Western Weekender March 27 2025

DECADE OF DEDICATION

On the 10-year anniversary of becoming the State Member for Londonderry, Deputy Premier Prue Car sits down with Troy Dodds for an

HOW DIRT BIKES HAVE BECOME SCOURGE ON OUR COMMUNITY

DIRT BIKE TERRORS

ALLY HALL

Unlicensed, unregistered, and unwanted on our roads, teenagers have been terrorising motorists and pedestrians from the narrow seats of their recklessly driven dirt bikes.

Locals feel like it’s a ticking time bomb before someone is killed – or before vigilantes take matters into their own hands.

In a special report, the Weekender has spoken to countless local residents and business owners who all say the same thing: dirt bikes have become a scourge on our community.

The Weekender was inundated with

responses when we asked for people’s experiences with dirt bike riders last week.

Nepean Regional Security’s Gina Field said the dirt bike saga has been going for a long time.

“We’ve had all of our front lawn ripped up at our office area in North Penrith, mud spewed all over our employees’ vehicles, and our patrol officer has been stopped at the lights with trail bike riders terrorising from the front and back of the vehicle,” Field stated.

Local residents have described near misses on roads, and being driven out of their homes by the dirt bike “epidemic”.

Prue Car. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Decade of dedication as

10 years since being elected Londonderry MP and on the two-year anniversary

TROY DODDS

Two years ago, just days after Labor took power in New South Wales for the first time in more than a decade, Prue Car admitted it was difficult to take it all in.

How had a girl from Emu Plains risen to become Deputy Premier, Education Minister and a veteran MP – all well before her 40th birthday?

“They call it imposter syndrome I think,” she said at the time.

“I definitely would have never thought that I would have ended up here.”

Now, on the two-year anniversary of the Minns Government and the 10-year anniversary of her election as the State Member for Londonderry, the most powerful woman in New South Wales politics admits that ‘imposter syndrome’ hasn’t entirely disappeared.

“I still feel like that,” she said.

“It can happen to anyone. I’m feeling OK at the moment,” she said.

“I remember sitting in a doctor’s office with my Dad and all the other patients with my type of cancer were my Dad’s age in demographic... and then me.

“I think we are a bit bruised. There’s been some really difficult things to do”

“It does play on my mind. Every time you have to go for your scan... especially given I didn’t think it was that to start with. Every time you get a migraine or really tired, which is just from work, you get a bit scared, but a lot of people have that – scan anxiety, they call it.”

rather than celebrate achievements during that time, Car is happy to admit it hasn’t always been the smoothest ride.

“I think we are a bit bruised. There’s been some really difficult things to do,” she said.

“Working with Chris has been really interesting because he’s really considered about every action we take as a government. We’ve had our fair share of challenges just in terms of our agenda.

“We got rid of the wages cap and that has opened up a lot of asks from the union movement, but even outside of that, the stuff that comes up that you can’t plan for... it’s been a massive leaning curve.

“The first two years of government have really been about finding our feet, figuring out who we are and what we want to do and also learning about how hard it is to get things done, to be honest.”

“Around decision making tables you don’t get a lot of people who have had a western Sydney upbringing like me and I feel that’s something important that we can bring.

“It’s still a bit surreal at times. But I want to be able to use it to do the things that we need to get done and that’s really hard sometimes – cutting through the bureaucracy – but I think we’re starting to do it.”

Car is sitting down with the Weekender at a café in St Marys, with the occasional wave or nod to a constituent – a bond that grew during her cancer battle in 2022.

“That whole thing showed me people are so nice,” she said.

“Still now, someone will come up to me on the street and ask me how my health is.

“Regardless of whether that person agrees with me politically, they will ask me about that.”

Car admits it still feels surreal that she went through such a battle given her age, and admits it remains firmly at the front of her mind despite having the all clear.

Tuesday marked two years since Chris Minns became Premier, and

But Car admits getting things done – like action on the long-awaited Jordan Springs High School – makes being in government worth it.

“It does feel like the time in oppo-

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Deputy Premier and Londonderry MP Prue Car chats with Weekender Editor Troy Dodds. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Prue Car is celebrating a decade as the MP for Londonderry.

Prue reaches milestone

of the Minns Government, we chat one-on-one with the Deputy Premier

sition was like you’re screaming into the wind,” she said.

“You can fight really hard and get really good outcomes, but nothing compares to actually being at the table. It’s completely different.”

While cost-of-living is a signif icant issue that continues to be high on the agenda for many local residents, Car said chief amongst local concerns was rapid growth without supporting infrastruc ture.

“The biggest thing that has changed is that the growth has been enormous really quickly,” she said.

“Take somewhere like Jordan Springs. It was growing steadily when I was first elected, but it is now huge.

“The local feedback in all parts of my electorate is all about coping with growth. Everything is to do with coping with growth, that’s the biggest challenge.”

Car is comfortable going from talking about that high school – and a nearby connector road that has been the talk of Jordan Springs for almost her entire time as the local

MP – to discussing the bigger state-wide issues, in particular public transport – which has been a black eye on the government’s term so far.

And that requires her finding balance – from the day-to-day issues that pop up in her electorate, to the pressures of sitting around the Cabinet table. On any given day, both can be as important as each other.

“It is a balance,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it if it wasn’t for my husband who gave up a successful career in the Army to help me once I got elected. We have three kids between us aged between 14 and 10.”

Two years out from the next election, Car has no doubt she will put her hand up again – especially if it means delivering more of what she fought for in the eight years she sat in opposition.

“It’s a privilege. Every four years so far I’ve asked to do it all again and I’ll run again and ask to be voted in again because it’s an enormous privilege,” she said.

“Now in government I feel I’m in a position to deliver.”

PRUE CAR ON...

YOUTH CRIME

“If you talk to police, there is a youth crime challenge. We have done some pretty strong things on bail for young offenders. People shouldn’t feel unsafe in their own town.”

TRANSPORT

“Both us and the previous government have struggled with bringing the legacy rail service into the 21st century and beyond. We have struggled with the union, and we need to do significant maintenance. It’s a lot of money and our people in western Sydney need it more than anyone.”

EDUCATION

“Public education is on the re-build. We’re putting a massive amount of effort into the new curriculum. It’s really getting back to the basics of testing content very clearly and not moving onto the next concept until the students have grasped that concept. Going back to what has worked previously. It’s an exciting time in education in that sense.”

Prue Car chats with the Weekender last week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

A dozen things that I kinda miss

We all look at the past through rose coloured glasses, and sometimes “the good old days” weren’t actually all that good. But lately, I’ve been thinking about how things change – experiences my daughter will never have, things I won’t go through again. And so, here’s a list of 12 things that in some ways, I miss...

Building collections

I loved collecting CDs and footy cards. I’d spend hours putting them all in order and looking at them proudly.

The feeling of finding something rare you were chasing was next level.

And while you can still collect these days, it’s not quite the same, given the Internet has made it easier to track down those special finds. It’s taken some of the fun out of it.

Water cooler TV

Remember when it felt like literally everyone was watching the same TV show?

The latest episode of ‘Friends’, ‘Seinfeld’ or even the Sunday night movie.

Our TV viewing is so segmented and split these days that those big, must-see TV moments are gone forever.

When Foxtel was cool

Remember back in the day if you went to a mate’s place and they had Foxtel, you thought they were rich?

Now, Foxtel is basically begging you to be a subscriber. It is a shadow of its former self and we’re forced to subscribe to five or six different streaming services if we want a rich array of content.

Despite all the content now at our finger tips, things felt a little simpler when Foxtel was your only premium TV option.

And who could forget ‘Simpsons’ Saturdays on Fox 8.

Ten pin bowling

I know, I know – you can still go bowling these days.

But I miss the old days when bowling was just about the bowling. Nothing fancy, no music and crazy lights.

How good were bowling leagues?

That sweet ‘family’ period

I know not everybody gets to experience this but most of us go through a period where both our parents are alive, multiple grandparents are still with us and healthy and there’s cousins galore.

For a good decade there, this ‘sweet spot’ existed for me. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever, so if you’ve got it now, embrace it!

The home phone

I actually still have a home phone, but I don’t think it’s rung in about five years.

But I have to admit, I miss it. Imagine the anxiety of young people today if they had to answer the phone without knowing who it was?

You knew all your friends’ numbers and you’d literally sit and talk to them for hours. No texting in sight.

“Can I speak to Brad please”, you’d ask politely as your mate’s mum or dad answered the phone.

News services

There’s so many good things to say about the way we can access news these days, but there was something about the days before the 24/7 news cycle that just felt right.

Journalists legitimately given time to research stories, have them fact checked, and present articles or broadcasts with real balance.

I miss picking up the paper and being rattled by a story because I hadn’t heard about it yet, or being legitimately surprised by the top story on the 6pm news.

The way the shops used to be I get it, you can still head to the Plaza today, but it was just different back in the day.

Before every shop looked the same thanks to corporate branding and research into what customers will or won’t do.

Just hanging out at the shops was such a vibe, it’s really hard to explain.

Gaming arcades

The days of Timezone where tickets came smashing out of a machine, not credits loaded onto a card.

You could spend hours in these places and not even spend all your pocket money. These days it feels like you need a bank loan and all the fun has been taken out of it.

Camping out to buy tickets

Some of the best memories I have with my Dad are waking up in the early hours of the morning, or even camping out overnight, to secure concert tickets.

There was no pre-sales just because you had this credit card or you banked with this bank. No virtual lines.

If you were first in line, you had a legitimate first crack at tickets. Friendships were formed, memories were shared.

Sometimes the experience of lining up was better than the show itself.

The cinema-going experience I try to keep this alive as best I can by going to the movies regularly.

But it’ll never be the same as it was back in the 1990s.

Scouring the newspaper to get the session times, arriving early to secure a ticket. Real (and affordable) popcorn popped on site.

Blockbuster movies that would be considered corny today.

Arnie, Sly, Segal.

Rom-coms that will never be surpassed in quality and didn’t worry about offending someone or making some grand statement.

The radio

I miss laying back on a Sunday afternoon and listening to the footy on the radio.

And yes, I could still do it now, but why would I?

I miss setting my watch by the pips at the top of the hour on 2UE.

I miss when radio reporters were on the ground, describing news like nobody else could. When newsrooms were legitimately resourced and first class.

When there was serious competition, when radio was king.

Share your own: I’d love to hear the things that you miss. Email me at Troy.Dodds@ westernweekender.com.au.

Closure takes spicy turn

Owner claims air conditioning issue sparked restaurant’s demise

The abrupt closure of local Mexican restaurant Yo Loco has exposed allegations of unpaid workers and trashed rentals, but the owner of the business claims it’s not the full story.

The Batt Street restaurant and play centre has been closed since last week, and issued a statement over the weekend confirming its closure.

“We are reaching out with heartfelt thanks for your support and to share that our current location has now permanently closed. This was a difficult decision, and we’re truly grateful for the many wonderful memories you helped create,” the statement read.

That “difficult decision” seems to have been forced on the business, after its real estate changed the locks due to a breach of lease, revealed by a sign on the door last Friday.

“The locks to these premises have been changed due to breach of lease,” the sign said.

Yo Loco owner Brent Grundy claims the locks were changed due to a dispute with the landlord over air conditioning.

“It was about the landlord’s failure to meet their lease obligations.

Under the lease, the building must be fully air-conditioned,” Grundy said.

“Every entertainment tenant in the complex has struggled with the landlord’s ongoing failure to repair the air-conditioning, which has severely impacted business.

“Two buildings now sit empty due to simple issues that could have been easily fixed. Instead, they’ve chosen inaction – costing themselves hundreds of thousands in lost rent and now facing a lawsuit that will run into the millions.”

Grundy claims the business lost 60 per cent of its income during the school holidays due to the air conditioning issue.

“The decision to stop paying rent was simple: the cost of lost revenue due to heat was far greater than the rent itself. We’re not paying for a non-functional space. The landlord’s failure to uphold their side of the lease left us no option,” he said.

Since the closure of Yo Loco, a nearby business owner, Michael Dempsey, has voiced his concern over how the building was left.

“They just trashed the joint and

made sure that nothing inside that building was salvageable for whoever takes over that complex,” Dempsey said.

Grundy responded to these claims saying they were defitting the premises as required by the lease.

“[The real estate] instructed that a defit of the premises was required as part of the lease. We immediately began that process in good faith,” Grundy said.

Dempsey is angry because he

believes the “trashed” state of the building devalues the businesses left in the complex.

“I’m very passionate about this because this is my business, and I care about the people in here,” Dempsey said.

“Now, I’ve got two empty buildings on either side of me that aren’t bringing business into the complex.

It makes the complex look lame or drowsy because we’ve got a trashed building there and a trashed build-

ing there. They’re not just empty, they’re trashed, and the public can see that.”

Adding to concern, Dempsey has been in contact with a group of former Yo Loco employees, all aged between 14 and 15-years-old, who are alleging they have not received their wages for weeks leading up to the closure.

Grundy responded to the claims of unpaid staff by saying the money will be delivered to them in due time.

“Some staff have already been paid out. Our admin team has been working around the clock, refunding over 200 party bookings in the past few days,” Grundy said.

“While a few staff are still owed money, this will be resolved in the coming days.”

Yo Loco is officially closed after the locks were changed by the real estate agency. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Michael Dempsey. Photo: Melinda Jane.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Glenmore Park: Three teens break into house, car stolen

Between 9pm on Thursday, March 20 and 7am on Friday, March 21 a house was broken into on Karingal Circuit in Glenmore Park. Once inside the house the offenders began to rummage through the property and have taken keys to a car. The offenders then stole the car from the property.

At 7.30am the occupants of the house woke up and contacted police. At the same time police have received information that some young people were posting on social media in the stolen car.

At 9.30am on Friday, March 21 police were informed that the vehicle was parked on Jamison Road in Kingswood and that three young males dressed in dark clothing were seen running into an address on Jamison Road.

Police attended the scene and located the car before attending the residential address the young people were seen running into. Police were allowed entry to the address by the occupant.

Police located the three young people who were identified as a 15-year-old from Kingswood, a 13-year-old from Werrington and a 14-year-old from Bidwill, in the rear shed of the property.

Police identified the clothing that the three young people were wearing matched that of the people in the social media posts. Police also located the key to the stolen car on a bed at the address with a black balaclava and gloves next to it.

All three were arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where they were all charged. They will all appear at Parramatta Children’s Court on Thursday, April 17.

Colyton: Ford and Holden battle in late night street race

At 11.05pm on Thursday, March 20 police were patrolling the Great Western Highway in Colyton. Police saw a Ford Focus in the middle lane and a Holden Commodore in the lane next to it.

At this time police were approaching the cars from behind the Ford. The traffic lights changed, and both the Ford and the Holden accelerated harshly. The Holden then slowed significantly, and the Ford continued on where its speed was checked at 110km/h in an 80km/h zone.

The Ford was stopped, and police had a conversation with the driver, a 23-year-old Cambridge Park woman.

The woman admitted to racing the other car. She was asked to produce her licence,

which she did. Police suspended the woman’s licence on the spot and charged her. She will appear in Mt Druitt Local Court on Monday, April 28.

Penrith: Murder charges laid after home invasion earlier this month

A man faced court yesterday charged with murder following an alleged home invasion in Penrith earlier this month.

About 1.30am on Saturday, March 8 2025, 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 allegedly broke into a unit and assaulted a man.

A 60-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however his condition deteriorated, and he died at the scene.

Following extensive inquiries, about 6.10am yesterday, detectives stopped a Mitsubishi sedan on Paton Street, Merrylands and arrested a 36-year-old man.

He was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with murder and aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.

He was refused bail.

St Clair: Man caught driving without a licence for the sixth time.

At 11.46pm on Saturday, March 23 police stopped a car on Banks Drive in St Clair for a random breath test. Police spoke with the driver, a 32-year-old Ebenezer man. Police asked the man to produce his driver’s licence, and the man admitted he did not have one.

Checks on the man revealed that the man’s licence had expired in 2024, but it was currently disqualified. The man was breath tested which proved negative. The man was also drug tested which returned a positive reading for methamphetamine and cocaine.

