Vol 12 No 24

Vol 12 No 24 P O Box 116 CAMDEN NSW 2570 Ph: (02) 4655 1234 Fax: (02) 4655 3897 [email protected] Monday, June 22, 2009

New homes, but the same roads By Michael Rees

NSW Premier Nathan Rees steppedfrom his car at an Mt Annan con-struction site looking relaxed andconfident in the wake of his govern-ment's decision to cut stamp duty onhouse construction, the centre pieceof the recent State Budget.

But the NSW Opposition claimsthere is a lack of funding and plan-ning in the budget to provide newroads and rail services for new home-buyers can get to and from work andrelieve the congestion on south westSydney's chocked up motorways.

According to Mr Rees from, July1 families buying newly constructedhomes will benefit from a 50 per centstamp duty cut resulting in savings ofup to $11,245. He said the govern-ment has made a $64 million com-mitment to generate activity in thehousing industry in areas like MtAnnan.

These initiatives will have a flowon effect in sustaining small businessand local employment. The firsthomebuyers grant will be extendedto 2010 and families can save up to$41,990 with these schemes whichare the most generous in the country.

Joining Mr Rees and the MtAnnan building site were prospectivenew home builders Alicia andNathan Sandles and a large mediacontingent.

In the background the earth mov-ing machines and the tradesman intheir lime green vest and helmetswere hard at work showing littleinterest as the Premier and CamdenMP Geoff Corrigan strolled aroundin the glare of the television camerasand lights.

With this part of the deal done theentourage adjourned to the localLandcom Office for a press confer-ence.

Mr Rees faced the media withNathan and Alicia Sandles and localmember Geoff Corrigan covering theflanks. .

When questioned about localinfrastructure he said that 50 buseshad been purchased for the southwest, funds would be made availablefor additional council car parking inCampbelltown and $27 million hasbeen budgeted for roads.

He said the government "wantedto build as many homes as they can".

In response to concerns aboutlocal Infrastructure the State MP, Mr

Corrigan said that work on theGlenfield Rail line was starting soon.

He said many people fromCamden travel into the city each dayby train but he doesn't receive com-plaints anymore because of "on timetrain travel".

With Camden being the largestgrowth area in Sydney and with250,000 people expected to move induring the next 30 years Camdenmayor, councillor, Chris Pattersonhas concerns with transport.

"I welcome anything that makeshome ownership more affordable.But the government has reneged oninfrastructure. There is nothing sub-stantial in the budget for upgrades toCamden Valley Way."

In response to the Glenfield railline Mr Patterson said, it was theninth time he had heard about thework going to start.

"The cost of this has gone from$300 million to $1.2 billion. With allthese future suburbs going in, all ourplanning is about linking roads andtransport to the rail line. It is unfath-omable that this should not get thenumber one priority ahead of otherprojects like the Metro Rail."

The NSW Opposition Leader andShadow Minister for WesternSydney, Barry O'Farrell said, newhomebuyers needed to know abouttransport options.

"No doubt Mr Rees needs toexplain how these new homebuyersin the South West Growth Area aresupposed to get to work.

"No doubt Mr Rees will be sell-ing his stamp duty concessions butpeople buying new homes on thesouth west have no way to get towork with no major new funding forroad or rail projects to assist them."

Mr O'Farrell added that the budg-et has hidden data which shows thatthere will be no improvement in trav-eling to and from work.

"Travel times are expected toremain at 30 kilometres per hour inmorning peak and 41 kilometres perhour in the evening peak."

Shadow Minister for Roads,Andrew Stoner also questioned thegovernment's priorities, "With nofunding for construction of the M5widening, duplication of the entirestretch of Camden Valley Way and nonew public transport options the badnews is drivers will continue to crawlalong the regions choked motorwayswith no hope for improvement."

Premier Nathan Rees and Camden MP Geoff Corrigan at the Landcom office at Mt Annan.

Building workers constructing new homes at Mt Anann

2 The District Reporter Monday June 22, 2009

Letters to the editor

The 2009 State BudgetEric Rosendaal is Australia's best and brightest State Treasurer at themoment and the state and national media gave the Tuesday StateBudget the thumbs up immediately it was released.

Because of the economic downturn, economists were expectinga $2 billion dollar deficit and the Treasurer has halved that figurewhile at the same time slashing stamp duty for first home buyers inthe hope of kick starting the economy through the building industry.The Treasurer has also predicted the budget will be in surplus in justtwo years with an optimistic economic forecast for New SouthWales.

The positive responses from both media and economists are instark contrast to the negative campaign that has been run against theNew South Wales Government from the Opposition. It also marksthe end of comments from state and federal oppositions which claimLabor are talking the economy down.

Both governments are operating in sync in attacking the eco-nomic downturn and both have identified that the building industryis the best way to protect jobs in Australia. First home buyers cannow qualify to receive more than $40,000 of assistance when build-ing their new home.

For the past two years the State Opposition has unfairly attackedthe Labor Government's economic credentials when there was littlethe Government could do to prevent the fall out from the world'sfinancial crisis. The NSW Labor Government has however main-tained its 'AAA' credit rating which means our State is still finan-cially secure, contrary to the misinformation spread in the media.

New South Wales is the financial centre but not the resourcescentre of Australia. This means during the resources boom, NSWmissed out on the big money and when the world financial crisisstarted, we were the first state to lose jobs in the financial sector;however our future now appears more secure than other states. Thisis not an issue which can be blamed or credited to politicians of thecurrent era.

Running a small state deficit in these tough times is necessary toassist the economy and jobs. It will not be sufficient to completelyshelter us from the international storm, we will get wet but it wouldbe far worse if both national and state governments were running sur-pluses. Economic stimulus early in a downturn will soften the falland will result in a quicker recovery and the quicker the recovery thequicker governments are able to again run surplus budgets.

The only disappointment locally is that the proposed Leppingtonrail link has been deferred, but this rail network is designed to assistcommuters north of Narellan and does little for the majority. It nowappears that the new Oran Park development will not proceed ontime unless developers are prepared to drop prices and this means theState Government may be right to defer extending the rail line for afew years.

IF YOU REALLY WANTTO WIN, WHY DON'T

YOU CHOOSE TO LOSE?Camden is a big loser in the 2009 NSW State Budget. TreasurerRoozendall, who hails from the wealthy Eastern Suburbs, hasthrown a few pieces of silver our way, but that's all.

When questioned about it in the Parliament he couldn't evenbring himself to mention the word 'C-a-m-d-e-n'. Such is his arro-gance. NSW has been the major beneficiary of an era of unprece-dented prosperity under the Howard-Costello CoalitionGovernment. Their reforms to our taxation and industrial rela-tions system together with booming property and gambling taxesshould have established NSW as the premier state.

But instead of investing in the necessary infrastructure to sup-port economic and social development they spent like drunkensailors on spin doctors, a bloated public service and an inefficienttrade union movement.

Now they are blaming everything on the 'GFC' (GlobalFinancial Crisis). If the trains run late - it's 'the GFC'! If you'restuck in a traffic jam - it's 'the GFC'! If you can't get a hospitalbed - it's 'the GFC'! If there is a drive-by shooting in Lakemba -it's 'the GFC'! If your footy team gets beaten - it's the GFC'! Itused to be 'working families'. Now it's 'the GFC!

The much touted 'South West Growth Centre' is set to becomea 'South West Ghetto' because there will not be the sufficientinfrastructure to support the new city area. They are going toplonk houses all over the hills without even a railway station toservice them. It is a travesty.

There is nothing planned to ease congestion on the M5. TheM5 funnel will continue to choke the traffic flow and consignCamden motorists to a daily dawdle in and out of the city. Thereis absolutely no hope of relief for motorists on the M5 underLabor. Get used to it.

There is nothing planned for Camden Valley Way andNarellan Road. The neglect of these two arteries into and out ofCamden by this Labor government has been a disgrace.

Remember the hoax about the Maternity Ward at CamdenHospital? Premier Bob Carr announced it just before an election.Then he closed it as soon as Labor was re-elected. It remainedclosed under the Iemma-Costa Labor Government and will stayclosed under the Rees-Roozendall black-comedy act.

NSW was once the Premier State with a booming surplus. Itis now an economic basket-case with the largest level of debt wehave ever had. Kicking our largest trading partner in the shins toplacate the unions will ensure it gets much worse before it evenlooks like getting better.

Local member, Geoff Corrigan, is right. Labor is living in aparallel universe.

BrianStewart

Lee Abrahams, Editor

New houses need transport optionsThe Premier Nathan Rees had his job cut out for him last week - trying toselling the NSW Budget. While new home owners are certainly the big win-ners - let's face it - with the amount of grants, cuts to stamp duty and his-torically low interest rates - it has never been a good time to buy property -some would say.

The former NSW Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, when announcing theSouth West Sydney Growth Centre, he said that before any sod is turned inthe new residential area infrastructure will be in place. Unfortunately thathasn't happened yet.

Mt Annan might not technically be in the new growth area, but the landthere is quickly being developed and new streets are popping up. When try-ing to locate the street the Premier was supposed to at last week - the 2008street directory didn't have it marked down. In these areas the houses arebeing earmarked and the streets developed and unfortunately the infrastruc-ture isn't.

It certainly has a lot to do with the State Government's declining stampduty revenue and so on - money is undoubtedly tight and the south westonce again misses out on important infrastructure.

There is no question that the creation of jobs is important, but so is qual-ity of life and if people have to spend hours travelling to and from work itimpacts on family and health.

Creating local jobs and encouraging existing industries to grow is oneanswer, this allows people shorter travelling distances, but ultimately pro-viding a reliable transport system is another.

The NSW Opposition has jumped on its soap box and it said it will buildthe South West Rail Link in response to Mr Rees apparent disregard forlocal communities if it's elected in 2011.

The Leppington rail line is at this moment is not needed - the popula-tion does not warrant it.

It's the people in Mt Annan and surrounds who are indesperate need of transport alternatives.

Recently, whilst travelling on a bus, I sat behindtwo young women who animatedly comparedtheir respective partners.

I know it was rude of me to eavesdrop, butthey spoke at such high volume! I'm sure I was-n't the only one in the bus listening in.

"My man never argues back," one of themproudly proclaimed, "because he knows he'llnever win!" They laughed together, and a few ofus anonymous passengers smiled secretly ateach another.

Looking out the window, however, I reflect-ed upon her claim. It was a very hollow boastwhich revealed a rather serious situation.

You see, when it comes to marriage - in fact,when it comes to any personal relationship -every time one person wins, both people lose.Playing to win means being certain to lose.

This woman was failing to provide a safeplace where her partner could voice an opinionor contribute something which might have beenconstructive to their mutual upbuilding. Byplaying to win, she was intimidating and humil-iating him and, therefore, driving him away.

This isn't a gender issue: male or female, anyperson who can't find a safe place to talk willeventually start looking until they find some-where where they can!

Furthermore, the young woman's determina-tion to win every argument strongly impliedthat, as far as she was concerned, she's neverwrong - she has nothing more to learn. I findthat hard to believe.

Since none of us has it all together, vulnera-bility isn't something to be afraid of.

