Western Weekender March 1 2024

ANOTHER TITLE DEFENCE KICKS OFF

Rugby league is back!

The Penrith Panthers will begin their quest for a fourth straight NRL title when they battle Melbourne at AAMI Park in the opening round of the competition next week.

The eyes of the NRL world will be watching on to see if the Panthers’ juggernaut can

continue to roll on after Ivan Cleary’s side made the last four Grand Finals.

The NRL itself gets underway this weekend in Las Vegas – with competition matches taken to America for the first time.

“We have so much to look forward to in Season 2024,” NRL CEO

kicks off a weekend early in Las Vegas giving fans an extra week of football and an enormous opportunity to launch the biggest season of Rugby League. The 2024 Premiership will be 32 weekends of football, packed with themed rounds, rivalries, excitement, and anticipation.

edge of their seats with big rivalry derbies and blockbuster match ups throughout.”

For the first time ever, the NRL will launch the Telstra Premiership across two continents with a free Rugby League Las Vegas Fan Fest to be held ahead of the historic season-opening

Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas will see players from the Rabbitohs, Broncos, Sea Eagles and Roosters all gather on stage.

Australian band Sheppard and DJs the Stafford Brothers will perform. At the same time, players from the NRL clubs who will play their Round 1 matches the following weekend will gather in Sydney today to launch the season in a simultaneous event with the teams in Las Vegas.

The NRL this week released its 2024 video campaign, a 60-second film dedicated to the game’s fans and the season ahead. View the launch commercial at www.nrl.com.

The

season preview

THREEMENDOUS PANTHERS LOOK TO GO

What keeps them hungry?

What motivates them?

Two questions asked about the Penrith Panthers all off-season.

But true champion teams don’t look for answers to those questions. It just comes naturally.

The Chicago Bulls, Manchester United, New York Yankees... cham pion teams across different eras have always just been able to lift when most challenged.

It’s why Panthers coach Ivan Cleary brushed aside talk that a ‘theme’ similar to the Everest, Top Gun and Undisputed concepts of recent seasons was already in place for 2024.

As he explained at the season launch, those themes are only implemented when a legitimate

Premiership run is detected; not to motivate already champion players before a ball has been kicked.

Penrith has already achieved what no team has done in the NRL era by producing a Premiership three-peat. This team does not need its credentials checked at the door and they are legitimate title favourites.

But challenges this season? There are many.

It would be extremely surprising if Penrith doesn’t have a slow start to the season.

creates it, but a difficult one nonetheless.

It doesn’t help that the Panthers face a pretty tough draw over the opening month of the competition, starting with an away trip to Melbourne who are round one specialists, before matches against past Grand Final rivals Parramatta and Brisbane and a visit to Allianz Stadium to tackle the Roosters.

There is an easier run through the middle part of the season where you would expect the Panthers to make up some ground, but it’s not going to be a cake walk.

Challenging too this year is the loss of Stephen Crichton.

It is perhaps the biggest departure of this Premiership era. Crichton is a true athlete, offers plenty of size and strength, and is a prolific try scorer. The Panthers have always covered for losses during this period but nobody can deny ‘Critta’ is an almost impossible man to replace.

Exactly how Penrith’s backline looks in the opening weeks still has some clouds over it, but it’s likely Taylan May will get a shot in the centres to replace Crichton with Sunia Turuva maintaining his wing spot.

Turuva is one of the key components to a successful 2024 – if he can grow from what was a stellar breakout season last year, he could become one of the most damaging finishers in the competition.

Key too is obviously the fitness of Nathan Cleary, the code’s best player and Penrith’s game manager. While new recruit Brad Schneider will likely wear the number seven jersey a few times this season, there’s no question keeping Cleary fit and firing is mission critical.

His halves partner in Jarome Luai will surely be up for a huge season, though it may be a delayed start as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. All of Penrith’s big-name departing players in recent years have had strong final seasons with the club and I doubt Luai will be any different as he strives to leave his beloved Panthers on a high.

I’m excited to see how Daine Laurie is used this year, while it’s hard to imagine the Geyer family story not beginning a new and important chapter this year via Mav. It has the potential to be one of the year’s great storylines when he’s finally given his chance to follow in his father’s footsteps and play first grade for Penrith.

Sunia Turuva is in for a big season. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

Iconic moment: Nathan Cleary scores in the 2023 Grand Final. Photo: NRL Photos.

ALL THE WAY

That will likely come off the bench initially, where there is a lot of intrigue. The likes of Laurie, Tyrone Peachey, Paul Alamoti, Matt Eisenhuth, Soni Luke and Luke Garner will all be sniffing around for spots, while Lindsay Smith is an obvious lock.

There are many challenges ahead this season, many of them obvious (such as the daunting representative period), many of them unpredictable and likely unexpected.

It must also be mentioned too that this is the final season at the current Penrith Stadium before the bulldozers come in ahead of a major upgrade.

For many players, there will be some added emotion and motivation there.

Certainly, it feels like the move out of the stadium acts as a line under this incredible era. When all is said and done, it’s hard to imagine Penrith not being there when the whips are cracking again, and perhaps that ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ theme will get a run after all – at the right time, of course. It all begins against Melbourne at AAMI Park on Friday, March 8. Bring it on!

penrith’s busy off-season

• 10 players selected for Pacific Championship

• Trip to England for World Club Challenge

• Season launch held on February 6

• ‘Undisputed’ documentary launched on February 12

• Jarome Luai confirms his exit from 2025

Jarome Luai heads into his final season at the Panthers. Photo: NRL Photos.

the players your 2024 penrith panthers

panthers go down in pre-season game

The World Club Challenge has been marred in controversy with several key refereeing decisions in the spotlight after Wigan’s 16-12 win over Penrith.

The Warriors’ victory will forever be remembered for a number of howlers that left fans bewildered.

In the 52nd minute, the referee and video referee awarded what would ultimately be the winning try to Wigan’s Jake Wardle. But replays showed that not only did Wardle promote the ball after being tackled, he never made it to the line.

Then, Liam Martin was penal-

ised for a one-on-one strip that would have put Penrith right on the attack at a crucial stage of the game. It was an extraordinary decision with replays showing it was an age between other defenders dropping off the tackle and Martin taking the ball.

The icing on the controversy cake came in the final play of the game when Taylan May appeared to cross in the corner to level the match at the death.

But the on-field referee sent it up as ‘no try’ and the video referee couldn’t find conclusive evidence to overturn the decision.

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your season guide

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 2024

Here’s everything you need to know about the season ahead...

Rule changes

There’s only one significant change to the rules this season.

If a team kicks the ball out on the full over the touch line, or the ball fails to travel at least 10 metres forward in an attempt to contest a restart from the goal-line, 20m line, or half-way line, play will now restart with a play-theball 10 metres out from the line of the kick and 10 metres in from touch, rather than with a penalty kick.

The change will give more incentive for teams to attempt short kick-offs or drop-outs.

Broadcast Channel Nine will continue to broadcast matches live on Thursday night, Friday night and Sunday afternoon during the season, with additional games from time-to-time and Saturday evening broadcasts over the last few weeks of the season.

Nine is the exclusive home of State of Origin and the Grand Final.

Fox League and Kayo will broadcast every game of the 2024 season, including the Finals. The only games Fox won’t show are the three State of Origin matches and the Grand Final. ‘NRL 360’ is already back on air.

Radio coverage will continue across 2GB, ABC Radio, Triple M and SEN.

Print coverage

The Western Weekender will

commence its weekly NRL lift-out, Extra Time, from next week (Friday, March 8) with dedicated Penrith Panthers coverage.

All your favourites are back –

including The Masked Panther, who has an entire off-season of rumours and scoops to get through. Peter Lang returns with Lang on League, Troy Dodds has the weekly preview,

and we will now print weekly team lists bigger and clearer.

We’re the paper the players love to talk to – so don’t miss Nathan Taylor’s exclusive chats with the team throughout the year, while you can follow Penrith’s brightest footy minds in our celebrity tipping competition. Head to www.westernweekender. com.au/getapaper to find out more.

The betting

The TAB has the Penrith Panthers as Premiership favourites yet again, sitting at $4.00 to win the Grand Final and $2.10 to make the big one. Brisbane is next at $4.50 followed by the Roosters at $9.00.

If you think the Panthers will miss the Finals, you’ll get $7.00 with the TAB. The Panthers are also Minor Premiership favourites at $3.25.

Tickets

Hoping to attend a game at BlueBet Stadium this year? Ticketing is extremely limited, with tickets released for batches of games through the year at www.penrithpanthers.com.au.

Interested in joining the Weekender in the Chairman’s Lounge? Corporate partnerships are available for local businesses. Email sales@westernweekender.com.au or call 4722 2998 for more information.

Adam Gee will go into 2024 as the game’s leading referee. Photo: NRL Photos.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH THEM

Cassidy Pearce

Photo: Melinda Jane.

A closing divide: What the rest think of the west

Harsh stereotypes and postcode prejudice – the divide between the eastern and western suburbs has often felt like a tale of two cities for those out west.

But with a slew of developments on the cards for Parramatta and Penrith’s

new beach making waves, it’s no secret that western Sydney has changed significantly in the last 10 years alone.

So, have sentiments from the east also changed? And what do the rest really think about the west?

The Weekender recently headed out to Bondi and Mosman to find out.

When locals were asked what the first thing they think of is when they hear the words ‘western Sydney’, the answers couldn’t have been more varied.

Help shape the future of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis

“Growth. Seriously, growth, a lot of good friends have businesses in that area and they’re doing really well and everyone who just comes from western Sydney talks about the growth in western Sydney, which I think is great,” 43-year-old Bondi local Bryan said.

“I kind of think it’s more of a diverse area of Sydney than [Bondi] for example,” 48-year-old Adrian, a former Bondi local, said.

“Fantastic Vietnamese food,” another added.

“I think in the east it’s not as welcoming and easy to enter as the culture in the west,” 22-year-old Eastern suburbs resident Missy explained.

“I don’t go out to western Sydney much [anymore] but I’m amazed at the way that Parramatta is coming up, it looks fantastic,” 85-year-old Mosman local David said.

“Not much, I don’t go out there,” 48-year-old Bondi local Yvette said.

“At the moment, Pondi, but I think cultural diversity is one thing that springs to mind,” Bondi local Amy said.

“Parramatta is very nice, very renovated now,” Tim, a 36-year-old from Mosman, added.

One Mosman local just said “Blacktown”.

As for stereotypes, westies are aware of the assumptions many from the east have placed on western Sydney – we’ve been labelled by some as uncultured, lazy and a ‘bunch of bogans’. But are these assumptions still believed in the eastern suburbs and lower north shore? Not according to those we spoke to in Bondi and Mosman.

“I think they’re very untrue, I think stereotypes are wrong in

general and I think anyone who puts stereotypes on people from western Sydney are just delusional,” Bryan added.

“No, not at all, stereotypes are always not a nice thing to have about people,” Missy said.

“Well, the media likes to ham it up, I think we’ve got our stereotypes and they’ve got theirs,” Amy explained.

“I respect the western suburbs, I think it’s coming along and people are becoming not so far away now, they have a new status of ‘we’re as good as they are’ and it’s becoming really good,” David said.

“All the time I’ve been meeting people from western Sydney they’ve always been lovely people and very welcoming,” a 39-year-old Mosman local said.

And as for whether those from the east would ever head out west to take a dip in the much-talked about Penrith Beach? The general consensus is no, not when they have Bondi Beach on their doorstep – but that doesn’t mean they’re all against ‘Pondi’.

“The water they’ve got out at Penrith now, so people can go and dive in there, I think people are becoming aware of how fantastic [western Sydney] is rather than the snobby eastern or northern suburbs,” David added.

“I don’t know, it’s not really a beach right? It’s more like a pond, hey? That’s what I’ve heard. But yeah I guess I could check it out, but it’s a bit far,” Missy added.

“I haven’t been, but I’m skeptical… because a beach isn’t inland,” 60-year-old Sydney-sider Rachel said.

“I think it’s great for the area,” Bryan said.

The divide between the east and west seems to be starting to close, with stereotypes destroyed. Photo: Melinda Jane.

The divide between the east and west seems to be starting to close. Photo: Melinda Jane.

43-year-old Bondi local Bryan.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

22-year-old Eastern suburbs resident Missy (right) with her friend Katie. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Adrian and Al are both originally from the eastern suburbs. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Mosman local David believes western Sydney is growing in strength. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ELLIE

“Immense” opportunities: How the west will build for the future

Western Sydney International Airport, mini-city developments, smart transport connections, advanced manufacturing and bold ideas to shape the region’s future have been unveiled as key issues for the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue in 2024.

The region’s leading advocacy organisation shared its events program and policy priorities for the year at an exclusive partner’s luncheon at The Log Cabin Hotel in Penrith last week, bringing together business leaders, community representatives, patrons and local luminaries.

Dialogue CEO, Adam Leto, said the year ahead presented real opportunities for Greater Western Sydney to cement the region’s global significance.

“This year the Dialogue delivers its most ambitious and in-depth policy piece to date – Beyond the Boom, a landmark thought leadership initiative that will examine how best to continue the bold future city-shaping of GWS,” Leto said.

“2024 is a year for the Dialogue to consolidate its campaigning

on long-standing issues, but also branch out as we focus on more in-depth events and targeted advocacy to help support the region’s sustainable growth as the population soars and the state’s first 24-hour international airport gets set to take off.”

The launch event also shone a

spotlight on the event’s setting, Penrith City. A panel featuring Richard Fox, President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jaqueline Vozzo, Board Director of Western Sydney Lakes, and Kylie Powell, Director City Futures at Penrith City Council, discussed leveraging opportunities generated

West could lead jobs growth

ELLIE

Abold economic plan has revealed that if the western Sydney economy experienced the same job-to-worker ratio as the rest of Sydney, 400,000 new jobs would be delivered by 2036, compared to business-as-usual growth.

Unveiled by Western Sydney University (WSU), the ‘Unlimited Potential: Western Sydney’s Economic Plan’ shares how growing the economy would see western Sydney add $100 billion to the state’s economy and become a leading economic powerhouse.

Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott, who launched the plan in Parramatta, said the region was on the precipice of a once-in-a-generation economic transformation.

“With our young, diverse, and entrepreneurial population and a new international airport opening in 2026, western Sydney is an area of massive advantage,” she said.

“I want western Sydney locals to have high-paying jobs, access to the skills they need, and no longer be forced to drive 40 minutes each day to work.”

Released by the university’s Centre for Western

Sydney, the report is a blueprint that builds on the region’s existing advantages to propel western Sydney to the forefront of the global economy.

The plan identifies key economic focus areas that will accelerate growth, elevate GRP per capita, and ensure western Sydney residents have access to local jobs and thriving communities.

These objectives are to be achieved through transformational ‘leaps’, developed in consultation with stakeholders from both industry and community, to propel western Sydney’s growth trajectory forward.

The report also acknowledges challenges for

businesses in the region, revealing a downturn in business income over the previous 10 years, which comparatively grew in the rest of Sydney.

“Any plan that boosts the region’s economy must prioritise the delivery of meaningful and fulfilling jobs, as well as business opportunities for all residents,” Westacott added.

“We can no longer rely on population growth to drive the economy, but we need to invest in our people and jobs of the future.”

The insights gathered from the community, industry and key stakeholders will help inform the final report and its actionable recommendations.

by Western Sydney International Airport, the success of the Penrith Beach activation, and new ways to grow the local economy in 2024 and beyond.

Fox told the group that collaboration was key to tapping into the region’s potential.

“We’ve still got a long way to go

because the opportunities we’ve got here are immense,” Fox said.

“Activating what we’ve got with the support of all layers of government has been incredible, but collaborating to do more with what we’ve got and then promoting it to more people is the crucial next step.”

Leto said the Dialogue will focus on showcasing initiatives, providing a supportive environment for ideas sharing, and exploring the transport, infrastructure and urban development projects needed to meet local demand.

“Advanced manufacturing will be a priority for the Dialogue, we will advocate for sustained investment in transport links to Western Sydney International Airport and Aerotropolis and examine all levels of housing supply as this continues to be a critical issue for the entire region,” Leto said.

“It’s an honour for our organisation to work with the leaders in business, government and the community delivering for the people of western Sydney as we advocate alongside the passionate change agents helping to create a bright future for the people of western Sydney.”

Jennifer Westacott and Deputy Premier of NSW and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car.

Jacqueline Vozzo, Richard Fox and Kylie Powell at last week’s event.

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

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Fearless predictions for NRL 2024

Iadmit to feeling the pressure writing this column after a handful of my rather ‘out there’ predictions actually came true in 2023. But here we go, my fearless predictions for the NRL season ahead...

The Roosters miss the Finals

The Sydney Roosters may be on the third line of Premiership betting, but I’m calling it – they won’t make the Finals this year.

Call me crazy all you like, just like those who wanted me locked up for suggesting the Eels and Rabbitohs wouldn’t make the eight last year did.

I’ve got concerns over an ageing James Tedesco (who had a really poor year in 2023) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who I feel probably is going on a year too long.

I feel this is a bit of a gap year for the Roosters ahead of a new chapter in 2025, and I’ve got Trent Robinson’s side missing out.

Pressure mounts on Brad Arthur

If there’s a coach given his marching orders in 2024, I’m of the belief it’ll be Parramatta’s Brad Arthur.

The Eels missed the Finals last year and have only added Kelma Tuilagi and Morgan Harper to their roster.

It’s possible the Eels thought 2023 would come easy after making the 2022 Grand Final so we could see a resurgence, but I’m far from convinced.

If the Eels are on track to miss the Finals, don’t be surprised if Arthur is under enormous pressure to keep his job, despite having

“I’m tipping New South Wales to surge back to State of Origin supremacy and win the series 3-0”

The Blues sweep Origin

Under new coach Michael Maguire I’m tipping New South Wales surge back to State of Origin supremacy and win the series 3-0.

Maguire may also usher in a new era in terms of the playing squad with nobody safe and form to rule the selection process.

The Blues were horrible last year, but did lay the platform for a bright future with an impressive win in Origin III.

