Nepean News 9 July 2020

www.

.com

free

0414-TOW-ING

0414 869 464

www.

.com

0414-TOW-ING

Thursday, 9 July 2020

ISSUE 281

0414 869 464

Join Nepean News on Facebook! Website: issuu.com/nepeannews

Help feed our needy

The Penrith Community Kitchen has been feeding and helping our disadvantaged locals for years, but now they desperately need our help. See page 11

i30 N

local news

T

he Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP, has welcomed the tax relief for local small businesses kicking in as of July 1.

“Now more than ever, the 14,000 small and medium sized businesses in Lindsay need our support,” said Ms McIntosh.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community in Lindsay. The Coronavirus has had a serious impact on many local businesses, and I’m proud to be part of a Government committed to backing small businesses to prosper and grow.

“This tax relief is just one part of my commitment to back local businesses, alongside extending the instant asset write-off and providing cash flow boosts.

“We’re reducing the impact of tax and red tape on small and family businesses, boosting productivity and supporting the creation of jobs.”

This marks the next stage of the Morrison Government’s accelerated small business tax cuts, legislated in October 2018, which will see businesses with a turnover less than $50 million have their tax rate reduced to 25 per cent by 2021-2022 – five years earlier than originally planned.

patioman Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms

Call Peter Dunn

4735 5055 or 0416 035 645

www.patioman.com.au

Unincorporated businesses will also benefit with the increase of the small business income tax offset from eight per cent to 13 per cent.

Tax relief from July 1 will assist 3.5 million small and family businesses across Australia.

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

Tax relief for small businesses

3

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS

Minchinbury Community Hospital | Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Road, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au

SMITH PRODUCE and

FIREWOOD

FREE

sanitiser & kindling with every load!

Private Tutoring

Online Tutoring via Skype, Zoom etc is currently available for Primary School, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary and University Students in English, ESL, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Senior Science, Environmental Science, Economics, Business Studies, IT, Engineering and Foreign Languages (French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, German etc )

Western, North Coast and Local Timbers

4730 6000 2073 Castlereagh Rd, Penrith (behind Action Autos)

FreteeTrial

15 minu Lesson

For further details just email Dr Gerry (Online Tutoring Program Coordinator)

gerry43@bigpond.net.au

From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

4

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

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Korena Hale 0403 045 880 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 David Burnet 0412 448 883 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Dale “Tex” Walker 0411 627 113 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com issuu.com/nepeannews

Nepean News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Phone for complete list of distribution outlets

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

e all cheered the apparent end of the spread, now we are tentatively walking across melting ice, hoping that it is not about to crack with what’s going on down in Vic. Let’s just hope not too many buses zoomed through before Gladys decided to get on board and take over the driving and close the border.

It seems to me that the biggest threat to the continued spread of the virus is the conspiracy theorists.

No matter how much fact they are presented with, they continue on blindly consumed with their belief, like some dazed zombie stuck in a cult.

Do these people really believe just about every country in the world is taking part in playing a joke on them? And if so, what’s the punchline?

The CT’s mission is often to downplay. “Oh it’s no worse than the flu,” is the most common mantra. When was the last time 19 residents of an aged care home died within days of each other? Or 22 people died within weeks of disembarking the same cruise ship?

It is absolutely ludicrous to liken this virus to the flu. And dangerous.

We need the conspiracy theorists, the minimisers and the downright selfish to pull their heads in and work with the rest of the country to flatten this thing.

Stop scoffing at the rules, spitting at people, refusing tests and save your protests for a time when you aren’t endangering other people’s lives.

Its not that hard is it?

We have a ringside seat to watch what is happening across the world and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes.

Countries whose leaders minimise the severity of the virus, see how they are fairing? Our non-believer’s name is Donald. Clearly he doesn’t want it to be a thing, so he keeps saying its not. How is that working out for him? 133,000 dead and climbing, that’s how.

If careless and dismissive behaviour results in a spike here, the stakes are extremely high. Lockdowns. Business closures. Bankruptcy. Economic Depression. And most importantly, serious illness and death.

Younger people, although at lesser risk of getting seriously ill, need to take one for team Australia and ensure they aren’t doing anything that risks spreading to our older more vulnerable people.

Our collective mentality in this country has never been ‘survival of the fittest.’

Lets not start that now.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Re-Opening Soon

Available from all good Electrical Wholesalers www.ncc.nsw.edu.au

scottm@electracables.com.au

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the announcement that people sleeping rough in Penrith will benefit from a new NSW Government initiative aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“The Together Home project will provide people with access to the assistance they need to maintain their tenancy, improve their health and wellbeing and move towards greater community participation,” Stuart Ayres said.

“This initiative will change lives for the better, by supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community on the pathway to independence.”

The program will be delivered in Penrith by Wentworth Community Housing and Evolve Housing, which will lease properties in the private rental market to house people previously sleeping rough.

Mr Stephen McIntyre, CEO Wentworth Housing said Wentworth congratulates the NSW Government for launching the Together Home initiative. This is a critical program to help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Wentworth has a long history in working with rough sleepers.

“We know from our experience how stable accommodation coupled with support can turn lives around. We look forward to delivering this

Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith program with our community and government partners in the region.”

The NSW Government is investing $36 million in Together Home, the largest housing response dedicated to rough sleeping in NSW history.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the project will help hundreds of people across the state break the cycle of homelessness.

“Our housing, homelessness and health providers will be working around the clock in coming months to help people take the first steps towards breaking the cycle of disadvantage and staying off the streets for good.”

The NSW Government has invested more than $70 million to prevent and respond to homelessness during the pandemic, on top of the more than $1 billion invested this financial year in housing and homelessness support.

We are OPEN! Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!

4730 8900 www.nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au

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.

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

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

Addressing Penrith’s homelessness

5

Authorised by Melissa McIntosh MP, Liberal Party of Australia, 331 High St, Penrith NSW 2750.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

T was the call many of of us were saying to our TV screens, when, just as it seemed as a nation we had this under control we watched the positive case numbers in Victoria shoot skyward. “Close the border, Gladys!”

NSW will temporarily shut its border with Victoria to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and jobs of NSW citizens.

The closure will be effective from 12.01am Wednesday, 8 July and follows the concerning spread of COVID-19 in Melbourne.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the decision was made after consulting with the NSW Chief Health Officer and discussions with the Prime Minister and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews.

“The people of NSW have done an incredible job to help stop the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to open up our economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The outbreak of cases we are seeing in Victoria is putting these gains at risk.

“I do not take this step lightly, but have always said we will do what we

must to protect the health and jobs of NSW residents.”

Ms Berejiklian stressed the border closure is a temporary measure.

“As I have said before, it is in our national interest for borders to be open,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the swift action is necessary to protect NSW residents and to assist Victoria in their attempts to bring the outbreak under control.

“We must remain flexible throughout this ongoing pandemic and adjust our strategies as the threat grows and recedes,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This is not the first spike and it is unlikely to be the last.”

NSW residents returning from

a Melbourne hotspot are already required to go into 14 days of selfisolation. This requirement will be extended to anyone returning from Victoria. This will be backed by heavy penalties and fines.

There will be provisions in place for residents of border regions, such as Albury-Wodonga.

Special conditions will be in place for freight operations and other critical services.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said a hard border would be established at appropriate locations to enforce the border closure.

“The NSW Police Force is ready to step up, 400 police officers plus other agencies are preparing to enforce the closure of the NSW and Victorian border,” Commissioner Fuller said.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the measure will ensure NSW citizens are protected, and she urged residents here to remain vigilant and continue to present for testing.

“The Victorian increase in community transmission has been particularly worrying,” Dr Chant said.

“This is a warning for NSW that the pandemic is not over.”

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

Border closure to protect nsw

7

local news

A

boost for volunteer participation and opportunities to create a more innovative sector are key to the NSW Government’s first 10-year Volunteering Strategy, launched in Penrith this week.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said, drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated the important and often lifesaving role volunteers play in our community.

“The past twelve months have brought into sharp focus just how critical volunteers are to our communities and our State,” Mr Ward said.

“Whether they are donating their time and skills responding to natural disasters or coaching children’s sport, volunteers are part of the fabric of our communities.

“This strategy focuses on the need to future-proof the volunteering sector, by using technology to promote participation and make volunteering more accessible.”

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said today was also an opportunity to recognise some of the community’s brightest volunteers.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our community here in Penrith and today was a great opportunity to

celebrate the enormous contribution they make,” Mr Ayres said.

“Today was also the opportunity to present two locals with volunteering awards, Mr Aaron Tyers and Ms Gai Hawthorn “Aaron and Gai are both passionate Penrith locals, tireless volunteers that love to give back to our local community.”

Aaron is a Rotarian and gives time for the wider community; Footy doubles selling at the Footy, Rotary BBQ’s on weekends, works with the youth program with Rotary for many years to bring children from the country for work placement in the city. He often assists many local charities by doing free graphic design and signage, fundraising tickets etc to help them out. He volunteered with the Penrith Community Kitchen

and helped fundraise with donations through Rotary.

Gai is on the Board of the Penrith Community Kitchen and has fundraised and been involved with the organisation for many years. She organises and is integral to the yearly Christmas Lunch event for the kitchen which feeds several hundred homeless people a Christmas meal and organises donations of children toys and gifts to be provided for the event, which Santa hands out to the children at the event. She also assists the local PCYC of which she is a Board Member.

Gai has been involved with the local RSL Sub branch and has spent many years assisting the local homeless and running the homeless winter appeal for blankets and warm clothing to be given to those in need each winter.

For the past two years, Gai has chaired

the Pink Up Penrith committee (a McGrath Foundation initiative) and is actively involved in promoting and organising events to raise funds to get additional local breast care nurses.

In May 2020, the NSW Government and the Centre for Volunteering joined forces to deliver the new Emergency Support Volunteering platform, helping connect willing volunteers with organisations in need of support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 50 organisations have signed up to the platform, with upwards of 2,000 people connected to volunteering opportunities across the state.

