Nepean News 7 August 2026

ADF and RFS respond to international emergency

WHEN our international partners call for assistance, Australia stands ready to respond.

In support of the French Government’s request for assistance to combat devastating bushfires, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has rapidly mobilised personnel and critical airlift capability to help deliver specialist firefighting expertise where it is needed most.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III has transported NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters and essential equipment from RAAF Base Richmond, demonstrating the ADF’s strategic air mobility capability and its ability to move people and resources across the globe at short notice.

Alongside this, a CH-47D Chinook helicopter, equipped with an 11,300-litre aerial firefighting

water tank, and a Bell 412 reconnaissance and support aircraft have deployed alongside NSW RFS personnel to strengthen firefighting efforts on the ground.

This deployment showcases the ADF’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies, working seamlessly with government agencies to deliver timely assistance and strengthen international partnerships. Whether responding at home or abroad, the ADF’s highly capable people and air mobility assets ensure the right support reaches the right place at the right time.

As bushfire seasons become increasingly complex around the world, Australia’s commitment to supporting partner nations reflects our shared responsibility to help communities in need and reinforces the value of cooperation, preparedness and rapid response in the face of natural disasters.

95B STATION ST, PENRITH

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

Honouring those who answered the call

THERE are some words we throw around pretty easily these days. Hero. Brave. Courage. In my mind, there’s no group more deserving of those words than Aussie veterans. Especially our Vietnam Veterans.

On August 18 we mark Vietnam Veterans Day, and I hope everyone thinks about the sacrifice that generation of serving Australians made.

Can you imagine it?

Young Aussies, many barely out of school, packing a bag and heading off to a country they’d never seen, into a war they barely understood. Leaving behind Mum and Dad, sweethearts, a cold beer at the pub and all the little comforts of home that most of us take for granted.

Instead they found themselves in a jungle where every step could be their last. They lived with fear, exhaustion and uncertainty. They saw things no young person should ever have to see. Some came home with physical scars. Many came home carrying wounds no one could see.

And tragically, some never came home at all.

What’s even harder to accept is what happened when they did return.

Instead of a hero’s welcome, too many were met with abuse, ridicule and indifference. They wore the anger that belonged to a divided nation. Many were opposed to the war, which they were entitled to be. But somewhere along the way, many forgot that the young Australians sent to fight it didn’t make that decision. Most simply answered the call. Many had no choice, it wasn’t something you could just shrug off. They served because their country asked them to and indeed, expected them to.

Thankfully, Australia has grown up, at least on commemoration days. You can disagree with a war while still honouring the men and women who put on the uniform.

If you meet a Vietnam Veteran, I suggest shake their hand and thank them. For those who for so long never received the respect they deserved, it means more than you probably realise.

To every Vietnam Veteran in our community, thank you. You did your duty. You stood by your mates. You carried burdens most of us will never fully understand. You’re bloody legends, and Australia is better for your service.

Keeping Penrith Kitchen cool

BY KERRIE DAVIES

PENRITH Community Kitchen is set for a much more comfortable summer thanks to the generosity of Lower Blue Mountains Air and LG, who joined forces to donate and install a brand new air conditioning system.

Penrith Community Kitchen’s Gai Hawthorn said the generous gesture would make a real difference.

“Thank you Lower Blue Mountains Air and LG for your incredible generosity,” Gai said.

“Our new air conditioner is installed and ready for summer, and the ladies at Penrith Community Kitchen couldn’t be more excited.

“Your kindness and support will make a real difference, creating a more comfortable space for everyone who comes through our doors.

Anthea from Lower Blue Mountains Air said the donation came about after she heard the Kitchen was awaiting a grant to get the job done.

“Once I heard that, I immediately thought to ask one of our major brands to assist,” Anthea said.

“LG were more than happy to donate the system to Penrith Community Kitchen and there was no question that Andrew and I would donate our time to install the system.”

Anthea said supporting community organisations is a major part of the company’s values.

“At least once a year we choose a local not-for-profit community partner and donate either a system or financial support, and we are proud to do so,” she said.

On behalf of Penrith Community Kitchen, Gai also thanked Rapid Relief Team (RRT) for ensuring the kitchen could continue feeding the community while it was temporarily out of action during the installation.

“Your generosity, compassion and the wonderful barbecue you provided made such a difference,” she said.

The new air conditioning system will help ensure Penrith Community Kitchen remains a welcoming and comfortable place for the volunteers who prepare meals and the many people in the community who rely on its support. www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au

Local quilt tradition continues

BY MARGARET COLLIER, CARING HEARTS COMMUNITY QUILTERS

ALONG-HELD tradition will continue with the AIRING OF THE QUILTS being held at one of the region’s most historical locations The Arms of Australia Inn Museum where you can enjoy walking among the colourful quilts.

The Caring Hearts Quilters are having their annual fundraising event at the museum located on the Great Western Highway, Emu Plains from 9:30am to 2:30 pm Saturday - 29th of August, and hoping for a sunny day where the quilts will be on display in the great outdoors.

Come along and see the quilts, Trading table, Bookstall, Quilt Raffe and the ladies make a great Devonshire Tea, and the boys make a mean Sausage Sizzle.

The lady quilters have been stitching their kind of magic into quilts for palliative care patients at Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury Hospitals for 26 years, and take pride in the knowledge they are doing something that they love to do whilst bringing joy and comfort to those that receive them. These ladies have also given to Penrith Women’s Shelter for the children and they don’t stop there, they also made and delivered quilts to two schools in remote areas in New South Wales, providing handmade quilts and gifts for their family Christmas.

Traditionally, quilt airings were held in Spring as a method of keeping quilts fresh. They would be hung

on clothes lines and verandahs to flap in the breeze on sunny days. Today quilt airings are a chance for the quilters to exhibit their work.

This group are rewarded by their efforts and would like to recruit helpers from the area, as this is an ongoing task, and what we need from helpers is a commitment to contribute in whatever way they feel they can, so if you’re in the area and looking to join a worthy cause and lend a hand in the community why not join Caring Hearts Quilters. Contact, Margaret Collier - 0438 670 012.

AIRING OF THE QUILTS:

The Arms of Australian Inn Museum, Cnr. Great Western Highway and Gardenia Street, Emu Plains

DATE: Saturday 29th August 2026

TIME: 9.30am to 2.30pm

COST: $5.00

The Airing cannot be held in the event of inclement weather - more info. (02) 3867 0012

Sydney 000 Expo

THE Sydney 000 Expo is set to return on Sunday 13 September 2026, offering a free, familyfriendly day of interactive learning, emergency service demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes access to the agencies that help keep New South Wales safe. More in next edition.

Winner winner chicken dinner!

CONGRATULATIONS

to Sevko who was the winner of the Chery Tiggo 4 on Friday night for Penrith RSL’s Tiggo Under The Tree promotion. You could be the next lucky winner! Follow Penrith RSL on facebook or visit www.penrithrsl.com.au

More than a meal: supporting local seniors

THIS National Meals on Wheels Day, communities across Australia including Nepean Food Services will recognise the extraordinary impact of Meals on Wheels in delivering not only essential nutrition, but also connection, dignity and care to older Australians and people in need.

Held annually on the last Wednesday in August, National Meals on Wheels Day shines a light on the thousands of volunteers, staff and supporters who form a nationwide movement of care that has supported communities for more than 70 years.

Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia, Paul Sadler, said the day is an opportunity to acknowledge the enduring importance of human connection in community care.

