Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
free Thursday, 21 December 2017
ISSUE 216
From
w w w. z a c h o m e s . c o m . a u
Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year to all
Merry Christmas Nepean News wishes all our advertising sponsors, columnists and readers a very Merry Christmas. Our next edition back is January 11, 2018.
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By Keegan Thomson
CHARITY is flowing across the region this Christmas with the Emu Plains Lions Club working extra hard to provide special support for numerous local welfare organisations. Firstly the team from the Emu Plains Lions Club donated more than $1000 to the Nepean Hospital family room and the neonatal intensive care unit as well as donations to Ronald McDonald House. They raised the money through their “real Xmas tree” program selling natural Christmas trees for families who want a real life tree this Christmas. For the community minded, charity driven members of Emu Plains Lions this donation
wasn’t enough. After their “real Xmas tree” sale they approached one of their new supporters, St Dalfour, to provide a year’s supply of their spreads and jams to the Nepean Hospital family room and the Westmead family room. Jim Devine from the Emu Plains Lions Club said the CEO of St Dalfour, Sheldon Ross, was immediately interested in helping out this giving season. “When we approached Mr Ross he said he would donate a year’s supply of spread to the Nepean family room and the Westmead family room,” Mr Devine said. The Nepean family room is a place where people can go and take a minute to relax and have a cup of tea or something to eat while they visit family members who are in hospital.
Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
Lions donate big this Christmas
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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4 Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
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by Kerrie Davies
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AS I write my final column for 2017, I am filled with overwhelming sadness. My beautiful mother lost her final battle last week. It has been a very challenging year for her and I have written about the hurdles she has faced many times in this space. She fought every battle so courageously and even when the chips were down, she’d still find that smile to brighten everyone else’s day with. She had so many family and friends at Springwood Hospital on the day that was to be her last, that we couldn’t all fit in the room, she was so loved. It hurt so much to let her go, knowing that something as simple as holding her hand would be something we would never be able to do again. Life is so incredibly precious, so please, this Christmas, remember to hug your loved ones at every opportunity. Stay safe, especially on the roads, and ensure your family is not faced with a traumatic Christmas. I’ll take this opportunity on behalf of Bart and myself to thank our dedicated staff, columnists wonderful advertising sponsors and readers for your support again this year. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and New Year, and we’ll be back on 11th January 2018. RIP Mum xx
WOW FM off air
LEASED
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9834 1044 NEPEAN DISTRICT
Stuart Ayres
MP
Member for Penrith
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By Keegan Thomson
PENRITH’s own community radio station at St Marys, WOW FM, has been forced off air due to a burst fire hydrant in the Council run building the station operates out of. Last Thursday night, December 14, a fire hydrant burst flooding the offices of WOW FM as well as the Council library on Queen street. Dr. Bill Gayed, WOW FM’s Board President, said despite the station going off air there was thankfully no damage caused to their equipment. “Although no damage was caused to our premises, Penrith Council has closed the building for safety reasons,” Dr Gayed said in a statement.
“Once the building clean-up is completed and electricity is safely reconnected we will return to our normal programming. “Until further notice the WOW FM Studio is closed and our normal programs have been cancelled,” he said. Currently if you tune into WOW FM 100.7 you’ll hear the community radio network channel, which broadcasts generic programming to community stations across the country. Penrith Council says they are still investigating how long it will take to fix the issue and get WOW FM back on air. Dr Gayed says the team at the station are working to get the station back on air as quickly as possible.
Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith
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More support for veterans By Keegan Thomson
PENRITH RSL subbranch has officially opened their long awaited drop in centre just in time for Christmas. Dignitaries from both sides of politics, local Councillors and defence force personnel were on hand to open the first drop in centre of its kind in Penrith. Amongst the officials on hand to open the drop in centre was Wing Commander Greg Mathams, Commanding Officer DEOTS Orchard Hills and MP Stuart Ayres, who said the venue will help many veterans in the years to come. “It was my pleasure to launch the new veterans drop in centre that offers a safe environment for veterans to seek support and advice or just have a chat with the volunteers and other veterans,” Stuart Ayres, MP for Penrith said. The aim of the centre is to connect veterans with the specialised services they need after leaving the defence forces. This includes working with Homes for Heroes, other local services and other elements of the defence
force, including the bases at Glenbrook and Orchid Hills. The former service men at the sub-branch said their mission is to provide a facility where all current and ex-service personnel can go for friendship, support and a cuppa. Honorary Secretary of the Penrith RSL sub-branch, Mike Visinko said even though they would love to see younger veterans from contemporary
battlefields at the drop in centre, they’re always offering a hand to anyone who needs help. “We are aiming at the contemporary veterans because we want to show younger people that the RSL subbranch is there for them,” Mr Visinko said. “We also want to make sure we’ve opened up the place and delivered a service where like minded people
with similar working backgrounds can come together to have a chat. “We can also help with welfare referrals and teach people about what they have to do, better educate them, so veterans can access the services provided for them,” he said. Brian Cartwright, Vice President of the sub-branch, said he hopes the drop in centre will better educate people about what the sub-branch actually does. “A lot of the new crop of veterans and former service personnel still don’t know what the difference is between the RSL and the sub-Branch RSL,” Mr Cartwright said. “They still confuse us with the beer and pokies of the club, and that is a real detriment to us because some of the people seeking out help have addiction problems relating to those things.” To help combat this the drop in centre has a separate entrance on Castlereagh St, so anyone who wants to drop in can do so without walking through the hustle and bustle of the RSL club. The drop in centre operates on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9.30am2.30pm. You can call 4728 5225 for more info about the drop in centre.
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Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
Celebrating the Christmas spirit
Hundreds of people turned out earlier this month to see the St Marys Christmas tree lights turn on for the first time this Christmas season. “It was amazing” said Alex Karavas, Chairperson of St Marys Town Centre. “It was great to see such a sea of smiling faces as the lights on the tree where turned on for the first time.” “St Marys is such a tight-knit community, the St Marys Christmas Tree is our way of giving back to the community for all the support that they have given us over the year,” Alex said. “We appreciated all the effort that the community put into supporting the event. There were local dance groups, singing schools and other talented performers that had been practicing for weeks in the lead up.
They all put on a great show and helped add to the feeling of community that the night had. Lots of the local retailers donated prizes and those in the crowd that dressed up and participated loved walking away with an early Christmas present. It really was a community event in the truest sense of the word.” St Marys Town Centre will have more activity in Coachmans Park in the lead up to Christmas. If you would like to take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy some free family entertainment then check out the St Marys Town Centre’s Facebook page for more information. Santa will also be in Coachman’s Park until December 23, take your own camera to get your own Santa photo.
Firework phobias How will your dog cope with the fireworks on New Years Eve? A fear of fireworks is a fairly common phobia in dogs and may also mean that your dog could have other noise phobias. Dogs often find the unpredictable noise and display of lights very frightening. Even a dog that is very relaxed and not scared of thunder can become very stressed and scared during fireworks. Fireworks are closer to the ground than thunder and are accompanied by sudden booms, flashes and burning smells. This can trigger all of a dog’s senses and make them anxious and afraid. Luckily there are a few things you can do to help keep your dog calm during fireworks. Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to prepare your dog for fireworks is to try and make them comfortable with the sound in advance. This is referred to as desensitisation and is
very effective although it does take some time and commitment from the owners. This involves finding a video or recording of fireworks and playing it at the lowest possible volume. While this is happening, give your dog lots of attention and treats so they learn to associate fireworks with a positive
experience. A treat should follow each firework sound on the recording, so the sound is the cue for a reward. Over weeks to months, slowly beging to raise the volume of the recording. Repeat this several times a day until your dog can hear the sounds at a high volume without becoming fearful.
