FAME)

15. Brad Izzard

16. Mark Geyer

17. Tony Puletua

Let’s Go Mighty PANTHERS!! 5

PENRITH PANTHERS Bring on 2026

PENRITH PANTHERS

BUSINESS PEOPLE GETTING TO KNOW THE OF PENRITH

This week in our “Getting to know” the local business men and women of the Nepean is a man who is as Penrith as anyone. He has grown up in Penrith, attended Bennett Road and Penrith South primary schools, and was a student at Blue Mountains Grammar and Nepean High schools. His name is Darren Latty and his family name has been an integral part of ‘the Riff” for close to 50 years! ‘Latts’ is always one of the first to put his hand up when it comes to supporting local events and charities. He is an affable man who has been one of the main businessmen helping with the constant innovations around the Panthers precinct.

1. How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get into it? I started in real estate in October 1987. I joined the family business which has been operating for 48 years in Penrith. I love that the 3rd generation of the Latty family is running up the ball.

2. What’s your favourite band and song? And why? Depends on the mood. I’m a big fan of Aussie rock when I’m having a few beers. Cat Stevens is on if I’m lazing by the pool, I even like a bit of techno on the dance floor. For me it’s all about how a song makes me feel and not the genre or the band.

3. What’s your all-time favourite movie, and why? I love all kinds of movies. I’m going through a Marvel stage at the moment, watching them by the timeline. I love historical movies that immerse you in the time and place as well as comedy to zone out.

4. What’s your most favourite place you’ve ever been to, and what made it so special? Travel is my reward to myself for working hard. I really enjoyed London to see our daughter a year ago. We stayed a few weeks and got to see what life is really like there. Mallorca was absolutely beautiful and Porto Rico was a big surprise. Austin Texas is a place I could live but I’d never leave my hometown of Penrith.

5. What’s your favourite way to spend a completely free day? My wife Ange and I love heading into the city and exploring. But I’m just happy staying home and kicking back in our wonderful home.

6. What’s your all-time favourite TV series? Landman! Billy Bob is the man! I’ve enjoyed all of Taylor Sheridan’s work. Game of Thrones is also right up there.

7. Who are three celebrities you’d love to spend a night out with? Billy Bob, Gordon Ramsey, and Margot Robbie. Gordon could whip up a great meal. Billy Bob would have all the stories. And Margot would provide the perfect balance.

8. What’s your favourite sporting team and why did you start following them? There is only ONE! I’m a Panthers TRAGIC! Never miss a game no matter where I am.

9. Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts? I’ve got quite a few in business, entertainment, and sport in my phone. I’ve been blessed to meet lots of amazing people in my career, my most famous would have to be MG though ;-)

10. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what is it? And what beverage are you washing it down with? Brisket Boys Texas BBQ of course! I would kick it off with a pickle back and finish with a nice Grenache red. I love ‘low and slow’ and the flavour you get doing it well.

MARK ON THE

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

NEXT Monday I make the trek (for the very first time) to Las Vegas for the opening round of the NRL. Yes I know, everyone I tell says the same thing to me, “I can’t believe you’ve never been to Vegas!” then straight after, “oh you’ll love it! It’s the best place on earth.”

I suppose I’ll be the judge of that but I am excited to be heading to the city that never sleeps, to coincidently watch the game that never sleeps, the NRL!

But it’s also round 1 of the season proper. So this is my chance to get my 2026 predictions down on paper to see just how close I get come round 27 later this year. With that here we go…

Top 8.

1. Roosters

2. Broncos

3. Panthers

4. Bulldogs

5. Storm

6. Rabbitohs

7. Raiders

8. Eels

I’ve left out Cronulla and the Warriors from last year’s top 8, while elevating the Rabbits and the Eels. Premiers? Roosters. I just feel they are poised, and the arrivals of DCE and Reece Robson will be pivotal in their pursuit.

I haven’t gone with my old club the Panthers as I think the ‘home ground’ situation which sees them playing out of Parramatta is just too high of an obstacle to overcome.

