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Thursday, 15 May 2014
ISSUE 124
Corner Castlereagh & Peachtree Roads, North Penrith
LEGENDS OF THE NEPEAN: P16-17 | MAN ABOUT TOWN: P25-27 | HISTORY: P35 | MARK GEYER: P45
CUPPA FOR CANCER
Aussies around the nation will be taking part in the World’s Biggest Morning Tea to raise money and awareness for the Cancer Council. Check inside to see where you can have your cuppa!
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3 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Penrith: the home of the Police Minister By Kerrie Martin
STUART Ayres, Member for Penrith has been promoted once again – this time to the senior portfolio responsibility of Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The State Member’s star has been shining brighter and brighter since his election in the spectacular by election of 2010, following the demise of the sitting Labor MP, Karyn Palluzano. Minister Stuart Ayres with Premier Mike Baird He entered the NSW parliament as one of the youngest members and from the that being the Member for Penrith remains at the moment his feet touched the floor his rapid ascent top of his priorities. within the Liberal ranks began – a testament to Sworn in last week, Mr Ayres said that it was the value seen in him by both previous Premier an incredible honour. Barry O’Farrell and current Premier Mike Baird. “I’m looking forward to working with the He’s managed to juggle a few Ministries of dedicated men and women who serve our state late, and, he’s also been able to adapt when those so well,” Mr Ayres said. responsibilities have suddenly changed due to The New South Wales Minister for Police reshuffles under troubled times for the NSW and Emergency Services has responsibilities government. which include conduct and regulation of police, But while his portfolio responsibilities have services agencies and personnel and also deals had him donning many different hats, there’s one with operational and event planning issues thing that never changes for Mr Ayres, and that is affecting the state.
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4 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
From the Editor’s Desk 203 BANKS DRIVE, ST CLAIR OFFICE: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Advertising Representative: Journalist: Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Kerrie Martin 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Raylene Vidler 0478 176 819 Annette Thain 0425 073 331 Greg “Harpo” Martin 0420 655 524 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.nepeannews.com.au
Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.
by Kerrie Martin I’VE been asked by Penrith CBD Corporation to model some clothes at their biggest morning tea this Friday. If you happen to speak to CEO Gai Hawthorn, she’ll probably tell you that’s because she wanted “real” and “average” people to strut the catwalk, but in my version of the story I have a modelling assignment. Enough of blowing my own squeaky trumpet - I’d like to take this opportunity to say how lucky is Penrith to have Gai Hawthorn? Gai does an absolutely spectacular job in promoting Penrith. She’s extremely passionate and her mind must be ticking over even as she sleeps to be able to constantly come up with new ideas to generate interest in Penrith. You can bet your bottom dollar that on every significant occasion the cogs are turning in Gai’s mind to organise something new and fresh for Penrith’s version of the celebrations. CEO doesn’t stand for Chief Entertainment Organiser, but with Gai at the helm it should - over the years that I’ve spent living in this great town, I’ve never seen Penrith so vibrant and exciting. And her offsider Sue fits like a glove with assisting, preparing and doing the leg work to ensure all the plans come to fruition and are always successful. Hats off to you girls - awesome job, twenty-four seven. Penrith’s installment of the World’s Biggest Morning Tea will kick off at Pop Up Park at 10am on May 16. Please bring a gold coin donation to help raise money for the Cancer Council. Come along and check out the great work that Gai does for this city and you can have a laugh at the modelling efforts of myself, Councillor Greg Davies and Nepean News Advertising Representative Raylene Vidler while you’re there!
Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets
Winter is coming!
Nepean
Veterinary REPORT with Dr Tony Karolis phone 4733 3456
SENIOR VETERINARIAN NEPEAN & MOUNTAINS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
By Dr. Claire Petterson
MANY people look forward to being able to rug up and sit in front of the heater, but what about our precious pets?? Some things to keep in mind as it starts to get cold are: • Health issues It is a good idea to bring your pet in for a health check at the start of winter so any problems can be identified and managed. Pre-existing problems such
as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can interfere with a pet’s ability to regulate their body temperature. Very old and young animals are more vulnerable to the cold as well. Many people mistakenly think if their dog is still eating or not crying out, they are not in pain. This is not the case! If your pet is having trouble getting up or laying down, navigating the stairs, or resents being picked up or handled, they are likely in pain and need a vet check. Problems with the joints such as arthritis are often worse in winter. Keeping your animal at a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do to manage arthritis – the less weight on the joints, the less pain the pet will suffer. Other things that can help include a comfy bed, minimising stair walking (or adding ramps), regular, gentle exercise such as swimming, and joint supplements. There are also antiinflammatories and other veterinary medications available. NEVER give your pet human medications – some are extremely toxic, particularly to cats. Always see a vet first. • Keeping warm How do I know if it’s too cold for my pet? A good indicator is if it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for them! Smaller, shorter haired breeds will be more vulnerable to the
cold. If your pet is whining, shivering, slowing down or trying to look for places to burrow into, they are feeling the cold. If your pet lives mainly outside, they need shelter from the wind, moisture and cold. A deep bed of straw is a good insulator. A hot water bottle or a heat mat can also provide much needed extra warmth on cold nights. It is essential pets have fresh water at all times – check water bowls regularly to make sure they have not frozen over – most pets do not know how to break the ice off water bowls! • Winter safety
Cats will curl up to anything warm – including car engines. Check your car before turning your engine on. Beware of heaters, open fires and stoves also – pets will be attracted to the warmth and may burn themselves if they get too close. Ensure floor heaters cannot be knocked over by pets – this can put the entire household in danger! If you need a winter health check, come on down to WellPet Nepean, Mountains or St Clair to see our friendly staff. Don’t forget we are also open all night, every night for emergencies!
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5 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
ANTIQUE, VINTAGE & ESTATE JEWELLERY
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Nepean News G Spot Columnist and owner of Npean Regional Security, Gina Field has won many awards recognising her success.
MINISTER Stuart Ayres, Member for Penrith encourages the Penrith community to recognise outstanding local business women by nominating them for the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. The prestigious Awards program now in its 20th year celebrates the successes, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of Australian business women. For finalists and winners across Australia, the Awards also offer a share in $650,000 in cash and prizes. Stuart Ayres said there are numerous outstanding business women in the local area that are exceptional achievers and well deserving of a nomination in the Telstra Awards.
Former finalist, Penrith business woman, Gina Field of Nepean Regional Security said the process was intense, however, was very rewarding as it opened many doors and numerous opportunities that she would not ever have dreamed to have happened. “By nominating a local business woman, you are providing them a fantastic opportunity to raise their profile and increase their networking opportunities. Let’s get behind the business women in the Penrith community who are making a difference to our local and national prosperity,” added Stuart Ayres. To nominate or enter the Awards go to www. womensawards.com
Shop 23, Penrith Centre 510-534 High Street, Penrith
Open for Kindergarten 2015 Enrolments Some Vacancies Available for 2014
St Joseph’s Primary is a Catholic co-educational primary school with a passion for learning in a contemporary, creative environment. Learning spaces are spacious and collaborative, providing facilities for both social and personal learning activities. Our grounds are well maintained and provide diverse options for recreational activities.
At St Joseph’s students will experience: • • •
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No student will be refused enrolment because of a family’s genuine inability to pay fees.
For more information please contact the school principal. For enrolment enquiries or a personal school tour please contact Fran Jackson (Principal).
94 Joseph St, Kingswood P: 4732 3999
• • • • • •
Religious education that enriches their faith 21st Century learning that supports students individual needs A diverse curriculum and extra curricular activities such as Voice of Youth, Orchestra, Sport and Drama A Strings programme for all Year 3 & 4 students A band program for all year 5 and 6 students Learning supported by the latest technology Learn to swim programme Passionate and professional teaching staff An actively involved parent community
At St Joseph’s we provide a safe, caring, friendly environment in which students feel valued and grow in their relationship with God and each other. We strive to provide our students with the best possible learning experiences in an inclusive environment based on our Catholic faith.
E: stjosephskwood@parra.catholic.edu.au W: www.stjosephskingswood.catholic.edu.au
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Federal Budget - a message from Fiona Scott MP PENRITH and St Marys will benefit from the Abbott Government’s commitment to build the infrastructure of the 21st Century with $47,266,500 for local projects announced in the 2014-15 Budget. This is part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to invest a record $14.9 billion in productivityenhancing infrastructure in New South Wales which will create thousands of jobs, slash travel times and boost economic growth. Federal Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott said the funding will support much needed infrastructure projects in Penrith and St Marys. “They will bring job opportunities, boost our local economy and make our roads safer for motorists. Miss Scott said that seven projects in the Lindsay electorate will receive funding including; • Jane Street Extension, $35 million • Western Sydney Community and Sports Precinct, $12 million • Andrews Road Baseball
Complex, Safety Fence, $26,000 • Andromeda Oval, Cranebrook, Upgrade Drainage, $25,500 • Greygums Oval, Cranebrook, $60,000 • Hickey’s Park, Penrith Playing Surface Upgrade, $45,000 • Hunter Fields, Emu Plains, Lighting Upgrade, $20,000; and • Jamieson Park Shade Cloths and Canteen Upgrade, $90,000 “Projects like these will relieve pressure on existing infrastructure and unlock the economic capacity of Lindsay, making it an even better place to live and do business,” Fiona Scott said. The Abbott Government’s infrastructure package will drive growth and create jobs so that we can have a stronger, more prosperous economy in Lindsay. Further information can be found at http://investment.infrastructure. gov.au/projects/. Fiona Scott said the Abbott Government’s first Budget is laying the foundations for a strong and
FUNday
Activities for ALL Abilities....
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2014 from 6am to 10pm at Nepean Naval Centre (Bruce Neale Drive, Penrith)
Participate, have fun & raise funds for people with a disability in your local area
Gold Coin Donation for each activity Disco and BBQ—$10 ONLINE AUCTION
FUNDRAISER F UNDRAISER Auction night is Friday 16 May between 4pm and 10pm Some of our items include: • Skip Bin from Camel Bins • A pamper package from L’Amour Hair • Pest Control Services from Emerson’s EnivoCare • AMF Family Fun Pass for 4 to one game of Skirmish & one game of Bowling • Enterainment Package from Stir Crazy Noodle Bar • Sydney Swans hat with Adam Goodes and Lewis Roberts-Thomson signatures • Signed Panthers Jersey • iFly intro flight
THIS AUCTION WILL BE RUN THROUGH OUR NADO FACEBOOK PAGE. PLEASE LIKE OUR NADO PAGE TO ENSURE YOU DON’T IMSS OUT.
6am High Energy Workout with Motivate You 7am BBQ Breakfast (Minute to Win It) 8am Zumba 9am Touch Football with Keith Thompson & St.Clair U17’s 10am Yoga with Rose Furlong 11am Handball/Table Tennis - Sponsored by Access Vehicles Australia 12pm Lunch BBQ (Minute to Win it) 1pm Kick Boxing with Tama, Beestingz Fight Team 2pm Touch Football with Keith Thompson & St.Clair U17’s 3pm Drumming with Nordoff Robbins 4pm Seated Volleyball and Raffle Draw Sponsored by RWW Legal 5pm 80’s Style Workout with Inspired Strength 6-9pm Disco and BBQ 9-10pm Disco Grab a group of friends and join in on the fun and help raise funds for people with a disability. To guarantee your spot, book in NOW by calling 1300 738 229 or email info@nado.org.au.
Your support will help NADO work towards our vision of “Positive Futures for People with a Disability”
prosperous economy with less debt. “At the election, the Coalition made the solemn promise to get the Budget back under control, as well as scrap the Carbon Tax, end the waste, stop the boats and build the roads of the 21st century. This Budget keeps that pledge,” Fiona Scott said. “The Budget is part of the Abbott Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy for a safe, secure Australia. “The Government has made the difficult but necessary decisions to put the Budget on a more sustainable footing so that we can all share in prosperity in the future. “We are all playing a part – because it’s in sharing the load that we lighten the load. “Labor ran up five record deficits and left $123 billion in future deficits. If we took no action, debt would have hit $667 billion. Every month, the government is paying $1 billion in interest costs on Labor’s debt. “Governments, like households, must live within their means.
“Because of this Budget, Labor’s deficits have been reduced by $43 billion and debt is forecast to be about $275 billion lower in a decade. Footnote: As the Budget was announced just as Nepean News was going to print, we have provided the media release straight from Fiona Scott, the Federal Member for Lindsay. Budget analysis will be in our next edition.
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Please help raise hope for Jonny and Bella By Kerrie Martin
ST CLAIR kids, Jonny (14) and Bella (12) have suffered more in the last two years than any child should ever have to endure – the devastating loss of not just one, but both of their parents. Their father Mario passed away two years ago after undergoing a triple by-pass. It was a devastating blow to his wife Julie and the two kids. In January this year, Julie suddenly collapsed and hospital tests revealed horrendous news; she had a melanoma and tumours to the brain. Sadly, Julie’s battle to live came to an end last month and now Bella and Jonny have been left without parents. In a beautiful and unselfish move, Julie’s best friend Sonia has taken charge of the kids, but it isn’t an easy road being a single mother to children of her own. Another friend of Julie’s,
Jayla Petersen, has spent every waking hour of late working on a benefit night to give Jonny and Bella some hope for the future. “I promised Julie that I would honour her dying wish - that we look after Jonny and Bella – i cannot break that promise,” Jayla said tearfully. “Julie was such a beautiful person who gave to everyone. She was always organising charity events and fundraisers. She was a totally unselfish person who always looked out for those less fortunate.” Jayla said the family home in which Jonny and Bella lived in with their parents was very run down, and that it was in no fit state to sell or rent in order to provide an income to help Sonia financially support their upbringing. “The event I have organised will have loads of entertainment, and I just hope that people will find it in their hearts to get behind it and give these poor kids a future,” Jayla said.
the hope and spirit of these children who have found themselves lost and isolated. Please dig deep and help Jayla realise Julie’s last wishes for her children. “I really hope and pray
Jonny and Belly’s mother Julie, who sadly lost her battle to live on April 12 this year.
“I’m hoping to raise enough money to secure a trust for their education and some funds to renovate the house enough to make it liveable so that it can financially support their future.” With only a handful of tickets sold, Nepean News is hoping that the community will join them in buying tickets or donating funds to the cause to help raise
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that people will find it in their hearts to help. Julie was never one to turn away from helping anybody. I cannot let her down,” Jayla said. Tickets start from just $80, see below for details.
