Western Weekender December 15

weekender the western Friday, December 15, 2017 • FREE

www.westernweekender.com.au

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Merry Christmas to all our loyal readers and advertisers

GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE When it comes to the holiday season, there is no greater gift than generosity and kindness. Locals are being asked to help those less fortunate this Christmas at a special luncheon being held in Penrith next week. Emily Newton reports on page 18.

Helping out: Dave O’Neill, Gai Hawthorn, Wendy Howard, Tamara Reeves and Adam De Giorgio. Photo: Simon Gould

RADIO LEGEND See page 19

2017 TV AWARDS See page 60

NEW ERA BEGINS See page 81

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Mayor says development applications need to be scrutinised by Council EMILY NEWTON

aith looks set to grow in Penrith with two development applications (DA) lodged for multi-million dollar places of worship in the past month.

Last month, a development application for Hillsong Church was lodged to Penrith Council for a $29 million facility in Werrington.

The development would include an 89 place child care centre, an auditorium for 400 occupants that would be extended to 1350 occupants, as well as meeting rooms and administration offices.

This month, another DA was lodged for a proposed Hindu Temple at Aldington Road, Kemps Creek, worth $41 million.

“The proposal is for a Mandir (Hindu Temple) with landscaping including playgrounds, assembly hall, dining hall, and monk’s residence, in the Hindu architectural tradition,” application documents submitted to Council state.

“While there are a number of Hindu temples in Sydney, there are currently no Hindu temples in the Penrith LGA, to cater to the rapidly growing population.

“The growth of the Hindu speaking population, population born in India, and people identifying their religion as Hindu,

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Penrith Mayor John Thain at the proposed site for the Hillsong development.

Photo: Melinda Jane

has increased more rapidly than population growth between 2011 and 2016.”

But Penrith Mayor John Thain has serious concerns about the development of Hillsong in an already busy area located near Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre and Kurrambee School, and wants to make sure it’s done properly.

“It’s going to generate a lot of traffic. This is a major development. It’s a fairly big site, it’s got to be compliant,” Cr Thain said.

“I’ve asked for a briefing to be brought to Council to have a good look at it.

“I’ve got to be convinced.”

Earlier this year it was announced that mandatory independent local hearing and assessment panels (IHAPs) will be introduced to Sydney metropolitan councils to make decisions on DAs over $5 million and under $30 million.

Following the introduction of IHAPs, Cr Thain wants to ensure any potential issues from the development are resolved before it creates additional pressure as Penrith continues to develop.

“I’m a little bit cynical that it’s $29 million and not $30 million,” Cr Thain said.

Applications over $30 million will be dealt with by regional planning panels.

A briefing on the Hillsong development is expected to be presented to Council early next year.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Hillsong wants local site

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

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Reflecting and looking forward A nd just like that, another year is done and dusted.

2017 in Australia will be remembered by history fondly, with same-sex marriage finally legalised – and I am certain we will eventually look back and seriously question how 38 per cent of us possibly said no.

It was a highlight in a year otherwise full of political turmoil. More on that in a moment.

Today marks the final edition of the Western Weekender for 2017.

When we return in a few weeks, we will have one less competitor here in Penrith, with Fairfax Media closing the Penrith City Gazette, or for the traditionalists out there, the Star.

Normally in business you celebrate the closure of a competitor but in our industry, it is another blow to a media landscape that is losing quality journalism and getting lost in a world of click bait and re-writes.

The truth is success comes from investment in journalism and in the region you represent. For too long big media companies have sacked the very people that write the content people engage with, and focused on centralisation strategies.

They then wonder why people turn their backs on the now diluted and less engaging content being produced.

These methods have great short-term results for the balance sheet but almost always fail in the long-term.

That is why we are so fortunate here at the Weekender to have independent, local ownership that is not only dedicated to Penrith but committed to local people and importantly independent journalism.

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Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith Issue 1334

thing again – women are standing up for themselves in unprecedented fashion and calling out the bullies, sexist pigs and disgraceful people that they’ve had to deal with in years and decades past.

After a few shaky years where quotas, being easily offended and anti-men sentiment started to leak into the feminist movement, it finally has some real power and influence again.

Good on those women who have bravely stood up and made a difference this year.

And what about 2017 in Penrith? I hope we’ve given you an insight into our city’s highs and lows in the 1500+ stories we have brought you in 2017.

So what are my hopes for 2018?

Without wanting to sound like an ageing white bloke living in the past, I really hope we get back some of our Australian spirit and larrikinism in 2018.

We’re becoming softer and too easily offended. And we’re taking less responsibility for our own actions in what has become a bit of a “blame everyone and everything but yourself” society.

I hope we can find some better balance next year. Life is short – let’s smile more.

As for the Weekender, we are planning for our 28th year in this city to be a defining one. We will fight for you. We will listen, and we will speak. And we will innovate, with some exciting projects and new features scheduled for 2018.

I hope you have a very happy and safe Christmas with your friends and family.

Our first edition of 2018 will be released on Friday, January 12. In the meantime, a limited news service will run on our website and social media pages.

Merry Christmas.

2018 Calendar..................44-45 Business................................46-47 Entertainment .................55-66

the western weekender WW31746

WE NOW DO MAG WHEEL REPAIRS, W MOTOR M MO O TRIMMING AND UPHOLSTERY WE NOW DO MAG WHEEL REPAIRS, wish all our MOTOR TRIMMING AND UPHOLSTERY

I am so proud to lead a term of journalists that stand tall in an industry that is being made smaller each and every year.

I often say the Weekender is defying the trend of print media but in reality the medium is irrelevant. If you invest in people, and you produce content that informs, educates and entertains, you will build an audience whether it’s print, digital, radio, TV or a bloke with a megaphone in the street.

I can not thank our loyal readers and advertisers enough for their continued support of this publication. We are forever in your debt.

Thank you to our sales team, production team, admin staff, columnists, contributors, letter writers, deliverers, social media followers, supporters and detractors – you all make up a vital cog of this wheel.

So what have we learned in 2017?

Unfortunately I think we’ve learned that our politicians are more disconnected with the everyday person than at any other time in our past.

I often defend politicians to friends and family because I have a unique insight into the truth of how hard they work and the difficult challenges they face in undertaking the impossible task of pleasing everybody.

But this year I’ve found it harder and harder to do. I’ve watched situations come and go where it appears our pollies just don’t listen. They seem to have blinkers on, and are becoming more disengaged than ever before.

We can only hope that changes in 2018.

And what a year 2017 has been for women.

The feminist movement means some-

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Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Emily Newton | @emmerleener Lauren Suttie | @laurensuttie2 Kate Reid | @kate_reid6 Photographers: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au Sales Executives: Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Daniel Vella, Sergio Carrasco, Chantelle Lang, Tracey Machut To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production Manager: Irene Adams | irene.adams@westernweekender.com.au Production: Maddy Searle, Ian Beard

Sales Coordinator: Sarah Coates

State Government’s new recycling project labelled a “debacle” by Councillors EMILY NEWTON

abelled a “debacle” by Penrith Councillors, the roll out of the NSW container deposit scheme is creating more problems than it solves.

A report presented to Penrith Council on Monday night explored a number of the scheme’s shortfalls.

“In Penrith, no Reverse Vending Machines have been installed, with currently five Over-The-Counter Collection locations listed on the Return and Earn website, despite only three active at this time,” the report read.

Major issues in the report include people bringing in crushed containers that can’t be accepted, waiting periods to book a collection, training yet to be provided to employees at some collection points, and problems of cashflow on retailers as patrons of the scheme request cash refunds.

Councillor Karen McKeown was quick to add to the growing list of problems.

“Westfield was supposed to be one of the mandatory drop off points,” she told the Weekender.

“The problem is, the receptacle itself has to go on a ground floor basement level because of the design.

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Councillor Karen McKeown believes the Return and Earn scheme is rubbish.

Photo: Melinda Jane “But the trucks that they have can’t actually fit. It wasn’t well thought out and it wasn’t well planned.”

Cr McKeown also said the scheme’s launch was previously pushed back due to a lack of planning implementation.

“They had to push it back six months because no one was ready for it,” the Labor candidate for Penrith said.

“It’s supposed to be of great community benefit, but as yet all I’ve heard is problems.”

The report presented at Council’s Policy Review Meeting on December 11 also outlined associated cost rises being passed on to consumers.

Eligible containers are subject to additional costs ranging from 11 cents to 14 cents a container, with some residents paying up to a 25 cent increase, causing a clearly frustrated Cr McKeown to say residents are “paying more for the privilege” of an inadequate system.

Neighbouring councils with Reverse Vending Machines are also experiencing ineligible containers being left beside the machines as litter.

This prompted Councillor Greg Davies to ask who is responsible for maintaining an overflow of litter and insurance, if someone were to injure themselves.

“This is 1980s planning,” Cr Davies said.

“Who is responsible for cleaning up the mess?

“Who is responsible if someone walks past and cuts their foot to pieces?”

Councillor Marcus Cornish agreed, saying the scheme was poorly executed and has created more problems for residents.

“Council are going to be the ones who have to clean up the mess,” he said.

“It’s been rolled out, but it’s just not ready.”

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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n tragic timing before Christmas, a horror crash on Saturday night has split a vehicle in two, killing the driver.

Police had initiated a pursuit after a vehicle failed to stop at a random breath testing site on the Great Western Highway at Lapstone about 10.10pm on December 9.

“The pursuit was terminated before the vehicle left the road and crashed

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into a tree on the M4 at Leonay,” a police statement said.

“The driver, a 35-year-old man, was taken to Nepean Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”

A critical incident team will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the crash.

“It’s a very, very sad state of affairs,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones told journalists on Sunday.

Police conducted a high visibility operation on the M4 last weekend, mainly targeting drink driving.

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Celebrant predicts busy time ahead as same-sex marriage is finally legalised EMILY NEWTON

fter years of intense campaigning and a controversial $122 million postal vote, Australia has finally legalised same-sex marriage.

St Clair marriage celebrant Lou Szymkow, who celebrated his own 40th anniversary last month, is one of many locals who believes that “love is simply love”.

“It wasn’t long ago that homosexuality was a crime in Australia,” he said.

“Here we are in December 2017, and the Parliament of Australia has followed the will of the people to amend the law to enable marriage equality.

“Unlike de facto rights, a marriage offers equal protection under the law for the couple because with a marriage, you are immediately the next-of-kin with protections under the law.”

An Acolyte at Holy Spirit Parish Catholic Church, Mr Szymkow operates his civil celebrant business, A Life Celebrant, separately from the Catholic Church.

He believes that more than legal rights, marriage equality is a moral right.

“I realised a long time ago that regardless of race, colour, creed, cultural origin, or sexual orientation, that we are all people and that discrimination is simply incon-

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sistent to my Christian belief. I and many others have already been asked to start preparing ceremonies,” he said.

After a successful vote through the House of Representatives last Thursday, same-sex marriage was signed into law by the Governor-General the following day.

The first date couples will be able to get married is Tuesday, January 9, 2018, allowing for the required one month notice of intention to marry.

While it might take a while for people to adjust, Mr Szymkow believes that those who believe marriage equality is immoral, including some of his own peers, will see their opinions change with time.

“In five years time we will be wondering what all the fuss was about and, in 40 years time, we will be celebrating the ruby anniversaries of those who marry in the next month,” he said.

In a statement, the official Yes campaign office said it was a time to celebrate after last week’s win in Parliament.

“To the many LGBTI Australians who have gone before us – thank you,” the statement said.

“For those who have waited months, years or decades to finally have the chance to marry, it’s now your time.”

Getting married next year? Let us know: news@westernweekender.com.au.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Gay weddings in new year

Celebrant Lou Szymkow has already been asked to start preparing ceremonies

KNOW YOUR LIMITS THE PENRITH/ST MARYS LIQUOR ACCORD PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL WITHIN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

PENRITH

NEWS

Merry Christmas & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys OfďŹ ce Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.

PUBLIC NOTICES

COUNCIL BRIEFS Council provided temporary parking during the construction

Licence of Part 2–6 Cullen Avenue, Jordan Springs (Lot 6 DP 1176874)

of the new commuter car park and station upgrades at

NotiďŹ cation under Section 47A – Local Government Act 1993

â—? Important Changes to Commuter Parking

Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri.

Penrith Station.

P: 4732 7777

Alternative commuter parking available:

F: 4732 7958

s .EW -ULTISTOREY #AR 0ARK NORTH OF THE STATION

Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

The community facility will be managed directly by Council

s "ELMORE 3TREET #AR 0ARK RE OPENS LATE $ECEMBER

and open for general hire and activities in early 2018.

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

s *ANE 3TREET #AR 0ARK

U3A Nepean Blue Mountains Inc have requested Council

SERVICES

The construction of the new commuter car park is now

consider their application for a licence to occupy one (1) ofďŹ ce

Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735

complete and the following changes will occur on 31

at the above mentioned site for the purpose of providing a

December 2017:

‘host service’ for the facility. The term of the requested licence

s 4HE TEMPORARY COMMUTER CAR PARK AT 4HORNTON WILL CLOSE

is for one (1) year, with the option of an extension for a further

Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

4HE SITE LOCATED AT n #ULLEN !VENUE *ORDAN 3PRINGS (Lot 6 DP1176874) will be classiďŹ ed as ‘Community’ land.

s 0 AND 0 PARKING RESTRICTIONS WILL BE REINSTATED ALONG

Submissions on the proposal can be made in writing to Council

streets in Thornton â—? Council is providing extra bin collections to assist households with any extra waste they may have during the festive period.

MEETING DATES Council Meetings 18 December 2017 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting)

two (2) years.

Extra collections will run for two weeks, from 25 December TO *ANUARY $URING THIS TIME RESIDENTS CAN PLACE all bins at the kerbside for collection each week.

12 February 2018 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

Please make sure you place all bins out on the kerbside the

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au visitpenrith.com.au

Council is also holding a Recycling Drop Off point for two weeks,

evening before your normal collection day.

AND A #HRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING DAY ON *ANUARY !LL THE DETAILS are available at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ChristmasCollections â—? Penrith is the ďŹ rst choice for major sporting events and Penrith Council is partnering with Sydney Thunder to bring an exciting

UNTIL *ANUARY AND ADDRESSED TO 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL # &ACILITIES $EPARTMENT 0/ "OX 0ENRITH &OR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL *UDY #OBB .EIGHBOURHOOD &ACILITIES Coordinator) on 4732 7641.

Seeking Community Comment on Council’s Draft ‘Street and Park Tree Management Plan’ The proposed Street and Park Tree Management Plan is now on public exhibition and may be viewed at Council’s ofďŹ ces during normal business hours until Friday, 29 December 2017.

Copies may also be obtained from Council’s website or by contacting City Presentation on 4732 7559.

Rebel Women’s Big Bash League match to Penrith. Don’t miss

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THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SEE WORLD CLASS CRICKET AS 3YDNEY 4HUNDER

Submissions on the proposed Plan are invited and will be

take on the Melbourne Stars at Howell Oval on Saturday,

RECEIVED BY #OUNCIL UNTIL PM ON &RIDAY *ANUARY

$ECEMBER AT PM 4HIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT WITH FREE

Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager

activities, giveaways, meet and greet opportunities, and much

and can be mailed to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or emailed

more. Learn more at visitpenrith.com.au

to council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

facebook.com/penrith.city.council

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

visitpenrith.com.au WW31759

High Street Upgrade Stage 1 Reference 17/18-12 Penrith City Council invites Tenders from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the construction of High Street Stage 1 at High Street, Penrith.

Pre-Tender Briefing at 10am Tuesday, 23 January 2018.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement.

For queries please contact Allyce Langton on 4732 7657 or Procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 7 February 2018 (the Closing Date’).Tenders received after will not be considered.

Shepherd Street Sports Field Lighting Stage 2 Reference 17/18-13 Penrith City Council invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors for the provision of the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of Shepherd Street Sports Field Lighting Stage 2 to complete the full floodlighting design.

Pre-Tender Briefing at 10am Tuesday, 16 January 2018.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement.

For queries please contact Allyce Langton on 4732 7657 or procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later than 11am, 31 January 2018 (‘the Closing Date’).

Tenders received after will not be considered.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Application has been received by Council: s GMKA Pty Ltd

DA17/1222

31 Second Avenue, Kingswood Demolition of existing structures and construction of 2-storey boarding house containing 17 boarding rooms Contact: Paul Anzellotti on 4732 8606 Closing Date: 31 January 2018

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

s Lucky Stone No. 2 Pty Ltd

Pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

s Dr G A Khan

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free of charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Applications s NF Billyard P/L DA16/1062 Lot 6 DP 25384, (No. 10) Sydney Street, St Marys Construction of 5 x 2-storey townhouses (Affordable Rental Accommodation) and strata subdivision into 5 x lots s N F Billyard Pty Ltd DA16/0549 Lot 6 DP 1040572, (Nos. 2–16) Leland Street, Penrith Industrial building and associated car parking, landscaping and drainage works s Logos Property DA17/0395 Lot 8 DP 1097134, (Nos. 11–14) John Morphett Place, Erskine Park Warehouse building, ancillary office space, container yard and associated works for freight transport facility s Mulpha Norwest Pty Limited DA16/1384 Lot 7142 DP 1217971 & Lot 6200 DP 1205630, Lot 7142 Shale Hill Drive and (No. 90) Forestwood Drive, Glenmore Park Staged Torrens title subdivision x 65 residential lots, 1 public reserve lot and public roads s Morson Group Pty Ltd DA16/0182.02 Lots 17–20 DP 27391, (Nos. 2–8) Lethbridge Street, Penrith Review of Refusal Determination – demolition of existing structures and construction of 2 x part 5-storey and part 6-storey residential flat buildings containing 60 apartments and 2 levels of basement car parking s Maryland Development DA17/0675 Company Pty Ltd Lot 1003 DP 1215087, (Lot 1003) Wianamatta Parkway, Llandilo Torrens title subdivision x 52 residential allotments and associated landscape and civil works (Stage 3B1 of the Central Precinct, St Mary’s ADI Site) s Maryland Development DA16/0113.03 Company Pty Ltd Lot 1003 DP 1215087, (1003) Wianamatta Parkway, Llandilo Modification: Stage 3A – Subdivision into 79 x Torrens title residential lots, 6 x residue lot and associated road construction and infrastructure works – Modification to amend Condition 7 relating to Bushfire Protection DA16/0113.02 s Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd Lot 1003 DP 1215087, (1003) Wianamatta Parkway, Llandilo Modification: Stage 3A – Subdivision into 79 x Torrens title residential lots, 1 x residue lot and associated road construction and infrastructure works – Modification involving subdivision of residue allotment to create 6 x residue allotments

DA16/1326.02

Lot 2101 DP 1184494, (No. 60) Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith Modifications to approved residential flat building CD17/0004

Lot 609 DP 250157, (No. 68) Trinity Drive, Cambridge Gardens Rear extension to single-storey dwelling

NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council. s Universal Property Group

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

TENDERS

DA17/1220

Lot 156 DP 32140, (Nos. 264–270) Mt Vernon Road, Mount Vernon Torrens title subdivision x 5 lots, dwelling-houses x 5 and private access road The proposal is Integrated Development under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Department of Primary Industries – Water under Section 91 of the Water Management Act 2000 and from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 15 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.

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 is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA17/1220.

Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222.

Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker. Alternatively, the applications can be viewed during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au WW31760

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

JOKE of the WEEK

A chef this week stole several items from his workplace. He decided it was a whisk worth taking.

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au

prize cupboard

E

scape the scorching western Sydney heat this summer with a trip to Hoyts Penrith.

Whether you love to get lost in a romantic comedy, a thrilling drama, an epic blockbuster, or a scary horror flick, Hoyts Penrith has something for everyone with multiple screens showing all the best new release films daily.

The Hoyts complex, located in Westfield Penrith, also offers a massive Xtremescreen cinema which features a 15 metre high screen and 7.1 surround sound.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy all the latest summer blockbusters.

Movies screening at Hoyts Penrith this week include ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, ‘Ferdinand’, ‘Daddy’s Home 2’, ‘Justice League’, ‘Wonder’, ‘The Disaster Artist’ and more.

For a full list of movies and more information on session times, visit www.hoyts.com.au.

The Weekender has a Hoyts family pass (four tickets) to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘HOYTS’ to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Thursday, January 4. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

A new bus shelter has been installed on Derby Street in Penrith, which uses a special design to increase user comfort and combat the heat. Great news for the older members of our community.

Isaac Anwar Penrith FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Frango’s Charcoal Chicken FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Jamaica Blue FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK? I don’t drink FIRST PLACE YOU’D TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? Nepean River WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The combination of nature and man made structures WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? The people

News Corp this week announced it would no longer have the circulation of its publications independently audited.

This will surely bring into question issues around transparency for advertisers.

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The Sydney suburb of Cabramatta is leading the way when it comes to lottery wins in NSW. So far this year, more than $18 million in prizes have been won in Cabramatta. Burwood is next, followed by Liverpool.

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Connect with us online... facebook.com/westernweekender

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the western weekender Âť Friday, December 15, 2017

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

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Fowler’s Hart-felt plea on name of Western Sydney Airport EMILY NEWTON

iscussion on the naming of Western Sydney Airport has continued with renewed calls for the site to reflect Penrith’s rich aviation history at last month’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

“If you look at William ‘Billy’ Hart, as far as aviation is concerned, he is the only one that Penrith can connect with,” Councillor Ross Fowler said.

“I think it’s very appropriate given what Penrith has done in support of the airport.”

While other potential names, such as James Badgery, are also being explored, Cr Fowler believes William Hart Airport William Hart in his Bristol biplane at Penrith, circa 1912. Photo: State Library of NSW soars above the other options.

While Mr Badgery was also a pioneer in When we look back at Hart, there is in New South Wales in a much celebrated aviation, a report presented at Council’s history through western Sydney,” he 55 minutes.

In January 1912, he opened an aviation Ordinary Meeting on November 27 said.

“He was actually the person who started school in Penrith at Belmore Park near questioned whether his activities could Thornton Hall, later transferring his be placed within the vicinity of the the Richmond Air Force base site.”

