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By KeRRIE DAVIES

he Smith Family is aiming to raise $5.4million by June 30. Nepean-Evening VIEW Club is urging the local community to give as generously as they can to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal this year, to provide thousands of children and young people with educational support through its learning and mentoring programs. VIEW is the largest community sponsor of students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program which is why its members are calling on Australians to get behind the appeal. Funds raised will support nearly 13000 children across Australia to access a range proven numeric, reading and mentoring programs, including after school Learning Clubs. The Smith Family’s CEO, Doug Taylor, said support from the public is especially important with a national survey conducted by the charity revealing families are still worried about their children’s education, even as Australia emerges from the pandemic. “Helping students in need who are struggling at school is a focus of The Smith Family’s work. And what we’re seeing in this third year of the pandemic is the need is greater than ever,” Mr Taylor said. “Our survey found that more than half of parents

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and carers believe COVID is continuing to make schooling difficult for their children, with disrupted routines, illness, and mental health all key concerns. It’s alarming that 70% of respondents said they are worried about their children’s schoolwork in the future.” Nepean-Evening VIEW Club president Fran McDaid said support from the community is vital at this difficult time. VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation and support network, bringing together women to enjoy social activities, develop skills, and make connections – all while supporting Australian children experiencing disadvantage. VIEW supports the educational outcomes of more than 1530 children and young people. For those interested in finding out more about VIEW, visit www.view.org.au or nepeanview@gmail.com

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

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Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

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ecently someone sent me a link to a USA facebook page called the great outdoors or something similar. I scrolled through the page and, to my horror, it was post after post after post of Americans brag-posing with hunted animals. I’m an animal lover and the sight of a massive beast hunted down and killed purely for someone’s enjoyment - well let’s just say it is a sight that I am then unable to un-see and it will upset me for a very long time. I spotted a photo of a young boy - perhaps seven years old. He was posing standing with a rifle as big as he was, next to a deer whose tongue and neck were grotesquely twisted in death. The caption on the post read, “My boy Wilder became a man today, here he is with his very first kill. Proud dad.” Now, I know I should have just high-tailed it off the page. But sometimes against my better judgement I can’t help myself. So I wrote, “Young Wilder, hunting down and taking the life of a living, breathing animal doesn’t make you a man, mate. A real man doesn’t need to show he’s more powerful than something vulnerable. He would never target, stalk and kill something for the fun of it.” Oh Em Geeeeee. It was like tipping a truckload of red flags at the bulls, for boy did those Americans come charging for me. Within five minutes my phone lit up like a Christmas tree, full of abusive replies I won’t repeat as they would make a truckie blush. There were hundreds of them. I didn’t engage and took myself off the page, only to have to block about another dozen hunters who messaged me privately to vent their outrage. Sheesh. I understand the hunting culture in America is vastly different to here, where, let’s be honest, barely exists. The USA gun control challenges are not just with the ‘my right to bear arms’ brigade, there’s also the mentality of the hunters for sport. There’s a minefield of stubbornness to try to break through, just to get to a point where policing who can obtain a gun is even open for discussion. “Its the second amendment, the right to bear arms, the only way to protect yourself and your family against tyranny and criminals!” I don’t know about that. The Washington Post reports over 200 mass shootings just this year. It’s hard to imagine how an American pro-gun person thinks when you’re an Aussie. Especially when you read about the elderly resident with the pitchfork on page 6 of this issue. I reckon that panned out okay - and there was not a gun in sight. Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

Melissa McIntosh appointment By KeRRIE DAVIES

indsay MP Melissa McIntosh has been appointed as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP. Ms McIntosh said she was honoured to be appointed and thanked Mr Dutton for the opportunity. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we must recommit to supporting Australians, and working collaboratively to reduce suicide in our community. As the Member for Lindsay, I have been a strong advocate for my community’s mental health needs, and I’m proud to have delivered Australia’s first Head to Health adult mental health centre in Penrith. “I understand the challenges many Australians face, and how important access to support is when someone is in need. In particular, as a mother, I understand the challenges and pressures our children face day to day, this will be a key focus of my attention as Shadow Assistant Minister. “As Shadow Assistant Minister I will fight for greater access to support and on-the-ground local services across the nation, as well as early intervention programmes. “The Coalition Government made record investments in health, and in the most recent Budget, there was a $6.8 billion package for mental health, which is almost double that of the previous Labor Government. At a local level, I established the Lindsay Healthy Active Living Network, which was launched by the then Minister for Health Greg Hunt, to provide better health outcomes for people in my community. “This network has been a valuable platform for connecting our community, services, small businesses, and sporting and recreation organisations on issues around health more broadly, and also specifically on mental health. “We can only guarantee these essential services with a strong economy, and as a member of the Dutton Coalition Team, this is what I’ll fight for every day.

“I look forward to working with key mental health stakeholders, including the many organisations dedicated to saving lives, health and medical professionals, and people with lived experiences – we must work in partnership with those on the frontline to ensure we have community led solutions to these challenges. “I will work collaboratively with the Labor Government to achieve positive outcomes for Australians. It is also my responsibility to keep the Government accountable for their policies, and election commitments in the mental health and suicide prevention space.”

Senator Payne appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary Mr Dutton told media that former Foreign Affairs Minister (and local resident) Senator Marise Payne had asked not to be considered for Shadow Cabinet. He added that he’d worked very closely with her for some time and had the utmost respect for her, and was happy she had agreed to take up a role. “Marise is going to fill the role of Shadow Cabinet Secretary, which is a very important role,” Mr Dutton said. “She’s had a breadth of experience and been an exceptional contributor to her team over the years. Her wise council and experience will be of great assistance to us.”

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Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

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Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

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Wage lift and $3k for health workers By KeRRIE DAVIES

he NSW Government has announced a new public sector wages policy to provide increased pay for public sector employees including nurses, teachers and paramedics. The Premier said the two-year policy provides among the highest public sector wages growth in the country with employees offered a 3.0 per cent remuneration increase per annum in 2022-23 and 2023-24, with a possible further 0.5 per cent on offer in 2023-24 for employees that make a substantial contribution to productivity enhancing reforms. Mr Perrotet added that this provides for remuneration increases of up to 6.5 per cent over two years under the new policy. The policy will apply to new industrial agreements that are struck from 1 July 2022. In addition, a one-off payment of $3,000 will be provided to employees

in the NSW Health Service in recognition of their work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment covers paramedics, midwives, cleaners and all other permanent staff employed by the NSW Health Service. “A strong public service is essential to delivering what matters to make daily life better,” Mr Perrottet said. “Our sound economic management allows us to invest in our people through higher wages and more frontline workers and continue to deliver the best services in the country and a brighter economic future for the people of NSW.” Treasurer Matt Kean said the increase in wages was fair and sustainable in the current economic climate. “NSW is currently enjoying the lowest unemployment on record and it is important to maintain competitive wages to attract and retain the best talent. In the context of a strong and growing economy this two-year increase to wages is an affordable and

sensible policy.” Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said a $3,000 oneoff payment to Health workers was recognition of a workforce that has stepped up above and beyond. “The health workforce went to extraordinary lengths during the pandemic and has earned the admiration and gratitude of the entire state,” Mr Tudehope said. The new wages policy has been developed to support productivity enhancing reforms and modernisation of the public service. “To deliver the best public services we need to adapt to new technology and ways of working. In this wages policy we are putting additional pay increases on the table for workplace reforms that deliver better outcomes for the public – a win for workers and the community,” Mr Tudehope said. The Government’s position is to limit executive remuneration increases to 2.0 per cent in the next year. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Prue Car said frontline workers,

including health workers, nurses, teachers and police officers, are facing real wage cuts under the Perrottet Government’s new policy. “I’m concerned that working families are still going backwards which shouldn’t be the case,” Ms Car said. “I encourage new Premier Dominic Perrottet to sit down with health workers and hear directly from them about the importance of fair wages which are not outstripped by rising inflation. We know how hard frontline staff have worked over the past few years and their efforts should be properly recognised.”

Detained by an elderly resident armed with a pitchfork Three men have been charged after a pursuit at Hebersham on Monday night. The men will face court charged following a pursuit with police. About 10pm on Monday 6 June, officers from Blacktown Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop a Nissan Dualis - reportedly stolen from an underground carpark on Cecil Street, Gordon about 3.45am yesterday

- on Jersey Road, Plumpton. The Nissan failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated with road spikes deployed on Pringle Road and the pursuit was terminated. Police found the vehicle abandoned on Crawley Avenue, Hebersham, and with the assistance of the Dog Squad and additional police, two men – aged 25 and 26 - were arrested after being found hiding in nearby backyards.

While searching, the Dog Unit was alerted to a man calling for assistance. Upon attending a home in a nearby street, a third man was found being detained in a garden shed by the elderly occupant with a pitchfork. The 33-year-old man was arrested, and all three men were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station. The Nissan was seized and will undergo forensic examination.

