Nepean News 31 July 2026 DIGITAL

A Terrible Accident

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

ON a Saturday in September 1901 near Cott’s “First & Last” Hotel on Victoria Road at St Marys, five women were more or less seriously injured and a valuable buggy terribly damaged and one of the best horses in the district ruined. It started with a meeting of women belonging to the Rupertswood and St Marys’ Presbyterian churches that was arranged to be held at the residence of Miss Anderson at Colyton. Several of the women from St Marys arranged to attend and Mr George Hope agreed to lend his horse and buggy, with Miss Walker the eldest daughter of Mr Robert Walker of St Marys undertaking to drive the animal. The ladies were Mrs George Hope, Mrs William James Thompson, Mrs K Campbell, Miss Guild and Miss Walker. The five found room in the buggy with three sitting on the front seat and two at the back, all went well on the journey along the Victoria Road to Colyton, but on the return just at the crest of the hill coming into St Marys the animal quickened his pace and a little later on Miss Walker called out that the horse was running away. Mrs Thompson tried to help pull the reins but before reaching Mr Roberts’ house, Miss Walker was either thrown or jumped out. By this time matters looked extremely serious and Mrs Thompson secured one rein but could not get the other, then Miss Guild either jumped or was thrown out between Mr Roberts’ and Mr Lane’s residences and on nearing Mr Lane’s place the animal took to the footpath on the northern side and crossed Queen street cutting Montague James Bennett’s wedding party in two as some of the vehicles had turned the corner while others remained on Victoria road. “Monty” as he was known was the eldest son of George Thomas Bennett and had just married Janet May Haining the daughter of James Stanley Haining of St Marys and the party had just left St Mary Magdalene church. By this time, the pace was a gallop, and as the vehicle passed between Cott’s hotel and the telegraph post. Those onlookers who saw it realised the occupants would be smashed to pieces. The animal rushed at full speed just past the “Park View” hotel of the late Mrs Corry whose fence projected out some feet onto the footpath. The suddenness of the impact threw the ladies in all directions. The buggy at first turned almost at right angles then clean over onto the roadway. Fortunately, the horse got loose with part of the shaft and ran on still on the footpath until he was brought up near Mr Brown’s shop. A large number of townspeople were quickly on the scene and all the ladies were unconscious. Mrs Hope soon regained consciousness and although she sustained a fractured rib, a number of bruises and a great shock, she was conveyed to her own residence. Mrs Thompson’s injuries were apparently more severe and she remained unconscious right through the night. The shock and injuries to her was very great. She had a wound on the elbow and cuts and bruises all over her body. Mrs Campbell’s injuries appeared to be dangerous and like Mrs Thompson remained unconscious all through the night, She had a fractured collarbone, a wound on her head and other injuries and they were taken to Mrs Cott’s hotel where they remained all night, being removed the following day by members of the St Marys’ Ambulance Class (Messrs J T Wood, H Francis, F Bonnard, G Giddy and others), on improvised stretchers. Miss Guild and Miss Walker were taken to their respective homes. Miss Guild had one shoulder dislocated besides being bruised a good deal and was suffering a good deal from shock too. Miss Walker suffering from shock had several abrasions about the face and head and many bruises. As soon as the accident

happened telegrams were sent, first to Dr Higgins who happened to be in Sydney, then to Dr McMasters who was away visiting the sick and immediately on his return he drove as quickly as possible to relieve the sufferers. Dr Higgins only came by the 6.11 pm train from Sydney on being informed and drove from the station at a gallop. Prior to the arrival of the doctors, Mr Pye the local chemist and several members of the ambulance class assisted to relieve the sufferers. Mr Hope’s buggy had been knocked clean out of shape and the first two wheels had been turned pretty well inside out with the dash and back rail also broken as well as the shafts and splinter bar. The buggy was said to be one of the strongest in the district. By the Thursday evening all the patients were doing well and Reverend H S Buntine busied himself among the injured ones. Those who witnessed the crash said they will never forget it. Reverend Buntine had only been inducted to the Presbyterian charge of St Marys and Rupertswood a week before and came with special recommendations from the Port Macquarie district where he resided for eight years. The farewell for Reverend and Mrs Buntine at the Port Macquarie Church prior to the departure was a brilliant affair with several going away presents including a magnificent Past Master’s Jewel by his fellow members of the Lodge Hastings (Masons). The jewel was made of solid gold and had the bar inscribed with the name of the lodge and a clasp bearing the Reverend’s monogram. The jewel, in the form of a T square had the following inscription “Presented to P.M. Bro, H S Buntine by Lodge Hastings in appreciation of past services.”