“Meals on Wheels is one of Australia’s most trusted and enduring community services, but at its heart it is something even more powerful — it is neighbours caring for neighbours,” Mr Sadler said.

“Every meal delivered represents more than nutrition. It is a checkin, a conversation and a moment of connection that can quite literally change someone’s day, and sometimes their life.”

Mr Sadler said for over seven

decades volunteers remain the backbone of the organisation and a vital part of Australia’s social fabric.

“They are not simply delivering meals, they are delivering reassurance, dignity and connection.”

At the recent National Conference

in Adelaide, Moira Were AM, Mayor of the City of Onkaparinga and Civic and Social Impact Leader, spoke powerfully about the role of community as a practice and care as a movement.

“Community is only as strong as

the care that pumps through it,” Ms Were said.

Addressing the growing issue of social isolation, she noted, “Loneliness isn’t a choice; it’s a public health issue. It kills quietly, often in the houses you or I drive by every day.”

She said Meals on Wheels cannot be replicated by technology or artificial intelligence.

Locally, Ditte Kozak, General Manager of Nepean Food Services, said the service continues to play a vital role in supporting the local community.

“At Nepean Food Services, we see every day how important these small moments of connection are for our clients and volunteers.”

National Meals on Wheels Day is a chance to reflect on the essential role of human connection in building healthier, more resilient communities.

“When people show up for one another, communities thrive,” Mr Sadler said. “This is what Meals on Wheels represents every day, a movement of care, powered by volunteers and strengthened by the community.”

National Meals on Wheels Day will be celebrated on Wednesday 26 August 2026.

RFS provides vital support for Legend of Steam

BY NOEL ROWSELL

LOCAL Heritage Train enthusiasts were treated to another visit from The Legend of Steam 3801 on 1-2 August, as it led The Blue Mountains Flyer from Central to Katoomba and the Zig Zag Railway in Lithgow and returned each day.

The Rural Fire Service in Chifley were thrilled to be called upon to service 3801 with water, as there is no longer any water infrastructure along the line, and posted their experience on FB.

‘Capertee and Marrangaroo Rural Fire Brigades assisted with topping up the water gin coupled to 3801 for its venture over the Blue Mountains, just as these gins provided a vital water supply to fire crews during the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, particularly in the Southern Highlands.

For a quick turnaround, the two Category 6 Tankers were an excellent solution to ensure the strict timetable stayed on track.

From bushfires to water outages and everything between the rails,

Sydney Helicopters assisting RFS

BY NOEL ROWSELL

assisting with hazard reduction operations.

The crew and helicopter are pictured in Smith Park, Cranebrook on Sunday.

these appliances are proving their worth in the Lithgow LGA and well beyond the ‘Ch-Ch-Chifley’ Lithgow District.

Have you ever thought about joining the NSW Rural Fire Service?

It’s not all about being on the end of the hose and sometimes, moments like this are never forgotten.

Thank you to Transport Heritage NSW for letting us be part of this incredible journey.’

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI)

YOUR local airport is now open for business. While passenger flights don’t launch until October – as of now, the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) Cargo Precinct is open, and that means more benefits and more opportunities for Western Sydney.

Western Sydney is one of the most thriving regions in Australia - its population is set to grow to around three million in the next decade. With more people, comes the need for a bigger ecosystem to support that growth – including more resources, better infrastructure like roads and rail, and faster transport of goods.

This is where WSI’s Cargo Precinct will be a game changer. Stage One will see businesses like Qantas Freight and Texel Air – whose freight customers include Australia Post and Team Global Express - operating from our facilities. This means a higher volume of letters, parcels and packages, delivered faster, and with less distance to your front door.

Qantas and Australia Post’s partnership will support delivery of over 75 million tonnes of parcels and cargo each year, with that volume expected to grow as online shopping and next-day delivery demand continue to rise.

Equally, some of the best produce in Australia is right here in New South Wales, so having an airport located in Western Sydney that can transport fish from Forster, cherries from Young, or beef from the Riverina to other domestic or international destinations fresh (not frozen), will expand opportunities for local businesses and farmers. Menzies Aviation and dnata Cargo that have signed on to our hub will support this movement of goods too.

Over the last few weeks, we have shared some exciting announcements that will support your experience when you fly from WSI. Five car rental

We also announced a partnership with Global Exchange, which will operate two bureaus at the terminal along with ATM services. Passengers will also be able to utilise Global Exchange’s ‘click and collect’ service, allowing customers to reserve currencies online ahead of their travels to collect at the airport, quickly and conveniently.

We look forward to welcoming you to your new airport.

CredPass launches for childcare sector

BY KERRIE DAVIES

AWESTERN

Sydney entrepreneur has launched what is believed to be Australia’s first credential management platform designed specifically for the early childhood education and care sector, as childcare providers prepare for major new compliance requirements.

CredPass was officially launched at The Lakehouse, Redbank, and is the creation of early childhood teacher, TAFE educator and counsellor Tiffany Shipard Bassett, who drew on decades of frontline experience to develop the platform.

The cloud-based system enables childcare centres, approved providers and educators to manage, verify and track professional credentials in a single location.

Its launch comes ahead of new obligations under the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) National Early Childhood Worker Register, which take effect in August 2026. The changes require credential updates within 14 days, with penalties of up to $34,200 per breach for non-compliance.

Tiffany Shipard Bassett said the platform was designed to reduce the administrative burden on childcare services while giving educators greater control over their professional records.

“Childcare directors are spending hours each week chasing paper certificates and spreadsheets,” she said.

“CredPass was built to fix that, giving educators a credential passport they own and carry across their career, while providing centres with the compliance confidence they need.”

CredPass organises credentials across four categories: compliance, certifications, qualifications, and training and continuing professional development. It also provides automated expiry alerts, verification tools and reporting dashboards for centre directors and approved providers.

The platform includes features to support nominated supervisor management and trainee progression tracking.

CredPass launched with pilot partner Caring 4 Kids Kindergarten in Western Sydney and is now available for commercial rollout. The platform is free for individual educators, with subscription options available for childcare centres and approved providers.

Australia’s early childhood

education and care sector employs more than 200,000 workers across more than 15,000 services operating under the National Quality Framework administered by ACECQA.

Despite the introduction of the National Early Childhood Worker Register, many services continue to rely on paper certificates, spreadsheets and email chains to manage workforce documentation.

A NSW Parliamentary Committee inquiry into the sector, released in May 2026, identified workforce documentation and regulatory compliance among the key challenges facing childcare providers.

Credential Systems Pty Ltd, the company behind CredPass, was incorporated in April 2026 and developed the platform in partnership with software development firm Zimalab.

Headquartered in Western Sydney, CredPass has been designed to serve childcare providers across Australia, with long-term plans to expand into the aged care, NDIS, construction and nursing sectors, as well as international markets including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore.

Community champions honoured at 2026 Local Celebration Awards

PENRITH City Council has proudly celebrated the remarkable achievements of its 2026 Local Celebration Awards recipients and the newest Honoured Citizen, Bruce Turner AM.

Bruce Turner has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the Penrith region and beyond, chairing and serving on audit committees for over 40 organisations spanning multiple sectors, many of which directly support our local community.

A lifelong Penrith local, he was awarded Penrith’s City’s highest honour for serving as an unofficial ambassador and continuously championing the interests of the City, and our community.

Several other outstanding individuals were also recognised for their significant contributions to Penrith. The award recipients included:

• Citizen of the Year

- Patricia Quinlan has been an active volunteer throughout her entire life. She is known for her can-do attitude, infectious smile, warm hugs, listening ear and friendly disposition.

