Royce Simmons has
Celebrate our exceptional men
PENRITH residents are encouraged to celebrate the positive role men play in the community by nominating them for the inaugural 2025 Penrith Man and Young Man of the Year Awards. This is your chance to shed a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and contributions of Penrith’s men.
Nominations are now open and close on Friday, 12 September 2025.
For more information and to nominate go to www.karenmckeown.com.au
Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said, “We are looking for individuals to be nominated for their outstanding contributions to our community, whether that’s through local business, sporting clubs or organisations. Together, let’s honour those whose commitment and passion define our Penrith community.”
Karen McKeown OAM visiting the Nepean Men’s Shed Inc.
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Penrith Relay For Life 2025
PENRITH Relay For Life is back for 2025. Registrations are now open for Saturday 13th September 2025 at Harold Corr Oval, starting at 11am and finishing at 10pm.
There is a new location for 2025. This year’s Penrith Relay For Life will be held at Harold Corr Oval, 32 Herbert St, Cambridge Park.
Penrith Relay For Life has been running for the past 22 years and the Penrith Community has raised over $4.3 million, thank you for your support!
The money raised provides groundbreaking cancer research, local support programs for Cancer patients as well as Cancer prevention programs in local schools and community groups.
Organised by passionate local volunteers, Penrith Relay For Life gives the community a chance to join forces in support of everyone affected by cancer, have fun at a community festival, and raise vital funds towards Cancer Council’s world-class research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
“We have seen a large spike in demand for our support in the Western Sydney region, but a fall in fundraising to support the cause. With Cancer Council’s services needed more now than ever before, we need our local community to get involved” said Community Fundraising Coordinator, Yvette Haines.
“We are also looking for local businesses to sponsor our event.”
Penrith Relay For Life 2025 will still have all of the special key Relay elements including; Opening Ceremony, survivors and carers lap of honour, entertainment and our very special Hope Ceremony. There will also be a number of Food Vendors in attendance, including Burger Head, Puffins Pancakes, Brewed Besties, Turkish Gozleme, You Pizza, Rickys Soft Serve Ice Cream, The Gelato Parlour and Crazy Potato.
Penrith Relay for Life Media/ Marketing Co-ordinator Brad See said, “Our aim as a committee is to put on a good event for our community to support one another, this years target is $80,000 to support Cancer Council in working towards a cancer free future”.
To join the family-fun, register for Penrith Relay For Life at www.relayforlife.org.au/event/ penrith-2025/home
You can keep up to date with what’s going on by joining Penrith Relay for Life Facebook Group.
About Cancer Council
Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity working across every aspect of every cancer. Every day, we support families affected by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer. With your help, we’re getting closer to a cancer free future every minute, every hour, every day.
Celebrating aboriginal health workers
THE National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners falls annually on 7 August. This day serves as a powerful tribute to a workforce that is renowned as a vital and reliable resource critical to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people.
The deep roots of this profession are highlighted by the careers of dedicated individuals like Clarke Scott and Donna Jory, whose decades of service have shaped a genuine connection with Aboriginal people.
Reflecting on his work, Clarke speaks to the importance of connecting with the community and guiding them through the health system.
“On home visits, I would go along and help the community feel relaxed. Just having another Aboriginal person there really helps.”Clarke
Donna, the District’s first dedicated Women and Children Aboriginal Health Worker, and now Aboriginal Health Worker at Lemongrove Community Health Centre, focuses on creating a culturally safe environment.
“Building better relationships between Aboriginal communities and mainstream health services that improve access for my people, that’s why I’m here,” - Donna.
Read more of Clarke and Donna’s story: https://shorturl.at/b37rr
New Mount Druitt Campus Opens as Macquarie Community College Marks 75 Years of Lifelong Learning
MACQUARIE Community College has opened a new campus in the heart of Mount Druitt as part of its 75th anniversary, reinforcing its long-term commitment to delivering inclusive, affordable, and community-connected adult education across Western Sydney.
Located at 3 Mount Street and surrounded by key community and employment services, the 450m² site features eight flexible learning spaces, offering a welcoming environment for diverse learners. The campus also includes a hospitality training room and café, breakout space, staff room and reception area, and will cater for up to 150 students per day across its range of programs.
Minister for Skills and Training
Andrew Giles officially opened the new campus, welcoming it as an exciting new chapter for Macquarie Community College.
“For 75 years, Macquarie Community College has served the communities of Northern and Western Sydney, providing adult community education to meet the needs of locals. From literacy, numeracy and English classes to job readiness programs and short courses, the College is equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue work and further study,” he said.
“The opening of the Mount Druitt campus enables the College to reach even more students as part of local hub of community and employment services.”
The new Mount Druitt campus will serve as a central hub for placebased adult education, offering highly regarded programs, with zero or low fee options available for eligible students using the College’s access to Commonwealth and State Government funding.
The College will offer around 15 weekly classes spanning from
foundational skills and pathway programs such as English speaking, reading and writing skills, digital literacy and computer skills, job readiness. It will also provide full Certificate and Diploma qualifications that lead to employment in aged care, disability, business, childcare, and hospitality.
“Opening this campus in Mount Druitt is another step in our 75-year journey of meeting communities where they are and offering the kind of learning that changes lives,” said Ian Maitland, Chair of the College Board.
“We are proud to continue building better futures through quality training and education right here in Western Sydney.”
In line with the College’s commitment to diversity, growth, and community care, the new campus will also deliver the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, a vital service that helps adults build foundational skills to support their transition into work or further study.
This reflects the College’s enduring focus on working with people facing barriers and disadvantage — empowering them to access real opportunities through inclusive, quality education and training.
This expansion builds on Macquarie Community College’s legacy in the area, having delivered the Adult Migrant English Program in Mount Druitt from 1998 to 2017, and broadening their offering to Vocational Education and Training programs in Mount Druitt over the past 10 years. The new campus offers increased capacity, modern facilities, and proximity to transport and local services, making it a vital educational resource for residents across Greater Western Sydney.
