Western Weekender January 19 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Mother’s heart still breaks Vile killer’s parole adjourned again • Lauren Hickson’s mum fears Towner’s release EMILY NEWTON

auren Hickson was only four-yearsold when her life was stolen from her. The Emu Plains youngster was tortured, raped and drowned in one of the state’s worst murders, yet the man responsible, Neville Raymond Towner, could be granted parole within months. On Tuesday, the NSW State Parole Authority adjourned its hearing into Towner’s parole until March so it could hear from experts about the effectiveness of the medication he is currently taking. Lauren’s mother Jurina Hickson fears it’s only a matter of time before the man who murdered her little girl is free to walk the streets again. He is about to get the second chance Lauren never had. Watching Towner through video link in court this week, she described him as sitting back in his chair “like he hasn’t got a care in the world”. “Why are the Parole Authority in a hurry to set him free,” she asked. “It seems to us that they want to let him out. They’ve made mistakes before, and I am just hoping that they don’t make such a big mistake that someone else pays with

Lauren Hickson was murdered in Emu Plains in 1989

their life. I have to worry about my own family, and I hope to heaven that no one else gets hurt.” Ms Hickson, who still lives in the Penrith area, told the Weekender the constant fear of Towner’s pending release is draining. “I’m just tired,” she said. “This is a high profile case and it’s getting treated like it’s nothing. It’s up there in the high category as a gruesome, heinous murder. “He tortured her, Lauren didn’t die straight away.” 29 years after her daughter’s death, Ms Hickson is still fighting for justice as she mourns Lauren and the life that was taken from her. Lauren was tall for her age, she was playful and loving. She was innocent. “She had long blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes,” Ms Hickson said. “By the time that Towner was finished with her, she didn’t look like that anymore. “We won’t ever know what she would be like now.” On May 17, 1989, Lauren was found murdered by 23-year-old Towner in Emu Plains, only a few hundred metres away from her family home at the Nepean Caravan Park. Towner was known to the family, the son of Lauren’s babysitter.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

29 years on • Memories of murder still haunt us all “There was something about him but I couldn’t put my finger on it,” Ms Hickson recalls of Towner before Lauren’s murder. Today, she sees him as a “compulsive liar” and a “threat”, fearing what may happen if he is granted the parole he’s seeking. Towner was originally sentenced to life imprisonment but was granted eligibility for parole in 2009. Since then, through multiple parole hearing adjournments, Ms Hickson and her family are forced to relive the most traumatic time of their lives. “We have a legal system, not a justice system, and it isn’t tailored for the families,” she said. “I’m going to make sure I won’t give up. If this was a politician’s child and this happened, they would be screaming. “In this country there’s a lot of young children like Lauren, she was four-years and seven-months-old, their killers get lousy sentences. “I just wish the State Government would fix this. There is no justice.” Ms Hickson is calling on the Government to intervene, and over 111,000 people agree having signed a petition to prevent Towner’s release. “This was a heinous murder, for a predator to torture a four year and seven-month-

old girl, hold her head under water, choke her, and kick her so badly that it damaged her liver... both her pupils were blue,” Ms Hickson recalled with pain and anger in her voice. She remembers vividly the moment that she learned Lauren had been found dead and all she could do was scream. She remembers when the funeral director said they did the best they could with make-up on Lauren’s face. She remembers hearing in gruesome and exact detail the extent of Lauren’s injuries, including that she had been sexually assaulted. And with disgust she remembers the sound and smirk of Towner as he sniggered at Ms Hickson in court decades ago. “When I heard what he did to her, I was just shocked, it was beyond shock, it was horrific,” she said. “I just could not believe that anybody would do what he had done, and show no remorse, nothing. “Neville Towner looks like he could get a second chance, who is going to give Lauren a second chance? “They don’t get a second chance. Her murder was so horrific, I will never forget her injuries.” For 24-hour crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Lauren Hickson’s family are continuing to fight for justice

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

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Changing the date is just wrong T here is nothing that sums up Australia better for me than the singing of our national anthem. Here is an anthem with two verses, the second of which – with its mentions of the Southern Cross and boundless plains – is very rarely muttered by any of us. What a bloody Aussie thing to do – we’re just too lazy to sing the second verse so we don’t bother. I love it. Next Friday is Australia Day and yet again we are confronted with a loud minority who want to change the date of our national day. The nutty Greens are more entrenched than ever in the debate, with the party’s out of touch leader Richard Di Natale this week declaring that a date change would be one of his top priorities for 2018. A top priority? If that doesn’t prove how worthless the Greens are to the political debate in this country then nothing will. Despite being a ‘top priority’, Mr Di Natale can’t name a new proposed date. Perhaps it’s because in reality this is just an annual attention seeking publicity stunt, nicely timed during a slow news period. Australia Day is celebrated on January 26 because the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. Granted, the displacement of Indigenous Australians caused harm that has lasted generations; the impact of which is still felt today. But January 26 was hardly an invasion. In fact history tells us it was in the weeks, months and years that followed that hostility grew between the Aboriginal inhabitants and the explorers. Initially at least, things were generally hospitable, history says.

• Learn To Swim including Water Babies • Aquarobics including Aquanatal • Public Swimming • Swim Coaching and Competitive Swimming • Birthday Parties • Speedo Swim Shop • Gift Vouchers

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• Special Needs Learn to Swim classes • CPR and First Aid Courses

Some would argue that as generations came and went in an evolving world, Australia became a much better place for Indigenous people to live. There were awful missteps, corrected along the journey. But we also created a welfare system entrenched with support and assistance for our Indigenous friends. We celebrate Aboriginal culture in a terrific way, whether it be through ‘welcome to country’ ceremonies at major events, NAIDOC Week each July or through specific special events throughout any given year. Changing the date of Australia Day is essentially asking us to re-write history, and any attempt to re-write history is always a dangerous move. The Greens and those in their corner would prefer we erase history, and live in a bubble where offence cannot be caused and a politically correct agenda rules. We should never, ever forget our nation’s history or what occurred a couple of centuries ago – it is a very important part of our past. But the ‘change the date’ campaign is misinformed and misguided.

Dance Feature..................34-35 Business................................36-38 Entertainment .................39-48

the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith Issue 1336

Changing the date would not only not change the past, but it’d most likely see us stop reflecting on the importance of the date. It would see generations to come not really understand the significance of January 26 and how and why it has different meanings to different people. Holding Australia Day on January 26 may mean plenty of us have a few drinks and a BBQ, but it also means we reflect on and remember the atrocities the Indigenous population encountered in the years that followed British settlement. We reflect and remember better than ever before – with traditional ceremonies and strong recognition of the Indigenous population at all official Australia Day festivities and events. And yes, we celebrate other things that make our country great as well. We celebrate Australia’s significant place on the international stage. We celebrate our inventions, our high achievers and our world class work in the areas of health, environment and the arts. And we used to celebrate great music until Triple J lost its spine and moved its hottest 100 countdown to January 27 – a date by the way that happens to be International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Moving the date of Australia Day would simply move the party, but fail to retain the strong and respectful recognition of the Indigenous community that goes with it. We would be far better off if those so obsessed with changing a date on the calendar aimed to find ways to improve the poverty and disconnect that still exists in so many Indigenous communities around the nation.

Your Life................................49-54 Auto..................................................58 Sport........................................59-64

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Emily Newton | @emmerleener Lauren Suttie | @laurensuttie2 Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Photographers: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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“In reality this is just an annual attention seeking publicity stunt”

News..............................................1-25 Australia Day.......................26-31 New Year, New You......32-33

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Rail crisis escalates as pressure builds on Transport Minister Andrew Constance EMILY NEWTON

enrith commuters could be left with no way to get to work on January 29 unless the State Government can convince Unions to call off a planned 24 hour strike. Rail, Tram and Bus Union Secretary Alex Claassens claims the Government has left no other options after negotiations broke down this week. It follows the horror of last week’s train cancellations on an already struggling city network which left thousands of commuters stranded during peak hour. “Workers have been trying to negotiate a fair and reasonable enterprise agreement for well over six months now, but the NSW Government and Sydney and NSW Trains management have refused to bargain fairly – not just around pay, but around basic conditions that impact their safety and the safety of commuters,” Mr Claassens said. But the problems for locals are even more far reaching than train delays and pay disputes. Visibly pregnant, Penrith’s Hayley Hitch has given up using the trains after continually being ignored by other commuters with no one on crowded trains offering her a seat.

Stay up to date on the latest developments on our website or follow us on Twitter @wwpenrith

Rail commuters should be prepared for a strike on Monday, January 29. Photo: Melinda Jane

“The final straw came for me when I caught a train to work and got the last seat but then an elderly lady got on and nobody offered her a seat,” she said. “I gave up mine to her and nobody offered me one. “I was in a great deal of pain that day with a pinched nerve in my back and ended up sitting on the last step in the stairwell and was holding back tears from pain and anger.” She said a combination of overcrowding on trains and today’s self-entitled travel culture adds to the rail network’s mounting problems, and it’s time the Government found a long-term solution. “They need to stop being reactive and be proactive,” she said. “The Penrith Station car park is the biggest example of that. They built a car park while three estates were going up and didn’t count the people who would be moving into those estates.” Transport Minister Andrew Constance has urged the Union to call off the strike and “put commuters first”, claiming it will “shut down the city”. Train drivers want an annual pay increase of six per cent and improved working conditions but the Government is only offering 2.5 per cent in accordance with existing policy.

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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42 ways to stay cool as we We’re heading for top temperatures of 42 degrees today, tomorrow and Monday as The Weekender team has brainstormed the top 42 ways to keep cool as temperatures soar to 42 degrees today and tomorrow, 38 on Sunday and 42 again on Monday... 1. Spend a few hours at the Penrith Ice Palace. There’s no colder place in Penrith – you might even need to bring a jumper! 2. Buy an old school board game and have an inside day with the kids. Winner of each game gets an ice block. 3. Get the hose or sprinkler out and encourage a water fight amongst the kids! 4. Become an Uber driver, and get paid to drive around all day in air conditioned comfort. 5. Head over to Nepean Aquatic Centre and swim a few laps or just enjoy a splash around with the kids. 6. Host a pool party. Post photos of said party on Instagram to make others jealous. 7. Enjoy the air conditioned comfort of Hoyts Cinemas in Penrith and catch a movie. We can recommend ‘All The Money in the World’, ‘The Post’ and ‘Coco’ if you have the kids in tow. Ring your bank manager first if you plan to buy popcorn. 8. Take the family on a trip to the Blue Mountains – it’ll be almost 10 degrees cooler in Katoomba today and tomorrow. 9. Throw some adventure into the hot weather by experiencing Penrith Whitewater Stadium. 10. Enjoy a family day out at AMF Bowling and grab some frozen yogurt afterwards. 11. Head to Wet’n’Wild Sydney and slide your way into cool conditions. 12. Head down to the Penrith Homemaker Centre and plan a makeover for that room you know needs a new look. Take it slowly – the more you’re in the air conditioning, the better! 13. Convince the kids to wash the family cars (in the shade). A fun water fight is almost certain to break out (it’ll keep the kids nice and cool and

Gabby and Indi Sengos prepare for the hot weather predicted over the next few days. Photo: Megan Dunn

14. 15.

16.

17.

18.

entertained, plus your car will be looking great!) Put a sprinkler under the trampoline and watch the fun ensue! If you don’t have a pool, bake a cake or buy a slab of beer and bribe your neighbour to use theirs. Ice chips make the perfect snack that keeps you cool. Keep them coming throughout the weekend! Head down to the Werrington Lakes Playground and let the kids cool down while having fun in the water. If you’re a risk taker, jump on the

Become an Uber driver and get paid to drive around all day in air conditioned comfort

Sydney Trains network and keep your fingers crossed for an air conditioned service that runs on time. 19. Put tomorrow’s undies in the freezer so you start your day with a nice cool shock. 20. Head to the beach. To escape the Sydney traffic and parking woes, consider Wollongong for a great family day trip. 21. Clean out your sock draw. Usually just a lame excuse, it’s the perfect low-energy task for a hot day. 22. Buy a packet of Zooper Doopers. The

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

prepare to swelter again Penrith’s summer of scorchers continues. How are you planning to keep cool? sugar level doesn’t count on hot days, does it? 23. Put some cold beers in the fridge and settle in to watch the Australia v England ODI from the Gabba today (Friday). 24. Drive around the block constantly with the car air conditioner running. Take a photo of your car temperature gauge for social media. 25. Listen to ‘Let it Snow’ on repeat all day. Wishful thinking. 26. Sit back, close your eyes and picture snow. Research has shown that the body reacts to these daydreams, reducing its overall temperature. 27. Head into Westfield Penrith for a spot of shopping. There’s still some great bargains to be found post-Christmas, all in air conditioned comfort. 28. Take the family to Cold Rock on High Street for an ice cold treat. Let your imagination run wild with some fun combinations. 29. Catch up on TV shows you might have missed by having a Netflix binge session with the air conditioner blasting inside. Check out the new David Letterman show, or ‘House Of Cards’ for some dark political drama. ‘Shot in the Dark’ is a hidden gem too,

or if you’re looking for something a little lighter check out Jerry Seinfeld’s ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’. 30. Get the whole family involved in a DIY cocktail and mocktail making day. 31. Take the kids to St Marys Village for the Back to School Craft workshop running from 11am-2pm today (Friday). 32. Fill up some water bottles and put them in the freezer. Surround yourself with them in bed. 33. Buy an ice vest. A quick Google search will send you in the right direction. 34. If you’re home alone or just with your significant other, instigate Naked Fridays. 35. Use a wet towel as a blanket and have an afternoon nap on the couch. 36. Park yourself inside Panthers for lunch and dinner plus enjoy the bingo, housie and raffles on Friday and live music on Saturday. Find a comfy seat and read the latest edition of the Weekender. 37. Create a DIY ice bath for you, the kids and your pets. 38. Download the ‘bed time fan’ app on your iPhone. 39. Suggest a game of Strip Poker (adults only!)

Max Wyllie and Jaxon Dunn cool down in the pool. Photo: Megan Dunn 40. Buy a Chillow. If you don’t know what it is, get Googling! You won’t regret it. 41. Have a cold shower. 42. Turn back the clock and create a DIY

slip and slide. Keep safety in mind but involve the kids – it’s a fun project with very cool results. Get ready for the neighbours to join in.