Also working in New South Wales’ favour, the opening game of the series is in Sydney and the second is at the MCG. There’s no daunting trip to Suncorp Stadium until the third game.

By then, I’m tipping the Blues have got the job done.

struggle most this season and will claim the dreaded wooden spoon.

There’s just too much distraction at the club, especially with Wayne Bennett in his final year as head coach.

Plus the euphoria of “firsts” is done now and the reality of the week-to-week struggle of the competition will set in.

Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler are excellent additions to their team, but I’ve got the Dolphins as the bottom feeders of the 2024 competition.

Vegas gives NRL cold feet

I’m predicting that once the dust settles on the Las Vegas games, there will be some cold feet about continuing the concept in the years ahead and concerns from clubs about being involved.

The NRL is determined to push ahead with a long-term strategy and there’s no doubt the lucrative US gambling market is a key component to the plans.

But once the novelty of this coming weekend wears off, you wonder if it’ll still have the same glitz about it in 2025 and beyond.

The launch of the season feels a little disjointed with the first games of the year being on Sunday. It robs a bit of the excitement around the start of the year.

The NRL may well be in Las Vegas again in 2025, but all smooth sailing? I highly doubt it.

Titans make the eight under Des Des Hasler’s appointment as Gold Coast

Housing emerges as heated issue

Story continued from » p. 1

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) are currently exhibiting an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) which proposes to create additional low and mid-rise housing opportunities and have also released a Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Program that will apply to St Marys.

The TOD Program in St Marys will mandate Residential Flat Buildings (RFBs) as permissible development in all residential zones (R2, R3 and R4) within 400 metres of the train station, and will override Council’s existing land use controls in relation to maximum building height, floor space ratio, minimum lot size and width and car parking rates.

“The proposed reforms will significantly impact the ability of Council to provide infrastructure in the context of a maturing City that has historically produced a significant volume of housing,” a report to Councillors on Monday night said.

“Council will continue to work with industry to deliver housing and has a significant pipeline of housing supply. Council does not support any policy that only focuses on housing and ignores the very real needs of Penrith residents in terms of employment opportunities, access to recreation opportunities and improved accessibility.”

Of significant concern to Council is proposed changes to dual occupancy that would “represent a significant variation to Penrith’s existing standards when the consequences of reducing the minimum

lot size and reducing car parking rates are considered in the Penrith context,” the report said.

“The reforms have not considered local context and constraints and have no regard for existing urban opportunities such as heritage and encouraging the development of town centres and places.”

Within the Penrith Local Government Area there are 44,731 lots zoned R2. Under the current minimum lot size controls, 19,768 of these lots or 44 per cent have dual occupancy potential. By reducing the minimum lot size to 450m2, as is being proposed, an additional 21,347 lots in the R2 zone will have

dual occupancy potential, expanding eligibility to approximately 92 per cent of all lots zoned R2.

“This does not account for residential lots that will be created in new release areas that have not yet been subdivided (Glenmore Park and Orchard Hills North) where take up of dual occupancy as a new build may be more attractive, significantly eroding Council’s growth planning,” the report said.

“Council requests the retention of the existing dual occupancy controls in [the] Penrith LEP given the potential scale of growth that could occur as a result of the proposed amendments and the uncertainty with regard to their impact on flood planning and infrastructure provision.”

In its response to the proposals, Council argues that the controls are premature in the Penrith Local Government Area context and the City needs a more nuanced approach in order to address matters such as equitable access to employment opportunities and infrastructure before significant infill development beyond that already planned can occur.

On Monday, Councillors agreed on lengthy submissions to the DPHI. They also requested Penrith be exempt from the NSW Government’s Explanation of Intended Effect in the Transport Orientated

Development Program. Mayor Todd Carney will write to the Premier and Planning Minister to communicate Council’s request to be exempt from the new planning controls.

“Council has already been ahead of its game in terms of understanding what its requirements and responsibilities are and we’ve put in place our housing strategy. It’s a comprehensive strategy and is vastly more comprehensive than what the State Government is proposing,” Deputy Mayor Davies said.

“We need to take a really strong stand here because what is being proposed in these policies... it’s very important the community understands the landscape of our own environment is going to absolutely dramatically change.

“What these proposed planning policies are proposing does not consider [anything] other than

dwellings and it’s a huge number of dwellings.

“We’re carrying our load. We’re doing our part. We’re being responsible. We all agree there’s a housing supply problem but Penrith is on the money. We’re doing our job.

“This is going to change the landscape of Penrith.”

Davies said the proposals allowed Penrith’s boarding house issue –which was prominent in Kingswood – to explode.

“This is on steroids now,” he declared.

Councillor Ross Fowler commended Council officers on their response to the Government’s proposals.

“My fear is the amenity of this city will decline should these draconian ideas prevail,” he said.

“What we have now is the makings of a serious mistake caused by not taking proper care and not thinking clearly.”

Labor Councillor John Thain raised concerns that Council was “throwing the baby out with the bath water” in its response.

“There needs to be proper negotiation,” he said, adding he thought some of the comments of Liberal Councillors amounted to a “political stunt”.

Davies argued the government’s proposals could create “housing ghettos” in Penrith.

Councillor John Thain.

Deputy Mayor Mark Davies.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot

Penrith/Cranebrook: Young female charged with stealing offences

A teenager has been charged with a range of stealing offences.

On Thursday, January 18 it is alleged that a 14-year-old from Blacktown stole alcohol from an alcohol store in Cranebrook.

This was reported to the police, and they commenced an investigation. It is alleged that the same female committed six other stealings from the same store up until Saturday, February 3. It is then alleged the female youth attended a store in Mosman where it is alleged she has stolen alcohol.

On Monday, February 5 the female youth has attended the store in Cranebrook, where she attempted to steal a carton of alcohol. It is alleged bystanders assisted the store manager and the female dropped the carton.

The female youth returned five minutes later yelling at witnesses as she could not locate her phone. It is alleged she then entered the store and selected several bottles of spirits and threw them on the floor, causing them to break. She then took a further two bottles of spirits and threw one at the manager, narrowly missing him and then left the store with the remaining bottle of spirits. The female was spoken to and arrested; she was issued a banning notice under the Young Offenders Act, which prohibits her from attending the location.

On Tuesday, February 6 it is alleged the same female youth attended a large shopping centre in Penrith. Police say she attended numerous retail outlets within the shopping centre and has stolen items. Police were contacted and made attempts to locate the female.

On Tuesday, February 7 it is alleged the female attended the Cranebrook shop again, this time wearing a balaclava. She again attended several other times stealing alcohol.

On Wednesday, February 21 the 14-yearold attended the Penrith Police Station and handed herself in.

She was charged with 22 offences. She will appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.

Penrith: Man charged after police officer assaulted

A police officer has been assaulted while trying to help at man at Nepean Hospital. Police were called to the Nepean Hospital ambulance bay after a 21-year-old Orchard Hills man was cutting his own leg.

Police attended and had a discussion with hospital staff. The man was moved into the

emergency bay. It is alleged the man’s carers were not available to collect him for some hours.

Whilst Police were waiting with the man he started to scratch his open wounds. Police attempted to stop him, and it is alleged he became highly aggressive, attempting to flip over the hospital bed. Police and security then attempted to restrain the man and he has kicked out several times. The man was restrained and told to calm down.

A Police Officer was standing nearby talking to hospital staff when it is alleged the man has spat on the back of the officer. He was arrested and it is alleged he has spat at Police a further eight to 10 times.

The man was restrained, he was then masked so he could not spit at anyone and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged.

The man was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, March 7.

Cranebrook: Woman charged with drug possession

At about 5.00pm on Friday, February 23 Police were patrolling Lakeview Drive in Cranebrook.

Police sighted a woman crouching in a nearby garden bed. Concerned about her welfare, Police have turned their vehicle around and spoken with the 24-year-old woman.

It is alleged when she turned to face Police, in one hand she was holding a home-made ‘bong’ and in the other hand she was holding a clip lock bag containing cannabis.

The woman was searched. No further drugs were located. The woman will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, April 5.

Cranebrook: Man arrested after crashing stolen dirt bike

At about 2.15am on Sunday, February 25 POLAIR were conducting aerial patrols in the Cranebrook area. It is alleged POLAIR have sighted a male person to be riding a dirt bike on Andrews Road, Cranebrook.

POLAIR noted that there were no plates attached to the dirt bike.

At about 2.55am the rider was travelling on Vincent Road, Cranebrook when he lost control and crashed into a fence of a property.

A Police dog was used and located the 40-year-old Cranebrook man, who is alleged to have crawled into a storm water drain. He was then arrested. Checks on the dirt bike revealed it was stolen.

Following on from our article last week about pre-purchase inspection reports, this week we take a closer look at your options for more extensive due diligence.

The first example of this is taking steps to ascertain what structures on a property you are purchasing are Council approved. There are two ways to do this. The first is to enter the property address on the relevant local Council’s development portal. Most Councils, including Penrith City Council, provide a search function in relation to which you can ascertain recent development applications in relation to a property and associated documents. Where it gets more difficult is trying to access older information if there have been no development applications with respect to the property in recent years but you still want to know what is or is not approved.

The best way to do this is to make an application for a Building Information Statement. Formerly known as a building certificate, this involves making an application for a representative of Council to come and inspect the property and “certify” that Council will not take any regulatory action (for example ordering demolition or alterations) for seven years after the certificate is given.

While this is excellent for peace of mind in circumstances where a seller may not be able to provide information to confirm what development on the property is or is not approved, it takes time (usually one to four weeks) and is reasonably expensive (in the range of $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the Council).

Sellers are also often hesitant to grant extensions to cooling off periods to enable the acquisition of a building information statement because if it is reveals unapproved development which prompts you not to proceed with the purchase it puts the property on Council’s radar and may result in the seller having to take rectification action.

A seller cannot stop you from making an application for a building information statement, however you usually have at most 10 business days to conduct all of your due diligence before your cooling off period expires so you need to be certain that you can make the application, have the inspection carried out and the certificate is issued (or

Legal Matters

with Daniel McKinnon

not issued) before your cooling off period expires. In our experience most people do not obtain a building information statement in relation to ordinary residential property unless there is something about the property that raises a specific concern.

Another fairly basic but rarely used due diligence tool is that of a survey report. A survey report is prepared by a surveyor who attends the property, and by referring to the registered plan of the land uses surveying equipment to identify the location of the boundaries and produce a report that advises whether or not any of the structures encroach on or over the boundaries.

Some reports also provide information about whether structures on pieces of land have sufficient clearance from boundaries.

A surveyor can also “peg out” the property to give you a visual indication of where the boundaries sit.

Again, in our experience most people do not obtain a survey. We do not know why –however we suspect that people may take the attitude in relation to ordinary residential property that “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

In other words, if things like boundary fences have been in place for a long time, people are prepared to take the risk that any incorrectly placed fence or encroachment will either go unnoticed or if it is noticed, be accepted by the relevant neighbour or adjoining land owner.

The type of property you are purchasing is also relevant to what kind of due diligence you engage in.

For example, there is arguably less risk in a reasonably new unit in a well known unit complex that is unlikely to have been developed without Council approval, is, if built well, likely to be free of major defects (although you should not fall into the trap of thinking that new equals defect free) and in relation to which the purchase price is not likely to be excessive when compared to the acquisition costs of other properties.

If, conversely, you are purchasing something like acreage or a property you intend to use for commercial purposes or if you are looking to significantly alter or develop a property, you may wish to conduct some planning due diligence.

Di

SEE YOU TH E E-WA DROP-OFF DAY

The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington

Saturday 16 March, 9am-3.30pm

Dispose of your unwanted, broken, or old electronic items correctly at our E-Waste Drop-off Day! If you have any of the items below, it’s your perfect opportunity:

Computers

Monitors

Mice

Cables Cameras

CD drives

TVs

VCR players

Keyboards

Clock radios

DVD players

Video cameras

MP3 players

For a full list of accepted items and more information, visit penrith.city/e-wasteday

NEVE R WASTE A CHANCE TO BE GREAT WITH E-WASTE

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Administration Contact Centre Open my.penrith.city Services Waste Services Illegal Dumping F

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Development Consent/s Determined

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Approved Development Applications

• Lot 144 Sec C DP 1687, 3 Herbert Street, Regentville

• Lot C DP 153855,Lot D DP 153855,Lot 2 DP 525160 and Lot 1 DP 567138, 608–612 High Street, Penrith

• Lot 21 DP 747048 and Lot 372 DP 821053, 13 Emerald Street, Emu Plains

• Lot 1 DP 1292570, 19 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park

• Lot 12 DP 1344, Lot 13 DP 1344, Lot 100 DP 700141 and Lot 101 DP 700141, 114–122 Caddens Road, Orchard Hills into 2 lots

• Lot 78 DP 1285200, 6 Edgar Street, St Marys

• Lot 20 DP 1271983, 96 Nepean Street, Emu Plains

• Lot 247 DP 1281686, 1 Eve Street, Werrington

• Lot 4212 DP 817380, 6 Norton Place, Glenmore Park

• Deferred Commencement Development Application

• Lot 5 DP 9969 and Lot 6 DP 9969, 104 Glossop Street, St Marys

Viewing of Development Applications penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Council assisting NASHOS to restore tribute to servicepeople at Victoria Park Memorial plaque stolen

Apublic appeal is underway after a memorial plaque was stolen from its sandstone base in Victoria Park at St Marys last week.

Members of the St Marys National Servicemen’s Association (NASHOS) were joined by Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh at the site of the missing bronze memorial plaque to appeal for information about where it could be and who took it.

The plaque was placed in a dedication ceremony in 2006, after the St Marys NASHOS had applied and were successfully granted Federal funding for the memorial and its installation.

Penrith City Council undertook restoration care in 2020 where the space was improved to include a memorial garden with rosemary bushes and a seat for those visiting the memorial.

McIntosh expressed her sadness at the act of vandalism, calling it “disgraceful”.

“The NASHOS have given so much to our country, and are feeling

absolutely heartbroken by this disgraceful act,” she said. “Memorials provide a place for people to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

“They should be respected, not heartlessly destroyed.”

St Marys NASHOS President Harry May said both he and the organisation were devastated by the vandalism.

“Just as we were in the process of organising this year’s service, we got a call from Penrith City Council informing us of this devastating news that the plaque had been stolen,” he said.

Integrated Developments

Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for these Development Applications is Penrith City Council.

• The Trustee for Legpro

DA24/0085

Lot 6 DP 1344, Lot 7 DP 1344, Lot 9 DP 1344, Lot 12 DP 1344, Lot 100 DP 700141, Lot 101 DP 700141 and Lot 8 DP 1344, 2 Kingswood Road, Orchard Hills Torrens title subdivision to create 143 residential lots, 1 drainage reserve lot, 2 residue lots, and civil works including bulk earthworks, vegetation removal, new roads, landscaping and associated works. site includes 90–138 Caddens Road and 2 Kingswood Road

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracke at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday, 4 March 2024 to Wednesday, 3 April 2024.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0085. For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.

• Chris Nercessian

DA24/0036

Lot A DP 401302, 37–39 Nepean Avenue, Lot 2 DP 14827, 35 Nepean Avenue and Lot B DP 401302, 41 Nepean Avenue, Penrith Environmental protection works

An earlier version of this notice included the incorrect development description, please disregard this earlier notice.

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday, 4 March 2024 to Tuesday, 2 April 2024.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Lawrence Ligato on 4732 7427.

penrith.city

“It’s very sad. I imagine whoever took it probably smashed it all up and it’s gone to the local scrap metal dealer, just for the value of the metal it is made of.”

The memorial plaque has been sitting in Victoria Park for 18 years and the NASHOS have held a service there every year.

“It’s just a shame for our local National Servicemen, if there was nothing here for our upcoming service, it would be devastating,” May said.

“The Memorial has been here 18 years, and we’ve had a service every year since.”

McIntosh has assured the incident has been referred to the police.

“This act of vandalism has been reported to police. Thankfully, the dedicated NASHOS are working hard with Penrith City Council to get the replica memorial plaque installed before the next ANZAC Day service,” she said.

The plaque is a memorial for service to the nation and remembers those who fought in previous conflicts.

Council is now assisting the NASHOS to restore the memorial plaque.

What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

Our team of Exercise Physiologists arethe experts in exercise prescription Why you might see an Exercise Physiologist?

the right exercise

Wanting to improve your athletic performance

Living with chronic pain or acute pain

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Graham Larkham, Federal Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh, Vice President Roy Young and President Harry May observe the sandstone.

PAGE TEN

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Three

The

Tax cuts get green light

Labor’s much talked about Stage 3 tax cuts will go ahead in their amended form after passing the Senate on Tuesday night.

It means that from July 1, Penrith locals will have more money in their pocket.

The 19 per cent tax rate will reduce to 16 per cent (for incomes between $18,200 and $45,000), while the 32.5 per cent tax rate reduces to 30 per cent (for incomes between $45,000 and the new $135,000 threshold).

The threshold above which the 37 per cent tax rate applies increases from $120,000 to $135,000 and the threshold above which the 45 per cent tax rate applies increases from $180,000 to $190,000.

“Every Australian taxpayer will receive a tax cut this year – not just some,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“Our tax cuts are good for middle Australia, good for women, good for helping with costof-living pressures, good for labour supply and good for the economy.

“Labor’s tax cuts are not the beginning of our actions on cost-of-living – and they will not be the end.

“They fit together with everything we are doing to build a stronger economy across the board.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the tax cuts were now “locked in”, as Labor pushed the marketing line of the changes being specifically “cost-of-living tax cuts”.

“With real wages increasing, Australians are earning more, and now they will get to keep more of what they earn, because of our bigger tax cuts for more taxpayers,” he said.

“This is a big win for working families, a big win for women and a big win for middle Australia.

“We want Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn and our bigger tax cuts for more taxpayers will help make that happen.”

Despite the tax cuts – including Albanese’s changes to what was originally proposed by the Coalition – having widespread public support, the Opposition still wasn’t happy this week.

“My thoughts are with the people around Australia who are watching their Prime Minister whoop with glee about a $15 a week measure that doesn’t even start until July,” Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News.

“Meanwhile, costs are rising, children’s expenses, grocery expenses, electricity expenses, fuel expenses, and this is all that their weak Prime Minister can actu ally produce for them, and then think that it’s enough.

