Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710
chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au SEPTEMBER 2019
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ISSUE 44
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Winners are grinners: St Clair Comets A Grade have beaten Glenmore Park in a stunning grand-final victory on the weekend. 32-0. Well done lads!
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Meet Peppa Pig 12:30pm (Coachmans Park stage) 1:30pm (Coachmans Park stage) 2:30pm (Belar St Stage)
Over 200 stalls, food trucks and displays Live Band 3 Way Split will be appearing between 11.30am and 3pm on the Carsons Lane stage Entertainment for the whole family
Please check the website for more information on road closures
Electronic Waste Drop Off Day
3
By KeRRIE DAVIES
G
rab your old, broken and unwanted electrical items and bring them down to Jamison Park for Council’s Electronic Waste Drop Off Day. Electrical waste can be recycled for free between 9am – 3.30pm on Saturday 7 September at Jamison Park. Entrance to the drop off day is via Jamison Road. Simply pack up any old televisions, computers, small kitchen appliances, stereos, mobile phones and other electronic waste, pop them in your car or trailer, and the friendly staff will unload it all for you. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the drop off day is a great initiative and praised residents for their ongoing commitment to recycling. “Council runs this event twice each year and collects over 100 tonnes of electronic waste which is disassembled, sorted and recovered for recycling, Cr Fowler said. “The whole process is free and couldn’t be easier – drive into the park, our Waste Services team unload your electronic waste, and you’re on your way again. “We’re consistently collecting and diverting 50
Greg DAVIES Deputy Mayor
tonnes of waste from landfill at each drop off day,” Cr Fowler continued. “It really shows that Penrith residents genuinely care about our environment and are keen to do their part in keeping items out of landfill, which is a great outcome for our City,” he concluded. More information about the Electronic Waste Drop off Day and what is accepted is available on Council’s website: penrith.city/events For anyone who can’t attend the drop off day, the Community Recycling Centre is open 6 days a week, and accepts electronic and chemical waste for free. Full details, including what is accepted and opening hours, are also on Council’s website: penrithcity.nsw. gov.au/Community-Recycling-Centre
Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor
Phone 0419 177 259
Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city
Penrith City Council
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is proudly brought to you by the Nepean News team. To contact the team call: Office:
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From the Editor’s Desk
by Kerrie Davies
W
hen I was a kid I was fortunate enough to live across the road from a lookout point. Cars would pull up all weekend and people would climb out with their binoculars and cameras to observe the spectacular ocean scenery with views that stretched to North Bondi. But the beautiful landscape was marred by a single tree on the grassy stretch - because it was home to one very evil-minded character.. a magpie! At the risk of revealing a dark side of my personality, I confess that Sunday afternoon entertainment for me consisted of sitting perched at the window watching and laughing as sightseers stepped out of their cars, eyes transfixed on the view, oblivious to the swoop that was about to take place. I now seek to pay penance for my cruel and evil favourite childhood pastime, by warning people that this is the season to be on high alert when passing trees. Magpies, usually males, will indiscriminately peck the heads of unsuspecting passersby showing no remorse whatsoever for the traumatic episode they create! Be aware. Be very aware.
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I hope I have made amends for my wicked ways by coming clean about my heinous childhood trait and hopefully save at least one person from being the victim of an aggressive magpie - and perhaps also save them from being primetime entertainment for some kooky kid with nothing better to do! Your thoughts? Kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
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Plant a tree for Dad
5
By KeRRIE DAVIES
C
reate a living legacy for your dad and give back to nature at the Trees for Dad community event in Penrith. This year’s event is the first of its kind in the community and is on Sunday 1 September from 9am to 12pm at Hollier Reserve, Tattersall Place, Emu Plains. It’s free to attend and everyone is invited to take part. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said Trees for Dad will provide a wonderful way for the community to remember and celebrate their dad. “Planting a tree is such a simple gesture to honour your dad and can be a very positive and meaningful experience to share with family and friends on Father’s Day,” Cr Fowler said. “This event is also an important opportunity for residents to learn about our local environment and help restore our endangered bushland by planting native trees or shrubs,” he said. “The Trees for Mum event has been so successful over the years that we wanted to roll out a version for our local dads.”
