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Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710
chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au APRIL 2018
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ISSUE 31
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robin cook
L A B O R F O R E A S T WA R D
P E N R I T H C I T Y B Y- E L E C T I O N
MAY 12
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY Raising her family locally, Robin understands what our community needs. For over 20 years, Robin has worked in our local health system, working as a nurse at Nepean Hospital and the Tindale Medical Centre in Penrith. Robin has dedicated her life to caring for our community - she will do the same on Council.
FIGHTING FOR US As a mother, Robin understands the challenges facing working families. That is why Robin opposes the Liberal Government’s plans to build a toxic incinerator at Eastern Creek and to reintroduce the M4 toll. You can count on Robin to always stand up and fight for our community. Email: robin.cook@nswlabor.org.au Authorised by Greg Davies 203 Banks Drive St Clair
Major parties announce candidates
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By Keegan Thomson
R
obin Cook has been nominated by Labor and Hill has been nominated by the Liberals for the upcoming council by-election. Ms Cook was formerly a nurse at Nepean Hospital and says she’s running for the ward because Penrith has a big future ahead and she wants to help plan for it. “We have to bring the community together as the area changes. It is a big future with the Western Sydney Airport and the infrastructure that comes along with it, that is going to be a big challenge,” Ms Cook said. Ms Hill lives in Londonderry and has represented her country as a member of the Royal Australian Navy. Together with her husband Ian, she has maintained a local business while raising two young children. “I’m honoured to have been preselected as the Liberal candidate for east ward and if successful I promise to repay the local community by being a tireless advocate,” Belinda Hill said. “As a wife, mother and businesswoman I see
Robin Cook
Belinda Hill
firsthand the challenges local people are facing daily,” Belinda added. The by-election is due to former-Councillor for east ward Ben Price resigning from Council. It is compulsory to vote in the by-election. The two ladies will be the only candidates.
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Greg DAVIES East Ward Councillor
From the Editor’s Desk
by Kerrie Davies
THIS month it’s time to salute our Anzac heroes who fought for our freedom, those who have fought in all other theatres of war and those who even today, are risking their lives for it. It’s hard to imagine a greater sacrifice than to put your life on the line for your country. It’s hard to imagine being the parent, spouse, sibling or child of someone who has made that sacrifice and lost their life in the process, or been wounded or left with emotional scars from battle. Forego your sleep-in this Anzac Day and attend the Dawn Service at either Penrith or St Marys and let’s show our defence forces past and present that we can make a small sacrifice in order to show our appreciation for their enormous one. I’ll be spending Anzac Day in the traditional way Dawn Service, free brekkie at the RSL followed by a few beers and some two-up. It doesn’t get much more dink-di than that, in fact I believe Anzac Day represents the most trueblue Aussie day on the calendar. But between the beers and bets I’ll make sure I get a chance to seek out those proudly displaying their medals - for a chat, a pat on the back and buy them a beer if they feel inclined. There’s no greater country in the world than Australia - and no better lifestyle than the Australian way - and our armed forces past and present are the greatest example of the Aussie mateship, courage and self-sacrifice that has made this country the envy of the world. Lets celebrate our unique Aussie culture, maintain pride in our country and salute those responsible for it all this Anzac Day. Lest We Forget.
Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor
Phone 0419 177 259
Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Council
Skate event helps young people
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By Keegan Thomson
Community Junction in St Clair is hosting their fourth annual Skate Clair event over the April school holidays. The super popular event will be held at St Clair Skate Park on April 18 from 12 pm and finishing up around 3. It is a free event for young people aged between 12 and 14 years old with a focus on exercise and skilful skating. The event showcases local talent by young people, who have the opportunity to perform on stage. It also has a bike, skate, scooter and street competition, which gives young people the opportunity to register on the day to be part of the competition. There are prizes to be won and is overall a fantastic day. There is free food, provided by Hogs Breath St Marys, many local youth services there including Headspace, Breakthru, Family Planning and Penrith PCYC who will be bringing their police bikes on the day too.