The man’s vehicle was searched and located in the footwell of the driver’s side of the car was a small, clear resealable bag containing cocaine. A second, clear resealable bag also containing cocaine was found in the centre console of the car.

The man’s driving history was checked and between October 2024 and March 2025 the man had been charged for driving while disqualified five times. The man was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged.

Police are awaiting the results from a further oral test. Should the test return a positive result, further charges will be laid.

“INFORMAL” CONTRACTS EXPLAINED

When people hear the word “contract” they often think of a formal legal document, usually prepared by a lawyer that is pages and pages long.

The reason contracts have evolved to take this form is that quite often the subject of the contract is quite important to the parties and usually involves some sort of exchange, often involving payment of a sum of money in return for a good or service, the terms of which need to be clear to all parties involved.

Contracts take all different shapes and sizes.

You can have a contract for the sale of land that sets out the land that is to be sold, the price payable for the land by the purchaser, and a range of other matters including any additional inclusions, timing of payments etc. An employment contract sets out the duties that an employee is expected to perform in return for payment of wages or a salary by the employer and other things like basic conditions of employment (for example, things like whether or not an employee is entitled to work from home and things of that nature). Contracts can take the form of terms and conditions that people agree to every day, sometimes without even realising they are doing so. For example, if you enter into a private car park that has a sign posted at the entry with a list of conditions of entry you are usually entering into a contract with the car park owner/operator to use the car park in accordance with those terms.

The reason that most contracts are recorded in writing is to prevent disputes between parties to a contract about the agreement between them.

A contract does not need to be prepared by a lawyer or in a particular form however to constitute a legally binding contract.

While there are certain “ingredients” that determine whether or not a contract exists as a matter of law (which we will explore in another column in the future), contracts can be handwritten, completely verbal, partially written and partially verbal, and often determined by the conduct of the parties even if not expressly set out in a document or conversation.

For example, you might be selling a car. I might come and inspect the car and offer to

purchase it from you for $500. You might say to me, “I will accept $500, but you take the car as is”. I might shake your hand and say, “We have a deal, I agree to pay you $500 for the car as is”. You might say, “No problem, pay me the money now and I will fill out the paperwork to transfer the registration to you and give you a receipt”.

This is an example of what might constitute a contract that is both verbal and written in nature. The verbal part is the terms of the contract that were agreed in the conversation. The written part might be the receipt or registration transfer papers or a combination of both.

Contracts like this are just as enforceable as a formal, written contract prepared by a lawyer.

Using the example above, if I were to pay you the $500 and you transferred the motor vehicle registration to me and provided me with a receipt, you could not then come back to me two weeks later and say, “I’ve changed my mind, I now want $1,000 for the car”.

The problem with contracts that are not in writing and lack sufficient detail is that they can be difficult to enforce because parties often end up in a he said she said argument about what the terms of the contract actually were, particularly if it is a verbal contract. For example, let’s say I drive the car home and three days later it breaks down on the motorway. I might call you and say, “I want my $500 back, this car is a lemon”. You might respond with, “No, you took the car as is”. I might say, “I would never have agreed to buy a faulty car though, and the car should have lasted me at least six months given the amount of money I paid”.

Disputes like this arise all the time in circumstances where parties to a contract have made assumptions that are not verbalised or recorded in writing or where parties have misinterpreted what the terms of the agreement actually were.

If you are considering entering into some sort of commercial arrangement you should always think about recording the terms of the agreement you are entering into in writing and depending on the nature of the transaction having a lawyer assist you in this process.

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Disclaimer: We have obtained all information herein from sources we believe to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Prospective purchasers are advised to carry out their own investigations.

News

Contact Us

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

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Penrith City Council’s Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the community. NOMINATIONS CLOSE 31 MARCH 2025. So what are you waiting for?

Find out more at: penrith.city/local-celebration-awards

There are four categories to choose from: Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year

Mayor’s Local Hero Award Community Service Award

Council Briefs

● It will soon be safer and easier for people to access the Nepean River and enjoy kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboarding with construction of a new kayak launch deck now underway in Leonay. The new launch deck on River Road, between Urbane Street and Buring Avenue, is expected to be complete and ready to use in mid-2025 (weather dependent).

During construction there may be some minor noise and please take note of any detours in place for your safety. Learn more at This project is jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council.

● Council is upgrading the Allsopp and Paterson Oval playspace in Cambridge Park with new equipment, seating, landscaping, and more!

Tell us what you’d like to see included in the design at

Community consultation is open until 11.59pm on Wednesday 16 April 2025. This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Penrith City Council.

● Join us for our annual Penrith Producers event on Friday 4 April at Triangle Park and High Street (west of Station Street), Penrith from 5–9pm. We’ll have more than 40 local producers offering specialty crafted food, drinks and artisan wares right here in the heart of Penrith. Kids can enjoy the free craft workshops.

More information, please visit

● 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

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Hillsong Church Australia Ltd

125 Coreen Avenue, Penrith

DA25/0165

Fitout and use of premises as place of public worship including associated site upgrade works and signage

Contact: Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568

Closing Date: Sunday 13 April 2025

• EMM Consulting has been amended

Proposed Tree removal, bulk earthworks and retaining walls (to create ‘Building Pads’), stormwater management and drainage works (including ‘Naturalised Trunk Drainage Channel’), road construction (including a portion of a ‘Collector Industrial Road’ and a ‘Local Industrial Road’), and subdivision

and therefore the Sydney Western City Planning Panel is the ‘Consent Authority’.

The proposed development is ‘Nominated Integrated Development’, requiring a ‘Controlled Activity Approval’ (pursuant to Section 91 (2) of the Water Management Act 2000) from the Department of Planning & Environment –Water and an ‘Aboriginal Heritage impact Permit’ (pursuant to Section 90 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974) from Heritage NSW.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the application are available on Council’s website, in the period from 31 March 2025 to 27 April 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application.

Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the

The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0268.

Please contact Robert Walker on 4732 7409

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via able to assist with your enquiries.

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

DA24/0268

“Modest” tax cuts will make a difference, says Treasurer

ANDREW BROWN, AAP

Taxpayers are being promised extra relief worth hundreds of dollars each year as Jim Chalmers releases a pre-election budget containing very few surprises.

Taxpayers will get two extra rounds of relief in a pre-election sweetener, as Chalmers lays out the economic case for a second term of a Labor Government.

In his fourth Federal Budget handed down on Tuesday night, weeks before Australians go to the polls, the Treasurer revealed the average earner would be $536 a year better off once the tax cuts are fully implemented.

However, workers will have to wait more than a year before they get the first hit of additional hip-pocket relief.

The first round will be from July 2026, with those on an average income (around $80,000) getting a $268 boost, with the second round coming in from July 2027.

After the government’s 2024/25 tax cuts are included, it’s estimated taxpayers will be more than $2500 a year – or about $50 a week – better off overall in 2027/28.

The cuts will cost $17 billion over the next four years, but Chalmers said the first tax rate would be at its lowest level in more than 50 years.

“These additional tax cuts are modest but will make a difference,” the Treasurer said.

The tax measures are among multiple costof-living measures that have been locked in by the government in a pitch to voters ahead of the Federal Election, due to be held in May.

Chalmers said the economy was “turning a corner” after previous years of high inflation, insisting better days were still to come despite global uncertainty.

“The plan at the core of this budget is about

Lindsay left out: Local MP’s strong response to budget

Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh has taken aim at the Labor Government, saying their budget proves they don’t care about Lindsay.

The Treasurer handed down a pre-election budget on Tuesday night, promising the average earner would be $536 better off once all tax cuts are implemented. But the first raft in 2026 will see Australians only about $5 a week better off.

“In the middle of a costof-living crisis the best that the Albanese Labor Government can do is give someone 70c a day. Not right now, you get it in 15 months’ time. I had a look at what you can buy for 70c in our major supermarkets, and you can’t even buy one banana, one of the supermarkets has a special on apples so you might be able to get one apple and that’s it,” McIntosh said.

“It’s taking Australians for a ride. Yet again, the Government is patting themselves on the back like Australians have never had it so good and everyone should be grateful, but we know from our community

The Treasurer said on Tuesday the budget was a “platform for prosperity in a world of uncertainty”.

Among the cost-of-living measures already announced were a further $150 in power bill relief for households and one million small businesses, to be handed out in two lots of $75 rebates through to December, under an $1.8 billion package.

Health measures have been reiterated through $7.9 billion to expand bulk billing to 90 per cent of GP appointments by 2030, and an extra $644 million to build more urgent care medical clinics.

Scripts for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will also be capped at $25 for non-concession card holders.

The low-income threshold for the Medicare levy has also been lifted by more than $1200 for singles and about $2700 for families.

more than putting the worst behind us. It’s about seizing the best of what’s ahead of us,” he said.

The budget comes as Australia and other countries brace for further tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, after he already targeted steel and aluminium exports.

A $20 million Buy Australia campaign will be set up in response to the tariff threat, which will encourage shoppers to buy local products.

Public Exhibition

The budget also included funding for the consumer watchdog to crack down on misleading conduct by major supermarkets, with more than $38 million set aside.

First home-buyers will also be helped through an $800 million expansion of the Help to Buy scheme, which allows people to purchase a property with a lower deposit.

The government will set aside almost $6 million to enforce a ban of foreign buyers purchasing a home in Australia for two years, which starts in April.

in western Sydney that people are struggling so much right now.

“They have not delivered on their promise of $275 off your electricity bill, people in western Sydney are paying $1,300 more than what Labor promised. It’s a budget for the election not for the future of our country.”

Of major concern for McIntosh is the lack of new infrastructure funding for the area.

“Once again, western Sydney and particularly our electorate has been completely abandoned by the Albanese Labor Government,” McIntosh said.

“There’s been no new infrastructure specifically for Lindsay and it looks like we could be the only western Sydney electorate without new funding.

“The government has been political before when they cut Mulgoa Road funding, we will not have that final stretch of Mulgoa Road upgraded despite how congested it is around Glenmore Park, Regentville and Jamisontown. The Metro from the Western Sydney Airport to St Marys is around six months late, its actually not going to be open when the airport opens… and no sod has been turned on Dunheved Road. Labor at the last election promised to fast track that project and it is now more than two years behind schedule.

“I think it would be absolutely correct for people in our community to be completely let down by this government. Every step of the way over the last three years we’ve been either hoodwinked by midnight media releases to do with flight paths and to do with road funding being ripped away or they just don’t care.”

The Coalition will deliver their budget reply tomorrow night.

Draft St Marys Town Centre Development Contributions Plan 2025 and Draft Amendment to Penrith Development Control Plan 2014

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 until 11.59pm on Wednesday 2 April 2025 and can be viewed at yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys

You are invited to make a written submission by:

• Email: citystrategy@penrith.city

• 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’.

For further enquires: Please contact City Strategy on 4732 7777 or citystrategy@penrith.city

Jim Chalmers puts the finishing touches on the Budget on Tuesday.

EMILY CHATE

Melissa McIntosh with Coalition leader Peter Dutton.

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LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The window with a chef removing a steaming hot pizza from the oven is located at the Monfarville Street Shops in St Marys.

The work from home debate becoming part of the election campaign. It’s not a political discussion. Let’s hope it stays out of the spotlight.

Luddenham languishes

Locals still waiting on State Government to act

TROY DODDS

Luddenham Village’s future is being jeopardised by the State Government’s failure to finalise the Luddenham Village Strategy, locals say.

The Luddenham Progress Association has been calling on the NSW Government to make good on its election promise and implement the Luddenham Village Strategy as published by the State Government three years ago.

Luddenham Village is the only area in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis that was excluded from the finalised rezoning plans released by the former NSW Government in March 2022.

Last week the NSW Government released their Aerotropolis Sector Plan – a plan to enable development in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and once again there was no mention of Luddenham Village or its future.

President of the Luddenham Progress Association, Wayne Willmington, said an interim strategy for the Village released with the planning package had resound-

ing endorsement from the local community, Penrith and Liverpool City Councils, and State and Federal Members of Parliament.

“Everyone is committed to saving the iconic Luddenham Village, which is one of the oldest settlements in NSW and the only existing ‘village’ in the Aerotropolis,” he said.

“The Luddenham Village strategy addresses proactively the noise level concerns with all proposed new housing sitting outside of noise contours including the projected contours for 2063 when the airport is operating at full capacity.

“Every day that this decision is delayed is jeopardising the Village’s future. The community has lost faith in the Government’s election promise to finalise the plans for the Village and people are starting to leave. For the first time in a generation, Luddenham Public School is down to just two classrooms.”

Londonderry MP and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car admitted the government needed to get to a point of providing clarity for Luddenham locals.

“We have to get on to that, because there are so many flow-on effects of

all the change in that part of Sydney and there’s obviously a big concern,” she said.

“I don’t have a timeframe but it’s obviously a huge job and we’ve got to get on top of it.”

In February 2024, the Depart-

it was “developing a program for the delivery of the final Luddenham Village Plan”.

More than a year on, Willmington says locals are losing faith in the government to act.

“There are no more excuses –

to move forward and secure the future of Luddenham Village by implementing the NSW Planning recommended Luddenham Village Strategy, allowing an increase to the population to the north of the existing Luddenham Village which

Wayne Willmington is fighting for the future of Luddenham. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Council points out “gaps” in airport infrastructure roadmap

Penrith City Council has released a list of “gaps” in the roadmap for the delivery of critical infrastructure surrounding the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said Council welcomed the release of Infrastructure NSW’s Aerotropolis Sector Plan, but there were gaps in the plan relating to critical roads supporting the Aerotropolis.

He also stressed that it was critical for public infrastructure plans for western Sydney to be fast-tracked and finalised, so that the extraordinary potential of the region could be realised.

“It’s important to note that this plan consid ers the Aerotropolis only,” Carney said.

“It’s only one piece of the broader western Sydney puzzle.

“We call on both the federal and state governments to consider gaps in the plan and look at the long-term delivery and funding of infrastructure throughout western Sydney.”

Chief among Council’s concerns is Luddenham Road, which it wants designated as a State Road with upgrades to be prioritised. The Sector Plan delays major upgrades until

2040, where Penrith Council sees this as an urgent safety issue.

“15 years for major upgrades on this key road is just too long. Council is calling on the NSW Government to reclassify this road from Local to State, given its critical and evolving role,” he said.

“We are also calling for road safety improvements to be implemented as an interim measure, while the ultimate design to ensure a safer, more connected and future-ready transport network can be delivered.”

Council is also calling for full funding to upgrade Mamre Road beyond the first two stages, and integration with Elizabeth Drive, which it calls “the missing north-south link”.

“There is currently a key gap between Kerrs Road and Elizabeth Drive,” Carney said.

Council also wants full length north-south rail, more funding for Elizabeth Drive and the staged delivery of Castlereagh Connection. It has also called for funding to complete Stages 5A and 5B of the Mulgoa Road overhaul before the airport opens.

Buses are also on Council’s list.

The Sector Plan funds general bus services, but not a dedicated rapid bus service. Penrith Council is advocating for a dedicated rapid bus service to connect major employment and residential hubs and strengthen public transport links throughout western Sydney.

Breakfast with Ron Wilson 5:30am - 9am

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney is leading the push for better infrastructure associated with the new airport.

TROY DODDS

Two-hectare Central Park at Bradfield given green light Central connection

Bradfield’s first major park has officially been given the green light for construction as the new city comes to life.

The approved two-hectare Central Park is set to open in line with the coming Bradfield Metro Station to welcome residents and visitors into the city.

The Central Park will provide approximately three football fields worth of open green space for workers, residents and visitors to gather, play and relax in their area.

This amenity is designed to showcase a connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Dharug people through installations like an interwoven heart with Dharug weaving and woven play area to enhance exploration and education of the First Nations culture.

A unique feature of the park is the Sky Ring which will provide shelter, direct rainwater and support misting water technology systems.

More than 550 mature trees and 70,000 species of native plants will be planted in the park with a minimum of 65 per cent tree canopy cover of native species.

CEO of the Bradfield Development Authority Ken Morrison said the brand-new city needed a top tier brand new park.

“Iconic cities need iconic open spaces, and Bradfield’s Central Park will create a new green anchor for Australia’s first new city in 100 years,” Morrison said.