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

PENRITH

NEWS

FREE FAMILY OPEN DAY ON THE VILLAGE GREEN AT EMU VILLAGE OSH

Sunday 21 January 10am – 2pm 4 Lawson Street, Emu Plains

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/childcare

FOOD. ENTERTAINMENT. ACTIVITIES.

ADMINISTRATION Penrith Ofﬁce Civic Centre, 601 High Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys Ofﬁce – Closed until further notice Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.

TENDERS

COUNCIL BRIEFS Queen Street, St Marys are closed, due to ﬂooding.

Provision of Drainage Asset Inventory Data Collection

We have started to make repairs and are hoping to reopen

Reference 17/18-15

● The Council Customer Service Ofﬁce and Library on

are open as normal. We’ve also extended the Library opening

Penrith City Council is seeking proposals for the reliable and cost effective provision of collecting inventory data and undertake visual assessments of the condition of pits and pipes drainage assets within its Emu Plains Study Area comprising the suburbs Leonay, Emu Plains and Emu Heights.

hours at the St Clair branch, to provide additional services

Pre-Tender Brieﬁng at 10am Tuesday, 30 January 2018.

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

while St Marys is closed for repairs.

SERVICES

To ﬁnd out more about Library opening hours and services,

Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735

please visit library.penrith.city For more information about

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement.

Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: 4732 7777 F: 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad). Grafﬁti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

the Customer Service Ofﬁce and Library, with limited services, by the end of January. The Civic Centre customer service point and Library at Penrith

Council Services, please call 4732 7777 ● Beat the heat this summer with Council’s simple tips, things to do and places to visit! As part of Council’s ‘Cooling the City’ strategy, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to help stay cool and even reduce your energy prices during the hotter months.

MEETING DATES Council Meetings 12 February 2018 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee) 26 February 2018 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

Extreme heat can be dangerous for all of us, and especially for those most vulnerable. It’s important to stay cool and check on those around us when the temperature soars. Find out more on Council’s website penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ BeattheHeat

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au visitpenrith.com.au

● Free Native Garden Workshop at Floribunda Community Centre, Glenmore Park between 10am–1pm on Sunday, 18 March. The workshop will show how by planting a variety of native ﬂora in your garden you can provide the perfect habitat, one that offers food and shelter for a variety of beneﬁcial insects, birds and other small animals. Bookings are essential. To register call 4732 8055 or email Thomas.covell@penrith.city

For queries please contact Allyce Langton on 4732 7657 or Procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 21 February 2018 (‘the Closing Date’).Tenders received after will not be considered.

Tench Boat Ramp and Trailer Parking, Jamisontown Reference 17/18-16 Penrith City Council is seeking Tenders from suitably experienced contractors, for the construction of the Tench boat ramp, trailer parking and associated infrastructure in Jamisontown, Penrith. Pre-Tender Brieﬁng at 10am Tuesday, 30 January 2018. Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to register and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement. For queries please contact Allyce Langton on 4732 7657 or Procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 28 February 2018 (‘the Closing Date’).Tenders received after will not be considered.

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visitpenrith.com.au WW31933

Applications for the Use of Sportsgrounds Winter 2018 (17 March–2 September 2018) Applications are now open for the seasonal hire of Council’s Parks and Sporting Grounds for the 2018 winter season which commences on the third Saturday in March (17 March 2018) until the ﬁrst Sunday in September (2 September 2018). Allocations will be at Council’s discretion and consider factors such as community beneﬁt, prior usage and the need to schedule maintenance, ground regeneration and capital works. New Hirers are encouraged to contact Council’s Recreation Department on 4732 7930 or email recreation@penrith.city for information and forms. Applications are required to be received by Penrith City Council, prior to 4pm Friday, 19 January 2018. Applications can be submitted by: s Email: recreation@penrith.city s Post: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 s In Person: Penrith Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Applications have been received by Council: s Pretech Pty Ltd DA18/0002 81 Melbourne Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures and construction of 6 x 2-storey town houses and associated car parking, drainage and landscape works under the Provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 Contact: Kathryn Sprang on 4732 7834 Closing Date: 31 January 2018. DA18/0023 s Pretech Pty Ltd 106 & 108 Princess Street. Werrington Demolition of existing structures and construction of 14 x 2-storey town houses and associated car parking, drainage and landscape works under the Provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 Contact: Gannon Cuneo on 4732 7774 Closing Date: 2 February 2018.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS (READVERTISED) The following Development Applications have been received by Council: s Dwell Designs Australia DA16/0744 9-11 Queen Street, St Marys Demolition of existing structures, remediation of land and construction of a 9-storey mixed-use development containing 33 residential units, 1 shop/retail outlet and basement parking Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726 Closing Date: 19 February 2018 DA17/0578 s Testsafe 919–945 Londonderry Road, Londonderry Construction of a new detention dam together with de-watering and remediation of existing retention ponds and treatment of contaminated water and sediments and tree removal Contact: Gannon Cuneo on 4732 7774 Closing Date: 19 February 2018

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT

Pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Amended development proposal and extended public exhibition period.

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free of charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Applications s Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd

DA17/0917

Penrith City Council has received an amended Development Application in respect to the staging of the proposed development on the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is the Sydney Western City Planning Panel in accordance with Section 23G of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. s Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

DA17/1092

Lot 2 DP 1108408 & Lot 512 DP 107972

Lot 2046 DP 1220914 (No. 49) Tedbury Road, Llandilo

Wallacia Golf Course Site (Nos. 13-15) Park Road, Wallacia

Torrens title subdivision x 5 lots and associated drainage works

Staged construction of Wallacia Memorial Park including cemetery for 88,000 burial plots, chapel and related crematorium and function rooms, administration building, services outbuilding, parkland areas, internal roads, car parking and associated landscaping and site servicing works

s Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd

DA17/0918

Lot 2090 DP 1220915 (No. 51) Tedbury Road, Llandilo Torrens title subdivision x 5 lots and associated drainage works s Isaac Property Development

DA17/0477

Lots 1 & 2 DP 986363 (No. 577) Great Western Highway, Werrington Demolition of existing structures and construction of service station with convenience store and motor vehicle servicing facilities s Signcraft Pty Ltd

CD17/0028

Lot 1 DP 1160603 (No. 2) Tyrone Place, Erskine Park Non-illuminated free standing sign s SK Investment Corp Pty Ltd

DA17/0674

Lot 286 DP 16937 & Lot 2 DP 508532 (Nos. 111–113) Canberra Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures and construction of 14 x town houses and associated landscape and civil works under the Provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 s Legpro Pty Ltd Atf Legpro 54 Unit Trust

DA17/0508

Lot 754 DP 1180111 (No. 229) Caddens Road, Caddens Construction and embellishment of local open space for sports ﬁelds, courts, amenities building, playground, car parking, road construction and associated civil and landscaping works s Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd

DA17/0491

Lot 1003 DP 1215087 (Lot 1003) Wianamatta Parkway, Llandilo Torrens title subdivision to create 142 residential lots, residue lots and associated infrastructure and landscaping (Stage 4A and Stage 4B within the Central Precinct, St Marys ADI Site) s Jordan Vamvakidis

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

DA17/0835

Lot 103 DP 16330 (No. 8) Brisbane Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures and construction of 5 x town houses with associated landscaping and drainage works

The proposal is Integrated Development under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Department of Primary Industries – Water under Section 91 of the Water Management Act 2000 and from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997. The amended Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours until 28 February 2018. 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 objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA17/1092. Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so. For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Clare Aslanis on 4732 8195. Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker. Alternatively, the applications can be viewed during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries. Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. 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

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

JOKE of the WEEK

prize cupboard

he world’s top male revue, Manpower Australia, also known as Australia’s Thunder from Down Under, is set to return home in early 2018 for a six week Australian tour that will include a performance at Panthers in Penrith. 2017 saw the all-Aussie line-up kick major goals around the globe with sold out tours of the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Canada, USA, Hong Kong and South Africa. With over a million Facebook followers and 13 sold out shows each week at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, it’s no surprise that this homegrown entertainment success is catching the eye of media and celebs alike. With two international touring troupes and one troupe based in Las Vegas, the homegrown sensation have performed to over

Eric Wright

What days are the strongest? Saturday and Sunday, the rest are week days! Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au

40 million women worldwide. Now you can catch Manpower Australia as they hit Australian shores in February for six weeks to perform throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Manpower plays at Panthers on Saturday, March 3. For bookings or ticketing information, call 1300 PANTHERS or visit penrith.panthers.com.au. The Weekender has three double passes to Manpower to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Manpower’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details. Entries close Wednesday, January 24. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Congratulations to Erin Molan, who has been named at the new permanent fulltime host of ‘The Footy Show’ in 2018. She’ll certainly have a busy year – she’s expecting her first child, too!

The ABC is trying to re-write history by removing ‘The Dr Blake Mysteries’ from its iView platform in the wake of the Craig McLachlan scandal. Surely we’re smart enough to decide if we want to watch?

Penrith FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Downtown Brooklyn FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? The Heritage Terrace Café FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? The Joan FIRST PLACE YOU’D TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? Lewers Art Gallery WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The community WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? The Nepean Community College

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

The annual debate about whether the date of Australia Day should be changed is back again, spearheaded by the Greens. 76 per cent of people on a Western Weekender website poll said this week that the date should not be changed, with 22 per cent saying it should be and two per cent undecided. You can still take part in the poll by visiting our website at westernweekender.com.au.

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

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

Off the grid and loving it How a St Clair family’s sustainable living cut their power bill to just $75 LAUREN SUTTIE

n 2018, it might not seem that unusual that more and more people living in the suburbs are doing their bit to live more sustainably. For Nevin and Linda Sweeney, they’ve been living sustainably in their St Clair home for the past 35 years. “A long tome ago, around the time we had kids, there was a lot of political unrest happening and I had responsibility for a family and I wanted to be able to feed them regardless of what happened,” Mr Sweeney said. “In those days it wasn’t called sustainable living, but that is what we were doing.” With 14 vegetable beds, herb wedding cake as well as a banana circle, Mr Sweeney produces 80 per cent of the vegetables that they eat, and thanks to his semi-off grid system, pays next to nothing for electricity. “We’re almost off the grid. It’s just the fact that you’ve got to have a back-up and rather than have a huge generator, we use the grid,” he said. “All we are paying is the maintenance cost, it’s about $75 a bill.” A member of the Penrith City Council Resilience Committee, Mr Sweeney said

they are currently in the planning stages of generating resources to empower locals to grow more of their own food. “What we want to do is provide information to people so they can do this for themselves,” he said. Food Bank Australia’s latest report shows 48 per cent of Australians who are struggling to feed themselves were actually employed, with the higher cost of basic necessities found to be one of the causes driving people to food relief. The report also said that over 340,000 meals are expected to be needed for those affected in Penrith this year alone.

Things the Sweeneys use to save money around their house • • • • • • •

Solar bread oven Optimising their TV to ‘Echo Mode’ Stored heat cooker, also known as a ‘Haybox’ Rocket stove Chook tractor DIY cleaning products A solar food dehydrator Nevin Sweeney in his sustainable garden in St Clair. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Mulgoa still key focus for Davies EMILY NEWTON

ne year since being sworn in to Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s Cabinet, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies says her electorate remains her number one priority. Ms Davies says it’s “incredibly rewarding” to look back at her work as Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women and Minister for Ageing. “It’s been a real privilege and honour to be sitting around the table not only representing western Sydney and the needs of my electorate, but also hearing the other needs of the other regions,” Ms Davies said. “People in my electorate may have family or themselves with a mental illness, I’m sure over half of my electorate are women and a large percentage of them are over the age of 60. “As I’m thinking and reading and making decisions in my portfolio areas, I am thinking, how is this going to impact my community? That’s my reference point, it’s not something nebulous out there. “How would this affect a family living in St Clair, how would this affect a working mother living in Glenmore Park?”

It hasn’t always been an easy year for Ms Davies, but she has been determined to help those who need assistance as best she can. The tragic passing of Miriam Merten in Lismore was the catalyst for an independent review, The Review of Seclusion, Restraint and Observation of Consumers with a Mental Illness in NSW. As Minister for Mental Health, Ms Davies sees the acceptance of all 19 recommendations as a defining moment of the past year. “Already we’re seeing a shift take place in mental health,” she said. “I know we’ve got a long way to go in terms of the cultural and the leadership shift that we need to deliver, but we’re on the way now.” She is also proudly putting the finishing touches on the NSW Women’s Strategy which is due to be released in the coming months. Reflecting on her first year in Cabinet, she says she has a “far greater depth of understanding” of social issues the local community faces. “I’ve come to be a Minister because I am first elected to represent the community and that’s always my first priority,” she said.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies. Photo: Melinda Jane

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St Marys: Witnesses needed after man stabbed in fight

Police are appealing for witnesses after an altercation that landed one man in hospital. Just before 1am on Sunday, January 14, a group of youths flagged down police on Queen Street, St Marys. One man had wounds to his arm and chest. Officers were told that the man was stabbed with a bottle during an altercation with another group of men on nearby Crana Street. He was taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment. Police are asking for witnesses to the assault to come forward.

Colyton: Residents and police stop break and enter

Two men who broke in and tried to steal from a home in the middle of the night were foiled when the resident chased them away and police quickly tracked them down. At 12.20am on Monday, January 15 police responded to an alleged break and enter on Bennett Road, Colyton. Two occupants, a 25-year-old female and a 32-year-old male were at home when they heard a noise at their front door. Two males then entered the premises. The 32-year-old occupant was able to chase them away. Police officers and the dog unit were nearby and attended the residence. The two males were then located a short distance away, where a short scuffle ensued with police as they attempted to arrest the men. Eventually they were restrained and charged with multiple offences. The first male, a 24-year-old from Oxley Park was charged with ‘Resist arrest’ and ‘Break and enter with intent.’ The second male, a 28-year-old from Villawood was charged with ‘Assault police’ and ‘Break and enter with intent.’

St Marys: Man busted drink driving twice on same day

At 5.40pm on Sunday, January 14, police were on Charles Hackett Drive when they

saw a vehicle nearly collide with a parked car. Police stopped the driver, a 40-year-old male from Whalan and subjected him to a road side breath test. He returned a positive result and was taken back to St Marys Police Station for a breath analysis that showed a mid-range reading. His licence was subsequently suspended and he was charged with drink driving. Only a few hours later at 8.10pm, police watched as the same man got into his vehicle and drove through a shopping centre car park. He was followed, stopped and subjected to another breath test and analysis, again returning a positive mid-range result. He was charged with his second offence of drink driving as well as ‘Drive while suspended.’