“We’re here to help people upskill, connect and thrive, and have a wellearned reputation in supporting migrants, carers, career changers or mature learners to achieve their goals,” said CEO Theresa Collignon. “We serve learners often overlooked by mainstream systems, delivering programs in welcoming learning environments built around their real needs, where all learners feel welcomed, respected and supported.”
Guided by its vision of stronger communities through the power of learning and connection, the College stands at the forefront of communitydriven education in Greater Sydney. Its focus on place-based, employmentlinked training is designed to support social inclusion, tackle skills shortages, and drive local economic progress—ensuring learners can move from training to meaningful work.
To learn more or enrol, visit www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au.
Mount Druitt Opening, Theresa Collingnon.
Stephen Bali, Andrew Giles, Theresa Collingnon.
Funding for local infrastructure projects
THE electorate of Badgerys Creek has secured $450,000 in funding for a total of 13 infrastructure projects through the 2025 Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program.
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek stated, “I’m thrilled to have advocated for and supported these projects which will improve our local facilities and enhance the vibrancy and inclusivity of the local community.
“I commend all successful organisations for their outstanding work and I look forward to seeing these projects make positive outcomes for community groups in the area,” said Mrs Davies.
The full list of successful projects in the Badgerys Creek electorate for this round are:
• Caroline Chisholm College: Installation of sun shade umbrella/sails
• Holy Family Primary School, Luddenham: Multi sport court refurbishment
• Bethany Catholic Primary Glenmore Park: Outdoor learning space
• Anowah Community Living Ltd: Purchase of a new wheelchair modified vehicle
• Holy Spirit Primary School, St Clair: Upgrade public address system
• Barramurra Public School P&C Association: Shade structures for playground equipment
• NSW Wheelchair Rugby League Inc: Vehicle to transport wheelchairs and equipment to regional areas
• Oran Park High School P&C Association: Outdoor seating - student break out area
• NSW RFSA on behalf of Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade: Purchase of a storage shed to store
equipment used in maintaining the Fire Station
• Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney as Trustee for the Parish of Glenmore Park and Mulgoa: Replacement of the existing domesticstandard kitchen with a commercial-grade kitchen
• Greater West Childcare Ltd: New school transport bus
• Penrith City Council: Installation of bus shelter on School House Road, Regentville
• Trustees of the Secular Institute of the
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 22,400 community projects since it commenced in 2009.
Mrs Davies will continue to work towards securing further investment and positive outcomes for our community.
For more information, visit the Community Building Partnership website: nsw.gov.au/cbp
Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary: Amenities block repairs
Flight Paths Update: Attend a community information session
SINCE mid-2023, we have fought hard as a community for fairer flight paths.
The Infrastructure Minister’s midnight release in June 2023 of the revised flights paths caught us all by surprise, given the drastic changes from what was originally released in 2016.
One reoccurring problem with this Labor government, is that they continue to neglect our community when making decisions about flight paths which will affect Lindsay the most.
In the initial 56 community information sessions run by the Infrastructure Department, only four occurred in Lindsay. This was a disgraceful attempt at silencing our community.
I was proud to have strongly advocated for the Parliamentary inquiry into the impact and mitigation of aircraft noise and to have held a hearing right here in Penrith.
It’s a pity the Infrastructure Minister, who visited a site in Orchard Hills that day, couldn’t drive 15 minutes up the road to hear from so many local organisations about the impacts of the changed flight paths.
Our community has been vocal about the need for meaningful consultation on Western Sydney International Airport. I will continue to fight hard to make sure our voices are heard.
We have been told numerous times that the flight paths cannot be changed or modified, to take some of the impact off our community.
However, the Albanese Labor Government has already amended
them twice and made several changes to accommodate Labor electorates such as Macquarie and McMahon.
But now is not the time to give up. .
As we move closer to the opening of Western Sydney International Airport, Airservices Australia are leading the discussions for flight paths and airspace changes.
I encourage you to attend one of the following community information sessions being held in Lindsay:
Luddenham - Friday 22 August (3pm to 7pm) - Luddenham Progress Hall.
Mulgoa - Wednesday 27 August
(3pm to 7pm) -
Penrith - Monday 1 September (3:30pm to 7:30pm) - Thornton Community Centre.
St Marys - Wednesday 10 September (3pm to 7pm) - St Marys Memorial Hall.
If you have any concerns or questions about how you may be impacted, I encourage you to attend one of these sessions and give feedback to ensure we have fairer flight paths in Lindsay!
If you can’t attend one of these sessions, please share your concerns with me.
Although we have made numerous requests for the Albanese Labor Government to consider our community, it is disappointing that once again even with the process being moved to Airservices Australia, our community - the most impacted - will only receive four out of the twenty five drop in sessions and zero out of the nine community pop up sessions.
The Albanese Labor Government needs to step up and listen to Lindsay. Make sure your voice is heard by attending one of the community information sessions.
TUESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2025
Guest Speaker: Sharon Ellicott, CEO of the NSW Rural Fire Service Association
Place: Penrith Panthers Club | Time: 6.30pm for 7pm | Cost:
RSVP: by 27th August to rachelswong@hotmail.com
Sharon Ellicott is the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA), the representative body for the 70,000 plus volunteers and staff of the NSW Rural Fire Service. She is keen to lead the RFSA Team to provide quality support for the RFSA Members who volunteer and do their best to protect our communities.
A key focus is ensuring Members’ commitment is recognised by government and the communities they serve.
Sharon joined the RFSA in 2015 as Commercial Services Manager, responsible for the continued financial stability of the Association, and was appointed CEO in February 2019. She is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce.
Mulgoa Hall.
BY MELISSA MCINTOSH MEMBER FOR LINDSAY
In late 2026 flights will commence from Western Sydney Airport.
