Nepean News 10 October 2025 DIGITAL by Nepean News

Kaylen Bassett and Kate Eckhardt have

Canoe Slalom World

Photos: Noel Rowsell

Calling for Nominations for the 2025 Lindsay Awards

BY MELISSA MCINTOSH MP

THE annual Lindsay Awards by Melissa McIntosh MP recognise our community’s enduring commitment to service, integrity, and the belief that one individual or organisation can make a lasting difference.

From leadership, volunteering, businesses and services, local clubs or sports, there are so many ways people in our community have made an impact!

The Lindsay Awards provide everyone in our community with the opportunity to nominate an individual or group that deserves recognition.

If you want to let me know about someone who is quietly driving change this year, people and groups whose efforts uplift, support, and strengthen our local community – I want to hear from you!

If you or your organisation deserves recognition, you are also welcome to self-nominate! You can make multiple entries under the different award categories, if they are applicable.

Nominations close:

Wednesday 15 October

How are finalists chosen:

Nominations are assessed by an independent judge’s panel made up from local community leaders.

Eligibility:

The nominated individual or their place of organisation must be located within the Lindsay electorate.

Suburbs include: Agnes Banks, Badgerys Creek, Berkshire Park, Caddens, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens, Castlereagh, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Cranebrook, Glenmore Park, Jamisontown, Jordan Springs, Kingswood, Llandilo, Londonderry, Luddenham, Mulgoa, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, Regentville, Penrith, South Penrith, St Marys, Werrington, Werrington County, Werrington Downs

Santa Paws is coming to town, again!

THE jolly man in red is returning to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter for its third year to take your annual furrmily Christmas snaps.

Mark your calendars and get your festive outfits ready, because Sants Paws will arrive in his pet friendly sleigh this November and will join families for their photos on Friday 14, Saturday 15, Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November.

For $30, a professional photographer will snap you, your family and your pets with Santa Paws in our Christmas themed set. This year, photos will be taken inside the Hawkesbury Community Nursery, conveniently located right next door to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter. Your shoot will also include a digital copy of your photo for sharing far and wide.

HCAS are also offering customised pet tags for your furry friend for just $10 – it’s the perfect Christmas gift for your beloved pet!

All kinds of pets are welcome, and all funds collected go to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter donation fund, which will go towards improvements of the shelter. While you’re there you can also check out the animals who are looking for a new home.

So, dash to the website to make your booking, and let’s spread some Paws-mas cheer. Choose the date and time for your Santa Paws photo shoot at: https://hawkesburycas.com.au/for-your-pets/ pet-events

Event: Santa Paws photo shoot, Hawkesbury Community Nursery

Dates: 14 & 15 November 28 & 29 November

Where: 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave Cost: $30 for a professional photo shoot with Santa Book: https://hawkesburycas.com.au/foryour-pets/pet-events

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter and Hawkesbury Community Nursery is located at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave. For more information, visit https://hawkesburycas.com.au/

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Exact Hearing Services recognised

IN October, as Small Business Month is celebrated, Exact Hearing Services highlights the essential role of local businesses in enhancing community wellbeing.

The Kingswood-based clinic recently received the 2025 Local Business Award for Health Improvement Services, acknowledging its dedication to personalised audiological care in the Penrith region.

Exact Hearing Services provides a comprehensive range of hearinghealth solutions, including diagnostic assessments, custom aid fittings, tinnitus management, and more. The team’s focus on understanding clients’ lifestyles ensures improved hearing and quality of life.

Research indicates that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, positioning Exact Hearing Services as a critical player in maintaining brain health through early intervention.

Karen McKeown OAM, Member for Penrith, praised the clinic’s impact: “It was a pleasure to visit the team at Exact Hearing Services... Their work supports cognitive health and social engagement. I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

Director Alex Stelma emphasised their commitment to awareness: “Our goal this Small Business Month is to encourage families to prioritize regular hearing checks. Better hearing really does lead to better brain health.”

It takes a village

COME along to Village Café this month to learn more about the local support services available to you.

You can gain free advice and invaluable connections to organisations that can support your needs. Have a chat with community and health workers and gain advice on a range of topics including health, wellbeing, aged care, disability, digital literacy and more.

See you at Village Café on:

• Second Thursday of every month

• Wainwright Park, Bringelly Rd, Kingswood penrith.city/ villagecafekingswood

• hird Thursday of every month

• Wattle Park, 4 Wattle Ave, North St Marys penrith.city/ villagecafenorthstmarys

• Fourth Thursday of every month

• Wilson Park, Seventh Ave, Llandilo

Cinema, Craft and Community Collide

MOVIE lovers and makers are set to swap popcorn for purl stitches as Glenbrook Cinema transforms into a hub of creativity and community spirit this month. The Creative Fringe’s Knitflix 2025 event will see crafters of all skill levels come together to watch Downton Abbey - The Grand Finale while knitting or crocheting for a cause that’s warming more than hearts.

On Saturday 25 October, locals will roll out their yarn, grab a seat and enjoy a morning of shared purpose, laughter and film, all while supporting the Think Outside the Square (TOTS) Blanket Challengean initiative that’s been wrapping the vulnerable in handmade comfort for years.

Knitflix isn’t your average movie morning. With the lights slightly dimmed guests are encouraged to bring along their knitting or crochet projects to work on during the film. Tickets, priced at $25 will directly fund the ongoing coordination of the TOTS Blanket Challenge, helping cover volunteer logistics, distribution and materials so more people can receive the gift of warmth this winter.

The TOTS Blanket Challenge has become a beloved community movement, rallying volunteers across Australia to create 20x20cm squares that are sewn into full blankets. Each one is then donated to charities supporting those facing homelessness,

domestic violence and hardship. What began as a local idea has grown into a national network of kindness, with hundreds of makers from all corners of the country sending in their creations.

Event organiser Debbie O’Connor from The Creative Fringe says the beauty of Knitflix lies in its simplicity.

“It’s about doing what you love, with people who share your passion, for a reason that matters. Whether you can knit, crochet, or just want to enjoy a good film and support the cause,

everyone’s welcome,” she said.

Funds raised through Knitflix are crucial to keeping the TOTS initiative thriving as demand continues to rise.

In 2025 alone, 1025 blankets were created and distributed to those in need, each one representing hours of care and connection from volunteers who simply wanted to make a difference.

The event will take place at Glenbrook Cinema, 2 Ross Street, Glenbrook, from 10.00am to

12.30pm. Those unable to attend can still contribute through donations or raffle support via The TOTS Blanket Challenge website.

In an era when connection often happens through screens, Knitflix is a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones we create together - one square, one stitch, one act of kindness at a time.