• Our Mayor’s Local HeroMujgan Tahery through her role as CEO of the Uniting Circle Multicultural Community Centre, has created a safe, inclusive and empowering space for

individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Young Citizen of the Year - Ella Johnson is particularly interested in improving the health system as she has had her own experiences accessing health services over many years and wants to see change in this area.

• Making a Difference Community Service Award winners - David Conroy and Karen Witherspoon have made a difference to the lives of others through their passionate leadership of the Nepean Dragons Soccer. They have provided a

safe, welcoming and empowering environment for players of all abilities, so they can enjoy the game they love.

At the award ceremony, Council also recognised locals who have received Australia Day Honours and King’s Birthday Honours in 2026.

This included:

2026 Australia Day Honourees

• Farah Madon AM

• Michael Allen PSM OAM

• Tony Lackey OAM

2026 King’s Birthday Honourees

• Sergent Sally Cox APM

• Michael Kovacs AFSM

the honourees, acknowledging the lasting difference they have made to the community.

“These awards are a testament to the generosity and unwavering commitment of our local heroes,” Cr Carney said.

“Their dedication not only strengthens the fabric of our City, but also sets an example for all of us. We are grateful for their passion and the positive change they bring to Penrith every day.”

This is an opportunity for veterans to come together, to reflect on the bonds of mateship that held them together during the war and to pay our respects.

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

Lance Corporal Jack Jewry

THIS year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and as such it is a major milestone of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Jack Jewry was born on 28th March 1945, in London England, and came to Australia when he was five years old. Jack was a pupil of St Marys High School where he won the Western Districts Schoolboy Swimming championship.

Jack was called up in the first intake of Australia’s National Servicemen and commenced his recruit training at Kapooka NSW on the 30th June, 1965. After completing recruit training, he was allocated to the Infantry Corps. On the 8th September, 1965 he became a member of the newly formed 6Th Battalion RAR and was posted to 11 Platoon, D Company.

On the 14th May, 1966 Jack married his long-time sweetheart, Susanne May, at St Marys Magdalene Church in St Marys. Following a brief honeymoon, Jack was sent to Canungra QLD for intensive training in jungle-type warfare, and on the 8th June, 1966, Jack left Australia by plane from Amberley Air Base and landed in Saigon Vietnam.

The first priority of the new arrivals was to clear and establish a task force operational area at Nui Dat in the Phuoc Tuy Province and on the 20th June 1966, Jack was appointed Lance Corporal, second

in command of a section of ten men.

On the 17th August 1966, the enemy mortared the task force base at Nui Dat in the Phuoc Tuy Province, on the morning of the 18th August 1966, D Company of 6RAR consisting of 108 soldiers was

dispatched to a rubber plantation at Long Tan, to search for the Viet Cong mortar crews. Later that afternoon, the advancing battalion of the Viet Cong 275th Regiment ran into D Company in teeming monsoon rain in the rubber plantation and a ferocious battle began. Over the next several hours, D Company with just 108 diggers, held off the best efforts of over 1,500 Viet Cong soldiers who were trying to wipe them out.

During the Battle, Lance Corporal Jack Jewry was fatally wounded, along with 17 other soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. Jack Jewry was 21 years of age and had served in Vietnam for 71 days at the time of his death.

The outstanding performance of D Company in the Battle of Long Tan was recognised by the Americans by the Presidential Unit Citation, the emblem of which is still worn by any soldier serving in D Company, 6 RAR.

Jack lies in rest at Pinegrove Memorial Park Minchinbury NSW.

On the 24th August 1996, in the presence of his widow, Susanne and many family and friends, including his sister Rita Thomas, the park at the corner of Acacia Avenue and Merinda Avenue St Marys NSW, was dedicated “Jack Jewry Reserve” by Penrith Council in Jack’s memory.

Lest We Forget.

Vietnam Veterans Day

THE Vietnam War was the longest twentieth century conflict in which Australians participated; it involved some 60,000 personnel and grew from a limited initial commitment of 30 military advisers in 1962 to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force. Each of the three services was involved, but the dominant role was played by the Army. After the cessation of combat operations in 1972, a limited number of Australian personnel remained in Vietnam, and elements of the RAAF returned in 1975, carrying out evacuations and assisting refugees almost until the moment of South Vietnam’s surrender.

In the early years, Australia’s participation in the war was not widely opposed. But as the commitment grew, as conscripts began to make up a large percentage of those being deployed and killed, and as the public increasingly came to believe that the war was being lost, opposition grew until, in the early 1970s, more than 200,000 people marched in the streets of Australia’s major cities in protest.

By this time the United States Government had embarked on a policy of ‘Vietnamisation’ - withdrawing its own troops from the country whilst passing responsibility for the

prosecution and conduct of the war to South Vietnamese forces. Australia too was winding down its commitment and the last combat troops came home in March 1972. The RAAF, however, sent personnel back to Vietnam in 1975 to assist in evacuations and humanitarian work during the war’s final days. Involvement in the war cost more than 500 Australian servicemen their lives, whilst some 3,000 were wounded, otherwise injured or were victims of illness.

The South Vietnamese fought on for just over three years before the capital, Saigon, fell to North Vietnamese forces in April 1975, bringing an end to the war which by then had spilled over into neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. Millions lost their lives, millions more were made refugees and the disaster that befell the region continues to reverberate today. For Australia the Vietnam War was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent since the conscription referenda of the First World War.

A Veteran’s Tears

BY TOMAS HAMILTON

I recall the day I met him, when I went to read my poem

About the Anzac spirit, at the district veterans home

He was sitting in the corner, medals on his chest

But from his haunting memories. He would never rest

He beckoned me to join him and I sat beside his chair

In tones he spoke so softly, his eyes a vacant stare

He said “I’m grateful for your visit and the way you make words rhyme

Having listened to your story, it’s time to tell you mine

I was barely nineteen years of age, when I donned my jungle greens

I never had a second thought, it was all part of my genes

Pop served on the Western Front, Dad Kokoda Track

I had no inhibitions, ‘cause they all made it back

I found myself at Nui Dat, boarding choppers at first light

If I practiced all I’d learned, I thought that I’d be right

But all the courses I had done, didn’t seem to count

Trudging through the paddy fields and the casualties began to mount

After twelve months they sent me home and I saw how life had changed

As if everything I valued, had all been rearranged

Friends had turned against me, for going to that war

So I embarked on the Vung Tau Ferry and went off for a second tour

Tet should have seen a ceasefire, but that was just a con

In villages and cities the firefights still dragged on

We were from many units, fulfilling our own role

We wore different coloured lanyards, but we only had one goal

The enemy fell upon us and all that I can say

These were no peasant farmers, they were regular NVA

They nearly over ran us, at Coral and Balmoral

And when we finally drove them off, there was no victors’ laurel

I came home in the dead of night and they sent me on my way

I wished I had of joined my mates, laying buried in the clay

I drifted as a homeless drunk, no one shed a tear

Until the Salvos dried me out and I found myself in here”

A nurse observed this tortured soul as he began to cry

And said “I think that he has had enough, it is time to say goodbye

So thank you for your visit and for listening to what he said”

And she wheeled him quietly sobbing, to the sanctuary of his bed

City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch: For

Veterans and their Families

MONDAY Coffee & Chat 10.30-11.30am - Hawkesbury Veterans and Family Hub.