Mr Hart was born in Parramatta and operations to Ham Common, which is proposed airport site.

If Sydney can have Kingsford Smith was the first airman to qualify as a pilot now the site of RAAF base Richmond.

“If not naming the airport after Hart, Airport, then Cr Fowler believes that in Australia, presented with Australian then something significant like a termiWestern Sydney Airport should be aviator’s first licence.

On November 18, 1911, Hart flew 76km nal or a building,” Cr Fowler said. named William Hart Airport.

What should the airport be called?

“I think it will make a bit of a point of from Penrith via St Marys to Sydney difference between Penrith and Sydney. completing the first cross-country flight news@westernweekender.com.au

D

Train commuters were forced into long delays in both the morning and afternoon peak on Monday, but Transport Minister Andrew Constance says his new timetable is not to blame.

A fatality at Wentworthville at 6.30am caused problems throughout the morning peak, but despite being cleared three hours later the system failed to recover in time for the trip home that afternoon.

Fingers were pointed at the new timetable, which a leaked report earlier this month suggested could not recover from major incidents on the network.

“Delays to Sydney’s trains are likely to be ‘cumulative and irrecoverable’ during peak hours following incidents, as the biggest overhaul of the rail timetable in years places greater strain on Sydney’s rail network, an internal document reveals,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported in early December.

“Sydney Trains warns in the leaked document that operating the network at ‘track capacity’ for longer periods leaves ‘no opportunity for diversions or recovery from incidents’. Delays early in the peak periods will also have a ‘larger impact on later peak services’.”

In years gone by an incident in the morning peak rarely impacts the afternoon peak to the degree it did on Monday.

But Mr Constance as well as Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins said it has nothing to do with the new timetable, saying the location of the fatality was the primary reason for the delays continuing.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

In Billy’s honour

Commuters hit with double delay

WE’RE OPEN

CHRISTMAS DAY! Treat yourself...

BLIGH PARK GLENMORE PARK PENRITH HIGH ST PENRITH LEAGUES RICHMOND WERRINGTON WINDSOR McDonald’s® Garton Group would like to thank the Community for their on going support of the Ronald McDonald Family Room® Nepean.

Merry Christmas!

WW31081

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

L AW a n d O R D E R

COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

Luddenham: Woman busted high range drink driving

At about 5.30pm on Friday, December 8, police were conducting random breath testing on Mamre Road, Luddenham.

Police stopped a motor vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 52-yearold Cambridge Park woman, who was subjected to a roadside breath test.

She returned a positive sample, and was taken to Penrith Police Station where she underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.232.

She was charged with ‘Drive with high range PCA’ and her licence was suspended.

Werrington: Fast food fury leads to assault charges

A 26-year-old man from Cranebrook has been arrested and charged with assault after he was not satisfied with his fast food order.

At 11.50am on Friday, December 8, it is alleged the 26-year-old attended a fast food outlet in Werrington, drove through the drive-thru and made an order.

It is alleged he was unhappy with the order and has again gone through the drive-thru, made a complaint and was given his order again.

Once again, the man was unhappy.

The man then allegedly went into the store, walked behind the counter and through the kitchen area to a 22-year-old male employee.

He grabbed the employee around the neck and pushed him backwards, causing him to fall to the ground.

The employee got to his feet and began to walk away from the man, who then allegedly began following the employee, punching him numerous times to the rear of the head.

A second employee, a 22-year-old female, has intervened and told the male to leave. He then allegedly pushed the female employee in the face and she fell to the floor.

Police were called, and the man was identified and charged with two counts of ‘common assault’.

South Penrith: Man charged with grandmother’s murder

A Victorian man has been arrested, extradited and charged with the alleged murder of his grandmother in South Penrith last week.

At about 10.45am on Wednesday, December 6, officers from Penrith Local Area Command attended a home on Chesterfield Road after concerns were raised for the occupant, a 67-year-old woman, after she did not turn up for bingo at Penrith RSL. Her body was located in the home, having sustained multiple stab wounds.

Following inquiries, a 19-year-old man was arrested by Victoria Police at a home at the Victorian town Nhill, located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, at about 9.15am on Thursday, December 7.

He was taken to Horsham Police Station, before being transported to Melbourne, where he was charged with a NSW warrant for ‘murder’.

He was then extradited and appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, December 9.

The matter was adjourned to Penrith Local Court on Friday, February 9.

Cranebrook: Man arrested for riding trail bike

Police have arrested a 33-year-old man after he rode through Cranebrook reserves on an unlicensed trail bike.

On Sunday, December 9 police were in the vicinity of Greenhalg Road, Cranebrook at 3.45pm when they saw an unregistered trail bike being ridden through the reserve.

Police traced the bike to Hefferman Road where they identified the rider as a 33-year-old Cranebrook man and arrested him.

During the arrest, he became aggressive and a short struggle ensued.

Officers deployed capsicum spray to prevent further assault on police.

He was charged with ‘Drive motor vehicle while disqualified’, ‘use unregistered vehicle’ and ‘use uninsured motor vehicle.’

with Daniel McKinnon Complete Legal & Conveyancing • 4704 9991 • Suite 11, 354 High Street Penrith

Happy holidays, don’t forget double demerits We are just over a week away from most of the country shutting down for the Christmas/New Year break.

The silly season always sees a spike in certain offences, the most common being traffic related.

In New South Wales, the main double demerit period will run from December 22 2017 until January 1 2018.

This is the longest double demerit period on the calendar each year and it is designed to limit motor accidents on hectic New South Wales roads as people head up and down the coast for holidays.

New South Wales Police’s “Think Twice” campaign will focus on speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, seatbelt laws and riding a motorcycle without a helmet. An additional double demerit period will run from January 25 2018 – January 28 2018 for Australia Day celebrations.

To put this in perspective, during a double demerits campaign, a speeding offence at the lower end of the scale, say up to but not over 10km/h over the legal limit, will attract six demerit points as opposed to three.

A person holding a New South Wales unrestricted driver’s licence can accrue

13 demerit points before losing their licence for a demerit point suspension.

Suspensions typically work as follows: • 13 to 15 points – 3 month suspension • 16 to 19 points – 4 month suspension • 20 or more points – 5 month suspension Greater suspensions and penalties apply for learner and P plate drivers.

The other common traffic offence that occurs at this time of year is drink driving.

Remember, the legal limits for driving with alcohol in your blood are as follows: • Learner, P1 or P2 – ZERO • Drivers of vehicles of “gross vehicle mass” greater than 13.9 tonnes, drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods and drivers of public vehicles such as taxi or bus drivers – 0.02 • All other drivers – 0.05 Drink driving offences attract significant fines and loss of licence and stay on your record forever.

From the team at Complete Legal and Conveyancing, have a fantastic holiday season and remember, if you require any legal services, do not hesitate to get in touch.

See you in 2018!

Drugs found after vehicle searched Following a vehicle stop in Jordan Springs, police arrested a 27-year-old after drugs were found in their car.

At 12.30am on Wednesday, December 6 police were patrolling Jordan Springs when they observed a white Nissan Navara.

Police stopped and searched the car where they located a number of vials that police allege to be steroids.

They also located a bag containing a crystalline substance alleged to be methamphetamine.

– Emily Newton

We contribute to the Weekender with a weekly legal column

The team at Complete Legal wish you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G • Will Disputes • Conveyancing and Property Law • Business and • Wills, Power of Attorney and Commercial Law Enduring Guardianship • Criminal Law • Deceased Estates • Traffic Law • Migration Agents • Family Law

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Our office will close at 12noon on Thursday 21 December, 2017 and re-open at 9:00am on Tuesday 9 January 2018. Please note there will be a limited number of appointments available between 9/1/18 - 14/1/18 with our usual schedule and availability resuming on Monday, 15 January 2018.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

CHRISTMAS

St Marys

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION St Marys

CHRISTMAS Come down and enjoy the free entertainment and kids activities while you CELEBRATION take a break from your Christmas shopping. There will be: airbrush tattoos – entertainment Saturday 16th December 2017, 10am - 2pm Coachmans Park, St Marys

prizes –Saturday jumping castle kids shows 2017, – Santa10am visit and much more.

16th –December - 2pm Coachmans Park, St Marys Come down and enjoy the free entertainment and kids activities while you take a break from your Christmas shopping. There will be: Air brush tattoos Entertainment - Prizes - Jumping castle - Santa visit and much more.

SANTA VISITS SANTA VISITS

Monday 11th - Saturday 23rd December 2017, 10am - 2pm Coachmans Park, St Marys Keep an eye out in Coachmans Park from 11th-23rd December (excluding Sundays) Monday 11th - Saturday 23rd December 2017, 10am - 2pm as Santa will be popping in to say hello and pose for photos.

Coachmans Park, St Marys Keep an eye out in Coachmans Park from 11th-23rd December (excluding Sundays) as Santa will be popping to say hello andvisit: pose for photos.

For more in information

www.stmarystowncentre.com.au or For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/stmarystowncentreltd www.stmarystowncentre.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/stmarystowncentreltd

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Everything for your Home & more... ...this Christmas CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS*

Toy Drive

Share the joy this Christmas, bring a gift for a child less fortunate and place it in the Toy Box in the middle of the centre

Monday

18th December 2017

9am – 5pm

Tuesday

19th December 2017

9am – 5pm

Wednesday

20th December 2017

9am – 7pm

Thursday

21st December 2017

9am – 9pm

Friday

22nd December 2017

9am – 7pm

Saturday

23rd December 2017

9am – 7pm

Sunday

24th December 2017

10am – 4pm

Monday

25th December 2017

CLOSED

Tuesday

26th December 2017

10am – 4pm

Wednesday

27th December 2017

9am – 5pm

Thursday

28th December 2017

9am – 9pm

Friday

29th December 2017

9am – 5pm

Saturday

30th December 2017

9am – 5pm

Sunday

31st December 2017

10am – 4pm

Monday

1st January 2018

CLOSED

Tuesday

2nd January 2018

9am – 5pm

*Trading hours may vary, please check with individual retailers for VSHFL¿F VWRUH WUDGLQJ KRXUV

Penrith Harmony Choir

Will be performing all your favourite Christmas Carols Saturday 9, 16 and 23 December 10.30am to 11.30am Thursday 14 and 21, December 6.30pm to 7.30pm

WW31092

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Drop-in centre offers assistance

New waterpark at St Marys to be complete by next summer

General Manager of Ripples Paul Sheen. Photo: Melinda Jane EMILY NEWTON

ipples St Marys is set to splash out for a new waterpark facility ready in time for summer next year.

Over the year, attendance at Ripples Penrith has been up following the recent opening of the splash play area.

Now the focus is shifting to St Marys following their most successful open day ever at Penrith this year.

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“Attendance was through the turnstyles,” General Manager of Ripples, Paul Sheen said.

“2,500 residents attended our open day.

We were packed, and not just at the water park.”

Council endorsed the spending of $2 million from Council’s District Open Space S94 Developer Contribution Plan for the construction of a waterpark and additional car parking as Councillors sung praises for the facility as summers

WW31330

Pro v i di n g t h e N e pe a n w it h qu a lit y wo r k m a n s h i p a n d s e rv i ce

continue to swelter through Penrith.

Ripples is confident construction would be complete by December next year.

“With the funding now available, we look forward to bringing the people of St Marys and surrounding areas a high quality waterpark that will suit kids of all ages, mums, dads and grandparents,” Mr Sheen said.

“Construction is scheduled to start in winter and be completed for summer 2018/19.”

The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch opened the sub-Branch Veterans’ Drop-in Centre this week to provide support and comfort to Defence personnel.

Services like the drop-in centre are vital for helping those with mental health issues like PTSD by reducing social isolation through providing support and a place to have a cup of tea and a chat.

“Those that are still serving or that have served know that Defence is unique and there is nothing else like it anywhere else,” President Mick McConnell said.

“The sub-Branch would like to add to that rehabilitation process by having this drop-in centre available for their use.”

The drop-in centre will assist veterans with welfare advocacy and referral services, helping the transition back into civilian life and ultimately aim to reduce the incidences of homelessness and suicide within the Defence community.

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres spoke with passion about the “profound impact” this service will have in Penrith.

“Make no mistake, the people that are going to march on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day in the years ahead will look a lot different,” he said.

“We are putting more people into harm’s way than we have since the Vietnam War, and just because the word ‘war’ isn’t attached to what they’re doing, doesn’t mean they don’t see things that really damage their mind.”

For more information, call 4728 5225.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Council splashes the cash

• Learn To Swim including Water Babies

Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life

• Aquarobics including Aquanatal • Public Swimming • Swim Coaching and Competitive Swimming • Birthday Parties • Speedo Swim Shop • Gift Vouchers

GIVE A GIFT FOR LIFE . . .

CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE!

• Special Needs Learn to Swim classes • CPR and First Aid Course

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Lending a festive hand Christmas spirit on show with Community Kitchen lunch back for 10th year EMILY NEWTON

hen it comes to the holiday season, there is no greater gift than generosity and kindness.

Penrith’s close community practices compassion throughout the year but an extra measure is needed at this time.

That’s why the Penrith Community Kitchen is making sure that no one goes hungry or goes without, hosting their annual Christmas luncheon and providing relief hampers to those who need help most.

Kitchen Board member and CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation, Gai Hawthorn, said whether it’s a can of food, a Barbie doll or a cash donation, you are helping someone local feel the spirit of Christmas.

“Penrith’s passion for helping is simply amazing, especially each Christmas when we ask our local businesses and community to come together for this yearly event,” she said.

“Now in its 10th year, we are blown away by the support.

“The Penrith Rotary Club, Penrith RSL, ABCOE, Panthers, Outback Steakhouse, Hog’s Breath to name a few, all band together to make this event what it is today.”

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The first donations of relief hampers for homeless and underprivileged locals will help spread the Christmas spirit For the homeless and underprivileged in the area, the luncheon is more than just a nice meal.

Next Friday, December 22 from 11.45am, the PCYC Hall is festooned in Christmas decorations, a tree is put up, and Santa comes along to give each child a gift while local dance and performing studio PAWS attends to fill the air with joyous carols throughout the lunch.

Donations of time and money are still

being accepted along with items like cereals, long life milk and juice, and Christmas goodies like chips, lollies and coffee is appreciated.

If you’re busy, $25 buys a relief hamper that ABCOE Penrith will pack with your compliments and deliver to the luncheon.

“Together with the local community, the luncheon has fed, nurtured and reignited the Christmas spirit into the hearts of individuals, families and children that

otherwise would have missed out,” Ms Hawthorn said.

“I’m extremely humbled by the support all year and especially at Christmas, we all do it tough but to give back and make someone’s Christmas just that little special warms every heart locally.”

If you would like to donate your time, items or money, contact Penrith CBD Corporation for more information by calling 4722 5556.

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PENRITH HOMEMAKER CENTRE SHOP T270, 12-23 PATTY’S PLACE, PENRITH NSW 2750 PHONE: (02) 47 330 366 WW30861

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Webby’s still on the wireless NATHAN TAYLOR

long with radio legends John Laws and Bob Rogers, Graham Webb is one of the longest serving broadcasters in Australia.

On the airwaves for more than 60 years, the 81-year-old Gold Coaster has pretty much seen it all.

From interviewing The Beatles and ABBA to meeting The Rolling Stones and The Jackson Five, Mr Webb is one of the Australian entertainment industry’s most important assets.

For many years, Mr Webb and his rich collection of stories and musings have been heard over the airwaves in Penrith.

Last week, Mr Webb was in town to sign a new contract to remain on air at Penrith’s Vintage FM in 2018.

His program, ‘Webby’s Wireless Show’, can be heard Monday through to Thursday from 7pm to 11pm.

Speaking with the Weekender, Mr Webb said it was a thrill to extend his time on Penrith radio.

“It’s great we’ve signed another contract,” he said. “‘Webby’s Wireless Show’ is a unique show just for Vintage FM listeners. It

A

features segments including ‘On This Day’, ‘It’s A Funny Old World’, as well as a plethora of interviews that I’ve recorded in the past.”

Heard on more than 37 stations around the country, Mr Webb is a national treasure according to Vintage FM boss Wayne Willmington.

“I absolutely love Webby and what he brings to Vintage FM,” he said.

“Webby is someone that’s been around radio for more years than I’ve been alive, and the expertise and knowledge that he brings means it’s the perfect partnership.”

With his poor eyesight getting the better of him in recent years, Mr Webb had no choice but to stop doing live radio and turn to pre-recorded material.

“I record my show from my home in Southport on the Gold Coast and send it via email to the station,” Mr Webb said.

“When I’m down in Sydney, which is quite often, I pop into the station and record some local stuff. If there’s any material that Willmo needs, it’s all too easy to produce in this automated world of ours.”

Don’t miss ‘Webby’s Wireless Show’ featuring the legendary Graham Webb from Monday through to Thursday, 7-11pm, on Vintage FM.

Radio legend Graham Webb in Penrith last week. Photo: Melinda Jane

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19

Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

New cops create history Officers are the first to join combined Nepean Police Area Command EMILY NEWTON

wo local cops share more than just a surname as the first probationary constables to join the new Nepean Police Area Command.

The two police recruits – Ram Lee and Matthew Lee – have been welcomed to the Command with their first day on the job on Monday, December 11.

Ram Lee, who has a brother already in the Police Force, is looking long-term to a career in crime scenes.

“I was interested in crime scene work, and I called up one of the crime scene officers and they advised me that I should gain some experience in the force,” he said.

“I’m the first generation that gets to experience the merge. It just means I’m working in a bigger area, I look forward to it.”

For Matthew Lee, now 28-years-old, he began a different career before following his dreams.

“It’s something I always wanted to do since being a little kid, but I fell into a different career,” he said.

“It feels great, I grew up here, it’s a good opportunity to give back to the community that gave me so much growing up.”

T

Superintendent Brett McFadden is the Commander of the newly joined Nepean Area Command.

He said that the decision to combine St Marys and Penrith Local Area Commands will “draw a sense of synergy and consolidation of resources to service the community better”.

“The senior management team will have a presence on both sides,” he said.

“Whatever numbers you called in the past or wherever you reported will remain the same.”

Supt McFadden said the significant changes of western Sydney and expected development Western Sydney Airport will bring to the area was a huge influence in the restructuring of Penrith and St Marys Local Area Commands.

“They were a significant catalyst for us to rethink how we do business,” he said.

“How do we not only address crime, but how do we prevent it, how do we disrupt it?”

The NSW Police Force said the new command, which officially commenced on Thursday, will have improved flexibility and have a greater capacity to serve the community.

A total of 199 new recruits joined the NSW Police Force as part of ‘Class 332’, which graduated last Friday.

LAST CALLS FOR CHRISTMAS ...

Now at famed Rick Rutherford’s Country, Lawson!

Probationary constables Matthew Lee and Ram Lee have joined Nepean Police Area Command. Photo: Melinda Jane

Official: Penrith’s tastiest burger is at High Street Social

Twelve months in the making, with 30 themed trees and the hugest Christmas treasures ever assembled . . .

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Many items exclusively imported, handmade or sourced from Australia’s best suppliers. Plus the hugest selection of homewares and gift-giving ideas ever!

Come and experience the magic of the season at RRC . . . enjoy coffee & tea, cake or a savoury delight in Nessie’s Daffodil Tearoom and make a day of it!

WE’RE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

R

RICK RUTHERFORD’S COUNTRY RUTHERFORD’ S ICK

Country LAWSON

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‘Badger ‘ House’, 3 Badgery Crescent, Lawson Open 10am to 5pm daily • Ph: 4759 3434 (From Sydney, turn right at the new San Jose Bridge lights BEFORE the Lawson township . . . look out for the sign on the left)

www.rickrutherford.com

The High Street social team with Nathan Roots and the Weekender’s Ali Elali LAUREN SUTTIE

or the last three weeks, burger fanatics of Penrith rejoiced as local restaurants plated up their top burgers to battle it out for the ultimate title of ‘Best Burger in Penrith’.

From an old school beef burger, a few hand crafted creations and even a fusion burger of chicken and beef, all participants offered up high quality entries but there could only be one winner.

High Street Social, with their ‘Big Mike’ burger, was the overall winner.

Owner of High Street Social, Michael

F

Broome, who the burger was named after, was quietly confident their burger would be up there as a favourite.

“I thought it was a very good chance as we usually come in the top one or two in everything we try and do,” Mr Broome said.

High Street Social weren’t the only ones walking away from the Western Weekender competition as a winner.

17-year-old Nathan Roots popped into the Brew Lab Cafe and voted for his favourite burger during the competition, and now the local has won a burger every week for the next 12 months. He said he doesn’t think he’ll get sick of them.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

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EMILY NEWTON

ooking at nine-year-old Georgie Zahra’s painting of a bright and colourful tree, it’s clear she has a pure heart.

In a beautiful act of kindness, Georgie wanted to display her painting in her parents’ cafe, auction it off and donate the proceeds to charity.

Craig Zahra, owner of Chatter Box Cafe and Gifts in Emu Plains, said he’s beyond proud of his daughter.

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Aaron Govendir, Andrew Paech, Georgie Zahra and Craig Zahra with the painting auctioned for WestCare. Photo: Melinda Jane “She did the painting in the school holidays and did such a great job,” he said.

Georgie wanted to donate the money raised to people who don’t have any homes, with bids going up within the first week it was on display.

But it was local man Aaron Govendir who took home the painting, saying he wanted to encourage Georgie.

“Georgie made something herself, and it says something really good about her and her parents,” Mr Govendir said.

Georgie’s painting raised $210 for local charity WestCare.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Lions step in to add tasty Christmas cakes to hampers

As temperatures soar, pets are at greater risk of illness LAUREN SUTTIE

ith the festive season and summer well underway, pet owners are being encouraged to keep a closer eye on their furry family members to ensure that everyone stays happy and safe these howl-idays.

From chewable Christmas decorations, scorching footpaths and loud fireworks, there are plenty of dangerous hazards pets can be exposed to during the festive period that can negatively impact their health.

