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Decision time It’s time to cast your vote on May 21 and decide who will represent us as the Member for Lindsay and ultimately who will govern the country. Pictured are the two front runners: Labor’s Trevor Ross and Liberal’s Melissa McIntosh

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enrith City Council “Join me in support of is urging community National Road Safety Week and members to take care on help make our roads safer for our roads and take the pledge all road users. Always drive so to ‘drive so others survive’ in others survive.” recognition of National Road “Drivers are reminded to Safety Week (15-22 May). slow down and give emergency National Road Safety Week vehicles and road workers space is an annual initiative from when passing. Drive at or under the Safer Australian Roads the speed limit, never drive and Highways (SARAH) while distracted, tired or under Group, partnering road safety the influence of drugs or alcohol, organisations and Government. and remember to always look The week aims to highlight out for vulnerable road users.” the impact of road trauma Take the pledge to drive so and ways to reduce it, as each others survive. Remember: It’s year around 1200 people are everyone’s right to get home killed on Australian roads, safe. with another 44,000 seriously To find out more and injured in accidents. take the pledge online, visit Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen takes the pledge to drive so others survive.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen roadsafetyweek.com.au said National Road Safety For National Road Safety Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in Week, Council is partnering with Transurban and keeping ourselves and our communities safe on the Kidsafe to host a free child seat safety checking day. road.

Residents living in the Penrith LGA are “People often get complacent when they drive as encouraged to book in for this event, which will it’s part of their everyday routine and that is how be held outside the Civic Centre (601 High Street, accidents happen,” Cr Hitchen said.

Penrith) on Saturday 21 May between 8:30am “According to crash data obtained by Transport and 12.30pm. Professional fitters will install and for NSW, over a five-year period (2016 – 2020) inspect baby capsules and booster seats for free. there were 28 people killed and a further 2,351 Bookings are essential. injured in crashes in the Penrith LGA - Behind the To book your free child seat safety check, call statistics are real people with families, friends, and Council on 4732 7777 or email council@penrith. workmates. city

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Take the pledge for driver safety

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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95B Station St, Penrith Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Editor: Photographer: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Greg Yanda 0425 232 043 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn.

Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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here’s a hole in your budget, dear Labor, dear Labor... annoying jingle yes - but what a masterstroke from the Liberal Party to play a tune that was so irritating yet so catchy that the message swirled around and around and around in all our heads throughout the campaign. Genius.

Here we are with just one sleep to go.

The LNP are hoping that you’ll think about the hurdles thrown at us over the last few years and come to the decision that our self-proclaimed ‘bulldozer’ of a Prime Minister did a good job considering the circumstances. They want voters to still see them as the stronger economic managers despite the massive deficit and the fact that we won’t be singing ACDC’s Back in Black any time soon.

Labor is hoping voters are geared up for a change of government. Much of their advertising focus has been in telling voters that Morrison makes too many mistakes. They’ll be hoping that voters haven’t noticed that Albo managed to chalk up his own share of mistakes in the campaign.

The polls keep predicting an easy Labor win, personally I still think its a close race.

Like any election, you’ve basically got your Labor and Liberal rusted-on voters - they’ll vote for their respective leaders no matter what they do or don’t do. Then you’ve got the pool of undecideds and those who will vote for neither and park their vote with the minors.

The undecideds will be looking at whether Scomo’s track record has put us in good stead or if it warrants him being tossed. They’ll look at Albo’s performance thus far and weigh up whether gaffes and blank moments on the unemployment rate, cash rate, six point NDIS policy and closed national borders are reasonable mistakes to make or do they represent a Prime Minister on pretty wobbly training wheels.

Some will think it’s okay to not know everything on call and vote for change anyway.

Some will fear that there’s no room for a leader to go blank when he’s steering us out of a financial nightmare and overseeing a trillion dollar economy, or dealing with an increasingly aggressive China.

And some will vote for the minors in hope of a hung parliament.

However things look to you, relish the fact that we live in a democracy and nobody can tell you how you have to vote. The decision is yours and yours alone.

Cherish it.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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re-elected M o r r i s o n Government will provide an additional $400,000 for preservation and regeneration efforts across the Cumberland Conservation Corridor.

Liberal Member for Lindsay, Melissa Mcintosh, said the Corridor was a key environmental asset for Western Sydney and this funding would further protect and enhance Australia’s unique flora and fauna.

This funding builds on the local projects the Morrison Government has delivered to benefit the Corridor and better our local natural environment through the Environment Restoration Fund,” Ms Lindsay said.

“We have also delivered funding for Cumberland Land Conservancy, led by Wayne Olling, for two regeneration projects for endangered species in Agnes Banks and a natural wildlife project in Llandilo.

“The Conservancy team continue to do an incredible job protecting our local environment and I am thrilled to support their on-going work.”

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President of the Cumberland Conservation Corridor, Wayne Olling, said he is very appreciative of the further commitment by Mrs McIntosh to the Corridor.

“Melissa has caught the vision of further natural flora and fauna conservation we have pursued for many years,” said Mr Olling.

“We are extremely appreciative of her efforts in fighting for further funding to continue our vital local restoration work in the community.”

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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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Cumberland conservation corridor commitment

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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local news

Unlocking more career opportunities

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ocal people are being encouraged to explore opportunities to get a first job, a new job or a better job as part of National Careers Week (16-22 May).

Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said the NSW Government is funding a range of fee-free and low-fee training courses to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“We want to turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training by slashing the cost of courses and helping people get skilled for jobs,” Tanya Davies said.

“The NSW Government’s record infrastructure investment is creating jobs and driving demand for skilled workers in everything from traditional trades to new and emerging industries.

“There are so many incredible opportunities in NSW and National Careers Week is the perfect time for people to explore what’s out there.”

Tanya Davies had the pleasure to meet Kristie Vella, a newly graduated carpentry apprentice.

Kristie has excelled in her workplace that she has been promoted to foreman.

“I was given the opportunity to complete Certificate II courses in carpentry and

mechanics whilst at school,” Kristie Vella said.

“When I enrolled in TAFE to become a carpenter, I had already completed the first two years during school, which meant I was closer to being a fully qualified carpenter.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is also offering free career guidance, information and advice through Careers NSW. “Careers NSW is a whole-of-life, one-stopshop for everyone in the state to help people unlock their potential by empowering them to make informed decisions about their career path,” Mr Henskens said.

“There has never been a better time to explore your future and Careers NSW can provide information on everything from traditional trades to new and emerging industries.”

People are also encouraged to visit the Skills NSW website and explore short courses and training opportunities available to help people up-skill or re-skill.

The website also allows people to explore industries and potential job opportunities, and find out the skills and training they need for employment.

Traffic changes on M4 Motorway Westbound off-ramp Road users are advised that changed traffic conditions are required to undertake drainage and pavement work across the M4 westbound offramp.

A full ramp closure on M4 Motorway westbound off- ramp will take place between 8pm Friday 20 May and 7am Saturday 21 May 2022,

weather permitting. Should the work not take place on these dates we will conduct this work on the following weekend of Friday 27 May to Saturday 28 May 2022, weather permitting.

Temporary lane closures will be required during the work on the M4 Motorway and M4 Motorway

Westbound off-ramp between Monday 23 May to Friday 1 July 2022, weather permitting. VMS signage will advise motorists of any changes.

The speed limit will be reduced to 40km/hr around the proposed work area.

Road users are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the

directions of signs and traffic control.

A detour will be in place requiring road users to utilise the Mamre Road westbound exit.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Changed traffic conditions on the Great Western Highway at Minchinbury Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on the Great Western Highway at Minchinbury for road safety improvement work.

A guard rail will be installed along the westbound section between

Rupertswood Road and Minchin Drive between Monday 23 May and Monday 27 June.

Work will be carried out over a total of eight shifts from 8pm to 5am, with work taking place Sunday to Thursday.