“So times are tough for Australians and businesses.”

The Coalition’s original stage three tax cuts would have also applied from July 1.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Waratah Highlands

Duck, Duck... gone! Dumpling bar closes, new venue coming

TROY DODDS

High Street bar and restaurant Duck Duck Goose will close and re-open as an entirely new concept.

The dumpling bar and late night spot opened in late 2021.

The final days of Duck Duck Goose will be this weekend with a huge party planned at the venue.

There will be cheap dumplings, DJs on both Friday and Saturday night and cocktail specials.

“Penrith has always followed trends and we are spending money to revitalise the site,” a spokesperson told the Weekender

The site will close for renovations before returning with what is being described as a “unique and exciting”

new concept in the same location.

Duck Duck’s sister bar, The Flower Shop, will remain

open as normal during the renovation period. The new concept is likely to open later this year.

LOOKING FOR A COPY OF THE PAPER?

Did you know there’s a number of ways to get your hands on a copy of the Western Weekender each week?

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by signing up for a paid subscription from as low as $20 per month.

Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/ getapaper to find out how you can make sure you never miss out.

>

>

Date: Saturday, 9 March

Session times: 10am, 12pm or 2pm

Location: Levande Waratah Highlands Retirement Village 25 Tylers Rd, Bargo

Food and

will be provided

Duck Duck Goose in Penrith.

Building company in trouble

Local company Cubitt’s Granny Flats and Home Extensions has entered voluntary administration, its owners have confirmed.

The business has been running since 1994 and has its head office in Emu Plains.

“This morning, we informed our loyal and hard-working staff in person where possible and remotely via video, some of whom have been with us for more than 25 years, of our decision,” the Cubitt family said in a statement on Tuesday.

“It was a very emotional meeting. After 30 years building homes, we never thought we’d find ourselves in a position

where we’d be saying goodbye to our staff, our business, and the many steadfast customers and suppliers who have supported us. It has been the toughest of days.”

Bank lending conditions, supply prices, taxation changes, insurance prices, COVID recovery and weather have combined to lead to the decision.

“Cubitt’s made the decision in 2021 to honour fixed price contracts and not pass on price rises to their customers, bridging the shortfall and completing projects with significant loans to the company by the owners, Ian Cubitt, Kim Cubitt and Kate Cubitt, using their personal

“Unable to bridge the gap entirely, the directors have today appointed Richard Stone and Brett Lord from RSM Australia Partners as Administrators with the objective of finding a buyer for this truly special and iconic business, building affordable housing that Australians can be proud to live in.

“We will be working with the Administrators to provide everything they need to achieve the best outcome they can for Cubitt’s, and its staff, customers, suppliers and other creditors.”

Any inquiries should be directed to the administrators via email at cubitt@rsm.

Garden party to open City Park

Penrith City Council will celebrate the opening of City Park at a special community event on Saturday, March 16.

The free garden party will run from 10am until 3pm, with family-friendly activities including mini golf and face painting, a scavenger hunt, live music, food trucks, and more.

Western Sydney artists Christine Huynh and Tammy Porter will hold drop-in art workshops for children and residents of all ages to unleash their creativity and make their own piece of art to take home.

Residents can also have a go of spinning the prize wheel to win a $25 gift voucher to use at a participating Penrith business.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney encouraged the local community to take the opportunity to head to City Park and enjoy a day of fun in the City Centre.

“We’re very excited to celebrate the opening of City Park with the community and showcase everything it has to offer,” he said.

“City Park is located on the corner of Henry and Station Streets, just outside of Westfield and a short walk from the train station, making it easy for everyone to come along and join in the festivities.

“After the event, people can finish off a great day with some shopping and a meal at one of our local restaurants and cafés.”

The park features a central lawn, 78-metre sunken rain garden, water features, amenities building with green roof, trees which will grow over time to provide natural shade, four pergolas, seating, and public artwork.

It has been open to the public since just before Christmas.

Council is holding an event at City Park.

The Cubitt’s display centre and head office at Emu Plains. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Why popular Indian restaurant is likely to close

weeks

Apopular Indian restaurant in St Marys is set to close, with its owner claiming her landlord refuses to undertake urgent works that are required on the building.

Nisha Sweeten has run Princess Nisha’s Kitchen on Queen Street for the past nine years.

But she is now packing up the restaurant after being served a notice from her landlord to vacate the property.

Sweeten refused to sign a new lease until repairs on the building were undertaken, sparking the request for her to vacate.

“I said I would agree to pay $1000 [rent] but I need to fix the place, I can’t run the business,” she told the Weekender

“They gave me notice [to vacate] when I refused to sign the new lease until everything was fixed. They said that everything was fixed.”

The issues Sweeten says she deals with include leaking ceilings, flooding, drainage problems, and electrical issues.

As the problems remain unfixed, Sweeten has lost stock and had to cease cooking due to safety issues.

“Sometimes we can’t even fry because the water drops right into the oil,” she said.

“When heavy rain comes, we can’t

cook because all the water comes right where we stand.”

She said she contacted her real estate agency, which is located outside of the Penrith area, regarding the issues and has received no assistance.

“I contact them [real estate] all the time and say we have problems. I say we have flood, and we have problems with the grease trap. They say the owner is not interested. The owner doesn’t want to do anything,” she said.

“I asked them to fix it, no response. The owner doesn’t want to do anything.”

Sweeten says that she has built up nine years of goodwill within the community and now she doesn’t know where she is going to move her business.

“It is very frustrating. I’ve been here for nine years, nine years! I’m the only person…. I’m the only one who lasted in this place,” she said.

“I’m not going to move my business yet. I’m losing my goodwill for nine years. I lost a lot of stock here that I never claimed from them.”

Sweeten said she has contacted the landlord both herself and through a solicitor and the issues in her store remain unfixed.

“I’m not asking them to build a building, I am asking them to fix this problem. I didn’t demand anything, I never demand anything, all I asked was to fix the problem,” she said.

Princess Nisha’s Kitchen will remain operational until April 15, when she’ll have to vacate and consider a new location.

The Weekender contacted the real estate agency Sweeten deals with, but did not receive a response.

Owner of Princess Nisha’s Kitchen, Nisha Sweeten. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY CHATE

Archie’s slice of Swiftory

Nine-year-old scores Taylor Swift’s famous hat at concert

CASSIDY PEARCE

Nine-year-old Archie Wilson has been a huge Taylor Swift fan for years, naming ‘Reputation’ as his favourite era. But, after last weekend, he’ll always have a soft spot for the song ‘22’.

When the calendar rolled over to Saturday, February 24, most Swifties who would be attending night two of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour already had outfits laid out, friendship bracelets made, and tickets purchased. But, this wasn’t the case for Wilson.

“Mum had been trying to get tickets for weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks, she’d been trying for five hours a day,” he said.

Luckily, and against all odds, mum Briohny Wilson managed to snag some $79 tickets just hours before the show, after refreshing the Ticketek site in hopes of a final release.

“We just ran around the house screaming, ‘We’re going to Taylor Swift!’,” he said.

But, with such a quick turnaround, Archie and his family had to get dressed and go, with the PAWS student choosing his now-iconic Broadway jazz solo costume, ‘bejewelled’ by Briohny.

His dad then drove them their home in Castlereagh

all the way to Accor Stadium so that they’d make it in time. It was on this trip that Briohny realised what tickets she’d bought – seats on the floor, right by the VIP tent.

According to Archie, he spent the first half of the show trading friendship bracelets with Hollywood stars Rebel Wilson and Toni Collette, and dancing away in his seat until ‘Long Live’, when everything changed.

“I was just living my best life, dancing and having fun until someone tapped me on the shoulder and took me to the front,” he said.

Though he didn’t realise it at the time, Archie would soon be receiving the ‘22’ hat – a memento that Swift gives out to a fan after wearing it during the song ‘22’ at every show on The Eras Tour.

Many recipients are chosen by Swift and her team in advance, but having only scored tickets the day of, Briohny said Archie’s dancing must have had something to do with it.

“I think his dancing may have gotten the attention of someone in the VIP tent. Everyone loved him, and we think they may have had something to do with it, but who knows!” she said.

Though he said he didn’t give her a friendship bracelet, Archie said that the interaction was crazy and unforgettable.

“I’m always just thinking, I met Taylor Swift, I got her hat, I hugged her!” he said.

And it was just as crazy for Briohny, who was watching on.

“It was so surreal, I was a blubbering mess,” she said.

The hat exchange has been well documented on social media, with videos of Archie travelling far and wide, and garnering millions of views on TikTok.

For the two, the response has been completely unprecedented.

“We didn’t expect it to be that big considering the most views any of my TikToks had ever had was like 2000, and this video is currently at about 5.6 million,” she said.

“Everyone’s saying they envisage him being one of her dancers!”

Castlereagh resident Archie Wilson with the famous hat on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Cassidy Pearce and Archie Wilson.

Growing with the community: Flower Power’s huge revamp

CASSIDY PEARCE

If you haven’t been to Flower Power Penrith lately, you might be in for a bit of a shock when you see their new and improved landscaping department, which has been completely revamped to benefit trade and domestic gardeners alike.

The landscaping department at Flower Power Penrith was originally one of the smallest in the state. With the area quickly growing around it, the team thought it was about time for an upgrade.

With a significant monetary investment comes some huge changes to the department, including a larger range of Husqvarna Power Garden tools, bulk goods, bagged products, garden edging, blocks and pavers.

“We’ve created more bulk bins to cater for the area, we’ve spent quite a lot of money on redoing the concreting, the new bins themselves, a bigger range to carry more products,” Store Manager, Jason Pitronaci said.

The changes have not just brought the store up to par with the others, but made the department the best in the west.

“It’s a one stop shop! You can get your bulk materials, your soils, mulches, and pebbles, and then we’ve got the plants up the top as well,” he said.

“Whatever your garden needs, we’ve got it!”

In particular, Pitronaci said the revamp will cater for the influx of business coming through for new developments, many of which are starting from square one.

“A lot of the new developments are starting from scratch, so they’re going to need pretty much everything, which is great for them, and for us,” he said.

“If we’re local, and they’re local, it just

makes the delivering of goods a lot easier and faster.”

But, the new range will also suit the everyday gardener.

“When COVID came around, a lot of people couldn’t do anything else, so they just spent a lot of time in their gardens and now everyone’s gardens are looking really, really good,” Pitronaci said.

“A lot of people are garden proud in our area, so people are loving spending money on their gardens and prettying it up. It can be really relaxing and enjoyable, and seeing the transformation of their gardens coming to fruition is really good as well.”

The bulk of the redevelopment was completed in late December, though they’ve only now wrapped up the finishing touches.

Landscape Operations Manager for Flower Power Group, Joel Bagot, who oversaw the redevelopment, said that ultimately the goal was to improve customer experience, including with the new format drive-through landscape centre, which makes it easy for customers to drive right up to the products, put them in their car and pull up next to the registers to pay.

“We wanted to make it a better shopping experience, and more convenient, both for the trade and the domestic gardener in the region,” he said.

According to Pitronaci, this has been achieved.

“Sometimes you’ll even find that people didn’t know that this part of the business existed, and now that it’s all been revamped, people are surprised on how big it is, and how many products we’ve got now,” he said.

“Every day, new people are coming around and going ‘Wow, we didn’t even know this was down here!”

Jason Pitronaci and Shane Grech. Photo: Melinda Jane.

St Clair couple’s big leap to tell their story on TV

CASSIDY PEARCE

Starting a family is one of the most personal journeys someone can go through, so when St Clair couple Nick and Ilina Gorgievsai saw a call out for the Channel Nine show ‘Big Miracles’, they admit they had their reservations.

“There was an email going around asking if anyone was interested in sharing their story, and I made a phone call to the producers and told them our story, and they gave us a call back and asked us if we’d like to do a day of filming,” Ilina said.

“We were a bit hesitant about it, but Nick really warmed up to the idea.”

It wasn’t until after five years of trying for a baby naturally that Ilina was diagnosed with severe endometriosis, to the point where it will require ongoing surgeries every few months to remove it. Doctors also discovered both her fallopian tubes were blocked and needed removing, meaning IVF

was their only hope of having a child.

For Ilina, this came as a complete shock.

“When I was younger, I didn’t even know what [endometriosis] was. I was very naïve to the situation and very sheltered from it,” she said.

“I just had pain and I thought it was normal, because you hear women say, ‘It’s normal to feel pain’, so you never thought too much into it until a lot of people started saying they had endo, and I thought, ‘Is that something I’m going through?’.”

According to Ilina and Nick’s IVFAustralia fertility specialist Dr Gavin Sacks, this isn’t uncommon.

“Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found growing outside of the uterus,” he said.

“It’s often referred to as a silent and misunderstood condition.”

Though some sufferers will conceive naturally, Sacks said that endometriosis can be associated with decreased

egg numbers and poorer egg quality, so some women with endometriosis may need the help of IVF.

However, for Ilina, even this hadn’t worked, having only managed six viable embryos, all of which failed to transfer, after five gruelling egg collections. She has also had to overcome shattering circumstances, including her last surgery where she collapsed while walking to the bathroom, sending her into cardiac arrest.

This is where ‘Big Miracles’ comes in.

Nick said that his ultimate hope from the show is to raise more awareness so that younger women can learn from them, and be encouraged to seek medical advice and get a diagnosis earlier.

“If our story or our journey could potentially help someone in some sort of way, that was the whole thing for us to get on the show and to get out there, to help people in the future,” he said.

Ilina agreed with this sentiment.

CHINA BE FO RE CO MMUNIS M

“I know a lot of women who suffer through endometriosis, and go through this IVF jour ney, and they suffer in silence,” she said.

“It was nice to bring that point of view across, and make women feel the way the show made me feel in the beginning – that I’m not alone – and we wanted to portray that and give it justice.”

With Ilina and Nick’s story set to feature in episodes five and six of ‘Big Miracles’, airing on March 4 and 11 respectively, the couple are definitely nervous.

“I’m excited about the show and bringing our story to life, especially because a lot of people have already reached out and are asking me ques tions about what I’m doing with IVF after seeing just a snippet of an episode, but I do feel a bit vulnerable and very, very exposed on it,” Ilina said.

“I’m an emotional being, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I think it’ll be hard watching back some of it.”

—Richard Connema, theatre critic

—Cate Blanchett

Ilina and Nick will appear on ‘Big Miracles’.

High marks for students

Tanya Davies invites HSC high achievers for morning tea to celebrate results

Badgerys Creek students have been celebrated for their stellar Higher School Certificate (HSC) results.

148 students in the Badgerys Creek electorate have been identified as Distinguished Achievers as they achieved a HSC score of 90

or higher. Local Member Tanya Davies held a morning tea with the students last week where she congratulated them on their hard work.

“I congratulate each of the 148 students who attained Distinguished Achiever status for their remarkable efforts and results,” she said. This achievement is the culmination of 12 months of consistent study with aid from teachers, support staff, and carers.

“I acknowledge and commend the staff, parents, and carers of the students,” she said.

Davies spoke to the students about their plans for the future and was pleased to hear what they had in store.

“I wish the students all the best in their future endeavours, and I encourage them to continue striving towards their maximum potential,” she said.

The high achieving students come from Caroline Chisholm College, Emmaus Catholic College, Erskine Park High School, Glenmore Park High School, Irfan College, Macarthur Anglican School, Mamre Anglican School, Nepean Christian School, Oran Park Anglican College, Penrith Anglican College, St Benedict’s Catholic College and St Narsai Assyrian Christian College.

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Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

2024 Mayoral Charity Fundraiser

times adds value to our local Penrith community where every donation counts!

One of the wonderful things about the Kitchen is the sense of community it provides for those who come in for meals and a chat as well as the sense of community that exists among the volunteers themselves.

I am excited to announce that in June this year I will be holding a fundraising event for a much-loved and much-used local charity in our City. The 2024 Mayoral Charity Fundraiser will aim to raise funds and support for the Penrith Community Kitchen which provides a warm, comfortable, friendly, relaxed environment where those in need can enjoy a free nourishing meal, it also provides businesses with a means of supporting people in the local community.

The existence of Penrith Community Kitchen depends entirely on donations and fundraising. This not-for-profit organisation relies on the generosity of individuals and local businesses to support people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, or isolation. With the rise in cost-of-living, more people than ever before are feeling the emotional and financial impact, making it difficult for them to receive the support they require. By providing those in need with a lunchtime meal during difficult

It will be a formal event with proceeds from ticket sales, a silent auction, and donations in the lead up and on the night, going to the Kitchen. It will be a spectacular event that I’m sure will attract support from our business and wider community.

The Mayoral Charity Fundraiser will be held at the St Marys Leagues Club on Friday, June 21 2024. Local businesses, community groups and residents are invited to attend and raise money for the Penrith Community Kitchen. Tickets go on sale in March – I can’t wait to see you there as we support a vital community service.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

Did you know there’s a number of ways to get your hands on a copy of the Western Weekender each week?

Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/ getapaper to find out how you can make sure you never miss out.

Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies with students from schools across her electorate.

EMILY CHATE

Dementia fundraiser returns to Penrith after successful debut

CASSIDY PEARCE

After holding their first event in Penrith last year, Memory Walk & Jog will be making its return to Tench Reserve next weekend in hopes of raising funds and awareness of dementia in the community.

According to Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe, last year’s event was a huge success.

“Our 2023 event in western Sydney was a wonderful show of community spirit as 750 people walked, jogged and ran in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers,” she said.

“We love seeing the communities rally behind our events. Penrith and the greater western Sydney community have really helped to create a wonderful event all in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers.”

On Sunday, March 10, Dementia Australia’s largest annual fundraising initiative will be returning to Penrith as one of 22 Memory Walk & Jogs planned for towns and cities across the country this year.

With an overall goal of $2 million, McCabe said she’s relying on the people of Penrith to give what they can.

“This year we’re hoping to raise over $100,000 at our Penrith event, which will contribute

to our goal of raising $2 million nationally –helping us support more people living with dementia. Each year we aim to increase the amount we raise, because we need to expand our services and programs to meet the needs of all people impacted by dementia,” she said.

