Western Weekender March 13 2025

HONOUR FOR TONY

His name was synonymous with business in Penrith for decades. These days, Tony Ferguson is living a quiet life at The Royce. But he’s surfaced to receive a major honour. Ally Hall reports on Page 14.

Get the help you need at your place. Starts on page 29

ore than 200 women who gave birth at Nepean Hospital over an 11 year period have been warned about a potential hepatitis B exposure.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health

District (NBMLHD) has commenced contacting 223 women who gave birth at the hospital between 2013 and 2024.

A healthcare worker in the Birth Unit was infectious with hepatitis B during this period of time, it has been revealed.

The hospital says exposure is low risk but it is taking no chances.

“NSW Health is not aware of any person being infected with hepatitis B by this healthcare worker,” NBMLHD said in a statement.

“Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District understands hearing this may cause concern within our community and to those directly impacted. For this we extend our sincerest apologies.”

The NSW Health Blood Borne Viruses Advisory Panel has reviewed the care provided by the healthcare worker and determined the risk of transmission is low for the 223 women and 143 children. NSW Health started contacting impacted patients this week.

Story continues on » p. 9

TROY DODDS

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Keep what’s yours. Enjoy what matters.

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Artist’s impression. Subject to change.

Artist’s impression. Subject to change.

Artist’s impression. Subject to change. Homes now under construction

Businesses share concerns as pollies lend an ear at forum

Getting “back on track” was the theme of the day as over 50 small businesses gathered with Coalition leaders to talk about major issues facing western Sydney businesses this week.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, alongside Senator Dave Sharma and Liberal Candidate for Macquarie Mike Creed hosted a Small Business and Manufacturing Forum at Emu Plains Sports Club in Leonay to chat with locals and hear their concerns.

“As the Federal Member for Lindsay, I have always been passionate about our local small businesses and manufacturers,” McInotsh said.

“When I was first elected in 2019, I founded our local Small Business Network, Advanced Manufacturing Taskforce and Jobs of the Future Forum.

“These have been integral in informing the Coalition’s plans in government and now in opposition.”

The forum was intended to allow local small businesses and manufacturers to air their concerns with the Coalition while hearing from the party about what they intend to do if elected into power at the upcoming Federal Election.

The forum was also attended by Deputy

Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Small Business, Industry and Training Sussan Ley.

McIntosh said the forum intended to bring

to light the struggles and concerns small businesses and manufacturers had in her local area.

“It was terrific for Sussan to hear about the

concerns of our small businesses and manufacturers from across Penrith, St Marys, Emu Plains, the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury,” McIntosh said.

“What we know for sure is western Sydney is one of the highest places for business failure in the country. We need to get back on track with an elected Dutton-led Coalition government to restore small business as a priority.

“As I’ve always said, manufacturing is a core part of what we do in western Sydney and our industrial estates across Penrith, Emu Plains, Emu Heights, St Marys and North St Marys provide so many great Aussie jobs to locals across our regions.”

Ley said that hearing the western Sydney locals showed how much the cost-of-living crisis is impacting this community.

“Here in western Sydney, people are crying out for help as a result of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis – for their children, for their families and their business,” she said.

“The best cost-of-living support is to get inflation down. Under Labor that is impossible because they are making bad decisions and have had the wrong priorities for three years. Only the Coalition can clean up Anthony Albanese’s mess and get our country back on track.”

The Federal Election is expected to be held on either May 3, 10 or 17. It will be called in the coming weeks.

Senator Dave Sharma, Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh, Macquarie Candidate Mike Creed and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

How Alfred changed the election

Cyclone Alfred, which quickly became ex-Cyclone Alfred just as breakfast TV reporters were breathlessly chasing new content last Saturday morning, may not have had the devastating impact initially predicted, but it certainly changed the way 2025 looks in Australia.

While northern New South Wales and parts of Queensland continue in their clean-up efforts after the storm caused plenty of trouble, albeit not widespread carnage, the major fall-out has come at a political level.

The Prime Minister will likely continue to deny it but had Alfred not made its threats towards Australia last week, we’d right now be in the first week of an election campaign.

Every indication was that Anthony Albanese planned to visit the Governor General last Sunday and plunge Australia into a campaign that would have seen us heading to the polls on April 12. It made sense.

Albanese was ready.

Peter Dutton was ready.

Alfred had other ideas.

April 12 would have given the government a clear run between now and election day, with no public holidays and no potential momentum roadblocks.

Now, the campaign will look completely different than originally planned.

In an effort to avoid the Easter and ANZAC holidays, the election will now be held in May – either May 3, 10 or 17.

Regardless of what day it is, the campaign will now have the Easter holidays right in the middle of it.

That is a challenge for those who plan election campaigns and strategies to the finest of details.

It means that in a crucial stage of the campaign, people’s attention will be significantly diverted.

And there will be a feeling that the momentum needs to speed up again after the holiday period, which is why I think May 3 is unlikely to be the day – it’s just not enough time after the ANZAC Day weekend to regain the attention of voters.

May 10 or May 17, the latter of which is the latest date an election can be held, would

make far more sense. I wouldn’t mind betting on May 10.

So who benefits most from this change of plan?

I dare say, it’s Anthony Albanese.

Even though he could have always gone in May, there’s no question that from a campaign perspective, April 12 was the sensible landing date for an election.

But with that now out of the question, Albanese is left holding all of the aces.

While Alfred thankfully did not deliver the destruction originally projected, Albanese took full advantage of the situation by placing himself front and centre at media briefings in the lead-up to the cyclone making landfall, something perhaps traditionally left in the hands of State Premiers.

Now the caravan story would have come out anyway, and as it turns out would have been revealed in the first week of an election campaign. Dutton may have never recovered from such an early speed hump, so some may argue the timing of the election delay has worked in his favour, too.

But this past week has really allowed Albanese to gain back some control.

A single-issue week in politics can make or break you, and Cyclone Alfred certainly gave Albanese the opportunity to put himself at the centre of the story.

He did reasonably well, not going over the top but certainly not fading into the background either. Australians knew he was there, and that was the point.

Dutton simply couldn’t find air time, and anything he said or did was pointless anyway. Times like this are for leaders to shine and for Opposition Leaders to nod along.

Both leaders will now look for a reset of sorts.

“This past week has really allowed Albanese to gain back some control”

It allowed Albanese to establish a feeling of reassurance in his leadership, and perhaps remind people that with a crisis looming, he was right here ready to face it, not sipping cocktails in Hawaii.

It also deflated Peter Dutton somewhat.

Dutton had been building momentum strongly, grabbing almost as much of the news cycle as Albanese and I dare say was going from the once unelectable Opposition Leader to a potential Prime Minister.

But the air feels like it has shifted in this past week. A Newspoll that didn’t go in his favour, and revelations about that famous explosive-laden caravan that have left Dutton somewhat red-faced, and with questions to answer.

Albanese would prefer a quieter period ahead, allowing him time to sell an upcoming March Budget and likely cost-of-living measures to the public before the election itself is called.

Dutton wouldn’t mind a Government scandal, in fact he’s probably desperate for one right about now.

Cyclone Alfred hasn’t saved the election for Anthony Albanese.

But I have no doubt that it’s put him in a better position than he was had he stuck with his original plan of an April 12 poll.

Funny how things work out.

The campaign now will be all about how the parties respond and handle the Budget later this month, what the Reserve Bank does on April 1, and how both leaders handle the Easter and ANZAC periods.

With Easter Monday and ANZAC Day falling in the same week, there is now almost a dead week set to fall in the middle of the campaign; and it’s the kind of week where an election could be won and lost.

As we near the starting line, you feel the past week has given Anthony Albanese a head start. But will he have the stamina to still be in front at the finish?

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

May case abandoned

Former Penrith star’s charges dropped after witnesses fail to attend court hearing

Exiled Panthers winger Taylan May has had all domestic violence charges against him dropped, leaving him open to an NRL return.

The charges were dropped after his wife, who May was accused of punching in the face and telling “I hate you so much that I wouldn’t care if I killed you”, and her sister did not attend court to provide evidence.

23-year-old May had previously pleaded not guilty to domestic violence related charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm, and two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO).

May was accused of punching his wife in the right eye, striking her on the forehead and telling her: “I’ll come after you. I’ll come after your family because they can’t keep their mouths shut. You deserve everything that’s coming to you”.

May was accused of breaching the conditions of the AVO against him when he went grocery shopping with his wife last year.

May’s wife had previously applied to have the conditions of the AVO changed so she could contact her husband in relation to their children and at the time indicated she wanted to withdraw the charges, which did not occur.

May’s barrister Phillip Boulten SC alleged that police had been “all over” May in the 24 hours leading up to Monday’s hearing, having stopped him six times.

“Enough is enough is my submission. Can we just allow these people to move on?” Boulten said.

Magistrate Stephen Corry denied requests by the prosecution to adjourn the matter to allow for the witnesses to be located and present in court, saying he did not believe they would attend at a later date.

“I can’t see the position would be any different,” Corry said.

The case heavily relied on the testimony of the two women and without their evidence the prosecution withdrew the charges against May.

An AVO will remain in place against May for an additional six months.

Magistrate Corry also directed NSW Police to pay over $19,000 of May’s legal costs after he determined the two charges of breaching

an AVO were not properly investigated.

NSW Police were also told to pay an additional $1,800 for unnecessarily adjourning the case.

May was stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy last year after the charges were laid.

Now that the charges have been officially withdrawn, ARLC Chair Peter V’landys confirmed the 23-year-old was cleared to return to

the game effective immediately.

“Now that there is no pending charge, he’s free to play. The no-fault stand down policy is always on police charge,” V’landys told the Sydney Morning Herald

“The police charges have been dropped. He was stood down until the matter is concluded. It is now concluded. He’s free to play.”

May smiled as he left court surrounded by brother Terrell

May and other supporters after the charges were dropped, but refused to comment on the matter.

He also posted on his Instagram before attending court with a quote that read, “a man’s true character is revealed by how he treats those who can do nothing for him”.

After the charges were dropped May went live on his Instagram later that night to announce a new merchandise venture.

• We use Underground Coffee Petrov blend which has won bronze at the Golden Bean, the world’s largest coffee competition

• We use Berr y Brothers Acai which is different to the rest around the area, we guarantee you’ll be back for more

• You can always count on us to make you smile when you come to our shop with our 10/10 ser vice

Taylan May smiles as he leaves Penrith Local Court having all charges against him dropped. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY CHATE

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Penrith: Man dies following early morning home invasion

An investigation is underway following the death of a man in Penrith last weekend.

About 1.30am on Saturday, March 8 emergency services were called to a unit on Union Road, Penrith, following reports of a home invasion.

Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command attended and were told two people broke into the unit and assaulted a man.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however his condition deteriorated, and he died at the scene.

While the man is yet to be formally identified, he is believed to be aged in his 60s.

Police established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, with the assistance of officers attached to the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

St Marys: Man caught drink driving, will face court next month

At 9.30pm on Thursday, March 6 police were conducting random breath testing on Glossop street, St Marys.

Police stopped a car and had a conversation with the driver, a 30-year-old Liverpool man. The man returned a positive breath test and he was arrested. The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a further breath test that returned a result of 0.098.

The man’s licence was suspended on the spot. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, April 17.

Cambridge Park: Suspended driver caught drink driving

At 4.10pm on Friday, March 7 police were conducting random breath testing in Cambridge Park.

Police stopped a car on College Street and spoke to the driver, a 46-year-old Cambridge Park man.

The man was breath tested which returned a positive result. Police checked the man’s licence which was revealed to have been suspended. The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a further breath analysis which returned a positive result of 0.057.

The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, March 17.

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE

Penrith: Man caught driving while suspended twice in one night

At 10.50pm on Friday, March 7 police were patrolling the Great Western Highway in Kingswood where they saw a black Mercedes.

Police made checks on the car which revealed that the registration of the car had been expired since Wednesday, February 12.

As police followed the car, they noticed that the driver was changing lanes and not using any indicators. Police stopped the car on High Street in Penrith and had a conversation with the driver, a 64-year-old Penrith man.

As police approached the car the 64-yearold immediately started talking about the status of his licence. The driver showed police a Field Court Attendance notice for driving whilst licence was suspended.

The notice was dated Friday, March 7 at 8.45pm as he had been stopped earlier in the night driving on Centenary Drive in Strathfield. Police asked the man why he continued to drive and he said that he had no other way to get home.

The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged. He was due to face court this week.

Penrith: Drunk man spits at security after refusing to leave venue

At 12.45am on Saturday, March 8 a 20-yearold Warragamba man was at a licenced premises on Memorial Avenue in Penrith. He had been at the premises for a number of hours and had been drinking a lot of alcohol. The man knocked a drink over and security approached him and asked him to leave due to his intoxication level.

The 20-year-old then verbally abused security and refused to leave. As a result, a security officer grabbed the man’s arm in an attempt to escort him from the premises. The 20-year-old then spat a number of times at the security officer with the spit landing on him.

The man was arrested and charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court in April.

Penrith: Early morning grog robbery leads to arrest

At 4.10am on Monday, March 10 security for a shopping centre in Penrith were watching CCTV and saw a man and woman attempting to open the doors to restaurants on Riley Street in Penrith.

The man forced open a door of a fast food restaurant and entered the store. The man stole a number of alcoholic beverages from the fridge and left the restaurant.

The man was later arrested.

WITH DANIEL MCKINNON

NRL’S NO-FAULT STAND DOWN POLICY

In 2019, following a litany of off-field controversies, many of which involved allegations against NRL players of violence against women, the NRL introduced a no-fault stand down policy which would apply to players charged with serious criminal offences.

Then ARL chair Peter Beattie stressed that the policy was aimed at protecting the image of the game and deterring bad behaviour but was not to be construed in any way, shape or form as a declaration of guilt.

Beattie said at the time that it was an important feature of the policy that player welfare be balanced with a need to take seriously allegations of serious crimes which was the rationale underpinning that a player stood down pursuant to the policy could continue to be involved in their club, engage in training and other activities but would be prohibited from playing.

The first player stood down pursuant to the policy, and arguably the most controversial, was Jack de Belin of the St George Illawarra Dragons. De Belin was charged with extremely serious sexual assault offences against a woman in December 2018 and subsequently stood down for approximately two and a half years while his case played out in court and in the media. De Belin was the subject of two criminal trials both of which returned hung juries in relation to most offences meaning that the jury was not able to agree as to whether or not he should have been found guilty or not guilty. Thereafter, the prosecution abandoned the case against de Belin and the charges against him were dismissed following which he was free to resume playing duties.

Interestingly, de Belin was never found “not guilty”, rather the case against him was abandoned due to two hung juries. Many argue that if two juries were unable to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt then that is all but a declaration of innocence.

Others say he just got lucky.

What is factually indisputable however is that de Belin was never found guilty of the offences he was charged with and yet served a two-and-a-half-year suspension from working in his chosen profession. One argument is that he was paid, and therefore, suffered no loss – play on. Others say that missing nearly three NRL seasons could have been catastrophic for his career which at the time of the allegations was peaking. The ideological stance that the importance of one’s career pales in comparison to justice

for victims of serious crimes is trite, because at the point of the standdown nothing has been proven.

This week, controversial former Penrith Panther Taylan May had domestic violence related charges against him dropped in the Penrith Local Court. May was subjected to the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy in May 2024, a suspension of almost a year in relation to charges that were ultimately abandoned by the prosecution. Another famous example of a player charged, stood down, tried but ultimately having the case against them dropped is Jarryd Hayne (whose case was eerily similar to that of de Belin in the way it played out and ultimately concluded).

It gets even more complicated when the policy interacts with a finding of guilt. Recent Newcastle Knights acquisition Dylan Brown was stood down in 2024 following five sexual touching charges but allowed to resume playing after he plead guilty to two of the charges with police dropping the other three.

It is unknown whether the three abandoned charges were so abandoned because they couldn’t be proven or to facilitate Brown’s guilty plea to the other two. The NRL gets around this conundrum by lifting the no-fault stand down and then penalising the player in the ordinary way via the Integrity Unit, but these examples call into question the effectiveness of the policy.

There are many schools of thought, but two take centre stage.

On one view, the NRL, as an employer, has a right (and perhaps a duty) to protect its image, deter bad behaviour, and prevent people accused of serious criminal offences from representing the sport.

The converse view is that players like Jack de Belin and Taylan May have been punished for crimes they deny they ever committed and were ultimately not found guilty of.

