Western Weekender April 19 2024

weekender the western

SPECIAL ANZAC DAY EDITION

LEST WE FORGET

TROY DODDS

Penrith will fall silent next week as ANZAC Day commemorations are held across the city.

It is a day to reflect on those who have fought for our country, and honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Penrith is littered with stories that embody the ANZAC spirit.

Pictured on our front page this week is Stanley Colless (standing), who was born in Penrith on November 19, 1892, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Jane Colless.

He enlisted on June 19, 1915 and was assigned to the 9th reinforcements, 3rd Battalion with the rank of Sergeant.

In September 1916, Stanley Colless was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his bravery during the Battle of Fromelles.

He was killed near Mont St Quentin during the Battle for Peronne on September 1, 1918.

Red Cross reports from fellow soldiers confirm that he was killed by machine gun fire and buried in the nearby cemetery.

The soldier sitting in the photograph has never been identified. Researchers have speculated that it may be his cousin Frederick Colless but there is no evidence to support this hypothesis.

When Colless died, he was just 25.

Colless was a keen sportsman and played cricket and football.

He was also a member of a rifle club and won a number of prizes in shooting competitions.

Stanley Colless’ story is just one of many that link Penrith with the horrors of war, and a reminder of why ANZAC Day is so important.

ANZAC Day coverage inside: See pages 12 to 20.

Photo thanks to Penrith City Library.

Police have confirmed they’re investigating whether Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi visited Westfield centres in Penrith and Parramatta in the weeks leading up to last weekend’s attack.

Experienced and well-connected crime reporter Simon Bouda reported on Channel Nine on Monday night that Cauchi, who killed six people at Bondi Junction Westfield before being shot dead by police on Saturday, had been spotted at other Westfield centres in recent weeks.

Police stopped short of confirming exact locations but confirmed they were tracing Cauchi’s movements in the the days and weeks prior to the attack at Bondi Junction.

“I’ve made it clear from the beginning that we will be going back and looking at this guy’s movements and his history for days, weeks and even into his childhood to get a better understanding of what he was thinking,” Commissioner Karen Webb said.

“We will get a picture of his movements and what he’s been doing in and around New South Wales and Sydney in particular.”

There is no ongoing threat in relation to last Saturday’s incident but Westfield has increased security at all of its centres.

Cinema overhaul

Long-slated plans to improve the Penrith cinema experience are finally progressing with Scentre Group and Hoyts given full approval to push ahead with a major refurbishment.

Plans for upgrades to Penrith Hoyts were given deferred commencement by Penrith City Council late last year, with concerns over a number of issues including the fate of 11 trees near the development.

The 11 trees in question sit along Riley Street, and one will be removed with the other 10 protected.

“The proposed works will require the removal of the single tree detailed,” the Arboricultural Assessment and Management Plan attached to the DA said.

“This tree has grown less than 8m in height and has not been considered as being sufficient value to be considered as a material constraint for the proposed.”

The Major Assessment Report determined that the other trees along Riley Street needed to be protected. Scentre Group, which owns Westfield, and Hoyts have now met requirements requested as part of the deferred commencement and were last week given the green light to push ahead with the project.

series of new restaurants along Riley Street.

“The proposal is to provide five new retail tenancies and two new Lux Cinema Auditoriums and Lux Lounge,” the State of Environmental Effects (SEE) attached to the DA said.

The DA will see Hoyts Penrith introduce LUX cinemas and a

The SEE reveals that the plans are intended to improve the area as an entertainment precinct.

“This [the DA] will contribute to the further enhancement of the arena as a leading entertainment an leisure precinct,” it said.

Hoyts Director of Property and Business Development Tyrone Dodds shared how exciting it is to be enhancing the Penrith site.

“We have been working closely with Westfield for some time,” he said.

Joel Cauchi at Westfield Bondi Junction.

Trees along Riley Street, where upgrades to Westfield and Hoyts will take place.

Dancers make their mark as careers rise

CASSIDY PEARCE

ocal high school students Shyla Madden and Aubree Bailey are making waves in the dance world, having just performed in an all-new show with the first Australian Indigenous ballerina, Ella Havelka. 14-year-old Shyla and 15-year-old Aubree have both been dancing at PAWS for a number of years. The two are also both triple-threats, between them having auditioned for and been in plenty of commercials and movies. But, it was only recently that they both ticked off a huge bucket list item – doing their first ever professional dance performance.

The opportunity was brought on by Havelka via the ELLA Foundation –her charitable organisation aiming to provide First Nations youth with access to culturally responsive dance and creative movement spaces, specifically through workshops and performance opportunities.

“A couple of years ago, we did a ballet workshop with Ella. We had COVID, and then we got an email that she was putting together a piece – something that had never been

done before – and she wanted us to be a part of it,” Aubree said.

The show, ‘CelloDance’, is a classical and modern dance piece choreographed by Havelka, and featuring ELLA Foundation mentors, mentees, and scholarship recipients.

According to the two girls, they couldn’t have been more excited to kick off the arduous rehearsal process, which involved them dancing all day everyday around school.

“It was just a good opportunity to get a taste of what it felt like dancing with professional dancers. Just having the opportunity was an amazing feeling,” Shyla said.

The unique part about the show was that the dancing would be done to four live cellos, with cellist Paul Ghica presenting music ranging from J.S. Bach and Arvo Pärt, to award-winning Australian composer Lance Gurisik.

Though they’d had some practice in previous concerts at PAWS where they’d performed to live singers, the girls said that live music was a whole different challenge they had to tackle.

“It was a bit difficult at first, but once we were going over it again and again, I think we both got the hang of it!” Shyla said.

“It was a very different feeling, because we’re used to just having music on our devices, but when we were dancing to the instruments, we had to listen more carefully to the beat and the counts.”

The show was performed at 3Danks in Waterloo on Friday, April 5, and according to the girls, it’s only inspired them more to work for their dance dreams.

With Shyla already regularly doing workshops in Aboriginal contemporary dance, she said this is something she’s looking forward to building on.

“I love my culture. It’s something that I would definitely want to do when I’m older. So, my goal is to just keep finding opportunities to do Aboriginal contemporary or just anything with culture, and to do something with that,” she said.

“I want to do NAISDA, and then go into Bangarra.”

Aubree successfully earned a place in the Ev & Bow Youth Company this year, which she said helped her significantly with ‘CelloDance’. Now, she’s on a clear path to the seas.

“I want to finish my time at PAWS –I’ll graduate in my 15th year. Then, I want to go to full time, and hopefully get a contract on a ship,” she said.

Shyla Madden and Aubree Bailey. Photo: Melinda Jane.

the western weekender

westernweekender.com.au

Innocence lost in bloody afternoon

On any given day, in any given community across our country, shopping centres are filled with people with varying purposes.

They are more than just a place with a food court, ever-changing fashion shops and impossible to navigate parking lots.

For many, they are a salvation.

The elderly resident looking to pass some time in their day; perhaps undertaking the errand they’d rather do in person than cave to do online.

Youth looking for a bit of independence, shopping with friends and starting to mature; all while their parents know they’re in a safe place.

And mums and dads pushing prams; often escaping the mundane that can come with being a parent in the first few years. They say the years are short and the days are long and when you’re a mum or dad staring down the barrel of an endless day ahead at 6am, the local Westfield can be a saviour.

It’s why the horror of last Saturday’s attack at Westfield Bondi Junction has hit so close to home for everybody.

There are very few of us who could not put ourselves in the position of the victims.

Often it can be easy to remove yourself from tragedies because the location or activity involved is not something you can place yourself in.

But the local shopping centre on a Saturday arvo? We’ve all been there.

We’ve all seen the odd bizarre thing at the local Westfield over the years but in the big scheme of things it always feels like a safe place. Bright, lots of people, familiar.

For that to be stolen away from people last Saturday was awful; a true loss of innocence moment and something we’re simply not used to in Australia.

A young mum should feel safe going to the shops with her nine-month-old baby and should have every faith she will return home to her family later that day.

A security guard should not fail to return home from work because of the actions of another individual whose intentions and motivations may never be clear.

Finding Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).

Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love (Science and Health, p.264).

“There are very few of us who could not put ourselves in the position of the victims.”

The six lives lost last Saturday and the countless others impacted will forever be etched into Sydney’s history.

This is not something we are used to.

It is why Port Arthur remains permanently engraved in our thoughts, why the Sydney Siege will never be forgotten.

And now Bondi Junction is added to a list we wish never existed.

All six victims were at Westfield for a different reason last Saturday. Fate would deliver them there at the same, yet wrong time.

The same time as a killer, whose headspace and intent at the time remains under investigation.

There is just so much to unpack after the events of last Saturday.

It is only natural to be drawn to the story of Ashlee Good, whose final act on this planet was to try to save her nine-month-old daughter after both were stabbed.

Little Harriet’s life was forever changed that afternoon and she will now grow up without a mum. It is totally unfathomable.

But each of the victims has their own personal story, their own journey that ended last Saturday.

Like Faraz Tahir, who sought refuge in Australia just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan.

Quickly becoming an integral part of the community, he found work as a security guard at Westfield. Last Saturday should have just been like any other shift at work, until it wasn’t.

Dawn Singleton was at Westfield getting a few things for her upcoming wedding to her childhood sweetheart. How many of us have been there? Constant trips back and forth to the shopping centre as the final touches are put on the wedding odds and ends.

She’d bought her wedding dress only a few weeks ago. Now, she will never wear it.

Yixuan Cheng, Jade Young and Pikria Darchia all have their own stories too. Their own paths and journeys now cut short.

Killer Joel Cauchi has his story too, but regardless of his mental health battles it remains difficult to have sympathy given the lives he took.

As the dust settles on what happened last Saturday, we now move into a period of reflection.

We will forever reflect on the heroes of Bondi Junction that afternoon, from police officer Amy Scott who brought Cauchi down to the incredible acts of bravery by members of the public whose survival and protection instincts kicked in.

I think it’s also worth noting that the response from our leaders too has been strong and well-intentioned. Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have been stoic and balanced in their response, Minns having returned urgently from an overseas holiday.

And I thought the media largely did a good job in covering the unfolding tragedy, particularly Radio 2GB on Saturday afternoon which was first class while those at the ABC were asleep on the job, despite the enormous resources at their disposal.

The one glaring misstep came from Channel Seven, which incorrectly named a university student as the man responsible for the attacks. It is not the first time Seven has been in such a situation and there’s clearly a deeper problem here.

And now, as we approach a week since the tragedy, life starts to return to normal for most of us. Westfield Bondi Junction will be full of shoppers again soon.

And we too will hit the shops again, though I suspect with a constant glance over our shoulder, at least for a little while.

Government seeks partner to deliver Bradfield ‘superlot’

Australia’s newest city is finally starting to take shape, with a landmark opportunity to partner with the NSW Government in delivering new homes and jobs at Bradfield City Centre officially announced last week.

Last Thursday, Minister for Planning and Public Services, Paul Scully, revealed that The Western Parkland City Authority (WCPA) has begun seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced development partners to deliver the first superlot in Bradfield City Centre, known as ‘Superlot 1’.

Superlot 1 is set across 4.8-hectares, with over 200,000 square metres of gross floor area development potential. It’s a true mixed-use site, including provision for 1000 new homes, as well as commercial childcare, hotel, retail, medical spaces and public domain. Found on the doorstep of Bradfield Metro Station, and just minutes from WSI Airport, the region is connected both locally and globally, meaning it will play a vital role in contributing to Bradfield City Centre becoming the vibrant, 24/7 global city that it is posed to be.

“The NSW Government has committed over $1.2 billion to kickstart development of the state’s newest city,” Scully said.

“Bradfield City Centre will deliver new jobs and homes for the people of western Sydney and support our local industries to operate on

a global stage. Creating smart jobs close to home for the next generation is what this airport was intended to do to.

“And today, we’re another step closer to delivering that.”

The first superlot land release in the area is a groundbreaking opportunity for the private sector to set the benchmark, and shape the future of the city as it’s being built, Scully said.

“This is the first opportunity for the private sector to get involved as a flagship partner in the development of the new city,” he said.

“It is a huge opportunity to become a major player in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

The future city will be home to thousands of residents, support the creation of more than 20,000 jobs, and is set to unlock new economic opportunities closer to home for the people of western Sydney more broadly.

Superlot 1 EOI submissions are encouraged from all developers with the capability to deliver the project by Friday, May 24.

For more information, visit www. wpca.sydney.

Bradfield will be Australia’s newest city, located just down the road from Penrith.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Colyton: Man charged after speeding, licence revealed as suspended

A man has been charged after travelling at double the legal speed limit in Colyton last week.

At about 12.20pm on Tuesday, April 9, Police were patrolling Roper Road in Colyton. They have sighted a Ford Raptor travelling at speed in a westerly direction.

The car’s speed was checked using Lidar technology, and it is alleged the car was travelling approximately 120km/hr in a 60km/hr zone.

Police stopped the vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 35-year-old Colyton man.

Checks were made on the man’s licence which revealed it was endorsed as suspended. Police spoke with the man about the suspension, and he claims he was not aware of the suspension.

The man was issued an infringement notice, and his licence was suspended by police for six months.

He was issued a $2794 fine.

Penrith: Man charged after police locate methamphetamines

A man has been charged after a police stop revealed methamphetamines in his vehicle last week.

At about 8.30pm on Thursday, April 11 Police were patrolling Stafford Street in Penrith.

Police stopped a motor vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 56-year-old Werrington Downs man.

It is alleged the driver appeared to be nervous and could not answer basic questions.

The man was told the vehicle would be searched. Located next to a wallet in the driver’s side door was a small resealable plastic bag containing methamphetamines.

The man was placed under arrest and charged.

He was due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, April 16.

Kingswood: Man charged after break and enter

A man has been charged after breaking into a Kingswood unit.

At about 7pm on Friday, April 12, neighbours at a unit on the Great Western Highway, Kingswood heard a smashing sound. Neighbours saw a male climbing into the unit and have contacted Police.

The neighbours knew the occupant was on

holidays and supplied Police with the key to enter the premises.

Police entered the unit and located the bathroom locked. Police forced entry into the bathroom and located a 28-year-old Wyong man.

The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged.

The man will appear at Penrith Local Court on Monday, April 22.

Kingswood: Man found with stolen items inside hospital

A man has been charged with break and enter at Nepean Hospital.

At about 3.15am on Monday, April 15 alarms were set off in a building at Nepean Hospital. Security arrived at the scene a short time later and located an open door.

Security commenced a walkthrough of the building, and it is alleged they located a man standing behind the security counter. Security stopped the man and contacted Police.

Police attended the scene and arrested the man, a 42-year-old from Ropes Crossing.

The man was searched and located on him was a large bag containing items suspected of being stolen from the premises and other locations.

Police also found a small resealable bag containing methamphetamines.

The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged. The man was bail refused and appeared at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, April 16.

Glenmore Park: Man charged after high range drink driving

A man has been charged after hitting a parked car and returning a positive breath test.

At about 6.30pm on Monday, April 15 Police were called to a motor vehicle accident on Glenmore Ridge Drive. The vehicle is alleged to have been travelling southbound when it hit a parked car.

Police attended the scene and had a conversation with the driver, a 29-year-old Glenmore Park man. The man was breath tested, which proved positive.

The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.240.

The man’s licence was suspended on the spot, and he was charged. The man will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

with Daniel McKinnon

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BURDENS OF PROOF

Justice Michael Lee handed down his decision in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson on Monday.

His Honour entered judgment in favour of Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson meaning that Lehrmann lost the case.

One of the more intriguing features of the judgment is that the judge determined, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins. This is despite a criminal trial having been abandoned as a result of juror misconduct. The judge was scathing of the media circus that enveloped the trial including an infamous speech given by Lisa Wilkinson at the Logies which undermined the criminal trial that was then on foot.

In a judgment that decimated Lehrmann’s credibility as a witness and labelled him a liar, the judge also called into question the credibility of Brittany Higgins, decried legal advice given to Lisa Wilkinson before her Logies speech and found that, on the balance of probabilities, Bruce Lehrmann committed rape. In reflecting on Lehrmann’s decision to pursue defamation proceedings following the abandonment of the criminal trial, Justice Lee quipped “Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat”.

The outcome has many people wondering how the judge was able to find that Lehrmann raped Higgins despite the criminal trial against him having been abandoned.