Not playing to win, therefore, is a gift ofgrace we can give to another.

And a gift which both can [email protected]

Once again I feel the need, regretfully, to write andcorrect some assertions by Mr Greg Frawley inyour last edition ('Looking closely at spending',June 15, 2009).

Once again, I would point out that I have noconcerns with Mr Frawley, or any other citizenexpressing their views publicly, indeed the councilhas consistently encouraged just that process.However, Mr Frawley has made two statementsthat are untrue and misleading and they need to becorrected.

Firstly, Mr Frawley is correct in identifyingthat council recently purchased a property inTurner Road at Currans Hill. He is, however, com-pletely incorrect in suggesting that it is an "invest-ment property".

The property was the subject of a public openspace zoning over 80 per cent of its area and theowners invoked a hardship clause in state legisla-tion that compelled the council to acquire the landquite well in advance of when it might otherwisehave done so. It has been purchased for futurerecreational purposes.

Given the nature of the request for early acqui-sition it is not appropriate to publicly discuss thefiner details of the purchase, however, the resolu-tion to acquire the property is publicly recorded inthe minutes of the council meeting and council'sland register is a public document and is available

for public scrutiny.In the matter of the P&N Softdrinks develop-

ment, Mr Frawley is completely wrong and anyrudimentary investigation would have alerted himto that fact.

As a designated development under the stateplanning legislation, the applicant had the choiceof having council assess the application or for it tobe decided by the Minister for Planning. Thedeveloper was well aware of this and actively pro-moted the application to the Department ofPlanning with council simply assisting with asmuch background material as possible. TheMinister for Planning refused to approve the appli-cation. Council staff subsequently worked withP&N to identify a suitable site that wouldn't sufferfrom the constraints that lead to the PlanningMinister's refusal of the first application. In broad-casting this erroneous story Mr Frawley does thecouncillors and council staff working with P&N agrave disservice, as well as calling into questionthe professionalism of the company itself.

I regret the need for such a rebuttal of thesematters but feel the need to correct these mis-state-ments as they do not reflect the truth.

Greg WrightGeneral ManagerCamden Council

Dig a little deeper for right answers

If you would like to send a Letter to the Editor, please keep your letter to a reasonable length, 200 words is pre-ferred. Letters can be edited for space or legal reasons. Address all correspondence To the Editor, The District

Reporter, PO Box 116, Camden 2570.

Monday June 22, 2009 The District Reporter 3

Community bankstirs interest

Camden and districts could haveanother bank if some in the com-munity get their way.

The idea of a branch of theBendigo Community Bank, forthe people and run by locals, hasstirred up a lot on interest in thetown and while it is a lengthyprocess - if it's really wanted itcould start up in little over 18months in the main street.

"So that, like over 234 com-munities Australia-wide, ourcommunity will actually own thelocal branch, achieve greaterchoice and more competitivebanking and retain significantbanking profits to support ourcommunity's services and facili-ties," said Marge Ollis, who withher husband Stewart, own abusiness and are organisers ofthe initial meetings.

Mrs Ollis said if the commu-nity wants it has the potential toput the existing banks on noticeand could prompt them to lifttheir game.

"But, if the community don'twant it won't happen."

The couple recall the dayswhen a customer knew theirbank manager and if there was aproblem it could be sorted out.

Nowadays, it is all automat-ed with no room for discussionand the banks' profits are firstand foremost of importance andthe customers' needs are secondplace.

"With a community bank youhave face to face service withpeople who live in the communi-ty and are selected from thecommunity."

Mrs Ollis said while the bankis geared to making a profit, italso puts a lot of the money backinto the community and eachshareholder or shareholders can

only have up to a 10 per centstake.

Another plus of the commu-nity bank is when an accountholder might have insufficientfunds for a cheque to pass - thestaff calls before any action istaken.

This is a point of consterna-tion among many people andbusinesses, who believe a phonecall, could save a lot of anxietyand exorbitant charges.

"Half the people transferringare doing so because of the over-draft penalties…other than thatthe bank does everything anyfinancial institution does," MrOllis said.

"We have a lot of people whoare interested.

"Now we need 20 people onthe steering community and theycan range from business people,community representatives tosporting club officials," headded.

Some examples of benefitsflowing from a local branchinclude:

$50,000 contribution to apaediatric unit at a local healthfacility;

Purchase of sunshades for aprimary school;

Paying for holidays for peo-ple with a disability and theircarers;

Sponsorship of the SouthCoast Aerial Patrol;

Major funding for an agedcare facility; and

Support for a student awardprogram.

The bank is also likely tohave longer trading hours to suitthe needs of the local communi-ty - including Saturday morn-ings.

To hear more about theCommunity Bank®, a meetingwill be held on July 16 at 6pm atthe office of the federal MP forMacarthur, Pat Farmer, at 47Argyle Street, which was offeredat no charge to hold the meeting.

To find out more or nominatefor the Steering Committee, con-tact Marge Ollis on 4655 2281.

Interest in bank: Marge and Stewart Ollis said a communitybank in Camden could be an option for people looking for a

personalised service and greater competition.

Wollondilly has once again chalked up anothermillionaire thanks to Saturday night's $20 millionLotto draw.

A 52-year-old labourer won $2.5 million andwas very emotional when told of his win yesterdaymorning.

"It's such fantastic news, I can't believe it. Mywife is crying, the kids are crying and I'm justabout crying," the winner told a NSW Lotteriesofficial on Sunday.

"When you're raising four kids on my incomethere have been plenty of times when there wasonly $20 in the bank. We've always worried thatwe won't have a lot to give our kids a little bit lateron, now it's just a dream come true."

The winner said that he had been experiencinga strong premonition about winning a big prize.

"I've just had a funny feeling. Over the lastmonth or so I've been saying to my wife, 'I'm goingto win something'. I didn't know whether it would

be Lotto, OZ Lotto orwhat, I just felt likesomething was going to

happen to me," he said. "It was a happy feeling but nervous at the same

time; that I was actually going to win something." Now that his windfall has arrived, the winner

plans to pay off the mortgage on the family home,and shop around for a new car.

"I've always wanted to buy a brand new car, butI've never been able to afford one, I've always hadto buy second hand. I've been a Holden supportermy whole life so I might buy a new Holden ClubSport," he said.

The winning entry - a 30 game autopick cost-ing $18.40 - was sold at the Tahmoor.

"This is really exciting news to get on a Sundaymorning. On behalf of all of the staff at the shop I'dlike to say 'best wishes' to the winner," ReneGhassibe from Tahmoor Newsagency said.

"Tahmoor is a pretty close knitcommunity…It's unbelievable that someone hereat the shop had a ticket worth $2.5 million in theirhands. Not everyone has a job where they makesomeone a millionaire, it's all in a days work forus," Ms Ghassibe said.


Labourer winsshare of Lotto draw

NSW budget lists majorprojects in the shire

More than $1million in funding willbe available for the Appin SewerageScheme and ongoing planning forBargo Sewerage Scheme - these arejust some of the some of the projectsexpected to be delivered inWollondilly from the NSW Budget.

The MP for Wollondilly andNSW Minister, Phil Costa, said it isall about investing in the future of theshire.

"The Appin Sewerage Scheme isan important local issue I've beenadvocating for from day one, so thisis a big win for the people ofWollondilly," Mr Costa said.

"It's one of several projectsincluded in the NSW Budget that willbenefit the local community alongwith upgrades to roads, transport andschools.

"This is a big win forWollondilly…"

Other projects include:$15.1 million for the construction

of Warragamba Dam Crest Gates;$415,000 for upgrades to local

schools as part of the PrincipalsPriority Building Program;

$10.4 million for maintenance ofthe Wollondilly road network,including $800,000 for resurfacing ofAppin Road at Appin and Kings Falland $2.2 million for resurfacing ofthe Hume Highway at various loca-tions;

$1.05 million towards the $8 mil-lion project to construct a new com-muter car park and interchange atCityRail's Macarthur Station; and

$2.34 million for upgrades tosocial housing homes in Wollondilly.

"This means jobs for local trades-men, opportunities for working fami-lies, and stimulus for the NSW econ-omy."

For Camden residents the NSWBudget is expected to deliver localjobs, infrastructure and essentialfrontline services.

The MP for Camden, GeoffCorrigan, regards the budget "as thebest" since his election to the seatand said it is "a stimulus for Camdenand for NSW."

Major investments include:$9 million to begin construction

on the new $17 million CamdenPolice Station;

$28.1 million for road upgradesand traffic management - $21.3 mil-lion for network development, $4.7million for maintenance of theCamden road network, $2 million fortraffic and transport management,and $60,000 for road safety;

$2.13 million for communitytransport services provided throughSouth West Community Transport,providing greater access to regularpublic transport services for thosedisadvantaged due to physical, socialor geographic reasons;

$42,000 towards funds for a newtruck for Camden SES Unit;

$1.675 million for upgrades tolocal schools under the PrincipalsPriority Building Program;

$17.7 million for the biosecurityupgrade of Elizabeth MacarthurAgricultural Institute (EMAI) at

Camden;$739,000 for eight full time and

one part time Clinical SupportOfficers for Camden Hospital toenable doctors and nurses to spendless time on paperwork and moretime caring for patients;

Camden Hospital will benefit aspart of the state-wide roll out of dig-ital medical imaging and is due forcompletion at the end of 2009; and

The staff at Camden Hospital willbenefit from a new computerisedstaff rostering system which is duefor completion across all of SydneySouth West Area Health Service bymid 2011.

In the breakdown of the roadupgrades - the electorate can expect$5 million to widen Camden ValleyWay to four lanes from CobbittyRoad to Narellan Road; $1.8 millionfor maintenance of traffic lights andsigns; $2 million for planning toupgrade Camden Valley Way to fourlanes from Cowpasture Road toCobbitty Road; $725,000 for resur-facing work along Bringelly Road,from Cowpasture Road to SouthCreek; and

$500,000 for planning of theupgrade of Northern Road fromCamden Valley Way to BringellyRoad.

Major projectsin the shire

Opposition is mounting to a proposed fourstorey development on the old CamdenHigh School site.

Both the Camden Residents ActionGroup (CRAG) and Camden HistoricalSociety are calling for the developmentapplication to be further revised andknocked down by a couple of levels - inkeeping with the heritage and conservationarea of the town.

"Camden has heritage and historicalcharacter and we would like to maintain that- a two storey development is the only wayto do it," Robert Wheeler, president ofCRAG said.

While both groups welcome the devel-opment of the site at the corner of John,Elizabeth and Exeter streets - and havemade that quite clear - what is becoming abone of contention is the over developmentof the area and a proposal to build threestoreys, which will also include a loft - intotal the development will tower at 15metres high.

The Maximum in Camden town is sevenmetres.

The site will be mixed development andinclude commercial premises, a motel, sen-iors living and retirement village and a resi-dential community centre.

"There could be more than 300 peopleliving in this area," Mr Wheeler said.

He is also concerned that if CamdenCouncil approves the revised application itcould set a precedent and overrule its ownpolicy that has defined the character of thetown for many years.

John Wrigley, vice-president of theCamden Historical Society agreed.

