Western Weekender October 1 2021 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

weekender the western Friday, October 1, 2021 • FREE

www.westernweekender.com.au

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

INSIDE Your usual Western Weekender is waiting inside!

REDEMPTION

DESTINY AWAITS AS PANTHERS CHASE HISTORIC THIRD PREMIERSHIP

PANTHERS V RABBITOHS • WRAPAROUND SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

Let’s go ! s r e h t n Pa

WW45084

WW45085

Let’s Go PANTHERS!

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

grand final news

BRISBANE LIGHTS UP FOR DECIDER TROY DODDS

he Penrith Panthers have a chance to prove that history repeats itself when they take on South Sydney in this Sunday’s historic Suncorp Stadium Grand Final. The Panthers lost the 1990 Grand Final but returned to the big stage a year later to take out the trophy in 1991. 30 years later, they have a chance to wipe away the pain of 2020 and win the title in 2021. If Penrith lift the trophy on Sunday night it will be a fitting conclusion to the most bizarre of rides over the past two seasons, dominated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. And while the majority of Penrith’s fan base will have to cheer from their lounge rooms, Queensland is lapping up the prestige of hosting the NRL’s biggest day. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said excitement for the NRL Grand Final has hit fever pitch.

“I have long said Queensland deserves a Grand Final,” she said. “An NRL Grand Final is a dream come true for footy fans across the state. I encourage all Queenslanders to make the most of having the Grand Final here in rugby league heartland.” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said renaming King George Square after ‘the King’ Wally Lewis and lighting up City Hall in NRL team colours were fitting ways to celebrate the Grand Final coming to Brisbane. “Queensland football fans have long wanted the Grand Final to be held at Suncorp Stadium, which is still the best rugby league ground in the world,” Cr Schrinner said. “Now that it’s finally happening, we want to ensure the city celebrates and embraces this incredible opportunity by creating a real festival feel.” The Grand Final is officially a sell-out, with fans snapping up the remaining tickets to the historic event on Monday afternoon.

The Panthers light up King George Square in Brisbane. Photo: NRL Photos.

WW45971

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

Kevin Waters & Sons Towing

Sydney’s most versatile towing company

kwstowing.com.au

9671 5719

Servicing the Sydney metropolitan area and NSW statewide

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Our Fleet

Ready on call 24 hrs a day 7 days a week.

• Cradles • Tilt tray • Prime movers • Prime movers • Heavy tow trucks ( underlifts )

No job too small & any job up to 60t payload

ANYWHERE ANYTIME ANYTHING!!

WW46269

We settled t he S torm! Now it’s time to put t he Rabbits bac k in t heir hole!

the final word

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

match preview

Brought to you by

Nathan Cleary in action against the Storm. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

ome would say it’s advantage Souths after Wayne Bennett’s side upset Penrith in week one of the Finals. Blueprint for victory sorted, they’ll argue. But losing that match could well work in Penrith’s favour come 7.30pm Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium. You can bet your bottom dollar that Ivan Cleary and the Penrith coaching staff have poured over the video of that game endlessly this week. Identify the problem, find a solution and implement the fix. In a year in which attack and high scorelines dominated the rugby league landscape, everything is pointing to a lowscoring Grand Final on Sunday night. Penrith boasted the best defence of the regular season and have conceded just two tries in their last two games, while Souths had the third best defence in the competition and showed in week one of the Finals that they can get in the arm wrestle if that’s what it takes. Much has been made this week of the

CHANNEL NINE FOXTEL (DELAY)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 | 7.30PM | SUNCORP STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON emotion surrounding South Sydney’s storylines. About how the club wants to farewell Wayne Bennett and their homegrown hero Adam Reynolds in style. But while the headlines may not be as loud, the Panthers are farewelling a couple of their own who have formed such a close bond with the playing group that it’ll be just as important for their teammates to send them off in style as it will be for the Rabbitohs with Reynolds and Bennett. Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell have played a crucial role in this incredible period for the club, while Brent Naden has also been an important part of the journey and will likely watch as 18th man on Sunday night. So let’s not pretend the Rabbitohs have more to play for. Regardless, those fairytale farewells and storylines fade into the background once the ball is kicked off in the big one. From that moment, it’s all about the 80 minutes ahead. And what an 80 minutes it will be.

ABC 702 2GB 873

The danger man for Souths is, without question, Cody Walker. With Latrell Mitchell gone and Reynolds not 100 per cent fit, it will fall on Walker to find the moments of magic to get Souths home. If the Rabbitohs win, I have almost no doubt he’ll take home the Clive Churchill Medal. Walker boasts a competition-best 33 try assists this season, and 44 linebreak assists. If the Panthers can shut down Walker, they have their path to victory. Nathan Cleary’s kicking game will again be the key here. While Cleary was likely rattled in week one of the Finals as the ‘blocker’ controversy erupted, you should have no doubt he’ll target Blake Taaffe all night. The youngster has held his own since coming in for Mitchell, but he’s certainly vulnerable on this huge stage on Sunday night. I’m also expecting things to click better for Penrith in attack on Sunday. The side threatened to score another two or three tries against the Storm last Saturday but just couldn’t get the finishing touches right. There is no better time to get those things

UPDATES ON NRL.COM

right than now – and surely it is that fine tuning that has been the main part of the game plan and preparation this week. After two brutal games, field sessions would have been reasonably light on. The Panthers will be without Tevita Pangai Junior but the return of Moses Leota is a major boost – he’s been one of the competition’s most under-rated forwards of the last two years and will be fresh. If Penrith start well, I have no doubt they’ll be able to defend a lead yet again. If the Rabbitohs manage to grab the first couple of tries, it could well be problematic – but this Panthers side has also shown a 12-0 deficit can be easily overcome, having done it a couple of times this season already. Anything can happen on Grand Final Day, but I have a feeling Penrith may just be able to run away with this in the end. The attacking spark is threatening to return, while their defence is at its peak. We could well be celebrating long before the full-time whistle. Tip: Panthers by 13.

PANTHERS $1.68 RABBITOHS $2.25

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL YOUR HOME? Call Teresa Our Conveyancing Expert

TEAM LINE-UPS PANTHERS wa ard ds 1 Dylan Edwards

Fixed Fee • All inclusive • No hidden costs Available any time DAY or NIGHT

s r e h t n a P k c u L Good

2 Stephen Crichton 3 Paul Momirovski 4 Matt Burton 5 Brian To’o

LAW GROUP A new approach to service

Give Teresa a call on 0420

WW46159

NOVUS

6 Jarome Luai 7 Nathan Cleary (c)

979 794

Wotso Workspace, 95B Station Street, Penrith www.novuslawgroup.com.au

8 Moses Leota 9 Api Koroisau 10 James Fisher-Harris 11 Viliame Kikau 12 Kurt Capewell 13 Isaah Yeo (c)

Penrith City Council and the whole Penrith community will be cheering on the Panthers this Sunday in the NRL Grand Final.

14 Tyrone May 15 Scott Sorensen

GO PANTHERS!!

16 Spencer Leniu W6

WW46020

17 Liam Martin

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

rabbitohs

2 Alex Johnston 3 Dane Gagai 4 Campbell Graham 5

Jaxson Paulo

6 Cody Walker 7 Adam Reynolds (c) 8 Mark Nicholls 9 Damien Cook 10 Tevita Tatola

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Sp pon onsoring ons Proudly Sponsoring Penrith Panthers for over 15 Years

• Lightweight Bottles • Full Range of Dispensers Available

15 Litre bottle: $11.50 Water Cooler (12 Months): $99

ONLY $11.50

ttle for 15L Bo S (INCLUDE ) Y R E IV L DE

For further information visit www.nepeanvalleypurewater.net.au For your local NepeanValley Pure Water FREE delivery, call: 4721 0013

WW46112

Blake Taaffe

19 years servicing ciing the Nepean area

Eighteen years too long, it’s time to bring it home. This is our year, go Panthers!

11 Keaon Koloamatangi 12 Jaydn Su’A 13 Cameron Murray 14 Benji Marshall 15 Jacob Host 16 Thomas Burgess

Prue Car MP – Member for Londonderry 9833 1122

londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

17 Jai Arrow

PO Box 43, St Marys NSW 1790 Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

WW46048

154 Queen St, St Marys NSW 2760

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the road to the big dance ROUND 1

Penrith open their 2021 campaign with a convincing 24-0 win over the Cowboys at BlueBet Stadium. The Panthers score four tries to none in the victory.

ROUND 5

In a controversial and at times fiery affair at the foot of the Mountains, Penrith easily account for Ricky Stuart’s Canberra Raiders 30-10.

ROUND 9

Penrith offer Cronulla a footballing lesson with a 48-0 demolition at BlueBet Stadium. Charlie Staines grabs a hat-trick in the huge win.

ROUND 2

In atrocious conditions at Bankwest Stadium, the Panthers keep their opposition scoreless for a second straight week, beating the Bulldogs 28-0.

ROUND 6

The Panthers are far from convincing against lowly Brisbane but still get the job done, leaving Suncorp Stadium with a 20-12 victory.

ROUND 10

The Panthers put on a show for Magic Round. Nathan Cleary scores three tries and kicks eight goals in a 48-12 thrashing of the Gold Coast.

ROUND 3

Kurt Capewell scores a late try and Viliame Kikau produces an incredible defensive moment on the bell, as Penrith prevail 12-10 over Melbourne.

ROUND 7

Stephen Crichton scores early but an arm wrestle ensues, with Penrith eventually proving too good for Newcastle, winning 24-6 at BlueBet Stadium.

ROUND 11

The Panthers smash a woeful South Sydney in Dubbo. Nathan Cleary scores after three minutes and the tries keep coming in a 56-12 demolition.

ROUND 4

The Panthers blow Manly away 46-6 at Brookvale, with Brian To’o and Viliame Kikau both grabbing doubles. The Panthers took a 22-6 lead into half-time.

ROUND 8

Manly show some fight but Penrith are never really not in control in Bathurst. The Panthers eventually run out 28-16 winners in front of 5,798 fans.

ROUND 12

The Panthers make it 12 wins in a row, with a 30-4 Indigenous Round victory over Canterbury at BlueBet Stadium. Charlie Staines grabs a double.

Tigers fans are delirious after they beat a second-string Penrith side 26-6 at Leichhardt Oval, as the State of Origin period begins to take hold.

ROUND 14

A late Shaun Johnson field goal breaks an 18-all deadlock and seals a one-point win for Cronulla, as the Panthers record back-to-back defeats.

ROUND 18

The NRL relocates to QLD, and Penrith start the period away from home with a 30-16 defeat of the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Brent Naden and Dylan Edwards both score doubles as Penrith easily account for St GeorgeIllawarra, running out 34-16 winners.

After falling behind 12-0 early, Penrith click into gear and take a 22-12 lead into half-time against the Roosters. The Panthers eventually win 38-12.

ROUND 19

Brisbane pushes Penrith to the championship minutes, but in the end the Panthers get home 18-12 after leading 4-0 at the half-time break.

ROUND 22

FINALS WEEK 1

The Finals Series is turned on its head when Souths spring a major upset, beating Penrith 16-10 in Townsville. The Panthers have several chances to level the game late, but can’t get the job done.

ROUND 20

Chaos surrounds what should have been a blockbuster, as a Penrith side down on troops loses 37-10 to Melbourne in a rescheduled match-up.

ROUND 23

Penrith concede two early tries, but eventually change the momentum and beat South Sydney 25-12. Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are outstanding.

ROUND 15

ROUND 24

Penrith’s forwards stand up to get the job done 30-16 over the Wests Tigers in an uninspiring match in Redcliffe in front of 5,351 fans.

FINALS WEEK 2

In one of the great Finals games of all-time, Penrith down arch rivals Parramatta 8-6. In a game ultimately rocked by controversy, Penrith’s defence proves the key in the low-scoring contest.

ROUND 16

Matt Burton kicks a late field goal to give Penrith a 13-12 win over Parramatta in front of an empty BlueBet Stadium, as the COVID lockdown begins.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

ROUND 13

ROUND 21

Penrith bounce back into form with a hard-fought 20-14 win over the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium. Matt Burton has one of his best games of the year.

ROUND 25

The Panthers take advantage of a Parramatta side missing several key stars, running out 40-6 winners on the Gold Coast. Brian To’o scores a hat-trick.

FINALS WEEK 3

Penrith qualify for their second straight Grand Final after terrorising Melbourne with brutal defence. Ivan Cleary’s side survives a classic late Storm charge to win 10-6 in one of the games of the year.

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

GRAND FINAL NEWS

PANTHERS HAVE SIX OF THE BEST TROY DODDS

ix Penrith players have been named in the Dally M Team of the Year, but Nathan Cleary has missed out on the top gong. Manly’s Tom Trbojevic’s stunning season was rewarded with the Dally M Medal for the game’s best player, with Cleary finishing second on the leaderboard. The Sea Eagles star polled 35 points, ahead of Cleary (30), and Cody Walker (29). Trbojevic’s teammate Daly CherryEvans and Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco (both 23) rounded out the top five. Brian To’o, Matt Burton, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, James Fisher-Harris and Viliame Kikau were all named in the Team of the Year. It was an ironic win for Burton who is set to go from Dally M Centre of the Year to playing in the halves at Canterbury next season. Ivan Cleary missed out on a second consecutive Coach of the Year award, with the gong taken out by Craig Bellamy. The awards were presented in a low-key style in Brisbane, hosted remotely from Sydney by Fox Sports presenters Jess Yates and Braith Anasta.

The Dally M Team of the Year was announced on Monday night. Photo: NRL Photos.

“On behalf of the game, congratulations to Tom Trbojevic on winning rugby league’s highest individual honour,’’ NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said. “It’s a remarkable achievement in a

remarkable year to poll three points in 11 different games. “Congratulations to every winner. Tonight we reflected on the people and moments of the season. The players. The coaches.

The teamwork. The deep tribalism. The unmatched athleticism. The unforgettable moments of brilliance.” You can stream a replay of the Dally M Awards on Kayo or Foxtel.

Congratulations on an amazing season and good luck in the Grand Final

WE CREATE BEAUTIFUL FAREWELLS

WW46223

Penrith’s leading family owned funeral directors

4735 6900

gracefunerals.com.au

PENRITH | BLUE MOUNTAINS | WESTERN SYDNEY

W10

WW46180

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

grand final news

LOCAL ARTISTS TO LIGHT UP SUNCORP TROY DODDS

rand Final Day entertainment will be headed by home grown Queensland star Kate Miller-Heidke who will sing the National Anthem and lead entertainment with Australian music legend Ian Moss. Popular group The Stafford Brothers; DJ, producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet; Aboriginal didgeridoo player William Barton and a 40-piece orchestra will complete the Grand Final entertainment which will also include a spectacular light show at Suncorp Stadium. “Performing at the 2015 Grand Final with Cold Chisel was one of those career moments that we all look to play, so to be asked back to perform at the 2021 Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium here in the beautiful Sunshine State is an honour,” Ian Moss said. “And to share the stage with the immensely talented Kate Miller-Heidke and William Barton is such an added bonus and a true gift. I can’t wait.”

WW46084

Kate Miller-Heidke added: “I’m absolutely thrilled and proud to get to sing at the Grand Final – it’s a huge honour.” The pre-match festivities will also include a tribute to retiring players and elements of the game’s history. During the week, images of NRL stars and fans have lit up iconic Brisbane landmarks, while King George Square has been transformed into a Fan Fest NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the Grand Final would be a week-long celebration of rugby league and a thank you to the region for supporting the Telstra Premiership in 2021. “This is an historic week for rugby league in Queensland as we will light-up some of Brisbane’s best known landmarks with iconic images from our season. This is also an opportunity to say thank you to fans and Queenslanders for hosting us in 2021,” he said. “The Grand Final is more than game day, it’s a week-long celebration of clubs, players and most importantly fans. We have a Fan Fest in King George Square which will be highlighted by the appearance of both Grand Final teams on Friday.”

Kate Miller-Heidke will perform at the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night.

W11

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

game day guide

GET READY FOR THE BIG GAME: HERE I

t’ll be an epic Grand Final weekend, even though lockdown in Sydney means it’ll be a different kind of celebration this year. Here’s everything you need to know about the big game... Schedule of events The gates at Suncorp Stadium will open at 12pm Queensland time (1pm AEDT) with two Preliminary Finals of the Intrust Super Cup to kick off the day. There will be a retiring players farewell at 5.30pm (AEDT) before the pre-game entertainment gets underway at 6.30pm (AEDT). The NRL Grand Final between Penrith and South Sydney will kick off at 7.30pm (AEDT). At the venue, NRL partners are delivering everything from food, face painting and the chance to meet some of your favourite players at this year’s fan fest. Television coverage Channel Nine will commence its game day coverage at 10.00am on Sunday with ‘Sports Sunday’ followed by ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ at 11am. They’ll then show the two Intrust Super Cup Preliminary Finals live, before previewing the NRL decider from 5.30pm.

Ray Hadley will call the NRL Grand Final for 2GB. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Good Luck to the Penrith Panthers!

W12

WW46117

Proudly supporting since 1988!

Nine will break for a shortened edition of its news service at 6pm before returning to Suncorp Stadium for full coverage of the big one, with Ray Warren to call the Grand Final. Nine’s broadcast will feature all of the post-match presentation and interviews, with coverage due to conclude at 10.30pm. Fox League will broadcast the Intrust Super Cup Preliminary Finals from 1pm, before a studio-based preview of the NRL Grand Final. Fox will have post-match analysis from 9.00pm but do not have the rights to broadcast the game live. A replay will be broadcast from 10pm. Radio coverage 2GB’s Continuous Call Team will be on air from 1pm, with Ray Hadley to call the NRL Grand Final at 7.30pm. Andrew Moore will call the game for ABC 702 while Triple M will also broadcast the match live and have coverage throughout the afternoon. SEN will also call the game, with Panthers legend Scott Sattler part of the team. Online coverage 9NOW will provide a streaming service of the game live within Australia. Score updates will be available at www.

nrl.com or the NRL app, while the Western Weekender will also provide score updates on Facebook and Twitter, plus extensive coverage after the game. Print coverage A special commemorative print edition of the Western Weekender is available now, with a digital replica available at www. westernweekender.com.au. A special edition of Extra Time will be released next week in the Weekender, with a 2021 Premiers poster should the Panthers win the Grand Final. Post-game presentation A post-game presentation will take place after the Grand Final where the Premiership rings and trophy will be presented to the winning team. The Clive Churchill Medal for the best player on ground will also be revealed and presented. The presentation will be screened live on Channel Nine. Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and Souths coach Wayne Bennett will both front postmatch press conferences after full-time, which will be streamed live on NRL.com. Merchandise The Panthers released an official Grand

Final t-shirt this week, which was available for pre-order until Monday afternoon. There may still be shirts available at www. penrithpanthers.com.au. A second t-shirt has also been released and is available for $39.95 from Peter Wynn Score. Visit www.peterwynnnscore.com. au. Premiership merchandise will be made available in the days following the Grand Final for the winning team. Betting odds Sportsbet has Penrith as $1.65 favourites to win the Grand Final, with Souths outsiders at $2.25. The line has been set at 3.5. Brian To’o is the favourite to score the first try at $8.00, ahead of Alex Johnston at $8.50. Nathan Cleary is the favourite to win the Clive Churchill Medal ahead of Cody Walker.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

The ‘voice of rugby league’, Ray Warren, will call the game.

Country Brewer Epicurean Sunbeam Hark Fowlers Vacola A Taste of the Bush Andale Coopers Weyermann Joe White

• Cheese Kits • Beer-Making Kits • Jerky-Making Kits • Smoker Boxes • Bacon Kits • Spirit and Liqueur Essences • Preserving Kits

Ph: 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Highway, Kingswood

GO YOU MIGHTY PANTHERS THIS IS OURS!

www.countrybrewer.com.au

WW46194

POPULAR BRANDS

more than just homebrew

W13

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE PLAYERS

PAST PAIN WILL DRIVE PANTHERS ON SUNDAY NATHAN TAYLOR

anthers Grand Final co-captain Isaah Yeo believes last year’s heartbreak and the experiences of the past season will give his side the edge they need to win Penrith its elusive third Premiership. 13 Panthers will play in their second consecutive NRL decider this Sunday evening in Brisbane, while the Rabbitohs will run out just four players – Adam Reynolds, Alex Johnston, Tom Burgess and Benji Marshall – who have experienced the thrill of a Grand Final before. Speaking with the Weekender, Yeo said Penrith’s disappointing loss to Melbourne last October paved the way to where the group is today. “I think overall the experience helps, not just the Grand Final itself, but getting to that point last year,” he said. “As a group there’s players who have

played in bigger games since then like Origin and that sort of stuff, so I think that helps the experience too. “It’s a fact that we’re such an inexperienced side still that I think even an extra year of first grade under our belts has helped us.” While the Panthers went on an historic run to Grand Final Day last year, it all fell apart in the game that mattered most with an experienced Melbourne outfit tearing them to shreds in the first half and ultimately winning. Yeo said while the result was painful at the time, it could be the fuel they need to get them through the second time around. “The loss was obviously disappointing but you had to win big games to get to that Grand Final last year and, as much as we didn’t perform like we would have liked to, I think we’ve definitely got better with the experience we’ve had over the next nine or 10 months,” he said. “I feel like that’ll hold us in good

stead, obviously you still have to go out and perform on the weekend, but I feel like we’re in a better spot than we were last year in terms of that experience.” Alongside fellow skipper Nathan Cleary, Yeo will have the privilege of captaining his first ever NRL Grand Final. A natural-born leader since arriving from Dubbo as a teenager nearly a decade ago, the Dally M Lock of the Year said it’ll be an “honour” to lead out the Panthers on Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium. “It’s something myself and Nathan are very proud of,” the 26-year-old said. “We’re obviously very close with our families and I know it’s something both the Yeos and the Clearys are definitely proud of as well. “It’s an absolute honour… I don’t think much changes with how we’ve performed throughout the season, you just try and lead by example and do your best. I’m sure we’ll be doing that this weekend.”

Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo. Photo: NRL Photos.

PLAN & PROSPER IF IT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU IT IS IMPORTANT! • The reƟrement you deserve • That sports car • Weekender on the coast • Regular date night

Good things happen when you plan for them! Financial planning helps you allocate your income and assets to achieve the things you think are important.

GO MIGHTY PANTHERS!

WW46216

Future Financial Servicess ‘Plan & Prosper’

A: Suite 9, 488 High St, Penrith | Ph: 4704 8585 W: futurefinancialservices.com.au TwiƩer @FutureFS Facebook /Futurefinancialservices

W14

Our knowledge and experience in relaƟon to legislaƟon and strategies surrounding superannuaƟon, insurance, investments, taxaƟon and Centrelink will enable us to provide you with quality advice to assist you achieve your financial goals.

Good Luck

Penrithanthers P

PERSONAL LEGAL SERVICES ZBODJOH t 1SPQFSUZ BOE $POWFZBODJOH t 8JMMT 1SPCBUF "ENJOJTUSBUJPO t &TUBUF 1MBOOJOH

in the upcoming Final Grand

t "TTFU 1SPUFDUJPO 1MBOOJOH *NQMFNFOUBUJPO t /PUBSJBM 4FSWJDFT

As well as acting on the conveyance of property in NSW, we also act for NSW residents who wish to purchase or sell property in Victoria, ACT and Queensland

Commercial Legal Services t 1MBOOJOH &OWJSPONFOU -BX t 0) 4 -BX t $PNNFSDJBM "EWJDF t %FCU 3FDPWFSZ #BOLSVQUDZ *OTPMWFODZ -BX t $PSQPSBUF -BX (PWFSOBODF t &NQMPZNFOU t #VTJOFTT -BX t *OEVTUSJBM -BX t *OUFMMFDUVBM 1SPQFSUZ t 3FUBJM $PNNFSDJBM *OEVTUSJBM -FBTJOH Suite 1, 86 Henry Street, Penrith 2750

info@grassiassociates.com.au

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

WW45716

• Geƫng the keys to your first house • The holiday you’ve always dreamed about • Enrolling your kids in the best school

We’ve got an App for that!

Member

WW46303

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

THE PLAYERS

DREAMING OF A GRAND FAREWELL NATHAN TAYLOR

enji, Burto, Reno, Capes, Wayne – they all can’t get the ultimate farewell on Sunday night but rest assured they’ll be doing everything in their power to make it happen. While much of the focus this week has been on Benji Marshall, Adam Reynolds and Wayne Bennett departing the Bunnies at season’s end, the Panthers also have several big names pulling on the black jersey for the final time. Brisbane-bound Kurt Capewell and future Bulldog Matt Burton are two players determined to have a fairytale finish. Interestingly, both players have run out for the Panthers 31 times, but their 32nd game this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium will be by far the biggest and most important game of their careers. Speaking with the media on Monday, Capewell said it would be “awesome” to end his time as a Panther with a Premiership. “I’ve created a lot of memories with these boys – not just these boys – but everyone at the club as well. To be able to finish on a high would be awesome,” he said. “South Sydney’s a great team and Wayne’s a great coach also, so I’m sure they’ll be up for the challenge. It’ll be a tough one this weekend and a good game to watch for everyone that’s going.” One player Panthers fans would be desperate to keep if given the opportunity, Matt Burton is also hoping his final game for Penrith is a fruitful one. After missing out on last year’s decider against Melbourne, the Dubbo product took his game to a whole new level this season and was one of the first players picked for Sunday’s Grand Final. “It was good to be part of the squad last year and see how it all was and get that little taste of it, but it’s obviously great to be in the squad this year and be a part of it,” Burton, who crossed the line 16 times this season, said. “You dream of this as a kid… I’m still pinching myself that I’m here and I get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final this weekend.”

Matt Burton and the Panthers celebrate after beating Melbourne last weekend. Photo: NRL Photos.

If Canterbury got their way back in April and extracted Burton from his Panthers contract early, the 21-year-old wouldn’t been playing this weekend. Burton, who was named Dally M Centre of the Year on Monday night, said staying at Penrith was the best decision for his development as a person and player. “There was obviously a bit of uncertainty

of where I was going to be at the start of the year, but here I am now and I just can’t believe it,” he said. “Ivan’s been massive for me – he’s helped my game and really helped me throughout the year also, so hopefully we can go out on a high this weekend.” And while Burton knows fairytale finishes are earned and not deserved, he’ll be

hoping the stars do align on Sunday – not just for him personally but the entire city of Penrith. “I love the club and the boys have been like brothers to me, but they are obviously doing it tough back there in Penrith and it would mean the world to us boys to take that Premiership back to Penrith and do it for them guys,” he said.

Go the mighty Panthers! lsre.com.au/penrith | 4731 1897

WW46315

W15

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE PLAYERS

FROM SCRAP HEAP TO SUNCORP NATHAN TAYLOR

ig matches are often decided by big moments, and Scott Sorensen’s heroic chase down of Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes prior to half-time last Saturday afternoon was one of them. With less than a minute on the clock and both sides out on their feet after a gruelling first half, Sorensen came from the other side of the field to run down the speedy number seven and stop a near certain try. While it wasn’t quite as dramatic as Scott Sattler’s famous covering tackle in the 2003 Grand Final, it was certainly an act of desperation that the Panthers needed in order to keep the hungry Storm scoreless at half-time. Speaking to the Weekender ahead of his first ever NRL Grand Final on Sunday, Sorensen was flattered his gutsy tackle was being compared to that of Sattler’s. “It’s nice to be compared to but his tackle takes the cake, his one was outstanding especially in a Grand Final – it was awesome,” he said. “I just turned my head and all I thought was just chase, just chase. “To be honest, I wasn’t the only one chasing… Fish, Dylan Edwards and T-May were

there as well, I was just fortunate enough to get him.” After making his Penrith debut in Round 9 against his former club Cronulla, Sorensen has been one of the shining lights for the Panthers this season. Thrown on the NRL scrap heap after the Sharks opted not to re-sign him, the 28-year-old was weighing up offers to play in England before the Panthers, who were keen to boost their forward stocks, picked up the phone. After an up and down first grade career which began in 2014, Sorensen said signing with Penrith this season changed his life. “100 per cent it did… I’ve loved my time here and since day one the club’s been unbelievable in terms of welcoming me in – I’ve loved every single minute of it,” he admitted. “The playing group have been unbelievable and so have the coaching staff for developing my game. They’ve given me confidence to back myself and the trust that the playing group have shown in me is why I’m in the position that I’m in.” With Sunday’s decider against South Sydney just days away, Sorensen can’t help but pinch himself at the prospect of running out onto Suncorp Stadium in front of 50,000 fans because, less than a month ago, he was lying on a hospital bed in need of surgery.

Scott Sorensen in action against the Storm last weekend. Photo: NRL Photos.

Sorensen dislocated his wrist during Penrith’s Round 25 win over Parramatta and many feared his standout season was over at the worst possible time. “There was no fracture or break in the

bone at all; it was really best case scenario. The bone came out clean and went back in pretty clean as well, so I just had some bone bruising and a bit of swelling,” Sorensen explained.

Let’s Go Panthers!

Proud sponsors of the Penrith Panthers www.costa.com.au W16

1300 426 782 WW46134

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

Congratulations to the Penrith Panthers for back to back Grand Final appearances. We will be cheering you on - Premiers 2021

Thinking of Selling? Get in touch to arrange your appraisal today.

