weekender the western
Printed on 100% recycled paper
FRI 24 OCT 2014 • Issue 1176
Harry calls it a day
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Helping hand Mick’s strong dedication to helping sick Sydney kids p.3
Playing with fire
Where there’s smoke, there’s an election: Pollies battle over fire stations CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
Long-serving officer retires p.13
Charity drive goes global p.14
Wanderers face big test Western Sydney must turn form around p.40
@cassandra_o
T
emporary fire station closures is set to be a burning issue in the upcoming NSW election after Labor candidate for Penrith, Emma Husar, raised concerns about Penrith Fire Station being closed during recent hot weather. Ms Husar said that the High Street station was closed “for a number of hours” on Sunday, October 12, a day where temperatures reached over 30 degrees in Penrith. “Early on Sunday morning Penrith Fire Station was closed and taken off line as a result of Liberal Party cost cutting,” she said. “In the meantime, Concord Firefighters were moved to Penrith to cover the closure, meaning that the station was unstaffed for more than an hour in the morning period.” She said that this was repeated in the afternoon, when temperatures climbed into the thirties. A specialist vehicle used to put out fires in highrise buildings and factories was taken out of the system. “With an elevated terrorism level, a high fire danger, combined with increasing temperatures across the state, Stuart Ayres needs to act now and put an end to this reckless policy before lives and properties are lost,” Ms Husar said. “In this calendar year alone we’ve seen local fire stations closed over 30 times.” But Penrith MP and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Stuart Ayres, said Penrith Fire Station has been closed just 10 times. Story continues on » p. 6
Labor candidate for Penrith, Emma Husar, is concerned about fire station closures. Photo: Melinda Jane
Lic No. 102962C
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Inspiring dedication to Sydney’s sick children KATHERINE TWEED
efore you judge a person that is rummaging around in a High Street bin, remember this story. Because if they are anything like Penrith’s Mick Soper, they have a very good reason. The 78-year-old has been collecting empty aluminium cans from High Street stores, licensed venues and straight from the street-side bins on a daily basis for over eight years. But he isn’t doing it to clean up the streets and not even to help recycle – these are just added bonuses – he is doing it to make money to support children with cancer. “I have had people tell me how dirty it is until I show them why I do it,” he told the Weekender. Almost every day Mr Soper makes his way down one side of High Street, collecting cans as he goes, and then wanders back up the other side, poking around in bins and local stores and of course, having a few chats along the way. He recently took a trailer-load of cans that he has collected over the past few months to the scrap yard and made around $350 but this amount varies every time he visits, depending on the rates paid
by the scrap yard and the amount of soft drink that local people are consuming. “Sometimes I will get three cans walking down one side of the street and when I come up the other side I can probably get about 20. Today I got about eight down one side and many more on the other side,” he said. He’ll be donating those funds collected from the scrap yard straight to the Oncology Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. “I was down at the club one day and I overheard that an old woman had died and that she used to give money to the kids with cancer. I thought I would carry it on,” Mr Soper said. “I took about $200 with me once to the Children’s Hospital and they were so happy.” Mr Soper admitted it was a humbling experience seeing the realities of the Children’s Hospital. “The young nurse asked me if I would like to see the kids,” he said. “After I went into that ward I got a shock. It really upsets you to see kids that are on their last legs looking so happy, the way they are being treated is great.” The money is used to improve the quality of life of the children who have extended stays in hospital while receiving treatment for various types of cancer.
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@ktweed_
Mick Soper collects cans to raise money for the Children’s Hospital. Photo: Melinda Jane
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EDITOR'S DESK
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How the mummy bloggers figure out what makes you tick, or click FRIDAYS Youth
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troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au
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Ross Fowler North Ward Penrith City Councillor
I guess it’s pretty obvious why we exist in a society with so much faux outrage and manufactured debates. Faux outrage makes money – it’s the blood that keeps websites like Mama Mia, Women’s Agenda and the like running – and the free publicity they get out of it (I’ve just given them some more) is invaluable to their bottom line. On Sunday night, I was watching Georgina Dent from Women’s Agenda on ‘Paul Murray Live’ so desperately trying to explain why she thought Finance Minister Mathias Cormann was very much wrong by using the now infamous “girlie man” term last weekend. It made me think, no matter what her real opinion was, there’s no money or hits in saying that Mr Cormann didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not for one minute suggesting that opinions or thoughts of commentators like Georgina are manufactured, but perhaps they’re a little exaggerated. So now I’m left confused – are the mummy bloggers of the world really a frustrating bunch of wannabe journalists feeding the fire for talk radio and social media debates, or are they just shrewd business women who’ve figured out exactly what makes people tick, or click, for that matter? If it’s the latter, I admit, I’ve been played – because I fall for it time and time again. Think about the men’s magazine boom of the 1990’s. Did the journos working for FHM, Ralph and the like really believe in their ‘95 things your girlfriend could try in 1995’ style articles, or did they just know it engaged their readership and created a little bit of outrage in the right places? I doubt most of them went home to their girlfriend and said, “let’s try number 34”. The problem in all of this is of course when it all goes wrong. Mia Freedman from Mama Mia found this out the hard way last week, when she was accused of
the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255
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I admit, I’ve been played
Advertising: penrithsales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd CIRCULATION: 59,622 [CAB Audit March 2014]
Editor: Troy Dodds • Journalists: Cassandra O’Connor, Nathan Taylor, Katherine Tweed, Kate Reid Photographer: Melinda Jane Production Manager: Irene Adams • Production: Alana Christanga, Maddy Searle • Administration: Karlee Hansen Sales Manager: Simon Gould • Sales Executives: Paula Allsopp, Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Lewis, James Miller, Gina Perrin, Katie Grasso
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Authorised by Ross Fowler, 11 Tindale Street, Penrith
www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith
TROY DODDS @troydodds
comparing gay and lesbian people to paedophiles. Now such a comparison is ridiculous and of course, Ms Freedman was not trying to do that at all. She was simply trying to get across a point about sexual desire, that went a little awry in the delivery. But in a case of taking a dose of your own medicine, Ms Freedman was ridiculed and hammered on social media by people who weren’t willing to accept that it was just a poorly worded point, and that she was in no way suggesting that gay and lesbian people are in the same category as paedophiles. The problem is that websites like Mama Mia have played a part in the creation of the ‘outrage’ that follows situations like this. Mia Freedman has, thanks to Mama Mia, has made a living of jumping onto issues without consideration of the actual intent of what was trying to be said. Ms Freedman even admitted in her long apology posted on the Mama Mia website that “on any other day we would have ripped into this issue and joined the outrage”. Exactly, Ms Freedman, and that would have been wrong. We can only hope that Ms Freedman and Mama Mia have learned a lesson out of this – sometimes creating faux outrage for the rush of clicks, publicity and cash is not worth the hurt and pain it can cause an individual who has said something that has either been taken out of context, or simply was poorly delivered or misunderstood. It is a great disappointment of the digital era that editorial decisions are now made based on click rates versus the importance and newsworthiness of a story. Opinions are great, particularly when they come from a variety of people with different backgrounds and experiences. The problem in the modern day is figuring out which opinions are legitimate and which are designed purely to get your attention.
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COUNCIL
Councils come together Time constraints an issue at Local Government conference CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a
5
@cassandra_o
Phone: (02) 9833 2913 Address: Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys 2760 Email: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail: PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790
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Ben Goldfinch, John Thain, Michelle Tormey and Kevin Crameri participating in the conference on Tuesday tial rate subsidies for elderly citizens. “The conference used to be three days but is now only one and a half really because there are so many guest speakers. There was a lot of talk about changing the conference structure so that more matters on the business paper can be addressed,” Cr Thain said.
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Penrith Councillors also wanted to debate whether proposed changes to business voting in local government elections in Sydney City would have an impact on business voting in Penrith but the matter was not discussed. Also due to time constraints there was no debate on changes to residen-
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enrith Councillors have had mixed success at the Local Government NSW conference this week, with a motion to see more equitable distribution of planning fees gaining support from fellow councils. Held over Monday and Tuesday, the Local Government NSW conference is a chance for Councils to raise concerns about policy affecting local government. Crs John Thain, Karen McKeown, Ben Goldfinch, Michelle Tormey, Kevin Crameri and Jim Aitken attended this year’s conference. Cr Thain said he was delighted that Penrith Council’s motion to have more equitable distribution of the Planning Reform Fund was supported by fellow Councils. “It was important that we got that motion up as Penrith collects a lot of money from large developments on behalf of the State Government but does not receive much of that funding back,” he said. In just over 10 years Penrith Council has paid more than $3 million into this fund, but only received $740,000 in planning reform support.
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6
Ayres fires back at Labor claims
BUSINESS
Info at their fingertips
story coninues from p. 1 “Penrith Fire Station has been temporarily taken offline 10 times this year due to staff absences related to sick and annual leave. On each occasion a truck from another station was moved to Penrith Fire Station to maintain appropriate response times,” Mr Ayres said. “Labor introduced the current TOLing policy and they have no intention of removing it. “Once again, Labor is deceiving the Penrith community. Labor needs to come clean with the community and firefighters about their real plans to cut FRNSW funding from their current record levels.” Ms Husar did not give a clear commitment that fire stations would not be closed under a Labor Government. “I and Labor will fight to ensure we are not closing fire stations because of budget cuts which are putting the community at risk,” she said. The Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU) has been campaigning to stop the temporary closures of fire stations across New South Wales. FBEU State Secretary Jim Casey said budget cuts had become so severe that several fire stations were now closed across Sydney each day, with some stations being shut more than 100 times since the policy was introduced. “Closing fire stations is a game of Russian Roulette, where the lives and property of communities are put at greater risk for the sake of a small budget saving,” he said.
