Nepean News 29 October 2020 by Nepean News

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ISSUE 289

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Quest: Celebrating our Everyday Local Heroes

e are so very lucky, we have an abundance of local volunteers putting in numerous hours for many different causes or organisations, and all for zero remuneration. They’re the glue that keeps our community together, they’re the unsung heroes and they’re so good at quietly doing their thing that we often don’t even realise they’re doing it all just out of the goodness of their hearts. It’s not a job. It’s a passion. Once again, Quest Penrith Apartment Hotel would like to reward our Everyday Local Heroes. They did it three months ago and now it is time to do it again! They’d like to see them recognised for the enormous contribution they make to the success of our region and they’d like to spoil them with a night’s accommodation in one of their luxurious One Bedroom Apartments. When Avli Greek Restaurant heard about Quest’s Penrith idea of celebrating and spoiling a volunteer each quarter, they were keen to jump on board and ensure the winner receives a scrumptious dinner on them. Now we need your help. We need nominations from our readers to help us find the Quest Penrith Everday Local Hero.

We are looking for the selfless people who pour hours and hours of their time into helping out in sporting organisations, schools, hospitals, tourism, local organisations and charities. To nominate someone for November, you can fill out the nomination form below and email it to sales.penrith@questapartments.com.au Please include the following when

emailing: Your name and contact number, the name and contact number of the person you are nominating. What is it they do and how long they’ve been doing it. It’s that simple! Quest Penrith, Avli and Nepean News would like to thank you for helping us celebrate a quarterly Everday Local Hero!

PENRITH

Celebrating our Quarterly Hero with 1 night’s accommodation at Quest Penrith PLUS a $100 dinner voucher at Avli Greek Restaurant in thanks for your selfless services to our local community Quest Penrith Everyday Local Hero Campaign Who would you like to nominate? ____________________________________________________________________________________ Their contact number _______________________________________________________________________________________________ What is it that they do? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How long have they been doing it? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Your name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact number _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominations for the November Quest Everyday Local Hero must be received by November 16, 2020. The November Everyday Hero will be announced in Nepean News November 26 edition. Nominees who meet the following criteria will be considered: • Must live and volunteer in the Penrith LGA. • Must have at least 12 months volunteering history • Open to all age groups and all organisations who utilise volunteers within the Penrith LGA.

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

local news 10 years ago, Penrith City Council introduced the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service to the urban areas of Penrith. The FOGO service is best known as the community’s greenlidded bin and kitchen caddy. Penrith City Council was the first metropolitan council in Australia to introduce Food Organics recycling to the Garden Organics bin, further innovating the existing waste service. The organic material that is placed in this bin is manually sorted, turned into compost and returned to the community to be used in local parks, gardens and sports fields and onto farmlands to assist with growth and water retention in drought prone periods. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said that Council was incredibly proud of the FOGO service and how residents have embraced separating FOGO over the last 10 years, encouraging them to share in the sense of pride and celebration for this achievement. “Penrith has never wasted a chance to do the right thing when it comes to waste management, with organics being no exception,” Cr McKeown said. “In 2005, we found over 30% of FOGO material was going into the red-lidded residual bin. When FOGO material goes to landfill, it releases methane gas when it breaks down, which leads to environmental issues. “Since starting the 3-bin system, we have seen a great reduction in the amount of FOGO material being placed in red-lidded residual bins, with our resource recovery rate increasing from 21% to 66%, meaning 66% of this can be made into a product and used as compost.

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“Our community has been passionate FOGO leaders over the years and have embraced adopting our 3-bin practices. We simply can’t thank them enough for their progressive attitude and commitment to do the right thing with waste,” Cr McKeown said. Penrith City Council is also celebrating the rural community’s first year of the 3-bin FOGO service. For more information about the 3-bin FOGO service, visit penrith.city/3bins

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Penrith celebrates 10 years of FOGO

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Sales Manager: Sales: Sales: Journalist: Sports Editor: Journalist: Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 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. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet. Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

By KeRRIE DAVIES

adly there are not many left who served our nation in WWII, with each passing year claiming more and more of them as they head toward the centenarian age bracket. In the words from the song, And the band played Waltzing Matilda, “Year after year more old men disappear - soon none of them will march there at all.” One of those lost was from my own family; Jack Richardson who passed last year at 94 years of age. He was my Uncle Jacky, my mother’s oldest brother. The oldest of six siblings and the only male, Uncle Jacky went off to war at the age of 17. He’d fibbed about his age like many patriotic young fellas did in those days. It was a number of years before he returned from war to his homeland, and his younger sisters were playing hopscotch when the young soldier strolled up the street. My mother hadn’t been born when he left and her older sisters had no idea who the handsome soldier was. It is a picture that’s almost unfathomable in this day and age of instant contact via mobile phones and social media, but that was the reality of the 1940s. Uncle Jacky was a salt of the earth type of bloke, with many war stories held close to his kind and gentle heart. He was proud to be part of the elite group of WWII veterans that were left, but he realised how fast they were dwindling last year when he was the only one left to march on Anzac Day from his branch. With Remembrance Day this month, it is a good time to remind ourselves that those who gave their all and fought for our freedom won’t be around forever, so let’s make the most of the time we have left with those who are still here. If you’re lucky enough to have someone in your life who served, listen to their stories so that you can pass them on. Lest We Forget.

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local news

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

Pics courtesy of Stuart Ayres MP Facebook post

ust two weeks after his 95th birthday, much loved Kingswood resident, Max Harrison has passed away, Max was one of Penrith’s few surviving World War II Veterans. “A more passionate community man you’d be hard to find,” Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said recently when wishing him a happy birthday. “A true champion of the Kingswood area. Did I mention that booming smile and cheeky attitude to life?” Max, along with his wife Dulcie, was involved with numerous community projects over the years,

including the establishment of Mt Druitt Hospital and the Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre. He will be missed very much.

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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MELISSA McINTOSH MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LINDSAY Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 02 4722 0600 melissa.mcintosh.mp@aph.gov.au www.melissamcintosh.com.au MelissaMcIntoshforLindsay Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Ground Floor, 331 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Vale Max Harrison

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

local news

Comrades gather to honour Gregory Owen Speed OAM By Noel Rowsell

olunteer Firefighters f r o m throughout the Penrith District gathered at the Orchard Hills RFS Station on Tuesday 27th October to honour the passing of Gregory Owen Speed OAM. The funeral hearse carrying Greg’s body drove down Ulm Street, before turning right into Castle Road, as the legion of volunteers saluted its passing as a sign of respect to one of the District’s most highly-regarded firefighters. The funeral service was held later that morning at the Penrith Regatta Centre. Penrith City Mayor Karen McKeown used her Mayoral Minute to pay both hers and the City’s respects to Greg, stating “It is with sadness that I note the passing of Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade Captain Greg Speed OAM, who passed away at home on October 17 surrounded by family.” “Greg made an outstanding contribution to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the community of NSW over many years.” “He joined the Orchard Hills Brigade in 1994 and went on to act as Deputy Captain, Senior Deputy Captain and Captain for close to 17 years,” said Ms McKeown. “As Captain, Greg was focused on the ongoing operational growth of the brigade to ensure they were trained to the highest level in hazard management, were ready to respond to fire and other emergency events and were committed to community engagement.”

Greg & wife Sherryl Speed, taken earlier this year.

“During his time with the brigade, Greg fought fires across NSW as well as in Victoria, the ACT and South Australia.” “In 1998, he (Greg) became a

member of the Cumberland Zone Training Coordination team to train, assess and mentor volunteers,” said Ms McKeown. “Colleagues had long praised

Greg’s leadership and described him as a dedicated and well-respected member of the RFS.” “It was these qualities that saw him receive a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List.” “My Councillor Colleague, Cr Ross Fowler OAM presented a Mayoral Minute on the honour bestowed on Greg at our February Ordinary Meeting and we had a celebratory event planned for March this year.” “Sadly, due to COVID-19 (restrictions), that event did not take place.” “If we do run an event with his fellow recipients, Greg will of course be honoured posthumously,” said Ms McKeown. “I am pleased to know that the RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM was able to confer another final honour on Greg the day before he passed away.” “The Commissioner visited the Speed family home and presented Greg with the Commissioners Commendation for Service and the Premiers Citation for the 2019-20 bushfires.” “On behalf of Penrith Council, I would like to extend sincere condolences to the Speed family.” “I know he will be missed by the Orchard Hills Brigade and RFS members from the broader Cumberland Zone, his family and friends.”

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

Greg’s locker has been retired by the Orchard Hills RFS.

local news

epean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) Mental Health service, NSW Ambulance and NSW Police Force will commence a new initiative to jointly manage mental health emergencies in the Nepean area. Three senior mental health clinicians will shortly be embedded in the Nepean Police Area Command as part of the $6.1 million investment by NSW Government to establish Police Ambulance Clinical Early Response (PACER) teams across NSW. Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said the investment of $500,000 in NBMLHD’s PACER team will benefit locals requiring mental health emergency care, their families and carers. “These clinicians will be based at St Marys Police Station but will cover the broader areas around and including the St Marys and Penrith regions. They are charged with the responsibility of providing emergency mental health care in the community when safe to do so,” Ms Taylor said. Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said, “This collaboration between NSW Health and NSW Police Force aims to reduce the number of emergency department presentations, improve mental health outcomes for affected individuals, and reduce stigma across the community.” NBMLHD Director, Mental Health, Cathy Crowe said the PACER teams will improve outcomes for mental health consumers by creating an immediate mental health response. “The PACER program will ensure that we’re providing the right care at the right time for some

of the most vulnerable members of the community,” Ms Crowe said. Nepean Police Area Command Superintendent Keane said his team receives 130 mental health related calls a month, and many of these are currently transported to the closest emergency department (ED). “Our police officers want to provide the best, most effective care to people who are distressed and in crisis – and currently we rely on EDs to provide that emergency care,” Superintendent Keane said.

“We welcome the addition of dedicated mental health clinicians to our team who will improve both our response time, as well as our collective understanding of how to support people in these situations.”

