Western Weekender March 23 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

weekender the western Friday, March 23, 2018 • FREE

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INSIDE Penrith’s leading coverage of the Panthers

SEEING YELLOW Football referees are fed up with copping abuse from players on the field. Now, they’ve been given the power to produce a yellow card that carries with it a sin bin period, giving players who cross the line their marching orders. Nathan Taylor reports on page 75

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DAMI IM SUNDAY 25 MARCH 12PM, LEVEL 1 CENTRE COURT See Dami Im live in centre performing tracks off her new album ‘I Hear A Song’. Copies of Dami’s new album will be available for purchase to have signed*.

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Fighting back: Women escape domestic violence thanks to refuge units in Penrith EMILY NEWTON

ith high domestic violence rates in the area, a glimmer of hope shines as local organisations help provide safe temporary domestic violence refuge accommodation. What originally began as homeless crisis accommodation units, WestCare’s ‘1000 Safe Sleeps’ has transformed to fill a desperate need as a domestic violence refuge accommodation for women, having already provided 138 individual safe sleeps for mums and children since its launch in February. WestCare Director Andrew Paech said the ‘Fresh Start Go!’ Penrith domestic violence program has allowed their original vision to find meaningful fulfilment. “Safe sleeps now have a whole different meaning,” he said. “What we’re finding is all the cases are different, there is a variety of experience, all very sobering and serious.” The refuge has already provided vital accommodation to women across the area including a woman transported directly from Nepean Hospital with severe internal injuries from her partner’s assault, and a mother and her children who left a violent home situation.

Latest BOSCAR figures show Penrith remains a hotspot for domestic violence as the fourth highest LGA for domestic violence-related assault incidences in the state, reaching 1,115 in 2017, up from 1,054 in 2016. “The biggest challenge is tackling the bigger picture knowing there is a greater need out there,” Mr Paech said. “We’re making a difference family by family, stay by stay.” Specialised support and personal advocacy are provided to each resident by the West Connect Domestic Violence Services team, helping to guide them out of their dark experiences into a brighter future. When the clients leave the temporary accommodation they move to either longterm transitional accommodation or begin their new life in permanent tenancies. With the help of other local services including Nepean Food Services funded by Panthers, Penrith City CareKits and individual and organisation donations from the public, the women who are assisted by WestCare’s program are provided with daily meals, toiletries, toys for children and even clothing. “Providing a bed is one thing, but without the others it doesn’t lead to a solution to the problem,” Mr Paech said. “We all play our part in that journey.”

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Program has real impact

Margaret Seumanu and Andrew Paech stand inside one of the crisis accommodation apartments. Photo: Melinda Jane

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ast weekend over three consecutive nights, 80,000 music fans turned up to ANZ Stadium at Homebush to swoon over UK superstar Ed Sheeran. And I think I can safely say not one of them would have walked away thinking ‘they really need to knock this place down and start again’. And therein lies the problem for the State Government in this whole stadium debacle: you’ll never, ever get resounding buy-in from the public. Most people who attend ANZ Stadium do so once or twice a year. They might catch a concert or an Origin game, or perhaps a soccer international. They’re simply not emotionally invested enough to think a knock-down and re-build is worthwhile. Others having their two cents worth probably haven’t been to ANZ Stadium since it had a running track and fullstrength beer. And that’s why Governments often just have to back themselves and have the guts to deliver projects like this; working on the theory that the public will thank them when it’s all done – indirectly at least, by enjoying the new facilities. It’s obviously a lot harder to have such guts when an election is just around the corner and there’s suggestions the whole darn thing could get you tossed out of office. But I for one would respect the State Government a whole lot more if they backed themselves and went ahead with both the Allianz and ANZ re-builds. I don’t necessarily think it’s the best option, but I’d at least respect them for rolling the dice. And there is zero chance of either

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silly argument. This Liberal Government is investing so much in infrastructure across the State that it leaves the previous Labor Government’s record for dead. Can’t blame the NRL for trying a little blackmail either, claiming the Grand Final may be shifted to Brisbane if ANZ Stadium isn’t re-built. A strange slap in the face to Sydney when the game attracts 80,000 people a year to move it to Suncorp Stadium where the capacity is 52,000. I don’t buy it. My personal take? I get demolishing Allianz Stadium. It’s more than 30 years old, showing its age and has safety issues. As for ANZ Stadium, I worked out the other day I’ve probably been there about 80 times since it opened in the late 1990s. When it’s full with 80,000 fans, the former Olympic venue is rocking. The biggest complaint is the mid-strength beer (second mention – I must be hung up on this!) and the wait in the car park afterwards. $2 billion won’t fix that. Would I love a sparkling new stadium? Absolutely, but I’d love a new car too despite my 2014 Holden Cruze doing the job just fine at the moment. I’m struggling to see an end result where the Government will proceed with the knock-down, re-build option. I’d love to see the government have the guts to back itself and deliver both projects, but it won’t. It’s too politically dangerous and in the end, we’ll finish with stadium plan number 28 by the time all is said and done. That plan will be to re-build Allianz, and upgrade ANZ. But go on Gladys, push ahead and do both. I dare you. Kudos, and much respect to you, if you do.

Extra Time..........................33-48 Entertainment .................49-62 Your Life ...............................63-69

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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 Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins 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

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stadium becoming a white elephant because Sydney will continue to attract major events, so the end result will never be catastrophic. Can you believe that the first we started to talk about new stadium plans for Sydney was way back in 2012? I didn’t even have grey hair then. Barnaby Joyce only had one family. The story has changed so much since then that calling it a roller coaster ride would be understating it. Back in 2012, it was all about pulling future funding for suburban grounds and focusing on the big stadiums. In 2013, we got a “masterplan vision”. As part of that, a plan was hatched for a $250 million upgrade of ANZ Stadium, including a retractable roof. A year later, same story, same roof, but $350 million. Inflation, perhaps. Also in 2014, we were told Allianz Stadium would also get a roof and some upgrades – costing $250 million. There’s still no roof but they do have some bloody big screens. I’ll spare you the topsy turvy of the next four years but we’ve landed in 2018 with a $2 billion plan and an ever-growing list of people who want to have a say. Thankfully along the way we have got something done, with the new-look Parramatta Stadium due for completion early next year. I do feel for Penrith MP Stuart Ayres in all of this. He is the Sports Minister wanting to leave a sporting legacy. Can’t blame him for that. You also can’t blame Labor for pushing the ‘schools and hospitals before stadiums’ campaign. It is a political gift 12 months out from an election, even though when it all boils down to it, it’s a

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Nod to history in cafe’s new name LAUREN SUTTIE

ast time the Weekender spoke to local foodie Phillip Hallani, he had just signed the lease for the old heritage building outside Nepean Village, with plans of turning it into a destinationbased café. Four months on, a lot has changed for the project – including a new name. “Market Cafe worked because we had little ideas of doing pop-up markets during the week, but it wasn’t really fitting to the building,” he said. “We sat down with our designer and started looking at the history and we saw that a previous owner, Percy Plunkett had the biggest influence on the house. “He lived in it for over 40 years from 1921 and he did all the renovations through it, his family was raised here.” The site was most recently used for a long-running Thai restaurant, which closed several years ago. While Mr Hallani had originally hoped to have the cafe doors open to the public last month, a few setbacks has meant the project has been delayed, but it hasn’t put a dampener on Mr Hallani who is still smiling and excited about the future.

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“Approval delayed us a lot, but Council were amazing and when they saw our vision they were all for it,” he said. “The only thing they didn’t approve was the shipping container, so what we are doing instead is having an outdoor coffee cart, a little bakery cart, as well as a pop-up florist.” One thing that has remained firm throughout however, is Mr Hallani’s vision of creating a place where everyone is welcome. And despite still being a few months away from opening, Mr Hallani has already started to create a sense of community within the café by hiring local talent. “90 per cent of our trades are locals and that has probably been my biggest thing, just supporting local business,” Mr Hallani said. “I was born and raised here, went to school here, I played footy here, my whole life has been Penrith and I’m just so proud to be from here.” While working extensively on his new project, Mr Hallani continues to work at the popular Hallani’s grocery store and takeaway in Kingswood. To keep up to date with its progress visit Percy Plunkett on Facebook and Instagram.

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Horse stuck with lifelong challenges after cruelty case EMILY NEWTON

n Emu Plains property manager pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty last week. On Tuesday, March 13, Joe Parker appeared at Penrith Local Court and pleaded guilty to two charges of ‘aggravated animal cruelty’ relating to his failure to provide veterinary treatment to a horse and a steer, and one charge of failing to provide proper and sufficient food and water to a duck on a property he managed on Old Bathurst Road. Last June, an RSPCA Inspector attended the property following a complaint of animal cruelty and found a horse unable to rise in the paddock and contacted the police and the Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Hospital for assistance. The court heard Mr Parker’s wife had owned the horse since she was a child. “The horse was treated for a chronic hoof condition, laminitis and an infected pedal bone, which caused serious disablement that will likely never be cured,” an RSPCA NSW spokesperson said. “The horse had not received appropriate veterinary treatment in relation to her hooves for six months, and was in poor body condition.” Also found on the property was one duck that died as a result of Mr Parker’s failure to provide it with proper and sufficient food and water, and a steer

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The RSPCA found the horse unable to rise, suffering from a chronic hoof condition and an infected pedal bone suffering from a chronic hoof and limb condition, which would have caused significant pain. “The veterinarian determined that the cow was in a condition in which it was cruel to be kept alive and, as a result, the steer was humanely euthanised,” the RSPCA NSW spokesperson said. Magistrate Margaret McGlynn convicted Mr Parker of each of the three offences and sentenced him to a 12 month Section 9 good behaviour bond and a cumulative $8,800 fine. “All of these animals were completely dependent on you,” she said. “Vets are expensive. If you can’t afford animals, you shouldn’t have them.”

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Locals demand details on Rail Link corridor with houses likely to disappear EMILY NEWTON

laremont Meadows residents and Member for Londonderry Prue Car are calling for the State Government to come clean over the corridor for the North-South Rail Link. The new rail line is a major component of the recently announced City Deal, connecting St Marys with the future Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek, but has left residents concerned over whether their homes may be compulsory acquired to make room for the infrastructure development. “There is utter confusion in Claremont Meadows about what is happening for the North-South Rail Link,” Ms Car said. “The local residents, and myself as a local member, don’t want to stand in the way of progress, we want the North-South Rail Link, but residents in Claremont Meadows have a right to know if their homes are going to be acquired. “Everyone wants to see public transport to the Western Sydney Airport from day one, but residents need to know whether they are going to be affected by this, and if they are, what is going to be the compensation scheme for the compulsory acquisition.”

Member for Londonderry Prue Car with Labor’s Candidate for Mulgoa Todd Carney and concerned residents on Fowler Street, Claremont Meadows. Photo: Emily Newton But Minister for Western Sydney and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said he was “disappointed” in Ms Car’s approach to future infrastructure requirements, saying she is scaring people rather than engaging with communities positively. “We need to plan 20 years ahead to make sure our communities get the infrastruc-

ture needed to support future growth. Going out with half-baked ideas just induces fear. Rather than playing politics with people’s lives, let’s treat our communities with some respect,” Mr Ayres said. “Transport for NSW has been investigating alignment options for future corridors linking to Western Sydney Airport as part

of the Western Sydney Rail Needs Study. As with all major projects, community consultation will be carried out with residents, community groups and land owners to determine route alignment.” While there is no concrete time set, it is expected the corridor will be revealed to residents within weeks. Labor Candidate for Mulgoa and Penrith City Councillor Todd Carney stood alongside the residents last week calling for transparency. “I’m not intending to stand in the way of progress, but I think that we deserve an answer, we’re entitled to know what’s happening and when,” one resident said. “They’ve got no problem putting a line on the map, but at least make it an honest line,” another argued. When asked what Labor would have done differently, Ms Car responded that she would have ensured she was communicating better with the residents. “As the local member, if Labor were in Government we would have ensured that the local community was communicated with,” she said. The offices of Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance were both contacted for comment, but did not respond.

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

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Notice of Public Meeting Penrith Local Planning Panel 7KH 3HQULWK /RFDO 3ODQQLQJ 3DQHO ZLOO PHHW WR determine the following: â&#x20AC;¢ '$ 1XPEHU '$ 48â&#x20AC;&#x201C;54 Clark Road, Londonderry Detached dual occupancy and on-site sewage management system â&#x20AC;¢ '$ 1XPEHU '$ 24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27 Lambridge Place, Penrith Alterations to an existing building and construction of new building for cold food storage with associated driveway, parking and landscaping works â&#x20AC;¢ '$ 1XPEHU '$ 118 Station Street, Penrith 'HPROLWLRQ RI GZHOOLQJV When: :HGQHVGD\ 0DUFK FRPPHQFLQJ at 5pm Where: Penrith City Council, Passadena Room )LUVW )ORRU +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK Relevant documents will be available on Penrith &RXQFLOÂ·V ZHEVLWH penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ Local-Planning-Panel To register to speak at the meeting please contact the 'HYHORSPHQW 6HUYLFHV 'HSDUWPHQW RQ or email localpanel@penrith.city by 4pm on 7XHVGD\ 0DUFK Any person may attend the meeting to observe.

Notice of Conditions for Approval to Burn (Rural Areas) 1 April to 30 September 2018 Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002 This approval applies only to rural zoned properties in Wallacia, Mulgoa, Kemps Creek, Mt Vernon, /RQGRQGHUU\ /ODQGLOR &DVWOHUHDJK %HUNVKLUH 3DUN &UDQHEURRN 2UFKDUG +LOOV /XGGHQKDP $JQHV Banks, Badgerys Creek and Regentville. In accordance with the Protection of the Environment 2SHUDWLRQV &OHDQ $LU 5HJXODWLRQ 3HQULWK &LW\ Council hereby grants general approval for burning in the open of dead and dry vegetation that originated on the property where the burning is to be carried out. This approval is restricted to the suburbs nominated DERYH DQG WR VLQJOH ODQG SDUFHOV WKDW DUH VTP (one acre) or greater in area. If your property falls within NSW Fire Brigade area, a Fire Permit must be obtained from the NSW Fire Brigade prior to the commencement of the burn. This approval is granted subject to the provisions of the Protection of the Environment Operations &OHDQ $LU 5HJXODWLRQ DQG WKH IROORZLQJ FRQGLWLRQV 1. Only dead and dry vegetation, where the vegetation originally grew on the same property shall be burnt in accordance with the Rural Fire 6HUYLFH Â¶6WDQGDUGV IRU 3LOH %XUQLQJÂ· -XQH www.rfs.nsw.gov.au $ OO Ã&#x20AC;UHV DUH WR EH SLOH EXUQV ZKHUH WKH SLOH LV QRW WR H[FHHG PHWUHV LQ OHQJWK RU ZLGWK DQG PXVW not be greater than 1.5 metres high. Any logs over PP LQ GLDPHWHU DUH QRW EH DGGHG WR WKH SLOH 3. Burning under this approval must at all times be carried out by such practicable means as are necessary to prevent or minimise air pollution. Burning should not be carried out during periods of high wind or when the weather conditions are likely to cause smoke impacts on sensitive receptors such as schools, nursing homes, childcare centres or other residences. 4. All reasonable measures should be taken to ensure that the material being burnt is not wet or green.

5. Only dead and dry vegetation is to be burnt. Plastics, rubber, chemical and pesticide FRQWDLQHUV DQG WKH IROORZLQJ VSHFLÃ&#x20AC;F SURKLELWHG articles are not to be burnt: (a) Tyres, plastic coated wire, paint/solvent containers and residues (b) Timber treated with copper chromium arsenate (CCA) or pentachlorophenol (PCP) or painted timber (c) Grass clippings and leaves are not considered suitable due to the excessive smoke and alternative methods of disposal should be sought $ OO Ã&#x20AC;UHV DUH WR EH D PLQLPXP GLVWDQFH RI PHWUHV from any building, areas of natural vegetation DQG PHWUHV IURP DOO SURSHUW\ ERXQGDULHV 7. In the event of a Total Fire Ban being declared WKLV DSSURYDO LV VXVSHQGHG $Q\ H[LVWLQJ Ã&#x20AC;UH LV WR be extinguished and is not to be recommenced until the Total Fire Ban is lifted. 8. In the event of a No Burn Day being declared by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) this approval is suspended for the duration of the declaration. When a No Burn Notice is issued, it applies to the lighting of new Ã&#x20AC;UHV LQ WKH GHFODUHG DUHDV ([LVWLQJ Ã&#x20AC;UHV DUH allowed to continue in accordance with the conditions of the No Burn Notice, as extinguishing WKH Ã&#x20AC;UH ZRXOG UHVXOW LQ PRUH VPRNH 1R %XUQ 1RWLFHV DUH QRWLÃ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH 3XEOLF +HDOWK VHFWLRQ RI WKH 6\GQH\ 0RUQLQJ +HUDOG QRW ODWHU WKDQ RQ the day on which the Order is to take effect. 5HFRUGHG LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW Â¶1R %XUQ 1RWLFHVÂ· LV usually available after 4pm on the day before the notice comes into effect and can be accessed by phoning 131 555 or at the NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change website environment.nsw.gov.au/air/aboutnb.htm 9. Adjoining neighbours and people likely to be DIIHFWHG E\ VPRNH DUH WR EH QRWLÃ&#x20AC;HG DW OHDVW KRXUV EHIRUH WKH Ã&#x20AC;UH LV OLW 7KLV ZLOO DOORZ IRU smoke-sensitive people including asthmatics to plan to be away from the area before the burn is conducted. 1RWLFH LV WR EH JLYHQ WR WKH &XPEHUODQG 5XUDO )LUH 6HUYLFH DW OHDVW KRXUV SULRU WR WKH EXUQ YLD WKH pile burning recording number 4734 7788. Recorded QRWLFH PXVW VSHFLI\ WKH SHUVRQÂ·V QDPH FRQWDFW number, the location, purpose of the proposed Ã&#x20AC;UH DQG WLPH WKDW WKH Ã&#x20AC;UH LV SURSRVHG WR EH OLW 11. A responsible supervising adult over the age of 18 shall be on site at all times with enough water WR H[WLQJXLVK WKH Ã&#x20AC;UH IRU WKH WLPH WKH Ã&#x20AC;UH LV DFWLYH %XUQLQJ VKDOO RQO\ EH FRQGXFWHG EHWZHHQ WKH hours of 8am and 6pm on any day. 13. Any residue waste from the burning must be disposed of in an environmentally satisfactory manner and in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) 5HJXODWLRQ 2Q WKH FRPSOHWLRQ RI WKH EXUQ the burnt area must be maintained in a condition that minimises or prevents the emission of dust DQG SUHYHQWV VHGLPHQW RU DVK IURP Ã&#x20AC;UHV EHLQJ washed from the area into surrounding waterways (natural or constructed) including creeks, stormwater drainage lines, dams or ponds. This approval remains in force from 1 April to 6HSWHPEHU RU XQWLO WKH FRPPHQFHPHQW of the Bush Fire Season if declared earlier. This approval does not apply to: 1. The burning of vegetation resulting from land clearing undertaken without development consent. Vegetation arising from land clearing can only be burnt in accordance with this general approval and if allowed under a development consent issued by Council.

