Western Weekender May 19 2023

ANSWERING THE CALL THE CRISIS FACILITY WE WISH PENRITH DIDN’T NEED

INACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS PARENTS, BE WARNED: POPULAR PROGRAM FACING AXE

Apopular State Government program that offsets costs of sports and recreational activity for kids could be axed at the end of next month.

If Premier Chris Minns opts not to continue the Active Kids voucher program, it will be a crushing blow to not only parents but local businesses that benefit from the concept. The vouchers, which give parents and carers $100 per child so they can participate in sport or a recreational activity, are being reviewed ahead of the State Budget.

HR and Marketing Manager at Nepean Swim and Fitness Julie Sheldrake said she was “disappointed” to hear the news that the cost-of-living measure could be cut.

“We are all experiencing that cost-of-living pressure with the price of petrol, groceries and mortgage rates going up, so people don’t have as much disposable income,” Sheldrake said.

“We have seen a 50 per cent increase in families reluctantly cancelling their swimming lessons over the past four to six weeks citing ‘financial pressures’.”

With 10 million swimming lessons missed during the pandemic and the swim school

industry still recovering, Sheldrake fears of the repercussions for families who are no longer able to take part.

“I understand fiscal responsibility and that it can’t go on forever, but recent Royal Lifesaving research shows that drowning risk is at a generational high and children are months behind on swimming tuition,” she said.

“The whole industry is getting back up and running after swim teachers got other employment during COVID but take these vouchers away and we will see enrolment drop and that will affect local employment.”

339 people drowned in Australia in 2021/22, which was a 15 per cent increase on the previ-

ous year and a 24 per cent increase on the 10-year average.

EMILY FESZCZUK

A new safe haven that will assist local women and children affected by domestic, family and sexual violence has opened its doors in Penrith. Emily Feszczuk reports on Page 5

Main photo: The ribbon cutting at the new facility in Penrith last week. Inset: Inside one of the

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Local doctors have welcomed moves in last week’s Federal Budget to help boost funding for health services, but say more needs to be done.

Increasing the bulk billing incentive at a cost of $3.5 billion in a bid to help GPs who are being forced to charge patients to keep their practices alive may be a win, but it’s not the silver bullet solution.

As more doctors switch to not bulk billing, the commitment announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers will help incentivise general practitioners to provide free healthcare to around 11.6 million Australians.

A triple increase in the bulk billing incentive for concession card holders will be quite useful according to Erskine Park Family Clinic Doctor, Russell D’Cunha.

“It is definitely a positive step to promote bulk billing for those with concession cards and will likely make some clinics thinking about transitioning to full private billing to re-think and consider at least a mixed billing model to continue to routinely bulk bill concession card holders,” D’Cunha said.

“This will greatly assist those most vulnerable in the community in continuing to access medical care at their local GP and not delay presenting for health concerns.”

Our Medical Home Penrith Clinical Lead Doctor, Janet Widmer said that it was good to see the government “finally listening to the concerns of general practice”.

“The tripling of the bulk billing incentive for children and concession card holders will

go a long way to ensuring the continuation of accessible healthcare for bulk billing medical centres like ours,” Widmer said.

“However, we hope it’s just the start of the long overdue additional funding for general practice.”

Widmer said GPs were the “front line” of the healthcare system.

Other Budget measures included additional remuneration for GPs spending extra time with a patient, funding to extend telehealth consultations, and increased funding to allow more GPs to visit elderly people at home or nursing homes.

Despite the additions, D’Cunha said that the government must look at addressing broader issues as doctors and medical practices struggle with an influx of patients and rising costs.

“Many GPs and clinics, whilst welcoming the above announcements, are still going to continue to private bill patients until the Medicare rebate matches the Australia Medical Association recommended fee,” he said.

“To achieve this, Medicare rebates for a Level B consultation would need to increase from $39.75 to approximately $86 and Level C from current $76.95 to approximately $158.00.”

Widmer agreed that the funding is welcomed, but that more measures need to be put in place.

“The government needs to provide services entirely free for patients who are at risk, who are vulnerable and those with complex health problems,” she said.

“We try very hard to cater for those people but the difficulty is our remuneration has been decreasing so they need a realistic bulk billing rebate from my point of view.”

Erskine Park Family Clinic

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

Dutton, Pay TV and a World Cup

Liberals have a Dutton problem

A poll published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday made for interesting, though not entirely unexpected reading.

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A year on from forming government, Labor has been given a vote of confidence by most Australians with 63 per cent saying the government has done a good job, and only 29 per cent rating it poorly.

Sunday will be the one-year anniversary of Anthony Albanese toppling Scott Morrison to win the election and it’s hard to argue Labor’s first year can be given a definite pass mark, albeit at times shaky.

The real problem the Coalition face in its attempted re-build is not Labor or Albanese’s popularity, but the lack of appetite for Peter Dutton to ever be Prime Minister.

He sits at a preferred PM result of just 20 per cent and it would be difficult to see him making all that much ground before an election that is only two years away.

It’s not that Dutton is a poor performer; indeed he’s one of the most experienced politicians in Canberra.

But he is seen as being part of the old guard; leftover from a period of politics most Australians voted to leave behind them last May.

He faces a difficult road ahead; particularly as he mounts what is essentially a “no” campaign against The Voice referendum, from which he will have just 18 months to recover should the “yes” vote get up.

Even rusted on Coalition voters must know Dutton will not be the next Prime Minister of Australia and certainly not the next Liberal Prime Minister. That person may not even be in Parliament yet.

Just as Labor had to recover from the turmoil of the Rudd / Gillard / Rudd years, the Coalition needs to find a way back into the hearts of Australians and return itself to being a legitimate political force.

Political bloodbaths happen, and so do resurgences from the grave, but Dutton just doesn’t have the cut through to rescue the Liberals from this.

It may be he has to lead them to an election defeat in 2025, and hope that a rising star

emerges from the rubble for the election after that.

As it stands, the wider electorate sees the Coalition as divided, with no real clarity on what it stands for. Until they can sort out those issues, they’re no chance of mounting a legitimate chance to win government again.

Indeed, Albanese may find a path to going to an early election at the back end of next year, if he remains in such a dominant position.

Are Foxtel’s days numbered?

Subscription TV provider Foxtel is increasing its prices in July, prompting the question: are you still connected to Australia’s most expensive TV service?

Foxtel launched with a bang in 1995, almost three decades ago now, and built a huge subscriber base during a period in which it dominated the Pay TV sector.

But now Foxtel faces more competition than ever, as far cheaper streaming services like Netflix, Stan, Disney+ and Paramount+ become staples of households across the country.

Depending on your package, and negotiating skills, your Foxtel connection can cost you anywhere from $59 a month to $120, and even more with various add-ons like an additional box.

Despite it being the home to a range of exclusive sports coverage, and major shows like ‘Succession’, there’s no question it’s an expensive outlay.

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And from July 2023, the price of Foxtel basic packs will go up by $3 per month, with the BYO Platinum HD package going up by $2 per month.

For some, it may be the breaking point.

You have to wonder how long Foxtel will persist with its current model. It has launched its own streaming services, Binge and Kayo, in an attempt to attract newer and presumably younger audiences, as well as those looking for much of the same content but at a cheaper price.

However, Binge and Kayo are among the most expensive streaming platforms – though some would argue have the best content.

So often Foxtel advertises shows that it has on its platform as being on Binge and Binge only; almost ignoring its Foxtel audience or that the brand even exists, which may be telling and certainly would have to stifle audience growth.

Whatever happens in the future, there can be no question that Foxtel charging $100+ a month for its subscription service can’t be a viable long-term option.

Australia must host next World Cup France’s decision to pull out of hosting the next Rugby League World Cup in 2025 opens the door for Australia to come to the rescue and host the event.

It’s an enormous opportunity to have matches not only in every major Australian city, but to extend games to New Zealand and even league-mad Papua New Guinea.

The rise of teams like Samoa and Tonga and their huge supporter bases in Australia make it a logical decision.

Rugby league is currently enjoying stunning TV ratings, strong crowds and something of a resurgence, all supported by expansion (with more to come) and the NRLW competition.

But the game cannot rest on its laurels. Novelty moves like opening the season in Las Vegas may be all fun and games, but events like the World Cup being played here at home can solidify the growth being experienced.

It should be high on the NRL’s agenda.

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“They’re no chance of mounting a legitimate chance of winning government again”

Anew safe haven that will assist women and children affected by domestic, family and sexual violence has opened its doors in Penrith, marking the first kind of a new type of support model.

The refuge, which is operated by The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter under the Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) network, is supported by $7.8 million in NSW government funding under Tranche 1 of the Core and Cluster initiative.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said the refuge is the first of roughly 70 facilities that will be rolled out.

“We know that more than 50 per cent of women who apply to crisis shelters are turned away due to limited capacity and each night more than 56,000 women across Australia are homeless, while more than 75 per cent of their homelessness is attributed to domestic violence,” Harrison said.

“This has 11 self-contained residential units that will provide somewhere to live for up to 47 women and 93 children each year.

“It will provide safety and dignity for women and children but also allows them to access counselling services, legal assistance and employment services.”

There will be a mixture of crisis accommo-

dation and rapid rehousing units ranging from 12 weeks to six months, with clients having access to staff support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel said The Haven residences are the 10th addition to the Women’s Community Shelters network.

“It has been just over five years since The

Haven was first brought to life in the local community and since then it has become embedded and very cherished part of this local area,” Daniel said.

“It is delightful to be working together in partnership with so many to take it to the next level and provide that very unique identified support that was noted by our amazing Shelter Manager Sam on the ground.”

Part of that partnership is Evolve Housing, which is headed by CEO Lyall Gorman.

“Our dream, our hope, our passion is that these facilities are not needed in years to come and that our society is that settled and respectful as everyone is entitled to a safe place to live,” Gorman said.

“In the meantime, we need a collaborative mindset in addressing these critical issues. It can’t just be a government challenge; it has to be community challenge and we’re blessed to have the partnerships we have to have brought this to life.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown is proud of the service but said the gravity of the situation is unfortunate.

“Penrith has that very sad statistic as being up there as one of the highest LGAs with incidents of domestic and family violence,” McKeown said.

“That is something we are not proud of, but I am proud that our State Government will be rolling these out over the coming years, and this is going to be a magnificent facility.”

Top row: Annabelle Daniel, Natalie Falvey and Simone Parsons. Bottom row: Samantha Campbell, Jodie Harrison and Karen McKeown. Pictured at the new facility last week.

Medical boost for Penrith

New medical centre and dental practice to open on High Street after approvals

the proposed development complying with all relevant parking and access requirements.”

The centre of Penrith will have more health services with Development Applications (DA) for a medical centre and dental clinic along High Street both being approved by Penrith City Council.

A dilapidated single storey dwelling at 133 High Street will be demolished to make way for a medical centre and car park with works estimated to cost around $700,000.

The 1080 square metre site, which is situated next to the Kradle 2 Krayons childcare centre, will have five consulting rooms, one reception and waiting area, along with a procedure room and a pathology room.

A traffic and parking impact report determined that having five practicing health care professionals means that 15 car spaces are required along with one space for support staff and one for a pathologist.

A total of 17 spaces including an accessible space will be available in the car park with the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) deeming it as an “important community facility”.

“As professional offices, the likely impact of the development from the perspective of noise and other social and environmental disturbances is likely to be negligible,” the SEE said.

“Traffic impacts are likely to minimal, with

Further down High Street at number 288, on the corner of High and Evan streets, sits a heritage listed cottage.

A DA worth $937,541 has been approved by Council to alter and add to the building to be used by Wisdom Dental and Denture Clinic (WD&DC), which currently operates in Penrith.

“WD&DC is an existing established local dental practice, having operated from the existing premises in Tindale Street, Penrith, for the past decade and offering a wide range of professional dental and oral health services to the community, with a local and regional clientele,” the SEE said.

“WD&DC are seeking to relocate their existing established practice to the subject site, affording an enlarged and ‘high exposure’ premises to cater for the needs of the growing business.”

With the dwelling that was built around 1923 operating until 2019 as a doctor’s surgery before being unoccupied, a series of minor restorative works will take place to the structure to improve its design integrity and cosmetic appearance.

A new at-grade car park will be constructed at the rear of the 730-square-metre site and the general hours of operation will be 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday.

Construction will begin soon.

The disused property at 133 High Street in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Push for Active Kids vouchers to continue beyond June 30 cut-off

While additional funding was not officially committed, former Premier Dominic Perrottet pledged to continue the scheme if he was re-elected at the March State Election.

Premier Chris Minns said he would look to commit to the program for another year if he won the election, but Penrith MP Karen McKeown now seems uncertain on the future of the vouchers for local families.

“Unfortunately, the Active Kids vouchers programs are set to expire on June 30, 2023, which was a decision the former government didn’t announce ahead of the March 25 election,” McKeown said.

“It was not something we had anticipated, and the cost of the program is $136 million.”

While McKeown did not have a definite answer if it would be extended, she told the Weekender that the Government is considering a raft of programs in preparation to hand down the Budget in September.

Deputy Premier and Londonderry

MP Prue Car said the program wouldn’t necessarily be cancelled, but funds would need to be found.

“We are reviewing all the expenditure because obviously we are in a really difficult budgetary position and something that the Premier is really keen to make sure that we communicate with people is that we need to make sensible decisions to keep our economy strong in NSW,” she told the Weekender on Wednesday.

“We are reviewing expenditure, that doesn’t mean we are cancelling things. In the case of the vouchers, obviously there was no budget allocated for that going forward so it is a case for us to find a way to fund that, and that’s with a lot of things.

“We want to make sure we are clear with people with the situation we have come into.

“It’s very difficult but government is about priorities, and we will make sure that our priorities are met and that people know that we are going to be sensible with the state’s money, that’s really important to us as a government and that we are able to balance the books, as well as ensure a prosperous and fair future

for the people of NSW, particularly for western Sydney.” Sheldrake hopes that the program can be saved, or a similar scheme introduced in the Budget to replace it.

“This is about safety for us but there will be dance schools and other sports affected, which will also add to the childhood obesity,

rate which is another threat we face,” she said.

“Families are hard with everything at the moment, so this will be a further blow for families of all shapes and sizes.”

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the vouchers must continue, and said Labor should be more honest.

“The Labor Government needs to come clean. It needs to tell kids and parents why it’s looking to cancel vouchers and increase cost-of-living pressures on them at the worst possible time,” Mr Speakman said. At the start of this year more than 4.85 million vouchers had been redeemed, saving families $481 million.

Julie Sheldrake with students at Nepean Aquatic Centre.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

News

Administration

Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street. St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city

Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city

Services Waste Services 4732 7777

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

Meeting Dates

29 May – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

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Council Briefs

● St Marys Lights Up like never before as Queen Street becomes a festival of fun with roving performers, amusement rides, creative workshops, food trucks and live music filling the street. St Marys Lights Up will bring the fun for all ages! For toddlers, a soft play zone will keep active little ones safe and busy. For the older kids – amusement rides and a gaming station will keep them entertained. Roving performers including acrobats, hula hoopers and magicians will wow audiences. A range of food trucks providing delicious snacks and dinner treats will satisfy your taste buds, why not enjoy your food in Coachmans Park as live music plays on stage. Join us for a fun night out in St Marys!

For more information go to penrith.city/events

● From July until December 2023, there will be staged temporary closures of the viewing decks overlooking Jordan Springs Lake to allow for works to be carried out to replace the timber decking. Signage will be in place to inform the community of the closures. The viewing decks will be progressively reopened as works are completed.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

● Council has upgraded the cricket practice facilities at Cook and Banks Oval in St Clair and Patterson Oval in Cambridge Park. The upgrades have improved the functionality and safety of these facilities for our local cricket clubs and will also encourage greater participation as the community grows. These projects are supported by the Nepean District Cricket Association and funded by the NSW Government, Council, Cricket Australia, and Cricket NSW.

They were identified through Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, which is a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across our City. Find out more at penrith.city/spros

● Marking its 10th anniversary, National Road Safety Week takes place until 21 May, and serves to remind all road users of the devastating impact road trauma has on individuals, families, and communities.

According to the Australian Road Deaths Database, road crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury in Australia, with 1,187 people killed and over 40,000 seriously injured in road crashes in 2022 alone.

The week-long event aims to raise awareness about the importance of road safety and encourage all Australians to play their part in making our roads safer.

