Lillypilly has a diverse range of wines from dry to sweet, including dessert and fortified wines. Winemaker Robert has won over 1000 awards and his passion for wine continues to enable him to capture the Riverina region’s unique climate and flavours in a bottle.
Order now on their website with the code wildpanther91 and get 20% OFF all orders
JOIN the Nepean Cancer Crushers this Dry July!
Sign up to the challenge of a month off the booze and help raise funds for people affected by cancer.
By joining the Nepean Cancer Crushers, you will help to raise vital funds for Nepean Cancer Care via the Dry July Foundation. This year, all funds raised will go towards the upgrade of furniture for patients in the waiting room.
Click this link and join the team today!
www.dryjuly.com/users/ sign_up?team=nepeancancer-crushers
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FORMER City of Penrith RSL subBranch Vice President John Fenton was recognised in the Mayoral Minutes for his outstanding work supporting thousands of veterans over a 38-year period as a Level 3 Advocate in the Nepean / Blue Mountains Area.
Penrith City Mayor Todd Carney presented the Minutes to Mr Fenton’s son, Michael, and former sub-Branch President Brian Cartwright in Chambers last Friday.
Mr Fenton’s final appearance for the sub-Branch was at this year’s International Women’s Day at Memory Park, Penrith, where the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley KC AC, presented him with a service quilt.
AMASSIVE shout out and thank you to our community vaccination teams who for the past couple of months have helped vaccinate hundreds of our community against influenza.
“We’ve seen an increase of 35% in community members being vaccinated at our clinics compared to 2025. Thank you for the part you are playing in helping keep our community safe this winter flu
season,” a NBMHD spokesperson said.
It’s not too late to protect yourself, your family and your community from influenza. Community vaccinations are still running.
Find your nearest clinic here: www.nsw.gov. au/departments-and-agencies/nbmlhd/news/ stories/2026-community-vaccination-clinicsfree-influenza-vaccinations-now-available-tovulnerable-populations
A BRIDGE owned and managed by Sydney Trains at Glossop St, St Marys, has been closed to all vehicles over 20 tonnes due to safety concerns.
Penrith City Council has been advised by Sydney Trains that recent inspections and detailed engineering assessments, as part of asset maintenance, identified that the rail over road bridge was unable to safely support the existing vehicle load conditions.
The 20T load limit has been implemented immediately, so further investigations can be undertaken.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said: “Council has installed VMS boards to alert road users of this sudden change.
“Council will continue to liaise with Sydney Trains to understand the investigations and expected timing of rectification works.
“This is a busy area and the temporary closure to heavy vehicles will have a significant impact on both freight and local traffic networks.
“We’re also seeking assurance from Sydney Trains that any rectification works will be completed as soon as possible.”
Sydney Trains are continuing their investigations of the bridge over the Western Railway line and will work with Council to manage the immediate impacts and support a review of temporary alternate heavy vehicle routes.
For further information, please contact 131 500.
THE next Group Meeting of the Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group will be held on Monday 15th of June, 2026 at the Leonay Golf Club, 1 Leonay Parade, Leonay, NSW 2750 commencing at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start.
The meeting is open to all men who may be experiencing prostate problems or just wish to become more aware of this disease. New comers will be made most welcome.
As usual at all of our Group Meetings, partners are not only welcome but are encouraged to attend.
For further information www. prostatesupport.org.au or ‘phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on1300 13 38 78.
Nepean Family History Society
Next Meeting: 1.30pm Saturday, 6 June 2026
Location: Old School Residence, Gt Western Hwy (off Lawson Rd), Emu Plains
Speaker: Daniel Clift
Topic: Cryptic Towns’ Trivia Quiz
PENRITH City Council has completed a major upgrade to the amenities building at Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex in Penrith, improving facilities for local sporting groups and the community.
The upgrade includes a redesigned floorplan, with extensive improvements to both levels of the building. The lower level now features four new rooms for first aid, office and administration use, two modern change rooms, an adult change facility, upgraded canteen facilities and increased storage. The upper level includes a new kitchenette and accessible toilets.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the upgrade represents a significant investment in local sporting infrastructure and will support the growing demand for high-quality, accessible facilities in Penrith.
“Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex plays an important role in our local sporting network, hosting everything from community competitions to regional and statelevel events,” Cr Carney said.
“This upgrade ensures the facility meets modern standards and provides a more inclusive and comfortable experience for players, officials and visitors.”