Source: Nepean Times.

Rowsellas team named for 2026 World Rowing Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

ROWING

Australia (RA) has named crews for 13 boats to race at the 2026 World Championships held on the Bosbaan international course at Amsterdam, Netherlands from 24-30 August.

The Rowsellas Team for Amsterdam comprises 61 athletes from across RA’s Men’s, Women’s and Para rowing programs.

RA Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE said, “Rowing is the ultimate team sport and we couldn’t be successful without the team that supports us. From our Patron Mrs Rinehart, Hancock Prospecting, the AIS and ASC, the Federal government, the State Institutes of sport and academies, clubs and all our partners, we thank you.”

Thompson is confident the Rowsellas will produce a performance at the 2026 World Championships that showcases the progress Australian rowing has made towards LA2028 and Brisbane2032.

“We have seen last year’s green shoots flourish and this season has produced some very promising World Cup results which the team is determined to deliver at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships,” Thompson said.

“The team speed and depth have been building and crews are looking forward to doing themselves proud in Amsterdam.”

The Women’s team for Amsterdam, featuring rowers from the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre in Penrith, has five boats – the Single Scull, Quadruple

and Eight – with six

Single Scull - Tara Rigney OLY, Quad Scull - Romy Cantwell, Annabelle McIntyre OAM OLY, Jean Mitchell OLY, Emily Sheppard; Pair - Katie Easton, Emmie Frederico; Four - Bronwyn Cox OLY, Giorgia Patten OLY, Georgina Rowe OLY,

Jacqueline Swick OLY; Eight - Lily Alton-Triggs OLY, Paige Barr OLY, Ella Bramwell, Jaime Ford, Eliza Gaffney, Georgie Gleeson, Laura Gourley OLY, Samantha Morton, Hayley Verbunt OLY; Spares - Taylor Caudle, Sophie Houston, Caitlin McManus-Barrett, Star Rose Miller, Sara de Uray.

Former Panthers shine in NBL1 East playoffs

BY NOEL ROWSELL

WHILST Penrith’s two senior basketball teams are left watching the 2026 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East playoff series from the sidelines, three former Panthers stars played pivotal roles in their respective team’s victories on the weekend in the Women’s division.

Tahlia Tupaea was in red-hot form with the Bankstown Bruins in a Qualifying Final, scoring 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal as the Bruins defeated the reigning women’s champions the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 91-82 to advance to the Preliminary Finals in two weeks.

Meg Jefferson was also impressive for the Newcastle Hunters in an Elimination Final, finishing with 17 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and two steals as the Hunters defeated the Hills District Hornets 69-61 to advance to the Semi-Finals, where they will match up against the Sea Eagles on Sunday at the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Stadium.

Former Penrith import Mia Heide (2024-2025) also played for the Hunters, recording five points, six boards, four assists and one block.

Elimination Finals 25-26 July: WOMEN - Newcastle Hunters 69 def Hills District Hornets 61; Albury Wodonga Bandits 73 def Hornsby Ku-ring-Gai Spiders 61. MEN – Central Coast Crusaders 94 def BA Centre of Excellence 81, Maitland Mustangs 94 def Canberra Gunners 70.

Qualifying Finals 25-26 July: WOMEN – Bankstown Bruins 91 def Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 82, Norths Bears 95 def BA Centre of Excellence 54. MEN – Norths Bears 93 def Sutherland Sharks 79, Illawarra Hawks 86 def Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 65.