7 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Q & A in Penrith FOR the first time ABC TV’s Q&A will be recorded live from the Penrith Panthers for a one-onone with Treasurer Joe Hockey. Hosted by Tony Jones, Q&A is the show where you ask the questions of Australia’s politicians, pundits and opinionmakers. They go live to air every Monday night at 9.35pm on ABC 1. Treasurer Joe Hockey will appear on Q&A on Monday 19th May to answer your questions on his historic first budget. If the leaks are any guide it’s likely to be one of the most memorable budgets in years! If you’d like to join the audience for Q&A in Penrith with Joe Hockey, please register your details via the Q&A website: www.abc.net.au/qanda and click on ‘Join the studio audience’ or call 8333 4065 Audience members will need to be available from 8pm. This is a free event. Hurry! Register your interest as soon as possible. Q & A will contact you to let you know if your registration has been successful.
Congratulations Jessica Fox PENRITH City Council congratulated Jessica Fox on her dual World Championship wins at the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom Under 23 World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Jessica is also the 2012 Olympic Games Silver medallist. Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said Jessica’s achievement meant a lot for Penrith City. “Winning dual world championships in the K1 and C1 disciplines is indeed a tremendous achievement for our very own Jessica Fox,” Cr Fowler said. “What makes that even more special is that Jessica was able to do this on her home course in front of her home crowd cheering for her all the way.” Penrith City welcomed more than 350 athletes, coaches and officials from 31 countries, however it was the local girl
who showed the international contingent just how it was done. Penrith Whitewater Stadium was the venue for canoe/kayak slalom events during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and has already hosted the Australian Open and National Championships and the Oceania Championships this year. It’s also the training facility that has given Jessica the edge against a strong field of international paddlers. Cr Fowler said Penrith Whitewater Stadium had proven itself yet again in hosting top level competition for the world’s best paddlers. “We have a world class venue that is enjoyed by not only the world’s best kayak and canoe athletes but also recreational paddlers,” he said. “I’m proud that Penrith is the home to our newest World Champion.”
• 2 x return economy flights with Qantas • 4 x nights at InterContinental Le Grand Hotel • Exclusive shopping and VIP city tours • $2,000 spending money
Blinds
(inside the Choices flooring building)
131 Coreen Avenue, Penrith | Phone 4731 4242 Contact us: penrith@choicesflooring.com.au
Putting smiles on children’s faces
Before
CAMBRIDGE Park Lions hosted a talk last month by local members of an Australian medical team which early this year visited Bangladesh as part of the Aussie Bangla Smile Project. Slightly larger than Tasmania, Bangladesh is a country of 142 million people. Lack of education and resources are the primary reasons why basic plastic surgical patients like cleft palate, burn reconstruction and hand injuries go untreated. That’s where Aussie Bangla comes
Immediately post operation
Rozina this year aged 15. She can now go to school. Is in 3rd grade and is very happy to now have friends.
into the story. Since the very first campaign in 2007, teams of Australian surgeons and associate medical staff have regularly visited Bangladesh to carry out a host of medical procedures. The pioneer of the Aussie Bangla smile project is Dr Hasan Sarwar, currently working in western Sydney. Team members take their annual leave and pay for their own flights – they also help raise money to fund the project. Aims of the visits are:
Bangla Smile Team last month at the Cambridge Lion’s function
Perform surgical procedures free of charge for patients – mainly cleft lip and palate burns and hand deformities; enhance training of local surgeons and anaesthetists; enhance training of nursing services. This year’s trip saw the team complete 57 procedures over four days. Registered Nurse Barbara Mitchell said it was a most fulfilling project. “Many of the operations were very complicated,” Ms Mitchell said. “We enjoyed playtime with balloons,
paper and pencils with the children in the ward each morning before the commencement of theatre. “The smiling faces of the parents are just the greatest reward. We experienced the full range of emotions throughout the trip. We now share a special and unique bond.” Cambridge Park Lions and Nepean Rotary Club donated funds to assist the team in the their endeavours. Cambridge Lions also donated five two-seater loungers to Tresillian at Nepean Hospital.
9 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Help our veterans An igloo for winter ARE you looking for a volunteer role on a part-time basis that will be both rewarding and fulfilling? A position that will have you feeling that you have achieved great success in helping others? The people who you would be helping are our local veterans. City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch
is looking for people who can take on the role of Pension Officers; assisting veterans to prepare and submit disability claims for the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and following up on the outcome on behalf of the veteran. Ideally the volunteer would have some experience with admin and basic computer skills particularly in Word and Excel documents, accessing emails and web pages. It is not a pre-requisite to have an intimate knowledge of the military services. If you’re semi-retired, retired, a housewife or househusband – or just looking for some direction and a new interest, the sub-Branch would like to hear from you! Ideally, the position would be one day a week – for approximately four hours. Successful applicants will attend a training and information course conducted by the DVA, which runs for approximately two days – at no cost to the volunteer. So if you have the time to spare and the will to help our veterans, this is the ideal volunteer role for you! Contact the Honorary Secretary, John Taylor on 47285226.
MADE from more than 1000 two and three-litre plastic milk bottles, work on the igloo began in midApril and should be completed by midMay. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the igloo had been inspired by Council’s sustainability program which encouraged The great Igloo wall constructed by the children at staff to think Tandara Children’s Centre takes shape. sustainably. “It’s a great example of staff Justine said “We built a layer a day, about 75 taking initiative to recycle and for the children they care for to learn bottles. “It was a bit hard on the knees in through play,” Cr Fowler said. “Staff collected milk bottles the early stages, but got easier as the from the local shopping centre, igloo grew higher. “It’s been a great talking point, other childcare centres, Council kitchens and even people in the and really fun.” The igloo is about three metres neighbourhood walking past who wide and two metres high. could see what was happening.” “Washing the bottles was the Tandara educator Justine Reynolds said it had been a joy worst bit, when there’s a bit of milk left in the bottle it has a horrific watching the kids build the igloo. “They’ve really had to problem smell!” Council has vacancies now at solve, learn about engineering, as well as doing research into types some of its Werrington childcare of glue and how to build an igloo,” centres. Call 4732 7836.
Don’t fall into the trap John did By Kerrie Martin
WHEN St Clair resident, John Crane’s mother passed away a couple of years ago, he decided to put his share of the inheritance in what he thought would be a safe place – his super fund. The 68-year-old ambulance driver figured that as he was nearing the end of his working days, his super fund was where the money should sit – until he found himself with a tax bill totalling more than $30,000! His share of the inheritance, which was around $130,000 - had put John $70,000 over the super threshold. The ATO decided they’d like to take almost half of that – resulting in a tax bill of $32,550. Needless to say, the unwelcome letter from the ATO sent John in a spin – and he has spent several stressful months going from the ATO to the super fund to the local member to plead his case. Informed about the super contribution threshold after he had already made the deposit, John said he can’t think of any way he could have known that he was going to lose so much money by making the deposit. “There are no ads telling people
that I am aware of, and there was no correspondence from the super fund warning me of an over-contribution even though they say they sent me one,” John said. “I would never have put the money in there had I had any idea so much would be taken from me, who would?” “Then I was having coffee last month at McDonald’s when I bumped into an old friend. We got to talking about how he had recently lost his mother. “Next thing my friend casually says how he is going to put his inheritance into his super fund! My hands shot up in the air: “No, no, no” I yelled!” John now feels that he needs to warn others about making the same mistake and that’s why he called in to Nepean News to share his story with us. “If we can put the word out there and I can save just one person from making the same mistake I did, I’ll feel very good about that,” John said. “I just can’t sit back knowing that other people in my position could likely fall into the same trap I did, by innocently putting their inheritance in a super fund for retirement.” John’s Super Fund is working on trying to resolve the situation. John is hopeful that sanity will prevail.
Life through the lens By Annette Thain
LOCAL photographic artist, Katrina James, is keen to explore the different aspects of the Nepean River in a photography workshop, “We See Want We Want To See” on May 25. The workshop will begin at Lewers Gallery with a tour of the Wondermountain display. Comprising of a series of poetic mountainscapes and otherworldly non-places of traditional Chinese landscape painting, through the work of contemporary Sydney and China based artists. The majority of the workshop will be on the banks of the Nepean River. “My work involves seeing what is in front of you and seeing yourself in that space. You can find beauty in any space and you can find ugliness, depending on what you are looking for”, said Katrina. “The Nepean is such a beautiful and under-utilised area; I encourage people to seek out what is beautiful or meaningful to them.” Katrina James has recently returned to her home town, Penrith, after working as a documentary and events photographer in Berlin, Cape Town and New York, including a stint as the Events Photographer at the Australian Embassy in Berlin. Her forte is “people in spaces”; how the surrounding scene defines people and vice versa. “When I travel, photography allows me to examine a new place. When I have my camera with me I start to see what is really going on around me. In this day and age when everything is happening so quickly, photography slows me down,” says Katrina. Katrina believes the age of the internet is allowing all of us to be more creative; sharing images is a way to connect with others. “You don’t need a fancy camera to create great photos. Photography is about connecting, whether with the subject, a landscape or with the viewer, I always aim to create images that evoke emotions. The workshop is open to all ages and abilities, for more information contact Katrina James of 0407 012 472.
Photo: Greg Davies
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
The loss of a child: an all-consuming grief By Kerrie Martin
AS Blue Mountains Mum Becky Avenell sat waiting one Saturday in spring for a visit from her 18-year-old daughter Paris, nothing could have prepared her for the phone call she was about to receive. Paris had been staying with her grandparents close to the city and the call that every parent dreads but never really expects came through – the horrifying news that Paris had been found deceased in her bed. While the official Coroner’s ruling was accidental overdose, the sudden passing of Paris left her mother, siblings and friends with little answers as to how or why this could have happened with no apparent warning signals. It has been 18 months since her tragic loss, but the enormity of losing a child is something that doesn’t lessen or disappear. “When my daughter Paris died suddenly, I thought I would never take another breath, my entire world had in one moment been completely destroyed and annihilated,” Becky said. “I could find no escape from all my overwhelming feelings of sickening pain, terror, anxiety and joyless despair. I couldn’t and didn’t really want to have to function or live another second existing in this parent’s greatest nightmare. “I couldn’t believe any other people had actually endured this kind of event and managed to survive another moment of their life without their beloved precious child.” Feeling incredibly isolated and alone in her grief, Becky decided to look at what resources or community assistance there was in relation to this type of grief and loss. “Considering this is the worst event that can take place in any person’s life, I assumed there would be enormous support surrounding child loss or even any form bereavement and grief,” she said. “I was certain there must be others
Paris (second from left) with siblings Zephyr, Noah and Eilish.
living within my local community struggling to find ways to cope, or could at least understand what I was going through, I wanted to meet others who had actually survived this horrendous journey. “However, to my complete horror and amazement I found no groups or for that matter anything to do with grief available. I had already tried seeing a grief counsellor but found I needed to be around people who were living and enduring the pain and loss first hand.” Becky contacted her local neighbourhod centre and asked if they would enable her to use their premises to start her own group and see what benefit it may be to others, and PAFFS (Parents and Families Finding Strength) was born. “Grieving the loss of a child is a lifelong journey of shocking soul destroying pain, heartbreak and isolation,” Becky said. “It is an exhausting all consuming path of despair that completely alters every aspect and part of who we had thought we were. Child loss is an indescribable and unimaginable event
that no parent or family should or expects to go through. “Every child counts and no matter what the age of the child or the circumstance underlying the cause of death, the degree of loss, sadness and tragedy remains the same. “Every child is the world to his/ her parents and family members. When that loss takes place it impacts and changes all family dynamics, as well as impacts upon the child’s peers and at times the community at large.” Becky said that the profound and unique difference to other types of loss and grief is that when a child dies it leaves a lifetime of unfinished business for the parents and families left behind. “There is the constant reminder of the child’s unfulfilled life accomplishments and milestones that one expects or hopes to experience and relish within, and then suddenly all that has now been stripped from both the child and family’s futures,” she added. “Time dosen’t change, heal or alter the loss; the moments of shock are still overwhelming and the
pain keeps cutting deeper with the moments passing. “It is an unexplainable sense of having a huge part of our life puzzle suddenly lost and forever gone leaving a raw, destructive, incurable trauma.” Becky said the aim of the group is to give grieving parents the opportunity to assist in helping each other grieve the loss of their child in their own unique ways, and to find some strength to grow through friendship, support and empathy in a safe , non - judgmental environment throughout this long arduous journey. “It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are behind the loss of a child, there is no judgment within the group – it is about the grief and not the cause – the cause is irrelevant,” Becky said. If you are struggling with the loss of a child, PAFFS- Parents and Families Finding Strength Child loss support group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre in Lawson from 3pm – 5pm. Contact Becky 0438 464 824 for more details.
Future in our hands
FUTURIST Mike McAllum painted a picture of a networked city where we all collaborate to create our own future market place at Penrith Progression’s first forum last week. More than 160 people attended the forum to determine what is required to revitalise the city centre and create thousands of local jobs. Global Foresight Network Futures Architect Mike McAllum said the future was in networked cities where the talent in its business and communities collaborate effectively. One problem is too many
people leave Penrith on their daily commute. “When you leave the city, I see people making money out of you,” he said. “You need to retain and capture more value in the city.” McAllum said Penrith’s High Street was a major asset, but it needed to have mixed-use development so people lived in the city. “It’s a waste of money to build a building that is only used eight out of 24 hours,” he said. “The city has to be a collaborative space.”
He said it was crucial to have a story for the city. “Any new design must be formed by your story, or you just have a collection of projects.” To see Mike’s full talk go to: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fYq7FKFuYXw. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the high number of people at the forum showed how engaged people were in the future of Penrith. “If the enthusiasm continues in this way, I know we will have a great success on our hands at the end of the day,” Cr Fowler said.
