Nepean News 3 September 2021

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ISSUE 311

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Michael Allen

Robert Raynor

Kristine Gauci

Daena Madon

Veronica Nou

community champions Read all about the 2021 Local Celebration Award winners on pages 8-9 inside

Cathy and Marzi DeSanti

Gloria Lenon

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olice are appealing for information after a COVID-19 testing clinic was damaged in St Marys last weekend.

About 10.50pm on Saturday 28 August, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at the site on Forrester Road, North St Marys.

Upon arrival, officers from Nepean Police Area Command found a demountable building well alight. The fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW. Following a search surrounding the area, graffiti was found on a separate building.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.

The cause of the fire is not yet determined; however, it is being treated as suspicious.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Marys Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Testing clinic in flames

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The testing facility is still open and running

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Greg Yanda 0425 232 043 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

ell, this week we’ve seen the new case numbers consistently rise above 1000 every day. It does seem like the only possible way to combat this delta strain is by vaccination.

Sure, it feels like a scary decision to some. The vaccine hasn’t been around for a long time and there’s a lot of noise about risk of adverse reaction, however small. But the reality is, it’s the only weapon we have.

Whilst waiting for my own vaccination timeslot to roll around, I decided to give myself a bit of a lift. I bought a chemist product hair highlighter. As I opened the packaging I was immediately hit with warnings. If I happened to be allergic to the product it could burn my scalp and hair would no longer grow there. If it got in my eye it could do irreversible damage, even blind me. Of course those adverse reactions are very rare so I applied the product, as I have many times before.

I looked at my email whilst waiting for my hair dye to set, and browsed over all the flyers and ‘fact’ sheets on vaccines that I am regularly sent by those from the no jab brigade. I receive material from all walks of life. Business acquaintances, friends, family members, old school mates and people I’ve never heard of. Some I know and some I don’t, but of those I know, there are people who take various other medications without question - yet just like my hair dye, they also have many potential side affects. I know some of these people have had botox, have taken steroids to build muscles or smoke.

Some have been known to punch cones and even snort cocaine - yet now they’re suddenly worried about a vaccine in a world-wide pandemic?

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.

The angst over vaccination is really misplaced and silly. Millions of people across the world have received it without any problem whatsoever.

While some people are vaccination hesitant, we also have people who are totally anti-vax. The latter tend to also be vigorously anti-lockdown and “Covid is fake” so we have quite a dilemma. If we are to finish with lockdowns and restrictions and open up our state, our only safeguard would be vaccinations.

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If the sector of the community who don’t want to abide by measures to stop the spread nor get vaccinated is too large, it will basically sabotage any chance of getting out of this mess.

We really are a victim of our own success. Managing to keep the virus at bay for so long has built a complacency in people, and those who believe our combat response is all an overreaction are increasing.

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They’ll point to examples like Sweden, which didn’t go into lockdown.

But they don’t tend to look beyond that and research the results, because if they did they’d see quite a contrast. Our population is more than two and half times that of Sweden’s 10 million. Yet our total case numbers currently sit at around 53,000 cases, and theirs 1.2 million. Where we have sadly had just over 1000 deaths in Australia, they’ve had over 14,500. Ignoring the severity of the virus results in increased sickness and death - it really is a no brainer.

People will blame Gladys, they’ll blame the health system, say its just another flu or its all a scam - but unless we want to live in a new cocoon named NSW that is cut off from everyone else, something has got to give.

The old buzz words of flatten the curve and stamping out the virus have been replaced with 70% double dose, 80% double dose and freedoms.

I find it disappointing that so many people dismiss the threat of Covid-19 because those dying are most often in the older demographic. Those who seemingly devalue life should still realise there is so much more at stake.

The number of patients currently in NSW hospitals and in ICU wards with Covid-19 is rapidly increasing. What happens then, to brain tumour patients or those needing major surgery, those in car accidents, burns victims and so on? We aren’t just talking elderly people now either, often these are young people, even kids.

No, I could never turn my back on what is best for all our citizens, regardless of age. Nor could I play a part in compromising our healthcare system or becoming a ‘survival of the fittest’ society just because I’m a bit inconvenienced.

I hope you wouldn’t either.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

I

t was a lucky escape for a teenage girl who’d gone kayaking with her Dad. A PolAir helicopter has winched the girl to safety from the Nepean River after she fell out of her kayak on the weekend.

The crew of PolAir 2 were called to the Nepean River at Emu Plains about 5pm on Saturday, 28 August following reports a teenage girl was in trouble in the water.

Police have been told the 15-year-old had been kayaking with her father when she fell into the water. Her father was unable to reach her and called police.

The crew found the girl clinging to a tree in the water before an officer was lowered to her and she was winched to safety.

The girl was flown to a waiting NSW Ambulance

a short distance away and assessed by paramedics.

She was uninjured.

Her father joined them at the location and was reunited with his daughter.

Head to facebook to watch the full rescue video; it can be viewed on Nepean News page or on the NSW Police page.

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’

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

PolAir rescue girl from river patioman

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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Mayor: “its time to make a call”

By KeRRIE DAVIES

P

enrith City Council is calling on the government to consider the risk to our younger residents as COVID’s unforgiving Delta strain continues to spread across the City.

“The uncertainty created by the daily growing numbers, combined with a city that’s only half ‘locked down’ by harsher restrictions means we’re in limbo about what will come next,” a Council press release stated.

Penrith Mayor, Karen McKeown OAM is most alarmed by the number of children being impacted by the highly infectious delta strain, something that wasn’t so much of an issue the last lockdown, and says our young people need to be a critical factor in decisionmaking moving forward.

A recent exposure at the Council childcare centre in Glenmore Park went on to also impact the Stepping Stones centre in St Clair, and Mayor McKeown said a young staff member was hospitalised with the virus.

“With more schools reporting cases and Council’s own Childcare centres reporting a small number of cases, it’s important that contact tracers are able to keep pace to prevent more people from being unnecessarily exposed,” Cr McKeown said.

“The current 3 – 5 day delay from when a case is first identified to when an exposure site is notified is of great concern.

“The job that our contact tracers do is truly amazing, but with so many cases is it still practical to believe that people will be notified about a positive case in a timely manner to` prevent further spread of the virus? One would argue, it is not.

“Meanwhile, the 3 – 5 day lag means more people, children and families are unwillingly being exposed, creating a cycle that is almost impossible to stop.

“It’s time to make a call, either increase contact tracing to a scalable size reflective of the number of COVID cases. This would mean exposure sites are quickly identified and swift communication to close or casual contacts occurs. Or prioritise the notice period for essential services, such as childcare centres, to remove the 3 – 5 day lag to stop the perpetual exposure that will continue if things don’t change.

“I concede there is no easy solution to what we are facing; however, a timely review of the situation combined with a common-sense approach towards essential services, is needed.

“We continue to campaign for our community and our staff’s safety, however, an all of government response is needed, we’re calling on our government counterparts to help us to help our people slow the spread,” said Cr McKeown.

Cr McKeown said she was concerned about the amount of younger people who were contracting Covid-19 and becoming very sick.

“I’m extremely concerned for our young people, we have a large proportion in our area who are under 25. We have lots of young families,

and so Council has over 20 centres, and over 40 children services including Oosh etc.”

Penrith City Council is appealing to the Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, to meet with Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM and the mayors of the other COVID impacted Western Sydney councils.

Cr McKeown said a request from Local Government NSW was declined late on Monday.

“The request to meet with the Premier was to directly discuss the challenges and issues facing the impacted Western Sydney communities. The Premier’s Office’s suggestion that the request is more suited to a meeting with the Office of Local Government NSW is unhelpful and out of touch with the purpose and intent of the meeting,” a Penrith Council press release stated.

“Penrith’s future remains uncertain.

The community is divided, not just by the disparity that vulnerability brings to those most impacted, but by different rules set in place by the Premier that treat two halves of our City differently.

“The current health order means moving around our LGA is incredibly difficult, and people are confused about what they need to do to comply

and how they can keep themselves and their families safe,” the statement read.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said she believes the Premier needs to hear our communities’ concerns and to listen, understand and consider how the State government can assist in reducing some of the uncertainty and confusion we face.

“I’m completely lost as to why our effort to have an open conversation with the Premier was rejected and alarmed that the LGNSW request to meet with any representative from the ‘areas of concern’ was declined,” Cr McKeown said.

“It’s policy without heart; we have challenges and issues here that we’d like to discuss. Every decision, restriction, and compliance request passed down has a real impact on our people, families, workers and employers who are already doing it tough.

“The Office of Local Government is not the author of the public health orders, so I’m unsure how a meeting with The Hon Shelley Hancock MP would help address our concerns.

“We accept the current situation is a busy time for the Premier. However, it’s imperative that at least the identified LGAs of concern have a voice to gain both clarity and a united future focus for everyone’s benefit.

“We need a whole of government response. We’re calling on the Premier to listen to our community so that decisions are balanced with their needs in mind,” said Cr McKeown.

Cr McKeown also flagged with Nepean News she was concerned about some sleeper issues from the impact of an extensive lockdown, such as mental illness and domestic violence.

“I want to get the message out and stress to those in domestic violence situations who feel they are not allowed to leave, you absolutely can leave a threatening situation,” she said.

A coordinated response is what’s needed Statement from Penrith City Council

“Penrith City Council is taking a proactive approach as the state’s lockdown continues to impact our City.

With 12 suburbs in our LGA identified as areas of concern due to the present number of COVID-19 cases, Council has been speaking with local businesses and community leaders to identify core needs and challenges.

Confusion has grown as only half of our community is subjected to stricter lockdown conditions; the division has never been greater. A coordinated response is what’s needed, and Council is leading the way.