For more information or to book a ticket head to www. totsblanketchallenge.org.au

A metastatic breast cancer patient’s urgent plea to women

NURSE Manager at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Jaimie Earl thought she was doing everything right. No symptoms, no lumps, no signs, but then, a routine blood test revealed something her heart wasn’t ready for.

“I had no warning,” Jaimie says, her voice trembling as she recalls the weight of that moment. “Imaging showed I had cancer, and it had already spread to my liver. They traced it back to my breast. It felt impossible. I genuinely believed I was keeping on top of my health.”

The shock was profound and immediate. Cancer had silently crept through her body, invisible and relentless.

Within just two weeks of her diagnosis, Jaimie began chemotherapy at Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, stepping into a world she never imagined she’d face as a patient. Now, she continues her fight with targeted therapy for triple-positive breast cancer, a journey marked by moments of raw fear, resilience, and unwavering determination.

“The team at Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre have been incredible, compassionate, attentive, and always there when I needed them most. Their support has been a lifeline, making

me feel truly seen and cared for every single step of the way.”

McGrath Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Centre, Melanie Brothers highlights a chilling reality.

“Breast cancer can sometimes appear without symptoms, even in women who believe they’re healthy and vigilant. Early detection is vital. Acting swiftly gives patients the best chance of optimal outcomes.”

Jaimie’s experience has reshaped her understanding of what it means to fight cancer, not just physically but

emotionally.

“As a nurse, I cared for patients every day,” she reflects. “But going through it myself, I understand the deep fear and uncertainty in a way I never could before. True strength isn’t just pushing through pain, it’s knowing when to ask for help, to rest, and to speak up.”

Throughout her treatment, the kindness of family, friends, colleagues, and her medical team has been a lifeline — the quiet moments, the texts checking in, the meals brought to her door, the understanding

managers who allowed her space to heal.

But her message carries urgency for every woman.

“Breast cancer doesn’t wait. It doesn’t discriminate by age or health. Screening can start at 40, and it’s so important to speak to your GP, even if you feel ‘too young’ or ‘not at risk.’ I wish I had known this sooner. Cancer doesn’t always give you a warning,” says Jaimie.

Melanie adds, “Routine screening and self-examination remain the most powerful tools we have to catch breast cancer early, long before symptoms appear. It’s not just for those with a family history. It’s about staying one step ahead.”

If sharing Jaimie’s story prompts even one woman to get screened, to listen to her body, or to act sooner, then every tear, every fear, and every moment of vulnerability for Jaimie has been worth it.

Because when it comes to breast cancer, time is precious, and early action can save lives.

If you notice any changes in your breasts, lumps, swelling, or pain, or even if you have no symptoms but are over 40, please don’t wait. Make that appointment. Talk to your doctor. Your life might depend on it.

Listening to small business this October – have your say and join events during Small Business Month 2025

BY KAREN MCKEOWN OAM, MEMBER FOR PENRITH

THIS October, Small Business Month is about more than celebration – it’s about action. Small businesses in Penrith consistently tell us that red tape is one of their biggest barriers to growth, limiting productivity, innovation and capacity to thrive.

That’s why, alongside a month of events to celebrate and support small business, the NSW Small Business Commission is launching a targeted red tape initiative.

Small business owners and their representative bodies are invited to share their experiences with compliance and compliance burden through a short survey or interview.

These insights will help identify pain points and shape practical reforms to make it easier to do business in NSW.

Coinciding with Small Business Month, the survey will run from Wednesday 1 October until Friday 31 October 2025.

In addition to sharing your red tape experiences, Small Business Month provides opportunity for small business owners in Penrith to learn new skills, develop a business idea, build networks, or access support.

The month-long event features a dynamic calendar of online and faceto-face events, including workshops, webinars, and networking sessions across NSW. Aligned to individual business interests, the events cover a diverse range of topics such as social

media, consumer behaviour, mental health, business growth, cyber security, workplace health and safety, and more.

To share your experiences with red tape and compliance burden, please complete the survey at: www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/

consultation-red-tape

To explore and register to attend Small Business Month events, please visit: https://nsw.gov.au/nsw-smallbusiness-month

Bradfield’s First Building powers up with innovation and imagination

ABOLD new creative program is bringing the next stage of Bradfield City’s First Building to life, establishing a vibrant new hub for arts, culture, and community.

Launching this month, the program will deliver a series of free events and activations until June 2026 that celebrate Western Sydney’s artistic talent at the heart of Australia’s first new city in 100 years.

Delivered by leading youth arts organisation PYT Fairfield, the program is a core part of Bradfield’s early activation strategy, embedding arts and culture into the city’s development and connecting creative industries with manufacturing and innovation. It will provide opportunities for established and emerging Western Sydney artists to showcase their work and celebrate the region’s creative potential.

One of the program’s highlights is Women Who Launch, to be held on Friday, 7 November 2025. The event will honour the history and future of women in STEAM in Australia, including aviation pioneer Nancy Bird Walton, the namesake of the nearby Western Sydney International Airport.

The event will feature exhibitions, performances, workshops, and panel discussions hosted by trailblazer First Nations astrophysicist and science communicator Dr Kirsten Banks. Highlights include performances by Jannawi Dance Clan and The Sky Sisters, a panel on hidden histories featuring Powerhouse Museum curator Nina Earl, and a conversation on creativity in STEM with Professor Veena Sahajwalla, inventor of Green Steel, and cognitive scientist Professor Kate Stevens.

Another program, Tinker Tours, are a series of interactive workshops led by multi-disciplinary creatives that make complex STEM ideas approachable and exciting through creative practice. Some sessions are specifically designed for primary and high school students, encouraging curiosity and learning about the future of manufacturing.

In June 2026, the ColliderFest community event will bring together renown creatives and the broader community, with full program details to be announced in early 2026. Expect a kaleidoscope of activities,

performances, workshops and food trucks, celebrating the culmination of the creative program across an exciting day.

The programs will be co-curated with the recently announced Bradfield STEAM Council, an initiative bringing together eight young people to help activate the First Building and ensure programs incorporate STEAM themes.

The Women Who Launch event is now open for registration on the Bradfield Development Authority website.

Ken Morrison, CEO of the Bradfield

Development Authority, said:

“As Australia’s first new city in 100 years, Bradfield is being built as a city of innovation, and that includes cultural innovation.

“This program is a powerful way to connect community, creativity and industry from the very beginning.

“PYT Fairfield brings deep local knowledge and artistic excellence to this partnership, and we’re pleased to be partnering to bring even more energy to the exciting work already underway at the First Building.”

Gabrielle Trainor, Bradfield Development Authority Board Member and Chair of Arts and Culture Advisory Panel said:

“Our new city of Bradfield cannot fully come to fruition without the creativity and cultural life of Western Sydney at its pulse.

“We’re delighted that PYT Fairfield has been appointed as our Creative Producer to help us embrace the artists and the brilliant creative community of our region into Bradfield as our urban centre begins to take shape.