Semi-Finals 1-2 August: WOMEN – BA Centre of Excellence vs Albury Wodonga Bandits, Manly Warring Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Hunters. MEN – Sutherland Sharks vs Maitland Mustangs, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Central Coast Crusaders.

St George MCC hosts NSW Motor Race Championship

BY NOEL ROWSELL

ST GEORGE MCC will host Round One of the 2026 NSW Motorcycling Road Race State Championship at Sydney Motorsport

Park over 1-2 August.

The on-track action commences at 8:30am on both days, with 84 riders contesting a total of 42 races over Saturday and Sunday.

The club’s sanctioned classes are as follows: Unlimited – Sub-classes are: Pro Unlimited, Club Unlimited A, Club Unlimited B, Unlimited Retro, Unlimited Senior F1. 600cc – sub-

classes are: Pro 600, Club 600 A, Club 600 B, Club Next Gen, 300/400cc. Formula St George. Bears - (British, European, American Racing): F1, F2, F3, F4, F5.

CPMCC hosts annual Dirt Track Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

IT’S that time of year, when old dirt track riders are working on a variety of older machines in preparation for the annual Classic Dirt Track meeting, staged by the City of Penrith Motorcycle club at the Nepean Raceway this coming weekend, August 1-2.

The New South Wales Classic and Post Classic Dirt Track Championships are up for grabs in a variety of classes, whilst some classes that have attracted smaller entry lists will still feature over the two days as support classes.

There will also be a sprinkling of younger riders on show, riding machines older than themselves.

A number of riders have entered multiple machines for the meeting,

which will not only keep them busy but surely test the fitness of some of the older brigade (of riders).

The two days are always marked by great camaraderie between competitors, at least before the race and after the chequered flag falls.

But when the gate drops to start a race, everyone will have a ‘race face’ on – even though they will not be racing for ‘sheep stations’.

Track action will commence at 10 am on both days. Saturday will feature practice sessions, then three rounds for some of the support classes before a “double feature” to wrap up proceedings. Two 25-lap races: one for Period 20 and Post Classic machines and the other for Classic machines.

On Sunday 10th, championship classes and two support classes will battle it out over the 50-event program.

Fabulous Jess Fox golden World Championship trifecta

BY NOEL ROWSELL

JESSICA Fox OAM has completed a comeback story for the ages, claiming her fifth women’s Kayak (WK1) title in Oklahoma at the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.

After being unable to defend her 2023 K1 World Championship title on home soil last year, Jess started sixth in the 12-woman field, putting down a fast run on the LA 2028 Olympic course to apply intense pressure on the faster qualifiers, who all failed to better her time.

The win was Jess’ third Gold medal of the Championships, having already won the Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial on Day One, then joining sister Noemie Fox OAM and Kate Eckhardt to win the WK1 Teams event on Day Two.

“It’s emotional, I can’t believe it,” Jess said. “I was so nervous today and once I made the (WK1) Final, I wanted to try and get out there, enjoy it and give it my best shot. I’m so proud of my race.

“It was a really good run and to share the podium with Kim (Woods) and Evy (Leibfarth) is really special as well. I can’t believe it.”.

Jess’ inspiring 12 month journey from kidney surgery to once again dominating the whitewater event continues to add to her phenomenal legacy in paddle sport.

“I’m just really proud today to push myself in those uncomfortable moments of pressure and nerves and to be able to deliver and win another world title. I just can’t believe it.

“I’m so full of gratitude, and joy, and emotion, and thankful to everyone who has helped me. It takes a village to get you from the hospital bed to just back in a boat,” she said.

Noemie Fox left it until the final day to add to Australia’s medal tally, winning Silver in the Women’s Kayak Cross.

The result is Noemie’s first individual World Championship medal, and after a heartbreaking 2025 season, she said this moment is as good as gold.

“Honestly, this feels like gold. It’s just been such a huge life lesson for me to never give up and to arrive as fresh as possible.