He said council shouldn't move awayfrom its own policy which was developedwith a great amount of community consulta-tion.

"The precedent would make it very dif-ficult to reject similar application through-out the heritage conservation area."

Mr Wheeler said there has already beentalk about a three storey commercial build-ing in Argyle Street.

"The request by the developer by themeans of the SEPP 1 (state environmentplanning policy) objections to increase theheight of his buildings cannot be justified ina heritage 'conservation area' as the finaloutcome would be a disastrous precedent

for the rest of the township of Camden," asstated in CRAG's submission, which waspresented to the council recently.

In the submission CRAG also is fearfulat the possibility of Camden losing its"unique character" and ending up with flatslike in Randwick, Bankstown and areas ofthe North Shore.

Another point which the group alsohighlights is the lack of open green space.

"…There is need for open space. Theadopted DCP (development control plan)

made provisions for a park on site. Thedevelopment is providing 57 residentialunits plus 108 senior living dwellings and76 bed residential care facility: all thesepeople will need easy access to a publicpark as the previous school provided theirown and the new development has not pro-vided any for the new residents of Camden."

While remediation work will be done onthe old site, the applicant has expressed aninterest in keeping one of the school build-ings.


Groups want multi-storeydevelopment downsized

CRAG and the Camden Historical Society working towards the same outcome - atwo storey development on the old high school site - John Wrigley, Glenda Davis

Robert Wheeler and Ian Willis.

Tax discountemail scam

The Tax Office is warning people to bewary of a fraudulent email being circulatedthat claims to offer a 30 per cent discounton their taxes.

The email uses the Tax Office logo andthe words 'Cut Off Taxes Program (COTP)has been released - Join Now' in the subjectheading and the following text: "Cut OffTaxes Program 30% Discount for your2009 taxes Register now for the Cut OffTaxes Program (COTP). This means youcould get 30% back from all your 2009taxes." There may be more variations tothis subject heading and text. The emailasks people to click on a link which directsthem to a bogus Tax Office website andasks them to register for the program bysupplying their tax file number. TaxCommissioner Michael D'Ascenzo saidanyone who receives the email shoulddelete it immediately.

"The Tax Office never sends emailsasking people to provide personal informa-tion including tax file numbers," MrD'Ascenzo said. If people have enteredtheir tax file number or personal informa-tion on the website they should immediate-ly call 13 28 61.


Making facesThe June meeting of the Camden branch of the AustralianDecorative Fine Arts Society will be exploring the art ofportraiture.

David F. Coke and art historian and curator will be dis-cussing this topic from his point of view.

The talk explores why artists paint portraits, what theyare used for and what they convey.

The many images include everything from the Egyptianmummy portraits to the Identikit.

The talk is on Saturday, June 27, 4pm at the Undercroft,Camden Civic Centre and entry is $15. For details call 46580784.

Operatic splendor at StPaul'sOperatic soprano, Amelia Farrugia will be performing ariasfrom well known operas at this month's musical event at StPaul's Cobbitty.

This is part of the regular fundraising efforts by theFriends of St Paul's to help restore and maintain the uniquecollection of historic buildings in the village of Cobbitty -these include Heber chapel, the church and the rectory.

The annual concerts are well known for quality and thesetting in the church is an ideal backdrop for an afternoon offine music.

There is limited seating so hurry and book for the June28 performance starting at 2.30pm at St Paul's in Cobbitty.

Call James Warrand on 0412 667 621 for ticket details.

NAIDOC Family Day in JulyWollondilly Shire Council in conjunction WollondillyAboriginal Advisory Committee will again be holding aNAIDOC family day event. This year the event will be onSunday, July 5 at Picton Botanic Gardens between 10am to2pm.

Here is your chance to be involved and learn about thetraditional people of this land and their culture. There will

be a variety of stalls, special entertainers and displays aswell as a free sausage sizzle. Here are just a few of the

things you can expect to see on the day: Cultural Stalls;Aboriginal Art and Displays; National Parks and WildlifeDisplay; Wollondilly Shire Council Aboriginal Projects;Black Films Screening; and Tharawal LALC Stall

For more details call the council's AboriginalDevelopment Officer on 4677 8224.

Pianists perform Gift ofMusic The annual Gift of Music Concert will be held at CamdenUniting Church at 2pm on Sunday, July 5 and all proceedsraised will be shared between the African Aids Foundation,and the Robert Astill Memorial Fund ( which supports thework of the African School of Mission).

Guest artists are Dr Marilyn Meier-Kapavale andLachlan Glen, both of whom will play the Steinway grandpiano, which is housed at Camden Uniting Church by cour-tesy of the Harrington Park Foundation. The guest artistswill be supported by local talented musicians including theAmazing Grace Singers.

Dr Marilyn is a concert pianist who grew up at Oakdale,and as a young child learned piano from Pat McKee. Whenshe was in Year 9 at Camden High School she won the ABCTV Quest 78, and following that she was invited to studywith Bela Siki in the United States. Dr Marilyn is currentlyHead of Piano Studies and a Music lecturer at the Universityof Queensland.

Lachlan Glen from Narellan Vale, studied piano atAGAPE - the Amazing Grace Academy of PerformingExcellence as a young boy, and later with Dr MarilynMeier. For the last twelve months he has been living in theUnited States, furthering his piano studies.

During his time away he has won first prize in theUniversity Undergraduate Concerto competition, performedat Steinway Hall and at Carnegie Hall, and received theRutgers University Award for Outstanding AcademicAchievement.

Both of these talented pianists will be back in Camdenfor this popular event.

"Marilyn and Lachlan grew up in the Macarthur area. Iam very proud of them both," Heather Bieman, director ofAGAPEmusic said.

The concert will be held at Camden Uniting Church,

corner of John and Mitchell Streets, Camden. Admission isAdults $15, Concession $10, Family of two adults and twochildren $40.

For details call Camden Uniting Church office 46559303, or Heather Bieman 0412 400 394 or www.camde-nuniting.org.au

Lachlan Glen will be performing at Camden UnitingChurch on July 5


Talking Money

After basic needs such as air, food and shelter,security and peace of mind are recognised as oneof mankind's basic drivers. Thus the followingresearch is quite surprising. Perhaps t is a reac-tion/result of the Global Financial Crisis, or is it anoverall trend of complacency?

With the beginning of a New Financial Yearapproaching, it is a good time for each of us toreview our situation and take steps to gain morecontrol.

Research has revealed that an alarming 51% ofAustralians said that they did not have enough sav-ings or investments to cope with the unexpected.This is based on research released by Aviva, one ofthe world's largest insurance groups.

The findings are part of Aviva's ConsumerAttitudes to Savings global research which sur-veyed over 1000 Australians in the first quarter of2009.

High level findings are attached, with the fol-lowing key insights:

41% of Australians are worried that they"haven't saved enough money to continue to pro-vide an adequate standard of living in…retire-ment";

51% of agree that they "don't have enough sav-ings/investments to cope with the unexpected";

40% of Australians said they are not "regularlysetting aside money for use when they retire";

51% of Australians see their home as "the mostsignificant part of my (their) total future financial

security";1 in 4 Australians "wished" that someone else

would sort out their financial affairs; Australians said that existing debt (28%) or

affordability (57%) were two major reasons whythey are unable to save or invest more money; and

On a long term view Australians are now lesslikely to accept a higher level of risk for a higherpossible return. In 2005, 41% of Australians saidthey were prepared to accept a higher level of riskfor higher possible returns but in 2009 only 29% ofAustralians agreed with this statement.

"Despite talk of Australia entering a recession,it's surprising to see that 28% of Australians preferto spend than save their money even though manyAustralians said that they don't have enough sav-ings to cope with the unexpected," Aviva's SueVoglis, Research and Public Relations Managersaid.

The Consumer Attitudes to Savings is a surveyconducted by Aviva in conjunction with TheFutures Company. Over the past 6 years Aviva hassurveyed over 100,000 people in 25 countriesabout their individual attitudes to saving andinvesting.

This year's Consumer Attitudes to Savings sur-veyed over 1000 Australians and was conducted inthe first quarter of 2009.

We recommend you consult with a licensedfinancial planner before acting on any of the aboveinformation

We thank Aviva for the above.

John is an authorised representative of ProfessionalInvestment Services AFSL# 234951 Whilst all care istaken in the preparation of this material, no warranty is

given in respect to the information provided andaccordingly no responsibility for errors or omissions,

including responsibility to any person by reason of neg-ligence is accepted.

Australians aren'tfinancially preparedfor the unexpected

by John Jones

The tax office has gone to print in order to assist taxpayers in identifying whatis or is not Work Clothing. This is an attempt to guide taxpayers and to takethe guess work out of claiming legitimate expenses in tax returns.

Work Uniforms can either be compulsory or non compulsory. If the uni-form is compulsory then you may be able to claim for a single item of dis-tinctive clothing such as a jumper, if it is compulsory for you to wear it atwork. You cannot claim expenses incurred for non compulsory work uni-forms, unless your employer has registered the design with Ausindustry.Check with your employer who should be able to confirm this information forcorporate wear at www.ausindustry.gov.au. Shoes, sock and stockings cannever form part of a non compulsory work uniform, and neither can a singleitem such as a jumper.

Generally, you cannot claim a deduction for the cost of purchasing orcleaning a plain uniform or conventional clothing worn at work, even if youremployer tells you to wear them, as this is deemed a private expense.

According to the ATO, if you receive an allowance from your employerfor clothing, uniforms, laundry or dry cleaning you cannot automaticallyclaim a deduction. Clothing expenses you can claim are related to compulso-ry uniforms comprising a set of clothing that, when worn, identifies you as anemployee of a specific organisation having a strictly enforced policy thatmakes it compulsory for you to wear the uniform whilst at work.

You may be able to claim a deduction for shoes, socks and stockingswhere they are an essential part of this distinctive compulsory uniform, thecharacteristic of which are stated in your employer's uniform policy.

You may also claim for a single item of distinctive clothing, such as ajumper, where it is compulsory for you to wear it at work. Generally clothingis distinctive where it has the employer's logo permanently attached and theclothing is not available to the general public.

If you wear a non compulsory uniform you cannot claim for stockings,short socks or shoes as these items cannot be registered as part of a non com-pulsory uniform. Your employer can tell you if your uniform or wardrobe isregistered. If your employer requires you to wear a distinctive uniform orwardrobe, but does not enforce the wearing of the uniform, the design of theuniform must be registered before you can claim a deduction.

You can claim a deduction for the cost of occupation specific clothing, egchecked pants worn by chefs. The clothing would be specific to your occupa-tion and is not everyday in nature. It is unlikely that a building worker wouldhave occupation specific clothing.

More next week on protective clothing.

Talking Tax

by Les Coulcher

Work relatedexpenses -work clothing

Business and Home

The advice offered is of a generic nature and should be treated as such.Accordingly no responsibility can be accepted if this information is acted

upon without professional advice relative to specific circumstances.


Sport

There's quite a chill in the morning airand not so many hours of daylight left toplay around with.

Although the fishing in June is stillvery good, it's time to get stuck into itnow because e the good times aren'tgoing to last much longer.