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Mental Health clinicians to work alongside first responders

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

local news

Have your say on the Western Sydney Airport Metro project

he community can have its say on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport railway project, with the Environmental Impact Statement for the mega project now on public exhibition. Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project would set the foundation for Greater Western Sydney for generations to come. “Construction will start before the end of the year and will inject billions into the NSW economy and support 14,000 jobs,” Mr Tudge said. “It’s crucial we get this underway right now to help NSW on the other side of COVID and deliver this gamechanging, city-shaping infrastructure as soon as possible.” New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the 23-kilometre driverless metro will link the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis with the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and St Marys, delivering major benefits for Greater Western Sydney. “There will be six new metro stations at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham, Airport Business Park, Western Sydney International Airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Mr Constance said. “Trains will arrive up to every five minutes in the peak period in each direction as the initial operating capacity so customers won’t need a timetable - they’ll just turn up and go.”New South Wales Minister

for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said local residents will reap the benefits of this investment, well before the first train hits the tracks. “Not only will we see a massive investment in local jobs during the construction, but we’ll also see big business move into the Aerotropolis, driving economic activity and creating even more jobs,” Mr Ayres said. “The new metro line will significantly reduce local traffic, by taking about 110,000 vehicle journeys off local roads every day by 2056.” Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the number of trains travelling each way, per hour, on the line would rise toward 20 in the future. “We expect to be moving up to 7,740 people an hour in each direction when services start, with plenty of room to add more trains as the region grows,” Mr Taylor said.

› Lions reboot Bunnings bbq’s

Emu Plains Lions Club will recommence BBQ’s at Bunnings North Penrith after not running this wonderful community fundraiser since January this year, due to covid-19. There are many regulations to be followed regarding handling of food, drinks and payment, but Bunnings have held a briefing with the Emu Plains Club and will provide supervision on the day of the BBQ. So, be prepared, to once again, to support the Lions Club of Emu Plains, on Sunday 1st November, by buying a sausage sandwich and a drink at Bunnings North Penrith. Credit card facilities are available.

“Passengers will enjoy a fiveminute journey from the airport to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. It will take around 20 minutes to travel from St Marys to the Aerotropolis and about 15 minutes from the airport to St Marys – where customers can interchange with the T1 Western Line and the rest of Sydney’s rail network. Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said the Sydney Metro, Western Sydney Airport, was a key commitment of the Western Sydney Deal, a 20-year agreement signed in March 2018 by the Australian and NSW governments and eight Western Sydney councils. “The project is planned to open at the same time as passenger services start at the airport,” Mrs McIntosh said. “It will be fully accessible with level access between platforms and trains and safety features like platform screen doors, which keep

people and objects like prams away from the tracks.” New South Wales Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the transport link will support population growth, while providing fast and efficient accessibility between residential centres and employment hubs across Greater Sydney. “Western Sydney is growing rapidly and is currently home to more than two million people, and is projected to grow to over three million by 2036. This project will help support that growth, and encourage businesses to set up in this growing hub,” Mrs Davies said. New South Wales Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said building new metro stations in Greater Western Sydney provides an exciting opportunity to create worldclass places that will shape our city’s future. “I am encouraging everyone to have their say and review the Environmental Impact Statement, as the project will support nationally significant growth in Western Sydney, for years to come,” Mr Sidgreaves said. The community will also be able to take a look around the new Luddenham Station using their mobile devices. An interactive portal has been set up as community engagement tool during Covid and can be found at: www.sydneymetro.info/wsa Construction will start before the end of 2020.

Paceway mourns the passing of Peter “Sully” Sullivan The Penrith Harness Racing family is a little smaller today after the passing of one of their long time and cherished icons, Peter Sullivan. Sully’s relationship with Penrith started with the Trotters but quickly turned into him joining the staff and in the later years you would always find him holding court on race nights and trials at his favorite table outside the Snack Shed. Sully always had a story to share or a joke to tell, the content of both however could leave you laughing or blushing, either way you always left his side with a smile. “Our Board, Management, Staff and Sully’s Friends at Penrith HRC would like to pass on our condolences to his family,” it was stated on the Paceway’s Facebook page. Black Arm Bands were in place during the last race meeting. “Trot On Home, Sully. You will be missed.”

local news By Penrith Nashos

n Thursday 22 October 2020, the Mayor of Penrith City, Mrs Karen McKeown with the Penrith City Council landscape architect, Mr Kenneth Carter inspected the newly upgraded Penrith City Australian National Servicemen’s Association Inc. Memorial in Victoria Park St Marys, along with members of Penrith Nasho’s. The Nasho’s Memorial was dedicated on February 5th, 2006 and a memorial service is held every year (except for this years COVID-19 restriction) on the fourth Sunday in May, to honour all National Sevicemen who have paid the supreme sacrifice or died from other causes. Last year’s crowd indicated the popularity of the service. In 2002 Harry Moorfoot and Tom Kelly were members of the Blue Mountains Nasho Sub-Branch. Many of the members came from Penrith to Springwood to attend the monthly meetings. Harry and Tom felt that Penrith would be a good place to start its own Sub-Branch. They called meetings and got enough support to request a charter from the National Servicemen’s Association to form the Penrith Sub-Branch.

This charter was received on April 7th 2002, it was called, The National Servicemen’s Association of Australia Penrith City Sub-Branch. Our inaugural President was Max Close until Harry Morfoot took over in April 2004. Our inaugural treasurer was Eric Peterson until Tom Kelly took over in April 2004. Harry, with Toms help, nurtured, guided, led us and built our SubBranch to what it is today. Our name changed to Penrith City Australian National Servicemen’s Association Inc. It is a very vibrant Sub-Branch with a reputation second to none. Our membership remains steady.

Should you wish to attend the Penrith Nasho’s, they hold their monthly meeting in the Penrith RSL Ltd on the 3rd Sunday of each month starting at 10:30 am. Inquiries can be made to either Graham Larkham, Hon

Secretary at graham28@aussiebb. com.au or Harry May, President at harrymay@optus.com.au. Everybody is welcomed, we are also open to Non-National Service personnel, who would like to join.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Penrith National Servicemen: Time to remember

REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11 NOVEMBER 2020

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Remembrance Day 2020: Lest We Forget

n 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War. From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. Beginning with their stunning success at the battle of Hamel in July, they helped to turn the tide of the war at Amiens in August, followed by the capture of Mont St Quentin and Pèronne, and the breaching of German defences at the Hindenburg Line in September. By early October the exhausted Australians were withdrawn from battle. They had achieved a fighting reputation out of proportion to their numbers, but victory had come at a heavy cost. They suffered almost 48,000 casualties during 1918, including more than 12,000 dead. In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades. Each year on this day we observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

This Remembrance Day we pay our respects to all those who served this nation through all theatres of war.

TRICIA HITCHEN Deputy Mayor

Penrith City Council Phone 0417 365 313

“ We will remember them, today & every day.” re

MAYOR

KAREN McKEOWN oam

“On this Remembrance Day we pay tribute to those past and present who have served our Country in the preservation of our freedoms. Lest we forget.”

Phone: 0401 995 945 karen.mckeown@penrith.city

Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759, using Parliamentary entitlements.

will be left open between 10.30am and 1115am for those who wish to lay a personal tribute. There will be some members present to assist and appropriate music for reflection will be played. To tune into the pre-recorded service from home, visit St Marys Outpost Facebook page on Remembrance Day. Lest We Forget.

By TOMAS HAMILTON

Tread gently on this foreign field, for it lies soaked in blood That flowed across this battlefield, a tragic crimson flood The names of those who fell near here, are muttered now by few A brave and selfless sacrifice, the living would all rue Tread gently on this foreign field, I am every mother’s son Who saw my face at every dawn and each setting sun She kept her lonely vigil, till eternity claimed her soul Her tears no longer wash my name, upon an honour roll Tread gently on this foreign field and dare not caste your scorn On all that I could have been and descendants now unborn For we all charged like Lemmings, for country and for crown And in the flower of our youth, we were all cut down Tread gently on this foreign field and remember all those lost Their legend, part of history that came at too great a cost For the horse that stands unbridled and an empty chair at home Memories of the loved ones, who lie beneath this loam Tread gently on this foreign field, the wretched path I trod Now I lie without a name , that is known only to God A farmer’ plough may strike my bones and I might find a grave But weep you not for my past, it’s your future you must save

Prue Car MP “ Member for Londonderry

On Remembrance Day we pause to reflect on the sacrifice of those who put their lives on the line to serve our country, as well as those currently doing so. Lest we forget.

“

ith restrictions on gathering numbers still in place a few weeks ago, the decision was made by many Sub-branches not to hold the usual Remembrance Day service. Hence, the popular service held each year at St Marys Train by St Marys Outpost RSL Sub-branch will also not go ahead as per usual. However the gates to the gun memorial

11 Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11 NOVEMBER 2020 Personal tributes welcome Tread Gently

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. October 2020

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

PINK UP PENRITH St Marys businesses pink up and raise funds

eavenly Celebrations (supported by St Marys Town Centre) turned pink on Friday for cancer awareness month with an afternoon tea to raise money for the McGrath Foundation. The much needed funds go towards providing invaluable support across the country to care for women and men experiencing breast cancer. We all know what a difficult year it has been for

many people worldwide and the community of St Marys is no different, however, the business and community support was evident with the amount of people that donated on Friday to support Pink Up St Marys and the McGrath Foundation. St Marys Town Centre thanked Heavenly Celebrations for the Pink Up in your PJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative, not only was it fun but it was good to be involved and

to know that dressing up in your PJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and looking glamorous was worthwhile and helped others during these unprecedented times. Mega Cash St Marys have donated $300 plus $1.00 of each sale for the month of October towards Pink Up so a huge shout-out to them as well for their involvement and generosity, their efforts to date has been fantastic and they are still going !!

PINK UP PENRITH Make screening a priority this breast cancer awareness month

reastScreen NSW is encouraging women aged 50 to 74 to make their health a priority and book a free life-saving mammogram this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Westmead Breast Cancer Institute director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan said this Breast Cancer Awareness month I encourage women living in Western Sydney to make booking a breast screen a priority. “A mammogram takes only 15 minutes and this 15 minutes could save your life,” Nirmala said. “BreastScreen NSW has implemented a range of hygiene and social-distancing measures to ensure clinics and mobile screening vans are COVID-19 safe, to protect women, staff, and the wider community.” These measures include: • Pre-screening questions around personal health and travel • Limiting the number of people in the clinic/van • Practising social distancing and providing hand sanitiser in waiting rooms • A minimal contact check-in process • Wearing masks • Additional cleaning of equipment and commonly used surfaces. Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow said early detection is key to giving women the best chance of survival and reduces the likelihood of needing invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy. “In 2020 alone, it’s expected that more than 6,240 women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 973 will die from the disease,” Professor Currow said. “While these numbers are sobering, the good news is that if detected early, women have a 98 per cent chance of survival. “Breast screens can detect cancer as

Breast cancer survivor Stella Libri with her sister Melina Trimarchi.

small as a grain of rice. Our research shows that women who receive a diagnosis as a result of regular breast screening are less likely to need a mastectomy. It proves that early detection is key to unlocking less invasive treatment options for patients, making it easier for them to recover, and giving them an overall better quality of life,” Professor Currow said. Erskine Park resident Stella Libri received an invitation for her mammogram shortly after her 50th birthday. Stella had no symptoms of breast cancer and no concerns about her breast health. After having her first mammogram she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was a shock being diagnosed with breast cancer. Your life comes to a sudden stop. It was completely unexpected,” Stella said Stella had surgery to remove the breast cancer and because her cancer was detected early she didn’t require a mastectomy.