For more information about National Road Safety Week, go to roadsafetyweek.com.au/

Public Notices

Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for 16 Chapman Street Werrington

Penrith City Council is publicly notifying an amendment to a Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and Lendlease Communities (Werrington) Pty Ltd. The Draft VPA has been prepared in connection with the proposed development of 16 Chapman Street Werrington, also known as ‘Kings Central. The draft VPA secures the delivery of infrastructure works identified in the relevant precinct and contributions plan. These works include open space embellishment, stormwater drainage, construction of a new local road network and associated road upgrade works. The draft VPA also includes the delivery and dedication of additional works that are not identified in the relevant plans. In addition, the VPA establishes a mechanism for the reimbursement of acquisition costs associated with the land council purchased from Transport NSW for the delivery of a roundabout on Werrington Road.

A copy of the draft VPA and explanatory note can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au

The notification period is from Thursday, 18 May 2023 to Friday 16 June 2023.

For enquiries: Please contact Natalie Stanowski, Principal Planner, on 4732 4703 or email natalie.stanowski@penrith.city

Public Meeting – Penrith Local Planning Panel

The Penrith Local Planning Panel will meet to determine the following:

• DA22/0589

13–15 Luttrell Street, Glenmore Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 2-storey and 129-place child care centre including basement car parking and associated site works

When: Wednesday, 24 May 2023 commencing at 2pm

Where: The Local Planning Panel meeting will be conducted in a hybrid environment with opportunity to either attend the meeting in person or connect online.

To enable access to the meeting and registration of speakers, please contact the Development Services Department on 4732 7637 or email localpanel@penrith.city by 4pm on Monday, 22 May 2023.

For any person intending to access the meeting remotely, a meeting invitation with log in details will be provided upon request. Please also confirm if you wish to register to speak.

Any person joining the online meeting are informed that the meeting will be audio recorded, and a copy of that recording will be made publicly available following the meeting.

Relevant documents will be available on Penrith Council’s website penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Local-Planning-Panel/

penrith.city

Outdoor workers encouraged to book skin checks urgently

Anew video campaign from the Cancer Institute NSW has spurred additional reminders from skin cancer experts to protect yourself and book in for regular skin checks.

The new hard-hitting ‘Change Your Routine’ video campaign specifically targets outdoor workers, with these types of jobs exposing employees to three times more UV radiation than indoor workers.

In particular, the video warns of the dangers of skin cancer, and includes accompanying resources modelling how, when and where these workers and employers can protect their skin at work.

Professor Tracey O’Brien, Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW emphasises the importance of focusing on this demographic.

“95 per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and for those working in agriculture, construction, roads and our backyards, the risk of developing skin cancer is even greater,” she said.

“Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented if we follow the advice that has been drummed into us for decades – when outdoors, slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a wide brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. It can truly save lives.”

Two out of three Australians are treated for skin cancer during their

can be cut out, this isn’t always possible, with men over 40 years of age two-and-ahalf times more likely to die from melanoma than women of the same age.

It’s for this reason that getting your skin checked regularly is so important.

Dr Xiaoping Zhang from Medeco Skin Cancer Clinic in Penrith said that getting your skin checked is key to staying healthy, noting that he frequently sees tradies and other outdoor workers coming into the clinic.

“I always suggest that if they’ve gotten sun exposure, come in for a skin check,” he told the Weekender

“If nothing happens, it’s still better to be safe than sorry, and if something does happen, we can detect it early. Early treatment has better results.”

According to Dr Zhang, everyone should be going in for a skin check every six months at minimum, with those who see the sun more frequently, and anyone who spots anything out of the ordinary, coming in even more regularly.

“I suggest coming back every six months, but if you find anything, or if a family member finds anything, always come back to see us,” he said.

He said changes can often be sudden.

“Some things we will check, and there’s been no sun damage, but after one month or two months, it will suddenly change. Maybe they’ll go fishing, or go to a soccer match, and something is suddenly triggered, so it is really important to keep coming back,” he said.

You can view the new ‘Change

Public Exhibition

Draft amendment to the endorsed Glenmore Park Stage 3 chapter of the Penrith Development Control Plan 2014

Council invites you to view and provide feedback on a draft amendment to the endorsed Glenmore Park Stage 3 chapter of the Penrith Development Control Plan 2014.

The Glenmore Park Stage 3 site is located south of the existing suburb of Glenmore Park, bounded by The Northern Road, Chain-O-Ponds Road and Mulgoa Nature Reserve.

At its Ordinary Meeting of 12 December 2022, Council resolved to:

• rezone the site to facilitate urban development, and

• endorse a draft Development Control Plan (DCP) for the site.

The endorsed DCP has been further updated to, include revised road profiles, minor amendment to the access and movement controls, align with revised technical studies, and minor housekeeping amendments to update figures and numbering.

At its Ordinary Meeting of Monday, 1 May 2023, Council resolved to publicly exhibit the draft. The draft amendment is on public exhibition from Friday. 19 May 2023 to Friday 16 June 2023 and can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au

You are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission to Council by 5pm on Friday, 16 June 2023 by:

• Email: city.planning@penrith.city

• Post: The General Manager (Attention City Planning)

Penrith City Council

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

Please include a subject line indicating ‘Draft amendment – Glenmore Park Stage 3 DCP’ in emails and letters.

For further enquiries: Please contact Clare Tregenza, Planner on 4732 7548.

Development Consent/s Determined

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

Approved Development Applications

• Professional Development DA23/0081

Services Australia

Lot 2401 DP 1022699, 30–37 Woodside

Glen, Cranebrook

Detached dual occupancy

• Hi-Craft Home Improvements DA23/0212

Pty Ltd

Lot 43 DP 211674, 27 Elliott Street, Kingswood

Carport

• Abraham Nemra DA23/0178

Lot 9 DP 245929, 13 Jason Avenue, South Penrith

In-ground swimming pool

• Sharon Jones DA23/0191

Lot 6 DP 39348, 283–291 Devlin Road, Castlereagh

Demolition of existing shed and construction of a shed

• Fowler Homes Pty Ltd DA22/1215

Lot 311 DP 270417, 31 Halmstad Boulevard, Luddenham

Single storey dwelling, front fence and swimming pool

• Santo Gallo DA23/0257

Lot 327 DP 270417, 22 Farmingdale Court, Luddenham

In-ground concrete swimming pool, deck and retaining walls

• Professional Development DA23/0230

Services Australia

Lot 408 DP 246920, 15 Allsopp Drive, Cambridge Gardens

Construction of 2-storey attached dual occupancy and Strata title subdivision x 2 lots

• Jadco Homes DA23/0176

Lot 8077 DP 260615, 8 MacBeth Grove, St Clair Shed and pergola

• Hi-Craft Home Improvements DA23/0185

Pty Ltd

Lot 5018 DP 828257, 28 Womra Crescent, Glenmore Park Awning

Viewing of Development Applications

• GJ Gardner Mod23/0054

Lot 1 DP 1231299, 150 Church Lane, Castlereagh

Section 4.55 modification of DA21/0255 for relocation of OSSM absorption bed

• GJ Gardner DA23/0204

Lot 331 DP 792062, 7 Hillside Circuit, Cranebrook

Single storey dwelling

• Figtree Project Management DA22/0978

Pty Ltd

Lot 327 DP 246989, 6 Villiers Place, Oxley Park

Alterations and additions to an existing building and change of use to a group home (transitional)

• Better Built Homes & Mod23/0068

Developments Pty Ltd

Lot 273 DP 836561, 72–74 Kenilworth Crescent, Cranebrook

Section 4.55 modification application to DA21/0708 to amend the OSSM System and effluent disposal area

• John Anthony Xuereb DA23/0104

Lot 3039 DP 789209, 10 Pegasus Street, Erskine Park

Detached secondary dwelling

• Wisdom Properties Group DA23/0205 Pty Ltd

Lot 24 DP 1224294, 69 Doncaster Avenue, Claremont Meadows

2-storey dwelling

• Claudia Elise Riley DA23/0090 Lot 5 SP 73455, 5/151–153 Cox Avenue, Penrith

Home-based food business (baked goods)

• Lendlease Rl Jordan Springs Mod22/0230 Holding Pty Ltd

Lot 1 DP 1248137, 1 Hortsmann Circuit, Jordan Springs Section 4.55(1A) modification to DA19/0808 for an approved seniors living development involving re-configuration of the basement and new vehicular access onto lakeside parade

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

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

Dr Xiaoping Zhang from Medeco Skin Cancer Clinic.

CASSIDY PEARCE

PAGE TEN SPY

Joke

Q: What was wrong with the chemistry joke?

A: It didn’t get a reaction.

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

State of Origin is Australian sport’s greatest rivalry, the pinnacle of rugby league, and creator of the game’s modern legends.

The Immortals of State of Origin has been released ahead of the 2023 State of Origin series, the highest rating sporting contest on free-to-air television with a national footprint.

State of Origin is rugby league’s toughest arena. The pinnacle. The creator of the game’s modern legends. The selection every footy player aspires to.

To be selected to represent your State is the greatest honour. To play, elevates the player to the status of Immortal, the game’s highest individual honour.

In The Immortals of State of Origin these two fabled League concepts come together. The book celebrates a dream team of Queenslanders and a supreme side of New South Welshmen, from over four decades of cane toad versus cockroach competition.

paceway winners lucky

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

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

Dose Dorin of

Researched and compiled by experienced journo and sportswriter, Liam Hauser, the book delves into the Origin careers of his selections, highlighting each individual’s triumphs and heroics. The Immortals of State of Origin is filled with memorable moments, action photographs and Origin career statistics; includes over 100 images and 26 chapters profiling the greatest players in State of Origin’s first 40-plus years. The book is available from all good retailers now. Gelding Street Press, $39.99.

The Weekender has three copies of The Immortals of State of Origin to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Origin’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Sunday, May 28 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0777, 0428, 0597.

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

with Daniel McKinnon

South Penrith: Woman’s online selling sparks police interest

A woman has been charged after stealing in South Penrith.

For the past several months the online activity of a 37-year-old South Penrith woman has been monitored by police.

It is alleged the woman was selling a significant amount of children’s clothing, which were brand new with tags attached.

It is alleged the woman would advertise new items daily, selling them below their retail cost.

The woman was seen to advertise multiples of the same item in different sizes.

About 7.20am on Friday, May 12, police attended the woman’s address in Pebworth Place, South Penrith to execute a search warrant.

The woman was arrested, and officers seized approximately 120 items that were believed to be stolen.

The woman was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, June 27.

Penrith: Man to front court over shopping centre incident

A man has been charged with ‘affray’ and ‘using offensive language in a public place’ in Penrith.

About 4pm on Friday, May 12, an 18-yearold South Penrith man allegedly attended a shopping centre on High Street, Penrith.

The man walked through the centre and allegedly started making abusive slurs towards a 16-year-old youth.

The youth continued onto an escalator where the 18-year-old followed him, before cutting in front of him and antagonising him.

The pair exited the centre before the youth and the man allegedly adopted a fighting stance and came together.

They both ended up on the ground in a wrestle and the fight continued until security attended to intervene. Whilst the 18-year-old was being held, it is alleged that he continued to antagonise the youth.

Security officers attempted to move the man away from the youth and he allegedly continued to swear profusely in the shopping centre.

Police attended and the man was arrested. He was charged and will front Penrith Local Court on Thursday, June 8.

Colyton: Man attempts to run after returning positive breath test

A man has been charged after being caught

mid-range drink driving and escaping police custody in Colyton.

About 8.30pm on Friday, May 12, police were patrolling Muscio Street, Colyton when they stopped a vehicle for a random breath test.

Officers had a conversation with the driver, a 25-year-old St Marys man who was submitted to a breath test, that proved positive.

The man was informed that he was under arrest and allegedly asked “Why?”.

As police began to explain, he sprinted away and was pursued before being apprehended in Ball Street, Colyton.

He was handcuffed and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.081.

The man was issued a licence suspension notification and was charged.

He was to appear before Penrith Local Court on Thursday, May 18.

Kingswood: Drugs found in woman’s dressing gown and pram

A woman has been charged after possessing two lots of prohibited drugs in Kingswood.

About 9.15pm on Friday, May 12, police were patrolling Wainwright Lane, Kingswood when they stopped a 57-year-old Kingswood woman, who at the time was pushing a pram.

The woman was searched, and police allegedly located a small foil package containing cannabis in the pocket of the dressing gown she was wearing.

Officers searched the items in her pram and allegedly located a small resealable plastic bag in a wallet containing methamphetamines.

The woman was charged and will appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday, June 9.

Blue Mountains: Bus crash results in multiple hospitalisations

An adult and five children were taken to Nepean Hospital at Kingswood last Friday after a bus crash in the Blue Mountains.

Two other children were taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment.

Officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash, which involved two vehicles.

Police have been told one bus – containing 15 passengers – and another bus – containing 10 passengers – collided on the Great Western Highway.

None of the injuries were life-threatening.

If you are involved in an event that involves an insurer it can be a challenging time.

This might be a claim on your own insurance for something like the weather events about your home or, perhaps you are dealing with an insurance company about a car accident.

The purpose of this column is to give you some suggestions about how to deal with a Letter of Demand from an insurance company as a result of some sought of motor vehicle collision.

Quite often people will be involved in some sought of minor car accident where the Police are not called but details including insurance details are exchanged.

One or both parties then go back to their insurer, explain their version of events and usually, subject to the relevant insured person paying their insurance excess, the insurer will cover the cost of repair.

Insurance companies typically do not like wearing this kind of loss however so, they will often write to the other party to the collision or incident seeking to recover the cost they have spent repairing their insured person’s vehicle.

For example, a person is reversing out of a car parking spot at a shopping centre and collides with Person B.

There is some damage to each vehicle but nothing requiring anything like a tow truck or a Police report.

Person B reports the incident to their insurer, pays their excess and their insurer pays for the repairs to their vehicle.

The insurer then sends Person A a Letter of Demand to the effect of “we have been advised that on X date you were involved in a collision with Person B. We believe you are at fault and demand payment of the sum of $Y from you or we will sue you”.

These Letters of Demand take various forms, some insurers are more polite than others but ultimately you should not always

LOOKING

accept face value that you are to blame and simply make payment.

This is because it is often difficult to determine who was actually at fault in these kinds of situations.

Further, the insurance company is usually just relying on the version of events given to them by their insured person to determine fault without any independent evidence like a third party eye witness or CCTV.

The amount of people who simply pay the sum of money that the insurance company demands without asking what evidence they have to prove their claim is mind boggling.

The reason this is important is because if you refuse to pay because you do not believe you are in the wrong the insurer will need to sue you to recover their alleged loss. To do this they will need to prove to an appropriate Court or Tribunal that you were at fault with respect to the relevant accident. So, if they only have what is often a vague version of events from their insured person and no third party witnesses or CCTV or any other evidence that actually proves you are fault, they are likely to fail in their case against you.

That is not to say that you should mislead an insurer or give evidence that is not correct, however the insurance company should be put to proof when they send Letters of Demand to everyday people which often result in people simply paying money that they may not actually be liable for because they are worried about the repercussions.

If you do not believe you are fault, ask the insurer to provide the evidence they will rely on to prove you are at fault. If they have no evidence, or their only evidence is a sketchy version of events from the person they have insured, you should consider trying to settle their claim for a lesser sum of money that recognises that the insurer will have difficulty recovering the sum from you if the matter goes to Court or getting some legal advice.

Man who threatened to kill his mother remains in community

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

ABerkshire Park man who threatened to decapitate his mother has been given a Community Correction Order.

The 27-year-old fronted Penrith Local Court via video link earlier this month, charged with ‘intentionally or recklessly destroy/damage property domestic violence related’, ‘stalk or intimidate intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm’ and two counts of ‘contravene prohibition or restriction in an apprehended domestic violence order’.

According to court documents, the accused was served a final Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) in October 2022 after he punched a hole in an internal wall of his mother’s home.

Less than 12 months later, he breached the court orders by visiting the victim’s home within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.

Before 9am on April 17, an argument ensued between the two parties over the accused’s drug use.

According to court documents, his mother asked if he was under the influence of drugs and told him that he would have to leave the property.

The accused then said, “shut the f**k up or I’ll cut your head off and chuck it in the chook pen”.