From surveying our community to

gather an evidence-based perspective for decision making, we are connecting with our residents, multicultural leaders, and businesses to understand, interpret, share, and react. There’s never been a more important time to pull together our resources and community services to respond.

Three separate surveys were conducted over the past month to reveal the pressing issues being faced by business owners, community organisations, and residents.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said Council has been proactive across the community since the pandemic started.

“As we are unable to hold faceto-face meetings due to restrictions, Council acted early to stay engaged

and find alternative ways to have our ear to the ground, giving our community the chance to voice their concerns, and for us to then share these evidence-based insights with state and federal agencies and service providers,’ Cr McKeown said.

“By approaching this situation from multiple angles, we can not only help our state and federal counterparts, but we can also assist the coordination of our local response through the multiple on the ground agencies.

“In keeping the conversation open with our community and other levels of government, we can identify real-time opportunities to improve, respond and rapidly deliver crucial services across our LGA, and particularly to our most vulnerable residents and businesses.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM and Council staff met with our community’s multicultural leaders via Zoom on Thursday 26 August.

“Council remains committed and is working hard to get our City through this tough time.”

A further survey will be conducted in October to identify whether there have been improvements and if the same stressors remain or new challenges are present in the community.”

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

N

one of us could have foreseen back on June 26 when the Premier was announcing we were going into lockdown, that we’d still be in it come September and wondering about October.

Staying at home for ten weeks and counting, it is a difficult time being distanced from family and friends and our usual social networks and routines.

Isolation can be a catastrophic time for our war veterans, many of whom suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety. A major part of their wellbeing is socialising with like-minded friends, who are often those who have been through similar experiences. Social groups such as those at “the Train” in St Marys are designed for veterans and serve as a lifeline for many.

And if the pandemic and lockdown situation wasn’t already an overflowing cup, the vision we see daily coming from the situation in Afghanistan can be a trigger for those who have served our country in any theatre of war. Its a pile on of distressing information and the physical and mental health of our veterans is extremely important.

Our local sub-branches in Penrith and St Marys are reaching out to our

St Marys Outpost is a hive of activities for Veterans when we have no restrictions in place

local veterans to let them know that they are still there if needed. Veterans and their families can connect with them via social media or by phone.

If you’re not a veteran yourself but you know any of our veterans, its a good time to check on them and make sure they’re okay. A phone call to check on their welfare can make a world of difference, and if they are struggling at all they can be pointed to their nearest sub-branch for support. The details are below.

If anybody is in a life-threatening situation please call 000. If you or someone you know is feeling depressed and/or suicidal, there is help available.

Call Lifeline: 13 11 14 anytime for confidential telephone crisis support.

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Covid crisis: our sub-branches reach out to veterans

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The good old days when you could give a mate a hug

Penrith RSL Sub-Branch Providing Wellbeing Support & Veterans’ Advocacy Do you know of a Veteran that is in need of support!

The Executive Committee & a dedicated band of volunteers at Penrith RSL sub-Branch continue to actively provide support for serving ADF personnel, ex-service members, widows & dependent children, in close liaison with Nepean Legacy, to address overcoming Social Isolation during these difficult times.

Our volunteer support is only a quick email or phone call away by contacting our co-ordinator, Vice President Peter Ward, contact details are: Mobile: 0408 015 117 Email: subbranch@penrithrsl.com.au

With our usual drop-in centre at the train in St Marys closed during lockdown, we are reaching out to all veterans and their families, with a particular focus at this time for any Middle East conflict veterans.

If you require assistance with any of the following, or even just want to talk contact Peter:

Join our facebook and instagram pages:

• Hospital visits or needs for an ill member • Assistance getting to medical appointments not covered by DVA transport • Support submitting a disability claim to DVA

St Marys Outpost St Marys RSL sub-branch

• Assistance with providing an RSL Funeral service • Assistance with shopping for medication or daily needs Additionally, counselling is provided by Open Arms, a 24/7 service established solely for the veteran community, the hotline number is 1800 011 046

or call us on

9833 4700 Stay Safe, You were a member of a team when you served & you are still

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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local news

Congratulations to the 2021 2021 Citizen of the Year: Kristine Gauci Kris is co-founder and chairperson of Our Community Cares, a charity started in 2013 to assist the needy and aged by providing support to help enhance their quality of life.

Based in Penrith, Our Community Cares is dedicated to fundraising for people only in our Local Government Area. Kris believes that funds raised by the community in Penrith, should stay here to help our own community.

She has worked tirelessly to get a wide range of programs up and running through collaborative fundraising efforts in the local community.

These efforts started with the creation of hampers for the needy at Christmas and then gathered momentum to become so much more, including craft stalls, wonderful high tea events and an annual fundraising Gala Ball.

Programs championed by Our Community Cares have included: a sensory room for Nepean Hospital Dementia

ward; a connect program for the elderly and Penrith high school students; gifts for isolated aged care residents at Christmas; food donations for the Penrith Community Kitchen and fund raising for the purchase of chemotherapy chairs for Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

Kris was also recently honoured to be elected President on the board of the Penrith Community Kitchen. She has enjoyed working shoulder to shoulder with their wonderful volunteers to help make food for those in need during the pandemic. A new program for school students with no lunch has also started through the Kitchen in recent times, which Kris aims to continue after the pandemic passes.

Kris has an amazing ability to bring helpers together to make a big difference for people who most need support in Penrith.

She works around the clock to better our community and is a worthy recipient of our 2021 Citizen of the Year award.

2021 Young Citizen of the Year: Daena Madon Daena is a remarkable 17-year-old whose passions include public speaking, design, photography, journalism and above all, volunteering for good causes.

At just 12 years of age, she convinced her family to foster a Guide Dogs Australia puppy because she wanted to help a person who was vision impaired.

Daena has been involved with the Penrith division of St Johns Ambulance as a cadet for the past six years and in 2020, was recognised as their Senior Cadet of the Year for her service and volunteering efforts.

She has also been recognised by her school for her community service endeavours, by Volunteering Australia for making a difference in the community and received a

commendation from Charity Group Variety for donating her hair to help children with alopecia.

She has also written articles and designed the front covers of the monthly award-winning newsletter for the Lions Club of Emu Plains NSW for the past two years, was selected by the Rotary Club of Penrith to attend the Rotary Youth leadership camp and participates in the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Door Knock appeal amongst other fundraising endeavours.

Daena’s extraordinary contributions across a wide range of good causes over a number of years make her our 2021 Young Citizen of the Year.

2021 Mayor’s Local Heroes: Cathy and Marzi DeSanti Cathy and Marzi are the backbone of the wonderful community spirit that exists within Thornton estate in Penrith.

Moving to Thornton after the loss of their Winmalee home in the 2013 bushfires, Cathy and Marzi were determined to reestablish the close community network they had previously enjoyed in their old neighbourhood.

As one of the first residents to settle in the newly established estate, they were involved in the ‘Welcome to Thornton’ project which handed out welcome packs to new residents as they moved into their new homes.

Marzi co-ordinated the establishment of Thornton’s community garden project, which beyond supplying fresh vegetables, has become a thriving community hub where people can meet and work together to foster relationships.

Marzi also arranged for funding to

purchase 2000 bass fingerlings and ran a community event to release them into the canal running through the estate to help stop mosquitoes and keep the waterway healthy.

Cathy has been the Secretary and Public Officer of Thornton Community Group Inc. as well as establishing the Thornton Welcomers Initiative, which hosts regular morning teas and continues to introduce a range of innovative, diverse and inclusive community programs. Cathy and Marzi are also recognised as being the driving force behind the Thornton Community Group and many of its projects.

Their remarkable ‘can do’ attitude has seen this dynamic duo involved in a wide array of community activities and projects both within and beyond Thornton, making Cathy and Marzi worthy to be recognised as one of our 2021 Mayor’s Local Heroes.

local news

2021 Mayor’s Local Heroes: Gloria Lenon Gloria is the long-standing President of both Nepean Legacy and the Penrith and Lower Blue Mountains War Widows’ Guild. As she will be retiring at the ripe old age of 85 at the end of her current terms of office, her communities wanted to recognise her incredible work.

Gloria has worked tirelessly to provide counselling and support to war widows after they have joined Nepean Legacy and the Penrith and Lower Blue Mountains War Widows’ Guild. She is known for always making people feel welcome and at ease with

her friendliness and warmth, as well as always being available to provide support - no matter what hour of the day or night.

Having given 15 years of her life to helping members of both groups, Gloria has guided members through incredibly difficult times and has helped improve the quality of life for many war widows across the Penrith LGA. Gloria richly deserves to be recognised as one of our 2021 Mayor’s Local Heroes.

2021 Community Service: Robert Raynor Robert is well known and appreciated in the local Kingswood community for his active role in keeping the area safe and clean for the community to enjoy.

He tends to the local community pantry, the book library and community garden in Wainwright Park, so that people in need know they can always go to the park to get a book or something to eat.

Relentless in cleaning up rubbish at the park and around the local Post Office, Robert is applauded in Kingswood for actively promoting kindness and consideration for all.

He also tirelessly administrates the Kingswood Area Community Page on Facebook to keep the community updated with local notices and job vacancies, public transport information, updates about accidents and other important news like product and vehicle safety recall information.

Robert is recognised by our 2021 Community Service award for making the Kingswood community a better place for everyone.

2021 Community Service: Michael Allen Mike is a relatively recent resident of Penrith, having only to moved into the area in 2017 from his birthplace in the Northern Beaches. But he has always had an affinity with Western Sydney, from his long-term work in social housing and his various community positions for organisations that have Penrith within their catchment areas. These include being Chair of Leep for four years from 2015 (formerly TriCommunityExchange) a local not-for-profit focused on closing the digital divide for communities experiencing disadvantage.

