Western Weekender April 21 2023

We must confront reality

Plenty of work to be done on attitudes towards domestic violence and services

EMILY FESZCZUK

Research has revealed that while some attitudes have improved, society’s perceptions about domestic violence still need to be worked on and further assistance is needed for the support sector.

The 2021 National Community Attitudes Survey (NCAS), which was recently released by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), showed that 41 per cent of respondents mistakenly believe that domestic violence is equally committed by men and women.

A significant increase from 23 per cent of respondents in 2009, Women’s Safety and Empowerment Services Manager at Penrith Women’s Health Centre (PWHC), Demi (last name withheld for safety) finds it “extremely concerning” that violence against women is increasing while community attitudes have gotten worse.

“Penrith LGA has the highest rate of domestic and family violence incidents in the whole of NSW and at PWHC, more than 97 per cent of clients experiencing domestic and family violence report a male perpe-

trator,” Demi told the Weekender “Nationally, between 75 to 94 per cent of domestic violence perpetrators are men, which averages out to 83 per cent so, in other words, at least five in six domestic violence offenders recorded by police, are men.”

The NCAS also found that even though 91 per cent of respondents believe violence against women is a problem in Australia, only 47 per cent thought that it was a problem in their own suburb or town.

In 2013, only 53 per cent of participants considered controlling a

partner by denying them money a form of domestic violence, but this did rise to 81 per cent in 2021.

“In the NCAS survey 19 per cent of respondents indicated that they don’t believe the denial of money is a form of domestic violence so while there has been significant

improvement for the community understanding, it is worrying to know that at least one in five Australians are misinformed when it comes to the realities of economic abuse,” she said.

“Economic abuse is often the factor that is most detrimental to women and children taking the steps to leave situations of domestic and family violence.”

With two out of five people in the survey saying they would not how to access domestic violence services if needed, Demi said there needs to be far more awareness in the Penrith region and nationally about the issue.

“Most Australians incorrectly believe that violence against women doesn’t happen in their own neighbourhoods but need to come face-to-face with the ugly reality of gendered violence in Australia, as it happens in all communities,” she said.

“This means we need to be having uncomfortable conversations about violence, we need to have realistic and informed community education campaigns, healthy relationships education in schools, as well as reliable and consistent funding of women’s health and safety services.”

Accused of putting safety at risk

Aman charged with 10 separate and unusual offences, including pointing a laser at an aircraft and assaulting the pilot of a police helicopter, has denied the allegations in court.

Levi Butcher, 27, fronted Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, April 12, charged with ‘assault law enforcement officer while in the execution of the officer’s duty’, ‘do an act to threaten safety of an aircraft and persons on board’,

‘person not being police officer or special constable wear or possess police uniform’ and ‘possess other radiocommunications device without authority’.

The Kingswood man was also charged with ‘possess or use a prohibited weapon’, ‘possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit’, ‘possess unauthorised firearm’, ‘goods in personal custody suspected being stolen’ and two counts of ‘assault police officer in execution of duty’.

According to court documents, the alleged offending took place before 3am on April 2

when Butcher pointed a laser pointer at an aircraft.

He was also accused of assaulting two police officers and the pilot of a PolAir helicopter.

From the same incident, Butcher is also facing charges for possessing a laser pointer exceeding 5000 milliwatts, an SES radio, a gel blaster, an extendable baton and a NSW Police shirt.

Butcher’s lawyer told the court that his client plans to defend the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all 10 sequences.

He said it was possible that there would be

a Section 14 application for the charges to be dealt with on mental health grounds.

Magistrate Gregory Moore noted the significant number of “unusual” charges as he told the court that some of them “carry up to 14 years [imprisonment]”.

He adjourned the matter for six weeks and ordered that the brief of evidence be served next month.

Butcher will remain on bail until the next court date.

He is due to reappear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, June 1.

Business Precinct Stage One at Western Sydney International Airport

The preliminary draft major development plan for the Business Precinct Stage One at Western Sydney International Airport is open for public comment between 19 April 2023 and 13 July 2023.  The draft plan is on display and available at the Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre, Monday - Wednesday and Saturday - Sunday 10am to 4pm.

It’s also available at Liverpool City Council and Penrith City Council, Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm, and our website during the consultation period.

For more information, visit westernsydney.com.au/ businessprecinct

Penrith Women’s Health Centre staff Demi, Tanasia and Kirsty. Photo: Melinda Jane.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Let the force be with him: Simon takes Star Wars love to new level

good, and what looks screen accurate, to try to get it to look as real as possible,” Dohnt said.

Cranebrook resident Simon Dohnt has loved ‘Star Wars’ ever since he was a kid. Now, ahead of Star Wars Day, he’s putting his model building skills to the test.

Despite falling in love with the franchise in primary school, Dohnt has maintained his obsession over the years, complete with a house decked out with figures.

“I just love the immersive world,” he told the Weekender

“You can get lost in it, there’s so much material – movies, TV shows, comics, games, everything – it’s incredible!”

Dohnt started model building when he was just 10 or 11, aiming to continue on his Dad’s legacy of building trains and planes. Building ‘Star Wars’ models has been a joyful fusion of two of his biggest passions.

“I started with model planes, so I’ve got a few of those dotted around, but then the ‘Star Wars’ models started popping in as well,” he said.

“In adult life, you get a higher budget with models, so you’ve got more things to play with.”

Recently, Dohnt has created his new favourite model, which depicts a scene from the

Battle of Endor and features an AT-ST walker in the dense forest.

Including the base, AT-ST model, paint work, and diorama, the piece, which he now

has on display in his home, took him just under two months to make.