A set of agreed facts state that the victim no longer feels safe in her home and fears the accused may follow through with his threats.

He was granted bail at Penrith Local Court but reoffended less than 48 hours later by returning to his mother’s address.

Earlier this month, the court heard that the accused’s history is “permeated by drugs and alcohol”.

His lawyer also said his client, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been diagnosed with bipolar.

The prosecutor noted the seriousness of domestic violence offences, telling the accused that he’ll “end up in jail” if he keeps reoffending.

In sentencing, Magistrate Gregory Moore was frank, telling the accused “you couldn’t even comply with your bail for 48 hours”.

“Your mother does not deserve to be treated in the manner in which you treated her,” he said.

He had his Conditional Release Orders revoked and was given an 18 month Community Correction Order (CCO).

As part of his CCO, he must accept rehabilitation and supervision from Community Corrections at Penrith.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Aman disqualified from driving until 2055 has had his habitual offender declaration quashed.

Jason Isbitski appeared at Penrith Local Court via video link on Thursday, May 11, where he applied to have his driving ban overturned.

After taking an oath, he told the court that he needs his licence to get to his place of work and take his 75-yearold mother to medical appointments.

Before handing down his decision, Magistrate Stephen Corry told the court that the length of Isbitski’s disqualification period “effectively means he’ll never be able to drive”.

He also noted that Isbitski has not committed a driving offence since 2015, telling the court that the imposed penalty “appears to be disproportionate”.

Isbitski’s habitual traffic offender declaration was quashed and, once he is released from custody, he will be eligible to apply for a learner’s driver licence again.

Popular Greek restaurant will close after six years in

Cranebrook-based Greek restaurant Avli has announced it will close its doors on June 25 after six years in operation.

The reasons behind the closure of the restaurant, which opened in 2017, were not immediately clear. “We hope that you all have enjoyed our little bit of Greece that we have brought to the Penrith community,” the restaurant said in a statement.

The restaurant said it was closing with a “heavy heart”. Avli was based in a heritage

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

ASouth Penrith man has walked free from jail after being allowed to serve the rest of his sentence for driving offences in the community.

Shane Taylor, 51, was previously sentenced to six months behind bars and disqualified from obtaining a driver’s licence until 2044.

On Monday, May 15, he appeared at Penrith District Court, via video link, where he appealed the decision.

According to a set of facts tendered to the court, Taylor was busted in the driver’s seat of a white 4WD just before 10pm on November 22, 2022.

He was driving along Jamison Road when police noticed his partially obstructed number plate and signalled for him to pull over.

When asked to produce his driver’s licence Taylor said, “I don’t have one... it’s disqualified... I went to court the other day”.

He has never held a driver’s licence and is disqualified from obtaining one until December 2043, court documents reveal.

When questioned in relation to why he was driving during his disqualification period, Taylor allegedly told police, “I had to pick my daughter up”.

Taylor is a habitual traffic offender and has been formally charged with ‘drive motor vehicle on road during disqualification period’ 21 times.

On Monday, an Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) lawyer representing Taylor told the court that her client “has got low literacy, finished school in Year 8 and doesn’t have a birth certificate”.

She also stated that Taylor is employed “for the first time in his life”.

Second chance for bad driver Man can apply for licence after magistrate shows compassion

She asked Judge Sophia Beckett to reduce her client’s fixed term of imprisonment and told the court that he has completed the Traffic Offenders Program since going into custody.

The Crown Prosecutor told the court of concerns that Taylor will continue to reoffend.

She was especially concerned that Taylor told community corrections “he wouldn’t do anything differently” and “the only way to avoid him reoffending would be to give him a driver’s licence”.

However, Taylor assured the court that he’s “learnt his lesson this time”.

Before handing down her decision, Judge Beckett told the court that Taylor “is not exactly an angel”.

She also took into account that he was cooperative and did not evade police in a pursuit.

“I’ll give you a second chance,” she told him.

His long disqualification period was reduced by six months and he was given a five-month Intensive Correction Order (ICO) to replace the remainder of his custodial sentence.

As part of the ICO, he must accept supervision from Penrith Community Corrections and cooperate with Justice Initiatives through the ALS to obtain his birth certificate.

“Deal with the fundamental issue… then you can be a normal functioning member of the community,” Judge Beckett said.

Taylor is due to reappear before Penrith Local Court on June 1.

and historic church that was reimagined for the creation of the restaurant.

Inside Avli at Cranebrook.

Festival returns with a new name but same dedication to aspiring theatre talent Students in the spotlight

you’re in an actual

This June, Q Theatre’s key youth event will be returning as The Riff: Youth Theatre Festival, with local schools set to showcase inspired performances.

The event, which has been around for over 30 years as Flannofest, then the Annual Youth Theatre Festival, aims to provide local young people with a platform to express their ideas, and an invaluable experience working in a professional theatre setting.

Glenmore Park High School has been involved in the event for many years, with participation part of their Year 11 students’ assessment task, said Drama Teacher Dee Mattes.

“There’s a unit in Year 11 Preliminary Drama that they need to do the elements of production. What better way to figure out and learn about how production works, than going to the Joan Sutherland Theatre and working with outside directors to get that experience?” she said.

This year, the school is working with their director to create a work that reflects this year’s theme, ‘Welcome Home’.

The students have now been working together for a few weeks, with Mattes saying that each aspect has helped the students to learn about the industry –even just being on the stage at The Joan for the first time.

“When you come from a humble class room with lights, it’s quite the opposite when

that that’s where they get Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School has also been participating in the event for a long time, sending a combined Year 9 and 10 class called Nepean Young People’s Theatre to showcase their performance pieces.

Over the past few weeks, the school has been working with director Aslam Abdus-samad on a horror comedy piece. Already, Drama Teacher Emma Taite said she has seen the benefits of her students working with a new

“Each director has a different way of approaching things, and I think that’s good for the kids, because they get to see that there’s not one way to create theatre,” she

A former director with the festival herself, Taite has only rave remarks regarding the program, and encourages everyone to come along and support young, local talent.

“Bringing all of these kids together for this one festival who have all gone through the same experience of working with a visiting artist or director, they’re all on an even playing field, and they celebrate that,” she said.

“It’s all about celebrating them, and giving them the experience of storytelling, and also telling our local stories.”

The festival will be on at The Joan on Friday, June 2 at 12pm and 7pm. Tickets are Standard $25, Concession $20, Family of Four $80. Visit thejoan.com.au.

Aprovisional driver has narrowly avoided a full-time jail sentence after being allowed to serve her term of imprisonment in the community.

Tessa Smith, 36, fronted Penrith Local Court on Thursday, May 11, charged with ‘common assault’ and three counts of ‘drive motor vehicle during disqualification period’.

According to court documents, police first noticed her in the driver’s seat of a black

Mercedes Benz Kompressor Coupé on October 27, 2022.

Court documents state that Smith’s car was stationary in traffic and police pulled up alongside her and stopped the vehicle shortly after.

When asked to produce her licence, Smith told police: “I’m disqualified”.

Further checks revealed that her registration had also been cancelled in August, 2022, due to a fine default.

After telling police that she had entered into a payment plan but was unable to make the

payments, she was cautioned and no further action was taken.

Smith was also found guilty of punching a former partner in the face in August 2022.

On Thursday, a lawyer told the court that Smith uses drugs to self medicate symptoms of severe PTSD and anxiety.

She also said that her client is an Aboriginal woman who has experienced “significant emotional upheaval”.

In her final submissions, she asked the magistrate to consider alternatives to fulltime imprisonment.

Magistrate Fiona Toose was frank in handing down her sentence, saying Smith needs to “abandon” her past and that she would “be going to jail full-time” if she hadn’t started going to rehab.

“I accept you’ve had a chaotic and unfortunate upbringing,” she said.

“If you keep doing this you will be in jail for a long time, I can assure you”.

Smith was given a 12 month Community Correction Order (CCO) and a 12 month Intensive Correction Order (ICO). She was also disqualified from driving until May 2026.

Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School students.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

‘Anakai Drivers’ taking pride in the neighbourhood to new levels

For many, mowing the lawn is nothing more than a chore, ensuring that your house looks livable and relatively snakefree. But, for others, it’s a lifestyle.

If you’ve ever travelled down Anakai Drive in Jamisontown, you would know that in addition to the lawn of each individual front yard, the almost 500m strip of grass opposite the residents’ houses always looks flawlessly manicured. This is all thanks to five men, who call themselves the Anakai Drivers.

The movement began over 20 years ago, when long-time resident Geoff McMillen took matters into his own hands and purchased a ride-on mower to get the job done. Two years ago, other neighbours began to jump on board.

“Petrol got too dear, I stopped doing it for a bit, and they all had to buy a mower!” he joked.

Though McMillen notes that Penrith Council mows two metres back from the road, and does the edges for the Drivers, he said there is much more work to be done.

Instead of having one person do the entire lawn at once, the Drivers have split it up so they each have one section of it, ensuring that no

one has too much work, and adding some healthy competition.

“Everybody’s got a section, and everybody keeps to their lines,”

McMillen said.

“If one person mows, everybody’s got to come out and mow, because then your section looks bad!”

According to McMillen, there are endless benefits to them mowing the lawn, including enhancing their view of the Mountains, and adding an additional place for children to play.

“It just makes the street do a lot better, safer, there’s somewhere for the kids to play, and it keeps the snakes away from the house,” he said.

“All of my grandkids grew up here, we all played ball, it’s like another backyard.”

Plus, for the Drivers, compliments from passersby are a definite added bonus.

“This is the best time of year, so it looks beautiful,” he said.

“There are lots of people that come through walking their dogs and things, and we get lots of comments on how nice the street is.”

The Anakai Drivers can be spotted mowing the lawn once a week in summer, and once a month when the weather cools down.

Regardless of the weather, a hard day at work usually ends with an ice-cold beer.

“Everybody enjoys doing it, that’s why we do it,” McMillen said.

ST MARYS VETERANS’ WELLBEING PROGRAM – MAY 2023

Wellbeing Activities for Veterans and Family

occasional walks from/to The Train in lieu; must meet criteria

walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre (The Train) Small bus

weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre

mornings @ Veterans Support Centre (Train carriage); for beginners Merrie

&

Wednesday of each monthly - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club

9.00am @ Mamre House area

trip to Randwick to pack care boxes

-

Wellbeing Activity for MAY 2023

Four of the Anakai Drivers: Geoff McMillen, Denes Borsato, Paul Saxby and Matt Thomson. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

A night in for men’s health

Guest speakers, important information and live footy headline event’s return

After their inaugural event in 2022 created such buzz, the team at OnePoint Health has announced the return of Boys Night In, to be held at its High Street clinic next month.

The aim of the event is to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, said OnePoint Health Exercise Physiologist, Alicia Whiticker.

“We are passionate about helping our community and we want to provide men of Penrith a safe space to come and be educated about how they can help themselves or help their friends and family,” she said.

“75 per cent of the daily suicide rate is males in Australia, and too often it is out of reach for people to get to a psychologist or a counsellor, so we want to be able to provide that for the local community.”

Whiticker said that although feedback was incredibly positive after last year’s event, she’s excited to announce a few exciting changes – including a new partnership with Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk.

“We didn’t want to provide an educational event that did not have a follow on for these men to be supported after they attend our Boys Night In,” she said.

“Teaming up with the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk provides our attendees with a weekly ongoing event they can attend and create a

great support network. We are also passionate about supporting local and this group does a fantastic job of saving lives in our community.”

The event on Friday, June 16, has lots to be excited for already, with more announcements coming soon.

“The event will start with a fantastic line-up of guest speakers including V8 Supercar

driver Jayden Ojeda, World Champion boxing trainer Johnny Lewis, and Andrew from Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk and more to be announced soon,” she said.

“After our panel, we will provide dinner and a live screening of the Penrith v Cowboys game with some great prizes.”

Following a full house in 2022, Whiticker is hoping to see the same occur again this year.

“It is a great event with all proceeds going to the Men’s Walk and Talk initiative,” she said.

“Our community always gets behind these meaningful events and our line-up of guest speakers will ensure everyone learns a lot about how to take better care of themselves.”

Tickets to Boys Night In 2023 are $20. For more information or to book, visit onepointhealth.com.au.

Last year’s Boys Night In event was a huge success.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Summer’s cancer fight inspires major new fundraiser in Penrith

This Sunday, Brisket Boys, Drink West and Westside Riders will be coming together to put on the biggest bike and car event of the year in support of a local family.

The idea for the event came about for Westside Riders’ Ryan Breen when a member of his club brought the cause to his attention.

“Once I heard her story, I couldn’t help but sympathise,” he said.

“Anything we could do to help would be great.”

The fundraiser event will be in support of the Williams family – Justin, Naomi, Summer, and Lacey.

Two years ago, 16-year-old Summer was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer called pineoblastoma, which has seen her endure numerous surgeries and high intensity chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

After being given just a few weeks to live last year, Summer has continued to beat the odds, and is currently trying a more natural approach whilst in palliative care.

For father, Justin, knowing that the community is coming out to support him and Summer emotionally and financially “restores [his] faith in humanity”.

“We run our own business, so taking time off and things like that is hard to do at the best of times, but just being able to take a step back and spend time with her as a result of this help is incredible,” he said.

“It also helps with medication and things like that, because it’s not cheap. We do what we have to do to get her what she needs.”

The event, which will be held from 9am at Brisket Boys, will be a judged event for those bringing cars and bikes along, and will also

see auctions and merchandise sales going directly to Summer’s family.

But, if you’re not into cars, Breen promises a great day out for the whole family.

“We’ve tried to cater for everyone,” he said.

“Even if you’re not into cars and bikes, there’s still going to be great food and live music.”

For Justin, the event is as much about raising awareness as it is raising funds, with him hoping to see as many people out there on the day as possible.

“At the end of the day, the money doesn’t matter. We would give every cent back to have her not have this. It really is about awareness,” he said.

“It’s important to know that things like this are out there, and things like this can happen to someone in your family, or to your child. It puts everything into perspective, but we’re going to pay the ultimate price for this perspective.”

To donate, visit westsideriders.com.au.

A previous Westside Riders event. The Williams family at Summer’s 16th. Summer Williams.

Pipes, drums and good friends: How you can experience the fun

EMILY FESZCZUK

Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums President Tim Badger said before joining the group he used to be able to fit his musical experience in his little finger.

The band is now looking for new members who don’t necessarily need to have musical skills but need to have a strong sense of community spirit.

“We started around four years ago at Smithfield, but we stopped because of COVID and re-established ourselves in Penrith close to a year ago because a lot of the members were from out this way,” Badger said.

“We became an RSL sub-club earlier this year and we have members of the general public in it as well as veterans involved as it is another way to help them with their mental health or PTSD as it gives them something to focus on.”

With 27 members, the group is looking to expand to perform at different events and competitions.

“The primary obligation and function of the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums is to provide a professional and competent band for community and Penrith RSL events in an inclusive environment,” he said.

“We are involved in Remembrance and ANZAC Day services. We were one of 28 pipe bands invited to play at the Bundanoon Highland Gathering and at the end of the month we are one of eight bands invited to play at the Berry Celtic Festival.”

Open to all ages and experience, the band meets weekly at Penrith RSL Club.

“We have school kids and cadets right up to older people and veterans, and we practice from 7pm on Mondays for beginners,” he said.

“On Wednesdays we pull out the pipes and drums for those who are a little bit more experienced for about an hour, but we don’t force time limits if people can’t stay the whole time on either night.”

Trying to maintain a fun and friendly atmosphere, Badger said there is no pressure.

“Our Pipe Major Andrew Iverson is one of the best and performed at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and all of our instructors have a very special way of teaching anyone, but you go at your own pace,” he said.

“If you can’t come to a practice or take part in an event, that is fine. It is a one-off fee of $50 and you have to buy a shirt for $40, so it doesn’t cost too much money.”

Badger has a goal for the band and any future members who join to work towards.

“A lot of us are still in training but we have

come a long way in the last six to 12 months and I hope we get some people who can play and others we can teach,” he said.

“The ultimate goal would be to be invited to perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo as a consolidated band with mass pipes and drums in the next five years to represent the Penrith district.”

If you are interested in expanding your musical experience, head online and visit www.penrithrslpipesanddrums.net or call 0432 949 577.

Werrington leads the way

New leadership position gives a voice to First Nations students at local school

position that gave those students something to aspire for in leadership.