Kingswood: Man caught with drugs after foot chase

A man who fled from police has been charged for possessing two types of illicit drugs. At 2.30am on Saturday, January 13 police were on Santley Crescent, Kingswood when a man sighted officers and ran. A foot pursuit was initiated, and police arrested the 37-year-old Kingswood man. The man was in possession of nine clear resealable plastic bags of what police allege to be methamphetamine. He also had on him green vegetable matter believed to be cannabis. The man was charged with two counts of ‘Possess prohibited drug’ and ‘Resist arrest’.

Berkshire Park: Stabbing at Correctional Complex

Investigations are ongoing into a reported stabbing at John Morony Correctional Complex on Friday, January 12. The 40-year-old prisoner was stabbed in the chest last Friday morning and taken by road ambulance to Westmead Hospital. The prisoner is in a stable condition and no other staff or inmates were injured.

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

Law changes set to take effect this year Happy New Year from the team at Complete Legal & Conveyancing. To kick off our series of columns this year, read below to find out a few legal and policy changes that will take place that may affect your day to day life: Payment increases Increases for a range of social security payments are set to take effect this year. For example, Youth Allowance recipients will receive an additional $4.60 per fortnight, students receiving a Social Security allowance will receive an additional $8.30 per fortnight and there are also some changes to Aged Care Pension eligibility due to take place mid year, such as a minimum requirement of 10 years residence in Australia (five of which included gainful employment) to qualify. Tax man is watching you The Australian Tax Office last year announced that it will shift its focus from big corporate tax dodgers to individuals, particularly those who overstate work related tax deductions. The basis for this is that the Australian Tax Office believes there is more revenue to be recovered from individuals than businesses. Medicine changes In the health sector, you will now require a prescription to obtain pain killers containing codeine, such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus, Mersyndol and Codral. Pharmacists will be able to provide some of these medications without a prescription in limited circumstances.

Property overhaul Mid 2018 is also expected to see some significant reforms to the real estate sector. This includes reducing the six real estate licence types to three, being “Real Estate”, “Strata” and “Stock and Station”. There will also be some changes to competency requirements for issue of these licenses with applicants being required to complete additional competency units before their licenses are approved. Who do you trust? There is also a push to reform current trust accounting regulations so that only a licensee in charge can authorise transactions for trust accounts, potentially a response to the number of trust account breaches that occur in the real estate industry. Real estate agents’ failure to account for money held in trust is currently considered a major risk area for the industry by New South Wales Fair Trading, with nearly half a million dollars paid out by the Property & Services Compensation Fund in the 2016/2017 financial year as a result of consumer claims. Every year thousands of new laws are made across the country on a State and Federal level. The above is a bit of a snapshot of some of the changes that might affect you. We will keep you updated throughout the year as other topical legal issues come to light. See you next week.

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New centre has everything from cooking classes to an afternoon bike club EMILY NEWTON

n innovative childcare centre that incorporates the interests of primary students to allow them to explore their passions free from boredom is coming to Emu Plains. Penrith Council’s brand new childcare centre, Emu Village OSH will be officially opened this Sunday, January 21. To mark the occasion, Council is celebrating with a free family open day on the village green for locals to experience what Penrith Mayor John Thain describes as “not an ordinary childcare facility”. “Not only does Emu Village have a brand new, state-of-the-art building, it also has a top notch play area that was designed for children, by children,” he said. “Like all Council childcare centres, Emu Village has exceptional staff who are all highly qualified and passionate about education. “And of course, it offers our signature allinclusive fee so it’s incredibly affordable for families.” Cr Thain said he was impressed with what is a new approach to care. “What really sets Emu Village apart from other centres in the area is the innovative before and after school care program

which includes cooking classes, art classes, and even an afternoon bike club,” he said. North Ward Councillor Marcus Cornish has praised the innovative childcare centre following years of Council planning. “I think it is a fantastic outcome for the children and parents of the Emu Plains area after being crammed in the old school building for so many years,” he said. “Before and after school care is essential for parents to be able to go to work and know that their children are taken care of.” The festivities will run from 10am to 2pm on Sunday at Lawson Street, Emu Plains, featuring a free BBQ, face painting, jumping castle, rock climbing wall and photobooth. There will be music, a magician, Council’s Rooby Roo and the ability to tour the facility and meet the team. Emu Village currently has places available in the before and after school care program for kids aged five to 12 years. The outside school hours childcare centre also offers vacation care. Call 4732 7844 now to enrol your child or to find out more about childcare in the area, visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ childcare.

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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Holiday Inn opens at St Marys as part of Leagues Club’s ongoing expansion LAUREN SUTTIE

ome 20 years in the making, North St Marys’ much anticipated Holiday Inn has checked in what will be the first of its many guests. The $24 million hotel officially opened its doors last Wednesday, just over a year since construction first started on the sixstorey building. St Marys Rugby League Club CEO, Rod Desborough, said everyone at the club was really excited about the new towering addition. “The hotel has probably been part of the long-term plan for the club for more than 20 years, so to see a long-term dream come to fruition is very exciting for all of those involved in the club,” he said. “The hotel was built on time, it was fitted out on time, it opened on time and it came under budget, so it was a very successful build and development.” Adjacent to St Marys Rugby League Club with 119 rooms, a business centre and gym, the new accommodation will further add to the club’s support of rugby league in western Sydney. Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys General Manager, Winston Gong, is confident the hotel will exceed expectations.

Winston Gong and Rod Desborough at the new Holiday Inn. Photo: Melinda Jane

“This Holiday Inn is a new definition of what the brand has positioned itself to be, to be in line with the four star market and making it more convenient for the every day travellers,” he said. With a low key celebration to mark the opening, Mr Desborough said the staff’s main focus was ensuring that the hotel was the best it could be for its guests. “Obviously you want to get it up and operating and make sure everything is at 100 per cent for the guests, so that’s the process that we are in now,” he said. For the North St Marys club that turns 110 this year, the addition of the hotel is just the beginning, with more developments in the works. “The next stage of our development will start in January 2019 and we will be re-orientating the entrance of the club to the western side, facing Forrester Road,” Mr Desborough said. “It will be a magnificent new entrance and part of that will be a state-of-the-art sports bar and a conference centre.” In other news, Accor Hotels has completed its $5 million upgrade of the Mercure Penrith, undertaken by Mostaghim and Associates and Bespoke Interior Solutions. Guests are now able to stay in the refurbished rooms.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

Drop Inn to new hotel

Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Adriana’s dreams are coming true EMILY NEWTON

oaring to new heights in her modelling career, local 19-year-old Adriana Maltese has made it to the grand final in the Australian Supermodel of the Year competition. The Weekender caught up with Ms Maltese about how she was feeling before she jets overseas to Bali for the finals, beginning on February 4. “It was quite unexpected because obviously I wasn’t expecting to get into the finals,” she laughed. “At the moment I have mixed emotions, I’m both so nervous and excited.” Ms Maltese, who has been studying and sitting her university exams this week, said the news was fantastic. While some days she feels torn between university and her sudden modelling success, she is committed to experiencing the best of both worlds. “Trying to juggle uni and modelling can sometimes be a bit difficult,” she said. “Work has been pretty great at the moment. The support is awesome, everyone is being so supportive. “I’ve been able to balance both so far, so I will keep going.”

As her profile rises, she finds herself collaborating with more photographers that sharpen her skills and confidence as she steps closer to her dream of walking the runways in New York. “I’ve had a few requests [from photographers] through Instagram,” she said. “It’s a boost of confidence when I learn different styles, it’s been really great because they really push me.” Ms Maltese encourages other young women interested in the industry to take the leap and give it a go. “If you have a dream you should go for it, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. “If you have setbacks, take that as a lesson to learn from.” The messages of encouragement from the local community when she made the finals last year has helped keep her determined. “A big thanks for all the support that I’ve received and for everyone for following me on this journey,” she said. Ms Maltese will join 20 finalists from around the country in Bali for the grand final where she will shoot with different brands and photographers, participate in challenges and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Adriana Maltese will compete in the Australian Supermodel of the Year grand final

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

Changes needed for safety The editorial (Editor’s Desk, Weekender January 12) on road safety, whilst factual in many ways, misses the main point. The three main factors are generally agreed to be speed, fatigue and distractions mainly by the use of mobile phones. All these can be addressed by the stroke of a pen at little capital expense (by regulation). The behaviour of trucks on the M4 is alarming – tailgating, speeding, lane changing. Solution – try reducing the speed limit to 80km/h for trucks. Ban them from the third lane as in Victoria. Confiscate phones and ban the driver for one month (on the spot) for all drivers found to be handling a phone while driving. Limit driving a truck over 16 tonnes to 10 hours per day. None of these have major unintended outcomes. Savings may well exceed costs. None are that difficult to introduce or enforce. DAVID BENTHAM OAM, JORDAN SPRINGS

Compare apples with apples

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While Sydney’s transport system is crumbing, too often we look at other transport systems around the world with rose coloured glasses. We travel to London or New York and praise the incredible frequency and reliability of their rail network. Yet, we are often making these judgements on the main city centre alone. How many of us who

travel to London head out on a train to the suburbs? I can assure you, there’s plenty of delays and issues. Same deal with New York – how many of us actually travel outside of the main tourist spots? A tourist to Sydney travelling from Central to Newtown, or Town Hall to Circular Quay, would probably think Sydney’s train system is good too. We need to make sure we are comparing apples with apples when we discuss the overseas experience. STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

Transport crisis It appears that public transport is not a priority for Government especially in Penrith. The new timetable proved this! Obviously the system is broken! Exactly when will the people of Penrith matter? SUE DAY, VIA FACEBOOK

Stamping out bullying It is truly inspirational seeing local people taking the initiative (Local mum’s bullying crusade, Weekender January 12). Congratulations to Jessica Harland and Hippidee Hop Australia. If it makes a difference to just one young person, and that one person goes on to lead a happy and fulfilled life, then it is worth all the effort you and your group has put in. DUANE FINDLEY, VIA FACEBOOK

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

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rivia lovers and locals bursting with knowledge are invited to Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghues for the Penrith Relay For Life 2018 Launch this Tuesday, January 23 at 7.30pm. Penrith Relay For Life co-chair Sarah Osborne and Cancer Council NSW event coordinator Leanne Langdon said the family friendly night is the perfect way to start raising funds for the Cancer Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research, prevention, informa-

tion and support services. Trivia tables are made up of eight, and entry is a donation at the door to encourage everyone to come along. Those who register for Relay on the night will only have to pay the discounted price of $10. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As well as the trivia, we will have some chats about what is happening for Relay and what the funds go towards in the local community,â&#x20AC;? Ms Langdon said. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Penrith Relay For Life will be held on April 7 and 8. For trivia booking enquiries, call 4735 5509.

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he giving season doesn’t end at Christmas, with many struggling locals in need of a little bit of extra help this new year. Mama Lana’s Community Foundation is making sure that no child starts the school year behind through their annual school supplies drive. Lana Borg said by donating just a few items, you can make a difference in a child’s life. “We’ve got 30 kids in total that we do school lunch packs for, 40 weeks of the year,” she said. “This is our third year of the drive. We were getting messages through our Facebook page requesting it for people, asking if we could help them with school supplies. “The community has been overwhelming lately with anything we put a call out for they just seem to gather together.” Supplies including school bags, lunchboxes, drink bottles, notebooks, pens and pencils are all appreciated. “I know it’s a big ask for people to grab a couple of extra things,” Ms Borg said. “But if everyone just grabs a couple of different items with their shop, it spreads the burden.” Donations don’t have to be in packaging, and items like sharpeners, glue sticks and rulers that often come in

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

You get what you pay for Leading podiatrist warns parents not to scrimp on school shoes this year LAUREN SUTTIE

hile it’s almost time for parents to rejoice as the school holidays start coming to an end, it also means that it’s time to hit the shops for back to school supplies. And while it’s all well and good to seek out the cheapest and best bargains for stationary supplies, the same isn’t the case when it comes to purchasing your child’s school shoes. Owner of A Step Ahead Podiatry, Brenden Brown said that you generally get what you pay for. “Price really does make a difference, so when we recently reviewed 15 shoes, the vast majority of the cheap shoes just didn’t measure up,” Dr Brown said. “They didn’t measure up because they didn’t bend and flex in the right spots, they didn’t have good material, so they looked like they weren’t going to last a long period of time, and they didn’t have great lacing systems.” Dr Brown said these factors are the most important points to look out for when finding the perfect shoe for kids ahead of the new school year. “Shoes should only bend at the toes and shouldn’t bend in the middle or be able to

Brenden Brown is urging parents to choose wisely when it comes to school shoes

push in the cups of the shoe at the heel,” he said. “The next thing I look at is fastening and I think laces are the best, then Velcro, then buckles, then slip ons.” Rather than point out a particular shoe, Dr Brown said that you are best to visit a store that has people on hand who specialise in fitting. “As a general rule, rather than say a shop straight off, I’d say someone who has experience fitting is always going to make a big difference for you,” he said. “So I look at Shoes and Sox, the Athlete’s Foot, Rebel Sport and Mathers, they’re the sorts of places I’d be looking at.” And while they might be an Aussie icon, Dr Brown said that the ever popular Dunlop Volleys should be avoided. “You know the thing is that school shoes just aren’t school shoes,” Dr Brown said. “The same shoe has to be good for you when playing handball in it, sometimes you have to play soccer in it, sometimes you have to stand at assembly or in a food tech class for ages. “They have to be a really good allrounder.” Most local schools go back next week, so parents have a few days left to ensure they find the right shoe for their kids ahead of the new year.

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joint initiative by Uniting Ability Links and The Ross Hutchison Foundation is helping people with disabilities drive towards their freedom. Nepean Blue Mountains Linker Paul Steward, from Uniting Ability Links, said the program is tailored to reducing the obstacles people face in gaining a licence. “Uniting Ability Links donated a car and funding for the year to a driving program that helps people obtain their 120 hours required,” he said.