2027 will be a different story.

Give them the trophy now for when they’re back at Penny Park! And I didn’t go the Broncos as I feel the Hakeem Haas show might just be too big of a distraction for the reigning premiers.

Grand Final? Roosters v Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are looking ominous heading into the 2026 season and I think they’ll go close to winning the whole thing.

Wooden Spoon? I think out of the two teams kicking off the season in Vegas, the Knights or the Cowboys. Who will win the Dally M? I’m predicting Tom Trbojevic to have an out of the box season after being named the skipper of the Sea-Eagles. Origin result? NSW 2-1. Let’s go you Blues!

Coach under the most pressure? They all are! And the first to lose 4 or 5 straight becomes that man. But I think Todd Payten is under the pump most.

Bold Prediction? I think the PNG franchise which comes into the comp in 2028 will announce a MAJOR signing this season, a marquee man who will be the first NRL player on $2 million. I also think that Souths livelier Jye Gray is a smoke to win the Dally M!

Its exciting times ahead for all rugby league lovers as the 2026 season inches closer. As for me, I’ll tell you all about my Vegas ’sojourn’ in my next column.

Viva Las Vegas Baby!

MG (random Westie) OAM

AS electricity prices continue their upward climb, more households are looking for practical ways to reduce their reliance on the grid. One of the most effective strategies is installing solar and battery storage — but getting the sizing right is critical.

When designing a solar system, reputable installers will always ask for recent electricity bills. This isn’t just paperwork. Those bills reveal your average daily kilowatt-hour usage and,

Jim’s Gems

more importantly, how much you rely on the electricity network. The goal of solar is simple: reduce your exposure to the grid and the rising costs that come with it

By analysing your daytime energy use, installers can calculate the size of the solar system needed to generate sufficient power while the sun is shining. The complication, however, is that many households use a significant portion of their electricity in the evening — precisely when solar panels stop producing and peak tariffs apply.

While it’s technically possible to cut evening usage with timers, candles or a fireplace, that’s hardly a realistic solution for most families. This is where battery storage has become a gamechanger. Batteries allow households to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it later during peak demand periods. Until recently, battery systems

Iwere considered too expensive for many homeowners, but generous Federal Government rebates have made behind-the-meter storage far more accessible

The result? Households can turn on lights and appliances in the evening without dreading the next electricity bill.

But sizing a battery is not a onesize-fits-all exercise. Accurate design depends on understanding not only how much power you use, but when you use it. Most reputable solar retailers use specialised software to model different system configurations, balancing panel capacity, inverter specifications and battery size to match your home’s needs

A well-designed system does more than cut bills. It reduces vulnerability to future price increases and can provide backup power during blackouts. However, achieving this

requires careful consultation and site assessment. Your roof size, orientation, shading, switchboard capacity and available installation space all play a role.

Simply copying what your neighbour installed may not deliver the same results for your home.

As with most major investments, shortcuts can be costly. Special offers and bargain systems may look attractive upfront, but improper sizing or poor-quality components can undermine long-term savings.

When it comes to solar and battery storage, getting it right from the beginning makes all the difference.

If you have a question about your system or a question in general regarding Solar or Solar battery storage and you would like to learn more, please email me info@nepeansolar. com.au or call our office on 4760 0809.

LEFT OF FIELD

S it me or are our socks living their best lives somewhere? I know that this is probably a really infinite and pick the fluff from your navel subject and you are possibly thinking, “has this woman been on the happy pills again?“

BUT alas, it is a real dilemma, and I believe that through my security investigative training I have possibly found a loop hole, the answer, the sign?

You see, the other day I placed 6 pairs of socks into my front loader, lovingly drenched the in-tray with softener, lavender of course, washing liquid and some other crap that’s supposed to thicken, soften and keep the colour.

Yes I know, you are saying to yourself, “They are just frigg’n socks for God’s sake,” but wait there’s more. They are not merely just that, they are a piece of clothing that is a vital part of our everyday living, particularly like me if you have ugly toe nails (sorry to those eating).