The answer, partly, lies in the different standards of proof in the criminal and civil legal systems. The criminal legal system is founded on the presumption of innocence and geared more towards ensuring that innocent people are not found guilty, as opposed to ensuring that every guilty person is convicted. Accordingly, in determining guilt a fact finder must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that a person is guilty of conduct they are accused of. That is, they must find that there is no reasonable alternative set of facts that raises adequate doubt as to whether or not a person did what they are accused of. It is very high standard of proof.

Conversely, in civil proceedings, which

are essentially proceedings between private citizens and/or entities (such us Lehrmann’s case), the plaintiff or applicant must make their case out “on the balance of probabilities”. In other words, in a civil case, the relevant allegations of fact need only have been probable.

Despite His Honour finding that Lehrmann raped Higgins, his findings in the defamation proceedings have no bearing on the outcome of the criminal trial and Lehrmann cannot be punished by the civil court for the rape it ultimately found occurred.

Lisa Wilkinson beamed outside court following the judgment declaring to assembled media, “today the Federal Court has found that I published true story about a rape in a Federal Minister’s office at Parliament in March of 2019. I sincerely hope this judgment gives strength to women around the country.”

That may well be true, but the reality of this judgment is that a probable rapist has walked free in part due to a media circus in which Network Ten and Wilkinson stood front and centre. A man who Justice Lee said “defended the criminal charge on a false basis, lied to police, and then allowed that lie to go uncorrected before the jury. He instructed his unwitting and hence blameless senior counsel to cross-examine a complainant of sexual assault, in two legal proceedings, on a knowingly false premise.”.

Of Wilkinson’s role, Justice Lee was far from complimentary: “naturally enough, her state of mind informed her conduct, and it is the reason why she so associated herself with Ms Higgins; was willing to assist in the politicalisation of her account; helped craft Ms Higgins’ responses; and was dismissive about anything which might be seen to constitute information contrary to what Ms Higgins said right up to the time of publication… The fact she did allow this commitment to undermine her independence emerges clearly from the evidence.”

This judgment screams tragedy, not vindication – with villains aplenty. Particularly in circumstances where a second criminal trial is unlikely but an appeal of the decision in the defamation proceedings is a very real possibility.

BOYS YEAR 7 & 9 2025 - SATURDAY, 4 MAY 2024

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

council@penrith.city

Council’s services are portal at my.penrith.city

penrith.city.council

penrithcouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city

visitpenrith.com.au

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May

9am-3.30pm | The Kingsway Playing Fields car park, Werrington

penrith.city/events

Council Briefs

● Penrith City Council has on ongoing program to renew playspaces across the Local Government Area with new equipment, shade, seating, landscaping, pathways, and more. The playspace in Henry Bridgen Park, Penrith, is one of the next playspaces in line for an upgrade, and we want to know what you’d like to see included in the design. To have your say, visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/henrybrigdenpark Community consultation will close at 5pm on Friday, 19 April 2024.

upgrades, please visit: yoursaypenrith.com.au/playspaceupgrades

● relaxing tunes. Lunchtimes Tunes will run every Wednesday from 11am–2pm until 26 June 2024. For more information go to penrith.city/events

● (Thursday, 25 April) and reopen with normal operating hours on Friday, 26 April.

You can still lodge queries and access online services via our Online Services Portal at my.penrith.city on this day.

Development Consent/s Determined

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Approved Development Applications

• Montessori Academy

Mod24/0022

Lot 100 DP 1287423, 42 Morris Street, St Marys alterations and additions to walls, roof, windows and doors

• Norman Georgas

Mod24/0027 Lot 7012 DP 258855, 30 Blackwell Avenue, St Clair

• Lot 17 DP 240825, 187–193 East Wilchard Road, Castlereagh Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling for use as a child care centre for x 106 children ages 0–12 including a care takers residence and associated parking, on-site sewage management, tree removal and landscaping works

• Lot 886 DP 1279915, 6 Constellation Way, Caddens

Two-storey dwelling

• Lot 65 DP 846098, 23 Cabernet Circuit, Orchard Hills

OSSM System

• Lot 710 DP 1282803, 21 Shorthorn Avenue, Glenmore Park Two-storey dwelling

• Lot 53 DP 260642, 8 Corbin Avenue, South Penrith

• Lot 71 DP 246593, 3 Stockwood Street, South Penrith

• Lot 1 DP 1294065, Regatta Park, 34 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains

Use of part of Regatta Park Pavilion as functions and events space

• Lot 157 DP 844958, 16 Dillwynia Drive, Glenmore Park

Patio cover

• Lot 100 DP 1302043, 205 Richmond Road, Penrith

Front fencing

Refused Development Applications

• Lot 5 DP 250423, 43 St Clair Avenue, St Clair

• Lot 6 DP 31611, 193 Maple Road, North St Marys

secondary dwelling

Viewing of Development Applications

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker

with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Oral cancer fears grow

Could vapes spark the next big surge in cancer? Experts certainly think its possible

PEARCE

Last year, hundreds of Australians were diagnosed with oral cancer. This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, experts are on a mission to see this change.

According to Penrith Dentists’ Dr Anthony Boyden, oral cancer is one that people rarely know about, and rather get a bit frightened by when they hear the phrase for the first time.

“It’s something right in their mouth where people have phobias of already, and people have phobias about areas that they can’t see and control,” he said.

“I also think the recent couple of years with John Farnham made a lot of people really nervous, when his diagnosis was made.”

Oral cancer describes a number of cancers that start in the region of the mouth, most commonly occurring on the lips, tongue and floor of the mouth, but also possible in the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils and salivary glands.

Though he said it’s outside of his skillset to diagnose the illness directly, rather referring his patients to an Oral Medicine Specialist or an Oral Surgeon when he spots something he’d like to have checked out, Boyden said that dentists play an incredibly important role in ensuring that it’s made.

“Initially, we have to try to catch things either in a pre-cancerous stage, or in the

earliest stage of cancer, so that we reduce its progression and stop it becoming more serious,” he said.

As far as signs and symptoms go, Boyden said there are a few things he’s looking out for.

“The most common signs and symptoms would be a lump in the mouth that hasn’t gone away, or an ulcer which has been there for a couple of weeks and isn’t healing like normal,” he said.

“Other things we look for would be a red or a

State-of-the-art vehicle to help crews respond to difficult fires

Fire and Rescue NSW’s latest aerial pumper has rolled off the production line, headed for its new home at Penrith Fire Station.

Valued at $2.5 million, the state-of-theart appliance is the latest of 11 new aerial platforms, strategically placed to protect the state’s built-up areas from high-rise emergencies.

The truck boasts Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology, which means not only can it extend upwards 24-metres, it can pump out a mix of foam and water at 6000 litres a minute, faster than any other pumper in the FRNSW fleet. Its tanks can hold 1,650 litres of water and 250 litres of foam.

The vehicle has just been stowed with equipment following a series of familiarity training sessions with the Penrith crew.

“The most recent additions to the aerial

fleet have been strategically positioned to respond to emergencies across all parts of Sydney as well as Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast,” said FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell.

“Whether it’s a rescue from a skyscraper in the Sydney CBD or a fire in a large factory complex in the city’s west, our aerial units mean we’ve got it covered and we’re ‘Prepared for Anything’.”

Not only can the crew use its remote controls to put out high-rise fires, the truck has a lateral reach of 11-metres, allowing it to reach over an industrial complex roof and it can lower three metres to reach people or vehicles trapped down embankments.

“The aerial pumper is part of an aerial fleet replacement program, ensuring our rising skylines are protected during emergencies,” said State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown.

white patch of tissue in the mouth. Sometimes these red or white patches have a roughened surface, and aren’t smooth and silky like the normal skin in your mouth.”

Less common factors include loose teeth, gums that bleed, a lump in the next, and numbness around the mouth.

There are also a few key risk factors that heighten your chance of getting oral cancer, and a new one possibly emerging.

“The main causes of oral cancer are smok-

ing and excessive consumption of alcohol. There’s other things like hereditary factors, and these days, while it hasn’t been proven, there’s some concern that the vaping, with its carcinogenic properties, may in the future be a possible cause of oral cancer,” he said.

But, Boyden said that the demographic of patients seems to be changing, noting that everybody should be aware – even people with no teeth can get oral cancer.

“The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse held an international survey that they coordinated in the Asia Pacific region, and as far as cancers of the tongue are concerned, in women under 45 in the last 32 years, there has been a 385 per cent increase in the incidence of cancers of the tongue, in women under 45, and this is a concern because we don’t know why it’s happening,” he said.

Though there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting oral cancer, Boyden emphasised that the key to getting early potential identification, and early treatment, is to see your dentist at least annually, even if there’s no pain.

“With the normal check, just to make sure they haven’t got holes or gum disease, at the same time, just have an inspection of the soft tissue to make sure that anything else that’s happening is checked out,” he said.

“Dentists have a responsibility to be the first line of examination and assessment, and to follow that up if there’s any doubt.”

Integrated Development

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for this Development Application is Penrith City Council.

• Christian Community Ministries Ltd

Lot 1 DP 1279428, 206 East Wilchard Road, Castlereagh

DA24/0224

Erection of a new outdoor covered ball court including a storeroom, tiered seating, paved walkways, tree removal and landscaping

The proposal is an Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act)

The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday, 22 April 2024 to Sunday, 5 May 2024.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of include Council’s reference number DA24/0224

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Nick McMaster on 4732 8578.

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker

Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

Dr Anthony Boyden. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY

Penrith State MP Karen McKeown with members of Penrith Fire Station.

PAGE TEN

The Mindful

Life App – Soul Alive, was founded by author and renowned meditation expert, Luke McLeod.

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more information about it.

The Weekender has two Soul Life 12 month memberships valued at $625 each to give away.

For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Soul’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details.

Entries close Friday, May 3 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

paceway winners lucky

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

bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community. Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-

way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!

This week’s lucky winners are: 0865, 1111, 0435

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Penrith’s incredible links

Our region has a strong war history. These are just some of the stories that bring

On Thursday, April 25, the nation will pause to reflect on the Australian lives lost in military operations overseas.

As ANZAC Day approaches, we look back at some of the people and stories linked to the Penrith area...

ALFRED BOYTON WALKER

Alfred Boyton Walker was born in St Marys on August 13, 1885 and was the son of Alfred and Sarah Walker of St Marys and then New Zealand. It is thought that this photograph shows Alfred in his military uniform following his enlistment with the New Zealand armed forces during the first World War. He died in 1935.

STANLEY OWEN STAFFORD

Stanley Owen Stafford was born on February 11, 1894 at Lithgow. He attended Penrith Public School and was employed as a machinist and car driver after leaving school.

Between 1911 and 1913, Stafford served with the 19th Infantry Battalion, a local militia unit, before enlisting in the AIF. He embarked on A23 HMAT Suffolk which left Sydney on October 18, 1914 and arrived in Egypt on December 8, 1914. Stafford underwent training in Egypt before embarking as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the Derflinger in April 1915. He landed with the 2nd Battalion on April 25, 1915 and suffered gunshot wounds in the first few days of the Gallipoli campaign. He survived this attack and recovered, but was reported missing during the battle for Lone Pine. He was confirmed as killed.

EDWARD CHAMPNESS

Edward Champness was born on August 20, 1923 at St Marys to Edgar and Vera Champness. In 1941 he enlisted in the RAAF and in June 1943 was sent to England. In April 1944 he was posted to 630 Squadron flying Lancasters from East Kirkby in Lincoln. His first mission was in April 1944 over central Germany. He was killed on May 23, 1944 during a bombing raid over Brunswick, Germany. He is buried at the British War Cemetery Rheinberg, Germany.

to ANZAC legacy ANZAC

the message of ANZAC Day home to our local community

Victor Lyne, the son of Augustus and Laura Lyne and the younger brother of Penrith stock and station agent Cecil Lyne, was born at Nyngan in 1891. The Lyne family came from Tasmania. Before he enlisted he was working in the Commercial Bank at Gloucester. He enlisted at Rosehill, NSW. Lyne was killed in action on June 24, 1915.

Constance Neale married Henry Alston Stanley Holliday on April 3, 1917 at Penrith. Stanley, as he was known, had served with 56th Battalion between July 2, 1915 and October 16, 1916.

Constance enlisted as a nurse with the Australian Army Nursing Service on July 31, 1915. She served in Egypt and England. Constance Margaret Neale died on May 17, 1972, and is buried with her husband and son in Macquarie Park Cemetery in Ryde. This photograph was taken on their wedding day.

Sydney Ellis Aubrey was born on November 30, 1882 at “Hillview” Penrith, the youngest son of David Aubrey and his wife Elizabeth. He was educated at Penrith Superior Public School. Aubrey was very active in the Penrith community. He was a scout master, and expert horseman and marksman. He was a member of the Hawkesbury Half Squadron of Lancers for several years before assisting in the formation of the Penrith Half Squadron of Lancers. He joined the army before the outbreak of war and served with the Field Artillery at Victoria Barracks, Sydney. On the outbreak of the war, he applied for active service and was appointed Corporal on August 30, 1914. He sailed for the war zone on October 18, 1914 aboard HMAT Argyllshire

and disembarked in Egypt. He was sent to Gallipoli with his unit and received a shotgun wound to the chest on July 11, 1915. After being successfully operated on for the removal of a bullet and a few weeks rest, he returned to duty. He was wounded on September 28, 1915 when a bullet struck him in the neck and penetrated his lung. He died shortly afterward and was

Joyce

later Haynes,

Let us honour those who fought for our country and those who serve in the Australian Armed Forces. We will remember them.

Anthony and the team at BOQ Penrith would like to pay tribute to the ANZACs

Our heartfelt thoughts and gratitude are with the ANZACs today as we mourn the loss and sacrifice they made for our country.

Lest We Forget

our local bank standing with your every step of the way.

4723 7650

77 Station St, Penrith

Antho P pay trib h and gra ANZACs los mad Le Your with 4 7 7 S t a

This photograph shows Eileen Pike in army uniform at Lemongrove Road in Penrith in 1942.

Carter,

is reading a letter from Scottie Gow who served in World War II. Agnes Banks can be seen in the background, on the left. The gravel crusher at McCann’s Island can also be seen in the background. The small house at the right belonged to the McHugh family, then the Billington family.

EILEEN ELIZABETH PIKE

JOYCE HAYNES

HENRY HOLLIDAY AND CONSTANCE NEALE

A beer interrupted by war

The incredible story of the last volunteers to answer “the call of the bugle”

The battle of Kapyong in Korea on April 24, 1951, ANZAC Day Eve, taught the armies of the world’s belligerent nations a lesson in tactics – never get between an Australian soldier and his beer ration.

That night, a turning point in the Korean War, a horde of Chinese and North Korean troops, estimated at more than 20,000, rampaged south towards the South Korean capital Seoul.

In their path lay the men of 3 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, the unit known as “Old Faithful”, resting up after months on the front line.

Alongside them, in their bivouacs, the Diggers fraternised with men of a Turkish battalion, comrades in arms in Korea, as they prepared to commemorate the 8703 Australians and thousands of Turks who died in the landings at Gallipoli, 36 years earlier, and for the Turks, to celebrate the success of Kamahl Attaturks’ defeat of the invaders, known by them as the Battle Of Canakkale.

The Australian soldiers had just

collected their beer ration, one bottle per man per day, when the bugle calls signalled an attack by a division of the Chinese Peoples Army.

“I’d just prised off the cap off my bottle with my tobacco tin when the attack started,” one Digger recalled.

“Talk about being dirty. I was ropable. Did not even get a mouthful.”

The men of the Battalion went into action, with a ferocious hatred for the invading Chinese, based to a great extent, many recalled, on the loss of their beer ration.

It is recorded that the 700 Austral-

ians, backed by the gunners of the 16th Field Regiment of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, with Princess Patricia’s Own Canadian Light Infantry on one flank and 15 tanks of the 72nd US Heavy Tank Regiment on the other, held strong on Hill 504.

enemy, each one repulsed by the Australians’ withering rifle and Owen sub-machine gun fire, inflicting hundreds of casualties.

Forced to give ground Captain Saunders ordered his company to withdraw to a new position.

against an armed enemy on or after the Attack on Pearl Harbour”.

The insignia is a permanent award to the battalion and is worn to this day by serving soldiers of 3RAR.