The men were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and enter enclosed land without lawful excuse. Further investigation into other offences are ongoing. The 26-year-old man was also charged with three outstanding arrest warrants. They were all refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court.

New toll relief to ease cost of living pressures NSW drivers will save up to $750 a year on tolls under a new relief package to ease cost of living pressures. About half a million NSW motorists will receive cash rebates paid quarterly into their bank accounts under the NSW Government’s Toll Rebate Scheme to be included in this month’s Budget. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new scheme would see more NSW motorists benefit from targeted payments compared with the existing Registration Relief Scheme. “This new program will provide more relief, more often to more motorists. The number of road users receiving toll relief will more than double. Almost 300,000 extra drivers will benefit,” Mr Perrottet said. “Our strong economy means we can ease cost of living pressures by ensuring there will be many more drivers eligible for relief especially in areas across western, northwestern and southwestern Sydney. “This is a fairer and more equitable system based more closely on the

amount a motorist actually spends on tolls. Motorists will receive up to $750 back each year.” Under the new relief package, motorists will receive a 40 per cent rebate for tolls incurred once they spend more than $375 in a year. The maximum annual benefit for each customer will be $750. The program will be in place for an initial two-year period, while the government finalises and implements long term tolling reforms. Treasurer Matt Kean said the new toll

relief measures would make travelling on the State’s roads more affordable. “These rebates will improve the affordability of toll road travel for individuals, families and small businesses,” Mr Kean said. “Tolling enables major new and upgraded motorways to be delivered years and even decades ahead of time. This package will put money back in motorists’ bank accounts to help ease cost of living pressures.” Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the toll rebates would

also reduce congestion on key arterial roads. “NSW motorists will be able use NSW’s state-of-the-art motorway network to get where they need to go faster and more reliably while receiving money back to help deliver cost of living relief,” Mrs Ward said. “This system aims to optimise Sydney’s motorway network to ensure families and small businesses who rely on our roads for their daily commutes spend less time in traffic and more time at home or servicing their customers.” For tolls incurred up to 30 June 2022, road users can continue to receive vehicle registration relief until 30 June 2023. For tolls incurred from 1 July 2022, customers can access the new program and will receive their first rebate payment in early 2023, followed by quarterly payments. The M5 South West Cashback Scheme will continue. The Toll Reform Review will continue to consider further policy reform options.

local news By Noel Rowsell

fter a two year hiatus, the Western Sydney Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) provided inspiration to all, when staged in the magnificent new assembly hall at Kingswood High School on May 27/28/29. Some 101 participants, in 29 teams, from 16 schools in Sydney’s west, competed in the high level debating competition and showed a maturity and understanding of world affairs beyond their years. Most participants were colourfully fitted out in national dress, which really added to the atmosphere. The organising team from Lower Blue Mountains Rotary faced a number of challenges in re-establishing Western Sydney MUNA - last held in 2019 due to COVID19 restrictions on large gatherings. It was difficult to re-establish links with teachers, as many had moved to new schools out of the District 9685 area. Further, most NSW schools were affected by high student and staff absentee rates throughout the enrolment period, which prevented 11 regular schools from participating this year.

Photos from the Western Sydney MUNA at Kingswood HS - photos supplied

MUNA aims to provide students in years 10-12 with a hands-on ‘United Nations experience’, modelled on the UN General Assembly. It enhances international understanding and goodwill, one of the main objectives of Rotary. After an initial round of general policy statements and bloc meetings, participants forged alliances and strategies for debating matters of world importance - the South China Sea situation; aggression against Ukraine; Global Climate and Covid 19; the effects of universal sanctions; structural reform of the UN; and international co-operation on peaceful uses of science and technology. Some teams even proposed their own resolutions for debate - modern day slavery and the exploitation of vulnerable workers; prevention of

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Youth Crime in less economically developed countries and humanitarian concerns regarding aggression against occupied Palestine. All teams came well prepared, so the quality of the debate was passionate and of a very high quality, making the adjudicators’ task extremely difficult. Participants were fortunate to have Jack Maddock as a mentor. Jack was part of the successful MUNA team in 2019 which went on to win the National competition in Canberra, before travelling to New York to participate in a MUNA at the UN building. The team representing the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK - North Korea) won the best national dress competition. Matthew Connor, Ewan Tamsett and Isabel Turner representing Switzerland

won the Peace Prize. The best individual speaker was Lachlan Leith from the Saudi Arabian team. His team ultimately won the competition, with the team from Sri Lanka placed second. Both teams will be sponsored to attend the National MUNA to be held in the Old Parliament House, Canberra, August 19-21, 2022. Past President Drew Fitzpatrick and his team from Lower Blue Mountains Rotary did an excellent job pulling the weekend together. Rotary volunteers and friends served as adjudicators, general secretaries, runners and magnificent caterers for the weekend. District 9685 Governor Lindsay May and Tania were special guests at the opening and closing ceremonies and showered warm praise on the young leaders taking part – along with the organising team of Rotarians.

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

Resumption of Western Sydney Model UN Assemby

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

FEATURE STORY

Rabs Saved My Life By DALE ‘TEX’ WALKER

o the curtains have finally closed on one of, if not Australia’s finest ever broadcasters, in Ray Warren after 55 years behind the

binoculars. I interviewed Ray two years ago for Nepean News and he was nervous and unsure of when to make his retirement announcement. He did so last week at 78 years of age with 99 State of Origins under his belt. Personally, I have known Ray (Rabs) since I was 18 years of age, a wannabe racecaller, lurking around the hallways of 2KY at Parramatta and urging him to give me a go. Fast forward ten years to the early 2000’s and my career had taken off quite well, working full-time at 2KY, previously as an Announcer and Racecaller before hosting my own sports talkback show, The Big Sports Overnight, and on the odd occasion filling in on The Big Sports Breakfast. I was in my late 20’s, egotistical, confident and not frightened of confrontation. I spoke up too much, I was a bit of a smart arse and created attention my way. I have learnt from this, a real lot. If I had my time over I would have listened, learnt and understood situations instead of looking through my eyes only. I look back and although things were going well, I am quite embarrassed and ashamed of some of the things I did. Eventually I was moved on, Redundant they said, and as Rabs would say, “In the fair dinkum department” I had it coming. The years that ensued were some of the toughest I’ve ever experienced. A couple of days after I was shown the door, I called Ray looking for some guidance. I remember it vividly, it was a Tuesday night, I was highly depressed and was contemplating taking my own life. Ray, or anybody for that matter, doesn’t know this but I was ready to leave this world. Upon answering my call, Ray was sitting in his bathtub, relaxing with a vino and winding down from a full day at work. I was a shattered man and Ray could hear it in my voice. But it wasn’t long before I started to feel more calm. “It’s a dog eat dog world,” Ray told me “I’ve been exactly where you are Dale, it’s a

crap feeling, but you have talent, you will be back. You didn’t get where you were because you are hopeless, just fine tune it a little, do the right thing, be confident, be polite and willing. “You do have to be lucky, I was so lucky to get where I am today.” This phone call took place in 2001 so the following 21 years for Ray have been incredible. “Things just don’t fall in your lap,” Ray told me. “Now is the toughest part, but you’re a good kid, stay determined, and promise yourself that you are going to prove people wrong. But keep a level head in doing it.” At the end of the day I was out of my much beloved media for over four years, I worked on the wharves at White Bay, driving cars off the ships to

pay the bills. It was a good job, they’d give you say 8 hours to finish the shift and if you had it done in four hours, you could go home. It wasn’t where I wanted to be career wise and I kept having Ray’s voice ringing in my head…..’stay determined, prove people wrong’ - those words still sit with me today, but I’m NOT so much of a smart arse, I’m polite and understand situations from both sides. My fellow peers in the broadcast game are a lot like myself, in absolute awe and have drawn inspiration from Rabs in his illustrious career. I’m proud to say that aside from my wonderful parents, there’s a little bit of Ray Warren in me wherever I go. Not necessarily talent wise but with my attitude and willingness. And for that Ray, I can’t thank you enough and salute you!