Nick Rigas 1/21 Lavin Crescent Werrington County NSW 2747 m. 0401 560 116 e. nickrigas@theagency.com.au w. theagency.com.au WW46286

W17

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE LEGENDS

FAMOUS FAMILY SPLIT ON DECIDER NATHAN TAYLOR

hen you hear the name Sattler, you immediately think Grand Finals. Whether it’s John courageously playing with a broken jaw in 1970 or his son Scott making arguably the greatest try-saving tackle of all-time, the Sattler name will forever be a part of rugby league history. When Penrith take on South Sydney in the 2021 NRL Grand Final this weekend, the Sattler name will undoubtedly get a mention a few times during the broadcast due to the allegiances both men share with the two clubs involved. For Scott Sattler, he was born a Bunny but after his heroics in 2003 he’ll forever be a Panthers man and he’ll be cheering them home on Sunday night. “Everyone in my family are South Sydney supporters, as I am as well, but I’ve got this part of me that wants Penrith to win the comp,” Sattler told the Weekender. “Outside of me, my daughter and my son – who are mad Penrith fans – the rest of the family is against us.” Now aged 49, Sattler enjoyed a more than memorable career with the Panthers that

Scott and John Sattler both have remarkable Grand Final stories.

spanned 118 games between 1999 and 2003. Despite some lean years at the foot of the Mountains, Sattler was able to end his time at Penrith with a Premiership – a

rare accomplishment not many players can achieve. Sattler said it’s an exciting time to be a Panthers and Rabbitohs supporter, espe-

cially considering both clubs are currently based not too far from where he resides in south-east Queensland. “It’s a little bit strange to think both of the teams I support – one as a child growing up in South Sydney and Penrith because I had my career there – are playing each other in a Grand Final,” he said. “Knowing the club you love in Penrith is just up the road preparing for a Grand Final is surreal. You have to keep reminding yourself that all the players and teams are in QLD.” While there were calls from the public this week for both Sattler men to be part of Grand Final Day in an official capacity, that will now unlikely be happening with Scott set to commentate the game for SEN Radio and 79-year-old John preferring to watch the game from the comfort of his Gold Coast home. “I went and saw Dad yesterday and he won’t be going to the game, but he used to always say he couldn’t believe that it took Souths so long to make another Grand Final after ’71 when they finally did in 2014,” Sattler said. “He’s just so happy that Souths are able to possibly taste success again when it’s only been seven years since they last won the Premiership. The family… we’re split right down the middle at the moment.”

Put Our Winning g Team to Work

“Go the Mighty Panthers! Let’s make 2021 our year.”

Left-right: Litsa Meleti, Paul Tanner, Phil Haley, Dorothy Scott, Gizzelle Powell, Alana Neville, Victor Borg & Peter Parker

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX.®

CALL

4732 6007 NOW

Phone Email Office

W18

4722 8660 penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Good luck Panthers WW46270

WW46201

COVID SCARE

FANS SHOW SUP SUPPORT OPEN TRAINING SESSION They’re a long way from home but that hasn’t stopped the Panthers feeling the love on the Sunshine Coast. The team held an open training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Monday. Plenty of young fans turned out to see their favourite players like Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau and Brian To’o be put through their paces by coach Ivan Cleary. The fans also got to meet

the players, take photos and a few lucky supporters also scored some training gear from the team. The Panthers have been based on the Sunshine Coast since the NRL was relocated to Queensland mid-season, but ironically never played at Sunshine Coast Stadium. After two seasons of ‘bubble life’ and keeping their distance from fans, the players lapped up the opportunity to engage with

supporters ahead of the Grand Final. Meanwhile, the Panthers have also been receiving plenty of support from home in Penrith. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the community was right behind the NRL team ahead of Sunday’s clash with South Sydney. “It would be a fairytale for the ages if the team can go one better this year,” Cr McKeown said.

SUTTON APPOINTED

! GRAND FINAL GOES GLOBAL Have you got friends who want to cheer on the Panthers from overseas? Here’s the international broadcast details: • WatchNRL streaming globally except Aus, NZ, Pacific Islands. • Africa: ESPN Africa • US: Fox Sports • Canada: Roger Sports Net • Asia: Fox Sports Asia, ECLAT, Mono. • Europe: Sky UK, ESPN, Bein Sports. • Pacific Islands: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, TVWAN, Sky Pacific. Encourage your overseas friends to tune in!

REFS ANNOUNCED

Alarm bells started ringing at the NRL this week when new COVID-19 cases were reported in Brisbane. It sparked suggestions a fresh lockdown was imminent, which would have thrown the Grand Final into chaos. However, the Queensland State Government and health officials have, at the time of going to print, opted to avoid a lockdown and instead re-introduced some minor restrictions. It means a capacity crowd can pack into Suncorp Stadium on Sunday evening to watch Penrith and the Rabbitohs face off in the season decider. Should a last minute drama erupt, the NRL’s Plan B is to play the Grand Final in Townsville.

LEGENDS BLAST FROM THE PAST Some NRL legends have been playing a part in Grand Final Week festivities in Brisbane. On Wednesday, former Souths players Isaac Luke and Ethan Lowe joined Panthers legends Scott Sattler and Petero Civoniceva for a media opportunity ahead of Sunday’s big game. Sattler is best remembered for his incredible try-saving tackle in Penrith’s 2003 Grand Final win.

TAMOU’S PRAISE

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Former Penrith captain James Tamou has thrown his support behind the Panthers ahead of Sunday night’s Grand Final. The Wests Tigers skipper is hoping his old team can go one better this year and take out the title, after he captained the side to the 2020 decider. “Congratulations to Ivan, Isaah, Nath and the Panther boys, been the best team all year,” Tamou wrote on Instagram. “I know how hard they’ve worked for this opportunity and I know last year plays a part.”

“I think the Penrith Panthers will win quite comfortably” PHIL GOULD DECLARES A PENRITH VICTORY ON ‘100% FOOTY’

Experienced whistleblower Gerard Sutton will referee the Premiership decider between Penrith and Souths on Sunday night. David Munro and Todd Smith will be touch judges for the Grand Final, while Grant Atkins will be the Bunker Review Official. NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said Sutton had earned his appointment through his consistent performances across the entire season. “Gerard has enormous experience in the biggest matches in recent years and deserves to referee in the Grand Final,” Mr Annesley said. “This will be his seventh Grand Final – and his fifth in a row – which is a phenomenal achievement. “Gerard refereed all three of the Ampol State of Origin matches this year – and now has 22 interstate matches to his name – and that sort of big-match experience is invaluable. “I also want to acknowledge every single match official who made sacrifices to relocate to Queensland this year in order to ensure the continuation of the Premiership. “This has clearly been a season to remember – but it’s important to acknowledge there wouldn’t have been a season without the match officials.” Ashley Klein is the standby referee.

FANS GO ALL OUT TO BACK THE BOYS Anthea Strathdee is one of many fans who have decked out their house in everything Panthers related ahead of this Sunday’s Grand Final.

While lockdown has prevented a major celebration throughout the city, that hasn’t stopped eager fans from showing off their Panther Pride.

W19

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

FANS BACK THE w To the Mighty Panthers, we kno been you by number, by name. We’ve riding every run, tackle and kick theme chase with you. We’ve sung the . tory song with you after every vic ud You’ve made us all so proud, pro 1 202 ! rith Pen in d to be born and bre . now e tim r sure is our year. It’s you hy It’s your time to bring that trop tball that you deserve back home. Foo betisn’t a game. Out west we know . life is ll tba ter than anyone that foo e tiv Today is my Dad’s 225 consecu ll is day in Nepean Hospital. Footba are You ng. goi what is keeping him our in ll tba keeping him going. Foo , boys! family is life. Rip in on Sunday

We would like to thank our local Penrith boys for doing us proud this year. In a year where we’ve lost our jobs, lost our freedoms and ultimately lost our general way of life. They have been a beacon of light. Something to look forward to each and every week. We can’t thank them enough for uprooting themselves and their whole lives to another state just to keep this going for us. My son isn’t old enough yet to understand football, but he understands how excited his daddy gets watching it. C’mon boys. Let’s go one more. Let’s make the year to forget, one to remember. Go the mighty Panthers!

The Plowright Family

Jason Vanderley, H arper Vanderley & Riya T regear

ers Penny Panth Wishing my Final r the Grand all the best fo and I had faith s. th u o S st again Storm e against the v ti si o p s a w ositive ain I have p and once ag or lose Sunday! Win is th r fo es am! vib ays be my te lw a l il w s Panther

Nathan Greentree

We are so prou d of you for mak ing back to back Gra nd Finals! Wha t an achievement. Y ou have been th ro ugh so much adversity this year. Whils t we, in Penrith have been stuck in lo ckdown for three month s you have prov ided the Penrith commun ity with hope, in spiration, joy and so mething to look fo rw ard to each weekend . 2021 is ‘our ye ar’ and I cannot wait to see you lift the tr ophy on Sunday nigh t. I’m so excited to share Grand Final da y, with my son Ja ck son who adores Bil ly Kikau. Wishi ng you all the best for th e big game. Do us proud Panthers; the entire comm unity is behind you. B ring the trophy ho me. Go the Mighty Panthers!

W20

Well done on a great season, yo u have done the whole Penrith Panther s team and famil y proud. You ha ve shown everybod y that we are no t pretenders anym ore, you all show up for one another and it shows on th e field and you ha ve all turned P enrith Panthers into a premiership heav yweight. All the best for the big game on Sunday we al l know you wil l smash it and br ing the trophy ba ck to its rightful hom e. GO THE MIG HTY PANTH ERS.

Bridgette Beard

It is our season boys! My family are cheering you on and win or lose this is your time, you have proved to be the best team now get out there and show them you deserve to be the 2021 champions!

Meagan & Jackson Mille

The Dicker Family

weekender the western Friday, October 1, 2021 • FREE

www.westernweekender.com.au

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

INSIDE Your chance to win with three huge competitions. Pages 10-11

Caption

READY TO OPEN Lockdown almost over for vaccinated SEE PAGE 3

DROP IT OFF How to get rid of your excess cardboard SEE PAGE 12

SURVEYING

HITCHEN WINS Deputy Mayor to stay on until December SEE PAGE 7

FOR SEVENTY Penrith’s oldest family-run business, Freeburn Surveying, has hit a major milestone, as it celebrates 70 years in operation. Emily Feszczuk reports on page 18

EXTREME FOX Jess takes new event by storm SEE PAGE 48

Would you like to know the value of your home in the current market? Nick Rigas 1/21 Lavin Crescent | Werrington County NSW 2747 e. nickrigas@theagency.com.au w. theagency.com.au

GO PANTHERS!

2021 Premiers

Nick Rigas 0401 560 116

WW46324

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me today. I look forward to meeting you.

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

WW46083

Big family Christmas No limit on visitor numbers from December; reopening day gets closer TROY DODDS

ousehold visitor caps will be lifted in time for Christmas Day, ensuring family celebrations will go ahead this year after being heavily restricted in 2020. It comes as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirms that unvaccinated people will remain subject to stay-at-home orders until December 1, missing out on the freedoms available to those who’ve had the jab until then. Ms Berejiklian has also confirmed that October 11 is looking increasingly likely to be ‘freedom day’, where the first raft of restrictions will ease and lockdown will essentially end. Ms Berejiklian said there is likely to be “as little as two weeks” between the 70 per cent and 80 per cent figure. Once NSW hits 80 per cent double dose, there will be further restrictions eased including no limits on regional travel. Community sport will also return at this point, while indoor pools and nightclubs will reopen. Regional travel was originally set to

L MU

LSE

LEY

Deputy Premier John Barilaro continues to encourage vaccine take-up.

return at 70 per cent double dose but this has now been revised. “Vaccination remains our ticket to freedom so we need to work even harder to get jabs in arms, to help stop the spread, minimise outbreaks and ensure people are protected when we open up,” Ms Berejiklian said. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas. “The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said. “The key continues to be vaccination rates, so please do not hesitate and book in for your free COVID-19 vaccine today so we can reach these targets as soon as possible.” Hospitality venues have also been given more certainty around the months ahead, with confirmation all venues will move to a 2sqm rule from December 1. New COVID-19 cases have been steadily decreasing over the past week.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

COVID-19 CRISIS: THE IMPACT ON PENRITH

WW46081

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the western weekender PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith westernweekender Issue 1520

There’s many ways to get your paper each week – including via email! Visit westernweekender.com.au/getapaper to find out more.

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Journalist: Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Journalist: Emily Feszczuk | @emilyfeszczuk Photographers: Melinda Sanders, Megan Dunn 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: Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Jay Lowe, Chris Middleton, Angela Jevdich To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production: Ian Beard, Zoe Merrick, Kacey Wilson

Administration: Jennifer Zuleni, Megan Dunn

The Western Weekender is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930). For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Yes, it’s more than just a game O ver the years I’ve missed countless birthday dinners, family holidays and even weddings so I could go to the footy and watch my beloved Penrith Panthers. “But it’s just a game,” some say. “You’re not actually playing,” is another all-time favourite. “They won’t know you weren’t there,” is also on the greatest hits album. It’s easy to mock what you don’t understand or appreciate. Truth is, it is more than a game. For many rugby league has been part of the fabric of their lives for decades. It becomes a constant when everything else may be moving in different directions. Through relationship breakdowns, new jobs, children being born, heartbreak, celebration, loss and love... no matter what is happening in life, for 80 minutes on a weekend you can escape reality and just focus on your beloved footy team. For me, my love affair with the footy started when I’d go to Penrith Park with my Mum and Dad in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For many, watching the Panthers had already been a years-long institution but this was brand new for me. We’d sit at what is today known as the Family Hill, and after the games I’d go around to the back of the sheds, desperately waiting to get my footy cards signed by the players. I’d bring cards from the away teams as well. I can remember when Ricky Stuart signed my embossed gold card; you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for days. In the mid-1990s I broke my leg and couldn’t go to the footy. Thankfully, they

Index

“No matter what is happening in life, for 80 minutes on a weekend you can escape reality”

came to me. Greg Alexander and Steve Carter visited Nepean Hospital to check in on the kid who’d somehow managed to crash into a parked car on his bike and book himself an extended stay in the Children’s Ward. As I got a bit older, the footy experience changed. I’d go with mates – we got up to a group of 10 at one point, sitting in the Eastern Terrace in the days before most of the seating was ticketed. Maccas was the meeting point, then it was over to the game. I was the selfappointed group leader. Couldn’t miss the team line-ups or the video presentation. As a 16-year-old boy I admit the cheerleaders were also on the don’t miss list. During what was a difficult era for the Panthers, our group of 10 quickly dwindled. For some, loyalty did not trump success and watching the boys get lapped every week was no longer fun. In 2002 I got season tickets for the first time. Eastern terrace, 40 metre line, right on the aisle.

News..............................................1-24 Turning Back Time..............25 Business........................................26

During that time I hated referees so I’d scream myself hoarse playing the blame game. The next era focused on work, watching from media boxes where screaming for your team is somewhat frowned upon. For the last eight or nine years, ‘home’ has been the back row of the western grandstand with my wife and a bunch of good mates. Pre-drinks at Panthers, deep analysis of what’s going to happen on the field, a sneaky Captain Morgan or two from the West Bar and then an 80 minute roller coaster that in recent times has had more ups than downs. In close games, I pace the walkway behind our seats, my usual calm demeanour nowhere to be found. We’re right in front of Ivan Cleary’s box. We get the occasional thumbs up. You get to know the people around you, too. They all have their own stories, their own rugby league journeys, of how they ended up in Bay 28. So yes, if you want to get technical about things, it’s just a game. But if you know, you know. This Sunday’s Grand Final is another reward for those Penrith fans who’ve been at this caper for years. Who’ve sat through good times, bad times, hot days, freezing nights and missed those all-important events. To the new fans and bandwagon jumpers, we welcome you too. You’ve got to start somewhere. Whatever happens on Sunday night, it’s another chapter, another moment, another memory of this life as a rugby league fan. And you know what? I reckon this chapter will have a happy ending.

Entertainment...................27-35 Weekender Living ........36-39 Business Directory......40-42

Auto..........................................43-44 Sport ........................................45-48

WW45983

Maccas tackles COVID “No risk to customers”: High Street restaurant following all health advice TROY DODDS

everal crew members are isolating after a number of COVID-19 cases were linked to the McDonald’s restaurant on High Street in Penrith. While any risk to customers and the general public is considered extremely low, the Weekender understands seven staff members who worked Tuesday and Wednesday of last week have now tested positive. The restaurant is following all advice from health authorities and has undertaken a deep clean. It has continued to work with McDonald’s head office and health authorities and implemented additional health responses in the last few days. A Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) spokesperson said the venue has been working alongside health authorities to manage the outbreak. “The NBMLHD Public Health team has worked with the venue to identify close contacts. Close contacts must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days,” the spokesperson said.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

COVID-19 CRISIS: THE IMPACT ON PENRITH

The McDonald’s restaurant on High Street, Penrith continues to trade.

“The venue has been cooperating fully with the Public Health Unit. The venue has been thoroughly cleaned and was following public health advice including customers signing in using the Service NSW QR code, wearing masks and other infection control measures.”

A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson said the store remains open. “The Department of Health has advised there is no risk to customers and the restaurant has reopened and continues to trade,” the spokesperson said. “Throughout the pandemic, McDonald’s

Australia continues to work closely with the Department to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our people and customers. “McDonald’s Australia uses high-grade cleaning products throughout the strict cleaning, quality control and hygiene procedures in every shift.”

WESTERN SYDNEY DENTURE CLINIC COME TALK TO OUR TEAM AT OUR ST MARYS CLINIC

• Are your dentures loose? • Are your dentures collecting food?

More ways to enjoy every day From dining to shopping, to travel, get more of what you love & give back to our cause.

• Are your dentures rocking while eating?

Urgent Repairs Soft Line Dentures Flexible Dentures Mouthguards Health Fund Rebates

• Not able to chew food properly?

Seniors Cards

• Can’t see your teeth when you smile?

Free Consultation

Support us. Buy your Entertainment Membership today!

NO REFERRALS NEEDED

WW44038

PLEASE CALL FOR DENTURE ADVICE

*Member offers are subject T&Cs. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au

Same-day Relines

• Are your dentures ill-fitting?

If you have any of the above problems, call us now for a FREE consultation

www.entbook.com.au/948q083

Partial Dentures

• Have you lost your smile line?

Share in the good, with up to 50% off & 2 for 1 deals in your city and across Australia and New Zealand.

Order your Memberships online today!

Full Dentures

9623 0100

OFF FOR ALL OUR OLD FRIENDS & CUSTOMERS

3/343 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY, ST MARYS (FACING QUEEN STREET, PARKING AT THE BACK)

WW43124

Fundraising with Entertainment 20% of every Membership we sell, goes directly to our fundraising

YOUR COMMON DENTURE PROBLEMS:

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

COVID-19 CRISIS: THE IMPACT ON PENRITH

Guest Columnist Melissa McIntosh – Federal Member for Lindsay @MGrahMcIntosh

Put water safety in the fast lane

s we emerge from the NSW lockdown, the warm summer weather will be upon us. There isn’t a person in our community who doesn’t want this after so many tough months getting through the pandemic. Families will want to head to the beach, the pools, to our Nepean River and other waterways. When they get there, children will be entering the water after many missed swimming lessons as the result of lockdowns over the last two years. As the local Member of Parliament who has our community front of mind, I am so concerned about the impact of these missed lessons on our kids. We should all be concerned. Swimming Australia estimates that over 250,000 swimming lessons are being missed every week during the current lockdown in New South Wales. This is a figure that would alarm every parent. What’s even more worrying is the increase in drownings across Australia over the last year. Between July 1 2020 and July 31 2021, there were 294 drownings in Australia – a 20 per cent increase on the previous year. NSW recorded the highest number out of the states and territories with 99 deaths.

The statistics from Royal Life Saving demonstrate the extent of the tragedy that’s occurred across Australia. Fatal drownings increased against the previous year in almost every metric: • Children aged 0-4: Drownings increased 108 per cent • Children aged 5-15: Drownings increased 56 per cent • Young people aged 15 to 24: Drownings increased 21 per cent 294 families lost children, brothers, sisters and friends. They experienced unimaginable grief and loss, amid a global pandemic and an uncertain future. We have to act fast to stop more drownings before they happen, and the Commonwealth and States have a part to play in supporting intensive back to swim programs as a matter of urgency. We need ready-to-go programs that will give as many children as possible the opportunity for swimming lessons. Swim schools are also calling for greater clarity from the NSW Government on the path to re-opening, and providing the essential service of giving our kids lifesaving skills in the water. This is why I am working with our local

swim schools and families to advocate for the re-opening of indoor pools as part of the NSW Government’s roadmap.

“Let’s not let a national tragedy happen this summer”

Waiting until December 1 means even more missed lessons. With the current uncertainty around indoor pools, many schools have cancelled their end of year swim and survive programs.

For some kids, this is the only access they have to water safety training. You can learn a lot over Zoom, but you can’t learn to swim. As a Member of Parliament from western Sydney, I know what our community is feeling while we are locked down at home week after week, watching the nightly news showing people sunbaking and swimming at the beach. We’ve been locked down and locked out, and the beaches will be one of the first places people flock to when the gates open. Whether it’s getting down to the beach or enjoying the great outdoors closer to home along the beautiful Nepean River, there’s a serious risk. Rivers and creeks remain the leading location for drowning, with beaches not far behind. The leading activity prior to drowning is swimming and recreating. The Australian story is one of sun, swimming and family gatherings. Let’s not let a national tragedy happen this summer. As a nation, we need to put water safety in the fast lane for our Aussie kids. To join the fight and sign the petition, visit melissamcintosh.com.au/put-watersafety-in-the-fast-lane.

Too big for the bin? Remove it in a click penrith.city/thewastespot

WW45880

Hitchen stays on Deputy Mayor’s term extended ahead of December poll ALENA HIGGINS

ouncillor Tricia Hitchen has been re-elected as Penrith’s Deputy Mayor. Cr Hitchen, who has held the position for the past 12 months, will continue in the role until December 4, 2021, or until the next election in the case of further postponements of the Local Government elections. The Liberal Councillor defeated the only other nominee, Independent Councillor Marcus Cornish, 12 votes to two during Monday night’s Ordinary Council meeting. Councillor Jim Aitken was absent at the time of the vote. The Local Government elections were scheduled to take place earlier this month but were moved to December 4 due to COVID-19. Cr Hitchen told the Weekender last week it made sense for her to continue for the two months until the election. Cr Cornish said he put his hand up in the spirit of democracy and transparency. Incumbent Labor Mayor Karen McKeown, who along with Cr Hitchen was

The State Government has opted not to implement its traditional double demerit period over the October long weekend, as the lockdown continues. “Stay-at-home orders continue to apply to much of NSW, so the only people on the roads in lockdown areas should be those with a reasonable excuse,” said Police Minister David Elliott. “This is in no way a green light for drivers to break the rules – and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be out in force as usual – but this weekend we won’t be doubling-up the demerits.” He urged drivers on the roads to take extra care across the weekend.

COMMUTERS LEFT IN DARK

Tricia Hitchen will stay on as Penrith’s Deputy Mayor until December.

elected for a 12-month term in September 2020, will remain at the helm until early next year. Penrith Mayors normally sit for two years, however Cr McKeown’s term was reduced to coincide with the since-postponed September 2021 Local Government elections. This came about after the September 2020 Council elections were axed, again due to the pandemic.

Double demerits axed for weekend

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

At the time of the December 4 elections, sitting Councillors will have held office for five years and two months, far exceeding the normal four-year term. The next term will be reduced to three years with an election to be held at the end of 2024. The Mayoral election is expected to take place in January 2022 after the new Councillors have been sworn in.

Sydney Trains workers walked off the job on Tuesday, throwing the rail network into chaos. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says its members stopped work from 9am to 1pm over the State Government’s refusal to “come to the table with a fair new enterprise agreement”. Trains eventually got back on schedule after commuters were left to find alternate transport options.

Rooty Hill Village ROOTY HILL | 11 MAVIS STREET Retire from

$258,400*

ANG A AN NG6 2 NG680 NG N

1-2

PEACE OF MIND AND A VIBRANT LIFESTYLE

VILLAGE FEATURES

Embrace the freedom of maintenance-free retirement living in a pet-friendly community of social retirees.

• Multi-purpose community centre

Rooty Hill Village is a safe and caring community where you don’t have to be alone. It’s a safe place to retire with services available to help make sure you have what you need.

• New off-leash dog park

• BBQ facilities

1300 111 278 Call to book a virtual tour!

• New community garden • Children’s playground • And more!

For more details: anglicare.org.au/rootyhill

*Price based on 50% deferred management fee option. You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave the village. WW45896

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

PENRITH

NEWS

Penrith City Council and the whole Penrith community will be cheering on the Panthers this Sunday in the NRL Grand Final.

GO PANTHERS!!

CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION 3HQULWK 2IÀFH &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW 6W 0DU\V 2IÀFH 4XHHQ 6WUHHW &HQWUH ² 4XHHQ 6WUHHW &RQWDFW &HQWUH 2SHQ DP² SP 0RQ²)UL 3 ) :ULWH WR 32 %R[ 3HQULWK 16: ( FRXQFLO#SHQULWK FLW\ &RXQFLO·V RIÀFHV DUH FORVHG GXULQJ WKH 16: *RYHUQPHQW·V 6WD\ DW +RPH 2UGHUV 3OHDVH FDOO RU JR WR P\ SHQULWK FLW\ IRU RQOLQH VHUYLFHV

SERVICES :DVWH 6HUYLFHV ,OOHJDO 'XPSLQJ &RQWDFW WKH (3$ KRWOLQH RQ DQG DVN IRU WKH 5,' 6TXDG 5HJLRQDO ,OOHJDO 'XPSLQJ 6TXDG *UDIÀWL +RWOLQH )UHHFDOO

MEETING DATES &RXQFLO 0HHWLQJV

2FWREHU ² SP 2QOLQH YLD SHQULWK FLW\ 3ROLF\ 5HYLHZ 0HHWLQJ

2FWREHU ² SP 2QOLQH YLD SHQULWK FLW\ 2UGLQDU\ 0HHWLQJ

penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

COUNCIL BRIEFS

DQG QHLJKERXUKRRG VKRS DSDUWPHQWV DQG OHYHOV RI EDVHPHQW FDU SDUNLQJ

● 'LG \RX NQRZ WKHUH DUH D IHZ ZD\V WR DFFHVV \RXU &29,' YDFFLQDWLRQ SURRI" ,I \RX QHHG VXSSRUW WU\ RQH RI WKHVH RSWLRQV (DFK SHUVRQ·V GLJLWDO FHUWLÀFDWH FDQ EH GRZQORDGHG RQOLQH IRU IUHH RQFH WKH\ KDYH DUH IXOO\ YDFFLQDWHG PHDQLQJ WKH\ KDYH UHFHLYHG WZR GRVHV RI WKH &29,' YDFFLQH

&ORVLQJ 'DWH 2FWREHU • $GDP 2·%ULHQ

71 Albert Street, Werrington

9LVLW servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19 DQG WKHQ VFUROO GRZQ DQG FOLFN RQ WKH ¶&29,' YDFFLQDWLRQV· LQIRUPDWLRQ

&RQVWUXFWLRQ RI [ VWRUH\ WRZQ KRXVHV DQG DVVRFLDWHG ZRUNV

,I \RX DUH XQDEOH WR JHW \RXU SURRI RQOLQH \RXU YDFFLQDWLRQ SURYLGHU FDQ SULQW RXW \RXU LPPXQLVDWLRQ KLVWRU\ VWDWHPHQW IRU \RX 7KLV DOVR VHUYHV DV D IRUP RI SURRI

&ORVLQJ 'DWH 2FWREHU

$OWHUQDWLYHO\ \RX FDQ UHTXHVW D SULQWHG FRS\ RI \RXU FHUWLÀFDWH E\ FDOOLQJ WKH $XVWUDOLDQ ,PPXQLVDWLRQ 5HJLVWHU RSHQ 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\ IURP DP² SP RQ ● 6LQFH DGRSWLQJ WKH JUHHQ OLGGHG )RRG 2UJDQLFV DQG *DUGHQ 2UJDQLFV )2*2 ELQ RYHU WZR \HDUV DJR 3HQULWK·V UXUDO FRPPXQLWLHV KDYH GLYHUWHG NJ IURP ODQGÀOO ZKLFK LV WKH HTXLYDOHQW RI )2*2 WUXFN ORDGV %\ GLYHUWLQJ )2*2 RUJDQLF ZDVWH VXFK DV IRRG VFUDSV DQG JDUGHQ YHJHWDWLRQ IURP ODQGÀOO \RX·UH PLQLPLVLQJ QHJDWLYH LPSDFWV RQ WKH HQYLURQPHQW DQG SOD\LQJ DQ LPSRUWDQW SDUW LQ JLYLQJ EDFN $OO WKDW RUJDQLF ZDVWH JHWV WXUQHG LQWR FRPSRVW ZKLFK LV XVHG ZLWKLQ WKH 3HQULWK FRPPXQLW\ ³ ZKLFK LV D PXFK EHWWHU XVH IRU LW WKDQ JRLQJ EDFN LQWR ODQGÀOO )LQG RXW PRUH DW penrith.city/3bins ● :KLOH ZH PD\ EH LQ ORFNGRZQ RXU LPDJLQDWLRQV GRQ·W QHHG WR EH ² IUHH \RXU FUHDWLYH VSLULW &RXQFLO LV HQFRXUDJLQJ UHVLGHQWV WR JHW FUHDWLYH ZKLOH DW KRPH DQG FUHDWH D SLHFH RI DUW WR GLVSOD\ RQ WKHLU IURQW ODZQ RU EDOFRQ\ 7DNH D SKRWR RU YLGHR RI \RXU DUWZRUN DQG VKDUH LW WR VRFLDO PHGLD ZLWK WKH KDVKWDJ :HFUHDWHSHQULWK EHIRUH 6XQGD\ 2FWREHU 7KH ÀYH PRVW FUHDWLYH SRVWV ZLOO HDFK ZLQ D YRXFKHU )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ YLVLW penrith.city/wecreatepenrith

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS 7KH IROORZLQJ 'HYHORSPHQW $SSOLFDWLRQV KDYH EHHQ UHFHLYHG E\ &RXQFLO • 8UEDQ /LQN $UFKLWHFWV

