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St Clair Erskine Park

Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au MAY 2018

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Ph: 9834 2966 Em: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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Robin CooK Labor Candidate

ISSUE 32

Belinda Hill Liberal Candidate

Who gets your vote? Straight forward choice on May 12 with only two candidates. Labor or Liberal?

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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. Email: robin.cook@nswlabor.org.au â€œHaving represented East Ward for 24 years, thanks to your support, it is important to continue with the good work that your Labor Team has achieved. On May 12 I hope we are given your support once again by electing Robin to join our team.â€? - Councillor Greg Davies Emeritus Mayor

Authorised by Greg Davies 203 Banks Drive St Clair

May 12: Do you need to vote?

F you live in St Clair or Erskine Park, that would be a yes. As you are probably by now aware, there will be a by-election held for two positions in the Penrith Council Local Government Area. The positions are in East Ward and South Ward. The election will be held on Saturday 12th May.

If you will be out of town or unavailable to vote on the 12th, there will be pre-polling for the two weeks prior to election day. Pre-polling can be done at St Marys Memorial Hall up until May 11. On election day, East Ward residents can vote at the following polling places: Banks Public School Bennett Rd Public School Blackwell Public School Clairgate Public School Claremont Meadows Pubic School James Erskine Public School Kemps Creek Public School Kingswood Public School Orchard Hills Uniting Church Oxley Park Public School Penrith Baptist Church Penrth PCYC St Clair Public School St Marys Memorial Hall St Marys North Public School St Marys South Public School

Incinerator binned by Department of Planning By Keegan Thomson

he No Incinerator for Western Sydney group and many western Sydney MPs fought hard against the proposed waste incinerator and now the plan has been smoked by the Department of Planning at state parliament. After months of vocal protests from local residents and opposition for Dial-A-Dump’s development from all local state MPs the Department of Planning said the incinerator would go against the NSW EPA’s energy from waste policy and the air quality impacts and risks to human health were unknown. The decision on the waste from energy facility will now go back to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) where they will have the final say on the matter. “The Department of Planning and Environment has found the proposed energy from waste facility at Eastern Creek should be refused and has referred the application to the Independent Planning Commission for final decision,” a spokesperson from the Department of Planning said. “Key concerns were raised throughout the public exhibition period regarding the proposal’s impacts on local air quality, the risk to human health and the proposed facility’s proximity to residential houses.” According to the government there were more

than 1000 written responses from local action groups, councils and community members on the incinerator. A circulated petition received over 10,000 signatures. Tanya Davies is the MP for the electorate of Mulgoa, the same electorate which the incinerator is planned to be developed in. She said she is happy to hear the results. “I am unequivocally opposed to the Eastern Creek incinerator proposal and beyond pleased the Department of Planning has recommended the Independent Planning Commission refuse it,” Mrs Davies said. The energy from waste incinerator development will now go back to the IPC. They will deliver their final verdict on the matter within a number of months.

St Clair Erskine Park

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Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the editor: stclairnews@aol.com Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StClairCommunityNews 203 Banks Drive, St Clair

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

IT IS heard to believe May is here already, this year has just flown by like the blink of an eye. Mother’s Day on May 13 is a great opportunity to show all the Mums how important they are to us and how much they are loved. This year will be a sad occasion for me as it will be the first Mother’s Day without mine. Take it from me, your time with your Mum is never guaranteed, it can be taken away in an instant so be sure to make the special occasions - and every other day for that matter - count. Also don’t forget to vote on Saturday May 12. If you reside in St Clair or Erskine Park you are required to vote; it is to fill the vacant seat at Penrith Council for an East ward Councillor. Your choice is pretty straight forward - Labor or Liberal? There are only two candidates: Former nurse Robin Cook will be representing the Labor Party and Belinda Hill, who formerly served in the Royal Australian Navy is representing the Liberal Party.