Within the Battalion, St Marys’ legendary soldier, Captain Reg Saunders, had command of C Company and faced a gruelling night in constant contact with the enemy as its troops infiltrated the allied lines behind retreating ROK (Republic of Korea) units making their way south.

C Company took the brunt of a series of “suicide” charges by the

In a tape recorded interview Saunders recalls seeing one soldier with tears running down his eye.

“Sir,” the young man said. “Tomorrow is ANZAC Day and we are running away from the buggers!”

24 hours later Captain Saunders handed over his sector intact to American reinforcements.

Fighting alongside the New Zealanders also engendered in Captain Saunders, a feeling of pride. He recalled post war: “At last I felt like an ANZAC, and I imagine there were 600 others like me.”

Kapyong cost the Battalion dearly: 32 dead, 59 wounded, three missing in action and taken Prisoner of War.

The New Zealand artillery regiment lost two forward observation officers killed in action.

The Australians and the Canadians also earned a rare honour from the American commander-in-chief, a Presidential Citation awarded for “extraordinary heroism in action

Every Australian soldier who fought at Kapyong had served during World War II. In recruiting K Force the army sought only veterans with military experience.

And it should also be noted that every soldier in 3 Battalion had volunteered: the last Australian military force to answer “the call of the bugle”.

3RAR Commander, Colonel Bruce Ferguson.

Captain Reg Saunders leads platoon patrol.

B Coy 3RAR after Kapyong.

TERRY GALLAWAY

The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. ANZAC Da yi sa n opportunity for al lt o reflect, honour and remember the brave servicemen and women who fought for our freedom . We stand with them in gratitude, appreciation, and respect.

Our city to fall silent in tribute

Anyone looking to commemorate ANZAC Day by attending a Dawn Service or partaking in a game of two-up can find a range of options available in Penrith.

Penrith City Council will be joining with Penrith RSL Sub-branch to hold the traditional Dawn Service at Memory Park on Thursday, April 25.

Community members are encouraged to assemble at 4.30am, with a march to take place from Castlereagh Street, outside Penrith RSL, towards Memory Park.

A service will commence once all are assembled at the park at 5am.

Following the service Penrith RSL will provide a breakfast and those attending are encouraged to provide a gold coin donation, with proceeds going to RSL Life Care.

Penrith RSL will host a series of entertainment and activities throughout the day following the service.

Penrith RSL are also hosting a Sunday service on Sunday, April 21.

This service will commence at 3pm and meet at the corner of Castlereagh Street and Tindale Street.

The parade will walk down High Street to Memory Park where a commemorative service will be held.

Meanwhile, St Marys RSL Sub-branch will be holding a dawn service on Thursday, April 25. The service will be at the St Marys Diggers Club and will commence at 5am.

St Marys RSL sub-Branch

Invites you and your family to join with us in Commemorating

ANZAC 2024

Dawn Service – Thursday 25th April

At our Guns War Memorial adjacent to the Train in the grounds of the St Marys Diggers Club (cnr Hall Street and MamreRoad)

This year, within the theme of ANZAC, our focus is The Impact on the Family of Veterans

We suggest early arrival for parking. The Service will commence at 5.00am, preceded by several related short video clips on the large screens provided

Following the service St Marys Diggers Club will be hosting a series of live music and Meantime, the Emu Plains Community ANZAC Day Service will be held at 11am on

The event will be at the Emu Plains War Memorial (Melrose Cenotaph) at Lions Park

And the Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA) will be hosting a commemorative service on Saturday, April 20 at Memory Park

Road closures will be in effect in Penrith between 3am and 7am on ANZAC Day at the following locations: High Street (between Station Street and Lawson Street).

Lawson Street (from traffic lights on

Castlereagh Street (between Lethbridge and High Street).

Tindale Street (between Woodriff Street and Castlereagh Street).

Tindale Street (Penrith RSL car park entrance closed). To enter Penrith RSL during these hours enter via Lethbridge Street. Woodriff Street (to Derby Street).

Union Lane (between Station Street and Woodriff Street).

For those looking to commemorate later in the day, a series of Leagues Clubs and restaurants will be holding ANZAC Day specials. Panthers, Penrith RSL, The Log Cabin and O’Donoghues are some of the Penrith places that will be hosting games of two-up.

After the Service, veterans (with medals) and their families are welcome in the club auditorium for breakfast.

For all others, breakfast is available for purchase at the Café.

Member for Badgerys Creek get y is an y to pay ll our sonnel erved e crifice in e our values. ime to urrent rsonnel for e to our

For enquiries: 0414 557 692

Come along and participate in our Service.

The Dawn Service in Penrith in 2023.

LOCAL SERVICES

Thursday, 25 Apr il 2024

Please consider attending a local ser vice. I recommend c hec king ser vice and event times c loser to the date.

St Mar ys RSL Sub Branch

4.30am Dawn Ser vice Guns War Memor ial in the grounds of St Mar ys Digger s Club, cnr of Hall Street and Mamre Road, St Mar ys.

Penr ith RSL Sub Branch

4.30am Dawn Ser vice Memor y Park, cnr of High and Woodr i Streets, Penr ith.

Penr ith Bowling and Recreation Club

9.00am Remembrance Ceremony, cnr of Woodr i and Derby Streets, Penr ith.

Emu Plains Community Anzac Day Service

11.00am Service. Emu Plains War Memorial, Lions Park, 169 Great Wester n Highway, Emu Plains.

ANZAC BISCUITS

Ing redients

•1 cup each of plain our, sugar, rolled oats and coconut

•4 ounces butter (115g)

•1 tablespoon treacle (golden syrup)

•2 tablespoons boiling water (add a little more water if mixture is too dry)

•1 teaspoon bi-carbonate soda

Method

1. Grease tray and pre-heat oven to 180°C

2. Combine dr y ing redients.

4. Mix butter mixture and dr y ing redients.

5. Drop teaspoons of mixture onto tray.

6. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on tray for a few minutes before transfer r ing to cooling racks.

Its codename was “Operation Neptune”, but it would be etched into the pages of histor y as D-Day. The 6 June 1944 is often considered the tur ning point of World War II; and marked the rst step toward the liberation of wester n Europe from the clutches of the hor rors of Nazism.

This year we remember the 80th anniversar y of D-Day, when over 6,000 ships and other landing craft were accompanied by about 10,000 aircraft, as they converged on the beaches of Nor maandy, in nor ther n France

In the skies were thousands of Australian air men r isking their lives as they provided suppor t for what would become the largest ever amphibious landing.

With over 130,000 Allied troops deployed, Winston Churchill declared it “much the greatest thing we have ever attempted”.

Approximately 3,200 Australians participated in the D–Day landings, with thousands

more ser ving in the days and weeks that followed as a par t of the wider Nor mandy campaign, known as Operation Overlord. Members of the Royal Australian Navy ser ved with the Royal Navy; while a small number of Australian soldiers were attached to the Br itish Ar my

It was in the skies, however, that our nation gave its strongest suppor t to D-Day, with 1,800 Australian air men on attachment to the Royal Air Force, and a fur ther 1,000 ying with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadrons.

The RAAF’s No 453 Squadron f amously ew their spit res as a par t of the Allies’ 171 ghter and ghter-bomber squadrons.

3. Melt together butter and golden syr up Combine water and bi-carbonate soda – add to butter mixture.

(From an original recipe provided by Mr Bob Lawson, an ANZAC present at the Gallipoli landing.)

* Makes approximately 35 biscuits ih

Discovery of Montevideo Maru wreckage

On D-Day itself , 13 Australians sacr i ced their lives while hundreds more would die as a par t of the Nor mandy campaign. In ter ms of casualties, June 1944 represents the worst month in the histor y of the RAAF It would be another eleven months before World War II in Europe came to an end; and three months again until victor y in the Paci c In all, 39,657 Australians would lose their life in ser vice dur ing World War II.

With thanks and appreciation to the Australian War Memor ial. AWM-RELAWM34633 in DDay thousand Di f AW M042284 80th Anniversar y D-Day

MV Montevideo Mar u sunk in less than 11 minutes, with repor ts that there was no assistance to help the pr isoners abandon the sinking ship Over 1,000 men, overwhelmingly Australian, lost their lives with the wreckage not being discovered for over 80 years.

Acontemporary war veteran is encouraging others to find a community in their local Sub-branches.

Chris Ghalayini served for 13 years in the Australian Army and spent time on deployment in Iraq, which at the time was an active warzone.

After Ghalayini’s military career ended his job connected him with a community of like minded people at the St Marys RSL Sub-branch.

“We got to talking and we got connected, and then I signed up,” Ghalayini said.

“So, it was more to support the St Marys RSL Sub-branch in what they are trying to achieve because a lot of people are starting to forget and lose that bond where when you get out of the Defence [Force], ultimately you lose that sense of identity.

“The St Marys RSL Sub-branch has that real community bond where it keeps that identity [of the Defence Force] but you have left.”

Ghalayini highly encourages anyone who has left the Defence Force and feels a loss of community to connect with their local Sub-branches.

“I think more younger, contemporary veterans need to really jump on board wherever they can to be community based [and] orientated,” Ghalayini said.

“The St Marys RSL Sub-branch is something where we would like to create a contemporary soldiers welfare space where we can get the community to come together.

“I would strongly encour age young, contemporary veterans who are getting

“They had to screen a few families and it was very strict... we had to work with a really small team to work out who were the chosen ones,” Ghalayini said.

“It was such a sensitive process just because they were only allowed to bring their immediate family, they weren’t allowed to bring their

out to sign up because everybody counts.” Ghalayini said part of his job was to assist in screening people who had worked as interpreters to give them Australian citizenship in a joint effort with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

moved on to different roles in the Army before medically retiring, but Ghalayini reflects fondly on his time as a serving member of the Australian Defence Force.

“With life you have always got to reflect, and that’s a bit of my learning curve,” Ghalayini said.

mums and dads and brothers and sisters.

“So, it was very hard to see them [to] give them that news, and say ‘Hey you’re coming, you’re granted a visa but the rest of your family have to remain behind’.”

After Ghalayini returned from Iraq he

“You look back at your milestone and what you have achieved, you learn from what you have done before and how you can better it and how you can better yourself everyday.”

The St Marys RSL Sub-branch can be contacted on 9623 6555.

Join us in honouring the heroes of Anzac Day. As we commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, let’s come together as a community to remember their legacy, pay tribute, reflect, and uphold the Anzac spirit. Lest we

Why Fred and his pigeons are turning heads and winning praise

CASSIDY PEARCE

Arecent win at the Sydney Royal Easter Show has proven Orchard Hills local Fred Frendo to be Australia’s best in pigeon showing, taking out Champion Fancy Pigeon with a breed he’s never shown before.

Frendo has been interested in pigeons from a young age, having had them now for 43 years.

“I was young, and I’d seen these pigeons being let out to fly around, and I thought, ‘Gee, they’re pretty smart birds. You let them out, and then they come back!’,” he said.

Frendo said there was a particular influential figure in his life who first encouraged him to join a club and take the industry seriously.

“I caught a pigeon that belonged to somebody, and I found out who owned it, and he got me into showing,” he said.

This set him off to create an empire, with over 100 pigeons now at his home. He says he’s the best in Australia, and has a few major career highlights to prove it.

“We had a 100th year show that I went to, and there were 1700 pigeons there, and I got the best bird of the show. To win best bird of the show out of 1700 pigeons, I thought that was quite an achievement,” he said.

“I’ve also judged overseas. In England, one of their biggest shows had 2400 pigeons, so I thought that was a huge highlight!”

As for what it takes to become one of the best, taking out both minor and major awards yearround, Frendo said there are a few factors.

“My birds, because I’ve developed them over the years, they’re very close to the standard,

Karen’s Comment

and I do very well,” he said.

“There’s a lot of things that you’ve got to look at – the feather quality, the cleanliness of the bird, there’s got to be no lice on them. They have to be prepared for show!”

One of the shows he regularly competes at is the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Pigeon section of the Poultry competition disappeared after 2016 and reappeared in 2022, with Frendo being one of the most successful exhibitors since its return.

Frendo said he was thrilled to have taken out a few major prizes this year, including Champion Fancy Pigeon with his Australian Showpen Homer Pigeon, which was a shock to him, given it was the first time he’d shown this specific breed.

“It was really good to win that, because it was the very first time I ever showed that breed, and to win best bird of the show was great,” he said.

“I expected maybe to win with my other breed, but not with this breed!”

As for what’s next for Frendo, he said he has a few exciting things lined up for the rest of 2024 – including getting even more Penrith locals involved in the sphere.

“I’m president of a club called the Pigeon Fanciers Society of NSW (PFSNSW). We used to show at Fairfield, but we’ve come local now to the Penrith area in Luddenham. I think a highlight will be starting all over again, because we have to move,” he said.

“I’m also really looking forward to going to the Nationals in Melbourne in July, where we have a big national show with about 2000 pigeons.”

Do you have a Toll rebate to claim?

The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

It’s simple to check, even if you don’t think you qualify check it It’s surprising the number of residents I speak to who check and find they’re owed a couple hundred dollars!

Do you have a toll rebate to claim?

It’s simple to check, even if you don’t

time for Penrith motorists to start reaping the benefits of the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Program with an average of $125 saved by Penrith residents

Fee-Free TAFE Removing Financial Barriers for People in NSW

Are

To be eligible you must:

Fee-Free TAFE Removing Financial Barriers for People in NSW

We are currently facing significant skill shortages as TAFE NSW was dismantled over the last 10 years The Albanese and Minns Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative is removing financial barriers for training in areas facing skill shortages

Fee-free TAFE removing financial barriers for people in NSW

We are currently facing significant skill shortages as TAFE NSW was dismantled over the last 10 years The Albanese and Minns Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative is removing financial barriers for training in areas facing skill shortages

Now more people in NSW can further develop their skills in areas where the economy needs them most With 182 124 people enrolling in Fee-Free TAFE during

one of the 350 000 NSW toll account holders entitled to a rebate through Service NSW?

To be eligible you must:

think you qualify, check it. It’s surprising the number of residents I speak to who check and find they’re owed a couple of hundred dollars! It’s time for Penrith motorists to start reaping the benefits of the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Program, with an average of $125 saved by Penrith residents who have spent more than $60 in tolls in any week since January 1. The toll cap is designed and operating as a cost-of-living relief measure that provides support for those people who do not have public transport options and cannot avoid toll bills in getting around Sydney. Are you one of the 350,000 NSW toll account holders entitled to a rebate through Service NSW?

To be eligible you must:

Be a NSW resident;

Be a NSW resident; Hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the N5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time, and

• Be a NSW resident; Hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the N5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time, and

Spend more than $60 a week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible, personal trips

• Spend more than $60 a week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible, personal trips.

Hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the N5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time, and Spend more than $60 a week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible, personal trips

We are currently facing significant skill shortages as TAFE NSW was dismantled over the last 10 years. The Albanese and Minns Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative is removing financial barriers for training in areas facing skill shortages. Now, more people in NSW can further develop their skills in areas where the economy needs them most. With 182,124 people enrolling in Fee-Free TAFE during 2023, it is encouraging to see the number of people taking up study in the economy’s areas of need, such as education, health, construction, and IT. Fee-Free TAFE is targeted at increasing workforce participation of priority groups and helping people get the skills they need for the jobs they want. The Government is committed to tackling skills shortages, by supporting students with free training opportunities who can then enter the workforce in highly paid, highly skilled jobs. The Albanese Government is providing a further $414.1 million over 2024-2026 to States and Territories to fund the delivery of at least another 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places.

Now more people in NSW can further develop their skills in areas where the economy needs them most

With 182 124 people enrolling in Fee-Free TAFE during 2023 it is encouraging to see the number of people taking up study in the economy's areas of need such as education health construction and IT Fee-Free TAFE is targeted at increasing workforce participation of priority groups and helping people get the skills they need for the jobs they want

The Government is committed to tackling skills shortages, by supporting students with free training opportunities who can then enter the workforce in highly paid, highly skilled jobs

The Albanese Government is providing a further $414 1 million over 2024-2026 to States and Territories to fund the delivery of at least another 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places

Fred Frendo with his award-winning pigeon. Photo: Melinda Jane.

300 kilometres to inspire

Altan hopes to motivate youngsters by undertaking huge run

AGlenmore Park man is running from Sydney to Canberra next Month.

Altan Erdogan is a long-time runner and is currently preparing to run over 300 kilometres starting on Sunday, May 12.

