Nepean News 20 August 2021

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ISSUE 310

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GIVE IT A SHOT

Local MPs Stuart Ayres and Prue Car roll up their sleeves. Photo of Mr Ayres was taken earlier this year when restrictions had been relaxed.

For information on vaccination and to register go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-nsw

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

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local news

Kitchen volunteers named Westfield Local Hero finalists By KeRRIE DAVIES

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enrith Community Kitchen has provided free, warm meals to the community’s homeless and less fortunate for more than 20 years. It is currently offering a takeaway lunch on weekdays. Secretary Gai Hawthorn said the charity relied on donations and that she was thrilled that some had still come through during the pandemic, for it is a time of great need. The level of demand is seeing the kitchen also prepare food hampers for families and local schools, who are seeing students attend without anything to eat for recess or lunch.

“Lockdown is different this time around and it’s a challenge for families who can afford it. Knowing that, we can only imagine how hard it is for people doing it tough,” Ms Hawthorn said. “The support we get is amazing and without the drive of Council and the community we wouldn’t be able to reach out to those who need our service right now. “Penrith is one of the most passionate communities, so to receive donations when times are tough for everyone makes such a difference in people’s lives.” With schools not operating as they normally would, some of the programs that ensure vulnerable local kids get fed are not operational. The donations

have gone towards the costs of ensuring that gap is filled. But it isn’t just the donations that ensure the wheels keep turning, its the hard work of the incredible volunteers. Of the large group of local volunteers involved, two have been announced as finalists in 2021 Westfield Local Hero; James Frecklington and Kristine Gauci. They’ve been recognised as part of six local finalists. The voting period for Westfield Local Heroes closes on Monday 30 August. To view your Westfield Local Heroes finalists, visit www. westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield centre’s website to read about its finalists and cast your vote.

James Frecklington, PCYC Penrith

Kristine Gauci, Our Community Cares

Club manager James Frecklington is leading his team on a mission to connect with vulnerable young people and help them shine. As the manager at the Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) Penrith, James is dedicated to creating a welcoming space that the community can come to for support, no matter their circumstances.

Kris Gauci is a determined charity leader who digs deep to support people with cancer, homeless people and the elderly in Penrith. She co-founded the Our Community Cares charity, which gives equipment to cancer centres and delivers food and clothing packages to the homeless. It also runs a program for high school students to visit aged care homes and connect with the residents.

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local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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t has been a challenging time in our local area, and over the last couple of weeks NSW Health has been releasing what has seemed like a constant stream of local exposure sites. The recent outbreak at Nepean Hospital has been the most concerning; as it both signalled very high numbers connected to a single venue and sparked fears that our local health system might be compromised. “There were no new cases of COVID-19 reported to 8pm Sunday 15 August at Nepean Hospital. The total number of cases remains at 30 across two separate exposures,” a spokesperson from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District said. “Fifteen cases are linked to the Nepean Mental Health Centre outbreak, with 14 consumers and one staff member confirmed with COVID-19. “Fifteen cases are linked to a Nepean Hospital outbreak. This includes 11 patients and four staff members. Two of the staff members were fully vaccinated. Investigations are underway into how these transmissions occurred. “Seventy per cent of staff members at Nepean Hospital are fully vaccinated. Only fully vaccinated staff work in the COVID-19 wards and other high-risk areas in the hospital,” the

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spokesperson continued. “Sixty-eight per cent of staff at Nepean Mental Health Centre are fully vaccinated. “Nepean Hospital, including the Emergency Department, remains open. “All NSW public hospitals have strict protocols in place to help protect staff, patients and visitors from COVID-19. “The hospital follows strict infection prevention and control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), face mask fit-testing, hand hygiene and thorough cleaning of all areas. “To protect patients, visitors to the hospital continue to be limited to only those visiting for exceptional circumstances.”

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Outbreak at Nepean Hospital

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’m going to echo the message from Stuart and Prue on this week’s front page - give it a shot. Have the jab, take a hit, arm up. I know it is a challenging time. Some are scared and some don’t trust the vaccination. Some don’t want to be told that they have to - or should do. But what is our alternative? Stay in lockdown for ever? If Gladys decided at 11am tomorrow to end the lockdown and let the virus rip through New South Wales, our situation would be more than diabolical. Our health system would become compromised very quickly, many more people would die and I’m pretty sure no other state in Australia or nearby country would even consider letting us near them. I’m sure if you are on social media, you’ve been exposed to some pretty scary “stats” that various people peddle and post. Of course they sound horrendous, but are you sure there is any truth to them? Don’t take my word for it. Or theirs. Research the information yourself, don’t fall for a screen shot message with the most important bits missing. Don’t instantly believe some ‘statistic’ about a country you didn’t know existed until Armchair Harry informed you of it. Research the information posted by professionals and experts - and weigh up the actual risk rather than a fanciful one. I know you think the message on Astra Zeneca seems a bit botched; the suggested age range changed and the medical experts and leaders across the country just weren’t in sync. It allowed scepticism to grow and planted a seed that AZ is the poor cousin to Pfizer. But if your only option is only AZ, research it yourself; look at the actual immunisation statistics in other countries, ask your doctor, ask people you know who have already been jabbed. The LAST place you should visit to do your research is social media. We’ve always had topics that divide us, like religion or politics, but with Covid you need to arm yourself for battle before expressing an opinion, particularly on social media. Anyone who doesn’t agree with you will eat you alive. Personally I’m not a Covid-denier nor an anti-vaxxer. I fall into the ‘am I doing the right thing and being considerate of others?’ category on pretty much everything. Fighting for “freedom” and demanding people be exposed to my mask-less face or disrespecting our police officers aren’t things I’d entertain doing - ever. Nor is dismissing someone’s life because they were vulnerable or elderly. The survival of the fittest mentality is pretty inconsiderate and shallow minded. As we get older we are all prone to “underlying” health conditions. If your grandparent or parent had a few health issues and then Covid came along and finished them off before their time, would we say “oh well they were old and sick anyway,” Of course we wouldn’t. ALL lives matter. It is a very challenging time. Probably the most challenging time many have ever experienced. But we absolutely have to band together on this and get out of this situation as a team. Tearing each other apart and pushing our supposed knowledge on others will get us absolutely nowhere. Very few people have the qualifications to call themselves an expert. Yet there’s apparently thousands of lounge-chair professors on facebook. Stop listening to them.

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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he NSW Police Force have now launched Operation STAY AT HOME which began at 12.01am Monday 16 August, in a significant boost to public health order enforcement efforts across the state. The operation will utilise resources from all Police Districts and Police Area Commands under Metropolitan and Regional Field Operations alongside officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, Dog and Mounted Unit, and a number of other specialist commands as required. Significantly, 1400 officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be dedicated to both static and mobile COVID-19 compliance operations on the state’s roads. A further 500 Australian Defence Force troops, in addition to the 300 already deployed, will assist with compliance checks and patrols. Operation STAY AT HOME will be coordinated from the Police Operations Centre (POC) in Sydney under the command of Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland. Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the NSW Government was supporting the Commissioner’s call for assistance in the most practical way. “The Commissioner asked for tighter Public Health Orders and the government agreed, the Commissioner asked for higher fines and the Government agreed, and the Commissioner asked for more ADF personnel and we have an additional 500 highly-trained ADF personnel arriving to assist,” Mr Elliott said. “We’ve had to tighten the current public health orders because of the minority who exploited them. Enough is enough. If you do it, you will get fined. “The only way out of this COVID-19 crisis is if we support each other and support the NSW

Police-led compliance operation, Operation STAY AT HOME.” Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said the operation would see more police on the ground across Greater Sydney, utilising some of the strongest powers ever given to police. “The level of non-compliance by some members of the community is unacceptable and we will be doubling down with compliance and enforcement to make sure we get ahead of the Delta strain,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said. “It only takes one person to do the wrong thing to facilitate considerable spread of the virus. “We will be issuing $5000 fines to people and closing any businesses which continue to breach the health orders, and will not apologise for these increased enforcement efforts going forward.” Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, said preventing movement to regional areas from Sydney, and between regional areas, would be a key focus of the operation. “There will be more roadblocks on main arterial roads and backroads from tomorrow, and these operations will continue to expand throughout this week in order to enforce the permit system announced by the NSW Government this morning,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said. “There will be nowhere to hide if you are doing the wrong thing. If you travel anywhere beyond your LGA at the moment, you are putting everyone else in NSW at considerable risk. “From the start, this has been about reducing movement across the state and protecting the health and safety of everyone, and this operation significantly strengthens those efforts.” Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

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Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

Operation STAY AT HOME patioman

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Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

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local news

Statewide lockdown as Covid spreads through NSW

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o protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions were introduced for all of regional NSW, effective at this stage until 12.01am Sunday 22 August 2021. Following updated health advice from NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, stay-at-home orders will apply to all people who live in regional NSW.

This means the whole of New South Wales will be under stay at home restrictions from 5pm today. This new order will replace any existing orders in regional NSW. Everyone must stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. They also cannot have visitors in their home from outside their household, including family and friends. People still can have one visitor at one time to fulfil carers’ responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons, including where two people are in a relationship but do not live together. All hospitality venues must be closed to the public, including pubs, restaurants and cafes, except for takeaway. Retail premises are required to close except for: • supermarkets and grocery shops, • shops that predominantly sell food or drinks eg butchers, bakeries, fruit shops and delicatessens, but does not include restaurants or cafes. • chemists and pharmacies, • kiosks • shops that predominately sell office supplies, pet supplies, newspapers,

Real Festival 2021 cancelled

magazines and stationery, alcohol, maternity and baby supplies, medical or pharmaceutical supplies • food and drink premises, but only to sell takeaway • cellar door premises, but only to sell takeaway • hardware and building supplies • landscaping material supplies • rural supplies • timber yards • garden centres and plant nurseries, • vehicle hire premises, not including the premises at which vehicles are sold, • shops that predominately carry out mobile phone repairs. Service stations, banks, post offices, laundromats and drycleaners can remain open. Anyone who leaves their home must carry a mask with them at all times. They must be worn when working outdoors, by all school staff, by all people in outdoor markets, outdoor shopping strips, and in an outdoor queues waiting for products such as coffee and food. Every employer across NSW must require their employees to work from home unless it is not reasonably practicable.