17–23 Hope Street, Penrith 'HPROLWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ VWUXFWXUHV DQG FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI VWRUH\ UHVLGHQWLDO ÁDW EXLOGLQJ LQFOXGLQJ JURXQG ÁRRU PHGLFDO FHQWUH

&RQWDFW 6DQGUD )DJDQ RQ

&RQWDFW -DPHV +HDWKFRWH RQ

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED 3XUVXDQW WR 6HFWLRQ RI WKH Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 WKH VFKHGXOH EHORZ OLVWV DSSOLFDWLRQV UHFHQWO\ GHWHUPLQHG E\ 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO

Approved Development Applications • 6FHQWUH *URXS /LPLWHG

Lot 1 DP 1137699 (Nos. 569–595) High Street, Penrith $OWHUDWLRQV DQG DGGLWLRQV WR H[LVWLQJ UHWDLO WHQDQFLHV RI 3HQULWK :HVWÀHOG FKDQJH RI XVH WR UHFUHDWLRQ IDFLOLW\ LQGRRU UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ IDoDGHV LQVWDOODWLRQ RI WUDYHODWRUV FKDQJHV WR FDU SDUNLQJ VSDFHV DQG ÀUH VWDLUV ODQGVFDSLQJ ZRUNV DQG RWKHU PLQRU DOWHUDWLRQV • %RZ *RROG $UFKLWHFWV

Lot 200 DP 804405 (Nos. 836–840) Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa 5HPRYDO RI H[LVWLQJ GHPRXQWDEOH EXLOGLQJ FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI FKLOG FDUH FHQWUH IRU FKLOGUHQ SUH VFKRRO FDUH DQG DVVRFLDWHG FDU SDUNLQJ XSJUDGH RI H[LVWLQJ ZDVWH ZDWHU WUHDWPHQW V\VWHP UHPRYDO RI WUHHV DQG DQFLOODU\ FLYLO VWRUPZDWHU PDQDJHPHQW ZRUNV Viewing of Development Applications 7KH DERYH GHYHORSPHQW DSSOLFDWLRQ V PD\ EH YLHZHG RQ &RXQFLO·V '$ 7UDFNHU YLD penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker $OWHUQDWLYHO\ WKH DSSOLFDWLRQV FDQ EH YLHZHG GXULQJ &RXQFLO·V QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV DW WKH &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IÀFHUV RI &RXQFLO·V 'HYHORSPHQW 6HUYLFHV 'HSDUWPHQW ZLOO EH DEOH WR DVVLVW ZLWK \RXU HQTXLULHV Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts %\ ODZ UHSRUWDEOH SROLWLFDO GRQDWLRQV RU JLIWV PXVW EH GLVFORVHG E\ DQ\RQH ORGJLQJ D SODQQLQJ DSSOLFDWLRQ WR &RXQFLO &DOO RU YLVLW penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

facebook.com/penrith.city.council

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

visitpenrith.com.au

WW46312

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

Limit our terms, asks Cornish ALENA HIGGINS

notice of motion seeking support to restrict councillors to three consecutive terms has been lost. The motion, tabled by Councillor Marcus Cornish, sought that Penrith Council write to the Office of Local Government, NSW Premier and Minister for Local Government recommending councillors be limited to three consecutive terms per ward and four consecutive terms for councils without wards. Cr Cornish said councillors were elected to represent the people and not merely to take up a seat. “Some councillors view being a councillor for some 20 or 30 years-plus as a personal achievement rather than being relevant and representative of the community,” he said during Council’s meeting on Monday night. “By reducing the number of consecutive terms a councillor can run... this will allow new blood, ideas and representation coupled with a gradual but constant transition making councils more relevant and less stale in dealings.” Cr Cornish, who will enter his third

WW46320

consecutive term if re-elected on December 4, asserted it would also shift focus away from councillors’ careers. “I acknowledge many councillors statewide are focused on delivering for the people,” he said. “I also acknowledge some councillors are in council to progress to State or Federal politics. “However, if a councillor has not progressed within three terms there is little chance that they will, and [they] should move on to allow fresh representation of the people in their council area.” But long-standing Councillor John Thain was scathing of the suggestion, labelling it “headline grabbing”. “It would dilute Council’s experience and corporate knowledge that has been built up over years,” he said. He also took issue with Cr Cornish using the example of the US President, who is only allowed to hold office for two consecutive terms. “If we were comparing apples with applies, that would be like the Mayor only serving three consecutive terms – the House and the Senate, they have unlimited terms,” Cr Thain said. Five of Council’s 15 councillors have

Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish wants limited Council terms.

served for more than 20 years, however two – Councillors Kevin Crameri and Greg Davies – are slated to bow out. Council terms are traditionally four years.

Cr Thain, who has been on Council since 1999, said Penrith voters were not dumb. “If they don’t like someone they’re going to vote them out,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Q: Have you heard about the chocolate record player? A: It sounds pretty sweet. Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

etailing at $369, the realme 6 smartphone comes equipped with a 64MP quad rear camera, 6.5” full high definition 90 Hz screen display and 8GB of Ram and 128GB of storage. This device dares Aussies to rethink what’s possible. Featuring the latest in charging technology, the 30W VOOC fully charges in just 60 minutes. Exclusively designed with gamers and content creators in mind, users can experience unparalleled entertainment whether they stream, play, download, or surf the web. The realme 6 is a playground for creators. Users can also achieve perfect photo clarity with the quad rear camera. The realme 6 sports a 64MP

prize cupboard

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

Joke of the Week

Is this the food collaboration of the year? Krispy Kreme this week launched its official Cadbury Caramilk doughnuts! The official collaboration will be taking over more than 700 7-Eleven stores around the nation for a limited time only. Dough-not wait around to try it, because the popularity of these tasty treats is expected to be through the roof!

I SPY

main camera, 8MP ultra-wide angle, macro lens and a B&W portrait lens all in a single smartphone. Capture every moment, night or day, far or near with stunning photography using the latest in advanced camera technology If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone, the realme 6 is it! The Weekender has two realme 6 phones to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competit ions@wester nweekender. com.au with ‘realme’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, October 8 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com. au or Weekender reception.

The A-League and W-League competitions will now operate under one “unified banner” in this week’s woke move of the week. “The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) is all about football. It’s not men’s football or women’s football, it’s just football,” APL Managing Director Danny Townsend said. That’s all well and good, but the competitions will now be known as the A-League Men and A-League Women. In other words, the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ are literally in the new titles for the competitions. So, it’s not men’s football or women’s football, it’s just football... with the term men and women specifically noted in the names of the competitions.

Dose of Dorin

Do you know where this picture was taken? Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email ispy@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm. LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

‘The Fish’ paver is located outside Penrith Train Station, on the Penrith side.

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

wwpenrith

westernweekender

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

prize cupboard

ave you got all your essentials for the summer ahead? The EcoXplorer by ECOXGEAR is a compact Bluetooth wireless speaker, rugged and waterproof for use by the pool, on job sites, for outdoor fitness and when camping. Meeting IP67 international waterproof and dustproof standards, you can even drop the EcoXplorer in water – no worries, it will float! Play it loud with 50-watts dynamic power amplification for massive sound. The 3-way speaker system includes a 5” full range main driver and 2” Tweeter and 5” rear facing subwoofer. Play on standard AC wall power for continuous play or use anywhere with the integrated rechargeable battery delivering up to 30 hours of playtime. Additional features include presets for your favourite AM/ FM radio stations, a large LED screen for easy night

viewing, two built-in bottle openers and an EcoTalk function for voice assistant activation. The EcoXplorer also includes a carry strap for extra portability, and a USB port for fast device charging when out and about. The ECOXGEAR EcoXplorer (grey or orange design) retails for $329.99. Discover the full range at www. ECOXGEAR.com.au The Weekender has two EcoXplorer speakers to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competit i o n s @ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Speakers’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact d e t a i l s . Entries close Friday, October 8 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

ooking for a refreshing take on your beverage options this summer? If you’re a lover of all things sparkling, look no further than the SodaStream Spirit Sparkling Water Maker. The Spirit Sparkling Water Maker is perfect for families who are looking to up their H2o intake and reduce their usage of single use plastics. Not to mention, the range of customisable flavours means that you can make all of your favourite soft drinks right in the comfort of your own home. You can get the SodaStream Spirit Sparkling Water Maker starting kit for

$109.00. It includes the Sparkling Water Maker, 60 Litre CO2 Cylinder, one Litre Fuse PET Carbonating Bottle and two year warranty. Get some SodaStream in your life! The Weekender has two SodaStream starter kits to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with ‘SodaStream’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, October 8 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Kemps Creek Memorial Park has been part of the local community since 2008 The multi-denominational cemetery oﬀers Sydney’s only natural burial area, along with lawn + monumental graves and garden cremation niches. For a free planning guide, call (02) 9826 2273 or visit www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au Express your concerns about the cemetery takeover by the government, sign the petition today.

Visit www.saveourgraves.com.au WW46166

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Cardboard piling up? Council offers new drop-off solution ALENA HIGGINS

enrith Council has come up with a solution for residents’ excess packaging, but it’s not the additional collections one Councillor sought. On Monday, Council began using the Civic Centre on High Street, Penrith as a drop-off point for cardboard boxes and paper-based packaging as a result of extra home deliveries. The service will operate on Mondays and Fridays between 2pm and 6pm for the “coming weeks”, except for Monday’s public holiday. “This is a wonderful initiative in response to the community’s needs,” Mayor Karen McKeown said, adding the waste would be taken to VISY’s ‘Super MRF’ facility in Smithfield. “The surge in online shopping has meant that packaging waste is quickly filling our yellow-lidded recycle bins and for residents who are quite active online shoppers we have a solution for them.” In order to meet Public Health Order requirements, visitors should remain in their car and Council staff will remove

Penrith Council is offering a drop-off service to cater to excess packaging.

the waste from their boot as they drive through. However, Councillor Marcus Cornish, who requested one additional recycling

BUDGET GARDEN MULCH 3m cubed for

150

collection per month until Christmas, said Council was “shirking its responsibility” and residents deserved more given the “exorbitant” rates they pay.

“Firstly, they shouldn’t be turning the Council Chambers into a garbage tip. At best, it should be done at a Jamison Park or somewhere,” he said. “Secondly, this is a very sad option compared with increasing the number of bin collections on the recycle bins. “And then they’ve got an imposition on the people of Penrith, who are not supposed to be travelling around during restrictions, to take their garbage to a point when we’re supposed to offer that service straight away.” Cr Cornish had requested an urgent vote on the matter during Council’s August meeting, but was told it could have cost implications and needed to be explored. “Council did investigate several options to provide the community with extra capacity to dispose of excess waste prior to formalising the drop-off service at the Civic Centre,” a Council spokesman said. “The investigation revealed that it was not practical as part of the current contract to scale up to 55,000 additional services per week when balanced against the availability of plant, drivers, shift availability and the COVID-19 restrictions and testing requirements for staff.”

TREE REMOVAL TREE PRUNING STUMP GRINDING

Small Truck Load of Mulch 3m cubed for $150

Medium Truck Load of Mulch 10m cubed for $300 Large Truck Load of Mulch 20m cubed for $400

Free Delivery Penrith to Blackheath Book online - Text - Call

dixonstrees.com.au

1300 312 326

dixonstrees.com.au

WW46128

0413 577 817

“A spacious home and a social life? It’s everything I need.”

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

Life starts at Thornton Park

– Marilyn, Resident

ld o S 5% ut!

iss o m t ’ Don

When Marilyn moved to Thornton Park, she was amazed by the size of the apartments, but it’s the community that’s really turned the village into her home sweet home. “I knew I’d made the right decision to move into Thornton Park when I realised the furniture from my four-bedroom home ﬁtted into my new apartment. It’s so spacious here, it’s like the place was made for me. Before the move, I was so bored at home, because there was no one around. At Thornton Park, there’s always someone to chat to. The village is central to everything, so you always feel safe and secure. It’s nice not having to worry about anything from day-to-day. The friends I’ve made since moving in have been integral to that sense of feeling at home, though I’ve felt comfortable here since day one. We have little Friday night get-togethers, because we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Having a glass of wine with the neighbours is something I look forward to. There are often planned activities in the village but I don’t always get involved. I like the way there’s never any pressure, you just do your own thing. If you’ve ever thought about retirement living, don’t hesitate to contact us for an information pack and to book your obligation-free tour. It just might be the best thing you ever do.

1800 860 502 thorntonpark.com.au You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. WW44054

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

L AW a n d O R D E R

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

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY FESZCZUK

North St Marys: Expensive ride for man without licence or insurance A motorbike rider has been charged after riding unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured in North St Marys last week. About 4.35pm on Thursday, September 23, police were patrolling Griffith Street, North St Marys. They witnessed a trail bike ride from the road into a residential premises on Worboys Place, North St Marys. Police stopped the rider, a 23-year-old North St Marys man and after having a conversation with him proceeded to make checks on him and the bike. The man was charged with ‘unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR or MR’, ‘drive uninsured vehicle’ and ‘motor bike rider (alone) not wear/secure fit approved helmet’. He will appear in Penrith Local court on Thursday, November 11.

Oxley Park: Man caught driving admits he had suspended licence A man has been charged after driving while suspended in Oxley Park. About 5.30pm on Saturday, September 25, police were driving on Adelaide Street, Oxley Park when they sighted a vehicle driving towards them. After making checks on the registrations, the officers turned around and stopped the vehicle. It is alleged when asked to produce his licence, the driver, a 42-year-old Oxley Park man informed police that he could not as he was suspended. Checks were made on the man and the status of his licence, which confirmed that he was suspended from driving to Wednesday, October 27, 2021. The man was charged with ‘drive motor vehicle while licence suspended – first offence’. He will appear in Penrith Local court on Wednesday, December 15.

Werrington: Woman charged after blowing over legal alcohol limit

WW42958

A woman has been charged after being caught drink driving in Werrington.

COMPLETE

with Daniel McKinnon About 9.20pm on Saturday, September 25, police stopped a motor vehicle on Werrington Road, Werrington for a random breath test. The driver, a 49-year-old Colyton woman was breath tested, which proved positive. The woman was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. She underwent a secondary breath analysis, which returned a positive reading of 0.106. The woman was charged with ‘midrange PCA – first offence’ and her licence was suspended on the spot. She will appear in Penrith Local court on Thursday, November 11.

Colyton: Man taken to hospital after fire breaks out in home A man has been treated for burns after a blaze broke out in Colyton over the weekend. About 2.48pm on Sunday, September 26, Fire and Rescue NSW were called to reports of a house fire on Gilmour Street, Colyton. On arrival, fire fighters found a fire in a kitchen of a single level house. The crews were able to contain the fire before it spread into the roof of the property. One man was treated on scene for burns and was transported to hospital by NSW Ambulance paramedics. The duties of the fire fighting crew were concluded by 3.26pm.

Orchard Hills: Private power pole at centre of fire emergency About 6.30am on Tuesday, September 28, Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade responded to reports of a fire on a property on Homestead Road, Orchard Hills. Upon arrival the crews located a private power pole within the property that was on fire. They isolated the power which allowed them to extinguish the fire which had almost burnt through the power pole. Due to the risk of the pole falling over and live power from the street, Endeavour Energy were contacted to assist. Crews completely extinguished the fire both above and below ground.

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

NRL CONFRONTING A SNOW STORM It appears the NRL couldn’t even wait for the off-season for its most recent off-season scandal with a questionable video emerging allegedly depicting Melbourne Storm players interacting with a suspicious white substance in the days after their thrashing at the hands of the Penrith Panthers. The NRL is investigating the matter which confirms what everybody already knows – cocaine is the new ecstasy and is rife not just in professional sport but society generally. Let’s hope that the only video that emerges of the Panthers consuming white substances in the coming week is a figurative mauling of 17 fluffy white rabbits on Sunday evening. We have written in this column before about the powers of the NRL to impose sanctions on players who bring the game into disrepute. Essentially, every player signs a contract with the NRL saying that they will abide by the NRL’s code of conduct. The code of conduct requires that players conduct themselves in a manner that doesn’t bring the game into disrepute or embarrass the sport. It is likely that most players’ contracts also include provisions that the NRL can deregister them and/or impose punishments if they are caught committing a crime. Where the line become blurred is where players are recorded doing private things in private settings which are then leaked to the public. One school of thought is that players are entitled to a private life and what happens behind closed doors should stay there. This columnist certainly doesn’t envy sports stars or well-known public figures having to look over their shoulder constantly to see if there are any wannabe paparazzi present trying to make a quick buck.

The other school of thought, however, is that sports stars must be held to a higher standard than most because the product they sell that enables the payment of their often-exorbitant salaries only exists because of the players’ celebrity status. Without a fan following, the game wouldn’t be a viable career option. In other words, you can’t have your cocaine and eat it too. The Melbourne Storm video controversy comes off the back of rising NRL star, Reece Walsh, being caught in possession of cocaine at a nightclub on the Gold Coast on the weekend. For a first offender with no record in NSW, this kind of offence would often result in a conditional release order pursuant to which no criminal conviction is recorded, often requiring an offender to be of good behaviour and commit no further offenses for a period of time. While this outcome is not a given, the law with regard to possession of drugs like cocaine and marijuana recognises that personal recreational drug use is quite common and shouldn’t necessarily carry the significance of a criminal conviction for a person who has otherwise been a law-abiding citizen. There will be plenty of differing opinions on what the NRL should do in the Storm’s situation. All of this, however, is a distraction from the biggest sporting event of the decade – our mighty Penrith Panthers have the opportunity to make amends for last year’s Grand Final heartbreak when they take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Premiership decider this weekend. As a local business, we wish the team and coaching staff all the best. Bring the trophy home boys!

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

WW46095

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

Cut out this page and receive

10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

MON - FRI 9AM - 7PM SAT - SUN 9AM - 5PM

We are committed to offering affordable healthcare, professional service and great advice from our friendly staff.

9623 2023 WW46227

38 Queen St, St Marys

Caring for the carers New support service to assist people nursing loved ones through cancer EMILY FESZCZUK

ancreatic cancer is one of Australia’s deadliest diseases, with over 3,300 people dying every year from the cancer, and the average time from diagnosis to death being just a short five months. Australia’s only foundation dedicated to pancreatic cancer, PanKind is highlighting the vital role that carers play, by trialing a new support service. CEO of PanKind, Michelle Stewart said the aim of the PRoCESS Trial is to determine whether having a nurse provide counselling and education to carers will help them cope. “Carers of loved ones with pancreatic cancer are twice as likely to experience clinical anxiety than the people they are caring for, no doubt due to unmet support needs that are compounded by the incredibly short timeline from diagnosis to death,” Ms Stewart said. “In addition to carers being immediately confronted with the need to assist in the management of complex physical symptoms and provide emotional, financial,

Ted and Carol Williams (centre) with their children Luke and Megan.

legal and spiritual support, they also face the impending loss of their loved one.” St Marys resident Megan Williams was faced with many challenges as she helped

her mother Carol care for her father Ted when he battled the disease last year before passing away. “My Dad, who was a type 2 diabetic,

turned 70 in January last year and in April my Mum had said he looked grey so they looked into it and in May we were told it was Stage 4… he lasted three months, three weeks and three days so it happened really fast,” Ms Williams said. “People kept asking if we were OK, which we weren’t but as a carer you have to compartmentalise a lot of stuff and I just had to be there for my Mum and Dad.” Remembering her father as a community minded, family man, Ms Williams said more support for families navigating pancreatic cancer would be extremely beneficial. “A carers program would be a godsend because in my experience the priority is the person you love and you put a lot to the side to deal with later, which I am still trying to work through,” she said. “Having a counsellor to talk to about how you are feeling as well as being able to provide clinical knowledge to help inform and guide you through the process of treatment is phenomenal.” For more information or to register interest to be a participant in the study, visit www.pankind.org.au or call (02) 7207 6970.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

LICENSED ELECTRICIAN ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE We are seeking a Senior Licensed Electrician with strong data experience to join our Penrith-based Maintenance Team • Extensive experience is required in domestic and commercial maintenance -

Installations Repairs Fault finding Data/Communications

• Must be meticulous with your work and job records • Clear understanding of and commitment to WHS and Quality • Embrace the Hix Culture and our core values: Teamwork, Pride and Responsibility

WW46322

. . . Be part of our Passion . . . Please send your resume to: hr@hix.com.au or contact Cassandra Palmer or Paul Humphreys on 4721 7500

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Family business had a front row seat to Penrith’s growth EMILY FESZCZUK

hat is believed to be Penrith’s oldest family run business is celebrating a major milestone this month. Freeburn Surveying on Castlereagh Street, Penrith has seen the area drastically change while operating for the past 70 years. Owner of the company, Matthew Freeburn said the area has been home for the family, after his great-great grandfather Thomas Freeburn came to Australia in 1819, convicted for stealing a pair of boots at 18-years-old. “My father, Peter Freeburn was born in September 1924 and on leaving school in 1943, he joined the RAAF and served in World War II in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Freeburn said. “Upon returning from the war he commenced survey studies, became a Registered Surveyor in 1951, and immediately opened his own practice at 344 High Street, Penrith on October 3.” Learning the trade from his father during school holidays from the young age of 14, Mr Freeburn said an accident caused him to make a quick entry into the industry. “My father wanted a combined engineering and surveying practice but I didn’t like engineering so after six months at university I changed my course to surveying,” he said. “He flew planes as a hobby and after a crash he broke his back and was in hospi-

Matthew Freeburn is celebrating the 70th anniversary of his business this weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane.

tal for 12 months. I became the youngest Registered Surveyor in the state and took over the practice overnight so we could still run the business.” Today at 60-years-old, Mr Freeburn has seen first hand how much Penrith has grown as a city. “The Penrith I knew had no traffic lights, no roundabouts or freeways and everything past Jamison Road was dirt and

farms,” he said. “We have seen the leagues club grow to what it is today and continue to change, there was no university and we had a small little hospital which has dramatically changed.” Completing over 40,000 surveys in 70 years and currently employing 15 staff, Mr Freeburn said he has enjoyed playing a part in the development.

“In reality a lot of roads created in Penrith, physically have been as a result of surveying and the positive plans we have done as surveyors,” he said. And you can rest assured, the Freeburn family is going nowhere. “My parents were great believers in the future of Penrith and my family’s love for the area has made me proud to be a person from Penrith,” he said.

Platypus discovered in three local creeks; funding secured EMILY FESZCZUK

Have your say on the Draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy

The NSW Government has released the draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy for public comment. The public exhibition runs until 8 November 2021. The NSW Government is ensuring that the Greater Sydney region—including the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Sydney—has the resilient and sustainable water supply it needs to thrive, now and for future generations. This draft strategy recognises that new approaches are needed to secure the region’s water supply as our population and economy grow, especially in times of drought. It outlines the challenges facing water management in Greater Sydney, proposes principles and priorities to guide our decisions around water, and considers all available options in determining the best way forward. The draft strategy places a strong emphasis on conserving water and using water more HIƓFLHQWO\ ZKLOH H[SORULQJ RSWLRQV WR PDNH 6\GQH\ OHVV GHSHQGHQW RQ UDLQIDOO IRU RXU future water supply. It also explores how we can create a cooler and greener city, protect our waterways and coastal environments, and support the water interests of Aboriginal communities. We want to hear from you. You are invited to attend an online community information VHVVLRQ WR KHDU PRUH DERXW WKH VWUDWHJ\ DQG ƓQG RXW KRZ \RX FDQ JLYH XV \RXU IHHGEDFN

<RX FDQ UHJLVWHU IRU WKH VHVVLRQV YLHZ WKH GUDIW VWUDWHJ\ DQG ƓQG RXW KRZ \RX FDQ KDYH your say at dpie.nsw.gov.au/greater-sydney-water-strategy

BLZ_SB2782

The session is scheduled for: Thursday, 14 October 2021 at 11am to 1pm

WW46151

ulgoa Landcarers and Western Sydney University (WSU) are using vital funding to safeguard the future of recently discovered platypus populations in Penrith. The conservationists have received $55,000 from the Landcare led Bushfire Recovery Grants to help mitigate the impacts of the black summer fires. Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group President, Lisa Harrold said they were thrilled to learn that platypus has been found in Mulgoa, Schoolhouse and Jerry’s Creeks. “This discovery means that we will need to expand our restoration work to ensure that this species is supported with good water quality, a healthy food source and opportunity to build their burrows into stable creek banks,” Ms Harrold said. “Our creek systems are heavily impacted by weeds and emerging erosion issues from upstream development.” Working with WSU Research Lead, Dr Michelle Ryan, the project will take place

Platypus populations have been found.

over a six month period. Ms Harrold said there has been an 18 per cent decline in platypus population across NSW as a result of the 2019/20 bushfires. “The funding will enable us to conduct Environmental DNA testing using water sampling techniques, vegetation assessment and habitat restoration,” she said. “This project will be important in securing the future of our local platypus population.”

Hotel with a difference New 140-bed facility with rooftop bar and dining approved for Kingswood ALENA HIGGINS

hotel boasting a rooftop bar and dining has been approved for Kingswood. The seven-storey, 140-bed ‘medi-hotel’ will be built on the northeast corner of Somerset and Hargrave streets, diagonally opposite Nepean Public Hospital’s multistorey car park. Submitted by investment group Boston Global late last year, the $30 million development will cater to pre and post-operative patients as well as regular guests. “The applicant describes the use as a ‘medi-hotel’ because of its proximity to Nepean Hospital and other medical facilities in the immediate area,” the Major Assessment Report states. “The hotel will be marketed to pre and post-operative patients and their families, as well as general members of the public. “No medical advice or services will occur at the hotel.” The rooftop level will contain the hotel gym, meeting rooms, outdoor exercise terrace and food and beverage space with both internal and external seating areas.

An artist’s impression of the new ‘medi-hotel’ in Kingswood.

In addition to the reception and lobby areas, the ground floor will also feature a hotel lounge, bar and dining space. And it won’t just be guests who will be able to enjoy the views, with the hotel’s bars, lounges and dining areas available

POLITICS OF HUMAN SECURITY

WITH CARL HALLEY

WW46010

.au m o c m.au . o y c . e y l l e l a l arlh arlha www.c acebook.com/c the n i e t www.f a d candi r u o b a ative L tion will v r e s n ion and t o c C c le e e l l eral e in the next FedereaAustralian dreanmd d e f t x e a n th g es din ect and valu serve. be stan ly way to prot l s il m w r l o r e Ca on ur n n they d ing the rotect o be argu citizen is to p ct and attentio hat it is Carl w ry pe for eve the res nd see exactly for every h it w m a g e treat th is policy page ill be protectin cy outline h w oli o p Go t for and in a detailed stands an com.au Australi w.carlhalley. ww

to the public, adding another option to Penrith’s busy food and drink scene. Rubber-stamped by the Local Planning Panel last week, the original Development Application (DA) was amended to address parking and height provisions.

“The proposal was amended to provide a third level of basement parking and increase the number of parking spaces from 46 to 63,” the Major Assessment Report states. “The overall building height was reduced by 0.5m by compressing the floor to ceiling height at Level 1 (to 3m), and the ground floor presentation was refined to provide better equitable access.” Three lots at 28-32 Somerset Street will be consolidated to provide the 1,680sqm site needed to build the large facility. The hotel is expected to employ 24 staff and will likely be managed by an internationally-renowned hotel operator, with negotiations already taking place in that space. The intersection at Somerset and Hargrave streets could undergo even more changes in the near future, with a proposed five-storey private hospital building, slated for the southeast corner, currently being considered by Penrith Council. The Western Weekender has reached out to Boston Global for comment but they did not respond prior to our print deadline on Wednesday.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

DO YOU HAVE AN NDIS PLAN AND NEED SUPPORT? At Zenn Ability, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of in-home care services and individual support, with our personalized supports we tailor to your needs so that you can enjoy every bit of your life with independence. WE PROVIDE SUPPORT • Community Access • Meal Preparation • Wheel Chair Transport • Domestic Assistance • Online Group Activites • Mental Health Support • Personal Care • Domestic Cleaning • Yard/Lawn Maintenance

SUPPORTS CAN START WITHIN 48HOURS

CALL US FOR SUPPORT 1300 999 366

24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS A YEAR! 1300 99 ZENN

www.zennability.com.au

info@zennability.com.au WW45428

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Grandfather becomes an overnight millionaire

Alice’s Chinese birthday feast will have to wait EMILY FESZCZUK

L Southlands Newsagency owner Yang Xia. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Jamisontown grandfather is going to enjoy a comfortable retirement after discovering his division one win in Saturday Lotto leaving him $1.3 million richer. He held one of five division one winning entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4193, with each entry pocketing $1,303,213,75. The man said when he checked his entry that he purchased from Southlands Newsagency in South Penrith, he was so gobsmacked that he spilt his coffee. “When I was checking the results, I thought to myself, ‘I’m not going to win’. I guess I was wrong!” he said.

“Besides from retiring, I’m going to pay off some bills, go on a holiday and help out the children with their house plans.” Southlands Newsagency owner, Yang Xia said he had been waiting for a major lottery win for a while now. “It’s about time we’ve changed someone’s life! We’ve been patiently waiting. The last time we sold a division one winning entry was two years ago,” Mr Xia said. “We’ve been telling every customer that has been coming into the store. “They’re excited for the winner and for us.” The winning numbers were 33, 29, 36, 40, 6, 28, while the supplementary numbers were 43 and 26.

iving 100 years is a major milestone worth celebrating but COVID-19 has changed Alice O’Hare’s birthday plans. That will not deter the South Penrith resident who will turn a century old on Monday, October 4. Born in Victoria in 1921, Ms O’Hare met James O’Hare at a dance in Melbourne, got married in 1945 and raised six children on a sheep farm in Delegate, in rural NSW. After their children had grown up and moved out, the pair moved to Penrith in 1980. “My husband became ill with heart failure and diabetes so we wanted to be closer to major hospitals,” Ms O’Hare said. “He died of a heart attack in 1985 at just 62. He went down to the local shops to get some hot dogs for lunch and never returned.” A big family has kept Ms O’Hare happy with 12 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and her first great great grandchild who she has not met yet. Ms O’Hare said she had planned her own party at New Fortune Palace on High Street but has had to put her traditional celebrations on hold.