Participants are encouraged to wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen is also highly recommended. To ensure there are enough trees for everyone to plant, please register your attendance by emailing Justine.Vella@penrith.city. More information about the event is also available at penrith.city/events
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Reproductive Bill sparks debate across the state
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By KeRRIE DAVIES
T
he NSW Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill to decriminalise pregnancy terminations is currently the topic of fierce debate. It passed through the NSW Legislative Assembly last month - 59 votes to 31 - but has been delayed in the upper house following a call from some MPs who oppose the bill. Mulgoa MP and former NSW Minister for Women, Tanya Davies called on the public to contact the Premier if they were opposed to the legislation. “Abortion is a complex, highly sensitive and emotive topic,” Mrs Davies said. “Animal cruelty was given five months for public consultation. Abortion was given five days. “Due process was thrown out the window to rush through a bill without consulting our communities.” Other conservative members of the Liberal Party have declared they felt ambushed by the legislation, prompting Ms Berejiklian, who voted in favour of the bill, to apologise and delay it. While stating that she felt sorry that people felt rushed, the Premier admitted there was no good way to handle the issue which has sparked fierce debate across the state. Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly is one such MP who says he is “emphatically against the bill.” “Obviously, the human being most affected by a termination is the one whose life is being terminated. If human rights mean anything at all, they must start with the right of a human being not to be killed,” Mr Conolly said. With debate raging across all platforms of media, a recent radio interview with the Premier sparked anger from women of both major parties when she was asked on air if she personally would have an abortion. Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne said a question like that was inappropriate. “I don’t think that it is appropriate to ask anyone, male or female, sensitive health questions like that and it’s not OK,” Minister Payne said. Federal Labor MP Tanya Plibersek agreed. “I understand this is a very personal issue and appreciate that many people have deeply held views but a woman’s reproductive health is her own business, including decisions about whether to discuss it publicly or not,” Ms Plibersek said. “The point the Premier quite rightly made is that any personal decision she might make should not be imposed on others. She handled this gracefully.” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
Almost 100,000 signatures have been collected.
Meanwhile, calls to the public to back up the conservative opposition has resulted in a petition of almost 100,000 signatures. “The voice of the quiet Australians has been raised against the radical abortion bill with a petition of close to 100,000 signatures being tabled in Parliament calling on the Legislative Council to reject the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019 when it comes before the House to be voted on,” Mrs Davies said. “The NSW community have been shut out of this process as the bill has been rushed through the parliament but are now starting to be heard. “But keep it up. We only have three weeks to raise a tsunami of opposition.” Without a referendum or public consolation it is impossible to know which way the majority public view on the bill would tilt, however The Daily Telegraph reported last month that “almost a third of Coalition voters indicated in a new poll they would have voted differently if they had known about the controversial bill to decriminalise abortion before the March election.”
Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly
Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne
Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies
Be alert to the measles: recognise the symptoms
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By KeRRIE DAVIES
A
handful of cases of measles have been reported in Australia over recent weeks, prompting health officials to remind the public to be aware of the symptoms. The Australian Government’s Department of Health stated an unvaccinated Blue Mountains woman in her forties spent time in the CBD, and used public transport while infectious. Measles is a highly contagious disease, spread by the droplets from when an infected person coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include a red rash and fever. Measles is prevented by vaccination. It can affect non-immune people of all ages. Measles has no treatment – most people get better on their own. Measles is caused by the measles virus, spread by contact with infected people’s body fluids. It is a serious disease because it can lead to: • pneumonia and other infections of the airways • swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can cause a brain injury • infection of the middle ear • adverse effects on pregnant women and their babies death. The Australian Government’s Department of Health states that about 1 in 15 infected people get pneumonia, and 1 in 1,000 develops brain swelling. For every 10 people who develop brain swelling, between 2 and 4 people will develop a brain injury and 1 will die. Measles symptoms include: • fever • generally feeling unwell • tiredness • runny nose • dry cough • sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis) • red rash. Symptoms usually start about 10 to 12 days after catching the virus, and last for about 14 days. The rash often starts on the face or hairline, and spreads
to the rest of the body quickly. The rash is not itchy, and disappears after about 1 week. If measles leads to a more serious disease, other symptoms will develop, depending on which part of the body is affected. Measles can affect people at any age. People with a weakened immune system due to illness or injury have a higher risk of infection. Measles spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and you breathe it in, by direct contact with fluid from a person’s coughs or sneezes and when you touch something that has the measles virus on it, then touch your own nose or mouth. Measles is so contagious that around 9 out of 10 people who come in contact with the virus and are not immunised will get measles. Measles spreads easily through families, workplaces, childcare centres and schools. If you have measles, you can help stop the disease spreading by staying away from childcare, school, work or other places where you could spread the infection. your doctor will tell you when you are no longer infectious. Measles can be prevented by vaccination. Measles has no treatment and usually gets better on its own. You can relieve the symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol. You should consult a doctor. Once diagnosed, if the doctor thinks you have a serious case of measles you may need to go to hospital.