It is a reasonable excuse to leave your home for work – but only if it is not practicable to work from home. There will be a one-day ‘grace period’ for planned weddings and funerals in the regional areas that have not already been subject to a lockdown. Those events may go ahead until 12.01am on Monday 16 August 2021, but only with guests from areas that have not already been subject to a lockdown. From Monday, small funerals and memorial services of 10 persons only (excluding the persons conducting the service) will be permitted. NSW Health urges people to continue to present for testing with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms. There are more than 440 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest testing clinic, visit our website Special rules remain in place for the affected local government areas in Greater Sydney. For further information, please see www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules.

Check-in card is available now

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cancelle

n light of the current COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure the safety of our community, Real Festival scheduled to be held on 10 and 11 September 2021 has been cancelled.   Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM thanked  the many talented operators, performers, artists and staff who have been working so hard to bring an incredible program to life for our community.  “Real Festival is an event that brings our community together to celebrate and share amazing arts and cultural experiences in Penrith, and to have fun and enjoy the magical atmosphere the event creates in the spectacular riverside location,” Cr McKeown said. “In a time where these celebrations and connections are more important than ever, we are disappointed to have to cancel the festival once again, however we know it is the right call to make.”    “Our festival artists, contractors and crew are also devastated they are unable to share their work with our audiences again this year but are looking forward to when we can all be together again safely,” Cr McKeown added.   Penrith City Council and the Real Festival team look forward to delivering an extraordinary program from 9 to 11 September 2022 in a brand new and upgraded space in Tench Reserve at the Nepean River.  Stay connected with Real Festival on Facebook and Instagram to enjoy some virtual experiences from the 2021 program.  STAY CONNECTED  What: Real Festival   Web: www.realfestival.com.au  Socials: • Facebook.com/realfestivalpenrith  • Instagram.com/realfestival  #realfestival #visitpenrith

Customers can now register for a COVID-19 check-in card which can be presented to supermarkets and other essential retail businesses to scan. Customers can download and print their COVID-19 check-in card or have a plastic card mailed to them. Their contact details will be securely stored within the QR code, which will prepopulate the webform when scanned by the business: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/create-covid-19-check-card

Educators to receive priority vaccination Are you a primary, secondary or early childhood school staff member aged 16+? You are invited to get a priority COVID-19 vaccination appointment from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 August. To be eligible you must also live within one of the following LGAs or suburbs: Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Parramatta Local Government Areas and the suburbs of Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood,

Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys. Those aged 16-39 years can book in for the Pfizer vaccine, and anyone aged 18+ can book in for the AstraZeneca vaccine. To book visit the Authorised worker priority appointments section on nsw.gov.au You must not attend your vaccination appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Please get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result. You should also not attend if you are a close contact.

local news ‘New Normal, Same Cancer: Conversations’ warns people to get unusual and persistent symptoms checked by their doctor now, to increase detection and improve survival chances, following a slump in cancer testing and screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Growing concern among Australian cancer organisations that ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns, and delays in routine procedures are causing cancer ‘symptom hesitancy’, as people put off seeing their GP for health checks and attending or booking screening and testing appointments. • Services providers are reporting a testing ‘rollercoaster effect’, with people coming forward, then hestitating, as COVID restrictions are imposed and lifted, causing changes to appointment scheduling and routine services. • Current data show there were between 27% to 50% fewer diagnostic procedures for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer during the first wave of the pandemic (March-April 2020), meaning thousands of Australians may be living with undiagnosed cancer. • Around 145,000 fewer mammograms performed through BreastScreen Australia in January to June 2020 compared with January to June 2018. Cancer organisations across Australia have launched a joint campaign to urgently tackle cancer ‘symptom hesitancy’, a COVIDrelated health crisis that has seen the number of people coming forward for testing, screening and routine followup treatment plummet during the pandemic. Launching today, the New Normal Same Cancer: Conversations campaign aims to reduce delays in cancer being diagnosed. COVID-19 has had multiple impacts on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Service providers are reporting a ‘rollercoaster effect’ in people coming forward for testing procedures

relating to cancer investigations and treatment in response to the pandemic. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were 148,000 fewer diagnostic procedures for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers compared to the same period in 2019. The decline appears to increase when restrictions are imposed and flatten when they are lifted. Compared to the same period in 2019, between January-September 2020, there were: • 16,694 fewer diagnostic and 1,109 fewer surgical procedures for breast cancer • 78,048 fewer diagnostic and 381 fewer surgical procedures for colorectal cancer • 961 fewer diagnostic and 180 more surgical procedures for lung cancer • 52,471 tests fewer diagnostic and 305 fewer surgical procedures for prostate cancer • 31,232 fewer non-surgical and surgical procedures for skin cancers other than melanomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers Australia’s leading cancer organisations are worried that ongoing lockdowns and changing restrictions are establishing ‘cancer symptom hesitancy’ as the new normal in cancer treatment. They believe this hesitancy

to get symptoms checked and attend appointments is one of the biggest challenges facing the entire cancer community. Featuring hard-hitting real life stories, the new conversations campaign has received official support from the Chief Executive of Cancer Australia, Professor Dorothy Keefe, who has a simple message for anyone experiencing unusual or persistent symptoms: Don’t wait. Contact your doctor. Get checked. Professor Keefe adds: “It’s natural to think, if we have a new symptom, that it will probably clear up on its own. We tend to think that these things can wait. But unfortunately, cancer won’t wait. It’s really important to know your body and know the symptoms to look out for. Most symptoms are due to something less serious than cancer but, if it is cancer, the earlier it is found the better.” The campaign urges people not to brush off or ignore symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, tiredness, unexplained aches or pains, fever, or an unusual lump or swelling, as any potential delays in diagnosing and treating cancer may lead to a more advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis and result in poorer patient outcomes. Mark Brooke, Chief Executive of

the Lung Foundation, says: “New Normal Same Cancer: Conversations will resonate with all of us. It’s all too easy to play down our own health needs because, in our COVID-19 impacted lives, there always seem more important things to deal with. But, as this campaign shows, if you have unusual or persistent symptoms, having a conversation with your GP needs to be a priority, whatever your age.” Sharon Millman, Chief Executive of Lymphoma Australia, says: “This powerful campaign is vital if we are to help more Australians diagnose their cancer at the earliest opportunity. If you have a persistent symptom, please don’t wait for COVID-19 to end before seeing your doctor. Because cancer won’t wait.” Contact your doctor: If you are experiencing any symptoms, are due for a screen or test, or if you feel something is wrong, talk to your doctor. Reschedule testing: Book an appointment for testing or screening that you may have delayed and or missed due to COVID19. Share the message on social media: Tell your loved ones to get checked and encourage others to do the same using the hashtag #NewNormalSameCancer The cancer organisations who have joined the New Normal Same Cancer campaign are; Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia, GI Cancer Institute, Leukaemia Foundation, Lymphoma Australia, Lung Foundation Australia, Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia, Ovarian Cancer Australia, Pancare, Pankind, Pink Hope, Prostate Cancer Australia, Rare Cancers Australia, and So Brave. To find out more about the campaign and to watch conversations with people about their symptoms and cancer diagnosis, visit www.newnormalsamecancer.com.au The campaign is supported by AstraZeneca, Australia.

Pfizer vaccinations for authorised workers on offer

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ookings are now open for 49,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations at the Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre this week as the rollout ramps up in NSW for eligible authorised workers. Authorised workers aged 16-39 year olds from western and south western Sydney are able to book their COVID-19 vaccinations for between Monday 16 August and Sunday 22 August. It follows 15,390 first-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations administered to eligible year 12 students over the past week at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) chief executive Graeme Loy encouraged people from western Sydney to get vaccinated at the Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre this week. “If you’re an authorised worker, book your

vaccination, roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated – to protect you, your family, your workplace and our community from COVID-19,” Mr Loy said. Authorised workers must be from the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Blacktown,

Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Campbelltown or Parramatta or live in the suburbs of Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys. Bookings are essential and both doses must be booked at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre. For a full list of authorised workers and booking information visit here. You must not attend your vaccination appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Please get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result. You should also not attend if you are a close contact. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Program in NSW please go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

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Cancer won’t wait until the end of lockdown

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local news

Police files Appeal for information to help solve Tregear homicide Homicide Squad detectives are re-appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into the shooting murder of a man last year. About 2.30am on Monday 30 November 2020, emergency services were called to Rymill Street at Tregear, following reports of a home invasion. When police arrived, they located a man suffering gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene. The man was later identified as 30-year-old Adnan Salameh. Initial inquiries were conducted by officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Chatelaine. Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said investigators remain focused on finding and arresting those responsible for Adnan’s death.

Murder charges laid over domestic-related double homicide A man has been charged with two counts of murder following investigations into the death of a man and woman at Oberon last week. About 7.15am on Friday 13 August 2021, emergency services were called to a home in On-Avon Avenue, following information received about concerns for the welfare of the occupants. Officers from Chifley Police District attended and found the bodies of a 68-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman. A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths commenced. Following inquiries, officers from Nepean Police Area Command and Nepean Highway Patrol arrested a 46-year-old man on Jack William Drive, Penrith, about 8.50am the same day. The man, who Nepean News understands is the son of the couple, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for hand injuries before being taken to Nepean Hospital under police guard. He was released on Sunday 15 August and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with two counts of murder (DV). The man was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court.