“I have had my 70th, 80th, 90th, and 95th birthdays at the Chinese restaurant but unfortunately with COVID and all my family living interstate we have had to postpone until next year,” she said. Ms O’Hare said she thinks it is important to enjoy the little things as she still lives independently. “I like to have a glass of red wine at dinner time, bake and get out into the garden, and only need a hand with some of the cleaning and shopping,” she said. “The key to a healthy brain is to stimulate it and keep it active so for the last 35 years I have bought a That’s Life and Take 5 magazine each week and do every single puzzle in them.”

1(3($1 /$1'6&$3( 6833/,(6 CALL OUR FRIENDLY STAFF FOR ALL OF YOUR LANDSCAPING NEEDS

22 Coombes Drive, Penrith | Phone 4723 9100 Phone Orders

Delivery

Click & Collect

W E F O L LOW A L L C OV I D P R OTO C O L S TO E N S U R E YO U R S A F E T Y

Open 6 days Mon-Fri 6.00am-5.00pm, Sat 7am-2pm w w w. n e p e a n l b s . c o m . a u

Lockdown Specials

Budget Turf Underlay Dynamic Lifter Lawn Food 15kg

WW46333

• Sand Soil Mulch • Aggregate • Sleepers • Decking

Flagpave 190x190x40mm Pavers

• Pavers • Blocks • Tools • Bulk Bags • Cement • Decorative Gravel

per tonne

3495each

or $29.70 each with any turf purchase

22 per m

*All specials end 31st October

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

Lifetime of knowledge goes Be gentle when scoring a into Bruce Turner’s new book treat from Mulberry trees EMILY FESZCZUK

EMILY FESZCZUK

s the weather warms up, residents are being encouraged to be gentle while enjoying a natural sweet treat. The Mulberry trees that line a path along Nepean River provide delicious fruit but are at risk of being damaged. In the past people have flocked from all areas to enjoy the Morus alba, commonly known as White Mulberry, and Morus nigra, which is known as a Black Mulberry. A Penrith City Council spokesperson said that it was a staff member who was responsible for the trees that so many people growing up in the area have enjoyed. “The Mulberry trees were planted in the 1990s by Raphael ‘Raph’ Collins, a long-serving Council staff member,” the spokesperson said. “Raph hailed from California, which might be why several Sequoia semperviren, which are also known as California Redwood were also planted around that time.” With the fruit nearly ripe to pick, Council is asking locals to not damage the Mulberries or climb them. “When the Mulberries fruit in spring, everyone is welcome to take some of the

ith five decades of experience in the workforce, Bruce Turner wants professionals to succeed in getting fit for the future when it comes to their careers. The Emu Plains author has recently released his latest book, Rising from the Mailroom to the Boardroom. Working in a mailroom as a teenager, Mr Turner said he learnt a wide variety of skills as his career progressed. “My career was bookended working at Penrith as a junior banker in the 1970s then as an Australian Taxation Office executive from 2007 to 2012 when I retired from full-time work,” Mr Turner said. “In the intervening three decades I worked across Australia, in developing nations like Papua New Guinea, and in the financial centres of the world including London and New York.” Realising there was a gap in the market for advice; the 65-year-old has shared his own insights to provide practice tips for career development. “The book showcases ‘101 building blocks’ that will help people develop the skills they need for a successful career, “ he said. “There are fresh skills explored at every level of an organisation, from novice or

Local author Bruce Turner.

graduate positions through to leadership and boardroom roles.” The book is available for purchase in hard copy or eBook from online book stores.

The Mulberry trees along the river.

delicious bounty, but we encourage you to take only a small amount and leave plenty for others,” the spokesperson said. “Signs have recently been installed to discourage climbing or pulling at the branches as that may damage and affect the health of the trees.”

ARE YOUR GUTTERS LOOKING RUFF? Book your free quote NOW

Call 1800 631 711 – DON’T MISS OUT! Stalco Continuous Gutters is Australia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of roll formed on-site continuous gutters in pre painted aluminium and zinc/aluminium coated steel. The business is a major supplier to trades servicing the renovation and new construction market.

SPECIALISING IN: ALUMINIUM GUTTERING STEEL GUTTERING LEAFGUARD

Benefits of Continuous Guttering Rolled On-site Continuous guttering is rollformed on-site and cut to the exact required length, which means there are no ugly leaking lap joins and no costly waste. They are join free and seamless from corner to corner. They will never need painting and are covered by a written perforation and external paint finish warranty.

✓31% Heavier than Key ✓ Cut to size industry standard ✓ Less chance of Features leaking and rusting ✓Rolled on-site 21 Kurrajong Rd, North St Marys Phone: 1800 631 711 E: info@stalcogutters.com.au

WW45467

Australia’s Leading Supplier of Continuous Gutters

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Please let us watch TV Social housing residents say reception issues have plagued units for months EMILY FESZCZUK

ome St Marys residents are feeling out of tune with the world after dealing with television reception issues for months. The social housing residents say repairs still need to be a priority during the pandemic. Rodney Parsons, who lives in the complex at 24 Putland Street, St Marys said it has been an ongoing issue for months. “It isn’t all the units but the section I am in has had reception issues for a few months where at any time it can stop working for hours at a time,” Mr Parsons said. “You will never know when it will stop working and then start again, it just comes out of the blue but it seems to be some type of interference causing the breakdown.” While not being able to watch TV may seem like a trivial gripe to some, Mr Parsons said it is an important aspect of life for the vulnerable residents. “Most of the people living here are either elderly or have health issues like myself and some don’t even have Internet, so they watch TV to see the news and know what is happening,” he said.

Social housing resident Rodney Parsons. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“We are also all trying to isolate to stay safe and it gets very depressing with no entertainment…I have run out of DVD’s

to watch and have even started doing puzzles.” Mr Parsons said there has been numer-

ous attempts to get the problem fixed to no avail. “I called both the St Marys and Penrith offices for the Department of Housing but they kept telling us it was not urgent,” he said. “They said with COVID they were only doing water and power nothing else but this should be allowed.” While the Weekender understands there was a previous attempt to provide maintenance which was unsuccessful, a spokesperson from the NSW Land and Housing Corporation said it will be rectified. “We continue to work with the residents to gain access and address the issue,” the spokesperson said. “Our maintenance contractor will attempt to contact residents to arrange access to repair their television reception.” Mr Parsons said while he is happy that the issue will be resolved, it is part of a bigger problem with social housing. “It is wonderful but I won’t be holding my breath. We often get promised that things will get fixed and it never happens. Communication has been an ongoing problem for a long time and we often feel we don’t have enough support,” he said.

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

Local pools back in business In line with the easing of restrictions announced by NSW Health, Council has reopened its outdoor pools at Ripples St Marys and Penrith this week. We can now welcome patrons for recreational and lap swimming and our community can get active and back in the water. A comprehensive COVID Safe Plan has been developed where we are operating a booking system to ensure venue capacity limits are maintained, with two-hour sessions available between 6am to 6pm each day. Bookings can be made via the Ripples website at ripplesnsw.com.au. To promote the concept of ‘arrive, swim, leave’ our kiosks will remain closed. So please bring a bottle of water or any other equipment you might need during your visit. This includes a mask, which must be worn when not swimming, and a smart phone or COVID-19 check in card so you can sign

in and out of the venue. If you’re not ready to put that first toe in the water, you can boost your health and wellbeing at home with Ripples’ virtual programs. Anyone can join the group fitness classes, dietitian seminars, children’s activities and strength and balance classes completely free. More information is available on the Ripples website. The Ripples team have been hard at work over this period of closure to deliver improved facilities for the summer season ahead. If you take a dip at Penrith, you may notice the complete overhaul of the main pool, and in the coming months we hope you can experience the improvements to the indoor facilities at St Marys too. And just to close, I want to send the community’s best wishes to the Panthers for the Grand Final. Go Panthers!!

CR KAREN MCKEOWN OAM Mayor of Penrith

WW43971

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

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

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

DUCTED PACKAGES FULLY INSTALLED ALL WITH 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY

NO DEPOSIT PACKAGE 1 7kW COOLING & 8kW HEATING • IDEAL FOR 3 BEDROOMS ONLY

4995

MONTHS INTEREST FREE#

Conditions apply. See store or website for details. Minimum purchase $1600.00

DUCTED PACKAGE 2 12.5kW COOLING & 14kW HEATING INVERTERMN E W OEDW N EL N • 6 OUTLETS EW M MO WITH 2 ZONES OD DE E LL

NEW MN OEDW E EL MN O DW M E LL O DE NEW MN OEDW E MODEL L

6995

NEW MN OEDW E MODEL L

DUCTED PACKAGE 5

DUCTED PACKAGE 6

14kW COOLING & 16kW HEATING INVERTER • 8 OUTLETS WITH 2 ZONES

20kW 3 PHASE • 10 OUTLETS WITH 3 ZONES

9295 LY F U L LYL E D A L T L Y I NFFSU D U LALLL LL EE D TTA S N II N S Y L F U L LYL E D L A L T I NFSU A L L E D T INS 3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW Cooling, 8.0kW Heating

LY F U L LYL E D TLALY I NFFSU D U LALLL LL EE D T S A II N N S T LY F U L LYL E D TLAL I NFSU A L L E D T INS 3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW Cooling, 8.0kW Heating

LY F U L LYL E D A UTLL LLLYL E D I NFFSU ED TTA S ALL II N S N LY F U L LYL E D A TL L I NFSU A L L E D T INS 1.5HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 3.5kW Cooling, 4kW Heating

10995

BO N3 DUCTED PACKAGE US BA

CK LIT BO NU TO US H BO 12.5kW DUCTED SYSTEMECBOW N UC A C K AK B LLLS IT AC EC C O WITH 14kW HEATING LIT O ECONTTTO U R C O H LH U WAO C L BNO A COW LLLU S • 6 OUTLETS TN R CB O OAN L CK RO LIT L BOTN WITH 2 ZONES ECO UC T U SH BW ACO K L A IT LL EC CO ONTO T RU OC LH WA CO NT LL ROL

8295

BO N U 4 DUCTED PACKAGE S BA CK LIT

BO NU TO US H BO 14kW COOLING & 16kWECBOW N UC A C K AK BA LLLS IT C EC C O HEATING INVERTER LIT O ECONTTTO U R C O H LH U WAO C L BNO A COW LLLU S • 8 OUTLETS TN R CB O OAN L CK RO LIT L BOTN WITH 2 ZONES ECO US TO U

9295

BW ACK LC H LL IT EC CO ONTAO T RU OC LH WA CO NT LL ROL

LY 5 YEARS FUL LLED A Y T L S L 5 Y D L E I NF U 5 YEARS YEARS UP TO & LABOUR WARRANTY! F UTLA LL LL E D PARTS S A NST II N UP TO 3HP INVERTER REVERSE Y UP TO L D METRE 5 YEARS REACH E F U L L L17 CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM ALY D T L S 5 YEARS 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING I NF U L L E UP TO ALY T L S D U I NF DAIKIN LE UP TO TLALLY 5 YEARS LLYL E D I NFSU L DAIKIN U F TA L L E D DAIKIN S A WARRANTY! 5 YEARS 3HP INVERTER REVERSE II N 5 YEARS NST Y PARTS & LABOUR L CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM L WARRANTY! D U LLE F DAIKIN WARRANTY! 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING Y A L T DAIKIN I NFSU L L L E D 5 YEARS TA S 5 YEARS WARRANTY! N I

2495

2695

WARRANTY!

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR 5 WARRANTY! 5 YEARS YEARS PARTS & LABOUR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY! WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR 5 YEARS WARRANTY! PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

2495

LY F U L LYL E D TLALY I NFFSU D U LALLL LL EE D T S A II N N S T LY F U L LYL E D TLAL I NFSU A L L E D T S IN

1HP 1HP 1HP 1HP 1HP

5 YEARS

1HP 1HP 1HP 1HP 1HP

PARTS & LABOUR 5 WARRANTY! 5 YEARS YEARS PARTS & LABOUR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY! WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR 5 YEARS WARRANTY! PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

2295

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR 5 WARRANTY! 5 YEARS YEARS PARTS & LABOUR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY! WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR 5 YEARS WARRANTY! PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

1695

MULTIHEAD PACKAGE • 1 Outdoor and 2 Indoor Units • Ideal for 2 Bedrooms • Individual Control for Every Room

LY F U L LYL E D A L UTLL LLYL E D I NFFSU ED TTA S ALL II N S N LY F U L LYL E D A TL L I NFSU A L L E D T INS 1HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 2.5kW Cooling, 3.0kW Heating

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR 5 WARRANTY! 5 YEARS YEARS PARTS & LABOUR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY! WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR 5 YEARS WARRANTY! PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

1349

LY F U L LYL E D A UTLL LLLYL E D I NFFSU ED TTA S ALL II N S N 5 YEARS LY D F U&L LABOUR PARTS LE 5 YEARS A TL LLY E D WARRANTY! 5FSU YEARS N PARTS & LABOUR I LL PARTS &ALABOUR NST WARRANTY! IWARRANTY! 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR 5 YEARS WARRANTY!

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

PARTS & LABOUR 2HP REVERSE CYCLE WARRANTY! 5.1kW Cooling, 5.1kW Heating

3295

1495

22/12 Abbott Road Seven Hills NSW 2147

WE SELL ALL THE MAJOR BRANDS. COMMERCIAL QUOTES ARE WELCOMED.

ph: 9371 1611 ph: 1300 781 855 Email: sales@globalrez.com.au

* Terms and Conditions apply. All prices are based on Single Story Homes and Back to Back installation on split systems or extra charges apply. Finance is subject to approval check with store for conditions and charges. Ducted Air conditioning pricing is based on single storey homes only or extra charges apply. Licence number 215189c.

WW45978

www.globalrez.com.au

WW44011

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

TURNING BACK TIME These incredible photos show Aroney’s Milk Bar on High Street, Penrith in 1948. The stunning images were taken by Max Dupain and were released by the State Library of NSW some years ago. The photos came about when editor and publisher Oswald Ziegler approached Penrith City Council with a proposal to produce a booklet on the area, with businesses and industries to be showcased. 5000 copies of the booklet were published. If you’ve still got one today from back in the late 1940s, you’re probably sitting on one of Penrith’s rarest items! Aroney’s was run by two brothers – Nick and Peter Kepriotis. Photos thanks to State Library of NSW.

SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS FROM PENRITH’S PAST – INFO@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU We’re still printing News and information at times like these is critical, so the Weekender continues to print and deliver during this time, with all COVID-safe protocols in place. You may notice the printed paper looks a little different from time to time – this is primarily due to paper stock issues being experienced around the world as a result of the pandemic and delays in transport. We’re here for business From discounted advertising to lockdown-specific features, the Weekender is here to help businesses keep their customers informed during the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions. Messaging and communication is so important at this time – don’t just rely on your own channels, speak to a wider market through our print edition and digital offerings. We’re working from home Our office in Jamisontown is currently closed, and our team is working from home. The health and safety of our team is our number one priority. We look forward to welcoming you back to our office for paper collection, story ideas and prize pick-ups once restrictions have lifted. Y! WA VE A GIV ce to ce

weekender der n e k wee E TRUVE LO the western

Z '

FC SVB

te es w.w

wee rn

O N g O es rin H L nis tee IA og n EC rec volu 5 SP AM s of GE O ar PA ye E E S

ter d af n.. ry, an itten ve sto be wr 20 st lo ters to ge p eate ’s gr s chap s on pa rt nrith still ha repo It’s Pe ars it uk ye y cz 60 Fesz ily Em Em

E ers TIM nth ks? 9 A Pa oo 2 TR e Ch GE EX an th the PA C ok TS co AR T S

N OW D K C UE BLUE AR BT S ER G R BU edia

dr a

rant, restaunagers his inst dia ma aga me hate social the p. 3 e of that hisries”. on » som orts ed nda by rep acceptthe bou zczuk lies, but shed e rep inst ily Fes “pu Em bizarr m aga into y and icis ded e of crit its risk cen for ed” n des a barrag wn der it the d in ich is kno tics. wil But resulte t, wh tac was “be ting t which tauran marke said he sequen res sub ersial O’Shea the ris trov and es. ps Day ial pag re slee d- con ner Ch Ow mo ban soc raliiaa tral Aust on its : “364 n Day ut Aus nts tle dig asio out bou ENT abo abo btle Inv omme a su sub com osttss to com TISEM pos the h ith es d w ed en to ADVER ed wit repliesart ted n forc ts starte vee to list It star bee pos ha in!” ADVERTISEMENT has dia wee hav ew s.ner y, to aaga till w rant ial me ple e nerrrss ne one o go r niltmjoi ago restau of soc for peo wag wa needs. ls ger ou-bu hoday Ave, bur r a series in cal wit h custom yryd rith ws Contact ie d the g in isit eve ing A Penlogise afte resulte eyebro lis lisin V rpla barn mon - 4pm team at BESPOKE REALTY GROUP a ali alis iia t you ed nts cia cci eci today: 02 4737 peeec rais to apocomme Sp Sp iness. to t sui dis 5 Yo Rich am 9977 bus oklyn d ed e r 10 -2 au the Bro :: and ored ore or lo llor ailiilo ailo ail m. ta tai 23 North ys, cott n 00 boy wntow Da 51 er.co 7 Do 05

www.westernweekender.com.au Penrith’s truly local newspaper

Pe n

rith

r es

S H UG in w LA ack sho F O er b ew TS ark h n 45 LO rj B wit GE A wn PA to E SE

tau

o t ap r an

m ial so c ver Nathan Looking good, Cleary and Jarome es o s boys! of six Luai lead a conting players selected gisPanther ent in the New South loWednes day’s State of Origin Wales team for series opener in next Full Origin covera Townsville. ge inside today’ s Extra Time pull-out

y s b e. pic gu m Pra ly e O nt in en ardn 45 r th ve Op gjg 02 fo f pe st@ we up Cu 7 ey dn d 6 sy d e ld l m or e LO]ZYUO \OKV^c

ar W ag Q\Y_Z T sw ta p EN 1500 M ha ze a on 21 SE s 472 47 TI ts ox ron rts | hen uts h F t th ith fito kitc rith nri VER o -built e office P nnr AD tom d, Pe d, ica d b p ad R a x Cus tom homndries es ss an re a Ro r x Cus m lau lk-in rob Je Mulgo n old lo x Custotom wa 1/70 x Cus R ow g g Tay Unit r OU M! T in VISI OO WR Ou inn an SHO w ath N

DLY

.au

.com er

o. No. No icc N C Lic 2C 2 62C 962 296 029 10 10 102

r te es ew th

PROUDLY INDEPEN DENT

'3 &&

TRUCKIE ATTAC KED Ambushed: “I though I was going to die” t SEE PAGE 3

MOUSE PLAGU E Rodent spike across our semi-rural suburbs SEE PAGE 5

COACH QUITS Shock: Penrith cricket icon calls it a day SEE PAGE 72

Visit our new display homes. bespokerg.com

.au | Penrith, Glenmore Park & Hawkesbury

23-25 Yobarnie Ave, North Richmond Open 7 Days,

10am - 4pm

02 4505 5100 sydneywest@gjg ardner.com.au

'SJ EB

er.com.au

om.au nder.c

OU PR

T EN ND PE DE

weeke estern w.w

t m st n’’t te f t l no Do e la i rn th th iti io ed est s e rty W pe Prro

www.westernweekend

Photo: NRL Photos

L ch VE un h O la nrit N T st to Pe BU ho k in 25 DE adio boo GE R ew PA n E SE

r l mh]Z 0

hgmZ\m n,0 220 <

p' pp

KQ\YV^_Z

O \O YU

0 )+

^g I

kbm

aa%

@ @

r nkkr l[[[n d^^^l p pd AZ AZZp A dd Zkkd IIIZ k^^ hkk^ fh gf

WW45779

4722 2998

er d en Y k D ee REA R O Y w FO K 'S

WWW.WESTERNWEEKENDER. COM.AU/GETAPAPER

DE s

Friday, June 4, 2021

www.westernweekender.com.au.

I NS

tern wes the

nc Chana new th a win w wiith e beer re ncce eren ffe diff 1 e 10 Page

: ::

We’re keeping you informed 19 Apart from our print edition, we’re providing up-to-date details on new COVID-19 restrictions, exposure sites and cases across our digital platforms, headed by our website at:

DLY PROU

ENT PEND INDE

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

BUSINESS OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

WITH NATHAN TODD WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

We’re still printing News and information at times like these is critical, so the Weekender continues to print and deliver during this time, with all COVID-safe protocols in place. You may notice the printed paper looks a little different from time to time – this is primarily due to paper stock issues being experienced around the world as a result of the pandemic and delays in transport.

How to take your digital presence to the next level after lockdown

We’re here for business From discounted advertising to lockdown-specific features, the Weekender is here to help businesses keep their customers informed during the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions. Messaging and communication is so important at this time – don’t just rely on your own channels, speak to a wider market through our print edition and digital offerings.

We’re working from home Our office in Jamisontown is currently closed, and our team is working from home. The health and safety of our team is our number one priority. We look forward to welcoming you back to our office for paper collection, story ideas and prize pick-ups once restrictions have lifted. We’re keeping you informed Apart from our print edition, we’re providing up-to-date details on new COVID-19 restrictions, exposure sites and cases across our digital platforms, headed by our website at: ::

Y! AY! AY AW EA VE GIV to ncccee

weekender der n e com.au. www.westernweekender.com.au. ek we E TRUVE r DER. WWW.WESTERNWEEKENDER. e LO N d COM.AU/GETAPAPER en DY OW k KD BLUES TRUE AC B ee REA R YO R GE w UR FO K the western

n ster we the

rn te es ew th 'S

te es w w.

ee w rn

.co er

’t’ test of o on D e la n th itio tern y ed es rt W rope P

ENN DEP

'SJE

CSV

BSZ

s '

Friday, June 4, 2021

www.westernweekender.com.au

end eek rnw

om er.c

.au

3&&

T EN DEN

after . and en ry, writt e sto be 20 ge t lov s to pa tes pter grea s chap rts on ith’s ll ha po Penr it sti uk re It’s yyears cz 60 Fesz ily m E Em

E ers s? TIM nth ok 29 A Pa ho E TR the e C AG EX an th S P C ok RT co TA S

.au

dra

nt, aura s rest ager his man ia inst aga al med 3 hate soci » p. on the his ”. orts e of that ries nda k rep som by accepted bou zczu Fes but shed the ies, ily repl Em “pu rre against biza and into criticismrisk y of for its ded ” cen ered wn des a barrage in ch is kno ics. “bewild it thenlted tact was ng whi But resu nt, keti said he ch whi restaura al mar ea ent sequ the troversi is O’Sh d subes. ps con ner Chr and an slee Ow Day all pagmore bandocia ia tral its ssoci: “364 Day ENT Aus ts on dig dig: sion ISEM u ut tle Inva aboout men ERT ab ADVERTISEMENT thee ts ts too ccom a subto th ADV posstsies po n with es lies ted to liste epli ed rted repl rep re w . ery, tart e star IItt sst n forc ts in!” h hav ne join es bee ia pos too ds. we rs aga ll we r iltm nee ill ttill on one nt hasal med ple ay Ave, ou-buho tom day wa wag peo aura y-d rycus it ver h Contact ie d the rest es of soci s for m team at BESPOKE REALTY GROUP today: 02 4737 9977 ey with rn on :: g in is r eve ger call s wit V la ba hm - 4p bur a seri in you row Yo Ric lted rith after cialisin suit disp am u eyeb ecia pec 10 to Sp Spe Sp ed m.a -25 A Penlogise ts resu s. 0 rais r d .co 23 North Days, ored iloore 510 ailo to apocommenbusinesokly n tail tta 7 05 ardner and cott the n Bro 45 en gjg Op 02 boy ntow st@ Dow we

me al

n Pe

rith

S H G U in w LA ack sho b w

O er ne a t 5 TS ark itn aw h GE 4 LO Bra taAurj wn PA res to EE

dia

soci er ovboys! Looking good, Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai lead a contingent es players selected in the New of six South Wales team for next gisPanthersState of Origin series opener in Townsville. loWednesday’s Full Origin coverage inside today’s Extra Time pull-out

TRUCKIE ATTACKED Ambushed: “I thought I was going to die” SEE PAGE 3

MOUSE PLAGUE Rodent spike across our semi-rural suburbs SEE PAGE 5

COACH QUITS Shock: Penrith cricket icon calls it a day SEE PAGE 72

y s b ue. pic g m ra ly in P e O nt r th ve ney syd fo p e up Cu 67 LO]ZYUO \OKV^c

Q\Y_Z ed d m orl ge rm r 1500 a W a a p 2 T 4 21 47 EN s w at n thh | s riith rith tss EEM uts hen fitou ha ze tout IS z so P nri Pen lt kitc e d,, Pe d RT offic ox ron ort -bui r R VE tom home s a Roa drie robes AD a F bro llgo lg x Cus tom laun ic d rep x Cus stom walk-in 0 Mu 70 ss n re /7 x Cu tom it 1/ Je ld a loor Cus Un x n go y OUROM! VISIT WRO ow g Ta SHO ur in O inn an w ath N

Visit our new display homes. 23-25 Yobarnie Ave, North Richmond Open 7 Days, 10am - 4pm

bespokerg.com.au | Penrith, Glenmore Park & Hawkesbury

02 4505 5100 sydneywest@gjgardner.com.au

www.westernweekender.com.au com.au paper Penrith’s truly local newspaper

N to en T st P U ho k in 25 o EB D adio bo GE R ew PA n EE S

Zr m nl mh] 00

gmZ\ 0,0 22 <h )+

YUO

d^ p' pp

c KV^_Z \O Q\Y

lih

k`'

gkb

a ma%

kr nnkr nk l[[[n d^l[ p pd Zp A AZ A dd kd kkd IIZZkd ^ IZ kk^ k^ hk^ hk fh f ^ggf e^g @e @

WW45778

EL nch V u th O la ri

: ::

4722 2998

o.. No N C icc No. 2C Lic 62C 962C 2962 296 29 0296 02 1029 10 102

R U O g N O s in H ise er L gn te IA co lun EC re f vo 5 SP A M o GE O ars PA ye EE S

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Photo: NRL Photos

O PR

E SID miss

este w.w

Chan a new a win r wi w th e ncce beerere ff ren10 diff e1 Page

N IIN

IND DLY

DENT

PROU

EPEN

WW45778 8

as your business been affected by COVID? And more importantly, do you have a digital plan in place that helps your business thrive post lockdown? Now is the time to ask yourself some vital questions and start planning. We all may be looking forward to restrictions easing soon so you can reopen your business, but it’s important to be generating clients now! Being active online (social media) is very important, because bookings can still be made now that we know what date your business can start operating. So, do you have the skills, or do you need some assistance? Our Digital Business Solutions (ASBAS) program has changed, and you may be eligible to receive a FREE seven-hour package. This includes: - Three hours of digital advice - Four hours of webinars We are able to assist in the following areas: - Website and Selling Online - Social Media and Digital Marketing - Using Software Solutions - Online and Data Security The Digital Business Solutions program

supports the Australian Government’s commitment to enhance the capabilities of local and small businesses. It delivers low cost, high quality, digital advisory services to Australian small businesses in metro and regional areas. All of our meetings are currently online and can be booked in at any time. Please contact me on 0437 609 290 or email me at nathan@wsbusiness.com.au. I look forward to speaking with you and taking your digital presence to the next level.

!" # $ % & % ' $ ( $ # ) ' ' * +,- #

! "

WW45100

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

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

BLOCKTACULAR BOOST TO CAREER EMILY FESZCZUK ustralia’s most successful renovation reality program, ‘The Block’ is smashing through its 17th season. The ‘Fan v Faves’ format has so far served some shake-ups, stunning reveals and shocking scandals. Wangi Wangi couple, Kirsty Akers and Jesse Anderson are giving it their all when it comes to going up against the other new contestants and all-star couples. Kirsty told the Weekender they were over the moon when they took out their first room win for their kitchen.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES

WW43930

Get

“It felt amazing... we always wanted to win that week because having the bonus of a wine cellar on your listing is just incredible and kitchens are the heart and soul of a house,” Kirsty said. “Kitchens sell houses so we were so proud of what we created, especially with so many obstacles and all-nighters just to get it done.” Taking on the judge’s comments, the ‘country music kids’ style is starting to evolve but their budget could pose a major issue. “We started focusing more on not just what we would want in our dream home but tried to appeal to a broader market and looked at houses selling around the area.

The budget was tough for us because our house is so big and had around seven extra spaces so we had to make sure to put aside money for the big expenses like the kitchen and backyard,” she said. With other contestants accessing private scheduling information causing a divide between the couples, Kirsty said the ‘cheating scandal’ impacted the whole show. “At the time it wasn’t as awkward as it is watching it back but we missed out on so much drama because we were on the other side of the road,” she said. “It definitely went on to effect every week on the show as the schedule then had to change.”

Switching from renovator to country artist, Kirsty has also just released her new single ‘For Love’. “I recorded it just before we made the show and it is all about my love story with Jesse who has been my biggest fan and always does so much to help my career,” she said. “I am excited for the release and for the opportunity ‘The Block’ could give us, especially since we still can’t work in the music industry so it could be a real life changer for us.” ‘The Block’ airs Sunday at 7.00pm and Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on Nine. You can catch up on episodes via 9NOW.

