FYI November 15

PULL OUT AND KEEP! PENRITH’S NUMBER ONE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

ISSUE 161 15.11.13

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

RAISE R AISE ME UP BUSHFIRE BENEFIT CONCERT

MIND TEASERS WEEKLY PUZZLES INSIDE!

THE ILLUSIONIST COSENTINO: DISCOVER THE MAGIC IN PERSON!

WW5808

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Christmas Dinners $20 or $30

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Cover Story

COSENTINO: MAGIC, MYSTERY, MADNESS!

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From a book filled with Vaudevillian posters to building his own magic empire, Cosentino shares with SHANNON COCHRANE the story of his amazing journey as a magician and illusionist...

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s a little boy, Cosentino was transfixed by a mystical magic book he found in the library but never could have guessed that two decades on he’d be a great illusionist with his own empire of tours and TV shows.

The Victorian-born Cosentino, who is undoubtedly Australia’s most renowned magician, is currently on his nation-wide tour ‘The Magic, The Mystery, The Madness’ and will perform at The Star on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17.

With stage illusions, death defying escapes and street magic, the show is entertaining and gives fans the opportunity to see Cosentino’s mysterious stunts on stage rather than behind a television screen.

“It’s one thing to see it all on TV and then it’s a completely different thing to see it all live.

When someone levitates right before your very eyes, or I disappear right before your very eyes and appear in the audience, it’s very potent stuff, it’s much more powerful than most people expect,” he said.

Many of the show’s adrenalin rush stunts are risky, and Cosentino has previously sustained injuries including blown ear drums, cracked ribs and even a broken ankle.

“The danger element is all very real, there’s no illusion about that,” he admitted.

Cosentino’s current tour coincides with his three-part television special, with the final episode due to air on Channel 7 on Wednesday, November 20.

Each show is a one hour long program of impressive, slickly staged illusion and tricks but behind the scenes, it took a year of brainstorming, planning and shooting to create the final product.

FYi Issue 161 Editor Troy Dodds Troy.Dodds@mediaview.com.au

“It’s taken a year to write the show and put it together… it’s very easy coming up with the idea… but in my craft, how do you make it a reality? How do you levitate someone, how do you disappear right before someone’s very eyes? It’s a very creative process we have to go through in order to bring it to life and then of course there’s the choosing of locations, then there’s costumes and lighting,” he said.

But despite the extreme effort the show requires, it’s all worth it for Cosentino, who has wanted to be an illusionist since he was a young boy.

“I came across this book in the library and the book had all these really fascinating old vaudevillian posters… it was just very attractive to me and at the back of this book they had tricks that you would learn magic from.

Something about the imagery really captured my imagination, I guess that’s why now in my shows the imagery is so strong and powerful,” he said.

This boyhood dream turned into a reality when Cosentino was 21 and decided to take a break from his university degree in business to pursue his life-long love of magic.

It was a difficult path to travel, with Cosentino finding that there were no real Australian stage magicians who had set an example.

Although he has often been compared to Criss Angel, Cosentino said that he was not influenced by the American illusionist growing up, but appreciates his work.

“I was doing it before he actually was, I was doing that kind of style before him… the difference was, he’s got an extra 20-something years on me. I always had a kind of edgy, street kind of image with the dance and that

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FYi Advertising Manager Paulette Adams Paulette.Adams@mediaview.com.au

Phone: 4722 2998 Fax: 4731 6255 Content Shannon Cochrane Nathan Taylor

Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Steet Jamisontown, NSW 2750 Production Irene Adams Maddy Searle

The danger element is all very real, there’s no illusion about that type of thing. What he’s done is he’s opened up the market to make it accessible to the public, which is a great thing,” he said.

While Cosentino has perfected his craft, he is now branching out to help younger would-be magicians hone their skills with his ‘Cosentino Master Illusions Magic Kit’, which includes more than 100 magic tricks for fans to try at home.

“This is really that first step towards the teaching process I’m interested in – to put together a kit that basically has the fundamentals of magic, things you really need to know in order to have great sleight of hand and great dexterity but also things that are cool… things I did on my TV show,” he said.

If his television show, tour and

entrepreneurial ventures weren’t enough to keep him busy, Cosentino is also currently a contestant on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, which has consumed his time with rehearsals.

“It’s like this love-hate relationship, when you first learn the dance steps you kind of go ‘oh my gosh, I’m never going to get this, I hate it’. Then for me, I almost become obsessed by it, I’m cha-cha-ing in the shower,” he said.

Cosentino will perform at The Star, Sydney on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17. Tickets start at $79.90. Visit www.cosentino. com.au or www.livenation.com.au.

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Live

RAISE ME UP BUSHFIRE BENEFIT

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ocal performers are uniting to help raise funds for the victims of the recent devastating NSW bushfires. The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre has joined with Penrith Musical Comedy Company and the Western Weekender to announce ‘Raise Me Up’, a special Bushfire Benefit Concert to be held on Monday, November 18.

It is an approved fundraiser event for The Salvation Army, to provide assistance to people impacted by the recent bushfire crisis, which destroyed over 200 homes.

‘Australia’s Got Talent’ winner Mark Vincent will be headlining the star-studded event, along with Golden Guitar winner Tamara Stewart and multi-award winning musical theatre star Wayne Scott Kermond.