“Strike Force Chatelaine detectives are determined to locate those involved in Adnan’s murder after he was violently gunned down inside his own home,” Det Supt Doherty said. “Police are confident that someone in the community has information that may be of assistance to investigators, and we encourage those people to come forward. “After nine months of unanswered questions, officers hope to be able to provide some answers to Adnan’s family,” Det Supt Doherty said. Investigations under Strike Force Chatelaine are continuing. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Four charged following drug investigation – Penrith A man will appear in court, one of four people facing court following an investigation into the alleged manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs. In April 2021, detectives attached to Nepean Police Area Command established Strike Force Bahama to investigate the manufacture and ongoing supply of prohibited drugs in Western Sydney. As part of inquiries, investigators stopped a Toyota Echo on Glebe Place, Penrith just after 10pm on Wednesday 28 July 2021 and spoke to the driver, a 27-year-old man. During a subsequent search, officers allegedly located 58g of methylamphetamine in his possession. The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. A search warrant was executed at a home on Kings Street, Penrith, with officers seizing more than 50g of cannabis and GBL. The man was charged with supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity and supply prohibited drug. He appeared at Penrith Local Court on Thursday 29 July 2021 and was formally refused bail to next appear at the same court on Thursday 23 September 2021. Following inquiries, detectives executed search warrants at homes in Victoria Street at Werrington and Bentley Road at Colyton, just after 8am on Thursday (12 August 2021). At Werrington, investigators seized prohibited drugs - including methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms - prescription medication, prohibited weapons – including an extendable baton, a prohibited knife, and an electronic stun device – along with cash, other stolen property and fraudulent documents. The occupants, a 36-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, were arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. She was charged with supply prohibited drug commercial quantity, two counts of supply prohibited

drug – indictable, three counts of supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, goods suspected stolen in/on premises, deal with property proceeds of crime, possess identity info to commit indictable offence, and organises/conducts etc drug premises expose child. The woman appeared at Penrith Local Court yesterday (Friday 13 August 2021) and was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Tuesday (17 August 2021). He was charged with possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, three counts of possess prohibited drug, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty. The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday 2 September 2021. At Colyton, investigators spoke to the occupant, a 27-yearold man, before seizing cannabis, methylamphetamine, prohibited weapons, and mobile phones. Inquiries continue. Detectives executed a further search warrant at a home on Fireball Ave, Cranebrook, just before 6.30am on Friday 13 August 2021). Investigators allegedly located a clandestine laboratory in the garage and the occupant, a 49-year-old man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police with 2.89kg of Methylamphetamine was seized along with 6.5kg of liquid. These items will be forensically examined. The man was charged with manufacture prohibited drug - large commercial quantity supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, Passenger not disclose driver’s/ other passenger’s identity, and organises/conducts drug premises expose child, He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court.

local news stores which may be interested in stocking her book. Linda is currently working on a Christmas Novella – Tinker Twinkle Toes Adventures – The Academy and is hoping to have it finished over the coming months. Linda also works with NADO, an NDIS Disability Service Provider based in Western Sydney, as their Community Engagement and Sponsorship Manager. Why I Love Grandma’s Place target age is 3-8 year olds and is available on-line through her Facebook page www.facebook.com/LCWilsonAuthor

By Noel Rowsell

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laremont Meadows author Linda Wilson wrote her first children’s picture book ‘Why I Love Grandma’s Place’ at just 19 years of age. Thirty years on, with the support from her husband David and family and friends, Linda has now selfpublished her book. “I wrote the book as a 19 year old, inspired by the memories of what I use to do as a child with my own mother, and then when she became a Grandma (and now a Great Grandma), she continued that with her grandchildren,” said Linda. “My original version was typed on a good old typewriter and back then I didn’t know what to do with it and I don’t think self-publishing was so common back then, or even existed.” Linda joined a number of writing groups and women in business groups on facebook, where she was able to reach out to them and ask for recommendations for an illustrator and through them, she found her wonderful Illustrator Cara Ord (Cara Ord Create | Facebook).

“Cara was amazing, she immediately knew what I was after and understood my project totally, as well as my personal connection to the story.” “As a new author, you have doubts in yourself. Will people buy it? Then will they like it? But Cara was able to help me bring my story to life. Then when you receive beautiful messages, it makes my heart melt with happiness. That is what it is all about.”

The book launch for ‘Why I Love Grandma’s Place’ was scheduled during the June School Holidays, but those plans had to be abandoned with the onset of increasing Covid restrictions. “I hope to still have an official book launch,” said Linda. “We just have to wait and see how the Covid situation unfolds.” Linda is looking at working with other local businesses which provide baby hampers, as well as baby supply

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Local author launches debut Children’s Book

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Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

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local news

Penrith set to become Australian film and tv capital

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he western Sydney location of the final scene in Mad Max: Fury Road could soon become a permanent production house for some of the world’s biggest blockbuster films. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said a proposal to transform part of Penrith Lakes into a movie mecca is on track, with changes to planning rules set to pave the way for a $150 million film production precinct. “Who needs Hollywood Hills when we’ve got Penrith Lakes? NSW is home to some of the best film production crews in the world, so it’s fitting they have a place to call home in Greater Sydney,” Mr Stokes said. “If approved, this 41-hectare precinct would include up to 10 production stages, filming tanks, construction and design facilities, as well as a film school. “It would create up to 300 construction jobs over three years and once completed, the site would employ up to 2,000 people on major movie projects.” The development would be made possible by a proposed amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for Penrith Lakes, now on public exhibition.

The amendment also proposes: • An 18-hole golf course; • A new heliport for Sydney Helicopters, currently based at Granville, with flight path access south of the Richmond (RAAF) Control Zone; and • The heritage listing of the historic Landers Inn, enabling uses such as tourist accommodation. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it was an exciting venture and would be a win for the film industry, Western Sydney and the people of Penrith. “This is a fantastic result for Penrith that will bring jobs and investment while activating a beautiful part of Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said. “The heritage listing of the Landers Inn is really important because it will ensure the building is protected while giving the public greater access to a historic local building. “Importantly, the plan also ensures flood evacuation will be considered for all land use proposals within the Penrith Lakes Scheme.” To view the draft amendment and have your say by 26 September, visit: www.planning. nsw.gov.au/penrithlakessepp

That’s a wrap: blanket challenge completed By The Creative Fringe Team

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he Creative Fringe has had its biggest year yet making and donating blankets for those most in need, in our “Think Outside The Square Blanket Challenge” 2021 This is our fifth year running and we have come a long way. Our very first year saw us donate 49 blankets and we thought that was amazing. This year we donated 290 blankets made up of over 12,000 squares from 87 incredible volunteers. Thank you to Andrew Paech from WestCare Community Services who collected these blankets to be distributed amongst our charities - Platform Youth Services, WeCollect and Penrith Community Kitchens through this lockdown period. This ensure that all those in our community get their blankets at a time that is needed most. This year has been particularly special as we’ve been able to chat to so many of the volunteers and hear their stories. What we know to be true, is that keeping your hands busy while creating something beautiful, stills the mind and calms the soul. Our volunteers get so much out of creating something not just of beauty but also of purpose. We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their tireless commitment throughout the year to help us reach our goal. We are so grateful to all the helpers and volunteers that assist us with this challenge every year. The Creative Fringe “The Think Outside The Square Blanket Challenge” runs every year from 1 April - 31 July, but we do receive squares and completed blankets throughout the year.

For more information or to get involved, please head to www.thecreativefringe.com.au/workshops/product/think-outside-the-square-blanket-challenge/

local news

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Photos: Supplied by Chelsea Oliver.

helsea Oliver is a 16 year old model from western Sydney, who has reached the Top 30 entrants in the Australian Supermodel of the Year (ASOTY) competition. Chelsea is a Sydney-based model, who signed with Bella Management, Sydney and Country Girl Management, Gold Coast as a 14-year old. She was one of hundreds of entrants in this year’s competition and, following the completion of an on-line application and a subsequent audition process on Zoom, has reached the Top 30. Both of Chelsea’s agencies are reputable and hold similar beliefs and values to Chelsea, as well as the ASOTY. Chelsea was 13 when she first entered the modelling world by entering her first modelling competition. She fell in love with the industry and the future opportunities it presented her with, along with the self growth that came with her career choice. She was attracted to Australian Supermodel of the Year (ASOTY) competition because of the values and beliefs held, the importance of inclusiveness, diversity and empowering women, no matter their background, culture or body type.

ASOTY creates a real sense of sisterhood amongst all of the entrants, who are all very supportive and encouraging towards one another. ASOTY also promotes the importance of sustainability, which is another of Chelsea’s core beliefs. Chelsea volunteers regularly with a charity called ‘One Meal it makes a difference - Blacktown’. The Charity supports the homeless and underprivileged in the community with food, clothing, toiletries and sanitary needs. The charity also promotes the recycling of clothing and less food wastage. ASOTY is not just a beauty pageant, it is also a mentoring program which teaches young women important life skills and lessons. Chelsea is currently looking for sponsors in the local community and interested businesses or individuals can contact her via email joanne-oliver@bigpond.com

ASOTY is supported by their Vision Partners, which are ‘World By Jass’, ‘TS Suites’, ‘Uluwatu Handmade Bali Lace’ and ‘Derby Jeans Community’. The ASOTY annual competition is organised by Australian Supermodel Of The Year, PO. Box 693 Walkerville, South Australia, Australia 5081, in cooperation with Supermodel of The Year Worldwide (SOTY) and World of Jass (WOJ). All entrants will be guided and mentored by the ASOTY team for 12 weeks, through various online sessions, covering most of the topics required to improve in the modelling, fashion, creative and influencer industries.

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

Local model contending for Australian Supermodel of the Year title

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local news

Commemorating our local Vietnam Veterans

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A day to say ‘thank you’ his year, on 18 August, we connected with the Vietnam Veterans Association On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we pause and at St Marys Outpost’s facebook page reflect on the bravery, teamwork and endurance to view their pre-recorded virtual service. We that Australians displayed throughout the war. commemorated Vietnam Veterans’ Day on It’s a day when we recognise all who served the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in in Vietnam. We honour those veterans who: 1966. We remembered the sacrifices of those • lost their lives during battle who died and said thank you to almost 60,000 • returned home wounded, ill or injured Australians who served during the 10 years of • lost their lives in the years since they our involvement in the Vietnam War. returned The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest • still carry the physical and emotional scars military engagement of the 20th Century. of their service The arrival of the Australian Army Training We also pause to reflect on the impact of Team Vietnam in South Vietnam during service on our veterans’ families. July and August 1962 marked the start of The Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Australia’s involvement in the war. Service in Canberra is organised each year by By the time the war had come to an end, the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation almost 60,000 Australians served during a ACT Inc. decade of conflict between 1962 and 1972. Commemoration of our Vietnam veterans Tragically, 521 of them died and 3000 were Some veterans didn’t feel properly honoured wounded. for having served their country in Vietnam. In Battle of Long Tan Troops disembarking from a QANTAS aircraft, Saigon, 28 April 1966 1987, veterans received the welcome home The Battle of Long Tan was a significant parade that some felt had been denied them died a few days later. This was the largest number of moment in Australia’s war in Vietnam. when they returned from war. Around 22,000 On 18 August 1966, in a rubber plantation near casualties in a single operation since the Australian the village of Long Tan, Australian soldiers fought Task Force had established its base at nearby Nui Vietnam veterans marched through Sydney, in front of a crowd of some 100,000 Australians. The book Dat the previous April. one of their fiercest battles of the war. On this day, we commemorate all the battles Homecomings recounts those experiences. The men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal The Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Australian Regiment, faced a force of some 2000 fought by Australians in Vietnam, from large-scale North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops. The battle operations to platoon and section-level encounters. Parade in Canberra was officially dedicated on 3 was fought in wet and muddy conditions during a We remember the sailors of the Royal Australian October 1992. It commemorates all the Australian Navy who supported land operations, and members Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian heavy tropical downpour. By the end of the day, 17 Australians had been of the Royal Australian Air Force who served in Air Force and associated personnel who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom combat and transport roles.

