Western Weekender December 1 2023

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Friday, December 1, 2023

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Starts on page 28

YOUR LOCAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS GUIDE! SEE PAGES 20-21

LIFE’S A BEACH

Finally, Western Sydney Lakes is being opened to the public with Penrith to get its own beach this summer.

Makayla Muscat reports on pages 6-7 Prue Car, Karen McKeown and Paul Scully at the Penrith Beach. Photo: Megan Dunn.

EXCLUSIVE: LEADING RADIOLOGY PROVIDER CRIPPLED BY CYBER ATTACK

DIRE DIAGNOSIS: A HACK HITS HARD

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

leading radiology and diagnostics provider has been hit by a major cyber attack, which has forced it to close its clinics and cancel appointments.

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Quantum Radiology operates several clinics in the Penrith area, including the busy Nepean Radiology on High Street.

The company says it is “working diligently” to restore its systems.

Full story on » p. 8

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

ICF checks in on upgrades to Whitewater Stadium O

lympic gold medal winner Jess Fox has provided International Canoe Federation (ICF) Vice President Lluis Rabaneda Caselles with a behind the scenes tour of the upgraded Penrith Whitewater Stadium, as the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues.

Rabaneda Caselles was in Penrith on Tuesday to get a first-hand look at the legacy venue of the 2000 Olympics, which will also play host to the World Canoe Slalom Championships in 2025.

Fox, who was recently named on her fourth Australian Olympic Team for the Paris Games, is on the countdown to the next Olympics where she’ll be out to defend her gold medal.

Richard Fox, Head of the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships Organising Committee, said the event would be “symbolic” given it will be 25 years since the Sydney Olympics.

“It’s a full circle from a personal point of view because we were involved in the campaign to get this place built,” he said.

“We had to convince the NSW Government that it was a good investment and we believe it was.”

Rabaneda Caselles said the ICF was keen to build strong relationships between paddling venues and the cities that house them.

“This venue is quite important... we always keep an eye here,” he said.

Richard Fox, Jess Fox and ICF Vice President Lluis Rabaneda Caselles at Penrith Whitewater Stadium on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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the western weekender PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith westernweekender

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

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Is Anthony Albanese a one-termer?

W

Issue 1626

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hen Anthony Albanese stood before the party faithful on May 21 last year and delivered a teary but affirmative election-winning speech, it felt like the beginning of a long chapter of Labor governance in Australia.

As conservative State Governments also fell, the prospect of Albanese being a one-term Prime Minister was propostrous – especially with Peter Dutton as the alternative.

But at the half-way mark of his first term, there is no question that the honeymoon is over for Albanese.

And now staunch Liberals are convinced of something they thought impossible over the last 18 months: they could win the next election, even with the unpalatable Dutton at the helm.

And the latest Newspoll result suggests they’re not just drinking the Kool-Aid. For the first time, it has Labor and the Coalition at 50/50 on a two party preferred basis.

In other words, support for Albanese is flatlining.

And it’s not really hard to figure out why.

As people continue to deal with the costof-living crisis and rising interest rates, especially at Christmas, they tend to turn to their Government for answers.

And true as it may be that the Government is independent from the Reserve Bank, it doesn’t stop people pointing the finger, and wondering what actions or behaviours are leading to their mortage payments continuing to skyrocket.

Albanese was elected with a line about saving people $275 on their power bills and increasing real wages.

Labor can talk about modelling that saw them reach that figure all they like, but most people are left pondering where that $275 is and, if anything, why their power bills have actually increased in the last 18 months, not come down.

Does Anthony Albanese still stand by the $275 claim?

As for wages, any increases you may have seen in the last 18 months have been quickly gobbled up by your bank, electricity provider or local grocery shop.

Index

“There is no question the honeymoon is over for Anthony Albanese”

Albanese also suffered a critical body blow with the result of The Voice referendum.

And it wasn’t necessarily the end result that cruelled him most, but moreso that no matter what he did – including throwing so much of his time and resources into the Yes campaign – he couldn’t move the dial.

People had stopped listening to Albanese along the way, and there’s no guarantee they’ll start tuning in again any time soon.

That can be fatal to a Prime Minister.

By the end of the referendum campaign, he had became condesending in his approach; and that will never win you favour.

For western Sydney, the relationship with Albanese has become even more problematic, with the Government’s decision to cut federal funding to a number of key infrastructure projects hitting hard.

Regardless of what an independent review may have said, you could not possibly think that putting projects associated with Western Sydney International Airport at risk is a smart move.

If the review found these projects suffered from technicalities around the funding, surely they can be rectified.

But if it legitimately found that projects like the M7-M12 interchange, Mulgoa Road upgrades and car parks at Kingswood and St Marys stations were not worthy or valid, then the review is flawed. Albanese and his Infrastructure Minister Catherine King should

News..........................................................1-25 Business.............................................26-32 Entertainment...............................33-42

be falling over themselves to make sure the airport has all the investment required to make it a success, and that includes investing in the regions impacted by its arrival.

I would challenge Albanese and King to visit the airport site, then come out to Penrith, and explain how they could possibly support the review’s findings that the aforementioned projects are not worthy of continued Federal Government investment.

Albanese likely has no idea how much damage has been done to the Labor brand in western Sydney by these recent cuts, which could have generational impact.

It all plays into the old narrative that while Labor may lead with the heart, it builds very little and stalls the progress needed for a modern Australia.

Albanese’s extraordinary fall from grace over the last 18 months sets up one of the more interesting political years in 2024.

For Peter Dutton, it will be a defining 12 months. One in which he could well position himself as Australia’s next Prime Minister and not just a placeholder.

The Coalition would now be figuring out just what seats it could claim in 2025 to get back into the game and potentially win an election.

For Albanese, he needs to find a way to move the dial back, and it could start with spending more time at home.

Nobody doubts the importance of Australia’s international relationships, but as people battle increasing cost-of-living pressures, there is an expectation that their Prime Minister is at home, fighting for them.

Right now, it feels Labor is way too slow to react to negative situations, often finding itself stuck in the mud (the recent High Court ruling on indefinite immigration detention stands out there).

Albanese can still ensure his legacy is one of greatness in Labor folklore.

But right now, he is teetering on the edge of leading Labor into a rare class of one-term governments.

Albanese is on the nose, and his entire 2024 must be dedicated to finding the air he breathed in the months after the election.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas battery warning Fears cheap gifts could spark fires as experts urge shoppers to be vigilant MAKAYLA MUSCAT

C

The aftermath of a fire sparked by a Lithium-ion battery.

in house, garbage truck and waste facility fires.

To help ensure Lithium-ion batteries are used safely, FRNSW recommends storing them in a cool, dry area, always using compliant and approved charging equipment, and avoiding leaving them charging overnight.

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“If a battery is compromised through damage or overheating, it can go into what we call ‘Thermal Runaway… It will pop and crackle, then give off toxic gas before exploding in intense flames that are extremely difficult to extinguish,” FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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hristmas shoppers are being warned to beware of sub-standard Lithium-ion battery-powered devices and the dangers of charging Lithium-ion products as fires surge across the state.

Consumers are advised to shop safely as well as for value, to ensure the gifts under the tree do not ruin the festive season.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said firefighters are responding to an average of more than three battery fires a week from in-home charging issues or incorrect disposal.

“Batteries are featuring more prominently in fire statistics, with lithium power packs and charger fires an increasing concern for fire crews,” he said.

“When shopping for gifts this Christmas don’t cut corners when buying Lithium-ion battery-powered products.”

The latest Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) statistics show there have been 180 battery related fires so far this year, already outnumbering the 165 Lithium-ion battery-related fires which they responded to last year.

The State Government is raising awareness of how to prevent these potentially deadly fires and save lives.

Households are urged to use, store and dispose of batteries safely to combat the surge

“If you’re buying presents that require Lithium-ion batteries this Christmas, make sure those batteries are manufactured by a trusted company.”

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said bins are not the place for batteries.

“When damaged or crushed, such as in a garbage truck, they can start fires that are difficult to put out,” she said.

“More dedicated battery recycling points are popping up in shopping centres and office blocks, and at many council facilities, so do the right thing and take them to a drop off point for safe disposal.”

According to Minister for Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Fair Trading has conducted inspections of 166 retailers selling electrical articles since March 2023.

Inspectors found 30 models with non-compliant chargers and the retailers were instructed to remove them from sale.

“When these products fail, it can come at terrible cost. I’m reminding buyers to store batteries safely and if they have concerns they should reach out to the manufacturer or NSW Fair Trading,” Chanthivong said.

“NSW Fair Trading is continuing to inspect products and businesses to inform the public of any concerns and to educate consumers about the dangers of Lithium-ion batteries.”

To find out more information, visit www. fire.nsw.gov.au/batteries.

5

LOCAL NEWS

Beach days: Penrith to • Penrith Beach to ease summer scorchers • Western Sydney Lakes finally open MAKAYLA MUSCAT

L

ocals will have a new place to cool off this summer after confirmation a portion of Western Sydney Lakes will finally be open to the public.

‘Penrith Beach’ will be open seven days a week from late December to early March 2024, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day. “I know just how much local residents are going to embrace and enjoy this new swimming spot close to home over Christmas and the school holidays,” said Penrith MP Karen McKeown.

“It’s an incredible amenity for families and friends to come and cool off, with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, and I’m so proud to see this project come to life.”

The same length as Bondi Beach, Penrith Beach will offer an unmatched waterside experience in the heart of western Sydney where people of all ages and backgrounds can safely enjoy the water for free.

Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone.

The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement signed with Western Sydney Lakes.

“As temperatures rise, access to water near where you live has never been more impor-

Local kids got an early preview of Penrith Beach on Sunday. Photo: Megan Dunn.

tant – regardless of age, ability, or postcode – everyone should have access to a safe place to cool off,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

“Penrith broke records for being the hottest place on earth and another sweltering summer is ahead of us, so a place to swim is important to support public health.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

“We’ve always said that communities need infrastructure to support their growth. We took this decision to support the people of western Sydney.

LOCAL NEWS

make a summer splash to the public • How residents have responded to our new slice of local paradise “This is a location of which the people of western Sydney can be proud and which will make the rest of Sydney a little bit jealous!”

It’s 63 kilometres to get to Bondi Beach and 75 kilometres to either Cronulla or Manly, so having access to a swimming spot, just five kilometres away from Penrith CBD, is a huge win for Penrith locals.

There will be parking available on site, as well as a dedicated shuttle bus to ferry beach goers from the station.

According to Penrith mum and swim instructor Katrina Partridge, spending a day at the beach just got a whole lot easier.

“On Sunday, we went there and the kids had a bit of a splash in the water, and the fact that it was a calm beach was really good for my kids,” she told the Weekender.

“My five-year-old is a little bit intimidated by the waves at Cronulla and whatnot, so it was really good because without hesitation he went straight on into the water.

“It was quite inviting. I can relax and they can play.”

Partridge said the convenience of having a beach locally means her family will be able to go to the beach more often.

“For us it’s a real treat to go to the beach because it is so far away, so we only get to do it maybe twice a year,” she said.

“Usually at places like that the parking is terrible, so it’ll be really nice to have the option of taking the little trip over on the shuttle bus.”

Todd Carney, Paul Scully, Prue Car, Karen McKeown, Jacqueline Vozzo, John Thain and Robin Cook at Penrith Beach. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

7

LOCAL NEWS

Quantum’s quandary: Clinics shut as cyber attackers strike MAKAYLA MUSCAT

A

leading radiology and diagnostics provider has been hit by a major cyber attack, which has forced it to close its clinics and cancel appointments.

Quantum Radiology operates several clinics in the Penrith area, including the busy Nepean Radiology on High Street.

For the past week, the company has publicly stated it was experiencing an unforeseen IT issue. The Weekender can now reveal it relates to a cyber attack last week on its servers and systems.

In an email to staff, sighted by the Weekender, team members were urged to remain extremely vigilant for any further attacks or scams and take precautionary steps, including contacting their banks.

“There is a possibility that the attacker may have accessed or stolen the Personal Information (PI) of our employees,” the email said.

“This is also being investigated as a matter of urgency and we don’t yet have confirmation of who may have been affected or what information may have been compromised, if any.”

When contacted by the Weekender, a spokesperson from Quantum Radiology said they are working with the relevant Australian cybersecurity regulatory bodies and the police.

David Montgomery is a frustrated Nepean Radiology customer. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“We are also working closely with our legal advisors and retained specialists to help and advise on the incident,” the spokesperson said.

“As a precautionary measure, we have taken our system offline. Our clinics are currently closed and we are working diligently to make our systems operational.

“We are also notifying and collaborating with our referring doctors to optimise patient care.”

Despite the company’s messaging, a growing number of patients are concerned that Quantum Radiology is downplaying the serious nature of the incident.

David Montgomery is just one of the locals who has been left without results after a recent examination.

He said the way Quantum Radiology has handled this incident has caused even more stress and anxiety for people who are experiencing health issues.

“They’ve handled this very badly, and I don’t think they’re being transparent in their communication at all,” he told the Weekender.

“When you can’t trust a health provider, who can you trust?”

The company says it has no firm timeline for when its systems will be back online.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or distress that this incident has caused,” the spokesperson said.

“Our priority is to optimise patient care and minimise impact to patients and our referring doctors.”

It is unclear whether patient files and information has been compromised as a result of the attack.

The Federal Government has confirmed it is aware of the incident.

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ʧʪʦʥ ʪʫʬʤ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˟˜˕˥˔˥ˬ

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ʻ˘˥˜˧˔˚˘ ˊ˔˟˞ ʷ˜˦˖ˢ˩˘˥ ˧˛˘ ˛˜˦˧ˢ˥˜˖˔˟ ˚˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˛˘˟ˣ˘˗ ˚˥ˢ˪ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˛˔ˣ˘ ˧˛˘ ˘ˠ˘˥˚˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ˪ˡ ˢ˙ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ʡ

ˁ˘˪˦

ˆ˧˔˥˧ ˧˛˘ ˝ˢ˨˥ˡ˘ˬ ˔˧ ˩˜˦˜˧ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢ˦˧ˠ˔˥ˬ˦˪˔˟˞

ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ˈ˦ ʴ˗ˠ˜ˡ˜˦˧˥˔˧˜ˢˡ

˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ʟ ʩʣʤ ʻ˜˚˛ ˆ˧˥˘˘˧ʡ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ ˄˨˘˘ˡ ˆ˧˥˘˘˧ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ʟ ʥʣʪʠʥʣʬ ˄˨˘˘ˡ ˆ˧˥˘˘˧ʡ ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˂ˣ˘ˡ ʫʡʦʣ˔ˠʠʧˣˠʡ ˀˢˡʠʹ˥˜ʡ

ʧʪʦʥ ʪʪʪʪ

˃˂ ʵˢ˫ ʩʣʟ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ˁˆˊ ʥʪʨʤ

˖ˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˔˥˘ ˔˖˖˘˦˦˜˕˟˘ ˩˜˔ ˧˛˘ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ˣˢ˥˧˔˟ ˔˧ ˠˬʡˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˊ˔˦˧˘ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦

ʧʪʦʥ ʪʪʪʪ

ʼ˟˟˘˚˔˟ ʷ˨ˠˣ˜ˡ˚ ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ˧˛˘ ʸ˃ʴ ˛ˢ˧˟˜ˡ˘ ˢˡ ʤʦʤ ʨʨʨ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˦˞ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ˅ʼʷ ˆˤ˨˔˗ ʛ˅˘˚˜ˢˡ˔˟ ʼ˟˟˘˚˔˟ ʷ˨ˠˣ˜ˡ˚ ˆˤ˨˔˗ʜʡ ʺ˥˔˙Ѓ˧˜ ʻˢ˧˟˜ˡ˘

ʹ˥˘˘˖˔˟˟ ʤʫʣʣ ʣʥʥ ʤʫʥ

ˀ˘˘˧˜ˡ˚ ʷ˔˧˘˦ ʧ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ϝ ʪˣˠ ʛ˃ˢ˟˜˖ˬ ˅˘˩˜˘˪ ˀ˘˘˧˜ˡ˚ʜ ˂ˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ˩˜˔ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ʤʤ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ϝ ʪˣˠ ʛ˂˥˗˜ˡ˔˥ˬ ˀ˘˘˧˜ˡ˚ʜ ˂ˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ˩˜˔ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʡ˖ˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖ˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬ˖ˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬ˖ˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ˩˜˦˜˧ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨

ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ʵ˥˜˘˙˦

ϧ ʸ˗˘ˡ ʵ˥˔˘ ʻˢ˟˗˜ˡ˚˦ ˃˧ˬ ʿ˧˗ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʩʪʥ ʿˢ˧ ʦʣʣʫ ˃˃ ʤʥʪʧʩʬʧʟ ʦʣ ʶˢ˥ˬˠ˕˜˔ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˊ˘˥˥˜ˡ˚˧ˢˡ ʥʠ˦˧ˢ˥˘ˬ ˗˪˘˟˟˜ˡ˚ ˢˡ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˘˗ ʿˢ˧ ʦʣʣʫ

● ʽˢ˜ˡ ˨˦ ˙ˢ˥ ˔ ʶ˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦ ˦˖˥˘˘ˡ˜ˡ˚ ˢ˙ ϟʻˢˠ˘ ʴ˟ˢˡ˘ ʥʭ ʿˢ˦˧ ˜ˡ ˁ˘˪ ˌˢ˥˞Ϡ ˢˡ ˆ˔˧˨˥˗˔ˬʟ ʤʩ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ˔˧ ʶˢ˔˖˛ˠ˔ˡ˦ ˃˔˥˞ ˙˥ˢˠ ʩϝʬˣˠʔ ˅˘˟˔˫ ˢˡ ˧˛˘ ˕˘˔ˡ ˕˔˚˦ʟ ˧˛˘ Ѓ˥˦˧ ʥʣʣ ˣ˘ˢˣ˟˘ ˪˜˟˟ ˘ˡ˝ˢˬ ˙˥˘˘ ˣˢˣ˖ˢ˥ˡ ˕˨˧ ˪˘Ϡ˩˘ ˔˟˦ˢ ˚ˢ˧ ˙˔˖˘ ˣ˔˜ˡ˧˜ˡ˚ʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˔ ˦ˣ˘˖˜˔˟ ˩˜˦˜˧ ˙˥ˢˠ ˆ˔ˡ˧˔ ˛˜ˠ˦˘˟˙ʔ

ϧ ʺʽ ʺ˔˥˗ˡ˘˥ ˀˢ˗ʥʦʢʣʥʤʥ ʿˢ˧ ʧʬ ʷ˃ ʥʩʤʣʤʦʟ ʤ ʶ˔˦˦˜˔ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘ʟ ˆ˧ ʶ˟˔˜˥ ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʧʡʨʨ ʛʥʜ ˠˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʨʩʨ ˧ˢ ˥˘˟ˢ˖˔˧˘ ˗˪˘˟˟˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘ˠˢ˩˘ ʶˢˡ˗˜˧˜ˢˡ ʩ

ʹ˜ˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˖˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦˖˜ˡ˘ˠ˔