“I spent quite a lot of time looking at photos of other examples of models to see what looks

In the lead up to Star Wars Day, he’s entered his creation into the Diorama category of Hobbyco’s 2023 Bandai Star Wars Build Competition, in the hopes of winning big on May the 4th.

“Hobbyco is one of the biggest hobby shops in Sydney, I’ve been a big fan of them since I was a kid. It’s like walking into a candy shop basically – you walk in there and it’s just, ‘Woah’,” Dohnt said.

“They specifically had a competition to showcase Bandai models, so I thought, since I finished this one not too long before, I’d enter it!”

Crossing his fingers for a first prize win, Dohnt plans on celebrating big this Star Wars Day with a movie marathon and by getting a head start on some more models, and he thinks everyone out there should try doing the same.

“There’s so many things for everyone and so much variety, even Lego Star Wars for kids. It’s fantastic and it’s definitely going to be bringing up my daughter,” he said.

“I’d really recommend getting behind the TV shows and movies, or maybe check out some of the games they’ve got out.”

To vote for Dohnt’s entry, visit Hobbyco’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Hobbyco.Sydney.

Simon Dohnt with his ‘Star Wars’ model. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

A chance to reflect and remember

The first telegram arrived some time around May 1942.

Addressed to my great grandfather, Bernard Mulligan, it delivers troubling news.

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“I have been directed by the Minister for the Army to advise you that no definite information is at present available in regard to the whereabouts or circumstances of your son, Private Ronald Phillip Mulligan, 2/20th Battalion AIF.”

It’s hard to imagine the fear, concern and sadness that would have been running through Bernard Mulligan’s body when the next telegram arrived some two months later.

Yes, two months.

“I am directed by the Minister for the Army to advise you that he must now be posted as missing, and to again convey to you the Minister’s sincere sympathy.”

At that stage, it’s probably fair to say that Bernard Mulligan knew the fate that his son Ronald had or was going to meet.

But it would take some three painstaking years before the grim reality was confirmed.

In a hand written telegram, the tragic reality of war hit home for Bernard Mulligan and his family.

“It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that NX57811, Private Ronald Phillip Mulligan, died whilst a Prisoner of War in Sandakan, Borneo on 21st February 1945, and desire to convey to you the profound sympathy of the Minister for Army.”

When he left to fight for his country, Ronald Phillip Mulligan was yet to celebrate his 21st birthday.

He died at the tender age of 24.

His sister, my grandmother Mary, passed away some years ago now. She spoke of her brother highly and often feverishly researched Sandakan and the tragic impact war had on her family.

She always used to say that when she said goodbye to him when he left to fight for what he believed in, that she could feel she’d never see him again.

There is no question that all of us, at times, take for granted the opportunities we have today as a result of those who came before us. And that’s not just in relation to those who fought on battlefields.

Every generation could do with showing just a little more respect to those who have ‘been there, done that’.

That can sometimes go the other way, too.

The generation finishing their schooling and entering the workforce today face their own challenges in an ever-changing world.

The thought of war is well off in the distance, and it is only through history books and connections to grandparents that this next generation will truly appreciate the extraordinary history of war, particularly WWI and WWII, and Australia’s part in it.

But this is the thing about ANZAC Day.

It has the ability to bring people from all generations together.

That’s always a special part about the Dawn Service in Penrith.

That walk from wherever you find a car spot, down some of Penrith’s most iconic and historic streets, in solemn silence as that first bite of winter starts to hit.

You look around you, and see you two, three, sometimes four generations of family walking together.

His medals sit beautifully framed, something she kept in her home for some 70 years until her passing. They now sit proudly in my home office as a reminder of her, and a great uncle I never met.

When ANZAC Day comes around every year, many of us wake up early and head to the Dawn Service. It is a time of important reflection and tribute. For each individual, there’s a slightly different reason they’re there and a mixture of feelings running through their thoughts.

One thing we should all reflect on is how bloody lucky we are.

And how much we owe those who served our country, many losing their lives so we could live ours in the high standards we do today.

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Extra Time......................................29-44 Dharug Connection........................45

They are all touched by ANZAC Day in different ways; and all have different understandings and appreciation of the day.

It is repeated at the service itself; proud veterans standing alongside people who have never seen the theatre of war but understand the significance of our military past. And then there’s kids, who don’t fully understand why they are there, but will one day appreciate the early morning wake-up call from Mum and Dad.

You will be told by many people what ANZAC Day is all about, and very often the message is mixed depending on where it’s coming from.

No matter who or what you think about on Tuesday, the important thing is that you pause and reflect. Make the effort, get up early, and consider why it is we live so freely in this country today.

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Entertainment.............................49-60

Weekender Living.....................61-64

Business Directory...................65-67 Auto..............................................................68 Sport......................................................69-72

THIS WOMEN NEVER GAVE UP

THIS WOMAN NEVER GAVE UP

MARY BAKER EDDY, spiritual thinker, healer, and church leader. Her concept of God was as universal Love, both male and female. She established a non-hierarchal church governance where women had equal access to all positions. She was opposed strongly by male dominated 19th century society but never gave up in her quest to reveal to all humanity the universal law of Love bestowed on all from our Father-Mother God

$25

Christian Science Reading Room, 32 Woodriff Street Penrith. Phone: 4721 5022 Facebook: search for First Church of Christ, Scientist, Penrith Web:cspenrith.com.au or christianscience.com

“Make the effort, get up early, and consider why it is we live so freely in this country today”

as

An investigation into the safety of the Eighth Avenue Bridge in Llandilo is being undertaken as the community calls for safety improvements to prevent further tragedies.

