Nepean News 12 November 2020

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ISSUE 290

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enrith City Library has launched the new Library app, available for download on all iOS and Android devices.

The app provides members with easy access to the library catalogue, electronic library, events, online study support, Library news and more.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the app was a great tool for the Library and members, especially during COVID-19 where many of the Library’s face-to-face events, activities and classes have moved online with services operating in a limited capacity.

“The app is a great way for members to connect with the Library from the comfort of their own home to have access to the Library’s fantastic services,” Cr McKeown said.

“The Library staff have put a lot of work into the app to ensure that it provides members with everything they could want at the touch of a button.”

“The app provides members with the opportunity to book tickets for upcoming Library events, view the Library’s numerous resources, databases, and view the Penrith Local History blog that the Library’s Flashback Friday social posts come from.

“With the functionality to link family member accounts under the one app and providing students study assistance with an online study tutor, the app

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Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Penrith City Library launches free app P

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Prue Car MP

is incredibly easy to use. I’d highly recommend members download the app,” she continued.

The app was developed in collaboration with SOLUS and is available for free on iOS and Android devices under the app name “Penrith City Library”. For more information, visit “Library Branches” at penrith.city/library

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Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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I

f you can’t beat them, join them...unless of course your name is Trump... then just stand firm and declare that you actually have beaten them.

The United States President who made Fake News a wellknown turn of phrase is now practicing Fake it Til You Make It. I was never one to automatically bag out Trump on everything he did.

I thought some of his ideas, especially going in, were good ones to be honest. Americans are a different style of person to Australians on many levels, and so he seemed not a bad fit - at least for the average American conservative.

But Holy Moly it is hard to defend him now.

Surely even the staunchest of believers are wondering what on earth his next trick will be?

He’s firing off crazy tweets (nothing new there) firing the defence secretary and firing cannons at anybody who dares to disagree with him or agree with the result.

He’s even throwing grenades at the friendly folk at Fox now, because they’ve reported the polling results and, well, the election result. Shame on them!

It is always embarrassing to watch someone who can’t take a loss graciously.

Leaders are meant to lead by example and show the people how to act responsibly and be a good citizen.

In this case it is a great lesson on how NOT to act.

Perhaps it is another new phrase that will be used in the future. When you lose, don’t be a Trump.

Have another crack down the track if you choose, but for now take it on the chin - graciously.

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local news

enrith City Council is offering users of reusable nappy and sanitary items the opportunity to participate in a trial rebate program. Council’s Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme is eligible to Penrith Local Government Area residents, and residents can receive a maximum of $100 per household.

The rebate program is available to residents who have purchased a reusable sanitary or nappy product on or after 1 January 2020. The products include reusable cloth and swim nappies, nappy inner liners, pilchers, wipes, nursing breast pads, sanitary pads and menstrual cups, leak-proof underwear, and wet bags.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said that Council hopes the program can aid in helping families and individuals to make sustainable changes and choices for the future.

“Reusable items not only prevent pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and divert large amounts of waste from landfill, they also save families and individuals a lot of money,” Cr McKeown said.

“Council understands and acknowledges that each individual is living under different circumstances and committing to something long-term may not be viable for everyone, but we wanted to give everyone the chance to assist in providing families and individuals with a sustainable solution.

Stuart Ayres MP “Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 nappies will be used and disposed of before a child is properly toilet trained. It takes up to 300 years for one disposable nappy to break down in landfill.

“Approximately 150kg of sanitary items are sent straight to landfill during the lifetime of one person who uses the product. The rebate program encourages people to try sustainable products and consider if these alternatives are for them,” Cr McKeown said.

Penrith Council’s Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme has been funded up to $20,000 and offers a 50% rebate for reusable nappies and sanitary products with a maximum rebate of $100 per household. The rebate does not cover the cost of postage or delivery of eligible products.

The Scheme ends 31 March 2021 or when funding has been exhausted.

For more information about the Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme, visit penrith.city/ sustainablechoices

Member for Penrith

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith Authorised by Stuart Ayres MP. ‘Funded using parliamentary entitlements’

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local news Labor calls for Royal Commission into mental health and suicide in nsw

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SW Labor is calling for the Government to back a Royal Commission into mental health and suicide in the upcoming State Budget.

Londonderry MP Prue Car said ensuring there is proper mental health support in NSW is of paramount importance.

“We need to look closely at the strategies that work best and what new initiatives could do the most good,” Ms Car said.

“As Shadow Minister for Education, I’m particularly concerned with making sure our kids are happy and healthy as they grow and develop into young adults.

“It’s so important for all of us in Western Sydney to support our family and friends in difficult times. A little

can go a long way.”

NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay said in the past 12 months, the community has faced enormous mental health challenges.

“I’m calling for a Royal Commission so we can hear from people with mental health conditions and ensure everyone gets the help and support they need,” Ms McKay said.

Ms McKay said a Royal Commission should focus on regional and rural NSW and on young people.

“For 10 years the Government has overseen a mental health system that for a range of reasons isn’t meeting the needs of people in crisis,” Ms McKay said.

• In 2019, nearly 1,000 people died by suicide in NSW

• Around four in 10 mental health patients wait more than four hours for emergency care, with some waiting as long as 24 hours in the emergency department • In Australia, NSW spends the lowest proportion of its budget on community-managed mental health care “Mental health is a huge problem and families are going through hell across NSW because they’re not getting the support they need,” Ms McKay said.

“What more can be done from prevention and early intervention right through to the emergency response and acute care? Is there adequate funding and co-ordination between services?”

The Shadow Minister for Mental

Health Tara Moriarty said the problem touches every community.

“We must urgently ensure mental health services are accessible for young people and for everyone in regional and rural NSW.” “We’ll work with service providers and people who’ve experienced mental illness to determine exactly what issues need to be looked at.

“These people deserve a voice and we can learn from them,” Ms Moriarty said.

Ms McKay added this is not about party politics or assigning blame.

“If the Government launches a Royal Commission into mental health it will have bipartisan support. I’ll stand with the Premier to save lives,” Ms McKay said.

Nsw government launches landmark suicide monitoring system The NSW Government has introduced a new suicide monitoring system which will provide up-todate data for health and support services about the number of suicide deaths across the state.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the system will deliver the NSW Government timely access to information on location, age and gender.

“This means that from right now, we will be able to make critical decisions about services and local health responses in communities where we can effectively see risks emerging in real time instead of reacting to year-old data,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The first public report showed the number of suicide deaths in 2020 is tracking almost identically to the equivalent period in 2019. From 1 January to 30 September 2020, there were 673 suspected or confirmed suicide deaths reported in NSW. That is one more than the same time period in 2019.”

“While every death by suicide is a tragedy, we need to underline that there has not been an overall spike in numbers in a year that has delivered so many challenges.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said that reforming the collection and management of suicide data is the result of significant collaboration between NSW Health, the Department of Communities and Justice, State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan and NSW Police.

“The suicide monitoring system will provide meaningful insights for frontline services, while ensuring that best practice protocols are in place to maintain the security and accuracy of this very sensitive information,” Mr Speakman said.

The next stage of the program will be to develop an enhanced data set, which will include information about the social, economic and other pressures a person may have experienced, as well as any previous contact with health services.

Magistrate O’Sullivan said the system would be key to a more timely and sophisticated understanding of trends and why a suicide occurred.

“The Monitoring System is an important first step towards developing a suicide review process that

will result in more nuanced insights into suicide including information about key vulnerable groups to understand what may have contributed to their susceptibility and what could be done to prevent this tragedy from happening to other people,” Magistrate O’Sullivan said.

Towards Zero Suicides is a NSW Premier’s Priority and the NSW Government is investing $87 million over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives.

To access the first public report from the Suicide Monitoring System, please visit health.nsw.gov.au/ mentalhealth/resources/Pages/suicide-monitoringreport-oct-2020.aspx.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental health issues, reach out and get support available to you: • Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 • Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 • Lifeline – 13 11 14 • Mensline – 1300 789 978 • Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

local news

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ederal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP is calling on projects for the Local Recovery Fund delivered through the Local Jobs Program to support Western Sydney recover from the economic impact of Coronavirus.

Applications are now open for local groups and organisations to apply for funding ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 to develop projects, including mentoring, training and reskilling, in line with local employment needs.

“Training and educating our community in the jobs of the future is something I am very passionate about, and I welcome initiatives put forward by groups and organisations that assist in this,” said Ms McIntosh.

“The Local Recovery Fund will support locally driven projects that reflect the growing industries in Western Sydney, and I strongly encourage stakeholders in our community to work together and put forward innovative project ideas.”

As part of the Local Jobs Program, 25 Employment Facilitators have been engaged to help connect job seekers to local employment opportunities.

The Employment Facilitators will chair Local Jobs and Skills

Taskforces across Australia which will bring together local employers, employment and training providers and other local stakeholders to collaborate and develop projects funded by the Local Recovery Fund to get job seekers back into work.

Applications for the Local Recovery Fund will open from 3 November with funding available from mid-December 2020.

Further details on how to apply can be found at www.dese.gov.au/localjobs-program.

Ten-year-old Panthers fan Ivy Galea was quick to spot player Liam Martin at O’Donoghues Irish Pub on Melbourne Cup Day. Enjoying a relaxing drink with a mate, Liam was happy to have a chat and was very obliging about posing for a photo with Ivy. A genuinely nice bloke!

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Local recovery fund open

› Spotted: Martin

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local news

Welcome new fire and rescue recruits

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SW has welcomed 264 new firefighters with the latest recruits graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies commended the recruits on their dedicated training and welcomed them to their local communities.

“These firefighters will be a great boost to the people of NSW, who can

rest assured that their first responders have received world class training and will be equipped for whatever challenges they face,” Mrs Davies said.

“On behalf of the community, I am pleased to welcome these firefighters to their new stations.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the recruits for embarking on a rewarding career that will ultimately

put them on the frontline when it comes to protecting their communities.

“The men and women who graduate as part of this class have already shown that they have what it takes to protect the irreplaceable,” Mr Elliott said.

“These Fire and Rescue personnel begin their careers at a time when our frontline workers have never been more necessary, and they know they will have the full support of the NSW

Government throughout their new careers.”

This month the NSW Government announced a $192 million investment in response to the Independent Bushfire Inquiry, including $36 million for a new first responder mental health strategy that will support all emergency service first responders.

You can find a full list of graduates at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/news. php?news=2421.

Mental health hub for students, parents and teachers

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tudents, parents and teachers will now have easily accessible mental health advice and support at their fingertips, with the NSW Government launching a new online Mental Health Hub. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the website has been developed to ensure advice is available to anyone who needs it, at any time.

“Mental health support for our students has to be varied and accessible for everyone,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We know that overwhelmingly students do their own research before they reach out for help, so we need to make sure that information is accessible and designed for our school communities.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie

Taylor said the Mental Health Hub will be a useful toolkit for students, parents and teachers.

“The hub has some really practical

resources, from tips on how to start a conversation with someone doing it tough to finding ways to improve their own mental fitness,” Mrs Taylor said.

The website is broken down into three categories; information for parents, information for teachers and information for students.

“The hub has been designed for everyone in the school community, I encourage anyone who has questions, is stressed or wants to know how to support people in their lives,” Ms Mitchell said.

The site can be accessed by teachers, parents and students across every school sector, including independent and catholic schools, and has had input from leading mental health advocacy groups, including ReachOut, headspace, Kids Helpline and Beyond Blue.