In his semi-retirement Mike still holds the roles of Deputy Chair Afford Disability Services and independent Chair of newly merged Link Wentworth

2021 Community Service: Veronica Nou Veronica’s story of being a refugee from Cambodia is a powerful example of rising above life’s challenges and then giving back in return.

She works tirelessly for all her customers as the head pharmacist at Morris Care & Advice Pharmacy in Oxley Park, where she is a welcoming face for the worried, sick and needy. She is always running charity drives such as: books for local kids, support for struggling families and kids with sensory or behavioral issues, support for foster kids and fundraising for different causes.

Veronica also started a group called The Good Connections Project along with the pastor at her local church, to help lonely, isolated, or financially stressed members of her community. The project promotes positive community relationships - which has never been more important than during the Covid 19 pandemic - and provides free take-home packs.

She also established a pen pal program between elderly and isolated local residents and children

at her local school.

The program encourages greater communication between younger and older generations and helps combat loneliness.

Veronica helped establish the Oxley Park Kids Drop-In Centre, a free safe space for kids who would otherwise be left unsupervised after school.

Because she feels privileged to now be able to provide help for other refugees, Veronica is National Convener for Mums4Refugees, a group with over 4000 active volunteers nationwide. She helps coordinate and run a wide variety of free services and activities for refugees including playgroups, English support, food bank services, emergency support, legal and medical support, as well as refugee advocacy.

Described as having a heart of gold, Veronica always gives her time to others, and she is truly passionate about helping those who are less fortunate. That’s why she is being recognised for making a difference with our 2021 Community Service award.

Community Housing, which has a strong presence in Penrith and is now one of the largest community housing organisations in Australia. He is also a Board Member of the national organisation Aboriginal Hostels Limited and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Housing Limited.

Mike is the volunteer handyman for The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter, an organisation dedicated to protecting and empowering women and children.

Mike believes everyone deserves a safe haven, which is one of the reasons he is being recognised for making a difference with our 2021 Community Service award.

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Local Celebration Award Winners

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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local news NSW first to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all health staff

H

ealthcare workers in NSW will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help ensure the safety of colleagues and patients in all public and private hospitals.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said under the Public Health Order, health staff must have a first dose of vaccine by 30 September 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 30 November 2021, or at least have their second appointment booked to continue working.

“Many health workers in NSW are already vaccinated but if all of our staff are vaccinated it will provide greater protection for patients, visitors and other health staff,” Mr Hazzard said.

“It will also ease pressure on our health system during this challenging time. More than 1,200 healthcare workers have been in isolation each day over the past seven days and we cannot afford that right now. Vaccinations will help ensure our fantastic staff can continue to care for patients.

“The public and private health systems have a responsibility to implement every possible measure to provide a safe work environment for their staff and most importantly, safe circumstances for their patients.”

Frontline health staff and their families have had priority access to COVID-19 vaccines since the commencement of the Federal Government’s vaccination rollout in February.

National Cabinet agreed in June to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for aged care workers.

NSW will now ensure the same protections exist for all our health workers.

Already in NSW, mandatory vaccinations for

The first person to receive their COVID-19 vaccination at the Westmead Vaccination hub – nurse unit manager Dante Canete.

frontline health staff are required for contagious diseases including influenza, chicken pox, measles and whooping cough.

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination will apply to all NSW Health staff, as although NSW Health employs staff across a wide range of settings and organisations, these staff work together for many reasons, particularly during a pandemic.

“The great news is eight in 10 (80 per cent) of all NSW Health staff have already had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination,” Mr Hazzard said.

NSW Health has consulted with unions, peak bodies and private health providers about mandatory vaccination. We will all work together to help staff meet this obligation.

Staff will be required to provide evidence they have received their first dose to their employer by 30 September 2021 or they will be excluded from the workplace.

Those who have a medical contraindication will be exempt if a medical practitioner confirms the medical contraindication.

$8 million to prevent suicides among high-risk groups

O

lder people, the LGBTIQ community and people living in regional NSW are among the at-risk groups who will now have improved access to mental health support thanks to the NSW Government’s Suicide Prevention Fund.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said that $8 million in funding has been allocated to six organisations committed to engaging with communities known to have higher rates of suicide.

“We know that there are some groups of individuals who are at greater risk of suicide due to issues such as past trauma, stigma or isolation,” Mrs Taylor said.

“These experiences not only destabilise their mental health and sense of connectedness, they also make it extremely hard to ask for support.

“This is all about encouraging safe conversations around suicide and suicidal behaviour so people in these priority groups know how and where to access the help that is right for them.”

The NSW Government is also in the final stages of identifying an Aboriginal-owned organisation to deliver targeted suicide prevention activities to First Australians.

The funded services and activities are:

Organisation

Priority Group

Activity / service funded

ACON

LGBTIQ People of diverse sexualities and/or genders

Expansion of ACON’s Suicide Aftercare Service to provide a statewide service for people of diverse sexualities and/or gender who have attempted suicide.

Anglican Community Services

Older people

Delivery of online suicide prevention training for people who work with older people across NSW (including those in aged care, allied health and mental health).

HealthWISE - New England North West Health

People who have previously attempted suicide

A suicide aftercare service in the New England North West region of NSW. The service covers Mehi, Tablelands and Peel clusters of the New England North West region and provides outreach services in smaller towns.

Grand Pacific Health

People who are experiencing suicidal crisis and require immediate support, and people who have previously attempted suicide

A suicide aftercare service in Illawarra Shoalhaven and Southern NSW. The primary focus will be supporting people over the age of 16 years who have attempted suicide, are at significant risk of suicide or in suicidal crisis.

Suicide Prevention Australia

Men

An evidence-informed public health campaign to break down the stigma of help-seeking among men, as well as promote safe conversations around suicide and suicidal behavior, and improve access to existing suicide prevention services.

Wellways Australia

Young people

Delivery of local and state-wide social media campaigns to build awareness of support pathways available to young people in times of increased stress, suicide risk or isolation. This will include a range of culturally diverse video campaigns.

ACON will also deliver a Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Online Hub for this community, their families, friends and other support networks, including health professionals.

The locations of hubs in Illawarra Shoalhaven are Wollongong and Nowra.

The locations of hubs in Southern NSW are Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Bega and Moruya.

The $8 million investment is in addition to the $87 million Towards Zero Suicides investment. Towards Zero Suicides is a NSW Premier’s Priority.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help

immediately by calling 000 (Triple Zero).

For anyone who is struggling, you can call the below helplines for support and advice: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

local news

By Noel Rowsell

Z

oo Fitness is located at 15/241 Mulgoa Road Jamistown and is owned by Jason and Tracey

Lapin.

The Lapins are among several local people and businesses suffering through the current Covid lock-down, forced to lay off 55 staff under the current restrictions.

That setback however, has not dampened their enthusiasm for Penrith and in particular, local residents who are in desperate need of support through any number of reasons, including unemployment due to Covid, the accompanying financial pressures on the family budget and even people who are in isolation.

Every Tuesday morning, Jason, Tracey and a band of volunteers receive donations from local businesses and the community, which are in turn packaged into hampers to deliver to families most in need.

The support for the Zoo Fitness community project comes in many various ways, including financial donations, supply of transport, groceries and gift vouchers, which are all vital to supporting the Penrith community members in need.

“We have a good community within the gym,” said Jason.

“I put out the call for assistance and gym members, local businesses and members of the community have jumped on board to assist.”

“We packed 72 hampers this week and are guided by the Welfare Officer at Chifley College, who

Volunteers at Zoo Fitness and hampers being prepared on Tuesday mornings. Photos supplied

helps identify the families in most need.”

“The lockdown is really hurting us all but running this food drive is getting me through.”

Groceries and other items can be dropped at Zoo Fitness on Tuesday mornings between 9am-11am.

There is also a GoFundMe Page Fundraiser

by JASON LAPIN : Zoo Fitness Food Drive (gofundme.com) and Jason is hopeful this funding will ensure they can continue to carry on this community support, regardless of the duration of the Covid restrictions.

www.choicesflooring.com.au

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Zoo Fitness supporting the community

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

12

local news 98 years on, Legacy’s work continues despite COVID-19 restrictions

L

AST Monday would usually mark the National Launch of Legacy Week 2021 at the Australian War Memorial, where dignitaries, Legacy families, Legatees and supporters would gather to pay tribute to veterans’ and their families.

However, due to ACT lockdown restrictions, this year’s face-to-face event is unable to proceed and for the first time in Legacy’s history, Legacy Week will officially be launched online.

Although badge selling can still take place in NT, WA, SA, QLD & TAS with some restrictions, this comes at a time where for many other Legacy Clubs, Legacy Week and other face-toface fundraising activities have been cancelled for two consecutive years and are relying on support from their communities more than ever.

As one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic charities, Legacy supports 43,000 families of Australian Defence Force personnel who have given their lives or their health in service of their country.

For what would have been his final National Launch as Legacy Australia Chairman, Legatee Rick Cranna said, although the cancellation was unfortunate, he was extremely proud of Legacy Clubs and their ability to evolve and continue their services despite multiple event cancellations and lockdowns.

“It makes me proud as Chairman to have the opportunity to reflect on the dedication of Legatees and volunteers - without their commitment and adaptability, Legacy’s work would simply not continue.”

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins is incredibly passionate about the work Legacy does for families across Australia and recognises the significant impact COVID-19 is having on the community – further highlighting the importance of supporting those in need during this time.

www.twitter.com/penolaemuplains www.facebook.com/PenolaEmuPlains

Mr Jenkins said Legacy’s role supporting and transforming the lives of partners and children of veterans is as vital today as at any time in its long history of serving the families of Australia’s fallen.