“I thank our Arts and Culture Panel for their commitment and highly valuable guidance during this selection process and overall.”

PYT Director Jacqueline Hornjik said:

“We are looking forward with joy and wonder and awe to the potential of this opportunity, and we’re honoured to be developing these programs at Bradfield, allowing us to showcase the incredible talent and diversity of Western Sydney’s creative community.

“There is so much happening in creative spaces across our region, and we’re excited to help Bradfield grow into a cultural hub for the community to enjoy”

Growing our future workforce

AHUGE congratulations to the 75 dedicated HSC students who have just graduated from the VET in Schools (VETiS) program, marking the culmination of two years of hard work, commitment, and passion for healthcare.

At a recent graduation ceremony, we proudly celebrated the achievements of these students from across the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, recognising their journey toward becoming the next generation of health professionals.

The graduation celebrated 61 students who completed their Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care), while 14 students earned a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. Their studies included weekly training sessions and 80 hours of hands-on work placements during school holidays, developing essential clinical skills like patient care, wound dressing, and health monitoring.

Vocational Education and Training In Schools Coordinator and Entry to Workforce Coordinator, Kia-Lee Sutton says it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the students hard work result in tremendous accomplishment.

“Seeing students achieve nationally recognised qualifications while still at

school demonstrates their resilience, commitment, and capability. To watch them step so confidently into the health workforce at such an early stage in their careers is inspiring — it’s not just a personal achievement for them, but also a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve built with schools, families, and health services.”

The evening was attended by proud families and key stakeholders, including school principals, VET in Schools pathways coordinators, and District Directors, recognising the strong collaboration behind the program’s success.

With 29 schools represented, the

program not only builds practical health skills but also boosts health literacy across our communities.

Excitingly, 48 graduates have now joined NBMLHD as casual Assistant in Nursing (AIN) staff.

“The impact is twofold. For the health system, these programs strengthen recruitment pathways and address workforce shortages by providing a pipeline of trained, entrylevel staff who can step directly into roles or continue their studies into nursing and allied health professions. For the community, it creates a ripple effect of awareness and health empowerment,” says Kia-Lee.

“For me, it reinforces why these

programs matter. We’re building the future of our workforce from within our own community,” adds Kia-Lee.

Supporting children’s education a key priority for Nepean Evening View Club this anti-poverty week

MEMBERS of Nepean Evening VIEW Club are calling on the community to give generously this Anti-Poverty Week, October 12-18 and sponsor a child or donate to the national children’s education charity The Smith Family. The focus of this AntiPoverty Week is to end child poverty in Australia.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club sponsors five children through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life education support program, which provides families with long term educational, financial, and personal assistance so that children have all the essentials needed to make the most of their education.

Club President, Fran McDaid said with one in six children in Australia growing up in poverty, there has never been a more important time to support a child with their education. “Families are having to make impossible choices about how to spend limited resources. This could be prioritising rent over sending their child on a school excursion, being able to afford schoolbooks or essential digital learning tools,” said Mrs McDaid.

“A laptop and reliable internet access at home are now vital for any child’s education.”

VIEW Clubs in 2025 have raised over $182,000 for The Smith Family’s Digital Learning Essentials program that aims to close the digital divide and allow students to fully participate in their schooling.

“No child should have to miss out on the essentials for their education, and this is why VIEW is so passionate

about supporting the work of The Smith Family. Its evidence-based approach helps children experiencing disadvantage to overcome the educational inequality they face. They support students for the duration of their education, and this helps them build the confidence and skills needed to create better futures for themselves.”

VIEW Clubs raised more than $1.5 million nationally last year to support The Smith Family’s important work and they currently sponsor over 1800 students on the Learning for Life scholarship program.

While fundraising plays a vital

role in helping children in need, Mrs McDaid is also encouraging women of all ages to donate their time and skills by joining a VIEW Club. Each year, VIEW members collectively volunteer over 70000 hours of their time to help young people through homework, reading and mentoring programs run by the charity – but there is still a need for more helping hands.

Recently, at Nepean Evening VIEW Club’s 57th birthday celebrations four members were awarded service badges: Jan for 10 years, Phyllis for 20 years, Marilyn for 40 years and Ann for 50 years. We have many

members with similar impressive commitments to volunteering.

“VIEW members have a unique opportunity to provide hands-on support to children experiencing disadvantage, while also forming meaningful and lasting community relationships,” said Mrs McDaid.

To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366

For Nepean Evening VIEW Club details, email nepeanview@gmail. com

To sponsor a child through The Smith Family, visit thesmithfamily. com.au

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A MILL AT EMU PLAINS

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

IN 1835 Sir John Jamison bought a modified steam engine for irrigation and the four-storey mill that he built on his property “Regentville.”

In 1839 he wrote to the Colonial Secretary asking his help with the pipes he needed to finish the mill that would manufacture cloth and tweed. The mill was completed in 1840. In 1841 he signed a lease agreement with brothers Abraham and John Rayner who were experts in the trade having been born in Ireland and brought up in the industry. The 1840s depression nearly ruined Sir John, leaving him with a lack of funds to support his mill. He died in 1844 and the partnership with the Rayner brothers was dissolved and most of the machinery was moved to a flour mill in Sydney but the mill continued with various managers and in 1849 the mill produced 11,500 yards of high-quality tweed, closing in 1850. The building was a landmark near the banks of the Nepean River for almost a century until it was demolished in the early 1930’s. The Rayner brothers returned to the area in 1851 to operate their own mill at Emu Plains near the banks of the Nepean using the old Police barracks building that had been part of the Government Agricultural Establishment. In July 1861 fire almost destroyed the factory. It was built of stone to the first floor and of brick above it, being a hundred and forty feet in length and eighteen feet in height up to the wall-plate. There were two walls up to the roof and dividing the factory into three compartments. It had no fireplaces and the roof was shingled. There was a steam boiler in a shed attached to the main building, built with stone and brick and roofed with galvanised iron. The engine and boiler rooms were at the eastern side of the south end of the building containing the power looms and were the only portion of the building that escaped the fire. The power-loom shop was at the northern end and the engine house was a wooden building. The mill and machinery were insured by the Sydney Insurance Office for £1500, the insurance however was divided into three parts each insured for £500 and it was believed that one of these parts had been saved. The total loss was estimated at £10,000. An inquest into the fire was held at the Australian Arms at Emu Plains. The coroner Mr G F Clark presided and the Jury contained eleven men with James Tobias Ryan as Foreman. Abraham Rayner said that on the night of the fire he heard dogs barking and he looked out but could not see anything unusual at the time of leaving off work. He left the weaving shop on the northern end and closed the doors but did mentioned that the lock on the door was not secured. When he first discovered the fire it was confined to the lower story and in flames from one end to the other, about forty foot long at the south end of the building and that no one lived on the premises and there should not have been anyone there as the workpeople leave work at dusk around five o’clock and it was about a quarter to eight when he heard the dogs bark and he looked over the fence and one of the dogs that belonged to one of the workers was near the fire. The main range of buildings was made of stone and brick and the power-loom shop was built of stone and there was no connection or opening from the engine-house and boiler-house to the main building except the gearing that worked the machinery. At the time of leaving off work he observed there was no fire at the engine furnace