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FEATURE STORY

By DALE ‘TEX’ WALKER

“I’m sure many have been made redundant or got the punt, it’s not a nice thing to happen to you, particularly when it’s your love and passion.” From broadcasting harness racing as a youth in the Riverina to his recent retirement a lot of water has travelled under the bridge for Ray “Rabbits” Warren. Elected in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2019, Warren called it a day on his sparkling career with 47 Grand Finals, 99 State of Origins, 3 Olympic Games and 3 Melbourne Cups (1980,1981 and 1982 with Channel 10). “My journey has been a wonderful experience, I called my first game of Rugby League with 2LF Young in 1966 and I’m still here 55 years later.” In his prime Warren would be seen at one of numerous Golf Courses in Sydney, usually Castle Hill, alongside the likes of Ray Hadley, Phil Gould or Peter Sterling. “That’s the other thing, I had to give golf away and a few other pastimes,” he said. “My body physically cannot do the things I once did, so if I retire there’s not a lot for me to fill in the time and that scares me.” Rabs has seen the best and worst of many sports and nothing takes away from his true love of Rugby League. The former Policeman thanks his lucky stars every day, though it wasn’t always smooth sailing along the way. Employed by Channel Ten, Warren was rostered to cover the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. “I had a serious fear of flying and I told them I couldn’t go,” said Warren “In the end my fear of flying cost me my job, but I totally understand that.” Sacked by Channel Ten in 1986, Rabs thought it was all over and a possibility of returning to the NSW Police Force was an option. “It was definitely when I was at my lowest,” said Warren. “I’m sure many have been made redundant or got the punt, it’s not a nice thing to happen to you, particularly when it’s your love and it took a huge effort from members of my family to get me back to my best. I ended up returning to calling gallops, trots and dogs for the new Club Superstation (Sky Racing) at the time.”

owned it. Duck Bow got pipped on the post and was beaten by a 50-1 shot. My wife was with me and I could hear the cheering from the back of the broadcast box. I turned around with an inquiry and she said she had backed the winner. Beautiful I said, ”you’re filling the car up with petrol for the drive home.” In 1988 Kerry Packer gave Warren an opportunity at Channel 9 and he was recruited to commentate on the 1988 Rugby League World Cup final and the 1989 state of origin series and he has continued ever since, with the exception of the early nineties, he has continued behind the microphone. Over the years Warren and Phil “Gus” Gould have constantly niggled at each other in the broadcast box. “He’s one of the weirdest characters I’ve ever met,” said Warren. “They say people are bipolar, I reckon he’s tripolar, but truth be known he’s a great guy and I like him a lot. He’s a wonderful reader and orator of the game, there’s not too many better.” In the broadcast box early last year Ray recalled a time when taking a flight late in 2008, seated up front by the window, when Snoop Dogg sat down in front of him. Recalling the incident after a Snoop Dogg cardboard cutout was spotted during a Friday night football game, ‘Rabs’ said that things went to hell when the rapper hit the recline button before takeoff. “Snoop Dogg? I once rode on a plane to Brisbane Photo courtesy with Snoop Dogg,” Warren said. Getty Images “He put his seat back and knocked a glass of chardonnay in my lap. It was a stage in Warren’s life where he would do “I objected strongly and then about three big, burly anything available to continue his broadcast career. fellows with him were standing over me like the The Dubbo Jockey Club came calling and employed Sydney Harbour Bridge.” him as their full-time on course Racecaller. Phil Gould interjected: “I’d have loved to have “It was a nine hour round trip for a $200 payday but been there for the conversation between you and that’s what you did to be in with a chance,” he said. Snoop Dogg. What did you talk about?” “You might realise that I love a punt, and this one “I was like a little ferret trying to hide.” day I ran into trainer Gary Cooper who tipped me his “I don’t like flying the best of times and this incident horse in the last race. So I headed to the Secretary’s certainly didn’t help the cause any further.” Office and asked for my wages in advance, which Ray can now sit back, relax and watch the younger they usually pay after the last race. generation take over……All whilst sipping back on a “So I grabbed my $200 and plonked it on Gary’s lovely glass of Chardonnay. horse at 9-2 ($5.50). I’ll never forget its name, Duck Congratulations on a wonderful career Ray Warren Bow, the guy from the local Chinese Restaurant - It’s been one hell of a ride.

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Legend’s new book for Personal Well-Being By Noel Rowsell

egend of the Nepean Bea Turner has come through various personal challenges in her interesting life and has encapsulated her experiences over the past 15 years, in poetry, in her first book titled ‘World Bible: For Personal Wellbeing - the Truth for all through Poetry’. The book was published by Balboa Press earlier this year and contains over 400 poems, which draw on true stories to help people change their lives for the better, position themselves to thrive in the new world and help them understand what life is truly about. It has been a labour of love for Bea in compiling all the poems, then arranging them into different sections within the book to have the most impact. “Over the past 15 years, I was always jotting down my thoughts,” said Bea.

Bea Turner and the cover of her new book, World Bible: For Personal Wellbeing - the Truth for all through poetry. Photos supplied

“The pages were initially on loose leaf foolscap paper, then later in folders, and I eventually put them in order whilst Bruce (husband) and I were on holidays.

“I always had a plan to put the poems into a book and it was an awakening spiritually for me. “Depression can be changed to

happiness and my book will enable people to make that change. “The book is structured so people are enticed to read one poem each day across eleven groupings: depression, clearing, lessons, strength, awakening, prayer, love, people, children, special occasions and passing over. “A past civilisation spoke in rhyme and that’s how the book is constructed, with the reader selecting a different poem to read each day. It could be a coffee-table book to be picked up and read sporadically.” Bea has self-published the book and has received a wonderful reaction from friends and clients, who recognise its authenticity, encapsulating Bea’s life’s work and experiences. Copies of the book can be ordered through the Balboa Press online bookstore: www.balboapress.com/ en/bookstore - by searching using the author’s name or book title. It is also available through other online bookstores.

Unpredictable region that should not be taken for granted As the fallout from the 2022 federal election continues, a new analysis of western Sydney voting behaviours reveals an intensely politically-diverse region, with scattered and profound swings exceeding the national average. Released by the regional thinktank, the Centre for Western Sydney based at Western Sydney University, the analysis ‘The results: How Western Sydney voted and what it means’ paints a picture of voter unpredictability in the region, and a street-by-street electoral contest that unfolded for the hearts and minds of voters. Professor Andy Marks, Director of the Centre for Western Sydney, said predictions of growing electoral volatility in western Sydney played out at the ballot box, with the southwest emerging as the new

battleground and voters expressing a greater diversity in opinion, resulting in some unpredictable results. “Western Sydney did, in fact, reclaim its ‘electoral battleground’ status, with Labor attracting well-above-average swings in five of western Sydney’s 14 seats,” said Professor Marks. “Notably, one of Labor’s safest seats, Fowler, in the south-west fell to an independent. But following

a highly-localised campaign by candidate, Sally Sitou, they retook a former heartland seat, Reid.” Professor Marks said despite the profound swings against them across the region, the Liberals were able to hold onto some key seats in western Sydney. “Notably the seat of Lindsay, which takes in Penrith and surrounding areas, held firm for the party, with Melissa McIntosh among their best performers nationally, attracting a 1.5 per cent swing,” Professor Marks said. Professor Marks said there is much to analyse from the results and many lessons to be learned particularly for the major parties. “The adage that ‘all politics is local’ has never been as stark as this

federal election. Once again, we see that western Sydney as a region is anything but politically homogenous. Parties that ignore western Sydney’s great political diversity do so at their peril,” said Professor Marks. “The blokey, high-vis vest photo opportunities and cutting ribbons on grand, mega-infrastructure projects are also having less and less cut through with voters. Instead, cost of living pressures, insecure work, health, aged care and education – these were all the tangible issues that likely fuelled the high levels of voter volatility among western Sydney electorates,” said Professor Marks. “It shows us that voters in western Sydney should never be taken for granted.”

Premier announces health workforce boost A record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across the State over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 202223 Budget. Premier Dominic Perrottet said 7,674 more workers would be recruited in the first year, which will help ease pressure on COVID-fatigued health staff and fast-track more elective surgery for patients. “Everyone in NSW is indebted to our health workers for their selfless efforts throughout the pandemic, remembering for a long time there was no vaccine and they risked their lives each day to care for patients,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This record investment will help us care for health staff across the State, providing the respite and back-up they need. It will also boost staff numbers in hospitals to deliver quality health care closer to home, ensuring better health outcomes and a brighter future for NSW families.” The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals and the wider public health system. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government’s $4.5 billion investment over four years is intended to relieve pressure on existing staff and

will ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for its pipeline of health infrastructure projects. “Backing in our existing staff with additional staff to support them is critical. As the NSW Government has delivered 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 underway, this funding will also ensure those new hospitals will have the workforce of today and the future,” Mr Hazzard said. Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the staffing boost will also be extended to rural and regional NSW, where communities are waiting with open arms to welcome additional skilled health professionals. “This Government has funded more positions for health staff in the regions

than any other. We are leading the nation in our efforts to bring the best and brightest health professionals to the bush,” Mrs Taylor said. Treasurer Matt Kean said a strong feature of this health workforce budget was a boost to NSW Ambulance which has been under unprecedented pressure, with historically high call rates. “We will provide immediate relief and support for NSW Ambulance, with $1.76 billion to recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations,” Mr Kean said. “Four years ago, we delivered more ambulance staff than any previous NSW Government. Now thanks to our outstanding economic management, we can deliver even further support for our dedicated paramedics.”