The refurbishment included air-conditioning throughout the building and accessibility improvements, with a new lift providing access between the lower and upper levels.
The upgrade was funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council.
In addition to the amenities upgrade, 10 tennis courts at the complex were resurfaced through joint funding from Tennis NSW and Penrith City Council, improving the quality and longevity of the facility.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the NSW Government is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of sports facilities throughout the state.
“As communities grow and change, so do their sporting needs and local sports infrastructure should cater for this.
“The upgrades to the Woodriff
Gardens Tennis Complex have helped to create a space that supports everyone to take part in sport and active recreation.”
Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said the upgrade to the Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex is fantastic for the Penrith community and everyone who uses these courts each week.
“These modern, accessible facilities will support local players of all ages and abilities, while also strengthening Penrith’s capacity to host larger sporting events and competitions.
“The NSW Governments investment in community infrastructure encourages people to stay active, connected and involved in local sport.”
The Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex upgrades were identified through the Sport and Recreation Strategy, Council’s 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space across the City.
To find out more go to penrith. city/spros
PENRITH City Council has completed the revitalisation of playspaces at Margaret Porter Reserve in St Marys and Myrtle Road Reserve in Claremont Meadows, providing enhanced recreation facilities for the families in these communities.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the improvements will greatly benefit those in the community who utilise these playspaces regularly.
“The upgraded playspaces across the Penrith LGA offer families and children a lively area to play and explore. The improvements to these
areas have created a welcoming space, making it more accessible and enticing for those who visit,” Cr Carney said.
“Penrith City Council is committed to an ongoing program to upgrade the City’s playspaces, ensuring they are modern and inclusive for everyone across the Penrith LGA.”
Margaret Porter Reserve upgrades feature:
• Slides, climbing elements and swings for all ages and abilities
• Sensory and musical play panels
• Balance beams, imaginative play, spinner and inclusive rocker
• Picnic shelter and new seating
• New drink fountain and accessible pathways
Myrtle Road Reserve upgrades feature:
• Slides, climbing elements and swings for all ages and abilities
• Toddler cubby house with sensory play
• Balance beams, imaginative play and an inclusive seesaw
• Picnic shelter and new seating
• New drink fountain and accessible pathways
NSW Deputy Premier, Minister for Western Sydney and Member for
Londonderry, Prue Car MP, said the upgraded playspaces create great places for local families to enjoy.
“Our area is home to so many young, growing families and it’s important that our parks continue to grow alongside them.
“Local families deserve great outdoor facilities and spaces close to home, and these upgrades will help serve the area for years to come.”
These projects were funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government.
Go to penrith.city/playspaces to find out more.
IN 2024, St Marys South Public School students collaborated with Council through the Penrith Mayoral Challenge program to help design a new playspace that reflects their community.
Penrith Council staff were amazed by the students’ inventive approach in developing a bush-themed playspace concept inspired by the region’s biodiversity.
The playspace includes:
• In-ground joey trampolines and swings
• Balance play
• Shade sail
• A yarning circle
• Picnic shelter and new seating
• New drink fountain and accessible pathways
• New tree plantings
This project was funded by Penrith City Council.
AWHOPPING $48,563 raised for the Royce Simmons Foundation!
More pictures, details of prize winners and thank you’s to come, but Nepean Business Network wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended their casino night fundraiser, and they hope everyone had as much fun as they did.
The Vegas Nights Productions team once again kept everyone highly entertained, and the music duo Smith & Young definitely brought the party atmosphere.
Nepean Business Network can’t wait to bring their event back again next year to support another wonderful local charity.
More in next week’s edition.
ON Monday 1 June 2026, Cancer Wellness Support officially opened its new Penrith Wellness Centre at 15-17 Castlereagh Street, Penrith.
This milestone represents the first tangible outcome of CWS’s Capacity Building Fund, launched at their Emerald Dinner on 20 June 2025, celebrating 20 years of supporting local people and families living with cancer.
Just 12 months later, the fund has delivered its first major project, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to care for people and families living with cancer.
Cancer Wellness Support is already experiencing rapidly increasing demand, with 452 Australians diagnosed with cancer every day. By 2031, cancer cases are projected to rise by 22%. In response, Cancer Wellness Support has seen a 70% increase in therapy delivery and membership growth of more than 40% over the past two years, with projections to deliver over 9,000 individual therapies in the 2025-2026 financial year.
The signing of the lease for the new Penrith Wellness Centre was celebrated on Friday 8 May at their Drive for Wellness Charity Golf Day, with attendees raising over $18,000 in a single day for the Capacity Building Fund.