 Regentville Tweed Factory taken from a postcard courtesy of “The Past Present” website

and the fire could not possibly have originated from there, as a stone wall divided the furnace and at that part of the premises where the fire broke out there were no openings in the wall and he saw no one about the factory when he first observed the fire and he did not think it originated from any sparks from the engine furnace as the property on fire consisted of sheep skins, dyeing materials, loom gearing and some hay. He said that one of Job Harket’s boys had been in that part of the building beating sheepskins in the early part of the day. The fire had consumed all the spinning, carding and mule machinery along with the engine-house and flour mill that were all destroyed. He estimated a loss at £10,000 that would barely cover the destruction and he believed the machinery destroyed at over £5,000, the buildings, raw materials and dye wares at another £5,000 more. Thankfully there were no lives lost as no one was allowed to sleep on the premises. His brother John usually locked up but he was in Sydney on that night and he was at a complete loss to account for the fire and they do not allow smoking, but we know the workers do sometimes smoke when at work. Job Harket stated that he was a stoker at the factory and was engaged in that job about twenty minutes before six and he left the factory as usual. The workers had all left and the engine was stopped and he drew out of the furnace a few burnt billets and closed the furnace door as usual. He said that he lived near the boiler-house and was at home from the time of leaving work until the fire broke out and from the position of his house he would not see any person go to the mill when he was at home at the time of the fire alarm and he went to the furnace and found them all as he had left them and cannot see how this fire could have originated from the engine furnace when it first broke out. The boiler is what is called a Cornish boiler and when he first saw the fire it was not near the engine and boiler house and that they ignited afterwards. William Alfred Harket, said he was in the stable at the south side of the factory where there was some dye stuff, some wool and some rollers and he was in there before breakfast only. He said he did not smoke and did not know if any worker was in there while he was at the river with other boys soaking skins. Augustus Block said that he was a miller at the factory and about ten minutes past five he fastened the two doors where the fire broke out but did not know any worker was there after he made the doors fast and he never saw the boys smoke and he did not smoke himself and he didn’t smell any signs of the fire at the time he fastened the doors. Upon hearing the evidence, the jury after a short consultation gave their unanimous verdict “that the fire was the work of some incendiary as yet unknown”. The mill continued to be a picturesque building standing on the shores of the Nepean River for many years, eventually being known to tourists who passed in boating parties as simply ‘The Old Factory’. Abraham Rayner died in August 1902 in Emu Plains at the age of 93. He was born in Dublin in 1809. John Rayner born in Dublin in 1808 died in May 1984 at the age of 76. Their parents were Samuel & Maud Rayner.

Sources: Sydney Morning Herald, Historic Australian Towns website, Trove, Ancestry, Town & Country Journal, BDM Website, 1891 Census, Grenville’s PO Directory 1872, Family Search (Mormon website).

WSU partners with NSW Police Force

WESTERN Sydney University is entering a new strategic partnership with the NSW Police Force to help train future police officers to protect, lead and serve their communities in New South Wales. The University and NSW Police Force will co-deliver the Associate Degree in Applied Policing—a critical qualification and training pathway into the force.

Embedded in community impact and public service, this direct pathway will ensure students graduate with the skills, confidence, resilience and ethical decision-making needed to enter the NSW Police Force as Probationary Constables.

Professor Jason Pandya-Wood, Dean of Western Sydney University’s School of Social Sciences, said the University is proud to co-deliver the program which has a long legacy of serving the state and local communities.

“There is a natural synergy between the University and police education, given many of those applying for the NSW Police Force are from the Western Sydney region,” said Professor Pandya-Wood.

“With a focus on industry-aligned, practice-based education, Western Sydney University is thrilled to co-

deliver the program with the NSW Police Force, training the next generation of police constables.

“This is one of the state’s most critical public service pathways and our graduates will be ready to serve with confidence and care.”

From January 2026, Western Sydney University will deliver the Associate Degree in Applied Policing (ADAP), a three-stage, Australian Qualifications Framework Level 6 qualification, designed in close collaboration with the NSW Police Force.

With three stages spanning

ORCHARD HILLS

Distance, Academy (in Goulburn), and Operational learning, the program is built to ensure recruits are wellprepared for the demands of policing today and into the future.

NSW Police Academy Commander, Chief Superintendent John Klepczarek, APM said the new partnership would play a pivotal role in shaping a new wave of exceptional police constables.

“The education and training the recruits will receive at the Academy will be among the best in the world, ensuring they meet the demands of modern policing now and into the

future,” said Chief Superintendent Klepczarek.

“The course will teach students about all aspects of contemporary policing and will put them in great stead to undertake any of the more than 200 jobs available within their career with NSW Police.

“The partnership with Western Sydney University brings a number of benefits, especially for students, such as gaining an Associate Degree in Applied Policing, and recognition of prior experience.”

For over 20 years, Western Sydney University has offered a Bachelor of Policing, with the new Associate Degree in Applied Policing serving to strengthen the University’s longstanding relationship with NSW Police Force.

Together with the NSW Police Force, the University co-shares the Forensic Science Facility at the Hawkesbury campus, delivering nationally recognised forensic science education. The campus is also home to the NSW Police Leadership Centre.

Applications are now open and those wishing to find out more can visit the applications page www. westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/ courses/undergraduate/associatedegree-in-applied-policing

Ollie’s Road to Recovery: A Story of Healing with Phovia Therapy

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

WHEN four-year-old Ollie arrived at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, his family knew something was terribly wrong. Normally an affectionate cat who never missed the chance for a pat or his dinner, Ollie was suddenly lethargic, refusing food, and reluctant to move. When his owner picked him up, Ollie reacted in uncharacteristic pain, even trying to bite—a sign of just how much discomfort he was in.

On examination, Dr. Dilshara and Dr. Camille discovered puncture wounds around Ollie’s tail, rump, and genital region. These were clear signs of a cat fight, and the mystery was confirmed when, during clipping and cleaning, a cat’s nail was found embedded in

his skin. Despite receiving pain relief and antibiotics, Ollie’s condition deteriorated as inflammation took hold. The skin on his tail, inner thighs, and around his genital region became badly necrotic, eventually sloughing away in large sections.

The severity of the tissue damage meant suturing wasn’t an option—there simply wasn’t enough healthy skin to close the wounds. Even a skin graft would not have closed the wounds.