7KH EXUQLQJ RI SDFNDJLQJ DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK agricultural operations. 3. Ecological/bush regeneration burns which are carried out to destroy infestations of noxious weeds, or to clear land for native species regeneration. Prior to any burning of vegetation on any property where there are known threatened species, populations, ecological communities of any known Aboriginal relics, individuals and organisations must obtain advice from the DECC contact below. Individuals and organisations that wish to carry out these burns should apply to the Manager Metropolitan Projects and Support, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), 32 %R[ 3DUUDPDWWD 16: Conducting open burning that does not comply with the conditions of this approval may result in an on WKH VSRW SHQDOW\ QRWLFH RI IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO RU IRU D FRUSRUDWLRQ ,Q WKH HYHQW RI SURVHFXWLRQ IRU VXFK DQ RIIHQFH WKH PD[LPXP SHQDOW\ LV IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO DQG IRU D FRUSRUDWLRQ

the western weekender Â» Friday, March 23, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICES

)RU HQTXLULHV SKRQH &RXQFLO RQ Thank you, Coordinator Ranger & Animal Services

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Applications have been received by Council: â&#x20AC;¢ 1RUÂ·6LGH ,QYHVWPHQWV 3W\ /WG

95 Castlereagh Street, Penrith Demolition of existing structures and construction RI [ VWRUH\ WRZQ KRXVHV DQG EDVHPHQW FDU parking &RQWDFW 6XI\DQ 1JX\HQ RQ &ORVLQJ 'DWH $SULO â&#x20AC;¢ 5LVH 3URMHFWV 3W\ /WG

52 Cam Street, Cambridge Park Demolition of existing structures and construction of [ VWRUH\ WRZQ KRXVHV ZLWK DVVRFLDWHG ZRUNV &RQWDFW 3XNDU 3UDGKDQ RQ &ORVLQJ 'DWH 0DUFK

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED 3XUVXDQW WR 6HFWLRQ RI WKH Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council. Details of these determinations are available for SXEOLF LQVSHFWLRQ IUHH RI FKDUJH GXULQJ &RXQFLOÂ·V normal business hours at the Civic Centre, +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK

Approved Development Applications â&#x20AC;¢ &HOHVWLQR 'HYHORSPHQWV 663 3W\ /WG '$ Lots 201 & 202 DP 1152191 (Nos. 565â&#x20AC;&#x201C;609) Luddenham Road, Luddenham &RQVWUXFWLRQ RI VWRUH\ RIÃ&#x20AC;FH EXLOGLQJ Â¶%DLDGD %XLOGLQJÂ· DQG DVVRFLDWHG HDUWKZRUNV FDU SDUNLQJ landscaping and on-site wastewater management system â&#x20AC;¢ (GZDUG 6]HZF]\N $VVRFLDWHV

Lots 20 & 21 DP 1020174 (No 8) Narang Place, St Marys Industrial warehouse

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au WW32888

Friday, March 23, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

Ayres: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll fix Nepean â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big fat zeroâ&#x20AC;?: Penrith MPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stab at Labor as he backs governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital plan EMILY NEWTON

ember for Penrith Stuart Ayres is fiercely defending Nepean Hospital after figures released last week revealed the hospital has the longest emergency wait times in the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The work thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been done by the staff, the doctors, the nurses at this hospital over the last eight years has been nothing short of extraordinary,â&#x20AC;? Mr Ayres said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, the performance at this hospital has been one of the most improved hospitals in the state.â&#x20AC;? Mr Ayres said that each year since he was elected, the hospital has improved its performance, with todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest challenges â&#x20AC;&#x153;an increase in presentations, and a lack of spaceâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we needed a much, much bigger upgrade in the mid-2000s, we simply didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The band-aid solutions have to stop, and the only side of politics in NSW that is treating Nepean Hospital properly is the Liberals and Nationals.â&#x20AC;? The already underway $576 million redevelopment of Nepean Hospital will include a new, expanded emergency department and at least 12 new operating theatres, to create a better solution to the

problem Nepean Hospital faces. Mr Ayres said Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for the hospital is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;big fat zeroâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know what, just match it, just tell people you will do the same $576 million, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even do that,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Labor cut funding to Nepean so badly that the hospital was on its knees when I was elected. Every year since, we have made progress and improvements to correct the mess that was left behind.â&#x20AC;? Mr Ayres slammed Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure track record, saying that in 2004 they opened an upgraded emergency department that they claimed would meet the needs of a growing community built for 50,000 presentations a year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year the Emergency Department saw 71,000 people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; typical of Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrible track record when it comes to building infrastructure,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite a growing population, Nepean Hospital has seen improvement in performance when compared to the same quarter in 2010 under Labor, including nearly 15 per cent more patients through the emergency department within four hours and nearly 14 per cent more patients receiving their surgery on time.â&#x20AC;? Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord said the Labor Opposition would be announcing its funding policy on Nepean

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS Penrith City Council has received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for these development applications is Penrith City Council. â&#x20AC;˘ St Marys Land Ltd DA18/0221 Lot 1 DP 1132380 & Lot 3000 DP 1220974 (Nos. 75â&#x20AC;&#x201C;105 Links Road, St Marys & Lot 3000 Wianamatta Parkway, Llandilo Construction of new road (East-West Connector Road) including South Creek Bridge and Dunheved Links Road and bulk earth works to regional open space The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Department of Water and Energy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Water Management Act 2000. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations OLVWHG EHORZ DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV in the period from 23 March 2018 to 23 April 2018. $Q\ SHUVRQ PD\ GXULQJ WKH H[KLELWLRQ SHULRG PDNH D VXEPLVVLRQ LQ ZULWLQJ WR 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO LQ relation to the Development Application. Where a VXEPLVVLRQ LV PDGH E\ ZD\ RI DQ REMHFWLRQ WKH JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLOÂˇV reference number DA18/0221. )RU DQ\ TXHULHV UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURSRVDO SOHDVH contact Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078.

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres at Nepean Hospital. Photo: Melinda Jane Hospital after the State budget when NSWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances were clear. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make no mistake, Labor is committed to improving Nepean Hospital,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that Stuart Ayres has messed up priorities, preferring to pour billions into stadiums rather than schools and hospitals.â&#x20AC;? Mr Secord went on to call Mr Ayres â&#x20AC;&#x153;the

â&#x20AC;˘ Remondis Australia Pty Ltd DA18/0236 Lot 15 DP 851972 (No. 15) Tresco Street, St Marys & Lot 202 DP 31911 (No. 11a) Bent Street, St Marys Waste recycling facility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cardboard baling The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Sections E DQG 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 RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG IURP 0DUFK WR 23 April 2018. $Q\ SHUVRQ PD\ GXULQJ WKH H[KLELWLRQ SHULRG PDNH D VXEPLVVLRQ LQ ZULWLQJ WR 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO LQ relation to the Development Application. Where a VXEPLVVLRQ LV PDGH E\ ZD\ RI DQ REMHFWLRQ WKH JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLOÂˇV reference number DA18/0236. )RU DQ\ TXHULHV UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURSRVDO SOHDVH contact Gannon Cuneo on 4732 7774. â&#x20AC;˘ Esq1818 Pty Ltd DA18/0207 Lot 10 DP 1223020 (No. 123) Mulgoa Road, Penrith 7RUUHQV WLWOH VXEGLYLVLRQ [ UHVLGXH ORWV The proposal is Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ,Q WKLV UHJDUG WKH DSSOLFDQW is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

worst MP to ever represent the families of Penrith and western Sydneyâ&#x20AC;?. It is an extraordinary claim given Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous Member for Penrith pleaded guilty to falsely claiming parliamentary payments and misleading the ICAC. Mr Ayres defended his partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan, saying the Government is able to invest in both health and stadiums.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations OLVWHG EHORZ DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV in the period from 23 March to 6 April 2018. $Q\ SHUVRQ PD\ GXULQJ WKH H[KLELWLRQ SHULRG PDNH a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a VXEPLVVLRQ LV PDGH E\ ZD\ RI DQ REMHFWLRQ WKH JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLOÂˇV reference number DA18/0207. Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so. )RU DQ\ TXHULHV UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURSRVDO SOHDVH FRQWDFW 6XI\DQ 1JX\HQ RQ Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed RQ &RXQFLOÂˇV '$ 7UDFNHU YLD penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker $OWHUQDWLYHO\ WKH DSSOLFDWLRQV FDQ EH YLHZHG GXULQJ &RXQFLOÂˇV QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV DW WKH &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI &RXQFLOÂˇV 'HYHORSPHQW 6HUYLFHV 'HSDUWPHQW ZLOO EH able to assist with your enquiries. Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith &LYLF &HQWUH %\ ODZ UHSRUWDEOH SROLWLFDO GRQDWLRQV RU 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

WW32889

the western weekender Âť Friday, March 23, 2018

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Fears of another flu epidemic spark calls for early action EMILY NEWTON

$1.75 million NSW Government campaign to tackle the flu season has launched in a bid to avoid a repeat of last year’s influenza epidemic. Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the flu is an illness that needs to be treated seriously. “650 people died from the flu last year. We all can take simple steps to reduce the risk of spreading the illness,” she said. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the campaign focuses on four simple measures to beat the bug, which affected more than 128,000 people in NSW last year. “The Don’t Spread Flu – It’s In Your Hands campaign has some straightforward messages on how to limit the spread of influenza and help save lives,” he said. “Get your flu shot early, cough into your elbow not your hands, wash your hands regularly and stay at home if you are sick.” NSW Health’s Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said frequent hand washing is one of the first lines of defence against the flu, together with early vaccination. “The World Health Organisation advises this year’s flu vaccine will be a better match to the four circulating strains and offer higher protection than last year,” Dr Chant said.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies wants people to be protected this flu season. Photo: Melinda Jane Flu shots are free for pregnant women, children up to six years of age and people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems. Flu shots will be available in April.

Nepean Solar Solutions is celebrating its 3rd birthday and they want to thank you for your local support The locally owned and operated company has made their mark in Penrith, having installed over 3.6 Megawatts which is over 360,000kW within the Nepean basin in just three short years. NEPEAN SOLAR SOLUTIONS pride themselves on giving their customers an individual solar design that suits their needs as they know, an effective solar design isn’t ‘One size fits all’ solution. The tailored solar design process begins with an at-home consultation, where a site visit is performed and they will educate you on the range of designs and products that are available. They really empower you to be involved in the decision with maximising your return on investment with renewable energy. Along with providing their customers with tailored design solutions, they provide 24/7 system monitoring, where if your system

faults, whether it be due to the elements of nature or something as simply as someone turning the system off, NEPEAN SOLAR SOLUTIONS are the first to be notified and will endeavour to resolve the fault in shortest possible time ensuring your system is performing to its optimum at all times. This is backed by their installation warranty that is provided in addition to the manufacturer’s product warranty. With the renewable energy conversation growing, NEPEAN SOLAR SOLUTIONS are experiencing rapid growth within the region. They wear their locally owned and operated title proudly and are always looking for qualified team members who also share a passion for renewable energy. If you are interested in working local, and feel you would like to join the team at NEPEAN SOLAR SOLUTIONS, where the after service is just as important as the installation, they would like to hear from you. If you are interested in talking to a solar expert about a solar design solution to suit your needs, please call the office 4760 0809 or email: info@nepeansolar.com.au

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Major new development set Government steps in to keep to change the face of Panthers Fernhill site in public hands TROY DODDS

he State Government will purchase the central precinct of the historic Fernhill Estate at Mulgoa, securing its future for generations to come. Confirmation of the $27.25 million purchase comes after a plan by Rookwood Cemeteries to construct a cemetery at the site was scuttled by public backlash last year. Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres said the purchase of the 385-hectare site for community green space is a huge coup for western Sydney. “The ability to combine heritage, regional open space and a gateway to the Blue Mountains National Park creates a strong tourism opportunity that will be boosted by the development of Western Sydney Airport,” he said. “Fernhill holds a special place in the heart of the western Sydney community, and now it will be owned by all of NSW.” Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said bringing this historic estate into public hands has delivered a massive win for the community. “Fernhill Estate homestead is a colonial treasure built in 1842 surrounded by Cumberland Plain Woodland, which will provide a haven for threatened species and create a green gateway to the world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park,” she said.

T A development application has just been approved for Stage 1 of the $500 million ESQ 1818 mixed-use development in Penrith EMILY NEWTON

new urban lifestyle village is coming as ESQ 1818, the residential quarter of the Penrith Panthers Entertainment Precinct, has received approval for Stage 1 of its $500 million development. The development from Sydney developer CABE will feature 850 apartments plus retail, lake frontage, communal spaces and landscaped boulevards, nature walks and running tracks. CABE CEO Andrew James said it will be the first of its kind for western Sydney and a huge coup for Penrith. “East Side Quarter references the site

location East of the Nepean River and East Side of the Lakefront and Penrith Panthers – creating an important lifestyle activation and connection into the town centre and Riverwalk Link,” he said. “The project will create a vibrant urban village on the door steps of the Penrith Panthers entertainment hub. “ESQ 1818 will offer world class amenities, from the retail and lake frontage to the communal spaces, landscaped boulevards, nature walks and running tracks.” One, two and three bedroom apartments will be on offer. Registrations of interest are currently being taken at esqpenrith.com.au, with ESQ Stage 1 scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2018.

Easter

Stuart Ayres and Tanya Davies at Fernhill in Mulgoa last Friday “The jewel in Mulgoa’s crown, bringing it into public ownership will enable its location and uniqueness to be enjoyed by the whole community and generations to come.” Fernhill is located next to Mulgoa Village and comprises the heritage-listed homestead, another home and outbuildings, gardens, lakes, paddocks, equine facilities and a 2km horse race track. In recent years Fernhill has hosted major events such as concerts and race meetings, but exact plans for the future are not known at this stage.

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

St Clair: Reports of ‘Peeping Tom’ recording on iPhone

Police are appealing for information after a woman was filmed while in her bathroom last weekend. At 9.15pm on Saturday, March 17, police were called to an address on Oldfield Circuit, St Clair following reports of a ‘Peeping Tom’. A woman was in her bathroom when she looked at the window and allegedly saw what appeared to be an iPhone in a blue case recording her. Police were alerted immediately, and following extensive patrols were unable to locate anyone in the area. Investigations into the incident are continuing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

South Penrith: Police continue to investigate vehicle blaze

A vehicle fire that occurred last Friday night in South Penrith is believed to have been deliberately lit. At about 10.50pm on Friday, March 16 emergency services attended Charkers Street for a motor vehicle fire. Investigations show that the vehicle had an accelerant poured over it with a trail down the driveway, and the accelerant was ignited. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.

Penrith: Cigarette to blame for unit fire on Thurston Street

A woman was lucky to escape a house fire caused by a cigarette inadvertently setting a mattress on fire. At 4.40am on Friday, March 16 the Fire Brigade and Police attended the house fire on Thurston Street in Penrith. On arrival, firefighters forced entry into the front door of the unit and found the resident had locked herself in the bathroom. She was taken to the ground level and began first aid treatment. The fire was quickly extinguished, with the origin believed to be the bed in the

main bedroom being accidentally ignited by a cigarette. The resident was taken to Nepean Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. A similar incident happened in Cranebrook earlier this month where a house was destroyed as the petroleum products inside the mattress allowed for the fire to quickly spread.

Emu Plains: 350 cannabis plants found by police

In a massive drug bust, local police have seized nearly 350 cannabis plants worth $1.75 million from a home in Emu Plains. About 10.30am on Tuesday, March 13, police from the Penrith Proactive Crime Team attended a house in Hillcrest Road after receiving information about suspicious activity. Police executed a search warrant and located a sophisticated hydroponic set up, including 349 cannabis plants. 200 of these were well established and measured over one metre in height. The entire scene was processed and dismantled over about five hours and investigations are continuing to identify those involved in the cultivation.

Cambridge Park: Man found with drugs during search

A Cranebrook man has been charged with drug offences and shoplifting after a visit to a Cambridge Park shopping centre. At 12.05pm on Sunday, March 18, police were patrolling the shops when they sighted a male person with staff from the centre. Police approached the staff and were supplied with information, leading them to then talk to the 31-year-old Cranebrook man. It is alleged the man was searched and located in a bag he was carrying was six small resealable plastic bags containing Methylamphetamine. Further searching also located cannabis wrapped in foil and a driver’s licence and other items that were not in the man’s name. The man was charged with multiple offences and bail refused.

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Pleading guilty or not guilty to a serious crime Tiahleigh Palmer’s body was found on the banks of the Gold Coast’s Pimpama River in November 2015. She had been reported missing by her foster family only days before. In the investigation that ensued her foster father Rick Thorburn was charged with murdering the school girl. Trent Thorburn, the foster brother of the victim, subsequently spent 16 months in jail on perjury and incest charges in relation to the 12-year-old. The theory that circulated in the media was that Rick Thorburn murdered his foster daughter to silence her in relation to claims that her foster brother Trent Thorburn had sexually assaulted her and as a result she had fallen pregnant. It has now been reported that Rick Thorburn intends to plead guilty to murder charges and will be sentenced in May this year. What does this mean? If a person is charged with a criminal offence they have an opportunity to plead “guilty” or “not guilty”. If a person pleads not guilty then the matter is set down for a hearing during which the State’s Prosecutors present the evidence they have that the accused person committed the crime to the Court and in response the accused’s defence lawyers submit evidence they

have counteracting this. This process involves examination of a number of witnesses and the process of “cross examination” which is often romanticised in Court room dramas the world across. Depending on the nature of the case either a jury of regular Australians or a Judge will determine whether or not the person is guilty or not guilty. A guilty plea works a little differently. When a person pleads guilty they are essentially saying “yes I committed the crime” and agreeing that the facts that the Police/Prosecution assert are true. In these circumstances a hearing or trial is not necessary, so the matter is set down for a sentencing hearing straight away. During a sentencing hearing the Prosecution will make submissions as to what sort of penalty they think the accused person should receive. In response their defence lawyer will make submissions about why their client should receive as light a penalty as possible. A judge then decides on a penalty taking into account things like legislation, the seriousness of the crime and a person’s rehabilitation prospects. Given the seriousness of the crime, it is unlikely that Tiahleigh Palmer’s murderer will receive anything less than a lengthy jail term.

Education conference held in Penrith Educators from Australia and New Zealand have come together to hear from international experts in Gifted Education at an event in Penrith.

The three day Twice Exceptional Conference was hosted by Penrith High School and featured a variety of informed speakers.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

EASTER PRESENTS THE ST MARYS presents

EGG HUNT EASTER THE ST MARYS

EGG HUNT

Saturday 24th March – 10am till 2pm

Coachmans Park, cnr Queen Street & Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys FREE entertainment, Jumping castle, animal farm, craft, music and • Easter Egg Hunt • Enter the Easter dress-up competition • Prizes to be won PROGRAM

12:10pm MC Dance 10:00am Welcome Olivia Kezik - Singer 10:10am Liam & Jess Hayward - Singers 12:35pm Fancy Dress Parade – 10:30am Patricia Stevens Dance Studio Come dressed in an Easter 10:50am Kangatraining Glenmore Park 1:05pm costume or wear an Easter 11:05am Dance Nation Sydney Coachman’s Park, cnr Queen St and Charleshat Hackett Dr, St to Marys for your chance win a prize. 11:20am Julia Parashko Singers 1:20pm All Star Dance and 11:50am Static Dance Studio FREE entertainment Entertainment Studios 12:00pm Montanah Telefoni - Singer (True and correct at the time of printing. Subject to change)

Saturday 24th March 2018 10am till 2pm

Jumping castle, animal farm, craft, music and Easter Egg Hunt the• Big Easter dress Annastasia’s Hair Design • Baldo’s Enter Hair Care Centre G’s Pizzeria • Cartridgeup Worldcompetition St Marys • Cashaway • Catch Hair Design • Cath’s Cakes • Chimes Hair Design • Chrissie’s Café • Crust Pizza • Defi ne Hair Design and Beauty Prizes to be won • Doves Jewellers • Enchanted Hair and Beauty • Essential Locksmiths • Fernz Café • Fusion Café • Hair Options By Mary • Harcourts Your Place • Harry’s Café & Restaurant • Hobby Pro Thank you to the businesses and organisations within St Marys CBD for their support of this event

• Jamjo Home & Gifts • Jonelles Hair and Beauty • Laing and Simmons St Marys • Lee Nova Craft • Mega Cash • Mooney Financial Services • Optus St Marys • Party Pit Stop • The Professionals Real Estate, St Marys • Real Estate One • Right Property Management • Skin Essentials • Skye’s The Limit For Hair • St Marys LAC • St Marys Library • St Marys Newsagent • St Marys Pharmacy • St Marys Physio • Super Tools Australia - St Marys • Tackle to You • Trainstation Gym 247 • Untamed Flowers • The Workplace Safety Centre

For pre-rego dates please see www.stmarystowncentre.com.au

www.facebook.com/stmarystowncentreltd For pre-rego dates please see www.stmarystowncentre.com.au www.facebook.com/stmarystowncentreltd WW32607

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Better traffic flow and fewer delays at key St Marys intersection Motorists will soon benefit from improvements to the intersection of Mamre Road and Saddington Street at St Marys with the next stage of work now taking place. “Crews started improvement work at this intersection in June last year to widen the western side of Mamre Road by around five metres to build dedicated right turn lanes and right turn phases

into Saddington Street to improve traffic flow for motorists currently experiencing extended wait times at the intersection, especially during peak times,” a Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said. “The improvements also include building a centre median on Mamre Road to protect traffic turning right into Saddington Street and a CCTV camera will be installed to help monitor and manage

traffic at the intersection.” Work is scheduled to be carried out across 50 night and 90 day shifts until the end of May, weather permitting. “To minimise the impact to motorists, night work will continue to be carried out between 8pm and 5am, excluding Saturdays. Work hours on weekdays are from 7am to 6pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays,” the spokesperson said.