Now before you throw a chair and burn this news article at the stake, continue reading because

I think I have found the answer to a century-old question.

So, I was standing and watching the cycle go around and around and around and around and aro… I think you get the drift, and I wondered what actually goes on in the mind of a sock in the washer? Does it think, “holy sh*t balls I hope she hasn’t got this on 155 minutes – with a 1200 spin at the end, as I may spew up a fur ball, or does it think wow this is great finally I get the heel crack skin out of my cavities?

So at the end of the cycle, I pulled the socks out and there it was …. (jaws music) two socks missing!!!!!!!! What the? and not the same colour or set. It’s like the switch internally goes from zero to 100 in 3.2 seconds and you are a crazed person looking for the socks, second guessing, did I or didn’t I? You are almost calling a lost pussy cat, “here socky socky sockeeeeee.” Pulling a rubber thingy from every area of the washer.

Then I realised, there must be a secret sock

pipe that the socks escape from, end up in Sydney Harbour and they swim to the Maldives to an island where, of course, other socks are, roaming aimlessly.

The great news is that, no sock is the same, you have stinky footy socks and holey socks, all drinking at a bar with the gym socks, short socks, fluro, stripped and of course the pilates rubber bottomed socks (apparently they are not that approachable) so I have heard.

I finally realised that the 30 something years of security and investigative training that I have endured, had finally answered and conquered, the why and where of socks.

Yes folks they are at the Maldives on an island, bouncing around and drinking cocktails on the beach.

Now I do realise that this is probably 2 and bit minutes that you won’t get back of your life, but you can say you read here first …in Left of Field! Bottoms up, or should I say feet up!

ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Protecting your rabbit: why vaccination matters this season

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

RGreater Sydney and the Central Coast are being urged to prepare ahead of the NSW Government’s planned release of the RHDV1-K5 calicivirus strain in early March 2026. While this initiative aims to control wild rabbit populations and safeguard agriculture and native bushland, it also provides an important reminder for pet owners to reassess their rabbit’s preventative health care.

Rabbit calicivirus, formally known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), impacts both wild and domestic rabbits. The virus spreads easily in the environment and can

survive in a variety of conditions. Fortunately, vaccination offers strong and reliable protection for pet rabbits when their immunisations are kept current.

One of the challenges with calicivirus is how easily it can travel. Insects such as flies and mosquitoes can carry the virus, and it may also be brought into the home on shoes, clothing, grass clippings, or equipment that has come into contact with wild rabbits. This means that even rabbits kept strictly indoors are not completely risk-free. Keeping vaccinations up to date provides reassurance that your

rabbit is protected, regardless of how or where they live.

In the early stages, rabbits exposed to calicivirus may show subtle signs. They might seem quieter than usual, eat less, or produce fewer droppings. These changes can be easy to overlook, but as with any health concern, prompt veterinary advice is essential if you notice your rabbit behaving differently or falling out of their normal routine.

Vaccination remains the most effective defence against this disease. The Filavac vaccine can be administered from 10 weeks of age as a single injection, followed

by an annual booster to maintain protection. With the scheduled virus release approaching, veterinarians recommend checking that your rabbit’s vaccinations are current well before March 2026—ideally by midFebruary.

Alongside vaccination, there are practical steps owners can take to reduce exposure. Housing rabbits indoors where possible, limiting contact with wild rabbits, installing fly screens, and maintaining good hygiene—such as washing hands and removing shoes after spending time outside—can all help lower risk. These precautions are especially valuable in the months following the virus release, when environmental circulation is expected to increase.

If you’re unsure whether your rabbit should be vaccinated, consider their age and lifestyle. Rabbits over 10 weeks old, those with outdoor access, or those exposed to items brought in from outside should be protected.

For tailored advice about your rabbit’s vaccination schedule, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Looking for adoptive parents and forever home

FRIENDS of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs and temperament tests of the animals to

CAN YOU GIVE BUTTERCUP A HOME?

Buttercup is a sweet girl with an independent streak. She’s content doing her own thing and enjoys having her space, but when she’s in the mood for affection, she’ll happily come to you for some love on her terms.