ORCHARD HILLS
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills
Wet weather workouts: Why your dog still needs exercise indoors
BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
WHEN the rain rolls in and the footy gets switched on, it’s easy to settle in for a cosy day inside. But while you might be content curled up on the lounge, your dog is still raring to go. Wet weather can disrupt your daily routine, but it shouldn’t put your dog’s need for physical and mental stimulation on hold.
Exercise plays a huge role in your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. It
helps maintain a healthy weight, builds muscle tone, supports joint health, and offers essential mental enrichment. Dogs who miss out on their regular exercise can become frustrated or bored, which often leads to unwanted behaviours like barking, digging, or chewing things they shouldn’t.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog active indoors—even when it’s bucketing down outside. With a little imagination, your living room can become the perfect rainy-day playground.
Start with enrichment feeding. Rather than serving their kibble in a bowl, use puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing balls. You can even make your own with an empty water bottle—just make sure it’s clean, safe, and appropriately sized. This turns feeding time into a mentally stimulating activity and slows down fast eaters too.
Games like hide-and-seek are a hit with both dogs and kids. Have
someone hide and then call your dog’s name—reward them when they find the person. It’s a fun, interactive way to reinforce recall training while giving your dog a challenge.
Got a hallway or open space? Try indoor fetch or tug-of-war. A soft toy or ball can help burn off excess energy, especially for younger or high-
energy dogs. Or, set up a makeshift agility course using household items: broomsticks for jumping, chairs for weaving, or blankets to crawl under.
Scent work is also brilliant for wet weather days. Hide treats or pieces of dry food in different rooms and encourage your dog to sniff them out. This taps into their natural foraging instincts and keeps their brain busy.
Of course, a walk in the rain isn’t completely off the table. If conditions are safe, pop on a waterproof coat and embrace the drizzle—many dogs don’t mind a bit of rain, especially if it means an adventure!
Rainy days don’t have to mean lazy days. With a bit of creativity, you can help your dog stay physically fit and mentally sharp—whatever the weather.
For more tips or tailored advice, give us a call on 02 4736 2027. The team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is always here to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
ILEFT OF FIELD
S it just me, or are people driving like maniacs of late?
Like coma-like affected zombie boneheads?
The other day I was driving, singing (really poorly, might I add), doing the speed limit as you do when you’re a law-abiding citizen, when this w – anchor screams past me in the breakdown lane, on the left. Spewing rocks and debris all over my car, he ends up at the next set of traffic lights. I am sitting at the red lights, looking proudly at him, thinking, “Dude, you just used $30 of fuel and got nowhere” Well done!
I didn’t really just think that, I was saying something more sinister but it’s totally unprintable here, so that is the watered-down version. I then, of course, proceeded to give him the universal signal of loving birds with
a smile on my face. The lights turned green, and it’s like a rolling start at Bathurst 1000, and he screams off like he has lights and sirens on his car and heading to the emergency department at the local hospital. Only for me to catch up at the next set of red lights and my facial expressions continue on repeat, and so on and so forth.
So the next bonehead is the amber light runner — yep, we all know the ones who think amber lights are a ticket to put the accelerator down and drive through at 200 km an hour when, in actual fact, it is a $515 ticket and three demerit points (Yes true) I am just answering the voice in your head that just said, “Really, I didn’t know that.”
Annnnnd the next person is the Red lighter, yep the imbeciles that go straight through the red light without
a care in the world, it’s like being on the set of the Dukes of Hazzard in the scene where they jump over a river and land on the other side of the bridge. Pretty similar! I often wonder what goes through these people’s minds at the time of a red light. Do they think wow, I have got this as the other set doesn’t change for 1.2 seconds, or do they think, hey, I drive a V8, it will get through. Or are they simply, (and I am sorry, these people don’t deserve my terminology of bonehead) are they simply an imbecile. If this was a multiple choice example we would tick D – All of the above.
Then (pant pant), you have the mobile phone person at the lights, you know, the person you have to beep at, so you actually make it home before the year 2025 hits.
So here is the next burning question, and I know that this is totally off track. Did you know that each day after a shower or bath, we humans wipe ourselves dry with a towel the same way each time? Yeah, I know it’s totally off-topic, but I just had a shower, so it’s a recall memory.
Well, here’s one for you, are you a beep beep person on the car horn or a beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeep! My thang is the severity of the incident. Usually, an idiot on their phone at traffic lights for me is a beep, beep.. whereas my wonderful and forgiving husband is a beeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ep! And then %%#$$$$$, with that universal hand signal again.
So, there you have it – the traffic light boneheads- we are surrounded by them, unfortunately!
AS the Federal Cheap Home Battery program gains momentum, homeowners are increasingly eager to take advantage of generous rebates. But amid the
excitement, industry experts urge caution: don’t rush the process.
A home battery system’s primary purpose is to store excess electricity generated by rooftop solar panels. This stored energy can then be used during peak periods, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering power bills. But every home is different, and so too should be its battery system.
A proper system design begins with recent electricity bills—preferably several, across different seasons. These bills reveal usage patterns and the amount of power being exported to the grid, typically reflected in feedin tariff (F.I.T.) credits. This data is essential to creating an accurate proposal showing the projected savings and performance of a battery system tailored to the household.
Another key consideration is
backup power. For homes in areas prone to blackouts, battery systems can be designed to support selected circuits or even provide whole-home backup. However, such features add complexity and cost, influencing the choice of brand, battery size, and system architecture.
With so many installers now in the market, choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming. Industry professionals recommend relying on referrals from family or friends and sticking with local companies. These businesses are more likely to offer long-term support and value customer relationships—unlike some national operations driven by sales commissions.
Ultimately, the message is clear: a rushed installation based on flashy marketing can lead to regrets down
the road. Thoughtful design and expert advice lead to better longterm outcomes—both financially and functionally.
For more information or guidance, contact your local accredited installer or my friendly staff on 4760 0809.
With Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions
Vietnam Veterans Day: 18 August 2023
THE Vietnam War was the longest twentieth century conflict in which Australians participated; it involved some 60,000 personnel and grew from a limited initial commitment of 30 military advisers in 1962 to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force. Each of the three services was involved, but the dominant role was played by the Army. After the cessation of combat operations in 1972, a limited number of Australian personnel remained in Vietnam, and elements of the RAAF returned in 1975, carrying out evacuations and assisting refugees almost until the moment of South Vietnam’s surrender.
In the early years, Australia’s participation in the war was not widely opposed. But as the commitment grew, as conscripts began to make up a large percentage of those being deployed and killed, and as the public increasingly came to believe that the war was being lost, opposition grew until, in the early 1970s, more than 200,000 people marched in the streets of Australia’s major cities in protest.
By this time the United States Government had embarked on a policy of ‘Vietnamisation’ - withdrawing its own troops from the country whilst passing responsibility for the prosecution and conduct of the war to South Vietnamese forces. Australia too was winding down its commitment and the last combat troops came home in March 1972. The RAAF, however, sent personnel back to Vietnam in 1975 to assist in evacuations and humanitarian work during the war’s final days. Involvement in the war cost more than 500 Australian servicemen their lives, whilst some
3,000 were wounded, otherwise injured or were victims of illness.
The South Vietnamese fought on for just over three years before the capital, Saigon, fell to North Vietnamese forces in April 1975, bringing an end to the war which by then had spilled over into
neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. Millions lost their lives, millions more were made refugees and the disaster that befell the region continues to reverberate today. For Australia the Vietnam War was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent since the conscription referenda of the First World War.
“Our local Veterans contribute a great deal to Penrith and St Marys’ character. On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, let’s all take a moment to reflect on the values of mateship, leadership and service that they embody for Australia.”
Photo courtesy of the Australian War Museum
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
Wellbeing Program
HAVE you heard of the Wellbeing Program in St Marys, aimed at enhancing lifestyle and camaraderie for all local Veterans and their families? You may have seen the monthly calendar of events featured in Nepean News and also on social media.
Whether a Veteran is still serving (Regular or Reserve), or transitioning back to civilian life, or later in post-Service life, the program is there for all.
The Wellbeing Program is presented as a joint-venture by the two local Ex-Service Organisations, St Marys RSL sub-Branch and the St Marys Veterans Support Centre (‘The Train’), with primary contact via the Veterans Support Centre. Separately, these two organisations have quietly gone about their work of helping veterans in Advocacy and various Wellbeing initiatives in St Marys for more than 30 years – it is the reason for their existence ... they are
now offering those initiatives, and additional ones, in a wider and flexible comprehensive Wellbeing Program.
In the meantime, the Advocacy Services continue to provide veterans with a high level of satisfaction in their dealings with the DVA. In recent years ‘The Train’s’ Advocates have been able to submit 100+ claims to DVA each month, with a very high rate of successful outcomes.
They are available Monday to Friday by appointment for Veteran interviews. Contact Leanne at the Veterans Support Centre (02 9833 4700) or Tony at the RSL sub-Branch (0414 557 692). They will be happy to give you more detail on available or upcoming activities.
“Come along and be part of a like-minded group … we’d love for you to be part of the Program. We’d also love to hear your ideas about additional activities for which we may be able to attract a group of veterans to participate,” a spokesperson said.
A Veteran’s Tears
BY TOMAS HAMILTON
I recall the day I met him, when I went to read my poem
About the Anzac spirit, at the district veterans home
He was sitting in the corner, medals on his chest
But from his haunting memories. He would never rest
He beckoned me to join him and I sat beside his chair
In tones he spoke so softly, his eyes a vacant stare
He said “I’m grateful for your visit and the way you make words rhyme
Having listened to your story, it’s time to tell you mine
I was barely nineteen years of age, when I donned my jungle greens
I never had a second thought, it was all part of my genes
Pop served on the Western Front, Dad Kokoda Track
I had no inhibitions, ‘cause they all made it back
I found myself at Nui Dat, boarding choppers at first light
If I practiced all I’d learned, I thought that I’d be right
But all the courses I had done, didn’t seem to count
Trudging through the paddy fields and the casualties began to mount
After twelve months they sent me home and I saw how life had changed
As if everything I valued, had all been rearranged
Friends had turned against me, for going to that war
So I embarked on the Vung Tau Ferry and went off for a second tour
Tet should have seen a ceasefire, but that was just a con
In villages and cities the firefights still dragged on
We were from many units, fulfilling our own role
We wore different coloured lanyards, but we only had one goal
The enemy fell upon us and all that I can say
These were no peasant farmers, the were regular NVA
They nearly over ran us, at Coral and Balmoral
And when we finally drove them off, there was no victors’ laurel
I came home in the dead of night and they sent me on my way
I wished I had of joined my mates, laying buried in the clay
I drifted as a homeless drunk, no one shed a tear
Until the Salvos dried me out and I found myself in here”
A nurse observed this tortured soul as he began to cry
And said “I think that he has had enough, it is time to say goodbye
So thank you for your visit and for listening to what he said”
And she wheeled him quietly sobbing, to the sanctuary of his bed
WE lost a pioneer of Australian music last week - Col Joye was the first Australian rock and roll singer to have a number one record Australia-wide, and experienced a string of chart successes.
During the Vietnam War, Col Joye and the Joy Boys performed with Little Pattie in Nui Dat. During the concert, the Battle of Long Tan commenced in a nearby rubber plantation. Little Pattie was flown out of the danger zone, however Col Joye and the Joy Boys were unable to be evacuated until the next morning.
RIP Col Joye - thanks for the memories
“ “
This is an opportunity for veterans to come together, to reflect on the bonds of mateship that held them together during the war and to pay our respects.