CEO of the Centre for Volunteering Gemma Rygate said the platform was the perfect example of innovative ways to promote volunteering opportunities.

“Making volunteer recruitment, retention and management easier is critical to helping volunteer-driven organisations thrive,” Ms Rygate said.

“We will continue to work closely with the NSW Government to promote volunteering opportunities and to recognise the outstanding contribution volunteers make to our society.”

About 2.1 million people volunteer their time to help others in NSW. For more information about the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-2030, visit www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au.

Police files Child allegedly exposed to chemicals Penrith RES investigators have uncovered three clandestine laboratories and charged three people over the alleged large-scale manufacture and supply of methylamphetamine across the state.

In January this year, officers from Penrith Region Enforcement Squad (RES) established Strike Force Monfarville to investigate the importation, supply and manufacture of methylamphetamine (ice) across NSW. Following extensive inquires, strike force investigators arrested a 23-year-old woman during a vehicle stop at the intersection of Gipps and Fowler Streets, Claremont Meadows, just before 10.30am on Monday 29 June.

Shortly after, officers arrested a 29-year-old Ultimo man during a second vehicle stop at Green Road, Kellyville, and a 31-year-old man outside a unit at Croydon Park Road, Croydon Park.

About 2pm, Penrith RES detectives executed three crime scene warrants at a unit at Ultimo, a home at Werrington, and a storage unit at Rydalmere.

During the searches, officers uncovered two clandestine laboratories at the Ultimo unit and Werrington home, and an inactive clandestine laboratory at Rydalmere.

The properties were examined, and the clandestine laboratories are in the process of being dismantled by specialist officers from the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team.

A number of chemicals and items consistent with the manufacture and supply of prohibited

drugs were seized.

The woman was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with two counts of manufacture large commercial quantity (expose child), and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The Werrington woman was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court.

Penrith RES Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Wright, said criminal syndicates manufacturing prohibited drugs in suburban areas put neighbouring residents at risk.

“Clandestine laboratories have the potential to put surrounding houses and people in danger and they can be anywhere in the community – including high-density units like one uncovered yesterday,” Det Ch Insp Wright said.

“In this instance, police will allege that a child under the age of 10 was also exposed to chemicals used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine.

“It will be further alleged that this group of individuals were involved in, and were capable of, importing and manufacturing large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs into the state.

“This kind of irresponsible behaviour is simply unacceptable, and police will continue to target those that put the community – including children – in harm’s way.

“We would ask that the public remain vigilant to what is happening in their suburb, including those residing in an apartment complex, and report any suspicious behaviour to police,” Det Ch Insp Wright said.

Investigations under Strike Force Monfarville are to continue.

Alleged armed affray A fourth teenager, from St Marys, has been arrested over an alleged armed affray at a train station in Sydney’s west.

Just before 5pm on Friday 12 June 2020, a male, allegedly armed with a machete, threatened commuters at Rooty Hill Railway Station before he was confronted by four males, who were armed with knives and a hammer.

Officers from Police Transport Command were notified and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, three boys – aged 16 and two aged 17, were arrested and charged over their alleged roles in the incident last month. They remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries and a public appeal, investigators arrested a fourth teenager, a 17-year-old boy, at a home in St Marys about 7.15am on Friday 3 July 2020, before he was taken to Penrith Police Station.

Investigations into the incident are continuing and further arrests are expected.

It came as Operation Invertice were targeting robberies, weapons and assault offences across the public transport network.

The high-visibility operation – lead by the Police Transport Command with the assistance from the North West Metropolitan Region, the Youth Command, the Dog and Mounted Command, and the Aviation Support Branch – will be proactively patrolling railway stations across Sydney’s west.

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour on the public transport network is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers. com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

New strategy to future-proof volunteering

9

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

10

local news

Organ donation: the gift of life

By KeRRIE DAVIES

E

mu Plains Lions are raising awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation for the ‘DonateLife’ initiative.

Organ and tissue donation can save and transform the lives of those Australians who receive a transplant.

Organ and tissue donation involves removing organs and tissue from someone who has died (a donor) and transplanting them into someone who, in many cases, is very ill or dying (a recipient).

Your decision to donate organs and tissue could transform someone else’s life and allow them to live a full and happy life after you’ve gone. It is an incredible gift to give.

Organs that can be transplanted include: • Heart • Lung • Liver • Kidney • Pancreas • Pancreas islet Tissue that can be transplanted include: • heart valves and other heart tissue • blood veins • bone • veins

• tendons • ligaments • skin • parts of the eye The Lions are holding a presentation evening at Emu Sports Club on July 16 with liver transplant recipient Kyla Devine and her mother Katelan, providing an insight into transplants together with Specialist Nurse, Jodie

Cowell, the Clinical Nurse Consultant for Organ and Tissue Donation from the Intensive Care Unit at Nepean Hospital.

Kyla, a Glenmore Park resident now attends Year 7 at Penola Catholic College in Emu Plains, after receiving a liver transplant when she was only three months old.

Kyla received the life-changing transplant which now allows her a

normal life; including playing sports like netball and athletics, gymnastics and swimming.

The Devine family are extremely grateful to the donor family for selflessly providing a loved one’s organs to change the life of someone, in this case, to give life.

Organ donation: give someone else the amazing gift of life.

$63.5 million delivered for first stage of Dunheved Road upgrade

T

he Federal Member for Lindsay has announced that funding is flowing for the planning of the Dunheved Road upgrade, which she secured $63.5 million for during the 2019 Federal election.

“During the election I fought hard to upgrade Dunheved Road and it was through our community’s support for my petition that I could secure this funding to help ease congestion on our local roads so people can commute between home and work safer and quicker to spend more time with their families,” said Ms McIntosh “Dunheved Road is used by many people in our community and this upgrade is very important to local residents and businesses. I look forward to seeing the first phase of the upgrade begin.”

As the first stage in this process, $4.2 million has been released for planning and investigation work for Dunheved Road.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said local communities across Australia would benefit from infrastructure investment on the road out of COVID-19.

“Our infrastructure pipeline will be an important pat of our job maker program,” Mr Tudge said.

“The funding is being delivered under the Urban Congestion Fund and will ensure a more reliable road network for commuters and freight, and will allow detailed design and investigations to progress as part of the project planning.

“This funding is about upgrading

the local urban road network to bust congestion, improve safety and help people get home sooner and safer.”

More information on the Urban Congestion Fund is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov. au/key_projects/initiatives/urban_ congestion_fund.aspx

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

he pandemic has hit many p e o p l e , businesses and organisations hard, but arguably those who have taken the hardest hit of all are those who exist purely to help our most vulnerable.

The Penrith Community Kitchen is one such organisation; they’ve been feeding and helping our disadvantaged locals for years, but now they desperately need our help.

They had no choice but to close during the worst of COVID-19 and they’ve also suffered incredibly from a lack of donations this year.

The Kitchen is run by volunteers and their mission each week is to supply hearty meals to Penrith’s most needy, and usually homeless, residents.

But the average age of the volunteers is 74 years old, so when the pandemic hit and the restrictions and

safety guidelines came in to effect, it simply wasn’t safe for them to be out and about rather than in isolation.

Without being able to see a clear path to the end of the pandemic, or indeed a vaccine, many have decided to call it a day, so more volunteers are desperately needed.

The Kitchen has unfortunately also been starved of donations due to the pandemic. They rely on collection tins from schools, club grants and the generosity of local residents and businesses, but as you can appreciate at this time none of the usual donors have been in a position to do what they’d usually do.

So, the Kitchen had not seen a donation since Christmas last year.

Rotary broke the drought last week, with a nice cheque for $2,500 which will come in very handy. But with the Kitchen needing to adapt to take-away meals, there’s an extra cost of $400 a week on top of the usual overheads; so much more is needed.

The monetary donations that are

usually received pay for the rent, utilities and food.

They’ve launched a new website: www.penrithcommunitykitchen. com.au with a donate button which makes it very easy to donate.

Donations are tax deductible and a receipt is sent.

If you prefer to donate cash or by cheque, this can be done in person at Penrith CBD Corporation, located at 3/488 High Street Penrith.

If you’d like to donate food or product, here’s a list of what is needed: • Flour • Rice • Pasta sauce • Paper towel • Oil • Chux wipes • Margarine or butter • Any meats or poultry

• Tin soups • Vegetables Penrith CBD Corporation CEO and Secretary of the Penrith Community Kitchen, Gai Hawthorn said all donations were greatly accepted and were very much needed at this time.

“We are also looking for more volunteers to join the friendly ladies,” she said. “We need a few reliable people do pick up runs of bread and fruit.

“We could really use donations of food or money towards it.”

Gai said it was also the worst time of the year for our local homeless.

“We need beanies/scarves/socks/ gloves (new please) for this cold winter.”

If you can do anything at all to help by donating money, food, new warm clothes or your time, please call Gai on 0437 506 517.

Supporting Penrith domestic violence services

D

omestic violence victimsurvivors across Penrith will have more vital help available during the COVID-19 pandemic, with five local services receiving more funding as part of the NSW and Federal Governments’ recent $21 million investment.

Stuart Ayres said Penrith specialist support services will receive a funding boost of around $505,817 for: • Wirrawee Gunya; • Nepean Blue Mountains Domestic and Family Violence, Homelessness Accommodation and Support Service; • Wentworth Homelessness and Housing Support Service; • Staying Home Leaving Violence Penrith and, • WDVCAS – Penrith Women’s Health Centre Inc. “The pandemic has increased the potential for domestic abuse in homes across our community, so we want to ensure help is available and accessible at this crucial time,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Our dedicated frontline services as well as police and local court staff do an incredible job each day responding to the terrible scourge of domestic and family violence.

“This funding boost by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments

will ensure local support services in Penrith have the resources they need to respond to any increase in service demand.