“In the future thousands of people will pour out of the metro station directly into Central Park, which will become a gathering sport for people to live, work and play for generations to come.

“Alongside the completion of the first building, this progress underscores how we’re transforming the vision for Bradfield into reality.”

With the design now approved, a construction partner will be appointed to deliver the park.

A national design excellence competition was held to determine the design of Central Park.

Vapes, nicotine pouches seized

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has seized more than 5,000 vapes, 7,000 nicotine pouches and other products across two locations in Penrith.

The seized goods have an estimated street value of more than $360,000. Other items seized include over 2,000 units of alleged illicit sildenafil, a prescription only medication used for erectile dysfunction.

The TGA alleges that these products were unlawfully possessed or supplied in contravention of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

“We are committed to disrupting the supply of illicit vaping and other therapeutic goods,” said Professor Anthony Lawler, Head of the TGA and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON PARK UPGRADE

Penrith City Council is inviting the community to help shape the upgrade of the Allsopp and Paterson Oval playspace in Cambridge Park.

Mayor Todd Carney encouraged the community to share their ideas and suggestions for the new playspace.

“We want to hear how we can make Allsopp and Paterson Oval playspace a more inclusive and better space for the community,” Carney said.

Community consultation is open until Wednesday, April 16. Go to www.yoursaypenrith.com.au/allsopp-paterson for more information and to have your say.

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What the park with the sky ring will look like.

What the park will look like.

Special report: How dirtbags on dirt bikes have people

ALLY HALL

Unlicensed, unregistered, and unwanted on our roads, teenagers have been terrorising motorists and pedestrians from the narrow seats of their recklessly driven dirt bikes.

Locals feel like it’s a ticking time bomb before someone is killed – or before vigilantes take matters into their own hands.

Penrith man Stuart said he recently witnessed teenagers wearing balaclavas doing wheelies past officers on the Great Western Highway. The local father added the problem won’t disappear unless we get to the root of it.

“I have empathy that there’s an entire area of low socioeconomic status in Penrith that has no hope, no opportunities and nothing else going for them; I think education and opportunity need to be introduced into those areas,” Stuart explained.

“Pretending that conclave of people are worthless and you don’t have to spend money on them is probably the biggest issue.”

For now, the adolescents display a lack of fear from their motorised thrones, with multiple reports of reckless riding through busy intersections.

“I just don’t know what to do. The local members don’t care, the police don’t care, the politicians don’t care, the Mayor doesn’t care.”

“We were travelling east on Jamison Road heading from Jamison Park up towards Northern Road and an unregistered bike overtook us on the unbroken lines on the back wheel, chucking a wheelie with no helmet and no registration,” said North Richmond resident Glen.

“He was zipping through the traffic, and he came up to the intersection of Northern Road and just went straight through the red light.”

Just this week, Cambridge Park resident Neil

almost collided with a boy on a bike as he was driving in the late afternoon with the sun in his eyes.

“I saw a silhouette of something coming towards me on the road, so I moved over into the parking lane in front of St Dominic’s and saw it was a motorbike doing a wheel stand down the wrong side of the road,” Neil recounted.

“He seemed completely oblivious to the fact that I was coming straight towards him, and if I hadn’t pulled into the parking lane, I would’ve run him straight over.

“I grew up riding motorbikes myself, so in a different life, I probably would’ve said it’s just kids having a bit of fun, but they seem to have no concept of danger or death.”

Motorists aren’t the only ones impacted by irresponsible youth; Jordan Springs resident Benny said homeowners are struggling.

“Two Saturdays ago, I was coming home at 10.30pm and I noticed three juveniles on dirt bikes in the side street checking door handles

on cars,” Benny detailed, adding this was weeks after multiple thefts on his street.

Upon calling the police and explaining what he saw, Benny was appalled by the response.

“He said they’d been given a directive from

above not to intervene with juveniles on dirt bikes because if they are injured in cause of a pursuit, they are liable personally,” Benny stated.

One woman had to move out of her dream home in Cranebrook’s Waterside Estate after five years of putting up with relentless dirt bikers.

“We would regularly do the lakeside walks around my estate, and on three different occasions we had episodes where motocross riders came down onto the walking tracks and were revving it up,” said Deb, who has since moved to South Penrith.

“You have to jump off the path to get out of their way.”

During her half-decade at Cranebrook, Deb stood up to dirt bike riders twice – she was mooned in retaliation the first time, and the second time a rider skimmed her leg.

She’s since been informed police aren’t allowed to chase the young riders.

This has raised the eyebrows of many residents wondering whose safety is more important: Law-abiding citizens or young potential criminals?

Belinda from Cranebrook called the police for help recently and said she felt like a second-rate citizen as the constable said there’s nothing they could do.

“I felt like the dirt bike riders’ welfare and their safety was more important than mine and my family’s,” the mother of three said. “I just don’t know what to do. The local

That doesn’t look like a road.

Unregistered dirt bike riders on an off-road joyride.

These teenagers had allegedly been swerving through peak hour traffic and doing wheelies on Castlereagh Road.

a plague”: Bike madness

moving out of their homes – plus what the police have to

members don’t care, the police don’t care, the politicians don’t care, the Mayor doesn’t care.”

Belinda explained she used to run a business in Union Lane but moved elsewhere due to the constant torment.

“They would be there daily riding in the back

car park, terrorising people, chasing people, riding up and down the path on High Street,” she explained.

Last year, she was knocked over on High Street as she was protecting an older woman with a walker.

“I grabbed the walker and pulled her back before being knocked over by the guy on the Vespa,” Belinda recounted.

“He had no helmet on, he had a passenger with him, they were both wearing balaclavas, and they screamed at me. I tore up the side of my leg, my arm, and my pants.

“If they hit this old lady, they would have killed her.”

One employee at a High Street business told the Weekender a customer was recently hit while leaving their store. Another employee stated they’ve been riding on the footpath, on the wrong side of the road, and causing chaos with traffic.

Nepean Regional Security’s Gina Field said the dirt bike saga has been going for a long time.

“We’ve had all of our front lawn ripped up at our office area in North Penrith, mud spewed all over our employees’ vehicles, and our patrol officer has been stopped at the lights with trail bike riders terrorising from the front and back of the vehicle,” Field stated.

She’s been informed that police can’t chase them down, and the dirt bike riders are aware of that.

“They know that they’re juveniles, they’re underage, the legal system won’t do anything with them, they’ll get a slap over the wrist, the cops can’t chase them, and they’re faster than the police cars,” Field explained.

“This is an epidemic, it’s a plague, and I’m concerned people are going to start taking matters into their own hands.”

Nepean Police Area Command issued a statement, claiming they are taking action where possible and have undertaken several special operations.

“In response to the issue of trail bikes, Nepean PAC carried out ‘Operation Spoiler’ on the 19th of December 2024. The operation consisted of Traffic and Highway Police Command, Nepean Proactive Crime Team, Nepean PAC Trail Bike operators, and Nepean PAC General Duties,” the statement said.

“The operation resulted in several charges and the recovery of a stolen vehicle. More importantly it created a high visibility presence which has been proven as an effective tool in the reduction of crime.

“Nepean PAC assisted the Traffic and High way Command with an operation targeting the use of trail bikes on the 18th of March 2025.

“Nepean PAC plan on running similar operations moving forward and remain committed to the reduction in crime.”

Gina Field from Nepean Regional Security is fed up. Photo: Melinda Sanders.

A local resident reported this trail bike rider allegedly rides through parks and on footpaths in South Penrith.

Speed limit reduced along notorious stretch of Mulgoa Rd

Residents of Wallacia and the surrounding areas are being warned that a major thoroughfare has had its speed reduced permanently.

Due to the number of accidents on Mulgoa Road between Roscrea Drive and Water Street, the speed limit has been permanently reduced from 80km/h down to 60km/h.

The decision to permanently change the speed limit was made by Transport for NSW and is in effect right now.

A spokesperson for Nepean Police Area Command said there has been over 20 major crashes on the road in less than one year, prompting the change.

“An analysis of crash data for the past nine months records 25 major crashes on Mulgoa Road which encompasses the area to Wallacia,” the spokesperson said.

“The number of crashes is high for one road, and it is envisaged the reduction of the speed limit will reduce these incidents occurring.

“Of concern to police is that two of the crashes have involved alcohol. Sunday has the highest crash recording for the period which traditionally has lower traffic volumes that lead to motorists driving too fast, increasing the risk of crashes occurring.”

Work will occur to replace the existing speed limit signs and create road markings to assist the speed limit reduction.

The new speed limit will be enforceable once the new speed signs are in place.

Security improvements locked in for iconic High Street church

Alocal faith organisation will benefit from State Government funding to improve safety at places of worship.

St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church will receive $45,000 of funding as part of the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants to support better safety and improved security at religious sites.

Penrith MP Karen McKeown said the funding will ensure the church, located on High Street, continues its work for the local community.

“St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church has been an important part of the social fabric here in Penrith,” McKeown said.

“The program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.

“The NSW Government is getting behind our faith organisations to support upgrades and other projects that will make the religious experience safe.”

The $45,000 in funding will upgrade security and surveillance systems, provide training for staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation and build up the resilience of faith groups.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the funding will allow places of faith to remain places of peace.

Melissa’s

Message

The weekly views of the Federal

Member for Lindsay

The stars come out in Penrith!

The Stars of Penrith event was a night to remember as dancers took to the stage, raising an extraordinary $170,500 for the Cancer Council. With a crowd of over 400 people filling the room, the atmosphere was electric as our local Stars, after three months of rehearsals, delivered performances that were full of energy, passion, and purpose.

As a judge, alongside Bec Cleary and last year’s winner Aaron Sowter, I was blown away by the dedication and talent on display. The competition was fierce, and Bridget Bennett & Jaxon Dunn’s Grease-inspired routine brought the house down. From the moment the music started, the crowd was hooked, and by the time they launched into the hand jive, the entire room was on their feet, dancing in the aisles. It was a true showstopper, earning them the winner’s trophy for Judges’ Choice Award.

Another standout of the night was Kristian Storek, who not only won the People’s Choice Award for his amazing

“I’m proud that the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to improve safety at places where faith communities get together,” Kamper said. “This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”

roller-skating routine but also took home the Highest Fundraiser Award, raising an incredible $45,000. His commitment to the cause was truly inspiring, and his efforts will make a real impact on those affected by cancer.

The Community Spirit Award went to Julie Sheldrake & Michelle Garvey, who embodied everything this event is about— bringing people together for a cause bigger than themselves.

Every single dancer brought something special to the stage, whether it was technical skill, emotional storytelling, or sheer entertainment value. But beyond the performances, what made the night truly remarkable was the overwhelming sense of community. Seeing over 400 people come together in support of such an important cause was a powerful reminder of the heart and spirit of Penrith.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, from the dancers to the audience members who cheered them on. Your support ensures that the Cancer Council can continue its vital work in research, prevention, and support services.

The Stars of Penrith once again proved that when our community comes together, we can achieve something truly special. I can’t wait to see next year’s event!

MELISSA MCINTOSH Federal Member for Lindsay

A section of Mulgoa Road has had its speed limit reduced. Photo: Melinda Jane.

The iconic St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Penrith will receive safety improvements.

How balancing dance and the HSC has become easier than ever

Juggling high school with a social life is hard enough without adding 35 hours of extra-curricular dance training on top. PAWS High School is remedying that.

Students at the dance school use the Elite Pursuits Program designed by Australian Christian College, which allows them to benefit from distance education.

“They can do it from home, but in this situation, we’re bringing them together so that they can be doing their online studies independently but with the support and assistance of each other and myself as an educator,” said Academic Supervisor Alison Tapuska.

This caters to young dancers by freeing them up to pursue their dreams, attend auditions, and travel without impacting on their secondary education.

“Those things mean that they get torn away from school, but this way they can do schooling in their own time when they need to,” explained PAWS High School Director Rebecca

Liu-Brennan. “If they need to do extra schooling on the weekend they can because they can just watch the class anytime, and that’s the beauty of it

for these kids.”

It all began when Liu-Brennan’s daughter asked to start distance education because it was difficult to balance school with dance training.

“She was going to school at 8am and getting home at 9pm and it was just too much for anyone to cope with,” Liu-Brennan stated. Despite trepidation, they gave it a

go and reaped the benefits.

“Her school marks sky-rocketed, she was focused, she was less stressed and less exhausted,” Liu-Brennan explained.

“Other kids saw that happening and asked if we could start doing it at the school and that’s why we started it.”

PAWS began the program in Term 4 last year, and is excited to bring on more students.

“The stigma attached to it is that it’s easier than normal schooling or that the kids aren’t going to get the same results, or they won’t get the same opportunities academically –but it’s the opposite,” Liu-Brennan reiterated.

“Most of these kids were struggling, and they’re now doing really well. They get to do their HSC and they get the exact same criteria.”

PAWS is enrolling for Term 2 now.

“It’s the exact same curriculum that the kids are doing at school, so it’s very simple to transition,” Liu-Brennan assured.

“People can enrol for Term 2 if they’re interested and they can come along and have a look for the day.”

PAWS High School students. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Whiskey in the spotlight

International Whiskey Day? We’ll drink to that!

Who doesn’t love something rich, smooth and full-bodied? I’m talking about whiskey by the way.

Today marks International Whiskey Day, and we visited two of High Street’s trendy bars to discover Penrith’s ultimate whiskey cocktail.

Starting at the quirky Mr Watkins, bar manager Marcelo Macchione Arruda explained cocktails are the top sellers at the old-fashioned bar and restaurant – most nights at least.

“Some days it’s mainly whiskey cocktails and then other days we don’t sell any whiskey cocktails, but we sell a lot of whiskey neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer,” Arruda explained.

The cocktail depicts the type of whiskey the bartender uses.

“For a whiskey sour or an old fashioned, we use a bourbon whiskey, and for a whiskey highball, we use a scotch,” Arruda said, with taxidermy animals looking over his shoulder.

The most popular whiskey-related order at the bar with over 70 cocktail

options is the whiskey sour, and while Arruda admits this is a good drink, he’s very particular about his own drink order.

“I like whiskey, but I prefer to drink whiskey neat, because I think you get more flavours – the better the whiskey, the more complex the flavours,” Arruda stated.

And if you want to try something different, the expert recommends

swapping out your whiskey sour for a Tipperary, which is made up of Irish whiskey, chartreuse, sweet vermouth and bitters.

Across the road at Elton Chong, Erin Arndell was setting up shop, lining the bar with service mats in preparation for their opening hours.

The dive bar, with scribbled writing all over the walls and neon light features, has a different clientele

to Mr Watkins with different drink preferences.

“Jack Daniels is a popular order because we’re very much a heavy metal dive bar,” Arndell stated.

Most customers will order a Jack and Coke instead of a cocktail, but when they do want something a bit different, the classics hold up.

“Forever and ever the most popular whiskey cocktail will be a

whiskey sour,” Arndell said.

However, she prefers to mix up a cocktail called the personal Jesus.

“It’s Australian solera rye whiskey, salted plum gin that two Aussies in Shanghai are making, and a honey and lemon mix which makes a sour and sweet variation that goes down well.”

It seems whiskey drinkers will be well looked after on High Street.

Erin Arndell pouring the personal Jesus cocktail. Photo: Melinda Jane. Marcelo Macchione Arruda making a whiskey sour. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Documentary showcases best of western Sydney creatives

Western Sydney creatives have come together to create a documentary delving into the journey of going from a fan of something to transforming into a creator.

Production has officially been completed on ‘Subculture: The Whovians’ with Director Prudence Bernadette, a western Sydney local, finishing her first film for her production company, Prudent Films.

The documentary examines the journey of fans working to become creators, told through author Jon Blum’s path to becoming a professional writer for the ‘Doctor Who’ franchise.

The American born Blum, who now lives in Sydney, was a devoted ‘Doctor Who’ fan, also known as a ‘Whovian’, who wrote a fan film and was then catapulted to being a licenced writer for the franchise.

Bernadette was inspired by the story and wanted to showcase Blum’s journey to show others there is a way to achieve your goals.

“I hear so many people talk all the time about ‘and the rest is history’ and when I was growing up… I would think, well, what happened after that? How do you go from being a waiter to then being Jon Hamm?...” Bernadette said.