Col Joye Little Pattie
Nui Dat
Battle of Long Tan South Vietnam
BY STEVE TOLSHER, RSL SUB-BRANCH VP
AS the month of August comes around, St Marys Outpost of the Vietnam Veterans Association (the Veteran Support Centre), along with the St Marys RSL sub-Branch are preparing to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day on 18th August, with a ceremony to be held in the auditorium of the St Marys Diggers Club on Hall St, St Marys. That date is the anniversary of the iconic Battle of Long Tan in 1966, where Australian troops in Vietnam gained a reputation for bravery, toughness, initiative and resilience in battle.
Australian military involvement in Vietnam came about in the early 1960’s in keeping with US and allied nations policies to stem the spread of communism, especially in Asia. The Diem government of South Vietnam repeatedly requested security assistance from the US and its allies. Australia eventually responded by sending 30 military advisors in August 1962.
By 1965 it became clear that South Vietnam could not repel North Vietnamese and Viet Cong aggression. The US and allies commenced a major escalation of troop numbers. Australia sent the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in June 1965, to serve with the US 173rd Airborne Brigade at Bien Hoa, northeast of Saigon.
As the Australian commitment increased, in early1966 it was decided to establish 1 Australian Task Force at Nui Dat, in Phouc Tuy Province, east of Saigon. The composition of the task force by May included two infantry battalions, an artillery
regiment, a cavalry squadron and other supporting units. The location of the base was considered ideal for the type of warfare Australia was engaged in, which focused on counter-insurgency tactics. It was sited at a place between the Viet Cong sanctuary and the local populaces, thereby disrupting insurgent activity.
On 18th August 1966, D Company of 6RAR, which included regular soldiers and conscripts, was despatched to a rubber plantation at Long Tan, east of the base, where they came into contact with communist forces, initiating a fierce battle that raged for hours.
D Company consisted of 108 soldiers and found itself against a massive force of enemy, estimated
at 2000-2500 troops. As the action continued, D Company was greatly supported by artillery, and with rain and darkness approaching, the Company was running out of ammunition. Number 9 RAAF helicopter squadron supported the Australians with ammunition resupply at a crucial time.
As reinforcements were arriving by armoured personnel carrier, the communist forces disengaged and melted away from the scene.
The outcome of the battle was that despite being heavily outnumbered, Australian forces inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and successfully defended their position. The battle resulted in 18 Australian soldiers killed, the highest number in a single action, and 245 confirmed enemy dead, with evidence of potentially more. Among the Australian dead was a son of St Marys lad, Lance Corporal Jack Jewry. He now rests at Oxley Park Cemetery. (see old newspaper cutting adjacent).
This battle of Long Tan is remembered as a symbol of Australian courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. It was the first major action for Australian troops in Vietnam. Over the ensuing seven years there were several other significant battles and operations fought by Australia until the Governor-General issued a proclamation declaring the end of Australia’s participation in the war on January 11 1973.
You are welcome to attend our service to commemorate Long Tan and the service of all Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen who served in Vietnam. Our service will begin at 4.30pm.
Wellbeing activities for Veterans and their families
Veterans & family 8.00am last Thursday of each month @ Veterans Support Centre (the Train)
Exercise classes White or Gold card holders Tue and Fri @ 8.00am @ Ripples, St Marys; occasional walks from/to the Train in lieu; must meet criteria
Walk n Talk n Breakfast
Small bus day-trips
& family Monthly walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre (the Train) Breakfast provided on return
Occasional, weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre
Computer Classes Veterans and partner Thursday mornings @ Veterans Support Cente (Train carriage); for beginners or for Photoshop classes
Merrie Widows Partners of deceased vets Last Wednesday of each month - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club
Gov King Day Club Veterans & partner Wednesdays 9.00am @ Mamre House area
Packing Care Boxes Veterans
6-monthly
Wellbeing activity for August 2025
Friday 1st August
Saturday 9th August
Walk n Talk n Breakfast Wednesday 6th August
sub-Branch Meeting @ 6.30pm Monday 18th August
Wednesday 27th August
Australian military involvement in the Vietnam War, 1962 - 1975
AUSTRALIA’S military involvement in the Vietnam War was the longest in duration of any war in the country’s history. It lasted from August 1962 until May 1975. The Australian commitment consisted predominantly of army personnel, but significant numbers of air force and navy personnel and some civilians also took part. According to the Nominal Roll of Australian Vietnam Veterans, almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam.
A total of 521 Australians died in the war: Australian Army (496); RAAF (17); RAN (8). These include three Australian servicemen who were declared “missing in action”. These three are in fact believed to have been “killed in action” but have no known graves.
Australia’s commitment, although substantial in terms of its military capabilities, was small in comparison with the military contributions of the United States. Over 3 million Americans served in the War and the total number of American personnel in Vietnam reached a peak of over 540,000 in 1968. About 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War and over 2,000 were listed as Missing in Action.
The scale of Vietnamese losses on both sides of the conflict was enormous. About 224,000 South Vietnamese military personnel and over 415,000 South Vietnamese civilians were killed. Over 1
million North Vietnamese and Viet Cong were killed and more than 300,000 were declared Missing in Action. Some 4 million Vietnamese civilians (10 per cent of the total wartime population) were
killed or wounded. Overall, the total number of North and South Vietnamese killed and wounded was approximately ten times the total number of American casualties.