“I do a lot of marathon running, the Sydney Marathon, Western Sydney Marathon, I’m an active person,” he told the Weekender

“This year I decided I would like to run from Sydney to Canberra, it’s a long distance and certainly not just one day.”

The plan is to start in Sydney at the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Memorial in Hyde Park and complete the journey at Canberra’s Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Memorial at ANZAC Park.

“Memorial Park to Memorial Park, that’s my target,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan hopes that his long distance run will help him to push himself and inspire younger generations to prioritise fitness.

“It’s just for myself and to speak out, you know, the younger kids to inspire,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan has begun a training regime and is practicing his long distance runs.

“I’m training a lot. I did a run from Central Station to Glenmore Park,” Erdogan said.

“I ran from Katoomba to Penrith, about 50kms, and I did a run from Glenmore Park to Camden, and Camden to Glenmore Park.”

Erdogan has the support of his family, with his wife following along in the car.

“My wife will be following me with the car, with some food and drink, in case anything happens on the road because you don’t know,” Erdogan said.

This run won’t be Erdogan’s last, especially as he has his sights set on his next challenge.

“This is the start,” Erdogan said.

“I would like to do more, maybe in the future,

I’m not sure it could be next year, the ANZAC run, that’s my other goal.”

Erdogan will set off on Friday, May 12 and aims to finish his run on Friday, May 19, covering over 300 kilometres.

“My calculation is 305km,” Erdogan said.

“But the app has calculated 338km, [somewhere] around that mark.”

Erdogan encourages anyone inspired by his run to reach out and run part of the way.

“Any runner who wants to join me I’m happy to go with them 5km or 2km, or 50km,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan has set up a website (www.ataturkkosusu.org) for anyone interested in his journey.

He will also be posting on fitness app Strava, @Altan Erdogan, which will allow people to track his daily progress as takes the journey to the nation’s capital.

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor Chemical cleanout event

Take your chemical waste to the right place.

We all have those household chemical items tucked away in our homes, garages, and sheds, waiting for an opportunity to dispose of them responsibly. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that Council is once again hosting the annual Chemical CleanOut weekend from 4-5 May 2024 at The Kingsway Playing Fields car park in Werrington. Join our team between 9am and 3.30pm on both days to participate in this important event. Council will be accepting household quantities of household chemicals, with limits of 20 litres or 20 kilograms per item, and up to 100 litres of paint in 20-litre containers.

If you’re planning to attend, please take a moment to label the types of chemicals you’re disposing of and pack them securely into the boot of your vehicle or trailer. The Chemical CleanOut event is contactless, and our dedicated staff will be on-site to assist with unloading vehicles. As a community, it’s crucial that we dispose of our household chemicals correctly

and safely. They should never find their way into regular household bins or down the sink, as they pose serious risks to the health of our garbage collectors and can harm our environment and wildlife. Additionally, some chemicals can exacerbate the flammability and toxicity of fires.

Many chemical materials can be reused and recycled. By taking your chemical waste to the right place, you’re not only disposing of it safely but also contributing to our community’s resource recovery efforts.

Accepted items include acids and alkalis, garden chemicals, car batteries, fire extinguishers, household cleaning products, fluorescent globes and tubes, gas bottles, motor oils, paint, pesticides and herbicides, pool chemicals, and more. For a comprehensive list of what you can bring, visit our website at penrith.city/ chemicalcleanout.

Let’s work together to ensure the safe and responsible disposal of chemical waste in our community.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

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

Altan Erdogan is running from Sydney to Canberra to encourages others to be active.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Scan the QR code to follow along with Altan’s journey.

Δ Sweet and salty combination: Tim Tam has announced the sweet and salty treat of every Aussie’s dreams. Tim Tam inspired by Jatz (pictured above), will officially be available from late April, exclusive to Coles. Aussies will be treated to the undeniable Tim Tam flavours of smooth chocolate and a luscious velvety centre now with tasty salty, crackery notes. What more could you wish for?

Δ Savoury Dining returns: High Street restaurant Savoury Dining is back, re-open-

dishes from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s located at 407-411 High Street, Penrith.

Δ Chocomania: Krispy Kreme has just released four new ‘Chocomania’ doughnuts. To whet your appetite – the Double Choc Iced Doughnut is glazed and then dipped in smooth choc icing. Dipped in choc ganache, the Choc Caramel Crunch Doughnut is sprinkled with salted caramel inclusions and drizzled with caramel truffle, while the Triple Choc Delight Doughnut is dipped in white-truffle, sprinkled with milk choc

cereal clusters and drizzled with milk choc ganache. Finally, expect choc ganache with a choc kreme swirl, topped with choc-fudge pieces and milk-choc ganache drizzle in the mouth-watering Choc Indulgence Doughnut.

Δ Kids eat free: Lone Star Rib House and Brews is promoting a special offer during the school holidays – with kids able to eat free every day. Available across all participating locations in NSW, this special offer entitles one free kids meal for every qualifying main meal purchased.

Δ Chicken delight: A brand new chicken shop has opened in Warragamba. Warragamba BBQ Chicken is located at 33 Fourteenth Street, Warragamba and sells BBQ chicken, chips, salads, burgers and more.

Δ Spice Alley plan: Plans to transform a Harris Park cottage into a ‘Spice Alley’ style restaurant precinct – inclusive of a rooftop garden and five food outlets – have been revealed. The famous Wigram Street Indian restaurant-strip could soon see even more food options come to ‘Little India’, If a Development Application (DA) gets the tick of approval from City of Parramatta.

READ ALL ABOUT US

Δ Got some Source? We want to hear about store openings, closings, new menus, new products and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Beautee Bar: Australia’s #1 Lash and Brow Artist!

Beautee Bar was created by Tarnee Morris and launched in 2019.

We are a 2023 and 2024 Australian + Local Award-Winning Beauty Salon located on High Street, Penrith.

Tarnee has gained recognition as a leader in her eld for Lash Extensions, HD Brows, Hybrids Brows, Brow Lamination, Cosmetic Tattooing, Makeup for events, bridal occasions and more. With her outstanding and extensive experience, Tarnee is accredited & fully quali ed, she continues to excel & further her knowledge in this industr y with con dence and passion.

At B eautee Bar, we take pride in our work and pay attention to detail, keeping all

clients satis ed with our professional salon experience. We ensure a 1 on 1 consultation with each client to ensure we meet their expectation and needs. We only use the highest quality of products, and Tarnee and our team are dedicated to creating the perfect lashes & brows for you!

Tarnee is a Beauty Educator teaching over 1,200 students Australia wide and Internationally! She has recently become the Sydney International Lash Master Lash Educator teaching other lash artists to become educators also!

In May 2023 she launched her very own lash & brow product line with over 600+ orders already!

Shop at www.beauteebarstore.com

The Nepean Hotel at Emu Plains came into existence in 1937, but it was a local watering hole long before that.

Originally The Emu Inn, it then became the Orient Hotel before it was re-named as the Nepean.

For many locals, it was known as the ‘Nepean Hilton’.

These days, O’Donoghues Irish Pub stands on the site.

(Photo thanks to Australian National University)

TURNING BACK TIME

BEGI NNE RS YOGA COUR SE S

Relaxation,Mindfulness, Exercise

Sunday 5pm April 28 to July 7

Tuesday 7:15pm April 30 to July 2

Wednesday 5:30pm May 1 to July 3

Saturda y 10:30am May 4 to July 6

10 Week Beginners Yoga Courses †

Regular Price $220

Student/Senior/F amily $190 Pensioner $120

Book now: www.penrithyogastudio.com.au

Find us at the corner of High Street & Woodriff Street, Penrith. Above Henri Marc café.

*There is no Sunday night class on June 9 due to the long weekend. The Sunday course runs across 11 weeks.

†If the course times don’t suit you, start a membership with a 2 week free trial.

Start in any Foundations or Beginners class: Sunday 5pm, Monday 7:15pm, Tuesday 10am, Tuesday 7:15pm, Wednesday 5:30pm, Thursday 5:30pm, Friday 10:30am, Saturday 8:30am, Saturday 10:30am.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Discover Western Sydney Parklands

Get back on track and explore over 70km of tracks and trails on foot or on a bike in Western Sydney Parklands, Sydney’s biggest backyard!

Whether you want a leisurely stroll, a quick jog after work or are training for a big race, Western Sydney Parklands has tracks and trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.

With Parklands entry points from Blacktown, Fairfield and Liverpool, Western Sydney Parklands’ 11 tracks and trails are perfect for walking, running and some are suitable for cycling.

All trails are graded according to National Walking Track Grading Systems (levels 1-5), with most parklands tracks and trails graded 1-3, which makes them achievable outdoor routes to start your fitness journey.

Walking trails take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours to complete. Many tracks are paved or gravel and some are wheelchair and pramfriendly, ideal for all ages and abilities. If you’re into adventure, take a path less travelled, along grass tracks, fire trails or old farm roads, suitable for exploring, bushwalking and birdwatching.

One of the newest trails on offer is the 11km Gabrugal Yana bush walking experience.

Explore the story of six Dharug Seasons created by First Nations artists and listen to the meanings and stories behind each artwork, in Dharug language and English. Scan the QR code found at each art tree’s interpretive sign to listen to the audio story.

In addition to track and trails, there’s community events and activities to book and get involved in, including a Trailside Planting Day; Yoga in

Nature sessions; nocturnal wildlife walks; and mindful weaving circles with a First Nations artist.

On Saturday, June 9, the inaugural Parklands

Running Festival kicks off at Lizard Log. Featuring a 2km Family Dash, and a 5km and 10km run, this is your chance to get into the great outdoors and enjoy a picturesque and naturefilled course.

No matter where you reside in Sydney, now’s the time to get back to nature and get acquainted with Western Sydney Parklands’ 70km of tracks and trails for exercise, wellbeing, leisure and connecting with likeminded healthy living communities.

Plan your trip to Western Sydney Parklands now by visiting the website to view tracks and trails on digital maps to help navigate your way around. Head to the trails page and download a map before your visit at westernsydneyparklands. com.au/on-track.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM AWARDS

The Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2024, scheduled for October 24th, celebrate achievements in Southwest and Western Sydney’s tourism industry. The event aims to set industry benchmarks for growth and participation, coinciding with the upcoming WSI opening.

It o ers networking opportunities with industry leaders and parliament members, featuring food, wine, entertainment, and recognition of excellence in Western Sydney.

BACK IN BATHURST

SUNIA TURUVA POSTER

the finalword

Penrith and the Wests Tigers return to Carrington Park in Bathurst a year on from one of the biggest upsets of the 2023 NRL season, and this time the weather promises to be far different from the torrential rain that greeted the sides last year.

Ironically, as much as the Tigers have struggled in recent seasons and Penrith have made four straight Grand Finals, they’ve actually performed pretty well against the Panthers; usually due to extenuating circumstances like Origin drain or weather, but still, the results are on the board.

Where it helps Benji Marshall’s team is that the Tigers wouldn’t fear the Panthers all that much this Saturday. They don’t necessarily see them as the unbeatable team that some clubs probably do when they prepare to take on Ivan Cleary’s juggernaut.

One thing is for sure: both teams will have to

improve from their last performance to grab the two points in Bathurst.

Marshall declared the Tigers’ performance against the Dragons last Sunday as the worst of the season and while the scoreboard suggests a narrow 12-point loss, anyone who saw the game would know the Tigers were very poor.

Penrith will be rested from the week off but the performance against Manly a fortnight ago certainly sent warning sirens blaring. Let’s hope it was simply a speedbump in the road and not a sign of things to come.

Nathan Cleary’s hamstring injury means he’ll sit out this one, a significant loss given most expected him to return after two games out. It turns out the injury was harder to manage and get right than initially thought.

In some good team selection news, Scott Sorensen returns while Jarome Luai has brushed away any injury concerns.

Against Manly the Panthers showed signs of something that has not crept into their game at any stage of their three-year Premiership run: complacency.

At times it appeared they just expected things to happen; and when they didn’t, they just didn’t have the energy or effort levels required to respond in any serious manner (except for Dylan Edwards, who is having one hell of a season).

On the surface, it’s an easy fix. We know the talent and ability is there, so it’ll come down to motivation.

The Tigers meantime have bigger problems, as they try to settle on a line-up that can get the job done consistently.

They do welcome back Lachlan Galvin on Saturday, a move that couldn’t come quick enough.

As much as this game isn’t desperation stakes

given it falls in Round 7, the loser will without question be in some trouble. The Tigers are desperate to shrug off the struggles of the past and make the most of the Benji Marshall era, but last week’s performance would suggest they’ve learned little. If they end up getting thrashed by Penrith on Saturday, plenty will wonder if they’ve made much progress at all.

As for Penrith, while Cleary is out, there won’t be the excuses that have existed in previous years to fall to the Tigers. This is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to make a statement that they are the deserved Premiership favourites.

Penrith has had a mixed relationship with the Bathurst game over the years. Here’s a chance to make it what it should be: a second home where the Panthers are dominant.

I think Penrith will be too strong.

Tip: Panthers by 14.

! May’s Insta woes, commentator on attack: Fox League and SEN broadcaster Andrew Voss hasn’t missed in his take on the controversial Taylan May Instagram video from inside a speeding car. Last week, May posted a video on his Instagram account showing himself in the passenger seat of a vehicle that reaches speeds of up to 96 kilometres an hour in a suburban street. May was not driving, but his posting of the video has caused major concern for some and created unwanted headlines for Penrith. “I watched it and I thought, ‘this is just ridiculous’,” Voss said on SEN this week. “This is so irresponsible. You’re putting it up as a boast, that the speed is going that fast.” Voss said the post lacked common sense. “Leave the role model part out but you’re looked at as a hero. Let me ask you Taylan, would you like your son or daughter down the track to see that? Would you like your son or daughter in that car? Come on, mate. Grow up.” Voss said Penrith needed to “haul May over the coals”. May deleted his Instagram account in the wake of the drama, but has now restored it.

! Cleary’s May denial: Meanwhile, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary tried to claim he wasn’t aware of the May incident when asked about it on Tuesday. We find that hard to believe.

! Turuva visits rival clubs: Sunia Turuva spent part of his time off last week visiting rival clubs as he weighs up his future. His manager drove the 21-year-old to at least two clubs – who I understand to be Newcastle and St George-Illawarra. The Fijian flyer would prefer to remain at the Panthers, but in a familiar tale, the money on offer elsewhere may be too good to refuse.

! Corporate committee locked in: A group of corporate partners (pictured below) will help guide how sponsorship runs while the Panthers vacate BlueBet Stadium for the 2025 season, and possibly part of 2026. The club is facing a variety of challenges with sponsors, many of whom are local businesses and who

benefit from the local aspects of their arrangements. Enzo Montana (Montana Signs), Melinda Leyshon (You Me Brand Now), Steve Kennedy (Kennect Electrical), Corey Battese (Granville Plastamasta), Tony Licastro (Ultra Air), Michael Jones (MKJ Projects), Roger Amir (Mitronics Corporation), Tony Campbell (Westfund Health Insurance) and Sally-ann Eather (Eather Group) form the committee.

! Member committee also secured: Meantime, a seven-person members advisory committee has also been locked in to help guide how the club handles membership and season tickets next year. John Glover, Ben Cummins, Peita Rzepecki, Angela Dobson, Anita Adams, Steven Guyatt and Aaron Bost will be the eyes and ears of members during the stadium transition.

! Why the secrecy? In recent times, the Panthers have become extremely guarded when it comes to injuries. They’ve stopped providing regular injury updates on their website, and won’t provide official comment to confirm players being in or out. What makes

it stranger is that someone tends to leak the news anyway – so the secret isn’t kept for long, while other journalists who went through proper channels are left out in the cold. I ponder what it actually achieves to keep injuries and rehab progress under wraps?

! Panthers won’t release ANZAC jersey: There will be no ANZAC Day jersey from the Panthers this year. While Penrith will add a poppy to their match day jersey against the Cowboys next Saturday night, there will be no official jersey release this year.

! Origin launch: The 2024 Origin series was officially launched in Melbourne earlier this week by coaches Michael Maguire and Billy Slater. Origin is less than 50 days away.

Taylan May. Photo: NRL Photos.

Andrew Voss.

SHOCK AS FISH CONFIRMS DEPARTURE

James Fisher-Harris has dramatically quit the Penrith Panthers.

The 28-year-old three-time Premiership winner will depart the club at the end of the season after being granted a release on compassionate grounds.