Also play these sounds at dinner time, so the firework noises will be like a bell ringing for dinner and give a happy/excited emotional response, rather than fear. If your pet has already developed anxiety, then the use of medication to help them cope with their firework phobia is also benefecial. For long term success, medications should be used in conjunction with desensisation. Medications alone rarely “fix” the fear. Your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety and sedative medication to help keep your pet calm. These medications need to be used at least 1-2 hours before the fireworks are expected. As with many medications, the doses can vary so it is important to have a ‘trial run’ with the medications well before fireworks occur to find a dose that is suitable for your pet. Safe confinement is also very important. There are many stray dogs that escape during fireworks on New Years Eve. It is important to ensure houses, yards and pens are secure to prevent dogs escaping. Arranging for someone to look after your pet is a great option.
Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750
Phone 47 313 055
Logo Design puts western Sydney on the World Map Penrith’s most awarded graphic design and branding studio, White River Design (WRD) have recently had one of their logos published in the commemorative 10th edition book in the international best seller LogoLounge series. This annual publication celebrates the latest in expert identity work by notable designers and upand-coming talents from around the world. This far-reaching collection offers inspiration, insight, and an indispensable reference tool for graphic designers and their clients. The chosen logo was designed by Brooke Allender while she was an intern at White River Design. Under the guidance of the White River Design team, Brooke created the compass inspired logo for The Westies, a website dedicated to telling positive stories about the people and places in Sydney’s West. “I was lucky enough to land an internship with Penrith’s leading graphic design studio as a part of my Bachelor Degree in Communication Design. I have to admit, I started my internship at a studio in the city but found the environment to be clinical and quite toxic amongst the staff, so had to make the hard decision of leaving that studio and starting afresh. It was actually via The Westie’s website that I found WRD and soon after, started with them two days a week to fill my 120 hour quota. “Through the creative atmosphere, nurturing team and constant reassurance, this logo came into play. It’s important to be comfortable in your role, and around positive, creative people in order to get your best work done. Almost three years later, I’m still with White River Design and loving every minute
of this dream job!” Over 35,000 logos submitted from around the world. LogoLounge 10 presents the 2,500 best logo designs as judged by a select group of identity designers and branding experts from around the world. “I am incredibly proud of Brooke. We realised her talent and dedication right from the beginning
of her internship, which was supposed to only last 120 hours. Before it was over, I offered her a job and we have never looked back!” Commented WRD Creative Director, Debbie O’Connor. “Being published in an international best seller is an incredible achievement by any standards, and we are just pleased that we can represent Western Sydney on the world stage.”
Lindsay fetched money for dog park By Keegan Thomson
FEDERAL MP for Lindsay, Emma Husar has congratulated the work of the community and a strong campaign to deliver a brand spanking new dog park to Glenmore Park. Working with the federal government’s Lindsay Stronger Communities grant, Ms Husar and the Penrith Council have received the $20,000 worth of funding for the new park. Joined by lead community campaigner for the park, Dee Kerr and top dogs from Council staff, Ms Husar inspect the site where the dog park has been proposed. “I’m so pleased residents of Glenmore Park will soon have their long awaited dog park,” Ms Husar said. “This $20,000 Lindsay Stronger Communities Grant was the final tick off Council required before approving the park. “If you or your family have a dog, you know how much love and enjoyment they can bring. It is important that we develop the infrastructure across the area to provide a safe environment to take dogs,” the MP said. Thanking the contribution of Ms Kerr, the MP for Lindsay said the whole park has come together thanks to the efforts and the contributions of Ms Kerr’s community minded campaign. “I’d like to congratulate Dee Kerr who led a brigade of Glenmore Park residents to establish the park,” Ms Husar said. “Dee brought the community together, gathering more than 300 signatures on a petition . She and her community should be very proud of themselves.”
This new off the leash park will be similar to parks in St Clair and Jamison Park and will offer a trove of physical and mental health benefits to local residents and local dogs. “This will contribute to health and wellbeing outcomes for the local community,” Ms Husar said. “An off leash dog park will provide a safe environment for dog exercise as well as a focal point
for community engagement and positive social interaction. “I’m delighted to have been able to help bring this project to a reality,” she said. The dog park will be at Blue Hills Oval and will have a fence with lockable gates, water taps, seating and dog friendly adaptations to make the park successful.
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Legends of the Nepean Rosemary Weaver By Keegan Thomson
JOURNALISM, public relations, blogging and history: Rosemary Weaver has done it all, but after a 17 year long stint volunteering for the Nepean District Historical Society she’s hanging up her boots. Born in the UK, Rosemary first came to Australia in 1964. Landing in Melbourne she set up the Australian wing of Freedom from Hunger, worked on this until 1969. She then took off travelling and working abroad. Across her lifetime Rosemary has lived on most continents, spending years living in the Middle East, London and the United States. She has worked with community organisations like Freedom From Hunger and says it is something everyone should consider doing. “You get a lot of satisfaction out of
community volunteering,” Rosemary said. “Everybody should try, if they can, to get involved in volunteering because you see all aspects of life and you realise not everything is nice and the world isn’t necessarily black and white.” Rosemary became involved in the Nepean District Historical Society through a simple twist of fate. She was asked to film an event at the Arms of Australia Inn, the HQ of the Nepean District Historical Society, and from that moment on she was roped into becoming the Publicity Officer for the group. It is a job that has seen her organising events at the Inn, taking photography and film footage of events as well as sending the monthly newsletter. On top of this she has been involved in special events, hosted and supported by the Nepean District Historical Society, including the 2009 Ulysses motorcycle group AGM.
Christmas Day The Salvation Army Christmas Day Service is at 10.00am Christmas Eve 10.00am New Years Eve 10.00am
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Rosemary Weaver was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Nepean District Historical Society.
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If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
For the last ten years Rosemary has edited and designed 107 copies of the monthly Nepean District Historical Society newsletter, The Arms Chronicle, something she has always put a lot of time and effort into. It has been one of her ways of connecting the wider public to Australia’s history. Rosemary says people aren’t as in touch with history as they should be. She said the changing demographics
of Australia is impacting our thirst for history. “The older generations are interested and in-tune with their history but the younger generations aren’t,” Rosemary said. “The new waves of immigrants don’t seem to be too interested as well. And that is a shame. We need to include them in our history and find a way to get them involved.” One way of generating more interest
in history is by getting younger people, particularly school children, involved in their culture and past. “You’ve got to get back to the school and get back to the kids. They can see, touch and play with things. Kids need that physicality with history. It is terribly important for them,” Rosemary said. Rosemary recounted a story of a boy who visited the Arms of Australia Inn with his school.
“The boy brought his parents back with him and he ran about showing them everything he had learnt when he came here on excursion,” she said. “That is how you pass on the knowledge to the next generation.” Because of her efforts promoting the work or the Nepean District Historical Society and her contributions to the community, the volunteers at the Nepean District Historical Society recently voted to make her a lifetime member of the Society. Moving forward, Rosemary leaving the Society because she is heading up north to set up a new home, somewhere on the far north coast of NSW, and she has already done her research on all the local museums. “Once we’ve set up and we’ve got a house to live in I’m going to find somewhere new. I’ve got to keep doing something,” Rosemary said. “I think there are four museums all within my reach and I say, once I’ve started with them, they don’t know what is going to hit them.”
Labor Candidate for PenritH councillor
KAREN McKEOWN
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A Charitable local Santa By Keegan Thomson
SANTA Claus had landed his sleigh in Colyton at the home of local charity man and community advocate George Asciak. For the 15th year in a row Mr Asciak is donning the big red suit to put smiles on the faces of children from all across Sydney whilst raising a little bit of money for local charity. This year Mr Asciak is donating the proceeds of his Christmas light display and Santa show to the Nepean Hospital. Already he has raised nearly $1000 and he intends to raise around $2500. All of the charity work Mr Asciak does during his Christmas light and Santa extravaganza came from one simple interaction with a disabled young boy during Christmas a number of years back. “It all started when I had a young man come here with his autistic son. The young boy was in a stroller and I was handing out presents and chatting away to kids on the stage,” Mr Asciak said. “When I had a spare minute I came down and spent some quality time
Santa with his grandson Xavier. Photo: Kennedi Geyer
with the autistic boy and gave him a present and some high fives. “Afterwards his dad came back over and offered me $50. He was so appreciative of the time I spent with his son that he wanted to pay me,” he said.