A petition has been launched by Cranebrook resident Krystle Cassidy following a serious two car accident on the narrow bridge last month that killed a woman aged in her 20s.

“I use that road every day to get to and from work in the Mt Druitt area and I hate going through the bridge because you have to hold your breath and pray that you cross safely,” Cassidy said.

“When I saw the police had taped it off, I didn’t know the circumstances but you immediately think that it could have been you, so I knew that if I didn’t say something and get others so we can all voice our concerns, then nothing will change.”

Cassidy hopes that a review can lead to a reduction to the speed limit being implemented in the short term before an upgraded and wider bridge could be installed.

A Penrith Council spokesperson said that a joint review of the bridge, which is on the border of the Penrith and Blacktown Local Government Areas, has been started and is ongoing.

“While the details of the tragic accident on the Eighth Avenue bridge remain under investigation by NSW Police, Traffic Engineers from Penrith and Blacktown Councils recently met on site to review the existing road conditions with a view to identifying road safety improvements on the bridge, and its approaches,” the spokesperson said.

“Any proposed road safety initiatives will

need to be considered and approved by Council’s Local Traffic Committee.”

Michael Wiecek, who lives on the road, was one of the first on the scene on March 7 and said he has witnessed numerous accidents on the bridge, and agrees that changes are needed.

“I have helped at quite a few accidents going back at least 30 years and I can still remember

the first one, which during a massive thunderstorm,” Wiecek recalled.

“The rain had filled up on the road as high as the footpath, as the water doesn’t drain properly which is another issue, and two cars aquaplaned into one another and one was halfway through the railing.”

With the road a thoroughfare to other areas, Wiecek agreed that changes need to happen to accommodate for the increase in traffic.

“There has always meant to be the link road so people in Jordan Springs can exit through Ropes Crossing, but it hasn’t happened and going down Dunheved Road is a traffic jam, so half of those people plus residents from Cranebrook and Llandilo, go this way,” he said.

“The bridge is too narrow for cars and trucks and the speed limit going from 80 kilometres per hour to 60 kilometres per hour needs to be looked at.”

A Blacktown Council spokesperson confirmed that both Councils are working to investigate potential safety issues on the Eighth Avenue Bridge.

“Traffic engineers from both Councils met on site following the accident to conduct a review of the bridge,” the spokesperson said.

“Both Councils will keep the community updated as this investigation progresses.” To view the petition, visit www.change.org/ LlandiloBridge.

Llandilo resident Michael Wiecek has witness accidents on the Eighth Avenue bridge.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Blue Mountains Local Health District

Free temporary shuttle bus on the Nepean Hospital campus

Community encouraged to roll up their sleeves for flu vaccine

CASSIDY PEARCE

With flu season right around the corner, experts are encouraging local residents to get vaccinated against the virus before winter.

After last year’s flu season saw Penrith’s vaccination rates fall significantly below the state average, pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart Penrith Compounding, Tammar Baltejian, said that an early surge in interest has been a welcome surprise.

“Increasing flu vaccination rates is an important public health goal that can help reduce the spread of the flu virus and prevent serious complications,” she said.

“We have seen a tremendous increase in the uptake of flu vaccinations this year and have had to increase staffing to manage the appointments and walk-ins.”

Despite this, Baltejian notes that many people are continuing to downplay just how important getting the flu vaccine is, with it not only helping to protect the recipient from contracting the virus or experiencing severe symptoms, but also assisting to prevent the spread to the rest of the community, including those who may be more vulnerable to severe complications, such as young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

“Unfortunately, some people may dismiss the flu virus’ seriousness because they believe it is just a common illness that will go away on its own,” she said.

“However, the flu can be a severe illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly for specific populations. It’s important to take the flu seriously and to take preventative measures such as vaccination, hand washing, and social distancing to protect yourself and those around you.”

For those who did get the jab last year, Baltejian said that there are plenty of reasons to see your pharmacist again in 2023.

“It is important to get the flu jab every year as the virus mutates and new strains emerge, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current strain. By getting vaccinated each year, you can ensure that you are protected against the most current strains of the virus,” she said.

“It’s also important to note that the protection provided by the flu vaccine may decrease over time, which is another reason why annual vaccination is recommended.”

Everyone over the age of six months is recommended to get the annual influenza vaccine from their local medical centre or pharmacy, with some groups, including children aged six months to under five years,

people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal people from six months of age, pregnant women and those with serious health conditions, eligible to get it for free.

“People aged 65 years and over get a special one that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response and is available for this group,” Baltejian said.

“Healthcare workers and people who care for high-risk individuals should also get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them.”

If you do manage to get the flu this year, Baltejian has a few recommendations.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other steps people can take to avoid getting sick or manage the flu if they do get it. These include washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and getting plenty of rest and fluids if you do get the flu,” she said.

“Over-the-counter medications can also help manage flu symptoms, but people should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any new medication.”

Pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart Penrith Compounding, Tammar Baltejian.

Real estate icon dies at 79

Phil Haley, a prominent local business figure, loses battle with illness

A leap year baby, born on February 29, 1944, Phil grew up in England and became interested in real estate after he emigrated to Australia in 1970.

Aprominent figure in Penrith real estate has passed away after spending decades assisting locals with finding their dream homes.

Phil Haley, who founded RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing in 2014, passed away on March 29 at age 79.

His daughter Samantha Haley explained that while working for an insurance firm he became friends with Michael Hart and decided to study to get his real estate licence.