He will join the New Zealand Warriors from 2025, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Weekender understands recent personal circumstances prompted Fisher-Harris to approach Penrith officials and ask for the shock release.

He will play out the remainder of 2024 with the Panthers.

“Fish has been exceptional for the Panthers, both on and off the field,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

“The leadership and cultural impact he has displayed since coming into first grade has been outstanding. He’s evolved into one of the game’s elite players, and coaching him has been a pleasure.

“While we would have loved him to stay at the Panthers, we wish him, his partner Natalie, and children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter.”

Since making his NRL debut in 2016, Fisher-Harris has played 183 NRL games for the Panthers, four matches for the Maori All Stars and 15 Test matches for New Zealand.

He was named the Kiwis captain last year and won the 2023 Golden Boot Award.

“James has been a tremendous asset to the Panthers, and as a premiership player, has been a true reflection of a team that strives to be a source of community pride,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.

“Joining the club as an 18 year old, he has become a world-class player, captain of his nation, and a leader of men. His impact on our club culture has been truly exceptional.”

The Warriors have announced Fisher-Harris has signed with the club for four seasons.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to sign James,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“It’s a huge signing for us, undoubtedly one of the biggest in our club’s history.”

Meanwhile, Fisher-Harris is focused on the rest of the year, starting with this weekend’s

“We’ve been training pretty good,” FisherExtra Time

He said he can’t wait to get to Bathurst and soak up the week.

“I’m a country boy from New Zealand, so I know what it’s like for a team to go [out] there and show some love.

“All those kids don’t get the opportunity all the time, so it’s about giving back.”

Penrith were due to head to Bathurst on Thursday.

by

James Fisher-Harris on Monday afternoon. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards spent the first few years of his career hiding in the shadows of other Panthers stars.

But undeniably Edwards has become one of the pillars of the three-time premiership team with an incredible try saving effort on Bailey Simonsson in the 2022 Grand Final, which saw him become the winner of the Clive Churchill medal, and his consistent reliability in the backline.

With halfback and co-captain Nathan Cleary sidelined for an unknown period of time with a pesky hamstring injury, Edwards has been one of the players to stand up and lead the team.

“Obviously, we’d love to have Nathan out there on the field playing alongside us,” Edwards said.

“But I think it provides everyone with the chance to narrow down on their roles and sharpen their tools, so to say.

“I think it provides everyone with a chance to take their game to another level.”

The humble as ever Edwards puts all his faith in co-captains Cleary and Isaah Yeo as they lead the team out each week.

“I’m happy running out behind Nathan and Yeoy every week,” Edwards said.

“They’re fantastic and I love them.”

With State of Origin fast approaching, Edwards confirmed he has aspirations to one day pull on the prestigious sky blue jersey.

“I think it is every child’s dream that sort of grows up in Australia,” Edwards said.

“[To be] able to represent their state, it’s something everyone sort of strives for.

“You watch them mid-year and you sort of have since you were a kid, it is almost the pinnacle of rugby league.”

State of Origin aspirations aside, Edwards has complete faith in his side to bounce back this weekend against the Tigers in Bathurst, after a loss to Manly and last week’s bye.

“We’re excited,” Edwards said of the clash.

“We have a few areas to address in our footy, it’s important for us to go back and do what we do well.

“It’ll be a good opportunity against the Tigers considering they are playing a good brand of footy as well.”

Edwards also confirmed to Extra Time that his new buzz cut is here to stay, citing some friendly fire from his fellow players caused the change.

“I’m blessed with a lot of things, but a good head of hair is not one of them,” Edwards revealed.

“The boys have been giving me stick for a while, so I thought we’d get rid off it.”

Edwards will play fullback and continue with the kicking duties for this Saturday afternoon’s game.

Dylan Edwards is ready to take on the

Tigers. Photo: Melinda Jane.

C addens

C addens News (C addens Corner)

Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

McDonald's

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

McDonald's

Mother Earth Nurser y

Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

McDonald's

Penrith Regional Galler y

Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen (Penrith Homemaker)

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (Formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo

IGA

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t

IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y

McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

The Bunker

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

MFC Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Au stralian Arms

Brisket Boys

Ca fé Fre d

C altex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

McDonald's High Street

McDonald's Panthers Le agues

McDonald's Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

RE/MAX

Sittano s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

World Gym

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Mobil Ser vice Station

The Chemist Shop

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair

Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys

Andrew ’s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y

Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Monfar ville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St Mar ys Fish Market

St Mar ys Le agues Club

St Mar ys Librar y

St Mar ys Pizza Hut

St Mar ys RSL

St Mar ys Village

Walter s Newsagency

T hornton Petramar t

McDonald's St Mar ys South

St Mar ys Pharmacy Queen St

Thornton Community Centre

Wallacia

Wallacia Golf Club

Wallacia Hotel

Wallacia Pos t Office

Wallacia Takeaway

Warragamba

Wa rragamba

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed that Nathan Cleary will more than likely make his comeback from a hamstring injury next weekend in Townsville during ANZAC Round.

In his pre-game press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Cleary said his superstar son will miss his third game of the season this weekend due to an ongoing hamstring injury.

“He’s going well, he just had a little more awareness at the start than we sort of

thought based on scans. We just moved [his return] out a bit, change of plan,” he said.

“We are still pretty hopeful of next week. He could probably play this week but until he does more training...”

Cleary said the two-time Clive Churchill Medal winner has resumed training.

“He’s just running – he’s been doing heaps of that. He now just has to gravitate back into team stuff, which he has been doing, but until he can do the whole bit for probably a week then we’re not going to play him.”

Cleary isn’t overly concerned by the run of injuries his team has experienced this year.

“Every team goes through players and they come and they go. Over a long season you’ve got to play with the [whole] squad,” he said.

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

As Sunia Turuva prepares to meet with Penrith officials to see what final offer the club can come up with to keep him, it’s worth looking at the situation in a little more detail.

Turuva is the 2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year, that means he was the number one rookie in the whole NRL. That’s right, he was voted the best newcomer from 17 clubs.

In doing so, Turuva became just the second Panther to win the award since Penrith legend Greg Alexander in 1984. Last year the man they call ‘Tito’ scored 12 tries, averaged 166 metres and made over four tackle breaks a game.

He’s started the 2024 season on fire, scoring six tries in just five games including a triple against the Roosters in Round 4. You could almost see his price rising with every try he scored that night.

GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER lang on league analysis

with Peter Lang

The Panthers have reportedly offered him $350,000 a season, which for a second-year winger is not bad coin. It’s not an insulting offer however salary cap constraints will hamper the club’s ability to offer him too much more.

Stories have since come out that Turuva harbours a desire to play fullback, something he won’t get the opportunity to do at Penrith with Dylan Edwards locked up until 2027 and playing the best football of his career.

Turuva has been quoted repeatedly as saying he wants to stay with Penrith, that he really doesn’t want to go anywhere else.

The Sydney Morning Herald have already reported that the Dragons have weighed in with a hefty three-year offer, which will financially blow the Panthers’ offer out of the water. Not only that but

they’ve hinted that he will also get the opportunity to play fullback, a position Turuva is also interested in.

So how much should he have to give up to stay with Penrith?

Should he accept $75,000 a season less, how about $100,000?

That’s a lot of money, especially if you times it by three.

Penrith have already lost Jarome Luai to the Tigers to a big money offer.

They won’t want to lose Turuva as well.

Not only is he a fan favourite but his teammates love him and the kid is special. He’s not just ‘another winger’.

So, it all comes down to this upcoming meeting, when the Panthers will table their final offer to Turuva and his management.

The Fijian international has a huge decision to make and it’s not an easy one. Go for a lot more money and the opportunity to play fullback or stay with your mates in a place you love for a lot less.

You can’t blame the bloke no matter which decision he makes.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that all players are equal under the watchful eye of the coach or the club.

A high-profile NFL coach many years ago once famously sacked a player from his ‘special teams’ squad because he fell asleep during a team meeting.

A reporter asked the coach, what would he have done if it was his quarterback?

“That’s easy,” he said. “I would’ve woken him up!”

For the record, if Sunia Turuva fell asleep during a team meeting, I’d wake him up too.

Sunia Turuva has a major life decision ahead. Photo: NRL Photos.

panther memories

If you were a Panthers fan in the late 1990s and early 2000s, you no doubt cheered Chris Hicks across the line plenty of times. Hicks made his first grade debut in the 1997 Super League season, playing three games with the Panthers that season.

The winger played 11 games the following year before becoming a permanent fixture in the team from 1999, playing in the vast majority of Penrith games until 2002 when he played 16 matches.

In total, he played 101 matches for Penrith before moving on to Manly for the 2003 season – narrowly missing out on being part of the Panthers’ Premiership success.

Incredibly, he left Manly in 2007 – again, a year before they won the Premiership.

In what became a long NRL career, he also played a season with Parramatta and three years in England. He played 201 first grade games in Australia and 82 overseas.

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS TITANS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

STORM DRAGONS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS DOLPHINS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

TITANS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS COWBOYS ROOSTERS WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

SHARKS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS

DOLPHINS PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

STORM WARRIORS

STORM DRAGONS

DOLPHINS PANTHERS

DOLPHINS PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS COWBOYS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS

DOLPHINS PANTHERS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS EELS PANTHERS

SEA AGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

TITANS BRONCOS KNIGHTS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS SHARKS

STORM WARRIORS

DOLPHINS PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS COWBOYS

MOVING, FUN AND MEMORABLE

In 2020, award-winning journalist Shannon Molloy released Fourteen – a memoir about growing up gay at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school in regional Queensland. Now, it’s made its way to the stage, and it’s heading to Riverside Theatres.

Lead performer Conor Leach has been involved with ‘Fourteen’ since its original season, having portrayed Molloy now for almost two years.

According to Leach, once the script came across his desk, being a part of the show was a no-brainer.

“I read the script, and I read the book, and it just grabbed me immediately. I don’t think any actor in their right mind would say no,” he said.

“It’s such a beautiful and moving story, and I was so drawn to Shannon’s vulnerability in sharing the story in his book.”

Though playing multiple different versions of Molloy throughout his life in what is such a personal role has had its challenges, Conor said that having him on board during the creative process has definitely taken some weight off his shoulders.

“I find acting a very exciting challenge all the time, but truly the best resource was the book,” he said.

“Shannon just laid out his story all for me, and he was the best resource to have, as well as him being the room. Just getting a sense of his energy was enormously useful.

“There’s a lot of mental gymnastics in the show in terms of who I am at any given time – am I 14-year-old Shannon, or 30-year-old Shannon?”

But, with the show set against a backdrop of iconic ‘90s music, Leach assured there are still plenty of fun aspects to it for cast and audience members alike.

“The beauty of the show is that there’s camp, and there’s comedy, and there’s so many fun dance routines, but that’s juxtaposed with the very harsh reality of what Shannon was going through when he was 14,” he said.

“I love when I get to alternate very quickly between those moments, because it feels very lifelike, like tragedy and joy in the same breath.”

Having not done the show since its original season, which kicked off in September 2022, Leach said he can’t wait to bring it back.

“Over the last year and a half, it’s just been sinking in – the story and the world of the play and the character. It’s settled a bit,” he said.

“Coming back to the show is like putting on your favourite pair of jeans – it just feels comfortable and joyous and truly just such a privilege to bring a story like this to the stage.”

Assuring he’s not exaggerating when he says ‘Fourteen’ will make you laugh and cry, Leach said the show isn’t just for one type of person, with everyone able to get something out of it.

“We’ve had lots of school students who’ve loved it, lots of families came to see the show and adored it, lots of older folk who had sons or grandsons who may have experienced things like Shannon,” he said.

“It was one of those rare shows where you could sense how it was moving people and changing people as you were doing it. It’s a beautiful celebration of [Molloy’s] story.”

‘Fourteen’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4. Tickets start at $34.50. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Mark

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.

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi classes Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738. Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

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.

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.

Penrith Lions Club

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

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information.

Red Cross Penrith Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Fun

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

JP Service

Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm. 7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

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.

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42

Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

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

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

James Bond and Burt Bacharach fans alike should visit The Joan on Wednesday, April 24 for ‘Morning Melodies: Bond to Bacharach’. ‘Bond to Bacharach’ celebrates and brings the iconic soundtracks of the 007 films by the incomparable maestro, Burt Bacharach, to life on stage for one concert only. Visit thejoan.com.au for tickets.

James Bond at The Joan

Ruby Productions is opening a family show from Friday, April 26 at the John Lees Centre, and it’s a must see for all. In ‘The Enchanted Bookshop Musical’, an ordinary used bookshop by day transforms to a magical place at night, with the book fairy’s spell bringing book characters to life. Visit rubyproductions.com.au for tickets.

show at John Lees Centre

your calendars! Following standing ovations across the globe including acclaimed seasons at the Sydney Opera House and in the USA, Australia’s smash hit stage spectacular ‘The Divine Miss Bette’ starring Catherine Alcorn is heading to Blue Mountains Theatre on Saturday, May 4. For more information or to book, visit bluemountainstheatre.com.au.

Bette tribute in the Mountains

BRILLIANT BUBBLES

Next weekend, take the whole family down to Sydney Coliseum Theatre to see Dr Bubble and Milkshake in ‘Bubble Show in Space’.

Since 2011, Dr Bubble and Milkshake have been creating bubble shows and taking them all over the world, presenting in over 20 countries across three continents, and performing on television programs such as ‘China’s Got Talent’, ‘Romania’s Got Talent’ and ‘Bulgaria’s Got Talent’.

They’ve received three Weekly Awards for Best Children’s Theatre Shows in 2016, 2021 and 2024 at Fringe World Festival in Perth. Now, they’re bringing their talent to west-

ern Sydney. In ‘Bubble Show in Space’, the duo’s best bubble tricks, fantastic costumes, and amazing puppetry will be combined with an outer space adventure.

See a bubble that launches 10 metres into the air like a rocket, clear bubbles filled with smoke, fire bubbles, a bubble tornado, and giant bubble tubes that arch through the sky before the show finishes with a big finale – a million-billion bubbles that shower over the audience in a giant bubble party.

Bubble Laboratory: Dr Bubble and Milkshake Present ‘Bubble Show In Space’ will be on at Sydney Coliseum Theatre on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at 10.30am and 1pm. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.sydneycoliseum.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

No ctu rn al

EXPERIENCE SCENIC WORLD AFTER DARK

Skyway, Railway and Cableway by Night

Incredible Light Installations LUNA Light Journey Kids Quest: Discover the Gundungurra Creation story Street Food Menu & Fire Pits to Toast Marshmallows

Select dates from April 5 to May 4. Tickets are selling fast, BOOK NOW!

At the movies...

Chaotic is a good way to describe Dev Patel’s directorial debut with ‘Monkey Man’, not that it’s necessarily a bad thing.

Patel co-writes, stars and directs this fast-paced action flick, where power and money rule and revenge is at its core.

Patel stars as ‘Kid’, who scraps behind a gorilla mask at an underground fight club. He may not be the best fighter on the card, but it’s money in the hand and clearly there’s a bigger goal at play. The bigger goal becomes clear when Kid lands a job in a high end club that attracts political leaders and city officials, including the Chief of Police (Sikandar Kher), who we learn destroyed Kid’s life. As ‘Kid’ seeks revenge, the body count grows – and the violence deepens.

you feel like you’re right in the room with them.

But it’s impossible to escape that it’s almost too stop-start at times, and definitely 20-odd minutes too long.

‘Monkey Man’ is certainly a wild ride, and there’s little consistency – one minute we’re going through a lengthy quiet patch with little action, the next we’re watching a flurry of punches, kicks and gunshots – it certainly goes from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye. The film is exceptionally well edited and shot, and at times

If you’re an action fan, you’ll find plenty of highs in ‘Monkey Man’ – there’s certainly some pretty impressive fight scenes and a particularly bloody kill scene that will have you turning away with eyes closed. The story is reasonable enough to carry it through, but it doesn’t go to a level that makes it a memorable flick or re-watch material.

– Troy Dodds

COUNTRY CORNER

Stapleton heads down under Tickets are on sale now for Chris Stapleton’s Australian tour early next year. He will play at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on March 3.

It is Stapleton’s first Australian tour and comes as his status as one of the biggest artists in country music continues.

Kentucky-born Stapleton is an 10x Grammy, 15x CMA and 10x ACM Award-winner and one of the United States’ most respected and beloved musicians.