Assisting our aged Principal gets dunked A NEW DVD entitled ‘You Can VOLUNTEER,’ produced by the Cumberland Prospect Volunteer Support Service, seeks to encourage more community members to volunteer their time. The DVD focuses on the relationships between four volunteers and the frail aged people they support. It highlights the ways their volunteer experiences have transformed their personal outlooks. Krystal is one volunteer who has found an immeasurable amount of enjoyment in
providing social support for Christina. By spending time with Christina, Krystal has not only provided her with friendship and practical assistance, but has also found other rewards in volunteering her time. When asked about why she chooses to volunteer Krystal said, “It’s given me a lot of positive things to look forward to in my life [and] its really given me a different outlook on what type of jobs are out there.” Social support is one of the roles which volunteers can partake in. Other roles include transporting clients to appointments, delivering meals, assisting at aged day care centres and bringing your experience to a community Management Committee. Each role brings with it a unique experience and enables volunteers to expand their skills and gain an incredible amount of satisfaction from just an hour a week. For further information go to our website, www. tricomm.org.au/volunteer. Or you can contact Cecily Michaels, Team Leader – Volunteer Support Service on 0411 245 097 or email on volunteersupport@ tricomm.org.au
OUR Lady of the Way Emu Plains new Principal Sue Veling is about to show how much she loves her new school. Mrs Veling and several other teachers at Our Lady of the Way are giving their students the chance to tip the bucket on their teacher. Only this time the teachers are encouraging it. At Our Lady of the Way’s School Fete on June 1 students will have the chance to throw balls at a target and if they hit, they bring down something not very nice on their teachers. Even though the teaching staff are very popular, the students at Our Lady of the Way are already saving up for a shot at their favourite teachers. The dunking machine has been imported from the USA. Unlike traditional dunking machines, this one sees the victim sit on a chair on the ground with the water, confetti or other unpleasant substance suspended above them. A successful shot at the target
13 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
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gives the victim an unwelcome shower. “While I’m not looking forward to getting dunked, the funds raised by our school community at this year’s fete will go a long way,” Mrs Veling said. The fete is on June 1 at Our Lady of the Way Primary School, Forbes St Emu Plains and will feature rides, the Outback Steakhouse BBQ, stalls, and all the fun of the fair. For more information contact 4735 1930.
Our Lady of the Way - Emu Plains
SCHOOL FETE Sunday 1st June 2014 | 10am-4pm Our Lady of the Way School Cnr Troy and Forbes St, Emu Plains 2750 • Amusement Rides • Visit from Penrith Panthers • Chocolate Wheel • Sausage Sizzle • Gourmet Burgers • Cake Stall • Chocolate Toss • Face painting • Coloured Hair & Nails
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Raffles Lucky Dips Crazy Creations Slot cars Dunking Booth Market Stalls Show Bags Entertainment Coffee Pony Rides And Much More
& s e r o t S y t l a i c e p 42 S
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Let’s take a walk
Brisbane G20 needs volunteers
By Greg Martin
THE Nepean News’ Mark Geyer is once again striding out in the Great Walk Foundation’s seventh annual charity fundraising walk from Bathurst to Blaxland. Mark and his fellow walkers take that first little step of many steps at Bathurst next Tuesday and 170km and four days later they and their blisters and well-worn runners will arrive in Blaxland. Their arduous journey across the Great Dividing Range is expected to raise more than $100,000 which, usual, will be donated to worthwhile local causes. Last year the walkers raised a tick over $130,000 and Mark says he and his 2014 brigade are “fired up” to at least match that amount. “There are 11 of us facing the trek this year – I hope they have been in training because I can tell you, it is a real slog going up and down those hills,” Mark said. “Despite the hard work putting one foot in front of another for hours on end, I have always enjoyed the walk. “The scenery is just fantastic and
This is the sort of terrain the walkers will face on their trek from Bathurst to Blaxland.
the camaraderie between the walkers makes it a journey not to be missed.” Accompanying Mark on the 2014 Great Walk are local businessmen and identities Tony Bowden, Brendan Kop, Mark Mulock Trent Baker, Dave Crossman, Jonathan Green, Cameron McInnes, Greg Nelson, Graham O’Kell and Rob Wearn Over the previous six Great Walks, the foundation has raised just over $600,000. Major recipients of funds are Nepean Hospital’s Children’s Ward
($150,000), Great Community Transport ($90,000), Penrith Community Kitchen ($60,000), Springwood Hospital Aged Care ($40,000), Riding for the Disabled ($25,000), Lifestart ($50,000), Sailability ($15,000) and St Johns Ambulance ($10,000). You can donate by EFT details as follows Great Walk Foundation, National Australia Bank BSB 082 778 Account No. 81 203 8012. Or send a cheque to: PO Box 726 Kingswood NSW 2747.
FIONA Scott MP said local residents have the opportunity to assist in the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane through a volunteers programme. The G20 Leaders Summit, to be held on 15 and 16 November this year, will be the most significant meeting of world leaders Australia has ever hosted with over 4,000 delegates and 3,000 members of the world’s media attending. “Australia has a proud tradition of hosting world class events such as the Sydney Olympics, the Brisbane and Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the World Expo in Brisbane in 1988 and volunteers have played a key role in the success of each of those events,” Fiona Scott said. “Up to 700 men and women, aged 18 and over, have the opportunity to be involved in the G20 through the volunteers programme.” If you would like to apply to become a volunteer or require further information, please visit the official G20 website at www. g20.org
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
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16 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Legends of the Nepean By Greg Martin
THE best entertainer I’ve ever seen live on stage is the late, great Johnny O’Keefe. JOK didn’t need flashing lights and a cast of thousands to get a joint bopping – his great voice and raw energy ensured fans got their money’s worth at any performance. Stuart Mathie is embarrassed to be compared to the “King of Australian Rock ‘n’ Roll” but the Penrith singer really is a chip off the JOK block. He can belt out a tune and puts his all into delivering a performance – like JOK, Stuart looks as though he has been in a sauna at the end of every gig. “Yeah, I suppose that I do compare to Johnny O’Keefe when it comes to sweating,” Stuart laughed. “The fans pay their freight and they deserve to get the best out of the person up there entertaining them.” The 48-year-old is the front man for No Secrets The Angels Show band which is obviously a tribute band to The Angels. The five-member band has been together for 15 years and has been one
of the hardest working groups on the local entertainment scene. “All of us are getting on in years now so we have cut back a bit on the number of shows we do - but we still do enough to put a couple of bucks into our pockets,” Stuart said. Stuart and his fellow band members – Matty Williams, Peter Weir and father and son, Mike and Rhys Sheehan - have been tremendous in their support of a wide range of charitable organisation and worthy causes. Recipients of their largesse in performing free of charge at fund raising functions include SIDS and Kids Australia which manages the Red Nose Day campaign, Save Our Sons and the NSW Cancer Council. “Being a member of this band has been beneficial to all of us – we love our music and playing to appreciative audiences so it is always great to give something back to the community,” Stuart said. Stuart is the second son of two Glaswegian Scots, Margaret and John Mathie, who migrated to Australia in 1964 when Stuart’s brother, Ian, was just one year old. “The family lived in a migrant
hostel at Green Valley before moving into a (housing) commission home at Lethbridge Park a year after I was born in ’66,” Stuart explained. He was educated at Lethbridge Park Public School and Shalvey High School where he was introduced to singing and performing by David May, the head music teacher. “Mr May, who is now the principal at Doonside High, produced regular musicals at the school – he saw something in me and encouraged me to become involved,” Stuart said. “In the end I played the lead roles in all the productions such as Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Les Miserables” Despite his success in the school musicals, Stuart’s show business career and aspirations were put on hold after gaining his Higher School Certificate. On leaving school, Stuart joined the army in which he served for six years as a gunner in the 8/12 103 Medium Battery. Lance Bombardier Mathie returned to civvy street in 1990 with an Australian Defence Medal and no real idea of what he wanted to do with his life.
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“Not for me being camped in an office all day long – I always enjoyed working outside so I got a job labouring as a concreter which has provided my main income ever since,” Stuart said. After a few years living in the US – he had friends in North Carolina – Stuart returned home to the concreting and still without any thoughts of getting back into music. That however changed in1998 when he attended a “jump and jam” session at Uncle Buck’s Nightclub in Penrith. “On those nights the resident band would invite people from the audience to join in with the band, playing an instrument or singing,” Stuart recalled. “I had a few sherberts on board so with the raucous urging of a few mates, I got up and sang three songs – the Radiators’ Coming Home, The Angels’ No Secrets and Australian Crawl’s Boys Light Up.” “Mike (bass) and Rhys (rhythm guitar) and Matty (drums) and Peter (lead guitar and sax) also joined in with the band that night. “The five of us got talking and decided to have a couple of practice sessions at which we learned three songs which we then took back to
Uncle Buck’s a fortnight later. “We performed No Secrets, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again and Mister Damage – I tell you, we tore the place down and Bob (Buck) Priestly the club manager, invited us back the following Friday night to do a whole gig. “Bob invited his (talent) booking agent along to hear us – he enjoyed the show and put us on his books – and we’ve been at it ever since.” The band’s high energy show extends over two hours during which Stuart belts out anything up to 25 songs. They have taken the show all over NSW – from Sydney to the Far North Coast, Lightning Ridge and AlburyWodonga. “It has been a fulfilling journey for all of us – we love our music and it still gives us all a thrill when you get that vibe back from an audience that they are loving what you are doing,” Stuart said. “I’ll never forget some advice my father drummed into me as a young bloke: ‘Find a job you love doing and get someone to pay you’ – dad’s pleased that I have done just that!” Stuart and the boys will be
back performing in the Nepean on September 26 at the Pioneer Tavern which has become one of the band’s favourite venues. Put that in you diary because you do not want to miss seeing Stuart Mathie in action. But a warning, if up on the dance floor, wear a raincoat if you get up close to the lead singer!
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
STUART MATHIE
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Stuart Mathie was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Rob Ryan. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at greg@nepeannews.com.au
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
The basic kit that saves lives IN celebration of International Nurses and Midwives Week, midwives at Nepean Hospital together with members of the Nepean Valley Zonta Club and volunteers got together last Saturday to pack 1000 birthing kits destined for women in poor and rural areas in developing countries. The kits contain the most basic items, such as soap, gloves, gauze, a scalpel and ties to cut and tie the cord, and plastic sheeting, required to keep the birthing environment clean and fight infection, which contribute to 385,000 women dying annually in childbirth. The event was attended by 35 volunteers, including Director of Nursing and Midwifery Nepean Hospital, Julie Williams, District Nurse Manager Midwifery, Ann Yates, District Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Claire Ramsden, and Nurse Manager, Nursing and Midwifery Directorate, Nepean, Elaine Buggy. “The highlight for me was having the Nepean Hospital midwives there. It was a wonderful way to celebrate International Midwives’ Day. We had a fabulous representation of midwives from the hospital, including two young, recent graduates,” said Ms Buggy.
Nita
Ask
A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries
THE harsh summer sun can be very detrimental to the skin, and can compromise your skin if you have a deep chemical peel. The top protective layer is removed leaving the underlying skin tissue more susceptible to further
Zonta Australia, an organization working to advance the status of women through service and advocacy, initiated the Birthing Kit Project 14 years ago. “Since this project started we have packed 11, 200 birthing kits, and today we have packed another thousand,”
said Birthing Kit Organiser and Nepean Valley Zonta Club Secretary, Jenny Young. “Every kit, worth three dollars, has the potential to save two lives, that of the mother and that of the baby. That is a huge driving factor in our project,” said Ms Young.
To find out more visit the Zonta website: zonta.org.au/Zonta_in_ Australia/Home_to_3_Districts_of_ Zonta_International.html or check out the BKFA: www.birthingkitfoundation.org.au/ default.aspx
Why is winter time the best time to do procedures ?? damage and hyper pigmentation. Winter is an ideal time to do deep medical peels, as we tend to be indoors more and the sun isn’t as strong. Peels are ideal to remove some flaws in the skin and regenerate a fresher complexion. Liposculpture can be done at any time, however having to wear a compression garment for 3 weeks can be very hot and uncomfortable during
the summer months. So its best to have the procedure done in the cooler months. Sclerotherapy, (treatment of varicose and spider veins) also needs compression stockings to be worn for at least one week after each treatment, these too can be hot to wear during the summer months. Lipolysis (mesotherapy) is a series of injections that dissolve fat. Swelling
and some bruising can be a side effect from the treatment. And can be more difficult to cover up in summer. Planning and doing procedures during the winter months makes more sense, it also gives you time to be able to prepare for those special events in spring and the holiday party season in summer. Now is the time to plan and prepare, for those upcoming events!!
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Relay For Life a huge success
Hope Ceremony candlelight bags
Relay Young participants getting into the spirit of relay. All photos courtesy Claire Vella, Beans & Mash Photography
FUNDS raised by participants in the Cancer Council’s Penrith Relay for Life at Howell Oval on May 3 are creeping up towards the $300,000 mark. With many of the 142 teams still collecting promised monies, the grand total is expected to keep moving on towards the target goal of $350,000. In fact, such is the feedback from the teams, organisers are predicting the final tally could be close to $400,000. At the time of writing, you wonderful folk – donors and walkers – have amassed a whopping $296,543.90. Yes, and 90 cents! The Nepean has once again fully supported this wonderful event with 1544 walkers packing into Howell Oval throughout the 24 hour marathon to walk a lap or 20.
The Superheroes of NSW State Emergency Services
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Skill and compassion Cuppa for cancer STUART Ayres MP, Member for Penrith thanked local nurses and midwives for their commitment, compassion and professionalism when caring for patients in the NSW public health system. Mr Ayres said International Nurses Day is a time to reflect on the round-theclock care and support nurses give to more than 1.5 million patients in NSW public hospitals, at home or in the community. International Nurses Day is celebrated globally on May 12 each year - the birthday of the world’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale. “I’d like to thank the hard working nurses at hospitals across the Nepean Blue Mountains,” Stuart Ayres said. “The care and commitment nurses bring to their work provides not only medical care and expertise but muchneeded support and companionship to patients. “Nurses provide an invaluable service for our local community. I am proud the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government has boosted the number of nurses working in our Local Health
District by 60 since being elected. Mr Ayres added that across the state, 4100 more nurses and midwives (2,800 full-time equivalent) have been recruited to the workforce since the last election, surpassing the pre-election commitment of 2,475 additional nurses over four years. Every Local Health District has seen additional nurses recruited. “The NSW Liberal & Nationals Government supports the fantastic work of our local nurses, which is why we have recruited more nurses and midwives to our region,” Stuart Ayres said. “We have also empowered and encouraged our nurses to come up with their own ideas for better models of care and treatment for patients. “Our encouragement and support of local decision making has transformed our hospitals resulting in enhanced care for patients and better staff morale.