“It’s for people with disability, it’s for people with mental health issues, people who are disadvantaged some way at home. “We will give them free driving lessons. We’ve got volunteer driving instructors and we work with The Ross Hutchison Foundation.” The program is also for the Aboriginal community or other locals who may be struggling. By being able to get their licence, more opportunities for people are activated including autonomy for work and personal life. For more information, contact Mr Steward on 0475 807 998.

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

SPECIAL FEATURE AUSTRALIA DAY

Penrith’s Australia Day celebrations return to Jamison Park enrith Council will once again be celebrating the diversity, traditions and heritage that make up Australia, with a fun day out for the whole family. Following the success of last year, Council’s Australia Day event will be returning to Jamison Park on Friday, January 26. The free event, which runs from 3pm until 8pm, provides locals with an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate

who we are, what has shaped us, as well as remember how unique and diverse the country that we live in is. Penrith Mayor John Thain said there will be no shortage of activities and entertainment for everyone to come and enjoy this year. “Council is proud to celebrate the heritage and diversity of this important national holiday,” he said. “It’s marvellous to see families and

communities coming together to celebrate our common home and our diversity, with fun and food at an event like Australia Day.” Not being an Australia Day celebration without Pavlova, locals will be able to decorate their own, as well as participate in other traditional activities such as wood carving and hand spun crafts. And once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the activities, you’ll be able to

satisfy your hunger with the array of food options to choose from, with food trucks, Gozleme, ice-cream, fairy floss and a traditional Aussie BBQ, all on the menu. The Weekender, a major sponsor of the event, was recently thanked by Cr Thain for its ongoing support. “The Weekender are always one of the first businesses to jump at the chance to support events and initiatives that benefit the local community,” he said.

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AUSTRALIA DAY

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The Aussie Arms is the place to be in Penrith

ustralia Day is always a big one at The Arms, and this year will be no different. Opening from 10am on Friday, January 26, the fun will be starting early with a range of activities that the whole family can enjoy. There’s plenty of fun to keep the kids occupied, with a jumping castle, face painting and balloons along with other games, which will give you plenty of time to participate in the big kids games. Yes that’s right, the first annual Thong Throwin’ and Pie Eatin’ Competition will be held from 12pm, where you can try your hardest to become the Aussie Arms Champion and win some great prizes. The kitchen will also be serving their signature house crafted, mouth watering, slow cooked meat pies all day, as well as a classic Aussie BBQ and tinnie bar out the back. And what would Australia Day be without some live music, with Down Thunder bringing their electric show to the Beer Garden stage from 3pm, followed by the incredible No Secrets – The Angels Show, playing loud and hard into the night. The Arms are also bringing back Bands in the Beer Garden in 2018, and what better way to kick it off than with some acoustic musicians in the main bar throughout the day and a DJ to continue the dancing late into the night. Come down to the Australian Arms this Australia Day and see for yourself why it’s fast becoming the place to be in Penrith. The Australian Arms is located at 351 High Street, Penrith.

AUSTRALIAN ARMS HOTEL - 351 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 - Phone: (02) 4731 3881

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Great ways to truly make your party ‘Aussie’!

re you hosting an Australia Day party this year? We’ve got a list of great ways to give it a true Aussie feel. You can thank us later! Play some Cold Chisel: If the party is a little dull, a quick burst of ‘Working Class Man’ should solve the issue. There’s nothing like a bit of Jimmy and the boys to get the party started. Get some Vegemite involved: We all love Vegemite, and adding it to your Australia Day party treats will certainly get people talking. Vegemite meat pie, anyone? Have VB on hand: There’s nothing that will ruin an Australia Day theme quicker than some bloke rocking up with a six pack of Corona. VB should be leading the way on January 26. Screen ‘The Castle’: As the day starts to wind down, consider showing a great Aussie movie to the stragglers. While we love Paul Hogan and ‘Crocodile Dundee’, we’re giving the gold medal to ‘The Castle’ this year. Over-use Aussie slang: Words like ‘mate’ and ‘sheila’ should get a strong workout on Australia Day. Throw in a few good Aussie sayings as well. No party is complete without someone ‘throwing a shrimp on the barbie’. Thongs only: Australia Day being held in the summer means there’s no excuse for anybody turning up in a pair of sneakers or some other fancy shoe. Your party should be a thongs-only event. Start a chant: If things get a bit quiet, just pick your moment and yell ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’ at the top of your lungs.

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Tanya Davies MP

Happy Australia Day everyone

Council’s Australia Day event is returning to Jamison Park on Friday, January 26. Last year’s event proved to be a wonderful day out and an enormous success, with over 5,000 locals enjoying the free family fun day. Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our heritage and the unique modern city we call home. It’s a marvellous thing to see families and communities coming together to celebrate our common home and our diversity, with fun and food at an event like Australia Day. For me, there is no better demonstration of who we are in Penrith, and as a country. There will be no shortage of activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Take your pick from Pavlova decorating, face painting, wood carving, hand spun crafts, wildlife displays and a kids zoo. Or maybe the amusement rides, bubble soccer, a photo booth and T20 cricket is more your speed. And for the littlest Aussies, our

Mobile Playvan will also be there to provide endless entertainment and fun. The popular Swamp Dawkins bush band is returning to provide musical entertainment, and there will also be a special live performance by family favourite Paw Patrol! And if you find yourself feeling a bit peckish throughout the day, there will be a delicious range of food available including burgers, Gozleme, dumplings, ice cream and fairy floss. And of course, a traditional Aussie BBQ. The festivities will start at 3pm on January 26, and run until the sun starts to set at 8pm. You can find more information about the event on Council’s website at: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday2018. Penrith really is the place to be on Australia Day, so grab your friends, family and neighbours and head to Jamison Park for a splendid day out. I look forward to seeing you there next Friday!

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

3-8pm Friday 26 January Face painting, craft, rides and bubble soccer as well as interactive displays and shows.

Authorised by Emma Husar MP, 331 High Street Penrith 2750 2750

A day to spend with

10am-7pm Friday 26 January Victoria Park, Camperdown A festival celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of Sydney.

9am-3pm Friday 26 January Glenbrook Park, Glenbrook Free event with family activities including kids' rides and entertainment, markets and food stalls.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

AUSTRALIA DAY

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

SPECIAL FEATURE NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

It could be the answer you’ve been looking for alt therapy helps to relieve symptoms of respiratory and skin conditions in thousands of adults and children, and Salts of the Earth is leading the way in Australia. Franchise partner Elisa Kupresanin

opened the first Salts of the Earth centre in Penrith two months ago. Salts of the Earth are the salt therapy specialists and help to provide lasting symptom relief to long-term sufferers. People experiencing everything from

asthma, hay fever, cold and flu to eczema may experience significant and lasting relief with regular salt therapy. Diane was a chronic asthmatic. It was so severe she would be hospitalised three to four times a year.

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“Nothing was working. I had lots of lung and chest infections, and was taking large amounts of antibiotics and steroids,” Diane said. “I was really hopeful that Salts of the Earth would enhance my quality of life. “It made a big difference. It cleared the congestion in my lungs, I was breathing better and coughing much less, so I was using less Ventolin as well. “My lung function has now returned to normal.” Andrew Davey was desperate to find relief for his three-year-old son Jake, who suffers from severe eczema. “Jake’s eczema was so bad he needed cold bandages on his skin,” Andrew said. “However with consistent salt therapy and regular salt baths, in just three weeks it dramatically helped control his eczema symptoms and cleared his skin.” Ms Kupresanin said she feels honoured to help so many people in the community find relief from their condition. “We see salt therapy as an opportunity to help others who suffer from respiratory and skin conditions, whether ongoing or seasonal,” she said. “I encourage anyone looking for complementary therapy to book in a free consultation with our salt therapists.” It is important to understand that salt therapy is not an alternative therapy, but a complementary one. It can help relieve the symptoms of a condition and work in conjunction with existing medication, resulting in even greater relief. Phone 4722 2279.

Live, sleep & breathe better with salt therapy at Salts of the Earth Sign up to a Salts of the Earth Management Plan this summer and we will gift you a FREE salt lamp and $50 salt therapy voucher. *T&Cs Apply. Salt therapy is a natural and non-invasive therapy that can help relieve the symptoms of a wide range of respiratory and skin conditions. Salt is a natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antihistamine, so people experiencing everything from asthma, eczema, hay fever or a cold or flu may experience significant and lasting symptom relief following regular salt therapy.

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

SPECIAL FEATURE

Connecting you to a solution to your hearing problems earing loss can creep up on you slowly. Very often, someone will develop a hearing impairment without realising they have a problem. In fact, one in six Australians have hearing loss. This includes – having difficult hearing clearly at social events, participating in discussions at work, holding conversations with family and friends and even watching television. The difficulty increases when there’s distracting background noise or music, meaning people may avoid social situations such as dinners or parties. Despite all of this making everyday life challenging, over two thirds of people choose to do nothing about their hearing problems. So, why is hearing loss still widely misunderstood? Who suffers from hearing loss? Hearing loss isn’t a condition that affects your grandparents anymore. Surprisingly, over half the people who suffer from hearing loss are younger than 65! More and more children are developing hearing-related issues earlier in life, making it even more important to start testing your hearing early on in life. Hearing loss can be instant Myth debunked! Hearing loss is slowly developed over a lifetime of loud music and ageing eardrums. Hearing loss can

actually be instant. Just eight hours of exposure to 90 decibels or more can cause damage to your hearing, and anything over 140 decibels causes immediate damage. If you work with loud machinery, in the military, or in the music industry, you are most at risk of immediate ear damage so don’t forget to protect your ears! Ears are critical to overall health Many people would never guess that those little curved things sticking out the side of our heads would have such an impact on what goes on inside of us. Research shows there is a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Unhealthy ears can contribute to impaired memory and it can increase your risk of developing dementia. Hearing loss can affect balance This seems like a strange one, but hearing loss actually raises a person’s risk of falling. Strangely enough, people with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling! The likelihood of falling increases as hearing loss becomes more severe. This becomes especially worrisome in older patients whose falls are often more detrimental and quick recovery is often impaired. Hearing loss is linked to Tinnitus

Internal ringing in your ear and head? This is tinnitus. Tinnitus is another under-considered, misunderstood condition that seems to affect people with perfectly healthy, normal ears. However, studies now show that hearing loss is present in 90 per cent of tinnitus cases. While it may seem tricky to address and diagnose, there is a bright side – this finding means both conditions can potentially be addressed with hearing aids. Connect Hearing is Australia’s leading

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

PENRITH'S PREMIER CHEER, DANCE & TUMBLE FACILITY • Offering levels 1-5 • Classes for Ages 3+ and all abilities • Full competition-sized sprung floor • Fully-equipped dance room

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Get dancing at Penrith’s exciting new studio!

TRY

ANY C JOIN LASS ANY FOR F TIM REE E

JAZZ. TAP. HIP HOP. CHEER. BALLET. CONTEMP. ACRO. SPECIAL NEEDS.

2018 Registration: Glenmore Park Town Centre - Sat 20th Floribunda - Monday 29th Jan Contact: 0410694907 danceationstudio.com.au Find Us On Facebook

Contact Linda today on

4761 3225

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Classes Held: GLENMORE PARK FLORIBUNDA COMMUNITY CENTRE Mondays From 4pm

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fun, affordable dance sport. Physical Culture or ‘Physie’ is a modern Australian, competitive dance sport for women from ages 3 to 73! Combining elements of low-impact modern dance, aerobic fitness, and rhythmic s

gymnastics, Physie is a fantastic form of ra

exercise for all levels. It builds confidence,

or contact Lyn on 0414 472 460

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n pe

Find your nearest club now at wzphysicalculture.com.au/find-a-club

and fosters life-long friendships. 18

Reign Elite is holding its Open Day this weekend, Saturday, January 20. This is a great opportunity to come and check out Penrith’s newest Cheer, Dance and Tumble facility. Meet the coaches and enjoy the free cheerleading clinics, face painting and jumping castle or book into one of their $5 introductory tumble workshops. Email admin@reignelite.net for more information.

eign Elite is a brand new Cheer, Dance and Tumble gym located in North Penrith. Owners Kirsten, Alicia and Tyjana have joined forces to create a positive learning environment where athletes feel inspired and share the passion for the growing sports of Cheer, Dance and Tumble. “At Reign Elite we want to build well-rounded athletes through positive learning experiences, self-motivation and hard work. We want to provide opportunities for athletes to develop confidence, sportsmanship, respect, a strong work ethic, make lifelong friendships and most importantly to have fun,” the trio said. Offering classes in All-Star Cheer, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Pom and Tumble for students aged three-years-old to adults, there is a class for everyone! Reign Elite’s extensive facility is the largest in the Penrith area, boasting a competition sized sprung floor and separate dance area, catering from beginner to advance students.

Book your dance school in for our upcoming editions

Dance For FUN

DANCE REGISTRATIONS

Dance Registration

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

ST CLAIR BJP PHYSICAL CULTURE “The Fun & Affordable Dance Sport” Ages 2 years up to ladies

A fusion of dance that develops strength, rhythm, flexibility and fitness.

EMPOWERING GIRLS FOR LIFE Registration Day:

Tuesday, 6th February at St Clair Public School from 5.00-6.30pm

Classes Commence: Monday, 12th February - 5-12 years Tuesday 13th February - All Ages

FIRST LESSON

Free

FOR NEW MEMBERS ST CLAIR BJP PHYSICAL CULTURE CLASSES St Clair Public School Hall, Timesweep Drive, St Clair Banks Public School, 182 Banks Dr, St Clair www.stclairphysicalculture.com • email: stclair.physieclub@gmail.com

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

BUSINESS Have you failed your New Year’s resolutions yet?

Changing our focus for the better Phil Voysey // OneGroup Leadership

Jane Tweedy // Western Sydney Business Centre

0457 999 987 | onegroupleadership.com.au

4721 5011 | info@wsbusiness.com.au

o, how are you? Let me guess, you’re busy. Why wouldn’t you be. Everyone else is and if you aren’t there must be something wrong with you. Ours is a culture that values doing over being. We equate busyness with a rich and meaningful life, believing that we are what we do. We set goals in our business and personal lives and put plans in place to achieve them. If we don’t achieve things then what is our life for? I’ll stick my hand up. I have too many projects on the go. Teaching at the university, running a business, writing a memoir, applying for grants for a music project, selecting an aged care home for my father, trying to get through the half a dozen books by my bedside table. I invest too much time and effort in making life meaningful. Thank God for yoga. I need to learn to say ‘no’ more often. No to projects that, while being interesting, are not core to the development of my business. There is a saying that less is more and

that applies in just about everything. Cut back, simplify, create space, play, just be. Take the five or six things I’m trying to do and do one or two of them better. So say the sages of spirituality and business. Find time to nurture stillness, tranquillity, peace of mind and see what that does to productivity and efficiency. Work hard but recover harder. Next time I find myself on the train from the city to the Blue Mountains, I’ll resist the urge to reach for the laptop, a book or listen to my favourite tunes on Spotify. Maybe I’ll be better off just staring aimlessly out the window and letting my mind wander.