These stars will be joined by other featured performers including ‘Grease’ star Daniel Raso, Opera Australia’s Keara Donohue, Isabella Taylor, singer songwriter Laura Zarb, the ELO Tribute Band, students from Nepean Creative Arts High School and past

and present casts from the Penrith Musical Comedy Company.

On top of that impressive line-up, more artists are expected to be announced soon and the Western Sydney Wanderers will be special guests.

Ms Hania Radvan, CEO of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, is a Springwood resident and was personally affected by the bushfires when she had to evacuate. Although Ms Radvan’s house was saved, she has many friends who sadly lost their homes, and said the fundraiser is important to assist the community.

“Thousands of people have been impacted by the recent NSW bushfires, with over 200 homes lost in the neighbouring Blue Mountains. These are our patrons, our neighbours and our community. It’s an honour to be able to host this event with all funds raised going to the Salvation Army’s Bushfire Appeal,” Ms Radvan said.

The Penrith Musical Comedy Company

president Grant Jones has been busy lining up performers to support the concert.

“We were all deeply touched by the bushfires and we want to help our neighbours in need. This is a great way to be able to do it, while also having a fun and entertaining night.

There will be an amazing line-up of talent on the stage, plus stars of the Western Sydney Wanderers have just announced they will be present in the foyer on the night,” Mr Jones

said.

Attendees will also be able to enter a raffle with great prizes including holidays, and there will be a special tribute to the heroic fire fighters who helped save so many properties.

‘Raise Me Up’ will be held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Monday, November 18 at 7.30pm. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for concession. For bookings call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.

opera, drama and Shakespeare.

She is the current Artistic Director of Siren Theatre Co, where she has worked on productions including ‘The Lunch Hour’, ‘The New Electric Ballroom’ and Shakespearean classics ‘As You Like It’, ‘Richard III’ and ‘Twelfth Night’.

The cast includes talented actors Emily Ayoub, Branden Christine, Anthony Weir, Michael Cutrupi and Kate Worsley and the play

is set to the music of Daryl Wallis.

This twisted, magical production is an unpredictable tale bound to keep audiences glued to their seats.

‘The Violent Outburst That Drew Me To You’ will show at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta from Thursday, November 21 until Saturday, November 30. Tickets are $27 for adults or $23 for concession. Call 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au.

RIVERSIDE: THE VIOLENT OUTBURST

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eenagers have long been known for having “attitude problems”, and now adolescent anger is explored in dramatic form in a gripping play at the Riverside Theatres.

The third and final installment of the 2013 True West Theatre Season, ‘The Violent Outburst That Drew Me To You’ is set to shock and impress audiences.

The play, written by Finegan Kruckemeyer, will be performed at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta from Thursday, November 21 through to Saturday, November 30.

The story is centered around 16-year-old Connor, who is perpetually angry and annoyed with people and things he once used to like or enjoy.

More concerning is Connor’s inability to understand why he is angry, and his struggle to control his feelings, which leads him to isolate himself in the middle of the country.

While Connor has resigned himself to being alone with his anger forever, he soon

discovers that he has company in the middle of nowhere, meeting a girl in the woods who shares his rage issues.

With clever writing and a talented cast, ‘The Violent Outburst That Drew Me To You’ sets out to explore the reality and consequences of teenage rage and, while unsettling, is sure to ring true for anyone who has been on the receiving end of bad attitude from teens.

The play was written by Finegan Kruckemeyer, one of the country’s most exciting and talented playwrights, whose works have been performed across Europe, Asia and America.

He is the inaugural recipient of a Sydney Myer Creative Fellowship, and his play ‘The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy’ is in talks to be performed on Broadway.

‘The Violent Outburst That Drew Me To You’ is brought to life on the stage by director Kate Gaul, who has worked with every major theatre company in Sydney on musicals,

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Live

CARTER DUO SET TO MAKE A KILLEEN

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ountry music veterans Carter and Carter will team up with rising star Tracy Killeen for a night of unforgettable music.

The three performers will bring their unique country styles together for a concert at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday, November 15.

Victorian band Carter and Carter, who were named Australian Independent Country Music Artists of the Decade, have built up a devoted fan base since their debut chart single ‘You Were There’ was released in 2000.

The duo, made up of David and Merelyn Carter, have released six albums and a DVD and won a Gold Guitar Award, APRA Most Performed Country Work Award, the CMAA Industry Achiever Award for Independent Entertainer of the Year and more.

Their most recent release was the 2011 album ‘To The Moon and Back’, which was received well by radio listeners and produced three hit singles ‘Dance In the Rain’, ‘A Good Life’ and ‘To The Moon and Back’.

They were among the youngest artists to be inducted into the Tamworth ‘Hands of Fame’, along with famous musicians including Slim Dusty and Lee Kernaghan.

Carter and Carter will be joined on stage

by Tracy Killeen, an up-and-coming star on the country music scene who has already carved out an impressive career for herself.

Killeen released her debut solo album ‘Back There’ in 2007 at the Gympie Optus National Music Muster, and it went on to sell more copies than the releases of any other artists at the massive festival.

Her second solo album ‘Driver’s Seat’ was released in 2010, with the lead single ‘Brave’ reaching number one on the Country Tracks Charts for four consecutive weeks and earning her three finalist nominations in the Southern Stars Independent Country Music Awards.