Being a charity man Mr Asciak refused the money but suggest he donate it to charity. Since then Mr Asciak and his wife, Cathy Asciak, have been raising money for local hospitals during their annual Christmas shindig.
“Giving back, this is what Christmas is all about,” Mr Asciak said. “So much is being taken away from western Sydney, it is right to be able to give back something to the community instead of taking it away.” It is clear Mr Asciak doesn’t do any of this for his ego or his hip pocket. Each year he will set aside about $2000 of his own pension money to pay for presents and treats for the thousands of children who visit him each December. “Each child deserves something nice and something to give them a smile,” Mr Asciak said. Across the later half of the year Mr Asciak’s two son’s Luke and Mark climb onto a hot roof and put up thousands of Christmas lights for the families charitable display. This year there is a Santa sleigh, a Santa throne and numerous fantastic light displays. The Asciak family have made sure the whole set up is completely accessible for children in prams and wheelchairs. The address of their Santa show and lights display is 7 Arcadia Place, Colyton. Santa will be sticking around between the hours of 8:00pm and midnight up until Christmas Eve.
Performance of a lifetime By Keegan Thomson
LOCAL St Clair boy, Jaxson Gray was a part of a concert of a lifetime when he performed on stage with former Beatles band member and contemporary music legend Paul McCartney. During the Sydney leg of his One on One tour, Paul McCartney surprised audiences with a special pipe band ensemble during his song Mull of Kintyre. The pipe band performing the number one hit song was western Sydney’s own Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band (GMMPB), with two of the members hailing from St Clair. Ten-year-old Jaxson Gray and his grandparents Barry & Liz Gray performed in the band and say the special event was a once in a lifetime opportunity. “For me it was a bit scary because I haven’t played with any really famous people before,” Jaxson said. “Nothing will ever match what we experienced. Scary, thrilling, exciting, all the emotions in one. It was unbelievable,” Mrs Gray said. Jaxson, who plays snare drum in the band, said he was inspired to join the GMMPB because of his Scottish heritage, his grandparents and his uncle.
Jaxson Gray stands centre of the group at the Paul McCartney concert.
After the performance of the song, Jaxson was ushered to the front of the stage to have a one on one Q and A session with Mr McCartney himself. “It was a little frightening because I was out the front and I hadn’t played in front of so many people,” Jaxson said. “But I think if I have more experience that the nervousness will go away.” Mrs Gray, who performed with Paul McCartney 23 years ago, said she was most excited about the performance because she was able to share it with her grandson.
“I was more excited for him more than I was for myself,” Mrs Gray said. “I was so excited for my grandson to be performing with such a star on stage with Paul McCartney, and for him to pick Jaxson out and talk to him in front of the crowd was the icing on the cake.” Retiring from the band a number of years ago, Mrs Gray was asked back to play in the band as a number of people were unable to attend due to school holiday commitments. Both Jaxson and his grandparents said despite his status as a well
known contemporary rock star, Paul McCartney has a very “down to earth” character. “He is such a normal nice guy, an everyday person, and he was really appreciative of what we did for him in our performance,” Mrs Gray said. “Afterwards he was very thankful for the efforts we put into the performance and he made sure the crowd received us well.” Any information or contacts for the band can be found on their website www.GMMPB.com.au
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14 Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
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Early St Marys Railway
t Marys is famed for summer heat, factories and fibro housing, but once upon a time Mamre Road was congested with cattle not cars. Dunheved Industrial Estate was Dunheved Farm and St Marys was the second biggest stock-mustering town in NSW. In the popular imagination, St Marys is a suburb of working-class ‘battlers’ but in the early days of the colony it was prime real estate, described in the Sydney Herald as delightful, with game in abundance and a picturesque lake suitable for boating. Early industries in St Marys included tanning and coach-building but much of the working-class character of the suburb dates from the development of a munitions factory here during World War II. Workers’ fibro cottages were constructed during this period, including the Duration Cottages and a small housing estate designed by architect and town planner Walter Bunning that was based on the Radburn public housing estate in the US. Post war St Marys boomed. It became a watchword for all things progressive and a model suburb for Australia’s industrial dreams. By 1956 the Dunheved Industrial Estate, the first development of its kind in the country, held 44 new industries and employed over 3,600 people, but the prosperity didn’t last. By the 1960s, St Marys was struggling to compete for business with its neighbours. Historic buildings along the Great Western Highway that functioned as the suburb’s original main street were demolished to make way for road widening as the motor car shaped urban planning. For much of its history, St Marys has battled to get its fair share and it was the last suburb in Sydney area to get connected to electricity and was not connected to water and sewerage until 1934. As early as 1872 residents battled to save Victoria Park from falling into the private hands of James Hackett and in the 1990s they fought hard to try to save the Australian Defence Industries (ADI) site from inappropriate development. While much of St Marys historic center was destroyed during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Queen Street became a focus of a larger revitalization strategy being undertaken by Penrith City Council. The St Marys’ Station Group is of state significance as an early station opened in the 1860s when the Great Western Railway was extended from Parramatta and for the role it played in handling the increased traffic for the munitions factory built during World War II. St Marys station opened as “South Creek” when the Great Western Railway was extended from Parramatta in 1863. In August 1885 it was given its present name and prior to this, the brick goods shed was built in the yard that remains in the station precinct along with a crane. The station, particularly the signal box, has strong associations with the operations of the once important rail system to Dunheved and Ropes Creek and with the development of local industry and residential expansion of St Marys
after 1942. The signal box is one of few remaining such structures using utilitarian materials in a non-standard style and is of a select non-standard elevated electric power operated type and is only the second to be built at the station. It was constructed in 1942 to provide signal and track control on the main line and the then new branch line serving the wartime munitions factories at Dunheved and Ropes Creek. The signal box was the only example built during World War II to have a flat roof. The original electric control console and wall panel have been replaced. The two-storey signal box, accommodated the control room on the first- floor level with staff amenities and the relay room on the ground floor. The timber framed walls are clad in flat asbestos cement sheets. The first-floor roof, which is extended over the roof of the relay room together with the top roof are of flat membrane concealed behind wide moulded fascia that project over wide eaves. The control room has curved walls and aluminium curved windows at the western end. Ground floor doors and windows are timber framed. The box is situated at ground level a short distance from the western end of the station island platform and designed by NSW Government Railways. Internally the spaces are original, but the electric control console and wall panel were replaced by a computerised console system placed behind a high bench. Access to the ground floor and relay room was not available. ...Continued next issue
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Treats and Treasures for everyone Christmas tree up…tick Christmas lights untangled...tick Christmas gift ideas…um?! Don’t be stuck for a Christmas gift idea this year. Give your friends, family, loved ones, clients or staff a gift of unexpected wonder – tickets to one of The Joan’s 2018 season shows, fine music, kids programs, learning or even a random gift of kindness. Here are some ideas sure to delight even the most challenging person to buy for. Why not give a season subscription to The Joan? There are many treasures to be uncovered in 2018 – classics, familiar and well-known actors, fresh new works, the choices are varied - Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Isaiah Firebrace, Bosom Buddies with Todd McKenney & Nancy Hayes, Letters to Lindy, The Magic Pudding. The Joan is the place to go for a compelling theatre experience. With plenty to choose from in 2018, a gift voucher makes an ideal present. Come along, sit down, have a drink, watch a show and be prepared to be surprised again with something completely new and home grown from Q Theatre. Yellow Yellow Sometimes Blue promises to be a night of art, intrigue, and some spectacular canapés inspired by the history of Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest. Support young theatre makers creating fresh new work by purchasing tickets to Q Theatre’s Back-to-Back double-show experience with Everything You Ever Wanted and How I Saved the Western Black Rhino. What to get active seniors with everything? Give the gift of chart topping hits and legends with a subscription to Morning Melodies. Most concerts sold out in 2017, so book now for the best seats in the house and to avoid missing out. Morning Melodies salutes the talents of yesteryear with tributes to Elton John, Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash, Peter Allen, ONJ and Buddy Holly. Acclaimed performers Frankie J Holden and Michelle Pettigrove share heart-warming stories and songs, and the delightful Rachael Beck will take you on a journey through her showbiz career. At $20 a ticket plus a complimentary morning tea it makes an ideal present sure to bring joy! Give a subscription of 12 shows for the price of 11. Plan a few treats and holiday at home this year – give the kids an experience in 2018 with tickets to the Playground. A family pass (four tickets including at least one adult) to three shows not only saves you money but your kids (or grandkids) will have something great to look forward to and a chance to squeeze some wonder into their schedule. Relive a