Small businesses to be boosted thanks to partnership CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
@cassandra_o
P
enrith Business Alliance and the University of Western Sydney have formed a new collaborative project to help business owners be more competitive and innovative. ‘Stimulating Innovation and Competitiveness of Penrith’s SMEs’ was launched earlier this month to help business owners identify their competitive advantage, potential growth strategies and access innovation tools. Over the next 12 months, UWS researchers will survey Penrith businesses and the results will be used to form a ‘digital knowledge portal’ hosted by the PBA. The research team is being headed by Professor Athula Ginige, who says the portal will foster a “digital business ecosystem” of collaboration and knowledge sharing. “The recent advances in the digital space and the rapid growth in mobile technologies has made the development of such ecosystems more cost effective, giving businesses easy access to knowledge to constantly build their competitive positions in a global marketplace,” Professor Ginige said. PBA Chairman Paul Brennan said he
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Police snapshot St Marys: Concern over approach by fake police
Silverdale: Police investigate fatal car crash
A St Marys family has been approached by a number of people impersonating police officers. At about 7.20pm on Saturday, October 19, a 13-year-old girl was walking with her grandmother and stepbrother on Station Street, St Marys, when a white Holden Commodore containing three men approached. The front passenger called to her and asked her to approach the vehicle but the girl’s grandmother became suspicious of the men who claimed to be police officers but couldn’t produce identification. They drove away and activated a siren from the car, which sounded like a police siren. They were last seen driving east on Phillip Street, St Marys. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000.
Police are investigating a fatal crash, which occurred in Silverdale this week. At about 11.40am on Monday, October 20, emergency services were called to the intersection of Silverdale Road and Farnsworth Avenue following reports of a crash. At the scene they found that a white sedan had left the road and crashed into a tree. A man in his 60s was found deceased in the vehicle.
St Marys: Mystery after local man found dead
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A man, believed to be from the St Marys area, has been found dead this week on the side of a road in Greengrove. At about 7.30am on Tuesday, October 21, police were called to a location near Wisemans Ferry Road and Mangrove Creek Road, Greengrove following reports that a motorist located a body beside the road. The man is believed to be in his 40s and from St Marys however he is yet to be formally identified. Following investigations by detectives attached to St Marys Local Area Command and the Homicide Squad, a 35-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were arrested and are assisting police with inquiries.
Penrith: Spate of fires in the local area Three fires in the local area have been reported to police since Wednesday, October 16. In the first, a vehicle caught fire while driving on Evan Street, Penrith, near the intersection of High Street at about 12pm on Wednesday, October 16. Fire crews were called to the scene however the car was well alight before the fire crews arrived on the scene. The 1992 Toyota Camry was destroyed. The incident is not being treated as suspicious. In the second incident, a man was driving at 11.30am on Sunday, October 19, when he could smell plastic burning. He parked the vehicle on Caloola Avenue, Penrith. At about 1pm the car was found well alight. The incident is not being treated as suspicious. Police are appealing for information about the third incident, which occurred at around 2.30am on Monday, October 20. Police believe around five or six teenagers were involved in setting a bin on fire in Robert Street, Penrith. The fire was put out but police are investigating.
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8
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS
A complete copy of the public exhibition material is available for viewing at the following locations:
The continued funding provided by the NSW State
Planning Proposal for Lots 1–4 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains
s Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith (Monday–Friday: 8.30am–4pm)
is hoped that a comprehensive cycleway network across
s Council’s St Marys Office 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys (Monday–Friday: 8.30am–4pm)
Council’s Senior Traffic Officer on 4732 7542.
Council wants to hear your views on the Planning Proposal for Lots 1–4 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains. The Planning Proposal, maps and supporting documents will be on exhibition from Monday, 20 October to Friday, 28 November 2014. The Planning Proposal is to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 to rezone land at Lots 1–4 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains from Rural 1(d) (Future Urban) to part IN2 Light Industrial and part E3 Environmental Management. The Planning Proposal to amend the LEP, Lots 1–4 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains, is now on public exhibition. Viewing the Planning Proposal The Planning Proposal, maps and supporting documents will be exhibited from Monday, 20 October to Friday, 28 November 2014 at Penrith Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. The Civic Centre is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am–4pm. The Planning Proposal and maps are also available to view at the following locations: s Council’s St Marys Office 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys (Monday–Friday: 8.30am–4pm) s Penrith Library 601 High Street, Penrith (Monday–Friday: 9am–8pm; Saturday: 9am–5pm and Sunday: 10am–5pm) s St Marys Library 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys (Monday–Thursday 9am–8pm, Friday 9am–5.30pm, Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10am–5pm) The exhibition information is also available on Council’s website penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Submissions If you wish to make a submission on the Planning Proposal, please do so by Friday, 28 November 2014. Submissions should be sent to: The General Manager, (attention to Shaun Lawer, Senior Planner) Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith 2751. Submissions can also be sent via email to oldbathurstroad@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au If you have any questions, please ring Shaun Lawer on 4732 7620.
Draft Penrith Development Control Plan 2014 In accordance with the provisions and requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Regulation 2000, notice is given of the public exhibition of the draft Penrith Development Control Plan 2014 (draft Penrith DCP 2014) from Monday, 13 October 2014 to Friday, 14 November 2014. A Development Control Plan is a document that supports the Local Environmental Plan with more detailed planning and design guidelines. Draft Penrith DCP 2014 applies to all land within the Penrith Local Government Area. The draft Penrith DCP 2014 consolidates and repeals the following DCPs:
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
s 0ENRITH $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN s 0ENRITH $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN s 7ERRINGTON -IXED 5SE !REA $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN s 0ENRITH #ITY #ENTRE $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
s Penrith Library 601 High Street, Penrith (Monday–Friday: 9am–8pm; Saturday: 9am–5pm and Sunday: 10am–5pm)
Government for this project is welcomed by Council and it the City can be developed in future years. For further information, please contact Ruth Byrnes,
Notification of Intent to Issue Licence for Occupancy of Nepean Rugby Park, 78a Andrews Road Under Section 47a of the NSW Local Government Act
s St Marys Library 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys (Monday–Thursday: 9am–8pm, Friday: 9am–5.30pm, Saturday: 9am–5pm and Sunday: 10am–5pm)
1993, Penrith City Council is advising that it intends to
The exhibition information is also available online at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
It is the intention that the licence agreement is issued for
Submissions
agreement also sets out the terms for the use of the
You are invited to view the draft Penrith DCP 2014 during the exhibition period and submit comments to Council in writing by 4pm on Friday, 14 November 2014.
renew its licence agreement with Penrith Rugby Union Club for occupation of the land identified as Lot 91 DP 601050, 78a Andrews Road, Cranebrook.
a period that does not exceed five years. The licence land stipulating that: ‘the land will not at any time be used other than for the purposes of sport and recreation playing (matches and
Please direct any submissions to: The General Manager (attention to ‘City Planning Team’), Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.
competitions), events, training, sports and education
Submissions can also be sent via email to cityplanningteam@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Please include a subject line indicating ‘Submission on Penrith DCP 2014’.
those purposes.’
Further Enquiries
or sent by email to arobinson@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
If you have any questions about the draft Penrith DCP 2014, or require further information, please contact Council’s City Planning Team on 4732 8196 or email cityplanningteam@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Submissions should be returned to Council by 5pm,
programs and services, and administration of sport and recreation or functions associated or ancillary to
Submissions about this proposal should be made in writing to Andrew Robinson, Recreation Manager, Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751,
24 November 2014. Further details regarding this proposal can be obtained by calling 4732 7688.
Declaration of Political Donations or Gifts Legislation requires the disclosure of donations and gifts when making submissions on the Planning Proposal. If you or anyone with a financial interest in the Planning Proposal have made reportable political donations adding up to or exceeding $1,000, or given gifts of money, property, services or valuables to a political party, elected member, group or candidate in the two years prior to your submission, you will be required to submit a disclosure statement. This disclosure statement is a public document and will be made publically available. If a further donation or gift is made after the lodgement of the submission a further statement is required to be provided within seven days after the donation or gift is made. Further information regarding Disclosure Statements including a disclosure form can be found on the Department of Planning and Environment website planning.nsw.gov.au
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following development applications have been received by Council: s Brookstone Pty Ltd Atf Brookstone Trust
DA14/1255
98 Albert Street, Werrington Construction of 12 x attic style villas (multi-unit housing) and associated vegetation removal, landscaping, car parking and drainage works Contact: Aaron Howard on 4732 7774 Closing Date: 10 November 2014 s OMD Developments Pty Ltd
DA14/1254
275–279 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains
PUBLIC NOTICES
Multi-unit housing – 7 x 3-bedroom villas
Great Western Highway, Emu Plains – Proposed Shared-Use Path
Closing Date: 10 November 2014
Contact: Mathew Rawson on 4732 7522
Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts
The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has confirmed funding for 2014/2015 for Council to design and construct a concrete shared-use pedestrian and bicycle path along the south side of Great Western Highway, between River Road and Russell Street, Emu Plains. The work will be carried out in stages up to the approved funding allocation. The works are expected to commence in the next few weeks, weather permitting.
Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith
The shared-use path will be available for use by pedestrians, cyclists who choose an off-road option, active families, students, shoppers and cycling commuters.
Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street,
Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Viewing of Development Applications The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.
penrithishere.com.au
9
PENRITH
Saturday 25 October 2014 9am - 12pm Mamre Homestead 181 Mamre Rd
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(Opposite Banks Drive, St Clair)
Car Boot Sale
NEWS
Free entry for buyers Registration will cost $25*
* $20 is refundable at the end of the market
CONTACT US
Register at garagesaletrail@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys OfďŹ ce Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: (02) 4732 7777 F: (02) 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.
For more information on how you can be involved in this fantastic day visit www.garagesalertrail.com.au
COUNCIL BRIEFS from 1–6pm. This popular event will feature live music and offer a wide range of quality local market stalls.
Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad). GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182
MEETING DATES
also be a special children’s area featuring Circus Works, and an array of circus themed children’s activities that adults can also
Sunday afternoon. For more information phone 4732 7652 or go to
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events s Youth Week 10–19 April 2015 is just around the corner. Do you have an idea for an event for local young people that will add to the awesome 2015 Youth Week program? Please call 4732 7832 or email ktahija@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au for more information and to discuss your idea.
27 October 2014 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)
For possible funding, applications must be in by 31 October.