THE PERFect UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO ENJOY, SHARE OR GIFT

unprecedented

access to sporting anD entertainment experiences

www.fanplus.com “This was a dream come true thanks to FAN+” Alex, NSW

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

Big Bash League is back at Sydney Showground Stadium! vs

12 December 7:15pm

26 December 6:05pm

2 January 7:15pm

13 January 4:05pm

19 January 4:05pm

Tickets on sale from 7 October at ticketmaster.com.au

WW42527

Join the Thunder Nation, with memberships starting from $40

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

The cast for the next season of ‘Danc

ing with the Stars: All Stars’ has been confirmed. Battling it out for the famous mirror ball trophy this time around is Deni Hines, Angie Kent, Olympia Valance, Courtney Act, Kris Smith, Cameron Daddo, Bridie Carter, David Rodan, Anthony Koutoufides, Rob Mills, Kylie Gillies, Grant Denyer, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Sam Mac. Daryl Somers and Sonia Kruger are also back on deck. It will air on Channel Seven next year.

The new season of ‘Love Island Aus

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

tralia’ will premiere at 9pm on Monday, October 11 on Channel Nine. Filmed near Byron Bay, Sophie Monk returns as host while comedian Stephen Mullan is the show’s new narrator. Meanwhile, Abbie Chatfield and a bunch of celebrity super fans will dissect all the highs and lows from the villa on weekly companion series ‘Afterparty’.

The 2021/22 A-League season kicks off  on November 19, with 10 screening one live A-League match weekly on Saturday nights. The W-League also begins in December, with the match of the round

LATE 2021

TIGER KING 2, NETFLIX

screened live every Sunday afternoon on 10Bold and simulcast on 10Play. All other games will be available on new streaming service Paramount+.

one of Australia’s most influential men in radio. Brennan is credited for launching the careers of Alan Jones, Mike Walsh, Ray Hadley and Stan Zemanek.

‘Australian Ninja Warrior’ is looking 

Good news for fans of ABC series ‘The 

for applicants for its upcoming season, opening it up to people 16 and above for the first time. To apply, visit www.nine. com.au/NinjaWarrior.

Another instalment of ‘Tiger King’ is 

coming to Netflix later this year. Titled ‘Tiger King 2’, it promises “more madness and mayhem” than season one, which broke streaming records and took over the world last year.

2022, CHANNEL 7 DANCING WITH THE STARS

If you love talkback radio then you’re  going to love this! This Sunday, October 3 at 8.30pm, FOX Docos will screen ‘The Kingmaker: John Brennan’, the story of

Newsreader’, with a second season likely next year. Season one wrapped up last week, with many people calling it one of the best Aussie dramas of the year. If you haven seen it yet, catch up on all six episodes on ABC iView – you won’t regret it!

Foxtel has announced it will launch 

Flash, a dedicated live news streaming service featuring more than 20 local and global live news sources.

Good news for fans of ‘Blue Bloods’. 

The brand new season is being fasttracked into Australia by new streaming service Paramount+.

The 2021 Western Sydney Women Awards are proudly sponsored by:

westernsydneywomen.com.au WW45833 WW45833

TV Guide: October 1–7

Friday 1 October

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

Sunday 3 October

Saturday 2 October

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

Your Macca’s® favourites now delivered straight to your door.

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Q&A 11:05 Grand Designs (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Foreign Correspondent 1:30 That Pacific Sports Show 2:00 The Capture (M l,v) 3:00 ABC News 4:05 The Repair Shop 5:05 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Des (M l) 9:20 Capital (M l) 10:10 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 10:40 ABC Late News 10:55 The Vaccine 11:10 Question Everything 11:40 Frayed (M)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 The Chase UK (PG) 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 2:30 Cricket: Women’s Test Cricket: Test 1: Australia v India: Day 2 *Live* 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Crazy Rich Asians” (M) (’18) Stars: Constance Wu 11:00 TBA 12:00 TBA 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Global Citizen Live 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Country House Hunters Australia 8:30 Movie: “Catch Me If You Can” (PG) (’02) Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio 11:20 Movie: “The Founder” (M l) (’16) Stars: Michael Keaton 1:20 Explore 1:30 Home Shopping

8:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) 1:00 Young Talent Time Unmasked (PG) 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Farm To Fork 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Left Off My Map 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Living Room 8:30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M n) 9:30 The Graham Norton Show (PG) 11:00 Becky Lucas: Live At Enmore Cafe (MA15+) 12:00 The Project (PG)

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Yulubidyi - Until The End (M) 2:50 Welcome To Country (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:40 The Cook Up (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (PG) 5:00 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Curse Of The Mummy (PG) 8:30 World’s Most Extraordinary Homes (PG) 9:35 Inside Marks And Spencer (PG)

4:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Border Security International (PG) 8:30 My Impossible House (PG) 9:30 Selling Houses Australia 10:30 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By The Sea (PG)

3:00 Caught On Dashcam (PG) 3:30 Storage Wars Canada (PG) 4:00 Cricket: Women’s Test: Day 2: Australia v India *Live* From Metricon Stadium, Carrara 9:30 Movie: “Transporter Refuelled” (M l,v) (’15) Stars: Ed Skrein

5:00 Movie: “The Magic Sword: Quest For Camelot” (G) (’98) 6:40 Movie: “Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs” (G) (’09) Stars: Eunice Cho, Karen Disher 8:30 Movie: “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” (M) (’19) Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio

5:30 The Chefs’ Line 6:00 Toa Hunter Gatherer (PG) 6:30 Karena And Kasey’s Foreign Flavours 7:00 NITV News: Nula 7:30 Red Dirt Riders (PG) 7:45 Movie: “Mosley” (PG) (’19) Stars: Kirby Atkins 9:25 First Nation Bedtime Stories (PG)

3:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 11:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (MA15+) 12:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Elementary (M) 3:00 JAG (PG)

1:00 Becker (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 2:30 The Unicorn (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Movie: “Armageddon” (M v) (’98) Stars: Ben Affleck

3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Heritage Hunters 4:30 Garage Gold 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Maine Cabin Masters (PG) 8:30 Barnwood Builders 9:30 Building Off The Grid (PG)

4:30 School Of Rock 5:00 ITCH (PG) 5:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:00 Dwight In Shining Armour (PG) 6:30 Teenage Boss 7:00 Bruno And Boots (PG) 8:30 Good Game Spawn Point (PG) 8:50 Sword Art Online (PG)

4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 Friday Briefing 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:45 The Vaccine 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Crocodile Territory: Protecting A Predator 9:00 ABC Nightly News

5:55 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:20 Bluey 6:40 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures 7:00 Dino Dana 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Philomena” (M) (’13) Stars: Steve Coogan 10:05 Gruen (M l) 10:45 Doctor Who

6:00 Nigella Bites 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 River Cottage Australia 8:30 Jamie’s Chef 9:30 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 10:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 10:30 The Cook And The Chef 11:00 Nigella Bites

5:35 Shortland Street (PG) 6:05 Forged In Fire (PG) 6:55 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:25 NITV News Update 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l) 9:20 Monica And Sex (M s) (In Spanish) 10:25 Hunters (M l)

5:00 Malcolm In The Middle (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Spy Kids 2: Island Of Lost Dreams” (PG) (’02) Stars: Antonio Banderas 7:30 Movie: “The Terminator” (M l,v) (’84) Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger 9:40 Movie: “Species” (MA15+) (’95) Stars: Ben Kingsley

5:10 Baby Chimp Rescue (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow: Lowther Castle 1 7:30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Saving Private Ryan”(MA15+) (’98) Stars: Tom Hanks 11:50 Heartbeat (M) 12:50 Garden Gurus Moments

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 10:00 rage (PG) 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Grand Designs (M l) 1:20 Restoration Australia (PG) 2:25 The School That Tried To End Racism (PG) 3:25 Further Back In Time For Dinner (PG) 4:40 Landline 5:10 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico (PG) 6:15 The Repair Shop 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Grantchester (PG) 8:20 Shetland (M l,v) 9:20 Fires (M l) 10:10 Mrs Wilson (M)

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Flemington 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Movie: “Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone” (PG) (’01) Stars: Emma Watson 10:00 Movie: “X-Men” (M h,v) (’00) Stars: Hugh Jackman 12:00 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Inside Voices (M v) 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Animal Tales (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday (PG) 12:00 Rivals 12:30 Destination WA 1:00 Cybershack (PG) 1:30 Explore 1:40 The Block (PG) 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Bumblebee” (M v) (’18) Stars: Hailee Steinfeld 9:45 Movie: “Pacific Rim: Uprising” (M) (’18) Stars: John Boyega 11:50 Pearson (M)

8:00 4x4 Adventures 9:00 Taste Of Australia 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) 12:00 The Living Room 1:00 The Dog House UK (PG) 2:00 Everyday Gourmet 2:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 Roads Less Travelled 4:00 Farm To Fork (PG) 4:30 Taste Of Australia 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 6:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:00 The Dog House UK (PG) 9:00 Ambulance UK (M d) 10:00 FBI (M v) 11:00 NCIS (M v)

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:05 Motor Sports 3:00 Australia’s Forgotten Islands (PG) 4:00 Rosemary’s Way (PG) 5:30 The Battle Of Normandy (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Celebrity Letters And Numbers 8:35 Battle Of Britain: 3 Days To Save The UK (PG) 9:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:20 Movie: “The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir” (M l,v) (’18)

5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing 5:30 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By The Sea (PG) 6:30 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia

1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 The Food Dude (PG) 2:00 Cricket: Women’s Test: Day 3: Australia v India *Live* From Metricon Stadium, Carrara 9:30 Movie: “Collateral Damage” (M v) (’02) Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger 11:50 Heavy Lifting (PG)

4:30 Movie: “Caddyshack II” (M) (’88) Stars: Chevy Chase 6:30 Movie: “Mars Attacks!” (PG) (’96) Stars: Jack Nicholson 8:40 Movie: “Gravity” (M l,v) (’13) Stars: Sandra Bullock 10:40 Movie: “Terminal Velocity” (M l,v) (’15)

5:30 APTN National News 6:00 NITV News: Nula 6:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:40 Through The Wormhole (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Queen Of The Damned” (M) (’02) Stars: Aaliyah 10:15 The Infinite Race

3:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 4:00 Truck Hunters (PG) 4:30 I Fish (PG) 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 Scorpion (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: New Orleans (M v) 10:20 Blue Bloods (M v) 11:20 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (M s,v)

12:55 TBA 2:05 The Neighborhood (PG) 3:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:45 2 Broke Girls (M s) 10:45 The Conners (PG) 11:45 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 12:10 Home Shopping 1:40 Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (M)

2:30 Barnwood Builders 3:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 4:30 Building Off The Grid (PG) 5:30 Maine Cabin Masters (PG) 6:30 Log Cabin Living 7:30 Escape To The Chateau (PG) 8:30 House Hunters USA 9:30 House Hunters International

4:30 School Of Rock 5:00 ITCH (PG) 5:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:00 Dwight In Shining Armour (PG) 6:30 Top Jobs For Dogs 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:30 Shaun The Sheep 8:25 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

5:00 ABC News 5:30 7.30 Special: Why Women Are Angry 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 ABC News Regional 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Australian Story 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:10 Four Corners 9:00 ABC Nightly News

6:35 The Most Magnificent Thing 7:00 Dino Dana 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M) 9:15 The Stand Up Sketch Show (M l) 9:40 Sammy J (PG) 9:45 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 10:25 Ghosts (M)

6:00 Cheese Slices 7:00 Born To Cook 7:30 Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 8:35 Ainsley’s Food We Love 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 11:30 Rhodes Across Italy 12:30 No Passport Required 1:30 Born To Cook

5:25 Celebrity Mastermind (PG) 6:30 The Bee Whisperer (PG) 7:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine (PG) 8:30 The X-Files (MA15+) 10:10 Flowergirl (MA15+) (In Japanese) 10:30 Cycling: Paris-Roubaix Women’s Race *Live*

5:15 Movie: “The Benchwarmers” (PG) (’06) Stars: David Spade 7:00 Movie: “Instant Family” (M) (’18) Stars: Mark Wahlberg 9:20 Movie: “The Change-Up” (MA15+) (’11) Stars: Ryan Reynolds 11:30 Malcolm In The Middle (PG)

4:30 Rugby Union: Argentina v Australia *Live* From Cbus Stadium, Gold Coast 7:00 Rugby Union: Post Match 7:30 Movie: “The Man From Snowy River” (PG) (’82) Stars: Kirk Douglas 9:40 Movie: “The Untouchables” (M l,v) (’87)

9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico (PG) 3:30 Todd Sampson’s Life On The Line (PG) 4:00 Secrets Of The Museum 5:00 Art Works 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Back Roads 7:00 ABC News Sunday 7:40 Restoration Australia 8:40 Fires (M) 9:35 We Hunt Together (MA15+)

10:00 The Morning Show Weekend 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 Beach Cops (PG) 1:30 Border Security - Inter-national (PG) 2:00 Movie: “Viva Las Vegas” (G) (’64) Stars: Elvis Presley 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Terry Floyd (PG) 8:05 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:35 Manhunt: The Night Stalker (M v) 9:40 Movie: “Ladies In Black” (PG) (’18)

1:15 NRL: Intrust Super League: Preliminary Final 1: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls v Tweed Seagulls *Live* 3:05 NRL: Grand Final Day 3:45 NRL: Intrust Super League: Preliminary Final 2: North Devils v Burleigh Bears *Live* 5:35 TBA 6:00 NINE News Sunday 6:30 NRL: Pre Match 7:30 NRL: Grand Final: Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs *Live* 9:30 NRL: Post Match 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 The First 48 (M) 12:00 Cold Case - New Leads Wanted (MA15+)

9:00 Destination Dessert (PG) 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday (PG) 12:00 TBA 1:10 Farm To Fork 1:30 Healthy Homes Australia 2:00 Every-day Gourmet 2:30 My Market Kitchen 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 Roads Less Travelled 4:00 Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) 4:30 Taste Of Australia 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) 8:30 FBI (M) 9:30 FBI: Most Wanted (PG) 10:30 FBI: International (M) 11:30 FBI (M)

5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Motor Sports: Superbike World Championship 4:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:30 The Lost Season 5:40 The Buildings That Fought Hitler (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Inside Central Station: Rain (M) 8:30 The Truth About Anxiety: Celia Pacquola (PG) 9:30 Scotland: 1000 Years Of History (PG) 11:10 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 12:05 Food Fighter (M l) 1:40 Blitzed - Nazis On Drugs (PG)

4:30 TBA 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys (PG) 9:30 Mighty Trains (PG) 10:30 Coastal Railways With Julie Walters (PG) 11:30 Heathrow Britain’s Busiest Airport (PG)

3:00 Cricket: Women’s Test: Day 4: Australia v India *Live* From Metricon Stadium, Carrara 10:30 Movie: “Batman Forever” (PG) (’95) Stars: Val Kilmer 1:00 Heavy Rescue (M l) 2:00 A Football Life (PG) 3:00 Sound FX (PG)

4:55 Movie: “The Prince & Me II: The Royal Wedding” (PG) (’06) Stars: Luke Mably 7:00 The Voice USA (PG) 9:00 Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back (M l) 10:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares UK (M l)

2:30 Football: NT Women’s Premier League 4:30 Ice Hockey: SA Premier League 5:45 African News 6:00 NITV News: Nula 6:30 Artefact 7:30 NITV News Update 7:40 First Australians (PG) 8:50 Homeland Story (M)

3:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 4:00 Socceroos: Road To Qatar 4:30 What’s Up Down Under 5:00 I Fish (PG) 5:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v) 10:20 48 Hours (M)

1:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 2:00 The Dog House UK (PG) 3:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 The Neighborhood (PG) 9:30 2 Broke Girls (M) 11:30 Mom (M d,s) 12:00 Home Shopping

3:30 Log Cabin Living 4:30 Fixer Upper (PG) 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Good Bones (PG) 8:30 A Sale Of Two Cities 9:30 My Lottery Dream Home (PG) 10:30 Fixer To Fabulous 11:30 House Hunters USA

4:30 School Of Rock 4:55 Mystic (PG) 5:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:00 Dwight In Shining Armour 6:30 Top Jobs For Dogs 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35 Doctor Who (PG) 8:20 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News: Auslan Bulletin 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Foreign Correspondent 7:00 ABC News Sunday 7:40 The Brief: September 8:00 Insiders 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 Australian Story

5:55 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:25 Shaun The Sheep 7:00 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Compass 8:30 Louis Theroux: Miami Mega Jail (M l,s) 9:30 The School That Tried To End Racism (PG)

6:00 Kylie Kwong: Heart And Soul 6:30 Our Food, Our Family 7:00 India Unplated 7:30 Weekend Breaks With Gregg Wallace 8:30 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

5:50 Underground Worlds 6:40 Planet Expedition (PG) 7:40 UnXplained With William Shatner (M) 8:30 Corruption, Cocaine, Murder In Trinidad (PG) 9:00 Cycling: ParisRoubaix Men’s Race *Live* 2:45 France 24 News

5:00 Movie: “The Nutty Professor” (PG) (’96) Stars: Eddie Murphy 7:00 Movie: “Evolution” (PG) (’01) Stars: Julianne Moore 9:00 Movie: “Transformers: Age Of Extinction” (M) (’14) Stars: Mark Wahlberg 12:15 Outlaw (M)

4:40 Movie: “Alexander The Great” (G) (’56) Stars: Richard Burton 7:30 Agatha Raisin (PG) 8:30 Coroner (MA15+) 9:30 Chicago PD (MA15+) 10:30 Chicago Fire (MA15+) 11:30 Chicago Med (M) 12:30 My Favourite Martian 1:00 Home Shopping

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

Monday 4 October Tuesday 5 October Wednesday 6 October Thursday 7 October

12:00 Movie: “Stop The Wedding” (PG) (’18) Stars: Rachel Boston 2:00 TBA 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 SAS Australia (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Deadpool” (MA15+) (’15) Stars: Gina Carano 10:45 The Latest Seven News 11:15 Station 19 (M v)

12:00 Explore 12:10 Movie: “The Pink Panther 2” (PG) (’09) Stars: Steve Martin 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Block (PG) 9:00 Controlling Britney Spears (M) 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 The Arrangement (M l,s,v)

8:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 TBA 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Farm To Fork 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) 8:30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (MA15+)

7:00 Bondi Rescue 7:30 Road Open 7:40 6:30 The Simpsons 6:00 American Pickers 4:30 M*A*S*H (PG) (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) Through The Wormhole (PG) 7:30 The Voice (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars 5:30 Escape To The 11:15 Blue Bloods (M (PG) 8:30 Karla Grant USA (PG) 8:30 Family (PG) 7:30 American Country 6:30 Bargain v) 12:10 Home Shopping 2:10 Presents (PG) 9:00 Cold Guy (M) 9:00 American Dad Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (M) 8:30 Pickers (PG) 8:30 Movie: MotoGP Race 15 Grand Prix The Inspector Lynley Mysteries “Sudden Impact” (MA15+) (’93) (M) 9:30 First Dates Australia Justice (PG) 9:30 Death In (M) 10:40 Marrying Millions (M) Thunder Bay 9:55 NITV News Of The Americas *Replay* Stars: Bradford Dillman (M v) 10:30 Cold Case (M v) 6:00 ABC Evening 6:00 Dwight In Shining News 7:00 ABC Armour (PG) 6:30 National News 8:00 Teenage Boss 7:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Horrible Histories (PG) 7:30 Business 9:00 ABC Nightly Shaun The Sheep 7:35 Doctor News 9:25 7.30 Who (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Shetland (M l,v) 2:00 The Bletchley Circle - San Francisco (M v) 3:00 ABC News 4:10 Escape From The City 5:10 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:05 The Greek Islands With Julia Bradbury 8:30 The School That Tried To End Racism (PG) 9:30 How To Live Younger 10:35 ABC Late News

7:00 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With 7:30 Spicks And 7:30 NITV News Adam Liaw 7:30 Jamie Specks 8:00 QI (PG) Update 7:35 8 Out Of & Jimmy’s Food Fight 8:30 Attenborough And The Empire Of The Ants 9:25 Club 8:30 Rick Stein’s Taste Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) 8:30 Taskmaster (M l) 9:20 The Sea 9:00 Rick Stein’s George Clarke’s Amazing Hypothetical (M) Spaces 10:15 Doctor Who (M) Seafood Odyssey

12:00 Movie: “Girl Followed” (AKA ‘A Deadly Connection’) (M) (’20) Stars: Heather McComb 2:00 TBA 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 SAS Australia (PG) 8:30 Australia: Now And Then (M l) 9:30 S.W.A.T. (M v) 10:30 Seven News

6:00 American Pickers 4:30 M*A*S*H (PG) (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars 5:30 Escape To The (PG) 7:30 Highway Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Pie In The Sky (PG) Patrol (PG) 8:30 Aussie Salvage Squad (PG) 10:30 8:30 Lewis (M v) 10:30 One Outback Truckers (PG) Lane Bridge (M l,v)

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:30 Getaway 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Block (PG) 8:40 The Weakest Link (PG) 9:40 Travel Guides (PG) 10:40 NINE News Late 11:10 Reverie (M v) 12:00 Tipping Point (PG)

7:00 Dino Dana 7:30 6:00 ABC Evening 6:00 Dwight In Shining Spicks And Specks News 7:00 ABC Armour (PG) 6:30 Are 8:30 Adam Hills: The National News 8:00 You Tougher Than Your Ancestors? 7:00 Horrible China Tonight 8:30 ABC News Last Leg (M) 9:10 Ghosts (M) 9:40 This Time With Alan Histories (PG) 7:30 Shaun The Tonight 8:45 The Business Partridge (PG) Sheep 7:35 Doctor Who (PG) 9:00 ABC Nightly News

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch (PG) 2:00 The Bletchley Circle - San Francisco (M v) 3:00 ABC News 4:05 Escape From The City 5:05 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Question Everything 9:00 Frayed (MA15+) 9:50 Would I Lie To You? 4:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 The Coroner (M v) 8:30 A Touch Of Frost (M n,v) 10:40 Bones (M v)

12:00 Movie: “Deadly Lessons” (AKA ‘A Stolen Past’) (M v) (’18) Stars: Jessica Barth 2:00 TBA 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 SAS Australia (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Unstoppable” (M l) (’10) Stars: Denzel Washington 10:30 Seven News

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Fat Pizza: Back In Business (MA15+) 9:10 Australia’s Sexiest Tradie (M)

6:00 ABC Evening 6:00 Dwight In Shining News 7:00 ABC Armour (PG) 6:30 Are National News 8:00 You Tougher Than Your Ancestors? 7:00 Horrible ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Histories (PG) 7:30 Shaun The Business 9:00 ABC Nightly Sheep 7:35 Doctor Who (PG) News 9:30 7.30

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 1:30 Question Everything 2:00 The Bletchley Circle - San Francisco (M v) 3:00 ABC News 4:05 Escape From The City 5:05 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 The Drum 6:55 Sammy J (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Foreign Correspondent 8:30 Q&A 9:35 Secrets Of The Museum

7:00 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (M s) 8:00 American Dad (M s,v) 8:30 Movie: “Tango And Cash” (M l,v) (’89) Stars: Sylvester Stallone

7:00 Bondi Rescue 7:30 The Casketeers (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) (PG) 8:00 Wellington 8:30 NCIS: Los Paranormal (M) 8:30 Good Grief (MA15+) 9:35 NITV Angeles (M v) 11:15 Seal Team (M v) 12:10 Home News Update 9:45 NRL: WA Women’s 10:40 Skindigenous Shopping 2:10 48 Hours

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:00 World’s Greatest Cities (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Block (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Jack Reacher” (M l,v) (’12) Stars: Tom Cruise 11:15 NINE News Late 11:45 The Fix (M)

7:00 The Simpsons 6:00 American Pickers 4:30 M*A*S*H (PG) (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars 5:30 Escape To The (M d,s) 8:00 American (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Fast Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M v) & Furious 6” (M l,v) (’13) Stars: Dad (M v) 8:30 Movie: “Red Riding Hood” (M) (’11) Stars: Vin Diesel 11:05 Pawn Stars 8:30 Inspector Morse (M l,v) Amanda Seyfried 10:50 Murdoch Mysteries (M v) (PG)

2:05 Madonna - The Story Of The Songs 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys (M) 8:30 Insight 9:30 Dateline

6:00 House Hunters 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 International 7:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 House Hunters USA Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends 7:30 Escape To The Chateau Specials 8:30 Restoration Man (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s) (PG) 9:30 Building Off The Grid 7:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Elektra” (M v) (’05) Stars: Jennifer Garner 9:30 Movie: “Daredevil” (M v) (’03) Stars: Ben Affleck

7:30 New Tricks (PG) 8:40 The Closer (M v) 9:40 Rizzoli & Isles (M) 10:40 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 11:40 Chicago Justice (M)

2:00 Dateline 2:30 Insight 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar (PG) 8:30 Lost For Words (PG) 9:30 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) 10:25 SBS World News

6:00 House Hunters 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 International 7:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 House Hunters USA Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends 7:30 Masters Of Flip 8:30 Home Town 9:30 Beachfront (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:20 2 Broke Girls Bargain Hunt Renovation 7:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Walking Tall” (M v,d,l) (’04) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 9:05 Movie: “Pain & Gain” (M) (’13) Stars: Anthony Mackie

8:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) 1:00 TBA 2:30 Entertainment Tonight 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Making It Australia (PG) 8:30 Gogglebox (PG) 9:30 TBA 10:30 Blue Bloods (M v) 11:30 The Project (PG)

7:00 Bondi Rescue 7:30 Going Places With (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Ernie Dingo (PG) 8:30 8:30 Hawaii Five-0 (M) Movie: “Rogue” (M) 10:30 Seal Team (M v) 11:30 (’07) Stars: Michael Vartan TBA 12:30 Home Shopping 10:20 The Point 10:50 Living 2:00 Elementary (M v) Black

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 9:00 Renovate Or Rebuild 10:00 Boise Boys 11:00 Selling The Big Easy

7:30 Poirot (PG) 8:40 7:00 That 70’s Show Agatha Christie’s (PG) 7:30 RBT (PG) Marple (PG) 10:40 Law 8:30 Movie: “Man On Fire” (M l,v) (’04) Stars: Denzel & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 11:40 The Enemy Within (M) Washington 11:30 3rd Rock 12:35 Antiques Roadshow From The Sun (PG)

8:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) 1:00 TBA 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Farm To Fork 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Making It Australia (PG) 9:00 Bull (M) 12:00 The Project (PG) 1:00 The Late Show (PG)

7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With 7:00 Dino Dana 7:30 7:30 NITV News Adam Liaw 7:30 Spicks And Specks Update 7:35 8 Out Of License To Grill 8:30 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Art Works 9:00 Tom Kerridge’s Barbeque 9:00 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) 8:30 Scientology And The Food Safari 9:30 Luke The Leunig Fragments (M l) Aftermath: Waiting For Justice Nguyen’s Greater Mekong 10:00 Doctor Who (PG)

2:00 Kochie’s Business Builders 2:30 Border Security - International (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Cricket: T20 International Women: Australia v India: Match 1 *Live* 10:30 The Latest Seven News 11:00 TBA 12:00 Black-ish (PG)

7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up 7:30 7:30 NITV News Giada Entertains 8:00 Update 7:35 8 Out Of David Rocco’s Dolce Africa 8:30 Remarkable Places 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) 8:30 Alone (M) 9:40 Unknown To Eat 9:35 Luke Nguyen’s Amazon (PG) Greater Mekong

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:00 Travel Guides (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Block (PG) 8:40 Paramedics (PG) 9:40 Botched (M) 10:40 NINE News Late 11:10 Serial Killer With Piers Morgan (MA15+)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (M)

7:00 Bondi Rescue 7:30 The Point 8:00 7:30 Family Guy (M s) (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Living Black (M) 8:30 8:00 American Dad (M 8:30 Blue Bloods (M v) No Crossover: The Trial s) 8:30 Movie: “National 10:25 Socceroos: Road To Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” Of Allen Iverson (M l) 10:00 Qatar 10:55 NCIS: New The Colour Of Justice (M v) (PG) (’93) Stars: Emilio Orleans (M v) 11:00 Lost Diamonds (PG) Estevez

6:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Inside Central Station (M) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 10 Mistakes (M) 8:30 Secret Scotland (PG) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency (M)

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Grantchester (PG) 2:00 Des (M l) 3:00 ABC News 4:05 The Repair Shop 5:05 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Australian Story 8:30 Four Corners 9:15 Media Watch (PG) 9:35 China Tonight 10:05 Road To Now (M v) 11:05 ABC Late News 11:20 The Business

7:30 As Time Goes By (PG) 8:50 Midsomer Murders (M v) 10:50 Aaron Hernandez Uncovered (M) 12:30 My Favourite Martian 1:00 Home Shopping

2:05 Celine Dion: The Story Of The Songs 3:00 Going Places (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (PG) 8:30 Lost Temple Of The Inca (M) (In Spanish) 9:30 The Victim (MA15+)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 The Unicorn

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:00 House Hunters International 8:30 Fixer Upper (PG) 9:30 Bargain Mansions

7:30 Death In Paradise 7:00 That 70’s Show 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats 7:00 The Cook Up With 7:00 Dino Dana 7:30 (PG) 8:40 Movie: “The (PG) 7:30 Survivor 41 Does Countdown (M) Adam Liaw 7:30 Donna Spicks And Specks Bone Collector” (M v,l) USA (M) 8:30 Movie: 8:30 The Curse Of Oak Hay Everyday Fresh 8:30 Penn And Teller: “Pleasantville” (PG) (’98) Stars: (’99) Stars: Denzel Washington Fool Us (PG) 9:10 Hard Quiz 8:00 India Unplated 8:30 Adam Island (M l) 10:00 Dave Reese Witherspoon 11:00 3rd 11:00 Law & Order (M) 12:00 (PG) 9:35 Question Everything & Poh’s Malaysia In Australia Gorman: Modern Life Is Antiques Roadshow Goodish (M) 10:50 The Feed Rock From The Sun (PG) (PG) 10:10 Doctor Who (PG) 9:00 Barefoot Contessa Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

WW43945

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

At the movies... PREVIEW

PREVIEW

The Electrical Life Of Louis Wain

A Fire Inside

The extraordinary true story of eccentric British artist Louis Wain (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose playful, sometimes even psychedelic pictures helped to transform the public’s perception of cats forever. Moving from the late 1800s through to the 1930s, we follow the incredible adventures of this inspiring, unsung hero, as he seeks to unlock the “electrical” mysteries of the world and, in so doing, to better understand his own life and the profound love he shared with his wife Emily Richardson (Claire Foy). ‘The Electrical Life Of Louis Wain’ received its World Premiere at Telluride Film Festival on September 2, going on to receive its Canadian Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival

1 hour, 31 minutes

on September 11. It will hit Australian cinemas in the coming weeks.