On the offshore scene, yellowfin tunaaround the 25-30 kilogram mark are stillavailable off Kiama and they've been tar-geted with Pakula sprockets in the neoncolour.

Bonito to the kilo and half mark havebeen schooling just wide of LastingDistance under the cliff faces, but hesmall boat brigade have been getting theirbag limits by trolling 40grams look alikesilver pilchards lures. The desalinationplant at Kurnell has been providing excel-lent catches of leatherjackets to 800gramsand they've been boated only 100 metresor so from the structures. If you're chas-ing kingfish, then look no farther than thewave rider buoy off Cape Bailey. ShaunDavies manages four bruisers to 13.6 kgs,all taken on live bonito baits.

A little further south, the stretchbetween Wattamolla and Garie beacheshas been red hot for salmon to 4kgs, withlive yakka, the preferred bait.

Botany Bay itself has been a littlequiet with not too many fishos venturingout, however, we have it on good author-ity that Molineaux Point is still the hotspot for trevally and whilst they're notreal big, a feed can be assured. All youneed is peeled prawns lightly weighedand a steady stream of bread burley.

If you're prepared to brave the ele-ments, then Watts Reed at Kurnell couldbe worth a try. Big blue nose bream andclass trevally have been taken at night onlive nippers during the run-up tide.

The weed beds on the southern side of

the bay are holding fair numbers if winterbream and they can be enticed to bitewith the aid of a steady boiled wheat andpollard burley. They love nippers andblood worms and that is what I would beoffering to them.

Georges River is fishing exceptional-ly well and has surpassed all expectationsat the time of writing. Mick McCormackand mate boated 19 jewfish to 70cms,released 10 to fight another day - the sec-ond pylon on the northern side of theCapt Cook Bridge providing the spoils.

The cockle beds at Connells Pt havebeen fishing well at night for good sizewhiting. The writer was lucky enough toget his bag limit of 20 fish up to 47cmsusing bloodworm baits.

Luderick catches are on the increasewith all the recognised possies providingtop catches. The northern side of CaptainCook Bridge and Mickeys Pt are allworth a try.

In Port Hacking, the water is gin clearand making fishing difficult, green eyecalamari squid have been taken in goodnumbers at night from Lilli Pilli Wharfand tailor around the 45cms mark havebeen biting at night from the Bundeenawharf after the ferries stop running.

On the local scene, things have beenvery quiet with only the ever present carpbeing taken around Cobbitty Weir and theodd bass falling for nightcrawlers aroundCamden Bridge.

Lake Lyell has bass to 48cms avail-able on live yabbies but you'll have towork hard for them, and last week only afew trout were taken by trolling Tassiedevils near the dam wall.

Don't forget our fishing classes,which are held every Monday evening6.30pm-8pm - they're free and you willlearn a lot.

High Tide ........By Gabe Quercigrossi

.... from the sideline by Billy BootsWith the monkey off Thirlmere's back aftertheir loss to Oakdale last week the Roostersshould have settled down and played the foot-ball they are capable of. However, the NarellanJets have inflicted loss number two after com-ing from 30-16 behind to win a nail-biter by 32-30. The action went down to the wire with theRoosters pressing the Jets line but a spilt ballended any chance of sneaking a win. The lossnow sees Narellan jump to the competition leadand other results are also making the bettingmarket re-think their odds.

The Roosters, who are striving for theirfourth grand final appearance in as many years,have the work in front of them now. Strugglingin recent weeks with close wins over Camdenand East Campbelltown, and now losses toOakdale and Narellan, this is the sort of wakeup call that coach, Jamie Horner was hoping forwithout giving away their competition lead.

The Jets win over Thirlmere has ramifica-tions that could see their season take a turn forthe better.

Robbie Mears reluctantly puts the boots onwhen the Jets have an injury or two, and theteam responds to his leadership with a spiritedwin.

The Jets had Picton, Oakdale and MossVale breathing down their necks, but the winand subsequent losses and draws to Oakdaleand Picton sees the gap widen. Narellan stillhave a game in hand against Oakdale, and awin there can see Oakdale slip further awayfrom the coveted top three position.

Oakdale have played hot and cold this sea-son, but they win when it counts and can beexpected to be on song once the big end of sea-son games come around.

The Workers have a strong forward packand speedy backline that if given enough roomcan easily embarrass the best defenders. PeterLett, Oakdale's centre, has a beautiful in andaway step that has his opponent second guess-ing his movements, plus he has the strength tobreak the first tackle and once motoring is hardto rein in.

The Oaks almost pulled off their first win ofthe season but fell short when they encounteredNarellan last week. They beat a struggling

Ingleburn to record their solitary win, but willwin a few more.

With veteran Ronnie Jones calling the shotsthe Tigers fought back to be within a convertedtry but they just didn't have the firepower tocontrol a Fred Misi's led Jets forward pack. BigFred Misi has been a savior for the Jets. Hisgentle nature belies the strength, much like asmiling assassin. He took control of the gamewhen Narellan played Picton and dominatedthe forward battles, silencing Picton enforcerMatt MacPherson with some brutal front ondefence and bullocking runs and his 2008 formsaw him rewarded with Group 6 representativehonours earlier this year.

Group 6 clubs can be relieved to know thatthe Campbelltown clubs haven't had as much asan influence as they feared. With bothIngleburn and East Campbelltown in the lowerhalf of the competition ladder the traditionalCRL clubs have a mortgage on the top fivesemi spots, if they can hold their form for theremainder of the sea-son.

It will be interestingto see where the grandfinal will be played thisyear.

Camden weregranted the rights tohost the decider, butthat decision was premerger.

T h o u g hCampbelltown Stadiumhas a marvelous play-ing surface, the size ofthe joint will not carrythe atmosphere andcloseness that a tradi-tional 'country' grandfinal should enjoy.

Here's hoping thatthe powers that be keepit either at Camden aspreviously decided, orPicton, Narellan or thelike.

By Steve Pike

The Narellan Jets have inflicted a second loss ofthe year to the Thirlmere Roosters by comingfrom behind to win 32-30.

Undefeated for 18 months until last week whenOakdale broke the egg, the Roosters werefavourites to atone for that loss. The Jets jumpedout and led early when prolific tryscorer, BenBaker raced 60 metres from an overlap to open theaccount. Gavin Wilson added the extras and theJets led 6-0. Thirlmere had control for the next 20minutes and ran in tries to Jason Sampson, JasonPower, Morgan Knott and Leo Dynevor to lead 18-6. Only one try was converted which proved cost-ly in the end.

The Jets recovered by scoring after Wilsonchipped for Jason Smith to catch and offload toJamie Newton to score. Wilson added the extrasand at half time the 12-18 score flattered the Jets.

The Jets were first to score in the second halfwhen Shane Ruwoldt barged over from dummyhalf to close the score to 16-18, but minutes laterRyan Crocker was sin binned and Matt Carlyontook advantaged of the extra man and trotted overto score. Rae added two points and Thirlmere led24-16. A barging run by Jayden Merchant from adrop out almost resulted in a try but a tackle later

John Rae stumbled and crawled over to score adja-cent to the posts, with his brother Adam Rae kick-ing the conversion to put the score out to 30-16.Not giving up, the Jets bounced back when Bakerchipped over the defence and picked up the strayball to score his second, with Wilson adding two.With 10 minutes remaining Crocker returned to thefield and broke through, grubbered for Baker to re-gather and weave a path to score under the posts,reducing the score to 26-30.

With five minutes left on the clock Newtonchipped for himself but was impeded, resulting inAdam Rae being sinbinned. Newton again foundspace with a grubber kick, which was fumbled ingoal by the Roosters, with Shane Milat diving onthe loose ball and equally the score. Wilson's con-version though broke the brief deadlock and putthe Jets in front with a few minutes remaining.From the kickoff a simple offensive penalty hadthe Roosters back on the attack only metres fromthe Jets line. The Jets held the Thirlmere attack forthe vital two minutes and ran out winners 32-30 insomewhat controversial circumstances.

Best for the Jets were Todd Black, ShaneMilat, Robbie Mears and Ben Baker. Thirlmerewas best served by Jayden Merchant, NathanSutton and Leo Dynevor.


Sport

By Michael Rees

In a hard fought match under thelights of the Campbelltown FootballStadium on Saturday night Picton(Magpies) and East Campeblltown(Eagles) slogged their way to a 16-all-draw.

Before a small, but vocal groundon a wet night the game got underway at a snail's pace with both teamsfeeling each other out. The forwardsthen got stuck into it with Pictonfront rower, Matt McPherson makingsome fearless charges into the bigEagle's forward pack.

Picton dominated early posses-sion but their diminutive half back,Will Dreves had an off day with histactical kicking putting very littlepressure on the Eagles defence.

Then against the run a play theEagles No 3 crossed over for a goodtry near the post which was convert-ed.

Picton then upped the ante andwere held up over the try line onthree occasions before five-eightBryce Hoskin pulled off the "oldiebut a goodie" run around with wingerJeremy MacKay who crossed wide

out. The teams went to the half timebreak with the Eagles in front 6-4.

The second off got under waywith Picton introducing their inter-change players who made an impactwith Dave Beddall leading the way.

No 16 for the Eagles was givingas good as he got and made somecrashing runs.

It took the Magpies front rower,Chris Bowers to get the scoreboardticking over again when he crashedover under the post for a convertedtry.

Picton scored again shortly afterthat and the big Campbelltown for-wards looked like they were runningout of puff when their mercurial No 4took an intercept that lead to a try.

A short time later he was at itagain when he took off from dummyhalf about 20 metres out and toucheddown along side the post to even upthe scores.

Picton had plenty of chances towin this game but they snatcheddefeat out of the jaws of victory. EastCampbelltown to their credit hung inthere and finished the stronger.

At the end of the day a draw wasprobably the best result.

Feathers fly at stadium

LEAGUE

LEAGUE

Tight win for Narellan over Thirlmere

Narellan Jets with the ball against Thirlmere Roosters on Sunday


Sport

Southern Districts SoftballAssociation representative soft-baller, Kayne Kajan, is definitelyheading for the big time.

Kayne is a current scholarshipholder with the South WestSydney Academy of Sport andexecutive officer Gerry Knightscongratulates those many peoplewho have assisted this softballer'sdevelopment to date.

Kayne has loved softball sincehe started playing at the tender age

of 8 years. Kayne has movedthrough the associations Under12s, 14s, 16s and now 19s repre-sentative age groups, often beingone of the younger players.

"Kayne gained entry toWestfield Sports High School in2006, has played two years ofWaratah League, and has also beenselected into the Academy softballprogram for the past two years,"Knights said.

In January 2009, Kayne was

selected in the NSW Under 16sTeam and competed at theNational Championships inTasmania, finishing third overall.

Following the NationalChampionships, Kayne wasselected into the 2009 Under 19sAustralian Squad to compete inthe Friendship Series, to be held inJuly at Blacktown Olympic Parkagainst other Australian teams andteams from New Zealand.

"Kayne's ambition is to make

the 2012 Under 19s Australianteam and to compete at the JuniorWorld championships," said hismother Joanne Southam.