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithishere.com.au
enjoy!
Council Meetings
10 November 2014 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)
Singer David Agius will headline the entertainment and there will
It’s a great family event and the perfect way to spend a lazy Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735
s Another Sunday Siesta is on at Tench Reserve on 2 November
E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
SERVICES
There will be stalls with fresh, local grown produce, great food and a treasure trail of pre-loved items.
s Council is proud to support White Ribbon Day to raise awareness
TENDER Provision of Services for Rehabilitating Degraded Areas, Bush Regeneration and Associated Services in ‘Kingswood Park, North Penrith’ Reference RFT14/15-13 Penrith City Council invites tenders from suitably qualiďŹ ed and
about violence against women. You can show your support on
experienced contractors to provide the following services for
Tuesday, 25 November by participating in a 3.5km walk, starting at
Rehabilitating Degraded Areas, Bush Regeneration and Associated
5.30pm, from Weir Reserve to Tench Reserve where at the ďŹ nish line
Services in ‘Kingswood Park, North Penrith’.
there will be a banner signing and a White Ribbon Oath reading.
Pre-Tender BrieďŹ ng at 10am Thursday, 6 November 2014.
There will also be a free shuttle bus service back to Weir Reserve
Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register
from 6.30pm. For more information phone Erin on 4732 8028 or
and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a
email edavidson@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement.
s Who’s your local hero? Recognise and reward someone who For queries please contact Jake Evans on 4732 7663 makes you proud to live in Penrith. The 2015 Australia Day
or jevans@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Awards nominations are now open. All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in For more information and a nomination form go to
documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 19 November
Nominations close 14 November 2014.
(‘the Closing Date’). Tenders received after will not be considered.
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accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday
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VALE GOUGH WHITLAM
Whitlam’s impact on Penrith Former Prime Minister was a regular visitor to our city
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CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
@cassandra_o
A
n instigator of social change, the legacy of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam has greatly shaped Australia. But while his achievements such as Medicare, relations with China and free university education have been reflected on after news of his passing broke on Tuesday morning, Mr Whitlam actually also played an important role in the formation of Penrith, too. The Labor giant introduced a number of important policies that saw Penrith grow from a country town to a regional hub, and he was no stranger to the region. On August 21, 1973, Mr Whitlam announced a new policy, the Metropolitan Area Improvement Program for the Western Sectors of Sydney. “We have chosen the Western sectors of Sydney and Melbourne as the first in a series of urban projects because it is in these areas that the problems of inequality and deprivation are more obviously observed. Experience gained will be useful in solving problems in other areas resulting from similar processes of rapid urbanisation,” he said. Through the program, Penrith was given
Gough Whitlam passed away this week. Photo: Sally Tsoutas, UWS $800,000 for the purchase of community reserves, planting trees, widening roads and restoring buildings. A further $300,000 was allocated to
infrastructure in Penrith and sport and recreation projects received $250,000. In conjunction with the NSW Government, the capacity of the St Marys sewer-
age treatment plant was doubled. On September 11, 1974, Mr Whitlam attended a Penrith Council civic reception, a time when local governments were struggling financially. “No-one knows better than those involved in local government the long years of neglect and indifference from which it has suffered and the atmosphere of perpetual financial crisis that surrounds it for generations. I have often marvelled at the dedication and fortitude of men and women who have continued to serve local government in the face of such odds,” Mr Whitlam said. That same day he officially opened the Rank-NEC TV factory in Penrith. Five months later and Mr Whitlam was back again, this time for the Nepean District Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society’s Annual Agricultural Show. The tributes for Mr Whitlam, who died at age 98, have been flowing all week. Penrith Councillor John Thain said that so much of Penrith’s growth is owed to the Whitlam Government. “The financial assistance grants that he established are a legacy that Penrith still receives today,” he said. “So many people from western Sydney were able to go to university and receive degrees because he made education free.”
Mayor’s News The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor
Events in Penrith
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
It was pleasing to visit some great events around Penrith and there are a lot more to come. Last week Council held another of its Sunday Siestas at Tench Reserve. The weather was fantastic, which encouraged a lot of people to enjoy the day down by the river with some great food, shopping and entertainment. If you missed it, don’t worry as there will be another Sunday Siesta at Tench Reserve on Sunday, November 2. This weekend I’m excited to see that almost 2,000 people will participate in the Nepean Triathlon, many of them are local people who will compete against national and international athletes. The Nepean Triathlon is the oldest event of its kind in Australia
starting in 1982 along the Nepean River before moving to its current location at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in 1999. Local sporting hero and Penrith ambassador John Maclean will compete alongside Steve Waugh, Ky Hurst, Phil Kearns and Jana Pittman. Six members of the 2014 Australian Commonwealth Games team will be competing too, which shows the importance of the triathlon and that it is a valuable asset to the Penrith region. Council is a proud sponsor of the Triathlon and I wish all participants the very best.
ROSS FOWLER Mayor of Penrith
GOT A NEWS TIP? If you spot a story or you think there’s something happening that we should know, make sure you get in contact with us. Email: news@westernweekender.com.au WW13172
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POLICE
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Retirement calls for Harry After nearly four decades of service, much-loved local cop calls it a day KATHERINE TWEED
fter over 37 years in the police force, Penrith Local Area Command Duty Officer, Inspector Harry Goedings walked out of Penrith Police Station for the final time last Friday. His lengthy career has taken him across the state; from Sydney’s metropolitan area, to the North Coast of NSW and Nyngan in the central west – and he has seen and been part of more cases than many young officers can even imagine. Inspector Goedings has been in the midst of a gun fight, has helped coordinate the evacuation of 2,500 people from a flooded town, has had axe-wounded criminals turn up on his doorstep and has investigated some gut-wrenching crimes. But it isn’t the work, despite how rewarding it gets, that he will miss the most. “There are a lot of rewarding cases that you get involved in where justice is done. In really violent cases and some terrible cases of sexual assault, to see someone go to court and get a lengthy jail term for a really serious predatory offence is very satisfying,” he said. “But without any doubt, like many of us say, I will miss the camaraderie the most.
You don’t work with people for eight years in a command without getting to know what they are like.” Those final eight years of his career were spent at Penrith Local Area Command. “[It is] probably one of the best stations that I have ever been at – we call it the hidden gem of the west here,” he said. “There are a lot of cops here who have been at other stations and say what a great place it is. It is not the busiest command in the western suburbs, it is not the quietest either, but there is a lot of variety in the work that the cops do here and that goes from murders to the most basic mundane things – it all happens here.” At Penrith, he has been instrumental in helping police build a strong relationship with the local Aboriginal community and he has driven the station’s mental health programs, out of his passion for changing the way police deal with people who suffer from mental health issues. His work in these areas and other community engagement areas has been described by his colleagues as inspiring. “You would hope that people remember you for what you have done; it is not so much about greatness but whether your input into the police has had some effect on them,” Inspector Goedings said. “I walk out of here with my head held
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A
@ktweed_
Harry Goedings finished his time at Penrith Police Station last Friday high. I gave 37-plus years to policing and I think I made a difference out there. If it wasn’t making a difference locking up hundreds and hundreds of crooks, it was
showing young police and training them to do that sort of thing and to be an honest, hard working cop. “It has been a great career, a great ride.”
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COMMUNITY
Facebook idea goes global Friends wanted to help those in need. They created an international movement
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KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
T
he 15 Can Challenge began with just two local friends wanting to help out their local community and in just weeks has grown into an international movement encouraging people to give to the needy. Earlier in the year Allison Rae and Leeanne Biordi started a Facebook event challenging their friends to buy one extra item at the supermarket once a week for 15 weeks and then donate those 15 cans, or other products, to a local organisation or person in need. Their challenge was quickly picked up by hundreds outside their circle of friends and now has thousands of participants from countries across the globe. “We came up with the idea and put it on our own personal Facebook pages and it evolved from there. We aimed to have 50 people involved – that was the goal – and we’ve now got over 27,000 in Australia and in America it is over 250,000,” Ms Rae said. “The first week, we had 4,000 and that just blew us away. I think it works because it is a simple concept – anyone can do it.” The challenge has been running for 10 weeks now, with new participants joining the concept daily.
Allison Rae and Leeanne Biordi with Mel Topp from St Vincent De Paul
The challenge encourages people to donate the products themselves or for local residents to keep an eye on the challenge Facebook page for drop-off zones, where participants can leave their extra groceries. These groceries can be anything from long-life food products and pet food (to be donated to animal shelters) to sanitary products and toys. “We calculated that if everyone honours their pledges, we are up to over four million food and other items being donated to the vulnerable,” Ms Biordi said. “It is just wonderful, with everything going on in the world, to see people getting involved and supporting their own local community. It is purely about people helping people and we hope to inspire people to continue supporting their local communities, even after the challenge is over.” There are a number of charity partners involved in the challenge, including The Rock, St Vincent De Paul, Penrith Community Kitchen and Mama Lana’s. “Families do need assistance all year round so this sort of support is greatly appreciated so that we can help families in need in our own areas,” said Mel Topp, President of the Glenmore Park St Vincent De Paul conference. To get involved just search ‘The 15 Can Challenge’ on Facebook.
News in Numbers As of this week, Penrith residents can access Medicare and Centrelink services all in the one place. On Monday, Medicare staff in Westfield were relocated to the Centrelink building on High Street.
One
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Federal Minister for Human Services Senator Marise Payne said having the services coexist in the same premises would make life easier for residents.
Penrith Council is willing to fork out $55,000 for a new outdoor health and fitness gym in Cranebrook if the NSW Government approves the project for additional funding through its Sports Facility grant program. Minister for Sport and Recreation, Stuart Ayres, announced that the State Government would provide grants of up to $25,000 for projects that improve safety at sports facilities or address barriers to participation in sport. “I just can’t emphasise enough how important sport is to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities alike,” Mr Ayres said. The new outdoor gym, if approved, would be located in Callisto Drive
“Penrith will join more than 150 communities around the country who now have access to a one-stop shop where Medicare and Centrelink face-to-face services are offered under the one roof,” Ms Payne said. “Penrith has expert staff to serve customers directly, or help them register online to manage their Centrelink and Medicare business anywhere at any time. “Staff can also help jobseekers and seniors use Express Plus apps to get online rather than in line, to conduct their everyday business such as updating their contact details, reporting and recording their income and submitting documents to the department.” The changes are now in force.
Reserve and complement the recently upgraded playground. Council is also making a submission
55,000 for gym
to the grants program for lighting at Myrtle Road Fields in Claremont Meadows. The Claremont Meadows facility is the current home of St Marys Convent FC. The project would in total cost $115,000.
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St Marys 2014
Halloween Trick or Treat Trail SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER 10AM-2PM M 2PM
COACHMAN’S PARK Cnr Charles Hackett Drive And Queen St, St Marys
FREE ENTERTAINMENT WITH THE GIRLS FROM M 2014 XFACTOR BEATZ Our participating retailers are: Annastacia’s Hair Design, Baldos Haircare Centre, Blink Property, Café 144, Cassandra’s On Queen, Classic Conveyancing Company, Cartridge World, Chimes Hair Design, Doves Jewellers, Enchanted Hair and Beauty, Essential Locksmiths, F1 Real Estate, Graham’s Hobby Centre, Hair Options by Mary, Hobbypro, Jamjo Gifts and Homewares, Lee Nova, Maria’s on Queen, Mega Cash, Party Pitstop, Professionals Real Estate St Marys, Right Property Group, Rustic Chef Café, Ripples Leisure Centre, St Marys Library, St Marys Sound Centre, Skye’s The Limit, SOS Phone Repairs, The Sizzling Tuckerbox, Workplace Safety, Yellow Brick Road, Untamed Flowers, Zahra’s Pizza and Munoosh
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Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
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More Badgerys Creek progress is coming CASSANDRA O’CONNOR @cassandra_o
November 7th to 9th
A
fter mounting pressure from the local community, the Federal Government has announced that the environmental assessment process for Badgerys Creek airport will commence before the end of the year. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss has confirmed that an environmental referral is being prepared for Badgerys Creek currently, with the environmental assessment expected to commence by December. “Last month, the government contracted a team of experienced consultants from SMEC to conduct an initial survey of the site and its environmental assets,” Mr Truss said. “Their job is to update our specific knowledge of the site to inform the Referral under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. “The Referral is expected to be submitted for consideration by the Minister for the Environment next month. Following that, a decision will be made as to the type of environmental assessment required before the end of the year.”
Join us for a weekend of music, story telling, challenge and inspiration
Combined Churches Healing Service - Hope & Healing
Warren Truss Mr Truss said that the environmental assessment will include opportunities for public consultation. “This is not the first time that the site has been the subject of an environmental assessment. An assessment was originally conducted in the 1980s and a further, more comprehensive assessment, was successfully concluded in 1999,” he said. “Over the years the land at Badgerys Creek has been protected from incompatible urban development through the planning restrictions put in place by the New South Wales Government.”
A relaxed evening of music, storytelling and healing as Geoff shares on Love, Grace & Mercy Time: Friday 7.30pm. Venue: New Horizons Community Church - 8/516 Great Western Highway, St Marys
Combined Churches Men’s Breakfast - Jesus The Main
Geoff shares on Jesus - The Man, through music and storytelling. Time: Saturday 8.00am to 10.00am. Venue: Mamre House, 181 Mamre Road, Orchard Hills. Cost: $30 booking essential. Ph: 9673 1009. E: pastor@newhorizonschurch.org.au
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A Weekend of Ministry with Geoff Bullock
Combined Churches Seminar - Worship, More Than Just The Music! Come prepared to discover just what “Worship in Spirit and Truth” is all about and then participate in an open discussion and a practical workshop. Time: Saturday 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Venue: New Horizons Community Church - 8/516 GWH, St Marys.
Communion Service
A special time of music and storytelling, culminating around the Lord’s Table together. Time: Sunday 9.30am. Venue: New Horizons Community Church - 8/516 GWH, St Marys
www.newhorizonschurch.org.au
WW12599
facebook.com/penrithbowlingclub WW9825
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
Cnr Woodriff and Derby Sts, PENRITH NSW 2750 • ph:4721 2515 www.penrithbowling.com.au
18
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS
Cycle that’s impossible to stop One-stop-shop needed to help address homelessness crisis in Penrith
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
local news
CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
@cassandra_o
P
overty and homelessness are inextricably linked and many of Penrith’s poorest residents are finding it impossible to break the cycle. Gen Jagt founded Paying It Forward Homeless Services, which provides food assistance to Penrith’s most disadvantaged. “Many of the patrons we see have been ‘bounced’ between services,” she said. “This is partly due to patrons not understanding the system and not being good advocates for themselves and services that don’t cater to all their needs. “Many patrons need to seek multiple services and finding these can be both hard and frustrating.” She said that a lack of services in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains is pushing people into Penrith. “The number of actual rough sleepers has increased dramatically due to affordable housing and large waiting times for Department of Housing properties. We are also finding many patrons that are not on the correct Centrelink payments,” she said. Last week was Anti-Poverty Week and Lauri Marshall, centre manager of Christians Against Poverty in Kingswood, is urging people to seek financial assistance before they are out on the streets. “We operate a free service to help people back on track financially,” Ms Marshall said. “Eight out of 10 people we help have already been served notices by the bank that their house will be reclaimed. “They walk in here and are so stressed because they don’t know how to improve their financial situation and are about to become homeless.” Ms Marshall helps her clients approach their lending institutions and receive extensions by providing a solid budget plan that the person can follow. “About 10 per cent of the people we see have been raised in a culture where they haven’t been taught about financial management,” she said. “But generally we find people have either fallen on hard times through illness or death in the family; or there are underlying issues such as gambling or mental health issues. “I don’t care how people got in this situation though, I just want to help them get out of it.” Sadly, many of the people experiencing homelessness in Penrith are struggling with mental health issues. A report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) two weeks ago examined the housing outcomes of people in four disadvantaged groups, including mental illness. It found that in a two year period to 2013, the percentage of housing services clients with mental illness was 45 per cent and of those, eight per cent still ended up homeless even after assistance. The report also found high rates of homelessness in youths, domestic violence victims and people with drug and alcohol problems. Importantly, the AIHW found that 36.6
Gen Jagt hands out food to a Penrith resident at Paying It Forward’s weekly gathering in the Penrith CBD. Photo: Melinda Jane
Various services are offered to locals
per cent of specialist housing services clients belonged to at least two of these four categories of vulnerability. Ms Jagt agrees that this is very much the case in Penrith too. “Penrith homeless patrons fit into all four of these categories with many overlapping into two or more of these group types,” she said. “For example, we have youth that are suffering from mental health that also suffer either drug or alcohol addiction; or women coming from domestic violence situations that are suffering from mental health. It is somewhat rare that patrons fit just one category. “All these four groups are a major concern but that concern is higher when patrons fall into more than one category. Approximately 90 per cent of the patrons we see have some form of mental health issues.” The AIHW report recognised that a considerable amount of effort is put in by homelessness services. “Specialist homelessness services put considerable effort into preventing those
most at risk of losing their housing falling into homelessness,” AIHW spokesperson Geoff Neideck said. “It also takes considerable support by agencies to assist a person into housing once they have become homeless. The group of clients who presented homeless and became housed were supported for the greatest median number of days of support. “This illustrates the level of effort that goes into assisting people to become housed or preventing clients from falling into homelessness, often where there are difficult or complex circumstances.” Ms Jagt said that a one-stop-shop in Penrith would be the best solution to intensifying existing efforts. “There is no one facility in Penrith that someone who is homeless, newly homeless or in danger of being homeless can go to get support, advice and referrals. Penrith needs a one stop homeless shop in the form of a Homeless Community Centre,” she said. For financial assistance, free call Christians Against Poverty on 1300 227 000.
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Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
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dear weekender...
local news
‘That’ shirt Mr Dodds, your column on 17.10.2014 discussed the recent incident of Woolworths removing from sale a shirt displaying a racist sentiment (From the Editor’s Desk, Western Weekender October 24). The column outlined your opinion that Woolworths has made an error in responding to comments made on social media. You wrote: “...some PR folk think that hashtags are more important than letters to the editor, Facebook likes are more critical than evening TV news ratings and retweets are much more indicative of the thoughts of the public than talkback radio announcers or callers.� I disagree with this view that discounts the important role that social media can play in airing the opinions of the wider public. Whilst I value the role of old media, I believe that retweets indeed are more indicative of the thoughts of the public than the limited number of (carefully selected) callers aired on a radio show. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram cross the boundaries of class, age, income, level of education and location, those factors which determine the
target audience and consumers of a newspaper, radio or TV program. Material on social media is able to reach a wider audience than that of individual papers and programs. Social media is then more able to reflect the opinions of the masses. Furthermore, I believe that Woolworths has done the right thing by removing the shirt and issuing an apology. Whilst you may not see anything offensive in the words “If you don’t love it, leave it�, the fact is that this type of simplistic slogan has become linked to the xenophobic “us and them� attitude which promotes racial hatred. Finally, your comment that flying an Australian flag would “probably� brand you as a racist is inflammatory and not based on any evidence. This kind of glum statement on the deterioration of Aussie patriotism only serves to needlessly fuel the fire of xenophobia. I urge you to be more careful with your comments and use your editorship responsibly. MELISSA MELLISH, CAMBRIDGE PARK
Shirt is ridiculous I think the t-shirt is ridiculous.
Have we not heard of democracy? If you don’t love it, then change it, speak up, critique it and resist it. To suggest that someone should “leave it� activates defences because we all know that it is an excuse to safeguard/keep poor policies and practises just the way they are, encourage unquestioning dictatorship-like ideals under the guise of patriotism, and fuel too many moronic bigots with catchphrases that they already use to justify their bu*****t. JESSICA GILBEY, VIA FACEBOOK
Nothing wrong with it Nothing racist about it; it just states the fact that if you don’t want to live the Australian way then you are quite welcome to find somewhere else to live. MARK DIMOND, VIA FACEBOOK
Back room politics I like many others were very disappointed at how back room politics have taken place at the Penrith City Council. I thought that this behaviour would have been restricted to State and Federal
email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750
politics, but no, here we have a Mayor who wants another term. That might be OK, but what gets up my nose is how Ross Fowler went about it, seeking votes and deals from other Councillors or different political parties, at what cost, and who is going to suffer. This is remindful of the back room deals done at the State and Federal Elections a few years back when one party did deals with another just to retain power. If an arrangement was done by Ross Fowler to step aside after his 12 months for Jim Aitken to take over as Mayor as is reported and Ross Fowler goes back on his word, are the people of Penrith going to suffer? Only time will tell. I do know that this type of behaviour is a good and valid reason for the people of Penrith to elect a Mayor that they want and not leave it to the local Councillors to wheel and deal and get what they want. Ross Fowler, please remember, as a Councillor elected by the Liberal voters of the City of Penrith, you have turned your back on them and it would be interesting to see what they think now and at the election. H MORFOOT, GLENMORE PK
Parking pain Seems a lot (Parking fines net big money for Council, Western Weekender October 10). Clearly the area needs more parking. If there’s no parking people will go elsewhere to shop and seek services out of area. NATALIE BALDERSTONE, VIA FACEBOOK
Lakes debate The council is correct, building in major flood zones is crazy (Western Weekender October 17). Proposing to build in areas of high risk is criminal. Without major improvement to Warragamba Dam ($3B) the risk for most of the Penrith Lakes land is Suicidal. The world is changing, the likelihood of extreme weather events is increasing. The one hundred year flood data is no longer the correct benchmark. The Maximum possible event , much more stringent test should be used. The question is, say in 10 to 20 years hence, a major flood does happen, over one hundred killed, who is responsible? The developer, the council, the State Government, the consultant? DAVID BENTHAM, J SPRINGS
The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.
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Penrith City Council has been awarded funds from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to subsidise the removal of asbestos from residential properties. Council is one of 24 local government areas that will participate in a trial of the Householders Asbestos Disposal Scheme. Under the scheme, the NSW government waste levy of $120.90 per tonne will be paid back to householders as a rebate. As an added incentive the use of a licensed asbestos removal contractor will entitle the householder to an additional $50 per tonne rebate. Householders must first register their property to be eligible for the rebates by emailing wsrads@penrithcity. nsw.gov.au. To be eligible for the rebates you must own a residential property in the Penrith local government area, and; be disposing of bonded (non-friable) asbestos. Householders who choose to remove asbestos themselves should observe all safety precautions otherwise they risk putting themselves and their family in danger of long-term health risks. For advice on the safe removal of asbestos go to asbestosawareness. com.au. For more details on the Household-
ers Asbestos Disposal Scheme go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au. Council is in receipt of a development application for a new seniors village in North Penrith. Worth $43 million, the seniors living would include 100 residential aged care units and 48 independent living units, as well as on site parking and amenities. Delta Force Paint Ball is looking to set up shop in Londonderry. They have lodged a DA this month to build a paint ball facility with associated playing fields and structures and upgrade an existing parking area on their site at 308-332 Londonderry Road, Londonderry. Popular dining chain Coco Cubano is moving to Penrith. The restaurant will be built in Westfield Penrith and include outdoor dining. Residents can now have their say on a proposal to build two residential flat buildings in Thornton, North Penrith. One building would be four stories and the other would be seven stories. They would be built at 1196 Sydney Smith Drive. The next Ordinary Meeting of Council is this Monday evening.
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COMMUNITY
Ropes Crossing looks for the scariest house in town
Graffiti is a costly problem
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CASSANDRA O’CONNOR @cassandra_o
M
ember for Penrith Stuart Ayres joined Australian Air Force Cadets from Glenbrook RAAF base recently to encourage residents in Penrith to roll up their sleeves and take part in NSW Graffiti Removal Day. Graffiti Removal Day, held this year on October 26, is a joint partnership between the NSW Government and Rotary Down Under aimed at encouraging local communities to get involved in the campaign to stop graffiti. “Every year graffiti vandalism costs NSW more than $100 million to remove from public assets, community facilities and private property,” Mr Ayres said. “Graffiti Removal Day gives us all an opportunity to do our bit to combat graffiti and clean up our local area. This year Penrith and the Lower Blue Mountains have 10 sites nominated for the cleanup day. “The NSW Government is proud to be working with community groups such as the Australian Air Force Cadets, Rotary and Penrith Council as well as great sponsors
Jareth and Callaway get into the Halloween spirit
CASSANDRA O’CONNOR @cassandra_o
Although Ropes Crossing is relatively new as a suburb, it’ll be looking rather haunted and creepy come October 31. Halloween is the American tradition that many Aussie families are now partaking in, and Ropes Crossing residents will be holding a competition for the spookiest house to celebrate the day on October 31. Residents are invited to decorate their homes in the creepiest, scariest items they can find; from giant spiders to
jack-o-lanterns, tombstones to spider webs. The best house will be judged by a panel of Ropes Crossing residents. “Our residents have a healthy sense of competition and we know many of them love to go all out decorating their houses for Halloween, so we’re expecting a huge effort from them in this contest,” said event organiser and Ropes Crossing resident Anne Newtown. Celebrating the wicked day this Saturday is St Marys Town Centre, who once again have organised a trick or treat trail. On from 10am until 2pm there will be heaps of spooky fun.
State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres with Air Force Cadets such as Dulux, Selleys, Brookfield Johnson Controls and Smart Graffiti on this event.” This year there will be cleanups along Russell Street in Emu Plains, at Allen Place car park in Penrith CBD, at Station and Queen Streets in St Marys and East Lane in St Marys. People who volunteer will be supplied with cleaning materials, safety equipment and will receive training on how to safely remove graffiti. Those people who can’t attend can still support the event by promoting it on Facebook or
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Twitter or by simply telling their friends, family and workmates about the day. “Graffiti Removal Day is about helping us identify, remove and prevent vandalism from happening in our local communities,” Mr Ayres said. “By working together we can reduce graffiti and educate young people about the negative impacts of vandalism to help deter anti-social and destructive behaviour.” To volunteer please complete an online registration form at www. graffitiremovalday.org.au.
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EDUCATION
Work experience with a twist
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Unique program gives students an insight into careers within the health system JARROD GLASCOTT
local news
F
riday, October 17 saw the official launch of Health Inspirations Nepean, a unique work experience opportunity for local high school students. The program ran for the first time as a trial in November 2013 and has since seen over 60 students participate from 19 different schools in the Penrith, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Blue Mountains regions. Bryan Beatty, director of workforce, people and culture at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD ) and executive sponsor of the program said that during the five-day program students are given a broad view of career opportunities in the health sector rather than the more traditional work experience archetype, which would typically expose students to just one facet of an organisation. NBMLHD Workplace, People and Culture Project and Research Adviser Amy Soliman agreed and said the program is a comprehensive and intensive look at different career opportunities within the health sector. “Students meet with about 20 health professionals from all different parts of the organisation… to ask questions about what skills are required [and] what sort of jobs are available,” Ms Soliman said. Students are also given the opportunity to go out into the hospital, under the guidance of staff, to get a hands-on idea of what working in a hospital is really like. “It is really hard to make decisions about your career choice with no exposure to the field so this opportunity is a great chance to have a glimpse of what a career in health might look like,” said Year 12 student,
Benjamin Powell, Amy Soliman and Andrew Saoullis Benjamin Powell of St Dominics College, a student in the pilot Health Inspirations program. “The program has strengthened my aspirations to pursue a career as a doctor.” All of the students who take part are required to have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in health and like Benjamin, many find their aspirations
strengthened. But others will find themselves aspiring to a different role in health after realising the variety of careers that the industry offers. Andrew Saoullis, a Year 10 student from Jamison High School said the most valuable part of the program was the interviews with staff, which helped him figure out what each field entailed.
Acting Chief Executive for NBMLHD, Clair Ramsden said the program is vital for the future of the local area health sector. “Health Inspirations is one way we hope to inspire tomorrow’s workers to join our sector,” she said. “Due to the program’s success, the local health district has chosen to continue to support the program into the future.”
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Makeover for Sherbet
100-year milestone
KATHERINE TWEED
W
KATHERINE TWEED
S
@ktweed_
Carissa Moffatt with Sherbet, who has undergone a major makeover her class but also won the people’s choice award. “I was astonished, I couldn’t believe it. For people to choose my work over the work of people who have been in the industry for 20 to 30 years, it was amazing,” she said. Ms Moffatt has been grooming for five years now. “I have always loved animals – so I trained as a vet nurse before I decided that grooming was more hands-on. I started my own business from there,” she said. “I only groom part time but on average I probably see 24 dogs a week. I try not to do too many because I like to keep it personal – I like that one on one time.”
outh Penrith resident Jo Brotherson has lived through an entire century. The local senior is celebrating her 100th birthday today (Friday, October 24) and her secret to a long and happy life? Keep moving. “It is important to keep very active all your life, don’t be idle,” she said. With the celebration of her birthday, she is also celebrating years of voluntary work in and around the local area. She has volunteered as a nurse at Nepean Hospital, is a life-long member of the Red Cross and is a former president of Nepean Legacy. “Her commitment to her voluntary work is admirable and she doesn’t ask for anything in return. She is a beautiful and very dynamic lady,” said Kylie James, who has known and supported her for four years. Ms Brotherson was visited by members from a number of local organisations through the week, including Legacy
Jo Brotherson is celebrating her 100th birthday today. Photo: Melinda Jane and the Penrith RSL Sub Branch, who congratulated her on the milestone. “I feel like a bit of a notoriety,” she said.
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
errington County Pet Stylist, Carissa Moffatt, wowed the crowds and the judges at a recent dog-grooming competition where she transformed Sherbet the poodle into popular children’s character ‘Shaun the Sheep’. The Pawz and Relax Pet Spa owner and local vet nurse took out two awards after attending what was her first dog grooming competition – the 2014 Pet Expo in the ‘Creative Grooming’ class. She had just two hours to clip and scissor her dog into a creative design. “I have always enjoyed creative grooming. It is good fun; you get to express yourself and my dog loves it because she gets all that attention,” Ms Moffatt said. “To turn what was essentially a blob of a dog – she was really just a hairy ball – into ‘Shaun the Sheep’ in two hours was a real challenge.” She not only was awarded first place in
@ktweed_
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COMMUNITY
Lions Club just keeps giving Roaring with thanks: Over $250,000 donated to Nepean Hospital by Lions
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
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KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
A
relationship spanning over more than 20 years has seen Penrith Lions Club donate more than a quarter of a million dollars to Nepean Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Club members visited the hospital last week to celebrate the purchase of three new saturation machines, which were bought with a $10,000 donation, generated by a year’s worth of fundraising by the club. The vital machines are used in the care of seriously ill babies as they offer a noninvasive way to check the oxygen levels of the child. The Club have been supporting the NICU since about 1992, when a member’s grandchild was being cared for in the unit. “We feel blessed to be associated with this unit because it is bringing new life to the world and sustaining sick babies so they can get better and grow up with their families. I just think this is one of the greatest things we could do for our local community and that’s what our Lions Club is about – supporting the local community of Penrith,” said Peter Robin, Penrith Lions President. The Club works closely with staff to determine what they are most in need of at
Members of the Penrith Lions Club visited Nepean Hospital last Thursday the time and have been responsible for the purchase of not only medical equipment but equipment to help make the families of the babies receiving care more comfortable, like two electric reclining chairs donated last year.
They are hoping to double their donation amount next year, with the help of a grant from the wider Lions organisation. “We have been around for 50 years and we have seen the growth in the area and have seen the need in this particular unit.
Each year that we contribute something, we contribute as much as possible,” said Club Secretary Steven Holley. Staff at the hospital thanked the members over a morning tea on Thursday, October 16.
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New park Ropes in history Ropes Crossing community welcomes new park on site of old railway station
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CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
@cassandra_o
L
ast weekend a new park was unveiled to the public at Ropes Crossing, which will provide green space and amenities for local families. The new Ropes Crossing Station Park has been built at the site of the old railway station, which was part of the Dunheved train line. Built around the original platform of the station, the park provides a number of amenities for residents. “In addition to a children’s cycle track with traffic signs, and a fenced area for dogs to run off leash, the park contains a picnic area for residents and visitors,” explained President of the FOCUS Ropes Crossing community group, Derek Margerison. “During the opening ceremony local resident and historian, David Tress, outlined the history of the Ropes Creek Station and two other stations which serviced the old Australian Defence Industries site of 800 buildings during World War II. “A popular visitor to the opening was the Penrith Panthers mascot who provided photo opportunities for children.”
Unveiling of the plaque by Steve Bali, Blacktown Mayor, and David Tress, Local Resident Historian. Inset: The new park offers lots of new amenities for residents
EDUCATION
New building opened
Students celebrate the opening of Mamre Anglican School’s new building
KATHERINE TWEED
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
M WW13327
@ktweed_
amre Anglican School has celebrated the completion of its new Senior Studies Centre, designed specifically to suit the modern learning styles of today’s students. The completion of the $3 million building, which was designed after consultation with students, staff and parents, was celebrated by the school on Tuesday, October 21. “This building was needed because this school has been rapidly growing over the past six years. We had just 160 students in 2009 and are expecting that we will have about 500 next year,” said Mamre Anglican College Headmaster, Vic Branson.
The school, which currently serves students from Kindergarten up to Year 10, will be introducing a Year 11 class next year and the new building has been designed specifically for senior students. There are two science labs, three large learning spaces that can be converted to one large hall, two seminar rooms, a number of smaller ‘niche’ spaces for private or small-group study and a staff room. “Students these days, they want to learn in classroom situations but also want a space where they can sit and read, use their iPads or use a computer,” Mr Branson said. “The new building has been designed with interesting colours, and lots of open spaces and flexible learning areas, which reflects how kids learn today,” Mr Branson added.
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Matthew’s coffee shop idea brings a smile and a renewed faith in our kids
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Using his own ‘tooth fairy’ money, sixyear-old Matthew Jones set up and ran a mini coffee shop in the front yard of his Emu Plains home earlier this month. KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
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The local boy made $105.20 but he didn’t keep a cent for himself. Last week he donated the funds made to the Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward and his reason for doing it: “because it is a good thing�. “We sold cookies, big cookies, little cookies. The big cookies were $1 and little cookies were 50 cents and the tea and coffee was $2. We even had bottles of water, they were $1 each,� he said. “There were a lot [of people who came to purchase cookies and tea] and the one I liked the most was a person who paid the money [to buy cookies] and gave [the cookies] to me! One man got five big cookies.� The six-year-old came up with the concept after watching a program on TV and with the help of his parents, he planned, organised and created the mini coffee shop – complete with chairs and tables – not long after. “He had thought of everything, he did it all himself. It makes you feel proud and it also makes you realise that they do think outside the box – it is not all about playing with their friends – they do have thoughts that influence their actions,� said mum, Lorraine Jones. “I think that as a parent it is very important to help them follow those thoughts through by making the time to help them so that children can see that they can achieve whatever they put their
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business
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PANTHER CYCLES 24 Henry Street, Penrith 4731 3522 info@panthercycles.com.au panthercycles.com.au
Penrith’s oldest bicycle store, Panther Cycles, is celebrating 40-years as a Penrith icon. Established in 1974, the Henry Street store has for many years been the go-to for local residents for all their cycling needs, whether they are serious road or mountain bike enthusiasts or just everyday casual riders. Brothers Dave and Andy Richardson are proud owners with a 20-year history at Panther Cycles. “We did work experience here whilst at school 20 years ago and after leaving school, we bought the business and have been here ever since,” said owner, Dave. “Having lived, ridden and worked in the area for so long, like all of our staff members, we have seen many changes in the area. Penrith is changing; people are getting out and being active, which is something we are supportive of.” The team has seen a growth in the amount of people cycling in the area. “We have the lakes and the river, which are perfect for families. We have kilometres of road and tracks that are perfect for recreational riders and road racing and in addition, Penrith is just minutes away from the Blue Mountains, which provides hours of fun for mountain bikers,” Dave said. With such a variety of riders in the local area, who all have different needs and requests, the experience of the Panther Cycles team is of the utmost importance. “We are all experienced riders ourselves and we genuinely love what we do. We are proud that over the years we have helped so many customers achieve their goals, right from world champions through to families wanting to go for a family ride,” Dave said.
BUSINE S S OF TH E W E E K
Ride in and see the experts Whether you’re a professional cyclist or just looking for some fun with the family, the team at Panther Cycles can assist with all of your needs
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Bicycle specialists – est.1974
NEW LOCATION NO
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
HIGH
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BUSINESS TIPS
31 MICHAEL TODD Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC
Don’t be overwhelmed by too many choices
Healthy workers make better workplaces
Is there such a thing as giving ourselves too much choice? Some recent research has found that when we are focusing on a goal, having more than one possible path to success can cause us to fail to reach any goals. The research shows that at the beginning of a project, having a number of choices makes starting the process easier. But as you get closer to completing the project or task, having many choices can undermine motivation. It is the fact that we have to interrupt our momentum to make decisions that halts the process. Having too many choices can also make us second guess the process and the decisions that have been made prior. This is not to say that you shouldn’t be flexible and open to shifting goals where necessary to respond to new information and so on. But creating an environment where we let ‘choices’ become the ruling factor, rather than the goal, it is highly likely that goals won’t be met. This can be true for ourselves and our staff, as well as our customers. When customers are new to our business, giving them options is a great way to provide a
positive customer service experience. But once they are a loyal customer, it can be beneficial to give your customers a single or limited path to follow. Giving them choice all the time can result in them getting frustrated: they trust you and want you to recommend the best course of action! So find the balance for your business and your customers. Make sure you provide choice and consider many options at the start of a process. But as a goal draws nearer, limit the choices and focus on the final goal.
Is your business keeping you awake at night?
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2. Drink an adequate amount of water, which is 8-10 glasses per day. Even foods are good sources of water. Fruits like oranges, grapefruit, grapes, watermelon, and apples can help keep you healthy and hydrated. Water is so important. 3. One of the most important things you can do during the day to stay healthy and in shape is to exercise. Walking during lunch is a good idea, so is taking the stairs rather than the elevator or parking further away from work. 4. Eyestrain is another problem that can be encountered in front of a computer. It can cause headaches, difficulty focusing, and increased sensitivity to light. The distance to the screen from your eyes should be about an arm’s length away. If you can’t read your screen from an arm’s length away, simply increase the font size on your computer. 5. Your keyboard, mouse, and phone can have thousands of germs that are just waiting to make you sick. So get out the disinfectant. 7. Eating a healthy lunch is an important part of a balanced diet. Balanced portions are important.
WHO CAN YOU TRUST?
Come in for an appointment at no cost to you with a business advisor to help solve your business problems.
This service is proudly funded by the State Government Small Biz Connect Program
I should start this piece by admitting I am not qualified to be giving advice on this subject. It was a topic at a recent conference I attended and I want to share some information and my opinion. I believe a lot of it comes down to common sense. We all talk up a big game when it comes to health and fitness but not nearly enough of us follow it through. I do this column with a small business focus so let’s have a look at being healthy in the workplace. There are big differences with unhealthy workers compared to healthy workers. Unhealthy workers have a high fat diet, low energy levels and poor concentration, are obese or overweight and have irregular sleep patterns. Healthy workers’ performance is often higher because of their healthy diet leading them to be fit, energetic and alert. Here are tips for staying healthy inside the workplace: 1. Unless healthy, don’t have snacks available. They can add a few hundred calories to your daily diet very quickly. Out of sight out of mind.
business
MICHELLE GRICE Founder of Shel Design
automotive
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AUTO
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NATHAN TAYLOR
On the court, he is a ten-time NBA All-Star and the most popular athlete in America, if not the world. Away from the arena he is a philanthropist, businessman and trendsetter, and now LeBron James proudly includes a Kia K900 – the brand’s first-ever rear-drive luxury sedan – among his fleet of exotic automobiles. In a multi-year partnership with Kia Motors, James assumes the newly created role of K900 Luxury Ambassador after the avid car collector reached out to Kia for a firsthand experience with the flagship sedan aimed at confident, independent thinkers who actively seek out new products and unique ideas from up-andcoming brands. “I was a Kia K900 driver and fan before we decided to become partners, so I’m really excited to be Kia’s first-ever luxury ambassador,” the Cleveland NBA star said. “This partnership is about the power of great style and performance. Kia and the K900 are out to challenge conventional wisdom and show people how to think differently, and I can relate to that.” Kia Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Tim Chaney said: “As fans of the game of basketball, we were honoured to learn that one of today’s most influential athletes and tastemakers recognised something different was going on at Kia and wanted to check out our new flagship sedan”.
Slam Dunk LeBron James is one of the world’s biggest sporting stars, and now he drives a KIA
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Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
9 reasons to choose Penrith Mazda Centre Servicing Department next time you service your Mazda
Call now on 4732 2777 to book in or book online at penrithmazda.com.au Please quote the promo code ‘service’ when booking online.
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Penrith
Centre
AFL
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Ryan Griffen joins the Giants Backflips, strong words and behind the scenes deals in a busy AFL off-season sent western Sydney and Canberra and it’s critical our players share that value. Clearly Tom doesn’t and the best course of action is for him to leave the club. “We are delighted to have Ryan Griffen at the club. He is not only a great talent but a person with strong values and brings more experience and maturity to the list.” Speaking at a press conference last Thursday, the dual Best and Fairest winner admitted he needed a fresh start. “I found myself in a hole last year and wasn’t enjoying the game, and if I’m not enjoying something, I don’t really want to do it,” Griffen said. “I needed a change and the best fit was GWS.” Meanwhile, the Giants also announced the signing of 29-year-old Brisbane Lions veteran Joel Patfull on a two-year deal. Also this week, the AFL confirmed that the 2015 season will not start until the first weekend of April due to the cricket World Cup. With the full season draw to be released next week, the AFL did confirm that the GWS Giants will take on St Kilda in their opening round match on Sunday, April 5 next year.
@natetaylor87
T
he worst kept secret in AFL was revealed last week when Western Bulldogs captain and 202 game veteran Ryan Griffen joined the GWS Giants on a four-year deal. After constant denials from Giants management just days earlier, last year’s number one draft pick Tom Boyd was finally traded to the Footscray-based club to make way for the 28-year-old AllAustralian midfielder. Giants boss David Matthews said the club had changed its position on Boyd and decided to trade the 19-year-old after reviewing a number of factors. “First, the Bulldogs have made a revised and attractive offer which now includes their first draft pick (six), an elite player in Ryan Griffen and salary cap assistance in relation to his contract,” he said. “Second, our coach Leon Cameron has consulted the leadership group and they agreed they want a united and loyal playing group heading into an important season in 2015. “Third, as a club we are proud to repre-
Ryan Griffen is joining the GWS Giants
sport
NATHAN TAYLOR
HARNESS RACING // Lorraine Pozza THE NEPEAN Blue Mountains Sub Section of the Naval Association of Australia were our guests last Thursday night at the Penrith Paceway. This evening with the Naval Association is an annual event and this year was the 25th year of the occasion when all races are named after ships of the Royal Australian Navy. Race one went to Why Four ($8.70) driven by Tod McCarthy who had a good run in behind the leader Mink Stride and finished too well for him when heads were turned for home. Favourite Motu Kenny only just battled on for third. Tod McCarthy made it two in a row winning with The Black Assasin ($2.50) in the second after being soon in front. Cherryblossomdancer sat behind him and hung on for second. Leighs Delight after receiving a bad check early ran on strongly for third and no doubt was an unlucky runner. Cankickatarget ($3.10) driven by Jack Trainor virtually left the field for dead in the third. He was in front and pulling very hard but when allowed to have his head he ran right away from the field with daylight being second. Eventual winner Domestic Art ($2.70) Gavin Fitzpatrick took the sit behind early
leader Hurrysound and was lucky to get clear turning for home. Type Thing had worked hard three wide to lead into the straight and just went down when Domestic Art finished quickly in the fourth. Favourite Just Read My Mind ($2.90) driven by Michael Muscat took the lead from Swift Exit in the fifth but had to withstand heavy pressure from Im Alex in the run to the post. In their previous encounter Im Alex had been the victor. Luda Can Dance ($9.00) driven by David Morris came from barrier 10 and worked hard outside the leader Deadsetgiveaway to win the sixth. Deeinnocentwun finished strongly for second after being behind the leader. Favourite Run Miles Run broke at the start and was out of play. After many tries Jerseylicious ($3.30) broke through for a win in the seventh. Driver Kerry Ann Turner soon had her up near the lead and when the pressure was on in the straight just managed to hold on from Lane Three. Outsider Massicco ($9.90) Greg Arentz secured a lucky run from three back on the inside to hold off Miss Percerverence in the last. Two Step Bob led by a long way early but compounded over the last bit.
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Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
Mansour to make debut Penrith Panthers winger Josh Mansour will make his debut for Australia this Saturday night after being named in the Kangaroos side to take on New Zealand. The Four Nations Tournament gets underway on Saturday with England playing Samoa ahead of Australia’s battle with the Kiwis. Mansour has been named on the wing for the clash, with the Kangaroos favourites to open their Four Nations account with a victory. Panthers fullback Matt Moylan will have to wait for his Test debut, with Greg Inglis named at fullback this weekend. Penrith’s Dean Whare and Lewis Brown will play for New Zealand.
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BMX
Sandy’s back on her bike sport
Serious injuries couldn’t stop Cameron defending her NSW State Championship title NATHAN TAYLOR
@natetaylor87
H
ere’s a great story about falling off your bike and getting back on again, literally. Sandy Cameron has always loved her sport but you’ll never see her throw on a skirt and a pair of sneakers for a game of netball or tennis. Instead she likes her sport a bit rough and tough… something with a little more bite. After carving out a successful ice hockey career which lasted 25 years, the qualified electrician decided to give it all away for a brand new challenge – BMX Racing. After seeing an advertisement for a ‘Come and Try’ Day at Penrith BMX Club three years ago, Cameron decided to borrow a friend’s bike and head on down to the St Marys BMX track to try her luck. “I absolutely loved it,” Cameron told the Weekender. “After playing ice hockey for so long, I pretty much did everything I could in the sport. I was a bit over it and a bit jaded, and was looking for something different.” So after purchasing herself a second hand bike from a fellow Penrith BMX
Sandy Cameron has won the NSW State Championship in the 45-49 cruiser class Club member, Cameron decided to dedicate every spare moment she had to her newfound sport. After work each day Cameron would
often visit the track until the sun went down so she could familiarise herself with the various bumps, jumps and of course, tricky terrain.
“I remember the first time I rode the track I went very slowly because I had no skill,” Cameron admitted. “I’ve always ridden bikes having grown up on a farm but never anything like this. “I’d often ask people questions about how to do certain things and slowly but surely my skills grew.” However, all the skills and confidence Cameron acquired from her hours and hours of practice almost went out the window when, during a race, she was “flattened” by a male competitor. Cameron had only been in the sport for a month but was seriously injured and facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines. “I was coming dead last riding beside a bloke, a big bloke, when the next thing I knew I was on the ground and he was on top of me,” she recalled. “His handle bar went through my cheek, I tore ligaments in my knee and broke my collarbone. But after two surgeries and 12 months later I got back on the bike.” Earlier this month, the 46-year-old successfully defended her NSW State Championship title by winning the 45-49 women’s cruiser class for the second straight year.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Have a fresh NU LOOK this
CRICKET: Penrith remain undefeated in the Sydney Grade Cricket competition after finishing off Western Suburbs in style last weekend. In a two-day match taking place at Pratten Park, Penrith batted first scoring a tremendous total of 314 with batsman Matt Hopkins the pick of the bunch on 117. Last Saturday when Western Suburbs hit the crease they only managed 192 with Penrith’s Josh Lalor tearing through the order with figures of 5/63. Penrith remain in first position on the ladder and will play Randwick-Petersham in a two-day match starting this Saturday at Howell Oval.
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
g n i r p S Call us now to find out how 02 8999 5597 or 0419 283 113
www.nulookroofing.com.au WW12902
CRICKET: After spending a number of years in the wilderness with a serious back injury, Penrith fast bowler Pat Cummins is well and truly back on the international cricket scene after being selected in Australia’s T20 squad to take on South Africa in an upcoming three match series. Cummins made his long-awaited return to international cricket earlier this month when he was part of Australia’s T20 squad that toured the United Arab Emirates. The 21-year-old local product was also recently signed by the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League campaign. Meanwhile, fellow Penrith cricketer Pat Jackson made his NSW Blues debut on Monday, replacing injured captain Moises Henriques for their clash against Tasmania.
BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers are currently enjoying a well-earned bye this
round after their midweek match against Ryde was washed out last Wednesday. Penrith currently sit in second position on the NSW State Baseball League ladder.
GRIDIRON: The Nepean Ducks have lost their eighth game of the Gridiron NSW season, going down to the Bondi Raiders 28-0. The Ducks continue to look for their first win and will now take on the Northern Sydney Rebels at 1pm this Saturday.
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers are back to their losing ways going down to the Newcastle Jets 5-1 last Sunday in the W-League. The Wander Women got off to a great start with Michelle Carney scoring the first goal of the game in the 31st minute. However, a goal to the Jets on the stroke of half-time saw scores level at 1-1 at the break. The second half was all Newcastle who showed off their attacking prowess in a huge way, scoring four unanswered goals to send the Wanderers home with a big headache. The Wanderers have fallen to last position on the W-League ladder and will meet Sydney FC this Sunday. Meanwhile, after defeating Sydney FC in the opening round of the Y-League last week, the Wanderers will return to action this Sunday against Melbourne City. Kick off is at 3pm.
SEND your Around The Grounds snippets to nathan.taylor@westernweekender or call 4722 2998.
MOTOR RACING
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Darren’s leading the pack Mulgoa resident on the verge of claiming Aussie Racing Cars championship @natetaylor87
D
arren Chamberlin races the very same circuits as some of Australian motorsport’s biggest names but no one’s ever heard of the Mulgoa resident… until now that is. Chamberlin, who’s been driving in the Aussie Racing Cars Super Series for the past seven years, is currently enjoying his best season to date with the amateur racer just one good performance away from securing his first ever championship. Chamberlin is currently leading the Aussie Racing Cars Super Series by an eight point margin, and with one round to go at Phillip Island in November, is an odds on favourite to take out this year’s title. “The worst I can finish at Phillip Island is eighth and I can still take it out,” Chamberlin said. “After seven years of racing this is the first time I have been in this position, it takes a fair while to get to the top. “I’ve been reasonably quick down at Phillip Island in the past, although I haven’t been there for a few years. I’ve never won a
Darren Chamberlin leading the pack in his Perenso sponsored Toyota Aurion race there before but I don’t need to on this occasion.” The Aussie Racing Cars Super Series is a competition that gives amateur drivers of all ages and experience the opportunity to compete. It often acts as a curtain raiser to
the more popular V8 Supercar Series. Vehicles competing in Aussie Racing Cars are 100 per cent mechanically identical with the only major difference being its fibreglass shell. Vehicles are also three quarters the size
of normal cars and all engines are built at the one factory in Queensland. “The thing that attracted me to the sport is that it’s not the sort of category you need to test and develop the engine, you just turn up and do it,” Chamberlin said. “It can be quite competitive but it’s actually really good because everyone helps each other out. On one occasion in Perth I helped out a fellow competitor change his engine so he could go out and qualify. That’s the way the whole category works, no one is left in the pits.” Before entering the fun world of Aussie Racing Cars, Chamberlin was a fierce competitor in go-karts. However, after years of being low to the ground and exposed to the elements, he thought he needed a change. “The body was getting a bit old, I felt like I’d done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson every time I got out of the kart,” Chamberlin admitted. “Anyone can take up the sport of Aussie Racing Cars, all you have to do is buy a car and away you go.” Interestingly, ‘Family Feud’ host Grant Denyer raced his own Aussie Racing Car at Bathurst a fortnight ago.
sport
NATHAN TAYLOR
Sporty Kids 3-5 year old program
Great Fun! Is your child’s physical development on track? Great Exerc ise! g! n i n r a e L t a Gre According to a recent study by Dr Louise Hardy, “Prevalence and correlates of low fundamental movement skill competency in children”, published in the international journal Paediatrics, most children are unskilled at basic movements such as throwing, running and jumping. This lack of fundamental movement (or gross motor) skills is a direct result of sedentary lifestyles. And without basic movement skills children are far less likely to participate in sports or play with their friends, have lower fitness levels and are more prone to being overweight or obese. But a lack of basic movement skills is not only affecting the physical health of our children, it can also have a lasting impact on their emotional wellbeing and academic performance.
Gross motor activities stimulate the basic foundations of physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
The skills learned through practising these actions are required for school readiness and inherently develop fine motor skills which are a precursor for literacy, numeracy and activities of daily living such as independent dressing and toileting. Unfortunately, in Australia today many children are not being given the chance to adequately acquire these motor skills,with statistics showing that the average child spends far less than the recommended 60 minutes per day exercising anda staggering 32.5 hours each week in front of the television.
Sporty Kids is a specially developed gross motor skills program for 3-5 year old children
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Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
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sport
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FOOTBALL
Miracle needed? No problem for WSW PEACOCK’S POINT ADAM PEACOCK
The Wanderers continue their historic ACL campaign when they take on Al-Halil this Saturday. Fox Sports will showcase all the action LIVE from 7pm on Fox Sports 3
Wanderers fans are forgiven for being a little worried. The present is unlike anything of the recent past. Seven goals conceded, zero points and right on the doorstep of the biggest two games in the club’s history. How Tony Popovic turns this around is anyone’s guess. Yet history suggests anyone’s guess is irrelevant. Go back to December 9, 2012. Only 22 months ago, but a lifetime in football terms especially for the Western Sydney Wanderers. They came into a game against defending champions Brisbane Roar having won three of nine matches. Reasonable form for a new side finding its feet, but nothing earth shattering. It was summer, but far from it at Parramatta Stadium. Cloudy, windswept and not that appetising as a day to head out and enjoy yourself at the football. Only 6,755 did so. Parramatta, now Pirtek, only 1/3 full. Again, a lifetime ago, but only 22 months in the rear-vision mirror. The
Wanderers coach Tony Popovic Wanderers won that day, thanks to a late Shinji Ono penalty. Got a bit of luck too as Brisbane rattled the woodwork late on for a would-be equalizer. But since that moment, Australian
club football has never quite been the same. The Wanderers jumped from 8th to 4th with the win. They lost just two of the next 19 games that season, both to Graham Arnold’s Mariners, on the way to a Premier’s Plate and Grand Final. That day, December 9, was the last time they’ve been outside the top six until now. A switch was flicked that day, and not just on the park. Crowds have built to the point of over-subscription for season tickets. Seats for the Champions League Final are like Willy Wonka Golden Tickets, as they should be. So to this point – to become the best in Asia. Another switch needs to be flicked, inside that dressing room. Confidence won’t be bouncing off the walls, given the events of the last two weeks. But given the last 22 months, it should be. The unthinkable has happened before with this club Who’s to say it can’t happen again.
FOOTBALL
Career highlight looms this weekend FIVE SHOTS WITH ANTE COVIC
Friday 24 October 2014 the western weekender
ANTE COVIC
Ante Covic is the goal keeper for the Western Sydney Wanderers and answers five big questions every Friday in the Western Weekender
Disappointing and frustrating loss the other night, how’s the mood around camp? The first two games haven’t gone to plan like we would’ve wanted to, it’s obviously disappointing. Last weekend in the derby, it was a game we basically threw away. It certainly hurts, the boys are disappointed but we came back to training on Tuesday and it’s all about looking forward now to two of the biggest games of many of our careers. After two straight losses, what areas do you need to address heading into this Saturday night’s game? We just need to get back to what we do best, and we proved that in the AFC Champions League quarter final and semi final where we were defensively solid. For whatever reason we’ve been doing the basics wrong to start the season. We’ve made mistakes we usually wouldn’t, we seem to turn over the ball too often and we’ve switched off in periods. We just need to get that aggression back, play our game, and be
compact and solid like we have been for so long. Is the feeling about the AFC Champions League Final similar or different to the one you had during both A-League Grand Finals? This is different. The A-League Grand Final is brilliant, it’s a big thing but we have the chance to be crowned the champions of Asia. We’ll be playing in front of a TV audience of hundreds of millions of people, that’s a whole new level of big. You also get a chance to go to the FIFA Club World Cup and possibly have the opportunity to play Real Madrid in Morocco. While the A-League Grand Final is massive, this is the biggest trophy we can receive as A-League players, there’s nothing bigger than this. For someone of your experience in the game, where does the AFC Champions League Final stack up in your career? It’s definitely right up there. If you look back at some of my career highlights I
won the A-League Grand Final with the Newcastle Jets, I won a Greek Cup Final in Greece, which was massive, and I got to go to a FIFA World Cup. I always put the World Cup as the highest accolade for me but as far as club commitments go this is as big as it gets. The World Cup and the AFC Champions League Final will be two of the biggest highlights of my career and it’s something you’ll tell your kids and grandkids about one day. How much of an advantage will it be to the club playing in front of a packed Parramatta Stadium? We love playing at Parramatta, the atmosphere is always brilliant. Our fans love it and we love going out on that pitch. We’ve been very successful there and we feel at home. We never fear anyone that comes to Parramatta and we’re looking forward to it. It’s really nice to get back out on that park because we haven’t been at Parramatta for a while now. Hopefully we can come away with something that we can definitely use going over to Saudi Arabia next week.
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Popovic remains stoic despite Wanderers’ horror start to season
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estern Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic believes his side doesn’t have anything to fix ahead of this Saturday night’s Asian Champions League Final despite their poor start to the A-League season. With the Wanderers currently sitting in the unusual spot of last on the A-League ladder, Popovic denied his side needed to attend to any areas of note ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster against Al-Hilal at Pirtek Stadium. “It’s not about fixing… there’s nothing [to fix]… it’s about getting the boys ready for the biggest game of their lives,” Popovic said. But like most coaches preparing for such an important game, perhaps Popovic didn’t want to reveal the areas his side needed to address in front of Sydney’s football media, instead preferring to keep the areas that need to be looked at, like having the competition’s worst defence, behind closed doors. In their opening two games against Melbourne Victory and then last week against Sydney FC, the Wanderers have leaked seven goals, which is two more than last year’s A-League Champions
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Tony Popovic speaks to the media this week in Brisbane, who are also off to a slow start to the year. Popovic said he had to quickly put last Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to the Sky Blues behind him. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it Sunday morning,” he admitted. “It goes over your head as a coach as it should
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but then once you reflect you have to move on. We’ve always been a club where whether we win or lose we move on. We haven’t dwelled on defeats or got carried away with victories.” While their A-League campaign hasn’t been up to their usual standard as yet, the Wanderers’ run in the eight month competition that is the Asian Champions League has been somewhat remarkable. For a club tipped to not make it past the group stage of the tournament, the Wanderers have certainly surprised the Asian football world by making it all the way to the final round. “I feel proud and honoured to be head coach of an Asian Champions League Final,” Popovic said. “We’re representing our country, we’re representing Australian football, we’re certainly very determined and have a real strong desire to have no regrets at the end of these two weeks.” Wanderers left-back Antony Golec, who only joined the club from Adelaide in February, said the upcoming two game final was a once in a lifetime opportunity. “Hopefully we’ll be the first club in Australia to win it,” he declared. The match against Al-Hilal is at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday night from 7.30pm.
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