Photo courtesy of the Australian War Museum
An Amateur Tramp
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN 1928 William Freame was an avid historian who organised history walks to interesting places. He wrote about a very interesting walk from Doonside to St Marys commenting that Doonside was the first railway station west of Blacktown on the Great Western Line. The tour left the train at Doonside and walked directly south, the first place seen was “Hill End”, a comfortable old home belonging to the Crawford family (Robert James Crawford 1799-1848) who was one of the best of the pioneer families. Walking on to Prospect they came to St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church and Cemetery that was built by pioneers of Prospect with funds collected from 1837. In August 1838 tenders were called for the construction of the Church. The contract was won by James Atkinson of Mulgoa who was building three other churches at the same time - St Peter’s at Richmond, St Mary Magdalene at St Marys and St Thomas at Mulgoa. His contract was with the Trustees, William Lawson, Robert Crawford and Nelson Simmons Lawson. The original contract sum for the building was £1,250, half of which was by private subscription and half by the Colonial Treasury. Henry Robertson was thought to have been the architect for the building, although it is highly possible that William Lawson who was a trained surveyor was designer of the church and was buried there in June 1850. The Church was completed in 1841 in an area known for Aboriginal occupation and favourable camping locations along the Eastern and Prospect Creek catchments. The area was settled by Europeans by 1789 and the arrival of those first settlers prompted the first organised Aboriginal resistance to the spread of settlement in that area which started a violent frontier conflict that Pemulwuy and his Bidjigal clan played a central role. The Church was added to the NSW State Heritage Register in April 1999 and in 1975 the site leased to Blacktown City Council. Walking across the paddocks William reached Bungarribee (Bung meaning the ‘creek’ and garribee meaning cockatoo) The traditional owners of Bungarribee estate were the Warrawarry group of the Darug people. William described seeing a delightful old mansion with memories of the past, but sadly he said that it appeared doomed to ruin, but there remained sufficient old grandeur to enable him to realise the old romance that still lingered around it. He doubted that there was another old colonial home around, with a greater fragrance of lavender and old lace and if those old walls erected over 100 years ago could only speak, they would tell many a pretty story of generous festivities when scarlet coated officers made love to dainty young ladies from Parramatta and Sydney. Standing in the circular parlour (for the ballroom had disappeared), he could visualise many a bright and happy scene. All the ground floor rooms opened onto stone flagged verandas that were originally draped with trailing roses and multi-flowered creepers. On two sides was an old-world garden with carriage drives flanked by hedges and one side there was a little lawn in the middle that stood a sundial that lingered the perfume of roses and wisteria and at the rear of the little lawn the remains of the brick wall that separated the garden from the domestic quarters and the farm. In the middle was the great iron gate with its big bolt, reminiscent of the days when skilled blacksmiths were even more necessary then. He was talking about John Campbell who came free with his family on the “Lusitania” and was granted land in the area where he immediately began building a homestead suited to his status as a former officer and colonial gentleman. Between 1822-1824 he consolidated his landholdings and named the estate “Bungarribee”. John’s temporary residence was enlarged in 1825 and incorporated into his grand new home. The main portion of the house was circular with one room on the
ground floor and one above, both a full circle in shape making all windows, doors and mantelpieces curved. The difficulty of properly carrying out such accurate work with the labour available was a challenge but it was done and stood for over 100 years, a testimony to the skill involved, but the problems encountered during the construction of the estate were considerable. In 1824 approximately one year after beginning work on Bungarribee he was in debt to his creditors who included Simon Levey and John Macarthur. William then left Bungarribee and continued to walk across paddocks until they reached the Western Road, where an easy walk took them to Eastern Creek, one of the oldest roadside villages in the State. Irish born Captain William Minchin was granted 1000 acres that he named Minchinbury. He was the first landowner who sailed to Australia as an Ensign of the NSW Corps on the female convict transport “Lady Shore”, the only convict ship to mutiny. After being set adrift as a castaway by the mutineers they reached Brazil and William made his way back to England where he was promptly reassigned back to NSW. He was in fact on duty as guard of Government House when William Bligh was arrested in the Rum Rebellion, but William was not prosecuted for his part in the rebellion and was given the job of taking reports of the rebellion back to England. Later he rejoined his regiment and served in Canada until he retired in 1817. When he returned as a free settler aboard the “Isabella” in 1818 William and his wife established the farm where his wife grew grapes from cuttings in a section of the farm that in later years was known for its Minchinbury Wine & vineyard. William Freame continued on to the next village of Colyton where in the coaching days it possessed four little public houses. The last to close its doors was Wainwright’s where William remembers much the same as it was when the bullock teams pulled up in front of it. The bar with its sanded floor and high-backed seats against the wall, and William thought travellers of 90 years ago (1838) were heavier drinkers than those of today because on average there was a pub a mile between Parramatta and Penrith and all the old roadside inns supplied good hearty meals, generally at a shilling a head and when William started his history walks some of the old-time roadside inns provided him with many a dinner. William remembered generous as to quantity but rather poor in variety being generally of cold corned beef with carrots and cabbage, pickles and roley-poley jam pudding. Both Eastern Creek and Colyton had among their earlier residents many good old colonists who were typically old-fashioned sons of the soil, honest, simple minded with all the characteristics of the British countrymen; some of them even retained their smocks. It was then onto St Marys where they caught the train home. Closely identified with the family of Governor King whose widow Anna Josepha King resided with their son Rear Admiral Phillip Parker King at his home “Dunheved”. William said that St Marys “possesses a picturesque past which in part is recalled by St Mary Magdalene, the old church and historic churchyard”. He died aged 65 in 1933.
Sources: NSW State Heritage Register, National Library of Australia, James Broadbent Historic Houses Trust of NSW, Cumberland Argus and Fruit growers Advocate, Wikipedia, trove, William Freame (History Page 25/5/2020).
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Photo of William courtesy of Holroyd Council website
Penrith hosting NBL1 East Grand Finals on Saturday
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE stars of the 2025 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Basketball competition will come out to play this Saturday at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, when the Penrith Basketball Association hosts this year’s Women’s and Men’s Grand Finals.
Women’s Grand Final – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs BA Centre of Excellence (2:00pm)
The Women’s grand final features the minor premiers, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, against the 5th-placed finisher in the Centre of Excellence.
The Sea Eagles have been banging on the door for some time and were the standout team all season, booking a place in the grand final with an 8967 win over the defending champions, the Newcastle Falcons – the Sea Eagles 18th consecutive win this season.