Does the NRL need to re-think its position and convene a tribunal of people with specialised knowledge to determine when a player ought be stood down?

And what then of complainants? A not guilty finding or dismissal of charges is not a declaration that the complainant is a liar in the same way that a not-guilty verdict is not a declaration of innocence.

These are desperate questions with unclear answers. How can the NRL protect its image, and more importantly, abhor the perpetration of serious crimes while at the same time not undermining presumption of innocence?

Contact Us News

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at

Services 4732 7777

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

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

31 March 2025 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via

penrith.city.council

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Council Briefs

● people and Penrith City Council’s Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate these people in our community.

We’re now calling for nominations for our Citizen of the Year Award. Do you know someone who has contributed cause, or been involved in activities that have improved the lives of people in our community?

This is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the 2025 Local Celebration Awards.

Find out more about the award program and how to nominate at

● Council is renewing playspaces in Claremont Meadows and St Marys, and we want your feedback on the new equipment you’d like to see! Community consultation is now open for Myrtle Road Reserve, Claremont Meadows and Margaret Porter Reserve, St Marys. Share your experiences at these playspaces – what you love and how we can improve them.

Visit to tell us your ideas. Consultation is open until 11.59pm on Monday 17 March 2025. These projects are proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council.

● You’re invited to Culture Fusion, a free multicultural event on Saturday 22 March 2025 to celebrate Harmony Week! Enjoy the best beats, bites and performances from all over the world from 10am–3pm at Lang Park, (9 Carinya Avenue) St Marys.

Immerse yourself in the traditions of other cultures with engaging workshops, or shop at the artisan market stalls around the globe with delicious food and exciting stage performances featuring traditional dances, music and entertainment for the whole family.

Find out more at

● Penrith City Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the Draft Peach Tree and Lower Surveyors Creeks Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan from now until 27 March 2025.

The feedback received will help us to update our existing

includes the suburbs of South Penrith, Jamisontown and

parts of Penrith – roughly bounded by Nepean River to the west, M4 Motorway to the south and The Northern Road to the east.

Provide your feedback at:

● Penrith City Library is closed for renovations from Monday 24 March to Wednesday 2 April, reopening on Thursday 3 April. Limited services are available during this time, including a click and collect service, return chute and Justice of the Peace appointments. Library members are encouraged to visit St Clair Library and St Marys Library during this time.

For more information, visit

Public Exhibition

Council invites the community and industry to comment on the draft St Marys Town Centre Development Contributions Plan 2025, and a draft amendment to Chapter E-15 St Marys Town Centre of Penrith Development Control Plan 2014.

At the Ordinary Meeting on Monday 3 March 2025, Council endorsed the St Marys Town Centre Master Plan which sets out a long-term plan to guide future growth and development of the St Marys Town Centre over the next 20 years and beyond.

To support the implementation of the Master Plan Council has prepared a draft Development Contributions Plan and draft Development Control Plan amendment for the St Marys Town Centre.

The above plans are on public exhibition from Thursday 6 March until 11.59pm on Wednesday 2 April 2025 and can be viewed at

You are invited to make a written submission by:

• Email:

• Post: General Manager (Attention City Strategy)

Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

Please include a subject line indicating which plan your submission relates to in emails and letters, referencing either ‘Draft St Marys Town Centre Development Contributions Plan 2025’ or ‘Draft amendment to Chapter E-15 St Marys Town Centre of Penrith Development Control Plan 2014’.

Please contact City Strategy on 4732 7777 or

(9 Carinya Avenue)

Rooftop scrapped

New plan: Major change to overhaul of Westfield Penrith

Amajor change has been approved to the upcoming upgrade at Westfield Penrith.

While the $18 million plan, which includes a long-awaited upgrade of Hoyts Penrith, is going ahead, a rooftop bar and restaurant has been scrapped.

The original approved plan included five new restaurants across three levels including the rooftop bar, two new Hoyts ‘LUX’ auditoriums and a LUX lounge for moviegoers to enjoy.

Of the five new restaurants, three were set to be on Riley Street joining a slew of pre-established food joints, one was set to go on the second level and a rooftop bar and restaurant were promised on the new third level.

However, the developer has successfully lodged a modification to the original plans which sees the third floor in its entirety scrapped.

The modification request was submitted in December of last year but only received the go-ahead by Penrith City Council earlier this month.

The new modification will also see an increase in floorspace on level 2 as well as other minor adjustments.

Work on the upgrade is set to commence later this year.

Development Consent/s Determined

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Approved Development Application

• Teresa Lorraine Garousse

Lot A DP 418745 and Lot B DP 418745, 79 Irwin Street, Werrington

Above-ground swimming pool

Refused Development Application

• Precise Planning

DA25/0097

DA24/0068

Part Lot C DP 101602 and Lot 2 DP 656841, 143–145 Great Western Highway, Kingswood

Alterations and additions to existing dwelling, change of use of existing building to a community facility, civil and stormwater works and associated landscaping and carparking

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Hospital responds to health concern

Patients who had an Episiotomy; Repair of episiotomy or perineal/vaginal tear; or Application of fetal scalp electrodes (mother and baby) involving the healthcare worker have been specifically contacted

“NBMLHD has worked with the healthcare worker to remove any further risk of transmission to patients,” the statement said.

“All patients who are coming to Nepean Hospital for birthing services can be assured that staff strive to provide high-quality care in safe birthing environments.”

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis B virus and can be transmitted during birth, during sex and through blood-to-blood contact.

Hepatitis B is detected by a blood test which can show if a person has current infection or has had hepatitis B in the past and is no longer infectious.

CINEMA IN THE PARK RETURNS

Penrith City Council is hosting a Cinema in the Park event at City Park in the Penrith CBD on Saturday, March 29.

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ will be shown from 6pm.

“We’re giving popcorn to the first 150 attendees who come down. I highly encourage anyone interested to plan their night out –bring a blanket or some fold-out lawn chairs,” said Penrith Mayor Todd Carney.

WE’RE HIRING

RMP Abrasive Blasting is looking for a motivated and hard working HSEQ Administration Assistant to join our team, on a 3 month term contract, which may be extended.

The successful applicant will perform a range of duties, including working closely with the HS&E Administrator, preparation and distribution of and processing of project documentation and general administration functions to ensure smooth day to day operations.

Your responsibilities will include but not limited to:

•Generate and collate Project Management documents as required

•Provide project and general administrative support as directed by Senior Management

•Working hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

If you have previous experience in a similar role and meet the following criteria, we want to hear from you.

To be successful you must have:

•Current NSW driver’s licence

•Previous experience with ISO certification 9001, 14001 and 45001

•Previous experience in HSEQ administration (desirable)

•Experience within construction industr y (desirable)

•Ability to work under pressure, be adaptable and deliver to tight time frames

•Strong administrative skills

•Excellent communication skills both written & verbal

•Proficient in use of MS Office packages

•Demonstrated organisational abilities and time management skills

•Attention to detail

Send your resume to employment@abrasiveblasting.com.au penrith.city

What the site will look like without the third floor.

What the site was proposed to look like with the third floor.

cupboard prize

Small, compact, foldable and light, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Travel Pad with Qi2 15W, is the perfect travel companion for all your essential Apple devices.

With 15W to charge your iPhone (compatibility beginning at the iPhone 12), 5W for your Apple watch and a further 5W for your Airpods, this fast wireless charging device will always keep you powered up while you’re away.

With secure magnetic connection thanks to

paceway winners lucky

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.

Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-

Dose Dorin of SPY

its Qi2 technology, this nifty gadget even comes with its own travel case for ease of on-the-go. Available for an RRP of $219.95.

The Weekender has two Charging Travel Pads to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com. au with ‘Charge’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, March 21 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their

Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email competitions@ 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 concrete bridge going over the creek is located at Dukes Oval in Emu Plains. Have you walked over this bridge before?

The desperation of network TV in their coverage of Cyclone Alfred last weekend. At one stage, a reporter even detailed people’s acai bowl orders.

The Western Weekender celebrates its 34th birthday this Sunday. The first edition of the paper hit the streets of Penrith on Friday, March 15 in 1991.

Plan for St Marys

Council endorses St Marys Town Centre Master

Plan

Penrith Council has endorsed the St Marys Town Centre Master Plan, which looks to support the predicted growth of the area as it becomes a strategic centre in western Sydney.

The Master Plan was previously placed on public exhibition where concerns were raised by the public about the potential impact of increased density, displacement of lower-income residents and small businesses, losing on-street parking and bus route changes.

These concerns were used to refine the Master Plan, according to Council.

“...[The concerns were used] to address community concerns while ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to growth and development in St Marys Town Centre,” the report said.

The plan is designed to meet the needs of the growing community while preserving local character as the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line and associated infrastructure comes online.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the plan will meet the demands of the growing community.

“Council and the community’s shared vision for the St Marys Town Centre is shaping up to be something special, and I’m

absolutely thrilled that the Master Plan has now been endorsed,” Carney said.

“Collaboration has been a vital part of ensuring we are on the path to success in St Marys – an area home to more than 3,500 people and projected to grow to 25,000 over the next 20 years. The Plan also seeks to facilitate more than 8,360 new jobs in St Marys and around 9,300 new dwellings constructed by 2041.

“One of our oldest suburbs brimming with rich character and history, St Marys will quickly become a bustling strategic centre of western Sydney and continue to draw residents, businesses, investors, shoppers and visitors.”

Councillor Garion Thain, a vocal supporter of the plan, said it will deliver a proper future for the area.

“…[It] still captures the main vision here…

That vision being that we want to create a proper future for St Marys, a feasible future, but one where people don’t just live in the town centre of St Marys, but they can work there as well,” Thain said.

Council has developed their own plan to avoid being restricted to the blanket control of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) State Environmental Planning Policy, which means their plan needs to be submitted before the start of April to be fully considered.

Councillor Glenn Gardiner did express some concerns over the size of dwellings in The Historic Living Precinct but given the tight timeframe agreed to address his concerns at a later time.

The Plan will now be submitted to Planning Minister Paul Scully and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

In conjunction, Council also endorsed the public exhibition of the draft Development Control Plan and draft development Contributions Plan for St Marys.

“These plans will support the implementation of the Master Plan and help us achieve our vision for a modern, vibrant and thriving St Marys Town Centre,” Carney said. The draft Development Control Plan and drat development Contributions Plan will be on public exhibition until Wednesday, April 2. To view the plans and share your feedback visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys.

Burger restaurant admits “mistake”

Five Guys has admitted its decision to open its first Australian store in Penrith was a “mistake”, as it struggles to make ground in the region.

The cult US burger chain opened its fifth Sydney store on Monday at Sydney’s Martin Place Metro, some three-and-a-half years since it opened on Mulgoa Road in Penrith. It has been known for some time that Five Guys has struggled to attract big numbers in Penrith, though this is the first time it has been admitted publicly.

“We made a mistake, and I’m happy to openly, honestly say this: we opened Penrith, 70 kilometres out of Sydney,” Phil Keelan, Head of Australian Operations for Five Guys, told Nine Newspapers.

“It’s a standalone restaurant, no one walking past the front doors. You have to make a conscious decision to go ‘I want Five Guys’.” Despite the admission, Five Guys has refused to budge on its worldwide commitment to not undertaking traditional advertising and marketing.

TRAIN DELAYS ACROSS NETWORK

Frustrated commuters faced extensive delays on the rail network yesterday after signal issues at Penrith in the morning peak. Several services were cancelled while some commuters were left stuck on stationary trains and at platforms for almost an hour. The issue impacted the entirety of the morning peak period on the Western Line.

What Queen Street, St Marys is expected to look like in the future.

Construction on the new $3 million shared footpath on Factory Road is expected to begin next month.

Last week, Penrith City Council endorsed Wetherill Park contractor Convil Group to complete construction of the pathway that will cost $3,573,829.49.

The path will see a three-metre-wide path along Factory Road, Spencer Street, Loftus Street, Bundarra Road and Cross Road spanning approximately 1.9 km.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the shared path will significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists using Factory Road.

“The new path will encourage residents to leave their cars at home and to bike, walk or run to the Nepean River,” Carney said.

“Council is committed to delivering the infrastructure our community needs now and into the future.”

The plans for the footpath were publicly exhibited and 134 residents completed a survey to share their feedback about the plan.

“100 of respondents said that a shared path would make Factory Road safer for pedestrians and cyclists,” a Council report said.

- Emily Chate

New clothing line aims to support koala conservation Brand with care

The adventure capital of New South Wales will soon have a local adventure apparel brand to match.

KoalaRock will launch by the end of this month and the brand’s co-founder Emilio Prince said it’s all about gearing up for good, with 20 per cent of all profits going towards koala conservation.

“My brother and I wanted to create a clothing brand, but we wanted to have a mission behind it, and our mission was to create high-quality apparel while actively supporting koala rehabilitation and conservation efforts,” Prince explained.

The Penrith brothers are inspired to protect the Eucalyptus-eating Australian icon to ensure future generations will be able to see koalas in the wild, with concerns that bushfires, habitat destruction, disease and climate change are pushing the marsupial closer to inevitable extinction.

“We want to find the correct

organisation that’s willing to work with us so that we can ensure that those koalas are getting the help they need.”

KoalaRock clothing will suit rock climbers, gym enthusiasts, trail walkers – anyone with an active lifestyle and a sense of adventure.

Prince said the range will be extensive.

“We’ll have jumpers, shorts, shirts, gym wear, and then eventually we’ll be moving into creating climbing gear as well,” Prince stated.

The brand is aiming to launch by the end of March.

Keep up to date on the brand launch on Instagram at @ koalarockaus or on their website www.koalarock.com.au.

A KoalaRock shirt.

Emilio Prince taking his KoalaRock shirt for a spin.

Factory Road will see a new shared footpath.

ALLY HALL

Virtual health service now available to all residents across Sydney for free Reducing health pressure

The NSW Government has expanded a free virtual health care service to all Sydney residents including those in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.

Residents across western Sydney will now be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions from home.

The virtual care service will provide advice for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, including coughs, colds, fevers, flu, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, minor infection and rashes.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the service will ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.

“We are announcing that virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions will now be available to all residents across Sydney,” Park said.

“This virtual care service is a free, convenient and safe way to access care right from the comfort of home.

“People from right across Sydney will be able to avoid a wait for a GP or in a hospital through this expanded virtual care service.

“It will relieve pressure on our busy emergency departments by creating more alternative pathways to care outside the hospital.”

The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged over 16-years-old.

The service can be accessed by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where patients will speak first with a registered nurse who will assess the patient’s condition and if appropriate, refer the patient to the virtual care service.

multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses.

Penrith MP Karen McKeown said the service will reduce the time people wait for a GP.

“Penrith residents can now benefit from free, convenient and accessible virtual care services to help treat non-life-threatening conditions,” McKeown said.

“With the GP shortage putting a strain on our community, people from right across the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District will be able to avoid wait times for a GP or in a hospital through this expanded virtual care service.”

The service uses video technology to connect patients with a

The new virtual care health service is expected to reduce pressure on emergency departments. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY CHATE

Tony’s impact on Panthers still strong

Penrith icon and die-hard Panthers fan Tony Ferguson has been honoured with a Life Member jacket for his support and contributions to the rugby league club.

The local legend is known nationwide for his weight loss shakes that brought him to the stage of various news programs, but he’s known locally for his comforting presence at his pharmacies over the years.

Tony’s daughter, Simone Ferguson, described her father as an eternal optimist with a passion for helping others.

“I still get people saying to me that they miss his presence in the pharmacy because of his connection with people and his friendly disposition,” Simone said.

“He was a big joker as well, always trying to make people laugh and give them a happy day.

“He had a lot of funny expressions and a lot of people still remember those.”

Sport was incredibly important to the Ferguson family, whether it was football, cricket, golf or tennis, and watching the Panthers play was an unmissable tradition.

“We used to go to the Chairman’s Club upstairs when he was sponsoring and watch the game up there,” Simone recounted.

Simone said the team is still a big part of their lives, and she still watches every game.

“He’s still got memorabilia in

the pharmacy, and I’ve got a collection of jerseys from when he sponsored with his name on the back; it’s something that we’re all proud of,” Simone explained.

The jacket recognises Ferguson’s Life Membership of the club, a rare honour, and his longtime support at a corporate level.

The father of four and grandfather of six’s business served as the team’s back-of-jersey sponsor for four years, and his support didn’t end there. Tony also provided them with medication and strapping tape for many years.