“I really wanted to show a film that I would want to see if I was

struggling every day and if I was still working in retail, what would I need as that pep talk to myself to say you can do this but it’s realistic…

“It is a long journey, but you will get there if you put in a little bit of persistence, a little bit of credibility and then also popping in the free work as well.

“A lot of the time we’re told there is no money in projects… and that’s where I come in with my doco to say it’s all three elements that come together and then eventually you will end up getting the keys to the kingdom yourself.”

Executive producing the film was Penrith local Ryan Cauchi who produced ‘Greystanes’ and said the project was able to highlight the great work of creatives from western Sydney, which is often under-valued.

“The advice I would give to any creative, be they someone writing for a licenced IP or be they making a film about fans of a licenced IP is that you can never plan too much and never undervalue pre-production…” Cauchi said

“We had an amazing team made up entirely of western Sydney creatives… I just love that we’ve been able to foster such amazing relationships in film making in our own backyards.”

Keep an eye on the documentary’s socials for updates on the film @ subculture.doco on Instagram and Subculture: The Whovians on Facebook.

Mayor’s News

The

weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Community celebrates riverfront revamp

The Nepean River is one of our region’s greatest natural assets, and the focus of Penrith City Council’s most recent revitalisation project – so it was fantastic to see that work culminate in a community celebration at Regatta Park.

Thousands of residents and visitors converged at the riverfront setting earlier this month for the park’s reopening, with live music, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and workshops at the free event. It was wonderful to watch people of all ages enjoying our beautiful outdoors.

Regatta Park now has a fully fenced adventure playground, a 112-metre pavilion with water play equipment, sandpit, toilet amenities and a kiosk, pathways leading to the river foreshore and over-water viewing platforms. It also includes a cricket oval, outdoor fitness equipment, barbecue areas, parking and more.

The multi-million-dollar Regatta Park upgrade was identified in Council’s Our River Master Plan, a strategic plan to protect and enhance the Nepean River. Its realisation further positions Penrith as one

of the state’s most liveable cities.

Jointly funded, the park’s upgrade is a prime example of all levels of government working together to provide quality recreational areas for communities.

I’m delighted with the community’s positive response to the work being delivered around the river, and thrilled to share there is more to come.

Construction has started on a new kayak launch deck at River Road in Leonay. This selected position considers community feedback, as well as site and technical investigations.

This new deck makes it safe and easy to explore the river by kayak, canoe, or even stand-up paddle board, and provides an opportunity to access the water on the southern side of the M4 bridge – giving more people the chance to get active and enjoy our river in a fun way.

Work is expected to be complete by mid-2025. The project is jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

‘Doctor Who’ author, Jon Blum.

Director of Photography Luke Walker and Director Prudence Bernadette.

It’s action stations!

EMILY CHATE

Green thumbs to unite

Major plant fair celebrates 20th anniversary by moving to Penrith for first time

ALLY HALL

Warm soil and winter rain makes autumn the best season to establish a garden in Sydney, and that’s conveniently when the biggest plant fair in Australia takes place in Penrith!

Around 12,000 green thumbs are expected to flock to Penrith Showground on April 12-13 for The Collectors’ Plant Fair’s 20th annual event.

Spokesperson and ambassador for the fair Linda Ross described the event as “Disneyland” for gardeners and plant-lovers.

“There are an extraordinary 110 plant growers,” Ross said.

“These are specialist growers that have an interest in certain plants like water lilies or indoor unicorns or Australian native gum blossoms.

“You get to see all of these plants that you’ve never seen before, but you also get to experience the fair and market atmosphere with like-minded gardeners who are a lovely, fun and friendly bunch of people.”

This all started in 2005 at the back of Peter and Peta Trahar’s property in the Blue Mountains.

“It started in a cow paddock in Bilpin,” Ross explained.

“In New South Wales and Sydney, we don’t have the International Flower and Garden

Show like they do in Melbourne, we don’t have the Nambour Fair, but this event has been adopted and beloved by Sydney.”

After the cow paddock in Bilpin, the Collector’s Plant Fair found its home at the Hawkesbury Showground, but this year, organisers needed to make room for their biggest event yet.

“We were looking for higher ground and a bigger space because we’ve outgrown the original venue,” Ross stated.

“We are now happy to be in the heart of Penrith in a much bigger showground with

much more parking.”

After cracking 10,000 attendees 10 years ago, numbers waned when the pandemic hit.

“Now it’s bounced back with more stall holders than ever before; we’re at pre-COVID numbers and we now have a larger showground, so it’ll be more spacious and safer for everybody,” Ross said about the event’s resurgence.

It’ll have everything from hard-to-find plants to expert gardening tools to accessories.

“We’ll have slipper orchids from Adelaide all

the way to tropical plants from northern New South Wales and Queensland,” Ross said of the plant variety.

“There will be a huge array of plant material and more interesting plants than you get at your local nursery.

“There’s so many plants which are perfect for Sydney gardens that you just can’t find at your local Bunnings and that’s really what this event celebrates.”

Find out more information about the event and book a ticket online at www.collectorsplantfair.com.au.

The Collector’s Plant Fair is headed to Penrith next month.

RE/MAX honours Penrith real estate team

GIZZELLE Powell, broker owner of RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing, now holds a prized global career award, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

RE/MAX Australia Managing Director, Joel Davoren, said the honour belonged to an elite group whose members have each earned more than $3million USD in commissions and have at least seven years with RE/MAX

RE/MAX is recognised as one of the leading real estate franchise companies in the world, with the most productive sales force in the industr y and a vast global reach from headquarters in Denver, Colorado

“Gizzelle is an outstanding individual who has distinguished herself in her community, in RE/MAX ranks and the real estate industr y itself as both a business owner and a sales agent ,” said Mr and she does Australia proud.”

awards event on 20th Februar y at The Star Brisbane.

Announced each Februar y, RE/MAX Australia Club Awards recognise the preparation, e ort, per formance and commitment essential to real estate success. Gizzelle Powell was awarded Chairman’s Club status and sales associate Litsa Meleti achieved Platinum Club based on their 2024 achievements.

Mr Davoren said RE/MAX had entered its sixth decade since its first o ice opening in 1973

“Founders Dave and Gail Liniger created an environment where productive agents would come together, motivate each other and see their results soar. That model launched in Denver, Colorado is still going strong today, all around the globe.

ell said that reaching this level of international re as a special, career-milestone . RE/ its gala annual

“Each year, our greatest business success stories are our agents and property managers who commit to their clients through genuine relationships,” said Mr Davoren. “After a solid year for the network in 2024, we are prepared and ready for a year of individual business and network growth.”

Contact the RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing team on 0428 934 618 and enjoy an award-winning real estate experience.

The Robin Vigoro Club in Penrith was formed in 1933 and was similar to cricket and played extensively as a girls sport in the 1930s to the 1950s.

Left to right are Sydney (surname unknown), Eileen Creek, Elva Jackson, Nina Smalley, Zita Brown, Gladys Creek, Lorna Carrington, Ruby Thompson, Lylie Ausburn and Celina Roberts.

The photograph was taken in Penrith in 1936.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

Δ Wild for Turkey: For a limited time, Wild Turkey is launching Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. This exclusive release isn’t just bourbon – it’s an iconic celebration of one man’s extraordinary 70-year legacy of crafting liquid gold. Jimmy Russell, Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller, is the beating heart of the brand and a living legend in the world of whiskey. Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon is available now for $135 at Dan Murphys, BWS, First Choice & Selected independent retailers across Australia.

Δ Hot chook overhaul: Woolworths has announced the return of its Garlic Bread Hot Roast Chicken, bringing a delicious and convenient meal solution to Aussie dinner tables. The Garlic Bread Hot Roast Chicken is available for $13.50. This is the latest special edition flavour Woolworths has launched in its Hot Roast Chicken range, previously including BBQ Memphis and Tandoori flavours. The Garlic Bread Hot Roast Chicken has a buttery richness with garlic, fragrant herbs and a golden brown crust. Originally launched in 2020, the new iteration of the

product includes even more real butter within the stuffing, creating an authentic, buttery flavour akin to real garlic bread.

Δ New café opens: Diamond Caffe and Lunch has opened in Werrington County. The new café is at 2/11 Dunheved Road, and has a great breakfast and lunch menu.

Δ Ultimate fiesta: KFC has dropped Zinger Nachos. Zinger Nachos are the ultimate flavour fiesta, combining fan-favourite succulent Zinger fillet

alongside fresh guacamole, zesty tomato salsa, crunchy corn chips and a drizzle of moreish supercharged and nacho cheese sauces on top. Available at all local KFC stores.

Δ Greek delight: Eat GRK has officially opened at Westfield Penrith. You’ll find it on Riley Street. It’s very popular already!

Δ Happy Anniversary: Congratulations to Joseph and Dorothy Scott, who this month celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary.

�������� 02 4761 3210 �������� Monday- Wednesday: 9:00am to 5:00pm Thursday: 9:00am to 3:00pm Friday: 8:00am to 4:00pm

PENRITH BUSINESS

With 300+ athletes from 40 nations, the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships will draw global attention to Penrith. Featuring Olympic champions and family-friendly action, it’s a unique opportunity for businesses to support a world-class event, boost brand visibility, and connect with thousands of spectators ina high-energy, community-driven atmosphere. Corporate hospitality packages are coming soon—don’t miss the chance to get involved andbe part of this worldclass celebration of sport. Express your interest... richard.fox@paddle.org.au

The Western Sydney International Airportiscoming. And it’s notjusta fancynew runway or aplace to hopa flight to Bali without trekking throughMascot.It’s a literal launchpad for Penrith to become thego-todestination in Greater Sydney. Buthere’s the catch: if we want to ride thiswave, we need to be ready. Notin five years. Now!

So if you live, work ,shop, stroll, sip, paddle, hike, brunch, or breathein Penrith, then you’ve got skininthe game .Because we aresitting—no,teetering—on theedge of something big. Like, game-changing big. So go on. Take 5minutes to answer the survey andtellus what you think. Shareitwitha mate .And maybe—just maybe—you’ll be thelucky onewitha grandin yourpocket andthe satisfaction of knowing you helped put Penrith on themap

If you want more customers to find your business online, Google My Business (GMB) is one of the best tools available.

A well-optimised profile helps your business appear in local searches, builds trust with potential customers, and makes it easy for people to contact you.

Here are some simple steps to make sure your GMB profile is working for you.

1. Keep your business information up-to-date Make sure your business details are correct and easy to find. This includes:

• Business name – Exactly as it appears on your website.

• Address – Use the correct location so customers can find you.

• Phone number – Ensure it’s active and answered during business hours.

• Website link – Direct customers to your main page or booking page.

• Opening hours – Keep these updated, especially for holidays.

2. Add photos and videos

People like to see who they’re doing business with.

Adding high-quality photos and videos makes your profile look professional and helps build trust. You can upload:

• Photos of your shopfront, office, or workspace.

• Pictures of your team and work in progress.

• Before-and-after shots if you offer renovations or transformations.

• A short video tour of your business or services.

Updating photos regularly also tells Google your business is active, which can help improve your ranking in search results.

3. Ask customers for reviews

Good reviews make your business look trustworthy and encourage more people to choose you. If you’ve provided great service, don’t be afraid to ask happy customers to leave a review.

Ways to get more reviews:

• Ask customers in person after completing a job.

• Send a follow-up email or text with a link to your Google reviews.

• Add a review link to your website or email signature. Always respond to reviews, even if they’re negative.

4. Post regular updates Your GMB profile allows you to share news, offers, or updates just like a social media page. Posting regularly keeps your business active and encourages engagement. Post ideas include:

• Announcing special deals or promotions.

• Sharing updates about your business.

HANNAH STACK

A1 AAA ARDV ARK BUDGET GARDEN SERVICE

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RABBIT STEW!

PENRITH WILL FACE SOUTH SYDNEY IN A THURSDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN TO KICK OFF ROUND FOUR OF THE NRL. MATCH PREVIEW: PAGES 34-35

Lindsay Smith. Photo: NRL Photos. JACK COLE

Nathan Cleary’s head knock in the 8th minute of last Thursday’s loss to Melbourne may just be one of the most important moments of the season for the Penrith Panthers.

Cleary will be back, of course.

But it was the side’s response to their playmaker leaving the field that told you all you need to know about the Panthers and their Premiership defence.

Faced with the prospect of playing the remainder of the game without their inspirational leader and at one point down 14-0 to a side that rarely gives up such leads, Penrith forced their way back into the contest – showing the kind of grit, determination and attitude they have built their game on over the past five years. They may not have got the chocolates at the end of the day, but rest assured these Panthers are well and truly bought in for the 2025 season – write them off at your peril.

Any fans worried about Penrith’s 1-2 start to

the season need take a chill pill and relax. The first five or six rounds of the competition are never a true indication of how things are going to pan out during the year.

There’s a lot playing out in that first six weeks. Teams who have had since November to prepare for the year hit the ground running, but will ultimately be tested when injuries hit and the better teams hit their straps.

Those who went deep into the Finals last year and/or had significant international representation have had shortened pre-seasons, and indeed these opening rounds are often used as part of the preparation for the long year ahead.

And so an old adage rings true – one game at a time.

And for Penrith that game comes on Thursday night against South Sydney, who after two wins to start the season went down to Cronulla last weekend in a game that showed the Rabbitohs have plenty of work to do if they plan to be a

the final word

force under Wayne Bennett this season. They weren’t in the same league as the Sharks – they seemed off the pace and lacked energy. And when you consider they only just got home against the Dolphins in the opening round and beat the Dragons by a point a week later, the form line isn’t all that impressive.

But the big factor in this match is obviously no Nathan Cleary. His mandatory exclusion from this game under the NRL’s concussion policy evens the playing field significantly.

The Panthers will rely on Trent Toelau to guide them around the field, a huge call from coach Ivan Cleary given the availability of Brad Schneider. Toelau is being given his chance to shine, and may just take it with both hands.

It is games like this where experience counts.

We need the likes of Moses Leota, Isaah Yeo and Mitch Kenny to step up – they must assert their dominance on the contest.

And it goes without saying Penrith must tighten up their defence, which has probably

been one of the more surprising issues to start the year given how rock solid it has been in recent years. The Panthers have conceded 90 points so far this season – only the Roosters, Cowboys and Eels have posted worse. Perhaps that would be the big thing worrying coach Ivan Cleary at present. He knows how much he has built this side’s success on defence in recent seasons, and if that cornerstone is damaged, the road ahead may be bumpier than expected.

The result in this Round 4 opener will not determine where the Panthers end up this season. As noted earlier, we’re still in the midst of the adjustment period for the new year and Penrith have had a shorter preparation for the year than most. Win or lose, a performance with the enthusiasm and guts of last week’s clash with Melbourne is all you could ask for. If that happens, Cleary’s men should be too good for their 2021 Grand Final opponents.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

Graphi: Zoe Merrick.

panther rumblings

NO CHANCE OF DCE GOING WEST

! No interest in DCE: Let’s not pretend there’s any realistic chance Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans ends up at the foot of the Mountains. Ivan Cleary didn’t totally dismiss it when asked on Tuesday, opting instead to say he was out of the club’s price range. But I doubt Cleary thought the question was all that serious. The Panthers won’t be in the market for Cherry-Evans, even if he does decide to play on elsewhere in the NRL next year. But we can dream about a Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary partnership at club level, can’t we?

! Leota locals: Penrith’s trip to Las Vegas meant that plenty close to front row enforcer Moses Leota got to see him play in person for the first time. Believe it or not, Leota has plenty of family in the United States. “I had family come from here – my sister and cousin,” Leota said. “But most of my family was from over there. My mum’s brother was adopted when he was a baby and he moved over to America with the family that adopted him. He ended up getting my cousins some tickets and they got to come out and see me play live for the first time.”

! For Pete’s next trick: Peter V’landys will use the threat of taking Magic Round away from Brisbane to keep pushing the Queensland Government for an upgrade of Suncorp Stadium. The NRL is keen to keep the Magic Round concept in Brisbane and there’s no doubt the festival of footy up there is something special. But you only have to look at the success of the Las Vegas season launch to know that league fans can take over a city – it doesn’t have to be a traditional rugby league location. You can’t rule out Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand being seriously considered as future Magic Round homes if the Queens-

land Government doesn’t come to the party regarding an upgrade.