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said more victimsurvivors have sought assistance during the pandemic and are presenting to services with more complex needs.

“This comprehensive package responds to a range of issues raised with the Government during this pandemic, and aims to protect women and children and ultimately save lives,” Mr Speakman said.

The $21 million additional investment for domestic violence frontline specialist services comprises $12.8 million from the NSW

Government and $8.8 million from the Commonwealth Government.

The package includes state-wide funding for women’s refuges, Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV), Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), legal services, and for the NSW Domestic Violence Line which provides 24/7 crisis counselling and support referrals.

The NSW Government, Crime Stoppers NSW and the NSW Police have also launched a six-week advertising campaign calling on the community to contact police and report perpetrators of domestic violence.

“Every person has a critical role to play in combating this terrible scourge. I’m calling on all members of the community to be a lifeline for victims,” Stuart Ayres said.

“When you know there’s an emergency happening next door which requires an urgent police response, please don’t hesitate to call Triple Zero (000).”

The ads can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/ CrimeStoppersNSW and will run across all commercial networks, SBS, their catch-up counterparts, and social media and in doctors’ surgeries across the state.

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

The Penrith Community Kitchen really needs our help

11

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

12

local news

Passionate about building better workplaces

S

USAN Rochester co-founded Balance at Work in July 2006 with a vision to share practical ways of improving our working lives. As Managing Director of this successful people management business, she is passionate about helping to build better workplaces.

Balance at Work has kept on running throughout the pandemic to help organisations, and the people within them, to not just survive but thrive. We sat down with Susan to find out a bit more about her business.

Tell us a bit about Balance at Work I co-founded Balance at Work on the simple belief that instead of seeking work-life balance, we will all be happier when we accept that work is a significant part of life. Across all my years of experience working with businesses, I have learned that balance comes from finding joy in whatever work we do.

With balance, engaged employees will work to achieve the organisation’s strategic goals because they want to, not because they feel they have to. I work with business owners and managers to help them understand and commit to this balance.

Building a business has its challenges, but I’ve been proud to see Balance at Work grow from strength to strength thanks to the support of my skilled, experienced and enthusiastic team.

How can Balance at Work help businesses in the Nepean?

If you’re a business owner or manager, we work with you on individual projects to improve your workplace culture, employee engagement and leadership strength.

We combine a holistic approach with state-of-the-art tools to help you measure the success of these efforts in supporting your business.

For employees and job seekers, our personalised 1-on-1 coaching service helps you build the career of your

Balance At Work

LET’S start at the very beginning, it’s a very good place to start. Make the most of the fresh opportunities this new financial year will bring by setting your business goals for the year ahead now.

Motivate your people to get your business to where you want it to be. Focus on these 3 key areas of development for this new financial year.

1. Create Culture Is your company culture as good as it could be? Is your business environment a positive one that feeds productivity, collaboration and strategic thinking?

Now’s the right time to sensor check your company culture. What actions, systems and values are in play and how productive are they in achieving employee engagement and business success?

Building a strong company culture isn’t a wishywashy feel-good practice, it is a smart business strategy that has tangible outcomes in productivity

and profits. Make your culture measurable and accountable to see your staff engagement and targets going through the roof.

2. Engage Employees What do you want your organisation to have achieved this time next year? Build your vision for the new financial year and set clear business goals.

Communicate the goals to your employees so they feel included in the process.

Listen to your employees’ insights and ensure their professional opinions are valued. If your team is engaged and motivated, there will be a positive ripple effect across the rest of your business.

For the majority of Australian workers, nonfinancial company benefits are just as, if not more important, than salary. Make your team want to be there by investing in their career with learning and development, providing flexible working

dreams and get more job security, success and satisfaction. We help you work on the tough stuff and hold you accountable until you reach your goals.

What services do Balance at Work have during COVID-19?

It’s important that everyone has a plan of action. We are helping business leaders take advantage of new opportunities and plan for whatever comes next, engaging employees on the journey and building resilience.

It’s a very different experience being a leader during a crisis. We help you develop the leadership skills you need so you can act decisively. We are also supporting businesses whose staff are now working remotely and helping them make the most of any extra time they might have for staff development.

What leadership advice would you give to business owners to get through the pandemic?

I believe in a learn-by-doing approach to leadership. When there is heightened uncertainty, it can be tempting to slip back into our comfort zones and hold off on action until better times but there truly is no time like the present. Don’t put off addressing a problem in the hope it will fix itself. Take advantage of new opportunities as they arise and you will reap the rewards.

Let’s explore together how we can help you and your team find more joy in work.

With Susan Rochester

arrangements or encouraging them to pursue their passions. Get a consistent, meaningful reward strategy and a performance management system in place to ensure your employees love their job and excel in what they do.

3. Grow Leaders Leaders need specific sets of skills to navigate challenges and this new financial year will undoubtedly have its fair share of those. If you know what you want to achieve you will need the best leaders to guide and support the rest of your team to get there, so don’t be afraid to invest in leadership development with training or coaching. Great leaders will motivate your employees and nurture your company culture.

Discover how Balance at Work can support your business goals with a smart people management strategy for the new financial year.

Get in touch for a free consultation Call

0448 306 180

or email susanr@balanceatwork.com.au www.balanceatwork.com.au

Quest: Celebrating our Everyday Local Heroes

W

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

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

It’s not a job. It’s a passion.

Quest Penrith would like to reward our Everyday Local Heroes.

They’d like to see them recognised for the enormous contribution they make to the success of our region and they’d like to spoil them with a night’s accommodation in one of their luxurious One Bedroom Apartments.

When Avli Greek Restaurant heard about Quest’s Penrith idea of celebrating and spoiling a volunteer each quarter, they were keen to jump on board and ensure the winner receives a scrumptious dinner on them.

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

And we’ll be looking for one every quarter, so keep the nominations coming in!

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

To nominate someone for August, you can fill out the nomination form below and email it to sales.penrith@questapartments.com.au

Please include the following when emailing: Your name and contact number, the name and contact number of the person you are nominating. What is it they do and how long they’ve been doing it.

It’s that simple!

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

PENRITH

Celebrating our Quarterly Hero with 1 night’s accommodation at Quest Penrith PLUS a $100 dinner voucher at Avli Greek Restaurant in thanks for your selfless services to our local community Quest Penrith Everyday Local Hero Campaign Who would you like to nominate? ____________________________________________________________________________________ Their contact number _______________________________________________________________________________________________ What is it that they do? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How long have they been doing it? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Your name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact number _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominations for the August Quest Everyday Local Hero must be received by July 31, 2020. The August Everyday Hero will be announced in Nepean News August 6 edition.

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

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

Legends of the Nepean John Willcocks

By Noel Rowsell

7

0-year old Penrith resident John Willcocks (formerly of St Marys) will celebrate the 50th running of the ‘Sun-Herald City2Surf 2020 / Run for a Cure Cancer’ race later this year, notching up his 50th start in the big race and registering yet another incredible milestone in his running career.

John is classified as a ‘Legend’ of the famous Sydney to Bondi race and has competed in every one of the 49 races to date, celebrating his 50th in October.

Back in 1971, buoyed by confidence from his running training in both Rugby League and Rugby Union, John entered his inaugural running race ‘The Sun City to Surf’ with no real concept of kilometres, running apparel or race tactics.

“I ran in my footy shorts and top and my ‘running shoes’ were a pair of

humble K26’s,” said John.

As one of just 27 people who have competed in all 49 City to Surf Races to date, John has not set any time targets this year and will be content to just complete the race.

His best time is a respectable 62.13mins at 54 years of age.

“With training, I could have been more competitive but a busy work-life and family came first,” said John.

Wife Denise and children Rachel, Mark and Adam, along with daughters-in-law Erin and Amanda, have all competed in at least one City to Surf, as have 2 of the 6 grandchildren - Lauren and Lucas.

Mark has been the more dedicated competitor, completing 31 to date and he and John have a combined total of 80 together.

The extended family threw a surprise mid-race celebration during the City2Surf in 2017, all meeting at the 7km mark in their ‘John Willcocks’ t-shirts to both cheer him

Surprise your special someone with romantic flowers & gifts from Kingswood Florist.

Don’t forget to add a cuddly soft toy and delicious box of chocolates to your order for the ultimate wow factor.

We can deliver your flowers and gift to Kingswood, NSW or nationwide.

Kingswood Florist, Creative Balloons, Penrith Florist and St Marys Florist 4732 2182 • St Marys 9623 4589

John Willcocks was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Norma Thorburn.

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

John & Denise with their Grandchildren

along and support him to the end of the race.

“All of the City2Surf Legends were invited to a meeting in April to discuss how the 50th Anniversary celebrations should proceed but the meeting was cancelled due to Covid-19,” said John.

“The race has now been rescheduled for October.”

John is also a ‘Legend’ in the ‘Sydney Half Marathon’ (one of 9 runners having competed in every race since its inception in 1992) and was also a ‘Legend’ in the Sydney Marathon, running in every race from 2000 until he retired from this particular event in 2015.

“You really need to put in a lot of training for the full Marathon and because of health issues, I couldn’t do that amount of training,” he said.

John has also raced in other major running events (including the Canberra Marathon) and is a member

Mark & John in the City2Surf race.

of the ‘Parramatta Park Runners’ and ‘Horsley Park Runners’.

John said “I wanted to give something back to the sport which had given me so much, so I created and directed the St Marys Fun Run/

Walk (for 14 years), assisted by the St Marys South PS and the P&C. John also created and directed the St Marys Spring Festival Fun Run/ Walk (for 9 years), assisted by the St Marys Development Committee, of

which he was also a member.

A percentage of all monies raised went to a local Charity.

