St Clair & Erskine Park News April 2019

Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au APRIL 2019

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St Clair Erskine Park

News

Ph: 9834 2966 Em: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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ISSUE 40

Egg Hunt

Celebrate Easter by joining in the annual Egg Hunt at St Marys. More details inside.

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Shops 3 & 4, 398 Hamilton Road, Fairfield West, NSW Po Box W210, Fairfield West, NSW 2165 P (02) 9604 0710 E: Chris.Bowen.Mp@Aph.Gov.Au Authorised by Chris Bowen MP, ALP, Fairfield West.

anzac TRIBUTE ANZAC: Shaping an Australian society

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W

hen war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand

actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.

The Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine which is still followed by the Australian Army today. During battle, the half-light of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the “stand-to”. As dusk is equally favourable for attacks, the stand-to was repeated at sunset.

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St Clair Erskine Park

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News

is proudly brought to you by the Nepean News team.

To contact the team call: Office:

9834 5579

Editor:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644

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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

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

On Anzac Day let’s all set our alarm clocks nice and early and head to the St Marys Dawn Service to show our diggers how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for our nation and it’s people.

Let’s pause and reflect on the thousands who never made it back.

Even if it is raining on Anzac Day morning and you’re warm in your bed, spare a thought for those who crawled through mud and often went with no sleep at all in order to survive.

We no longer have any Australian WW1 vets living, and the elite group of WW11 veterans still living is rapidly declining.

As time rolls on more and more great souls who gave the greatest sacrifice in the earlier theatres of war will leave this earth, and each year there will be less of them standing proudly displaying their wellearned badges on Anzac Day. Let’s stand by our diggers and roll up in droves this Anzac Day - and as proud Australians let’s salute them now before it is too late.

Lest We Forget.

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Raising awareness about homelessness

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

ccording to Orange Sky Australia, 1 in 200 people in this country experience homelessness.

That’s a pretty frightening statistic and proof that it can happen to anyone.

‘Sudsy’ was the first laundry van for those who are living on the streets. It was built by Orange Sky co-founders, Nic and Lucas, at the ripe age of 19.

It took them three days (and three sets of washing machines and dryers) to get the van working.

Nic, Lucas and Sudsy hit the streets and met a friend named Jordan, who was the first person to use the free mobile laundry service. Jordan taught Nic and Lucas that while clean clothes were important, it was the conversation and connection that mattered more.

Every day, 28 vans just like Sudsy hit the road to support people doing it tough. The Sudsy Challenge is about raising funds and awareness for the 116,000 people who are experiencing homelessness in Australia.

Orange Sky has issued The Sudsy Challenge,

Banks Public School teachers: Sam Grisedale, Kim Dunne, Katrina King, Mel Snape, Jane Lalor and Principal Denis Morgan taking part in the Sudsy Challenge

which is essentially about wearing the same set of clothes for three days (without washing them!) and start conversations that matter.

A group of teachers at Banks Public School have taken on the challenge and are raising funds as well as teaching the children that homelessness does not discriminate, and can happen to anyone at any time.

Well done!

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Tanya Davies re-elected

Statement by Tanya Davies MP

would like to congratulate the Premier and “ I Deputy Premier on Saturday’s election result;

it was a strong endorsement of this Government’s record delivering for the people of NSW under the leadership of Gladys Berejiklian.

While the election result is still to be finalised, it is clear Gladys will lead the Liberals & Nationals Government into its third term.

I have taken time to reflect on my own circumstances and after careful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided not to put myself forward for consideration as a member of the next cabinet.

I came to the role with my newborn son, Harry, and my nine-year-old daughter, Laura. At this time in my life I have decided I need to spend more time with my family and more time closer to home in my electorate representing the people of my community.

This decision did not come lightly. It has been an immense honour and a privilege to serve under Gladys’ leadership. She has led a cabinet team which delivered unprecedented economic prosperity, and improvements in infrastructure and services that have positively impacted the people of NSW. As Minister for Mental Health I have been proud to oversee the ongoing reform of NSW’s mental health system, which is putting greater emphasis on care in the community. This is reform that various Labor Governments refused to tackle and I leave the mental health portfolio with a clear road map to continue changes that will improve the lives of people living with mental illness and their families.

I was pleased to have been the Minister responsible for developing the State’s first Women’s

Strategy, which will improve the economic opportunity, participation and health of women and girls across NSW. This Government was the first to develop a comprehensive plan to address the issues of our ageing population and it has been fulfilling to continue the good work of my predecessors implementing the NSW Ageing Strategy.

The Liberals & Nationals Government has announced a number of important policy measures during this election, which will help relieve cost of living pressures and improve the lives of seniors across NSW. I would like to thank the people of Mulgoa for their overwhelming endorsement on Saturday and giving me the opportunity to represent them for another four years.”