! Grand Final stays in Sydney: In a low key announcement last Sunday, the NRL and State Government confirmed this year’s Grand Final would be staying in Sydney. I’m told the

appetite for taking the Grand Final on the road is slowly waning at NRL headquarters. But the uncertainty of where the season decider will be each year is frustrating for fans. Surely Premier Chris Minns can sort out a long-term deal to guarantee Sydney remains the host of the year’s biggest game long-term. At the moment the latest announcement only covers the 2025 season – there is no deal in place for the 2026 Grand Final and beyond.

! Lunch with the stars: The Panthers have lined up Ivan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and club legend Greg Alexander for a luncheon being run in conjunction with Hawkesbury Race Club on May 2. The Sports Luncheon Calcutta at the Western Sydney Conference Centre will also feature Chris Waller and Charlie Duckworth. If you’re interested in a table or tickets, email katie.trokus@ westernsydneyconferencecentre.com.au.

! Rail woes: Commuters were frustrated by the train dramas that caused delays getting to the match against the Roosters at CommBank Stadium a few weeks ago. But at least the travel was free. Spare a thought for the Panthers, who

actually have to subsidise the free travel. They should ask for a refund.

! Spotted: A Panthers fan sporting the Las Vegas jersey in the front row of Jon Pardi’s Sydney concert last Thursday night.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary.

Photo: NRL Photos.

MOSES PRAISES NEXT GENERATION

It’s hard to believe that Moses Leota is playing his 10th season in first grade. It feels like just yesterday that the St Marys product, who hails from Auckland, New Zealand, was making his debut on a cloudy winter’s day against the Manly Sea Eagles.

Now, with more than 175 NRL games and four premierships under his belt, the 29-yearold is Penrith’s main forward leader following the departure of his long-time teammate and good friend James Fisher-Harris.

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday afternoon, Leota said it was a little hard at first seeing someone else fill Fisher-Harris’ vacant locker.

“Ice (Isaiah Papali’i) took over his locker,” Leota revealed.

“It’s good now, but when he (Fisher-Harris) first left, it was a bit different, but it’s normal now. I actually caught up with him in Vegas on our last night there and we had a good time.”

With Fisher-Harris enjoying his new life over in New Zealand as the face of the Warriors, the Panthers had to fill more than his vacant locker this season.

The person tasked with taking over his coveted number 10 jumper was none other than Kangaroos forward Lindsay Smith.

The 25-year-old former cricketer has enjoyed a solid start to the year alongside Leota in the Penrith starting pack.

“He’s started on fire this year,” Leota glowingly

said of Smith.

“He’s been going well, playing long minutes and he’s a really talented prop.

“He knows how to do his job very well. He’s talented and skilful.”

Another young star Leota wanted to heap praise on this week was that of Blaize Talagi, who made his club debut in Penrith’s narrow loss to the Storm last Thursday night.

Leota said he was particularly impressed with the “resilience and character” showed by the 20-year-old and his fellow half Jack Cole.

“It was tough losing Nathan [Cleary] early, but I felt like a lot of the young boys stepped up and we almost came away with the win,” he said.

“Blaize’s confidence is super high. He’s a ball of energy. He showed a lot of character last week and I was impressed with his defence. He had big guys coming at him and he led the line speed and took it head on – that’s what I liked about him!”

Penrith will aim to avoid three losses in a row when they travel to Accor Stadium to battle the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Thursday.

The Bunnies have had a mixed start to the year, but incredibly sit higher on the ladder than their opponents heading into tonight’s clash.

Leota said defence has been a big priority at Panthers training this week.

“I think we just need to nail down on our details,” he said.

“We know, as a team, defence wins games and that’s what we are trying to do. Hopefully we can fix it this week. We’ll soon find out.”

Panthers forward Moses Leota.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

MAKING THE MOST OF HIS SECOND COMING

Thomas Jenkins never wanted to leave Penrith at the end of the 2023 season, but an opportunity that was promised to him at Newcastle was far too good to pass up for the man they call “Milky”.

“You never want to leave a place like this. Penrith’s always felt like home; they gave me my first opportunity,” the 24-year-old said. “I didn’t necessarily want to leave but I probably needed to leave, to go away, chase an opportunity and do it for myself, my own development, my own career.”

Jenkins played six games for the Panthers across the dominant 2022 and 2023 NRL seasons. But with Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva having a stronghold on Penrith’s number ‘2’ and ‘5’ jerseys at the time, Jenkins opted to purse a plum gig in the Hunter after then Knights winger Dom Young decided to head down south to join the Roosters.

“When your path is blocked and a side is going for four-in-a-row, I needed to go away to try and crack it and make my own journey,” Jenkins said.

“Going away and doing that is something that I needed to do.”

Following an honest and open chat with Ivan Cleary, it was quickly decided that the best way forward for the Young Cherrypickers junior would be to pursue a career at the two-time Premiership winners.

“Ivan is always open. No matter how hard the conversation is, he’ll always have it with you

directly no matter what,” Jenkins said.

“Whether it’s what you want to hear or what you need to hear, and that’s something that I admire and respect so much about him.

“He’s a coach that will tell you exactly what you need to know. He was open and honest. I respected that.

“It was sad in a sense to leave because I didn’t want to leave and he knew that I didn’t want to leave, but he said it was something that I needed to do – to chase an opportunity and to experience it.”

Under coach Adam O’Brien, Jenkins played just five games at the Knights before asking for a release from the second and final year of his contract.

Jenkins said he has no bitterness towards the Newcastle club – it was just simply a case of not the right fit for either party.

“My Newcastle experience was really good. There’s a good bunch of boys up there. There wasn’t any bad blood when I left. It was purely based on what I needed as a person,” he said.

“It wasn’t home sickness. I just didn’t feel myself up there. I always felt drawn back to here. Being around family, enjoying my footy.”

With his NRL career in limbo, Jenkins started working for a disability company as a support worker while at the same time, linking up with St Marys, who compete in the Ron Massey Cup.

Hearing he was back in town, Jenkins then received a call from Penrith NSW Cup coach Ben Harden to see if he would be interested in training at the Panthers Academy in the afternoons.

Nothing was promised by Harden, more of a ‘foot in the door’ type situation.

“Nothing was guaranteed,” Ivan Cleary said.

“Tom and I had a chat before Christmas, and he went back to St Marys first and he was in our afternoon squad here.

“He was very humble about it. He went back there, he trained the house down, and he was probably the fittest guy and played really well.”

Jenkins’ first game back in Penrith colours was against Manly in a pre-season trial match while the main squad was getting acquainted with the bright lights of Las Vegas. Jenkins was strong in his return game for the Panthers and, just days later, signed a full-time playing contract with the Panthers.

“He was our best player in Cup over the first two rounds,” Cleary admitted.

“I know that he’s capable; he’s a well and truly capable NRL player.

“We’ve got positions in our team at the moment, which are definitely not a lock. There’s a real opportunity for guys to play well – bit of competitive tension – which is always a good thing and Tom’s a good story out of that.”

Jenkins’ redemption story was officially

deemed complete last week down in Melbourne when he was tapped on the shoulder by coach Cleary to replace injured representative fullback Dylan Edwards.

After so much uncertainty regarding his career, Jenkins would discover on his 24th birthday of all days that he would be returning to first grade for the Panthers.

“Ivan just said, ‘you’re going to play this week’,” Jenkins recalled of his unique birthday present.

“Ivan just told me to go after it and that I wouldn’t be there if he didn’t have confidence in me.”

Despite being in the unfamiliar position of fullback, Jenkins was one of Penrith’s best players against the Storm and has even earned himself another call up for tonight’s game against South Sydney at Accor Stadium.

Jenkins said he’d love nothing more than to play the rest of the season in first grade, but he knows – from past experiences – that nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to footy.

“I do like to look forward and I do have goals, and the goal is to play first grade but that’s also the goal of 36 boys in here,” he said.

“I just know that if I play good footy every week, it puts me in good stead to have that opportunity again.”

Tom Jenkins made his first grade return last week against Melbourne. Photo: NRL Images.

Tom Jenkins is happy to be back in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

footy club

footy club

panthers poster

Tries: G Anderson, E Katoa, X Coates, T Wishart, R Papenhuyzen Goals: N Meaney 3, R Papenhuyzen 2

Tries: B Schneider 2, J Edgar, M Geyer, A Kepaoa Goals: B Schneider 3/5

Tries: B Moran, J Liddiard, N Murphy, J Tuaoi, H Armstrong, D Wigmore, S Faeamani, A Leilua, P Hotere-Papalii

Goals: Z Clarke 7/9

Tries: P Alamoti 2, B To’o 2, C McLean Goals: P Alamoti 2/5

Tries: T Thompson, T Annan Goals: W Pryce 2/2

Tries: H Walker, J Galemoe, C Mellon Goals: C Gray 3/3

Many famous broadcasters graced the Penrith Park broadcast box over the years – from Ray Warren to Ray Hadley, Andrew Voss, Warren Smith, David Morrow and so many more. Among the most iconic is Frank Ley. Ley was among the principal broadcasters on 2KA, calling Penrith Panthers games from the mid-1970s through to 1989. He became the voice of the Panthers during their emerging years, and in the era before pay television, he was often the eyes and ears of fans who couldn’t make it to the game. Frank Ley passed away in 1995.

IS 2025 OUR RETOOLING YEAR?

lang on league

with Peter Lang

We’re only three games into the season and there are already plenty of rugby league experts writing Penrith off after one win and two losses.

So this week, I’m going to look at the questions, whether 2025 is a ‘retooling’ year for the club? And can the team win a fifth premiership in a row?

Just to clarify, the term ‘retooling’ means to ‘change something in order to improve it’.

Now there are plenty of reasons why Penrith narrowly lost to Melbourne last Thursday. The best player in the game, Nathan Cleary, went down with a ‘category one’ head injury after just eight minutes.

This then forced a reshuffle which saw two inexperienced twenty-

year-olds in Jack Cole (21) and Blaize Talagi (20), who had never played in a game together, to form a scrum base duo against arguably the best spine in the competition.

In the end, the strong culture embedded in the club came to the fore and against all odds the team almost came away with a stunning come-from behind victory.

The truth is, the team is still trying to find a five-eighth who can form a potent and permanent combination with Nathan Cleary.

There are plenty of options but for now, it looks like the club will run with Jack Cole at five-eighth with a hungry and talented Blaize Talagi hot on his heels.

The other big problem coach Cleary must address is the side’s awful defence, which is by far the worst it has been since 2019. It has already leaked 90 points in three-rounds at an average of 30 points per game. Again, there are reasons why the defence is poor but I’m tired of excuses which leads us back to the question; Is 2025 a ‘retooling’ year for the club and can it still win a fifth consecutive title?

My answer to both questions is, yes, but not if the current trajectory of the team continues.

I know I’m sitting on the fence here but the sample size of three games is just too small to make a definitive statement.

In my opinion, it is a ‘retooling’ year but that’s not a negative thing, and it certainly doesn’t mean the team is in for a bad season.

On the contrary, I believe the club will still make the top four but unless the team can find a permanent five-eighth and patch up its leaky defence, it will not get to the big dance, let alone win it.

After the loss to the Storm, coach Ivan Cleary admitted that the back-up players in key positions were young this year but watching them grinding it out and performing like they did against the Storm will only strengthen the likes of Cole and Talagi for the future.

There is so much talent in both Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup this year, which is developing nicely. This is the season where more than a few young players will mature and gain valuable first grade experience while Ivan and the coaching staff figure out the side’s best combinations moving forward.

The culture at Panthers is too strong for the team to stay down for too long and give up hope of winning another premiership this early on in the season.

It’s simply not the Penrith way.

Blaize Talagi and Jack Cole after last week’s loss. Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

STORM

STORM

STORM

EAGLES TIGERS

SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

SHARKS

EAGLES WARRIORS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM COWBOYS BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

PANTHERS TITANS BRONCOS STORM RAIDERS BULLDOGS EELS WARRIORS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM COWBOYS SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

BRONCOS STORM RAIDERS SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

BRONCOS STORM COWBOYS SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

BRONCOS STORM COWBOYS SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM RAIDERS SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM COWBOYS SHARKS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

TIGERS

PANTHERS TITANS

PANTHERS TITANS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS TITANS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS TITANS

RABBITOHS ROOSTERS

STORM

STORM

STORM

STORM

STORM

STORM

EAGLES TIGERS

EAGLES WARRIORS

EAGLES TIGERS

EAGLES TIGERS

EAGLES WARRIORS

EAGLES TIGERS

EAGLES TIGERS

EAGLES TIGERS

SHE’S STILL AN IDOL IN OUR EYES

Australian Idol alumnus Paulini

Curuenavuli is bringing the music of ‘James Bond’ and the ‘60s to Penrith Panthers alongside her eight-piece band and vocal group, The Martinis.

She’s known mononymously by her first name, but it’s not because she identifies with the likes of Beyonce or Cher.

“I’m not in that category,” Paulini said with a laugh.

“I think the reason why people don’t use my second name is because it’s so hard to pronounce.”

The singer, songwriter and musical theatre

leading lady is the youngest of six siblings and moved to Australia from Fiji when she was four-years-old.

“My dad was the choir master in church, and he taught us about singing and harmonies,” Paulini recounted.

“I grew up singing in church and went to school and started getting into anything that had to do with music.

“I also participated in different talent quests around my area, and then I decided to audition for ‘Australian Idol’ and the rest is history.”

Her family’s first home in Australia was in Randwick, before they relocated to Bankstown while Paulini was in middle school.

It was in the western suburbs that she felt most at home.

“I was around more kids that look like me, so

I didn’t feel so isolated,” Paulini remembered.

From a young immigrant to a dazzling star, Paulini’s powerful voice does justice to iconic ‘James Bond’ soundtracks.

“It’s always intrigued me so much,” Paulini explained.

“They’re very theatrical because they’re for films, but the sound is ambiguous. They’re unpredictable harmonies that I don’t usually hear in pop songs.”

The unpredictable sound creates an air of mystery synonymous with the ‘Bond’ movies.

“If you do come to the show, you’ll leave with a euphoric feeling afterwards because all of these songs have been written so well, and like I said before, they’re for film, so they just kind of take you to an absolutely different place,” Paulini said.

Singing alongside Robert Jeffrey, Kai Rule and Jimmy Rizk – a.k.a. The Martinis – is what pulls it all together.

“Even before I came into the picture, they’d already come up with that name, and it was such a great fit,” Paulini said.

The singer raved about how incredible the three men sound.

“Talking about the ‘60s, there’s a lot of Bee Gees stuff happening around then, and they remind me so much of that sound,” Paulini stated.

“We can’t wait to get up on stage and have a big sing-along with the crowd. We’re singing songs that everybody knows, so it’s going to be a great night out.”

See Paulini and The Martinis at Penrith Panthers on Friday, April 4. Tickets are $55.

ALLY HALL

THINGS TO DO

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

Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

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

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

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.

Penrith NASHOS

Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 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 and Wednesday 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.

Down-on-his-luck

WAYNE’S W RLD

with Wayne Tunks

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

Working for an ‘80s radio station, we play a lot of Aussie music. And I truly believe that the ‘80s was the best decade for Aussie music. And I fear the hey day of Aussie music is forever gone. It doesn’t help that the world is so accessible nowadays. You can discover new artists anywhere in the world, which worked for artists like Tones and I and The Kid Laroi, but isn’t easy, and not long lasting. So now an Aussie will listen to a Norwegian metal band but won’t listen to some young Penrith band. Once upon a time people went to pubs to hear new bands, any night of the week you could head to a local pub and hear a band. Some went nowhere, some were INXS! I love when you see someone on socials showing their old ticket that has two icons on the bill and they paid like $5 for the ticket.