“Funds raised at this event in Penrith go to support the work of Dementia Australia, which delivers invaluable support, education and services for people living with dementia, their families and carers in both western Sydney and across Australia.”

The day will kick off at Tench Reserve at 7.30am, with participants able to choose to sign up for the 2km walk, an 8km walk or jog, or the 8km timed run.

With registrations open up to the day of, McCabe is encouraging everyone to get involved in addition to the 650 people that have already signed up.

“The Penrith event is designed with the whole community in mind. Whether you’re super-fit or a Sunday-stroller, you can walk, jog or run for a great cause. While exercise is great for our bodies, we know that it also helps with brain health, so getting out and getting active is a great match for a fundraising event,” she said.

“Memory Walks & Jogs are always a wonderfully fun, family friendly day out.”

To register for next weekend’s event, visit www.memorywalk.com.au.

Participants in another Memory Walk & Jog.

Light out of the darkness

New full-time social worker coming to Penrith to assist youth mental health crisis

EMILY CHATE

The Youth Insearch team brightened up Westfield Penrith last week as they held a fundraiser to help end youth suicide in western Sydney.

The team all wore bright clothes to show the younger generation that they hear their concerns and that they see them.

Since 1985, Youth Insearch has supported at-risk youth by creating safe spaces where young people with lived experience support each other to heal from trauma, make meaningful peer connections, improve mental wellbeing, and overcome life challenges.

Federal Member for Lindsay and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Melissa McIntosh, showed her support at the event at Westfield and said the work Youth Insearch is doing is vitally important for youth across the country.

“Youth Insearch do fantastic work here around the country, with their youth peer to peer services, and collaboration with the community to help break the cycle of youth

suicide and create lasting change,” she said.

“Youth Insearch has identified a rising demand for specialised youth mental health services in the Nepean region and are bringing their services, that makes such

a difference in the lives of young people, to the local area.”

The Nepean area has been identified by the Youth Insearch team as in need for specialised suicide prevention work.

Youth Insearch CEO Stephen

Lewin has announced they will soon be launching a much-needed full-time social worker in the Nepean area. “We are just about to approve a social worker, here in Penrith, to work in the local area,” he said.

Lewin is working to turn the ‘invisible’ pandemic visible, saying suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst young Australians.

“Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in Australia. In 2022, 368 young people under 25 died of suicide. For every suicide there is 100-200 attempts, so we are working to make this invisible pandemic visible,” he said.

“In terms of psychological distress, the average young person deals with mild psychological stress and within 90 days of our program they go from mild to moderate.”

McIntosh expressed how comforting it is to see the continual work being done in the local area.

“I am so encouraged that Youth Insearch will be expanding their work in our community by soon having a dedicated full time social worker,” she said.

All donations are welcome to www.brighterday.org.au.

All donations to the campaign will help fund support services for young Australians experiencing suicidal thoughts and help create a brighter future where young people can access the care they need.

Youth Insearch CEO Stephen Lewin, Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh, and General Manager Leann Tibbey.

Photo: Emily Chate.

Kevin goes full circle as book hits shelves

CASSIDY PEARCE

Retired Penrith teacher Kevin Radley will be joining the greats on the shelves of your local bookstore, with a brand-new book releasing this week.

Radley has been writing on and off for decades, having started out his career in scriptwriting for television in the early ‘80s, including for shows like ‘Neighbours’, before moving on to teaching.

Over a span of 30 years, Radley taught science at schools in St Marys and Glenmore Park, as well as coaching at Penrith Emus Rugby Club. But, in his retirement, he’s decided to go back to his roots.

In the last few years, Radley put out a memoir and a novel before his latest book, Rabbit Town, was picked up by Contempo Publishing.

For Radley, the inspiration for Rabbit Town, which he describes as a piece of historical fiction beginning in 1930s inner Sydney and ending in the present, came about a number of years ago upon visiting an exhibition about the Great Depression.

With chaos all around, it made him question if things had really changed

that much at all.

“With increasing issues of homelessness in Sydney, and then the lockdown and everything, it made me wonder, for a lot of people, had things really changed, and I thought perhaps they had not,” he said.

Radley combined this with his existing interest in Australia’s military history, due to his father’s involvement in WWII, to create a multi-generational novel, telling the stories of the protagonist’s descendants in what he calls a family epic.

Though he said research for the piece was one of the most challenging aspects, his personal connection was an added bonus.

“I do have an advantage in the history, because one section of the book follows my father’s movements through WWII,” he said.

“He’s not a character, but I’ve used his movements for accuracy, through Africa and New Guinea and Borneo and places like that.”

After four years of work put into Rabbit Town, Radley said he couldn’t be happier with the finished product.

“I’ve had a couple of friends read the finished product, and the feedback from them was really encouraging,” he said.

Despite being released just this week on Wednes day, February 28, Radley admitted he’s already thinking about the next thing.

“It’s very exciting, more so because I can put this one to bed then and get into my next one,” he said.

“When this is sorted, I’ll be able to carry on and put out some new stories.”

With the book now avail able everywhere books are sold, Radley said he can’t wait for Australian history lovers of all ages to get reading.

“We hear about the big gap between millennials and boomers, but I think both of those audiences will look at it with a lot of inter est, because it ends up in a millennial situation with the pandemic,” he said. Local author

Kevin Radley. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Mini Foxie Club heads west for exciting show next weekend

Dog lovers, this one’s for you! For the first time ever, the Mini Foxie Club of Australia is bringing a show to Penrith, with plenty of things to do and see for both current and aspiring Mini Foxie owners.

Vicki Hughes is the Vice President and a life member of the Mini Foxie Club of Australia, having been involved since 1997.

Despite having plenty of shows and events on each year, Hughes said they’re usually in more rural locations, with convenience bringing them to Penrith for their first one of 2024.

“Most of the time, our shows have been in Castle Hill, and then we did try giving them a bit of a country feel, with some in Morisset, Newcastle, Bathurst and Goulburn, but we found that if we have it more central, people are more likely to come, especially in the economic climate we’re in today,” she said.

“Penrith was just a little bit more central for everybody!”

On Sunday, March 10, Mini Foxies

will be taking over Luddenham Showground, with a connection to the area along with new developments making it the perfect fit.

“Many, many years ago, the Mini Foxie Club used to do a demonstra-

tion at the Luddenham Agricultural Show, so we thought we’d reach out,” she said.

“I spoke to a lady from the show committee, and she said they’d just built a whole new dog ring that

they had funded only a couple of years ago, so we’re able to use those facilities.”

For fierce competitors, the Mini Foxie show will have all your typical events, including the best puppy in

Karen’s Comment

The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

Nominations now open for NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards

Do you know a senior that deserves to be recognised in the Penrith community?

show, the best long and short tail, and more colourway events than you can count.

Being the first show of the year, the club will also be awarding their inaugural trophies from last year.

But, for visitors, there are also endless opportunities to have fun in novelty competitions, like in children’s events, fancy dress events, and dog owner lookalike events, as well as with raffles and more.

There will also be a free morning tea on for those attending.

“We’ve got a couple of lovely ladies that will be at home making cakes and biscuits, and they’re catering for gluten-free and diabetic people as well,” she said.

Those who may be looking to adopt a Mini Foxie will also be in for a treat, with breeders there to talk to and answer any questions about the breed.

Now just around the corner, Hughes can’t wait to see Penrith locals come out on the day.

“We’d love to see the local community come down and have a look and see what our little dogs are about,” she said.

For more info, visit minifoxie.org.

As the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival approaches, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of our local seniors in the Penrith electorate. Nominations are now open for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. Whether they have demonstrated exemplary leadership in business, championed environmental causes, promoted health and wellbeing, pursued lifelong learning, or selflessly served the community, we want to hear their stories.

To nominate a deserving senior in the Penrith electorate, simply complete the secure online nomination form or collect a form from

Members of the Mini Foxie Club are heading to Luddenham on March 10.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Δ GYG’s Nacho Sundae: The ultimate mix of sweet and savoury, Guzman Y Gomez’s brand new Nacho Sundae (pictured above) promises to be an instant hit. The dessert starts with a layer of GYG’s signature corn chips coated in cinnamon sugar and then topped with GYG’s creamy, preservative free, soft serve and your choice of Dulce de Leche or chocolate sauce drizzled on top. The GYG Nacho Sundae is now available in select GYG restaurants for dine in, takeaway, drive thru, delivery and on the GYG app.

Δ Happy birthday Mary: We’d like to wish local resident Mary Snape a happy 104th birthday. She reaches the milestone on March 6.

Δ Kids eat free: If the end of summer is getting you down, Lone Star Rib House and Brews has got the perfect pick-me-up offer that families won’t want to miss – kids will officially eat free Monday through Thursday! Nathan Wood, Marketing Manager at Lone Star Rib House and Brews, said: “With summer coming to an end, we wanted to offer local families the perfect opportunity to continue getting out and about to enjoy quality, and a super delicious, time together.” Exclusively available to the Penrith location, kids will dine completely free from Monday – Thursday for the coming weeks.

Δ Discount store back open: VNH Dollar has opened its new-look store in the Lennox Village shopping centre (pictured right).

Δ Smirnoff enters its Taylor era: Taylor Swift may have just wrapped up her concerts in Sydney but Swifties will be able to stay in that lavender haze for a little while longer, thanks to Smirnoff’s new limited edition ready-to-drink (RTD) flavour! Introducing the Smirnoff Ice Lavender Lemonade (pictured right) – a delicious combination of triple-distilled Smirnoff vodka and refreshing lemonade, mixed with light lavender for a fragrant finish. Available at select nationwide retailers for a short time only. The drink was also extremely popular at Accor Stadium during Swift’s tour.

Martin Brell’s tannery was one of the major tanneries in the St Marys district.

In 1907 he employed 15 men and was treating an average of 450 hides a week.

Brell’s tannery closed in 1934 following the death of Martin Brell.

He died at his home aged 77, 18 months after his wife Elizabeth.

Brell’s home, known as “Four Winds”, stands at 570 Great Western Highway, Werrington.

This was also the site of the tannery itself. The building was used as a commercial premises, and is now vacant and protected by security fencing.

Brell can be seen here on the far right.

The photo was taken circa 1900s.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

WITH REBECCA DI NOIA WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

What do you want for your business?

This is the big question that often comes up, especially as we kick off a new year – you know, the whole goal setting and vision board drill. Some folks have a clear vision, and answering these questions is a breeze. But for others, it can feel like diving into a sea of options and drowning in the information overload.

In a world where choices seem endless, let’s flip the script a bit.

How about asking yourself, “What don’t you want for your business?”

When you’re not entirely sure where you’re headed, knowing what you want to avoid can act like a North Star or a measuring stick. It’s a way to make sure every decision you make aligns with steering clear of what you don’t want.

Let’s break it down. If you’re sick of pouring money into your business without seeing anything in return, then it’s time to dig into your pricing, keep a tight grip on your money flow, and maybe brush up on your marketing know-how.

Once you’ve got your to-do list, don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick the top three things that need your attention ASAP and are most relevant to your business this year. We’ve all been there – a never-ending list of tasks, trying to do it all and then wondering why it feels like nothing’s getting done. Been there, done that.

At the start of this year, I drew a triangle. The tip is for

my faith, the left side is for my family, the right side is for my business, and smack in the middle is me. I jotted down one thing to focus on for each of these areas this year.

Remember, it’s not about doing everything. It’s about figuring out the top three things that matter most this year and rocking them. Keep it simple, keep it focused, and make this year count.

The AGM of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation will be held at the Emu Sports Club, Leonay on Thursday 14 March, 2024 commencing at 6.00pm.

At the meeting all positions will be declared vacant and nominations will be called for the following positions:

Vice-President, Secretary,

Executive Member (sport) 2 positions and Community Representative 2 positions

for any vacant position are most welcome. Please call

MOVIES, TELEVISION, MUSIC AND MORE – PENRITH’S LEADING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

VIKA AND LINDA BACK ON STAGE

Despite debuting back in the ‘80s, the last few years have been some of the busiest for sister duo Vika and Linda Bull.

In mid-2020 came their career-spanning collection ‘Akilotoa’, followed by gospel album, ‘Sunday (The Gospel According To Iso)’ just a month later. In 2021, they released their first album of new material in nearly two decades, ‘The Wait’, before coming out with their eighth studio album, titled ‘Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas!’ and their memoir, No Bull in 2022.

According to the duo, it felt just as busy for them as it did for fans.

“We just took it one day at a time – when you’ve got a workload, I think that’s the only way you can deal with it,” Linda said.

“It was a very productive three years, and it was great fun. When you enjoy your work, it’s

not really work – we were just having a ball doing it all.”

The period came along with plenty of highs, with two of their albums landing in the number two spot on the charts, and ‘Akilotoa’ earning them their first ever number one – a ‘best of’ that they were convinced no one wanted.

“To get that number one in our 50s, I was very proud of that because of our longevity, and just being in the industry for so long and not quitting,” Vika said.

“There were many moments there where we really wanted to pack it in, but we kept going purely for the joy of singing.”

Heading into 2024, they’re kicking off a brand-new venture in the form of a new tour, ‘An Evening with Vika and Linda’.

The tour will be bringing audiences a trio show, with just their close collaborator and producer Cameron Bruce on piano to create a night more stripped back than ever before.

“He knows our repertoire and he knows how we sing, and we wanted to just strip it right

back to the bare bones and just deliver songs with the three of us,” Linda said.

However, with this comes a sense of vulnerability for the singers, who will be leaning on one another to put on the best show possible.

“You do feel completely naked. There is nothing to hide behind, and that can be a very stressful situation. If the nerves get the better of you, your voice cracks and breaks and does all sorts of weird things,” Vika said.

“I do think that it’ll be a great support, though, having someone else there singing with you.”

The show is set to have a special and unique setlist, complete with new songs, and old songs that have become new favourites.

“You tend to brush songs aside quickly when you get a live set happening, you forget that there’s a whole lot of songs that you did that maybe if you just thought about them differently, would come about in a better way, which I think is what we’re finding with the trio tour,” Linda said.

This includes debut album track ‘Love This Time’, which was revamped as part of a Christmas show last year after not being performed since its release.

“We listened to it and thought, ‘The lyrics are beautiful’, and then Cameron said, ‘How about we just try it with piano?’, and it took on a brand-new life, it was a completely different song that we really enjoyed singing,” Vika said.

“The way it was recorded, it was great, but it was a little daggy, and I think that’s why we shied away from it, so then when Cameron came in and turned it on its head, it became a whole new thing.”

The show will be heading to Riverside Theatres as part of Great Southern Nights.

“I think Australia needs to get behind their artists a little bit more, and I think it’s great that [Great Southern Nights] is doing that for Australian acts,” Vika said.

‘An Evening with Vika and Linda’ will be on at Riverside on Saturday, March 23. Tickets are $68. Visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Log Cabin’s Women’s Day Lunch

In celebration of International Women's Day, The Log Cabin is hosting a Ladies Lunch by the river on Friday, March 8, an event designed to combine delicious food with female empowerment to inspire and connect like-minded women in the Penrith community. For more information or to book, visit thelogcabin.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738. Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Friendlyjordies returns to Penrith

Following the success of ‘A Tale As Old as Rome’, Friendlyjordies is back on Friday, March 1 with his latest attempt to convince anyone who disagrees with him about very niche conspiracy theories is wrong. In ‘A Call To Neck Beards’, we move from Rome to Jordan’s latest hyperfixation – the Byzantine Empire. Visit thejoan.com.au for tickets.

Probus Club of Nepean

First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information.

Red Cross Penrith

Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Elvis Festival at Panthers this weekend

Grab your blue suede shoes, you won’t want to miss Penrith’s newest festival coming to Panthers this weekend! From Friday, March 1, some of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists will be taking over, culminating with ‘The Great Elvis Spectacular’, featuring Johnny Lee Memphis, Brendon Chase, She is the King, and more on Sunday, March 3 at 5pm. Get your tickets fast!

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm. 7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

Nepean Food Services

Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

Free food shop

9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing

Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42

Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia.

Arms of Australia Inn

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

Gamblers Anonymous

Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

Harr y Manx

Saturday 6 April turday April

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

Good Morning Vietnam: Music from the Vietnam War Era

Live in Concer t Vol2. Saturday 9 March, 3pm

International Women’s Day Sunday 10 March, 10am

Feelin’ Groovy - SENIORS SPECIAL – Morning Melodies

Wednesday 13 March - Morning Tea 10am; Performance 11am

Nurse Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0 Saturday 23 March, 8pm

Harr y Manx Saturday 6 April, 8pm

PLAY WILL HIT HARD

From next Wednesday, March 6, ‘Wit’ will be returning to the stage at Riverside Theatre after a smash-hit 2019 season.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary of winning the Pulitzer Prize, and a part of the HSC English curriculum, ‘Wit’ is a drama about life, death, the significance of a semicolon, and the balance between head and heart.

Directed by Helen Tonkin, ‘Wit’ tells the story of Vivian Bearing, who is 50, in the prime of her life, highly respected and at the height of a stellar academic career. However, she has just weeks to live.

As Bearing comes to terms with who she is, the audience is left to wonder – can we conquer death, or at least our fear of it, by the way we live our lives?

After critical and popular hits including ‘Freud’s Last Session’, ‘Metamorphosis’, and ‘The Screwtape Letters’, Clock and Spiel Productions have been praised for their smart and deeply touching productions, and ‘Wit’ is no exception.

This is a show not to miss. Just make sure you bring your tissues.

‘Wit’ will be on at Riverside Theatre from Wednesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 9. Tickets start from $46. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta. com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

At the movies...

1 hour, 35 minutes

Following the death of her estranged father (Peter Mullan), Iris (Freya Allan) learns she has inherited a run-down, centuries-old pub. She travels to Berlin to identify her father's body and meet with The Solicitor (Ned Dennehy) to discuss the estate.