classic Australian during the 100-year anniversary of The Magic Pudding – as Norman Lindsay’s iconic Australian characters come to life for a new generation of pudding fans. Then of course there is the well-known The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, The 78-Storey Treehouse, Josephine Wants to Dance and more! A gift for musical lovers? How about tickets to join Australia’s true showbiz legends Nancye Hayes and Todd McKenney in Bosom Buddies. Together on stage, these two stars shine brightly as they sing, dance and reminisce. Tapestry – the songs of Carol King featuring Debra Byrne and Vika Bull, promises to deliver Carole King’s masterpiece with the powerhouse vocals of two of Australia’s greatest female performers. Create a mini comedy package gift; it’s the best way ensure you don’t miss the funniest shows in town. From The Wharf Revue’s irreverence and the irresistibly funny Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow to the uplifting story of Daniel Tobias in The Orchid and the Crow. Empower curious minds. Music lessons with the Joan’s Penrith Conservatorium of Music, acting and theatre courses with studioQ or a January School Holiday workshop will encourage creative
discovery, fun and learning for the next generation. How about a unique Australian stage experience? Dance meets music in unexpected ways when Murmuration, a pioneering integrated performance company presents Days Like These, exploring human stories of joy, loss, frustration and change. Or take an atmospheric trip from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons to something brand new as a duo of indigenous dancers from the Thomas ES Kelly project and The Song Company trace the Earth’s annual journey in Four-Colour-Season. Always talking about date night? Try something different, be organised and surprise your loved one with an early booking for a night out. From fine music with the Australian Haydn Ensemble and Mirusia to RnB with B2M and X Factor winner, Isaiah Firebrace. Think grand – like eight grand pianos on stage at one time for a thrilling concert with some of Australia’s most brilliant musicians and Tamara-Anna Cislowska at the helm – Eight Grands is sure to impress. Choose a musical interlude for your taste and look forward to a different night out! Looking for a gift that is thought provoking and conversation starting? Filled with humour and heartbreak, Letters to Lindy is an enthralling, moving and long overdue dialogue between Lindy and the nation. Drawing on over 20,000 letters, as well as extensive interviews, award-winning playwright Alana Valentine explores the public’s relationship to one of Australia’s most iconic figures – Lindy Chamberlain. Share your love for the arts with others. Donate to The Joan’s Creativity Counts fund to help support artistic excellence in our local region and enable others to access creative and educational opportunities. Give a gift to someone who has less! Your tax-deductible gift will enrich the creative lives of local young people. Donations can be made online. It’s time to double check your Christmas list. Remember - if you’ve left anyone off, you can still book tickets online to any of the Joan’s High Street Season, Fine Music, Kids & Families and other creative treats – give the gift of unexpected wonder in 2018! Tickets available online or the box office – book now to avoid disappointment and solve all your Christmas shopping dilemmas!
17 Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
e n t e r t a i n m e n t
TASTE OF THE CBD
I
f you’re in a mild panic over starting your Christmas shopping, fear not. All your retail and foodie needs are right in the CBD! This time of year can get extremely busy and if you are not looking forward to running a gauntlet in a giant department store then a calming shopping experience is right on your doorstep. For sweet and naughty treats during the festive season, you can’t go past One Stop Cake Decorations, Bake It Up, Mrs C’s Cupcakes (who have just moved to a new location in Castlereagh St) and Liz’s Cakes for amazing baked goods. Lavishly decorated for Christmas, these places are great to pick up cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and cookies for entertaining at a moment’s notice or great to give for edible gifts. High St Depot is also making their decadent Christmas Puddings to buy as gifts or for a bit of self-indulgence. If you want to give your kitchen (and yourself) a break, then there are plenty of locations to eat, drink and be merry! Stop in to Penrith’s newest wine and cocktail bar, Mr Watkins, for gourmet hotdogs and exciting cocktails. High St Social and the Union have got you covered for decadent burgers and colourful Spanish tapas. If spice is more your thing then Cooks Castle and Siam Thai have got your tastebuds covered with an array of fiery dishes. The Village is an ideal place to hold a party, or for a wholesome breakfast head to Thor’s Café (dog’s welcome!) or Theodores Cafe to name a few. For a traditional family get together, you also cannot go past Penrith Bowling Club. When it comes to thoughtful gifts, Penrith CBD has a wide variety of places to make sure you get the perfect present for your loved ones. Duck In has something for everyone including your furry friends. Find sporting goods and something for the active friends and family in your life in Sports Power. If one of a kind and unique pieces with a vintage feel is your thing then check out The Very Bazaar. For designer and quality fashion garments, head to Lola’s Boutique. Get the family involved with board games and puzzles from Mega Games. There won’t be a dull moment at your home! For the bookworm in your life, or for a quiet moment during
the silly season, Elizabeth Arcade Book Shop has a vast range of books to relax and get lost in a story. Remember to take care of yourself while you’re running around preparing for the festivities or to spoil the special person in your life by pampering them at Cameo Skin Fitness or send some fragrant blooms from Your Floral Indulgence. Whatever your needs this Christmas – the Penrith CBD covers it all. The local businesses are also getting on board with a SALE DAY on the 21st December that allows them to promote their sales/ items on trestle tables. There will be roaming entertainment to add to the shopping fun! With the economy boosted over this time of year, to lend support to the local community and businesses in our town raises the Christmas spirit even higher. **Since our CBD has so many amazing places to mention that are longer than Santa’s list, we encourage you to download our Penrith CBD APP to get a full directory of the places to SHOP and DINE Local this Christmas! One Stop Cake Decorations - NK Centre, 12/450 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4722 9580 Bake It Up – bakeituppenrith@gmail.com Mrs C’s Cupcakes - 2/6 Castlereagh St, Penrith NSW 2750 0434 111 769 High St Depot - 488/490 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4704 8244 Mr Watkins - 467 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 0431 252 442 High St Social - 562 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4789 0187 The Union - 542 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4721 4501 Cooks Castle - 2/560 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4722 3995 Siam Thai - Shp1/ 558 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 02) 4721 1350 Duck In - 437 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4760 0811 Sports Power - 541 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4721 5909 The Very Bazaar - 461 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 0478 029 779 Mega Games - 478 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4722 9975 Elizabeth Arcade Book Shop - Elizabeth Arcade, 4-6/461 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 0401 693 532 Cameo Skin Fitness - 1/566 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4731 5449 Your Floral Indulgence - 9/566 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4731 4475 The Village - 74 Henry St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4721 1155 Penrith Bowling Club Woodriff St & Derby Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4721 2515 Theo’s Café - 472 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4721 1152 Lola’s Boutique - Shop 13, Skiptons Arcade 541 High Street, Penrith 4721 4777
19 Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
localnews
20 Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
e n t e r t a i n m e n t WORD SEARCH Local stage production
Santa Claus BLITZEN CHIMNEY COMET CUPID DANCER DASHER DONNER HO HO HO MRS CLAUS NORTH POLE
PRANCER PRESENTS RED SUIT REINDEER RUDOLPH SLEIGH SNOW TOYS VIXEN
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do. She gave them some broth without any bread; And whipped them all soundly and put them to bed. The little old woman’s shoe and orphans are in great chaos, how will the old woman find the rent to pay to stay in the shoe? Suitable for all ages, don’t miss the opportunity to see this fabulous local production! Almost all the
cast and crew are Penrith locals. Dates: 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th January. Ticket price is $25 Adults and $20 Concession plus family of four $50 (you will need to call the reserve number for family deal). To book tickets go to www.trybooking. com/267489 To reserve show only phone (02) 47355422. The Old Woman who lives in the Shoe will be performed at John Lees Centre: 15 Evan Street, Penrith.