“In 1973 Dad got his licence and he and Michael created Hart and Haley Real Estate in Northmead, which went very well so they decided to expand,” Samantha said.

“Penrith was a young and up and coming suburb which excited him, and it was more of a country feel than the Hills area which was perfect because he was a country boy at heart.”

Moving to Leonay with his young family and opening a second office on the Great Western Highway, Kingswood, Phil deepened his knowledge about real estate before expanding again with two offices in Penrith.

“He was an agent who proudly stated that he never sold a property just for the sake of the sale, if he didn’t believe it was the right decision for the purchaser and vendor,” she said.

“He was passionate about providing the right advice to all of his clients.”

That passion ran deep as he taught the real estate licencing course at Penrith and Blacktown TAFEs in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, along with becoming a founding member of Professional Development Program for the

Real Estate Institute of NSW. Completing his Certificate IV in Financial Services and Mortgage Broking in 2004 and embarking on a new career, he was still an agent at heart, which led to him opening the new RE/MAX franchise in Penrith in 2014.

“Dad was once again back in his element and supported a solid sales team for existing, new, and off-the-plan homes, until he sold the business in October last year, due mostly to his declining health,” Samantha said.

“He loved what he did and wanted to continue for as long as he could.”

While work was a priority, Phil loved his family and he was committed to supporting the community, through years on the Board at Thorndale Foundation and his involvement in the local branches of St Vincent de Paul and the Lions Club.

“Dad was a kid at heart, he would constantly remind us that he was just a teenager as he was born on February 29 in a leap year,” she said.

“He was an amazing storyteller who always had listeners captivated and when we were kids, he came up with the best games. He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Phil Haley was passionate about property.

Phil Haley in his younger days in business.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Contact

Administration

Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street. St Marys Office

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777 PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city

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

Services

Waste Services 4732 7777

Illegal Dumping Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad.

Graffiti Hotline

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

1 & 29 May – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

penrith.city.council penrithcouncil penrithcitycouncil penrithcitycouncil penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

Council Briefs

● Penrith City Council’s premier event, Real Festival returns to the Nepean River from 15–17 September 2023. Penrith’s largest event will once again feature an extraordinary program of theatre, music, art and family entertainment.

Along with Penrith City Council’s upcoming annual Events & Activations calendar, Council is calling for new and exciting local performers and entertainers, artisan and market stall holders, art installation and visual artists to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be part of these events.

Find out more at realfestival.com.au

● If you have unwanted bikes, e-bikes or scooters to dispose of correctly, Council is offering a free collection at The Kingsway Playing Fields car park in Werrington, on Saturday, 6 May 2023 from 9am–12pm.

Do you have an old bike that has a flat tyre, or maybe the brakes and chain need servicing? Bring it along and the mechanics will give it a check and tune-up for free. Please note only bicycles can be repaired, not e-bikes or scooters.

Donated bikes, e-bikes or scooters that can be repaired will be delivered to charitable causes that support underprivileged children. If they can’t be repaired, they will be dismantled and recycled.

The rubber from tyres and tubes will be used in playground equipment, bike lanes and in asphalt, and the bike frames will be melted down for their steel and aluminium to make new metal products.

Thanks Penrith, for contributing to the Circular Economy. For more information, visit penrith.city/events

● Sometimes it can be nerve-wracking to be in the passenger seat and supervise your child or younger sibling when they’re logging their hours for their Learners.

That’s why Penrith Council and Transport for NSW have partnered to run a free online workshop on Wednesday, 3 May from 6–8pm on Microsoft Teams to provide you with some of the best tools and tips when it comes to Learner Driver supervision.

Find out more at penrith.city/events

Public Exhibition

Draft Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Implementation Policy

Council invites you to view and provide feedback on the Draft Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Implementation Policy. The draft Policy outlines the governance framework and reporting requirements for the implementation of the Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Scheme for Glenmore Park Stage 3 and Orchard Hills North.

The draft Policy and supporting information are on public exhibition from Thursday, 20 April 2023 to Friday, 19 May 2023. The documents can be viewed online at: yoursaypenrith.com.au

You are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission to Council by close of business Friday, 19 May 2023 by:

• Email: city.planning@penrith.city

• Post: The General Manager (Attention: Kathryn Sprang) Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

Please include a subject line indicating ‘Draft Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Implementation Policy’ in emails and letters.

For further enquiries: Please contact Kathryn Sprang, Senior Planner on 4732 7834 or email city.planning@penrith.city

Development Applications

The following Development Applications hav been received by Council:

• Scentre Management Limited DA23/0250

569–595 High Street, Penrith

Alterations and additions to Westfield Penrith Shopping Centre including expansion of existing Hoyts Cinema and addition of 2 x LUX auditoriums and lounge, new 3-level dining precinct to Riley Street and related site and building works

Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222

Closing Date: Monday, 8 May 2023

• Janssen Group Pty Ltd

1 Besley Street, Cambridge

DA23/0260

Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a childcare facility x 39 children with basement parking and associated works

Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726

Closing Date: Monday, 8 May 2023

penrith.city

Ramadan set to end this weekend

EMILY FESZCZUK

This weekend may not be anything out of the ordinary to some but as the sun sets it will mark the ending of Ramadan, which is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

With over 813,000 Muslims in Australia, many local people celebrate their faith by praying in masjids in both Penrith and St Marys.

Abeerul Thanvi is one of those who has spent the last month fasting from dusk to dawn and praying to form a closer relationship with God.