Faced with this challenge, Dr. Camille chose an innovative approach: Phovia Fluorescent Light Therapy (FLE).

Phovia is a veterinary treatment designed to accelerate wound and skin healing in pets. The process involves applying a special orange gel containing chromophores to the affected skin, then exposing it to blue LED light. This light activates the gel, generating fluorescent light energy at multiple wavelengths. These wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths, stimulating its natural regeneration processes.

The therapy offers multiple benefits: it accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and helps control bacteria. Importantly, it is non-invasive and drug-free, reducing reliance

on antibiotics and playing a role in combating antimicrobial resistance. Pets typically tolerate the sessions very well, with no need for sedation.

For Ollie, Phovia proved to be a true turning point. Over the past two months, his wounds have improved remarkably. What started as a small injury that progressed into extensive skin necrosis has now regenerated healthy tissue, eliminating the need for surgery. Thankfully, the affected area did not involve his rectum or genitals, which could have caused far more serious complications.

Thanks to the dedication of Ollie’s owners—who carefully cleaned his wounds and made sure his e-collar stayed on to prevent him from licking— his recovery has been remarkable. While he still needs some ongoing care, Ollie is regaining his strength and returning to his affectionate, familiar self, the muchloved cat his family knows and loves.

Ollie’s story is a reminder of the dangers cats face outdoors, from territorial disputes to hidden injuries. It also highlights the importance of veterinary innovation. Treatments like Phovia not only offer hope for complex wounds but also demonstrate

the evolving ways veterinarians can provide better outcomes for pets.

Thanks to his family’s quick action and the dedicated care of the Orchard Hills team, Ollie is well on his way back to full health—and perhaps, a quieter life indoors.

What is meant by VPP?

A requirement of the new Cheaper Home Battery rebate scheme is that the battery system must have the ability to connect to a VPP but doesn’t have to connect. Make sense? Hmm.

Well let’s unpack this a little more by trying to explain what a VPP is.

Virtual Power Plants: A Growing Trend in Energy Technology

New energy technology has introduced Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), an innovative offering gaining popularity. A VPP is a network of small solar panel and battery systems across various properties, managed collectively by an energy business.

VPP operators collaborate with energy businesses to produce or use

A magical outdoor cinema at City Park

CINEMA in the Park returns for a magical evening on Saturday 11 October from 6pm to 9pm at City Park – and the first 200 attendees will receive free popcorn.

Penrith City Council’s Cinema in the Park is airing ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ for everyone to enjoy.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was thrilled Council was hosting the free event again as it allowed families to come together, relax and experience City Park.

“We had a wonderful time hosting Cinema in the Park at City Park last year, and we’re eager to bring it back with another family-friendly film this year,” Cr Carney said.

“I highly encourage anyone interested to plan their night out — bring a blanket or some fold-out lawn chairs. We’re giving popcorn to the first 200 attendees who come down.

“We have interactive crafting activities and face painting for the kids to enjoy before sitting down to watch the movie.

“You could even visit one of

for

beforehand.”

Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook page for updates regarding the event. Admission to the park cinema is free. Find out more at penrith.city/ events

Jim’s Gems

specific electricity amounts when beneficial to the overall energy system.

Agreements with system owners, typically homeowners, dictate how frequently the VPP operator can utilize their solar or batteries, compensating the owner accordingly.

VPPs are essential for balancing the energy system, ensuring sufficient energy availability. With traditional coal power plants closing and renewable energy sources like wind, solar farms, and rooftop solar systems increasing, the energy system is undergoing significant changes. This shift affects energy production and consumption patterns, leading to surpluses at times and shortages at others.

VPPs address these imbalances by providing additional stored electricity when needed or storing excess energy for future use. This is achieved by charging batteries, supplying electricity from batteries to the grid, and even temporarily shutting off solar systems during periods of

overproduction.

Participating in a VPP offers several benefits. Users are compensated for allowing the VPP to utilize their energy equipment, receiving payments, fixed monthly or yearly fees, or discounts on equipment.

VPPs also contribute to reducing emissions by facilitating the integration of more rooftop solar and renewable power plants into the electricity system. By supporting these renewable sources, VPPs help reduce reliance on gas and coal power, promoting a transition toward a lowemissions, renewables-based energy system.

Furthermore, VPPs support innovation in the energy sector. VPP operators are continuously developing new technologies and strategies to balance household needs with the broader energy system effectively, striving to create a sustainable and viable long-term business model.

A key aspect of the federal Cheaper Home Battery Scheme is

that battery systems must be VPPcapable to qualify for rebates. This initiative encourages battery owners to participate in VPP programs, enhancing capacity and flexibility within Australia’s power grid. By combining solar PV, battery storage, and VPP participation, consumers can reduce energy bills and contribute to Australia’s clean energy transition.

Our personal experience with VPP’s.

In our office, we have been connected to Amber (electricity retailer that provides access to the wholesale electricity market, in essence they are a VPP). Our average FIT for the past 12 months is 39.9cents/kWhr and our average purchase price is 24.8cents/ kWhr for the same period. We have also actually sold excess power back into the grid and received over $16.00/ kWhr!

For local energy advice or a personalised solar and battery storage proposal, contact Nepean Solar Solutions on 4760 0809.

Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions

our local restaurants

a delicious dinner

Call Out to Local Art and Craft Makers to Celebrate Community Creativity

ARTWEST Exhibition and Family Day 2025, St Marys Dates: Friday 24 October, 10am–8pm (Official Opening 6pm) and Saturday 25 October, 10am–2pm Venue: St Marys Community Centre, 29 Swanston Street, St Marys 2760

Calling all local art and craft makers! ARTWEST ’25 is back and open to everyone in the Nepean community. Locals are warmly invited to enter their artworks and craft creations for display at the ARTWEST ’25 Exhibition and Family Day on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October at the St Marys Community Centre.

Entry is free. Art and Craft work is for sale. Participants can contribute to the St Marys cultural scene by creating works inspired by South Creek (Wianamatta) – the vibrant but often overlooked waterway flowing through our neighbourhood.

Artists and craft makers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to use their imagination across any medium –from painting, drawing, photography, textiles, ceramics, printing, sculpture, writing, mixed media, performance, or even video. Each participant may enter up to two works.

The ARTWEST ’25 exhibition and family day will also feature an inspiring display from 180 Year 5 and 6 students at Oxley Park Public School, who created portraits of local young people in a collaboration with the National Gallery of Art.

ARTWEST ’25, Friday 24 October, from 10am,

Official opening ceremony at 6pm, following the acknowledgement of Country, Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney will officially open ARTWEST, with Kevin Finlayson on the healing nature of art, and a musical performance from NMA Drummers!

