Vol 12 No 17 P O Box 116 CAMDEN NSW 2570 Ph: (02) 4655 1234 Fax: (02) 4655 3897 editor@tdr.com.

4655 3897 editor@tdr.com.au Monday, May 4, 2009

Doubts over
new police
Stratton wins prize
station site
By Michael Rees

Questions are being asked over the suitability of

the site for the new police station at Narellan
despite Camden Council giving the project the go
ahead.
Councillors Eva Campbell, Fred Anderson and
Cindy Cagney voiced their concerns but were
defeated six votes to three - despite some fellow
councillors acknowledging the process has been a
political debacle.
The police station is to be built on Camden
Valley Way at the intersection of Wilson Street
Narellan. It will be the command centre for the
police in the Camden, Wollondilly and
Wingecarribee local government areas.
The block which was purchased in 1999 only
has one vehicle access point via Wilson Crescent;
it is in close proximity of a school zone with a 40
kilometre speed restriction on school days; and it
will have parking space for 44 vehicles with a car-
port structure adjacent to a child care centre.
According to the council's business paper on
April 21, problems with the site were well known
when acquired, including restrictions on the build-
ing because of designated view corridors, which
reduces the amount of floor space, which means
the building will have to have three floors to President of the Camden Art Prize Committee, Gaylene Feld with watercolour artist Brian Stratton - the winner of the
accommodate 160 officers. 35th competition for his work 'Relics of Farina'.
Cr Campbell believes there are other issues.
"This is an example of a short-sighted self By Lee Abrahams works on the ever changing atmosphere and the rusting since the start of the competi-
interest decision making not in the best interest of landscape of the South equipment around." tion.
the community. This block was brought in 1999 on Australian ghost town. Stratton will be travelling
the eve of an election. The government has tried Artist Brian Stratton's depic- " Our prize money is very
tion of a ghost town in South The artist, who has more to Farina in the coming comparable with a lot of
to get rid of it on two occasions." months, because there was
Australia has seen him win than 200 art prizes to his provincial shows."
The councillor said there are also traffic diffi- several art prize competitions name, is always thrilled to still a lot to capture in the
culties to consider. The different categories
in the last 12 months - includ- have his work recognised. ghost town. included Intergral Energy
"Access to the site is off Wilson Cresent. The ing the 35th Camden Art Prize More importantly the "More buildings have fall- Challenge - 'Shades of
intersection with Camden Valey Way has no traffic last Friday. Camden Art Prize has a spe- en and there's more rubbish. Illumination' won by Jane
lights - police emergency response vehicles will be The announcement was cial place in the artist's heart. Even ghost towns keep chang-
exiting the site placing officers and public at risk." Bennett for Blacksmith
made at the opening night of "It was 35 years ago when ing," he added. Eveleigh'; Bruce Ferguson
She said there has been little consultation with the prestigious local event, I moved into the Camden dis- On the same day of win- Open Section - Georgina Trout
the community or other government agencies. which is a prominent fixture in trict. I have always supported ning the Camden Art Prize, he for 'Gallery Slaves';
"Taking the police station away from the court Camden. the Camden Art Show and won another regional competi- Representative/Traditional -
house this will result in great operational problems Artists new and recognised have been an entrant and judge tion. Steve Underwood for 'The
for the police and will be very expensive in police - covering a variety of medi- at different times. Gaylene Feld, the presi- Long Yard 111'; Local Artist
time transporting prisoners to court. The Justice ums and subjects - enter the "I have won more than my dent of the committee was Liz Kernohan Memorial
Department was not consulted." competition - not specially to fair share," the artist of 50 impressed with the entries and Acquisition - Ian Buckle for
The heritage aspects are also a worry. win, but to be seen. years said. turnout to the opening, which 'Shadowland'; Watercolour -
"This has not been properly thought through. This year attracted around His winning watercolour was the largest to date. Brian Stratton 'Relics of
Even the property's manager of the Keystone Cops 420 art pieces. But, Brian has been acquired by the Mrs Feld said the overall Farina'; Works on Paper -
could do better, the site has major heritage restric- Stratton had the stand-out Camden Art Prize Committee, goal of the committee is to Madeleine Szymanski for
tions, the most significant in Narellan. The build- work of art. and was described by judges promote local artists, and she 'Dreamstitcher'.
ing meets current police requirements, there is Stratton, a Bringelly based and artists, Ron Stannard and was impressed by the calibre The works of art which are
absolutely no room for any necessary future artist, impressed the judges John Perkins as: "Such an that entered this year. for sale can be viewed at the
expansion." with his watercolour 'Relics of interesting subject with tonal She said there are some Camden Civic Centre all week
..... continued page 6 Farina' - it is one of several art values so appropriate to the artists who have been entering until 4pm Friday, May 15.
 Police station's moving
There's no doubt that a new central police station is required for the grow-
ing areas of Camden and Wollondilly. And the idea that a new one could be
on the way is exciting many in the police force from the local area com-
mand, - they have been waiting for many years to relocate to a modern facil-
ity in keeping with the 21st century.
But, the site selected might not be the answer to their prayers. While
Camden Council has given its approval for the development to go ahead,
there has been some criticism that it's not the best site.
The first thing it's too small and the position on the corner of Camden
Valley Way and Wilson Street at Narellan will make it difficult for conven-
ient access in times of an emergency. There's a median strip that divides the
road. The block of land is close to a school and a child care centre - while
the kiddies might get a thrill out of hearing the sirens - the police might find
it difficult to get in and out quick enough when the need arises.
The NSW Government believes the right decision has been made con-
cerning the site - despite several attempts to sell it - and it is committed to
building the new three storey police station.
For Camden MP, Geoff Corrigan, it's another election promise he can
tick off his list. During his election campaigns and that of his predecessor
- the issue has always made the local headlines.
Community's big effort
Who would have ever thought that shaving off you hair could bring in the
big dollars. Congratulations to the Wollondilly teams who had their hair
shaved off or coloured during the World's Greatest Shave.
The Leukaemia Foundation, which received the $20,000 from the
Wollondilly crew last week, will use the money for vital research.
The foundation is the only national organisation ded-
icated to the care and cure of patients and families living
with leukaemia.
Lee Abrahams, Editor
Letters to the editor
Understanding a faith
Being informed and having an enquiring mind are
necessary in order to show compassion and under-
standing if we are to halt the dramatic slide into an
all out war of cultures and ideas as far as Islam is
concerned.
I thoroughly recommend three books: 'Who
speaks for Islam' by John L. Esposito and Dalia
Mogahead; 'The Islamist' by ED. [Muhammed]
Husain; and 'Islam: Past, Present and Future' by
Hans Kung.
At present Islam is at the crossroads of either
embracing modernity or all the problems that go
with it, or falling back into the perceived utopia of
the Caliphates of the Umayyad and Abbasid peri-
ods.
There is much dissent in Islamic thought at
present so it is necessary to be on guard yet be
understanding until the peaceful factions embrac-
ing Sufism win out over the hard line Islamists
who follow the teachings of Mawdudi, founder of
Jamat-e -islami and Taqiuddin al-Nabhani, founder
of Hizb ut-Tahrir and others embracing Wahabism
originating from Saudi Arabia.
John R. Bicknell
Lakesland
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.
Facts on rate rise
I appreciate the right of Greg Frawley
('Unreasonable rate grab', The District Reporter
May 4) to express his view on the [Camden] coun-
cil's application to increase rates beyond rate cap-
ping limit.
Indeed the council is actively seeking the com-
munity's feedback on the issue in order to deter-
mine the structure of its 2009/2010 budget.
However, I would like to correct two inaccura-
cies within his letter.
Mr Frawely's assertion that"…the council has
been quick to put its hand out for more since the
introduction of rate pegging by the State
Government in the late 1990s" is inaccurate on two
points.
Firstly, Camden Council has not increased rates
by any more than the ministerial cap since 1997.
That is 12 years of living with essentially a CPI
increase only.
In addition, rate pegging was introduced by the
State Government in the early 1980s - not the late
1990s - and Camden Council has only ever sought
on two previous occasions in more than 25 years to
increase rates beyond the capped amount.
Greg Wright
General Manager
Camden Council

Changes to the federal electoral boundaries
It is no surprise that NSW is to lose another electorate in the
Federal Redistribution as voters flee to Queensland to put as
much distance between themselves and the NSW Labor
Government as possible. Who wouldn't?
But while Labor has caused the exodus it seems the National
Party will suffer the consequences because of the shrinkage in
their traditional rural constituency. This strengthens the argu-
ment for them to amalgamate with the Liberals to form a united
conservative party. The political pros for such a move far out-
weigh the cons.
The recent foray into State seat of Wollondilly by the
National Party has now been revealed as a decoy in their bid to
stop the Liberals fielding a candidate against them in Monaro.
The few disgruntled Liberals naively sucked into the ruse have
been left to flounder in a political no-mans land.
But back to the main game.
The Nationals submission has called for the metropolitan
electorate of Banks, currently held by Labor, to be abolished.
Their submission would also make three Liberal held seats -
Macarthur, Gilmore and Patterson vulnerable to Labor. Political
pundits do not believe the Electoral Commissioner will take this
submission seriously, but it does give an indication of the parlous
situation they find themselves in.
Labor wants to abolish the seat of Macarthur which would
pull the boundaries of Danna Vale's seat of Hughes towards
Liverpool and make it much harder for her to retain.
The Liberals have recommended Alby Schultz's seat of Hume
be moved south and merged with the National seat of Riverina
held by Kay Hull. The new seat would be called Bradman, which
would include Cootamundra, the home of 'The Don'. A three-way
contest between Alby Schultz, Kay Hull and Labor is sure to cre-
ate some political sparks.
Macarthur would be based on Camden with its boundaries
moving further south to include Bowral and other Southern
Highland towns. This will make it a safer Liberal seat which will
provide an effective buffer to absorb the negative impact of Pat
Farmer's move to Mosman.
It is not yet known whether Pat will use his high public pro-
file to contest a seat on the North Shore. He could well be draft-
ed to win John Howard's former seat of Bennelong from Maxine
McKew.
Labor currently holds 28 seats in NSW, the Coalition hold 19
and independents hold two former National Party seats. One of
these seats will be go to Queensland - the fight over the remain-
ing 48 seats could well determine the fate of both the Rudd Labor
Government - and the National Party.
2 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
Federal redistributions are triggered by population movements.
Queensland and New South Wales have been shuffling seats back
and forward for many decades and over the last 20 years,
Queensland has opened up its coast line and attracted the retirees
of Australia. Although this movement has now slowed dramati-
cally with Queensland property investors being burned at an
alarming rate, redistributions have been forced with New South
Wales losing one seat to Queensland.
Along with hundreds of individuals, the three major parties
have submitted proposals to the Australian Electoral Commission
(AEC) and each proposal has its own agenda. In essence each of
the proposals meets the AEC criteria of being plus or minus 10
per cent of projected voters at the time of the next couple of elec-
tions; however the community of interest provision is a subjec-
tive assessment.
Under Labor's submission, the current Liberal seat of
Macarthur will go. Under the Liberal submission the National
Party lose a seat to the Liberals and Labor loses an urban seat.
The Nationals submission would see Labor lose an urban seat.
An independent and expert submission by Dr Charles Richardson
would see the Labor's urban seat of Blaxland (Paul Keating's for-
mer electorate) go, but would result in the seat of Macarthur mov-
ing closer to Campbelltown and becoming Labor.
Underneath the desire for the major parties to secure an
advantage there is also a war within the Labor and Liberal
Parties. On both sides of the parliament, friends of the State
Executives want to have boundaries drawn to allow them a better
opportunity to win the pre-selection of their party as well as the
seat itself.
Locally, if Labor's submission is implemented by the AEC,
Pat Farmer will be without a federal seat and this could further
encourage the popular member to pursue his ambition of running
for state parliament in either the seat of Camden or Wollondilly,
which are currently held marginally (three per cent) by Geoff
Corrigan (Labor) and Phil Costa (Labor) respectively. Mr Farmer
is a formidable candidate and while he is not popular within sec-
tions of the Liberal Party, the Liberal State Executive would be
wise to consider his candidacy for one of these seats. The Labor
Party employed this strategy in 1996 when Harry Wood a very
popular federal member of parliament lost his seat and then ran
and won the state seat of Clarence a couple of months later.
If the seat of Macarthur remains and becomes a safe Liberal
seat as is proposed by the Liberals and Nationals, there is every
chance the same outcome will arise allowing a young Liberal gun
to take the seat of Macarthur and allowing Mr Farmer to again
move into a state seat, which appears to be his preferred option.
Both scenarios could see Mr Farmer in State Parliament after the
next election.
Brian
Stewart
"THE EASIEST
PART OF BEING A
MOTHER IS
GIVING BIRTH"
(Erma Bombeck)
It's easy to forget the importance for a child of
stability.
American columnist and humorist, Erma
Bombeck, described her toddler son's shopping
centre tantrum: "'Gimme! Gimme!' he shouted.
"I told him I would gimme-him-what-for if
he didn't stop shouting and get in the car - that
he'd never see another cartoon as long as he
lived, and if he didn't control his temper he'd be
making license plates for the state. He tried to
stifle his sobs as he looked at the staring crowd.
"Then he did something I've never forgotten.
"In his helpless quest for comfort, he turned
to the only one he trusted -- me. He threw his
arms around my knees and held on for dear life.
I'd humiliated, chastised and berated him but I
was still all he had. That single incident defined
my role. I was a major force in this child's life.
"Mother's Day is traditionally the day when
children give something back to their mothers
for all the spit they produced to wash dirty faces,
for all the partly-eaten foodstuffs they've held in
their hands, for all the noses and bottoms that
were wiped and for all the wounds which were
'made well' with a kiss.
"This is the day mothers are rewarded for
washing sheets in the middle of the night, driv-
ing kids to school when they missed the bus and
enduring all those football games in the rain.
"It's appreciation day for not believing them
when they said, 'I hate you,' and for sharing their
good times and their bad.
"Their cards won't reflect it, but what they're
trying to say is, Thank you for showing up."
bstewart@ispdr.net.au
 Team effort
secures big bucks
for foundation