Werrington County Public School prides itself on being a safe space for its First Nations students. Now, with the addition of a Custodian Captain to the leadership team, their voices will well and truly be heard.

The role of the Custodian Captain is one which goes to a Year 6 First Nations student who is elected by the student body to have a voice for the school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The role became effective this year, with Werrington County Public School the first in the area to implement a position of this kind.

According to Principal Belinda Clarke, working with the school’s local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group representatives to establish the position was a clear choice.

“We have a large population of First Nations students – we’ve got just over 300 students in our school, and more than 50 of them come from an Indigenous background,” she said.

“We felt that it was really important with such a significant number of students identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander that we wanted to create a

“They’ve always been welcome to apply for our traditional Captain roles, but we wanted to create something more specific that one of our Year 6 students could take on and also be a role model for the younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.”

Levi Gardener was selected as the school’s first Custodian Captain, and has been working alongside Captains Mariah Matakaiongo and Oliver Millar to create positive change in the school now and into the future.

For Levi, being chosen felt “pretty amazing”, and has resulted in him taking on some very exciting responsibilities, including saying the school’s personalised Acknowledgement of Country at each assembly, choosing designs for Aboriginal artwork and paintings around the school, and advocating for a new Aboriginal flag.

Unfortunately, the school was unable to attend the recent Primary School Leaders Civic Reception held by Penrith City Council with three Captains instead of two.

However, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen paid the school a visit on Wednesday afternoon to acknowledge the three captains in their equal positions.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen with the school’s student leaders.

Photo: Cassidy Pearce.

CASSIDY PEARCE

A chance to celebrate those who give back to Penrith

As large as Penrith is, the community within it is tight knit, and relies on the work of countless volunteers to function.

This week, during National Volunteer Week, local organisations have been shouting from the rooftops in celebration of the change makers who go above and beyond.

Nepean Food Services has been offering meal delivery, social support, and local community activities for local residents since 1992.

To recognise their volunteers, the organisation held a high tea on Monday at The Bunker in Mulgoa, attended by Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh, Member for Penrith Karen McKeown, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen and Councillor Robin Cook.

Local volunteer Alan Greenfield attended the event and was awarded a certificate of appreciation, saying that his last five-and-a -half years with Nepean Food Services have been some of the most rewarding in his life.

“It means everything to me, being a volunteer,” he said.

“It gets me out of the house, I feel like I’m doing something and contributing to the area. It’s an all-round good feeling.”

Greenfield’s responsibilities primarily involve delivering meals to the elderly.

“I’ve got one beautiful lady, she’s 92. She’s got a little bit of Alzheimer’s, and when I first called on her, her front door and her screen door were unlocked, which is not nice for a 92-year-old lady,” he said.

“I rang our people, who rang her carers, and we got a lock put on her door.”

His work with the organisation saw him awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2021, with Greenfield saying it always feels good to be recognised.

“In five years, these people thought that highly of me that I was a quiet achiever, and that really blew me away,” he said.

Other local organisations have also been backing the work of their volunteers this week.

Alex Donaldson has been involved with the Rotary Club of Penrith Valley since 1981, as well as volunteering with the NSW Fencing and Australian Fencing Federations. With the Rotary Club, Donaldson describes himself as the ‘logistics person’ – purchasing and coordinating items to run their barbeques and events. For him, volunteering is about giving back.

“I just love helping others and giving back to the community,” he said.

Despite having over 40 years of volunteering under his belt, Donaldson said that some of his proudest work has come along more recently with Road Safety Education Australia, running driver awareness programs at the Regatta Centre among other locations.

“If it ends up saving the life of one child somewhere who learns to take more care when they drive by being in that program, that’s all I could ever want,” he said. Each of these organisations are always in

need of more volunteers, with Donaldson encouraging everyone to get on board and help out.

“I would absolutely recommend others get into volunteering,” he said.

Alan Greenfield. Photo: Melinda Jane.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Do you ever wonder about the history behind the street signs we look at every day?

Erskine Park was the name of a 3000acre grant given to James Erskine. He was born in 1765 and came to Australia as a soldier in 1817 before being a patron of the Benevolent Society and president of the Bible Society in 1820.

If you know the meaning of a street name in the Penrith LGA, email news@ westernweekender.com.au.

Source: Published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography

Δ New Golden Gaytime flavour: Streets has officially put a new twist on the classic dessert favourite by launching the Golden Gaytime Vanilla Malt Shake! A classic Australian treat with a crumby twist, Streets invites fans of the popular ice cream to try the brand-new member of the Gaytime family. Get your hands on the new pack of four Vanilla Malt Shake Golden Gaytimes at any Coles, IGA and other independent supermarkets.

Δ Read all about it: A reminder that new book store Harry Hartog opens on High Street in Penrith

today (pictured above). Doors will be open from 9am-9pm for the opening day on Friday, May 19. It’s at 378 High Street.

Δ I like Aeroplane Jelly: Australia’s favourite jelly since 1927 has now expanded into jelly-licious milk flavours! It may not wobble, but you’ll still be able to recognise your favourite flavours when you drink a refreshing Aeroplane milk! Feel like you’re on holiday all year round with Aeroplane Mango Jelly Flavoured Milk or opt for the berry delicious

Raspberry or Lemon flavoured milk. Available now at select supermarkets nation-wide.

Δ Good as Gravy: The team at Burger Head in Penrith have dropped an all-new burger creation. Good as Gravy features your classic Burger Head bun and patty with cheese, crispy onion rings, aioli, sweet and spicy pickles and caramelised onion smoked maple gravy. It’s available at the Henry Street restaurant now, or through their delivery partners.

Δ Coles supports FightMND: Coles is going ‘all in’ to support FightMND’s annual Big Freeze campaign (pictured above), with more ways available than ever to help raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and treatments. The new Big Freeze 9 beanies are now available in all Coles supermarkets, selected Coles Express sites and

via Coles Online, with 100 per cent of funds from beanies sales going to FightMND. All money raised at Coles will be invested in cuttingedge research projects focused on fast-tracking new MND treatments and driving discoveries towards a cure as well as supporting projects to help improve the lives of Australians living with MND.

Saints cares: Leagues club kicks goals for local community sport

the school last week to see some students use the goals for the first time.

St Marys Rugby League Club is kicking goals when it comes to giving back to the community.

The club recently donated $5,000 to Cambridge Gardens Public School to help it install two multipurpose goal posts.

Cambridge Gardens Public School

P&C President Stacey Rhodes and Vice President Belinda Adams were some of the school members who facilitated raising half of the cost before Saints contributed the remaining half to make a total of $10,000.

“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this with fundraising just from the P&C on our own,” Adams told the Weekender

“It would have taken us a very long time so we are grateful that St Marys Leagues provides grants to local community schools so we were able to get it up and running, and the kids playing with it much quicker than we could have got it installed.”

With a son in Year 6 and children in younger grades, Adams said she

was pleased that it will provide entertainment and encourage movement for the students for years to come.

“The teachers and parents are always encouraging the kids to be

involved in team sports and take part in physical activity, and rugby league and soccer are quite popular in the playground,” she said.

“Currently, there are games going left, right and centre, so the school

is very excited to be able to have structured games with everyone playing.”

Members of the Saints Board of Directors, President Warren Smith and Director John Burns visited

“The request came into the club and I’m all for helping schools all around the place, so I put it to the Board, and they agreed,” Smith said.

“We do a lot of things that the schools need, and it is great to see that they appreciate what we have given them, and we would love to help them again in the future if they need it.”

Smith said the club loves supporting a wide range of charitable, community and sporting organisations through grants.

“I think we have over 20 or 30 schools in the Blacktown to Penrith District that we supply jerseys for, and we sponsor rugby league, soccer, netball, wheelchair rugby league and other sports,” Smith said.

“We give back a lot more than the government says we have to but that’s what we are there for and it’s just great to see it going back into the community.”

For more details, visit www. stmarysleagues.com.au/about-us/ saintcares.

Representatives from St Marys Rugby League Club and Cambridge Gardens Public School.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith locals set to flock to Zig Zag

After years of restoration works and anticipation, the historic Zig Zag Railway in the NSW town of Lithgow will reopen to the public on the weekend of May 27 and 28.

Dozens of volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly to remodel and repaint train carriages, renovate the station building, install an on-site cafe and carry out safety checks to ensure the railway is ready to welcome back families and rail enthusiasts alike.

Zig Zag Railway Acting CEO Daniel Zolfel said the rebirth of the railway would not be possible without the volunteers behind it, along with the support of the local community and all levels of government.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead the Zig Zag Railway into the next chapter as a national icon,” Zolfel said.

“Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of Zig Zag and one of the driving forces behind me getting involved initially as a volunteer was so that I could leave it behind for my own children.”

Zig Zag Railway Chairman Lee Burton said it’s an exciting time for everyone involved.

“I’m immensely proud of the work all of our volunteers, the senior leadership team and

our small number of staff have executed on behalf of the Zig Zag Railway board,” Burton said.

“I can’t wait to once again share our historic railway with not only the people of Lithgow and NSW but from all over Australia and beyond.”

The Railway first opened in the 1860s as the first rail link between Sydney and Western NSW, but closed in 1910 following a deviation of the main line to by-pass the inefficient ‘zig zag’. It was resurrected in the 1970s by volunteers who banded together to create the not-for-profit Zig Zag Railway Co-Op before closing in 2012.

Despite setbacks, including a horror run with bushfires in 2013 and 2019, coupled with floods, vandalism and recent storm damage, volunteers have been working tirelessly to return the railway to passenger services by restoring locomotives, carriages and kilometres of track.

It’s now full steam ahead for Australia’s most iconic tourist railway.

“Passengers will be able to take in the experience onboard steam locomotive AC16 218, affectionately known as ‘The Yank’. Weighing in at 54,000 kilograms, it is one of two of the surviving class of 20 imported to Australia from the US

as part of the war effort in 1943,” Zolfel said.

“We’ll be running three trips on Saturdays and Sundays every fortnight, with passengers taking the 90-minute journey which traverses the seven-anda-half kilometre track, travelling through tunnels and over the viaducts with two stops along the way.

“Passengers will get to see firsthand how locomotives used to operate during Australia’s steam train era, as a volunteer fireman shovels coal into the train’s red-hot firebox.”

Ticket prices will be $45 for adults, $27.50 for children (3-12 years) and concession card holders, or $120 for a family of four.

The Zig Zag Railway is staffed by dozens of active volunteers who have all received extensive professional training as part of the railway’s completely revamped safety management system – an industry best-practice model that sees the Zig Zag return as one of the safest railways of its type in the world. Zig Zag would like to thank all of its community and government partners for their support and funding over the years as they re-open.

For more information, visit the Zig Zag Railway website at https:// zigzagrailway.au. Workers during the

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Heel Pain Experts

Take the Liveability Census

As our city grows, it’s important to ensure that our neighbourhoods remain vibrant, convenient, and are fantastic places to live.

Penrith City Council, together with other councils across Greater Sydney, is teaming up with the Greater Cities Commission to take part in the 2023 Australian Liveability Census by PlaceScore. This is not your average survey – it’s a social research project of epic proportions that aims to capture the “care factor” of our community and measure the performance of Penrith in terms of liveability.

By participating in the census, you get to have your say on what truly matters to you about the place you call home. What makes your heart sing when you step outside? What could be improved to make your daily life even better? This is your chance to make a real difference and shape the future of our incredible city!

The 2023 Australian Liveability Census provides a valuable opportunity for residents of Penrith to have their voices heard on issues that impact their daily lives. The results of the survey will help us under-

stand liveability in Penrith compared to other areas in Greater Sydney. For Penrith, improving liveability is crucial for the continued growth and development of our city. As more people move into the area, the demand for quality housing, public transport, and access to green spaces will continue to increase. By participating in the survey, residents can help to identify areas where improvements are needed and contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies that support liveability in our community.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be involved, the 2023 Australian Liveability Census is open until June 30 2023. By participating in the 2023 Australian Liveability Census, you can enter the draw to win one of 50 x $100 vouchers – your opinion could be rewarded with a fantastic prize. The survey can be completed by going to the website: https://placescore.org/ lc23_do_nsw_penrith.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

reconstruction phase of the Zig Zag Railway.

Be a Health Hero this Winter

Make sure your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are up-to-date!

Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is urging everyone to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations ahead of winter.

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said that it’s important not to become complacent, as COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and flu season is approaching.

“To protect yourself and your loved ones, we’re urging people to get the flu vaccine as soon possible and to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up-to-date.”

“COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and we will experience additional waves as we head into winter. Staying upto-date with your vaccinations increases community immunity, providing everyone with better protection,” she said.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged six months or over. Flu vaccination is free for certain groups under the National Immunisation Program. These groups are listed on the Department of Health and

Aged Care website: www.health.gov.au/topics/ immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine

All adults over 18 years are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination 6 months after a confirmed infection, or 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the number of prior doses you have received. Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical

comorbidities, disabilities or significant or complex health needs, can also receive a free COVID-19 top-up.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time, and are available from GPs, pharmacies, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and other vaccination providers. You can find your closest vaccine provider on the healthdirect website: www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/ vaccinations

“Even if you are healthy, getting vaccinated means that we can help limit the spread to those who are more vulnerable such as people with disabilities, the elderly, or those who have significant or complex health needs,” she said.

Those aged 70 years and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 years and over, should also consider talking to their GP about getting the free pneumococcal vaccine.

To learn more, visit www.nbmphn.com.au/ HealthHero

BE YOUR OWN HEALTH HERO

The Philip Plows building on the corner of Mamre Road and the Great Western Highway at St Marys was built in 1897 and was originally a hotel owned by tanner Andrew Thompson.

It later became Hope’s general store and bakery owned by James Hope.

The main photo was taken in 1970, showing a flourishing insurance business and real estate operation.

The building was badly damaged by a runaway truck in June 1978 (pictured below). It was demolished in 1981.

The Astley Centre now stands here.

At A & D In Home Care we provide a person centred based continuity of care services to our gaed and disability sector in our local community. we priide ourselves on offering a wide range of services from Aged and Disability care to Mental Health and Support Coordination. We help those who need it to live their best lives at home and within the community.

We are currently hiring so if you are of a caring nature with good work ethics, come and talk to us about joining our friendly team. Experience preferred however all training will be provided.

(Photos thanks to Penrith City Library)

THE DHARUG CONNECTION

A special weekly focus on local Indigenous affairs and services

NRL launches annual Indigenous Round

The National Rugby League this week launched NRL Indigenous Round 2023, highlighting the importance of ‘Moving Forward Together’ towards reconciliation.

NRL Indigenous Round elevates and celebrates First Nations history and culture through the game and encourages greater understanding across the rugby league community.

This year, listening to and learning from the game’s Indigenous communities takes on added significance ahead of the referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament. To help fans learn more about Indigenous land and history, and get the facts about the Voice, the NRL is providing a range of resources, information and stories via nrl.com/indigenous.

Bringing the round to life across the weekend (May 18-21), all venues will use their traditional custodian land names, matches will be preceded by welcome ceremonies and Indigenous cultural performances, and teams will take the field in specially designed jerseys inspired by local Indigenous art and storytelling.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys AM (pictured), said: “NRL Indigenous Round is a truly special week in our calendar. Our First Nations communities have incredibly deep bonds with rugby league and are part of our fabric at all levels of the game, from grassroots participants and fans to the Indigenous stars who light up the NRL and NRLW.

“It is through listening to and learning from

Indigenous voices in our game that we can continue to move forward as the greatest game for all.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is ingrained in rugby league. The

game’s bonds with Indigenous communities run deep and have always helped drive learning and change.

“This week, we celebrate those bonds and call on everyone in the game to listen, learn and use their voices, so we can lift up Indigenous voices.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said that Indigenous Round carries special importance on the NRL calendar.

“As the only national sporting organisation with an Elevate RAP, we have a leadership role to play in educating and storytelling about the Indigenous communities and cultures who give so much to rugby league,” he said.

“Indigenous Round is a time to celebrate culture and community so that our whole game feels empowered to move forward together.”

The NRL has supported the Uluru Statement From the Heart in full since 2017, and last week announced its position on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

NRL Indigenous Round is delivered by DoorDash, which supports its commitment to Indigenous Australians via the DoorDash Scholarship Program. The program was created in 2021 to assist Indigenous students across the NRL School to Work Program with financial needs, to help them move forward in completing their HSC and pursue further education or employment.