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Measured amount of drugs (6) 4 Just north of Texas (8) 10 Capitulate (9) 11 The sum (5) 12 Gemstones (5) 13 Great in range or scope (9) 14 Tomes (7) 16 Cashews, for example (4) 19 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (4) 21 Mournful (7) 24 Complainant (9) 25 Native of New Zealand (5) 26 Horned animal (5) 27 Honors (9) 28 Ran off (8) 29 Sunglasses (slang) (6)
DOWN 1 Disintegrate (8) 2 Functional (8) 3 Suppose or surmise (5) 5 Type of protein that forms hooves (7) 6 Before birth (9) 7 Exceeded (6) 8 Partners (6) 9 Bovine mammary glands (6) 15 Mislead (9) 17 Had the financial means necessary (8) 18 Marks of omission (of words) (8) 20 Stir up (7) 21 Disfigure (6) 22 Refrained from harming (6) 23 Madman (6) 25 A protective covering of vegetable matter (5)
solution 7/12/17
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Wednesday 14th February
3 Course Meal plus Entertainment ~ $50 per head Tic k e t s o n S a le in Ja nu a r y
Tasting plate consisting of: Tiger Prawns w/ Cocktail Sauce Duck Spring Rolls w/ Hoisin Sauce Freshly Shucked Oysters w/ Sweet & Spicy Salsa Main Choice of: • Roasted Chicken Supreme, Mediterranean Vegetable Stack, Rocket Salad & a Pesto Dressing • Crispy Skin Barramundi, Smashed Pea Risotto, Prosciutto & Lemon • Dukkah Crusted Lamb Rack, Sweet Potato Puree, Green Beans, Muscat Jus Dessert: Selection of Petite Fours with Fresh Strawberries, Cream & Chocolate Fudge
Every night of the School Holidays
Management, Staff & Board of Directors would like to wish you al a very safe & Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year CLOSED Christmas Day n 1st No Bingo December 26th & Ja No Poker January 1st No Trivia December 27th
18 December to 28 January
FROM 5PM ONE FREE KIDS MEAL PER ADULT MEAL PURCHASE
Member, $25 Non Member NO SUMMER$20 RAFFLE CHRISTMAS EVE BACK ON AGAIN NEW YEARS EVE DRAWN 6.30PM
New YEar’s eve
LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm - LUNCH SPECIALS $10
THE IRISH ROGUES
7.30pm ~ FREE ADMISSION
Shamrock Grill SPECIALS MONDAY Schnitzel Night $12.50 TUESDAY Steak & Ale Night $15 WEDNESDAY Coffee & Cake $8.50 THURSDAY Kids Eat FREE (conditions apply) SUNDAY - Sunday Roast $17.50 Members $18.50 Non Members
FREE ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 22 DEC - 8PM REMIXES
Saturday 23 DEC - 7.30PM SHAYLEE WILDE
FRIDAY 29 DEC - 8PM SIDESHOW ANNIE
Saturday 30 DEC - 7PM US TOO
e n t e r t a i n m e n t
22 Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
Holiday at home this summer Summer is officially here and this year The Joan invites you to take a holiday at home. To make this holiday season the best it can be, The Joan offers a full calendar of music, workshops, shows and activities, right here on your doorstep. Headlining the 2018 season is power vocalist, X Factor winner and Eurovision sensation Isaiah Firebrace in concert. Isaiah will perform his own work Its Gotta Be You, Don’t Come Easy and Streets of Gold plus tracks from the Best of X Factor album and a bunch of charting songs with his five-piece band. Not only will your teens love Isaiah you will enjoy his soulful music and natural talent! Sunday 21 January 7:30pm Standard$65 | Concession$60 Celebrate a gifted artist, Carole King, with two of Australia’s formidable vocalists - Vika Bull, of Black Sorrows fame, and Debra Byrne, Australia’s Queen of Pop as they come together for Tapestry – The songs of Carole King. Reminisce and sing along with You’ve got a Friend, I feel the Earth Move, and more as they come to life in an intimate setting where every seat is a good seat! Friday 9 February 7:30pm Standard $79 |Concession $75 How about summer holiday festival of music and film – just for kids (and their
January Scho o l Holidays
at The Joan
adults)? Mini FEST is the perfect way to break up long summer days and get everyone out of the house! The day starts with the magical melodies of singersongwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots – Australia’s number one international film festival for kids. All that entertainment will build appetites, so we’ll be feeding hungry tummies – as part of the ticket price – before heading back to the Music Lounge for a special treat – Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime! Suitable for ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 (includes lunch) Take a Wednesday morning and accompany your favourite active senior to a great concert. Embark on a Celtic journey from Dublin to Dundee with tenor John MacNally, Eileen McCann and piano accordion playing highlander John MacDonald. Featuring greats like Danny Boy, Mountains of Mourne, How Great Thou Art, I’ll Tell Me Ma, Dublin’s Fair City (Cockles & Mussels), Runaway and Galway Girl. Wednesday 24 January 11:00am Morning Melodies Tickets $20 (includes a delicious morning tea served from 10am)
ISAIAH FIREBRACE ONE SHOW ONLY! 21 Jan 7.30pm
The Joan’s 2018 Season gets off to an electrifying start when Isaiah Firebrace lights up the stage, opening the season on Sunday 21 January. Firebrace’s blazing success story from small-town NSW to Eurovision — picking up a coveted X Factor win along the way — has captured the hearts of many. When he launches into Don’t Come Easy you’ll be glad you bought the hottest ticket in town. Standard $65 Concession $60 OR SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!
HOLIDAY DANCE WORKSHOPS
SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & THE JOAN
8 to 11 years | 15 and 16 January 9.30am–4pm each day
Nay Nay
12 to 16 years | 17 and 18 January
A fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers. Workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience. Covering a variety of different dance styles (Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop and Street) for boys and girls 8–16 years, Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops offer an exciting and supportive environment to dance. Fee: $170 per 2-day workshop
HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS
8 to 12 years | 23, 24, 25 January, 9am–4pm each day Angie Who
miniFEST! A summer holiday festival of music and film — just for kids (and their adults)!
A great opportunity for young artists to enjoy new aspects in theatre-making and share the experiences with new friends over their summer holidays. Workshops include costume design and storytelling and participants can join for a single day to experience one set of skills, or for the full three days of the program. Fees: $60 per day, $162 for 3-day package
13 to 17 years | 22, 23, 24 January, 10am–3pm each day Growing young performing artists can dive into specialised workshops covering Voice (including accents, Shakespeare’s voice, and sound exploration) and Movement (covering stage combat and physical theatre workshops). Participants can join a single workshop for a half- or full day, or for a multi-day package to enjoy a range of theatre skills on offer. Fees vary, check website.
Ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm This is the perfect way to break up those long summer days and get everyone out of the house for some holiday fun! The day starts in the mini-Music lounge with the magical melodies of singer-songwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots — Australia’s number one international film festival for kids. All that entertainment will build your appetite, so after the screening we’ll be feeding hungry tummies — as part of the ticket price — before we head back to the Music Lounge for a special treat — Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime! Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 Ticket price includes lunch
PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 22 – 25 January
Focus Exhibition: Landing Points Have fun exploring the role of storytelling in contemporary art. Workshops include Comic Book Adventures, Collage Creations, Mask Making, Stamped Clay Tiles, Reverse Pastels, Landscape Drawing, Woven Watercolours. Check website for details: penrithregionalgallery.org Victoria Garcia UNITY, 2017 Pigmented ink printed on cotton linen, mixed media installation. Courtesy of the artist.