TUESDAY NEW: Free Gym Access 8.30 to 9.30am, must have a reference letter from the sub-branch, available through the Office.

sub-Branch Members & partners only WEDNESDAY Cuppa & Chat 9.30 to 10.30am at ‘Gather Café’, Penrith RSL Club. Just an inclusive social gathering - Free

WEDNESDAY Penrith Womens Walk & Talk 5.30pm, Maldinis By The River, for a cuppa & a social walk of your choosing.

THURSDAY Defence & First Responder Veterans Shed 10am - 2pm, Richmond Race Track (out the back). Contact Kirky: 0401 310 078

THURSDAY Penrith Mens Walk & Talk 5.00pm, Nepean River ‘’Coffee Club’’ for a cuppa, then a social walk of your choosing.

THURSDAY Guitar for Vets (G4V) 1.30 to 3.30pm at the Penrith RSL Club. Beginners welcome. Contact Dan - 0407 934 656

THURSDAY Australian Military Wives Choir (AMWChoir) 7.00 to 8.30pm, (1st, 3rd and 5th) Thursday each month (no school holidays), beginners welcome. Email: coordinator.sydney@amwchoir.com

FRIDAY Nepean Valley RSL Day Club 9.30am to 1.30pm at 86 Station Street, Penrith. Social, morning tea and lunch provided. Roz: 0407 014 542

Veterans - must be registered

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

CONGRATULATIONS !

You’ve joined the growing number of Australian households investing in battery storage, with more than 450,000 battery systems installed across the country over the past year. The excitement of seeing your new battery operating is great, but once the novelty wears off, many homeowners start

Jim’s Gems

asking the same question: How do I get the most out of it and reduce my electricity bills?

The answer isn’t just about storing solar energy. It’s about understanding how and when your home uses electricity.

One of the biggest advantages of modern battery systems is the detailed monitoring they provide. Most systems allow you to see not only your battery’s charge level, but also how much solar power your system is generating, how much electricity your home is consuming, and exactly when that consumption occurs.

This information is incredibly valuable. By comparing your energy usage with your electricity tariff, you can identify opportunities to shift power-hungry appliances to times when your solar system is producing

excess energy.

For many households, running the pool pump, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher or even pre-cooling the home with air conditioning during the middle of the day can significantly reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid later that evening. Using your own solar energy is often far more valuable than exporting it for a relatively low feedin tariff.

There’s also been plenty of discussion about electricity retailers offering “three free hours” or similar programs, such as the Solar Sharer initiative. While these offers can provide value in the right circumstances, it’s important to look beyond the headline. Compare the entire electricity plan, including daily supply charges and peak energy

With Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions

rates, before making the switch. In some cases, households may find that higher fixed charges or increased tariffs at other times offset much of the advertised benefit.

The key message is simple: a battery is only part of the solution. Understanding your energy use and making a few changes to when you run appliances can often deliver even greater savings.

If you’d like independent local advice on getting the best performance from your solar and battery system, the team at Nepean Solar Solutions is always happy to help. We’ve proudly served our local community for more than 11 years, helping families take greater control of their energy costs.

WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

On Sale 5.30pm Drawn 7pm Replaces free members raffles on that evening.

Hitchens closes the chapter on 69 years

End of an era: Hitchens Removals & Storage 1957-2026

BY KERRIE DAVIES

FOR almost seven decades, if you were moving house anywhere in Penrith and beyond, chances are Hitchens was involved.

From humble beginnings with just two trucks and no telephone, Hitchens Removals & Storage grew alongside western Sydney, helping thousands of families move into new homes while building one of the region’s bestknown family businesses.

Now, after 69 years, that chapter has come to an end.

The removals business closed in August 2025. Storage King has now purchased the business as a dedicated self-storage operation.

For Trevor Hitchen, whose life has been intertwined with the company since childhood, it marks the end of an era that began with the determination of his father, Eric Hitchen.

In 1957, Eric purchased St Marys Taxi Trucks, operating from rented premises in Australia Street, St Marys. There was no telephone and customer enquiries were taken through the local hardware store.

When telephone services finally arrived, the first Yellow Pages advertisement listed the wrong number.

“So to make a living Dad would bag coke fuel and deliver it to local residents for their fires during winter,” Trevor’s sister Joanne said.

By 1959, with a working telephone number proudly painted on his

trucks, the business began to grow. Deliveries for Hudson’s Hardware and Neal’s Furniture Store became regular work, while weekends often meant transporting heavy J-blocks to Sydney’s North Shore, with the whole family tagging along.

As Penrith expanded, so too did the business.

The family moved to Glossop Street, St Marys, in 1967, with the

home becoming both headquarters and billboard for what had evolved into St Marys Removals.

Trevor laughs when he remembers how his apprenticeship in the family business began.

“It wasn’t uncommon for me to walk out of school and find Dad waiting in the truck ready to go and do a removal,” he said.

Trevor joined the business full-time

in 1982. At that stage they operated just two trucks, but together father and son steered the company through challenging years.

By 1984 the business had outgrown the family home and purpose-built premises were constructed in Plasser Crescent, St Marys, complete with a storage warehouse to support the company’s growing interstate removal operations.

Just five years later, further expansion saw the neighbouring property purchased to increase storage capacity.

Trevor believes much of the company’s success mirrored the remarkable growth of Penrith itself.

“Penrith - how it grew - Glenmore Park, there was no St Clair when I started with Dad.. Cambridge Park, Cranebrook, it was a period of strong growth,” he said.

Rather than simply offering removals, Trevor saw an opportunity to provide every service customers could need.

“People would want to rent a truck, they’d want a removalist, they’d want storage, so my thought process was, ‘Why can’t they just do it all under one roof?’

“So we offered courtesy vehicles, boxes and everything people needed. It became a one-stop shop.”

That vision led to another major milestone.

In 2009, Trevor recognised that self-storage was becoming an industry in its own right and purchased

land on Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains.

The first stage of Hitchens Self Storage opened the following year.

“It filled within the first three months,” Trevor said.

Construction quickly began on stage two and, over the next decade, the facility expanded through six stages to include 800 storage units and 100 shipping containers.

Another turning point came when Hitchens secured a Defence relocation contract, requiring the company to move military families across Australia.

“The Defence contract was significant,” Trevor said.

“They move around 20,000 people a year and the level of service you had to provide was quality-based.

“Most of the work happened around Christmas, so it was an incredibly busy time. We made sure the staff were looked after and incentivised, because we wanted every job done properly.”

While trucks, warehouses and storage facilities became bigger over the years, Trevor believes the company’s greatest asset never changed.

“The main reason we were so successful was the staff we had over the years,” he said.

“Several were with us for 15 or 20 years. They are such good people who were committed to the business.

“We wanted to treat them well because we appreciated them so much.”

Alongside Trevor, Tricia, his sister Joanne and her husband Rob worked hard to ensure the success of the family business.

Eric remained a constant source of encouragement throughout his long life.

“Dad was 96 when he passed away,” Trevor said.

“He was always very supportive.”

The story of Hitchens Removals & Storage is also the story of Penrith’s transformation into one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities.

As new suburbs emerged, families arrived in droves, and Hitchens was there to help them settle into their new lives.

The family says the company’s growth reflects “what vision and hard work can achieve.”

Now, after nearly seven decades, Trevor believes the time is right to step away.

“I’m 63years old and I think it’s time we relax and enjoy our life,” he said.

Asked what retirement looks like, Trevor’s answer was characteristically focused on others.

“We’d like to spend time giving back, helping local charities, travel and spend as much time as possible in Coolangatta, its our second home.