Local pet owner and Manager of Petbarn Penrith, Emily Dewhurst, said that it’s important for pet owners to pay extra attention to their pets during the silly season.

“There are quite a lot of things that they can get their little paws on or teeth into, such as your Christmas decorations and even the food that we have over the Christmas period that isn’t actually very good for them,” she said.

But the hazards don’t stop there as the celebrations and fireworks from New Year’s Eve can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for animals.

Ms Dewhurst’s older dog, Hamish, is one of the many dogs who suffer from anxiety during this time, but Ms Dewhurst said there are ways you can help elevate the stress.

“There are products that you can buy

W

Lion Dan Sharma, Community Aid staff Margaret Sewell and Cora Solano as well as Lion Kevin Douglass LAUREN SUTTIE

he Christmas spirit has well and truly been alive in Penrith this year as schools, charities, businesses and members of the community have all been pitching in to help those less fortunate in our area.

Another such display of this spirit was shown by the volunteers in the Lions Club of Penrith, as they recently donated 30 cakes to Penrith Community Aid, to add to their Christmas hampers.

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Secretary of the Lions Club of Penrith, Steve Gault, said that it was a great example of a volunteer group helping out another volunteer group.

“We were approached by the Community Aid and they were looking for assistance with the hampers,” he said.

“There was a unanimous decision in the meeting that there were 30 hampers so there would be 30 cakes donated.”

The hampers will be distributed to families and people who are in need this Christmas, to help make the often stressful period more comfortable.

we create. you celebrate.

like the thunder shirt, which I gave my dog, or you can get some tranquil tables, which are really good for the dog’s emotional balance if they are quite anxious,” she said.

And with Penrith already experiencing the heat this week, pet owners are also being encouraged to plan ahead and be mindful of the heat when going for walks or car trips during the warmer months.

If you notice that your pet is showing signs of heat stress or food poisoning, then it’s important you contact your local vet immediately for advice.

Mayor’s News The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Christmas message Christmas is a time that brings people together in the spirit of harmony and happiness. For many it remains a significant religious occasion, for others it’s a celebration of family and friends and an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to the new one just around the corner.

One of the best parts of my job as Mayor is that I get to move around the city each day, meeting fantastic people and community groups who are the lifeblood of our community.

You re-affirm to me every single day that it is our people who make up the community of Penrith that are our city’s greatest asset.

The community spirit and goodwill that I see every day is amazing and while that spirit is with us all year, it always seems that little bit stronger at Christmas.

So with this in mind, I ask that we think of others who are less fortunate at this time of year.

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24

Emily Dewhurst with one of her dogs

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Helping can be as simple as a smile, a greeting or a visit to bring some joy to those who may be lonely or in need. It can be a thank you to those wonderful people who keep us safe and healthy over the holiday period.

2017 has been a successful and productive year and our community has played a major part in making it a success and I can assure you that in 2018 we will continue to advocate for the best outcomes for our residents and serve the community of Penrith to the best of our ability.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors and the staff of Penrith City Council, I would like to wish everyone in our community all the best for this festive season.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Keep up to date with all the local breaking news, sport and more by ‘liking’ us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/ westernweekender.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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Friday, December 15, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

A community stalwart who made a difference Tributes flow after passing of dedicated local Mavis Johns avis Marion Johns (née Snell), a third generation Penrith resident, recently said her final farewell to the city she loved for the past 87 years.

She was a great example of how ‘little’ people can enrich communities.

Mavis, an only child, was born at home in Henry Street on May 8, 1930 and had delayed physical developmental as a result of Ricketts. Many friends and relatives have said that her determination to overcome adversity was evident then and continued throughout her life. When she was five her family moved to a house about 100 metres east which was to become her home for the next three decades.

This Henry Street house continued to be her home after she married and was to become the first home to her four children.

Mavis attended Penrith Public School and left ‘The Towers’ at 14 to attend to her ill mother. She was married at St Stephen’s Church in 1952 and had her wedding reception at the Railway Institute long before it became the first Penrith home of the Q Theatre.

From 1966 Mavis lived in Kingswood,

M

where she contributed to the community in many varied and valuable ways.

During this time she and husband George fostered a young boy and were very proud to see him become an independent adult supporting a family of his own.

Throughout the ensuing years she helped change the outcomes of many children’s lives by giving lessons on the front verandah of her Kingswood home. Several of her students contacted her in their adult years to express their profound gratitude.

Mavis also spent many years managing the school canteen at Kingswood Public School and continued in this role for years after her youngest had progressed to high school. In later years she decided to help the more mature residents of Penrith by volunteering with the Meals on Wheels organisation. She was a valuable and hard working volunteer of the Kingswood Lions Club, and a founding member of the Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre where she was involved in the initial planning, design and operational decisions.

Many will remember her as the “booking officer” who was loved and admired for her organisation skills and commitment to

the community. She willingly volunteered her services as treasurer of the Kingswood Traders Association for many years.

A highlight for Mavis was when she received the Wall of Achievement Award for Community Service presented by the then Mayor of Penrith, Jackie Greenow.

Mavis saw many changes in her life; the motor car replacing horse and carts, steam trains replaced by electric trains (the first arriving in Penrith on the day she was giving birth to her second child), outhouse pan toilets replaced by sewered toilets, telephonist connected telephone calls through to ‘magical’ mobile phones, and so much more.

Advanced cancer in 1981, type 2 diabetes nor a major heart attack in 1990 thwarted Mavis’ drive to contribute to her beloved community. In 2010 after a severe stroke left her paralysed on her right side and unable to speak, Mavis was admitted to a local nursing home but her desire to help others did not falter.

During her last seven and a half years Mavis ‘tandem knitted’ with her daughters donating several blankets to Wrap with Love and numerous dolls and teddies

Vale Mavis Marion Johns to help children deal with their hospital stay, as well as baby blankets for each of her seven great grandchildren.

Mavis Johns (nee Snell) died on November 20 this year. Penrith is doubtless a better place for having had her as one of its community and she will be forever remembered by her family and the countless people that had been touched by her selfless giving.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

As the weather heats up, native animals are starting to make their presence felt critters are out too,” Chad said.

“More people are out and about in summer, and therefore there are more sightings of animals.”

Although the majority of animals out there in the wild are harmless, we should have a few things in our back pocket to know.

Be aware Especially during outdoor activities like bushwalking, always keep to the walking tracks and have a watchful eye.

Do not interfere or approach animals If you happen to cross paths with an animal such as a snake, do not attempt to interact with the animal in any way.

Snakes see humans as a threat more than anything, and may try and harm you as an act of self-defence.

Research Know about the native wildlife in your regions, especially the potentially dangerous and venomous snakes.

Whether it’s a Google search about local species or even a day trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park, it’s a good idea to have some basic knowledge about animals who are active in summer.

Have you spotted any native wildlife out and about in the Penrith region this summer? Tell us by sending us a direct message on Facebook. Or send us an

ummer has well and truly arrived, and Australia has one of the most diverse ranges of wildlife in the world.

With many locals hitting the road this summer, it’s quite possible you’ll stumble across some of them.

Director of Life Sciences, Zoo Keeper Chad from Featherdale Wildlife Park is equipped with handy tips and facts on animals out and about this season for everyone to know.

“You know that moment when you head outside and wait for the sun to reach your face? That’s because heat is an energy source for everyone, especially for Australian wildlife,” he said.

“Animals usually stay hidden in the cooler months to preserve energy. So once temperatures rise, it’s a natural reaction for them to be adventurous.

“We also have breeding season from spring to summer, so little ones are venturing out for the first time, such as birds departing from mum and dad.”

Birds and reptiles like turtles and snakes are common creatures, that come out during December to March seeking opportunity in this fine weather.

“Actually, there isn’t an increase of animals during summertime, it’s a case of more people outside and noticing which

S

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Beware our furry friends

Chad, Director of Life Sciences and Zoo Keeper at Featherdale Wildlife Park

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Living a happy life free of pain

Dawn Cady runs the Everybody Physio Clinic in Jamisontown LAUREN SUTTIE

fter years of constant agony as a child, it wasn’t until Dawn Cady was 22 that she was finally diagnosed with chronic pain.

“Every time I ate something I was doubled over in pain,” she said.

“I was quite a bubbly and outgoing child but I felt like I wasn’t believed because I was in pain that much it just seemed nobody believed me.”

After being diagnosed with an auto immune disease and almost dying, Ms Cady spent the next five months in a wheelchair, taking 13 pain tablets a day.

Now, 14 years later, Ms Cady lives a

A

pain-free life.

With one in five Australians suffering from chronic pain, it has become one of Australia’s most costly health conditions.

With this in mind, and with her own experiences behind her, Ms Cady was motivated to establish her own practice, where she helps others work through the underlying issues they have with chronic pain.

“My practice is about giving people the tools to look after themselves,” she said.

“People can feel alone and isolated when they live with pain and they can also become anxious.”

Read the full story online: Visit our website at www.westernweekender. com.au to find out more.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

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Councillors discussed the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development application briefly on Monday night, with the outspoken Marcus Cornish predicting it will be become a â&#x20AC;&#x153;huge issueâ&#x20AC;? in Penrith.

No date has been set for the public forum, but

written submissions in response to the development application have been extended after concerns were raised that the initial deadline was too tight.

Read the full story on page 12

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Man ejected from vehicle after frightening crash on busy road

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WORKING CLASS MAN Jimmy Barnes to rock Fernhill See page 39

â&#x20AC;˘ Funding confirmed for major Nepean Hospital upgrade â&#x20AC;˘ $13.4 million to progress the Jane Street and Mulgoa Road upgrade â&#x20AC;˘ More than $15 million for the Penrith Train Station overhaul â&#x20AC;˘ $830,000 for new boating infrastructure in Penrith â&#x20AC;˘ Upgrades to Kingswood High School, Penrith Public School and Claremont Meadows Public School â&#x20AC;˘ Huge cash splurge on roads and rail

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He brutally murdered a little girl, now Neville Towner wants his freedom

KEEP HIM N LOCKED UP

eville Raymond Towner brutally murdered fouryear-old Lauren Hickson at Emu Plains nearly 30 years ago. Now, he wants to be released.

And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genuine fears from Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family that the State Parole Authority will grant him his wish next month.

Towner has served 28 years in prison for the murder that rocked the Penrith region in 1989.

He was originally sentenced to life imprisonment but later appealed and was granted eligibility for parole. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been seeking release since 2009.

Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family say they fear for their safety if heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s released.

Full coverage: See pages 4 and 7.

EMUS IMPROVING Win not far away says coach See page 61

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Full coverage of the State Budget inside: Pages 4, 5, 6, 7

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres says the Budget is a winner. Digitally altered image.

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At 34, single mum Monica Miruzzi has landed her dream job as an apprentice mechanic, proving plenty of people wrong in the process. Emily Newton reports on page 20.

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PAGE 18

PENRITHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S POT OF

MUMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE WORD

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Member for Lindsay Emma Husar drove the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bill Busâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to Cambridge Park to discuss the current housing crisis.

See pages 6-7 inside

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man in his 30s was tragically killed when he was ejected from his vehicle in a single-car crash on Mulgoa Road on Wednesday morning.

The car crashed into a telegraph pole near Mayfair Road, with the man passing away at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Police say they are still investigating the cause of the crash and will prepare a report for the Coroner. When the Weekender went to print late on Wednesday night, the man was yet to be formally identified.

Mulgoa Road was closed for most of Wednesday while police investigated the crash.

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A public meeting to discuss a proposed Islamic school in Henry Street will be restricted

to local residents only as Penrith Council tries to avoid chaotic scenes of the past, where outsiders have caused major disruptions to discussions surrounding controversial development applications.

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The Penrith Panthers are finally living up to the hype, sneaking into the NRL top eight thanks to four straight wins, including last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible victory in Bathurst.

Full coverage in Extra Time: See pages 29-44

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A mother and daughter had a lucky escape after their car burst into flames in Penrith on Wednesday.

Nathan Taylor reports on page 7.

A bloodied cricket bat left behind by three men on Queen Street in St Marys told the story of a horrifying random attack on Tuesday morning.

The bat is a key piece of evidence in the investigation into the assault, which police do not believe was targeted.

A man was left with serious facial injuries following the incident at about 4am on Tuesday. He was on his way to work when he was set upon.

Police are now desperate to find his attackers, who escaped in a car and remain on the run.

Read the full story on page 3

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Man left with serious facial injuries after 4am assault in St Marys

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FURIOUS FOLEY Anger over new M4 toll See page 3

TAHLIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SLAM DUNK USA comes calling for local basketballer See page 57

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Construction on a retirement living development tipped to set a new standard in western Sydney officially got underway on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Royceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will be located inside the Penrith Panthers complex and wears the name of legendary rugby league player Royce Simmons. The project will provide some 150 jobs during the construction phase and will help cater for an ageing local population. Read the full story on page 7

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A dramatic last ball win, following an incredible fightback, sparked wild celebrations at Howell Oval last Sunday after Penrith claimed the Limited Overs cricket grand final. Nathan Taylor reports on page 80.

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SAFETY IN QUESTION Council urged to take action See page 3

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE WITH YOU, KATIE Community gets behind local mum See page 17

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MIRACLE AT HOWELL

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promoted Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies to the front bench, handing her three key portfolios as part of a re-shuffle confirmed last weekend. Ms Davies was sworn in by NSW Governor David Hurley on Monday, but it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all been smooth sailing so far.

Jade Aliprandi reports on pages 6 and 7

TEARS TO TRIUMPH Handling the cancer journey See page 16

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MINISTER DAVIES HOUSE DESTROYED Fire crews fight to save home See page 5

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FIGHTING FOR A CURE Overseas trip is the only answer See page 27

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BY GEORGE, HEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GONE! Penrith retail icon to close See pages 6-7

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HISTORY AWAITS Neighbours prepare for battle See page 55

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An airport without a curfew, construction work and likely traffic delays. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all frustrating, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be worth it according to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who visited Orchard Hills this week to kick-off the next phase of work on The Northern Road. Emily Newton reports on page 3.

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Orchard Hills on Monday morning.

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Bianca Tulich, Emma Husar, David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, Royce Simmons, Stuart Ayres and Tricia Hitchen

ROSSCO IS OUR TOP CITIZEN Special honour for Hutchison See page 3

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HITTING THE ROAD Great Walk, brilliant cause See page 22

Commuters are already struggling to fit on over-crowded trains, but reports this week suggested the State Government was considering reducing morning peak hour train services from Penrith. Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prue Car (pictured) is fired up, but the Transport Minister says the reports, which emerged on the ABC on Wednesday, are wrong. So who is telling the truth?

Emily Newton reports on pages 14-15

A motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heartache after losing her son at just 47-years-old was compounded when a local funeral parlour took his body without consent. Lyn McKenzie was left devastated at the situation, with the business at the centre of the debacle promising itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never happen again following a full investigation.

Emily Newton reports on page 3

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John Thain may not grab as many headlines as his State and Federal counterparts, but the Mayor of Penrith holds a job that is just as critical for local residents. In an exclusive oneon-one interview with the Weekender, Cr Thain recounts his rise to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top job and discusses the huge changes and challenges ahead for Penrith.

Troy Dodds reports on pages 12, 13 and 14

It comes as Penrith Police Station increases its security measures, installing sturdier and thicker silver bollards at its entryway to prevent potential incidents.

Read the full story on page 3

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a terror attack by beefing up security measures across the city.

He wants to identify vulnerable areas within Penrith and St Marys, and look at the use of bollards and barriers.

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attack using a vehicle similar to what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen overseas, according to Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish.

Cr Cornish wants the community to take a proactive approach to the daunting prospect of

GROWING PAINS OzTagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges See page 76-77

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Innocuous as it may seem, the removal of the bridges across Station Street in Penrith had local residents reminiscing about old times this week, as the view down one of the CBDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main streets changed forever. The old bridges, which once provided access to Penrith retail icons like Waltons, are no longer needed after nearby ramps and parking were closed off for safety reasons.

Pictured is Station Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new look today, and back in 2000 (right). The bridges had been in place for decades.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been on more basketball courts than most players, but veteran local sports photographer Noel Rowsell is calling it quits after more than 50 years working to promote the game in the region. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning to enjoy retirement, and a few spare weekends! Nathan Taylor reports on pages 60-61

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Free sweet treats on National Doughnut Day See page 27

COMEDY GREAT COMES TO TOWN Jimeoin promises plenty of laughs See page 49

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Big crowds at Penrith Stadium and other public places could be vulnerable to a terrorist

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PENRITHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP COP Courage under fire See page 17

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Adele gives Emu Plains mum a very special gift See page 7

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re constantly told that Penrith needs more government jobs, but very soon itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have 180 less. Local employees of WaterNSW will now be forced to commute to Parramatta in a blow to the Penrith workforce.

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Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re T heyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re big. b ig V Very ery b big. ig A And nd tthis hi s S Saturday aturday afternoon is your chance to see huge monster trucks in action at the Penrith Showground. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Monster Slamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; starts at 3pm.

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Penrith is set to experience a jobs boom with up to 55,000 new positions on the way. Read the full story on page 5.

PROUD AUSSIES Welcome our new citizens See page 21

The Federal Government will confirm in Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Budget that it plans to build an airport at Badgerys Creek itself after the Sydney Airport Group said this week that it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be involved in the project.

The operators of Kingsford Smith Airport had the first right of refusal when it came to building and operating the new Western Sydney Airport, but said on Tuesday that it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taking up the opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Government has worked carefully to meet our obligations and we have been planning for either contingency â&#x20AC;&#x201C; acceptance or rejection by Sydney Airport Group,â&#x20AC;?

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.

Full story: Page 5

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FLUSHED

Now the Crown prosecutor has flagged the possibility of a fifth victim.

It is understood the alleged victim was interviewed by police recently and there is the possibility of further charges being laid against Mr Thomas.

The prosecution will claim the crimes were committed between the end of 2015 and mid-2016. The school where Mr Thomas worked cannot be named.

In court last week, the defence and prosecution also confirmed negotiations between the parties had broken down, meaning the accused will likely stand trial for the alleged crimes later this year.

Mr Thomas is pleading not guilty to all charges.

Full story and more court news: Page 14.

weekender MIRACLE MAN Just before Christmas, Leigh Miller was told to get his affairs in order. Cancer would claim his life within months, doctors said. But the Penrith local is proving something of a miracle man, defying the statistics thanks to a groundbreaking new treatment that has seen his cancer almost disappear in just a few months.

Emily Newton reports on page 8

TURNBULL TO GO IT ALONE

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FAVOURITES TO FIZZERS

SHOWING RESPECT Students honour our fallen heroes See page 13

180 JOBS

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ALENA HIGGINS

MIRACLE MEDALS Precious items returned See page 16

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A season that promised so much for the Penrith Panthers is very quickly slipping away. Can the pre-season title favourites turn it all around, or is 2017 a lost cause?

See page 4 plus Extra Time on pages 29-44

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Your guide to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big event Pages 27-34

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Sydney Airport Group says it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t build or operate Badgerys Creek

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The school term comes to an end today, leaving parents and grandparents with the task of entertaining their kids through the school holidays. Penrith has a range of unique, exciting holiday activities on offer to children of all ages. See Page 17

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Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lovable larrikin, but on Wednesday it was a sombre Ross Hutchison as he joined hundreds of others to remember those killed in the Granville Train Disaster 40 years ago. Hutchisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21-year-old sister was among those who died in the tragedy, which claimed a total of 84 lives and remains our worst ever train disaster. Emily Newton reports on pages 6 & 7

PENRITH SWELTERS More hot days still to come See page 3

HOT OFFER FOR BUSINESSES Your new office awaits See page 18

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Colyton man who threatened to â&#x20AC;&#x153;slitâ&#x20AC;? Pauline Hansonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throat and pleaded with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to deport him to Syria so he could join ISIS has been ordered to stay behind bars.

Ciaron Patrick Mcgee was arrested and granted police bail on December 3 after allegedly using Twitter to threaten to kill and menace high profile people.

Despite being ordered not to use any communication device, the National

Security Hotline was alerted to fresh activity on Mr Mcgeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page after concerned social media users raised the alarm.

He was subsequently arrested by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team at his Desborough Road home about 1.20pm on Wednesday, February 1.

Mr Mcgee also targeted Australian diggers, writing that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;laughs every time an Australian soldier gets killedâ&#x20AC;?.

The 38-year-old has admitted to having an addiction to social media.

See the full story on page 14

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Penrith has again proven itself as a small business powerhouse after Nepean Regional Securityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gina Field won the NSW Business Woman of the Year award on Wednesday as part of celebrations for International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. See Page 3 inside

Colyton man used social media to make threats against politicians ALENA HIGGINS

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Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flourishing restaurant scene continues to grow with well-known brands The Bavarian and Fratelli Famous to open their doors on Monday. Jade Aliprandi reports on page 15

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Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food frenzy

Jessica Gardiner isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your average 23-year-old. You could find her carving up the track on her dirt bike in glamorous places like southern France or Italy, and the very next day find her driving a dump truck in Penrith.

The Londonderry resident is emerging as one of the best enduro riders in the country, and is impressing in competitions right around the world. See Page 52

LOCATION CHANGE Australia Day celebrations See page 18

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants same-sex marriage legal before Christmas after 61.6 per cent of Australians said a giant YES to marriage equality in the national postal survey. Despite being voluntary, almost 80 per cent of eligible Australians took part in the poll. For local couples like Richard Baler and Jarrod Glascott, it is a happy conclusion to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a rough and at times vicious battle. Emily Newton reports on page 5.

Lindsay MP Emma Husar blasts Prime Minister over citizenship rumours

SHAME ON L TURNBULL

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indsay MP Emma Husar says she has never held citizenship of another country and has blasted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over what she says are â&#x20AC;&#x153;false rumoursâ&#x20AC;?.

The rumours suggested Ms Husar may have been a citizen of Poland, ruling her ineligible to sit in the Parliament under Section 44. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never held citizenship of

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Could some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most innovative companies one day call Penrith home? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a step closer to reality after Penrith Council approved the first stage of the Sydney Science Park. Alena Higgins reports on page 20.