Veteran employment a focus in New South Wales

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SL LifeCare, has announced that it is partnering with specialist career management firm, Right Management to deliver the RSL Employment Program in New South Wales. The RSL Employment Program is funded by the Australian Government and delivered in New South Wales by RSL LifeCare on behalf of RSL NSW. Right Management has over 40 years’ experience supporting career change and is the contracted Commonwealth provider of the career transition elements of the Defence Force Transition Program, helping place veterans in employment immediately after leaving full-time service with the ADF. Part of a national initiative of the RSL, the employment program supports veterans and their partners to find meaningful employment in the civilian workforce post their Defence career. Employment issues are being examined as a systemic risk factor in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and employment was identified as a key element of veteran wellbeing in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s 2018 paper, ‘Development of a veteran-centred model’. Employment provides fulfilment, identity and income, all of which support mental health and a stable living environment. “The RSL Employment Program is designed to address the unique challenges faced when former Defence members look to enter the civilian workforce and it looks at the veteran’s overall wellbeing” said Nicki Young, General Manager

Veteran Services at RSL LifeCare. “In addition to helping veterans and their partners become job-ready, the program, through RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, provides support including DVA claims assistance, housing support, financial assistance and referral pathways for education.” Tim Roche, Country Manager for Right Management said, “veterans come out of service with skills and trades that many employers are looking for and they also have some incredible traits that are valuable in the workplace – resilience, time management and leadership to name a few. Part of what we do is help veterans translate what they’ve learned into the language that employers are looking for. They have the skills; it’s just presenting them in the right way.” Services within the program include: • Career counselling and help translating skills for the civilian job market • Help interpreting selection criteria • Writing CVs and application letters and social media profiles • Interview coaching • Connections to employers • Wellbeing support services Veterans and their families in New South Wales can access the employment program by visiting www.rslaustralia.org/rsl-veterans-employment-program, or by calling 02 8088 0388.

Around 5,500 veterans leave the ADF each year. We have more than 1400 veterans living in the Penrith LGA.

local news Amid yet further lockdowns, there’s never been a more important time to support our veteran community. This Legacy Week, be sure to reach out and get behind your local Legacy Club, writes Legacy Australia.

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n the trenches of WWI, a promise was made between a soldier and his dying mate. No matter what happens, he said he would “look after the missus and kids.” Almost a century later, Legacy continues to honour that promise for past, present and future veterans’ families. Legacy is an iconic Australian charity that supports the families of former Australian Defence Force personnel. Our mission is simple – ensuring that partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health in service to our nation can fully realise their potential. Across Australia, Legacy cares for 43,000 veterans’ families, including widow(er)s in their senior years, younger widow(er)s with children, and those with a disability. Legacy helps provide financial, emotional and social support for the families in their care and supports them in times of hardship and grief. We work to make sure those families meet their educational, personal and developmental goals, and to help them grow and thrive despite adversity. Legacy has 44 dedicated clubs which provide personalised, local support. These Clubs, with a combined footprint of over 300 locations across Australia, work tirelessly to ensure that no family member of a veteran suffers financial and social disadvantage because of a loved one’s service. Since being established in Melbourne in 1923, Legacy has always found its home in the community. In previous years, this has focused on commemorative events for Australian veterans and the families they left behind; fundraising appeals and events such as buying a Legacy badge or a Legacy Bear, or luncheons and get togethers to maintain social wellbeing. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, it has meant Legacy has had to make drastic changes - often with limited notice - to the way we interact with those in our care. Some Clubs are unable to fundraise in the streets again this year, and others shifting to fully online in preparation for snap lockdowns. As some families are facing increasing

isolation and uncertainty, this means Legacy’s work has become even more important. Legacy Australia’s Chairman and veteran, Rick Cranna, says that it has shown the dedication of those in the Legacy family and their ability to adapt. “The current environment highlights the commitment of our dedicated and passionate Legatees and volunteers, and that they will work even harder and learn new digital ways of communicating with their beneficiaries to ensure they are safe and have what they need.” The pandemic has meant that interaction with our Legacy families has not only evolved but become even greater. With daily telephone calls to check in, socially distanced grocery drops, online teleconferencing like Zoom and Facetime initially being something new, it has now become a consistent and integral part of Legacy’s service. Every now and then, some face-to-face events like the Mother’s Day luncheon in Brisbane Water NSW or the Busselton camp in WA have been able to go ahead. Being around family, friends and your community has become even more appreciated by Legacy families and offers a much-needed glimpse back into normality. Heidi and her boys are one of those families. Heidi is a navy veteran and single mum to Finn

(12), Will (9), Hendrix (5) and Quade (4) – with her oldest two boys on the Autism spectrum. Before Legacy, she and her boys were doing it tough. Heidi had many sleepless nights worrying about how she could best provide for her family and their growing needs. “The stresses of being a Mum, doing it alone, the special needs, and then being behind in bills. It’s probably the worst feeling,” Heidi says. After being told about Legacy, Heidi contacted her local Club and found out that they could support her family – something that came as a massive relief. Legacy has helped Heidi and her boys by assisting with bills, school fees and uniforms and even speech therapy lessons for Finn and Will. Legacy has also been able to provide the kids with a trampoline and specialised bikes so they can relax and have fun as a family. As a bonus, Heidi’s family has also found friendship and support with the Legacy volunteers and Legatees they interact with. Finn and Will have also been able to experience Legacy camps, where they interact with other kids just like them. Clubs across Australia hold camps that are designed to make kids feel happy and comfortable, while giving them a place where they belong, and have mostly been able to go ahead in 2021. “The fact that kids with special needs can attend Legacy camps, that’s huge. Because, in my experience, there’s no such thing available to them anywhere else,” Heidi says, “and now they’re just counting down the days to the next one.” In 1942, Legacy commenced selling badges to raise much needed funds to continue to support the families of servicemen and women who had died or given their health because of their service. With much of NSW in lockdown, and other states preparing for any potential COVID-19 outbreaks, this major revenue stream will be largely online to keep our communities safe. This reduced capacity to fundraise in the streets can be alleviated with your support to families like Heidi’s. “When I see that little badge now, I get emotional about it,” Heidi says. “Even the boys know what Legacy has done for us… Legacy has brought us happiness as a family.” To find out what your local Club is doing this Legacy Week, or how you can help, visit www.legacyweek.com.au

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Rallying behind Australia’s veteran community

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local COLUMNIST

How can I help my pet get used to people wearing masks?

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he current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes to not only our lives, but to our pets too. Since mask wearing has become mandatory in New South Wales, we have had many owners ask “how do I help my pet get used to people wearing masks?” Pets may be scared of many things that look different, move different and smell different to what they are used to. To pets, masks not only look scary but they remove one of the main ways they communicate with us and read our emotions – through our facial expressions. Wearing a mask is important and there are ways we can help our pets get used to this change. To help your pet adjust to something new, it needs to be paired with something good. This may be a treat, a toy, or a gentle praise and a pat. This will allow your pet to form a positive association with the experience. Training should only ever use rewardbased methods, whereby the pet is set up to succeed and is then rewarded for performing the ‘good’ behaviour. This is called positive reinforcement. A simple way to introduce the change to people wearing masks is by having the family wear masks from time to time at home. When someone at home wears a mask, pair this with a reward. Remember that every pet has its value system, some pets will

respond best to treats while others look for rewards in the form of toys or attention. It is important to know which is the highest value for your pet. This guide may help your pet adjust to our new world of mask wearing: • When familiarising your pet to people wearing masks, it is important to make sure they are calm before you start and that you have plenty of treats (or toys) to use as rewards. • Make sure your pet has the choice to investigate you and the mask or move away if they want to. It is best to firstly use a plain pastel coloured mask and avoid masks with bright colours and patterns. Avoid masks that include prints of eyes, mouths and faces as these are certain to frighten your pet.

• Let your pet sniff the outside of a mask that you have previously worn. This will help them recognise the mask and your scent • Place a new mask on your face while quietly talking to your pet. If your pet does not respond negatively, immediately reward him/her. • If they seem afraid, pull your mask down, and talk to them gently and give them a treat to show them that you are still you. • It is important that your pet is never forced to do anything. Do not punish them for fearful behaviour but rather reward them for investigating you in the mask. • If your pet is still anxious by you wearing a mask, remove your mask and move your pet from the area and try again another day. • For pets with underlying anxiety problems, you may have to repeat the steps many times. Always stop and go back a couple of steps to a point where they are comfortable and then try again. Always make these sessions short and positive. After practice, rewards and reassurance, your pet will gradually accept that it is normal for people in 2021 to be wearing masks. If you require any assistance with your pets during these ever-changing times, please contact the team at Greencross Vets Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

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The G Spot

know this truly has nothing to do with security. However now that I have been writing this column for years, and you are all family, I thought I would share this little thought, insight, blurb or whatever ya wanna call it, with you. I was reading my stars in a VERY predominant Sunday newspaper, coffee in hand and very relaxed on the back lounge and my stars read “You won the lottery the moment you arrived on this planet.” I must have missed that memo/email when I came out of my mother’s womb, because the last time I looked I had $4.50 in my wallet and an inflated mortgage. The next line then read that I have managed to manifest myself in this world as a human? The writer must be like Albert Einstein because what the hell else would I come out as? A cat, dog, grasshopper perhaps? I was going to continue on, however I considered sticking a fork in my eye might be more entertaining. I was driving late the other night and noticed all of these weird and wonderful number plates getting around now. What a great idea I said to myself, actually personalising plates to the point of looking like someone had vomited over them. Oh, the kaleidoscope of colours, leopard prints and mismatched coloured plates and all that stuff going on, all you need is dancing girls and vivid Sydney lights and you’re right to go. I noticed one tiny flaw in them, however -ummmm you can’t see the numbers and letters on some of