Thanks to events like these, alongside the generosity of supporters, partners, volunteers and the local community, over $200,000 has been raised for the Capacity Building Fund over the last 12 months to help make the expansion of services possible.
The new Penrith Wellness Centre will allow Cancer Wellness Support to nearly double its
service capacity in the region, enabling more local people and families living with cancer to access affordable, person-centred care. The new Centre, located in a beautiful historic building in the heart of Penrith, reflects the warmth, compassion and sense of belonging that underpins all of its services.
Much like the Robyn Yates Centre in Leura, the Penrith Wellness Centre has been designed to foster connection and comfort, ensuring clients and carers feel welcomed and supported in a space that feels grounded in community.
The opening of the new centre reflects both the growing need for services and the strength of a community coming together to respond.
Get Involved
• Keep powering the future growth of Cancer Wellness Support and donate to the Capacity Building Fund
• Show your support at Cancer Wellness Support Op Shops in Penrith and Katoomba
• Learn more about upcoming events, volunteering, partnerships and how to get involved
at www.cancersupport.org.au
Founded in 2005 by Robyn Yates OAM, Cancer Wellness Support proudly operate their head office and wellness centre in Leura, a wellness centre in Penrith, and Op Shops in Katoomba and Penrith to improve the lives of local people and families living with cancer.
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
MANY cat owners have heard the term feline panleukopenia, sometimes called feline parvovirus, but few realise just how dangerous this disease can be until cases begin appearing in their own community. In recent weeks, veterinary clinics throughout Western Sydney have seen a noticeable increase in infections, highlighting the importance of keeping cats vaccinated and protected.
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is an extremely contagious viral disease that mainly affects unvaccinated cats, especially young kittens. Closely related to canine parvovirus, FPV
attacks rapidly dividing cells within the body, particularly those in the intestinal tract and immune system, making infected cats critically unwell in a short period of time.
One of the biggest concerns with FPV is how easily it spreads and how long it survives in the environment. The virus can remain infectious for up to 12 months on contaminated items such as bedding, litter trays, cages, food bowls, and floors. Unfortunately, it is also resistant to many everyday disinfectants, which makes eliminating it particularly difficult once it enters a household or shelter environment.
Cats usually become infected through contact with contaminated faeces, but transmission is not limited to direct cat-to-cat contact. The virus can hitch a ride on shoes, clothing, hands, and other objects, meaning even indoor-only cats may still be exposed if the virus is unknowingly carried into the home. It can also spread through bodily secretions including saliva, urine, and vomit.
The signs of FPV can develop quickly and are often severe. Affected
cats may show a sudden loss of appetite, extreme lethargy, vomiting, fever, and diarrhoea. In kittens, the disease is particularly devastating, with mortality rates approaching 90% in severe cases. Early veterinary intervention is critical, as while there is no cure for the virus itself, intensive supportive care—such as fluid therapy, medications, and nutritional support— can significantly improve survival chances.
Another reason FPV outbreaks are so difficult to control is the timing of viral shedding. Infected cats can spread the virus several days before they even appear sick, with symptoms generally developing within five to seven days after exposure. Cats that recover may continue shedding the virus for weeks afterwards, creating an ongoing risk for other cats in the area.
The good news is that FPV is highly preventable through vaccination. The feline parvovirus vaccine forms part of the standard core vaccination program recommended for all cats. Kittens need a series of vaccinations early in life, followed by a booster at 12 months
and then ongoing boosters as advised by your veterinarian. Protection is highly effective when vaccinations are kept up to date.
The recent increase in cases across Western Sydney serves as an important reminder that diseases once considered uncommon can quickly return when vaccination levels decline. If you are unsure whether your cat is protected, now is the ideal time to speak with your veterinarian and review their vaccination status.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4736 2027.
THURSDAY Australian Military Wives Choir (AMWChoir) 7.00 to 8.30pm - Beginners welcome - Penrith RSL Club 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday each month (no school holidays). Email: coordinator.sydney@amwchoir.com
FRIDAY Nepean Valley RSL Day Club 9.30am to 1.30pm - 86 Station Street, Penrith. Social, morning tea and lunch provided. Roz: 0407 014 542
WEDNESDAY 21 & 22 JULY Australian War Memorial Overninght Bus Trip
Must be registered through the Trybooking link emailed to Members, cost $50 each. Accomodation at own cost.