Penrith Youth Week celebrations focus on fun By Keegan Thomson
WITH Youth Week being celebrated from April 13 to 22 across NSW, Penrith Council wants to make the region the go to place for young people. The Council has just launched an interactive list on their website for young people and their families to find out what is happening in Penrith on Youth Week. Some of the highlights from Penrith Council’s interactive list of events include a range of indoor and outdoor activities. For young adventurers and Sherlock Holmes in the making there is the Escape Room 51. Follow the
clues, crack puzzles, solve problems and complete physical challenges to make it out of this one of a kind maze. It’s an adventure game for anyone aged 16+ (or 10+ if accompanied by an adult) where 2 to 6 players are locked in a room and need to work together to solve a series of puzzles in under 60 minutes. Penrith’s newest attraction Throw Axe is also sure to get the adrenaline going for anyone over 18 (16-18 year olds can participate if accompanied by a paying adult). Youth week is celebrated across the country to acknowledge and raise awareness of the issues facing young people when growing up.
anzac TRIBUTE 6
ANZAC: Shaping an Australian society
W
hen war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing
on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future. The Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine which is still followed by the Australian Army today. During battle, the half-light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the “stand-to”. As dusk is equally favourable for attacks, the standto was repeated at sunset.
anzac TRIBUTE A traditional service with a difference
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By Keegan Thomson
A
NZAC Day is always a moment where we pause and reflect on the past often through a traditional ceremony and dawn service. On Anzac Day 2018 the team at the St Marys RSL sub-branch will put on a traditionally focused Anzac Day memorial with a diverse flavour. Across the dawn service ceremony there will be a traditional Maori HAKA rendition, something that energised crowds at last year’s commemorations, and a large proportion of female representatives of the defence forces, local businesses and the RSL sub-branch. There will mainly be a large female cohort laying wreaths, as representatives of local groups, and reciting poems and prayers across the event. Tony Fryer, Honorary Secretary of the St Marys RSL sub-branch, said it is important to show “societal changes” at times like Anzac Day. “We want to do a traditional service with some modern changes to reflect the societal changes within Australia,” Mr Fryer said. “We want to include as many people in our event as we can because at the end of the day Australia has a diverse military background.” This year Major Jaymi Matthews will do a special presentation during the Sunday community Service at Victoria Park on 22nd April, and she will again participate greatly in the Dawn Service on 25th April. Maj. Matthews is a local St Clair woman who was one of the first in her Corps to be on active frontline duty in an overseas conflict. It is fair to say the team at the St Marys RSL sub-Branch are particularly proud of her. Throughout the ceremony there will be subtle references to the By The Left campaign, an initiative that aims to broaden the public perception of veterans to include the women who have fought in war zones and served in our defence forces. “By the Left is an education program to make Australians aware that women have earned the right to display their own justly awarded medals in pride of
place on the left chest,” Mr Fryer said. He said there are people who still discriminate against women for wearing their own medals on the left side of their chest. “Unfortunately, some people in our society haven’t caught up with all this and for them, they think that such women are not entitled to wear the medals; that they must be wearing their Dad’s or brother’s or husband’s medals. On occasion, some people have been very unkind to these women with such false accusations,” Mr Fryer said. “So, if you see a lady wearing medals on the left, be assured she has done good service for your country,” he said. Currently there are around a dozen female members of the St Marys RSL sub-Branch who have either fought in wars or served in the Australian defence force. That number is expected to grow over the coming years because of the increased number of women who have served in contemporary wars. Already there has been an increase in female veterans joining the St Marys RSL sub-Branch who’ve been in combat or support roles during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Because of the changing gender balance within the defence force it is important to show female representation during times such as Anzac Day, Mr Fryer said. “It is slowly being understood and accepted, with the younger people accepting it on a wider level, but we’re still slowly changing minds,” he said.