Buttercup is not good with dogs, so she’ll need a dog-free home. However, while at the shelter she has done well with other cats and may be happy sharing her space with a feline friend.

If you’re looking for a gentle, low-key companion who appreciates affection without being demanding, Buttercup could be the perfect addition to your home.

Adoption Fee: $99 Age: 3 Years Type: Cat

Breed: Domestic Short Hair Sex: Female

post online and promote the animals. They upload their images and opinions of these animals to Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow them, look them up on facebook and twitter.

HARVEST WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU

Meet Harvest, the bundle of joy you’re destined to fall in love with. This fun-loving feline is the picture of playfulness, always ready to turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure. Whether it’s chasing toys or discovering new nooks and crannies, Harvest knows how to keep life interesting with her curious and lively nature. One of Harvest’s most endearing features is her ability to breathe life into any space. Harvest isn’t just about play, though. She has a knack for drawing people in with her playful antics and good-natured personality. Harvest is looking for a home that matches her enthusiasm for life. A playful family or individual who enjoys interactive and engaging activities will make the perfect match for this spirited kitty. If you’re ready for a pet that brings joy, laughter, and boundless energy into your home, Harvest is eager to become a cherished member of your family.

Adoption

3

Meet Lola, a lively and vocal canine who is brimming with enthusiasm and energy. Lola’s excitement about the world around her is infectious and makes her a truly captivating companion. Whether you’re heading out for a walk or simply enjoying time in the backyard, Lola’s zest for life ensures that there’s never a dull moment.

Her eagerness for adventures is evident in her spirited lunges and pulls on the lead, especially when other dogs are nearby. While this lively nature requires an experienced dog handler who can provide guidance and training, it also indicates Lola’s love for companionship and her potential to thrive with ample socialisation.

With dedicated guidance and love, Lola is sure to transform into an outstanding member of your family. She may benefit from structured activities to channel her energy positively and develop healthy social habits with other dogs.

If you’re an experienced dog owner who relishes the opportunity to work with a spirited pup, Lola is ready to embark on this transformative journey with you. Her vibrant personality and loving heart promise endless joy and unforgettable adventures.

Gallipoli the landing

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

GALLIPOLI the Landing - By a Man of the Tenth. “Come on lads, have a good hot supper, there’s business doing.” So spoke No. 10 Platoon Sergeant of the 10th Australian Battalion to his men lying about in all sorts of odd corners aboard the battleship Prince of Wales in the first hour of the morning of April 25th, 1915. The ship, or her company had provided a hot stew of bully beef and the lads set to and took what proved alas to many, their last real meal together. They laugh and joke as though picnicking then a voice calls “Fall In!” ringing down the ladderway from the deck above. The boys swing on their heavy equipment, grasp their rifles and silently make their way on deck and stand in grim black masses. All lights are out and only harsh low commands break the silence. “This way, and almost blindly we grope our way to the ladder leading to the huge barge below that is already half full of silent grim men who seem to realise that at last after eight months of hard solid training in Australia, Egypt and Lemnos Island they are now to be called upon to carry out the object of it all. “Full up sir” whispers the midshipman in the barge. “Cast off the drift astern” says the ship’s officer in charge of the embarkation. Slowly we drift astern until the boat stops with a jerk and twang goes the hawser that couples the boats and barges together. Silently the boats are filled with men and silently drop astern of the big ship until all being filled, the order is given to the small steamboats and away we go racing and bounding dipping and rolling, now in a straight line, now in a half circle on through the night. The moon has just about sunk below the horizon and looking back we can see the battleships coming on slowly in our rear ready to cover our attack. All at once our pinnace gives a great start forward and away we go for land just discernible one hundred yards away on our left. Then crack-crack! Ping-ping! Zip-zip! Trenches full of rifles on the shore and surrounding hills open on us and machine-guns hidden in gullies and redoubts increase the murderous hail. Oars are splintered, boats are perforated. A sharp moan, a low gurgling cry tells of a comrade hit. Boats grounded in four or five feet of water owing to the human weight contained in them. We scramble out, struggle to the shore and rushing across the beach take cover under a low sandbank. “Here take off my pack and I’ll take off yours.” We help one another to lift the heavy water-soaked packs off”. “Hurry up, there” says our sergeant. “Fix bayonets,” Click! and the bayonets are fixed. “Forward!” and away we scramble up the hills at our front. Up, up we go, stumbling in holes and ruts and with a ringing cheer we charge the steep hill, pulling ourselves up by roots and branches of trees and at times driving our bayonets into the ground and pushing ourselves up to a foothold, until, topping the hill we found the enemy had made themselves very scarce. What had caused them to fly from a position from where they could have driven us back into the sea every time?. We instantly fired on a few scattered Turks showing in the distant. Some fell to rise no more, others fell wounded and crawling into the low bushes they sniped our lads as they went past. There were snipers in plenty, cunningly hidden in the hearts of low green shrubs. They accounted for a lot of our boys in the first few days but gradually were rooted out. Over the hill we dashed and down