FRIDAY 24 JULY Dining In Night Must be registered through the Trybooking link emailed to Members, cost $25 each.
Wives, girlfriends, partners, mothers, sisters and female ADF
All community Members over 55. If you would like more information or are interested in getting involved in any way please, feel free to contact the sub-Branch Office. Office Open: Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3.00pm. Phone: 4728 5225 Email: secretary@penrithrslsubbranch.org.au
Sub-Branch Members & Partners, only
Sub-Branch Members & Partners, only
ONE of the first questions we ask of anyone requesting a Solar or Battery storage quotation is for a recent electricity bill (all pages) and the reason for this has several purposes. Firstly, it allows us to see the electricity usage profile of the home and allows us to calculate the
optimum size Solar, Battery storage system or Solar and Storage system to generate sufficient electricity to cover your average daily needs (all measured in kWhr’s not dollars). If possible, we request additional bills to show us any seasonal variances to see if your home uses more power for heating in winter or cooling in summer. This can also determine the aspects we choose to direct much of the panel layout during design.
The other reason for the bills s that we read so many bills during the course of a day we can gauge whether you are on a good, or poor rate and assist with suggestions as to how to find the optimum price that you should be paying, thus potentially saving you money before you even
Hcommit to having a system installed.
Thirdly, if you are looking at having a battery system installed it is a requirement to provide a copy of an electricity bill to the regulator as part of the claim for the rebate to confirm that the name, address and NMI of the account all match.
Finally, if we are to provide you with any sort of financial payback or ROI figure, bill reduction estimates, or other financial benefits, these figures must be clear, accurate, supportable, and not misleading.
The New Energy Tech Code requires sellers to provide “clear, accurate and relevant information” and comprehensive quotes including “expected performance and any limitations.”
In has been my experience over the decade or so I have been designing systems that quotations and proposals written out on a quotation pad by salespeople, often door to door salespeople is wildly inaccurate and give you no real idea as to how your new system will perform once installed.
So, my takeaway is to help us help you, we need some basic information from you to start the process.
If you would like sound advice on Solar or Battery Storage system, the team at Nepean Solar Solutions is always happy to help.
We’ve been proudly serving our community for over 11-years helping local households take control of their energy bills.
AVE you ever been to a shopping centre carpark and studied human behaviour?
Well, maybe you should. Take popcorn with you, too, because it’s better than a comedy.
I love the people who park their trolley in the garden bed right near the trolley bay, and say, “That’s keeping someone employed,” and walk off like Russell Crow in Gladiator, chest puffed out. Or the ones that just leave the trolley in the middle of a car spot, just so they can really stuff everyone’s day up. The ironic thing, however, is that people are so lazy they actually navigate around it then park and squeeze the door open rather than actually getting out of the car and moving it. Then there are those who do move it; you’d hope to the trolley bay, but nup, it ends up in the garden bed ahead of the grand parking spot. (Thumbs up emoji).
Have you seen the people who shove 10 kids in a trolley and drive like they stole it? The kids are hanging on for a grim life. Mum may lose one, but she just grabs the kid by the back of the jumper, lifts it up like a crane, and shoves it back in without
missing a step or beat. You gotta get that last hot chook, or dinner ain’t served.
I always, without fail, get the trolley with the wonky wheel, and by the time I have finished the shop, I feel like I have lifted weights in my upper body. I have spent the last 40 minutes continually correcting it and praying to God that I don’t hit a shelf or human.
Off track for just a second. Is it just me, or is there a training course to open one of those clear plastic bags for fruit and veggies? I love watching people spit into them to open them, then decide they don’t actually want that bag and shove it back on the shelf between the oranges and apples.
Then you have the child that continually cries from isle 1 to 14, and the parent almost disconnects the child’s arm from their shoulder blade. Remember in the old days when your Mum would say, “keep crying and I will give you something to cry over?” Or if she was like mine, “I will knock you into next year!!” Mums have a beautiful knack for showing love.
I actually feel sorry for items (one left) sitting on a big shelf all by itself. I feel really compelled to purchase it, even if I don’t want – feta filled capsicum fermented in soy sauce, I still feel compelled to take it and give it a good home.
Are you one of those people who stick everything in order on the conveyor belt at the checkout, just to hear the groans behind you and the “hurry the $#&@ ups”? I am one of those people—frozen with frozen, label up, facing the right way; I really make lots of friends at checkouts. However, I think by the end of it, I need a Doctor to pull the checkout from where people tell me to place it.