Many internationally-recognised Australian athletes gave strong support to the Fun Runs over the years, including Andrew Lloyd and Pat Farmer, whilst other celebrities and politicians supporting the event included NRL player/coach John Cartwright (Penrith captain at the time), Dave Bolton (Balmain Premiership-winning player of 1969), the Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies MP and the Member for Londonderry Pru Car MP. In 2010, John was selected to the Penrith City Council ‘Wall of Achievement’ in the Sport Category and was voted the ‘Sportsperson of the Year’.

Whilst reflecting back upon his running career, John said “Lately I’ve had health issues but I get on with it, one day at a time.”

John said “In this year’s City2Surf one person - maybe 21 years old like I was at the start or 9 years old like my son Mark was, or perhaps even younger - may have their first run and start this incredible journey, just like I did all those years ago.”

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

16

local news

Petbarn Penrith lend a helping paw

T

he Petbarn Foundation and Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs have partnered for the seventh year in a row to encourage Australians to raise much needed funds to assist people who are blind or have low vision.

Petbarn Penrith Coreen Avenue are accepting donations to the Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal from 1 July until 2 August 2020. The appeal aims to raise more than $500,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, training, and caring for at least ten Seeing Eye Dogs.

Over the past six years, through the support of Aussies across the country, The Petbarn Foundation’s Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal has raised $3.2 million, enabling 70 Seeing Eye Dogs to be bred and trained.

Petbarn Penrith Coreen Avenue Store Manager, Edward O’Neill, says, “Seeing Eye Dogs do more than just allow Australians with vision loss to retain their independence and mobility – they provide companionship, alleviate the effects of social isolation and contribute to all-round better quality of life.”

“Seeing Eye Dogs is just another example of how animals can enrich our lives. We encourage everyone to visit our Petbarn stores or donate online to help continue to provide these special assistance dogs to people in the community,” Edward continues.

It costs more than $50,000 and takes up to two years to train a Seeing Eye Dog. Training begins when the

dog is still a puppy and involves teaching them basic socialisation skills and obedience. On maturity, each dog receives up to six months of expert training with a specialised instructor.

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs General Manager Graeme Craig says, “Our partnership with The Petbarn Foundation is integral to helping our Seeing Eye Dogs pups complete the extensive training they require.

“It takes a lot of expertise, time, love, patience and funding to raise these special dogs that will one day become the gift of independence for people who are blind or have low vision. For the right person, the highly trained dogs help them to move quicker and navigate obstacles with much more reliability and safety,”

Graeme continues.

As part of this fundraising effort, on July 23, four Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs puppies will go head-to-head (and tail-to-tail) with the inaugural Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Games.

To launch the Games, super premium pet food brand Royal Canin will be matching each donation made from 12pm on Game Day up to a total of $50,000, which means every dollar gifted will have double the impact for people who are blind or have low vision.

For more information on The Puppy Games visit thepuppygames.com.au.

Donations for The Petbarn Foundation’s appeal can be made by visiting a local Petbarn store, or online at petbarn.com.au/seda.

About the Petbarn Foundation: Founded in 2012, The Petbarn Foundation has raised over $13.2m to support animal welfare groups and rescue organisations throughout Australia. $700k worth of services, pet food and supplies has been pledged to help people and pets in the community that have been affected by COVID19.

All Greencross Companies support the Petbarn Foundation and its initiatives.

With a focus on enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them, the Foundation is built around a “Five R’s Philosophy”: • Reduce the number of pets that are euthanised each year • Rescue pets in crisis and encourage Australians to think of adoption first • Rehabilitate pets with behavioural issues to ensure they can remain part of a loving family • Responsible pet ownership • Relieve some of the stresses, strains and hardships people face through the calming influence of pets About Seeing Eye Dogs: Vision Australia is the leading national provider of blindness and low vision services and advocacy support for the blindness and low vision community. Our Seeing Eye Dogs provide people who are blind or have low vision with independence enabling them to live the life they choose.

For more information, please visit: www.seeingeyedogs.org.au

Why is my dog escaping from the yard?

E

very day on our community pages we see lost dogs searching for their owners.

While it is understandable that some dogs have escaped for the first time, unfortunately we see many of the same pets wandering around looking for something more exciting than their own backyard.

Dogs will escape and jump the fence for many different reasons, such as: • They see an animal or something else that they feel compelled to chase • They see a friendly person or dog they would like to meet • They are searching for mates (let’s

talk about desexing) • They hear things on the other side of the fence • They are bored and looking for something to do, or looking for you • Some dogs can suffer from separation anxiety and find it frightening to be left alone in a yard.

Unfortunately, they often associate the yard with anxiety, fear or loneliness.

It is important to understand why your dog is escaping to addressing this growing problem in our community.

Make sure all of your dog’s physical, social and behavioural needs are being met. This includes daily physical activity to stimulate

your dog’s senses. Environmental enrichment with treat games, toys, digging pits and pools can keep larger breed dogs entertained for hours.

Also ensure that your pet is receiving enough daily attention and social company. If you find that your dog is not coping with being left alone for extended periods of time try arranging a dog walker or neighbour to come in the middle of the day to break up the time left in the yard alone.

It is important to note that undesexed dogs are more likely to wander in order to find a mate to breed with so chat to us about desexing.

If your dog is digging or jumping their way out of the yard it is worth modifying your fence to restrict their yard breaks. Using PVC plastic piping cut lengthwise down the centre and placing them along the top of your fence will make a curved, slippery surface that a dog cannot get a grip on to get over the top of the fence.

Alternatively, place a small diameter PVC pipe inside a larger diameter pipe and hang these on a cable suspended above the fence to create a ‘roller bar’ which a dog’s paws cannot hold onto.

Finally, please make sure your pet is microchipped and details are kept up to date. This can be done online at www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au/ If your pet does escape and end up at a local pound or veterinary clinic they can only be collected by the registered owner. This often causes many problems for shelter and veterinary staff.

If your dog is an escapologist and you would like to make him more of a home body, please call us on 4731 3055.

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

NEPEAN HISTORY

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

W

illiam Augustine Wintle, born at Appin in 1843 was the son of convicts Abraham Wintle and Ellen Bourne. Abraham was born in 1795 in Gloucester in England, one of 150 convicts transported on the “Shipley” arriving in NSW in September 1820. He was convicted at Monmouth Assizes for a term of 7 years in August 1818. Abraham married Ellen Bourne in June 1828 at Parramatta‘s Church Of England. She was born in 1805 in Ireland. She was tried in 1826 in Fermanagh and sentenced to 7 years. She came on the “Brothers (2)” in 1827. The family moved to Camden where he was an overseer for Robert Johnston. Johnston had entered the navy as a first-class volunteer on HMS ‘Malabar’ in 1804, one of the first Australian born to serve in the navy. He served as master’s mate on the HMS ‘Semiramis’, ‘Norge’ and ‘Nemesis’ and saw action off the coast of the Netherlands, Cadiz, Baltimore and New Orleans in various attacks. In 1816 he returned to NSW when peace followed the war of 1812. Abraham died in November 1865 at his residence “Glen-hill” near Picton after a painful and lingering illness. (Picton was originally named “Stone quarry” in 1841 and the creek given the same name. By 1845 it was renamed Picton after Sir Thomas Picton who was one of the Duke of Wellington’s Generals at the Battle of Waterloo). Abraham was an old veteran of the Battle and his badge and medals were passed onto his daughter. Ellen died at “Glen-hill” in 1877 at the age of 72 years “deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and relatives”. William Augustine married Diana Elizabeth Gaudry in 1874 at the age of 30.

Diana was born in April 1853. She was the daughter of George Littleton Gaudry born in Windsor in 1816. Diana’s mother Elizabeth was also born in Windsor in 1814. William’s family then moved to Moss Vale where he was the proprietor of the “Commercial” hotel. (This hotel was originally called the “Jemmy Moss Inn” built 1868 and was named after Dr Charles Throsby’s servant James “Jemmy” Moss. Later is was used as the local Post Office and General Store until 1873 when it became the hotel. In 1819 Governor Macquarie gave the land grant to the doctor in recognition of his exploration that opened up the South Coast and Southern Highlands and became the first land grant in that area). At Moss Vale in February 1905, William Augustine was one of the men elected to fill a vacancy as an Alderman on the Municipal Council. This did not last long because the family moved to Penrith where he was the licensee of the “Royal Hotel” that was on the corner of Henry & Commercial Street, Penrith. This hotel was originally built for Amelia Williams in 1882, formally known then as the “Amelia Palace” boarding house. In 1901 the hotel licensee Mr Porter was found in the backyard in a bad way having sleepwalked over the balcony. In 1905, William thought a change of air might be beneficial and took a trip to Coolamon near Junee. He suffered for many years from heart disease that became much worse and was brought on by the shock caused by the death of his three-year-old daughter Diana in July 1905 at the Nepean Cottage Hospital. During his illness he was attended by local doctors Barber and Pym but in 1906 he passed quietly away at the age of 63 years at the hotel. While in Moss Vale William was a member of the Mounted Rifles for several years under Colonel Henry Beauchamp “Harry” Lasseter.

William was the father of William Edward “Billy” Wintle (Jnr) who

was born at Glen-hill in 1875. Billy received a Lieutenant’s commission in the South African Boer war. He was in the Oaks Unit ‘A’ Squadron, NSW Mounted Rifles - 3rd NSW Imperial Bushmen who departed on the ‘SS Langton Grange’ in 1899 and returned on the ‘HMT Drayton Grange’ in 1902. He received the Queen Alexandra Pipe for Gallantry, Queen’s South Africa Medal and 2 Clasps for South Africa. Edward “Ned” Hanlan, the Canadian champion sculler stayed at the Royal Hotel in Penrith when he rowed in championships on the Nepean River. He gave an interview to a Newcastle paper saying that “I was given a grand reception when I landed back in Australia in March, 1884, and I won by defeating Laycock on the Nepean River. I was wined and dined so much that I began to lose form. Bill Beach the Australian champion sculler challenged me and although not in the best condition, I think I should have won had 1 not run up against a steamboat. It was fortunate that I was not killed. (it was mentioned that some of the spectators became so excited they fell into the river!). The shock of that race unnerved me for a few months and in my second race with Beach I had no speed and was easily defeated. In 1887 after this, I felt discouraged and took no care of myself. The second time I rowed against Beach on the Nepean, it is estimated that the race was witnessed by 160,000 persons. I felt my old ambition returning. I am taking care of myself and I am not yet too old to do good work. I am younger than Beach was when I surrendered the championship to him. I had my third race with Beach on the Nepean that was for 2,500 (US) dollars aside and the championship. It was about the fastest and best race I ever rowed and the only mistake I made was in not crowding the pace earlier. Beach won by a second and a half and he was “dead” at the finish line while I was strong. I would surely have beaten him in another quarter of a mile. I lost my money and the championship by the merest possible margin.” The old Royal Hotel was demolished around the 1960’s. Photo courtesy of NSW State Library.