Since 2021, Doordash has helped 142 students through the program and in 2023, it is pledging another $30,000 to help more future leaders achieve their goals and aspirations.

Elevating the voices of women and girls

Women’s Business 2nd Chance

Hub has provided this submission:

The Australian Human Rights Commission and the National Indigenous Australia Agency (NIAA) partnered on a national conversation to elevate the voices of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Women and Girls.

Following this, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO, Led the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Summit set up to capture what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls consider to be their strength, challenges, and aspirations for

change. The theme of the summit was WE ARE THE CHANGE.

Christianna Cartwright (CEO), Melissa Fernando (General Manager – Indigenous Programs), Oneeva Tu’uhetoka (WB2C Program Manager) and Tracey Tonga (Engagement Officer) had the privilege to share their stories and the Women’s Business 2nd Chance impacts under the Economic Justice and Empowerment session. Day 3 of the Summit focused on innovation and transformative change. Innovation is inherent to First Nations cultures and knowledges. This day was about how we consider First Nations people

to be the first innovators, adapting and responding to changing conditions over tens of thousands of years

This day reminded all summit participants that innovation is an active process that can fuse ancestral knowledge with contemporary methods. The discussions explored many sides of innovation, and that to innovate is to confront some of the most entrenched problems of our times to make serious and lasting

change happen.

A quote from our presentation: “Each of our amazing women have incredible stories that are made up of strength, pain, resilience and triumph, and it’s through each of our stories we get to learn, grow and heal together so we can continue to thrive, prosper and move forward in life. This my sisters is a part of the foundational values in which Women’s Business 2nd Chance has to offer”.

Helpful Contacts

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services 4721 8520 nepeancommunity.org.au

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service 4729 7300 27-29 Lawson St, Penrith

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400 murumittigar.com.au

KARI Aboriginal Resources (02) 8782 0333 kari.org.au

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au

NSW Aboriginal Affairs 1800 019 998 aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Aboriginal Land Council (02) 9689 4444

Service NSW 13 77 88 service.nsw.gov.au

The Weekender acknowledges the financial support received from the Walkley Foundation to produce this concept.

The team that lives for landscaping!

Nepean Landscape

Supplies are still very much open for business, and they remain the first choice for all your landscaping and building needs.

Nepean Landscape

Supplies are a leading, well-established landscape and building supply yard, located in Penrith. They deliver right across the Sydney Metropolitan region with easy access to the M4 and M7 motorways.

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Their research shows their service, delivery and production selection is market leading. They understand what you want and that’s why Nepean Landscape Supplies offers premium products at competitive prices.

Nepean Landscape Supplies offer personalised service and wholesale prices to their trade customers. Their product offering ranges from supplies directly to trade building and landscaping professionals, coupled with friendly advice, free quotations, and a reliable delivery service. They can also meet all WHS requirements when on-site.

Nepean Landscape Supplies live for landscaping!

If you love gardening or fancy yourself as a DIY handyman, then you’ll love their product range and display centre.

They supply a wide range

of aggregates, cement, decorative gravels, mulches, pavers, retaining wall blocks, sands, soils, timber, turf and accessories.

The staff at Nepean Landscape Supplies are always on hand to help answer any questions you may have. They offer free advice, free quotations, and a reliable delivery service to every Sydney suburb.

Nepean Landscape Supplies have a range of trucks available to deliver your order. From one tonne small tippers to 32 tonne trucks and dog tippers. They also have crane trucks for delivering bulky bags, pavers, blocks, timber or any product not suitable for a tipper.

When arriving on site, their driver will assess the delivery to ensure it can be achieved

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Nepean Landscape Supplies understand the latest trends in creating the perfect outdoor environment, so make sure you pay them a visit and have a look around.

They are located at 22 Coombes Drive, Penrith and are open Monday to Friday from 6am-5pm.

Nepean Landscape and Building Supplies delivers years of experience in landscape products, and uses a fresh awareness of current trends to ensure you have the most up-to-date and premium products at your fingertips!

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a trailer or truck load, we have a great selection of aggregates, cement, decorative gravels, mulches, sands & soils, and a fantastic range of pavers and retaining solutions to view in our display centre. As well as all the expert advice to get your next project flourishing. CHOOSE

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How your business can make the most of its social media presence

Let’s talk about the top reasons your small business needs a social media presence.

Connect with your target audience

Whether it’s for responding to your customers’ inquiries, complaints, or even feedback and reviews, this engagement will not only improve your customer satisfaction but also build relationships with your customers. You could even create a community around your brand, leading to increased loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.

More than connections and engagements, did you know that social media could help you get valuable data on your customers?

By monitoring your interactions, you could gain insights into your customers’ needs, interests, and pain points. The data can then be used to improve your marketing strategies, create new products and services, and boost your branding.

Boost online presence

According to a 2023 review by BrightLocal, 98 per cent of consumers use the Internet to find information about local businesses. This means that social media not just helps with connecting with you, but helps customers find you.

When your business has active social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and more), it’s more likely to show up in search results like

and sharing, you’ll have the potential to reach a wider audience and collect user-generated content (UGCs), which you can repurpose for your social media content.

Cost-effective marketing

For starters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer free business accounts where you can post and share updates. By consistently sharing valuable content, you’ll attract new followers while keeping existing ones loyal to your brand.

But if you want to give your social marketing game a boost, these platforms also offer paid advertising so you can reach a wider audience. Facebook Ads for example allows you to create targeted ads based on factors like location, interests, and demographics, and set a budget for the campaign. This also includes detailed analytics, allowing you to track the success of your campaigns and adjust your strategies as needed.

A solid social media presence is no longer optional, but a must-have for every small business out there. But simply having a presence is not enough. To truly grow your business with social media, remember that you need to have a clear action plan first that aligns with your business goals, and creates meaningful connections with your customers.

Looking to build your online presence, revamp your approach, or are still stuck creating your business goals? We can help! Contact us today.

Exciting Hairdressing Opportunity Myer Penrith

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced and passionate hairdressers with a strong customer service focus. This is a rare opportunity to run your business in a vacant hair salon in our Myer Penrith store.

The salon is on approximately 99m2 and is located at the Western Highway entrance to Myer on Level 1, so it's a great way to gain high customer traffic exposure. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to gain new customers, but all power, water and telephone fees are also incorporated within Myer's use of the space, so you won't have to pay any additional utility costs.

Please forward your EOI by 31st May 2023 to kathy. milana@myer.com.au with any references you may have, or you can contact Kathy on 03 8667 7104 for further information.

Should you wish to view the site please contact the Myer Store Manager, Steven Stanton, Steven.Stanton@ myer.com.au to arrange a suitable time.

BUSINESS

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analysis

Well there’s only one weekend of footy left to play before both Queensland and New South Wales teams are announced and we’re off and running for State of Origin 2023.

I believe five Penrith Panthers will be selected in the NSW Blues top 17 with Dylan Edwards taking the 18th man spot.

Before I announce my predictions for the entire NSW side, I’ll run through the five Panthers players I believe will be selected and why.

There’s no doubt that Brian To’o will be named on one wing, his performances in Origin last year were strong and after a slow start for Penrith early this season, he has bounced back and started to clock up the metres with his strong carries from the back of the field. To’o is a certainty.

After an inspiring performance against the Roosters last week, Jarome Luai only has to hold his form against the Broncos on Thursday to keep his place at five-eighth. Only an injury or an absolute shocker would open the door for Nicho Hynes or Cody Walker to be picked ahead of him.

The selection of Nathan Cleary at halfback is a ‘no-brainer’. He’s the incumbent and his strong form this season will ensure that he’ll definitely be there for NSW. Enough said.

Meanwhile, Isaah Yeo picks himself at lock. He’s in excellent form and not only can he ballplay and tackle like a demon but he has added a kicking game (wink wink) to his bag of tricks as well.

The fifth Panthers player I believe will be selected is our ‘Hamstring Hero’ Liam Martin. Martin provides passion and aggression and is made for the cauldron that is Origin. If he can get

through the game against the Broncos, Freddy will pick him.

Finally, I think Dylan Edwards will be one of the reserves that will train with the side and then make it as 18th man. He deserves to be there somewhere and will be.

My most controversial selection is leaving Stephen Crichton out in place of ‘Tommy Turbo’. Crichton has been in OK form but not playing to the standard he was last year when he was selected. I believe Turbo will be selected ahead

of Critta, if Tom has a good game this weekend. For the record my NSW Blues side is:

1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Campbell Graham 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Damien Cook 10. Payne Haas 11. Cameron Murray 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo

14. Api Koroisau 15. Junior Paulo 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Liam Martin.

18. Dylan Edwards

That’s my side for game one, what’s yours?

Nathan Cleary is a certainty for Origin this year. Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

It may be that we look back on the Round 11 game against the Roosters as the night Penrith had their “real deal” moment as far as the 2023 Premiership is concerned.

Just when the bookies and experts started to look elsewhere for their Grand Final winner, the Panthers put their hand up and in their best Shannon Noll impersonation, yelled “what about me?” in the loudest possible way.

Now Ivan Cleary’s side has an opportunity to back-up that impressive 48-4 flogging of the Roosters when they face the impressive Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in Round 12.

Sitting second on the ladder, Brisbane has been one of the best sides in the competition this year as they try to put last year’s stunning collapse out of the top eight behind them.

But without Adam Reynolds for this clash due to a neck problem, Penrith have a real opportu-

nity to pounce and depending on other results, could even finish the round as competition leaders.

With Penrith having the bye and a guaranteed two points next week, this is a crucial match and one that could set the Panthers up for the representative season nicely.

There’s no question Jarome Luai’s return to form was one of the highlights of last week’s win. Two line breaks and a try highlights what was very much a statement game from the incumbent New South Wales five-eighth, ahead of Origin selection this weekend. Should Luai impress again against Brisbane, it would be difficult not to pick him.

And it wasn’t just Luai who found the kind of form that made Penrith such a dominant force over the past few seasons. The likes of Isaah Yeo and Scott Sorensen also had outstanding

games, leaving the Roosters with little in response to what was a first class overall performance.

I love what Brisbane are offering this year and I think Kevin Walters has found the perfect mix with the likes of Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam, plus the consistently good games of Kurt Capewell and Patrick Carrigan, and the sheer dominance of Payne Haas up front.

In fact, there’s a lot of similarities in this Brisbane team to the Panthers in 2020 and 2021; and it’s clear they are building to something. But they are a different team without Reynolds and I’m not convinced they’ll quite have the attacking firepower with Jock Madden wearing the number seven.

The key for Brisbane is the likes of Haas and Thomas Flegler having big games up front, in

an attempt to cancel out the power that Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris will bring. I’ve got little doubt this one is all about the forwards. If the Broncos can get a roll-on then perhaps Madden can fill in the Reynolds role and create opportunities out wide, along with the lively Ezra Mam.

But if it’s Penrith that get the momentum, it’s hard to imagine Brisbane stopping Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, especially after the confidence received last week.

And having Liam Martin back in the team after a successful return last weekend is also a win.

We’re in for a good game of footy here, but Penrith’s return to top class form last weekend and Reynolds being out means it’s a win for the visitors for me.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

Jarome

and Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

ROUND 12

face in the crowd

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Seasons as a Pantherette? One. Favourite food? Raspberries. Favourite TV show? ‘Love Island’. Favourite Panthers player? Mitch Kenny

Must-follow social media account?

@indyclinton (especially her TikToks! She has the funniest family and her son Navy is so funny).

Go to pump up song? ‘Make Me Feel Good’, James Hype.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? I love the whole atmosphere and being a part of a great team again. I love how Katie is supportive and how she works us hard during the training sessions. I cannot wait to perform on the field and experience the true feeling of cheerleading for the Panthers!

panther rumblings

SORENSEN HEADED FOR THE EXIT?

! Sorensen’s uncertain future: The good form of Penrith second-rower Scott Sorensen certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by other NRL clubs, with whispers that he could be bound for Newcastle next year. Off-contract at the end of the season, the 30-year-old admitted to the Weekender earlier this year that he wanted to stay with the Panthers but would consider all options, including a stint in the Super League. Sorensen has been a solid player but has never been one of the top paid players at any club during this career, which only really took off at Cronulla in his mid-20s. He’ll rightly chase whatever deal is best for him financially.

! Luai back in Origin frame: I reported months ago that Jarome Luai had all but lost his NSW five-eighth jumper, but there’s now a strong chance he’ll retain his spot at least for the opener in Adelaide. Luai did himself no harm with a standout performance against the Roosters last weekend, while his obvious replacement Nicho Hynes has been far from great over the last fortnight. The NRL schedule that sees Penrith play on Thursday this weekend will also help Luai. The NSW team will be named at the end of the round.

! 2003 heroes drink up: A big crowd of fans turned out at Drink West last Friday afternoon to join in the 2003 Grand Final reunion celebrations. Coach John Lang (below) was among the most popular attendees, especially given he’s rarely in Penrith these days. Former Panther Lou Zivanovic was the driving force behind the unofficial reunion, ahead of the major event later that night.

sation – especially when it came to the way the team was introduced. Players were also invited back into the sheds for the team song after the 48-4 thumping of the Roosters. Luke Priddis was clearly best on ground. Whether it was at the ground, in the corporate areas or back at the club afterwards, the 2003 players were more than happy to mingle with fans – there wasn’t an ego amongst them.

! Kent stood down: Panthers critic and ‘NRL 360’ host Paul Kent has been stood down from his role on the show and with The Daily Telegraph Kent was arrested and charged over an alleged assault at his home late last week. Interestingly, News Corp and Fox Sports are yet to report on the arrest – instead saying Kent has been stood down while he deals with “personal issues”.

! Spotted: 2003 captain Craig Gower embracing current Panthers skipper and fellow Premiership winner Nathan Cleary after the Roosters game.

of rugby league’s more painful injuries – a ruptured testicle. The injury happened at a training session 48 hours before the Roosters game, forcing a re-think on the game plan – with Liam Martin playing a different role on his return. Leniu is still some weeks off a return – a blow to Penrith’s forward stocks and to Leniu, who had been mentioned in some circles about an Origin bench spot.

! Griffin hooked: You would have to think the coaching career of former Panthers mentor Anthony Griffin is now over, after he was sacked by the Dragons on Tuesday. There’s plenty of “I told you so” lines going around this week; with some people who were associated with the Panthers during the Griffin era warning the club it was the wrong choice when they first signed him.

end up being the final nail in the coffin for the stadium overhaul.

! 20 year reunion a hit: The 2003 Premiers still have a strong connection with the current generation of fans. Many were kids when Craig Gower lifted the trophy at Telstra Stadium and now bring their own kids to the footy. It’s why the 2003 reunion last weekend was so popular. Panthers did a tremendous job in the organi-

! Stadium D-day: The NSW Government will hand down the State Budget on September 19. That sounds pretty boring to most league followers but it could have an impact on the now-stalled Penrith Stadium project. The wording of the Budget date announcement by Labor over the weekend suggests tough cuts ahead as the government tries to fix what it calls “significant pressures and risks”. You would have to think the stadium project could be shelved entirely. The Budget could

! To’o becomes three: Congratu lations to Panthers winger Brian To’o and his wife Moesha who are expecting their first child. To’o made the announcement on his Instagram last week, with the pair holding a baby Panthers jersey and To’o clutching an ultrasound.

! Share your gossip: Spotted a Panther out and about? Have some news to share? I want to hear about it. I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

! Leniu’s tough break: Spencer Leniu is recovering from surgery after suffering one

Scott Sorensen.

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WHO’S PLANNING FOR ’24?

You know we’ve reached the serious part of the season when the first coach gets sacked.

The Dragons know that after 10 games, and just two wins, their season is in dire condition, but then, they probably knew that when they started making noises about ‘exploring all options’ regarding the head coach’s position back in March. Or was it February?

warren smith

Either way, things can get away from you fairly quickly when you’re on a losing streak, and while the Dragons will make all the right noises about this season not being over and that there’s still plenty to play for, the reality is that they are now in a phase where the planning has begun for 2024.

The Tigers, with the same two win, eight loss record as the Dragons, aren’t about to sack Tim Sheens, but they have already begun planning for 2025 with Benji Marshall set to take over the head coaching role after a two year apprenticeship.