In the midst of yet another triumphant year, Stapleton recently won two awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song (both for his #1 song, ‘White Horse’). He was also named Entertainer of the Year at last year’s 58th ACM Awards. For more information on the tour visit www.livenation.com.au.

Brooke wears heart on her sleeve A perceptive storyteller with a mesmeris

Discov er y our next family adv enture with a ne w Kids Par-TEA Package at N ovo te l Sy dne y Parramatta.

Treat the little ones t o delicious treats and drinks within their ow n personal tepee, complete with an activity pack.

no saddle,” she sings in her honeyed tone.

On one hand her lyrics criticise country music’s sudden and widespread assimilation into pop culture; boots, hats, rodeo – all of which she references in the timely track.

Yet it also serves as a celebration of the genre’s roots, praising its trailblazers and heroes. “Yeah, you can wear the hat, but you can’t fake that.”

“Growing up, I wanted to be like Calamity Jane or Annie Oakley,” she said.

“I loved their outlaw attitude and the way they fiercely inspired countless women to blaze their own trails and I see that same quality in the women I share my life with.”

Social commentary aside, Brooke intended the song to be a departure from her usual tendencies.

“Compared to the majority of my songs that often hold a strong emotional tone, this one was written with a lightheartedness,” she said.

The song is out now on all the usual streaming services.

Offer also includes ov ernight a ccommodation, buffe t breakfast and parking.

Don’t miss out on quality family time.

Nathan Taylor

TV NEWS

Ê One of the best shows on TV is returning next Tuesday, April 30 on 10. The Logie Award-winning ‘The Cheap Seats’ returns for a fourth season with hosts Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald at 8.30pm. The funny duo will be joined by radio’s Mel Tracina, along with favourite segments Mel’s Markets, Timfomercials, and What’s On What’s On In The Warehouse. If you like your news delivered with some comedic flair and you’ve never seen this before, it’s a must!

Ê ‘Jeopardy! Australia’, hosted by Stephen Fry, will premiere on Channel Nine this Saturday, April 20 at 7.30pm. Fronted by renowned English broadcaster and actor, ‘Jeopardy! Australia’ will feature a cast of clever Aussie competitors in one of the world’s longest-running game shows. The six-episode series was filmed in the UK last year.

Ê The producers of ‘Shark Tank’ are on the hunt for entrepreneurs to be part of its next season. If you have a brilliant brand, innovative innovation, or powerhouse product that you’re excited to bring to market, the Sharks wants to hear from you. To apply for the popular 10 series, visit go.mycastingnet.com/ Apply/Show/SharkTankAustralia2024.

APRIL 30 8.30PM

THE CHEAP SEATS, 10

APRIL 22 RED EYE, STAN

Ê It’s been confirmed that ’90s mega hit ‘Melrose Place’ is getting a reboot, with the show’s three original stars set to reprise their roles. Heather Locklear, Laura Leighton and Daphne Zuniga are all attached to the latest reboot, which is currently in its early stages. The synopsis reads: “When one of their dearest friends dies suddenly, the OG residents of Melrose Place gather to honour the deceased. But the pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.” In case you may have missed it, there was already a ‘Melrose Place’ reboot (with a new cast) back in 2009 but it didn’t last.

Ê New UK drama ‘Red Eye’ will premiere on Stan this Monday, April 22. Told over six adrenaline filled parts, ‘Red Eye’ is set be-

tween an all-night flight from London to Beijing, the streets of London, and the corridors of power within Whitehall. The series stars Jing Lusi, Richard Armitage, Lesley Sharp and Jemma Moore.

Ê The new season of US drama ‘Pretty Little Liars’ will premiere on Thursday, May 9 on Binge and Foxtel. On the upcoming season, the Pretty Little Liars face a fate worse than death – summer school.

Ê Four-part travel series ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ is currently streaming on Binge and Foxtel. The series features the former American late-night talk show host visiting new friends he’s met through his podcast, where he dives deep with listeners from around the world. Making stops in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland, O’Brien surprises some of his most memorable fans while also taking in local culture, cuisine, and sights.

Friday 19 April

3:00 Imagine Holidays

Iconic Rail Journeys (PG) 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 Medical

Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better

Homes And Gardens 5:30

Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway (PG)

TV Guide: April 19–25

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

Million Dollar Minute 5:00 NBC Today 5:30 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “The Gift That Gives” (PG) (’24) Stars: HaiHa Le 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Eels v Dolphins *Live* 9:55 NRL: Golden Point (M) 10:45 Movie: “The Rhythm Section” (MA15+) (’19) Stars: Jude Law 12:50

3:30 Cities Of The Underworld (PG) 4:30

Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:20 AFL: Round 6: Adelaide v Essendon *Live*

1:00 ABC News Day 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast

Saturday 20 April

2:45 Modern Family (PG) 3:40 The Real Dirty Dancing (PG)

5:15 Starstruck (PG) 6:35

Movie: “The Prince And Me 4: The Elephant Adventure” (PG) (’10) Stars: Jonathan Firth 8:30

Movie: “Red Sparrow” (M) (’18)

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence

4:05 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 4:35 Motown

Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30

NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay

6:40 Arabian Inferno (PG) 7:30 Eddies Lil’ Homies 7:45 Movie: “The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course” (PG) (’02)

9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 1:30 Murder In Provence (M v) 3:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 3:45 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time 4:40 War Stories 5:00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli 5:25 Landline 5:55 Australian Story (PG) 6:30 Bluey 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Murder In Provence (M) 9:00 The Suspect 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Mornington/ Eagle Farm/ Morphettville *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Mummy Returns” (PG) (’01) Stars: Brendan Fraser 10:15 Movie: “Gunpowder Milkshake” (MA15+) (’21) Stars: Karen Gillan 11:00 TBA 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today

2:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* From Randwick/ Mornington/ Eagle Farm/ Morphettville 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

5:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:25 Total Drama Island (PG) 5:45 School Of Rock (PG) 6:10 The Next Step 6:30 Operation Ouch! (PG) 7:00 Mythbusters (PG) 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

4:00 Hustle & Tow (PG)

4:30 AFL: Round 6: Carlton v GWS *Live*

4:30 Hustle & Tow (PG) 5:30

Storage Wars (M) 6:00 Pawn

Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The ATeam” (M v) (’10) Stars: Dirk Benedict

2:00 ABC News 2:30 The Breakfast Couch

3:00 ABC News 3:30 India Votes 2024 4:00 ABC News 4:15 Planet America 5:00 ABC News 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News

11:30 Ultimate Tag (PG) 1:05 The Real Dirty Dancing (PG)

2:35 Starstruck (PG) 4:05

2:00 Ready

Steady Cook (PG) 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00

Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal

Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30

Ready Steady Cook (PG) 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 10:30 Fire Country (M v) 5:00 Worldwatch 9:20 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs (PG) 10:20 Outta Town Adventures (PG) 10:50 Mountain Vets (M) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 Tony RobinsonWWII By Drone (M v) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Inside Windsor Castle (PG) 5:05

Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Ancient Egypt By Train (PG) 8:30 Michael Palin - Into Iraq (PG)

8:30 Ready Steady Cook (PG) 9:30

Diagnosis Murder (PG) 11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 Star Trek: Voyager (M v) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30

Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30

JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 NCIS: Hawaii 1:00 Charmed (PG) 2:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 2:30 The Middle (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG)

(G) (’14)

Extra Saturday 12:00 Innovation Nation 1:00

“Paper

Ed Oxenbould 7:30 Movie: “Mirror Mirror” (PG) (’12) Stars: Julia Roberts

Ageless 1:30 Destination WA 2:00 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 3:30 Renovate Or Rebuild 4:30 Getaway 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 The House That Love Built (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Jeopardy! Australia 8:30 Movie: “Penguin Bloom” (M) (’20) Stars: Naomi Watts 10:00 Ready Steady Cook (PG) 11:00 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 12:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 1:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 2:00 Buy To Build 2:30 Everyday Gourmet 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Taste Of AustraliaBBQ Special 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Ready

4:15 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:50 Persons Of Interest

Frogger (PG) 5:05 Movie: “The Angry Birds Movie 2” (PG) (’19)

Stars: Jason Sudeikis 7:30 Movie: “Field Of Dreams” (PG) (’89) Stars: Kevin Costner

(PG) 5:50 Going Native 6:20

NITV News Update 6:30 Strait To The Plate 7:00 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia

(M l) 8:30 Movie: “Tank Girl”

(M l,s,v) (’95) Stars Lori Petty

4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City

5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30

Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00

QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 9:20 Whose Line

Is It Anyway? (M l)

5:00 Barefoot

Contessa: Back To Basics 5:30 Big Appetite 6:00 The Next Thing

You Eat 6:30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico 7:30

Hairy Bikers Go Local 8:35

Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 9:35

Anthony Bourdain

3:25 Movie: “I Was Monty’s Double” (G) (’58) Stars: John Mills

5:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Take Me Home 8:30 Movie: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (PG) (’15)

Steady Cook (PG) 7:00 The Dog House UK (PG) 8:00 Ambulance UK (M l) 10:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Ageless Gardens (PG) 10:00 Vintage Voltage 10:50 My Unique B&B 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Cycling: Amstel Gold Race Highlights 4:00 Motorsport: World Rally Raid Championship Highlights 4:30 Roman Megastructures (PG) (In English/ French) 5:30 Untold Arctic Wars (PG) (In English/ Finnish/ Norwegian/ German/ Russian) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Ireland’s Wild Islands (PG) 8:25 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley (PG)

12:00 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 1:00 What’s Up Down Under 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape

Fishing With ET 5:30 Reel

Action 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00

Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 25: Macarthur FC v Sydney FC *Live*

4:00 PBS Newshour 5:00 Woman With Gloria Steinem: Colombia: The Women Of Farc (PG) 5:30 Shortland Street (PG) 6:00 Motorsport: Hi-Tec

Oils Super Series *Live* From Sydney Motor Sport Park 9:30 Impossible Engineering (PG)

11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 I’m

A Celebrity ... Get Me

Out Of Here (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00

Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:00

The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

4:30 The Bradshaw Bunch (PG) 5:00 Kenan (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Playing With Fire” (PG) (’19) Stars: John Cena 7:30 Movie: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (M v) (’13) Stars: Jennifer Lawrence 10:30 Movie: “Ad Astra” (M) (’19) Stars Brad Pitt

12:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 1:00 My Lottery Dream Home 1:30 Houses With History 2:30 TBA 3:30 TBA 4:30 Scott’s Vacation House Rules 5:30 Dream Homes Revealed 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

2:20 Movie: “Against The Wind” (PG) (’48) Stars: Simone Signoret 4:20 Movie: “Ice Cold In Alex” (PG) (’58) Stars: John Mills 7:00 Rugby Union: Rugby Pacific: The Force v Crusaders *Live* 9:30 Rugby Union: Post Match 9:00 Insiders 10:00

(PG) 5:00 Storage Wars Texas (PG) 6:00 Border Security USA (PG) 7:00 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Bourne Supremacy” (M l,v) (’04)

12:30 Yummy Mummies (PG) 1:40

Dancing With The Stars (PG) 3:15 TBA 5:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 5:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal

Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 10:30 Law

Interviews Bear Grylls (M)

Movie: “Limbo” (M l) (’20) Stars: Sidse Babett Knudsen

5:30 Taste Of France 6:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient 6:30 Michel

Roux’s French Country Cooking 7:30 A Cotswold Farm Shop 8:30 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 The Wine Show

11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30

Exploring Off The Grid

2:30 Football: Isuzu Ute

A-League: Round 25: Central

5:05 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:35 Shortland Street (PG) 6:05 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (PG) 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 Cycling: Liege-BastogneLiege Men’s Race *Live* From Belgium

3:25 Movie: “Pokémon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior” (G) (’08) Stars: Rica Matsumoto 5:25 Movie: “The Nanny Diaries” (PG) (’07) Stars: Scarlett Johansson 7:30 Movie: “Edge Of Tomorrow” (M l) (’14) Stars: Tom Cruise 9:45 Aussie Lobster Men (M l)

1:50 Movie: “The Thousand Plane Raid” (PG) (’69) Stars: Christopher George 3:50

Movie: “The Dam Busters” (G) (’55) Stars: Richard Todd 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Platoon” (MA15+) (’86) Stars: Charlie Sheen

Monday 22 April

1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 Back Roads 2:55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG)

5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00

Australian Story (PG) 8:30 Four Corners (PG) 9:15 Media Watch (PG) 9:35 The Rise

And Fall Of Boris Johnson (M)

4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG)

6:30 Operation Ouch! (PG) 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35

Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 8:00 Hotel Transylvania: The Series

Tuesday 23 April

12:00 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 1:45 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase

Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home

And Away (PG) 7:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 9:15 9-1-1 (M v) 10:15 The Irrational (M v) 11:15 The Latest Seven News

5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback

Opal Hunters (PG) 8:30

Adventure Gold Diggers (PG) 9:30 Aussie Salvage Squad

5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Business

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame 2:30 Back Roads 2:55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian (M l,s)

4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG)

6:30 Operation Ouch!

7:00 Horrible Histories 7:35 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 8:00 Hotel Transylvania: The Series (PG)

Wednesday 24 April 4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Heartbeat (PG)

1:30 Australian Idol (PG) 3:15 TBA 5:00

12:00 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 1:45 Explore 2:00

Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00

NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point

Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Lego Masters

Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 8:45 Paramedics (M) 9:45 100% Footy (M)

The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Weddings Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 APTN National News 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Arabian Inferno 7:30 First Australians (PG) 8:30 Living Black

4:35 Beep And Mort 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City 5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen

12:00 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 1:45 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 9:10 The Front Bar (M) 10:10 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera

5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Truckers (PG) 8:30 Aussie Truck Rehab (PG) 9:30 Mega Mechanics (PG)

5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Business

1:30 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me (PG) 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG)

4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30

The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) 9:15 FBI: Most Wanted (M v) 11:00 The Project (PG) 12:00 The Late Show (PG)

2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 NCIS: Los Angeles (M) 11:15 Evil (M)

12:00 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG)

4:30 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special 5:00 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Dads Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (M s)

5:00

4:35 Beep And Mort 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City 5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

6:30 Food Safari 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rachel Khoo’s Simple Pleasures 8:00 Selena + Chef 8:30 Choccywoccydoodah

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch 2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:30 Back Roads 2:55 Muster Dogs (PG) 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 The Weekly (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe” (M v) (’15) Stars: Alison Sweeney 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00

5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Round 7: Richmond v Melbourne *Live* 10:30 AFL: Post Game 11:00 Police Code Zero (M l)

1:15 Ageless (PG)

Jake And The

(PG)

Diagnosis Murder (PG)

JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (M v) 9:25 FBI (M) 11:15 48 Hours (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

Of The Tower Of London (M)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30

Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 Help! I Wrecked My House

5:30 Escape To The Farm

Humble (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (M) 8:40 The Chelsea Detective (M v)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

5:50 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Travel Man (PG) 6:00 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Sully: Miracle On The Hudson” (M l) (’16) Stars: Tom Hanks

1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 TBA 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 10 News

First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30

The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30

Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars (PG) 8:45 Australian Crime Stories - The Investigators (M) 9:45 NINE News Late

5:00 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (M s) 8:35 Ramsay’s

4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Country House Hunters NZ

5:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M) 8:40 Agatha Christie’s Marple (M l,v)

The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) 8:45 FBI: International (M v) 11:30 The Project (PG) 12:30 The Late Show (PG) 2:00 Dateline (M) 2:30 Insight (M) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:35 Swift Street (M l,v) 9:35 Putin And The West - The Next Chapter (MA15+) 10:40 SBS News

House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Good Bones

APRIL 18-24

WesternSydney GigGuid e

If you have a gig or event you would like to promote please contact Megan on 0433 241 737

THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW 7:30pm

Evan Theatre- panthers

penrith.panthers.com.au/event/ the-australian-bee-gees-show/

THU 18

comedy x 7:30pm

elton chong

www eltonchong.com.au/ whatson

18

fiesta fridays! Live music from 5pm

the bad ‘80s band 8:30pm

Commercial Hotel

www thecommercialhotel.net.au/ whats-on/

11am- 9pm meatstock festival

sydney showground meatstock.com.au/sydney/

Pusiki Performing live 6pm

emu hall

emuhall.com.au/

19

Dundas Sports Club

dundassports.com.au/ entertainment/

seattle sound 8:30pm

colonialhotel.com.au

potted potter

12pm & 3pm

seymour centre

Colonial Hotel Werrington sAT 20

the big fat greek

7pm- tickets $59.90

smithfield rsl

smithfieldrsl.com.au/event/bigfat-greek-2/

sydney opera house sat 20

seymourcentre.com/event/ potted-potter/

No pay? No way! starring mandy mcelhinney 6:30pm

www.sydneyoperahouse.com/ sydney-theatre-company/2024season/no-pay-no-way

an me to check ut these events!