“We have proudly supported this iconic and inspirational organisation for over 10 years, not only financially but through the voluntary work of many of our staff.”

To purchase Legacy merchandise, donate or find out more, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.

www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au

local news

F

the risk and ask the right questions, making sure that the implementation of ICT follows the procedures and the work models for the clinicians,” she said.

“

It’s fulfilling a purpose, and that’s the reason why I work in healthcare. I started in healthcare 20 years ago and that’s just where I belong.

“

our days before the Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre was due to vaccinate thousands of Year 12 students, there was one major problem: the check-in kiosks essential to the entire operation couldn’t be delivered.

For most people that would have been a disaster. But Christina Igasto, chief digital health officer and chief information officer for Western Sydney Local Health District, is not most people.

“We hired seven airplanes to get all the different kiosks that were provided to other customers around Australia.

So from every major city – Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane – we flew them in overnight,” she explained.

That’s just one example of how Christina’s small team of Digital Health Solutions experts were able to pull together what would normally be a three-month operation in a little over a week.

“I really want to give a big shout-out to the colleagues, partners and vendors who all contributed to this major achievement,” she said.

“We needed to go fast from concept design to implementation and commission in nine days. So I made a conscious decision to select a small team that I knew was going to be able to deliver fast, handling ambiguity and changing environments.”

And go fast they did – installing 58km of data cabling, 42km of electrical cabling, 9km of security cabling, 812 power points, 618 data ports, 320 tablets, 230 computers, 135 CCTV cameras, and other mindboggling feats in incredible time.

WSLHD chief digital health officer Christina Igasto

A plane loaded with kiosks bound for Qudos Bank Arena. Photo: Craig Vernem, CEO and founder of Arrow Traders

“What we have achieved is just remarkable. It’s so impressive what the team has achieved, and it makes me extremely proud that we actually are working on a bigger piece, getting everyone vaccinated so we can get back to our daily lives,” Christina said.

One reason the team could make things happen so quickly is they had all previously worked together on the new Central Acute Services Building at Westmead Hospital.

Christina explained that working in a healthcare setting requires expertise beyond the technical knowhow of information communication technology (ICT).

“To be really successful in an operation as in a hospital, you need to understand healthcare, you need to have your technical knowledge, and then you need to make assessment of

When Christina’s work on the vaccination rollout is complete, she’s looking forward to returning her focus on Westmead Health Precinct and soon Rouse Hill Hospital.

But for now she has a very personal reason to play her role in improving vaccination rates.

“On a personal level, when COVID lockdown is over, I will visit my friends and family back in Sweden. I will also bring my son, who’s locked out in Sweden, back to Australia,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to when international students can come back.”

The check-in kiosks in their current setup – repositioned following the increase in the number of daily vaccinations at Qudos Bank Arena.

New library complete at Lapstone Public School

S

tudents and staff at Lapstone Public School will soon benefit from their new library with construction work now complete.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said he was delighted the new library building was now complete.

“It will be very exciting for students to see their wonderful new library when they return to school,” Stuart Ayres said.

“The new library has been designed with an open plan layout and large windows to enable natural light to enter as well as cross ventilation to assist with cooling. It is a beautiful new space that will benefit the school community for many years to come.”

“I’m proud that the NSW Government is investing in this important project for the Lapstone community,” Stuart Ayres said.

The new library, which is the first

stage of an upgrade at Lapstone Public School, includes a reception desk area, shared office space, staff facilities and adaptable, multi-purpose student learning space with access to learning resources and large student display areas. Construction for stage 2 to deliver improvements to the administration building is continuing.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell welcomed the new library’s completion for the Lapstone community.

“The NSW Government is working hard to deliver the very best education facilities for public school students,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This includes building new

schools, but also upgrading existing facilities to enhance the educational environment for students across the state.”

The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW.

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

The champions of Qudos: Digital Health guru Christina Igasto completes a three month mission in a week

13

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

14

local news Support your mental wellbeing by getting active and keeping connected While raising awareness and funds for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

C

rohn’s & Colitis Australia’s (CCA) Live Fearless Challenge kicks off this week.

The month-long personal fitness challenge helps to raise awareness and funds for people who have Crohn’s disease (Crohn’s) and ulcerative colitis (colitis), the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

To undertake the Live Fearless Challenge, participants commit to doing 150kms of activity during September, which averages out to 5kms – or only 7,000 steps a day. But you don’t have to run or walk – you could also swim or cycle or do whatever you’re able to do during the current restrictions..

Workouts like yoga, dancing, stretching and even mindfulness are all eligible, with the minutes spent doing these activities converted to kilometres.

Participants can take on the challenge on their own, or you can sign up as part of a team. The team option is a great way to stay connected with family and friends that are interstate or in lockdown.

Leanne Raven, Chief Executive of CCA, says staying active has both physical and mental health benefits, which is especially important during the pandemic.

“Regardless of your fitness level, it’s important to keep moving and do some activity each day.

Through the Live Fearless Challenge, we encourage

Kiara Schonberger - LFC Ambassador

you to set yourself a personal fitness goal, and then commit to reaching it however suits you and your fitness level. You can take the Challenge by yourself or perhaps form a team and motivate each other through the month.

“Personally, I’ve found that knowing I have people sponsoring me is a great way to make sure that I actually reach my goal. But most importantly, our hope is that participants will see the benefits that a regular healthy exercise habit and attaining a goal have on their physical and mental wellbeing and will be motivated to keep it up even after the Challenge has finished,” Ms Raven said.

Dylan Swan - LFC Ambassador

The Challenge is run digitally and is interactive, giving participants a chance to join in a little friendly competition with other participants and teams.

CCA says that with Crohn’s or colitis affecting 100,000 people in Australia, most people are likely to know of someone living with inflammatory bowel disease.

To register as an individual or as a team visit: www.livefearlesschallenge.com.au. Registration is FREE. CCA acknowledges and thanks our generous sponsors, Abbvie, Sandoz, and Celltrion for supporting the Live Fearless Challenge 2021.

Pandemic or not - stroke must always be treated quickly

S

troke Foundation has issued an urgent reminder to New South Wales residents amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – call triple zero (000) immediately at the first sign of stroke.

Stroke attacks the brain and is always a time-critical medical emergency, yet the state’s metropolitan and regional hospitals are reporting delays in hospital presentation for people with stroke symptoms.

It’s estimated almost 9000 people will have a stroke in New South Wales for the first time in 2021.

Our ambulance and hospital services have adapted to the challenges of the pandemic to protect patients and their families throughout the entire health system.

Stroke Foundation New South

Wales State Manager Rhian PatonKelly said delaying or failing to seek urgent medical help for stroke can result in lengthier hospital stays, severe disability or even death.

“I understand we are living in unprecedented times with heightened stress as COVID case numbers remain high, but we must remember stroke does not stop happening because we are in a pandemic,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.

“Around 1.9 million brain cells die each minute after a stroke, but emergency medical treatment can stop this damage. The faster you get to hospital, the better your chance of a good outcome.

“I implore anyone in New South Wales who suspects they, or someone with them, is having a stroke to

call triple-zero (000), even if the symptoms appear mild. It could save a life.”

New South Wales residents are urged to learn and share the most common sign of stroke, F.A.S.T. and to ask these simple questions if they suspect a stroke.

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms – Can they lift both arms?

Speech – Is their speech slurred?

Do they understand you?

Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.

Ms Paton-Kelly added stroke can happen at any age, although the risk

increases as people get older.

“I understand many older residents are alone at this time,” Ms PatonKelly said.

“Please ensure elderly relatives know the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and check in on them regularly as a carer (where possible) or by phone or via a video chat.

“We know people can play down symptoms and take longer to seek hospital care at times when they don’t want to burden their loved ones or put pressure on health professionals.

“Be assured our doctors and nurses are there to help. Call triple zero (000) at the first sign of stroke. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

local news

uch of Sydney has been in lockdown now for 10 weeks and we are still

counting!

Like all of us, musicians can be forgiven for becoming unmotivated or discouraged without face to face practice or group playing and performing.

But not so for the students of St Clair resident Barry Gray at The Sydney School of Piping and Drumming (SSPD), who recently competed in the ‘World Online Piping and Drumming, Summer Series with some outstanding results!

Entries had to be done by a video submission and uploaded via YouTube where they were then judged by expert international judges from around the world! With a weeks wait between submission and the results, the time can be somewhat aligned with a current pandemic lockdown, where waiting has become the norm.

Nonetheless on Thursday morning Australian time 5.00am the results were displayed live over Facebook: Poppy Middleton at only 9 years of age won prizes in 4 of the 5 sections in the Grade 4 categories! (competing against pipers with some having 20+ more years more experience).

Poppy was awarded the following prizes in the 6/8 March -2nd, The Piobaireachd - 5th, the 2/4 March -3rd and and the Jig- 5th.

Other students from the SSPD that obtained prizes in Grade 5: Jeremy Suggett (44) from Castle Hill 2nd in

Poppy Middleton

the Piobaireachd and 3rd in the Slow Air. Oscar Arnold, 15 of the Southern Highlands placed 5th in the Grade 5 Slow Air. The Haddad’s of Bankstown made a family affair of it with elder sister Rita and Brother Raymond in the Beginner chanter category.

Raymond placing 4th in the 4/4 March Category. But it was Elder sister Rita (10) that impressed the judges with the following results slow

air 5th, 4/4 March 1st, 2/4 March 1st, Piobaireachd 1st.

