ADVERTISEMENT PROUDLY INDEPENDENT www.bluemountainsrecord.com.au Monday, June 6, 2016 • Issue 001 Our rubbish revolution B lue Mountains residents are prepar- ing for the biggest overhaul of waste collection services in decades. The new service, which involves the introduction of a new green organics bin, starts on July 4. Blue Mountains City Council has been delivering the new green bin to residents since May 16. This will continue until June 13. “I look forward to July 4, when the first green bin collections take place,” said Mayor Mark Greenhill, who presented the notice of motion for the new bin system. “The new waste service will see the Council and the community working together to continue reducing waste to landfill in the Blue Mountains.” The new bin was proposed after the Council undertook extensive research for more than two years to establish the best waste service option for the community. Three options were then presented to the residents during a month long consultation period. Over two thirds of the residents who provided a submission were in favour of receiving a green bin of some sort. “I can’t wait for the garden organics bin to arrive,” said Lapstone local, Sophie Barrett. “I love composting but it will be so much easier to put all our grass, leaves etc straight into a bin.” The new green bin will allow for 4,000 tonnes of organic waste, like sticks, flowers and grass to be recycled each year instead of going to landfill. “We know that over 30 per cent of household waste sent to the City’s landfill in Blaxland is garden vegetation,” Cr Greenhill said. “The introduction of the green bins will mean a significant reduction in garden waste going to landfill, helping to extend its life by a further two years.” After July 4 the recycling bin and green bin will be collected fortnightly. Residents prepare for major waste overhaul Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill is preparing for the new bin service ERIN MAMO Can I put it in the Green Bin? Yes: R Flowers R Grass clippings R Loose leaves and bark R Palm fronds R Plant prunings R Sticks R Tree branches (Max length 40cm, diameter 10cm) R Weeds No: Food waste including meat, fruit and vegetables Plastic bags Animal droppings Hazardous waste items Household garbage Pavers and bricks Logs, branches and stumps larger than 40cm in length and 10cm in diameter Pots and containers Recycling items Sleepers or garden edging Soil
Transcript
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PROUDLY INDEPENDENTwww.bluemountainsrecord.com.auMonday, June 6, 2016 • Issue 001
Our rubbishrevolution
B lue Mountains residents are prepar-ing for the biggest overhaul of waste collection services in decades.
The new service, which involves the introduction of a new green organics bin, starts on July 4.
Blue Mountains City Council has been delivering the new green bin to residents since May 16.
This will continue until June 13.“I look forward to July 4, when the first
green bin collections take place,” said Mayor Mark Greenhill, who presented the notice of motion for the new bin system.
“The new waste service will see the Council and the community working together to continue reducing waste to landfill in the Blue Mountains.”
The new bin was proposed after the Council undertook extensive research for more than two years to establish the best waste service option for the community.
Three options were then presented to the residents during a month long consultation period.
Over two thirds of the residents who provided a submission were in favour of receiving a green bin of some sort.
“I can’t wait for the garden organics bin to arrive,” said Lapstone local, Sophie Barrett.
“I love composting but it will be so much easier to put all our grass, leaves etc straight into a bin.”
The new green bin will allow for 4,000 tonnes of organic waste, like sticks, flowers
and grass to be recycled each year instead of going to landfill.
“We know that over 30 per cent of household waste sent to the City’s landfill in Blaxland is garden vegetation,” Cr Greenhill said.
“The introduction of the green bins will mean a significant reduction in garden waste going to landfill, helping to extend its life by a further two years.”
After July 4 the recycling bin and green bin will be collected fortnightly.
Residents prepare for major waste overhaul
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill is preparing for the new bin service
ERIN MAMO
Can I put it in the Green Bin?
Yes: Flowers Grass clippings Loose leaves and bark
Palm fronds Plant prunings
Sticks Tree branches (Max length 40cm, diameter 10cm)
Weeds
No:Food waste
including meat, fruit and vegetables
Plastic bagsAnimal droppingsHazardous
waste itemsHousehold
garbagePavers and
bricks
Logs, branches and stumps larger than 40cm in length and 10cm in diameter
Pots and containers
Recycling itemsSleepers or
garden edgingSoil
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WINTER SPECIALS
Federal Election 2016
G ed Kearney, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, led a number of speakers
at the ‘Politics in the Pub’ meeting in Springwood last Tuesday, where topics of discussion included education, aged care and unemployment.
At the Oriental Hotel, members of the Blue Mountains Union Council, Penrith Valley Unions, Hawkesbury Alliance and Unions NSW, gathered to listen to why they should “put the Liberals last” in the upcoming Federal Election.
Speakers included Toni Clarke, a member of Katoomba High School’s Parents and Citizens Committee, who spoke about the importance of the Gonski Funding which ensures that children have adequate resources in schools to meet their indi-vidual needs.
“I heard Blue Mountains schools will lose $27 million under a Liberal win,” she told the meeting.
Justine Hoffman, a Registered Nurse in the Blue Mountains, addressed the room in relation to aged care and the concern that funding will be cut under a Liberal win, even though the number of people
requiring a place at an aged care facility is increasing.
“Aged care needs to be prepared to keep up with increasing numbers,” Ms Hoff-man said.
Louise Markus, Federal Member for Macquarie, refuted the claims.
“The Turnbull Government’s invest-ment in all schools across Australia will continue to grow, and will total $73.6 billion over the next four years,” she said.
“There is no reason why schools which are already putting in place measures to address disadvantage cannot continue to do so.
“Funding for residential aged care is not being cut. Funding for residents assessed as having high complex health care needs remains the same.
“There will be stronger requirements for providers to justify that level of funding.”
Ms Kearney said it was time for a differ-ent direction via the election.
“There is a better way to build a better future. We cannot have our living stand-ards attacked,” Ms Kearney said.
“The Liberal Government has taken us way off course and it’s time to take a different direction.”
Education and aged care the hot topics at ‘Politics in the Pub’ event in Springwood
Unions put Government in firing line
Ged Kearney speaking at the ‘Politics in the Pub’ event last week
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• PERGOLAS • CARPORTS • PATIOS • ROOMS • DECKS
We’re Celebrating56 years by giving you...
Your new local voice is hereWelcome to the first ever edition of the
Blue Mountains Record.We’re extremely excited to bring this
new independent voice to the Blue Mountains.
Each Monday we’ll deliver a fantastic range of local content including news, sport, entertainment, a line-up of expert columnists and a whole heap more.
Newsrooms across the country are shrinking, and the media landscape is ever-changing, but we know there’s still a strong passion for print publications and we hope to bring you the best of both worlds, with our newspaper each Monday and a growing digital presence via our website and social media.