Introducing Family Day, Saturday 25 October, from 10am until 1pm

Alongside the exhibition, Family Day offers a hands-on chance to be creative, including

• Browse market stalls of local handicraft,

• Try your hand a ropemaking and weaving with Aunty Cindy Laws,

• Learn to build pottery at the Nepean Potters Society Open Studio,

• Paint up a pot-plant and select a seedling to grow at home,

• Learn fashion repair skills and sustainable clothing tips,

• Enjoy a display of historical costumes,

• Relax with a beautiful henna tattoo,

• Fresh Coffee (gold coin donation).

Participation in all Family Day makerspace activities is FREE!

Drop in between10am–1pm, for fun for all ages and skill levels.

ARTWEST is a Local Tradition

Lovingly curated by the St Marys community since the mid-1990s, ARTWEST continues to provide a platform for local creative voices and diverse cultural expression. This year we continue celebrate this “creekside conversation”, between different local people alongside Wianamatta (South Creek). ARTWEST honours the

resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families who have continuously lived here for thousands of years.

Partnerships and Pathways

ARTWEST is facilitated by the St Marys Area Community Development Project under the auspice of Nepean Multicultural Access Inc. NMA, a not-for-profit organisation has served the Nepean community for over 30 years.

Presented by NMA in partnership with Oxley Park Public School, Nepean Potters Society, Penrith City Council, No Boundaries Artists with Disability, NSW Health, Penrith Regional Gallery, TAFE Nepean Art & Design Centre Kingswood, and Salvos, ARTWEST offers more than an exhibition, it builds pathways to employment by supporting community cohesion.

A professional development program with Penrith Regional

Gallery and TAFE provides local interns with training in art handling and installation, creating real-world employment opportunities for migrants. Following the 2022 pilot program, 75% of ARTWEST interns gained paid work in the sector.

Nepean Potters Society celebrates 50 years of creativity at ARTWEST ‘25

The Nepean Potters Society is excited to announce its participation in the ARTWEST Exhibition and Family Day. This year’s event holds special significance as the Society celebrates its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of artistic contribution to the local community. How to Enter art and craft work into ARTWEST

It’s easy and free to enter your work. Visit www.nma.org.au to download an entry form. Further details, please email david@nma.org.au, or call NMA on (02) 9833 2416.

ARTWEST ‘25, Student Oxley Park Public School, pastels drawing, 2025.

ARTWEST ‘25, Alirra Homewood, Lavender Fields, Digital Print, 2025.

ARTWEST 2022, Official Opening, Photo Credit, Sara Spearpoint, 2022. ARTWEST 2022, Bradley Burrows, tool carving, Photo, Sara Spearpoint, 2022.

High-goal Polo action at Countess of Dudley tournament

AFTER two weeks of exceptional high-class polo matches, Ellerston White (David Paradice, Cody Grimes, Will Harper, Paco O’Dywer) claimed the prestigious Countess of Dudley Cup (14-goal) trophy for 2025. In a thrilling final, they emerged victorious over Kurri Burri Wright Pastoral with a score of 12 goals to 11. The winner of the L.T. Watson Memorial Trophy (14-goal) was Ellerston Gardenvale (Shane Finemore, Blake Grimes, Dirk Gould, Raul Laplacette), which defeated Larapinta Green 8 goals to 6. Goondiwindi (Dave Coulton, Sam Coulton, Tuki Ruiz Guinazu, Ruki Baillieu) was victorious against Arunga in the Hector King Cup (6-goal), winning 5 goals to 3. The Table Club (James Burkitt, Ric

McCarthy, Cody Grimes, Jack Grimes) took home the King Family Trophy (6-goal) by defeating Ellerston Green 6 goals to 4.

Full results from the Countess of Dudley and Hector King tournaments are as follows: Countess of Dudley Cup

Game 1 – Kurri Burri Wright Pastoral defeated Gardenvale 9-7; Game 2 - Ellerston White defeated Larapinta Blue 7-4; Game 3Larapinta Green defeated Ellerston Blue 10-8, Game 4 - Kurri Burri Wright Pastoral defeated Larapinta Blue 14-12; Game 5 - Ellerston White defeated Larapinta Green 7-5; Game 6 - Gardenvale defeated Ellerston Blue 13-8; Game 7 - Ellerston White defeated Ellerston Gardenvale 11-10; Game 8 - Kurri Burri Wright Pastoral defeated Larapinta Green 11-10; Game 9 - Ellerston Blue defeated Larapinta Blue 6-5; Game 10 (Semi Final) -

Kurri Burri Wright Pastoral defeated Larapinta Green 9-7; Game 11 (sub Semi Final) - Ellerston Gardenvale defeated Larapinta Blue 7-6; Game 12 (Semi Final) - Ellerston White defeated Ellerston Blue 9-5; Sir JJ Garvan Cup - ; L.T. Watson Memorial Trophy Ellerston Gardenvale defeated Larapinta Green 8-6; Countess of Dudley Cup - Ellerston White defeated Kurri Burri Wright Pastoral 12-11. Hector King Cup Game 1 - Ellerston Green defeated Arunga 5-4; Game 2 - Goondiwindi defeated Flat Hill Farm 10-9; Game 3 - Arunga defeated Aanuka Beach House 9-8; Game 4 - Troika defeated The Pines 4-2, Game 5 - The Table Club defeated The Pines 5-3, Game 6 - Goondiwindi Polo defeated White Deer Park 9-6, Game 7 - Ellerston Green defeated Aanuka Beach House 9-8, Game 8 - Trioka defeated The Table Club 10-8; Game 9 - White

Deer Park defeated Flat Hill Farm 7-6; Game 10 (Quarter Final)Goondiwindi defeated Flat Hill Farm 15-7; GAME 11 (Quarter Final)Trioka defeated the Pines 10-8; GAME 12 (Quarter Final) - White Deer Park defeated Ellerston Green 5-4; GAME 13 (Quarter Final) - Arunga defeated The Table Club 9-8; Game 14 (Semi Final) - Goondiwindi defeated White Deer Park 7-4; Game 14 (sub Semi Final) - Ellerston Green defeated The Pines 8-7; Game 14 (Semi Final)Arunga v Troika; Game 15 (sub Semi Final) - The Table Club v Aanuka Beach House; Subsidiary Final (King Family Trophy) - The Table Club defeated Ellerston Green 6-4 ; Final (Hector King Cup) - Goondiwindi defeated Arunga 5-3.

Sir Phillip Charley Trophy winners - Jemalong ( Colt Kahlbetzer, Piper Trickett, Jake Daniels, Ashley Glennie).

BY NOEL ROWSELL

Presentation pics courtesy of Windsor Polo Club. Left: Countess of Dudley Cup - Ellerston White. Right: Sir Phillip Charley Trophy - Jemalong.