into what is now called “Shrapnel Gully” and up the other hillside until on reaching the top we found that some of the lads of the 3rd Brigade had commenced to dig in. We skirted round to the plateau at the head of the gully and took up our line of defence. As soon as it was light enough we could see the guns on Gaba Tepe to our right and two batteries away on our left that opened up a murderous hail of shrapnel on our landing parties. The battleships and cruisers were continuously covering the landing of troops, broadsides going into the batteries situated in tunnels in the distant hillside. All this while the seamen from different ships were gallantly rowing and managing the boats carrying the landing parties. Not one man that is left of the original brigade will hear a word against our gallant seamen. England may well be proud of them and all the Australians are proud to call them comrades. The front firing line was now being baptised by its first shrapnel. Machine guns situated on each front, flank and centre opened up on our front line. Thousands of bullets began to fly around and over us, sometimes barely missing. Now and then, one heard a low gurgling moan and turning saw near at hand some chum who only a few seconds before had been laughing and joking now lying gasping with his life blood soaking down into the red clay and sand. “Five rapid rounds at the scrub in front” comes the command of the subaltern. Then an order down the line “Fix bayonets!” Fatal order was it not, perhaps some officer of the enemy had shouted it? (for they say such things were done). Out flash a thousand bayonets scintillating in the sunlight like a thousand mirrors, signalling our position to the batteries away on our left and front. We put in another five rounds rapid fire at the scrub in front. Then over our line, front and rear such a hellish fire of lyddite and shrapnel that one wonders how anyone could live amidst such a hail of death-dealing lead and shell. “Ah, got me! says one lad on my left and he shakes his arms. A bullet has passed through the biceps of his left arm, missed his chest by an inch and passed through the right forearm and finally struck the lad between him and me with a bruising blow on the wrist. The man next to him started to bind up his wounds as he was bleeding freely. All the time shrapnel was hailing down on us. “Oh! comes from directly behind me and looking around I see the poor little Lieutenant of C Company has been badly wounded. From both hips to his ankles blood is oozing through pants and puttees and he painfully drags himself to the rear. I raise him to his feet and at a very slow pace start to help him to shelter, but alas! I have only got him abut fifty yards from the firing line when again we were both peppered by shrapnel and shell. My rifle-butt was broken off to the trigger-guard and I received a smashing blow that laid my cheek on my shoulder. The last I remembered was the poor Lieutenant groaning as we both sank to the ground. When I came too I found myself in “Shrapnel Gully” with an AMC (Australian Medical Corps) man holding me down. I was still clasping my half-rifle. And so, after twelve hours hard fighting I was aboard a troopship again wounded, but I would not have missed it for all the money in the world.

Source: The original Anzac Book 1916. We do not glorify war, but we do remember. LEST WE FORGET.

The Village People Experience

Take Me Back To The

WITNESS the excitement and pumped-up energy of the 1970’s with the electrifying ‘Village People Experience’.