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

local news

Council to waive sportsground hire fees for winter

enrith City Council understands the challenges sporting clubs across the City are facing this winter season and will show its support by waiving sportsground hire fees for use of natural grass fields. The ongoing rainfall has disrupted the start of the 2022 winter season, with some clubs having their games postponed due to the poor weather conditions while others are yet to take the field as a result of ground closures. This move is set to benefit more than 60 local sporting clubs and associations from 13 different sporting codes who have registered for the winter 2022 season. Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said she hopes Council’s decision to waive sportsground hire fees for the current sporting season will offer

some financial reprieve during a frustrating time for the community. “We know that after two years of disruptions from the pandemic, our City’s club representatives and players were eager to get outdoors again but unfortunately it has been a rough start to the season due to issues beyond our control,” Cr Hitchen said. “While we are getting to as many grass fields as we can as fast as we can, the poor weather conditions have saturated many grounds making it impossible for our equipment to be safely placed on fields,” she said. “Whilst every effort is being made to restore the condition of our sportsgrounds to allow them to be playable and safe, the surface at some grounds is still too wet. “We thank our community for being patient and we hope that by

waiving these fees it’s one less stress for our clubs and associations to think about as they continue to reschedule fixtures and plan for their next playable games.” The latest decision to waive sportsground hire fees follows Council’s well-received move to allow free use of the City’s sportsgrounds in the 2020 and 2021 winter seasons, as well as the 20202021 summer season, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weather permitting, Council continues to progress multiple projects at sportsgrounds, open spaces, playspaces and recreation areas as part of its vision for improved opportunities across the LGA, which were identified in our Sport and Recreation Strategy. To find out more, visit penrith.city/spros

Local track athlete selected in 2022 Pacific Mini Games By Noel Rowsell

ackson Rowe (Whalan) is among fourteen of the country’s budding junior track and field athletes who will represent Australia for the first time at the 11th edition of the Pacific Mini Games, taking place in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands from 17-25 June. Following a whirlwind introduction to track running last year, 19-year old Jackson has put his education at WSU on hold for 12 months as he determines his future in Athletics. A Rugby League player with St Marys JRLC since the age of 4, Jackson attended Hills Sports HS for Rugby League and was also involved in Cross Country Running. Competing in the 100m at school, Jackson broke the School track record and became an overnight success, fielding several approaches from coaches and clubs for his running future. A win this year in the 60m Sprint at the NSW Championships, was followed by a silver medal in the Relay event (4 x 100m) at the National Championships in March. Jackson was then selected for the Pacific Mini Games but faced the daunting task of raising the necessary funds, as all athletes chosen are required to travel at their own cost. McDonalds St Marys North franchisee Domenic Meduri and his wife Emma have stepped into the breech, sponsoring Jackson for his trip to Saipan. “We’re proud employers,” said Domenic. “My wife and I are the franchisees for both St Marys North and Penrith North for the past 5 years, whilst the entire family is involved in franchises within the McDonalds corporation.

Jackson Rowe with sponsors Domenic and Emma Meduri of McDonalds St Marys North and their Restaurant Manager Liam McGough. Photo by Noel Rowsell

“Jackson has shown great character in his work ethic, starting at McDonalds at 14 years and 9 months and has been with us every since. “He’s locally born and has lived in the same house all his life.” Jackson has just joined Campbelltown Athletic Club, where he trains under coach Gregory Smith. He will compete in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m Relay at the Pacific Mini Games. The Pacific Mini Games is a multisport event, contested by countries and territories located across the Oceania region, and is a scaled-down version of the Pacific Games, which takes place every four years. “The Games are a key opportunity for developing athletes as they build towards senior team representation,” said Athletics Australia General Manager, Andrew Faichney. “Part of our strategy to better support our pathway and developing athletes is to provide them with opportunities to compete internationally against athletes of similar levels.. “Competitions like these are about gaining crucial competition experience and building their confidence, and giving them a chance to get a feel for what it’s like to be in an Australian team environment as they take the next steps in their athletics careers. “I’d like to congratulate all fourteen athletes on their selection and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve when they land in Saipan next month.” Athletes travelling to the Pacific Mini Games are self funded, but can be supported with tax deductible donations via The Athletics Foundation. For more information on The Athletics Foundation visit www.theathleticsfoundation.org.au

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local news

Fire and Rescue NSW, Assistant Commissioner, Rob McNeil AFSM By Noel Rowsell

n Friday 3 June, the Museum of Fire in Penrith opened a new permanent exhibition entitled ‘Celebrating our Connections with Japan’. The exhibition highlights Penrith City Council’s enduring relationship with Fujieda City and Hakusan City in Japan, through the lens of firefighting history. The relationship between the three cities spans over 30 years and is a significant international relationship, which has been strengthened by a number of cultural exchanges. Belinda McMartin, Museum of Fire CEO, opened the exhibition with a number of key representatives from Penrith City Council, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR). “The permanent exhibition is a wonderful additional to the museum and the local community and brings an international perspective to the museum’s collection,” said Natasha Ercegovic, Heritage Manager. The museum has a blog at: The Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami

Natasha Ercegovic, Heritage Manager

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

New Japanese exhibit at Museum of Fire

1976 Toyota Pumper & 1945 Japanese Hand Pump

of 2011 (museumoffire.net) which gives additional details about the relationship and some of the vehicles that have been exchanged between Penrith and the two sister cities in Japan. The 1976 Toyota Pumper vehicle is a typical light fire appliance used in smaller towns and rural areas of Japan, and even parts of some larger cities. Its small size is necessary to cope with the narrow and often steep roads found all over Japan and winter weather conditions. These appliances carry no on-board water to reduce weight. A ceremony to welcome the engine by the Mayor of Penrith was held at the Museum of Fire in early June 1990 (vehicle from Fujieda). 1945 Japanese Hand Pump - Up to the start of the second half of the 20th century, Japan was comprised predominantly of small, rural communities, which were self-reliant in local amenities. Firefighting was left up to the local residents to arrange, so usually only very basic equipment could be afforded. Very few people had motor vehicles. This pumper was made by KOKA PONPU SIEZO (State Pump Manufacturing Co.) of Nagoya, Japan. Despite its 19th century design and appearance

Hikeshi Banten

Photos from the opening of the Japanese exhibit at the Museum of Fire. Photos by Noel Rowsell

ukiyo-e artworks

by Western standards, it was actually made in 1945. The hand pump was a gift from the City of Matto, near Kanazawa on the west coast of Japan. In June 1991, a delegation of 35 citizens from Matto, including the Mayor of Matto, attended an official Handing Over Ceremony for the Hand Pump to be presented at the Museum of Fire. 3) Artwork: These ukiyo-e artworks are part of the Museum of Fire collection. Ukiyo-e are created through the use of woodblock prints and ink on paper, and were very popular during the Edo period. Firefighters were a common subject

amongst ukiyo-e artists and often were featured displaying their respective brigade’s matoi (traditional standard or pennant used to identify different fire brigades from the days of feudal rule in Japan). 4) Traditional firefighting uniforms on display: Early firefighting jackets, ‘hikeshi banten’, consisted of a heavy cotton weave with multiple layers. These early firefighting jackets were soaked in water before attending to a blaze to protect the wearer. Many jackets were reversible and consisted of both characters and elaborate designs that identified the firefighter’s ‘brigade’ or ‘unit’.

LEGO® is coming to Penrith W

eLL here’s an exciting announcement - there’s a new LEGO® Certified Store opening at Westfield Penrith! The custom-built store will be located on level 2 near Mecca Maxima, offering a wide selection of LEGO® sets including fan favourites, seasonal drops and hard-to-find editions. “Penrith’s first LEGO® Certified Store will be an incredible experience for all, and we are delighted to showcase the newest and best of what LEGO® has to offer to the community,” said Troy Taylor (General Manager Australia and New Zealand, The LEGO® Group). In addition to custom-built brick features, the new store will also incorporate signature LEGO® Certified Store retail features including: Pick a Brick Wall Grab a cup and fill it with your choice

of LEGO® bricks and elements, with endless combinations of shapes and colours to choose from. Build a Minifigure™ Station Mix and match from a wide selection of heads, hair, tops, bottoms and accessories to create a bespoke LEGO® Minifigure™ collection. Digital Box Scan almost any LEGO® boxed set and watch it come to life in 3D, live on the wallmounted screen in-store. Brick Specialists In-store experts can help brick fans of all ages select the perfect set, whether it’s a special gift, or a treat for the family’s resident LEGO® fan. Stay tuned for more news and announcements on your upcoming LEGO® Certified Store at Westfield Penrith!