Action from the LT Watson Memorial Trophy match. Photos by Noel Rowsell

Left: The Hector King Cup - Goondiwindi. Right: TL Watson Trophy - Ellerston Gardenvale.

Richmond takes strong hold on WSRVGA Club of the Year crown

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Western Sydney Region

Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) held its penultimate Inter-club challenge for 2025 at Richmond Golf Club on Tuesday 30th September.

141 players braved a breezy chill, led by a contingent from Richmond GC who seemed determined to claim every prize for themselves, and almost succeeded – taking out 5 of the 6 major prizes and many of the lesser ones.

The sheer dominance of Richmond on their home course was evidenced from their winning club team, with Ken Powell (44), Carol Carter (42), Michael Harrison (41) and Julie Finn (37 c/b) recording a massive 164 points total, ahead of Penrith and Glenmore Heritage Valley on 142.

The Richmond club also provided first and second in the Men’s 2BBB Stableford, with Karl Lozier and Ken Powell leading the field on 48 points, ahead of club-mates Adrian Jurd and Fred Walshaw in second on a countback with 47, followed by Penrith’s Rick Wilson and Phil Johnson 47.

Richmond’s Ladies also played strongly in the Medley 2BBB, led by Carol Carter and Carolyn Lozier with 46 points, ahead of Dunheved’s Diane Bowen and Elaine Williams second on a count-back with 42, and Richmond’s Jane Mackie and Julie Finn also on 42.

Carol Carter won the Ladies Singles with 42 points, ahead of clubmate Julie Finn on 37 and Penrith’s Debra Moussa 35.

A Grade Men: Kevin Downes (Glenmore, 39 points), Noel Guillaume (Glenmore, 36), Jim

Bullock (Richmond, 35); B Grade Men: Ken Powell (Richmond, 44 points), Michael Harrison (Richmond, 41, Warren Husband (Wallacia, 36); C Grade Men: Phil Johnston (Penrith, 43 points), Fred Walshaw (Richmond, 37), Adrian Jurd (Richmond, 35 c/b).

With a single round left in this year’s Club of the Year and Player of the Year awards, the heat is on for the final round at Springwood.

In the men’s Player of the Year competition, only four Stableford points separate the leading twelve players, who between them represent six of the eight member clubs. The leader is Warren Husband (Wallacia, 107 points), ahead of Glenn Brown (Dunheved, 106), John Searle (Glenmore, 106) and James Bullock (Richmond, 106), Tim Dawes (Glenmore, 105) Terrence Cheong (Stonecutters, 105) and Steven

Loader (Stonecutters, 105), Noel Guillaume (Glenmore, 104), Michael Harrison (Richmond, 103), Rodney Tuckwell (Richmond, 103), Karl Lozier (Richmond, 103) and Robert Lewis (Wallacia, 103).

Elaine Williams (Dunheved, 98 points) has a five-point lead in the Ladies Player of the Year, ahead of Debra Moussa (Penrith, 93), Julie Berg (Penrith, 93), Lynette Luttinger (Richmond 93), Christine Hoppe (Wallacia, 91) and Juanita Robb (Glenmore, 90).

Richmond now has a huge lead in Club of the Year on 981 points, ahead of Glenmore 962, Wallacia 947, Dunheved 927, Penrith 905, Leonay 897, Stonecutters Ridge 873 and Springwood 803.

The final Inter-club for 2025 is to be hosted by Springwood CC on Wednesday, November 12th.

Curmi and Hunt chase the leaders at One Raceway

XAVIER Curmi (Wallacia) and William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) were both in action at One Raceway last weekend, competing in the penultimate round of the 2025 Australian Superbike (ASBK) series.

Xavier raced in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, recording finishing positions of 6th, 7th and 10th respectively in the three races to finish 9th for the Round and sit in 5th for the Series.

The OJC features incredibly close racing, on identical bike configuration for each rider, with one second often separating multiple riders.

Five riders finished within one second of the

leader in Race 1, nine riders were within one second in Race 2 and eleven riders blanketed together in Race 3.

“Round 5 at One Raceway done,” Xavier said. “A 6th, 7th and 10th for the three races. Not quite what we were looking for, but it was really close racing, and everything is a learning curve. Onto the final round at the bend. Thanks everyone.”

William raced in the Road & Race Supersport 300 category, yet another event which features incredibly close finishes across multiple riders. He finished 13th, 11th and 13th in his three races to rank 12th for the Round and sits in 19th for the Series.

William’s father Matthew said, “We’ve got the pace, we just need the consistency. It was our second best-ever finish in the Supersport 300 category. The

round at Phillip Island allowed William to shoot ten spots up the ladder in the Series and we will be very satisfied to finish the season in the Top 20.”

Elijah Andrew (Kings Langley) sits in 31st spot and Zac Russo (Sackville North) 41st in the Supersport 300 Series rankings.

JJ Nahlous (Glenwood) was forced onto a different make of bike for One Raceway in the Superbike category but adapted boldly with the switch from Yamaha to Honda, finishing 8th for the Round and is 7th for the Series. Jack Favelle (Cattai) had a crash in Race 2 and finished 13th for the Round and is 8th for the Series.

Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) had a DNF in Race 1 of Supersport 600, finishing 12th for the Round and is in 6th spot for the Series.

BY NOEL ROWSELL

File pics of Xavier Curmi and William Hunt - courtesy of RbMotoLens and TGD Australia

Bronzed Aussies shine at ICF World Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2025

ICF Canoe

Slalom World Championships played out in front of huge crowds over the 29th September - 4th October at Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium.

Australians Kaylen Bassett and Kate Eckhardt were the star duo for the Australian team, with Kaylen grabbing bronze in the Men’s Canoe and Kate a bronze in the Women’s Kayak.

Australia had five paddlers reach a Final, with Noemie Fox OAM achieving the feat in both WC1 and WK1, Kaylen in MC1, Kate WK1, Lucien Delfour MK1 and Tim Anderson MK1.

Kaylen claimed Australia’s first medal of the Championships on Day Four, putting in the race of a lifetime to win bronze in the Men’s Canoe (MC1).

Ranked eighth after the semifinals, he unleashed a show-stopping run in the Final, making the most of boisterous home crowd support.

Battling winds that disrupted the field, Kaylen produced a flawless run – beaten only by Olympic champion Nicolas Gestin (FRA) and Ryan Westley (GBR).

Before today’s breakthrough, Kaylen’s best result at a senior world championship was 39th.

“I’m shocked. I don’t believe it, still,” he said. “I feel like I’m still waiting for someone else to come down the course, to be honest, but I think it’s going to hit me very, very soon.

“I’ve had a really good season so far. I’ve made three out of four finals at the World Cups that I was racing at, but racing in the Finals had kind of been this next step that I was trying to overcome, and to do it here in front of a home crowd, home course, friends, family, it couldn’t have come at a better time and this is a day I’ve got to remember for sure.”