The print publication is bulk dropped in key locations throughout the Blue Moun-tains, and our content will continue to evolve as the weeks, months and years go on.
We hope you’ll welcome this new paper into your home, your business and your hearts. We look forward to being your new independent voice.
System’s failure is the real culprit It seems obvious that the Sydney Siege
inquest will ultimately find that the actions of police on that fateful day back in 2014 could have been better.
There is likely to be significant criticism of the police response once the inquest has concluded and it is something the Force will surely learn from.
However, we should never forget that it was the so-called justice system that allowed Man Monis to be on the streets that day, despite plenty of warnings that he was a ticking time bomb.
Monis was bailed on several occasions for 43 charges of sexual assault, and being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife.
His erratic and bizarre behaviour goes well beyond that, from hate mail campaigns to seeking Government infor-mation on the legality of communicating with ISIS.
Man Monis should never have been able to walk into the Lindt Cafe that day, but our legal system allowed him to do it.
And while armchair experts will criti-cise the police and wonder why a movie-like sniper shot wasn’t taken to wipe him out, they seem unwilling to dig deeper and discover the reason he was on the streets in the first place.
I’m still yet to see this issue truly addressed to a point that we can all feel comfortable that a similar deranged mad man would not be given the same freedom that Man Monis was.
Debate was a real fizzerThe recent debate between Malcolm
Turnbull and Bill Shorten was probably the most boring hour of television I’ve ever watched. And that’s saying some-thing given I’ve seen Don Burke’s docu-mentary on different ways to improve the growth of your grass.
It was at times frustrating, with neither leader (but particularly Mr Turnbull) willing to directly answer the questions put to them by the panel of journalists.
It showed that both leaders lack any real connection with the community or any real evidence that they offer the vision-ary long-term leadership the country so desperately needs.
With about four weeks left in the campaign, the real challenge for both Mr Turnbull and Mr Shorten is to find the missing spark that will create the connec-tion the voting public is looking for.
As it stands, it would appear that voters are more disconnected than ever and this campaign is uninspiring.
And what it really comes down to is that neither leader is very likeable.
Milk campaign highlights big problemThe term ‘people power’ has been
evident in recent weeks with shoppers flocking to buy branded, more expensive milk instead of the Coles or Woolworths home brand milk.
But it’s not only dairy farmers who feel the pain of the big supermarkets. Whether it’s fruit, vegetables, meat or other fresh produce, our farmers are doing it tough.
Let’s hope the people power movement continues and extends to a whole range of fresh, home grown products.
On The Record
New voice for the Blue Mountains
“We’re extremely excited to bring this new independent voice to the Blue Mountains”
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N ine eager walkers have just returned from a strenuous five-day trek from Bathurst to Blax-
land, the ninth annual walk for the Great Walk Foundation team.
The group managed to raise almost $100,000 for various charities around the Nepean / Blue Mountains area, with a goal set at $10,000 for each person.
Local solicitor and Board member of the Great Walk Foundation, Mark Mulock, said it was an extremely successful trip.
“In terms of funds raised, it was a really great trip and now a number of local chari-ties will be able to benefit from that,” he said.
“I think the event continues to be successful because local people are taking up the challenge and 99 per cent of the funds raised are donated and distributed to different local charities in various ways.”
In terms of the charities that receive portions of the funds raised, the Great Walk Foundation aim to help charities that make a difference by helping those that are less fortunate.
The team donate to Lithgow and Katoomba hospitals, the children’s ward at Nepean Hospital, Great Community
Transport who transport elderly and disabled locals, the Riding for the Disabled Association, and Springwood Hospital’s rehab centre, just to name a few.
“We keep our options open when it comes to donations but if we see an organisation that does assist in those areas we definitely look at donating to them,” Mr Mulock said.
Over the five days, the longest day walked by the troop was around 34 kilo-metres.
The staff at Vincent restaurant in Glen-brook also joined in on the challenge.
While they could not physically partici-pate, staff members gave up their tips for a few months and managed to raise close to $2500 towards the end total.
Despite the sore feet, the walkers will be back again next year.
“We are really looking forward to next year, being our 10th anniversary, we are hoping for a great fundraising total,” Mr Mulock said.
The team believe they will crack the $1 million mark in funds raised over the 10 year period of the walk next year.
Community
Every step counts for local charities
Members of the Great Walk Foundation team with staff from Vincent in Glenbrook. Photo: Erin Mamo
JADE ALIPRANDI
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B lue Mountains Mayor Mark Green-hill has pushed to ban Wicked Camper Vans in Council-owned
caravan parks, which display offensive slogans that target people on the basis of race, gender or religion.
“In the interest of upholding commu-nity standards in our City, the Council is looking at options to ban Wicked Camp-ervans from Council-managed tourist/caravan parks,” Cr Greenhill said.
“The use of slippery advertising tactics and the argument that sexual objecti-fication or racial vilification is merely cheeky self-expression and colourful artwork does not, in my view, meet with community standards. The slogans are not only demeaning to women and chil-dren, they also are denigrating to men.”
The vans became a topic of popular conversation when Paula Orbea, a mum of two daughters, found herself trying to explain to her 11-year-old daughter why a particular slogan had been written across the back of a camper van.
“My daughter said to me that she saw the most horrible thing written on the back of a van and then went on to tell me what it said. I was livid and that’s when I started the Change.org petition,” Ms Orbea said.
“In the petition I was asking that the company eliminate misogynistic and degrading slogans and imagery from their vans, the petition gained nearly 128,000 votes in four days.”
Blue Mountains Council is now lodging a formal complaint with the Advertising Standards Board, including a request for the vehicles to be classified as a form of outdoor advertising.
Wicked Camper Vans was contacted for comment but did not respond.
Council
Council vows to shut the door on offensive advertising on vans
Paula Orbea with Mark Greenhill
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S he’s the star of the smash hit musical, ‘We Will Rock You’, but Hazelbrook’s Erin Clare graced a much bigger
stage last week when she performed the national anthem at the first State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium.
Ms Clare belted out the anthem in front of more than 80,000 fans ahead of kick-off last Wednesday night.
“I was really nervous when I was walk-ing out on the field, but the crowd was electric and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Ms Clare told the Record after the performance.
“It was an incredible game too, disap-pointing for the Blues, but I thought they played really well.”
Ms Clare, 25, grew up in Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains and travelled to Strathfield in her early teens to study at the McDonald College of Performing Arts.
After completing high school, she won a full scholarship to study musical theatre at an arts college in Singapore.