St Clair Community Deputy Mayor Phone 0417 365 313

Greg DAVIES East Ward Councillor

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Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor

Phone 0419 177 259

Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city

Penrith City Council

Mother and daughter make plastic fantastic By Keegan Thomson

ESSICA Melville is a year 5 student at Trinity Primary School in Kemp’s Creek who has taken up the Plastic Fantastic challenge being run by The Creative Fringe in Penrith. Curiously, Jessica asked her mother Melissa Melville what she was doing when she noticed her cutting up plastic bags and turning them into plarn, plastic yarn. Mrs Melville explained to her that she was participating in the Plastic Fantastic Challenge being run at The Creative Fringe, and that the bags were going to be made into sleeping mats for the homeless. When Jessica heard that it takes on average 700 plastic bags to make a sleeping mat, she took it upon herself to do something. Approaching her school, Jessica stood up in front of the school and requested that friends and students bring their discarded plastic bags so she could create more plarn. “I was really shy and now speaking to the school has given me confidence,” Jessica said. “It was really good. I went up on assembly and it was awesome to get so many bags back,” she said. Since then Jessica has been swamped with plastic bags by students who all want to do a good thing for the environment and make a homeless person’s life a little bit more comfortable. Jessica was inspired to act to help out the homeless and rough sleepers because of the people she sees on the streets of Sydney. She said seeing homeless people breaks her heart. “Every time we go to the city I see lots of poor

people and it makes me feel really sad,” Jessica said. “I thought that this would be a good idea to get more plastic bags so we could get more mats made for people.” Taking the hundreds of plastic bags home, her dedicated mother spent every spare moment she had cutting and connecting pieces of plastic bags to make up plarn. Their goal was to create enough plarn to make one full sized sleeping mat. When this was achieved they humbly delivered their plarn balls to The Creative Fringe where volunteer crocheters would be set to turn into sleeping mats. This is far from the end of Jessica’s community minded endeavours. Mrs Melville recently told The Creative Fringe she still has a lounge room full of plastic bags that she will continue to turn into plarn. Jessica has now had to stand up in front of the school again, this time to thank them all for their support and to ask them to stop bringing her bags. “I am so proud of the initiative Jessica has shown during this process, taking the idea to school standing in front of all the students and getting them all on board - its a big deal” Mrs Melville said. Once the plastic bag mats have been made The Creative Fringe will donate them to Mama Lana’s Community Foundation who will in turn give them to their rough sleeping patrons. If you want to get involved jump onto The Creative Fringe’s website where you can learn how to make a mat or learn how to turn plastic bags into plarn.

Feral pigeons invade our neighbourhood By Ken Bailey

rskine Park and St Clair seem to be in the midst of a feral pigeon epidemic and if you live in a double storey home with solar panels on your roof, it seems likely these ‘flying rats’ will nest under you panels. However it’s not just the annoying early morning cooing of pigeons above bedrooms that residents are contending with. As is the case with rats, pest birds play host to many diseases, parasites and mites that, left unchecked, can spread disease to the home occupants. Ultimately, pigeons nesting under you solar panels will deposit droppings absolutely covering your roof tiles, solar panels, and the side of your house and airconditioning units whilst filling your roof gutters. And my goodness is it foul. So what can local residents do about this? As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, so if pigeons haven’t colonised your solar panels yet, get them meshed. Solar panel meshing prevents damage and

filth caused by birds, rodents and possums as well as obstructing the build-up of leaves under the panels. Locally-sourced solar bird prevention mesh requires no drilling or screwing thereby protecting the warranty and reduces maintenance costs. This solution comprises of galvanised UV PVC coated welded wire mesh and specially-designed clips for securing to solar panel frames. If pigeons are already frequenting your solar panels, it’s best to act quickly. Local businesses such as EcoKleenSolar Nepean will clean the droppings from the gutters, destroy the nests, clean under the panels and remove chicks where possible. They install the special mesh around the solar array and wash the solar panels. Essentially they remove the ability for pigeons to nest under your panels and clean up the mess. To effectively control this plague, neighbours need to work together. Remove pigeon nesting spots by having your solar panels meshed and cleaned, don’t feed pigeons, have them exterminated, and act quickly once you notice them.