The musician is known for her entertaining stage performances, and has played at the CMA Festival in Nashville.

With the combined talent and stage

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presence of Carter and Carter and Tracy Killeen, the concert is set to be a killer performance. Carter and Carter and Tracy Killeen will perform at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday,

November 15 at 8pm. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for visitors. For bookings or more information, call 9625 5500 or visit www. rootyhillrsl.com.au.

gone from strength to strength, with renowned Creative Director of ‘The Voice’, Marko Panzic, on the panel of judges.

The three heats for Fast+Fresh Dance took

place earlier this week with the final set for this Saturday, November 16 at 7.30pm.

To book or for more information visit www. riversideparramatta.com.au or call 8839 3399.

DANCERS SHOW THEIR TALENTS

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our young local dancers plus a school group from Penrith High School have taken part in the popular Fast+Fresh Dance competition held at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta this week.

Tala Matautia from Colyton, Penrith High duo Mitchell Donnan and Nariddh Khean, and Emily Platts from South Penrith have all featured in the yearly youth festival, which showcases short dance works choreographed and performed by some of Sydney’s finest young talent.

Fast+Fresh Dance Festival promotes talent and performance by choreographers and dancers aged 21 and under.

The festival inspires and educates young performers to strive for their own artistic excellence and encourages active participation in dance at all levels and styles including contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, krumping and cultural dance.

All participants in Fast+Fresh Dance are qualified for sponsored awards such as Most

Outstanding Choreography, Best Male Dancer, Best Female Dancer and the Audience Choice Award.

This year, additional awards will be offered for Best Solo, Best Duet and Best Group.

The festival is sponsored by a group of important organisations in the dance industry including Ausdance NSW, Ars Musica Australis and Sydney Dance Company, along with Flatline, Anything Dance and Urban Dance Centre.

The local entrants will join dancers from all across Sydney, with schools and acts coming from suburbs across the city including Epping, Cronulla, Bondi, Pendle Hill, Bidwill, Umina, Drummoyne, Kurrajong and Narellan Vale.

Many participants from the 2012 season of Fast+Fresh Dance have now gone on to bigger things with many training at elite institutions for dance, including the WA Academy of Performing Arts and the New Zealand School of Dance.

Now in its sixth year, this competition has

Live

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

AGENT 69

Friday, November 15 St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry

PETER POWERS

Saturday, November 16 Rooty Hill RSL $35

Carter and Carter & Tracy Killeen Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $10 members/$15 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 New Horizon Band Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Live Band Karaoke Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 Agent 69 Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Time Machine Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 4737 4600 3 Rams Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Pludo

Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Old School Band Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Peter Powers Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $35, 8pm 9625 5500 Urban Stone Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 The Frocks Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Franky Valentyn Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Blackwater Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Highway To Hell Venue: Fitzroy Hotel

Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Lee Kernaghan Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $49.90, 8pm 9830 0600 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Too Many Guitars Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Ian Blakeney Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry, 8.30pm 4737 4600

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555 The Listening Room Venue: Penrith Panthers Free entry, 12pm, 4720 5555

IT’S GO TIME WITH ARJ BARKER

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rj Barker’s energetic stage presence and witty routines have made him one of America’s most beloved comedians among young audiences.

Now the California-born funnyman is visiting down under and will be performing at the Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers on Wednesday, November 20.

It has been a few years since Barker has been in Australia, after his previous wildly successful tour in 2011.

Since then, he has been constantly touring solo as well as joining his friends from ‘The Flight of the Concords’ on the stage for hijinks.

His return to Australia with brand new tour ‘Go Time’ is one that fans and comedy lovers in general won’t want to miss, with Barker planning a laugh out loud hilarious show.

A mysterious teaser of the show has been provided for fans, with a description that said: “The lights dim. The music fades. The audience applauds with anticipation. Or they just get alarmingly quiet. Every show you’ve

ever done leads up to this point, but it’s the only show that matters now. Have you got the goods, kid? They’re about to find out. It’s Go Time.”

Barker himself has promised a tour that will wow and please audiences, with lots of surprises in store.

“It’s what the audience expects to see from me and at the same time what they don’t expect from me, which if my calculations are correct, will make for a great show,” he said.

The comedian has had success across the globe, with performances in his home country America as well as Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

Despite his American roots, Barker has become one of Australia’s favourite comedians, and has returned the favour by touring here regularly – in fact, he spent more time in Australia than his own country over the past few years and has a deep understanding of our culture and what makes Aussie audiences roll around in laughter.

On top of his touring, Barker has already released comedy DVDs and appeared in television series including ‘Thank God You’re Here’, ‘The Glass House’ and ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’.

His shows have been well-received by critics in the past, with London’s Independent on Sunday calling Barker, “a true alchemist who takes observations and transmutes them

into comedy gold”.

The Scotland Times also described him as, “slick, talented and completely in control”.

Arj Barker will bring his tour ‘Go Time’ to the Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers on Wednesday, November 20 at 7.40pm.

For bookings or more information on the show, call 132 849 or visit the website www. ticketek.com.au.