Since graduating college in 2013, she has worked alongside the likes of Magda Szubanski and Kyle Sandilands in the 2014 production of ‘Snow White Winter Family
Musical’ and earlier this year performed in the Sydney and Brisbane seasons of ‘Heathers’, a Showqueen Production, where she played the lead role of Heather McNamara.
Ms Clare continues to live in Sydney and loves to head home to the Blue Mountains whenever she can.
“Whenever I have two consecutive days off from the show, I always go up to the Mountains,” she said.
‘We Will Rock You’ is an epic musical based on the music of Queen, so trips back home allow Ms Clare to chill out and relax after a hectic week of shows.
“My parents and family still live in Hazelbrook and I love the fresh air, nature and peace and quiet that the Mountains has to offer,” she said.
“I love how there is a bush walk trail or even a waterfall just at the end of some people’s street! It will always be home to me.”
Ms Clare’s brilliant performance was not only seen by the 80,000 fans at the ground, but was broadcast to millions across the country on television.
‘We Will Rock You’ is currently playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, before touring Australia.
For tickets go to www.wewillrockyou.com.
Community
Erin rocks Origin with stunning performance
Erin Clare performed the national anthem at last week’s State of Origin game
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M embers of Springwood Rotary Club are very proud of their $48,000 contribution towards
community health in the Lower Blue Mountains.
Club members and representatives of Blue Mountains City Council recently combined resources to fund and install a 10 station exercise area on the southern border of Summerhayes Park, Yellow Rock, on the outskirts of Springwood.
The project was the brainchild of 2015/16 Club President Pat Ainslie during her year as President Elect and the plan has been slowly developed over the last two years. She received staunch support from Past President Colin Kenney and a small committee of dedicated workers.
Springwood Rotary provided the major part of the cost of the state of the art exer-cise equipment, whilst Blue Mountains Council provided support with site selec-tion and installation.
10 work stations allow for a full range of physical exercise and training – legs, arms, shoulders and back – and large groups of morning and afternoon joggers have already been seen enjoying the facilities. The exercise area will be open for public use 24 hours a day and the equipment is designed to be vandal proof.
An impressive plaque has been struck to acknowledge Springwood Rotary and Council. It will be safely installed in a secure rock bed to ensure permanent record.
A large group of Rotarians and several Blue Mountains City Councillors were present at the official opening of the facility.
Springwood Rotary has enjoyed one of its best years of service on record and, apart from the investment in the exercise park, the club also donated $39,000 to the Rural Fire Service at Yellow Rock Station to finance the purchase of new tanks for vital breathing apparatus, replacing those destroyed in the devastating 2013 bushfires.
Springwood Rotary Club commended for community contribution
Community
Exercising their passion
Geoff Glassock, Pat Ainslie, Colin Kenney and Bill Bowler proudly display the special plaque to be placed in position within the exercise park surrounds
Volunteer grants
Salvos say thanks
34 volunteer organisations in the Macquarie electorate will benefit from $49,500 in grants from the Common-wealth Government’s $20 million grants to the community sector.
Visiting the Macquarie electorate last week, Social Services Minister Christian Porter said that almost 5,300 organisa-tions across the nation would benefit from the Volunteer Grants to make the work of their volunteers easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Louise Markus, Federal Member for Macquarie, said the Government’s invest-ment is delivering vital support to small community organisations which help many of our most vulnerable citizens.
“The Volunteer Grants will assist a range of local groups in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains,” Mrs Markus said.
The Salvation Army has sent a big thank you to the Australian public for their generosity after $4,753,750 was raised around the country as part of the Red Shield Appeal 2016.
Salvation Army Communications and Fundraising Director, Leigh Cleave, said she is pleased with the early results, particularly given the high level of need around the country.
“We thank Australians for their incred-ible generosity towards those in need and we are especially grateful for the thousands of volunteers that assisted us over the weekend,” she said.
New South Wales residents raised more than any other state.
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Business
N SW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is urging the public not to deal with apparent travel
scammers operating as www.myholiday-sclub.com.
Mr Stowe said Australian Consumer Law regulators including NSW Fair Trad-ing and Consumer Affairs Victoria had received at least 15 complaints about the apparent scam.
“In 2015 and 2016, a number of Austral-ian consumers received unsolicited calls offering deals on travel and accom-modation to various domestic and inter-national destinations, asking them via email to pay for the bookings with a bank transfer,” he said.
“Since January 1, 2015 nine consumers have reported to NSW Fair Trading that after purchasing travel, their e-tickets were not honoured, causing a total detri-ment of more than $31,000.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria has received five complaints with an estimated total consumer detriment of more than $50,000, with one consumer alone losing $18,000.
Consumers were left stranded at airports and unable to obtain refunds because calls and emails to the business were not answered and the addresses on the website did not relate to the business.
The scam is suspected to be operating offshore.
The apparent scammers have previ-ously provided e-tickets for flights, itiner-aries for hotels and vouchers for car hires. When consumers checked with airlines, hotels and car companies, their bookings were confirmed but then 48 hours before flights, payments were withdrawn.
More recently, no travel or accommoda-tion confirmations have been received. Consumers seeking refunds have been told to forward additional funds to cover the costs of refunds.
The website myholidaysclub.com is still operating and phone numbers are still connected, posing a serious risk to consumers. The website lists Australian phone numbers that change periodically. Those numbers ring for an extended period of time and if they are answered, it is with a general greeting that does not mention the business name.
The Australian Business Number (ABN) used by the apparent scammers appears to have been appropriated from The Holiday Club Pty Ltd, which is unrelated to the scam. The website features poorly written text and false testimonials from alleged consumers in English speaking countries.
Consumers should be very wary when contacted by telemarketers offering cut price deals that seem too good to be true. Avoid anyone asking for payment by bank transfer or telegraphic transfer.
Blue Mountains residentswarned about costly travel scam
V ictims of crime with money prob-lems will receive free financial counselling, thanks to a new part-
nership announced by Attorney General Gabrielle Upton.
Under the new Comprehensive Services for Victims of Crime (CSVC) partnership, the NSW Government’s Victims Services will work with the Financial Counsel-lors’ Association of NSW (FCAN) to give victims of crime facing financial hardship specialist help.
“Escaping a violent and abusive rela-tionship or being unable to work because of a trauma often puts people in a difficult spot money-wise,” said Ms Upton.
“Access to free, independent and confi-dential financial counselling can be a big help to people who have been victims of crime.”
Members of FCAN will refer people who are facing psychological trauma suffered as a result of a crime to Victims Services for free trauma counselling, and Victims Services will refer people to FCAN for free, independent and confidential finan-cial counselling.