Other SSPD students to obtain a placing in the chanter event were Storm Master (29) from Blacktown, who came 2nd in the 2/4 March and 6th in the Slow Air. The overall individual results landing Rita Haddad as the Number 1

player in the World for this competition in the Practice Chanter event. An event which Poppy Middleton won just over a year ago as well.

Bagpipe tutor, Barry Gray was absolutely delighted with the results but more with the enthusiasm and continued determination to learn and play a musical instrument during such difficult times. With all lessons being on zoom, Barry mentioned although technology sometimes frustrated some, all in all it has worked well to keep the lessons going and the group of talented students motivation and enthusiasm for the bagpipes alive!

All of the above students are members of the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band of which Barry is the Musical Director.

Some people think you have to be Scottish to want to play the bagpipes, but this is not true. Poppys mother is Cambodian, Rita’s mother is Lebanese, Oscar’s mother is Hong Kongese. Barry has students playing the bagpipes who are, or their parents are, Scots, Swedish, South American, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Greek, Chinese, Singaporean, Cambodian and Japanese.

The Sydney School of Piping & Drum takes face to face students from 7 years old and have people learning who started in their 70’s after retiring from the workforce.

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

World Championships Results M

15

For those interested in finding out more about taking bagpipe or Scottish style drumming lessons, contact can be made via www.sydneyschoolofpipinganddrumming.com.au or on 0412 602 983.

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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local COLUMNIST

Can you tell me why my dog is coughing?

D

ogs can cough for many reasons. With the COVID-19 threat still persisting, many pet owners worry that their coughing canine companions have contracted the latest coronavirus strain.

Despite the almost negligible threat COVID-19 poses for your pooch, kennel cough—or canine infectious tracheobronchitis—is a real risk, and currently extremely common among the canine population. If your four-legged friend has recently returned from yet another walk to the dog park or stayed in a new environment with other dogs, and begun hacking and gagging, kennel cough is likely to blame.

How do dogs contract kennel cough?

Many different bacterial strains comprise the general term “kennel cough;” however, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common strain, which is why kennel cough is often referred to as Bordetella.

These bacterial particles can spread easily from dog to dog, or to a dog from a contaminated surface, including kennel areas, food and water bowls, bedding, and leashes.

Healthy dogs can contract kennel cough by being near a coughing dog, or by coming in contact with a surface contaminated with a sick dog’s respiratory emissions. Dogs most commonly pick up kennel

cough from boarding facilities, dog parks, or straying into areas of other dogs. One of the major issues with canine cough is the fact it is highly contagious and can quickly spread.

What other diseases can cause coughing?

In addition to kennel cough, there many other conditions may cause your dog to cough. To confirm whether your dog’s cough is due to a kennel cough infection, your vet will need to perform a physical

exam, and may also suggest blood testing and chest x-rays.

Other diseases that cause coughing includes congestive heart failure, heartworm, pneumonia, airway obstruction, collapsing trachea and cancers.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

Typically, the symptoms of canine cough present 3-7 days after exposure to the virus. The key symptoms include a hacking, non-productive cough, gagging, sneezing and/or a runny nose. Some dogs may cough so hard and persistently that they vomit.

Getting excited, as well as exercise can worsen symptoms. However, symptoms generally resolve after approximately 7-10 days. It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog as pneumonia or bronchitis may develop in more serious cases.

How can I keep my dog safe from kennel cough?

Vaccinate! To help protect against canine cough there is an intranasal, oral or injectable vaccine available. Avoid boarding facilities that do not require proof of vaccinations and be aware that not all dogs attending dog parks will be vaccinated.

With proper precautions and appropriate vaccinations, you can greatly reduce your pets’ chance of developing an annoying cough.

For more information contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

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

End to blanket bans on pets in strata

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uring the current lockdown pets are more important than ever, and from 25 August the NSW Government’s new laws put an end to blanket bans on animals in strata.

The changes follow a detailed review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (the Act) and extensive public consultation, focusing on the keeping of animals in strata schemes.

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new laws reflect broad community sentiment from the review, and demonstrate a balanced approach for both residents and owners corporations in keeping furry friends in strata.

“A lot has changed since the Act commenced in 2015, including a huge shift to apartment living as more and more people in NSW are choosing to buy and rent in higher density areas,” Mr Anderson said.

“On top of that, research tells us that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with 61 per cent of households including a pet in their family, and 91 per cent of households owning a pet at some point in their lives.

“Following extensive feedback from the community we have implemented fair and sensible regulations that prevent schemes from introducing blanket bans on keeping pets in apartments, while ensuring owners corporations can refuse pets where they unreasonably impact other residents.”

From 25 August 2021, the new regulations will prescribe a limited list of specific grounds where an owners corporation can refuse a lot owner from keeping an animal in a strata scheme or take steps to remove an existing animal from the scheme.

These circumstances include repeated damage of

the common property, menacing behavior, persistent noise and odour.

Owners corporations will also be able to set reasonable conditions through their own by-laws on how pets are kept in their scheme, for example whether they have to be supervised on common property or enter and exit through a dedicated entrance or lift.

“As a dog owner myself I understand how important pets are for families in this state, and their companionship cannot be understated, particularly during the current pandemic,” Mr Anderson said “Living in strata is becoming more popular and while we don’t want strata residents deprived of

the benefits of owning a pet it’s also important the amenity of neighbours and others in the building isn’t impacted. Our new laws have been designed to strike the right balance for everyone living in strata communities, putting an end to blanket bans on pets while giving owners corporations clear guidance on how they can set rules to ensure other owners aren’t impacted.”

NSW Fair Trading will be offering support, advice and mediation services for residents and owners corporations who are unsure about the new rules and how they apply within their scheme. Unresolved disputes can also be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal where appropriate.

For more information around the new laws, visit: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living/strata-schemes/by-laws-in-your-strata-scheme

local news

N

epean Migrant Access founding member and Penrith U3A educator, Adolfo Gonzalez, has been named the 2021 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year at a special virtual ceremony for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are run

by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding effort of volunteers working across all sections of communities throughout the state.

The awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,400 not-for-profit clubs.

2021 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the Outer Western Sydney region are: Young Volunteer of the Year - Lauren Rose Hartley from Blacktown Lauren is a Girl Guide Leader at Pennant Hills Senior Guides and a committee member of the RTS Tingira State Water Activities Centre. Lauren has been central to efforts in making the centre COVID safe. Lauren also helps with the Duke of Edinburgh program and volunteers as a Rover Scout.

Adult Volunteer of the Year - William Li from Woodcroft William volunteers with The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (NSW Branch). As Chair and Committee member of the NSW Early Career Chemists, William coordinated and organised 22 events to bring together aspiring students and graduates of chemistry and chemistry-related studies. He has transformed the group into a vibrant, active society for aspiring students and graduates that has attracted participants from as far away as Nigeria and Morocco – all while working full time.

Senior Volunteer of the Year - Adolfo Gonzalez from Penrith Mr Gonzalez is a founding member of Nepean Migrant Access. He conducts free weekly Spanish language classes at the Werrington Neighbourhood Centre; hosts a Spanish weekly radio program at WOW FM; is a volunteer Spanish teacher at the Lakes Christian College; and conducts Spanish language and Mediterranean cooking classes at U3A. After suffering a heart attack in 2016, he signed up to volunteer at Nepean Hospital Cardiology Unit to support men who neglect their health or miss signs of heart issues.

“This is great news, Adolfo really deserves it! He was also teaching Spanish at U3a once a week before the pandemic,” said Malama Psarianos (Nepean News and WOW FM Multicultural Presenter) “I was a volunteer at WOW FM when Adolfo was there and under his leadership we kicked a lot of goals. We refurnished the radio station studios and production studios to house the best radio equipment

Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year - Adolfo Gonzalez at WOW FM.

and panels for a community radio station.

“Adolfo encouraged us to attend Multicultural conferences through NEMBC The National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters Council around Australia annually so that we picked up ideas to better engage with our with our community in the Penrith Local Government area.

“Adolfo encouraged me to be a Multicultural Judge for the NEMBC judging multicultural radio stations all around Australia when I was invited to assist. Adolfo deserves this Award!”

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said: “The past 12 months have been tough for all of us, but volunteers have continued to dig deep to support their local communities through this adversity.

“In many cases they’ve had to find totally new ways of volunteering through the pandemic, but they’ve never given up, they’ve worked around it and shown enormous resilience.

“This ceremony is about bringing everyone together to say thank you.”

NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said: “This ceremony recognises volunteers who have gone above and beyond anything that could be expected of them in what has been an immensely challenging year.

“Volunteers are everyday people who do amazing things for their community, and I am inspired by them devoting their precious time and energy to benefit others.

“On behalf of the NSW Government,

Green bags coming soon If you’re finding your compostable green bags are starting to run a little low, Penrith Council has some recommendations on how you can still make use out of your kitchen caddy and green-lidded FOGO bin. Some alternatives to line your kitchen caddy include newspaper, paper towels, and even placing items loose in the caddy if it’s suitable.

Please note that you cannot use alternative bags, even if they are marked compostable or biodegradable.

Penrith Council’s green compostable bags are delivered quarterly to the community, with the next delivery expected to start from around mid-September.

For all waste-related enquiries, please visit The Waste Spot at www.penrith.city/thewastespot

I congratulate today’s award recipients and say a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has volunteered across our great state.”

ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said: “After the challenges we have all endured over the past 18 months, the efforts and sacrifices of our state’s volunteers feel more significant than ever before.

“In NSW we have 32,000 volunteers who help to make clubs such fantastic places — without them, clubs wouldn’t be able to accomplish all the wonderful things that they do for their local communities.

“We are so proud to support these awards and I congratulate all the volunteers who were recognised at today’s ceremony for their dedication and their commitment. Every single one of you is a winner.”