Live FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

ADAM BRAND ALBUM LAUNCH

Friday, November 22 Rooty Hill RSL $35

HOTSHOTS

Saturday, November 23 Mounties, Mt Pritchard $20 members / $25 visitors

Adam Brand Album Launch Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $35, 8pm 9625 5500 El Circo Blanc Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $80 members/$90 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 The Bandits Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Hogans Heroes Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Live Band Karaoke Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Hotshots Venue: Coolibah Hotel, Merrylands West $25, 8pm 9637 2849 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090

The Remixes Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Rockology Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Take A Hit Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 4737 4600

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Hogans Heroes Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Hotshots Venue: Mounties, Mt Pritchard $20 members/$25 visitors, 8.30pm 9822 3555 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Wild Catz

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Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Roy Orbison Reborn Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $25 members/$30 visitors, 8pm 9830 0600 The Bandits Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Chris Drummond Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Skyz The Limit Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Minus House Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Blaming Vegas Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Want your gig listed? Email Shannon.

Cochrane@WesternWeekender.com.au

FESTIVITIES COMMENCE AT RICK’S

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t’s off and running. The most anticipated time of the year at the Blue Mountains’ most renowned country store and homewares destination – Rick Rutherford’s Country has unveiled the business’ breathtaking 2013 Christmas collections.

Launched on November 2 already several thousand people have streamed through the door to witness first-hand the amazing Christmas displays that have a distinct nostalgic tone and centre around the theme of ‘Memories of Christmases Past’. And they’re open all the way through to Christmas Eve. At the end of all the trials and difficulties of this year, the joys and accomplishments, the memorable events and the forgettable, this is the one time of the year when everyone can come together and celebrate, to remember and consolidate.

And this is just what Rick Rutherford’s Country has focused on in putting together a staggering display of over 45 beautifully themed trees and an amazing array of unique,

specially-imported and many handmade festive wares.

As owner Rick Rutherford explains, “Over the years we have gained a wonderful reputation for offering one of the most unique Christmas ranges anywhere. Each of the 10 rooms of our Lawson heritage gallery is decked to the nines, as the entire building has been transformed into a veritable Christmas wonderland. And we continue to maintain the themes of each of the rooms as well, with displays reflecting the respective Victorian, English, Folk, Children’s, Retro and Cottage looks”.

Renowned for creating tree displays that are ‘stand alone artworks’ in their own right, this year’s tree themes include a glass angel bell tree, three fabulous retro tributes, several vintage Victorian trees, wooden folk trees, snowman story, cardinal and bird trees, a towering traditional English tree covered in collectable glass ornaments, a gingerbread man tree, very special children’s tree,

Australiana tree and many, many more.

“The wonderful thing about our annual Christmas displays is that so many people now anticipate their unveiling in early November and come from far and wide to see what we have created,” said Mr Rutherford.

“We have imported a huge cache of festive goods from many parts of the world and they are unique to us in Australia. Plus there are

many handmade wares and one-off collectable Christmas treasures.”

And to complement such an endless selection of festive fare, Rick Rutherford’s Country has also assembled the biggest selection of homewares and gift-giving ideas.

Rick Rutherford’s Country is located in ‘Badger House’, 3 Badgery Crescent, Lawson and is open daily 10am to 5pm.

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What’s On The...

SMALL SCREEN

BIG SCREEN

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ritten and directed by Nicole Holofcener ‘Enough Said’ is a highly rated film about a divorced single mum Eva, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

She enjoys spending her days working as a masseuse and is dreading her daughter’s looming departure for college. This is until she meets Albert, played by James Gandolfini – a sweet, funny man who is also single.

Just as their romance starts to blossom, Eva gets a new massage client named Marianne (Catherine Keener), who she strikes up a friendship with.

Marianne is a wonderful poet and seems almost perfect, except for one noticeable flaw: she talks about her ex-husband far too much.

From listening to Marianne’s rants, Eva begins to doubt the relationship she shares with Albert as she learns the unpleasant truth about her friend’s ex. ‘Enough Said’ is a sharp, perceptive comedy that uses humour to explore the mess that humans often have to face when entering the dating circle again after a long hiatus.

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ENOUGH SAID [ Rated PG] Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini & Catherine Keener

CONSOLE

THE CITIZEN [ Rated PG] Starring: Khaled Nabawy, Agnes Bruckner & William Atherton

STEREO

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tarring all of your favourite Marvel characters in one action-packed adventure game, ‘Lego Marvel Super Heroes’ on Xbox 360 is a title that is bound to be popular with players of all ages.

The game includes an array of colourful characters from all across the Marvel universe, including Iron Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America, Black Widow, Loki and Deadpool.

The recent trend towards superhero action movies means that this game rides a wave of popularity and should fly off the shelves.

‘Lego Marvel Super Heroes’ allows players to get into the action themselves and perform all the big, exciting moves that their idols do in the films. It is a great family oriented game that is bound to bring all the family together for a little bit of friendly competition.

There are fun extras available to unlock once gamers complete all the missions and solve all the puzzles. The design of the game pays close attention to detail, so you won’t put it down!

his heartfelt tale starring Khaled Nabawy is a tragic and touching story about Ibrahim Jarrah trying to escape his life of disaster in the Middle East.

He wins the U.S Green Card Lottery and receives the chance to become an American citizen. Following a string of bad luck he arrives in New York the day before the tragic, historical events of 9/11. The aftermath of the terrorist attack changes his life forever as he struggles against discrimination and racism, meeting roadblocks in his journey the live the American dream.

While Jarrah’s heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story is the film’s main focus, ‘The Citizen’ also weaves in many other true-to-life tales about Arab-Americans striving to make a living for themselves in America at a time when they are faced with much hostility and suspicion.