“Victims Services will also provide professional development training for FCAN’s expert counsellors, who will help victims to address their money issues, which may include using the financial hardship services of banks and other government agencies.
The financial hardship referral protocol was developed with assistance from the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation as part of its Take Kare mission to support victims of violence.
The Foundation’s director and founder Ralph Kelly raised the issue of financial hardship for victims of crime with the NSW Government after his 18-year-old son Thomas was killed in a one-punch attack in Kings Cross in 2012.
State Politics
Added financial help to be made available for victims of crime
Attorney General Gabrielle Upton
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F amilies and children of all abilities can be part of a fun family ‘Ride Day’ organised by the Lower Blue
Mountains Rotary and Gateway Family Services.
From 10am on Saturday, June 25, ‘Cycleability’ will be held at Western Sydney University’s Werrington North campus, and is open to all bike riders of all abilities.
The day is close to event organiser, Stephen Hare’s heart, who after slowly losing his vision in his early 20s was left unable to do what he loved – ride bikes.
“I grew up and loved riding, I lost my vision and thought I had lost riding. Then I bought a tandem bike, and rediscovered it,” he said.
“I wanted to do this day for individuals to also have that opportunity and to do it together, to have a go and be inspired, enjoy the movement and that feeling of flying along again.”
Mr Hare is a counsellor at Blaxland based Gateway Family Services, that is partner-ing with the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary to organise the ride day to strengthen family and community ties in the Nepean Blue Mountains region
He said it’s a great opportunity to bring the community together.
“Part of my work here is to talk to people about resilience and building their capac-ity to bounce back after facing hard times or just coping under the challenge,” he said.
“One of the ways we can do this with children and adults is to try new things and share in the experience with friends and family.”
TAD Disability Services will be on hand to promote TAD Freedom Wheels and enable children with additional needs to enjoy bike riding.
The day is open for everyone, and families can enjoy bike riding together and learn about bike maintenance, train-ing and tips, and there are prizes for all entrants.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets but addi-tional bikes and helmets will be available for loan, including tagalong bikes.
Registration must be completed by June 13, costing just $5 per person to enter the day, or $10 for a family which covers a lunch.
For more information on the day, contact either Kerry or Stephen at Gateway Services on 1300 316 746 or email [email protected].
Do you have a community story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected] or call 4722 2998.
Community
Urging others to get back on the bike
Stephen Hare is now blind and is passionate about helping others continue to enjoy bike riding after suff ering from a disability. Photo: Melinda Jane
DALE DRINKWATER
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DanielMcKinnon
LEGAL MATTERS
The purpose of this article is to provide you with some insight about what Aus-tralia’s Attorney General’s Department does.
The Attorney General is a sitting government’s chief legal advisor.
He or she heads up the Attorney General’s Depart-ment, which is in charge of developing and deliver-ing policies that improve Australia’s legal framework, ensuring that we have adequate national security measures in place, develops strategies for emergency management, and also
provides legal services to the Federal Government.
To provide you with some examples of the type of work that the Attorney General’s Department does, this can include things like:
• The Australian Govern-ment Solicitor providing advice to the govern-ment about contentious issues, for example, the clearing of residents from
the site for the Badgerys Creek Airport.
• Providing services and clarity in relation to issues of international criminal and civil/corpo-rate law.
• Coordinating Australia’s Counter Terrorism Intel-ligence Unit.
• Responding to natural disasters such as bush-fires.
The Attorney General’s Department also has a role to play in Royal Commissions, such the current Royal Com-mission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Other areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the AG’s Department are organised crime and other national legal issues such as anti-corruption, human traffick-ing, people smuggling, child sexual exploitation, and cybercrime.
There is of course cross over between the AG’s De-partment, Commonwealth law and State law, however the Attorney General and his or her team can be seen as a centre point for the govern-ment when it comes to main-taining the existing legal framework on a national level, and driving reform when necessary.
See you next week for another column!
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What does the ‘comparison rate’ mean?
AdrianLacaze
I recently received a phone call from my bank. The usual thing, how was I going with my banking, am I happy with the service, and could they help me with anything else.
“Actually, there was some-thing you could help me with,” I said.
I asked if they could give me their current mortgage rates as my daughter and her partner were in the process of looking for a property so I thought I would do some research on their behalf.
“No problems” was the response, as the sound of a keyboard in the background
tapped in the request. “Our current home loan
rate is 4.6 per cent and we have a comparison rate of 5.13 per cent” she announced with a modicum of pride.
“Wow, your rate is lower than the comparison rate!” I replied, with tongue planted firmly in cheek – an obvi-ous jocular remark to a well trained bank officer, but apparently not in this in-
stance! “Absolutely,” was her emphatic answer, “it’s much better than the comparison rate in fact.”
“By the way,” I added, by now curious as to her defini-tion, “what exactly is the comparison rate?”
“The comparison rate is the average of all the other bank’s rates,” she imme-diately quipped, and “it allows you to compare loan rates instantly, because we have done all the research for you”. Cue buzzer, and descending trombone note scale, “I’m sorry but that an-swer is... (pause).. incorrect!”
So what really is the comparison rate, and what purpose does it serve?
The comparison rate is an indicative interest rate de-signed to identify the “true cost” of a loan.
It takes into account most fees and charges that relate to the loan and expresses these costs plus the inter-est rate, into a single rate – which is called the compari-son rate.
It allows a potential bor-rower to see a more accurate picture of what they will be paying. By the way, the closer the comparison rate is to the loan interest rate, the better it is for the borrower.
When you are shopping around for loans look closely at the comparison rate.
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investortuition.com.au
FINANCEMATTERS
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There’s a
NEW BUSINESSIN TOWN
A D V E R T O R I A L
The Glenbrook GreengrocerThere’s a new business in town and its ticking all of Glenbrook’s boxes! The Glenbrook Greengrocer located at Shop 1, 31 Park Street, Glenbrook, off ers produce of the highest quality with over 40 years combined experience in the industry. As well as fruit and vegetables, the grocer sells fresh salads, juices, smoothies, soups and is about to launch a stir fry range just in time for winter!
Co-Owner of the business, Matt Mintoff , has been in the wholesale produce industry for many years. “Before starting this business I supplied produce to other cafés and restaurants in the Blue Mountains. I’d always wanted to open my own store but was waiting for the right time.”
The grocer also supports other local businesses, selling Blue Mountains Tea, Bilpin Juice and Whisk and Pin Gourmet Muesli in store.