This dazzling tribute features a live band, sensational performers in flamboyant costumes, while capturing the true essence of the ultimate Village People performance!

Led by the incomparable James Harkness, direct from Broadway, plus a super-talented cast, this dynamic show promises to take you on an unforgettable nostalgic journey back in time, to the glittering era of afro hairstyles, platform shoes, bellbottoms, roller-skates, mega-bling, and the best music of a generation - the fabulous 1970’s!

With a massive cult-following of

70’s!

global hits, such as ‘YMCA’, ‘Macho Man’, ‘In The Navy’, ‘Go West’ and ‘Can’t Stop the Music’ - these iconic tunes are just the beginning!

‘The Village People Experience’ song list includes a wide selection of all your favourite Disco hits from the day, including…‘Car Wash’, ‘Disco Inferno’, ‘The Hustle’ , ‘Get Up and Boogie’, ‘Shake Your Groove Thing’, ‘I will Survive’ plus so much more!

Featuring legendary favourites, ‘Construction Worker’, ‘The Admiral’, ‘ Cowboy’, ‘Leather Man’, and ‘American Indian’.

‘The Village People Experience’ will entertain from start to finish! This is the ultimate tribute to the most iconic group of the disco- loving 70’s.

‘The Village People Experience’ is guaranteed to get the crowd amped

from the outset, with outstanding vocals, incredible choreography, and a few little surprises along the way!

The audience will soon be on their feet, doing the Y.M.C.A and singing along as they boogie the night away, transported back to an era of carefree times and emotional connections to the sensational sounds of the 70’s.

Do yourself a favour and book now!

The Village People Experience includes from the U.S.A and Broadway - James Harkness (Admiral), Nathan David Ace (Construction Worker), Matthew Leigh (Cowboy), Brian Kendrick (Leatherman) and Sage Del Carmen (Indian).

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Deal (7)

5 Rod-shaped bacteria (7)

9 Reproduced (9)

10 The sharp edge at the junction of 2 surfaces (5)

11 Voter (7)

12 Ceded (7)

13 Lead (9)

15 Show someone to their seats (5)

17 Mongrels (5)

19 Child (9)

22 Biting (7)

25 In an unspecified manner (7)

26 Father of Methuselah (5)

27 Disturbance (9)

28 Smiled contemptuously (7)

29 Baby cats (7)

1 Boundaries (7)

2 Be a delegate for (9)

Early Promo video - https://youtu. be/jmsGT4r_lsc

Song list includes –San Francisco, Macho Man, Y.M.C.A., In the Navy, Go West, Can’t Stop the Music, Milkshake, Magic Night, Disco Inferno, Car Wash, Boogie Shoes, Shake your Booty, Boogie Wonderland, You Should Be Dancing, Hot Stuff, Last Dance.

Saturday 7th March, 2026

EVAN THEATRE PENRITH PANTHERS NSW 8.00pm

Bookings: 1800 061 991

3 Flyer (7)

4 Infamy (9)

5 In a poor fashion (5)

6 French country house (7)

7 Horrible in savagery (5)

8 A person with confidential information (7)

14 The lower joint of the leg of a fowl (9)

16 Bum rides (9)

17 Social deportment (7)

18 How a snake moves (7)

20 Acrobat or tumbler (7)

21 Reverses the tape to the beginning (7)

23 Writing style (5)

24 Secretes a hormone (5)

Possible changes to Capital Gains Tax discounts and Negative Gearing benefits

THERE has been a lot of talk in the media about the removing or reducing the capital gains tax concessions that have been available for many years. This tax applies when an investment (property or shares etc) is sold. Currently, if the assets are held more than 12 months, then the gain is reduced by 50 per cent, and that amount is added to the taxable income and tax is then calculated on the total income.

Pressure is coming from various groups who want to reduce the demand from investors to buy property, which in turn will make it easier for owner occupiers to purchase by having less competition for each property.

This will help people trying to buy but it will probably hurt renters as there will be less properties available for rent. This happened the last time Capital Gains Tax concessions were removed in the 80’s. After a short time, the concessions were reintroduced as rents surged due to a lack of rental properties.