SUBURBS FIRST HOME BUYERS

There’s a new entrant to the Top 10 locations for New South Wales first home buyers, according to the latest property report.

Prop tech firm InfoTrack has released its Property Market Update Q1 2024, naming the suburbs with the highest volume of sales to first home buyers from January 1 to March 31 2024.

“THE

Making the list was newcomer postcode 2142 which covers Blaxcell, Camellia, Clyde, Granville, Holroyd, Rosehill, and South Granville. It just made it into the Top 10, at ninth position.

The report further found postcode 2760 which covers seven

suburbs – Colyton, Oxley Park, Ropes Crossing and St Marys (pictured below) – experienced an explosion in popularity, named in first position in Q1, up from ninth.

InfoTrack’s Head of Property Australia, Lee Bailie, said there was a lot of movement in Q1, but Greater Western Sydney continued to dominate the list.

“New entrant 2142 has never appeared in the Top 10. We have seen consistent growth in sales figures with particularly strong results in February and March this year. Median house prices in this location have jumped 6.32 per cent from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024,” Bailie said.

“We saw another two postcodes named in the Top 10 which didn’t appear in the last quarter of 2023.” In second position, was postcode 2200, covering Bankstown and surrounds.

“Similarly, in sixth position was 2762, covering Schofields and Tallawong, which previously made the list in Q3 2023,” Bailie

said.

Along with 2760 and 2200, InfoTrack’s report showed postcodes 2145 (Greystanes, Wentworthville, Westmead, and surrounds), 2560 (Campbelltown and surrounds), and 2148 (Blacktown and surrounds) rounded out the Top 5. “The State Government has been boosting local investment across West and Southwest Sydney, and with commutable distances, extensive infrastructure, and greater affordability, first home buyers are continuing

to see the benefits of living and owning this location,” he said. Bailie said there was only one location outside of Sydney which made the Top 10.

“Postcode 2250, which includes several suburbs in and around Gosford, has cemented its status as a property hotspot, with the postcode coming in at eighth position after also being named a popular choice in Quarter 1 and Quarter 4 of last year.”

Strata properties retained a 49 per cent share of property sales, consistent with Q4 2023.

What is so great about this property?

This unique home was built by Mirvac Homes in the early 2000s.

As you enter the home, you have a private / open plan floorplan which accommodates any family, with large bedrooms, living areas, backyard space and quality appliances in the kitchen.

Who does the property suit?

Ideally the types of buyers who would have interest in the home would be young families, multi-generational families, investors, upsizers, even location changers.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

This magnificent home is located in the heart of Glenmore Park in the Blue Hills Estate. The Blue Hills Estate is a section of the suburb with higher ground overlooking the views of the Blue Mountains. But also, the quiet lifestyle homeowners enjoy. Make sure you book an inspection today to explore this beautiful home.

This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e and the finest finishes

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction , the residence is completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s

• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es

BROKERS ARE BREAKING RECORDS IN AUSTRALIA The Experts

Almost three-quarters of new residential home loans in Australia are now written by mortgage brokers.

In an era when banks have been closing branches around the country, the statistics show that consumer reliance on finance brokers just keeps growing.

The latest data released by the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has revealed that 71.8 per cent of all new residential home loans were written by mortgage brokers between October and December 2023. This beats the previous all-time record of 71.7 per cent recorded in the September 2022 quarter.

sented a rise of 2.5 percentage points (December 2022 quarter to 2023), and 5.3 percentage points when compared to the December 2021 quarter.

“Mortgage brokers play a pivotal role in the home loan market, providing their clients with a broad spectrum of choices and expert guidance,” she said.

home or investing in property.

“Mortgage brokers offer support and guidance regardless of the time of year, and with interest rates elevated, property prices increasing and cost-of-living pressures it makes sense for borrowers to talk to their mortgage broker.”

The broker team at Bell Partners are well placed to help clients understand their options and select the loan product best suited to them. We can help borrowers obtain a more competitive interest rate with their current lender or refinance to a different product in their best interests.

At Bell Partners Finance we provide a highly personal service. MARK

During the December 2023 quarter, the mortgage broker market share rose 0.3 percentage points from the September 2023 quarter, according to the MFAA. Annually, these figures repre-

King of beasts!

Chief Executive of the MFAA, Anja Pannek, said the data reflects the commitment, professional approach and the trust clients have in their brokers.

“It’s very clear from the continued growth in market share that Australians value this support when making important financial decisions around buying a

The finance broking sector has benefited from banks over the years turning their backs on personal service, and the time and effort brokers put in would be a big challenge for the banks to match.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat is an exclusive and unique Not for Profit Animal Sanctuary, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.

A tour of the retreat allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals and learn about their history and species. Zambi only allows limited visitors each week and you will need to book your spot on our website booking page here: www.zambi.org/bookings

The bookings are only available for a total of 7 guests and includes a tour of the retreat with an experienced guide where you will get to hand feed the macaw parrots and baboon monkeys. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks are included in the cost.

There is also the opportunity to add on animal encounters such as hand feeding the big cats and meeting the meerkats and little marmoset monkeys. This can be booked at the same time as your tour or added during your visit.

Entry is 9 years of age and older and a further age restriction of 12 years and older will apply to hand feeding the zambi.org

Hydrotherapy is a great option for the management of arthritis and can provide several benefits.

Hydrotherapy is a branch of exercise treatment that involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment.

Benefits of hydrotherapy for individuals with arthritis include:

Pain relief

Immersion into warm water can assist in soothing arthritis related pain by increasing and improving blood circulation to the affected joints as well as promoting muscle relaxation. The buoyancy of the water takes away the weight bearing load on the joints, alleviating pressure and discomfort during exercise.

Improve range of motion

Hydrotherapy can facilitate gentle stretching of stiff joints helping increase the range of motion (flexibility) of the affected joints. The water also allows for the individuals with arthritis

to move their joints through a greater range of motion with less effort and discomfort than land based exercises.

Increase muscle strength

The water provides a natural resistance to movement, allowing for effective muscle strengthening without placing excessive stress on the joints.

Strengthening the surrounding muscles to the affected joints to prevent flare ups, reduce pain

and improve stability and function.

Weight management

Hydrotherapy provides a low-impact environment for exercise, making it an ideal option for individuals with arthritis who may struggle with weight-bearing activities on land. Maintaining a healthy weight through aquatic exercise can help reduce stress on arthritic joints and improve overall joint health.

Social support and engagement

Hydrotherapy programs often take place in group settings, providing opportunities for social interaction and support among participants. Engaging in aquatic exercise with others can enhance motivation, accountability, and enjoyment of the activity.

Overall, hydrotherapy is a beneficial treatment option for those wanting a conservative treatment for the management of their arthritis.

In summary there are multiple benefits including pain management, improved range of motion, increased muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness and weight management.

Incorporating hydrotherapy into a comprehensive arthritis management plan can help individuals enhance their physical function, reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life. However it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

Reviewing my Beauty Pass Sale haul

If you’re anything like me, you probably spent a little too much on last week’s Sephora Beauty Pass Sale. Here are my first impressions on the things I bought, and whether I think they’re worth your money – with or without the 20 per cent off.

Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in ‘Strawberry Sorbet’

The Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment is described as an advanced lip treatment that instantly plumps lip with hydration and smoothes lip lines. With lip products all the rage at the moment, everyone is trying to find the best one, and I truly think this is a contender. As far as texture goes, I think it’s fairly similar to the Lanolips Superbalms, however it’s not quite as thick and gloopy. In saying that, it’s also not as thin as the Summer Fridays ones, meaning it lasts longer, and

you don’t have to reapply as frequently.

I haven’t purchased anything from Ole Henriksen before, so I likely wouldn’t have picked it up if I hadn’t seen it recommended on TikTok, but I’m so glad I did!

Fenty Beauty

Demi’Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighter in ‘Pretty Purlz’ Fenty Beauty just released their range of Demi’Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighters, which are skin tone-based highlighters designed to flatter every tone for a low-key glow. Being so fair, I’m always nervous about highlighters being too deep for my skin tone, but I was pleasantly surprised by

the shade ‘Pretty Purlz’. I think it provides a natural ‘lit from within’ type of glow, which I would recommend to anyone looking to complement a no-makeup-makeup look.

Lanolips Lip Scrub Strawberry

The Lanolips Lip Scrub is a balm-based lip scrub made with gentle sugar and real, finely ground strawberry seed pieces to smooth away dead skin, whilst the 70 per cent lanolin deeply hydrates.

I generally lean towards more harsh sugar scrubs for the lips, so this product will definitely take some getting used to, but based on first impressions I do think it does a good job at both smoothening and hydrating the lips – especially given it’s only $15 full price.

Natasha Denona Hy-Per Natural Face Palette

The Hy-Per Natural Face Palette is a brand-new concept

for Natasha Denona, featuring a combination of eyeshadow, blush, bronzer and contour shades.

The face shades have a natural matte finish, and are buildable in pigmentation. I do think the pan sizes might be an issue if you’re wanting to use a larger brush, however thankfully the shades don’t have too much fall out, so if you are careful, you don’t have to worry about picking up more than one by accident.

Of the eyeshadows, ‘Dreamy’ is by far my favourite, being the only true shimmer, whilst the others are more malleable formulas which could be satin or matte depending on how they’re applied. At $112 full price, I do think

you’d be better off finding something less expensive, as this is a lot of money to spend if you’re not completely obsessed with a product – I prefer my Hourglass palettes as another option at a similar price point.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch

Luminous Powder Blush in ‘Love’

I picked this one up as I was looking for a red-toned powder blush to go over the top of a similar liquid shade I have already.

I think this one is really pretty, and thankfully nowhere near as glowy as it looks in the pan!

Ransomware attacks are a constant threat, holding your precious files hostage until you pay a hefty fee. Thankfully, Windows Defender offers a built-in layer of protection specifically designed to combat these digital extortionists. Let’s delve into how this feature safeguards your data and how to activate it for peace of mind.

Windows Defender Ransomware Protection utilises a feature called Controlled Folder Access. This acts like a digital moat around your most critical files and folders. It monitors any attempts by unauthorised programs to modify these protected areas. If suspicious activity is detected, Windows Defender throws up a red flag, preventing the program from making

unauthorised changes. This effectively stops ransomware before it encrypts your files and demands a ransom.

Imagine having a trusted list of programs allowed to access your important documents, pictures, and videos. Controlled Folder Access functions similarly. It safeguards pre-defined folders like Documents, Pictures, and Videos by default. You can even add additional folders for enhanced protection. Windows Defender verifies its legitimacy against the trusted list whenever a program tries to modify these protected areas. Access is denied if the program isn’t authorised, thwarting potential ransomware attacks.

Enabling Windows Defender Ransomware Protection is a breeze. Here’s how:

• Search for “Security” in the Windows search bar and launch the Windows Security app.

• Click on Virus & Threat Protection.

• Scroll down and find the Ransomware Protection section.

• Click on Manage ransomware protection.

• Under Controlled folder access, toggle the switch to On. For added control, you can also customise the protected folders and grant access to specific programs you trust. The benefits of Windows Defender Ransomware Protection are undeniable:

• Free and Effective. This built-in feature requires no additional cost and offers a robust layer of defence against ransomware attacks.

• Proactive Protection. Blocking unauthorised access attempts prevents ransomware from

PEACE OF MIND WHEN BOARDING YOUR PET

When holiday plans beckon or family emergencies arise, ensuring the wellbeing of your beloved pets becomes a pressing concern. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we recognise the stress involved in entrusting your furry companions to boarding facilities. Whether it’s a short-term need for unexpected events or a longer stay for cats, finding the right boarding option is crucial.

Your quest for reliable advice might naturally start with your local veterinarians, but it shouldn’t end there. Seeking recommendations from friends, especially those with similar pets, can offer valuable insights. Additionally, checking boarding kennels’ websites and arranging visits can provide firsthand experiences of the facilities, their feel, and staff expertise.

Anxious pets facing boarding can experience heightened stress and discomfort, often due to unfamiliar environments and separation from their owners.

For these pets, the bustling atmosphere of a boarding facility can exacerbate their anxiety, leading to decreased wellbeing and even behavioural issues.

In such cases,

opting for a pet sitter may provide a more comforting solution. Pet sitters offer the advantage of allowing pets to remain in familiar surroundings, minimising stress triggers and providing personalised attention, which can significantly alleviate anxiety and ensure a happier experience for the pet during their owner’s absence

Crucially, before boarding your dog or cat, ensuring their vaccinations are up-to-date is paramount. Vaccinations should ideally be administered at least two weeks before their stay. Furthermore, regular flea and tick control measures should be applied, and microchip details must be current.

Special dietary requirements or medication needs should be communicated to the boarding staff. Establishing a clear plan ensures your pet’s comfort and well-being throughout their stay. Providing emergency contact information and your regular veterinarian’s details is essential,

especially for pets with unique needs.

Once the check-in process is complete, it’s crucial to bid farewell calmly, avoiding prolonged goodbyes that may confuse your pet. Trusting that your furry friend is in capable hands, you can depart with peace of mind.

At Orchard Hills Vet, we offer short and long-term boarding options for your feline friends. During their stay we can arrange updates via email or social media platforms, allowing you to stay connected and reassured that your pet is enjoying their ‘holiday’ as much as you are.

Choosing a boarding facility or pet sitter is not a decision to be made lightly. It requires thorough research, personal recommendations, and clear communication. By prioritising your pet’s comfort, safety, and individual needs, you can embark on your travels or handle emergencies with confidence, knowing your furry companion is well cared for in your absence.

Relax & Unwind HOROSCOPES ARIES

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro bohoastro.com

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

Watch out world! This week the Sun squares Pluto (in your sign) and there’s a Full Moon in your career/public/ reputation zone. So you need to find appropriate ways to let off steam, and choose challenging projects to channel all your electric energy into. It’s also time to embrace and celebrate your contrary, quirky Aquarian side. As birthday great Barbra Streisand observes, “I am simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful, lazy and driven.”

TAURUS

This week the Sun, Jupiter and Uranus are jumping through your sign, the Full Moon revs up your relationship zone, and Mercury moves forwards. So avoid getting stuck in a static way of thinking and a routine way of behaving. A current situation (or problem) has more flexible options and exciting possibilities than you previously thought. Your motto is from movie star (and birthday great) Barbra Streisand, “I just don’t want to be hampered by my own limitations.”

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Prepare for a colourful week Cats! On Monday, the Sun/Pluto square will amp up your bossy side. Then Tuesday night’s Full Moon falls in your home zone so be on domestic drama alert. Confiscate all sharp implements and choose your words wisely, as loved ones are liable to make mountains out of molehills. Mercury moves forwards on Thursday which favours travel, education and communication as you socialise with a wide range of cosmopolitan people.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Monday starts with the lingering effects of the intense Sun/Pluto square, which could amp up your control-freak tendencies. And then the Full Moon lights up your sign on Tuesday night, which could magnify your compulsive side. You’re determined to win an argument or solve a problem but don’t step on other people’s toes in the process. And don’t get stuck in a stultifying rut. Less confrontation and more cooperation will get you where you want to go.

PISCES

Tuesday night’s Full Moon shines a bright spotlight on travel, communication and/or education. And your financial future looks rosier this week, as the planets activate your money zone in positive ways (Mercury moves forwards on Thursday and lucky Venus is visiting until April 29). So – whether you get a pay rise, take on a second job, cash in some investments, organise a garage sale or sell an important asset – it’s time to make hay while the Sun shines!