January Scho o l Holidays

at The Joan

appy New Year! Have you bounded into 2018 full of hope and plans to not repeat the resolutions that failed in 2017? This article helps set you up for success rather than failure. No more New Year’s resolutions! Call it a New Year’s resolution, but if you want the resolution to succeed, create and write it down as a SMART goal, create an action plan to achieve it and establish new daily HABITs to make it work! Before setting your business goals, a small business owner should first consider their family and lifestyle goals, and the time they can devote to their business and still ‘have a life’. For goals to be SMART they should be as follows: S – Specific: Setting a goal to ‘increase sales’ is no good, as $1 more in 12 months would be a technical success, when we intended to double sales in six months. M – Measurable: Use the right measure to assess if we met our goal. Going to the gym three times a week is a measure, but is it the right measure? Ask, what would it look like if I achieved that (remember

going doesn’t mean doing!)? If your goal has no natural measure you can create a scale. A – Achievable: Although, it is beneficial to set at least one ‘WAG’ (wildly audacious goal), as they tend to lead to the biggest changes in our lives, goals ultimately need to be achievable. A WAG for a non-runner may be to run a specific marathon in two years. It may be achievable, but only with an action plan of smaller goals to support it. R – Relevant: Do you have enough reason to follow through the actions to achieve your goal. Identify your inner motivation, your ‘why’, it can get you through tough times. T – Time-constrained: Set deadlines for completion and include some short and long-term goals. Once you’ve created SMART goals, check to make sure they don’t conflict with your personal goals, and combined are a stretch but are achievable. Set priorities, sub goals and action plans to achieve. What are your goals for 2018? Tell me: news@westernweekender.com.au.

ISAIAH FIREBRACE ONE SHOW ONLY! 21 Jan 7.30pm

The Joan’s 2018 Season gets off to an electrifying start when Isaiah Firebrace lights up the stage, opening the season on Sunday 21 January. Firebrace’s blazing success story from small-town NSW to Eurovision — picking up a coveted X Factor win along the way — has captured the hearts of many. When he launches into Don’t Come Easy you’ll be glad you bought the hottest ticket in town. Standard $65 Concession $60 OR SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

HOLIDAY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & THE JOAN

8 to 11 years | 15 and 16 January 9.30am–4pm each day

Nay Nay

12 to 16 years | 17 and 18 January

A fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers. Workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience. Covering a variety of different dance styles (Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop and Street) for boys and girls 8–16 years, Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops offer an exciting and supportive environment to dance. Fee: $170 per 2-day workshop

HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS

miniFEST! Angie Who

A summer holiday festival of music and ﬁlm — just for kids (and their adults)!

Ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm

This is the perfect way to break up those long summer days and get everyone out of the house for some holiday fun! The day starts in the mini-Music lounge with the magical melodies of singer-songwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots — Australia’s number one international ﬁlm festival for kids. All that entertainment will build your appetite, so after the screening we’ll be feeding hungry tummies — as part of the ticket price — before we head back to the Music Lounge for a special treat — Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime! Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 Ticket price includes lunch

8 to 12 years | 23, 24, 25 January, 9am–4pm each day A great opportunity for young artists to enjoy new aspects in theatre-making and share the experiences with new friends over their summer holidays. Workshops include costume design and storytelling and participants can join for a single day to experience one set of skills, or for the full three days of the program. Fees: $60 per day, $162 for 3-day package

13 to 17 years | 22, 23, 24 January, 10am–3pm each day Growing young performing artists can dive into specialised workshops covering Voice (including accents, Shakespeare’s voice, and sound exploration) and Movement (covering stage combat and physical theatre workshops). Participants can join a single workshop for a half- or full day, or for a multi-day package to enjoy a range of theatre skills on offer. Fees vary, check website.

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 22 – 25 January

Focus Exhibition: Landing Points Have fun exploring the role of storytelling in contemporary art. Workshops include Comic Book Adventures, Collage Creations, Mask Making, Stamped Clay Tiles, Reverse Pastels, Landscape Drawing, Woven Watercolours. Check website for details: penrithregionalgallery.org Victoria Garcia UNITY, 2017 Pigmented ink printed on cotton linen, mixed media installation. Courtesy of the artist.

Visit www.thejoan.com.au for more info and bookings or call 4723 7600

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Stunning new display opens in Lawson

Hotondo Homes 282 Great Western Highway, Lawson

4751 5222 www.hotondo.com.au

ith the local community in mind, Hotondo Homes’ new Northcote 208 display home combines classic design with the needs of locals looking to build a new home. Ideal for investors and those looking to downsize, this threebedroom design has everything you need in your new home. From the moment you arrive, it’s hard not to notice the Northcote’s traditional character complete with cladding and Dutch gables. The facade’s style is mirrored throughout the home with its minimalistic colours contrasted perfectly with timber to create the perfect balance. Local Hotondo Homes builder Colin Duncan believes the home is the perfect representation of their clients’ wants and needs. “We wanted to build a home that showcased what is in demand around the Blue Mountains,” he said. “I like to think of this display as a mountain-styled home that will help inspire people and ease their

new home building journey.” The display home showcases a range of features including the master bedroom, complete with two walk-in-robes and ensuite, a large open-plan kitchen, family and meals area that opens directly to the alfresco and an enclosed home theatre. “The great thing about this home is it’s flexible and can be tailored to suit anyone,” Colin said. Now you can create even more memories in your new home with one of Hotondo Homes’ three amazing no-cost upgrade packages. Cook up a storm with their spectacular kitchen package, cool down with the breezy split system air conditioner package or play it safe with the lighting and security package. There’s never been a better time to build with Hotondo Homes. Start your journey by visiting the team at the new display home at 282 Great Western Highway, Lawson. They’re open every Saturday at 9am to 4pm or by appointment Monday to Friday.

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

I am much happier about life with my NDIS plan. I have found a passion to help others. HANNAH, HWNS customer EVERY DAY House with No Steps support people like you on their NDIS journey. Let’s work together on making your plan a reality. visit hwns.com.au email enquiries@hwns.com.au freecall 1300 LETS GO (538 746)

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Celebrating music of a King

LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s been 45 years since its release, yet Carole King’s second album ‘Tapestry’ is still one of the greatest selling records in history, having sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Whether it’s the simple, honest feeling that each song brings or the level of intimacy King reveals, Australian singer Vika Bull said that the album is still able to evoke something in those who listen to it. “I walked into a shop the other day and

the young girl had it playing and I’m like well there you go and she said to me ‘I love this album so much’,” she said. “I think the message is still there, it’s still the same and it hasn’t changed from 1971 till now. “She’s written songs from the heart that people could relate to then, and can still relate to now.” Paying homage to King, Vika and Debra Bryne have spent the last two years travelling around Australia, playing to huge audiences, in what could be described as a celebration of their appreciation and love for her work. “It’s a joyous thing being able to sing beautiful songs and tell great stories and

entertain people, it’s really good fun,” Vika said. “We talk more about her influence on us and why we love the songs that she wrote.” Despite spending a decade prior to its release writing hits for other artists, ‘Tapestry’ was the album that pushed King into the spotlight. And like most, Vika still remembers the moment she discovered just how incredibly talented King really was. “‘Natural Woman’ is probably one of my favourite songs because when I first heard it, I heard Aretha sing it and I fell in love with it,” she said. “I had no idea that Carole had written

that song but then I found out and then I heard all of these other Carole King songs and it was like holy moley who is this woman?” Like King herself, Vika has spent a few years of her career supporting other artists, but after three decades in the industry, she’s at the height of her career and is as humble as ever. “There’s thousands of great singers in this country, I’m just lucky that I am still working at my age, 51,” she said. ‘Tapestry: The Songs of Carole King’ will be on at The Joan on Friday, February 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets start from $75 for concession. For more information, visit www.thejoan.com.au or call 4723 7600.

4721 1155

PENRITH

74 Henry St Penrith

VALENTINES $55 per person Wednesday 14th February Treat your one and only to a dinner they will remember forever. Upon arrival you and your partner will be greeted with a glass of champagne and a single rose for the lady. Then enjoy a 3 course meal with light entertainment to suit the mood. Book Now!!

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m.au

january

otel.co & re s e r va t i o ns ww w. wa l laciah

Sat 13th Rock Revival Sun 14th Christie Lamb Sat 20th Touchwood Rock Sun 21st Strike Two Fri 26th Downthunder Sat 27th Free Jukebox (no band) Sun 28th Rag N Bone

uiries

SUNDAYS from 1PM

4773 8 8 8 8 for inq

WALLACIA HOTEL

Friday, January 19, 2018 Â« the western weekender

Australia Day Band:

WALLACIA HOTEL presents COMEDY LEGEND SATURDAY 10TH MARCH 8PM

Show & 2 Course Meal Tickets $80.00

On sale from 9/12/17 available at the Hotel 18+ only event

Limited seats available

SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2018 FROM 8PM GET YOUR CREW TOGETHER FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT!

CALL US NOW ON 4773 8888 FOR ACCOMMODATION (NO ONES DRIVING HOME THIS NIGHT!) TICKETS $30.00 | ON SALE AT EVENTBRITE.COM.AU OR FROM WALLACIA HOTEL

Free Pool LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND BANDS 7-11

Fri 7-10pm and New

Karaoke 7-10pm

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

Celebrate Australia at concert on January 26 EMILY NEWTON

elebrate Australia Day by singing along to some of the nation’s biggest and best homegrown hits at Panthers. Starz From Oz is a unique showcase of Australian talent spanning decades performed in our own backyard. The show pays tribute to some of Australia’s best known performers ranging from rock ‘n’ roll’s Johnny O’Keefe and The Easybeats to country boy Keith Urban, pop princess Kylie Minogue and the always funky Guy Sebastian. The performance is expected to be a true blue celebration of Australian

music, perfect for a night out with friends in a venue where you can escape the scorching summer heat. The show is kid-friendly as well, so feel free to make it a family night out and remember to put on your dancing shoes. While you’re at Panthers, why not enjoy a traditional Australian feed of a schnitty and a schooner from Kelly’s Brasserie before the show. Enjoy the sensational showcase of Australian music in Starz From Oz at the Evan Theatre at Panthers on Friday, January 26. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets for members are free. To book visitor tickets, visit www.penrith. panthers.com.au.

Phone:

4721 2515

penrithbowling.com.au

facebook.com/penrithbowlingclub

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Cnr Woodriff & Derby Sts, PENRITH

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Friday, January 19, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

Swing back to the 50s at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lady Luck event LAUREN SUTTIE

t was the iconic era that brought us Elvis, colour TV and poodle skirts and now you can relive the fabulous 50s once more at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lady Luck Festival in Katoomba. Held in the foreground of the Carrington Hotel, there will be something for every 50s fan to enjoy, from hot rods, swing music and pin-up fashion. But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there, as when the sun goes down the fun will continue with a cocktail party held in the Grand Dining Room of the hotel. Closing out the festival for 2018 will be none other than Blue Mountains locals, Rachael Brady and The Moonshine Special as they bring you all the swinging and rockabilly hits.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to bring your dancing shoes as this is one event not to miss! Tickets are on sale now. Rachael Brady and The Moonshine Special will be performing at the Lady Luck Festival After Party at the Carrington Hotel on Saturday, January 20 from 7pm. Tickets are $65, which includes a drink, dinner and entry into the show. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thecarrington.com.au or call 4782 1111.

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KINGSWOOD SPORTS

Australia Day NANZA BOPlate $19

Live

Entertainment 1PM - 5PM

Shakespeare that pushes the limits

FRIDAY 26 JANUARY FR

($7 $)ÂĄ( 7PM

PLATE & BEER SPECIAL!

VALUED AT

$600

BRING IN THIS VOUCHER AND RECEIVE $10 WORTH OF FREE RAFFLE TICKETS* *Not available in conjunction with any other offers

Kara ke

Compet tion EVERY FRIDAY FREE FROM 8PM

EMILY NEWTON

xperience Shakespeare in the open air just like the Bard intended as the Leura Shakespeare Festival returns for 2018. Held at the sublime Everglades Gardens in Leura, the festival is an all weather event like no other in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Leave the kids at home for a sensational performance of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Measure For Measureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; directed by Lizzie Schebesta. Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dark satirical masterpiece will leave you questioning what rules your life, and whether we be ruled by justice or mercy.

Described as an Elizabethan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Orange Is The New Blackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meets â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Handmaidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Taleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Measure For Measureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pushes the genre of comedy to its darkest limits with its contemporary voice. For a lighter and more family friendly performance, Carlo Goldoniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Servant of Two Mastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; adapted and directed by Francesca Savige and George Banders is a must. The Leura Shakespeare Festival runs until Sunday, January 28. Tickets are $38 for adults, $32 for concession and children under nine are free. See both shows and get an extra 20 per cent discount off tickets on the second show. For dates and tickets, visit www. sportforjove.com.au.

TO JOIN

5 WEEKS FROM 2 FEB PANEL OF 2 JUDGES LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

$500

JOIN AT RECEPTION

in prize money to be won

AUTHORISED UNDER NSW LTPM/17/02430. T&Cs AVAILABLE AT RECEPTION

2 Santley Cres, Kingswood NSW 2747 (02) 4737 4600 | kingswoodsports.com.au

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

IN a W o t e c n Yourolchidaay for 2 to h ntil u y a d i r very F y 2018 e n w a r D ar 26 Janu DAILY DRAWS

Barrel opens at 5pm You must be here to WIN.