Legends of the Nepean Graham Larkham By Noel Rowsell

Graham & Brian - Brian’s Police Graduation

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ra h am Larkham is perhaps best known in the world of Orchids, with a life-long involvement in showing, growing and loving the delicate flowers, along with educating others on how best to nurture and grow their own collections. A foundation member and current chairman of Orchids Out West, Graham has been teaching a course on Orchids (which he wrote) at the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) for the past 12 years. He is also the State President of the Orchid Society of NSW, an award winning cook (Gold Medal at this year’s Hawkesbury Show for his Lemon Butter) and a Guest Lecturer on Orchids at the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) for 12 years. There is of course even more to Graham than his passion for Orchids,

with a family including wife Edith, children Brian, David and Vicki, along with 9 grandchildren. A former Police Officer, Graham worked for a period of time in the Tactical Response Group (TRG), with his two biggest assignments controlling security at the Anita Cobby murder trial and the infamous bikie trial. Born in Blacktown in 1945, Graham attended Blacktown PS, then James Ruse Agricultural College, managing to bypass the border line for the college, thanks to ministerial intervention. The border for acceptance into James Ruse was Toongabbie but Graham’s father approached the then Minister for Education on behalf of his own son and another Blacktown resident, resulting in the border subsequently being shifted two suburbs further along the western line to include Blacktown. Graham began his working life

Graham Larkham was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Harry May. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Family Trip

Edith, Brian, Graham - Dawn Service

with Harrington’s Jewellers, where the company had the contract to break down the Reserve Bank’s gold bars into smaller ingots. At the age of 19, he was called up into National Service and would serve in 8th Division Ace Squad, 2 Cavalry Unit, firstly as a driver and then promoted to Crew Commander of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). Upon leaving the Army, Graham returned to Harrington’s before joining the NSW Police Force in 1968, posted initially to Newtown. He moved on to Granville for a 5-year stint, then a short period

Driver - Nepean Food Services. Photos: Supplied

at Redfern, before being posted to Bateman’s Bay, where he would also become the Lock-Up Keeper. After 3 years on the coast, Graham was posted to Lithgow, which was a favourite for both he and Edith. “The town closed down every Saturday at midday,” said Graham. “Everyone in Lithgow went to sport on Saturday afternoons.” Graham was promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class in 1984 and transferred to Parramatta, where he would become the Team Leader of the TRG and also Commander of security at the two famous trials mentioned earlier.

In 1988, Graham was transferred to Head Office in Sydney to the Scientific Branch, then in 1990 to Occupational Health & Safety in the new head office in College Street, Sydney. He would finish his Police career at Springwood, having attained the rank of Sergeant 2nd Class. Graham and Edith had met in 1967 and their first date (surprisingly not their last) was at a Wrestling Night. The relationship survived that experience and they have now been married for 53 years, celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2019 with three

other couples at O’Donoghues, which included a visit and presentation of certificates from State Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres MP. Graham joined the Penrith National Servicemen’s Association Inc (Nashos) five years ago and became Secretary after just two months, forming a close working relationship with President Harry May. Since retirement, Graham has worked on a volunteer basis for local community support groups, including Nepean Food Service and Kurrambee School at Werrington, whilst he was also involved in a fund-raising event for Special Education at Fernhill. Graham has an Advanced Certificate in Personnel Management, a Degree in Adult Education and a Graduate Diploma in Employment Relations & the Law. He has the Anniversary of National Service Medal, the Australian Defence Medal; the National Medal for Service, the For Service as an Australian Police Officer Medal and the NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal for 30 years service.

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

local COLUMNIST

Pyometras can become life threatening

yometra is a serious infection of the uterus that results in the accumulation of pus within the cavity of the uterus. It is generally seen in older female cats and dogs who have not been desexed. Unfortunately, many of our pets have not been desexed during the previous year’s COVID lockdown periods and we have seen an increased number of female dogs presenting with this condition that often requires emergency surgery. Pyometras can become life threatening especially if the uterus ruptures inside the body. Untreated pyometra can cause dehydration, kidney failure and eventual death from infection and toxin accumulation. What causes a pyometra? Each time a dog has a season (generally twice a year), she undergoes hormonal changes. These changes affect the uterus and cervix and make infection more likely. Infection is usually caused by a very common organism called E. Coli. The disease usually becomes apparent several weeks or

months following heat. What are the signs of pyometra? Pyometra is obviously only seen in females and can occur at any age but more commonly occurs in dogs over the age of 6. Early signs can be subtle and could just include increased licking around the back

end or just being a bit tired and not as hungry as usual. In the advanced stages you may notice that she drinks lots of water and sometimes you may even find a reddish-brown discharge coming from the back end. Some dogs will have a distended abdomen and become very depressed and tired.

How is pyometra diagnosed? A good history is generally suggestive of pyometra but x-rays/ultrasound and blood tests are generally needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess how sick the dog is. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the best treatment option is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus as soon as possible. Some animals are too sick for an anaesthetic and need to be stabilised prior to surgery. Can it be prevented? Yes! The only way to prevent this condition is by having your dog desexed. If you are not intending to breed your dog, then she should be desexed at any time from 6 months of age. Not only does desexing prevent pyometra and cancers of the reproductive tract, but if you get your female dog desexed before her first season then this reduces the chance of breast cancer developing later in life by 90 percent. If you have any questions about desexing your pet, please contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

Greencross Vets | Phone 47 313 055 Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Zulu warriors (4) 9 Not second (5) 10 A distinct part (4) 11 Barbaric (6) 12 Moms of parents (8) 13 Russian grandmother (8) 15 Wager (6) 17 He battles blazes (7) 19 Repository (7) 22 Cigarettes (slang) (6) 24 Compare (8) 26 Harem (8) 28 A marine mollusk (6) 30 Rooster (4) 31 Exhilarate (5) 32 Decreases (4) down 1 Genus of the dogfish (4) 2 Inform (8) 3 Anew (6) 4 TV show (7) 5 Outsider (8) 6 Crown (6)

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A flightless New Zealand bird (4) Maxim (5) Is not deceased (5) Proven innocent (8) Badgered (8) Gymnast (7) Knick-______ (6) Hangman’s knots (6) God of love (Greek mythology) (4) A river in central Europe (4)

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

ENTERTAINMENT

Richard Bonynge Ensemble

e n r i t h C o n s e r v a t o r i u m ’s Richard Bonynge Ensemble takes you on a musical journey from the gentle sounds of Baroque Composer, Johann Sebastian Bach to the bright and wistful ring of Romantic Composer, Antonín Dvořák. Established in 2021, the Richard Bonynge Ensemble is an elite ensemble comprising some of the finest young talents from Penrith Conservatorium of Music and Penrith Youth Orchestra. Through the integration of experienced musicians and mentors alongside young, talented instrumentalists, the ensemble aims to create its own distinctive style, unique culture, as well as train the next generation of classical musicians. In December 2021, the ensemble gave its first public performance at the unveiling of the commissioned portrait of Maestro Richard Bonynge AC, CBE by Australian artist Mathew Lynn. Maestro Bonynge himself was in attendance. FULL PROGRAM J.S BACH Concerto no.7 in G minor, BWV 1058 C.P.E BACH Quartet no.1 in A minor, Wq.93

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ENTERTAINMENT

A night of action at the Penrith Paceway on Saturday night, with both races and rides part of the entertainment. Photos by Noel Rowsell By Noel Rowsell

Penrith Paceway staged a huge afternoon and night of entertainment on Saturday 4th June, featuring camel races, camel rides for children, carnival rides and entertainment, topped off with three Mini Trotting races by the Penrith & Nepean Mini Trots.

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

Camel racing at The Paceway

OUT N ABOUT with Malama

To advertise in Nepean News or request your event to be added call Malama on 0416 203 777 OR EMAIL: sales@nepeannews.com.au Peter Eather (Managing Director) and Divinia Eather (Marketing Manager) of local Indigenous construction company Eather Group. Eather Group was the recipient of the Sustainable Development in Family Business Award and Divinia is Hawkesbury’s 2022 Young Business Person of the year.

Penrith RSL Band 60’s Chart Stoppers the best place to be on a Saturday afternoon. Rock n Roll takes centre stage. Sandra Wozniczka Branch Manager getting ready for the new opening of Great Southern Bank Penrith.

Lee, Jodi and Rose hard at work after being smashed with a shop full of customers at Murray’s Sandwich Shop Waterside Business Park.

Jo and Amanda at work with high end fashion and makeup. Waterside Business Park.

Newcastle meets Penrith!! High Street the Street of Love.

Celebrating birthdays at Duck Duck Goose Penrith.

By Jaye official performing at Yoloco Penrith

Light Up St Marys!