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St Marys has a new citizen of the year
8
By KeRRIE DAVIES
T
he annual dinner launching the St Marys Spring Festival was held last week at St Marys Band Club, which is also the time each year that St Marys announces its Citizen of the Year. Betty Murray is the 2019 St Marys Citizen of the Year and will have pride of place at the beginning of the St Marys Spring Festival, Grand Parade. “The 2019 Spring Festival Launch Dinner at the St Marys Band Club was a great night with more than 60 people in attendance and a special congratulations to Betty Murray as winner of our Citizen of the Year Award,” said Sue Fryer, Business Development Manager at St Marys Town Centre. “Betty’s surprise and subsequent speech captivated the audience and it was a truly wonderful feeling to see her so grateful to receive an award she so justly deserves. “Over the years Betty has worked on a number of safety initiatives to help improve the safety of pedestrians in St Marys. “She has approached Penrith City Council to get a footpath in Jacka Street, St Marys. She has worked with Council and St Marys Village Shopping Centre to get a footpath between Carinya Avenue and the shopping complex. “This has been completed and makes the area safe for pedestrians, and some call it ‘Bettys Path.’ And that is just the tip of the ice berg, Sue added. “The list of initiatives that she has been involved in and the list of improvements that she has identified and taken to the relevant government authorities is too long to list. 10 year old Molly Shaw received thunderous applause when she sang two songs. She formed part of the entertainment, the other singer was the lovely Julia Parashko, who is Molly’s singing teacher
“She really is a local legend who is working hard to keep our community safe. She was the obvious choice for this year’s St Marys Citizen of the Year. “St Marys is lucky to have someone as civic minded and as dedicated as Betty. “Come down at noon on Saturday 7th September and watch Betty in the Grand Parade. Bring the family down to Queen St, St Marys where you are bound to find something for the whole family to enjoy.”
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Spring festival: Peppa Pig and many new attractions
C
lear your diary. The St Marys Spring Festival is nearly here and is an event definitely not to be missed. Celebrate the beginning of spring and bring the family down to Queen St, St Marys for what promises to be a great family day out. There will be stalls, food, children’s entertainment, a grand parade and much more. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Martin Coote, Chairman of St Marys Town Centre is looking forward to sharing the event with the community. “The St Marys Spring Festival has a very large local and regional community appeal and this year we are pretty excited about our special guest, Peppa Pig,” he said. Peppa Pig will be appearing in two children’s shows that will take the audience on a song and dance, problem solving journey. Children will be able to participate in sing a longs, choreographed
routines and work with Peppa Pig and her friends. Martin hopes that families from far and wide converge on Coachman’s Park at 1.30pm and 2.30pm to see Peppa Pig in action. There will be many new attractions at this year’s event, so make sure you head to St Marys for a fun filled day. This family friendly, free event is on Saturday 7th September from 9am – 3pm. For more information on the event please visit www.stmarystowncentre.com.au
Pet Dental Month By Dr Richard Miller
D
ental disease is extremely common in our pets, especially in small dogs that aren’t keen chewers, but any cat or dog that doesn’t regularly gnaw on chewing aids or raw bones. Nature designed dog’s and cat’s teeth to chomp on fresh meet and bones but modern diets often don’t reproduce the same cleaning effect this activity has on keeping the gums healthy and the teeth clean. Wet foods are just too mushy and most dry foods/kibbles are just swallowed whole or not chewed adequately to have this effect. Genetics can also play a role and we have actually bred dental disease into many of the breeds we have today, especially the smaller ones. A lot of smaller dogs and some cats simple don’t have big enough and strong enough teeth to chew effectively which makes Mamre ROAd
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them prone to developing dental disease even when young. Generalising, dental disease involves the accumulation of tartar on the teeth which causes yucky smelly breath and irritates the gums which then recede exposing the roots of the teeth which eventually become loose. Loose teeth are painful and result in further reluctance to chew, spread and worsening of the dental disease, and potential loss of teeth even as young as 4 years old for some. If you think it may be time for your pet to come see the dentist, in August we are offering 50% off the consultation fee for assessment and 15% off standard fees for any dental work necessary pending the findings. Please call our friendly nurses to make an appointment.
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Painting the town REaD
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By KeRRIE DAVIES
P
aint The Town REaD is an early Llteracy program targeting birth to five years focusing on the importance of singing, rhyming and reading to children and helps to prepare them for school. It’s also a valuable tool for parents to learn about the importance of reading to your children. An initiative driven by Mission Australia, it has been running for approx. nine years. The non for profit organisation has been attending the St Marys Village Centre for a couple of years, showcasing Rooby Roo performances and creating awareness for the program, this however was the first Annual REaD Day held at the Centre. Approximately 100 families attended over the 3 ½ hour event, it was a great success. Mayor Ross Fowler and Councillor Robin Cook
attended along with other special guests from St Marys Fire Station and the Hawkesbury SES who participated in storytelling activities. These activities included nine individual stations offering free craft activities, storytelling, musical instruments and face painting. Paint The Town REaD have Multiple partnerships with services in the local LGA assist with the program to spread awareness throughout the community. Mirvac Marketing Manager, Rebecca Lynch was extremely pleased to see so many happy faces enjoying the day and the community participation. “The Annual REaD Day team are a fantastic resource for the local LGA, we (St Marys Village Centre) look forward to collaborating together again with the REaD team next year,” she said.