STATION Plaza St Mary’s is very excited to be holding another annual community event and their first ever Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in the centre. They hope to raise lots of money for Cancer Research and help Cancer sufferers in the community with a cure in the future but without much needed funds for research, the future can be brighter. All product and cash donations are greatly appreciated and remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible and it’s all going to a very worthy cause. Community support is needed to come along and join them for a
Cuppa and Cake, bring your family and friends and have some social fun for a small donation and help them in their fundraising efforts. This is purely volunteerorganised and all items are kindly donated for the day by Station Plaza St Marys, Sam’s Fresh and Subway both located in the centre. The more people who know about this and join them, the more people come to help their fundraising efforts and support this very worthwhile cause. If you have any questions, please contact Dianne on 9621.3144, mobile 0418 862 392 or email – dianne@haben.com.au Thank you and see you soon!
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24 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Give your next event that WOW factor ANYONE who has ever organised a wedding or other “high end” outdoor event, will know how important it is to make the event unique and give it the real “WOW” factor. When looking to hire a Marquee, this is often hard to achieve, as there is a lot of the “same old same old” products on the market. That was until recently. Now there is a local Penrith business which is providing those organising an outdoor event, with the possibility of making a huge impact. Elite Marquees is the latest project from respected Blue Mountains and Penrith business man, Tim Cheal. “I recently organised a large outdoor event and spent a lot of time researching Marquees for hire,” Tim said. “ I didn’t want a Marquee that looked like a tent but was looking for a Marquee which was spacious, aesthetically pleasing and amazing! Something that put the WOW factor into my event, was eye catching and a real talking point amongst my guests. After much searching I found and hired an Elite Marquee. Well, I was so impressed with the quality and the look of the Marquee, that I actually ended up buying the company!” “I am thrilled to be able to
•
introduce Elite Marquees to the Penrith community, as I am sure that many people in the local area will be as impressed as I was with the Marquees and would like to hire them for their next outdoor event,” Mr
Cheal said. Elite Marquees is a specialty Marquee hire company, which is servicing Penrith and Blue Mountains, Sydney Metro, Central Coast, Illawarra and the Southern Highlands.
In the beautiful Australian climate, these architecturally designed Marquees are light and open-plan and their fine framework establishes a real ambiance, with their high domed ceilings and dramatic archways. Elite Marquees can be hired in four sizes, 9m x 9m, 9m x 12m, 9m x 15m and 9m x 18m, with the largest Marquee comfortably holding up to 225 people. Elite Marquees also stock a speciality type of flooring which is a stylish addition to the Marquees, together with specially designed lighting, which is always a welcome addition to any Marquee. If you are planning a wedding or any other outdoor event, look no further than this exciting product. Tim and the team at Elite Marquees are always happy to answer any questions that you may have, provide you with a quotation and also undertake a site inspection. You can contact them by calling 0438 HIRE ME – That’s 0438 447 363 or emailing info@ elitemarquees. com.au. You can also find out more information by visiting their website www.elitemarquees.com.au or liking their Facebook page www.facebook/ com/ EliteMarquees.
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MAN about TOWN Industry leaders National Locksmiths was started by Brett McVea in 2002. Brett has always had a passion to offer a friendly unique service that separates National Locksmiths from their competitors. In 2003, Brett gained National Headlines (through various media outlets) for his Multi Award Winning invention “Secure Plates”, a World first Anti Theft device to secure Vehicle number plates. Brett’s technology is now being used by Councils and Police stations Australia Wide. Since National Locksmiths inception (in 2002), they have now grown from a single vehicle Mobile Service, to opening a Showroom at 112 Stafford Street (Penrith) and providing 4 mobile Service vehicles to service and Secure the Sydney Metro area. National Locksmiths also boasts an impressive Commercial/ Corporate client base that spreads nationally and internationally. National Locksmiths is well known for its Professionalism, Honesty, Ethics, Punctuality, Locking Solutions and friendliness. All of those attributes have contributed in National Locksmiths winning 11 Business Awards, which include “Best Service &
Trade”. National Locksmiths is also the only accredited “Female Friendly” Locksmith in NSW. Brett also has a passion to look ook after people on the Pension as he believes that everybody dy has a right to secure their prized possessions. Brett’s determination and unique service was rewarded d in 2006 by winning a State Government Award for the category tegory of “Young Entrepreneur of the Year”. Brett has also passed ssed all tests and is a qualified “Master Locksmith of Australia”. ”. Brett is also focused on giving other people the correct training for them to have a career as a Locksmith. This Training that Brett provides has proven to be successful due to the Multiple Awards that his Apprentices have won which include TAFE’s “Apprentice e of the Year”. Brett is proud that National Locksmiths has become the public’s first choice to contact for their possessions to be secured by their Multi Award Winning Service. Phone 1300 897 170.
Peter Zaccazan -
ZAC HOMES ZAC Homes is a local building company that has been established for over 20 years with Peter Zaccazan being the owner and sole director. He has driven the company to where it is today. Nothing means more to Peter than his family who are an integral part of his business and the motivation for his hard work. A recent restructure of ZAC Homes has shown to be a great move for Peter and the growing company. With newly appointed General Manager, Shane Griffith, along side Operations Manager, David Stewart both of whom have extensive experience within the residential building industry and have brought a breath of fresh air into the business. Together with Peter’s family they have the same values and vision for the future interest of the company. ZAC Homes has grown in the last 5 years and Peter is very proud of
what the company represents. “With the support of our valuable staff I feel that my core beliefs of quality, community and great service will continue into the future of ZAC Homes” Says Peter. “Having a trusted and reliable team makes coming to work each day worth it”. Modesty is probably one of Peter’s best qualities and via ZAC Homes he has been able to be involved in the local community, through his support in local charities and clubs, which is important to him. Specifically Peter’s participation and sponsorship of the Panthers Triathlon club is his other passion. Peter finds the training and challenge that a triathlon brings is also reflected in his work within ZAC Homes. “The future of ZAC Homes is bright, and I am so proud of where we are today”.
Graham Fitzpatrick -
VINTAGE FM Sales Manager at Vintage FM, Graham Fitzpatrick believes the key to a radio advertising campaign that works is frequency; you need to have your commercial on air as often as possible. Graham understands the local community and knows what works. In past years Graham has managed the Penrith City Star, The Western Weekender, chaired the Business Growth and Marketing Task Group, for the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation, sat on the Penrith Valley Home Base Business Network Committee, was a member of the United Way Penrith Valley Community Fund, is an ambassador for Paint Penrith Read which has given him a valuable insight into the Penrith population and its drivers. Graham will work
with you to create a personalised promotion, and depending on your need, that could be a short and powerful campaign, or a longer one for continuous exposure. Vintage FM has a unique format of playing all the music from the 50’s and 60’s. Our audience profile is mainly 45-70 which targets an important local, affluent demographic who own or are paying off their home, are active purchases setting themselves up for the future, are tech savvy and have high disposable incomes. Graham has lived in Cranebrook for the past 18 years and is extremely passionate about Penrith. Call 4731 1876 or 0408 302 664.
Ian Garton -
McDONALDS GARTON GROUP After being raised in country NSW Ian moved to Sydney where he started working life as a paper boy. He then moved on to McDonald’s where he started as a crew person cooking hamburgers. Ian enjoyed work in the McDonald’s environment and stayed there after finishing his schooling. He became a full time employee and worked through the various levels of McDonald’s training as a manager. Doing this Ian came to Penrith over 30 years ago, where he ran the High Street store. After more than 22 years working in the corporate world, Ian was offered the opportunity to purchase the High Street Penrith store. As successful
McDonald’s licensees, Ian and his wife Kathryn have grown their business to six stores. They have won many awards in the McDonald’s business, most recently being recognised for contribution to the local community as well as Ian’s role as a Vice Chair of the global McDonald’s operator group. Ian’s passion locally is in the establishment and support of the Nepean Family Room, a Ronald McDonald house facility. Two of Ian’s children now manage two of the local stores. Ian and Kathryn live locally with their two younger children.
25 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Brett McVea – NATIONAL LOCKSMITHS
MAN about TOWN 26 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Shane Skeen - LUKE PRIDDIS FOUNDATION My name is Shane Skeen, General Manager of the Luke Priddis Foundation – a local charity supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). I’m a Gemini, have blue eyes and love walks along the beach…….I was born and bred in Penrith and have lived in the area most of my life, including the past 14 years in Glenmore Park. I was a junior amateur boxer before being invited to trial for the Parramatta Eels. Unfortunately, serious knee and ankle injuries put an end to my sporting aspirations. However, I was dubbed handball champion of Patrician Brothers College Blacktown and nailed Rainbow Connection, dressed as Kermit at my first singing eisteddfod. My professional background includes stints at Teachers Credit Union, Medical Indemnity Protection Society (MIPS), and more recently in
Corporate Partnerships at the Penrith Panthers. I am currently a Sponsorship Consultant for the Penrith Emus Rugby Club and write a monthly sports column for the Hawkesbury Independent. The Luke Priddis Foundation aims to improve the lives of families and children with ASD in Western Sydney. My role is to oversee the delivery of our programs and services; secure long term income streams; develop key partnerships with the local business community; and represent the Foundation, helping to strengthen the LPF brand. For more information on our services or upcoming events visit www.lukepriddisfoundation. com or email shane@lukepriddisfoundation.com to discuss partnership opportunities – your support is vital and will help us do more and reach more kids with ASD.
Anthony Hammon -
ST MARYS VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE Anthony Hammon, Centre Manager at St Marys Village Shopping Centre loves the challenge of achieving set goals and the variety that his job presents. Every day is different in Shopping Centre management and he gets the chance to work and mix with a wide variety of people in the business community, including retailers and contractors within St Marys Village. The diversity of the centre’s customer base is also a positive and their feedback and loyalty is very much appreciated by Anthony. Initially, the move to St Marys Village facilitated Anthony’s
move back to Sydney from his previous role in Victoria. Over the past four years, the community of St Marys has grown on him. Anthony said he has learnt how proud, loyal and honest the people of St Marys are. The retailers and customers of St Marys Village have confidence in Anthony’s management and leadership skills. He is an exceptional manager and is able to do the job effectively because of the personal touch he brings to everything he does. Anthony is well known for getting behind community projects - he is often sponsoring events such as the Police Officer of Year awards and rolling his sleeves up (literally!) to help out at Fusion.
Greg McDermott – FERNHILL ESTATE EQUESTRIAN SERVICES Fernhill Estate is seeped in equestrian history. From this property in the picturesque Mulgoa Valley, two Melbourne Cup winners were born and raised and since 2012, Fernhill has been home to some of Australia’s best showjumping bloodstock. Managed by Greg McDermott, his wife Jennie and son Tom, Fernhill Equestrian offers a European style stable block, purpose built equestrian facilities and over 1000 acres of lush rolling paddocks, perfect for all your horse boarding, coaching and agistment needs. Greg McDermott is an established horseman, having been a member of the 1988 Olympic Games Showjumping team as well as a successful racehorse trainer. Tom is the current Australian Young Rider Champion and was the recipient of the 2012 FEI HSBC Rising Star Award recognised him as the best young talent in the world. Together, they offer all levels of coaching and training for both horse and rider in all disciplines. Their passion, knowledge and determination were proven
when the entire Fernhill Team won all Leading Rider Showjumping sections at the recent Sydney Royal Easter Show. Fernhill Equestrian also offer agistment and spelling facilities for racehorses, boarding, assistance with selling or purchasing your horse, breeding, training and support, and professional advice with all matters concerning riders and their horses. So whether you’re a competitor looking for expert coaching to take you to the next level, a beginner learning how to ride or just in need of a home for your horse, Fernhill Equestrian offers it all. Become part of their equestrian history and make an enquiry today. Where: Fernhill Estate – 1041 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa 2745 Web: www.fernhillestate.net.au Who: Jennie McDermott – equestrian@fernhillestate.net.au or ph: 0412 051 025.
Alex McKenzie -
FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES Alex McKenzie is the owner and Principal Financial Planner of Future Financial Services. Alex is a born and bred local who has contributed to both sports and community based programs as well as operating in business since 2001. Alex is extremely proud of Penrith and the greater suburbs and as a local small business owner, he is excited about the exciting opportunities that are developing and the growth opportunities that will present for locals, businesses and the overall community. Alex is a very active member in the local community and various business groups including, board of the Nepean Business Network; board of the newly established Penrith RSL Rugby Club and he has recently volunteered to be a mentor for the Max Potential Program which is designed to help high
school students achieve both personal and professional goals as well contribute to community initiatives. In 2009, after operating in a long term partnership for 8 years, Alex established his own practice , Future Financial Services. The business has grown to $15 million of funds under advice and approximately 300 active clients. Alex is quick to mention “you don’t need to be rich to have a financial adviser’. ‘There is a lot more to providing advice than simply investing money. If you are saving to buy a house, looking to start a family, wanting to diversify your funds and or investments; or planning for retirement (early or later), Future Financial Services can provide you with advice to guide you through your life stages by working together to achieve your financial goals’.
MAN about TOWN A WEBSITE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
“Meet Tim Williams, weighing in at 80kg with brown hair and blue eyes. More than just “long walks along the beach”; Tim loves to spend his time cooking and riding sideways on the snow, behind a cable or catching a wave... But not at the same time. Tim’s passion for cooking started at a very young age in 2014 when he first started experimenting with all of the wrong flavours, the right way around... Labelled “Tim’s Surprise” by his loving partner Corinne, Tim’s meals have developed into something facebook worthy and continue to annoy people on facebook with food selfies to this day. On a serious note, Tim’s web design and online marketing firm
called “A Website That Works For You” have helped hundreds of real local businesses look the part and generate more sales. Also known as “The Green Team”, these guys tell it how it is and practice what they preach. “Too many business owners focus on the latest buzz words and hype, when in fact it’s the simple fundamentals that are actually responsible for making your business more money through a website” said Tim. So if you’re a local business that’s sick of missing out on new customers and don’t have a solid online profile, call (02) 4704 8505 or drop in to A Website That Works For You’s office at 97C Henry St.”