No work will be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

Temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits will be in place for the safety of road users.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions

of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Clearing the decks for post-pandemic success The NSW Government is creating additional time for students to get back on track after two and a half years of pandemic disruption.

The Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell announced that the state’s public school principals and teachers will have a raft of requirements taken off their plate so they can focus on students’ attendance, literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing.

“Hopefully the immediate impacts of COVID are behind us with isolation requirements for household contacts removed. Now is the time to clear the decks for schools so they can focus on addressing students’

longer term educational impacts,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Principals and teachers have asked me to make sure our schools have the time and space to assess where their students are at following the pandemic, and that the department is delivering the right supports.

“For example, schools will now have more time to reengage student attendance which has been directly impacted by the pandemic, with only 12 per cent of schools currently on track to achieve their ambitious attendance targets.”

A number of measures will be implemented to support this, including:

• Strategic Improvement Plans and targets (excluding NAPLAN top two bands targets) will be extended to 2023, to ensure schools can fully benefit from support initiatives under the School Success Model and the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program.

• External validation, which requires schools to provide evidence of improvement to external assessors, will be deferred until 2023.

• Decreasing the number of surveys circulated to schools by leveraging alternate data sources where possible.

The NSW Education Standards Authority will also credit teachers with five hours of professional

development towards their accreditation requirements in recognition of the continued, often informal, learning teachers have undertaken during the pandemic.

“My visits to schools and discussion with principals and teachers have highlighted the need to give schools the time to get back on track,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Through the School Success Model more than 1,000 schools and 500,000 students are already receiving targeted support to improve literacy and numeracy results.

“Working together, we can ensure that 2022 is a year of growth and achievement for our students.”

local news

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, state Member Tanya Davies at the St Clair Men’s Shed. Photos supplied

By Noel Rowsell

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he NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and local state member and Men’s Shed Patron Tanya Davies visited the St Clair Men’s Shed on Thursday 5th May, to celebrate the welcome news the shed had received a CBP Grant from the NSW Government.

Mr Perrottet showed a keen interest in the various equipment, current projects, the number of members and support the shed

receives from donors.

He spent considerable time talking to the gardeners and looking over the garden beds, before joining the gathered members on the paved area beside the shed, where several photographs were taken with the group.

The Premier was enthusiastic about the experience, describing St Clair as ‘the best Men’s Shed I have visited’.

The Shed committee extended their thanks for all of the members who came in on their normal off day to welcome the Premier and Ms Davies.

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

A visit by the Premier to the St Clair Men’s Shed

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local news

onstruction on the upgrade at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is progressing well with roofing complete and the internal fit-out underway.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres visited the school to see the construction first hand.

The upgrade will transform the existing school by delivering a new multi-purpose hall that can be used for indoor sports, assemblies or performances and includes sports and equipment storage rooms and toilets.

Stuart Ayres said he was pleased to be able to visit Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School and see the advances being made on the project.

“It’s an exciting project for our local area and I’m so glad to be able to visit. The upgrade at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School will ensure that local students will benefit from the latest in school design,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering for Western Sydney and this is a prime example of one of the many school projects that our students will benefit from.”

Ms Mitchell said she was thrilled to see so much progress on the upgrade, which will benefit the whole school community.

“I’m delighted to see the project taking shape, and I share the school community’s excitement about this new multi-purpose hall.”

“The NSW Government continues to deliver for students and families in this area. Western Sydney

alone is seeing an additional $2 billion investment in new works over four years, building on our historic investment in new and upgraded schools.”

The project, which is expected to be complete

in 2022, is on track with roofing and wall and ceiling linings now complete. Next steps include installation of windows and louvres, finishing wall cladding, painting and tiling.

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

School upgrade moving ahead C

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Penrith schools shining and renewed

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he NSW Government is continuing to improve our schools and classrooms through the LED Lighting Upgrade Program and the Metro Renewal Program.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said it is great to see local schools benefiting from the NSW Government’s historic investment in public education infrastructure and supporting jobs in our local area.

The $157.8 million LED program was launched as a stimulus response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is replacing fluorescent lights in NSW primary and high schools with LED lights.

Local schools with completed upgrades include Jamisontown Public School, Leonay Public School, Penrith High School, Samuel Terry Public School and York Public School with Cambridge Gardens Public School soon to be underway.

“This program has been able to target small to medium sized contractors to install the lights which is great for local jobs and our local economy.

“The Metro Renewal Program has seen upgrades completed at Cranebrook High School and Kingswood High school while a carpark upgrade at Emu Plains Public School is currently in progress.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Metro Renewal Program is driven by what school communities want and includes work such as upgrades to school playgrounds, sport courts and libraries.

“I’m thrilled that metro projects are being delivered for our school communities,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This $120 million investment from government, combined with contributions from local school communities, is delivering for metro schools providing students with engaging and modern learning spaces.”

The program is supporting more than 1,300 jobs across metro Sydney, and wherever possible, local contractors and suppliers have been engaged

ensuring the positive impacts of this stimulus are felt as far and wide as possible.

The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

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estern Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) in a move to formalise and strengthen international space observation research partnerships and collaborations.

The MoU will facilitate the sharing of research data and analytics, and the co-location of vital space observation technology and neuromorphic sensors to complement new and existing international space observatory infrastructure for research and commercial purposes.

Focusing on Space Situational Awareness, the University’s Astrosite mobile space observatory will be utilised for joint space observational campaigns at sites within Australia in the Southern hemisphere, and potentially co-located in future European sites in the Northern hemisphere.

Associate Professor Gregory Cohen, Deputy Director and Program Lead for Space Applications at ICNS says the collaboration and sharing of data between the two institutions brings

Associate Professor Gregory Cohen, Deputy Director and program lead of Space Applications at Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems with the Astrosite mobile space observatory. Photo: Sally Tsoutas, Western Sydney University

exciting new potential for research and development of advanced Space Situational Awareness capabilities.

“We are very excited to be working with Swedish Space Corporation who are an active and important member of the European Space community. Our

new partnership will allow our team to further our reach internationally and introduce our technology and solutions to the global space community,” said Associate Professor Cohen.

“Synching up multiple Astrosite observatories in the Southern

hemisphere, and possibly the Northern hemisphere in the near future, will allow us to gather more data than ever before that will be mutually beneficial to the global space sector,” he said.

Jacob Ask, Space Situational Awareness Program Architect at Swedish Space Corporation says as part of a new Space Situational Awareness program, the SSC are developing a modern surveillance and tracking capability in Western Australia that will link and share data with Australian and potential future European sites as outlined in the MoU. “This is an exciting development both for us as a company and for our future collaborations in Australia. SSC will engage heavily in joint observation campaigns with Western Sydney University and our other partners, including data fusion, data sharing and other activities,” said Mr Ask. The agreement will be in effect until 31 December 2023, with both parties seeking to jointly apply for funding support from their respective national space agencies, as well as the European Space Agency to develop and run projects of interest to the international space community as part of international outreach.

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Western Sydney University in Space

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Important step forward for new women’s refuges

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omen and children escaping domestic and family violence in Penrith will soon receive greater support with expressions of interest for the first of round of funding for new women’s refuges.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith encouraged local organisations to apply for NSW Government funding to deliver new women’s refuges across NSW. “The NSW Government is prioritising supporting victim-survivors of Domestic Violence across NSW and this funding is being made available to deliver refuges to support women and children leaving violence,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The roll out of these new women’s refuges is the first step in helping victim-survivors start their new life.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention

of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the NSW Government’s $426 million commitment over four years to establish new refuges is the single largest investment in the state’s history to address domestic abuse.

“No one should live their life in fear, but all too often women stay in violent relationships because they feel they have nowhere to go,” Mrs Ward said.