But what happens if the Tigers find themselves in the same predicament next season?

History tells us the board members at Tigers HQ have opted for the easy decision in such circumstances, preferring to remove the coach rather than fumble for answers as they pick up

their skim latte at the local café as to why the team is yet again headed for a holiday in September.

So, if we can put a red line through the Dragons and Tigers regarding contending for the Top 8 this season, who else is on the cusp of ringing their travel agent to plan their spring break earlier than anticipated?

Working our way up the ladder, the Bulldogs have improved from where they were at the same stage last season, but four wins from 11 games will be a disappointment for fans of the Belmore boys who held out great hope of at least pushing towards Top 8 contention.

Injuries have been unkind to firstyear coach Cameron Ciraldo, and the search for a halfback continues, with the task of sneaking into the Finals more than likely requiring them to win at least eight of their remaining 13 games. At this stage of the rebuild it would seem beyond them.

The Eels find themselves in the same predicament as the Bulldogs, and while recent history would tell us there’s more potential for Parramatta to reel off a string of wins, their season might be on the line over the next week when they play the top-of-the-table Rabbitohs and fast-improving Cowboys. Failing in both games, slumping to a 4-9 record, would be lights out

for last year’s Grand Finalists.

Queensland have woken from their early season slumber you’d expect

them to continue to move towards the Top 8, however their sloppy beginning has put them under more pressure than they’d like. Of the remaining teams outside the Top 8, there’s a five-bell alarm ringing at the Sea Eagles as their season slips through their fingers, the Knights and Titans need a sports psychologist pronto to work

hidden panther

out their savage mood swings, and the Roosters are showing signs that a 10-year cycle of contending has left the veterans in the squad wondering if they can still get themselves up for the weekly grind of the NRL. That group, ninth to 12, have a huge few weeks ahead of them that might just define their season.

WHO AM I ?

Anthony Griffin was sacked as Dragons coach.

PENRITH BACK TO WINNING WAYS

The Penrith Panthers have broken a threematch losing run in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, claiming a nail-biting 16-14 win over the Sydney Roosters at BlueBet Stadium.

The Panthers went on the attack early thanks to a penalty and took advantage, with Jack Cogger stepping through the line to score next to the posts.

They crossed again on the half-hour mark as Luke Sommerton darted over under the posts.

A slick backline move set up Sam Lane to score another try before half-time, taking the score to 16-0.

Back-to-back sets early in the second half gave the Roosters a chance to hit back and they did precisely that, with Drew Hutchison scoring and Sandon Smith converting to cut the Panthers’ lead to 16-6.

A try to Jade Anderson reduced the Panthers’ lead to six with a quarter of the game remaining.

A dangerous tackle by Elie El-Zakham gave Cogger a chance to extend the margin to eight, however his penalty goal attempt was unsuccessful, before Anderson’s second try cut the lead to 16-14 with eight

minutes remaining. That was enough for the Panthers to hold on, despite not scoring a point in the second half.

A dominant performance by Penrith’s forwards laid the platform for them to record a comfortable Jersey Flegg win over the ladder-leading Roosters, 34-20.

The two sides traded tries in the opening quarter hour of the game, but Luke Philp and Billy Phillips had the Panthers ahead 10-6.

A scuffle saw both sides lose a player to the sin bin late in the first half, before Angelis Hotere-Papalii and Harrison Hassett both pounced on Ryley Smith kicks to give the Panthers a 22-6 lead at half-time.

Back-to-back tries to Aston Warwick and Zac Lipowicz to begin the second half looked like the beginning of a second half thrashing, however the Panthers were unable to score again.

The Roosters, off the back of former Panther Braith Alexander, scored three late tries to cut the Panthers’ victory to 34-20.

In Round 12, the Panthers face the Tigers and Magpies

Penrith celebrate a try against the Roosters last Friday.

PANTHERS DRAGONS

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BULLDOGS RAIDERS

With careers in music spanning over 60 years each, it’s no secret that Brian Cadd and Glenn Shorrock are some of Australia’s biggest music icons. Next month, they’ll be back on stage together again at the EVAN Theatre. Despite having illustrious careers individually, Shorrock (pictured) said it’s their mutual love of performing oldies but goodies which brings them together.

“We just enjoy working together,” he said.

“We work at the same speed.”

In their new show heading to Panthers on June 3, the Two Amigos will be bringing songs,

humour, and everything in between.

“We tell a few little lies, but no one can tell the difference,” Shorrock said.

Although the audience is guaranteed a few surprises, Cadd said he’s hoping there might be a few for the performers as well.

“We’ve known each other for so long that there’s nothing we can really do to surprise each other, although that’s one of the games each time – to see if we can surprise or embarrass the other person – and that’s what makes it so much fun,” he said.

The show will see the duo travel through time, from when they both started making music in the ‘60s, to their joint work with Axiom, and their later releases.

Cadd said that he hopes the audience, many of whom were fans in the early days, will em-

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

brace their music with open arms, just as they did back in the day.

“Not only was it the Woodstock audience, the Sunbury audience, and all of those hippie, braless, peace and love era, which was absolutely unique in history, but the music that happened during that same era was completely unique, and started what eventually finished up to be decades and decades of popular music as we know it now,” he said.

“I think they got pseudo-inoculated with this time, so they’ve continued to be those same ratbags that they were back then. You still see them all in the audience, and they don’t think they’re 75, they think they’re 25 until they try to get up and dance!”

The pair said that they’re both incredibly excited to return to Panthers on the tour – a stop

they’ve visited many times before. But, Shorrock notes that now might be the time to book your tickets, with their time on the road beginning to dwindle.

“I think both of us are winding down as far as live performances go,” he said.

“We’re in our 70s now, and popstars weren’t meant to be 70, so it’s all new!”

Despite being at an “advanced age”, Cadd said the singers and their incredible band have still got it, with their love of music keeping the dream alive.

“Neither of us would swap the two hours on stage for anything else,” he said.

Shorrock & Cadd: The Two Amigos will be on at the EVAN Theatre in Penrith on Saturday, June 3 at 8pm. Tickets are $79. To book, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

St Marys Lights Up this Saturday!

Carnival style entertainment, tasty food and amusement rides are on the cards at St Marys Lights Up this Saturday, May 20. This free, family-friendly event hosted by Penrith City Council will transform the Town Centre into a festival space, with road closures on Queen Street and Charles Hackett Drive. For more information, visit penrith.city/events.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

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

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

Regular events.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0402 699 611.

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Girls’ Night Out at Hoyts Penrith

Get the girls together and head to Hoyts Penrith for their Girls’ Night Out Advance Screening of ‘The Little Mermaid’ on Wednesday, May 24 at 6pm. In addition to seeing the incredible new movie first, the event will have stalls open from 5pm on the night, and a gift bag available to add to your ticket. For more information or to book, visit hoyts.com.au.

the month at Nepean Rowing Club from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546. For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit the Lions on Facebook.

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

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

Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club

For those interested in ham radio, the club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information.

Red Cross Penrith

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Next Wednesday, May 24, take a trip down memory lane with a morning of great moments and familiar themes from the world of cinema performed by the NSW Police Band. The concert will begin at 11am with morning tea served from 10am. For more information and to purchase tickets to the show, visit thejoan. com.au.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

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

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

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing

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

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42

Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700. The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia.

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Gamblers Anonymous

Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre

Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

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

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

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Morning Melodies at The Joan

Penrith City Choir will be presenting its next concert at Glenbrook Baptist Church this Sunday, May 21. For this special concert, Director Lucy McAlary has compiled an All American program of music, including songs ranging from Native American, Folk, Modern Sacred, Spirituals and Blues to a medley of famous Frank Sinatra hits.

Kicking off the concert will be a rendition of ‘Festival Gloria’ by contemporary American composer, Craig Courtney.

Accompanied by local young percussionist, Nick McMaster, and Jane Andino on piano, the work is guaranteed to provide a

thrilling start to the widely varied program.

One of the many highlights of the show is the Sinatra medley, which includes some of his most iconic songs set in beautiful four part harmonies by Alan Simmons, to end the show with a bang.

The concert will also feature a collaborative performance, with Penrith City Children’s Choir and Youth Choir together presenting hauntingly beautiful Native American Chants.

Stick around after the performance for a complimentary afternoon tea.

Penrith City Choir’s concert will be on at Glenbrook Baptist Church on Sunday, May 21 at 2pm. Admission at the door is $20, $15 concession. For more information or to book, call 0400 516 630.

Celebrating its 32nd year in 2023, Flickerfest is known for being Australia’s leading Academy Qualifying and BAFTA Recognised short film festival. Fresh from their premieres in Bondi, the Best of Australian Shorts and Best of International Shorts programs highlights will be hitting a venue in Parramatta.

The Best of Australian Shorts program aims to shine a spotlight on local talent, and features films such as multiple AACTA, AWGIE, Logie and SPA Award nominated director, writer, producer, actor Vonne Patiag’s ‘Too Many Ethnics’, and delightful and sumptuous comedy ‘Butter: A Love Story’ by

director Anita Lee.

Alternatively, the Best of International Shorts program will see audiences take a trip around the world from the comfort of their seats, with films including the haunting Danish drama ‘IVALU’, and the delightfully surprising Canadian animation ‘The Flying Sailor’ – both of which were nominated for the 2023 Oscars.

For fans of cinema, this one is not to be missed!

Flickerfest will be on at Riverside Theatre on Saturday, May 20, with Australian Shorts showing at 3pm and International Shorts showing at 6.30pm. Tickets start at $20 each, or $35 for both sessions. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta. com.au.

offer NDIS Supported Employment Services

CASSIDY PEARCE

CASSIDY PEARCE

INSIDE SAM’S MIND

Next Friday, May 26, The Joan’s Borland Lounge will be brought to life by a very special guest for Open Fridays.

Throughout lockdown, everyone had their own way of coping, whether it was baking bread, exercising, reorganising the house, or binging shows on TV. For comedian Sam Kissajukian, it was creating 300 paintings. The culmination of his experience is a unique performance installation including both live comedy and a visual art exhibition, which well and truly invites audiences to see inside the artist’s mind.

Through the works, themes of mental health and its ties to creativity, the artistic process, and a comedian’s take on art come to the surface.

‘300 Paintings’ was the winner of the 2022 Sydney Fringe Festival Award for ‘Best Comedy’ and ‘Directors Choice Award’. It was also nominated for five other awards at the 2022 Sydney Fringe Festival, including ‘Best Spoken Word’ and four touring awards. Don’t miss your chance to see it right here in Penrith!

Open Fridays: ‘300 Paintings’ by Sam Kissajukian will be on at The Joan on Friday, May 26 at 6pm. Tickets are $16. For more information or to book, visit thejoan. com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Pick up a copy of the paper

YOU CAN PICK UP THE LATEST COPY OF THE WEEKENDER AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS EACH WEEK:

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PENRITH GAELS CLUB

RADHE INDIAN GROCERY STORE

VOLUNTEERS DESK NEPEAN HOSPITAL

7/11 KINGSWOOD

LEONAY

EMU SPORTS CLUB

GROW CAFÉ (FORMERLY WILLOW TREE CAFÉ)

LLANDILO IGA

LONDONDERRY

LONDONDERRY LIQUOR STORE

SHELL X ROADS

LUDDENHAM

AMPOL

AUSTRALIA POST

IGA LUDDENHAM

MINCHINBURY

McDONALD’S

MINCHINBURY FRUIT MARKET

MOUNT DRUITT

WESTFIELD MOUNT DRUITT

MULGOA

GLENMORE HERITAGE GOLF CLUB

MULGOA NEWSAGENCY

MULGOA PHARMACY

THE BUNKER

NORTH ST MARYS

MFC FOOD STORES

SPEEDWAY

ORCHARD HILLS

FLOWER POWER

OXLEY PARK

MORRIS CARE & ADVICE PHARMACY

PENRITH

ALDI

ASTINA

ATMOSPHERE GYM

AUSTRALIAN ARMS

BOREC ROAD TAKEAWAY (VALLEY CAFÉ)

BRISKET BOYS

CAF É FRED

CALTEX COREEN AVENUE

COLES PENRITH (NEPEAN VILLAGE)

COLES (WESTFIELD PENRITH)

CRESCENT MINI MART

HIGH STREET PIES

HOYTS WESTFIELD

JOAN SUTHERLAND ARTS CENTRE

LEMONGROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

LIQUOR STAX PEACHTREE

M cDONALD’S HIGH STREET

M cDONALD’S PANTHERS LEAGUES

M cDONALD’S PEACHTREE

MERCURE HOTEL

MUSEUM OF FIRE

NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE

NEPEAN MOTOR GROUP CAFÉ

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE COFFEE CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE NEWSAGENCY

NEXTRA WESTFIELD

ONE POINT HEALTH

PANTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

PEACHTREE HOTEL

PENRITH BOWLING CLUB

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

PENRITH CITY LIBRARY

PENRITH GOLF CLUB

PENRITH HOTEL

PENRITH PACEWAY

PENRITH RSL

PENRITH SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTRE

PIONEER TAVERN

RE/MAX

SITTANO’S RESTAURANT

TATTERSALLS HOTEL

THE CHICKEN RUN

THE HERITAGE TERRACE CAFÉ

THE LOG CABIN

WESTFIELD

WORLD GYM

7/11 HENRY STREET

REGENTVILLE

7/11 REGENTVILLE

ROPES CROSSING

COLES

ROPES CROSSING NEWSAGENCY

SILVERDALE

IGA

THE CHEMIST SHOP

SOUTH PENRITH

BUDGET SERVICE STATION

FISH FISH

FRIENDLY GROCER

GROSE’S PHARMACY

SOUTHLANDS NEWSAGENCY

SOUTHLANDS TAKEAWAY

SOUTH PENRITH NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

WOOLWORTHS

ST CLAIR

BLUE CATTLE DOG HOTEL

FOODWORKS

MELVILLE ROAD TAKEAWAY

ST CLAIR LIBRARY

ST CLAIR SHOPPING CENTRE

7/11 ST CLAIR

ST MARYS

ANDREW’S CORNER STORE

AMPOL FOODARY

ASTLEY PHARMACY

CASSANDRA’S ON QUEEN

GUIDO’S HAIR CARE

JAYAM SUPERMARKET

M cDONALD’S ST MARYS SOUTH

MONFARVILLE CORNER STORE

QUEEN ST NEWSAGENCY

ST MARYS BAND CLUB

ST MARYS FISH MARKET

ST MARYS LEAGUES CLUB

ST MARYS LIBRARY

ST MARYS PHARMACY QUEEN ST

ST MARYS PIZZA HUT

ST MARYS RSL

ST MARYS VILLAGE

WAGON WHEEL HOTEL

WALTER’S NEWSAGENCY

THORNTON

PETRAMART

THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

WALLACIA

WALLACIA GOLF CLUB

WALLACIA HOTEL

WALLACIA POST OFFICE

WALLACIA TAKEAWAY

WARRAGAMBA

WARRAGAMBA SPORTS CLUB

WERRINGTON

COLONIAL HOTEL

CROSSROADS CONVENIENCE STORE

DIRANI’S MFC

GEORGE’S CHARCOAL CHICKEN

HENRY SPORTS CLUB

At the movies...

A word of warning before going into the cinema to see new Ben Affleck flick ‘Hypnotic’: Keep your eyes open and your brain switched on.

The Robert Rodriguez directed mind-bender may only run for a little over 90 minutes but it requires plenty of undivided attention, at least if you want the twist to pay off.

We jump straight into the action when detective Danny Rourke (Affleck) darts away from a counselling session about his missing daughter to investigate a tip off into an upcoming bank robbery.

We quickly learn Rourke’s missing daughter and the robbery are linked; but certainly not in a conventional way.

We’re thrown into a world where a suspicious looking man Dellrayne (William

Fichtner) has an incredible ability to hypnotise people around him, forcing them to commit acts of violence – even to the point of forcing police to turn on each other. Turns out Dellrayne is not the only person with this ability, and Rourke quickly enlists the help of another “hypnotic”, Diana Cruz (Alice Braga) to help him bring down Dellrayne and work out exactly what’s going on – and how his missing daughter plays a part.

It’s a good premise and even an interesting delivery but there’s not a whole lot to get your teeth into here.

And here’s another piece of advice: Don’t stick around for the mid-credits scene. If nothing else, it’ll leave you disappointed and with a sore head from rolling your eyes.