Garth Tengdahl –
GTS PAINTING Garth Tengdahl, owner of GTS painting services holds Penrith and its community very close to his heart. Born and bred in Penrith, Garth completed his education at Jamison high School and believes that Penrith is a great place to live, work and play. “The people are both friendly and genuine and the other thing I love about Penrith is you can do almost anything you want to do without leaving the place,” Garth said. “Everything is at your doorstep; you don’t have to go too far away to find something fun to do.” Sports fan Garth loves nothing better than to catch a footy or a basketball game, and he loves to spend quality time with his 12 year old daughter and cooking on the BBQ.
He enjoys his job as a painter, it gives him the opportunity to meet lots of people from a variety backgrounds. Not only does his work give him a change of scenery every day, he gets to change the scenery for his clients by giving them fresh and bright surroundings! Garth has spent approximately 15 years in the painting industry and this year he decided to start his own painting business in the hometown that he loves. “I do a lot of work for builders, I’m now focusing on getting some more jobs locally with repaints,” he said. So do you need a change of colour on your home? Give a local fella a call! Garth can be contacted on 0430 106 399.
Craig Caughlan – DUKES ESTATE AGENTS Craig Caughlan is one of the industry’s most respected agents, having worked in central Sydney as well as the Greater West. Previously with McGrath Estate Agents in the Eastern Suburbs, and selling everything from small, one-bedroom apartments to large estates, Craig now brings his expertise to the Nepean region where he and his family call home. Consistently recommended for his integrity and sincerity, Craig’s long-term clientele and incredible sales record both provide steady evidence of the focus he places on each and every client. Friendly, individual and timely service, with regular property updates and client communication (as well as informed advice), are but a few elements of his client support. But it’s more than just his personal approach that has established him as an industry leader. Known for his commercial authority and regularly
exceeding client expectations, Craig’s passion for property is evident in his ability to read the market and stay one step ahead of industry benchmarks. His articulate, well-developed negotiation and communication skills establish him as authoritative without being pushy. Regardless of whether clients are buying or selling, he provides honest, forthright advice. As a member of the Dukes Estate Agents team, Craig works closely with other professionals to ensure a collective approach to your property sale or purchase. Sharing a devotion for the industry without compromising on customer service, the alliance is a strong one. Enjoy the support of one of the industry’s leading agents with the backing of the most innovative and respected real estate agents in the Nepean region. Phone 0406 358 885.
Renato Cantalupo –
ABOVE AND BEYOND FINANCIAL SERVICES Renato Cantalupo has lived in the local area for most of his life; he attended school at Cambridge Park High and now is lucky enough to work in the town that he loves, helping local Penrith people realise their dreams. “I’ve seen the changes go through in Penrith - from a small town to a large city,” Renato said. Renato has made a point of getting heavily involved in local businesses and charities and is constantly promoting the greater west and is an advocate for Penrith Valley. As an Above And Beyond Mortgage Broker, Renato enjoys being able to help people with home loans, commercial loans and car and equipment leasing. “We help first home buyers through to seasoned investors to find their dream home and go through the journey with them,” he said.
Renato loves having the opportunity to meeting people from all walks of life, from various backgrounds. “Everyone has a different story to tell, and often those loans that you think will be easy prove difficult, and those that you think will be difficult are easy,” Renato said. But the thing that Renato loves most is the fact that he’s an important part of helping people achieve their goals. “There’s no greater verification than seeing a loan approved and the clients moving into their dream home or using their selfmanaged super funds to purchase.” Renato has an avid passion for aviation and really enjoys his spare time at the Radio Controlled Flying Club in Russell Street, Emu Plains.
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Tim Williams –
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Vibrant burst of electrifying energy FOLLOWING electrifying appearances worldwide, YouTube sensations Djuki Mala (Chooky Dancers) are on their way to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith for three incredible shows on 23 and 24 May as part of a national tour. Hailing from the Galiwin’ku community (Elcho Island) in North East Arnhem Land, Djuki Mala fuse traditional Aboriginal and contemporary forms of dance, comedy and clowning with natural athleticism and awe-inspiring agility to create a marvel of movement and humour. For over a decade Djuki Mala have collaborated with producer and director, Josh Bond to reinterpret a number of popular culture dance styles such as Zorba The Greek, Hip-Hop and Bollywood, producing exuberant and hilarious performances. “Djuki Mala continue to break new ground cultivating contemporary Indigenous dance blended with physical comedy and this tour will include retrospective work that will be influenced by the early YouTube phenomena in 2007 where the ensemble performed Zorba the Greek through to their last tour of Australian festivals – Wrong Skin,” Mr Bond explained. Critics have raved about a Djuki Mala performance. “These six young men know how to put on one hell of a show. From Bollywood to Motown to Singin’ in the Rain, it’s a dizzying rotation of costumes, backing tracks and virtually every conceivable dance style,” said The Age. “Energetic, hilarious, groundbreaking,” added Beat, and from Real Time -“The Chooky Dancers threatened to upstage everything in sight.”
Delivering laughter and a cultural insight featuring an ensemble of young Yolngu men, Djuki Mala mashes up traditional and contemporary practices that delight audiences all over the world. Djuki Mala (Chooky Dancers) at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith. Performances: 8pm Friday 23 May; 2pm & 8pm Saturday 24 May. Tickets: $25 - $35 Bookings: 4723 7600 or visit: www.jspac.com.au
E N T E R T A I N M E N T SHEARING a sheep, spinning the wool and knitting a sweater. From the back of the sheep to the back of the shearer within eight hours! That’s the ‘Back to Back’, an international challenge the Kurrajong Handspun Crafts team take up every year. This is the tenth time they have entered this international challenge and in that time they have raised more than $50,000 for cancer research. This year, for the first time, the Back to Back will be hosted by the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, on Sunday 1 June. Sheep shearing at 8am, and the sweater must be finished before 4pm. The day includes the Great Apple Pie Bake-Off, fun activities with wool for kids plus local produce and crafts. Entry by gold coin donation. All money raised will be donated to the Cancer Council NSW for prostate cancer research. The “back” story A bet made in 1811 was the starting point for a challenge that, more than 200 years later, is known as the Back to Back International Wool Challenge. When John Coxeter, a well known cloth manufacturer from Newbury in England, remarked in conversation with Sir John Throckmorton that he could ‘take the coat from the back of Sir John’s sheep and turn it back into a coat for Sir John in a day’, Sir John bet him one thousand guineas and the challenge was on! Two of Sir John’s finest Southdown sheep were delivered to Coxeter’s Greenham Mill at 5 am on 25 June 1811. They were shorn, the wool spun, the loom ‘dressed’, the cloth woven, dyed, dried, cut and pressed before handing the
cloth to James White, the tailor. The coat was finished in 13 hours and 20 minutes and worn by Sir John at the dinner he hosted for the 5,000 onlookers. The party celebrated with 120 gallons of strong beer (a gift from John Coxeter, winner of the one thousand guineas) and the roasted sheep! 180 years later, at the Newbury Agricultural Show the challenge was laid again, sponsored by Newbury Department Store, Camp Hopson. This time the coat was completed in 12 hours, 36 minutes. The following year, Richard Snow, a Scottish spinner at the Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle, developed thyroid cancer and decided to raise money for Cancer Research. He initiated the ‘Back to Back Challenge’, a competition based on the 200 year old bet. There was enormous interest in the UK, not only for the clever promotion of wool, but also for raising funds for Cancer Research. Meanwhile, similar contests were being held in Australia with teams representing football clubs racing to spin and knit football team scarves from freshly shorn wool. But when Australian Wool Showcase member Wendy Dennis, took part in the 1994 Fourth World Congress on Coloured Sheep at York University, UK, she visited the Scottish Wool Centre. Here the seed was sown for a combined international competition to knit a sweater, rather than the coat woven in 1811. SUNDAY 1 JUNE - 8 AM TIL THE CHALLENGE IS COMPLETE! Contact Dawne on 4567 1215 or Annette on 4567 2222.
Sydney Classic & Antique Truck Show AFTER an outstanding event and record crowd last year, the Museum of Fire is proud to present the 4th Annual Sydney Classic & Antique Truck Show. Classic trucks, buses, fire engines and vehicles of yesteryear from across the Country are gathering to be on display at the Museum of Fire on Sunday 15th June. Join us and open up a world of fascinating nostalgia and activities for all ages. Come and see trucks from the solid rubber boneshakers of 1914 through to the kings of the highway of the 60’s and 70’s. On Stage non-stop entertainment will include the superb vocal talents of sibling trio Audio Vixen presenting their “Classic Rock Show”, who along with the outrageously funny Buddy Goode, will keep the day pumping. Australia’s most versatile funny man Mick Meredith will take the stage and Beatle Magic will present their salute to the superstars supported by local group Tailgate starting a great show day. International Award Winning Matt Falloon and his Trained Balloons will take entertainment all day to a new level. Demonstrations throughout the day by vintage dressed Firefighters showing you the skills of yesteryear as they put some classic fire engines to work. Relive history with the historic police cars and bikes display including the infamous Chargers, and much more. Take a journey back in time on one of the vintage double decker bus rides and see Penrith from a
different view. The Circus comes to the show with a display of beautifully restored wagons and vehicles from Bullen’s Circus of yesteryear. Something for everyone including displays by Fire and Rescue NSW with live fire demonstrations of their Kitchen Fire Simulator together with the fascinating display’s of the Museum of Fire. A fantastic family fun day that will not burn a whole in the pocket!
Adults $15 (includes up to three children under 16 free with paying Adult) Concession $10, (no children on concession ticket). After entry all rides and entertainment are free. Gates open from 8am through to 3pm. Don’t miss it! For more information visit www.museumoffire. com.au or contact the Museum of Fire on 02 4731 3000.
29 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Back to Back International Wool Challenge
E N T E R T A I N M E N T 30 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Step back in time EVENTS
1536 - Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, stands trial in London on charges of treason, adultery and incest. She is condemned to death by a specially-selected jury. 1618 - Johannes Kepler confirms his previously rejected discovery of the third law of planetary motion (he first discovered it on March 8 but soon rejected the idea after some initial calculations were made). 1718 - James Puckle, a London lawyer, patents the world’s first machine gun. 1793 - Diego Marín Aguilera flies a glider for “about 360 meters”, at a height of 5–6 meters, during one of the first attempted manned flights. 1926 - Walt Disney character Mickey Mouse premieres in his first cartoon, Plane Crazy. 1940 - McDonald’s opens its first restaurant in San Bernardino, California. 1948 - Following the demise of the British Mandate of Palestine, Egypt, Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia invade Israel thus starting the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. 1988 - Soviet war in Afghanistan: After more than eight years of fighting, the Red Army begins its withdrawal from Afghanistan. 2010 - Jessica Watson becomes the youngest person to sail, non-stop and unassisted around the world solo.
BIRTHS 1859 1905 1909 1947
- Pierre Curie, French physicist, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1906). - Joseph Cotten, American actor (d. 1994). - James Mason, English actor (d. 1984). - Graeham Goble, Australian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer (Little River Band,Mississippi, Travis Wellington Hedge, Birtles & Goble, and Birtles Shorrock Goble). 1962 - Lisa Curry, Australian swimmer. 1987 - Andy Murray, Scottish tennis player.
JOKES
• I sometimes watch birds and wonder “If I could fly who would I crap on?”
• Always give 100% at work: 12% Monday, 23% Tuesday, 40% Wednesday, 20% Thursday, 5% Friday • I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific • Give a man a fish, and you‛ll feed him for a day; give him a religion, and he‛ll starve to death while praying for a fish. • I‛m so miserable without you, it‛s almost like you‛re still here • Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. • I used to be indecisive. Now I‛m not sure.
DEATHS
• I fell in love at first sight. I should have looked twice.
1157 - Yuri Dolgorukiy, Russian prince and founded Moscow (b. 1099). 1886 - Emily Dickinson, American poet (b. 1830). 1978 - Robert Menzies, Australian lawyer and politician, 12th Prime Minister of Australia (b. 1894). 2003 - June Carter Cash, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress (Carter Family and The Carter Sisters) (b. 1929). 2009 - Bud Tingwell, Australian actor, director, and producer (b. 1923).
• Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. • 99% of women say they don‛t like men who wear leather pants. Which works out perfectly, since 100% of men who wear leather pants don‛t like women.
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Pearls or a pendant (8) 5 Glided on ice (6) 9 Mariner (8) 10 Lacking vigor (6) 12 Acclaim (5) 13 Imbedded (9) 14 Results (6) 16 Snob (archaic) (7) 19 Thrown out (7) 21 Delegate (6) 23 Ones who contaminate the air or water (9) 25 Jumps (5) 26 A long-handled curved blade (6) 27 Relieves constipation (8) 28 Fool or trick (6) 29 Makes bigger (8)
DOWN 1 Imbedded (6) 2 Dare (9) 3 The smallest amount (5) 4 List of names at the end of a movie (7) 6 Australian marsupials (9) 7 Entice (5) 8 Marked by excessive selfindulgence (8) 11 Chooses (4) 15 Not having come in contact (9) 17 Etching (9) 18 Hated (8) 20 Perishes (4) 21 Choose to refrain (7) 22 Evaluate (6) 24 Faithful (5) 25 Type of vine (5)
solution 1/5/14
SHAYLEE WILDE SATURDAY 24TH MAY, 7PM THURSDAY NIGHTS 7-9PM
Free to Play
INTERACTIVE FUN FOR EVERYONE TEAMS OF ANY SIZE - ALL AGES HIT THE BUZZER
GAELS DEALS/CASH - CASH PRIZES
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY SATURDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY MAY 16TH - 8PM MAY 17TH - 7PM MAY 23RD - 8PM MAY 30TH - 8PM
THE REMIXES TIME MACHINE
TUM
FULL $10 LUNCH MENU Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink (members only). 7 to choose from. Monday-Friday Only
SKYZ THE LIMIT SUNDAY MONSTER RAFFLE
Starts t att 6 6.30pm 30 Ti Tickets k t on S Sale l from 5pm A variety of prizes
E N T E R T A I N M E N T 32
SUDOKU: EASY
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Getting to know
SOLUTION: 1 May
by Aunty N.