The Mental Health Hub: https:// e d u c a t i o n . n s w. g o v. a u / s t u d e n t wellbeing/counselling-andpsychology-services

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local news

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he picturesque gorge surrounding the Nepean River and a classic River Boat style date served as the perfect setting for The Bachelorette Australia’s grand finale episode on Thursday 6th November. Penrith’s iconic Nepean Belle Paddelwheeler featured in the episode as it hosted Joey and Elly’s last date before her big decision.

The romantic experience featured in the episode involved a private cruise along the Nepean River at the bow of the Belle, with Elly and Joe immersed not only in the gorge surrounding them, but each other. Before long, the Nepean Belle pulled up in the middle of the gorge for Elly and Joe to enjoy a secluded paddleboard together.

With more than 500,000 reality TV fans tuning in for the start of the episode, it was a great piece of exposure to showcase one of Penrith’s most successful local tourism operators. This isn’t the first time the Nepean Belle has found itself comfortable on the big screen, with previous in-show features on reality shows such as Season 5 of ‘The Bachelor Australia’ in 2017, among others.

Owners Carol and Chris Bennett were thrilled with the involvement; “It was a pleasure to yet again have the Nepean Belle involved in a reality TV production, especially the grand finale of a show like The Bachelorette Australia. For us, it was a simple decision to have The Belle host a romantic date during the final episode.”

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler, or ‘the Belle’ as she is affectionately known, was launched in October 1982 and since then has continued to impress it’s guests with 5 star hospitality,

scenery and charm. This romantic old-world style paddlewheeler reflects the charm of yesteryear, with interiors beautifully restored and maintained.

With Covid19-safe seated dining capacity for 1-80 people, the Nepean Belle offers regular public cruises, lunch and dinner cruises as well as private charters. The Belle is suited to a range of function styles for any occasion.

For more information or to book a cruise on the Nepean Belle call (02) 4733 1274 or visit www.nepeanbelle.com.au

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Our Belle in Bachelorette’s final episode

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local news

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Throw your support behind McHappy Day

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cHappy Day 2020 will take place on Saturday, 14th November, where McDonald’s will raise much needed funds and celebrate our wonderful cause. Last year, McHappy Day raised an amazing $5.9m for Ronald McDonald House Charites Australia.

What is McHappy Day? Each year, all McDonald’s restaurants across Australia host McHappy Day, supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia. This annual contribution assists Ronald McDonald House Charities to support more families with seriously ill children.

Who are you helping on McHappy Day? When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, it impacts the whole family. Lives can be turned upside down. That’s why Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a range of programs to help families stay together and close to the care they need. In 2019 alone, Ronald McDonald House Charities helped support 60,000 families with seriously ill children.

How to support RMHC on McHappy Day? Visit a McDonald’s Restaurant on Saturday, 14th November. There are many ways to donate: • $2, $10 or $50 Helping Hands • $5 Silly Socks • 10c from every 600mL bottle of water sold goes directly to RMHC • $2 from every Big Mac sold on McHappy Day goes directly to RMHC Show your support for Ronald McDonald House Charities by donating in the donation buckets, at a Kiosk or through the mymacca’s® app. You can also choose to round up your order total to the nearest dollar at the Drive Thru, Front Counter and at McCafe.

For seriously ill children, the little things you make possible really are the big things.

Meika, was a normal, happy little girl who loved sleepovers and making messy potions and mud pies, when she was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer at age nine.

Her family, who live in regional Australia, were told she would need months of chemotherapy and radiation to save her life. They were crushed.

With your help, Meika’s mum, gran and siblings were fortunate they could secure a place in Ronald McDonald House while she underwent intensive treatment.

When they arrived at their cosy home-away-from-home, they could not have imagined the long, heartbreaking journey ahead.

As Meika underwent treatment that often made her sick, what made things easier was that she and her loved ones could continue some of their normal routines – the everyday things they had always taken for granted.

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With her family staying just footsteps from the hospital, Meika could bake with her gran and play with her siblings when she felt well enough. This really helped her recovery, both physically and emotionally.

In total, your support enabled Meika’s family to spend 209 days and nights at Ronald McDonald House during her treatment.

Although it was the toughest time, they could face it as a family, and made some unforgettable memories together.

In fact, Meika’s little brother Archer still calls Ronald McDonald House “home” and it’s even where her baby sister first crawled, talked and walked!

Today, Meika is back at home, and when she returns for hospital check-ups, she feels happy, not scared. She loves to visit the friends she made during her time at Ronald McDonald House.

on Join Your local news and views issuu.com/nepeannews

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he NSW Government has supported a total of 95 community-led and COVIDsafe NAIDOC Week events to take place during November, as the nation celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements under the 2020 theme of Always Was, Always Will Be. Postponed from original July timings due to COVID-19 concerns, this year’s NAIDOC Week began on Sunday 8 November and continues through to Sunday 15 November.

As part of the celebration, funding from Aboriginal Affairs NSW of nearly $160,000 will support” Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), local councils, schools, sports and dance groups and other Aboriginal organisations to host a range of community events across the State.

“NAIDOC Week explores and celebrates our cultural history and diversity, and in such a tough year, I’m so happy to be able to help communities safely continue this annual celebration,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said.

“From weaving and language events, dance and culture workshops, BBQs and community arts projects to name a few, NSW will be alive with COVID-safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture throughout

November.

“While some of the larger events that traditionally run during NAIDOC Week are unable to happen this year, I’m delighted to have shown our support to help our 95 smaller-scale

activities throughout the State,” he said.

The funding has supported 12 in Greater Sydney and you feel like a drive there are 28 events in the Binaal Billa region,13 in the Hunter Central

Coast region, 10 in the Illawarra Southern, 7 in the Murdi Paaki region, 11 in the New England and North West and 14 on the North East Coast.

To see what’s on and get involved, visit naidoc.org.au

Nepean Hospital celebrates NAIDOC Week with colourful new Darug signage

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boriginal wayfinding signage for the new clinical tower at Nepean Hospital was unveiled on Monday in celebration of NAIDOC Week.

The signs, which feature Darug language and artwork with English explanations, were developed as part of the $1 billion Nepean Redevelopment, and will be installed at the entry points of departments such as the Neonatal Intensive Care

Unit and Emergency Department.

The signs were unveiled by the Nepean Blue Mountains Aboriginal Health Unit during a staff and community NAIDOC event in front of the Stage 1 redevelopment. The event was attended by Nepean Blue Mountains Chief Executive, Kay Hyman, Nepean Hospital General Manager, Brett Williams and Health Infrastructure Senior Project Director, Adrian Timp.

Mrs. Hyman said the new signs will help make the Nepean Hospital a more welcoming and culturally appropriate place for Aboriginal people.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to this important signage project. These colourful and engaging signs will help us to recognise and appreciate the unique language of the Darug nation, which is the land that Nepean Hospital is built on,” said Mrs. Hyman.

Local Darug artist, Leanne Watson, who performed a Welcome to Country at the event, is excited to be part of the project. Her artwork “Daruga Healing” was chosen by staff and the community to be featured in the design of the new signs.

“My painting is about healing on country and I hope when people see the signs they feel safe and calm, knowing the hospital will do its best to look after them and their family,” said Ms. Watson.

Erin Wilkins, from Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation and Yanmala Cultural Education, was instrumental in bringing the Darug community together to translate the hospital services into Darug language.

Erin believes the signage project is an important way of reclaiming and celebrating the Darug Language.

“The new signs at Nepean Hospital will help to ensure the Darug language continues to be passed down from generation to generation and enable us to strengthen our unbroken culture.

“We all worked very hard together and I am looking forward to seeing the Darug signs up in the hospital soon,” said Ms. Wilkins.

Planning is already underway to incorporate the Darug signage into Stage 2 of the redevelopment and other key areas of the hospital.

The Stage 1 tower is scheduled to open in 2022 and will be followed by Stage 2 construction.

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local news

Archer faces massive challenges like a true superhero

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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t Clair resident, Archer is in Year One and loves Spiderman. But at just seven years old, he’s fighting even bigger battles than his web-spinning hero; he’s battling High Risk T-cell CNS Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

After not responding to several chemotherapy treatments, Archer was in urgent need of a Bone Marrow Transplant which took place on October 13.

His dedicated father Michael was the most appropriate donor and so a bone marrow harvest was performed, with the cells being infused to Archer.

Archer’s mother Dianne said the operation was a success, but now the waiting game begins for Archer to get the all-clear. Following a bone marrow transplant, the patient gets very sick before improvement is seen and that’s where Archer is currently.

Over the last year since being diagnosed, Archer has had to endure far more than any little boy should have to.

Countless hospital admissions, lumber punctures, 10 months of chemotherapy, fortnightly chemotherapy directly into his spine and a total of 13 bone marrow aspirations are just some of the procedures he’s been through. Add to that all the scans including CT, MRI, Echos, kidney function tests, 3 Nasal Gastric tubes (feeding tubes) Multiple MRSA tests (viruses) and countless other harrowing experiences for such a young child.

Oh, and this has been during the pandemic, so we can add four COVID swabs to the list.

Covid19 has had a heavy impact on the wards in the Cancer unit at

Westmead Children’s Hospital.

“It has become a sad and different place, unfortunately,” Dianne said.

“The fits of laughter and joy Starlight are known to bring are no longer there to dim away the fear and pain of being sick.”

Dianne said that although Archer’s condition would have meant some isolation even prior to COVID, the pandemic has made interaction far less accessible.

“Archer is isolated in his room and is not permitted to use the shared facilities and/or setups for him to assimilate and enjoy the social interaction with other children going through the same. It is literally the worst time for a child to be sick,” Dianne said.

“There are no words to explain how horrendous it is to watch your child suffer.”

Archer will continue to face ongoing challenges. Archer’s family have

been advised that due to his particular disease type, options are very limited and that they are figuratively speaking, putting all their eggs in the one basket.

It is an incredibly stressful time for the whole family. Dianne and Michael have a very sick child to worry about and Michael is unable to maintain his employment because he is needed to care for his infant boys at home.

Their great and very caring friend, Marguerita, has organised a Go Fund Me page to help ease the financial burden for this beautiful local family.

Likely to spend Christmas in hospital, Archer will endure two more rounds of Chemo.

“This family has had to endure so much,” Marguerita said.

“Let’s get behind a local family facing enormous challenges, and support Archer’s fight!

“Spiderman’s greatest fan has faced his fears each and every day, just like the little super hero he aspires to be.”

If you can spare a few dollars, please head to https://gf.me/u/y2vwsh

local news

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he Lions Club of Emu Plains are selling Lions Christmas cakes and puddings again this festive season and have been swamped by orders, including huge support from corporates including Bespoke Realty Group and The Royce.

The sales of cakes and puddings enables the Lions Club to provide donations to local charities.

Lions will be at the Lennox Village on Saturday 21st November and Saturday 5th December selling cakes and puddings. There will also be a raffle held at the Lennox over these two days.

The real Christmas tree sale will also be held on Saturday 5th December at Lions Park, Great Western Highway, Emu Plains. Lions can also take orders for cakes and puddings and you can pick-up on the above dates at the stated location.

If you wish to make sure your selection is available, please preorder by contacting; Cheryl Devine 0417 234 295 Jim Devine 0427 110 061 Email; jimdevine@bigpond.com The 1kg Christmas cakes are also available at Clean Cut Family Meat Butchers and the mini-cakes from the Nourishmint Café.

Emu Plains Lions and supporters Bespoke Realty this time last year (L-R) Bradley George (Bespoke Realty), Alan Cooper (President, EP Lions), Andy Heaton (EP Lions), Sharon Mudiman (Bespoke Realty), David Kitley (EP Lions), John Choma (EP Lions) Photo: Noel Rowsell

Play Santa Paws and help pets in need

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his week, The Petbarn Foundation, Petbarn’s charitable arm, announced the launch of its annual Tree of Hope Appeal to help save the lives of animals in need.