SUDOKU: easy
12
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
INSTRUCTIONS
Solutions July Easy 1
Easy 2
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Marmoset (6) 4 Expecting (8) 10 What some people give (9) 11 Plans or schemes (5) 12 Acquires deservedly (5) 13 Preach (9) 14 Disappointment (7) 16 Circuits around a race course (4) 19 Pierce (4) 21 Large rock (7) 24 Reversal (9) 25 Piloted a vehicle (5) 26 Jargon (5) 27 Belittled (9) 28 Protective coverings or structures (8) 29 Principally (6)
DOWN 1 Without warning (8) 2 Create (8) 3 Seizure (5) 5 Squanderer (7) 6 Spur-of-the-moment (9) 7 Wry (6) 8 Vapors (6) 9 Decline in condition (6) 15 Not innermost (9) 17 A city in Alberta Canada (8) 18 Affable (8) 20 Blinkers (7) 21 Having two parts (6) 22 Cedes (6) 23 Express (6) 25 Belief (5)
Solution: July
Vintage cars ready to roll at St Marys Spring Festival
By CONNER LOWE
A
blast from the past will be on show at the St Mary’s Spring Festival this year with a 1928 and 1929 Model A Pheaton rolling with the parade. The vehicles are owned by Col Bootle and Bernie Learson. The cars are original Model A Pheatons with their bodies unrestored but still running perfectly almost a century on from their release. These two vehicles will be part of a number of different vehicles from the Model A Ford Club of NSW on display at the St Marys Spring Festival and they will be participating in the parade down Queen Street with passengers from the St Marys Historical Society dressed in period costume. Robert Brown, President of Model A Ford Club of NSW spoke about how many years they have been at the festival and where the cars will be displayed throughout the day. “This will be our third year being involved with the St Marys Spring Festival,” he said.
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“The vehicles will be displayed in the car park opposite Coachman’s Park. Members of the public are welcome to go and see the vintage cars and have their photo taken standing beside the cars.” The St Marys Spring Festival is a community event that showcases the CBD and local businesses and performers. Mark the date in your diary and prepare to be part of the fun and excitement. The St Marys Spring Festival is the major annual community event held in the CBD of St Marys, and attracts a crowd of approximately 20,000 - 30,000 people each year. The Festival will be on the 7th September from 9am-3pm and is free for families to attend and attracts people from all over the region. The grand parade will be held at 12:30pm. If you want to see these vintage cars on display make sure to get down to the St Marys Spring Festival for a great day out and relive some history.
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Coach’s Corner Accountability and Standards
Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach | Fifth and Last NRL Podcast | b.shepperd@hotmail.com
I
t has fast become a season full of coaching drama and scandal. It kicked off with the coaching swap between the Broncos and Rabbitohs, then we had Ivan Cleary return to the Panthers which left the Wests Tigers in a difficult position leading into the upcoming season. Since the preseason we have seen the Titans sack Garth Brennan, and since he was moved on the performance of the team has continued to decline. While the Knights this past week sacked Nathan Brown only to see the team get smashed 46-4 by the Wests Tigers five days later. It seems when coaches are made accountable and moved on that a lot of the time that is where the accountability starts and ends. Before you choose a career in coaching you accept that you will be hired and fired. It is the only two certainties in the business. And what happens in between and how long between those two decisions you need to be as effective as possible to ensure you have the time you need to get the players to perform. That leads to results and therefore job security. But accountability surely needs to fall back onto the players in some of these situations? For Kaylan Ponga to say “I was not disappointed because I was
having a strawberry milkshake” when asked to his reaction to Brown’s sacking and Mitchell Pearce to say “My mum is available to coach the team” just demonstrates how removed some players have become from the reality of accountability. I really hope the coach who takes the Knights job can have the players show more respect to the position and get them to be accountable for their performances. We also saw last week Anthony Seibold and Jason Demetriou go public with a personal grievance and slang a few barbs each others way which was very strange. Wayne Bennett demonstrated the correct mannerism and simply said “leave me out of it”. How will this season play out? If the ladder tells us anything it is that the coaches who have stability and long tenures usually turn clubs around and get them to perform... Craig Bellamy has been in charge of the Storm for 17 years, Trent Robinson at the Roosters 7 years, Ricky Stuart at the Raiders 6 years. They sit 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the ladder... The club at the bottom of the ladder? Sacked their coach six weeks ago and has not won a game since and has sat idle while the performance of the team has regressed beyond the level which saw the head coach moved on initially.
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