He was surrounded by family, Panthers Chairman Peter Graham and Panthers on the Prowl General Manager Brad Waugh as he was presented the Life Member jacket by Panthers great Royce Simmons.

“There haven’t been many jackets given out and I think there’s only 40 living Life Members left,” Simone remarked.

Tony now resides at The Royce, after living in Penrith since 1973.

Tony Ferguson and Royce Simmons. Tony Ferguson. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Hungry for new book release

“We’ve definitely got some eager beavers.”

The Hunger Games series took the world by storm in 2008, immersing young adult readers in a dystopian fiction universe.

Now, the eagerly-awaited next installment is about to hit the shelves of Penrith’s Harry Hartog in an exclusive midnight release party on Tuesday, March 18.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is a prequel that will tell the story of fan-favourite character, Haymitch Abernathy.

“This book is all about the Quarter Quell and the Hunger Games that he was a part of and how he won,” said Harry Hartog Manager, Peri MacDonald.

“Haymitch is such a troubled character, and I absolutely adore him, I think he’s one of the greatest characters in the whole series.”

The rarely-sober character was the only surviving Hunger Games winner from District 12 during Katniss and Peeta’s tale, and MacDonald isn’t the only one who can’t wait to hear his backstory.

“We had someone who reached out to us on Instagram recently who’s flying all the way from Perth just to come to our event,” MacDonald said.

The manager is proud that the store was selected to take part in the midnight release parties.

“We’re very lucky that Scholastic reached out to us for this opportunity, because they didn’t extend it to all the bookstores, so it’s very exclusive,”

MacDonald explained.

“We’re very big on promoting ‘west is best’ and trying to bring more culture to this side of Sydney.”

Attendees are encouraged to make the trip on a school night and get dressed up for a chance to win prizes.

“We’ve got a surprise bundle that Scholastic are going to send through for us, but we’ve also got some other little goodies that we’ll announce on the night,”

MacDonald stated.

“We’ve got a scavenger hunt that we’re going to be orchestrating while we’re waiting for midnight to hit, we’re encouraging people to dress up in costumes, and we’re going to have a best dressed prize.”

Doors will open at 11pm on Tuesday night, and books will be available at 12.01am on Wednesday morning.

Register to attend the midnight release party online at https://events.humanitix. com/midnight-release-party-sunriseon-the-reaping.

Zahri, Peri and Jess. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Good cause: Emu Plains Little Athletics Club runs food drive for Mama Lana’s Club digs deep to help

The Emu Plains Little Athletics Club held a food drive for Mama Lana’s Community Foundation last weekend during their final event for the year.

The fundraiser came about after the club’s president Paul Dukes heard that the not-for-profit needed more support.

“I had a chat to our executive committee, and we decided that the following week we’d come up with a food drive,” Dukes said.

“The athletes and the parents really dug deep. We had two ute-loads worth of food that we delivered on Friday night.”

Representative volunteer from Mama Lana’s Kerie Phillpott attended the event to collect the donations.

“She came and spoke to all the kids, athletes and parents to thank us,” Dukes explained.

“They were overwhelmed, it was a really good result – so good that we’re actually going to do this every year and add it to our calendar for Little Athletics.”

Phillpott is the Team Leader at

Mama Lana’s on a Thursday night and has been volunteering for almost nine years.

She was blown away by the efforts of the Little Athletics Club, which exceeded expectations.

“Thankfully, I took my husband down who has a ute,” Phillpott said.

“I expected it to be a standard donation, but we had two ute-loads full, including the whole backseat and the entire tray full of donations.”

On behalf of Mama Lana’s, she said it is amazing that the food drive will be added to the club’s calendar on a permanent basis.

“We rely on the community and grants to keep our doors open, there is no government funding at all,” Phillpott explained.

“Our community as a whole is exceptional, and the way that they get behind us and support us is just wonderful.”

If you want to follow in the footsteps of the Little Athletics Club, you can find out more about volunteering or donating online at www.mamalanas.org. au.

DEAR WEEKENDER

NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Protecting our water

Some politicians propose replacing coalfired power stations with nuclear reactors. Even pro-nuclear group Nuclear for Australia concedes nuclear reactors use at least 1.2 times more water than comparable coal fired power, and the proposed reactors are much larger than existing coal plants, meaning water use could more than double. Some suggest desalination plants to supply water for nuclear reactors, but this requires seawater, and nearly all the proposed reactor sites are a long way inland. Desalination is also extremely costly. As a core principle, Farmers for Climate Action stands for protecting regional water supplies and does not support making water scarcer or more expensive for farmers.

NATALIE COLLARD, FARMERS FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Question of impartiality

Well said Lee Kay (Coalition still a shambles, Dear Weekender February 6). Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but once upon a time journalistic standards of impartiality were a feature of Australian media. Not anymore! I’m interested to hear Mr Dodds’ opinion on the current US situation where democracy is being dismantled by a madman and his cronies. The same madman that our federal opposition leader is taking his cues from. We live in interesting and worrying times.

TONY ELLERY, VIA EMAIL

Vegas a winner for rugby league

I have just returned from Las Vegas, and other American states, and I have to say that

rugby league has really landed on something when it comes to its American venture. I have read plenty of criticism, but in none of this criticism have I seen a legitimate reason for NOT doing this. Sure, maybe Americans won’t suddenly be following rugby league in huge numbers. Maybe the television ratings won’t be huge, at least at first. But we are two years into a long-term plan, and you can’t deny the enormous publicity this has attracted for rugby league. Even as an Australian pop-up, it is a terrific way to launch the season. Far better than anything that has been done before. Being in Las Vegas for this spectacle was amazing, something I will remember for a very long time. Well worth the trip, the tips and the money!

CHRIS SMITH, VIA EMAIL

Thanks to community

I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the community of western Sydney for their participation and support of our 2025 Memory Walk & Jog. It was wonderful to see the community of western Sydney rally in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers. To all those who walked, ran, jogged, donated and volunteered, thank you. This event would not have been possible without your support. Our 2025 event on Sunday, March 9 at Tench Reserve was a success, with the community helping to raise an impressive $106,000. These funds will help us provide invaluable support services, education and resources for all Australians impacted by dementia.

PROFESSOR TANYA BUCHANAN, DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA

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

Emu Plains Little Athletics Club with their donations.

ALLY HALL

Push for breast screen numbers to rise as new campaign kicks off

ALLY HALL

15,000 women in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) were screened for breast cancer last year, and health professionals want to see that number rise.

With more than 300 local women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, BreastScreen NSW has re-launched the ‘Breast Cancer Doesn’t Wait’ campaign.

“More than 1,000 women are expected to die in NSW this year from breast cancer and we are determined to support women to detect and treat breast cancer as early as possible,” said NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor, Tracey O’Brien.

“Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival to 98 per cent, it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”

The campaign encourages women to prioritise their two-yearly breast screening, and new data from

Cancer Institute NSW shows around 3,100 additional cancers would be detected if every eligible woman had a regular mammogram.

“I know it can be hard for women to set time aside for themselves in their busy schedules, but breast screening needs to be a priority – an appointment only takes 20 minutes every two years and could save your life,” O’Brien said.

Campaign organisers are refining their advertising to reach local government areas with the highest numbers of under-screened women, as well as priority populations including First Nations women aged 40 to 74 and Cantonese and Mandarin speaking women aged 50 to 74.

“For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early before it can be seen or felt,” said Director of Sydney West Screening Assessment Service, Nirmala Pathmanathan.

“The message is clear – put yourself and your health first and make breast screening a priority.”

To make an appointment, call 132 050 or visit www.breastscreen.nsw. gov.au.

Women are being encouraged to prioritise their health.

Inspiring stories and a great cause as women are celebrated

‘ Inspirational’ was the word of the hour at Penrith CBD Corp’s International Women’s Day Breakfast last Friday, March 7.

The event involved delectable croissants and waffles, stirring speeches from local women, fundraising for The Haven, well-deserved awards, and time to network with the brilliant people in the room.

“It’s always a pleasure when you look at so many amazing businesswomen and we all come together for such a great cause like The Haven and to celebrate International Women’s Day and see how far women have come,” said Gai Hawthorn, CEO of Penrith CBD Corp and event organiser.

Business owner and author Debbie O’Connor emcee’d the morning, which was opened by Councillor Hollie McLean. After that came an inspiring talk with keynote speaker Lara Wentworth from Coaching Advocates.

Wentworth shared a story about her grandmother, who was adamant

that her daughters get an education even though she wasn’t permitted one, and a story from her childhood when she first experienced selfdoubt.

“She was inspiring, wasn’t she?”

Hawthorn said.

“It takes a lot to get up and talk about your story, and then to be able to support others and help them with their journey.”

fitting that we could surprise her and celebrate her successes and thank her.

Another inspiring woman was Cathy Craig, who was named ‘Local Woman of the Year’.

“I’ve known Cathy for many years, and she has been the coordinator of Penrith Community Kitchen, which is a not-for-profit,” Hawthorn explained.

“The ‘Local Woman of the Year’ is a nominated award and MP for Penrith Karen McKeown picks that

for a state prize. It was very well deserved.”

Also recognised during breakfast was recently retired Lea Hicks, who has been giving back to Penrith for 30 years.

“We surprised Lea,” Hawthorn said.

“She has been an amazing woman in business and has given back to the community as well, so it was

Melissa’s Message

The weekly views of the Federal

Member for Lindsay

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions women make in our community, workplaces, and families. Here in Lindsay, we are fortunate to have so many inspiring women leading the way in business, community service, and public life.

This year, I had the privilege of attending the Women’s Veterans Network Australia morning tea at Penrith RSL, where I met with extraordinary women who have served our nation with courage and dedication. Their strength and resilience remind us of the sacrifices women have made — and continue to make — for our country.

I also had the honour of speaking at several Women’s Day events across Western Sydney in my role as Shadow Minister for Western Sydney. These gatherings showcased the remarkable talent and determination of women in our region. Whether they are business owners, community leaders, healthcare professionals, or educators, women play a crucial role in shaping the future of our local economy and community.

“It was important to recognise the amount of work she has done over the years for TAFE, Nepean Hospital, the Kitchen, and many other local charities alongside her husband.”

In addition to motivational women, the city was also presented an award from the McGrath Foundation for Pink Up Penrith in recognition of the ongoing commitment to ensuring that no one goes through cancer alone.

“Seven years ago, we had no local nurses supporting anyone going through breast cancer, so we were the first metropolitan city to get involved and ‘pink up’ our town,” Hawthorn explained.

“We’re going into year eight now and we’ve raised just on $500,000 and we now have five nurses at the hospital – one is a male.”

The men and women in the room last Friday were a handful of the best and brightest in Penrith, all ready to accelerate action for gender equality.

Women in business are at the heart of Lindsay’s economic success. From local family run shops on High Street to growing enterprises in our industrial hubs, women are leading the way — creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to the strength of our local economy. Supporting women in business isn’t just about fairness — it’s about ensuring that Lindsay continues to grow and thrive.

Beyond business, women are the backbone of our community. They are the volunteers who keep our charities running, the parents balancing work and family life, the teachers shaping young minds, and the healthcare workers caring for our most vulnerable. Lindsay would not be the strong, connected community it is without them.

Let’s recognise and celebrate the women who make Lindsay the incredible place it is. By supporting women in business, leadership, and community life, we are investing in a stronger future for everyone.

MELISSA MCINTOSH Federal Member for Lindsay

Find out how you can support your paper at www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge.

Gai Hawthorn and Lea Hicks.

Cathy Craig OAM speaks to the crowd.

ALLY HALL

Community’s tributes after retirement announced Karen left her mark

ALLY HALL

Abeloved member of the St Clair community is leaving her post at Priceline Pharmacy after 17 years, and there’s been an outpouring of well wishes and love from customers.

Karen Keen’s resignation from the pharmacy was posted on a community Facebook page and attracted hundreds of likes and comments expressing gratitude and recounting memories.

“Oh my God – the love and the support from the community, there is no way I was expecting any of that,” Keen said.

“I thought I was just doing my job, but obviously I had touched the hearts of the customers which I absolutely appreciate.”

Keen has worked in customer service her whole life and said that she loves serving people – particularly her beautiful, tight-knit community.

“I’ve served regular customers from day one and I got to know them, they told me their life stories, they felt comfortable telling me things, and if they were sick or confused, they wouldn’t go to anybody else,” Keen explained.

One of the people sad to see Keen go is her close friend and coworker Nancy Nucho.

“She’s built such strong relationships with so many customers, and so many people in the community confide in her,” Nucho said.

“They have such a warmth when they come and see her, so the outpour of love and gratitude coming from the customers online has been so overwhelming and so beautiful.”

Nucho described Keen as a local celebrity, and she was overjoyed to see how much affection her friend received in the Erskine Park/St Clair Facebook Page.

“Every time I see the numbers go up on the likes and comments, I just get such a huge smile because she deserves it so much,” Nucho expressed.

“I’ve been so lucky to have worked with her for so long and she is a special part of my life too. She brings joy and happiness to everyone.”

Many of the comments described Keen as one-of-a-kind and expressed how much they would miss their go-to Priceline girl. One commenter even recounted an experience from her childhood.

“I’ll never forget when I was 15 (now 33) and I came in wanting to buy sun-tan oil. You gave me the biggest lecture and I don’t think I’ve bought it again,” the comment finished with a laughing emoji.

Now on to her next chapter, Keen will never forget the impact she had on customers at Priceline St Clair, and how much love and support they gave her in return.

We’d love to hear your community stories. Email Alison.Hall@westernweekender. com.au or call 4722 2998.

Karen Keen’s last day at Priceline St Clair.

Live and local: WOW-FM on air

St Marys-based radio station WOW-FM continues to broadcast on the FM dial.

After a recent technical hiccup that forced it off the air, the station is back broadcasting loud and clear on 100.7.

WOW-FM broadcasts an array of great music and local programming, and is also live online.

LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS

Penrith City Library will be closing for foyer and service desk renovations from Monday, March 24 to Wednesday, April 2, reopening on Thursday, April 3.

The St Clair and St Marys branches will be open and operating as per normal during this time.

Some services will still be operational at the Penrith branch, including a “click and collect” service. The return chute will remain open and available 24/7.

Library members are welcome to use the “click and collect” service, which will be located outside of the Penrith Theatrette and available from 9-5pm on weekdays and Saturdays and from 10am–5pm on Sundays during the closure. Members can reserve up to three items at a time. To locate this area, head towards Westfield from the Library entrance.

Members are encouraged to visit St Clair Library and St Marys Library for browsing, borrowing, computer usage, photocopying, scanning, printing, and Justice of the Peace appointments during this time.

Local photographer contributes to inspiring new book Sharing her story

EMILY CHATE

Alocal photographer has put the camera down and picked up a pen, all to share her inspiring story.

Sara Knight of Sara Louise Photography is an award-winning photographer who has been working in Penrith for years, now she has put pen to paper to write about her story for the new book Women Living Fearlessly

The book, put together by Women Changing the World Press, showcases the story of 25 different women all speaking about a topic unique to them.

Knight’s chapter is all about overcoming family and domestic violence and her struggles with mental health issues.

“This book is specifically about how we combatted our fears and how we became the women that we are today,” Knight said.

“A lot of my chapter has to do with overcoming domestic and family violence as well as autism and having mental health issues to deal with. I am officially diagnosed with CPTSD, severe

anxiety and severe depression, even though you wouldn’t be able to tell.

“It’s about what I did to get myself past those to be able to be this award-winning photographer that I am today.”

Knight chose to tell her story now because she felt like it was important to help other women.

“It was about time I started telling my story and trying to boost other people to reach their dreams because that is what everyone needs to do,” Knight said.

“We’re all miserable these days because we think we just have to get up, go to work and it is what it is, but it’s not. We deserve to be happy,

and we deserve to live to our fullest potential.”

Prior to being selected to contribute to the book, Knight had never written before, and it was something she found a little bit daunting.

“I had no idea what I was doing, how I was going to form sentences and all that, but I think being part of this process with the 25 other women really helped,” Knight said.

“We would meet fortnightly on Zoom and talk about what we were feeling, what we were going through, where we are going with our chapter and then we would just sit there quietly typing.

“It was a great process. I think it has brought me more out of my shell than I was before.”

Major celebrities even have their hands on a copy as it was part of the gift bag given to attendees at the Academy Awards just a few weeks ago. If you want to get a copy of Women Living Fearlessly, make sure to visit saralouisephotography.com or visit www.amazon. com.au.