The Wollondilly team put its collective heads on the line for a good cause - Stuart Allen (cen-
tre left) is very happy to take charge of the hefty cheque, which will greatly help the
Leukaemia Foundation.
The tough economic times may have hit many the shire's mayor, Michael Banasik shave off his
Australians, but it has done little to dampen the signature beard and moustache - the team raised
generosity and enthusiasm of some people in just over $10,000.
Wollondilly who were only to happy to give to see The other teams included: Wollondilly MP,
the known and not-so-well known shave off their Phil Costa; Wollondilly Anglican School; Attitude
locks. Hair; Warragamba Public School, Hair by Tracey;
For the less brave, there was the option of a and Ian Berthon.
shorter cut or colour as part of the 2009 World's Picton Bowling Club also matched that amount
Greatest Shave that took place several weeks ago by holding several fundraisers from cake stalls, a
and raised just over $20,000. shave-off to donations tins for patrons to deposit
Stuart Allen, the general manger of the their loose change. The club also raised $10,000.
Leukaemia Foundation, who was at The Oaks last "It was certainly a little bit of everything,"
Friday to accept the cheque, was delighted at the Debbie Egan, the club's manager said.
response and said it, was one of the biggest efforts She was thrilled with the response.
in the state - the Wollondilly group was one of the "The Wollondilly team would like to thank all
top 20 of 6000 registered teams. the people who came to our events and who shaved
The combined effort, which was spearheaded or coloured their hair for leukaemia and everyone
by The Oaks local, Sharon Robertson, involved who sponsored our team," Ms Robertson added.
teams from right across the shire. It appears that event will become an annual
Ms Robertson's event at The Oaks Hotel saw campaign in Wollondilly.

Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 3

 Drug hope for infected Tassie devils
By Lee Abrahams
It might be only a face a mother can
love - but the Australian Tasmanian
devil is a little creature that many
people are starting to take a long hard
look at.
The increase in facial tumours in
these feisty little marsupials has
prompted immediate action to ensure
these natives don't become extinct
anytime soon.
Joining the Tasmanian campaign
is a team from the Avian, Reptile and
Exotic Pet Hospital at Cobbitty - led
by Dr David Phalen, director of the
Wildlife and Health Conservation
Centre, whose speciality is natives.
He is joined by oncologists Tony
Moore and Angela Frimberger.
The vets were invited by the
Tasmanian Department of Primary
Industries in December 2008 to help
in monitoring and finding a cure for
the condition, which is decimating
much of the devil population in the
state.
It's the only state which has the
animal, which was made famous
years ago in the Bugs Bunny car-
toons - as the ill tempered, whirlwind
native with an appetite for every-
thing.
Asked if its temperament is simi-
lar to that of the television depiction,
Dr Phalen said when first confronted
it can be aggressive, then it quietens
down - but in saying that it's not your
cuddly cute critter.
"It has coarse hair is very muscu-
Drug hope: Dr David Phalen in his office at Cobbitty, with one of the
many images of infected Tasmanian devils that eventually die.
4 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
lar with hard jaws. It's a scavenger"
The team, which is treating three
males and one female, is trialling
three forms of chemotherapy drugs
to see if a vaccine is available to con-
trol the infectious facial tumours,
which slowly kills the animals.
"We need to find the right level to
keep the cancer back, but not make
the animal sick. We are going to try
three drugs (on four animals), to see
which one impacts on the cancer."
The disease, which was first
recognised in the early 1990s, has
spread significantly - it's only one of
two tumours in the animal world that
is transmittable. It is believed to have
started in one devil, which had a cell
that allowed it to develop.
"Because they bite and fight each
other it quickly spread, it is always
fateful."
Even when it comes to mating
there's little romance.
"When they mate they bite each
other," the vet said. "It's a terrible dis-
ease. The devils are closely related."
Dr Phalen and his team are regu-
larly visiting Tasmania to monitor the
trials - the next trip planned is for this
month. He hopes the vaccine trials,
which are expected to be finished by
the end of the year, will be success-
ful.
"What we are trying to do is see if
the cancer will respond to treat-
ment…which may be a way to save
devils with important genetic contri-
butions [and the population]."
 No place like home for Derksy
Home safe: Tracey Boyd, Tahnie Grant, Joan Derks with 'Derksy' and Alice Griffin
By Michael Rees
Picton icon 'Derksy' has been found
unharmed, much to the relief of his own-
ers and the Wollondilly community, since
flying the coop last Monday.
Rescued by WIRES after the 2000
bushfires ripped through the Wollondilly
the 9-year-old cockatoo found a home at
Derks Produce at Picton.
He has been part of the store ever
since and after having his wings clipped,
acted in the role as a roving ambassador,
greeting customers and keeping his eye
on the staff.
Long time Derks employee, Tracie
Boyd said 'Derksy' has built up quite a
following, "Most of the people that come
in the store know about 'Derksy' and
when they come in they just like saying
hello to him."
But a scare was thrown into the camp
last Monday when 'Derksy' was carrying
out his usual duties when a garbage truck
put a fright into him and despite his limit-
ed wing span managed to perch himself in
a very large gum tree.
"Everybody tried to coax him down
but he wouldn't budge," Ms Boyd said.
It seems that 'Derksy' also got the call
of the wild and started paling around with
some of his wilder brothers.
"He found out about the other birds
and I suppose he wanted a taste of their
life," Ms Boyd said.
With his owners at their wit ends
'Derksy' was eventually rescued for a sec-
ond time by Picton High students - Tahnie
Grant, Ally Morgan, (Year 11) and Alice
Griffin (Year 8), who found him sitting on
a tree branch at school.
He gave in without a struggle and was
returned to his relieved owners.
After sampling life on the wild side
'Derksy' was happy to take up where he
left off.
"I think he has found that there is no
place like home and everybody is very
happy to have him back and we all owe
the girls that found a real big thank you,"
Ms Boyd added.
Take a walk for
the RSPCA
NSW RSPCA inspector, Matt French and his
mate, who will be taking part in the Millions
Paws Walk next Sunday -thee is still time to
register.
If you love your pet and want to get fit combine
the two and register for next weekend's Million
Paws Walk.
"Every year the Million Paws Walk is a huge
hit with animal lovers in Sydney. As well as the
walk there will be entertainment, displays, stalls,
giveaways and a host of other activities," RSPCA
NSW CEO, Steve Coleman, said.
On Sunday, May 17 twelve walks will be held
across NSW with the main event taking
place at 'The Overflow' in Sydney Olympic
Park - around 5000 animal lovers expected to
attend,
"The walk is a fun day out for pets and their
owners while raising awareness of responsible pet
ownership at the same time," Mr Coleman added.
To register for the Walk visit www.million-
pawswalk.com.au
Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 5
Redrawing the boundary lines
If the Australian Labor Party
gets its way the federal seat of
Macarthur could be designated
to the history pages.
The Australian Electoral
Commission, which has been
taking in submissions to redraw
the federal election boundaries
has so far received more than a
100 submissions - including
those from individuals, councils
and the major parties.
Because Queensland has
seen an increase in population -
NSW will have to give up one of
its seat to its northern neighbours
- the issue is which one. A num-
ber of suggestions have been
made.
The ALP has proposed abol-
ishing Macarthur, in favour of
extending both Werriwa and
Fowler - both safe Labor seats.
Fowler will include: former
suburbs of Macarthur Theresa
Park and Werombi, Cobbitty and
north of Cobbitty Road, plus part
of Camden Catherine Field and
Liverpool West. Werriwa will
have: parts of Camden meeting
with Fowler including Catherine
Field plus Campbelltown South
and parts of Camden that were
once Macarthur - Camden
Bypass (Mt Annan).
The federal MP for
Macarthur, Pat Farmer, isn't per-
turbed by the suggestion and
said the final decision rests the
with AEC "it can come up with
something completely different."
"The Labor Party will do
what it can to look after its seats
and expand," Mr Farmer said.
He also said it was a strategy
that all parties used.
While he is disappointing to
see NSW lose a seat, he put it
down to people leaving because
of the lack of opportunity.
Meanwhile the Liberal Party
wants to combine the area of
Hume with the National Party
electorate of the Riverina and
make it a new seat called
Bradman.
This proposal would ensure
another seat for the Liberals but
reduce the number for the
Nationals.
The Liberals also suggest the
Macarthur electorate should
include all of Wollondilly
Wingecarribee (south) and
Camden (north).
The president of the National
Party branch in Wollondilly,
Judith Hannan, said the reduc-
tion of seats in rural NSW would
mean more distance for people
wanting representation.
"I don't want to see a reduc-
tion in regional seats."
The mayor of Wollondilly,
councillor Michael Banasik said
the council has made its own
submission requesting that the
whole of the local government
area be place into one boundary.
Cr Banasik said at the
moment Wollondilly residents
are split three ways - Fowler,
Macarthur and Hume.
Culture and Entertainment
Celebrating National Families Week
Each year, National Families Week celebrates and highlights the critical role
of families in Australian society and coincides with the United Nations
International Day of Families on May 15. This year's event in Wollondilly is
between May 10 and 16 - and the Dilly Wanderer will be visiting Yanderra
May 13, Douglas Park May 14 and Appin May 15 from 9.30am to 11.30am
at each venue.
Highlights of the event will include guest speakers from Campbelltown
Family Support, Community Links Wollondilly and the Child Support
Agency.
The aim is to encourage everyone to think about and appreciate the many
people who make families united and strong and the many different types of
families across society, each deserving respect and acknowledgement.
Classical afternoon
The Apollo Trio will be taking centre stage when Macarthur Music Club
stages its second concert for the year at Camden Uniting Church on Sunday,
May 17.
The trio was originally formed in 2004 with Maria Lindsay (violin),
Thomas Tsai (cello) and Daniel Herscovitch (piano). Since then it has devel-
oped and performed a diverse repertoire ranging from Haydn and Mozart to
Shostakovich, and including works by Australian composers such as Dulcie
Holland, Ross Edwards and Peter Sculthorpe. Next Sunday's program will
include works by Haydn, Torke, Schumann and Schubert.
The concert starts at 2pm and admission is $15 for visitors and for con-
cession cardholders $12 and children (accompanied by an adult) are free of