– Troy Dodds

See this movie at...

Ê The cast for the latest season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on Channel Seven has been announced. Putting on their dancing shoes this season are Charlie Abone, Christie Whelan Browne, Emily Weir, Gavin Wanganeen, Issa Schultz, James Magnussen, Laura Byrne, Mary Coustas, Matt Preston, Paulini, Phil Burton, Pia Miranda, Sally Pearson and Virginia Gay.

Ê If you’re like most parents and struggle to find things that your child likes to eat, Australian comedian Gary Eck might have the answer. Premiering on Monday, May 29, ‘Ginger & the Vegesaurs’ is an hilarious and delicious ABC Kids show that will help all Australian parents out at mealtimes. In season two, audiences will follow a Tricarrotops named Ginger and her Pea-Rex sidekicks Minty, Wasabi and Split. This season, which is set in the Late Crunchiest Period, introduces new worlds and new characters including a Watermelonsuchus, Kiwimammuthus and Beetrootasaurus to name a few. Don’t miss it!

Ê One of the most popular shows on TV is looking to add to its cast. ‘Travel Guides’ is

looking for groups of two to four people to be part of its next season. Applicants must have a current passport (of course) and be available for filming between July and December 2023. To apply, visit https://go.mycastingnet. com/Apply/Show/TravelGuidesS8.

Ê ‘The Great Australian Bake Off’ will return to LifeStyle on Tuesday, June 13 at 8.30pm with new hosts and judges. New judges Rachel Khoo and Darren Purchese will welcome 12 home baking enthusiasts and mentor them through a series of mouth-watering challenges that will test their skill and creativity. After 10 weeks and 30 delicious challenges, one baker will rise and ultimately be crowned ‘The Great Australian Bake Off’ winner.

Ê The 10th and final season of ‘The Blacklist’, starring James Spader, will premiere on Channel Seven on Monday, May 22 at the very late time of 11.30pm.

Ê Stan Sport has extended its partnership

with the Union of European Football Associations securing exclusive broadcast rights to every match of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League, alongside rights to the UEFA Super Cup to the 2026/27 season.

Ê The long-awaited season seven of ‘Queer Eye’ has finally dropped on Netflix. This season the Fab Five will bring some sparkle and sass to New Orleans and transform the lives of residents who are in need of a fresh start.

Ê Hugely popular Stan series ‘Yellowstone’ will end following the conclusion of season five in November. The news came after star of the show Kevin Costner confirmed he wouldn’t be returning after season five. An untitled sequel series will debut in December.

Ê Still on Stan, and ‘Walker’ has been renewed for a fourth season. However, prequel series ‘Walker: Independence’ has been axed after just one season on Paramount+.

to

Get Macca’s®

TV Guide: May 19–25

4:30 Irish Pickers (PG)

3:15 Movie: “Beetlejuice” (PG) (’88) Stars: Alec Baldwin

5:15 Movie: “Ferdinand” (G) (’17) Stars:

Border Security International (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Men In Black” (PG) (’97) Stars: Will Smith 10:30 Movie: “The Predator” (MA15+) (’18)

1:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 2:30 Movie: “Beetlejuice” (PG) (’88)

Stars: Alec Baldwin 4:30 Movie: “Oh! God!” (PG) (’77)

Stars: George Burns 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M)

12:00

4:05 AFL: Men’s Under 18s 5:20 The South Sydney Story (PG) 5:50 Songlines On Screen (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Natural Born Rebels (PG) 7:30 Black West (M l) 8:30 Movie: “3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets” (M) (’15) Stars: Lucia McBath

1:50 Movie: “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” (PG) (’76) Stars: Peter Sellers 3:50 Movie: “Midway” (PG) (’19) Stars: Ed Skrein 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30

Movie: “Tears Of The Sun” (M) (’03) Stars: Monica Bellucci 11:00 Major Crimes (M) Classifications:

Stars: Emma Watson

Thursday 25 May

4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 Murdoch Mysteries (M)

Normal People (M)

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Oblivion” (M l,v) (’13) Stars Andrea Riseborough

The 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Business 9:00 ABC News

And The 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 9:15 Documentary Now! (MA15+)

8:30 6:30 Food Safari 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Luke Nguyen’s Food Trail 8:00 Barossa Gourmet With Justine Schofield

NCIS (M) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Beyond Oak Island 9:20 Cycling: Giro D’Italia: Stage 18

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Survivor 44 (PG) 10:30 Young Sheldon (PG)

Friends (PG)

My Lottery Dream Home

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Dr Quinn Medicine Woman (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow: The Royal William Yard 2 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Paramedics (M) 9:30 Embarrassing Bodies (M) Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

(PG) delivered. « the western weekender 53 Friday, May 19, 2023

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

Word Search

THEME: BONNIE & CLYDE

BANKS

BLANCHE

BURGLARY CIGARS

CRIME

CRIMINALS

CROSSFIRE DEPRESSION

DESPERATE

FRANK HAMER

FUSILLADE

GANG

GAS STATIONS

GUN-TOTING

LOUISIANA

NEW MEXICO

NOTORIETY PARKER

POLICE

PROHIBITION

PUBLIC ENEMIES

SEX APPEAL

SMALL STORES

Last week’s solution

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. Test

Trivia Quiz

1. What was the last song John Lennon played for a paying audience?

2. How many movies of The Beatles were filmed in black and white?

3. Where was the first Beatles concert in the United States held?

4. The film ‘Help!’ released in

1965 was a spoof of which series?

5. Which Beatle wins the road race in the ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ movie?

6. How old was John Lennon when he was shot dead in New York?

7. What was The Beatles’ first number one song in the USA?

TEST YOUR BRAIN

STR8TS 2534 4253 12 5763142 684172539 3524687 215678 1234789 423176

Country Corner 1 85 1 5 25 47 26 3456

3 5

How

to beat Str8ts

–

Stapleton’s big win

Chris Stapleton (pictured) has taken out the Entertainer of the Year gong at the ACM Awards, held last week. Stapleton beat out a stellar field including Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen and Carrie Underwood to claim the award.

Other winners included Lainey Wilson (Female Artist of the Year) and Morgan Wallen (Male Artist of the Year).

Brothers Osborne took out Duo of the Year, while Old Dominion won Group of the Year.

Cole Swindell’s ‘She Had

remove that number as an option in

134 628 51 89 721

Name the Movie 1 4 3 9 © 2023 Syndicated Puzzles

cells

Me At Heads Carolina’ won Single of the Year and Song of the Year.

The ACM Awards were broadcast in Australia on Amazon Prime Video.

Lauren Alaina returns American country music sweetheart Lauren Alaina has been very quiet over the past 12 months, since parting ways with record label UMG Nashville.

But she’s revealed that new music is on the way under her new label, Big Loud.

It’s been revealed she’s close to releasing new tracks called ‘Don’t Judge A Woman’, ‘Like Her’ and ‘Walk In The Bar’.

Denning’s new tracks Travis Denning has dropped two new tracks: ‘Second Best Thing’ and ‘New Year’s Kiss’.

Both the songs are dedicated to his partner Madison.

“These songs felt like a nice gift that I wanted to give to her and show Madison and the world how much she means to me,” he said.

“She does not know these are coming out today, so I’m hoping that she really enjoys the surprise. Madison is pretty smart, though, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she is onto me!”

Both songs are now available to stream.

Having never cruised before, I will admit that I may have assumed that cruise ships were full of older people playing bingo but as I found myself at a nightclub on Deck 18 at 1am that pre-conceived notion was quickly overcome.

Taking it back a step to when I was invited to board P&O’s Pacific Adventure for a four-night getaway to Moreton Island, I never could have imagined how much is on offer on each level of what is essentially a floating hotel and resort.

Following over 2,600 lanyard wearing guests, I was quick to grab the first of many strawberry daiquiris and head to the sail away party where we witnessed the stunning sight of barely scraping under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

TRAVEL

P&O PACIFIC ADVENTURE

Words: Emily Feszczuk | Photos: Supplied | More Info: www.pocruises.com.au

After a peaceful sleep with the newfound sensation of being gently rocked by the ocean, we took in the vast blue view from our comfortable balcony room and then went up to the main deck to see it in all its glory.

The seasoned travellers set up on their deck chairs early and it is easy to see how people can spend their whole holiday in the Oasis adults only pool area or the Magrodome family area, not to mention the dual racing waterslides which were a hit for everyone, regardless of age.

Wanting to immerse myself in the experience, I bought my bingo tickets, my lucky dabber and as I joined a full lively theatre, I discovered how fun it is thinking you are just one legs 11 away from winning a cash prize (spoiler – I didn’t win).

The rest of the afternoon was spent by taking a cocktail class in a charming hole-in-the-wall bar, getting some lunch from The Pantry which has a range of cuisines in a buffet style and spending more time screaming than taking in the view as I (reluctantly) ziplined across the top of the ship, which is a must do for adrenaline seekers.

With 21 dining options available there is a lot to try, and 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco was a delicious choice to load up on authentic Italian before setting out to discover all the different and stylishly designed corners of the ship, including one of the stage shows on each night.

The Gatsby themed night saw as equally as many feather boas as a Harry Styles concert and it was the perfect attire to witness the very cheeky and cabaret style show –Blanc de Blanc, Uncorked!

After some more delicious drinks, and a late comedy show we found ourselves at the Altitude nightclub which parties all night long but is a convenient easy walk back to your room.

Trying to fit in every session of trivia and karaoke at the Adventure

hotel meant that a day of relaxation was needed which came when we had a shore day where people ventured out to Tangalooma Island Resort. Taking advantage of a noticeably quieter ship, we spent the day at the Byron Beach Club which is a private access area for guests booking into suites.

Swimming, sunning ourselves, and playing games like Connect Four was perfect before we headed out to explore the island on a tender and took in the magnitude of the Pacific Adventure from the shoreline. Our shore excursion was one we will not forget where a pod of wild dolphins came up to us in the shallows at sunset to be fed and marvelled at (and marvel I certainly did).

The white themed Bianco party was a blast, and the sea days became a blur of more bingo, listening to live music and watching groups of friends and families relaxing and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and phenomenal service given by the 1100 members of cheerful crew. There is so much included within a cruise package with shows and complimentary restaurants but adding on a hot stone massage at the Elemis at Sea Spa and dinner at celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s bar and grill will leave you wanting

more.

Sitting down for a drink with P&O Cruise Director Sam Austin, he summed up why cruise ships prove to be a popular holiday choice for all generations.

“I’ve worked in the cruise industry for eight years and there has been a huge stigma about cruising being for old people but that is changing with adults only cruise lines, we do themed cruises and P&O did the first ever

Australia which was insane,” Austin said.

“We have a night club, loud music venues, quiet places you can sit to relax, a variety of shows with talented performers, fun activities and incredible kids centres that cater for the young ones so make sure to experience as much as you can.”

With endless food, drinks and activities, if you have never hit the seas before or if you are a cruise veteran, make sure to get down the gangway of a P&O liner.

“I NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED HOW MUCH IS ON OFFER ON EACH LEVEL OF WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY A FLOATING HOTEL AND RESORT”

PET CHAT

WITH FIONA AMITI

PET FOOD AUSTRALIA • 1300 818 125

Keep your pet healthy and warm through the winter

As wintertime approaches, it is important to take extra care of our canine friends to ensure that they stay healthy and warm throughout the season.

Dogs are especially vulnerable when exposed to cold temperatures, so proper precautions must be taken to prevent illnesses such as kennel cough.

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria and is also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis.

It can be passed from one dog to another when they are in close contact, such as being in a kennel or animal shelter together. Common signs of kennel cough include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and discharge.

To help prevent your dog from getting kennel cough, keep them away from other dogs that may be infected, as well as washing their food and water bowls

regularly. Vaccinations are also available for kennel cough so check with your veterinarian to see if this is the right option for your pup.

Here are a few tips on how you can help your dog stay safe and healthy during the winter:

Provide plenty of fresh water

Make sure to always provide a bowl of clean fresh water for your dog especially in colder weather. This will help ensure that they are getting enough fluids and preventing dehydration.

Keep their coat in shape

Check your dog’s coat regularly for dirt, debris or mats which can easily trap the cold air against their skin and cause discomfort.

Brush their fur daily and be sure to check for tangles or mats that can occur from your pet wearing a coat or jumper.

Make sure their bedding is warm and comfortable

Invest in a cosy, insulated dog bed for your pup

so he can stay toasty during the winter months.

A thick blanket or even an old sweatshirt should do the trick!

By following these tips, you can help your furry friend stay healthy and safe during the winter months!

With just a few simple steps, you can make sure that your dog is well taken care of this season.

Don’t forget your pet may have an increased appetite during the colder months (just like we do!)

Pet Food Australia has a great selection of premium dog and cat food your pet is sure to enjoy.

Be sure to visit www. petfoodaustralia.com.au and receive free delivery for orders over $100.

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

HEALTH

BLAKE COSSOR ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

Why choosing the right footwear will

health

Proper footwear is essential for the health and safety of our feet, ankles, and lower limbs. It is crucial to wear the right type of shoes for different activities to prevent foot injuries, discomfort and chronic conditions.

The first step in choosing proper footwear is to consider the activity you will be doing. For instance, running shoes are designed with cushioning and support to absorb shock and prevent injuries, while hiking boots have more rugged soles for better traction and ankle support. On the other hand, dress shoes are usually less supportive and comfortable than athletic shoes but provide a more formal appearance.

Another crucial factor in selecting proper footwear is the fit. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, corns and calluses, while shoes that are too loose can cause foot slippage and instability. Proper fitting shoes should have enough room for your toes to wiggle and move freely, and they should not pinch or squeeze your feet in any way.

The arch support of your shoes is also important. The arches of your feet help to absorb shock, support your body weight, and distribute pressure evenly across your feet. Shoes with good arch support help to reduce the risk of foot injuries, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions that affect the arches of your feet.

It is also essential to consider the material of your shoes. Breathable materials such as

leather and mesh help to keep your feet dry and prevent bacteria and odour buildup. Shoes with water-resistant materials are also ideal for wet environments to keep your feet dry and prevent fungal infections. Proper footwear is crucial for the overall health and wellbeing of your feet. The right shoes can prevent foot injuries, chronic conditions and discomfort, while also providing the necessary support and comfort for different activities. Always consider the activity you will be doing, the fit, arch support and material when selecting shoes to ensure that you choose the best option for your feet.

make a big difference to your

TALKING TECH

WITH DAVID NORRIS • NORTEC IT • 9894

9514

A brand new way to create graphics

Microsoft Designer is a cloudbased design tool that helps you create professional-looking graphics and images without prior design experience.

It uses artificial intelligence to generate ideas, suggest layouts, and automatically apply styles to your designs.

Best of all, it is free to all users with a Microsoft 365, Xbox, or Windows account. It can be accessed from any web browser to use on your computer, tablet or phone.

It is easy to use even without design experience; you can create beautiful graphics. It can include infographics, posters, logos, presentations, social media posts and more.

It’s an excellent tool for creating custom images for your website or blog. The software is designed to work seamlessly with other Microsoft tools, such as PowerPoint, Word and Excel, which can be helpful for users who need to create design elements for documents or presentations. It is also easy to share your designs with others, allowing them to collaborate or edit them.

For example, I asked Designer to “Design a travel poster for The Western Weekender Travel Show for an event on December 15”.

It generated about 15 different samples. They were all high quality, with fantastic

graphics and all the relevant information, including the event date. Once you choose a design, you can have Designer provide variations on that theme.

When you download them, you can have a watermark on the design or make the design transparent for use on websites.

They can be downloaded in three formats – PNG, JPEG and PDF. You can also connect your social media accounts, including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook and have Designer post the chosen result directly to your accounts.

You can use various templates, including different layouts, styles, and colours, so you can easily find a template that fits your needs. It also has a selection of tools that you can use to create your designs. You can adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of images and crop and resize images to fit their designs. The software also includes a range of filters and effects that can be applied to images, such as blurs, gradients and overlays. It supports vector graphics allowing the designs to be scaled up or down without losing quality.

Microsoft Designer is an excellent option if you’re looking for an easy-to-use design tool to help you create professional-looking graphics and images.