Little does she know, when the deed is signed she will become inextricably tied to an unspeakable entity that resides in the pub's basement – Baghead – a shape-shifting creature that can transform into the dead. $2,000 in cash for two minutes with the creature is all it takes for desperate loved ones to ease their

grief. Neil (Jeremy Irvine), who has lost his wife, is Iris' first customer. Like her father, Iris is tempted to exploit the creature’s powers and help desperate people for a price. But she soon discovers breaking the

two-minute rule can have terrifying consequences. Together with her best friend Katie (Ruby Barker), Iris must battle to keep control of Baghead and figure out how to destroy her, before she destroys them.

Dune: Part Two

2 hours, 46 minutes

The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on ‘Dune: Part Two’.

The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller ‘Dune’ with returning and new stars, in-

cluding Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar nominee Austin Butler, Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista and more.

‘Dune: Part Two’ will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites

with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavours to prevent a terrible future.

Chesney drops new music

Country music mainstay Kenny Chesney (pictured above) has dropped a new track to all the usual streaming services.

‘Thinkin’ Bout’ is available now.

“The hardest part of letting go, is actually letting go,” Chesney said.

“All that chemistry, all that intimacy, all that doesn’t need to be said is such a big thing. Whatever’s wrong, obviously it’s not gonna change. But it gets late, you get thinking – and next thing you know, you’re tumbling back into something that just can’t be.

“I love this song, because it gets into that space where you’re thinking about knowing you shouldn’t do this, shouldn’t think about that person, and that’s when maybe the letting go can really start to happen no matter how good it feels or how much you make each other laugh.”

Evans announces special project

Morgan Evans has announced he’ll release a live album and concert film next month.

It’s a recording of his live shows at the Sydney Opera House last year – part of the ‘Life Upside Down’ tour.

“I’m so stoked to share this little time capsule for everyone who was there to relive, and everyone that couldn’t be there to experience for the first time,” Evans said.

It’ll be out on all the usual streaming services, while physical copies can be ordered from Evans’ website.

The festival is taking place at Willowbank Raceway in Queensland from March 15 to 17 and also features the likes of Megan Moroney, Chase Rice and Nate Smith on the bill.

CMC Rocks just around the corner American superstars Lainey Wilson, Chris Young and Tyler Hubbard will jet into Australia in the coming weeks ahead of the CMC Rocks festival.

Ê As a newly converted ‘Frasier’ fan, I was delighted to hear that the revival series has won a second season. Paramount+ confirmed the exciting news last week and we should expect season two later this year. If you haven’t seen the first season of the new ‘Frasier’ yet, do yourself a favour and check it out – it’s very funny and features plenty of cameos from past characters.

Ê Channel Nine have secured the rights to broadcast the Melbourne Cup Carnival until 2029. Nine will broadcast all four days of the Carnival – Derby Day, Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day and Stakes Day – live and in high-definition on the main channel and via 9Now. 10 broadcast last year’s race.

Ê This show was huge when I was fresh out of high school 20 years ago and now it’s coming back! ‘Ready Steady Cook’, which was a staple of afternoon TV back in the early to mid-2000s, will return with a brand-new host in chef Miguel Maestre on Friday, March 8 on 10. Returning after more than a decade, the rebooted cooking show showcases some of the country’s best chefs, who will join forces with everyday Aussie home cooks, to prepare delicious dishes using only five ingredients (and pantry supplies). The team

who takes out the win after the strict 20-minute cook time, will be decided by the live studio audience. In the final round, our two chefs will battle head-to-head in the ‘Chef’s Challenge,’ where they will push culinary boundaries in a 10-minute fast round. Catch it from 7.30pm next Friday!

Ê The new season of ‘Survivor’ is now airing on 9GO! The first episode of the 46th season of the US version premiered on Thursday and is once again filmed in Fiji. You can catch up via 9Now.

Ê Definitely one to create a reminder for, new Stan drama series ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’, starring Harvey Keitel and Melanie Lynskey, will finally drop on Thursday, May 2. The six-part limited drama series, based on the international best-selling novel by Heather Morris, is inspired by the real-life story of Lali and Gita Sokolov, who met while

prisoners in the Auschwitz concentration camp during the Holocaust of World War II.

Ê Comic book lovers rejoice! New Marvel Animation series ‘X-Men ’97’ will stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 20. The 10-part series revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future. This looks super cool and is certainly a throwback to the good old days of comics!

Ê Four-part music doco ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ will land on Disney+ on Friday, April 26. Filmed in February 2022, the series chronicles the US rockers and its frontman Jon Bon Jovi as a vocal injury threatens to bring everything to a screeching halt.

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00

Planet America 10:30 That Pacific Sports

Show 11:00 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 ABC

News 1:00 Silent Witness (M v) 2:00 House

Of Gods (M l) 3:00 The Cook And The Chef

3:25 Tenable 4:15 Antiques Roadshow 5:10

1 March

Friday

Grand Designs (PG) 6:00 Back Roads 6:30

Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:35

Gardening Australia 8:35 Midsomer Murders

(M v) 10:05 Hard Quiz (PG) 10:35 The

Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG)

2:00 Discover Travel With RAA (PG) 2:30 TBA 3:00 TBA 3:30

Harry’s Practice 4:00 RSPCA

Animal Rescue 4:30 Better

Homes And Gardens 5:30

Escape To The Country 6:30

Bargain Hunt 7:30 Border Security International (PG)

5:00 Hardball 5:25

Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:55 So Awkward 6:30

Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories 7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:00

Transformers: EarthSpark (PG) 8:25 Dragon Ball Super (PG)

TV Guide: March 1–7

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Patsy & Loretta” (M) (’19) Stars: Megan Hilty 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00

The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30

Movie: “Where The Crawdads Sing” (M s,v) (’22) Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones 12:10 The Arrangement (M v) 1:10 Get On Extra 1:40 12 Monkeys (M) 2:00 Home Shopping

3:30 Mt. Hutt Rescue (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00

American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30

Movie: “Men In Black:

International” (PG) (’19)

Stars: Chris Hemsworth

3:00 ABC News

Afternoons 4:00

Afternoon Briefing 5:00

ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00

ABC National News 7:30 ABC

Evening News 8:00 Planet

America: Fireside Chat 8:45 If You’re Listening

9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30

Death In Paradise (PG) 1:30 Darby And Joan (PG) 2:15 Spicks And Specks (PG)

2:45 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG)

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Love Amongst

The Stars” (PG) (’22) Stars: Sara Canning 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG)

4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping

Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A

Current Affair (PG) 7:30 David

Attenborough’s Dynasties II (PG) 8:40

Movie: “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous” (M v) (’05) Stars: Sandra Bullock 11:00 Movie: “Monster-In-Law” (M s) (’91)

10:30 Dance Boss (PG) 12:00 Royal Pains (PG) 3:00 A Moveable Feast: Bellarine Peninsula (PG) 3:30

Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 6:30

Movie: “Surf’s Up” (G) (’07)

Stars: James Woods 8:30

Movie: “Glass” (M v) (’19)

Stars: James McAvoy

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35

Pop Paper City 5:55

Octonauts: Above And Beyond 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Pride” (M) (’14) Stars: Ben Schnetzer

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG)

4:00 Toi Time 4:30

Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 5:00

Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Arabian Inferno 7:30 Eddies Lil’ Homies

7:45 Movie: “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” (PG) (’08) Stars: Josh Hutcherson

5:00 Eat China 6:00

Luke Nguyen’s Food Trail 6:30 Mary Makes

It Easy 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 8:40

Jamie’s Great Britain 9:35

Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw

7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Great Australian Detour

10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 Judge Judy (PG)

11:00 Dr Phil (M) 12:00 10 News First: Midday 1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG)

1:30 Judge Judy (PG) 2:00 Dr Phil (M) 3:00

Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon

4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00

Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG)

7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 9:30

Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 10:30 Fire Country (M v)

9:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 In The Dark (PG) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30

Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:00

Deal Or No Deal 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG)

4:55 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross

5:25 Fashionista 5:35

The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:05 Trip Hazard: My Great British Adventure (PG) 6:35 Jeopardy! 7:25 NITV News Update 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

Saturday 2 March

3:15 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World (PG) 4:00 Universe With Brian Cox (M) 4:55 Better Date Than Never (PG) 5:55 Australian Story (PG) 6:30 Back Roads (PG)

7:00 ABC News 7:30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 (M)

12:00

Escape To The Country 1:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 2:00

Escape To The Country 5:00

Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Flemington *Live* 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30

Escape To The Country

5:15 Total Drama Island (PG) 5:40 School Of Rock (PG) 6:05 The Next Step 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Mythbusters 7:35

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:45 Kung Fu

Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness

9:00

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Flemington *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Red” (M l,v) (’10) Stars: Bruce Willis 9:50 Movie: “Con Air” (MA15+) (’97) Stars: Nicolas Cage 12:10 The Arrangement (M v) 1:10 Travel Oz (PG) 2:00 Home Shopping

3:00 Circuit Boats Drivers Championship 4:00 Supercar Customiser 5:00 Storage Wars Miami (M) 5:30 Storage Wars (M) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 9:30 Mighty Ships (PG)

3:00 ABC News 3:30

The Breakfast Couch 4:00 ABC News 4:30 Close Of Business 5:00 ABC News 5:30 Back Roads 6:00

ABC News Including Dunkley By-Election 7:00 Australia

Votes: Dunkley By-Election 9:00 ABC Nightly News

12:30 My Way 1:00 The Pet Rescuers (PG) 2:00 Movie: “Rocky IV” (M v) (’85) Stars: Sylvester Stallone 3:30 Renovate Or Rebuild 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00

NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30

Space Invaders: Sandra & Denise (PG) 8:30

Movie: “Skyfall” (M l,v) (’12) Stars: Daniel Craig 11:30 My Life As A Rolling Stone (M)

12:30 The Proposal (PG) 1:55 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 3:25 Dodger (PG) 4:25 Baking It (PG) 5:25 Movie: “The Call Of The Wild” (PG) (’20) Stars: Harrison Ford 7:30 Movie: “Grown Ups” (PG) (’10) Stars: Adam Sandler

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35

Pop Paper City 5:55

Octonauts: Above And Beyond 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 9:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG)

Sunday 3 March

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:35 Dirty Bird 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30

Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Good Ship Murder (PG) 8:25

Endurance - Race The Pole (PG) 9:20

Queens That Changed The World (PG) 10:15 SBS World News Late

11:00 Becker (PG)

12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:30

Two And A Half Men (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:40 Movie: “Bridge To Terabithia” (PG) (’07) Stars: Josh Hutcherson 7:30 Movie: “Nanny McPhee” (PG) (’05) Stars: Emma Thompson

1:00 Unsellable Houses 2:00 My Lottery Dream Home International 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Living Alaska 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Island Of Bryan

2:00 TBA 2:30 TBA 3:00 Feel Good Road Trips (PG) 3:50 RSPCA

Animal Rescue 4:20 The

Yorkshire Vet (PG) 5:20 I

Escaped To The Country 6:20

Escape To The Country 7:20

The Vicar Of Dibley (PG) 8:30

Vera (PG)

4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 5:15 Total Drama

Island 5:40 School Of Rock 6:05 The Next Step 6:30

Operation Ouch! 7:00

Mythbusters (PG) 7:30 Star

Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 8:10 The Legend Of Korra

2:30 Step Outside With Paul Burt (PG) 3:00

Mark Berg’s Fishing

Addiction (PG) 4:00

Mighty Ships (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars

New York (PG) 6:00

Border Security: International (PG) 7:00

Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG)

3:00 ABC News 3:30

Offsiders 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 ABC News Regional 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Foreign

Correspondent 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders 8:30 ABC News Tonight

2:45 The Amazing Race (PG) 3:25 The Goldbergs (PG) 3:55

Australian Idol (PG) 5:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 5:30 Dogs

Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M)

5:05 Tabby McTat 5:35

Pop Paper City 6:10

Pfffirates 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05

Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 11:50 Ragdoll (MA15+) 1:25 Doc Martin (PG)

4:20 Exile And The Kingdom (PG) 5:20 Walkabouts 5:50 The Last Land (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Tradition On A Plate 7:00 The Other Side 7:30 Idris Elba’s Fight School (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Tank Girl” (M l,s,v) (’95)

5:30 Khanh Ong’s Wild Food 6:30 Evolving Vegan 7:30 Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours 8:30 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 River Cottage Australia 11:30 The Cook And The Chef

10:00 Australia By Design 10:30 Farm To Fork 11:00 Everyday Gourmet 11:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 12:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 1:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 2:00 Wildlife Rescue Australia 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30

Taste Of Australia 5:00 10 News First 6:00

Deal Or No Deal 6:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 7:30 The Dog House UK (PG) 8:30 Ambulance Australia (M l)

12:00 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 1:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: Round 19: Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC *Live*

5:10 TVNZ 1News At Six 5:50 Food That Built The World (PG) 7:20 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:20 The Day The Rock

Star Died: Johnny Cash (PG) 8:50 Athletics: World Indoor Championships: Day 2 *Live* From Glasgow, Scotland

3:05 Antiques Roadshow 3:35 Movie: “Twice Round The Daffodils” (PG) (’62) Stars: Juliet Mills 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (M)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Gymnastics: Artistic Apparatus Highlights 3:00 Motorsport: Australian Superbikes Round 1 Highlights 4:00 Secrets Of A Celtic Grave (PG) 5:30 Merrill’s Marauders (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres (PG) 8:25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways (PG) 9:20 The Wonders Of Europe (PG) (In French/ English) 10:20 Those Who Stayed (M) (In Ukrainian) 11:05 Cycling: Strade Bianche Women’s/ Men’s *Live*

8:00 Becker (PG) 9:00 Neighbours (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG)

12:30 Australian Survivor (PG)

3:10 MacGyver (PG) 4:10

Frasier (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Friends (M)

3:50 Movie: “Dora And The Lost City Of Gold” (PG) (’19) Stars: Isabela Merced 5:50 Movie: “Over The Hedge” (G) (’06) Stars: Bruce Willis 7:30 Movie: “She’s The Man” (PG) (’06) Stars: Amanda Bynes 9:35 Movie: “Rumour Has It” (M s) (’05)

1:00 My Lottery Dream Home International 1:30 Houses With History 2:30 Renovation Impossible 3:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 4:30 Island Of Bryan 5:30 Revealed 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

3:00 Movie: “Five Golden Dragons” (PG) (’67) Stars: Bob Cummings 5:00 Movie: “Vera Cruz” (PG) (’54) Stars: Burt Lancaster 7:00 Rugby Union: Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders v Waratahs *Live* 9:45 Movie: “Barquero” (PG)

3:00 Impact! Wrestling Downunder 4:30 Who Killed Malcolm X (PG) 6:10 NITV News Update 6:25 Wild West (PG) 7:30 Murder In Big Horn (M l) 8:30 Audrey Napanangka (PG) 10:00

Movie: “Night Raiders” (M) (’21) Stars: Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers

5:30 Taste Of France 6:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient 6:30 Michel

Roux’s French Country Cooking 7:30 Jamie’s Ultimate Veg 8:30 Remarkable Places To Eat 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 River Cottage Australia

11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 JAG (PG) 3:30 What’s Up

Down Under 4:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 4:30 Football: Round 19: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

5:00 Alone Sweden (M l) (In Swedish) 5:55 Lee Lin Chin’s Fashionista 6:05 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:35 Ocean Wreck Investigation (PG) 7:25 Abandoned Engineering 8:25 The Day The Rock Star Died (M)

- For Better Or Worse (M l) 1:05 Dirty Bird

6:00 The Middle (PG)

9:00 Australian Survivor (PG) 10:30

MacGyver (PG) 11:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 2:30 So

Help Me Todd (PG) 4:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

4:00 Movie: “Sherlock Gnomes” (G) (’18)

Stars: Johnny Depp 5:40 Movie: “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (PG) (’04) Stars: Matthew Lillard 7:30 Movie: “The Fate Of The Furious” (M l,v) (’17) Stars: Vin Diesel

12:30 Beachfront Bargain Hunt 1:30 Renovate Or Rebuild 2:30 Selling The Big Easy 3:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 4:30 Escape To The Chateau 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Fixer Upper

1:00 Movie: “Odette” (PG) (’51) Stars: Anna 3:30 Movie: “The Secret Of Santa Vittoria” (PG) (’69) Stars: Anthony Quinn 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Magnum Force” (M) (’73) Stars: Clint Eastwood 11:00 Chicago Med (MA15+)

4:00

(M) 8:30 Foyle’s War

6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories

7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:00 The Legend Of Korra (PG) 8:25 Kong: King Of The Apes (PG)

5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30

Outback Opal Hunters (PG) 8:30 Adventure Gold Diggers

4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight

3:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 4:30

Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v)

7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Mythbusters (PG) 9:20 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:30

5 March 4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG)

Tuesday

Back Roads 3:00 The Cook And The Chef 3:30 Tenable 4:15 Antiques Roadshow 5:15

Grand Designs (PG) 6:00 Back Roads 6:30

Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Back Roads (PG) 8:30 Better Date Than Never (PG)

6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories

7:45 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:05 The Legend Of Korra (PG) 8:30 Kong: King Of The Apes (PG)

Wednesday 6 March

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 APTN National News 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Arabian Inferno (PG) 7:30 Asking For It (M) 8:30 Karla Grant Presents

5:30 Pati’s Mexican Table 6:00 Luke Nguyen’s Food Trail 6:30 Mary Makes It Easy 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Malaysia Gourmet

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Australian Idol (PG) 1:10 Surveillance Oz (PG) 1:30 Coastwatch Oz: (PG) 2:00 Psych (M l,v) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Australian Idol (PG)

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Truckers (PG)

4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight

12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35

Media Watch 1:50 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:20 Back Roads 2:50 The Cook And The Chef 3:20 Tenable 4:05 Antiques Roadshow 5:10 Grand Designs (PG) 5:55 Back Roads 6:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30

The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG)

4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30

Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Lewis (M)

6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories

7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:15 Danger Mouse 8:25 Kong: King Of The Apes (PG)

1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 NCIS: Los Angeles (M)

5:35 TVNZ 1News At Six 6:15 The Fast History Of (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30

Becker (PG) 5:30

Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Mad Max” (M) (’79)

2:00 Zombie House Flipping 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Cheap Old Houses 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA

3:20 Movie: “Only Two Can Play” (PG) (’62) Stars: Peter Sellers 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (M)