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s

Mayor

Shining a light on our seniors

As this year’s Penrith Seniors Festival concludes this week, I celebrate our wonderful seniors community.

More than 20 per cent of our population is aged 50 or over. These residents contribute to our vibrant City each day, through their work and support of families and friends, their diverse backgrounds, shared life stories, and participation in community organisations and volunteer activities.

This annual festival has been underway since March 3 and I’m thrilled that so many of you have been getting involved. The popular program kicked off with the Seniors Comedy Gala that drew a 500-strong audience.

Hundreds more have since participated in various activities and events, discovering new experiences, building friendships, getting active and connecting with the community.

This year’s theme is ‘Time to Shine’. The festival is one of our City’s premier Seniors Week events and it’s a great opportunity

to acknowledge and celebrate the important impact of our seniors.

Program highlights have included crafts, movie screenings, health workshops, exercise classes and more – all free of charge and held in accessible locations across Penrith.

I am grateful to meet many of our seniors every day in this rewarding role, who pass on their knowledge and passion for this City.

This is our way of giving back, and I am thrilled that this year’s program has proven a success. Your feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

I would also like to thank our local community organisations who have contributed to the Penrith Seniors Festival, and those who provide regular services to our seniors throughout the year which promote a healthy ageing journey. Visit penrith.city/seniorsfestival to find out more.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

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

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

Penrith’s Sara Knight has contributed to a book. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Hamilton director focuses on next gen

ALLY HALL

Anyone with a passion for musical theatre is well aware of ‘Hamilton’, the Broadway show about America’s ten-dollar-founding-father.

For local teenagers aged 13 to 18, an incredible opportunity awaits at The Joan to participate in an exclusive all-day musical theatre masterclass with resident director of ‘Hamilton Australia’ Dean Drieberg.

Drieberg will be running classes on March 21 and 22, with the Friday class exclusively for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) students.

“I think it’s really important to encourage other cultural backgrounds to get involved in this industry in order for us to diversify and have a more culturally rich entertainment industry,” Drieberg explained.

“Having workshops and opportunities specifically for BIPOC kids says to them that they’re going to be safe in that space and there’s going to be

other people like them there and it breaks down those barriers.”

The son of immigrant parents from Sri Lanka hopes to be someone that kids can relate to – the inspiring creative that he didn’t have while growing up.

“I hope to be an inspiration to kids who are like myself and had to really forge our own way into the industry and deal with all the setbacks,” Drieberg stated.

“During the time I was working as a performer, casting people were a lot more direct and would tell me they couldn’t cast me in certain roles because it wasn’t for a brown person – I got that so many times.

“Being a first-generation Australian, a brown person who’s made a name for myself in the industry, if that’s inspiration for kids out there, then I own that and I love that and I hope to do them proud.”

Throughout the masterclass for Penrith teens, students will learn character development, emotional storytelling, staging, intentional physicality and more.

These are skills that aren’t often accessible outside of the Sydney CBD.

“I think it’s important to go out to different areas and give everyone the same level of access to training, so it’s not just for the elite, it’s not just for those that have money, because it is really expensive,” he said.

“I can understand why some people in our industry didn’t get more training in their younger years simply because it was not affordable to them.

“Especially now with the cost-of-living crisis, the arts are seen as a hobby or a side hustle, but it’s not that for all of us, it’s our whole world, and there are possibilities for people to earn a living in this industry and do really well, so training is really important.”

The sold-out classes represent the demand for an investment in the arts in western Sydney.

“I think it’s great that the venue is supporting this and it’s such a great initiative; more local council venues should be investing in local talent in this way,” Drieberg finalised.

Dean Drieberg on the set of ‘Hamilton’.

More than 70 Junior Medical Officers kick off careers across local hospitals New doctors start work

ALLY HALL

The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District

(NBMLHD) is a breeding ground for the state’s future medical professionals, welcoming over 70 Junior Medical Officers this year.

The new doctors will receive formal and on-the-job training as they rotate across different specialties during their intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

“I’ve always been drawn to health because I wanted a job I could really be proud of – a role where I could make a difference in people’s lives,” said Junior Medical Officer Dr Matthew Wang.

“It’s a field where every day you have the chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

“Working at NBMLHD means I get to experience a wide range of cases with patients from all sorts of backgrounds – different cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and age groups.”

Wang is eager to expand his medical knowledge across different specialties but ultimately wants to focus on anaesthetics.

“I’m especially excited about the excellent critical care pathway here, which is a huge plus as I’m aiming to specialise in anaesthetics,” Wang said.

“This variety and hands-on experience in such a busy environment are exactly what I need to build my skills and become a well-rounded doctor.”

Director of Prevocational Education and Training at Nepean Hospital Dr Karen Fisher said the new recruits are entering a period of change in healthcare.

“A lot of paradigms are being shifted; we’re responding to various changes in the way we live and die,” Fisher stated.

“We’re growing up in a much more disconnected yet connected society and that’s having impacts on our health, and we’re growing up in a period of climate shift, so that too is having an impact on health.

“It’s the time for the youngest doctors to bring their brilliance and teach us all how they’d like to re-frame the future.”

This comes during the evolution of Nepean Hospital, with the appointment of new Chief Executive Brad Astill and Stage Two of the Nepean Redevelopment underway.

Junior Medical Officer Dr Matthew Wang.

This photo from late 1971 shows dignitaries and members of the public observing the official ceremonial proceedings during the opening of the new bridge carrying the F4 Western Freeway, now known as the M4 Western Motorway, over the Nepean River at Regentville.

The official opening ceremony took place on the western side of the bridge, between Jamisontown and Leonay.

The opening of the bridge and its immediate approaches coincided with the opening to traffic of the first section of the freeway linking Sydney with the Blue Mountains.

(Photo thanks to Transport For NSW)

Δ Superhero surprise: Kinder Joy is joining forces with DC to release a special line-up featuring 16 Funko POP! figurines and accessories, including Batman, Superwoman, Harley Quinn, Joker, Aquaman and more. Enclosed in the fan-favourited Kinder egg shape that we all know and love, one half delivers Kinder Joy’s signature multisensory taste experience, combining a blend of creamy, sweet milky layers and crispy wafer bites filled with cocoa cream, while the other side holds an exciting limited-edition Funko POP! toy waiting to be discovered. Kinder Joy is available at Coles and other leading retailers across Australia for an RRP of $3.00 for a limited time only.

Δ Drink West, eat pizza: Freddy’s World Famous Pizza has opened at Drink West Brewery, inside Manufactor on Castlereagh Road in Penrith. It promises real New York style pizza with thin crust and big flavour, full of fresh, local ingredients.

Δ Happy AFL treat: McDonald’s has launched the first ever AFL Happy Meal. During the special promotion, each Happy Meal comes with awesome collectibles, including limited edition AFL bag clips, skills cards and stickers. The AFL Happy Meal is available in all local stores until April 1, with team collectibles changing every week. Pictured is Essendon’s Bonnie Toogood promoting the venture.

Δ Cinnabon Hot Cross Buns: The wait is over! Woolworths’ new collaboration with Cinnabon is officially here, just in time for Easter. The Cinnabon Hot Cross Buns combine the delicious warm spices of the hot cross buns we know and love with Cinnabon’s

iconic cinnamon swirl and glaze. Find the limited-edition buns at your closest Woolies now.

Δ Free event: Penrith City Council is inviting the community to Culture Fusion, a fun free multicultural event on Saturday, March 22, to celebrate Harmony Week. Experience the best beats, bites and performances from all over the world from 10am to 3pm at Lang Park, St Marys. Enjoy delicious food with cuisines from Italy to Asia, the Netherlands to Mexico and everything in between. Immerse yourself in the traditions of other cultures with our engaging workshops, or shop at the artisan market stalls to find unique treasures. Attendees will be transported around the globe with our exciting stage performances featuring traditional dances, music and entertainment for the whole family.

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? BUSINESS

This week, I injured my knee while participating in Walking Soccer, a program designed for adults over 40 that promotes physical activity.

The sport aims to reduce the risk of injuries due to less body-impact activities.

I had enjoyed my first session the week before on a smaller court and was looking forward to playing again. However, this week, we practised on a much larger court, and during the first half, I unexpectedly twisted my right knee in the wrong direction and hurt myself. It was especially disappointing because I had just started to enjoy the sport, and I didn’t anticipate this injury, so I was unprepared for it.

I can’t help but think back to the Australia-wide lockdown in February 2020. None of us thought the world would stop, and we didn’t expect to go without trade for two years. We had been running our businesses on

autopilot, which made us cozy but also complacent.

Living in that comfort zone can be risky. It stops us from improving, adapting, or even noticing when trouble is on the way. We often think business disasters only come from natural events like bushfires or floods, but they can also hit us in unexpected ways, like when a business owner gets sick or injured.

When disaster strikes, how prepared are you? Below is a list of tasks to consider:

1. Assess the Damage –Identify any damage to buildings, assets, stock, or documents and conduct a full business impact assessment.

2. Evaluate Business Operations – Assess how the damage will affect your business operations.

3. Reassess the Market –Analyse any changes in the market following the

emergency and determine how these changes may impact your business. Also, consider how your business can adapt to the new market conditions.

4. Review Your Financial Position – Evaluate your financial status.

Finally, decide whether to continue your business, pause operations, or exit completely. Financial assistance and counselling are available through state and territory governments. Speak with an advisor or visit the business.gov.au website for more help.

http://wester

WEB SITE

NEWSLETTER

in recovering unpaid super, that is where you have worked as a sole trader anywhere in Australia since 1992 and earnt at least $450 per month and have not had super paid. It makes no difference if you were a contractor and not an employee, you are still entitled to super We work “on results only”. If you would like to discuss this with no obligation, please call Ian James on 0414 973 874 or email ian.james@kaizenenterprises.com.au

Super Recovery

ALBERTY N (nee Langenhoven) Eleanor Marlene

Passed away peacefully on 1st March 2025

Late of Cranebrook (previously of Dulwich Hill)

Loving wife of Duncan (dec.)

Beloved Mother and Mother-in-law of Kevin & Desdemona (dec.) and Arlene & Russell.

Much loved Grandmother of Curtleigh & Jaclyn and Bryden & Elif.

Doting Great Grandmother of Alaska & Huskisson.

Cherished Sister and Sister in-law of Derek & Sandra and Maureen &Dudley (dec.) and Anthony (dec.) & Janaap.

Adored Aunty of Genevieve, Elton & Mark.

Will be greatly missed by all her Family and Friends

“In God’s Loving Care” Aged 88 years

Requiem Mass for the Repose of Eleanor’s Soul will be Celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church 86-94 Andromeda Drive, Cranebrook on Friday 21st March 2025 commencing at 11:00am.

At the conclusion of Mass, the cortege will proceed to Penrith Cemetery for interment.

Now Hiring at Bodington!

POSITIONS VACANT

ARE YOU OUR FACE IN THE CROWD?

THE PANTHERS HEAD TO THEIR NEW HOME IN PARRAMATTA TO TAKE ON THE ROOSTERS MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 35

Liam Martin. Photo: NRL Photos.

thefinalword

Penrith break ground at their new temporary home ground this Friday night when they host a Roosters side that appears to be in for a long season if last week’s performance against Brisbane is anything to go by.

Trent Robinson would have to be worried about what he saw last Friday against a rejuvenated Broncos – and while he has plenty of injury concerns, depth issues and no serious recruitment to blame, there’s no doubt his side appeared off the pace at times throughout the contest.

Starved of possession, they simply couldn’t capitalise on a good start and looked no match for Michael Maguire’s side once they got in their rhythm.

Despite this, beware the wounded Rooster. Trent Robinson is not used to his side copping 50-point hidings and it rarely happens two

weeks in a row. They would see this Friday’s match against the defending Premiers as the perfect opportunity to right the wrongs of last week and prove they’ve still got something to offer this competition.

For Penrith, the question hovering over them is simple: how severe is the Vegas hangover?

No matter what Ivan Cleary may have put in place to ensure coming down from such an event was smooth, nothing can take away from the reality that you’re going from the bright lights of Vegas and such an amazing rugby league spectacle to what is likely to be a half-full CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

But while many may expect the Panthers to struggle through this initial period as they get used to the week-to-week competition again, we are reminded about just how often Penrith tosses aside what is supposed to happen. From winning Premierships in the COVID

bubble, to going back-to-back and then adding two more titles, from losing key players to now losing their home ground; the Panthers simply face every new challenge with strength and most of the time, overcome it.

What other side could have lost the best player in the game consistently each season for huge chunks and still kept winning, before going on to lift the trophy?

This is a rare side, a legendary side, and anyone who still doubts it must have fool written across their forehead.

There will of course be bumps in the road, and even not winning the Premiership this year does not dampen its legendary status, but after seeing the full suite of round one matches, it is hard now to imagine this Penrith side is not there when the whips are cracking yet again.

Penrith will only be stronger this weekend compared to the side that beat the Sharks in

Vegas, with Brian To’o back and Liam Henry also a chance of returning to the side. The Roosters meanwhile are without Victor Radley who suffered a nasty knock at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night.

The key for Penrith in this one will be not getting too far ahead of themselves and sticking to the game plan.

If the Panthers play their usual game, and be patient, they should be too good for a Roosters side that is lacking any serious creativity in the halves and has lost too much grunt up front.

The Roosters will win games this year on reputation alone – there are still star names on the team sheet – but they simply don’t have the cattle to be playing Finals football.

They should be easy cannon fodder for the Panthers if that Vegas hangover doesn’t suddenly rear its head.

Tip: Panthers by 16.

Graphic: Zoe Merrick.

TROY DODDS

COMMBANK STADIUM | REFEREE: TODD SMITH | BUNKER: GRANT ATKINS

panther rumblings

ANNESLEY BRIEFINGS AXED

! Annesley truth session dumped: The NRL has dumped Graham Annesley’s weekly media briefings. The Monday afternoon truth sessions have run for about seven years and were terrific in breaking down barriers and opening up transparency between officiating and fans, and also dispelling some of the myths that would emerge from the media or supporters. The NRL says it will still address controversial officiating decisions, but this seems like a backward step from a game making ground in so many other places.

! Former Panther’s good deed: Rugby league player antics off the field sometimes make headlines for all the wrong reasons, but one former Penrith player’s good deed at the Lennox Centre at Emu Plains deserves to be recognised. The ‘90s era player showed a lot of concern for an elderly gentleman on a walker in the car park of the shopping centre recently. The man’s disabled daughter had slipped and become stuck between the front and back seats of his SUV as he attempted to help her into her wheelchair. He explained that his daughter was aged 58 and had communication problems. The former player tried his best, but couldn’t help the situation. He then called his two boys Riley and Dempsey – both strapping young sportsmen – and together they managed to free the woman and solve the problem. It was a great show of community spirit, all from a man who bled for the Panthers. The player in question? None other than Scott Ellem, who played 12 games for Penrith in the Premiership-winning 1991 season.

! Flags coming: Penrith City Council is currently working with Panthers on the installation of flags along Mulgoa Road showing support for the Panthers. The flags, featuring players from the NRL side, have become something of an institution on the busy thoroughfare but haven’t been spotted this year. We’re assured they’re on their way soon.

! Timing’s everything: The Panthers held a media session on Wednesday and expected plenty of journos to attend ahead of the club’s first home game at CommBank Stadium. But Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown ended up holding a press conference at the same time to discuss his mega deal with Newcastle, meaning writers adjusted their Google Maps and made a shorter journey out west. The Panthers v Roosters game has somewhat flown under the radar this week.

! Luke on the lookout: Soni Luke is off-contract at the end of the season and it’s highly unlikely he’ll re-sign with Penrith. After

playing

! Fox record: The opening round fixture between

and

was the highest rating regular season Panthers game in Fox Sports history. It’s a huge win for Fox especially given the game also aired free-to-air on Channel Nine.

! Seven serious about Footy? Is Channel Seven actually considering a crack at the NRL rights, or is it all about putting pressure on Nine? There’s talk Seven will launch a midyear NRL show and high level executives were invited to travel to Las Vegas to share corporate suites with the likes of ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys earlier this month. But people I’ve spoken to say it’s unlikely Seven will be a serious bidder for week-to-week NRL rights. However, should the NRL treat State of Origin separately in the rights discussions – and there’s a big chance they will – Seven may raise its hand, and present its cheque book.