● ʶ˜˧ˬ ˃˔˥˞ ˜˦ ˠˢ˩˜ˡ˚ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˥ ˧ˢ ˖ˢˠˣ˟˘˧˜ˢˡ ˙ˢ˟˟ˢ˪˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˥˘˖˘ˡ˧ ˜ˡ˦˧˔˟˟˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˦˘˩˘˥˔˟ ˪˔˧˘˥ ˙˘˔˧˨˥˘˦ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˖˜˥˖˨˟˔˥ ˪˔˧˘˥ ˙ˢ˨ˡ˧˔˜ˡʟ ˖˔˦˖˔˗˜ˡ˚ ˣˢˢ˟˦ ˪˜˧˛ ˔ ˖ˢˡˡ˘˖˧˜ˡ˚ ˦˧˥˘˔ˠʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˙ˢ˚ ˙ˢ˨ˡ˧˔˜ˡ˦ʡ ˇ˛˘ Ѓ˥˦˧ ˦˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ˖˘ˡ˧˥˔˟ ˟˔˪ˡ ˛˔˦ ˔˟˦ˢ ˕˘˘ˡ ˟˔˜˗ʟ ˔ ʪʫʠˠ˘˧˥˘ ˦˨ˡ˞˘ˡ ˥˔˜ˡ ˚˔˥˗˘ˡ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˥˘˘˦ ˛˔˩˘ ˕˘˘ˡ ˣ˟˔ˡ˧˘˗ʟ ˔ˡ˗ ʴ˟˟˘ˡ ˃˟˔˖˘ ˟˔ˡ˘˪˔ˬ ˛˔˦ ˕˘˘ˡ ˥˘˙˨˥˕˜˦˛˘˗ʡ

ˇ˛˘ ˔ˠ˘ˡ˜˧˜˘˦ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˗ ˣ˘˥˚ˢ˟˔˦ ˔˥˘ ˨ˡ˗˘˥ ˖ˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˘˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˜˦ ˕˘˜ˡ˚ ˜ˡ˦˧˔˟˟˘˗ʡ ʶ˜˧ˬ ˃˔˥˞ ˜˦ ˘˫ˣ˘˖˧˘˗ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˖ˢˠˣ˟˘˧˘˗ ˔˧ ˧˛˘ ˘ˡ˗ ˢ˙ ʥʣʥʦʟ ˪˘˔˧˛˘˥ ˣ˘˥ˠ˜˧˧˜ˡ˚ʡ ˇ˛˜˦ ˣ˥ˢ˝˘˖˧ ˜˦ ˣ˥ˢ˨˗˟ˬ ˙˨ˡ˗˘˗ ˕ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˁˆˊ ʺˢ˩˘˥ˡˠ˘ˡ˧ʡ ˉ˜˦˜˧ ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʠ˖˜˧ˬʠˣ˔˥˞

● ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥˜˘˦Ϡ ʥʣʥʧ ʿˢ˖˔˟ ʻ˜˦˧ˢ˥ˬ ʶ˔˟˘ˡ˗˔˥ ˙˘˔˧˨˥˘˦ ˢ˟˗ ˣˢ˦˧˖˔˥˗˦ ˗˘ˣ˜˖˧˜ˡ˚ ˦ˢˠ˘ ˢ˙ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛Ϡ˦ ˜˖ˢˡ˜˖ ˟ˢ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˙˥ˢˠ ˧˛˘ ʤʫʣʣ˦ ˔ˡ˗ ʤʬʣʣ˦ʡ ˇ˛˘ ʶ˔˟˘ˡ˗˔˥ ˜˦ ˔˩˔˜˟˔˕˟˘ ˔˧ ˔˟˟ ˧˛˥˘˘ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥˜˘˦ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˙ˢ˥ ʗʨʡ ʺ˘˧ ˬˢ˨˥ ˖ˢˣˬ ˧ˢ˗˔ˬʡ

ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʶˢˡ˦˘ˡ˧ʢ˦ ʷ˘˧˘˥ˠ˜ˡ˘˗

˃˨˥˦˨˔ˡ˧ ˧ˢ ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʧʡʨʬ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ʸˡ˩˜˥ˢˡˠ˘ˡ˧˔˟ ˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˗ ʴ˦˦˘˦˦ˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴ˖˧ ʤʬʪʬʟ ˧˛˘ ˦˖˛˘˗˨˟˘ ˕˘˟ˢ˪ ˟˜˦˧˦ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˥˘˖˘ˡ˧˟ˬ ˗˘˧˘˥ˠ˜ˡ˘˗ ˕ˬ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʡ

ʴˣˣ˥ˢ˩˘˗ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦

ϧ ˇ˛˘ ˇ˥˨˦˧˘˘ ˙ˢ˥ ʺ˃ˉʥʦ ˅˘˦˜ ˈˡ˜˧ ˇ˥˨˦˧ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʫʥʬ ʿˢ˧ ʤʪʣʣ ʷ˃ ʤʤʩʩʦʪʤʟ ʬʣϝʬʫ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˅˜˗˚˘ ʷ˥˜˩˘ʟ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˃˔˥˞ ˈ˦˘ ˢ˙ ʦʧ ˫ ˖ˢˠˠ˘˥˖˜˔˟ ˣ˥˘ˠ˜˦˘˦ ˜ˡ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˉ˜˟˟˔˚˘ ˆ˛ˢˣˣ˜ˡ˚ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ϧ ʵ˘ˡ˝˔ˠ˜ˡ ˉ˜˖˔˥ˬ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʦʫʥ ʿˢ˧ ʦʫʥ ʷ˃ ʨʪʧʩʨʧʟ ʤʣʧʩ ʶ˔˦˧˟˘˥˘˔˚˛ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ʶ˔˦˧˟˘˥˘˔˚˛ ʷ˘ˠˢ˟˜˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˘˫˜˦˧˜ˡ˚ ˗˪˘˟˟˜ˡ˚ʢ˦˧˥˨˖˧˨˥˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˖ˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˔ ˦˜ˡ˚˟˘ ˦˧ˢ˥˘ˬ ˗˪˘˟˟˜ˡ˚ʟ ˦˪˜ˠˠ˜ˡ˚ ˣˢˢ˟ ʙ ˜ˡ˦˧˔˟˟˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˔ˡ ˂ˆˆˀ ˆˬ˦˧˘ˠ ϧ ʼ˩˔ˡ ˌ˔ˡ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʬʥʨ ʿˢ˧ ʤ ʷ˃ ʩʤʥʦʨʧʟ ʤʣ ʶ˛˔˥˟˘˦ ʻ˔˖˞˘˧˧ ʷ˥˜˩˘ʟ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˆ˜˚ˡ˔˚˘ ϝ ˊˢˢ˟˪ˢ˥˧˛˦

ϧ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧˦ ˀˢ˗ʥʦʢʣʤʣʦ ʿˢ˧ ʦ ʷ˃ ʥʤʨʬʧʬʟ ʤϝʥʤ ʶ˥˔ˡ˘˕˥ˢˢ˞ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ʶ˥˔ˡ˘˕˥ˢˢ˞ ˀˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˔ ˀ˖ʷˢˡ˔˟˗˦ ˅˘˦˧˔˨˥˔ˡ˧ ˧ˢ ˔ˠ˘ˡ˗ ʶˢˡ˗˜˧˜ˢˡ ʥʫ ˢ˙ ʷʴʥʤʢʣʧʤʣ ˧ˢ ˣ˘˥ˠ˔ˡ˘ˡ˧˟ˬ ˢˣ˘˥˔˧˘ ˧˛˘ ʥʧʢʪ ˧˥˔˗˜ˡ˚ ˛ˢ˨˥˦ ʛ˗˥˜˩˘ ˧˛˥˨ ˢˡ˟ˬʜ ˙ˢ˟˟ˢ˪˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ʤʫ ˠˢˡ˧˛ ˧˥˜˔˟ ˣ˘˥˜ˢ˗ ϧ ˇ˛˘ ˇ˥˨˦˧˘˘ ˙ˢ˥ ʿ˘˚ˣ˥ˢ ʪʧ ˈˡ˜˧ ˇ˥˨˦˧ ʷʴʥʥʢʤʣʧʤ ʿˢ˧ ʦʪ ʷ˃ ʤʣʧʧʪʦʥʟ ʫʬϝʤʤʨ ˂Ϡʶˢˡˡ˘˟˟ ˆ˧˥˘˘˧ʟ ʶ˔˗˗˘ˡ˦ ˆ˧˔˚˘˗ ʶˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ˇ˜˧˟˘ ˦˨˕˗˜˩˜˦˜ˢˡ ˜ˡ˩ˢ˟˩˜ˡ˚ ˜ˡ˜˧˜˔˟ ˦˨˕˗˜˩˜˦˜ˢˡ ˜ˡ˧ˢ ʧ ˫ ˥˘˦˜˗˨˘ ˔˟˟ˢ˧ˠ˘ˡ˧˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˙˨˥˧˛˘˥ ˦˨˕˗˜˩˜˦˜ˢˡ ˜ˡ˧ˢ ʦʨ ˫ ˥˘˦˜˗˘ˡ˧˜˔˟ ˟ˢ˧˦ ˪˜˧˛ ˔ ˦˜ˡ˚˟˘ ˗˪˘˟˟˜ˡ˚ ˖ˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ˢˡ ˘˔˖˛ ˟ˢ˧ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˦˦ˢ˖˜˔˧˘˗ ˪ˢ˥˞˦ ϧ ʾ˔˥˟ ʷ˔˩˜˗ ˍ˜ˠ ʿˢ˧ ʤʤʥ ʷ˃ ʥʧʧʧʨʧʟ ʥʣʩ ʸ˩˔ˡ ˆ˧˥˘˘˧ʟ ˆˢ˨˧˛ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ˆ˛˘˗

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʪʥʤ

ʼˡ˧˘˚˥˔˧˘˗ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧

˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˛˔˩˘ ˥˘˖˘˜˩˘˗ ˔ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˜ˡ ˥˘˦ˣ˘˖˧ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕˝˘˖˧ ˣ˥ˢˣ˘˥˧ˬʡ ˇ˛˘ ˖ˢˡ˦˘ˡ˧ ˔˨˧˛ˢ˥˜˧ˬ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʡ ϧ ˇ˛˘ ˇ˥˨˦˧˘˘ ʹˢ˥ ʿ˘˚ˣ˥ˢ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ˈˡ˜˧ ˇ˥˨˦˧ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʬʨʦ ʿˢ˧ ʤʣʣ ʷ˃ ʪʣʣʤʧʤ ʟ ʤʤʧϝʤʥʥʮ ʿˢ˧ ʤʥ ʷ˃ ʤʦʧʧʟ ʤʦʥϝʤʦʫʮ ʿˢ˧ ʤʦ ʷ˃ ʤʦʧʧʟ ʤʧʣʠʤʧʩʮ ˔ˡ˗ ʿˢ˧ ʤʣʤ ʷ˃ ʪʣʣʤʧʤʟ ʤʥʧϝʤʦʣ ʶ˔˗˗˘ˡ˦ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ˆ˨˕˗˜˩˜˦˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ʧ ˘˫˜˦˧˜ˡ˚ ˟ˢ˧˦ ˜ˡ˧ˢ ʥ ˟ˢ˧˦ ˇ˛˘ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ ˜˦ ˔ˡ ʼˡ˧˘˚˥˔˧˘˗ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ʡ ˇ˛˘ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˦˘˘˞˦ ˔ˣˣ˥ˢ˩˔˟ ˙˥ˢˠ ˧˛˘ ˁˆˊ ˅˨˥˔˟ ʹ˜˥˘ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘ʡ ˇ˛˘ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˥˘˙˘˥˥˘˗ ˧ˢ ˜ˡ ˧˛˜˦ ˡˢ˧˜˖˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧˜ˡ˚ ˗ˢ˖˨ˠ˘ˡ˧˔˧˜ˢˡ ˔˖˖ˢˠˣ˔ˡˬ˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕˝˘˖˧ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˠ˔ˬ ˕˘ ˜ˡ˦ˣ˘˖˧˘˗ ˢˡ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷʴ ˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˔˧ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢ˗˔˧˥˔˖˞˘˥ʟ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˣ˘˥˜ˢ˗ ˙˥ˢˠ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬʟ ʧ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦ ˧ˢ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬʟ ʤʫ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦʡ ʴˡˬ ˣ˘˥˦ˢˡ ˠ˔ˬʟ ˗˨˥˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˘˫˛˜˕˜˧˜ˢˡ ˣ˘˥˜ˢ˗ʟ ˠ˔˞˘ ˔ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜ˡ ˪˥˜˧˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʟ ˜ˡ ˥˘˟˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡʡ ˊ˛˘˥˘ ˔ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˠ˔˗˘ ˕ˬ ˪˔ˬ ˢ˙ ˔ˡ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡʟ ˧˛˘ ˚˥ˢ˨ˡ˗˦ ʫʣʫʪˢ˙ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡʡ ˇ˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˧ˢ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˘ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ˥˘˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘ ˡ˨ˠ˕˘˥ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʬʨʦʡ ʹˢ˥ ˔ˡˬ ˤ˨˘˥˜˘˦ ˥˘˟˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ʭ ˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˖ˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ʽ˔˞˘ ʵ˘ˡ˧˟˘ˬ ˢˡ ʧʪʦʥ ʫʣʫʪʡ

ϧ ˊ˔ˬˡ˘ ˊ˜˟˦ˢˡ ʷʴʥʦʢʣʪʦʧ ʿˢ˧ ʦʩʥ ʷ˃ ʥʩʦʣʦʪʟ ʤ ˆˡˢ˪ˬ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘ʟ ˆ˧ ʶ˟˔˜˥ ʷ˘ˠˢ˟˜˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˘˫˜˦˧˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˖˜˟˟˔˥ˬ ˦˧˥˨˖˧˨˥˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˖ˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˔ ˖˔˥ˣˢ˥˧ʟ ˚˔˥˔˚˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘˧˔˜ˡ˜ˡ˚ ˪˔˟˟˦

ˉ˜˘˪˜ˡ˚ ˢ˙ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦

ϧ ˀˢ˝ˢ ʻˢˠ˘˦ ˃˧ˬ ʿ˧˗ ˀˢ˗ʥʦʢʣʥʦʤ ʿˢ˧ ʦʧʣ ʷ˃ ʤʥʦʤʥʥʨʟ ʤʫʧ ʹˢ˥˘˦˧˪ˢˢ˗ ʷ˥˜˩˘ʟ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˃˔˥˞ ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʧʡʨʨ ˠˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ʷʴʥʥʢʣʦʤʪ ˧ˢ ˥˘ˠˢ˩˘ ʶˢˡ˗˜˧˜ˢˡ ʨ ʛ˃˥˜˩˔˖ˬ ˆ˖˥˘˘ˡ˦ʜ

ʷ˜˦˖˟ˢ˦˨˥˘ ˢ˙ ˃ˢ˟˜˧˜˖˔˟ ʷˢˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˥ ʺ˜˙˧˦

ˇ˛˘ ˔˕ˢ˩˘ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡʢ˦ ˠ˔ˬ ˕˘ ˩˜˘˪˘˗ ˢˡ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷʴ ˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˩˜˔ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢʷʴˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ʷ˘ˣ˔˥˧ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ ˔˕˟˘ ˧ˢ ˔˦˦˜˦˧ ˪˜˧˛ ˬˢ˨˥ ˘ˡˤ˨˜˥˜˘˦ʡ ʵˬ ˟˔˪ʟ ˥˘ˣˢ˥˧˔˕˟˘ ˣˢ˟˜˧˜˖˔˟ ˗ˢˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˥ ˚˜˙˧˦ ˠ˨˦˧ ˕˘ ˗˜˦˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˕ˬ ˔ˡˬˢˡ˘ ˟ˢ˗˚˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʡ ʶ˔˟˟ ʧʪʦʥ ʪʩʧʬ ˢ˥ ˩˜˦˜˧ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ::

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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PAGE TEN A

Joke of the Week

prize cupboard

celebration of delicious discoveries, p r e c i o u s moments, and nourishing botanicals, clean and conscious beauty brand, Lük Beautifood, proudly unveil their highly anticipated 2023 holiday collection: Colour Me Happy.

Including a host of flatter-

ing, everyday shades from the brand’s bestselling Lip Nourish, Crayon, and Lash Nourish ranges, the carefully curated range of artisanal cosmetics will surprise and delight loved ones with feel-good formulas and pigmented colours made from nourishing, natural ingredients.

“Colour Me Happy is a celebration of life and all

Q: What’s every elf’s favourite type of music?

A: Wrap.

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

of its colourful and bright moments,” said Cindy Lüken, the founder of Lük Beautifood.

“A reminder to stop and pause, revel in the now, and find beauty in the everyday.”

Housed in the brand’s signature tree-hanging prisms, decorative display boxes, and thoughtful pillow tucks, this year’s custom Colour Me Happy print features an uplifting, polychromatic arrangement of seasonal foliage, abstract motifs, and luxe gold foiling.

To learn more about Lük Beautifood’s holiday collection, including their free gift wrapping concierge service, visit www.lukbeautifood. com.

The Weekender has six Lip + Lash Trio Sets to give

away. Pampering lips and lashes with a cocktail of nutrient-rich ingredients and creamy pigments, this Lip + Lash Trio includes the inky-black Lash Nourish Mascara in the shade Black Tea, the dusky pink Lip Nourish lipstick in the shade Tea Rose, and the rosy brown, demi-matte Lipstick Crayon in the shade Caramel Kiss. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com. au with ‘Lips’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, December 15 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or reception.

lucky paceway winners

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

I SPY

Do you know where this picture was taken?

Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email ispy@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email.

Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The red flowers on the vine emerging from the blue pot is located outside of House of GRK at the Henry Street Plaza precinct in Penrith.

10

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

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

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

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0018, 0453, 0860.

Dose of Dorin

Naysayers around the Penrith Beach idea are complaining about a lack of shade and parking. Have they visited any other beach in Sydney? Stop complaining and enjoy the concept.

John Laws is celebrating 70 years in radio this year. The glory days at 2UE are long gone, but Laws still packs plenty of punch and loves being behind the mic. A fine innings.

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

wwpenrith

westernweekender

Warmly invites you and your family to join us for our special

INTERFAITH REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Sunday, 17th December, 2023 7.30pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

To remember those we have lost during 2023 and past years.

Presided by Bishop Terence Brady With live music performances.

::

After the service, please join us in Cathedral Square to view the stunning Christmas light show.

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

11

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

L AW a n d O R D E R

COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY MAKAYLA MUSCAT

St Marys: Man takes anger out on pokie, then police officer

A man has been charged after he assaulted a police officer in St Marys.

About 10.30pm on Friday, November 24, it is alleged a 24-year-old attended a licenced premises on the Great Western Highway.

He was in the gaming area, where he allegedly took a bottle of alcohol from his bag, which was not purchased at the venue.

The manager saw this and asked the man to put the bottle away.

It is alleged the man complied, but removed the alcohol from his bag a short time later and continued to drink it.

The manager approached the man and asked him to leave the premises.

It is alleged the man then punched a nearby gaming machine several times in anger.