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

them. Maybe at certain angles you may (if you twist your neck sideways and stand on your head maybe) but straight on, no hope in hell. “Who cares,” I hear you all scream, well yes, however the next time a cop asks me what the rego was on a particular vehicle that may have done something wrong, I will say “I dunno? but according to the personalised plates they are Rabbitoh supporters, with a twist of fluro pink flowers in leopard print and blue letters ending in J. I Think?” Have had a number of calls about break and enters lately while the people are still inside the house maybe it’s the pandemic - who knows? It seriously amazes me how many people say, “I was gunna, I shudda and I woulda, do something out the security on their house.” It is not about spending millions on dogs, cameras, fortress walls, armed guards and Pol Air hovering over your house. It’s about using common sense, the old C word – Common sense, costs nothing and comes in sealed packs with an expiry date. Lock it, Lock it, Lock it…. And what do they all say? “Its insured but I hate the feeling of knowing that someone was in my house going through my stuff” and “I feel dirty.” There is a line there, but I think I will leave it at that… Went to a house that had a break in the other week prior to lockdown, lovely BIG house (swing a cat and a jet plane). You know those lovely glass panels

next to the front door with the lovely designs ( yes I hear the angels singing now) well that is how they got in. Smashed the panel and opened the front door up, the house had an alarm, but you know, busy day. Kids were crazy, running late , hubby was supposed to do it, forgot the alarm blah blah blah, was going to get deadlocks and was on the to do list. Yep I’ve heard it all before. Guys, its not rocket science, think about it, there are so many links on the website to help you with cheap ways to secure a house. It still amazes me how people are still reactive rather than proactive when it comes to the security of houses and cars and business. Yet other materialistic objects get precedence (See, I can use big words that don’t mean much and make me look like I know what I am talking about). We will be coming out of lockdown, so it’s time to think about that! Just saying, So there you have it kids, I can write meaningless crap too, my stars next week will tell me that I am really an alien, and I was dropped on my head at birth from a spaceship, can’t wait for that …sigh. They will bring out musical number plates next year that match the colours. Tip: don’t try sticking a fork in your eye. At least I used a hot pink plastic one so when I got to the hospital it matched my pyjamas and check out the web for tips on home and car security. Oh, and Happy 12th Birthday Nepean News

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TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

at the Paralympics

Paralympians take centre stage in Tokyo

Australian Wheelchair Rugby team (Steelers). Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia. By Noel Rowsell

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he XVI Summer Paralympic Games are to be held in Tokyo, Japan from Tuesday, 24 August - Sunday, 5 September 2021, marking the second time Tokyo has hosted the event, with the first being in 1964. Athletes with disabilities will compete across 540 events in 22 sports, with local westernSydney athletes competing in Swimming, Cycling, Wheelchair Rugby, Rowing and Archery. Australia’s top athletes in Para-Swimming are set to write a new chapter in the nation’s decorated history at the Paralympics, after a 32-strong team was recently confirmed. The team features 15 debutantes, along with some of the most successful swimmers in Australian Paralympic history, including six-time gold medallist and winner of 15 Paralympic medals Ellie Cole, seven-time medallist Matthew Levy and Brenden Hall, who has won six Para-swimming medals including three gold so far. Also among those named was World Championships and Paralympics medallist Tim Hodge (Lalor Park), competing at his second Paralympic Games. Australian Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said “What we know from previous Games is that swimming often sets the barometer for other sports in which we compete.” “In Rio, our 36 swimmers brought home 29 medals, including nine gold, an inspiring outcome that formed the foundation of Australia’s top-five finish at the Games. “This particular group has faced a lot of adversity in the past year or so. Yet, through their resilience and desire, and with exemplary support from Swimming

Australia, they will head to Japan as ready as they could possibly be to compete at their best.” Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Lynne Anderson said: “Any conversation about Australia’s incredibly proud history at the Paralympic Games will always include swimming. “It’s one of our truly national sports and one in which generations of our Para athletes have genuinely excelled. “Since the first Paralympics, in Rome in 1960, Australian swimmers have won 420 medals, including 128 gold, 150 silver and 142 bronze. We sit fifth on the all-time Gold medal tally in Paraswimming and third in total medals won, behind only Great Britain and the United States. “It’s a remarkable record and when I look at the calibre of the swimmers we’ll have representing us in Tokyo, I have no doubt we’ll see a strong, cohesive and dedicated group of athletes giving everything they’ve got to make the nation proud, just as their predecessors did.” Speedo will provide the exclusive and innovative competition racing and training suits for the Australian Paralympic Team in Tokyo. Australia’s 12-person Para-Cycling team is one laden with success, including multiple World Champions Amanda Reid (Penrith) and Gordon Allen (Lalor Park). AusCycling technical director Warren McDonald was delighted with the list unveiled by Paralympics Australia, labelling it: “one of the strongest teams we’ve sent to a Paralympic Games for a long time”. “We’ve got some experienced and talented regulars back, as well as some great up-and-coming talent going to their first Games,” he said. “It was a very tight selection, which makes it a really great honour for those who made the team,

but also respect to some very good riders who just missed out. In other sports, Erik Horrie (Erskine Park) has been selected to the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls, Richard Vario (Penrith) will compete with the Steelers in Wheelchair Rugby and Jonathon Milne (Blaxland) will compete in Para-Archery. The Australian Wheelchair Rugby team is known as the ‘Steelers’ and has competed at every Paralympics Games since the sport gained full Paralympic Medal status at the 2000 Summer Paralympics. Australia’s best result came at the 2014 World Championships in Odense, Denmark, winning the Gold medal along with the World Championship. The Steelers are also the current Paralympic champions, defeating the USA in the gold medal match at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Australia was originally represented in ParaArchery at the first 1960 Summer Paralympic Games. Three athletes, Ross Sutton, Tony South and Alan Conn, have won Gold medals and Australia has won medals at six Games. Milne broke a long drought and put Australia back into the medals in winning a Bronze medal in Rio, thereby becoming the first Australian to claim an Olympic medal in 32 years. Para-Rowing is integrated into the High Performance unit within Rowing Australia and was introduced as a Paralympic sport at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Commonly known as adaptive rowing, the sport has won two Olympic Silver medals and is hopeful of building on that tally at Tokyo. The sport is open to people with a physical impairment or vision impairment in sweep rowing or sculling disciplines.

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Local legends

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Nepean NepeanNews News20 6 August 2021 Issue 310 309

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TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

Local legends at the Paralympics

BY Noel Rowsell

Amanda Reid (Cycling) Penrith-born 24-year old Amanda Reid (Para-Cycling) is an Australian Paralympic swimmer and cyclist, who represented Australia at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London in swimming, then at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio in Cycling, where she won a Silver medal in the Women’s 500m Time Trial C1-3. She was born with Spastic Quadriplegia and an intellectual disability and has heritage from the Wemba-Wemba and Guringai people. At the 2010 Australian All Schools Swimming Championships, Amanda won ten medals, eight of which were gold and also competed at the 2011 Global Games as a 14-year old. Amanda was selected to represent Australia at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, competing in the S14 100 metre breaststroke event After London Amanda transferred to cycling and in her first major international competition, won Silver in the Women’s C2 500m Time Trial at the 2016 UCI ParaCycling Track World Championships in Montichiari, Italy. At the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, Amanda won Silver in the Women’s 500m Time Trial C1–3, then won Gold in the Women’s 500m Time Trial and 3km Individual Pursuit C2 at the 2017 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Los Angeles, along with Silver in the Women’s Scratch Race C1-3. At the 2018 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Rio, Amanda won Silver in the Women’s 500m Tim Trial C2 In 2019 at the 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn (The Netherlands), Amanda won Gold in the Women’s 500m Time Trial C2, in a new world record time and Silver in the Women’s Scratch Race C1–C2. Finally, at the 2020 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Milton, Ontario, Amanda won two Gold’s Women’s Time Trial C2 and Women’s Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia Omnium C2.

Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia

Jonathon Milne (Archery)

Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia

In 2012, Blaxland resident Jonathon Milne (Para-Archery) dove under a wave at Avoca Beach, NSW, clipped his forehead on a sandbar and was paralysed immediately. Para-archery was a natural fit for the now 35-year old Jonathon, who had always enjoyed an active lifestyle and, in 2015, he let the world in on one of our best kept secrets – Australia was on its way to delivering its first Para-archer to a Paralympic Games in 12 years. At the 2015 World Archery Para Championships in Donaueschingen, Germany, Jonathon faced Paralympic and World Champion John Stubbs (GBR) in a bronze medal showdown. Although Jonathon fell just short of the podium, he subsequently avenged his loss when it mattered most, defeating his far more experienced rival 137-129 in the 1/8th final at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. In Rio, one-point victories over Bulent Korkmaz (TUR) in the quarter-final and Andre Shelby (USA) in the semi-final saw Jonathon in medal contention once again. This time, there was no letting it go. He overcame Ai Xinliang (CHN) by three points to win Bronze in the men’s individual compound Open, becoming the first Australian to win a ParaArchery Olympic medal in 32 years. Jonathon’s next target is the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he hopes to continue building a legacy as one of the world’s greatest archers. After shooting a world record at November’s National Archery Championships, that legacy has well and truly begun to take shape.

TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

BY Noel Rowsell

Erik Horrie (Rowing) Erik Horrie (Para-Rowing) has an ambition to not only win a Paralympic Gold medal but also to be remembered for leaving Para-rowing in better shape than it was when he started Being a Paralympian means everything to 41-year old Erik and being a Paralympic medallist means even more. He first had the honour of calling himself a medallist nearly a decade ago. After having promised himself years earlier that he would win a medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, nothing – not even a seizure on the day before the men’s single sculls AS final – was going to stop Erik from seeing the Australian flag raised at Dorney Lake. When he returned home from London with a Silver medal, Erik was more hungry than ever to become the best Para-rower in the world. He left no stone unturned as he chased and attained World Champion status at the 2013 World Rowing Championships in Chungju, South Korea and held that form over the next five years to defend his world title in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018. However, Paralympic Gold continues to elude Erik. He won another Silver medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and Gold is what he is chasing now. He trains six days a week – four to five times a week on the water, twice a week in the gym, twice a week in a heat chamber, with a little swimming, hand-cycling and wheelchair racing thrown in for fun. As one of the most successful Para-Rowers that Australia has ever produced, the impact that Erik has had on his sport is second to none.

Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia

Photo courtesy of Rowing Australia / Delly Carr

Gordon Allen (Cycling)

Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia

After watching the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games on TV as a 10-year-old and learning there was an avenue for people with a disability to compete on the world stage, 23-year old Gordon Allan (Para-Cycling) from Lalor Park made it his goal to one day become a Paralympian. He had started learning to ride a bike like most kids. However, unable to progress from training wheels like his mates, Gordon put the bike aside as he thought he’d never develop the required balance. In fact, he didn’t touch a bike again until the age of 12, when he was at a park with some friends and they dared him to ride down a big grassy hill. Somehow, he says, he stayed upright and, from there, his passion was ignited. Gordon competed in football, athletics and swimming through primary school and early high school but discovered Para-Cycling after attending a Paralympics Australia Talent Search Day in 2011. With the help of Paralympic cycling champion Peter Brooks, Gordon became determined to become a Paralympian himself. Fast forward seven years, many hours of hard work – and a crash or two later – Gordon broke into the Australian Cycling Team at the age of 19. As the youngest member of the squad, he qualified for the 1km Time Trial at the 2018 Para Track World Championships, where he finished fifth. From there, the determined and hungry track cyclist grabbed every opportunity, going on to break multiple world records and claim World Championship medals in his quest to become the best athlete he can be. Outside of cycling, you’ll often find Gordon watching sport, reading about sport or studying for his degree in Sport and Exercise Science.