‘The Citizen’ screened at numerous film festivals including the 2012 Boston Film Festival, where it received the Best Ensemble Cast and Mass Impact Awards.

LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES [ Rated PG] XBOX 360

lmost everyone in Australia knows her name after Dami Im recently won the grand final of popular television show ‘The X Factor Australia’.

Now the songstress has given fans a taste of her recorded material, releasing her anticipated self-titled album that includes her smash hits from the show.

Adoring Dami fans will be delighted with the chance to purchase a signed copy of the record.

From humble beginnings, Dami has risen to glittering stardom and quickly became a favourite on ‘The X Factor’, where she received standing ovations five weeks in a row – a record that had never before been achieved in the program’s history.

With every performance, Dami got bigger and better and showed the public what a dynamic artist she can be. From the slow, classical songs that showed off her vocal pipes to the groovy, fun disco songs that had people up out of their seats dancing along, Dami became a master of all genres.

Her talents are showcased in high-

quality, recorded glory. The album’s lead single ‘Alive’ has already hit the airwaves and entered the ARIA charts in pole position, and the rest of the record is just as good, marking out the beginning of a promising career.

DAMI IM DAMI IM

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RAISE ME UP A fundraiser for victims of the NSW Bushfire Crisis Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Monday, November 18 at 7.30pm Tickets $40 adults / $25 concession / $100 family of four

MARK VINCENT WAYNE SCOTT KERMOND THE IDEA OF NORTH

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2013 WINNER FOR SPECIALISED BUSINESS

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Would YOU like to join us for lunch?

It’s easy! Go to www.humanise.com.au and register BUSINESS OWNERS TAKE A BREAK

REFER NEW BUSINESS IN 60 SECONDS EXCLUSIVE TO HUMANISE MEMBERS ONLY

EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION

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Becoming a member is easy Your membership will include: • All monthly lunches • End of year Humanise Members only Christmas Party • Create your own personalised Business Profile with photos and videos • Full access to Humanise Business Directory • Your Business promoted weekly to other Humanise members of your group • $5 donated to Foundation 5Dollars each month • Rotational seating every month-creating new business opportunities For more information or to join visit us at www.humanise.com.au or call Kylie on 0415 950 493

WE’RE NOT TELLING YOU WHERE IT IS....

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THAT IT’S MASQUERADE

DATE: 11th December 2013 8AM Bus leaves Penrith Panthers McDonalds Please arrive before 7:45am 10AM (ALL GROUPS) - Meeting Location - Cargo Bar Kings Street Wharf - 52-60 The Promenade Sydney 4PM Lunch Concludes - Bus departs from Kings Street Wharf for Penrith Group RSVP: ADMIN 0415 950 492 - admin@humanise.com.au WW5811

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Wine and Dine

EAT OUT THIS WEEKEND

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O

o longer do you have to drive up to an hour away to experience quality seafood. Right here in Penrith, you can get the best of the best at Hanks Seafood Co inside Panthers. You will love the variety on the menu and the atmosphere of the new restaurant, which has been earning rave reviews from locals. Make sure you make a night of it and try something from the entrée menu as well as the delicious mains and the desserts. The fresh salmon and lobster are our picks! If you’re a seafood lover, you will not be disappointed by Hanks.

HANKS

Panthers complex, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

Phone 4720 5652.

ne of Penrith’s newest restaurants, Rashay’s is perfect for the entire family with a spacious layout and casual atmosphere. Located on Mulgoa Road, the huge restaurant has a range of dishes including from pizza to steak, seafood and chicken – which is their specialty. There’s a range of starters, main courses and some beautiful desserts, so make sure you turn up to Rashay’s hungry! If you haven’t tried Rashay’s yet, make some time with the family and head there this weekend for affordable, good quality food.

RASHAY’S

Y

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

A CHEAPER WINE YOU’LL BE HAPPY TO NAME-DROP

by David Ellis

N

ame-drop to family or friends that you’re inviting them around to Sunday brunch accompanied by a Trophy winner from this year’s Melbourne Wine Show, and then surprise them by revealing that your trophy-winning Best Riesling of Show cost you all of a recommended $11.99.

We’re talking about the Jacob’s Creek 2012 Riesling, a wine that impressed the judges with its sweet floral and citrus flavours, framed by a soft acid backbone.

“Our classic Riesling has always punched above its weight in terms of quality, and there’s a real passion for it among our winemaking team,” said Jacob’s Creek Chief Winemaker, Bernard Hickin.

“We had some exceptional fruit from the 2012 vintage in Langhorne Creek, and the Barossa and Clare Valleys. And already the 2013 vintage is also looking good too.”

Always a wonderfully versatile food-friendly wine, Riesling matches a whole diversity of

W

ou certainly won’t leave Outback Steakhouse with an empty stomach that is for certain! The meals are of a generous portion, and taste brilliant!

Why not try some cheesy fries or a famous Bloomin’ Onion for a starter, and then move on to one of the delicious steaks – we love the Victoria’s Fillet the best! It’s not only steak they do well here, either. The Alice Springs Chicken is one of the best items on the menu and a must try dish for any occasion. Make sure you book as it’s one of Penrith’s most popular restaurants.