“I think the residents of Glenbrook will appreciate our fresh produce and local products” Mr Mintoff said. “With our takeaway window built into the side of our shop, residents or tourists can easily pick up a juice when they’re passing through or grab a salad for lunch.”
The grocer is also off ering an organic produce home delivery service to residents in Glenbrook and Lapstone. Residents can call or email to place and order at the start of week and will have their produce delivered to them each Thursday.
Some of the menu favourites include the Cauliflower and Leek Soup, the Thai Pumpkin Soup and the Nutty Cacao Smoothie.
You can find Glenbrook Greengrocer online at Facebook: The Glenbrook Greengrocer Instagram: theglenbrookgreengrocer
OPENING HOURS: MON - FRI 7.30AM-6PM; SAT 7.30AM-4PM; SUN 7.30AM-3PM
FRUIT & VEG | JUICE BAR | SALADS | SMOOTHIES | LUNCHES
WW22586
Welcome
Services we Offer
Welcome to Balance! Healthcare. GP Super Clinics bring together general practitioners, nurses, medical specialists, allied health professionals and other health care providers to deliver better health care, tailored to the needs and priorities of the community.
Make an appointment Phone 4751 1233 • www.balancehealthclinic.com.auOpening hours: Mon & Tues: 8:30am - 8pm; Wed to Fri: 8:30am - 5pm; Sat & Sun: 10am - 4pm
• Audiology
• Chiropractic
• Diabetes Education
• Dietician
• Exercise Physiology
• Massage Therapy
• Mental Health
• Minor Procedures
• Occupational Therapy
• Osteopathy
• Pathology
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Psychology
• Specialists
• Speech Pathology
Balance! Springwood Family Practice
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16 Ferguson Road, Springwood
B U S I N E S S O F T H E W E E K
There are not many organisations that can boast that they have given advice to 2,025 businesses in the last 12 months, over 5,300 hours face to face with business owners, creating 250 new businesses, servicing over 1,000 existing businesses and creating 450 new jobs.
The Western Sydney Business Centre has been giving business advice locally for over 28 years.
With an office in both Penrith and Katoomba, starting with two fully subsidised business advice appoint-ments, it may just be the most important step you take for your business.
John Todd, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Sydney Business Centre, said that in order to achieve business excellence and future success, businesses must constantly evolve to take advantage
of new market opportunities to remain relevant and profitable.
“We strongly believe that it is our role to find areas of our clients’ business that need improving. Our clients need a sounding board for strategies to exploit opportunities and confront challenges for their businesses,” said Mr Todd.
“However, key decision makers can be too close to the action to fully appraise the health and prosperity of their business. That is where we come in.”
The Centre has a strong team of six Business Advisors who can advise on every area of small business operations.
With digital business including social media, search engine marketing and technology improving processes constantly, they have ensured they have the capacity to advise on everything from online marketing to the more conven-tional strategies of pricing and customer service.
“Our Business Advisors constantly use strategies that others haven’t thought of yet and speak of proactive ideas that haven’t yet been documented. Being willing to take calculated risks and think different is at the forefront of our advice,” said Mr Todd.
“Our advisors are experienced business professionals with access to lots of resources including a template library and will facilitate a process that will help you improve your business.
“Our current clients are prime exam-ples, from increasing turnover and profit to winning awards, their success means we are doing the right thing by them.”
If you want to make an appointment with one of our Business Advisors in Katoomba or Penrith, please phone 4721 5011 or email [email protected].
Find out more online by going to www.wsbusiness.com.au.
One phone call could change your business for good thanks to the Western Sydney Business Centre
Local Business Advisors are ready to assist you with Starting or Running Your Business
Two Fully Subsidised & Confidential Appointments
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02 4721 5011 W W W . W S B U S I N E S S . C O M . A U WW22612
A t Western Sydney Business Cen-tre, we are here to guide intending and start-up businesses achieve their goals by offering up to two
subsidised visits to see a business advisor who can point you in the right direction when it comes to researching your busi-ness ideas and setting up your business.
You need to do some research before taking the plunge in business. First, figure out if there’s demand for your product or service.
Doing your research on who will buy your product or service can mean the difference between success and failure, and it doesn’t have to cost a cent. Networking, online research, informal focus groups and other do-it-yourself methods can often do the trick.
Before you get the research ball rolling, you need to come up with a solid business concept and idea. Once you have a concept, you need to determine if it’s viable. To figure out if you should go ahead with your business idea, you need to ask questions like these:
• Is the market saturated? Does your city really need another Cafe? How
much money is spent in your industry each year in your area? Is there room in the market for one more business?
• Does the market want what you’re offering? If you’re thinking of provid-ing day care for dogs, will anyone want this service when all they need is a childcare centre?
• What’s the competition doing? What do they do well? What do they do poorly? What’s unique about them? Can you offer something different that’ll encourage customers to patronise you instead of more established businesses? What does the competition charge for their product or service?
• Can you reach your target audience? If you’re selling inline skates, are you opening in an area with a population of the right age and disposable income?
Once you’re sure of your business idea, dig in deeper. You need information that’ll help you develop a unique business proposition that’ll give you a competitive advantage. I will continue this next week.
I f you are on social media, you have probably viewed, or at least heard about, the “Chewbacca mask video” (if not, type that phrase into Google
and you’ll find it!). It was a video of a woman in a van, filming herself wearing a Chewbacca mask that roars – which makes her laugh hysterically. It was streamed via FacebookLive to her friends, but quickly broke records and has been viewed over 150 million times.
Described in writing, it sounds completely mundane! And in many ways it was. But when she donned a mask intended for kids, her pure, child-like joy and laughter connected with viewers. People responded because it was innocent of any agenda, just her having fun and videoing something that she thought was hilarious. There were knockers – people who found it completely unfunny, who thought the viral nature of it was ridiculous and who didn’t ‘get it’. Personally I didn’t find the video itself particularly funny – but I did love her complete disregard of social expectations and her utter hilarity at something so simple.
So what can ‘Chewbacca woman’ teach us in business? Maybe she is on to something when she shows us that being authentic and spontaneous, even though it’s ridiculous and mundane, connects with people.
Perhaps we are sometimes too serious about the ‘business of business’? Perhaps we worry too much about being taken ‘seriously’ that we forget to be authentic? I know as a micro business owner, I can be guilty of this. When I look at my long term clients, I know one of the reasons they have stayed loyal to me is because of genuine connection. Yes, they like my work and want me to be professional! But sharing some personal information, making a joke during email correspondence, and talking to them authentically as I would a friend, seems to be a big factor. But it took me quite a few years to realise how important this interaction was.