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
GEMINI the Twins is the third sign of the zodiac for those born between May 21 and June 20. The ruling planet is Mercury, the messenger god. This influence is responsible for the Gemini talent for communication and their bountiful, if sometimes restless, energy. A mutable air element, Gemini is flexible, analytical, curious and detached. The twins perfectly represent the mix of yin and yang and can easily see both sides of an issue, the more information a Gemini collects, the better, and they love to share their interests with anyone who will listen. Geminis make fun friends who are clever, imaginative and kind hearted, they are typical social butterflies. On the negative side they may be superficial, impatient or devious. Their biggest fear is boredom and routine, their greatest challenge is to stay focused on one idea or project. The upside is that they are adaptable and dexterous and can tackle many projects at once. Careers suitable for Geminis are any that involve communication while keeping the mind active, these include sales, brokerage, media and publication, politics, event planning, acting, legal, and photography.
Gemini
Some famous Geminis include Nicole Kidman, John Goodman, Marilyn Monroe, Anna Kournikova, Elizabeth Hurley, Drew Carey, Pete Wentz, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Kayne West, John F. Kennedy, Paul McCartney, Neil Patrick Harris, Mark Wahlberg, Prince, Mike Myers, Clint Eastwood, Daniel Tosh, Noel Fielding, Carl Barron, Bob Hope, Igor Stravinsky, Richard Wagner, Edvard Grieg, Henry Lawson, Anne Frank, Ian Flemming, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, John Constable and Henri Rousseau. Relationship wise, Gemini and Aquarius is perhaps the perfect match, both love communicating and entertaining new ideas while Aquarius will help keep Gemini focused. Libra and Gemini have great intellectual compatibility.
E N T E R T A I N M E N T with Mike Creed
Baked Salmon with roasted tomatoes and green beans INGREDIENTS: • 150g salmon fillet • 10 cherry tomatoes (or similar size) still attached to the vine. • 1t olive oil • 120g green beans • Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: • Preheat fan forced oven to 200c. • Place the salmon fillet with the tomatoes still on the vine on a baking tray. • Drizzle the teaspoon of olive oil over the top of the fillet and tomatoes. • Sprinkle some salt and pepper
Heavens Above with Reverend Ross Hutchison
DON’T LISTEN TO YOURSELF! YOU ALREADY KNOW ALL THAT YOU KNOW! This may be a statement you find in direct conflict with other writings I have brought to you over the millennia...., but I really want you to see inside its meaning.
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Mike’s Pantry
33
My Dad (and my Brother’s) had an amazingly interesting and varied life and I attribute the core part of the above statement to our Dad. I have embellished it. It makes sense though when you think about it! I am saying that the only way you will ever know more than you already do, is to listen and learn from others. You already know all that you know - so the only way to move out of your zone is to read the words of others and listen to the information others have to offer. Then make your choices as to what to take on board; It won’t matter what you decide . You cannot help but change and grow. over the ingredients for taste. • Place the baking tray in the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked. • Serve with a generous helping of steamed green beans.
So, join the fantastic and exciting Train Of Change. Open your heart and your mind. And grow like you’ve never grown before!
186 Smith Street
Life’s Great !!! Your Mate Rossco
|
p. 4721 5764
IN-DOOR RAIN, HAIL PLAY GYM OR SHINE
E N T E R T A I N M E N T 34 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
All aboard the
Sydney Harbour Fun Boat VIVID Lights, Cameras, Action! Enhance your “Vivid Experience” with a 2.5hour cruise on the Sydney Harbour “ Retro” boat. As part of the experience, you can book the “Retro” boat cruising past Luna Park, under the Harbour Bridge, past Circular Quay and Fort Denison then back to Darling Harbour. While on board, enjoy a complementary drink and Light snacks while listening or even dancing to “Retro” music. Tickets are $40 per adult and $22 for the kids (under 6yrs are free). Book tickets on line at www.funboat.com.au or phone the office on 1300 551 804 for more information. The Funboat “Retro” boat is Sydney’s Harbour No. 1 party vessel and is available for all functions, including Birthdays and Christmas parties. It is also very famous for its popular seniors cruises with Bingo on the boat and its famous Saturday Sydney Harbour Pubcrawl. Vivid, is spectacular and more spectacular if you combine it with a 2.5hr cruise on the “Retro” boat. BOOK NOW! And this year Vivid has expanded the Lights onto Sydney Harbour. Sydney Harbour Funboat is ONE of only a few charter vessels to participate in this latest addition. “We’ll be offering a 2.5hour cruise so those on
board can get another perspective of the “Vivid” lights on the Opera House, the bridge...and the buildings from the water” said Retro Boat owner David Lazarus. “We’ll board at King Street Wharf Darling Harbour (near Cargo Bar), cruise past Luna Park, under the Harbour Bridge, past Circular Quay and Fort Denison then back to Darling Harbour” he continued. On board people will enjoy a complimentary drink and light snacks whist listening or even dancing to Retro Music. Tickets are available at www.funboat.com or call 1300 551 804. Once again our Sydney foreshores will become
a visual extravaganza of light and colour as the Vivid Festival begins its month long event. With a 2.5hour cruise on The Sydney Harbour “Retro” Boat. Enhance your “VIVID EXPERIENCE”. From Friday Night May 23rd to Monday night June 9th www.funboat.com.au Ph: 1300 551 804.
Sea the Amazing
‘VIVID’ EXPERIENCE! Once again our Sydney foreshores will become a visual extravaganza of light and colour as the Vivid Festival begins its month long event.
2.5HR CRUISE ON THE SYDNEY HARBOUR “RETRO” BOAT
FROM FRIDAY 23RD MAY TO MONDAY 9TH JUNE DAILY DEPARTURES AT 7PM SHARP FROM KING STREET WHARF
SPECIAL FOR NEPEAN NEWS READERS $40 (ADULT) $20 CHILD (UNDER 16) (CHILDREN UNDER 5 FREE) NORMAL PRICE IS $85 ADULT & $45 CHILD
www.funboat.com.au
Ph: 1300 551 804
Vivid Lights, Cameras, Action! Enhance your “Vivid Experience” with a 2.5 hour cruise on the Sydney Harbour “Retro” boat. As part of the experience, you can book the “Retro” boat cruising around Fort Denison, under the Harbour Bridge, past Luna Park into Darling Harbour then returning to King Street Wharf (near Cargo Bar). While on board, enjoy a complementary drink and finger food while listening or even dancing to “Retro” music. The Funboat “Retro” boat is Sydney’s Harbour No. 1 party vessel and is available for all functions, including Birthdays and Christmas parties. It is also very famous for its popular seniors cruises with Bingo on the boat and its famous Saturday Sydney Harbour Pubcrawl. Vivid, is spectacular and more spectacular if you combine your 2.5hr cruise on the “Retro” boat. BOOK NOW online or call 1300 551 804.
nepean history
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
35
Royal Exchange Inn - No. 2
G
eorge Matthews of the “Royal Exchange Inn” was born in 1833. He won the Cumberland Agricultural, Floricultural & Horticultural Society’s silver medal and £3 for the best ploughing by a pair of horses driven with reins in 1848. He later became known as a horse breeder and owned race horses. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Smith (his first wife) at St John’s Church at Parramatta. He was the licensee of the “Royal Exchange Inn” in 1856 that was situated in the O’Connell Terraces at St Marys after taking over from Charles Ellis. In 1858 he was granted the license of the “Travellers Rest Inn” and did not renew his “Royal Exchange” license with John Morrison of St Marys & Everett Simmond of Penrith as surety for the new license. Also in 1858 George changed the name of the “Royal Exchange” to the “Carrier’s Arms” (Carriers’ Home) and sold the inn to James Hackett. In February 1860 James advertised the sale in the local newspaper. In May 1862 another advertisement stated that “Sale, All that valuable parcel of land, being lot 1 of a subdivision of the O’Connell Estates on the Western Road, together with the well-known hostelry “The Beehive Inn” consisting of a range of good brick-built buildings, known as the property of Luke Ryan and presently occupied by Mr Matthews. This property situated at St Marys is only about half a mile from the Railway Station now in erection and which, when completed must, without doubt, considerably enhance its value. The range of buildings is so constructed as to admit of division into three houses without injuring the property”. In January 1863 an article in the Sydney Morning Herald noted that “George and Henry Matthews of South Creek have this day dissolved partnership by mutual consent”. Their signatures were witnessed by James Landers (Jnr), South Creek. In 1864 the “Carrier’s Arms Inn” license and the Mathews family moved to Emu Plains, leaving behind five dead babies in the cemetery of St Mary Magdalene Church. In 1866 George’s inn at Emu Plains was the venue for William Tindale who was selling via public auction six half-acre allotments of land at Emu Plains. George kept the inn until October 1867 when he had a clearing out sale after instructing James L Ryan (Toby) to sell the “Carriers’ Arms” at Emu Plains. The whole of his household furniture, the yard, water troughs, carts, drays and harness, chaff-machine “with many other useful articles too numerous to mention”. Also under auction was his Buggy with horse and harness, Gig with harness, saddles and billiard table. Also, his noted racehorses “Brisbane Smuggler” by Sir Hercules, “Cap-A-Pie” by Lord of the Hills, dam by “Cap-S-Pie”, “Shamrock” by “Potentate” as well as several well known good hacks and several good cart horses. He even provided luncheon and vehicles to take the parties to and from the town. In the Nepean Times in 1926 in a reminiscence about “Old Emu Plains”, there is a mention of George Matthews. “The traveler came to an inn that was conducted by George Matthews who was well known in the racing circles. It was pulled down some years ago, but the kitchen still stands.” Around 1870 we see George and his family move to Kelso where he is the proprietor of the “Sportsman’s Arms” hotel. (In 1894 this hotel burnt down. The hotel was insured for £1300 in the London and Lancashire Office and was still the property of George Matthews. It was one of the oldest buildings in Kelso and had been standing for over sixty years), In August 1870, George signed a petition as a freeholder at Bathurst objecting to the incorporation of Emu Plains. In April 1873 George won first prize for blood colts at
the Bathurst Western Agricultural Society Show. In 1877 he was selling his horses, a chestnut filly named “Camilla” and “Mendascious” which led to insolvency in the Supreme Court of NSW where George found himself in May 1880. In March of 1883, the ever resilient George is advertising in the Sydney Morning Herald about the sale of “Flour, Bran & Pollard from his Mills – George Matthews & Son Proprietors”. (In April 1898 there was a fire at this Acme Roller Flour Mill at Bathurst owned by Harry (Henry) Cooper Matthews with £2,000 damage). As testament to George, there is reminiscence in the Nepean Times in 1887 from “Japonica” who said “So they are going to have horse races at St Marys once more. This will be a change and a treat to those who like that kind of sport. Fancy, they had races there annually some years ago and often two days of it. This was in the days of George Matthews. Since his time no one has come forward to fill his place. It is wonderful what one man can sometimes do in the district.” We find George retiring in August 1889 and an amicable Dissolution of Partnership between him and his son Harry (Henry) Cooper Matthews. Another “Japonica” article in 1893 states “What bully old times they were when Charley Ellis kept a pub opposite the square, afterwards George Matthews then Jimmy Byrnes. Fights were common and groggy men from the pubs made Victoria Square their battle ground and two days of racing was common at St Marys when George Matthews was about”. In an “Old Buffers” reminiscence in 1894 the article went on to say “George Matthews and Dan Lewry were the leaders of sport (cricket) on the “crick” as St Marys was known”. In 1902 George died. The local paper stated that “Few men were more widely known and more generally respected in and around Bathurst than the late George Matthews. Many years ago he was in business in Kelso, where he accumulated a fair amount of property. Subsequently he entered upon agricultural pursuits, but continued droughts and bad seasons caused him considerable loss. Time and again, when others would have given up the task, he persisted in seeking to build up again his lost fortune, but without success. Since then he has been farming on a small scale. During the past few months his health has broken down completely and the announcement of his death will not come as a surprise to the public. When Bathurst was the centre of the sporting world of the west, Mr Matthews was amongst the warmest supporters of racing and raced some splendid horses. He was one of the recognized stock judges of the west and his opinion was always valued. His attachment to the A.H. & P. Association was very strong. He has held a position on the executive for many years and rendered valuable assistance in the management of this important institution. His first wife died some years ago, but he subsequently married again, and his widow and a family of small children survive him, in addition to his eldest son and daughter”. Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
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finance matters
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Preparation essential when buying property via auction With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker
DEMAND to purchase properties has been the strongest since the Global Financial Crisis. When demand is a lot higher than supply, agents will often recommend the auction method of sale to the vendor (seller). If buying at auction and you are the successful bidder, you are required to pay a 10% deposit and sign the contract of sale on the fall of the hammer. At this point you have legally and financially entered the contract and you have waived the normal 5 business day cooling off period that you get with a normal contract. Here’s my tips: Have your loan pre-approved It is essential that pre-approval be obtained for the maximum that you are prepared to spend. You should be speaking to your mortgage broker or lender at least 2
weeks prior to the auction date to make sure there is enough time to have the paperwork done, loan submitted and pre-approved beforehand. Most lenders nowadays will do all the work and assessments at this stage and your loan will then be conditionally approved subject to the valuation of the property by the lender. Do your research on the property market The more research you do will give you a better understanding of what the fair value is for the property that you are looking to purchase. You will also have more confidence in working out what you limit should be in each property. It would be risky paying too much more than the fair value at the moment as there is a chance property prices could correct when demand inevitably declines. Engage your conveyancer or solicitor Have a copy of the sales contract sent to your legal representative so
Do you have time to compare over 30 lenders?
they can go over it and make sure there are no problems or negative clauses against you included. If everything is in order, then they will arrange the pest and building inspections as required to ensure the building is in good order and see if there is any evidence of termites or other pests and fungus etc. Set your limit Your limit needs to set and should be an odd number. The majority of people set even numbered limits so having an odd number will increase your chances of being successful. Don’t get too excited and carried away This is the hardest thing to control as many bidders get carried away with the occasion and don’t want to miss out on securing a property, especially if they have been trying to purchase for a few months and have missed out being the under bidders at other auctions or normal private treaty property sales. Auctions can be very intense and emotional occasions and everything
needs to be in place prior to the big day. It is also wise to take along family, friends or people within the property industry who have had experience at auctions. These people can try and help you keep your emotions under control and to keep the bidding to your limit. Bring a cheque or Deposit Bond to the auction You must have a cheque (personal or bank cheque), deposit bond or bank guarantee with you at the auction as you will be required to hand it to the agent at the fall of the hammer. When buying via auction, all the above has to be done prior to the auction day as there is no time allowed after. Once the hammer falls to you, you don’t have a chance to do any more investigations and you are have entered into a legal contract. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.