Panthers complex, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

Phone 4732 2577.

dishes at the table, so match this with brunchtime seafood entrees, mains based on simple barbecued pork chops with apple sauce, spicy Thai, Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines, and desserts such as apple and lime zest tarts or fruit flans.

One to note: This month sees the 30th annual release of Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, this year’s wine coming from the 2011 vintage and the first to bear a revamped label based on one the company used back in the 1980’s.

Available at selected Vintage Cellars and Dan Murphy stores, or online at www. katnookestate.com.au, this is a wine worth searching out, particularly as it’s one of just 38 listed as “Distinguished” in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine V. From a vintage highlighted by aboveaverage summer rains, it’s a wine generous with fruit flavours, finely grained tannins and underlying mocha notes; worth the $40 for special occasion dining.

Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 1300 013 000. e all love a great pizza but arguably Penrith’s best can be found at Panarottis inside Penrith Panthers. Whether it be the delicious Mobster pizza, or something a little more unique and gourmet, Panarotti’s has an awesome, varied menu. There are also pasta, steak and chicken dishes on offer. With a wide selection for the entire family, it’s no wonder Panarottis is one of the leading choices around town for birthday parties, work events or other functions. There’s definitely something here for everyone.

PANAROTTIS

Panthers complex, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

Phone 4720 5522.

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Relax ACROSS

Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

Solution to last week’s mind benders

1. ... had a little lamb 4. Corn niblets 8. Rainforest plant 11. Reduce by 50% 13. Unadorned 15. Breadth 17. Crib 18. Baby carriages 20. Despondent 21. Undermine (confidence) 24. Film star 27. Billiards stick 28. Length unit 30. Hindu land 31. Overwhelming defeats 33. Companion 34. Baiting 35. Fervent prayer 36. Bumpkin 39. Royal abode 42. Old photo colour 44. Duck or goose 45. Cabs 46. Sergeants (1,1,2) 48. Entitlement 49. Frequent regularly 50. Soviet region (1,1,1,1) 52. Liquid 54. At this place 55. The Fonz, ... Winkler 56. Bedouins 57. Assessment 60. Muddle (up) 62. Come to pass 65. Puzzle 67. Nursery poem 69. Nobody (2-3) 70. Country, Sri ...

72. Spy group (1,1,1) 73. Nudges 75. Tacked on 77. Bullfight cheer 79. Tier 81. Major computer firm (1,1,1)

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Not weatherproof Rectify (text) Faithful List of meals Azure (3,4) South African currency

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Probability Valley Ogled Tall bird Oft-pierced body part

Night owls may have noticed recently that Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show on GO! has disappeared. It’s understood the network aren’t able to air the series as it’s no longer being produced by Warner Bros, a Nine affiliate. What a shame!

CHATTER ON THE BOX with Nathan Taylor

A

ustralia’s Got Talent is over for another year and yet again another singing act has taken out the top prize. Indie band Uncle Jed, who won the Channel Nine series last Sunday, is now the seventh music act, if you include Justice Crew, to take out the competition from seven ‘AGT’ seasons. Unbelievable. I find this statistic to be quite disturbing considering we already have two talent shows judging singing talent throughout the year: ‘The Voice’ and ‘The X-Factor’. I just hope that one year a magician, comedian or even an acrobat is crowned the winner because I’m just about over these singers and I’m sure Australia is too. Broaden the definition of ‘talent’!

We mentioned a few months ago that popular ABC show ‘Spicks and Specks’ will be making a comeback next year after a number of years off the screen. It was reported last week that comedians Josh Earl and Adam Richard along with former Killing Heidi singer Ella Hooper will form the new-look panel.

Popular UK drama series ‘Downton Abbey’ has been renewed for a fifth season

by English broadcaster ITV. ‘Downton Abbey’ is one of the hottest international shows at the moment, which has seen it win a number of Emmys during its four-year run. Ratings for the show in Australia have also been consistently high for the Seven Network.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ is taking a break from Sunday nights beginning this weekend with a nature documentary titled ‘Wild Planet: North America’ airing in its place at 7.30pm.

‘Sunday Night’ will also shift to 6.30pm.

Two popular shows returning to Foxtel next week include the 20th season of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ on FOX 8 and the brand new series of ‘Project Runway’ on Arena. A number of high profile judges are set to join ‘Project Runway’ this season including Kate Bosworth, Kelly Osbourne, Sigourney Weaver and Kaley Cuoco. ‘Project

Runway’ premiers Wednesday, November 20 at 8.30pm.

Also returning is ‘ANTM’ with a new twist this year… men! For the first time in the show’s history, eight guys and eight girls will battle it out to become America’s next top model.

‘ANTM’ premieres Tuesday, November 19 at 7.30pm.

Lastly, I wanted to wish Channel Ten’s Morning Television Producer and Breakfast TV mastermind, Adam Boland, all the best during this tough time. Boland has been working tirelessly over the past year to launch the new ‘Wake Up’ and ‘Studio 10’ brands at Ten and it seems all that hard work has finally taken its toll. Boland is now in Vanuatu with his family getting some well earned rest. Get well buddy!

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Relax

YOU’LL BE SINGING ‘THE HILLS ARE ALIVE’ ON MOUNT PILATUS

by David Ellis

W

hen Swiss engineer Eduard Locher revealed he’d got the government’s approval to build a railway from the shores of Lake Lucerne to the summit of the 2200m high Mount Pilatus in the centre of the craggy Swiss Alps, folks decided that either the government was mad, Mr Locher was mad – or they both were mad.