Adolfo Gonzalez at Nepean Hospital.

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Migrant educator named Senior Volunteer of the Year

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

SUDOKU: medium

19

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SOLUTIONS: 20 August EASY

hard

CROSSWORD ACROSS

down

1 Deal (7)

1 Boundaries (7)

5 Rod-shaped bacteria (7)

2 Be a delegate for (9)

9 Reproduced (9)

4 Infamy (9)

10 The sharp edge at

the junction of 2

surfaces (5)

5 In a poor fashion (5)

11 Voter (7) 12 Ceded (7) 13 Lead (9) 15 Show someone to

their seats (5) 17 Mongrels (5) 19 Child (9) 22 Biting (7) 25 In an unspecified

manner (7) 26 Father of

Methuselah (5) 27 Disturbance (9) 28 Smiled

contemptuously (7) 29 Baby cats (7)

solution 20/8/21

3 Flyer (7)

6 French country house (7) 7 Horrible in savagery (5) 8 A personal with confidential

information (7) 14 The lower joint of the leg of a fowl (9) 16 Bum rides (9) 17 Social deportment (7) 18 How a snake moves (7) 20 Acrobat or tumbler (7) 21 Reverses the tape to the beginning (7) 23 Writing style (5) 24 Secretes a hormone (5)

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

20

Celebrating Dads www.valentinoswoodfire.com

The Snake

By TOMAS (PADDY) HAMILTON

I wondered why we settled here, in the land that time forgot When it comes to nasty fauna, this place has got the lot Some simple words of warning, take them for what it’s worth The Aussie inland taipan, is the most deadly snake on earth

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Next up are our spiders, it seem that it’s no lie If a funnel web latches onto you, you can kiss your arse goodbye Sharks cruising off our beach, crocodiles in the creek This place is so dangerous, it’s not safe to take a leak If you use the outdoor dunny, it’s still no easy feat Always check before you sit, there’s no redback on the seat Now I have set the scene, for a yarn which I will relate For if I keep on phaffing on, it will be too flam’in late It was during summer recess, before the sun rose to it’s height We found a dead snake on the road, well at least it couldn’t bite We saw our baker coming, with his horse and cart So we thought up some mischief, which would give him quite a start On the porch of every home, stood the old bread bin Old Toby used to come along and put a fresh loaf in We gathered up the reptile and put it there instead Little did we realise, the bloody thing wasn’t dead When he came to our house, he lifted up the lid The serpent rose and spat at him, just at the time he did For Toby was an Irishman, fresh from the emerald shore And he’d never seen a ‘joe blake’ quite this close before The auld fella took off like a shot, you could see it by his tracks That when he finally made it home, he’d have to change his daks He raced toward the horse and cart, his mortal fears laid bare ‘Cause every time he looked around, the bastard was still there He called out to St Patrick, “please save me from this snake And do it feckin’ quickly, before I reach the gate” He sprung aboard his chariot, as his body froze with fright And those who lived in Hill St had never witnessed such a sight

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The old nag moved so slowly, then came to a sudden halt She knew her bread run all too well and did it without fault We all let fly with rocks and stones, the baker wished that he was dead ‘Cause most of them missed the bloody snake and hit poor Toby in the head Now Nature will reward those, who perform a goodly deed For nearby lived some kookaburras, which poor Toby used to feed Now I guess you’ll all know, how the story ends For it is no secret, snakes and kookaburras are not friends They swooped down from their branch on high, striking deadly blows No trace was left of the snake, not even for the crows When the birds had their fill, they laughed all day long But for the poor old reptile, it was its requiem song Word of our mischievous deed, spread throughout the town A sore backside a painful prize, for being such a clown We were the stuff of legend, to all our gang at school But the teachers all rebuked us, for acting like a fool This all occurred so long ago and I really feel a louse It took poor Toby many months before he left his house In God’s good time he passed away and I’ve heard it said He now sits by the Pearly Gates, delivering the daily bread.

Author’s note: Prior to Supermarkets bread, milk and vegetables were delivered by vendors to your house.

here’s a few of the best Dad jokes

Yes, we know they’re corny. We can already hear you groan. But they just wouldn’t fall under the banner of dad joke if they were funny!

Why couldn’t the bike stand up by itself? It was two tired.

I used to have a job making calendars but I got the sack when I took a couple of days off.

Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it.

What’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but their flag is a huge plus.

Never criticise someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

That way, when you criticise them, you’ll be a mile away, and you’ll have their shoes.

Did you know the first French fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece.

If a child refuses to sleep during nap time, are they guilty of resisting a rest?

The secret service isn’t allowed to yell “Get down!” anymore when the president is about to be attacked. Now they have to yell “Donald, duck!”

What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common? Same middle name.

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down!

The furniture shop keeps calling me. All I wanted was one night stand.

What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows.

I asked dad if he got a haircut: He said he got them all cut.

I ordered a chicken and an egg to be home delivered. I’ll let you know.

I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day!

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1 x Starter - Choice of Garlic & Cheese or Herb Cheese Pizza 1 x Entrée - Choice of • Meatballs (6 Pieces) • Arancini (6 Pieces) • Eggplant Parmigiana • Calamari Fritte 1 x Pasta (large tray) • Lasagne • Bolognese • Mushroom & Sausage • Eggplant Ragu 2 x Pizzas - Choice of • Margherita • Pepperoni • BBQ Meat Lovers • Supreme • Tropicale • Vegetariano 2 x Garden Salads 1 x Dessert - Choice of Mixed Berry Cheescake or Tiramisu 1 x Wine Bottle - Choice of • Sangiovese Romagna • Principesco Merlot • Pinot Grigio • Moscato D’Asti • Prosecco

1 x Salumi Board 1 x Entrée - Choice of • Meatballs (6 Pieces) • Zucchini Flowers (6 Pieces) • Arancini (6 Pieces) • Eggplant Parmigiana • Calamari Fritte 1 x Pasta or Risotto - Choice of • Lasagne • Bolognese • Eggplant Ragu • Mushroom & Sausage • Risotto Marinara • Risotto Funghi 1 x Main of your choice • Pollo alla cacciatora • Snapper 2 x Garden Salads 1 x Dessert - Choice of Mixed Berry Cheescake or Tiramisu 2 x Wine Bottles - Choice of • Sangiovese Romagna • Principesco Merlot • Pinot Grigio • Prosecco • Moscato D’Asti • Freshello Rose

1 x Salumi Board 2 x Entrée - Choice of • Meatballs (6 Pieces) • Zucchini Flowers (6 Pieces) • Arancini (6 Pieces) • Eggplant Parmigiana • Calamari Fritte 2 x Pasta or Risotto - Choice of • Lasagne • Bolognese • Eggplant Ragu • Mushroom & Sausage • Risotto Marinara • Risotto Funghi 1 x Main of your choice • Pollo alla cacciatora • Snapper 2 x Garden Salads 1 x Dessert - Choice of Mixed Berry Cheescake or Tiramisu 2 x Wine Bottles - Choice of • Sangiovese Romagna • Principesco Merlot • Pinot Grigio • Prosecco • Moscato D’Asti • Freshello Rose

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I’ll call you later. Don’t call me later, call me Dad!

21 Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

on September 5 Fathers Day:

OUT N ABOUT with Malama

To advertise in Nepean News or request your event to be added call Malama on 0416 203 777 OR EMAIL: sales@nepeannews.com.au

Father’s Day! Brian, Daniel, Riley and Steve Williams all from Penrith - four generations!

Daniel usually works at Osso as a chef, he won’t be working on Father’s Day this year. First time since Riley was born.

They will somehow connect this Father’s Day.

“Father’s Day this year is going to be a little different but we’re still going to make it as special as we can for our Super Dad. We have lots of presents and good food organised and maybe I’ll let him take a nap while I take the four kids!” his wife Monique said.

Father’s Day shot with Luca, Ella, Archie and Mateo with their loving father Gianni Mastronardo of Glenmore Park, who is so looking forward to Fathers Day this year with newborns Archie and Mateo!!

Would you like to win this fabulous gift basket from Montecatini Small Goods?

Keep an eye on Nepean News Facebook page this week for details!

Gift package includes: There are 100g sliced packets, Prosciutto, Wagyu Bresaola, Fennel & Garlic & Mild Soppressa.

Twin packs of Hot & Mild Cacciatore.

A Truffle Salami & a Veneto Salami.

A packet of Biscotti biscuits, a bottle of Mutti Tomatoe Sauce & a packet of delverde pasta.

Approximate value is $90

Aaron and Jeff Newton won’t be broadcasting their radio show on WOW FM community radio this Father’s Day due to the Delta Strain.

They’re usually heard between 3pm and 4pm Sundays, but will be playing music from home to celebrate the day.

Mrs C Cupcakes was forced to close off Father’s Day weekend orders following overwhelming support for deliveries.

The owner was so proud of the people in the area for their support, there were so many deliveries that it surpassed the capacity of six delivery drivers!

We invite you to come in and see our tasty range of Authentic Italian Smallgoods.

Using only 100% Australian Pork and certified Gluten Free we are certain there is more than one of our range that will satisfy your tastes.

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NEPEAN HISTORY

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

I

n this year in March my History Page was about the Railway Institute in Penrith and the various uses it enjoyed. Since then, I came across a newspaper article I had kept that had a connection to the building over 40 years ago. The review was by Lindsay Fisher. “Penrith’s Railway Street Theatre has done it again. Its production of Shakespeare’s Much ado About Nothing is a winner. With creative direction and a wonderful cast, the show is witty, fast paced and delightful. A love story in the truest sense. Director Mary-Anne Gifford cleverly brings the story (set in the Sicilian town of Messina in the 1950’s) the feel and music of the era, including a touch of Elvis. The story centres on the return of two brothers from the war. One is determined to find happiness, the other is intent on causing trouble. The good brother is played by the likeable Patrick Dickson and the evil brother is convincingly portrayed by the talented Peter Kowitz. With the cast required to play several roles, some even changing onstage, Peter is amazing in his portrayal of the characters.

Is it possible to bring together the feisty Beatrice and jester Benedick?.

Will Claudo and Hero marry, or will evil forces intervene? Rebecca Frith (GP, Water Rats, Flying Doctors and movies including Me Myself & I and Strange Planet) is adorable as Beatrice. She’s quick-witted and, like her love match Benedick has sworn never to marry. Benedick is portrayed wonderfully by Nicholas Garsden (Heartbreak High) and a prominent face at the Griffin & Sydney Theatre companies. His café scene will leave you in stitches. Will the intervention of the returned soldiers and the family of Leonarto bring this couple together or are they too busy arranging the marriage of Leonarto’s daughter Hero? Mikaelo Martin makes a professional debut to be proud of and Claudio (The Blue Planet’s Don Hany) is perfect for the role of the wronged lover.

Patrick Dickson is an actor known for (A Bridge Too Far 1977), (Home and Away 1988), (Sea Change 1998) and (Rogue Nation 2009). From 1977 to 2019 he acted in thirty-five TV series including Mini-TV series and voice-overs. He met Maeliosa Stafford at the Crossroads Theatre in Sydney’s Darlinghurst in late 1989 and accepted his offer to join the cast as co-artistic director and founding member of O’Punksky’s Theatre in Coogee. Essentially an actor he also designs, directs, produces, teaches, builds sets, etc. Maeliosa directed their inaugural production of (Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme) and as there was a tiny budget, Patrick volunteered to design the production which was a small triumph and O’Punksky’s was born and a creative partnership was galvanized. Patrick has been acting professionally since 1976 when he started his career at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, East London and after a year he joined an Education Company the Roundabout Theatre in Nottingham. He returned to Stratford for another year then emigrated to Australia. Over the years he has worked with many companies in Australia and is the co-producer/writer of a series of training films that he performs in and sometimes directs. He has taught acting courses and directed students at the University of NSW and Actors College of Theatre & TV and has various TV credits and extensive voice credits that include many commercial voice-overs, prose and poetry readings for ABC Radio Arts and book readings and has self-produced two audio books “The Toilers of the Sea” by Victor Hugo and “Kabaka Lear”

by David Allen. Peter Kowitz is one of Australia’s most versatile and accomplished actors who has been nominated four times for the AFI awards for drama (Bodysurfer), (The Long Way Home), (GP) and comedy (Supernova) and won Best Actor for (Bodysurfer) and (The Long Way Home). He had roles in classics like (Summer of the Seventeenth

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Plenty of Fuss about Nothing

23

 Photo from an unknown local newspaper

Doll), (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) and (A Doll’s House), as well as numerous Shakespearean plays. In 1988 he was in the (Clean Machine) and was instantly recognised in TV’s (Prime Time), (Richmond Hill), (Chances), (Heartbreak High), (Pacific Drive), (Water Rats), (Wild side), (Farscape), (Murder Call), (Grass Roots), (All Saints), (McLeod’s Daughters), (Janet King) and (Crownies). Between 1980 to 2017 he acted in forty-five TV series, mini-TV series, TV movies and provided the English introductions at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Opening Ceremony.

He is also a regular on Sydney stages with credits including (Tot Mom & Blackbird) for Sydney Theatre Company (directed by Cate Blanchett), (The Floating World) for the Griffin Theatre Company and (King Lear) for Bell Shakespeare. When he was asked “how you do what you do”? he said that “I think for me it’s because I didn’t train, it’s instinctual to a certain extent but I’ve picked up just different techniques over the years.

A lot of it’s really about thoroughness, to be perfectly frank I spend a lot of time with the script. I started at university in the 70s. I’ve always loved the vaudeville tradition. I think most of my acting owes a great deal to the hams of the past and watching songs come about and the work done with choreography, because sometimes in a play you really don’t hit anything until week three because people are still fumbling about learning stuff. I went to university to do something else and then I got in with the drama group that included Geoff Rush and Bille Brown who handed me the flyer to the Dram Society at the Queensland University.

I remember going along that night and I thought I’d found my tribe. I’d been through boarding school and had a kind of a jock style education and suddenly there were women and men in nighties. Handsome men and ugly men, and I can remember that night clearly now, walking in and just seeing this crazy bunch of people who seemed so witty and intelligent and bright, so I don’t really have a set way of acting other than it’s all from the script”. The Railway Street Theatre was demolished in 2005. How lucky was Penrith to have the privilege of seeing over 40 years ago, two talented actors who would become icons of Australia’s stage, screen and television?

Sources: Peoplepill.com, AussieTheatre.com, O’Punksky’s Theatre all online.

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

26

SPORT

Penrith’s first all-weather athletics facility

P

lans to overhaul a local sports oval and deliver the City’s first athletics precinct, featuring a top-quality synthetic surface, are well on track.

Works are expected to start in September on the Harold Corr Athletics Track Upgrade, a $5 million project which will see the existing field in Herbert St, Cambridge Park, become an improved training facility for the region’s sporting clubs and offer a prime location for athletics events.

To be jointly funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW and Australian Governments, the project will be rolled out in stages. Initial works will deliver a synthetic athletics track and field facility, floodlighting and a formalised carpark.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the delivery of this synthetic track - the first of its kind in the Penrith Local Government Area - sets a new benchmark for the City’s infrastructure and is sure to encourage greater sporting participation and active recreation opportunities for residents.

“This fantastic and exciting project is yet another example of all levels of government working together for the benefit of the community,” Cr McKeown said.

“At a local level, Council recognises the need for improved facilities while striving to increase participation across all sporting codes in the City – from grassroots to elite opportunities.

“The Harold Corr Athletics Track Upgrade will enhance training for various sports clubs and boost the

amenity for spectators, but it will also provide secondary benefits such as helping to tackle childhood obesity and encouraging residents to get out of their homes and take a walk.

“I am eager to see this well-utilised sports field transformed to become the first of its kind in our great City.”

The Harold Corr Athletics Track Upgrade is one of six projects to be funded under the 2019 NSW Government Election Commitments.

Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres MP, said the turning of the first sod at Harold Corr Athletics Track delivered on his promise to provide upgraded

Nepean News

sporting infrastructure for Penrith residents.

“I understand how much the Penrith community loves sport and providing upgraded facilities which benefit the entire Penrith sporting community is one of my key priorities,” Mr Ayres said.

“Penrith Athletics Club members can look forward to an international standard athletics track in their own back yard.

“Our region has needed a synthetic running track and it’s great to see this project finally beginning with the support of the NSW Government.”

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was proud to support these projects which will allow more Western Sydney residents to be healthy and active.

“As we have recently witnessed in the Olympics, sport and active recreation offer many benefits, including teaching teamwork and leadership, encouraging friendship and building resilience and selfconfidence,” Mrs Ward said.

“The NSW Government is proud to deliver funding for major upgrades to Penrith sporting facilities which will help people of all ages and abilities in Western Sydney to be healthy and active.”

The NSW Government has committed $2 million to the project, for the delivery of the synthetic athletics track.

The Australian Government’s contribution of $303,341 through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will go towards funding the new car park.

Council’s contributions towards the precinct will be in excess of $2.8 million.

The sports oval will be closed to the public during works, which are slated for completion in September 2022.

The Harold Corr Athletics Track Upgrade forms part of Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, which details our City’s ongoing needs in line with the vision for improved community spaces.

To find out more and see the detailed design, visit www.penrith. city/sports-upgrades

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TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

BY Noel Rowsell

Red-hot favourite James Turner delivers in Tokyo James Turner ran himself to a standstill in Rio in 2016 to win an Athletics Gold Medal in the 800m T36 event.

He has now repeated the dose in Tokyo, surviving fatigue, exhaustion and stifling heat to claim Gold in the 400m T36 event.

James set a Paralympic Games’ record time of 52.80 seconds in the 400m Final, well outside his own world record which he set at the 2019 World Championships but still impressive in the oppressive heat.

“I’m feeling really good about my race,” he said.

“Not as fast as I would have liked to but in this heat I couldn‘t have asked much better than what I did. I got the result that I came out to get.”

Tokyo’s furnace-like heat has been causing serious health problems for a lot of the Paralympic runners and James was no exception.

He collapsed after crossing the finish line, before being taken to the track-side medical centre to recover.

“The heat got the best of me today,” James said.

“I left everything out there on the track, well not quite. I almost threw up but managed to hold it in this time.”

A multiple world champion over 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m, James was regarded as the hot favourite in his two events in Tokyo, the 100m and 400m T36 races.

The first goal has now been achieved and James is confident he can repeat the dose in the 100m later this week.

Photos: Courtesy of Paralympics Australia

Tim Hodge wins Silver and Bronze in Tokyo

Photo: Courtesy of Paralympics Australia

Timothy Hodge has won a Bronze medal in Tokyo, finishing third in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S9 event behind Bogdan Mozgovoi (RPC) and Yahor Shchalkanau (Belarus).

The former Young Citizen of the Year (2011), Sport NSW Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability (2018) and Sportsperson of the Year – Blacktown City Sports Awards (2019) is in great form in Tokyo.

Tim was also in contention for yet another medal on Wednesday night (as we go to the printers), competing in the Final of the Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM9.

Tim set the fastest qualifying time in the heats of 2:17:41, over 2 seconds faster than his nearest rivals Yahor Shchalkanau (Belarus) and Ugo Didier (France) and was the warm favourite for the Final.

The Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM9 Final started at 6:31pm Tokyo time Wednesday night, 1st September and Tim finished with a Silver medal.

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Local legends at the Paralympics

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

28

TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

Local legends at the Paralympics

BY Noel Rowsell

Reid wins gold in World Record Time Three-time Paralympian Amanda Reid grabbed Gold on Day 3 of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, winning the Women’s 500m Time Trial C1-3.

Amanda was already the reigning world champion and not only won Gold in a dominant fashion, also broke her own World Record for the C2 classification, setting a new time of 38.487 seconds.

Given her event involves competitors from three classifications, Amamda’s time was factored to give her a final time of 35.581.

“It means everything to me to be a proud Guring-gai and Wemba-Wemba woman and to represent my people back home, seeing there is only three of us on the team this time (including Samantha Schmidt and Ruby Storm),” Amanda told Channel Seven.

“So I’m hoping I can encourage more Aboriginal disabled athletes to get into sport.”

Amanda Reid proudly displays her Paralympic Gold Medal in Tokyo. Photo supplied by Paralympics Australia

Leonhardt wins silver in Personal Best Time Paige Leonhardt claimed her first Silver Paralympic medal in Tokyo, setting a personal best time to finish in second place in the women’s 100 metre butterfly S14 event, ahead of Australian team-mate Ruby Storm in third position.

Russian Paralympic athlete Valeriia Shabalina set a new world record in the race, finishing 1.89 seconds ahead of Paige to claim the Gold medal.

Paige’s mother Tanya Leonhardt said she was emotional watching her daughter swim on the world stage.

“It had to be one of her best times and for her to get a PB (personal best) behind a world-record holder was just amazing.”

“Watching it unfold from the heats to the finals, I knew it was going to be a very tight race and she (Paige) would have to put on a very solid performance, because she was up against the world’s best,” Ms Leonhardt said.

Paige Leonhardt with her Silver medal from the Women’s 100m Butterfly S14 event.

Photo supplied by Paralympics Australia

TOKYO 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES

BY Noel Rowsell

Erik Horrie creates rowing history with silver medal Erik Horrie (Erskine Park) has won Silver in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls 2,000m and, in doing so, became the first male rower in history to win 3 Paralympic medals in Para-rowing.

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder is already a winner of five World Championships in single sculls and showed great courage to hold off Bronze medallist Rene Campos Pereira (Brazil) and Javier Reja Munoz (Spain) in fourth position.

Erik had also won the Silver medal in both Rio in 2016 and London 2012 and by claiming his third Paralympic medal in as many games, became the first male rower in history to achieve the feat.

Ukranian Roman Polianskyi won the Gold by an impressive 12.04 seconds in a time of 9:48.78.

Erik Horrie winning Silver in the PR1 Men’s 2,000m in Tokyo.

Photos supplied by Paralympics Australia

The end of an era for Steelers The Australian Wheelchair Rugby team (Steelers) will return home from a Paralympic Games without a medal for the first time in 17 years.

In an extraordinary sequence for the reigning Paralympic champions, the Australians ultimately won just one game from five outings, well down on their illustrious form of past campaigns.

The week started badly, with an upset 54-53 loss to Denmark, putting the Steelers campaign under pressure from the outset.

The Aussies recovered to defeat France 50-48, then fell 57-53 to Japan but despite a poor win-loss record in the preliminary rounds, qualified for the semi-final playoffs on a countback.

The Steelers could not break out of their Tokyo funk against the USA in the semi-final, falling 49-42 to be relegated to the Bronze medal playoff game.

Japan would record its second win over Australia in this game (60-52), ending the most dominant reign in the history of the sport.

“We never should have lost by this much - never. We’re a better team than that,” Games debutant Richard Voris (Blaxland) said.

Australian captain Ryley Batt played his 313th game for Australia, surpassing the 312 of former player Nazim Erdem.

“We’re disappointed we couldn’t pull out more wins or make games closer. We tried but we’ve had a really good run (over the years), we’ve won two gold medals, we’ve won a silver. Unfortunately, teams can’t be at the top forever,” said a disappointed Batt.

In the gold medal match, Great Britain defeated the USA 54-49.

Richard Voris. Photo supplied by Paralympics Australia

Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

Local legends at the Paralympics

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Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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SPORT

Coach’s Corner S

Winning In September

pring weather is almost upon us and so is final football! As a coach this is both the most exciting and pressurised time of the year. To be relevant at this stage of the season, you need to have put yourself in a position to strike, through a solid regular season with enough wins to be at the pointy end of the table.

There is also a lot to be said for momentum and health at this critical stage of the season. All too often, we see teams put themselves in excellent positions only be bundled out because they suffer injuries or a drop in form. We also see teams gain momentum late and make long runs into the finals, but in these scenarios rarely does it result in a premiership win. The search is always to try and find a formula which ensures you are both healthy and have momentum.

Winning finals games is often mistaken as a complex task. The simpler you keep things as a coach, at the most important time of the season, the less confusion and anxiety the players will experience in the lead up to games and the easier

it is for the players to execute game plans and play to their potential. The work coaches have done with their team up until the finals should place you in a position to relax the need for large chunks of information to be conveyed and digested by the players, in training sessions and game plans. In the lead up to the finals you need to be polishing your tactics and style.

If your team is in a good position, building momentum up to the finals to ensure your best football is ahead of you is often the biggest challenge. It takes patience and timing in order to execute this effectively and even in the case of perfect planning, the results may still not fall your way. It is important you lay off the physicality in training to ensure the players hit the field fresh and full of energy. If you are trying to achieve fitness goals at semi-final time you are in some trouble! Prioritise what is most important, work hard on that each week and keep it simple. When we look at the Panthers, I really like how they are building into the finals series for two key reasons:

Brock Shepperd Mounties Ron Massey Cup Head Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

1. They are nearing full health and fitness.

2. They have built momentum over the last few weeks and will look to continue that this weekend, as they take on an Eels team resting several players.

But there are no foolproof formulas for success.

But to keep things simple, work smarter and not harder, keep your players fresh both mentally and physically and also maintain your regular routine.

This will ensure the team cohesion and momentum is built progressively throughout the finals series.

The health of your players, particularly in key positions, is vital to success, building momentum and combinations at the important stages of the season and this, to a large degree, is out of your control as a coach. But be mindful of players who may be tired, carrying injuries or who seem to lack their normal energy and enthusiasm and do your best to keep them fresh and firing. This will often come at the expense of training time during the week, but your aim needs to be to get your best players on the field fit and firing in important games.

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Ian McLean, Val Centeno (Twin Creeks), Garry Smith, Roy Benson (Richmond). Action from the 2019 SS Pennant competition. Photos by Noel Rowsell

Super Seniors confident Pennant Competition will run in 2021

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Super Senior Pennant (over 65’s) Committee met last week to discuss a number of potential options which could allow the 2021 Pennant to go ahead.

Ultimately, the only option which potentially allows the Pennant to be held is as follows: 1. Divisional Rounds to start w/c October 25 2021 and run over 7 weeks to conclude w/c December 6 2021.

2. The Finals series would be played from w/c February 7 2022 and

conclude w/c March 7 2022.

The Committee agreed to put this option to the 65 Clubs entered for the 2021 Pennant to seek their support for this plan.

Clearly any final decision to start the Pennant on that date will be influenced by a number of factors, primarily; • Health orders in place by October 25 which allow unrestricted travel between all LGA’s; • Golf allowed to be played in groups of four; • Two players allowed to share a cart; • Significant support from participating Clubs for the revised

Pennant timeframe.

“In summary, it would have been an easy decision just to pull the pin on this year’s Pennant, however, we faced similar circumstances last year and still managed to conduct a successful series,” said Captain Martin Gallagher.

“However, more importantly, we were encouraged by the NSW Government’s recent announcement in relation to the gradual easing of lock-down restrictions, with a goal of exiting from lock-down by mid October, when full vaccination rates are projected to achieve the 70% target.

Twin Creeks

PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

A dramatic week for our game

 The Eels topple top-of-the-table Melbourne

W

hat a dramatic round of rugby league we had last weekend in the NRL! It started on the Thursday when Mitchell Pearce slotted a field goal for the Newcastle Knights for a 15-14 win over the Titans.

The following night for the two Friday night fixtures there must have been a full moon because things got freaky!

The Raiders down 16-nil, with a spot in the finals beckoning, roared back with conviction to down the Warriors 28 points to 16. Season alive.

The following game is where things got crazy. In the 57th minute of the fierce rivals clash, Souths Latrell Mitchell hit the Roosters Joey Manu with his shoulder in the cheekbone, the tackle was reckless and Latrell should have been sent off, but only got 10 in the bin. Joey Manu’s cheekbone exploded and had to be rushed from the field straight to an awaiting ambulance. Not good. Latrell

https://penrith.panthers.com.au

 The aftermath of a dramatic weekend of footy

got a 6 week suspension, the Roosters copped a $40,000 fine for their part in the aftermath, and two of the best players in the comp won’t be playing finals footy.

Then the following night, last Saturday, the recently suffering Parramatta Eels dethroned the Melbourne Storm in their quest for 20 straight victories.

Dramatic!

This weekend, 6 of the 8 games to be played have semi final ramifications, the only two that don’t are the Broncos v Knights and the Tigers v Bulldogs.

Every other game has a major bearing on who finishes where if in fact at all!

Round 25 is upon us as we head into a finals series that you just sense is going to be dramatic!

See you at the game..

MG (random Westie) OAM

31 Nepean News 3 September 2021 Issue 311

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