Visit www.thejoan.com.au for more info and bookings or call 4723 7600
24
finance and real estate matters
Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
HOW YOUR HOLIDAY SPENDING AFFECTS THE ECONOMY With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker
Last month I wrote about Australians ever increasing levels of personal debt which are now almost twice as much as each households’ yearly income. A lot of us are now wanting to have that well-earned rest and big annual holiday. In summer I like to rent a nice house for a week along the coast that my family and some friends can stay at so we can all recharge our batteries. By having a holiday in Australia, you are helping the local economy and the economy of the owner of course. The money you spend on accommodation, food and leisure stays in the country and helps to keep the economy healthy. The money you spend can then be spent again in the local economy and so on and so on. This is called the velocity of money. The more times
the money is spent, the more GST is paid which helps the national budget. This helps the national government decrease its debt and can increase payments made to the states and territories. So this is like a win/win/win situation for us all! However, many holidays in our beautiful country are costly. Accommodation costs are usually very high compared to some other counties. I have been looking at renting a costal house again this year and can’t believe the asking prices for everything that appeals to me. The owners are asking $5,000 to $8,000 plus for a weeks’ accommodation! You can’t blame the owners as they are just trying to maximise the rent on their investment. The cost of every good and service is always determined by supply and demand. If enough people are happy to pay these high costs, then that is good for the owner.
SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE
If owners get too greedy, then their house will remain vacant. If that trend continues, more people will chose in advance to travel to cheaper locations within Australia or overseas. A lot of Aussies prefer to travel overseas for their big holiday. Apart from the obvious reasons to see other parts of the world that are different to our country, a lot of us go to cheaper locations like Thailand, Fiji, Vanuatu and Bali (as I did in September) etc. In these cheaper locations, you can get more value for your buck so to speak. Your money is then helping these poorer local economies as local people are employed and goods and services are used. However if the accommodation is owned by a nonlocal person or company, then the benefits of your spending is more spread around. As an experienced mortgage broker, my advice is to always spend within your budget. Don’t rely on borrowed
funds for a big holiday as this is what is commonly called “very bad debt’. It is worst type of debt as there is no asset that can be sold at a later date to repay the debt if you find yourself in trouble. You should always have a buffer of funds ready for any harder times that may come around the corner and be readily available for any “rainy days” ahead. Christmas is almost upon us. If you don’t have savings to use to pay for your gifts, then don’t do what 55 percent of Aussies do and put extra debt on the credit card and try to pay it off later. Be wise and reduce your spending to match your income and don’t go over what your budget can afford. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.
Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker
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26
sport
Nepean News 21 December 2017 Issue 216
BEHIND THE STUMPS
with Stew Moses @TheRiffMarn
Agony as Penrith fall at the final hurdle of T20 Cup Penrith has failed in its attempt to win its maiden Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup, going down by 36 runs to Sydney Cricket Club at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday night. As current holders of the limited overs title won less than ten months ago, Penrith went into the T20 Cup final as slight favourites on the back of being the only undefeated side throughout the campaign. But instead a poor performance when it mattered most with the bat, allowed Sydney to claim their second T20 title in the competition’s ten-year history. Having had the Tigers in trouble at 3/35 after six overs, some sloppy fielding, missed chances and loose bowling from Penrith, allowed Sydney to set the Black Cats 159 runs to win. For Penrith, bowling surprise packet Brent Williams (2/19) was the pick of the bowlers, supported by Michael Castle (2-27) and Luke Hodges (2-29). But despite fielding a star-studded bating line-up including the likes of England T20 international Sam Billings and BBL players Jordan Silk and Ryan Gibson, Penrith saved their worst effort of the campaign with the bat until last. Penrith’s run chase never got going after losing Castle for a first-ball duck, John Di Bartolo (10) and Jordan Silk (5) to be 3/16 after two overs. Billings (18) was dismissed with the score at 4/48 and the game was effectively over when top-scorer Ryan Gibson (30) was the sixth wicket to fall with the score on 77. Ryan Smith (24 not out) enabled Penrith to be finally dismissed for a disappointing 122. Coach Michael Wholohan said it was a disappointing way to end what was otherwise a very successful campaign that netted the club $4,000 prize money for making the final. “Until tonight we were undefeated but we met our match in Sydney, who were way too good for us,” Wholohan lamented. “They executed a lot better than us in all three facets of the game. “But in saying that I think we were a little bit inconsistent with the ball tonight, not bowling particularly good lines. “Also our fielding which has been top-shelf in all formats of the game, was tonight a little bit sloppy and that cost us probably at least 15-20 runs.” Penrith set up their maiden T20 Cup Final appearance after easily accounting for Hawkesbury by seven wickets earlier in the day. Hawkesbury looked set to post a strong total having reached 0/69 at the halfway mark, before suffering a batting collapse of epic proportions, to be all out for just 96.
Melbourne’s 4/132 with nine wickets in hand. Rachael Haynes (78 not out from 51 balls) continued her sublime start to the WBBL campaign, smashing her way to her third 50 in four starts. Much of the talk after the game was just how tough the playing conditions were for both sides given the 1pm start and the 40 degree temps endured by both sides. Experienced South African international cricketer, Mignon du Preez (58 from 49 balls), says she had never played in such conditions before. “It was extremely hot. I’ve played in India, I’ve played across the world but this is one of the hottest days if not the hottest days if not the hottest I have ever played on,” the former SA Captain declared. “It’s fortunate that the professionalism of our Jordan Silk added plenty of class in the outfield for Penrith. game allows us to improve our conditioning Credit: Ian Bird and fitness which plays a vital role in getting Smith was the chief destroyer taking 4/18, with through days like this.” Even the Thunder’s player of the match, Rachael Hodges chiming in with 3/20. Castle smashed 46 off just 25 balls, not only Haynes agreed the conditions were quite difficult. “To be honest they were really tough conditions to ensured a smooth passage to the T20 Cup final but continued the skipper’s fine form with the bat since play in. There was no breeze when we were out there batting it was really hard,” Haynes conceded. elevating himself to opener. “I just had to work hard with my batting partner to Penrith’s first appearance at the SCG since 1975/76 make sure we were concentrating on each ball.” came off the back of a strong 22 run win over Parramatta Penrith have had mixed results in their two at Old Kings Oval the previous Sunday. Jordan Silk, fresh off one of the biggest weeks of one-day games played across the last fortnight as his first class career to date, having scored a hundred they now head into the Christmas break before against his home state and a maiden first class wicket competition somewhat controversially resumes during the fifth test at the SCG. to boot, top scored for Penrith with 62 from 45 balls. First grade finally opened their account in the Silk added that he loves every opportunity he gets to Belvedere Cup with a strong 5 wicket win over play with the club that kick-started his career. “You don’t get many weeks in cricket where you Mosman before going down by 19 runs last Saturday away to Sutherland. have this sort of success.” Silk told Nepean News. The highlight of the past fortnight was John “I’m wrapped with what happened with Tasmania last week but I’m also extremely happy with how I was Di Bartolo’s century, which was achieved in the most unusual of circumstances, the likes of which able to contribute for Penrith with the bat. “It’s always a great buzz to come back and play for the Penrith opener could not recall happening to the club that has given me a lot over the early part of anyone else at this level. “To get out to a rubbish shot knowing I was on 99, my career. I owe this club so much.” I was kicking myself,” Di Bartolo replied. “I only was just starting to get over it when the Last Saturday was a special day for Penrith cricket, as the Sydney Thunder for the third scorer came into the sheds after the game and told consecutive WBBL season in a row, played at Howell me “Sorry but you got your hundred”. “It’s a bit surreal now but to celebrate that Oval against the struggling Melbourne Stars. The Thunder, after winning the toss and electing milestone in that manner is something I don’t to bowl first, disappointed local fans when Penrith’s think ever in the history of grade cricket has ever happened before. Lisa Griffith was left out of the starting eleven. “In some respects I still feel like I got 99 but I’ll It was also a quiet day at the office for Penrith’s other representative, Naomi Stalenberg, given that take it.” #LTC the Thunder made light work of chasing down
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How cricket saved Penrith’s new Earl of Twirl By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
It’s been a meteoric rise for 23-year old left arm spinner, Luke Hodges. Having made his first grade debut just a little over twelve months ago, the Cranebrook junior has made every post a winner thus far in 201718, having already taken 30 wickets in all formats of the game. In fact Hodges, who played just four second grade games before being handed his first grade debut at the start of the 2016/17 season, is on track to record his best ever season in any grade since first coming to the club as a 16 year old back in 2012-13. But this story could have easily had a much different ending. By his own admission, Hodges had a tumultuous upbringing that could have easily resulted with the talented cricketer ending up in jail. But with thanks to his mum and lower grades skipper Chris Withers, the now father-of-one managed to find a different path, for which he is very grateful. “(Growing up as a teenager) it definitely wasn’t easy. I grew up out in Cranebrook basically raised by just my mum since I was seven.” Hodges told Nepean News. “It was pretty tough, having to help raise my little sister. “Then during high school, in Year 10 and 11 I almost did (fall off the rails) hanging out with the wrong crowd and stuff. “It got pretty bad and there was a time where I was
Penrith’s Luke Hodges is having a season to remember. Credit: 77 Media.