Helping hands and friendly faces in the ED Y

ou may have noticed two new team members taking a proactive approach with patients and visitors in the Nepean Hospital emergency department waiting room.

Katherine and Jo are the new patient experience managers who greet people when they arrive at the ED and help them to navigate an often stressful and sometimes confusing journey through the ED. Nepean is part of a NSW Health trial of the new positions and other measures to improve the wellbeing and comfort of people in ED waiting rooms.

Jo says often it’s the small things that they can help with that makes all the difference.

“Everyone is so busy in the ED, sometimes people can feel they have been forgotten in the waiting room. We can help by checking in on them and reminding them everyone will be seen.”

Katherine says having the patient experience managers out in the waiting room answering questions can also help other staff, such as clerks and triage nurses to focus on their tasks and not be interrupted so often.

Clinical Director of Emergency, Dr Claire Helm says patients and staff have provided lots of positive feedback.

“We want to improve the experience of patients presenting to Nepean Hospital from the front door.

“The patient experience manager roles are helping doctors on busy shifts keep track of the progress of patients in the waiting room. They help to address concerns of patients before they get to see their doctor, and anxiety is reduced.”

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Hop into St Marys this Easter T

he Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to St Marys Town Centre this year and will be hiding lots of treats, for happy little boys and girls to find.

Martin Coote, Chairperson of St Marys Town Centre says “The St Marys Easter Egg Hunt is amazing. It encourages families to get dressed up, get into the spirit of the season and explore their local area. For those that know where to look, there are some great Easter treats to find”.

“There are over 30 businesses involved in this year’s St Marys Easter Egg Hunt so, put your walking shoes on and prepare to have a great day. There will be an Easter animal farm for the littlies, visits from the Easter Bunny himself and lots of talented locals will be taking to the stage to entertain families in Coachman’s Park. It is a fun day out for the family

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and best of all participation is free.”

“We appreciate all the effort that the community puts into supporting the event. There will be local dance groups, singing schools and other talented performers that have been practicing for weeks in the lead up. Come down from 10am till 2pm on Saturday 13th Apil to enjoy the entertainment. Plus, lots of the local retailers have donated prizes and those in the crowd that dress up, get involved and participated might just walk away with an early Easter present.”

St Marys Town Centre will be holding pre-registration sessions in the lead up to the event on Saturday 13th April so for more information on these and what is happening at the Easter Egg Hunt, please check St Marys Town Centre out on Facebook.

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Treat Mum to a scrumptious seafood feast A

S this year continues to fly by, next month is just around the corner and with it will come the time to show our mothers how much we love them.

Of course Mums should be appreciated all year round but Mother’s Days gives us the perfect opportunity to really show them how much they are loved with some special treats.

The Blue Cattle Dog has a super duper way of making Mum feel extra special without emptying your bank account.

Just $70 buys a seafood platter for two and a bottle of bubbly. That is not a misprint - it’s only $70 all up!

The fantastic feast is available for lunch or dinner on Mother’s Day, kicking off at 11.30 for lunch, and the bistro closes at 9pm.

Salmon, oysters, prawns...lots of YUM for Mum. As an added bonus, all mothers who dine at the Cattle Dog on Mother’s Day will receive a ticket in the Mothers Day hamper, which is on display and

SUDOKU: MEDIUM Solutions: February Easy

will be drawn at 7pm that night.

The bistro at the Cattle Dog also offers a great selection of meals for the non-seafood eaters and there’s plenty of options for the kids as well.

Combine that with indoor play equipment for the kids and you have the perfect setting for Mum to enjoy her lunch with you.

word search

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

Hard

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HAPPY EASTER EASTER SPRING DECORATE GOOD FRIDAY FIND CHRISTIAN JESUS CHRIST

LENT PASSOVER PALM SUNDAY MARCH HUNT BUNNY

CROSS HOLIDAY BASKET CANDY RABBIT HOP

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Protecting older people and adults with disabilities

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powerful and independent Ageing and Disability Commissioner will be established in NSW to investigate, and stamp out, the abuse of older people, and adults with disability.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new Ageing and Disability Commissioner will start operations from 1 July 2019 to help protect older people and adults with disability in home and community settings.

“We will not tolerate the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people, or people with disability,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“That’s why we are introducing a powerful and independent Commissioner to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are protected.”

The Commissioner will investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation and will provide support to vulnerable adults and their families/carers following investigations. It will also raise community awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation, including providing advice on preventing, identifying and responding to potential issues.

The Commissioner will be given special powers which will include: • The power to initiate investigations on its own motion, or following a referral or complaint; • The power to apply for and execute a search warrant, and seize evidence, as part of an investigation; and • Information gathering and sharing powers.

The establishment of the Commissioner will bring together and expand on the work of the Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit, and the NSW Ombudsman’s Standing Inquiry.

Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams said the NSW Government has listened and responded

decisively to community requests for a Commissioner.

“The new Commissioner will help ensure that all people with disability know they can be protected from exploitation and neglect in the community,” Mr Williams said.

Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies said the Commissioner will strengthen the ability of agencies to respond to allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation of older people reported through the Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit.

“Too often, abuse happens behind closed doors and is perpetrated by a trusted family member, which is why we are giving the Commissioner the power to leave no stone unturned as we seek to end this abhorrent crime,” Mrs Davies said.

The Commissioner will work closely with the new Specialist Elder Abuse Officers, who will be introduced in each NSW Police command, to undertake crime prevention and investigate matters which involve a criminal offence.

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Arthritis in dogs and cats

By Dr Richard Miller

Symptoms of Athritis in Dogs

A

rthritis is a very common problem in our pets and it’s this time of year, when it’s getting colder, that they feel it the most. Arthritis can be seen in young dogs affected by juvenile joint problems including Hip and Elbow Dysplasia but is most common in older dogs and cats.

It is relatively rare in cats because of their small size. Being big, overweight and very active throughout life are all predisposing factors for arthritis when older because, fundamentally, it is a wear and tear thing. Moving parts in cars wear out so they do in our pets.

Arthritis can affect any joint with spine being most common then hips then elbows.

Symptoms range from stiffness to lameness, reluctance to get out of bed in the mornings to difficulty standing up, short-stepping or shuffling gait, swollen painful joints to generalized lethargy including crankiness if they are particularly uncomfortable.

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There are several medications that can immediately help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and others that nourish and repair joints and help slow the progression of this painful condition.

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Solution: February

Pumpkin Decorating for the Easter Show

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The decorated pumpkins will be on display at the Easter Show in the flower and garden section

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

tudents from Years 2 to 6 were encouraged to take part in decorating pumpkins to put on display at this year’s Royal Easter Show.

The participating students have spent many days creating and putting together their colourful masterpieces and they look fantastic.

Sisters Bella and Abbie, who are in years 4 and 6 enjoyed creating their unicorn pumpkin.

“I really enjoyed doing it together and working as a team with my sister,” Bella said. “The best part was adding the final touch which was the head piece,” Abbie added.

Callum and Brock from Year six spent almost a week working on theirs.

“It took 6 days and was a lot of fun,” Callum said.

Sisters Bella and Abbie

Ella from Year 2

Brock added that the most fun part was doing the spray painting.

The older students praised Ella from Year 2 for her great artwork.

“That is so good for someone in Year 2,” they said.

Callum and Brock from Year 6

MG on the mark

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w i t h M A RK G EYER

Three games decided by a golden point field goal!

A

month in to the NRL and it’s been - in a word - RIVETING! One team (Storm) undefeated, one team (Titans) without a win and a lot of golden point footy to totally tantalise the faithful.

There have been surprises (Raiders, Eels) there have been disappointments (Broncos, Knights, Cowboys, Titans) yet even these four teams are only two wins away from getting their respective seasons back on track, ala the Dragons.

As for the Panthers, whew.

Last Friday night against the Tigers the constant narrative was centered around Ivan Cleary and the way in which he left his opponents that night; the West Tigers.

Ivan professionally deflected the outside noise coming from every angle as his young bloke Nathan came to the rescue and kicked a magic goal on full time to level the scores at 8 all.

Then in golden point he again pulled the trigger in nailing a 40 metre clutch field goal to give the Mountain Men a much-needed 2 points.

Ah don’t ya just love this game!

On Saturday Daly Cherry Evans did the same thing for his team against the Rabbitohs and on Sunday night the Dragons’ Corey Norman did the same, for the second week in a row, pinching a victory over the Knights on their home deck.

Such a special weekend of footy saw for the first time ever three games decided by a golden point field goal.

So as you can plainly see the penthouse and the outhouse can be defined by a wobbly one point field goal in golden point, such is the closeness of this years competition.

This weekend the Panthers travel to the Gold Coast to take on an under-siege Titans outfit with ex Panther lower grade coach Garth Brennan desperate for a victory against his old club. What chance this game is decided by a field goal?

Every bloody chance.

This weeks Poor, Better, Best.

Poor: The 3 QLD teams who after 4 rounds and 12 games between them have 2 wins.

Better: The Raiders who look like this year’s unlikely surprise.

 Not one....

 Not two....

 But three golden point field goals in one weekend!

Best: The Roosters last try against the Broncos last Thursday night which will be hard to beat for try of the year.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

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