So, there you have it, the behaviour of the human race at a shopping centre; oh, last but not least, you get back to the car and 75 people have parked next to you, even if you are up the back, I am telling you, it’s like cars have an inner magnet.
Yes, I know this is 5 minutes of your life you will never get back.
THE Minns Labor Government is expanding what they say is a “highly effective” coercive control education campaign, continuing to drive increased awareness in younger people of this abuse.
Ads for the “It’s not love, it’s coercive control” campaign will run across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to reach people aged 16 to 40 years where they consume most of their media.
In addition, sponsored content will also appear on podcasts “It’s a Lot” with Abby Chatfield, “Do Go On” by Matt Stewart, Jess Perkins and Dave Warneke, and “Lamestream Media” by Osman Faruqi and Scott Mitchell.
A takeover of NITV digital livestreams, radio and podcasts will further expand the campaign to Aboriginal communities.
The initial campaign was launched in June 2024, before the NSW Government’s nation-leading coercive control laws commenced. Independent research found it increased understanding of this form of abuse from one in three people pre-campaign to one in two post-campaign.
More people were also able to correctly identify key behaviours linked to coercive control.
Coercive control is domestic abuse and can cause serious harm.
It is a pattern of behaviour when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It can include physical violence and sexual abuse – but it doesn’t have to.
In NSW, it is a criminal offence when a person uses coercive control towards a current or former intimate partner.
BOCSAR data for the 18 months since the law commenced shows 473 incidents of coercive control recorded by NSW Police and 22 charges laid.
The NSW Government’s coercive control awareness campaign has so far been translated into 18 diverse languages, with coercive control depicted as a spider’s web to show how it traps victimsurvivors over time with a pattern of behaviour.
The “Real Lubly” campaign focused on raising awareness in Aboriginal communities included vodcasts starring well-known Aboriginal personalities, a quiz exploring healthy relationships, and a yarning guide to support conversations about coercive control.
Last year, the campaign was further expanded to target older people and people with disabilities.
To see the coercive control campaign materials, go to www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/ coercive-control/our-campaigns
“It’s vital that victim-survivors and their families understand the many forms coercive control can take including stalking, intimidation and assault,”
Attorney General Michael Daley said.
“This campaign is designed to help people identify the signs of coercive control and get help.
“We are determined to hold perpetrators of domestic and family violence to account while ensuring victim-survivors have the support they need to seek justice.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said coercive control is an insidious form of abuse.
“We are shining the light on it and raising awareness in young people so they can recognise the signs and behaviours, before it escalates into other forms of violence.
“The expansion of this campaign makes sure we continue to focus on educating the community, and encouraging people to seek support if they are experiencing coercive control.
“This is part of our continued efforts to address domestic and family violence in our state, including strengthening protections, holding perpetrators to account, earlier intervention and stopping the violence before it starts.”
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN June 1882 a new Courthouse was built, but before it there was two others. The first one was around 1817 but it burnt down. The second was plagued with flooding causing the roof to leak and the floorboards to rot and by 1880 the court was in a room rented by the Government and attached to the Rose Inn. James Barnett was the Colonial Architect; the contractor was William Aspinall, built to the tune of around £3000. Constructed of bricks and cement with a slate roof, the entrance portico supported by four pillars of cemented bricks that led to the main room. A railing placed across the room separated the public from the business of the Court. The right-hand side was the jury room and court officers’ rooms, on the left was the Judge’s retiring room and the Clerk of Court’s room. Inside the room for the business of the court, the jury box was on the right-hand side, the prisoners dock in the centre protected by iron palisading, the left side was the waiting juror’s box and the reporters’ box placed far away from the bench where any evidence given was hardly heard, especially as the witnesses in the box had their backs to the reporters. For the convenience of the professional gentlemen a large table occupied the centre of the room and at the top end of this table was the Clerk of Courts desk. The witness box was on the left side of the room and to the right of the Clerk who sat at his desk. The bench that extended along the whole breadth of the room was furnished with polished cedar and occupied the north end with the coat of arms placed near the centre. AT THE OPENING –Mr J J Riley Chairman of the Magistrates took his seat on the Bench accompanied by Sir Alfred Stephen, (K C M G., M L C), the Hon. John Sutherland (M L C). Mr T R Smith (M L A), Messrs J D Single, J K Lethbridge, C R Evans, E J Wilshire, J Shand, J Thomas, W Henderson, J K