“Our record investment shows we are sending a strong message that enough is enough. Women who make the courageous decision to leave an abusive partner can feel secure knowing they will have a safe haven to go to where they can begin rebuilding their lives.

Self-contained accommodation is located alongside services including counselling, legal assistance, and education and employment support.

The sites may also feature meeting rooms, audiovisual equipment for court appearances, communal kitchens, and playgrounds.

Next week, Minister Ward will host a roundtable with domestic violence advocacy groups, specialist homelessness services and peak bodies to discuss the roll out.

Expressions of interest will also open shortly to apply for the first round of funding and interested parties should monitor the NSW e-tendering site for the latest information: www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/ For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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andcare and environmental groups across Penrith have the opportunity to receive funding to restore riverbanks that have been damaged by recent natural disasters, thanks to a new NSW Government support program.

The $3 million Landcare Riparian Restoration Grant program will provide funding of up to $50,000 for groups to carry out on-ground projects such as riverbank and stream restoration, on-farm erosion works and tree planting.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said the program will not only fund grassroots projects but will also provide an immediate boost to the local economy.

“Waterways and riparian zones across the state have suffered cumulative damage from recent natural disasters and seasonal conditions, such as drought, bushfires and floods,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We have certainly seen some of these impacts across the electorate, but this program will help restore and future-proof those damaged riparian zones, ensuring riverbanks

and the wider ecosystems are healthy.

“Even better, with groups engaging local contractors to help carry out the works, the grants will provide direct cash injection for local businesses.

“This is another great initiative from the NSW Government, and I encourage Landcare and environmental groups across the region to apply.”

Local Land Services will work with Landcare groups to administer the grants and will support them to deliver the on-ground works.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available per incorporated Landcare or natural resource management group. Joint submissions between multiple groups will also be considered up to a total value of $200,000.

Applications will close on Friday, 3 June at 5pm. For more information and to apply, visit www.lls.nsw.gov. au/landcare-grants The Landcare Riparian Restoration Grant program is funded through the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package.

Have your say! Nominate a western Sydney volunteer!

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elebrate our state’s most outstanding volunteers with nominations for the 2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards now open.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha MaclarenJones said the awards are an important way to thank volunteers for their invaluable contribution to our state.

“The important work volunteers do may often go unnoticed but these awards are just one way we can say thank you for their hard work.

The awards, now in their 16th year, are run by the Centre for Volunteering.

The Centre’s CEO Gemma Rygate says the awards are a way to thank, recognise and celebrate the efforts of the state’s four million volunteers.

“It’s National Volunteer Week, so there’s no better time to say thank you to people who give their time to make their communities stronger right across NSW,” Ms Rygate said.

Volunteers can be nominated for one of eight categories including: • Young Volunteer of the Year • Adult Volunteer of the Year • Senior Volunteer of the Year • Volunteer Team of the Year • Club Volunteer of the Year • Employee Volunteer of the Year • Volunteer Leader of the Year • Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance Award.

Nominations close on 17 June 2020 at 5pm.

For more information, visit w w w. v o l u n t e e r i n g . c o m . a u / volunteer-awards/

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Applications now open for Riverbank Restoration Grants

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local news

New Nepean Hospital Clinical Tower opens to the public

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he future of health care has arrived at Nepean Hospital as hundreds of patients and staff move into a brand new 14 storey tower.

Over six years in the making, the 21st century hospital has been designed with and for the patients and staff.

“This a bold initiative that not only delivers a modern health care facility for local residents but is a beacon for clinical training and international research which will benefit generations to come,” says Brett Williams, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Hospital Services and Nepean Hospital General Manager.

The new hospital clinical tower,

Building A, is opening in stages with the first patients and staff moving early last week.

One of the first patients to move into the new building is Ralph, who is quite familiar with the old Nepean Hospital. Ralph says his bright and light new hospital room on the 11th floor is uplifting.

“It’s very nice and a lot different from the old place. It’s got a beautiful view and I can wave to my wife from here,” Ralph quipped.

Indeed patient rooms all have floor to ceiling windows to take advantage of views across the Blue Mountains and Nepean Valley.

Commissioning Manager for the new Nepean Hospital, Zena Wilson, says it’s been a marathon effort from

all staff to make the building ready to deliver clinical care but the rewards are priceless.

“The wards are beautiful. Patients and families are saying it’s like a five star hotel. It’s so important our patients and their families feel comfortable and welcome in our Hospital while we’re delivering world class care,” says Zena, who is also a very experienced senior nurse and midwife.

“The same appreciation is shared by our staff who are really enjoying being able to work in such a wonderful environment with such great views.”

“We’ve done extensive planning and preparation including staff training in the new building to ensure services continue while we make the move.

We really appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we settle into our new home.

The new building is the first stage of a once in a generation redevelopment of Nepean Hospital which is truly revolutionising health care.

Nepean Hospital Building A includes: • 18 new birthing suites – 14 include water baths • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • More than 16 operating theatres • Additional beds in contemporary and bright inpatient units • An expanded Emergency Department (opening late 2022) • A roof-top helipad Construction on Stage Two is set to get underway later this year.

Applications sought for 2022 Community Building Partnership Program

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tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith announced applications are now open for the 2022 Community Building Partnership program for community infrastructure projects across NSW. Stuart Ayres said $400,000 is available for projects in Penrith and I urge not-for-profit groups and local councils to apply for the funds they need to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

“Local sports clubs, school P&Cs, community groups and museums are just some of the groups that benefit from this program,” Stuart Ayres said.

“If your organisation or club needs extra funding for infrastructure, such as playgrounds, accessible features, equipment or refurbishment, then I’d strongly encourage you to apply.”

“Take the time to prepare and submit your application so your community group doesn’t miss out on a share of $400,000.”

Recipients under last year’s program included: • Kingswood Public School P & C – covered outdoor learning area and softfall • Corpus Christi Primary School - classroom refurbishments • Penrith Public School P & C – shade cover • WestCare Community Services – vehicle upgrade • Penrith Women’s Health Centre – Safer families vehicle • Emu Plains Sporting and Recreation Club – river pump • Nepean Baptist Church – children’s playground • Mission Australia Housing – outdoor covering

• Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation – all abilities sensory activity centre • Anglican Church Diocese – children’s outdoor play area • Penrith City Council – Illawong Reserve playground upgrade “This program means that you can support your community group to improve the places you meet, train or play,” Stuart Ayres said.

Applications are open from Monday 16 May and close at 5pm, Friday 10 June 2022. Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

For more information about the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cbp

300,000 bundles delivered to new parents Parents of more than 300,000 babies born across NSW over the past three years have benefitted from a package of essential items, given to them on the birth of their child.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the milestone while visiting Westmead Hospital’s Maternity Unit, where they presented Baby Bundles to new parents on Mother’s Day. Since the Baby Bundle initiative began in January 2019, more than 300,000 have been provided to families in public and maternity private

hospitals across NSW, or directly to homes for NSW babies born at home or interstate.

“For the past three years, every baby born in NSW has been eligible to receive a Baby Bundle,” said Mr Perrottet.

“It is our way of ensuring parents and caregivers have products and information to support their baby’s health, development and wellbeing.”

Valued at an estimated $300, each Baby Bundle includes a sleeping bag, play and change mats, muslin wrap, bath thermometer, baby toothbrush,

breast pads, first aid kit, Australian children’s books, wash cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitiser and barrier cream, along with a selection of NSW Health printed resources that complement the Blue Book.

“Baby Bundles help to support a healthy lifestyle and all-important parent-child attachment,” said Mr Hazzard.

“Products have been selected to support optimal child development and positive parenting, to help parents give their babies the very best start in life.”

All Baby Bundle suppliers are Australian-owned small to medium enterprises and all products meet Australian product safety standards. It is packed and distributed by Sydneybased social enterprise Civic Disability Services.

The Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government’s $157 million parenting package, including more midwives and child and family health nurses, investment in testing and treatments for children’s diseases, and practical and emotional support to parents.

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

18

local news Hull footy fans still idolise the man who ran five marathons in five days

R

oyce Simmons is not new to marathon fund-raising efforts on the road. His first, however, thousands of kilometres away and two decades ago, was a whole lot different to the 300km walk for dementia he will undergo on familiar home territory in May this year.

And the extraordinary experience has never been forgotten in England where several of his former players from his Hull FC team of the early 1990s will ride from Hull to St Helens, the other town where Simmons coached, to raise funds for dementia just a week before Royce embarks on his epic 11-day fund-raising trek.

The Panthers legend had just broken his teeth on coaching at Hull during the 1992-93 season, at age 32 and just months after his playing career ended in grand final glory. He’d succeeded his 1986 Kangaroo tourmate Noel Cleal who took the ‘Airlie Birds’ to a premiership final win the previous season but with an ageing roster at a cash-strapped club. Cleal, who a season later elected to return to Australia, had taken over from Brian Smith who had been seen as somewhat of a saviour on Humberside during his three seasons there.

Hull were far from the super-power they were in the 1980s, although they had won the premiership final against the mighty Widnes in 199091 before dropping to 12th on the ladder. ‘Simmo’ had quickly gained respect after his first season as a head coach but was bemusing the financial restraints he was operating under during discussion with a sponsor one evening.

“I was talking to a sponsor and was saying I was so wrapped up in coaching that I hadn’t been doing enough training. He agreed that it looked like I’d been eating too many pork pies and drinking too many pints,” Simmons recalled last week.

“In the same conversation he asked how I was going to improve the side and I said it was a bit tough getting in new players of quality because we didn’t have the money.

“He then said, ‘How about you run that marathon and I’ll give you £1000 and will try to get other sponsors aboard’. I said, ‘Mate, if you want to big note yourself how about £5000 to make it worthwhile and I’ll run five of them’. Straight away he’s gone, ‘done’.”

And so it was. In the English summer in between seasons (their competition ran from August-April until Super League began in 1996), Royce Simmons ran 210km over five successive days in what is believed to be the only such effort by a rugby league head coach in history – gaining sponsors of an athletic feat to fund player signings.

More sponsors did get involved and the ‘punters’ of Humberside came out in their hundreds and would wave on their coach and throw coins into collection buckets along the way.

The outcome? Around £30,000 was raised and a newcomer to the black and whites’ squad in 1993-94 was none other than current Manly coach Des Hasler who played 23 games (and scored 10 tries) in his only season in England before returning to Brookvale where he played in successive grand finals for the Sea Eagles in 1995-96.

Unfortunately, Hull – who had Great Britain hooker Lee Jackson as their only international and a young Steve McNamara (current Catalans coach) as skipper - missed the finals by just one competition point. They were keen for Simmons to sign-on for another two seasons – and he was keen to stay.

However, news came through from Penrith that his restaurant business was not performing well without his presence and he reluctantly headed home after two seasons at the helm.

Just over a year after his return, Royce was thrown into a controversial start to his Australian coaching career when Phil Gould departed Penrith five rounds before the end of the 1994 season to take up the role with Sydney Roosters and Simmons was rushed in as caretaker coach.

He did enough to secure the job full-time and stayed for the next seven seasons. Meanwhile, Kiwi Tony Gordon replaced him at Hull but they were relegated a year later and spent three seasons out of the main competition before another Australian,

Phil Sigsworth, led them into Super League in 1998. After working as assistant coach to Tim Sheens at Wests Tigers, Royce returned to England in 2011 for a season at the helm of St Helens.

And they certainly have not forgotten him in either league-mad town.

The Hull FC ex-players association has arranged a cycle ride between the two stadiums to raise funds for dementia after hearing of the plight of Simmons and his upcoming fundraising campaign, and some other former Hull players with dementia, prompted them to spring into action.

They set off on Thursday, May 12 – five days before Simmons departs his hometown Gooloogong en route to Bluebet Stadium at Penrith – and ride more than 160kms along the Trans Pennine Trail to Merseyside in time to attend the Super League clash between Hull and St Helens next day.

The challenge will take place just a couple of days before Dementia Awareness Week gets underway on May 15 and the money raised will be shared among local charities and groups who work alongside those suffering from dementia.

Among the former Hull players taking part will be Jon Aston, Dean Busby, Matt Schultz, Richard Fletcher, Craig O’Donnell, Steve Crooks and Keith Tindall, some of whom played under Simmons during their time at

The Boulevard.

Aston was offered his first professional deal by Simmons and he has been in touch with his former coach to let him know about the ride.

“My friend Kevin Gray, who is one of the participants, signed for Hull from school and I went along to play in the academy with the hope of getting signed up,” Aston told Hull Live. “Within a couple of months, Royce had identified that I could be one for the future and he offered me a professional contract.

“So for me recognising his plight is something I can do. He does know that we’re doing it and he’s incredibly grateful and touched. He’s on the other side of the world but we still hold him in such high regard.

“Hopefully the profile of these guys can help to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia and raise more money so we can contribute to local causes and put money back into the local community.”

The Hull old boys have released a special jersey to commemorate their bike ride, with a special No. 9 version to honour Royce Simmons. To buy one, click on - Hull FC Ex Players Association Tee - Royce Special – LammySports For more information about Royce’s Big Walk and how to donate to Dementia Australia, go to www.roycesbigwalk.com.au

local news

M

ember for Londonderry, Prue Car MP welcomes the opening of applications for the 2022 Community Building Partnership program, unlocking $37.2 million for community infrastructure projects across NSW. $400,000 is available for projects in each NSW electorate.

Not-for-profit groups are urged to apply for funds to deliver local infrastructure projects that will improve community amenities and facilities.

Member for Londonderry Prue Car said: “Local sports clubs, charities and school P&Cs are just some of the groups that can apply for these grants.”

“If your P&C or group needs funding for infrastructure, such as playgrounds or refurbished facilities, then I’d strongly encourage you to apply.”

“The new netball facilities at Boronia Park are just one of the great projects I have been proud to support through these grants.”

Applications are open from Monday 16 May and close at 5pm on Friday 10 June 2022.

Applicants can review the program

guidelines online to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

For more information about the

NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program, you can visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cbp

This week in

pictures

Labor Candidate Trevor Ross with Ed Husic, Chris Bowen and Edwin Mifsud at Pre poll

Rebekah Ray IMOP Candidate at pre poll

Melissa McIntosh at pre poll

Golden girl Jessica Fox received the Order of Australia Medal from the Governor of NSW in a lovely ceremony at Government House. Here she is with her proud parents.

COFFEE with the COPS - The wet weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the community who came out to the Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre in Cranebrook last week for a few yarns over a coffee thanks to Hayley from Little Bird Kombi Cafe

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

2022 Community Building Partnership Program now open

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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local COLUMNIST

S

The G Spot

o, am I correct in thinking that the Pandemic is actually over?

Or is it half over, mildly over or somewhere in between - because can I tell you I am a tad confused right now.

Let’s all sit together, but then isolate for 7 days because someone has Covid, but then let’s all sit together? I reckon there’s more clarity in a chocolate wheel at Rivo Bowling Club doing the chook raffles and calling the bingo numbers. (Legs 11, going to heaven) As you, my avid readers and loyal followers know, I have written about the beloved bonehead for as long as I can remember – about 9 years in fact.

Studied them under a fine microscope and basically not found much happening in the grey matter areas.

To be honest, my column, The G Spot was formulated and born, because I was walking down the street one day (sorta little like the John Travolta strut in Saturday Night Fever) and I was bonehead spotting.