Police were contacted and arrived and asked the man to leave.

It is alleged the man swore at police.

The officer again informed the man that it was time to leave and attempted to escort him out.

It is alleged the man pushed the officer in the chest before a short struggle ensued and the man was handcuffed and taken from the venue He was charged with a string of offences including ‘excluded person fail to leave premises when required’, ‘stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm’ and ‘hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty’.

He will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

St Clair: Man arrested after refusing to comply with police directions

Kingswood: Switch-a-roo fails to fool police; weapons discovered

A disqualified driver has been charged after she was busted behind the wheel in Kingswood.

About 4am on Sunday, November 26, police were patrolling King Street when they sighted a motor vehicle and indicated for it to stop.

It is alleged the driver has stopped the vehicle in a nearby service station.

According to police, the driver and passenger immediately got out and approached the afterhours service window.

Police stopped behind the vehicle and told the pair to return to the vehicle.

They did, but the driver, a 42-year-old Guildford woman, sat in the passenger’s seat.

Both parties attempted to claim that the 42-year-old was not the driver, however CCTV was viewed and confirmed that they were in fact driving.

She was subjected to a breath test that proved negative.

Checks were made on her licence which revealed that she was disqualified from driving until 2032.

When a search of the vehicle was made, a handbag belonging to the woman was located on the passenger footwell.

Police searched the bag and located “two black handheld style stun guns marked TW-301 Police Security Equipment”.

She was charged with ‘possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit’ and ‘drive motor vehicle during disqualification period’.

Kingswood: Police search for man missing since Tuesday

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing man from Kingswood.

Kyle Baker, aged 31, was last seen near Parker Street about 4.25am on Tuesday.

Kyle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm to 175cm tall, of a thin build, with brown hair and blue eyes. A photo is available on the NSW Police Force Facebook page.

A man has been charged after he resisted police in St Clair.

About 1.30am on Sunday, November 26, police attended a brawl in Salamander Street.

It is alleged a 61-year-old St Clair man was on a nearby lawn when they arrived.

Police conducted their investigations in relation to the brawl.

It is alleged the man was yelling and swearing at neighbours.

Police have issued a move on direction to the man, but he refused and issued police a verbal tirade of abuse.

It is alleged the man was informed that he was committing an offence and again told to return home.

It is alleged the man refused and told police to arrest him, so they did.

He again refused to move before police

issued a knee strike to the man and handcuffed him.

The man was put into the police vehicle and conveyed to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with ‘hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty’ and ‘refuse/ fail to comply with direction under Part 14’.

He will appear at Penrith Local Court on December 14.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

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

INSURANCE COMPANY DEMAND LETTERS One of the most regular inquiries we get is from people who have received letters from insurance companies seeking payment of a sum of money from them in relation to some form of accident or incident that occurred.

Usually this is a motor vehicle accident.

The letter is usually standard in form and says something like: “We are the insurance provider for person X. We understand that our insured and you were involved in a motor vehicle accident on Y. Based on the version of events our insured person has provided us, we have formed the view that you are at fault with respect to the incident.

We intend to recover our insured’s loss and damage from you in the amount of $Z. Please pay the sum to us within time period A to avoid further recovery action.”

The particular wording of the letter will change from insurer to insurer, however the sentiment is the same.

That is, where an insurer has had to pay a claim to someone they have insured they will try to recover the relevant sum of money from the other party if they can make an argument that the other party is at fault.

The problem is, insurers often base their claims against third parties on very little actual evidence.

Usually the evidence on which they rely is a version of events provided to them by their insured person. Sometimes they will ask for a handwritten diagram.

The insurer will usually not have statements from independent third party witnesses or CCTV or anything that actually substantiates what their insured person has recounted to them.

The other reason that this is a problematic approach is because quite often it is not straightforward who is at fault in a car accident.

Whether the accident occurs on a road, or

in a car park, or whatever the case may be in the absence of footage and/or third party witnesses it is difficult to tell who had right of way, or breached a certain road rule, or what precise circumstances led to the collision or accident.

If you have received a letter like this and you do not consider that you are at fault you should ask the insurer to provide what actual evidence they have supporting their claim.

Their insured’s version of events may not be enough to convince a Court (if the matter was litigated) that you are liable.

You should see if the insurer has any third party witnesses or video footage of the incident. Quite often the insurer will ask you to put to them in writing your version of events.

You are not required to do this.

If the insurer is seeking to make a claim against you it is their job to prove their claim.

There may be some circumstances where you have a piece of vital evidence that will prove unequivocally that you are not at fault.

You should however be aware that you are not compelled to provide anything to the insurer unless formal litigation commences and you are issued with a Subpoena or some other Court Order requiring you to make such a disclosure.

Quite often if two parties to a collision have different versions of events and there is no way to determine unequivocally which version is correct the insurer who is pursuing you will realise they are unlikely to succeed in an action against you in Court and the claim will go away.

To be clear, we are not suggesting that any person should manufacture or make up a version of events to avoid a legitimate claim, however, if you do not think you are at fault then you do not have to simply pay the insurer because they have sent you a letter of demand without knowing their case against you in the form of whatever evidence they have that they intend to rely upon with respect to the claim.

ADVERTISE WITH THE WEEKENDER Learn more about how we can help your business by visiting our corporate sales

website at com.au.

corporate.westernweekender.

LOCAL NEWS

TAFE helps fill a hair-raising void CASSIDY PEARCE

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airdressers and beauticians are on the frontline of Australia’s new worker shortage, with small businesses crying out for staff to no avail. In the Penrith area specifically, desperation for skilled workers is only set to increase, with the region set to grow by 70,000 people over the next 12 years.

Beauty-trained Teneil Holland, who owns Luxx Hair and Beauty Co. in Londonderry – one of the area’s newest hair and beauty salons – has taken matters into her own hands, upskilling in hairdressing at TAFE NSW Kingswood to bring new experience to the business, and additional services to the public.

Holland first completed a Certificate III in Beauty Services at TAFE NSW last year, choosing to upskill whilst both operating her own business, and being a mum to her seven and one-year-old children.

“Business is booming for me. We’ve only been open for four months and I’m already employing a team of three beauticians and five hairdressers, and I’m looking to expand into nails soon, too,” she said.

According to Holland, it was the hands-on training at TAFE NSW in particular that set her up for success from day one.

“TAFE NSW has given me the confidence to

communicate effectively with clients and to understand the needs of different people so that I can deliver quality services to anyone who enters my salon,” she said.

“If I didn’t get to experience working on members of the public at TAFE NSW under the guidance of my teachers, I wouldn’t be able to operate my salon.

“Providing hair services on a mannequin is very different to working on real people, who have all sorts of different hair types and head shapes, and a vital part of being a hairdresser is being able to provide services on all clients who walk through the door.”

Head Teacher of Hair and Beauty at TAFE NSW Kingswood, Melinda Vaughan-Gibson, said that training like this is key in not only continuing to meet the region’s growing demand for hair and beauty professionals, but to also ensure that these professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to do so.

“Our jobs as teachers is not just to equip learners with industry readiness, but to make them believe that they can achieve whatever they put their mind to. The energy in the classroom when a learner grasps a new skill is outstanding, and they take that confidence with them into their workplace,” she said.

“The growing demand for high-quality hairdressers and beauticians in the Penrith area means that now is a fantastic time to join the industry by trying something new or upskilling at TAFE NSW.”

Salon owner Teneil Holland hones her skills at TAFE NSW Kingswood.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS

New housing locked in 39 small lot residential dwellings to be built as part of $21 million plan at Caddens MAKAYLA MUSCAT

M

ore housing in Caddens is on the way with Penrith City Council approving a $21 million Development Application (DA).

Located at 89-115 O’Connell Street, the DA is dealing with the northern portion of the site on the corner of O’Connell Street and O’Connell Lane, which is referred to as Stage 10.

Legacy Property and Rawson Group lodged the application last November to create a community title subdivision and construct 39 small lot residential dwellings as part of the Caddens Hill Quarter development.

According to the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) attached to the application, the proposed development is the physical realisation of the R1 General Objectives zone.

“The proposed development seeks to provide a diverse range of housing forms and densities to meet the needs of diverse age groups, family types and income levels,” the document said.

An example of the new housing coming to Caddens.

“The proposed development provides a small lot housing typology that would contribute to the housing diversity and affordability in a strategically identified area.”

The planning development will be carried out in three phases.

Phase 1 of the subdivision will create four development lots that will then be split into superlots as part of Phase 2, along with the creation of the private accessways and the provision of water, sewer, and electrical services as required.

Phase 3 proposes the construction of the dwellings on the residential lots, inter allotment retaining walls and associated landscaping.

According to the SEE, the lots will range from 195 square metres to 284.5 square metres.

The homes and retaining walls have been designed by Nettleton Tribe, utilising brick and lightweight cladding to provide a contemporary and high-quality dwelling design.

The dwellings will also include attributes from the Caddens Corner shopping precinct to reinforce the character of the area.

The Notice of Determination attached to the DA confirmed that the plans were greenlit.

“The development is approved to be undertaked as a staged development,” the document said.

The developer said the development has both social and economic benefits, and no significant environmental impact.

“The proposed development is in the public interest given it delivers additional residential dwellings to meet the growing demand,” the SEE said.

“The proposed development seeks to provide a diverse range of housing forms and densities to meet the needs of diverse age groups, family types and income levels.”

What’s your view on the current housing situation in Penrith?

Email your thoughts to news@ westernweekender.com.au.

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King of beasts!

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

A tour of the retreat allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals and learn about their history and species. Zambi only allows limited visitors each week and you will need to book your spot on our website booking page here: www.zambi.org/bookings The bookings are only available for a total of 7 guests and includes a tour of the retreat with an experienced guide where you will get to hand feed the macaw parrots and baboon monkeys. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks are included in the cost.

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

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

zambi.org

14

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Car park charge: New way for motorists to top up with power

The new charging station at the Jane Street commuter car park in Penrith.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

M

otorists will now be able to charge their electric vehicles at the commuter car park near Penrith

Station.

Penrith is one of 50 new locations to have an electric vehicle charger thanks to an agreement between the State Government and JOLT. “It is fantastic our community will be one of the first transport hubs in the state to benefit from publicly available electric vehicle chargers,” said State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown.

“In the last year, EV registrations have risen more than 150 per cent on average across NSW and more than tripled here in Penrith, and we hope making it easier for drivers to top up charge as part of their commute will encourage this transition.”

JOLT offers drivers a free 7kWh top-up for electric vehicles, or up to approximately 45 kilometres worth of fast charging every day, which takes about 17 minutes, depending on your car.

The chargers use certified green energy meaning they deliver energy directly from renewable sources or through certified offsets and will be a convenient way for drivers to top their charge up for free.

Once users have reached the 7kWh, a cost of $0.46 will apply for each subsequent kilowatt hour and an idle fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged to vehicles still plugged in and occupying the space but no longer charging.

JOLT Charge CEO Doug McNamee said these state-of-the art charging stations are a game-changer for electric vehicle users.

“By using JOLT’s free charging top-ups, EV drivers could save more than $1,000 per year on their charging expenses, making EV ownership even more attractive to people looking for convenient, sustainable, and cost-effective transport choices,” he said.

“We’re really encouraging Australians to embrace EV technology, particularly as cost-of living pressures continue to rise.”

Dozens more fast chargers will be rolled out over the next year at commuter car parks and other locations convenient to commuters.

The NSW Government has invested $250,000 into the JOLT charger partnership, in addition to $209 million worth of EV infrastructure funding delivered as part of the NSW Government EV strategy.

McKeown said she’s confident that the new charging station at the Jane Street car park will be very popular with drivers.

“We hope this conveniently located charger in Penrith, close to Penrith Railway Station, the TAFE campus, and Westfield Penrith will help to encourage others to make the transition to an electric vehicle,” she said.

“It is crucial that we do what we can to support the transition to electric vehicles and encourage public transport use where possible.”

To find out more about electric vehicles, including charging locations, visit www. transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/electric-vehicles.

::

Charging is free for a quick boost, before a cost kicks in.

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

15

PENRITH’S

1 2 d a y s o f

xmas How to play:

photo challenge

Step 1. Pick a challenge from below and snap a pic at a Penrith local business Step 2. Tag us on Instagram with #twwcbd and include your team name and the venue you are visiting Step 3. You can include multiple challenges at the one location Step 4. There is a business for every challenge advertising in the Western Weekender!

Step 5. Competition closes 12pm Wednesday 20th December Must be a business in PENRITH

1

FANTASTIC PRIZE PACKS TO BE WON

2

Lunch & Loud Attire Dress the team in loud shirts and celebrate locally

+ 100 points per person

Get a photo with a shopping centre Santa

5 International Dining

Buy a local business gift certificate & snap a pic with it + 100 points

Make a 7 purchase from a

8

THREEPEAT

+ 100 points per order

+ 300

Relaxation

+ 100 points

+ 100 points per order

+ 100 points

6

3 people, 3 Panthers jerseys, 3 Panthers Players

Enjoy a mani/pedi, haircut, beard trim etc, from a Penrith business

11

+ 100 points

Eat in at a local venue with a foreign flavour

Penrith venue named after a person

Coffee, Sunrise & the Nepean River

Charity Xmas Tree at Panthers

+ 100 points

4

10

for 3 yourVote favourite

High Street Selfie

9

Visit a local brewery + 100 points

12

Fishy Feast

Snap a pic with a Xmas decorated High Street business

Savour local seafood dining in or for home cooking

+ 100 points

+ 100 points

* Decisions on points is completely at the discretion of the Western Weekender * If there is more than one team with the top final points score the winner will be randomly selected from those teams.

Proudly supporting local businesses

16

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

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Elk Cocktail Lounge GRAND OPENING

1ST December 562 High St Penrith

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GIANT TOY RAFFLE SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER

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18

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

How a local craft stall is making a life-changing impact at hospital CASSIDY PEARCE

P

enrith Hospital Auxiliary members have paid a special visit to Nepean Hospital this week to see their latest donations in action.

The Penrith Hospital Auxiliary hosts a craft stall on the first Tuesday of every month at Nepean Hospital, selling handmade goods from blankets to cakes in an effort to fundraise for much-needed medical equipment.

In previous years, the group, in which most members are over the age of 70, have been able to provide things like a mobile defibrillator for the emergency department, and bracelets for the mental health unit and dementia ward.

“We fundraise to purchase equipment, and then we ask the hospital for a wish list, or if a department approaches us and says ‘We need X, Y, Z’, then we’ll try and get that for them,” volunteer Sue Veen said.

“Wherever there’s a need, we try and supply.”

On average, the group raises between $20,000 and $30,000

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary members with Alexander Alam and Karly Butler. Photo: Melinda Jane.

a year, and in 2022, this money went towards the purchase of two specialty treadmills – one for the CALM (Chronic Airways Limitation Management) program worth $15,111.80 and the other for the Cardiac Rehab department worth $10,769.00.

Though they admitted there was a bit of a delay on the treadmills, the ladies couldn’t be more excited to see their donations in person when they visited on Tuesday, knowing that their hard work has paid off.

“It’s good for these ladies to actually see where their money is going,” Veen said.

“They’ll be on cloud nine now for ages!”

CALM Coordinator and Senior Physiotherapist Alexander Alam said that the new treadmill has been a gamechanger for their pulmonary rehabilitation classes.

“When I came here in 2019, we didn’t have a treadmill, but luckily one of the patients who attended the classes frequently was very supportive about acquiring some funds for us to get the treadmill, and she used her connections with the Auxiliary to raise that money,” he said.

“It’s been really good for the patients to have some variety in their training. I usually get the patients walking up and down the corridor which can get a little boring, especially for the patients who are a bit higher functioning and need a bit more of a challenge walking up a hill, so putting the treadmill up is really quite beneficial for them.”

Vicki Paul, a Clinical Nurse in the Cardiac Rehab department, agreed with the sentiment.

“We use the treadmill as part of our cardiac rehab exercise circuit, so patients come in twice a week just to help get them to meeting the recommended guidelines for exercise, and get their confidence back as well,” she said.

“The treadmills are good because they can go as fast as what they feel comfortable doing, and it’s a bit more exciting than going up and down a boring corridor. It’s also really great to be able to have our own equipment, since we’re separating into our own cardiology gym.”

The Penrith Hospital Auxiliary is always looking for new members.

To join, call 0406 160 612.

DEAR WEEKENDER NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750 No good deed goes unpunished

Last Sunday I decided to take my threeyear-old for an ice cream at Cold Rock. The excitement quickly disappeared when the typically frustrated toddler couldn’t dig into her cup of rainbow delight because the spoon was so flimsy. No solid plastic spoons allowed anymore, replaced with some paper/cardboard combination. The next night I headed to the movies, and was handed two straws to go with my drink. This appears to be policy now, because they know the paper straws are so flimsy. So now two paper straws go into the bin at the end of the movie instead of one plastic one. Progress, I guess. Have we been sold a total dud when it comes to the war on plastic? For all the good it is supposedly doing, it creates a whole lot of frustration. Especially when my Amazon order arrives the next day in a cardboard box six times the size of the product I ordered.

I’m sure somebody will explain to me why I’m wrong, but something just doesn’t add up here.

LIZ MARION, VIA EMAIL

Start of something special at Western Sydney Lakes

Fantastic news. Hopefully this is the start of a permanent development of lakes accessible to the public for different water-based activities that has been promised for so long.

Penrith has an opportunity to create something unique here and hopefully the public support will encourage whoever governs us, to allow the area to continue to develop into something amazing.

MARK CARPENTER, VIA FACEBOOK

Different narratives depending on party in question

When Labor reduce spending they wield the axe (Albo’s axe, Weekender November 24). When LNP do it they’re “fiscally responsible” except when they are paying out millions to their corporate mates.

JOSH BUTTON, VIA FACEBOOK

Councillor criticism

It’s been a long time coming (Penrith to get its very own beach this summer, Western Weekender online). I still recall the original plan for the lakes, as well as swimming there was also a plan for recreational watercraft …

I think that was over 30 years ago. Hopefully there will be shade available. As much as it’s great to cool off in the water, shade is also a ‘must have’ given the summer sun.

I think these Councillors should shut the hell up and look at their own way of handling infrastructure in the Penrith area (Councillors blast Federal Government’s cruel funding cuts to west, Western Weekender online).

We have a sink hole in Leonay that’s not been fixed and it’s been a year now. It’s not scheduled to be fixed until February if that doesn’t get pushed back. There should be a government inquiry into how Penrith City Council have handled just this one issue let alone all the others.

JOHN YEALLAND, VIA FACEBOOK

SAF SULIC, VIA FACEBOOK

Penrith Beach on the way

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space.

For more information, see our public notices section.

PCTA: Your Trusted Partner in Vehicle Care and Exploration Here at PCTA, we provide proud vehicle owners with superior vehicle maintenance, repairs and modifications ensuring they feel safe and confident every time they drive. As your comprehensive vehicle solution, we handle everything from instant rego checks and puncture repairs to in-depth servicing, tyre replacements, and major repairs.