“Ramadan follows a lunar calendar with the sighting of the moon, so it has different dates every year, but we use the month to cleanse our bodies and spiritually to re-evaluate where we are in terms of our relationship with God and the world,” Thanvi said.

“Fasting is a way to gain consciousness and awareness but to also understand the people that are suffering around the world who don’t know when their next meal is and to give us an idea of the harshness and difficulty that they go through.”

While no food or water are what is most commonly associated with Ramadan, there are things with an equally important meaning that Islamic people need to avoid.

“You cannot smoke, have relationships with

Development Consent/s Determined

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

Approved Development Applications

• Martin Camilleri

DA23/0131

Lot B DP 399693, 426–430 Londonderry Road, Londonderry

Driveway works associated with poultry farm operations

• Aca Design Consultants

DA22/1249

Lot 330 DP 1231225, 160 Forestwood Drive, Glenmore Park

2-storey dwelling and retaining walls

• Yatrik Patel

DA22/1128

Lot 7335 DP 1237904, 102 Forestwood Drive, Glenmore Park

2-storey dwelling, swimming pool and associated landscape works

• Lendlease Communities Mod23/0028 (Werrington) Pty Ltd

Lot 1238 DP 1272642, 51 Peartree Circuit, Werrington

Sectioin 4.55 modification of DA21/0366 to amend external walls and roof

• Jakanda Pty Ltd

Lot 562 DP 250155, 39 Grange Crescent, Cambridge Gardens

First floor addition

• Eden Brae Homes

Mod23/0035

Lot 1248 DP 1272642, 31 Cargo Street, Werrington Section 4.55 modification to DA21/0536 for change in dwelling layout

• Fitzpatrick Investments Pty Ltd DA23/0173

Lot 9 DP 1261030, 1–21 Grady Crescent, Erskine Park

Use of Unit 2 as a warehouse and distribution centre and installation of signage

• Peter John Keene Mod23/0033

Lot 232 DP 1049528, 196–199 Linden Crescent, Cranebrook

Modification to carport

• Tamer Studio

Lot 104 DP 585998, 105 Victoria Street, Werrington

DA23/0166

Construction of a garage and deck associated with an existing shop top housing development

• Cameron Lam

DA23/0069

Lot 382 DP 606113, 3A Cook Street, St Marys

Detached secondary dwelling

• Gj Gardener Homes

DA22/1064

Lot 13 DP 255683, 15 Pindari Drive, South Penrith

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey dwelling

• Motion Medicine Pty Ltd

DA22/1183

DA22/1238

Lot 36 DP 242954, 10 Coombes Drive, Penrith Fitout and use of Unit 2 as physiotherapy and remedial massage therapy clinic

your spouse, or do things like gossip or get angry,” he said.

“Any of those diseases of the heart such as lying, deceiving, spreading rumours or causing people harm we are told to avoid as Muslims, but it is just emphasised in Ramadan.”

Once the sun sets the first meal known as Iftar is shared but Muslims still need to practice some self-control according to Thanvi.

“From sunset all the way up until dawn the next day we can eat as much as we want but it is recommended to drink water and eat at regular intervals, so you don’t get bloated,” he said.

“Just before dawn people wake up and have a meal called Suhoor, which would generally have things like fruit and dates and lots of fibre that slowly releases to create a lot of energy in your body for the day.”

There are some exemptions, with some elderly or pregnant people not having to fast, along with those who are sick and require medication on a regular basis or those who could be travelling interstate or overseas.

Expected to end on April 21, Ramadan is followed by a three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr to end the holy month and their commitment to worship.

“Eid al-Fitr is basically a whole mix of gratitude and appreciation of God for allowing us to fast and take part in the month of Ramadan,” he said.

• Dynamic Support Services Pty Ltd

Lot 3067 DP 1220974, 5 Chaffey Street, Jordan Springs

DA22/1226

Alterations to an existing dwelling and change of use to a group home

• St Marys Rugby League Club Ltd

DA22/0759

Lot 11 DP 1192443, St Marys Rugby League Club Boronia Road, North St Marys

Alterations to the western driveway and adjacent car parking area off Boronia Road for St Marys Rugby Leagues Club including works within the public road and building identification signage

• Mim Property Pty Ltd Mod23/0027

Lot 15 DP 29528 and Lot 16 DP 29528, 31 Park Avenue, Kingswood

Section 4.55(1A) modification to DA21/0623 for a childcare facility involving internal reconfigurations and an increase the number of children from 103 to 108 places

• S&K Arraiza Pty Ltd

DA22/0875

Lot 1 DP 576961, 544–548 High Street, Penrith Use of Shop 2 as Art & Dance Studio

Viewing of Development Applications

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

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

Abeerul Thanvi has spent the last month taking part in Ramadan. Photo: Melinda Jane.

PAGE TEN

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The ‘Here Comes The Big Fish!’ paver is located on the ground outside the south side of Penrith Train Station. Have you spotted this tricky one?

Early risers: Big crowd expected at Dawn Services on Tuesday

very proud of my service, but it has taken its toll on me both physically and mentally.”

On Tuesday, April 25, the community will pause and remember the service personnel that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.

Both St Marys and Penrith RSL Sub-Branches will be holding ANZAC Day Dawn Services so that locals can pay their respects to veterans and current serving members.

St Marys RSL Sub-Branch member John Celeban joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1967 and served for 20 years.

Deployed multiple times to different locations including America, Africa, and Vietnam, Celeban knows how easily life can be lost during service.

“My father-in-law was a Rat of Tobruk which I am quite proud of, and I do a lot of reading and watch documentaries on the First World War about what those poor buggers went through,” Celeban said.