Tony from Endeavour Energy cleaning off the graffiti in the back lanes of St Marys

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Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

NEPEAN HISTORY

Horse Stealing at Ropes Creek By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

n Penrith Police Court in 1882, John Ryan in his yard that morning, he knew John and saw him (alias Donnelly) was charged with stealing a riding along the Western Road and he came to the black mare the property of James Watts (Snr). veranda of his house riding a black mare. William Constable James William Watts (son) said that he said that his house was about 8 miles from Mr Watts went to Ropes Creek and saw a black mare tied to the and that the prisoner asked him if the place was a fence at Wainwright’s public house at Colyton and public house and if he could get a drink. William made some inquiries, then he went to the stable where replied that he could get a drink if he had the money the prisoner had been locked up. George Henry Watts to pay for it, and he did, so he served him with what (son) and William Wainwright went with him to the he wanted. John then asked if he knew any person stable and found it locked but William opened it and who wanted to buy a horse with a saddle and bridle he found the prisoner in the loft above the stable but William said that he didn’t, and he thought that and brought him down. He asked William if that was the prisoner seemed anxious to part with it. George the man who brought the black mare to his place and Watts then came into his house and William heard William replied “yes.’’ Constable Watts then charged him ask John where he got the horse from and John John with stealing the black mare, the property of his said that he did not know where he got it from, and father James who lived at Prospect and he cautioned with that George put John in the stable and locked him, asking where he got the black mare. John said he him in and he was there when George “charged” didn’t know, then James asked him if he had a black the prisoner with the theft and went for the police. mare when he came to the hotel and John answered Constable Watts came and William saw the prisoner  James courtesy of “Find a grave”. that he thought he did and he didn’t know what made arrested and taken away with the mare. James Watts him take the mare from Mr Watts property. Constable (Snr) said that he was a butcher residing at Prospect James then took John into custody, and while taking the mare to the and saw John at Wainwright’s Inn and he saw the mare in the yard that Penrith lockup office yard, he charged John with stealing. George Watts belonged to him. In the morning he left the mare tied up to a cart in then gave evidence at the court saying that he was a butcher residing the yard, leaving it in charge of his son George and he did not give with his father at Prospect and saw John in the morning on the roadside John authority to take the mare, nor did he part with his interest in the in front of their place and he was leaning against the fence. George said mare, saddle or bridle to anyone by sale or otherwise. His yard was that the mare was originally tied to a cart in his father’s yard and feeding, enclosed and he valued the mare at £3 but he could not positively swear but he missed the mare about half-an-hour afterwards and he heard that to the saddle produced in court, but to the best of his belief it was his John had taken the mare, so he got another horse and followed John property that he valued at about £2/10s. The case was then adjourned on the road to Penrith where he saw him about 200 yards ahead riding and the prisoner John was committed to be held at Parramatta until a the mare and John turned into Wainwright’s at Rope’s Creek and John court date in October. (Ed:- It is interesting to note that James Watts’ went inside the house leaving the black mare outside. He asked John son, Constable James William Watts served the community at the St where he got the horse from and John said that he bought it. George Marys police station before later joining the Parramatta Squadron of the then asked him where he bought it but John said that he didn’t know the NSW Lancers As an accomplished horseman he was one of the Lancer name of the place. George told him to get on the mare and ride to South representatives at the 1897 Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebrations in Creek with him but John refused and he said that he wanted to lie down London. He enlisted as a Trooper into the First NSW Contingent, Second and if the horse belonged to George then he could have it. George then NSW Lancer Draft (known as the “fifteen”) of the Boer War (No 85) took him to Wainwright’s stable and left him there and he went on to and sailed in January 1900 on the “Moravian” and was later promoted South Creek (St Marys) to inform the police and returned in company to Corporal. From February 1900 he took part in the Battle of Poplar with his brother Constable Watts to the place where he left the prisoner, Grove, an operation against Bloemfontein where he contracted typhoid pointing the prisoner out to his brother who arrested him. George said in March. He returned to Australia an invalid, arriving in August on that he gave John no authority to take the mare that was the property of the Transport “Persic”). After a slow illness of Hydatids (a potentially his father and he had use of the mare that day and he never lent her to serious, sometimes fatal, condition caused by cysts containing the larval anyone. George said that the yard was enclosed so John would have had stages of the Dog Tapeworm) he died in September 1902 aged 28 and is to take down slip rails to get her out, so she was taken out of the yard buried at St Bartholomew’s C of E cemetery at Prospect. through the back way and through a paddock onto the Western Road. Sources: Ancestry, Family Search (Mormon website), Australian William Wainwright said that he was a holder of the license for a public Boer War Website, Sydney Morning Herald, Cumberland Herald. house at Colyton known as the “Horseshoe Inn” and had seen the mare

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SPORT

Action from Touring Car Racing, Trans Am and Touring Car Masters categories at the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships at Eastern Creek. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au By Noel Rowsell

he Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships hosted its third event for the year over the weekend of 26th-29th May, with the action taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), Eastern Creek. The opening two rounds at Phillip Island (Vic) on 18th-20th March and Bathurst 6-Hour on 15th-17th April were a definite success with the motorsport community and for the third event of the year, it was a huge win for fans (particularly in western Sydney) to stage it at SMSP. A spectacular line-up of eight national categories took place over the three days of the event and attracted more than 16,500 spectators over the three days, with many of the sessions taking place under lights. The categories on show included the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship (competing for the Motorsport Australia Gold Star), Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Turtle Wax Trans Am Series, Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters,

Australian Production Cars, Radical Cup Australia and the GC Marine Australian Prototype Series. The action began on Friday at 8.30am, with every category staging practice sessions throughout the day. Saturday’s action commenced at 9am and featured a mammoth 11 races across the day, followed on Sunday by another 12 races, beginning at 7.20am. As a bonus, all fans at the track were able to access the pit paddock and also be part of selected grid walks, prior to races. Radical Cup Australia: Bing Technologies’ Chris Perinin took out the round win by just two points. Supercheap Auto TCR Australia

Series: Nathan Morcom won Sunday’s final race of the weekend and also featured in Sunday morning’s race, leaving Sydney Motorsport Park with the most points of any driver. Porsche Michellin Sprint Challenge: Team Porsche New Zealand’s Ryan Wood’s near perfect weekend saw the Queenslander enjoy a round win. S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship: Alabar/Form 700’s Joey Mawson claimed the round win at Sydney as he looks towards claiming another Motorsport Australia Gold Star. Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters: In the Pro Am class,

Anglomoil Superior Lubricant’s Cameron Tilley has taken his Valiant Pacer to a round win in Sydney. In the Pro Masters, Rare Spares’ John Bowe put in a dominant performance across the weekend, winning three from three in class and earning 200 points to his name across the four different races. The only entrant in Pro Sport, The Lighthouse Hotel’s Peter Burnitt secured maximum points in class in his Holden Torana. Turtle Wax Trans Am Series: Owen Kelly edged out Ben Grice for the round win. It was a Ford Mustang 1-2-3 on the overall podium, with Series debutante Zach Bates impressing throughout the two days of racing. GC Marine Australian Prototype Series: It was a perfect Sunday for Jam Motorsport’s John Paul Drake, as he claimed his first ever round win in the Series. Australian Production Cars: GoKarts-Go Drew Russell, Aaren Russell and Wayne Russell stood on the top step of the podium courtesy of a clean sweep of race wins. The trio starred throughout the Sydney Motorsport Park weekend, including winning Sunday morning’s 300km endurance race in their BMW M3.

Mixed fortunes in Master Pennant By Noel Rowsell

estern Sydney’s Master Pennant golf clubs have experienced varied fortunes over a dry, sunny weekend, with the highlight of the round being an 8-0 runaway victory by Springwood CC over Antill Park. Springwood has a bye in both of the last two rounds but have set up an unassailable lead in Division 3, Section 4. The club will take out the Section title, then move on to the playoffs. Penrith GC grabbed its second consecutive win over Twin Creeks, taking full advantage of playing at home to record a 6-2 win; Leonay backed up its 6-2 away win over Bexley in round 3, with the same result at home on Sunday; Stonecutters Ridge had a 5-3 win over Mona Vale, whilst Richmond had a 4-4 draw at home with Woolooware. Glenmore Heritage Valley lost 4.5-3.5 to Strathfield and Dunheved lost 5.5-2.5 to Castle Hill. Next Sunday’s local action features Penrith at home to Asquith, Dunheved at home to Monash and Glenmore at home to Beverly Park, whilst Stonecutters Ridge are away to Kogarah, Twin Creeks away to Liverpool, Wallacia away to Woolooware, Richmond away to Campbelltown and Leonay away to Bankstown.