There’s a bonehead and theeeeeeere’s a bonehead, oh look another one (it was like a birthday bonanza) and they just kept coming from everywhere, shops, the plaza, the pub, walking

amongst us like they are one of us and belonged with us.

I am not sure if it is my unique and precise security and investigation training that has allowed me to spot a bonehead from a mile away, but the hairs on my neck and legs and other regions (when I haven’t shaved in winter) stand up and there you have it, a positive bonehead spot. The hair follicles never lie.

I often think about the RAT tests that we were all falling over ourselves to get months ago. Now they’re on the clearance shelf for 2 bucks and a free power aid drink with every two packs sold. Could the RATS have an extra colour called “The bonehead detector”. Imagine that, having to ring the boss to state that they have tested positive for being a bonehead and the boss says “no sh%t you don’t need a test for that, ya dipsh%t “and hangs up.

Now folks, trust me, it doesn’t take much to be a bonehead and anyone, anywhere can be one. It’s pretty simple, just be a total tool and make people dry-reach in their mouths. Oh and don’t bother with the chest beat, as you have done everything on planet.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

If someone is a motor mechanic a bonehead will better it and say they lifted the car up with their bare hands and didn’t need a jack, that type of bonehead. (gettn the picture?)

The female version is called the boneheadette (if such a word) but, it’s my column I can write whatever the hell I want. The female version, the boneheadette thinks floss is a new form of G sting, and I am sincerely sorry for that picture and yes you have permission to burn your eyes out with a hot fork to remove the vision, just sayn.

The next true talent that I actually have, is that boneheads seem to be very attracted to me and feel the need to speak to me. For example now that we are free and there is no pandemic, oh but wait is there? Anyway, getting back to the story, they seem to want and feel the need to unleash and the most awarding thing is that, not only do they look a bonehead, the dribble that comes from their mouths confirms it as well ( hashtag winning).

However, I have some really exciting things that I stumbled across whilst reading a productivity planning

book, this is like a world first folks, they referred to people in the book as “ego depletions”. Yep, you read that right, EGO frggin depletions, basically really successful people are ego depleted, which basically means to me, a bonehead in a suit, dribbling the same crap.

So, you are probably wondering what all this has to do with security, but alas my beloved loyalists, It does, because now that the pandemic is over, or is it? Events and festivals are now opening up and kick starting again, and what comes with the territory? The bonehead attraction, its like a magnet, or your tongue sticking to metal when it’s really cold and pulling it off very quickly and losing a few 1000 taste buds (not that I have ever done that of course) but it’s the enviable fate of such things.

So there you have it, I could almost be called the 007 of the bonehead spotting world, and please do not stick your tongue in the freezer and lick the side walls so your tongue sticks and your parents have to defrost the fridge to rescue you (not that I ever did that of course).

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Toxic bouquets of fragrant flowers

M

any of us sent beautiful floral bouquets to Mum on Mother’s Day. We did this because nothing on the planet says ‘I love you Mum’ like a beautiful bouquet of fragrant flowers!

But next time when sending flowers to pet mums, think about what flowers to add, or omit from the bouquet. There are plants that are toxic to both cats and dogs and since our pets often like to chew on inedible objects, especially new additions to their environment, it often makes buying greenery difficult. Some popular flower choices can be extremely dangerous to cats and dogs if swallowed, even in small amounts.

Different flower varieties all have different effects on pets; however, it is important to be aware of the common symptoms to look out for. These may include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, lethargy, and weakness, loss of appetite, seizures, muscle tremors and bleeding due to abrasions from ingesting thorns. It is advised to keep any flowers out of reach from curious pets, on a high shelf or separate room that they cannot access.

Some of the most common plants toxic to our furry friends include: Flowers: Lilies, tulips, daffodils, amaryllis, cyclamen and autumn crocus are just some of the popular bouquets bought flowers which are toxic to

pets. Lilies in particular pose a significant risk to cats as even a small ingestion can result in acute kidney failure. Signs of lily ingestion include vomiting, weakness, disorientation and seizures. Lily ingestion is an emergency situation and your cat should be seen immediately by a vet. The greenery used in bunches of flowers, such as asparagus fern, can also irritate your pet’s bellies.

Succulents: These make lovely indoor plants but the leaves of succulents such as mother-in-law’s tongue, aloe vera, string of pearl, jade plant, and certain cacti can be toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in intestinal upset. Vomiting, diarrhoea and pain are common symptoms. In severe cases, where a large quantity is ingested, you may see tremors and seizures, dilated pupils and abnormal heart rate.

Indoor plants: Some of the lovely indoor plants that can cause gut irritation include the fiddle-leaf fig, dieffenbachia, philodendrons and Chinese evergreen. Your pet may drool, appear in pain, have difficulty breathing, and have swelling of its face or vomiting.

Sago palm (cycads): This common backyard palm tree is extremely toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing liver failure and sadly death. Look out for vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in faeces, seizures or collapse.

Restricting your pet’s access to plants and flowers indoors is important and will ensure peace of mind when it comes to them sneaking a leaf or two. We also recommend doing a check of your backyard and identifying the plant species your pet has access to.

To keep your pets safe from any health incidents, consider the following safe flowers in your next gift: • Sunflowers, • Roses with no thorns, • Waxflower, • Freesias • Snapdragons.

If you suspect your pet has eaten a plant or flower, we advise checking with your vet immediately to see if they require monitoring or treatment. For more information please contact Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

A

stand-up comedy season in the Q Theatre featuring six comics in quick succession over a side-splitting 70-minutes. This May, your host Frida Deguise will be bringing a cracking line-up on stage!

Starring Dane Hiser, Joch Díaz, Concetta Caristo, Jake Howie and Thomas Orr. Scroll down to read more about them.

ABOUT THE COMEDIANS Dane Hiser is an award-winning comedian and a regular at comedy rooms across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. He has performed at the Sydney Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival. Known for his unique twist on self-deprecating humour, he has been praised by some of Australia’s top comics, including Fiona O’Loughlin, Tommy Dean, Cam Knight, Mikey Robins, Sam Bowring, Dave Williams and Peter Helliar. He recently starred in Episode 1 of Matt Okine’s comedy series The Other Guy on Stan.

Joch Díaz is just getting started even after 10 years in the comedy scene. Catch Joch on stage as he brings you his unique brand of comedy, Still Untested Powers. Come

along as he explores the wonders that often hide in the unexamined corners of life. He will untangle the content of his adult life with a highly energetic performing style and a voice that is unique, poignant, and uncompromising.

Concetta Caristo will bring her magnetic personality, boundless energy and razor sharp jokes to the stage. She was handpicked by the

Sydney Comedy Festival to host the prestigious 2021 Break Out Comedy showcase, and has performed at the Enmore Theatre, The Comedy Store and the Gold Coast Laughs Festival Gala. Most recently, she was seen on Wil Anderson’s new ABC show Question Everything, SBS’ Celebrity Letters and Numbers, and Channel Seven’s Australia Now and Then.

Jake Howie is one of Sydney’s

rising comedy stars who got his start in the vibrant London comedy scene. Performing regularly at some of the world’s best clubs, including Top Secret Comedy Club, Brighton Komedia and Glee Club Birmingham, Jake has also won the Reading Comedy Festival New Act of the Year in 2015 and placed as a finalist in the prestigious NATYS New Variety Lives Awards in 2018.

Thomas Orr is a Sydney based comedian who has been a crowd favourite for years, he has gigged around the country and has performed at the Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He is also a regular host of The Running Joke’s new material night.

TICKET PRICES Standard $35 Concession $30 Under 30s $25 PAL Member $25 DATES & TIMES Friday 20 May 7.30pm VENUE Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street, Penrith

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Comedy at The Joan

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ENTERTAINMENT

I

have no idea who she is, where she came from, or how she got in. I certainly did not invite her. All I know is that one day she wasn’t there, and the next day she was.