“When I was posted on the HMAS Stalwart, we had a gassing on board and lost three shipmates. Losing

those three comrades was hard because we weren’t aware of what was happening until it was too late.”

The whole community is encouraged to attend the service in St Marys to commemorate the day.

“It will take place at 5am at the Guns Memorial at the Diggers Club and then people can continue on at the club afterwards,” he said.

“Everyone has gotten their freedom from all the people that suffered so they should take some time to appreciate what happened for them.”

Penrith RSL Sub-Branch Vice President Timothy Badger always knew he would join the defence force and served in the Royal Australian Navy for 33 years.

“I was embedded in the US Army in Afghanistan, I was in the boarding party in the Persian Gulf, I did three tours of Solomon Islands, I did East Timor, and I was part of the first push backs on Christmas Island when the Liberal Government was elected,” Badger said.

“I have many highlights like meeting the now King Charles and I am

Passionate about ANZAC Day, Badger said it provides an opportunity to educate future generations.

“ANZAC Day is all about the continued education of the young and indeed in some cases the old about a generation of ordinary people who performed extraordinary acts,” he said.

“The ANZAC spirit is embedded into all of us whether you know someone who served or not and over the last 100 years 102,820 service personnel paid the ultimate sacrifice while hundreds of thousands of others have been scarred by war.” Expecting a good turn out, he will be leading the march to the Penrith service as the Parade Commander.

“We will be falling in on the corners of Lethbridge and Castlereagh Street at 4.30am and at 4.45am I will bring everyone to attention to face High Street,” he said.

“We will have a tap drummer from Penrith RSL pipes and drums to start as we silently march around to Memory Park for the service to begin at 5am.”

ANZAC DAY

City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch Commemorating ANZAC Day 2023

Date: 25 April, 2023

Place: Memory Park, Woodriff Street, Penrith

Arrival Time: 4:30am

Silent March commences: 4:45am

Ceremony commences: 5:00am

General Public most welcome

High St (between Castlereagh & Lawson St)

street march only

Masters Car Park entrance (Woodriff St closed & Astina building driveway closed to all in/out traffic access) Judges Car Park entrance/exit is only via Station St access until 7am.

For More info phone the City of Penrith Sub-Branch on 4728 5225 Regards, Peter Ward Events Manager, City of Penrith RSL Sub-branch

Women Veterans’ Network Australia (WVNA) ANZAC Day Service Saturday 22nd April 2023

Memory Park, corner High & Woodriff Streets, Penrith Seated by 10:30am. Public invited to attend.

TUESDAY 25TH APRIL, 2023 WW50988

Members of the Penrith and St Marys RSL Sub-Branches. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith’s incredible links

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

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

ALFRED BOYTON WALKER

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

STANLEY OWEN STAFFORD

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

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

Prue Car MP

EDWARD CHAMPNESS

Edward Champness was born on August 20, 1923 at St Marys to Edgar and Vera Champness.

In 1941 he enlisted in the RAAF and in June 1943 was sent to England.

In April 1944 he was posted to 630 Squadron flying Lancasters from East Kirkby in Lincoln. His first mission was in April 1944 over central Germany. He was killed on May 23, 1944 during a bombing raid over Brunswick, Germany. He is buried at the British War Cemetery Rheinberg, Germany.

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

The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915.

We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day.

We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces.

For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember.

Lest We Forget.

the message of ANZAC Day home to our local community to ANZAC legacy

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

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

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

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

EILEEN ELIZABETH PIKE

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

JOYCE HAYNES

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

an opportunity

ANZAC Day is an opportunity for all to honour and remember those who fought for the country we have today. Please take time this ANZAC Day to reflect on the sacrifices those men and women made to ensure our freedom, as well as our current military personnel. “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.” www.nswlabor.org.au/karen_mckeown

Karen McKeown OAM MP for Penrith

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

to pay tribute to all our service personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our nation and values. It is also a time to thank our current military personnel for their service to our country.

-

Lest we forget

Remembering the fallen

Pinegrove service returns to full capacity; special women’s service also locked

Thousands of people are set to pay their respects at Pinegrove Memorial Park for the first full-scale ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Minchinbury since 2019. Regularly one of the largest Dawn Services in Sydney with crowds of several thousands of people before the COVID pandemic hit, the event will return to full glory this year.

Hosted by Pinegrove Memorial Park and the Rooty Hill RSL Sub-Branch, the event begins with marching band Pipers of Distinction and veterans leading a march through the park gates and ends with a cook up of 2000 egg and bacon rolls.

The service will mark the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and Rooty Hill RSL Sub-Branch President and ex-national serviceman Alf Davey, 73, says it will be a “very special event”.

“This Dawn Service is our first full-scale event in four years in Minchinbury due to the Coronavirus pandemic and weather-related issues last year, so it’s going to be a very special and moving service for our close-knit community,” Davey said.

InvoCare General Manager Metro Parks Simone Ravenscroft said Pinegrove Memorial Park, owned and operated by InvoCare, was proud to support the local community.

“Pinegrove has a rich history and continues to play a pivotal role in supporting communities by commemorating special days,” Ravenscroft said.

“The ANZAC Day Dawn Service is part of our psyche, and I look forward to being part of this incredibly special service alongside the western Sydney community.”

Davey said he expected thousands to come together for the service on Tuesday.

“ANZAC Day is about commemorating the sacrifices and hardship our forebears

in

endured but more importantly it’s also about mateship,” he said.

The event will see marching band, Pipers of Distinction and veterans lead the service through the park gates to the war memorial stepping off at 4.30am with the ANZAC Day Dawn Service to start at 4.55am on Tuesday, April 25.