The Sea Eagles had a standout 2023 season before losing the grand final to the Norths Bears and then also lost a preliminary final to Newcastle last year, so they are a team on a mission, led by their leading point-scorer Taylor Wurtz.
The Centre of Excellence duo of Zara Russell and Sitaya Fagan are two of Australian basketball’s most exciting prospects and the duo guided their team to the NBL1 East grand
final with a 74-63 road win over the Norths Bears.
The Centre of Excellence didn’t have any momentum to speak of coming into the finals, with a month’s break from playing any games late in the season and with a large contingent of their group playing at the Under-19 FIBA World Cup.
The CoE have also undertaken a change in coach through the season, with Dave Herbert stepping down and his replacement Phil Brown leading them into the finals after qualifying in fifth position at 12-8.
The men’s season was an incredibly close-fought finish, with three teams locked together at the top of the ladder on 15-5 win-loss records. Illawarra took the minor premiership on a countback, ahead of the Centre of Excellence and Canberra, and Canberra will be keen to atone for the defeat in the 2024 grand final and take home the main prize this year.
Todd Blanchfield (Illawarra) might be right at the peak of his powers even at 33 years of age with the NBL1 East MVP lifting his team into the grand final with a 98-89 win over the Centre of Excellence.
It has been quite the remarkable 12 months for Blanchfield who was grand
final MVP for his hometown Mackay Meteors in the NBL1 North in 2024, before then playing a key role at the Hawks to celebrate the first NBL championship of his 441-game career. Blanchfield has stayed in the ‘Gong for this NBL1 East season and was outstanding the entire way, guiding Illawarra to the regular season crown and named the competition’s MVP. Canberra will be playing its third grand final in the past four years, and will be looking to emulate their title success in 2022, when they won the Men’s division.
The Gunners subsequently lost both the 2023 Preliminary Final and the 2024 Grand Final, unable to replicate their winning form from 2022, but now have a strong chance at redemption.
The leading scorers from each of the 4 teams in this Saturday’s grand finals.
Left: Todd Blanchfield (Illawarra Hawks). Photo by @robshots Right: William Mayfield (Canberra Gunners). Photo by Noel Rowsell
Taylor Wurtz (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles). Photo by @captured_aces
Sitaya Fagan (BA Centre of Excellence). Photo by DiscoveryOne_photography
Men’s Grand Final – Illawarra Hawks vs Canberra Gunners (5:30pm)
Nahlous and Favelle Top 10 results at QLD Raceway
BY NOEL ROWSELL
JOSH Waters and Mike Jones lived up to their star billing at Round 5 of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway on August 10, sharing the top spots in the two 15lap races.
On the same program as the Repco Supercars for the first time in two years, Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) greeted the chequered flag in the opening SW-Motech Superbike race on Sunday, before polesitter Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) found another gear in the afternoon to turn the tables on his great rival.
JJ Nahlous (Glenwood) and Jack Favelle (Cattai) both continued to shine in their impressive debut seasons in the Superbikes, with JJ finishing 7th and 6th in the two races, whilst Jack finished 10th and 8th.
JJ said, “Overall a mixed, at times frustrating, weekend - not quite being able to pull off the results we’ve been working for. A couple of mistakes cost us time in Race 2, but we refocused ahead of Race 3 and had a much smoother ride, finishing the day off in P6.
“We’ve been working super hard in the lead up to this round, and I’m incredibly happy with the package the team has put together for me as we move towards the back end of the season, with 3 rounds to go. This round has highlighted what we need to focus on next and we’re really looking forward to being able to bring it all together at Phillip Island next month.
“Thank you again to all of my incredible sponsors, supporters and friends that have my back and make all of this possible.”
Jack said, “What an awesome weekend, to be able to race alongside the Supercars Championship was awesome, what a crowd, what an environment!
“Definitely struggled a bit this weekend. Race 1, P10: I was trying a lot of different things but couldn’t make anything work. Race 2, P8: We decided to try something drastic with the setup, to see if it would change anything for me, the team did a great job and I had a much better feeling in race two and was able to push on and
be much more consistent throughout the race.
“Happy to have learnt this and it will definitely be good in the future” JJ ranked 6th for the round and is ranked 8th for the season, whilst Jack finished 8th for the round and is ranked 9th for the season, with the next battle at Phillip Island on 6-7th September, where the Superbikes will be joined by Superbike Masters, SuperSports 600, SuperSports 300, Yamaha R3 Cup and the Oceania Junior Cup.
Richard Cass wins Senior Paddler of the Year Award
RICHARD Cass (Western Sydney Whitewater Club) has won the 2024/25 Paddle NSW Senior (O50) Paddler of the Year Award.
His achievements include: 2025 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany; Masters K1 Category – Bronze Medal, 6th Place in Senior Men’s 0C1. Freestyle National Championships 2025,
held at PWS Penrith - C1 Silver, 0C1 Silver, K1 Bronze.
Also in past years: Freestyle Masters K1 Category, ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships 2022, Inaugural Masters Category – Bronze Medal, numerous Senior K1, C1 and 0C1 medals at most Australian Freestyle National Championships in the last 10 years, and also qualifying to numerous Freestyle World Championships Tours.
Left: #33 Jack Favelle. Right: #20 JJ Nahlous. Courtesy of Pit Lane Studio and Action Sports Photography Australia
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Richard Cass (right). Photos courtesy of Paddle NSW
Richard Cass (left)
Richard Cass (sitting)
Weather fails to dampen Pennant
BY NOEL ROWSELL
SEVERAL Sydney golf courses were again unplayable last Sunday but thankfully many Eric Apperly Shield, T.L. Warren and W. Gibson Pennant matches were able to go ahead as scheduled.
Penrith GC hosted Section 6 of the Eric Apperly Shield, with Stonecutters Ridge scoring a powerful 5-1 win over NSW Silver and Pymble defeating Long Reef 4-2.