going to give cricket away but I decided to stay on. “By sticking with cricket and taking it more seriously I have no doubt it kept me from going down a different path. “My mum and then my fifth grade captain Chris Withers helped me with that decision. “It wasn’t long after Chris came to the club and was made captain of fifths, he quickly took me under his wing. “Ever since then Chris and his dad has been pushing me on, helping me get to where I am today. I’m glad they did.” Penrith left arm spinner and Bill O’Reilly medallist, Pat Jackson, says Hodges, affectionately nicknamed “Bart” is a vastly underrated spinner and added that a spot in a BBL franchise’s academy roster isn’t out of the question should his performances in the top grade continue. “I think Luke is underrated by everyone, I don’t think people expected him to be able to handle the pressure of playing first grade,” Jackson said. “But I always thought that he has the fight and
little bit of mongrel about him that he just wants to succeed. “Luke is more of a consistency bowler than a big turner or drifter which is suited to the shorter forms and if he keeps this going for a year or two, could even be a chance to be a BBL academy player.” Hodges’ outstanding T20 Cup campaign where he was second (13 wickets) only to team mate Michael Castle (14 wickets) as the competition’s leading wicket taker, has seen the spinner placed fourth overall for most wickets taken in all forms of the game in 2017/18. But the green-keeper by trade is just happy for now knowing he has nailed a first grade spot, given he was in and out of the squad in 2016/17 and says he would be satisfied if he could secure his maiden five-wicket haul in first grade and score some runs this season. “It’s been a big step up for me but it is pleasing to have secured that spot this season,” Hodges declared. “Last year was my first year in the top grade. “I didn’t even start the next season in twos, I was straight into first grade and have found myself playing at this level pretty much ever since. “Knowing my spot in the team is now safe, I can concentrate on working hard at training and bowling well on the weekends and getting the rewards. “As for my goals, I just want to continue taking more wickets in general, especially take a maiden five-for and score 200 plus runs. “Apart from that, we’ll see what happens in the off season, prepare well for the next and see where it goes from there.”
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Will 2018 be captaincy candidate Peter Wallace’s last season? By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
Panthers hooker Peter Wallace has declared his interest in taking over from the recently departed Matt Moylan as Penrith captain again, despite being unclear as to whether he will play on after 2018. Moylan’s departure has opened the door for several candidates to take over as captain of Penrith’s NRL team, including Trent Merrin, Isaah Yeo and even Reagan Campbell-Gillard. But while a compelling case can be made for each candidate, Peter Wallace is the man most likely to regain the job after Panthers coach Anthony Griffin revealed in a recent Daily Telegraph interview that his 2017 stand-inskipper is the likely choice. Such a decision would represent yet another 360 degree turn of sorts given the way Wallace’s career was ended at Brisbane by Griffin only to flourish at Penrith under the same coach, despite losing the captaincy in 2016 to Moylan. It’s a point not lost on the 32-year old hooker, who would clearly accept the captaincy role on a full-time basis, if asked by the club. “It’s funny how life works and you never know what is around the corner in this game but we’ll see what happens there,” Wallace told the Nepean News at last Saturday’s hugely successful Panthers’ Members Christmas party.
Wallace says he would love to skipper the team once again in 2018. Credit: 77 Media.
“If I get asked to do the job, it would be a huge honour and it’s something I would love to do so. “But there haven’t been any discussions as yet and the decision looks like it will be made some time in the new-year.” Just how long Wallace would be in the role should he be re-appointed as skipper looks unclear, given he and Josh Mansour are Penrith’s key players coming off contract at the end of the 2018 season. With the Panthers already operating under a tight salary cap, recent upgraded deals for Tyrone May and Dylan Edwards for 2019 and beyond, means there could be little or no room left in the 2019 cap to accommodate
both players unless other contracted players are released early. Wallace concedes that 2018 could be his last, but will wait and see how the first few months of the season progresses before making a call on his future. “I’m pretty open-minded. I haven’t spoken to the club about my future at all but I’m in no real rush to make a decision,” Wallace replied. “I’m just getting through pre-season at the moment and then focusing on the start of next year. “I just want to let things unfold, see how I start the year off next year and make a decision from there, which will be best made for myself and the club.”
Coach’s Corner
While Wallace’s exact future post 2018 remains unclear, it appears likely that should Wallace play on it will only be with Penrith. In fact Wallace is hopeful that Penrith will be able to employ him in some coaching capacity if and when that time to retire comes. “I have thought more about what post footy looks like over the past couple of years,” Wallace admitted. “I would like to get into the coaching side of things, it’s something I think I would enjoy. “I’m still passionate about rugby league and love the game so it (coaching) would be a chance for me to give back. “Hopefully whenever that time comes (to retire) there might be a job here somewhere.” While time is running out for one of the game’s longest servants yet to have played in a grand final, Wallace says the addition of James Maloney might just the key ingredient Penrith needs to realise their potential and challenge in for the 2018 premiership title as well as provide Nathan Cleary with much needed stability in the halves. “I think I think he might be that missing piece we do need,” Wallace declared. “His experience is exactly what we need and he’ll definitely help us with another kicking game option. “Obviously he will be a massive help for Nathan and his development as well.”
Brock Shepperd
Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com
Adapting Your Coaching Method To Enhance Athletic Intelligence When looking specifically at sport coaching the traditional approach is to teach the player the rules of the game, skills, plays and techniques. In this approach there are problems and more often than not only one way to solve them. The problem solving approach would encourage players to participate in open games in a variety of different environments. During these games the players learn how to solve different problems in different ways through various scenarios in an open environment. The players learn how to solve problems through creativity using their intuition. Great athletes who consistently make great plays a lot of the time cannot explain why they made a certain decision or movement. The notion that it felt right or came naturally is often the feedback from the athlete to explain the result of the play. When Johnathon Thurston or Cooper Cronk throws a pin point pass for a try commentators will often use lines like ‘He is a freak’ or ‘Has eyes in the back of his head’. There is a logical reason for the level of play you have just witnessed, the player has analysed the situation and anticipated the movement of his team mates and made a split second decision based on the defensive
pattern the opposition has demonstrated. The ability to execute this skill at such an elite level comes down to athletic intelligence not physical brilliance. The athlete has been tutored and trained through thousands of similar situations in game and training scenarios. Through these experiences the player has become finely tuned in terms of the precision and accuracy of their decision making ability under pressure and more often than not makes the correct decision which results in positive plays for their team. Academically moving a pen to write the answer to a difficult problem is the physical representation of intelligence. However we all know the movement of the pen does not separate the greatest academics from the uneducated. What separates these individuals is the level of intelligence and ability to problem solve. When Cameron Smith throws a pass for Billy Slater to break the line and score, the genius is not the pass but to solve the problem the defence has posed while under stress during a game. Our perceptions of elite athletes need to change. We should embrace the learning and skill development that occurs through playing sports and encourage
children to engage in outdoor activity to complement their academic pursuits. The physical feats are our visual perception of a genius intellect solving thousands of problems throughout a Rugby League game under fatigue and pressure. These problems enhance the athlete’s cognitive perceptual skills. When coaches allow athletes to make decisions freely rather than following structured plays or game plans it builds the athletes ability to be flexible and become creative. This intelligence as highlighted in the studies transfers off the field. The challenge as coaches is to recreate difficult game scenarios within the training environment to best replicate the on field problems the players have to solve when on the field of play. The more the athletes can do this within a training environment the more intelligent and able to solve problems they become through repetition and quality practice. Coaches often want their training sessions to ‘look’ organised and structured to onlookers and those in positions of influence above them… But the priority should be to create a training environment which best enhances the player and team performance on the field.