Eric Banguis (Penrith - above) and Wayne Vassallo (Twin Creeks) in action during Round 4 of the Master Pennant competition. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships at Eastern Creek

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

SPORT

Coach’s Corner F

Over Coaching and Over Parenting in Junior Sports

irstly I would implore all parents and coaches involved in junior sport to watch the following HBO documentary: https://vimeo.com/108600855 It should provoke some thoughts and opinions in regards to how parents and coaches approach junior sport. What importance should we place on winning in junior sport? Shouldn’t development and enjoyment be our sole focus? Most winter junior sporting competitions have recently commenced. This should be a very exciting time for all children involved. However this enjoyment is often hijacked by a ‘win at all cost’ mentality from some parents and coaches involved at the junior level. Unfortunately this selfish mentality often ruins the dreams and love of sport for young athletes who just want to participate and play with their friends. Coaching should be all about ensuring the players are enjoying themselves and learning as much as possible. If the players are learning and succeeding in the skills and drills they are practicing they are more likely to enjoy their sporting experience and therefore continue to play the game. Training should be structured and designed in order to meet these

simple needs of junior players regardless of the sport in which they are participating. We have all come across the junior coach who treats game day like a professional match. If you are that coach ask yourself: How much control do you have over the result once the game commences? Little, if any. With that said and as hard as it can be, you need to place zero emphasis and importance on the results your team achieves each weekend. The challenge for coaches is to ensure competition and competitiveness is created internally within your team environment. This takes the emphasis off winning and losing each weekend. Ask yourself two simple questions in order to evaluate your training sessions and game results: Did the players enjoy themselves? Are the players learning and improving both individually and as a team? If you can honestly answer yes to both questions you are doing an outstanding job. As a coach measure yourself on the development and improvement of your players. We have all come across the parent who is constantly discontented in the style of coaching, results of the team and the individual success of their child. The parent who will constantly shout instructions and feedback to the team during games or bark at the referee for certain decisions. If you are

Brock Shepperd Mounties Rugby League Club - NSW Cup Head Coach Chifley College Senior Campus - Rugby League Program Head Coach

that parent ask yourself: What example am I setting for my child and is the behaviour I am displaying appropriate for the junior sport environment? At the junior level it is the growth of individual players which will naturally improve each team. As a parent do not place unrealistic expectations on your child. Make sure you set a good example by encouraging each and every player in the team. Support the players and encourage them to have fun, listen to their coach, respect the referee, learn as much as possible and to place zero emphasis on results. Focus on the performances, improvements, small developments you see each week. Allow the players to play, the coaches to coach and the referees to referee. As a role model for your child your job as a parent is to be supportive and set the right example. The focus of parents and coaches involved within junior sport should be to teach young athletes the importance of a strong work ethic, the ability to have fun, to build positive relationships with their team mates and coaches and also their willingness to listen and learn. If these positive habits and behaviours can be instilled within players from a young age the platform is going to be laid for the best possible future both in sport and in life.

Proudly sponsored by Penrith Party Hire (02) 4731 1313

The Nepean Women’s team which represented in 2019 finished third in the State Open Championships. File photo supplied

Nepean teams to contest State Open Hockey Championships By Noel Rowsell

wo teams from the Nepean Hockey Association will be competing in the 2022 Field Turf Open Hockey Championships, which are being held at the Newcastle International Hockey Centre over the long weekend of 11th-13th June. The Nepean Women’s team is playing in Division One, Pool B and is drawn to play Bathurst and North Sydney & Beaches on Saturday,

followed by Sydney South and Illawarra South Coast on Sunday. The team members are: Jemma Laverty, Annie Buckley, Corrina Aitken, Caitlin Burns, Erin Burns, Michelle Andreatta, Brittany Rasmussen, Shannae Lawrence, Emma McLeish, Abigail Simpson, Emmie Searl, Meghan Searl, Eloisa Purtell, Samantha Brown, Meg Turner, coach Andrew Burns, manager Jennifer O’Toole. Should the Nepean women reach

the playoffs (by finishing either first or second in their Pool), the semifinals will be played at 10:30am on Monday morning, followed by the Grand Final at 2:15pm. The Nepean Men are playing in Division Two, Pool B and and are drawn to play New England and Coffs Coast on Saturday, followed by Port Macquarie Hastings and Sydney South on Sunday. The team members are: Steven Bryce, Terrence Bowden, Ben Poulton, Josh Chapple,

Samuel Louden, Joshua Poulton, Kieran Knowles, Ryan Knowles, Jack Williams, Ethan Sorensen, Hayden Lavender, Tristan Potts, Khye Poulton, Ryan Cladingboel, coach Kieran Knowles, manager Scott Williams. Should the Nepean men reach the playoff stage (by finishing either first or second in their Pool), the semifinals will be played at 9:15am on Monday morning, followed by the Grand Final at 1:00pm.

PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

By GREG YANDA

HERE was a time when Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards was low on confidence, facing a mental battle where the harder he tried to get himself out of the form slump the deeper the form slump became. That was in 2019, a million miles away from where his rugby league journey has taken him since, but he’s learnt a lot from then and he has grown into a leader at the club. Although there are some jobs that come with leadership he’d rather leave to the more experienced leaders, like the post match press conferences when the likes of Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary face the media. “It’s pretty early into my leadership role and I don’t mind it,” he said after Penrith’s round 13 win over Canterbury. “We have got some great leaders in this club with Nathan and Yo-ee and Api (Koroisau) there. I don’t have to say a hell of a lot officially but lead by actions on the field.” It’s a long way from the a horror run of form, but Edwards takes a lot out of the lows as well as incredible highs of the ensuing 18 months to two years. “I am almost grateful for it in a way,” he said. “It gave me a lot of tools to be able to deal with adversity when it comes along and that’s been useful.” The road to premiership glory wasn’t without it’s own adversity, there was the 2020 grand final loss to Melbourne after Edwards and the Panthers won the minor premiership. And when they returned to the

Photos: Penrith Panthers

grand final 12 months later Edwards was carrying a broken foot. “I didn’t know how I was going to go, I was just happy to come away with the win and we did what we did at the time,” he recalled. “I didn’t know what was going on at the time and I just put my body on the line for the boys and they’d have done the same.” It’s that kind of team-first mentality that has made

him a fan favourite as week after week he has grown to be one of the game’s premier fullbacks. His ferocious no fear kick returns and determination in defence has certainly put him on the radar for representative football. Although there are some exceptional fullbacks standing between him and a State of Origin jersey, Ivan Cleary is very happy to have him as the premiers negotiate the Origin period in their quest for back to back titles.

JFH is his own worst critic By GREG YANDA

AMES FISHER-HARRIS is among the elite front-rowers of the NRL and has churned out consistent performances in the first half of the season. Now as Penrith heads into the State of Origin period minus regular co-captains

and other stars of the game he is again taking on the leadership role with Dylan Edwards and Api Koroisau. Last year the Panthers lost consecutive games without their Origin stars and they have already made amends for that this year after rolling Canterbury in round 13.

James Fisher-Harris fends off Canterbury defenders. Photo Penrith Panthers.

“We did learn lessons from last year, especially me as captain,” he said. “(I had to) stop thinking about other people’s jobs and just narrow my focus on my job. “For me and Dyls (Dylan Edwards) it’s pretty good to get the monkey off the back and get the win.” Critical of his recent form, Fisher-Harris said he has been in second gear and is always working to improve individually, explaining this would contribute towards the team improvement throughout the year. “There are just little things, focus areas, I know parts of my game I need to get better. I am my biggest critic and will always be hard on myself,” he said. “They are just little things but it all adds up.” Against Canterbury he gained 203 running metres and made 44 tackles with 95.65 per cent efficiency. He wants to improve because he appreciates what the club has done for him and he works hard every day to pay back the faith they have shown him. Since making his debut in 2016 he has become a cornerstone of the Penrith pack and is due to play game 150 in round 18 against Wests Tigers. “ When I started I didn’t have a cap on where I was going, I just wanted to get better, this place (Penrith) has given me the opportunity to do that. It’s a good club, good culture and we have just gotten better and better,” he said. And then there is the pride of representing the Maori All-Stars in the pre-season. “It’s up there with anything for me, to represent our people, ever since they started that concept, I have been so happy for our people. Every chance I get I am happy to play.”