“Relax. Ride my motorbike.”

The Hitchen family has thanked the community that supported them for almost seven decades.

“We would like to thank all of our customers over the last 69 years for supporting a local family business,” Trevor said.

“We would also like to thank our staff over the years whose commitment and hard work made our company a success.”

While the Hitchens name is stepping away from the business, its legacy will live on through the thousands of families it helped move, the

generations of loyal staff it employed, and the community it never stopped supporting.

For someone who has spent a lifetime building a successful local business, Trevor says success has always come with a responsibility to give back.

“The Penrith area has made us very successful, and we’ve always given back and we’ll continue to,” he said.

ORCHARD HILLS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Ph 4736 2027

49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills

Driving Change: On the Road for Regional Pet Welfare

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

BUILDING on the success of last year’s community outreach initiatives, staff from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital once again hit the highway alongside the RSPCA NSW Outreach team. Driven by a shared mission to improve animal welfare and strengthen the humananimal bond, this year’s road trips focused on high-priority regional areas where access to basic veterinary care is often limited.

Last month’s trip targeted Tamworth, followed closely by a second trip to

Kempsey and Taree. The latest trip to Kempsey and Taree alone provided vital care to approximately 170 pets, ensuring regional families received the support they needed to keep their animals healthy and safe.

For many pet owners in these regional pockets, financial hardship and geographic isolation make routine veterinary care a significant challenge.

The RSPCA Outreach team, supported by local partners, bridges this gap. By offering essential services—including vaccinations, microchipping, health checks, and desexing bookings—the team helped eliminate the financial strain that prevents many owners from seeking preventative care.

The need for these trips becomes clear on the ground. Similar to past trips, a significant portion of the animals seen had never previously accessed veterinary care. With a focus on addressing this need, successful vaccination programs were launched aimed at reducing the incidence of

Parvovirus. These Healthy Pet Days have been particularly beneficial for pension and health care cardholders, allowing them to access essential animal health care services for free.

Providing accessible desexing was another cornerstone of the initiative. Unplanned litters place immense emotional and financial burdens on local pet owners, leading to a cycle of stress that is hard to break. Being able to offer subsidised or free desexing brought overwhelming relief to families who had been struggling to save for the procedure.

An effort of this scale is only possible through collaboration. The Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital team was proud to work hand-in-hand with the RSPCA NSW Outreach Team, Local Municipal Councils, ARC, and Regional Veterinary Partners & Rescue Groups. Each organisation contributed time, expertise, and resources to ensure no pet owner walked away without options. For the pet owners who

walked away with healthier animals and peace of mind, this trip was more than just a veterinary service—it was a lifeline.

Looking back on this latest chapter, the trip serves as a powerful reminder that small, collective actions lead to profound, lasting change. One community at a time, the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is working toward a future where every pet receives the care they deserve, and every owner feels supported.

Looking for adoptive parents and forever home

FGORGEOUS GEORGE IS READY TO MEET YOU

BRONSON IS A FUN OUTGOING BOY

STEVIE NEEDS A CALM LOVING HOME

Meet George, a charming boy who is ready to win hearts with his boundless enthusiasm and his uniquely special nature. Despite being completely deaf, George is incredibly responsive and has mastered the art of communication through hand signals. His attentive gaze showcases his intelligence and willingness to learn, making him a delightful companion for someone who appreciates the beauty of non-verbal communication.

George is great on a lead, walking gracefully with his family, but when it’s time to go out, he can hardly contain his excitement. His eagerness to explore the world is contagious, and he brings a sense of joy and discovery to every outing. His buoyant spirit is sure to make every walk and adventure one filled with smiles and laughter.

George would flourish in a home with a family experienced with deaf dogs, as he truly benefits from understanding and patient guidance. This ensures his playful energy is channeled in the most rewarding way. If you’re opening your home and heart to a furry friend, George excels in reading hand signals and giving all his love right back.

Adoption Fee: $150 Age: 2 Years Type: Dog Breed: American Staffy Sex: Male

Bronson is an 18-month-old Staffy with a big personality and an even bigger zest for life! This handsome boy is full of energy, enthusiasm, and affection.

Like many young Staffies, Bronson still very much acts like a puppy. He can be jumpy, strong on lead, and quite vocal when he’s excited, so he’ll need an experienced owner who is committed to providing ongoing training and guidance.

Bronson would be best suited to an adult-only household where his energetic nature can be safely managed. He has tested well with female dogs, however he can be dominant around male dogs, so any introductions will need to be carefully considered. Despite his boisterous nature, Bronson is a fun-loving and affectionate dog who enjoys spending time with his people. If you’re looking for an active companion and are prepared to invest time into his training and development, Bronson could be the perfect addition to your family.

Adoption Fee: $150 Age: 1 Year Type: Dog Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier Sex: Male

Stevie is a beautiful 1-year-old Kelpie Cross looking for a loving and understanding home to call her own.

Stevie can be a little shy when meeting new people, but with some gentle pats, cuddles, and a little patience, her sweet and affectionate personality quickly shines through.

She has shown positive interactions with male dogs and could potentially enjoy having a canine companion. While she generally gets along well with other dogs, Stevie can occasionally display some dominant behaviours, so any introductions should be managed appropriately.

Stevie has a good foundation of basic training and already knows commands such as sit and stay. She is an intelligent young dog who would benefit from continued positive reinforcement training to help build her confidence.

Stevie can be cautious around sudden movements and loud activity, so she would be best suited to a calm, quieter home environment. For this reason, she would thrive in an adult only home who understand the importance of giving her space when needed.

Adoption Fee: $150 Age: 1 Year Breed: Kelpie Cross Medium Cross Breed

BUSINESS PEOPLE GETTING TO KNOW THE OF PENRITH

This week’s edition of Getting To Know our local business men and women is a bloke with strong ties to Penrith. Scot Thompson was born in Penrith and attended Kingswood High. He met his wife Michelle in 1996 and they brought their first home in Glenmore Park. They have two beautiful daughters and Scot is also the cousin of Panthers longtime jersey sponsor Craig Thompson, who owns the Hertz franchise here in Penrith. Scot couldn’t think of any other place to call home as he and his family “absolutely love the Riff!” Equip Plumbing (02) 47 368790 • Mob: 0425 815073 scot@equipplumbing.com • www.equipplumbing.com PO Box 8013 Glenmore Park

LET’S GET TO KNOW

SCOT THOMPSON

1. How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get into it? I’ve been plumbing my whole working life, which is 40 years. I secured an apprenticeship when I left school in year 10. I worked for a few local plumbers in the late 80’s early 90’s, and in 1995 I was working in Commercial/industrial plumbing. And after 9 years, I decided to give my own business a try. In 2004 Equip Plumbing started, and I have 8 staff working with me. We have been doing schools, aquatic centres, and warehouses etc ever since. The work is specialised, diverse and technical at times, which I enjoy.

2. Who is your favourite band, and what’s your favourite song? I don’t really have a favourite band, but I do enjoy a lot of songs from the 80’s like Queen, so I suppose they’d be up there. I also like Gangajang and more recently Empire of the Sun. My favourite song is Bohemian Rhapsody by … Queen haha

3. What’s your all-time favourite movie, and why is it? The Bourne Identity Jason Bourne series is my favourite because of the action, twists, and plots. Matt Damon is a great actor.

4. What’s your favourite place you’ve ever been to and what makes it so special? Lakeside Caravan Park Woolgoolga. It’s the place where my family would all go for holidays and the memories I have of that place are ever-lasting.