Bands grew and flourished by playing so many gigs. Line-ups changed and were consolidated and classic hits evolved in live shows. Pubs were full and bars

were making huge money from live gigs. A night out was electric. Things started changing in the ‘90s, right around the time that poker machines became popular. Venues

COUNTRY CORNER

Larry down under He hasn’t got a huge presence in Australia but Larry Fleet played his first shows down under last weekend and grabbed a whole new set of fans as the support act for Jon Pardi on his Sydney and Melbourne shows. Fleet started making noise on the American country scene in 2021 and is one of Country Corner ’s favourite artists. Think of a mix between Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs.

Make sure you check him out on Spotify, Apple Music or your favourite streaming service – he’s one of country music’s hidden gems.

Eric Church to drop new album Eric Church, one of country music’s most fearless storytellers, marks another ambitious and sonically rich chapter in his groundbreaking career with ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine’, available everywhere on May 2.

A self-proclaimed “album artist”, Church has always championed the power of cohesive storytelling, and ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine’ is no exception.

started realising that they made more money from pokies and live bands were shoved aside. Venues became scarce and Australia moved on to discover talent from TV shows. It was sad, because we may have missed some truly wonderful bands that never got that shot because they were unable to book one of the few venues. It’s easy to become complacent when discovering new music. Spotify will even compile playlists for you, revolving around your taste. But here’s your challenge, try and find some locals bands and see if you can support them. Stream their music and even better, go see a live show. Go see some new bands. And if you’re around my age, you can go and relive your youth! This old man will now stop shaking his fist and saying, ‘Back in my day…’

“An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the highly-anticipated new project.

“I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”

Cooke loves Australia

Another rising country star, Ashley Cooke, has been loving the tail end of the Australian summer.

On tour with Cody Johnson, she’s been posting photos across Sydney – enjoying the sights on her first visit down under.

The 27-year-old is starting to make waves on the American country scene, with her single ‘Your Place’ doing well in the charts last year.

Ê ‘The Amazing Race Australia’ will return later this year, with filming currently underway. 10 announced the cast for the new season last week, with 13 celebrity teams set to race around the world for $100,000. The cast is: Aesha Scott and Scott Dobson –Engaged; Ant Middleton and Dan Middleton – Brothers; Bronte Campbell and Benfield Lainchbury – Engaged; Brendan Fevola and Leni Fevola – Father and Daughter; Dom ‘Tomato’ Di Tommaso and Marx Marsters –Mates; Ed Kavalee and Tiffiny Hall – Married; Luke O’Halloran and ‘Sassy’ Scott O’Halloran – Brothers; Melissa Leong and Leah Wilson –Besties; Lindy Klim and Stella Klim – Mother and Daughter; Rob Mills and Georgie Tunny – Engaged; Steph Tisdell and Ben Tisdell – Siblings; Steve Curry and Bernie Curry –Brothers; and Gretel Killeen and Epiphany Mason – Mother and Daughter. Beau Ryan will return as host.

Ê Still on 10, and they have confirmed the cast for season 17 of ‘MasterChef Australia’. This year’s theme is ‘Back to Win’, with 24 former contestants vying for another shot at the annual title and $250,000 prize money. They include former runners-up Callum Hann, Laura Sharrad, Rhiannon Anderson, Pete Campbell and Sarah Todd. The new

season of ‘MasterChef Australia’, which will feature Gordon Ramsay, will air after Easter when ‘Australian Survivor’ wraps up.

Ê While there’s industry chatter the world’s most popular game show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ is coming to 10 this year with a brand-new local version, it’s been revealed that Channel Seven will screen the hit UK version, starring Jeremy Clarkson. The former ‘Top Gear’ host has been hosting the British version since 2018 and, having seen quite a few episodes in recent years via the free Samsung TV Plus version, it’s really entertaining. I’ll be a watcher!

Ê Channel Nine is still hunting for contestants to be on the new series, ‘The Golden Bachelor’. If you or someone you know is between 60-75 and looking for the last great love of your life, apply at www.castasugar. com/casting-now/goldenbachelor.

Ê With new US streamer Max launching in

Australia on March 31, pricing in Australia has been confirmed. Max will be available via three plans: Basic with Ads ($7.99 per month for first 12 months), Standard ($11.99 per month for the first 12 months) and Premium ($17.99 per month for the first 12 months). The special introductory promotional price on all plans is available to subscribers who sign up by April 30, 2025. More details can be found at www.max.com.

Ê Lastly, my favourite show of all time is coming back! ‘Ted Lasso’, the award-winning and life changing Apple TV+ show, will return for a fourth season. Jason Sudeikis will reprise his role as Coach Lasso, but this time he’ll be managing a women’s team at AFC Richmond. It’s understood the first episode will be set in Kansas – Ted’s hometown –before returning to the beautiful London town of Richmond. I can’t imagine this show will stream this year, as it’s still in the early stages of development, but definitely look out for it in 2026.

Nathan Taylor

TV Guide: March 28 – April 3

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Romantic Rewrite” (PG) (’22) Stars: Kristina Cole Geddes 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 West Coast Cops: One Way Ticket (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Notebook” (PG) (’04) Stars: Ryan Gosling 11:00 Movie: “If I Stay” (M) (’14) 10:00 Judge Judy (PG) 10:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud

3:30 Ready, Steady, Wiggle!

3:00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 4:00 Malaysia Kitchen 4:30 Frogger (PG) 5:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 7:00 Movie: “Babe” (G) (’95) Stars: James Cromwell 8:55 Movie: “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” (M) (’19) 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:35 Inside The Pack (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (G) (’68) 10:00 Movie: “Boomerang” (M) (’92) Stars: Eddie Murphy

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 1:30 Darby And Joan (PG) 2:15 Under

10:00 The Morning

-

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/

5:00 Seven

At 5 5:30

- Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00

News 7:00 Athletics: Maurie Plant

8:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 8:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 9:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 Matlock (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 2:00 Becker (PG) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Gemini Man” (M v) (’19) Stars: Will Smith

A Lake District Farmshop 9:30 Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 4:10 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:40 PBS News Hour 5:40 The Fast History Of (PG) 6:05 If You Are The One (In Mandarin) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 3:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 3:30 The Nanny (PG) 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 Movie: “Cheaper By The Dozen” (G) (’03) Stars: Steve Martin

2025 *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Apollo 13” (PG) (’95) Stars: Tom Hanks 11:50 Motorway Patrol (PG) 12:20 We Interrupt This Broadcast (PG) 1:20 Harry’s Practice 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 It’s Academic 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra -

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/ Flemington *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 3:00 Drag Racing: NDRC Top Fuel Championship 4:00 Full Custom Garage (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Aussie Salvage Squad 8:30 AFL: Round 3: Hawthorn v GWS *Live* 12:00 Dream Home (PG) 1:45 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 3:15 Black-ish (PG) 4:45 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Open Season” (G) (’06) Stars: Maddie Taylor 7:30 Movie: “The Sound Of Music” (G) (’65) Stars: Julie Andrews

4:30 Tradition On A Plate 5:00 Shepherdess (PG) 5:30 Spirit Talker (M) 6:00 The Last Land - Gespe’gewa’gi (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 9:35 Movie: “Child’s Play” (PG) (’72)

Doctor Who (PG) 3:55 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Live At The Apollo (M) 8:45 Melbourne Comedy Festival (M) 5:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 6:00 Memory Bites With Matt Moran 6:30 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 French Gardens 3:30 Grand Designs 4:30 The Jubilee Pudding: 70 Years In The Baking 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Darby And Joan (PG) 8:15 Unforgotten (M l,s) 9:05 Boat Story (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 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Australian Idol (PG) 8:40 The Hunters (M v) 10:10 Tabloids On Trial (M) 11:40 Pembrokeshire Murders (M) 12:40 The Bay (M l,v) 2:00

1:50 Explore 2:00

3:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 4:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 24: Sydney FC v Melbourne City *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:25 Football: Isuzu Ute ALeague: Round 24: Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United *Live* 11:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:30 Deal Or No Deal 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Building Alaska (PG) 3:30 My Lottery Dream Home 4:00 Energy

4:00 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:30 PBS News Hour 5:30 Over The Black Dot 6:00 Engineering Tomorrow 7:00 Motorsport: Australian Superbikes 2025: Round 2 *Live* 10:00 Impossible Engineering (PG)

(’17)

11:30 Dream Home (PG) 1:15 Zumbo’s Just Desserts (PG) 2:30 Home And Away (PG) 4:30 Australian Idol (PG) 5:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 6:30 Puppy School (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 4:25 Movie: “Bedevil” (M) (’93) Stars: Tracey Moffatt 6:00 Queer & Here (PG) 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 Australia: An Unofficial History (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Undermined: Tales From The Kimberley” (M l) (’18) Stars: Albert Wiggan

2:00 IndyCar Series Highlights 3:10 Surfing Australia TV 4:10 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:40 Movie: “Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip” (PG) (’15) Stars: Justin Long 7:30 Movie: “10 Things I Hate About You” (PG) (’99) Stars: Heath Ledger 2:00 Movie: “Angels One Five” (G) (’54) Stars: John Gregson 4:00 Movie: “Sayonara” (PG) (’57) Stars: Marlon Brando 7:00 Rugby Union: Super Rugby Pacific: Reds v Force *Live* 9:30 Rugby Union: PostMatch

12:00 Navigating The World 1:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 3:00 Australian Survivor (PG) 4:30 What’s Up Down Under 5:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 5:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Matlock (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M v) 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 8:00 Frasier (PG) 10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG)

4:35 Haramain: The Train Of The Desert (In Spanish/ English) 5:35 Domino Masters (PG) 6:30 Abandoned Engineering (M) 7:25 Abandoned Americana (PG) 8:15 Cycling: Volta A Catalunya 2025: Stage 7 *Live* 10:15 Abandoned Americana

1:30 Movie: “Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip” (PG) (’15) 3:20 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG) 4:20 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (G) (’12) 7:30 Movie: “Wonder Woman” (M v) (’17)

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: “Cairo Road” (PG) (’50) Stars: Laurence Harvey 4:00 Movie: “Battle Of Midway” (AKA ‘Midway’) (PG) (’76) Stars: Charlton Heston 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Angel Has Fallen” (MA15+) (’19) Stars: Gerard Butler

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Monday 31 March

5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond 6:55 Rocket Club 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC

Coach’) (M) (’20) Stars: Vivica A. Fox 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

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

3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00

7:30 7:30 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30

The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG)

Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Great Blue Wild 7:30 Home, Land & Sea 8:30 Movie: “The Pelican Brief” (M l,v) (’93) Stars: Julia Roberts 1:30 The Ex-Wife (M l,s,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)

Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Nadiya’s Cook Once, Eat Twice 5:40 History’s Crazy Rich Ancients (PG) 6:05 Are You Autistic? (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 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 l)

Grand Designs Australia (PG) 2:55 Back Roads (PG) 3:25 Grand Designs (PG)

Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:25 Antiques Roadshow 6:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30

(PG) 8:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 9:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Movie: “A Deadly Invitation” (AKA ‘The Sisterhood’) (M v) (’19) Stars: Claire Coffee 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And

Smallwood 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 RBT

For Dead Lovers” (G) (’48) Stars: Stewart Granger 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M)

5:00 Chateau DIY 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30

3:30 Movie: “Baby And The Battleship” (G) (’56) Stars: Richard Attenborough 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Yes Minister

Bringing the community together at the Nepean Disability Expo 2025

The Nepean Disability Expo is coming back to the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre this April!

Discover a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. From employment options and services, to healthcare and educational resources, there’s something for everyone.

The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to network and make friends, setting you up for success.

At the Nepean Disability Expo, you can explore all you need in one place.

The Expo offers a wide array of exhibitors offering services such as mobility aids, home modifications, accessible travel options, financial advice, and of course employment –and much more! It’s a one-stop shop for enhancing your quality of life. Enjoy the ease of having everything under one roof so you can spend your day gathering information and making connections all in a single, convenient venue.

Experience an inclusive, welcom ing atmosphere where everyone is valued and respected. The event is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring that all attendees can comfortably participate and engage with exhibitors and activities.

Navigating the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be daunting, but the Nepean Disability Expo, Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 has everybody covered.

“The transition to the NDIS has proven complex and challenging, our Disability Expo serves as a crucial resource,” said Impact Institute’s Senior Advisor, Kathryn

Carey.

“By collaborating with local disability representatives, the Expo ensures real, meaningful solutions to empower people with disabilities.

“We’ve noticed businesses increasingly offer innovative

services in response to evolving needs. The Expo has become an informative destination that allows people with disabilities and their families to interact directly with providers.”

Attendees attest to the Expo’s

impact, with one first time visitor praising the expo: “My first Disability Expo and I was very impressed and will be back again”.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! With interactive exhibits, engaging presentations, and oppor-

tunities to network with others in the disability community, the Expo promises to be an inspiring and empowering experience.

Join us and be part of a supportive community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

our choice is our commitment.

egis dedicat arious servic our clients and their f e support the people w o build independence in all aspects of their liv

es

Apex Support Services is a NDIS registered company which is dedicated to providing various services at the highest standards, to our families We the we work with to build in all aspects of their lives – whether it be life work or play, Apex Support Services ready to support your choic your way.

Helping people live their full potential: What is your story?

Living in an enriching environment that supports him as an individual and enables him to make decisions about the life he wants is just one part of Peter’s story.

Peter has been a Lifestyle Solutions supported resident for over a year now, with personalised activities and services that empower him to live the life he chooses.

Peter is supported to enjoy his hobbies such as weekly ten pin bowling and bingo outings and his love of music has been brought to life through a newly created sensory room fit out with posters of his favourite musicians Elton John, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Their residential homes are rich with opportunities to make friends with housemates while having autonomy and privacy.

Peter has a sense of community and independence, where he can help with daily household tasks or retreat into his bedroom to get lost in the words and worlds of his favourite books.

“I like my friends in the house,” Peter said.

Lifestyle Solutions provides the people supported with the skills and supports for them to live their full potential.

For more information on Lifestyle Solutions and their services, visit www.lifestylesolutions.org.au or call 1800 634 748.

Endeavour Foundation empowers the west’s disability community

Its origins may be traced to north of the border, but Endeavour Foundation has long been empowering people with disability in western Sydney to live their best lives.

Entrenched in the region for more than 15 years, the renowned organisation does this by delivering a wide variety of outstanding disability support services tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.

These services include learning and employment opportunities as well as independent living supports and clear avenues to access and participate in the local community.

A popular fixture is Endeavour Foundation’s lively Learning and Lifestyle hubs, located in Penrith and Castle Hill.

The Penrith hub is a brand-new facility that opened in September last year and features a raft of entertaining and engaging activities, including fitness, cooking, independent living skills and bowling.

Joining these buzzing hubs are three Business Solutions social enterprises in Castle Hill, Mt Druitt and Seven Hills, which offer people with disability rewarding employment pathways.

“Our organisation was established to advocate for the rights of people living with disability (and) we’re still ensuring the people we support have access to enriching opportunities in our community, to thrive and live their best lives however they choose,” Endeavour

Foundation’s Leanne Rutherford said during the opening of the Penrith Learning and Lifestyle hub.

To learn more about Endeavour Foundation’s leading disability support services in western Sydney, visit them at the Nepean Disability Expo from April 4 to 5 (booth 89) at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. If you can’t make it, visit their website: https:// bit.ly/4iUK3qJ.

Date: 4 & 5 April

Time: 9am to 3pm

Venue: Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre 30 Herber t Street, Cambridge

Peter listening to music in his chair.

Get ready to zoom to your next stop with new transport initiative

Zoomly is reimagining accessible transport – creating a world where everyone can travel freely, safely, and on their own terms.

With traditional options often rigid, unreliable, or slow to book, Zoomly offers a refreshing alternative: an on-demand, NDIS-registered transport service designed for real life.

Whether it’s getting to an appointment, catching up with friends, or heading out at the last minute, Zoomly makes it happen.

Launching in 2025, the Zoomly app connects riders with qualified drivers –many of whom are also experienced support workers – and matches them with vehicles tailored to their needs.

Rides can be booked in seconds through

the user-friendly app, with 24/7 availability. Trips can be funded using NDIS or paid for privately – the choice is yours. Riders can also add extra support hours during their journey if needed, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

But Zoomly is more than just transport. It’s a community-driven platform built on respect, connection, and freedom of choice. The team behind Zoomly believes everyone deserves a ride that fits their lifestyle – no waiting, no stress.

