Western Weekender 19 September

weekenderthe western

PROUDLY INDEPENDENTPrinted on 100% recycled paper

Steve Small’s giant wish list p.40

Future ofcricket

Battle with the banks p.2

BusinessAdvice, tips and profi les on the best local businesses p.30-31

FRI 19 SEP 2014 • Issue 1171

Transport nightmare

P enrith resident Phillip Plackett says he is tired of living his life to a public transport timetable, especially when it is rarely accurate.

Mr Plackett, who uses a wheelchair, said that using public transport and particularly buses, is one of the most challenging parts of his day.

“Having a number of disabilities makes it so much harder to use public transport,” he said.

“You have to rely on specialised services or people to help you. If you catch a bus, even if it is an accessible bus, there are still many issues.

“I have a motorised wheelchair and it doesn’t always fit in the designated space provided. If there’s a mum with a pram, we almost never all fit.”

Mr Plackett said that timetabling is one of the biggest concerns for people with disabilities.

“For example, if I miss the bus from Penrith Station to Cranebrook on Wednesday at 2.44pm, I am stuck in Penrith until 6pm at night,” he said.

“Or in the morning, there is a bus at 9.15am which is usually accessible but then randomly they will swap the buses and then you have to wait until the next bus at 10.40am.

“It’s very difficult when you have numerous doctor’s appointments to go to.”

He is one of many people affected by the cancel-lation of services altogether down Pendock Road in Cranebrook, which according to the latest statistics by Penrith Council, has 144 people with disabilities in just one square kilometre.

Story continues on » p. 5

Revealed: The public transport farce facing our most vulnerable residents

Phillip Plackett is aff ected by unfair scheduling of accessible buses. Photo: Melinda Jane

CASSANDRA O’CONNOR @cassandra_o

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P enrith residents could be set to claim a share of more than $200 million from the ANZ Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland due to

alleged unconscionable conduct. Shine Lawyers is examining the possibil-

ity of a class action after receiving numer-ous complaints from Penrith residents, who were sold financial products from the two major banks through Penrith-based Navra Financial Services in 2008 and 2009.

Rebecca Dillon and her husband approached Navra Financial Services for investment advice.

“We had nearly paid off the family home and my parents for a long time had used Navra to buy investment properties,” Mrs Dillon said.

“When we approached Navra, we were told that we didn’t have enough money for an investment property but that we could instead invest in Navra’s share fund.”

The Dillon family were advised to re-mortgage their home and use an ANZ margin loan to invest in the share fund.

And when the share fund fell through, they were told to buy warrants from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

“When we entered into the margin loan and share fund we were told there was a guaranteed 10 per cent return that would cover any interest repayments,” Mrs Dillon said.

“So we used our house as equity and borrowed 80 per cent of the value, which was around $200,000 at the time.

“I was so shocked when we received a call saying that our money was exposed and that it had to be recovered by invest-ing in the RBS warrants.

“We did it in a panic and then a couple of months later again we were told that our investment had been exposed and basi-cally disappeared.”

She estimates that the family could have lost over $1 million and is now at risk of losing their home – a far cry from being happy home-owners just a few years ago.

Shine Lawyers partner Sasha Ivantsoff said that many Penrith residents have experienced similar losses.

“We are hearing on average that people have lost $500,000,” he said.

He said that the class actions will allege that ANZ and RBS financial products were sold to clients of Navra and that these products were inappropriate for their purposes.

“We’ve been contacted by a large number of families who now face debts

Locals say they lost hundreds of thousands of dollars thanks to bad advice

FAIR GO FOR PENRITH

Big banks in the fi ring line

A meeting of concerned and aff ected locals was held in Penrith on Tuesday


of hundreds of thousands of dollars, with no realistic prospects of repaying it,” Mr Ivantsoff said.

“In most, if not all cases, the banks did nothing to verify the clients’ ability to repay the margin loans, instead preferring

to engage in ‘asset lending’. Most of these investments occurred in 2008 and 2009 and were worth 50 to 70 per cent of the clients’ homes.”

For more information on the class action, contact Shine Lawyers.

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P enrith City Council has officially discarded plans to build an ‘Old Sydney Town’ style attraction in the heart of St Marys, some 30

years since the original plans were devel-oped.

In 1983 Penrith Council resolved to pursue the South Creek Historic Park project, which would have seen a park established between the working farm of Mamre and the King family’s property of Dunheved along South Creek.

Central to the Historic Park was a plan to build a replica village next to the Great Western Highway at South Creek.

A blacksmith’s shop was built at the site near the Bennett Wagons, but the park’s development has been hampered by a series of unfortunate events.

A Country Women’s Association Hall was to be relocated to the park, but the hall was destroyed by a fire.

St Marys Post Office was also going to be reconstructed at the site but then when it was deconstructed, the bricks were stolen from the storage site.

Now Council has decided to scrap the whole idea and instead focus on the Bennett Wagons and building a walk-

ing and cycling trail from Mamre to Dunheved.

Design and Projects Manager, Michael Jackson, said the new plans for South Creek Park and Victoria Park are far more modern.

“To have an Old Sydney Town type village would require a lot of volunteer work from the local Historical Society, but

the new education centre that is planned for South Creek and the Bennett Wagons will be much easier to manage,” he said.

The historic wagons, though protected from vandalism by the shelters, will be easy to access for school groups.

Cr Jackie Greenow said she is very pleased the history of the Bennett Wagons and St Marys will still be preserved.

“It’s such an important part of the history of our area,” she said.

Council officially abandons idea to build ‘Old Sydney Town’ attraction in St Marys

COUNCIL

The grand plan that never was

Cr Tricia Hitchen, members of the St Marys Historical Society and Ross Fowler inspecting the plans for the Bennett Wagons

CASSANDRA O’CONNOR @cassandra_o local news

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What drove him to this moment?

EDITOR'S DESK [email protected]

It’s time we took notice of what’s happening in the heart of Australia

Up until last week, most of us probably would have had no idea where Lockhart even was on a map. Located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, it has a population of less than a thousand people and is a traditional country town with classic charm and hard working people.

Now, it is also known for an unspeakable trag-edy. The tragic deaths of Kim Hunt and children Fletcher (10), Mia (eight) and Phoebe (six) have rocked the small town about 535 kilometres south-west of Sydney.

At first, I had little sympathy for Geoff Hunt, Kim’s husband and father of the three children, who police believe took his own life after ending those of his family.

I didn’t know the family nor do I have an intri-cate understanding of what led to this tragedy, but I can’t for a second accept the argument that any man has the right to take away the life of somebody else, especially young children.

The fact that Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe have had their lives taken away from them before they even really started is tragic enough; to know that the person they probably trusted more than anyone in the world is responsible is simply heart-wrenching and unacceptable.

With the dust now starting to settle though, we’re left trying to solve the bigger picture.

A man of the land, what possibly led Geoff Hunt to believe this was the only option? What drove him to this moment? What was going through his mind in the time between taking the lives of his wife and three children, and then his own?

We often hear stories of farmers doing it tough, and there’s even a couple of urban legends about farmers taking their own lives after shooting hundreds of cattle. The location changes but the story generally stays the same.

In this case, this is far from urban legend and myth. This is real, and perhaps just a small indi-cation of a world that those of us living in built-up

city centres or suburbia simply don’t understand, or choose not to.

Most of us would probably know more about what’s happening in the United States or the Middle East than we would about what’s going on in our own backyard.

In 2009, I travelled through outback NSW as part of The Great Escape car rally.

We were fortunate enough to meet some amazing people, including the folk who owned the pub in Hillston, almost 700 kilometres west of Sydney. We’d manage to stuff up our accom-modation arrangements for the night, and the generous people allowed us to sleep in the pub for the evening. I kept the ATM company while others in our group found solace in the pokie area or main bar.

There were many stories like this one – people were just so giving, so willing to help out some-one else in trouble and keen to ensure your experience in their town was a happy one.

But among the 40 or 50 smiling faces in the little pubs on that trip every night, there was always a couple of people at the end of the bar contemplat-ing tough times. They had mates around them, and a beer to calm whatever negativity had dominated the day, but there was something eating them up inside.

Too often our view of the country is the smiling faces and the good people we may meet on a brief stopover or an occasional visit.

We use throwaway lines like “the farmers need the rain” but we don’t really understand what’s happening out there.

Judging by various tributes, Geoff Hunt was not a vicious man who belongs in the annals of history as a serial killer.

But we must not let this story simply disappear with the news cycle – it is perhaps the wake-up call that we all need to find out what’s really going on in the true heart of Australia.

TROY DODDS@troydodds

the western weekender

www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith

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Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255

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Story continued from » p. 1

“I understand they had to close the route for driver safety, but there are people like me, and elderly people who now have to travel much further to catch a bus,” Mr Plackett said.

And when in October 2013 Busways took over the bus contract for western Sydney, Mr Plackett said the number of accessible buses decreased.

“I did a comparative study and found that on my bus route, the 786, as well as many other Nepean buses, the number of accessible buses fell by 33 per cent. I asked Busways why and they said they still meet the minimum requirements set by the State Government.”

Mr Plackett is part of the Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre and is now trying to establish a travel service especially for people with disabilities.

Joan Reilly uses a walker and regu-larly catches the 782 to Penrith to do her shopping. She also says there needs to be more accessible buses.

“Some of the buses are very old and narrow so it is difficult for passengers to move through,” she said.

“Also, we really need two or three more buses during the weekdays because if you miss the 12.50pm service there are not any buses in the afternoon that offer access for people with disabilities.”

Murray Wilcockson of the Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre said that complaints about public transport are frequent.

“Things such as the bus drivers won’t pull up close to the curb so it makes it difficult for people to board,” he said.

“The timetabling also needs to be clearer and we need more accessible buses all across Penrith.”

A spokesperson from Busways said that timetables do identify which services are operated by low floor easy access buses.

“Since December 31, 2012, at least 55 per cent of Busways’ timetabled services are operated by a low floor easy access bus. In our contract area including the Penrith region, Busways exceeds this standard,” Busways said.

“Moving forward, timetabled easy access services will increase to at least 80 per cent of all services by the end of 2017, and in 2022 we will be proud to operate all of our services by low floor easy access buses.”

The company said that they also regularly use feedback from customers to train drivers.

“As part of our driver training program, drivers are advised to pull up close to the kerb to make boarding and alighting easier for passengers. Cars parked in bus stop zones and other hazards such as this can sometimes make this difficult, but drivers are instructed to make every effort to ensure ease and safety when boarding for our customers,” Busways said.

“In partnership with Guide Dogs NSW recently our Penrith depot participated in customer service training with guide dogs.”

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) this week gave local Indigenous residents the opportunity to take part in a free business advice workshop to assist them in creating their own successful businesses.

The organisation has been running free Into Business Workshops around the country for two years and held one in Penrith on Wednesday, September 17.

“It is important to note that our workshops aim to prepare Indigenous Australians for business ownership – some workshop graduates go on to source busi-ness finance from banks or IBA; others go on to start a business independently,” said IBA CEO Chris Fry.

“At the workshops participants work with a business specialist to learn how to thoroughly research their idea to deter-mine whether it is commercially viable, and what is required to manage a business on a day-to-day basis.”

To find out more about the workshops in the future, call 1800 107 107

– Katherine Tweed

Business boost for local residents

Busways defends its services

Those who have attended previous work-shops have gone on to great success

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S earch efforts have intensified to find dangerous rocket launchers that were stolen from the Orchard Hills military base over a decade

ago. The investigation of the missing weap-

ons continues following the announce-ment over the weekend that Australia’s National Terrorism Public Alert level has been lifted from medium to high.

A spokesperson from the Department of Defence said that 10 M72 Rocket Launchers were stolen from the local base between 2001 and 2003, with the theft only detected in 2006.

“In 2007 former-CAPT Della-Vedova was charged with the theft of 10 M72 Rocket Launchers. One Rocket Launcher has since been recovered,” the Defence spokesperson said.

NSW Police and Australian Federal Police are still working on the case and it is believed that some of the weapons could still be located in greater western Sydney.

“NSW Police continue to actively inves-tigate these missing weapons. We will continue to explore a range of avenues to recover them,” a NSW Police spokesper-son confirmed.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in rela-tion to the Public Alert level being lifted that the system is designed to increase vigilance and raise awareness in the community.

“While it is important the public are aware of the increased threat, Australians should continue to go about their lives,” he said.

“Strong arrangements are in place to detect, prevent and respond to terrorism.”

The Department of Defence said that it takes the security of all its facilities, including Orchard Hills, very seriously.

“Defence does not comment on secu-rity measures of specific sites, however Defence takes the security of its person-nel, information and assets very seriously and has a range of measures in place to safeguard them,” the Defence spokesper-son said.

“Defence maintains strong and active links with Australia’s security and law enforcement agencies and protective security measures within Defence have been adopted in line with the assessed level of threat. Protective security meas-ures can be changed quickly to respond to increased levels of threat.”

The Department did not confirm whether other items had been stolen from the Orchard Hills base.

Nine launchers still missing after brazen thefts between 2001 and 2003

DEFENCE

Rocket launcher search goes on

The Defence Establishment at Orchard Hills. Photo: Melinda Jane


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Suspicious prescriptions prompt police investigation

Police are making enquiries about two similar incidents that occurred within hours of each other this week. In the first incident, a woman went to a chemist in High Street, Penrith, at about 4pm on Monday, September 15, where she handed over a prescription to staff. The pharmacist became suspicious of the prescription and contacted the prescribing doctor. It was found that the doctor had not in fact worked at the recorded doctor’s surgery for two years. The offender left the scene. Just two hours prior to this incident, a man from Katoomba entered a High Street chemist, handing a prescription to the pharmacist. The pharmacist determined that it also was forged. The offender left the scene. Police are making enquiries about both incidents.

Wanted woman walks past police station

A woman is expected to appear before court after she was arrested by plain clothes police officers over an armed robbery. Police allege that at about 7.30am on Monday, September 15, a woman entered a bakery on High Street. She allegedly threatened the proprietor with a knife, demanding property. The woman made off with a mobile phone. She fled from the scene and police were contacted. It is further alleged that after leaving the store, the woman confronted the drivers of a number of motor vehicles stationary at the intersection of High and Lawson Streets, Penrith. She allegedly demanded the drivers open their door however both vehicles drove off. The offender then walked past Penrith Police Station where she was arrested.

Investigations into alleged assault by group of teenagers

Police have identified five males involved in the alleged assault of a 14-year-old at a shopping centre. The 14-year-old male victim had attended the Jordan Springs shopping centre when he noticed a group of young people. They began to follow him and call out to him. They group accosted the 14-year-old and police allege that a member of the group punched him in the face. A passer by witnessed the incident and came to the assistance of the victim. Five males between the ages of 10 and 14 have been identified by police. Police are making further enquiries into the incident. Anyone with information should contact them.

Man doesn’t get the message over unregistered vehicle

A driver has allegedly led police on a short pursuit through Penrith after he was picked up twice in a short amount of time for driving an unregistered vehicle. At about 5.40pm on Sunday, September 14, police stopped a Nissan Pulsar in Lethbridge Street, Penrith. The vehicle was found to be unregistered and the driver, a 32-year-old male, was spoken to by police and was alleg-edly told not to drive the vehicle any further. Relevant infringements were expected to be issued. Police left the scene and continued patrolling the area. Just minutes later, the same officers observed the same Nissan Pulsar being driven by the same driver.

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CONTACT US

ADMINISTRATION

Penrith Offi ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.

St Marys Offi 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.

E: [email protected]

SERVICES

Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735

Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

Graffi ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES

Council Meetings

22 September 2014 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting)

13 October 2014 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

penrithcity.nsw.gov.aupenrithishere.com.au

NEWS

PENRITH

COUNCIL BRIEFS School holidays are here! If you’re looking for things to do with the

kids, don’t worry you don’t need to travel very far.

Whether your child has an adventurous spirit, an enquiring mind or

an active imagination they will be entertained for hours at the

world-class attractions, special events and activities in Penrith.

Visit our website for details penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Aspiring amateur photographers are invited to enter the Penrith

Environmental Photo Competition. The theme for 2014 is

‘Water: The Source of Life’.

The competition will remain open until 24 October 2014 and

participants can enter one of three categories with over $1,300

worth of prizes up for grabs. For further information and to

download an entry form visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/photocomp

A free photography workshop will also be held on Saturday,

11 October 2014 at 10am. Places are limited so call 4732 8055 or

email [email protected] to book your place.

Find out more about Penrith Progression at

penrithprogression.com.au and like Penrith Progression

on Facebook: facebook.com/penrithprogression

TENDERSProvision of Lighting and Electrical Services to Queen Street, St Marys Reference 14/15-04

Penrith City Council invites Tenders from suitably qualifi ed and

experienced electrical contractors for the Provision of Lighting and

Electrical Services to Queen Street, St Marys.

Pre-Tender Briefi ng at 10.30am Wednesday, 1 October 2014.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register

and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a hard

copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by

arrangement.

For queries please contact Jake Evans on 4732 7663 or

[email protected]

All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance

with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later

than 11am Tuesday, 14 October 2014 (‘the Closing Date’). Tenders

received after will not be considered.

Construction of New Concrete Paths

Reference 14/15-09

Penrith City Council is seeking proposals for the reliable and cost

effective provision of the Construction of New Concrete Paths

within the Penrith Local Government Area.

A non-compulsory Pre-Tender Briefi ng, is being held at 10am on

Thursday, 2 October 2014, at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High

Street, Penrith.

Please RSVP to the contact person below to confi rm your

attendance.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register

and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a

hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST)

by arrangement.

For queries please contact Jake Evans on 4732 7663 or

[email protected]

All submissions must be lodged on the forms provided in accordance

with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents by no

later than 11am Thursday, 16 October 2014 (‘the Closing Date’).

Tenders received after this date will not be considered.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL ONLINEFind us at:

www.facebook.com/penrith.city.council

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

www.youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

www. penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrithishere.com.au

To nominate visit us online and download the nomination form:

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday or (02) 4732 7736

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penrithishere.com.aupenrithcity.nsw.gov.au

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINEDPursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free-of-charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Refused Development ApplicationsNSW Investments Pty Ltd BA026282.04

Lot 230 DP1134016, 16–23 Clifton Avenue,

Kemps Creek

Modification to increase depth of extraction in Quarry

Cell 3B2 by 15m and construction of new leachate

pond with 6.7 megalitre capacity

Approved Development Applications

Q-Dance Australia DA10/0667.05

Lot 21 DP 1092147 & Lot 20 DP 1092147

153–233 Old Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh

Section 96 modification to the approved DefQon1

Music Festival

The approved modification includes, but is not limited

to, the retention of extended entertainment from 10pm

up to 11pm during the main event to be held

Saturday, 20 September 2014

Q-Dance Australia DA11/0668.03

Lot 21 DP 1092147 & Lot 20 DP 1092147

153–233 Old Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh

Section 96 modification to the approved camping for

the DefQon1 Music Festival.

The approved modification includes the retention of

extended entertainment from 10pm up to 11pm during

the Friday evening camping entertainment (to be held

Friday, 19 September 2014) as well as other ancillary

operational and management measures

The above development determination/s may be

inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to

Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic

Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s

Development Services Department will be able to assist

with your enquiries.

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT Penrith City Council has received Development

Applications in respect of the subject properties. The

consent authority for the development applications is

Penrith City Council.

AE Design Partnership DA14/0966

Various Allotments including ‘Fernhill’ Estate &

Curtilage, 1041–1187 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa

Eastern Precinct, Fernhill Estate – Torrens title

subdivision x 50 residential lots, 1 heritage

conservation lot & public roads

The proposal is Integrated Development under

Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and

Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is

seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Office of

Water under Section 91 of the Water Management

Act 2000, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

under Section 58 of the Heritage Act 1977 and NSW

Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural

Fires Act 1997.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 18 August to 7 November 2014. Notification has been extended as all residents within the locality were not notified due to an error in Council’s database.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA14/0966.

Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Belinda Borg on 4732 7505.

AE Design Partnership DA14/0967

Lot 1 DP 549247 & Lot 31 DP 237163, 88–89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa

Western Precinct, ‘Fernhill Estate’ – Torrens title subdivision x 11 rural-residential allotments

The proposal is Integrated Development under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 18 August to 7 November 2014. Notification has been extended as all residents within the locality were not notified due to an error in Council’s database.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA14/0967.

Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Belinda Borg on 4732 7505.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith 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 Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONSThe following development applications have been

received by Council:

N F Billyard Pty Ltd DA14/1104

41 Brisbane Street, Oxley Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction

of 5 x attic style villas and associated car parking,

drainage and landscaping works

Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222

Closing Date: 7 October 2014

Property Innovations Group DA14/1123

117 Canberra Street, Oxley Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a

multi-unit housing development (5 x attic style villas)

and associated tree removal, car parking, drainage

and landscaping works

Contact: Aimee Lee on 4732 7429


Triple9 Drafting & Design DA14/1127

144 Adelaide Street, St Marys

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a

multi-unit housing development (6 x attic style villas)

with associated car parking, drainage and

landscaping works

Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078


Cityscape Planning & Projects DA14/1108

252 Great Western Highway, Kingswood

Demolition of existing building and construction of

8-storey mixed-use building containing basement car

parking, ground and first floor commercial tenancies

and 24 residential apartments

Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726


Panthers Group DA14/1111

Lot 151 DP 863625 & Lot 1 DP 1043008,

73–83 Mulgoa Road, Penrith

Staged construction of 4-storey multi-deck car park

including rooftop parking and ground floor retail

premises 3, 8-storey serviced apartments building

(83 apartments), western extension of Ransley Street

and associated works

Contact: Belinda Borg on 4732 7505


In accordance with Section 23G of the Environmental

Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Sydney West

Region Joint Planning Panel has the function of

determining the application.

Any submission made in respect of the application will

be provided to the Sydney West Region Joint

Planning Panel and may be viewed by other persons

with an interest in the application. Council is required

to make Development Applications and certain

associated documents publicly available under the

Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing

all submissions relating to this Development

Application unless Council determines that it is not in

the public interest to do so.

T he NSW Opposition has criticised the State Government after the Bureau for Health Information released performance statistics

for Nepean Hospital that indicate emer-gency department and specialist treat-ment times have increased.

But the State Government has defended the hospital, saying that more patients are being treated at a faster rate.

Speaking in front of Nepean Hospital on Friday afternoon, Opposition Leader John Robertson said the Government has been stripping money from the health system.

“The number of patients that present to emergency at Nepean Hospital who are treated within four hours has fallen from 71 per cent to 64 per cent according to the latest quarterly figures,” he said.

“This is well below the national target of 81 per cent treated within four hours.”

According to the Bureau, from April to June 2014 there were over 15,945 emer-gency department attendances, up nine per cent from a year ago.

Emergency and urgent patient wait times remained relatively stable, but median wait times had increased by six to eight minutes for less urgent patients.

was to blame for the delays: “You cannot expect people to move through the emer-gency room faster if there are fewer beds”.

Todd Carney, who is running for Mulgoa said that elective surgery times are equally as problematic.

“The wait for ear, nose and throat surgery has risen from 232 to 307 days since the April to June quarter last year. People should not be made to wait so long when they are obviously in pain,” he said.

Plastic surgery wait times have nearly doubled from 45 days to 79 days and the wait for general surgery had increased by 20 days.

Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said enhancements have been made to ensure more patients are receiving their elective surgeries within clinically-recommended timeframes.

“Nepean increased the percentage of elective surgery patients treated within the time frame recommended by clini-cians to 92 per cent – up from 85 per cent in the same quarter last year,” she said.

The wait time for total hip replacements fell from 362 days to 317 days; whilst total knee replacements fell by a similar amount.

Have you been treated at Nepean Hospi-tal recently? Tell us your story via email at [email protected].

Local candidates express concern over Nepean Hospital’s performance

STATE POLITICS

Labor unhappy with new stats

Emma Husar, John Robertson, Prue Car and Todd Carney at Nepean Hospital

“One of the biggest complaints I hear is the amount of time it takes to be seen at the Hospital,” Londonderry candidate Prue Car said.

“Everyone speaks very highly of the staff, but they are simply under-resourced.”

Penrith candidate Emma Husar said that a dwindling State Government budget


Mayor’s NewsThe weekly viewsof Penrith’s Mayor

Bright Future for Penrith As I come to the end of my term

as Mayor, it’s natural to look back on the highlights and achievements of a vibrant year. It’s wonderful to witness the success that comes from the dedi-cated and hard working Council staff and members of the community work-ing together for positive outcomes.

What excites me most about that success is the bright future that lies ahead for the City and region of Penrith. With the Prime Minister’s an-nouncement for major road upgrades for western Sydney, the ‘green light’ for the South West Rail Link and the

potential of Sydney Science Park, University of Western Sydney, Sydney West Airport and the Health Precinct being realised, the future’s looking even brighter for local job growth.

It’s been wonderful to see govern-ment, community and business leaders coming together to be part of Penrith Progression. I look forward to seeing their words put into action, their ideas turn into reality and watch-ing the City Centre come alive in the next few years.

ROSS FOWLER OAMMayor of Penrith

Police are expected to interview a 16-year-old male who allegedly tackled one police officer and punched another in a local street.

Police were called to the scene of a party on Butler Crescent, South Penrith, at about 11pm on Saturday, September 13, with reports that the party had become rowdy and out of control.

Police arrived at the scene to find a number of young people out on the street

and began to direct the crowd. A 16-year-old allegedly failed to comply with police direction to move on and as a result, he allegedly tackled the constable to the ground. Two other males approached and attempted to restrain the man. During the incident the 16-year-old alleg-edly punched another police officer in the face. He was restrained and handcuffed. He was identified and released into the custody of his parents.

Teen to be interviewed over incident

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Council is again providing small grants to support a range of community activities which are open to all older people in the community during this week of celebration.

Activities must be held during Seniors Week in the Penrith Local Government Area, and Council encourages partnerships between local organisations to develop activities or events.

Applications must address the aims of the program and groups are encouraged to consider the theme for Senior’s Week 2015 – “Live Life” in planning their event or activity.

Single organisations or groups can apply for up to $300. Groups that partner with other organisations can apply for up to $1,200.

For more information, application forms and guidelines:

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Celia Bishop: 4732 7838

[email protected]

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H istoric Thornton Hall, which holds within its walls some of Penrith’s most interesting stories, will be transformed

into a childcare centre. The currently derelict house situated in

North Penrith will be restored to its former glory by builder and heritage specialist Peter Cipollone.

The home was built in the 1870s by Thomas Smith, an Alderman on Penrith’s first municipal council. It was also a home to two of Mr Smith’s sons, former Penrith Mayor Thomas Richard Smith and Sydney Smith, who was a member of Federation Father, Sir Henry Parkes’ ministry.

Mr Cipollone said that he has always had an interest in heritage buildings.

“I was born in Italy and lived in a house that was built in the eleven-hundreds. My love of architecture and history grew from there,” he said.

The retired principal saw an expression of interest to buy Thornton Hall and on inspection he felt that the house would be perfectly suited to a childcare centre.

“There aren’t many rooms but they are big, meaning that they are perfect for classrooms.”

Thornton Hall to be revived and turned into new childcare centre

HISTORY

New chapter for historic hall

The announcement about the future of Thornton Hall was made last Friday

Mr Cipollone said that the old house will be fully restored, complete with marble fireplaces, but is looking for the front doors of the property.

“The home had these majestic, enor-mous front doors but they were stolen. If they are still around we would love to get them back – if not, we will have to make new doors,” he said.

On the one-hectare block, new facilities will also be built for the childcare centre.

“The aim is to make the heritage home the centrepiece, with the new buildings taking a back-seat,” Mr Cipollone said.

Urban Growth, who bought the site in 2011 from the Federal Department of Defence, will formally sell the property to Mr Cipollone for $720,000.

Urban Growth Development Director, Mike Williams, said he had every confi-dence in the plans for the site.

“We will be submitting a Development

Application to Penrith Council in the coming weeks and look forward to work-ing with Council on this project,” he said.

“I must also make note that we are very pleased to have the blessing of Laura Player, a descendant of Mr Smith. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with someone so passionate.”

Ms Player said: “Peter Cipollone has my complete blessing and my complete support.”


News in Numbers

The Chairman of the Penrith Busi-ness Alliance (PBA), Paul Brennan, has announced that as per the Constitu-tion of the PBA, the Board is seeking nominations from eligible people for the following positions on the Board:

– One Director representing the Ad-vanced Manufacturing sector;

– One Director representing the De-velopment sector; and

– One Director representing the Com-munity.

PBA is an independent, non for profit organisation and derives its funding from Penrith City Council.

PBA’s charter is to create 40,000 new jobs by 2036, and its vision is: “To de-fine the economic future of Penrith, fa-cilitating sustainable growth through investment, place and innovation”.

The PBA Board currently consists of 14 Directors with three Directors rep-resenting Council and the remaining 11 representing key industry sectors, small business and the community.

Further information on the PBA and its activities can be obtained from their website, www.pba.com.au or by phone on 4731 5711.

State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has congratulated Gina Field of Nepean Regional Security on winning a Bronze Stevie Award in the Management-Ex-ecutive of the Year category at the 11th Annual International Business Awards (IBAs).

Mr Ayres said Gina is a shining exam-ple of a woman determined to succeed and it is recognised in this outstanding achievement.

The 2014 IBAs saw over 3,500 nomina-tions from over 60 nations and territo-ries with organisations of all sizes and industries submitting entries for con-sideration. Winners were determined through two months of preliminary judging and two weeks of final judging.

The Awards will be presented to the winners at a gala evening in Paris, France in October this year.

“Gina is a remarkable woman and this recognition on the world stage is well deserved,” Mr Ayres said.

Nepean Regional Security is well known right across the Penrith area, and has been for many years.

40,000 new jobs

3,500nominations

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Penrith Homemaker Centre301-335 Mulgoa Rd, Jamisontown (between Harvey Norman & Bunnings).

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Cnr Glebe Pl & Richmond Rd Kingswoodphone 4722 8180www.penrithgaels.com.au

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

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FridaySeptember 26th - 7pm

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Fun, excitement and live music at Gaels Club

This September Penrith Gaels Club has your night time enter-tainment covered.

On Saturday, September 20 the club will be holding its

annual Elvis Extravaganza. The Elvis tribute competition is in its fifth year and audiences will get to see ten Elvis tribute artists go head to head for the $1000 prize. There’ll be some stiff competition with the entrants including winners from the Elvis Busking Competition in Parkes and the Katoomba Elvis Festival. This event is a must see for anyone who loves the King. Tickets are $10 or if you’re keen to get involved entry to the competition is $20. Show time is 8pm, which means there’s plenty of time to grab a bite to eat at Schmidy’s Shamrock Bistro before your night of Elvis related fun.

If you’re more of a Beatles fan then the Beyond The Beatles show on Saturday, September 27 will be right up your alley. There are a multitude of Beatles tribute shows but this one offers something a little different. Beyond The Beatles focuses on the solo hits from McCartney, Lennon and Harrison.

It’s a look at life after The Beatles, giving audiences a taste of the talent of each of the band members, even Ringo gets a look in! The music will be complimented by

videos of each of The Beatles performing their solo hits. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non members.

We’re located on the corner of Glebe Place and Richmond Road, Kingswood. For more information

see www.penrithgaels.com.au

WW12394

ENVIRONMENT

A Penrith business has been told to clean up its act after it was found that a local creek was under serious threat from

contaminants.The NSW Environment Protection

Authority (EPA) has issued Xpress Trans-port Solutions with a clean-up notice for their depot at Kemps Creek. Following a joint operation by NSW Police and Road and Maritime Services (RMS), the EPA and Workcover NSW were called to the depot to help with concerns of environ-mental damage at the site.

EPA’s Senior Manager Waste Compli-ance, Chris McElwain, said Xpress Transport is a fuel transport company and had been the focus of a roadworthi-ness inspection by Police and RMS.

“NSW Police were assisting RMS with a roadworthiness inspection of vehicles at the depot when they became concerned with the condition of the site and requested EPA and WorkCover assistance,” he said.

“When our officers arrived they noticed strong hydrocarbon odours and several stains indicating that fuel or a similar material had leaked or been pumped onto the ground.

“Our initial concern was around

contamination entering a nearby creek.”The officers’ inspection revealed no

apparent impacts on the creek, which was high due to the large amount of recent rain.

“The EPA has issued an official clean up direction to Xpress Transport, requiring them to immediately stop receiving or removing any waste and contain any contamination within bunds on site,” Mr McElwain said.

EPA officers will be continuing inspec-tions on the site to check for compliance with the clean up direction.

Local business told to clean up its act

The scene that concerned EPA off icials


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T he fourth biannual Nepean Disability Expo was held last weekend, bringing together the area’s many disability services

and their consumers. The Expo, which was held on Friday,

September 12 and Saturday, September 13, is made possible by a joint effort of a number of local organisations and is known to be one of the largest of its kind in the state.

This year’s event did not disappoint as it saw both a large number of exhibitors displaying their services and a large number of people attending.

“What we do here is we showcase the available products and services to people with disabilities, their families and their carers. The expo is also the perfect oppor-tunity to see what services, equipment and support is available and what is most suitable for your uses. The expo offers real choices,” said Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler.

“Roughly one in five Australians suffer from some sort of disability so it is important that we make our city more accessible and inclusive of everyone.”

The event was opened last Friday by Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, who said that with the roll-out of the National Disability

Insurance Scheme (NDIS) approaching, the event had come at a perfect time.

“This exhibition is so important because when individuals have the opportunity and the choice of the service providers [with the NDIS], they need to know what the options are and this exhibition is just a fabulous opportunity for people with disability to get a better idea of what the services are that are available to them and also for the service providers to get a better understanding of what people with disability in the local area are seeking,” he said.

Big numbers turn out to Nepean Disability Expo

Mayor Ross Fowler speaking at the Expo

KATHERINE TWEED @ktweed_

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EDUCATION

HEALTH

T he Gonski reforms to educa-tion funding were heralded “a national educational crusade” by then Prime Minister Julia Gillard

in September 2012. Prior to the 2013 Federal Election then

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott promised bipartisan support of the reforms.

But two years on, and with local school principals now working through their second year of budgets under the Gonski reforms, the road to a fairer funding model seems long and arduous.

Principal of Penrith Christian School, Bruce Nevill, says that Gonski had the potential – and still does – to revolutionise school funding.

A lack of information, uncertainty for the final years of funding, and confusion about funding for students with disabili-ties has left Mr Nevill struggling to budget for 2015.

“The problem with Gonski has been its implementation,” he said.

“The original plan was for six years of increasing funding but when the new government was elected only four years of funding was guaranteed.

“Most schools would plan budgets two to three years ahead but currently we just cannot do that.”

Dr Geoff Newcombe, Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW completely agrees.

“The NSW Government’s method for funding independent schools has remained stable for many years and is generally well understood,” he said.

“However, the complexity of the new federal funding arrangements means

Gonski reforms were an “educational crusade”, but where do we sit two years on?What have we learned?

Principal Bruce Nevill and Tony Abbott met before the 2013 Federal Election at Penrith Christian School

independent schools are unable to predict their future funding levels with any certainty, and this makes it very difficult for schools trying to budget and make plans several years ahead.”

Independent schools are also struggling with changes to funding for students with a disability.

“Under the old system there was a set level of funding per student and a student with a disability would receive 185 per cent of that base funding,” Mr Nevill said.

“Now, it’s a grey area as to whether students will receive funding or not.”

Dr Newcombe said that a disability

loading is being phased in over a number of years with only small amounts of the loading being paid to schools in the first four years.

The transition to Gonski has been much easier for NSW public schools, according to President of the NSW Primary Principal’s Association, Geoff Scott.

Though again, the lack of commitment to the last two years of funding from the Abbott Government is a major concern.

“But to the State Government’s credit, they have committed to their share for the full six years,” he said.

A Federal Department of Education

spokesperson said that “the Government has provided funding certainty”.

“In New South Wales, Government schools will see a 49.6 per cent increase in Commonwealth funding alone. Beyond 2018 school funding will continue to rise every year into the future,” the spokesper-son said.

“As in previous years, funding for inde-pendent schools is subject to the Austral-ian Education Act 2013 and is based on information including the annual census of non-government schools conducted in August each year.”

Comments: Tweet us @wwpenrith


I n an Australian first, a study completed in partnership between local organisations has confirmed that cancer treatment involving a

combination of both medication and therapies improves the quality of life of those who suffer from the disease.

A report was released as a result of the study, which was completed by UWS researchers in partnership with Blue Mountains Cancer Help (BMCH), Nepean Blue Mountains Medicare Local (NBMML), the University of NSW and the Nepean Cancer Care Centre at Nepean Hospital.

It found, through an intensive study of BMCH and the model of care that it provides as a community organisation, that local and affordable support plays and important role in the effective treatment and recovery of cancer patients.

“There’s a distinct lack of understanding about complementary therapies and the integrated care that is needed to support

Study confirms positive therapy is a big help

Fran Nicholson, Annette Wickens and Robyn Yates. Photo: Melinda Jane

people through the post-treatment phase of cancer,” said Robyn Yates, CEO of BMCH, which is based in Katoomba and supports Blue Mountains and Penrith communities.

“Many people experience clear benefits including improved energy levels from complementary therapies in offsetting side effects from treatment.”

The study involved a survey of BMCH clients, both patients and carers, who reported a wide range of benefits from the support and care they receive at the community-based organisation.

Local general practitioners were also surveyed, with the majority suggesting that the BMCH model of care had a posi-tive impact on their patients.

The research project was considered unique in that it is the first time a commu-nity-based cancer support organisation has been involved in a study of this kind.

The intriguing report was presented last month at the Primary Health Care Research & Information Service Confer-ence in Canberra.


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WW11947

For further details, application and prospectus, please contact Mrs Biermann 9670 4588 or visit www.emmaus.kempscreek.catholic.edu.au

Emmaus Catholic College is a Catholic, dynamic, learning community where parents, staff and families “Walk with Jesus”:

Every aspect of the College meets the needs of students, giving them the best preparation for modern life in the 21st Century. We are committed to providing unique and enriching learning experiences for all students. Students and Parents at Emmaus experience:• a College with strong traditional values and high expectations of all its students • a place where prayer and sacrament are valued and nourished • a place where life-enhancing relationships are characterised by respect and authenticity • a learning environment of challenge, discovery and innovation, where each student is

expected to personally excel • an exciting transition year in Year 7 • a broad choice of courses in Years 9 – 12 • advanced technology enriching the learning environment with extensive vocational

courses and university and TAFE linked courses in Years 10 - 12 • a wide variety of sports played at a representative level and cultural opportunities

including Visual Arts, Photography, Drama, Mock Trial and Music recitals • a highly qualifi ed and committed teaching staff • a community where personal responsibility and justice are valued and expected • a peaceful and beautiful rural environment

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WW12513

Safety worryThe recent death of the cyclist

at the “T” section of Batt St and Racecourse Rd was a tragedy. It is surprising that an obviously dangerous situation has been unaddressed for so many years. Perhaps now a speed hump and its warning should be installed in Racecourse Rd approaching up the rise from Maxwell St. The recent installation of a stop sign at the eastern end of Jamison Rd and Bringelly Rd has me puzzled. There is a hundred metres vision either way in Bringelly Rd and in my opinion stopping and starting would be the only hazard. I contacted the Council Traff ic Management and was told that the stop sign was put there because of “incident statistics”.

PETER TOWNSEND, SOUTH PENRITH

Dementia Awareness Month

During Dementia Awareness Month throughout September, Alzheimer’s Australia, with support of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW, is calling on the community to join them in Creating a Dementia

Friendly Nation – that is, creating communities where people living with dementia are respected, valued and supported to maintain a good quality of life. In your own electorate of Penrith there are an estimated 780 people living with dementia. That figure is projected to increase to about 3,100 by 2050. These numbers show how essential it is that we pave the way for future genera-tions to live in dementia-friendly communities. Greater awareness and understanding of dementia in the community is essential to prevent the social isolation experienced by so many people following a diagnosis of dementia. I encourage your readers to find out more by going to www.dementiafriendly.org.au. I urge all Australians to understand that small actions count and can make a significant diff erence to the lives of people living with dementia. To become involved in the range of activities hosted by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW throughout September, visit www.fightdementia.org.au.

JOHN WATKINS CEO, ALZHEIMER’S AUSTRALIA

Heartfelt thanksI would like to convey to all the

people of Penrith and the patrons of the hotels and most clubs in the Penrith and surrounding areas our heartfelt thanks for their dona-tions to Legacy on September 5. Our National Servicemen are well into their seventies and they devote their time to this and other worthwhile causes collecting for charities, so that the less fortunate can be looked after. They devote their time selling ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day badges as well as Legacy during the year. The people of Penrith have always supported these charities and other worthwhile institutions. Again I thank them all very much for their support.

H.A MORFOOT PRESIDENT, PENRITH CITY NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Lack of respectThey have no respect at all

(Park’s unwanted visitors, Western Weekender September 12). Firstly we give them the needles and syringes free and provide bins to dispose of them safely all over the place, but no, they choose to

put the lives of young children at risk. The whole needle system needs to change. It should be an exchange! Not just a take as many as you like whenever you like [system]. Lighting may help keep this spot safer but we need to do more to stop the drug use/abuse. It’s rampant.

CHERYL MCFARLANE, VIA FACEBOOK

Thanks for the valued information

I was reading about Tricia Hitchen’s concerns regarding drug use in a local park last week, and realised just how much work that our local elected councillors actually do. We always think Council is just money-grabbing and all about roads, rates and rubbish. But it is about a whole lot more than that, and the council-lors are obviously at the forefront. Councillors would probably be the least power driven people of all the politicians out there. Thanks to our local councillors and also to the Weekender for the valued information about their activities and concerns.

MARY DONALD,VIA EMAIL

The sleeping giant has been awoken

The bandwagon is well and truly in action when it comes to the Penrith Panthers NRL team. Fair enough, too. I guess we can’t complain to have so much support for our team, it is just a shame it has come so late in the season. What has been achieved at Penrith this year is just remark-able and I am so proud of this football team both on and off the field. I admit I was a little worried when we were seeing so many of our star players disappear, like Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Wade Graham. To think that we’d replace them with the likes of Jamie Soward and Brent Kite and it’d actually garner these results is just incredible. I mean, who would have thought? It just goes to show how smart the football brains of Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary are. At the moment you get the feeling that this is just a very special football team that could bring much joy to their supporters and the wider city of Penrith in the next few years. Go the mighty Penrith Panthers!

KRISTINE SMITH,ST MARYS

email: [email protected]: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space.For more information, see our public notices section.

dear weekender...

Warpaint Tattoo and Body Piercing plans to open a store on High Street, Penrith. Plans have been submitted for the tattoo studio, to be located at 8/566 High Street.

Flintwood Disability Services has applied to Council to create a commu-nity facility. The facility would be for the training and education of people in social and workplace skills. It would be located at 234 Derby Street, Penrith.

The reciprocal student exchange program between Penrith City and Fujieda City in Japan has been running successfully for the last 27 years. Organised by the Penrith International Friendship Committee, a committee of Council , this program gives local high school students the opportunity of a lifetime to experi-ence a completely different culture. Each year for a three week period in July/August up to six students from Fujieda visit Penrith. Then in September/October students from Penrith visit Fujieda. When students go to each other’s countries they stay with their host brother/sister and learn about the Australian/Japanese way of life. In Fujieda, Penrith students stay in a traditional Japanese home and have

an exciting itinerary that takes them to many interesting places such as Hiroshima and Mt Fuji. They also visit the school of their host brother/sister for a few days. This year’s Penrith students are Jayden Watts, Liam Sinha, Abbey Mitchell, Emily Pollock and Matthew Penfold.

Council is warning businesses to prepare now for changes to smok-ing laws next year. From July 6, 2015, smoking is not permitted in commercial outdoor dining areas, including seated dining areas, within four metres of seated dining areas, or within 10 metres of a place at a food fair where food is sold or supplied for consumption. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said busi-nesses can start implementing the changes now rather than waiting for them to become enforced. “Once the legislation is in effect next July, fines do apply. Adopting the legislation now allows businesses to phase in compliance through educat-ing their patrons avoiding the threat of fines,” he said. Areas for smoking will still be made available however they must comply with all other requirements of the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 and its amendments.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT

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cage eggHow much does one

really cost?

You wouldn’t keep your pet like this. But hidden away in sheds across Australia, hens who are just as smart and sensitive as the family pet spend every waking moment in a cage — all for the sake of a cheap egg. She cannot sit comfortably or stretch her wings. Without the ability to exercise, her body is weak. Chances are that she, or one of her cage mates, is living

with an untreated broken bone. But trapped in a cage, in a shed with thousands of cages, no-one is ever likely to notice. Here she will spend 30 long hours to produce just one cage egg. The first time she will see the outside world — the world she was meant to live in — will be on the last day of her life, as she is trucked to the slaughterhouse.

“THAT AIN’TNO WAY TOTREAT A LADY”MAKE CAGE EGGS HISTORY.

AnimalsAustralia.org/ladies

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Sickening abuse

Multiple charges

Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad’s Penrith office have arrested and charged three adults for the systematic and ongo-ing physical abuse of a young boy.

Earlier this year, on May 26, a four-year-old boy was taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital suffering numerous injuries, including brain haemorrhages, multiple fractures, a broken tooth and severe bruis-ing all over his body.

Police were notified of the case and the Child Abuse Squad’s Penrith office commenced an investigation into the matter.

On Tuesday, detectives arrested a man and two women at a property in Doonside.

All three were charged and have been refused bail.

A man will appear in court next month charged with drug and firearm offences following a search of his Colyton home.

Police from St Marys Local Area Command executed a search warrant on a home on Richard Street about 1.30pm on Tuesday where they allegedly located an amount of cannabis, methylam-phetamine, a replica firearm, a small set of nunchakus, fireworks and a number of tools and identity cards which are believed to be stolen.

The occupant was arrested at the home and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with a range of offences.

He was given conditional bail and will appear at Penrith Local Court on October 1, 2014.

A research team from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) is seeking Australians who have

been reprimanded for cannabis use or possession to take part in an online survey as part of a study into the effec-tiveness of police reprimands.

On a weekly basis local residents are reprimanded by police for being in the possession of or using cannabis, includ-ing being issued warnings or a court attendance notice.

Just last month police stopped two people for cannabis possession on the same day, August 23, just half an hour apart.

A 20-year-old from Werrington County was stopped by police in Lee Street, Emu Plains, at about 6.30pm where he was sitting in a parked car with a number of males. The vehicle was searched and police found an amount of green matter alleged to be cannabis. They issued him with a ‘cannabis caution’.

Just 10 minutes later, police spoke to an occupant of another car parked on Mack-ellar Street, Emu Plains, before searching his vehicle.

The 20-year-old from Freemans Reach was charged with the possession of a prohibited drug, as he was found with MDMA and cannabis.

The NDARC team have established an online survey, aimed at those who have been reprimanded by police for their cannabis possession or use, to uncover which police action, whether it be a formal caution or sending them to court, achieves the best outcomes for the indi-vidual and society.

“We do not currently know which intervention is the most effective or least costly at changing cannabis use, decreasing rates of crime, or improving employment and the general health status of users,” Dr Marian Shanahan, who is leading the research team, said.

“Although cannabis diversion programs have a long history in Australia, we don’t really know how diversionary tactics such as fines and cautions stack up against being charged and going to court.”

The survey is open to all Australians over 17-years-old who have been stopped for minor cannabis use and possession offences in the last three to nine months – it is anonymous and confidential.

Dr Shananan said it was important that a cross-section of the community took part in the study.

“We are interested in hearing from as many eligible people as possible, includ-ing people of all ages, from all states and territories, including rural and regional areas,” Dr Shanahan said.

“The survey results will benefit all Australians, including both those who are stopped for cannabis use and those who pay taxes for the various police responses.”

The survey takes 15 minutes to complete in full.

To complete the survey, head online and visit www.cannabisdiversionsurvey.com.au.

Study aims to seek answers on cannabis reprimands

POLICE

Are cautions eff ective?

Photo: NSW Police


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Artist’s impressions of the residential living proposed for Sydney Science Park

COMMUNITY

T he Department of Planning has endorsed the multi-million dollar proposal to build a 250 hectare Sydney Science Park at Ludden-

ham, but has raised concerns about a residential component of the project.

The concept of the Sydney Science Park is the brain-child of one of Australia’s larg-est privately owned companies, Baiada, and would see some 10,000 jobs created upon its completion at the Luddenham Road, Luddenham site.

Just part of the Science Park would include Baiada’s National Headquarters, Baiada’s National Food Science Labo-

Department of Planning gives green light to incredible development at LuddenhamScience Park jumps big hurdle

ratories and Research Facilities and the University of Sydney Poultry Research Foundation.

It would also include new schools, a town centre with shops and extensive sporting facilities to support both students of the university and local employees.

The Park would also offer state of the art design in green spaces and even transport, with Council keen to see the Park serviced by the South West Rail Link extension.

The project has the support of the Department of Planning, however, resi-dential development on the site for up to 3,400 new dwellings has caused some concern.

“Given the site is located within the broader Western Sydney Employment

Area and is earmarked for future employ-ment uses in the draft Metropolitan Strat-egy for Sydney to 2031, it is important that the primary use on this land is for employ-ment purposes,” wrote Deputy Secretary of Growth Planning, Richard Pearson in his determination on the project.

“Consequently, the dwelling numbers should be reduced... which sees no more than 200 dwellings to be approved until such time as 60,000sqm of employment land is constructed by 2021.”

A spokesperson for Council said that with the green light from the Department of Planning, the Science Park proposal will be put on public exhibition before the end of this year.

“The Department of Planning and

Environment have issued the Gateway determination for the Sydney Science Park,” the spokesperson said.

“Council agrees with all aspects and conditions of the Determination with one quite minor exception and has asked the Department to reconsider that matter.

“Council is now preparing for the consul-tations with public authorities required by the Gateway and once that work is completed, will be moving to public exhi-bition of the Planning Proposal.

“We anticipate that public exhibition will occur later this year.”

The Science Park has found broad support from Councillors, the Penrith Business Alliance and the University of Western Sydney.


A lounge, dirty nappies, food packaging and even children’s toys have been recovered from a creek in Wianamatta Regional

Park. Last weekend Ropes Crossing residents

and volunteers scoured the area’s local creeks and waterways in an effort to remove some of the rubbish that has been piling up.

Organised by the Ropes Crossing FOCUS group, President Mark Pentecost said the day was largely a success.

“Rubbish collected ranged from lounge suites to children’s toys and playground equipment. Even dirty nappies were among the rubbish,” he said.

“The rubbish collected was only a small portion of the rubbish which had been dumped into local creeks and parks.”

Over two tonnes was removed from the creek on the weekend and Mr Pentecost said the group would have to conduct the

That’s rubbish: Community clean-up uncovers grubby dumping

President, Mark Pentecost in yellow safety jacket, with his willing supporters and unpleasant findings

clean-up on a monthly basis in the short term in order to complete the task.

Mr Pentecost said the dumping may occur because residents may not be aware that Blacktown Council will provide up to

12 pickups each year of unwanted house-hold goods.

“However, the lack of knowledge of these pick-ups does not justify the practice of rubbishing their own community.”


The Western Weekender is your number one guide to the Penrith Panthers as they hunt a third premier-ship in season 2014.

A thrilling 19-18 win over the Roosters last weekend means the Panthers are now just 80 minutes away from the NRL Grand Final.

The Panthers will play either Manly or Canterbury next weekend for a spot in the season decider.

Throughout the year, the Weekender has led the way with NRL coverage via Extra Time, which comes delivered free with your paper every Friday.

Extra Time continues today and next week, with a special Grand Final edition already being planned should the Panthers make the big one.

Troy Dodds, Nathan Taylor, Erin Molan, Luke Priddis and the rest of the Extra Time team delivers the best and most comprehensive coverage of the Panthers.

You can also follow the latest Panthers news by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westernweek-ender or Twitter via @wwpenrith.

Panthers hunt premiership

local news

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ENTER TODAY www.womenwithaltitude.com.auWW12488

WEEKLY AWARDS HIGHLIGHTMicro Business of the Year.

Sponsored by A+TAThe Soaring Solo category has been designed to acknowledge and encourage the woman that is working on her own to build her business or get her idea developed. According to category sponsor Melissa Browne of A+TA “I know both through being in business myself and talking to clients that business can be incredibly isolating. As a solo operator you have to wear many hats and often manage many roles in the business while continuing to stay motivated and focused on your clients and long term goals.”“At A+TA we support this category as we want to see women inspired, empowered and educated to become amazing business women and to recognize those that are doing great things in their space.”

On My Way. Sponsored by Akorah.Lynda Davis of Akorah, a signature range that Lynda developed for her body therapies at Spa Sublime, holds the On My Way award dear to her heart as Lynda won this category several years ago when she had not long been in business.“Entering an award is a great way to refl ect on what you have currently achieved We are working so hard and looking forward all the time, that we don’t realise how far we have come since we

fi rst started our businesses”The on my way category is designed for businesses in operation for 2+ years and are heading for growth.

Accounting + Taxation Advantage www.byata.com.au

Spa Sublinewww.spasublime.com.au

The Altitude Awards are now open for entering online at www.womenwithaltitude.com.au and close on the 31st October. There is no cost to enter and everyone is welcome to participate.

1. Micro Business of The Year Sponsored by ATA Sole operator business owned and run by a woman

in Western Sydney.

2. On My Way | Best Up and Coming Small Business Sponsored by Akorah Best up and coming small business. Must have

been operating a minimum of 2 years and located in Western Sydney.

3. Climb Every Mountain | Best Business of The Year Sponsored by Compass Training Must have been operating a minimum of 4 years

and located in Western Sydney.

4. Service with a Smile | Best Customer Service Sponsored by Write Copy Best customer service practice of a business

located in Western Sydney.

5. Retail Therapy | Business Retailer of The Year Sponsored by Penrith CBD Corp Best retail business or online retailer of the year

located in Western Sydney.

6. Community Spirit Award | Social Enterprise/NFP of The Year

Sponsored by Target Radio ( Vintage FM) Social Enterprise of NFP organisation that

aims to achieve social, cultural, community or environmental outcomes for our region. Open to a charity or NFP where women have founded or strongly infl uenced the values and vision.

7. Emerging Talent | Employee or Trainee of The Year

Sponsored by The Western Weekender An employee, trainee or apprentice from Western

Sydney who demonstrates initiative, leadership, determination and ability for the future.

8. Big Ideas | Creative of The Year Sponsored by Creative Queen Bees A person (or business ) with an example of ‘blow

the box out of the water’ thinking. A product, concept or service that has come to life from an original idea. Must be established 2+ years and located in Western Sydney.

9. Sky’s the Limit | Regional Business Woman of The Year

Sponsored by Penzance Advertising Agency Recognising a businesswoman who is leading the

way in her business or industry, demonstrating innovation, development and sets an example amongst her peers. Must be from a business established 3+ years

10. WWA Member of The Year Sponsored by Women with Altitude A voted category – Please share with us your

nomination of Member of the year. A woman who demonstrates the core values of openness, warmth and generosity. Holds an abundance mentality and embraces the value of networking and relationship building.

Elevate your success by entering the

2014 Women With Altitude Awards

B ennett Road Public School was decorated with white balloons last Friday to raise awareness of child abuse and sexual assault.

Launched in 1997, the Australia-wide campaign, White Balloon Day, is a key fixture during National Child Protection Week with funds raised going toward education, prevention and case manage-ment programs for the one in five Australian children sexually assaulted in some way before their 18th birthday.

The Colyton school has taken part

in the event for the last four years and raises money for Rosie’s Place, a western Sydney counselling service for abused children.

Principal Matthew Plumber said White Balloon Day complements the ‘stranger danger’ messages talked about in school.

“We do a lot of child protection lessons at school, we talk a lot about stranger danger and also encourage the children to have five people at school who they can talk to and can trust,” he said.

“Rosie’s Place looks after children in this area who have not felt safe.”

The school held a raffle and decorated the playground with white balloons.

EDUCATION

Local school sends an important message

The Bennett Road Public School community celebrates White Balloon Day


T he traditional yellow and black that so many people associate with Commonwealth Bank was pushed aside to make way for

blue at the Penrith branch last week, as staff put aside their usual duties to raise funds and awareness for a good cause.

In support of International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the High Street branch was decorated in blue, with staff dressing up in blue clothing and holding a barbecue to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia supports the thousands of Australian men and their families who are affected by the disease each year and provides vital funding for research projects,” said Penrith Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager, Narelle Meredith.

“We would like to invite the Penrith community to join our team in showing support and raising money for the founda-tion during International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

“Even a small contribution can help make a big difference.”

Commonwealth Bank has had a long history with the organisation as an official partner.

The company is supporting and

encouraging the community to take part in the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Big Aussie Barbie campaign, which is running throughout the month of September.

All the funds raised by the local branch on Friday and the funds raised throughout the rest of the month will be donated to the Big Aussie Barbie campaign.

COMMUNITY

Which bank is getting behind cancer help?

Commonwealth Bank’s Penrith team

KATHERINE TWEED @ktweed_ local news

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*Exclusions apply. See in store for details

WW11915

L ocal women have the opportunity to be part of a study that could improve the lives and the comfort of women forever.

When women put on a bra, they are instantly sacrificing their comfort and wellbeing because bra design is not up to scratch. But University of Wollongong PhD student, Celeste Coltman, is hoping that her research can change that.

She is calling on local women to be involved in her study of breast health biomechanics, where she is examining the breast characteristics of women and how they are influenced by age and Body Mass Index to better inform bra design, bra fit and breast support.

“The reason why this is important is because 85 per cent of women wear the wrong fitting bra and the consequences of incorrect bra fit are vast,” she said.

“Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can lead to musculoskeletal pains, changes in posture and decrease in exercise participation, so it is clear that design improvements need to be made so that more women are wearing and exercising in correct fitting breast support.

“So many women can not find a bra

that is supportive enough to exercise in, so they don’t. That is more an issue for large-breasted women but I have found that small-breasted women are largely dissatisfied with the way their bras fit as well,” she said.

Ms Coltman is completing her research with Breast Research Australia, where they have been conducting breast health research for 15 years, focusing on injury prevention and enabling increased exer-cise participation.

She has been testing since May and has already had over 200 women take part but is hoping that by visiting Penrith, she can reach her goal of having 500 women involved.

She will be working out of Penrith Women’s Health Centre for the two weeks from Monday, September 22, where she hopes to take the measurements of local women of all ages, take a 3D scan of their body and educate them on how to fit their own bra.

“It is very easy, non-strenuous and non-invasive. Women could easily take part in a break at work – it takes under an hour,” Ms Coltman said.

“I am hoping that women in Penrith will want to be involved to aid research that is going to seek to make improvements to bra design, which will help them and

Sick of uncomfortable bras? New study could be a game changer for women

RESEARCH

Solving a long-standing issue

Celeste Coltman is hoping her research solves a long-standing problem for women


other women and also to get correctly fitted in their own bra size and get taught how to correctly fit their own bra so that when they go to the shops they can use those strategies.

“They also get educational resources

related to education and breast support.”To get involved, contact Ms Coltman

via email at [email protected] or by phone on 4221 4480 or 0432 510 431.

For more information about Breast Research Australia, visit bra.edu.au.

W allabies, possums and kangaroos have all been caught on candid camera as the Office of Environment

and Heritage takes a fly-on-the-wall approach to monitoring local animal populations.

In Castlereagh Nature Reserve, four cameras have been set up in a one square kilometre section to capture Penrith’s native animals going about their daily business as part of program WildCount.

Environment Minister Rob Stokes said this was the first year the annual WildCount program was using photo analysis, and it is already revealing some fascinating insights into the private lives of the animals that live in our national parks and reserves.

“WildCount is an important fauna monitoring program that uses digital cameras to capture images of animals that pass by,” Mr Stokes said.

“It also provides credible scientific evidence to park managers and biolo-gists in the natural world about what is happening to common native species in NSW parks.”

The 270,000 photos collected from across the state this year include spec-tacular shots of two red-necked walla-bies fighting in Mount Yarrowyck Nature Reserve and a wombat meeting a spider

in Kosciuszko National Park. In Castlereagh Nature Reserve, a

swamp wallaby was captured having a sniff around; two brushtail possums got up close and personal with the cameras and an Eastern Grey kangaroo was also spotted.

“WildCount captures thousands of interesting images which capture rare sightings of species we didn’t know were present in many parks,” Mr Stokes said.

“It allows scientists to detect if there is a change in a species’ occurrence over a 10 year period and use this information to track trends in species distributions,” he added.

ENVIRONMENT

The secret lives of our local native animals

A swamp wallaby caught on camera


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local news

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McCarthy Catholic College students had a lesson in street art recently, which saw them condemn illegal graffiti in favour of creative expression that can be appreci-ated by the wider community.

Year 9 and 10 visual arts students took part in the semester-long program ‘Kick Flip’, where students studied street art, street artists and created their own street art-style design that they transferred to skateboards.

Students were given free reign to create their own work of art using a number of different techniques and materials, including spray paint, free brushwork, stencilling, collage, image transfer and drawing.

“I loved designing my skateboard, creating colour and originality and being

expressive. And we look really ‘flash’ when we skate,” said Year 9 student Natalie Laserna.

According to Year 9 Innovative Visual Arts teacher, Debbie Koziol-Grima, the project is an important one as it teaches the students, who may be at an age where they would consider taking part in illegal graffiti acts, productive ways to use street art talent.

“In term one we had Council come out and speak to the students about graffiti, street art and their differences. They talked about the negative impacts of graffiti and its costs to society,” she said.

“It enforced the idea of the issue of graffiti in our students and how different it is to street art.”

- Katherine Tweed

School takes innovative approach to curb graff iti problem in youngsters

Students with their skateboards. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Australian Women and Children’s Research Foundation

Healthier Lifestyles, Happier Families

The Annual“Great River Walk & Penrith Pram Push”

Family Fun Day

www.ozwac.com.au

10am - 3pm

•

10am - 3pm

Penrith, NSW - (02) 4731 2010

THIS SUNDAY21 SEPTEMBER 2014

&Tamara Miles

Caroline Chisholm College90-98 The Lakes Drive, Glenmore Park

4737 5500 www.cccglenmorepark.catholic.edu.au

sponsored content

R U OK Day occurred this year on Thursday, September 11. R U OK Day was established in 2009 as a day dedicated to starting conversations with family, friends, peers or even strangers to

reduce social isolation of those that may be struggling with mental health difficulties.

R U OK Day was chosen by the Student Wellbeing Committee of Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park, as a cause to support this year in order to raise awareness within the community of mental health issues and the value of social connectedness.

Students and staff of the College got behind this great cause through a number of initiatives on the day and in the week leading up to it.

The school arranged R U OK posters around the grounds. Students watched a presentation in year assemblies about R U OK day, and each student and teacher was also provided an orange ribbon on the day to show their support of the cause and also to share to act as a conversation starter. The day culminated in the College community forming the phrase R U OK? on the school oval during the lunch break.

“We were impressed with the energy and enthusiasm shown by the students to give up their lunchtime to get behind this fantastic cause. It gave me a real sense of pride to see that the students value something I consider to be so important,” said student Chantelle Al-Khouri.

Fellow student Emily Alexander added: “I saw that both in person and also on Facebook the girls were having those meaningful conversations that the day intended them to have. It was a great day!”

School shows community spiritThe Caroline Chisholm College community got behind an important cause earlier this month, much to the pleasure of students and teachers

BUSINESS OF THE WEEKb

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Catholic Education for Girls Years 7 -12Limited vacancies in Yr.11 for 2015

Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park

Have you considered the benefi ts of an education for your daughter in an all girls’ school?Caroline Chisholm College offers an excellent and very affordable education with both academicand co-curricular programs that specifi cally cater for girls including:

• an education within a Catholic faith community that promotes spiritualdevelopment and a commitment to social justice activities

• strong focus on student leadership development • outstanding H.S.C results• extensive subject choice and access to modern technology• enrichment opportunities for talented students and support for students with learning diffi culties• a friendly, caring environment which encourages each young women’s passion for learning

Limited Vacancies for Yr. 11 2015Further information can be obtained by contactingMrs Robyn Wilson: Enrolments Secretary on 4737 5506 orEmail: [email protected] OR visit our website www.cccglenmorepark.catholic.edu.au

Further information can be found on our website

www.cccglenmorepark.catholic.edu.auEnrolment packages can be obtained by contacting the College on 4737 550690 - 98 The Lakes Drive | Glenmore Park NSW 2745

WW12393

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BUSINESS TIPS

MICHELLE GRICEFounder of Shel Design

MICHAEL TODDSmall Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC

People who start a business or run an existing business rarely lack advice. There is always someone that sticks their two bobs worth into your business (so to speak) which often starts with the rein-forcement of the conventional actions needed.

They say write a detailed business plan, set targets, look after your intellectual property, network and build relation-ships, promote yourself shamelessly, delegate lots and so on.

I believe the orthodox approach isn’t always the appropriate one. In fact, more often than you may think, it’s the creative and unconventional types that insist on doing business how they please, that establish their point/s of difference early and become happy and successful.

You need to see the market like no one before you and operate a service that adds something to people’s lives, being clearly different from your ‘competition’. I say competition like that because if you start with and then maintain an edge on businesses that advertise that they offer the same service as you, then they will not bother you much.

The measurements of success are usually along the lines of results you provide clients, customer service you offer, and/or the type of product or service you deliver.

Every business has to be real, creating a vision or strategy that is not replicating the past. Thinking original thoughts and using proactive ideas that haven’t been practiced yet should be your priority.

Of course, researching and thoughtful process before most decisions is advised, but many businesses that are successful didn’t necessarily start with the careful planning and capital you think they might have.

In my opinion, if you have passion and enthusiasm in what you do, you will go a long way to achieving what you set out to. Sure, you need to have a great product or service, great customer service and have the basics covered but if you can’t imagine something happening then I can tell you it won’t in the real world.

So take a look at your business now. What does it offer that is different to others? Is it you? Is it your methods of customer service? What else?

Passion and enthusiasm can get you a long way

My kids bought me a Superwoman t-shirt a few years ago. I like wearing it, as most days I do feel like Superwoman with all the tasks I’m juggling. But I came to a stark conclusion recently: I am NOT Superwoman. This wasn’t an attempt to bring myself down and be negative, but rather it was a reality check that revealed I really couldn’t sustain effectively every-thing I was doing.

I am a typical business owner with entrepreneurial traits: that is, I cannot stop my mind from coming up with new ideas or new ways to do things. It can be hard to filter or prioritise those ideas and work out what to focus on. I am coming to the realisation that because I am not Superwoman and do have a finite number of hours in the day, I am not able to progress every idea I come up with, no matter how good it is!

The process of working out where to focus my time now involves asking myself questions such as:

• is this new idea going to impact nega-tively on my core business?

• am I prepared for the additional time and energy it will take to progress this

idea?• will my ‘outside work’ commitments

(including family) be negatively affected? Will I be sacrificing time with those people and/or activities?

• is it important enough to make the commitments and changes that will be required?

Sometimes answering the above ques-tions will result in a resounding ‘yes’ and a new idea will flour- ish. But other times, I know I need to be prepared to let other commit-ments take priority and let a good idea lay dormant for a while longer. And to be honest, there’s no harm in doing that at all.

Believe it or not, I am not Superwoman b

usiness31

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Come in for an appointment at no cost to you with a business advisor to help solve your business problems.

02 4721 5011

Is your businesskeeping you awake at night?

www.penrithsmallbiz.com.auThis service is proudly funded by the State Government Small Biz Connect Program W

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AUTO

The Lexus RC F will launch a powerful assault on the luxury performance vehicle segment in early 2015, with the all-new coupe to benefit from a 5.0-litre V8 engine.

The new engine will develop almost 13 per cent more power than the IS F engine on which it is based, making it the most powerful Lexus V8 engine in the marque’s history.

All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maxi-mum power of the 5.0-litre, 32-valve engine by 40kW, with maximum revolu-tions increased from 6,600 to 7,300rpm.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Sean Hanley said the RC F will have a powerful presence in the Australian market.

“The RC F will be powerful in every respect. From its design to the powertrain beneath it, the RC F has been designed to engage, excite and inject emotion into the Lexus brand,” he said.

“As our performance hero, RC F plays a very important role in highlighting our engineering and design capabilities, and just as importantly it also displays the passion and pride of our engineering team. RC F encompasses all of our learn-ings... and wraps it up in Lexus’ latest design philosophy.”

The RC F will also feature an intelligent engine management system that allows the drivetrain to switch between Atkinson and Otto cycle, conserving fuel while coasting or delivering maximum power when required.

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

Get ready Australia, the LEXUS RC F is like nothing you’ve ever seen before

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Our contact details are: facebook.com/FriendsHCAStwitter.com/HawkesburyPdVolfohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 [email protected]

PCC 655

MALE MASTIFF X 9 MONTHS - $342includes All Vetwork Due Now.

After being Surrendered by his owners this guy is now looking for a loving Forever Home. He is listed as a Mastiff x but is mabye around 30kg, he behaved well when having his photo taken and he knows how to sit. Loves treats and is a happy guy.

PCC 514

is a lovely, friendly and happy boy that gets along with other cats. He is waiting at the Shelter now for his Forever Family to come along and take him home.

PCC 658

FEMALE COOLIE X 7 MONTHS DUE 23.9.14 - $342 TO ADOPTAll Vetwork included.

This girl was picked up as a stray in Penrith and is not microchipped, she will be looking for her Forever Home if her owners don’t reclaim her before the 23rd.

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

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automotive

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POWERLIFTING

L ocal high school teacher Aaron Kingsley never looked this big. In fact just eight years ago, at age 16, Kingsley was the shortest and

skinniest kid in school.The then McCarthy Catholic College

student hated being the weakling amongst his friends, so he decided to join a gym.

Over time Kingsley became obsessed with lifting weights and seeing the rewards. Kingsley decided to turn his passion for pumping iron into a sport and is now a competitive powerlifter set to compete against some of the strongest men in the world.

Last month he competed at the National Capo Powerlifting competition in Bris-bane where he placed third in the Men’s Under 100kg Bench Press category after benching 180kgs.

Kingsley’s bronze means he’ll now represent Australia for the first time at the GPA World Powerlifting Championships at Sydney Olympic Park this November.

Speaking with the Weekender, the St Dominic’s College science and math-ematics teacher explained the difference Aaron Kingsley. Photo: Melinda Jane

between powerlifting and the more well-known sport of weightlifting.

“Powerlifting is lifting as much as you can for one rep whereas weightlifting is particular movements like the clean and jerk or the snatch,” Kingsley said.

“Powerlifting also consists of the dead-lift, squats and bench press.”

To keep himself in tune for his various competitions, Kingsley often trains up to five days a week at Penrith’s Fit 4 All Gym. The 24-year-old admits while his sport is relatively safe, he has had one or two scary moments during his time.

“I have had a few big injuries and that’s why I don’t compete in anything else apart from the bench press,” Kingsley said.

“On one occasion doing the deadlift I ended up with two bulging discs, a stress fracture and I found out I had a few other problems as well.”

With his setbacks seemingly behind him, Kingsley’s now in deep training ahead of his first international tournament in just two months’ time and is prepared to take on the European powerhouses such as Russia and Poland.

“I’m not expecting to win but my main goal was to make the team and I’m proud to say I did just that,” he said.


From skinny kid to big-time powerlifter

CONGRATULATIONS GLENBROOK

Women’s Bowls, who celebrated their 53rd birthday. A sumptuous morning tea of homemade cakes and slices from mem-bers started the day and a warm welcome was given by President Jackie Lewis. Members enjoyed a game of 18 ends of social bowls and the weather matched the enthusiasm of the bowlers. After a hot lunch provided by the club, President Jack-ie Lewis and Social Committee Coordinator Margaret Jacka cut the birthday cake. President Jackie thanked everyone for coming and making the day so enjoyable and a lot of fun.President Jackie congratulated Margaret Jacka and Coral Thornton who recently received a Royal Merit Award Badge for

services to men’s bowls in the 2014 Pen-nants season, indicating how proud we are of their commitment and effort.Penrith played their annual Bill Elkington Shield last weekend and the winners were Errol Burrell, Steve Martin and Lance Win-sor; and the runners up were Peter Swan, Andrew Swan and Nick Redcliffe. Gary Pearson, Ern Ness and Lyle Bell took out third place.Congratulations to the NDBA players who were part of the Zone 5 team that partici-pated in the Inter-Zone Sides Champion-ship at Dubbo and who only just missed out in playing in the finals. In the Handi-capped Pairs played at St Marys RSL, Brian Hennessey Mal Cameron defeated Joe White and Jim Guyatt in the final.

ANOTHER GOOD crowd of followers were in attendance at last Thursday’s harness racing at the Penrith Paceway.Race one went to outsider Zany Dune ($10.70) with driver James Ponsonby hav-ing an easy run in front. The race devel-oped into a dash home and the favourite Zodiac Prince was too far back and could not make up the ground needed.In the second event Simply Gorgeous ($5.80) made up for her defeat last week and after a cosy run behind the leader gave driver Jim Douglass the first of a tre-ble of wins. Jerosh came home strongly for second with favourite Major Arthur drop-ping out when the pressure was applied.Favourite Bee Tees ($2.10) enjoyed a good run in the third race and driver Blake Fitzpatrick only had to pull out and go at

the 400m to overtake leader Corilla Tess.Domestic Art ($9.50) kept the Fitzpatrick flag flying in the fourth. After being locked away three back on the inside it was able to get out at the 400m mark, overtake leader Ihitthegroundrunning, and then hold off a challenge from runner up Type Thing.Favourite, Tee Wrap City ($2.50) driven by Jim Douglass was never in danger of defeat in the fifth race. It led the whole way.Port Kembla ($6.10) with Jim Douglass again was able to get up and beat the favourite, Girl Gone Rockin, who led until the last 50m of the sixth event. Serene Elegance ($1.80) driven by Michael Muscat lived up to expectations in the last and from a good draw was soon in front to lead for the remainder of the journey. Vil-lage Rebel took out the second placing.

BOWLS // Mick Gilfoyle

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W ell over 100 riders and their ponies will descend upon Londonderry this weekend for the 2014 Pony Club State

Mounted Games Championships.This is the first year that Londonderry

Pony Club has hosted what is regarded as one of the most thrilling events on the Pony Club calendar.

Mounted Games, which was developed by Prince Phillip in 1957, is considered an extreme sport with teams competing against each other over 10 different games.

Some of the unique games that will be held over the weekend will include the Balloon Bursting, Hurdle and Sword Race.

“Mounted Games doesn’t just require speed but also the athletic ability of horse and rider to manoeuvre between and around obstacles, pick up and put down equipment, and vault on and off the horse at high speed,” Londonderry Pony Club Secretary, Michelle Newham said.

Competition is expected to be fierce with 130 riders from 26 teams entered in the two-day event.

Fun and games at Champs

2013 PCANSW State Mounted Games, Milk the Cow Race. Photo: Barry McGregor

But there’s a serious side to Mounted Games Championships too

Londonderry Pony Club will have two local teams competing this weekend with riders ranging from experienced 18-year-old Brittany Newham to rookie nine-year-old Madeline Nickson.

Ms Newham said practice makes perfect when it comes to the Mounted Games Championships.

“Madeline has earned her way onto the squad with plenty of practice and great riding, she should be really proud,” Ms Newham said.

“This year we have two really strong teams and we’re confident of coming in the placings.”

Performances at this event will also determine selection for teams to represent NSW at the National Mounted Games Championship next year.

Local residents are encourage to head out to Londonderry to see the event, which is expected to attract a healthy crowd of onlookers.

The 2014 Pony Club State Mounted Games Championships will commence on Saturday, September 20 from 8.30am and will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the mounted presentation ceremony. Entry is free.


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FIGURE SKATING

I f you’ve ever grown up in the Penrith area there’s a very good chance you would’ve attended a Skatel party at some point during your childhood.

You’d no doubt remember playing games like bull rush or trying your luck at limbo, which can actually be quite tricky on skates.

South Penrith resident Kathryn Chris-tensen had a similar upbringing visiting Skatel on a regular basis for her brother’s in-line hockey competition when she was nine.

Christensen enjoyed her experience at Skatel so much that she decided to undertake ‘learn to skate’ classes because she wanted to be a goalie like her older brother.

While her in-line skating career failed to get off the hardwood, she did in turn discover a passion for roller skating and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now 22, Christensen is about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Spain to take part in the upcoming World Artistic Roller Figure Skating Championships.

This will be Christensen’s fourth time Kathryn Christensen will compete in the World Artistic Roller Figure Skating Champs

representing Australia at a World Champi-onship but the first time as a solo dancer.

Christensen said she couldn’t wait to jet off to the beautiful Mediterranean later this month.

“It’s very exciting this year as it’s the first time I made it for my solo event as well as the team one,” she said.

“I’ve been to other world championships in Queensland, New Zealand and Taipai but this will be the biggest competition so far.”

Christensen describes her sport of artis-tic roller figure skating as the “prettier version of some of the roller sports” but the hard part, according to her, is making it actually look pretty.

“The sport’s all about trying to make everything look smooth and easy when in reality it’s quite challenging,” she said.

“I think the hardest part is making it look effortless and graceful when in actual fact you’re thinking ‘I’m going to die’.”

Christensen will perform two solo dances in the Senior Ladies category when the competition gets underway in Reus, which is 100km south of Barcelona. She’ll also participate in the teams event alongside a number of other dancers from the local area.


Spain beckons for talented local skater

ICE HOCKEY

A nother Penrith sporting fairytale is on the horizon with local ice hockey club the Penrith Phantoms into the

Division 2 Grand Final.After a controversial off-season, which

saw them dumped from the NSW Ice Hockey Division 1 competition, the Phantoms have stormed into the Grand Final after two dominant semi-final games.

The Phantoms made mince meat of their opposition in the Liverpool Saints, thrashing them in consecutive semi-finals 5-0.

Speaking with the Weekender, Phan-toms captain George Kozumplik said last Sunday’s second semi-final against Liverpool was a dominant performance right from the very start.

“Realistically the score should’ve been a lot worse if their goalie didn’t have a good game,” he said.

“We hit two or three posts and their goalie stopped a few as well. It was a pretty comfortable win to be honest.”

While a 10-0 aggregate scoreline across both games suggests a carve up, Kozumplik admitted his team weren’t at their absolute best in both games.

“We certainly played a good game but there is still room for improvement,” he said.

“We weren’t really tested, our confi-dence was high and we were taking

some risks which we probably wouldn’t usually try.”

This weekend the Phantoms, who finished minor premiers after 21 games, will take on the second-placed Canter-bury Chiefs in a two-game Grand Final series to played on Saturday at Penrith Ice Palace and Sunday at Sydney Ice Arena.

“The Chiefs have a good, strong defence but lack the speed our defence has,” he said.

“We’ll have to play a lot more struc-tured and safer this weekend and try and dominate through safe plays.”

The Penrith Phantoms take on the Canterbury Chiefs this Saturday at Penrith Ice Palace at 7.30pm. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.

Grand Final looms

Photo: Calista Kozumplik-Graham


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CRICKET

M ore than 100 girls from schools in Penrith and abroad descended on Howell Oval on Wednesday morn-

ing to take part in the popular Ellyse Perry Challenge.

A partnership between Cricket NSW and Football NSW, the Ellyse Perry Chal-lenge is for girls aged 10 to 14 to encourage them to lead healthy and active lifestyles.

During the free all-day clinic, girls are taught basic cricket and football skills by trained staff from each of the two sports.

Speaking with the Weekender, Perry, who at just 16 represented Australia in both cricket and football, said it was fantastic to see so many local kids getting in on the fun.

“It’s so lovely to see lots of girls come out, enjoy the day and have the oppor-tunity to play two different sports with their friends,” she said.

“Just seeing them be active and running around is really wonderful and it kind of reminds me a lot of my childhood.”

This was the fifth Ellyse Perry Challenge

Perry in Penrith

Shardae Bennett, Aimee Hall and Ellyse Perry. Photo: Melinda Jane

Local students meet a sporting icon at first local Challenge

held in the past 12 months but the first to be held in Penrith. Perry said it was hard to split both sports in terms of popularity amongst the youngsters.

“It’s probably pretty even, I think both sports over the last few years have had steady and strong growth rates,” she said.

“One being a summer sport and the

other a winter sport probably means it’s pretty equal in terms of girls participat-ing, and I think judging by the response today, they were all really excited about playing both sports.”

The 23-year-old hoped the event would ultimately encourage young girls to sign up to a local cricket or soccer club.


Future of cricketStory continued from » p.40

“The club needs to partner with the corporate community to a level that can compete with the richer and more domi-nant clubs,” Small said.

“Sydney University and Bankstown Cricket Club are the benchmark in terms of unlimited funding with the latter receiving $150,000 per year from the Bankstown Sports Club.”

Another major point on Small’s wish list was the idea of partnering with the University of Western Sydney to keep local players local.

In recent years many teenage prodigies, who grew up in Penrith playing junior and lower grade cricket, up and left the club to head to rich clubs like Sydney University.

“We want to have an association with the University of Western Sydney for our players to pursue careers in their own backyards and not have to move to the city,” Small said.

While many of Small’s wishes are a possibility, some may never get off the ground without the backing of local, state and federal governments as well Cricket NSW and the local business community.

“Howell Oval has the potential to be the envy of Cricket teams around Australia, so let’s wake this sleeping giant,” he said.

What are your thoughts on the state of cricket in Penrith? Email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 4722 2998.

YMCA: YMCA Penrith will be hosting a fun day of activities for local residents at their upcoming Family Fun Day this Saturday, September 20 from 2pm to 6pm.The free event will feature a live reptile show, face painting and a variety of active play including a new jumping castle, free time gymnastics and kids’ fitness games. People of all ages are invited to attend with a gold coin donation encouraged to help support the local Y. For more information on the Family Fun Day call 4733 7388.

CRICKET: Congratulations to Penrith cricketer Mikayla Hinkley who is one of nine up and coming young cricketers to win a Basil Sellers Scholarship.Cricket NSW Chief Executive, Andrew Jones, congratulated the recipients of the scholar-ships and also thanked businessman and philanthropist Basil Sellers for his ongoing support of NSW cricketers.“Being awarded a Basil Sellers Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for these young players. Not only will it help ease the financial burden of pursuing their cricketing dreams, it will also assist them in furthering educational and career opportunities outside of the game,” he said.

BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers have won the opening game of the NSW State Baseball League season, defeating defend-ing premiers Blacktown Workers 5-3. Meanwhile, Penrith have signed two more big names for this season with former LA

Dodger Trent Oeltjen and Detroit Tiger Zac Shepherd coming on board.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have lost their Division 3 Grand Final, going down to the Randwick City Saints 149-22 last Saturday afternoon in Blacktown.The Rams were unfortunately never in this one with the Saints up 101-1 at half-time.

GRIDIRON: The Nepean Ducks have lost their fourth game of the Gridiron NSW season, going down to the UTS Gators 48-8.The Ducks continue to look for their first win and will now take on the Wollongong Mustangs at 1pm this Saturday in Kyeemagh.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wander-ers W-League side have opened the 2014/15 season with a 4-1 loss to Canberra United.Western Sydney debuted eight players in the match with many of the fresh faces putting in strong performances.The Wanderers’ only goal came in the 90th minute off the boot of newcomer Demi Koulizakis. The Wanderers will travel to Melbourne this weekend to take on last year’s champions Melbourne Victory.

If you would like your sporting results, club event or anything sports related mentioned in ‘Around the Grounds’ next week please email nathan.taylor@westernweekender or call 4722 2998.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

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SPORTthe western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

Friday 19 September 2014

C hristmas may be a few months away yet but Penrith Cricket Club general manager and head coach Steve Small is getting into the spirit a little early

by exclusively revealing his ‘wish list’ to the Western Weekender.

Small, who coached Penrith’s first grade cricket team to the semi finals last season, has outlined a number of important developments and strategies he would like to see imple-mented at the historic club and its Howell Oval precinct in the not too distant future.

Small’s wish list is designed to not only benefit the players of today but also the players of tomorrow. He wants to awaken the ‘sleeping giant’ that is Penrith cricket.

The first wish on Small’s definitive list is an upgrade to the playing surface at Howell Oval, which will improve the standard of play at the venue as well as help with better wet weather drainage.

“Penrith Council and Mayor Ross Fowler are working tirelessly to help with our ground and we can’t thank them enough,” Small said.

“The club are hoping Cricket NSW and the

Small’s big wish listExclusive: Coach’s grand plan for future of cricket in Penrith

State Government recognise the need and benefit for western Sydney by developing the surface.”

Also high on Small’s list is the addition of stadium lighting to allow for cricket matches to be played at night.

This would ultimately benefit the club in allowing players to train and play in the evenings as well as further engage the community to see a match if families are busy during the day.

Another wish on Small’s list is establishing a state-of-the-art cricket academy complete with video technology for coaching juniors right up through to the sport’s elite.

The upgraded indoor centre will also feature three batting/bowling lanes instead of two, as well as improved bowling machines for more efficient coaching.

Continuing with the redevelopment plans, Small also indicated an upgrade to the NA Hunter Pavilion was required with the addi-tion of a top floor suite to allow members and players to watch from a better angle.

An on-site gymnasium is also on the cards, which will help promote a healthy and active lifestyle for youth and academy programs.

But it isn’t just renovated buildings and new

surfaces that are printed on Small’s wish list. It’s also establishing connections between the local business community and Penrith Cricket Club to allow many of these visions to actually become a reality.

Story continues on » p.38


Steve Small has a big vision for Penrith cricket. Photo: Melinda Jane

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