"He was inspired to play soft-ball by watching his cousins andbrother play and seeing themprogress from club level rightthrough to State and Australianrepresentative levels. He has beenfantastically supported by hisWildcats club coaches, academyhead coach, Heather Skuse, and

her coaching and support staffmembers, plus his SouthernDistricts Softball Association andNSW coaches", she said.

"Kayne is a talented athlete theregion should be proud of, he sup-ports his fellow players and recog-nises that it takes the efforts ofmany, including his family andfriends to be ultimately success-ful," Knights said.

For details on the academy goto swsas.org.au

Softball athlete headed for the big timeSOFTBALL

NETBALL

Camden celebrated Under 17s victoryby Michele Leahy

Camden & District Netball Association(C&DNA) Under 17s team came fifth in the 2009Holden State Championships and it was allsmiles for players and officials.

The weeks of preparation paid off when thegirls competed earlier this month - showed thatthe Camden association is a force to be reckonedwith on the court.

The 2009 U17 team, coached by SimoneHahn, with manager Angie Kendrick - had 11players: Laura O'Flynn, Courtney Ditton, HayleyParkins, Rebecca McCarthy, Susan Kendrick,Elyse Glynn, Courtney Gardiner, Jennifer Brown,Kate Bonfield, Alicia Garling, Stephanie Kay

"As an association we are proud of all our 11players. Each and every girl contributed to thisfantastic achievement and it is always encourag-ing when hard work pays off. The fact that our

teams continue to improve shows that our coach-ing programs are working and that netball in thisregion is thriving and continuing to grow,"C&DNA Rep Co-ordinator Kerrin Thomas said.

In netball circles, Camden has certainly had aweek to boost its profile with local MP GeoffCorrigan giving a glowing review of netball inthis region in Parliament, after he attended theopening weekend of local games in March.Netball NSW is this year celebrating its 80thanniversary. For a full report on Geoff Corrigan'saddress to Parliament visit http://www.net-ballnsw.com/

C&DNA is actively looking for sponsors fortheir 2009/2010 season. Anyone interested infinding out how they could benefit from being aCamden Netball Sponsor should contact the club-house on 4658 0033 (Saturdays 8.30am -4.30pm) or email http://camden.netball.asn.au/and request a sponsorship brochure.

Stephanie Kay claiming the ball for Camden.


Talking Horses

Vet ChatThe importance of

desexing cats

Macarthur Veterinary HospitalPh: 4655 76646 Ironbark Ave, Camdenwww.macarthurvet.com.au

Dr Steven FergusonCat owners beware! There are clandestine meet-ings being held in darkened back streets.Impetuous romantic liaisons are occurring withno thought of the consequences. Testosteronecharged Toms will brawl viciously with eachother while competing for the proffered favoursof female cats. The result of this biological ballgame is that thousands of kittens are born in thecat breeding season in cities around the world.

In Sydney cats are seasonal breeders. Theystart breeding as the days get longer - that issooner, after the winter solstice.

Cats, in the breeding season, have continualbreeding cycles throughout the summer months.These cycles repeat every three weeks or sounless the cat is mated, or until the breeding sea-son finished.

Cats are breeding machines. There is nothingaccidental in their mating rituals. When the hor-mones hit, the queens (female cats) actively seekmales and they keep seeking them until mated.The males are more than willing. Your femalecat is likely to show some unusual behaviourwhen her hormones start. She will yowl at thedoor to get out at night. She will roll on theground, become agitated and act most unusually.You are likely to think her need is a brief sojournoutside to go to the toilet and that's your mistake,as she will stay out all night, to return in themorning with a happy, contented smile on herface. Nine weeks later there will be a surprise inthe laundry basket when she has given birth to alitter of kittens.

Because male cats roam for kilometres whenlooking for ladies they often suffer a variety ofaccidents. They become lost, fall victim to carwheels or to cat consuming canines.

The answer is obvious and simple. All catsshould be desexed.

Responsible breeders who know what theyare doing and who don't allow their non desexedcats to roam are an obvious exception.

Some of you may be thinking: "Is it reallynecessary?" "Can't I let her have just one litter?""She'll be so much more content after having alitter" "They need to have one season beforebeing desexed, don't they?"

Owners of male cats may also state, "I can'tdesexed him - it's a blow to his masculinity." "Amale cat's got to do what a male cat's supposedto do." "I'm not castrated, so why should I do thatto my cat?"

Desexing is essential. There is no advantagein allowing queens to have a season or a litterand toms that are not desexed suffer continualwounds and abscesses and usually die early andoften tragically.

If your cat is not desexed at this verymoment, you should be nervous! Ring your vetimmediately and make an appointment. The sur-gery is routine - it costs less to desex a female catthan to raise a litter of kittens and the cost of neu-tering a male cat is even less.

Sport ResultsBOWLS

Camden Men's BowlingClub

Week ending June 7

Tuesday: Mixed MuftiBob McDermott-Win Moffat-Hugh Dunnachie: 2 wins + 24Henry Dallas-Fred Pearson; 2wins +16Thursday Jackpot Pairs:DIV One: Peter Kibblewhite-B.TaylorDiv Two: Rex Warren-NoelGleesonSaturday SocialDiv One; Charlie Toovey-HughDunnachie-Col DillonDiv Two: Gloria Murray-PeterSeddon-Ross Pulling-Allan WoodMajor Singles Championship:Round TwoChris Denford (32) d Barry Smith(17)Minor Singles Championship:Round ThreeFrank Farrugia (33) d Lee White(5)Rick Ray (32) d Ramon Puyo (20)Week ending June 21Tuesday Mixed Mufti: 4th Win Moffat-Henry Dallas-KevinShaw: 2 wins +11 (C/B)Lucy Russell-Dick Ellis-FredPearson: 2 wins+11Tuesday Mixed Muft: 16th Ron Russell-Don Ray; 2wins +12Richard Mazurkiewicz-BillMarsh 2 wins + 11Thursday Jackpot Pairs: 11th Div One; Kevin Beale-JohnBrennanDiv Two: Bob McDermott-FredPearsonThursday Jackpot Pairs: 18th Div One: Ivan Old-Bill RichardsVic Two: Hugh Dunnachie-ColDillonSaturday: 20th - Minor SinglesChamp semi final -Ivor Watkiss 31 d Rick Ray 27Barry Robbins 31 d Rob Brennan20Major Singles Championship:Third RoundGraham Thackeray 31 d DavidMargin 23John Bugden 31 d Karl Szynal 21Steve Laker 31 d Les Sims 22Alan Dodd 31 d Noel Hines 18 Brian Barnicoat 32 d RobBrennan 7Allan Wood 32 d Les Minall 15David Price 31 d Noel Gleeson 3Ivor Watkiss 31 d FrankLipscombe 15Sunday: Fourth Round AM:Major SinglesBruce Turton 31 d John Rofe 20;Brian Barnicoat d Dave Price 18Ed Klaassen 33 d Chris Denford18; Ramon Puyo 31 d Steve Tajsic15Keith Valentine 31 d Ivor Watkiss18; Mick Shepherd 31 d SteveLaker 20Alan Dodd 31 d Paul Burnes 23;Allan Webb 32 d GrahamsThackeray 29Quarter Final Major Singles:PMJohn Bugden 31 d Alan Dodd 5;Allan Wood 31 d Ramon Puyo 14Bruce Turton 31 d Keith Valentine28; Mick Shepherd 31 d EdKlaassen 28

Camden Women's Bowling ClubWeek ending June 10-17Major Singles Final: 10th Ruth Missen 31 d Gloria Murray22Major pairs C'ship: First round:Eve Yatee-Barbara Wilson 24 dShirley Gould-Jan Parsons 18Ruth Missen-Rhonda Webb 31 dJane Langford-Iris Britten 17Mary Burton-Jane Lonelcok 21 dLucy Russell-Betty Brown 13Farnces Laker-Gloria Murray 25d Dot Dallas-Elaine Shaw 11.

LEAGUE

Group 6 Junior RugbyLeague

Round 8 - June 13

Under 10B: The Oaks dThirlmere 30; Mittagong 34 dNarellan 14; Appin 24 d Picton18; Camden Bye

Under 10A: Thirlmere 26 dWarragamba 12; Camden 52 dMoss Vale 0; Mt Annan/CurransHill 22 d Picton 16; Narellan Bye

Under 11B: Warragamba 58d Picton 0 (DP); Bowral 30 dNarellan White 18 (DP); Camden22 d Narellan Blue 4 (DP);Thirlmere 66 d Mt Annan/CurransHill 6 (DP); Mittagong Bye

Under 11A: Thirlmere 10 dThe Oaks 0; Narellan 14 dMittagong 4; Camden 40 d Moss

Vale 0; Mt Annan/Currans Hill 12drew Picton 12

Under 12B: The Oaks 14 dRobertson 0; Thirlmere 22 dWarragamba 4; Narellan 16 dMittagong 8

Under 12A: Warragamba 30d Thirlmere 0; Mittagong 16 drewNarellan 16; Camden 40 d MossVale 0; Picton 36 d MtAnnan/Currans Hill 6

Under 13B: Picton 20 dThirlmere 12; Warragamba 18 dAppin 0; Narellan 26 d Camden 6;Moss Vale 18 d MtAnnan/Currans Hill 12

Under 13A: Camden 62 dThe Oaks 0; Narellan 10 dMittagong 8; Mt Annan/CurransHill 18 d Picton 16; ThirlmereBye

Under 14B: Picton 50 dRobertson 10; The Oaks 20 dCamden 10; Thirlmere 34 dMittagong 10

Under 14A: Mittagong 52 dNarellan 0; Camden 20 d MossVale 12; Picton 54 d MtAnnan/Currans Hill 0;Warragamba Bye

Under 15B: The Oaks 42 dNarellan 14; Camden 10 d MtAnnan/Currans Hill 6; MittagongBye

Under 16B: Appin 50 dRobertson 6.

Group 6 Senior LeagueJune 20-21

First Grade: East 16 drewPicton 16; Moss Vale 38 dMittagong 12; The Oaks 40 dBulldogs 12; Camden 16 dOakdale 10; Narellan 32 dThirlmere 30

Third Grade: Warragamba42 d Mt Annan 4; All Saints 22 dIRSL 14; ESA 22 d Minto 44

18A: East v Ashcroft noscore; All Saints 84 d Narellan 4;Picton bye

18B: IRSL 40 d East 20;Minto 22 d Camden 6

18C: The Oaks 64 d MacSaints 6; ESA 32.d Collies 16

Reserve Grade: East 22 drewPicton 22; Moss Vale 28 dMittagong 6; Valley 52 d TheOaks 0; Oakdale 24 d Camden 16;Narellan 20 d Thirlmere 16

Third Grade: Collies 32 dCity 22; Appin 38 d Bowral 4

18A: Mac Fields 28 dCollies 22

ESA 42 d Mittagong 1018B: Hinchinbrook 28 d

Warriors 6; Warragamba Bye18C: City 18 drew Thirlmere

18.