Doubts over new police station site

charge. Afternoon tea is also included in the admission price.

Continued from page 1 .....
"I fully support the local police they do a great
job, they have been in the present police station
since 1870 and they need a new facility no-one is
arguing with that.
" I believe that this site is just not suitable and
is not in the best interest of the police or the com-
munity."
A spokesperson for Tony Kelly, the Minister of
Police, said planning for all police stations have to
go through a lengthy process.
"The planning is done in advance with the
future policing needs of areas at the forefront of
any decision," they said.
"The current site for the new Camden Police
Station was considered the best site when it was
first identified by NSW Police Force and that
remains the case."
The spokesperson said all operational needs
were properly examined.
"There are a number of significant factors that
influence where New South Wales Police Force
locate their police stations. The foremost is there
response time to the trouble spots within the local
command. Integration with the court house is only
part of the police operation."
Search for the miserable hut
In 1810, when Governor Macquarie visited Elizabeth Macarthur at Belgenny,
he described their meeting in a "small miserable hut." Archaeological exca-
vations in 2008 sought to locate and identify the remains of this building,
using scanty historical references to the site. The excavations revealed a series
of three buildings, all shown on the 1840s Estate Plan, one of which was iden-
tified as the early hut.
A second archaeological dig is planned for later this year to further exca-
vate the early hut. Dr Edward Higginbotham, excavation director, will give a
presentation on the archaeological investigation, which hopes to fully reveal
the remains of that "small miserable hut", the first residence of the Macarthur
Family on the Camden Estate.
It happens on Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm at The Granary, Belgenny Farm,
Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue, Camden. The cost is $7.50 per person. For more
details call Lyndal Bruce, 4654 6800.

Writers' Festival tour

As part of the Sydney Writers' Festival comedian and author Wendy Harmer
will be at Ingleburn Library on May 21 between 7pm-8pm to talk about her
new book Roadside Sisters.
The book centres around three women, Nina, Meredith and Annie, who
have all been friends for a long time. Elegant Meredith, motherly Nina and the
determinedly single Annie are unlikely companions, and all are caught up in
their own issues, each facing life's trials and tribulations.
During a reunion dinner, the trio make a pact to take a road trip to Byron
Bay to attend Meredith's daughter's wedding. What ensues is a hilarious tale
of friendship, love and loss and their possibility of finding Mr Right. Does the
trip tear them apart or is it the life saver the women have sought for a long
time? For details call on 9605 5336. Bookings are essential.

Early 20th century author and poet

Author and poet Viat Sackville-West will be the subject of discussion at this
month's Australian, Decorative and Fine Arts Society lecture in Camden on
May 23.
The award winning poet (1892-1962), who wrote The Land, and who had
a very interesting private life - was also famous for creating a garden around
the castle where she lived with her husband.
Susannah Fullerton, a literature devotee and lecturer will be presenting the
talk at the Camden Civic Centre at 4pm on the Saturday. The cost is $15. Call
4658 0784 for more details.

Story time all around Australia

Narellan and Camden libraries will be join a number of others from Broome
to Hobart, to read the picture book Pete the Sheep to more than 100,000 chil-
dren simultaneously across Australia on Wednesday, May 27, led this will be
followed by fun craft activities for the kids so it will be an exciting day all
round.
Pete the Sheep is written by the award winning author Jackie French, illus-
trated by Bruce Whatley and published by Harper Collins Publishers
Australia. Join the fun and be part of National Simultaneous Storytime 2009.
Call Barbara Jenkins at Camden Library on 4654 7951.

Capture Camden's heritage

Calling all treasure hunters - Camden Council is calling on you to uncover the
hidden heritage of Camden. There is more to Camden than meets the eye. The
district abounds with historic treasures and gems, which help make up its
heritage and cultural fabric. So grab your camera and capture on film some of
its most secret treasures.
It is open to all ages - experienced or amateur photographers. Entry is free
and photographs will be displayed in an exhibition from June 8 to 14 in the
Centre Court, Narellan Town Centre.
Entries close 2pm Saturday, May 30 to find out more call Angela Pasqua
on 4645 5022 or email angela.pasqua@camden.nsw.gov.au.
6 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
 Father and
son team up
Family on the track: Michael (left) and Steve Coulter will this year
contest the 2009 Australian Truck Racing Championship next week-
end at Oran Park. They are supported by daughter and sister,
Melissa (far left) and wife and mum, Bev.
By Daniel Powell
Current and three times Australian
Truck Racing Champion Steve ' The
Giant Killer' Coulter is going to be
joined out on the race track by his
son Michael in the 2009 Australian
Truck Racing Championship and this
certainly spells double trouble for
their rivals in both the Light Truck
and Co-Drivers Cup classes.
The father and son duo from
Wilton are through to the four rounds
of this year's Australian Truck
Racing Championship with Steve
shooting for his fourth consecutive
Australian Championship in the
Light Truck class and the seventh in
a row for the Trevor Page Racing
team. The Trevor Page Racing Isuzu
SBR is to be shared by Steve and his
son Michael, who will be running in
the co-driver's Cup class.
"I cannot wait to share the driving
duties with my son Michael and it
has been something that I have
always wanted to do," a proud Steve
Coulter said.
"This year I am aiming for four
Australian Championships in a row
and I very much looking forward to
that challenge and also attempting to
give the Trevor Page Racing team
their seventh Australian
Championship on the trot after Jeff
Mackin took out the last three before
me."
Despite running in the Light
Truck class over the years it hasn't
stopped Coulter from challenging
many of his Super Truck rivals and
he has on many occasions managed
to get the upper hand over his more
powerful rivals, hence the nickname
'The Giant Killer' and this year
should be no different.
In regards to running with his
father, Steve, for the very first time,
Michael Coulter, is equally excited
about his debut year in the Australian
Championship, as he has no prior
experience in motorsport competi-
tion.
"I have always been a big sup-
porter of my father's racing and it's a
great opportunity to finally get
behind the wheel myself," 18-year-
old said.
"I'll be running in the Co-Driver's
Cup Series this year and both of us
will be sharing the Trevor Page
Racing Isuzu SBR. My father is real-
ly supportive of me stepping into
Truck Racing and the experience of
him and the whole Trevor Page
Racing team is going to make the
learning progress a lot easier."
With both her husband Steve and
son Michael campaigning this year's
Australian Truck Racing
Championship one has to feel sorry
for Bev Coulter, the wife and mother
of the pair, and let's not forget Steve's
daughter and Michael's sister
Melissa.
"It's bad enough having to worry
about Steve out on the race track and
now we are going to have Michael
out there. We're probably not going
to have any finger nails left by the
end of the year," Bev Coulter said.
"In all seriousness, we're both
very proud of them and it's always
been a dream of Steve's to have
Michael race with him and this is
something I feel as a family we are
going to really enjoy. It is going to be
an interesting year that's for sure."
The 2009 Australian Truck
Racing Championship is set to kick
off with the opening round (of four)
to be held on the weekend of May 16
and 17 at Oran Park Raceway
(Narellan, NSW), which is Steve
Coulter's favourite track and one that
he calls home.
Interesting
economic sayings
After a lengthy series on 'Taking Control', we look
briefly this week at several topics and interesting say-
ings.
One of the most popular sayings in the downturn
was "We live in interesting times". When we look at
the world around us, this is very true.
"Green Shoots" is one of the most recent sayings.
It refers to the growing (but tender and tentative) rays
of hope as the share markets begin to recover some of
their lost ground.
Perspective is everything when it comes to
assessing just how significant is the "green shoot".
When we look at it over the last 3 months it is signif-
icant and exciting.
According to the ASX All Ords Access Index, the
market increased by 23.59% since its low on 6th
March and the 4th April 2009.
The size of this increase can be seen in another
perspective when we look at a 3 year picture.
John is an authorised representative of Professional
Investment Services AFSL# 234951 Whilst all care is
taken in the preparation of this material, no warranty is
given in respect to the information provided and
accordingly no responsibility for errors or omissions,
including responsibility to any person by reason of neg-
ligence is accepted.
Talking Money
by John Jones
Here it is less significant and the recovery only
regains the level of Nov / Dec 2008. Nevertheless,
the shoots are green and growing. Overall the market
is heading in the preferred direction and it could be
heading towards its third consecutive positive month
(?).
Having discussed where the markets have been,
we hesitate to predict where they are headed in the
shorter term. However, we are still confident that
they will eventually recover. The expected direction
is up in the longer term.
The above leads to another saying when it comes
to predicting economic and market directions:
"There are two types of Economists in the World,
those who do not know and those who don't know
they don't know".
Will the economic downturn end this year, next
year or later? The simple answer is that no one really
knows. One thing we do know is that now that it has
commenced, the next thing to happen is that it will
end. The market knows this. It is a predictor of the
future. It decreased when the economy was relative-
ly healthy. Now that the recession has hit, it is
increasing in expectation of eventual recovery.
We haven't heard the term, "Federal Budget
Deficit" for almost a decade. There are noises in the
press regarding possible changes to superannuation
in the coming budget.
Only a handful of people know these changes.
One of the popular (and logical) expectations is that
higher income earners (marginal tax rate higher then
30%), may have their tax benefits, when contributing
to super, reduced.
It is extremely unlikely that the changes will be
retrospective. However, it is likely that they will
apply from Budget Night, 12th May. Thus, if you are
considering a tax deductable contribution to your
super fund this financial year, you may be better act-
ing earlier.
We recommend you consult with a licensed
financial planner before acting on any of the above
information.
Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 7
Sport
Back in the
classroom for
athletes
Recently, South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes
from various squads, including netball, hockey, softball ,
golf and athletes with a disability took part in one of their
many educational sessions.
Taking place at Wests Leagues Club, the academy
filled the venue with over 70 athletes, coaches, support
staff and parents in attendance. Athletes were taken
through techniques used to strap ankles, knees, thumbs
and fingers. "This kind of education session is essential
for young athletes, it gives them the ability to manage
their own preventative taping, rather than relying on
coaching staff," Rob Baumann representative from
Beiersdorf and sports taping lecturer said.Athletes were
given the opportunity to test out their newly learnt taping
techniques on each other and were given the opportunity
to ask questions about specific taping techniques
required for individual sports."For athletes the next step
in their sporting career from the Academy is to NSW or
Australian representative teams, and for these athletes it
is crucial that they are aware of and know how to cor-
rectly manage injuries as well as injury prevention,"
Emma Walker, SWSAS sports program coordinator
said."Sports taping is always on of the favourite educa-
tion sessions, coaches really see the benefit in it and ath-
letes love that hands on aspect and really feel like they
can use what they have learnt. It is great to have a com-
pany like Beiersdorf supporting the academy and giving
us the opportunity to provide education such as this to the
athletes. " For more information on education sessions
conducted by the academy go to www.swsas.org.au or
phone 46277622.
8 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
RUGBY
Engadine's success
against below par Rams
By Chris Ferry
A confident Rams took on Engadine
team still searching for its first 2009
victory and probably payed the price
for letting their usually reliable game
plan fall by the wayside and were pun-
ished for unforced errors and a lack of
patience. When the whistle was blown
the Rams had been comprehensively
out-displayed in a five tries to two, 27-
12 defeat.
Aside from two moments of indi-
vidual brilliance by man of the match
fullback Jamie Petero there was little
else that had the coaches smiling. After
a clever kick from fly-half Alex Ban,
Petero crossed for his first try and set
himself up with a grubber for his sec-
ond to keep the score line respectable.
The game remained close with
Engadine not fully capitalising on their
weight of possession and Camden
could have stormed back at any stage.
The inability to string together phases
frustrated many in the crowd. However,
this loss does not destroy what has
shown itself as having huge potential as
a very successful season.
No doubt the young Rams will turn
it around, with next weekend to regath-
er.
Winger, Graham Martin and prop,
Glen Whitney also played strongly in a
beaten side.
Up until the start of first grade, the
crowd was all smiles as the lower
grades kept building on their winning
success.
The purple attired Vincentia squad
would spend some of the long trip
home to contemplate the 31-5 drubbing
handed to them by a committed
Camden reserves squad. The day start-
ed perfectly when best player on the
field James Crisp sensed a gap down
the blind and crossed out wide.
Fullback, Chris Ravlich also chimed
in with two tries from crisp backline
moves and the heat was on the Van
Gough's well before half time.
In the second half the backs turned
on their A game, providing a couple of
scintillating tries. The first came from a
dropped ball, where speedy winger
Wade Chandler swerved through
numerous defenders, and planted the
ball under the posts from 55m out. The
second try was a result of a fluid back-
line move, a few instinctual offloads
and completed by a pinpoint Dane
Kelly chip kick which winger Rhys
Dodson, tracked perfectly and scored
under the black dot which was convert-
ed by Kelly.
Best for the Rams included Crisp,
Kelly, Chandler and flanker Nathan
Prior.
A tenacious effort by the third
graders left them with a clean defensive
sheet for the second week in a row
against Engadine.
In the first half sustained pressure
and ball retention allowed centre
Graham Martin to muscle his way over,
which was converted by fly-half Emron
reedy to give a 7-0 buffer in halftime.
During the break it was emphasised that
the Rams could not let up, and after the
break continued to hammer the
Engadine line and provided physicality
that allowed the Rams to remain on top.
After a quick tap flanker Matt
Ravlich found himself with a small cor-
ridor of space down the tram tracks and
did well to cross the line. In the final
minutes a 60m effort of phase play and
support allowed replacement fly-half
Tim Whyte to put the final nail in the
coffin by diving over under the posts.
Rhys Dodson converted and Camden
finished 19-0 victors.
Best on the paddock were Ravlich,
Reedy, new prop Jordan O'Sullivan and
half Shane Neasy.
After four rounds, aside from some
minor hiccups all teams remain in posi-
tions to make an assault on their respec-
tive competitions and the two lower
grades travel for the first time to
attempt to knock off their southern
highland foes Bundanoon and Bowral.
 Sport
LEAGUE
.... from the sideline by Billy Boots
The Aussies have made up for losing the World Cup to the Kiwis with an
Determined Oakdale down Picton
emphatic win on Friday night. The country footy though suffered at the On Friday night despite Picton Odgers and one each to Nick side during the break because
hands of the City folk, with the likes of Robbie Farah and Peter Wallace having the home ground advan- Crouch and Tod Pes Nathan they came out and scored two
overshadowing the CRL boys. It's hard to say where we stand at present tage - it was a stronger Oakdale Schwartz kicked two conversa- converted tries in 10 minutes to
being in Macarthur, with a foot in each camp seeing the merged compe- workers side that took the game. tions - at half time it was 20 to take the score to 20-12. The
tition has elements of both the CRL (country) and NSWRL (city). Billy Oakdale took charge in the first nil Oakdale.The Picton coach Oakdale side took the games 36
was cheering for City just for Farah's sake, but wanted Country to do half with two tries to Russell must have fired a rocket to his to Picton 12.
well - as a win would do wonders for the morale of country competitions,