Love shines on Mel’s big day

Newlyweds Simon Peto and Melissa Hargrave-Peto. Photo: Megan Dunn EMILY NEWTON

wo years after her heart transplant, Penrith’s Melissa Hargrave has married the love of her life, Simon Peto. After losing both her mother and her father before she had even turned 18, and fighting cardiomyopathy for 16 years before needing a transplant urgently, the now Mrs Hargrave-Peto each day celebrates and honours the heart donor who saved her life. “I wouldn’t have the words to explain it,” she said. “I can finally live and experience life and create moments that we will always treasure. I’m so grateful for my gift and being able to appreciate the little moments that so many take for granted. “All I can do is live an honest truth and humble life to make my life family and donor proud.” Her determination has manifested in the form of a bucket list, where she is hoping to get the most out of life. “The bucket list is something we created for the donor,” Mrs HargravePeto said. “I hope to one day meet the family to see if they actually had a bucket list so I could try and fulfil the items for them. “We try to do meaningful things and activities for them and things I have never done before and wouldn’t be able to do without the transplant.” So far, she has already flown over Heart Reef, walked over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visited the snow, with hopes to travel overseas in the future to tick more items off the list. Her wedding day was “perfect” as she and her husband were surrounded by family and loved ones.

Work underway

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Essential maintenance work is underway at Elizabeth Drive, Badgerys Creek. Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions as asphalt is removed and replaced and road markings are repainted on Elizabeth Drive between Western Road and about 250 metres west of Lawson Road. For the safety of workers and motorists, lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours. Work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am, excluding Saturdays, until the end of May, weather permitting. Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions and to follow the direction of signs and traffic control.

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Axe is sharp for Show tradition LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s been a crowd favourite at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for over a century, and this year is set to be no different, as over 240 competitors will battle it out in the woodchopping and saw competition. Sharpening his axe ahead of the 11-day event is Kingswood resident Stephen O’Mara, who first competed in the show over 30 years ago. “I chopped at the old Moore Park showground in my first show,” he told the Weekender. “I competed with the first female that had chopped at the Easter Show too and that was a thrill.” After taking an extended break from the sport, Mr O’Mara was recently inspired to make a return thanks to his son and grandson. “I went through a stage there when I went to every show that I could and then I sort of gave it up for 20 years,” he said. “Then my son came back down from Queensland and decided he wanted to get back into it and my grandson, who was four-years-old at the time, decided to have a go too.

“It’s turned into a real family affair these days.” Held in the purpose-built stadium within Sydney Olympic Park, a woodchopping event will run every 10 minutes during the show, which gets underway today (Friday, March 23) and runs until Tuesday, April 3. Competing in this fourth consecutive Easter Show since returning to the sport, Mr O’Mara said it was the people he had met over the years that kept him coming back to compete. “Everywhere you go, it’s a sport where you get to meet very nice people,” he said. “You get down there and you get to meet up with people you only get to see once a year at the show. We all get the same lockers and it’s rather good actually.” After competing, Mr O’Mara may quench his thirst with the Showstopper Pale, a new beer developed exclusively for the Easter Show this year. The Showstopper Pale has been brewed by Modus Operandi, based at Mona Vale, using all NSW-sourced ingredients. These include Hops from Ryefield Hops at Bemboka and Malted Barley from the growers of the Western District of NSW. Your chance to win a family pass to this year’s Easter Show: See page 57 or www. westernweekender.com.au.

Stephen O’Mara chopping up some wood. Photo: Melinda Jane

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

Neighbour Day This coming Sunday, March 25, is Neighbour Day. It’s not an event we talk about much, and for some of you, this may be the first time you’ve heard of it. Neighbour Day is an annual celebration of community – a day to connect with our neighbours and enjoy our neighbourhood. I can’t remember how many times I’ve heard it said that people don’t know their neighbours anymore, and that the ‘good old days’ of children playing together, street parties and community are long since passed and forgotten. I don’t believe that’s true, especially in Penrith. Community and neighbours still mean something here, which is one of the things that makes Penrith a special part of Australia and a wonderful place to live. Good relationships can transform communities, so whether it’s stopping to say hello, sharing a cuppa or lending a hand, I encourage you all to connect

with your neighbours, old and new. It’s really easy to be a good neighbour. It’s as simple as waving or saying hello with a smile, being considerate of neighbours when driving or parking, keeping your neighbourhood clean and free of waste, and helping your neighbours if they’re in need. Knowing our neighbours is important – it makes our neighbourhood safer and also makes us feel better because social connections help prevent loneliness, isolation and depression, which is especially important for the elderly and vulnerable. Neighbour Day is managed by Relationships Australia and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. There’s a number of ways you can get involved – you can attend a formal event, share something on social media, or just say hello to your neighbour. More information is available at: neighbourday.org

Come and try the new kooler Ice Machine in operation On Sunday 25th March Located in the Driveway of the Werrington County Shopping Centre

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

Receive a FREE bag of freshly made ice.

For more info Visit www.facebook.com/KoolerIcePenrith Limited time only, Limit 1 per customer, while stocks last, no rainchecks

WW32480

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

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Volunteers needed to ensure war families are looked after

New Werrington base set to extend reach of oldest charity LAUREN SUTTIE

ustralia’s oldest charity officially has a new home in Werrington. The Benevolent Society, which has been providing services to Australians for over 200 years, recently opened the doors of its new office, inviting clients and partners to join them in celebration. Executive Director for Disability Operations, Jo-Anne Hewitt said the Society was pleased to be supporting the western Sydney community. “Our vision at the Benevolent is a just society, where all Australians can live their best life,” she said. “We have brought together many of our services in this lovely hub to support the greater western Sydney community, as well as the Nepean, Blue Mountains and parts of south western Sydney.” Located at Werrington Park Corporate Centre, the Werrington hub is the largest to be opened by the not-for-profit organisation. With approximately 100 staff from the local regional level, as well as 25 staff from the state services team, Ms Hewitt said the Society would be able to continue to provide support to vulnerable community members. “Being at Werrington, we are able to outreach to various communities right across western Sydney,” she said. “We go right up to Katoomba and meet

Chairman John Murphy with Legatees Karen Lane and Doug Devlin LAUREN SUTTIE

stablished in the community in 1960, Nepean Legacy has since been providing support to families within the Penrith area affected by war. Chairman and Legatee John Murphy said that despite wars being few and far between today, the role of Legacy was as important as ever. “The RSL will look after the service member himself but no other organisation looks after the families,” he said.

“Legacy has been doing this since 1921 and it’s an organisation unique to Australia because no other country in the world has it.” With the number of Legatees slowing declining over the years, Nepean Legacy is calling on the community for more volunteers to join their ranks. “The biggest problem that we have is attracting new people to come along and be Legatees and be involved,” he said. If you would like to volunteer to help Nepean Legacy, give Jeff a call on 4721 8965.

Jo-Anne Hewitt opens the Benevolent Society’s new home. Photo: Melinda Jane people in their local community, visit people in their places of home, work, and schools to make sure that the services that we provide are very much embedded in the community.” Offering services such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, dietic services, as well as clinical nurse consult support, Ms Hewitt said without key partnerships, providing this level of support wouldn’t be possible. “We know that our work in communities supporting vulnerable people can’t be done in isolation,” she said

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Model car is a knockout Students in the driver’s seat as miniature vehicle impresses judges and teachers LAUREN SUTTIE

hey might not have the qualifications yet to drive a real car, but students from Penrith Christian School certainly know how to race one – well, a miniature one that is. Joining 25,000 other students from around Australia, the team from Penrith Christian School, known as the Penrith Pistons, recently battled it out at the National F1 in Schools competition to see who had the fastest miniature F1 car. Mimicking the real process undertaken by Formula 1 teams, the students were required to design, build and race a car from scratch. Penrith Pistons Design Engineer, Samuel Morley, said it was a lengthy but rewarding experience. “For me, in total from regionals, I’ve probably put about 1,500 to 2,000 hours into this project, just on the car side,” he said. “And Robert, our Team Manager, had many sleepless nights getting the portfolio done.” But the team’s Manufacture Engineer, Imogen Rogers, said that the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competition wasn’t just about

Penrith Pistons team members Teagan Bowler, Robert Hodge, Samuel Morley and Imogen Rogers. Photo: Melinda Jane how fast their car could go. “I don’t think people realise how much else goes into it,” she said. “You’ve got to build a pit display, you’ve got to show them that you contacted sponsors, how you’re marketing yourselves, as well as verbal presentations.”

The team’s hard work was rewarded after they took out first place in the Knockout competition, held in Launceston. Teacher and Director of Innovation and Technology, Martin Bishop, oversaw the team’s progress. “To win one event at their first time at

Nationals was good. Hopefully we can do even better next time,” he said. While the Penrith Pistons didn’t move onto the World F1 in Schools competition, the team is now focusing on passing their knowledge on to new members ahead of next year’s competition.

dear weekender... email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL SOUTH AND EAST WARDS BY-ELECTION SATURDAY, 12 MAY 2018

Isn’t it ironic?

Enrol To Vote A by-election will be held in the East and South Wards of Penrith City Council area on Saturday, 12 May 2018 to elect one councillor per ward.

Non-residential Rolls If you are an owner, rate-paying lessee, or occupier of rateable land which is not your primary residence, you or a nominee may be entitled to be enrolled on the roll of non-residential owners of rateable land or the roll of occupiers and rate-paying lessees for this election. Details of the eligibility criteria and enrolment claim forms may be obtained from the Penrith City Council at Penrith Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750; Website: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ The claim must be completed and lodged with the General Manager of Penrith City Council by 6pm Tuesday 3rd April 2018. If a claim for non-residential enrolment was made for a previous election, and you wish to claim enrolment for this election, you should re-apply.

Residential Roll If you are enrolled in the East or South Wards of the Penrith City Council local government area as at 6pm Tuesday 3rd April 2018 you must vote. To check your enrolment details or to obtain a residential enrolment form visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 135 736. Enrolment forms are also available from any Australia Post office. Enrolment forms must be received by 6pm Tuesday 3rd April 2018. Voting in Local Government elections is compulsory for all electors included on the residential roll.

Information: www.elections.nsw.gov.au or 1300 135 736 For enquiries in languages other than English call our interpreting service on 13 14 50. For hearing and speech impaired enquiries, call us via the National Relay Service on 13 36 77

I was reading with much interest the comments on the Weekender Facebook page regarding the massive unit development planned at Panthers. So many people seem unhappy because apparently the Council is destroying the peaceful, country vibe that Penrith once had. I find it ironic that so many people complaining about the area they know and love being ‘destroyed’ would be the same people who cannot understand why Aboriginal people are so angry about what happened to their people and land more than 200 years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not a ‘change the date’ or ‘change the flag’ campaigner, but isn’t it just a little ironic? We’re angry about a unit block going up where there was once vacant land or a couple of houses. Yet we want Aboriginal people who had their very way of life completely destroyed to just ‘get over it’. ROBERT DANIEL, PENRITH

Hospital’s wait time drama I read with interest your article re Nepean Hospital waiting times (Nepean’s waiting game, Weekender March 16). Back in November last year I attended the Emergency Department at 10.10pm on a Saturday night with severe abdominal pain. I was asked by the triage nurse the level of pain out of 10 and I replied about eight. I was told to wait. There were only

four or five others waiting at the time. So I sat in a freezing waiting room (I and some others had to ask for blankets) without any further contact until I was seen at 5.30am all the while in excruciating pain. Once I was seen I had a blood test, was given some painkillers and then told to go see my GP and get an ultrasound. DAVID WHITEMAN, EMU PLAINS

Thanks to Ambos Thank you Benjamin and Stuart for the compassion and care you showed to Pam Avery during the time she needed help when she had an episode at Henry Lawson Club. The family really appreciate what you did for her. THE AVERY FAMILY, VIA EMAIL

Honesty appreciated Last Tuesday I left my purse on a train coming back from the Blue Mountains. I didn’t realise it was missing until I reached my home station of Mortdale. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I got a call from Penrith Police saying someone had handed it in. Not only did the purse contain the usual tedious to replace cards, but it also had a substantial amount of money which I had with me to pay for a weekend away. Whoever handed it in didn’t leave any contact details, so I hope he/she reads this and knows how grateful I am to them. JENNIFER WHAITE, OATLEY

John Schmidt, Electoral Commissioner

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The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.

Epilepsy has robbed Bella of a normal life, but not of her incredible bravery LAUREN SUTTIE

magine watching your child have thousands of uncontrolled seizures a day. Imagine that your life revolved around giving that child 24/7 care, every day of the year. This is the life of Glenmore Park local Helen Owen, whose nine-year-old daughter Bella Osborne, also known as Bella the Brave, suffers a rare form of epilepsy that has dramatically limited her childhood and quality of life. “Nothing so far has helped or worked to ease Bella’s suffering, so she is growing up for the most part, in a hospital plugged into machines confined to a bed or wheelchair suffering from thousands of severe seizures,” she said. “There is no cure, so we have to manage, but nobody really knows what goes on behind the scenes or what she deals with.” With approximately 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy, and more than 65 million people worldwide, it is the world’s most common serious brain disorder. Despite this, CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia, Carol Ireland, said that not many people are up-to-date when it comes to their knowledge of epilepsy.

“Epilepsy remains poorly understood and often feared by much of the community,” she said. “That’s why we’re using the tagline ‘Know epilepsy. No fear’ for Epilepsy Awareness Month this March, to promote the idea that knowledge is power when it comes to understanding and assisting someone with epilepsy.” On March 26, Bella and her family will be celebrating Purple Day, a day for epilepsy awareness, by heading down to her school to share cookies and information with her classmates. Ms Owen said she was hoping to continue to make more people aware of epilepsy and how they can be more understanding. “My mission is simple, it’s to raise awareness, to break the stigma, to try to remove the fear of the unknown for others out there,” Ms Owen said. “It’s to let other families out there who may feel exhausted, isolated and alone know that we understand that they are not alone and that we are in this together. “For us Purple Day is also celebration of survival because she hasn’t been taken away by seizures when I know lots of children have.” For more information on Purple Day or if you would like to donate, visit www. epilepsy.org.au.

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Strength through suffering

Bella with her mum Helen Owen. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Friday, March 23, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

Penrith CBD Corp would like to say a big thank you to all our local businesses, sponsors, community and volunteers for their contribution to the CBD Festival of Green. We could not have done it without you!

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

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lders Insurance Penrith is locally owned and operated by Chris Johnston. Mr Johnston and the local team will work with you to understand your needs and help find you the right cover. “We might not know what the future holds, but when you’re covered with us, you can feel safe knowing that you’re in good hands in those times of trouble,” Mr Johnston said. “We also look to provide education to our customers on how to protect their valuable assets, ensuring they have an insurance program that meets their needs and expectations.” Mr Johnston lives and works in the local Penrith community, which means you’ll always speak to someone from your area who understands your circumstances. By getting to know your business, Mr Johnston will work with you to find the best cover that suits your circumstance, so if the unexpected ever occurs, you can get back to doing what you do best sooner.

“In the unfortunate event of a claim, we settle the majority of matters directly in our office, quickly and without delay,” Mr Johnston said. Mr Johnston is also proud of the connection the business has with the local community. “We support the local community by using local tradesmen and suppliers for any repairs or replacement items,” he said. “While we might be one of Australia’s largest regional and rural insurance providers, we also offer a wide range of policies for those living in metropolitan areas. “We are also really proud to be in Penrith and look forward to working with the wider community and assisting with their general insurance needs. “Whether you’re choosing a policy or making a claim, we’ll always be there to help and provide a cover that’s just right for you.” To discuss your insurance needs, give Chris a call today on 0466 661 004 or visit www.eldersinsurance. com.au/penrith.

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The official newsletter of Penrith City Council March 2018 edition

WESTERN SYDNEY

HAWKESBURY CITY COUNCIL

CITY DEAL SECURES REGIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FUTURE

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter Â» Friday, March 23, 2018

PENRITH CITY COMMUNITY NEWS

BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL

0ENRITH HAS SECURED SIGNIlCANT INVESTMENT IN THE REGION AFTER A LANDMARK AGREEMENT was reached between the Federal, State and eight Local Councils under the Western Sydney City Deal.

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL FAIRFIELD CITY COUNCIL CI

WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT & BADGERYS CREEK AEROTROPOLIS

The Western Sydney City Deal is all about PLANNING lRST AND BUILDING SECOND TO DELIVER a bold new approach for how our region IS DESIGNED AND DELIVERED IN THE COMING YEARS 4HE DEAL UNIlES &EDERAL 3TATE AND ,OCAL GOVERNMENTS TO FOCUS ON THE MOST IMPORTANT PROJECTS TO RESIDENTS OF THE Western City.

LIVERPOOL OL CITY COUNCIL UNCIL CAMDEN COUNCIL N CO OU

WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL

CAMPBELLTOWN PB BELL L O LT CITY COUNCIL YC COU UN

4HE #ITY $EAL OFFERS MANY BENElTS TO 0ENRITH RESIDENTS AND CONlRMS COMMITMENTS FROM THE THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER

CONNECTIVITY

PLANNING AND HOUSING

North South Rail -Stage One, will connect OUR REGION TO BECOME A MINUTE CITY PROVIDING RESIDENTS WITH BETTER ACCESS TO JOBS HOUSING AND EDUCATIONAL opportunities.

0LANNING REFORM TO IMPROVE HOUSING supply and affordability.

JOBS FOR THE FUTURE NEW JOBS WILL BE PART OF A NEW !EROTROPOLIS PRECINCT SET TO DELIVER MORE JOBS CLOSER TO HOME FOR RESIDENTS

SKILLS AND EDUCATION %DUCATION IS KEY FOR SKILLING LOCALS FOR THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE THE DEAL FOCUSES ON THE need for educational opportunities at all LEVELS n HIGH SCHOOL TAFE AND UNIVERSITY SO THAT LOCALS HAVE THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS IN THE YEARS TO COME

Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith

LIVEABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT ! MILLION LIVEABILITY FUND TO BE SHARED equally across eight Councils that will be USED TO DELIVER LOCAL PROJECTS TO ENHANCE our natural assets so that Penrith continues TO BE A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND ENJOY

GOVERNANCE !N ENDURING GOVERNANCE MODEL UNDERPINS THE DEAL TO ENSURE DELIVERY ACROSS THE NEXT YEARS 4HIS MODEL INCLUDES ALL THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WORKING TOGETHER ACROSS JOINT PROJECTS

Queen Street Customer Service Centre 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys

)NCLUDED IN THE #ITY $EAL IS A COMMITMENT TO DELIVER 3TAGE /NE OF THE .ORTH 3OUTH 2AIL ,INK FROM 3T -ARYS TO THE NEW !EROTROPOLIS VIA 7ESTERN 3YDNEY !IRPORT 2AIL CHANGES EVERYTHING AND WILL CONNECT OUR CITY TO REGIONS LIKE NEVER BEFORE IT WILL STIMULATE GROWTH AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT HUBS INVIGORATING HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SLASHING COMMUTING TIMES AND CREATING THRIVING CONNECTED COMMUNITIES 4HE #ITY $EAL PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK TO TRANSFORM OUR REGION INTO A LIVEABLE PRODUCTIVE AND INNOVATIVE REGION 0ENRITH #OUNCIL HAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD ON DELIVERING NEW LOCAL JOBS BETTER CONNECTIVITY TO JOB CENTRES AND GREATER HOUSING AND lifestyle options to residents. The City Deal offers exceptional opportunities for Penrith, IT IS THE START OF SOMETHING BIG FOR OUR REGION

Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958 Email: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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

Friday, March 23, 2018 « Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

SOUTH WARD

Jim Aitken OAM 0418 288 488

Mark Davies 0416 085 597

By-election 12 May 2018

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

By-election 12 May 2018

John Thain 0411 427 812

Mayor

You can stay up to date with Council news and events by following Council on twitter and liking Council’s page on facebook.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE Welcome to our first newsletter of 2018. The first quarter of this year has already delivered great news for our City as it heralds a new era of governments working together. I refer to the Western City Deal that I and seven fellow Western Sydney Mayors signed with the Federal and State Governments, explained in detail on the cover of this newsletter. Importantly, it gives us a ‘seat at the table’ to deliver smart and responsible growth for Western Sydney. Council’s advocacy for the community was recognised with the announcement of a commitment to deliver Stage One of the North South rail line that will connect the Western Sydney Airport to St Marys from day one of airport operation. The State and Federal Governments have committed to jointly funding Stage One of the link. The exact rail corridor has not yet been announced, but we expect the State Government to announce a proposed route in the coming weeks. When released, there will be a rigorous community engagement process where residents and Council can provide input on the proposed routes. Penrith really is the home of world-class events with another exciting line-up of events being held in our city over coming months. Major events provide a significant boost for our local economy and continue to highlight Penrith as an

The by-election is required under the Local Government Act 1993 following the resignation of two Penrith Councillors in February. South Ward Councillor Joshua Hoole and East Ward Councillor Ben Price recently resigned from Penrith Council citing personal circumstances.

The polls will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 12 May and voting is compulsory for all South and East ward residents on the electoral role.

North Ward residents do not need to vote. Local elections do not allow absentee voting. If you will be outside your ward on election day, you can request a postal vote or make a pre-poll vote up to two weeks before the election. SOUTH WARD SUBURBS Glenmore Park, the majority of Orchard Hills, Mulgoa, South Penrith, Jamisontown, Leonay, Regentville, Luddenham, Badgerys Creek, Wallacia and parts of Emu Plains, Penrith City, Kemps Creek and Kingswood.

Our run of world-class events in 2017, including the Matildas vs Brazil match, Defqon.1 music festival, Tennis International and NSW Golf Open boosted the local economy by nearly $10 million. This benefitted local businesses including motels, restaurants and tourist attractions. I would like to acknowledge all our local volunteers who give their time freely to help others. Council’s Australia Day Awards recognised numerous individuals and for the first time we celebrated community groups who work together for the benefit of their local neighbourhoods and charitable causes. Our community appreciates the work of volunteers and it’s important to recognise their contributions.

Cr John Thain Penrith City Mayor

WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT UPDATE

SOUTH AND EAST WARD BY-ELECTION

A dual by-election will be held to elect one Councillor each for the South and East wards of Penrith Local Government Area on Saturday 12 May.

attractive place to invest in and visit.

EAST WARD SUBURBS The majority of Kingswood, Caddens, Claremont Meadows, St Marys, Colyton, St Clair, Erskine Park, Oxley Park, Kemps Creek, Mount Vernon and parts of Orchard Hills. Residents can check their ward and enrolment details at roll.elections.nsw. gov.au/NSWLookUp/ Information about becoming a candidate, working at the election, prepoll, postal voting and polling places will be made available on Council’s website at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ Council-Election.

The first edition of the Western Sydney Airport Community Newsletter for 2018 is now available. The newsletter covers the latest news from the Federal Government on the airport site, WSA Co and the Forum on Western Sydney Airport – visit westernsydneyairport.gov.au for more information. Council is committed to maximising the benefits and minimising the impacts of the airport for Penrith, find out more at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/airport.

NSW Youth Week 2018 is the largest celebration for everyone between 12 to 24 years of age in NSW. This year Youth Week will be held from 13 to 22 April, with hundreds of activities and events to get involved in across the State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit youthweek.nsw.gov.au for details. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Week theme Unity Through Diversity was set by young people who said that diversity is an important theme for them in NSW.

PENRITH EVENTS:

COLOUR RUN Where: Sherringham Oval Cranebrook When: Tuesday 17 April, 12.00pm4.00pm What: Nepean Community and Neighbourhood Services is holding the Cranebrook Colour Run for people aged 12-24. It will consist of multiple colour stations as well as obstacle activities. The colours represent the inclusiveness of different cultures, beliefs and sexual identity. The activity will also include cultural performances by young people, music and dancing, and free food will also be provided.

SKATE CLAIR Where: St Clair Skate Park When: Wednesday 18 April, 11.00am3.00pm What: Young people will have the opportunity to participate in a skateboard, scooter, bike and street skating competition, judged by young people. The Skate Comp will include live music performances by local young people, free stalls held by Youth Service providers, and interactive activities. This event is hosted by Community Junction, with young people leading the planning, organising and running of the activities.

YOUTH WEEK @ THE MONDO

Where: Mondo space, between WestďŹ eld Penrith and the Joan When: Thursday 19 April, 5.00pm8.30pm What: Community Junction is organising this opportunity for young people to perform in a talent quest, with the winner to be voted on by young people. The event will also offer free amusement rides, local services and interactive information stalls, and food.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;OLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; IS JUST A STATE OF MIND!

FREE EVENT

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter Âť Friday, March 23, 2018

YOUTH WEEK 2018

2EAWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT OF FUN AND ADVENTURE AT THE 2EIMAGINE !GEING &ESTIVAL KICK OFF NO MATTER HOW @OLD YOU ARE OR FEEL

FESTIVAL KICK-OFF Wednesday 4 April | 9.30am-1.30pm At the -ONDO BETWEEN 7ESTlELD AND THE *OAN penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ReimagineAgeing2018

GET YOUR YOUTH SERVICES CARD

OPENING 14 APRIL 2018

Support is on hand for local young people

JORDAN SPRINGS COMMUNITY HUB To make a booking enquiry or ďŹ nd out how to get involved call 4732 8021.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Young people living in Penrith and their parents or carers can now access information about local services that offer support for relationships, accommodation, counselling and legal advice.The Penrith Youth Services Card has been compiled to support our youth and offers a comprehensive list of 95 local services that can provide speciďŹ c age appropriate assistance. It is available from the Penrith Civic Centre, all Council Libraries and Council Childcare Centres, or online at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ youthservicescard It is also available at all local high schools in the Penrith area and other local youth services such as Don

Bosco Youth & Recreation Centre in St Marys, Community Junction (St Clair) and Nepean Community and Neighbourhood Services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With over 34,000 residents in Penrith aged between 12-24 the Penrith Youth Services Card provides a useful information resource about services available to young people in the Penrith Local Government Area,â&#x20AC;? Penrith Mayor Cr John Thain said. For more information about the Penrith Youth Services Card or youth programs in the Penrith area please contact Community Programs Coordinator Katerina Tahija on 4732 7832 or email katerina.tahija@penrith.city

Friday, March 23, 2018 « Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

EXPERIENCE JAPAN BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR PENRITH AND HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!

GET THE BEST CARE AND EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD Places available - enrol now 4732 7844 penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Travel to Penrith’s sister city Fujieda and live with a Japanese family for 3 weeks. Experience Japanese culture, learn about the Japanese way of life and share your Australia with a Japanese student in return.

they have made strong friendships that continue long after the exchange. When in Japan, students will attend school with their host, travel to shrines and temples and go on an excursion to Hiroshima.

In conjunction with Penrith City Council, the Penrith International Friendship Committee has been successfully running this annual exchange program for 30 years and has facilitated the exchange of over 240 students from Australia and Japan.

Students are not required to speak Japanese, however some basic Japanese is beneﬁcial.

Past students report that the exchange was a life changing experience and

PROGRAM DETAILS Age: you must be between 15 and 19 years of age. Address: you must attend school and/or live in Penrith. When: you will host a Japanese student for 3 weeks in July/ August 2018 and you will travel to Japan for 3 weeks in September/October 2018. The program requires a 12 month commitment which includes preparation and follow up meetings.

POWERING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE PENRITH With the cost of living increasing all the time, there’s never been a better time to look at how you can reduce your power bills and save energy. To help our local residents identify opportunities to reduce their bills, Council’s website now offers information about programs and assistance packages that are available for people in all types of housing situations (renting / owning) and types. Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/sustainability for information about comparing retail energy deals, understanding your bill, reducing your energy use and buying efficient appliances. There’s also information about energy efficient programs including rebates and financial assistance, support provided by the Ombudsman, and what you need to know about solar panels and battery storage. Stay up to date with sustainability news, events and opportunities by signing up to our e-newsletter - email andrew. hewson@penrith.city How Council is saving energy Saving energy is a key area of Council’s sustainability work. It allows us to serve our communities more efficiently, while reducing our impact on the environment and climate.

Some of the ways Council saves energy include:

APPLICATIONS Applications close 4pm Friday 20 April 2018. Forms can be downloaded from www.penrithcity. nsw.gov.au/Student-Exchange.

Highlights: you will live with a Japanese family and experience the Japanese lifestyle. You will attend school with your host brother/sister and visit some amazing historical and tourist attractions. Approximate cost: $2,500 If you have any further questions please contact Council’s International Partnerships Ofﬁcer on 02 4732 8258, stephanie.wood@penrith.city

EARTH HOUR 2018

This year Earth Hour is being held on Saturday 24 March, from 8.30 to 9.30pm. Earth Hour started in Sydney as a way for regular people to show their support for action on climate change. Since then it has grown into a global movement that ﬂourishes to this day. Council will be participating in Earth Hour by turning off all lighting at our facilities, except essential security lighting. To learn more about Earth Hour visit www.earthhour.org.au Council has installed 34 solar panel systems on our facilities, including the Joan.

Geothermal heating and cooling at Penrith Regional Gallery, Emu Plains. Keeping temperature and humidity conditions stable is critical for protecting and preserving the impressive collection of art and artefacts displayed at the Gallery. To ensure this occurs in the most efﬁcient way possible, Council in conjunction with the Community Development Grants Program from the federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has installed a geothermal system. The

system relies on a series of boreholes that when refrigerant is pumped through provide a stable temperature. The system uses the ground temperature to act as either a heating or cooling system, depending on what is required. This is based on the understanding that the temperature of the earth in summer is cooler than the hot summer air, and in winter the earth is warmer than the cold winter air. Being close to the river means the water table will also help the system operate efﬁciently. The new system not only uses less energy, it is

also much quieter which will be great for neighbouring residents. Solar panels on Council facilities Council is continuing to roll solar panels out across our facilities. To date 34 solar panel systems have been installed, giving us a total of 306kW in energy output. For comparison a typical home system is about 3-5kW. The largest installations include the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (47.85kW), Glenmore Park Child and Family Precinct (40.04kW) and Council’s Works Depot (29.58kW).

Janette Paul (pictured) is the author of two romantic comedies, the bestselling Just Breathe and Amber and Alice. When not writing rom com, she is penning thrillers as Jaye Ford, internationally published and award-winning author of ﬁve crime novels. Her latest book, Amber and Alice could be described as “Bridget Jones meets Thelma and Louise”. It’s a very funny romantic comedy, as one woman ﬁnds the answers she needs (plus a little love) on a trip into the stunning Australian desert.

When Alexandra Joel spoke at last year’s Sydney Writers’ Festival event at Penrith Library she began by saying “I was so thrilled when I found out I’d be appearing at Penrith Library because you’ve got a reputation for being one of the best venues around for author talks!” So Penrith Library has gained a reputation as a great venue, attracting good crowds, with up to 200 people attending each of the Sydney Writers’ Festival author talks in May since 2007. We’ve featured Peter Fitzsimons (twice), Jana Wendt, Dr Karl, Sylvia Nasar (A Beautiful Mind), Thomas Keneally, Tim Ferguson, Ross Coulthart and William McInnes. In 2015 the still little-known Liane Moriarty started her talk by excitedly telling the audience that she’d only just come from meeting with Nicole Kidman to develop Big Little Lies for television.

Fiona McArthur (pictured above) writes about love, midwifery, women’s friendships and present-day issues, and often sets her novels in the Australian outback. Her 30 romances have sold over two million copies in 12 languages.

On April 16 the Library will host an event featuring three Australian women writers: Fiona McArthur, Janette Paul and Sandie Docker. Love Between the Pages will see the three authors talk about writing romance novels and addressing topics such as “What’s the point of a love story?”; “Why we need to make room for women’s stories written by women and for women”; “The importance of strong female role models in stories”; “How love stories teach us about ourselves and life”, and “The do’s and don’ts of writing romance”. These talks will be of special interest to lovers of romance ﬁction as well as aspiring romance writers.

novel, a heart-warming multi-generational story of three women in the small Australian town of Kookaburra Creek. On May 2 we feature Luke Slattery, one of Australia’s foremost journalists, who talks about his first novel Mrs. M. This Sydney-based author, journalist and literary critic has been published throughout Australia and internationally and served as higher education editor at The Australian, The Age and The Australian Financial Review. He is the author of five non-fiction books: Dating Aphrodite: Modern Adventures in the Ancient World, Reclaiming Epicurus: Could an Ancient Philosophy of Happiness Save the World?, Crisis in the Clever Country: Why Our Universities are Failing (with Geoffrey Maslen), and The First Dismissal - a non-fictional account of the dramatic Australian colonial history that lies at the heart of Mrs. M. Mrs. M is described as a rich and intense novel of an imagined history of desire, ambition and dashed dreams, and a portrait of one passionate, unforgettable woman - Elizabeth Macquarie.

Sandie Docker (pictured above) began her love affair with women’s ﬁction when she read Jane Austen for the HSC, but it took her a little while to realise she might have a knack for writing - an idea that sat quietly in the back of her mind while she lived overseas and travelled the world. Now back in Sydney she writes every day. The Kookaburra Creek Cafe is her debut

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter » Friday, March 23, 2018

SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL RETURNS

Later in the year, we’ll feature another well-known romance author. We can’t tell you their name yet because it’s embargoed but it will certainly be a crowd-puller.

GET CREATIVE THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SHOWS

Why not plan some special treats for the kids with tickets to The Playground, The Joan’s Kids & Families program. A family pass saves you money and will give your kids (or grandkids) something great to look forward to. There’s Billionaire Boy, on Friday 6 April at 5:30pm, where - for one show only - David Walliams’ best-selling novel comes to life on stage for 6 - 12-year olds. Or how about a hilarious home-grown tale? A story about dreams, believing in yourself... and a dancing kangaroo, Josephine Wants to Dance is a brand new Australian musical based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Grab a ticket and ﬁnish the school holidays with this uplifting show from the award-winning Monkey Baa Theatre Company on Friday 27 April at 10am & 12 noon. Suitable for ages 4 - 9. All Kids & Families show tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for kids or $76 for a family pass (four tickets, including at least one adult).

DANCE

If movement’s more your thing, the Sydney Dance Company is heading west once again to run the hugely popular school holiday dance workshops, covering hip hop, lyrical, jazz and contemporary dance. The workshops are for 8 - 16 year old girls and boys and offer a fun and focused environment for passionate young dancers with some previous experience to improve their dance technique under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers.

LI V E

on Stage!

A play by Maryann Master based on the bestselling novel

For theatrical types, The Joan will again run a range of holiday theatre workshops, offering young performers and theatre-makers the opportunity to work on their craft; from storytelling and stage combat to voice and costume design. These workshops will run between 23 and 27 April. Visual art-lovers can try an April school holiday workshop at Penrith Regional Gallery.

THEATRE WORKSHOPS

Workshops are inspired by the works from the autumn exhibition tactile, which invites visitors to enter a sensory world – where the gallery rules have been suspended and the artworks can be touched. Kids can let their imaginations run wild in the workshops, which offer everything from sculpting fantasy landscapes to creating compelling animations. The exhibition opens on 8 April and workshops run from 23 - 27 April. Artists include Troy Emery, Emily Parsons-Lord, Pip and Pop, Hiromi Tango and Hannah Toohey.

Friday, March 23, 2018 « Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

STARRING LOCAL FOOD BUSINESSES

VILLAGE CAFÉ HAS PLENTY OF ZEST!

Thinking about eating out or getting takeaway tonight? We can help you choose where to eat out or shop for food.

Council’s acclaimed Village Café has won the award for Exceptional Partnership in a Local Government Area at the recent ZEST Awards.

Our City is home to an increasingly exciting range of places to eat, and Council plays an active role in ensuring local food businesses maintain high standards so the food they sell is safe to eat and doesn’t make people sick.

The ZEST Awards, led by Western Sydney Community Forum, showcase the great work of community organisations in promoting a positive image of Greater Western Sydney. They provide an opportunity to acknowledge the individuals organisations, projects and partnership that make a real difference in the lives of people in our community.

Our Environmental Health Ofﬁcers regularly advise and inspect food businesses including restaurants, cafes, child care centres, school canteens, mobile food vans and temporary food stalls. We also respond to customer complaints. Under Council’s Food Regulation Partnership Agreement with the NSW Food Authority, we inspect all 800+ retail food businesses in our area every year, to help ensure they meet their obligations under the Food Act 2003 and the Food Safety Standards. Scores on Doors is a NSW state-wide program that lets potential customers see at a glance if a retail food business has been given a star rating (3, 4 or 5 star) for health, hygiene and food safety. Council incorporated the Scores on Doors Program into our Food Safety Program from 2016 and all eligible businesses have had the opportunity to gain a rating.

The rating is displayed by the food business, often on a sticker in their front window, and you can also see the star ratings for local businesses at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/foodsafety. In the 2016-17 ﬁnancial year, we had 331 businesses rated 5 star, 201 rated 4 star and 97 rated 3 star. This equates to 78% of local registered food businesses receiving a rating certiﬁcate based on their performance at the time we inspected them. For more information visit Council’s website or the NSW Food Authority’s website foodauthority.nsw.gov.au

Penrith Mayor John Thain said ‘the ‘Village Café’ initiative was a real winner for everyone concerned.

Penrith Mayor John Thain (centre) with members of Village Café key partners -Ability Links, Penrith Council and Community Junction

“Residents are offered a unique opportunity via the ‘Village Café’ to connect socially, share their experiences of staying well, and informally access preventative health and community services at a fortnightly café that pops up in a vacant block at Parklawn Place shops North St Marys,” Clr Thain said.

Local Health District, the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, Community Junction, Ability Links, LikeMind and Uniting with each bringing their unique expertise to empower people over the age of 50 in North St Marys to improve their health and wellbeing.

The Village Café project is a priority under the Penrith Health Action Plan – an agreement between the three levels of government to collaborate on health promotion, prevention and early intervention.

The Village Café is funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services Liveable Communities Program until 29 March. Council is currently trying to secure funding to be able to continue and expand this popular project.

The project partners include Penrith Council, the Nepean Blue Mountains

HIGH STREET IS GETTING A FACE LIFT Council is about to start upgrading and transforming High Street in the Penrith CBD. This is an important, city-shaping project that will renew the city centre and have major beneﬁts for businesses, shoppers and residents. We’re renewing the city centre to make it easier for everyone to access and enjoy High Street, and provide more opportunities for businesses to thrive in a 24-hour economy. By replacing some of the ageing infrastructure, we can create a city centre that people want to spend time in, and can access with ease at any time of the day or night. The works will make High Street easier and safer for people to walk around, and provide more options for people to enjoy the space through outdoor dining and seating. We’ll also be replacing the trees with ones more suited to the area, and adding new plants. This will not only make High Street look great, but will also help keep temperatures down in the hotter months.

We’re also installing some new stormwater management features to help protect High Street and businesses from flash flooding for years to come. The works will complement the new Triangle Park and contribute to our longer term vision of a network of quality urban spaces in our city centres. Designed by a team of consultants and Council’s Landscape Architects, the works will use high quality materials. We understand that disruption is not welcome news, but some short term pain is necessary for long term benefits. Once the works are completed, High Street will be a more liveable and desirable place to be for us all, day and night. We are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption and keep High Street open for businesses and shoppers during the upgrade works. To do this, we’ll be doing the work in stages, and doing night works where possible. We’ll also be working closely with our contractor to communicate with local businesses and the community at every stage of the works.

WHAT WE ARE DOING The upgrades are designed to make High Street more inviting for shoppers and easier to access. The works will include: • installing stormwater culverts to reduce ﬂash ﬂooding • constructing new granite paving on the footpath • installing new street furniture • upgrading street lighting • replacing trees with medium sized street trees that will provide shade, and • constructing three footpath extensions for additional outdoor dining and seating.

Penrith is dominated by waterways and wide floodplains, so the risk of flooding is real for us. Management of our floodplains is complex and raises many challenges that government and communities are facing together. The NSW Government is currently implementing the regional HawkesburyNepean Valley Flood Risk Management Strategy to reduce the risk to lives and property throughout the floodplain (which stretches from Bents Basin to Brooklyn). The strategy contains a mix of measures including raising Warragamba Dam for flood mitigation; a regional approach to land use, roads and emergency planning; better flood forecasting and mapping; improved flood response and recovery, and increasing community awareness and

readiness for flood. An Environmental Impact Assessment is currently underway for the Warragamba Dam Raising proposal - see waternsw.com.au/wdr for details and opportunities to have your say. Meanwhile at a more local level, Penrith Council is continuing to develop Floodplain Risk Management Plans for areas at risk of flooding across Penrith City, as required under the NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy. Each plan is researched and prepared by an independent, expert consultant on Council’s behalf. We also have a Floodplain Risk Management Committee that includes Councillors and Council staff, community representatives and representatives from the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage, the State Emergency Services and relevant

neighbouring Councils. Plans for seven catchments are currently underway or already completed – see Council’s website for details. The Plans include the draft Nepean River Flood Study which is on public exhibition from 15 March to 19 April 2018. You can visit yoursaypenrith.com.au to read the study and ﬁnd out more, including how you can comment on it. Also during May this year, we will be consulting with the community to help prepare the Penrith CBD Catchment Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. Preparing these plans involves a staged process including data collection, a Flood

Study, a Floodplain Risk Management Study and a Floodplain Risk Management Plan. We engage directly with landowners and residents in the relevant area as part of collecting data and also invite public comment on each draft study and plan before it is ﬁnalised and put to Council for adoption.

Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter » Friday, March 23, 2018

FLOOD PLANNING CONTINUES

Community input is a vital part of developing comprehensive, effective plans. It’s also important that all members of the community who may be affected by ﬂooding are fully aware of the risks and prepared for the worst case scenario. We will continue to update our website, the Your Say Penrith website and local media throughout the process. If you have any questions you are welcome to contact Council on 4732 7777.

LOOK LOCAL FOR HOLIDAY FUN

Five new bus shelters are among recent improvements at Erskine Business Park

IMPROVEMENTS PAVE THE WAY Council has invested $1.96 million in local infrastructure improvements in Erskine Business Park, including $660,000 in pathways linking the estate to St Clair and Erskine Park. If you visit or work in the Erskine Business Park you will have noticed: • 5 new bus shelters • a free outdoor gym, ping pong table and picnic shelter • hundreds of street trees, and • landscaping and seating at the biodiversity conservation area. All the work was funded by the Erskine Business Park Development Contributions Plan, paid for by developers to deliver new infrastructure needed in the estate.

Council’s upgrade was complemented by equally welcome improvements to numerous private properties in prominent locations owned by Goodman Property and Liebherr Cranes, creating an even better place to work, visit and invest in. In the coming year, bus shelters, landscaping and other works are programmed for Lenore Drive. Elsewhere across the City, recent roadworks have included reconstruction and resurfacing works on Littleﬁelds Road (from 100m east to 400m west of Queenshill Road) and a 600m section of The Driftway in Londonderry.

There is plenty of affordable fun on offer locally these holidays.

Looking for interesting, fun and affordable ways to keep the kids occupied throughout the Easter long weekend and April school holidays? The Visit Penrith website visitpenrith. com.au is full of great ideas, new places to go and upcoming events for all ages and interests including Easter

and school holiday activities. From Easter egg hunts to the Diesel, Dirt & Turf Expo, from astronomy nights to concerts, magic shows, workshops and markets, there really is something for everyone happening around Penrith. Head to visitpenrith.com.au to ﬁnd out more.

Friday, March 23, 2018 « 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

4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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.

PENSIONERS If you are a pension card holder, you may be eligible for a pensioner concession on your rates. Please call us on 4732 7676 to discuss.

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READY FOR DOG FIGHT pa n t he rs l ook t o k e e p c a n t e r bury w inl e ss MACK TRUCK OUT AGAIN > P36 Third serious ACL injury puts Sam McKendry’s future in severe doubt

PANTHERS FOR LIFE > P38 Jim Jones and Craig Gower honoured for important contribution to Penrith

ANDREW VOSS > P39 Vossy can’t believe what he’s seen in the opening two rounds of 2018

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

THE FINAL WORD

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 • 6.00PM | ANZ STADIUM | REFEREES: ADAM GEE & GAVIN REYNOLDS The Panthers celebrate last week’s win over the Rabbitohs. Photo: Melinda Jane

PANTHERS 1

Dylan Edwards

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Josh Mansour Waqa Blake Dean Whare TBA James Maloney Nathan Cleary James Tamou Peter Wallace (c) Reagan Campbell-Gillard Viliame Kikau Isaah Yeo Trent Merrin Tyrone Peachey Corey Harawira-Naera Moses Leota James Fisher-Harris Sione Katoa 19 N Lui-Toso

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 23, 2018

MATCH PREVIEW

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eware the wounded Bulldog. While the first two rounds of the competition give weight to Penrith’s heavy favouritism for this match, I find myself with a few concerns heading into the twilight kick-off at ANZ Stadium on Friday. The concerns certainly aren’t based on form, moreso the reality that the Bulldogs have to win eventually and that sides with their backs to the wall so often find a way to rise above the adversity. The Bulldogs have been disappointing in their first two games, leaking 36 and 30 points respectively against the Storm and Roosters, but they certainly won’t be the only team on the wrong side of a thrash-

ing to those two powerhouse clubs this season. Canterbury were always likely to start slow with new coach Dean Pay finding his feet and Kieran Foran needing some time to adjust to leading a new side around the park. Don’t underestimate the loss of James Graham either – he provided the leadership and spark that drove the Bulldogs’ aggressive style and the side needs someone to step up and fill that void. At some point it’ll start to click and I can see the Dogs going on a solid mid-season run that very much puts them in Finals contention. That said, coach Pay has hit the panic button very early, dropping five-eighth Matt Frawley in favour of Jeremy Marshall-King for this clash. It is an intriguing decision given the Frawley / Foran combination had little time to gel. As for Penrith, round three provides

circumstances that couldn’t be further away from what they faced in the opening rounds. The obvious one is there will be no vocal home crowd to spur them on. And after two games in searing heat, this week Penrith will find themselves playing in much cooler conditions after a week of rain in Sydney. It means that while superior fitness got the side home against the Eels and Rabbitohs, it’ll be ball control, improved discipline and possession that wins this one. With Sam McKendry ruled out through another heartbreaking ACL injury, Moses Leota returns to the top side and simply must step up if he’s going to stay there. He has been a ‘thereabouts’ player for a couple of seasons now – it’s time to prove he’s worthy of a permanent first grade spot. Coach Anthony Griffin will also have

Moses Mbye

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Brett Morris Josh Morris Will Hopoate Marcelo Montoya Jeremy Marshall-King Kieran Foran Aaron Woods Michael Lichaa David Klemmer Joshua Jackson (c) Raymond Faitala-Mariner Aiden Tolman Adam Elliott Asipeli Fine Danny Fualalo Fa’amanu Brown

some re-shuffling to do in the backs with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak out for the next six weeks after suffering a broken jaw. The momentum is unlikely to shift in this clash as much as it did in the opening games, which means those slow starts really need to be addressed. We can all praise the character of the side to come back from 14-0 down in two consecutive games, but pleased as he may be with the wins there’s no way coach Griffin would be happy with the way his side is coming out of the blocks. The partnership between James Maloney and Nathan Cleary is improving quickly and once that has settled, the starts may improve as a result. I’m sticking with Penrith in this one but I admit, I’m frightened. I sense something is cooking at Canterbury to turn things around – they will win very soon. Tip: Panthers by 6.

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

WE ALL FEEL FOR SAM » Heartbreaking news for big forward

Sam McKendry this week with the 28-year-old ruled out for the rest of the season. It’s the third consecutive year that an ACL tear in his right knee has ruined McKendry’s season, and you would have to think his career is now in severe doubt. Panthers boss Phil Gould summed up the feelings of the club’s fan base when he said it was “unbelievably sad news” for the former Test front rower. “It’s a huge blow for our club as well. Sam really looked like he was getting back to his best,” Gould said.

» McKendry’s injury wasn’t the only

blow to Penrith’s forward stocks last weekend with Tim Browne suffering a ruptured bowel while playing in the ISP on Saturday afternoon. He was rushed from Panthers Stadium to hospital and underwent emergency surgery. The 30-year-old is expected to make a full recovery but it’ll be a long road back to complete health.

» The Panthers should be praised for

their quick and professional response to the claims by Greg Inglis that he was racially abused by a member of the crowd at Panthers Stadium last weekend. CEO Brian Fletcher was straight on the front foot, issuing a statement on Sunday morning indicating the strongest possible response. “I wish to make it clear our club does not tolerate this kind of behaviour in any form. We will work with the NRL to investigate the matter and any perpetrators will be swiftly dealt with,” Fletcher said. “Our club apologises unreservedly to Greg Inglis for the upset caused by the alleged incident.” Penrith officials spent Monday morning reviewing footage in an attempt to track down the member of the crowd responsible. The club is continuing its investigation but it’s believed they’ve narrowed down a likely suspect.

» Still on the unsavoury issue from Sat-

urday, reports in The Daily Telegraph suggesting Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey was also racially abused during the game are totally off the mark. There’s no truth to it whatsoever.

Injured again: Sam McKendry

» We all know how rampant the specula-

tion is about Nathan Cleary potentially joining the Wests Tigers to be coached by his father Ivan, but there’s also been a few whispers around about the Roosters being keen on a Cleary package deal in the coming years. Cooper Cronk is off contract at the end of 2019 and will almost certainly retire, meaning the Roosters will be looking for a quality halfback. Nathan Cleary just happens to be off contract at the same time, while Ivan Cleary will be nearing the end of his tenure with the Tigers. There is no doubt Penrith remains confident of re-signing Nathan, but there’s certainly some nerves around the place and that will be the case until he puts pen to paper.

» Panthers five-eighth James Maloney

has revealed he hasn’t spoken to his former coach Shane Flanagan at the Sharks since the end of last year. Maloney quietly exited the Sharks in the off-season without so much as a farewell phone call from Flanagan.

» Brothers Dallin and Malakai Watene-

Zelezniak hope to launch their new watch range in June. ‘W Zelezniak’ is the brainchild of the footy loving brothers, with Dallin completing a business course last year and Malakai boasting some pretty sharp graphic design skills.

» Meanwhile, Dallin will be out for up to six weeks with a broken jaw.

» He’s got Phil Gould and Trent Merrin

as presidents of his fan club, but Penrith officials know that despite his talent, Jack Hetherington is going to be a handful as he continues to rise through the rugby league ranks. Believed to be on the verge of a first grade debut this year, Hetherington found himself in trouble last weekend in the ISP. Not only was he sin-binned during the game, but he also landed on the charge sheet. He’ll miss two games for a high tackle after his poor judiciary record came into play.

» Spotted: A handful of Panthers fans at

the CMC Rocks festival in Queensland last weekend, cheering the Panthers on to victory over the Rabbitohs.

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CONFIDENCE GOT PANTHERS HOME NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

rent Merrin’s incredible act of determination got Penrith back into the game last Saturday against South Sydney, but the former Origin star admits his side can’t be making a habit of falling behind the eight ball. For the second straight week, the Panthers defied the odds and rallied back from 14 points down in diabolical heat, to go on and defeat the visiting Bunnies 18-14. Speaking with Extra Time, Merrin credited Penrith coach Anthony Griffin for giving his side plenty of belief during a half-time chat. “Hook was very calm, just like he was in Round 1,” he said. “He had full confidence in the team and what we were capable of doing. It was just about regrouping, taking a deep breath and focusing on the second half. ” Following Merrin’s four-pointer, the Panthers laid on two more tries through

Waqa Blake and Tyrone Peachey, to take the lead and notch up their second straight win to the start the year. Merrin said the ability to be able to come back and win despite the hot conditions was rather remarkable. “The heat over the last two weeks has been a good test of character for us group of men,” he said. “It’s definitely a mental challenge out there to keep pushing through, especially in that second half to have the energy and fitness to come out on top two weeks in a row. “We are all looking forward to a night game this Friday to get away from the sun.” Penrith will travel up the M4 this afternoon to battle the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium. Despite being winless to start the year, Merrin said he’s wary of the new-look Bulldogs. “They are going to come out firing. They are at home coming off two losses, so we’re expecting a massive game through the middle,” he said.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 23, 2018

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Trent Merrin barges through the defence last Saturday. da day. ay. Photo: Phot Ph oto o:: Melinda Mel eliin nda da JJane an e an

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE MAGIC NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

ighting through tears, Panthers recruitment manager Jim Jones has opened up for the first time about the impact former Penrith captain and Premiership-winning halfback Craig Gower has had on his life. In the mid 1990s, Jones signed the then 16-year-old from Colyton to what was regarded as a fairly rich deal at the time. Jones was taking a calculated risk, but club bosses weren’t so sure about his actions. “I signed Craig on a bit of money at the time and then the club questioned me as to why I was paying a lot of money for him,” Jones told Extra Time. “I had to have a meeting to explain myself. I told them he was going to be a very good player and would play NRL. I told them he’ll probably represent, so I think I won that battle.” Jones’ instinct was spot on. Not only did

Gower become Penrith captain, he played for both his state and country. Ironically, both Jones and Gower were reunited this week, receiving Life Memberships from the Panthers club. An emotional Jones choked back tears when asked what it meant to him that he was becoming a Life Member alongside a player that he fought so hard to sign. “It’s fantastic. I knew his family, his dad was a coach… I’m a bit emotional… my sons reckon I have a soft spot for Gowie because I always followed his career coming through,” Jones said. “He was a little bull, you could just see how determined he was – he was a winner. He wanted to win every game, win every run, score every try. Gowie had a determined attitude and you knew he was going to be a very good player.” Now in his 25th year as recruitment guru at Panthers, Jones can be credited for signing some of the biggest players in the game as teenagers including Luke Rooney, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, Luke Lewis, Matt Sing and Brett Mullins.

Jim Jones has been scouting talent for the Panthers for 25 years. Photo: Melinda Jane Even Penrith’s current crop of youngsters have a touch of Jim about them in Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Tyrone May and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. “I remember when Dallin was coming through Harold Matthews and I said ‘I better sign you up one day’ and Dallin replied ‘show me the money’,” Jones laughed.

“I signed him for $2000, but he’s worth a lot more now. “Us recruiters, we don’t have a crystal ball, it’s always a bit of a punt. As the years go by you get better at it. “I remember seeing James Tedesco as a young fella but you just can’t sign everyone. It’s a judgement thing. Sometimes it’s a bit of a guess, but the more you get right, the better the chance you stay employed.” WW32752

panthers on the prowl

The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 16 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week, thanks to Hertz, we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts. s.

s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d u St Maisie Woodward

The student of the week this week is Maisie Woodward. Maisie attends Bennett Road Public School and has been both enthusiastic and positive at Panthers on the Prowl each day. Research shows that a positive outlook on life helps us to broaden our awareness and build our skills for coping with life’s challenges. It also helps us to build strong relationships and feel a sense of enjoyment for our accomplishments. Maisie is a great example of how a positive learning attitude can have a beneficial impact on the people around you. We are grateful for her efforts and congratulate her on being student of the week.

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Bizarre start to the season is footy at its best

ANDREW VOSS I

feel blessed to say I have called covering rugby league my job for the last three decades. I have ridden the roller coaster that this sport has felt like it is bound to in all that time. But let me declare, what I have witnessed over the first two rounds of the 2018 competition is as remarkable a start to a season as I can remember. And barring the seemingly regular unavoidable injuries to some key players, it’s nearly all positive. I could not have predicted even half of what has unfolded in terms of results and storylines. The Panthers’ comebacks, the Knights’ dramatic finishes, the Tigers’ 10-8 winning scorelines that has included the return of Benji Marshall, a thumping Manly victory over Parramatta, the goalpost padding that stopped a Cowboys win, big crowds, milestone games for some of the NRL’s greats and so it goes on. It has been sensational entertainment and on Fox League we have the privilege of broadcasting the lot. After just two weeks, five teams are

feeling the heat having recorded back to back losses. In the case of Cronulla and Parramatta, I had them both in my top eight for 2018, yet one will remain winless after this weekend. The signs are there early that we are all in for a very special season. Can I finish by also saying a big thank you

to the Penrith fans that attended Panthers Stadium last Saturday night. The ‘Stand Up, Flags Up’ concept is a huge winner. What a great sight. What a boost to the atmosphere at the game. It would be hard to believe that it hasn’t played some part in the team’s two remarkable comeback wins so far.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 23, 2018

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I look forward to more visits throughout the season and hope this concept continues to grow. And I also hope that you’ll be able to tune in to my new show on Fox League, ‘The Fan’, on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm. You’ll find Fox League on channel 502. Twitter: @AndrewVossy

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

IN PICTURES Photos: Melinda Jane

RABBIT STEW ON THE MENU 17/03/ 18 : The ‘Cardiac Cats’ were on show again against Souths CC TYRES is a local family-owned independent business established more than 60 years ago We supply many local businesses, Fleet companies, Government and Trade contracts. Selling all Tyre Brands, we supply and fit for Cars, Trucks, 4X4, Trailers, and Farm and Plant machinery. We stock all major brands of tyres and wheels. The latest equipment for larger wheel and run flat tyres. Using the latest equipment such as: Premium inflation systems for clean dry air & the newest CAMERA Alignment for the best possible result. WW29854

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 23, 2018

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

I wouldn’t be surprised if McKendry plays again

JAMIE SOWARD I

was around Sam McKendry for three seasons during my time at the Penrith Panthers, but unfortunately I didn’t get to play too many games with him due to his long history with injury. When you think of Sam McKendry, immediately you think toughness. Before all of his recent drams with his knee, you only have to cast your mind back to 2013 when he played on with a broken neck and still had the mental toughness to come back from what was a very serious injury. For people that don’t know Sam away from the footy field, he’s a very funny albeit rather dry kind of guy. And if Sam doesn’t like you, he’ll tell you to your face. On the field, Sam is one of those guys you love to play with because if you need a tough carry in the 79th minute, you can pass it to him and you know he’s going to give you a big strong run and a quick play the ball – they are the kind of forwards halves dream of. I know Sam loves the game, he loves his family and loves pulling on that Panthers jersey. For Sam, it’ll be hard to give up the game

if this latest injury forces him to. I’m sure the club and his doctors will be looking to do what’s best for him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave it another crack. Sam’s all about the team and if he manages to come back from three straight ACL injuries, it will be an inspirational effort. I also want to give a huge wrap to Tyrone Peachey this week for scoring the winning try for Penrith despite spending most of last weekend’s game warming the interchange bench. The Peachey puzzle is a tricky one. I don’t have any coaching experience but if I was the coach, I’d put him on after 25 minutes and let him just play. Peachey absolutely dominated that 15-minute period towards the end of the game last week and it wasn’t because the other team was tired and he had fresh legs. He absolutely dominated every time he got the ball, it felt like something was going to happen whenever he had possession. Peach is a hard puzzle Anthony Griffin will have to solve, but he’s a crowd favourite and one of these utensils that you have

to have in your camping bag because it does everything. For me, he is one of the most important players in that Panthers squad alongside

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 23, 2018

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Nathan Cleary, James Maloney and Peter Wallace. It’s disappointing he only got 15 minutes against South Sydney but I guess he could be a victim of his own versatility.

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD

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+14

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-36

16 Eels

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FACE IN THE CROWD

Round 3

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Thursday, March 22 8pm AAMI Park

Friday, March 23 6pm ANZ Stadium Friday, March 23 8pm Campbelltown Stadium Saturday, March 24 3pm GIO Stadium

Saturday, March 24 5.30pm ANZ Stadium

Saturday, March 24 7.30pm ANZ Stadium Sunday, March 25 4pm Clive Berghofer Stadium

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

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Nickname: Kitty Age: 23 Occupation: Flight Attendant Years as a Pantherette: Five Favourite Panthers player: Peter Wallace Best thing about being a Pantherette: The atmosphere of the crowd at Panthers Stadium

Favourite song to dance to: ‘Wannabe’ – Spice Girls Biggest guilty pleasure: Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups Dream job: International Flight Attendant One thing people would be surprised to know: I’m 23 and have never put any colouring in my hair

SCOREBOARD

NRL CONFIRMS NEXT CHAPTER FOR IMMORTALS » Let the debate begin! NRL Chief Ex-

» Bad news for Roosters fans with

ecutive Todd Greenberg this week announced that up to two additional Immortals will be chosen in 2018. Another six retired stars of the game will be inducted into a new Hall of Fame, joining the ‘100 Greats’ who were named in the Centenary year a decade ago. Up to two players will be added to the Immortals every two years. Importantly, the rules for the Immortals have been altered and players from right back in 1908 can now be included. That will almost certainly spark discussion around Dally Messenger (pictured) being included this year, while other potential candidates include Norm Provan, Darren Lockyer and Mal Meninga.

» Last Saturday night’s clash between

Melbourne and Wests Tigers attracted an incredible 349,000 viewers on Fox League, the most watched game of the year so far. The NRL would be impressed with the crowds and TV ratings for the first two rounds, after criticism of crowd figures early last year.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 23, 2018

EXTRA MINUTES

Daniel Tupou ruled out for the next 10 to 12 weeks with a torn pectoral muscle. He suffered the injury in last weekend’s clash with the Bulldogs.

» There’s a big test for Tigers fans in

Campbelltown tonight with absolutely no excuse for fans not to come out in force and support the Wests Tigers. Crowds have been shaky at Campbelltown Stadium in recent years but with the Tigers having won two straight matches against competition heavyweights and the Broncos an appealing side to watch, the ‘house full’ sign should really go up tonight.

However, what happened at Lottoland on Sunday? Just 10,000 fans turned up to watch the traditional rivalry between Manly and Parramatta unfold. We know Sea Eagles fans are too precious to cross the Spit Bridge but are they now adding hot weather to their reasons for not attending footy games?

PANTHERS 18 RABBITOHS 14

ISP NSW PANTHERS 30 BEARS 24

JERSEY FLEGG PANTHERS 28 BEARS 18

» Channel Nine’s ‘The Footy Show’,

which re-launched this year minus veteran host Paul Vautin, continues to leak viewers. Nine tried to make changes to the new-look format for its second episode last week, but it appears to be a lost cause. To mix things up, the show broadcasted live from AAMI Park on Thursday after the Storm vs Cowboys.

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VISION PAINTING & DECORATING 0404 459 600

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Big Wins for Big Sports Fans! Just when you thought the big games couldn’t get any bigger.

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PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

The band ages, but the songs stay young

T LAUREN SUTTIE

heir first album was released four years before I was born, with their hit single ‘Purple Sneakers’ playing on the radio just as I was learning to roll over. So, it came as no surprise that I didn’t know much about You Am I before researching this story. After reading up on them, it had become a common occurrence to see other writers commenting on bassist Andy Kent and

his blunt, yet humorous honesty during interviews. Smelling my youth, Kent lived up to his reputation as we chatted about life over the past 27 years. “Every year is different, new destinations, new songs, new inspiration, new love, new losses, it kind of mirrors life,” Kent told me. “The band is a business, a marriage, a passion, all of those things wrapped into one. “We’ve tried to get rid of it many times throughout our lives, but it keeps following us.” Known to be the first Australian band to have released three consecutive number

one albums, Kent said they knew early on that this wasn’t just a pipe dream. “We knew exactly that we’d become a classic Australian rock band,” he joked. “The first song of the first rehearsal, we looked at each other and we went ‘oh there we go, it’s going to be a classic band’, so we just went to the pub after that and let it all happen. “It was pretty easy really.” At the height of their fame, Kent along with singer Tim Rogers, drummer Russell Hopkinson and guitarist Davey Lane, headlined for some of the greatest bands in history. Having played with Soundgarden, Nirvana and even the Rolling Stones,

Kent mused that one of his favourite memories was opening for Oasis. “Oasis were funny because they aren’t the greatest rock band in the world, but they’ve got more attitude than anybody, so they were great to watch,” he said. And while Kent said the band had aged “terribly” over the years, their songs still continued to reach a younger audience. “They all stayed young, it was really weird,” he laughed. “We all got older and they stayed 23 the whole time.” Catch You Am I live at the Tattersalls Hotel on Sunday, April 1 from 6.30pm. Tickets are $55.60 each. Visit www.tickets.oztix.com.au or call 9732 6373.

Blockers (MA15) Fri 23rd March at 7:00PM HOYTS Girl Night Out Screening Sat: 7:00PM, 9:30PM. Sun: 4:40PM, 6:50PM

Peter Rabbit (PG)

PENRITH

SESSIONS VALID 22 MARCH TO 28 MARCH WW29582

Session times are subject to change without notice, visit www.hoyts.com.au to check session times or book tickets

Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:20PM, 1:20PM, 2:40PM, 5:00PM, 6:10PM, 7:10PM, 8:20PM. Sat: 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:20PM, 1:30PM, 2:40PM, 4:00PM, 4:50PM, 6:10PM, 7:00PM, 8:20PM. Sun: 9:50AM, 11:00AM, 12:20PM, 1:30PM, 2:40PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 6:10PM, 7:10PM, 8:20PM

Love, Simon (M) Fri: 10:30AM, 6:45PM. Sat: 1:15PM, 6:45PM. Sun: 1:15PM, 4:00PM

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Whether you grew up in the eighties, nineties or noughties this show is for you! Come and listen to the iconic Australian flavour of rock with two of the biggest bands that will have you donning the double denim for the night of your life!

CHOIRBOYS + MISEX TICKETS $47.65 | 8PM

31 A

THE SUN RECORDS ALL STARS

A spectacular concert featuring tributes to the legendary artists who graced the studios of the famed Memphis-based record company Sun Records. Come along and listen to the great hits by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and more! You won’t want to miss this show!

TICKETS $47.65 | 8PM

BUDDY'S BACK

ROY ORBISON & JOHNNY CASH: THE MEN IN BLACK TOUR

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TICKETS $32.35 | 8PM

TICKETS $59.90 | 8PM

FREE Comedy Night with Darren Carr, Stu Macpherson & David Smeidt Thursday 29 March, 8pm, FREE

TRIVIAOLOGY BRILLIANT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TRIVIA WITH A HILARIOUS TWIST

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

This Girl’s got talent

LAUREN SUTTIE

ulti award-winning star of Australian stage and screen, Rachael Beck, is bringing her acclaimed show, ‘This Girl’, to The Joan. An intimate journey of song, story and laughs, ‘This Girl’ dissects Beck’s career and life, as it takes the audience on a journey through her formative years of local eisteddfods, child prodigy years in ‘Cats’, onto her ‘girl-next-door’ phase in ‘Hey Dad!’ and beyond. Her appearances in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ have secured her a place as one of Australia’s best-loved

stage performers, and after a sell-out performance at The Joan in 2015, Beck is back to delight Penrith locals. ‘This Girl’ reflects Rachael’s diverse tastes and musical experiences, with songs from shows such as ‘Cabaret’ and ‘A Little Night Music’, to rock anthems penned by artists such as Bob Dylan, Kate Bush and KD Lang. Beck, accompanied by piano, will leave you with your heart on your sleeve. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours before they are all gone! Rachael Beck will be performing ‘This Girl’ at The Joan on Wednesday, March 28 at 11am. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 4723 7600 or visiting www.thejoan.com.au.

WW32759

They changed the game ALISON WARTERS

he Sun Records All-Stars is an all singing, all playing tribute to the origins of rock ‘n’ roll. Rewinding back to where it all began in the 1950s, a time many would suggest was the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis joined together in the famous Sun Records studio and changed music forever. The studio was launched by legendary American producer Sam Phillips and the group, also known as the Million Dollar Quartet, went on to produce songs that paved the way for music and inspired

the songs we hear today. They were the original game changers. With a star-studded line-up featuring Bill Culp as Carl Perkins, Joe Passion as Jerry Lee Lewis, Gino Monopoli as Elvis Presley and Roy LeBlanc as Johnny Cash, the show is presented in two parts, featuring all the hits that capture this incredible era. Playing all around the country, the show is a timely reminder of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and the incredible musicians that contributed to the history of music of the time. The Sun Records All-Stars will be playing at the Evan Theatre on Saturday, March 31 at 8pm. Tickets are $47. To purchase tickets, call 4720 5555.

FRIDAY 6 APRIL 5.30pm BILLIONAIRE BOY BY DAVID WALLIAMS, PUBLISHED BY HARPERCOLLINS CHILDREN’S BOOKS. COVER ILLUSTATION ©TONY ROSS 2010. LETTERING ON AUTHOR’S NAME © QUENTIN BLAKE 2010.

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Adult $25 / Children $20 / Family $76

BOOKINGS thejoan.com.au | 4723 7600 WW32599

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street Penrith

TICKETS

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge in Canberra offers 3 very different accommodation facilities and is amongst the most unique animal lodges in the world. You can stay in uShaka Lodge with its own shark tank, in a Jungle Bungalow virtually built into the habitat of a bear, lion, tiger or cheetah, or in a Giraffe Treehouse where you hand feed your tall neighbour.

WINNER - Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia*

Located in Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium. Stay overnight, or just take a 3 hour drive from Sydney to visit the zoo’s new Open Range Section! The zoo features an aquarium plus rhinos, giraffe, white lions, tigers, bears, lemurs, meerkats, otters, hyenas, snow leopards, plus lots more! www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au | www.nationalzoo.com.au Ph: 02 6287 8444 | Email: info@jamalawildlifelodge.com.au Address: Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT 2611 Ύ ϮϬϭϳ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ ,ŽƚĞůƐ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟ ŽŶ ǁĂƌĚƐ ĨŽƌ ǆĐĞůůĞŶĐĞ

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Classic’s modern twist ALISON WARTERS

estern Sydney company NTT Productions is bringing Shakespeare to the 21st

WW32598

Century. ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is the tale of fiery duo Benedick and Beatrice, whose resistance to love is offset by a betrayal that strikes at the heart of two of the people they cherish most. The Shakespearean comedy is produced by NTT Productions, which specialises in presenting comedies featuring a cast of local, talented performers. Regulars to The Joan may recall the

company’s past productions of ‘Run For Your Wife’ and ‘The Taming Of The Shrew’. Their production of the Shakespeare comedy combines Steampunk costuming with cyber deception, to bring the timely comedy into the modern era. Highlighting the impact of social media on contemporary life through witty one-liners, artistic director, Carol Dicker said: “This is Shakespeare but not as you know it”. ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ plays at The Joan on Friday, March 23 at 8pm and Saturday, March 24 at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $29 for concession. To purchase tickets, visit www.thejoan.com.au.

ST MARYS DUTCH FESTIVAL 2018 23, 24 & 25 March at the club grounds 87 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys from Friday 10am till Sunday 4pm Friday 23rd from 10am – late, SENIOR DAY Music from 10am Seniors enjoy their ﬁrst cup of coffee on us. Bring your senior friends. Bring your senior card. Entertainment Inside : “Herman “ “Little Black Ducks” “Cool River” (Sheryl) Outside: Chris “ “ Tony “ Saturday 24th 10am – late Inside : “Norm Bakker “ .”Dutch Connection” Outside : “The Great Escape”. Sunday 25th 10am – 4pm Entertainment all weekend “Herman” .”Dutch Connection” Outside : “Backwater”

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Be wise, drink and don’t drive. Use the shuttle from St Marys Station. Only during Festival hours. Call John 0439 441 275

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT

Black is the New White Riverside Theatres 8839 3399 Saturday, March 24, 2pm & 8pm, from $64

Friday, March 23 Mary’s Karaoke and DJ – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 St Marys Dutch Festival – Rembrandt Dutch Club Free entry, 10am 9623 2569 Sam Lyon Duo – Orient Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4751 4488 Jazz Hourigon – High Street Social Free entry, 7pm 4789 0187 Safari Suits – The Australian Arms Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 Muddy Feet – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Karaoke/DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Dangerbaby – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Club Brashs – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Mark Geyer and Freddy Fittler, Business Lunch Uncut – Pioneer Tavern $100, 12.30pm 4736 4466 Gord Bamford – Rooty Hill RSL $30, 8pm 9677 4916 Much Ado About Nothing – The Joan From $20, 8pm 4723 7611 Heath Franklin’s Chopper, Bogan Jesus Evan Theatre 1300 PANTHERS Friday, March 23, 8pm, from $30.60

Mary’s Karaoke and DJ – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 Karaoke/DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Mataya and Micky – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Partners in Rhyme – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Bon Jovi – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

Franky Valentyn Duo Blacktown Sports Club 8822 2488 Sunday, April 1, 1pm, Free Entry

Saturday, March 31

Choirboys/Mi-Sex – Evan Theatre $47.65, 8pm 1300 PANTHERS The Pearl Jam Show – Colyton Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 2266 Us Too – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Flight Paths – Riverside Theatres Parramatta From $44, 7.30pm 8839 3399 Mozart Requiem – The Joan From $25, 8pm 4723 7611 House of Fun Comedy Night – Rooty Hill RSL Members free, 8pm 9677 4916 Happiness – Henry Lawson Theatre From $14.70, 8pm 4729 2996

One Hit Wonders – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Oxygen – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 8pm 8822 2488 Steppin’ Out – Penrith Gaels Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Jeff Buckley Grace Show – The Carrington $15, 7pm 4782 1111 A top night in the Mountains Geoff Power – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Black Star – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 Jack Nolan – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Matchbox – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0633 Big Night Out – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 The Sun Records All-Stars Evan Theatre 1300 PANTHERS Saturday, March 31, 8pm, $47.65

Sunday, April 1 Rockin Eddie – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 You Am I – The Tattersalls Hotel $55.60, 6.30pm 4744 2002 Easter Carnival – Penrith Panthers Free entry, 2pm 1300 PANTHERS Raduga Trio – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922

Sunday, March 25

Saturday, March 24 Bird Yard Big Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Soundbird – Werrington Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 The Chosen Ones – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 DJ Gav – High Street Social Free entry, 9pm 4789 0187 Cletis Carr – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922

Alex Roussos – Wests Tradies Free entry, 4pm 9675 1099 Pink Chevys – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Blackwater – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 5pm 4722 8180 Musical Express – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444

Friday, March 30 Jack Thompson Twins – Penrith Gaels Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 No Brakes – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211

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WW31657

O D UST

Nepean Evening VIEW Club 3rd Monday of each month 4735 4982 Caring Hearts Community Quilters • New members welcome • 4735 2058 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, March 23, 2018

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4735 1542 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 Penrith Harmony Barbershop Chorus • Mondays at 7pm 4735 2637

Dutch food and culture on show at annual festival You won’t have to travel far this weekend to experience a taste of Dutch culture as the Rembrandt Dutch Club in St Marys will be hosting its annual Dutch Festival. The weekend-long festival, which gets underway officially on Friday night, will be jam-packed with things to do and see, including clog making demonstrations, delicious Dutch food and drinks as well as an authentic Dutch folk band. With a free shuttle from St Marys station, this free event is one you don’t want to miss!

FOR SE NIORS

S D I K R FO

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Glenmore Park Probus Club Third Wednesday of the month • 9673 2580 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Mondays • 0407 077 143

Family fun in St Marys from 10am-2pm

Beautiful music at ﬁrst class venue

Hop on down to Coachman’s Park in St Marys this Saturday for an eggcellent family fun day. Rumour has it the Easter Bunny will be there!

Head to The Joan this Saturday to witness two sublime works in ‘Mozart’s Requiem’, presented by the Penrith Symphony Orchestra.

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All things baby for when they are squishy till when they are sticky. • Bibs and Burp Cloths • Dummy Clips • Quilts • Taggie and Sensory Mats • Pillows and Cushions Bring your custom ideas to life! Contact us today! squishlets@optusnet.com.au | 0403 274 068

WW31656

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

nless you were an avid fan of ‘Geordie Shore’, not many Aussies knew who UK reality star Vicky Pattison was until she landed in the South African jungle as a member of Channel Ten’s ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ series. Despite her lack of profile here in Australia, viewers around the country couldn’t get enough of Pattison, who outlasted many well-known Aussie celebrities to finish one episode short of the Grand Final. Speaking with the Weekender from South Africa last week, the 30-year-old said she didn’t expect to be such a huge hit with Australians. “I didn’t expect to get that far and in no way did I expect to be accepted the way I was. I couldn’t believe Australia warmed to me like that,” she said. “I just wanted to go in there, be myself and hope for the best. The reaction I got after I switched my phone on was flooring. “Aussies are so chilled out… they’re funny… that’s just me, really – so I don’t know why I’m so shocked,” she laughed. Following her elimination, the first thing Pattison did was switch on her mobile phone to catch up on everything she had missed, as well as dive into a big bowl of spaghetti bolognaise, of course. “The first thing I needed to know was were there any more Kardashians – that was high on my list,” she joked. “Then I made such a little piglet of myself eating spaghetti bolognaise that when I got into the car to go to the hotel, I told the driver to pull over because I felt sick. “The food was just too rich and I ate too much. I was throwing up whole bits

of spaghetti, wondering to myself ‘did I even chew this?’... it was gross!” Pattison shot to fame after she appeared on the smash hit MTV series ‘Geordie Shore’ from 2011 to 2014. She was also crowned champion of the English version of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ back in 2015, and has hosted a vast number of shows in the UK. Now that she’s found love with fiancée John Noble, Pattison said it would be highly unlikely she would do another version of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ ever again. “I think I’ll go out on a high and hang up my jungle boots,” she said. “But you never say never. I could do the German one, where they show people fully nude in the shower – that’s a bit racy but I’m not sure I’m up for that. “But honestly, I don’t think I’d leave John again… it just feels like a waste

being away from each other for so long on purpose. If I did do anything like that again, he can come with me and we’ll be like the Oldfields (David and Lisa).” While Pattison’s time on Australian screens is over for now, she is hoping to hit our shores in the not too distant future to spend some time in Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Pattison is no stranger to Australia having filmed seasons of ‘Geordie Shore’ and the UK version of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ here in the past. “I want to visit Sydney again and as soon as I get there, I want to see and do all the best bits like visit Bondi, check out the Blue Mountains, have a BBQ, go to the beach, watch the footy, climb the Harbour Bridge, see a Kangaroo and wear a hat with dangling corks,” Pattison said.

KEY BUSINESS DATES JANUARY 2018 22 January 29 January

December monthly Business Activity Statement (BAS) due. December quarter superannuation guarantee contributions due.

FEBRUARY 2018 5 February

February fuel tax credit rates change today.

21 February

January monthly BAS due.

30 April

March quarter PAYG instalment due.

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) return due.

14 August

PAYG withholding annual report due.

21 May

April monthly BAS due.

21 August

July monthly BAS due.

28 May

March quarter superannuation guarantee charge statement due.

28 August

Taxable payments annual report due.

28 August

June quarter superannuation guarantee charge statement due.

JUNE 2018 May monthly BAS due.

28 February December quarter super guarantee charge statement due.

30 June

End of financial year.

APRIL 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 21 September August monthly BAS due.

JULY 2018 1 July

New financial year begins.

16 July

PAYG payment summaries need to be provided to your employees.

MARCH 2018 February monthly BAS due.

August fuel tax credit rates change today.

21 May

21 June

21 March

1 August

MAY 2018

28 February December quarter BAS due.

28 February December Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) instalment due.

AUGUST 2018

23 July

June monthly BAS due.

30 July

June quarter superannuation guarantee contributions due.

23 April

March monthly BAS due.

30 April

March quarter BAS due.

30 July

June quarter BAS due.

30 April

March quarter superannuation guarantee contributions due.

30 July

June quarter PAYG instalment due.

OCTOBER 2018 22 October

September monthly BAS due.

29 October

September quarter superannuation guarantee contributions due.

29 October

September quarter BAS due.

29 October

September PAYG instalment due.

31 October

2018 Income tax return due. WW32834

4722 2998 | sales@westernweekender.com.au | www.westernweekender.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

prize cupboard

oll up, roll up – it’s that time of year again! The Sydney Royal Easter Show starts today (Friday, March 23) and runs until Tuesday,

April 3. All the usual fun of the Easter Show is back again – everything from rides to showbags, farm animals and great displays. The feature food of the 2018 Show is ‘Donut Pies’ – they look like donuts, taste like pies and come with five filling options: meat pie, spinach and cheese, and bangers and mash, as well as sweet options of Apple Pie and Dulce De Leche! There are always cheap and cheerful food options too and The Cheese Factory’s $2 cheese toasties never disappoint! A crowd favourite for over a century, the Woodchopping and Sawing Competition is set to be a hit this year and attracts over 240 male and female competitors from Australia and overseas. Widely recognised as the ‘Wimbledon of Woodchopping’, an event is run every 10 minutes over 11 days of competition. It is held in a purpose-built stadium and includes five World Championship events watched by capacity crowds. The animal nursery is your one-stopshop to get your fix of cute animals. Pat the goats, and feed the Shetland ponies in this hands-on feature. The Sydney Royal Easter Show is on at Sydney Olympic Park from today until Tuesday, April 3.

For more information or to buy your tickets online, visit www.eastershow. com.au. The Weekender has a family pass (five tickets) to give away to the Sydney Royal

Easter Show. For your chance to win, email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Easter’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Sunday, March 25

 CARPET CLEANING

 CARPET REPAIRS

 UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

 VEHICLE UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

 CARPET RESTRETCHING

 FLOOD RECOVERY SERVICE

and the winner will be notified via email on Monday, March 26. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/18/02771. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au.

CALL HAROLD DIRECTLY FOR A FREE QUOTE

0448 644 741 VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

creative A U

sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

crossword ACROSS 1. Half-open 4. Proper 8. Doom 11. Forbidden 13. Closer to picking-time (of fruit) 15. Roam stealthily 17. Chatter 18. Distend 20. Transgress 21. Singer, Paula ... 24. Suggest 27. Born as 28. Unpleasant 30. 1000 kilograms 31. Pacific or Indian 33. Waiter 34. Clumsy 35. Worry 36. Eyelid hair 39. Not transparent 42. Crossword posers 44. Coagulated milk 45. Peanut (sauce) 46. Cinderella’s work clothes 48. Writer, Jules ... 49. Fluorescent colours 50. Dedicatory verses 52. Repairs 54. Exclusive English school 55. Nominates 56. Strappy shoe 57. Pealed 60. Balls 62. Burning 65. Leapt 67. Aviator 69. Artist’s tripod 70. Cellulose fibre 72. Drink brand, ... Maria 73. Sells to public 75. Splits apart 77. Driver’s compartment 79. Banish 81. Chinese exercises, ... chi (1’2) 82. Championship (fight) 84. Aquatic birds 85. Cowboy actor, John ... 86. Light beams 87. Rushes headlong 88. Mares & foals farm

DOWN 1. iPhone programs 2. Make reparation 3. Crude 4. Cross (river) 5. Pop star, ... Swift 6. Riling 7. Tennis handle 8. Scarcely any 9. Sports ground 10. Model, ... Macpherson 12. Culpability 14. Talk (oneself into) 16. Vertical part of stair 19. Temporarily supplies 22. Secondary route 23. Womb 25. Paltry 26. Changing-room cupboard 29. Wow 32. Snake-like ﬁsh 35. Passion 37. Firebug’s felony 38. Annoyances 40. Groom feathers 41. Slackens 42. Playing deck 43. Sleigh-riding giftgiver 44. Coronet 47. Rocks science 51. Lampoon 52. Entangled 53. Specimen 54. Abdication monarch, King ... VIII 58. Fasten (to) 59. Joyful 61. Dull 63. Prise 64. Wine judge 65. Continuing drama 66. Objectionable 68. Non-clergy 71. Eightsome 72. Rip 74. Food 76. Latest reports 78. Flex 80. Musical, ... Misérables 83. ... & outs

Last week’s solution

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

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. Theme: LEATHER BAGS BALLS BELT BOOK COVER BOOTS BRIEFCASE CLOTHING CROCODILE DRUM HEADS FOOTWEAR GARMENTS HAT OTTOMAN OXEN PIGSKIN PORTFOLIO PURSE SANDALS SATCHEL SEAT SHAGREEN SKIRT SNAKE SOFA SUITCASE TOILETRY KIT TROUSERS UPHOLSTERY WAISTCOAT WALLET WHIPS

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions

Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about famous TV animals in our special trivia quiz!

Little Fat Lamb

1. What was the name of the pet dog on ‘The Brady Bunch’? 2. A 1990s Australian sitcom lasting for just one season where the audience heard the dog’s thoughts was called what? 3. Who owned the dog Eddie on hit comedy series ‘Frasier’?

Shot Buckets

1.25l 1 5l Var ties Varieties

4. In the hit series ‘Friends’, what kind of animal was Ross’ pet Marcel? 5. What classic TV show featured a talking horse? 6. ‘Happy’ was the name of the pet dog on which family TV drama?

Heineken or Stella Beer 24 Stubbies

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Friday, March 23, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Social Scene

Above:

Thousands of people attended the Penrith CBD Festival last Saturday. Photos: Hilary Nathan Photography

Below:

Rugby league fans have been out in force at Panthers Stadium over the first two weeks of the new season

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Friday, March 23, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

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life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

The pace picks up mid-week, when Venus and Uranus connect in Aries and turbo-charge your passionate, impulsive and romantic nature. Then Saturday’s Full Blue Moon revs up your relationship zone. So many Rams will be in the mood for lashings of love! But be extra careful what you say. With Mercury reversing through your sign words have the ability to wound. If you don’t self-edit, you could end up with a messy misunderstanding.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

You love your luxuries and Taurean creature comforts but avoid getting stuck in a complacent rut. If you stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, then you’ll feel more energised and alive! At first it will feel foreign and uncomfortable, but – after a while – you’ll feel reactivated and renewed. It’s also a wonderful week to revitalise a long-term relationship or start an exciting new romance.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Joanne Madeline Moore Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

This week’s Full Blue Moon stimulates your friendship zones, so those around you can look forward to some surprises, amusing antics or manic moments from you and your peer group pals. But keep in mind that Mercury is in retrograde motion until April 15. So make sure you back-up all your computer files; allow plenty of time to get to appointments; and double-check everything as you carefully revise, reschedule and re-do.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Looking after a loved one isn’t easy, as you struggle to juggle your personal and professional lives. This week’s Full Moon falls in your home zone, so be on domestic drama alert and realise that stress levels will be running high. Plus – with Mercury retrograde – pursuing your professional dreams won’t be a direct journey. Plenty of patience and persistence is required.

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LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

You’re fired up about making something big happen ASAP. But Saturn and retro Mercury caution you about taking shortcuts and relying on others. Don’t expect influential people to drop everything and hand you your dream. There is no substitute for hard work and preparation. Diana Ross: “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself”.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

With Mercury moving backwards, be extra careful how you give and receive information. If in doubt, then don’t hesitate to double-check. Plus avoid starting major ventures or signing important contracts until after April 15. Instead, be patient and focus your attention on revising, researching or reworking current projects. A relationship could suddenly veer off in an unexpected direction.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

A loved one, close friend, business partner or professional rival could stun you by making a surprise move. So make sure you’re prepared with a few fast moves of your own! Is your love life stuck on auto-pilot? Uranus encourages you to blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a fresh angle. Singles – are you fed up with dating disasters? The planets urge you to look for love in unlikely places. But romance won’t blossom until April 15.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Some stubborn Scorpios can too easily get stuck in a stultifying daily regime. This week it’s time to ricochet out of your usual routine and do something completely different. Variety is the spice of life, as you experiment with exciting new activities – and welcome sudden detours and disruptions. But the more you try to control others, the more they are likely to resist.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

This week’s Full Blue Moon highlights romance, entertainment, networking, friendships, creative endeavours and group projects. With your sparky Sagittarian mojo and momentum running on high speed, you’re ready to rock and roll! But Saturn and retrograde Mercury caution you to slow down. You also need to take your foot out of your mouth and communicate with more care and consideration.

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

your

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

When it comes to your domestic life, a dash of disruption may be just what the doctor ordered! So shake things up on the home front as you redesign, redecorate, renovate or entertain unexpected guests. But Saturn and retro Mercury caution you to be very clear when you’re communicating with family and friends. What they say and what you hear may be two different things.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week’s electric planetary aspects help you communicate your innovative ideas with extra passion and pizazz, as you link up with local like-minded people or influential international connections. But don’t get so stirred up and side-tracked that you lose sight of the authentic Aquarian within. Celine Dion: “What do you need to stay grounded, in touch, in love, connected and emotionally balanced? Look within yourself.”

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

With Mercury reversing through your $$$ zone the more educated and thorough you are about money matters, the more your financial situation will gradually improve. But expect some annoying hassles and hiccups along the way. And avoid being too blasé about a complicated relationship issue. Diplomacy and discretion are the secrets to stress-free partnerships at the moment.

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

your

money

Small steps are the key to achieving giant goals Saving for a house or paying off your mortgage may seem like dreams that could never be realised, but with one small step you can start your journey to making those dreams come true...

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

Looking at the goal in its entirety can be overwhelming, so we don’t even attempt it. But, if we break it into a series of steps that we know we can accomplish then just focus on each step, we can get it done. When I stood at the start line, I didn’t think about running 45km, all I was thinking about was getting to the first checkpoint. When you are working toward those daunting goals, pick a checkpoint, and work towards that, one bite at a time. It might be as simple as setting a budget and sticking to it for one month. Once you hit that first checkpoint, work on the next step in the process, just worry about getting to checkpoint two. Allocating a specified amount to your goal for a set period is a good start. Keep setting mini goals and focus on achieving those. Step-by-step, bite-bybite you will move towards achieving that huge goal. Momentum will build and what once seemed far away becomes more and more possible. If you have a financial goal that seems so far away that you have given up trying to achieve it, my advice is, break it down into smaller pieces and just start working towards that first checkpoint. Before you know it, what started out as impossible can all of a sudden feel very achievable. See you next week!

Quite often, when we look at big goals they seem so far away that it is inconceivable that we could ever achieve them. When confronted with this, the old metaphor rings true, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”. Saving a deposit for a house, paying off your debt or building enough wealth for retirement are all very daunting when you start working towards them. But, just like the elephant, one bite at a time is the answer. For regular readers of my column, you will know I like to draw on my own life to illustrate my point (I also like to brag about my achievements). Last weekend, I ran my first Ultra Marathon, 45km through the Blue Mountains. At the start line, 45km seems so far and so daunting, just like building a deposit for a house. The key is not to think about the end picture, but just concentrate on the next step.

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pets

Why you should ensure your furry friends avoid grapes

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

your

Grapes can be very dangerous to our pets, especially dogs...

Nicole McMillan Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

Apart from chocolate, the other dangerous food commonly in our houses during Easter is hot cross buns. Many people are unaware that grapes, raisins and sultanas are all potentially toxic, causing life threatening kidney failure. The toxic compound and the toxic dose are both unknown. There have been investigations to assess if fungal, pesticide, and heavy-metal contamination of grapes is the cause. At this stage, no link has been proven. Drying and cooking the grape does not change its toxicity. Some animals seem to be very susceptible to toxicity and others seem to have no issues even with ingestion of a large quantity of the fruit. Both cats and dogs can be affected but it is seen more commonly in dogs. Grape toxicity has only been recognised relatively recently. Most dogs will vomit within a few hours of ingestion. Partially digested raisins or grapes are often seen in the vomit, faeces or both. As the damage to the kidneys develops, anorexia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy are seen. Within 24 hours to several days after

ingestion kidney enzymes will be elevated. As damage continues either oliguric kidney failure (increased urine production) or anuric kidney failure (no urine production) occurs. Some animals will show gastro intestinal signs for weeks after ingestion. If ingestion is recent, medication can be given to make the dog vomit. Activated charcoal can be given to help absorb the toxin. Intravenous fluid therapy is given to help flush the kidneys for 48-72 hours. Daily blood testing to assess kidney levels are required. If the levels remain

OZWAC

normal after 72 hours, it is unlikely that kidney failure will develop. If kidney failure does develop in addition to fluid therapy, medications to stimulate urine production and dialysis may be required. Recognising ingestion and treating early gives the best chance of success, however the prognosis is guarded if kidney failure develops. As with most things prevention is better than cure, so please be careful with grapes, raisins and sultanas around your pets. If ingestion occurs seek veterinary attention immediately.

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We are proud to announce that the AUSTRALIAN WOMEN & CHILDREN’S RESEARCH FOUNDATION will be celebrating 20 years of support for muchneeded funding of research into Women & Children’s health. With the support of the local community and beyond, the Foundation has, since its inception in the local area by local Business People and Medical Professionals and supported by a large number of volunteers, supporters and sponsors, raised almost $1 million which has supported a range of critical research . . . helping to improve our knowledge and outcomes in this important field which affects us all as families. So to celebrate these achievements and to raise much-needed funds for future research . . .

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

your

look

How to get your make-up just right – ask for advice! The help of a professional can really get your daily make-up routine moving in the right direction...

Alyce Madden For the latest trends follow @westfieldpenrith on Instagram

Make-up can be an intimidating world, between all the daunting colour options to the thousands of different application techniques. How do you know what works for your skin colouring and accentuates your features the best? Invest in a one-on-one make-up lesson. You will thank me later, trust me! Whether it’s a reputable brand at your favourite beauty counter or a professional freelance make-up artist, it never hurts to learn a few tips and tricks! As a make-up artist for the past nine years I have learnt a lot of clever techniques along the way and I love sharing them with my clients and friends. The one topic I always get asked for advice on is help with contouring and highlighting. Making a big wave in the beauty industry ever since Kim Kardashian shared her ‘mid-glam’ selfies with bizarre lines drawn all over her face, contouring and highlighting is pretty interesting! If you want to achieve a toned down version for daytime to subtlety enhance features, there are a few ways to adopt the style without even knowing you’re doing it.

Start by applying foundation to the outer parts of your face around the jaw and forehead and blend inwards, you don’t want too much foundation towards the centre of your face because that’s where you focus concealer, without having too many layers of product you avoid looking cakey. Go for a concealer two shades lighter than your foundation and apply under the eyes and outwards towards the tops of your cheekbone and let it sit without blending for a good few minutes. This added dry down time you are giving the concealer to just sit on the skin helps in

more ways than one, your concealer will be brighter and more pigmented giving better coverage, giving a highlighted look and having had the product warm up on the skin for a few minutes before blending you will notice under your eyes will be crease free. Working the same way as ‘baking’ would (the process of applying a lot of translucent powder in strategic highest zones and letting it sit for a few minutes), baking with liquid products like concealer works more effectively for drier skin and you’re avoiding heavy layers of powder.

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health

The many roles a podiatrist can play in your health

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

your

Podiatrists do more than you think when it comes to foot health...

Dean Gresser Podiatrist OnePointHealth 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

Podiatry, or podiatric medicine, is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremities, which are complex and intricate parts of the body. As such, the field of podiatry is rich in research and always expanding. It’s not unusual for people to be somewhat surprised when they learn of the level of study required to practise in this area, often saying, “all that just for feet?” However, when you consider just how important your feet and lower extremities are to your health, independence, and general lifestyle, the multitude of podiatric areas, as well as the level of study required to understand them, becomes abundantly clear. On a personal level, since beginning my career, many people have asked me for clarification of the podiatrist’s role. Common areas include: General skin and nail care Many people may consider seeing a podiatrist for general skin and nail treatment in circumstances where: they may not be able to reach/see their own feet to self-care; they have painful corns or calluses; they have ingrown toenails,

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

The HSC is a stressful and tough time for any student, but handling the exams right can make a real difference... There are many significant milestones in a person’s life, sandwiched between the bookends of birth and inevitable death. The Higher School Certificate (HSC) year is certainly one milestone that seems to increase in importance every year, but more frequently this is an event that is shared by the student and his/her family. High school in Australia culminates with the HSC, a grading process that generally determines the starting pathway for a great majority of students. It is difficult to underestimate the importance of the HSC and, for this reason, parents often ask me how can they best support their children through this stressful period. An important word here is stress and failure to handle stress throughout the year and in the HSC itself can be the difference between a successful outcome and failure in the ultimate school test. I have always subscribed to the view that children will achieve at the level

that they realistically expect to achieve. Parents play a very crucial role in setting a child’s level of expectation; your own belief in the innate ability of your child at this time could be the difference between ‘success’ and ‘failure’ in the HSC. You can demonstrate that belief by your continued comments and making the HSC year as normal as possible for your child. The HSC year is an important year in many other aspects of a student’s development. Health, good nutrition, social development and regular exercise for a growing adolescent all contribute to creating a happy and successful student. In practical terms provide a space for study (we will talk more on this point next week), and develop routines that can be maintained and which enhance your overall strategy of support. Unfortunately, not all plans run to schedule and parents should be on the look-out for any undue signs of stress. There are many support agencies out there depending on the nature and seriousness of the stress. Master Coaching is just one such support agency. The HSC, it’s important, we believe that every child has within them the power of success, and there is life after the HSC.

plantar warts or just simply would like the luxury of having their feet tidied up. Diabetes People with diabetes are also very commonly seen for general skin and nail care although podiatrists are also equipped to perform diabetic foot screenings whereby we are able to provide patients with further education along with their personal diabetic foot health status. In some cases this may involve diabetic wound care. Other issues

Podiatrists are also specialists in diagnosing and treating a wide range of different foot, ankle and lower extremity conditions. Diagnosis can be achieved by a podiatrist by (but not limited to) taking a thorough medical history, utilising palpation, joint and muscle tests, gait assessment, diagnostic imaging (x-rays, ultrasound) and diagnostic injections for example. If you feel as though you may need to see a podiatrist, please feel free to contact us for an appointment.

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Suite 9, Allen Arcade 140-142 Henry Street, Penrith Ph Rob 4722 3072 www.mastercoachingpenrith.com WW32073

Friday, March 23, 2018 Â« the western weekender

Harnessing the

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The motto we live by and the passion that drives it Water is a huge part of living in Australia, so being safe and comfortable around it is pretty important in our day to day lives...

Julie Fletcher Nepean Swim and Fitness julie@nepeanswim.com.au nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au and on Facebook

your Rev John Lavender

I was recently asked why “Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life” is the motto that we as a Swim School live by, and why it shapes everything that we do? There are so many reasons to swim, how did we decide on three? Love to Swim I can’t imagine living in Australia and not being able to swim, missing out on all of the fun and enjoyment to be had at the pool, river and beach. I can’t imagine not loving swimming – but I do understand that people who haven’t been given the opportunity to learn to swim might not love the water, and that they may instead fear it. As a result, it has always been important to me that the people I love – especially my children – learn to swim, and that I pass on my love of, and confidence in, the water. Swimming is fun, and pool parties are the best parties! Some of the best fun we have together as a family is in or around the pool, and I love that we all participate.

Swim for Safety Safety is everything. Children can never be 100 per cent safe around the water, so our mission is to educate all ages about aquatic safety and make everyone safer. Our aim is that all local children will learn to swim, and our greatest hope is to work together as a community to see the drowning statistics reduced to zero – making Penrith a “No Drown Town”. Safety is the absolute reason we do all that we do, from swimming lessons, to safety courses including CPR and

Royal Life Saving Australia courses, to education in schools, ranging in reach from childcare centres through to high schools. Swim for Life We begin life surrounded by amniotic fluid, some of us come into the world via water birth, and from the moment we are born we are capable of enjoying the benefits of water. My babies loved bath time, and still do as older children. From baths, to spending quality bonding time in the water with a young baby, to swimming lessons, recreational swimming, swimming for fitness and exercise, swimming for competitive sport, swimming for rehabilitation, swimming for physical therapy, or swimming for some much needed time out, swimming is a part of our Australian lifestyle, and there are ways for every person to enjoy the water no matter their age, gender, cultural background or level of physical ability. Being in the water is to be enjoyed from the cradle to the grave, for everyone, all year round, and for life. Of course, Swim for Life mainly reflects the fact that learning to swim can actually save your life, and those of people around you – making it an essential life skill. So, Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life! See you next week.

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

your swim safety

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What would happen if this year you gave Easter a miss? It could be to your advantage to miss out on loads of chocolate and you could also save a whole lot of frustration by missing out on sitting in the holiday traffic! But then again, missing a few days off might be really painful! Yet, most of us know something bigger is going on at Easter than chocolate, Hot Cross Buns and a few days off. To skip Easter means missing out on perhaps two of the biggest things you could ever have; forgiveness and peace with God! No matter who we are, we know we’re not really the person we want to be. Deep down, we know we haven’t treated God as we should have. Some of us simply ignore him. Others keep him in a box only letting him out in times of trouble. Still others know he is there but won’t give him the place he deserves in our life.

We know that between us and God, things are not as they should be; things are not right. Easter is an extraordinary time because it is when Christian people remember how Jesus came to put things right. It is when Jesus came to deal with our guilt and sin and shame for the fact we have not made the God who is, the God of our lives. When, on that first Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the grave on Easter Sunday it meant a glorious promise of peace, a glorious promise of forgiveness and wonderful news of a fresh start with God. Don’t skip this Easter! Rejoice in it! Celebrate it! Let this great news transform your life!

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WESTERN WEEKENDER LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters submitted for publication are done so on the condition that The Western Weekender may edit them, without affecting the overall message or intent of the letter. The Western Weekender reserves the right to publish letters in other publications. COPYRIGHT Content in this publication belongs to Media View Pty Ltd, publishers of The Western Weekender, or its licensors, advertisers or affiliates. All content in this publication is protected by Australian and international copyright laws. ETHICAL AND ACCURATE CONTENT The Western Weekender operates under a code covering both ethics and accuracy. If you believe either have been compromised in relation to editorial or advertising content that appears in this publication, you should initially contact the Managing Editor. WW32907

EDUCATIONAL LEADERS & MANAGERS WANTED! 3 Educational Leaders (OSHC Coordinators) to Lead and motivate a team of Educators Based at our St Marys, Surveyors Creek & Springwood locations A Children Services Manager to lead, develop and inspire a team of Coordinators and Educators Come with: Minimum of Diploma Level Education & Care or Early Childhood teaching qualification Identify & Respond child protection certificate HLTAID004 First Aid and CPR YMCA NSW is dedicated to offering rewarding careers with challenging work and many opportunities to learn and grow! Interested? Apply via our Careers Website www.ymcansw.org.au/careers Our Commitment to Safeguarding YMCA NSW, including its Board of Directors, commits to creating and maintaining an environment that ensures all people involved in YMCA NSW activities, programs or services act in the best interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and take all reasonable steps to ensure their safety, welfare and wellbeing. The successful applicant is required to undergo probity checks which include Reference checks, a Working with Children Check and Criminal History Check before commencement. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks

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NATHAN TAYLOR @NateTaylor87

azda’s much lauded small car has another reason to shine this week, as it rolls into showrooms across Australia sporting a radiant new body colour, Soul Red Crystal. Initially launched to Australia in April 2017 on the Next-Gen CX-5, the Mazda2 joins a select number of nameplates to offer Soul Red Crystal, alongside the CX-9, Mazda3 and Limited Edition MX-5 RF. Proving a popular choice with Australians, Soul Red Crystal has accounted for 20 per cent of sales on models offering the new paint since November 2017. Developed according to Mazda’s acclaimed ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, Soul Red Crystal offers an exuberant finish that works in tandem with the Mazda2’s styling to breathe life into the car. Balancing vibrant energy and vividness with clear depth and gloss, Soul Red Crystal boasts 20 per cent greater colour saturation and 50 per cent more depth than its predecessor, Soul Red. Managing Director of Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi, said Soul Red Crystal offers a deeper expression of KODO styling in the Mazda2. “Mazda is always innovating and evolving its design process; the introduction of Soul Red Crystal across the range is testament to this,” he said. See the new colour in showrooms today.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

AUTO

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Friday, March 23, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Sport

NETBALL

Youngster earns rep honours p.77

Local football referees Craig Buckley, Justin Davies and Ian Alewood will have more power this season. Photo: Melinda Jane

New rule is on the cards NATHAN TAYLOR

ith 30 per cent of football referees quitting every single year due to player dissent, the code is now fighting back in a big and groundbreaking way. Ahead of the upcoming local football season, players over 18 who commit an act of dissent by word or action against match officials will be issued a yellow card and immediately removed from the game for a 10-minute period. The Nepean Referees Group (NRG) and the Nepean Football Association (NFA) have fully endorsed the bold move,

the way in dissent more than any other code, according to the veteran referee. “Referees work hard to keep players on the field but players are constantly yelling at them, questioning them, abusing them and this is one of the big reasons we lose referees,” Chapman said. “On average we lose 30 per cent of referees every single year. For all those people we train, educate and develop, we lose them because players have screamed at them, bringing them to tears. “I don’t know why but it seems to be prevalent in football more than any other sport. It’s great to see the code is now fighting back.”

which was handed down as a recommendation by FIFA recently. NRG Referees Manager Graham Chapman said it’s been his goal for a long time to stamp out the violence and abuse of match officials at a grassroots level. “In the past referees have been able to yellow card a player for dissent but the player would continue to play the game,” he told the Weekender. “But now it’s mandatory that if you receive a yellow card for dissent, you are off for 10 minutes. This ruling is awesome and gives referees a legal platform now.” Abuse towards match officials is at an all-time high, with football leading

Players won’t be the only ones punished for dissent with coaches, managers and club officials in the technical area also subject to the sin bin, if they commit an offence from the sideline. “It sends a clear message to players and adults that if you want to abuse referees you’ll be sin binned and if you continue, you’ll be sent off,” Chapman said. The NFA were the first grassroots football association in the country to adopt the ruling at the end of 2017. Since then, other regions in Australia are looking into adopting the new rule themselves. “I think by next season you’ll see it mandatory right across football in Australia,” Chapman said.

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Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

ESPORTS

Changing face of sport How eSports will become bigger than the NRL – and there’s an Olympic bid too! LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s predicted to become one of the biggest sports in Australia, overtaking popular sporting codes such as the NRL, AFL and A-League but, unlike its competitors, there is no ball – just a screen, mouse and a whole lot of skill and concentration. With an estimated worldwide audience of 400 million viewers this year and a revenue of $900 million (USD), eSports is making a name within the world’s sporting landscape. Founding President of the Australian eSports Association, Darren Kwan, said that it was only a matter of time before Australian eSports caught up with the rest of the world. “Australians are increasingly playing video games with recent research by the IGEA identifying upwards of 16.5 million Australian gamers,” he said. “Our young gamers have been proving they are quite skilled, with an Australian on the winning team of last year’s Dota 2 ‘The International’, taking home approximately $2.5 million individually.”

Local gamer Albert Nassif says eSports is becoming more popular in Australia Local Albert Nassif, known in the gaming community as “Naked”, is one of many Australians who have found success in the gaming world. Playing professionally for four years, Mr Nassif is now a retired player who owns

and manages the successful eSports team, Mindfreak. “My team represents my brand, so these days most of the time they play internationally for the world stage competitions,” he said.

With the Adelaide Crows becoming the first Australian sporting body to invest in an eSports team in 2017, other sporting codes are now also following suit, as Mr Nassif said clubs were realising eSports was a way of gaining the interest of younger fans. “There are definitely people getting paid better than our sporting stars here and I think with all these sporting clubs getting on board, they see the future,” he said. “They are already planning how they can utilise this to bring the kids’ attention because they are losing the kids who used to be outside kicking the ball, as now they are inside playing video games.” But players aren’t just redefining career choices, they are also breaking down stereotypes, as Mr Kwan said one of the biggest misconceptions in eSports was the idea that the players weren’t ‘real’ athletes. “eSports is not just sedentary hours of playing video games,” he said. “Players engage in training regimes, they have strict diets, schedules and exercise plans built in. eSports will be at the Olympics. We’re already banking on 2024 with earlier aspiration for 2020.”

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the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

NETBALL

Rep team honour is just the beginning for Madison NATHAN TAYLOR

oung local netballer Madison Cooney is all smiles this week after she beat out more than 100 other girls to be selected in the Parramatta Diocese Catholic Representative Netball Team. After surviving a number of squad cuts, the 11-year-old was one of 10 girls selected and the only representative from Glenmore Park’s Bethany Catholic Primary School to make the coveted side. Speaking with the Weekender, the Year 6 student said she was shocked when she heard she would be competing at the MacKillop Netball Trials in Canberra. “I was very excited, I didn’t expect to make it,” Madison admitted. “A lot of girls were really good in my position. The girl that I was up against was fast and very fit and I had to try and keep up. “I was preparing myself to miss out and when they called my name, I was really shocked.” Strong at both Centre and Wing Attack, Madison will be travelling to Canberra in two months’ time to compete against other Catholic District teams from all over the state.

HCC 111 STAFFY X FEMALE 16 MONTHS $385.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 16.3.18 KENNEL 19

Lacey is a sweet, happy and energetic girl that at just 16 months has ended up at the shelter for a 2nd time. This time Lacey has been surrendered by her owners because they have no time for her at all and when bored she will dig holes in the yard. Lacey has been a yard dog however her previous owners say she is house trained. She slept outside in a kennel, does not jump fences and is good with Men, Women and Children. Lacey is available now so please pop in to meet her.

The Glenmore Park local said she’s received strong support from those close to her regarding her incredible news and sporting achievement. “My friends and family were very happy for me,” she said. “I even got an email from my teachers saying congratulations. I replied ‘thank you for your appreciation’.” Madison said she’s already familiar with some of the other girls who will be at the Canberra event. “I can’t wait to start training with the girls,” she said. “I know some of them from reps – there’s some really good players in this team.” Making the trip to Canberra even more intriguing is the fact that a NSW team will also be selected following the conclusion of the competition. The Glenmore Park Netball Club junior said she’ll be doing her best to be considered for state representative honours. “My cousin plays indoor netball for Australia and NSW, and I want to be just like her,” Madison said. “We’ll train a number of times with the team before we go to Canberra to play. I can’t wait.” The MacKillop Netball Trials will be held in Canberra on May 11.

PCC 173 DANE X FEMALE 1 YEAR $385.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 16.3.18 KENNEL 7

Missy has been surrendered by her owner as they believe she has anxiety when left alone and says she chews everything. Missy is only 12 months old and needs a family that have the time to give her the home she deserves. She will need time spent with her and not just left in a yard everyday with no owner in sight. Missy doesn’t jump fences, she slept outside of a night and is good with Men, Women and Children. Come and meet her today!

PCC 166 STAFFY CROSS FEMALE 8 MONTHS $385.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 20.3.18 KENNEL 31

How gorgeous is this young girl! At 8 months old she has found herself at the shelter as a stray and sadly she is not chipped so there is no way of finding her owner. She is only a small girl around 15 - 18kg and has a happy bouncy personality which will win you over as soon as you meet her. Please drop into the shelter anytime during open hours and you will find this girl in Kennel 31, she is Available for Adoption Now

Madison Cooney at her Glenmore Park home on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane

PCC 183 FEMALE 18 MONTHS $181.50 AVAILABLE FOR 23.3.18 This girl was one of 20 cats that found themselves at the shelter with no home last week. We are hoping that a girl as sweet as this won’t have to stay long and her new family will come and meet her very soon! If you are looking for a lovely cat that’s past the kitten stage and looking for love then please come and visit the shelter.

PCC 126 DOMESTIC MALE 8 WEEKS $158.40 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 8.3.18

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Can you offer some TLC to a beautiful kitten that has lost his way and ended up at the shelter? This little guy has been through alot for his age and is a shy but sweet boy. He will need a family that is willing to give him the time he needs to build his confidence and live the life he was meant to always have.

After spending 6 weeks at the shelter its time for this girl to find her Forever Home. She is sweet, friendly and deserves a family that can provide all the care and love she needs. At 12 months old she has been through being pregnant and now homeless so she would really love to meet you very soon!

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

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 WW32173

Friday, March 23, 2018 « the western weekender

Coach hopes for top three finish Story continued from » p. 80 “Just qualifying to compete at State is an achievement in itself. If they place top three and medal, it will be a bonus.” Tillman, who coaches regularly at Blair Oval in St Marys, has been involved in racewalking and other forms of running for more than a decade. Due to its technicality and stringent judging, Tillman said racewalking is one of the most difficult sports to teach anyone let alone kids. “It’s difficult to learn because it’s a very technical event. Usually the kids that come to get coached are naturals at it, they just do the technique very well,” she said. Tillman, a race judge herself, explained exactly what the judges look for when out on the track. “It’s not like normal streetwalking when your knees are bent when you walk,” she said. “In racewalking, one knee has to be straightened the moment it touches the ground. It’s got to stay that way until it’s underneath the body and then it can bend again. “The other rule is where you have to have one foot on the ground at all times. When you are running you can have both feet in the air at once but this doesn’t apply in racewalking.”

AUSSIE RULES

Giants hope to rise AFL is back this weekend and GWS is off to Canberra NATHAN TAYLOR

airytale Grand Finals don’t happen very often in sport, but unbelievably they’ve occurred the last two years straight in the AFL. In 2016, the Western Bulldogs broke a 62-year premiership drought when they defeated the Sydney Swans, while last September Richmond won their first flag since way back in 1980. Ironically, both teams faced the GWS Giants in each of their Preliminary Finals before going on to Grand Final glory. On the eve of the 2018 AFL season, Giants defender Nick Haynes said it was “tough” losing to the eventual Premiers in back to back years. “That year against the Bulldogs – our first Finals – losing at home against them was tough and it was the exact same feeling last year when we lost to the Tigers,” he told the Weekender. “It hurts extra hard when those two teams go on to win the flag as well.” After falling agonisingly short two years in a row, many AFL experts are still predicting the Giants to be right up there

Nick Haynes at training this week come season’s end. Haynes hopes 2018 will be the Giants’ turn for a fairytale finish. “That would be nice but there’s 17 other clubs in the competition trying to do the same as well,” he said. “The competition is very even as we

know from the last couple of years, and there’s about a dozen clubs putting their hand up to win the flag this year. “Hopefully some of the things we’ve been working on in the pre-season we can implement during the year.” 25-year-old Haynes was in AllAustralian contention last season before going down in Round 6 with a significant hamstring injury, which saw him sidelined for six weeks. Fortunately, Haynes was able to return and help his side to another Finals series. The 2011 Draft pick said he’s feeling the best he’s ever felt ahead of this Sunday’s opening round clash against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra. “I enjoyed one of my first full preseasons at the club and I’m excited to get out there,” Haynes said. “As a club we love going down to Canberra. Whether it’s raining, freezing or hot, we always get a good crowd and atmosphere there. We have a lot of fans in Canberra, we love playing there.” While Canberra is GWS’s home away from home, the Giants will play their first official home game in western Sydney at Spotless Stadium in Round 4.

WW32817

BASKETBALL: Penrith have had a mixed weekend in Round 2 of the Waratah Championship League (WCL) Men’s competition. Penrith defeated the Sydney Comets 83-76 on Saturday before going down to the Hornsby Spiders 76-67 the following day. Centre Sean Weekes scored 30 points in the victory for Penrith while skipper Ben Kearins top scored with 26 in Sunday’s defeat. Meanwhile, Penrith’s WCL Women’s team also had a mixed weekend of results. Penrith narrowly overcame the Comets 64-59 while they were belted by the Spiders 89-55. Tatiana Beaumont recorded 22 points in Saturday’s win. Penrith’s men’s team will take on Manly Warringah in Round 3 while the women will enjoy the weekend off. AFLW: The GWS Giants’ Grand Final dream is over after they went down to Brisbane by 40 points in Blacktown last Friday night. A victory could have put the Giants into the Grand Final game but it wasn’t to be as the Lions showed their experience in a big way. Despite falling short of the all-important decider, the Giants had a season to be proud of winning three games, losing three and drawing one. CRICKET: Former New Zealand Test bowler and current Brisbane Heat Assistant Coach Shane Bond has been appointed as the new coach

of the Sydney Thunder’s Big Bash League side. “The chance to lead a program at a club which is full of great people on and off the field was very appealing,” Bond said. “I’m looking forward to getting to western Sydney and meeting the players and everyone in the organisation.” RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 6 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with mixed results for Penrith’s SG Ball, Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cup teams. In the SG Ball competition, Penrith defeated Canterbury 26-22, while in the Harold Matthews competition, the Panthers went down to the Bulldogs 34-28. In the Tarsha Gale Cup, Penrith were too good for the Bulldogs 48-16. This Saturday in St Marys, Penrith will take on the Central Coast Roosters in the Harold Matts and SG Ball while the Tarsha Gale girls have the bye. GOLF: Penrith Golf Club (Division 2) and Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club (Division 3) have won their sections within their respective divisions at the Major Pennants Golf Tournament and now move into the playoffs. Penrith and Glenmore now play against other section winners in their respective divisions, with the overall winners getting the 2018 Pennant Flag and promotion to a higher division. Good luck to all the locals involved.

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

the western weekender » Friday, March 23, 2018

Around the grounds

REGULAR COFFEE

AVAILABLE ALL DAY Valid till 30th March

OPEN from 7am-10pm

62/72 Batt Street, Jamisontown Opposite AMF L&K Espresso

L&K Espresso WW32901

HAWKESBURY’S FINEST QUALITY USED CARS 2012 HYUNDAI I30 PREMIUM

2016 NISSAN PULSAR ST

2013 TOYOTA HILUX

2016 HOLDEN TRAX

$16,980

$14,980

$19,980

$16,980

October 2012 Hyundai I-30 Premium auto, Bluetooth, panoramic sunroof, privately owned, full Hyundai Service history, Cruise, 17” Alloys, ABS, Airbags, GPS, Leather Trim, Parking sensors, Traction Control, Climate Control, ESP, Keyless Entry and Drive, Power Front Seat Driver, Rain Sensing Wipers, Rear Spoiler, Reversing Camera. DHY-80S

May 2016 Nissan Pulsar ST auto hatch, one owner, full service history, new car warranty until 2019, Cruise, 16” Alloys, Air Cond, Radio CD with 4 Speakers, ABS, Airbags, P/ windows, Traction Control, Multi Function Steering Wheel, Bluetooth, Cloth Trim, CD. CP-41-CZ

April 2013 Toyota Hilux workmate auto cab chassis, Low K’s, 2400 x 1800 Genuine Toyota Alloy tray, one owner full log book service history, Bluetooth, Air Cond, As new, ABS, Airbags, MP3 Compatible Audio/CD Player, Cup Holders. BW-24-LM

April 2016 Holden Trax LS auto wagon, one owner, full service history, new car warranty until 2019, Cruise Control, 16” Alloys, Air Cond, ABS, Airbags, Reversing Camera, Traction Control, Rear sensors, ESP, Cloth Trim, Multi Function Steering Wheel, Child Seat Anchor Points, Bluetooth, Hill Descent Control. DSV-62M

2013 PEUGEOT 208

2016 SUBARU WRX PREMIUM

2007 NISSAN MAXIMA ST-L

2012 TOYOTA HILUX SR EXTRA CAB

$14,980

$38,980

$11,980

$25,980

March 2013 Peugeot 208 Allure Premium auto hatch, Sat Nav GPS, Glass Roof, full Peugeot service history, low K’s, one owner, Cruise, Tint, 17” Alloys, Climate Control, ABS, Airbags, Leather, Sport Seats, Traction, Bluetooth, Parking Distance Control Rear. COV-64J

October 2016 Subaru WRX Premium Auto sedan, Full leather Trim, Sat Nav GPS, Sunroof, 18” Alloys, Climate Control, ABS, Airbags, Reverse Camera, Sport Seats, Body Kit Sports, Alloy Sports Pedals, LED Headlights, Vision Pack, Smart KEY, Push Button Start, Bluetooth, Split Fold Rear Seat, Child Seat - Isofix, Paddle Shift, Rear Spoiler. SCI-30S

April 2007 Nissan Maxima ST-L sedan, Genuine 56,833 K’s, full leather trim, mats, tinted windows, one owner, full log book service history, I dare you to find one better, Cruise, 17” Alloys, Climate Control, ABS Airbags, Power Front Seat Driver. CO-68-JG

October 2012 Toyota Hilux SR V6 Extra Cab, automatic, canopy, Ex-Government vehicle, full service history, low kilometres, Air cond, Cruise, ABS, Airbags, Power Windows. CP-50-KM

2013 HYUNDAI IX35 HIGHLANDER

2010 SUBARU FORESTER

2016 KIA CARNIVAL

2017 KIA SPORTAGE SI

$22,980

$14,980

$35,980

$32,980

Hyundai IX35 LM2 Highlander AWD 2.4Lt petrol, panoramic roof, full leather trim, GPS Navigation, reverse camera, one owner, full service, Cruise, 18” Alloys, Climate Control, ABS, Airbags, Traction, Parking Distance Control Rear, ESP, Hill Holder, Keyless Entry and Drive, Heated Seats. BU-46-KX

WW32909



Finance Available T.A.P.

May 2010 Subaru Forester X AWD automatic SUV, low K’s, full service history, tint, weathershields, Cruise, Air Cond, ABS, Airbags, Power Windows, Traction. BZZ-75J

March 2016 Kia Carnival MY16 S, Ex-Government vehicle, 3.3Lt V6, 6 speed auto, reverse camera, new car warranty until May 2023 with full unlimited kilometre warranty, Cruise, Air Cond, ABS, Airbags, Traction, Isofix, Split Fold Rear Seat, Hill Holder, Bluetooth, Rear sensors. CH-31-QH

February 2017 Kia Sportage Si AWD turbo diesel wagon, 6 speed auto, low K’s, privately owned, new car warranty until April 2024, mats, bonnet protector, Cruise, 17” Alloys, Air Cond, ABS, Airbags, Reversing Camera, Traction, Isofix, Split Fold Rear Seat, Fog Lights, Dusk Sensing Headlights, Parking Distance Control Rear, Hill Descent Control. CP-04-FR

 RICHMOND

Tradeins Welcome

D/L: 14077

Cnr Windsor & Bosworth Sts

Sport One step closer to medals the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

4722 6693 24 HOURS

FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

WW29027

• 24 Hour • Accident • Trade • General • All Vehicles • Bobcats • Forklifts • Machinery

Friday, March 23, 2018

CARAVANS I

NATHAN TAYLOR

• All caravan services • Repairs • Insurance • Parts supply Authorised Services Dealer

WW32911

2073 CASTLEREAGH ROAD, PENRITH

4729 3225 www.actionlifestylecentresydney.com.au

t may seem easy enough but according to one local coach, racewalking is certainly no ‘walk in the park’. With judges left, right and centre watching your every single move, your race to gold can be all over if you get spotted slipping up three times. Five young local athletes from Nepean Little Athletics in St Marys will be hoping they walk to perfection when they compete at this weekend’s NSW Little Athletics State Track and Field Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. Sisters Jessey and Abbey Bektas as well as Isabella Vella will battle it out in the U10 Girls 1100m Walk, while brothers Alex and Thomas Muir will compete in the U10 Boys 1100m Walk and U12 Boys 1500m Walk respectively. All racewalking events will take place this Sunday, March 25. Speaking with the Weekender, racewalking coach Annette Tillman is hoping for strong performances from each of her athletes. “They all have a good shot at medalling,” she said. Story continues on » p. 78

Jessey Bektas, Alex Muir, Isabella Vella, Thomas Muir and Abbey Bektas will compete in various racewalking events this Sunday

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