Jamie Durie and Kerri-Anne Kennerley joined â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sunriseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and kids from Penrith Public School on Wednesday to celebrate National Tree Day, being held this Sunday.

An artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impression of Sydney Science Park from above

Penrith man caught up in â&#x20AC;&#x153;biggest everâ&#x20AC;? seizure of ephedrine

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NOT SO LOCAL

STAYING DRY IN JULY No drinks for a good cause See page 26

ews Corp will close the High Street office of the Penrith Press in a shock move that will see local staff relocated to Parramatta.

The Press will continue to publish its print edition but staff will not be located on the ground in Penrith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ironic given it runs under the News Local brand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Penrith office will be closing in coming months as we consolidate our suburban offices in Sydney, from eight to five,â&#x20AC;? a News Corp spokesperson told the Weekender. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The staff from Penrith will relocate to our Parramatta office.â&#x20AC;?

The Press has been based in Penrith since 1947 and

the decision to centralise staff will raise questions about the publicationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connection to the local community.

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce President, Gina Field, said she was disappointed with the decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By closing the Penrith based operation, I believe that this publication is doing themselves an injustice which will not only have an impact on the way local news is being delivered and portrayed, I think in the long term advertising opportunities may drop considerably,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Story continues on Âť page 3

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STAYING M AT HOME

EMILY NEWTON

ore and more young Penrith residents are staying at home with mum and dad into their late 20s and early 30s as the classic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Great Australian Dreamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of home ownership continues to die.

And those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t staying at home are choosing to rent instead of buy, finding it difficult to ever imagine that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to save for a deposit as house prices soar out of control.

Even with recent stamp duty exemptions announced by the State Government, the prices of property itself in western Sydney is forcing locals to re-think the dream of home ownership.

In the Lindsay electorate, Census data reveals that there are 3,806 young adults aged 25 to 34 living at home as they struggle to thrive financially.

And the percentage of renters is also increasing, with some youngsters saying theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d prefer to rent without the pressure of home ownership and a mortgage.

Read the full story on page 3

UNDER THE STARS

Friday, December 8, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ FREE

HOUSES AT RISK Exclusive: Government could acquire hundreds of properties in Cranebrook and Llandilo EMILY NEWTON

A

leaked NSW Government Cabinet document outlining information on the Western Sydney Corridors suggests that Llandilo and Cranebrook could see hundreds of properties affected, but residents remain in the dark.

Labor has attacked the document, dated May 2016, where the Outer Sydney Orbital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stage One and Bells Line of Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Castlereagh Connection both list Llandilo and Cranebrook residential areas as â&#x20AC;&#x153;major impactsâ&#x20AC;?.

Concerned local residents met with Member for Londonderry, Prue Car and Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown this week to ask questions about the corridors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know for many, many years weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been trying to get answers about where the corridors are going to go,â&#x20AC;? Ms Car said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These leaked documents show that the Government has itself, the Cabinet, has seen documents that show that around 450 properties in Llandilo and Cranebrook will be potentially compulsorily acquired. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that causes a lot of nervousness amongst residents.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;They will not give me an answer, and more importantly they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give residents an answer, but they have seen documents that tell us which suburbs they are going through.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not good enough for me as a local member.â&#x20AC;?

The documents, sighted by the Weekender, are marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sensitive: NSW Governmentâ&#x20AC;? and suggest that the Outer Sydney Orbital will affect 450 properties including 320 fully within the corridor and 130 partially within.

The Castlereagh Connection has 390 affected, made up of 210 fully within the corridor and 180 partially within the corridor.

Cr McKeown voiced her concern, saying the Government is disrespecting residents by not releasing information on the road corridors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to have everything out on the table so people know where they stand,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just goes to show the level of angst in the community and the frustration people have experienced by coming out here today.â&#x20AC;?

In 2015, Transport for NSW made a commitment to preserve a corridor for the Outer Sydney Orbital and the Castlereagh Connection by late 2016 to provide certainty for communities, landowners and businesses.

Story continues on Âť p. 3

MAYOR NOT HAPPY Community sidelined See page 3

LET US GET MARRIED Coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plea for equality See page 13

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MURDER P MYSTERY

olice are desperately trying to locate a vehicle connected to the suspicious death of a woman in South Penrith.

About 10.45am on Wednesday, police attended a home on Chesterfield Road, after concerns were raised for the occupantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welfare.

The body of a woman, believed to be aged in her 60s, was located.

A post mortem examination will be conducted to officially determine how the woman died but her death is being treated as suspicious.

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Merry Christmas to all our loyal readers and advertisers

Helping out: Dave Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, Gai Hawthorn, Wendy Howard, Tamara Reeves and Adam De Giorgio. Photo: Simon Gould

ransport for NSW is defending its new train timetable despite an outrageous flaw that will force hundreds if not thousands of commuters into longer trips during the morning and afternoon peak.

From November 26, express trains on the Blue Mountains Line will no longer stop at Redfern. Commuters boarding trains at Penrith to travel to Redfern, which is becoming a major employment precinct, will have to change trains at Parramatta or travel to Central and double back to their destination.

Story continues on Âť p. 8

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When it comes to the holiday season, there is no greater gift than generosity and kindness. Locals are being asked to help those less fortunate this Christmas at a special luncheon being held in Penrith next week. Emily Newton reports on page 18.

COMMUTERS T SEEING RED

FOXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPY HOMECOMING Back in Penrith after busy year See page 64

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FAMILY HISTORY Preserving life stories See page 29

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GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Penrith will pause alongside the nation tomorrow to remember those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. Remembrance Day commemorations will be held across the nation, and for Brian Cartwright it is a reminder of the sacrifice so many men and women have made and the cost of war so many people still carry with them.

Remembrance Day coverage: Pages 16, 17, 18 and 19

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SPREADING THE WORD Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new role See page 21

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Strike Force Tillock, comprising Penrith Local Area Command and Homicide Squad detectives, has been established to investigate the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death.

Police are searching for the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car, which is described as a red 2009 Subaru Impreza with registration BHX 20A. Inquiries are continuing into the death, and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 1800 333 000.

Stay connected with updates: Visit www.westernweekender.com.au.

WE WILL REMEMBER

Concerned: Londonderry State MP, Prue Car

Jonathon Patton prepares for the big game

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RCG takes home Merv Cartwright Medal Page 60

St Marys (left) and Penrith (right) police stations will merge under a plan to create a new Police Area Command, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being promised services and response times wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be impacted. See Page 8 inside

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South Penrith street rocked by news of womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;suspiciousâ&#x20AC;? death

Brian Cartwright. Photo: Melinda Jane

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They should be busy with customers as summer kicks in and the party season continues, but these business operators are instead faced with ongoing difficulties as a construction site in the Penrith CBD destroys potential foot traffic. Emily Newton reports on page 3

Change must be made: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unacceptableâ&#x20AC;? flaw in new timetable has...

FITNESS CHALLENGE Sweating up a storm See page 23

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After falling to Minor Premiers Adelaide last weekend, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all or nothing for the GWS Giants against West Coast this Saturday night. Can the Giants fly the flag for western Sydney and move into a Preliminary Final next week?

Nathan Taylor reports on page 72

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The ballet is back! NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin and Penrith Mayor John Thain have announced that the Australian Ballet will return to Penrith for a special outdoor performance in November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all free of charge.

See Page 18 for more details

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Pages 34-35

Penrith celebrate beating Manly. Photo: NRL Photos

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After a thrilling win over Manly last weekend, the Panthers face the Broncos in an elimination match tonight.

16 pages of Extra Time: See centre pull-out

From a butcher on High Street to a life dedicated to cricket and local sport. Tributes have flooded in this week for Trevor Wholohan, who passed away on Monday at the age of 79. A funeral service will be held in Minchinbury next week. See our full tribute on page 9

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On Tuesday afternoon, Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas announced Hayden Foxe would take up the role of caretaker head coach with Wanderers Academy Technical Director Ian Crook as assistant and Davide Del Giovine as goalkeeping coach.

Whether Foxe keeps the job long-term is up in the air.

Popovic leaves the Wanderers after a successful tenure, but never won an elusive grand final, beaten in three separate deciders during his time at the club.

New coach and new hope for Wanderers: See pages 68 and 69

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MEET THE PRESIDENT Hockey continues to grow in Penrith See page 62

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MUMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIERY NEW CAREER From picking up toys to fighting fires See page 17

he Tony Popovic era at the Western Sydney Wanderers has come to an abrupt end.

The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foundation coach dropped a bombshell last Sunday, announcing he was taking up an opportunity in Turkey and would be leaving the Wanderers effective immediately.

The shock departure comes as the Wanderers prepare for their opening match of the new A-League season this Sunday night.

STADIUM ANGER See page 17

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Karen McKeown and Prue Car met with concerned Llandilo and Cranebrook residents on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane

For more than 40 years, Bob Moore Lighting has been a retail institution in High Street, Penrith. But as retirement looms for Bob and his wife Ruth, the lights on the shop are going out for the final time. Emily Newton reports on page 5

NATHAN TAYLOR

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Wanderers coach abandons club seven days before A-League season

PMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOB PROMISE Malcolm Turnbull visits Erskine Park See page 7

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the shopping centre Glenmore Park has been crying out for. On Wednesday afternoon, the new-look Glenmore Park Town Centre was officially opened

by Penrith Mayor John Thain. Opening week celebrations will continue this weekend, with plenty of family fun. Emily Newton reports on page 12

LIGHTS GO OUT

Despite rumours he was on the brink of leaving the Panthers, captain Matt Moylan will remain at Penrith long-term but is unlikely to play a role in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NRL Finals due to â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal issuesâ&#x20AC;?. Moylanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role as skipper is also under scrutiny, with the star five-eighth said to be uncomfortable in the coveted role.

Nathan Taylor reports on Page 5

The footage, recorded on a GoPro camera, provided the jury a graphic insight into what happened on the night in question.

At one stage during the video, one of the men can be heard saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;one by one we will all get a f***.â&#x20AC;?

The defendants claimed the teenager was an active participant in the group sex at the St Clair house, but the Crown argued she was too drunk to consent.

It was also suggested the victim may have been drugged via a spiked drink.

All three men will remain in custody until they are sentenced in October.

Mr Ayres is dealing with significant issues in both portfolios, some of which are filtering back to his local seat in Penrith.

Considered a rising star of the Liberal Party, Mr Ayres confirmed this week he plans to run for Penrith again in 2019, while Cr McKeown was officially announced as Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidate on Monday.

Mr Ayres has held Penrith since the Karyn Paluzzano controversy engulfed Labor in 2010, but despite the strong margin he holds, the seat is likely to play a key role in deciding who holds power beyond 2019.

Full story: See page 5

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the sitting MP who would have served Penrith for almost a decade by the time the next State Election rolls around.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the former Mayor and current Penrith City Councillor whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determined to have Penrith return to its Labor heartland.

Stuart Ayres and Karen McKeown will go head to head for the State seat of Penrith in 2019, with Mr Ayresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; role as Minister for Sport and WestConnex set to be tested locally.

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hree men have been found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a house party in St Clair in 2015.

A jury at the Downing Centre District Court found Tristan Carlyle-Watson, 26, Kurt Stevenson, 26, and Andrew Waters, 25, guilty of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aggravated sexual assault in companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Two other men, including a minor, pleaded guilty to their roles in the sexual assault.

The teenage victim, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was unaware she had been raped until footage of the sickening assault was uncovered by police as part of a separate investigation into an unrelated matter.

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Delivery from some of your favourite restaurants will become a reality from next week when popular service Deliveroo launches in Penrith for the first time.

Emily Newton reports on page 17

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Stepping up to the g Page g 23 challenge

Leonayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sarah Keenahan may only be 118cm tall, but her height hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopped her kicking major goals in sport. Now, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set to represent Australia in three separate sports at the World Dwarf Games in Canada.

To get there, she needs our help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with funding the trip emerging as a major problem for the Paralympic hopeful. Nathan Taylor reports on page 67.

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Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alan Bentley is treating himself to a place at the gruelling Hawaiian Ironman World Championship Triathlon next month.

See Page 59 inside

car park with 1,631 spaces, but the extra parking may not be finalised for another decade.

Mayor John Thain said it was all about planning for the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to ensure that tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generations will look back on Penrith as a flourishing city which seized the positive opportunities of the day,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Talks are only preliminary at this stage and Council is yet to rubber stamp any development.

Read the full story on page 3

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enrith City Council will begin commercial talks with Frasers Property Australia to construct towering buildings ranging in height from 17 to 34 storeys at the Union Road car park site.

Featuring retail and commercial space, a child care centre, public plaza, green spaces and its own residential parking, the proposed development will also integrate a Council-owned

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Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading coverage of the mighty Panthers

Exclusive: News Corp to close Penrith Press office in major shake-up...

Kyah Simon, Alen Stajcic, John Thain and Emma Husar. Photo: Melinda Jane

EMOTIONAL FAREWELL Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a holiday!

See page 21

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Councillor Aaron Duke and State MP Prue Car believe Queen Street in St Marys is a sleeping giant, ready for its night life to be awoken with markets and entertainment.

Alena Higgins reports on page 13

Penrith has scored a major win, with Pepper Stadium to host a huge match between the Matildas and Brazil in September this year.

Nathan Taylor reports on page 22

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We shake our heads at the United States and praise our gun control laws, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a secret lurking in our suburbs. Extraordinary ary figures show thousands of guns are registered across the local ocal area, including 3,247 in the 2745 postcode, where one individual owns a whopping 144 firearms. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3,136 guns within the 2750 postcode.

Emily Newton reports on pages 6-7

Two days after the crash, Police charged him with a range of offences, including â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aggravated dangerous driving occasioning deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dangerous driving occasioning deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;negligent driving occasioning deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The man was granted conditional bail and is set to appear in Windsor Local Court on Thursday, October 12.

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DRIVER A CHARGED

teenager who was behind the wheel of a car that struck a power pole in Londonderry on Sunday has been charged.

The crash killed a back seat passenger and seriously injured another passenger, who was in the front of the vehicle.

Emergency services were called to Carrington Road at Londonderry about 8.50pm on Sunday, and found a sedan had left the road and struck a power pole, bringing down power lines.

The 19-year-old male driver escaped serious injury.

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Our final edition of Extra Time for 2017 is out today!

Angry protesters have marched to the office of Penrith MP and WestConnex Minister Stuart Ayres, demanding action on the new M4 toll. Anger over the high charges to use the motorway continues to grow, while many motorists are now avoiding the M4 altogether.

Emily Newton reports on page 5

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BIG EVENT #3: DEFQON.1

Penrith will be the home of big events next month with September 16 shaping as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Super Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Three major international events will take place, including an epic soccer friendly, a major tennis tournament and the return of the Defqon.1 music festival. See page 12 for details

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Councillor Ross Fowler said it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about protecting the historical homestead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is equally important is the landscape... itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s irreplaceable, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replicate it,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Councillor Mark Davies targeted Rookwood, saying it â&#x20AC;&#x153;shows a degree of arrogance and lack of understandingâ&#x20AC;? that they â&#x20AC;&#x153;think it is appropriate to have a cemetery thereâ&#x20AC;?.

Councillors also vowed to immediately write to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Planning Minister Anthony Roberts indicating their â&#x20AC;&#x153;firm stanceâ&#x20AC;? in relation to the Rookwood plan for Fernhill and other potential cemeteries.

Read the full story on page 19

ngry Penrith Councillors have moved to protect the heritage of Mulgoa Valley by banning cemeteries from being developed in the historic part of Penrith.

Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust entered into a due diligence process to purchase Fernhill Estate to â&#x20AC;&#x153;address the issues of burial shortagesâ&#x20AC;? in April, but the plan is now in tatters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me, it would be sacrilege to put a cemetery in that location,â&#x20AC;? Councillor Greg Davies said at Monday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ordinary Council meeting.

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Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s push to preserve history leaves Fernhill cemetery plan...

Penrith man is among 12 people who were dramatically arrested on Wednesday when police swooped on 28 separate properties across New South Wales and the ACT. During the raids, officers seized five handguns, 6kg of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;iceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a record 10kg of ephedrine, a portable clandestine laboratory, and more than $2 million in cash. Properties in Penrith and Londonderry were among those searched. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a significant disruption to the supply of a heinous drug that destroys lives right across the state,â&#x20AC;? said NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller.

Charges were yet to be formally laid when the Weekender went to print on Wednesday.

Watch the video of the Penrith man being arrested online at www.facebook.com/westernweekender.

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another country,â&#x20AC;? Ms Husar said in a statement on Tuesday night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like my father, I was born in Nepean Hospital. I am and always will be a proud local. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malcolm Turnbull and his cronies should be ashamed for spreading rumour and innuendo about my grandfather, who was born in Poland during Nazi occupation.â&#x20AC;?

She said it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;new lowâ&#x20AC;? from the Government.

Story continues on Âť p. 6

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YES!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been another big year in Penrith. Whether it was politics, sport, crime, inspiring community stories or big events, the Weekender had it covered in 2017. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look back at every front page from the year that was. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what 2018 has in store... weekender

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

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Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter » Friday, December 15, 2017

PENRITH CITY COMMUNITY NEWS

/penrith.city.council /penrithcouncil /penrithcitycouncil /penrithcitycouncil

A

Friday, December 15, 2017 ÂŤ Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

SOUTH WARD

Jim Aitken OAM 0418 288 488

Mark Davies 0416 085 597

Joshua Hoole 0417 809 773

EAST WARD

Bernard Bratusa 0420 581 225

Todd Carney 0417 762 219

Greg Davies 0419 177 259

NORTH WARD

Marcus Cornish 0481 033 419

Kevin Crameri OAM 0401 995 825

Aaron Duke 0404 085 981

Dep Mayor

Karen McKeown 0401 995 945

Tricia Hitchen 0417 365 313

Ross Fowler OAM 0419 738 484

Kath Presdee 0417 396 841

Ben Price 0418 437 538

John Thain 0411 427 812

Mayor

You can stay up to date with Council news and events by following Council on twitter and liking Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s page on facebook.

MAYORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSAGE As Mayor of Penrith I always feel great pride in our City and our people and as we slowly edge closer towards the end of 2017, it is with a sense of achievement that I look back over the year.

Our parks and playgrounds across the City are looking great and the recently installed water parks are going to be in demand throughout summer. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services and the dedicated staff who deliver them continue to be recognised as exceptional.

Amid a background of major infrastructure programs including the Western Sydney Airport, upgrades to major roads, the delivery of the Greater Sydney Commission District Plan and negotiations on the Western City Deal, Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice in these projects will shape our Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

We continue to advocate for better commuter connections via a North South rail line and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pleased the message is being heard loud and clear by both State and Federal Governments.

There is a lot more to do to make it a reality, but we remain committed to speaking up for the people of Penrith to improve employment opportunities as well as work/life balance.

Our tourism numbers are rapidly growing and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve become a destination for a wide range of major events. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s REAL Festival was

attended by more than 22,000 people and injected $2.5 million into the Penrith economy, and now has a permanent place on our annual events calendar.

I wish everyone a safe and happy festive season, and look forward to 2018. I hope to see you at our Australia Day celebrations at Jamison Park in January and our other community events right across the year.

Cr John Thain Penrith City Mayor

Last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Festival was an enormous success and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to acknowledge the sponsors who helped make this event possible.

/ Ă&#x161;

Thank you to Busways, Penrith City Gazette, Atmosphere, The Western Weekender, Nutrition Station, Club Paceway, Nepean Belle, Target Radio Network and Sydney Water.

We look forward to delivering Real Festival again next year and exceeding everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations with another world-class event in Penrith.

Councillor John Thain Mayor of Penrith

CLLUB CLUB C LUB

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In the last 12 months alone, residents in the Penrith community have: â&#x20AC;˘ composted 29,267 tonnes of food scraps, garden clippings and organic material â&#x20AC;˘ recycled 18,331 tonnes of bottles, containers, cans, paper, cardboard, glass and cartons â&#x20AC;˘ reduced the amount of waste going to landďŹ ll, keeping costs low â&#x20AC;˘ collected 97 tonnes of hazardous household waste for responsible reuse or safe disposal, and â&#x20AC;˘ recycled 80 tonnes of electronic waste.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also opened our brand new Community Recycling Centre in Dunheved Circuit, St Marys, which makes it easier to recycle problem household waste that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go in your bin.

One of the most universal experiences we share as a community is putting our bins out on the nature strip each week, ready to be collected. But there is so much more to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;waste servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; than organising the regular collections.

Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waste Services team works hard every day to improve services to residents, while balancing the rising cost of waste management and trying to reduce the amount of landďŹ ll Penrith generates.

Reducing the amount of waste we send to landďŹ ll is important. Reducing waste can save money, conserve resources, save energy and water, and reduce pollution.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what our 3 bin system aims to

Costa Georgiadis and Craig Reucassel engaged with locals about caring for the environment at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Festival at Tench Reserve

do. Our green bins are almost unique in Sydney, as they can take food organics as well as garden organics (affectionately known as FOGO). This is one of the most important things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing to save money and help the environment.

The Australian Government estimates food waste costs the national economy $20 billion every year, with 4 million tonnes of food ending up as landďŹ ll (enough to ďŹ ll 8,400 Olympic sized

YOUR 2018 BIN COLLECTION CALENDAR IS NOW AVAILABLE This year itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than ever to stay up to date with your bin collection days, with our eCalendars.

Download Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste app and get your bin collection day PLUS REAL TIME NOTIlCATIONS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND 9OU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE CALENDAR for your collection area from Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/bincalendars 9OU CAN REQUEST A PRINTED COPY to be sent to you on 4732 7777 OR COUNCIL PENRITH CITY

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter Âť Friday, December 15, 2017

PENRITH WINNING THE WAR ON WASTE

Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste strategy, our community and the team that supports them.

swimming pools). The contents of the average household bin is 35% food waste.

By having and correctly using our FOGO bins, we help reduce landďŹ ll, which in turn helps keep the cost of waste services lower, and contributes on a national level to the economy and environment.