Easts kept Dragons on the go

who have for so long provided a large number of ARL and NRL stars
over the last century but have suffered financially of late because of
numerous factors. The dynamics of country towns have shifted so much
that clubs and competitions have folded and merged, because of drought,
young folk drifting off to larger regional cities and the big smoke and
almighty dollar influencing the competitiveness of teams, leaving some During cold miserable conditions at Moss Vale on the line. The try was converted 12-4 to Moss Vale.
to sink whilst others have capitalised. the weekend the East Campbelltown side defeated The Dragons then went to sleep and coughed up
the Dragons 36-22. too much ball due to the slippery conditions - with
Closer to home Group 6 has seen many clubs in trouble but which Easts running five tries before half time to lead 32-
have bounced back, whilst others have fallen by the wayside never to be The Dragons were under strength going into
seen again. the game missing five regular first graders because 12.
of injury and representative games commitments. The second half was a much more even affair,
Mighty clubs such as Oakdale today survive on the brink, with news
its major supporter, The Workers Club, struggles to stay open. Easts scored first in the third minute from a hit but the Dragons were playing catch up football and
and spin close to the line by second rower, Jacob were the first to score with Josh Saunders running
Narellan had a lean few years with stints in second division and first Morgan, Easts were 4-0. through a gap while attacking the East's line. Isaac
grade withdrawals, whilst Bowral at one stage merged with Robertson - Loader scored for the Dragons after Saunders
it still struggled, before a phoenix like rising in recent years sees it back Moss Vale hit back when Tim Small chip
on the footy fields, albeit in third division at this stage. kicked over the defence for Dan Drewe to re-gath- made another line break and ran 40 metres, who set
er and run 30m then pass to Isaac Loader to score up Loader to score.
All clubs could at one stage in their history say they did it tough but and saw the Dragons up 6-4.
held out to see the wheels of fortune once again favour them. The scores remained locked for approx 25 min-
Josh Saunders scored for the Dragons next utes until East's scored with 10 minutes to go and
News this week filtered through that the Moss Vale club is consider- when he spotted a gap out of dummy half close to eventually ran out winners.
ing shifting camp from Group 6 to the
coastal Group 7 competition, joining its
Highland friends from Robertson. It said
it could not compete against the larger
northern clubs and wanted to join Group 7
whose clubs have similar demographics.
Such news would not be pleasing to the
powerbrokers of Wests, Group 6, the CRL
and NSWRL - who have staked their repu-
tations on the success of the new competi-
tion.
The loss would more than likely see a
Campbelltown team stepping up to fill the
void; such a move is unlikely to be
approved without good arguments from
the Mossy faithful.
Recent lopsided results in the two
under 18 divisions have seen a third divi-
sion now established. A quick look
through the A competition and one would
be hard pressed to see a Group 6 side, with
only Camden, Narellan and Mittagong
electing to mix it with the Wests all-star
teams. Picton, seemingly always strong in
this age group and to everyone's surprise,
have dropped down to the Bs, whilst
Thirlmere has gone from As to Cs. It
should be noted that this age group has a
whopping 25 teams, a nursery for future
first graders if current clubs look after
them. I must admit that the new merged
competition is looking very competitive at
the moment, with a resurgent Narellan and
Picton mixing it with the leaders. It will
be interesting though if Thirlmere remain
dominant as they have been, as with every
win they get just that little closer to a loss.

Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 9

Sport Results
BOWLS
Camden Men's Bowling
Club
Week ending may 3
Tuesday Mixed Mufti
Darryl Ellis-Ron Russell-Bill
Webb: 2 wins+20
Lucy Russell-Henry Dallas-Leo
Corben: 2 win+11
Thursday Jackpot Pairs:
Division One: Frank Farrugia-
John Rofe
Division Two: Ivan Old-Bill
Richards
Saturday District Pennants:
Picton #2 (93/6) d Camden 32
(41/0) away
C'town City 34 (56/5) d Camden
#4 (54) away
Camden # 5 - bye
Camden #6 (68/5) d C'town City #
6(57/1) home
Picton #7 (63/4) d Camden 37
(61/2) away
Camden Women's Bowling
Club
Week ending April 29-30
Club Finals:
Mary Burton-Fay Clayton-Gloria
Murray-Joyce Doherty (23) def
Barbara Mulley-Ann Minall-
Barbara Wilson-Joan Hanley (15)
Major Singles Championship:
Round 1:
Olive Sach (32) d Gwen Hyem (6)
Ivy Gleeson (31) d Elaine Shaw
(18)
Gloria Murray (31) d Delores
Morgan (5)
Fay Clayton (31) d Dorothy
Dallas (20)
Camden Men's Bowling
Club
Week ending May 10
Tuesday Mixed Mufti:
Yvonne Alderson - Hugh
Dunnachie: 2 wins: 23
Ron Russell-Joe Rainer: 2
wins+17
Thursday Jackpot Paris:
Division One: Ruth Missen-Col
Missen
10 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
Diviison Two: Ivan Old-Bill
Richards
Saturday District Pennants
Bowral #2 (64/6) d Camden #2
(58/0) home
Camden #4 (66/5) d Bundanoon
#4 (52/1) home
Camden #5 forfeit
Camden #6 (63/6) d Bundanoon #
6 (48/0) away
Camden #6 won S.T.D.B.A
Pennant
Camden # 7 (59/4) d Bowral #7
(57/2) away
Camden Women's Bowling
Club
Week ending May 6
Major Singles Round 2
Gloria Murray (31) d Ivy Gleeson
(16)
Olive Sach (33) d Fay Clayton
(12)
Beryle Selems (32) d Rhonda
Webb (13)
Mary Burton (34) d John Hanley
(16)
Robyn Homburg (31) d Kay
McBrydie (10)
Ruth Missen (32) d Lyn Robinson
(7)
Frances Laker (31) d Barbara
Wilson (27)
Joyce Doherty (31) d Jan Parsons
(5)
HOCKEY
Macarthur Hockey
Association
Week ending May 3
Round 5
Junior Competition
Minkey Under 7: Macarthur
Skylarks Crocodiles 3 (Luke
Atherton 2, Jayden Palin) beat
Campbelltown City 0; Easts Red
3 (Jessica Ryan 2, Gabrielle
Hudson) beat Ingleburn Green 0;
Ingleburn Gold 3 (Tiarhn Dunn 2,
Ella Wooldridge) beat Easts
White 0; Harrington Park Gold 2
(Caitlyn Southwell, Paris
Chapman) beat Harrington Park
Purple 0; Macarthur Skylarks
Sharks 1 (Jessica Arnold) beat
Wests Cubs 0;
Minkey Under 9: Macarthur
Skylarks Possums 3 (Kaitlin
Miller 2, Blake Miller) beat
Campbelltown City Kids 0;
Macarthur Skylarks Emus 2
(Alexia Palin, Mitchell Thoms)
beat Collegians Dolphins 0;
Ingleburn Bulldogs 8 (Daniel
O'Daly 4, Bridget McDonald 2,
Riley Maginn-Dawson 2) beat
Collegians Sharks 0; Easts 4 (Jay
McIntosh 2, David Ryan 2) beat
Harrington Park White 0;
Harrington Park Gold 3 (Alex
Vella, Lawrence Worley, Jai
Wright) beat Harrington Park
Purple 0
Under 11 Junior: Macarthur
Skylarks Dragons 4 (Corey
Rowland 2, Angus Key, Jacob
Tawagi) beat East - City 0;
Ingleburn Bulldogs Green 3
(Samara Rutten 2, Brandon
Thompson) beat Harrington Park
Gold 1 (Maddison Chapman);
Ingleburn Bulldogs Gold 1 (Zali
Dunn) beat Harrington Park
Purple 0; Wests Pumas 3
(Nathaniel Gardiner 2, Liam
Turner) beat Wests Cougars 1
(Harry Thurlow)
Under 13 Girls: Harrington
Park 3 (Taylor Demenezes, Emma
Barry, Alexandra Lovelock) beat
Wests Meercats 0; Macarthur
Skylarks 2 (Madeleine Palin,
Alley Hanagan) beat Ingleburn
Bulldogs 1 (Erin Besgrove)
Under 13 Junior: Macarthur
Skylarks Avengers 3 (Dylan
Pardy 2, James Groth) beat Easts
1 (Blake Ussia); Ingleburn
Bulldogs 3 (Isaac McDonald 2,
Shawn Tauro) beat Harrington
Park 2 (Jordan Parker 2);
Macarthur Skylarks Kookaburras
10 (Nathanael Stewart 3, Regan
Daley 3, Cameron Mawson 2,
Jackson Harrison 2) beat Wests
Tigers 0
Under 15 Girls: Wests
Leopards 1 (Talia Buckley) beat
Ingleburn Bulldogs 0; Harrington
Park 2 (Jordan Parker 2) beat
Macarthur - Easts 0;
Under 15 Junior: Wests
Wolves 6 (David Bergman 2,
Kathryn Smith 2, Ebony Brennan,
Christopher Rath) beat Harrington
Park 0; Ingleburn Bulldogs 11
(Isaac McDonald 3, Joshua
Gregory 2, Kieran Springitt 2,
Taylor Martin 2, Luke
Ollerenshaw, Jack Spencer) beat
Macarthur Skylarks 1 (Jackson
Harrison); Wests Coyotes 4
(Corey Cox 3, Travis Gibson) beat
Easts 0
Ladies Competition
B Grade: Camden Womens 4
(Anne-Marie Summers, Kerrie
Smith, Kristy Fielding, Kathy
Antoine) beat Harrington Park 0;
Easts 18 (Rebecca Lawrence 5,
Laurissa Graham 3, Rebecca
Hanslow 3, Tiffany Heggie 3,
Amy Bewley 2, Melanie Tisdell,
Tarnya Nolan) beat
Campbelltown City 0; Ingleburn
Bulldogs 9 (Nicole King 3, Cara
Maynard 2, Amanda Hasler 2,
Sheree Borg, Joanne King) beat
Ingleburn Knights 2 (Courtney
Ferrari, Renee Donaldson); Wests
Electrolux 2 (Casey Brennan,
Rachael Barker) beat Collegians 0
C Grade: Collegians 1
(Aimy Johnston) beat Easts 0;
Harrington Park Purple 6 (Danelle
Condon 4, Tiah Pracy, Nicole
Penn) beat Macarthur Skylarks 0;
Ingleburn Bulldogs 1 (Diane
Poulton) drew with Wests 1
(Michelle Brennan)
Men's Competition
1st Grade: Ingleburn
Bulldogs 9 (Leigh Brabender 2,
Benjamin Poulton 2, Andrew
Botfield, Mitchell Brabender,
Casey Younie, Benjamin
Heemskerk, Andrew Carter) beat
Easts 1 (Shane Fensom)
2nd Grade: Campbelltown
City 1 (Michael Kent) drew with
Wests Blue Addiction 1 (Timothy
Bogg); Collegians 5 (Ashley
Clinch 2, Murray Kennedy 2,
Colin Dengate) beat Macarthur
Skylarks 3 (James Sweeney 2,
Martin Mumberson); Ingleburn
Bulldogs 4 (Grant Lubyckij,
Leigh Brabender, Timothy
Roberts, Dean Lubyckij) beat
Easts 1 (Christopher Osborne)
3rd Grade: Collegians 2
(Gerhard Wimmer, Colin
Dengate) drew with
Campbelltown City 2 (Luke
Morris 2); Harrington Park 4
(Pierce Clothier, Barry Fishpool,
Rhys Storkey, Ian Booth) beat
Easts 2 (Scott Ussia, Mathieu
Boudan); Wests Young Guns 3
(Shane Moxon, Glen Cooksey,
Benjamin Miles) beat Ingleburn
Old Dogs 0.
Round 6 week ending May
10,
Junior Competition
Minkey Under 7:
Campbelltown City 2 (Kaitlyn
Thistlethwaite, Noah Morris) beat
Ingleburn Gold 0; Easts Red 0
drew with Harrington Park Purple
0; Easts White 2 (Jacinta Loxley
2) beat Harrington Park Gold 1
(Paris Chapman); Ingleburn
Green 3 (Jessica Plumridge 2,
Tiarhn Dunn) beat Macarthur
Skylarks Sharks 1; (Jessica
Arnold)
Macarthur Skylarks
Crocodiles 5 (Luke Atherton 4,
Jayden Palin) beat Wests Cubs 0
Minkey Under 9:
Campbelltown City Ducks 0 drew
with Macarthur Skylarks Emus 0;
Ingleburn Bulldogs 6 (Daniel
O'Daly 3, Riley Maginn-Dawson
2, Bridget McDonald) beat
Campbelltown City Kids 0;
Harrington Park White 4 (Kirsty
Isaacs 2, Alex Vella 2) beat
Collegians Dolphins 0;
Harrington Park Purple 2
(Mitchell Oyston, Charlie
Macnaughton) beat Collegians
Sharks 0; Easts 3 (David Ryan 2,
Jay McIntosh) beat Harrington
Park Gold 0; Wests Lions 0 drew
with Macarthur Skylarks Possums
0;
Wests Linxes 4 (Joshua Rath
4) beat Wests Wildcats 0
Under 11 Junior: Ingleburn
Bulldogs Gold 2(Samara Rutten,
Lauren Mercer) beat East - City 0;
Harrington Park Purple 1
(Samantha Coupe) beat
Harrington Park Gold 0;
Macarthur Skylarks Rams 5
(Jared Miller 2, Courtney
Schonell, Karley Schonell, Jake
Plumridge) beat Wests Pumas 0;
Macarthur Skylarks Dragons 4
(Joshua Atherton 2, Angus Key,
Henry Groth) beat Wests Cougars
0 Mittagong 20 d The Oaks 18.
Under 13 Girls: Ingleburn
Bulldogs 4 (Danielle Gayler, Erin
Besgrove, Samara Rutten, Grace
Hart) beat Harrington Park 1
(Taylor Demenezes); Macarthur
Skylarks 5 (Alley Hanagan 3,
Naomi Eddison, Jacklyn Favretti)
beat Wests Meercats 0
Under 13 Junior: Harrington
Park 5 (Rory Maynard 2, Bradley
Watkins, Kristy Jackson, Emma
Barry) beat Easts 3 (Jarrod
Hudson 2, Kain Stuart) Macarthur
Skylarks Kookaburras 3 (Ryan
Miller, Cameron Mawson, Regan
Daley) beat Ingleburn Bulldogs 0;
Macarthur Skylarks Avengers 6
(Dylan Pardy 2, Henry Groth,
Mark Dawson, Mark Little,
Daniel Scholte) beat Wests Tigers
0
Under 15 Junior: Wests
Wolves 5 (David Bergman 2,
Christopher Rath, Christopher
Flack, Jake LeBrocque) beat
Easts 0; Harrington Park 5 (Stuart
Shepherd 2, Brent Downey 2,
Rory Maynard) beat Macarthur
Skylarks 1 (Ryan Miller);
Ingleburn Bulldogs 4 (Dale Harris
2, Joshua Gregory, Benjamin
Andaloro) beat Wests Coyotes 1
(Michael Hemingway)
Under 17 Junior: Harrington
Park Gold 6 (Jake Rose 2, Rhys
Storkey, Sarah Parker, Pierce
Clothier, Kyle Higgins) beat
Blaxland Rovers 0; Easts 3
(Mitchell Graham 2, Joseph
Giarratano) beat Penrith Panthers
(Ryan Paxton, Josh Rand);
Harrington Park Purple 2 (Lewis
Shepherd 2) beat Wests Ninjas 1
(Benjamin Miles); Ingleburn
Bulldogs 4 (Mitchell Brabender 2,
Emily Thomson, Timothy Moss)
beat Wests Warriors 2 (Tim Ryan
2)
LEAGUE
Group 6
Juniors Rugby League
Round 3 week ending May 3
Under 10B: Narellan 26 d
Camden 4; Thirlmere 36 drew
Appin 26; Mittagong 42 d The
Oaks 14; Picton bye
Under 10A: Narellan 26 d
Camden 10; Mt Annan 16 d
Thirlmere 12; Picton 18 d Moss
Vale 14; Warragamba bye
Under 11B: Mt
Annan/Currans Hill 26 d Narellan
White 24; Bowral 36 d Thirlmere
18; Warragamba 50 d Mittagong
4; Narellan Blue 20 d Picton 4;
Camden bye
Under 11A: Camden 18 d
Narellan 4; Thirlmere 18 d Mt
Annan/Currans Hill 0; Mittagong
36 d The Oaks 6; Picton d Moss
Vale 16
Under 12 B: Camden 26 d
Narellan 6; Thirlmere 28 d
Robertson 10; Mittagong 22 d
Warragamba 4; Appin 24 d The
Oaks 10
Under 12A: Camden 0 d
Narellan 4; Thirlmere 40 d Mt
Annan/Currans Hill 0;
Warragamba 30 d Mittagong 4;
Picton 36 d Moss Vale 0
Under 13B: Mt
Annan/Currans Hill 18 d Narellan
8; Appin 38 Thirlmere 6; Appin
38 d Thirlmere 6; Warragamba 24
d Camden 10; Picton 16 d Moss
Vale 12
Under 13A: Camden 24 d
Narellan 16; Mt Annan/Currans
Hill 50 d Thirlmere 10; Picton 46
d The Oaks 8; Mittagong bye
Under 14B: Picton 18 d
Robertson 8; Thirlmere 30 d
Mittagong 4; The Oaks 12 drew
Camden 12
Under 14A: Camden 16 d
Narellan 10; Picton 57 d Moss
Vale 1; Mittagong 40 d
Warragamba 6; Mt Annan bye
Under15B: Mt
Annan/Currans Hill 26 d Camden
20; The Oaks 56 d Narellan 4
Under 15A: Narellan 30 d
Picton 18; Mittagong 48 d
Thirlmere 6; Warragamba bye
Under 16B: Appin 48 d
Robertson 0; Picton 28 d Camden
22; Mt Annan bye
Under 16A:
Camden Blue 28 d
Thirlemre6; Camden Red 4 drew
Narellan 4; Mittagong 28 d
Warragamba 10; Moss Vale 30 d
Picton 10.
Senior Rugby League
Results week ending May 10
First Grade: Oakdale 36 d
Picton 12; East 36 d Moss Vale
22; Narellan 50 d Camden 20;
Thirlmere 50 d Bulldogs 20;
Reserve Grade: Picton 42 d
Oakdale 0; Moss Vale 20 d East
16; Narellan 44 d Camden 6;
Valley 52 d Thirlmere 10; The
Oaks 32 d Mittagong 0.
Third Grade: Appin 76 d Mt
Annan 6; Warragamba 46 d
Bowral 12
Under 18s: Collegians 32 d
Picton 16; Camden 30 d Narellan
16; Ashcroft 88 d Thirlmere 6;
Eagle Vale -St Andrews 48 d
Camden 26; Macquarie Fields 30
d Warriors 10; All Saints 52 d The
Oaks 8; Mittagong 28 d
Hinchinbrook 18; Warragamba 74
d Mac Saints 1.
 Talking Horses