Sources: Charles Bateson-The convict ships 1787-1868, State Library of Queensland, Convict Transportation Registers Database 1787-1867, Ancestry website, Mormon Website, National Library of Australia. Trove, Peter Mayberry-Irish convicts to NSW 1788-1849, Census of NSW 1828, Government Gazette of NSW, Australian Royalty, My Heritage online Newspapers, Aussie towns website, Scrutineer & Berrima Press, The Oaks Historical Society-Camden Remembers the Boer War.

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

A Hotelier, an ex-Champion Sculler and an Old Penrith Hotel

21

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

Ask the Expert - Is the HomeBuilder Grant Worth the Hype?

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

22

W

ith great anticipation we awaited the announcement of a potential “renovation grant” proposed by the Federal government. Designed to encourage residential construction and cushion the building industry during the pandemic, this sounded like a promising proposal.

However, what was offered raised several significant questions about who was going to benefit and how this helped Australians on the whole. The specifics seemed to target a small proportion of properties and homeowners, leaving many to wonder, is it money well spent?

The HomeBuilder Grant is a $25,000 boost to renovations and new build works under signed contract between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020. The contracted works must be within $150,000-$750,000 with the total of the property not exceeding a value of $1.5M before renovation. With an income cap of $125,000 per person and $200,000 per couple, this grant targets first-home buyers interested in houseand-land packages and families hoping to make improvements to their existing homes.

According to the 2016 Census, more than

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

75% of Penrith households would qualify for this grant based on weekly income. That said, with current COVID-19 uncertainty, many of these households may not be able to access the required $150,000 to get a project underway.

Yet many seem to have managed, with enquiries flooding in to secure their slice of this unique opportunity.

In addition, the Government has come under fire for overlooking the desperate need for more social housing. This was perceived by some a missed opportunity to subsidise a sector that is significantly lacking.

Either way, the current pandemic has increased pressure on some and smoothed the edges financially for others. With the impossible task of pleasing everyone and the ever-increasing cost of living in Australia, the Government has made tough calls that can never complement every demographic. With an unparalleled volume of information to filter through now more than ever, we welcome calls from locals contemplating what to do with their homes. As always, we are here to support the Penrith community as they have supported our business through the years.

Local property market is still stable. No signs of crashing yet!

With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

E

veryone knows you can’t always believe what you read in some forms of media. And everyone knows these types of media need you to click on their article or buy their newspaper to make money from advertising.

There have been sensational headlines declaring the property market is crashing and general doom and gloom in this new Covid world that we live in.

Well sorry to disappoint the dooms dayers out there. The local real estate market appears to be running OK, especially the lower priced properties.

Prices are not crashing and are fairly stable. People are still buying properties for fair value to live in. There doesn’t appear to be much activity by investors though.

The number of properties for sale overall is a lot lower than normal. I haven’t seen any evidence of vendors being forced to sell yet. As well as lenders are allowing people to pause their home loan repayments for up to 6 months. When these repayment pauses finish, (and the Jobkeeper payments finish) we will probably start to see some people unable to maintain their financial

commitments and see an increase in the number of properties for sale.

This may then lead to having more sellers than buyers which then may lead to sellers having to drop their prices to find a willing buyer.

More help for first home buyers The federal government has just released another 10,000 places in the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. This scheme allows first home buyers to buy a property with only a 5 percent deposit saved, plus the legal, bank and other normal purchasing costs required ($3,000 to $4,000). The government is guaranteeing these loans and paying the lender’s mortgage insurance premiums that would normally apply if you borrow more than 80 percent of the property value. This saves the first home buyers many thousands of dollars.

In NSW, the maximum purchase price is $700,000 and the maximum income is $125,000 for individuals or $200,000 for joint applicants to qualify for the scheme. Incomes are based on your total taxable income/s from the 2019-20 tax returns as stated on your Notice of Assessments.

To secure a place in this scheme, you will need to have your loan pre-approved with one of the nominated lenders before the 10,000 new places are taken. This scheme is over the whole country so

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

the 10,000 spots can easily be taken up quickly (as happened at the start of this year). The full details of this scheme can be found on government website https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/# Also, first home buyers still don’t have to pay any stamp duty for any purchase up to $650,000 in NSW. Concessions apply for purchases over $650,000 up to $799,999.

So, if you are looking to sell your property for around $650,000 to $700,000, there should be good overall demand, driven mainly by first home buyers.

If you are a buyer, then my advice is to keep looking at properties to keep a track of the supply and demand dynamics and be ready to make an offer on any suitable property that can be purchased for under the market value.

So, if you are a first home buyers wanting to take advantage of the assistance available, I recommend you contact me as soon as possible to arrange your loan pre-approval.

Most importantly - DON’T PANIC AND KEEP SAFE. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0403 166 207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

24

Woods and Greens: fine food right here in Penrith

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

f you’re in the mood for fine food, there’s no need to venture into the city - or very far away at all for that matter - as now there is the option of a top tier feed at the Penrith Bowlo!

Locals are raving about the succulent quality meals available right here on our doorstep.

The Woods and Greens Restaurant has only been open for two weeks, but word of mouth has doubled the clientele with people flocking to tantalise their tastebuds.

Elias Mason, his wife Bee and daughter Alara head up the team at the fancy new eatery, and between Elias and Bee they have 30 years experience in cooking, organising and managing some really fabulous restaurants in the region.

Elias formerly ran Brasserie 19 at Penrith Golf Club and credits Jeremy Horne as being the best business mentor around.

“He taught me pretty much everything I know,” Elias said. “I would not be where I am now without his help and guidance.

I can’t thank him enough for showing me the way with his expertise.”

Jeremy is well known around town for the Coffee Club and he now has the fabulous Ribs and Rumps at Olympic Park.

Anybody who knows Jeremy will agree that Elias was fortunate to meet and work

with him; he has learned from one of the best in the industry!

The culmination of this mentoring is Woods and Greens at the Bowlo affordably priced restaurant quality meals - with an elevated twist!

A flick through the menu reveals dishes such as slow roasted pork belly with sweet sour pumpkin and heirloom carrots or braised brisket with the freshest seasonal greens and roast vegetables just to name a couple. I bet those have your mouth watering, and still there are many more choices that sound as equally appealing!

The children are also catered for with five different choices that come with dessert.

“We encourage families to come and dine in,” Elias said, “there’s plenty of room, our choices appeal to all ages and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the meals.”

“Our philosophy is simple; best quality produce at a reasonable price. We think everybody should have the opportunity to experience fine dining locally and not have it cost a bomb.”

Don’t delay, book in today!

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, this local family (from Emu Plains!) are looking forward to the opportunity to give you a real treat.

Bookings: 4721 2515.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 The state of being

unfinished (14) 10 A group of lions (5) 11 Landslide (9) 12 Spectacles (7) 13 A group of North

African languages (7) 14 Master of

ceremonies (5) 16 Personal discipline (9) 19 Dairy state (9) 20 Slander (5) 22 Verbal abuses (7) 25 Not dissonance (7) 27 A dwelling on

water (9) 28 Helmet shaped (5) 29 Consecration (14)

solution 25/6/20

down 2 Bothers (9) 3 Baking appliances (5) 4 Stresses (9) 5 Our planet (5) 6 Enduring a very short time (9) 7 Glorify (5) 8 Accost (7) 9 Highest point in orbit (6) 15 A skin softener (9) 17 Not real (9) 18 A complicated situation (9) 19 Squirms (7) 21 Not a professional person (6) 23 Reject with contempt (5) 24 Treat with contemptuous

disregard (5) 26 Not left (5)

a

s e v rri

@

MEMBERS SPECIALS

Monday Night Tuesday Night Wednesday Night Thursday Night Sunday

$15 Burger & Wings with $4 Drink voucher Taco Tues $3M, $4NM each, min order of 3 Loaded Schnizels, $15M with $4 Drink voucher Steak Night, $15M, $17NM Roast of the Day, $15M, $17NM, 10% Pensioners Discount

Friday Night Raffles Tickets on sale from 5pm, Draw begins 7pm 50 Prizes to give away

Cnr Woodriff and Derby Street, Penrith | Ph 02 4721 255 hello@woodsandgreens.com.au | facebook@woods and greens penrith

ENTERTAINMENT

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

26

Penrith Museum of Printing re-opens its doors

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Penrith ‘Museum of Printing’ reopened its doors to the public on Sunday 28th June.

The Museum is located at the corner of Mulgoa Rd and Ransley St, Penrith in the grounds of Penrith Paceway.

As with all major Museums, Libraries and Public Buildings, the Museum of Printing had been closed due to the COVID-19 virus but will once again be open every Sunday at 10am.

The Museum has a wonderful collection of printing presses and other printing memorabilia, including the Wharfedale Printing Press, which produced the Nepean Times newspaper for nearly 100 years (circa 1884).

The Museum also has a Columbian Press, which arrived in Sydney in 1851 and was transported by bullock

dray over the Blue Mountains to Carcoar, where it printed the Carcoar Chronicle newspaper for 100 years.