She is a clever old lady and manages to keep out of sight for the most part, but whenever I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of her. And, whenever I look in the mirror to check my appearance, there she is hogging the whole thing, completely obliterating my gorgeous face and body. This is very rude! I have tried screaming at her, but she just screams back.

The least she could do is offer to pay part of the bills, but no. Every once in a while, I find a $5 bill stuck in a coat pocket or some loose change under a sofa cushion, but it is not nearly enough.

And I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I think she is stealing money from me. I go to the ATM and withdraw $50 and a few days later, it’s all gone! I certainly don’t spend money that fast, so I can only conclude the old lady is pilfering from me. You’d think she would spend some of that money to buy wrinkle cream. And money isn’t the only thing I think she is stealing.

Food seems to disappear at an alarming rateespecially the good stuff like ice cream, chips, and sweets. She must have a real sweet tooth, but she’d better watch because she is really packing on the pounds. I suspect she realizes this, and to make herself feel better, she is tampering with my scale to make me think I am putting on weight, too.

For an old lady, she is quite childish. She

likes to play nasty games, like going into my wardrobes when I’m not home and altering my clothes so they don’t fit. And she messes with my files and papers so I can’t find anything. This is particularly annoying since I am extremely neat and organized.

She has found other imaginative ways to annoy me. She gets into my mail, newspapers, and magazines before I do and blurs the print so I can’t read it. And she has done something really sinister to the volume controls on my TV, radio, and telephone. Now, all I hear are mumbles and whispers. She has done other things-like make my stairs steeper, my vacuum heavier and all the knob and taps harder to turn. She even made my bed higher so that getting into and out of it is a real challenge.

Lately, she has been fooling with my groceries before I put them away, applying glue to the lids, making it almost impossible for me to open the jars. She has taken the fun out of shopping for clothes. When I try something on, she stands in front of the dressing room mirror and monopolizes it. She looks totally ridiculous in some of those outfits, plus, she keeps me from seeing how great they look on me.

Just when I thought she couldn’t get any meaner, she proved me wrong. She came along when I went to get my picture taken for my driver’s license, and just as the camera shutter clicked, she jumped in front of me I hope she never finds out where you live!

Author Unknown

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

A strange old lady has moved into my house

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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NEPEAN HISTORY

May 1882

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

T

he start of May 1882 seemed to bring out the anger in some of the men in the district, all due to the ‘demon‘ drink. At Penrith Police Court seven men and boys were sentenced for ‘obscene language’ – John Johnson, George Flood aged 19, Walter Wheeler aged 17 all on Windsor Road at St Marys. William Westland in High Street, and Joseph Wade outside Upton’s Boarding House on the High Street in Penrith, John Wilson and William Andrews at Emu Plains. Next came the extraordinary defeat of would-be champions of the aquatic world, where in days gone by the boating matches were regarded as tests of strength, the strength that is measured by personal power and endurance and that the strongest man was the sure victor. But with the result of the Intercolonial Boat Race in Melbourne where a crew was said to be absurdly of “low personal power” in comparison with their opponents, in the end it was not by a trial of brute force, but a lesson of skill and experience where the “light weights” of Sydney beat the stronger men of heavier calibre from Victoria. As usual at St Mary’sSouth Creek the residents were complaining that the weather still continued very dry with no prospects of any downfall of rain, but they had some heavy frosts and if they didn’t see rain any time soon it would entirely destroy the grass crop for the winter and they were unable to feed their animals due to all the stocks being very low owing to the high price of fodder. Other problems were passengers at Mt Druitt station still waiting for a platform and being exposed to the elements for some considerable time to the cold rain, and with the area becoming a rising township they thought it was high time the Government made some provision for the travelling public. At Penrith Court a case of neglect arose when “our ever watchful and careful Sergeant Fowler” brought before the Court five young children, Thomas Burke (14), Sarah Burke (9), Margaret Burke (7), Andrew Burke (5) and Edward Burke aged only 3 years who were forwarded to the police by Mr Hammond of the Valley Railway station where the children were found in a most filthy state in a hut on Mr W Dean’s estate about two miles further on the Valley Road with some rotten beef in the hut and no bed clothes. The children said to the Sergeant that their mother had died in the Sydney Infirmary some time ago, and last month their father went to Sydney telling them that he would come back. Mrs Hammond sent food to the children for some days by the eldest boy. They were taken to the station to Mr Rae’s house. The Sergeant told the Bench that the eldest boy had obtained as much food as he could for the rest and had gone without himself and he was very emaciated and found it a difficulty to lift his little brother who fell asleep in the Court. The Bench recommended that the children be discharged and sent to the Benevolent Asylum under the care of Sergeant Fowler who asked for a warrant for the arrest of the father of the children and Sergeant Fowler brought before the Court Andrew Burke charging him with deserting his child Edward Burke at the Valley. This was the first case held in the new Penrith Court House and the prisoner the first in the new dock. His Honour Judge Dowling was the first Judge who sat in the new Court House and J J Riley was the first J.P. who sat on the Bench. J K Cleeve, Esq., was the first J.P. who tried the case and Andrew (for child desertion) was the first person tried.

John Price the Bailiff who was 25 years in the service asked his Honour

 Photo of Penrith Court House courtesy of Penrith Library

that as he was getting old could his son be allowed to assist him that was immediately granted. Two boys Charles Buckland and Henry Carruthers about 9 years were charged “with having wilfully and maliciously thrown a stone through a railway carriage window”. George T Evans the prosecutor and the superintendent for Railway’s in NSW said he knew nothing about the case himself but he had witnesses to call and saw the break-van before it was repaired. Thomas Daws a guard on the railway was in charge of No 40 up-goods-train and remembered a stone coming through the break-van windows. The stone passed through two windows and within six feet of where he was standing. Sergeant Fowler was sitting on the opposite side of the van to him when the broken glass fell about three feet above Sergeant Fowler’s head and he looked out to see where the stone came from and saw Buckland on the centre of the bridge rising up from his knees. The second boy Carruthers was on the other side of the bridge hiding behind a post. Thomas did not stop the train on account of the window being broken but he had to stop it at the crossroads (Kingswood) that was close by and Sergeant Fowler went back after the boys as soon as it stopped. It was with regret that even though many cases of a similar nature have occurred, the Department had stuck up posters in conspicuous places offering a reward for information that would lead to the conviction of offenders and the Bench would make an example of these boys as it was the first time they had been able to catch the offenders in this way. The Bench then committed the boys to trial at the next Quarter Sessions held at Parramatta in October. Bail was allowed to each at £40 and two sureties of £20 each. Also, at the police court Henry Robertson was brought before Dr Bond and Mr J K Cleeve J.P’s., charged with embezzling the sum of 15s. (shillings) money belonging to Alfred Colless and Co. The case was a lengthy one owing to the number of witnesses and the length of their evidence. The prisoner on this charge was committed to trial at the next Quarter Sessions to be held in Parramatta, bail was allowed in the amount of £25 for himself and two sureties of £25 each. The prisoner was then charged on a second count of embezzling 20s, also money belonging to his employers Alfred Colless and Co. The prisoner had made out a false account and delivered it to Edward Paskin who had an account with the firm, Henry obtained a £1 payment on the account and he gave a receipt. The money was never handed over by Henry that continued the proceedings against him. On this charge Henry was also committed for trial with bail being allowed for £25 and two sureties of £10 each. Henry was taken to Parramatta that same afternoon and when he arrived on the platform it was found earlier that another charge of passing a valueless cheque to the amount of £3 was pending against him and he was remanded for this trial also. (apologies to family members who recognise their loved ones).

Sources: Nepean Times 5 May 1882, page 3, Nepean Times 12 May 1882, page 4, Nepean Times 19 May 1882, page 4.