With the generosity of the Australian community, The Petbarn Foundation hopes to raise $1.2m through the appeal. Customers can purchase a $3, $5 or $10 Christmas Tree decoration in store, or online, to help reach this year’s fundraising target.

Every time a Christmas Tree decoration is purchased, the Petbarn Foundation will donate to Petbarn’s adoption partners and rescue organisations across the state. All funds raised will help over 50 charities continue their important work caring for pets in need.

Petbarn Penrith Coreen Avenue Store Manager, Edward O’Neill, said: “At a time when community kindness is more important than ever, we are incredibly proud to be supporting this year’s Tree of Hope Appeal. We’re always amazed by the generosity of our customers and the support they show for our charity initiatives. This small act of kindness goes such a long way in giving animals the love and care they deserve.”

One of the charities that this year’s Tree of Hope Appeal will help is Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC).

Kelly Eaton said: “Thanks to the support of the Petbarn Foundation

and Petbarn’s customers, Animal Rescue Cooperative is able to continue providing animal rescue relief with their resource drop hubs, their volunteer transporters, and their hands-on animal care specialists and field workers.

“The Tree of Hope is critical to Animal Rescue Cooperative in continue to fund national support to hundreds of rescuers. It ensures we can put in place solid support of food, medical and outreach programs for pet-rescues and rescuers doing

it tough. The donation allows us to continue to nurture, care, rehabilitate and rehome animals who would otherwise have no future. The Tree of Hope is a major appeal that changes their life.”

Scott Charters, Chairperson of the Petbarn Foundation said: “By purchasing one of our Christmas Tree decorations, customers are giving a gift that gives back and helping these amazing organisations stay open and provide our four legged-friends a second chance at a happy and healthy life. This year has had a profound impact on communities across Australia and sadly animal shelters and pet rescue groups are also doing it tough.”

The Petbarn Foundation’s Tree of Hope Appeal will run from now until Sunday 27th December.

Support from Petbarn customers in 2020 has helped the Petbarn Foundation donate $800,000 worth of pet supplies for pet parents affected

by COVID-19, $1.3m in funds and supplies for bushfire-affected communities, $775,000 for Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, $75,000 for Vets Beyond Borders to provide veterinary care and $50,000 for WIRES to help animals affected by bushfire and drought.

To find out more about the Petbarn Foundation and the Tree of Hope Appeal, please visit https://www. petbarn.com.au/treeofhope

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Don’t delay, get sorted for Christmas today!

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Quest: Celebrating our Everyday Local Heroes

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e are so very lucky, we have an abundance of local volunteers putting in numerous hours for many different causes or organisations, and all for zero remuneration.

They’re the glue that keeps our community together, they’re the unsung heroes and they’re so good at quietly doing their thing that we often don’t even realise they’re doing it all just out of the goodness of their hearts.

It’s not a job. It’s a passion.

Once again, Quest Penrith Apartment Hotel would like to reward our Everyday Local Heroes.

They did it three months ago and now it is time to do it again! They’d like to see them recognised for the enormous contribution they make to the success of our region and they’d like to spoil them with a night’s accommodation in one of their luxurious One Bedroom Apartments.

The Quest Penrith Local Heroes from last quarter: Leigh Ries and Cherise Terry-Jongejans

When Avli Greek Restaurant heard about Quest’s Penrith idea of celebrating and spoiling a volunteer each quarter, they

were keen to jump on board and ensure the winner receives a scrumptious dinner on them.

Now we need your help. We need nominations from our readers to help us find the Quest Penrith Everday Local Hero.

We are looking for the selfless people who pour hours and hours of their time into helping out in sporting organisations, schools, hospitals, tourism, local organisations and charities.

To nominate someone for November, you can fill out the nomination form below and email it to sales.penrith@questapartments. com.au Please include the following when emailing: Your name and contact number, the name and contact number of the person you are nominating. What is it they do and how long they’ve been doing it.

It’s that simple!

Quest Penrith, Avli and Nepean News would like to thank you for helping us celebrate a quarterly Everday Local Hero!

PENRITH

Celebrating our Quarterly Hero with 1 night’s accommodation at Quest Penrith PLUS a $100 dinner voucher at Avli Greek Restaurant in thanks for your selfless services to our local community Quest Penrith Everyday Local Hero Campaign Who would you like to nominate? ____________________________________________________________________________________ Their contact number _______________________________________________________________________________________________ What is it that they do? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How long have they been doing it? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Your name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact number _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominations for the November Quest Everyday Local Hero must be received by November 16, 2020. The November Everyday Hero will be announced in Nepean News November 26 edition.

Nominees who meet the following criteria will be considered: • Must live and volunteer in the Penrith LGA. • Must have at least 12 months volunteering history • Open to all age groups and all organisations who utilise volunteers within the Penrith LGA.

Email your nomination by submitting the information required above, plus up to 100 words explaining what it is your nominee does, to Quest Penrith Everyday Local Hero Campaign to sales.penrith@questapartments.com.au If you prefer to send by mail please cut the above form out and attach a written submission up to 100 words on what it is they do, and send to 83 Lord Sheffield Cct, Penrith NSW 2750.

local news

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or the first time in NSW, students will receive free tutoring in 2021 thanks to a landmark $337 million program that is part of the NSW 2020-21 Budget.

The program increases the ongoing support for students’ education after a disruptive school year.

The Government is employing up to 5,500 additional staff to deliver small-group teaching at every NSW government school, as well as nongovernment schools with the most significant levels of need.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said people in NSW are working hard to recover from the pandemic, and the Government is committed to ensuring students’ educational outcomes continue to improve in 2021.

“2020 has been a tough year, particularly for our students and teachers who did an incredible job despite a disrupted year that included seven weeks of remote learning due to COVID-19, and in some areas that came on top of bushfires and floods,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The Department of Education will support schools to identify students who would benefit the most from this intensive support, tailoring it to their requirements.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell today called for educators across the State to express their interest in being part of this historic effort including; casual and retired teachers, final year teaching students, and university tutors including PhD candidates who are already teaching undergraduate classes at university.

“We know that learning for many students stagnated during the pandemic and tuition in small

groups will help re-engage our students in their schooling,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This program is designed to have maximum impact on student outcomes, because small-group tuition rapidly accelerates student learning.”

Key features of the COVID learning support package include: • $306 million to provide small-group tuition for eligible students across every NSW government school – primary, secondary and Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) • $31 million for non-government schools with the greatest levels of need to provide small-group tuition • The program will begin in Term 1, 2021 and run throughout the school year.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program would see a boost in employment for casual and

part-time teachers and university tutors.

“This program will not only support our students in their education but will also provide unprecedented employment opportunities for qualified teachers and university tutors who may be short on work,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We will also make sure our rural and remote school leaders can access the expert additional staff members they need to implement the program successfully,” Ms Mitchell added.

The COVID intensive learning support program is the latest measure in the NSW Government’s strategy to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes and ensure that every school and every student can improve every year.

People interested in taking part can lodge their interest at https://www.teach.nsw.edu.au/findteaching-jobs/covid-learning-support-program

Nsw budget to help house rough sleepers

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undreds more people experiencing homelessness will be helped off the street and into secure housing with a $29 million expansion of the NSW Government’s Together Home project, as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the additional funding brings the NSW Government’s total investment in the Together Home project to $65 million.

“We are helping break the cycle of homelessness and the upcoming Budget will continue our investment in crucial programs to help get people back on their feet and transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The Together Home project is delivering great social outcomes by providing people a place to call home while also supporting jobs in the community services sector at a pivotal time in our economic recovery from COVID.” The program involves securing homes from the private rental market and delivers intensive tailored supports to meet the complex needs of the people in the program. An additional 400 dwellings, with wraparound supports, will be secured as part of this investment.

Together Home provides support to maintain a tenancy and services like case management, drug and alcohol services and mental health support.

More than 645 people previously sleeping rough across the state have secured housing since April.

This includes 274 who are already receiving housing and wrap around support through the Together Home initiative.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the support delivered would help put people on a pathway to housing independence.

“The needs of rough sleepers are often highly complex. This initiative is delivering life-changing outcomes by providing them with a roof over the head, combined with the wraparound support services to break the cycle of homelessness,” Mr Ward said.

“This initiative will address homelessness not only in the city, but right across our state, as we help people improve their health and wellbeing, and rebuild their lives.”

Together Home will be delivered in collaboration with community housing providers, specialist homelessness services and healthcare workers.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Free tutoring to support students

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Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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local news

Construction to commence at Lapstone Public School

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that capital works will soon begin at Lapstone Public School with AJ Bristow & Sons Pty Ltd awarded the construction tender.

The works will benefit the Blue Mountains community by delivering an upgraded library/classroom and administration building at the school.

Stuart Ayres said he was pleased the project has reached this important milestone of construction contract award.

“This is an exciting addition to schools in the area and will deliver modern resources to local students, now and into the future.” Stuart Ayres said.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she was pleased the project is progressing.

“The Department of Education is working hard to deliver the school facilities that students and local communities deserve,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This includes building new schools, but also upgrading existing facilities to enhance the educational environment for students across the

state.”

The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded

schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

$120 Million extra for free preschool program to help parents

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amilies and young children in NSW will benefit from an extra year of free preschool with the NSW Government announcing funding for community and mobile preschools in 2021.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell to announce the $120 million commitment, which will help more than 44,000 three to five-year-olds attending community preschool.

Ms Berejiklian said the free preschool program has been supporting families since the beginning of the pandemic and this funding would provide certainty for parents into the future and help ease hip pocket pressure.

“Support for families and children has been a priority for this Government during the pandemic and I’m committed to see it continue while we recover,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Initially announced early in our COVID-19 response, the free preschool program has supported countless jobs, and kept children learning and engaged during some of their most important years.”

Mr Perrottet said the funding would provide up to 15 hours of free care

per child each week and would allow many parents to continue working and supports them to divert family income into other essentials.

“This is a $120 million investment in our future, which will remove a layer of financial pressure for many families during this uncertain time. It

will also help support more than 7,400 early childhood educators and teachers in their vital roles,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This could save families more than $2000 per-year per-child and will ease cost of living pressures and help balance work and family life.”

Ms Mitchell said even during the toughest times childrens’ education was the top priority.

“Early childhood education is so important, especially in those critical two years before school,” said Ms Mitchell.

“Families will have certainty moving into 2021, knowing that regardless of their situation their child will be able to continue with their preschool education.”

This funding will be made available to approximately 700 Statefunded community preschools and 38 mobile preschool services that provide care for over 44,000 three to five year olds in the critical years before school.

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Legends of the Nepean Lynette Crossley

By Noel Rowsell

L

ynette Crossley is a recipient of the Australian Sports Medal, the Service Excellence Award from Swimming NSW, has been the Secretary of the Penrith Swimming Club since 1st April 1984, gave free learn-to-swim lessons at Penrith Pool for 30 years, was on the Board of Swimming NSW for 8 years, the Committee of NSW Open Water Swimming for 10-15 years and the Committee of NSW Learn to Swim for 3 years.

A passionate advocate of swimming lessons for children, Lynette sees her extraordinary involvement in the sport as ‘nothing special’ - just something you do in life.

Born in 1944 in Annandale, NSW Lynette lived in Merrylands and attended Parramatta PS and HS, attaining the Intermediate Certificate.

After a few short-term jobs, Lynette became a book-keeper and later an Office Administrator and has been in that role for the ensuing 50 years, only retiring in 2019.

Lynette met husband Keith in 1965 and they were married at St Paul’s Harris Park in 1966.