The statistics are speaking for themselves and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so proud of

We know from the most recent audit of contamination rates (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when we check to see if the right waste is in the right bin), that 9.5 out of 10 residents recycle correctly.

So hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to you, Penrith, for supporting us and supporting our environment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you really do have it sorted.

EXTRA BIN COLLECTIONS

FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS 25 December 2017 to 5 January 2018 Council is providing extra bin collections for two weeks to HELP WITH THE ADDITIONAL WASTE AND RECYCLING PRODUCED OVER THE #HRISTMAS AND .EW 9EAR PERIOD $URING THE WEEKS HIGHLIGHTED

PLACE ALL BINS AT THE KERBSIDE THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR NORMAL COLLECTION DAY #OLLECTIONS WILL RUN LATE INTO THE NIGHT SO PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR BINS IN UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN EMPTIED

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE! #OUNCIL IS RECYCLING REAL #HRISTMAS TREES FOR free on Saturday 13 Jan. Bring your tree to Jamison Park from 10am - 2pm and WEgLL TURN IT INTO MULCH TO BE USED TO CARE FOR LOCAL PARKS AND GARDENS

EXTRA COLLECTIONS - All bins

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

KIDS - 1ST PLACE

YOUTH - 1ST PLACE

Darcy O’Brien with “Building Nature’s Community One Egg at a Time”

KIDS - 2ND PLACE

OPEN - 1ST PLACE

Letisha Hopton with “Overflow”

YOUTH - 2ND PLACE

Laura Payne with “Forest Tunnel”

OPEN - 2ND PLACE

Billy Hutton with “Sunset Over Nepean Bridge”

YOUTH - 3RD PLACE

Giorgia Apap with “Amongst the Ferns

OPEN - 3RD PLACE

Donna Morgan with “Sunrise”

KIDS - 3RD PLACE

Jessica Kinsella with “Serenity”

Brett Pascoe with “Golden Nepean”

PHOTO COMP WINNERS Each year Council holds an Environmental Photo Competition to celebrate Biodiversity Month and National Water Week, and highlight our City’s unique and beautiful natural setting.

This year’s competition theme was Water: The Heart of our Community.

Council received more than 120 entries, and every one captured the natural beauty and wonder of Penrith’s waterways.

talent behind the lens, and produced some stunning photos which the community enjoyed at the Real Festival in November.

The competition had three categories; kids (under 12 years), youth (12-18 years) and open (over 18 years). The winners in each category showed exceptional

The winners were honoured at an award ceremony on 1 November.

Olivia Barrett with “Sunny Saturdays”

YOUR SUMMER GUIDE TO AFFORDABLE FUN IS ONLINE There is only one place you need to look for fun and affordable things to do in Penrith across summer.

The Visit Penrith website is full of great ideas, new places to go and upcoming events for all ages and interests including school holiday activities to keep everyone happy on the long hot days of summer.

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Christmas is covered too with unique ideas for gifts, festive events and suggestions for a delicious Christmas lunch and dinner. No plans for New

Year’s Eve? No worries. The Visit Penrith website has all the details of where to go for the best local fireworks.

Be the first to know about what’s hot and happening across Penrith by signing up to the Visit Penrith e-newsletter. Each month you’ll get all the best news and ideas delivered straight to your inbox. To subscribe, just head to visitpenrith.com.au. It’s that easy.

Did you know that 90% of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain develops before the age of ďŹ ve?

Ensuring our children get the right foundation at this critical age is vital for their future.

Recent studies have shown that children who participate in quality early childhood education are more likely to have the well-developed social, cognitive and emotional skills they need to engage in learning.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Penrith Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services is committed to providing the highest quality care and education for children through our preschool services.

Our preschool programs empower children to think, explore, question and learn how to learn. They offer the ideal preparation for schooling and establish a solid platform for life-long learning. They support language development, improve problem solving and reasoning skills, develop social and emotional maturity, help children relate well with others and allow them to gain independence, selfesteem and conďŹ dence.

preschool program. Over the last two years his mother has seen an immense improvement in his social, mental and emotional development. This is a testament to the exceptional quality and passion of the educators working at the centre. They work closely with Lucas and his classmates to provide a safe, caring and fun learning environment, which also incorporates the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own interests, allowing them to excel in their personal endeavours.

Gumbirra is just one of our quality preschool services, and all of them have highly qualiďŹ ed staff, an inclusive and competitive fee, and provide well-rounded, innovative programs of education.

Our preschools are enrolling now for 2018 and Government subsidies are available to eligible families.

Get the best care and education for your child â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call 4732 7844 to secure your spot, or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/childcare to ďŹ nd out more about why you should choose a Council childcare centre.

THE BEST CARE AND RECREATION FOR YOUR CHILD Enrol your child at the brand new, state of the art Emu Village OSH. 7E HAVE HIGHLY QUALIlED STAFF A COMPETITIVE AND ALL INCLUSIVE FEE AND AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM MIXING RECREATION AND FUN

CALL 4732 7844 NOW! penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/childcare

Lucas, at Gumbirra Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre, has beneďŹ ted greatly from the

A YEAR OF TREATS & TREASURES JANUARY

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SERIOUSLY FUNNY STORIES AND SONGS

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter Âť Friday, December 15, 2017

PRESCHOOLS ENROLLING FOR 2018

Your local library offers a great range of events, activities and services to suit different ages and interests.

Membership is free if you live, work, go to school or own property in Penrith and members have access to a world of beneďŹ ts at branches and online. Online services include access to the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catalogue, online tutoring for students and free eBooks and audio books.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

LETTERS TO LINDY

A MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LOSS, A NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OBSESSION SEPTEMBER

WHARF REVUE 2018

SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY

DAYS LIKE THESE

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WHAT KIND OF DAY IS TODAY?

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SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

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JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, 597 HIGH STREET, PENRITH NSW 2750

How many books can you read this Summer? From Monday 4 December, visit any library branch to collect your Summer Reading Club log and get started. Read and record 10 books and return your completed reading log to any library branch for your chance to win a prize. Winners will be drawn at our Special Summer Reading Club celebration at Penrith Library on Tuesday 13 February 2018 at 4pm.

The Summer Reading Club is open to all Library members aged 16 years and under.

Check out library.penrith.city to ďŹ nd out about upcoming school holiday

Caitlyn Woods and her hula hoop dancing show SpinJoy is one of our great school holiday activities

workshops, teen workshops and family shows including hula hoop dancing and trash percussion.

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VILLAGE CAFÉ CONNECTS OVER-50S IN NORTH ST MARYS

WSA construction to begin Western Sydney Airport is preparing for take-off after the Federal Government recently gave the green light for construction work to begin. The move, hailed as a “milestone event” by Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher, means work will start on the airport site

by February next year.

Full WSA Co Board confirmed The Government has appointed three further Directors to the Board of WSA Co, with Mr Vince Graham AM, Ms Anthea Hammon and Mr John Weber to join the Chair Mr Paul O’Sullivan and Directors Mrs Fiona Balfour, Mr Tim Eddy and Ms Christine Spring.

LAUNCHING ‘THE QUARTER’

For more information on Western Sydney Airport, visit westernsydneyairport.gov.au.

For more information on WSA Co including employment and business opportunities, visit wsaco.com.au.

Council is committed to maximising the benefits and minimising the impacts of the airport.

Many residents have reported feeling happier and more active since attending the fortnightly Village Café

The Village Café, held every second Thursday morning at Parklawn Place shops, fosters good health and social connection for local people aged 50 years and over living in North St Marys.

It offers an opportunity for older residents to connect with each other and explore new ways of improving their wellbeing as individuals and as a community.

Join us on 21 December, 1 February or every second Thursday after that until 29 March between 9am and 11.30am for a cup of good coffee, a bag of fresh fruit and veg, and a chat with local health services for information and health screening tailored to your needs.

Supported by FACS Liveable Communities Grants, the Village Café is a collaboration between local, state and federal governments and local community organisations.

Many residents have reported that since attending Village Café their levels of physical activity and general sense of wellbeing have significantly improved….

The Village Café was the best thing that happened to us.

”

”

Tender opportunities for WSA WSA Co, the company established to deliver and operate the Western Sydney Airport, is looking for the best design and construction expertise the private sector has to offer. Tender opportunities and job vacancies are being advertised on WSA Co’s website with tenders for geotechnical investigation and land survey services already released to market and more opportunities expected in the coming months.

”

Friday, December 15, 2017 « Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT UPDATE

I feel happy being with people our own age. We laugh and reminisce a lot.

”

MAJOR EVENTS WORTH MILLIONS TO LOCAL ECONOMY

Left to right: The Hon Peter Collins, A/ Professor Ronald Chin, Penrith Mayor John Thain, The Hon Stuart Ayres MP, Greg Allchin

Penrith Mayor John Thain together with Greg Allchin, Chair of the Penrith Health and Education Precinct Leadership Committee and the Hon Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith, recently launched The Quarter - Penrith’s new world-class Health and Education Precinct.

Spanning over 300 hectares between Penrith and St Marys, The Quarter is synonymous with innovative thinking and collaboration. It is set to drive major jobs growth, economic prosperity, educational opportunities and improved health outcomes for a rapidly growing community. To find out more visit thequarter.org.au.

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The Westfield Matildas played to a sellout crowd in September, thrilling local fans with a victory over Brazil

Penrith’s busy run of world-class events has boosted the local economy by nearly $10 million in recent months, benefitting local businesses including hotels, motels, restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions.

Penrith’s ‘Big Weekend’ which included the Matildas vs Brazil match, the Defqon.1 music festival and the Penrith Tennis International attracted nearly 50,000 visitors to Penrith across the weekend of 16-17 September, contributing $5 million

to the local economy.

Large numbers of people attending major events across the weekend of 3-5 November bolstered Penrith’s local economy by more than $3 million. The second annual Real Festival attracted 22,000 while 4,000 people attended the Australian Ballet’s Ballet under the Stars.

Major sporting events including the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney and the

NSW Golf Open attracted thousands of competitors from across Australia and the world, and many supporters and spectators to Penrith last month.

Annually these sporting events boost the economy by more than $1 million dollars.

With both events broadcast to millions of viewers on television and online, Penrith is in the spotlight and on the radar for millions of potential domestic and international tourists.

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter » Friday, December 15, 2017

KEEPING YOUR COOL THIS SUMMER As another summer arrives, there’s one thing on all of our minds – how to stay cool as the mercury rises. At Council, that’s something we plan for all year as we implement our City’s Cooling the City Strategy to create a more liveable city and region.

Our work in this space is varied, and is designed to provide long-term relief from rising temperatures and scorching summers for everyone in our City, especially the most vulnerable among us.

One of the easiest and most important things we can do is plant more trees.

Trees play a critical role in creating cooler neighbourhoods, and the right trees in the right places also improve property values – so they’re a win-win for the community.

Some of the work we’ve undertaken to improve tree coverage across our City includes: • • • •

96,000 trees and plants planted in South Penrith and 3,000 in Emu Plains 55,000 trees and plants planted in Mountain View Reserve in Cranebrook 5,300+ plants given away at community events and programs semi-mature trees planted at Councilowned childcare centres, and more planned for local sporting fields.

In addition to greening our city, we’re also improving the way we design our urban environments, which includes things like: • including a splashpad and increased shade cover as part of the upgrades to the Triangle Park in Penrith’s CBD. • adding a splashpad, shade sails, covered outdoor tables and seating, and additional tree planting to the Phoenix Reserve upgrades in Erskine Park • including cooling features in the soon to be opened Jordan Springs Community Hub, including light coloured surfaces, geothermal heating and cooling, tree planting and smart architecture.

There are a range of things everyone can do at home to help you stay cool in summer, and we’re committed to providing information, tips, workshops and opportunities for you to learn what’s possible. We’ll be promoting ways to stay cool over summer, but you can also get year-round updates on how to reduce your energy consumption and weatherproof your home with our Sustainability eNewsletter. Email andrew.hewson@ penrith.city to sign up.

A raised pedestrian crossing in Bennett Rd, St Clair is among recent improvements

PAVING THE WAY Council is continually working to improve the condition of our roads and paths. Recent projects include: • raised pedestrian crossing in Bennett Rd, St Clair constructed as part of the RMS Pedestrian Safety around Schools Program • intersection improvement at Richmond Rd and Cooper St, Penrith completed as part of the RMS Safer Roads Program • new roundabout at Borrowdale Way and Sherringham Rd, Cranebrook constructed as part of Council’s Traffic and Transport Facilities Program

• new footpath constructed in Victoria St and Albert St, Werrington and East Wilchard Rd, Castlereagh (total length 520 m) as part of Council’s Footpath Delivery program, and • new shared path constructed in Braemar Dr, South Penrith (total length 575 m) as part of Council’s Special Rate Variation program.

Council is responsible for almost 1,080 km of local and regional roads.

To report a problem, including potholes or damaged footpaths, call 4732 7777 or visit our website.

FREE EVENT

MUSIC BY THE RIVER SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018 11am to 4pm | Tench Reserve penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

YOUR COUNCIL

Everyone is welcome at Council meetings, which are held at the Civic Centre. Ordinary meetings of Council and Policy Review Committee meetings are held on Monday nights, usually every three weeks. For meeting times and dates visit our website: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

WE CAN HELP WITH:

PENRITH CIVIC CENTRE 601 High Street, Penrith

QUEEN STREET CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys 4732 7777

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4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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penrithcity.nsw.gov.au /penrith.city.council /penrithcouncil

HAVE YOUR SAY

Register online at yoursaypenrith. com.au to keep up to date with Council plans and projects, and opportunities to help us shape the future of Penrith.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Abandoned vehicles Advertising signs Aged care services Air pollution monitoring Approvals Building applications or inspections Bus shelters Bushfire control Cemeteries Certificates (149, 149D, 317A & 603) Children’s Services Citizenship ceremonies Civic functions / community events Clean-up bookings Compost bins Council carparks Council meetings Crossover inspections Development control applications Disability services Dog catcher / registration / dead dogs & cats on roads Drainage Elections - Local Environmental health Environmental planning Food handling Footpaths Garbage - new services Graffiti control Hall bookings Home Library services Immunisation Library services Local history Neighbourhood Centres Noise complaints Park bookings Parking control Planning approvals Policy matters Public buildings Publications Rates Recycling RID Squad Road construction & maintenance Senior Citizen centres Septic tanks Signs Street cleaning New street lighting Street numbers Sub-division Swimming pool fences Tourism Tree planting or removal Youth services Zoning

INTERPRETING ASSISTANCE If you do not understand the information in this document, please come to Council and ask staff to arrange interpreter services.

Share your adventure

visitpenrith.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

TURNING BACK TIME

Paper that informed a growing region Jade Aliprandi looks back at popular local newspaper The Nepean Times, which wrote about some of the most significant events in Penrith’s history...

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lying hot off the press for the first time on March 3, 1882, The Nepean Times was published by Alfred Colless and was to last 80 years.

The first newspaper published in Penrith was the short-lived Penrith Argus, first published in 1881 but subsumed into The Nepean Times in October the following year.

The publisher of the Argus, William Webb, was given a column in The Nepean Times, possibly as payment for the Argus.

Mr Colless quickly became the master of local opinion, producing a newspaper of what many considered a high standard.

Prominent questions of the day, the latest local news, telegrams, humorous extracts and the latest Sydney commercial news were all given places within the paper.

The newspaper was sold through local and district newsagencies at a cost of threepence per copy and was published initially every Saturday.

It remained at the same price for its 80 year existence.

The first few editions were printed in a general store on the corner of High Street and Station Street by William Joseph Rhodes, who had also printed the Argus.

A few months later, as the business increased in popularity, it was moved further down High Street to a larger premises then known as Besley’s building.

In March 1895, the paper transferred again to Station Street where it continued to be produced.

Alfred Colless was Mayor of Penrith when he established The Nepean Times in 1882.

He had been elected to Council in 1876 and remained until 1883, serving as Mayor from 1880 to 1882.

Colless’ aggressive newspaper reporting

The Nepean Times office in the early days. Photo: Penrith City Library and editorial style saw a war of words played out between The Nepean Times and other circulating newspapers, especially The Cumberland Mercury.

The Mercury responded by accusing The Nepean Times office of editorial bias against those who chose not to use the printing facilities at the Times office.

The competition in the local area was about to grow with the introduction of the St Marys Gazette on May 28, 1891, launched by George Nichols.

The Nepean Times announced the birth

of the Gazette with enthusiasm, but became quick to judge the credibility of the paper.

By September, Colless had launched an all out attack on the credibility of Nichols’ journalism and his ‘literary piracy’ when reporting local events.

Colless ended up purchasing the Gazette in 1895.

He was involved in every public event in the district’s history as a journalist, businessman, and auctioneer.

Alfred Colless passed away in 1920.

The Nepean Times reported a message in mourning of him.

It read, “With the concluding days of 1920 came the close of a life that figured prominently and honourably in the history of the Nepean district”.

The business was passed onto his son, Alfred Sydney Colless.

The paper ceased production in 1962, due to declining advertising revenue.

The Nepean Times remains the yardstick by which all local newspapers in the region are judged.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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When you choose us to look after your property, you can expect open and honest communication and expert guidance on what will help achieve the best possible result for your property.

Richardson & Wrench Jordan Springs/ Werrington County 9623 6163 | Since 1858 jswc.randw.com.au

Plasterer George Larin - Licence #R71555

gotzinger.com Unit 8, 53-55 Regentville Rd Jamisontown

4721 1611

No Job too big or small Renovation specialist

0424 135 877

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1300 934 970

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NO CHARGES UNTIL SOLD! www.philipyork.com.au 474 High Street, Penrith

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

46

BUSINESS Th There is plenty to learn from the joy of giving fr

S

Reflecting on the year that was – what did you achieve?

Phil Voysey // OneGroup Leadership

Jane Tweedy // Western Sydney Business Centre

0457 999 987 | onegroupleadership.com.au

4721 5011 | info@wsbusiness.com.au

ince this is the last column before Christmas, I thought I’d share a Christmas story with you.

In the late 1980s, I was running a home for street children in Cusco, Peru.

Cusco was the centre of Inca civilisation and is now a tourism mecca, the gateway to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites.

We had eight street children living permanently in the home but decided to invite as many street kids as we could find to come and share in the Christmas celebrations.

It was a novelty to be celebrating Christmas Day since Peruvians traditionally celebrate, go to church and get together with family on Christmas Eve rather than December 25.

We wandered the streets handing out invitations, not sure how many would come, or whether they would find the house, which was tucked away up a flight of stairs and along a narrow alleyway.

One young girl with slugs of snot trailing from her nose asked if her little

brother, with even bigger slugs of snot, could come too.

More than 80 people turned up at the house. Somehow, they all managed to squash into our small downstairs living area.

Among the children were two Quechua Indian women with bowler hats.

We asked them if they were the mothers of any of the children. No, but they were curious and thought they’d come anyway.

We sang Christmas songs in Spanish and everyone received a cup of hot chocolate and a piece of panetone.

As they left they lined up to receive a plastic toy.

Even the two women insisted on receiving their toy.

That Christmas Day remains my most memorable.

A day when the simple act of giving filled a house with joy.

There is plenty to be learned from being generous.

May your Christmas be filled with love, peace and the joy of giving.

B

efore heading to the beach, mountains or the sofa, for a well-earned break, spend some time reviewing the year that was, so next year is more successful!

What did you achieve?

What big successes did you experience?

Did you land a dream client, win awards, launch a new product, or get your business started? A good exercise is to record your wins, no matter how small. Consider STAR or CAR achievements – Situation/ Task (or Challenge), Action and Results, as well as achievement of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

If you reflect on your achievements, you can find new ways to market your business, and grow your self-confidence.

If you can’t remember your achievements, ask your clients. One of my clients asked her clients for reviews – 11/12 gave her exceptional reviews, boosting her self-confidence and she is busy with client work.

What didn’t work so well?

Take ownership of things that didn’t go so well, and review activities we need to stop. In my case this includes over

committing to my detriment!

SWOT and ‘stop, start and continue’ Successes lead to activities we can continue, whereas failures lead to things we can stop. Also consider what we could start doing that may lead us to stronger outcomes. Updating our SWOT analysis helps to round out this exercise – identifying our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Gratitude and thanks Don’t dwell on things that didn’t work, but rather be grateful for our successes and for those around us who contributed to our success. Thank people who referred you clients, and thank your clients for remaining loyal.

Plan the next year Using these exercises as a starting point will help in planning goals for the new year, to make it the best yet!

Seasons greetings!

Western Sydney Business Centre would love to wish our clients and readers a wonderful break and a happy and prosperous 2018. We have advisors back on deck from January 2, to help you plan for a bumper year!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Fast food with a delicious difference

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Jack & Co

120 Forrester Road, St Marys www.jackandco.com.au

hen was the last time you went to a fast food, convenience store or service station and bought food that you genuinely loved?

Owner of Jack & Co Food Stores, Wade Death, bets that you can’t remember.

Recently opening up a brand new store attached to the new BP in St Marys, Mr Death claims to be creating “The World’s Freshest Convenience Stores”.

“I just got sick and tired of going into convenience stores and getting crap food and even worse service,” he said.

“I’m pretty simple, I just like good, fresh sandwiches and a proper coffee – not servo coffee!”

Having already set up successful stores in Taree and the North Shore that have served over a million people this year alone, Mr Death is confident that the new store will thrive out here in the west.

“I wish I had a dollar for every time I was asked if I thought the concept would work out here

and I wouldn’t need to sell food anymore” he laughed.

“Fresh food fast is wanted by all people everywhere, so is good coffee.”

Baking all their own pies and sausage rolls on-site as well as making fresh juices, Jack & Co live up to their motto, ‘Established Today’.

And now they’ve also recently paired up with celebrity dessert chef Adriano Zumbo, selling his famous and delicious macaroons and pastries.

“It’s more like a world of food, from squeezing juice to making coffee, hot drinks, cold drinks, sandwiches, shakes, donuts – you name it we probably do it,” Mr Death said.