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:30 Kenan (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 9:00

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 First Dates Australia (PG) 7:35 First Dates UK (M s) 8:40 Movie: “13 Going On 30” (PG) (’04) Stars: Jennifer Garner

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30 Spicks And Specks

8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

8:30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 9:15 Upstart Crow (M)

12:00 Australian Idol (PG) 1:00 Border Security International (PG) 1:30 Coastwatch Oz (PG) 2:00 Psych (M l,v) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 The 1% Club (PG) 8:30 The Front Bar (M) 9:30 Talking Footy (M)

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30

American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG)

4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Indian Country 6:00 Bamay 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Arabian Inferno 7:45 Wellington Paranormal (PG)

5:30 Pati’s Mexican Table 6:00 Luke Nguyen’s Food Trail 6:30 Mary Makes It Easy 7:00 The Cook Up 7:30 Mary Berry’s Love To Cook

1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman: (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 9:25 FBI (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

5:35 TVNZ 1News At Six 6:15 The Fast History Of (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:30 My Way (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 9:10 Under Investigation (M) 10:10 NINE News

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 First Dates Australia (PG) 7:35 First Dates UK (M s) 8:40 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares UK (M l)

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Death In Paradise (M v) 9:30 Ragdoll (MA15+)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Te Ao With Moana 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV

Update 6:40 Arabian Inferno (PG) 7:30 High Arctic Haulers (PG)

6:00 Luke Nguyen’s Food Trail 6:30 Mary Makes It Easy 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Adam

3:00 Lucknow (PG) (In English/ Hindi) 3:10

4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

6:00 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00

The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Mechanic: Resurrection” (M) (’16) Stars: Jason Statham

12:00 10 News First: Midday 1:00

Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Australian

Survivor (PG) 3:00 Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30

1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30

Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 Hawaii Five-O (PG)

4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30

Becker (PG) 5:30

Frasier (PG) 6:00

Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

7:00

AFL: Opening Round: Sydney v Melbourne *Live*

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 10 Years Younger In 10 Days (PG) 7:30 ABBA Silver, ABBA Gold (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Made Of Honor” (PG) (’08)

5:00 Our Stories

1:30 NCIS (PG) 2:30 Jake And

1:30 Ugliest House In America 2:30 The Block (PG) 4:00 Cheap Old Houses 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA

3:30 Movie: “It’s Great To Be Young!” (PG) (’56) Stars: John Mills 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M)

2:40 Insight (M) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Great Fire Of London (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution (M l) 8:30 Pan Am - Rise & Fall Of An Aviation Icon (PG) (In English/ German) 9:35 Kin (MA15+)

3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Cheap Old Houses 5:00 Holiday Homes In The Sun 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA

Western Property

The massive jump in weekly rents throughout Australia due to the national rental crisis has seen tenants collectively throughout the country now having to pay $1.7 billion every week in rent –over $88 billion annually.

Kevin Young, President of Property

largest independent property investment group, said that these statistics were based on the latest CoreLogic median dwelling rental prices combined with rental housing statistics from the 2021 Census.

“The latest census showed that there were over 2.84 million private rental properties in

recent CoreLogic data reveals that the median rental weekly dwelling cost was $601,” he said.

“When the figures are combined together, they reveal that Australians are collectively paying over $1.7 billion weekly in rent and if weekly rents remained the same for the next year, then collectively, they would be

paying $88 billion in rent.

“However, for every $10 rise in weekly rents Australians would have to collectively pay an additional $28 million per week or $1.4 billion per year.

“And a breakdown of total rental payment for the capital cities (excluding regional areas of Australia) further underlines the huge number of rents that Australians are now paying on a weekly basis.”

Young added that the rental crisis in Australia would only be solved if governments stopped attacking mum and dad investors and instead gave them more incentives to enter the real estate market.

“MUM AND DAD INVESTORS FEEL LIKE THEY ARE A THREATENED SPECIES”

“I have been investing in the residential real estate market for over 50 years and I would have to say that now is the toughest time for ordinary mum and dad investors to own a rental property,” he said.

“Mum and dad property investors currently supply over 90 per cent of rental properties in Australia and they hold the key to solving our entrenched rental crisis.

“Between government red tape and ever-increasing regulations combined with the constant threats of removing incentives such as negative gearing, mum and dad investors now feel like they are a threatened species.”

How can we fix the rental crisis? Give us your thoughts!

Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Western Property

What is so great about this property?

The PERFECT family home!

This stunning property boasts a separate granny flat and the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality, offering everything you need for modern living. Situated in a prime location with picturesque views over the neighbouring nature reserve,

this home is sure to impress even the most discerning buyers.

Who does this property suit?

Families.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Glenmore Park is a highly sought after suburb!

One of the best things about

residing in this area is the abundance of green spaces and parks, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls.

The well-designed infrastructure, coupled with a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere, creates a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.

Additionally, the proximity to essential amenities, schools, and recreational facilities ensures a convenient and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether enjoying the scenic views of the Blue Mountains or participating in community events, the quality of life in Glenmore Park is unparalleled, making it a truly special and rewarding place to live.

This FULLY RENOVATED home is ideally suited for family living or investment purposes. Positioned in a sought-after pocket of Cambridge Park.

Price: $890K - $940K

Inspection: Call Agent

GIZZELLE P OWELL

M: 0428 934 618

PROPERTY LAUNCH: Saturday, 24th Feb

Inspection: Call Agent

GIZZELLE P OWELL

M: 0428 934 618

E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

LITS A MELETI

M: 0466 969 164

E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

Sale: Just Listed

Inspection: Call Agent

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This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e and the finest finishes

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction , the residence is completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s

• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es

ORAN P ARK

The Experts

KEEPING YOUR PC HEALTHY AND SECURE

Maintaining a healthy and secure PC can be daunting, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of threats and performance bottlenecks. Recognising this need, Microsoft has launched PC Manager, a free tool designed to optimise your Windows experience. I have been using it for the last few weeks. When I feel my computer is running slow – I hit the performance boost button, which [automatically optimises system settings and frees up resources to improve performance]. Let’s explore what PC Manager offers, including its features and benefits.

At its core, PC Manager is a comprehensive utility suite that streamlines PC maintenance and security. It combines various tools traditionally scattered across Windows into a userfriendly interface. The tools are split between enhancing system performance, security, and usability. In addition to the performance boost button, other

tools are included.

Disk Cleanup, which scans and removes temporary files, junk data, and outdated system logs, freeing up valuable storage space.

Startup Management, which monitors and controls programs launching at startup, ensuring faster boot times and smoother performance.

Background Process Management identifies and stops resource-intensive processes, enhancing overall system responsiveness.

Antivirus Protection integrates the core Windows Security engine, providing real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other threats.

System Health Checks regularly audits Windows for vulnerabilities and outdated software, offering timely recommendations for updates.

Network Booster analyses and diagnoses network issues, helping improve Internet connectivity and speed.

Battery Saver, which extends

Experience the thrill of coming face to face with the

King of beasts!

battery life by intelligently managing system resources and reducing power consumption.

File Management provides essential tools for organising and cleaning up your drives.

Pop-Up Management, which blocks annoying advertising pop-ups.

Snipping Tool, Captions and Voice Recorder are added to a mini toolbar for quick access.

Network Diagnostics analyses your network connection and performs basic troubleshooting, helping to identify potential performance bottlenecks related to Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

Performance Boost Button combines several of the above tools, specifically startup Management, background process management, System configuration management and Network Diagnostics

Microsoft PC Manager is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Installing PC Manager is a straightforward process. You can download

it directly from the Microsoft website or the Microsoft Store app. The installation takes only a few minutes and requires minimal user interaction. Being a free tool directly from Microsoft, PC Manager offers peace of mind without subscription fees or potential security risks. Its small footprint and intuitive interface suit users of all levels.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat is an exclusive and unique Not for Profit Animal Sanctuary, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.

A tour of the retreat allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals and learn about their history and species. Zambi only allows limited visitors each week and you will need to book your spot on our website booking page here: www.zambi.org/bookings

The bookings are only available for a total of 7 guests and includes a tour of the retreat with an experienced guide where you will get to hand feed the macaw parrots and baboon monkeys. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks are included in the cost.

There is also the opportunity to add on animal encounters such as hand feeding the big cats and meeting the meerkats and little marmoset monkeys. This can be booked at the same time as your tour or added during your visit.

Entry is 9 years of age and older and a further age restriction of 12 years and older will apply to hand feeding the

zambi.org

The Experts

JULIE SHELDRAKE

Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900

SUMMER IS OVER, BUT WE MUST STAY VIGILANT!

Summer is officially over, but that doesn’t mean that pool safety is any less important. With the weather tipped to be warm for many more weeks yet, I have to ask – is your pool and fence in tip top condition? Would they pass a compliance check? If the answer is no, you are risking much more than a fine – you are risking lives.

Did you know that all pools and spas (including portable and inflatable pools) containing more than 30cm of water are legally required to be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool register? Registration is free, but the fine for not doing so is $220, and fines of $550 apply if a pool is not completely surrounded by a

the pool gate stopped closing automatically pretty soon after, and had to be repaired immediately, despite having just passed compliance. With three young children who spent the majority of their time playing outside in the backyard I dread to think what might have happened had we not noticed. It’s worth taking the time to regularly check fences and gates around the pool, and to make sure trees have not grown over the fence to aid climbing. Be vigilant.

Even with effective barriers in place, the importance of supervision cannot be overstated. Drowning remains the biggest cause of accidental death in children under five, and in most cases these deaths can be directly attributed to a lack of supervision. Nothing is more important than supervising children around water – drowning is silent, and swift.

We know that kids are adventurous by nature – they love to climb

and explore – and can often be found trying to climb the fence to retrieve a stray ball from the pool or propping the pool gate open (rather than let it self-latch). Water safety lectures when seeing these behaviours often fall on the deaf ears of our little people, which only emphasises the importance of the other precautions being taken – barriers, supervision, learning to swim and knowing CPR for emergencies. Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to. Stay safer everyone.

WHAT TO DO IF RATES FALL

There’s plenty of talk at the moment about interest rates going down this year, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) poised to finally give some relief to borrowers as the year continues to unfold.

So what should you do if the rates do go down?

First thing is to make sure your bank is passing on the rate cut in full. If for some reason it doesn’t, it might be time to talk to a broker or another bank and see what other options are out there. Banks usually make announcements around rate changes within a few days of the RBA move.

If your bank does pass on the rate cut, you’ve got a few options. You could enjoy the extra money in your pocket, given your minimum repayment will come down.

But you could also pretend that the cut never happened – and ask your bank to maintain your repayments at the amount they were prior to the cut.

This will obviously have significant long-term benefits, allowing you to build a buffer in the loan that over time could shave significant time off your home loan.

There’s also a host of other options that could also be of benefit. You could store the extra repayments in an offset

bellpartnersfinance.com.au

account so it still reduces the overall interest payable, but gives you quicker access to your funds.

Or you could divert the funds into a savings account and save for that holiday, new car or special treat.

Perhaps even a Christmas fund to have a little bit extra around that financially difficult time of the year.

We often get used to dealing with higher repayments, our lives adjust somewhat and we forget about it. But it’s important that we also adjust when things go the other way – and make the most of the extra money you have.

As always, speak to a broker if you need any advice about your home loan options.

The Experts

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PERSISTENT PAIN

Imagine being diagnosed with arthritis, eager to continue your daily activities, but faced with excruciating pain. This is a common predicament for many, and real-life scenarios like gardening can become sources of agony.

Take the case of knee pain during gardening. After spending three hours in a squat position pulling weeds, the stiffness and pain upon standing are undeniable. A visit to the GP reveals severe knee arthritis, leading to prescribed pain medication and a week of rest. However, upon resuming gardening, the pain returns, and the prospect of a potential knee replacement looms.

This narrative resonates with countless individuals who, like you, may feel stuck in a cycle of pain with no modification to their approach. The conventional advice often centres around rest, but it’s crucial to delve into the reasons behind the pain. The arthritis likely existed before the

GP visit, with the extended squatting exacerbating the condition.

Enter “relative rest”. Instead of complete inactivity, this approach encourages modifying your routine while still performing normal duties. For instance, during weeding, opt for a chair at a low to medium height to reduce excessive knee loading. Take breaks to prevent excessive stiffness, breaking down tasks into manageable 15-minute blocks. While medication helps manage acute pain, engage in rehab exercises during periods of rest to strengthen the knee. This proactive approach aims to enhance the joint’s capacity, allowing for prolonged gardening without reaggravation.

In essence, don’t let arthritis dictate a halt to your activities.

Embrace a tailored strategy, combining relative rest with modified duties and targeted exercises. By understanding and addressing the root cause of pain, you can reclaim control over your life, even in the face of arthritis.

Pendragons Abreast: supports the wellbeing of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating.

At Pendragons Abreast we encourage fitness, wellness, fun and camaraderie. We empower individuals and educate on the benefits of an active lifestyle after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Our inclusive team consists of breast cancer survivors and supporters of various ages, from a variety of backgrounds and athletic abilities.

Pendragons Abreast Penrith was formed in 2004 and we are also members of the Pendragons Dragon Boat Club, Penrith.

We race and train at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) Penrith Lakes and Nepean River at The Nepean Rowing Club Penrith. With opportunities to participate in regattas, travel and race against other breast cancer survivor teams.

Want to know more?

Find us on Facebook: Dragons Abreast Penrith

Or contact our Membership coordinator 0407 278 384

Take a look at Dragons Abreast Australia website: www.dragonsabreast.com.au

Pendragons Dragon Boat Club: pendragons.online

Come and try and have a chat over a coffee & morning tea.

Contact the membership coordinator for dates & times: 0 0407 278 384

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

Colour is key! The best products to add some sparkle to your makeup

Whether it’s festival season, The Eras Tour, or Mardi Gras that’s gotten you in the mood to play with colour and texture in your makeup, this is your sign not to put the glitter down!

Although the more natural, no-makeup-makeup look is still well and truly in, there’s always a time and place to have fun with makeup. Whilst wearing a sparkly, rainbow look to work isn’t for everyone, here are a few subtle ways to incorporate colour into your makeup routine, and some products to make it happen.

Eyeliner

Okay, I hear you, eyeliner in general isn’t for everyone. I had to do a perfect wing almost on a weekly basis

for dance competitions in my teens and the idea of doing it today still makes me shudder. But, if eyeliner is your thing, using a statement colour or graphic design can be one of the easiest and most effective ways of incorporating something fun into your makeup.

A good coloured eyeliner can be hard to find, especially because everyone has their preferences in formula and applicator. I would recommend the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, which has plenty of matte and shimmer shades, or the Mecca Max Zoom Liner.

Eyeshadows

For a quick and easy way to add something different to your makeup look, a pop of colour on the eyelid will

always win.

There are plenty of eyeshadow palettes or single shades to do this with – you probably already have something at home! But, if you’re looking to invest in something new, Mecca Max has just come out with their Over The Top Holographic Eyeshadow Toppers. The three shades come in a stack and range from an everyday neutral shade to a bright pink, and a stunning green-gold.

If there’s a specific colour scheme you think you’ll wear regularly, look into smaller palettes like Huda Beauty’s Color Block Obsessions

Eyeshadow Palettes in Orange & Purple and Blue & Green. These beauties come with matte and shimmer shades – 10 in nine pans – as well as cake eyeliners which are activated with water.

Blush

One of my favourite ways to switch up my makeup lately has been using different blush shades to match my eyes each day. Of course, the specific shades you use will depend on your skin tone, but for someone as fair as me it’s possible to make almost anything work with a

light hand, from baby pinks all the way to reds and purples. Nars has one of my favourite blush formulas, and I generally rotate between ‘Orgasm’ and ‘Amour’ for every day. But, if you want to be more adventurous, try the brilliant red ‘Exhibit A’ or berry shade ‘Sin’.

Lipstick

A bold lip will truly never go out of style.

If you’re looking to add one to your collection, MAC makes one of my favourite formulas which also happens to come in just about every shade in the rainbow. Or, add some subtle sparkle to the lips with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Lip Gloss in ‘Amber Sparkle’ or ‘Honey Diamond’.

Dogs are incredible communicators, using a language that goes beyond barks and tail wags.

Recognising the subtle cues in their body language is essential for building a strong and trusting bond with our furry companions. Understanding when a dog is happy, depressed, fearful, or stressed can pave the way for a closer bond with your furry friend.

A wagging tail is often associated with a happy dog, but the speed and height of the wag matter. A loose, wide wag usually indicates a content and happy pup, while a stiff, high wag can signal excitement or even aggression. Pay attention to the overall body language – a relaxed posture, ears in a neutral position, and a soft expression all contribute to a genuinely happy canine.

Depression in dogs can manifest in various ways, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or withdrawal. Drooping ears, a

lowered head, and avoiding eye contact are common signs. If your dog exhibits these behaviours, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Providing extra attention,

their bodies to the ground. Avoid direct eye contact, as it can be perceived as a threat, and give them space to retreat if needed. Offering treats, speaking in a soft, calm voice, and gradually expos-

engaging in gentle play, and maintaining a consistent routine can help lift their spirits.

Fearful dogs may display submissive body language, such as cowering, tucking their tail between their legs, or flattening

ing them to positive experiences can help build their confidence over time.

Stress in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, including excessive panting, pacing, or yawning. Examine the envi-

ronment for potential stressors, such as loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings. To alleviate stress, create a safe and quiet space for your dog, provide comforting physical contact, and establish a consistent routine. Consultation with a professional trainer or veterinary behaviourist may be beneficial for addressing specific stress triggers.

In any situation, it is crucial to be patient, observant, and responsive to your dog’s needs. Clear communication, positive reinforcement, and empathy form the foundation of a strong human-canine relationship.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation contribute to a dog’s overall wellbeing.

By delving into the rich tapestry of dog body language, we not only enhance our understanding of our four-legged friends but also create an environment where they feel secure, loved, and truly understood.