5. What’s your favourite way to spend a FREE day? In the summer it’s on the water enjoying my jet ski. In the winter it’s in the garden doing the lawns, pottering, listening to the footy.

6. What’s your all-time favourite TV series? It must be Two And A Half Men. It always makes me laugh.

7. Who are 3 celebrities you’d love to have a night out with? Ivan Cleary, Charlie Sheen, and Donald Trump.

8. Who is your favourite sporting team, and why did you start following them? I’ve followed the Penrith Panthers all my life! I was about 4 when my Dad and Pop took me to my first game. I also loved playing footy for the mighty Penrith Waratahs until work took over.

9. Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts? I’ve done a bit of work with Scottie Cam over the years.

10. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what is it? And what beverage are you washing it down with? Pork spare ribs! Love them. Bathed in hot sauce, drizzled with Ranch dressing! And I’m washing it down with a Tooheys or two.

Sad Death of a Young Man

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

CHARLES William Cunningham was born at Emu Plains in March 1876 to parents Thomas Alexander & Martha Cunningham (Lucas). Thomas married Martha in Penrith in 1873. Charles’s grandparents Edward & Elizabeth Cunningham (Henning/Edgar) came as assisted immigrants on the “Elizabeth” in August 1841 with baby daughter Jane Elizabeth born in 1840. Edward was aged 26 and a labourer and Roman Catholic, Elizabeth aged 20 and a servant and a Protestant. Both could read and write. They moved to the Goulburn district where they held a freehold at Tarlo River and a leasehold at Reedy Creek. It was on Saturday the 29th of August in 1896 that their grandson Charles died peacefully at Hawkesbury Agricultural College Hospital after a brief illness. His parents were both present at the time of his death. He was a student at the Agricultural college for around 20 months and one of the best footballers and all-round athletes in the colony. A first-class musician, Charles was ever ready to use his talent in connection with religious, charitable and social functions and a general favourite everywhere, happy to use his clear bass voice in singing with the church choir as well as being their organist. He was also President of the Christian Union at the Hawkesbury College, Secretary of the Wesleyan Sunday School at Camdenville in the Newtown circuit as well as their organist. Great gloom came over the Hawkesbury Agricultural College by the death of Charles. He was taken sick from work and the Doctor sent for. On the Doctor’s arrival and after a careful diagnosis, the cause of the trouble was inflammation of the lungs that continued for some time and pleurisy set in. Both these illnesses were fought bravely by Charles and by Dr’s Helsham and Gibson, but after these were bought under control, Charles’s heart failed and proved too much for medical skill. Both Doctors were in constant attendance but the end came Sunday morning about 8 o’clock. Charlie (as he was known to all) was a general favourite all through the College and town, especially among his fellow students. The faces of the students at different stages of his sickness was reported to show in what esteem Charles was held. When the result was considered serious, the whole place was plunged into grief, but when it was reported, as it was on several occasions, that Charles was better, there was a cheerful aspect everywhere. On Friday morning he was very low and everyone appeared to be discussing his case in a sorrowful manner, but on Friday evening a change, apparently for the better, so most of his friends had good hopes until Saturday evening when he took ill again and never rallied. Charlie was looked upon as one of the strongest among the whole of the students and was foremost in almost every movement. His kind genial manner won friends everywhere. He was the best athlete in the College, if not the district, and would be missed in all sports and gatherings. Much sympathy was expressed towards

his parents in their sad bereavement. They were constantly by his side and the shock was a terrible one to them. Charlie was educated at Newington College and was one of the first students at the Agricultural college. He was considered a very clever young man and had just completed his term and had entered on the last session for his diploma with the feeling that he would have carried it off with honour. He had just passed his twentieth birthday. The funeral took place on the Monday. The Principal of the college was greatly moved by the death of’ such a prominent student. All the students, staff and other friends assembled at the College Hospital and a short service was held by Mr Glasson. Reverend Dr Cameron also delivered a touching and appropriate address to those around. At about noon a start was made for Emu Plains Cemetery, the College students in the charge of Mr Brooks and Mr Musson marched four deep in front of the hearse with about 85 vehicles following. When the procession reached the Wesleyan Cemetery at Londonderry there was another crowd and the students opened out and the hearse passed between them then Reverend J Tarn conducted the service according to the rites of the Wesleyan Church. A number of the town friends then turned homewards and among those remaining were the relatives of Charles, the Principal and college students. Then on the road towards Penrith several other friends and relatives of the family joined in until there were about 40 vehicles and the funeral carried on to St Paul’s Emu Plains Church of England cemetery. On turning the corner opposite, Mr Lucas, Charlie’s uncle from Emu Plains and another party on foot joined in, including two cadet students from Newington college along with some relatives and friends. Messrs A&N Price of Richmond and Penrith had charge of the funeral arrangements. Charles’s body was enclosed in a polished cedar coffin with silver mountings. Charlie’s parents were deeply affected as were a large number of the students and the Principal Mr Thompson. Among the large number of lovely wreaths sent in, was one from the Principal, students at the College, the Hawksbury football club, the science master, English master as well as one from Newington College and Penrith, St Marys, Richmond and Sydney friends. Charles’s father Thomas died in 1927 at Marrickville aged 82. His occupation was that of a retired grazier. His mother Martha died in 1943 and both are buried in the Methodist section of the Emu Plains cemetery. Photo of the grave of Charles and his little brother Arthur Charles who died aged 4 in August 1878, courtesy of Find a Grave website.

Sources: Nepean Times, New South Wales, Cemetery, Military, and Church Record Transcripts, 1816-1982, Ancestry website, Family Search (Mormon website), New South Wales Assisted Immigrant Passenger Lists 1828-1896, Electoral Roll 1842-1864.

Why rents could rise faster over the next 1 to 2 years

MOST of the headlines are focused on falling prices. Auction clearance rates are weak, buyer demand has dropped and listings are rising. Sydney and Melbourne have already fallen from their peaks and even some of the stronger markets are beginning to slow.

On the surface, this looks like a housing market moving back towards buyers. But prices are only one part of the system. The more interesting question is what today’s weak market does to the supply of housing over the next couple of years.

Today’s weak market becomes tomorrow’s supply

Australia already has a housing shortage. Rental vacancy rates remain low, and we are still adding a significant number of people through population growth and migration.

At the same time, it remains extremely difficult to build new housing. Construction costs are high, finance is expensive and many projects are already marginal. Developers therefore need enough presales before lenders will provide the construction finance required to actually start building.

The apartments being completed now were generally conceived, sold and financed well before the current downturn. Likewise, the projects struggling to obtain enough sales today won’t show up as missing housing supply immediately. We won’t really see that effect until those projects should have been completed, potentially 18 months or more from now.

The SMSF Changes Add Another Problem

The recent changes to SMSF property borrowing are unlikely to have a meaningful direct effect on Australian house prices. Leveraged residential SMSF purchases represent a very small part of the overall housing market, so removing them doesn’t suddenly remove enough demand to materially change national prices.

SMSF investors have historically been disproportionately represented in new property and construction presales. Developers estimate that SMSF buyers can account for around 20 to 30 percent of presales on some projects.

If you remove 20 buyers from the established housing market, you have probably just removed 20 transactions. The houses still exist and someone else can eventually buy them.

Remove 20 buyers from a development that needs a minimum level of presales to obtain construction finance and something very different can happen. The developer doesn’t necessarily build 20 fewer apartments. The entire project can fail to proceed.