Proudly based in Sydney, Zoomly is on a mission to remove barriers and empower people to move through the world with ease. Join the waitlist at www.zoomly.au for early access or contact the team on 1300 918 981 or at hello@zoomly.au.

Physiotherapy & Allied health Services for a Better Tomorrow, Today

Ready to embark on a journey towards managing your health?

At Aligned Community Care, genuine care is at the core of ever ything we do. We provide exceptional disability support ser vices in Sydney, guided by integrity, respect, collaboration, and effectiveness.

Ser vices:

• Supported Independent Living

• Specialist Disability Accommodation • Community Support • Community Nursing

Why Choose Aligned:

• Personalised and Compassionate Approach

• Experienced and Professional Ser vices

• Comprehensive Range of Ser vices

Being Physio is committed to equipping you with the necessary tools and expert guidance for attaining peak health and well-being. Our team comprises skilled and caring physiotherapists and allied health experts who are fully devoted to assisting you throughout this process.

Services we offer:

•Physiotherapy

•NDIS

•Occupational Therapy

•Podiatry

•Exercise Physiology

We offer In Home or Mobile Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Services for NDIS/HCP or Private Clients

Caddens - Castle Hill - The Ponds

Contact us today!

Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm

1300 208 601 | beingphysio.com.au

As a complex SIL provider, Aligned Community Care is redefining disability support through cutting-edge, inhouse-developed technology—designed not just to assist, but to elevate care standards. From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to bridge critical communication gaps and ensure that key stakeholders—families, carers, and professionals—have access to the right information at the right time.

For over five years, we have been at the forefront of change, recognising that delays and miscommunication can have serious consequences. Our in-house innovation addresses these challenges head-on, delivering detailed monthly reports that empower stakeholders with greater oversight, setting a new industr y benchmark for accountability and transparency

Despite rapid advancements, our core remains unchanged— we are, first and foremost, an independent living provider dedicated to supporting individuals with complex behaviours. While technology drives efficiency, we believe it should enhance, not replace, human connection. In an industr y that has often struggled with trust, Aligned Community Care is proving that innovation and integrity can go hand in hand.

By continuously refining our approach and challenging outdated systems, we are not just improving the sector—we are transforming it. Our commitment to transparency, client care, and for ward-thinking solutions ensures that individuals receive the quality support they deser ve, today and into the future.

Your Jour ney to Independence Starts with Tender Loving Care Disability Services

How to be a More Inclusive Penrith Community: Insights from the Kids and Families at the Luke

Understanding Autism is Key:

• Autism isn’t something to “fix”—systems should adapt to be more inclusive.

• Autistic people experience the world di erently - these diferences can sometimes be a strength or it can be a challenge.

• Many are highly sensitive to sounds, lights, and textures, which can cause overwhelm.

• Providing quiet spaces helps create a sense of safety.

• Crowded areas can be challenging—recognising when someone needs space and o ering suppor t makes a di erence.

Respecting S ensory Needs: Creating Inclusive Spaces:

• Use clear communication—visual aids and written info reduce anxiety.

• Websites can showcase services/products and explain processes.

• Autism awareness training fosters a more suppor tive environment

• Not all Autistic people use speech, but their communication— gestures, expressions, or sounds—is just as meaningful

• Be patient and ask how to suppor t their preferred way of expressing themselves.

• A sunflower lanyard signals a hidden disability—respond with understanding

• If someone discloses they are Autistic, acknowledge it kindly and ask how to suppor t them.

Acceptance of Di erent Communication Styles: Suppor tive Behaviours: The Impor tance of Listening:

• Listen to Autistic individuals rather than relying on stereotypes. Their voices matter

Priddis Foundation

THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR OPEN PLAN LIVING

Australians have a natural affinity for open-plan living – perhaps it’s the climate that inspires it but modern home design tends to focus on creating inviting, functional, and spacious areas that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Whether you’re renovating or building, achieving the right flow between your internal and external spaces is all about paying attention to the details, from the size of the space right down to the materials used.

“Creating a seamless indoorto-outdoor flow isn’t just about selecting beautiful materials – it’s about making sure everything works together effortlessly,” said Delena Pitman (pictured), Interior Designer & Window Covering Specialist with Andersens.

“Choosing flooring that complements both spaces, like large-for-

mat tiles in neutral tones or timber, helps tie it all together. If you’ve got timber flooring inside, carrying that look through to your outdoor areas with an exterior-friendly version can make a huge difference. And don’t forget about those transitions – keeping them flush or low-profile ensures everything feels connected and natural.”

While a seamless flow is essential in home design, defining functional areas with thoughtful flooring choices lends itself to both aesthetics and practicality – especially for the Australian lifestyle. Carpeting, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms, adds warmth, comfort, and acoustic benefits, complementing the durability of timber or hybrid flooring in high-traffic areas. With kids running in from the pool and pets coming

and going, selecting the right materials is key for that constant transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Durable timber flooring can withstand moisture, sand, and everyday wear, while carpets with stain-resistant fibres provide a soft, low-maintenance option.

Choosing the right carpet fibre – whether plush wool for luxury or synthetic blends for durability – ensures carpets remain stylish and functional. Likewise, selecting timber flooring in tones that work in well with carpet colours creates a cohesive, modern look suited to busy Australian homes.

Curtains are also making a strong comeback in home design, with sheer curtains in particular being a popular choice among homeowners looking to add softness, texture, and luxury to open living areas. The gentle

drape of sheers allows natural light to filter through while creating an elegant, layered look that enhances the warmth and sophistication of a space. Some homeowners are also layering sheers over blinds to introduce a softer aesthetic while maintaining the functionality of blinds for privacy and light control.

“Outdoor spaces are an extension of the home, especially in Australia where alfresco living is part of everyday life,” Pitman said.

“The right outdoor shading can make all the difference, letting you enjoy your outdoor area comfortably all year round.”

Outdoor awnings and zip-track blinds offer protection from the elements while maintaining a stylish, open feel. Zip-track blinds, such as Zipscreen Awnings, provide excellent wind and weather protection, making outdoor entertaining more enjoyable in any season. Choosing UV-resistant fabrics in neutral tones or bold hues that complement your home’s exterior ensures a cohesive look that ties everything together.

“THE RIGHT OUTDOOR SHADING CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE”

By carefully selecting flooring, window treatments and outdoor awnings that work in harmony, you can create a seamless, stylish, and comfortable living environment that works all year round.

For more information, visit https://andersens.com.au.

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park

CONTACT:

Oran Park Sales Office

Melanie Primrose • 9043 7500

OPEN YOUR EYES TO BEAUTIFUL ORAN PARK

What is so great about this property?

Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.

With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit?

Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes.

Tell us about the suburb this property is in?

Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.

Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s.

The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers. Visit today!

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READ ALL ABOUT US

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

YES, CHECK THOSE TEETH!

Just like humans, pets require regular dental care to prevent diseases that can affect their quality of life. From bad breath to gum disease, dental issues in pets can lead to discomfort, pain, and even systemic health problems. In fact, around 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats that are not on a proper dental care program will suffer from some form of dental disease by the age of two. Ensuring your pet receives regular dental checkups can significantly improve their overall health and well-being. How dental disease develops in pets

A buildup of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on the teeth forms plaque. If not removed, plaque calcifies into tartar, appearing as a yellow-brown material on your pet’s teeth. Over time, the bacterial infection in tartar causes irreversible damage, including:

• Destruction of supportive tissues and bone, leading

to red gums, bad breath, and loosening of teeth.

• Tooth loss, gum infection, and pain.

• The spread of bacteria to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, which can make your pet seriously ill.

To prevent these issues, it is crucial to have your pet’s teeth checked by a regularly. If necessary, dental cleaning under anaesthesia can be performed to ensure a thorough examination and removal of tartar.

How often should your pet have a dental check?

Your pet should ideally have a dental check at least once a year as part of their annual health examination. However, certain pets may require more frequent visits including small breeds and senior pets who are prone to dental disease and pets with existing dental issues who will require more frequent checkups to prevent complications.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, sched-

PET HEALTH

The Experts

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

ule a veterinary visit as soon as possible.

• Bad breath

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Difficulty chewing or favouring one side of the mouth

• Yellow-brown tartar buildup on teeth

• Drooling excessively

• Tooth loss or loose teeth

• Broken, discoloured, or decaying teeth

• Reduced appetite or dropping food from the mouth

• Swelling in the gums, which could indicate an abscess

Taking a proactive approach to your pet’s dental health is critical.

Every year the end of summer comes up far too quickly and I find myself urging everyone to just keep swimming – all year round! Why? Because… You can swim all year round: as much as I love being outside in the summer enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and water, there is nothing better than a swim in a heated pool followed by a hot shower in the cooler months to refresh and energise you during the day time, or relax you ready for sleep in the evening.

Swimming is low impact: whether your discomfort is from injury or ageing, your muscles and joints are cushioned in the water, supported but also met with resistance as you swim or work out. When injured, modified swimming is the perfect way to burn calories and stay toned. Swimming is an excellent calorie burner: Just 30 minutes of exercise in water is the equivalent of approximately an hour’s non-water exercise Swimming makes us happy: Swimming can help

improve mental well-being, reducing tension, anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and increasing energy levels. But overall – swimming is for everyone: from birth to the very end, swimming is an activity that enhances a person’s life at every age and stage. Once you know how to swim, it’s a skill you can use for a lifetime, in so many settings. Swimming brings families together: whether its bonding with your baby during swimming lessons, enjoying the beach or poolside at home or on holidays, or supporting your competitive swimmer at meets, swimming time is often family time (especially as electronic devices and water don’t mix!). Most importantly… swimming can save your life. That’s it. The bottom line. Improved water safety is the number one reason why I love to swim, will continue to swim regularly, all year round, and encourage others to do so too! Interested in our school holiday intensive swim

lessons and Paddles Super Swim camps to build your child’s swimming and water safety skills and confidence? Check out our website for dates and details.

We are offering a special offer in March for 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&Cs apply. Just mention the Western Weekender to get your first lesson free and enrol with us today. Until next time, stay safer! Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!

JULIE SHELDRAKE

FIGHTING INFLAMMATION

In today’s health-conscious world, inflammation has become a hot topic. Whilst inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, inflammation that lasts too long increases the risk of heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. The good news is that the foods we eat, especially vegetables, can help reduce and control inflammation.

Vegetables are packed with nutrients like antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation. Here’s how they work:

– Vitamin K: Found in leafy greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce, vitamin K supports proteins in our body that controls inflammation, keeping it at a healthy level.

–

Glucosinolates: These are natural compounds found in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage. These help

lower inflammation by working inside our cells.

–

Antioxidants (Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene): Antioxidants like vitamin C and beta–carotene protect your body from inflammation by fighting harmful molecules that increase our inflammation. These antioxidants can be found in colourful vegetables such as carrot, capsicum and tomatoes.

–

Beta-cryptoxanthin: Found in sweet potatoes and pumpkin, this antioxidant also helps fight harmful molecules, supporting your immune system, and reducing the risk of inflammation-related diseases, such as heart disease.

– Fibre: Fibre is found in many vegetables, and helps keep your gut healthy, which is important for controlling inflammation, and lowering the risk of inflammation-related diseases. Eating veggies raw, or with the skin on

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY HEALTH

is an easy way to increase your fibre intake to support your gut health!

Why variety matters

Since each colour of vegetable contains different nutrients and offers different health benefits, it’s important that we have a variety of coloured vegetables instead of eating the same ones. This way, we get a mix of nutrients, which helps us lower inflammation, reduce risk of diseases, and keeps our gut healthy. By having a variety of vegetables daily, our health is greatly supported. Next time you’re looking for a snack, try some carrot sticks, celery, baby cucumbers or capsicum slices with dip, such as hommus!

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our weekly series dedicated to restorative dentistry. In this series, I will share insights into the latest techniques, research, and case studies that illustrate the art and science behind dental restoration. At Sydney Smile Doctor in Penrith, our goal is to educate our commu-

nity about how restorative procedures not only revive aesthetics (how you look) but also enhance oral function and overall health.

The role of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry goes far beyond cosmetic improvements. It is essential for repairing damage from decay, trauma, or wear, and

it significantly improves a patient’s ability to chew and speak. These treatments are pivotal in preventing further deterioration and preserving facial structure, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.

Advances in aesthetic restorations

Recent advancements in dental materials and technology have revolutionized our practice. Innovative composites and ceramics now allow for restorations that are both durable and visually natural. Techniques such as digital imaging and CAD/CAM systems have increased the precision and efficiency of treatment planning and execution, ensuring that every restoration complements individual facial features.

What to expect in this series

Each week, we will cover a range of topics including:

• Case Studies: Real-world examples demonstrating complex restorative challenges and their solutions

including, implants, veneers, crown and bridge and full mouth rehabilitation.

• Patient Education: Practical advice on oral care and the benefits of timely dental intervention. Our aim is to provide balanced, evidence-based insights that will empower both dental professionals and patients to make informed decisions.

Restorative dentistry is a field where art meets science, offering transformative benefits that extend well beyond a beautiful smile. By demystifying these procedures, this series will serve as a resource for understanding and education.

DR. ANDREW PETERSON

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Your money zone is being influenced by retro Mercury, retro Venus and penny-pinching Saturn. So wise up Aquarius – it’s time to increase your financial literacy. More careful budgeting will help life run more smoothly. Keep your feet on the ground, even though your head is in the stars. Saturn and Mars make positive late-week links to your ruling planet Uranus. If you are patient and proactive, then you’ll really start to make progress!

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Venus (your ruling planet) is in retrograde mode (and so is Mercury) until April 13. So resist the push from other people to rush projects and get into a panic (especially at work). A friend, colleague or acquaintance could also cause you some aggravation and stress, as they misinterpret your true intentions. You’ll find steady leadership, careful consideration and wise decision-making are required this week, as you step up and be a positive role model.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Despite Mercury and Venus being retrograde – causing some frustrations – there’s a fabulous link between the Sun (your patron planet) and Jupiter (planet of prosperity and confidence). So it’s your time to shine Lions – to show the world what you are truly capable of. Your motto is from birthday great, writer Maya Angelou, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive. And to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style”.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Mercury and Venus are in retrograde mode (until April 7 and April 13 respectively) which can mean delays, cancellations and plenty of frustrations – especially involving your partner, children and/or friends. Perhaps a project is stalled, a child is experiencing difficulties, a friend reneges on a deal or an essential domestic appliance breaks down? Avoid getting into a Scorpio stew! Try to unwind by listening to music, walking in nature or swimming.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

This week Neptune (your patron planet) transits into dynamic Aries – for the first time since 1861! Mercury and Venus are also both reversing through your sign which can mean delays, cancellations and plenty of frustrations – especially with relationships. Perhaps a DIY project is stalled, a family member is slowing progress, or your car or computer breaks down. Calm down Pisces – aim to be thoughtful and proactive, rather than impulsive and reactive.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

This week retrograde Mercury, retrograde Venus and taskmaster Saturn are stirring up your career and life direction zone. And Neptune joins the Sun in your hopes and wishes zone. So it’s time to be patient, review (and maybe re-do) a work project, take on challenges, dream big dreams, and develop a practical, longterm plan. Your motto for the moment is from this week’s birthday great, movie icon Bette Davis, “The key to life is accepting challenges.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

This week, retrograde Venus, retrograde Mercury (your power planet) and Saturn are all stirring up your relationship zone. So it’s important to nurture and cherish your loved ones (and try to communicate clearly) even when it is difficult to do so. You could also lend a hand to a relative or close friend who is sick or experiencing financial trouble. Smart thinking, deep reflection and creative strategies will help you solve problems and alleviate stress.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Neptune is now transiting through your creativity and leisure zone until 2038. So – over the next 13 years – many Sagittarians will connect with their inner muse via music, poetry, literature, acting, singing, art or dance. This week – with Mercury and Venus both reversing through your domestic zone – be particularly careful what you say to a stressed family member or a grumpy housemate. If in doubt then be extra discreet, zip your lips and say nothing!