anzac TRIBUTE St Marys Sub-branch delivers brilliant ceremony

By KeRRIE DAVIES

SK anybody who attended the Dawn Service at St Marys on Anzac Day this year and I bet they’ll tell you the ceremony was absolutely brilliant. The Sub-branch team at “the train” opposite St Marys RSL do a terrific job every year, but this year was a stand-out, and one that made everyone feel particularly proud to be Australian. The speech delivered by special guest Lt Renee Kidson was incredibly inspiring; she spoke not just abut Australia’s participation over several theatres of war, but about the role that the uniquely Australian style of ‘mateship’ plays in the every day lives of all of us. As well as the wreath laying, songs, prayers and anthems that traditionally form the Anzac Day ceremony, this year’s service was complimented by a didgeridoo performance and an incredible

rendition of the Haka performed by members of the St Clair JRLC. The lads from the Comets did the footy club and the whole of St Clair proud! If you missed it you can view it on our St Clair Community News facebook page. Well done to everyone involved.

› Motorcyclist dies after hitting kangaroo A motorcyclist has died after hitting a kangaroo on the M4 near the St Clair exit last month. Police from Nepean Police Area Command were called to near the Mamre-Road off-ramp, after a motorcyclist was found critically injured in the westbound lanes of the motorway, about

1.20am on Tuesday 24 April. Police believe the rider was pushed into the centre railing on impact. The man died at the scene; the body of a kangaroo was found nearby. Westbound traffic was disrupted with diversions in place.

Much-deserved praise for Comet Bill Borg

Photo: Jacky Hoban

ill Borg from St Clair Junior Rugby League Club was recognised by Panthers Rugby League Academy for the “Local Hero” award at Panthers Stadium last month for his dedication and countless hours he puts in to his local rugby league club. Anyone who has played in the red, black and white, or whose kids have played for St Clair Comets would be in awe of the dedication to the club Bill Borg has, and that dedication spans many decades. After the Panthers game and the cheers Bill headed to the sheds to meet the players. Well done Bill.

Welcoming 24 new Police Officers By KeRRIE DAVIES

Nepean is one of three western Sydney Commands who will welcome some of the 24 new probationary constables following the attestation parade of Class 333. Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP congratulated the new recruits on graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy and thanked them for their extraordinary commitment to the safety and security of the people of NSW. “The 24 new probationary constables will be a great asset to the community and will undoubtedly play a vital role in identifying, disrupting and combatting local crime. “Becoming a police officer is a tremendous honour, however it can be an extremely challenging and demanding profession,” Tanya Davies said. “Having recently completed eight months training at the Police Academy, the new officers will continue to receive on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced police to ensure they

are adequately prepared for this important new role. “On behalf of the local community, I thank the latest crop of men and women in blue for joining one of the proudest organisations in the state and look forward to seeing more boots on the ground in the Mulgoa electorate.” Minister for Police Troy Grant said the NSW Government committed to increasing the authorised strength of the NSW Police Force to a record 16,795 over this term, and we have achieved that and more. “As a community, we turn to the police in our worst hour and expect them to stand in harm’s way to prevent criminal activity. “While these probationary constables will undoubtedly face many challenges during their time in the Force, they will be rewarded with the knowledge they have solved major crimes, brought criminals to justice, and given closure to victims and their families.” Class 333 brings the number of sworn officers to pass through the Goulburn Police Academy to 4,596, since 2011.

BELINDA

HILL FOR EAST WARD After completing her HSC, Belinda, followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the Royal Australian Navy in the communications branch to serve our nation. Belinda served on ships HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Success. After serving several years in the Navy, looking for a fresh challenge in life, she purchased her first retail business and in only 12 short months she purchased her second business. Moving to Sydney is where she met her husband Ian. They carefully selected Penrith as their home. Belinda has been a resident of Penrith for many years and operates a local business. Together with her husband they are raising 2 young children, giving her an appreciation of the services and infrastructure needed to support families and youth. One of her proudest accomplishments is her building business of 10 years. Belinda is one of very few women to be the sole owner operator of a construction company. She’s passionate about contributing to the local community and was proud that her business could act as one of the sponsors for last years Penrith’s Carols by Candlelight. She supports the Queen of Hearts Foundation. Belinda has been an active member of the Rural Fire Brigade for six years. Belinda is in the Castlereagh branch. She has also served as a board member and is still an active member of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce. With her extensive small business experience she feels that she has the right kind of experience to deliver results for families and businesses across the Penrith Local Government Area. I’m passionate about and will endeavour to deliver: • Lower Rates - Minimising Council rate rises and carefully managing your funds to improve local roads and facilities. • Better sporting and community facilities: Prioritise local recreational facilities including community halls, play equipment and sporting fields. • More parking - to support our local businesses and make life easier for commuters, shoppers and local families.