Cleeve, Dr’s Bond and Duncan. The Mayor and Alderman occupied positions in the body of the court. Mr J J Riley J P., in opening the new Courthouse said “he wished to call the attention of the gentlemen present to the fact that they had been summoned that day to publicly open this nice building. He used that term because it was somewhat nicer than the “dog kennel” in which they had so long been compelled to sit. In the name of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, they would now take possession as this courthouse had finally been completed. He, as chairman, having had that honour for the last 20 years would take the opportunity of remarking that on many occasions he had to be thankful for the attention, kindness and good feeling that had always characterised the conduct of his brother magistrates towards him. He was sorry that no members of the legal profession were there at the opening ceremony and he was much gratified to see Sir Alfred Stephen the Lieutenant Governor of the colony and the Hon. John Sutherland present and he declared the courthouse opened”. Sir Alfred Stephen said “He had much pleasure in accepting Mr T R Smith’s invitation to be present and he must congratulate the people of Penrith in so handsome, commodious, and elegant an acquisition to their town as the building he was presently in. Remembering the
olden days 40 years ago when in the capacity of a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, he used to visit Penrith on his way to the Bathurst Circuit Court and he could see a great contrast between the buildings of those days and those of the present time, but he must say that many of the old structures were still standing and were anything but a credit to the town. In the olden days it would take three or four days to travel from Sydney to Bathurst and Penrith was the first resting place. The Australian colonies were improving greatly and were making their mark in the world. There was nothing more gratifying than the advancement of mechanic’s schools and many people old and young in Sydney were now learning the elements of science that shows the advance of civilization. He then again expressed the pleasure he felt in being honoured with an invitation to the opening”. Mr T R Smith then said “that it afforded him great pleasure to be present at the opening of this magnificent Courthouse. He did not think there was another town in the colony of the same size as Penrith that could boast of one similar to it. He was pleased to see his honourable friends Sir Alfred Stephen and Mr Sutherland present. The latter gentleman was Minister for Works at the time the money was placed on the estimates for the building. He himself had taken great trouble to endeavour to induce the Government to vote the money. At first £700 had been voted for repairs to the old building but he thought that it would be an error to spend the money in such a way as the condition of the building would not justify it. He induced some gentleman to come up with him and inspect the old courthouse and they arrived at the conclusion that it would be impossible to thoroughly repair it. He therefore asked the Government to have sufficient money placed on the estimates for the erection of a new building. He again endeavoured and succeeded in having the money voted. They therefore had to thank the Government and the Colonial Architect Mr Barnett for providing them with such a splendid building. He also stated that the improvements outside the court would compare favourably with those inside, that a wall with a handsome railing would be built in front and that tenders had been accepted for the stables at the rear. Then about 40 to 50 guests moved to the Temperance Hall where a banquet had been prepared. In May 1978 the courthouse was to be demolished and protestors called on the State Government to take another look at Penrith’s town centre plan that was causing the demolition. There was an eleventh-hour reprieve when Premier Neville Wran intervened to stop the demolition pending further investigation but Minister of Justice Ron Mulock told the protestors that he would not allow the courthouse to interfere with the town centre plan, and in July after 96 years of service to the Penrith community and with the approval of Penrith Council the demolition work started on the destruction of this historic and rare old courthouse along with the police station to make way for the current courthouse and Police Station.
Sources: Evening News, Nepean Times, Trove.
THERE was little joy for the Penrith Panthers against the visiting Sutherland Sharks in the 2026 Mitsubishi NBL1 East Heritage Round Nine. The women once again played a Sunday game without leading scorer Hannah Griffin and fell 88-56, whilst the Penrith men found the Sharks’ American import Tyler Robinson too hard to handle in a 102-80 loss.
The Penrith women have shown a lack of firepower when Griffin has not been available, and Sunday afternoon at the Hawkesbury Sports Stadium was no exception.
The Panthers trailed 25-17, 59-36 and 71-45 at the first three breaks in play, as the Sharks benefited from giving their bench players extended court time in the crushing 32-point win.
Tatiana Beaumont led the Panthers with 18 points, ahead of Chanel Bastin with 10 and import Maria Garcia Leon with 8 points and 13 boards.
The Penrith men also trailed through every quarter, with the Sharks leading 1914, 41-35 and 75-57 at the first three breaks before cruising home to a 22-point win.
Jett Hickson led the Panthers with 21 points / 12 boards, ahead of Simun Krpez 15 points, Angus Ole 11 andBen Kearins 11.