HOCKEY

Macarthur Hockey Association Inc

Results for 2009 Men'sCompetition

1st Grade Results forRound 11

Ingleburn Bulldogs 8 (LeighBrabender 3, Andrew Carter 2,Benjamin Poulton, Gavin Purvis,Bradley Homer) beat MacarthurSkylarks 6 (Owen Blacker 2,Pierce Clothier, Douglas Hughes,Ben Cummins, Ross Myhill)

Wests Electrolux 4 (TimothyBogg 2, Mitchell Buckley, CaseyAlexander) beat Penrith Panthers2 (Jeremy Walzak, JoshuaChapple)

2nd Grade Results for Round11

Easts 12 (Luke Ussia 7,Martin Hanslow 2, Tyler Bryant2, Mathieu Boudan) beatCollegians 0

Campbelltown City 5 (LukeMorris 2, Benjamin Walker,Simon Turner, Nathan Realph)beat Ingleburn Bulldogs 4(Mitchell Brabender 2, JoelMurphy, Blake Keogh)

Wests Blue Addiction 8(Evan Corbett 2, Timothy Bogg 2,Adam Dawes, Craig Farrell,Christopher Rossiter, DalePaterson) beat MacarthurSkylarks 1 (Timothy Gartrell)

3rd Grade Results for Round11

Easts 4 (Gregory Jackson 3,Joel Pooley) beat MacarthurSkylarks 1 (Brennan Garbutt)

Ingleburn Old Dogs 5(Taylor Martin 2, Scott Faint 2,Frank Hirka) beat Collegians 2(Ashley Clinch, Ty Antony)

Ingleburn Young Pups 2(Jacob Andaloro 2) beat WestsVets 1 (Hugh Stone)

Campbelltown City 8 (NeilBaillie 5, Brendan Byrnes 2, IanReynolds) beat Wests YoungGuns 3 (Christopher Flack,Ismaeel Julius, Glenn Beckinsale)

Macarthur HockeyAssociation

Junior CompetitionRound 11

Minkey Under 7: EastsWhite 6 (Zac Roberts 3, GabrielleHudson 2, Cassandra Puckle) beatWests Cubs 0; Easts Red 3

(Gabrielle Hudson 3) beatHarrington Park Gold 0;Campbelltown City 1 (PiperJones) beat Harrington ParkPurple 0; Ingleburn Gold 3(Audree Moroney 2, TiarhnDunn) beat Macarthur SkylarksSharks 1 (Maddison Sullivan);Macarthur Skylarks Crocodiles 5(Luke Atherton 3, Elijah Gray 2)beat Ingleburn Green 0

Minkey Under 9: WestsWildcats 3 (Brenden Troy 3) beatHarrington Park Purple 0;Harrington Park White 2 (SamuelKennedy 2) beat Harrington ParkGold 0

Ingleburn Bulldogs 4(Daniel O'Daly 3, Riley Maginn-Dawson) beat Easts 0; MacarthurSkylarks Emus 1 (Luke Atherton)beat Collegians Sharks 0;Macarthur Skylarks Possums 2(Kaitlin Miller, Erin Gregory)beat Collegians Dolphins 0; WestsLinxes 4 (Troy Channel 2, NicolaPasquali, Jared Flanagan) beatCampbelltown City Kids 0; WestsLions 2 (Joshua Rath 2) beatCampbelltown City Ducks 1(Jacqueline Salmon)

Under 11 Junior: HarringtonPark Gold 4 (Braidan Booth 3,Luke Downey) beat Wests Pumas0; Harrington Park Purple 0 drewwith East - City 0; IngleburnBulldogs Green 2 (Daniel O'Daly,Brandon Thompson) beat WestsCougars 1 (Emily Bancroft);Macarthur Skylarks Dragons 3(Joshua Atherton 2, HarleyThoms) beat Macarthur SkylarksRams 0

Under 13 Girls: HarringtonPark 8 (Alexandra Lovelock 2,Kirsten Rose 2, TaylorDemenezes, Emma Barry, JordanBryant, Emma Creasey) beatWests Meercats 0;

Ingleburn Bulldogs 2 (ErinBesgrove, Wynona Rutten) beatMacarthur Skylarks 1 (CourtneySchonell)

Under 13 Junior: HarringtonPark 1 (Kayla Keane) drew withEasts 1 (Blake Ussia); MacarthurSkylarks Kookaburras 5(Nathanael Stewart 3, AlleyHanagan, Regan Daley) beatIngleburn Bulldogs 3 (LukeOllerenshaw, Isaac McDonald,Jarred Edwards); MacarthurSkylarks Avengers 10 (JamesGroth 3, Dylan Pardy 2, PaulDawson 2, Henry Groth, MarkLittle, Joshua Atherton) beatWests Tigers 0

Under 15 Girls: HarringtonPark 3 (Jordan Parker 2, MeganRose) beat Ingleburn Bulldogs 1(Leah Giri); Wests Leopards 4(Emelia Tracey 2, Sarah Craig,Kathryn Smith) beat Macarthur -Easts 1 (Sofia Fuller-Smith)

Under 15 Junior: WestsCoyotes 5 (Corey Cox 2, TaliaBuckley, Michael Hemingway,Travis Gibson) beat Easts 0;Ingleburn Bulldogs 9 (TaylorMartin 2, Nathan Daniel 2, JoshuaGregory 2, Jordan Manders, JackSpencer, Jacob Andaloro) beatMacarthur Skylarks 0; HarringtonPark 7 (Stuart Shepherd 4,Mitchell Payer 3) beat WestsWolves 2 (Kathryn Smith 2)

Under 17 Junior: PenrithPanthers 5 (Colby Johnstone 2,Jonathan Wong, Erin Burns,Cameron Rand) beat BlaxlandRovers 0; Easts 1 (BrendanGibson) beat Macarthur Skylarks0; Wests Ninjas 4 (BenjaminMiles 2, Nandita Ward, TravisGibson) beat Emu Plains 1(Christina Kingsford); WestsWarriors 3 (Tim Ryan 2, HollySmith) beat Harrington Park Gold2 (Lewis Shepherd, PierceClothier)

Harrington Park Purple 3(Lewis Shepherd, Hayley Martin,Pierce Clothier) beat IngleburnBulldogs 2 (Grant Lubyckij,Mitchell Brabender)







Register for theMS Horseride

It's that time of year when the Multiple SclerosisSociety is asking horse riders to consider takingpart in the annual MS Horseride experience.

Now in its 14th year the event is staged to sup-port people with multiple sclerosis - it is also anopportunity for riders and their four-legged friendto spend a week together riding on private proper-ty not normally open to the public in the UpperHunter Valley.

The ride has around 250 horse lovers from allover the country get together. The days are spentriding and the nights are spent socialising andmaking new friends.

If you have some holiday leave due or arethinking about an adventure - consider this eight-day ride.

Place are limited so think quickly and register.Ask family and friends to help by pledging

their donations to the ride. Last year's event raised more than $100,000.The goal for 2009 is $130,00.The ride is split into on and off days. Riders can

expect three days riding and then a rest day andthen another three days on the trail.

Each day's ride is between 20-30 kilometres onfully supported and well marked trails and there isusually also an option for one or two longer rides.The routes are chosen for their scenic attraction.

The rider pays for their own entry fee, whichincludes all meals for the week, feed and water fortheir horse (Mitavite Economix and hay), veteri-

nary support, farrier support, first aid, route mar-shals, rouseabout crew, entertainment program,shower and toilet facilities etc. When you're not inthe saddle there will be plenty to see and do - enter-tainment includes live music, trivia, horse relateddemonstrations and the much loved Talent in TheTent and a visit to a local thoroughbred stud and awinery.

Participants range from 10 to 70 years old andare mainly drawn from NSW and ACT, with theoccasional riders from Victoria, South Australiaand Queensland.

Giddy up and register as places are limited.Spend time with your horse and make new

friends.Log onto the MS website for more details and

conditions.


Lovely staffy

If you are looking for a puppy to make yourhouse a home - visit Wollondilly AnimalShelter and check out some adorable resi-dents who need a home to call their own.This three month old female white and tanstaffy is waiting for someone to adopt andlook after her. If you have the time and a bigenough backyard consider visiting the shel-ter at Wonga Road, Picton, or callWollondilly Council on (02) 4677 1144 or(02) 4677 1119 for details and openinghours.

HSC Lectures @Macarthur Libraries2009 is flying by and while the class of '08are still reminiscing about their formals,current year 12 students are studying hard.There's only four months to go until our stu-dents sit some of the most important exams

of their life and Macarthur Libraries want tohelp!

Libraries in the Macarthur region areonce again banding together to offer adiverse range of lectures for local HSC stu-dents for the low cost of $5.50.

Here are the lecture details for PictonLibrary.

English: Monday 29 June from 5pm -7pm - Picton LibraryArea of Study - Belonging Presented byLarry Grumley Author of HSC study guides and formerHSC marker.English: Friday 3 July from 5:30pm -7pm- Picton LibraryArea of study - Peter Skrzynecki -Immigrant ChronicleA full program of HSC events is avail-

able on the Library's website www.wol-londilly.nsw.gov.au <http://www.wollondil-ly.nsw.gov.au/>

Rock falls closes laneThe recent rain, has caused some minorrock falls at the rock face alongRemembrance Driveway at the OldRazorback Road intersection north ofPicton.

As a safety precaution Wollondilly ShireCouncil will close the inside traffic lane,with only one lane remaining open in eachdirection.

These changed traffic conditions will be

in place until further investigations are car-ried out and necessary action can be taken.

The council is taking this precautionarymeasure with community safety as its high-est priority.

For updates visit the council's websiteh t tp : / /www.wol lond i l ly.nsw.gov.au<http://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/>

Deborah Abela enchants youngreaders in Wollondilly

Superspy authordelighted readersMore than 300 Year 5 and 6 students werethrilled last month as best selling children's

author Deborah Abela visited Picton to talkto students from local primary schools aspart of Library and Information Week cele-brations.

Deborah Abela, author of the very suc-cessful 'Max Remy Superspy' series ofbooks, delighted and entertained the stu-dents by reading from her novels bringingher vibrant characters to life.

Deborah showed hilarious movies fromher days as a writer on Cheez TV and toldstories from her travelling days and fromworking with soccer hero Johnny Warren onthe Jack Zammit (Soccer Legend) series ofbooks.

Her most recent book, 'The RemarkableSecret of Aurelie Bonhoffen' was released inMarch 2009. All of Deborah Abela's nov-els are available to loan from WollondillyLibrary and Information Service.

"We were so excited to have hadDeborah come and speak to the students ofour shire. Deborah is such a talented andpopular author and the students have hadsuch a great time," Georgina Konstanta,Children and Young Adults Library Officersaid.

She said there was a long queue for theauthor's autograph.

"Library and Information Week was theperfect time for to host this exciting eventand we were so happy to see so many of thestudents borrowing and reading Deborah'sfantastic books from our library," MsKonstanta added.