TO ENTER

Permit Number LTPS/17/20289

From Sunday to Friday, swipe your membership card at the kiosk

Collect your entries & place them into the barrel

Spend $20 or more at participating restaurants & bar

MAJOR DRAWS Every Friday between 7pm – 9.30pm Permit Number LTPS/17/19292

TRIBUTE SHOW

MARK VINCENT

YOUNG AT HEART SAT 10 MAR

THIS IS MY LIFE:

THE SHIRLEY BASSEY SHOW

SAT 10 FEB

ICEHOUSE THU 22 MAR

ONLY SHOW IN SYDNEY

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT Friday, January 19

Daryl Braithwaite Blue Cattle Dog 9670 3050 Saturday, Jan 20, 8.00pm, From $39.80

Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Stars From Oz – Evan Theatre Members: free, 8pm 1300 PANTHERS Chris Gillespie and Martijn Hadders – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Anything Goes Australia Day Celebration – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Fiona Fields – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 2pm 4722 8180 Alessandro Valletri and Caio Farrez – Penrith Regional Gallery Free entry, 5pm 4735 1100 Rockin Mustangs – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 LOT.54, Australia Day House Party – Peachtree Hotel Free entry, 3.30pm 4731 3444 Pool – Wallacia Hotel

Kate Woolfe Trio – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Karaoke – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 One Hit Wonders – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe John Lees Centre 4735 5422 Friday, Jan 19, 6.30pm, From $20

Mr James Band – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 Pool – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 7pm 4773 8888 Royale with Cheese – O’Donoghues Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Sam Lyon Duo – Oriental Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4751 4488 Skyz The Limit – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Voices of Sydney Karaoke – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555

Saturday, January 20 Planet Groove – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Bandits – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 8pm 8822 2444 Andrew Russell does Rock ‘N’ Roll – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 The Beatnix – Rooty Hill RSL From $15, 8pm 9677 4916 Urban Scream – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211 Karaoke – O’Donoghues

Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Touchwood Rock – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 Joe and Cia – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 Nova Tone – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 The Pink Chevys – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0633 Big Bird Yard Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200

The Radiators Colyton Hotel 9623 2266 Friday, Jan 26, 9.00pm, Free Entry

Sunday, January 28 Blackwater – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 5pm 4722 8180 Take A Hit! Duo – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444 Bobby Benton’s Classic 60’s Show – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Rag N Bone – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 Sunday Funday – O’Donoghues Free entry, 12pm 4735 5509 The King is Back Evan Theatre 1300 PANTHERS Sunday, Jan 28 4.00pm, $59.45

Sunday, January 21 Isaiah Firebrace – The Joan From $60, 7.30pm, 4723 7600 Connor O’Donoghue – O’Donoghues Free entry, 4pm 4735 5509 Pool – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 4pm 9623 1384 Stepping Out – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444 Strike Two – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4773 8888 Midnight Drifters – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200

Free entry, 7pm 4773 8888

Saturday, January 27

Friday, January 26 Down Thunder – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 The Quokkas – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Franky Valentyn Duo – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444 Wanted: The Bon Jovi Tribute – Penrith RSL

The Remixes – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 The Breakaways – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 8pm 8822 2444 Blackstar – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Smooth Jive Consultants – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211

/THECARRIAGEEMUPLAINS

Piccolo Bear – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Hugo and Craig – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 Mulgoa Road Jazz Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Karaoke – O’Donoghues Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Free Jukebox – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 Tamworth to Tennessee – Blacktown Workers From $10, 8pm 9830 0633

@THECARRIAGEEMUPLAINS

A 99 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAy EMU PLAINS WW31971

O D UST

Probus Club of Penrith 10am Tuesday, January 23 Penrith RSL • 1300 630 488 Penrith Lions Club 2nd and 4th Monday monthly Penrith Bowlo • 0429 303 414 Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4733 8926 W.S. Melanoma Support Group • 1st Monday of each month • 0431 142 911 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878

Fire up and see ‘X-Factor’ winner at The Joan this weekend Isaiah Firebrace will help kick The Joan’s 2018 season off with a bang, as he performs for one night only on Saturday, January 21. The 18-year-old ‘X-Factor’ winner from rural NSW has captured the hearts of many with his soaring vocals after representing Australia in 2017’s Eurovision. Not one to miss! Tickets start from $60 and can be purchased by calling 4723 7600 or by visiting www.thejoan.com.au.

S R O I N E FOR S

S D I K R FO

Circle of Security Helping parents deal with kids’ behaviour • 4720 6500 Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Sunset Station Singers Mondays at St Marys RSL from 7.30pm • 0425 223 113 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Wednesdays • 0407 077 143

Comic creations

You’re never too old to dance

Unleash your inner artist and create your very own comic strip at the Penrith Regional Gallery on Monday, January 22 at 10am.

Dust off your dancing shoes and get down to Penrith Seniors Dancing Centre this Wednesday for a class in New Vogue and Old Time dancing.

/THECARRIAGEEMUPLAINS

@THECARRIAGEEMUPLAINS

Glenmore Park Probus Club 3rd Wednesday monthly 9673 2580

A 99 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAy EMU PLAINS WW31972

Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

creative A U

sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

crossword ACROSS 1. Stockpile 4. Dilutes 8. Soccer send-off , red ... 11. Squander 13. Parcels up (present) 15. Dominion 17. Dine late 18. Stomach crunch (3-2) 20. Ruin 21. Singer, Paula ... 24. Gate fastener 27. Bullfi ght cry 28. Revived (music) 30. Mexican mister 31. Slanted 33. Does penance (for) 34. Linking 35. Body fl uid lump 36. Respectful form of address (2’2) 39. Papeete is there 42. Ewe’s off spring 44. Manager 45. Cruel men 46. Sinks in middle 48. Barber’s honing leather 49. Cause (havoc) 50. India/Korea continent 52. Tree limb 54. Pod vegetables 55. Interesting relic 56. Bows to the inevitable 57. Shore 60. Comedy or tragedy 62. Powerless (to) 65. Make an entrance 67. Diameter halves 69. Political émigré 70. Related to hearing 72. Check out 73. Cool (breeze) 75. Cast a line 77. Monosodium glutamate (1,1,1) 79. Take as one’s own 81. iPad program 82. Alarm device 84. Covering 85. Accessory 86. Slippery fi sh 87. Kebab sticks 88. Once more

DOWN 1. Hurt 2. Conscious (of) 3. Chum 4. Fuse (metal) 5. Walkways between pews 6. Engage 7. Cram (for exam) 8. Cost of living index (1,1,1) 9. British vehicle, ... Martin 10. Cheat 12. Sting 14. Ghostly 16. Too soon 19. Extremely 22. Kiosks 23. Familiar with (4,2) 25. Fragrances 26. Gets steeper 29. Military pageants 32. Club’s yearly meeting (1,1,1) 35. Beachside 37. Horse-like animals 38. Contempt 40. Savoury jelly 41. Inuit snow shelter 42. Long-limbed (colt) 43. Cut (timber) 44. Jellied meat loaf 47. Comprehended 51. Nanny (2,4) 52. Revered tomes 53. Hired guns (3,3) 54. Not singular 58. Voiced publicly 59. Failure 61. Originated 63. Nimble 64. Breathe 65. Go by (of time) 66. Invitation holder 68. Coral isle 71. Pakistani cricketer, ... Khan 72. Missile ﬁ n 74. Wheat spikes 76. Attempts 78. Bite persistently 80. Dance, ... de deux 83. Irish activists, Provisional ... (1,1,1)

Last week’s solution

Sudoku Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

Last week’s Sudoku solution

Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

Theme: ACE WORDS BOOTLACE BRACELET CARAPACE COALFACE CRUSTACEAN FACE CLOTH FACE CREAM FACE-LIFT FURNACE LACERATE MENACE NECKLACE PALACE PLACEMAT POPULACE RACEHORSE REPLACE SPACE TYPEFACE

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions

Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about Australian music in our special trivia quiz ahead of Australia Day

1. What was the title of Midnight Oil’s highly regarded 1987 album? 2. In which state is the CMC Rocks country music festival held? 3. Whispering Jack was the hit 1986 album from which singer?

4. What is the title of Tina Arena’s debut solo album? 5. What was the name of the Molly Meldrum hosted music show that dominated the TV ratings in the 1970s? 6. Which Aussie country star is married to Nicole Kidman?

ANSWERS 1. Diesel and Dust 2. Queensland 3. John Farnham 4. Strong as Steel 5. Countdown 6. Keith Urban

Trivia Quiz

Maze Runner: The Death Cure - 142 min (M Science fiction themes and violence) Daily: 9:30AM, 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:30PM, 9:30PM

Commuter, The - 105 min (M Mature themes, violence and coarse language) Daily except Sun: 12:00PM, 4:50PM, 7:10PM, 9:40PM. Sun: 12:00PM, 5:00PM, 7:20PM, 9:40PM

PENRITH

Swinging Safari - 96 min (M Mature themes, sex scenes

SESSIONS VALID 18 JANUARY TO 24 JANUARY

and coarse language) Thurs: 1:20PM, 4:20PM, 6:40PM Daily except Thurs: 1:20PM, 4:10PM, 6:20PM.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower (English) - 103 min WW29582

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

(PG Mild fantasy themes) Daily except Thurs: 11:20AM, 4:20PM. Thurs: 2:00PM, 6:10PM

Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Ê Channel Ten has confirmed the brand new season of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’ will premiere on Sunday, January 28 at 7.30pm. Potential celebrities going into the jungle include Aussie tennis star Bernard Tomic, pop singer Ricki-Lee and boxers Anthony Mundine and Danny Green. Meanwhile, Channel Seven will premiere the latest season of ‘My Kitchen Rules’ on Monday, January 29 and Channel Nine will air the newest installment of ‘Married at First Sight’ that same evening.

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

Ê Lisa Wilkinson is set to begin her new life on ‘The Sunday Project’ on January 28 at 6.30pm. Lisa will co-host alongside Hamish Macdonald, Tommy Little and Rachel Corbett. Ê On the eve of the 10th anniversary of Heath Ledger’s passing, Foxtel Movies will commemorate the renowned Australian acting legend with a dedicated Heath Ledger Pop Up movie channel beginning today. Running until this Sunday, January 21, the Heath Ledger Pop Up movie channel will showcase Ledger’s collection of work with 17 of his most popular and critically-acclaimed films including ‘Two Hands’, ‘10 Things I Hate About You’, ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘The Dark Knight’. Ê Next month, the ABC will screen ‘Hawke: The Larrikin and The Leader’ across two nights. This two-part documentary features interviews with John Howard, Bill Kelty, Peter Garrett, Blanche d’Alpuget, Graham Richardson, Max Gillies and Susan Ryan. Catch it at 7.40pm on February 11 and February 18 on the ABC.

THE SUNDAY PROJECT JANUARY 28 CHANNEL TEN Ê New family show ‘The New Legends of Monkey’ debuts on ABC ME on Sunday, January 28 at 6pm. The 10-part series, inspired by a 16th Century Chinese novel, follows a teenage girl and a trio of fallen gods on a perilous journey as they attempt to bring an end to a demonic reign of chaos and restore balance to their world. Ê ‘The X Files’ star Gillian Anderson has pulled the pin on the long-running sci-fi series. “It’s time for me to hang up Scully’s hat. It just is,” Anderson told reporters recently. Ê

Exciting news for ‘Prison Break’ fans

with a brand new season in development. It was confirmed recently that FOX is developing a “new iteration” of ‘Prison Break’. “It’s in very early stages of development, but we’re really excited about it,” President of Entertainment at Fox, Michael Thorn said. “We just heard the pitch… a couple of weeks ago, an approach to the next chapter. But we don’t even have an outline for the pilot yet. I fully expect both brothers (Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell) will be involved in the series, assuming that they’re all available”.

Ê Season 3 of US drama ‘Billions’ will begin streaming on Stan on March 26.

Exclusive stockist in Penrith

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life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Have you been insensitive? Resist the temptation to blurt out something inappropriate that unintentionally hurts others. Words are powerful weapons so use them wisely. When it comes to a friend or colleague, take the time to walk a mile in their shoes. Then you’ll have some understanding of what they’re going through. Your patron planet Mars shifts into Sagittarius from Friday until March 17.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Mercury pairs up with Pluto in your education zone mid-week. So it’s the perfect time to meditate, focus your mind, research a subject that has always fascinated you, or enrol in a course of study for 2018. Then Mars moves into Sagittarius, which encourages you to consider more adventurous options. As Lewis Carroll said: “I’ve believed six impossible things before breakfast”.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

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

Mercury connects with Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus this week. Which is sensational for creative brainstorming as you research, explore and experiment. But expect some conflict and confusion, as you strive to juggle conflicting needs. With Mars revving up your loved ones zone, it’s time to be proactive and fix partnerships problems ASAP. With a gung-ho attitude, you can improve your relationships in leaps and bounds.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

There could be some conflict between your professional and personal relationships, as Mercury and Uranus highlight your struggle to achieve ongoing balance. With Jupiter journeying through your creativity zone have the confidence to express yourself with extra passion and enthusiasm. As Mozart declared: “I pay no attention to anybody’s praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings”.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Lions love to hog the limelight and be the centre of attention. But this week, the focus shifts from you onto the significant people in your life. Perhaps it’s time for your partner or your best friend to shine? You’ll find that putting others first puts a spring in your step and a smile on your dial. But be extra clear in the way you communicate on the weekend. If you are petulant, then relations with other people will be strained and unpredictable.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

On Wednesday or Thursday, it’s time to don your Virgo detective cap and turn on your x-ray vision, as you zero in on the cause of a problem and come up with a satisfactory solution. Then Mars moves through your domestic zone, from Friday until March 17. So when it comes to family members, make it a priority to do more. As Lewis Carroll wrote: “All that is really worth the doing is what we do for others”.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

You’re longing for some peace and quiet but it won’t happen this week, as the planets complicate personal relationships. So don’t feel slighted if someone shocks you, ignores you, or comes on too strong and is super demanding. Just take it in your languid Libran stride! If you are proactive about education, community connections and social networking, then positive opportunities will come your way.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

The planets stir up trouble in your communication zone. So someone could unsettle you by passing on scandalous second-hand news. If you’re smart, you’ll steer clear of garrulous gossip. Plus avoid over-reacting when a frustrated family member pushes your emotional buttons. With Mars moving through your money zone be proactive about finding new ways to boost your bank balance.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Thursday favours matters involving travel, education and business. Impulsive Mars charges through your sign from Friday until March 17. So your speedy Sagittarian side will be on full throttle as you power ahead at top speed. But don’t worry if your spontaneous approach results in some messy mistakes along the way. In the words of French writer Colette: “You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm”.