It was the 1880’s, and while rail was the newest craze in driving the equally-newest craze of mass tourism, steam trains simply couldn’t climb gradients steeper than six degrees… although in America a new-fangled invention called a cogwheel railway actually climbed at an incredible 37-degrees up Mount Washington.

But Mr Locher’s railway would need to climb Mt Pilatus at an even steeper rate than this: his would need rise at an extraordinary 48-degrees.

And to achieve it he would have to rethink what the Americans had done with their cogwheel, which relied on the driving cogs of the engine engaging a “rack” of teeth cut vertically into the rails… and which Mr Locher feared at 48-degrees could simply pop out

with calamitous runaway results.

After much experimentation, he ultimately came up with a wheel-and-cog arrangement that had horizontal teeth rather than vertical ones, engaging into both sides of a centre rail that made it impossible for the driving cogs to disengage while either climbing up or braking down Mt Pilatus.

But although the government had given him permission to build his railway, when he asked for a tax-payer-funded subsidiary to get his cogwheel railway on track, so to speak, he got a very firm “No”.

Undaunted he went to private investors who willingly gave him the money – again much to most people’s dismay – and in June 1889, three years after starting work with 800 construction workers, the Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway carried its first passengers up into the Swiss Alps.

To this day it is still privately operated, has never suffered a financial loss and is still the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

The first Mt Pilatus trains were steam powered, but this was changed to electric traction in 1937, and today 10 little red railcars

that each carries 40 passengers, take 30 minutes to ascend the 4.6km long track from Alpnachstad on Lake Lucerne, to Pilatus’ summit… compared with 1hr 20m for the original steam-drawn carriages.

The view from here, 2,132m above sealevel, is breathtaking – if it’s not clouded-in or fogged-over – and if you’ve ever wanted to do a Julie Andrews and start hollering ‘The Hills Are Alive’, this is the place to do it.

Visitors gaze down from viewing platforms and picnic tables, or from two hotels on this eagle’s eyrie, to Lake Lucerne and its fringing postcard-pretty villages below, fields of wild flowers in spring and summer, bubbly mountain streams, the city of Lucerne itself, myriad crystal blue lakes… and in one direction, no less than seventy-three mountain peaks in a row.

There’s a rope suspension-bridge playground, and the thousands who ascend the mountain each year by the cogwheel train, aerial gondolas that went into service in 1954 and an aerial cableway that opened in 1956, can also rock-climb, cycle narrow trails, marvel at the nimble-footed ibex and wonder how

these mountain goats don’t tumble off their lofty and often wet and icy perches, and ride sledges or toboggans over mountain runs.

But most just sit and take in the views, or dine in the hotels’ restaurants and cafés, opting for traditional Swiss cheese fondues and local specialties such as roast pork stuffed with prunes, crème caramel with whipped cream and to sip on local Swiss wines before going back down to Lake Lucerne.

The Hotel Pilatus-Kulm (Pilatus Summit) opened with 28 rooms in 1890 and the Hotel Bellevue with 27 rooms in 1960. Each boasts extraordinary sunsets followed by the sight of Lucerne and its surrounds lighting up in the evening, and stunning sunrises from guest rooms that truly will have you wanting to do that Julie Andrews impersonation.

The Mt Pilatus Cogwheel Railway operates from May to November, and the aerial cableway and gondola year-round, with both hotels on the summit open year-round as well.

Getting there: see travel agents about getting to Lucerne and journeying up Mt Pilatus by cogwheel train, the aerial gondola or cableway, or visit www.pilatus.ch/en.

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Opera in the Q 8.00 pm Saturday 30 November 2013 Q Theatre Starring Zoe Drummond and Daniel Nicholson with Carmen Young and Andrew Williams Conductor: Paul Terracini Director: Catherine Terracini

2013

25

CONCERT SEASON

The Telephone

Gian Carlo Menotti’s quirky comedy is presented alongside Italian operatic treasures by Mascagni, Leoncavallo, Puccini and Verdi, and Ibert’s witty Divertissement

Years Penrith Symphony Our Orchestra

Tickets: $55

Bookings: www.jspac.com.au or 02 4723 7600

Details: www.pso.org.au

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$10 LUNCH SPECIAL 60 BRAND NAME TOYS PER WEEK TO BE WON

Christmas TOY MARKET OUR FAMOUS CHRISTMAS TOY MARKET IS BACK!

Monday – Friday Plus $2.00 Cash Back and a complimentary Middy of Beer, Soft drink or House Wine. *Selected Menu Items Only.

60 fantastic brand name toys per week to be won, PLUS a $300 Bonus Draw prize each week!

Starting Friday Night November 15th and continuing through until Friday Night December 20th 2013 at 7.00pm in the Auditorium Bonus draw will be held on December 20th 2013, you must be present to win!

Kemps Creek Sporting & Bowling Club Elizabeth Drive, Kemps Creek Ph: 9826 1375 info@kcsb.com.au | www.kcsb.com.au WW3808

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A

Relax

GIVEAWAY: HOW I MET YOUR MUM

fter plenty of anticipation, the eighth legendary season of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ is available on DVD. The Emmy-award winning series is loved by millions of fans who have followed it since its very first season, with the show’s eclectic cast of characters charming over audiences.