GEMINI

On Thursday, Mercury (your ruling planet) finally moves forwards which will boost your confidence, energy levels, and personal magnetism. But there’s also a tricky Full Moon so, if you indulge in gossip and make hasty pronouncements, you could end up in a complicated mess. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you’re not aware of. Smart Twins will do some detective work (and check the facts thoroughly) before you proceed with your plans.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

After nearly three weeks of confusion, chaos, delays and/or dramas, Mercury (your patron planet) finally turns direct on Thursday – yeah! Plus the Sun, Jupiter, Uranus and the Full Moon activate your travel, education and adventure zones, which encourages you to explore exciting new horizons. The wider your circle of friends and acquaintances, the more influence you will have in the big world outside your door. Being curious and confident are the keys.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Mercury is still retrograde until Thursday so there could be a misunderstanding with a child, teenager or friend. Choose your words carefully and look to your trusted circle of loved ones for comfort and support. With the Full Moon stimulating your seclusion zone you’ll find rest, relaxation, meditation and/ or contemplation are essential. Shirley Maclaine says, “The most profound relationship we will ever have is the one with ourselves.”

Mercury has been reversing through your sign, which can cause misunderstandings with other people and lots of self-doubt. Mercury finally moves forwards on Thursday and – hopefully – you have learned a thing or two over the last few weeks. Your motto for the moment is from Barbra Streisand, “Doubt can motivate you, so don’t be afraid of it. Confidence and doubt are at two ends of the scale, and you need both. They balance each other out.”

CANCER

The Sun, Jupiter and Uranus are visiting your networking zone, and the Full Moon stimulates your friendship zone. So the more you mix and mingle, and the more connections you make, the better the week will be. Looking for employment? It’s time to capitalise on all the contacts you have. From family and friends to colleagues and casual acquaintances. Don’t wait for opportunities to magically appear. Be proactive about following your dreams!

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

This week the planetary focus is on money and business matters, as Tuesday night’s Full Moon fires up your finance zones. But the lingering Sun/Pluto square could throw a partnership challenge in your direction (perhaps involving jealous behaviour or a power struggle). Your ruling planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone (until April 29) and Mercury turns direct on Thursday, so do your best to play the perceptive, diplomatic Libran peacemaker.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This week you’ll find life’s complicated, partnerships are unpredictable, and the rules are constantly changing, as unresolved relationship difficulties or financial issues come back to test you. Maybe you need to simplify your life, cull some of your commitments, or finally give a fair-weather friend the flick? Plus find time to spruce up your living space so Casa Capricorn is more comfortable and beautiful. Fresh flowers and relaxing music are a must!

Like Sudoku, no single number can rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

This wordsearch is brought to you by CPAP Direct, would you finish it faster with a better night sleep? - cpap.com.au

Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

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

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about the Spice Girls in our special trivia quiz this week.

1. In what year did the Spice Girls release their breakthrough hit ‘Wannabe’?

2. Who directed the 1997 film ‘Spice World’?

3. Which fellow famous singer drove the bus in ‘Spice World’?

4. How many studio albums did the Spice Girls record overall?

6. Which Spice Girl was first to leave the group?

7. In what year did the Spice Girls go on an “indefinite hiatus” to focus on solo careers, denying the group had split?

8. At what Olympic Games did the Spice Girls perform at?

5. Which Spice Girl didn’t return for the reunion tour that took place recently?

8.

7.

4.

3.

2.

Wanderers lose Derby in chaotic scenes

The Western Sydney Wanderers were back at work this week, hoping to save their season after they were unable to pick up any points during a chaotic third and final Sydney Derby last weekend.

With just two games remaining before Finals, the Wanderers sit in sixth position (34 points) on the A-League ladder with this weekend’s opponents, Melbourne City, chasing their tails in seventh (33 points).

A loss to City on Saturday afternoon at CommBank Stadium would put the Wanderers in a precarious position heading into the final game of the regular season against Victory next week.

After a rollercoaster year to say the least, the Wanderers have now lost two straight games, while a third would be disastrous at this late point of the season.

Western Sydney’s most recent defeat came last Saturday night in front of a packed house at Allianz Stadium.

While Sydney FC collected all three points in the end, they certainly did it the hard way.

The Sky Blues led the Wanderers from the 72nd minute before Zac Sapsford scored a miraculous 95th minute goal for the visitors to level the match.

With the Red & Black Bloc going bananas at one end of the field, the final Sydney Derby of

the year looked headed for an unlikely draw.

However, like in most Sydney Derbies, late drama ensued and a 98th minute goal by Jaiden Kucharski up the other end of the Allianz Stadium pitch would see Sydney FC incredibly regain the lead and ultimately break the Wanderers’ hearts in the process.

The utter disappointment showed on Wanderers coach Marko Rudan’s face postgame.

“Fighting back from 1-0 down away from home was good but we missed a lot of good, big chances in the first half and if you don’t take your chances against a team like this – who’s going to have a lot of the ball – they are going to come back at some stage,” he told reporters.

The narrow defeat was compounded further after Rudan confirmed that their star player, Socceroo Brandon Borrello, would likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half.

“It was a carbon copy of what happened in the first derby and he missed 12-14 weeks there, so I think his season’s done, he won’t come off the park unless it’s pretty bad,” Rudan said.

The former player turned coach said the Wanderers have been impacted with injury and suspension all season.

“It’s been the story of our season and I’m not making any excuses, it’s been our season,” he said.

“We’ve had a real checkered season this year, a lot of outs for different reasons and it’s our job to put a new team together almost every week this year – that’s pretty difficult.”

Meanwhile,

Pendragons Abreast: supports the wellbeing of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating.

At Pendragons Abreast we encourage fitness, wellness, fun and camaraderie. We empower individuals and educate on the benefits of an active lifestyle after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Our inclusive team consists of breast cancer survivors and supporters of various ages, from a variety of backgrounds and athletic abilities.

Pendragons Abreast Penrith was formed in 2004 and we are also members of the Pendragons Dragon Boat Club, Penrith.

We race and train at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) Penrith Lakes and Nepean River at The Nepean Rowing Club Penrith. With opportunities to participate in regattas, travel and race against other breast cancer survivor teams.

Want to know more?

Find us on Facebook: Dragons Abreast Penrith

Or contact our Membership coordinator 0407 278 384

Take a look at Dragons Abreast Australia website: www.dragonsabreast.com.au

Pendragons Dragon Boat Club: pendragons.online

Come and try and have a chat over a coffee & morning tea.

Contact the membership coordinator for dates & times: 0 0407 278 384

the club has confirmed that fans on the field will return to CommBank Stadium following the completion of this Saturday’s game against City.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Sydney FC broke Western Sydney’s hearts last weekend.

Keen to make ’24 her year

Matisse Letherbarrow on why this year’s Super Netball campaign is hers to own

She’s stuck behind two of the best in the business, but young shooter Matisse Letherbarrow is determined to make this Super Netball season her best in the orange dress.

With internationals Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer ahead of her in the pecking order, the 22-year-old just put in one hell of a pre-season as she looks to earn more game time for the Giants this year.

Speaking with the Weekender, Letherbarrow said she couldn’t wait to get back on the court and show the world that she is ready.

“In the attacking end of the shooting circle, I’m playing against the likes of Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer and they are both incredible athletes,” she said.

“For me this year, I’m feeling confident and really good. I’ve been happy with the pre-season games that I’ve played, and I just want to keep building on that.

“I’ve been around the Giants for a couple of years now and I’ve been able to see first-hand some amazing players and being in this environment I do feel ready for this year and hopefully it is my time.”

Helping Letherbarrow every step of the way is the former English Rose, who’s been nothing but a mentor to her ever since she arrived at the club from the Baulkham Hills Netball.

“Me and Soph (Dwyer) were youngins at the time and she really took us both under her wing,” Letherbarrow said.

“For me, not only has Jo been vital for me on the court with being able to pick her brain about things, but off the court she makes you

a better human and it’s been good getting to know her and being able to learn under someone of her repertoire – I feel very lucky.

“I’m constantly looking at her and the way she plays to improve my game and she’s been really great for me.”

After missing the finals last season, the Giants have left no stone unturned in making sure that doesn’t happen again.

With the legendary Julie Fitzgerald back as coach as well as a host of new and returning faces, the Giants are preparing for their biggest year yet.

“I feel like we didn’t finish where we wanted to finish last year and there’s definitely been a big shift within the group this year about the way we are going about everything,” Letherbarrow said.

“I feel like with the injection of new faces in Chelsea Pitman, Sam Winders and Jodi-Ann Ward and having lots of pre-season games has been vital in getting combinations going and we’re really building on that.

“We, as a collective, have felt really happy with what we’ve put out at times over the pre-season, and it’s made us ready for the year ahead.”

Giving the 2024 Super Netball season a unique twist is the introduction of new franchise the Melbourne Mavericks, who have replaced the now defunct Collingwood Magpies.

“This 100 per cent makes things more interesting,” Letherbarrow admitted.

“This season, I feel every team is quite new because there’s been so much movement. No team is the same. We got to play the Mavericks in the pre-season, and it was exciting to play them for the first time.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Matisse Letherbarrow is excited for the season ahead.

New wheels for Anderson as he steps closer to Supercars goal

Anew challenge awaits local motor racing driver Josh Anderson as he looks to take his talents to another level.

After successfully competing in the Aussie Racing Cars Series for a number of years – winning the championship back in 2022 –Anderson will now switch gears and race in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86 Cup from July.

The 24-year-old is one of the rising stars on the track and says racing Toyota Gazoo will put him one step closer to his dream of V8 Supercars one day.

“It’s moving up a level, it’s a really competitive series and a great pathway to Supercars,” he told the Weekender

“It allows me to do something that’s a little bit different and it’s a step up at the same time.”

Over the next few months, Anderson will continue to race Aussie Racing Cars as well as get himself acquainted with his new, more powerful wheels.

“The Toyota Gazoo cars are quite different to drive obviously being

a production car versus being a go-kart with a body, essentially,” he said.

“Their full-sized cars, they drive

quite differently and have a very different tyre. The only similarities are the four wheels and engine, so they are quite different to drive.”

The Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86 Cup will kick off at the Townsville 500 in early July and will be shown on television in the lead up to Super-

cars events. Anderson, who was obsessed with playing car racing games on his mum’s computer as a kid, is now putting all his energy into making sure his rise to Toyota Gazoo goes smoothly.

“We’ve booked a few test days, so I can learn how to drive the car and pick up my skills and adjust my driving style to suit the new car,” Anderson said.

“It’s hard to say how I’m going to go, my goal is to be at the front, but it’s a really competitive series.

“I definitely have a bit to learn and adjust to in my testing before the series starts, but I’m confident I’ll figure it out and get some good results.”

Helping Anderson on his journey to the top is none other than the Sieders Racing Team, who have been in the motor racing game for decades.

“I can’t thank Sieders Racing enough for the opportunity,” Anderson said.

“It all came together very late in the piece, and without Luke [Sieders] it most certainly wouldn’t have happened.

“I can’t wait to kick things off in Townsville.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Josh Anderson with his Toyota Gazoo. Photo: Tamara Jade Media.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Magic is in the air at St Marys

RUGBY LEAGUE: St Marys Leagues Stadium will host nine games of rugby league in just two days this weekend. The NSWRL will celebrate Licensed Clubs Round with a Magic Round weekend that will feature games from the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup at St Marys Leagues Stadium. Now into its third year, the NSWRL’s Licensed Clubs Round, sponsored by CABE, pays homage to the valuable contribution Licensed Clubs across NSW make to the game every season with more than $100 million provided to the community and $60 million to Junior Rugby League clubs in 2023. “The support that Licensed Clubs make to Rugby League every season is reflected in many ways and clubs would struggle to survive without them,” NSWRL Chief Executive, David Trodden said. “The move by the NSWRL to hold a Magic Round for the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield over two days at St Marys Leagues Stadium is a fitting way to acknowledge the vital role that Licensed Clubs play in our sport. I encourage all fans to come along for what promises to be a great two days of action, and then head back to their local club afterwards to continue to show their support.” The funding is used to help with grandstands, clubhouses and facilities, ground maintenance and referees, trophies and awards, playing kits, development programs, and programs for pathways and women’s Rugby League. The opening day of Magic Round on April 20 will feature the Sydney Shield matches between Cabramatta Two Blues and Penrith Brothers (10am), Mounties and Moorebank Rams (12pm), Manly Leagues and Glebe Dirty Reds (2pm), St Marys Saints and Wentworthville Magpies (4pm), and Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and Hills Bulls (6pm). The second day on April 21 will feature the Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup matches between Glebe Dirty Reds and Penrith Brothers (10am), Mounties and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (12pm), Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and Hills Bulls (2pm), with the event to conclude with the Grand Final rematch between St Marys Saints and Wentworthville Magpies (4pm).

AFL: The GWS Giants have continued their reign on top of the AFL standings after defeating St Kilda in a thriller last Saturday afternoon. Played at Manuka Oval in Canberra, the Giants needed a win to keep their undefeated run alive. Four consecutive second-half goals saw GWS break away and position themselves for a fifth straight win, but they received an almighty late scare, with the Saints kicking the final six goals of the match to almost turn around a 35-point deficit and trail by a solitary point

with 41 seconds left. Fortunately, a heroic late mark from Giants substitute James Peatling in defence helped secure the victory, with Adam Kingsley’s side winning 80-79 to maintain their unbeaten start to the year. GWS will hit the road this Saturday to battle Carlton at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

AFL: The GWS Giants will proudly wear a special ANZAC Day jumper when the club hosts the Brisbane Lions at Manuka Oval on ANZAC night. With the club playing in just their second-ever fixture on ANZAC Day, the

Giants are marking the special occasion with a new jumper design. Created in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Giants midfielder Tom Green, whose father Richard is an Army officer, the Giants’ ANZAC Day jumper features a striking artistic camouflage print to represent the unique camouflage designs of all three branches of the ADF. A symbolic poppy is also featured on the front of the jumper as the commemorative flower of remembrance and an acknowledgement of those who have served and sacrificed their life in the ADF. Detailed on the inside collar of the jumper is the words ‘Lest We Forget’, a reminder that all who have served and are still serving should never be forgotten, with the feature on the neckline standing out to players as they pull the jumper on. As the Giants continue to support the Returned and Services League (RSL), a percentage of all sales from ANZAC items will be donated to the RSL’s 2024 ANZAC Appeal.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have lost their opening game of the season, belted by Southern Power 84-49 in Round 2 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. Penrith were never in it, down by 22 at half-time before the points continued to get piled on in the third and fourth quarters. Noah Montgomery was

best for the Rams, booting three goals in the defeat. Penrith will enjoy the bye this weekend. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes went down in their first game of the season, narrowly beaten by Macquarie University 26-15 in Round 2 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The Ramettes will play Southern Power this Saturday at Waratah Oval.

SUPER NETBALL: The Giants have lost their season opener against the West Coast Fever, smashed 84-54 in Round 1 of the Super Netball competiton. The Giants struggled throughout the entire match, losing every quarter on their way to the 19-point defeat at home. They’ll hope to bounce back when they face the Queensland Firebirds this Saturday evening in Brisbane.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 4 of the NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend, with Brothers Penrith having mixed results at Parker Street Reserve. In the Ron Massey Cup, Brothers Penrith defeated the Hills Bulls 24-14. In the

Sydney Shield, the game went down to the wire with Brothers Penrith going down to the Bulls 22-20. The St Marys Saints had the bye in both competitions. Brothers Penrith and St Marys will return to the action this weekend as part of NSWRL’s Magic Round at St Marys Leagues Stadium. Everyone is encouraged to go down and support the round.

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message me on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

St Marys Leagues Stadium will host the NSWRL’s version of Magic Round this weekend.

The new GWS Giants ANZAC jersey.

Giants Netball got thrashed by Fever.

The Panthers dropped an NRL bombshell on Wednesday by confirming three-time Premiership winner James Fisher-Harris would leave the club at the end of the season.

They say there’s no secrets in rugby league but this one was kept closely guarded with no speculation the news was about to drop ahead of a press statement issued at 12.25pm.

The 28-year-old had quietly approached Penrith in recent weeks seeking a release at the end of the season on compassionate grounds.

It is understood the Panthers didn’t hesitate in granting the Golden Boot winner’s request to put family first and return home to New Zealand, where he has signed with the Warriors on a four-year deal commencing next year.

Fisher-Harris will play out 2024 with Penrith and will be released from the final two years of his contract. The prop had recently returned home to New Zealand for a funeral.

“While we would have loved him to stay at the Panthers, we wish him, his partner Natalie, and children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said on Wednesday.

More details: Page 38.

TROY DODDS