! May to play again: There’s an uncomfortable feeling across the game in relation to Taylan May and his domestic violence charges being dropped this week, but it won’t stop another club signing him. The Wests Tigers in

particular are likely to brush aside any moral concerns and sign him – they’re the clear favourites to hand him an NRL lifeline. On TV earlier this week, Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary welcomed May’s likely NRL return.

the local river system. Despite his rough exterior, Kenny is very passionate about the environment.

! Got some goss? I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources. Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

20 games with Penrith in 2023, he made just one appearance in 2024 and doesn’t appear to be in Ivan Cleary’s future plans.

! Spotted: Panthers winger Brian To’o at Campbelltown Stadium last Friday night supporting his good mate Jarome Luai on his Wests Tigers debut.

Penrith

Cronulla

! Enviro Kenny: Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny has been spending time with the Hawkesbury-Nepean Platypus crew, who are researchers looking into the health of platypus in

No more Graham Annesley?

KENNY TAKES WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Mitch Kenny loves getting out and about, but there’s probably nobody in the world that’s enjoyed a contrasting past few weeks than the rugged Panthers hooker.

A fortnight ago, Kenny was enjoying the spoils of the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, as well as the incredible Grand Canyon via scenic helicopter, while earlier this week, he was out on the Nepean River at night working with a local conservation group researching platypus population numbers.

This may not be the typical life of a rugby league player, but it’s Kenny’s right now and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, the 27-year-old said he absolutely loved his 10 days in Sin City but nothing beats coming home to family.

“We had a great time. I’m super grateful we got to share that together as a group,” he said.

“I think we had a really good balance of having fun and soaking up the experience, but we were there to do a job and we did that. Great memories and we’ll certainly be better for it.”

Before they knocked off Cronulla in Round 1 at Allegiant Stadium, the Panthers were given plenty of time to get acquainted with Vegas without making too much of a scene, of course.

“10 days is a long time to be in a place like that. Vegas is what it is, it’s purpose built for a few things that probably don’t line up with playing

professional sports that well,” Kenny admitted.

“But I think we did a really good job managing the distractions. We had to acknowledge what it is and not shy away from that, but I feel like we did a good job throughout the week of embracing parts of Vegas and shielding ourselves from the distractions that it can present.”

Upon Kenny’s return home last week, he and

his Panthers teammates were treated to four days of rest and recovery before training begun for this Friday night’s battle with the Sydney Roosters at CommBank Stadium.

In between training and preparing for game day at his new home stadium in Parramatta, Kenny visited the Nepean River on Monday night to check on platypus numbers with a local

Hawkesbury-Nepean conservation group.

Kenny revealed he loves the great outdoors, and that wildlife and conservation was a “developing interest” of his.

“I’m proud to be from this area. I’m proud to live on Dharug land. It feels like home and so I want to look after it,” Kenny said.

“Any small part I can play in any sort of environmental or conservation work is something I’m looking at getting more involved in.”

And while Kenny and his crew were unable to spot any platypus this time around, he’s eager to go out again soon.

“I’ll be going out with them a few times this year and hopefully we can get a bit more of an idea of the population that’s out here, how healthy they are, and what we can do to keep supporting the local plattys,” he said.

Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Vegas: Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny.

CLEARY: COME SEE OUR NEW PLACE

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has urged supporters to make the hour trek to CommBank Stadium in Parramatta this season as the club kicks off its stint at their new home away from home this Friday night.

With the $309 million knockdown-rebuild happening at Penrith – albeit slowly – it’s forced the four-in-a-row Premiers to play on the road this season, with the swish Parramatta venue set to host eight official Panthers home games this season.

Instead of families travelling five to 10 minutes from their home to Penrith Park, they’ll now be hitting the busy freeways and unpredictable Sydney public transport system to get to matches.

Speaking on Wednesday, Cleary cheekily said Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium wasn’t necessarily Eels territory but a place where everyone in western Sydney is welcome.

“It’s western Sydney,” he affirmed.

“We love the fans turning up. We play for the fans. We play for our community. It’s going to be different but it’s a fantastic stadium too and we should celebrate that – it’s a really cool stadium!

“I’ve actually been there a couple of times when I’m not working, and you understand how good it is. We’d love our fans to come and celebrate and watch the boys and be part of what should be a great atmosphere.”

Speaking with Extra Time, Cleary said his players are also looking forward to making themselves at home at the venue, which will have upgraded facilities that they weren’t privileged to at the former Penrith Stadium.

“I think so… it is what is is… we can’t live in the past,” he said.

“We’re just excited to play footy. Most of our

team didn’t play a trial game, so we’ve only had the one game and then we’ve been off another week. They’re all just itching to get back out there.”

Unlike in previous years under coach Cleary, Penrith will no longer have a Captain’s Run training session at their home ground, with CommBank Stadium only to be used on game days by teams. Instead, the Panthers will conduct Captain’s Run at their Academy in Penrith.

All eyes will be on the Panthers this Friday night as they look to capitalise on their season opening victory in Las Vegas against the Cronulla Sharks.

As per the CBA, the Panthers were permitted four days off after landing back in Sydney last Tuesday before resuming training last weekend.

Cleary said due to the favourable time difference between Sydney and Vegas, he doesn’t expect his players to feel any type of post trip hangover.

“It feels better than last year when we came back from Manchester, but time will tell,” he said.

“The Manchester time difference is kind of opposite to ours whereas Vegas is only five hours. I feel like that’s made a difference.”

Cleary said he learned a lot from last year’s trip to the UK and is confident his players will be ready.

“We were a bit flat last year when we came back, hopefully that’s not the case this year,” he said.

“We had extra time off to try and work it all out and we had a plan and have gone through with it. I’m pretty happy with how it’s going but we’ll find out a little bit more on Friday.”

Boosting Penrith’s chances of victory is the inclusion of the Energizer Bunny Brian To’o, who missed the clash against the Sharks due to a hamstring injury.

Cleary confirmed the father of one will return against the Roosters on Friday as will Casey

McLean (head knock), while Liam Henry (shoulder) is considered a 50-50 chance.

“It’s great to have Bizza back. He’s an incredible player for us for many years now and a huge piece in our puzzle,” he said.

“Liam Henry is close. He has to tick a few boxes, and we have to decide whether he’s ready or not but he’s very close. As you can imagine, he’s itching, he’s banging down the door.”

CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. Photo: NRL Images.

Ivan Cleary. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Ivan Cleary chats to Nathan Taylor. NATHAN TAYLOR

footy club

Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...

Tries: D Laurie 2, I Yeo, I Tago, P Alamoti Goals: N Cleary 4/5

Tries: N Puru 2, B Fearnley, K Dixon, B Burns Goals: N Puru 3/6

Tries: J Ramien, B Nikora, K Iro, A Fonua-Blake Goals: B Trindall 3/4

Tries: H Armstrong 2, J Edgar, J Liddiard, P Hotere-Papalii

Goals: Z Clarke 5/5

Tries: T Jenkins 2 Goals: B Schneider 2/2 Tries: Goals:

panther memories

They were tough years, but they were also tough players.

John Cross was among the toughest during his time with Penrith between 1998 and 2002.

Cross, a mobile forward and the son of St George’s Greg Cross, started his career with Illawarra in 1991.

He switched to the Panthers in 1998, playing 18 games in his first season with the club.

Over the next few seasons he would play 109 games with Penrith, providing toughness and experience in a difficult era.

He left the Panthers at the end of 2002 – just a year before the 2003 Premiership – and played one final season with St George-Illawarra.

Cross is now in his mid-50s.

(Photo thanks to NRL Photos)

DUO’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION

with Peter Lang

In rugby league everyone loves a good comeback story and in this year’s Panthers squad there are two players, Thomas Jenkins and Isaiah Papali’i, who are seeking redemption and are hoping to make their mark at the four-peat Premiers. They couldn’t have picked a tougher club to resurrect their careers at either. I mean Penrith’s culture and training standards are elite and quickly separates the men from the boys.

But if you’re going to climb a mountain and reach the top, it may as well be Mount Everest.

A quick textbook definition of ‘redemption stories’ and its meaning is; Redemption stories showcase characters who have failed in the past and are address ing their prior mistake or failure. Through hard work they try again and succeed.”

In no way can either Thomas Jenkins or Isaiah Papali’i be classi fied as failures, but both men have made mistakes over the last couple of years which have stalled their careers.

Let’s start with 23-year-old

Thomas Jenkins. The 190cm, 95kg giant was just starting to make a name for himself at Penrith in 2023 when he decided to chase a regu-

lar opportunity to play first grade on the wing for the Newcastle Knights.

The spot was there for him too, especially after Dom Young

Knowing there wasn’t a Top 30 spot available at the time, Jenkins took up an opportunity to play with St Marys in the Ron Massey Cup. However it wasn’t

Panthers.

Now while Jenkins’ redemption is still not complete, he is well on his way.

Jenkins has already put in several eye-catching performances in the club’s pre-season trial match versus Manly and their Round 1 game against the Newtown Jets where he scored two tries last weekend. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Jenkins in the top grade sooner rather than later.

Second-rower Isaiah Papali’i may have less of a road to travel to redemption than Jenkins, given he is already in the club’s top 17, but the former 2022 Dally M Secondrower of the Year knows his form and career went into decline for the two years he spent at the Wests Tigers (2023-24).

So much so that the Tigers released him from the third year of this contract so he could take up a three-year deal with Penrith. Papali’i has made a good start to the season but he still has a way to go before he reaches the summit.

He’s currently starting off the bench and trying to make an impact every time he runs onto the field.

He’s just past ‘base camp’, but the toughest part of the climb is yet to come.

Good luck, fellas!

Thomas Jenkins has made his way back to the Panthers. Photo: NRL Images.

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS

KNIGHTS SEA

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS

ENTERTAINMENT

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

THE BEST OF DOLLY IN PENRITH H

Big hair, big lips and big other things will hit the Panthers stage for ‘The Dolly Show’ at the end of the month.

The Weekender spoke with Australian-born Kelly O’Brien over the phone, who is hailed as one of the best Dolly tribute artists in the world, as she walked her terriers around Hertfordshire in the UK.

“I’m sorry,” she said in response to having her British accent pointed out.

“If I talk to Aussies enough, my accent kind of comes back, but I live in a very posh place just outside London.”

The UK West End Star has been crowned the United Kingdom’s best Dolly tribute artist four times running, and it all started with competitions on home soil.

“When I was in Sydney, I used to do loads of competitions –all the RSL’s used to have big competitions for prize money,” O’Brien explained.

At a competition in Marrickville, she sang a Dolly song.

“When I did Dolly, everyone lost their minds, they said I sounded like her, I was short like her, and I looked like her with the wig on,” O’Brien recounted.

“After that, I was doing all the

clubs in Sydney, and I was dressing up as a bad Dolly and people still loved it.”

In 2002, the singer packed up and travelled to Germany to perform in ‘Starlight Express’ before moving to London, where her agent friend mentioned the agency needed a Dolly tribute artist.

“At that time, I was a single mum, and I’d split up with my ex-husband already, so with childcare costs and having no family, I thought this was great because I could work once a week instead of three times a week and spend more time with my son,” O’Brien explained.

“I borrowed 10-grand from the bank and then I sat at home and researched Dolly and watched every video to learn the way she talked, the way she walked, everything she did, and got it down as best as I could.”

Her spot-on impressions have made her a stand-out in her field.

“When I’m her, I’m her. I stay in character the entire time,” O’Brien stated.

“Some tribute artists might say, ‘This is a song by Britney Spears and I’m going to sing it for you now’,” O’Brien said before switching to her Dolly voice.

“Whereas I just pretend I’m Dolly from the start and put on the voice and say I’m from Tennessee!”

tribute artist is even endorsed by members of the Parton family.

“They’re big fans. I know her nephews, her cousins, people associated with her, her publicist, these people know that I’m around,” O’Brien explained.

“I haven’t got direct endorsement from her, she hasn’t come to see my show, but I’m working on it.

“I have met her and when I met her, she was really lovely and I told her what I did for a job and she was really accepting, so I guess in that way she has endorsed it, but I wouldn’t say officially.”

The performance will showcase Dolly through time – from 1967 to current day – and will be full of costume changes, anecdotes, wig changes, and Dollyisms.

And this won’t be O’Brien’s first time performing in Penrith as she returns for a full-circle moment.

“I think I won a competition at Penrith Panthers around 20 years ago; I still have the video!” O’Brien exclaimed.

“I haven’t been back there since then. Coming back now is one of those pinch me moments.”

‘The Dolly Show’ will be at EVAN Theatre on March 29 and tickets range from $59.90 to $69.90. Book your spot online via the Panthers website or at Panthers reception.

The

ALLY HALL

THINGS TO DO

Carnival of Cups

Carnival of Cups is coming back to Penrith Paceway with some A-List entertainment! The free-ticketed event will have a racing package and performances by Birds of Tokyo, Sarah McLeod and many more incredible artists! Have an amazing night trackside this Saturday from 4.30pm. For free tickets and more information, visit www.carnivalofcups.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

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

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Penrith CBD Corporation

Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Penrith Harmony Learn To Sing

Four week course for men who would like to sing in four part harmony. Starts March 24. Call 0431 940 181.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club

The Poems, Prayers and Promises of John Denver

Multi-award-winning performer Darren Coggan will deliver the vocal authenticity of John Denver at The Joan on Friday, March 14. Re-live the voice of a generation as Coggan returns to his country roots with anthems like ‘Take Me Home Country Roads’ and ‘Rocky Mountain High’. Book your seat online at www. thejoan.com.au.

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.

Probus Club of Nepean

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

South Creek Probus Club

Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club. Email southcreekprobusclub@gmail.com.

Penrith Lions Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.

volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

BM & Penrith Woodworking Club

Meets second and fourth Saturdays at Girl Guides Hall in Mt Riverview. Call 0402 281 987 for details.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club

Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Nepean Food Services

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

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

MUSEUMS

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

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

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

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

Direct from the United States is The Fab Four, described by the LA Times as the greatest Beatles show in the world! With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics like ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, ‘Here Comes the Sun’, ‘Hey Jude’, and more, it’ll send you back in time. The Fab Four will perform at Penrith Panthers on Saturday, March 15. Tickets cost $67. Beatles classics live on stage

SONGS WITH HEART

ALLY HALL

From busking on the streets of Newcastle and London to an international tour with three stops in Australia, Victor Ray is bringing soul, funk and heart to Oxford Art Factory in Sydney.

The Uganda-born Brit was raised in Newcastle and has been singing his whole life.

“I don’t remember when I first started, but I remember always singing and loving it and feeling really confident when I was singing and really shy when I wasn’t,” Ray explained.

The singer-songwriter decided during his teenage years that he would pursue a career as an artist and moved to London when he

was 18 to pursue that dream – a dream that many give up on.

“It was only out of reach until I decided that this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life,” Ray said.

“That was when I was 16 or 17, but even then, I knew it was far away, and it wouldn’t be easy.”

Ray was busking and performing on the street for around four or five years before gaining recognition, but he saw it all as an opportunity to practice.

“I’m so surprised that it took me this far,” Ray stated.

“I’m about to put out my fourth EP, so I feel like I’m near the end of the start of my career.”

The ‘I AM. Tour’ will propel Ray onto the world stage, where he will share personal experiences through music and versatile

genres.

“My best songs seem to be the ones where I’m telling stories about myself,” Ray explained.

“Sometimes I can play chords, and the songs will flow right out of me, and sometimes it takes a bit more to pull out the right words and figure out how I’m feeling.

“The more honest I am, the better the song usually.”

Concerts throughout Ray’s international tour promise lots

of energy, big vocals, and raw emotion – a place where fans can have a great time and reflect.

“It can be quite intimate, I like to create a warm space where people can really listen,” Ray explained.

“What I love about my music and my fans is that some of my songs are so personal to me, but they mean so many different things to everyone else, so I like to create a space where people can really find themselves in the music and the songs.”

Ray’s most recent project was his new EP, ‘Hearts Break and People Change’, which was written after being betrayed by a friend.

Despite resolving the situation, the relationship was never the same.

“I do a lot of growing up with my music because I started writing it

when I was so young, and I think with this song I accepted the fact that my relationship with this person is different now and we’ve grown in different ways and that’s okay and that’s probably going to happen again with different people in my life,” Ray reflected. “I think accepting that is really important because life happens either way, even if you don’t want it to happen in a certain way, it does what it does.”

Book in to see the autobiographical storyteller debut in Sydney at https://www.frontiertouring.com/victorray. He will perform on Wednesday, April 2, at 8pm and tickets cost $69.90.