If you are still unconvinced about the power of laughter and spontaneity, Google this video: “Baby Laughing Hysterically at Ripping Paper”.
Carencia Harris // Western Sydney Business Centre128A Katoomba Street, Katoomba NSW 2780
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Do you have Metabolic Syndrome?
How Do You Know If You Have Metabolic Syndrome?You may have been diagnosed with some of the following:
Metabolic Syndrome is now recognised to be a leading risk factor driving some of the most serious diseases in modern society.
• High blood pressure
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• Carrying extra weight aroundyour waist or a “beer gut”
• Family history of diabetes, heart disease or stroke
What your waist measurement tells you about your risk for Metabolic Syndrome.
This Clinic specialises in the natural management of Metabolic Syndrome.To fi nd out more about your risk for Metabolic Syndrome, talk to John today.
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Abundant Life and Health • 4721 3198
Change is never an easy thing to navigate, but it’s a concept that Byron Bay metalcore band Parkway Drive have wholeheart-
edly embraced on their latest album ‘Ire’.Speaking to the band’s frontman
Winston McCall, the decision to explore a new musical direction was a natural evolution for Parkway Drive.
“The main people involved in writing
the record all individually – before we even started getting into it – all felt that we’d kind of played this formula out to its end,” he said.
“Anything we tried to create would simply be a shadow of something that we once had a lot more passion for.”
The gamble paid off, with fans and critics embracing the new release with overwhelming passion.
The aptly titled ‘Ire’ sees Parkway Drive at their most vocal; but it’s not just the music that’s heavy, the album touches on a range of social and political issues.
“It’s a reflection of what I see happen-ing in the world around me,” Winston explained.
“When you’re seeing coverage of world issues it’s very hard to keep your head in the sand.”
It’s not hard to see why a fanbase of increasingly engaged youth would be attracted to the anger that features heav-ily in Parkway Drive’s new work.
“Fans have reacted to these songs in a way that I really hoped would happen,” Winston said.
“It is a fine line between preaching and simply trying to create a song that has a message behind it.”
If it wasn’t enough to take a figurative leap of faith, the band decided to take a literal leap for the film clip for ‘Vice Grip’.
All five members learnt how to skydive,
much to the terror of the height-phobic frontman.
“It was a joke, because I’m terrified of heights and we just thought it would a cool/hilarious concept for a clip,” Winston laughed.
Winston’s final thoughts on the deci-sion to go big for the film clip are a perfect metaphor for the entire album process.
“It was very liberating. It completely crushed that fear I had and opened me up to an entire new world,” he said.
Parkway Drive will be bringing their ‘All Aussie Adventure’ tour to the Evan Theatre on Friday, June 24. Tickets are $41.60. For more information, visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au.
Driving in a new direction
KATE REID
ENTERTAINMENTKEEPING BLUE MOUNTAINS RESIDENTS INFORMED ON WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO
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crossword sudoku
ACROSS
1. Unattractive4. Sweet biscuits8. Sudden attack11. Of hearing13. Fly around (globe)15. Winged predator17. Chubby18. Unforeseen outcome20. ... we there yet?21. Cowboy’s rope24. Sequence27. Extended play
recordings (1,2)28. Charity appeal30. Trim (bush)31. Regions33. Joined (traffi c)34. Inventor, Thomas ...35. Rebuff 36. Female title39. East African land42. Satirical performance44. Pickle fl avouring45. Scrub46. Walks with muffl ed
tread48. Heavy horned animal49. Perch50. Very eager52. Midriff swelling54. Knock out55. Confusion (3-2)56. Slow-moving mammals57. Apple pip60. Imperial unit62. Culturally revered65. Inspiring dream67. Channel69. Rock/pop singer, ...
61. Spiteful63. Sedates64. Launders65. Single book in series66. Hog’s grunts68. Shocked, taken ...71. Brahma follower72. Enfold74. Milky gem76. Wheels’ outer edges78. In no peril80. Crustacean eggs83. Moray ...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31 32
33 34
35 36 37 38
39 40 41 42 43
44 45 46 47
48 49
50 51 52 53 54
55 56
57 58 59 60 61
62 63 64 65 66
67 68 69 70 71
72 73 74 75 76 77 78
79 80 81 82 83
84 85
86 87 88
Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.
TEST YOUR
brain
Check next week’s edition for solutions to this week’s puzzels
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Uncharted 4PS4 // TROY DODDS
OUT NOWOUT NOW
While directors may often take a backseat to their well known lead actors, Quentin Tarantino is one of a handful that have made it to icon status.
With a cult following and a slew of hit films under his belt, Tarantino has become one of the most revered directors in modern day cinema.
The latest (and eighth) release from the award winning director is ‘The Hateful Eight’, a western mystery film starring Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Set after the Civil War, Bounty Hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) is on his way to Red Rock with his fugitive captive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) when they come across fellow bounty hunter Major
Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) and Sheriff Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins).
After the group get lost in a bliz-zard they seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery where four unfamiliar faces greet them; the hangman, the cow puncher, the confederate and the Mexican.
‘The Hateful Eight’ follows the usual Tarantino trademarks, with over the top violence mixed with humour and clever dialogue.
The film has received mostly posi-tive reviews and earned Jennifer Jason Leigh Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
‘The Hateful Eight’ is out now on DVD, Blu-ray and digital.
The Hateful EightRated R // KATE REID
DVD
GAME
Nathan Drake is back for one final adventure in ‘Uncharted 4’, and this PS4 exclusive proves a fitting end to an iconic series of games.
The opening of the highly anticipated action/adventure game sees Drake adjusting to a more relaxed lifestyle with wife Elena, several years after the ‘Uncharted 3’ adventure.
That more relaxed life is disrupted when Drake discovers his brother Sam, who he thought had been killed years earlier, arrives suddenly on his doorstep.
You can pretty much guess what happens from here – there’s treasure to be found and Nathan and Sam know they’re the ones to find it.
The ‘Uncharted 4’ plot line follows a
similar path to the previous three games – lots of climbing, plenty of third person shooting and some pretty fierce action scenes.
But the big reveals along the way, and at the game’s conclusion, is what makes ‘Uncharted 4’ something special for players of the previous games.
There’s moments you’re amazed and left gasping for breath, others where you even feel a little emotional and parts that will increase your heartbeat significantly.
Some good improvements have been made to the ‘Uncharted’ experience as well – I found the sometimes annoying puzzles much more fun in this fourth game, and a little easier to solve. As somebody who had to turn to online walkthroughs once or twice in the first three games, I found myself not needing any assistance this time around.