“This week has had so many ups and downs – moments of joy in winning the [women’s] Kayak Teams and then individual slalom results I wasn’t proud of. I feel like

that ‘why not you’ mentality really kicked in.

“This means a lot. I’m really proud of the way I’ve bounced back this week,” she said.

AUSTRALIAN MEDALS: Jess Fox – Gold medal in Women’s Kayak Cross Individual Time Trial, Gold in Women’s Kayak Teams, Gold in Women’s Kayak (WK1); Noemie Fox – Gold in Women’s Kayak Teams, Silver in Women’s Kayak Cross; Kate Eckhardt – Gold in Women’s Kayak Teams.

Wallacia wins Springwood WSRVGA Inter-Club event

BY NOEL ROWSELL

SPRINGWOOD Country Club turned on a surprisingly warm July day last Wednesday when hosting the latest Inter-club challenge for the members of Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA).

Playing the short course allowed some players, and pairs, to record outstanding Stableford scores –three players managing 42 points each whilst the best two-ball team combined for a mammoth 50.

Mark White and Bruno Mitrovic (Leonay) defended their two-ball title with the 50 points, having won the same prize last year whilst playing for Wallacia. Martin Berg and Bobby Lees (Wallacia) were runners-up on 45 points.

The medley two-ball competition was much more closely contested. Margaret Haworth and Richard Doyle (Penrith) amassing 45 points to finish one point ahead of Sharon Blacklock and Marrick Jones (Richmond) on 44.

Robert Lees (Wallacia) finished on top in the Men’s A Grade with a monster 42 points, one shot ahead of second placed Wallacia club-mate Peter Cromer.

The men’s B Grade was similar, with Jim Boylan (Springwood) also recording 42 points to defeat Sean O’Shea (Dunheved) by 3.

42 points was also needed to win the Men’s C

competition,

In the Ladies competition, Margaret Haworth led the way for Penrith with 40 points, followed by Carmen Salkeld (Richmond) with 38.

After finishing second in the Team event at the last two Inter-club events, Wallacia finally broke through for a win with Bobby Lees, Peter Cromer, Glenn Vine and Terry Sharpe recording a total of 153 Stableford

Pennant Golf update

ERIC Apperly Shield (home teams listed first)Stonecutters Ridge lost 4-2 to St Michael’s, Penrith lost 4-2 to Manly, Northbridge won 5-1 over Richmond, Bayview lost 4-2 to Lynwood. Home games 2nd August - Stonecutters Ridge vs The Australian 11:06am

T.L. Warren (home teams listed first) - Massey Park 2-1 over Leonay, Wallacia 2.5-0.5 over Fox Hills, Roseville down 2-1 to Penrith, Twin Creeks 2-1 over Palm Beach, Bondi 2.5-0.5 over Stonecutters Ridge, Moore Park 2.50.5 over Springwood.

W. Gibson (home teams listed first) - Marrickville down 2-1 to Lynwood, Massey Park 3-0 over Leonay, Wallacia 2-1 over Fox Hills, Roseville tied 1.5-1.5 with Penrith, Twin Creeks 3-0 over Palm Beach, Bondi 2.5-0.5 over Stonecutters Ridge, Moore Park 3-0 over Springwood.

points, followed by Leonay (149), Glenmore and Dunheved (146), Penrith (145), Richmond and Springwood (144). Stonecutters did not participate. With three events yet to be held, the team event scores are being closely watched as they are used to decide the Club of the Year.

At present, Leonay reign superior with a total of 703 points but their lead is narrow, with Glenmore just behind on 701. Other totals are Richmond 692, Wallacia 682, Dunheved 678, Penrith 657, Springwood 616 and Stonecutters 458.

In the Men’s Player of the Year rankings, Wallacia dominate with four players in the top seven who each amassed over100 points. After a strong result at Springwood, Peter Cromer (Wallacia) has taken the lead with 108 points, He is followed by Bobby Lees (Wallacia, 10-7), Vince Preca (Leonay, 104), Lai Jayawardane (Leonay, 104), Martin Berg (Wallacia, 101), Max Loftus (Richmond, 100) and Stephen Francis (Wallacia, 100).