Real Estate Report$199,900 Tahmoor2 bedrooms villa with built ins, modernkitchen & bathroom. Air conditioned living,fully enclosed Queensland style sunroom.Automatic garage & garden shed includedL.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$289,000 TahmoorNet & tidy 3 bedroom home, 3-way bathroom,two separate living areas, level low mainte-nance block. No work required. Currentlyreturns $ 230.00 per week.Century 21 Picton 4677 2155

$309,000 BargoLevel 1000m2+ block & 20m frontage.Freshly painted 3 bedroom brick veneerhome with built ins. Lounge area with a bar,large kitchen, dining area & single garage.L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$323,000 YANDERRAThis 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home on1094m2, offers an well-appointed kitchen, Lshape living area, down lights, outdoor spacewith timber deck pergola & detached doublegarage.L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$331,000 PictonIdeal for Retirement. Set on low maintenanceblock, 3 bedrooms, dining off kitchen, sep.lounge, new carpet installed, single garagewith internal access.Century 21 Picton 4677 2155

$335,000 PictonLess than 300 metres to Town centre. 3 bed-room with built-in's, 3-way bathroom, sepa-rate lounge, dining off kitchen, split air cond,single garage.Century 21 Picton 4677 2155

$339,500 WiltonThe perfect location. 3 bedroom all have built-in's, 3-way bathroom with access from main,family room, dining off kitchen, single garagewith internal access, small front verandah.Century 21 Picton 4677 2155

$360,000 PictonCharacter filled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroomhome. Huge living, separate dining & modern

Galley kitchen. Front & rear deck. Sideaccess with very large American barnL.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$390,000 PICTON Renovated Edwardian home offers timberfloors, decorative cornices, high ceilings,ornate fireplace, new timber kitchen, federa-tion style bathroom with an claw bath, pergo-la, single garage & storage on 2276m2.L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$393,000 BUXTONThis 4.9-acre block secluded & privately posi-tion, backs onto Nattai National Park. It hasphone & 3-phase power connected to frontgate, town water available.L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$398,000 ThirlmereHUGE 4047m2 well fenced block with a 3bedroom home, open plan living with air con& SC fire. Double garage & separate toi-let/workshop, located close to all amenities. L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$399,000 Narellan4 Bedrooms, ensuite + study * Huge kitchen& family room * Large lounge, fireplace & air-conditioning * Double garage, covered out-door area, side access.Elders Real Estate Camden 4655 3000

$449,000 ThirlmereImmaculate & private 4-bedroom home, mainwith extras, Tasmanian Oak timber kitchen,formal lounge & dining. Family room & rum-pus, 2 covered entertaining areas, huge shed+ additional carport.L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$454,500 Thirlmere5 bedroom split level home set on 3603sqmblock with rural aspect. Large formal & infor-mal living areas, kitchen opens onto largedeck area.Century 21 Picton 4677 2155

$469,000 PHEASANTS NEST

5.58 acres with 2-bedroom Colorbonddwelling with open plan living, modernkitchen, SC fire & Undercover entertaining.7m x 7m Colorbond garage. Rinnai instanta-neous HWS & mezzanine storage.

L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$476,950 West HoxtonCurrently being used as a display home isthis double storey 4 bedroom home featuringalarm, ducted air con, double garage, quietstreet, only moments to Carnes Hill shoppingcentre.Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606 0067

$549,900 Bargo3.3 acres. Ranchstyle home. Ensuite + largeparents retreat. S/C fire. Split cycle air.Assorted shedding.L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$595,000 Theresa Park7.5 acres. all weather driveway leads towhere you can build the home of yourdreams. 4 car garage. water filled dam, pres-tigious homes & tall stands of trees sourroundyou.Dougmal R/E Camden 4655 9888

$649,000 Thirlmere6.23 acres with everything, spacious 4 bed-rooms plus study, large open plan livingareas, wrap around verandah, inground pool,double garage plus workshop and 4 bay farmshed.United Acreage Marketing 4774 8222

$699,000 Rossmore5 acres of land located in a quiet street with aoriginal "A" frame house, only moments toWest Hoxton shops, M7 Motorway. Organiseyour inspection today!Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606 0067

$719,000 WiltonOutstanding Rural Acres. 40 Acres of levelrural land 2 minutes out of Wilton Village.Mostely cleared, town water & power. Goodroad frontage.Century 21 Picton 4677 2155

$720,000 BringellyReady, set , build on 5 acres of cleared,vacant land, fenced, approx 71m frontage, notown water, don’t miss out, priced reduced asowner wants to sell!Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606 0067

$769,000 Denham CourtExcellent aspect and almost level fully fencedsought after vacant block. Very few vacantblocks left in this prestigious area so close toall amenities.United Acreage Marketing 4774 8222

$789,000 Bringelly5 acres with 2 road frontage, rare opportuni-ty, perfect for dual occupancy, renovated cot-tage with high ceilings, two dams, excellentusable block.United Acreage Marketing 4774 8222

$795,000 AustralWhat an opportunity to purchase 3 acres ofvacant land bordering West Hoxton andAustral. This land is ready for you to build thehouse of your dreams (S.T.C.A), this proper-ty has been reduced.Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606 0067

$795,000 Austral3 excellent acres with a spacious & solid 3bedroom full brick home boasting large livingareas, fully equipped eat-in kitchen, 2 bath-rooms, reverse cycle air conditioning,garage/workshop & carport.United Acreage Marketing 4774 8222

$1,075,000 AustralWell presented 5 bedroom single level brickhome with swimming pool, pergola, 3 acres,timber kitchen with sand stone bench tops,bedrooms with built-ins, corner position!Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606 0067

$1,145,000 Kelvin Park5 acres 2 homes - main house consist of 3double size bedrooms, ensuite & walk in robeto main, beautiful timber kitchen and largelounge and family room. Ducted air, huge tim-ber deck and inground pool.United Acreage Marketing 4774 8222

$1,395,000 CobbittyFull brick mansion with granny flat, 5 hugebedrooms with built-ins, huge formal & infor-mal living areas, timber kitchen, 4-6 cargarage with large brick machinery shed withmuch more on high & excellent 5 acres.United Acreage Marketing 4774 8222

District Diary is open to all non-profit com-munity groups. If you have a community eventthat you would like advertised, drop us a line10 days before the event - either by fax 46553897, email: [email protected] or send us aletter at The District Reporter, P.O. Box 116,Camden 2570.

Wollondilly Cancer Support TheWollondilly Cancer Group offers assistance tothose associated with cancer related programs.Patients and carers seeking help with emotion-al, financial and household difficulties areinvited to contact the group to discuss possibleaid in difficult times. The group meets on thefirst Monday of the month at the PictonBowling Club at 6.30pm.Call 0439 467 850.

Church Bazaar Tahmoor Anglican Churchnext Bazaar is on Thursday, June 25 from 9.30am till 12noon. Call Yvonne at 4681 0215 fordetails.

Woodturners Demo MacarthurWoodturners next meeting is on Sunday, June28 at Robert Townson High School, Rabystarting at 9.45 am. There's an interestingdemo this month - go along and meet new peo-ple and find out more about this craft. Visitorswelcome. Call Neil on 4631 1317.

Sewing Guild Sewing enthusiasts of all lev-els and ages are invited to the AustralianSewing Guild's Camden/Narellan Day Groupmeeting at Harrington Park CommunityCentre from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, June24. For details call Mirella 4683 1716.

Camden Quota Quota International ofCamden welcomes new members interested inactive service club works. Dinner meetings areheld on the second and fourth Wednesday ofthe month at Camden Civic Centre. Call 46571723 for details.

Trefoil Guild Were you ever a member ofthe Girl Guides? If so, to keep in touch withguiding and all that it does for the girls oftoday, become a Trefoil member. The guildmeets at the Camden Guide Hall, on the fourthThursday of the month at 1pm. Contact Judyon 4655 8792 or Joan on 4646 1041, for moreinformation.

Women's Wellness The WollondillyWomen's Wellness Group meet each Fridayfortnight and on the agenda is friendship, funand learning to maintain active mind body andspirit. Call the Centre for Women's Health on46333 777 or 1800 077 760 for more informa-tion.

Senior VIPS Senior VIPs meet at ThirlmereAnglican Church on Wednesday, July 1 from10 am till midday. This month there will be ademonstration on Lace Making. For detailscall and transport call Pat Hartley at 46819508.

Christmas at Wirrimbirra Christmas inJuly at Wirrimbirra will be on July 4 at 7pm.Experience Christmas in winter in the beauti-ful bushland surrounds of WirrimbirraSanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo (abouthalf-way between Tahmoor and Bargo). Costis just $25 per person, and $10 for kids under13. There'll be a traditional Christmas dinner,with lots of fun and prizes throughout theevening. The fire will be going, and Santa willbe calling in. Bookings are essential as num-

bers are limited - call 4684 1112.

Picton School Fun Day Get along toPicton Public School, 27 Lumsdaine Street,Picton on Sunday, July 5 between 10am and2pm for its annual fun day. There will be lotsof interesting stalls, children's activities, fan-tastic food and check out the entertainment,including pony and carnival rides for thewhole family. The fun day is the school'smajor fundraising event.

VIEW Club Camden View Club will meet atthe Camden RSL Club on Monday July 13 at11.30am for lunch to celebrate its 47thBirthday. Guest speaker will be NormStanton, speaking about Missing Persons Newmembers welcome. Please ring Christine46272035 for bookings.

Caring Hands Volunteers are needed to pro-vide a little pampering to residents at CamdenHouse through the Red Cross' Caring Handson Program by provides hand massages andmanicures. This is a free service to the clients.No experience required, full training provided.For more details call Cecilia 9822 2633 orFree Call 1800 352 220.

Parents Connect The Benevolent Society'sParents Connect provides an opportunity forparents with young children to meet, enjoymorning tea and the company of other parentsand children in a happy and safe environment.Parents Connect is located in Ingleburn,Ambarvale, Mt. Annan and Tahmoor andoperates during school terms. For details call46274872.

Pen to Paper The Camden Writers andScribblers meet at the Narellan Library on thefirst and third Tuesday of each month from10am to 12noon. New members are welcomeand there is no age limit. Call Grace on 46556064.

Knitters Needed Camden HospitalAuxiliary needs ladies who love to knit babywear especially booties as stocks are runninglow. Wool provided and pick up and deliveryavailable. If you can help call Robyn 46472083.

Wollondilly's Over 55 Do you enjoy thecompany of others and are over 55?Wollondilly's Over 55 Social Group is invitingyou to get along to its group - singles and cou-ples welcome. Contact Louisa on 4680 8358or Susan at Community Links Wollondilly4683 3661.

Giving Up Thousands have found theanswer in Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetingsare held each Friday at 8pm in the CWARooms, 13 Cawdor Street, Camden (behindCamden Central, Coles car park, entry offCawdor Road). Helpline 9799 1199 (24 hours,seven days). There is also a Wollondilly groupwhich meets Wednesdays at 8pm the Shack inthe grounds of the Catholic Church, StratfordStreet, Tahmoor. Contact Ray on 4684 1410for details. These groups are not allied withany sect, denomination, politics, organisationor institution.

Hooks and Needles Picton Crochet andKnitting Group meet 10.30am everyWednesday at the Picton Bowling Club. Allages and skill levels welcome. Contact Clarefor more details 0414 799 509.