See these movies at...

When a volunteer firefighter drives his car into almost certain death during the worst fires in Australian history, he does it because he ‘has a job to do’. Three months later, the fires are out but his nightmares are just beginning. What’s tormenting him, however, isn’t the memory of flames. Turning a sensitive lens on the unprecedented devastation of Australia’s 2019/2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, from a country-wide emergency to the astonishing stories of help that emerged, ‘A Fire Inside’ presents an inspirational look at the way people respond to crisis and its true cost to the human spirit. ‘A Fire Inside’ opens on October 7, 2021.

PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

WW44071

1 hour, 51 minutes

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by wsbc.org.au

Crossword ACROSS 1. Snatch 4. Shipping route (3,4) 8. Satisfied sighs 11. Metropolitan 13. Whip marks 15. Sacrificial block 17. Teasing remark 18. Coffee without stimulant 20. Partnership 21. Take down (washing) 24. This planet 27. Queen’s honour (1,1,1) 28. Animal charity (1,1,1,1,1) 30. Certify (accounts) 31. ... one’s weight in gold 33. Homecoming 34. Three times 35. Axe-like cutter 36. Combustion 39. Injured 42. Join together 44. Used to be 45. Smears 46. Swedish car company 48. Member of religious order 49. Diving gear 50. Stash 52. Neglected to (4’1) 54. Nothing more than 55. Gestured 56. Ravish 57. Straightforward 60. A long way off 62. Inconspicuous audio piece 65. Sharp road bend 67. Gargle & spit 69. Interior design 70. Exercise 72. Flower patch 73. Start 75. Supplant 77. Garment edge 79. Occupy the throne 81. Army manoeuvres 82. Put up with 84. Last Greek letter 85. Ancient language 86. Electricity unit 87. Experienced 88. Genuine, ... fide

DOWN 1. Incite 2. Vehicles 3. Undergarment 4. Scissor-cut 5. Pellet riﬂe (3,3) 6. Even though 7. Pitcher 8. Pub drink 9. UK racecourse 10. Protected 12. Actor, ... Willis 14. For special purpose (2,3) 16. Sensational 19. Detest 22. Flora & fauna 23. Made (wage) 25. 2004 Olympic city 26. Contorts 29. Warm up (oven) 32. Adjudicator 35. Flight cost 37. Saturate 38. Zero degrees latitude line 40. Feathered shaft 41. Football superstar, ... Beckham 42. Waste pipe junction (1-4) 43. Painter’s tripod 44. Loose hair strands 47. Property size 51. Maze 52. Hoodwink 53. Bocelli & Carreras 54. Flour-grinder 58. Concur 59. Japanese currency 61. Performed 63. In unison (2,3) 64. Sidetrack 65. Drenched 66. Citizen living overseas 68. Dolt 71. Horned African beast 72. Potent mix 74. Writer, George Bernard ... 76. Very unpleasant 78. Huge 80. Greenwich Mean Time (1,1,1) 83. Pinafore top

Last week’s solution

Sudoku brought to you byWestern Sydney Business Connection

wsbc.org.au

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

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by wsbc.org.au

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: GENEALOGY ADOPTION ANCESTORS CERTIFICATES CHURCH RECORDS COURT DATES DEATH FAMILIES FAMILY BIBLE FATHER GENEALOGIST GENERATIONS GIVEN NAMES MOTHER OBITUARIES OFFSPRING ORAL TRADITION PASSENGER LISTS PATERNAL STUDY SURNAME TOMBSTONES TOWN TRACE Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about rugby league Grand Finals in our special trivia quiz this week.

1. In what year did the NRL play a Grand Final at Stadium Australia for the first time? 2. Who won the 1998 Grand Final? 3. What is the lowest scoring Grand Final of all-time?

4. In what year did a QLD team win the Grand Final for the first time? 5. What is the highest ever crowd for a Grand Final? 6. In what year were two Grand Finals played due to the split competition?

ANSWERS 1. 1999 2. Brisbane 3. 1924. Balmain beat Souths 3-0. 4. 1992 5. 107,999 6. 1997

Trivia Quiz

WW43925

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

EMERGENCY EXPERTS EMERGENCY CARE TRUSTED FOR MORE THAN 9 YEARS OF PEST CONTROL EXPERIENCE

Emergency Plumbing Blocked Toilets & Drains Burst or Leaking Pipes Leaking Taps & Toilets Gasﬁtting and Repairs Hot Water Systems

RODENTS

COCKROACHES

ANTS & BUGS

FOR ALL YOUR PEST MANAGEMENT NEEDS!! From the most common pests to the most instrusive kinds

SPIDERS

TERMITES

• Professional Service • Licensed and insured

0429 931 150

• Use only approved chemicals

hoggysplumbing@outlook.com

• 24/7 call outs available

FREE QUOTE! CALL NOW

0403 521 217

Hoggys Plumbing

• General and Timber pest certified • NSW Tafe certified

Covering all plumbing issues with over 20 years experience

Need Help? Call us today

Contact Chris: 02 4721 5938 or 0412 487 140 Email: service@altacair.com.au

COMMERCIAL

INSTALLATION

SERVICE & REPAIRS

Free Quot es Back’s Electrical for quality residential electrical services in the Blue Mountains and Penrith Residential Electrical

Emergency Electrical

10% Discount for Seniors

Level 2 Electrical

FRIENDLY STAFF

We guarantee competitive prices and excellent workmanship on all our air conditioning services in Penrith. We are your local installation repair and servicing specialist

Mobile: 0423 071 049 Email: info@backselectrical.com.au Website https://backselectrical.com.au

WW46271

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com | twitter @JoMadelineMoore | © Joanne Madeline Moore 2021

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

TAURUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Aquarians often feel restless, rebellious and agitated. This week, with the planets illuminating your philosophy zone, you need to slow down and look within as you contemplate, meditate and ruminate. Negotiation planet Venus also encourages you to hold out the olive branch of peace (especially to a stressed friend or colleague). So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, music legend John Lennon. “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”

Wednesday’s New Moon spotlights close relationships and trust issues. However, with Mercury stuck in retrograde mode, you could suffer from a lack of motivation, low libido or just plain exhaustion. So pace yourself Pisces and don’t take on too much. The weekend stars highlight sensual pleasures, intense negotiations and vivid dreams. But be careful you don’t blurt out something that you later regret. Think (carefully) before you open your mouth and speak!

This week a partnership or joint venture could veer off in an unpredictable direction as Mercury reverses through your relationship zone. Or a work colleague could surprise you by making a decision that seems like a backward step. And are you being rather lazy? With Mars (your power planet) and retrograde Mercury both transiting through lackadaisical Libra, you could find your motivation is missing and your adventurous streak has gone AWOL!

You’ll experience the greatest satisfaction if you share your professional dreams with other like-minded people. Collective collaboration is the key. But you need to think long-term and be patient. Do your best to get the balance right between being creative and being thorough; between having inspirational ideas and making practical progress. Mercury is in retrograde motion until October 18, which could disrupt your daily routine.

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

With Mercury (your ruling planet) in retrograde mode (until October 18) expect travel disruptions, phone frustrations and/or computer chaos that will test your limited patience. So how can you survive Mercury retro in a reasonably sane state of mind? Make sure you back-up all your computer files; allow plenty of time to get to appointments and catch flights; check and then double-check everything; and be incredibly adaptable. Plus maintain your sense of humour!

If you are crabby with friends or family members this week, then they will be in the mood to fight back against you! So do your best to be more compassionate and generous towards your treasured loved ones. Plus try to view a troubled close relationship from a much more philosophical perspective. As birthday great John Lennon observed, “We’ve got this gift of love but love is like a precious plant. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”

You’re in the mood to talk, text, tweet, publish and/or podcast as the New Moon, Mercury and Mars activate your communication zone. But with Mercury retrograde, make sure you convey your message clearly and concisely, otherwise misunderstandings are likely. Love planet Venus transits into your friendship and love zone (on Thursday) so Friday, Saturday or Sunday is a good time to organise a catch-up with your bestie or a romantic rendezvous, even if it has to be over Zoom.

Does it feel as if your dreams are on hold or your finances are going backwards? This week retrograde Mercury slows things down and increases frustrations. But then lucky Venus swoops in and encourages you to pair up with a loved one and make your combined dreams come true. You’ll need to be patient though in the days ahead! Your motto is from birthday great John Lennon, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Stylish Librans have a passion for fashion and Wednesday’s New Moon is in your sign. So it’s the perfect week to refresh your appearance via a hot new hairstyle, a makeup makeover or a creative wardrobe revamp. But with Mercury reversing through your sign (until October 18) and Venus (your patron planet) shifting into extravagant Sagittarius, watch that impulse buys don’t burn a big hole in your budget. Remember – some of the best things in life are free!

Expect a rather intense week as the New Moon, fiery Mars and retrograde Mercury stir up inner compulsions, submerged secrets and hidden resentments. You could also become obsessed about someone from your complicated past. Smart Scorpios will learn from your mistakes, let go and then move on. Inspiration for the week is from birthday great, actress Kate Winslet. “The good and bad things are what form us as people … change makes us grow.”

When it comes to your involvement with a friend, acquaintance, colleague, client, customer, group, club or organisation, this week looks tricky as fiery Mars and retrograde Mercury stimulate your argumentative streak. So do your best to avoid aggravating others, especially from Thursday onwards when Venus transits into your sign. October 7 through until November 5 is the time to smoke the peace pipe as you socialise, compromise and sympathise.

Impulsive Mars and retrograde Mercury are disrupting your career plans and future aspirations. So Wednesday’s New Moon is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot. Think of creative ways that you can navigate the unpredictable COVID landscape, adapt professionally and pivot personally. Draw inspiration from birthday great, actress and activist Susan Sarandon, “I take responsibility for the ups and downs of my life, and that is very liberating.”

WW43922

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

HOROSCOPES

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

HEALTH

ASK ASHA

WITH KAITLIN HARMS ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

WITH ASHA DOOLEY • GRACE FUNERALS • 4735 6900

Keeping your feet in good health over the warm summer months

Key things to keep in mind when it comes to planning a funeral

s the weather warms up our podiatrists typically see an increase in common foot complaints which worsen at this time of year. This includes callus and cracked skin, foot pain, and fungal skin and nail infections. Improve your skin integrity Maintaining skin integrity through the daily use of a moisturiser can significantly help reduce the risk of developing painful callused areas on your feet. For those of you who are more prone to developing these issues, a urea-based emollient such as a heel balm may be more suitable. Skin integrity can also be maintained by avoiding harsh footwear such as thongs which typically dry out your skin very quickly, leading to dry callus formation particularly around the heels.

You have choice when it comes to the type of funeral that you want At Grace Funerals we ask you to think about what you feel an ideal service should look like. Then from that point with your input and our guidance we go about creating that service for you in every detail.

control and can contribute significantly to foot pain. Thongs are best to avoid because there is no fastening mechanism keeping them firmly on our feet making our intrinsic muscles work a lot harder to support us when walking. Protect yourself against fungal infections Fungus thrives in warm and humid environments. It is important that we take care of our feet to avoid both fungal nail and skin infections. We recommend drying thoroughly in between your toes after showering, removing nail polish after a few days and checking your feet daily to observe any changes that may occur.

There are still plenty of options even in a pandemic lockdown Funerals can still take place in most places today. But with the number of attendees being restricted the most popular way to include those who are excluded is live streaming (web casting). At Grace we are doing this and also including video input from people from both within Australia and overseas. This allows them to make an important contribution to the service in real time and we find that this is very much appreciated and is comforting for the family. There are healing elements to a service There are many elements of funeral

services that add to the personalisation and celebration of a life well lived. Along with a photo memories presentation, possibly music makes the most significant impact in that regard. Be it a favourite track, or a song with meaningful words that encapsulate the person, whatever it may be, music is a powerful component of any service. Funeral Directors care about you We are human beings and the reason we are in this profession is because we sincerely care about and have some understanding of a person’s grief at the time of a loss. The main purpose of our role is to care and guide you through a difficult time and a process that may seem daunting and to create the meaningful farewell that you choose. Funerals are important Funerals help us acknowledge that someone we love has died. They allow us to say goodbye. Funerals provide a support system for us, friends, family members and the community. Finally, funerals allow us to reflect on the meaning of life and death. WW44621

Wear supportive footwear This leads us into the next tip – wear supportive footwear and avoid going barefoot! Whilst this will help your skin it will also reduce the risk of developing aches and pains in your feet. Unsupportive footwear can lead to overloading of particular areas of our feet due to lack of

ive topics that you should be aware of for today’s funerals...

FREE LAPTOP WHEN YOU RENT AN A3 MFP* Free laptop when you rent an A3 MFP with a staple finisher.

*applies to certain models only **offer valid while stocks last

LIMITED TIME ONLY! 38

1300 207 122

WWW.MITRONICS.COM.AU

WITH DR ERIN SHORT • GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE • 4731 3055

Why dogs should avoid footy treats A

s we prepare our COVID-safe gatherings to celebrate the Panthers in the NRL Grand Final this weekend, it is important to remember your pets that may be hiding under the table waiting for the food and snacks to drop. While party food is appropriate for people, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s also safe for your pets. In fact, when you have a BBQ or picnic, you need to keep a very close eye on what foods are within reach of your dog. Many foods are not only bad for your dog’s digestive system, but they can even be deadly for him to eat. Here are a few common BBQ and party foods that are dangerous for dogs.

for dogs, as the bone fragments scrape the lining of the colon and rectum and lead to significant trauma. Onions

Potato chips and pretzels These may seem like simple snack foods, but in reality, pretzels and chips are loaded with sodium, which isn’t good for dogs. Too much of either of these snack foods can upset a dog’s stomach, as well as cause excessive thirst and urination. In severe circumstances, it can result in vomiting, tremors, diarrhoea, seizures and fever. Discourage your guests or other partygoers from the temptation of feeding these snacks to dogs. Chocolate desserts Desserts are everyone’s favourite part of the BBQ, but they can be deadly for dogs

especially if they involve chocolate, xylitol or alcohol. The compounds in both chocolate and xylitol can be fatal to dogs. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. Within 30 minutes of ingestion, xylitol will cause a fast, dangerous drop in blood sugar levels accompanied by disorientation and seizures. Fruit salad with grapes Some fruits are perfectly fine for dogs to eat in moderation, but grapes are not one of them. If you include grapes in fruit salads or desserts, make sure your dog cannot eat them. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs and can cause lethargy, diarrhoea, and vomiting about 12 hours after ingestion. The dog will become increasingly dehydrated, may refuse to eat, and will show either an increase in or decrease in urination. Long-term kidney disease or death follows. Grand Final celebrations are associated with friends, food and fun. Keep your dog safely locked away this weekend and celebrate the Panthers win at home rather than in an emergency waiting room at your nearest vet.

Social media management without the stress Your social media profiles managed from just $160 per week

FACEBOOK MANAGEMENT

O THER PLATFORMS

Sit back and focus on your business, and let MTM Digital handle your Facebook page. We’ll arrange regular and consistent posts, plus manage your inbox communication and other elements of your page.

Need help with Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn? What about a regular newsletter to your valued clients and supporters? We can do it all. Talk to us about your social media and digital needs today.

“MTM Digital has taken the pressure off our business when it comes to staying relevant on social media. They have done an excellent job building our presence and generating interest” Rod Matthew, KSR Autobody

WW43967

EMAIL SOCIAL@MTMDIGITAL.COM.AU OR VISIT WWW.MTMDIGITAL.COM.AU WW45794

Ribs and other cooked meat bones While it’s tempting for many people to give cooked bones to dogs, it can have its problems. Cooked chicken bones and rib bones can splinter very easily, becoming lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. Bone fragments can also become lodged in the small intestines, causing a complete intestinal blockage. If bone fragments travel down the gastrointestinal tract and reach the large bowel, they may collect and cause constipation. This is painful

Onions add flavour and can often be found in many party foods. All members of the onion family including shallots and garlic are toxic to dogs. Although not as bad as grapes or xylitol, avoid giving onions to your dog regardless of if they are raw or cooked. Cooking onions doesn’t have an impact on the safety of onions and cooked onions are still poisonous to dogs because of their toxic effect on a dog’s red blood cells. All forms of onion can be toxic to dogs – whether powdered, dried, fresh or cooked.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

PET HEALTH

Western Weekender Air Conditioning For all your air conditioning needs

DIGIT AL TV WI-F I

Penrith TV Antenna Service

7JTJU PVS TIPXSPPN BU +BDL 8JMMJBNT %SJWF 1FOSJUI ] .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN 4BUVSEBZ BN QN

✶ ✶ SENIORS DISCOUNTS ✶ ✶

www.jandlkitchens.com | info@jandlkitchens.com WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

Clothes Line

CLOTHESLINES INSTALLED FROM $395 Free Call & Quote Full range folding lines

FREE QUOTES

4733 2525

WIFI & NBN

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

Pensioner Discounts

www.penrithtvantennaservice.com.au 3 ye warraar nty

• Fast Clean Service • Big Or Small Jobs • Interior & Exterior • Fully Insured • Reliable Service • All Work Done Personally • Decorative Finishes • Competitive Prices • Wallpapering Glenmore Park Lic No. 44995C Over 30 years experience

Automotive

20% off first service

Lic No 20505

p Home Service Dro

40 years experience – 7 Days

www.doctorclothesline.com.au

Water leaks

Lic: 329911c

Hot water

Concrete Contractors

Leaking toilets

D & J Concrete Resurfacing & Landscaping

Gasfitting

ABN: 18342307434

FREE QUOTE CALL NOW 0403 229 032 Building Contractors

We specialise in concrete resurfacing & landscaping such as spray-on paving, colour sealing, concrete resealing, concrete grinding, non-slip coating, pressure cleaning, concrete garden edging, roof restoration, returfing. Call Darren on 0403 374 216 or Email: djconcreteresurfacing@gmail.com

Carpenters &Joiners

Electricians

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Pe e nrith Ele Penrith Electricians Call Us Today... For our

ABN 568 649 24654

ADVERTISING WORKS

Decks • Pergolas • Fit-Outs •Carpentry Jobs • Floating Floors

Jamie 0412

Building Services

TRADIE ENTERPRISES

WW46008

Lic No. 829 19C

Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks. OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE: • Gutter cleaning • House painting • House maintenance • General repairs • Rubbish removal NO JOB TOO SMALL

Lic. No. 367712C

WW45434

WWW.CHRISLAWLERBUILDING.COM.AU

• Carpentry • Decks & Pergolas • Bathroom Renovations • Maintenance Work • Renovations • Plumbing & Electrical

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

WW43129

0405 107 506

PATIOMAN

0416 035 645 www.patioman.com.au

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!

DECKS • RENOVATIONS • BATHROOMS • CARPENTRY

Awnings

Call Peter Dunn

WW42343

years’ experience

PH: 0412 117 489

WW46161

WW45302

482 858

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more... yes we can

SERVICING PENRITH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

4744 2732

Call NOW on

We NEVER

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Want to increase cash flow? Need more Work? We can help advertise your business in our Trades & Services and Classifieds

WW45316

☎ 4721 2500

Call Richard 0407 585 691 – 9745 6626

Blocked drains

PLUMBER DRAINER GASFITTER WW45137

Pink & Blue Slips Logbook Service Full Servicing All Work Guaranteed Warranty Safe

YES Old Hoist Repaired

Jason 0417 221 822 • Mark 0417 223 288

Family run business. We will get the job done right the first time

AUTO CENTRE

Old hoist removed WW45492

TV Mounting

FULL MECHANICAL WORKSHOP REGO CHECKS LPG & SERVICE

WW43993

www.mjpainting.com.au

TV & Data Points Upgrades & Repairs

Les: 0439 967 102

m lestoemoe@gmail.com

TV Antennas

ORTRANTO P/L

TRADING OVER 20 YEARS | OVER 40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE

YOUR LOCAL ANTENNA GUY

47 49 49 14

WW43979

t 0GýDF 'JU PVUT t 4VQQMZ BOE JOTUBMM t 4VQQMZ POMZ o þBU QBDL PS QSF CVJMU UP PSEFS t 8F PSHBOJTF BMM USBEFT

WW45130

WW44652

Antennas-Communication

t $VTUPN NBEF JO PVS 1FOSJUI GBDUPSZ t ,JUDIFOT -BVOESJFT t 0VUEPPS BMGSFTDP BSFBT

Supply / install custom or standard rails in steel or timber, internal or external. ✶ OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES ✶

WW45565

WW42291

FREE QUOTES preferredair@outlook.com WW42291

SAFETY RAILS - Rails 2U

4732 4566

Sales, Service Maintenance & Installation

Call John on 0406 121 226

Hand Railings.

CALL NOW for a FREE measure & quote

4722 2998

Lic. %$(#(#5

Western

Weekende

Western Weekender

WW45123

http://westernweekender.com.au/directory/

Electrical Contractors

Gardening

Guttering & Spouting

Kitchens

GEN EMER ICE R SE V

WW45867

• Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding • Land Clearing • Mulching • Wood Chopping • Emergency Work

Contact Joe on 0404 043 333 or info@treekings.com.au www.treeking.com.au

Penrith Valley Garden Care

John Newham

WW45128

FREE QUOTES PROMPT, RELIABLE SERVICE Licence No. 95571C | ABN 70 510 279 284

WW45867

Michael on 0420 767 706

PH: 4778 1959

Mobile 0414 833 356 Phone/Fax 9833 3563

Ph 9892 2522 Mob: 0451 966 966 www.bvkb.com.au WW44499

All garden and lawn services provided including: * * * * *

Mowing and edging Bindi and weed eradication Lawn fertilisation Watering system installation General cleanup

* * * * *

Tree pruning Hedge trimming Gutter cleaning Bushfire hazard reduction Removal of all clippings

Call Steve on 4735 3142 or

0416 116 602

WW44007

ATTENTION SENIORS RING TO CLAIM YOUR SENIORS DISCOUNT ON CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Call 4722 2998 TODAY

Handyman

HANDY FOX ABN 34933562535 | Lic no 354402C

All home repairs and maintenance No job too big or small PENRITH CA L Call Peter 0410 737 321 LO

ROOFING SPECIALIST

Landscape Contractors & Designers

A&V All In One Landscaping Free Quotes, 7 Days a Week • Rockeries • Turfing • Retaining Walls • Concreting • Paving • Colorbond Fencing • Yard Cleaning

Call Tony 0419 696 745 After Hrs: 4731 6052 Email: avallinonelandscaping@hotmail.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE CALL NOW

WW44096

P Phone and a Data D

24/7CY

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, LAUNDRIES & APPLIANCES FREE MEASURE & QUOTE ~ BUY DIRECT & SAVE $$$$

WW44666

50off

WW45440

Seniors/ S Pensioners P Discount D

EXPERIENCED GARDENER FREE QUOTES ~ COMPETITIVE PRICES

Lic Number 273594c

Best Prices B & All Work Guaranteed G

Landscaping, Trimming, Weeding, Turfing, Treelopping, Stump grinding, Paving, Retaining walls, Yard dressing.

Mention this ad and get

WW44953

A All Electrical E Work W

BUDGET GARDEN SERVICE WW45148

PENRITH LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

WW43452

A1 AAA ARDVARK

4722 2998

TO GET YOUR SUPER DEALS

Western Weekender

Plasterers-Plasterboard Fixers

Plasterer

B Blocked Drains and D Pipes P

Water & Gas Service Repair Blocked Drains Hot Water Heaters Backflow & TMV Testing Full Plumbing Maintenance

CALL GREG NOW ON: 0400 873 805

Rubbish Removers

CALL NOW

/7CY 2E4 RGEN

Lic # 267530C 10% PENSIONERS DISCOUNT

EM ICE SERV

Penrith P enrith Pl Plumbers

Call Us To Today... For our

FAST, FRIE FRIENDLY SERVICE! g All Pricin t Up-Fron

For your convenience

WW45295

9 9 9 9 9

9188 1542 / 0488 801 044

PH: 4778 1955 WW45295

0424 135 877

Seniors/ S Pensioners P Discount D

Burst Pipes

WW45095

Call now at 1800 600 760 or email us at envirocare1@bigpond.com to get a free quote!

50off

Blocked Drains

Lic No. 4715C NEPEAN MAINTENANCE PLUMBING

We accept!

Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

WANTED TO BUY

yes we can SERVICING PENRITH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

4748 9019

SELLING SOMETHING - CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD 4722 2998

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

We NEVER

Close Lic. %$(#(#5

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED Reach your customers through the power of your local newspaper. Local people make up to 90% of your customers. Classified advertising is the most cost effective way to reach them. Like to know more...

Call 4722 2998 ... Be Wise ... Advertise!

WANTED TO BUY! Ca$h Paid Anytime • DVD • MOVIES • CDs • GUITARS • JEWELLERY • OLD MODEL CARS • TOOLS / OLD TOOLS

• COSMETICS • PERFUMES • COLLECTABLES • KITCHENWARE • FISHING ITEMS • BRIC-A-BRAC

“Moving on Buying call anytime”

RIZ: 0431 296 741

WW45326

TOTAL SATISFACTION GUARANTEED WE CARE FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Mention this ad and get

Licensed Gasfitter

24/7 Emergency services $0 Call out fee Plumbers you can trust Ontime & Reliable plumbers Same Day Service

Lic Number 273594c

WW45569

Best Prices B & All Work Guaranteed G

Taps & Toilets

WW44952

A All Plumbing P Work W

t Pest Control t Sanitation t Termite Control

George Larin - Licence #R71555 No Job too big or small Renovation specialist

PENRITH PLUMBER

PENRITH LOCAL PLUMBER

PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Plumbers

WW44997

MERSON’S NVIROCARE

Plumbers

WW45133

Plumbers

WW45317

Pest Control

http://westernweekender.com.au/directory/

POSITIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

TRADES AND LABOURERS – CIVIL AND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION We are an exciting small and growing business delivering high-quality playgrounds for schools and councils for 15 years. ABOUT THE POSITION We have multiple positions available at different skill levels. Your future role will require you not only to work in small teams and to coordinate your own project. DUTIES • Work efficiently within a team and alongside other trades and subcontractors • Ensure HSEQ obligations are always met • Work within project timelines SKILLS & EXPERIENCE • Relative and proven experience in a similar role within a Civil or Landscape Construction capability, minimum 5 years preferred • Higher rates of pay for the level of experience and for qualified trades

• Strong verbal and written communication skills • Excellent time management and willingness to lead projects

AGM

BENEFITS • Fully Equipped work ute for the right person • Job stability • Ongoing overtime • Onsite training provided and opportunities for further training Experience required for this position: • Current driver’s licence essential

27 OCT 2021

• Own reliable transport required • Construction industry White Card • Physically fit and enthusiastic • Have a strong focus on health and safety in the workplace • Able to obtain a Working with Children Check Other experience preferred but not essential:

RSVP

• Machinery operator • MR/HR truck licence • Current First Aid Certificate

Please send all details and resumes to jason@aussieoutdoordesign.com.au

WW46131

ABOUT THE COMPANY

WW46225

This vehicle sold for an incredible $1 million last weekend.