This is happening while population is still growing

Migration has come down from the extraordinary post-COVID levels, but Australia is still adding a large number of people each year. Those people need somewhere to live and many new arrivals enter the rental market first.

So we potentially have two forces moving in opposite directions.

Population continues to increase the number of people requiring housing while today’s weak sales environment reduces the number of projects that

make it through presales, finance and ultimately construction.

Why I think the impact appears in rents first

House prices are being driven by much larger forces at the moment. Interest rates affect borrowing capacity across almost the entire market. Sentiment has deteriorated, listings have increased and buyers have become cautious.

Rental markets work differently.

What ultimately matters for rents is the relationship between the number of households looking for somewhere to live and the amount of available rental stock. If fewer projects commence today, there will eventually be fewer new dwellings entering that market.

Initially nothing much happens. Projects that are already under construction keep getting completed and existing rental stock remains available. But over time the pipeline starts thinning.

That is when the effect becomes visible.

Falling prices and rising rents aren’t a contradiction

We can have falling house prices and rising rents at exactly the same time because they are responding to different constraints.

In other words, today’s weak housing market can actually contribute to tomorrow’s rental shortage.

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.

A record Australian medal haul at Commonwealth Games

BY NOEL ROWSELL

A256-STRONG

Australian Team at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games competed in ten sports on the Games program. Thirteen athletes from Western Sydney won selection to the Australian Team, including Jackson Sharp (Wentworth Falls)

Men’s 5,000m – Athletics, Desleigh Owusu (Blacktown) Triple Jump –Athletics, Ritam Malik (Kellyville), Tru Hagens (Kellyville) and Benjamin Foster (Greystanes) Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, Matt Galea (Werrington)

Men’s 800m – Swimming, Luke Boyes (Glenbrook) 800m – Athletics, Isaac Beacroft (Quakers Hill) 10,000m Walk – Athletics, Layla Sharp (Cranebrook) Long Jump - Para Athletics, Tim Hodge (Kings Langley) 100m Backstroke, 100m Breaststroke

- Para Swimming, Hannah Dodd (Arcadia) Women’s 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, Julie Charlton (Dural) Shot Put – Para Athletics, Gordon Allan (Blacktown) - Para Cycling.

Tim Hodge (Kings Langley) had the honour of carrying the King’s Baton in the Opening Ceremony and later claimed gold in the Men’s S9 100m Backstroke, successfully defending his title from Birmingham 2022. Tim also won a bronze medal in the Men’s S9 100m Breaststroke.

Isaac Beacroft (Quakers Hill) won gold in the Men’s 10,000m Walk, Isaac won in 38 minutes 45.51 seconds from Stephen Kihu (Kenya) and Evan Dunfee (Canada). Beacroft

had smashed the under-20 world record last December and is eyeing the Junior World title in the United States next week, ahead of planned tilts at the Senior World Championships and 2028 Olympic Games.

Penrith-born Josh Azzopardi was a member of the Men’s 4 x 100m Relay which won gold. The quartet of Lachie Kennedy, Calab Law, Rohan Browning and Azzopardi stunned

Men’s 4 x 100m Relay.

Olympic champions Canada to win Australia’s first gold in the event since 1974.

Layla Sharp (Cranebrook) won Silver in the Women’s Long Jump, breaking the previous Commonwealth Games record, the Oceania record and the Australian record. “I’m happy to get over five metres and my last jump was my best jump, so I’m happy with that,” Layla said.

“I’ve been doing it in training and was waiting for it to come out in competition. It was so close to gold, which sucks, but we have a lot more competitions to come with the World Championships and Paralympics.”

Luke Boyes (Glenbrook) won a silver medal in the Men’s 800m. Luke has landed on the Commonwealth Games podium on debut, storming

home to claim silver in the Men’s 800m Final in 1:45.93. Flying home over the closing stages, Luke timed his run to perfection to surge into second place and add another medal for the green and gold on the final day in Glasgow.

Gordon Allan (Blacktown) won a silver medal in the Men’s C1-C3 1,000m Time Trial and

finished fourth in the C1-C3 Individual Pursuit.

Matt Galea (Werrington) Just 12 months after relocating to join the Dean Boxall swimming program, Matt won a bronze medal in the Men’s 800m, finishing behind fellow Australians and training partners Sam Short and Ben Goedemans. The three Australians relegated Northern Ireland’s Olympic champion Dan Wiffen into fourth spot.

Ritam Malik (Kellyville), Tru Hagens (Kellyville) and Benjamin Foster (Greystanes) have teamed with Jesse Moore and James Hardy to win the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics bronze medal. Their success ends a 16-year wait for a Commonwealth Games medal, since Australia won gold at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Hannah Dodd (Arcadia) won a bronze medal with the Australian Women’s 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball team, which defeated Canada 19-17 in the playoff for third / fourth positions.

Desleigh Owusu (Blacktown) finished fourth in the Women’s Triple Jump.

Julie Charlton (Dural) finished seventh in the F57 Shot Put. Jackson Sharp (Wentworth Falls) finished ninth in the Men’s 5,000m.

Former Panthers eliminated in NBL1 East SF

BY NOEL ROWSELL

DEFENDING

NBL1 East women’s champions the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles defeated the Newcastle Hunters 90-78 on Sunday afternoon at the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Stadium, signalling the end of the season for former Panthers Mia Heide and Meg Jefferson.

Heide played her best-ever career game in the NBL1 East on Sunday, finishing with 22 points, 16 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocked shots, whilst Jefferson was held to just seven shots at goal and finished with 9 points, 6 boards, 6 assists and 2 blocked shots.

The Sea Eagles will now play the Norths Bears this Saturday in a Preliminary Final. The Bankstown Bruins (with former Panther Tahlia Tupaea) will also play the BA Centre of Excellence in the second Women’s Preliminary Final. This game is at 6pm on Saturday night at the Bankstown Basketball Stadium.

The Men’s Preliminary Finals feature the Norths Bears vs Central Coast Crusaders and the Illawarra Hawks vs the Sutherland Sharks.

Coby Carruthers in scintillating form in NSW Open Qualifier

BY NOEL ROWSELL

COBY Carruthers (Jordan Springs) was already assured of a spot at the Ford NSW Open, courtesy of his third place finish at Lismore earlier in the week, but after impressing all and sundry with his play on Day Two at Teven Golf Course, he now has his first professional victory.

Only turning professional in May, after an amateur career that included a win in his last start before joining the pay-for-play ranks, Carruthers not only maintained his overnight lead but surged ahead and survived the infamous ‘Scorpion’ to lift the trophy at the Teven Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifier.

Carruthers signed for a 3-under-par second round and 8-under-par total to finish three shots clear of Louis Dobbelaar and emerge victorious for the first time as a professional.

“It was a fantastic day. We had a really good group and we’d all just sort of push each other along, but it was just definitely a grind out there for sure,” Carruthers said.

“The wind picked up, the greens are I reckon 14 on the stimpmetre, and some tricky pin positions called for a lot of good shots.

“I think I’ve had five or so top-fives, so I knew that one (win) was coming soon. I just had to be patient and this week was the week, fortunately.”

Carruthers paid tribute to his longterm coach Allen Dowd and Golf NSW High Performance mentor Earl McGlinn.

“Very grateful for them,” Carruthers said. “Alan’s been around for about five-six years, and he’s been there every step of the way and Earl’s recent, but definitely turned my putting into what it is now, and I’m very grateful for that.”

Carruthers had previously shot two scintillating rounds to finish tied for third at 13-under-par in the 2026 Lismore Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Tournament at Lismore on 27-28 July.