Australia's
eventing riders
show their talent
The Eventing Equestriad Australia CIC will take
place at Camden's Bicentennial Equestrian Park
next weekend.
The two day event on Saturday and Sunday
(Mary 16 and 17) will provide a trio of distinct
challenges for competitors including dressage,
cross country and showjumping.
Classes range from introductory up to the elite
CIC3* and the event will run with national and
international status.
The competition has entries from many high
profile riders from around Australia and New
Zealand including Olympic Gold Medallist Stuart
Tinney and Olympic Silver Medallists Shane Rose
and Megan Jones. The International CIC3* class
will take place under the watchful eye of Helen
Christie from New Zealand as well as Australian
National Selector Jim Dunn.
The competition is expected to be fierce as
horse and rider battle to be named 'The Inaugural
Eventing Equestriad Champion'.
Admission is free and spectators can enjoy
some of Australia's finest competitors and the
country's rising stars in action.
On Sunday, May 17 there will be activities for
the whole family, including trade stands, face
painting and a jumping castle. The best time for
spectators to enjoy the action is from 10am
through to 3pm.
Olympic Silver Medallist Shane Rose and his
horse 'All Luck' will also be there on Sunday with
with other Olympians who will be signing auto-
graphs. To find out more visit www.eventinge-
questriadaustralia.com.au

HORSE FEED
Quality Lucerne Chaff
25 kg bags for $24.99
Silver Olympic medallist, Shane Rose and horse 'All Luck' will be at 10 bags for $225.00
next weekend's Eventing Equestriad at Camden
Available at:
Menangle Park General/Feed Store
67 Cummins Road

Vet Chat
MENANGLE PARK

Hip dysplasia in dogs

If you thought only old, arthritic
dogs got wobbly in the back end,
think again. Hip dysplasia is an
inherited disease that can cause
lameness in puppies less than one
year of age in severe cases. Milder
cases may show lameness later, and
signs worsen with age.
Hip dysplasia refers to abnor-
mal development of the hip joint. It
is a genetic disease (inherited) but
is also influenced by other factors,
especially diet. Hip dysplasia caus-
es lameness due to joint pain,
which progresses with age as the
changes in the joint worsen
(Degenerative Joint Disease).
Large and giant breeds of dogs
are more frequently affected, espe-
cially German Shepherds,
Labradors, Retrievers, and
Rottweilers.
Puppies less than one year of
age will exhibit lameness, a reluc-
tance to jump up or climb, a
reduced exercise tolerance, and
sometimes a 'bunny hopping' gait
(both hind legs used together).
In milder cases, signs may only
appear later due to secondary joint
changes, or Degenerative Joint
Disease. In these cases, pain and
lameness are due to erosion of the
joint cartilage, narrowing of the
joint space, hip remodelling and
new bone formation.
Dr Steven Ferguson
It is an inherited disease but is
also influenced by diet and rate of
growth, and excessive exercise at
an early age. It is also possible that
other developmental diseases are
present. Specialised premium dog
foods are available for large breed
puppies to limit their rate of
growth.
The history of a large or giant
breed puppy with typical signs is
suggestive of hip dysplasia. They
may have well-muscled front quar-
ters due to reluctance to use the
hindquarters. A physical examina-
tion is performed, and then X-rays
under general anaesthesia.
Characteristic signs are seen on X-
ray, and the hips are also manipu-
lated under anaesthesia to assess
the amount of joint laxity.
Treatment involves surgery or
conservative measures.
Surgery includes juvenile sur-
geries if diagnosed earlier enough
before the bones stop growing, hip
replacement and sometimes exci-
sion of the hip.
Conservative treatment of older
dogs includes weight and exercise
management and the use of drugs.
If you are considering obtaining a
puppy of an at-risk breed, reputable
breeders will have the hip scores of
the parents of the puppy available
for your examination.

Macarthur Veterinary Hospital

Ph: 4655 7664
6 Ironbark Ave, Camden
www.macarthurvet.com.au

Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 11

 Real Estate Report
$209,000 Tahmoor
2 bedrooms villa with built ins, modern
kitchen & bathroom. Air conditioned liv-
ing, fully enclosed Queensland style
sunroom. Automatic garage & garden
shed included
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$219,900 Yanderra
Tidy up & Profit. 2 bedroom home with
updated kitchen on 1303m2 block.
Large new 2 door metal shed/garage.
Access to M5 freeway
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$249,990+ Tahmoor
Immaculate 3 bedroom villa, offering
lounge with vaulted ceilings & modern
kitchen. Lock-up garage with internal
access. In small, quiet complex.
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$289,000 Tahmoor
Net & tidy 3 bedroom home, 3-way bath-
room, two separate living areas, level
low maintenance block. No work
required. Currently returns $ 230.00 per
week.
Century 21 Picton 4677 2155
$315,000 Bargo
Level 1000m2+ block & 20m frontage.
Freshly painted 3 bedroom brick veneer
home with built ins. Lounge area with a
bar, large kitchen, dining area & single
garage.
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$331,000 Picton
Ideal for Retirement. Set on low mainte-
nance block, 3 bedrooms, dining off
kitchen, sep. lounge, new carpet
12 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
installed, single garage with internal
access.
Century 21 Picton 4677 2155
$335,000 Picton
Less than 300 metres to Town centre. 3
bedroom with built-in's, 3-way bath-
room, separate lounge, dining off
kitchen, split air cond, single garage.
Century 21 Picton 4677 2155
$339,500 Wilton
The perfect location. 3 bedroom all have
built-in's, 3-way bathroom with access
from main, family room, dining off
kitchen, single garage with internal
access, small front verandah.
Century 21 Picton 4677 2155
$350,000+ Buxton
4 bedrooms, built ins to 3, timber kitchen
+ dishwasher, large dining area, lounge,
floating timber floors. Slow combustion
fire & air conditioning. 1112m2 block.
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$360,000 Picton
Character filled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom
home. Huge living, separate dining &
modern Galley kitchen. Front & rear
deck. Side access with very large
American barn
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$393,000 BUXTON
This 4.9-acre block secluded & privately
position, backs onto Nattai National
Park. It has phone & 3-phase power
connected to front gate, town water
available.
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348