Nepean News 20 6 August August2021 2021Issue Issue309 310

Local legends at the Paralympics

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Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

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TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

Local legends at the Paralympics

BY Noel Rowsell

Tim Hodge (Swimming)

Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia

20-year old Tim Hodge’s (Kings Langley) goal in Para-Swimming is to win a Paralympic Games Gold medal and a World Title. The next opportunity to chase that goal is at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, which commence on 24th August. Tim first achieved Australian selection as a 14-year old, travelling to Glasgow, Scotland for the 2015 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships. It was a bittersweet moment for Tim, who only just missed the opportunity to compete against his hero, Matthew Cowdrey, on the world stage – with Matthew retiring earlier that year. Tim also represented Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games but it has been in the years since then that he has truly come into his own. His first major International medals came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, where he clinched Silver in the men’s 100m Breastroke SB8 and men’s 100m Backstroke S9, which were later followed by two Bronze Medals at the 2019 World Para-Swimming Championships in London. Tim not only won the Silver in the Breastroke event at Brisbane but also set a personal best time, far exceeding his own expectations. He shared the podium in Brisbane with Australian Paralympic teammates Timothy Disken and Blake Cochrane, who won gold and bronze respectively.

Richard Varis (Wheelchair Rugby) Like many of his Australian Paralympic team-mates, 30-year old Penrith-born Paralympian Richard Varis (Wheelchair Rugby) has a burning ambition to win a Paralympic Gold medal. It was not however always his dream to play wheelchair rugby. As a 19-year-old apprentice electrician, Richard was swimming with a friend in a suburban backyard pool. The friend playfully tried to jump over Richard and into the water but misjudged the distance, landing on Richard and crushing his neck, leaving him immediately paralysed. Richard’s journey to the Paralympic Games has not been an easy one – even by a Para-athlete’s standards. In 2016, while his teammates were defending their Paralympic Gold medal success from 2012, he contracted an auto-immune disease called myasthenia gravis. He lost all function in his body – so much so, he couldn’t open his eyes for eight months – and from then on, was unable to achieve any consistency in his training. Richard says that becoming a Paralympian is all he dreams about and as he struggles to contain his myasthenia gravis, the thought of potentially achieving selection to the 2020 Australian Paralympic Team is what had spurred him on. The Paralympic movement has changed Richard’s life – it was through Wheelchair Rugby that he was able to rediscover his independence and eventually manage without carers. Through Wheelchair Rugby, he has travelled the world and also met his girlfriend of three years – Australian team-mate Andrew Edmondson’s wife’s cousin. The greatest challenge will now be to get his body to the Games. Richard was on track to compete at his first World Championships in 2018 – in his home town of Sydney, no less – when his myasthenia gravis was triggered. Every two weeks, he undergoes plasmapheresis and has steroid injections to help offset the fatigue. While a flare-up can be difficult to predict, the entire Australian Wheelchair Rugby (Steelers) community is looking forward to seeing Richard compete in Japan.

O G SIES! S U A Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia

local news

Nepean Regional Security Gina Field: local trailblazer in a male-dominated field By KeRRIE DAVIES

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ina Field is a shining example of a woman determined to break down gender barriers and not only be successful, but to become one of the best in a male-dominated industry. With her western Sydney based business Nepean Regional Security celebrating its 23rd year, Gina has certainly surpassed those goals. From its humble beginnings 23 years ago as a home-based business with just one employee, Nepean Regional Security is now one of the most recognised and awarded security companies in the state. Now employing dozens of FTE personnel, Nepean Regional Security is one of our region’s greatest success stories, with Gina being an absolute trailblazer in the small business space. The company, and Gina personally, have won well over 30 industry awards, including an International business award, NSW Business Woman of the Year, Australian small business Champion awards and Australia Day award recognition. Gina has featured on TV business programs, radio, newspapers, magazines and is a regular column writer for Nepean News, aptly called the “G Spot.” Those who have met Gina would know her to be a determined and switched-on straight talker. She’s a great public speaker at any event; sharing many great yarns from personal experience that keep the audiences enthralled. Gina is also a great business mentor, who always goes out of her way to support other local businesses.

“I am extremely thankful to the customers and corporations that have supported us through this journey of growth over the years,” Gina said. “I appreciate them each day and I am extremely thankful that people believe in NRS enough to trust us with their most prized processions; their homes and businesses. “It has been a long hard road, I wont deny that and running a business is tough. We have endured what most would allow to cripple them, and rose up to be stronger and more resilient than ever. “We have a strong and loyal team here at NRS and as an employer I couldn’t be more prouder of that” Gina said NRS customers often become like family. That’s the kind of relationship that can only develop from a happy partnership and great customer service. Entrusted with many major contracts across the region, including Western Sydney Airport, Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Western Sydney Parkland and Parramatta Parklands

Trust (Fernhill Estate), NRS, like almost all local businesses took a hit in 2020. “We have taken a hit in 2021with the cancellation of events, however our innovative approach to the business allowed us to grow and employ more people, during such a unprecedented time,” Gina said. And it is precisely that ability of Gina’s to think outside the square, reinvent, reshape and bounce back from challenging situations, that has been the foundation for the amazing success of Nepean Regional Security. Nepean Regional Security commenced operations in 1998. Starting the company from scratch Gina Field had worked as an operational security officer for many years prior to starting Nepean Regional Security (NRS) as a home based business, with just one employee (herself). Loyal to the Penrith area and still located there, the company has now spread its wings and manpower capacity by supplying security services across the state and a

NRS sponsor series 2 race car driver Jayden Ojeda

Best in West proudly sponsored by Tanya Davies MP

Tanya DAVIES

fleet of vehicles fulfilling customer’s needs, both residential and commercial. Gina places all of her security training into her security personnel and still works on the ground as an operational security officer. With the expansion of Nepean Regional Security the management team have been handpicked for the roles, with backgrounds in State Government operational management, NSW Police, accounting and a capacity to fulfil client’s requests such as Government venues, being an approved NSW Government supplier. Gina has been involved in setting up projects and working closely on the community safety partnership committee with the NSW Police, Local Council and key stakeholders. Well done Gina and Nepean Regional Security. You certainly are one of the Best In The West. Do you own or know of a local business who is one of the Best in The West? We want to hear from you and potentially tell their story too. nepeannews@aol.com

MP

State Member for Mulgoa

“Keep your hope stay strong and ‘ be kind to yourself and others” 02 9834 2966 02 9834 6291 PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759 Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759 mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43 St Clair Shopping Centre, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759, using parliamentary entitlements.

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

BEST IN THE WEST

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Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

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We continue our commitment to learning remotely at Penola Catholic College! By Mrs Tania Cairns Principal Leader

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uring the recent weeks of the COViD-19 pandemic, the dedicated and professional staff of Penola Catholic College have worked with great energy and enthusiasm to deliver online learning to our students Year 7-12. We took on the key learnings from last year’s experience and were able to very quickly step into an effective and supportive remote learning mode from the start of Term 3. The staff are very committed to ensuring that students have a positive learning environment and have developed a routine that is enabling them to continue their learning progress regardless of stage of learning. The teaching staff have been incredibly impressed with the high levels of learning engagement and witnessing students continuing to grow as independent learners. As College Principal Leader, I am very proud of the parents and students for their amazing support and engagement with us here at our learning and faith community. We currently have students in both Year 11 and 12 who are completing HSC subjects and we have ensured

that our HSC students have high levels of support and regular checkins for their wellbeing with their HSC Learning Coaches, homeroom teachers and Stage 6 Leader Mr Bryant. The HSC students all participate in Year group Zooms and have fun competitions such as Hat Day, exchange jokes and trivia competitions to lift their spirits. We have also released our video clip on social media wishing them well for their upcoming HSC Trial Exams

www.twitter.com/penolaemuplains www.facebook.com/PenolaEmuPlains

which will be completed online in 2021. We offer a range of Vocational and Education Training (VET) courses from Year 10 in Construction, Primary Industries, Business Services, Information and Digital Technology and Hospitality. Students are then able to complete the HSC Exam for this subject in Year 11. As well as this we are very proud to offer the Fitness VET course with a dual accreditation with a brand new state of the art

Fitness Studio on the College site. At Penola we are focused on providing education that is student centred, highly engaging and collaborative. We allow each student to learn about their strengths and learn ways to further develop their capabilities to align these to future career pathways. In 2022, we will offer the Diploma Learning Pathway, enabling students to focus on a set Diploma accreditation (Legal, Business, etc.) whilst also gaining the award of the HSC. This is an exciting new pathway that allows students to gain University entry at Year 2 level into their chosen degree. Learning at Penola is vibrant, engaging and empowering, where we encourage students to be challenged to work well in teams, as well as develop as an independent learner who is able to flourish in confidence. I believe all students need a positive sense of wellbeing, strong support structures and engaging learning environments in order to grow and thrive in a modern world. Our dream is that students of Western Sydney will be aspirational and achieve their career goals with a bright future ahead of them. Our mantra is Believe, Achieve and Succeed!

www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU: hard

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill the grid so that every column, every row & every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

SOLUTIONS: 23 July MEDIUM

hard

CROSSWORD ACROSS

down

6 Despised (7) 7 Gemstones (5)

1 Urge to travel (10)

9 Small lake (4)

3 Probabilities (4)

10 Orderly (10)

4 Brow (8)

11 Unafraid (8)

5 Ceremonial Maori war dance (4)

13 Symbol (6)

6 Not tight (5)

15 An African charm (4)

8 Thin fragments (7)

17 A motorized bicycle (5)

12 Reddish brown (5)

18 Country singer Johnny ____ (4)

16 Not cognizant of (7)

19 Buxom (6) 20 Aesthetically pleasing (8)

2 Abstain from sex (6)

14 Rear staircase (10) 17 Illusionist (8) 21 An island in French Polynesia (6) 22 Scratchy (5)

23 Table linen (10)

24 Fermentation sediments (4)

26 Circle fragments (4)

25 Burden (4)

27 Swelling under the skin (5) 28 Completely (7)

solution 6/8/21

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

SUDOKU: EASY

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OUT N ABOUT with Malama

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

An online audio experience The Q Theatre team has been busy behind the scenes, finding innovative ways to reimagine the theatre experience while we are stuck in lockdown. AND, they’ve done it! Originally slated to be performed live at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Kangaroo, the debut play by Miranda Gott has been transformed into an online audio experience. Kangaroo is available on demand from 23 August through 13 September 2021 and tickets are FREE! It will be offered in audio format from August 23 through to September 13. The experience can be accessed on demand across this period. - Audience info | Ages 14+ | Adult themes | Coarse language www.thejoan.com.au/events/kangaroo-2021/

City Park is coming! Looking forward to it.