Speaking after the Lismore event, Carruthers said, “I feel like it’s a Tour field out here. It’s a fantastic field.

Look at the names on the list, and I was just like, ‘Wow, everyone’s going out to play’, and to come top three, I was really happy with my play.”

Pennant Golf update

3-0 over Stonecutters Ridge, North Turramurra 3-0 over Springwood.

TERIC APPERLY Shield (home teams listed first) – Stonecutters Ridge lost 4.5-0.5 to The Australian, Bankstown 5-1 over Penrith, Long Reef lost 4.5-1.5 to Lynwood, Cumberland lost 4-2 to Richmond.

T.L. Warren (home teams listed first) - Leonay 2-1 over Oak Point, Penrith drew 1.5-1.5 with Fox Hills, Wallacia lost 2-1 to Roseville, Twin Creeks 2-1 over Woollahra, Macarthur Grange 2-1 over Stonecutters Ridge, North Turramurra 2.5-0.5 over Springwood

W. Gibson (home teams listed first) – Lynwood 3-0 over Antill Park , Leonay 2.5-0.5 over Oak Point, Penrith 2.5-0.5 over Roseville, Twin Creeks 3-0 over Woollahra, Macarthur Grange

59 golfers teed off on Saturday in the 2026 Fox Hills Cup, a Vardon event.

The top five players were: Ian Kim (St Michael’s GC) 68, Keegan Phillips (Toukley GC) 70, Chayse Thorpe (Richmond Concord GC) 70, Nathan Tattersall (Bonnie Doon GC) 71, Tyler Mitchell (Oatlands GC) 73.

Eight western Sydney juniors competed in the 2026 JNJG Greg Chalmers Junior Masters over the weekend, which was held at Shelley Beach GC on 1-2 August.

The best finishers of those players were Georgia Karagiannis (Stonecutters Ridge GC) in 13th place outright in the Girls Division and James Kilbourne (Penrith GC) tied 11th in 13 Years and Under Boys.

As we continue to get to know Nepean’s local business men and women, this edition I’m chatting to my gym’s next door neighbours, Georgia and Amelia from Bossi Salon Suites. These young ladies are a fantastic small business story while being an example and role models for any other young women looking to start a business here in Penrith. Ph: 0435 950 853 • Insta: @bossi.salon.suites • Email: info@skinsister.com.au www.skinsister.com.au • Shop 2/51 York Rd Jamisontown

LET’S GET

TO KNOW GEORGIA COPEMAN

1. How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get into it? I’ve been in the beauty industry for 17 years. I left school at 15 to start a beauty apprenticeship, and in 2015, with the support of my parents, I opened my first salon Beauty Emporium. I met Amelia, the owner of Mook Hair, who was looking for a new place to work, so I renovated it to create a hairdressing space for her. More than 10 years later we’re still working side by side. Watching Amelia build such a successful business made me realise there was a growing demand for shared salon spaces. Somewhere that independent hair and beauty professionals could be their own boss without the financial pressure of owning an entire salon. That inspired me to renovate and rebrand the salon into Bossi Salon Suites, which is now home to 7 independent hair and beauty businesses.

2. Who is your favourite band, and what’s your favourite song? I love a good mix of music and bands, my fave song at the moment is “Bitch Is Back” by Elton John.

3. What’s your all-time favourite movie, and why is it? Legally Blonde! My sister and I must have watched it a hundred times growing up. ‘Elle Woods’ is an icon. She reminds us that girls really can achieve anything they put their minds to.

4. What’s your favourite place you’ve ever been to and what makes it so special? Las Vegas! I went there two years ago for my hens week. On our first night, as we walked into our first nightclub, we were invited to join a VIP table. It turned out the host was celebrating being featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. We didn’t pay for a thing that night. Later that night we went to a casino where our host put $20,000 on a blackjack table and told us whatever we won we could keep. Luckily, I’m pretty good at blackjack! I filled mine and my friends’ bags with chips and we left. The money funded our whole trip and we even came home with money leftover! It was honestly the most fun week of my life!

5. What’s your favourite way to spend a FREE day? Spending time with my husband and our kids. Grabbing a coffee and watching the kids play sports.

6. What’s your all-time favourite TV series? Sons Of Anarchy!

7. Who are 3 celebrities you’d love to have a night out with? Rebel Wilson, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kevin Hart.

8. Who is your favourite sporting team, and why did you start following them? It’s hard not to support the mighty Penrith Panthers! They bring so much pride to our community, and my dad Mike Smith Panther #208 played for them back in the olden days, so I was brought up to be a Panther fan.

9. Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts? Well besides my dad, I’d say our next-door neighbour, the friendliest guy we know, MG!

10. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what is it? And what beverage are you washing it down with? Frangos original burger combo with a Pepsi Max.

MARK ON THE

WITH MARK GEYER

IS IT A TWO HORSE RACE?

AFTER 22 rounds of rugby league this season, there are growing opinions that the winner of this year’s competition has narrowed down to two stand out clubs. Penrith (West) and the Roosters (East).

After the weekend of footy it’s hard to argue. Obviously, there are other clubs who have looked likely this year (Warriors) and some are warming for the contest (Sharks, Bulldogs, Dolphins, Knights) but I tend to agree with the majority that this season’s victor will come from one of two teams, that being East v West, Chooks and Panthers.

The Roosters 82-12, (I’m still shaking my head over this result, even feels weird writing the number 82 when mentioning an NRL game) slaughter of North Queensland had every league lover reaching for their stats book, and seeing you had to go back to 1935 to have seen the last time a team scored that many points, with Sam Walker’s personal haul of 36 points also entering the annals.

The scary thing about the Roosters record breaking night was that their skipper James Tedesco only played the first 40 minutes! If he played the entire game, we may have witnessed a 100 being scored! The Roosters have the perfect blend of experience and youth, whilst also adding two of the best buys of the season in Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson. Their prop, Naufahu Whyte has gone to the next level as a front-rower and starts the go-forward for Trent

Robinson’s men, while then allowing their backs to do their thing.

Robert Toia, like Whyte, has also reached another level of his play that is worrying for anyone playing against him or marking him. The blossoming of rookies Hugo Savala and Salesi Foketi is also eye-catching, but it’s their Origin stars that has them as a genuine title contender.

The Panthers are very much in the same boat. After a month or so of tepid performances, they roared back into form in Mudgee last Saturday with a more than impressive performance against the Canberra Raiders, thumping them 42-18.

When the Panthers win well, you’d

always deduce that Nathan Cleary has had a bellringer of a game, and you’d be right. But it wasn’t just he who ran amok, his ensemble also came to the party in Mudgee.

In particular it was the Mountain Men’s forwards who set up the comprehensive victory. Smith and Leota up front, Liam Martin (scoring his first double of his career) and Isaiah Papali’i on an edge, and Mr Consistent Isaah Yeo all ‘doing their do’. And like the Roosters without “Teddy” Penrith’s Dylan Edwards was also missing from the Panthers clinic.

Now that the torrid Origin campaign is well and truly in our rearview

mirrors, you get the feeling that the 12 players from both of these two powerhouses who featured in State of Origin this year have finally gotten over their physical and emotional wounds, the scene is now set.

There is still a hell of a lot of footy to be played this season and the machinations are endless, but it’d take something totally left field to stop the Panthers taking on the Roosters in the first week of October this year. But, I wouldn’t totally discard it happening. As we know in this game that never sleeps, anything can happen and often does!

MG (random Westie) OAM