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GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses
@TheRiffMarn
“Nathan, I’m not going to go chasing you for a contract”: Gould Speaking on Sky Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast last Friday morning, Panthers general manager Phil Gould has declared that the club won’t be reinitiating talks with in-demand halfback Nathan Cleary any time soon, after initial talks earlier this year failed to result in a new deal with the Panthers. But while Cleary’s development as such could see the halfback eclipse the reported $1.1-$1.2 million dollar deal that the Gold Coast Titans’ equally boom halfback Ashley Taylor recently agreed to, Gould is not panicking given the number 7 is unable to formally speak to other clubs until after Nov 1, 2018. “Everyone’s asking that question. Nathan’s here for another two years anyway,” Gould said. “At this stage of his career I just want Nathan enjoying his football and learning as much as he can. “He’s still got a long way to go, I know everyone sees the potential in him and he’s been a tremendous performer at such a young age in the top grade. “But he knows himself he’s got a lot of development work to do. “The best halfbacks, your Cooper Cronks, your Johnathan Thurstons were 27, 28, 29 when they were dominating their teams and results. “Nathan’s only just turned 20. He could have played under-20s this year so it’s been a remarkable performance. “So I virtually said to Nathan, look I’m not going to come chasing you for a contract. “When you want to talk about it you come and see me and I’m quite comfortable with that position.” Gould also confirmed on the same interview that Penrith are set to have all players with the exception of Tyrone May (knee – April) report for full training duties when pre-season preparations resume on January 8, including Corey HarawiraNaera (shoulder), Waqa Blake (shoulder), Dylan Edwards (groin) and Sione Katoa (knee). Meanwhile May will have plenty to keep him busy during his recovery period from injury after being appointed Panthers on the Prowl Ambassador for 2018. May is no stranger to the highly-regarded community development program that focuses on improving the wellbeing of young people, having previously served as a teachers’ assistant in the Prowl classroom back in 2015. The newly-created role will see May not only promote the activities of the Prowl within
in a 1pm Saturday live slot on the Nine Network, in addition to up to two games live each week on the FOX LEAGUE channel. Another feature of the competition will be a number of double-headers with the new-look Jersey Flegg Cup (Under-20 competition) or other NSWRL competitions, rather than stand-alone games. From a Panthers perspective, Round 1 will see Penrith begin their title defence at home against Wentworthville, while a grand final re-match with Wyong will take place in Round 13. Gould is comfortable with the current stance taken with in-demand half Nathan Cleary. Credit: 77 Media.
the playing group but also to the wider community. Penrith’s Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and in somewhat of a pleasant surprise Moses Leota, are among 38 players from 13 NRL clubs, selected by NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler to assemble at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, 13 January for an Emerging Blues squad session with NSW True Blue Origin legends ahead of the 2018 season. A recent article in the Daily Telegraph from former Panther Luke Lewis, certainly pricked the ears of a few team mates, after Lewis claimed that new team mate Matt Moylan will appreciate the new surrounds and lifestyle he may not have necessarily have enjoyed at Penrith. Peter Wallace refuted Lewis’ claims that living in Penrith is no match for Cronulla has to offer. “I love it out here, it’s home for me and I still live in the area where I grew up,” Wallace replied. “I don’t like to venture much past the M7 so I’d hate to live in Cronulla to be honest.” In player movement news, former Panther centre Lachlan Stein, who impressed all and sundry with his efforts for Scotland at the Rugby League World Cup, has had a deal with an unnamed UK Super League club fall over at the last minute and at this stage is set to sign for a rival ISP club. The NSWRL’s has announced that the Intrust Super Premiership NSW, will be broadcast live on Channel Nine in 2018 for the first time, in addition to increased coverage from FOX SPORTS. All 24 rounds of the regular season will feature
OFFER ENDS 31 JANUARY 2018
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A new era in Women’s Rugby League begins next year after the NRL announced a NRL Women’s Premiership will commence in 2018 that will feature up to six teams aligned with NRL Clubs. The Premiership is scheduled to be played as ‘double-headers’ in the lead up to and during NRL Finals matches, to ensure the women’s teams are given the chance to play on the biggest stage. It is expected that the competition will expand beyond the initial number of six set down for 2018 as more women signed up to play Rugby League and develop the skills required to take part in an elite competition. An announcement on NRL Clubs aligned with the 2018 Women’s Premiership teams will be made in the new-year, with Penrith among most NRL clubs to have signalled their intent to want to participate in the inaugural competition. Panthers website shows that 10,879 members are now on board for 2018, which represents an increase of 25 percent versus the same period last year. With memberships already up by over 2,000, the Panthers will be confident of exceeding their 2017 total of just on 20,000 members are well. In other membership / ticketing news, tickets to Panthers home games for the 2018 season have gone on sale to the general public. Finally 2018 Trial games have been locked in with Penrith to take on the Sydney Roosters on February 17 at Panthers Stadium, in what could be new buy Cooper Cronk’s first appearance since joining the Tri-Colours. Then a week later, Penrith will travel to Belmore Oval to tackle the Bulldogs. #PantherPride
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Sports Scenes
(With Thanks to 77 Media)
Not only is December the festive month but for Penrith Cricket Club it has been a month to remember with different levels of T20 Cricket on show. The Cameras of 77 Media (plus a cameo from Ian Bird) were hand on to capture all the action.
Look who returned “home” to prepare for the upcoming BBL season?
As old school friends Jess Fox and Michael Collins catch up between games
Guns (like local Naomi Stalenberg) normally get the runs.......
Except when you are batting below Australian skipper Rachael Haynes who is in the WBBL form of her life
Despite the 40 degree temps a good crowd was on hand to cherr on another Thunder win.
All in all most Penrith cricket fans had the time of their life this month.
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MG on the mark with MARK GEYER
What a year it was FOR TEAM GEYER!!
The holidays are here!
As we close in on the best and most important time of the year, of course that being the Christmas festivities, it’s important to look back on the year you’ve just completed. Personally, I’ve had a year to remember for more reasons than one. It started way back in January when my youngest son Mavrik turned 16, in turn becoming an L plate driver. Yakes! He will soon be a P plate driver. In April my middle daughter Kennedi turned 18 in turn becoming an ‘official’ adult. Our first beer together at the pub once it was legal was memorable. In May my youngest daughter Raff reached double figures turning 10, two days before that my oldest daughter Montanna turned 21. Big night. In June my parents Maxine and Kevin celebrated a magnificent milestone, their 50th wedding anniversary!! Amazing effort considering today’s climate of broken marriages. We sent them on a much deserved cruise to celebrate their fete. In October my dad turned 70, then this month I turned 50! (7th). Now THATS a year of personal achievements
Merry Christmas from me and my family and friends to you all
in the Geyer Family. It also has its fair share of sadness with a few friends and acquaintances passing away and leaving us. Christmas in my opinion is a time of reflection. Also a time to ponder. Most importantly it’s a time to cherish and share with those that are closest to you, your family and friends. In wishing every single reader of my column a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, can I also take this time to wish the charities I align myself with all the best also. The Great Walk Foundation, Epilepsy Australia, Blue Datto, The Cancer Council, and Save our Sons. All charities that are changing lives profoundly in more ways than one. It’s been an amazingly quick 2017, I can’t wait to chat to you all again in 2018- the year of the Panther!! See you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
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