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To enhance your convenience, we provide after-hours drop-off/pick-up options and offer 2 complimentary courtesy cars, ensuring you remain mobile effortlessly.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

::

19

LOCAL NEWS

Where to find Penrith’s From Glenmore Park to St Clair, we’ve got your Christmas lights plans covered!

CASSIDY PEARCE

T

he countdown to Christmas is now officially underway, meaning that dazzling lights displays are popping up on every corner.

But, you don’t have to travel to find something worth staying up past your bedtime for, with some of the best displays, complete with lasers, music and inflatables, right on your doorstep.

Cut down your time on the road by adding a few of these priority stops to your itinerary...

Glenmore Park Glenmore Park is set to be a hotspot for Christmas lights this year, with some of the most incredible lights displays finding a home in the suburb.

Start off at 4 Tench Place for their incredible display before making your way to 14 Riverflat Drive, with its prime spot on the street corner

14 Riverflat Drive, Glenmore Park.

ensuring fantastic views from every angle. 60 Kiber Drive is a showstopper once again this year, with some of your favourite film and television characters making an appearance in addition to lights of every shape, size and colour – you can’t miss it!

Emu Plains If you’ll be driving through Emu Plains this festive season, you can’t miss taking a detour through Emerald Street.

In particular, the residents at number 14 have been decorating their home since 2008, having raised over $44,000 for Bear Cottage via Lights for Kids over the years.

Their display has every type of decoration you can imagine, making it a must-see in 2023.

Jordan Springs A trip to 53 Flagship Ridge will make the drive out to Jordan Springs all worth it this festive season.

The lights at the house are animated and synced to music, with viewers able to tune their car radios to 95.1 FM, or listen to speakers on foot from 8.30pm to 11.30pm each night until Christmas Eve. This house will also be raising money for Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation via Lights for Kids, with funds supporting their Christmas Appeal and going directly to the frontline of children’s healthcare.

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St Clair St Clair is already making a name for itself as a Christmas lights hotspot this year.

15 Lyrebird Crescent and 64 and 66 Chatsworth Road are back again with their show-

stopping displays that don’t leave a spot on the houses untouched by lights.

18 Coonawarra Drive has another spectacular display, complete with Santa and the Grinch out the front for photos this year

Karen’s Comment The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

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This is exciting news for Penrith as every summer we bake! Residents eagerly await the opening of its own free beach at Penrith Lakes. Located just four minutes from Penrith CBD, this new swimming spot promises to be a haven for residents. Set against the picturesque mountains, the beach, opening in late December, will be a welcome respite during the school holiday period.

As a project I’ve passionately advocated for since my election, I’m proud to witness it come to fruition.

Penrith Beach has become a jewel for western Sydney in a region with limited outdoor swimming options, especially during scorching heatwaves.

Thanks to the NSW Government’s $1.7 million investment, the site boasts lifeguard services and first aid in the patrolled swimming zone.

Managed by the Department of Planning and Environment in collaboration with Western Sydney Lakes, Penrith Beach is poised to be a memorable waterside experience, ensuring all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the water safely and freely in the heart of western Sydney. Penrith Nippers, anyone?

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Christmas Card design competition Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting the winner of my Christmas Card Design Contest. Allegra, from Cambridge Gardens Public School, and her family joined me as I presented her with the award and a framed copy of her winning design. Thank you to all the participants for making this competition fierce. You can catch Allegra’s magical design on my 2023 Christmas Cards, spreading holiday cheer to the Penrith electorate.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

KAREN MCKEOWN OAM Member for Penrith :: ::

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20

53 Flagship Ridge, Jordan Springs.

‘Authorised by’ Karen McKeown MP. ‘Funded using parliamentary entitlements’.

Shop 23, 510-534 Ground Floor Tattersalls Centre High St Penrith 2750

LOCAL NEWS

best Christmas displays Plus check out new additions and an interactive map at westernweekender.com.au almost every night. 12 Concorde Place will also be having a comeback this year after putting their display on hold due to the pandemic, and it’s sure to be one to see!

South Penrith In South Penrith, pay a visit to 34 Fragar Road, which has coordinated their lights to songs you know and love.

Cambridge Park If you’re heading out to Cambridge Park, there are plenty of brilliant displays to look out for.

Known as the Snowman House, 28 Twick-

28 Twickenham Avenue, Cambridge Park.

60 Kiber Drive, Glenmore Park.

enham Avenue has a stunning set up this year, and an archway perfect for light-looking Instagram photos.

64 and 66 Chatsworth Road, St Clair.

34 Fragar Road, South Penrith.

Jamisontown Over in Jamisontown, head to 34 Glenbrook Street, which will be lighting up from December 1. You won’t want to miss this fantastic display.

::

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

21

LOCAL NEWS

Walk through city’s past St Marys Heritage Walk offers an insightful journey through important history MAKAYLA MUSCAT

P

enrith Mayor Todd Carney met with members of the St Marys Historical Society and Heritage Advisory Committee at the unveiling of the new St Marys Heritage Walk last week.

The free online interactive map highlighting St Marys’ past allows residents and visitors to follow the story-telling journey on their mobile and discover the fascinating history that shaped the emerging town.

Carney said the walk is a great way to learn more about the local area and is excited to share the release with the community.

“It was great to meet the passionate members of the Historical Society and Committee who we want to thank for guiding us on this project,” he said.

“With their expertise, we can share the cultural heritage of our towns, and

St Marys deserves the spotlight.”

Starting at St Marys Station, the 4km circular trail leads to 11 points of interest, passing the South Creek Park, through Victoria Park and ending in the middle of St Marys CBD at Coachmans Park.

At each stop, participants can read the storytelling introductions to the places and people who helped shape and grow St Marys.

“The walk is quite flexible, participants can jump to each stop as they wish or follow on for the story,” Carney said.

“We are committed to creating more cultural experiences to share our city’s historic past which spans far and wide.”

Participants are encouraged to visit St Marys while following the map, exploring the public landmarks and eateries along the way.

To start the journey, log on to visitpenrith.com.au/ stmaryswalk.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney with members of the St Marys Historical Society and Heritage Advisory Committee.

Mayor’s News The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Important piece of history Council has launched the St Marys Heritage Walk – an invitation for visitors and locals to discover the fascinating history that shaped the town of St Marys.

The free mobile-friendly interactive guide allows a wide range of participants, from families, and avid walkers, to history buffs and local schools to easily navigate and explore St Marys in a new light.

Starting at St Marys Station, the 4km circular trail leads to 11 points of interest.

You will walk through significant parks like South Creek Park, home to the famous Bennett wagons, and Victoria Park with the war memorial boards and Band Rotunda. The distinguished St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church is a grand feature.

Take your time to wander through the graveyard – preserving the memories of St Marys families over many generations.

At each stop, participants can read storytelling introductions to the places and interesting people who boosted local trades and inspired community spirit.

Take your time on the walk, sit and relax in the parks, grab a bite to eat at the many

takeaway options or dine along Queen Street.

Go to visitpenrith.com.au/stmaryswalk to start the journey. Printed copies will also be available at the Queen Street Library.

Complementing the St Marys Walk is our first featured walking trail, the Penrith Heritage Walk.

Shortlisted in the Education and Interpretation category at the 2023 National Trust Heritage Awards, the Penrith Heritage Walk has 22 points of interest spanning from High Street, over the Nepean River and landing in Emu Plains. You may need a day (or two!) to discover at your own pace, the people and places that helped shape our City.

If you have played tennis at Woodriff Gardens, visited the Museum of Fire or perhaps dined at the newly opened Laughin’ Boy café in the original police cottage, then you have already ticked off three of the stops!

Start the journey today at visitpenrith.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

22

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

23

TURNING BACK TIME It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Mayor Leslie Markham and Mayoress Margaret Markham are pictured here with children from the local area during a Santa Claus visit to Memory Park.

Leslie Markham was Mayor of Penrith from 1930 to 1932, which means this photo was taken in one of those years.

High Street can be seen in the background, including Bussell Brothers store. S. J. Haines, Hairdresser can be seen in the background on the left of the photograph and the William Batten Service Station is seen on the right of the photograph.

The Service Station was located on the corner of High and Woodriff Streets.

The house next to Bussell Brothers is Glencoe built by Willliam Charles Fulton.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS FROM PENRITH’S PAST – INFO@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

24

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

Δ Christmas at the zoo: There’s two things that kids love more than anything – animals and Christmas. So it comes as no surprise that Sydney Zoo, which is located just

down the Great Western Highway, has combined the two. Sydney Zoo’s Christmas Animal Kingdom kicked off last week to rave reviews from kids and adults alike.

From now until December 24, Sydney’s

favourite new zoo in Eastern Creek has been transformed into a magical wonderland blending wildlife, wonder and the spirit of the season.

Explore the Magical Snow Land and zip down the snow slide, wander into Candyland and decorate your own gingerbread, get crafty at the Elves Workshop, catch up with The Grinch (pictured), or post a letter express to the North Pole at Mrs Claus’ Post Office. Plus no visit would be complete without the jolly man in red, who you can visit right up until the big day! Tickets are available at sydneyzoo.com – it’s the perfect pre-Christmas gift!

Δ New podcast: Former St Marys Local Area Commander, Ray Filewood (pictured), is the latest guest on the Weekender’s ‘On The Record’ podcast.

Filewood speaks about his long, proud career in the NSW Police Force – including being among the responders to the Glenbrook Train Disaster and Cronulla riots.

Search Western Weekender w h e r e v e r you listen to podcasts, or go to www.westernweekender.com. au/podcast.

Δ New barber: Looking for a hair cut? A new barber shop has opened at Westfield Penrith. Legends Cutz (pictured) is located on the ground floor near the Commonwealth Bank.

N e w Δ whiskey: Luxury American Whiskey producer Westward has announced the launch of their Vintage Muscat Cask Whiskey in a world-first part-

nership with an Australian wine producer. This new offering, born from a shared focus on blending tradition and innovation, has been produced in collaboration with renowned Rutherglen winemakers, Stanton & Killeen. The Westward Whiskey Vintage Muscat Cask will be sold exclusively through The Whisky Club (which is free to join online) from December 1, 2023.

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

25

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

ST HEDWIG RETIREMENT VILLAGE • STHEDWIGVILLAGE.COM.AU • 1300 191 472

Warm and welcoming community E

xcitement is building with the St Hedwig Village retirement community set to welcome its newest residents in the coming months and become the leading seniors’ development in Blacktown.

St Hedwig Village has undergone an impressive re-development that will deliver 72 brand new contemporary one, two and three bedroom apartments in a wide range of designs and layouts.

Priced from as little as $475,000 and featuring thoughtful designs combined with premium fittings and finishes, these apartments create a home like no other that will exceed your expectations in every way.

Beautiful landscaping and premium amenities will ensure that you can enjoy an exceptional lifestyle in an outstanding location. But you will also discover that St Hedwig Village provides more than just a brand-new apartment, it is truly a welcoming home within the heart of a caring community.

Living at St Hedwig Village will provide you with a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle, easy connections to local shopping and services as well as access to additional home care services*. There is also an operating, collocated Residential Aged Care home on site **.

While the village has entered an exciting new era, the warm, caring and generous spirit of St Hedwig Village continues to remain true to its origin. Attending our monthly VIP events will allow you to meet your new neighbours, experience the spirit of St Hedwig

Village and ensure that you feel like a part of the community before you even move in.

Designed to help you find the home that suits you perfectly, the two and three bedroom display suites are now open. You are warmly invited to make an appointment by calling 1300 191 472 and discover the secret to your perfect retirement at St Hedwig Village.

You may need to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. *Access to a Home Care Package or the CHSP is subject to eligibility criteria set by the Commonwealth Department of Health and any resident seeking access to a package can speak to the friendly Catholic Healthcare Customer Service team on 1800 225 474 for

assistance. **Any move from St Hedwig Retirement Village to St Hedwig Residential Aged Care is subject to room availability at the aged care home and normal government eligibility criteria. Residents of the Retirement Village are not guaranteed a place at the residential aged care home or priority access.

Discover the perfect place to retire at St Hedwig Retirement Village, Blacktown Surrounded by peaceful, native bushland just a short stroll from the thriving heart of Blacktown’s shops, services, healthcare and amenities, St Hedwig Retirement Village is a relaxing sanctuary, where you have everything you need on your doorstep.

This vibrant new retirement community features beautifully crafted one, two and three bedroom apartments starting from $475,000*. Come home to a place where nature, community, comfort and convenience connect. You’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk through the door.

Come and see for yourself what makes St Hedwig Retirement Village the perfect place to retire.

*Residents of retirement villages will need to pay fortnightly recurrent charges during their time at the village. You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. The advertised starting price ($475,000) is based on the starting price of a one bedroom apartment as at October 2022 and is subject to change.

26

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

::

Call 1300 191 472 to arrange an appointment and view our display apartment, or visit sthedwigvillage.com.au to find out more.

BUSINESS WITH REBECCA DI NOIA WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

Why you should enter business awards

I

n the business world, where small business owners are fighting to be recognised and competing to be seen, how to stand out and make your potential customers aware of who you are and trust what you are offering, has never been easy.

Besides social media and other marketing channels, one of the avenues to gain visibility and credibility is participating in business awards. Sure, the thought of dressing up and meeting some famous people sounds exciting, but business awards also bring tangible benefits that can significantly impact your business.

If you are a shy person and do not believe that you have achieved enough to be recognised, well think again. Participating in business awards provides a unique opportunity for self-assessment. The process often requires a thorough examination of your business practices, achievements, and future goals. This not only strengthens your understanding of your business’ strengths, but also identifies areas for improvement, refining strategies, enhancing operations, and fuelling sustainable growth.

To enter business awards successfully, first start by researching and identifying relevant opportunities; this can be based on industry, years of operation, or what makes you stand out among your competitors.

Australia hosts a variety of awards that cater to different industries and business sizes.

The Telstra Business Awards, for example, celebrate innovation and leadership across various sectors. The Australian Small Business Champion Awards recognise the contributions of small businesses to the national economy. Additionally, local business awards acknowledge excellence and innovation in businesses of all sizes in each Local Government Area.

Then, craft a compelling award submission. Clearly articulate your business’ achievements, impact, and plans. Provide evidence, testimonials, and data to support your claims. Demonstrate how your business stands out in terms of innovation, customer service, or community engagement.

This is where the fun begins: when the night of the awards comes around, put on your fanciest hat, and get ready for a night of networking and high-fives. Regardless of whether you have won or just got nominated for a business award, it will enhance your company’s reputation. Awards validate the hard work and dedication you’ve invested in your business, signalling to customers, partners, and investors that your enterprise stands out among its peers. This recognition can be a powerful marketing tool, differentiating your brand and attracting new opportunities.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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About the role This role is vital to the maintenance and upkeep of departmental schools.

To be successful in the role you will need to have good planning and prioritising skills and good communication skills to work effectively with others.

You will perform a range of tasks relating to the routine maintenance and upkeep of a Departmental School/grounds. The role may assist with the set up and removal of furniture and equipment for school activities. You will identify and report maintenance and safety issues. You will receive, store and distribute supplies and monitor equipment and report faults.

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Role criteria Targeted Question 1 Provide an example of how you have prioritised tasks to maintain a property with minimal supervision (max 300 words) Targeted Question 2 Provide an example of how you have identified and managed a potential hazard requiring maintenance (max 300 words)

M&B Roofing ROOF RESTORATIONS

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WEBSITE

How to apply

FOR ALL YOUR ROOFING NEEDS

Applications should be submitted via email to Angela Mitchell, R/Deputy Principal by 5pm on Friday 8 December 2023 and should include: • 1 page Curriculum Vitae • Maximum of two pages addressing the role criteria

Contact: Angela Mitchell, R/Deputy Principal Email: Angela.Mitchell7@det.nsw.edu.au Call: 4726 6020

51510

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Jordan Springs Public School

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice for Registration of Interest Celestino Developments Pty Limited is proceeding with a Development Application for the subdivision of the land known as 121 Willmington Road, Luddenham NSW. The site is also identified as 2903 The Northern Road, Luddenham. The proposal is to develop the site by building a high bay cold storage facility associated with distribution of agricultural products. The project is located in the Penrith local government area. The proponent is Celestino Developments Pty Limited (Daniel Restuccia, Development Manager: 642 Great Western Highway, Pendle Hill NSW 2145).

Celestino Developments Pty Limited proposes to carry out consultation with Aboriginal people in accordance with the Heritage NSW Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents 2010. The purpose of this consultation process is to inform the preparation of environmental assessment documentation and to assist Heritage NSW in its consideration of any future project application subject to assessment and approval under of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

School Canteen Licence Penrith Public School Tenders are called for the licence of the school canteen for the school year commencing on 30/01/2024 for a term of 3 years with an option to renew for 2 years.

The project may also result in Celestino Developments Pty Limited applying for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) under of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and/or undertaking investigations in accordance with the Code of Practice for Archaeological Investigation of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales. Celestino Developments Pty Limited has engaged Kelleher Nightingale Consulting Pty Ltd to facilitate the consultation process.

Annual school enrolments will be approximately 500.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to:

Celestino Developments Pty Limited invites Aboriginal groups and/or Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and/or places at Luddenham to register interest in a process of community consultation with the contact shown below (on behalf of Celestino Developments Pty Limited):

Theresa Sanderson Assistant Principal penrith-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Commercial in Confidence - School Canteen Tender” and sent to:

Kelleher Nightingale Consulting Suite 505-507, 155 King Street Sydney NSW 2000 phone 02 9232 5373

Chantal Beltran Principal penrith-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

The closing date for registration is 15 December 2023.

Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.

WW52713

Tenders close at 3pm on 13/12/2023

Please be advised that in accordance with Heritage NSW requirements, we are required to record the names and contact details of each Aboriginal person who has registered an interest in this project and provide a copy of that record to the relevant Heritage NSW office and Local Aboriginal Land Council. If you are registering your interest, please let us know if you do not want your details forwarded to these organisations.

WW52719

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weekende&NrAA THE GREATEST the western

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PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPA PER

TROY DODDS

P

enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in the past breaking countless along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player.

But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match.

Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta.

It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons.

It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won .

From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

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Morris Care & Advice Pharmacy

Budget Service Station Fish Fish Friendly Grocer Grose’s Pharmacy Southlands Newsagency Southlands Takeaway South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre Woolworths

Penrith Aldi Astina Atmosphere Gym Australian Arms Borec Road Takeaway (Valley Café) Brisket Boys Café 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 Mcdonald’s High Street Mcdonald’s Panthers Leagues Mcdonald’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 Office of Karen McKeown MP 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

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 Crystal Café Guido’s Hair Care Jayam Supermarket Mcdonald’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 Mcdonald’s Supa Iga The Foodary Werrington Newsagency

Silverdale Mobil Service Station The Chemist Shop

Flower Power

If your favourite location has run out, or if you’d like a new location added, please email distribution@westernweekender.com.au

www.westernweekender.com.au/getapaper

32

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

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Caddens

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

MUSIC FROM HIS SOUL CASSIDY PEARCE

Y

ou may know him from Human Nature, but as of 2023, Phil Burton says he’s in a new era of both his life and career.