$399,000 Narellan
4 Bedrooms, ensuite + study * Huge
kitchen & family room * Large lounge,
fireplace & airconditioning * Double
garage, covered outdoor area, side
access.
Elders Real Estate Camden 4655
3000
$454,500 Thirlmere
5 bedroom split level home set on
3603sqm block with rural aspect. Large
formal & informal living areas, kitchen
opens onto large deck area.
Century 21 Picton 4677 2155
$469,000 PHEASANTS NEST
5.58 acres with 2-bedroom Colorbond
dwelling with open plan living, modern
kitchen, SC fire & Undercover entertain-
ing. 7m x 7m Colorbond garage. Rinnai
instantaneous HWS & mezzanine stor-
age.
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$469,900 Thirlmere
1 acre. Backing onto Matthews Creek. 3
bedroom cement rendered home.
Brand new kitchen & large games room.
Side access, garage, shed. Subdivision
potential (subject to council approval)
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$476,950 West Hoxton
Currently being used as a display home
is this double storey 4 bedroom home
featuring alarm, ducted air con, double
garage, quiet street, only moments to
Carnes Hill shopping centre.
Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606
0067
$549,900 Bargo
3.3 acres. Ranchstyle home. Ensuite +
large parents retreat. S/C fire. Split
Real Estate Report
cycle air. Assorted shedding.
L.J. Hooker Picton 4677 1348
$595,000 Theresa Park
7.5 acres. all weather driveway leads to
where you can build the home of your
dreams. 4 car garage. water filled dam,
prestigious homes & tall stands of trees
sourround you.
Dougmal R/E Camden 4655 9888
$649,000 Thirlmere
6.23 acres with everything, spacious 4
bedrooms plus study, large open plan
living areas, wrap around verandah,
inground pool, double garage plus
workshop and 4 bay farm shed.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$699,000 Rossmore
5 acres of land located in a quiet street
with a original "A" frame house, only
moments to West Hoxton shops, M7
Motorway. Organise your inspection
today!
Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606
0067
$719,000 Wilton
Outstanding Rural Acres. 40 Acres of
level rural land 2 minutes out of Wilton
Village. Mostely cleared, town water &
power. Good road frontage.
Century 21 Picton 4677 2155
$720,000 Bringelly
Ready, set , build on 5 acres of cleared,
vacant land, fenced, approx 71m
frontage, no town water, don’t miss out,
priced reduced as owner wants to sell!
Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606
0067
$769,000 Denham Court
Excellent aspect and almost level fully
fenced sought after vacant block. Very
few vacant blocks left in this prestigious
area so close to all amenities.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$789,000 Bringelly
5 acres with 2 road frontage, rare oppor-
tunity, perfect for dual occupancy, reno-
vated cottage with high ceilings, two
dams, excellent usable block.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$795,000 Austral
What an opportunity to purchase 3
acres of vacant land bordering West
Hoxton and Austral. This land is ready
for you to build the house of your
dreams (S.T.C.A), this property has
been reduced.
Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606
0067
$795,000 Austral
3 excellent acres with a spacious & solid
3 bedroom full brick home boasting
large living areas, fully equipped eat-in
kitchen, 2 bathrooms, reverse cycle air
conditioning, garage/workshop & car-
port.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$930,000 Austral
The home features 3 large bedrooms
one with ensuite, L shaped lounge and
dining with fireplace, billiard room, sun-
room and undercover pergola area. A
swimming pool all on approx 5 acre
block.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$990,000 Kelvin Park
5 park like acres boasting a beautiful 4
bedroom brick residence with ensuite
and walk in robe to main, formal lounge
and dining. Large kitchen and family
room and double lock up garage.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$1,075,000 Austral
Well presented 5 bedroom single level
brick home with swimming pool, pergo-
la, 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 Park
5 acres 2 homes - main house consist
of 3 double size bedrooms, ensuite &
walk in robe to main, beautiful timber
kitchen and large lounge and family
room. Ducted air, huge timber deck and
inground pool.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$1,395,000 Cobbitty
Full brick mansion with granny flat, 5
huge bedrooms with built-ins, huge for-
mal & informal living areas, timber
kitchen, 4-6 car garage with large brick
machinery shed with much more on
high & excellent 5 acres.
United Acreage Marketing 4774
8222
$1,450,000 Austral
First time offered in over 28years is this
5 bedroom single level home situated
on 6 3/4 acres, double garage, huge bar
area, jacuzzi, large machinery shed,
located in a quiet street.
Morrison Real Estate Austral 9606
0067
Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 13
District Diary
District Diary is open to all non-profit com-
munity groups. If you have a community event
that you would like advertised, drop us a line
10 days before the event - either by fax 4655
3897, email: news@tdr.com.au or send us a
letter at The District Reporter, P.O. Box 116,
Camden 2570.
Historical Society The Camden Historical
Society has its next meeting on Wednesday,
May 13 at the Camden Museum at 7.30 p.m.
The guest speaker will be Peter Cuneo, who is
the Natural Heritage Manager at Mt Annan
Botanic Gardens. He will speak about conser-
vation programs at the gardens. Visitors wel-
come. For details call John on 46559210.
Church Sale Picton Uniting Church, corner
of Lumsdaine and Argyle streets, will be hold-
ing a garage sale on Saturday, May 16. On sale
will be bric-a-brac, cupboards, bookshelves,
exercise bikes and lots more. Refreshments
will also be available. It all starts at 9am sharp.
Camden Art Camden Society of Artist has a
number of events in May. A market day will
be held on Saturday May 16 at 191 Argyle
Street, Camden. A Bank Corner Arts
Exhibition on Friday, May 30 at corner of
Argyle and John streets, Camden on Friday,
May 30. For details on any of the above call
4655 6550 or 0419 427 808.
Wildlife Fair For a fun and educational day
out, visit the Wildlife Fair at Bargo's
Wirrimbirra Sanctuary on Sunday, May 17
between 10am and 3pm. There will be plenty
of hands-on fun for everyone, with shows
throughout the day where young and old alike
can learn about some of our more unusual
native mammals. Show times are 11am,
12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Visitors can also stroll
through to see kangaroos, wallabies, emus
including the magnificent new free-flight
aviary filled with a beautiful array of native
birds, or browse the Native Plant Nursery to
find that special plant for the garden. Entry to
Wirrimbirra is free, but a donation will be
accepted with thanks, and will assist with the
ongoing work of the Sanctuary which is at
3105 Remembrance Drive, Bargo call 4684
1112.
Hospital Auxiliary Camden Hospital
Auxiliary meets on the third Wednesday of the
month (May 20) in the Heritage Auditorium at
10.30am. New members welcome! Details
Robyn 4647 2083 or Helen & Keith 4655
9114.
Hardware Sale On Saturday, May 23 and
Sunday, May 2 between 9am and 2pm there
will be a sale at Oakdale Men's Shed near The
Workers Club, 1605 Burragorang Road,
Oakdale - 'Hardware,Timber and Treasures -
$2 Bargains'.
Fine Stitches The Australian Sewing
Guild's Camden/Narellan Day Group will
meet at Harrington Park Community Centre
from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, May 27.
The group caters for sewers of all levels and
ages. Visitors welcome. Call Mirella on
4683 1716.
Biggest Moring Tea Kay Sidman will once
again be hosting an event for the World's
Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday May 28
between 8am and 5pm at 4 Sickles Drive,
Grasmere. There will be a sausage sizzle,
lucky dips, bric-a-brac, silent auction, choco-
14 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
late wheel and lots more.
Cawdor Markets Cawdor Car Boot and
Market Day is happening on Saturday, May 30
and there'll be lots of bric-a-brac, collectables,
memorabilia, hardware and tools, plants, fresh
produce and craft along with barbecue, drinks
and Devonshire teas. Proceeds go to the
African Aids Foundation. For details call 4658
1187.
Fair and Auction A Country Fair and
Auction will be held on Saturday, June 13
from 9am at Camden Country Uniting Church,
Moores Way, Glenmore. There will be an
array of stalls, activities and things for the
kids, delicious Devonshire teas and soup and
barbecue lunch. Lots of fun, lots of bargains
with an Auction at 11am to raise funds for the
Kids at The Kuda Orphan School in Tanzania.
If you would like to book a stall site contact
Lorna on 4636 6656 or Barbara on 4651 1771.
Picton Fun Day Picton Public School
Family Fun Day is on Sunday, July 5 between
10am and 2pm and stall holders are welcome.
For more information call Cindy Morris on
0419 859 191.No second-hand goods.
Pastoral Care Carrington Centennial Care
is offering a free course in Pastoral Care train-
ing for people interested in becoming
Volunteer Pastoral Carers at its Aged Care
Facility in Camden. The next course begins on
Monday, June 22. If you would like to gain
some new skills and make a real difference in
the life of others please call Donna Barnard
(Pastoral Care coordinator) for details on 4659
0418 or email:
dbarnard@carringtoncare.com.au.
Giving Up Thousands have found the
answer in Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings
are held each Friday at 8pm in the CWA
Rooms, 13 Cawdor Street, Camden (behind
Camden Central, Coles car park, entry off
Cawdor Road). Helpline 9799 1199 (24 hours,
seven days). There is also a Wollondilly group
which meets Wednesdays at 8pm the Shack in
the grounds of the Catholic Church, Stratford
Street, Tahmoor. Contact Ray on 4684 1410
for details. These groups are not allied with
any sect, denomination, politics, organisation
or institution.
Hooks and Needles Picton Crochet and
Knitting Group meets 10.30 every Wednesday
at the Picton Bowling Club. All ages and skill
levels welcome. Contact Clare for more
details 0414 799 509.
Oaks History Get along to Wollondilly
Heritage Centre at The Oaks on the first
Monday of very month to hear interesting
speakers on various topics or share in 'show
and tell' sessions or heritage films. Time
7.30pm with supper provided. For more infor-
mation call secretary, Viv Allen 4657 1889 or
president, Ben Lyon 4681 0472.
Heart support Macarthur Heart Support
offers information, support and encourage-
ment to people with heart conditions and their
carers. The group meets on the first Tuesday of
the month at the Campbelltown RSL at 7pm
with guest speakers. Make new friends who
understand. New members welcomed. For
details call Lea (02) 9820 1161, Betty (02)
9605 2475, Margaret (02) 4625 7492.
Lifesaving Deposit Liverpool Red Cross
Donor Centre has new operating hours to
encourage people to make a donation. The
centre at 5-6/50 Macquarie Street, Liverpool is
open on these dates: Monday, closed;
Tuesday, 10am-7.45pm; Wednesday 8am-
4pm; Thursday, 11am- 7.45pm; Friday, 8am -
4pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm; Every alternate
Saturday call 96124000 for dates and details.
Men's Shed Looking for a new challenge?
Men with some free time can join the Camden
Men's Shed which meets 9am Tuesdays at the
Clubhouse Camden Bicentennial Equestrian
Park, enter from Exeter Street. Plenty of fel-
lowship through some chit chat and light vol-
untary work on the Park. The common theme
is about men feeling useful while contributing
to the community, making new friends and
enjoying a healthy lifestyle. For details call
Peter Standen 0417 281 934.
Movie Chat Talking Movies meets the first
Wednesday afternoon, 1.30pm at the
Campbelltown Arts Centre Café and then the
last Friday evening of the month, 7.15pm at
the Uniting Church, Allman St.
Campbelltown. The group watches a film
together on the Friday evening. See website
for other details: www.talkingmovies.org or
call Paul Mowen on 0415 055 717.
Bridge Club Macarthur Collegians Bridge
Club meets Tuesday, 7.30pm; Thursday
10.30am; Saturday 1pm at Campbelltown
Catholic Club. Join 30 million people around
the world in a game of strategy - next begin-
ners classes start Wednesday, March 4, 7pm
call Tony on 0410 190 573.
Fine Yarn Wool 'n' What Spinning Group
meets in the Uniting Church, Thirlmere Way
Tahmoor every second Friday 11am-3pm.
Beginners very welcome and there is tuition
within the group. Call Dianne on 46842086
or 0438423168.
Your Move If you have a few hours of free
time and would like to learn or play chess get
along to Wollondilly Library every Monday
and meet like minded people. The Chess Club
meets every Monday from 10am in the library
at Picton. To find out more call the library on
4677 8300.
Camden Quota Quota International of
Camden welcomes new members interested in
active service club works. Dinner meetings are
held on the second and fourth Wednesday of
the month at Camden Civic Centre. Call 4657
1723 for details.
Macarthur Art The Macarthur Art Group
meets every second Tuesday of the month at
7pm at the Salvation Army Hall, Supa Centre,
Narellan Road, Narellan for discussion, paint-
ing, drawing and art demonstrations.
Figurative/Portraiture/Life Drawing Group
will start on the last Saturday of each month
from May at Narellan Library from 2pm -
4.30pm. For bookings and details: 4655 7473.
Trefoil Guild Were you ever a member of
CLASSIFIEDS
email: sales@tdr.com.au Ph: (02) 4655 1234 Fax: (02) 4655 3897
DEATH NOTICES
TAXI DRIVER required for Camden area.
DAVIS, Raymond Charles Phone Amit on 0402 431 110
6.05.2009
Late of Campbelltown. Husband of Robyn
(deceased). Dearly loved father of Nathan.
Loved brother of Pam and loved uncle to
Louise and Gary. Good mate to many. A
golden heart stopped beating; two hands
were laid to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove he only
takes the best.
MEDLEY, Lorraine
7.05.2009
Late of Belimba Park. Much loved wife of
Bob. Cherished mother and mother-in-law
of Tracey and David, Raylene and Steve
and William (deceased). Adored Nan of
Kathleen, Erin, Olivia and Nick. Treasured
sister of John, Allan and Reg.
Aged 64 years.
So dearly loved, so sadly missed.
WILLIAM R. GROVES
Funeral Directors
Picton 4677-1644 Camden 4655-6433
the Girl Guides? If so, to keep in touch with
guiding and all that it does for the girls of
today, become a Trefoil member. The guild
meets at the Camden Guide Hall, on the fourth
Thursday of the month at 1pm. Contact Judy
on 4655 8792 or Joan on 4646 1041, for more
information.
Women's Wellness The Wollondilly
Women's Wellness Group meet each Friday
fortnight and on the agenda is friendship, fun
and learning to maintain active mind body and
spirit. Call the Centre for Women's Health on
46333 777 or 1800 077 760 for more informa-
tion.
Plethora of Quilts Camden Country
Quilters Annual Quilt Exhibition is celebrat-
ing its 20th anniversary with an exhibition
titled 'Let's Celebrate' on August 1 and 2 at the
A.H.& I Hall in Argyle Street, Camden. It
starts at 9.30am until 4pm on both days.
Admission charge is $6 and there will be a raf-
fle with funds going to local charities. There
will be many beautiful quilts on display and
this year the quilters would like every member
to submit a quilt to celebrate this occasion.
There will also be stalls selling fabrics, pat-
terns, kits, sewing bits and pieces and antique
quilts and a cafe will be operating serving
teas, coffees, homemade slices and cakes
along with a sandwiches and soup available
for lunch.
Health Smart If you are into self diagnosis
via the internet Camden Council Library has a
new monthly session which deals with finding
the best trustworthy sites and suitable databas-
es. This new group Be smart @ your Library
program will meet the first Monday of each
month at 10am at Camden Library - it's free
but bookings are essential and morning tea is
provided. For details call the library on 4654
7951.
Cancer Support The Camden Survivors of
Breast Cancer meet the fourth Wednesday of
the month at 7pm at the Undercroft, Civic
Centre, Camden. Call 0404 802 533 for
details.
Time for Bridge Macarthur Collegians
Bridge Club meets Tuesday, 7.30pm;
Thursday 10.30am; Saturday 1pm at
Campbelltown Catholic Club. Call Tony on
0410 190 573.
Parents Connect The Benevolent Society's
Parents Connect provides an opportunity for
parents with young children to meet, enjoy
morning tea and the company of other parents
and children in a happy and safe environment.
Parents Connect is located in Ingleburn,
Ambarvale, Mt. Annan and Tahmoor and
operates during school terms. For details call
46274872.
Pen to Paper The Camden Writers and
Scribblers meet at the Narellan Library on the
first and third Tuesday of each month from
10am to 12noon. New members are welcome
and there is no age limit. Call Grace on 4655
6064.
EMPLOYMENT
FOR SALE
LIMOUSIMN BULLS for sale, 17 mths - 35
mths plus stud bull contract. The Oaks
Limousin. Ph 4654 5000
BERRIMANS GIFTS we sell a selection of
new and vintage gifts and home décor.You
can order a large piece of furniture or pick
up a small gift such as soap or chocolate.
At Berrimans Gifts you will always get
“Much more than you expect” 300c
Cobbitty Rd, Cobbitty 2570. Open
Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4 pm. Ph:
0404 574 260
 email: Ph: (02) 4655 1234
SERVICE GUIDE sales@tdr.com.au Fax: (02) 4655 3897