Having won Australian Independent Retailer Store of the Year twice, you won’t be disappointed when you come and visit Mr Death and his team at the new Jack & Co store located at 120 Forrester Road, St Marys.

Don’t forget to visit the Jack & Co Facebook site for more information.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Pen rit R P O h CB D RA TI

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PENRITH

SHOP LOCAL

Christmas this

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

“We are always looking for experienced Forklift Drivers, Accounts and Customer Service Staff, Service Technicians, Mechanics, Labourers & Truck Drivers.

If this is you, please email through your résumé!”

complete recruitment solutions

We offer a range of recruitment services across the local and Sydney Metropolitan area from Executive, Office Support, Sales & Marketing, to technically skilled and unskilled Industrial Staff.

The mission for Complete Recruitment Solutions is to be the business partner of choice for companies requiring recruitment services.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Looking for extra Christmas staff?

Email us at recruit@completerecruitment.com.au or call 4731 2333 WW31730

The team from RAMS Home Loans Penrith wish happy you a safe f and d happ h Holiday Season!

EXPERIENCE & RELIABILITY Property & Business Lawyers

PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL LEGAL SERVICES

Solicitor Director: Joseph M Grassi Dip Law (SAB) LLM Accredited Specialist Property Law Notary Public Solicitor: Grant Wiblin LLB, BSocSc, GDipLegalPrac Licensed Conveyancer: Wendy Harvey Office Manager: Lois Grassi

RAMS Home Loans Penrith

p

ò 4702 5905

www.grassiassociates.com.au

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ã Suite 1, 86 Henry Street, Penrith 2750 Ø info@grassiassociates.com.au

Penrith 235 High Street 4731 3777 More Information: Credit criteria apply. RAMS Home Loans Penrith/Katoomba is owned and operated by Greater West Home Loans Pty Ltd ABN 25 113 229 324. Credit Provider & issuer of RAMS Deposit Products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714. Credit Provider: Westpac Banking Corporation, ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

18034/1017

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Administration: Emily Beal

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Follow us on for Summer Specials and burger giveaways!

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492 High Street PENRITH



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4704 8485

Free Standard Milkshake with any Burger purchase

354 HIGH ST, PENRITH | CAFEFRED.COM.AU

Café Fred and Café Upstairs would like to thank everyone for their support this year and wish you a

istmas. r h C y r r e M As a show of appreciation and as a gift to you, we would like to offer you a FREE COFFEE with any purchase.

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Cafe Fred is closed over the Christmas break but you can visit us Upstairs, we are open everyday except weekends and public holidays.

 4722 9173

LEVEL 1, SUITE 102, 68 DERBY ST, KINGSWOOD | CAFEUPSTAIRS.COM.AU

PENRITH Bring this ad in to our store & get 5% off all NEW 2018 Panthers gear!

Use coupon code “xmas17” upon checkout to receive 10% OFF your Christmas flower delivery

The perfect gift for any diehard Panthers fan!

Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas from the team at

Floral Indulgence

*Offer valid till 31st Dec 2017

For truly indulgent and healing products, including a new range of Rituelle products, large crystals and geodes, come into Inner Forest for your magical Christmas gifts, free gift wrapping and friendly service.

CHRISTMAS SALE !!!

15% OFF STORE WIDE On all full priced garments including Embellished Ka ans, Holiday, Purity Lace & Many More Wishing all our loyal customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year *Offer excludes Palm Beach Candles, Bags & Accessories* WW31733 3

Inner Forest

541 High St | Ph: 4721 5909

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Shop 9, 566 High St, Penrith | 4731 4475 www.yourfloralindulgence.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Send a bouquet of love this Christmas

Shop 13/541 High Street Penrith NSW 2750 Phone: 02 4721 4777

483 High Street | Ph: 4732-1223 www.innerforest.com.au/ www.facebook.com/InnerForestPenrith

Follow us on @lolas.sydney

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

INDOOR SKYDIVING

!

W O N N O E L A S S A M T IS R H C

PEDAL BIKES FLY FROM

$89!

FREE VIEWING GALLERY | GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

BOOK NOW: 1300 366 364 | iFLY.COM.AU 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith WW31736

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Bookings essential Ph: 02 47 30 4333 www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

EXTREME FUN!

raestrud

Tapas & Tunes @ THE PACEWAY JOIN US FOR

CHILLED-OUT BEATS, TASTY TAPAS and REFRESHING LIBATIONS • Alfresco dining • Children’s play area • Registered Club on premises LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WITH SOLOIST

GAVIN BOWLES 6pm to 9pm

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Sat night 16th Dec 127-141 STATION ST, PENRITH SHOWGROUND WW31724

• Guided & self-guided rafting • Christmas and End-of-year Parties - BOOK NOW!

Whitewater Gift Vouchers



the perfect Christmas present

For more information call 4730 4333 www.penrithwhitewater.com.au Penrith Whitewater Stadium, McCarthy’s Lane, Cranebrook

• CAFE • KAYAKING

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C O M M U N I T Y . . . NO T JU ST COURSES

the western weekender Âť Friday, December 15, 2017

Want to win a TV valued at $1000?

For a unique learning experience or a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person, why not purchase a gift certificate from Nepean Community College?

Learning is a gift that keeps on giving all year and with so many classes to choose from, the only issue will be deciding what to learn!

WIN! WI WIN W IN IN! T TCL CL 55 CL 55 inc inch nc n ch U UHD HD D LED LED ED L LC LCD CD S Smart marrt T ma mar TV V

Simply spend $50 in one transaction (excluding prescriptions) at either Terry White Chemmart on High Street between 15/12/17 and 24/12/17 to go into the draw. Conditions apply.

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Tony Ferguson's 24 Hour Terry White Terry White Chemmart Chemmart 447 High Street, Penrith 438 High Street, Penrith 4721 2422 4731 1935

Phone 4724 9000 | www.ncc.nsw.edu.au

JEWELLERS

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Contact Sarah at Shop 115B Westfield Penrith

The Mercure Penrith offers 222 recently refurbished accommodation rooms.

Featuring Flat Screen TV, Foxtel, Air Conditioning and a 24hr reception.

Additional Facilities include a gym, guest lounge, outdoor swimming pool, BBQ area and ample complimentary parking.

Panthers World of Entertainment is next to the Mercure Penrith and offers 7 dining options, 6 bars, Aqua golf and the Evan Theatre. are also located in the Panthers Precinct.

Bring your friends and family to stay with us this summer!

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Cables Wake Park, iFLY indoor sky diving

The team at Mercure Penrith wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Make your Christmas sparkle with some jewellery!

10%-50% off* the entire range!

500 High Street, Penrith | Ph 4731 6387

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*Purchase the second item of equal or lesser value and only pay half price.

PANTHER PLACE, PENRITH NSW 2750 T (02) 4721 7700 F (02) 4732 2928

E-mail: H9877@accor.com Web: www.mercurepenrith.com.au

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Christmas Sale Day Thursday 21st December

SHOP & DINE LOCAL DOWNLOAD OUR PENRITH CBD APP

*Sale on high st, penrith

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Roaming characters entertainment & giveaways from 11.30am - 1.30pm

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Bringing fire to the stage

W KATE REID

hile most kids at the age of 18 are still trying to decide w h a t career path they want to take, Isaiah Firebrace has already become a household name.

After winning Australia’s 2016 ‘The X Factor’ competition, the teenager from the Murray River town of Moama, thought life couldn’t get much crazier.

That was until he was asked to represent Australia in this year’s Eurovision competition held in the Ukraine, where he sang live for over 180 million viewers worldwide.

Now back in Australia, after a full on year, Isaiah said he is looking forward to having some down time.

“I thought winning ‘X Factor’ was big for me but when I got the opportunity to do Eurovision, that kind of just made everything go into hyper drive,” he told the Weekender.

“All year it’s been hectic and it’s made the year go so quick, I can’t really believe it’s Christmas already.”

Growing up with 12 brothers and sisters, the singer said Christmas is always an

opportunity for them to all hang out and catch-up.

“I love being with my family at Christmas and it’s always a fun time,” Isaiah said.

“When I was growing up, my family wasn’t that financially stable so there wasn’t a lot of presents, but there was always a lot of love, so that was better.”

And while it doesn’t get more Aussie than a camping trip over the festive season, this year Isaiah is just looking forward to a slower pace of life.

“Usually we all go camping and go swim in the river but this year it’s not going to be too big or fancy, I just want to hang out and chill,” Isaiah said.

Playing a small intimate show at The Joan next year will be quite a change from the large audiences he’s played to this year, but Isaiah said he enjoys the different buzzes both small and large gigs bring.

Those attending the one-off show will be treated to a fun and up-beat performance, with the singer giving the audience a taste of his new music.

“I’m really excited and I hope everyone can come get in the groove as there will be a lot of new songs and I’m bringing my band, so it should be cool,” Isaiah said.

Isaiah Firebrace will be performing live at The Joan on Sunday, January 21 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at $60. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thejoan.com.au or call 4723 7600.

4721 1155

PEN RITH

74 Henry St Penrith

Are you looking for a new upbeat and fun location for your next Function, Christmas Party or even High Tea, then The Village Penrith will more than impress you for any function. We cater for weddings, engagement parties and birthdays in our upstairs private function area.

Conveniently located in Henry Street, The Village Penrith is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Sunday and for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The Village Penrith is the best place to indulge and treat yourself to a culinary delight whilst taking in the ambience from “The Atrium” which overlooks the completely refurbished dining area.

We are closed from 23rd December and will re-open 13th January WW31418

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Dance the year away at Rooty Hill RSL’s NYE party

Congratulations to all our Christm as Giveaway Bonan za Winners The Western W

eekender’s Christmas Giveaway Bonanza delivered so me festive surprises just before the big day. Drawn on Tu esday, 11 Lucky winne rs have won some fantastic presents just in time for Christmas 1st Prize – Flo

KATE REID

C

elebrate the end of 2017 in style at Rooty Hill RSL’s NYE Masquerade Party.

Put your favourite party clothes on and adorn your face with a masquerade mask at this sophisticated bash where guests will party the night away under a canopy of glittering light and confetti.

This dazzling evening will feature entertainment and party tunes that will have you tearing up the dance floor till the wee hours of 2018.

Once you’ve danced up an appetite you can purchase delicious foodie treats like succulent burgers from Chur Burger, mouthwatering gourmet pizzas, or cheese, meat and dip sharing platters.

The NYE Masquerade Party is for over

wer Power Gift Vouche r valued $500 – Monic 2nd Prize – Cables Aqua a Alessio park Family Passes - Ala nB 3rd Prize –3 Jetpack Ad venture vouchers – Craig Pitchford 4th Prize – Nepean Belle lunch for 4 people – Ric hie Costello 5th Prize –2 I Fly Intro package vouchers – Ma rk Miruzzi 6th Prize – Vision Perso nal Training Voucher va lued $200 – Stephen Ke 7th Prize – Lakeside Re ys staurant voucher value $150 – Ingrid Bartolo 8th Prize – Skypeak Ad ventures double pass va lue $116 – Scott McKa 9th Prize – Skypeak Ad y ventures double pass va lue $116 – Gary Harper 10th Prize – Nepean Be lle Devonshire Tea vouc her valued $100 – Darre 11th Prize – Country Br n Peel ewer camembert and blu e cheese making kit va $89 – Robert Ruffle lued

The Western Weekend er would like to than k all the participating busine sses for donating th e prizes and everyone for enterin g and supporting the competition.

18s only, so leave the kids with a sitter and head out on the town for this night of indulgence.

The NYE Masquerade Party will be on at Rooty Hill RSL on Sunday, December 31 at 6pm. Tickets start at $40 and booth upgrades start at $300 for four people. Dress code is cocktail/party wear plus optional mask. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au or call 9677 4916.

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The Boss is back!

A YEAR OF TREATS & TREASURES JANUARY

ISAIAH FIREBRACE

STAR OF X FACTOR AND EUROVISION APRIL

BOSOM BUDDIES

NANCYE HAYES & TODD MCKENNEY JUNE

LETTERS TO LINDY

A MOTHER’S LOSS, A NATION’S OBSESSION SEPTEMBER

WHARF REVUE 2018

SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY

FEBRUARY

TAPESTRY – VIKA BULL & DEBRA BYRNE SING CAROLE KING MAY

MARCH

BACK TO BACK: Q THEATRE FRESH NEW WORK X 2

JUNE

THE ORCHID AND THE CROW

T

here’s few names that are as synonymous with American rock as Springsteen.

Embrace the music of this iconic performer with ‘Glory Days – The Boss Experience’ at the Evan Theatre.

Next month, James G Brennan and his incredible group will recreate all the magic of The Boss, along with the sounds of the E Street Band.

Over two and a half amazing hours, fans will get to experience all the Springsteen classics like ‘Born to Run’, ‘Hungry Heart’, ‘Dancing in the Dark’, ‘Brilliant Disguise’, ‘Born in The U.S.A’

MICF ROADSHOW

SERIOUSLY FUNNY STORIES AND SONGS THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST COMEDY AUGUST

DAYS LIKE THESE

WHAT KIND OF DAY IS TODAY? OCTOBER

JULIUS CAESAR

BELL SHAKESPEARE

SEPTEMBER

B2M MAMANTA

PUMPING TIWI ISLANDS RNB

and other tracks from the heartland.

Bruce Springsteen is one of the bestselling artists of all time – selling more than 120 million records worldwide and more than 64 million albums in the US. His classic rock hits have earned him a staggering 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes and an Oscar.

If you’re a Boss fan you won’t want to miss this chance to see one of Australia’s greatest Springsteen shows.

‘Glory Days – The Boss Experience’ will be on at the Evan Theatre in Penrith on Saturday, January 13 at 8pm. Tickets start at $17.05 for members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au or call 1300 PANTHERS.

NOVEMBER

YELLOW YELLOW SOMETIMES BLUE Q THEATRE

JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 597 HIGH STREET, PENRITH NSW 2750

WW31768

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE | 4723 7600 | www.thejoan.com.au

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KATE REID

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Everything Elvis returns to Rooty Hill

KATE REID

D

o you love Elvis? Do you have every album he ever released?

Do you have a pair of blue suede shoes that you wear around the house?

If so, you’ll want to keep the first weekend in January free for the Everything Elvis Weekend at Rooty Hill RSL. This huge celebration of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will feature a host of Elvis themed performances from artists like Sheryl Sharkie – who is a spot on female Elvis impersonator.

Elvis movie fans will be in heaven with ‘Elvis in the Movies starring Dean Rias’

– a killer show that features Sydney’s leading Elvis tribute artist.

Along with a huge list of concerts throughout this three-day event, fans will also have the chance to reconfirm their love at the Elvis Vow Renewal Ceremony, and enjoy the King’s favourite treat with the legendary Peanut Butter and Bacon Elvis Burger.

Grab your tickets now!

‘Everything Elvis Weekend’ will be on at Rooty Hill RSL from Friday, January 5 to Sunday, January 7. A weekend pass is available for $140. For more information or to purchase tickets, jump online and visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au or call 9677 4916.

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KELLY’S

Christmas 25

TH O

F DECEMB

ER

11am & 1.30pm ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS

NEW YEAR’S EVE SUN 31 DEC

bookings: 13 28 49

FOOD & BEVERAGE PACKAGES AVAILABLE PRICES FROM $29.30 CHILDREN | $71.90 ADULTS

TICKETS $75

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

panthers.com.au WW31223

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT Friday, December 15 The Frocks – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Carleo & Adkins – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 All Access 80s – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Monkey Grunt – Blaxland Tavern Free entry, 8pm 4739 6770 Midnight Drifters – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Christmas Dress Up Night – Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 6pm 4744 2002 The Breakaways – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1384 Christmas Concert and Lights – ImagineNations Church Free entry, 6pm 4736 3000 Karaoke with Dean – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Jimmy Bear – Australian Arms, Penrith Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881

Cyclone Rose – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 DJ Gav Duncan – High Street Social Free entry, 7pm 4789 0187 Rockin Country Christmas Party – Rooty Hill RSL $25, 8pm 9677 4916 Karaoke – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4721 5764 Penrith Salvation Army, Christmas on the Lawn Free entry, 5pm 4733 1133 Groovology – St Marys Band Club Free, 8pm 9623 1211 Stephanie Jansen – Penrith Panthers Free entry, 5.30pm 1300 PANTHERS Rolling Stones Party – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 A Flirty Christmas Dinner Show Evan Theatre 1300 PANTHERS Saturday, December 16, 6.15pm, From $45

The R&B Christmas Throwback Tour – Made by the Hill 9677 4916 Saturday, December 23, 10pm, $69

Karaoke with Dean – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Soundproofed 80’s Rewind – Pioneer Tavern Free entry, 9pm 4736 4466 Karaoke with Dean – Penrith Hotel

John Mackie, Yuki Kumagai Jazz Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Karaoke – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4721 5764 Planet Groove – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 Christmas with Coverpalooza – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 7pm 4577 3050 Krazy Kats – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Chris Drummond Duo – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Breakfast with Santa – Pioneer Tavern $15, 10am 4736 4466 Karaoke – Blaxland Tavern Free entry, 8pm 4739 6770 What’s your favourite song?

Crybabies – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4733 8888

Sunday, December 24 DJ Kirk Ivory – Oriental Hotel Free entry, 6pm 4751 4488 Sunday Pool – Milestone Hotel $1, From 10am 4721 2999 The Revival – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 1pm 9677 7777

Moana, Twilight Movie Jordan Springs Town Centre www.visitpenrith.com.au Saturday, December 16, 6pm, Free Entry

Joanna Melas Duo Blacktown Workers Sports Club 8822 2444 Saturday, December 23, 1pm, Free entry

Sunday, December 17

Saturday, December 16 Robber Dogs – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Red Suits and Reindeers, Carols by Candlelight – Blacktown Workers From $2, 7pm 9830 0600 Karaoke – Blaxland Tavern Free entry, 8pm 4739 6770

Backlash Duo – Hubertus Country Club Free entry, 1pm 4773 4444 Cool River – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Richmond Rotary Carols by Candlelight – Richmond Park Free entry, 6pm www.discoverthehawkesbury.com.au

Friday, December 22 Back to the 80’s – Colyton Hotel Free entry, 8pm 9623 2266 Sam Lyon Duo – Oriental Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4751 4488

Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 The Frocks – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1384 Voices of Sydney Karaoke – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Born Jovi – Blue Cattle Dog Free entry, 9pm 9670 3050 DJ Mission Ingaged – Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 7pm 4744 2002 Sons of Any Key – Australian Arms, Penrith Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 The Bourbon Room – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

Saturday, December 23

NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS Free Call 1800 225 235 $$$$ buyers of all Ferrous SYDNEY - 9748 0611 PENRITH - 4732 1683 34 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH FAX - 4721 7658 and Non-Ferrous Metals (Off Castlereagh Road) 6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE 58

OPEN 7 DAYS MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

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NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLD

O D UST

M

Nepean Evening VIEW Club 3rd Monday of each month 4735 4982 Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce networking 4722 6969 Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

NASHOS December meeting Penrith RSL at 10.30am Sunday, December 17 W.S. Melanoma Support Group • 1st Monday of each month • 0431 142 911 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878

Night out with a difference in the Mountains From whirling dances to intense battle-scene climaxes, The Crooked Fiddle Band will be turning the dance floor into a post-apocalyptic hoedown as they bring their unique show to Hotel Gearin in Katoomba this Saturday, December 16. Also joining them will be locals, Sonori with their much anticipated EP release. Tickets start from $20 and can be purchased from the front bar at Hotel Gearin or online at www.fusionboutique.com.au.

S R O I N E FOR S

S D I K R FO

Glenmore Park Probus Club 3rd Wednesday of the month 9673 2580 Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Sunset Station Singers Mondays at St Marys RSL from 7.30pm • 0425 223 113 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Wednesdays • 0407 077 143

Carols for all at St Marys

Sips and Sounds back for summer

Bring your picnic blanket and festive cheer along to Carols by Candlelight on the big screen at St Marys Leagues Stadium this Sunday at 5.

Enjoy a night full of music, art and food during Sips and Sounds at Penrith Regional Gallery every Friday from 5pm until January 26.

Queen of Hearts Domestic violence support 1300 856 737

(3D) Star Wars: The Last Jedi 152 min (M Science fiction violence) Thurs: 1:20PM, 4:40PM, 8:00PM Daily except Thurs: 10:00AM, 1:20PM, 4:40PM, 8:00PM.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi 152 min (M Science fiction violence) Thurs: 9:15AM, 10:30AM, 11:20AM, 12:30PM, 1:50PM, 2:40PM, 3:10PM, 3:50PM, 5:10PM, 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:10PM, 8:30PM, 9:20PM, 9:50PM, 10:30PM Fri, Sat, Sun: 9:15AM, 10:30AM, 11:20AM, 11:50AM, 12:30PM, 1:50PM, 2:40PM, 3:10PM, 3:50PM, 5:10PM, 6:00PM, 6:30PM. 7:10PM, 8:30PM, 9:20PM, 9:50PM, 10:30PM Mon, Tues, Wed: 9:15AM, 10:30AM, 11:20AM, 11:50AM, 12:30PM, 1:50PM, 2:40PM, 3:10PM, 3:50PM, 5:10PM, 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:10PM, 8:30PM, 9:20PM, 9:50PM

PENRITH

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Ferdinand WW29582

Session times are subject to change without notice, visit www.hoyts.com.au to check session times or book tickets

106 min (G Very mild themes and coarse language) Thurs: 12:40PM, 2:40PM, 5:00PM, 7:00PM. Fri: 9:50AM, 12:10PM, 2:30PM, 4:50PM, 7:00PM. Sat, Sun: 9:50AM, 10:50AM, 12:10PM, 2:30PM, 7:00PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 9:50AM, 10:50AM, 12:10PM, 2:30PM, 4:50PM, 7:00PM

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Well, it’s that time of year again when I hand out my famous Chatter on the Box Awards for 2017. These awards dictate what I think have been the hits, misses and surprises of television in 2017…

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

Ê Channel of the Year: FOX League.