anzac TRIBUTE The History of Two-Up
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By Keegan Thomson
O
N Anzac Day we pause to remember those who’ve fought for our freedom by observing different sacred and secular traditions. Over time those traditions have weaved their way into the fabric of Australian culture. One of the most loved traditions played exclusively on Anzac Day is the age old game of Two-Up. In the simplest of terms the game of Two-Up is pretty much glorified head-or-tails game with the added element of gambling. Although the game is banned nationally on any other day, there is an exception on Anzac Day. The rules and gameplay of Two-Up vary but on a traditional level they’re all the same. A ‘ringie’ places two coins tail side up on a kip (or paddle) whilst punters gather around a circular tarp on the ground. The spinner then uses the kip to toss the two coins at least 10 feet into the air with the crowd betting on whether the coins will land heads or tails up. The ringie’s job is to ensure the coins travel at least 10 feet into the sky and land on the circular tarp. If the spinner tosses the coins and they both land tails then the spinner keeps playing. If the coins bothh land on heads then the game is over and the spinner loses. On the sideline the ‘boxer’ takes bets from punters who’re both betting on the luck of the spinner and the individual results of the tosses. The boxer is also
“Lest We Forget”
usually the facilitator of the venue or a publican. Historically speaking the origins of the game are a little shady but it has been reported that games of Two-Up were played across the colonies as early as the 1790s and in the New South Wales gold fields during the 1850s. The game became associated with the Anzac legend after diggers from World War One started playing it in the trenches. M. G. Heuston, served with 2/12th Commando Squadron during the Second World War, and he supplied the Australian War Memorial with an anecdote of his time running Two-Up games across battlegrounds. “In some places, a multitude of currencies was used. It was the boxer’s call which stated the exchange rate for any or all currency. In addition, he could exchange currencies. “At the end of the game, if the tail betters had had a good day, they would sling (tip) the boxer, to compensate him for the use of his facilities. “As the game was held more often than once a week, you found that some of your customers went broke. The boxer usually lent them enough for cigarettes and a beer until next pay. “A game would run for up to three or four hours,” M. G. Heuston wrote. You’ll find Two-Up played at many venues across the Nepean on Anzac Day. The rules may vary from place to place but the spirit in which it is played remains. Good luck and gamble responsibly!
Celebrating sporting greats who’ve hailed from St Marys
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By KERRIE DAVIES
L
AST month Penrith Mayor John Thain attended the St Marys Historical Society to officially open their great display of sporting greats who have hailed from St Marys. “Sports People of St Marys” features photos and memorabilia across several areas of sporting achievements, and pays tribute to local greats including Eric Horrie, John Willcocks, John Cartright, Debbie McPherson, Wendy Busuttil and Mark Gasnier. Paralympic Rower, Eric Horrie, who attended the opening, was a two-time silver medalist. Another special guest was John Willcocks, who has competed in all 47 City to Surf marathons since it began in 1971. “John has a lot of miles under his belt and he also founded the St Marys Fun Runs,” Mayor John Thain said.
Caroline Volkiene and Lyn Forde with Mayor John Thain
Sports Minister and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres with Eric Horrie and John Willcocks
Residents of St Marys’ participation in Olympic events is also featured in the display, with uniforms and memorabilia provided by local volunteers. “It’s always a pleasure to be part of the Historical Society’s events and learn more about the people who have made, and continue to make, St Marys such a great place,” Mayor Thain said. “The display is a great reminder that all sport - from local club level to the highest level of competition - relies on passionate individuals throwing their heart, time and energy into the mix. “Which is just like the volunteers from the St Marys and District Historical Society who throw their heart and soul into preserving and honouring the past.” The display is located at “The Chambers” (The Old Council Chambers), Bldg 2, 29 Swanston Street St Marys (entrance via Collins or Swanston Street) - parking at rear. Enquiries - please ring Carol Volkiene - President: 9623 4785.