The federal Labor government is currently considering changes to these concessions, and The Greens are pushing hard for removal of concessions as well. The Liberals have stated they are against any changes.

These concessions are very costly to the federal budget and it is estimated the current concessions will reduce tax revenue by around $250 billion over the next 10 years, and this money could be used for better purposes like building public housing.

The main reason why property prices continue to escalate and become out of reach for ordinary people is the lack of supply. The federal government is trying to resolve the issues but have very limited impact. The main issues are the cost of vacant land and materials, high wages and lack of trades people plus high state taxes and fees.

All the states (except WA) are running up large debts and are struggling to spend within their shrinking budgets. So the last thing they want to do is reduce their tax revenue.

There are also changes to the negative gearing tax deductions being proposed. The removal of these deductions would have a severe impact on people choosing to buy investment properties, especially in the more expensive cities and regional markets.

Any changes should not affect assets already owned prior to a certain date. This date may be 1 July 2024 or 2025 as recommended to parliamentary committees. Any changes may also come into effect at a close future date.

So, if you are considering buying an investment property now, you need to act quickly and consider how the any possible changes may affect you.

Interest Rate Rises

We all know the Reserve Bank increased the cash rate on 3 Feb by 0.25 per cent. This was due to high inflation and low unemployment. Their meeting minutes suggest that if inflation is not reduced over the next few months, there may be another interest rate rise, in May perhaps, after the first quarter of 2026 inflation figures are released before their May meeting.

As 70 per cent of home loans are written by brokers, then most borrowers should have been contacted by their broker to recommend fixing the rate on some of the outstanding home loan balance before now.

All lenders have been increasing their fixed rates since December, and now most fixed rates are above the discounted variable rates available.

If your rate is above fixed rates on offer, then you should consider fixing a portion of your debt depending on your circumstances. But before doing so, you should discuss your options with you broker or lender.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

This information is of a general nature, and you need to take all your own circumstances into consideration before making any commitments.

To advertise in Nepean News or request your event to be added call Malama on 0416 203 777 OR EMAIL: sales@nepeannews.com.au

Kindifarm Petting Zoo at St Marys Village Shopping Centre on Australia Day. Families enjoying the friendly activity.

Celebrating Lunar New Year Lyndsey and Bec from Jeans West are making a wish on the Westfield Prosperity Tree encouraging dreams to come true.

Local St Marys residents Hayley and Indy are raising funds to enable them to join their Futsal team’s to play for Australia. Help them collect bottles and cans. Hayley and her team head to Malaysia and Indy and her team to Barcelona. Contact Amy on 0433 673 860 for more details.

Nepean Art Society’s Exhibition & Art Sale is on soon (27th Feb-1st March) Painting below by Sue Gasser - come and see these and over 120 artworks and numerous gift cards. Check out the details on our event. www.facebook.com/ events/1989489711993666

Phillip Island beckons for opening round of ASBK

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2026 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) powers into life at Phillip Island this weekend (February 20-22), with stacked fields across the four classes: SW-Motech Superbike, Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen and Race and Road Supersport 300.

The Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit is the most iconic circuit on the ASBK calendar and one of the most popular circuits with both Australian and international competitors. A classic and purpose-built motorcycle track that is undulating, fast and flowing, suiting the rhythm of motorcycling riding perfectly. First opened in 1956, the Island is a pure riders’ circuit, boasting one of the highest average top speeds for any track around the world.

Western Sydney riders will be competing in the following classes: Superbike: (JJ Nahlous –Glenwood; Jake Favelle – Cattai); Supersport 600: (Jake Farnsworth - Glenhaven); Supersport 300: (Zac Russo - Sackville North, Adam Jordan - East Kurrajong).

Familiar faces missing Round One will be William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise), Xavier Curmi (Wallacia) and Elijah Andrew, with all three teams chasing additional sponsors to help ease the considerable financial burden of the racing season and therefore committing to a shorter racing program for 2026.