What a debut year it was from the talented team at the first ever dedicated rugby league channel. FOX League was a hit on so many levels, not only did it have every single game of the NRL Premiership live and ad-free, it was also home to some great magazine and variety shows like ‘NRL 360’, ‘League Life’ and ‘Late Night with Matty Johns’. Plus the ‘Professor’s Second Year Syndrome’ was always a laugh after the footy on a Friday night, even if it did ‘jump the shark’ in the last episode. Yes, the channel has a few improvements ahead and its commentators aren’t as good as Channel Nine, but all in all this was the best on field. Ê Best Aussie Reality Show: ‘Australian Survivor’. It’s not often a show wins this award two years in a row but that’s how good ‘Aussie Survivor’ is. Things were taken to another level this season with great casting, brilliant challenges and excellent production values to boot.

While there were plenty of contenders for this coveted award, it was hard to go past a classic! Ê Best Aussie Comedy: ‘True Story with Hamish and Andy’. These boys have been around for more than a decade now but this Nine show was really something unique to watch. The ‘True Story’ format was not only something fresh for viewers, but it was bloody clever. While the radio duo play a fairly minor role in the show,

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2017 CHANNEL OF THE YEAR: FOX LEAGUE

it was the story tellers, actors and script writers who really did a marvellous job bringing everyday people’s stories to life.

Ê Best Dating Show: ‘The Bachelorette Australia’. I’ve never seen a reality show more highly anticipated than this season’s ‘The Bachelorette’. Featuring none other than well-known performer Sophie Monk, this show – while cringeworthy at times – was hilarious and charming from start to finish. It was also great to see Sophie find love in the process. Ê Most Overrated Show of the Year: ‘Australian Ninja Warrior’. Don’t get me wrong, the first episode was exciting and fresh, but it just felt all the same episode after episode. And to not crown an overall winner at the end felt like the biggest waste of time. This show needs a big format change otherwise season two will suffer. Ê

Comeback of the Year: Casey Dono-

van. What a year it’s been for this ‘Australian Idol’ winner. Not only did she return to TV with a bang via ‘I’m A Celebrity...

Get Me Out Of Here’, but she also won the damn thing too! Australia fell in love with Casey again and now she’s picking up all sorts of work. Welcome back, Casey!

Ê Worst Shows of 2017: ‘Cram’, ‘The Wall’, ‘The Biggest Loser: Transformed’, ‘The Wrong Girl’, ‘Family Food Fight’, ‘Sisters’, ‘Cannonball’, ‘This Time Next Year’, ‘Yummy Mummies’, ‘Behave Yourself’ and ‘The Last Resort’. Ê Most Anticipated New Show: ‘Love Island Australia’. It’s been described as ‘Big Brother’ for singles because that’s exactly what it is. Modelled on the hit British format, a bunch of Aussies will travel all the way to Spain to live in a beautiful villa together. They’ll party, hook-up and hopefully find love by the end of it. With Sophie Monk as host, this will be a must watch on so many levels.

WW31765

the western weekender Âť Friday, December 15, 2017

FREE EVENT

26 January

2018

AUSTRALIA DAY JAMISON PARK | 3PM - 8PM Grab the kids and enjoy oy free ee ary. family fun on 26 January. diversse Help us celebrate our diverse h heritage and traditions with ly, free fun for all the family, oratin ng, including Pavlova decorating, games, face painting, bubble soccer, historical and interactive displays and shows, music and performances by Paw Patrol and Swamp Dawkins.

Parking available from 2.45pm Non smoking event. No alcohol.

No glass or unsealed bottles.

1300 736 836

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday2018

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High Street Social held its launch party in Penrith last weekend, with plenty of drinks flowing and great food being snapped up

Austen Tayshus DECEMBER Tickets $80 On sale now – available at the Hotel 18+ only event

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Social Scene

Limited seats available

Saturday 21 April 8pm

Show & 2 Course Meal

18+ only event

Limited seats available

Get your crew together for a great night out!

Call us now on 4773 8888 for accommodation - no one’s driving home this night!

Tickets $30 – On sale at eventbrite.com.au or Wallacia Hotel

Free Pool

Sat 16th Sun 17th Sat 23rd Sun 24th Sat 30th NYE

Lightening Road Christie Lamb Crybabies Step Lee Eye Tiger No Band

january Sat 6th Sun 7th Sat 13th Sun 14th Sat 20th Sun 21st Fri 26th Sat 27th Sun 28th

Red Slim Blues Kye Brown Rock Revival Christie Lamb Touchwood Rock Strike Two Down Thunder Free Jukebox (no band) Rag N Bone

Fri 7-10pm and GET YOUR CREW TOGETHER FOR A LIVE MUSIC GREAT NIGHT OUT! New

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

creative A U

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sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

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crossword ACROSS 1. Pop star, Lady ...

4. Tranquillises 8. ... & papa 11. Degrade 13. Inappropriate 15. Temporary peace 17. Naval exercises 18. Arab faith 20. Iniquity 21. Approval (3-2) 24. Add up to 27. TV promotions 28. Lower oneself 30. Supplicate 31. Tom Jones’ nationality 33. ... & downers 34. Paperboys’ delivery routes 35. Bother!

36. Design style, Art ...

39. Drearier 42. Eve 44. Puts on (hat) 45. Keeps 46. Apple variety 48. Scurry 49. Strode impatiently 50. ..., taut & terrifi c 52. Pew 54. Hit with horns 55. Alleviates 56. Freedom from illness 57. Disencumbers 60. Anxious 62. Perceptive 65. Monarch’s food tester 67. Drive forward 69. Register 70. Has not (4’1) 72. Sticky substance 73. Takes (baby) off bottle 75. Bye! 77. Belonging to us 79. Cause laughter 81. ‘Tis (2’1) 82. Globules 84. Vaccine 85. Dog parasites 86. Relieved sigh 87. General pardon 88. Shed tears

DOWN 1. Intestines 2. Haggard 3. Alphabet (1,1,1) 4. Seductive 5. Salivates 6. Small-screen celebrity (1,1,4) 7. Filter 8. Military policemen (1,2) 9. Geography reference volume 10. Bank cash dispensers (1,1,2) 12. Greek fable writer 14. Felt sick 16. Up-at-dawn person, early ...

19. For a specifi c purpose (2,3) 22. Disgusts 23. Flings 25. Aromas 26. Canopy 29. Alfresco 32. Psychedelic drug (1,1,1) 35. Sideboard 37. Strict 38. On R and R (3,4) 40. Unhitch 41. Scrapes (leaves) 42. Large tree 43. Wrecked 44. Lavished aff ection (on) 47. Foams 51. Loose cloak 52. Trounced 53. Announce 54. Heedless 58. Phrase 59. Deplete 61. Arose (3,2) 63. Effl uent pipe 64. Banner 65. Wedding speeches 66. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2) 68. Timid rodent 71. Gallows loop 72. Catch breath 74. Old school, ... mater 76. So-so 78. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1) 80. Use needle & thread 83. Unfair (deal)

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

64

Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

ASTRO BOY BULLWINKLE DAFFY DUCK DONALD ELMER FUDD FELIX FLINTSTONES FOGHORN JERRY JETSONS MICKEY MOUSE MINNIE PLUTO ROAD RUNNER ROCKY SCOOBY-DOO SCROOGE TOM WILE E COYOTE

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions

Last week’s Word Search solution

4. Which news / talk presenter famously had a golden microphone?

5. Which female Channel Nine star is part of the 2GB Continuous Call team?

6. What station is on 954AM?

ANSWERS: 1. Alan Jones 2. Ed Kavelee and Grant Denyer 3. Mix 106.5 4. John Laws 5. Erin Molan 6. Talking Lifestyle

1. Who hosts the breakfast program on 2GB? 2. Which two TV talents will join Test your knowledge about radio in the 2DayFM breakfast team in 2018? our special radio-themed quiz!

3. What did KIIS FM used to be called?

Trivia Quiz

15–19 Jan 2018, 10am–12pm Ages 8–16 $100, all equipment provided Limited places

WW26020

Get started with fencing!

Strategy, technique and fun! En garde!

Book at www.westernsydneyfencingclub.com.au WW31767

65

Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

WHAT’S ON workersclub. at the

WORKERS BLACKTOWN

book online today www.workersclub.com.au

Workers Blacktown 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown 2148 (02)9830 0600

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www.workersclub.com.au

Workers hubertus 205 adams ms road, luddenham 2745 (02)4773 4444 WW31672

life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Monday’s New Moon is the best time of the year to plan an overseas holiday or interstate getaway. (But don’t actually book your trip until after Mercury goes direct on Saturday.) With Saturn shifting into your career zone, you need to get serious about your long-term professional ambitions. So it’s a good week to power through current projects and set ambitious goals for the future. But resist the urge to be bossy and overbearing.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Don’t accept things at face value. With the New Moon and retrograde Mercury in your mystery zone, look beneath the surface to discover what’s really going on. When choosing last-minute presents, go for gifts that are practical and useful.

Mercury goes direct on Saturday, which will help an intimate relationship or a joint financial matter that has been somewhat stalled.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Joanne Madeline Moore Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

Get ready for a relationship renaissance, as Monday’s New Moon kick-starts your love life. But – with retrograde Mercury muddying the waters for most of the week – it won’t all be smooth sailing.

And if you are too impatient, distracted (or even reckless) then you could find yourself involved in an argument or accident. You also need to think twice about posting controversial comments online.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Monday’s New Moon highlights health and wellbeing. But if you overindulge in too many sweet festive treats, then you won’t fit into your clothes by the New Year! Saturn stirs some discontent in your house of love over the next three years.

If you are attached, an unresolved issue from the past could resurface. Single? Be extra patient, as you look for a potential partner who has a responsible nature.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Prepare for a plethora of festive Christmas parties, as the New Moon lights up your entertainment and fun zone. It’s also a good time to tap into your inner muse and be the creative Cat you were born to be.

Then the Sun pairs up with steady Saturn on Thursday and Friday, which will help to stabilise your fiery energy. If you methodically tick off the to-do list, then you’ll power through work projects and Xmas preparations in a productive way.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

With Mercury reversing through your domestic zone, Home Sweet Home is a veritable minefield this week Virgo! A relationship with a loved one could end up in a confused mess, as you misread each other’s motives. So avoid jumping to conclusions and don’t hesitate to ask for some firm clarification. Mercury finally goes direct on Saturday, which suits you just fine.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

The New Moon sends a social media or education opportunity your way.

But don’t sit on the sidelines and limit yourself Libra! And don’t let negative self-talk stymie your upward trajectory.

You are far better at what you do than you think you are. This week, proactive Mars and confident Jupiter push you to shine like a star and dazzle like the Diva that you truly are. As Benjamin Disraeli said: “Success is the child of audacity”.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Are you worrying about money? This week, avoid being uncharacteristically rash with cash and credit. If you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Christmas, then you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt. The New Moon urges you to start a fresh fiscal chapter as you swap spending for saving, and carefully nurture your nest egg for the future.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Monday’s New Moon activates your sign so it’s the best week of the year to update your appearance, revamp your wardrobe, start a personal project or plan a trip for the future. But remember Mercury is still retrograde until Saturday. So delay travelling until next week and beyond. If you must travel then avoid rushing and double-check your itinerary carefully. If you are too hasty, you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of an argument.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

your

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Wednesday is a momentous day for Capricorn Goats, when Saturn (your ruling planet) starts a three year sojourn through your sign. And this only happens every 29 years! It will boost your ambition, motivation, dedication and work ethic. But it can also increase your ruthless streak. So avoid the temptation to trample over others on your climb to the top of the mountain.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Stern Saturn shifts into your selfreflection zone on Wednesday. So, over the next three years, you need to accept responsibility for the decisions you make, consolidate your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Don’t be too hard on yourself though! And don’t be too disappointed if you make messy blunders. Your motto is from actress and activist Jane Fonda: “You only learn from wounds and scars and mistakes and failures”.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Are you confused about your career and life direction? With the New Moon activating your job zone, have a long, hard think about creative adjustments that would significantly improve your work experience in 2018. You’ve certainly got grand plans and ambitious dreams for the future. You’re focusing on the big picture but make sure you don’t neglect so-called minor matters.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

your

Blood transfusions in animals are becoming more common

pets

Just like humans, sick dogs and cats can benefit from blood donations...

Nicole McMillan Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

As pet care becomes more advanced, it is becoming increasingly common to give unwell pets blood transfusions. Blood transfusions may be needed for many reasons and often animals that receive blood transfusions are saved from life threatening disease.

Why is blood given?

There are many reasons why ill animals need blood transfusions – the most common being blood loss from trauma, autoimmune disease, rat bait toxicity and snake bites. Blood not only contains red blood cells which carry oxygen, but also platelets which are vital for clotting.

Blood also contains additional clotting factors and protein. It can be beneficial in animals with severe infections and clotting problems.

Are there blood types in animals?

Yes! Some animals are easier to give blood transfusions to than others.

Both dogs and cats have different blood types but interestingly, dogs can receive blood from any other dog as long as it is their first transfusion.

For subsequent transfusions, dogs need to be blood typed to avoid reactions. Just like humans, some dogs are universal donors whose blood can be given to any

other dog. Cats are a bit more complex and always need to be blood typed to avoid reactions. We have even previously performed blood transfusions on very sick ferrets!

Where do we get the blood from?

Obtaining blood can be difficult as we need donor animals.

We will often use large breed, young and healthy animals as donors.

The procedure is very simple and only takes five to 10 minutes. The donor animal is then placed on a drip and given a large meal to restore their energy levels.

There is even a blood bank based in Melbourne where we can purchase blood products for animals.

Blood transfusions are a gift for animals as they are usually life-saving and immediately make a very sick animal feel better.

They are not possible without donor animals and we are very grateful for our donors.

They are often animals owned by our staff. If you have any questions about blood donation please call the clinic on 4731 3055.

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he Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology — the nation’s principal professional body for grapegrowers and winemakers — has named Mike Hayes, from Queensland, and tiny Topper’s Mountain in the NSW New England region, as its 2017 Winemaker of the Year.

It was just recognition for one of Australia’s emerging cool-climate areas — and yes, an altitude of nearly 1000 metres makes it cool despite its latitude in the very north of NSW — and of one of the country’s great champions of ‘alternative’ grape varieties.

I’ve reviewed some of Mike’s wines over the years and always look forward to the package from Topper’s arriving in the mail.

Among the whites I have reviewed is the Topper’s Mountain Gerwurztraminer.

Mike Hayes hails from even further north and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Queensland. He is a director of the Queensland Wine Industry Association and a firm believer in the future of the state’s wine industry.

And what first interested him in championing alternative varieties?

“My first experience with alternative varieties began in 1979 when I worked on a small one-acre patch of malbec,” he said.

“And in 1980, I helped my father plant a small trial patch of gamay vines on the Granite Belt.”

Mike Hayes

Everyone’s talking about it, but is Bitcoin the real deal?

money

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

your

Should you spend up big on Bitcoin, or is the bubble about to burst?

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

There is an old adage in the share market, when the shoe shine boy is telling you to buy; it’s time to get out. When it comes to Bitcoin we are well and truly at this point. The price of Bitcoin has increased 30 fold in four years. A Bitcoin is now worth about 10 times what it was in January. Everyone is talking about Bitcoin, the shoe shine boy is telling you to buy.

The surge in price is great for people who bought into Bitcoin before the huge increase but has all the hallmarks of a bubble.

It has already surpassed every investment bubble in history with the only exception being the Tulip mania bubble in 1637, where a Tulip bulb sold for as much as 10 times a skilled craftsman’s annual salary.

When I think of Bitcoin, I am reminded of a very famous Warren Buffet quote: “If I don’t understand it, and can’t work out how they make money, I’m not investing”.

The thing to remember with Bitcoin is that it is not backed by an underlying asset, it is a fully fluctuating exchange rate.

The dramatic price rise is caused by

speculation and not an increase in an underlying asset.

The original intent of Bitcoin was to be an online currency that could be used to buy and sell products and services without needing an intermediary. The problem is that this surge in value for Bitcoin makes it a useless currency.

In order for a currency to be useful it has to have a stable consistent value. If you think your currency is going to be worth more next week than it is today, you won’t spend it. It is fair to say that very few people that have bought Bitcoin are buying it to use as a currency. There is very little use of Bitcoin as a currency.

Bitcoin does have the potential to be a “storing of value” asset much like gold.

Before speculation drove the price up, many investors were using Bitcoin as somewhere to place wealth without being exposed to the markets. Gold is the traditional commodity used for this purpose and has been for centuries. Bitcoin may also perform this function. It must be noted that if it is to fill this role long-term that the value will need to become far less volatile. On the weekend alone we saw the price at one point drop 10 per cent, after increasing about 20 per cent over the previous 10 days. This is enormous volatility.

Bitcoin looks a speculative bubble, how much further will the value increase before it bursts? I have no idea.

See you in 2018!

Friends of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter have been running a community desexing program for the last few years.

DSC3670 PIC - HCC 446 BORDER COLLIE CROSS FEMALE 7 MONTHS AVAILABLE 15.12.17 $385.00 KENNEL 2 How unique looking is this girl!

She is only 7 months old and finds herself at the shelter in need of a new home. As you would expect she is quite energetic and will need an active family happy to walk her daily and include her in their day to day routine. For all Adoption enquires please call the Shelter...

DSC2976 PIC - PCC 650. STAFFY FEMALE 7 YEARS AVAILABLE NOW $203.50 KENNEL 78 What a life this girl has had in her 7 years, used as a breeder over and over again and now ending up at the Shelter with no home. If you are looking for a very sweet, happy and friendly girl to add to your family and can offer this girl the home she deserves then please come and meet her. We really hope her Forever Family is just around the corner.

DC5379 PIC - THSC 152 ROTTWEILLER FEMALE 8 MONTHS $385.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 9.12.17

DSC4145 PIC - PCC 585.

DOMESTIC. FEMALE. 8 WEEKS. $181.50. AVAILABLE FOR SALE 19.12.17

Sadly this gorgeous girls family has surrendered her to the Shelter at just 8 months of age she is now looking for a Forever Home to call her own.

Upon meeting her she is quite shy but her beautiful personality shines through within minutes and you can see just how sweet she really is. She sits for a treat and is very gentle, she is ready to go home with you today!

KITTENS KITTENS KITTENS The Shelter currently has alot of Kittens ( and adult cats ) for Adoption that have ended up there through no fault of their own.

The kittens range in ages and colours but they all have one thing in common, they need a Forever Home. Please visit the Shelter anytime during Open Hours to meet all of these little babes!

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

For more information about our program, checkout our facebook page.

Stopping the Source - Desex your Pets!

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW31083

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

your

Last minute tips to ensure you have a stylish Christmas!

look

Why not put a little bit of extra effort into the festive season this year?

Alyce Madden For the latest trends follow @westfieldpenrith on Instagram

Nothing screams you’re having a great time at Christmas more than an uploaded photo of you caught wearing a red paper hat mid-stuffing your face with fruit mince pies. Seasonal headgear is great but try these stylish Christmas ideas to amp up your festive game this year!

Christmas tree For 2017, big trends in the Christmas tree world include monochromatic colour schemes and the bigger the better, think maximalist! Why not go big with the tree to fill an empty corner in the lounge room?

For styling, I suggest a mix of metallics and pastels to step out of the conservative red and green classic scheme. A safe choice for the little ones who think glass baubles hanging from the tree are too tempting to not play with, consider floral foliage accessories to place in between the tree branches instead.

You can get larger floral pieces and a mix of metallic gold and red oversized bows to piece together, on trend for this Christmas.

Styling the dinner table Who doesn’t love sitting down and catching up with a nice meal during the holidays?

Add a luxury touch to your dinner setting with gold cutlery. At Target, find the 16 piece cutlery set in brushed gold finish, adding a decadent modern twist to all your special occasions. Add a fresh touch of rosemary and tie into a little circle wreath using string and top your plates in style. If you have a real Christmas tree this year, cut a few clippings and place on the centre of your napkins for rustic elegance.

A unique twist on name cards at the dining table for relatives is to grab a bunch of bauble ornaments and hand paint your loved one’s names onto them

with glitter, a very special personalised keepsake they can take home and add to their own tree to remember you by.

Stylish gifts Fashion gifts can be tricky, soft leather accessories like wallets and small bags are always appreciated at Christmas as gifts because they are often not what we prioritise getting for ourselves.

Get your brother or a dad a nice leather belt. I love R.M.Williams for Australian handcrafted leather goods. Look out for the three piece solid hide belt in colour chestnut.

Happy Christmas, see you in 2018!

GRAND OPENING December 16, 2017 12.30pm – 6pm

Special Guest MC + Meet the Panthers NRL Players

Betting Competitions | Prizes Giveaways | Light Food Terms and Conditions apply

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WW31758

health

Intoeing is a common issue: How you can help your child Intoeing can cause a number of problems for your child, especially when it comes to activities. Thankfully, there’s help available and great tips...

Amy Meekings Podiatrist OnePoint Health 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

Intoeing is one of the most commonly presented complaints that we see in a paediatric population as podiatrists.

Intoeing refers to an adapted gait where the toes point inwards toward each other, also referred to as pigeon toed.

Most often a child presents with a concerned parent who has noticed the way they are walking, however sometimes there are secondary ailments that are problematic.

Intoed walking is associated with an increased risk of tripping as the swing foot clips the supportive leg when coming through.

This can cause a child to withdraw from activities due to fear of not only tripping and hurting themselves, but because it portrays them as not being competent in the sport or activity presented.

Additionally, any deviation away from ideal walking mechanics can cause a range of joint or soft tissue injuries that will then require treatment.

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

The power of the mind plays a big role in the results we achieve...

Psycho-Cybernetics, Maxwell Maltz, 1960, ISBN 0671700758. A good read!

Teachers and parents understand the terms ‘conscious mind’ and ‘subconscious mind’.

In Maltz’s interpretation, your conscious mind dictates your actions, it stimulates your fight or flight responses, and guides you through your day-to-day activities.

In contrast, your subconscious mind is the real you, it does not guide your actions directly, but it creates your personality and sets the limits to your achievements. Many students encounter learning problems in their school/ university career, and no matter how many different strategies they try, or ground breaking seminars they attend, the issues remain. They are mystified as to why other students, in the same situation can gain immediate and outstanding results.

There is no mystery behind this dilemma. The solution is simple, a student will achieve exactly what he/ she expects to achieve.

To achieve success, the student has to first convince their subconscious mind that they are able to do so; thus the first

step to success for any student in any endeavour is to achieve success in their sub-conscious mind.

Visualising success is not a motivational technique.

There is a popular misconception that motivation is the driving force to success, however motivation only goes so far.

A student may study conscientiously 12 hours a day, seven days a week and still fail.

In this regard, motivation could be deemed a failure.

The difference between motivation and Psycho-Cybernetics is the part of our mind that we use.

Motivation is a function of our conscious mind, we consciously decide to act, do, struggle and achieve.

However, our conscious mind is often in doubt as to which direction we should be following. E.g. we may be making great time heading north along Midland Highway but this will be of scant reward if our destination is in a different direction.

Psycho-Cybernetics uses the power of subconscious mind, the part that scientists now believe holds up to 90 per cent of our mental capacities.

A student’s ultimate success is dependent on their created perception held in their sub-conscious mind.

See you next year!

There are multiple causes of intoeing ranging from the hip down to the foot, and it does not limit itself to any structure.

Bones can be under torsion, or in a different alignment, soft tissue musculature or ligaments can be restricting movements, or even potentially a weakness in strength.

Podiatric assessment can determine the level of involvement and then implement possible strategies to improve intoeing.

Ways in which you can help your child: • Ensure they sit with their legs straight out in front, or when they are old enough to, sit cross legged.

• Children should avoid sitting in the ‘W’ position.

• Check your child’s sleeping position to ensure their hips are not turned in.

• Certain sports and activities such as dancing, gymnastics, karate, also teach appropriate positions and stretching exercises.

If you are still concerned about your children’s foot positioning, always seek opinion and advice from a trained professional.

We would like to thank you all for supporting our column this year and look forward to proving more insight in the year 2018 across our range of services here in Penrith.

Merry Christmas to you all from the team at OnePointHealth.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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71

Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

your

religion

Rev John Lavender www.glenmorepark anglican.com.au and on Facebook

72

What are we really celebrating this Christmas holiday season?

In his final column for the year, Reverend John ponders what Christmas means to us...

At its heart Christmas is a celebration.

But a celebration of what? We say “Happy Christmas”. We sing ‘Joy to the World’, but why should we be happy? What joy is there to sing about?

At Christmas, we remember the angel’s words to a startled bunch of shepherds on that first Christmas morning recorded for us in the Bible’s book of Luke; “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been to you; he is Christ the Lord”.

Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth reveals two important things.

Firstly, Luke anchors this event firmly in history. It is terribly sad when people jump on the bandwagon of dismissing Jesus’ existence without checking the facts. In Luke’s account we see real people in a real place at a real time. In other words, if you were there 2000 years ago you would have been just as startled as the shepherds! Be encouraged to carefully investigate the facts for yourself.

Secondly, Luke reveals the necessity for

WW31715

Jesus’ coming; Luke tells us that Jesus came as a “Saviour”.

The reality is that our lives are out of step with God. We see it in our world. We see it in people around us. And if we’re honest, we see it in ourselves. The angel declares that Jesus has come to rescue us from the consequences of ignoring God and keeping him on the sidelines of our life.

Jesus came to give us new life with God when we put our faith and trust in Jesus.

This is why we can say “Happy Christmas” and we sing ‘Joy to the World’.

Thanks for reading this year and I’ll see you in 2018!

It’s not just pools and kids we need to focus on this summer Swimming and alcohol don’t mix, but too many people are taking such a risk around waterways during summer...

Julie Fletcher Nepean Swim and Fitness julie@nepeanswim.com.au nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au and on Facebook

With the Christmas holidays coming up and the beautiful Nepean River on our doorstep, it’s a good time to be talking about safety on the water, but it’s not only children that we need to watch out for.

New research shows that 43 drownings occurred in the Nepean, Hawkesbury, Murrumbidgee and Macquarie rivers from 2005-2015, and 121 men between the ages of 25-34 lost their lives on our waterways over the same period.

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres recently visited Tench Reserve to release two new water safety reports

by Royal Life Saving NSW and to flag the dangers in our rivers as the weather warms up.

Mr Grant said the findings from these two reports are confronting, and highlight the need for vigilance.

“Rivers are high risk locations for drowning and we need to ensure people take their safety as seriously as they would if heading to the beach,” he said.

“We want everyone to enjoy our renowned rivers to swim, boat or fish

this summer season, but our message is simple: to stay safe, you must respect the river. Wear a lifejacket, avoid consumption of alcohol and drugs around waterways, never swim alone, and learn how to save a life.”

It’s as Aussie as a meat pie with sauce to have a cold one in the sun, but Mr Ayres said the report into drownings of men aged 25-34 reinforced the dangers of alcohol and drug use in and around the water.

“We have lost the equivalent of a local cricket team each year for 10 years, and nearly 40 per cent of the drownings involved alcohol and over 20 per cent involved drugs,” he said.

Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky said the research shows just how treacherous our rivers can be.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

your swim safety

“It is a common misconception that inland waterways are safer for swimming than our beaches,” Mr Ilinsky said.

“Even seemingly calm waterways can be dangerous.

“You cannot always see how cold the water is or even judge the strength of the currents. Always enter the water slowly, feet first and never dive in.”

The Royal Life Saving NSW ‘Don’t Let Your Mates Drink and Drown’ campaign was launched last month. The NSW Rivers Research Report and the Drowning in NSW Waterways: Men aged 25 to 34 report can be found on the RLS website. At home, at the beach or on the river, please be vigilant and Stay Safer this Christmas and New Year – wishing you and your family a wonderful festive season!

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

Talking Automotive

By Debbie Clark | Nepean Motor Group

Taking safety seriously The Australasian New Car Assess-

cally apply the brakes on your car to avoid rear ending the car in front. As it’s controlled by a computer, the reaction time is much faster than ours.

LDW – Lane Departure Warning. This system will warn you when you drift near, onto or over the lane markings BSM – Blind Spot Monitoring. Usually shown on the side mirrors of your car, a light will flash or stay on when a car is in your blind spot, warning you not to merge lanes.

FMS – Fatigue Monitoring Systems.

With a high percentage of road accidents caused by fatigue, this is one of the best features to have in a car.

FMS uses sophisticated calculations to monitor your awareness level while you are driving, Volkswagen’s system for example, learns your driving behaviour and will warn you with an alarm to take a break when fatigue is detected.

So next time you’re looking for a new car, if these features are important to you, make sure you ask your sales consultant if these features are included as standard on the model you are looking at or if they are an added extra.

With all the distractions in our lives these days, these new safety features go a long way in helping compensate for our human error and helps us to avoid whacking someone up the rear!

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ment Program (ANCAP) has this week announced that they will be introducing new crash ratings starting from January 2018. ANCAP will be restructuring the rating system with one of the main focuses now being on Safety Assist Technologies. While still issuing the usual 1 to 5 star ratings, they will now be split amongst models that do not feature important safety equipment across all variants as standard.

For example, the Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and all Skodas have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard on every variant, while other popular models only offer this on higher-grade variants that are more expensive. The chief executive of ANCAP, James Goodwin, has stated that from 2018, “A car without AEB wouldn’t be able to get five stars”.

So, with this in mind, I thought it might be handy for a brief explanation of AEB plus the other main safety assist technologies that ANCAP will now be looking for to award a 5 Star safety rating.

AEB – Autonomous Emergency Braking. By constantly monitoring the distance between you and the vehicle in front, as well as the speed of both vehicles, this technology will automati-

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Incredible achievement p.83

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

Sport

LOGAN’S WIN

Binta Salawu and Bryden Albertyn will represent the Penrith Panthers in the Waratah Championship League next season. Photos: Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

New era for basketball NATHAN TAYLOR

he Penrith Basketball Association has unveiled their respective men’s and women’s sides for their upcoming return to Basketball NSW’s Waratah Championship League.

Penrith haven’t fielded teams in the Championship Division since 2015 after pulling out due to high costs.

A few months ago, the local association announced they would be re-entering men’s and women’s teams into the semi professional basketball league in 2018.

Penrith’s Championship Men’s team will welcome back a bunch of familiar

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just these attributes alone, will bring so much to the game.”

Penrith have also added one of the strongest rebounders in the league, Igor Bosjnak, to their side as well as former Maitland Mustangs star Viliami Foketi.

Promising youngster Sean Weekes will also make the transition from Youth League to the top grade.

“Sean will enjoy playing the game with some bigger bodies around him,” Moore said.

“He has had to play the role of a big body for so many years, so it will be exciting to see him in this new role.”

Meanwhile, the club has also revealed its list of talented ladies who will contest

faces next year including Ben Kearins and Madol Chol, while Sydney Kings development player Deng Acouth will suit up for the Panthers in 2018.

Penrith Basketball Manager Leonie Moore said securing the 215cm Acouth was a major win for the association.

“We communicated with the Kings regarding Deng and then with some others who have played SEABL or Championship basketball elsewhere,” she explained.

“Some players were keen to play closer to home and saw the opportunity to be back with friends and part of a fresh and exciting program.

“Deng is just so long and athletic, and

the Women’s Championship Division next year.

Experienced coach and Penrith Basketball President Rod Miskell will lead the female Panthers in 2018, bringing with him a wealth of experience.

“We have good guards in Dominika Offner, Cherry Dolalas and Binta Salawu as well as some really great athletes new to this level in Margaret Byrne and Matilda McDonnell,” Moore said.

“We are also waiting to see if Ella Tofaeono (US college permitting) and Natalia Beaumont (SEABL) can play as these two will be very important to us.”

For a full list of both squads, see Around the Grounds on page 86.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

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Logan scores rare honour Emotion runs high as Castlereagh youngster wins major Physical Culture prize NATHAN TAYLOR

ne Castlereagh girl has achieved an incredible feat that hasn’t been done in 16 years.

Last month, eight-year-old Logan PateMatthew competed at the Western Zone Physical Culture of Dance Grand Final.

Not only did the Year 3 St Paul’s Grammar School student take out first place in her age group, but she was also crowned Junior Champion for 2017.

Following her two trophies in the early afternoon, Logan went home with her family to celebrate.

Hours later Logan’s mum received a call to return her to the local venue immediately.

Luckily, due to excitement, Logan was still dressed in her performance gear.

Upon arrival at the venue, Logan discovered she would become the first junior since the early 2000s to be crowned Champion of Champions.

Women of all ages compete their entire lives chasing the award Logan won after just five short years in the sport – it was a remarkable accomplishment that brought

O

Logan Pate-Matthew has had remarkable success in physical culture everyone that knew her to tears. Speaking with the Weekender, Logan said that day in November was one of the best of her young life.

“I felt happy and excited when I won, I didn’t expect to win that many trophies,” she said.

“My teachers at the club were crying

when I won, and Mum and Dad were very proud of me.”

Ironically, Logan’s physie teacher won the same award 16 years ago.

Logan, who is a member of the Cranebrook WZ Physical Culture Club, said she loves everything about physie including making many new friends.

She revealed that one of her pals was slightly envious of her recent monster haul.

“I bought some photos to school to show my class,” Logan recalled.

“My friends were happy for me but one of them jokingly said ‘I’m so jealous of you’.

“I’d never won that many trophies in one day.”

Helping her with her physie, Logan also participates in gymnastics on a regular basis.

“You have to do splits and other things in gymnastics, so I guess it does help with my physie a lot,” she said.

“I’ve won some ribbons and medals doing gymnastics as well.”

With physie competitions now over for the year, Logan will now rest up before getting stuck into it again in 2018.

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

GOLF

Men of League to work with juniors

Gadd’s comeback

Story continued from » p. 88 “We want the clubs to know that they are the eyes and ears for us at a local level,” Mr McKenzie said.

“We are there for anyone associated with the game who is struggling and needs emotional and financial support.”

With the new junior rugby league season still a few months away, Mr McKenzie said speaking at the AGM was a big step for the local branch, which began in 2015.

“A lot of people have given their lives to rugby league without being associated with NRL clubs,” he said.

“By the time the season kicks off, we’ll have a much closer relationship with PDJRL moving forward.”

Youngster leaves junior ranks with a blazing victory NATHAN TAYLOR

laying in his last ever Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) event, Glenmore Park’s Joshua Gadd recently won the 2017 Bonville Men’s Champions Trophy.

The youngster, along with close friend Jordan Garner, blitzed the rest of the competition in the final round and quickly made the Champions Trophy a two-man race.

Gadd was impressive under pressure, closing out the tournament for the biggest win of his JNJG career.

He’s expected to enter the senior ranks next year.

Few could have imagined the 18-yearold would ultimately take out the title after he trailed overnight leader – and good friend – Garner by as many as seven shots during the early stages of the third round.

Gadd, however, bounced back with six birdies and an eagle to hit the lead, finishing the round with a two-under par score of 70 and a one shot lead over Garner.

P

CRICKET The Penrith Cricket Club will play on the hallowed turf of the SCG this Saturday for the first time in recent memory.

The Cats will face Hawkesbury in the Preliminary Final of the Kingsgrove Sports Twenty20 Cup from 11am.

If Penrith manage to defeat their local rivals, they’ll meet the winner out of the Sydney versus Sutherland clash.

Penrith qualified for the next round of the prestigious Sydney-based T20 competition after defeating Parramatta.

18-year-old Joshua Gadd in bunker action at the 2017 NSW Golf Open.

Photo: Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Recently, Gadd was one of the top performing amateurs at the NSW Open in Twin Creeks.

Meanwhile, A Grade Club Champion and A Grade Club Foursomes Champion Andrew Moon will lead a strong team from Leonay Golf Club at next year’s Major Pennants competition.

Moon is the low marker in the 10-man squad, with the highest handicap players in the team playing off five handicaps.

Other top performers this year include Adrian Kuipers, who was the net (handicap) winner in the A Grade Club Championships, while Chris Blakeley and Ian Barnes were the 2017 A Grade Foursomes Match-Play Champions.

The full Leonay team is Andrew Moon (0.2), Chris Blakeley (3.5), Adrian Kuipers (3.7), Dave Moore (4.2), captain Daniel Worthy (4.2), Mark Cain (4.3), Tony Wright (4.3), Ben McArdle (4.9), David Grosse (5.0), Ian Barnes (5.0), manager Wayne Worthy and assistant manager Jimmy Markham.

Leonay’s opponents for the 2018 Major Pennants season include Richmond Golf Club, The Coast Golf Club and Northbridge Golf Club.

2017

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

RUGBY SEVENS

Sevens tournament hailed a major success NATHAN TAYLOR

he Lapstone Grunts and Seven 10s have taken out the Open Men’s and Open Women’s divisions respectively at last weekend’s Blue Mountains and Greater West Rugby Sevens.

Held last Saturday at Pitt Park in Wentworth Falls, a very healthy crowd was on hand to witness 29 teams do battle across four different divisions.

What made the Blue Mountains and Greater West Rugby Sevens so unique was the fact that all teams, barring invitational teams, had to have a link to the Mountains or greater west in order to enter.

Tournament Director Chris Nay said it was a very successful competition once again, with some exciting and fast-paced rugby played by all.

“It was an awesome day, the weather was a bit cold in the morning but it warmed up nicely by the afternoon. We saw plenty of people come through the gates,” he said.

The Lapstone Grunts, featuring players from Penrith and the lower Mountains, were crowned Open Men’s champions while the Seven 10s finished atop of the standings in the inaugural Open Women’s division.

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Penrith RSL took out the Youth Boys division while no Youth Girls winner was declared due to an ugly incident in the final between McCarthy Catholic College and Central Coast.

“It was a cracking final in the Men’s Opens division with Lapstone defeating a team from Hawkesbury 24-19,” Nay said.

“The game was locked at 19-all before Lapstone scored right before the hooter sounded.”

Nay said the Open Women’s division was just as close.

“The women’s competition was unreal, all six sides were so evenly matched,” he said.

“The Seven 10s – made up of women from Penrith, the lower Mountains and Bathurst – defeated Blue Mountains Rugby Club in the Final 10-5.”

After holding two very successful tournaments already this year, Nay said another will definitely be staged towards the back end of 2018.

“We’ll hold one tournament annually from now on, and probably run it two weeks earlier than we did on this occasion,” he said.

“If you missed any of the action, people can still view the matches in full via our Facebook page.”

The Seven 10s and Lapstone Grunts were two of the champion teams last weekend

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Friday, December 15, 2017 « the western weekender

RUGBY LEAGUE

NRL embraces girl power Panthers keen on exploring opportunities to field a women’s NRL team next year NATHAN TAYLOR

fter enjoying immense success earlier this year winning the Tarsha Gale Cup, Penrith say they’ll “certainly” look into fielding a team in the NRL’s newly announced Women’s Premiership in 2018.

A new era in women’s rugby league will begin next year, with the NRL last week unveiling a program of events covering everything from an NRL Women’s Premiership to a stand-alone State of Origin match and Jillaroos international matches.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the women’s game is the fastest growing participation segment and the governing body is determined to give female players new opportunities to perform.

He added that, for the first time, a Women’s Premiership will be held in 2018 featuring up to six teams aligned with NRL clubs.

One club that certainly has a keen interest in the female form of the game is Penrith.

Earlier this year, the Panthers were

A

The Penrith Panthers won the first ever Tarsha Gale Cup competition. Photo: Steve Montgomery (ourfootyteam.com) crowned inaugural Premiers of the statebased Tarsha Gale Cup competition.

While not committing to anything just yet, Panthers officials say they will look into fielding one of the six new teams.

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“Panthers is passionate about the growth of rugby league and building a strong women’s development pathway,” Panthers High Performance Manager, Matt Cameron said.

Around the grounds CRICKET: After weeks of heartache Penrith are back in business, defeating Mosman in Round 7 of the NSW Premier Cricket competition.

Playing in a One Day match at Allan Border Oval, Mosman won the toss and elected to bat first. The home side reached 9/221 after 50 overs.

Best with the ball for Penrith was Luke Hodges who took 3/22. When Penrith hit the crease later that afternoon, it took them 36.3 overs to reach Mosman’s total, only losing five wickets in the process. John DiBartolo was terrific with the bat, smashing a century. Penrith will travel to Glenn McGrath Oval this Saturday to take on Sutherland.

We are a truly Independent paper servicing Penrith for over 25 years.

CRICKET: The Sydney Thunder WBBL side will take on the Melbourne Stars at 1pm this Saturday at Howell Oval.

The free family-friendly event kicks off at 12pm with meet and greet activities, face painting, prizes, giveaways and food trucks selling a variety of cuisine. Penrith Mayor John Thain said it’s going to be a great day. “There is no better way to start the school holidays than with a thrilling game of Australia’s most popular summer sport. The best part is that you don’t have to travel anywhere to be part of the action, and you can watch it all for free,” he said.

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BASKETBALL: The Penrith Basketball Association have unveiled their teams for the upcoming Men’s and

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“The club will certainly look into the viability of a women’s team.”

The Women’s Premiership is scheduled to be played as ‘double-headers’ in the lead up to and during NRL Finals matches, to ensure the women’s teams are given the chance to play on the biggest stage.

In addition, Greenberg said an initial 40 players would receive Jillaroos contracts, which would include payments for matches and participating in a series of high performance camps, as well as access to high performance staff and elite athlete training programs year-round.

“In other words, we are taking the women’s game to a new level,” he said.

“For the first time, there will be a dedicated pathway for our women to follow – from grassroots junior league, to State competitions, and on to Premiership matches and representative Origin and Test match opportunities.

“The NRL is determined to provide the right channels for women to follow and play rugby league – and today is a great starting point for that program.”

An announcement on NRL clubs aligned with the 2018 Women’s Premiership teams is expected in the New Year.

Women’s Waratah Championship League competition. Penrith’s Men’s team is: Ben Kearins, Bryden Albertyn, Ben Wagenfeller, Curtleigh Albertyn, Deng Acouth, Viliami Foketi, Jayden Gibbeson, Krenz Carlos, Luke Griffith, Igor Bosnjak, Madol Chol and Sean Weekes.

Penrith’s Women’s team is: Dominika Offner, Meg Creanor, Taylah Clark, Kate Pozoglou, Cherry Dolalas, Margaret Byrne, Natalia Beaumont, Binta Salawu, Matilda McDonnell, Ash Kaesler, Hannah Koduah, Tatiana Beaumont, Ella Tofaeono (College permitting) and Mary Costello.

SOCCER: Cranebrook United Football Club are celebrating after being one of just a handful of local clubs to receive an Asian Cup Legacy Fund grant worth $65,000. Along with funding from Penrith Council and a contribution from the club itself, the grant will go towards completing Stage 2 of the lighting upgrade, the rebuild of the western field and a canteen upgrade.

ATHLETICS: The Penrith Valley Athletics Centre have replaced two run up tracks at Parker Street Oval thanks to a State Government grant and funding from Penrith Council and the club itself. It was a busy weekend for the local centre, which hosted the Outer Metropolitan West Zone Athletics Carnival. By all reports, it was a great success!

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2017

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NATHAN TAYLOR

he Penrith branch of Men of League have been helping the rugby league community for many years, now they’re turning their attention to the grassroots level of the game.

Recently, Men of League and Penrith and District Junior Rugby League (PDJRL) struck up a partnership that’ll see the Foundation work more closely with people at our junior clubs.

Men of League Penrith President, Alex McKenzie, said there appeared to be a “disconnect” between junior clubs and the Foundation.

“Many local clubs thought Men of League only supported former NRL players. There was a real disconnect there, and Men of League have identified this and decided to put in place a plan to work more closely together,” he said.

Last week, Mr McKenzie was invited by PDJRL General Manager Phil Cummings to speak at their Annual General Meeting, to explain how they can support grassroots clubs and their members.

Story continues on » p. 84

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Alex McKenzie from Men of League and Phil Cummings from PDJRL. Photo: Melinda Jane

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