It can be found at designer.microsoft. com.

with

We have 4 different bars, OG - Meaning original, which is for normal hair, Volume, Colour-Treated, and Dry or Damaged. Save up to 6 shampoo and conditioner bottles from polluting the environment by switching to this beautiful solid shampoo bar. Not only are you going to be an eco-friendly warrior, your hair will be at its absolute best. We've added only fully eco-sustainable ingredients and additives.

Wild dog and fox control program

Greater Sydney Local Land Services will be leading a wi ld and fox control program in the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountain Penrith regions.

As a result of strong support from local landowners, Great Sydney Local Land Services has been able to develop and a broad, integrated control program in the area. This progr is aimed

895B East Kurrajong Road, East Kurrajong NSW 2758

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161 & 177 ‘Briens Road, Cattai NSW 2756

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Please rest rain all domestic pets at this time. In the event of accidental poisoning, please seek veterinary assistance. For more information or to sign up for future campaigns

Make the big switch to Indy today!

Indy Performance is an independent, high-tech automotive workshop located in Emu Plains. Their mission is to get any vehicle performing at its best every day.

Indy Performance has been taking care of cars from Emu Plains, Penrith and the lower Blue Mountains for over 35 years.

These days you need someone who can diagnose and work with the latest in car technology – that’s what Indy Performance does.

The team has diagnostic equipment for all cars, this allows them to zero in on the things to fix, so they can get straight on to sorting them out for you.

Indy Performance takes care of general repairs, fuel injection, brakes, clutches and tuning. They also repair and change tyres,

perform rego checks as well as service and repair air conditioners. They have a loan car available through booking only. They can service cars still under warranty.

The team provides quality repairs for most makes and models of vehicles – 4WDs, light commercials, vans, utes and family cars – including European models. For your convenience, they are open five-and-a-half days a week, which includes Saturday mornings, and provide an early drop-off facility.

Indy Performance is located close to public transport including Emu Plains Train Station. They also pick up and drop customers home in the Emu Plains area.

Indy Performance has worked hard to keep their Green accreditation and take pride in having one of the area’s cleanest and most well-maintained workshops.

to be a

With 500 units already sold, CUPRA’s Born battery electric car is fully charging toward being this year’s best-selling European BEV.

Response to the initial allocation of 400 Borns made available for sale online before Christmas was such that a total 600 and then 700 were allocated by the factory. Of those some 500 have sold and ordering is now unrestricted.

Born – a large, rear-wheel-drive hatchback – is not only the first relatively affordable BEV of its type to reach Australia, it has the longest range for the most attainable price: up to 511km between recharging for $59,990 plus on-road costs.

In states and territories such as NSW and ACT the drive-away price is within $2,500 of that class-leading sum, before region-specific incentives are applied. Where incentives are applicable, the drive-away price could fall below the RRP.

CUPRA has been laser-focused on delivering its rear-wheel drive hot hatchback BEV both with class-leading electric range, the performance and dynamics that local drivers love – and at a competitive price.

Built on a dedicated BEV platform – called MEB – the Born has been raised from the

ground up to deliver not only 7.0-second 0-100km/h straight line speed, but most importantly driver engagement through the steering and rear-drive chassis. This is supported by 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, optional wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, and a high level of standard technology and luxury for the price.

“Customer response has been immediate, which has been recognised and rewarded by our factory with increasing allocations of a car in hot demand in other markets,” CUPRA Australia Director, Ben Wilks said “To combine a long 500km-plus EV range with instant electric performance, and controllable dynamics through the sharp

steering and rear-wheel drive chassis, places the CUPRA Born in an exclusive part of the market.

“From range and pricing, to space and driver satisfaction, the Born will be the most important vehicle that CUPRA launches as it defines class leadership.”

For more: www.cupraofficial.com.au.

CUPRA Born Battery Electric Car.

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ALL YOUR FOOTY NEEDS COVERED

Extra Time. See centre pull-out.

Bussting a move overseas

was the fact he was the only Aussie to be chosen in two nationally selected ICU teams.

crazy – it’s nothing like the comps we have here in Australia… it made me very nervous.”

“People were even chanting my name, it was surreal.”

South Penrith teenager Riley Busst is still doing backflips and jump splits after a very successful trip to the United States competing in both cheer and dance.

Not only did the 16-year-old pick up several medals during his stint in Orlando, Florida last month, but he was also bestowed the honour of being Australia’s flag bearer at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships.

Riley represented Team Australia in Elite Cheer and Hip Hop at the World Cheerleading Championships, which was live streamed around the world on the Olympic Channel.

Making his selection even more remarkable

Riley and his Australian teammates were outstanding throughout the Championships, placing second in the world for Elite Cheer and fourth in the world for Hip Hop.

Their routines have already racked up thousands of views online, with people sending Team Australia their praises from all corners of the globe.

Speaking with the Weekender, Riley said it was a dream come true to represent Australia in a major international competition.

“It was an incredible feeling to make the team,” he said.

“It was very exhausting. It was over a week of competing and we had to do training while we were over there. But the competition was

Before the competition got underway, Riley got the surprise news that he would be Team Australia’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony. Voted by his peers, the Year 11 St Marys Senior High School student said the honour was made even more special as it was his 16th birthday as well.

“I got to experience the opening ceremony on the day of my birthday, so people from different cultures and different countries were singing me ‘Happy Birthday’ in their language, which was really cool,” Riley said.

“I didn’t expect to be the flag bearer whatsoever… it was so exciting! Getting to stand up there, watching all the countries come through, it was so incredible.

On top of Riley’s feats with the Australian Cheer Union, he also performed in Orlando with local studio Reign Elite at The 2023 Dance Worlds.

Riley danced with two Reign Elite teams, picking up a bronze medal as well as a ninthplace finish in two very difficult and highly competitive divisions.

Dancing since he was just three, Riley said he thoroughly enjoyed competing with some of his closest friends from Reign Elite.

“We’ve always dreamed of performing at Worlds, so all of us just had so much passion and drive to get there,” he said.

“It was a great experience getting to do that with my closest friends.”

Dancer Riley Busst has had huge success in the United States recently. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Raiding the capital: Medal haul for martial arts school

returned later that night. It was a 15-hour day, but it was well worth it,” he said.

At 48, Brooks was the oldest SMAC fighter taking to the mat while the youngest was just five.

Ninety-four! That’s the number of medals students from Shaolin Martial Arts Centre (SMAC) took home at an International Sports Karate Association (ISKA) tournament in Canberra recently.

The Werrington County-based centre, which has been in operation for seven years, sent 31 students to compete in the Battle of Canberra, with all but one taking home a medal.

The students, ranging in age

“There were 16 people competing for the first time in Canberra, but the rest of the team have been competing for six months or more. I, myself, have been competing since 1985 and I just love it, I love the buzz. For me, it’s not about winning, it’s seeing the students beat their goals. I was really happy for everyone.”

“We even had mums competing for the first time. Their kids had been competing for a while and these mums decided to step up and jump in, I was really proud of them,” Brooks said.

“I think there was one kid that didn’t medal and that was, quite simply, because it was his first tournament, and he was in divi-

sions with 16 kids involved. He competed in the largest division in his first tournament, and he still did himself very proud.”

The Battle of Canberra was the sixth ISKA tournament of the year with loads more set down for the remainder of 2023.

Brooks said to sit in third place on the ISKA rankings so far is a monumental achievement for Shaolin Martial Arts Centre.

“We are coming third overall for the year out of all the teams that compete in ISKA,” he said.

“We are smaller than some of the bigger schools… we average

Jordan Sant cleaned up.

NATHAN TAYLOR

SYDNEY CENTRAL

Ezekiel’s rowing rise continues

for his age also helped him to get ahead of the pack.

North St Marys teenager Ezekiel Pratt has rowed his way to yet another accolade, adding Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star to his list of achievements.

The talented 14-year-old has only been rowing for a touch over 12 months but is already starting to earn recognition for his strong start on the water. Earlier this year, Ezekiel tried his luck at the Taree Regatta, winning a whopping six events. He also competed at the NSW Rowing Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in February, taking home a gold medal in the U16 Men’s Single Scull.

What makes Ezekiel’s achievements so remarkable is that he only picked up the sport last year after jumping on a rowing machine at his house.

“I took up rowing because my Dad used to do it and got me interested,” Ezekiel told the Weekender in February.

“I started on a rowing machine at home. I was on it for a couple of months before getting in touch with Nepean Rowing Club and signing up to their Learn to Row program.”

With rowing in his blood thanks to his Dad Ben, Ezekiel took to the sport with relative ease. Being quite tall and strong

Ezekiel trains on average eight hours a week, with four or five sessions on the water.

“I like rowing, I like going fast,” he said.

“The threat of falling in is more interesting than just sitting there going nowhere.

“Rowing lets me use my strength without damaging anything.”

While Ezekiel has started his rowing journey with a bang, he knows there’s plenty of work to do if he wants to rise the ranks and truly make it in the sport.

“My plan is to do my very best,” he said.

“I’m not sure how far I’ll go, but my plan is to keep rowing and just enjoy myself.”

With the beautiful Nepean River right on our doorstep, Ezekiel said everyone should give rowing a try for some added fitness and fun.

“I would recommend it. Rowing is lots of fun and I do like it,” he said.

“I’ve made friends with all the rowers at my club and even some people who aren’t.”

Ezekiel Pratt’s Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.

If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.

Nomination forms are available at www. pvsf.org.au.

Rower Ezekiel Pratt is the latest PVSF Junior Sports Star.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Unlikely win for St Doms

Renowned for football and basketball, college now adds netball to the list

NATHAN TAYLOR

For decades, St Dominic’s College has dominated in sports such as rugby league and basketball, but now they can add netball to that list.

Last week, two St Dominic’s teams were crowned Netball NSW Schools Cup Premiers after both went undefeated at a Gala Day at Jamison Park.

It was the first time the Kingswood-based college entered teams into the annual competition – and it paid off big time.

St Dominic’s teacher, netball coach and Panthers Premier League player Carissa Cook said she was overwhelmed with the amount of students that wanted to have a shot at netball.

“We needed a junior team (Years 7/8) and an intermediate team (Years 9/10), and we had 112 boys wanting to trial, so the cut for both teams was pretty insane as we were only selecting 12 players on each team,” she told the Weekender

“It was a really good response from the boys who were wanting to come trial and try something new.

“They loved it… they were all for it.

“Every time I said that we were going to have a netball day, they were like ‘yes, can I be in the team?’. I was thinking to myself, ‘this is great!’.”

The format of the Netball NSW Schools Cup

was round robin, with St Dominic’s taking on other all-boys teams from around the region.

Making the school’s winning run more remarkable was the fact that the teams only had one training session prior to the competition.

Cook said while there were some challenges explaining some of netball’s rules to the students, she was impressed that they took the feedback on board and were able to show off their incredible skill and talent on the netball court.

“When the boys were trialling, I knew there

Around The Grounds

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have suffered their worst loss in years, chewed up and spat out by the Gungahlin Eagles 99-17 in Round 5 of the John I Dent Cup. The Emus will now get a couple of weeks to recover from last weekend’s massacre with the bye this round.

BASKETBALL: Penrith’s women’s team have failed to win back-to-back games, belted by the Bankstown Bruins 80-49 in Round 9 of the NBL1 East competition. For the fifth straight week, Meg Jefferson led her side with 14 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Penrith’s men’s team have dropped their first game in a month, going down to the Bruins 85-76. Caleb FetuiFa’amoe top scored for the Panthers with 17 points and six rebounds in the nine-point loss. Both teams will take on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles this Saturday at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have chalked up a loss and a win during Rounds 7 and 8 of the Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. In their clash against the South Coast Blaze, Panthers went down 58-52, while up against GWS Fury at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre last Saturday night, the home side got up 57-50. Meanwhile, Panthers Netball have racked up a win and a loss during Rounds 7 and 8 of the Premier League U23s competition. Taking on the South Coast Blaze last Wednesday, Panthers prevailed 47-39, while up against the GWS Fury in Penrith they were demolished 58-33. Both teams will battle the UTS Randwick Sparks in Round 9.

NETBALL: After a rough few weeks, Giants Netball are finally showing some signs of life, defeating the Collingwood

Magpies 69-56 in Round 9 of the Super Netball competition. Despite a close first half, the Giants slowly pulled away in the fourth quarter to record the 13-goal win at John Cain Arena. The Giants will return home this Saturday to face the Sunshine Coast Lightning at Ken Rosewall Arena.

AFL: With a new coach at the helm the Penrith Rams have now won back-to-back games, defeating Sydney University 69-58 in Round 6 of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition. Mitchell Stevens was a beast for the visitors, slotting over five goals in the victory. Penrith will aim for three wins on the trot when they take on the Parramatta Goannas this Saturday afternoon at Gipps Road Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes are also celebrating this week after smashing the UNSW-ES Bulldogs 55-2 in Round 6 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two competition. The Ramettes will look to keep their winning run alive when they meet Macquarie University this Saturday morning at Gipps Road.

AFL: Greater Western Sydney’s season continues to go from bad to worse, embarrassed by the Collingwood Magpies 120-55 in Round 9 of the AFL competition. The competition leaders, who have only dropped one game all season, led by five goals at half-time and never looked back. Collingwood’s 65-point win was a record over the Giants at the MCG. The Giants will return home on Sunday afternoon to play St Kilda at Giants Stadium.

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

would be lots of stepping and lots of contact,” she said.

“All the boys are from a basketball, football or soccer background, so first it was stepping and then it was the obstruction – they just couldn’t grasp the concept of having to get back first before putting their arms up.

“But, to be honest, I was shocked. Their athletic ability was amazing, and their agility and vertical jump was insane.”

But it wasn’t just the St Dominic’s coaches who the teams impressed, they also caught the eye of development scouts from Netball

NSW as well, meaning a bright future for some of the players.

“Netball NSW Development were down at the courts scouting and now some of our boys have been invited to go to a Development Day in June,” Cook said.

“They also want to enter our team into the State Age next month, which is really cool.” And there’s more to come.

“In Term 3, our teams will travel to Homebush to participate in the State Cup, which will be against schools from across the state,” she said.

The Junior St Dominic’s College netball team.

The Intermediate St Dominic’s College netball team.

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Penrith’s #1 NRL Coverage – Extra Time – see centre pull-out

Panthers aim to be heartbreakers

While playoffs might seem like a distant dream for the Panthers in the NBL1 East Men’s competition this season, Penrith are hoping to wreak some havoc with teams in contention for a spot in the post-season.

In their debut year competing in the state’s premier basketball league, Penrith are currently sitting in 13th spot at the halfway point of the season with a three win and eight loss record.

While there’s a very slim chance they can still reach the playoffs themselves if they win most of their games during the second half of the season, Penrith also have their eye on being the disruptor to other teams’ chances of playing Finals basketball.

Speaking with the Weekender, Penrith coach Jarrod Moore said his side have their “hearts set on being the heartbreakers”.

“Our hopes are to be the team that creates the upset to get these playoff contending teams out of playoff contention,” he said.

“We really want to upset some teams and go into every fight as the underdog – be the David out of every Goliath.”

The coach admits he’s also keen to use the rest of the 2023 campaign as a lesson for future seasons.

“For the remainder of the season, we also want to focus on getting the guys better to come back next year even stronger,” he said.

“We want to use the remaining games as a learning tool and opportunity to improve.”

It’s been a challenging debut season for Penrith in their first year in the NBL1 East.

Despite having an experienced coach in Moore at the helm, the relatively young side is still finding its feet competing against players with loads of experience in Australia and overseas.

“A lot of our guys haven’t played this level before and they are going up against some college and NBL quality players,” Moore said.

“We’re also very young and we’re not the tallest team in the division, in-fact, we’re probably the shortest, but that hasn’t stopped us from playing above our weight.

“The guys have been representing the community with five stars out of five.

“Every game that we play we know we have our backs against the wall but giving up is not an option for our team.”

Following several blowouts to start the season, including a 73-point loss to the Centre of Excellence, it took Penrith until Round 6 before they tasted their first victory of the year against Manly.

Since then, they’ve rattled off three wins in four weeks and are looking better and better with every game they play.

“I’m really proud of them for what they are doing so far,” Moore said. “Some of the scorelines may not portray that, but they know there’s lots of learning to do and we’re just trying to take it each day that goes by. I’m loving it.”

Penrith will take on Manly Warrin gah this Saturday night at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. Tip-off is at 7.30pm.

NATHAN