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

For the first time since 1861, Neptune is transiting through your sign! And (apart from a brief retrograde into Pisces from October until January) it will stay there until 2038. So (over the next 13 years) you could become an artist, writer or musician, take up volunteer work, and/ or become more religious or spiritual. Your current motto is from writer (and birthday great) Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Neptune is now transiting through your career/reputation/life direction zone, where (apart from a brief retrograde into Pisces) it will stay until 2038. So – over the next 13 years – many Crabs will find more meaningful, creative, compassionate and/or spiritual ways to make the world a better place. Your motto comes from Jane Goodall, who turns 91 on Tuesday, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Saturn, retrograde Mercury and retrograde Venus (your patron planet) demand that you roll up your sleeves and tackle any ongoing problems at work. Plus improve your professional literacy through upskilling or via the mentorship of someone with smart and savvy connections. But be careful on the weekend, when your uber-perfectionist side could shift into top gear. Best productive plan for the week? Sort out the big stuff and don’t sweat the small stuff!

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Taskmaster Saturn, retrograde Mercury and retrograde Venus are all stirring up your zone of communication, education, local travel, community connections, cars and computers. So you could encounter frustrating problems, breakdowns, delays or misunderstandings in these areas. Clever Capricorns will cool down, calm down, check everything twice, and try to keep things in perspective. On the weekend, enjoy some quiet quality time at home.

1. Gave

2. In tune (with) (2,3)

4. Genuine, ... fide

5. Fanatic

6. Blanches (vegetables)

7. Summons

8. Japanese currency

Foreign

12. Get going

Spars 16. Juliet’s partner 19. Outbreak 22. Ranking 23. Neglect

25. Onto terrafirma

26. Nevertheless (4,2)

29. Called on phone

32. It is (2’1)

35. Tastier

37. Magnified map section

38. Unprepared

40. Sanctuaries

41. Spanish Mr

42. Last

43. Vietnam’s capital

44. Say “cheese”

47. Pistol

51. Surgical thread

52. Slightest

53. Abseil

54. Gambol

58. Surpass

59. Drink like dog

61. Director, Woody ...

63. Celebrity detox unit, ... Ford Clinic

64. Stratagem

65. Level (2,1,3)

66. Ground (electrical circuit)

68. Similar

71. Rough paper

72. Jam pastry

74. Large deer

76. Arranged, ... up

78. Inflated promotion

80. Army commando regiment (1,1,1)

83. Moray ...

check out our books, 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: HOUSE

BATH

BEDROOM

BLINDS

CARPET

CURTAINS

DINING ROOM

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Last week’s solution

SPORT

Jasmine looks to the future after calling time on career

After cutting her decorated artistic gymnastics career short due to multiple injuries, Jasmine Footit is hoping to remain in the sport by giving back to the next generation.

The 20-year-old called it quits recently after ongoing injuries throughout the 2024 gymnastics season. Not only was the talented Mulgoa resident struggling with a torn shoulder, but bone marrow edema in her lower back and soft tissue damage in one of her ankles was enough for her to pull the pin after more than a decade competing.

“After a short break to recover from Nationals, I decided it was time to retire because my body could not physically handle another season of the intense sport I had been doing for 12 years,” Footit told the Weekender

“It was hard to give away the sport that I loved so much, although I knew it was time to give it up. Mentally and physically, I felt tired and finished.”

Fortunately for Footit – who’s currently on a 12-month working holiday in beautiful Canada – she was able to farewell her favourite sport in the best way possible.

“I felt that I finished on a high, ending my last competition at the Australian Gymnastics Championships ranked eighth All Round, fifth on Floor and sixth on Vault, which I was super stoked with,”

Footit said.

“This sport has been a massive part of my life for 12 years. I went from training 20 hours a week to suddenly nothing, so it was a very big adjustment when I stopped.”

For her incredible efforts in her final season of gymnastics, Footit is the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star Award.

Footit, who has competed all over Australia as well as

Hawaii, said last year was one of her proudest on record.

“After missing out on the 2023 season due to health issues and my back injury, I didn’t know whether I would be able to mentally and physically come back for another season,” she said.

“So, coming back and competing in 2024 after the year that I had, had to be one of my proudest moments.

“I competed in Level 10 (highest level) for the first time that year; making the Level 10 State team to compete at Nationals. To reach Level 10 was always a goal of mine in gymnastics but making the State team in Level 10 sounded unbelievable to me.”

Footit took up gymnastics at the tender age of two at Penrith YMCA. A year later she stopped to try out other sports before returning to gymnastics when she was eight.

Footit remained at the YMCA, progressing through to a development program and the levels competitive program until the age of 13.

Footit then switched to Sydney

Academy of Gymnastics to advance her career. She would spend the remainder of her time there before officially retiring a few months ago. When she returns from Canada next summer, Footit plans to get back into coaching as well as judging the next wave of talent.

Jasmine Footit’s PVSF Senior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor Penrith Panthers Leagues Club. PVSF Senior Sports Star of the Month winners take home a cool $700 each for their efforts.

If you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation. Nomination forms are available at www.pvsf.org.au.

Jasmine Footit is the latest Sports Star.

Jasmine Footit.

NATHAN TAYLOR

WET WEATHER FOR TRIATHLON

Story continued from » p.80

At 9.30am on Sunday, the Classic Triathlon (2km swim, 60km cycle, 16km run) will kick off the day before the beloved Nepean Triathlon (1km swim, 30km cycle, 8km run) gets going at 10.30am.

“Saturday’s races – including the Australian Super Sprint Championships – will be held inside the Regatta Centre, while on Sunday competitors head out along Castlereagh Road,” Emerton said.

“We’re expecting the same numbers as last year. Unfortunately we are now down to three legends who have finished every Nepean Triathlon. One of the local guys, Chappo, didn’t finish last year, so he technically hasn’t completed every race.”

Still keen on racing in this Sunday’s Nepean Triathlon? It’s not too late enter! Visit www.nepeantriathlon.com.au for more information and to sign up.

Following a wooden spoon finish in 2024, the only way is up for Penrith in the NBL1 East men’s competition.

The new basketball season officially tips off this weekend, with the Panthers up against the Sutherland Sharks in the opening round.

After winning just one game throughout the entire 2024 season, Panthers coach Jarrod Moore said last year’s bottom place finish wasn’t indicative of his side’s improvement from the previous year.

“Last year we significantly improved from year one. We felt like we got better, which we did, but the thing we were very naïve against was the fact that the rest of the league got better very quickly as well, so we needed to take that step up,” he told the Weekender

“We’ve gotten better again this year, we’ve brought in an import by the name of Oliver Amajoyi and he comes to us from Los Angeles. He’s got European professional experience and College experience as well.

“He’s been training with us for the past three weeks and he’s a big body that brings a lot of professional experience on his shoulders. He aspires to get back into the program. We are accommodating him here in Penrith and he’s already been such a lovely addition to the squad.”

On top of Penrith’s exciting American

import, they will welcome a host of local talent with experienced junior Ben Kearins once again steering the ship as skipper.

“We’ve got Ben back in and he’ll be our captain once again this year,” Moore said.

“God bless him, he really tries to put the whole team on his shoulders to try and get the team to succeed. Hopefully the weight will be a little bit lighter for him this year, but we are onward and upward and always striving to improve.”

Meanwhile, Penrith’s NBL1 East women’s team will be hoping for an improved season

themselves after a 10th placed, seven-win record last year.

Speaking with the Weekender, second-year coach Enrique Campos said he’s excited to pick up from where he left off.

“We finished strongly last year. We were a couple of wins away from making the playoffs, so we were close” he said.

“I was really proud with how the girls fought through the challenges that we had, and I was pleased with how we did.

“I’m excited for this year knowing what to expect but you can only prepare so much really… you can control what you can control. We’re a different looking squad, although we have four girls coming back from last season.”

One girl who won’t be returning to Penrith this year is superstar junior Tahlia Tupaea, who has chosen to take her talents elsewhere this season.

“Tahlia is not coming back. She’s signed with the Inner West Bulls,” Campos revealed.

“She’s in the league but will be playing for a different team. I was expecting her to come back and as far as I knew she was, but they obviously enticed her with something she couldn’t refuse. But this is an opportunity for everyone to step up.”

Penrith’s men’s and women’s teams will open their season this Saturday evening when the two teams battle the Sutherland Sharks at Sutherland Basketball Stadium.

Ben Kearins. Photo: James O’Donohue.

A previous Nepean Triathlon winner. NATHAN TAYLOR

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Bedford to remain a Giant long-term

AFL: Another Giant has reinforced their long-term commitment to the club, with speedy midfielder Toby Bedford putting pen to paper on a new four–year contract. Bedford’s new deal will see the 24-year-old remain in orange and charcoal until at least the end of the 2029 AFL season. Joining the Giants from the Demons ahead of the 2023 season, Bedford has quickly cemented himself as key member of Adam Kingsley’s side as both a pressure forward and more recently as a dynamic midfielder. Originally drafted by the Demons with pick 75 in the 2018 AFL Draft, Bedford played 18 games for Melbourne before making the move to GWS where he’s now played 44 games in just over two seasons to become an extremely valued member of the side. Traditionally a classy small forward and one of the best pressure players in the competition, Bedford’s new deal comes following a career-best season in which he transitioned into a new role as one of the league’s best taggers. Continually able to nullify some of the AFL’s best opposition players, Bedford’s breakout campaign as a midfielder last year saw him receive the club’s 2024 Coaches Award from Kingsley. Possessing a rare combination of elite speed and endurance, Bedford’s ability to play both as an extremely effective pressure forward or as a defensive midfielder make him a valuable weapon for the Giants. Giants

Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, was thrilled to secure Bedford’s signature. “It’s fantastic to have Toby recommit to the club for another three years,” he said. “We identified Toby as a really promising young player when we brought him to the club two years ago and he’s quickly repaid that faith with some really strong performances.” The latest signing comes following a brilliant start to the 2025 AFL campaign for the orange tsunami, with the club defeating both the Magpies and the Demons across the opening two weeks to sit atop the AFL ladder. With the bye last weekend, the Giants have a huge test against Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium in Tasmania this Saturday night.

CRICKET: Penrith have been eliminated from the Belvidere Cup Finals after drawing with Fairfield-Liverpool in the Semi Finals last weekend. Playing in a Two-Day match at Rosedale Oval, Fairfield-Liverpool won the toss and elected to bowl. At bat, Penrith put up a strong score before declaring on 5/284. Jordan Watson (87) and Tyran Liddiard (75) were on fire, both notching up high scores. In order for Penrith to seal the win and advance to this weekend’s Final, they needed to dismiss Fairfield-Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, due to the wet weather in the area, the Cats had even less time to complete their mission, falling six wickets short of victory. Fairfield-Liverpool’s 4/181 – led by former Cat Brent Williams’ 102 runs – was enough to see them hang on for the draw and book a date with Parramatta in this weekend’s Belvidere Cup Final. It was an extraordinary season for the Cats under new coach Shannon Finemore, who many tipped in the pre-season wouldn’t make the Finals. Penrith proved the critics wrong and will head into the off-season excited for their future ahead.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed that Geoff Abrahams has been appointed as head coach of the A-League Women’s team, after promotion from the interim role, with his tenure extended until the end of the 2025/26 season. Since taking interim charge in January, Abrahams has led the team to key performances against Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar in the domestic competition. Abraham’s leadership has

strengthened the squad and reinforced the link between the Wanderers A-Leagues team and Girls Academy, where he serves as the Technical Director of the Wanderers fee-free Girls Academy. Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson emphasised the impact of Geoff on the club’s women’s football program. “Geoff has done an outstanding job in leading our Ninja A-League team and ensuring a strong connection with our Wanderers Girls Academy which launched this year,” he said. “His commitment to player development and his vision for women’s football aligns perfectly with our club’s long-term strategy. We are excited to see him continue to build on this foundation in the upcoming season.” Abrahams said he was grateful for the opportunity. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and even more so because it’s with the Wanderers – a club I know so well and a region I’m proud to be from,” he said. “Western Sydney has a deep football culture, and I’ve seen first-hand how much passion there is for the game here. It’s an honour to lead this team and help shape the future of women’s football in our community. It’s also an exciting time with the growth of our Academy, which is creating clear pathways for young female footballers to develop and take the next step into professional football. We’re building something really special, and I’m looking forward to working with our young players, ensuring they have the opportunities and support to reach the highest level.” Abrahams’ extension signals the club’s continued investment in its long-term vision for women’s football, ensuring a strong pathway from Academy to senior football.

FOOTBALL: Western Sydney’s A-League Women’s team suffered heartbreak in WA last Saturday, going down to Perth Glory 1-0 following a 91st minute winner from Izzy Foletta. In a game that was short on clear-cut chances, Perth eventually made the breakthrough in stoppage time as substitute Foletta slammed home what would prove to be the winner in the first minute of five added on. Geoff Abrahams’ side remain dead-last on the A-League Women’s ladder and are now four points adrift of rivals Sydney FC – whom they play in a Sydney Derby this Friday night at Marconi Stadium.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers A-League Men’s team will return from last week’s international

break when they face-off against Wellington Phoenix this Saturday, March 29 at Sky Stadium in New Zealand. The third-placed Wanderers, who set a new club record of 46 goals for the season earlier this month, will go into this weekend’s game as firm favourites over the 11th placed Phoenix.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have had a mixed night of results in Round 2 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Up against South West Mounties Magic last Wednesday, the Panthers Opens team were blown away 56-39, while the Panthers U23s team enjoyed a solid win over the Magic 53-33. Panthers will return to Netball Central in Round 3 to battle the Sutherland Stingrays.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 2 of NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys and Mounties played out a 10-10 draw, while Penrith Brothers suffered a 30-10 loss at the hands of the Wenty Magpies. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys secured a 32-18 victory over Mounties, while Penrith Brothers went down to the Magpies 24-14.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 8 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend, with Penrith enjoying an excellent weekend of results. In the Lisa Fiaola Cup, Penrith demolished the South Sydney Rabbitohs 64-0, while in the Tarsha Gale Cup, the Panthers were too good for the Bunnies 22-16. Penrith will have the bye in Round 8.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 8 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend, with Penrith suffering back-to-back defeats. In the Harold Matthews Cup, Penrith were beaten by South Sydney 26-22, while in the SG Ball Cup, the Panthers were hammered by the Rabbitohs 52-8. Penrith’s Harold Matts team will have the bye this weekend, while their SG Ball team will face the Illawarra.

Toby Bedford re-signs with the Giants.

Penrith’s girls had a strong win.

New coach Geoff Abrahams.

Girls shine – see page 79

READY TO RACE

In 1982, a couple of mates were inspired to stage their own triathlon in the Penrith area after watching the excitement of the famous Hawaiian Ironman on a fuzzy analogue TV.

More than four decades later, the Nepean Triathlon is still thriving at the foot of the Mountains, with the latest instalment to be held this Sunday, March 30.

Known for being Australia’s oldest triathlon, the Nepean will see between 1100-1200 competitors battle it out for the coveted title.

2025 will mark the second year Elite Energy Events will be running the famous race after rescuing the format back in 2023. Speaking with the Weekender, Elite Energy Events CEO Mark Emerton said the Nepean Triathlon is full of history and tradition that he wanted to preserve.

“When taking over, I was of the mindset ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, so we didn’t want to mess with the distance, course or anything like that. The Nepean has been around forever and has a lot of history and tradition that comes with it,” he said.

“We also wanted to make sure the event is financially viable because we wanted to maintain that the oldest triathlon in Australia is still in NSW. Noosa is one or two years behind us, so if we sat on our hands, they may have taken the title away. We never want that to happen, I’m too proud for that.”

While some wet weather is forecast for this weekend, Emerton is crossing his fingers is doesn’t impact proceedings too much with a jam-packed schedule planned.

Not only will the 2025 Redline Games be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre this weekend, but a whopping five triathlons will also be run and won.

On Saturday, the morning kicks off with the 2025 Australian Super Sprint Championship (250m swim, 10km cycle, 2.5km run) at 8am before back-to-back TriKids triathlons get underway at 9.15am and 9.45am respectively.

Story continues on » p. 78

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Nepean Triathlon is back.

More than 1000 athletes will gather in Penrith for the famous Nepean Triathlon.