“The cancer diagnosis and the treatment put everything in perspective,” Stella said. “I had to remind myself that everything was going to be okay. Breast cancer is treatable, it’s manageable but this time it’s about me. It’s okay to be cared for and accept the support from your family and health professionals.”

High Tea raises $4,500 By KeRRIE DAVIES

he Nepean News High Tea for Pink Up Penrith was a great success, raising over $4500 for the McGrath Foundation. Held at Lakeside Restaurant at the Regatta, 90 guests enjoyed some scrumptious food and sparkly, played games and bid on auction items. I had the pleasure of interviewing our fabulous guest of honour, Linda Kemp on stage. Linda is a breast cancer survivor and is the most resilient and positive person I’ve ever known. The lovely Nikki Gillis belted out the Helen

Reddy hit song, I am Woman to a delighted audience. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to take selfies in front of the flower wall and the butterfly - see all the action on our social butterfly page 17. Special thanks go to Orchard Hills Men Shed, Complete Recruitment Solutions, Nepean Regional Security. Ziller Creative, Lakeside, Poles Patisserie, Bespoke Realty, Beautiful Blooms, AMA events, Kingswood Florist and Our Community Cares. Nepean News would also like to thank Gai and Beth from Penrith CBD Corporation, who as usual do most of the work but take none of the credit.

Yours truly with the Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh

“Early detection is the golden ticket. It only takes a few minutes and could save your life. If you love your family, your children, your lifestyle and you’re over the age of 50 it’s time to get screened.” “I got through it and I now look forward to the future and enjoy what I’ve worked so hard to achieve.” Stella is looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild in 2021! The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is investing $62.4 million in breast cancer screening this financial year. An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free, takes about 20 minutes in total and no doctor’s referral is needed. In addition to 46 BreastScreen NSW clinics, BreastScreen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, including in rural and remote areas. If you are aged 50 to 74 book your free mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW online at book. breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50. The BreastScreen NSW service can be accessed at BCI Sunflower clinics in Sydney’s West. At select Myer stores and hospitals near you.

Call 13 20 50 to make an appointment today.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Breast cancer won’t wait for covid

PINK UP PENRITH

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Locals losing their locks to help Kate By KeRRIE DAVIES

ocal Kate Brown hasn’t had a good run lately. Her husband is suffering with volunteer-work related PTSD and she has recently lost her beautiful mother. That’s more than enough for anyone to have to deal with, but then she received the dreaded news that she has breast cancer. Her friends, family and workmates have all rallied around Kate to support her at this terrible time, raising funds and setting up a Go Fund Me page. On Friday her workmates will be losing their locks - and even though one of them has hair right down past her bottom, she’s having most of it all chopped off! So grab your pink gear and head to the Gaels on Friday night at 8pm to help support Kate and check out the new hair-dos! “Kate joined the Penrith Gaels Family in 2008. It has been a pleasure to watch both Kate and her family grow over the years,” Berlinda Haywood (Bernie) the Assistant Manager said. “Working days at Woolworths and working nights at the Gaels, Kate has shown she is a hard worker. With the support of her husband, daughters, sister and of course her Penrith Gaels family, hopefully she can concentrate on working hard to beat breast cancer! A message from Kate It is important to have the mammograms and ultrasounds regardless of if you feel a lump or other symptoms, especially if there is a family history of breast cancer. Mum also had history of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This means the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast have become cancerous, but they have not spread into the surrounding breast

Losing their locks

tissue. With this history my risk is higher, so I should have had screening done in my 40s. I’m now 47 and only having had a mammogram recently which led to my diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma in early September. My treatment is six months of chemo and then surgery of some type after that. “Friends and family, please come together and show Kate she is surrounded by love and support with many hurdles yet to come. Keeping Kate in our prayers for more good days than bad in the months ahead,”

Kate has faced many challenges, let’s show her our support

Bernie said. Kath, Jenny, Rob and Bob will be losing their locks to support Kate on Friday 30th October at 8pm in the Club. Put on your pink shirt and head down to the Penrith Gaels Club and get behind them to raise money and back Kate in her battle against breast cancer. Please give generously for a great cause, any support and donation will be appreciated. All funds raised will go directly to Kate. https://gf.me/u/y432hb

Pink Up Penrith

HIGH TEA Spirit of our community Nepean News held a High Tea with the help of Penrith CBD Corp to raise funds for Pink Up Penrith and the McGrath Foundation

Social Butterfly

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

local news Court reforms to protect and empower domestic violence victims

omestic violence complainants will have extra protections when giving evidence in court, while jurors will be educated on the complexities of abuse, under proposed court reforms to be introduced in NSW Parliament this week. Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the reforms would allow complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings to give evidence in closed courts or remotely via audiovisual link. The changes build on existing arrangements for vulnerable witnesses, including child complainants and witnesses, sexual offence victims and those who are cognitively impaired. “Testifying in criminal proceedings can be overwhelming for victims. Expecting them to give

evidence in front of a public gallery, which may include the defendant’s friends and family, can be intimidating and add to the trauma of the court process,” Mr Speakman said. Currently, domestic violence complainants can only give evidence remotely after a successful application to the court, but this is not always granted. These changes will provide a prima facie entitlement to give evidence remotely, should complainants so choose. A new jury direction will state that delayed reporting by a domestic violence complainant should not be viewed as evidence suggesting the allegation is false. “Domestic violence is a complex crime due to the intimate nature of the relationships between victims and perpetrators,” Mr Speakman said. “If you were robbed by a stranger, you’d have no

reason to delay reporting that to police. But when you’re abused by someone who claims to love you, you have children together, you own property together and you’re terrified of retribution – that’s a very different story. “Considering these issues, you begin to understand why victims commonly delay reporting.” The reforms – which amend the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 - are part of the Stronger Communities Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence) Bill 2020. “These reforms aim to ease the burden of the court process on victims so they’re empowered to report abuse and can know they’ll be supported during proceedings,” Mr Speakman said. Further details of the Bill will be available on the NSW Parliament website this week.

Grants to support local domestic violence projects

Panthers Complex, 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith Phone: 4732 2577

omestic Violence Committees across NSW are encouraged to apply for a share of $80,000 in grant funding to support local projects that raise awareness in their communities. Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said this year’s Local Domestic and Family Violence Committee Grant program has increased to $1800 per grant. “COVID-19 has put increased pressure on domestic violence committees, so we want to ensure that there is plenty of support for this year’s events and projects that coincide with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence next month,” Mr Speakman said. “The pandemic demonstrated the vital role local communities and local services play in addressing domestic and family violence and ensuring people know how to access help.” All formally recognised Domestic and Family Violence Committees in NSW are encouraged to submit an application for the grant, which has increased from $1200 to $1800. Projects could include educating people on the impacts of domestic violence, promoting frontline services and how victims can access them, and engaging local organisations to lead calls for change by rejecting violence

and promoting positive behaviour. “These grants can support numerous projects like engaging men’s organisations, groups or schools to call for leadership on domestic violence and cultural change,” Mr Speakman said. Committees are comprised of government and non-government organisations in local areas that provide services to those experiencing domestic and family violence. They provide a forum in which to discuss issues and enhance inter-agency support for victim-survivors. The Local Domestic and Family Violence Committee Grants program launched in 2014. It has previously funded projects like prevention workshops at local schools and businesses, theatre performances and the distribution of flyers promoting local support services. To apply for a grant visit www. women.nsw.gov.au. Applications are due on 30 October 2020. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence that runs from 25 November 2020 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December 2020 (International Human Rights Day). Visit www.16dayscampaign.org for more information.

Legends of the Nepean Sharon Levy By Noel Rowsell

2019 Penrith Woman of the Year

2019 Penrith Woman of the Year Sharon Levy has been a Penrith local since birth, born in Nepean Hospital in 1978 and living in the District for the ensuing 42 years. Sharon attended Caroline Chisholm School in Glenmore Park, then McCarthy Catholic College in Emu Plains, before furthering her education at Western Sydney University. Undertaking a double degree in Commerce and Law, Sharon has spent her working life in the legal community since graduating in 2001. A part-time role as a Paralegal at Turner Freeman Lawyers began Sharon’s journey into law and in 2018, she was invited to join Bartier Perry Lawyers in the Dispute Resolution and Advisory Team. Sharon married Grant Levy in 2001 and the couple have 3 children, with all of the family sharing a strong

interest in sport, particularly athletics. Grant is currently the President of Werrington Little Athletics and Sharon is also on the committee which helps run the club, in charge of Social Media and Uniforms. It was however a business lunch discussing domestic violence which changed Sharon’s life, inspiring her to set up ‘The Haven’ in the Penrith local government area, a refuge for women and their children fleeing domestic violence or who are at risk of homelessness. The guest speaker at the luncheon was the then mayor of the Hills Shire Council Yvonne Keane, who was also the chairwoman of ‘The Sanctuary – The Hills Women’s Shelter’. Sharon had been astonished at the frightening statistics for domestic violence in the Penrith area and approached Annabelle Daniel OAM, the CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, about the possibility of opening a shelter in the Penrith area.

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Sharon Levy was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Wayne Willmington. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Heather Chaffey, Ross Fowler, Sharon Levy (International Women’s Day)

‘The Haven 70’s Disco

The Haven was subsequently opened in 2018 and provides emergency shelter and assistance to women struggling to break free of a cycle of domestic violence. “Penrith has one of the highest reported incidences of domestic and family violence in the Sydney metropolitan area,” said Sharon. “The figures are staggering and there are just not enough crisis accommodation beds for women and their children who need a safe and secure place to stay.” “I have since been overwhelmed by the support of the local community and it has been a profoundly humbling, energising, eye-opening and yet proud experience for me,” said Sharon. “We have the capacity to provide over 6000 bed nights within our community each year.” “Among other services, we offer women who come to The Haven

accommodation for up to three months, counselling, assistance with education and training opportunities and also help finding transitional accommodation and employment opportunities.” Sharon spoke highly of her Bartier Perry’s involvement with The Haven, providing financial assistance through support of fund-raising days such as the Annual Golf Day, along with ensuring staff attend such events to show their support. Bartier Perry’s culture was one factor that attracted Levy to the firm, which also supports an ‘Employee Giving Program’ to allow staff to regularly donate funds to The Haven and other charities. “It’s refreshing though to find a law firm that’s not only interested in what drives you outside of the office but actively encourages and supports you to pursue that interest,” Sharon said.

Whilst Sharon has been rewarded by her service to The Haven with awards such as Penrith Woman of the Year in 2019, she stressed gratitude to both her current and former Board Members at The Haven. “It’s been a team effort. They all work so hard and all deserve credit for their efforts,” said Sharon. Whilst The Haven is currently located in a rented house, Sharon’s dream is to build a purpose-built facility in the Penrith area, which will not only look after current demand but cater to the community’s future needs. The Haven has been unable to host its usual fundraising events this year due to COVID, so if you would like to help keep its doors open, donations can be made at https://shoutforgood.com/embed/ lightbox?client_token=7966ecca76e9-461d-b1a5-79873759031f

Levy family in NYC. PHOTOS: Supplied by Sharon Levy

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Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

HEALTH

Nobel Prize a reminder to get tested for hepatitis C

estmead Hospital liver physician Professor Jacob George extends his congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for saving millions of lives through the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. British scientist Michael Houghton and US researchers Harvey Alter and Charles Rice received the world’s most prestigious award for medicine last week in recognition of their work over several decades to identify the mysterious infection that was making people sick after receiving a blood transfusion. There are still 70 million people living with hepatitis C today and it claims around 400,000 lives each year. Australia is on track to completely eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. “This achievement is only possible thanks to the remarkable work of these researchers over many decades to identify the mysterious and deadly illness. It is difficult to overestimate their legacy for global health,” Prof George said. “Hepatitis C is no longer a death sentence. With the medicines available today we can cure more than 95 per cent of cases and greatly improve people’s quality of life. Most

Americans Harvey Alter and Charles Rice together with Briton Michael Houghton won the 2020 Nobel Medicine Prize for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

people can be cured with 12 weeks with no injections and minimal side effects.” More than 24,000 people have been cured of hepatitis C in NSW since new treatments became available in 2016. It is estimated that 58,000 people across the state are yet to seek treatment. The symptoms of hepatitis C include: • Tiredness, lethargy • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Abdominal pain

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Rarely dark urine and pale stools These symptoms may pass after a few days or weeks, but the virus can remain active for many years and cause serious and potentially fatal liver damage. Hepatitis C is spread through blood to blood contact. Those at risk include anyone who has ever injected drugs, been in prison, received a drug transfusion in Australia before February 1990, or were born in or received medical treatment in a region with high prevalence of hepatitis C, including in Asia and the Middle East. If you think you may be at risk, speak to your GP for a free test or email WSLHD-HepatologyService@ health.nsw.gov.au. For more information see the NSW Health website.

Professor Jacob George is urging the community to get tested for hepatitis C.

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COVER STORY

t has been announced, here are your three 2020 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Penrith. These inspiring local leaders were nominated and voted for by the community and will now be awarded a $10,000 grant for each of their affiliated organisations to help their important work to grow.

Westfield Local Heroes is a community recognition and grants program, connecting and enriching local communities. Launched in 2018, the program spans our 42 trade areas across Australia and New Zealand. In 2020, they are awarding $1.26 million to 126 local organisations.

In February 2021, nominations for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes program will open, so start thinking about those people in your communities who make a difference.

Michael Kovacs - Westfield Local Heroes 2020 Braving extreme danger NSW Rural Fire Service Trustworthy. Passionate. Dedicated. Volunteer firefighter Michael Kovacs joined the NSW Rural Fire Service 30 years ago when he was 14. Abrave and respected leader, Michael was Captain of the Londonderry RFS for 10 years, and his peers have now voted him Deputy Group Captain and assists in coordination and overseeing the management of 6 brigades. Michael volunteers between 20 and 30 hours a week while continuing to serve as an NSW police officer. Michael is much admired by his

colleagues and feels great pride about being able to help people in their time of need, not only in NSW but also in emergencies in other states. During the recent bushfire emergency, Michael started fighting fires in August 2019 and did not stop until the end of January. He and his strike teams put themselves in extreme danger to directly save people and properties. They were trapped by intense fire on more than one occasion.

“I personally dragged residents out of burning buildings and escorted them through fire to get them to safety,” Michael says. “It’s a great pride in serving the communities in their time of need and assisting them to return to some form of normality”.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The NSW Rural Fire Service will use its grant to buy a trailer and training equipment.

rate in turning participants’ lives around; reducing their crime and antisocial behaviour and improving their wellbeing. “My job is to lead them and guide them to make better life choices,” says Dave. “The mums talk about a reduction in negative behaviour, the schools report improved attendance and attitudes, and the police talk about less

need for intervention. “Most of all, the community perception of these young people is changed to a positive one.” Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. RuffTRACK Limited will be able to help more young people.

“Sometimes the images that flash through my mind while I’m speaking have brought me to tears. I worry about the long-term effect of reliving these events but I know that it is making a difference and maybe even saving a life, and that is more important.” Westfield Local Heroes are

nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The shelter could use the grant to fund its outreach program for women who have left the shelter.

Dave Graham - Westfield Local Heroes 2020 Teaching young pups new tricks RuffTRACK Limited Empowering. Selfless. Giving. Farmer Dave Graham leads a transformational youth re-engagement program based around working with animals as diverse as horses, alpacas, and poultry. This innovative program has led to extensive reductions in youth crime in the region, re-engagement in education and skills-based training, and a huge decrease in family violence. At the core of the program are 24 dogs, which each young person bonds with and trains in a wide range

of activities which include sheep herding, K9 Ninja, DockDogs, and K9 Super wall. “During the program, we see the youth tend to resort to forceful behaviour when working with the dogs, rather than rewarding the animal, and that creates a circle of frustration with their dog,” says Dave. “Soon enough, though, they see how being kind is so much easier.” A pilot program last year involving six teenagers achieved a high success

Tricia Hitchen - Westfield Local Heroes 2020 Battling bravely against domestic violence The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter Selfless. Amazing. Tireless. Retired police Chief Inspector Tricia Hitchen tells a personal story that explains what drives her to work as hard as she can to keep The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter running. “I was a junior detective when I met a woman who had suffered a terrible attack from her husband. I spent the day helping her but, in the afternoon, she wanted to go home to her children and promised to come back the next day. There was no next day. That

woman’s face and her pain are always with me and are why I do what I do.” As a board member, Tricia spends a great deal of time fundraising for the two-year-old shelter. The real-life stories Tricia tells at community groups, social functions, schools and businesses raise awareness about the many types of domestic violence. But they take their toll on Tricia, who was awarded several bravery medals in her 25-year police career.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Congrats to the Westfield Local Heroes

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Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

local COLUMNIST

Troublesome ticks What are paralysis ticks? There are around 75 different species of ticks in Australia, but the most common are the brown tick and the deadly paralysis tick. The paralysis tick is by far the most dangerous parasite when it comes to your pet. It is commonly found in bushy coastal areas along the East Coast of Australia, from North Queensland to Eastern Victoria. Ticks are most prevalent from Spring to Autumn, however, can occur at any time of year. When paralysis ticks attach to our pets, they inject a neurotoxin which causes progressive paralysis, respiratory depression, and death in animals which have no immunity to the toxin. What does the paralysis tick look like? Paralysis ticks can be identified by their grey body and legs close to the

head. Their legs are the feature which best distinguishes them from other ticks that occur in the same regions. Paralysis ticks have one pair of brown legs closest to their head, then two pairs of white legs and then one pair of brown legs closest to the body. It is not always easy to identify paralysis ticks. If the tick is not fully engorged, its body shape and colour will be hard to determine. Often, a veterinarian will be the only person who can accurately identify the type of tick; it is vital that you take your pet to a vet if you have found a tick. What to do if you have found a tick on your pet? Seek veterinary treatment immediately as the tick needs to be removed. If not already done, your Veterinarian will remove the tick so it is unable to inject any more toxin. It is important to take any removed ticks to the veterinary clinic so your

vet can identify it. Even if you have removed toe tick yourself and your pet is not displaying symptoms of tick paralysis, it’s important to get them checked over by a professional. Tick paralysis symptoms • affected coordination • weakness or collapse • vomiting or retching • change of bark or meow • difficulty breathing Prevention There are a number of parasite prevention methods on the market. Topical applications, rinses, sprays, and collars can aid in tick prevention,

however, these methods do not 100% protect your pet. Regular tick searches, which involve running your hands through your pet’s entire coat (including down the legs, over their stomach, and to the tip of their tail) is recommended if you live in a tick-prone region such as Winmalee, Yellow Rock and Castlereagh. These methods, in conjunction with regular vet health checks, are your best bet at keeping nasty ticks away from your beloved furry friends. For more information please contact us at Greencross Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

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

Nepean pet parents: be aware of toxic dangers

ith lockdown restrictions easing across parts of the country, there are many reasons to celebrate the arrival of warm sunshine and bright blooming plants and flowers. However, Greencross Vets Penrith Coreen Avenue is calling on local Nepean pet parents who have adopted dogs and cats during lockdown to be mindful of the hidden dangers some flowers and plants pose to pets. Many of the common plants, springtime flowers and fruit trees that can be found in Nepean resident’s backyards, homes and parks have toxins or seeds that can be harmful to dogs, cats, Guinea pigs and rabbits. “It is important for new pet owners to know of the seemingly harmless dangers that Spring can bring,” said Dr Magdoline Awad, Chief Veterinary Officer at Greencross Vets. Flowering and non-flowering plants can lead to a variety of allergies. In fact, many common kinds of grass, weeds and flowers all have the potential to disrupt pets’ outside adventures. Sometimes these allergies can be due to direct contact with the plant, while other times the plant’s pollen can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin of allergic pets. Other plants are more dangerous when they are eaten. Dr Awad added: “Just like kids, our pets love to explore and try new things – tasting, smelling, chewing and rolling on things that they shouldn’t! Simply coming into contact with certain plants and weeds can cause

pets to suffer an uncontrollable urge to scratch, lick, chew and rub at their skin until fur loss and dermatitis develops.” Dr Awad shares her advice for recognising the signs that a pet may have come into contact with

something toxic. • Ingestion of certain flowers, fruit seeds and plants can cause toxicity or intestinal blockages in pets. Symptoms range from: - Vomiting - Diarrhoea

- Sudden kidney failure - Sudden liver failure • One of the most common cut flowers in bouquets, the lily, is very toxic to cats, and even the pollen can cause serious kidney problems. Avoid lilies if you have cats at home • Identification of these worrisome plants allows avoidance and early recognition of the signs and symptoms that may become present in a pet that has had a reaction. • If you think your pet has consumed something unusual, visit your local Greencross Vets immediately. Greencross Penrith Coreen Avenue Practice Manager, Kellie Tickner said it’s important for Nepean residents to keep a close eye on pets this Spring season: “If you recognise any of the signs that indicate your pet may have come into contact with something toxic, call or visit Greencross Vets Penrith Coreen Avenue immediately. For those that want to practice safe social distancing, we also offer WebVet, an at-home video call service, so that our dedicated and qualified team of veterinarians and nurses can assess your pet via video call, to provide advice and support. We also have minimal contact offerings which allow pet parents to drop and collect their pets outside our Penrith Coreen Avenue clinic to reduce physical interaction.” Below is a series of images containing some of the potentially allergy-causing plants, toxic flowers and harmful fruits and nuts that could create a dangerous situation if a pet was to investigate it too closely.

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Is trick or treating allowed this year?

SW Health supports individuals participating in COVID-safe Halloween celebrations, provided levels of community transmission remain low and participants follow current rules when gathering together. Help us stop the spread this Halloween and always remember to: • Keep 1.5 metres apart • Practise good hand hygiene • Stay home and get tested immediately if unwell • Wear a face mask if unable to physically distance COVID-safe tips if you plan to hand out treats NSW Health recommends: • If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 over Halloween, stay home, don’t receive Halloween visitors and get tested immediately • If you are self-isolating, don’t answer the door to trick-or-treaters • Make it a front-yard event, not at the front-door of your house. Keep your celebrations outdoors and get creative in decorating the front yard • Only hand out individually wrapped treats • Don’t use communal lolly bowls. Consider other ways of distributing treats such as hanging them

individually on your fence, front gate or up your driveway • Offer hand sanitiser at your front gate or fence • You may wish to avoid people knocking on your door by putting up a

sign that says “We are home but due to COVID-19, we are distancing. Please take one, Happy Halloween” • Remember, you can only have 20 people on your property at one time. COVID-safe tips if you plan to

trick-or-treat NSW Health recommends: • If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 this Halloween, stay home and give trick-or-treating a miss this year. Get tested immediately • Keep it local by staying in your suburb rather than going to wellknown “treat streets” that attract crowds • Celebrate outside, don’t go to people’s front door • Stay in small household groups (for example a supervising adult and children from the same household) rather than groups of young people together. Remember, no more than 30 people can gather outside in a public place • Stay 1.5 meters away from people you don’t live with • Only take treats that are individually wrapped • Use a disposable bag to collect your treats, and dispose of it appropriately afterwards • Don’t share your treats with others from different households • Don’t share costumes or costume face masks • Carry hand sanitiser with you and use it often, especially after touching common surfaces.

ENTERTAINMENT

South Penrith man thought he was being pranked when an official from The Lott called with the news he’d won $100,000 in the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw. The player won the 1st Prize of $100,000 in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10419, drawn Friday 16 October 2020. Sharing his excitement with an official from The Lott, the man admitted he’d never expected to answer the phone to such incredible news. “Are you telling me I’ve won something?” he questioned. “I know it’s not April Fool’s Day, but this can’t be real! “Are you joking? Are you fair dinkum? No way! “This is bloody beautiful! “I’m over the moon! It’s great, just fantastic. “Gorgeous! “You beauty! You’ve made my day, my year! “This is completely out of the blue. I can’t believe this. “My wife has been feeling a bit off today, she certainly won’t be after she hears this news.”

Newsagency, Shop 38, Nepean Village, 144 Station Street, Penrith. Nepean Square Newsagency owner Nabil Bahous said the outlet was celebrating delivering a win to one of their customers. “We are so happy for them, whoever they may be,” he shared. “In tough times like this, a win like this would be a huge help. “We wish him all the very best with his prize. “We can’t wait to deliver more wins to our customers.” The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $2.20 million for draw 1504 while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot is now $890,000 for draw 10420. When asked how he planned to enjoy his windfall, the stoked bloke said he had a few things in mind. “We are retired, so we will use this to go on a few trips we’ve been wanting to go on for quite some time,” he explained. “We will also help our kids out as well.” The winning entry of one number was purchased at Nepean Square

Witches and Kings Farmhouse lights or little sprites

Cornish harbour By BEN CRANNEY

erlin’s Cave is a pretty simple place, just a sea cave cutting through an outcrop. But I suppose a wizard could enchant any visitors and make them them see whatever he wanted them to see. It would have helped that visitors would already be enchanted by King Arthur’s castle on the hill top above. It’s in ruins now, but it would have been a large fortress, sitting over the Celtic Sea. Of course historians debate if Arthur even existed, but its easy to believe he did and to imagine Merlin calling up a sea storm when his king was killed by Mordred in the Battle of Camlann. Henry the Seventh certainly thought Arthur was real enough that he claimed ancestry to bolster his claim to the throne. The area still attracts enchanters and spell casters. The Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic,

Eternal views

owned by Wiccans, takes visitors on a journey of magic and paganism. When the fog comes in from the sea and blankets the narrow country roads, flickering headlights look like will-o-the-wisps trying to lure you away. But most magical of all, would be listening to one of the few people who still speak Cornish. I didn’t get to, but when I look at the words, I wonder if it would be like listening to Tolkien’s elves. Cornwall is also great for food. Rick Stein has a number of restaurants in the area, and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen is still open. But I was happy missing these for a Cornish Pastie (the ‘a’ is pronounced like in ‘cat’) and a beer. Or a scones and tea. Or even both. In fact, by mid afternoon, when I went looking for scones, the tea houses were all shut. The pub was still serving them, though. Fist sized scones, and serves of cream and jam that didn’t run out, and a generous pot of tea. No pasties, but easy to add a

Merlin’s Cave

beer. And all in the dingiest pub I’ve ever been in. Visit Saxon age churches on cliff tops overlooking the sea, giving those in the graveyard eternal views. Maybe take a pilgrimage to St Michael’s at Penzance, the town that gave its name to the famous play. Visit all the different climates and flora of the world in a day at the Eden project. Walk some of the most spectacular coastline in Britain as part of the English coastal walk. Or if Cornwall is just a bit too far, try the world’s biggest Cornish festival, held in South Australia’s copper triangle. Next time: ruined Norman monasteries, World War 2 wrecks and blue seas

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

“You beauty!” South Penrith retiree is $100,000 richer

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

SUDOKU MEDIUM

SUDOKU HARD

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

WORD SEARCH

Halloween GHOST GOBBLINS SPIDERS TREATS TRICKS COSTUMES CANDY CORN

WITCHES EYEBALLS DECORATIONS CHILDREN SCAREY FUNNY BOO

BATS PUMPKIN FALL LEAVES BROOM HAY RIDE

SOLUTIONS: 15 October Medium

HALLOWEEN MAZE

ENTERTAINMENT By Noel Rowsell

rom the Award-winning film-maker of Cedar Boys, Serhat Caradee’s new film ‘A Lion Returns’ is an emotionally-charged and intense drama that reveals the impact of a returned Australian militant on his family and those closest to him. The film will be in cinemas across Australia from 5 November 2020. Serhat was born in Turkey but came to Australia as a 2 ½ year old, attending Homebush HS in his teenage years. He became involved in the Entertainment Industry 25 years ago, studying acting, performing arts and theatre. He then directed plays and made 2 short films, before entering AFTRS (only 4 out of 118 applicants) to study directing. The other students at that time were Cate Shortland (Black Widow, Berlin Syndrome, Summersault) and Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones, The Devils Candy). ‘A Lion Returns’ is an original story about a young man Jamal (Tyler De Nawi) returning home from the conflict in Syria. After experiencing the horrors of the battlefield in the Middle East and with a burgeoning indignation towards the west, Jamal

must now face the consequences of his actions and abandoning his family. Wanting to see his dying mother, he first has to deal with his strong-minded brother, his wife and most importantly his unforgiving father. Why has Jamal really come back? Is this a plan of his own or is he a confused pawn in a bigger global picture? The film was shot remarkably in 10 days with a partly crowd-funded budget. The story unfolds in realtime, revealing how each member of the family responds, relates and deals with Jamal’s reappearance. “What drew me to this story were the multiple media reports; both local and international about young men and women returning to their home countries from the Middle East,” said Serhat.“This film is a reflection of a current global issue,” “It was important for me to reveal the reaction and attitude of an Arab

Muslim family to terrorism and Jihadi activities, especially towards a family member,” said Serhat. “I wanted to show both sides of the argument and ask the following questions: Was Jamal justified in his decision to head overseas? What was the emotional cost to his family, father, mother, brother, wife and son. What happens to him now? Does he continue with his mission in Australia, turn himself in or head back overseas?” Starring in ‘A Lion Returns’ are Tyler De Nawi (On The Ropes, The Principle), Danny Elacci (Wonderland, Badlanders (U.S)), Helen Chebatte (Cedar Boys, Alex & Eve), Jacqui Purvis (Short films Sydney & Undertow), Buddy Dannoun (Cedar Boys, Blue Murder: Killer Cop) and Maha Wilson (Ali’s Wedding, Moon Rock for Monday). ‘A Lion Returns’ was officially selected for the 2020 Gold Coast Film

Serhat Caradee - photo supplied.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

‘A Lion Returns’ Screening in Mt Druitt

Festival and was a finalist at the Gold Coast Film Festival’s Australian Indie Film Awards. A Lion Returns is a Bonafide Pictures film, written and directed by Serhat Caradee, produced by Liz Burton, Steve Jaggi and Serhat Caradee and distributed by Bonsai Films. Serhat has some other films in the wings, which can be found at http://www.bonafidepictures.com. au/in-development/ and a Canadian / Australian co-production horror: ‘Mark of Kane’ based on the book ‘Kane’ by best selling author Michael Prescott: www.screendaily.com/news/ horror-mark-of-kane-heads-tocannes/5118019.article

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Petrol (8) 5 Dross (6) 9 An engraved inscription (8) 10 In England, it’s a spanner (6) 12 Autograph (9) 13 A sweetener (5) 14 Small island (4) 16 An unspecified future time (7) 19 From end to end (7) 21 Where birds live (4) 24 An exact duplicate (5) 25 Disequilibrium (9) 27 Naughts (6) 28 Confuse (8) 29 Not airtight (6) 30 Aubergine (8) down 1 A metamorphic rock (6) 2 Selfish (6) 3 Insect stage (5)

solution 15/10/20

4 6 7 8 11 15 17 18 20 21 22 23 26

8th planet of the solar system (7) Xmas (9) Rebel (8) Receptacles for cigarette ash (8) Animal companions (4) SW (9) Specified individually (8) Standards (8) Inheritor (4) Apprehending (7) City in Turkey (6) A group of six (6) Ease (5)

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State of Origin On the Big Screen

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ENTERTAINMENT

ou watched the grand final that stopped the town last weekend, how about heading to Panthers on November 3 for the race that stops the nation. Two events have already sold out however Members can watch all the race action live on the big screen in the Basement Sports Bar with all TAB facilities available from 9am on the day. Get in early before the big race and enjoy a prerace BBQ lunch prepared and for sale in The Backyard by BlackBear BBQ. After the race collect your winnings and celebrate at Panthers Cup Day After Party in Dom’s Cocktail Lounge from 3pm FREE ENTRY. Enjoy the MELBOURNE CUP in a COVID 19 safe environment.

Frances Madden & Band

he Joan’s Concert and Music Program Producer, Valda Silvy OAM says “having Frances launch her album at the Joan is a thrill for the venue and for music lovers in the West. For this special event, Frances on vocals and piano will be backed by an eight-piece all-star band featuring some of Sydney’s most talented musicians.” According to Natalie Waller, Head of ABC Music, “the Beautiful World album was a year in the making and is produced by ARIA Award winning maestro Chong Lim AM who also produces for John Farnham, Olivia Newton John. We believe the wonderful crop of original cross-over tunes on the album have the potential to influence the mainstream music scene!” Frances’ first studio album ‘If this were a dream’ went to #5 on the ARIA Jazz Charts. Frances plays to full houses at leading jazz venues and festivals around Australia. She has supported touring international artists including Dionne Warwick and Grammy-Award winner Gregory Porter as well as headlining at the

acclaimed JZ Club in Shanghai. With a nod to her jazz roots, Beautiful World will also appeal to Frances’ growing adult contemporary following both in Australia and overseas – the album will also be released by Universal Music in Japan early in 2021. For this very special launch, Frances has assembled a superb band featuring some of Sydney’s finest young musicians with violin virtuoso Ian Cooper as her special guest. PERSONNEL: Frances Madden / Vocals & Piano Carl Dewhurst / Guitar Brett Hirst / Double Bass Tim Geldens / Drums Karl Laskowski / Tenor Sax Ray Cassar / Trumpet Borbala Bodonyi & Rosalia Lonergan / Backing Vocals Special Guest Ian Cooper / Violin Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre - Penrith 7.30pm Sat. 28 November, 2020 Tickets for the live performance and the live stream are available from the Joan website or www.francesmadden.com

The Joan is delighted to present the official launch concert for Frances Madden’s new album ‘Beautiful World’ released in Australia by ABC Music.

The Joan is a registered COVID-Safe venue and operating under strict guidelines. This event will run for approximately 75 minutes without interval to comply with Covid-safe requirements. The event will also be live streamed to an Australian and international audience.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

Enjoy the Melbourne Cup at Panthers

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Secure and affordable housing for older women

new micro-unit development in St Marys providing affordable housing for single older women was officially opened on Wednesday by the Hon Shayne Mallard MLC. The 16-unit development will provide much needed accommodation for women over 45 who are eligible for social housing. The $4.4 million project is a partnership between Wentworth and the New South Wales Government who have contributed a $3 million upfront capital grant under a Community Housing Assistance Agreement. “We congratulate the NSW Government for supporting this project and enabling us to develop housing for older women. These homes have been extremely well designed to make effective use of the space and provide an affordable and

well-located alternative for single older women in the Nepean region,” said CEO of Wentworth, Stephen McIntyre. With older single women being the fastest growing group of people experiencing homelessness, this development comes at a critical

time to provide homes for women who are struggling to find suitable accommodation in the private rental market. The Equity Economics report A Wave of Disadvantage Across NSW: Impact of COVID-19 report released last week, provides further evidence

that women in NSW will be at greatest risk of housing stress and in high need of social and affordable housing as the impacts of COVID-19 deepen in early 2021. This research has found that women are the majority of the projected 360,000 people in NSW to be unemployed by July 2021 and that increases in domestic violence are the single biggest cause of homelessness for women. “Single older women are one of the most vulnerable groups in the housing system in Australia. Wentworth is organizing a two-year community building program to make sure that the women living in the complex get the support that they need to get their lives back on track. We know from our work in Western Sydney that secure, appropriate and affordable housing can turn lives around.”

New housing and infrastructure in a growing region

edbank Communities is continuing to deliver growth opportunities and community infrastructure in North Richmond with the first sod turned on the new Village Centre recently and its Home Display Village opened on Saturday 24 October. The Hon Scott Farlow MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and for COVID Recovery (representing the Treasurer Domenic Perrottet MP), Robyn Preston MP, Hawkesbury Mayor Patrick Conolly, and Redbank Communities Mark Regent and Jock Douglas toured the new Display Village and spoke with builders about housing, the growth of north-west Sydney and the contribution construction and infrastructure make to the State and local economies. On completion, the value of the Redbank North Richmond project will be in excess of $1.2 billion and is forecast to provide housing choices for around 3,900 additional residents over the next 8 years. This is supported by State, Federal and developer contributions to road and infrastructure totalling over $373 million. Redbank North Richmond currently has 912 DA approved blocks out of a total 1399 blocks and has sold over 600 blocks to date. 462 homes have been completed or are currently under construction NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said: “The Redbank North Richmond community will not only deliver new housing and infrastructure in a growing region but will also boost jobs at a critical time in the State’s economic recovery from the pandemic.” This next stage will provide more housing options in North Richmond helping people find their dream home as the NSW Government continues its major investment in Western

Sydney building better road and rail connections throughout the region and creating jobs through major projects such as the new Western Sydney Airport.” These sentiments were echoed by Scott Farlow MLC who toured the Redbank site recently: “The only way to keep our economy moving and create new jobs is to build, and keep building. The Redbank North Richmond community is an excellent example of new housing and infrastructure construction which boosts the State economy and importantly creates jobs, jobs, and more jobs” Mr. Farlow said. Said Mark Regent, Project Director of Redbank North Richmond: “Redbank’s point of difference in the Sydney market is we have average block sizes of 650sqm - offering unparalleled views of heritage protected parklands and water bodies. There is a commitment to best practice, significant lifestyle gains for residents, and the building of legacy community programs which will enrich the lives of those who live here’, he said. The masterplan includes RSL Lifecare’s Ron Middleton VC Gardens - a best-in-class 80 bed high-care nursing home and retirement village built by Redbank Communities in conjunction with the RSL which opened in 2014. Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston said following her visit: “Housing

construction is one of the best ways to provide local jobs for many trades and to stimulate the local economy, so this project is especially important given the economic challenges we are facing. There are plenty of large lots for families to build quality homes on, with room to entertain and play in the backyard. Hawkesbury is one of the best places in NSW to raise a family and enjoy the open space and natural beauty on offer. This project is attracting a lot of interest from residents nearby and beyond and I am not surprised. It’s a growing community with a nurturing village environment.” The news is not just good for future homebuyers – the local and state economies are already boosted by the Redbank North Richmond masterplanned community, which creates 570 jobs in construction each year. Once established it is estimated that the residential community will contribute $473 million to the local economy. Hawkesbury Mayor Patrick Conolly said, “I would like to congratulate Redbank Communities on the launch of Redbank North Richmond’s Display Home precinct. I am told that four Australian building companies will open their latest home designs to potential residents of the Hawkesbury region and promote new house and land

packages’, he said. To date Redbank has seen over $260 million in land sales. “The importance of land releases in outer suburbs and the opportunity for people to live where they know and work and perhaps grew up cannot be undervalued. The numbers are showing us that 40% of our buyers have come from the Hawkesbury, Blacktown, the Hills and Penrith are our next biggest catchments with 16% each”, said Mr Regent. Only last week a further 254 housing sites were DA approved and the first stage will be made available for sale on Saturday 24 October. Construction has also commenced on the Redbank Village Centre, which is set to see stage one completed in 2022. The village will provide convenient food, lifestyle and shopping experiences for residents and the wider community. A café/restaurant forms part of the first stage of construction alongside a children’s playground and other greenspace works. “The 254 lots scheduled for release within in the next year will, I am sure help to boost our economy. This is something that we are all striving to do, given what we have all faced during 2020,” the Mayor said. “Equally, the Redbank Village Centre will be a welcome boost for the Hawkesbury and for the 1000 local residents who live at Redbank” said the Mayor.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

NEPEAN HISTORY

WW1 Soldier Settlement at “Lenore” Estate By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

“Lenore” was situated at Erskine Park and was land owned by Andrew Thompson, St Marys’ Master Tanner and dairy farmer with a herd of over 100 milking cows. Erskine Park was originally part of James Erskine’s 3,000-acre property granted in 1818. When Andrew bought the Lenore property in 1898 he knew there was gravel beneath the surface. This gravel would have made the ground hardly suitable for farming. Andrew died in 1918 and during the 20th century the estate was acquired by the Crown and divided into a number of farms as part of the “Closer Settlement Initiative”. Each Australian State Government realised the importance of providing a source of income for returning soldiers after the war, as well as to recognise the personal and family sacrifices made by them. The NSW Government introduced the Returned Soldiers Settlement Act in 1916. Soldiers were eligible to apply for Crown Lands if they had served overseas with the Australian Imperial Forces or with the British Defence Service. The soldiers also needed to have been honourably discharged to be eligible. Land was available to the soldiers on affordable terms and they could also receive advances of money to make improvements to the land that was often in poor condition. They could also use the money for equipment, plants, stock and seeds. Soldiers who had received smaller blocks of land often experienced significant hardships. The Returned Soldiers Settlement Act 1916 was amended in 1917 to allow other soldiers who were eligible to apply for Crown Lands but did not serve overseas. In 1919 portions of Erskine Park were surveyed and the land once belonging to Andrew became the Lenore Estate and subdivided. In 1920 the “Lenore estate” was resumed for the “Closer Settlement scheme” and from 1920 onwards several returned soldiers applied for farms on the Estate. Some were refused, some received properties but ended up forfeiting their claims, while others farmed their properties. The Lenore subdivision represents the first major change in the pattern of land ownership within the Penrith area. This settlement program was where the land was resumed, subdivided into small holdings then sold back to selectors by the Government or the World War One returned soldiers who could purchase the land on generous terms. The subdivisions were designed so that the settlers could quickly establish themselves as mixed or dairy farmers who utilized the existing infrastructure. The subdivisions on this estate did not follow the pre-existing boundaries but they were configured to incorporate existing outbuildings and dwellings from the Thompson dairy that accounted for some odd-shaped allotments. One soldier was Walter Neill Mitchell who took up an allotment. Walter was born at Ayr in Scotland and was thought to come to Australia in 1912 on the “Orsova.” He later enlisted into the Australian Naval & Military Expedition Force in October 1915, (calling himself a Dairy Expert) and already 44 years old. He was sent to Rabaul in Papua New Guinea as a dental orderly with the Australian Medical Corps and was there until November 1916 with the 4th Tropical Force “A” Company. He returned to Australia and was admitted to the No.6 Australian General Hospital until February 1917 when he was discharged medically unfit. After a year past, in May 1918 he enlisted at Enoggera into the A.I.F. Walter (now claiming a Manager of a cheese factory) embarked from Sydney in June 1918 overseas to the No.

Michelle Latham

michelle@heavenlycelebrations.com.au

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

3 Sea Transport Section, arriving in London into the Australian Medical Corps training camp. Walter returned to Australia via the “Runic” in November 1918 and was discharged in December. In 1919 he was working at the dental surgery at the Enoggera Military camp and later that year moved to St Marys to take up a settlement on the “Lenore” estate. Walter never married and died in St Marys in April 1936. In the Daily Telegraph his funeral information said:- The funeral of the late Walter Neill Mitchell, late of St Marys and the A.I.F. will leave the Chapel on the corner of Orchard Road & Brown Street at Chatswood for the Presbyterian Cemetery, Northern Suburbs. He was cremated at Macquarie Park Crematorium. In the Nepean Times in May 1936 advertised the following:- In the Supreme Court of New South Wales Probate Jurisdiction. The Will of Walter Neill Mitchell late of St Marys in the State of New South Wales, farmer deceased. Application will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will of the above named deceased may be granted to Henry Charles Hoyer the Executor named in the said Will and all creditors in the said Estate are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the undersigned and all notices may be served at the offices of the undersigned. A. S. LAMROCK, Proctor for the said Executor, Penrith. Probate was issued in February 1937. Henry took over Walter’s farm at Lenore with his wife Olive May. Henry then applied for a license for a dam on an un-named watercourse in the Parish of Melville-county of Cumberland for conservation of water for stock. A Statutory Declaration in 1962 from Henry stated for 30 years prior to 1951 the lands enclosed by the fence were used by Thomas Baker and other members of his family (who were the owners and resided at the properties) for grazing purposes and no other person had access to the land for the purpose of watering stock or any other purpose as such access was effectively prevented by the fence. Henry died in 1965. Other owners of the Lenore settlement were Arthur Renwick Poolman who had a cottage on his property and owned more than one farm. He died in 1987. Andrew Doonside Fleming had a cottage on the east side of Arthur’s farm. By 1939 farms owned by Arthur Poolman were transferred to Arthur Henry Stockman. In 1940 some of the areas were gazetted and resumed for the Warragamba to Prospect pipeline and in 1950 a farm was purchased by Harrie Davis. In 1953 Harrie sold to Colin Stockman. This now suggested that the whole of the area was owned by the Stockman family in the 1950s. Their properties were then sold to the Austral Brick Company in the early 1960s. The photo is a typical type of a simple house built on the settler’s site. Sources: Historical Archaeological Assessment and Heritage Management Strategy prepared by Australian Museum Business Services for Goodman International Limited, Closer Settlement and Returned Soldiers Transfer files at NSW State Archives, Australian Electoral Rolls, Family Search (Mormon’s site), Government Gazette of NSW – June 1950, WATER ACT, 1912-1946, From Research-Data Western Sydney edu.au online, Ancestry online, BDM online.

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

PANTHERS 2020 Grand Final Luncheon

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Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

SPORT

New cola and basketball court now complete

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced that students and staff at Kingswood South Public School will benefit from the NSW Government school infrastructure investment with works at the school now completed. Stuart Ayres said an estimated $330,000 worth of works have been carried out at the school which includes a new covered outdoor learning area (COLA) and basketball court. “These great new facilities will benefit the local community for generations to come,” Stuart Ayres said. “The NSW Government is working hard right across the state to improve the infrastructure at our local schools, with funding for significant upgrades to student and staff facilities, outdoor spaces and improvements to accessibility. “This is fantastic addition to Kingswood South Public School that many students will benefit from now and well into the future.” “Another election promise delivered for the people of Penrith.” School Principal, Sandra Martin said, “The staff and students of Kingswood South Public School are very grateful to our local Member Mr Stuart Ayres to have such a wonderful state of the art sporting facility built at the school. It will allow our students the opportunity to improve their sporting skills and inspire generations of children with a love of sport.” Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government was strengthening the state’s world-class education system by investing in the maintenance and infrastructure needs of local schools. “These improvements demonstrate a long-term commitment to taking care of existing schools and providing students and teachers with the very best educational facilities,” Ms Mitchell said. The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Penrith & Castle Hill Golf Clubs battle for playoff berth By Noel Rowsell

enrith GC and Castle Hill CC, two of the strongest golf clubs in Western Sydney, are headed for a win-at-all-costs clash at Cabramatta GC on 2nd November. Heading into the penultimate round of the season this week (postponed until 29th Oct), both Penrith and Castle Hill are currently undefeated in the 2020 Super Senior Pennant competition and their match-up in the final round of the regular season will determine which team advances to the Playoffs. Castle Hill were Grand Finalists before finishing as somewhat unlucky runners-up to Forster-Tuncurry GC in 2019, narrowly beaten on a countback, whilst Penrith made it through to the Quarter Finals before being beaten by Monash GC, which was in turn defeated by Castle Hill. The results to date this year have Castle Hill currently leading Division 4, ahead of Penrith on percentages but if results go as planned this week, the

Penrith GC players in action at Dunheved GC during the Super Senior Pennant competition. Left: Dennis Day. Right: Colin Neill . Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

final game between Castle Hill and Penrith will determine which club progresses. In Division 3, Wallacia CC is also

undefeated and has moved to the top of the division, following Springwood CC’s win over Camden GC in the previous round.

Wallacia is strongly favoured to win it’s final game against Richmond GC to also claim a berth in the Playoff series.

SPORT By Noel Rowsell

lenmore Heritage Valley GC will host the semi-finals of the 2020 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition on Sunday 8th November. The cream of NSW junior golfing talent will be on show, with the four teams competing in the playoffs including 2019 champions St Michael’s GC, along with The Australian GC, New South Wales GC and Avondale GC. First contested in 1952, the Eric Apperly Shield is an Inter-club and District competition, open to both Metropolitan & Regional clubs. Representative District Golf Association (DGA) teams which are affiliated with Golf NSW are also eligible to compete. Normally played from July to September, the competition is for female & male golfers who are 21 years of age & under and has extended into November this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions enforced earlier in the season. Named after one of NSW Golf’s pioneering greats, the Eric Apperly Shield is considered the State’s premier Inter-club competition for elite junior Golf. The format sees two teams consisting of six individual matches compete over 18 holes of matchplay, without the benefit of handicap. Teams are initially pooled into groups for the home & away phase of the competition, with the winners of each pool progressing through to the Finals, which are played in a knockout format. The final four teams this year have a rich history in the event, with St Michael’s winning the title on 10 occasions (including the first-ever event in

Left: Grace Kim (Avondale). Right: Harrison Crowe (St Michaels)

1952 and last year in 2019), New South Wales on 5 occasions, The Australian 4 times and Avondale has just 1 previous title victory. Based upon the results of the preliminary rounds, New South Wales enter the playoffs as the #1 seed, ahead of The Australian at #2, Avondale at #3 and St Michael’s at #4. The two winning teams will face off the following weekend (15th November) at Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club, with the winner to be crowned as the

2020 Champions. Feature players in this year’s playoffs include the number 1-ranked Amateur Woman in Australia Grace Kim, who is joined at Avondale by June Song and Christopher Fan, whilst Harrison Crowe and Jordie Garner are both in the St Michael’s squad. The profiles of these 4 players can be found at: www.golfnsw.org.au in the High Performance segment.

Australian PGA Seniors Locks In Richmond By Noel Rowsell

he Australian PGA Seniors Championship will remain at Richmond Golf Club until at least 2022, following a 2-year extension of the PGA Legends Tour’s successful partnership with the popular venue. First played at Richmond Golf Club in 2013, Australia’s marquee Senior’s tournament returned to the NSW layout in 2018, after a three-year absence, to provide players and spectators alike with some of the most thrilling tournament conclusions seen on the PGA Legends Tour in recent years. With additional support from new partner Bendigo Bank, players will now enjoy five consecutive years at the venue including the 2020 tournament, to be held from 5-7 November. Richmond Golf Club will host a star-studded field including former champions Peter Fowler, Mike Harwood and Peter O’Malley at the 2020 event, which Richmond Golf Club Operations Manager Craig Hodgesays said has been its most highly anticipated since Covid-19 restrictions began to lift. “We absolutely love holding this prestigious event at Richmond,” said Mr Hodgesays. “It’s certainly the highlight of our calendar and we’re proud to have secured the rights for another two years.” “The course is looking fantastic and definitely fit for a Legend.” “The greens are running fast and true and we can’t fault the work of our green keepers.” “It’s outstanding given we had catastrophic

2019 Champion Peter Senior (Qld) tees off on the 1st hole at Richmond GC. Photo by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

bushfires and flooding in the Hawkesbury (District) earlier in the year,” said Mr Hodgesays. “We are thrilled by the calibre of players who are coming next month, considering the uncertainty

COVID-19 restrictions have posed. We’re ready and geared up for a fantastic, CovidSAFE 2020 event.” PGA of Australia Legends Tour Coordinator Andy Rogers believes the Australian PGA Seniors Championship will provide a fitting conclusion to a swing of events played in the Blue Mountains from October 29, including the 2020 Springwood CC Legends Pro-Am and ICF Haulage ‘Legends ProAm’. “It’s great to see that the Championship will remain at Richmond for another two years,” said Mr Rogers. “The club (Richmond GC) has been a fantastic supporter and we are pleased we are able to provide those Professionals able to attend with a great playing opportunity such as this in 2020,” said Mr Rogers. “We have seen some exciting and memorable golf played here over the last few years.” “Rodger Davis winning a playoff against Peter Senior and Mike Harwood in 2015 stands out, while Michael Long and # Peter Senior’s respective wins over the last 2 years have been just as exciting.” “I’m sure there’s plenty more to come,” said Mr Rogers. The Australian PGA Seniors Championship will be played for $50,000 in 2020. # 2019 champion Peter Senior shot a final round score of 5-under par 65, which was not only one of the best scores of the day but also elevated the Queenslander to a winning total of 9-under par, just 1 shot ahead of Peter O’Malley and Peter Fowler in equal 2nd, with Peter Lonard and 2018 winner Michael Long finishing in a tie for 4th postion.

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

The cream of junior talent on show in Penrith

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

SPORT

Tex’s tales with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker The adage of having to lose a grand final to win one is ringing loud for the Penrith Panthers. The grand final display was far from their finest, but many moments in the match showed that they deserved to be there. Unfortunately there were some poor decisions and too many errors that can only be put down as nerves and inexperience. The Cameron Smith try on half-time sunk the Panthers and an early second half try to Ryan Papenhuyzen sealed the deal when they led 26-0. But credit where it is due as the Panthers produced an incredible fight back which had them six points behind in the last play of the game. But it was a mountain just too tall to climb. Nathan Cleary was understandably distraught after the match. “It’s hard, I keep going over moments in the game and that feeling will stay with me for a while,” he said. “There are a few moments including the

intercept and we let in an ordinary try. They were too good. “We’ve got a taste of it now. It’s going to hurt for a long time, but it’s fuelled us for next year. “We will train harder than ever now.” Of course, there will be many moments in the game of ‘what ifs’? What if it wasn’t a penalty try? What if Nathan doesn’t throw the intercept pass? What if Josh Mansour’s try was allowed? What if we could hold that try on half time? What if we didn’t panic and produce so many errors? The list goes on. At the end of the day the game finished four tries each with the Panthers finishing all over the top of Melbourne, but they ran out of time losing 26-20. Credit to the Melbourne Storm, they are an intimidating side and their experience got them home.

A despondent Panthers following the loss on Sunday. Photos: NRL Imagery.

Huge congratulations to Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai for being named in Brad Fittler’s 27 man NSW State of Origin squad. The selection of Jarome Luai was most deserving based on his outstanding form this year. Stephen Crichton has had Origin written all over him for a long while whilst Isaah Yeo is the perfect fit for the Blues pack. Nathan Cleary is an obvious selection. Panther utility Kurt Capewell has been added to the Queensland State of Origin team. Capewell has been great in 2020 overcoming injury then taking limited opportunities. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary praised the efforts of his Origin debutants and the benefit their experience could add to Penrith next year. “I’m really happy for them, all of them thoroughly deserve it,” he said. “It is a bit of cold comfort but all those individuals can sit back and say ‘I’ve earned my spot in the biggest game around’. The Origin series kicks off this Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval , followed by game two in Sydney on November 11 and the series finale at Suncorp Stadium on November 18.

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with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker Whilst most of their players (except Origin stars) will take time off for a well earned rest, Panthers General Manager Matt Cameron will be working tirelessly to secure the likes of Stephen Crichton, Issah Yeo, Spencer Leniu, Josh Mansour and Matt Burton beyond the 2021 season. They become available to the market on November 1. “We purposely put contract talks on hold to concentrate on our finals campaign,” said Cameron. “Negotiations are well advanced with all players and we just need to tidy a few things up and I’m confident of retaining all of them. “Despite reports we are very keen to retain Matt Burton, he’s a wonderful young kid with a huge future. We believe the future is here at Penrith.” Stephen Crichton will be in hot demand, but there is no way he will play his next contract anywhere else but the Panthers. Crichton has said he is indebted to the club and the opportunities that have been presented to him. Spencer Lenui is a future star of the game and is a close friend of Crichton’s having played all their junior football together. Isaah Yeo has been just about Penrith’s best all season and Jarome Luai has come of age. Josh Mansour has found a new lease on life with his footy. The above mentioned have been a part of a wonderful success story which is only in its early chapters. Although the AFL and NRL Grand Finals have concluded, the sports calendar is pretty full in the next month or so. Starting this week here’s a few things to strap yourself in for; Saturday - A must win game for the Wallabies against the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium Saturday - Derby Day at Flemington - regarded by many as the best day on the horse racing calendar. Tuesday - Melbourne Cup - Flemington Wednesday - State of Origin 1 Adelaide Oval Thursday - Oaks Day - Flemington Speaking of the Melbourne Cup if you haven’t looked that far ahead, book into either Penrith Gaels Club or Panthers for what will be a dapper breakfast or afternoon lunch and festivities. Panthers have a $65 per head breakfast from 7:30AM in the Evan Theatre which will include live entertainment, raffles and live auction items. Penrith Gaels will have prizes for best dressed along with live entertainment.

Jeremy Cameron has knocked back the GWS Giants offer leaving the club in disarray. There is some real concern for the future of the GWS giants following the news that star Jeremy Cameron is walking out on the club knocking back an offer to join the Geelong Cats. With Captain Stephen Coniglio being dropped from the squad late in the season, Heath Shaw being delisted and now the Cameron departure, some things just do not smell right. NSW are blessed with an abundance of talent in the 27 man Origin squad. Before the semi finals I thought Stephen Crichton might be best left for next year, but his evasiveness and damaging runs over the past two weeks has him ready to make his NSW debut. The mail is that if Jack Wighton is selected at five eighth Stephen Crichton will be selected at left centre. With Wighton being presented the Dally M this season it’s going to be hard not to pick him in his best position. Fingers crossed for Stephen, the whole of Penrith is beyond you and all of the boys in the Origin squad.

“I’d find it hard to play for anyone else apart from the Giants...I don’t need to play again, I don’t need to prove anything for another year, “said Heath Shaw. He did not rule out the possibility of returning to the club in an off-field role, adding that he believes his off-field credentials are one of his biggest assets to an AFL club. “I’m pretty experienced on and off the field.”

Below is my NSW team. 1. James Tedesco 2. Nick Cotric 3. Zac Lomax 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo Carr 6. Jack Wighton 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Ryan Campbell Gillard 9. Damien Cook 10. Junior Paulo 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Cameron Murray 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ryan Papenhuyzen Fingers crossed Stephen 15. Payne Haas 16. Angus Crichton Crichton will make his NSW 17. Dale Finucane State of Origin debut.

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Nepean News 29 3 September October 2020 2020Issue Issue 289 285

Tex’s tales

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

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Coach’s Corner L

Keeping The Faith

ike the majority of you, I watched the first half of Sunday’s NRL Grand Final in a state of disbelief and disappointment. Disappointed that the confident, talented, young and well functioning team whom we watched win 17 games in a row were been outclassed and outplayed by the most dominant club team since the St George Dragons (who won 11 Premierships in a row). The mighty Melbourne Storm whom were taking part in their ninth Grand Final in the last fifteen seasons, an incredible record. Panthers supporters need to keep the faith. The organisation needed Sunday night. Regardless of the result, it was a culmination of a decade’s restructuring. Not a rebuild, the Panthers never needed a rebuild, they needed to tidy up their organisational efficiency and leadership structure around the high performance pathways to ensure the pool of talented juniors would progress through the development system into the NRL team.

That stream started in 2012 with the appointment of Matt Cameron who took over the development pathway with a goal of sustainability, which was not going to happen overnight. And it has taken the club near on a decade to reach the top of the mountain and to peer at the summit. They fell one step short of that summit last Sunday night, but they will return far stronger for that big game experience. The Panthers organisation is one devoid of excuses. Post match there was no out cry of blame, excuses or a pro Melbourne conspiracy which many wanted to pedal on social media and in many forums of online communication. Social media is not the real world, despite many living the majority of their days in that domain. What we witnessed from the Panthers post game was ownership. Ownership of the result and of the reasons which determined the result. The cold hard reality is that the Panthers made 18 errors and gave away 7 penalties. A total of 25 negative plays in an 80 minute contest, put simply it was Rugby League

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suicide. It gave them no realistic chance of winning the game. Yet as the siren sounded at ANZ Stadium after 80 minutes here they were throwing the ball around trying to pull off a miracle down 6 points as time expired. This team has plenty of character and they have a coaching staff and leadership hierarchy who are doing a fantastic job. They will return, bigger and stronger with an understanding of what it takes to win matches of that scale against elite teams. You only gain that experience by facing the elite and learning some hard lessons. The Melbourne Storm deserve a huge amount of credit and admiration from the Rugby League public. Their record speaks for itself and their victory in 2020 speaks of an organisation who do not defeat themselves and whom compete for the entirety of the contest in every match of every season. They polarise opinion and plenty love to hate them. But they are hated because they are the best and most consistent Rugby League organisation in the world.

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Panthers succumb at final hurdle

ow that the dust has settled and emotions are back to a near normal status, let’s look back on last Sunday night’s Grand Final with an objective eye. The game started well for the Panthers with the opening kick-off fumbled by the Storm giving Penrith a scrum feed 10 metres out from Melbourne’s try line. The ensuing set of 6 quickly gave us an insight into where the young Panther Cub’s heads were at. It was a meek set that was overtaken by nerves. A side to side passing passage of no real penetration that ended with a chip kick that the Storm gobbled up and set them on their way. The Justin Olam try was a try. Tyrone May tried valiantly to get a leg under the ball but the rule is you can’t get your leg anywhere near the attacking player trying to force the ball, ironically brought in after Melbourne’s Billy Slater chose this way of trying to stop 4 pointers from fullback. 6-0. Some clunky ball handling from the Panthers and all of a sudden it was 8-0. Around the 27 minute mark James Fisher-Harris was penalised for a late hit on Brandon Smith, another 2 points 10-0. Then as Penrith were attacking, Nathan Cleary threw a looping ball to his outside backs that was intercepted by the flying Suliasi Vunivalu who ran 90 metres to score. 16-0. As the clock ticked towards the half time mark Melbourne caught another break when it was deemed that Api Koroisau had indeed hit the ball and not the arm of Cameron Smith, who sliced over under the posts for another 4 pointer. Half time Melbourne 22 Penrith 0. Only once in a grand final has the scoreline been more decisive, in 2001 Newcastle lead Parramatta 24-0! The second half started the way the first half ended. A captains challenge gone wrong, Storm scrum feed, Clive Churchill medal winner Ryan Papenhuyzen got the ball on his own quarter line, dummied the ball, charged through a gap and raced 80 metres to score another, 26-0. Then Penrith woke from their slumber. A contentious try to Brian To’o got them on the score board, a great kick from the sideline from Cleary, 26-6. Stephen Crichton then crossed at the 69th minute, Josh Mansour the 72nd minute, Nathan Cleary the 79th minute. 26-20. Too little too late. The Panthers picked the worst time to play their worst game of the season, but s**t happens. The Penrith Panthers came up against a rampaging Storm outfit and were over-powered by their brutal defence. They will be smarting about their first foray into the big dance in 17 years but can hold their collective heads high. Their 2020 season has been nothing short of exhilarating! 17 wins in a row,

 The pain is real but must be used as motivation

 Ryan Papenhuyzen man of the match sets sail

record after record broken, the unearthing of magnificent talent cannot be defined on one performance. Panther fans should be proud of their team and what they delivered this year under extreme circumstances. They have had an ‘out of the box” season that will be remembered for a long time. Fortunately not many people remember who came second in the competition, as it would be an injustice to judge them on last Sunday night’s contest. 2021 looks bright for the Mountain Men and every single one of those players who felt the pain of defeat should use it as fuel for the up-coming season in which they have already been installed as favourites for the 2021 competition. Congratulations to those players included in the origin squads, and congratulations Penrith on an amazing season. You brought a lot of joy to a lot of people in what has been a wretched year for all. Bring on origin, bring on 2021! See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Nepean News 29 October 2020 Issue 289

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