VOTE 1 BELINDA HILL ON MAY 12 Authorised by Tricia Hitchen 32 Frogmore Rd Orchard Hills NSW

10 10

Opinion: Return and earn scheme a fizzer

By Councillor Greg Davies

eturn and Earn (R & E) should read ‘Return to the 60s and Earn the government massive dollars.’ I have seen some decisions made by various governments that make you scratch your head and wonder if the patients are in charge of the asylum, but the latest scheme is the doozy of them all. Let me say upfront that I am a firm believer in recycling to reduce waste to landfill but the latest scheme isn’t about recycling, it’s about a continuation of the cash grab for NSW government coffers. The theory behind it is flawed. Everyone my age will remember the old bottle deposits and the scouts collecting bottles in a great effort to reduce and reuse these valuable resources. That would be fine if we were still in the 60s with no recycling services now provided by all Councils. All Councils now provide this service in order to reduce costs of landfill. We now regularly see bin raiders going through recycle bins and extracting the glass to take to the R & E collection bins. Does anyone else see the stupidity of a system that encourages the taking of items which are being recycled anyway to recycle them somewhere else?

This is crazy enough, before you factor in that you already pay for your recycling through your bin collection service and now you pay again through additional costs when buying glass containers to cover the cost of the R & E policy. Just one example is a case of beer, theoretically 10c a bottle to you but in reality closer to 20c as the producer has to cover their additional costs of implementation. So an extra consumer cost of $5.00 for a box. Talk about stinging consumers. And who gets the 10c a bottle or millions of dollars per year, the government that’s who and so far the revenue paid out to those who use the R & E is about 3c per bottle. A nice little earner of approximately 7c per bottle sold, which goes to the government as consolidated revenue. The R & E is nothing but a further tax which costs the average household about $500 a year for no conceivable benefit. This is on top of the $400 $500 million dollars they get from our pockets for the tipping fees. To compound the stupidity none of this money, or for that matter the millions picked up through the tip levy ($130 per tonne) goes into finding a use for all the recycled products. Warehouses are filling up with recycled paper and glass which will end up in landfill if there is no solution found soon. In the words of Forrest Gump “Stupid is as Stupid does”.

Nepean therapy dogs lend a paw

By Keegan Thomson

EPEAN Therapy Dogs is leading the way in human and animal connections to help assist sick people in hospitals and victims of crime. Working for the last 25 years in the Nepean and western Sydney region, the therapy dogs have provided relief and some cuddly, furry support to hospital and palliative care patients, nursing home residents, troubled school children and in numerous court room settings. Nicole Celeban is the President of Nepean Therapy Dogs and is the owner of four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Regularly Mrs TJ Smith and Nicole Celeban with the therapy dogs. Photo: Keegan Thomson Celeban takes her pups in a pram to Nepean Hospital for visits. After being diagnosed with post traumatic stress “When you enter a ward sometimes people are hesitant to talk with one another, because they’re disorder, Jess knew she was going to have a hard time feeling a little bit down and glum,” Mrs Celeban under questions in the court room so she asked for the accompaniment of two therapy dogs throughout said. “But when you bring in the dogs there is a shared her cross examination and questioning. “Having the dogs with me helped me share my commonality and a fresh new energy that is brought into the ward and suddenly everyone is talking and experiences and keep me calm when I retold my story,” Jess said. laughing together. “I knew the court was going to be stressful so I “It is a really good way to get people connecting and share their own personal experiences in a place asked for the dogs to be there so they could offer me some comfort. that is often hard to connect people,” she said. “If anyone is experiencing a traumatic court case The reason why Mrs Celeban takes the dogs in the pram is because it adds an extra element of when giving evidence then they should consider playfulness to the dog’s visits as well as for practical, having the therapy dogs, especially for young children,” she said. safety and health benefits. Throughout the court case a volunteer from the All up Nepean Therapy Dogs has over 40 dogs and 50 volunteers who assist with administration, Nepean Therapy Dogs was on hand to look after the fundraising and who take dogs around to places that dogs if anything became too stressful for the animals. Mrs Celeban said the tireless work of the dedicated they’re needed. Hospitals aren’t the only place that therapy dogs volunteers make the work of the Nepean Therapy are used, commonly they are also used in courts, Dogs so much easier. “It is our volunteers that make Nepean Therapy often they are sitting with a witness as they give Dogs so special. Without our volunteers we wouldn’t evidence and during cross examination. Jess* was involved in a traumatic court case over be able to do what we do,” Mrs Celeban said. “Because our volunteers believe in the charity and a sexual assault when she was younger. She used the therapy dogs to comfort her during the stressful case. they believe in the work, we can keep doing what we “I had two dogs with me, they sat next to me and do and continue to help the community,” she said. If you would like to volunteer your time or your on my lap during the questioning,” Jess said. “A few times I had anxiety attacks but the dog’s time you can contact the Nepean Therapy dogs calmed me and helped me stay focused and Dogs at contact@therapydogs.com.au. *Last name withheld. peaceful.”