Lynette and Keith lived at Turramurra, then Blacktown, before moving into their new house in Emu Heights in 1969 and have now been Penrith locals for the past 50 years.

The couple have 3 children (Carmen, Anthony and

Leighton) and 4 grandchildren and apart from Carmen, the adults all live locally in the Penrith district and are all Life Members of the Penrith Swimming Club.

The family was initially involved with Blacktown Swimming Club for 6 years, before joining Penrith in 1984.

Lynette took on the role of Secretary later that year and has served in that role over different time periods.

She also became a Director of Ripples St Marys Leisure Centre in 2004 and only left that position in 2018.

Lynette has been on the organising committee of the annual Bridge to Bridge swim in Penrith since 1986.

The race originally went from the M4 bridge to Victoria Bridge, before being moved to the Penrith International Regatta Centre in 2001 due to concerns over weeds in the Nepean River.

The Bridge to Bridge event ran every year since inception, before spiralling costs caused its cancellation in both 2019 and 2020.

In addition to her major involvement in the Penrith Swimming Club, Lynette has been a State Referee at both the Australian Titles and also Open Water and has also worked in Australia as an official at International Swimming Meets.

In addition to working as a Referee, Lynette has studied and is also qualified as a Timekeeper, Recording, Starter, Judge and Check Starter.

She also managed NSW Open Water Camps at

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Over 20 years experience ~ Located in St Clair

Lynette Crossley was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Carol Prain.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Ulladulla and Newcastle, worked at the NSW Open Water Swimming Championships and also was responsible for the introduction of the Berry Rickards Endurance Swim, held in conjunction with the Penrith Bridge to Bridge swim.

As highlighted by their respective Life Memberships Lynette, Keith, Anthony and Leighton have all been involved in the working of the Penrith Swimming Club.

Anthony has also swum in both State and Australian Titles.

Lynette has had the opportunity to meet most of Australia’s top-ranked swimmers and regards Legends and Olympians Keiren Perkins, Lisa Curry and Neil Brooks as the nicest swimmers she has met during her swimming life.

Whilst having met all the top swimmers, Lynette reserves her highest praise for the average Club members, whose tireless efforts raise the majority of funds vital to keeping the Club financial.

In spite of all of the involvement with Swimming,

Lynette also worked at Emu Heights PS on both the P&C and the Canteen Committee.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

20

local news

Outside the Stadium – at The Joan

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he final siren has sounded on the 2020 NRL season but the fervour of the Panthers fans lives on in a cultural project celebrating fandom, newly installed on the windows of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Photographer Lyndal Irons, herself a Panthers fan and former Penrith resident, was engaged by Penrith Regional Gallery in October to capture the passions and preparations of Panthers fans in the leadup to the NRL Grand Final.

Enthusiastic fans opened their homes and their hearts, sharing stories and their time to help bring this project to life.

From Wollongong to Warrimoo, Irons has captured fans celebrating, decorating, reminiscing, hoping and dreaming.

There’s Danielle from Warrimoo in her vintage Panthers inspired lady cave, Wilton from Blaxland and his enviable merch collection, Sue and her dog Angel from Emu Plains in matching jerseys, and 11 year old Rylee from Penrith, a self-described Panthers obsessive, who celebrated her birthday with a Josh Mansour cake.

Not only are the fans writ large on the windows, the project also breathes life back into The Joan’s exterior, replacing a series of vinyls celebrating a 2020 performing arts season that was largely cancelled due to COVID. Patrons wishing to show support for artists during this

I

challenging period have donated their ticket refunds toward this project.

Photographer and writer Lyndal Irons is widely celebrated. She seeks out the unexpected yet familiar parts of Australian society. Her work encourages curiosity and a deeper connection to the everyday, in this project exploring deeply held passions and connections, as well as personal creative expression.

For more information www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/ outside-the-stadium/

The G Spot

do not profess to be a rocket scientist, neurosurgeon or an intelligent person in any scope, way or form. Matter of fact if you placed a pulse machine on each side of my temple, the power would not kick-start a light bulb.

However, I have this evil curse that is technically known as “common sense.” It’s a dreaded curse that makes you question people’s intelligence level numerous times a day. Voices in your own head asking questions such as, “how does that person tie their own shoelaces?” It’s like the bonehead brigade is out in force some days and they are multiplying by the minute.

Yes my avid fans, the curse of common sense is a curse that I do not wish upon anyone. It can hit you at any time: walking, sleeping, jogging or riding a bike. The question is, should I be vaccinated for it? Can vaccination stop this beast?

But, once common sense hits you like a rash on a baby’s bum, a lightning

bolt out of the blue just appears there for no reason and its with you for life.

Almost like a step-sibling, its there and you may not want it to be. I am sure you now get the drift by now.

With all this crap above I have probably placed you into a coma by now and the nods are setting in, but alas my G spotters, this is where it may get good, so hang in there. Grab a coffee, place your feet up and keep reading.

One sunny afternoon I was heading home from work, which is an office that is fully marked SECURITY, has SECURITY cars and SECURITY people all around. Besides throwing in fireworks and dancing girls you couldn’t get more of an understanding that it is a SECURITY office.

So anyway, in total disbelief we watched as two boneheads jumped a fence across the road of a factory that was still fully staffed and operational, allegedly to go to the site lunchroom and take phones and wallets and anything else not tied down.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

Let me reiterate again, so you get the setting in your mind right, this is a fully operational and staffed factory and it is daylight.

Then the bonehead brigade jump back over the fence across from a SECURITY company and think the coast is clear. Like hello!

That’s like ringing the cops and alerting them that a bust is about to happen in and giving the location and day.

So anyway, the bonehead brigade notices our security personnel and starts running with all the crap in their bags – throw in the word allegedly.

Because they are innocent until proven guilty. Don’t get me started on the justice system or this story will get ugly. Sigh.

So bonehead One jumps in the lake at Waterside and swims across it, where he was expecting to go we don’t know. Bonehead Two keeps running up the street. The factory workers hear all the commotion going on and realise that the lunchroom is

allegedly missing their stuff and run out screaming like banshees with an ingrown toenail.

Security is on the tail of the bonehead brigade up and down the road. Police get involved and the rest as they say is, history.

So as I ponder my navel and pick out a few fluff pieces here and there and twist my hair strands a few times, I guess this highlights the dreaded curse of common sense and lack thereof. One has to question why would you break into a place across the road from a security company?

Oops hang on, allegedly. How do two boneheads walk a site without anyone noticing, go to a lunch room (allegedly) take stuff (allegedly) and then jump a fence with bags full of crap (allegedly).

So there you have it, the story of the dreaded curse of common sense.

I believe that medical practitioners may be testing for it in not the not so distant future and it should be covered

by Medicare very soon?

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Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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local news

Fitting back into the old fave clothes

It is a good idea to reward yourself for effort to stay motivated.

Lunch at the Happy Inn is a great reward!

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

hen the eversupportive Toby from Sinclair Hyundai greeted me at the gym this morning, he asked what week I was up to in the 12 week plan. I actually had no idea off the top of my head and had to count backwards from the start of December to work it out.

There’s the proof right there that I’m enjoying this journey, because if I were not I would surely be counting the days until it ends!

I’ve now lost seven kilos and as anyone who has had any success with weight loss will know, seven is a real

game changer in terms of how your clothes fit.

Since my kids have all grown up and flown the coup, being an empty nester has provided me with the opportunity to turn one of the (now) spare rooms into a massive walk-in wardrobe. Sounds amazing, I know, but there was one major drawback. It has been full of clothes that I either couldn’t fit in to anymore, or, I could just squeeze on but then said “oh hell no” when I looked in the mirror.

On Melbourne Cup Day I hung out for an hour in my ‘walk-in wardrobe’ because so many of my old dresses fit me again! I was like a kid in a toy shop! ‘Oh I love this one” and “I

forgot about that one.”

And it isn’t just the extra chub that has fallen off, I’ve also gained a little bit of muscle! I’ve never, ever had any muscles to speak of.

But last week when I was doing ‘upright row’ with weights, (listen to me rattling off the jargon!) MG

exclaimed, “Kez has got traps!”

I actually have no idea what that means but judging by his amusement I’m gonna go with that it is something good!

If you want to get back into your old fave clothes or get ‘traps’ come and join me!

local COLUMNIST

P

yometra is a common disease in undesexed female dogs that requires major surgery. Pyometra 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.

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.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Pyometra: a serious infection of the uterus

27

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 anytime 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%.

If you have any questions about desexing your pet, please contact us on 4731 3055.

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

Nsw gov to unleash toughest penalties for animal cruelty

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owards caught committing acts of cruelty to animals will now face the harshest set of penalties in Australia, with the NSW Government set to dramatically ramp up punishments for animal cruelty offenders, Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has announced.

Mr Marshall will introduce notice for legislation this week into State Parliament to increases a massive eight-fold current penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).

He said it was the next step on his crusade against those who neglect, harm or interfere with animals, especially illegal puppy factory operators “Cruelty towards animals is one of the lowest acts and for too long our penalties here in NSW have lagged behind where they need to be,” Mr Marshall said.

“The new set of measures I’m taking to Parliament dramatically increase both financial penalties and gaol time and introduce new offences to stop people ever being allowed to own, care or breed animals in NSW. “Most people treat animals with the care they deserve, but unfortunately we know there are people out there doing the wrong thing – committing heinous acts against animals. These changes would enable our enforcement agencies to throw the book at those caught perpetrating cruelty offences.

“Courts will have more power to compel people to care for, or surrender their animals, as well as prevent them acquiring more animals while they face charges.

“In some cases, these punishments are more than double that in most other states, so when these laws are passed, NSW will have the toughest set of animal cruelty penalties in Australia.

“Everyone – from those neglecting their pet in the backyard to covert puppy factory grubs – should

be on notice from today; do the right thing or face the consequences.”

Mr Marshall said the NSW Government the penalties would be increased to match community expectations, and would work with its enforcement agencies, the NSW Police, RSPCA and Animal Welfare League, to ensure they are applied.

“Just last month we set up a dedicated unit with the RSPCA to crack down on puppy factories.

Now, when they are found, the full force of the law will be felt if they are not complying with both our breeding codes and animal cruelty laws,” Mr Marshall said.

“Our crusade isn’t over. The message is clear, if you abuse animals, or simply fail to care for them,

you will get caught and it will cost you.”

The proposed increases would introduce the following penalties: • Cruelty – increased from $5,500 fine (current) to $44,000 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment for individuals and $220,000 for corporations for each individual act of cruelty; • Aggravated Cruelty – increased from $22,000 fine (current) to $110,000 and/or 2 years’ imprisonment for individuals and $550,000 for corporations for each individual act; • Fail to Provide Food & Shelter – Increased from $5,500 fine (current) to $16,500 and/or six months’ imprisonment for individuals and $82,500 for corporations for each individual act.

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

28

Aiming for more than 38,000 handmade, heartfelt christmas message

F

ollowing an emotional response from farmers in previous years, Rural Aid is repeating its Christmas Cards 4 Farmers campaign in 2020 with an aim to distribute more than 38,000 cards.

The organisation is once again asking school children to help bring some much-needed cheer into the lives of our farmers by creating homemade cards.

CEO of Rural Aid, John Walters, said that in the lead up to Christmas over recent years, Rural Aid had asked school children to write letters and cards to farmers and the response was huge.

“We received 38,000 cards that year: some were written in crayon, others covered in glitter, but all of them had the same heartfelt messages from city kids to farmers and their families,” Mr Walters said.

“Little did we know what impact these letters would have on the farmers reading them; coming from children they didn’t know, saying that they cared.”

“To say the response from the farmers was emotionally charged would be an understatement.”

Mr Walters said the organisation is hoping to get even more cards in 2020, beating the record 38,000 handmade

Aussie farmers. Students can make this possible by getting their school involved in our Christmas Cards 4 Farmers initiative.”

Help Rural Aid continue this tradition by creating your homemade card and sending it in before November 19.

Rural Aid will have thousands of envelopes here ready to put your card in and send onto an Aussie farmer.

Visit: www.ruralaid.org.au/ christmascards4farmers/

cards sent in 2019.

Over 700 schools and community groups participated last year, and nearly 200 volunteers were involved in mailing out Christmas cards and letters to almost 11,000 farmers and their families. (Note: Farmers received more than one card and letter.)

The cards cannot be larger than 120mm x 170mm, though they can be folded down to this size, and should not be placed in an individual envelope. Instead, cards should be

grouped together and placed in a bigger envelope before being mailed to Rural Aid - PO Box 1342, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109.

Rural Aid explained that, in addition to the anguish caused by the COVID pandemic that has affected all Australians, farmers across the country have endured years of record-breaking droughts, devastating floods and catastrophic bushfires.

“After such a difficult year, we want to put a smile on the faces of

Ben Cranney’s travel tips to keep for when we can travel again!

Ionian Odyssey

Less visited bays Arrive early for a berth

By BEN CRANNEY

O

n Atako, an unpopulated Greek island with a single church, lives a donkey. He used to live there with his owner, but the donkey outlived him. Now, the owner’s last will and testament is written on a sign, asking passersby to fill the water trough with fresh water. Despite no one living there, it’s not short of visitors. The bays have the kind of beauty that would make you think the Greek gods lived here. Certainly kings and heroes did.

Odysseus’ home isle of Ithaca is a couple of miles away, and Circe’s island Aeaea may have been about 50k to the north. In fact, the best way to see the Ionian is the same way as Odysseus, by boat. I was lucky that a mate, who is a yacht skipper, took a week off to take us around. It was

like being with a rockstar. So many tavernas gave us free drinks and meals, partly because he brought them business, but mainly because he was a good bloke.

Our compass and map had us in complete control of our adventures.

We competed for berths at the popular coves, while oligarchs ‘paid’ to use emergency docks. We pulled in at unvisited places, conspicuous for being unvisited, with their bougainvillea and cobble covered streets. We visited ruined Norman churches, left over from 11th century rule. We found World War 2 plane wrecks just under the surface. We fell asleep to the lap of the water at the yacht side. And woke up in a hurry when we hit our heads against the low ceiling. We gossiped about who owned which islands, including ones meant to be owned by Jackie Onassis, Madonna, and a whole

Lunchtime swim

host of mediterranean shipping lords.

We made meals of bread and cheese that were fit for an Olympian god, and then dined better than them at the tavernas across the islands.

You don’t need to sail to enjoy the Ionian. You can do day trips to some of the islands, and drive to the main one, Lefkada, which is connected by bridge to the mainland. The tavernas in the mountains in Lefkada rivalled the ones in the bays. Hire a car and just drive,

and you’ll find nice places. There are plenty of great beaches to find this way, and the views driving down to them are just as good as sailing into them. Just beware that some beaches are private, and require a fee, and the roads are narrow and some drivers overconfident. Blind corners on cliff faces don’t phase them. And if you just visit the donkey’s island, you’ll still leave more than satisfied.

ENTERTAINMENT

P

enrith Regional Gallery, Home of The Lewers Bequest presents two new exhibitions from 21 November 2020 until 28 February 2021.

Bonita Ely: Memento Memento, in the Main Gallery, comprises two bodies of work by leading Australian artist Bonita Ely. Ely is well known for her projects which address social and environmental issues through performance, sculpture and installation.

Mementos are the objects we surround ourselves with, as a reminder of the past – both distant and more recent. In this exhibition Bonita Ely presents work that draws connections between human experience and the physical and psychological environments that we inhabit. Plastikus Progressus presents a futuristic museum that traces the history of plastic waste and its impact on the natural environment, including photography, a fictionalised timeline and several ‘creatures’ that Ely has speculated as genetically modified consumers of plastic rubbish. With Interior Decoration, the artist looks inwards to consider the chronic, intergenerational effects of posttraumatic stress disorder as the result of conflict. Uniting these two projects is Ely’s ability to transform everyday objects into powerful mementos reminders of personal and collective histories – that also offer hope for the future.

Modern Art Projects Blue Mountains: Fabrik Modern Art Projects Blue Mountains (MAPBM) is a contemporary art association that aims to support, advocate and develop exhibitions in Western Sydney and further afield.

Five artists from this collective will create new works spanning photography, soft sculpture, prints and installation that respond to the themes and ideas associated with the

Artist: Bonita Ely, Plastikus Progressus (2017)

Artist: Anne Graham, The Gardens of Stone (2020) Ebony Secombe work in progress

Bonita Ely

production and circulation of textiles in the 21st Century.

The exhibition, Fabrik, which will be presented in Lewers House, will explore the idea of the material object, as well as the processes of making and unmaking of textiles, clothing and papers. These objects often exhibit a seductive beauty and are major components of the contemporary cycle of production and consumption.

The exhibition also includes the questioning of the environmental and social impacts of production and their retailing. These impacts include the human rights and social justice of instances of the use of child labour, inadequate wages, labour movements and poor and unsafe working conditions. The artists involved in the project are Vivienne Dadour, Anne

Graham, Beata Geyer, Ian Millis and Ebony Secombe and Fiona Davies (curator).

The Gallery is open daily from 10am – 4pm and the exhibitions will be open across three ticketed sessions per day, 10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm and 2-3.30pm, with time for cleaning in between each session.

Visitors are encouraged to book online www.penrithregionalgallery. com.au or by phone on 47351100 to attend a session but can also book in at the door. Penrith Regional Gallery is following COVIDsafe procedures including reduced capacity in its spaces, additional cleaning, hand sanitiser stations, and physical distancing measures.

More information is available on the website.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Thought-provoking exhibits on display

29

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

30

An incredible community month of Pink Up

N

ow into its third year Pink Up Penrith and St Marys has continued to be supported by an ever-expanding circle of businesses and individuals in our community.

The Ambassador of Pink Up Penrith, Mrs Gai Hawthorn, believes this is the case for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, people realise the funds raised actually place McGrath Breast Care nurses at Nepean Hospital to support local people suffering through breast cancer,” Mrs Hawthorn said.

“Also, with breast cancer affecting 1 in 8 women means that the majority of our community knows or has known someone affected by breast cancer.

“McGrath Breast Care nurses are making a real difference in the pre and post care of patients, their families, friends and carers and once people have seen the difference it is making to their loved ones they want this care to be provided for all our residents.”

The Campaign also raises awareness of the importance of early detection

and how simply scheduling in checks goes a long way to assist in this early detection and ultimately saving lives.

Sadly, during COVID-19 there has been a severe downturn in the number of women having mammograms or even speaking to their health care professionals regarding testing.

Glenn McGrath has spoken on the detrimental outcomes of this and is urging all communities to encourage mums, sisters, grandmothers and all those important to you to Get Checked!

“Pink UP Penrith also joins the community and charities together with a common goal and that has been instrumental in providing ‘an anchor’ this year when we have all felt the effects of forms of isolation,” Mrs Hawthorn said.

Penrith CBD Corporation, St Marys Town Centre, Orbit Marketing, Stuart Ayres MP, Melissa McIntosh MP and Penrith City Council offer their assistance and time for such an amazing outcome for our area.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed by donating, sponsoring or holding an event to help us raise over $40,000,” Mrs Hawthorn added.

“This year’s events have been a challenge with a pandemic and we thank everyone who helped us not only fundraise but ensure our community stayed safe.

“These events included a Golf Day at Twin Creeks, a giant Pink Raffle at Penrith RSL, a High Tea sponsored by Nepean News at Lakeside Restaurant with sweet treats from Poles Patisserie, Avil Restaurant and Pino & Piccas Dine and Art days, Orbit Marketing drinks at Mr Watkins, York Jewellers raffled a beautiful bespoke Argyle Pink Diamond Pendant, Penrith High School pink up day, Complete Recruitment Solutions worked with the Men’s Shed Orchard hills creating a beautiful butterfly for selfies, St Marys Town Centre had some fun with dress up and donation days with local businesses

and their community and a Closing Ceremony with Richard Fox & Co and Paddle Australia at the Regatta Centre plus many contributions large and small… showing that as a Community of Penrith/St Marys,” Mrs Hawthorn concluded.

“Together we can and do make a difference”

Closing Ceremony Paddle in Pink Closing Ceremony and Lunch at the Lakeside was the last event of the month held in support of the Pink Up Penrith campaign and the McGrath Foundation.

The event raised over $4600 which will go to support Breast Care Nurses at the Nepean Hospital. The organisers said this is just a start and it will be back again next year!

Social Butterfly

ENTERTAINMENT

T

he Penrith City Centre has transformed into a magical wonderland of art, technology and exploration. This new program is bringing the community together safely to celebrate our city with a collection of creative street art, amazing animation and augmented reality (AR) experiences!

You may have seen the ReAnimate Penrith decals along High Street, but not sure what they are? These QR codes unlock the crazy digital world that is ReAnimate Penrith. By

scanning these QR codes with the ReAnimate Penrith App you will be transported into a new dimension.

Here you will find cute and quirky characters hiding in front of local businesses along High Street and down the connecting arcades! There are over 30 to find – can you catch them all?

Street art has also started taking shape in Allen Place Carpark. Seven mural and street artists are hard at work transforming the space into a vibrant place for the community to

enjoy. Two of these amazing street art pieces will also be enhanced with augmented reality technology through the app! You can point your phone at the wall and watch the elements break free from the artwork, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The program is also complemented by a night-time trail. Hidden in some of Penrith’s finest bars and restaurants including, Mr Watkins, High Street Social, The Union, Siam Thai, Cooks Castle, Beefys Burgers,

Tuk Tuk Thai, Nepean Pizza and Kebab, Windy Sushi, I love Curry and Brew Lab, you will find unique AR experiences that spring to life on your table! A select few venues also include live entertainment! Head to the ReAnimate Penrith Facebook page for more details about the artists and when they are performing.

Unlock the wonderful world of ReAnimate Penrith this November! The program runs from 1 – 30 November. Head to www.reanimatepenrith.com.au

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

A magical wonderland of art

33

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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St Clair Leisure Centre undergoes major transformation

N

ew activity and dance rooms, a refurbished entry foyer, modern kiosk, improved sports hall, greater accessibility and an overall facelift form the recently completed million-dollar overhaul of the St Clair Leisure Centre.

The highly anticipated $2.146 million project, finished on time and within budget, has been funded through Penrith City Council’s Building Asset Renewal Program as part of Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy.

Since closing late last year for works

to begin, everything from external landscaping to the internal flooring and plumbing has been upgraded at the sprawling site in Botany Lane.

Designed for use by various community groups, the site has been refurbished with eye-catching colour schemes inside and out.

It also has new ambulant toilets, updated ceilings throughout, and contemporary, energy efficient lighting.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said Council was thrilled to reveal the spruced up centre to the

community despite limitations on visitor numbers due to COVID. “St Clair Leisure Centre had proven a popular recreation spot among residents for about 35 years before its doors shut for the transformation,” Cr McKeown said.

“This is why it was crucial for us to plan for, and deliver, a revamped centre that would suit modern-day standards and accommodate everyone in the local area.

“Beyond its fresh street presence thanks to bright signage, the large

centre now also has a lift, office and administration space, better heating and cooling systems and even modern technology features such as a motorised sports hall dividing net as well as louvres triggered by a rain sensor.