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Teaching a young person to drive is a huge responsibility, and Penrith City Council in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are running a series of free online workshops to support people who are supervising young adults as they learn to drive. The online workshops, hosted on Zoom, are designed to help supervisors prepare for the role by covering topics such as laws that apply to L and P licence holders, completing the Learner Driver logbook, and the benefits of well supervised on-road driving experience. The first online workshop is being held on Wednesday 15 September, with registrations now open. To prepare for this important role, join a free workshop that will reduce the stress for the supervisor and the learner, and make every lesson more effective. Attendees will gain information, practical advice, and a structured approach to building the competency of their learner, along with confidence in teaching safe driving habits. Register for the workshops below by visiting penrith.city/events; • Workshop #1 Wednesday 15 September 2021 from 6pm-7.15pm

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FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS These figures are based on getting a loan under the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (https://www. nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/) where the federal he property market continues government pays the Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance to be overheated with no signs for first home buyers (who need to only save 5 of cooling. These cold winter percent of the deposit) or the Family Home Guarantee months are usually a time of cooler demand and scheme (https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/ supply. Supply is still very low but the demand is support-to-buy-a-home/family-home-guarantee/) very high. which is for single parent families who only need to The main driver for this demand are the incredibly save a minimum of 2 percent of the purchase price. low interest rates on offer. Most lenders have rates Conditions apply and full details can be found at the under 2 percent for owner occupier loans and under above links. 3 percent for investment loans. The table above shows deposits of 10 percent For a lot of people, home loan repayments can plus the purchasing costs but lenders will generally be lower than the rent that would be paid for the lend you up to 95 percent of the purchase price for a same property. For example, the table below shows property to live in. the approximate costs for first home buyers to buy Rental Demand a property compared to the cost of renting the same These crazy market conditions of very low supply property. and high demand also apply to people looking to rent houses. Demand to rent houses is a lot Price $500,000 $650,000 $800,000 higher than demand to rent smaller units, driven by people working from Approx. Costs $3,000 $3,000 $36,000 home and needing more space. Total cost $503,000 $653,000 $836,000 I know many people that are having Less deposit -$53,000 -$68,000 -$116,000 extreme difficulty in trying to just look Loan required at 90% $450,000 $585,000 $720,000 at houses to rent. This week a Penrith of the purchase price real estate agent advised that they had Repayments at $1,619 $2,104 $2,590 over 100 requests for inspections of a 1.8 percent per month house at Lower Mountains over a few Monthly rent approx $1,733 ($400 pw) $2,166 ($500 pw) $2,687 ($620 pw) days and the house is only shown to Savings if purchased $114 $62 $97 people who have the best histories and per month situations that the owner would want. With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

T

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

Increase In Supply Needed The only way the housing market will cool in the short term is to increase the supply of houses. This may start to happen when lenders start repossessing properties where the owners are unable to keep up with missed repayments etc. Since last year, most lenders have been very accommodating when people have been unable to maintain their repayments. With lockdowns with us again for the foreseeable next few months perhaps, some people without regular incomes will no doubt give up their homes and put them on the market for sale or for rent in some cases. Springtime usually brings higher numbers of properties to the market for sale. Covid lock downs may also be contributing to the current lower number of properties being offered. Interest Rates As I’ve said many times before, these extremely low interest rates and the ease of getting finance always contribute to high demand and prices. These low rates don’t appear to be increasing substantially for the next 3 years or so. After that no one really knows. Unless the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (who govern lenders) decide to tighten up on lending standards and policies, the property market looks likely to continue to march out of reach for the average family around Sydney. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166 207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you want to discuss your situation or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

Extension of financial support for tenants and landlords

T

he NSW Government has announced it will provide increased security for tenants and financial support for landlords by extending the Residential Tenancy Support package. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the Residential Tenancy Support package will now be paid for a second month and eligible landlords can now apply for up to $3,000 to cover the two months from 14 July 2021, assuming they have reduced rent for their tenant by at least that much. “The NSW Government is ensuring both residential tenants and landlords have ongoing support by extending financial assistance for private landlords who pass on rent relief,” Mr Anderson said. “Keeping people safe doesn’t just mean reducing the health threats of the virus. It is vital we help keep a roof over the heads of those who may be suffering financial hardship at this difficult time.” Mr Anderson said landlords who have already applied can make an additional application and those who are yet to apply will be able to make one application for the total amount of rent waived, up to $1,500 a month. “We have always encouraged landlords and tenants to work together to negotiate on rental agreements and the NSW Government has now made that conversation easier by supporting landlords so they can reduce rent for their tenants,” Mr Anderson said. “It’s hard enough having to lockdown in your

home while we stop the spread of the virus, but this NSW Government support means you can do that without fear of being evicted.” Landlords will also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment, which is an offset of the land tax liability equal to the rent reduction granted.

Eligible COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who cannot meet their residential rent payments will be protected from eviction during the moratorium period commencing from 14 July and finishing at the end of 11 September 2021. For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

High property demand and low supply continues

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Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

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NEPEAN HISTORY

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

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n May 1885 a public meeting was held in the not Incorporated? but he could not tell them. He knew Protestant Hall at St Marys to consider the if the Government granted £500 for Church Street they advisability of a petition to the Government would gladly accept it, although some would not help in favour of Incorporation. About 200 people were themselves by Incorporation where the Government present, most being particularly interested in tanning. gave pound for pound on all that was raised. Another While a number had announced they were in favour thing, the Government proposed shortly to bring in a to Incorporation did not turn up. Mr J Shand J.P was Local Government Bill that would compel everyone to voted “Chair” and said that the subject should be fully become taxpayers and he urged those present to have considered as to whether the meeting was favourable St Marys Incorporated making it a place worthy of to a Municipality or not, because sooner or later they the name and worthy of its residents. It would never would be compelled to accept local Government. Mr be a large town until it was Incorporated”. Mr James John King Lethbridge J.P. moved that in the opinion of Richard Woodlands seconded the motion and explained the meeting, the town and district of St Marys should he did not intend inflicting upon them a long speech by be established as a Municipality and he was sorry to telling them something of which he knew nothing, but hear there would be great opposition and he was of he believed in Municipalities as it meant progression the opinion that people were not really studying their and he certainly hoped the young men of St Marys  William Fleming own interests and he, for one, would not have made would jump up and not be in the same old conservative courtesy of the Jones Family a move in the matter did he not think it would be of mood. There would be no fear of interfering with great benefit. He was aware that some people believed he had no stake existing industries. Mr John Harris said he will oppose it at all events. in their district because he had a few allotments in the town and was Mr William Fleming said he will support it as he believed in getting rid Agent for a large lot of property, but he represented Mr King and like of the old 50 years style. Mr Garner also supported the resolution and himself they were quite willing to be taxed knowing how the value said that none could deny the roads were in a bad state with some in fact of property would be increased. He asked that freeholders especially being in a state of nature where vehicles had to wind round and round should consider the matter and there may be some present who were as much as if they were in the bush. At the request of the promoters not interested but would vote. He believed that the meeting should Mr A Colless proceeded to explain the working of Municipalities when have been called for freeholders and householders and those present he was objected to as having no interest in the district, but after some would quite agree with him that their highways were in a defective further discussion it was agreed that he should be allowed to explain the state. Should you go to the adjoining township of Penrith for proof of general working of Municipalities. A motion was put by the Chairman the value of Incorporation, there the streets and roads were all in good with the result after carefully counting declaring the motion carried repair. Many would remember what a bad state the streets and roads of which caused a scene of confusion by a slight mistake, especially as that locality were in before Incorporation. There was great opposition only the freeholders and householders could vote and this time the to Incorporation there so much so that the place was very nearly not a motion was lost. The Municipality was proclaimed in 1890, the first Municipality. John understood one of the Penrith Aldermen was to have Council met in the Protestant Hall with William Garner elected as been present that evening and he considered him the best to explain the first Mayor. At a meeting in January 1891, William Fleming was various matters in connection with municipal work, but consequently he elected one of the Alderman on the Council and said that “he thought had thought very little of the matter. Let anyone go to Camden and see people who kept themselves in one corner of the globe for any length the state of the roads and footpaths where it was dangerous for people to of time, would naturally grow conservative and preferred the old way walk after dark and the same could be said of Putland street at St Marys as best. They desired no change and wanted no improvement because where it was in a disgraceful state. The tanners were greatly opposed what suited their grandparents suited them, so they opposed all local to Incorporation, but he could say to them that the Towns Police Act advancements, showing very clearly that their minds were as narrow could deal with them just as well as a Municipality if they became a as the extent of their travels”. But the Nepean Times noticed that they nuisance. In Windsor, Richmond and even in the town of Penrith thought those who opposed Mr Fleming and others in establishing a there were tanneries right in the heart of the towns. To show that these Municipality for St Marys could already see the advantages of it as it people could be dealt with as well by the Towns Police Act he referred was growing into shape and will yet become one of the prettiest and to a case in their own town when Mr Webb’s tannery had become a cleanest townships in the colony. The Council unfortunately did not get nuisance to the Public School, and he was brought before the Police a home of their own until their building on Mamre Road was opened in Court and after £100 had been spent in improving the place there was 1932, now the Headquarters of the Historical Society. St Marys ceased not a sign of smell arising from it that was not the case with others. to be a Municipality in 1948 when it was amalgamated into the City of There was also a slaughterhouse right in the heart of the town and Penrith. although not more than 60 feet from the road was perfectly clean and sweet and John had heard many visitors ask how it was St Marys was Source: Nepean Times, Trove.