This buddy tragicomedy revolves around two housemates – waitress Dreux (Keke Palmer) and aspiring artist Alyssa (SZA).

The pair end up in strife when they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has spent their rent money and their landlord threatens to evict them if they don’t pay $1,500 by that evening.

Things go from bad to worse for the friends as they try to make the money in creative ways, including donating blood and selling shoes.

The film marks SZA’s film debut and includes other big names like Katt Williams and Maude Apatow.

Robert Pattinson stars as the ultimate expendable employee in this sci-fi film from ‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon-Ho. Mickey (Pattinson) and his friend Timo (Steven Yeun) embark on a mission to colonise an ice planet

when things aren’t working out for them on Earth. Timo enrols as a shuttle pilot and Mickey goes as the spaceship’s disposable crew member.

Mickey is selected for life-threatening tasks because he can be regenerated if his body dies, with his memories mostly intact. However, when the 17th Mickey is mistaken for dead, he must navigate the harsh reality of his existence alongside the 18th Mickey. It’s in cinemas now.

www.hoyts.com.au

WAYNE’S W RLD

with Wayne Tunks

WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION

The column this week has officially become the Kylie Minogue fan page. I got to see Kylie last Sunday and it was brilliant. I have seen Kylie a number of times over the years, mainly early on.

The first time I saw her was for the Rhythm of Love Tour in 1991 at the old Sydney Entertainment Centre, and saw her a few more times, including her divine Intimate and Live Tour at the State Theatre in 1997.

Since Kylie’s Tension Tour started in Perth a few weeks back, there was a heap of talk about the setlist and people being unhappy. Of course, most of those people weren’t even at the show. Opinions always seem to be the loudest from people who had nothing to do with the event. Now we’re suddenly getting articles from people saying they were wrong, Kylie’s show really was the real deal.

The first thing that was apparent watching was how strong Kylie’s voice is. It has been getting stronger as the years have gone on, as she powers out her massive backlog of hits. The production may not have been as lavish as some of

her previous shows, but it was still impressive. Kylie and her dancers know how to put on a show and every song had the audience enraptured. There were so many moments where the audience sprung to their feet to sing and dance. As it was the Tension Tour,

there were a few songs from the new two albums, and a special segment dedicated to her Disco album, which came out in peak COVID. These were great songs, especially ‘Padam Padam’ as her first encore song – a definite crowd pleaser. It was great to hear such a wide variety of her songs, and so many number one tunes performed, including ‘All the Lovers’, ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’, ‘Spinning Around’ and how wonderful to hear, ‘Confide in Me’, my second favourite Kylie tune.

Then there was the earlier stuff, ‘Better the Devil’, ‘What Do I Have To Do’, ‘Locomotion’ and a special stripped back performance of ‘I Should Be So Lucky’. It was a brilliant evening by a woman who may be almost 40 years into her career, but is still top of her game.

COUNTRY CORNER

Country Corner recently returned from Nashville, so for the next few weeks we’ll be providing lists of some of our favourite elements – to help you plan your next trip to Music City. Today, we name the top 10 Broadway bars...

1. Tootsies

Tootsies first opened in 1960 and is a Nashville institution. You can’t miss it with its bright purple exterior. There’s three levels of live music, great drinks and an awesome atmosphere. Old school Nashville at its best.

in by chance and outside of Tootsies, it was the only bar we went to twice! Lots of fun, and say hello to Lexy and JC!

4. Robert’s Western World

Great if you like country stars like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. You’ll get plenty of live old school country music here, plus some great bar prices too. Well worth popping in.

5. Chiefs

celebrity-inspired bars. It’s still got plenty of swagger, with great country bands on the lower levels and an awesome rooftop bar that is a must-see.

8. Tequila Cowboy

This one wasn’t on our list but we ended up here by accident, thinking it was Aldean’s. The bar staff here were awesome, and the music as good as anywhere on Broadway. A terrific cocktail list.

2. This Bar

One of the newer Broadway bars, Morgan Wallen’s bar was pumping even on a Monday night. Great live music, an excellent rooftop and well-priced drinks.

3. Show Pony

This one wasn’t on our list initially, but we stumbled

Definitely one of the best rooftop bars on Broadway and if you keep up with your country news, you’ll love the Morgan Wallen-inspired drink. A little on the expensive side but one of the larger bars and plenty of fun.

6. Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk

The place to go if you’re not 100 per cent into country music, as you’ll get plenty of variety here. This is definitely the place to party – and you’ll find it busy most nights of the week.

7. Luke’s 32 Bridge Luke’s is becoming one of the older Broadway bars now, and was one of the original

9. Aldean’s

This Jason Aldean-inspired bar is huge, with a massive rooftop featuring live music of all genres. If you plan to eat here, have something with the BBQ sauce. It’s mind-blowing.

10. Category 10

One of the newer Broadway bars, it definitely has one of the best rooftop bars going.

Nathan Taylor

TV NEWS

Ê The new season of ‘Taskmaster Australia’ will premiere on 10 on Thursday, March 27 at 8.30pm. Taskmaster Tom Gleeson and his diminutive assistant, Tom Cashman, return for the fourth season with a new cast of comedians. Joining the series this season are Dave Hughes, Emma Holland, Lisa McCune, Takashi Wakasugi and Tommy Little as they tackle the tasks set by the two Toms and battle it out for the title of Taskmaster Australia champion.

Ê A new reality series has hit streaming service Hayu that’s sure to get everyone talking. Early 2000s Hollywood actress, Charlie Sheen’s former flame and ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star Denise Richards is back in a brand-new reality series cleverly titled ‘Denise Richards & Her Wild Things’. This time around, life is more complicated and unpredictable with her three young daughters, as they show viewers what their famous, loving and hilarious life is like. Hayu has also just launched the latest season of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ as well as season 35 (yes, season 35) of ‘The Only Way is Essex’.

MARCH 27 8.30PM TASKMASTER AUSTRALIA, 10

COMING SOON DENISE RICHARDS & HER WILD THINGS, HAYU

Ê Two big US spin-offs have been axed. After six seasons ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ is out, as is ‘FBI: International’, which concludes after four seasons. The original ‘FBI’ is continuing however, screening until at least the end of 2027.

Ê The new season of the American version of ‘Love on the Spectrum’ will premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, April 2. The Emmy-winning series profiles people on the autism spectrum navigating dating and relationships. I’m hanging out for another Aussie version… come on ABC, Netflix… someone get this going again!

Ê Charlotte Crosby’s new spin-off fourpart series, ‘Geordie Stories: Charlotte’s New Baby’, is currently streaming on Paramount+. The series provides an intimate look at Crosby’s life as she navigates her second pregnancy, balancing motherhood, her television career and personal challenges.

Ê New Paramount+ drama ‘Happy Face’ will premiere next Friday, March 21 with the first two episodes. ‘Happy Face’ is inspired

by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore; the critically acclaimed ‘Happy Face’ podcast; and the autobiography ‘Shattered Silence’, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook. At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. ‘Happy Face’ features a star-studded cast, including Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford and Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid.

Ê Finally, some upsetting news from Las Vegas, with long-time Foxtel series ‘Pawn Stars’ in big trouble. ‘Pawn Stars’ lead visionary Rick Harrison has revealed that the show, which premiered in 2009, was no longer under contract with History in the US. “However, we’re waiting to see when we might resume filming or what will come next on the horizon,” Harrison said in a statement. “Here’s to ‘Pawn Stars 2.0.’” The shooting schedule is officially on hiatus, with no plans to resume. The current season ends in April.

TV

Guide:

March 14 – 20

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

(PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Dying For A Crown” (M v) (’22) Stars: Jennifer Titus 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Mammals (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Four Weddings And A Funeral” (M l,s) (’94) Stars: Hugh Grant 11:05 Movie: “The Big Sick” (M l,s) (’17) 6:00 The Drew Barrymore Show (PG) 7:00 Frugal Foodie 7:30 Farm To Fork 8:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 8:30 Deal Or

6:00

Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown

12:00 Angel (M v) 3:00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 4:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 5:00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special 5:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 7:00 Movie: “Ever After: A Cinderella Story” (PG) (’98) Stars: Drew Barrymore

6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Red” (M l,v) (’10) Stars: Bruce Willis 9:45 Movie: “Atomic Blonde” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Charlize Theron 12:05 Repco Supercars Highlights 7:00

4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Africa’s Underwater Wonders (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Beasts Of The Southern Wild” (M) (’12) Stars: Dwight Henry

Deal (PG) 9:00 Lingo (PG) 10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:15 Australian Survivor (PG) 11:30 Motorsport: Formula 1: Australian Grand Prix: Day 1 *Live* 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 9:50 Tom Gleeson - Lighten Up (M) 11:00 10’s Late News 9:50

9:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 My Life Is Murder (M v) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 4:30 Formula 1: Australian Grand Prix: Day 1 *Live* 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 Evil (MA15+) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30

Way 1:00 Let’s Eat With George 1:30 Hybrid Horizons 2:00 The Pet

2:00 Better Homes And Gardens 3:00 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 4:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ Caulfield *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)

1:30 Cool Cars & Bikes (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 Drag Racing: NDRC Top Doorslammer Round 2 4:00 Carnage (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 AFL: Round 1: Sydney v Brisbane *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Total Recall” (M) (’90) 12:00 Malaysia Kitchen 12:30 Dream Home (PG) 2:10 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 3:40 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 5:40 Movie: “Stuart Little” (G) (’99) Stars: Michael J Fox 7:30 Movie: “A Knight’s Tale” (M v) (’01) Stars: Heath Ledger

4:20 Black As (PG) 4:30 Strait To The Plate 5:00 Spirit Talker (M) 5:30 The Last LandGespe’gewa’gi (PG) 6:00 Shiny One (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 The American Buffalo (PG)

Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News 3:25 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:55 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG) 5:40 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 6:10 Memory Bites With Matt Moran 6:40 Restaurants At The End Of The World 7:30 Dermot’s Taste Of Ireland 8:30 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens 3:30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure (M) 4:15 Extraordinary Escapes (PG) 5:05 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Darby And Joan (PG) 8:20 Unforgotten (M) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Sunday Footy Feast 2:30 Air Crash Investigations - The Accident Files (PG) 3:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Australian Idol (PG)

2:00 Navigating The World 4:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Football Tonight 7:25 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League Men: Round 23: Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory *Live*

4:10 BBC News At Ten 4:40 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:05 PBS News Hour 6:05 Our Law (PG) 6:40 Engineering Tomorrow 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Fatboy Slim - Right Here, Right Now (M l)

10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Friends (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

3:15 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over (PG) 4:15 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” (G) (’09) Stars: Jason Lee 7:30 Movie: “Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian” (PG) (’09)

1:30 Maine Cabin Masters (PG) 2:30 Building Alaska (PG) 3:30 My Lottery Dream Home 4:30 Maine Cabin Masters (PG) 5:30 Chateau DIY 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 Restoring Galveston 8:30 House Hunters USA

3:10 Movie: “Fire Over Africa” (G) (’54) 4:50 Movie: “Kings Of The Sun” (PG) (’63) Stars: Yul Brynner 7:00 Rugby Union: Super Rugby Pacific: Reds v Waratahs *Live* 9:30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG)

Just Desserts (PG) 2:20 Home And Away (PG) 4:20 Australian Idol (PG) 5:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 6:30 Puppy School (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 4:30 Movie: “Amazing Grace” (G) (’18) Stars: Aretha Franklin 6:00 Queer & Here (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 Murder In Big Horn (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Regard Noir” (AKA ‘Melanin’) (PG) (’21) Stars: Taís Araújo 11:30 Navigating The World 12:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 4:30 JAG (PG) 5:30 Basketball: NBL: Finals: Hawks v Melbourne *Live* 7:30 Matlock (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M v) 8:00 Frasier (PG) 10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Friends (PG) 5:30 Frasier: High Crane Drifter (PG) 6:00 The Big

5:20 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:45 Domino Masters (PG) 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (M) 7:35 Abandoned Americana (PG) 8:30 The UnXplained With William Shatner (MA15+)

3:00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG) 4:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:30 Movie: “The Lego Ninjago Movie” (PG) (’17) Stars: Dave Franco 7:30 Movie: “Shazam! Fury Of The Gods” (M v) (’23) Stars: Zachary Levi

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

2:00 Movie: “West Of Zanzibar” (G) (’54) Stars: Anthony Steel 4:00 Movie: “What Did You Do In The War, Daddy?” (PG) (’66) Stars: James Coburn 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Fugitive” (PG) (’93) Stars: Harrison Ford

Get Macca’s® delivered.

5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 PJ Masks Power

3:35 A Bite To Eat With Alice 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 My Family (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 6:00

3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Evil (MA15+) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Becker (PG)

5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:25 Octonauts:

NCIS (M v) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v)

5:35 Fireman Sam 5:50 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond 7:05 Odd Squad 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30 8:00 ABC News Tonight

3:40 A Bite To Eat With Alice 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 My Family (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

Arctic Secrets (PG) 7:30 Home, Land & Sea (PG)

5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Becker (PG)

My Life Is Murder (M v) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Elsbeth (M v) 8:30 NCIS (M v) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG)

6:30 Tales From River Cottage 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Nadiya’s Cook Once, Eat Twice 8:00 Rachael Ray’s Meals In Minutes 5:45 The Fast History Of (PG) 6:10 Mysteries From Above (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Best Interests (M

5:20 Your Garden Made Perfect 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Yes Minister 8:40 Midsomer Murders (M s,v) 10:40 The Closer (M v)

C addens

C addens News (C addens Corner)

Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

McDonald's

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

McDonald's

Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

McDonald's

Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen

(Penrith Homemaker)

Patt y’s Place

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo

IGA

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

MFC Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Au stralian Arms

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Brisket Boys

Ca fé Fre d

C altex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

McDonald's High Street

McDonald's Panthers Le agues

McDonald's Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern RE/MAX

Sittano’s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

World Gym

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Mobil Ser vice Station

The Chemist Shop

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Woolworths

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys Andrew ’s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Monfar ville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St Mar ys Fish Market

St Mar ys Le agues Club

St Mar ys Librar

McDonald's St Mar ys South

New South Wales residents over 60 are increasingly seeking a more active lifestyle enriched with fun, friendship and freedom. Purchasing a home in a Stockland Halcyon community enables them to unlock capital tied up in their homes and invest in a fulfilling lifestyle as they approach retirement.

“IT’S GREAT TO KNOW WE WILL BE LIVING IN A PLACE WHERE WE FEEL SUPPORTED AS PART OF A COMMUNITY”

Located in the charming Hills district, Halcyon Gables offers vibrant, resort-style living and features premium facilities like a cinema, pool, spa, fitness centre and clubhouse, as well as dining room, bar and community gardens.

Halcyon communities operate as a Land Lease Community model, meaning the buyer purchases their home, while Stockland maintains ownership of the land. No stamp duty is applied to the purchase, and unlike many retirement villages, there are no exit fees levied if the property is sold, so homeowners retain all their capital gains when they sell.

Three couples who have bought

in Halcyon Gables are Ian and Denise Arnott, Dominic and Pauline Vozzo, and Trevor and Beryl Aspin, for whom downsizing and affordability were key considerations.

Beryl and Trevor spent years looking before buying with Halcyon.

“We just couldn’t justify retirement village exit fees or give up the opportunity to possibly make money from our home longterm,” she said.

“We found Halcyon and said this is the winning formula.”

The six first became friends through their local Probus group but were surprised to discover

they would be neighbours.

“We didn’t realise we were all looking to buy in Halcyon Gables until we saw each other at the first meeting and couldn’t believe it,” Pauline said.

“We even realised that we bought plots on the same street, so we’ll already have friends as neighbours!”

The group is excited to embark on a fresh start.

“It’s great to know we will be living in a place where we feel supported as part of a community,” Dominic said.

“I am really looking forward to moving into my brand-new home and starting a new adventure.”

SENSATIONAL SILVERDALE

What is so great about this property?

This prime parcel offers immense potential for development and growth. Capitalise on Silverdale’s flourishing market – a smart choice for investors, builders, and first home buyers. Secure your place in Silverdale’s bright future. Who does this property suit? Family/Investor. Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Silverdale is a thriving township, with a healthy mix of development ranging from 700sqm lots up to the larger 4000sqm lifestyle lots. There is a new Woolworths shopping centre almost ready to open with around 25 specialty shops/restaurants.

Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.

PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0

FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME

WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE

Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me

*Artist impression

ELBOW PAIN EXPLAINED

Elbow pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and walks of life. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or simply someone going about their daily activities, experiencing elbow pain can be both uncomfortable and disruptive.

Elbow pain is a broad term that encompasses various conditions, each with its unique causes and symptoms. Some common causes of elbow pain include:

–Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition often results from repetitive gripping and twisting motions, causing pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.

–Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, typically due to overuse and strain on the wrist flexor muscles.

–Olecranon Bursitis:

Inflammation of the bursa sac, located at the tip of the elbow, can lead to swelling, redness, and pain.

–Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs through the elbow’s cubital tunnel, becomes compressed, resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and hand.

–Fractures and dislocations: Trauma or accidents can cause fractures or dislocations of the bones in the elbow joint, leading to severe pain and limited mobility.

Recognising the symptoms

Some common symptoms include:

–Pain, which can be sharp, dull, or throbbing

–Swelling and inflammation

–Difficulty in fully extending or flexing the arm

–Weakness in the affected arm

The Experts

JUSTIN HANNA

One Point Health 4732 5188

–Numbness or tingling in the forearm or hand

–Difficulty gripping

How physio can help It’s crucial to address elbow pain promptly to prevent it from becoming chronic and affecting your daily life. The treatment for elbow pain depends on its cause and severity. Some common approaches include:

Education regarding rest and activity modification

Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain and allow the elbow to heal.

Targeted exercises and stretches can help improve strength and flexibility in the affected area.

Taping and bracing these devices can provide support and reduce strain.

WIRELESS ON THE ROAD

Do you fumble with USB cables when connecting your phone to your car? Does your phone drop out and disconnect you for no reason or when you move or bump it?

That’s where wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay adapters come in. These compact devices offer a liberating experience for drivers seeking seamless connectivity. They allow you to connect your smartphone to your car’s entertainment system without the need for cables.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay adapters are small devices that plug into your car’s USB port. They act as intermediaries between your smartphone and the car’s infotainment system, enabling wireless connectivity. These adapters eliminate the need for a physical connection, allowing you to enjoy the full functionality of your car’s display. Their most significant advantage is the conveni-

ence of not having to plug in your phone every time you enter the car. Your phone can be left in your bag or pocket and will connect to the adapter. The connection is usually fully compatible with the car steering wheel controls and voice assistants. The wireless adaptor completely changed things for me. I had a habit of leaving my phone in the car; now, it never leaves my pocket.

Its most significant disadvantage is battery drain on your phone.

The wireless connection drains your phone battery quickly. Unlike the wired connection, you don’t get the advantage of being able to charge your phone at the same time. Latency can also be a problem with a slightly delayed response from actions on your phone to your car screen.

Several companies have made a name for themselves in the wireless adapter market:

• AAWireless: An affordable option for adding wireless Android Auto capabilities to almost any vehicle.

• Carlinkit: A brand known for its relatively affordable and widely compatible adapters.

• Ottocast U2-Air: A dual-platform option with broad vehicle compatibility There are dozens of other brands, primarily from China. When choosing a wireless adapter, consider factors such as compatibility with your vehicle, ease of set-up, and wireless connection quality. Not all adapters work flawlessly.

• Motorola: A compact, Android Auto-exclusive adapter with a simple set-up.

JULIE SHELDRAKE

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

HOW TO ACCESS A FREE SWIMMING LESSON!

Nepean Aquatic Centre is 14 this week! Since 2011 we have taught thousands of local people to swim at Nepean Aquatic Centre! Whether you’re a child or an adult, mastering the art of swimming offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond the water’s edge. To mark this milestone, here are 14 compelling reasons why learning to swim should be on everyone’s to-do list:

Water safety: Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Australia, especially in the 0-5 age group. Learning to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning, equipping individuals with the skills needed to navigate water safely.

Confidence boost: Mastering swimming strokes and techniques instils confidence in individuals, both in the water and in daily life.

Physical fitness: Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and enhances flexibility, all while being low-impact on the joints.

Stress relief: Being in the water has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Social opportunities: Swimming opens doors to social activities such as water sports, swim clubs, and group fitness classes, providing opportunities to meet new people.

Life-long skill: Once learned, swimming is a skill that can be enjoyed throughout one’s lifetime, from childhood into old age.

Safety around water: Knowing how to swim enables individuals to enjoy water-based activities such as boating, snorkeling, and kayaking safely.

Improved coordination and balance: Swimming requires coordination between various muscle groups and helps improve balance and spatial awareness.

Burns calories: Swimming is an efficient calorie-burning exercise that aids in weight management and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

Therapeutic benefits: Water therapy, including swimming, is used to rehabilitate injuries, alleviate chronic pain, and improve overall well-being.

Rescue skills: Learning to swim not only protects oneself but also enables individuals to potentially save others in water-related emergencies.

Boosts mental health: Swimming releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, which can help combat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Summer enjoyment: Being proficient in all aquatic environments ensures enjoyment during our hot summer months, whether at the beach, pool, or water park.

And an incredibly important reason… it’s fun!

To celebrate our birthday, we are offering a Special Offer in March for Western Weekender readers – get your first lesson free upon enrolment!

The offer is applicable for all new enrolments and re-enrolments, at both Nepean Aquatic Centre and Eva Borys Swim School, and all enrolment T&C’s apply.

Just mention the Western Weekender to get your first lesson free and enrol with us today!

Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!

ENSURING YOUR PET’S SAFETY AND SECURITY

Microchipping plays a vital role in keeping our pets safe and secure. This simple yet effective procedure involves inserting a tiny microchip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, beneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Each microchip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact details via the NSW Pet Registry.

One of the most significant advantages of microchipping is its ability to reunite lost pets with their owners. There have been countless instances of pets being found and returned home after being missing for months or even years.

Animal Registry (AAR) ensures your pet’s identification remains valid nationwide.

tration, which is mandatory for all cats and dogs in NSW.

For more information or assistance with microchipping your pet, call us on 4736 2027. KELLIE

However, microchipping is only effective if your contact information is kept up to date. If you move or change your phone number, it’s crucial to update these details on the NSW Pet Registry to facilitate a smooth reunion if your pet goes missing. Even if you relocate to another state, updating your information with the Australian

In New South Wales, only veterinarians and authorised implanters are permitted to implant microchips and access pet identification databases. These trained professionals ensure the procedure is carried out safely and correctly. They also provide essential details for council regis-

For assistance with registration, ownership verification, or associated fees, Penrith City Council Animal Services can offer guidance and support. Adhering to registration requirements not only enhances your pet’s safety but also promotes responsible pet ownership within the community.

Microchipping is a responsible and proactive measure that offers pet owners peace of mind. By taking this straightforward step and keeping your contact details current, you greatly improve the chances of being reunited with your pet should they ever go missing.

Bradfield Bulletin is an online news website dedicated to the Bradfield City Centre and Western Sydney International Airport. Bradfield Bulletin was officially launched in 2024. If you’d like to advertise on Bradfield Bulletin, please email us at sales@bradfieldbulletin.com.au or call (02) 4722 2998. www. bradfieldbulletin.com.au

my name: Leo my proud owner: Maddie i live in: Penrith Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Quirky Aquarians can be self-indulgent souls. However, over the next few weeks, you’ll gradually shift your focus further afield. Retro Mercury and retro Venus will remind you that family matters, plus local community connections and social responsibilities are just as important as individual priorities. Your motto for the week is from fellow Aquarian, music icon Bob Marley, “Live for yourself and you will live in vain; live for others, and you will live again.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Expect professional problems or domestic dramas, as retro Mercury and retro Venus stir up old grievances. Use your diplomatic talents to help find solutions. If you just sit back and let others make decisions, you’ll feel powerless. So strive to be more self-sufficient, especially at home and work. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is challenging. But if anyone can juggle conflicting commitments during Equinox week, it’s a well-balanced Bull!

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

The Sun, Saturn and Neptune are visiting your sign, so strive to be more proactive about pursuing your creative and spiritual goals. No procrastination allowed Pisces! Then on Thursday it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which favours meditation and contemplation, as you aim for more equilibrium and perspective. With Pluto transiting through your solitude and spirituality zone, peace-of-mind and strong self-esteem are highlighted.

GEMINI

22 TO JUNE 21

With Mercury (your boss planet) in retrograde mode until April 7, it’s time to ask yourself “Am I being too subjective and short-sighted about a current issue?” especially involving hopes and dreams. It’s the Equinox on Thursday when day and night are of equal length. So take a step back, adjust your focus, and review things from a much broader and wiser perspective. Balance is the key. Also, an old friend could boomerang back into your world.

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The Sun shifts into Aries and it’s the Equinox on Thursday and then retrograde Venus (in your sign) links up with Pluto and the Sun. So this week’s astrology is all about maintaining your equilibrium, celebrating your individuality, and pursuing your dreams within a climate of transformation and reflection. Draw inspiration from birthday great Reese Witherspoon, “I believe ambition is not a dirty word. It’s just believing in yourself and your abilities.”

22 TO JULY 22

Do your best to avoid being a snappy Crab, as Mars (in your sign) plus Mercury and Venus (both retrograde) magnify mood swings and heighten emotional sensitivities. If you’ve been burying your head in the sand, then a problem could come to a head and demand to be addressed. The planets encourage you to be extra diplomatic when dealing with challenges, especially involving work, finances, intimacy and trust. No sulky side-stepping allowed!

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

On Thursday the Sun (your ruling planet) transits into fellow fire sign Aries and then links up with Venus on Sunday. So you’ll be at your feisty, fabulous best – and your belligerent, bossy worst! It’s Equinox week, so try to find an outlet for your fiery energy, and a way to bring more balance into your busy world. With Mercury and Venus both retrograde, double-check all arrangements involving local travel, business trips, holidays, and weekend getaways.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

You’re a capricious creature, constantly buffeted by intense emotions and deep desires. On Thursday it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which will help to stabilise your temperamental moods and balance your brooding nature. Attached Scorpio – remember there’s a fine line between ardent affection and clingy obsession. Are you unhappily single? You could find yourself magnetically drawn to someone with a powerful personality.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

You’re impatient about making things happen according to your strict timetable but Mercury and Venus are retrograde, so avoid taking shortcuts and relying on others. Don’t expect family, friends or colleagues to drop everything and hand you your dream. There is just no substitute for hard work and thorough preparation. It’s also Equinox week so stop overcommitting! Smart Virgos will calm down and recalibrate to a slower, steadier and more sustainable pace.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Spontaneous, impulsive, fiery Sagittarius … this week try to tread carefully, as Mercury and Venus are both in retrograde mode. A child could feel misunderstood, a sporting event could be delayed, a creative project could backfire, or a so-called friend could talk about you behind your back. Avoid the temptation to jump in, overreact, and burn a few bridges along the way. Keep your eyes peeled, your ears open, and think (carefully) before you speak!

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Is a close relationship stuck in a stultifying rut? And how well do you really know your nearest and dearest? Mercury and Venus are reversing through your relationship zone, plus retro Venus links up with powerful Pluto (which is visiting your romance, children and friendship zone). So it’s time to dig deeper and gain valuable insights into the inner motivations of a lover, friend or family member as you blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a different angle.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Cool down and calm down Capricorn! Don’t make major mountains out of minor molehills and waste time worrying about annoying problems (especially at home) as Mercury and Venus reverse through your domestic zone. Things won’t run according to plan and, if there are complications, then clever communication will help you through any temporary turbulence. With Mars in your partnership zone, be proactive about improving a troubled relationship.

Relax & Unwind

A PARADISE-LIKE ESCAPE

Iwas lost down the aisles of a pharmacy in Westfield Penrith when a worker asked if I needed help.

“Yes,” I said. “Where are the sea sickness tablets?”

The next day, I was aboard a ferry from Queensland’s Hamilton Island to Daydream Island, then on a private vessel to Long Island, where I stayed at Elysian Luxury Eco Island Resort.

When I say Elysian, it sounds like a made-up place – a heaven, a paradise – and that’s not an exaggeration.

From the boat I could see a bright green rainforest charging towards the crystal Whitsunday water, only separated by a row of 10 villas, each with a thatched roof, a front porch with a swing and sun beds.

A short walk from the villas was a common area consisting of a cosy restaurant, an outdoor seating zone, and a mineral infinity pool overlooking the sea – also doing it’s best to keep the rainforest at bay.

When the boat docked, not too far from the helicopter landing zone, I was greeted by the friendly faces of two staff members, welcoming my partner, Dave, and I to the island and

retrieving our bags.

While the bags were carried off to Villa 4, we were shown the communal area, which included a lounge, a dining area, a games cupboard, a small library, and a bar – all amenities that we would use extensively over the next three days.

After a quick tour, we were shown our home for the next four nights. We crossed two small bridges and followed a paved pathway to our 33 square-metre oceanfront hut with views of Conway National Park to the west and Long Island National Park to the east.

The room was modern, earthy and minimalistic, with every decorative element added to induce peace. Ethical wooden furniture from Uniqwa stood throughout the room, accentuated by rattan lamps, dry coral ornaments, and an abstract painting above the bed with blue swirls and curves mimicking the motion of the ocean.

Included in the room rate was three gourmet meals daily, pre-dinner canapes, unlimited barista-style coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks, daily yoga classes, and unlimited use of all water sport equipment including snorkelling gear, paddleboards and kayaks.

After settling in to our quarters, Dave and I followed the path back to the dining room for our first Elysian dinner.

I’m not sure what I expected the clientele for this resort to look like, but there were all sorts of guests! There was a mother-daughter duo from Texas, a senior couple, honeymooners, an Austrian couple, a gentleman flying solo, and two friends from America on a life-changing trip to Australia.

Dave and I sat at a candle-lit table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the waves and speaking to our neighbours in between feasting on the mind-blowing entrée, main and dessert. DESTINATION Elysian

Elysian feels like a world of luxury.

An incredible place to relax.

A little slice of luxury, not too far from home.

The delicious food just kept coming.

THAT WILL LEAVE YOU REFRESHED

Whenever conversation lulled, I could hear a symphony of cutlery scraping against porcelain as guests tried to savour every last crumb on their dish.

With taste buds satisfied and a full day of travel under my belt, I slept soundly in the king-sized bed eagerly awaiting the next morning when we would embark on a rainforest walk.

“THE LONGER YOU LOOK AT THE STARS, THE MORE THEY APPEAR”

I woke up to the tide lapping at the rocks along the shore, ate my breakfast, downed my coffee, and requested an adventure pack from staff including water, fruit, sunscreen and a first-aid kit.

I was optimistic that the American friends we’d spoken to the night before had exaggerated the size of the spiders in the shrubbery, but that enthusiasm was replaced with utter dread in less than five minutes.

I’m going to be real with you – if you’re acutely afraid of spiders, this is an activity to skip. I’m ashamed to admit I cried in the rainforest when I had to walk past an orb spider

the size of my head; however, I couldn’t stand the idea of turning back so soon, so I soldiered on through the tears.

The rainforest was dense and the path was marked with pink ribbons. Butterflies flittered around in the sections that had the most sunlight, and if we were quiet and observant, we could have spotted wallabies, a variety of bird species, and goannas – but we’re not that graceful.

We only spotted a goanna when we left the

rainforest and Dave tried to crack open a coconut on the beach without realising the large lizard was lounging under a palm frond right beside him; like I said, not graceful.

We wound down after our walk with a glass of prosecco and a dip in the pool before raiding the games cupboard.

We became Battleship, Connect Four, and chess aficionados, and Dave taught me how to play Blackjack using coasters.

That’s how we spent most of our time on the

island – a glass of bubbles in hand, a game underway, togs on, a stint on the massage table, and the kind of satisfied facial expression that only comes with total relaxation. At night, we would lay down on our sun beds to look at the sky, untouched by metropolitan light. The longer you look at the stars, the more they appear, forming a galaxy right before your eyes.

From the aisles of a chemist to the isles of the Whitsundays, this is a trip I’ll never forget.

Peaceful, different, exciting.

It’ll feel like a little slice of Heaven when you stay at Elysian.

iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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 solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about the original ‘Lost In Space’ series in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. In what year did ‘Lost In Space’ make its television debut on CBS in the United States?

2. What was the name of the spaceship the Robinson family headed to space on?

3. As iconic as the show became, it only ran for a short period. How many seasons were there in total?

4. Who played Judy Robinson in the show?

5. Who composed the iconic ‘Lost In Space’ theme music?

6. Which iconic character was voiced by Dick Tufeld, and became known for his famous catch phrase ‘Danger, Will Robinson!’, forever held in the show’s legacy?