Top of the field in the Ladies Player of the Year rankings is Carmen Salkeld (Richmond) on 110, ahead of Julie Berg (Penrith, 99), Margaret Haworth (Penrith, 95), Clea Bain (Dunheved, 91), Suzanne Still (Richmond, 91), Christine Hoppe (Wallacia, 89), Sharon Blacklock (Richmond 88), and Tarana Khanna (Springwood, 88).

The next Inter-club event is to hosted by Penrith GC on Tuesday 18th August.

Martin riding the roller-coaster as Panthers prepare to pounce

BY CAMERON MEE NRL REPORTER

The Panthers are eager to draw on history as they look to emerge from a challenging post-Origin period and commence their charge to the minor premiership.

PENRITH’S grip at the top of the ladder has loosened slightly in recent weeks and has shrunk to just two points as coach Ivan Cleary navigates the end of a gruelling State of Origin campaign for a number of his stars.

The Panthers claimed a gritty 24-18 win over the Eels last Thursday night and will travel to Mudgee to play the Raiders on Saturday.

Penrith sit atop the NRL ladder on 34 points, two points clear of the Roosters, with the Warriors and Sharks a further two points back with just six rounds left in the regular season.

It’s a familiar position for the Panthers, who claimed the minor premiership in 2022 and 2023, and Martin is confident the experience will hold them in good stead throughout the coming months.

“We’re finding our rhythm and we’ve got a good block coming up where we can work on building that connection again and hold the standards high at training,” Martin told NRL.com

“There’s [finals] experience with a few of us and there’s a few who haven’t really experienced it before so it’s up to us to guide them. Every year is different, every year has its challenges and just because what we’ve done in the past has worked, we can’t expect to rest on our laurels and expect it to happen.

“We’ve got to earn it again and focus on doing that at training and holding ourselves to a high standard.”

Saturday’s clash with the Raiders at Glen Willow Oval provides Penrith

with a chance to atone last year’s defeat to Canberra at the same venue.

A Nathan Cleary field goal attempt clattered into the post, with Kaeo Weekes scoring a length of the field golden point try in a play quickly dubbed the ‘Miracle of Mudgee’.

Martin was at the centre of the drama on that occasion but he’s been forced to spend plenty of time watching from the sideline this season. The representative star has endured a frustrating run of injuries, with a calf strain delaying his start to the year before a knee injury kept him sidelined for six weeks midway through the season.

Martin concedes it took him some time to find his feet after returning in Round 13. The back-rower earned a NSW recall for the Origin decider and played a key role in the Blues’ stunning victory.

Having had a frustrating year, Martin said the triumph has provided a big confidence boost leading into the finals.

“It was a bit of a roller coaster for a while there,” Martin said. “After the

knee the first couple of games back I was finding my groove and wasn’t overly happy with my standard but I feel like I’m starting to build into it nicely.

“One thing with the knee was it gave the rest of the body a rest so I’m feeling good heading into the back end of the year so hopefully I can keep finding my groove and keep building.”

While his immediate focus is Penrith’s quest for a fifth title in six years, Martin also has one eye on earning Kangaroos selection for the end-of-season World Cup.

A mainstay in the Australian side since 2022, the forward missed last year’s Ashes tour to be present for the birth of his first child.

Martin admits the decision came with mixed emotions but he’s eager to make up for lost time later this year.

“It was very tough to miss the Ashes,” Martin said. “Playing for Australia is the pinnacle and you want to play every opportunity you get but I had to put family first.

“As soon as my son was born, there was no question I had made the right decision. As tough as it was to miss out, I wouldn’t have been anywhere else.

“The body’s feeling good, there’s no baby on the way this time so if I get the opportunity I’d love to represent Australia this year. Pulling on the green and gold is the pinnacle so I’ll hopefully keep playing good footy and put myself in the frame.”

Round 22 - Saturday 1 August, 5.30pm

Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee