Thursday, 20 May 2010 - ISSUE 24

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From the Editor’s Desk 251 Queen Street St Marys Editor: Kerrie Martin 0422 067 644 Advertising Representative: James Miller 0401 320 707 Advertising Representative: Myee Lallyette 0413 305 578 Advertising Representative: Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 Advertising Representative: Bill Buckley 0409 396 593 Advertising Representative: Jenny Taufana 0414 274 179 Distribution: Susan Page 0410 167 804 Sports Editor: Greg Yanda 9623 1282 Journalist: Greg Martin 9623 1282 Design: Classique Printz 0449 773 196 Printer: Torch Publishing Company, Condell Park Letters to the Editor: [email protected] Web: nepeannews.com.au

by Kerrie Martin TODAY I will be bouncing into work with a bit of a spring in my step, I just hope my Áashy red high heels can handle the challenge. What sets today aside from any other day, you ask? Today is the day we welcome aboard our new advertising rep - Di Bonello. I had the pleasure of working with Dianne a few years back, and we became friends immediately. Anybody who knows her will relate to what a great asset she will be to Nepean News. She is a dedicated, loyal person and is exceptionally good at her job because she focuses on the best results for her clients and ensures that they receive the personal service that only comes from someone who genuinely cares about her clients and their success. Her winning personality, happy-go-lucky nature and hilarious sense of humour will be welcomed with open arms, literally. Because with all the challenges that get thrown at all of us - be they through relationships, family or work -the ability to have a good laugh is the greatest remedy of all. I am so proud of the entire Nepean News team; what a great bunch of people! And with the addition of Di Bonello, we continue to rise!

Check www.nepeannews.com.au for complete list of distribution outlets

2 | Nepean News 20 May 2010 Issue 24

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Local News

It’s about people By Greg Yanda THE Nepean Hospital branch of the NSW Nurses Association has challenged state government bureaucrats to spend time in their shoes as the hospital continues to struggle – understaffed and underfunded. Nepean Branch Secretary of the Association, Peter Mason, threw down the challenge after meeting with Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Liberal candidate for Penrith Stuart Ayres at Nepean Hospital. “I certainly would invite bureaucrats to come and do my job for a day, and the pen pushers – I would love them to come,” Mr Mason enthused. “If they didn’t want to do my job and didn’t feel competent to do it, I would invite them to shadow any nurse in this hospital for four hours of any day. “They would then certainly see what life is like for a nurse - they would be surprised.” Liberal candidate for Penrith, Stuart Ayers was full of praise for the staff at Nepean Hospital in the Àrst weeks of the lead-up to the Penrith bi-election. “The Àrst thing that strikes me about these nurses is how hard they want to work for the people of Penrith, and we should always be giving those guys a pat on the back because they go above and beyond the call to support the people of Penrith,” Mr Ayres said. “People can talk about buildings, wards, Áashy suits, theatres, whatever you like – but at the end of the day healthcare is about people. It’s about putting people on the ground and it’s about making sure if you put a bed in a ward, that there’s a nurse there to look after that bed.” According to Mr Ayres the Medical Assessment Unit is currently empty with 10 empty beds because there are not enough nurses to Àll the ward. “It’s purely a waste of money building those services if you are not prepared to support it with hard working staff,” he said. “It’s not about funding a further bureaucracy, but making sure we invest more money into the front line services where that money can actually have an impact for local Penrith families.

“They don’t need to hear about another pen pusher in NSW Health, they need to hear about more nurses supporting Penrith families.” NSW Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner supported the calls for more nurses which equals better care for patients. “I am totally supportive of the very hard working nurses and doctors and allied health professionals at this hospital,” Ms Skinner said. “I think that they provide among the best services in the state, but they deserve a much better deal from the government which has really taken them for granted. “The fact that they are run off their feet providing service is just not fair to either them or their patients.” Mr Mason expressed concerns that the advertising of nursing positions is restricted to the public health sector and New South Wales only. As a result, there is not an inÁux of new nurses despite many being interested in working in the public health sector. “There is a real concern that they are providing us with lip service, saying that they are advertising but only taking from somewhere else that is short staffed. They are just moving the deck chairs- that is what we are concerned about.”

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NSW Nurses Association Branch Secretary Peter Mason, Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner, Liberal Candidate for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Branch President NSW Nurses Association Jason Mullary at Nepean Hospital.

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Local News

June 19 by-election – who will get your vote?

By Kerrie Martin

Stuart Ayres – Liberal Candidate for Penrith STUART Ayres, while tipped to win the election for the Liberals in a landslide victory, believes it will be much closer than the pundits believe. With the ALP tipped already “to be on the nose” with voters across NSW, the recent resignation of MP Karyn Paluzzano is expected to bring on a massive swing against Labor in Penrith, but Stuart said he believes he still has his work cut out for him to restore voter conÀdence in the by-election. The partner of Liberal Senator, Marise Payne, Stuart has been a Penrith resident since the early 90s, attended St Dominics College and has been a contributor to local sports organisations. The current Marketing Manager of the Australian College of Physical Education, Stuart believes it’s time for Penrith to get a “fair go and not be taken for granted.” “I raised my hand for the seat because Penrith needs a strong voice, with integrity at the core of the approach,” Stuart said. “I understand that this election is about earning enough respect to restore conÀdence in the elected representative. Penrith needs someone who puts people before political beneÀts, and I am that person.” Very passionate about Penrith and its potential to be a regional city, Stuart said Penrith is ready for a fresh start with a local

Stuart out in the community with State Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell MP who can offer new vision. His main issues of focus include Health, policing, transport and investing in local infrastructure that will allow local businesses

to Áourish to ultimately allow for more people to working locally. “Penrith has some very dedicated doctors and nurses who have been let down by the

current Labor government,” Stuart said. “They desperately want to support local families in their time of need, but the nurse shortages at Nepean hospital means local residents don’t get the services they deserve.” Stuart said transport was causing a lot of frustration for Penrith commuters and needed immediate attention. “The people of Penrith deserve a modern transport system. Here we are in 2010 and trains are slower than they were in 2004. “We need to get back to the basics, where trains run on time, the ticket machines are functional and the lifts are working.” Stuart said he would like to see a stronger police presence in Penrith CBD, especially at night so that people could feel safe after dark. “We need to look at ways to address alcohol-related crime and support our local police and court system by backing up the good work that they do,” he said. Stuart said his primary focus would be ensuring Penrith isn’t taken for granted. “This area has been taken for granted for too long by a government who just expects the electorate to vote for Labor,” he said. “This by election is an opportunity to send a clear message that Penrith deserves a fair go from its state government. To do that, we need a representative with a strong voice who is prepared to put the people of Penrith Àrst,” Stuart said.

John Thain – Labor Candidate for Penrith JOHN Thain appears to be under no illusions about the difÀculty of the task ahead –to convince voters in the Penrith electorate to give Labor another go following the resignation of Karyn Paluzzano in the midst of an ICAC investigation. The self-confessed “underdog” is a family man with two sons and has been a Councillor on Penrith Council for the last ten years and was Mayor of Penrith in 2005/06. “I made the decision to put my hand up because I believe Premier Kristina Keneally is heading in the right direction with a refocus on transport and an interest in western Sydney,” John said. “I wanted to support the Premier because I think she’s doing a fantastic job, and I believe I am the best candidate. I spoke to my wife, Annette, my family and friends and ensured I had their support.” The main issues John will be focussing on are Àxing the parking situation in Penrith CBD, tougher penalties for grafÀti, housing and government investment in Penrith. “I also have a passionate interest in health; Penrith residents deserve quality healthcare and I intend to focus on reducing waiting times in the emergency triage,” John said. “I know it isn’t easy, but I intend to work

The Labor team lead by Kristina Keneally out in full force to support John

closely with Nepean Hospital management to overcome it.” John believes Kevin Rudd’s Health proposal is moving in the right direction. “It’s a great step for States and Federal to be working together, instead of battering each other about the head for a change,” he said. On transport, John said more than half of the residents in Penrith commute for work, so it is important to have faster transport to Parramatta and the city. “A fast link to the city will ensure residents are spending less time on trains and more time with their families,” he said. John believes much has been achieved locally during the Labor State Government’s reign, and points to the $4 mil upgrade Emu Plains station, $138 mil redevelopment of Nepean Hospital between the state and Federal governments and $7.7 mil on local schools. “The spotlight will certainly be pointed on Penrith during the by-election campaign,” John said. “What I’m asking is that voters give me ten months (until the general state election next March). “Voters have been provided with a unique opportunity to put me on probation and judge me ten months later according to my report card.”

Nepean News By Election poll results: We asked: Who will you vote for in the by Election on June 19? Liberal 60% Labor 25% Unsure 15% Other 0% Has your vote been affected by Karyn Palluzano’s resignation? 35% of those who know who they are voting for said yes it has. 100% of those who were unsure said yes it has. 4 | Nepean News 20 May 2010 Issue 24

Name recognition: 56% of those who will vote Liberal named Stuart Ayres as the candidate. 20% of those who will vote Labor named John Thain as the candidate. *Random phone poll results conducted by Nepean News staff by calling residents throughout the Penrith electorate.

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Local News

Noble despite his plight By Greg Yanda A count of rough sleepers in the Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blacktown and Blue Mountains Local Governments Areas was conducted earlier this month by the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness. Across the four areas more than 690 people were found to be sleeping in makeshift conditions with 120 of found coming from the Penrith area. One rough sleeper who volunteered his time for the count was Gavin and he generously offered an insight to his life as one of more than 80 people who call the banks of the Nepean River home. Homeless for the last decade, Gavin is desperately trying to Ànd accommodation for himself and two other rough sleepers whom he considers family. “I’m on the priority waiting list but I keep getting knocked back all the time,” the 39 year-old explained. “The Department of Housing just don’t want to do anything because they said there are too many homeless people out there. “They are supposed to be putting homeless people off the street, not back onto the street. “I am angry at the department, I know they’ve got their job to do but I apply all the

Rough sleeper Gavin on the bank of the Nepean River with street count volunteer Lee Armstrong time and go in there and I’m always getting the same answer.” Life on the streets and alcohol dependency has taken its toll of the father of two, who has been given two years to live as a result of liver

damage. However his main focus is on helping other homeless people – even if it means giving the shirt off of his back. “My liver has been shot for a couple of years, I keep getting it tested all the time and

they say I’ve got less than two years to live, but I want to get a house so I can see my kids before I go. I want my friends to take over the house so they also have somewhere to live,” he said as we conversed on the river bank. Gavin was quite frank about discussing the way things are for the homeless community on the river. “We’ve got a secret spot where we are; we’re right where we’re hiding,” he said. “We don’t tell too many people because too many people know as it is and we are trying to get off the alcohol and all that sort of stuff. “My illness drives me to drink, I get frustrated so I have to drink every day and it really upsets me because I’m drowning in my own blood and it’s getting really bad. “I’m dying as quick as I can have a drink, the bottle shop’s only Àve minutes away and I have to drink to be sane so I can talk to other homeless people but I just don’t like doing it because it’s killing me quicker than I want to go.” Gavin’s story is just one of literally hundreds that can be told by the homeless population and while we may not see them in our day to day lives – they are still there and they are still people; and as winter gets into full swing the homeless of the Nepean will continue to battle the elements. Gavin also explained that most just want somebody to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.

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Nepean News 20 May 2010 Issue 24 | 5

Local News

Ask Nita

Have a cuppa for cancer

A regular column to answer your medical cosmetic queries

Why is winter time the best time to do procedures? THE harsh summer sun can be very detrimental to the skin, and can compromise your skin if you have a deep chemical peel. The top protective layer is removed leaving

Victor and Cathy Glanville from Vic’s Maxi Transport Depot will host a morning tea with Rachel Froome and Alan White on Friday May 28 from 10 am.

the underlying skin tissue more susceptible to further damage and hyper pigmentation. Winter is an ideal time to do deep medical peels, as we tend to be indoors more and the sun isn’t as strong. Peels are ideal to remove some Áaws in the skin and regenerate a fresher

By Greg Yanda injections that dissolve fat. Swelling and some bruising can be a side effect from the treatment. And can be more difÀcult to cover up in summer.

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LADIES and gentlemen, boys and girls, start your kettles because Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is on again this month and the 17th event is sure to be bigger and better than ever. The idea is simple – host a morning tea, invite everyone you know and raise money for the Àght against cancer. The old saying suggests everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer; and that can certainly be said for the organisers of one morning tea in Penrith on Friday, May 28. Vic’s Maxi Transport Depot will host their Àrst morning tea and Director Cathy Glanville, is looking forward to the event. “The wife of one of our drivers was diagnosed with cancer recently and we have had relatives and family with it and friends have passed away from it. “I have thought about it for a while after

seeing the ads but now it’s time to do something positive,” Cathy explained. “Our staff are fully supportive of the morning tea and I’m really excited. “We already have the feelers out with text messages and emails letting everyone know it’s on so it will be interesting to see how many people we get.” Since the Àrst Biggest Morning Tea, the Cancer Council has raised more than $70 million as they continue to support cancer patients and their families. While Cathy’s target was listed on their donations page as $100, that quickly changed to $500 while I asked her about her goal. If the morning tea goes well the crew from Vic’s Maxi Transport Depot will be keen to return and set new targets for a worthy cause. Their morning tea will be held at Vic’s Maxi Transport Depot 14 of 14/18 Preston Street between 10am and 12pm. To RSVP, phone 4732 2195 or visit nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org. au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=189089.

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6 | Nepean News 20 May 2010 Issue 24

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Local News

What a load of rubbish

Organic waste only in the greenlidded bins!

Mulgoa MP Diane Beamer Beamer, Shadow Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard and Liberal Candidate for Mulgoa Tanya Davies listen to local residents at a recent meeting at The Vines

By Kerrie Martin A RECENT meeting held at The Vines to discuss a proposed tip in Orchard Hills with Shadow Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard, became a little heated with Mulgoa MP, Diane Beamer also in attendance to address the frustrated residents. Residents of neighbouring properties expressed concerns that ranged from dusty winds to noisy operations to the dangers associated with the presence of asbestos. Mr Hazzard was the guest speaker at the invitation of Liberal Candidate for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies. “What the residents want is a member that works hard and Àghts for them on this and other issues. The residents of Orchard Hills and the surrounding suburbs are not the dumping ground for the rest of Sydney,” Tanya Davies said. Mulgoa MP, Diane Beamer said she has been in the position to say no to the development and has done so before, and will do so again. She also said she would endeavour to get Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly to visit the area. “I have been in touch with the Minister’s ofÀce and told him what has been occurring here with residents,” Ms Beamer said. “I’m also going to invite him out here. can’t drag him, but I will invite him. “I reckon this application stinks and I think anyone assessing it will say it stinks.” But Shadow Minister for Planning, Brad Hazzard said the blame landed squarely on the

State Government following amendments to Planning laws that allow for decision making on certain developments to be made by the Minister rather than the local council. “State Labor amended the Planning Act in 2005 to ensure that a development application such as the Orchard Hills Waste Facility is considered in Labor’s smokey backrooms,” Mr Hazzard said. “Prior to 2005 this development would have been considered by the council - but State Labor introduced Part 3A to the planning laws to steamroll over local communities and councils. “Part 3A allows the Planning Minister to ‘call in’ developments across NSW for his determination. Mr Hazzard said a waste facility in Orchard Hills would potentially impact very substantially on neighbours and the wider Mulgoa community. “Ms Beamer as the former assistant Planning Minister understands very well that Labor’s actions deny the community of Orchard Hills and neighbouring suburbs the right to hear this application locally through Penrith Council. “Consideration of this development requires an open, transparent process and preferably with maximum local community input. “If a potent mix of asbestos Àbres, dust particles and rubbish can’t get the Minister to listen to the community then it really is an indication that State Labor are out of touch with western Sydney,” Brad Hazzard said. Ms Beamer said she would speaking to the Minister this week.

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Nepean News 20 May 2010 Issue 24 | 7

Local News Take charge of your energy costs PENRITH City residents can now borrow a Power-Mate energy meter free from Council’s Penrith City Library branches to help reduce unnecessary energy costs. Penrith City Mayor Kevin Crameri OAM said the Power-Mate energy meter was easy to use and enabled households to identify and reduce energy costs by showing people how much their appliances cost to run. “Residents simply connect the meter between the appliance and power socket,” Councillor Crameri said. “The meter measures the electricity use, greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs of the appliance both while it’s in use or on standby. “About 40 per cent of a household’s energy use is used by appliances. Many people leave these appliances on ‘standby’, unknowingly wasting electricity and money. “Actions as simple as turning appliances off at the switch when not in use can mean savings of up to 10 per cent on household energy bills.” The meters are available for library members to borrow from Penrith, St Clair and St Marys Libraries for a seven-day period. The meters are popular and there is currently a waiting list, so please put your name down as soon as possible. Council will look to buy more meters if demand increases. The library is free to join for people who live or work in Penrith City. For enquiries about loans or about becoming a member of the library please contact Penrith City Library on 4732 7891.

Europe or bust By Greg Yanda

“When she was about three or four Geneva and Elizabeth recorded a song for my birthday and we knew from about then that singing came SHE’S 13 years-old with the voice of an angel natural to her. “She wants to get into movies, acting and the performing arts and and the next month is sure to provide Penrith Anglican College student Geneva Walker with a lifetime of we are supportive of her dreams – you’re better off doing something memories as she tours France, Belgium, Holland and you love.” In what can be best described as a logistical nightmare, the choir will England with the Australian Youth Choir (AYC). Leaving on May 24, the choir consisting of 52 young performers only be together for the Àrst time when they meet in Kuala Lumpur on their way to Europe. from across Australia will sing at the “The really nice thing about Eiffel Tower, Canterbury Cathedral, St it is that they will make lifelong Paul’s Cathedral and other venues on the friends on the tour because they are two week tour. likeminded and you can’t stop them “I’m excited about the trip and the singing!” Bernie quipped. cultural experiences that other countries Geneva and other members of have to offer,” Geneva said. the choir have put in the hard yards A member of the AYC since the age in preparation for the tour with up of seven, the classically trained soprano to three hours of rehearsals every singer made the tour after a knockout Friday, Saturday and Sunday. audition. Although the tour is a big For Geneva’s parents, Bernie and occasion and the opportunity to Elizabeth, the tour is a tremendous step perform at some of the world’s towards a career in the performing artsmost famous venues is something to something Geneva is aspiring for. cherish; the worst kept secret in the “She has an incredible voice, she has a Walker household involves a special little sparkle in her eye when she sings and audience member pencilled in for she loves it,” Bernie said. the London concert. “She works very hard and Elizabeth “Elizabeth and I are meeting and I are very proud of her.” Geneva in London for the last Àve or While barely a teenager, Geneva’s love six shows,” Bernie explained. of music has already spanned a decade “Geneva’s grandmother is also with her parents identifying her talent from Áying to London from the United a young age. States to meet us – we haven’t seen “She started singing when she was Geneva Walker will tour Europe her in Àve years so it will be little and Elizabeth would play the piano exciting.” for her,” Bernie recalls. with the Australian Youth Choir

N@E8D