The Museum of Printing has featured in a few Australian movies over the years, with the most recent being ‘Ladies in Black’ - produced by Bruce Beresford and starring Shane Jacobson.

The Museum has also featured in a TV Series called ‘The Wild Boys’,

which aired on Channel 7.

All of the machines can be seen running and the volunteers (all former printers) simply love to talk and show visitors the features of each machine.

The Museum has been on the grounds of the Penrith Paceway since June 2001 and former Legend of the Nepean Graham Elphick (who still volunteers every Sunday) was a foundation member.

Penrith Regional Gallery Presents Warwick Fuller

By Noel Rowsell

P

enrith Regional Gallery, home of the Lewers Bequest, re-opened its spaces to the public on Sunday 28 June with the exhibition suite ‘Dream Realised: Our Community Victory’.

Celebrating the 40-year anniversary of Penrith Regional Gallery’s beginnings, ‘Dream Realised’ will run until 1 November.

The centrepiece of the exhibition (showcased in the Main Gallery) is the first solo Regional Gallery Exhibition of acclaimed artist and founding President of the ‘Friends of Penrith Regional Gallery’ - Warwick Fuller.

Titled ‘Chasing the Light’, the exhibition is filled with Fuller’s captivating landscapes, created using an outdoor painting (plein air) technique, many capturing the Blue Mountains as well as the myriad other colours and textures of our evocative Australian landscape.

The heritage modernist Ancher House will house ‘Art Lives Here’ celebrating the creative partnership of Margo and Gerald Lewers, whilst

Lewers House is host to ‘Circle of Friends’ showcasing acquisitions funded and supported by the ‘Friends of Penrith Regional Gallery’ (established in 1979).

The Gallery will be following COVID-safe procedures including the implementation of additional cleaning, hand sanitiser stations, and physical distancing measures.

Visitor numbers will be capped to no more than 50 people across all Gallery spaces per session.

Visitors are asked not to attend the Gallery if they are experiencing any cold and flu symptoms, if anyone in their household is awaiting COVID-19 test results or has returned from overseas in the past 14 days.

The exhibition will be open across three ticketed sessions per day, 1011.30am, 12-1.30pm and 2-3.30pm, with time for cleaning in between each session.

Visitors are encouraged to book online www.penrithregionalgallery. com.au or by phone on 47351100 to attend a session but can also book at the door. Bookings will be open soon.

Warwick Fuller - Chasing the Light | Main Gallery Kanimbla NSW artist Warwick

Fuller was the founding President of the Friends of Penrith Regional Gallery, home of the Lewers Bequest.

Fuller’s highly successful career as an artist commenced in 1978, at the same time he headed up the ‘Friends’ group of community members campaigning for the Penrith City Council to accept the Lewers gift and establish a regional gallery in Western Sydney.

Fuller has been Prince Charles’ official Australian tour artist three times and a number of his works are in the private collection of Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

‘Chasing the Light’ is Fuller’s first solo exhibition in a public gallery, though he does exhibit regularly with his gallerist Geoff White at Lost Bear, Katoomba. Fuller’s painting focuses on capturing the light in Australian landscapes and large-scale paintings can be seen in hotels around Australia, including a vast panoramic landscape at the Emirates exclusive One&Only Wolgan Valley.

Peter Anderson AM, Chair Penrith Performing and Visual Arts commented: “It has been my absolute pleasure to have been involved with

the Gallery since before its inception, during the ‘fight’ for a regional gallery for the people of Western Sydney.”

“It (the Gallery) was a victory for cultural access and equity and we are delighted to be celebrating its 40-year milestone.”

“The Gallery is a centre of vigorous intellectual discourse and creativity and provides cultural access for the people of Greater Western Sydney,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are proud to continue the legacy of the Lewers family, offering a unique and important centre for artistic activity for the region and for the wider community.”

Sheona White, Director of the Penrith Regional Gallery said: “It is so rewarding to see how the local community holds the Gallery in warm regard and many have cherished childhood memories from early visits.”

“Those journeying from further afield in Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Sydney City and beyond know to expect a rich cultural encounter and art experience.”

“At this 40-year milestone, we’re excited to celebrate this marvellous local asset continuing as a hub of art and ideas, stories and community.”

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

ENTERTAINMENT IS BACK Friday & Saturday Nights from 8pm

Courtesy Bus IS BACK

Friday 5pm - Close, Saturday 12 midday - 5pm

Friday Social Darts IS BACK Friday 10th July, Registration from 6.30pm

Friday FILL THE FRDIGE RAFFLE IS BACK Drawn 7pm JOIN US FOR Trivia Wednesdays 7pm, Poker Thursdays 6.30pm, Sunday Raffles Drawn 6.30pm Temporary Trading Hours

Monday-Wednesday Midday - 9pm, Thursday 10am - 11pm, Friday - Saturday 10am - midnight, Sunday Midday - 10pm

Shamrock Grill Open 7 days UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY 10 JULY Jay Parrino

saturDAY 11 JULY Grace Fuller

FRIDAY 17 JULY Marty Stewart

from 8pm

saturDAY 18 JULY Ryan Thomas

Supporting your recovery and small business Local support and assistance

HAVE YOU GOT THE RIGHT SKILLS FOR THE JOB? Technical Skills Project Management IT Marketing Mechanical Maintenance Accounting Technical writing Manufacturing

Soft Skills Leadership | Conflict resolution | Team work Time manangement | Creativity Communication | Motivation | Adaptability To view our available jobs, please visit us at www.completerecruitment.com.au 4731 2333 | recruit@completerecruitment.com.au

With over 13 years in operation, we know our industry and yours. We believe in quality, authenticity and building relationships. Our goal is not to be the biggest but the best, which is why we always put quality first. Not all recruitment companies are the same, we pride ourselves on providing a service to our candidates that surpass expectations and is based on collaboration & mutual respect.

We understand that finding a new role can sometimes be frustrating if not daunting.

Details

All supports are 100% private and confidential Must be between 13 - 18 years old to access

Delivery Suite 1, 30 Woodriff Street Penrith, NSW 2750 Canterbury, Taree, Bankstown & Hume (VIC)

What’s it about?

The Teen Support Program (TSP) forms part of our Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS).

It’s designed to support young people aged between 13 - 18 to help them manage their emotions so they can have better relationships at home, school or in the community.

Free and flexible supports are provided for up to 12 months, with online, phone, face to face and group support options available.

As part of the program you will receive:

Face to face, by phone or online by video call

Interested?

Reach out and speak to our FMHSS team today

1800 767 212

Individualised supports tailored to your needs

hello@breakthru.org.au

One-on-one support from trained professionals and peers Early intervention counselling to help you manage anxiety, stress and anger Help accessing community services you’re interested in Access to flexible online, face to face and group support options

Proudly supporting local business

www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

Jose Vidigal

O

ur next collection of player profiles are from Wallacia Country Club.

2019 Men’s Club Champion Chris Holmes has an extraordinary winning record, all the more remarkable as it follows a potentially career-ending car accident in 2002.

A B-Grade player prior to his accident, Chris taught himself to play in an entirely new manner due to physical restrictions and has blossomed into an outstanding A-Grade player.

A multiple Championships winner across multiple courses, Chris has also won several major titles (again at multiple courses) to sit among the leading players in the Nepean District.

2019 Veteran Club Championship winner Jose Vidigal was a late convert to Golf (in his 40’s) but took to the game like a duck to water, starting on a 17 handicap and now playing off 3.

Jose has been a leading player in the Veteran ranks at Wallacia CC over the past 7 years, winning 2 Club Championships and finishing runner-up on a further 3 occasions.

He is also been a member of the Masters Pennant team for the past 8 years.

Christopher Holmes

Photos: supplied

Age: 58

1. Where & when did you start playing Golf: Joined Wallacia CC in 2005.

2. Starting Handicap: 17 3. Current Handicap: 3 4. Major Achievements: Won Medal of Medals in 2013; Won the Veterans Club Championships in 2018 & 2019, after being Runner-Up in 2013, 2016 and 2017; Won the Handicap Match Play in 2019; Member of the Masters Pennant team for the past 8 years; Member of the Major Pennant team in 2018 & 2019; Won Mixed Foursomes 2018; Won Mulgoa Cup 2018.

5. What’s in the Bag: (Brand/Style withheld): Driver, Rescue 3-Wood, Rescue, Mizuno 5-PW, 51°, 56°, 60° Wedges, Putter.

6. Future Aspirations: To remain fit and healthy and play the game that I love.

7. Favourite Club: Rescue.

8. Major Highlights: 1st Hole-in-One on the 6th hole and my 2nd Hole-in-One on the 17th – both at Wallacia CC. Also playing Major Pennants with my son for 2 years and winning an A Grade 2-Ball Stroke event with him in 2015.

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

Local golf’s high achievers

29

Age: 47

1. When and where did you start playing Golf: I have been playing golf since I was very young but only socially until I was about 18yrs old. Since then I have been a member at Wallacia CC, Leura GC, Riverside Oaks GC and Antill Park GC. 2. Starting Handicap: Around 18 – 20 3. Current Handicap: +3 4. Major Achievements: Wallacia CC Club Champion on 3 occasions, Leura GC Club Champion on 3 occasions, Riverside Oaks GC Club Champion, Won Wallacia Cup twice, Won Leura Open twice, Won Wentworth Falls Open twice, Won Lithgow Open, Won Richmond Cup + set a course record, Won the Windsor Cup, Won the Picton Cup, Equal 1st in Campbelltown Cup, Equal 1st in Cabramatta Cup All of these Achievements have been done since 2004, as I had a work-injury accident in October 2002 where I nearly lost my left leg and was unable to walk for 12 months. My handicap previous to the accident was about 11-12 and after the accident, I taught myself how to play a whole different way due to my physical restrictions and got down to my current +3.

5. What’s in the Bag: Taylormade M3 Driver Cobra Amp Cell 3-wood, Srixon Zu4 2-Iron, Srixon Z745 3-PW, Titleist Vokey 52° and 56° Wedges, Scotty Cameron Putter.

6. Favourite Club: 2-Iron 7. Best Highlight: Winning the ‘Golflink Race Series’ and representing NSW at Bonville GC for several days.

8. Future Aspirations: To be able to keep playing to a high standard like I am now, whilst managing my injury and continue to help friends, strangers and juniors with parts of their game.

Innovation Roof Restoration Are you happy with the look of your roof?

Best rates in town!

Call Kurtis on 0475 555 000 for a free quote Licence No. 251151c

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Celebrity ROUND 9

ROUND 10

NQC GCT SOU CRO BRI CAN NEW STG SYD MEL WES STG SOU MAN NZW PAN SYD NZW WES PAN BUL MEL PAR MAN CAN GCT BRI BUL NEW PAR CRO NQC July 9 7.50pm

July 10 6.00pm

July 10 7.55pm

July 11 3.00pm

July 11 5.30pm

July 11 7.35pm

July 12 4.05pm

July 12 6.30pm

July 16 7.50pm

July 17 6.00pm

July 17 7.55pm

July 17 3.00pm

July 18 5.30pm

July 18 7.35pm

July 19 2.00pm

July 5 4.05pm

SCORE

Terry ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Clair Comets

86 Natalie Ballard - Novus Law Group - 0404 474 084

92 John Veitch - Parramatta Motor Group - 9912 2000

86 Captain Chris - Nepean Belle - 4733 1274

92 Armchair Champions Podcast - www.armchairchampions.com.au

80 Bec Passlow - Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4647

90 John Kibbey - Raine & Horne Commercial - 0417 228 538

82 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

80 Ross Franklyn-Smith - Club President, St Marys Diggers & Band Club - 9623 1211

84 Derry - O’Donovans Pty Ltd - 4736 1400 Councillor Benard Bratusa

88 Daniel Galea--@print Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091 Aaron Tyres

84

Come join the family

mgactiv.com.au

TIPSTERS ROUND 9

ROUND 10

NQC GCT SOU CRO BRI CAN NEW STG SYD MEL WES STG SOU MAN NZW PAN SYD NZW WES PAN BUL MEL PAR MAN CAN GCT BRI BUL NEW PAR CRO NQC July 9 7.50pm

July 10 6.00pm

July 10 7.55pm

July 11 3.00pm

July 11 5.30pm

July 11 7.35pm

July 12 4.05pm

July 12 6.30pm

July 16 7.50pm

July 17 6.00pm

July 17 7.55pm

July 17 3.00pm

July 18 5.30pm

July 18 7.35pm

July 19 2.00pm

July 5 4.05pm

SCORE

Terry Geyer ‘Mad Dog” Corbett - St Columnist Clair Comets Mark - Nepean News and Owner of MG Activ

84 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

90 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

104 Alex McKenzie - Future Financial Services - 0414 330 651

88 Scott Moore - Electra Cables - 0439 021 368

86 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

78 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

98 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

82 Bradley George - Bespoke Realty Group - 4737 9977

86 Will Wise - East West Building & Kitchens - 9673 2621

92 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

82

“Where you can be you”

mgactiv.com.au

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

32

SPORT

Tex’s tales with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker The Panthers are in a great position with plenty of depth across the park. Many are asking what’s the big turnaround with the Panthers in 2020. It’s pretty simple, everyone knows their role and are on the same wavelength.

It would have been pretty easy for Brent Naden to spit the dummy after being dropped a few weeks ago, but the boy from Wellington has matured so much he understands how a club and football work.

The Panthers are in a great position to have plenty of depth right across the park, so when Josh Mansour was ruled out against the Bunnies a fortnight ago, Naden was ready and waiting.

“I understand how it all works now, a few seasons ago I would have been shirty but being a part of the Panthers group has helped me mature.

“I was happy to be back playing football, we are going well at the moment so that makes it even better.”

Jack Hetherington’s loan to The Warriors is the best thing that could have happened in the current climate.

Lack of game time is frustrating for any player and at first the youngster had mixed thoughts about the move - enter Skipper James Tamou.

“He thought he was letting his team mates down but I reassured him it is the best thing for him.

“It’s only short term and it’s vital we have players in the squad ready to go when called up, by having a run with the Warriors, he’ll now be ready.

“True testament to his character he was worried about everyone else except for himself. He is one of the quickest and strongest forwards we have and has a very bright future.”

One of the best comebacks to a journo’ was from coach Ivan Cleary following the performance by son Nathan going into the Melbourne game recently after suffering an infection that caused his face to swell up and time in hospital.

“I guess you’re now the best looking one in the house Ivan?” ………...”No, Mrs Cleary definitely is.”

If you’re a Tik Tokker chances are you may have to find a new hobby very soon. This is bad news for many of the Panthers crew.

The government is being urged to ban the Chinese - owned social media platform where more than 1.6 million Australians are members.

The Federal Parliament wants Australia to follow along the same lines as India and ban the app which stores member information that Beijing can allegedly access.

It comes on the back of growing concerns with National Security.

The Entertainer Broadcaster Darren Flindell Provides Wonderful Pleasantries NSW number one gallops racecaller Darren Flindell is one of the finest in the industry and during the Peak of Covid 19, when horse racing was pretty much the only sport on the box, he provided some wonderful pleasantries in his broadcasts.

Flindell commenced his broadcasting career in the late 1980’s when he would fill in for Graham McNeice at the Harold Park Qualifying Trials, and then followed into a permanent stint at the now defunct Moss Vale Greyhounds.

“The days of Moss Vale seem such a long time ago, but they were almost my most memorable, said Flindell.

“Cutting my teeth into the sport I dearly loved is very special for me, I made many close friends, met some real characters and shared some of the funniest, happiest and sad stories along the way.

“A few punters cheered home their dogs with so much vigour there would be the odd occasion they would over do it and go for a roll down the hill near the winning post.”

It didn’t take long for the big wigs at 2KY (now Sky Sports Radio) and Sky Channel to realise that they had a real talent at their fingertips. Soon after Flindell transitioned into a full time race Broadcaster and Presenter which included many nights at the Penrith Paceway calling trots and dogs.

During his education at Kingsgrove High Flindell always knew he was going to be involved in the racing industry one way or another.

“I was lucky I had a teacher who loved the gallops as much as I did, we would often step out of class together to listen

to the next race,” he said.

“Many Wednesdays I would usually start to feel sick in the morning, that’s because Canterbury races would be scheduled which is where I would spend the afternoon.”

Flindell loves his Rugby League and is a passionate West’s Tigers fan. The fact his cousin Wayne Wigham spent most of his career at Balmain is the reason why.

Wigham started his career with the Balmain Tigers while still in high school during the 1976 season. In 1980, despite the Tigers comfortably missing out on a finals berth, Wigham finished the 1980 season along with John Ribot from Western Suburbs as the season’s top try scorer with 16 tries. Wigham’s stint with the Tigers ended at the conclusion of the 1983 season. He spent eight seasons at the Tigers, playing in 135 games and scoring 56 tries.

Flindell played Rugby League at school alongside close friend Steve Georgallis and that followed with and a handful of seasons for the Kingsgrove Colts, Of course Georgallis has spent time at the Panthers.In June 2011, it was announced Georgallis would take over as interim coach following the resignation of Matthew Elliott. He had success immediately with the Panthers winning 30-20 Against the North Queensland Cowboys. Georgallis had won his first two games as coach when it was announced that Phil Gould had chosen Ivan Cleary to be the Panthers coach from 2012 onwards. The Panthers won just two of the remaining nine games of the season.

• Very good rebates • Long warranty • All systems monitored Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home

Beat Power Priceow! sN Increases, Call U

www.nepeansolar.com.au

SPORT

with Dale ‘Tex’ Walker Aussie rock icon Shannon Noll was seen doing the park football rounds in Camden recently.

His two boys play AFL for the Under 19’s Camden Cats.

Noll, who grew up playing AFL in the Riverina, is a passionate Sharks fan in the NRL. He recently moved from the Shire to Bargo, to the more familiar country style surrounds.

After a long break during Covid, Noll can’t wait to get back on stage.

“It’s been different that’s for sure,” he said.

“I’m pumped to get back amongst it and am working on some Sydney dates as we speak.”

Noll’s first gig back is on Friday July 24 in Darwin alongside Daryl Braithwaite, John Stevens and Thirsty Merc.

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

Tex’s tales

33

Darren Flindell prepares for the next race Weekdays and Saturday afternoons Darren sits in his broadcast box preparing for his next race and to date he still pinches himself for being able to call Winx in her prime and farewell.

“I’m very lucky to have been able to call her races, she’s definitely a once in a lifetime thrill.” he said.

“She had the crowd engaged not just during her race, but there was always a huge build up during the week and the course of the race day.

“Each time I called her the hairs stood up on the back of my neck, just like those watching her.”

And there have been some wonderful YouTube video mockups of Winx including Darren’s race call into a Seinfeld Episode when Kramer is in the betting shop thinking he’s lost all his money during a race.

Have a look and a laugh via the below link. w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=mSu1RSHIKOs (or simply search Seinfeld Winx) Flindell is quite creative when it comes to his race calling. It’s not your stock standard, Jayne in front, Bill sits second etc. He’s quite the master, it’s a gift to

be able to read a race and potentially anticipate what might unfold.

“I have to be careful not to over do it, I’ve seen many callers go the early crow before and come unstuck, I’ve gone close, but yet to do the famous Bill Collins call of Kingston Town can’t win the 1982 Cox Plate.”

Flindell provides information, colour and precision in his calls.

As mentioned he is creative, just like when Paul Gallen’s horse Te Akau Shark loomed up to win a feature at Randwick.

“The Shark is circling, The Shark is going in for the kill.”

During Covid he was at his best.

“They run past the empty Randwick Grandstands, where even the seagulls aren’t allowed anymore.”

“There’s five horses all charging for the early lead, this is what the scene will be like on Monday when the pubs reopen.”

Some great light hearted entertainment which never hurts and can somewhat ease the pain of backing a few losers.

“I’ve been very lucky with my career and wouldn’t have it any other way. I just hope I can continue to call successfully and have some fun in doing so.

Shannon Noll will be back on stage on July 24 Speaking of the Sharks, the Panthers take them on this Saturday afternoon at Bankwest Stadium.

Cronulla are coming off a strong win against cellar dwellers Gold Coast whilst the Panthers were impressive in a brutal affair over the Tigers.

The Tigers took the Panthers by surprise with their aggression making it one of the feistiest clashes so far this season.

“It took us a little while to adjust,” said Ivan Cleary.

“But once we did we looked good across the park. I’m very happy that we could adjust, that’s the sign of a very good football team.”

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? Same day service | No call out fee Fixed prices | All work guaranteed Servicing the local area for over 10 years

CALL US NOW Lic. No. 267530C

9188 1543

15% OFF WEDNESDAYS $129 DRAIN CLEAR $150 TRADE IN old hot water system 10% PENSIONER DISCOUNT

www.pureplumbingpros.com.au

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

34

SPORT

Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre re-opens for riders

By Noel Rowsell

G

rahame Ware Jnr and wife Renee opened the Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre off Springwood Road Yarramundi just 18 months ago but have worked tirelessly into turning a rough hobby farm property into an Equestrian Centre.

Grahame and Renee are both passionate equine professionals, having competed and trained in many different disciplines over their years in the Horse Industry.

Grahame is a 4th-generation ‘Horse Master’ for films, following in the footsteps of great-grandfather Lesley, grandfather Lionel and father Grahame Ware Senior in what is now a 40-year family tradition.

Grahame has spent over 25 years working full-time as a Horse Trainer, which has included breaking in young horses to saddle and harness, training **Liberty horses, and competing in several different horse disciplines.

Whilst not born into an equestrian family, Renee found her life’s passion very early and has been riding her entire life.

She started competing in ‘cutting’ events at 8 years old and now, over the

Photo: Noel Rowsell

past 6 years, has started competing in both Camp-drafting and Stock Horse Shows.

Grahame and Renee joined forces in 2012, working with horses on the set of the motion picture ‘The Great Gatsby’.

In 2013, they were approached to re-open the former ‘Scenic Hills Riding Ranch’ in Denham Court, Campbelltown, which they opened under the name of the ‘Sydney Trail Riding Centre’.

It was a great opportunity to offer everyday people a unique location, where they could meet and ride the horses used on film and television.

After 4 successful years of trail

riding and teaching people to ride, Grahame and Renee wanted to create their very own Equestrian Centre, where they could train people and horses intensively on a smaller more intimate scale.

During their days at Sydney Trail Riding Centre, they had gathered an amazing team of staff and instructors, who have stayed on when Grahame and Renee started their new venture in Yarramundi, the Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre.

In their expansive role with the Entertainment Industry, Grahame and Renee pride themselves on supplying trained animals and livestock which are accustomed to working in a

Coach’s Corner T

The Curious Case Of The Brisbane Broncos

he Brisbane Broncos have lost six consecutive matches since the resumption of the NRL season. In two of these matches they have been hammered by huge scores.

Even before Anthony Seibold arrived at Red Hill the club was making headlines for all the wrong reasons, losing to the Dragons 48-18 in week one of the Finals in 2018 and they moved on their most winningest coach in Wayne Bennett.

Seibold walked into a difficult position with the majority of the players having a strong loyalty to Bennett, and this was made worse by the fact the two coaches swapped clubs a year in advance due to a variety of different internal and external pressures.

It all made sense. Until it didn’t.

The animosity between the two coaches is plain for all to see. And the blame game and finger pointing for who is responsible for the Broncos current position has played out publicly ever since the swap.

If we compare the Broncos 2018 season (Bennett) and their 2019 season (Seibold) they were eliminated in week one of the finals with a heavy defeat on both occasions. If we compare the Rabbitohs 2018 season (Seibold) and their 2019 season (Bennet) they were eliminated after losses in a preliminary final. Nearly identical seasons with two different head coaches.

The elephant in the room is how Seibold was appointed. He was given the Broncos job ahead of Kevin Walters who was the popular choice with his long history as a player and assistant coach at the

club. This along with some other issues has caused a huge divide between ex Broncos players and the current administration and to some extent the playing group. There is a disconnect in the history and tradition of a once dominant and powerful club.

The petrol to this controversy is the Broncos on field results. They are playing without confidence or direction. And this is not to say the coach is not providing them with direction, having sat my Level 3 NRL High Performance Coaching Course with Seibold in 2011, I know for a fact he can coach, he is articulate and has a deep knowledge of the game.

But the cold hard facts are that results matter and in the end they are what defines the future of a head coach.

How can the Broncos turn their current predicament around? Firstly they need to ensure their key positions are performing the fundamental responsibilities within their roles. At the moment Anthony Milford and Brody Croft are not. They also have Jake Turpin out and unfortunately the weekend before he sustained his long term injury the Broncos allowed Andrew McCullough to go to the Knights at his request. So the hooker position remains and will be an issue moving forward.

Fullback looks solid with young Tesi Niu doing a good job since moving into the position in the last fortnight.

Anthony Milford should be out of the team and Tom Dearden should be in the halves with Brody Croft. I also think Darius Boyd’s form does not

variety of situations.

These include busy city streets, office buildings, battle sequences, in elevators, on barges, on trains, around explosives, around fire, water etc.

With his much admired and trained eye for detail, film producer’s worldwide put their trust in Grahame to create undeniable screen value.

The Ware family has been working in the film industry since the 1940’s, and continue to serve the film industry with the utmost professionalism. ** Liberty horse: a circus horse that performs tricks (as wheeling, circling, running in file) in a group and without a rider.

Photo: supplied

Brock Shepperd Wests Tigers SG Ball Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

warrant selection. Their needs to be accountability for a lack of performance regardless of reputation.

What is not often mentioned is who the Broncos are currently unable to select through injury in: Jack Bird, Matt Lodge, Corey Paix, Jake Turpin, David Fifita, Kotoni Staggs, Jesse Arthurs, Joe Ofahengaue and Sean O’Sullivan.

In Staggs and Fifita we are talking about potentially the two best young players in their specific positions of centre and back row. Having your best players available is the biggest key contributor to success. Without good players it is very difficult to win, regardless of the coach. And the best way for Anthony Seibold to alleviate pressure in his current situation is to win games.

From a club perspective to sack the head coach will not solve this current situation. The issues leading to their current state surround injuries and player availability on a week to week basis and dumbfounding contracts which will continue to impact them over the longer term. Jack Bird and Anthony Milford are both on million dollar contacts have not fired a shot in 2019 / 2020 and they will both be on the Broncos 2021 roster. Darius Boyd is in his final season and is taking up significant space in the salary cap.

The Broncos need to evaluate the evaluators, whoever is responsible for the irresponsible decisions which have contributed to the causation of their current predicament. Because this is not an easy or a short term solution for the once premiership powerhouse.

Proudly sponsored by Penrith Party Hire (02) 4731 1313

PENRITH PANTHERS

mark with MARK GEYER

High drama in round 8 of the NRL

R

ound 8 of the NRL was definitely controversial. But it was also tremendously exciting.

Last Thursday night’s game between the Storm and Roosters was one for the ages. It had everything that is great about our game. The Storm roared back into premiership contention with a rousing 27 points to 25 victory over last year’s premiers.

While the Storm were flying, the same cannot be said of the Brisbane Broncos. Since the Covid-19 lockdown they have lost 6 in a row while only managing to score on average 10 points per game and allowing an an alarming average of 32 points conceded per game!

Something is really wrong with the Bronc-OHs. The battle of the big cats last Saturday night had everything too. Steve Crichton reaffirming his status as the game’s next ‘big thing’, scoring a double against the Tigers in a 19-12 win.

But the game did have its fair share of drama, none more so than the BJ Leilua coat hanger on Penriths fullback Dylan Edwards. It was a cheap shot that was totally unnecessary and will now see Leilua miss up to 4 matches for his brain explosion.

Otherwise, Api Koroisau continues to impress with another man of the match performance. Give him the ‘buy of the season’ award now.

Parramatta continue to impress with a 42 to 4 demolition of the NQ Cowboys. Clint Gutherson is in career best form as he continues to put pressure on the NSW origin outside backs, whilst leading the board on the Dally M medal table.

Then last Sunday we saw another video ref controversy with Manly being denied a definite penalty in the dying seconds of their encounter with the Newcastle Knights.

With the game having mere seconds to go, Manly winger Tevita Funa raced down the sideline and

kicked ahead before being dragged to the ground from behind from the Knights Bradman Best. A penalty every day of the week.

But the bunker didn’t think so, squashing any chance that Manly had of equalising and forcing the game into Golden Point.

Manly players were rope-able, especially their big front rower Addin Fonua-Blake, who approached referee Grant Atkins and called him a “f...ing retard” and was sent from the field after the game had finished!

Explosive stuff indeed.

The desperation from some teams is at an all time high in this condensed version of the 20/20 NRL season, unfortunately that desperation is leading to illegal actions on the field that cannot be taken lightly.

See you at the game (next week),

MG (random Westie) OAM

Nepean News 9 July 2020 Issue 281

on the

SPORT 35 35 35

• • • • • • • •

Sales Installation Service MAINTENANCE DUCTED SYSTEMS SPLIT SYSTEMS REPAIRS VENTILATION

heating & cooling specialists Call us today for a free quote or EMAIL: Lmas@tpg.com.au

www.Lmac.com.au

Showroom: 2/129 Russell St, Emu Plains