Relax & Unwind

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

This week Uranus (your ruling planet) squares Venus and Mars, which will stir up your impulsive, restless, rebellious side. So slow down Aquarius – otherwise you could find yourself headed for an argument or an accident. With Venus and Mars both visiting your sign, you’ll find the more you cooperate with others, the more affection and abundance you’ll attract. And the more proactive you are about making positive changes, the better your week will be.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

This week the Venus/Uranus square revs up your motivation and boosts your Bullish bravado. But you could also feel rather rushed and slightly unsettled. Cool down and calm down! Aim to do plenty of physical activity, so you can channel your restless energy in pleasant and productive ways. But being overly proprietorial about a person or situation will only lead to a fraction too much friction. Strive to be less stubborn about people, possessions and work.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Have you been feeling like a tired and listless Leo? This week – courtesy of the restorative, transformative New Moon – you’ll feel your mojo, motivation and Lion’s roar returning. So find a challenging project to direct your energy into. The Sun, Mercury and Uranus also encourage you to be more positive when communicating with others. A sunny smile and an encouraging comment will get you a lot further than feisty fireworks and theatrical foot-stamping!

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Uranus disrupts domestic harmony but don’t let it disturb your equilibrium. The secret to success is learning to let go, as you keep what’s working in your life and discard what isn’t. (But you may have to lose a current battle in order to win the long-term war.) Opportunities for New Moon growth come from a loved one, as you realise who has your best interests at heart. It’s also a good time to express your creative side and appreciate the talents of others.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

The stars bless creative projects, boost intuition, and help you get lost in a fabulous fantasy novel or a favourite romantic movie. With the Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune all illuminating your sign, you’re keen to please others. But avoid the temptation to say ‘yes’ to everyone and everything, like a compliant doormat. You may find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! Confidence is high on the weekend so make the most of it.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Gregarious Geminis are clever communicators but are you confident enough for big time success? With no less than eight planets (including the New Moon) activating your career and aspirations zones, a golden opportunity is waiting in the wings. But you must grab it when it appears, or it will promptly pass you by. Monday and Tuesday favour original ideas and innovative plans, whereas Friday and Saturday are fabulous for creative projects and spiritual pursuits.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The planets could generate a lucky break involving a partnership, joint venture, travel opportunity or educational project. So get your ideas out there as you inform and entertain others with your mercurial mind. A major relationship (of the romantic or platonic variety) could go through a New Moon metamorphosis. Do your best to air any concerns in a compassionate way, as you work through problems that have been holding you back.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Being of service to others (with kindness and compassion) brings much joy and satisfaction. Plus take the time to savour and enjoy the simple things in your everyday life – like a kiss from a child or a walk in the park. But avoid making a rash, insensitive comment (in person or online) that you later regret. It’s a wonderful weekend to entertain at home with a special meal, as the New Moon stimulates your family zone. Convivial conversation is a bonus.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The Mars/Uranus square could amp up your impulsive, impatient, argumentative side, especially involving friends or finances. And relationships look challenging, as loved ones are more unpredictable than usual. With Venus visiting your friendship and peer group zone, strive to be more diplomatic. If you can temporarily morph from a raging ram to a gentle lamb, then life will be less bumpy. Channel your fiery energy into making a goal or dream come true.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Unpredictable Uranus could unsettle a close relationship on Monday or Saturday, especially if there are secret agreements, trust issues or joint finances involved. Then Sunday’s New Moon activates your adventure zone, so you’re in the mood to plan (and book?) weekend getaways or work holidays for the rest of the year. Mercury also moves into your career zone so it’s time to amp up the communication with colleagues, clients and/or customers.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Laidback Librans love peace and harmony! But they may be hard to find, as unpredictable Uranus squares Venus (your power planet) on Monday. So expect upsets or surprises … perhaps a disruptive partner, an unpredictable friend or a rebellious child. Then Sunday’s New Moon stimulates your wellbeing zone, so it’s a wonderful weekend to start a new diet, reboot an exercise program or begin a meditation practice. Remember – health is the true wealth.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The New Moon lights up your communication, education and neighbourhood zone, so it’s a fabulous week to focus, plan, study, organise and strategise. Especially involving partnerships, joint ventures, and projects within your local community. But double-check all information that comes your way on the weekend. Make sure someone isn’t trying to steamroll you or pull the wool over your eyes (particularly involving friends and/or finances).

3

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Previous solution - Medium SUDOKU

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1 254189736 368724915 197365284 741632598 632958147 985471362 829543671 416297853 573816429

www.str8ts.com

Like Sudoku, no single number can rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

Last week’s solution Crossword 12 34 56 78 910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 ACROSS 1. Steep rugged rock 4. Invigorate 8. Parrot 11. Heart-throb poster (3-2) 13. More talented 15. Reflection 17. Hollywood studio (1,1,1) 18. Escape 20. Famous ballpoint 21. Restate main points 24. Cake frosting, ... sugar 27. Blunder 28. Fly out 30. Powdery 31. Too soon 33. Horror 34. Complacently 35. Folk tale 36. Detect 39. Sung rhythmically 42. Agreements 44. Resist 45. South Korean capital 46. Model, ... Macpherson 48. Curry accompaniment 49. Country bumpkin 50. Sell to public 52. Safe havens 54. Chief executive officers (1,1,2) 55. Cheeky 56. Shaving blades 57. Strong flavour 60. Second largest birds 62. Hateful 65. Deadly Australian serpent 67. Uncalled-for 69. Rework 70. Follow on 72. Diamonds ... a girl’s best friend 73. Lustre 75. Coke’s rival 77. Inn 79. The Matrix actor, ... Reeves 81. Social insect 82. Sentimental 84. Indian currency 85. Kitchen strainer 86. Hornet home 87. Church bell tower 88. Axe-like cutter DOWN 1. Baby’s bed 2. Quickly 3. Pop concert 4. Long movie 5. Malaysia’s Kuala ... 6. Retches 7. German WWII fascist 8. Electric fish 9. Hardhearted 10. At an end 12. Sense receptor 14. Legitimate 16. Actress & singer, ... Cyrus 19. Evaporate (3,2) 22. Spookily 23. Worships 25. Brass percussion instrument 26. Contradict 29. Olympic competitor 32. Cereal grass 35. Settler from abroad 37. Searches for 38. Discolours (of paper) 40. UK actor, Rhys ... 41. Tooth problem 42. Less tainted 43. Wilier 44. Low couch 47. Slackens 51. Writer, ... Defoe 52. Transpires 53. Ferocious 54. Two-door cars 58. Blue shade 59. Immortal being 61. Deplete (3,2) 63. Uncovered (facts) (3,2) 64. Magic saying, open ...! 65. Highest quality 66. Asian spice, star ... 68. Approaches 71. Raised (stakes) 72. Similar 74. Poems 76. Affected attitude 78. Laptop data block 80. Pecan or cashew 83. Reproductive cells Crossword brought to you by OnePointHealth onepointhealth.com.au | 4732 5188 510/536 High Street, Penrith Sudoku brought to you by Nepean Aquatic Centre nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au 4730 8900 the western weekender » 58 Friday, March 1, 2024

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Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards,

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about the Sydney Mardi Gras in our special trivia quiz this week.

1. In what year was the Mardi Gras held in Sydney for the first time?

2. Who produced a famous documentary in 1980 that tells the story of the first Mardi Gras?

3. Which Premier repealed the Summary Offences Act, that saw people arrested at the 1978 Mardi Gras?

4. Who debuted their single ‘Physical’ at the 2020 Mardi Gras?

5. Where did COVID-19 force the 2021 Mardi Gras to be moved to?

6. What does each Mardi Gras parade traditionally start with?

7. What year did Boy George appear?

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Born from the innovation of Subaru DNA, infused with bold attitude, and illuminated with its striking design, the all-new Subaru Impreza has made its debut on Australian soil with demonstration vehicles now available in-store for test drives.

A model part of the Subaru family for three decades, the new generation Subaru Impreza arrives in Australia in three highly specified variants, AWD 2.0L, AWD 2.0R and AWD 2.0S.

Redesigned with a focus on creating a sportier and more versatile offering for drivers, the feature packed stylish hatchback delivers a small passenger vehicle that’s ready to take you on your next adventure.

With a starting price from $31,490, the sixth generation Subaru Impreza adopts an all-encompassing human-centred design approach, finessed by Subaru’s engineers, elevating ride comfort for both the driver and passengers.

Subaru Australia’s Managing Director, Blair Read, said: “The 2024

Subaru Impreza hatchback offers exceptional handling, advanced safety and entertainment features, and of course Subaru’s renowned reliability and retained value.

“Whether it’s your weekday commute, weekend adventures, or a winding country road escape, Impreza offers the versatility that

defines the Subaru experience, making it the perfect choice as a daily driver.”

The all-new Subaru Impreza boasts a proven direct injection 2.0-litre Boxer engine, perfectly complemented by a Lineartronic transmission with an 8-speed paddle shift manual mode. This

dynamic combination helps ensure a smooth and nimble driving experience with excellent handling characteristics thanks to Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive’s renowned handling prowess. An improved Subaru Global Platform (SGP) introduces an even greater sense of confidence. The enhancement bolsters cabin strength and delivers a quieter, more comfortable ride, developing the overall driving experience. Safety is, as always, front of mind, with the all-new Impreza continuing Subaru’s pursuit of Towards Zero. Each variant features the latest Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System with an improved stereo camera and a new Wide-Angle Monocular Camera which significantly widens the field of view, the intuitive Driver Monitoring System – Driver Focus (DMS), Subaru Vision Assist and nine SRS airbags. A meticulously redesigned cabin boosts the driving experience, with a suite of updated entertainment features, and added conveniences, the Impreza helps ensure time on the road is comfortable and enjoyable.

Owners will enjoy a high-definition 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen to control various multimedia functions. In addition, all MY24 Impreza variants include a wireless Qi smartphone charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and both USB type A and USB type C ports.

Sound is made available via a high quality six-speaker audio for 2.0L and 2.0R, whereas the 2.0S boasts 10 Harman Kardon speakers and amplifier.

All MY24 Subaru Impreza variants feature a smart key and push-start ignition, LED headlights with auto off (dusk-sensing) and power-folding door mirrors.

Impreza AWD 2.0R and AWD 2.0S feature Self-levelling and Steering Responsive Headlights, front cornering lamps, sports pedals, LED daytime running lights and a leather steering wheel and gear shift.

The sixth generation Subaru Impreza is available to order now via www.subaru.com.au or your local Subaru Retailer.

To book a test drive contact your local Subaru retailer.

C addens

C addens News (C addens Corner)

Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

Mcdonald’s

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

Mcdonald’s

Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

Mcdonald’s

Penrith Regional Galler y

Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (G re at Western

Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

Mcdonald’s

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Take Away

G rey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen (Penrith Homemaker)

S alt C afe (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop (Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

G row C afé (Formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo

Iga

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t

Iga Luddenham

Minchinbur y

Mcdonald’s

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

The Bunker

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

Mfc Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Atmosphere Gym

Au stralian Arms

Brisket Boys

Ca fé Fre d

C altex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

Mcdonald’s High Street

Mcdonald’s Panthers Le agues

Mcdonald’s Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith Cbd Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith Rsl

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

Re/Max

Sittano s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

World Gym

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Mobil Ser vice Station

The Chemist Shop

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

G rose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Woolworths

St Clair

Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys

Andrew s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Mcdonald’s St Mar ys South

Monfar ville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St Mar ys Fish Market

St Mar ys Le agues Club

St Mar ys Pizza Hut

St Mar ys Rsl

St Mar ys Village

Walter s Newsagency

T hornton

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

St Mar ys Librar y St Mar ys Pharmacy Queen St

Petramar t Thornton Community Centre

Wallacia

Wallacia Golf Club

Wallacia Hotel

Wallacia Pos t Office

Wallacia Takeaway

Warragamba

Wa rragamba Sport s Club

Werrington

Colonial Hotel

Crossroads Convenience

He needs a bigger trophy cabinet!

NATHAN TAYLOR

One day you’ll find this 10-year-old tearing up the BMX track, and the next you’ll catch him carving up the footy field – this is the life of Jobe Degnan.

The Year 5 Our Lady of the Way Primary School student is so busy with his sporting prospects that after his photo shoot with the Weekender in St Marys on Tuesday, he was swiftly whisked away to footy training at Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club.

But Jobe wouldn’t have it any other way as he continues to make a name for himself in several sports.

Following a whirlwind past 12 months, the Emu Plains resident has been rewarded for his dedication and success, named the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award.

In August, Jobe travelled to Glasgow in Scotland where he represented Australia at the 2023 UCI BMX World Championships. It was a memorable trip for the youngster, finishing in the top 40 for the two events he contested.

While it was an eye-opening experience for Jobe, he certainly learned a lot along the way.

“It was quite challenging because when you race in Australia you know all the kids you’re up against, so you know how they ride, but when you go up against kids from other countries, you don’t know how they ride, so you just go for it,” Jobe said.

“Overall it was a good time and I made two friends over there, one from America named Cody and another from The Netherlands named Sam. We chat a lot on Instagram.”

After returning to Aussie soil, Jobe went on to dominate the rest of the BMX season. He became the NSW Series winner in 20-inch and Cruiser class, the NSW State Title winner in 20-inch and Cruiser, and the Australian Title winner in 20-inch and fifth in Cruiser.

Asked where he kept all of his accolades, Jobe was straight to the point.

“I keep them all in a display cabinet in my room, but it’s full already,” he revealed.

“I’m getting a bigger one soon to put more of my stuff in.”

When he’s not riding his bike, Jobe channels his hero Brian To’o out on the footy field. The versatile fullback and centre has been playing rugby league since he was six-years-old and just enjoyed one of his best seasons to date –playing 13 games, scoring 21 tries and kicking six goals.

“I started playing with Brothers Junior Rugby League Club and then I switched to Emu Plains last season because lots of my friends went there,” the Panthers fan said.

Up next is a trial match against his former club this weekend, while on the track Jobe’s set to compete at another BMX State Series in Lake Macquarie in March.

Jobe’s Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.

Jobe Degnan is happy to be this week’s Junior Sports Star. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Country boy Lachie loves the quiet life in western Sydney

NATHAN TAYLOR

Acountry boy at heart, Giants star Lachie Ash admits he’s still getting used to life in the big smoke – despite living in Sydney the past five years.

The 22-year-old was born and raised in country Victoria and made the move to western Sydney following his draft into the league back in 2019.

Ahead of the 2024 AFL season, Ash said he misses farm life and tries to return to his country roots as often as he can.

“I’m originally from the farm, so I enjoy going back there from time to time,” he told the Weekender

“I’m still struggling to get my head around the city a little bit – I’m a country guy at heart.”

Playing in a predominantly rugby league city like Sydney does have its advantages for AFL players who prefer less attention when out in the ‘wild’.

Unlike his Victorian counterparts, most of the Greater Western Sydney squad go unrecognised when they’re out and about grabbing

lunch or a coffee from their favourite café. Ash said he enjoys that aspect of living away from the AFL bubble down south.

“You don’t envy what your mates go through down in Melbourne. You can fly under the radar here, which is nice,” he admitted.

“We don’t get recognised too

much unless we’re in a big group together, but not really just walking around by ourselves.

“The Tobys might get recognised (Greene and Bedford), but as for me, it’s actually really good to get away from the game, let your hair down, and go about living your life.”

And it appears not being under

the microscope has paid off for the defender after he put in a careerbest year last season. Ash’s stats were up right across the board in 2023 and he believes his coach Adam Kingsley had a lot to do with it.

“Previously I’ve been flicked around a bit with a few roles, but

Adam gave me some clarity on what he wanted from me and being able to play a set position has been really good,” Ash said.

“Also playing in that backline has been real handy as well. There are some good names getting around in that backline and we’re all pretty close. Hopefully that connection can only get stronger this year and we keep getting better as a backline and that makes us better as a team as well.”

The Giants took part in one last trial game against the Suns in Canberra yesterday (February 29) before they prepare for their opening round clash against reigning Premiers Collingwood on March 9.

Ash said getting the opportunity to kick off the new season in primetime is exciting.

“Previously we haven’t had too many big games on Friday and Saturday nights against big clubs,” he said.

“Obviously we all remember that game (Preliminary Final) at the end of last year against the Pies, so we’ll be out there with that front of mind, ready to roll, and hopefully get our season off to a good start.”

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Lachie Ash with the ball.

Photo: Ryan Jones/GWS Giants.

Softball duo to represent their country

enrith City Softball Association continue to produce more Aussie superstars, with two of their athletes selected in the 2024 Australian U19 Women’s Squad.

Local softballers Jessica Smith and Ciara Saunby were chosen by Softball Australia to be part of the U19 women’s program following an outstanding summer on the diamond.

According to Softball Australia, the U19 women’s program embodies a comprehensive year-round initiative.

Designed to foster skill enhancement and team cohesion, the program will feature three intensive training camps, tailored individualised training plans encompassing strength and conditioning, and technical programs.

It’s certainly been a whirlwind 12 months for

the pair, who have been standouts while playing for their respective representative teams.

18-year-old Smith, who resides in Cambridge Gardens, represented Australia in Canada last July, while 17-year-old Saunby picked up gold while representing her state in Western Australia earlier this year.

To further prove they are at the top of their game, Smith and Saunby are also recent winners of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star Award.

Smith, Saunby and the rest of the Australian squad will get their first chance to train and compete together in the upcoming camp, coinciding with the recently announced Aussie Spirit camp and series against the Chinese Taipei National Women’s Team.

The joint camp will offer a unique opportunity for the U19 squad to train alongside elite athletes and engage in high-level competitions.

Among the highlights of the camp are intersquad games, a matchup against the Chinese Taipei team, and specialised technical and game scenario training sessions.

“Way to go Jess and CeeCee (Suanby), hard work and dedication certainly reaps the rewards,” Penrith City Softball Association said in a statement.

“We are super proud of you at PCSA. It’s great seeing you both shining on the diamond, doing what you love.

“Congratulations again on the fantastic news of being selected into the 2024 Australian U19 Women’s Squad.”

Following the camp, the team set to represent Australia at the U18 Women’s World Cup Group Stage in Dallas will be selected.

“This pivotal event serves as a platform for our rising stars to showcase their skills on the global stage and continue Australia’s proud tradition of excellence in softball,” Softball Australia said in a statement.