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Diabetes in dogs and cats

By Dr Richard Miller

Sugar diabetes is not an uncommon condition found in both dogs and cats. For dogs it is similar to Type 1 Insulin dependent Diabetes in people, and for cats it is similar to Type 2 insulin resistant Diabetes in people. The risk profile for dogs is also different to cats. In dogs it may occur at a young age, but it usually affects middle age to older female dogs and is more common in certain breeds eg Poodles and others, because of genetic factors. In cats it is more common in middle age to older male cats. The common factor predisposing both dogs and cats is being overweight, along with lazy for cats. The classic symptoms early on with Diabetes are ‘Eat a lot, Drink a lot, and Lose weight’. Later on they get sick from burning fat as a fuel which causes the body to become acidic with symptoms of lethargy, inappetence and vomiting. Mamre ROAd

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MG on the mark

w i t h M A RK G EYER

A season that is almost impossible to predict The only thing I can predict with 100 per cent confidence in the current season of the NRL is its unpredictability! Man oh man, talk about a year of surprises. And I love it!! At the start of the year before a ball was kicked or touched by a player, I had Warriors coming last. I also had the Tigers running second last. I didn’t have St George or Souths in my top 8. I had the Bulldogs coming 5th. I had the Cowboys winning the comp. But I did have them playing Melbourne, so maybe ONE of my prophecies might come to fruition. I know we’re only 7 rounds into a 26 week competition but honestly, trying to tick who wins each week in this comp is harder to pick than a broken nose. How’s your tipping comp looking? The bloke in sales from Melbourne or the lady in accounts from Scotland leading by a mile? It seems the more of a novice you are when it comes to this current rugby league season the better off you are when deciding who wins week to week. Before you know it origin will be upon us with that 6 week period being usually the easier time to select a victor, given which teams have certain players missing. But you watch, that’ll be even a harder tipping time. I’m loving the Warriors form this year, I’m loving the dogged footy the Tigers and Knights are playing. I’m loving watching new players at their new clubs thriving and I love seeing games played in country areas. Of course we can all find fault in our game, it’s the way of life in which rugby league as a sport is one great big soap opera, but you wouldn’t want it any other way would you? With 7 rounds in the bank and my predictions so far failing miserably, let me have a go at the next 7 weeks. Ok, this time come round 14 the Rabbits will be leading the competition. The Storm will be right

 Who will hold the trophy aloft come Grand Final day?

 I need this bloke (Nostradamus) to help me with my tips

behind them. The Panthers will be exactly where they are now in 3rd. With the Warriors making up the top 4. I think the Sea Eagles will be bottom of the ladder, just below the Bulldogs and Titans, and NSW would have just won state of origin 1 over QLD with 3 Panthers starring and Josh Ado Carr scoring the wining try close to full time. But don’t bet on it.... see you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM