Nepean News 17 May 2024 DIGITAL

FOGO comes to multi-unit dwellings in Penrith!

SINCE June 2023, Penrith City Council has been trialling food organic and garden organic (FOGO) bins in 160 complexes alongside existing collect and return waste services. The results are impressive, with less than 1% contamination overall. Following this success, Council is rolling out FOGO to all multi-unit dwellings across the Local Government Area this year. By ensuring only organic waste goes into the green-lidded FOGO bins, collectively we are creating high-quality compost and enhancing our environment. Join Council in celebrating this milestone towards a greener, more sustainable Penrith!

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COME along to Cinema in the Park in City Park!

Penrith City Council will be screening the family-friendly movie Wonka (2023) under the stars! Grab a deck chair or bring your picnic blanket and they’ll keep the kids entertained with free activities including face painting, roving bubbles and a biscuitdecorating workshop.

Yes that’s right, Penrith Council will provide the fun with FREE kids activities. There are movie treats available for purchase including chips on a stick and glowing fairy floss! Saturday 25 May 6pm-9pm City Park, Penrith

For more information go to https:// brnw.ch/21wJIr6

The Church of United Spiritualism of Australia

Reverend Ross Hutchison of The Church of United Spiritualism of Australia has invited four special guests to conduct therapy sessions at the CWA Hall, 3 Castlereagh Street, Penrith, beginning on 11th May.

The four therapy session leaders include Craig Harmer (Meditation / Spiritual Advisor), Guy Kramhoft (The Power of Water) and Ed & Angela Higgins (Sound Therapy).

11th May, Meditation (Craig Harmer) - Having realised breath is the first action of life on earth; and that during life the act of breathing is a moment-by-moment natural action; Craig’s studies eventually saw him drawn to the ancient traditions of breath connection via Yogic and Shamanistic techniques.

18th May, The Power of Water (Guy Kramhoft) - Discover the secrets that water holds, the frequence and vibration of water, the health benefits by understanding water vibration.

25th May, Sound Therapy (Ed and Angela Higgins) - Sound is a powerful medium, where the body, mind and spirit align with the potent vibrations of ancient and new sound healing instruments.

All sessions will run from 1pm - 2.30pm and admission is free. Bookings are essential for the three seminars. Limited seating. For more information, please contact Ross Hutchison on 0422 664 448 or ross.hutchison@sacredgardens.org.au

Helpful changes to Live Traffic NSW

USERS of the Live Traffic NSW app are now able to share details of incidents on the roads with a simple tap as part of a suite of improvements to the popular app rolled out this week.

Based on customer demand and feedback from Live Traffic NSW users, the changes improve functionality, access to viewing traffic cameras as well as saving battery life on devices.

Coming in the wake of record numbers of views to Live Traffic NSW in 2024, the increased functionality means users can now share incidents in seconds, allowing the recipient to quickly access specific details about current impacts to the road network.

To save battery life and help app users read clearly in low light, “dark mode” has been introduced to the app.

Additionally, traffic cameras can now be viewed in full screen with the addition of a zoom function.

Nearly two million people have visited Live Traffic NSW so far in 2024, which has communicated around 14,800 incidents across local and state roads in NSW.

With over 400,000 visits during particularly wet conditions on 6 April, around 10 times the normal number of sessions, the Live Traffic NSW app has become a trusted, one-stop-shop for motorists to plan their travel on NSW roads.

Live Traffic NSW data also feeds real time information directly into the Transport Open Data Hub where it is made available to third party apps like Google Maps, Waze and Tom Tom.

Transport for NSW continues to work closely with the 124 local councils now using Live Traffic

NSW with additional focus on those areas that are expected to be impacted by natural weather events to ensure the councils are prepared to inform their communities of disruptions on local roads through Live Traffic NSW.

This means, there is more accurate and timely information available for motorists to plan their trip, which is especially important during times of emergency or destructive weather.

Please plan your trip ahead at Live Traffic NSW at www.livetraffic.com to ensure you are prepared and informed when using roads in NSW.

NSW introduces laws to get knives off the street

BY KERRIE DAVIES

THE NSW Government has introduced legislation modelled on Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’ which will give Police powers to “wand” or “scan” people for knives without a warrant in designated areas.

The legislation is part of a package of what the government calls “common-sense reforms’ to target possession of knives, particularly among young people, reduce knife crime and boost community safety.

Under the new legislation, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can turn on wanding powers to be used in a designated areas including:

• Public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds.

• Public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station

• Shopping precincts

• Certain sporting venues

• Other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the nighttime economy.

This will mean that, compared to Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’, NSW will have more designated areas and more flexibility to capture places in which events are held, such as the Royal Easter Show and entertainment areas.

The authority will last for 12 hours,

with an option to extend as required.

Police can “wand” any person in a designated area and may request that person produce a metal object, if detected. Failure to comply may result in a maximum penalty of a fine of $5,500.

Importantly, wanding powers can be turned on for areas where there have been issues related to knife crime or knife possession offences where one of the following have occurred in the last 12 months:

• At least 1 offence committed by person armed with knife or weapon.

• At least 1 serious indictable offence involving violence.

• More than 1 offence of knife possession or prohibited weapon possession.

In addition to wanding provisions, the legislation will also make it illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of 18, with exemptions for retailers

selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study as well as increasing penalties for people selling knives to young people under the age of 18.

The package of reforms will help address knife-related crime, get knives off streets and keep the community safer.

The reforms build upon responsible action taken by the NSW Government over the last year including:

• Doubling of the maximum penalties for various knife related offences in 2023.

• Ongoing review by the NSW Sentencing Council into sentencing for firearms, knives, and other weapons offences.

• Ongoing high impact NSW Police operations such as “Operation Foil” –an ongoing, targeted operation which last ran from 11–13 April 2024. It targets knife crime and anti-social behaviour with 51 knives/weapons seized and 145 people charged with weapon-related offences. In the last year alone almost 4,000 knives were seized in public places.

“My hope is that these commonsense reforms stop people from taking a knife into the community and prevent some of the devastating outcomes of knife related violence we have seen in recent months,” Premier Chris Minns said.

“The NSW Government is committed to tackling knife crime to keep our communities safe and these reforms send a strong message that

Opinion: Our Budget

WE know Australians are feeling under pressure. That’s why our budget is designed to deliver for every Australian, in every part of our economy and every part of our country.

There are tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer – not just some. There is energy bill relief for every Australian household – not just some.

Australians will receive an energy rebate of $300 from July 1 – and one million small businesses will get $325. As well as getting power bills down, making housing costs cheaper by boosting Commonwealth Rent Assistance and providing debt relief for university students, we are also helping Australians get the accessible healthcare they need.

We are making Medicare stronger, and medicine cheaper, by freezing the cost of prescriptions.

Australians need affordable housing and we need to build more homes right across the country. Our Homes for Australia plan invests billions to do just that, and we’re boosting fee-

free TAFE to train more tradies to build them.

We need to back Australian talent, hard work and creativity – making sure wages are growing – especially for those who do the crucial work of caring for our kids and older Australians.

This is a budget for every Australian, from a government working for all Australians. Inflation has been moderating and real wages are growing.

But Australians continue to feel financial pressure.

Our No.1 priority is giving Australians cost-of-living relief.

Tuesday night’s budget provides responsible relief for households while reducing inflationary pressure in the economy.

Our actions are careful, deliberate and responsible – and because of that we’ve been able to forecast a second surplus of $9.3bn. Last year we turned a $78bn deficit that we inherited from Scott Morrison into a $22bn surplus.

While we’ve been razor-focused on the immediate needs of families, we also need to invest in the future. We need to build economic and energy

knife crime is not tolerated.”

Minister for the Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said giving police the ability to ‘wand’ or ‘scan’ for knives in designated areas is a proactive step toward ensuring community safety.

“By detecting and deterring knife possession, we’re not just preventing potential crime, we’re also safeguarding lives.” Minister Catley said.

“The introduction of legislation inspired by Jack’s Law isn’t just about law enforcement. It’s also about instilling confidence in our community, showing that we’re actively working to keep them safe.

“These laws mark a crucial shift in our approach to combatting knife crime, especially among our youth. By introducing this legislation, we’re sending a clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated in our community.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said the Government is sending a clear message that it is a crime to carry a knife and under these new measures, you will face a greater chance of being caught if you carry one.

“I want to say to young people in particular: Do NOT take a knife with you when you leave home. The chances of being caught by police and ending up with a fine or in a court on possession charges are about to become much higher.

“It’s not worth the risk,” AG Michael Daley said.

security for Australia. We are working to set up the country for success over the longer term.

We need to secure a future made in Australia, with secure, well-paid jobs.

This is about Australia seizing a once-in-a-generation chance to become a renewable energy superpower. We need to attract more investment in homegrown industries so we can make more things here.

The great regions of Australia –the Illawarra, the Hunter Valley, the Latrobe Valley, Geelong, Gladstone and the resources precincts of Queensland and Western Australia – have powered Australia for a couple of centuries, and they will continue to do so in the netzero world.

We need to use our rich abundance of natural and human resources to power a secure and sustainable future.

Encouraging investment in areas like critical minerals and green hydrogen will help make Australia an indispensable part of the net-zero economy of the future.

The budget invests in Australia’s economic future with production tax incentives for green hydrogen and processed critical minerals.

A new Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund will also back new industries like low-carbon fuels and green metals. Australia has all the tools it needs to prosper in the net-zero world. All that’s required is a government prepared to back in Australian jobs and opportunity.

Budgets are about choices, and we are proud of our choices.

The government seeks to represent every Australian.

There’s more to do, and we’ll keep working every day to deliver for all Australians.

BY PRIME MINISTER

ANTHONY ALBANESE

Erskine Park’s transformed oasis at Capella Reserve

THE natural beauty of Capella Reserve in Erskine Park has been revitalised by Penrith City Council. The project, which was carried out in consultation with feedback from Erskine Park residents, has enhanced the reserve’s functionality as a space for residents to enjoy a picnic, rest or walk.

The Capella Reserve upgrade features new spaces designed for socialising with additional seating areas installed as well as a shelter with an accessible picnic table, new bins and a water drinking fountain for convenience. To improve mobility and connectivity within the reserve, new pathways have been constructed.

To complement the existing natural environment, new trees, shrubs and native grass have been planted alongside a unique sculpture, adding to the tranquility of the space. The sculpture, “Crown Shyness”, is named after the natural phenomenon that sometimes occurs in forests where tree canopies do not touch. The sculpture represents the endangered Cumberland Plain Forest in the reserve and is a reminder to discover what is in the canopy and beyond.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the upgrades at Capella Reserve are an example of embracing the simplicity of open space to make improvements

that boost usability for residents.

“We listened to the residents’ feedback and incorporated their ideas into this project. Capella Reserve is an oasis right on the doorstep for residents to enjoy for a picnic or as a resting point on a stroll around the neighbourhood,” said Cr Carney.

“The upgrades not only beautify the reserve but also make it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the community.’’

The revitalisation of Capella Reserve is one of several open space projects funded by Penrith

City Council through the Erskine Park Urban Reinvestment project (EKURP). As part of this project Council identified underutilised open space sites that needed an upgrade to meet resident’s expectations. As a result, six sites were rezoned for residential development with the sale proceeds directly funding improvements to targeted open space and public domain areas within Erskine Park.

Council has already forward funded $2.65 million of open space and public domain improvements including

four kilometres of footpaths along Swallow and Peppertree loop Road, the redevelopment of Phoenix, Spica and Skylark Reserves, an amenity building and $300,000 in tree planting at Chameleon Reserve, and now the revitalisation of Capella Reserve.

The next step for Council’s EKURP project is to commence civil construction on the six residential sites to connect essential services and prepare them for sale. Council has appointed a contractor for the civil construction, with works expected to commence this year following neighbour notification.

For more information on EKURP go to penrith.city/ erskineparkreinvestment and for information on Capella Reserve go to yoursaypenrith.com.au/capella

Thomas Smith Reserve named after early Penrith settler

PENRITH City Council has unveiled the newly renamed Thomas Smith Reserve in Thornton, honouring the contributions of the early Penrith settler, Thomas Smith. The reserve is located at 86-94 Empire Circuit, near Smith’s former residence, Thornton Hall.

Thomas Smith emigrated to Australia from England circa 1840. From 1846, Smith held his first Red Cow Inn licence at Colyton located on the Western Road (now known as the Great Western Highway). He transferred the licence to Penrith in

1862 where he constructed the Red Cow Inn on the corner of Station and Jane Street, the site it occupies today.

By 1871, Smith had built the now heritage listed Thornton Hall, and in that same year was elected as an alderman on the first Penrith Council and remained in office until 1890.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the honour reflects Thomas Smith’s legacy to Penrith.

“The contributions of early settlers like Thomas Smith add to the rich history of our City. This reserve

naming honours Smith’s legacy,” said Cr Carney.

“From establishing the Red Cow Inn to the building of the heritage listed Thornton Hall, it’s this type of vision and determination that has shaped Penrith to be the vibrant City it is today.”

After retiring from the Red Cow Inn, Smith and his wife Jane moved into Thornton Hall where he resided until his death in 1896. At the time of his death, Smith was one of the largest landowners in the Nepean District, including owning over 300 acres of land in Penrith and Emu Plains.

(L-R) Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and Penrith City Council General Manager Andrew Moore at Thomas Smith Reserve

(L-R) Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and Penrith City Council General Manager Andrew Moore with Thornton Hall in the background, Thomas Smith’s former residence.

Penrith Stadium upgrade to sporting and entertainment precinct

BY KERRIE DAVIES

EXPRESSIONS of interest have now been invited for a partner to transform Penrith stadium into a sporting and entertainment precinct.

The NSW Government states that Penrith Stadium is proposed to become a superior venue for different forms of entertainment, significantly improving the experience for spectators, with more food outlets and amenities, new scoreboards and ribbon boards, sound systems, upgraded lighting and more recreation space.

“Additionally, the training field to the west of the stadium will be remodelled to create new quality open spaces with multipurpose courts and improved landscaping for further outdoor community use and entertainment events,” said Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper.

“As part of the upgrade the ground capacity will be increased to around 25,000 and the grandstands redesigned to be steeper, so fans are as close to the action as possible and have better sightlines to the field or stage.

“The ultimate aim of the upgrade is to improve the family and fan experience year-round. The redeveloped stadium will not only continue to cater for men’s NRL matches, but it will also benefit the women’s competition and support the growth of female representation in rugby league and other sports, with new player facilities and changerooms.

“The community has been actively involved in shaping the future of Penrith Stadium. The community will be invited to make a submission on the designs for the stadium when the State Significant Development Application is placed on public exhibition in the coming weeks.”

“We have heard what the community wants, this is about

delivering a new beating heart for Penrith and a precinct the whole community can enjoy year-round.

“This stadium will be purposebuilt to host women’s and men’s NRL games, and will also be able to host soccer, rugby union, live music, and other entertainment events to cater for a wider and more diverse audience in Western Sydney.

“I am proud to say the redevelopment will include new player facilities and changerooms to help grow female representation in sports, as well as catering to a diverse range of fans with an increase in wheelchair accessible seats by around 500% and wheelchair accessible toilets by 85%.

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the stadium transforming into

an entertainment precinct will ensure the ground retains its unique identitypreserving the family-friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere locals currently enjoy.

“Upgrading Penrith stadium will mean an improved experience for fans and Penrith locals, who can enjoy more sport, live music and entertainment in their own backyard,”

Ms Car said.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM said the upgrade will offer entertainment to more than just rugby league fans.

“I’d like to thank the thousands of fans and families who have helped shape Penrith Stadium’s future while preserving the history and identity of our great stadium,” Ms McKeown added.

“This upgrade will go beyond the footy ground, improving the family and fan experience year-round while introducing Penrith and our local businesses to the tourism that will arise out of the entertainment precinct.

“As Penrith continues to grow, the new Penrith Stadium precinct will be an active hub that the whole community can enjoy.”

To find out more about Penrith Stadium, visit https://penrithstadium.insw.com/

The Wellness Practice launched in Penrith

CORPORATE Health Management Australia

(CHM) proudly announces the launch of The Wellness Practice, a new, purposebuilt allied health and holistic wellness centre about to launch Australia wide. The Wellness Practice offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to care, creating a network of practices that ensure a seamless patient experience within health precincts nationwide.

Launching first in Penrith’s Nepean Health Hub, the Wellness Practice has expansive locations planned across Australia to provide services that educate and empower local communities to make positive long-lasting improvements to their health and wellbeing.

“As a team committed to empowering healthy lifestyles, we’ve spent over 25 years cultivating a culture of care and we are now ready to launch throughout Australia. Through The Wellness Practice centres our focus is on thriving, not just staying healthy. With exceptional services, education, and innovation, we support individuals, communities, and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing,” Zymri Alimi, Director, Commercial & Customer, Corporate Health Management & The Wellness Practice, said.

Introducing The Wellness Practice by CHM

The Wellness Practice, created by CHM-is a national organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional health, wellbeing, and fitness services to both the corporate sector and the broader community. This is a revolutionary concept in healthcare, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to educate, empower and support individuals on their journey to optimal health. With a unique focus on proactive and holistic care, The Wellness Practice aims to bridge the gap between general practitioners and allied healthcare professionals through collaborative efforts across disciplines such as physiotherapy, psychology, exercise physiology, clinical Pilates, dietetics, diabetes education, and more.

Grand Opening in Nepean Penrith

The Wellness Practice has officially opened its doors with the first centre at Penrith’s Nepean

Health Hub in New South Wales. The state-of-theart facility gives patients access to a wide range of integrated and high-quality healthcare services under one roof including; dieticians, exercise physiologists, clinical reformer Pilates, myotherapy and remedial massage therapy, diabetes education, and nurse practitioner services, to name a few. Following research into the local area’s most indemand health service requirements, The Wellness Practice will also feature clinical psychology and physiotherapy services.

Proud Community Partnerships to Promote Health and Wellness

The Wellness Practice extends health and

wellness beyond clinical walls through Proud Community Partnerships including with the NRL’s Penrith Panthers, offering educational workshops, wellness events, and special programs as part of their commitment to giving back. This showcases CHM’s dedication to promoting community wellbeing. The Wellness Practice will be a gameday sponsor of the Panthers v Cowboys Round 17 match on June 30th at BlueBet Stadium.

Practitioners Partnership Hub Further Enhances Accessibility and Care for Patients

The Wellness Practice’s Referral Partner Network is designed to foster a collaborative partnership that goes beyond traditional referrals. The network offers a multidisciplinary approach, allowing practitioners access to diverse healthcare professionals under one roof, creating a seamless patient experience. Through this network, health and wellness practitioners can build strong relationships, access a wide range of allied health services, and receive constant communication and support.

Partnering with The Wellness Practice means being part of a larger community backed by over 25 years of experience in health services, ensuring confidence in service delivery and the opportunity to support both your business and the local community.

They also facilitate referrals through various channels, including CDMs, NDIS, DVA, ADF, and SIRA, further enhancing accessibility and care for patients.

Expanding Across Australia

Following a successful launch in Nepean, The Wellness Practice will expand its services in health precincts across Australia. Future locations include Chermside Health Hub in Queensland, Beerwah Health Hub in the Sunshine Coast, and Melbourne Quarter in Victoria.

Booking Appointments Already Available

Bookings are now open to the community for The Wellness Practice at the Nepean Health Hub via www.thewellnesspractice.com.au or call (03) 8584 1900.

For more information visit https://thewellnesspractice.com.au/

Penrith Council hosts hospitality industry forum

COUNCIL recently invited local businesses across the hospitality industry to share firsthand insights into the challenges they are facing in the current operating environment. The Penrith Hospitality Industry Forum held on 7 May 2024, received strong support from the industry bringing together more than 40 local hospitality and dining operators, as well as representatives from the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Penrith CBD Corporation and St Marys Town Centre Corporation.

Penrith Mayor Cr Todd Carney emphasised the significance of fostering collaboration between local businesses to bolster resilience within the hospitality sector.

“Council hosted the forum to provide a platform for our local bars, cafes, and restaurants to share their experiences and insights, and to facilitate discussions on how Council and the industry can support each

other,” Cr Carney said.

“Discussion points included potential solutions and case studies focussing on what is working well, and what is impacting business. Marketing and promotion, events and activations within the area, grant programs and parking were all key themes discussed at the forum.”

Acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses, Cr Carney highlighted Council’s recent initiative to support the hospitality sector amidst

cost-of-living and economic pressures.

“In recognising the hardships faced by our local hospitality sector, Penrith City Council has already taken action to alleviate financial strain. At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on April 29, Councillors unanimously passed a resolution to reduce outdoor dining fees by 75% until June 30, 2025.”

Cr Carney emphasised the importance of Council’s role in ensuring tangible support of local businesses.

“Reducing outdoor dining fees will ease some financial burden on businesses to assist with their continued operation”.

Council will continue to explore ways to support local hospitality businesses, including ongoing promotion of restaurants, cafes and bars on Visit Penrith, Council’s main digital tourism platform, and cooperative marketing campaigns. Penrith businesses are already responding to the challenge in a variety of ways from increasing marketing, reducing business spending or staff hours to updating their menu and changing operating hours to meet customer preferences.

Penrith is a hot spot of diverse dining offerings. From casual chic to upscale culinary adventures alongside cozy wine bars and cocktails with sunset views. Embrace the spirit of supporting local and visit Penrith’s vibrant food and bar scene. Head to visitpenrith.com.au for tips on where to eat and enjoy.

Penrith City Council and local business owners discuss hospitality industry challenges.

Uniting receives green light for Edinglassie Village redevelopment in Emu Plains

A$99 million seniors’ independent living village in Emu Plains has received Development Approval for the second stage of its site redevelopment, delivering new, high quality independent and retirement living homes, responding to the needs of older people in the Nepean and lower Blue Mountains area.

The redevelopment of Uniting’s Edinglassie Village will deliver 147 independent living apartments, with 43 apartments (29 per cent) available as affordable housing for seniors. The development builds upon the success of the residential aged care home completed in 2021, which won the 2022 UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in the Residential Aged Care category. Together, the homes offer a continuum of care to residents as their needs evolve, including Assisted Living options, which offer in-home support such as cleaning and personal care.

Residents of Edinglassie Village will benefit from an array of on-site amenities that formed part of stage one, including a multi-purpose space, café, hairdressing salon, chapel and consulting rooms for visiting medical and allied health professionals. Stage two will see the addition of a new clubroom for resident events and activities to help strengthen social connections within the village community.

The existing Uniting Edinglassie retirement and independent living village was opened in the early 1970s

and is now in need of redevelopment to provide higher quality housing and a diverse range of contemporary independent living options to meet the needs of Australia’s ageing population.

With Australians living longer, healthier lives, demand is growing for more seniors and affordable housing. According to Penrith City Council’s Demographic Analysis Reports: Older Population, 13 per cent of the population is aged over 65 years, and of those residents, their incomes are 11 per cent lower than the Greater Sydney average.[1]

Uniting Director of Property and Housing Simon Furness said the ageing population and demographic of the area highlights the urgent need for more affordable living options for seniors.

“Uniting has been providing aged care services in the Penrith area for 50 years and we’re proud to be investing

BLAXLAND GLENBROOK PROBUS CLUB

Meets at 10.30 am on the fourth Friday of each month at Emu Sports Club, 1 Leonay Parade, Leonay. Visitors are warmly welcomed. Our speaker for 24 May is Cindy Goode of CommBank on avoiding financial fraud.

For more information contact the Secretary at probusblaxlandglenbrook@gmail.com or visit www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ blaxlandglenbrook

in its future through the redevelopment of Uniting Edinglassie Village,” Mr Furness said.

“Our focus is on providing homes and facilities that enhance the quality of life for older Australians so they can age in place and stay connected with their local communities. We’re committed to ensuring seniors continue to have access to quality, affordable living and services within the region and we look forward to seeing them enjoy their new homes upon completion.”

The five buildings included in the development will comprise a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

Uniting has partnered with Taylor Brammer, a highly experienced landscape architecture firm to ensure Uniting Edinglassie Village flows

seamlessly with the environment and suburb of Emu Plains. One of the village’s stand-out features is the heritage-listed sandstone Church located on the grounds which was built in 1862. Now described as a ‘Chapel’, the Church was integrated within Edinglassie Village when the site was redeveloped as a retirement village and nursing home by the Uniting Church in 1979. Enhancements around the Chapel took place during the recent stage one redevelopment, including new landscaping and an entry driveway, to better integrate the Chapel into the site.

Construction is due to commence in early 2025 and Uniting expects the transformation will see approximately 150-200 jobs created throughout the construction period.

Become a junior medical officer

EARLY round Junior Medical Officer applications for some specialties are now open!

Australia’s largest health system gives you access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. Enjoy the benefits of working alongside experienced colleagues while being mentored by leading medical specialists.

Find out when each specialty is advertising positions here: www.health.nsw.gov.au/jmo/ Pages/dates.aspx

DO you know what you pay per kWhr for Solar? Is it 20 cents, 30 cents or even 40 or 50 cents?

When I ask this question to groups, most answer that they don’t really know how to understand or even read their bills, let alone if they are paying too much.

I am sure everyone knows roughly what their fuel costs are per litre, and you would baulk at paying $3.00 per litre and if the service station was selling fuel at $1.00 you wouldn’t get past the queue of others clambering for the chance to fill up.

Jim’s Gems

If you take the time to understand the information that is on your bill, you will be better armed to search easily and quickly for a better rate which can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year.

On the second page you will generally see the summary of the bill.

Controlled rate (HWS previously known as ‘off-peak’). This is a set period usually from 11:00pm to 7:00am where the electricity is available to heat Hot Water Systems at a time that is cheaper for the retailer to sell it.

General rate (the rate you pay to use electricity throughout the day and night).

Daily supply charge – Controlled. The daily charge the retailer charges you for the privilege of having a Controlled Rate meter.

Daily supply – the daily charge for having general electricity at your premises.

For this story, I randomly pulled out 2 bills from clients locally both using the same retailer and the rates were significantly different.

BILL 1.

General rate. $0.338360 (33.836 cents) per kWhr.

Controlled Load usage. $0.227260 (22.726 cents) per kWhr.

Daily supply charge – Controlled. $0.10472 (10.472 cents) per DAY.

Daily supply. $0.81444 81.444 cents) per DAY.

BILL 2.

General rate. $0.38445 (38.445 cents) per kWhr.

Controlled Load usage. $0.23870 (23.87 cents) per kWhr.

Daily supply charge – Controlled.

$0.12472 (12.472 cents) per DAY.

Daily supply. $0.92554 92.554 cents) per DAY.

This difference will quickly add up over a 3-month period and not to

mention the additional difference between retailers.

A couple of quick points to look out for are (a) actually read the bill beside the reading and (e) estimated the bill, took a guess and will sort it difference when they actually read the next bill.

The last but also most important way to check if you are paying the best rate possible is to use the Government comparison website www.energymadeeasy.gov.au which is a non-sponsored quick and easy way to enter your details and find the best rate for you.

With Jim Hill, Nepean Solar Solutions

Penrith Youth Orchestra & Australian Haydn Ensemble

THE Joan is thrilled to present an afternoon of musical excellence featuring the talented young musicians of the Penrith Youth Orchestra, joined by the esteemed Australian Haydn Ensemble. The performance promises a journey through some of classical music’s most beloved works.

Under the baton of Paul Terracini, the orchestra will showcase their hard work this term, breathing life into masterpieces from Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Strauss II.

This concert will blend youthful

energy and seasoned expertise in our collaboration with the Australian Haydn Ensemble, who are renowned for their commitment to historical performance practice and musical authenticity.

Date & Time

Sunday 9 June, 3pm

Venue

Concert Hall

The Joan 597 High Street, Penrith Ticket Prices

Standard $25

Concession $20

Dear Diary

By Kay Proudlove

A play with songs.

Phenomenal South Coast Singer Songwriter, Kay Proudlove brings her formidable talent and infectious personality on stage in Dear Diary, directed by Merrigong Theatre Company’s own Artistic Development Manager, Leland Kean.

Dear Diary takes you on a journey through Kay’s teenage diaries through a collection of intimate and vulnerable stories and songs.

A hilarious, nostalgic and sometimes painful revisiting of our teenage years, which delves into the pressures and expectations of growing up.

“People who’ve seen Kay Proudlove play her songs know she’s whip-smart, hilarious and with the voice of an angel, but seeing Kay turn her own life into a theatre show I saw the depth she has as a writer and performer, and how much extra talent she’s been hiding in those suitcases.”

– Lindsay McDougall, ABC Illawarra

Audience Information

Recommended for ages 14+. This production contains adult themes and strong language.

CAST & CREATIVES

Kay Proudlove / Writer / Performer

Leland Kean / Director

Phil Spencer / Dramaturg / Creative Consultant

Katja Handt / Costume Designer

DATES AND TIMES

08 Jun 2024 2:00 pm

08 Jun 2024 7:30 pm

TICKETS

Standard Ticket $45

Concession $40

Seniors (Matinee Only) $30

Under 35s $35

Penrith’s Court of Request

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

ON the 10 May 1838 David Berguin was indicted for wilful and corrupt perjury. It was said that on the 14th day of April the defendant (David) went before the Commissioner Roger Therry and being duly sworn stated on his oath that the signature to a cheque for £3 14s. 3d. now in court was not his handwriting, where in truth and fact the signature was his handwriting. The Registrar of the Court of Requests Mr Frazer said he remembered the plaintiff in the case of Single v. Berguin regarding a promissory note and the defendant stated upon oath that the signature David Berguin was not his handwriting and he particularly cautioned him to be cautious, but he persisted in his statement and he had been sworn in the usual way. He produced the record of the case where the defendant was summoned for a note of hand for £3 14s. 7d. In cross-examination the prisoner said it was not his handwriting, but he did not say if he signed it “as he must have been drunk at the time and he denied it in the most unqualified manner”. Next, Mr Single said that he knew the prisoner because for seven or eight years he was in his employ as a blacksmith and on settling the account between them there was a balance of funds and he took the prisoner’s note that he produced in court and the body of the note is in his handwriting and the signature of David Berguin is in the prisoner’s handwriting and he saw him sign it. He said he summoned Berguin before the Court of Requests. A Juror (named Hall) said that six years had passed without him seeing the prisoner as he engaged with a next-door neighbour. He did not see him but he heard he was there and he summoned him. He did not present the note to the prisoner. Next John Shaw as a witness to the note said that he remembered the prisoner in Mr Single’s employ some years ago and this was David’s signature, but he had no doubt the prisoner signed it, but he could not remember. Next Juror Hall said that he could not remember where he was when he saw the note but believed that it was David’s handwriting but he could not tell where they were when the prisoner told him that he owed something to Mr Single because this was about six years ago.

He said that on occasion he had been in Mr Single’s employ for twenty years and if the prisoner said that he signed the note he must have been very much intoxicated. His Honour said that it is not essential for two witnesses to disprove the actual fact sworn by a person charged with perjury, as it is sufficient if one witness swears distinctly to the fact and is corroborated in a material point by a second witness. If therefore the Jury believed the evidence of Single and Hall then the Jury would convict the prisoner. The Jury retired for about five minutes and returned a verdict of Guilty. In passing sentence upon the prisoner His Honour observed that he had not tried a case in the Criminal Court in which he was not, morally speaking, convinced that false swearing had been committed. Prisoner was to be imprisoned in Newcastle Gaol for two years. John Single was born in England in 1792 and came to Australia on the “Harriet” in 1817 leaving England in November 1816 and arriving in Sydney in May 1817. In June 1818 John married Sarah Baker by Reverend Cartwright by special licence at St Matthews Church of England, Windsor. Sarah was born at Windsor in 1801 to William & Sarah Baker (Snr) (Nee: Draper). In December 1824 John was elected to the Grand Jury and 1825 in Windsor he had the title of “Yeoman of Evan” (a man holding and cultivating a small, landed estate - a freeholder). John was one of the most successful pioneers in the Nepean district where he made full use of new scientific methods in agriculture and grazing. He also built a school on his property and supported the building of the Castlereagh Anglican Church. John died after a short illness in January 1858 at his residence at the age of 66 years and was buried at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Richmond. Sarah died in 1868 at Castlereagh and is buried at Richmond with John. Notes - R. v. Berguin [1838] NSW Supreme Court of New South Wales – perjury

Sources: Sydney Gazette, Sydney Herald,.14 May 1838 &19 May 1838Governor Macquarie’s diary, Sydney Gazette & NSW Advertiser, Deputy Commissary General’s Office, National Library of Australia, Empire (Sydney), Ancestry.

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 Photo of John Single from Australian Royalty website.

How property is your life raft from the rat race

IF you ever want to see what corporate slavery looks like, scroll through LinkedIn and look at the stuff people post:

• “I’m feeling energised from the summit!”

• “I’m passionate about digital health!”

• “I’m thrilled to be part of this dynamic team!”

• “Leveraging my expertise to drive strategic growth!”

It’s a ridiculous bit of theatre where they know you’re lying, you know you’re lying, you know they know you’re lying, and they know you know they’re lying. But everyone has an unspoken agreement to pretend that everything’s fine. Or maybe people have fooled themselves into thinking this is what they want from life because they can’t see any credible alternative. I don’t have the answer; these are deeper waters than I’m qualified to wade through.

Chuck Palahniuk and David Fincher beautifully captured the absurdity of the modern corporate man in the ultimate bro movie Fight Club (1999). The protagonist discovers the existential dread of getting everything society tells him he wants, only to feel empty.

Personally, I’d rather be washed out to sea by a

tsunami and have nothing to hold onto but a floating cactus than be forced to restrict my freedom of expression and be crushed into thinking I must act a certain way to fit in with everyone else. Looking at the popularity of movies like Fight Club, I can’t help but guess that a silent majority of the population probably feels the same way but doesn’t have another way out. I’ve been there myself, having experienced the culture of working in big corporate organisations.

I can only guess why most property investors have decided to get into investing. I suspect it has something to do with hope. For me, it was a lifeline out of that world. I was incredibly lucky to stumble onto the solution early on in life, and for anyone reading this, congratulations! You have as well, and you don’t have any idea how fortunate you are to have found the answer. If you weren’t born wealthy, there are only two ways out of the rat race.

The first is to start your own business and work for yourself, which is a risky move with a high probability of buying yourself a low-paying job. Particularly in developed countries where the secular trend is for all businesses to be eaten up by big businesses. The second is to find some investment that beats the rate of monetary debasement (ie, when governments print money and give it away as per the Covid payments received by individuals and businesses), which, by my calculation, is around 10.5 percent. This is also

extremely difficult without using leverage (borrowing money to invest).

The thing to understand with leverage is that it magnifies both the upside and the downside. So, to be effective, the asset needs to have a specific set of characteristics. Namely stable returns that generally trend upwards without many sharp downturns that will wipe you out. The good news is that property is the perfect vehicle to lever up as it fulfills those requirements.

Most average properties using a 90 percent Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) have an internal rate of return of around 15-20 percent over the long run and up to 3040 percent during the final years of a bull run. If we consider what this means for a moment, the average returns of the best hedge funds in the world, such as Bridgewater, run by legends of macro investing like Ray Dalio, are being comfortably beaten by ordinary mum-and-dad investors buying property. While it’s not as cool and sophisticated, I’ll take practicality and effectiveness over sophistication any day of the week.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

This information is of a general nature, and you need to take all your own circumstances into consideration before making any commitments.

WITH STEVE BEARD Select Mortgage Broker

Panthers fall in four over double header round

THE Penrith Panthers senior basketball teams have lost all four games on the weekend, in a home & away Round 6 of the 2024 NBL1 East competition.

Playing away at Crows Nest on Saturday night, the Panthers fell 7868 to the Norths Bears in the women’s game, then fell 96-86 to the Bears in the men’s game.

Returning home on Sunday, to host the Albury-Wodonga Bandits, the Panthers lost a gruelling women’s game 117-59 and the men’s game 109-94.

The Penrith women fell behind early against the Bears, trailing 20-7 at the first break and 48-23 at half time. A dominant surge in the third term brought the Panthers back into the contest, thanks to an outstanding 16-point haul from point guard Tahlia Tupaea.

Led by an irrepressible Tahlia, Penrith continued to apply pressure during the fourth term, edging ever closer as time ran down on the game clock. Time would however be against them, with the Bears holding on for a 10-point win.

Tahlia led the Panthers with a gamehigh 39 points, along with 6 boards, 2 assists and 3 steals, whilst Mia Heide grabbed 17 points and 18 boards.

The Penrith men were neck and neck with the Bears, throughout the first two terms, trailing narrowly at both breaks (23-22 and 45-43), before the home team grabbed a critical advantage in the third, edging away to lead by 10 at the final break in play (68-58).

Penrith threw everything at the home team in the final term but could not reduce the margin, eventually falling by 10 points.

Brodie Schwarzer led the Panthers with 26 points, ahead of Joshua Kalwy 14 points, 7 boards, 7 assists, Ben Kearins 10 points, 8 boards, 5 assists, Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe 10 points.

Penrith hosted Australia’s greatest ever female basketball player Lauren

on Sunday morning at the

Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC), Cambridge Park, with the multiple Olympian, WNBA and WNBL superstar playing for the Bandits’ women’s team.