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

Edwards grows from adversity

Celebrity ROUND 14

ROUND 15

NQC gct syd bri WES NEW NZW BUL STG MAN MEL CRO NZW PAR CAN BUL STG sou mel can MAN PAN CRO PAR SOU NQC BRI GCT PAN SYD NEW WES June 10 7.55pm

June 11 3.00pm

June 11 5.30pm

June 11 7.35pm

June 12 2.00pm

June 12 4.05pm

June 12 6.15pm

June 13 4.00pm

June 16 7.50pm

June 17 6.00pm

June 17 7.55pm

June 18 3.00pm

June 18 5.30pm

June 18 7.35pm

June 19 2.00pm

June 19 4.05pm

SCORE

Jeff Daniel Watson Galea--Club Adenbrook President, Homes St Marys - 9622 Band 4091 Club - 9623 1211

130 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 13

★

138 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538

138 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 13

★

142 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 0404 842 170

134 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

120 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400

132 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 13

★ 128

Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Diggers & Band Club - 9623 1211

126 Greg YandaBenard - Sports Journalist, Nepean News Councillor Bratusa

138

TIPSTERS ROUND 14

ROUND 15

NQC gct syd bri WES NEW NZW BUL STG MAN MEL CRO NZW PAR CAN BUL STG sou mel can MAN PAN CRO PAR SOU NQC BRI GCT PAN SYD NEW WES June 10 7.55pm

June 11 3.00pm

June 11 5.30pm

June 11 7.35pm

June 12 2.00pm

June 12 4.05pm

June 12 6.15pm

June 13 4.00pm

June 16 7.50pm

June 17 6.00pm

June 17 7.55pm

June 18 3.00pm

June 18 5.30pm

June 18 7.35pm

June 19 2.00pm

June 19 4.05pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News Columnist and Owner of MG Activ

132 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 12

★ 138

Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

126 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

132 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

128

Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 12

★ 134

Brock Shepperd - Mounties Rugby League Club - Ron Massey Cup Head Coach, Chifley College Senior Campus - Rugby League Program Head Coach

140 Andrew Keen - Penrith Air Supply - 4731 3033

BONUS 2 POINTS FOR PERFECT ROUND IN ROUND 13

★ 138

John Veitch - Parramatta Motor Group - 9912 2000

128 Terry ‘Mad Dog’ Corbett - St Clair Comets

128

SPORT

Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

PENRITH PANTHERS

ON THE mark

with MARK GEYER

Half way done!

s origin fever engulfs us once again its also the halfway mark of the 2022 NRL season. Like most of you, I wasn’t that keen on receiving my mid and end of year report card off my teachers at school. So I’m going to be the teacher in this scenario and give every team in the competition a grade (out of 10) and tell you what has been good and what has been bad about every team in this season’s competition, as well as highlighting each team’s best player after 13 rounds. Let’s start at the top and work our way down. Penrith. 1st. Just WOW! I didn’t envisage such a season after winning the competition last year. Scarily for other teams in the comp they seem to be going even better than they were last year. So many positives with not one negative I can find. Depth is the Panthers biggest strength with the ‘next man up’ mantra working exceptionally proficiently for Ivan Cleary’s mountain men. Back to back premierships looks excitingly ominous. 9.5/10 Best player Isaah Yeo. Melbourne 2nd While humming along in 2nd spot the Storm are still the Panthers biggest obstacle of the elusive back to back premierships. They have shown glimpses of enterprise, especially from Cam Munster, but overall the Storm just haven’t been the Storm thus far this season. Which I suppose for the other teams in the comp you just know they’re gearing for something special in the second half of this season. 8/10 Best player Cameron Munster. Cowboys 3rd How many of you reading this right now thought the Cowboys would be in 3rd position after 13 rounds? No-one? Thought so. Me either. I actually had them finishing last this year which I’m now lamenting bigtime. But gee they’ve been a breath of fresh air. Players who have come out of nowhere like Nanai, Cotter, Tualagi, and Lumi, have captivated the competition. How far can they go? All the way if you ask them! 9/10 Best player Jeramiah Nanai. Broncos 4th Read what I just wrote for the Cowboys but put the Broncos name in instead of

the Cowboys and it’s a carbon copy! North Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos in the top 4 after 13 rounds! The Broncos are experiencing a rebirth on the back of many facets, the main one being Adam Reynolds’ arrival. Couple that with Selwyn Cobbo blasting from out of space to land on the wing for QLD, Payne Haas getting better (and bigger) every game, and a team of youngsters with so much self-belief its palpable. One of the real success stories of this season, can they hold on? That’s the $64,000 question. 8.5/10 Best player Katoni Staggs. Eels 5th The Eels always seem to be there or abouts as far as competition heavyweights go. Their main Achilles heel is their consistency. On their day they are one of, if not the best team in the comp, unfortunately for Parra fans it doesn’t happen anywhere near enough. With the prized scalps of both the Panthers and Storm this year they are most definitely capable, finding a way to put 4 or 5 great performances seems to be where they fall. Dylan Brown has been epic for them this season as has their Best player Mitch Moses. Sharks 6th The Sharks are just a better footy team than they’ve been in a while. Everything looks fresher in the shire. Nicho Hynes has been great, Matt Moylan is back to his vintage self, Talakai has been a revelation and their new coach Craig Fitzgibbon is one cool calculated customer. A bit like Parra their great performances this season have been spasmodic with a fair bit of room between them and the top teams in the competition. But its all good news for the Sharks, no matter where they end up this season it will be an improvement. Sharkie fans have a team to cheer loud and proud for this season, at last! 7/10. Best player Nicho Hynes. Roosters 7th Its really hard to get a gauge on the Roosters this season with one week seeing them look like they could beat anybody to other weeks looking like a bottom 8 team. They definitely have the cattle to cause major upsets in this competition but I think a top 4 spot is unlikely. The stunning emergence of Joseph Suualii is a major positive as is the continual growth of gun teenager Sam Walker. But it’s in the engine room where most concern lays, with their big boys looking sluggish at times whilst not having a recognized number 9 has hurt them. 6.5/10 Best player Joseph Manu.

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TUTORING

PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

with MARK GEYER

Who’s hot who’s not.

Rabbitohs 8th From last year’s grand finalists to just clinging on to 8th spot after 13 rounds this season. The Rabbitohs are obviously missing coach Wayne Bennett and Captain Adam Reynolds from last season’s team and Latrell’s injury is also a headache, but the mojo shown last year from Cody Walker and co has vanished. They still have Damien Cook and Cam Murray and Latrell to come back, but you feel they need more. Only time will tell. 6.5/10. Best player Damien Cook. Dragons 9th The Dragons have definitely started to come good after a horrendous end to their 2021 campaign which saw them obliterated from the ‘BBQ Gate” scandal. Its been a steady climb back to some sort of normality but alas they still have a long, long way to go until they’re considered a powerhouse in the competition once again. Keeping hold of their young emerging talent should be their main objective and finding players to help out inspiring skipper Ben Hunt, who is also leading the Dally M’s at the halfway mark and is far and away their best Player. Sea Eagles 10th No Tommy Turbo no way. The Sea Eagles probably like no other team in the comp really rely on one player to be fit and healthy for them to prevail on the field. So when their best player Tom Trbojevic did his shoulder recently against the Eels requiring season ending surgey that’s when Manly’s hope faded. Don’t get me wrong, they are far from a one man team but without the Turbo for the rest of the season the Sea Eagles chances for glory have plummeted. 6/10. Best Player Haumole Olakau’atu

Raiders 11th The Raiders are starting to gather momentum after a disastrous start to the year having both their new recruit and halfback Jamal Fogarty injuring his knee preseason only coming back this past fortnight, along with losing their international hooker Josh Hodgson in the first game of the season. But things are starting to change for the better for Ricky Stuart’s men, in fact I feel out of all the teams currently out of the top 8 the Raiders are the ones who can make a late charge. 6/10. Best Player Joseph Tapine. Knights 12th Knights. A lot was promised from the Novacastrians this year but little has been delivered. One of the most inconsistent teams in the comp started the year with back to back victories but little has gone their way since then. Star player Kayln Ponga’s contract negotiations derailed their season for an 8 week period but one thing that is on their side is time. There is still 13 rounds of footy remaining, and with Mitch Barnett back firing after a lengthy suspension who knows what lays ahead for the Newcastle Knights. 5/10. Best Player Tyson Frizelle. Tigers 13th What a week for Tigers fans. Some will be glad, some will be sad but the fact is their coach Michael Macguire has been sacked effective last Tuesday, making him one of two coaches sacked in Origin 1 week (great timing…NOT!) There’s not much to say about the besieged Tigers except every single one of them both on and off the field must lift! 4/10. Best Player Jackson Hastings. Warriors 14th The other team to have off-loaded their coach this week continuing the frustrating coaching merry-go-round of coaches. I feel for the Warriors. They have been away from their home for 2 and a half years thus rendering them with no real ‘home town’ advantage from their fans, friends, and extended families. They look like a team that wants to go home. As quick as they’re back playing games out of NZ the better. 3/10. Best Player Reece Walsh. Titans 15th For mine the most underperforming team of the competition. From going from one pass of the football putting them into the 2nd week of finals footy with what would have been a stirring victory over the Roosters last season to languishing at the bottom of the table in 2nd last position this year has for mine been a major shock. Already the drums have started beating for coach Justin Holbrooks head. Something unfathomable 6 months ago! 2/10. Best player. Tino. Bulldogs 16th Ground Hog Day continues for the hapless Bulldogs. Quite frankly its been a year for them to forget. Hold on. We said the exact same thing last October!! 1/10. Best Player Matt Burton.

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 Nepean News 10 June 2022 Issue 331

ON THE mark

SPORT