Lyn Forde next to the uniform she wore as a volunteer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics
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FIV – Feline AIDS
By Dr Richard Miller
Did you know our furry friends can be infected with their own feline version of the HIV virus? Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral disease that affects the immune system ONLY of cats. It cannot be transferred to humans, but works in a similar way to HIV by destroying your cats immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infections and disease. At some point after infection, FIV can further progress into the Feline AIDS syndrome. This is often when you as owners will notice a problem. FIV is easily spread during mating, through saliva transfer in cat fights, or by a mother to her kittens. It is estimated that around 15-30% of Australia’s cat population are infected Mamre ROAd
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with FIV. Outdoor cats are at the highest risk of developing the virus, especially if they fight with other cats. Signs of FIV include slow healing infections, sore gums or mouth, fever, lethargy, sore eyes, weight loss and a decreased appetite. While there is no treatment available to cats already infected, having your cat desexed greatly reduces their risk of acquiring the virus as they will not mate, and tend to fight less than undesexed cats. A vaccination is also available to eliminate your cats risk. At first, they require a course of 3 vaccinations at 3 week intervals, then a yearly booster to keep them protected for their life.
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Nepean Hospital funding reaches $1 billion
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By Keegan Thomson
T
HE NSW government has pledged a further $450 million for the second stage of redevelopment of the ailing Nepean Hospital in a move that will see the current government’s spending on the hospital sky rocket to over $1.1 billion. The first stage of the construction was announced by former Premier Mike Baird in 2016 with the investment of $576 million for a complete overhaul of the hospital. Stuart Ayres, MP for Penrith, said the funding would ensure the seamless transition from the first stage into the second stage. “The billion dollar investment in Nepean is about making sure we invest for future growth across western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said. “Through the planning of stage one, it became very obvious to us that to get maximum benefit moving straight into the second tower after stage one was the optimal way of doing the development..” The hospital redevelopment has been split into stages so that minimal disruption can occur to the day to day operations of the hospital.
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Stuart Ayres with Premier Berejiklian and MP for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies. Photo: Supplied.
Stage one was broken into three sections. First was the construction of the new multi decked carpark, the second is the construction of first tower and the final section of stage one is the repurposing of the original buildings. Planning for the second stage has begun and is expected to bring specialist services to Nepean Hospital including a new cancer centre, cardiac services and palliative care.
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Local Nanna cracks keno jackpot at Saints
F
or one very lucky St Marys Rugby League Club Member, the Easter Bunny delivered a whole lot more than eggs this Easter! The Club Member, a 68 yearold Grandmother from Berkshire Park now has plenty of reasons to celebrate after her life-changing 10-number Keno win on the Easter long weekend. A Member of Saints since 2009, the winner was visiting the Club while her husband was away, and whilst she always had a feeling she would win big one day, never in her wildest dreams did she think she would be going home a multi-millionaire on the last Saturday in March! When asked how she selected her numbers, our lucky winner said that she always uses her own unique pairing method, when one number comes up, she’s almost certain that the next one will – and on Saturday night, it certainly did, giving her 10 out of 10 numbers to win the 10 Number Jackpot of $2,735,523! Rick Alderton, her favourite Keno operator at the Club said the air was electric once the staff received notification from Keno that someone had won 2.7 million. “We didn’t know if the winning ticket holder was still at the Club or had left for the evening” he recalled. “Once we discovered who it was that had won such a huge amount, we couldn’t have been more thrilled. She is such a lovely lady,
always incredibly positive and happy and we always have a great chat when she comes in for a visit at the Club” he added. “Her first phone call of course was to her husband, and whilst she was absolutely delighted, she was very calm – I think we were all more shocked than she was!” After calling the winner to congratulate her on her fantastic win, Cathy Rowley, the Club’s Marketing Manager echoed Rick’s comments saying “What a wonderful lady. She is possibly one of the most positive and lovely winners we’ve ever had”. Asked how she intends to spend her big win, this regular visitor to St Marys Rugby League Club said she’ll use her winnings to invest for the future, adding that she feels incredibly blessed to now be stress free of any money concerns. “I think this makes our third Keno multi-millionaire at Saints” added Cathy, “but it’s lovely to have one of our Members become the first multi-millionaire for 2018”. With one of the best Keno facilities available, offering 4 selling outlets, multiple screens and highly trained Keno operators, St Marys Rugby League Club has paid out millions in Keno payouts to its Members and visitors. This 10 Number Jackpot win along with the many other jackpot wins at the club guarantees that Saints continues to be one of the “Top 10” Keno venues in NSW.