“This inviting centre can now continue to service the St Clair and wider Penrith region for the next 30 years.”

For more information or to contact the centre, at 6 Botany Lane St Clair, call 9670 1958.

Cnr Glebe Place & Richmond Road Kingswood NSW Ph: (02) 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

TRIVIA Tuesdays 7pm POKER Thursday 6.30pm Friday FILL THE FRIDGE RAFFLE Drawn 7pm SOCIAL DARTS Friday, rego 6.30-7.15pm RAFFLES Sunday Drawn 6.30pm Courtesy Bus Friday 5pm, Saturday midday, Sunday 4pm (Will return to Wednesday after State of Origin Series)

Temporary Trading Hours

Mon-Tues Midday - 9pm, Wed Midday - 10pm, Thurs 10am - 11pm, Fri - Sat 10am - midnight, Sun 10am - 10pm

Shamrock Grill Open 7 days UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

FREE ENTERTAINMENT from 8pm FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER

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Lloyd Bowden

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WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER

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ROBBIE SMITH FROM Endless Summer

SET MENU LUNCH

$100 $80 $60 Adults

DUE TO COVID-19 LIMIT OF 120 PEOPLE. Book early.

Seniors

Kids (4-12 yrs)

HOT CARVERY

SERVED TO THE TABLE TO SHARE Traditional roast turkey with stuffing, chipolatas and cranberry sauce (GF) Mustard and herb crusted beef sirloin with Yorkshire beer puddings Bourbon glazed and pineapple baked Leg Ham (GF) Grilled salmon fillets, wilted spinach, hollandaise sauce (GF) Roasted potatoes, zucchini and pumpkin (VG) Seasonal vegetables with olive oil and herbs (VG) Rich brown gravy (VG)

DESSERT COLD PLATTERS

SERVED TO THE TABLE ON ARRIVAL Toasted breads and assorted dips (VG)

ALTERNATE DROP Traditional Christmas pudding, brandy custard and ice-cream Pavlova with whipped cream, vanilla sauce, mixed berries, mint

Natural oysters on ice with lemon (GF) Chilled ocean prawns with cocktail sauce

FOR THE KIDS

Tasmanian smoked salmon, capers, red onion, cream cheese, lemon wedges (GF) Antipasto platter of marinated vegetables, charcuterie and house pickles

Ice cream sundaes with festive fairy floss

The chef’s selection of seasonal salads (VG)

FINISH WITH Platters of fruit mince pies, individual desserts, chocolates and Christmas candy Coffee, tea and Christmas cookies

02 4736 4647 THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

ENTERTAINMENT It has been a long and challenging year, but we’ve been good and adhered to the restrictions and recommendations.

Now it is time to reap the benefits - its show time! Don’t miss these great Covid-safe shows at Panthers:

The Lee Priest Classic 2020 – National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association The original and official NABBA Australia is back! And we’re presenting to you the most exciting event on the Australian bodybuilding calendar this year, The Lee Priest Classic 2020.

Join us on the 14th of November at the Panthers Penrith EVAN Theatre, to watch some of the finest in male and female categories compete for a massive prize pool, and meet our Australian President, Lee Priest himself. This is an event you do not want to miss!

Show Details Date: Saturday 14 November Time: Doors Open 9.30 pm | Show starts 10 am Tickets: Concession (16 years and under) $32.40, Adult $47.70

Free for Panther members only, the November Panthers Variety Show will showcase two amazing artists!

As a renowned artist, Grace Rizzo has been called upon to perform at many of Sydney’s well-known venues and festivals, from an intimate setting to crowds of thousands.

Singing the classics and not afraid to take on songs from the ultimate divas, her performances are passionate and grand and take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride of feelings and nostalgia.

Grace’s passion for singing and understanding and entertaining audiences continues to drive her to become a better performer. A loyal and true mainstay in the Australian cabaret industry, Grace has proven again and again her professionalism and ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand.

Robert Jeffrey is a MO Award and A.C.E. (Australian Club Entertainment) Award Winner who has performed nationally and internationally since the

age of 14 years.

Versatility and the ability to sing any genre of music while tap dancing has seen Robert perform all over the world including Paris, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. This song and dance man can do it all!

Show Details Date: Saturday 21 November Time: Doors Open 2.30 pm | Show starts 3 pm Tickets: Free Members Show | Collect your tickets from the swipe kiosks at Panthers Penrith.

Coming up at Panthers: Friday 27th November 2020: The Franki Valli & Beach Boys Tribute Show Friday 18th December 2020: The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show Thursday 31st December 2020: Girl Power From The 60s Saturday 30th January 2021: John Williamson – Winding Back – Celebrating 50 Years

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

And the show goes on at Panthers!

37

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PLUS $1 HOTDOGS & $4 TAP BEER Available From 5pm – 9pm Wallacia Country Club practices the responsible service of alcohol.

13 Park Road, Wallacia NSW 2745 | Ph 02 4773 8417 | www.wallaciacountryclub.com.au Wallacia Country Club practices the responsible service of alcohol.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

38

ENTERTAINMENT

SUDOKU EASY

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

SUDOKU HARD

SOLUTIONS: 29 October Medium

Hard

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Videographers (9) 6 A mendicant preacher (5) 9 Instill (7) 10 Horse-drawn carriage (7) 11 Difficult to grasp (7) 12 Hunting guide (7) 13 An abnormal condition

of the lungs (9) 15 A plot of parish land (5) 16 Foot lever (5) 19 Fantasies (9) 22 Deny (7) 23 In an unspecified

manner (7) 25 Not varying (7) 26 Having passed (7) 27 Savor (5) 28 Not extreme in climate (9)

solution 29/10/20

down 1 A plant used in

seasoning (5) 2 A politically uncommitted

person (7) 3 Not fantasy (7) 4 Residence of a clergyman (5) 5 Required (9) 6 Dreading (7) 7 Copy (7) 8 Merchants (9) 13 Time-saving (9) 14 Gift (9) 17 Talk about (7) 18 Cuddly (7) 20 Thorough search (7) 21 Inability to understand

language (7) 23 Male reproductive cell (5) 24 A triangular shape (5)

NEPEAN HISTORY

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

U

ntil 1856, travellers wanting to cross the Nepean River were required to use the Emu Ford crossing or a punt located south of the present-day Victoria Bridge on Punt Road.

This meant that in times of flood, travellers were often delayed at Penrith for days or even weeks waiting to cross the river. With the discovery of gold further to the west the flow of people, produce and animals through Penrith and across the river increased dramatically and it was no coincidence that attempts were made to build a permanent structure across the river that resulted in the construction of two timber road bridges near to where our Victoria Bridge is now located. In the 1860’s the Great Western road was the bane of all those who travelled on it. Even then in its best and smoothest condition, the road (now known as the Great Western Highway) was said to be by no means a pleasant thoroughfare to travel on. Most travellers at that time thought that the most primitive bush track would be a favourable comparison with some portions of it, even though large sums of money had literally been thrown “into the mud” the road exhibited some of the very worst specimens of missadministration. The road over Lapstone Hill was the only portion between Penrith and Bathurst that was easily passable where elsewhere the track was more like a ravine, torn up by furious mountain torrents.

The “metal” used in the formation of this admirable highway was a soft kind of sandstone that was pulverised by traffic and tends to increase the evil that it is meant to remedy. The hollows and deep ruts were filled with this rubbish and soon crushed into dust, and with the first rain the holes filled up into treacherous quagmires. The constant succession of “ups and downs” that the adventurous traveller experienced while journeying along this fine “artery of commerce’’ one could call it both fatiguing to one’s body and exacerbating to one’s temper. It is believed that the most soft hearted philanthropist would have the milk of human kindness almost entirely churned out of him by a trip along this thoroughfare, and the most resigned and easy tempered of mortals would feel inclined to murmur at his unhappy lot should he be placed in a similar position. So rough and sloppy and ill-made and boggy and water-worn and neglected that one is at a loss to say what it may once have been. How teams can travel at all in wet weather is a mystery!

Cobb’s coaches must have been made of some magically strong material or they could never stand the racketing, let alone the poor people in the coach. No description could exaggerate an important thoroughfare as this, remaining in such a deplorable condition. It is a disgrace to the colony!. Moreover, the opening of the railway beyond Penrith seems likely to be delayed for some little time longer. The officials said repairs to the line would take a few weeks, but to extend the time it would take at least a fortnight to repair the bridge and, if the train begins to run to the Weatherboard (Wentworth Falls) within the next month, people may think themselves lucky. The injury to the Nepean Bridge is foremost in the list of casualties and that injury will soon be remedied. The damage to the western approach was caused by the washing away of the

Michelle Latham

michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au

PH: 9623 6656 | MOBILE: 0418 250 242 186 Queen Street, St. Marys (Star Arcade)

riverbank with the earth around the piles removed by the flood. Three rows of piles had been carried away and it is said that John Whitton intends to dispense with them altogether, throwing a single arch across from the stone pier to that portion of the approach that still remains sound. The authorities say this work will be completed in a week but as it has not yet begun, people are rather sceptical upon this point. It was said that the quantity of driftwood which accumulated against the western approach of the bridge was immense. The workmen were busily engaged in clearing it away and they removed tons upon tons of light studs and thick timber. No doubt the late heavy rains and floods had made things worse on the road though it seems that no amount of rain could have made it very much worse than it already was. It seems the makers of the road are more to blame than the floods that have only spoiled it in patches, while the makers have bungle the whole thing from beginning to end. The floods damaged the western approach to the Nepean Bridge as to render it impassable and with the punts swept away the mail had to be carried over on foot and placed in the mail coach on the Emu Plains side. In many places the road was quite bare, the scouring of the water had swept away the earth and left the large stones that were used in forming the basis. The passage over these boulders may be better imagined than described and indeed it would be very hard by mere words to convey anything like a true idea of the obstructions that impedes the flow of traffic through this “artery of commerce.” The railway embankments that are for the most part seen from the road seem to be uninjured, although in some places heaps of loose soil had been swept down onto the line where it runs through cuttings. Engineer John Whitton was born in Yorkshire, England. For seven years he worked with a relative of his mother where he received engineering and architectural experience by preparing plans and tenders for railway construction and waterworks. In 1854 he was elected a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in London and two years later he was appointed engineer-in-chief with a salary of £1,500 to lay out and supervise the construction of railways in NSW. With his wife he arrived in Sydney. The wrought iron girder Victoria Bridge over the Nepean River was completed in 1867. The bridge was designed to carry two railway tracks as it was intended that the road on the bridge would only be a temporary arrangement. The 1870 select committee on railway extension recommended the construction of cheap narrow-gauge railways with the necessity to a break of gauge within the colony as well as at the border and estimates were prepared.

John was determined to sabotage the committee’s recommendation and suspended all surveys and new work. With the help of others, he overcame the engineering problems partly caused by the government’s love of keeping things as cheap as possible and built the Blue Mountains line, including two great zigzags that opened in April 1876. John died of cardiac disease in February 1898 at Mittagong and was buried in St Thomas’s Church of England cemetery in North Sydney. His estate was valued for probate at £10,396.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Into the West

39

Photo of John Whitton courtesy of the Blue Mountains Gazette. Source: Sydney Morning Herald’s Special Correspondent, Australian Dictionary of Biography, BDM online.

Contact Michelle for Pre-Planning & Pre-Paid Funerals 1300 HEVNLY (1300 438 659)

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Ask the Expert - How to Have a Pet-Friendly Sales Process

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

40

W

ith pet popularity skyrocketing during COVID-19 restrictions, more of us than ever have expanded our family to include a furry friend. With Australia already having one of the highest rates of animal ownership in the world, it is clear a significant proportion of us fall into the petloving category.