Klaudia Zwolinska (POL) claimed gold in the women’s C1, while Alsu Minazova (AIN) claimed silver and Ana Satila (BRA) bronze.

Despite being one of only three athletes to deliver a clean run in the WC1 Final, Noemie was more than eight seconds off the pace, finishing

ninth in the overall standings.

Day Five delivered another bronze lining for Australia, with Kate beating some of the sport’s best female paddlers to deliver our second bronze medal in 24 hours, this time in the WK1.

Kate was an early starter in the Final but rose to the occasion, tackling the Penrith Whitewater Stadium course with precision to set a fast benchmark, then faced a tense wait as some of the biggest names in the sport chased her time.

With this result, the 27-year-old achieved the biggest individual win of her career.

“Kami (Camille Prigent) was about a whisker away from being ahead of me, so I need to go find her and give her a big hug,” Kate said.

“But it was very, very, nerve wracking. I was just happy with the run that I put down and really proud of how it all came together.

“It’s amazing, surreal... I don’t think I really believe it myself yet but here we are,” she said.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ve got so many friends and family here. I’m so, so lucky to have their support around me. The crowd was unreal, and I’m so grateful to have the support that I’ve had here today and

throughout the week.”

Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska claimed gold ahead of Kimberley Woods (GBR) in second place and Kate third, whilst Noemie finished 12th.

In the men’s Kayak (MK1) event, Australia’s Lucien Delfour finished in fifth position in the Final, ahead of fellow Australian Tim Anderson in 10th.

Australia could not pull a rabbit out of the hat on Day Six, with only Lucien managing to progress through the Heats of the Kayak Cross, before he was eliminated in the Quarter Finals.

Kaylen Bassett - MC1.

Kate Eckhardt - WK1.

Noemie Fox OAM - WC1. Action and course photos by Noel Rowsell.

Tim Anderson MK1.

Kate Eckhardt & Kaylen Bassett. Photo courtesy of JGR Images / Paddle Australia

Lucien Delfour MK1.

Jack Newton Junior Golf hosts International tournaments

BY NOEL ROWSELL

SEVERAL Jack Newton Junior Golf international tournaments were held in the Hunter Valley last week, including the Junior International, the sub-Junior International, the International U12 Classic and the International 9 hole Classic.

The leading event was the International Junior Classic, which

is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Golf Australia Junior Order of Merit (GA OOM) event and took place at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club.

This event was for 15, 16 and 17-year-old players, attracting 147 boys and 60 girls.

Richmond’s Ti Fox (Concord GC) was the best of the western Sydney contingent, saving his best for the fourth and final day’s round to storm 19 places up the leader board into a tie

for tenth place in the Boys division. Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC) finished in a tie for 31st, whilst Matt Nathan (Lynwood CC) finished in a tie for 40th.

In the Girls division, Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC) also had a solid finishing round, moving eleven spots up the Leader board into a tie for 14th, whilst Penrith’s Jessica Fog (The Lakes GC) was the next best from western Sydney, finishing in a tie for 51st.

In the sub-Junior International, Penrith GC had two entrants, with Nicole Son finishing tied 4th in 13 Years Girls and Hunter McMillan finishing 7th in 12 Boys.

In the U12 International, Carter Bryant (Lynwood CC) finished tied 2nd in 10 Years Boys and Mitchell Dewberry (Penrith GC) 16th in 11 Years & Over Boys.

Leo Ong (Twin Creeks) was the only local player in the 9 hole Classic and finished 7th in 8 Years & Under Boys.

Hunter McMillan (Penrith GC). File photos courtesy of JNJG

Savannah Webb NSW Junior Championships 2025.

Nicole Son (Penrith GC).

Ti Fox - 2025 NSW Junior Championships.

Four Panthers picked for Ashes

BY NRL.COM

Josh Addo-Carr has been recalled to the Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Ashes series and former Australian Schoolboys star Bradman Best has been called up for his first senior tour.

EELS winger Addo-Carr and Knights centre Best will replace injured Storm winger Xavier Coates and Parramatta’s Zac Lomax in the 24-player squad named to on Monday represent the Kangaroos for the 2025 Ashes Tour.

Addo-Carr was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the 2022 World Cup final against Samoa at Old

Trafford, while Best toured England with the Australian Schoolboys in 2018.

Best is one of seven debutants in the squad.

The Ashes Tour will include Test matches at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8).

“This will be one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory,” ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys AM said.

“The return of the Ashes after 22 years is not just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of Rugby League’s rich heritage and enduring rivalry between two countries.

“To wear the green and gold in an Ashes series is a rare honour. It’s the culmination of years hard work, sacrifice and the reward for all that stood behind every player.

“This squad will also carry the pride

of a nation and the legacy of those who came before them.

“For these players, their families, and the game itself, being part of an Ashes Tour will be a lifelong memory.”

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters congratulated all of the players on their selection in the squad.

“The State of Origin series was highly competitive and we saw some brilliant performances from key players in the Finals Series,” Walters said.

“There is a mix of youth and experience and all of them have the desire to represent their country on this stage. I cannot wait to coach this squad.

“England will be a huge Test on their home soil however this squad knows what it takes to perform at the highest level and knows what it takes to win.”

The squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows:

• Josh Addo-Carr (Eels)

• Bradman Best* (Knights)

• Blayke Brailey* (Sharks)

• Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)

• Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

• Lindsay Collins (Roosters)

• Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)

• Angus Crichton (Roosters)

• Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

• Dylan Edwards (Panthers)

• Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)

• Harry Grant (vc) (Storm)

• Keaon Koloamatangi * (Rabbitohs)

• Mitchell Moses (Eels)

• Cameron Munster (Storm)

• Mark Nawaqanitawase * (Roosters)

• Jacob Preston * (Bulldogs)

• Gehamat Shibasaki * (Broncos)

• Lindsay Smith (Panthers)

• Kotoni Staggs (Broncos)

• Ethan Strange * (Raiders)

• Reece Walsh* (Broncos)

• Isaah Yeo (c) (Panthers)

• Hudson Young (Raiders)

* Denotes debutant

Nepean News 10 October 2025 DIGITAL

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A MILL AT EMU PLAINS

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ORCHARD HILLS

Ollie’s Road to Recovery: A Story of Healing with Phovia Therapy

A magical outdoor cinema at City Park

Jim’s Gems

Call Out to Local Art and Craft Makers to Celebrate Community Creativity

High-goal Polo action at Countess of Dudley tournament

Richmond takes strong hold on WSRVGA Club of the Year crown

Curmi and Hunt chase the leaders at One Raceway

Bronzed Aussies shine at ICF World Championships

Jack Newton Junior Golf hosts International tournaments

Four Panthers picked for Ashes