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

your

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Mercury hooks up with Pluto on Wednesday and Thursday, which increases your concentration, and your tendency to worry and obsess. Calm down and keep positive. Make your aspirations for the future as big and beautiful as possible. With passion and plenty of persistence, you can turn your dreams into reality. As Ellen DeGeneres once said: “Always follow your passion, no matter what”.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Aquarians are in the mood to communicate, network and innovate. And others are finally sitting up and taking notice of what you’ve got to say (both in person and online). Mid-week is the best time to put people (and situations) under the microscope to discover what’s really going on. But with your ruler Uranus squaring Mercury, take care in the way you communicate, especially on the weekend.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Do you have a cherished dream that is taking forever to come true? Are you blaming everyone else for the hold-up? Take a good long look at yourself – perhaps you are the problem? With Mars charging into your professional zone on Friday, there are no excuses for procrastinating about work. The more proactive you are, the more your career will blossom.

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

your

pets

Mission to free Penrith of dangerous virus by 2020 Parvovirus has already been seen in the local area this summer...

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

Despite effective vaccinations we still regularly see cases of parvovirus in dogs in Australia and particularly in the Penrith region. As the warm weather is upon us we are seeing multiple cases of parvovirus in dogs at our clinic. Thankfully we have not seen any cats with the equivalent disease, panleukopaenia virus. Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Feline Panleukopaenia virus (FPV) are related to each other. FPV was first reported in the 1920s, but CPV was not seen until the 1970s. It is thought that CPV came from multiple cross infections and mutations of FPV in wild carnivore species. There are now four recognised strains of canine parvovirus (CPV2, CPV2a, CPV2b, CPV2c). There is only one strain of FPV. CPV2a, 2b and 2c can all infect cats and dogs. Infection with parvovirus causes severe illness and can be fatal even with treatment. Some animals can act as carriers for the viruses and can spread it without showing signs of illness. The virus is shed from infected animals in their saliva, vomit and faeces. The CPV viruses are shed for

about four weeks but FPV can be shed for up to 16 weeks. The viruses are extremely hardy and can resist most household disinfectants and survive in soil. It can be transported on shoes, clothes, flying insects and tyres. In the warmer weather flies are very active and can spread the virus into enclosed yards. Isolating animals reduces exposure risk but due to the way parvovirus is spread isolation alone is not guaranteed to fully protect your pet! Unvaccinated animals with poor maternal antibodies are at the highest risk of becoming sick. Maternal antibodies are

transferred from vaccinated mothers to their babies. They only last up to a few months and the levels can vary widely in puppies and kittens. The best protection from parvovirus and panleukopaenia viruses are vaccination. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations. Adults require annual boosters to maintain their immunity. Most dogs that are affected are either unvaccinated with no immunity or not fully vaccinated with only partial immunity. Our mission is to have Penrith free from Parvovirus by the year 2020.

WINE LIST

JOHN ROZENTALS

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or Laura Heslop and her fiancée Anthony Shaw, the looming 2018 vintage at Stonehurst Cedar Creek will provide a challenging baptism of fire. The young couple officially took over management of the Wollombi winemaking property from Laura’s parents, Daryl and Phillipa, only on January 1 and estimate that their first harvest will start coming in towards the end of this month. That’s when Stonehurst normally picks the chardonnay for its sparkling base, but this coming vintage they intend picking their table-wine chardonnay at the same time, which would be a good two to three weeks earlier than normal. Wollombi’s harvest is normally about three weeks later than that at Pokolbin, 40 kilometres or so to the north-east, and that area has already started picking chardonnay for table wines. And for good measure, Laura and Anthony are also in the throes of building a new cellar door so that they can turn the existing one into a wedding venue. They have, however, taken over some excellent vineyard — about eight hectares of hand-tended chardonnay, semillon, shiraz and chambourcin vines on the rich alluvial soils of a sheltered valley floor. And they have also inherited a very smart range of wines, including some excellent aged semillon. WINE REVIEWS Shaw Vineyard Estate 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz ($30): The full middle palate of shiraz seems to perfectly fill cabernet’s notorious mid-palate hole and the flavours match well, too, providing a heady mix of the herbaceous and spicy.

money

Emotions play a heavy role in our investment decisions

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

your

Greed and fear too often drive our thought processes...

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

All too often, human nature causes us to be overly influenced by our emotions rather than logic. This is particularly relevant when it comes to our investment decisions. For a long time now, we have been aware of the fear/greed cycle that amplifies investment market peaks and troughs. Yet, time and time again, we repeat this behaviour. We chase the returns and create a bubble. As I write this, we are seeing this with Bitcoin, people are buying for the sole reason that they think it is going up. This is nothing new, we had the Tech bubble where anything and everything in the technology space was being bought, prices went through the roof. Most people buying shares did not even know what the companies they were buying into actually did. Some companies had yet to make any revenue at all and had a market value in the tens of millions. Is this logical? Nope, it’s greed dictating our investing habits. When the markets fall the reverse is true. We panic, we sell, we get out as quick as we can. In the Global Financial Crisis, as markets fell panic set in, with good reason initially, and we saw people selling good quality stocks for fear.

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At 7 months old this lovely Kelpie x has ended up at the shelter as a stray. He is Microchipped but no one has come for him so he is now looking for a new family to share his life with. He is an energetic boy that will need a daily walk and some backyard soccer! If you can offer him a home please contact the shelter or come and visit...

Pom was at the shelter last year and was collected by his owner, sadly though they decided they couldn’t look after him so they have surrendered him to the shelter to find a new family. Pom is a very happy, bouncy typical Lab mix that would enjoy a active home but also one where he can relax inside with the family at night. Pom is ready to meet you today!

PCC 9 STAFFY MALE 9 YEARS $181.50 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 4.1.18 KENNEL 28

Choppa is a gorgeous 9 year old Staffy mix that has ended up at the shelter after being surrendered by his owners. His previous owners left notes to say that Choppa is good with other dogs and children, he slept outside and was never house trained. Choppa is a very sweet and happy dog that is looking for a home that will give him the love he deserves from a family. He is ready to be Adopted today so please come and meet him...

Commonwealth Bank fell to about $24 per share. At the time, the dividends were about $2.60 a share, more than 10 per cent of the sale value. There is no logic involved in selling at that point. On an individual basis, our emotions really influence our decisions. Recently, when Uber listed on the stock exchange, an investment analyst gave a recommendation not to buy. He provided data in relation to revenue and profit (Uber is not profitable) as well as future market risk etc. Essentially, he had provided a standard, emotionless investment report for a company about to list. For most compa-

PCC 606 BULL MASTIFF X M(D) 2YO AVAILABLE NOW $270.00 KENNEL 76 Homer has been waiting patiently for a home 3 months now and has still had no luck. He was loved by his previous family but sadly no one came for him and we have no idea why. Homer doesn’t like other dogs much so an only dog home would be best for him at this stage, he will need a family that will help him lose those extra kilos and go for a daily walk and stick to a diet. We have reduced Homer’s Adoption fee to $270 and he comes Desexed, Vaccinated, Microchipped and Lifetime Registered.

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

nies this would get zero attention outside investment circles. This report was shared many times and criticised roundly as being from a dinosaur and alike, why? Because Uber was a market disrupter that many have positive feelings towards, automatically they assume it is a good investment. Many probably invested in it for this reason. The reverse is also true, companies such as James Hardie, which a have a negative public perception, make people reluctant to invest in them. Our feelings towards companies influences our assessment of them as an investment opportunity.

HSC 42 STAFFY FEMALE 2 YEARS OLD AVAILABLE 2.1.18 $385.00 KENNEL 34 Daisy Duke has been at the Shelter for weeks now and would love to find a family of her own! She is only 2 years old and has so much love and fun to offer her new owners, she is a happy, friendly, outgoing girl that loves treats and will sit when asked. If you can offer Daisy Duke a Forever Home come and meet her and see if she is your new best friend.

HCC 486 BULL TERRIER CROSS KEESHOUND FEMALE $385.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 14.1.18 KENNEL 86

How cute is this girl? At 5 months of age she has found herself at the shelter as a stray and while no owner has come forward we are hoping someone out there will give her a very happy loving home. As you expect with her age she is very happy, bouncy and friendly, always up for giving lots of affection and an all round lovely girl. If you can offer her a home please contact the shelter.

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW31083

Friday, January 19, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

your

health

Creating the right exercise plan to help our injuries Losing weight can benefit injury recovery, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often a hard task to work out what sort of exercise you should be doing...

Alicia Whiticker Exercise Physiologist OnePointHealth 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

Often the answer to our injuries is to lose weight. This is a common recommendation from doctors, surgeons and specialists but is a hard one to take on board when it is exercise that hurts our joints. The catch to this is that exercise helps to relieve our pain, we just need to understand what exercise is best for us. Strength training as well as cardiovascular exercise for weight loss will both offer pain relief for our joints as well as benefiting our overall health. In recent research they have indicated that a 10 per cent reduction in body weight will have a 50 per cent reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms and a 40-50 per cent reduction in pain, whereas antiinflammatories only give a 25 per cent reduction in pain. So what exercise is best when you are in pain? This depends on your area of pain and current health but there are several different types of exercise to help lose weight as well as offload some of your pain. Walking is a great low impact exercise

and is readily available for everyone to participate in. Choose a particular area that is flat and has even surfaces and be aware of wearing appropriate footwear. Swimming is another great low impact exercise for people in pain. The water offloads body weight and allows you to work a lot harder than on land without any pain. Simply doing lap swimming to increase fitness and decrease weight is a great way to start an exercise program or a good combination with your land based exercise. The AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill

offers patients the benefits of being able to unload the joints and reduce our body weight whilst exercise in a supportive environment. The AlterG is ideal for patients who would like to lose weight but walking on land or a treadmill causes too much pain. The AlterG allows you to reduce the load on your joints and begin a training program, gradually building up to full body weight. If you are unsure what exercise is best, seeking help from an accredited Exercise Physiologist will ensure you get the correct program for your particular pain.

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religion

Why ‘be yourself’ may not be the motto to live by

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

your

Many of us live by slogans and key phrases, but are they really doing us any good?

Rev John Lavender www.glenmorepark anglican.com.au and on Facebook

“Be yourself”. “Keep it real”. These are the life slogans for many people. They are the hook lines in many an advertising campaign. While “be yourself” might at first sound good, encouraging us to be who we are, when we compare it to the challenge that Jesus sets before us, “be yourself” is actually a poor choice. In the Bible’s book of John, Jesus, rather than say “be the real you”, he actually says, “You must be born again”. Jesus’ point is this. If we are honest, so often we say, do and think things that we know we shouldn’t. So often we let others down. We let ourselves down. We know we are not the people that God calls us to be. Therefore, no matter how hard we try, “be yourself” is not a good option. So here is a huge thought! Christian people remember how Jesus died on a cross, sacrificing his life for us, and rose again from the dead, so that we could be born again. As we trust Jesus, coming to him, letting his words and promises transform and change us, being

born again means growing to become more like Jesus. This new us is a better us than we could have ever imagined. By looking to Jesus, we take on more of the character of Jesus; his kindness, goodness, compassion, steadfastness and faithfulness.

As this year gets underway and you are thinking about what lies ahead, perhaps even setting some goals and ambitions, be encouraged, be challenged to not be yourself, but to be something higher; to be born again, to grow and become more like Jesus. Have a great weekend.

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

your swim safety

The hidden dangers our kids face in the water Holding your breath under water can seem like a fun and harmless game, but it can have dangerous consequences...

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

Children are naturally competitive. They like to work out who is the best swimmer, who can do the most somersaults under water, or who can swim the furthest distance under water while holding their breath – which I also did as a child. How were we to know then that it could be so dangerous? It has since been proven that any under water breath holding contests can have tragic consequences, so we must educate our children and discuss why they should never play games like these. Shallow Water Blackout (SWB), otherwise known as Hypoxic Blackout, can occur when people hold their breath under water, or are practising under water breath holding drills whilst swimming training. SWB happens without any warning of its onset – the swimmer simply loses consciousness due to a severe lack of oxygen to the brain, and drowns. Swimming Australia advise that we should never swim alone, never ignore the urge to breathe, never hyperventilate prior to swimming, and never play

breath holding games and challenges, and that Hypoxic training should only be performed in competitive swimming training under strict guidelines and supervision. Other lesser known dangers are Dry and Secondary Drowning. As parents we are usually on high alert supervising when our children are in or near water, but completely relax once they are finished swimming for the day, but unfortunately the danger is not always over. Dry drowning and secondary drowning occur after a child has left the water as a result of having taken water into their lungs. With dry drowning, water doesn’t reach the lungs, but the breathing in of water causes your child’s vocal chords to spasm and close up, shutting off their airways

and making it hard to breathe. Symptoms of dry drowning usually happen straight after any incident in the water. In secondary drowning (also called delayed drowning) the child’s airways open up, letting water into his lungs, but not enough to disable breathing right away. Instead, the water sits there and inhibits the lungs’ ability to oxygenate blood, causing more and more trouble breathing over the course of several hours. Symptoms of secondary drowning generally start within 1-24 hours of the incident. Whilst both events are very scary, it is important to remember that they are also rare, making up only one per cent – two per cent of all drowning incidents. The key is to always practice good water safety, to remain vigilant after your child leaves the water, and know the signs of dry and secondary drowning. The symptoms of both conditions include coughing, chest pain, trouble breathing, vomiting, blue lips or pale skin and feeling extremely tired. Your child may also display changes in behaviour such as irritability or a drop in energy levels, which could mean the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. If your child has any symptoms of dry drowning and secondary drowning after being in water, please seek medical help right away at your local hospital’s emergency department.

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ELECTRICAL TRADES – TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT This is a new & unique role, in our Penrith Office, for an experienced electrician with maintenance experience BUT who is now seeking to work in an administrative role, within our Electrical division. Perhaps you are now unable to or don’t want to continue to perform the physically challenging parts of a trades role or simply prefer to work in the office rather than on the tools. You will be responsible for prep & checking of invoices, quotes & documentation for jobs, assisting the managers with progress & handling of scheduled works & other admin duties related to progress of works. In addition to your trades background you will have computer skills, strong communication skills & attention to detail & accuracy.