Fox and Carruthers top ten in Concord Cup

FORMER Stonecutters Ridge GC

member Kade Webber (Concord GC) has won the 2026 Concord Cup, shooting a tournament record 15-under-par to finish two shots clear of Concord club-mate Blake Phillips, with Josh Fuller (The Vintage GC) five shots further back in third spot.

Richmond’s Ti Fox (Concord GC) and Jordan Springs’ Coby Carruthers (Concord GC) were the best-placed of the strong western Sydney contingent, both finishing at 4-under-par in eighth and ninth spots respectively, ahead of Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) in 18th and Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC) in 24th.

Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge) finished 15th in the Girls Division, well behind winner Minseo Lee (Concord GC).

Round Three of Metropolitan Major Pennant was held over the weekend, with the following results. WOMEN: The Australian 5-0 over Stonecutters Ridge. MEN: Castle Hill 6-1 over Lynwood, Stonecutters Ridge 4-3 over Bonnie Doon, Muirfield 3.53.5 with Fox Hills, Bankstown 7-0 over Richmond, Penrith 4.5-2.5 over Mona Vale, Oatlands 4-3 over Twin Creeks, Springwood 4-3 over Dunheved, Glenmore Heritage Valley lost 4-3 to Cabramatta, The Coast 6-1 over Wallacia, Leonay down 4-3 to Macarthur Grange

Merle Long wins Canoe Slalom gold at Penrith Open

AUSTRALIAN Merle Long has won Australia’s only gold medal at the 2026 Canoe Slalom Penrith Open, defeating teammate Lucien Delfour in a photo-finish in the four-man Final of the Men’s Kayak Cross, as Australia claimed both the gold and silver medals.

“I had a blast,” Long said. “It’s always pretty fun when there’s a photo finish towards the end. All the way from the start to the end, Lucien [Delfour] and I were fighting together - I just got the ball this time.

“To have this result, I did alright in the slalom (7th in MK1 Final) and to do well in the Kayak Cross for the first selection race is definitely foreign to me. I’m very pumped with the result but it doesn’t mean I’m going to stop. I’m going to bring this head-to-head mentality into the next weekend (Australian Open).” It was the second silver medal of the weekend for Delfour, who also finished runner-up in the MK1. Matyas Novak (CZE) won the bronze.

Katerina Bekova (CZE) won the Women’s Kayak Cross, ahead of teammate Tereza Kneblova in second and Great Britain’s Kimberley Woods in third. Noemie Fox OAM finished fourth.

Australia finished with one gold and three silver medals on the weekend and will be looking to build on that total in next weekend’s Australian Open.

Noemie Fox had started the event with a silver medal for Australia on Day One, finishing behind Zuzana Pankova (SLO) and ahead of Eva Elina Hocevar (POL) in the Women’s Canoe (WC1).

“It’s our first race here since the World Championships, and I’m really proud of the final run that I did,” Fox said. “To finish on the podium, in a really stacked field, it feels good to get that racing in the bank.”.

Vaclav Chaloupka (CZE) took gold in the Men’s Canoe (MC1), ahead of Ziga Lin Hocevar (SLO) and Adam

Kral (CZE), with Australian Kaylen Bassett in fourth.

Reigning World Champion Klaudia Zwolinska (POL) won the Women’s K1, ahead of Pankova in second and Hocevar in third. Three Australians reached the WK1 Final, with Georgie O’Callaghan finishing fourth, Kate Eckhardt fifth and Noemie Fox sixth.

Japanese paddler Yuuki Tanaka won the Men’s Kayak (MK1), ahead of Australian Olympian Lucien Delfour and Ziga Lin Hocevar (SLO).

“I’m fairly happy with the result,” Delfour said. “I had an unfortunate touch on the first gate, can’t remember the last time that’s happened –probably 15 or 16 years ago.

“It’s actually quite an interesting way to race, because you feel a little bit more free to attack because you know you already made a mistake. In the end, I was happy with the paddling.”

The Australian Open runs from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd February at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.