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300 games for a star Comet By CONNER LOWE
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athan “Turbo” Corbett on the weekend became the 3rd player at the St Clair Comets Rugby League club to play his 300th game, following his good mates Luke Gibson 341 games and Robert Henderson 308 games. To reach such a milestone is a wonderful achievement and to see Nathan share it with his family made it all the more special. Nathan’s first run out as a comet player was as a four-year-old and watching him take the field yesterday must have brought back special memories for his mum and dad who over the years drove him all over Penrith getting him to games. Terry Corbett, aka “MadDog” the father of Nathan spoke about what the day meant to the family. “We are very proud of Nathan and the fact that he has remained a one-club player speaks volumes of the loyalty he has shown over the years,” he said. To mark the special occasion Nathan was presented his playing jersey from his family while the St Clair club also presented Nathan with a framed game day ball. The amount of supporters who turned up to help celebrate the occasion just showed how respected he is within the club. He is extremely popular with not only his team mates but with a lot of the junior players and this was highlighted by the fact there were so many of the clubs younger players at the fields to cheer Nathan on as he took the field. Darren Mudford, the St Clair Club President spoke about the dedication Nathan has had to the club over the past two decades and the effort he puts into the club. “Nathan has always been a player that gives 100% out on the field and has played a big part in St Clair winning the last two A Grade competitions,” he said. “I don’t think you would find a more humble person and watching him receive all the accolades he got yesterday was a fitting reward for someone who has dedicated 25 years to the St Clair club and hopefully he has a couple of more years left in him yet.” The club would like to congratulate Nathan on his achievement and would like to thank him for the way he has conducted himself both on and off the field. The club would also like to thank him for the way he has put back into the club helping the younger sides when asked to, running coaching clinics and he has even been sighted cooking the odd sausage on the BBQ, well done Nathan on a wonderful achievement.
MG on the mark
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w i t h M A RK G EYER
Two reasons the Panthers are purring!
maze madness
In years gone by the Panthers’ victory against Parra recently may well have been reversed. Playing a desperate team (Parramatta 0-4) at a venue (ANZ) where their record is poor, would usually have been ‘one of those games’ that the Mountain Men would have rued come season’s end. But this year feels different. There seems a resolve in the team that has them all reading from the same page. A big factor is the purchase of James Maloney. What a steady hand he has when most needed. But for mine, and maybe because I’m an ex forward who is being totally biased, it’s the ‘Pigs’ that have been leading the way in the opening 5 rounds of this years NRL, in which the Panthers find themselves 4 wins from 5 games, hovering well and truly in the top 4. The experience of Merrin, Wallace and Tamou, mixed with the stability of Campbell- Gillard, who has origin written all over him, Yeo, Leota and Hawawira- Naera, then the sprinkle of explosion every team needs in the form of Kikau and the ever improving James Fisher- Harris. Penrith may have more hyphens then any other forward pack in the comp but at the minute they’ve also got one of the most destructive and dangerous. I’m loving what I’m seeing from ‘Hook’ Griffins
➞ ➞
James Fisher-Harris and Billy Kikau- two reasons the Panthers are purring!
big boys. They have quickly realised that they can mix it with the best forward packs in the competition, and boy that’s a great sign for the Panthers faithful.
MG (random Westie) OAM