“I’ve been back in Australia for three years now. A lot of people did say to my family and I, ‘It’s going to take you about three years before you really feel settled back into Australia’, so on a personal level and on a business level, I guess that’s completely true,” he said.

“The first couple of years was pretty quiet there where basically I was trying to get things going but I didn’t get a lot going, other than when the Human Nature guys came back and I joined in with them, but this year, it seems like things are really kicking off, which is great.

“I love the Human Nature stuff as well, but it feels fantastic to have things for me really starting to kick off this year.”

He’s been on the road solo for a little while now, but back in February, Burton admits he was nervous to go out there alone, with this new challenge leading him out of his comfort zone in a way he never had as part of Human Nature.

“I think the biggest change is definitely the fact that when I’m up there with the other guys from Human Nature, there’s three other guys there, so unless I’m specifically singing a lead, the audience’s attention can waiver between the four of us, and you have those moments where you don’t feel that pressure of being right out there in front the whole time, and you know that if something goes wrong then there’s three other people that have your back,” he said.

“However, when it’s me by myself, it’s just me by myself, and I am out there all alone, taking all the hits, and every eye is on me. I think that’s pretty much what I was scared about in February, but now I actually really kind of enjoy that challenge.”

Burton credits much of his newfound confi-

dence to his stint on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ earlier this year, which ended with him taking home the Mirror Ball Trophy alongside partner Ash-Leigh Hunter.

“I have to say, doing ‘Dancing with the Stars’ helped that a lot, because obviously I had Ash-Leigh as my partner, but it was very much about me and my performance, and going through that whole experience and doing so well in it has really given me a level of self confidence that I’ve never had before,” he said.

Burton began touring his new show ‘Sweet Soul Music’ just a few months ago, and he’s been loving every second spent sharing classic soul and personal favourites with audiences across the country.

This year, he’ll be spending New Year’s Eve performing it right here in the west, at the Evan Theatre.

“The music is just so much fun to perform, I just know that everybody is going to come along to the show and they’re going to have a good time, because these songs are so infectious and so much fun not just to listen to, but get up on your feet and dance to, and sing along with,” he said.

“It’s going to be a real party on stage, and I’m really, really looking forward to it!”

Given the occasion, Burton said he’ll do his best to make the show extra special.

“I’ll definitely be throwing in a couple of special moments for New Year’s – you’ve got to do something special on New Year’s!” he said.

“Is there a soul song about New Year’s resolutions? I’ll delve into the soul catalogue and see what I can come up with.”

Phil Burton’s ‘Sweet Soul Music’ will be on at Panthers on Sunday, December 31 at 7.30pm. Visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

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Ham Raffles + Fuel Gift Cards -2,1 86 $6 :( *,9( $:$<

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

IN PRIZES EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

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34

SANTA’S SUPER

THINGS TO DO Big names headed to Panthers

Immerse yourself in local art at Mulgoa

Gingerbread Decorating Workshop in Penrith

After the huge success of Sunset Bash in May, Music Trolley and Panthers Penrith have joined forces again to create Sunset Rocks. Headlined by Aussie icons Thirsty Merc, Shannon Noll, Mark Gable from Choirboys, The Badloves and supported by Caitlyn Shadbolt, Sunset Rocks will take over The Backyard, Panthers Penrith this Saturday, December 2 from 3pm.

Artists in Mulgoa will be opening their galleries this weekend to share their art and knowledge. Mulgoa Trail 2023 has four studios to visit where you can see works by and meet local artists, including John Rice Art, Australia's Nature & Landscape Photography By Di Watson, Shirley Peters Art and Shirley Ayers Art. Visit the Mulgoa Art Trail Facebook page for more details.

Join in on all the Christmas fun with a Gingerbread Decorating Workshop hosted by the fabulous team from Pasticceria Dolce Mia at The Creative Fringe this Saturday, December 2. What better way to get the kids into the Christmas spirit than to decorate their very own gingerbread house, complete with icing, lollies and a Santa sack worth of other sweet treats?

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.

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.

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

Penrith NASHO’s Monthly meetings at Penrith RSL Club.

Call 0400 129 006 for details.

BUSINESS

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

Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

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

Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm.

7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

Nepean Food Services Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability.

Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

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

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway.

0415 625 573 for more information.

Nepean Naval Museum Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

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.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

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.

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.

We’re S o c i a l !

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CO N N EC T W I T H U S O N S O C I A L M E D I A Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

At the movies...

REVIEW Thanksgiving  1 hour, 46 minutes Eli Roth’s ‘Thanksgiving’ probably won’t get the audience it deserves in Australia given the title doesn’t immediately resonate with local crowds, but it’s actually one of the more decent slasher flicks released in recent years.

In fact, if blood and gore is your thing, it’d be hard not to be impressed with the kill scenes and be leaving the cinema asking “what was your favourite death?”

After a Black Friday sale goes horribly wrong in Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of Thanks-

giving – the town is left to pick up the pieces of a death toll from a stampede of bargain hunters.

A year later, store owner Thomas (Rick Hoffman) hasn’t learned much – and is preparing for another massive sale, with extra security guards of course.

But when those with a link to the stampede start being killed in mysterious circumstances one after the other, it’s up to the core group of survivors (led by Nell Verlaque’s Jessica) to figure out who has an axe to grind, so to speak.

I’ll be honest – the twist here is rather predictable, but for so long you think they can’t possibly be setting up such an obvious ending, that it still manages to keep you guessing.

‘Thanksgiving’ certainly isn’t your family holiday movie, but if you’re a horror/ thriller fan and you’re up for a few jump scares, it’s worth seeing.

Oh, and if you’re a ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ fan, Patrick Dempsey stars too – so there’s that.

See this movie at...

– Troy Dodds

PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

Tickets $15 Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433

slushandtunes.com.au

Napoleon

(G)

(MA)

Journey to Bethlehem (PG)

3, 7 & 10 Dec - $20

Now Showing to 6 Dec

30 Nov to 10 Dec

Trolls Band Together (G)

Christmess

The Marvels

Kombi Man

(M)

(M)

(E)

30 Nov to 10 Dec

2 Dec

8 to 13 Dec

12 & 13 Dec

Join Our Mailing List Direct to your email inbox: Weekly Session Times & Coming Attractions

www.glenbrookcinema.com.au

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Stop Making Sense

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

37

COUNTRY CORNER

Book now

Image: Harry Manx

2024 Theatre Program On sale Now

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS Dan Sultan Thursday 1 February, 7.30pm Kings & Queens of Swing – Morning Melodies Wednesday 14 February, Morning Tea 10am; Performance 11am Good Morning Vietnam: Music from the Vietnam War Era Live in Concert Vol 2. Saturday 9 March, 3pm Harry Manx in Concert Saturday 6 April, 8pm

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38

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

::

The Divine Miss Bette Saturday 4 May, 7.30pm

Nominees for the 2024 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth next month have been announced.

Several artists are leading the charge into January’s awards, with Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, James Johnston, The Wolfe Brothers and Travis Collins each picking up six nominations.

The top winners from the 2023 Golden Guitar Awards, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley picked up five nominations, while eight-time Golden Guitar and recent ARIA Award winner Fanny Lumsden picked up four nominations.

2023 Toyota Album of the Year winner, Casey Barnes picked up three nominations, as well as Luke O’Shea and Angus Gill. Zac & George make their Golden Guitar Awards nominations debut picking up three nominations. Dual nominations went to John Williamson, Ashleigh Dallas, Kaylee Bell, 2022 Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson, Brad Cox, Duncan Toombs, Matt Scullion, Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers, SToReR, Wicker Suite and The Pleas-

Travis Collins performing at Tamworth last year.

ures which features Lachlan Bryan, Catherine Britt and Damian Cafarella.

There were 24 artists with single nominations including 2023 Male Artist of the Year Andrew Swift, Shane Nicholson, 2023 Toyota Star Maker Loren Ryan, Adam Brand, Allan Caswell, Anne Kirkpatrick, Brad Butcher, Busby Marou, Dean Perrett, TC Cassidy, Lane Pittman, Lindsay Waddington, Matt Cornell, Melanie Dyer, Melody Moko, Gareth Leach,

Hamish Davidson, Michael Fix, Brendan Radford, Pete Denahy, Sara Berki, The Davidson Brothers, Tom Curtain and Tori Forsyth.

Tamworth Regional Council will present the Toyota 52nd Golden Guitar Awards live on Saturday, January 27 2024, from Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre. A live stream will be available.

For full details and to see all the nominations, visit www.tcmf.com.au/awards.

Ê ‘Christmas with the Australian Women’s Weekly’ returns next Friday, December 8 at 7.30pm on 10. Sarah Harris and The Weekly Team will bring the iconic magazine to life this festive season, with stocking loads of festivities and expert holiday tricks from some of the best chefs, cooks, stylists and crafters. The special will also feature Jessica Rowe, Denise Drysdale, Khanh Ong, Narelda Jacobs, Marcia Hines, Rob Mills, Osher Günsberg and Tristan McManus.

TV NEWS

Ê And that’s not all either! 10 Play’s new Christmas Movies FAST channel is now

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

MR & MRS SMITH, PRIME VIDEO

available to stream, and if you need your fix of Mariah, the all-new MTV Xmas FAST channel is ready for you with 24/7 festive tunes including all your favourite festive hits from legendary artists including Wham!, Michael Bublé and The Pogues.

Ê The line-up for the ABC’s New Year’s Eve party on Sydney Harbour is starting to trickle out, with Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering returning as hosts for the broadcast. Some of the acts to hit the stage include Jessica Mauboy and King Stingray. More will be revealed closer to the date.

DECEMBER 8 7.30PM CHRISTMAS WITH THE WOMEN’S WEEKLY, 10

Cnr Woodriff & Derby Sts, PENRITH

Ê The BBC has confirmed long-running motoring show ‘Top Gear’ has been “rested” for the foreseeable future after an incident involving one of its hosts. Former cricketer turned ‘Top Gear’ presenter Freddie Flintoff was injured in a crash during a test event in Sydney last December, which resulted in the 34th series being halted. Ê Sad news with one of America’s finest

Phone:

shows getting the tap on the shoulder after 13 years. US police procedural ‘Blue Bloods’ will end with its upcoming 14th season next year.

The Tom Selleck drama will get a two-part final season consisting of 18 episodes. The first 10 episodes will go to air in mid-February before the final block of eight episodes screen in late 2024. Incredibly, ‘Blue Bloods’ screens on 10, Paramount+ and FOX One.

Ê If you remember the 2005 movie with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’, you may be interested to learn a TV series of the same name is coming to Prime Video on Friday, February 2. In this version of ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’, two lonely strangers (Donald Glover and Maya Erskine) land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travels, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan. The catch? New identities in an arranged marriage as Mr and Mrs John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone.

::

Nathan Taylor

Ê Still on Christmas, and 10 Play is decking the halls with a tree-mendous load of Christmas movies. With over 40 Hallmark Christmas movies now available to stream, as well as more festive flicks to choose from including ‘12 Days Of Giving’, ‘The Christmas Chalet’, ‘A Family For The Holidays’, ‘Merry And Bright’, ‘The Santa Squad’, ‘Twinkle All The Way’ and ‘Miss Me This Christmas’, there’s a holiday-themed film for everyone in this merry mix.

4721 2515

penrithbowling.com.au

facebook.com/penrithbowlingclub

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

39

TV Guide: December 1–7

Sunday 3 December

Saturday 2 December

Friday 1 December

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds 11:00 Tiny Oz (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Shetland (PG) 2:00 Finding The Archibald (PG) 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:00 Escape From The City (PG) 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:35 Under The Vines (M l) 9:25 Midsomer Murders (M) 10:55 ABC Late News 11:10 Question Everything 11:45 Silent Witness (M v)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “The Spruces And The Pines” (AKA ‘A StarCrossed Christmas’) (PG) (’17) Stars: Jonna Walsh 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley 11:15 Movie: “Bombshell” (M l,s) (’19) Stars: Charlize Theron

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “UnPerfect Christmas Wish” (PG) (’22) Stars: Alys Crocker 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde” (PG) (’03) Stars: Reese Witherspoon 10:30 Movie: “Like A Boss” (M l) (’20)

8:00 Farm To Fork 8:30 Judge Judy (PG) 9:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 9:30 Neighbours (PG) 10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 Jamie’s 5 Ingredient Mediterranean 3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Judge Judy (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M l,s) 9:30 TBA 10:30 TBA 11:30 Good Sam (M)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Legacy List With Matt Paxton 10:00 Film Kids (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Chef Antonio’s Recipes For Revolution (M l) (In Italian) 3:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys 5:05 Jeopardy!

5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Hunting Egypt’s Lost Treasures 8:30 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon

2:00 Discover Travel With RAA 2:30 I Escaped To The Country 3:30 The Zoo 4:00 Surf Patrol 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 I Escaped To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Pie In The Sky (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Free Guy” (M l,v) (’21) Stars: Ryan Reynolds

4:00 Toi Time 4:30 12:00 Smash (PG) 1:00 Spartakus And The Sun Chicago Fire (PG) 3:00 Beneath The Sea 5:00 The Food Dude (PG) 3:50 Modern Family (PG) 4:15 Bamay 5:30 Sports: Pacific Games: Day 10 Highlights 6:30 The Goldbergs (PG) 5:15 Kungka Kunpu 6:40 Wild Movie: “The Peanuts Movie” Survivors 7:30 Movie: (G) (’15) Stars: Hadley Belle 7:00 Movie: “Stuart Little 2” (G) “Inkheart” (PG) (’08) Stars: Brendan Fraser (’02) Stars: Michael J Fox

8:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 9:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 NCIS (PG) 1:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (M) 8:30 NCIS (M)

8:30 Becker (PG) 9:30 Neighbours (PG) 11:30 Farm To Fork 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 TBA 2:20 The King Of Queens (PG) 3:20 Becker (PG) 4:20 Seinfeld (PG) 5:50 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

2:00 My Lottery Dream Home 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Blog Cabin 4:30 Yard Crashers 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Island Of Bryan 8:30 Building Off The Grid 9:30 Log Cabin Living

5:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:00 Hardball 6:30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Phoenix Rise (PG) 8:35 Good Game Spawn Point 9:00 The Legend Of Korra 9:50 Mimi On A Mission: Digital Detox: Be Kind (PG)

4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 8:00 Planet America: Fireside Chat 8:45 ABC News Tonight 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 Close Of Business 10:00 The World

4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 School Of Roars 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes 6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Andy And The Band 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

5:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours Christmas 8:30 Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown 9:30 Rick Stein’s Spanish Christmas

5:00 Worldwatch 10:00 Shortland Street (PG) 11:00 Sport: Pacific Games Highlights 12:00 Sport: Pacific Games: Day 11 *Live* 5:50 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown

3:00 MacGyver (PG) 4:00 Family Ties (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 Movie: “The Lego Batman Movie” (PG) (’17) Stars: Will Arnet 7:30 Movie: “Edge Of Tomorrow” (M l) (’14) Stars: Tom Cruise

12:00 Golf: Australian Open *Live* 5:00 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Hunter Killer” (MA15+) (’18) Stars: Gerard Butler

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 2:00 Annika (M v) 2:50 The Durrells (PG) 4:40 Landline 5:10 Joanna Lumley’s Britain (PG) 6:00 The Way We Wore (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 8:20 Vera (M v) 9:50 Annika (M v) 10:40 Under The Vines (PG) 11:25 QI (PG) 12:00 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) 5:00 rage (MA15+)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Caulfield/ Rosehill/ Doomben *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: WBBL: Final: Adelaide Strikers v TBA *Live* 10:30 Movie: “Dracula Untold” (M h) (’14) Stars: Luke Evans 12:15 12 Monkeys: Hyena (MA15+) 1:15 Travel Oz: Game Fishing (PG) 2:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday 12:00 Our State On A Plate (PG) 12:30 Arctic Vets (PG) 1:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 2:00 Golf: Australian Open: Day 3 *Live* 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Garden Hustle 8:30 Movie: “London Has Fallen” (M) (’16) Stars: Alon Abutbul 10:30 Movie: “Man On A Ledge” (M l,v) (’12)

8:00 I Fish 8:30 Farm To Fork 9:00 Everyday Gourmet 9:30 10 Minute Kitchen 10:00 Studio 10: Saturday 12:00 Luxury Escapes 12:30 The Yes Experiment (PG) 1:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 1:30 What’s Up Down Under 2:00 Football: Matildas v Canada *Live* 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 Jamie Oliver Cooking For Less 7:30 The Dog House (PG) 8:30 Ambulance (PG) 11:00 The Cheap Seats (M) 12:00 CSI: Vegas (PG)

8:00 Becker (PG) 9:00 12:30 Australia By 3:10 Buddy Guy Neighbours (PG) 11:00 Design 1:00 JAG (PG) Chase The Blues Away Farm To Fork 11:30 2:00 Taste Of Australia 4:45 Movie: “Lord Of 2:30 Camper Deals (PG) 3:00 Seinfeld (PG) 12:00 Friends The Flies” (PG) (’63) Stars: (PG) 12:30 The Big Bang James Aubrey 6:20 NITV News JAG (PG) 5:00 Reel Action Update 6:30 The Barber 7:00 5:30 I Fish 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Theory (PG) 2:20 TBA 3:30 Football: Round 6: Sydney FC v TBA 4:40 The Middle (PG) 6:00 Great Lakes Wild 7:30 Great Perth Glory *Live* 10:15 NCIS The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Australian Walks With Julia (M) 11:10 Seal Team (MA15+) Two And A Half Men (M) Zemiro (PG)

2:30 Building Off The Grid 3:30 Restoration Man 4:30 Island Of Bryan 5:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 6:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 House Hunters USA 9:30 House Hunters International

3:20 Movie: “Christmas à La Carte” (AKA ‘A Recipe For Joy’) (G) (’21) Stars: Erin Agostino 5:10 Movie: “Scoob!” (G) (’20) Stars: Will Forte 7:00 Movie: “The Mummy” (PG) (’99) Stars: Rachel Weisz 9:30 Movie: “The Terminator” (M l,v) (’84)

1:00 Movie: “Now And Forever” (PG) (’56) Stars: Janette Scott 2:55 Movie: “Separate Tables” (PG) (’58) Stars: Deborah Kerr 5:00 Golf: Australian Open *Live* 7:00 M*A*S*H (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Dirty Dancing” (M s) (’87) Stars: Patrick Swayze

2:00 Escape To The Perfect Town 3:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 Extreme Animal Transport (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

4:00 Secrets Of The Supercars (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Pearl Harbor” (M) (’01) Stars: Ben Affleck

1:00 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 2:35 The Goldbergs (PG) 3:05 Frogger (PG) 4:05 Dodger (PG) 5:05 Movie: “Shanghai Knights” (M v) (’03) Stars: Jackie Chan 7:30 Movie: “As Good As It Gets” (M) (’97) Stars: Jack Nicholson

5:15 100 Things To Do Before High School 6:05 First Day (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Mythbusters (PG) 7:35 Space Nova 8:00 Total DramaRama (PG) 8:20 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:45 Detention Adventure (PG)