Albury hit the ground running and

seemingly, in the blink of an eye, the Panthers were down 18-0 as the visitors ran rampant. At the end of the first term, Penrith trailed 32-8 and it promised to only get worse as the game progressed.

The Panthers have however shown an unwillingness to just roll over this season and fought back grimly in the second term, losing the contest 29-24 but giving the competition leaders a contest at both ends of the floor.

Albury stepped up the pace again in the third term winning 31-16 to move out to a 44-point lead, then kept their foot on the accelerator during the final term to run out winners by 58 points.

Mia Heide led the Panthers with 20 points, ahead of Tahlia Tupaea 16, Chloe Williams 12.

Lauren Jackson continued her point-scoring exploits this season, grabbing 37 points, 11 boards, 5 assists, ahead of Ashlee Hannan 21 points, 10 boards and Mikayla Pivec, just shy of a triple-double with 10 points, 8 boards, 11 assists.

The following men’s game featured both teams enjoying the lead over the course of the first three quarters.

Albury led 26-22 in the first, Penrith led 54-51 at half time, then both teams were tied at 79-79 at the final break in play. Penrith’s game plan appeared to hit the wall in the final term, with the Bandits dominating 30-15 to record a 15 point win.

Brodie Schwarzer led the Panthers with 24 points, ahead of Caleb FetuiFa’amoe 20, Jaedyn Fetui-Fa’amoe 15 and Ryan Peterson 12. Albury’s William Hickey led all scorers with 31 points, along with 10 boards, 7 assists.

Both Penrith teams are on the road north this weekend, facing the Maitland Mustangs at the Maitland Federation Centre on Saturday night – women 5pm, men 7pm.

Jackson

Penrith

BY NOEL ROWSELL

Women’s photos from the Penrith vs Albury women’s game by Noel Rowsell

Penrith’s Ammaron McCarthy (#10) blocks Michael Yoong (#3) in the Norths vs Penrith men’s game . Photo supplied

Stella McGinley wins Ladies Hawkesbury Classic

BY NOEL ROWSELL

WINDSOR CC, Lynwood CC and Richmond GC hosted the three rounds of the 2024 Ladies Hawkesbury Classic, over the 7-9th May, with 134 players representing 22 golf clubs competing in the event.

The overall 54-hole Nett winner and Hawkesbury Classic Champion was Stella McGinley (Fox Hills GC) with a score of 109 points.

The overall 54-hole Scratch winner was Joanne Ogle (Penrith GC).

Outright (3 rounds) prize winners for the event were: Division 1: Jeanette Starr (Richmond) 100; Runner-up Julie Berg (Penrith) 99; Division 2: Wendy Rasmussen (Richmond) 96, Runner-up Marilyn Mote (Richmond) 93; Division 3: Dawn McKenzie (Richmond) 78, Runner-up Robyn Keyvar (Lynwood) 68.

Daily Winners:

WINDSOR (Day 1) Division 1: Lyn Seale (Windsor) 36, Runner-up Julie Berg (Penrith 33 c/b; Division 2: Stella McGinley (Fox Hills) 41, Runner-up Marilyn Mote (Richmond) 36 c/b; Division 3: Judy O’Grady

1:

LYNWOOD

Graham (Richmond) 37; Division 3: Catherine Magrin (Windsor) 26, Runner-up Robyn Keyvar (Lynwood) 24 c/b. Scratch – Yvonne Mudiman (Richmond).

RICHMOND (Day 3) Division 1: Eva Merlino (Lynwood) 38, Runnerup Jeanette Starr (Richmond) 36; Division 2: Wendy Birrell (Richmond) 37, Runner-up Lindy Meyers (Wakehurst) 34, Division 3: Dawn McKenzie (Richmond) 33, Val Ness (Richmond) 30. Scratch – Joanne Ogle (Penrith).

Hawkesbury Classic Champion Stella McGinley and Tony Weller (Manager, Bendigo Bank).

(Windsor) 32 c/b, Jennifer Booth (Richmond) 32. Scratch – Joanne Ogle (Penrith)

(Day 2) Division

Anne Burt (Massey Park) 37, Runner-up Jeanette Starr (Richmond) 36; Division 2: Wendy Rasmussen (Richmond) 39, Runner-up Maree

Action on the 1st tee at Windsor. Photos supplied

NSW finish 3rd at 2024 Australian Interstate Teams event

AN undefeated week from team co-captain Jazy Roberts has lifted Victoria to a second Australian Interstate Teams Matches victory in three years, with this year’s event held at Southport Golf Club, QLD over 6-8th May.

VIC and QLD met in the eight-match Final on

Wednesday afternoon, after the home state ended the round robin matches as #1 with 4.5 points, followed closely by VIC with 4 points.

VIC dominated the Final, easily winning 6-2 to claim this year’s crown.

Defending champions NSW had a mixed week, losing to both Finalists in the preliminary rounds to finish in 3rd spot, with 3 wins and 2 losses.

The Blues began with a 6/2 loss to VIC, followed

Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs /

was a member of the NSW team and finished the

with 2

His results included a 1-down loss to Phoenix Campbell (VIC), a 1-up win over Kyle Hater (SA),

5&4 loss to Harry Takis (QLD), a 4&2 win over Joseph Bower (TAS) and a tie with Josiah Edwards (WA).

Coby Carruthers in action at the 2024 Australian Interstate Team Matches. Photos courtesy of David Tease (Golf NSW)

OAK Plus gallery: Panthers v Bulldogs last week

The best snaps as the Panthers reunited with old friends for the Round 10 showdown at BlueBet Stadium.

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