However, when it comes to selling a home, we may need to think with our heads and not so much our hearts. If you are already in process of selling, you may have had this potentially awkward conversation with your sales agent already. Not only are there paramount considerations to undertake, such as what is best for your pet during the sales process, but ignoring the presence of your pet may also cause serious financial implications.

Sharon Mudiman Licensee and Principal of Bespoke Realty Group has been negotiating the sale of property for over twenty-five years in the Greater Penrith Region

The reality is, buyers use inspections to envisage how your space can work for them. This is where staging comes in creating a beautiful backdrop where potential new owners can imagine living their lives.

Unfortunately, not everyone is pet-friendly and

obvious signs of a pet can be a deterrent for many buyers.

The first implication is that pets can, at times, restrict open for inspections either by causing difficulty for the agent, or at worst, offending the buyer. In addition, not only could there be simple fixes such as pet hair that can attract negative attention, but there may also be damage to the home that owners may be overlooking for the sake of their pet. With scratching, chewing, stains, and smells all costing money to repair this can put vendors at a serious disadvantage when negotiating the price for the sale of their home.

Buyers can use these small oversights as leverage to either have the vendor pay for repairs or reduce the sale price, either way, costing the vendor money.

So while sharing homes with our pets is one of the great joys of life, consider if it is worth the cost to your pet’s wellbeing and your financial future if they stay onsite during the sales process. Temporarily rehoming them or making alternative arrangements may have benefits for you both.

Winners and losers With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

I

n the world we live in, there are usually winners getting good news and losers who are getting bad news (like Mr Trump!).

Good news is starting to make a comeback into the media. This will help consumer and business confidence as the government needs us all the spend more money in our domestic economy.

Falling Home Loan Interest Rates The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reduced the official cash rate by 0.15 percent to 0.10 percent last week. The government has also made available money to the lenders on a low interest rate for 4 years. Consequently, most lenders are now offering fixed rates for four year under 2 percent. Two and three year rates are just over 2 percent as well. These rates apply to owner occupiers only and the variable rates and all rates to investors have not seen any decreases recently.

So, if you are going to be staying in your home in the next few years, you should be considering fixing some or all of your debt and take advantage of these historically low interest rates.

The RBA have also stated that that will keep the official rates at the low levels for a number of years to help stimulate the economy and increase lending and investment.

Local Affordable Property Prices Rising Local sellers are reporting high prices recently.

The evidence that I have come across relates to people selling for around 5 to 10 percent more than what they hoped for, for properties under $800,000.

There is high demand currently up to this price which is driven by all the government incentives available to first home buyers (as per my article of 1 Oct).

For properties over $1,000,000, there is less demand and prices are more stable or falling. When more lenders insist all their borrowers resume making repayments to their home loans, then we should start to see more distressed sellers and price drops may become common in all prices.

One of the government incentives (of paying the Lenders Mortgage Insurance) will finish shortly as well as it was capped at 10,000 first home buyers over the whole country.

So some clients are selling now for high prices and hoping to upgrade and buy early next year in a falling market with higher number of (distressed) sellers who may be forced to sell if their incomes are not sufficient to resume their repayments.

The current losers in this situation are of course the first home buyers who are paying 5 to 10 percent more for the property. Whenever governments stimulate the property market, the buyers always lose, and the sellers always win with higher gains.

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

Corona Virus appears to be under control Now life is getting back to normal for most people which will give the economy a much needed boost.

However, with international travel and international students unable to resume for a while, some parts of the economy will still be affected for a long time yet.

And Now For The Bad News With interest rates decreasing, retired people who live off their interest received from savings are badly affected in the new financial world. As rates paid on savings are close to zero, they have to draw down their savings to survive.

Those who rent locally may also see their rents increasing. Supply of investment properties has decreased and demand has increased as people have decided that they prefer to live in the outlying suburbs then the inner CBD areas due to Covid reasons.

For example, a small one bedroom converted shed at Lawson is receiving $350 per week in rent.

Electricity and water are included but there is no back or side yard or any off street parking. Demand to rent this “shed� was extremely high as well.

The above information is of a general nature and you should always get professional advice before taking any action. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 47394500, 0403 166 207 or beards@selectgrp. com.au if you what to discuss your situation or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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SPORT Stolz Powers to Victory in 2020 Australian PGA Seniors Championship

By Noel Rowsell

A

ndre Stolz (NSW) has wound back the clock with a win in his first major PGA Legends Tour event (the 2020 Australian PGA Seniors Championship) in his first year in the Seniors ranks Playing alongside fellow Australian Legends Peter Lonard and Peter O’Malley, the 50-year-old Stolz claimed victory with a 3-round total of 9-under par 201, 4 strokes ahead of Lonard in second place at 5-under par.

A spectacular second round of 6-under par 64 on Friday set up a smooth run home for Stolz in the final round but the victory did not come without both challenges and excitement.

The PGA Tour winner pulled out all the stops to make up for two double bogeys made on holes 9 and 15, with birdies at 2, 4, 13 and 18 to close out the final round of even par and maintain his 4-shot margin.

“It was great playing with O’Malley and Lonard, they are old buddies of mine and you know they’re not going to hand it to you so it was nice being able to get on top of them,” said Stolz.

“I have been playing some great golf, despite the unlucky break on 9 and maybe a wrong club on 15 but I always felt like I was in control, which was good enough to keep them at bay.”

“It’s been a long time,” said Stolz.

“It’s interesting - normally when I play pretty good and get myself in contention like that, I can sort of get

Action from Day 3 of the 2020 Australian PGA Seniors Championship.

Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Runner-up Peter Lonard (NSW) & Champion Andre Stolz (NSW)

the job done and I’ve done it a lot in the past but it’s been so long since I’ve won anything.”

Stolz joins West Australian and 2018 champion Michael Long as one of a list of players to have claimed the coveted Australian PGA Seniors Championship trophy in their first year playing on the PGA Legends Tour.

2020 Champion Andre Stolz (NSW) with the winners trophy

Runner-up Peter Lonard (NSW) plays his final fairway shot to the 18th green

After aggravating an ongoing back injury a week out from the PGA Legends Tour tournament, Peter Lonard looked in fine form around the Richmond Golf Club layout where he recorded rounds of 67, 68 and an evenpar 70 to finish in outright second place at 5-under total of 205.

Queenslander Simon Tooman took third place after closing the tournament with a 2-under par 68 for a final total of 4-under par score of 204.

Former champion Peter Fowler and fellow NSW professional Peter O’Malley rounded out the top five with a tie for 4th place at 3-under the card.

Top teams qualify for Eric Apperly Grand Final

Avondale GC & St Michaels GC will meet on Sunday in the Final of the Eric Apperly Shield - photos supplied by respective Clubs.

By Noel Rowsell

A

vondale GC and reigning champions St Michaels GC have both won through to the Final of the 2020 Eric Apperly Shield, which will be held on Sunday at Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club, Luddenham.

#3-ranked Avondale were the first team through to the finale, courtesy of a walk-over victory against #1-ranked The Australian GC. #4-ranked St Michaels met the powerful #1-ranked New South Wales GC at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC on Sunday 8th November, recording a strong 4-2 win to also qualify for the

Final.

The first pairings (players #5 & #6 from each club) will tee off at 11am, followed at 6-8 minute intervals by the #3 & #4 pairing, then the #1 & #2 pairing.

Spectators are welcome to come along and watch some of the best junior talent in NSW in action.

St Michael’s results from Sunday’s semi-final were: Harrison Crowe def Harry Doig 5/4, Orlando Janschek def Michelle Di Natale 5/4, Jeff Pullen def Seb Sara 4/3, Jordie Garner finished square with Jake Raey, Weiliang Wang finished square with Jye Halls and Daley Loumanis lost 3/2 to Ali Rachid.

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

P

enrith GC staged it’s annual Ladies Club Championships in October and two close friends but fierce rivals again finished at the top of the Leaderboard.

2019 Runner-up Isabelle Mansfield turned the tables on veteran Joanne Ogle this year, leading from the opening round to finish with a score of 241 for a 9-shot victory over 2019 Champion Ogle.

Isabelle shot rounds of 80, 84 and 77 over the 3 rounds and said “I played quite consistently throughout the three days, with a good start (lead) after the first round.”

“I wasn’t overly pleased with my second round as it felt a little safe.”

“I struck the ball well however I couldn’t seem to get any of my putts to fall in,” said Isabelle.

“I had the leading position going into the third round, being in front of Mikayla Edwards by 3 and Joanne Ogle by 6.”

“Jo started her (last) round off great, shooting even-par for the first 9 holes and myself scoring 4 over.”

“I was aware that Jo was having a great round, however I tried to stay focused on my own game and continue to take it one shot at a time,” said Isabelle.

“I finished the front 9 with a birdie, leaving me only two in front of Jo (at that stage).”

“My game then picked up, with only 2 bogeys on the back 9 and a birdie on 12, then I finished my last 3 holes with an eagle and another birdie.”

Winner Isabelle Mansfield and Runner-Up Joanne Ogle (action shot) in action on the first tee at Penrith GC. Photos by Noel Rowsell

“I shot 2-under on the back 9, which left me scoring 2-over par for the entire round.”

“I must say it felt pretty good to finish the Club Championships with my best round ever at Penrith Golf Club.”

“I do have to give credit to Jo though - she gave me a run for my money and made me work for every shot that I had.”

Runner-up Joanne was philosophical about her result.

“I had rounds of 88, 82 and 80,” said Joanne.

“I was disappointed with the first

round but happy to improve over the next 2 weeks.”

“I had 2 bad holes in the second round, which was a little disappointing but I was relatively happy.”

“The third round started with me 6 behind Isabelle and after parring the first nine (holes), I was only 2 behind,” said Joanne.

“But a couple of bad holes and Isabelle playing brilliant golf - she played 2-under on the back nine, so I was happy to get runner up.”

“Isabelle withstood the pressure I applied and finished a very deserving

and humble champion.”

“We (Isabelle and I) have had some great competition over the last 2 years and this Championship was no different.”

Joanne did finish with a victory for the Championships, taking out the Ladies Veterans title.

The Division 1 Nett competition was won by Sarah Park, ahead of Kay Gordon on a countback.

Division Two Scratch: 1st Rhonda Stasiuk, 2nd Pam Tunchon; Division 3 Scratch: 1st Maxine Rasmussen, 2nd Christine Lord.

Wallacia CC Headed to Super Senior Playoffs

T

he regular season of the 2020 Super Senior Pennant Golf competition has been completed, with Wallacia Country Club winning Division 3 and thereby earning a spot in the upcoming playoff series.

Wallacia were undefeated in their division, which also included Springwood CC, Camden (Studley Park) GC, Campbelltown GC and Richmond GC. Penrith GC were well placed in Division 4 up until the final 2 rounds but consecutive defeats to Cumberland CC and 2019 Grand Finalists Castle Hill CC resulted in Penrith dropping to 3rd position in the division and missing out on the playoffs.

Dunheved GC, Twin Creeks CC, Stonecutters Ridge GC and Cabramatta GC were the remaining teams in Division 4.

As the #6 seed, Wallacia will now be one of 16 teams in Round 2 of the playoffs and will face the #11 seed Cumberland CC at Carnarvon GC at 10am on 16th November.

Wallacia CC Super Senior Pennant team. (L to R) Mike Sheen, Steve Hackett, Dennis Gallagher Manager, Brian Bobbin, Graham Anderson, Jim Mansfield, Alan Stoneham, Peter Looyshelder, Peter Low). Missing from pic - Mal Blakely, Martin Berg, Glen Vine, Ted Howell, Mike Sheen.

Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

Mansfield a runaway winner at Penrith GC

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Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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SPORT

Tex’s tales with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker Panther’s longest current serving player Josh Mansour, may be a Panther no more after being given permission to explore other options - with his current contract to expire in 2021.

There are suggestions that the former NSW and Kangaroos winger is to be dropped to reserve grade, with Brian To’o and Charlie Staines set to start on the wing next season Despite being a tragic NSW Blues fan it was satisfying to see Panther Kurt Capewell take his opportunity and help the Maroons to victory in State of Origin 1.

Capewell was called into the run on squad at the last minute when Branko Lee succumbed to a calf injury.

He set up Queensland’s first points of the game putting a huge fend on Clint Gutherson before a delicately placed in-field kick was retrieved by AJ Brimson to score adjacent to the posts.

It was Origin, and the vastly travelled man from Charleville put on a magical display on one of the league’s biggest stages.

“Pretty surreal to be able to run out in Maroons colours,” Capewell told Fox Sports News post-game. “[I’m] still pinching myself.”

Game two was played in Sydney last night with the result unknown to me whilst writing this as we had not yet gone to press.

Capewell went into the game with a strain to Outside back Robert Jennings will return to the Panthers on a one-year deal next season.

The 24-year-old local junior returns to Panthers following four seasons with South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers.

“I was over the moon when I heard there was a chance to come back to Penrith,” Jennings said.

“This is where I grew up, where my career started and this is the place I call home.

“I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to reunite with so many of the talented players that I came through the grades with.

“The last couple of years have been tough but coming back to Panthers is a chance for me to hit the reset button, get back into the hard work and prove that I belong in the NRL.” In 2015 Jennings was a member of the Panthers’ premiership-winning NYC squad,

quite frankly, “The Sauce” deserves to be playing top flight football.

Although the Wests Tigers, Melbourne and St George Illawarra have been mentioned, look for Trent Barrett to make a play to give Mansour a new lease of life at The Bulldogs next year to pair up with Nick Cotric on either end of the backline.

EXCLUSIVE

Pearce backs Nathan for Origin Glory

Kurt Capwell had a blinder in the opening State of Origin game.

his groin and may have had to sit this one out to be ready for game three. With a bit of luck we are going into a decider next Wednesday with the Blues having levelled the series at one all. represented the Junior Kangaroos and made his NRL debut under coach Ivan Cleary.

The following year he again earned selection in the Junior Kangaroos, where he played alongside Panthers teammates Nathan Cleary, Tyrone May and Dylan Edwards.

“This club is at its best when players come through our junior development pathways and progress into the NRL together,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.

“Robert is an example of a player who was on that path. He played his most impressive football alongside a number of the individuals who are currently in our first grade team.

“We see Robert’s return to Panthers as an opportunity for him to rediscover that form while adding some strong depth to our roster.”

Mitchell Pearce has backed Nathan Cleary to be the future of NSW Origin.

Mitchell Pearce’s motto is - - this too shall pass - enjoy the good times - roll with the bad, there is always light around the corner.

Pearce echoed these words in support of Nathan Cleary after he was at the centre of criticism following his performances in the Grand Final and State of Origin 1.

“When you lose everyone wants to find someone to blame,” said Pearce.

Pearce and Cleary have similar sets of circumstances, they both have successful fathers

SPORT

with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker in the game of Rugby League and have faced an uphill battle since they first hit the professional level.

The spotlight is always on them, there is no escape.

Mentally it takes its toll.

“It’s water off a duck’s back for me now but it can get to you,” he said.

“I know my role and I’m my own biggest critic, I know what I’ve done wrong and right, we talk about game plans and strategies as a team unit, we try not to worry about anything else.”

“Nathan (Cleary) is the future, he has it all in his game. He’s still so raw but is performing at an unbelievable level.

“He’s achieved so much already which keeps him in good stead to be one of the greats of his era.

“Nathan just needs to keep doing what he is doing, he took his team to a grand final and was selected for origin because he was the outstanding half back in the competition this season.

Pearce said that the pressure applied can be a good thing.

“Pressure is a privilege, when people talk about you constantly, whether it be good or bad, it applies pressure. Most people only want to see you do well even if they are critical. I see that as a good thing and it can motivate you even more.”

As for Pearce and his future he only had this to say.

“I’m contracted at the Newcastle Knights and look forward to improving on 2020, we have Tyson Frizell coming next year and some players will be returning from long term injuries as well. Our plan is to make the top four in 2021.”

In other signing news, The Panthers recently announced the signing of forward Matt Eisenhuth on a two-year deal.

The 28-year-old has returned to Panthers until at least the end of 2022 following five seasons and 70 NRL games with Wests Tigers.

“I’m so grateful to be back in Panthers colours and can’t wait to get started,” Eisenhuth said.

“I’ll never forget how well this club looked after me when I was last here. I’m fortunate to now be in the position to pay the club back.

“Playing against the Panthers and watching them in the Finals this year, I know they’ve got something special going on and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“I left Panthers as a reserve grade footy player, developed myself at another club and now I’m coming back with full confidence in my abilities as a first grader and a leader.”

A former Australian Schoolboys representative, Eisenhuth was a member of the Panthers’ NSW Cup squad in 2014 and 2015.

His time at the club was unfortunately headlined by a number of injuries and the discovery of a tumour in his leg.

“In Matt’s previous stint at Panthers, he faced significant injury challenges and a cancer diagnosis that caught everyone by surprise,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.

“The way he approached and overcame those setbacks to forge an NRL career is testament to his commitment and strength of character.

“Matt now returns to our club as an experienced NRL forward who is able to play a number of roles and big minutes if required.

“We believe he’ll be a valuable asset for the Panthers forward pack that delivered us so much success in 2020.”

Stephen Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Spencer Lenui, Jarome Luai and Matt Burton still remained unsigned post 2021, but the Panthers are confident of getting their men despite the rumour mill.

Crichton and Yeo will sign once Origin is complete.

One gets the feeling there is a bit more work to go into Luai as the vultures are circling after an incredible year of football. Burton is weighing up whether he stays after

being advised he will play first team football, albeit as a centre or lock forward. Lenui would be a great purchase for any team but I reckon when Crichton signs, his good mate will follow suit.

Panthers General Manager Matt Cameron said, “ We are working on all five presently, I just don’t have anything to report as yet.”

The 10th season of the BBL will begin on Thursday December 10 as the Hobart Hurricanes face reigning champions the Sydney Sixers at Bellerive Oval with the competition concluding on February 6.

The pride of the west, Sydney Thunder, will play their first game on Saturday December 12 when they take on the Melbourne Stars at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

The Thunder have recruited hard hitting all rounder Ben Cutting from the Brisbane Heat and will feature the likes of Aussie international Usman Khawaja along with England’s Alex Hales and Chris Tremain.

Sydney Thunder Full Squad Squad Jonathan Cook, Ben Cutting, Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Callum Ferguson, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales (Eng), Usman Khawaja, Nathan

McAndrew, Adam Milne (NZ), Arjun Nair, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, Chris Tremain Coach Shane Bond

Looking forward to the Olyroos (under 23’s) performing tonight against Sydney FC to kick start their preparation for next year’s Olympic Games.

Due to Covid the Olyroos haven’t played for nine months and coach Graham Arnold said his boys are ready to roll.

“The players and staff are itching to return to the national team set-up and this camp, as well as the

games against Sydney FC and Macarthur FC, will provide everyone involved with the opportunity to put their best foot forward as we resume our preparations for Tokyo,” Arnold told AAP. A limited number of fans can attend the Sydney FC match while Macarthur’s game will be behind closed doors, but both games will be live streamed.

The hard hitting Ben Cutting joins the Sydney Thunder this season.

Nepean News 12 3 September November2020 2020 Issue Issue285 290

Tex’s tales

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Nepean News 12 November 2020 Issue 290

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SPORT

Coach’s Corner N

Back To Our State Of Origin

ew South Wales for the majority of the 40 years of State of Origin have been seen as the more talented side. We have more players to pick from and more quality historically than our northern counterparts.

But Queensland have more wins and series wins across the 40 years this fantastic rivalry has been alive. Why? Because they know who they are, they pick on character and they rarely defeat themselves.

On the other side of the coin New South Wales can often find ways to confuse what is simple, to stub our toe

when if we had just kept things simple we would defeat the Queenslanders.

There was no better example of this than Origin 1 last Wednesday night where the Blues led 10-0 at halftime, only to leak 18 straight points and lose the game 18-14.

When you look at the makeup of our team for that match we had a fullback and a five eight in the centres. And at a late stage of the match with Cody Walker on the field we had four halves and two fullbacks on the field. And we played in a style which matched our personnel, we valued passing more than we did running and playing direct.

But when it was all said and done we held possession on Queensland’s line, down by only 4 points when the siren sounded, close to stealing another match late as we did in Game 3 last year.

Stephen Crichton and Isaiah Yeo can consider themselves very unlucky not to figure so far in this series. Both have been the standout player in their individual position in the NRL this season. This again speaks more to the selection criteria and process within the Origin arena. I have concerns looking at Game 2 if we move into that match with a similar plan and style.

Brock Shepperd Mounties Ron Massey Cup Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com I would have moved Jack Wighton into the five eighth position, he is our best and strongest ball runner, ANZ Stadium which traditionally is a lower scoring venue is a perfect place to have Wighton in his favoured position.

The Blues cannot play any worse than they did in Game 1, a game where the Maroons deserved their victory, and I fully expect for the series to be level 1-1 by the time you read this column on Thursday. But the Blues will have to defy history and win a decider at Suncorp Stadium if we are to win our third series on the bounce in 2020.

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Family Race Day Fun at Panthers Panthers will be holding the first of two Family Race Days this Saturday 14 November from 1pm.

There will be lots of fun for the whole family.

• Live Music • BlackBear BBQ (1-3pm) • Face Painting • Giant Lawn Games • Punters Club • TAB tipping comp.

• plus more Entry is free, so come and enjoy the sunshine with our Family Race Days in The Backyard at Panthers.

This will be the first of two Family Race Days to be held at Panthers the second will be held Saturday 21 November.

KATE CEBRANO APPEARING AT PANTHERS Multi ARIA award winning artist, Kate Ceberano, has been in the business for over 35 years - writing and performing both jazz and pop music - with seven Platinum and seven Gold albums to her name.

Kate first came to prominence in the mid80’s as a 15-year-old sensation fronting pop funk band, I’m Talking. Five consecutive hit singles and a Platinum debut album, “Bear Witness”, led to a swag of awards for both the band and Kate. After launching her solo career, she took out Best Female Artist at the ‘88 and ‘89 ARIA awards with her triple Platinum album “Brave”, nominated as ARIA Album of the Year. In 1992, Kate hit the stage to perform the role of Mary in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. The show’s star-studded cast toured nationally, performed over 80 arena shows and the album was the biggest hit of the year earning four times platinum status.

Ceberano has barely drawn breath since, racking up 27 albums over 35 years to be the most prolific Australian female recording artist of this era. In 2014, Ceberano became

the first woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters’ Association (ASA) Hall of Fame. 2016 saw Kate on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, becoming a member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the performing arts and charitable organisations.

Kate is widely respected across multiple industries of film, television and music. In recent times, she has been celebrated in her three-year tenure as Artistic Director of the

Adelaide Cabaret Festival, transforming it into one of the most successful festivals in the country.

Kate is currently recording another album which she is producing; out later in 2020.

Kate Ceberano is a most diverse and creative tour-de-force. Her work, her craft and her vision are now imbued in our collective DNA. Kate Ceberano is a bona fide national treasure, possessing one of the great voices of her generation. Long may she run.