4:00 ABC News 4:30 Close Of Business 5:00 ABC News 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Breaking The Code: Cyber Secrets Revealed 8:30 ABC News Tonight

9:30 Sport: Pacific 5:30 Hairy Bikers’ Asian 4:00 Andy’s Wild Games Highlights 1:00 Adventure 6:30 Order Adventures 4:25 School Sport: Pacific Games: Up! 7:30 Selena + Chef Of Roars 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiya And The Kimoja 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:35 Day 12 *Live* 5:00 The Unexplained With William Anthony Bourdain: No Heroes 6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Shatner (PG) 6:35 Impossible Reservations 10:30 River Andy And The Band 7:05 Engineering (PG) 8:25 Cottage Australia 11:30 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks Biography: Kisstory (M) 10:00 And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Mystery Diners 12:30 Hairy The Back Side Of Television Bikers’ Asian Adventure Live At The Apollo (MA15+)

12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:00 Gardening Australia 2:05 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 2:50 Grand Designs (PG) 3:40 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia (PG) 4:25 Stairs 5:00 Disability Leadership Oration 2023 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Joanna Lumley’s Britain (PG) 8:20 Annika (M v) 9:05 Shetland (M v) 10:05 We Hunt Together (M l,s,v) 10:55 Troppo (M l) 11:55 rage (MA15+) 2:00 Escape From The City

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 AFL Women’s: Grand Final: North Melbourne v Brisbane *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 7News Spotlight: Hostage Family/ AntiAging (PG) 8:00 Border Security Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Fugitive” (PG) (’93) Stars: Harrison Ford 11:15 Autopsy USA (M d)

6:00 Fishing Australia 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Cross Court 10:30 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 11:30 Iconic Australia (PG) 12:30 Drive TV 1:00 Golf: Australian PGA Golf: Day 4 *Live* 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 RBT (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 60 Minutes (PG) 8:00 TBA 9:10 The Body In The Bag (M) 10:40 #TextMeWhenYouGetHome (M) 11:35 Movie: “Suburbicon” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Matt Damon

8:00 Everyday Gourmet 8:30 Freshly Picked 9:00 Jamie’s 5 Ingredient Mediterranean 10:00 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) 12:00 Dessert Masters (PG) 1:30 Farm To Fork 2:00 Food Trail 2:30 Australia By Design 3:00 Cook With Luke 3:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:00 All 4 Adventure 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 9:10 FBI (M) 10:10 NCIS: Hawaii (M) 11:00 The Sunday Project (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Ascot Kayaking/ Blind Sailing/ Judo/ Unwheel Adventures 10:15 The Wheelhouse (M l,s) 11:00 Along Ireland’s Shores (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:00 Motorsport: Australian Superbikes: Round 7 *Live* 4:00 North Beach Football/ Nippers/ Powerchair Football/ Range Of Motion/ Starblasters Cricket 4:25 Focus On Ability Film Festival 5:35 Hitler - A Life in Pictures (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts (PG)

3:00 TBA 3:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn 4:30 The Yorkshire Vet 5:30 I Escaped To The Country 6:30 Escape To The Country 7:30 Slow Train Through Africa With Griff Rhys Jones (PG) 8:30 Call The Midwife (M)

3:00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction (PG) 4:00 Full Custom Garage (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars Texas (PG) 6:00 Border Security International (PG) 7:00 Border Security Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:00 Motorbike Cops (PG)

12:25 Black-ish (PG) 12:55 The Amazing Race (PG) 1:55 Movie: “Gone With The Wind” (PG) (’39) Stars: Clark Gable 6:35 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent: (M) 8:30 Law & Order (M)

3:40 Karla Grant Presents 4:40 Songlines On Screen 6:00 Untold History Of The Pacific 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Wild New Zealand (PG) 7:40 Greatest Hits Of The 70s (PG) 8:30 Nothing Compares: Sinead O’Connor

11:00 JAG (PG) 1:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 1:30 What’s Up Down Under 2:00 I Fish 2:30 Football Round 6: Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory *Live* 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v)

2:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 9: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans *Live* 4:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 9: Brisbane Bullets v Illawarra Hawks *Live* 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Two And A Half Men (PG)

2:30 The Garden Hustle 3:30 Self Made Mansions 4:30 Escape To The Chateau 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Christina On The Coast 8:30 Flipping 101 With Tarek El Moussa 9:30 Fix My Flip

4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 5:45 The Next Step 6:05 First Day (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories 7:35 Space Nova 8:00 Total DramaRama 8:20 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 8:45 Detention Adventure

4:00 ABC News 4:30 ABC News Regional 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 If You’re Listening 5:45 ABC News Video Lab 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Kitchen Cabinet 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders 8:30 ABC News Tonight

4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 School Of Roars 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes 5:55 Peter Rabbit 6:30 Andy And The Band 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG)

5:30 Paul Hollywood: A Baker’s Life 6:00 In The Spirit With Lindsay And Curtis 6:30 Michel Roux’s French Country Cooking 7:30 James Martin’s French Adventure 8:30 Hairy Bikers Mediterranean 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

4:45 Mr Mayor (PG) 3:30 Bamay 3:50 5:15 Movie: “Mr. France 24 English Peabody & Sherman” News 4:20 Shortland (PG) (’14) Stars: Ty Burrell Street (PG) 4:50 25 Siblings And Me (PG) 6:00 Kars & Stars 7:00 Movie: “Space Jam” (G) (’96) Stars: Bill Murray 8:45 (PG) 6:30 Augmented (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering Movie: “The Matrix” (M l,v) (’99) (PG) 8:30 The Last Overland Stars: Keanu Reeves 11:30 Duncanville (M) (M) 9:25 Salt Joy (PG)

2:45 Movie: “Flight From Ashiya” (PG) (’64) Stars: Yul Brynner 5:00 Golf: Australian Open *Live* 6:00 Customs (PG) 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “From Russia With Love” (PG) (’63) Stars: Sean Connery 10:55 Madam Secretary (M v)

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

40

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Lap Of Luxury Escapes Down Under (PG) 10:05 The Autistic Gardener 11:00 Along Ireland’s Shores (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Figure Skating: ISU Highlights 4:00 No More Spectators 4:10 Dylan Alcott Meets Peter Bol And Joseph Deng (PG) 4:35 Stepping Out 5:35 Hitler - The Lost Tapes 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys (PG) 8:25 Highclere - The Real Downton Abbey (PG)

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

Thursday 7 December

Wednesday 6 December

Tuesday 5 December

Monday 4 December

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12:00 ABC News 1:00 QI (M l,s) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Australian Story (PG) 8:30 Media Watch (PG) 8:50 Freddie Mercury The Final Act (M l) 4:00 Surf Patrol 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 I Escaped To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:30 Endeavour (M v)

12:00 Movie: “Christmas In Pine Valley” (PG) (’22) Stars: Kristina Cole Geddes 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 The 1% Club (PG)

4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Opal Hunters (PG) 8:30 Aussie Salvage Squad

5:00 ABC News With 5:45 Hotel Transylvania Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC 6:00 Hardball 6:30 Evening News 7:00 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Space Nova ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 8:00 Total DramaRama 8:20 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Business 9:00 ABC News

12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Hunt For Gaddafi’s Billions (M l) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 4:55 Back Roads 5:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 The Way We Wore (PG) 9:00 Yakka Australia At Work (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Christmas In The City” (PG) (’13) Stars: Ashley Williams 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III (PG) 8:40 Australian Crime Stories - The Investigators (M v)

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 TBA 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 9:00 The Secrets She Keeps (M) 10:00 FBI: Most Wanted (M v) 12:00 The Project (PG) 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG)

2:10 Elizabeth (PG) 3:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Close Encounters With Levison Wood 8:30 Riveted - The History Of Jeans (PG)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 6:30 NITV News 3:00 The Goldbergs Frasier (PG) 6:00 NCIS (PG) 1:30 FBI (M) Update 6:40 Brazil (PG) 3:30 Modern Friends (PG) 6:30 2:30 Jake And The Untamed 7:30 Who Do Family (PG) 5:30 Bondi Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Vet (PG) 6:30 Puppy School (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Living Black 9:00 Movie: “One Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (M) Red Blood” (M d) (’02) Criminal Intent (M v) 6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

12:00 Movie: “The Perfect Christmas Present” (AKA ‘Mr. Christmas’) (PG) (’17) Stars: Sam Page 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security Australia’s Front Line (PG)

5:00 Christina On The Coast 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 Christina On The Coast 9:30 Flip Or Flop 10:30 Hawaii Life

3:35 Movie: “Folly To 5:30 I Dream Of 5:20 Shortland Street 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Be Wise” (G) (’52) Jeannie 6:00 Everybody (PG) 5:50 The Curse Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 Stars: Alastair Sim 5:30 Loves Raymond (PG) Of Oak Island (PG) The Cook Up With 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Adam Liaw 7:30 Shane Delia’s 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Love Island Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Spice Journey 8:00 Luke Death In Paradise (PG) Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Australia (M) Nguyen’s India

12:00 Movie: “The Mistletoe Promise” (G) (’16) Stars: Jaime King 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Travel Guides (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Bad Moms 2” (M d,l) (’17) Stars: Mila Kunis 10:45 New Amsterdam (M)

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 TBA 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 8:40 NCIS (M v) 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v) 11:30 The Project (PG) 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG)

2:10 Elizabeth (PG) 3:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:40 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble

5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars 4:30 Better Homes And 6:30 First Dates (PG) 5:00 American Gardens 5:30 I Australia (PG) 7:35 Restoration (PG) 5:30 Escaped To The First Dates UK (PG) 8:40 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Rosemary & Thyme (PG) Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Movie: “Snatched” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Amy Schumer 8:30 Inspector George Gently Truckers (PG)

6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 The Casketeers (PG) 8:30 Movie: “A Band Called Death” (M l) (’12) Stars: Bobby Hackney

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 12:30 NCIS (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 6:00 FBI (PG) 2:30 Jake And Friends (PG) 6:30 The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 9:25 (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) FBI: International (M)

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Heston’s Feasts 8:30 Fun’Q With Spencer Watts

5:30 Yorkshire Auction 5:30 I Dream Of 5:20 Shortland Street House 6:30 Antiques Jeannie 6:00 Everybody (PG) 5:50 The Curse Roadshow 7:30 New Loves Raymond (PG) Of Oak Island (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Tricks (M) 8:40 Movie: 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Love Island “Thunderball” (PG) (’65) Stars: Sean Connery Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Australia (M s)

5:00 ABC News With 5:25 Miraculous: Tales Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Of Ladybug And Cat Evening News 7:00 Noir 6:00 Hardball 6:30 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 (PG) 7:35 Space Nova 8:00 The Business 9:00 ABC News Total DramaRama

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:40 Media Watch (PG) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Worzel Gummidge (PG) 4:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Question Everything (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Christmas At Maple Creek” (PG) (’20) Stars: Jeni Ross 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Big Brother (M l)

12:00 Movie: “The Rooftop Christmas Tree” (PG) (’16) Stars: Michelle Morgan 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Clarkson’s Farm 9:40 Police Rescue Australia (PG)

6:30 NITV News 3:00 Modern Family 4:30 Storage Wars 4:30 Better Homes And Update 6:40 Brazil (PG) 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 5:00 American Gardens 5:30 I Untamed (PG) 7:30 (PG) 6:30 First Dates Restoration (PG) 5:30 Escaped To The Australia (PG) 7:35 First Dates Movie: “Burn Gently: An American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt Australian Hip Hop Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway UK (PG) 8:40 Ramsay’s 7:30 Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Kitchen Nightmares USA (M l) Documentary” (M l,s) (’22) Patrol (PG) Lewis (M v) 5:00 ABC News With 5:25 Miraculous: Tales Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Of Ladybug And Cat Evening News 7:00 Noir 6:00 Hardball 6:30 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 (PG) 7:35 Space Nova 8:00 The Business 9:00 ABC News Total DramaRama

12:00 ABC News 12:55 Better Date Than Never (PG) 1:30 Question Everything 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Worzel Gummidge (PG) 4:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia (PG) 8:50 Grand Designs (M)

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

12:00 Movie: “The Christmas Swap” (AKA ‘The Christmas Switch’) (PG) (’18) Stars: Jackie Seiden 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Brisbane v Melbourne Stars *Live*

6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide 8:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Farm To Fork 1:30 Football: Matildas v Canada *Live* 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 8:40 Law & Order: SVU (M v) 9:30 The Hunt For The Family Court Killer (M v) 10:30 My Life Is Murder (M) 11:30 The Project (PG)

3:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Gods Of Tennis (M l) 8:30 Alone UK (M) 9:25 Fargo (PG) 10:25 SBS World News 10:55 Cobra (M)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 12:30 NCIS (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 6:00 FBI (PG) 2:30 Jake And Friends (PG) 6:30 The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M s) NCIS (M)

5:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Good Bones

3:30 Movie: “The Bridal 5:30 I Dream Of 5:20 Shortland Street Path” (G) (’59) Stars: Jeannie 6:00 Everybody (PG) 5:50 The Curse Bill Travers 5:30 Loves Raymond (PG) Of Oak Island (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Love Island Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By (PG) Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Australia (M s)

12:00 Movie: “Rocky Mountain Christmas” (PG) (’17) Stars: Kristoffer Polaha 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) 8:30 RPA (M) 9:30 Big Miracles (M) 10:30 Chicago Med (MA15+) 11:20 Emergency Call (M)

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 TBA 3:10 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Jamie’s 5 Ingredient Mediterranean 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 9:30 The Hunt For The Family Court Killer (M v)

2:10 Elizabeth (PG) 3:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Secret World Of Snacks (PG) 8:30 Adam & Poh’s Great Australian Bites (PG) 5:00 Fixer To Fabulous 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters Renovation 8:30 Fixer Upper

4:30 Storage Wars 4:30 Better Homes And (PG) 5:00 American Gardens 5:30 I Restoration (PG) 5:30 Escaped To The American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Family 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 Guy (PG) 8:00 American Dad Murdoch Mysteries (M v)

3:00 Modern Family (PG) 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 10 Years Younger In 10 Days (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (PG) 8:35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 12:30 NCIS (PG) 1:30 6:40 Brazil Untamed Frasier (PG) 6:00 FBI (PG) 2:30 Jake And 7:30 Going Places With Friends (PG) 6:30 The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Ernie Dingo (PG) 8:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 Not Even (M) 9:00 Movie: JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang “Empire Records” (M) (’95) Theory (M) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG) NCIS (M v) Stars: Anthony LaPaglia

5:00 ABC News With 5:25 Miraculous: Tales Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Of Ladybug And Cat Evening News 7:00 Noir 6:00 Hardball 6:30 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 (PG) 7:35 Space Nova 8:00 The Business 9:00 ABC News Total DramaRama

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

6:30 Antiques 5:30 I Dream Of 5:20 Shortland Street 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen Roadshow 7:30 Jeannie 6:00 Everybody (PG) 5:50 The Curse 7:00 The Cook Up With Keeping Up Loves Raymond (PG) Of Oak Island (PG) Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Appearances (PG) 8:40 Movie: Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV “You Only Live Twice” (PG) 8:00 Paula McIntyre’s Hamely News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Survivor 45 (PG) 9:00 Love (’67) Stars: Sean Connery Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) Island Australia (MA15+) Kitchen

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

WELCOME TO SUMMER NEW SEASON, NEW HOUSE? | NEW REAL ESTATE LISTINGS INSIDE!

In the MIRROR

SEE PAGE 52

Your HOROSCOPES SEE PAGE 55

Crosswords & PUZZLES

SEE PAGES 56-58

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FEATURE STORY Western Property

CLEARY LOCKS IN REAL ESTATE CAREER MOVE I

ndi Cleary is on a mission to be the best real estate agent in Sydney’s west.

The 24-year-old has just joined the powerhouse Ray White Nepean Group to take her business to the next level.

With six years of experience in the industry, the standalone agent with a first class Penrith pedigree is making a name for herself at Ray White.

“What I am loving about my new team at

Ray White Nepean Group is the amount of weekly training they offer, the support, the cutting edge technology and of course the family values, which is very important to me,” Cleary said.

“I feel like I have come home as I actually started my real estate career at age 18 at a Ray White agency in the northern beaches at Warriewood with Paul Franks, my uncle. I was there from the first day and learned the ropes from him.

“I have transitioned back to

Ray White for my own personal growth and development.

“My dad, Ivan Cleary, is my business and life mentor, and he taught me to always be community minded and follow the process and have discipline in everything that I do.”

Cleary says her dad, Penrith’s three-time Premiership winning coach, has offered invaluable advice and guidance in her career so far.

“My dad inspires me, he’s always talked about following process

and putting in the work as there’s no shortcuts to success. I have a lot to thank him for,” Cleary said.

The young gun has also founded a women’s networking group in Penrith called EMPOWHER, which meets quarterly to empower like minded business women to reach new heights.

“There weren’t any networking organisations for women in Penrith, so it was born from the idea to support women to reach their full potential in whatever field they are in,” she said.

It began as a women’s networking group and has become a niche group for influential women in the area to refer and share their knowledge.

“It’s been so beneficial to so many women in business to support each other and mentor each other,” Cleary said.

Ray White Nepean Group

“I HAVE TRANSITIONED BACK TO RAY WHITE FOR MY OWN PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT”

General Manager Daniel Piredda welcomed Cleary to the team, and said he was thrilled to have her on board.

“We aim to provide a springboard to success for all our agents. We offer all the training, support, technology and help our team needs. Our group is experienced in helping young agents become top level performers in our industry,” he said.

“We have the runs on the board and I know Indi’s mindset and work ethic will ensure she is successful in her career with us.”

Stay Informed Visit our website direct to stay update to date with all recent local news Your home of local news in Penrith

44

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property

15 GREENBANK DRIVE, WERRINGTON DOWNS

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME What is so great about this property?

This is a beautiful home featuring multiple living areas, freshly painted interior, new carpets,

four good sized bedrooms, modern kitchen and bathroom, large undercover entertaining area, and an open timber deck area.

Who does this property suit?

This home would be perfect for any young family needing plenty of living space and a great sized fully fenced backyard for kids.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

The location is perfect being so close to local shops and schools, and a short drive to Penrith.

$879,990

4

1

1

OPEN FOR INSPECTION Contact agent for details CONTACT Penrith Professionals Real Estate Ross Heidtmann • 0407 113 039 ross@penrithprofessionals.com.au

Our ‘Floors by design’ sale features savings on over 20 hard flooring styles and designs.