Over seven million views regularly tune in to the show in the United States alone, and has been a massive hit in Australia too.

Josh Radnor stars as the show’s main character Ted, who is telling his future children the story of how he came to meet their mother after spending many lovelorn years looking for ‘the one’ in New York City.

In his flashbacks, he recounts his life with close friends – lawyer Marshall and his wife Lily, journalist Robin and the unforgettable ladies man Barney, whose many catchphrases and antics have made him the show’s breakout character.

The show’s talented star-studded cast includes Josh Radnor (‘Liberal Arts’) as Ted, Jason Segel (‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’) as Marshall, Alyson Hannigan (‘American Pie’, ‘Buffy’) as Lily, Cobie Smulders (‘The Avengers’) as Robin and Neil Patrick

Harris (‘The Smurfs’) as Barney.

Season eight delivers plenty of plot twists and turns, with Marshall and Lily dealing with the arrival of their baby son Marvin, which reminds them of their lack of sleep and sex, and their unsatisfying jobs.

In the meantime, Barney finally succeeds at using the suave tricks in his playbook to win over his crush Robin, although struggles to get along with her scary dad.

The gang’s work lives are also explored, with Marshall trying to fix a wrong move in court in the hopes of becoming a judge one day, and Ted designing an impressive building at his firm.

The Season 8 DVD has 23 hilarious episodes, with appearances from guest stars including Paul Shaffer, Ralph Macchio and Kyle MacLachlan.

Packed with special features, the three-disc set includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the set with Josh Radnor, a segment on the making of the Robin Sparkles’ music video and deleted scenes, a gag reel and audio commentary.

With season nine already hitting television screens across the world, catching up on all the laughs and twists of season eight is a must do.

FYI has three copies of ‘How I Met Your Mother Season 8’ on DVD to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘MOTHER’ to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Wednesday, November 20. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au.

SHAKE

By Carli Davidson

T

he highly acclaimed book Shake by Carli Davidson is unique, amusing and brilliantly documented.

It captures heart-warming and beautiful images of charismatic dogs in their most truthful moments, when they are mid-shake.

Everyone has seen a wet dog shaking its fur before but not like this. It contains 61 glorious and graphic images of dogs that will make your heart melt. You get to see the dogs in ways you never have before; hair wild, eyes darting, ears and jowls flopping in every way, simply amazing.

In 2011, Davidson began to experiment with an idea that she had been developing – capturing a dog shaking its head. She used high-speed photo techniques. She named her project ‘Shake’ and she immediately set to work to capture man’s best friend in the rawest of moments. She began to post these photos on the internet where they went viral, very quickly gathering millions of views worldwide.

Finally, she decided to put all her collections into a book – just what the fans wanted and had been waiting for. This book takes you behind the scenes where all the magic happens and Davidson tells us what her inspiration was for the project and the details about it.

She also talks about a roster of the modelling dogs, notes the importance of animal rescues and includes an entertaining collection of behind-the-scenes photos.

Davidson is an award winning photographer and an animal trainer and caretaker. Her photos have been featured in both national and international news publications, photography magazines, and websites. These include Vanity Fair, The New York Times, BBC, Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, Photo District News and ABC World News. She has a degree and background in photography, but has spent the majority of her life working in places for animal care such as zoos, shelters and nature reserves. She is an animal rights activist, volunteering with medically and behaviourally needy pets as a foster parent and trainer.

Her novel has received wonderful reviews from everyone that has read it and many book critics.

Praise from critics includes: “This simple but inspired photo shoot by Carli Davidson . . . is a hilarious portrayal of flying fur, flopping jowls, and budging eyes,” from The New York Times.

The Huffington Post had a similarly positive review, writing: “A wet, shaking dog may be a common sight for pet lovers, but few have ever seen wet dogs captured quite like this”.

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CHRISTMAS IS HERE! PENRITH TREE LIGHTS UP

C

hristmas spirit has officially reached Penrith, with the lighting of the Christmas Tree on Friday, November 8 in High Street. The event was organised by Penrith CBD Corporation, and sponsored by the Western Weekender and Vintage FM. As well as getting to see the beautiful tree lit up for the first time, Penrith residents enjoyed free face painting, a Christmas concert and twilight markets. Rikki Organ was master of ceremony, and performances included Carol Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Show, Tamara Miles Singing School, Penrith Harmony Chorus and Ex-Gracia Choir. There was also a special appearance from Santa.

People were encouraged to bring along a gift card to be contributed towards donations for a local bushfire relief.

Photos: Hilary Nathan Photography

a Saf nt r Fun

Register for the

Run o

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5.30pm Sunday 15th December

Penrith Paceway before the Festival of Carols by Candlelight Children, Families, or Businesses, this year you can run, walk or build your own sleigh to go around the track! Stay and watch the carols from 6pm.

INCLUDES YOUR SANTA SUIT

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Social Scene

Proudly supported by:

Money raised goes to United Way Penrith Community Fund towards Penrith LGA Christmas for the underprivileged & homeless.

Register at Penrith CBD office Monday to Friday (Level 1, Suite 9-11, 513-519 High St Penrith Ph: 4722 5556) OR register and get your suit on the day from 3pm at Paceway

Driving real change and improvements to Penrith CBD

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All entries go into the draw!

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