I highly recommend finishing the game in two or three long sittings – it deserves to be treated as a story that continues to unfold with momentum.
If you haven’t played the previous three games, you’ll still love ‘Uncharted 4’ but for die hard fans of the series, there couldn’t have been a better conclusion.
Hollywood heavyweights Julia Roberts and George Clooney join forces for this week’s dramatic thriller ‘Money Monster’.
The film centres around financial advi-sor Lee Gates (George Clooney) who hosts a show called ‘Money Monster’ on cable TV. During a live broadcast a deliveryman wanders onto the set and holds Gates at gunpoint.
The intruder is angry investor Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell), who lost every-thing after the crash of high tech stock that Gates promoted on his show.
Broadcast on live TV, the deadly stand-off continues while Lee and his producer Patty (Julia Roberts) work against the clock to uncover the truth behind the crash.
‘Money Monster’ is now screening in cinemas.
Money Monster Rated M // KATE REID
CINEMA
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Come and see the range of new natural timber look tiles, brand new Hexagon wall
original song for each. Carey is also cur-rently filming her own reality series for E! titled ‘Mariah’s World’.
The annual ‘Tony Awards’ will return to Foxtel Arts later this month celebrat-ing everything that is Broadway theatre. Hosted by talk show host James Corden, it will screen live at 10am on Monday, June 13, with a replay later that night.
For any of those households out there that have access to the ‘Wollon-
gong channels’ – you know the ones I’m talking about (WIN, Prime and Southern Cross) – there’s been a major shakeup that you need to know about. WIN Television and Channel Ten have confirmed a five-year program affiliate deal for regional Australia. This means that WIN stations will now carry Ten content from July 1. The deal follows Channel Nine ending a long-standing partnership with WIN and signing with Southern Cross. Viewers will not need to rescan their television to ac-cess new programming.
The series that everyone loves to hate, ‘Gogglebox’, has been renewed for a fourth season. Series three wrapped up last week, with season four due later in the year.
Kyle Sandilands could be heading back to television soon if rumours of him narrating a new observational series ring true. GO! has commissioned eight episodes of ‘Meet the Hockers’, a series about Australian pawn shops, pitched by Kyle, his business manager Andrew Hawkins and well-known TV producer Peter Abbott. Filming began in April at Aceben pawnbroking in Sydney. Knowing Kyle’s love of pawn shows, this seems like the perfect fit.
Channel Ten will screen highly anticipated new shows ‘24: Legacy’, ‘Prison Break’ and ‘The Exorcist’, thanks to its deal with CBS and Fox. It’ll also air the ‘MacGyver’ reboot, ‘This Is Us’ with Mandy Moore, baseball drama ‘Pitch’, ‘Bull’ starring Michael Weatherly, and new Katherine Heigl drama ‘Doubt’. The new shows are expected to launch in Aus-tralia later this year and early next year.
It’s been a while since this show was on our screens last but season five of ‘Once Upon A Time’ will finally premiere on 7Flix this Tuesday, June 7 at 7.30pm. This season introduces new characters and returns many from previous seasons.
Pop star Mariah Carey, who is infa-mous for her acting talent, has just signed a multiple telemovie deal with Hallmark in the US. She will develop, executive produce, direct and co-star in three telemovies, and compose and produce an
THE TONY AWARDSJUNE 13FOXTEL ARTS
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Call 02 4785 0000
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*Rate subject to change based on date of arrival and availability.
Established in 1902, play the oldest golf course in the Blue Mountains with the most spectacular views. Relax after your round at the Clubhouse Bistro enjoying craft beer, regional wines and all your favourites on the lunch and dinner menu.
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LIFE & STYLERELAX AND UNWIND WITH THE BLUE MOUNTAINS RECORD
Joanne MadelineMoore
HOROSCOPES
Weekly posts atwww.BohoAstro.com
www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMooreCopyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2016
AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
It’s a wonderful week to share a crea-tive new activity or go on an exciting adventure with a special child, teenager or friend. And how long has it been since you had heaps of fun with your own inner child? But you may feel as if a cherished dream is taking forever to come true. And you may be blaming circumstances or other people for the delays. Take a long hard look at yourself, Aquarius. Perhaps you are the prime saboteur? Food for thought and fodder for contemplation.
GEMINI MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
Your imagination is firing and original thoughts and creative ideas could strike at any time so make sure you have your phone, tablet, laptop, pen and paper, or paint brushes within easy reach. Thurs-day and Friday are tricky days though, when impulsive words and hasty actions could lead to messy misunderstandings or fiery confrontations. Quick-fix solu-tions just won’t work this week. So take a chill pill as you think things through carefully and plan projects properly.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Activities involving education, travel, international connections and network-ing are all favoured, as you extend your peer group to include some fabulous fresh faces. At the moment, it’s not what you know but who you know! Money matters look messy though, as you impulsively purchase something extravagant that catches your eye. But can you really afford it? When it comes to a domestic issue, there’s a lot more going on with a family member than meets the eye.
PISCES FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Home sweet home is a pleasant place to be on Monday and Tuesday, when the Sun and Venus visit your domestic zone. So it’s a suitable time to entertain family and friends, buy something special for your home, or beautify your living space. The stars also favour collaborating with work colleagues or helping loved ones. But don’t let them take advantage of your creative and compassionate nature. Make sure it’s a two-way street.
CANCER JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
You’re likely to feel extremely unsettled on Thursday or Friday, as trivial matters irritate you. Calm down Crabs, before you get really cranky and blow a fuse! Saturn urges you to be more responsible about your physical and emotional wellbeing. So wind down (with some yoga or meditation) plus nurture your body with healthy food and regular exercise. Disciplined effort now will pay off handsomely further down the track.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
This week looks tricky to navigate, because Mars reverses through your sign and opposes Mercury. So expect some intense exchanges with others, as you feel frustrated and clear communication is compromised. Smart Scorpios will switch into hibernation mode, conserve energy, pace yourself and be extra patient. Draw inspiration from Neil Young: “As you go through life, you’ve got to experience the valleys as well as the peaks.”
ARIES MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Mars (your power planet) is still in retrograde mode (until June 30) which can make you feel frustrated and frazzled as motivation is muted; enthusiasm is snuffed; and projects seem to be perma-nently stalled. You’re full of fabulous ideas, but it’s just not the right time to put them into action. The solution to this cosmic conundrum is Patience – some-thing that does not sit naturally with your speedy constitution. So smart Rams will deliberate, re-calibrate and learn to wait.