The Panthers have a break for the King’s Birthday weekend, then host the Norths Bears on Saturday 14th June at the Hawkesbury Sports Stadium (men 4pm, women 6pm).
THE third Inter-club challenge of the WSRVGA for 2026 was hosted by Dunheved GC on Tuesday 19th May and members of Glenmore Heritage Valley GC dominated the final results, including the coveted Team event.
Glenmore’s team (Lai Jayawardanr, John Matthews, Glenn Howell, Gavin Johnson) finished with 144 points, ahead of Wallacia (142), Dunheved (141), Richmond (134), Leonay (134), Penrith (131), Springwood (118) and Stonecutters Ridge (116).
Leonay currently leads in the Club of the Year rankings, ahead of Glenmore, Richmond and Dunheved hot on their heels.
SINGLES – Men: The Men’s A grade was taken out by Paul Fairbrother (Dunheved) with 37 points c/b, ahead of John Mathews (Glenmore) 37.
In the Men’s B Grade, Scott Bailey (Glenmore) also won on a countback, ahead of Julian Cuff (Wallacia), whilst Gregory McDonald (Stonecutters) won C grade from David Kirk (Leonay).
SINGLES – Ladies: Carmen Salkeld (Glenmore) finished ahead of Dorothy Willmington (Glenmore).
Medley 4BBB: Dorothy Willmington (Glenmore) / Bobby Lees (Wallacia) 45 c/b, ahead of Judy Towns & Lai Jayawardane (45).
Men’s 4BBB: Gregory McDonald and Terrence Cheong
(Stonecutters) 43 points, ahead of Gavin Johnson (Glenmore) and Kevin Gray (Dunheved) 42.
After three rounds, the Men’s Player of the Year rankings is led by Max Loftus (Richmond) with 100 Stableford points, ahead of Joseph Kent (Leonay) 96, Peter Cromer (Wallacia) 95, Julian Cuff (Wallacia) 94 and Philip Rashleigh (Penrith) 94. 2025 runner-up Julie Berg (Penrith) leads the Ladies Player of the Year rankings with 90 points, ahead of Tarana Khanna (Springwood) 88, Suzanne Still (Richmond) 87 and Jane Mackie (Richmond) 83.
The next round of the WSRVGA Interclub challenge is to hosted by Richmond on June 23rd.
THIRTEEN western Sydney golfers contested the SRIXON NSW MidAmateur ChamTpionship at Howlong and Albury golf courses over 24-26th May, with seven making the 36-hole cut.
The Mid-Amateur Championship is open to amateurs who are 30 years of age and over as at the first day of play, with a GA handicap of 12.4 and under for men or 20.4 for women. It is stroke play over three 18-hole rounds.
Daniel Ayre (Lynwood) was the best of the western Sydney contingent, shooting rounds of 71/74/70 to finish in sixth place at +5, ahead of Christopher Sutanto (Fox Hills) 75/72/77 tied 19th at +14, Nathan Annen (Fox Hills) 77/74/83 tied 39th at +24, Allan Ison (Stonecutters Ridge) 78/80/79 tied 44th at +27, David Moore (Dunheved) 80/82/80 tied 55th at +32 and Matthew Ness (Springwood) 83/80/84 64th at +37.
WESTERN Sydney clubs split their overall results evenly in Round Three of the 2026 The Master Pennant, winning four, losing four, drawing two, and having one bye.
At the midpoint of the competition, three Western Sydney clubs lead their respective groups: Twin Creeks leads Division Two, Section Four, Glenmore Heritage Valley leads Division Three, Section Three; and Fox Hills leads Division Three, Section Four.
RESULTS (Home teams listed first) - Penrith won 6.5-1.5 over Woolooware, Mona Vale drew 4-4 with Stonecutters Ridge, Camden (Studley Park) won 5-3 over Dunheved, Muirfield drew 4-4 with Lynwood, Castle Hill won 7-1 over Richmond, Macquarie Links won 5-3 over Springwood, Twin Creeks won 5-3 over The Coast, North Ryde won 6.5-1.5 over Leonay, Glenmore Heritage Valley won 6-2 over Campbelltown, Brighton Lakes lost
Home games will be Stonecutters Ridge vs Mona Vale, Dunheved v Camden, Lynwood v Muirfield, Springwood v Macquarie Links, Leonay v North Ryde, Fox Hills v Brighton Lakes and Wallacia v Palm Beach.
