Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710
chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au DECEMBER 2017
&
St Clair Erskine Park
News
Ph: 9834 2966 Em: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Join us on facebook: St Clair Community News
Merry
ISSUE 28
Christmas Sales Rentals
We have genuine buyers and prospective tenants waiting Call your local winning team For a FREE Market Appraisal Now on 9834 1044
Specialising in computer repairs and sales in YOUR LOCAL AREA, we will pick-up and deliver if required and advise you on the best outcome for your computer needs.
0414 235 450
2
Teeing off for Medical Research & Patient Care
IT has been a busy time at our local golf course, Twin Creeks, holding the NSW Open and also raising much-needed funds for medical research. For the third consecutive year, Arab Bank Australia (ABA) has proudly supported the work of Westmead Medical Research Foundation (WMRF) through their Charity Golf Day. This year 20 teams registered and played on the day. Nearly 100 players and guests attended the event where over $24,000 was raised towards the support of medical research and patient care projects at Westmead. “A glorious day at the Twin Creeks Country and Golf Club on Thursday 9 November. It was great to see so many golfers supporting such a great cause. Another special mention and thanks to our Co-Sponsor Construction Consultants, our shirt sponsor BP Australia and our Event Sponsor Billbergia, to all our hole sponsors and donors and to the players – the day wouldn’t have been such
a success without your friendship, support and giving nature. A great overall result,” said Joe Rizk, Managing Director and CEO of Arab Bank Australia. WMRF provides support across all aspects of the precinct through its fundraising and awareness initiatives to support the dedicated staff and patients who visit Westmead. It’s right to say that the Foundation is truly engaged with the community throughout their lifespan, funding state-of the-art medical equipment, life-saving research and enhanced patient services for Westmead Hospital and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. “All of this would not be possible without the generous contributions we receive from donors like Arab Bank Australia and its corporate partners – a dedicated group who supports this fantastic fundraising event,” said Joe Conneely, Head of Development at WMRF. To find out how to support the work of WMRF, contact 1800 639 037 or visit wmrf.org.au
Funding solutions to local crime OUR electorate of Mulgoa is being encouraged to apply to the NSW Government with solutions to stamp down on local crime and anti-social behaviour. Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP encouraged local non-government and not-forprofit community groups, councils, businesses and organisations to apply for a grant up to $250,000 for ideas to boost local safety and pride. “The Community Safety Fund invests in local projects that address local crime hot spots and promotes safe and inclusive use of public space,” Tanya Davies said. “I have heard from many people in our community who have innovative ideas of how to make our community a safer place and I encourage them to take up this funding opportunity. Attorney General Mark Speakman said that combatting crime often requires a whole-ofcommunity approach and this funding helps grassroots organisations contribute to make their towns, suburbs and cities safer. “We are calling on local organisations in Mulgoa
&
with crime prevention ideas to come forward, so we can help make these ideas a reality and boost community safety,” Mr Speakman said. The Community Safety Fund supports projects that address local crime hot spots, address antisocial behaviour in communities and promote safe and inclusive use of public spaces. For further information and to apply, visit: http:// www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au.
St Clair Erskine Park
News
3
Your local news and views
We want to hear from you! ✓ Do you have a story to tell? ✓ Do you have an idea for our mag? ✓ Do you want to advertise with us? Call us now on 9834 5579 or email stclairnews@aol.com Join us on Facebook! St Clair Community News
&
St Clair Erskine Park
News
4
is proudly brought to you by the Nepean News team. To contact the team call: Office:
9834 5579
Editor:
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
Sales Manager:
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Graphic Designer:
Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893
Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the editor: stclairnews@aol.com Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StClairCommunityNews 203 Banks Drive, St Clair
Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor
From the Editor’s Desk
by Kerrie Davies
A couple of weeks ago a local St Clair family in Farmer Place lost their home and everything they owned in a devastating fire. The parents and their six children have had to make temporary accommodation arrangements until they can get their lives back together and start again with nothing. Via our St Clair Community News facebook page, residents of St Clair opened their hearts by donating clothes, toys and money to help the family out. The family wishes to thank the community wholeheartedly for coming to their aid at their time of need. We will update you on how they are going in our next edition. In the meantime, if you would like to donate a few dollars, go to www.gofundme.com/4ou415c
Wishing all our readers and advertisers a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Greg DAVIES East Ward Councillor
Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city
Phone 0419 177 259
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Council
Ben PRICE
East Ward Councillor
Deputy Mayor
Phone 0410 601 343 E: ben.price@penrith.city
Phone 0417 365 313
Penrith City Council
Locals vote no in marriage survey By Kerrie Davies
NEARLY 80,000 voters in our federal electorate of McMahon wanted their voices heard in the Marriage Equality postal vote, but unlike the majority of electorates across the country, the result was a resounding No. Nationally, 62 percent of voters returned a ballot in favour of the law changing to allow same-sex couples to marry and 35 percent voted against. Over 12.7 million voters across the country took part in the postal survey that many predicted would have a low return rate. Here in McMahon, which includes St Clair and Erskine Park but stretches to Fairfield, voters returned a staggering 65 percent saying no, while the yes votes only reeled in 35 percent - making it the third highest No response in the country. Although several other western Sydney electorates returned a higher No vote than Yes, the overall result is the one that counts so Australians have told the government that they do wish to see changes made. All interested eyes will now be focused on what happens in Canberra over the coming weeks.
“At this special time of remembering the birth of Jesus, may His message bring you and your family hope and joy at Christmas and into the New Year�
Tanya Davies Member for Mulgoa
5
6
12th Annual Welcoming The Babies
By Kerrie Martin
Over 60 local babies were warmly welcomed into the community by local Federal MP Chris Bowen during the Welcoming the Babies into Our Community ceremony last weekend. The fun-filled annual event provided free entertainment and specialist advice to local families. According to Mr Bowen, the ceremony provided the rare opportunity to publicly thank parents for the wonderful contribution they make to our community. “As a parent of two, I know the challenges that one faces in raising a family. That is why I believe it is essential to celebrate being a parent and to share information and stories with others. Welcoming the Babies also provides us with the opportunity to publicly thank parents for their role in raising the newest members of our community,” Mr Bowen said. “It is a wonderful way to shine the spotlight on the families that ultimately make up our community. The birth of a baby is a special time and the welcoming ceremony means neighbours and
friends can also share in the joy and celebration.” The highlight of the day was the welcoming ceremony itself. Every registered baby received a special certificate and gift bag, presented by Mr Bowen and a native tree from Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone to mark the special occasion. Community organisations were also on hand to provide information about resources and assistance that are available to parents.
GREATER WEST TREE SERVICE Palm removal ❧ Tree removal Tree pruning Stump grinding Mulch sales ❧ Fully insured
Western Sydney Tree Service For a FREE quote ring us 7 days
0403 537 333
MULCH SALES 4m2 for $50
Safety first at James Erskine Students of James Erskine Public School are now benefiting from the installation of new safety infrastructure around local schools as part of a statewide program. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey alongside Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the improvements to pedestrian infrastructure around schools in the region would make it safer for children walking in the area. “The $5 million program is being rolled out across 132 schools around the state and is part of the NSW Government’s $10 million boost to school zone safety,” Mrs Pavey said. “Every school in the region already has at least one set of school zone flashing lights installed and these upgrades will only further enhance the safety of our local children. “Since 2013, there have been no child pedestrian deaths in an operational NSW school zone and these upgrades will further protect our children, especially during the busy school drop off and pick up times.” Tanya Davies said she was pleased Mulgoa has
7
benefited from the Liberal & National Government investment to provide important infrastructure to protect the students at James Erskine Public School. “Improvements at the school include fencing and kerb extensions around the pedestrian crossing,” Ms Davies said. “It’s also still vitally important to remember that we all need to play our part in keeping pedestrians safe – always obey 40km/h school zone speed limits and keep an eye out for children who might run onto the road unexpectedly.” The number of pedestrian deaths in NSW so far this year stands at 41, which is 12 less than the same time last year.
Proposed Mamre Road upgrade Members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback on the strategic design and preferred option for one of western Sydney’s key transport corridors. Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said Mamre Road passes through the Western Sydney Priority Growth Area while providing connections to the Western Sydney Employment Area, which is why the NSW Government has started planning for the upgrade. “The proposed 10 kilometre upgrade of Mamre Road between the M4 Motorway at St Clair and Kerrs Road at Mount Vernon will provide an improved link between the M4 Motorway in the north and the proposed interchange with M12 Motorway in the south,” Tanya Davies said. “The proposed upgrade will provide two lanes in each direction with the provision for a future third lane in each direction and upgraded intersections along the route. “The upgrade will improve road capacity catering for future population and employment growth while reducing travel times and improving road safety for motorists travelling through western Sydney.” Tanya Davies said the Mamre Road upgrade is part of a plan to progressively upgrade arterial
roads in western Sydney to deliver a more efficient, reliable network that meets the future needs of the community and the economy. “Following the public display of the recommended option and strategic design, Roads and Maritime Services will consider community submissions before finalising the new road corridor. “This will be followed by development of a concept design and environmental assessment, subject to funding. “Roads and Maritime will continue to keep the community updated as the project progresses.” Feedback on the proposed upgrade is invited until Friday 15 December and will be considered when finalising the proposal. Comments can be provided by emailing mamreroadupgrade@rms.nsw.gov.au or by writing to Mamre Road Upgrade, PO Box 973, Parramatta NSW 2124. The Community is invited to attend a community information session to be held on 29 November at Luddenham Golf and Country Club, Luddenham between 3pm and 7pm to speak with the project team, provide feedback and learn more about the upgrade. For a copy of the option report or for more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/mamreroad
Councillor Carney to have another crack at Mulgoa
9
By Keegan Thomson
FOR the second time round Todd Carney is having a crack at the NSW electorate of Mulgoa in the upcoming 2019 NSW state government election. Mr Carney will now spend the next 15 months battling it out with the Liberal incumbent, Tanya Davies, for the Mulgoa seat. This is the second time Mr Carney has tried to unseat Mrs Davies after his unsuccessful election bid back in 2015. He said he’s currently figuring out his election campaign approach. “There are a lot of things I want to do the same this time round, like door knocking, phone calls and community engagement,” Mr Carney said. “But there are also some things that I want to approach differently. There are some new angles to my campaign, and in particular there are new things to be campaigning on.” Since he last ran for election there have been a lot of developments in western Sydney, including the Western Sydney Airport and the incinerator at Eastern Creek. With this in mind Mr Carney said he wants to “get the best deal for the people”.
Todd Carney with his family and Opposition Leader Luke Foley. Photo: Facebook.
“There are outstanding things that need addressing. The incinerator still needs to be rectified. It is a shadow over the heads of the people and it needs to be knocked off,” Mr Carney said. “Over the next 20 years we are going to see so much growth here and I will make sure that we’re not duped.”
Innovation Roof Restoration Are you happy with the look of your roof?
Best rates in town!
Licence No. 251151c
ST CLAIR BASED
SENIOR DISCOUNTS
Call Kurtis on
0475 555 000 for a free quote
BEFORE
AFTER
All work comes with a 5 year guarantee
10
Travel: Navigating New York City
By Ben Cranney
If you can’t experience it in New York City, you probably can’t experience it anywhere. At least, this was my impression. Our first experience, after the bumper to bumper traffic, was at our first accommodation in Chelsea, Manhattan. It was a big old building on a street of red brick and outdoor fire escapes that made us feel like we were in a NYC movie. The place had some interesting qualities, including nude sunbathing on the rooftop so that guests could enjoy more than one view. It was snowing, so we declined. Our second accommodation was a share house in Williamsburg. Advertised as Brooklyn, we didn’t realise that this area had a reputation as the murder capital of NYC until we got there. Thankfully, this didn’t fit with our experience, with everyone quite friendly. We started sightseeing by climbing to the top of the beacon of NYC, the Statue of Liberty. The view from the top is amazing, and to look down on the gigantic tablet that Lady Liberty holds was very special. Book your tickets well in advance, as you can’t get them on the day. This would be very frustrating if you
turned up after navigating one of NYC’s great cultural pastimes, the security queue. They are incredibly security conscious, and there was something ironic about passing strict government controls to visit a symbol of freedom. This level of security was typical, so factor in extra time for the sights. The people make NYC, and with up to 800 languages spoken, there are plenty of them, but something well worth doing is aimless wondering on a Sunday morning. The city was so empty, it may as well have been ours. We enjoyed the same experience in Central Park, sharing it with only a few squirrels as my wife danced down the pathways before going back to people watching with a walk down Madison Avenue, followed by a hot dog from a street vendor. There is plenty else to do, from waving a novelty hand at a Nicks game, or enjoying a play on Broadway, then walk the Brooklyn Bridge and find the spot where my wife tells me that Miranda and Steve met and made up. Or, with so many possibilities, create your own adventure.
FOR 7 YEARS THUS FAR, THE RHYTHMBOAT HAS STAGED THE ‘MAMAMIA - TRIBUTE TO ABBA’, WITH AN ESTIMATED 50,000+ PASSENGERS ENJOYING THIS GREAT SHOW OVER THE DURATION. INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ENTERTAINER, BOB DOWNE, HAS FOR THE PAST 15 MONTHS ENTERTAINED SELL OUT SHOWS ON THE RHYTHMBOAT WHERE HE ‘DANCES, SINGS AND TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF HIS HAIR’. HE IS, ‘THE PRINCE OF POLYESTER’! THE RHYTHMBOAT IS proud TO BRING THESE HEADLINE ACTS TOGETHER TO CREATE
‘BOB DOWNE MEETS ABBA - MAMAMIA’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR BOOKINGS PLEASE CALL 1300 551 804 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.RHYTHMBOAT.COM.AU
50 Years serving the community Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has congratulated St Clair resident (Anne) Lesley Daly upon celebrating 50 years of service as a Justice of the Peace. Tanya proudly presented Lesley with a certificate of acknowledgement on behalf of the NSW Government for her service. “Celebrating 50 years as a JP is truly a remarkable achievement, I congratulate Lesley on reaching this special milestone and for the decades of service to our community,” Tanya Davies said. As a Justice of the Peace, Lesley has played a vital role in the legal system and the Mulgoa community. Lesley first became a Justice of the Peace as a requirement of her employment and has gone onto assist hundreds of Mulgoa locals. “Back when I applied to become a Justice of the Peace, the process was very different to how it is today. I had to visit the MP’s home to have my paperwork signed, and then police officers came to my house to conduct my police check,” Lesley Daly said. Lesley continued, “Once the application was
• 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 Showroom: 2/129 Russell St, Emu Plains www.Lmac.com.au
11
processed and approved, I was officially sworn in as a Justice of the Peace at Darlinghurst Courthouse. I was the only woman sworn in that day, amongst dozens of men.” “I commend and thank Lesley for her invaluable commitment, dependability and service to the Penrith region over the course of the past 50 years.” Tanya Davies said.
Parvo is back
13
By Dr Richard Miller
We have just had our first cases of deadly Canine Parvovirus for Spring/ Summer. Of all the illnesses we see, other than malignant cancers, I fear Parvovirus the most. I would rather my dogs had broken bones than caught Parvovirus…at least I know I can fix broken bones but with Parvo they’re a 50:50 chance at best, and they go to hell and back along the way. Parvo is a tough little virus with a thick shell that can live more than a year in the environment. A single dog infected with Parvo can shed enough viruses to infect all the dogs in Sydney. It is highly contagious and causes a severe gastroenteritis by invading cells that line the intestine, then replicating until the cells burst releasing hundreds more viruses. This results in the lining being stripped from the bowel and symptoms of severe lethargy, refusal to eat and intractable vomiting with bloody, watery Mamre ROAd
Veterinary Surgery
diarrhoea. Cases look like they’re going to die and look like they want to die…it is a horrible disease. All dogs are at risk of contracting Parvo, especially the young and the old. It can be transmitted by flies or taken home on your shoes so not even the back yard at home is 100% safe. We strongly urge all puppy/dog owners to ensure their puppy’s vaccinations are done on time and adult dogs are up to date. Please phone for advice if you are unsure.
Incorporating Puppy Preschool, Cat Boarding Along with a full range of medical, diagnostic and surgical services and facilities
Serving the local community
Mamre Rd
9623 3970
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1 Associated with the Christian church (14) 10 Pertaining to modern day Persia (5) 11 Redemption (9) 12 A mineral found in bones (7) 13 Nonattendance (7) 14 Muscle fiber (5) 16 Adorns (9) 19 A notable or unusual sight (9) 20 Bearskin (5) 22 A word from rearranged letters (7) 25 Folds (7) 27 One who studies the past (9) 28 Lets fall to the ground (5) 29 Squares (14)
DOWN 2 Dare (9) 3 Fifty-eight in Roman numerals (5)
Solution: October
4 Convulsive (9) 5 Fragrance (5) 6 Hoarded possessions (9) 7 Not dirty (5) 8 Froths (7) 9 Cringes (6) 15 Aquatic bird (9) 17 A gradual increase in intensity (9) 18 Change (9) 19 Collision (7) 21 Preoccupy (6) 23 Ancient Assyrian city (5) 24 A New England state (5) 26 Breed of duck (5)
e c i r P r e Beat Pow ll Us Now! a C , s e s a re
Inc
Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home
www.nepeansolar.com.au
Local Talent on Show at NSW Open
15
Joshua Gadd in action during the 2017 NSW Golf Open. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www. photoexcellence. com.au)
Coby Carruthers in action during the 2017 NSW Golf Open Junior Pro-Am By Noel Rowsell
Local 17-year old Amateur sensation Joshua Gadd (Penrith) fell away in the final round to finish with a total of 286 but still thrilled his followers with his shot-making skills and confidence. Gadd shot 65, 72 and 72 in his first three rounds to be well in contention, before shooting a 77 in the final round to fall back in the field.
NSW Golf also ran a Junior Pro-Am on Wednesday, with 75 junior players from Clubs throughout NSW and Canberra invited to compete, accompanied by a leading Professional in each group. The players representing the Penrith district and Blue Mountains were Coby Carruthers (Leonay GC), Blake Hodges (Dunheved GC), Ben Watson (Springwood CC) and Chazz Ritchie (Wentworth Falls CC).
Why not start the New Year at Hix Group?? We currently have a number of roles available, to join our Penrith Based business, with a range of government, commercial, construction & domestic clients throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area. Contact us now!!
ELECTRICAL TRADES – ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
PlumberS - Maintenance & Upgrade works
This is a new & unique role, in our Penrith Office, for an experienced electrician with maintenance experience BUT who is now seeking to work in an administrative role, within our Electrical division. Perhaps you are now unable to or don’t want to continue to perform the physically challenging parts of a trades role or simply prefer to work in the office rather than on the tools. You will be responsible for prep & checking of invoices, quotes & documentation for jobs, assisting the managers with progress & handling of scheduled works & other admin duties related to progress of works. In addition to your trades background you will have computer skills, strong communication skills & attention to detail & accuracy.
We are looking for Plumbers to undertake general plumbing maintenance & upgrade works locally & throughout Sydney Metro. Must have a range of experience across general domestic & commercial works and be willing to provide a high standard of service & quality. Must be a good problem solver who can work alone or in a team. You will be carrying out a range of maintenance and installation for commercial. government and domestic clients as a part of our maintenance team. Excellent opportunities ofr training including “No Dig” Pipe Relining, Backflow Prevention, Confined Spaces etc.
You will be meticulous with quality, well presented, willing to use our electronic job management system & keen to embrace our Hix Group Culture of Team work, Pride & Responsibility. Send your resume now to HR@hix.com.au (Applications will be treated in strict confidence) Enquiries to: Justin Walker, Senior Manager, Electrical Services – Phone: 4721 7500
bluecattledoghotel.com.au We promote the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.