For those who can’t attend in person, there will be a livestream of the service available on the Pinegrove Memorial Park Facebook page. Meanwhile, the Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA) will also hold a special service this year, taking place at Penrith’s Memory Park on Saturday, April 22.

WVNA is exclusively for women and inclusive of all ranks who are currently serving or have served in the Navy, Army or Air Force, either in a full time or Reserve capacity, regardless of whether they have been deployed or not. There are now several established groups around Australia providing a forum to share local information and come together for activities to foster a social connection of understanding and support with other local women veterans.

Starting at 10.30am, Saturday’s service at Memory Park will feature a female MC, Catafalque Party, Chaplain, Indigenous acknowledgement of country, and all spoken parts of the service.

For more information about this service, email sydney@wvna.org.au.

A previous ANZAC Day service at Pinegrove Memorial Park.

Two-up tradition continues in 2023

up with how much they want to bet and if they think they will land on heads or tails.

on entry that will go towards Panthers on the Prowl.

While ANZAC Day is about honouring the veterans and the sacrifices they made for our country, a little bit of friendly competition doesn’t go astray, especially between mates.

Once you have paid your respects on Tuesday, get down to one of the watering holes around Penrith to try your luck at a game of two-up.

The origins of the game, which is illegal on every day of the year except the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, are murky, but they do date back to before World War I.

While they didn’t invent it, diggers would play the game which now takes place each year at local RSLs or pubs to alleviate boredom while in the trenches.

A designated ‘spinner’ will stand in the middle to flip some coins off a paddle called a ‘kip’ which will land in the middle of the ring.

Before they are flipped, people in the crowd will hold their money

Once they have their match, the coins are flipped and if their choice ends up on top then they get to keep their bet and that of their competitor.

Penrith RSL will be kicking off two-up on April 25 from 12pm in the Castle Lounge and CEO Neel Chand said that the game brings the community together on a day reserved to commemorate service personnel both past and present.

“Two-up was an important way to allow soldiers to create a sense of camaraderie and briefly take their minds off the realities or war,” Chand said.

“Two-up in today’s era allows the players to be participants in this history and enjoy a ritual of the past and Penrith RSL is proud to be a part of this tradition.”

Other venues in Penrith that will be hosting games include Log Cabin from 12pm, Penrith Bowling Club from 1.30pm, Jamison Hotel between 12pm and 4pm and Panthers Leagues Club from 1pm with a gold coin donation

Penrith Gaels Club in Kingswood will be starting matches at 12pm and O’Donoghues in Emu Plains – which is a crowd favourite for two-up – will have two rings for games from Midday.

Punters in Jordan Springs can take their chances at Brooks Tavern from noon and the St Clair Comets Junior Rugby League club will be hosting an event at the Blue Cattle Dog Hotel from 12pm.

In St Marys, the Diggers Club will have the tradition between 8am and 10am following the Dawn Service and then you can head over to the Band Club to continue from 12.30pm to 4.30pm in the auditorium.

The Colonial Hotel in Werrington will be hosting two-up along with live music, a petting zoo, fairy floss and face painters for the kids.

If you decide to take part then grab a drink, get into the spirit while remembering the true importance of the day and don’t forget, tails never fails (well, half of the time, anyway).

Jarrod Whiley prepares for two-up at Penrith RSL.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Explore historic Fernhill

Residents given the chance to discover incredible estate in our own backyard

EMILY FESZCZUK

There is a long-term plan to transform Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa into a magnificent public park over the next five years.

Before that vision comes to fruition, the community is invited to attend a special free event at the end of the month to take a look at the historic rural property.

The ‘Discover Fernhill Estate’ weekend will take place on April 29 and 30 in sessions between 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.

Purchased by the NSW Government in 2018 and open on Sundays for people to walk around, the open days will be the first events hosted since becoming a public asset.

“Fernhill Estate is an important place in the history and landscape of Mulgoa Valley and greater Sydney but has been locked up as a private estate for most of its life,” Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Joshua French said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see inside a truly spectacular place and learn about the area from expert guides.”

Along with guided tours being offered, French told the Weekender that there will be a range of relaxed activities for locals to enjoy.

“The tours will be on specific topics such as the Dharug traditional culture and the significant role Fernhill Estate played in the British colony’s expansion west to the Blue Mountains, its unique landscape and incredible plant and animal life,” he said.

“There will be arts and crafts, activities and games for the kids, small scale live music, as well as picnic food and drinks available.”

Opening the gates is a starting step as work begins with $65 million in funding for the 423-hectare site.

“We have prepared a Plan of

Management for the Estate and we just recently released the Landscape Master Plan, so our goal is to sensitively open up the Estate over time for the community,” French said.

“What we are trying to do is to encourage people to come to Fernhill for other reasons so this is an opportunity for new people who have come for walking or not to get introduced to the space and then we will deliver the additions in stages.”

The upgrades will include walking and cycling paths, a boardwalk around the Northern Dam with access for kayaks and nature-based playgrounds. Safe access and better amenities are a priority to allow people to

Station opens its doors

Locals can live out their dreams of being a firefighter for the day when the Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade opens the doors of its new fire station to the community.

The public is being welcomed to check out the $1.7 million development at the Brigade Open Day, which is taking place on Sunday, May 7 from 11am.

Mulgoa Rural Fire Service (RFS) Captain Jason Lonard told the Weekender that the new station now assists in protecting the wider community.

“The project took 12 months to complete, and we now have an updated facility with three bays to allow for all of our trucks,” Lonard said.