Round Four of the 2026 Women’s Golf Nepean (WGN) Pennant competition was held at Leonay GC on Monday 1st June, with Lakeside Camden drawing 2.5-2.5 with Campbelltown, Camden defeating Penrith 3-2 and Windsor defeating Richmond 4.5-0.5.
Camden currently leads the competition with three wins and a bye, followed closely by Campbelltown with two wins, one draw and one loss.
The competition has a bye over the King’s Birthday long weekend, then resumes on Monday 15th June at Richmond GC, where Windsor plays Penrith, Campbelltown plays Camden and Lakeside Camden plays Leonay.
SYDNEY Motorsport Park hosted the Australian Production Car and Endurance Series on 30-31st May, featuring the Motorsport Australia AU4 Championship, Superkart Nationals, RX-8 Cup, MSA NSW
Formula Open Championship, Formula Vee Championship, Supersports, Prototypes & Clubmans and Australian Production Car Enduro Series. Full results from the weekend can be found at: http://racing.natsoft.com. au/results/#2
SMen’s Masters- Gold- A Quad, A Four and A Eight: Jason and Daniel Waddell both rowed with composite crews, comprising Newcastle and Newcastle University. Elyse Currall (Nepean junior) coxed the Eight.
IX rowers from the Nepean Rowing Club competed at the NSW Masters Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith on the weekend of 16-17 May.
“The A Quad was a great race, with the crew going up against a composite crew from Victoria,” Daniel Waddell said. “After a oar breakage, the Nepean composite crew made it to the start line with just enough time. The Victorians had a quick start and took half a length by the halfway marker,
however the Nepean crew lifted in the final 300 metres and went on to claim a one-second victory.
“Silver - Jason teamed up with Nagmabie in the B pair and Black Mountain in the C Eight, whilst Fiona Jackson claimed a bronze in the Para Double with Lake Macquarie.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Australian Rowing Team has opened its 2026 campaign in sensational fashion, with the Women’s Eight (Georgie Gleeson, Eliza Gaffney, Lily Triggs OLY, Ella Bramwell, Samantha Morton, Paige Barr OLY, Jaime Ford, Laura Gourley OLY and Hayley Verbunt OLY coxswain) winning the Gold Medal at
World Cup I in Seville, Spain.
In a commanding performance in Sunday’s A-Final, the crew led for much of the race to claim Australia’s first women’s international A-Final victory of the new Olympic cycle.
“We were just thinking, ‘hit the start hard, try get into a rhythm, emulate or win …’ I’d say we executed pretty well,” Samantha Morton told worldrowing.com.
“This is a new crew, some fresh faces. We’re working at the chemistry, but it’s clicking well, and this is
massive confidence in the bank for what’s to come.”
Australia (Georgia Patten OLY, Bronwyn Cox OLY, Jacqueline Swick OLY and Georgie Rowe OLY) also won the Silver medal in the Women’s Four A-Final, whilst the Women’s Pair of Katherine Easton and Emmie Frederico placed fifth in their A-Final.
It was an impressive display by the Australian Women’s team, in its first regatta since leaving left the cool climes of Australia for the heat of Europe on May 21.
“The women’s team have shown both their class and potential here in Seville,” RA Performance Director Paul Thompson said.
“The Eight and Four are fighting at the front of the field, the Pair is in the A Final, Tara Rigney has improved with each race as she comes back from a break and the youngsters in the quad were competitive.
“The racing always gets tighter as the season progresses and the women can prepare for that with confidence from what they achieved in Seville.”
AFTER nine months off the rapids at an international level, Jessica Fox OAM returned to the world stage in impressive style, winning the silver medal in the women’s K1 final at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen, Slovenia.
Jess and Tristan Carter were the only Australians to qualify for Finals, with Jess in Women’s Kayak and Tristan in Men’s Canoe.
Jess qualified fourth-fastest for the WK1 Final with a clean run in the heats, then put in a flying run in the Final to finish 0.13 seconds behind Slovenia’s Eva Alina Hocevar.
Jess said to finish on the podium in her first race back at the World Cups was an unbelievable feeling. “This is probably the first time a silver medal has felt like a gold medal to me.
“Just getting to the start line today (Friday night Australian time) was the biggest challenge. To put down two solid runs – they weren’t perfect, but they were good enough – and make
the Final made me really happy.
“Then to back it up with another good run in the Final felt amazing. I lost a little bit of time in a couple of gates, but honestly, I can’t complain.
“It’s my first race back. It’s just wonderful to be back racing and to start this way.”
Tristan finished ninth in the MC1 Final.