Ph: 4739 4500 Mob: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au
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Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Nicole’s a golden girl By Greg Martin
NICOLE Docherty is one girl who doesn’t mind being told to “get on yer bike”. Because that’s something the attractive 19-year-old has been doing competitively since she was just a toddler Nicole followed her older brother Ian into BMX riding at three, joining him as a member of Penrith BMX Club Since then, Nicole has graduated through the various age groups to become one of the very best exponents of the sport in this country. Her latest successes came at the National BMX Championships in Shepparton at the beginning of the month – her 14th visit to the national titles. Nicole contested two events – the 17+ ladies and the 17-24 ladies cruiser – and bolstered her luggage by the inclusion of two gold medals. She showed a clean pair of pedals to all her rivals in both finals, leading from go to whoa. In the cruiser final, Nicole, the third fastest qualifier, blazed out of the gates and set her rivals a merry chase
before hanging on for the narrowest of victories. Her victory in the 17+ ladies looked easier on paper, winning by three lengths but Nicole says she had to perform at her peak from the starter’s gun until the flag-fall at the finish line. “It is one of the toughest courses all of us have ever competed on,” Nicole said. “The track at Shepparton has an opening straight of 110m which is twice as long as other tracks so we all had to pedal for our lives to get the prime position at the first turn. “My legs were absolutely burning by the time we hit the first turn but fortunately I was able to get there first and make the running.” And make the running she did, always holding a commanding lead and going on to cruise home by three lengths from her nearest chaser. Nicole says she still retains a “love for BMX” but her career is currently on hold due to studies and job prospects with the NSW Police. She is into her second year of a Bachelor of Policing degree at UWS and has applied to join the coppers as well. “My best friend, Cassidy Weldon,
and I are heading off to Europe for a holiday later this year so I suppose I won’t be getting back on a bike anytime soon,” Nicole said.
Young guns to the fore By Noel Rowsell
NIC Pozoglou and Tahlia Tupaea may be among the youngest players in their respective Penrith representative teams but both youngsters stood tall on Saturday night at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, in round 7 of the 2014 Waratah Championship League (WCL). A good=sized crowd was in attendance to witness the Panthers host the Illawarra Hawks teams. This would perhaps be the most entertaining round of the season to
date, with Penrith prevailing 86-78 (in overtime) in the men’s game before falling 74-69 in the women’s clash. The Pioneer Tavern Panthers and Illawarra Hawks men’s teams turned on an enthralling game to begin the day’s proceedings, with the visitors suiting up Wollongong Hawks NBL guard Rhys Martin in his first game of the season. What could have been a masterstroke by the team’s former nonplaying coach was however, spoilt by a Penrith team which simply refused to buckle under, despite several potential
Tahlia Tupaea soars to score against the Hawks. Photos courtesy Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
game-altering situations. Pozoglou is maturing with every senior game and his performance in a tense final quarter, including a spectacular blocked shot from man-mountain Ross Allsop, was the performance of a more seasoned athlete. Pozoglou also pulled off yet another crucial blocked shot in overtime, thereby helping the Panthers maintain a slender advantage over the Hawks as time ran out on the game clock. The Davlin Security Penrith women’s team welcomed back Australian representative Tupaea but in return were missing both Kelly Bond and Rohanee Cox with leg injuries. The return of Tupaea was a tonic for the Panthers and her back-court combination with Sydney Flames WNBL team-mate Alicia Poto was a telling factor in the game. Although not enough to stop last year’s premiers from grabbing a lastgasp win. Penrith was in contention for the majority of the game but a slow start to the third quarter would prove decisive, as the Hawks slipped away to a doublefigure lead. The home team rallied to close to within three points late in the final quarter but the Hawks simply had too
Nick Pozoglou drives past an Illawarra opponent to score a basket. Photo courtesy Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
many scorers on the night, holding off the Panthers for a narrow win. WOMEN: Illawarra Hawks 74 def Penrith Panthers 69 (Tahlia Tupaea 24 points, Alicia Poto 17 points, 9 boards, 4 assists; Taylah Clark 16 points) MEN: Penrith Pioneer Tavern Panthers 86 (Nic Pozoglou 18 points, 10 boards, 4 blocked shots; Sean Albert 17 points; Ben Kearins 16; Curleigh Albertyn 12) def Illawarra Hawks 78.
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THE Panthers are mourning the loss of one of their greats, following the passing of former player Ross Gigg. The 58 year old played his junior football with Blacktown Leagues before signing with Penrith in 1974. He was the 111th player to make his first grade debut with Penrith against Newtown, and had a very successful career spanning 10 years. Most of his rugby league career was spent with Penrith, except for the two seasons he spent with Group 10 club Lithgow Shamrocks in 198081. After retiring in 1984, Ross served the club as Assistant Secretary, before taking on a role as General Manager of Western Australian Rugby League in the 1990’s. Panthers Executive General Manager Rugby League Phil Gould played with Ross for a number of years, and is deeply saddened by his passing. “The Panthers and indeed the game of Rugby League has lost a great man,” Phil said. “I personally had the pleasure of playing with Ross back in the 70s and early 80s at Panthers. He was a wonderfully talented footballer, as well as being a loyal team mate and friend. “Ross also served as a dedicated administrator at this club. Away from the playing field Ross was a tremendous person and things were always more fun when he was around.
All weather track PENRITH City Council resolved on Monday night to proceed with developing detail for a district athletics facility at Blair Oval in St Marys following consultation with the local athletics community, Athletics NSW and Little Athletics NSW. At an estimated $6 million, the proposal includes construction of an all weather track as well as associated facilities and relocation of existing buildings. Council has almost a third of the funds available as a result of Section 94 Developer Contributions and will try to secure the remaining funding from other sources such as the state and federal governments.
WIN a family pass Panthers Quiz
“He was great company. From all of us here at Panthers, to Ross’s family Linda, Jason and Hayley, and his many friends, I would like to extend our deepest condolences and sincerest best wishes. We feel a great sense of loss”. Panthers players paid tribute to Ross by wearing black arm bands on Sunday’s game against Newcastle.
1. Who coached the Panthers from 1994–2001? 2. Who was the top try scorer in 2003 with a cracking 25 tries? 3. Who sponsored the Panthers from 1990-1993? The first person to post the correct answers on our facebook page NepeanNews NepeanNews will receive a family pass to the next Panthers home game.
ON THE MAT With Col Crossingham THE final for the Ladies Major Pairs was played at Penrith Women’s on Thursday, April, 17. Kerry Shiels and Michelle Pearce defeated Lynn Gibson and Roberta Henry 16 to 15. Congratulations for game played in a true sportsmanlike manner by both teams.
Kevan Shaw (Kingswood) v John Phelps (B City) – Jim Peoples (Springwood) – marker; Ted Sommerville (Penrith) v Barry Jones (St Marys RSL) – Ron Green (St Marys RSL) – marker; Harry Buckley (B City) v John Dowling (Penrith) – Bill Thorn (Windsor) – marker.
THE Over 65 Pairs Quarter Finals were played at St Marys RSL BC on Wednesday, April 30. The results of the quarter finals were as follows: Tony Pelle and Wayne Cox (Blacktown Workers) were defeated by Kevin Merriman and Vic Orchard (Penrith) 13 - 17, Glenn Beaver and John Burke (Glenbrook Panthers) defeated Doug Brian and Paul Nightingale (Pitt Town) 23 - 13, Trevor Harris and Bill Bromfield (Blacktown City) were defeated by Peter Collins and Robin Anderson (Richmond) 18 - 20 and Graham Britton and David Hoy (Windsor) defeated Max Sweep and Bill Sevdalis (Kingswood) 24 - 12. The Semi Finals were played in the afternoon with Merriman and Orchard successful over Beaver and Burke 24 - 13 and Britton and Hoy got over the top of Collins and Anderson to the tune of 24 - 12. This left two teams to fight it out for the crown. Players returned to St Marys RSL last Wednesday with the ultimate aim to be crowned Over 65 Pairs Champions for 2014. Britton and Hoy started very strongly getting a ‘5’ on the first end and leading 8 0 after the first three ends. Things settled down once the teams adapted to the fast pace of the green and the scores fluctuated both ways until the Penrith ‘boys’ went away with it in the last few ends to run away with it 28 - 20. Some bowls trivia for the readers: Kevin and Vic won 59 ends and lost 37 ends during the competition. A success rate of 63%!
WITH one round of Pennants to play to points are as follows: Grade 1 – Austral 40.5, G Panthers 37.5, Penrith 30, Blacktown Workers 26, Blacktown City 18, Wallacia 4 (Austral has a game in hand against Penrith). Grade 2 – Austral 27.5, Penrith 24.5, St Marys RSL 22.5, Springwood 22.5, Kingswood 11. Grade 3 – Blacktown Workers 38.5, Glenbrook Panthers 32.5, Penrith 26, Windsor 24.5, St Marys RSL 24.5, Springwood 16. Grade 4 – Springwood 38, Penrith 36.5, St Marys RSL 31.5, Blacktown City 21.5, Pitt Town 18.5, Glenbrook Panthers 16. Grade 5.1 – Blacktown City 29.5, Windsor 28, Penrith 21.5, Kingswood 19, Wallacia 10. Grade 5.2 – Wisemans Ferry 29.5, Blacktown Workers 26, Glenbrook Panthers 19.5, St Marys RSL 18.5, Austral 15.5. Grade 6.1 – Kingswood 36, Glenbrook Panthers 30, Springwood 29, St Marys RSL 26, Austral 25, Penrith 16. Grade 6.2 – Blacktown Workers 34, Richmond 31.5, Penrith 16, Windsor 15.5, Glenbrook Panthers 11. Grade 7.1 – Blacktown City 38, Windsor 38, Glenbrook Panthers 32, Austral 25, Penrith 21, Blacktown Workers 8 Grade 7.2 – Blacktown Workers 47, Kingswood 35, Richmond 31.5, Glenbrook Panthers 20, Penrith 15, Windsor 13.5. Round 10 is to played next Saturday and the playoffs for Grades 5, 6 & 7 will be played on Sunday, May 19 at Kingswood at 1pm.
THE Over 65 Singles started yesterday at Wallacia BC. The format is players are drawn in sections of 3. In the first round each player will play two (2) games
Top vets – you bet! Kevin Merriman and Vic Orchard (Penrith), the Over 65 doubles champions.
and mark one (1). There are 36 entries which give us 12 sections. They play ‘first to 13’. This will produce twelve (12) section winners. In the second round the section winners are once again placed into sections of three (3) players. The same format is played until there are 4 section winners to contest the Semi Finals then ultimately there will be two (2) players left to fight out the Final. First round games will be: Les McKee (Kingswood) v Jim Weston (St Marys RSL) – John Burke (G Panthers) – marker; Trevor Harris (B City) v Ted Court (Windsor) – Gordon Petterson (B City) – marker; Ron Kennewell (B Workers) v Doug Brian (Pitt Town) – Robert Birch (Springwood) – marker; Robin Anderson (Richmond) v Karl Gruber (Kingswood – Neil Cant (Windsor) – marker; Mal Cameron (St Marys RSL) v Jim Austin (Penrith) – Owen Miller (Richmond – marker; Jim Kendall (B Workers) v Bob Harris (Springwood) – Bob Hill (Kingswood) – marker; Ray Shorter (Kingswood) v Joe Scott (Penrith) – Dave Figg (Penrith) – marker; Vince Morgan (Springwood) v Dave Parr (Penrith) – Rod Fairman (Springwood) – marker; Paul Nightingale (Pitt Town) v Oscar Tolomeo (Kingswood) – Ian Sullivan (Springwood) – marker;
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Vale Ross Gigg
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Round
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
10 & 11
SOU BRI PAR CRO NQC CAN BUL MAN BUL GCT WES CAN CRO MEL GCT STG WES SYD PAN NZW NEW SYD NZW BRI NQC SOU May 16 7.40pm
May 16 7.40pm
May 17 3.00pm
May 17 5.30pm
May 17 7.30pm
Brett McVea ~ National Locksmiths
May 18 2.00pm
May 18 2.00pm
May 19 7.00pm
May 23 7.45pm
May 24 5.30pm
May 24 7.30pm
May 25 3.00pm
May 26 7.00pm
SCORE
Y T O Celebrity O F R TIPSTERS E V E F
BONUS POINTS FOR FULL ROUND IN ROUND 9
88 Andrew Kurczewski ~ PC Signage
★
76 Mark Fitzpatrick ~ Penrith Valley Pest Control
70 Steve Hurley ~ All About U Promotions
76 Alex McKenzie ~ Future Financial Services
66 Cameron Faico ~ Property Central
66 Dave Seager ~ Seager Financial Services
64 Troy Kennedy ~ sellmycarcarbuyers.com.au
66 Richard Mortimer ~ Electra Cool
76 Anthony Walker ~ BOQ
72 Vic Shipley ~ Powersmart Electrical
70 NEPEAN NEWS CELEBRITY TIPSTER SHIELD PROUDLY DONATED BY
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10 & 11
SOU BRI PAR CRO NQC CAN BUL MAN BUL GCT WES CAN CRO MEL GCT STG WES SYD PAN NZW NEW SYD NZW BRI NQC SOU May 16 7.40pm
May 16 7.40pm
May 17 3.00pm
May 17 5.30pm
May 17 7.30pm
May 18 2.00pm
May 18 2.00pm
May 19 7.00pm
May 23 7.45pm
May 24 5.30pm
May 24 7.30pm
May 25 3.00pm
May 26 7.00pm
John Veitch ~ Heartland Holden
74 Mark Geyer ~ Nepean News columnist
74 Steve Beard ~ Select Mortgage
43 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Round
SCORE
Y T O Celebrity O F R TIPSTERS E V E F 74 Nicole Keene ~ Blink Property
82 John Thain ~ Penrith Councillor
70 Bernard Bratusa ~ Penrith Councillor
80 Tim Reynolds ~ O’Donoghues
78 Trent Pittaway ~ Blue Cattledog Hotel
80 Lee Hampton ~ Pro Frame
★ 78★
BONUS POINTS FOR FULL ROUND IN ROUND 9
76 Michael Creed ~ Nepean News Columnist
BONUS POINTS FOR FULL ROUND IN ROUND 9
Garth Tengdahl ~ GTs - Penrith Valley Painting Service
68 NEPEAN NEWS CELEBRITY TIPSTER SHIELD PROUDLY DONATED BY
H E A RT L A N D H O L D E N PENRITH GRAND MASTERS 2013
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sport
44 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Host of prizes on offer A REMINDER that all players competing in the 2014 Mark Geyer Cup have a chance to snare some wonderful prizes, ranging from McDonald’s vouchers to educational scholarships. Frank Meduri who operates McDonald’s franchises at North Penrith, North St Marys and Cambridge Gardens, has provided 500 McDonald’s vouchers which will be used as weekly best-and-fairest prices across all the under 14, under 16 and open age games. Frank, who greatly admires Mark Geyer’s rules in regards to players being eligible to participate in the after school-hours competition, is also offering $250 scholarships for the playerof-the-series for all three grades. “I was very impressed by Mark’s guidelines
for players being able to compete in the Mark Geyer Cup and that influenced my decision to come on board as a sponsor,” Frank said. Players must meet a series of regulations to represent their school – among them, excellent attendance, completion of homework, neat dress and respect for fellow students and teachers. Also impressed by the rules was Chris Avent, the principal at Master Coaching Penrith. Chris, obviously a firm believer in the adage:” Knowledge is Power”, is providing term tuitions each worth $600 to worthy recipients in the under 14, under 16 and open age competitions. These recipients will not necessarily be the best players but young men who impressed by their sportsmanship and demeanour both on and off the field during Mark Geyer Cup.