“Softball Australia extends its heartfelt congratulations to all selected athletes and wishes them the best of luck as they embark on this excit ing journey.”

Ciara Saunby. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Jessica Smith.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

WANDERERS BEAT ADELAIDE 2-1

Story continued from » p.68

It’s also rumoured injured star forward Brandon Borrello could make his long-awaited comeback in the match, however that could not be confirmed at the time of print.

The Socceroo has been sidelined since Round 5 after breaking his foot during the first Sydney Derby of the season, which the Wanderers won 1-0.

Meanwhile, the Wanderers are riding high after knocking off lowly Adelaide United 2-1 last Saturday at Hindmarsh Stadium.

It was Western Sydney’s first win in several weeks, with Nicolas Milanovic slotting over a brace in the contest. Stand-in coach Jean-Paul De Marigny said he was proud of the 22-year-old’s performance.

“It was a solid performance… we’re continuing to develop him, and I think he’s starting to understand his role a little bit better and it’s nice that he’s getting rewarded for that,” he said.

“That will encourage him to continue to do those type of movements and also he’s working much harder without the ball, so we will continue to develop that in him.”

Tickets are still available for Saturday night’s blockbuster at CommBank Stadium, with the first 15,000 fans through the gates to receive a free Sydney Derby poster.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm, with the match also set to be broadcast live on 10 Bold.

The dramatic final over that decided Martin Shield thriller Finish for the ages

There’s nothing better than when a sporting game, with so much at stake, goes right down to the wire.

That’s exactly the predicament the Nepean men’s representative cricket team found themselves in when they faced Sutherland in the Grand Final of the Martin Shield on February 18.

Returning to the 100-plus year competition for the first time in more than a decade, Nepean were the underdogs heading into the One-Day decider at Tonkin Park, Cronulla.

Captained by experienced all-rounder Rydall Govender, Nepean won the toss and elected to bat.

According to the Springwood Cricket Club captain, Nepean got off to a slow start before finally getting things going.

“It wasn’t a great start from us! We lost a wicket in the first over and then we lost another in the second over – we weren’t going well at all,” Govender said.

“We got bowled out 60 runs short of what we wanted to get, but after being 3/6, we were happy to score 185 in the end.”

It wasn’t until Sutherland hit the crease did the drama really start to unfold. Their opening batsman Joey Simpson led the way with 75 before being bowled out by Govender. Sutherland were sitting comfortably on 6/168 at the time.

“It came down to the second

last over – 12 balls to go – and Sutherland needed four runs to tie with four wickets in hand. I thought we were in some trouble,” Govender admitted.

“I threw the ball to my teammate Bryan Morris who hadn’t bowled a single over all day. He ended up taking two wickets for three runs in that one over.

“Then I bowled the final over. They needed one run to tie, two runs to win, with two wickets in hand.”

What happened next was extraordinary.

“My first three balls were dots. Sutherland then got a single on my fourth delivery – so the scores were tied with two balls to go,” Govender said.

“Sutherland needed just one run to win but I ended up bowling the last two batters out with the final two balls – it was pretty cool!”

With no super overs in the Martin Shield to break the deadlock, Nepean and Sutherland were declared joint Premiers for the 2023/24 season, an unlikely and unique result.

“With the way the game panned out, it felt like we won the draw and they lost the draw – we celebrated like a win,” Govender said.

“Sutherland have the Shield and we have the player medals at the moment, but we’ll get the Shield out at Penrith at some stage.”

For his incredible 65 with the bat and match-saving 3/12 with the ball, Govender was named the Martin Shield Player of the Final.

The Nepean team celebrate being joint Martin Shield premiers.

NATHAN TAYLOR

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Wanderwomen return to the pitch

FOOTBALL: Following the international break last weekend, the Western Sydney Wanderers’ women’s team will return to the field this Saturday afternoon for a blockbuster match-up against Sydney FC at CommBank Stadium. The game between the third-placed Sky Blues and seventh-placed Wanderers will get underway at 5pm before the men’s teams do battle at 7.45pm. With six games remaining, every win is vital for Western Sydney’s chances of playing Finals football.

SOFTBALL: Congratulations to Penrith City Softball Association, which finished runners-up at the 2024 Over 35s Men’s State Championship last Sunday evening. Penrith City took on Macarthur in the Grand Final, but unfortunately went down 11-1. A huge effort to make it this far, lads!

CRICKET: Penrith have defeated St George with ease in Round 15, the penultimate round of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bowl. St George batted well before they were ultimately dismissed for 239. Liam Doddrell took 4/40 in a strong display with the ball. When Penrith hit the crease, their top three batsmen did all the work. Ryan Gibson belted 117 not-out, Nick Adams smashed 80 not-out, while Tyran Liddiard added 24 runs as Penrith prevailed 1/241. The Cats, who are next to no chance of playing in the post-season, will hit the road in the final round to play Manly Warringah at Manly Oval.

CRICKET: Penrith have had a day to forget against St George-Sutherland in Round 18 of the Women’s First Grade competition. Playing in a One-Day match at Hurstville Oval, the home side won the toss and elected to bat. St George-Sutherland were on fire, posting

4/280 after 50 overs. Gabrielle Sutcliffe took two wickets for the Lady Cats. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they struggled to gain any momentum and were dismissed for just 79 runs. Captain Sam Arnold fought hard but could only manage a team-high 23 runs. It wasn’t the premiership defence Penrith fans had hoped for this summer, with the team finishing the season in ninth spot with seven wins and 11 losses to their name.

CRICKET: The Finals of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition took place last weekend, with Panthers Cricket Club advancing. In fifth grade, Panthers progressed to this weekend’s Final with a 35-run win over the Minchinbury Warriors. Batting first, Panthers notched up 7/212. Panthers’ bowlers were able to restrict Minchinbury to 10/177. Panthers didn’t help themselves with a number of dropped catches, but were still good enough to record a win.

ATHLETICS: Congratulations to Year 6 St Mary MacKillop Primary School student Peter B for setting a new hurdles record last week in Leonay. Peter was attempting to break the 80m hurdles club record for U12s at Emu Plains Little Athletics Centre. The club record, set in 2019/20, was 16.93 seconds. Peter ended up smashing the record last Friday night in a time of 14.99 seconds. A star of the future!

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 4 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with disappointing results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball Cup, Penrith went down to the Sydney Roosters 22-16. In the Harold Matthews Cup, Penrith were smashed by the Roosters 40-16. Both teams will take on the Illawarra Steelers on Friday at the Windsor Sports Complex.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 4 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took

grade career. Daniela returned to the Saints and was identified to lead the return of the club into the NSWRL Major Competitions, playing the last six seasons with the St Marys Ron Massey Cup team, before retiring in 2022. Daniela’s new full-time position will diversify into coach development, planning and programming the coordination of all St Marys Junior Rugby League commitments and initiatives.

EVENT: The Gaelic Athletic Association will celebrate its 50th birthday from

Geoff Daniela has scored a new gig at St Marys.

Little Athletics star Peter B.

The Penrith City Over 35s softball team.

SPORT

66

RIVALRY REIGNITES

They sit side by side on the ladder as if the football gods wanted it that way – the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC will do battle for the second time this season on Saturday.

It’s been three long months since the two old foes last went to war, but this time it’s anyone’s game with the Wanderers and Sky Blues almost level at the three quarter mark of the season.

After 18 games, Western Sydney sit in fifth on 28 competition points courtesy of eight wins, four draws and six losses,

while Sydney FC are in sixth place on 27 competition points with eight wins, three draws and seven losses.

If the Wanderers prevail tomorrow evening, they’ll extend their lead over their crosstown rivals but if Sydney FC take all three points, they’ll leapfrog the Red & Black with seven games remaining.

Helping the Wanderers’ cause at CommBank Stadium is the return of coach Marko Rudan, who’s been sidelined the past two matches after being sanctioned by Football Australia for breaches of the National Code of Conduct.

Story continues on » p. 66

NATHAN TAYLOR

feature

GARNER TO BUILD ON SPECIAL SEASON

He was one of Penrith’s more well-known signings to start the 2023 season, however Luke Garner didn’t quite hit the heights many fans were expecting of him.

Tipped to replace Viliame Kikau in the back row, the former Tiger only notched up a dozen NRL games in Panthers colours last season due to several factors including injury and form.

It may have only been 12 games, but incredibly three of them were in the NRL Finals.

Despite being low on confidence due to lack of game time throughout the year, Garner was there when his coach needed him most – Grand Final Day.

“I was having a bit of a rocky year but finished it off with a ring,” he told the Weekender

“It was a bit tough during the year not playing first grade, but I just kept staying positive, working hard and it paid off in the end.

“It was pretty surreal to win a premiership after getting the wooden spoon the year before arriving at Penrith.”

Garner’s demotion to NSW Cup

level after 75 first grade games with the Tigers was a shot to the ego for the 28-year-old, but being one of the senior players in the group allowed him to grow from the decision, which ultimately put him on a path to play in the most important games of the

NRL season.

“It was hard to stay positive. Coming in week in, week out and not playing, it was hard to stay positive but there was nothing I could do about that,” Garner said.

what I could control and that was training hard.”

After a rollercoaster first season at the Panthers, Garner will approach 2024 with a slightly different mindset – to be ready for anything at any moment.

His goal is to win another ring, and you can’t blame him for wanting that feeling again.

“I could only control

“That’s the goal, to get back and play in a Grand Final again. Whether I’m starting or on the bench, just pushing to win each week,” he said.

Meanwhile, fellow backrower Liam Martin is hoping to secure his fourth premiership ring when Penrith kick off their season against the Storm down in Melbourne next Friday, March 8.

With an 81 per cent career win percentage to his name, the 26-yearold said winning can be very addictive.

“I definitely want to feel that winning feeling again,” Martin declared.

“It’s a new year, we can’t keep dwelling on last year. We’ve got to start again.”

Season 2024 will also be the final year the Panthers play at BlueBet Stadium before the bulldozers rumble in at the conclusion of the season. While the club is always farewelling players at year’s end, it’s not often you say goodbye to a beloved stadium too.

“It’s been our stronghold and such a great ground for us over the last few years, and we want to make this year – our final year there – special for our fans,” Martin said.

Luke Garner after winning the 2023 NRL Grand Final with Penrith last year. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

He’s seen countless teammates do it over the years and now

Brian To’o will get his turn in season 2024.

Following the birth of his baby boy last October, the 25-year-old will get to live out a lifelong dream by bringing his new son, Atreus Gohanrome-Stephenny, onto the famous BlueBet Stadium turf after a match.

It’ll be a special moment for the pair, who have been inseparable since To’o’s wife, Moesha, gave birth late last year.

“The first two weeks of him being born were challenging and new, but big ups to my wife – she’s definitely a team player, leads from the front and has been looking after baby very well,” To’o proudly told the Weekender

“She stays up at night with him, just doing all the little things. My little man’s growing every day.”

While taking his son to a footy game is on To’o’s bucket list this year,

he also admits he can’t wait to come home to his little family after putting in the hard yards on the field.

“It’s something I’m looking forward to,” the three-time premiership winner said.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to have a child of my own and finishing a game – whether we win or lose –coming home to my children and my wife… nothing will beat that!”

Since making his NRL debut midway through 2019, To’o has been one of the most successful players in the competition. Not only has he played in four Grand Finals and won three titles, but he’s also often first picked in State of Origin for NSW and played in a Rugby League World Cup Final for Samoa.

It’s certainly been a remarkable five seasons in the top grade for To’o and, to make things more unbelievable, he hasn’t even played his 100th game yet.

But while season 2024 is still to kick off, To’o can’t stop thinking about losing another one of his best friends at the conclusion of the year.

Jarome Luai, one of To’o’s best men

at his 2022 wedding, will play his final season at Penrith after signing a monster deal with the Wests Tigers in January.

After farewelling Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu at the end of last year, To’o is starting to think he may be the reason so many of his mates are leaving.

“I don’t know if they’re leaving because of me because I’m too annoying, but I know I’ll miss Romey the most,” he said.

“I definitely want to send him off on a high note. He’s done a lot for this club and for all the beautiful fans of the Penrith Panthers as well. To send him off on a high note, I wish him all the best for that.”

And it’s not like the pair will be strangers once Luai departs, To’o is expecting his Samoan brothers to be around his place regularly.

“They can all come over to baby sit and let me have some sleep,” To’o said about Luai, Crichton and Leniu.

“It’s been good having the boys over and to check in on the baby as well. It’s not really a goodbye, it’s more of a see you again soon.”

Brian To’o, his wife Moesha and their son Atreus. Photo: JTPT Media.

Best friends: Brian To’o and Jarome Luai. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Panthers legend Royce Simmons conducts the player partner draw. Lea Hicks from Hix Group with James Fisher-Harris after the player partner draw.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary

Jim Hill and Meghan Hill.

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai.

Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris hit the photo wall.

Ivan Cleary with guests.

James Fisher-Harris, Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o. Isaah Yeo and his partner Ashley.

As a new season begins with the Penrith Panthers chasing a fifth straight Grand Final appearance and a fourth straight premiership, I’ve been asked many times, do I think they can do it again in 2024?

I’ll answer that later.

“We were told that we couldn’t even win one (premiership),” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary told SEN 1170 Breakfast recently.

“We were then told we couldn’t win two in a row or even three in a row.

“We have the talent to (win a fourth), we certainly have the experience and we have created that belief with the way we play.”

More wise words were said by Ivan prior to the Preliminary Final last year in the Sydney Morning Herald

“The only way we can fail is by not facing our fears and taking them head on,” he said, “Face (your fears) head on – you can’t fail if you do that.”

That’s the mindset of a winner folks.

Penrith go into every game believing they can win the contest.

Whether they do or not is another story, but that belief is indoctrinated into every player’s mindset until it becomes part of their DNA.

For example, co-captain Nathan Cleary believed, even when the team was down 24-8 in last year’s Grand Final, that if they stuck to their systems, their core beliefs and values, they would win.

And win they did.

While the Panthers will be minus three of their Grand Final stars from last season in Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Jack Cogger, the belief that they can win a fourth consecutive title without them, is still the main focus of the team.

Another strong motivating factor is that their five-eighth and long-time teammate Jarome Luai, is in his final season with the club.

‘Romey’ has already begun labelling 2024 as the “The Last Ride” and he’s determined to leave the club as a four-time premiership winner.

It’s safe to assume that if Penrith are to defy history and win a fourth title, Luai will be a key component. So many other things also need to go right, you need to minimise injuries, get a fair rub of the green with refereeing decisions (cough cough), the list goes on.

OK enough babbling. I know the coaching staff and players think they can win a fourth straight title and… I do too. I think they do it.

There’s no doubt that Penrith’s dominance will end one day.

I mean nothing lasts forever.

Especially with the team losing star players after every successful season. I think we all know this premiership winning run will end one day. One day maybe, but not today!

Ivan Cleary protecting the NRL trophy. Photo: NRL Photos.

with Peter Lang

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

IS STADIUM RETURN IN DOUBT?

! Stadium homecoming could take two years: The thought Penrith will only be away from BlueBet Stadium for one season while the venue undergoes a major upgrade is best put in the ‘wishful thinking’ category. It is more likely the Panthers will return to the venue mid-way through the 2026 season, which means more time on the road and, with any luck, a heavy home schedule at the back end of that season. But it’s important to note that construction delays, particularly around weather, could ultimately see this blow out and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility Penrith is away for two years.

! Spotted: Jarome Luai diving into some strawberries like they were going out of fashion at the Panthers season launch in February.

! Surprise wedding: A huge congratulations to Penrith Pantherettes choreographer and former cheerleader Kati Manning, who married her partner Justin in a surprise wedding over the off-season.

! Off-season engagement: Luke Garner is not the only one in his household with a ring on his finger. The 2023 Grand Final winner popped the question to his partner Ash during the off-season – and she said yes!

! Merch move questioned: I had a lot of feedback over the off-season about the new way merchandise packs for members happened this year. In short, there’s no longer a set pack and instead members are provided a value and can pick from a whole range of items, including personalised products. I liked the concept – The Masked Panther does not need another hat to add to his collection – but the website was atrocious and therefore the end user experience felt poor.

! Early exit: We noticed a couple of high profile Panthers players exited the premiere

of the ‘Undisputed’ documentary at the EVAN Theatre well before it ended. Only the first episode was shown and it was less than an hour – it’s surprising they didn’t stay.

! Cullen cringe: There’s some moments you just wish you could take back and I reckon Alex Cullen had one of those at the Panthers season launch. Cullen, who works at Channel Nine and was MC for the evening, asked Nathan Cleary about his relationship with Mary Fowler. Cleary played a straight bat but it’s well known he’s doing this best to keep the relationship out of the public eye. The Penrith captain would expect to be asked such questions by journos out and about – but it was pretty rough to be asked about it on his home turf.

! Priority signings: I’d be very surprised if Penrith didn’t announce new deals for Mitch Kenny and Sunia Turuva (pictured right) in the early part of the season. Both are off-contract at the end of 2024 but there’s no real fear either will leave the club. With Jarome Luai’s hefty salary now off the books for 2025 and beyond, Penrith can start to shore up other talent. Taylan May is the one with a question mark over his head – a unique character, it’s hard to know exactly where his future lies for 2025.

! The good – and bad – old days: It was intriguing to listen to podcasts over the summer

featuring Max Cowan and Glenn Matthews, who were both big figures at Panthers through the 1990s and 2000s. They both had some intriguing things to say about the past, present and future. In both cases it’s still clear they have Panthers in the blood, even if there were some rough times. You can search Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts to hear both episodes of ‘On The Record’.

! Player of the Year: I can reveal a new Panthers award will be handed out this year with The Western Week ender running an unofficial Player of the Year concept through the season. 2003 Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Priddis along with Weekender contributor Peter Lang, NRL journalist Nathan Taylor and Managing Editor Troy Dodds will vote on a 3, 2 and 1 basis each week – meaning 12 points is available in each Penrith game. A ladder and latest scoring will be available in the paper each week.

! Got some gossip? As always, I don’t keep secrets but I do protect

my sources. If you’ve heard a rumour, want to share a secret or you’ve spotted a player out and about, tell me about it at maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

An artist’s impression of the new stadium.

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