ANSWERS

1965

Jupiter II

Three 4. Marta Kristen 5. Johnny Williams

6. The Robot

Lexus has confirmed the arrival of the highly anticipated RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid luxury SUV from April, with a starting price of $123,500, excluding on-road costs.

The upcoming arrival of the RX 450h+ is a further option for Lexus customers looking to reduce their CO2 tailpipe emissions over comparable petrol-only vehicles without compromising on performance.

The RX PHEV’s introduction follows the recent reopening of NX 450h+ orders after high global demand led to a temporary delay.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said having a plug-in hybrid option for its two top-selling luxury SUVs supports the brand’s electrification expansion and multi-pathway approach to reducing CO2 tailpipe emissions.

“Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are a key step in the customer journey from standalone internal combustion engines to full-electric mobility,” Pappas said.

“For many Lexus customers, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

are the right powertrain for the moment, offering the best of both worlds as we continue to develop infrastructure to support a greater uptake of battery electric vehicles.”

The RX is a special model for Lexus, with the RX 400h making headlines upon global debut in 2004 as the first luxury SUV available with an electrified hybrid powertrain. The RX 400h helped spark what would become a Lexus legacy for innovation in pioneering battery-assisted powertrain technology, with a commitment to reduce CO2 tailpipe emissions versus comparable petrol-only vehicles.

Today, more than three million Lexus vehicles featuring a hybrid or plug-in hybrid battery-assisted powertrain have been delivered to customers around the world.

The new RX 450h+ utilises a 2.5-litre series parallel plug-in hybrid paired with front and rear electric motors to produce a combined system output of 227kW, with 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 6.5 seconds.

It is the same hybrid powertrain used in the NX 450h+, with a powerful lithium-ion battery designed to be the primary power source for

inner urban driving, resulting in an Australian Design Rule (ADR) fuel-consumption of 1.3L/100km based on the NEDC combined test cycle.

The RX 450h+ comes exclusively in Sports Luxury grade, positioned just below the RX 500h F Sport Performance in price, with the two highend RX grades offering their own distinctive take on luxury to meet the diverse needs of customers.

The RX 450h+ combines sophisticated luxury with an array of features, including semi-aniline leather-accented seat trim, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated and ventilated front and outboard rear seats, a woodgrain-look instrument panel and steering wheel ornamentation, as well as power reclining and folding rear seats.

With the introduction of the RX450h+, the flagship large luxury SUV from Lexus is now available with three powertrains – petrol, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – in both two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Customers can also select from seven trim grades and two enhancement packs.

NATHAN TAYLOR

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

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“We’re really proud of that journey, and we’re really excited to partner with Hydrostadium, which was born at that time, to be collaborating around the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships with them as a whitewater partner for our sport.

“I see it as the beginning for many great things to come for our sport, and for our venue.”

Hydrostadium CEO Stanislas Lequiller said he was thrilled to sign the partnership with Paddle Australia.

“25 years ago Hydrostadium was already here to design this stadium, and we are proud to be back again. This means a lot to us to still be part of the future of the stadium in signing this agreement today,” he said.

“Penrith Whitewater Stadium was built 25 years ago, and is still one of the best whitewater parks in the world. It shows that we can design and build sustainable and relevant projects. This is how we want to keep working with our partners.”

After several years in the wilderness, Penrith have returned to the NSW Premier Cricket Belvidere Cup Finals.

New Penrith first grade coach Shannon Finemore made good on his pre-season promise to be a competitive outfit, with a goal of returning the Cats to the Finals arena.

The young coach delivered, with his troops ending the regular season last weekend in fifth spot with eight wins and four losses to their name.

“I’m ecstatic!” Finemore told the Weekender on Monday.

“I remember when we spoke at the start of the season and my main goal then was to just be competitive and put a bit of respect on our name.

“Finals were always the goal and our aspiration, but I was trying to be realistic and grounded at the beginning there. I think we exceeded most people’s expectations.”

Despite a mixed start to the season, Penrith have been rolling since returning in the New Year, notching up three from five to secure a well-

earned place in the post-season.

“I knew we had it in us. It’s just whether in that first year, a bit of a rebuild year, whether we’d click more often than we didn’t. We just found a good patch of form and we’ve capitalised on it,” Finemore said.

“We’re playing really good cricket, it’s a really good team environment, everyone’s happy, and we’re just running off the back of that.”

Penrith’s return to the Finals won’t be an easy one, matching up with second-place St George in this weekend’s Qualifying Final at Hurstville Oval.

Finemore said the two sides have enjoyed numerous battles in recent years, with St George his potential favourite to go all the way.

“Out of all the teams in the top six, I see St George going back-to-back if we don’t knock them over this weekend,” he said.

“St George are a really good outfit and I have a lot of respect for them, but I’m quietly confident without counting my chickens...

“I feel pretty confident against most teams in the top six. It’s just a matter of turning up and not letting the moment get to the boys.”

Penrith coach Shannon Finemore. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Photo: JGR Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Upbeat vibe as Panthers Netball launches fresh campaign

After both teams missed out on Finals berths, it is safe to say 2024 was a year to forget for Panthers in the Netball NSW Premier League.

However, a new year brings new opportunities and new hope, and the local franchise is crossing its fingers that with a stable coaching staff and squad at their disposal, that the Panthers will right the wrongs from last year and improve in season 2025.

The new Panthers Netball Premier League season was officially launched last week, with an upbeat function held at the Penrith Civic Centre at Penrith City Council.

For the first time in franchise history, Camden and District Netball Association joins Panthers this season alongside foundation associations Penrith District and Hawkesbury City.

The exciting new part-

nership between the three franchises certainly had everyone talking at last week’s function, along with the strong pre-season form of both the Opens and Under 23 Panthers teams.

In early March, Panthers competed at the 2025 HeartKids Cup, the official pre-season competition for the Premier League.

The Panthers Opens team had a positive hit-out, but it was their Under 23s side who performed exceptionally well, winning Division 2.

After eighth and fifth place finishes respectively last year, it’s hoped that the Panthers Opens and Under 23 teams can take their strong pre-season form into the season proper.

Speaking with the Weekender, Panthers Opens coach Moira Gaha said she’s excited to see her players put a good pre-season into action.

“We did a camp a couple of weeks ago and it was great for the girls to connect and communicate, and you can see it on the court as well,” she said.

“There’s a lot of potential

with these girls. I think we’ve got a little more variety in the positions that people can play. I think the girls that are new to the team are really hungry as well.”

Gaha, who also coaches the NSW Men’s Netball Team, said her troops have been knuckling down on what could separate them from the rest of the pack this season.

“We’ve been working on points of difference,” she revealed.

“What do we think our strengths are and what are some tweaks and changes –something that might give us a different edge to what we had last year.

“We’ve been trialling those in training and the match play that we’ve had. I think the points of difference tactically and structurally should be great!”

The 2025 Netball NSW Premier League season officially got underway at Netball Central after the Weekender went to print on Wednesday, with the Panthers battling the South Coast Blaze in both competitions.

“We had a really close tussle with Blaze during the pre-season tournament,” Gaha said.

“What really struck me was our fight on the court. We just kept going for every ball, so the girls are hungry for wins, for sure.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Panthers Netball held their season launch at the Penrith Civic Centre last week.

Photo: Clusterpix Photography.

Carnival comes to town

Huge night of harness racing and entertainment planned for Penrith Paceway

With Penrith Stadium sitting dormant next door for the foreseeable future, Penrith Paceway is now home to the biggest sporting events in town.

Kicking off this Saturday afternoon, the Carnival of Cups is expected to be Penrith’s most attended sporting event of the year – and it’s easy to see why.

Not only will top tier harness racing be on display – including the famous time-honoured $60,000 Renshaw Cup – but some of Australia’s most-loved entertainers will be putting on a show for the thousands expected to turn out.

Speaking with the Weekender, an excited Penrith Paceway CEO Tash Greentree said due to the annual Carnival of Cups program being reimagined by Harness Racing NSW last year, the historic Renshaw Cup will be held on a new day – this Saturday – for the first time in decades.

“The Renshaw Cup, which has been running for 56 years now, traditionally runs on the Thursday before Easter,” she said.

“The Carnival of Cups has been running for 17 years and last year Harness Racing NSW upended it, changed the format and come up with this great event, which is a combination of top tier racing and high-class entertain ment.”

Parkes, Young, Tamworth and Albury have already hosted the Carnival of Cups since September and now it is Penrith’s turn to reap the benefits of the reformatted concept.

“The Carnival of Cups has already been run at several iconic regional locations and we’ve been lucky enough to have been thrown into the mix,” Greentree said.

“Our selection was contingent on moving the event to a Saturday, which we were overjoyed with because it’s a day off for most of us

Not only will this Saturday’s Carnival of Cups be home to kids rides, food trucks and the like, but the free-ticketed event will also include performances from some of this country’s biggest music acts.

Multi-ARIA award-winning rock band Birds of Tokyo will return to the harness racing arena to headline the trackside entertainment. They will be joined by former cricketer Brett Lee’s band Six & Out, Sarah McLeod of The Superjesus fame, as well as Elina Roberts Turner and Sydney band Fathers Favourite, fronted by Mia Hewitt (Bec and Lleyton

Hewitt’s daughter).

“I think this will be one of the biggest events in Penrith this year and the best part is it’s free to attend,” Greentree said.

“It’s really important people who come along register for their free ticket through the Carnival of Cups website, or they can contact us directly.”

Gates open at 4.30pm this Saturday, March 15, with all the action set to be begin at 5.30pm. To book or for more information on food and beverage packages, visit www.carnivalofcups.

DISTRICT TENNIS ASSOCIATION

7 2 1 2 8 8 0

COLOURED BALL WEEKLY COMPETITION

Orange Ball – Wednesdays @ 5pm - 6pm

Green Ball – Thursdays @ 6pm - 7pm

Yellow Ball – Saturday @ 10:30am - 11:30am

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Renshaw Cup is a Penrith Paceway institution.

Brett Lee’s band Six & Out will perform live.

SPORTS SHORTS

Challenging conditions for Fish Fest

FISHING: The fishing was “extremely difficult” at the 41st Fish Fest last month. The Penrith Panthers Fishing Club hosted the event along the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers in late February. Like always, a huge gathering of “fishos” took part, with mostly everyone commenting on how hard going it was. Scott Patterson, his son and two mates were land based, fishing at Devlin Road as well as three different spots at Yarramundi and Yellowmundi. “Everyone I spoke to said the fishing was hard,” Patterson said. “It is a brilliantly run competition with great prizes for participation without even catching a fish.” All up 275 entrants took part, which was slightly down on last year’s record of 281 entrants. Those entrants submitted 473 fish for the competition, with 70 Herring, 60 Sea Mullet, 57 Bass and 54 Flathead among those caught. Some of the winners included Jamie Patterson for Most Species Overall – Junior; Braith Barker for Most Saltwater Species – Junior; David Abbott for Longest Freshwater Mullet – Junior; Ray Sharma for Longest Mulloway – Junior; and Luke Barker for Longest Tailor – Adult.

Congratulations to all that took part!

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have confirmed that they will open the 2025 Subbies Rugby season at home at Nepean Rugby Park. The match will be played on Saturday, April 12, with an opponent to be announced soon. This will be the first time the Emus have played an official game at Nepean Rugby Park since 2023.

AFL: The GWS Giants are leading the competition after enjoying a monster 52-point win over Collingwood in the opening round of the AFL. Played at ENGIE Stadium last Sunday afternoon, the Giants put a horror Finals campaign behind them to prevail 104-52. Unfortunately the win was soured by a neck injury to GWS big man Kieren Briggs, who was taken to hospital after a nasty incident involving his teammate Sam Taylor. All reports

suggest Briggs will be OK, but he may miss some time. The Giants will aim to keep their winning start going when they face-off with Melbourne this Sunday afternoon at the MCG.

FOOTBALL: Western Sydney’s winning streak in the A-League Women’s competition is over after they went down 2-1 to Wellington Phoenix last Sunday afternoon. The Wanderers led 1-0 after 22 minutes when Bronte Trew hit the back of the net, before the Phoenix scored two goals late in the second half to secure the much-needed win. It was Western Sydney’s first loss in several weeks after an astonishing late season run of form. The Wanderers will take on Melbourne Victory this Saturday afternoon at CommBank Stadium. The match is part of a Wanderers and Victory double header at the

stadium, with the A-League Men’s game due to kick off at 7.30pm.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the re-signing of defender Anthony Pantazopoulos for the next two A-League seasons. Pantazopoulos, 21, arrived at the Wanderers in 2023 and has since developed into a key figure in the Wanderers backline. The young defender has made 17 A-League appearances, with 15 of those coming this season, marking a breakout campaign where he showcased his composure, versatility, and defensive strength. Pantazopoulos has further cemented his influence within the squad by scoring his first A-League goal this season. Head coach Alen Stajcic said he was delighted to see Pantazopoulos re-sign with the Wanderers until the end of the 2026/27 season. “Re-signing Anthony is another sign of showing faith in our next generation of players who continue to underpin the improvement in our A-League Men’s team,” he said. “I’ll be delighted to see Panta grow as this team evolves in future years.”

RUGBY LEAGUE: Congratulations to former St Dominic’s College student and Penrith local Ryley Smith, who made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels last Sunday afternoon in Melbourne. While the match ended in a heavy

defeat, Smith stood tall playing 53 minutes off the bench at hooker. The former Penrith Cricket Club first grader did a little bit of everything in the Round 1 clash, notching up 26 tackles and running a handful of times. It’s expected Smith, who is a Penrith Panthers and Emu Plains junior, will see more first grade this season as the Eels look to return to the Finals for the first time since 2022.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 6 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with mixed results for Penrith’s Tarsha Gale and Lisa Fiaola teams. In the Tarsha Gale Cup, Penrith defeated Parramatta 20-14. In the Lisa Fiaola Cup, the Panthers were smashed by the Eels 46-0. Both sides will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Saturday at Redfern Oval.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 6 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with mixed results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball Cup, Melbourne were far too good for the Panthers 30-18. In the Harold Matthews Cup, the Panthers and Storm couldn’t be separated 22-22. Both sides will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Friday and Saturday at HE Laybutt Field.

DARTS: The Penrith Premier Darts League have confirmed they will run a competition on Tuesday nights at The Henry Sports Club in Werrington County. The competition will kick off in July. The news means that the Penrith Premier Darts League will operate in the local area five nights a week. A stunning success!

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message the team on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

The 41st Fish Fest was a huge success last month despite the challenging conditions.

There were plenty of winners at Fish Fest.

Ryley Smith on Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

The Giants smashed Collingwood.

Carnival of Cups returns – see page 78

200 DAYS TO GO!

Today officially marks 200 days to go until the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, which will be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from September 29 to October 4.

To mark the occasion, Paddle Australia will today (Thursday, March 13) unveil its 10-strong team that will have the opportunity to represent Australia on home soil in front of what is expected to be sold out crowds.

The first release of tickets to the public were released today, with prices starting

from $15 for children and $30 for adults.

In some further good news, Paddle Australia has announced Hydrostadium as the official whitewater partner of the World Championships.

The partnership marks a significant milestone, as it comes 25 years after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where engineers from Hydrostadium played a pivotal role in designing and constructing the Penrith Whitewater course.

The construction of the Whitewater Stadium was managed by Pacific Power International and funded by the NSW Government, Penrith City Council and the International Canoe Federation, ensuring

the venue became a world-class facility for the sport.

Following the Olympics, Hydrostadium was established and has continued to be a global leader in whitewater engineering. In addition to its event partnership with Paddle Australia, Hydrostadium will supply replacement obstacles for the stadium’s whitewater course, ensuring it remains one of the best in the world for elite competition.

These obstacles – exclusive to Hydrostadium – have demonstrated exceptional durability and performances over 25 years. The upgrades will not only benefit high-performance slalom athletes, but

also enhance the venue’s recreational paddling, rafting and whitewater rescue training programs.

“I remember in 1997 standing in what was a field at the time imagining a whitewater course here in Penrith for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games,” said Richard Fox, Head of the Host Organising Committee.

“With the help of Hydrostadium and Electricité de France – EDF – it’s mother company, and many others, we were able to construct this beautiful venue, which 25 years on, beyond the Games, is still standing tall.”

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NATHAN TAYLOR

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Photo: JGR Images.