Visit us in-store or view at choicesflooring.com Choices Flooring Penrith

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131 Coreen Ave, Penrith (02) 4731 4242

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

45

12%2'< ,1 7+( :25/' 6(//6 025( 5($/ (67$7( 7+$1 5( 0$; OFFICE: 233 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

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-867 /,67(' In an ideal lifestyle location, the property is close to Kingswood train station, childcare centres, bus stop, schools, shops, parks, Nepean Hospital and Penrith CBD. MAIN HOUSE: • 3 good-sized BRs • Contemporary kitchen with ample storage • Separate dining • Spacious bathroom with laundry • Cypress pine floorboards • High ceilings • Huge backyard • Double carport • Currently rented APPROVED GRANNY FLAT • 2 generous-sized BRs, both fitted with BIs • Modern kitchen • Combined bathroom & laundry • Currently rented

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• 3 generous-sized BRs, 2 with BIRs • Natural light-filled living room with s/s a/c • Contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar plus ample storage • Main bathroom with separate bath & shower • Internal laundry with 2nd toilet • Well maintained large above ground pool • Spacious front and backyard • Covered alfresco area • Concreted driveway • 758.5sqm block • Shops, schools, cafes and eateries as well as a variety of nearby transport options • Zoned R2, granny flat potential (STCA)

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Gizzelle, Amazing Agent that will work Above & Beyond

Dual Key Investment Property in Thornton near Newcastle

“ Gizzelle is a Super hardworking agent who works over and

beyond to ensure all her client requirements are met. She was superb in preparing & coordinating the house presentation. The property was sold at first open home with a great & favourable price that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Gizzelle to anyone looking forward to sell or buy a property, hassle free and under exceptional satisfactory conditions. ” ABUBAKAR, 19/32 O’BRIEN ST, MT DRUITT TOWNHOUSE: SOLD FOR $715,000 – Verified by RateMyAgent

Thinking of Selling, Buying or Investing?

Call or SMS Gizzelle on 0428 934 618

Litsa is an amazing Real Estate sales professional who helped us build and rent a Dual Key Investment property in Thornton. She is very reliable, very patient, very professional, very polite and really outstanding. She was with us throughout the journey from buying the land, getting it registered and getting a best quality builder contract in place. Even after the contract with the builder was made, she made sure that every phase of the build project was properly done by visiting the property and sending us the updates with photos and videos as we live in Sydney. She was getting in contact with the builder at every phase multiple times and made sure they are on track with the delivery and got it delivered to us every much early than the time promised. She was the one who dealt with the builder directly and updated us throughout. The journey didn’t end there, she also made sure that good tenants also moved in 2 sides of the property and made sure that whatever rent she promised us at the beginning of the project was achieved. I am very glad that we found Litsa and very much recommend her services as we felt that we are in safe hands. Thanks a tonne Litsa, once again for all your services throughout the journey and wishing you the best always.

Thinking of Selling or Investing?

Please give me a call or SMS Litsa on 0466 969 164

– Verified by RateMyAgent

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• 10kW Solar Panels • Plantation Shutters • To be sold with Designer-Sourced Furniture

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

• Multi Dwelling Site • 6 approved cabins plus potential for further houses

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Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains OPEN HOME

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16/14-18 George Street, Kingswood

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Definitely Worth Your Time!

FOR SALE

69 Second Avenue, Kingswood

Dual Income – House & Granny Flat • Dual income investment opportunity • Spacious 3 bedroom house • Updated kitchen & bathroom • 2 bedroom granny flat • Modern & spacious design • Good-size backyard • Directly opposite Western Sydney University • 5-min drive to K’wood Station

5

2

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$1,029,000 INSPECT Contact Agent ADDRESS 69 Second Avenue, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

FOR SALE

2

$669,990

• 3 good-sized bedrooms, ensuite to main • Private U/C timber deck entertaining area • Secured gated complex with street frontage

• Beautiful 2-storey, 3-bedroom townhouse • Spacious open living design • Huge modern kitchen with S/S appliances

2.5

INSPECT Sat 2 December 10am – 10.30am ADDRESS 16/14-18 George Street, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

10/28-30 Joseph Street, Kingswood

Beautiful, Stylish & Modern • Modern 2-storey 3 bedroom townhouse • Spacious open living design • 3 good-sized bedrooms, ensuite & WIR to main • Large modern kitchen & bathroom • Ducted A/C throughout • 1 of 10 in complex, street frontage

3

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$659,990 INSPECT Contact Agent ADDRESS 10/28-30 Joseph Street, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

penrithprofessionals.com.au 02 4725 3100 253 High Street, Penrith Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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APARTME

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ORAN PARK

This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apartment features ample floor space, sophisticated style and the finest finishes.

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

Miele oven, gas cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

•

Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms

•

Ground floor entry, two levels of secure parking and a communal rooftop with barbeque facilities

3

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Interior

111sqm

Exterior

33sqm

Total

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9043 7500 metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au

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the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

View the Display Apartment by appointment Open 9am – 5pm | Cnr Oran Park Dr & Peter Brock Dr, Oran Park

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SWIM SAFETY The Experts

GIVE THE GIFT OF SWIM SAFETY THIS CHRISTMAS T

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

his year has certainly been challenging in terms of the rise in cost-of-living, petrol and grocery prices and interest rate hikes, making the lead up to Christmas an anxious time for many households. All of these circumstances have me questioning if we really need all the extra purchases that usually accompany this time of year, and if the type of presents we are giving need to be rethought?

For me, this Christmas needs to be a stress free event, less about multiple or large presents under the tree, and all about time spent with loved ones. It is very important this year that the gifts I exchange with family are meaningful, not whatever I could grab during my usual last minute dash to Westfield in the weekend before the big day. A gift that will not end up discarded by New Year’s Day. A gift that will make a difference and / or bring joy to the recipient. A gift that will promote long lasting confidence, skills or a memorable experience.

With over half of Aussie kids currently not attending swimming lessons, denying them the basic skills needed to safely experience all of the aquatic activities on offer in the Australian summertime, what could be a better gift than swimming lessons?

SWIM Australia CEO, Brendon Ward said

one in every five families had to cease lessons this year due to increased cost-of-living expenses.

“The reality is cost-of-living pressures have been a concern for many families this year

and unfortunately some parents have taken their children out of swimming lessons to manage financial constraints,” he said.

We are already seeing a surge in requests for gift vouchers from grandparents particularly, but also aunties, uncles and friends of the family, being organised from as far afield as interstate and overseas.

Swimming lessons are a gift that require no storage space, promote health, physical activity and safety, are fun, and teach a skill that will last a lifetime.

Alan Bentley, owner of Nepean Swim and Fitness agreed.

“Many children missed out on time in the water during lockdowns, and we are still seeing the effects this day, with only 41 per cent of Aussie kids currently in swimming lessons. However, the dangers of the water remain, so gifting swimming lessons for Christmas is both a thoughtful and practical gift. Adults who are unable to swim may also request swimming lessons for Christmas to help them to set and reach the goal of learning to swim in 2024,” he said.

Gift vouchers can be used for any of our programs, and in conjunction with Active Kids Vouchers. Creative Kids vouchers can be used towards our Paddles Swim Safety Camps.

BROKING BREAKDOWN

T

he Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has hit mortgage holders with five interest rate hikes this year, and there remain fears the central bank could be set to play the Grinch at its final meeting for 2023.

After keeping the cash rate on hold for the previous four meetings, the RBA whacked borrowers with an unwelcome quarter of a per cent increase last month to take official rates up to 4.35 per cent.

And homeowners struggling to meet mortgage payments and facing costof-living headaches have cause for concern the RBA could be ready to raise rates ahead of Christmas when it meets for the last time on Tuesday.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock cited another lift in inflation as the reason for last month’s increase, and since then she has pointed to higher wages growth as a further inflationary pressure point.

Bullock said wages growth needs to be matched with a

pick-up in productivity to keep inflation at bay.

“But we haven’t had any productivity growth in Australia for a number of years,” she said.

While borrowers brace for possible pre-Christmas punishment from the RBA, new data from credit bureau Illion has found western Sydney families have borne the brunt of the fastest interest rate hikes in a generation.

According to Illion, seven out of every 1000 Sydneysiders – or 0.71 per cent – are at least a month behind on their mortgages in July. That is up from 0.63 per cent in February.

But in a string of western Sydney suburbs, including Maraylya, Blackett, Shalvey, Narellan and North St Marys, 25 out of 1000 borrowers or 2.5 per cent are behind on their mortgage.

Illion head of model-

MARK STEVENSON Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au

ling, Barrett Hasseldine, said while the majority of Sydney was keeping up, the affected areas had recorded a significant increase in arrears in the past nine months.

“A delinquency rate of 2.5 per cent or more is incredibly high,” Hasseldine said.

“Those households will be under significant financial pressure.”

Perhaps evidence of that kind will dissuade the RBA board from taking another bite.

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WILL RBA BE THE GRINCH AGAIN?

The Experts

Give the gift of swimming lessons Christmas Gift Vouchers now available!

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

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IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce Aussie products that deserve a place under the tree this Christmas

W

ith Christmas c o m i n g up, you’re probably looking out for the perfect gift for your beauty-obsessed friends and family members.

You can always go the route of restocking some of their favourite products, or you could choose a product from a newly released holiday range.

But, if you’re wanting to get something a little more unique this Christmas, I’d recommend looking closer to home.

Recently, Australian brands have really been taking over in the beauty space, whether it’s makeup, skincare, sunscreen, or storage options. You might even find something to add to your own Christmas list!

Summer Fling Mango Scrub – a hydrating salt and sand scrub that’s perfect to prep for self-tanner, or scrub off sunscreen.

Frank Body I know, I know, it’s hardly unique, but you can’t bypass Frank Body when talking about Australian beauty brands.

Famous for their coffee scrubs, Frank Body creates beautiful hair, body and face products that are vegan, cruelty free, and all Australian made.

As someone who can’t stand the smell of coffee, I’d recommend their

Ultra Violette Despite launching back in 2019, it was in 2023 that the globe became obsessed with Ultra Violette.

Ultra Violette is well and truly leading a new gen of Australian-made sunscreen, with products that not only provide protection for your skin, but also consider what else you may be wearing on your face, and are comfortable enough for daily wear.

My personal favourite is their Lean Screen Spf 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skin-

screen, though they have plenty of options for all different skin types, as well as an SPF BFF Quiz so you can find the best choice for your friend that’s (rightfully) scared of the sun.

Etoile Collective I came across Etoile Collective on TikTok just a few months ago, and I’m already obsessed!

Owned by Melbourne woman Michelle Hu, Etoile Collective focuses

"ƴy

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52

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

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Contact David 0415 312 294 WW43972

on what’s around your products, including storage options, travel cases, and mirrors.

Having already purchased one makeup bag with another on the way, I can attest to the fact that their products are incredibly high quality, made even better with fast shipping! You can even personalise some of their products, making for the perfect, thoughtful gift.

Naked Sundays As far as cute packaging goes, you really can’t go past Naked Sundays.

Though the brand is based around their sunscreens, it’s their newer products which have really put them on the map.

The CabanaGlow SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops are a dupe for the Drunk Elephant equivalent, and their SPF50 Glow + Go Lip Oils are absolutely stunning (and have a place on my Christmas list this year).

Lust Minerals Lust Minerals is an Australian clean beauty brand specialising in high performance mineral makeup and clean skincare.

Whilst I’m a newbie when it comes to mineral makeup, I’ve been loving their Pro Finish Foundation and HD Setting Powder for a look that lasts all day, with either making for the perfect gift for the makeup lover in your life.

IDENTIFYING A LUMP IN PETS

W

hilst lumps on pets are more frequently seen in older pets, they can also appear on younger animals too. But what do you do if you find that lump or bump on your pet? Sometimes, they are harmless, but every so often they are a sign that something else may be happening. It is recommended that you check your pet’s body on a regular basis. This will allow you to become more familiar with what’s normal and recognise any changes that occur.

Checking for lumps You can check for lumps on your pet by running your fingers through their coat starting with the head, back, sides, chest, belly, and down the legs. Although some lumps may not cause a concern, some can be very dangerous if left untreated.

What kinds of lumps are there?

• Lipomas (fatty lumps) – Lipomas are the most common lump found on dogs and are more

common in overweight pets. These are benign cancers that can grow quite slowly and rarely spread.

• Mast cell tumours – Mast cell tumours are a common type of cancer that can take on many different appearances Some breeds of dogs may be more commonly affected, but all breeds can suffer from mast cell disease. Mast cell tumours are potentially very serious and early detection and diagnosis is the key.

• Mammary tumours (breast cancer) – Unfortunately, these lumps can be amongst the most aggressive forms of cancer. These lumps must be checked immediately by your veterinarian.

• Warts – Warts are more common in older animals and look like a small tag of skin attached to the coat. They can be irritating and, in some cases, require removal.

PET HEALTH

HEALTH

The Experts

The Experts

OSTEOARTHRITIS AND EXERCISE

O KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027 • Sebaceous cysts – These are swellings filled with a creamy matter, often seen in older pets. Often the swellings become quite red, but normally do not cause any problems.

• Histiocytoma – Histiocytoma are a red button like lump that are usually found on young pets.

They usually go away in about 2-3 months.

How can I tell if a lump on my pet is cancer?

You cannot tell whether a lump is cancerous just by looking at it. Your veterinarian will examine the lump and recommend the most appropriate testing moving forward. They will also examine your pet.

steoarthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions of an entire joint resulting from a gradual loss of cartilage. Cartilage is the protective cushion between the bones and when this breaks down, bone overgrowth occurs and fluid filled pockets called subchondral cysts result in inflammation and stiffness within the entire joint.

The most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis are our hips, knees and hands, with hips and knees causing the most pain due to their weight bearing load.

Fundamentally osteoarthritis causes chronic pain, reduces physical function, causes muscle wastage and diminishes quality of life.

Due to the pain associated with osteoarthritis, most people feel that exercise will make their pain worse and therefore opt to rest from exercise. It is important to understand why exercise helps osteoarthritis and what exercise you should do

to improve your symptoms.

Research has found that land based exercise is the most dominant non pharmacological intervention recommended for the treatment and management of osteoarthritis. Exercise is implemented to help improve joint range of motion, improve joint stability and muscle strength in the surrounding areas and help with weight loss.

A structured progressive strength training program that targets muscle hypertrophy will help to improve function and decrease pain, particularly in load bearing joints such as the hips and knees.

Swimming is a great way to get started on an exercise program if pain levels are too high initially. Swimming can

GEORGIA SMITH One Point Health 4732 5188

help to increase strength in a non-weight bearing environment before moving to a land based exercise program.

Weight is the biggest modifiable factor to decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis. Being overweight impacts how much weight the joint has to sustain with each step taken; particularly with the hips and knees.

Each additional kilogram of body mass increases the compressive load placed on the knee by roughly four kilograms.

To decrease your pain related to osteoarthritis, do not stop exercise, seek a structured progressive land based training program from an Exercise Physiologist.

Get the care your pet deserves at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital!

At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your pet is a cherished family member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care services to animals across the Penrith district.

We offer: • Vaccinations • Radiography • Microchipping • Surgery • Dental care • Ultrasound

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PET OF THE WEEK Relax & Unwind

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my name: Tammy my proud owner: Fiona i live in: Colyton a bit about me: 11-year-old Tammy is such a

big sooky-pants that loves attention especially from her human family. Everyone that meets her falls in love with her instantly. Her favourite things to do are play ball and eat!

Email Cassidy.Pearce@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

::

54

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro bohoastro.com @JoMadelineMoore © Joanne Madeline Moore 2023

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Courageous Mars and the creative Sun are currently transiting through your hopes and wishes zone. So it’s important to dream a dream, turn it into a goal, and then make it happen. No procrastinating or complaining Aquarius! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Walt Disney (who was born on December 5, 1901), “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.”

Friday is fabulous for catching up with family and friends.

The more creative and proactive you are at work, school or college, the better the week will be. And the more you help others, the more connected you’ll feel.

With Mercury moving through your networking zone, it’s also time to boost your social media profile by communicating with more family, friends, colleagues, clients and/or customers.

You have the ability to influence people in positive ways, as you employ encouragement and praise to get others onside.

With the Sun and Mars shining in fellow fire sign Sagittarius, you’re in Ram freedom-bunny mode! Plus indulgent Venus and restless Jupiter rev up your adventurous, extravagant side. So this week will work best if you experiment and explore, stretch well beyond your comfort zone, and fraternise with a stimulating crowd. But you could receive unsettling information about a friend or financial matter. Do some stringent fact checking and be extra patient.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

This week’s stars highlight the constant balancing act between individual needs and relationship responsibilities. Jupiter and Uranus (both in Taurus) emphasise the importance of maintaining your individuality and prioritising personal projects. Whereas Venus (your ruling planet) shines a bright spotlight on your partner, relatives and/or friends. Are you meeting their needs, as well as your own?

Tuesday and Wednesday are terrific for socialising.

The Sun and Mars are both transiting through your relationship zone so a problem with a loved one should start to improve, as long as you are proactive about finding a solution. When it comes to your aspirations for the future, don’t just dream about them. You need a practical plan (and the cooperation of others) to turn abstract dreams into robust reality. The late week stars highlight travelling, teaching, studying, intense conversation and inner contemplation.

Attached Crabs – this week’s stars are perfect for cementing your commitment to your partner, as you find extra romantic ways to show your affection.

Singles – give superficial suitors a wide berth. Look for lasting love with a soulful Scorpio or a charismatic Capricorn. And – with the Sun and Mars in your wellbeing zone – don’t just talk about improving your fitness levels. Be proactive, jump off the comfy couch and get physical in the great outdoors!

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

The focus is on friends, as the Sun and Mars move through your friendship zone.

But don’t let your peer group influence you too much. The planets encourage being your own person and doing your own thing. So your motto for the week is from birthday great, singer-songwriter Jim Morrison, “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.”

Creativity is high on Friday, but don’t let your tendency to gossip come between you and others.

This week Mercury (your power planet) forms a fabulous trine with lucky, plucky Jupiter. Plus Jupiter and Uranus are both jumping through your aspirations and adventure zone. So you need to be more proactive and courageous about turning current average opportunities into future good fortune. Where intention flows, energy goes! Your inspiring motto for the moment is from birthday great, poet Emily Dickinson, “Fortune befriends the bold.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday, taskmaster Saturn links up with your ruling planet Venus. Which encourages and boosts your conscientious, perfectionist side. But don’t overdo it Libra! Leave room for mistakes, stumbles and occasional sloppiness. No one can get things 100 per cent right all the time. Wisdom for the week comes from birthday great, actress Dame Judi Dench, “I think you should take your job seriously, but not yourself – that is the best combination.”

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Mercury and Pluto (your patron planet) are transiting through your communication zone. So you’re keen to enjoy plenty of stimulating conversations with a wide range of interesting, adventurous people within your extended peer group.

It’s a wonderful week for flashes of inspiration as you fraternise with local, interstate and/or international friends.

The Venus-Saturn trine will help you sort out your priorities and face relationship responsibilities with a smile.

The Sun and Mars are visiting your sign (plus Mercury and Venus link up with Jupiter) so you’re in adventurous, freedom-loving mode. Limiting rules, regulations and restrictions won’t be welcome! But slow down Sagittarius, otherwise you could be involved in an argument or accident. Inspiring quote is from singer-songwriter Jim Morrison (who was born on December 8, 1943), “The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Venus makes a lovely link with your power planet Saturn. Which favours financial matters, established relationships and finding long-term love. Then Friday’s Mercury/Jupiter trine is particularly good for business, travel, education, conversation and curiosity. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great Walt Disney, “We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we’re curious.”