MG Cup opener THE 2014 Mark Geyer Cup kicked off with a bottler of a game between Kingswood and Jamison high schools’ open age teams at Kingswood High last Tuesday week. In a real thriller, the home side finished strongly to snatch a 20-16 win over the strongly fancied visitors. The game was watched by the man himself – big MG – who described the encounter as a “game with everything” for the football purist. “The defence was outstanding and some of the tries were absolutely scintillating,” Mark said. Star of the match was fleet-footed Kingswood
centre, Mati Tamaki, whose, footwork, speed and acceleration had the opposition at sixes and sevens. Ably supporting young Mati were hard working forwards Ryan Locke and Jay Filikitonga while Jamison was best served by Josh Craig, Blake Bulpott and Ethan Holland. Mark was impressed by the manner in which the game was played – hard but fair. “A couple times out there a few of the young blokes got a bit hot under the collar but they controlled their tempers which is a credit to themselves and their coaches,” he said.
UNDER 14 YEARS ROUND 1 MAY 6 Pool A Erskine Park 24 Glenmore Park 28 Chifley Mt Druitt 30 Jamison 0 Cranebrook bye Pool B Hawkesbury 12 Nepean 34 Blaxland 32 Riverstone 20 Xavier bye ROUND 2 MAY 13 Pool A Erskine Park v Chifley Mt Druitt Cranebrook v Glenmore Park Jamison bye Pool B Hawkesbury v Blaxland Xavier v Nepean Riverstone bye ROUND 3 MAY 27 Pool A Erskine Park v Cranebrook Glenmore Park v Jamison Chifley Mt Druitt bye Pool B Hawkesbury v Xavier Nepean v Riverstone Blaxland bye ROUND 4 JUNE 3 Pool A Jamison v Cranebrook Glenmore v Chifley Mt Druitt Erskine Park bye Pool B Riverstone v Xavier Nepean v Blaxland Hawkesbury bye ROUND 5 JUNE 10 Pool A Erskine Park v Jamison Chifley Mt Druitt v Cranebrook Glenmore Park bye Pool B Hawkesbury v Riverstone Blaxland v Xavier Nepean bye SEMI-FINALS JUNE 17 Pool A winner v Pool B runner-up Pool B winner v Pool A runner-up GRAND FINAL JUNE 25 St Marys Stadium Winner semi 1 v winner semi 2 UNDER 16 YEARS ROUND 1 (MAY 8) Pool A Erskine Park 16 Chifley Dunheved 20 Chifley Mt Druitt 22 Jamison 16 Xavier v Glenmore Park Pool B Cranebrook 16 Nepean CAPA 0 Hawkesbury 16 Riverstone 0 Winmalee 22 Richmond 16
ROUND 2 MAY 15 Pool A Erskine Park v Chifley Mt Druitt Xavier v Chifley Dunheved Jamison v Glenmore Park Pool B Cranebrook v Hawkesbury Winmalee v Nepean CAPA Riverstone v Richmond ROUND 3 MAY 29 Pool A Erskine Park v Xavier Glenmore Park v Chifley Mt Druitt Jamison v Chifley Dunheved Pool B Cranebrook v Winmalee Richmond v Hawkesbury Riverstone v Nepean CAPA ROUND 4 JUNE 5 Pool A Erskine Park v Glenmore Park Jamison v Xavier Chifley Mt Druitt v Chifley Dunheved Pool B Cranebrook v Richmond Riverstone v Winmalee Hawkesbury v Nepean CAPA ROUND 5 JUNE 12 Pool A Erskine Park v Jamison High Chifley Dunheved v Glenmore Park Xavier v Chifley Mt Druitt Pool B Cranebrook v Riverstone Nepean CAPA v Richmond Winmalee v Hawkesbury SEMI-FINALS JUNE 19 Pool A winner v Pool B runner-up Pool B winner v Pool A runner-up GRAND FINAL JUNE 25 St Marys Stadium Winner semi 1 v Winner semi 2 OPENS ROUND 1 MAY 7 Kingswood 20 Jamison 16 Winmalee v Richmond TBP ROUND 2 MAY 14 Kingswood v Winmalee Jamison v Richmond ROUND 3 MAY 28 Kingswood v Richmond Jamison v Winmalee ROUND 4 JUNE 4 Kingswood v Jamison Winmalee v Richmond ROUND 5 JUNE 11 Kingwood v Winmalee Jamison v Richmond ROUND 6 JUNE 18 Kingswood v Richmond Jamison v Winmalee GRAND FINAL JUNE 25 St Marys Stadium 1st Overall v 2nd Overall
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WITH MARK GEYER
ORIGIN OF THE (FOOTBALL) SPECIES WITH State of Origin 1, to be played in Brisbane just around the corner it’s time to start trying to pick a NSW team that can break this retched hoodoo the Canetoads currently have on us. And I, like most, may as well offer up my 17 that I feel can bring the glory back south of the border. It’s a huge task but not an impossible one. With that here is my NSW team for Origin 1. (Footnote: at time of writing this story Mitchell Pearce’s fate had not yet been determined so I have left him out). 1. Jarryd Hayne - I cannot find a place for Josh Dugan for game 1 due to injury and form. I think Jarryd Hayne deserves a shot at the number 1 spot for the Blues. He has played wing and centre predominately for NSW but I feel his real danger comes from him roaming the backfield being spontaneous. 2. Brett Morris - big, strong, fast and safe. The consummate SoO winger. Although his team the Dragons haven’t been traveling too well of late he still manages to be one of his team’s highlights. 3. Josh Morris - big, strong, fast and safe. Well, being the twin of Brett of course he is! Josh is one of the true reasons the Bulldogs sit atop of the competition. With Josh and Brett Morris you know exactly what you’re getting, which makes them both a must for Origin 1. 4. Michael Jennings - Jennings has become the competitions new ‘zip zip’ man, a nickname given to Eels great Steve Ella back in the early 80’s. There aren’t too many players that once in a gap it’s “goodnight Irene, hello four pointer”. Jennings is the game’s best broken field runner. 5. Daniel Topou - I considered Penrith’s Josh Mansour, Tigers Pat Richards but opted for the Rooster giant. My, how this kid has improved as a footy player! Not only is he an almighty finisher but his defence has come along leaps and bounds in this past 12 months. Standing 6ft 6ins, it’s basically put the ball up high on the left wing and let this phenom do the rest. 6. Josh Reynolds- what else does this kid have to do to get a start in the run on side for the Blues? He has single-handedly got his team to the top of the table, he is leading the Dally M’s and he has gotten Origin written all over him. In fact I would say he is the game’s best competitor. 7. James Maloney - very similar to Josh Reynolds in every facet of his game but Maloney’s goal kicking makes him an integral part of NSW’s Origin campaign this year. Sure he wears No 6 in his club team but little separates the roles of the halves in the modern game. 8. James Tamou - Big ‘Jim’ is just starting to find the form that saw him elevated to the game’s premier prop last season. Tamou started off the year quietly but has been gathering momentum just at the right time. You could say he is peaking for this origin series. 9. Robbie Farah- has overcome an elbow dislocation and only has to make it through this week unscathed to take his part in Laurie Daley’s team. Farah has added a bow or two to his artillery which makes him extremely valuable come origin time. 10. Aaron Woods - the tough as teak Woods, like Tamou, has started to hit much-needed form. An uncompromising big man, Woods also possesses deft touch with the football in hand. Again, a much-needed commodity in SoO. 11. Paul Gallen - it doesn’t really matter where Gallen plays just as long as he plays. The backbone of a squad that has come so close but yet so far away in
recent years it would be perfectly apt for the tough Shark to snare a series win while he has the (c) next to his name. God knows he deserves it. 12. Boyd Cordner - now a mainstay of representative teams, Cordner had a 2013 right out of the box. And has continued it this year! In my opinion he will be the next NSW skipper once Gallen decides to give the rep footy away. 13. Greg Bird- tough and uncompromising Bird is that player that not too many like to play against. He never backs down, can go all day, and can play up to 5 positions for coach Daley. One of the first picked for NSW. 14. Andrew Fifita - now that his future is settled so seems his on field play. He’s just the type of player to bring on 25 minutes into a game against a tiring opposition. The perfect impact player for Origin. 15. Trent Merrin- Merrin can play prop, second row or lock which makes him a must coming off the bench. He also has a great offload that could cause the Queenslanders a vast amount of misery (well I at least hope so). 16. Anthony Watmough - a mainstay of the Blues squad for a few years now, you get the feeling that the hard as nails Sea Eagle is nearing the end of his rep footy life. And it’s an understatement in saying he’d like to go out with a bang! 17. John Sutton - Sutton would be my utility player coming off the bench. He has matured so much in the past 18 months as a footballer that the time for him is nigh. Can cover loads of positions and is in top form. If Bird is suspended, Merrin will move into the run-on side and Tony Williams comes onto the bench. LAST week at the MG Cup we had a visit from Channel 9’s A Current Affair. And no, I wasn’t running from a bloke with a jacket over my head to cover my face! Dan Nolan, reporter for ACA heard about the MG Cup concept and wanted to do a piece on how it’s affecting the kids playing in it, in a positive way. We first went to my old home in Whalan for a chat, then he and his crew followed us to Mt Druitt where Mt Druitt-Chifley took on Jamison High in the under 16’s. The kids partaking in the game did themselves and their schools proud. As are all the students who have put their respective hands up to play in this new competition. The episode will be aired in the next couple of weeks. See you at the game...
45 Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
Y Mark T O O F R E MY WORDS V E F
46
sport
Nepean News 15 May 2014 Issue 124
BARRIER RISE
with Tony Brassel
OK, let’s have a look at our barrier triallist tips from last edition have fared in the interim. Berkeley Vale, Peter Moody’s 2YO filly by Bernardini, made its debut with an excellent fifth over 1100m at Warwick Farm on May 7. The filly was always in the firing line for most of the way but wilted slightly over the concluding stages to finish 2.4 lengths from the winner. New Darley trainer, John O’Shea, whisked Mohave up to Brisbane last Saturday to resume in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doomben. The
filly settled in midfield and hit the line nicely to finish fifth behind Brazen Beau in a hot field. Queen Misty was heavily supported in the betting ring when resuming at Warwick Farm on May 7 but disappointed in finishing 8th of 12. Where there’s money, there’s fire! Bart and James Cummings snuck Sancha down to Goulburn for her return in a maiden on April 28. She filly was unwanted in the betting but worked home nicely to finish third. Watch out for her as the races get longer.
Nepean News APPLIANCES
Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Nepean News’ stable of quality journalists.
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John Sargent’s Fancy Dress is still to make a reappearance on the racetrack, and so too is Gai Waterhouse’s Stratum mare, Queenstown. Fastnet Rock 2YO filly, First Seal, has been primed for a return with two recent barrier trials – she will be ready to go when John Thompson’s eventually puts her down. More “eggies” next edition. Good punting!
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Thursday, 15 May 2014
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HARPO’S MARKS
M heart is aching MY a as I write this c column. Rugby League has lost one of its very greatest sons with the passing on Sunday night of the mercurial Reg Gasnier. As you will all have read and heard over the previous few days, Reg died in a nursing home in the Sutherland Shire – he had suffered from ill health for many years. Not for nothing was Reg called “Puff the Magic Dragon” on rugby leagues fields the world over. His skills out on the paddock were, well, magical. Gets the ball, defenders in front and….puff, the Magic Dragon has gone – either scoring a try or presenting a touchdown to his wingers. His acceleration, high speed, change of pace, swerve and beautiful hands were a delight to behold. Wingers loved playing outside Reg. Reg’s ability to beat his own man and draw in the defending winger ensured wingers like Ken Irvine, Mike Cleary, Johnny King, Eddie
Lumsden, Johnny Riley and Lionel Morgan were given clear runs to the tryline at club, state and international levels. Reg’s star-studded career came to a sad ending on freezing, wet day in Avignon in 1967, playing against a French provincial team in front of just a few hundred spectators. He had injured his leg earlier in the Kangaroo tour and the Avignon game was his comeback match. Tragically, his leg gave way again and he had to be carried from the field on a stretcher, never to grace a football field again. Reg was just 28 years of age – these days his injury could have been remedied in 4-6 weeks and he could have entertained and delighted his legion of fans us for several more seasons. After retiring Reg joined the media and for many years provided expert match analysis for ABC Grandstand. Reg has justly been was awarded numerous honours since he playing career ended. In 1985 he was selected as one of the initial four post-war “Immortals”
of the Australian game with Clive Churchill, Johnny Raper and Bob Fulton and in December of that year he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. In 1989 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to Rugby League. In 2002 he was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame; in 2007 he was selected by a panel of experts at centre in an Australian ‘Team of the 50s’. In February 2008, Gasnier was named in the list of Australia’s 100 Greatest Players (1908–2007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code’s centenary year in Australia. He was then named one of the centres in Australian Rugby League’s Team of the Century and also the NSW Team of the Century. Vale, oh Prince of Centres. SAD MARKS: The passing of Reg Gasnier. HIGH MARKS: Memories of the joy Puff brought us on a football field.