Car enthusiasts open their wallets NATHAN TAYLOR

1996 HSV VS GTSR has broken an auction record for its model last Saturday, selling under the hammer for $1 million. Build #001 off the production line, still wrapped in its original plastic and with only 86km on the vehicle was accepting online bids for nearly two weeks prior on the Lloyds Auctions website, where the bids fiercely roared igniting the competition between bidders come the auction day. “This classic is incredibly hard to find for Holden enthusiasts, it is one of 85 ever built, rarer than the two-door A9X Torana and it has had only 86km on it since 1996, which is equivalent to less than 6km per year since its make,” Chief

Operating Officer for Lloyds Auctions, Lee Hames said. “Because of its collectability and the interest we have had on the vehicle since its publish we are not surprised this vehicle achieved seven figures.” This Holden wasn’t the only rare model to go under the hammer on Saturday as it was alongside a collection of extremely rare one of one Holdens which also achieved record prices. HSV GTSR W1 4 Door Build #017 sold to a Holden enthusiast for $750,000 whilst a HSV GTSR W1 Maloo Ute reached a hammer price of $1,250,000 but went into negotiations. A rare Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III in Yellow Glo sold for $1.3 million whilst the NFT Classic Car art model of this exact Phase III followed directly after its sale selling for over $50,000.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

AUTO

WHEN IT COMES TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPAIRS, WE HAVE YOU COVERED NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE Royans are Australia and New Zealand’s largest transport accident repair specialist. Sydney Branch Locations: Chipping Norton, Matraville and Mulgrave. FOR 24/7 ACCIDENT ASSISTANCE CALL 1800

ROYANS

Branches across Australia & New Zealand When back on the road means back to business. Choose Royans. www.royans.com.au WW46212

SYDNEY FUN PASS

SAVE 40%

UP TO

PICK FROM 25 TOP ATTRACTIONS SAVE UP TO 40% VS USUAL PRICES VALID 14 DAYS FROM FIRST USE EASY CONTACTLESS DIGITAL PASS EXPIRES 12 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE

GET YOURS NOW! iventurecard.com WW44263

PICK 3 ATTRACTIONS ADULT $75 CHILD $60

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

AUTO

You can ride like Bond Special edition motorcycle released thanks to iconic brand partnership NATHAN TAYLOR

elebrating the partnership between two British icons, Triumph has announced a stunning new limited edition inspired by the incredible Tiger 900 Rally Pro, which features in amazing stunt sequences in the forthcoming 25th James Bond film, ‘No Time To Die’. Just like the Bond films, Triumph Motorcycles brings a well-established and instantly recognisable British authenticity, fashioned and proven over time. With a long and illustrious history in designing, developing, and manufacturing premium motorcycles with exceptional levels of performance, capability and handling, Triumph provided the James Bond stunt team with the perfect fit for the key action sequences in Bond’s latest outing, through the incredibly capable Tiger 900 and Scrambler 1200 models. Lee Morrison, ‘No Time To Die’ stunt coordinator said: “The Tiger 900 is the most confidence-inspiring bike, it allows you to really push the ride as far as you want, you can take as many liberties as you

The new Tiger 900 Rally Pro motorcycle, limited to just 250.

want; stand up sideways drifting in third gear, slow wheelie it, slide it Supermotostyle. I honestly think it’s one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden. It’s fantastic.” Strictly limited to just 250 motorcycles worldwide, the new Tiger 900 Bond Edition

celebrates the iconic British partnership between James Bond and Triumph. Each of these stunning motorcycles is individually numbered and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity. The Tiger 900 Bond Edition features a

unique and eye-catching Matt Sapphire Black paint scheme and 007 graphics, enhancing the bike’s stand-out look and premium style and making this a truly unique and desirable motorcycle. Each motorcycle also comes with a premium, billet-machined handlebar clamp, with the bike’s unique limitededition number. Finally, with the unique styling details, the Tiger 900 Bond Edition includes premium ‘blacked-out’ detailing throughout. The frame, headlight finishers, side panels, sump guard, pillion footrest hangers, auxiliary light shrouds and engine guards all have a premium, black finish. Enhancing the Bond Edition theme, the new limited-edition Tiger 900 features an exciting bespoke 007 start up screen animation and heated rider and pillion seat, crafted with unique Bond Edition branding. The new limited edition also comes with an additional pair of high-performance Michelin Anakee Wild handbookapproved off-road tyres (in addition to the factory fitted Bridgestone Battlax tyres), and a premium Arrow Silencer.

LOOKIN G FOR A CA R SERV ICE YOU CA N TRUST ? ES T. 19 88 FA M ILY BU SI NE SS

LOOKIN G FO R A N EW M EC HAN IC ?

F R E E REGO CHECK WITH EV ERY SERV ICE – CO DE WO RDS: “ F REE REG O” • Our community’s wellbeing is our priority here at Angus Car Service. That is why we have CONTACTLESS collection and delivery service available so that you can ensure that when lockdown is lifted, your car is still in its best condition. • We provide the best possible customer experience. Our workshop is clean and tidy and a safe place to ask questions.

WW46011

GE T YO UR CAR SERVICED NOW BEFORE WE OPEN BACK UP

• Enjoy our upfront, honest pricing. We won’t do any extra work without telling you first. WWW.ANGUSCARSERVICE.COM.AU PH 47323 676 | ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

At Penrith Muffler Mart & Tyre we specialise in: • Budget Mufflers • Wheels & Tyres • Towbars • Exhaust Systems • Balance & Rotate • Brake Pads MANY OLD CAR EXHAUSTS IN STOCK

• Plus More

TYRE SPECIALS FREE PINK SLIP with every 4 tyres purchased Sports Exhaust Cat-Back from

350

175/70/13 from

235/40/18 from

105

245/45/18 from

115

175/65/14 from

215/60/16 from

SERVICES from

235/45/17 from

105

245/35/19 from

119

Wheel Alignments from

$ 75 150 4731 6311 $

Unit 7/33 York Rd, PENRITH

WW46210

• WE ARE OPEN AS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE AND HERE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY, ENSURING THAT YOUR CAR IS ROAD READY AND SAFE!

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

SPORT FOX’S EXTREME WIN More success for Jess. p48

Nathan Lyon, Daniel Hughes and Liam Hatcher promoting the Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket. Photo: Mark Metcalfe.

Over the fence is out! NATHAN TAYLOR

ith lockdowns set to lift and the cricket season on its way, Cricket NSW is encouraging local households to get ready to play by being part of NSW’s Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket on Saturday, October 9. Cricket registrations are now open and local clubs and Woolworths Cricket Blast centres are busily preparing to welcome back players for the season ahead. As the excitement builds, NSW’s Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket is a chance for everyone – families, flatmates and even singletons – to get active, have a laugh

and experience a form of the sport which everyone can play, even if you don’t have access to a cricket bat, stumps or a ball. Cricket NSW has teamed up with 7News and 7Cricket, with the support of Cricket Australia, to create an event that will encourage everyone to play their own form of backyard cricket and whet the appetite for the season to come. Leading the charge for NSW’s Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket is NSW and Australian star Nathan Lyon who, along with NSW Blues housemates Liam Hatcher and Daniel Hughes, has been enjoying some backyard cricket during the winter months as a resident of Greater Sydney. “Everyone across the state is counting

down the days until COVID-19 restrictions ease and the start of the community cricket season, so what better way to prepare for both than getting involved in NSW’s Greatest Game of Backyard Cricket,” Lyon said. “The best thing about backyard cricket is that you can make up your own rules to reflect the space you have at home and the amount of people playing. If you don’t have cricket equipment, backyard cricket is about improvising, so think about using a bin or the fence for stumps, socks for a ball, and a piece of wood as the bat.” As part of NSW’s Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket, newly announced WBBL naming-rights partner, Weber Barbecues,

have provided a number of prizes for those who get involved. To be in the running to win the major prize of a Weber Spirit II E320 plus an all-new Weber Traveler or one of 11 $100 Weber.com vouchers, participants need to register for the Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket at cricketnsw.com.au and then post on the “Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket” Facebook Event page their video entry for the most creative wicket-taking celebration that occurred during their game of backyard cricket on October 9. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the thought and creativity that go into these entries as part of NSW’s Biggest Game of Backyard Cricket,” Lyon said.

NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS Free Call 1800 225 235 NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLD

OPEN 7 DAYS MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

WW46323

$$$$ buyers of all Ferrous SYDNEY - 9748 0611 PENRITH - 4732 1683 34 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH FAX - 4721 7658 and Non-Ferrous Metals (Off Castlereagh Road) 6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE 45

Derby to open season A-League season to start with a bang as Wanderers and Sydney FC do battle

he Western Sydney Wanderers will kick off their 10th season in the A-League with a blockbuster match-up against Sydney FC in Parramatta. After a longer than usual wait, the club’s first six fixtures of the A-League and four fixtures for the W-League 2021/22 season were confirmed last Thursday morning. The A-League side will begin their season with the Sydney Derby at the newly renamed CommBank Stadium (formerly Bankwest Stadium) on Saturday, November 20. It will be the first free-to-air broadcast match on 10 as part of the new broadcast rights agreement. The men’s side will then play in their second home fixture the following Sunday, November 28, when they host Newcastle at 6.05pm. A double header will then take place on Friday, December 3, with the Wanderers women’s side opening their season with a match against W-League newcomers, Wellington Phoenix. The two men’s sides will then face off at 7.45pm. Returning to Wanderland on Saturday,

The new-look Western Sydney Wanderers kit for the upcoming campaign.

December 11, the Wanderers will host their first double header of the season with the women’s team playing in the Sydney Derby at 5.05pm before the men’s team takes on local rivals, Macarthur FC. The Wanderers W-League team will then play Newcastle at the Wanderers Centre of Football on Friday, December 17.

Wrapping up 2021 and the festive period, the men’s team will travel to Central Coast and Newcastle, while the women’s team will play in their second Sydney Derby away at Leichhardt Oval. Wanderers head coach Carl Robinson said he was excited by the return to CommBank Stadium in late November.

“It’s very exciting for us as a club and a community to have finally pencilled in the start date of the season,” Robinson said. “The team have been working very hard over the last few weeks at training and are excited to finally play in front of our passionate members and fans, and what better way than with a Sydney Derby to open our season. “We can’t wait to get the excitement and energy back into CommBank Stadium.” Wanderers midfielder Terry Antonis said he was eager to play in front of his loved ones for the first time at CommBank Stadium. “I’m very excited to play at CommBank Stadium for the first time in front of my family, friends and the incredible Wanderers members and fans,” he said. “Derby Day is one of the biggest days in the calendar, so to kick off our season at home like that will be an experience to remember.” In line with the 2021/22 fixture release, the Wanderers have also launched their new Seat Return program for members. Members who are unable to make any of the Wanderers A-League home matches will be able to return their seat for sale via Ticketek.

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

• •

358 Jamison Road, Penrith Ph: 4721 3871 | www.arnalltrophies.com.au | arnall_trophies@bigpond.com •

•

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

Trophies | Plaques | Shields | Honour Boards | Glassware and more

WW43938 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

NATHAN TAYLOR

•

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

SPORT

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

Star duo locked in Harten, Parmenter agree to new deals with Giants NATHAN TAYLOR

iants Netball continue to strengthen their squad for the future, with illustrious leader Jo Harten and star wing defence Amy Parmenter re-committing to the club for a further two seasons. An inaugural player with the Giants, 32-year-old Harten combined with 19-year-old Sophie Dwyer in season 2021 and it proved to be one of the most formidable shooting circles in the league. Harten stood tall for her side last season, leading a young Giants outfit to a Minor Premiership and Grand Final appearance. One of the smartest players in the competition, Harten finished the 2021 season playing 1023 of a possible 1025 minutes, scoring 525 goals and 57 Super Shots. Committing to her sixth and seventh seasons, Harten said she is looking forward to staying in the orange family for another two years. “I’m incredibly proud to be a foundation player at this club and playing at the club for the past five years has been an absolute honour,” she said.

Jo Harten is staying at the Giants.

“2021 was an incredible season in many regards and it has definitely ignited the fire in me to be better next year, growing with the amazing young athletes around me. “I’m very excited to unleash our potential over the next two years.” Since making her debut in Round 1 of 2019, Amy Parmenter has continued to

improve her game and capture the attention of not only Giants fans, but netball fans nationwide. Across her three seasons, Parmenter has played 43 games for the club, missing just the two games due to injury or illness. In her first Super Netball season she was named the Rebel Rising Star and from there was named in the Australian Development Squad for 2020 before most recently earning selection in the Australian Diamonds Squad for 2021/22. The 24-year-old continued her bid as one of the league’s best wing defenders in 2021, finishing the season with 31 intercepts, 71 deflections and 667 Nissan Net Points – the highest for any wing defence. Parmenter said she is looking forward to being a Giant again next year. “I bleed orange,” she said. “Each year I feel like we get a little bit better, a little closer to that trophy and 2021 has set us up really well. “As much as the Grand Final experience broke our hearts, it will only do us good and fuel the fire for 2022. “With some new and fresh faces, I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow as a club and challenge each other to become better on and off the court.”

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

SPORT BIG YEAR OVER FOR JESSICA Story continued from » p.48

“It was exhausting, mentally as well, because I had good runs and it just comes down to centimetres and a tiny bit of precision, and it’s a huge penalty and you’re out,” Fox said. “I’ve had an amazing season, and this is a great way to finish.” Germany’s Elena Apel continued her incredible weekend with a Silver medal, to add to her Gold in the C1 and Silver in the K1, while American teenager Evy Leibfarth took home the Bronze. Extreme Canoe Slalom will make its Olympic debut in Paris in 2024. Meanwhile, Fox’s younger sister Noemie managed to paddle her way into the women’s C1 Final at the 2021 Canoe Slalom World Championships last weekend. The 24-year-old Penrith Valley Canoeing Club member was outstanding in a strong field, finishing in sixth place with a personal best time. “I finished sixth at the World Championships in C1,” she said after the race. “I’m so happy to have integrated the Final and put down a clean run.” The Fox sisters are expected to return to Australia soon.

Around The Grounds

CRICKET: Sydney Thunder coach Trevor Griffin said his team’s title defence had received an extra edge with Indian superstars Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma signing on for the club’s upcoming WBBL campaign. The pair, who are in Queensland with India’s national team for the ODI series and Test match against Australia, were identified by the Thunder as quality players with the ability to make an explosive impact on the T20 competition. Griffin, who has worked extensively with Mandhana in England, was excited by the thought of the left-handed opener adding her firepower to the lime green. “She’s world class,” he said. “Smriti is an opening batter who has the tremendous ability to take everything in her stride. I like that she keeps her game really simple; she just wants to score runs. I’m delighted to have her on board, and I have no doubt that she’ll prove to be a great addition to Thunder.” Griffin described the recruitment of Deepti Sharma as one that not only allowed the Thunder to usher a

genuine talent into the WBBL, but it also helped to fill the void left by England skipper, Heather Knight. Knight, who performed brilliantly for the Thunder throughout their triumphant WBBL campaign last season, was unavailable to return this summer. “While it’s disappointing not to be able to have Heather back, if you could choose any replacement for her it would be Deepti – she’s also a star,” Griffin said. “She offers a lot with the bat – Deepti is a match winner – and she also has the talent to bowl in the powerplay, during the middle of a match, or at the death. Deepti is a great addition to the Thunder, and I have no doubt she’ll go a long way to helping us in this year’s competition.” The Sydney Thunder begin their WBBL|07 campaign – and title defence – against the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, October 16 at 7.05pm at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. BASKETBALL: Congratulations to Penrith basketballer Akoldah Gak who has been named the All Star 5 Centre in the Waratah 1 Youth Men Team of the Year at the Basketball NSW Waratah Senior League Awards last month. The 19-year-old, who also plays professionally with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, was the only Panther to receive award this year.

To make a submission to Around The Grounds, email Nathan.Taylor@ westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/westernweekender.

Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:00pm

WW44350

PVSF AWARDS: The annual Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Awards Dinner has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown. The Executive Committee of the Foundation has determined that there is no prospect of holding an awards function in any form in 2021. Award winners will be announced later in the year. The Foundation will hold its 2022 dinner on Friday, September 2, 2022.

4736 4400 • 24 Hour • Accident • Trade • General • All Vehicles • Bobcats • Forklifts • Machinery

FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

WW45099

24 HOURS

SPORT

Friday, October 1, 2021 Penrith’s #1 NRL coverage – Extra Time – back next week!

Wild weekend for Jess NATHAN TAYLOR

eading towards a weekend she’d rather forget, Olympic champion Jessica Fox resurrected an uncharacteristically bad World Championship campaign with Gold in the Extreme Canoe Slalom Final on the last afternoon of competition in Bratislava, Slovakia. The Leonay local and Tokyo 2020 C1 Olympic champion failed to make a Final last Saturday and Sunday, but made amends with victory in the new Olympic event of Extreme Slalom. For the first time in her career Fox failed to make the Final of both the C1 and K1, events in which she is a multiple world champion, but turned her form around to win Extreme Gold at just her third international outing. Extreme Canoe Slalom is a fast-paced race between four athletes on whitewater that tests their power, skill and tactics as they tackle up and downstream gates whilst also competing an Eskimo roll. “It wasn’t my weekend this weekend in either the kayak or the canoe, so I just wanted to have fun in the Extreme and it felt great to be out there,” Fox said.

OUR SERVICES:

• Cash for unwanted vehicles • Free car removal Sydney wide • Same day service • Top dollar paid • Car recycling We buy all scrap, damaged and unwanted cars, vans, utes, 4x4 & small trucks.

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE!

0405 990 100

info@atlanticcarremovals.com.au

WW45929

Unit 4/160-166 Forrester Road, St Marys

Story continues on » p. 47

Jessica Fox had a mixed weekend in Slovakia. Photo: Bence Vekassy.

Life starts at Thornton Park Your time to discover, explore and enjoy what makes you happy. Imagine no longer having to devote time to maintaining a family home, mowing lawns or worrying about home practicalities. With all that taken care of, you have complete peace of mind and are free to focus on what really matters. Not only will you secure the relaxed, comfortable lifestyle you promised yourself, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of like-minded people. All apartments feature: • • • • •

Modern kitchens Beautifully ﬁnished bathrooms Blinds and curtains included Ducted air conditioning Miele appliances

• • • • •

Study or study nook NBN & Foxtel-ready Lift access to all levels Secure access & parking 24-hour emergency call system

If you’ve ever thought about retirement living, don’t hesitate to contact us for an information pack and to book your obligation-free tour. It just might be the best thing you ever do.

old ! S % 85 iss out tm Don’

1800 860 502 thorntonpark.com.au You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. WW44053

Way to go boys, you are in the Grand Final baby. Lessss GO! You guys have proven yourselves all year, full team, injured players, missing players and when the odds were against you, you showed up, got the job done and proved to everyone what you guys are capable of. You guys have transformed footy in a more modern day twist and the kids as well as adults love it, thanks for keeping up with the times. You are an amazing team, the best we’ve had in years, play your game your way and bring that trophy back to the west. Cheers to the Mt Druitt boys, you guys are great role models for our kids, thank you.

Congratulations boys and also the coaching staff behind the scenes as well on fantastic season s back to back and heading into the Gr and Final for the second year in a row . This year it was a privilege to witne ss this huge exciting roller coaster ride of wins and losses. No matter what the results are we are proud Panth ers fans. To the boys…. remembe r to focus on for 80 minutes with th at excellent defence and attack you did against Storm. Going into the Grand Final we all will be cheering extra loud for you all from the comfor t of the lounge room.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

PANTHERS My name is Bailey. I ’m 10 and I hope you win! My fa vourite player is K ikau. I saw h im one time at the shops but I was too scared to sa y hi. My m um loves the Panthe rs too. Her fa vourite players are Brian and Jarome. I really hop e you win th e Grand Final against my granda d’s team th Bunnies! I e want to w ear my jer every day sey but my mu m said it w smell. Go th ill e Panthers! !!!

Lesley Ellis

Bailey

on making the Congratulations e can see the pasGrand Final! W your eyes! Go sion and hunger in unnies! We’ll be demolish those B Penrith you’ll cheering so loud in orp! We’re so hear us from Sunc ng it home!!! proud of you! Bri TY PANGO THE MIGH HE WAY! THERS ALL T

Catherine Pirotta

Belynda and Ash

Big shout out to the whole P anthers organisat ion and the team for keeping us all entertained and sharing th e positive vibes in a year that’s be en testing at ti mes with the curren t climate!

Dear Panthers, Last year I went to the Grand Final with my Dad and when the siren sounded I had tears, as I felt so bad for you. This year we can’t be at the game, but you will hear us cheering you on from home. Do us proud and bring home the trophy.

30 years on from our first Premiership let’s br ing it home again!! 2021 P ANTHERS!!!

Georgia Touzell

Ramesh Dhungye

l W21

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

A week to remember in the Lang household

lang on league I

t’s going to be an interesting week in the Lang household when the Penrith Panthers take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday in the big dance known as the 2021 NRL Grand Final. For that opening sentence to make any sense I’ll have to put some context behind it. You see in the Lang household, which consists of myself, my wife Sonia and my two daughters, Sierra and Ashley, Sierra and I both follow Penrith while Sonia and Ashley support South Sydney. Believe it or not this is the first time in rugby league history that the Panthers will meet the Rabbitohs in a Grand Final. It’s a Grand Final my wife says she has dreaded for 14 years, for that’s when we first met. We’re both pretty passionate about our teams and over the years we’ve been involved in some of the worst sledging ever whenever the Panthers played the Bunnies in regular season games. “South Sydney are going down,” I’d say. “Oh yeah, Panthers are going down further, downtown!” Sonia once retorted. We both agreed to keep the sledging down to a minimum throughout the week unless we can come up with better lines than the example above. Let’s just say we both think our side is going to win but we’re also going to try and enjoy the week as well.

The Lang family are divided as Penrith and Souths prepare for the big one.

The mind games began early when Sonia bought home my favourite pizza following the Panthers’ win over the Storm last Saturday. “Just thought I’d buy your favourite dinner

to celebrate,” she said, closely followed by, “So do you have any inside gossip? Will Fish and To’o play? I heard they’re pretty banged up.” ‘Oh no!’ I thought. “There’s no way I’m

telling you anything,” I laughed. I’ve been wearing Panthers gear pretty much 24/7 since Penrith qualified for the Grand Final while Sonia has got her Rabbitohs jersey and scarf out of mothballs (kidding). The girls have also got in on the act, wearing their supporters gear all week and playing ‘fight to the death’ with their Panthers and Rabbitohs mascots. To keep the peace, I did have to check myself once when I verbalised a thought running through my mind when a story about Bunnies halfback Adam Reynolds was on TV. “He’s had it, he’s got nothing,” I said. “He’s past his best, we’re going to smash him.” Then I stopped, turned around and saw Sonia frowning. “I mean he’s a great player, we’re really going to have to watch him closely,” I grinned. On the night to further try and keep the peace, Sonia and Ashley will watch the game upstairs while Sierra and I will watch it downstairs. Hopefully at some point we can all meet in the middle and celebrate the winning team (Penrith) as a family. It’s going to be a tough, exhausting grind on Sunday night, heart rates will be elevated, and stress levels will be at an alltime high...and you can bet the players will be excited and nervous as well! May the best team (Penrith) win!

Has all the gear you need to show your support this weekend!

Our Local Businesses Proudly Support Panthers Go the Mighty Panthers!

WW42221

www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au

W22

with Peter Lang

541 High Street, Penrith WW46299

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

BY THE NUMBERS

IT’S A NUMBERS GAME 1

South Sydney have won a record 21 Premierships, including in their first season back in 1908. They last won the title in 2014 when an inspired Sam Burgess helped them to a convincing victory over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

This will be the first NRL Grand Final not played in Sydney, but it’s not the first time a season decider has taken place in Brisbane. The 1997 Super League Grand Final was decided in the Queensland capital, with the Broncos too good for the Sharks. The NRL would be formed the following year when Super League and the ARL united. Penrith and Souths have faced off three times this year. In Round 11, the Panthers demolished the Rabbitohs 56-12 in Dubbo. Ivan Cleary’s side won 25-12 in Round 23, while the Bunnies beat Penrith 16-10 in the opening weekend of the Finals just a few weeks ago. Both sides’ last loss is to each other, adding an interesting side-pint to Sunday’s match.

This is Penrith’s fifth Grand Final. The club first went to the ‘big dance’ in 1990, losing to Canberra. They bounced back the next year, taking out the 1991 title and gaining revenge on the Raiders. 12 years later Craig Gower captained the Panthers to the 2003 title, while in 2020 Penrith reached the season decider, falling to Melbourne.

Wayne Bennett is searching for his eighth Grand Final victory on Sunday night. He’s taken the Raiders, Broncos and Dragons to season deciders, winning Premierships with the latter two.

21 98

This will be the 98th time Penrith and Souths have played against each other. Penrith has won 44 of the clashes, the Rabbitohs 51 and there’s been two draws. Penrith have scored 1,769 points against South Sydney and conceded 1,807.

370

This will be Ivan Cleary’s 370th match in charge of a first grade side. He’s yet to win a Grand Final.

GO THE MIGHTY

PANTHERS Boxes from

$ .50

• REMOVALS • SELF STORAGE • TRUCK HIRE • BOX SHOP

RECEIVE 1 MONTH FREE ON ANY SIZE UNIT! 142 Old Bathurst Rd, Emu Plains Ph 4735 7000 www.hitchens.com.au

WW46217

Book for 6 months & only pay for 5 months. *Conditions apply

W23

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

W24

Winning has become a habit for these young Panthers

Brought to you by

joel caine F

ormer world number one tennis star Billie Jean King probably said it best, “a champion is scared of losing, everyone else is afraid of winning”. Well, I find that statement so true when it comes to rugby league. Think about the champion playmakers we have had in the NRL, they’ve all won a competition at some point. Nathan Cleary can join this champion list on Sunday night, and will probably never be as well placed as he is right now to do so. Success brings salary cap pressure with everyone’s value going up, Matt Burton and Brent Naden are off to the Bulldogs next year, Kurt Capewell’s off to Brisbane and the noise that clubs are knocking on the doors of Viliame Kikau, Charlie Staines and Spencer Leniu hasn’t stopped. It’s now or possibly never for this crop. If there is a common denominator with this Panthers group, they are absolute winners. Most have done the victory lap at some point. Dylan Edwards won in 2015 with the Panthers NYC team. Brian To’o was a member of the 2016 Panthers SG Ball and 2021 NSW Origin successes. Paul Momirovski won in 2016 with the Roosters in the NYC and was a part of the 2018 Roosters and 2020 Storm NRL premiership squads. Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton were a

WW46316

part of the 2018 Panthers SG Ball side that won the comp. Jarome Luai won this year’s Origin as well as the 2015 NYC and 2017 NSW Cup with the Panthers. Nathan Cleary took his 2015 Panthers NYC and 2018, ’19 and ’21 Origin sides to the top. Isaah Yeo was a member of the 2013 Panthers NYC, 2014 Panthers NSW Cup and 2021 Origin sides. Viliame Kikau claimed the NSW Cup in 2017, Liam Martin was a Blues squad member this season and James FisherHarris won the NYC with Penrith in 2015. Api Koroisau is already a premiership player with South Sydney. Moses Leota, Tyrone May and Brent Naden won in 2015 with the Panthers NYC. Kurt Capwell was a member of the Sharks’ 2016 NRL squad and played a big hand in Queensland’s 2020 Origin success. Spencer Leniu and Mitch Kenny were members of the 2016 Panthers SG Ball side. Scott Sorensen won the 2019 NSW Cup with Newtown, and Charlie Staines is another Panther with an SG Ball title, this time in 2018. In other words, these guys aren’t scared of winning! My tip, Panthers by 16 and Isaah Yeo or Nathan Cleary to win the Clive Churchill Medal. Enjoy the Grand Final.

Inside the Panthers’ huddle after beating Melbourne last week. Photo: NRL Photos.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

AT THE PANTHERS TAKEAWAY BOTTLESHOP IZE PACK! WIN THE ULTIMATE FOOTYSPR JERSEY, INCLUDING A SIGNED PANTHER K $150 TAKEAWAY VOUCHER & A TOOHEYS BBQ PAC THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AT LION R SPEND $60 OR MORE AND BUY ANY BEER GROWLE *MUST SWIPE MEMBERS CARD TO ENTER

$5 BEERS OF THE WEEK

GRAB A 1L GROWLER OF THE FOLLOWING BEERS FROM THE BOTTLESHOP UNTIL MONDAY 4 OCT: JAMES SQUIRE HOP THIEF • JAMES SQUIRE THE CHANCER JAMES SQUIRE ORCHARD CRUSH APPLE JAMES SQUIRE MID RIVER • WHITE RABBIT DARK ALE *$1.50 PER BOTTLE OR BYO BOTTLE

FOOTY FINALS FOOD & DRINK PACKS AVAILABLE FROM $60 OPEN 7 DAYS. THURS - SAT: 10AM TO 8PM | SUN - WED: 10AM TO 6PM

*T&C’S APPLY. WHILE STOCKS LAST. ULTIMATE FOOTY PRIZE PACK PROMOTION IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.

123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW 2750 | 1800 061 991

penrith.panthers.com.au WW42776

W25

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

IIn a season dominated by attack, Penrith’s defence has stood tall

troy dodds I

n a year where much of the discussion in rugby league has been about blowout scorelines, attacking football and more tries being scored, it was perhaps understandable that a bunch of experts wrote Penrith off a few weeks back, declaring their flamboyant attack had gone missing. Those ‘experts’, however, failed to acknowledge that no matter how many rules you change to promote attacking football, defence will always win Premierships. It is fitting that the best defensive side of the competition has made it to Grand Final day, and go into the game against South Sydney as favourites. You see while everyone was focused on a Jarome Luai step, a Viliame Kikau break, Nathan Cleary setting point scoring records or a Brian To’o piece of magic, Ivan Cleary set about quietly building a brick wall that no rule change could penetrate. For the last two seasons, Cleary has ignored the temptation to put everything into attack – given that’s where the game has planted itself – and forged ahead with the mantra that defence would win out in the end. He’s been proven right in this Finals campaign so far.

Across three Finals matches Penrith have conceded just four tries. Against the Eels and Storm, they only conceded points off wayward, unlucky bounces from kicks – a mammoth effort, particularly against the Storm, who scored a runaway 815 points in the regular season. This defensive prowess and attitude has dominated Penrith’s success over the past two seasons. Three times this year they held a team scoreless. Rarely in the 2020 or 2021 seasons have they conceded more than two tries in a game. None of this is to say Penrith’s attack doesn’t need to improve. But if Souths are to win this Grand Final, they’re going to have to defend like their lives depend on it – because the chances of Penrith letting in any more than their season average of two tries seems almost impossible on the biggest stage. Games of footy are won on moments. Most of the time, those moments are a piece of attacking brilliance. I have little doubt that if Penrith do go on and win the trophy on Sunday, the big moments will come down to defence. That’s just the Penrith way at present.

Penrith’s defence has been strong this season. Photo: NRL Photos.

e h t f o r o s n o p s d u Pro s

r e h t n a P h t i r n e P

19 Depots e e t n a r a u g o t y a 1w delivery Express to all major Cities of NSW daily WW46304

1300 263 732 www.casellaexpress.com.au

W26

Brought to you by

warren smith Y

ou’re only as good as your last Grand Final. Or something like that. Wayne Bennett and Ivan Cleary can no doubt recall the pain of the moments following the 2015 and 2020 Grand Finals respectively, but by fulltime on Sunday night one of them will be relieved to have put the heartache behind them while the other will be forced to relive it once again. The Panthers’ first-half disaster in last year’s decider would have filled Ivan Cleary’s mind for much of last summer, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn he’s still trying to come to terms with the fact that his team saved their worst 40 minutes for the biggest game of the season. He’d have gone through the preparation for the game, looking for clues of tightness or nerves in his young outfit, or wondering if there was a mis-step in the onfield sessions in the days prior. Perhaps Cleary realises that the worst thing he and his team can do is overthink it, wasting mental energy on the past instead of being laser-focussed on what’s in front of them. No matter which approach the Panthers adopt, and as calm and as poised as he may be, there’ll be nobody more nervous at Suncorp Stadium in the opening sets of six than the Penrith coach. If they settle into the game without the early errors of last year, Cleary will be

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

comfortable that he has the game-breakers in his line-up to make amends for an opportunity lost, and the anguish of 2020 will be blown away in the relief and redemption of 2021.

It’s a slightly different scenario for Wayne Bennett. Given the way the world has been turned on its head over the past 18 months, anything that happened pre-pandemic

really does seem like a lifetime ago. Even so, having won his previous seven Grand Finals, and having walked in to the Broncos dressing room at half-time leading against the Cowboys, any mention of 2015 will bring a grimace to the face of coaching’s elder statesman. Bennett’s Broncos led 14-12 at the break, and while his mantra over five decades of coaching has been uber-successful – play for each other, trust in the team, ball security and good defence – the decision to kick a penalty goal in the 42nd minute, pushing a two point lead into a four point lead, is one call that the supercoach would like over again. The Broncos never got another sniff of scoring a try, Kyle Feldt scored untouched with the timekeepers about to blow the siren, and a fella called Thurston sent Townsville wild with a golden point field goal that will still haunt anybody in that Broncos camp from six years ago. In the same situation on Sunday night, does Bennett instruct the Rabbitohs to take the two points against the Panthers and tempt fate again? In a season of record point-scoring, would either coach back his team to defend their way to a title? If defence wins Premierships, it’s the Panthers who have set that standard for two straight seasons. It’s their time, and by full-time they may well be celebrating like it’s 1991.

WW46066

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

They may be experienced, but nerves will hit coaches on game day

W27

MARK GEYER

KAREN MCKEOWN

LUKE PRIDDIS

Panthers 1991 Premiership Winner

Mayor of Penrith

2003 Clive Churchill Medal Winner

TIP: Panthers by 13

TIP: Panthers by 6

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

TROY DODDS

PETER LANG

MATT RUSSELL

Western Weekender Editor

Western Weekender Columnist

Fox League Commentator

TIP: Panthers by 13

TIP: Panthers by 6

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

NATHAN TAYLOR

IAN GARTON

JOHN THAIN

Western Weekender Rugby League Writer

Garton Group McDonald’s

Penrith City Councillor

TIP: Panthers by 20

TIP: Panthers by 12

TIP: Panthers by 17

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

WW46298

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

W28

fearless predictions

MICHAEL ASHTON

SCOTT SATTLER

Lower Mountains Air Conditioning

Western Weekender Celebrity Tipping Champion

Panthers 2003 Grand Final Hero / SEN Broadcaster

TIP: Panthers by 6

TIP: Panthers by 5

TIP: Panthers by 12

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Jarome Luai

GREG ALEXANDER

DANIEL MCKINNON

PRUE CAR

Panthers 1991 Premiership Winner

Complete Legal & Conveyancing

State Member for Londonderry

TIP: Panthers by 8

TIP: Panthers by 12

TIP: Panthers by 4

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Api Koroisau

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Jarome Luai

JAMIE SOWARD

STUART AYRES

ZAC BAILEY

Former Panthers and NSW Player

State Member for Penrith

Penrith Panthers Ground Announcer

TIP: Panthers by 1

TIP: Panthers by 7

Clive Churchill Medal winner: James Fisher-Harris

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

PATIOMAN

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

ANTHEA STRATHDEE

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

LO O K I N G FO R A C AR S E RV I C E YO U C AN T RU ST ?

Lic No. 829 19C

ES T. 19 88 FA M ILY BU SI NE SS

LOOK ING FOR A NEW M ECHANIC ? • WE ARE OPEN AS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE AND HERE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY, ENSURING THAT YOUR CAR IS ROAD READY AND SAFE!

Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks

G O O D LU C K TO THE GOOD TH E PAN PANTHERS TH ERS IN THE G TH GRAND RAN D FINAL! FIN AL! FREE REGO C HEC K WIT H EVERY S ERVICE – CO DE WO RDS: “FREE REGO”

OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE • Gutter cleaning • House painting • House maintenance • General repairs • Rubbish removal

• Our community’s wellbeing is our priority here at Angus Car Service. That is why we have CONTACTLESS collection and delivery service available so that you can ensure that when lockdown is lifted, your car is still in its best condition. • We provide the best possible customer experience. Our workshop is clean and tidy and a safe place to ask questions.

~ No job too small ~

www.patioman.com.au

GOOD LUCK PANTHERS

WW46011

0416 035 645 WW46307

Call Peter Dunn

G ET YOUR CAR SERVIC ED NOW BEFORE WE OPEN BACK UP • Enjoy our upfront, honest pricing. We won’t do any extra work without telling you first. WWW.ANGUSCARSERVICE.COM.AU PH 47323 676 | ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

WW46296

W29

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE OPPOSITION

BUNNIES WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY NATHAN TAYLOR

hile the mighty Panthers will be shooting for their third NRL Premiership this Sunday, incredibly their opponents, South Sydney, will be aiming for title 22. The Rabbitohs haven’t appeared in a decider since 2014, with 20 of their premierships notched up between 1908 and 1971. But, after several failed attempts to make the ‘big one’ in recent years, the Bunnies are finally back in a Grand Final looking to spoil Penrith’s party. Several storylines have dominated Grand Final Week for South Sydney, with Wayne Bennett’s last game as Rabbitohs coach, Adam Reynolds’ last game in the cardinal and myrtle, and potentially Benji Marshall’s last game in rugby league ever garnering most of the attention. For 36-year-old Marshall, he’ll play in just his second NRL Grand Final despite racking up nearly 350 first grade games. The last time he tasted Premiership success was way back in 2005 with his beloved Wests Tigers, but this time around Marshall will act as Bennett’s super sub off the bench as he looks to end his decorated career on the highest of highs.

Benji Marshall at South Sydney training earlier this week. Photo: NRL Photos.

After being thrown a career lifeline by Bennett to join South Sydney in January, Marshall said he’s enjoyed every moment of his time at Redfern. “It’s hard to comprehend, it’s been so long that I forgot what Grand Final Week was

like. I’m just grateful to be in this position and have this opportunity,” he said. “There’s probably a couple of times in the last five years where it looked like my career was over but to be able to be here at this great club who have shown me a lot of

support, I’ve just felt the love and I’m really enjoying myself.” Despite the Rabbitohs getting the better of Penrith in the opening week of the Finals, it’s Ivan Cleary’s men who will go into Sunday’s decider as favourites with the bookies. While the Panthers have Grand Final experience after being there just last year, four Rabbitohs players know what it takes to win premierships as does their accomplished leader in Bennett. Marshall said while part of the week has been about him and a possible fairytale finish to his career, it should be about the whole team who all have something to play for. “It’s really special, not just for me, but all our team,” he said. “We only have four guys who have played in a Grand Final before and then we’ve got guys that are leaving. I think it’s really special for a guy like Adam Reynolds, who has been at this club his whole career; Wayne Bennett is leaving; and on top of that, we have a whole bunch of members and supporters back in NSW who are not going to have the opportunity to watch us play in this Final. “There’s a lot to play for this week. It’s not about how it makes me feel, it’s more about everyone at our great club.”

Congratulations Panthers The Retailers, Staff and Customers wish you all the best for the Grand Final!

W30

WW46302

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

THE COACHES

WAR OF WORDS PUT ON HOLD TROY DODDS

f Wayne Bennett took a psychological advantage over Ivan Cleary after they butted heads in week one of the Finals, you can be sure that the latter will not be fooled nor rattled again. As two of the NRL’s most experienced coaches prepare to face off on Sunday, Cleary was going nowhere near the topic of Bennett when the issue was raised after last week’s win over Melbourne. “I didn’t engage with Wayne,” a stonyfaced Cleary said. Asked if he thought the drama last month was a distraction to the players during the Finals, Cleary was again short: “No, I don’t think so.” Then, he took the ‘kill them with kindness’ approach. “Wayne’s the best coach probably of all-time... certainly in my memory,” Cleary said. “I’ll be doing what I’m good at and staying in the background this week.” While the media and fans have lapped up the newfound Cleary / Bennett feud, neither coach was going to engage in a back and forth ahead of the biggest game of the season.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett. Photo: NRL Photos.

When asked if he was worried about the drama dominating the headlines this week, Bennett said: “No, not at all.” “I won’t make any comments about

MOBILE ONE AUTO REPAIRS

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

anything I don’t have to make comments about,” he added. “It’s over, we’ve both moved on I’m sure. I’ve moved on, I’m sure he has.”

Cleary is preparing for his third Grand Final, his second with the Panthers. Meanwhile, this marks Premiership decider number 10 for Bennett.

Proudly supporting the Penrith Panthers

MVRL Lic. No. 032795

GO PANTHE PAN THERS! RS!

• All mechanical repairs (award-winning service) • Brake repairs • LPG Rego Inspections • New car servicing (your warranty is protected) • AAuto services • Latest diagnostic scanner • Timing belts

Is your pool summer ready? Call us now for a free measure and quote on your stunning new glass pool fence. Don’t miss out on the chance to have your pool fencing installed before the weather really heats up. Celebrate in style with your brilliant new premium glass fencing.

WE’re still open

9833 7995

Fully equipped workshop Unit 6/176 Forrester Rd St Marys WW46294

84-86 Batt Street, Jamisontown 0439 887 717 www.facebook.com/ahglassfencing

WW46295

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

W31

W32

WW46285

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

year

winner

score

runner up

1908

Souths

Easts

1909

Souths

minor premiers

wooden spoon

year

winner

score

runner up

4000

Souths

Cumberland

1965

St George

Souths

Forfeit

Souths

Wests

1966

St George

Balmain

61,129

St George

Easts

Souths

Canterbury

56,368

St George

Cronulla

score attendance 12

Balmain

score attendance 8

78,056

minor premiers

wooden spoon

St George

Easts

1910

Newtown

Souths

14,000

Newtown

Wests

1967

1911

Easts

Glebe

20,000

Glebe

Balmain

1968

Souths

Manly

54,255

Souths

Newtown

1912

Easts

Glebe

No Final

Easts

Wests

1969

Balmain

Souths

58,825

Souths

Cronulla

1913

Easts

Newtown

No Final

Easts

Wests

1970

Souths

Manly

53,241

Souths

Parramatta

Souths

St George

62,828

Manly

Wests

Easts

54,357

Manly

Parramatta

1914

Souths

Newtown

No Final

Souths

Annandale

1971

1915

Balmain

Souths

No Final

Balmain

Norths

1972

Manly

1916

Balmain

7,000

Balmain

Wests

1973

Manly

Cronulla

52,044

Manly

Penrith

Easts

Canterbury

57,214

Easts

Balmain

Easts

St George

63,047

Easts

Souths

1917

Balmain

Souths

No Final

Balmain

Norths

1974

1918

Souths

Wests

No Final

Souths

Annandale

1975

1919

Balmain

Easts

No Final

Balmain

Norths

1976

Manly

Parramatta

57,343

Manly

Newtown

1977

St George

Parramatta

65,959

Parramatta

Newtown

1977+

St George

Parramatta

48,828 Wests

Newtown

1920

Balmain

Souths

No Final

Balmain

Annandale

1921

Norths

Glebe

No Final

Norths

University

1922

Norths

15,000

Norths

St George

Glebe

1923

Easts

Souths

12,180

Easts

University

1924

Balmain

Souths

15,000

Balmain

Newtown

1925

Souths

No Final

Souths

Newtown

1926

Souths

21,000

Souths

St George

Wests 11

University

1927

Souths

St George

12,000

Souths

University

1928

Souths

Easts

24,966

St George

Newtown

1929

Souths

Newtown

16,360

Souths

University

1930

Wests

St George

12,178

Wests

University

1931

Souths

Easts

27,104

Easts

University

1932

Souths

Wests

16,925

Souths

Norths

1933

Newtown

St George

18,080

Newtown

Wests

1934

Wests

Easts

25,174

Easts

University

1935

Easts

Souths

22,106

Easts

University

1936

Easts

1937

Easts

1938

Canterbury

1939

1978

Manly

Cronulla

51,510

1978+

Manly

Cronulla

33,552

1979

St George

Canterbury

50,991

St George

Norths

1980

Canterbury

Easts

52,881

Easts

Penrith

1981

Parramatta

Newtown

57,333

Easts

Balmain

1982

Parramatta

Manly

52,186

Parramatta

Canberra

1983

Parramatta

Manly

40,285

Manly

Wests

1984

Canterbury

Parramatta

47,076

Canterbury

Wests

1985

Canterbury

St George

44,569

St George

Illawarra

1986

Parramatta

Canterbury

45,843

Parramatta

Illawarra

1987

Manly

Canberra

50,201

Manly

Wests

1988

Canterbury

Balmain

40,000

Cronulla

Wests

1989

Canberra

Balmain

40,500

Souths

Illawarra

1990

Canberra

Penrith

41,535

Canberra

Souths

1991

Penrith

Canberra

41,815

Penrith

Gold Coast

1992

Brisbane

St George

41,560

Brisbane

Gold Coast

1993

Brisbane

St George

42,329

Canterbury

Gold Coast

1994

Canberra

Canterbury

42,234

Canterbury

Balmain

1995

Bulldogs

Manly

41,127

Manly

North Queensland

1996

Manly

St George

40,985

Manly

South Queensland

Balmain

14,395

Easts

University

Souths / St George

No Final

Easts

University

Easts

20,287

Canterbury

St George

Balmain

Souths

26,972

Balmain

Newtown

1940

Easts

Canterbury

24,167

Easts

Wests

1941

St George

Easts

39,957

Easts

Norths

1942

Canterbury

St George

26,171

Canterbury

Wests

1943

Newtown

Norths

60,992

Newtown

Canterbury

1944

Balmain

Newtown

24,186

Newtown

Canterbury

1945

Easts

Balmain

44,585

Easts

Souths

1946

Balmain

St George

32,296

St George

Souths

1947

Balmain

Canterbury

29,292

Canterbury

Parramatta

1948

Wests

Balmain

29,122

Wests

Norths

1949

St George

Souths

56,534

Souths

Easts

1950

Souths

Wests

32,373

Souths

Norths

1951

Souths

Manly

28,505

Souths

Norths

1952

Wests

Souths

41,060

Wests

Parramatta

1953

Souths

St George

44,581

Souths

Wests

1954

Souths

Newtown

45,759

Newtown

Parramatta

1955

Souths

Newtown

42,466

Newtown

Wests

1956

St George

Balmain

61,987

St George

Parramatta

1957

St George

Manly

54,399

St George

Parramatta

2012

1958

St George

Wests

62,283

St George

Parramatta

2013

1997

Newcastle

Manly

42,482

Manly

South Queensland

1997*

Brisbane

Cronulla

58,912

Brisbane

North Queensland

1998

Brisbane

Canterbury

40,857

Brisbane

Wests

1999

Melbourne

St George Illawarra

107,999

Cronulla

Wests

2000

Brisbane

Sydney Roosters

94,277

Brisbane

North Queensland

2001

Newcastle

Parramatta

90,414

Parramatta

Penrith

2002

Sydney Roosters

Warriors

80,130

Warriors

Canterbury

2003

Penrith

Sydney Roosters

81,166

Penrith

Souths

2004

Canterbury

Sydney Roosters

82,127

Sydney Roosters

Souths

2005

Wests Tigers

North Queensland

82,453

Parramatta

Newcastle

2006

Brisbane

Melbourne

79,609

Melbourne#

Souths

2007

Melbourne#

Manly

81,392

Melbourne#

Penrith

2008

Manly

Melbourne

80,388

Melbourne#

Canterbury

2009

Melbourne#

Parramatta

82,538

St George Illawarra

Roosters

2010 St George Illawarra

Sydney Roosters

82,334

St George Illawarra

Melbourne

2011

Warriors

81,988

Melbourne

Gold Coast

Melbourne

Canterbury

82,976

Canterbury

Parramatta

Sydney Roosters

Manly

81,491

Sydney Roosters

Parramatta

Canterbury

83,833

Sydney Roosters

Sharks

Manly

1959

St George

Manly

49,457

St George

Parramatta

2014

Souths

1960

St George

Easts

53,156

St George

Parramatta

2015

North Queensland

Brisbane

82,758

Sydney Roosters

Newcastle

1961

St George

Wests

61,196

Wests

Parramatta

2016

Cronulla

Melbourne

83,625

Melbourne

Newcastle

1962

St George

Wests

44,184

St George

Souths

2017

Melbourne

North Queensland

79,722

Melbourne

Newcastle

Melbourne

82,688

Sydney Roosters

Parramatta

1963

St George

Wests

69,860

St George

Easts

2018

Sydney Roosters

1964

St George

Balmain

61,369

St George

Canterbury

2019

Sydney Roosters

Canberra

82,922

Melbourne

Gold Coast

1965

St George

Souths

78,056

St George

Easts

2020

Melbourne

Penrith

37,303

Penrith

Brisbane

* Super League Grand Final #Melbourne Storm were stripped of 2007, 2009 premierships, 2006, 2007 and 2008 minor premierships, due salary cap breaches. + Grand Final replays.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

premiership honour roll

W33

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

1991 GRAND FINAL REMEMBERED

HISTORY MADE WITH FIRST TITLE T

he front page of the Weekender on Friday, September 20 1991 said it all – ‘bound for glory’. Inside, another headline read ‘Panthers to win’. It was a Grand Final Penrith was always destined to claim. After going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the Sydney Football Stadium pitch a much more mature looking team than the one that tasted heartbreak on the very same turf 12 months earlier. So many things went against Penrith in the big one – Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin, the Raiders scored a try off a controversial refereeing decision, and Mal Meninga was having a stellar game. At half-time, with his side down 12-6, Penrith coach Phil Gould delivered an almighty spray to his players. Rumour has it the speech finished with the words: “Are you going to be losers?” The second half was terrific from Penrith, but with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked at 12-all and it was anyone’s game. Then, the man they call Brandy stepped in. Greg Alexander potted a 38 metre field goal that would give Penrith a 13-12 lead and the advantage heading into the final stages of the game. The Panthers built pressure and the rest is history – the forced line drop-out, the short

Paul Dunn and Mark Geyer with the 1991 NSWRL Grand Final trophy at the Sydney Football Stadium. Photo: NRL Photos.

restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try – magic. Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead. “They worked really hard for that – right from the Grand Final day the previous year,” Gould told the Weekender years later. “It was a wonderful day for the club, it was a wonderful day for the city and it really put Penrith on the map.”

Back at Panthers Leagues Club, the party was epic. A huge blow-up Panther had guarded the club for much of the week, welcoming fans on Grand Final day who watched the match on 55 screens throughout the club. A Grand Final Disco was held at Reactor One. One of the big talking points out of the Grand Final was the awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal to Canberra’s Bradley

Clyde. Royce Simmons would tell the Weekender years later who he believed should have been handed the prestigious prize that day. “Greg Alexander was the player of the match. His kicking game was outstanding and his leadership was fantastic,” Simmons said. Can the Panthers of 2021 repeat the feats of the 1991 side, 30 years later?

Go the mighty

PANTHERS WE’RE PROUD TO BE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

W34

WW46290

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

2003 GRAND FINAL REMEMBERED

A GRAND NIGHT IN PENRITH HISTORY P

enrith’s 18-6 Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003 was one of the most magical days in club history. Despite finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers, Penrith still went into the decider against the Roosters as underdogs. It was no surprise, perhaps, given this Penrith side had finished last just two years earlier, and didn’t make the Finals in 2002. Many simply didn’t believe the Panthers had what it took. But in front of a crowd of 81,166 at a very wet Telstra Stadium, the ‘men in black’ were simply superb and produced memories that will last a lifetime. The game – which is regarded by many as one of the greatest rugby league Grand Finals in history – produced highlight after highlight, with Scott Sattler’s remarkable try-saving cover tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne still talked about to this day.

Penrith winger Luke Rooney won the hearts of many on the back of his two-try performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up two tries that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort in sluggish conditions. Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up the enormity of the occasion on behalf of all Panthers players and supporters. “We’ve been here through the bad times, and that’s what makes it so special,” he said. Interviewed by Channel Nine’s Andrew Voss as the siren sounded in the background, coach John Lang declared: “I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it’s still Sunday”. Penrith partied for days following the club’s second Grand Final win, and thousands turned out on November 28 to celebrate one last time with a victory parade through the city’s streets, before the offseason officially began.

Penrith fans celebrate the 2003 Grand Final win. Photo: NRL Photos.

FIC

Wishing Penrith all the best in the Grand Final

LP SP AR EC TN I A FO ER R P L OF F A ME NTH ERS MB E ER RS S

QUALITY MEAT FRO FROM OM QUALITY BLOKES S Free local delivery during lockdown and show us your Panthers Membership for a discount! Open till 6:00pm through the week Open till 2:00pm Saturday Closed Sunday Specialising in • Grass-fed Beef & Lamb • Game Meats

4739 1395

• RSPCA-Approved Cage-Free Chicken • American-Style BBQ Cuts • Local & Imported Cheeses • Gourmet Sausages

WW46288

OPEN 6 DAYS eastblaxlandbutchery.com.au Shop 45/43-65 Old Bathurst Rd, Blaxland

• Bangalow Sweet Pork

• Large Deli Meat Range

W35

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

2020 GRAND FINAL REMEMBERED

RATTLED, BUT FAR FROM BROKEN P

enrith coach Ivan Cleary conceded Premiership glory just “wasn’t meant to be” after his side fell 26-20 to Melbourne in the season decider at ANZ Stadium last year. But after such an incredible season, it probably was meant to be – the Panthers had done everything right all year, losing just one match in a COVID-impacted season in the leadup to Grand Final day. But the team’s 17-match winning streak came crashing down in the most important game of the year, setting up a path for redemption 12 months later. “It’s very disappointing obviously. It’s so hard to get here and the opportunities don’t come that often,” Cleary said after the Grand Final last year. “I still can’t quite explain the game yet. I’ll need a bit of time for that.” The game started in controversial circumstances when The Bunker awarded a penalty try to Melbourne’s Justin Olam. It was a 50/50 call at best but put Penrith on the back foot. Two penalty goals saw Melbourne extend their lead to 10-0 and while Penrith seemed on top, the game was

Cameron Smith and Nathan Cleary after last year’s Grand Final. Photo: NRL Photos.

quickly taken from their grasp when Suliasi Vunivalu scored an intercept try that set up an unassailable 16-0 lead. Cameron Smith dived over to score just before the break to give the Storm a 22-0 lead at half-time. The Panthers had their chances in the first half but their error rate was too high, especially against a Melbourne team that loves playing from in front. A Ryan Papenhuyzen try from a scrum five minutes into the second half appeared to put the game to bed, but the Panthers launched a spirited fightback. They scored four tries in the final half hour and had one last shot at tying the game on full-time, but in the end the damage had already been done – the Storm weren’t going to lose. In what turned out to be Cameron Smith’s final game, the Storm taught Penrith a major lesson as the path was set for a do-over a year on. Fittingly, the Panthers had to knock out the Storm to get their chance at turning around last year’s result. Now, just the Rabbitohs stand in their way.

*RRG /XFN 3DQWKHUV :H·UH DOO EHKLQG \RX

1991, 2003, 2021

Perfect Penrith Trifecta

$/)5(6&26 Ɣ &$532576 Ɣ '(&.6 Ɣ 3(5*2/$6 Ɣ 68152206

Keep Penrith Proud

0&5 GE %6

Ross Fowler Ross Fowler & Co.

W36

WW46289 WW46268

Chartered Accountants 4722 3066 www.rossfowler.com.au

&RQWDFW XV WRGD\ IRU D )5(( FRQWDFWOHVV YDOXDWLRQ

6\GQH\·V OHDGHU LQ KRPH LPSURYHPHQWV VLQFH 6KRZURRP &QU *UHDW :HVWHUQ +Z\ 5XVVHOO 6W (PX 3ODLQV

KLFUDIW FRP DX %XLOGHUV /LFHQFH 1XPEHU

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

CONGRATULATIONS PENRITH PANTHERS 2021 GRAND FINALISTS Our Managing Director has proudly sponsored the Penrith Panthers since 1987

Trust the local experts Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith have been at the forefront of the local commercial real estate industry for 30 years 9 9 9 9

31 staff members in multiple locations locally and interstate a combined industry experience of over 600 years collect $80 million in rent each year Asset management portfolio worth over $1.3 billion To find out how the Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith team can help you, contact us on 4722 8500

Level 1, 344 High Street, Penrith t: 4722 8500 www.rhc.com.au/penrith

WW46292

W37

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

REIGNITING OLD MEMORIES !

Penrith 2003 Premiership hero Scott Sattler and former Souths forward Ethan Lowe this week gathered at King George Square in Brisbane to add to the rivalry of Grand Final Week. Lowe is best known for winning a Premiership at the Cowboys but with border restrictions in play it was slim pickings to find a Rabbitohs legend living in Queensland who was available.

Photo: NRL Photos.

It’s been bizarre to watch South Sydney fans obsess over match officials in recent weeks. Instead of celebrating being in the Grand Final, so many of them have been fixated on Grant Atkins being a member of the Penrith Referees Association and last weekend’s blooper by Gerard Sutton to allow Nathan Cleary to take a kick from the wrong spot after a try. Even Souths owner Russell Crowe, with his 2.7 million Twitter followers, jumped on the bandwagon to have a whinge about the Cleary kick, which eventually missed anyway. I’m not sure what’s got Rabbitohs fans so salty, but it’s been very odd and as NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said this week, it’s an unhealthy obsession.

While it’s been disappointing to not have the same level of Grand Final celebrations we would have enjoyed had lockdown not been in place, there’s still plenty of Panther-themed fun happening around town. Not only have plenty of houses and cars been decorated, but there’s some tasty treats doing the rounds too. Percy Plunkett will have Panthers-themed donuts on offer across this weekend, while Mrs C’s Cupcakes has been pumping out Panthers cupcakes.

If you thought COVID-19 caused drama across the 2020 and 2021 seasons, get ready for a whole new ride in 2022. Vaccination rules are set to dominate the headlines, with a small percentage of players across all clubs refusing to get the jab. It’ll create headaches around interstate and international games, flights and more. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has a huge off-season ahead of him to settle on what the code has to implement to ensure it can proceed with as little disruption as possible. A vaccine mandate is off the table.

Talking of COVID, young Panthers rookie Taylan May should probably stick to football. The 20-year-old took to Instagram earlier this week, sharing a post labelled “Dear vaccinated”. The post speaks about the government “robbing people of freedoms” and questions the COVID-19 vaccines. “The government has lied to you,” the post says, in part. May is a talented young footballer but he’s clearly got some growing up to do.

Panthers Leagues Club is set to reopen on October 11 and several weeks later even more restrictions will ease. While they’ll have to work around player holidays, I’m told discussions have started about a way to hold a local celebration in the coming weeks should Penrith win the title on Sunday.

in Round 6, scored off a James Tedesco kick from dummy half to the right side of the field. They implemented the same play in the Preliminary Final and caught the Storm out. Genius coaching and even better vision from Nathan Cleary.

There was some talk over the weekend about the long-term futures of Charlie Staines and Spencer Leniu (pictured). Staines is signed until the end of the 2023 season but has certainly been a victim of second year syndrome this year. The Pan-

The try scored by Stephen Crichton from a Nathan Cleary kick in the opening minutes against the Storm last Saturday was five months in the making. The Panthers noticed a 79th minute Matt Ikuvalu try in the Roosters’ loss to the Storm back

a big offer came his way, the club wouldn’t stand in the way of him taking it up – and would benefit from the salary cap space it would free up. Leniu is also off-contract at the end of 2023 and is desperate for more game time, which he may get next year with the departure of Kurt Capewell. 2022 is likely a career-defining season for the 21-year-old.

Discussions about a live site in Penrith definitely took place between Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher and Penrith State MP Stuart Ayres this week. It would be up to the Panthers to submit an exemption request to hold such an event. While Premier Gladys Berejiklian hosed down the likelihood of live sites on Monday, I’m told an exemption request was a chance of getting up. However, in the end the logistics around holding such an event at short notice just weren’t going to come together.

! thers are still confident the 20-year-old has a strong career ahead of him, but I’m told if

Penrith City Council has installed Panthers flags across the city, proudly flying them ahead of Sunday night’s Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

W38

WW45889 WW46162

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

GOOD LUCK TO THE PENRITH PANTHERS IN THE 2021 NRL GRAND FINAL Hertz are proud supporters of the Penrith Panthers. WW46297

W39

IF IT’S A PEST PROBLEM WE’LL FIX IT PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

E WE’RE OPEN AND COVID SAFE

MERSON’S NVIROCARE

CONGRATULATIONS PANTHERS!

OUR SERVICES • Cockroaches • Spiders • Ants • Silverfish • Bees & Wasps • Termite inspections and treatments • Bird control • Rats & Mice • Bird proofing & baiting • Sub-floor ventilation services • Solar panel proofing • Possum proofing and Possum removal • Flea control • Carpet beetle • Drain fly • Mites • Bird lice • AND MUCH MORE

Commercial, Industrial and Residential

www.emersonsenvirocaresydney.com EMERSON’S ENVIROCARE CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

1800 600 760

WW45090