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SPORT By Noel Rowsell

J

ohn Baker was a well-known and popular figure in the lower Blue Mountains, having owned the Go Vita store in Springwood for the past 30 years with his wife Colleen. He was also a long-term member of the Springwood Country Club and a delegate to the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA). John passed away peacefully on Tuesday 10th August at the age of 83, with his family at his side Springwood CC member Walter Brown recalls John fondly. “I have known John for around 20 years and he was a very special man,” said Walter. “Father to a large and close family of 7 children and his lovely wife Colleen. “A proud and active local businessman with his Go Vita Health Foods. “John was actively involved with several local charities and was instrumental in the annual Springwood Community Hospital charity day. He would not take no for an answer when raising prizes and funds and on many occasions, a charity day would raise more than $20,000. “On many occasions, John was approached to sponsor or assist local charities and he had no hesitation in supporting the cause. He and Go Vita were long term sponsors of our golf club. “John was not a natural golfer but loved playing the game and was an exceptional after-golf card player. I can fondly remember him playing golf and cards at least 3 times a week in his late seventies and whilst he may lose money at golf, he certainly recouped his finances in the card games! “John loved playing with Western Sydney Vet’s and again, was actively involved as a delegate/ organiser. “On a personal note, I loved John for his unrivalled passion to complete everything he was involved in, particularly at his age.

“Whether he was playing for a $10 lotto ticket, he would always try his hardest. I fondly remember him shouting ‘You Beauty’ when he would sneak in a 20ft putt for a 8/1 on par fives with 2 shots. Even when the group of 4 were playing bad on a cold and wet day, the other three would want to stop golf but not John, even when he was playing badly. “However, he would always turn down a game of cards when his family or grandkids were around (and so he should) “John was always in the mix of conversation and had a very educated opinion. WSRVGA President Les Knox said “On behalf of all veteran golfers could I express our deepest sympathy and condolences to John’s family.” “John was a long-time member of the WSRVGA, was the driving force behind Springwood veteran golfers and was also Tournament Organiser when Springwood hosted Inter-Club events within the WSRVGA. “John will be sorely missed by all. Through his infectious banter, he had that special gift of bringing a smile to your face, whether on the golf course, in Golf meetings or during casual meetings.” John was also hugely successful in his business life and was recognised and lauded at the annual Gala Dinner of the Complementary Medicine Association (CMA) as recently as 2019. At that dinner, John was presented with the distinguished ‘Lady Cilento’ award, the complementary medicine industry’s most prestigious award. At the dinner, John had said “I am a member of the board and was utterly shocked at being recognised! The board kept it completely secret from me and I was so surprised when Carl (CEO Carl Gibson) called my name!” Mr Gibson said “John is a stalwart of the industry, a true gentleman, who has often put our industry before his own business, and sometimes his health. He is a true unsung hero.” John officially retired from CMA as a Director at the Gala Dinner in 2019, having dedicated nine

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

Vale John Baker 1938 - 2021

John Baker at the Complementary Medicines Association Gala Dinner in 2019. Photo supplied.

years on the Board. He was the Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee and Treasurer, having previously served as Vice President and President. John oversaw the transition from the Nutritional Foods Association; the merger with the Council for Responsible Nutrition and the move to Canberra, and helped develop the Industry Code of Practice and its complaints handling procedures. “Countless times, John has come to Canberra to clarify and ameliorate challenges at CHC and in Parliament and during his latest term of office, as a Director, the successful launch of CMA,” said Mr Gibson. “The CMA is in a much stronger financial position today because of John’s selfless dedication and incredible sense of duty,” said Mr Gibson. “The Association has gone from strength to strength, because of John’s tight hold on the Association’s purse strings and his absolute ability to have his finger on the pulse of the issues that mattered to our consumers.” VALE – John Baker 1938-2021

New hockey fields deserted

Then (June 19th) and now (August) By Noel Rowsell

N

epean H o c k e y Association (NHA) Publicity Officer Jan Harrison is one of many community and sporting representatives and officials lamenting the ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic, which has resulted in the cancellation of sports and other community events.

“After a brilliant opening ceremony of the new building and celebrating the laying of the new turf field on the 19th June, today is a different story,” said Jan. “As with all community sports in our area, hockey is on the list of “lockdown sports”. The timing of the lock-down has affected the planned Under 13 State tournament, with only players from Regional areas able to attend. Players from throughout the state

27

were still named in an extended squad for possible State selection and the NHA is hopeful NSW will be out of lock-down in time for selection trials for the Australian Championships, which have been deferred to 6th October in Hobart, Tasmania. Local players chosen in the respective girls and boys squads include Summer Knowles, Aleida Cook and Addison Wilson (13 Girls), Jarrod Holmes and CJ Honeman (13 Boys), whilst Jess Lavender was

selected in the State Under 15 Girls squad. The State Masters tournament scheduled for July had also been cancelled, for the second successive year, but the local Ladies are the reigning State champions and hope to eventually defend their title in 2022. Hockey NSW has advised local Associations will be given the freedom to reschedule their own competitions, once the State Government approves a return to safe sports.

Celebrity ROUND 23

ROUND 24

GCT CAN PAN WES BUL PAR STG BRI NEW NZW SYD STG CRO MEL MAN PAN MEL MAN SOU CRO NEW NQC SYD NZW GCT CAN SOU NQC BRI PAR BUL WES Aug 19 7.50pm

Aug 20 6.00pm

Aug 20 8.05pm

Aug 21 3.00pm

Aug 21 5.30pm

Aug 21 7.35pm

Aug 22 2.00pm

Aug 22 4.05pm

Aug 26 7.50pm

Aug 27 6.00pm

Aug 27 7.55pm

Aug 28 3.00pm

Aug 28 5.30pm

Aug 28 7.35pm

Aug 29 1.50pm

Aug 29 4.05pm

SCORE

Jeff TobyWatson Hughes- -Club Sinclair President, Hyundai St- Marys 4720 1111 Band Club - 9623 1211

226 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

246 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538

236 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

240 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

228 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

224 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400

210 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

246 Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Diggers & Band Club - 9623 1211 BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 21

★

226 Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets Councillor Benard Bratusa

226 Greg Penrith Councillor AaronDavies Tyres -- @print

218

Come join the family

mgactiv.com.au

TIPSTERS ROUND 23

ROUND 24

GCT CAN PAN WES BUL PAR STG BRI NEW NZW SYD STG CRO MEL MAN PAN MEL MAN SOU CRO NEW NQC SYD NZW GCT CAN SOU NQC BRI PAR BUL WES Aug 19 7.50pm

Aug 20 6.00pm

Aug 20 8.05pm

Aug 21 3.00pm

Aug 21 5.30pm

Aug 21 7.35pm

Aug 22 2.00pm

Aug 22 4.05pm

Aug 26 7.50pm

Aug 27 6.00pm

Aug 27 7.55pm

Aug 28 3.00pm

Aug 28 5.30pm

Aug 28 7.35pm

Aug 29 1.50pm

Aug 29 4.05pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News Columnist and Owner of MG Activ

248 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 21

★

238 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

244 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

244 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

220 Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

222 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

222 Natasha Hemms - Big Swing Golf - 4721 1296

248 Dale ‘Tex’ Walker - Sports Journalist, Nepean News

230 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

242 Samantha Shakesphere - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977

240

“Where you can be you”

mgactiv.com.au

Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

30

SPORT

Coach’s Corner T

Winning and Losing…

he hardest job of a leader in any profession is to actually determine why success or failure occurs. Victory can be intoxicating, so many leaders rationalise these ups and downs instead of digging deep into the truth of them. Look at the Parramatta Eels for example. They are a club which consistently fails to understand the importance of club culture. There is a lack of accountability players feel toward their head coach Brad Arthur. The performances and lack of effort make that blindingly clear. And the rumour mill and external talk points to the club potentially sacking Brad Arthur, pending how they finish the season.

It is again a failure to understand the core reason behind why you win and why you lose. Culture. Not individuals. A collective. The club clearly does not know how to establish a culture around their head coach. Head coaches will come and go, players will come and go, but do you have a culture of leadership which sits atop of what is important within your organisation… which determines the behaviours of those who work within it? If you cannot determine why you win or lose, how can you plan for consistent and sustained success? The answer cannot be glossed over with cliches or pro media friendly responses. It takes hard

Brock Shepperd Mounties Ron Massey Cup Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

questions, honest assessment and the ability to truly reflect, a deep look into the mirror and a holistic self assessment from every individual within the club. Without a complete understanding of the factors of losing, sustained success will never occur. And unless the truth is revealed, then expect mediocre seasons and maybe a good year here and there, followed by several disappointing or under achieving seasons. Leaders must make it a part of their regular routine to analyse every part of the organisation by asking two fundamental questions: Why did we win? Why did we lose? The answers to that question should then determine how the club acts moving forward.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

Sneak peak into footy finals  Finals footy comes 3 weeks early this Friday night!

T

his Friday night semi final footy comes early as the chart topping Panthers and Rabbitohs tackle each other in what will be a probable preview to the first round of this year’s finals, where 2nd takes on 3rd. And as it stands, both teams sit on 38 points with 18 wins and 3 losses this season. The Rabbitohs haven’t lost (10 in a row) since Penrith last beat them in round 11 in Dubbo 56-12. They are the in-form team of the competition, basically scoring points for fun. History tells us that no team has gone on to win a competition after having 50 points put on them in the season proper. Well it’s happened to Souths twice this season, the Panthers and Storm both piling on the half century. But ‘that’ Souths team isn’t this current version! In fact, when they had both the 50 points against games, they were severely under-strength, especially against Melbourne. They have their coach Wayne Bennett leaving next year, as is their captain Adam Reynolds, so motivating the troops won’t be a hard task at all. While we’re talking about ‘Motivation’ the Panthers have it by the bucket load.

https://penrith.panthers.com.au

It comes in the form of losing on the very last game of the season. Something I’m sure they’re sick of being reminded of, but alas it’s a fact. The burn in their gut to go one better this year is visible. Penrith’s only losses this year have been when they have been severely under-strength as well. Round 13 to the Tigers and Round 14 to the Sharks, both in the state of origin series where Penrith had 7 missing for duty. And round 20 against the Storm 37–10, again severely depleted. Or Cleary depleted anyway. It’s no coincidence that Nathan Cleary missed all 3 losses. He has a look in his eye this year that is bionic like. His resolve is a premiership or nothing. This Friday night when these two teams collide we’ll know exactly who’ll get bragging rights come finals time in a few weeks. Until then sit back, relax, and enjoy these last 3 weeks of the competition proper until finals footy is upon us. See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 Nepean News 20 August 2021 Issue 310

ON THE

SPORT