LEO JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
The week starts well, when Venus hooks up with the Sun (your power planet) and your sunny charisma shines for all to see. Creativity is stimulated, dreams are big, ambitions are inspiring and aspirations are golden. Don’t get too cocky though (or casually flirt your way into a professional or romantic fiasco). If you get carried away, then you could blurt out something that you regret (and others refuse to forget). So tread carefully Cats … and explore all options before you pounce.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Taskmaster Saturn is still reversing through your sign, which is incredibly frustrating. But it also teaches you a valu-able lesson … that ideas must be brought from the abstract astral realm and transformed into concrete reality down here on Planet Earth. Just because you’ve thought of something – and talked about it enthusiastically and endlessly – doesn’t mean you’ve actually done it! Manifesta-tion is the key … which takes oodles of planning, patience and persistence.
TAURUS APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Financial matters and joint ventures are favoured … as long as you take the time to check details carefully and vet prospec-tive partners thoroughly. Confidence is also high, as the Sun and Venus boost self-esteem and encourage others to give you positive feedback. But strive to be at your diplomatic best on Thursday and Friday, Bulls. The more you dig your heels in and refuse to budge, the more frustrat-ing things will be. So be flexible and keep the lines of communication wide open.
VIRGO AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Jupiter is moving through your sign, which will give you a huge confidence boost … if you let it. Don’t allow other people’s perception of who they think you should be crowd out your own vision of your authentic self and preferred future. If you are true to yourself, then success will follow. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actress and singer Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.”
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
With powerful Pluto reversing though your sign, plus Mars and Saturn both retrograde too, it’s a frustrating time. But, in your impatient desire to get ahead, you’re likely to arouse opposition in others. Avoid the temptation to boss people around, as it will only make matters worse. Instead, calm down and re-calibrate Capricorn. Plus, when it comes to a private matter, there’s a lot going on beneath the surface so Saturn urges you to backtrack.
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W e never cease to be amazed at how winemakers can so often turn adversity in the vineyard to success in the bottle. The
latest example coming our way is a 2015 Single Vine-yard Dairy Hill Semillon from the Hunter Valley’s Briar Ridge.
For this very rewarding drop came from a vintage that winemaker Gwyn Olsen now somewhat casually shrugs off as “challenging”, testifying what anyone who knows her will agree, that Gwyn has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
“2015 was characterised by very dry conditions at the start of the growing season,” she said.
“But the juggling act in the vineyard paid off, result-ing in low-cropping but fruit driven, precise and complex wines.”
And that includes that Dairy Hill Semillon with beautiful citrusy kaffir lime and lemongrass flavours so typical of Semillon from the Hunter’s Mount View region. Little wonder it’s a multi-trophy winner, and a wine to enjoy now or any time up to around the mid-2020’s. Expect to pay $35.
One to note: A variety that’s played a key role in the development of Tasmania’s modern-day wine indus-try is Pinot Noir, and just released from Riversdale Estate in the island State’s south is a most delightful 2015 Roaring 40s Pinot Noir (pictured).
The 2015 Roaring 40s Pinot Noir is all about rich, smooth chocolaty/black cherry fruit flavours, and equally rewarding with poached salmon, or a beef bourguignon. See riversdaleestate.com.au.
Rising above
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It was a bittersweet feeling for young Penrith star Bryce Cartwright last Wednesday night, who watched the State of Origin opener with fellow Pan-
ther and Blues discard Trent Merrin. Bittersweet because Cartwright could’ve
been at ANZ Stadium, sitting with Blues officials, after he was chosen as a NSW Blues Development Player for Origin I.
Less than an hour after the 21-year-old’s name was read out at The Star casino function, Cartwright was forced to pull out of the unique honour almost immedi-ately through injury.
Speaking with The Blue Mountains Record last week, Cartwright revealed the reasoning behind his quick withdrawal from the Blues squad.
“I was having a bit of trouble with my thumb, I hurt it against Gold Coast the day before, and I was having some trouble with my knee as well, so the doctor said I wouldn’t be able to train all week and there was pretty much no point going into camp if I couldn’t train,” he said.
“The main reason for me being selected was to train and getting used to what happens in a camp like that.”
The second-rower’s name had been tossed around all season as a guaranteed Origin bolter but after a mixed perfor-mance in Penrith’s loss to the Titans the day before the team announcement, coach Laurie Daley chose Manly’s Dylan Walker as the Blues’ spark off the bench.
Cartwright is still hopeful he’ll finally get to experience Blues camp for Origin II or III.
“That would be nice to go in there and experience it, so fingers crossed that happens,” he said.
“I didn’t even think I was going to be in the team to be honest, when it happened I was really pumped and excited but I sort of knew that I wouldn’t be going in with the way my thumb and knee was.
“It was an honour to be named in that role and fingers crossed that I get to go back in sooner rather than later.”
Blues coach Laurie Daley is likely to make a couple of minor changes to the squad after last Wednesday’s narrow 6-4 loss to Queensland.
Cartwright’s minor niggles have now healed and his focus is on helping Penrith’s run to the finals.
The Panthers play Manly at Brookvale Oval this Sunday before enjoying another bye.
Mixed Feelings
Bryce Cartwright is still keen to play Origin this year. Photo: Melinda Jane
NATHAN TAYLOR
Sport NETBALLLocal team set to improvep.32
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the blue mountains record // www.bluemountainsrecord.com.auSport Monday, June 6, 2016
Highly respected netball coach Lisa Beehag admits it has been a diffi-cult start to the Netball NSW Pre-mier League season for her Panthers
Opens team but is hopeful things will turn around sooner rather than later.
The Panthers Opens team, which is made up of players and staff from the Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury Netball Associations, currently sits in sixth position with two wins and four losses as the midway point of the new competition approaches.
Speaking with the Record, Beehag said the team had struggled to overcome a few injuries and player unavailability to start the season.
“It’s been a tough start, we’ve had a couple of really good wins and a couple of losses that were difficult for us in a sense that we had a few players unavailable, which didn’t allow the team to keep the flow that we’d been building going,” she said.
“We had to a register a new player from Can-berra because we lost Alix McDermott to injury and Vanessa Mullampy is unavailable due to her commitments with the NSW team.”
The Panthers have just enjoyed a week off, al-lowing the team to recharge its batteries.
Netballers on the improve NATHAN TAYLOR
The Panthers Premier League team have struggled without their two stars Alix McDermott and Vanessa Mullampy
“Everybody is working really hard, we’ve just got a couple of injuries, and having the week off has come at the right time which will help out with various niggles,” she said.
This Wednesday night, June 8, the Panthers will return to Netball Central at Sydney Olym-pic Park to battle the third-placed Sutherland Stingrays in Round 7.
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