Heart support Macarthur Heart Supportoffers information, support and encourage-ment to people with heart conditions and theircarers. The group meets on the first Tuesday ofthe month at the Campbelltown RSL at 7pmwith guest speakers. Make new friends whounderstand. New members welcomed. Fordetails call Lea (02) 9820 1161, Betty (02)9605 2475, Margaret (02) 4625 7492.

Lifesaving Deposit Liverpool Red CrossDonor Centre has new operating hours toencourage people to make a donation. Thecentre at 5-6/50 Macquarie Street, Liverpool isopen on these dates: Monday, closed;Tuesday, 10am-7.45pm; Wednesday 8am-4pm; Thursday, 11am- 7.45pm; Friday, 8am -4pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm; Every alternateSaturday call 96124000 for dates and details.

Men's Shed Looking for a new challenge?Men with some free time can join the CamdenMen's Shed which meets 9am Tuesdays at theClubhouse Camden Bicentennial EquestrianPark, enter from Exeter Street. Plenty of fel-lowship through some chit chat and light vol-untary work on the Park. The common themeis about men feeling useful while contributingto the community, making new friends andenjoying a healthy lifestyle. For details callPeter Standen 0417 281 934.

Stitch and Purl Macarthur Knitters Groupmeets the third Monday and the fourthSaturday monthly between 9.30am-3pm.CWA Hall, Coles carpark. Beginners andexperienced knitters welcome. Call Raelene4651 2697 or Pam 4648 3894.

Indulge your Hobby There are classes forall ages and interests at the H J Starr ProgressHall, 264 Edmondson Avenue, Austral.Playgroup: Monday 10am; Jewellery classesTuesday 10 am; Cardmaking classes Thursday10am; Craft Classes Thursday 1pm; Tai-ChiClasses Friday 9.30 am.

Volunteers for Visits Australian RedCross seeks volunteers to visit lonely and iso-lated residents at Queen Victoria MemorialHome, Picton for one hour per fortnight.Training is provided and volunteers are placedto visit residents with similar interests. CallCarole on 1800 352 220 (free call).

Fine Stitches: The Wollondilly Group ofthe Embroiderers Guild meets on the second,fourth and fifth Mondays of the month in theUniting Church Hall, Lumsdaine St, Picton.Everyone catered for from beginners to

advanced. Call Avice on 4636 6218 orMargaret on 4654 5570.

Join the Band Come along and join otherswho enjoy playing band music. Music withfun. All ages are welcome. Learners to profes-sional standard. Camden Community Bandhas practice nights Tuesday at CamdenPrimary School. Senior band 7.30pm.Intermediate level 6.15pm. For details call0409985902.

Free Bus Service In partnership withPicton Buslines, South West CommunityTransport will be offering a monthly shoppingbus service on the first Friday of each monthfor residents living in Picton, Tahmoor,Thirlmere and Bargo. Passengers will bepicked up from either their local streets or ifthe bus is unable to drive down the street froma local cross street and arrive in Campbelltownat 10.30am and depart at 1.30pm. Call 1300138794.

Hone the Tones Are you afraid to speak inpublic - would you like to conquer that fear,painlessly and enjoyably? CamdenToastmasters Club can help you. The groupmeets on the second and fourth Mondays ofeach month at Paling Court in the grounds ofCarrington Retirement Village, WerombiRoad, Grasmere at 7.30pm sharp.

The club is very supportive and friendly.New members welcomed. Call George 46559622, Michele 0417 443 146, Ashlea 46553438.

Women's Church A church service just forwomen meets every Thursday during theschool term from 9.30am. This term will lookat 'Born to Do', Practical Living from the bookof James, through inspiring talks, vibrantmusic and discussion groups. After the serv-ice, there is Cafe 31, for a chance to discussthe topic of the day in life groups. All wel-come. Child minding available. Call 46551675 for more details.

Movie Chat Talking Movies meets the firstWednesday afternoon, 1.30pm at theCampbelltown Arts Centre Café, and then thelast Friday evening of the month, 7.15pm atthe Uniting Church, Allman St.Campbelltown. The group watches a filmtogether on the Friday evening. See websitefor other details: www.talkingmovies.org orcall Paul Mowen on 0415 055 717.


District Diary

CRAVEN, Albert Edward(Eddie)

Late of Kingsgrove. Loved husband ofElsie, cherished father of Francis, Julieand Glenys, loved Pa of his grandchildrenand great grandchildren.

Aged 95 years

HAZLETT, Elizabeth Eden 'Beth'21.08.1991-13.06.2009

Loved and adored daughter of Robert andAmy. Precious grandchild of Robert andCheryl Hazlett and Judith Brown. Belovedby all her uncles and aunts, cousins,Nathan and all her family and friends.To our precious Little Pumpkin who wasfull of life, love and laughter. She will for-

ever live in our hearts.Aged 17 years

WILLIAM R. GROVES Funeral Directors

Picton 4677-1644 Camden 4655-6433---------------------------------------------

VILLIS, Robyn Grace (Nanny)15.06.2009

Late of Airds. Beloved wife of Paul. Muchloved mother of Brett, Paul, Jason, Trudyand Tanya, their partners and families.Loving sister of Yvonne and family.

Aged 63 yearsRest in Peace Marr.

WILLIAMS, Lynette KayPassed away 12.06.2009.

Late of Glenfield. Beloved wife if Robert.

Adored Mother of Glenn and Julie and adevoted Nanna.

White Lady FuneralsFuneral Directors

Camden 4655-8265

DEATH NOTICES

CLASSIFIEDSemail: [email protected] Ph: (02) 4655 1234 Fax: (02) 4655 3897

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By Julie Wrigley

n the nineteenth century itwas not respectable for amarried woman to go towork, unless she was left a

widow. The death of a husbandcould leave a woman destitute, butit might also open opportunities shewould not otherwise have had.Eliza Pearson was able to beappointed as Camden's firstPostmistress after the death of herhusband, who was the district's firstPostmaster.

Eliza had been born ElizaDoody in Liverpool, England about1798 (to parents Roger and MaryDoody, nee Bourne). Eliza had mar-ried James Pearson in Liverpool in1822. In 1825 they had come toAustralia on the ship 'Deveron' asfree immigrants, as a young couplewith one child.

In Sydney, James set up as ashopkeeper, music teacher, andpiano tuner. In 1827 he wasappointed as 'organist and choir-master' at St James Church ofEngland Sydney, being the first tohold that position, which he helduntil 1831. James and Eliza cameto Australia with a daughter, Amelia(born in London in 1823); had fivechildren in Sydney: Charlotte(1825), James (1827), Eliza (1829),Alfred (1831) and Jessie (1834);and had a daughter in Cawdor,Isabel (1837).

In 1834 Eliza Pearson came toCawdor with her husband who hadbeen appointed Clerk of PettySessions at Cawdor. James keptthis position until he died. In 1836when the Goulburn mail coach

began to set down at Cawdor court-house, James became the firstPostmaster in the Camden district,and Eliza assisted with his duties.Mails were carried efficiently bycoach, and letters given in at theSydney Post office by five in theevening were in the hands of MrsPearson early next morning.

In May 1841 the Post Officemoved from Cawdor to Camdenbut James died suddenly on July13, 1841, to the great sorrow of hiswife. He was buried at St Paul'sChurch at Cobbitty. James andWilliam Macarthur looked afterMrs Pearson, remitting Pearson'sdebt to them, signing a bond datedAugust 1841 as guarantors, andhelping her to obtain her husband'splace as Postmistress. At first shereceived no salary, but she had arent-free cottage at 61 ArgyleStreet, (which is not the presentPost Office site) and she had asmall shop in this building.

Dr Alan Atkinson has written, in

his book 'Camden - Farm andVillage Life in Early New SouthWales', some details about MrsPearson as Postmistress: "She hada new and substantial cottage tolive in, built by Lefevre the carpen-ter, weatherboard, fan-lighted andrent-free, 'during her life, or so longas she chooses to occupy the same'.She made a little money by the saleof stamps, and on the side sheoffered among other things cab-bage-tree hats, drapery, lollypopsand Holloway's Pills. She also tookin laundry. By various efforts shewas able to preserve a few preciousthings which are described in herwill as heirlooms 'plate and jew-ellery', enough to distribute amongher five daughters, whenever sheshould die."

For the 38 years between 1841and 1879 Eliza worked as a reliableand conscientious Postmistress. Itwas reported in a local paper thatWilliam Macarthur once said,"When away from home, I have to

write to my mother every day, notbecause she expects me to butbecause Mrs Pearson, the post-mistress does."

James and Eliza's eldest daugh-ter, Amelia became the principalmidwife of the Camden village andwas married at Narellan (1842) toJohn Wellings. His great-great-great-grandson, Kevin Wellings,wrote an account of his family con-nections in the 'Berrima DistrictHistorical Society Newsletter' inSeptember 2001.

The Pearsons' elder son, James(b. 1827) was a carpenter whoworked on St John's Church, butabsconded for a period beforereturning and working out hisapprenticeship. He marriedRebecca Boothby Boardman inApril 1849. James and Rebecca'smarriage was in St John's Churchabout two months before the churchwas formally consecrated.

In August 1878 Captain Arthur

Onslow M.P. wrote a letter request-ing a pension for Mrs Pearson,"Idesire to bring under your noticethe case of Mrs Pearson thePostmistress at Camden. Herhealth is rapidly failing and herdoctor has told her it is necessaryshe should give up her duties. . . Shehas been 37 years in charge of theCamden Post Office and assistedher husband in his duties for someyears previously to this and duringthis long career I do not think shehas given cause for any com-plaints."

When she received a letter stat-ing that there were no funds avail-able for a pension, in October 1878,Eliza herself wrote, "I am unwillingto believe that after thirty-sevenyears of hard work at a low salary,providing my own office, light, fur-niture, etc., that the Governmentwould suffer me to die at my Post orbe driven from it without provisionfor my support. Although sufferingacute pain from heart disease, andalmost unable to sit up, I am com-pelled from a sense of responsibili-ty to superintend the work of myassistant, not knowing the momentwhen I may be wholly incapacitat-ed."

She managed to arrange withthe government for her grand-daughter, Amelia (Alfred's daugh-ter) to succeed her as Postmistress.

Eliza Pearson died on May 26,1879 and was buried at St John'sCemetery Camden. On her deathEliza left six hundred pounds to bedivided among her five daughters.Atkinson says it was not uncom-mon for women to use wills "toincrease the power of femalefriends and relatives", unlike menwho used wills to "to embellish thepatriarchal name".

Eliza Pearson can be remem-bered for her service to the commu-nity and her dedication as Camdenfirst Postmistress.

Dr Alan Atkinson's book isavailable for sale at the CamdenMuseum.


The Camden Historical Societymeets for lively discussions and guest speakers on the second Wednesday of

each month at 7.30pm at the Camden Museum on John Street Camden.Interested persons and new members are most welcome.

For further information call John on 4655 9210.

I

Eliza Pearson - Camden'sfirst Postmistress

A sketch of the first post office at 61 Argyle Street, Camden, about 1887

Vol 12 No 24

Documents

Transcript of Vol 12 No 24