Winners for Stonecutters Ridge were Sean Sammons 4/3, Jack Gillett 6/5, Savannah Webb 6/5, Ryan Cadle 5/4 and Nihal Gaundar 3/1.
Richmond’s clash with St Michaels at North Ryde was declared a tie as the course was unplayable, as was the The Australian Gold vs Killara match at The Lakes.
Pennant Hills 3-3 with NSW Gold, Lynwood 3-3 with Concord Gold.
T.L. Warren Results (home teams shown first) - Fox Hills 3-0 over Hurstville, Cumberland 1.5/1.5 with Penrith, Twin Creeks 2/1 over The Coast, Cabramatta 1.5/1.5 with Stonecutters, Massey Park 1.5/1.5 with Wallacia, Kareela 1.5/1.5 with Lynwood, Leonay 3-0 over Bardwell Valley, Asquith 3-9 over Springwood.
W. Gibson Results - Fox Hills 2/1 over Hurstville, Cumberland 1.5/1.5 with Penrith, Twin Creeks 2/1 over The Coast, Cabramatta 3-0 over Stonecutters, Massey Park 1.5/1.5 with Wallacia, Kareela 1.5/1.5 with Lynwood, Leonay Golf Club 2/1 over Bardwell Valley, Asquith 2-1 over Springwood.
Ryan Cadlel and Savannah Webb at Penrith GC. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Shannons Sydney Classic returns to SMSP on Sunday
OVER 1,800 Veteran and Classic vehicles, from over 150 clubs, will be on display and on parade on Sunday at Sydney Motorsport Park, including cars, motorbikes, scooters and military vehicles, police vehicles, ambulances and fire engines.
The event will run regardless of rain, hail or shine, with trade displays and merchandise in Pit Garages all day, entertainment for the kids including face painting and balloon sculptures, along with a Slot Car Racetrack and Rocker Cover Racers. There will also be double-decker bus rides around the track (gold coin donation for the Bus Museum). Sunday, August 17: gates open at 10:00am. Tickets can be purchased online through the official website or at the gate on Sunday. https://events.humanitix.com/2025-cmcshannons-sydney-classic/tickets
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Action at the 2024 Shannons Sydney Classic. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Richmond grab the spoils at Stonecutters Ridge in WSRVGA Interclub
BY NOEL ROWSELL
WITH just two rounds remaining to be played in the annual Western Sydney Regional Veteran Golfers Association Interclub series, the pressure is mounting on both clubs (Club of the Year) and players (Player of the Year) to score well and clinch these prestigious awards.
Glenmore Heritage Valley are seeking to maintain their impressive record in the Club of the Year competition and defend the trophy they have secured for the last two years and lead the field with a total of 820 stableford points, ahead of Richmond (817) and Wallacia (817), Dunheved (796), Leonay (780), Penrith (763), Stonecutters Ridge (747) and Springwood (687).
The quartet of Michael Harrison, Lynette Luttinger, Gary Willett and Ian Jordan compiled a total of 130 points to give Richmond victory and move into equal 2nd spot with Wallacia, just three points in arrears of Glenmore.
In the men’s Player of the Year rankings, Glenn Brown (Dunheved),
John Searle (Glenmore) and James Bullock (Richmond) are locked together at the top with 106 points apiece, ahead of Steven Loader (Stonecutters) with 105 and then a bevy of players locked together on 103.
Three players also share the lead in the Ladies Player of the Year rankings, with Julie Berg (Penrith), Lynette Luttinger (Richmond) and Jane Mackie (Richmond) all on 93 points, ahead of Elaine Williams (Dunheved) Juanita Robb (Glenmore) and Christine Hoppe (Wallacia) all on 88.
Whilst the wet conditions somewhat restricted the individual scoring last Monday at Stonecutters Ridge, some pairs combined to produce very creditable 2BBB team scores.
Men’s 2BBB: Eddie Chambers and Wayne Beesley (Dunheved) 42 points, ahead of Stephen Snell and John Woods (Wallacia) 41.
The Ladies 2BBB was just as close but only featured one club in the prizes.
Suzanne Still and Lynette Luttinger (Richmond) 36 points, Jane Mackie
and Rhonda Sedger (Richmond) 36.
A Grade Men Singles: Rick Wilson (Penrith) 35, Ian Jordan (Richmond) 31; B Grade Men: Glenn Brown (Dunheved) 36, Peter Cromer (Wallacia) 34; C Grade Men: Michael Hughes (Leonay) 35, Michael Harrison (Richmond) 34.
Ladies Singles: Jean Paterson (Penrith) 23 points, Julie Berg (Penrith) 22.
The next WSRVGA Interclub will be hosted by Richmond GC on Tuesday September 23rd.
INNOVATION ROOF RESTORATION
The 7th hole at Stonecutters Ridge. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Royce Simmons embarks on The Big Walk
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
ROYCE Simmons has officially begun the 2025 Big Walk, setting off from Penrith alongside rugby league greats Paul Gallen and Joe Galuvao.
Now in its fourth year, The Big Walk is the flagship fundraising event for the Royce Simmons Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing awareness and funding critical dementia research.
Over the next 10 days, Simmons will trek through the Blue Mountains and Central Tablelands, making his way to Mudgee, where the walk will finish at the Panthers NRL clash with the Canberra Raiders at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium.
This year, fans can buy ‘virtual steps’ – $30 for 30 steps – to show their support from anywhere in the world.
The community’s generosity over the past three years has already made a significant impact in the fight against dementia, and Simmons hopes this year’s walk will raise even more.
The Royce is proud to continue as the major partner of the 2025 Big Walk for the fourth consecutive year.
“Since Royce’s diagnosis, his leadership and determination to make a meaningful impact has inspired communities across the region. We’re honoured to walk alongside them once again in 2025 and support this incredible cause,” a spokesperson from The Royce said.
To donate, sponsor, or learn more, visit roycesimmonsfoundation.com. au