ACCOUNTANTS ELECTRICIAN PET SERVICES SCRAP METAL

ANTENNAS ELECTRICIAN PLUMBING SWIMMING POOLS

AUCTIONS FENCING

MACARTHUR RURAL FENCING

Specialising in: Firewood
p Rural Stock Fencing
p Cattle Yards $90
per cubic
- metre
p Post & Rail
p Chainwire Free delivery
p Elegant Entries in local area
Ph: 0403 138 996 Home: (02) 4658 0042

AUTO PARTS & REPAIRS FENCING

BLINDS & CURTAINS FENCING

CARPENTERS LAWN & PASTURE CARE

CLEANING - BLINDS LAWN MOWING

CLEANING - CARPET OFFICE PRODUCTS

CLEANING - TILES PET SERVICES

Monday May 4, 2009 The District Reporter 15


Letters from Mary Wild - Ireland to The Oaks
Mary Wild was the first white woman to live
in The Oaks.
This article is from information taken
from letters written by Mary Wild to her
mother in Wales and are held in the collec-
tion of the Mitchell Library in Sydney.
M
ary Wild came from an old fami-
ly in Mallow, Ireland. She met
Adjutant, John Henry Wild, when
his regiment, the 48th
Northamptonshires, was sent to Mallow in
1804. As there were no Army barracks in
Mallow, the regiment was billeted in private
homes, which is how they met.
Mary may have been married before
because her name was Mary Edward and
she had a small daughter, Margaret. She
may have been a widow because she and
John were married in Ballyvourney Catholic
Church in May 1804. Eighteen months
later the Regiment was transferred to Birr in
Queens County, just a month before her son
John Benton Wild was born. She would
have had to leave her home and move to
Birr when she was eight months pregnant.
When John Benton was ten years old the
Regiment was sent to Sydney, New South
Wales in 1817, then under the Governorship
of Lachlan Macquarie. As the ship sailed
into Sydney Harbour, Mary described what
she saw in a letter to her mother.
"It would be impossible to describe the
beauty and grandeur of the scene we wit-
nessed when we came within sight of Port
Jackson. It appeared like a fairyland and
such a prospect I never beheld. It is summer
time and the people are busy harvesting and
getting in their corn; everything is in a
flourishing state and the crop abundant.
This must surely be the Garden of the
World."
The next year, 1818, Mary's daughter
was married to Charles Vandermeulan, a
naval Lieutenant. Mary would have been
well pleased with this match so soon after
their arrival even though Margaret was only
15 years old, because it was her primary
duty as a mother to have her children 'marry
well'. Governor Macquarie himself and
Captain Piper sent their own carriages to
take Margaret and her family to the wed-
ding. The young couple made their home in
Van Diemen's land (Tasmania).
In the same letter Mary described the
town of Sydney and her new country in
glowing terms:-
"This is a very fine country, the town of
Sydney is very large and the Barracks beau-
tiful, fruit and vegetables are plentiful and
they feed the pigs with peaches, pota-
16 The District Reporter Monday May 4, 2009
The Oaks Historical Society
meets on the firsdt Monday of every month for interesting activities and guest
speakers at the Wollondilly Heritage Centre, Edwards Street, The Oaks. The
Heritage Centre is open every weekend and public holidays from 10am to
4pm. For details call Ben or Doreen Lyons on 4681 0472.
toes…We had good rations when we arrived
first but they have been taken from us, only
6 married privates to each company receive
them our present allowance is 12lbs. of
good beef, 12lbs. of bread, and 2 quarts of
rum per week and 2s 6d a day for a horse,
some of the Convicts have made their for-
tunes here, but if they rode in a coach and
six we dare not associate with them, they are
all thieves and robbers, there are eight to be
hanged this week. They have regular events
here and people of bad character are trans-
ported to NewCastle to hard labour."
In this letter, Mary Wild echoed the
accepted opinion of her contemporaries in
her description of convicts, yet makes no
mention of the fact that the 'best school' was
in fact run by an ex-convict, John Halloran.
The school, then called 'Dr Halloran's
Establishment for Liberal Education' was
begun in 1819 after Halloran received his
ticket of leave and later became the Sydney
Grammar School. John Benton Wild and
Henry Robinson were presented with silver
medals for their achievements in 1820.
Mary's husband, John Henry Wild, was
appointed Superintendent of Stock at
Cawdor, near Camden, in an effort to pro-
tect and domesticate the herds of cattle that The Granville home of Blanche Abercrombie Wild, wife of Judge Meymotte and
daughter of John Benton Wild - a replica of 'Vanderville', the house which John
roamed the Cowpasture Plains. These cattle
were the progeny of the original small heard Henry and Mary Wild built at The Oaks. The original house was destroyed by
fire.
brought to the colony from South Africa on
the First Fleet in 1788. They escaped from and only John to settle, so if he lives he will clothing, I make my dairy pay for them. I
their enclosure in Farm Cove, Sydney and be a rich man and a good one. John is call- must not forget to mention that I am a cele-
wandered along the Hawkesbury/Nepean ing his estate "Williamwood" after his friend brated cheese-maker, have made upwards of
Rivers until they crossed the Nepean (River) and cousin in England, William Cox and we one thousand pounds since last year!"
at Camden Ford and stayed to breed along are calling our estate, "Vanderville", after
John Benton Wild married Emmeline
the river flats. The cattle were discovered in Margaret's husband. He has now risen to Susannah Gaudry at the Heber Chapel,
1795 and cattle stations erected at Cawdor, the rank of Captain!"
Cobbitty. Emmeline's parents died when she
Brownlow Hill, The Oaks and Stonequarry Their grant, Vanderville, was 2000 acres was a child and she was brought up by Mrs
(Picton) to domesticate the wild cattle and
which, with John's annual salary of £50, Mileham, widow of surgeon Dr Mileham,
make them available as breeding stock for would have made them a family of sub- at Macquarie Grove. Mrs Mileham lived
colonial farmers. stance. They ran cattle on this land while with John and Emmeline after their mar-
"We are living at a Government Cattle they were at Cawdor and concentrated on riage in 1832. Their son, John Henry, was
getting young John settled at Williamwood. born in 1833. John Wild Snr, Mary Wild
Station called 'Cawdor' on the Cowpastures
and it is one day's journey from Sydney. We "The Government has given young John and Margaret Vandermeulan all died in
have a beautiful house and a garden con- 600 acres of land within a mile of the farm. 1834 and so young John had to take on the
taining nearly four acres and well stocked We purchased a few cows and with their responsibilities of his parents' property as
with fruit and vegetables …… Our stock is increase we have nearly 100. We have 17 well as his own. He encouraged new set-
small - eleven cows, one calf, three working men whom we have to clothe and feed with tlers to come out from the "Old Country"
bullocks, one horse and cart, sixty pigs and two suits of slops each in the year, four and wrote enthusiastically to his friend
plenty of fowls, ducks, turkeys and geese. I pounds of pork, ten pounds of flour, two William Cox:-
have learned to ride a horse and I like the ounces of tea, one pound of sugar, two "Emigrants are arriving in vast numbers
country much better than Sydney ….." ounces of tobacco and a quarter a pound of from all parts of the globe - this is the Land
John Henry Wild was also later appoint- soap for each man per week. There is also of Promise that all are flocking to!"
a female servant and a boy. The men are
ed Clerk of the Bench in Camden and Mary Wild's actions in bringing her fam-
became an influential figure in colonial employed on the farm. We have 26 acres of ily so far from their origins and sacrificing
wheat this year. The pork we raise our- so much for them would possibly have been
society. In 1826 the Wilds were given a
grant of land on Werriberri Creek at The selves, 35 pigs are now fat in the sty. John validated by these remarks of her son.
Oaks and their son, John Benton (Wild) was grows the tobacco, I make my own soap,
starch and vinegar. Pepper is growing in From 'Womens' Voices' published by
given a grant of land close by:-
the garden and as for tea, sugar and slop The Oaks Historical Society and available
"We have good prospects of doing well from The Wollondilly Heritage Centre