WW43922

Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

55

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

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Test your knowledge about Christmas classic ‘Home Alone’ in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. How many siblings does Kevin have?

2. What are the names of the two burglars?

3. The two burglars give themselves what calling card / nickname?

4. According to Uncle Frank, at what time is the family leaving for the Paris vacation?

5. Why doesn’t anyone want to sleep with Fuller?

6. What item does Kevin steal from the supermarket?

7. What is the name of the renta-truck company Gus Polinski and his band use?

8. What letter got melted into Harry’s hand from the hot door handle?

ANSWERS 1. Four 2. Harry and Marv 3. The Wet Bandits 4. 8am 5. He wets the bed 6. Toothbrush 7. Budget 8. M

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57

Test Your Brain brought to you by Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital orchardhillsvet.com.au | 4736 2027

TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOK No. 674

We won the Pet Care category in 2015, 6 and 2019, and we are looking forward to the 2021 awards presentation!

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Str8ts, Hexwords & Name the Movie brought to you by Choices Flooring Penrith

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Camille and all the staff at rchard Hills Veterinary Hospital wish to hank everyone who voted for us in the 021 Penrith City Local Business Awards.

AUTO ADVICE with AARON HILLS

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HIT THE ROAD WITH CONFIDENCE 4. Prepare for an emergency.

Make sure you have everything you may need in case of an emergency. Do you know what to do in case of an accident? Do you have a first aid kit? Having some spare water, a torch and some museli bars might be a life saver in the case of a breakdown or any other delays you may experience on a trip.

Three days before your trip 5. Check your oil, your tyres inflation, your coolant reservoir, your wiper blades, your lights, top up your wiper fluid and clean the inside of your windscreen.

The day before 6. Set for a start.

Don’t drive when sick or tired.

Try and have an early night the day before departure. Avoid driving when you’d normally be sleeping.

Share the driving or stop more often if you’re driving solo.

7. Weather watch.

Check the weather forecast along your route. Heed warnings for severe weather, is it wise to travel or maybe select a different route?

Weather can affect the conditions and state of the road, you may need extra time or preparations especially if you are towing a trailer, van or boat. To be aware of changing conditions or delays you can have your passenger regularly check the Live Traffic app or check it when you stop for a break.

8. Comfort is cool.

The car’s cabin is your cockpit, make sure everything is within reach – tissues, sunnies, water bottle and snacks. Got kids – organise some games, movies or have a look at FuelBox for families to fuel meaningful or entertaining conversations. Consider getting your playlist sorted and add some podcasts or

an audio book for variety. Make sure you have hands free connection for your phone and a charger cable handy. Keep the car cool to help you stay alert, wear comfy clothing and shoes that fit well with good grip.

9. Pack smart.

All cars have a recommended load weight, check the owners manual for the recommended carry load.

The easiest way to pack is to first empty your car of anything you may not need – hello shopping bags! The importance of not overloading your vehicle is often overlooked. It can place enormous stress on your tyres and suspension. The vehicle may also handle differently making it more difficult to drive and will use more fuel.

10. Better safe than sorry.

Be mindful of fatigue symptoms – yawning, tired eyes boredom and loss of concentration. Stop every two hours and take advantage of driver reviver stops for a cuppa and a chat with other travellers.

If you need a service before your next road trip, just contact the team at Angus Car Service.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

::

2. Learn to change a tyre.

It’s a good opportunity to check your spare tyre and that the equipment to change the tyre is there. You may like to add a pair of gloves and an old towel to kneel on.

Unfortunately, a flat tyre happens when we least expect it. Having roadside assistance is handy, but if it’s something you can easily fix in under 15 minutes it’s certainly better to gain that skill than wait around for six hours. Ask a family member or friend for help or check your manual and have a test run of changing a tyre to build confidence.

3. Air conditioning.

If you want your journey to be cool, then take note of your air-conditioning. Is it as strong as it used to be, is it still nice and cool, does it stop and start? We are qualified to repair, regas and inspect your air-conditioning system. You want your journey to be a cool one, particularly during summer. Keep in mind that if you are travelling at a speed of more than 90km/hr, it’s actually more economical to have your air-conditioning on.

W

ith the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are gearing up for memorable road trips or you may be doing some longer trips to visit the Rello’s. Before you embark on your journey, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the adventure. Here’s a comprehensive pre-holiday vehicle checklist to make sure your road trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Three weeks before the trip 1. Pre-trip checks to give you time to rectify any problems.

Check your service sticker affixed to the top right of your windscreen – is your car due for a service? Is it due on kilometres or time, if you’ve reached one of these then it’s due.

Have a quick check of your tyres, are they on the wear indicators, in need of air, cracked or wearing unevenly? Nothing says your car is road trip ready like a check over from a qualified mechanic. Do you have roadside assistance, check it is current? Have your member number stored in your phone.

:: ::

59

SPORT

No regrets: Grant gets thrill out of three-peat FINN CAMBRIDGE

P

enrith in the ’80s and ’90s was almost a completely different place to what it is today.

A suburb on the far western fringe of Sydney, there were no towering apartment buildings or sprawling office blocks like there are now. There was also no mod cons for the kids either. Not a gaming station in sight.

And this fact is something that football player-turned coal miner Tim Grant knows a lot about.

“We had it sort of a bit different then… not everyone was at home on their Playstations and that sort of stuff… we used to be out and about, playing footy all the time… that sort of stuff,” Grant told the Weekender.

Grant spent his childhood in the Penrith suburb of Cambridge Gardens. You could say that location itself set him up for a life pursuing his passion of rugby league. After all, it was Brad Fittler’s neck of the woods.

However, it was the 2003 Premiership-winning Panthers team that really kickstarted his love for league with men such as Joel Clinton, Craig Gower and Trent Waterhouse inspiring him to play.

And play he did.

In 2007, Grant had his dream come true. He got signed by the Panthers.

“There’s this crazy scenario where others pay you [to play] and you can do it as a full-time job,” Grant said.

But success comes in waves, and the late noughties and early 2010s were a tough time for the club. This was long before the likes of Cleary, Luai and To’o came to the fore.

But Grant doesn’t seem bitter about this fact. Rather, he feels a sense of happiness when watching Penrith play nowadays.

He also explained that while he may not have been playing when the team started winning consistently, he can proudly look back and feel like he made a contribution to the success of the club.

“Would I have loved to have won a Grand Final for Panthers? Absolutely!

In saying that, I definitely can look back and feel that along the way somewhere I would’ve had my little bit to do with the club,” Grant said.

Nowadays, the 35-year-old enjoys watching the team he loves at home, feeling like he is a part of the community surrounding the club.

And being retired from playing doesn’t mean he is removed from the game entirely.

In fact, Grant has gone on to study

player wellbeing at university, and is now assisting the Wests Tigers as well as the NRL in the spaces of player wellness, for both active and retiring players.

And the icing on the cake came when the Panthers achieved what many didn’t dare dream about: a three-peat.

Like many, Grant thought the young team was in trouble in the back half of the Grand Final but held faith in its members, especially superstar halfback Nathan Cleary.

“For a bit there I thought we were in a bit of trouble… I think you’re always a chance when he’s (Cleary) in your team, no matter how many points down you are,” Grant said.

As for the success of the club, Grant says both the administration and the people of Penrith have been instrumental in its triumphs.

“It’s great having the culture because it has always been like that,” he said.

“But we haven’t been in situations that we are now as a community, as in we’ve got this amazingly successful football team and football club.

“It hasn’t always been like that, it’s the perfect mix of both the culture and the community and the way it’s being administrated as well.”

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60

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

SPORT

Softball gets boost Upgrades deliver better facility for athletes in Glenmore Park NATHAN TAYLOR

M

uch-needed upgrades at Surveyors Creek Softball Facility in Glenmore Park have been completed by Penrith Council, providing a better sporting experience for players, teams and the local community.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he was excited to see the potential for growth that the upgrades have allowed, establishing the facility as one of the biggest in western Sydney.

“The upgrades to the Surveyors Creek Softball Facility are a fantastic addition to our community. These improvements will create new opportunities for the growth and development of local softball athletes,” he said.

“The floodlight upgrades will illuminate an additional two diamonds to Australian competition standards. This will double the capacity for training and competition in the evening, allowing local organisers the flexibility to extend their weeknight participation offerings for both

social and competitive softball players.”

Another significant aspect of the upgrade is the construction of an accessible pathway that connects all eight diamonds, the car park and amenities buildings. Spectators and players alike will benefit from the new pathway, which not only improves access to various areas of the facility, but creates a “loop walk” experience, making it easier for the community to enjoy the facility’s surroundings.

Spectator seating has been installed around diamond one, allowing supporters to be close to the action. The infield playing surface of diamond one has been reconstructed using a specialist sand, improving both player experience and game quality.

Upgrades to player dugouts on diamond one and two has improved the space for both home and away teams to participate.

The upgrades at Surveyors Creek Softball Facility were funded by Council ($330,000), NSW Office of Sport’s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund ($800,000), the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program

Danny Robinson, head coach at Penrith City Softball Association; Penrith Mayor Todd Carney; Jessica Smith; Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies; Jeremy Garland; Penrith City Council General Manager Andrew Moore; and Jordan Micallef at the upgraded Surveyors Creek Softball Facility.

($30,000) and Penrith City Softball Association ($10,000).

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper said that improvements like these will enable the community to take part in and enjoy sport and active recreation in better facilities.

“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities active and connected and the improvements to accessibility and lighting mean the softball facility will better meet the needs

Keep local news free.

of the community now and into the future. We are committed to delivering grassroots sporting infrastructure to communities that desperately need facilities,” he said.

Badgerys Creek MP Tanya Davies added: “I am proud to have been a part of the former Liberal Government that funded the vast majority of this upgrade. I know that these upgrades will play an important part in helping to produce future athletes.”

BRISBANE NEXT UP FOR WSW Story continued from » P. 64

“Zac was filling that role while Brandon was away with the National team,” coach Mark Rudan said.

“For two weeks, while we trained quite intensely on having a game plan to beat Sydney, he was the one playing that position. So, it was easy for him.

“You can’t replace Brandon Borrello, it’s Brandon… but for Zac to come on and do that job and to score the winning goal, I’m stoked for him because he’s put a lot of work in.”

Last weekend’s victory was a sweet bit of revenge for Wanderers fans after their side was eliminated

by Sydney FC during last season’s A-League Finals Series.

“The great thing is… we won in their backyard and that’s really great for our fans and that’s what I’m most proud about,” Rudan said.

“Our fans are great, our area is great. There’s a bigger purpose as far as I’m concerned for this football club and the players that represent it.”

Western Sydney will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face fourth-placed Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium tonight (Friday, December 1).

The Roar will be looking for their third win in a row when the two sides do battle in the Sunshine State.

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Friday, December 1, 2023 « the western weekender

61

SPORT

Giants fans devour schedule as key 2024 match-ups are revealed NATHAN TAYLOR

A

slate of blockbuster games, including prime time matches against last year’s Grand Finalists, headline the GWS Giants’ 2024 fixture.

The ‘Orange Tsunami’ will resume proceedings when they get first crack at the reigning Premiers, as they host Collingwood in the inaugural ‘Opening Round’ on Saturday, March 9 at Giants Stadium.

The new initiative will see the four northern clubs open the 2024 AFL season with standalone games across NSW and Queensland.

Back-to-back games at home will have the Giants primed for the perfect start to the year, as they host the Kangaroos in a Saturday twilight match before hitting the road.

GWS will host St Kilda at Manuka Oval in Round 5, while the Round 7 ANZAC Day clash with last year’s

runners-up Brisbane headlines this year’s Canberra fixture.

The game against the Lions marks the second ANZAC Day clash for the Giants, having previously hosted the Suns in Canberra in 2015.

A return to Giants Stadium in Round 10 will welcome one of the greatest rivalries in the modern era, as GWS host the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, May 18.

The Giants will get their chance to host the Swans in Sydney’s west, when they entertain their crosstown rivals at Giants Stadium in Round 15 in what will be Sydney Derby XXVIII. The full fixture for the first 15 rounds has been revealed, as well as the match-ups and locations for the final nine rounds.

The Giants play four of their 11 home games in the last nine rounds, with days and times yet to be confirmed for fixtures with the Blues, Suns and Fremantle at Giants Stadium as well as a Round 21

The GWS Giants will look to go one better next season. Photo: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

clash with the Hawks in the nation’s capital.

The Orange Tsunami will travel interstate on 11 occasions and play at a total of 12 different venues. However, this is no challenge for Adam Kingsley’s side who became the first team to ever win at

11 different venues in a single season in 2023.

Giants CEO David Matthews said fans should be excited by the 2024 fixture.

“Following an outstanding 2023 AFL season, it’s very exciting for Giants fans to have a great fixture for the

season ahead,” he said.

“The Opening Round is a brilliant concept, and we congratulate Andrew Dillon and his team in responding to the need to develop big Sydney-based events. We will continue to work with the AFL to develop new and addi-

tional initiatives to engage and grow our fan base.

“2023 was a fantastic season for us both on and off the field and we look forward to continuing our momentum under coach Adam Kingsley and captain Toby Greene in 2024.”

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62

the western weekender » Friday, December 1, 2023

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Breakthrough for Wanderwomen FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have claimed their first win of the season, downing last year’s Grand Finalists Western United 2-0 in Round 6 of the A-League Women’s competition. Sophie Harding was the hero for the Wanderers, chasing down star Western goalkeeper Hillary Beall to break the deadlock with eight minutes remaining at City Vista Recreation Reserve last Saturday afternoon.

Cushla Grace Rue then sealed the victory for the Wanderers in the third minute of stoppage time. The result snapped Western Sydney’s 20-game winless drought away from home in the A-League Women’s, while Western United suffered their third defeat of the season after six rounds. The Wanderers will return to the pitch next Friday night against Central Coast at Wanderers Football Park.

FOOTBALL: Prior to their maiden win of the season over Western United, the Wanderers announced that Assistant Coach Peter Kofinas had departed the club to explore other opportunities. Kofinas played an instrumental role across the club’s Academy, Women’s teams and community programs over the last seven years.

In the Wanderers Academy, Kofinas helped establish the club’s Pre-Academy Development Program as well as led a number of sides to success including Grand Final victories and promotion. In the Women’s space, Kofinas was heavily involved in the club’s Future Wander Women Program and was the assistant coach of the A-League squad since 2022. Replacing Kofinas will be Sam McGowan, who has been promoted from Data Analyst to Assistant Coach. McGowan joined the club in 2022 and brings with her experience from both Football NSW and the NSW National Premier League Women’s. The Red & Black also welcomed Sijmon Van Loon, who joins the club as Analyst and second Assistant Coach.

CRICKET: Penrith and UNSW have drawn in Round 6 of the Belvidere Cup due to a washout.

Playing in a Two-Day match at David Phillips Memorial Fields, Penrith won the toss and elected to bat. On the back of Brent Williams’ 111 and Ryan Gibson’s 94, Penrith declared on day one on 5/327. When UNSW hit the crease, they only managed 3/98 in what was a rain disrupted day two of action. Penrith fast bowler Liam Doddrell took 2/34. The Cats will look to continue their excellent start to the season when they return to Howell Oval to play Campbelltown Camden this weekend.

CRICKET: Penrith are back in the winner’s circle, defeating Campbelltown Camden in a

Western Sydney enjoyed their first win of the season last weekend over Western United. Photo: Getty Images.

thriller in Round 8 of the Women’s First Grade competition. Playing in a T20 match at Howell Oval, Campbelltown Camden won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith posted 9/100 after 20 overs. Elise Noble top scored with 39. When Campbelltown Camden hit the crease, they fell agonisingly short of victory on 9/99 after 20 overs. Noble and Callee Black took two wickets apiece. Penrith will aim for back-to-back wins when they battle Gordon at Chatswood Oval this Sunday morning.

CRICKET: Round 7 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition was affected by wet weather last weekend. Both Panthers Cricket Club’s first grade and fifth grade games were washed out. As a result, each team received three points. More wet weather is forecast for this weekend.

BASEBALL: Round 8 of the Baseball NSW State League First Grade competition took place last weekend, with the Greater Western Warriors playing just one match due to the weather. On Wednesday night, Greater Western were thumped 8-0 at the hands of Manly, while on Saturday afternoon, Greater Western’s match against the Eagles was washed out. After enjoying a solid start to the season, Greater Western are now last on the ladder. They’ll play the Canterbury Vikings in Round 9.

RUGBY UNION: After two seasons playing in the John I Dent Cup, the Penrith Emus have been omitted for the 2024 competition.

In a statement released last Friday afternoon, the ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union said they “keenly supported” Penrith’s inclusion in the competition in 2022 at a pivotal time for the club: “Penrith’s initial move to the ACT competition was also unanimously supported by the clubs, with a commitment to fielding teams across First Grade, Women, Second Grade and Colts. Club Presidents recently expressed concerns around Penrith’s performances after some big losses this year, including a 99-17 defeat by Gungahlin in Round

The Penrith Emus in action last season.

5, followed by a 111-17 loss to Vikings in Round 7 and a 71-0 victory by Wests in Round 14.

Heightened by the mid-season withdrawal of their second grade team. With the logistics of a team based at Nepean Rugby Park playing every second week in Canberra proving incredibly difficult. In the end, there was a loss of support from the John I Dent Cup clubs for Penrith’s continuation next season.” The Emus failed to chalk up a victory in first grade in two years but did show some signs of life in the Colts and Women’s competitions. “ACT&SNSWRU officials have the utmost admiration for Penrith President Gary McColl, Club Secretary Sue Andrews and Head Coach Ronnie Patea and their unwavering commitment to the Emus,” the statement continued. “Their endless dedication to the players and the continuing determination shown for the club is remarkable. The relationship between the Emus and the Canberra-based clubs have also been positive, with all developing a valued association with the western Sydney club. The door remains open and the opportunity for a return to the Canberra-based competition would wholeheartedly be considered in the future.”

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message the Weekender on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

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WANDERERS IN DREAMLAND

NATHAN TAYLOR

F

orget Sydney being Red & Black, the A-League is Red & Black after the Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Sydney FC 1-0 last Saturday night to remain undefeated and on top of the competition after five rounds.

The Wanderers are currently enjoying one of their best starts to a season in club history, clocking up three wins, two draws and zero losses to begin the year.

Crosstown rivals Sydney FC were Western Sydney’s latest victim, with the visitors taking care of business despite their best player sitting on the sidelines for most of the game.

Wanderers striker and Socceroos star Brandon Borrello left the game on crutches.

The Wanderers confirmed on Wednesday he will be sidelined for the next three months with a foot fracture.

“The entire Western Sydney Wanderers family will be supporting Brandon through his surgery and recovery and

look forward to seeing him back at what he does best, representing both his club and country in 2024,” a club statement said.

In his place waltzed 21-year-old Zac Sapsford, whose spectacular second half goal against his former club proved the difference between the two teams.

Story continues on » p. 61

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