PLUMBERS – MAINTENANCE & UPGRADE WORKS We are looking for Plumbers to undertake general plumbing maintenance & upgrade works locally & throughout Sydney Metro. Must have a range of experience across general domestic & commercial works and be willing to provide a high standard of service & quality. Must be a good problem solver who can work alone or in a team. You will be an efficient & customer-focused tradesperson who values the service Hix Group provides to clients and you will be willing & able to train and develop our apprentices. You will be trained in the use of our electronic Job Management System to access your jobs and complete paperwork.

You will be meticulous with quality, well presented, willing to use our electronic job management system & keen to embrace our Hix Group Culture of Team work, Pride & Responsibility. Send your resume now to HR@hix.com.au (applications will be treated in strict confidence) Enquiries Phone: 4721 7500 WW31973 PUBLIC NOTICES

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AUTO

TOYOTA

Tough, strong and unbreakable

oyota HiLux will ramp up its strength, capability and attitude to even greater levels with the introduction of a trio of new models during the second quarter of this year. The three dramatically styled new 4x4 variants – the HiLux Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X – will extend the “unbreakable” reputation of HiLux with features that boost off-road protection, recovery and functionality. Topping the new line-up of halo HiLux models, the Rugged X is primed for adventure with its daring design incorporating a high-tensile alloy bash plate and a winchcompatible hoopless steel bull bar – both of which are compatible with the vehicle’s airbags and other safety systems. HiLux Rogue, which will also sit above the SR5, offers a premium vehicle that features a bold, aggressive image and wider appearance created by its hexagonal upper grille, fresh front bumper and heavily revised fog lamps. The third new model, Rugged, provides off-roading enthusiasts with a vehicle that is ready for action. It features a functional yet aggressive front-end design, including a premium steel bull bar. Toyota Australia’s vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the new models will add a bold, aspirational attitude to the quintessential HiLux attributes of being tough, strong and unbreakable.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

Sport

TENNIS

Search for a star p.62

Stalenberg strikes for Thunder NATHAN TAYLOR

enrith cricketer Naomi Stalenberg is certainly doing her bit in making the Sydney Thunder a success story this season after a Player of the Match performance against crosstown rivals the Sydney Sixers last Saturday. Despite falling two runs short of a halfcentury, the 23-year-old talent recorded the highest score of her Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) career with 48. The four wicket win over the Sixers puts the Thunder on top of the WBBL standings, with back to back matches against the Adelaide Strikers scheduled in Wagga this weekend. When play got underway last Saturday afternoon, the Thunder enjoyed the perfect start when Alyssa Healy fell with just seven on the board. The Sixers stormed back through Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry but three wickets in as many overs put the Thunder back on top. Sarah McGlashan and Dane van Niekerk countered, and Angela Reakes added 13, but regular wickets stifled the hosts’ momentum, posting 113 all out. When the Thunder hit the crease they lost their top three inside the powerplay but Harmanpreet Kaur showed off her explosiveness with 27 off 23 balls, in

Naomi Stalenberg is all smiles with her side leading the WBBL

her final game before joining the Indian national team. Stalenberg had provided the anchor of the middle order before being bowled two runs shy of 50 with 10 required. Nicola Carey fell for three but that left the stage set for birthday girl Rene Farrell to win the game with an over to spare, lifting the ball over mid-on for four off her first delivery before scampering home for a single to secure victory. The Thunder sit first on the ladder, tied with this weekend’s opponents, Adelaide, on 14 points. Brisbane are third while the Sixers sit fourth. Meanwhile, fellow local Mikayla Hinkley will remain on the sidelines for the rest of the WBBL season after re-injuring her foot while playing for Perth. Before her injury, Hinkley had been performing well for the Scorchers.

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

RUGBY LEAGUE

New recruit Maloney keen to explore Cleary combo TROY DODDS

here’s plenty of personnel changes at clubs across the NRL this offseason but the new-look Penrith halves combination of James Maloney and Nathan Cleary is one of the most exciting prospects of the new year. It is the ultimate mix of experience and youth – Maloney will be 32 this year and has played more than 200 first grade games, while Cleary is just 20 with his entire career ahead of him. “We’re starting off with the basics. It’ll take time and we’ll develop that in the next five weeks before the first trial,” Maloney said of his new combination with Cleary. “I’m excited about it. I’ve been a big fan of what he’s done in such a short time so it’s a really good opportunity and hopefully I can help him in some way and we can get this side around the park and really open up the potential that’s here.” Maloney is particularly excited about the strength that will exist in Penrith’s halves this year, with Cleary to have a little bit less pressure heaped on him in matches. “No side can load up on a dominant play maker,” he said.

“At times there [last year] he had to do a lot of it himself, so hopefully that takes a bit of heat off him.” Maloney confirmed Cleary would most likely be Penrith’s first choice goal kicker this season. “I’m not too fussed if I don’t kick them. Nathan likes doing it... as long as someone is putting them over,” he said. The dual premiership winner left a somewhat ageing squad at Cronulla and said the youth at Penrith is helping to brush off the cobwebs of the off-season. “Being around such a young squad is exciting because there’s so much energy and so much enthusiasm,” he said. “I think there’s plenty of ability here and I think we’ll have a good season. I think there’s plenty of improvement in the side... I think there’s plenty of upside there and as the season goes on we’ll see how we build.” The hot weather that is such a focal point of a pre-season at Penrith isn’t bothering Maloney all that much – so far. “I actually don’t mind the heat. I hate the cold so I can’t really whinge about the heat,” he said. “I can deal with the heat – I think it’s the big boys that the heat hurts a little bit more.”

James Maloney at Panthers training. Photo: Penrith Panthers

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Wallace to lead Panthers Hooker’s experience to help guide young squad through season of expectation TROY DODDS

here was a time just a few short years ago when Peter Wallace’s future at Penrith had a dark cloud surrounding it. An unresolved issue with incoming coach Anthony Griffin and competition for the number 7 jumper could have forced him to another club or even overseas to the English Super League. But Wallace, now 32, transformed his game. He emerged as a quality hooker, resolved any conflicts with Griffin and became a true leader at the Panthers. Now, Wallace will captain the club in 2018 – the logical choice following Matt Moylan’s much talked about off-season departure. “Peter Wallace did a great job at the back end of last year and I don’t see any reason to change that at the moment,” coach Griffin said. “He’s been a great servant to the club and his transition into hooker has given him another lease on life and taken him to another level. “He is a great leader around the place

Peter Wallace will captain Penrith in 2018. Photo: Melinda Jane

and has really grown over the last couple of years in that role.” Such was Wallace’s transformation that he was on the verge of returning to representative football last year but a groin injury ruined his opportunity to represent New South Wales in the Origin series. “He’s had a really good off-season and we’re looking forward to watching him play this year,” Griffin said. Incoming five-eighth James Maloney said he was looking forward to working under Wallace. “He’s very highly respected amongst the boys and a nice calm old head. I think it’s a really good appointment,” he said. “I’ve always had plenty of respect for him playing against him so it’ll be nice to work with him.” Wallace steps into the shoes vacated by Moylan, who signed with the Sharks after a turbulent 2017 off the field. “It’s obviously not what we wanted and I’m sure it’s not what Matt wanted,” Griffin reflected. “As a club we dealt with that and we wish him all the best. You never want to have a conflict like that but it happened and we all learned something out of it.”

the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

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Friday, January 19, 2018 « the western weekender

Spratt won’t look for Comm Games gold Story continued from » p. 64 “I was very shaken up but my team was awesome. Jess Allen stopped, Annemiek (Van Vleuten) stopped... just calming me down. “I’m so thankful to them.” This year’s Women’s Tour Down Under was upgraded by the Union Cycliste Internationale to a 2.1 classification, which is now just two steps below WorldTour level. Spratt said she was over the moon that her season kicked off in winning style on home soil. “I’m really happy… it’s such a special race, I’m really proud of this race,” she said. “I think I’ve been in Adelaide for every (women’s) edition at the Tour Down Under – even when it was a bunch of criteriums – so I feel like I’ve grown with the race as well. “Just to see it grow like this, it’s special, and it’s a really important race for Mitchelton-Scott.” Born in Penrith, Spratt is a twotime national champion from 2012 and 2016, and has represented her country at the last two Olympic Games. However, Spratt has already ruled herself out of April’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, preferring to focus on major cycling events in Europe instead.

TENNIS

Where is next star? Local association hopes to find the next big thing in tennis NATHAN TAYLOR

ith the Australian Open well and truly underway in Melbourne, the Nepean District Tennis Association (NDTA) is on the hunt for Australia’s next tennis superstar right here in Penrith. The popular local association is opening up the gates of the Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre this Saturday, January 20, offering free tennis lessons to any child that turns up on the day. “With tennis in the media at the moment, many parents are looking at enrolling children into tennis programs for the new year,” NDTA CEO, Chris Woodland said. “Penrith is a town with a lot of talented athletes, and tennis is a sport that offers huge opportunities to good junior players.” With tennis on the rise in Penrith, Tennis Australia believes the city is the perfect place to hold a talent identification day. “Tennis Australia has identified Penrith as a key Regional Centre for future tennis

Joel Stevens enjoys a spot of tennis this week. Photo: Melinda Jane development, and have supported Penrith Council’s recent investment into the site,” Woodland said. Free lessons will be conducted on the half hour all morning from 10am for children aged three to 18-years-old. There will also be free cardio tennis

and adult group lessons available too. Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre is located on the corner of High Street and Castlereagh Road (opposite Council). For more information, contact the Pro Shop on 4721 2880 or email coaching@ ndta.com.au.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 19, 2018

OZTAG

Aussie dream comes true for determined Brooke NATHAN TAYLOR

er new nickname is “Ankle Breaker” after her fierce sidestep recently destroyed the ankles of a male opponent – resulting in medical attention – but for Glenmore Park teenager Brooke Bailey, representing her country in OzTag has always been a dream. Eight years ago, the soon to be 16-yearold told her Nan she wanted to play for Australia one day. That dream became a reality last December when Brooke was selected as a member of the U16 Australian Girls team. The Year 11 Penrith Anglican College student will don the green and gold for the first time during a Trans Tasman Tour of New Zealand in April before representing her country at the OzTag World Cup in November. Speaking with the Weekender, Brooke said OzTag has always been a part of her life ever since she was a little girl. “I used to watch my parents play at the Kingsway in St Marys when I was younger and I told them I wanted to play too,” she said. “They then signed me up and I played at Hickey’s Lane before moving to Nepean

OzTag. I’ve been playing representative OzTag since I could qualify but this is the first time I’ve been picked to play for Australia.” While it’s clear OzTag runs in the family, Brooke said she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of those close to her. “Without my parents and Nan, I wouldn’t be able to get to and from training,” she said. “When they found out I made the team, they were all really proud.” But it isn’t just OzTag that Brooke is highly talented in. The teenager has also played representative touch football and netball, and is hoping to one day represent her country in Rugby 7s. “OzTag is my favourite sport but hopefully down the track I can give Rugby 7s a go,” Brooke said. “I’m yet to play it but I have played AFL at school and I really enjoy the contact. My dad said if I can get a little bigger, I can give it a go in the future.” Whatever Brooke’s future goals are, it’s clear she has a very good track record in achieving them. Do you have an inspiring sports story like this? Email Nathan.Taylor@westernweekender.com.au or call 4722 2998.

Around the grounds CRICKET: Penrith have gone down to St George in Round 10 of the NSW Premier Cricket competition. Playing in a two-day match at Hurstville Oval last weekend, St George won the toss and elected to bat first. After posting a very strong score, the home side were dismissed for 296. Best with the ball for Penrith was Jake Wholohan who took 5/105. When Penrith hit the crease on Sunday, they fought hard with the bat but were eventually dismissed for 229. Luke Hodges was terrific with the bat, smashing a half century before being caught on 56. Penrith will travel to Rosedale Oval this Saturday to take on FairfieldLiverpool.

BASEBALL: Congratulations to Penrith Baseball junior Mitchell Skinner who made his Sydney Blue Sox debut in the Australian Baseball League earlier this month. Skinner showed tremendous composure on the big stage and will no doubt

BASKETBALL: Long-time Penrith Basketball junior Sarah Creanor is on her way to the United States to play college basketball with Wagner College in New York. Creanor signed with the Division 1 NCAA school in November last year and is very much looking forward to starting her career abroad. “Thank you to all the coaches that have helped me throughout my playing career, especially Rod Miskell and Leonie Moore for bringing me up in the Penrith representative program,” Creanor said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and appreciate all my friends and family who have supported me throughout this process. I cannot wait to start this new chapter in my life.” RUGBY UNION: Despite recent rumours that the Penrith Emus would be missing from this year’s Shute Shield competition, the battling club has confirmed they do have a place this season. This week the club confirmed on their Facebook page that it was “business as usual” at Nepean Rugby Park in 2018. “Emus still in the draws and comp,” the club posted. “Spread the word, continue to share and invite fellow brothers along to training and the games.” The Emus recently underwent another overall with the return of Jim Hook as Club President and two new head coaches.

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BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers first grade side finished 2017 in losing fashion, going down to Macarthur in both games during Round 13 of the NSW State Baseball League competition. In the mid-week game, Penrith were thrashed 9-2 while they weren’t much better in their second encounter losing 8-1. After their recent Christmas and New Year break, Penrith finally return this week against Central Coast in Round 14.

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Glenmore Park’s Brooke Bailey will represent Australia in OzTag. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Sport

the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

Friday, January 19, 2018

Spratt cycles to victory NATHAN TAYLOR

espite a shocking high-speed crash during the final stage, Penrith cyclist Amanda Spratt held on to claim her second straight Women’s Tour Down Under title in Adelaide last weekend. Cycling for Australian pro team MitcheltonScott, the 30-year-old started the 46km Stage 4 with a 29-second lead from Lauren Stephens and 90-second lead on Katrin Garfoot to go back to back. The Penrith Cycling Club member set up her overall victory by winning the third stage last Saturday, but suffered a major scare on lap eight of the final race when she was involved in a high-speed crash that brought down roughly 20 riders. Fortunately, the Rio Olympian wasn’t seriously hurt and Spratt’s teammates were able to return her to the peloton, where she crossed the finish line behind stage winner Chloe Hosking. “I actually had time to stop, but the people behind me didn’t see it and someone zoomed into the back of me,” Spratt said after the race. Story continues on » p. 62

Penrith local Amanda Spratt wins back to back Women’s Tour Down Under titles

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