Nepean District Historical & Archaeological Group

By Christine Hewitt

Our group began in 1978 under the leadership of George Gyford who was lecturing at Penrith Evening College with classes in History and Archaeology.

The group started small with only 5 members but was kept very busy with its involvement with Penrith Lakes Development Corporation. PLDC helped support the group financially in return for thorough investigation of the many properties that remained along the now closed Castlereagh Road.

Over time these properties were photographed, measured, collated and archaeologically surveyed, one at a

time. These properties have now been demolished and our group holds all the records of these original homesteads along with the investigation of their owners from the original grants until their sale to the PLDC through the records at the Land Titles Office. Many descendants of local families attend our Open Days to further research their family histories.

We have an extensive collection of artefacts, maps, photos and files on the history of Penrith and Castlereagh and a huge collection of bricks from many historic properties in our local area.

Many of our items have been donated by local residents.

We were fortunate enough to be

granted permission to examine the grounds of Thornton Hall during its recent renovation into a day care centre and our latest venture was to open some exploratory trenches into the area immediately next to the Wesleyan Church at the Wesleyan Conference Centre at Castlereagh to try to establish the foundations of the second church erected on that site.

The group offers a cash prize to

students of History. We currently support Cranebrook High School with an annual donation for a top History student.

As our workshop is in the old Council building, due to be demolished in the next 12 months, we are seeking a new arrangement from the Council.

We have shared with the Penrith Art Society for many years and hope the Council can allow us a site to continue with our Group as they have done for the Art Society.

Come along and join us on our next Open Day on the 16th October, 2022 to the side of the old Council Chambers, Cnr. Station & Henry Sts., Penrith. 10am - 3pm.

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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SPORT

Paddle Australia selects Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom Teams

By Noel Rowsell

P

a d d l e Australia (PA) has announced the athletes who have been selected to the Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom National teams for 2022.

The selections include three paddlers (Sophie Wilson, Lachlan Bassett and Dominic Curtin) from the Western Sydney Whitewater Club, which is based at the Penrith International Whitewater Stadium.

Selections were made at the 2022 ICF Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships and 2022 PA Canoe Slalom Australian Open, with the chosen paddlers to contest the Junior/ U23 World Championships in 2022.

“After what has been a challenging few years for our Australian Canoe Slalom community, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and flooding at Penrith, I am pleased to be able to announce the athletes who have been selected to our junior and U23 national teams,” said PA National Performance Director Kim Crane.

“I was so proud to see these athletes racing so well at the Oceania Championships and Australian Open earlier this year, and can’t wait to see what they can do during the international season.

“A special thanks must also go to

Daniel Shamieh and Lachlan Bassett in MC1 action at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium during the 2022 Australian Open.

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

the coaches, parents and supporters who have continued to offer support to these athletes who are striving to achieve their sporting ambitions,” she said.

The Junior/U23 World

Championships will be held in Ivrea, Italy from 5-10 July and the Australian teams are: Under 23: Sophie Wilson (WK1 & WC1), Josh Montalto, Lachlan Bassett and Ben Ross (MK1), Daniel

Shamieh (MC1), Junior: Sebastian Montalto, Mark Crossbee, Hamish Dalziel, Reserve - Dominic Curtin (MK1), Mark Crossbee, George Pankhurst, Dominic Curtin (MC1)

Regional Academies Coach Development Conference

Attendees at the conference during one of the presentations. Photo supplied

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Western Sydney Academy of Sport, as a member of the NSW collective of Regional Academies, participated in a ground-breaking pre-Elite Coach Development Conference on the 7th May at Terrigal on the Central Coast.

The Regional Academies partnered with the NSW Institute of Sport and the NSW Office of Sport in the planning and delivery of the inaugural event, which was attended by over 100 regionally located coaches.

The conference included a series of panel sessions, involving highly accredited national and international high performance experts who imparted their expert knowledge and learnings to the ever-eager and

hungry-to-learn coaches from Academies located across the State. These included NSWIS CEO Kevin Thompson, former Sport New Zealand High Performance CEO Michael Scott and Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith.

As an exciting addition, the event also featured guest speakers of the calibre of Kerri Pottharst OAM (2000 Sydney Olympic Gold Medalist), Nicole McDermott (2022 Tokyo Olympic Silver Medalist) and Brad McGee (Tour de France and Bronze medalist at 1996 Atlanta Olympics).

The Regional Academies and NSWIS has placed a much-needed and highly beneficial focus on regional pre-elite level coaches, as a major component of the State-wide strategy

around the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

Western Sydney Academy CEO Martin Bullock commented “This conference was absolutely enormous for our skilled and committed volunteer coaches. It will act as a strong catalyst for Regional Academies and the NSW Institute of Sport in providing further development initiatives, to ensure our regional coaches are well equipped to service emerging talent from across NSW who will represent our State at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.”

“The collaboration with and support provided by the NSW Institute of Sport was highly effective and will shape further ongoing initiatives that the Regional Academies and NSWIS will deliver in preparation for the Brisbane Olympics,” he added.

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

B

ob Aitken (Lapstone), a Rotary Past District Governor, a member of the Rotary Club of the Lower Blue Mountains and current Rotary International ‘End Polio Now’ Coordinator, has been heavily involved in two exciting projects to raise funds for the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign.

In the first of the two campaigns, Tasmanian Rotarians Phil and Joyce Ogden are about to mount their tandem bicycle and stage an epic fundraiser, cycling 2,750km from Perth to Adelaide across the Nullarbor Plain.

With 30 years of tandem cycling behind them, the pair plan to leave Perth this month and ride without a traffic support vehicle to Adelaide to support Rotary’s premier world project.

Phil and Joyce have been Rotarians for over ten years and have been passionate supporters and donors since first hearing of the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign.

A retired anaesthetist, Phil has witnessed first hand the terrible legacy of the Polio epidemic of the 1950’s and the ongoing threat to children of the world, until the Rotary inspired campaign worked its magic over the last 30+ years.

Delivering a message to all Rotarians, the couple said “We feel that the enormous effort which has gone into turning the tide of the disease will be lost if pressure and fund raising are not maintained until the disease is totally eradicated.

“If we take our collective eyes off the ball, the disease will re-establish.

So, we are still committed to making our personal donations every year but felt we might harness another of our passions, cycling, to push things along, once again with the assistance of Rotary.”

Joyce and Phil have enjoyed many ‘tandem adventures’ together,

Phil Ogden

Phil and Joyce Ogden ready to tackle the Nullarbor on their tandem cycle. Photos supplied

covering more than 100,000kms by way of unsupported crossings of the European Alps, the Pyrenees and the Rockies, in addition to organised long distance rides with Audax, culminating in a 600km ride over 36 hours.

Tasmanian District Governor Heather Chong (District 9830) heaped praise on the dedicated Rotarians, describing them as ‘adventurous philanthropists’.

The window for riding the Nullarbor is relatively short, as the prevailing winds and temperatures have to be favourable, making autumn and spring the only realistic options.

Phil and Joyce would like to use the ride to publicise the urgent need to complete the eradication of Polio.

Logistics for the ride will be challenging, with camping and

motels (where available) the only accommodation options on the Nullarbor.

There are no shops across the 1,200kms of the Nullarbor and water is only available at Roadhouses along the way. Dehydrated food will have to be mailed ahead and the Ogdens will have to carry food for a week and water for two days at a time.

A tandem cycle carries two riders but only has the luggage capacity of a single bike, so the volume of extra provisions will be difficult to accommodate. However, weight is less of an issue, as Google Maps describes the entire route as ‘mainly flat’.

Every dollar donated to the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign world-wide will be matched with $2 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Details of the special fund raising arrangements will be announced as soon as details are in place.

Joyce Ogden

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Riding the Nullarbor to end polio now

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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SPORT

Master Pennant makes a muddy start to season

By Noel Rowsell

T

he 2022 Golf NSW Master P e n n a n t competition teed off on Sunday, with wet, muddy conditions making an immediate impact and forcing the cancellation of some matches.

Penrith vs Liverpool and Richmond vs Wallacia matches were both cancelled and will be declared as 4-4 draws.

Springwood had the most impressive win, playing away at Brighton Lakes yet still securing a strong 5.5-2.5 victory.

Stonecutters Ridge won 4.5-3.5 over St Michaels at home, Glenmore Heritage Valley won 5.5-2.5 over Macquarie Links at home, Springwood 5.5-2.5 over Brighton Lakes away and Leonay 5.5-2.5 over Warringah at home.

Twin Creeks and Dunheved both suffered heavy defeats, with the former losing 7-1 away to Asquith and the latter 6-2 away to Monash.

The same teams all match up again this Sunday, at the alternate venues.

A number of local juniors were on the North Coast of NSW over the weekend, competing in the JNJG North Coast Masters.

In the Girls Division, 11-year old Camilla Kim (Lynwood / Twin

Peter Kitley and Ian Barnes in action for Leonay GC in Round One of the 2022 Master Pennant competition.

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

Creeks) again played up an age group to be eligible for the overall rankings and was impressive, finishing 1st in the 12/13 Years Age Group and 12th overall.

Grace Lee (Glenmore Park /

Nepean News

Concord) finished 6th overall and 2nd in the 16/17 Years Age Group and Michelle Yang (Stonecutters Ridge) finished 8th overall and 5th in 14/15 Years.

In the Boys Division, Tyler Nesci

(Leonay / Concord) finished tied 10th overall and 5th in 16/17 Years, whilst Blake Hodges (Dunheved / New South Wales) also finished tied 10th overall and 6th in the 14/15 Years.

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TUTORING

SPORT

18-year old Brielle Mapanao acquitted herself well at the inaugural mixed gender Australian Interstate Series. Photos courtesy of Golf Australia

By Noel Rowsell

V

ictoria are the first state to capture the Australian Interstate Team Matches trophy, in the event’s new mixed gender format, following a 5.5-2.5 win over traditional rivals South Australia in Thursday afternoon’s final at Sorrento Golf Club,Victoria.

The home side finished top of the table, with consistent performances across the board.

To honour tradition, the men’s and women’s trophies are also awarded, with South Australia taking out the men’s title for the first time in 39 years and Victoria claiming the women’s title, after last winning that title in 2017.

NSW performed well under expectations in the series, finishing in 5th place overall, just one win ahead of Tasmania.

In spite of the poor team result, local golfer 18year old Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill) shone in her first state senior team outing, winning three

games and narrowly losing two from her five matches.

Brielle won 4&3 in her first match against SA, 4&2 against TAS and 2&1 against QLD, with narrow 1-down losses to both VIC and WA. NSW coach John Serhan was full of praise for Brielle in her first interstate contest.

“I think she’s (Brielle) may not be quite the surprise package but was solid all day. It was just fantastic to watch the ‘Silent Assassin’ go to work the way she did.”

Leonay GC supporting research into dementia

By Noel Rowsell

L

eonay Golf Club will be running a Charity Golf Day on Saturday 28th May, with all funds raised going to the Royce Simmons Foundation for research into Dementia.

Among the raffle prizes being available on the day is a Panthers NRL jersey, signed by all of the current Penrith players.

Another major prize is a tour for 4 people to the Penrith Panthers Academy, during a team training session.

Rod Newell from Drummond Golf has also donated a full set of clubs and bag, whilst other raffle prizes include golf lessons from Ben Breckenridge (Golf Professional Leonay) and $100 voucher to spend at Emu Sports Club.

Players or businesses interested in

The Emu Sports Clubhouse (home to Leonay Golf Course)

entering teams in the event should contact the Leonay Golf Professional on 4735 5300.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Club.

Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase in the Pro Shop in the two weeks leading up to the event.

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Brielle Mapanao impressive in Australian Interstate Series

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Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

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SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Match Preview: Panthers v Roosters

By NRL.COM

Penrith could not have been any more impressive in dismantling the Storm and they now sit alone at the top of the table as they close in on the testing State of Origin period when a number of their stars will be called up.

M

uch has been made of Penrith’s remarkable home record in recent years but it’s worth noting they are unbeaten in away games in 2022 so a trip to the iconic SCG will hold no fears for Ivan Cleary’s men.

The Roosters have been something of an enigma in 2022, beating the Cowboys, Eels, Sea Eagles and Broncos but losing to the Bulldogs, Dragons and Knights.

They look to be settling into a groove though with two wins on the bounce and the form of Joseph Suaalii and Sam Walker in Magic Round will give them plenty of confidence as they prepare to tackle the premiers.

The Rundown Team news Panthers: The premiers roll out the same 17-man squad that took care of Melbourne in devastating fashion in Magic Round. They’ll also be hoping to have coach Ivan Cleary back on deck after he missed the trip to Brisbane due to knee surgery.

Roosters: Victor Radley (ankle) is replaced at lock by Nat Butcher while Lindsay Collins has been named on interchange in his return from a high tackle suspension. Connor Watson is named to start at hooker buy may swap on game day with Drew Hutchison as they did last week.

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PENRITH PANTHERS

SPORT

Nepean News 20 May 2022 Issue 329OWDIG

Royce Simmons walk, departure from Gooloogong

P

enrith Panthers Rugby League legend Royce Simmons has embarked on his 300km fund-raising walk from Gooloogong to Penrith.

Media were invited to attend the start at Gooloogong Country Club and conduct interviews before Royce, Brad Fittler and Andrew Farrar departed.

The walk will finish at Bluebet Stadium prior to kick-off of the Panthers-Cowboys NRL clash on Friday, May 27th.

For details of the walk schedule and organised events, go to roycesbigwalk.com.au and click on the WALK button.

Central West farmers donate over $38,000 from lamb auction It was appropriate that Royce Simmons’ 1986 Kangaroo tour mate Terry ‘Baa Baa’ Lamb was present to witness the incredible generosity and enthusiasm of NSW’s Central West grazing community at the Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange near Carcoar.

Lamb, Simmons and his cousin, local Paralympian hero Kurt Fearnley, acted as guest auctioneers to generate the best prices possible for the three lambs named after them, donated by well-known livestock buyer for meat companies and Orange property owner Badger Babbage, which were part of the auction.

Another Kangaroo teammate Paul Langmack and ex-Panthers and Bulldogs player Luke Goodwin looked on with glee before the group went back to the road and the 20km leg from Cowra to Woodstock.

More than $38,000 was raised for Royce’s Big Walk from the sale, which included a No. 9 Panthers jersey branded with the name ‘Simmons’ which went for $2500.

Local boy Royce was quite emotional about the amount raised and the generosity and support of those who contributed.

“I’m just blown away,” he said.

“Again.

every sunday

31

“The support my walk has received is honestly mind-boggling. I can’t thank people enough.”

Babbage, who has conducted several similar fund-raising auctions, said the respect people of the central west had for Simmons made it a privilege to help his campaign.

“I’d like to thank the people of the central west who showed their support by buying the lambs and helping raise much needed funds to help find a cure for this dreadful disease (dementia),” he said.

“And to see Royce so taken aback by their generosity was a great memory for all of us too.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get the jersey worn by his namesake lamb dry cleaned before we frame it!

“We raised $38,850 from the auction and sale of that jersey and have another one signed by Royce to go. Brilliant.”

Royce Simmons is on his 4th day of his 11 days walking, covering the 300km from Gooloogong to Penrith, to raise money for Dementia Australia and its research programs, and for junior rugby league.

He will complete the journey at Bluebet Stadium next Friday, May 27, when he walks into an expected massive reception before the PanthersCowboys clash.

$15,000 www.panthers.com.au