“We have 30 active members that volunteer, and the station provides for the community but also as a space for the whole Penrith zone to train out of.”

With people young and old invited, the event will allow you to meet the brigade members and have a tour of the location.

“We want to open up to the community to let them have a look at the facility, see if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer and to talk

Mulgoa firefighters will welcome the public into their new station next month.

about the next upcoming bushfire season so people are ready,” he said.

“We will be doing live fire demonstrations and having a BBQ, so people can get a sausage sizzle.

“The kids can get a novelty pack and play in the fire trucks, so all people have to do is come down on the day to say hello.”

The Mulgoa RFS Station is located at 1194 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa.

positively experience the location according to French.

“We will have traffic control in place over the weekend but we will be working to improve the access as it needs to be safer for the large visitation which will come with the park being open,” he said.

“We will be upgrading the services and infrastructure, so the water and walking tracks. There is a beautiful hay shed there that could hopefully be used as a café and we just want to add some great community facilities for the people of western Sydney.”

Places are limited, so book your place by registering at events. humanitix.com/discover-fernhill-community-event#.

Man at “end of the road of excuses”

A St Marys man accused of break and enter has been granted bail.

Blake Mooney, 25, faced Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, April 11, charged with ‘break and enter dwelling – house or building commit serious indictable offence’ and ‘unlawful entry on enclosed lands’. He allegedly broke into a property owned by the NSW Department of Housing just after 11pm on February 27.

Mooney’s Legal Aid lawyer asked Magistrate Michael Maher to take into account that her client is not working.

“I request that it [the surety] be a small amount,” she said.

The prosecution opposed bail and told the court of concerns that Mooney would fail to appear in court and commit further offences.

“My concern is in relation to compliance,” she told the court.

Mooney, who appeared via video link, was granted bail on “incredibly stringent conditions” including that he report to police daily, not occupy the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle and pay a $500 surety.

“In my view, you are coming to the end of the road of excuses,” Magistrate Maher said.

The matter returns to court later this year.

– Makayla Muscat

Fernhill Estate will be hosting a weekend of activities for locals at the end of the month.

Take a look inside Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Periods are something that can occur each month for some people, but the impacts are often not spoken about as a sense of taboo around the subject still exists.

Western Sydney University (WSU) is making sure its students can succeed no matter the time of the month by providing free and easy access to period products at Kingswood and its other campuses.

The rollout follows research by project leaders Dr Sarah Duffy and Dr Michelle O’Shea along with other multi-disciplinary researchers from across the university that identified the issues surrounding menstruation within educational institutions and workplaces. The installation of free products in bathrooms was recently trialled at the WSU Parramatta City campus before an evaluation found that users were wanting to see the initiative expanded.

“If a menstruating person is surprised by the arrival of their period they might decide to go home, missing out on classes or other educational or on-campus opportunities,” Duffy said.

“By rolling out this initiative we are helping to relieve the burden for students in a practical, tangible way.”

While the thought of period poverty is not highly prevalent in Australia and little formal research on the subject exists, the rising cost of living and geographic location can lead to the products being seen as unattainable for some.

The project aims to ensure that students not only have the products but also hygienic facilities, waste management and education to ensure that they can fully focus on participating in their university experience. Wanting all students to have minimal disruption and financial burden while they are menstruating, Provost of Penrith Campus, Professor Yang Xiang praised his colleagues for the idea.

“Before the trial in Parramatta City there was a vending machine where you could purchase the products, but it was expensive to buy, which can be a struggle for students,” Xiang said.

“In Penrith as well with the geography of the location we are at, we aren’t very close to a major supermarket so, if you are caught off guard, it can be difficult to get access to the products.”

Xiang said that he is proud that the university is aiding students’ health and wellbeing. “We have a dispenser for tampons and pads in bathrooms that are used a lot and one is gender neutral, which means anyone can get access to the products,” he said.

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Excite takes on the World

Local dance studio jets off to America for once in a lifetime experience

makes it really special that the work paid off,” she said.

This week, dancers and cheerleaders from all over the globe will be jet-setting off to Florida to compete in two of the most prestigious competitions in the sports – The Cheerleading Worlds and The Summit. One of the local studios that will be representing Australia across both is Excite Dance and Cheer, located right here in Penrith.

Having last travelled overseas for the competitions in 2018, Owner and Director of Excite Dance and Cheer, Kerry Richardson, was ecstatic to see her students be named Grand Champions at AASCF Nationals last year, which gave them just the ticket they needed.

“We were not planning, this year, to go away, but the bids came our way unexpectedly,” she said.

“It made it even more exciting, that it wasn’t planned, but the parents were all in, the kids were all in, so we said, ‘Let’s do it’. It’s a once in a lifetime thing.”

Excite have a Level 3 cheer team and a hip-hop team competing at Summit, and a jazz dance team

competing at Worlds – the two dance teams being Excite’s first to compete in their respective competitions. With competing students ranging in age from 11 to 19, Richardson notes that around 80 per cent of

them have been dancing under her since they were babies, creating an exceptional amount of pride for both her and the other coaches who have seen them grow over the years.

“They’re homegrown, which

Despite injuries and monthly re-blockings, Richardson assures that routines have been upgraded and elevated since the last time they hit the mat, which has only seen anticipation build coming up to the big day.

“They’re really excited. It’s been a massive amount of effort,” she said.

“Every Saturday, the cheer team trains from eight in the morning until 11, and then the hip hop and dance teams are straight after that. They’ve given up their Saturdays since December to get here, so it’s quite a big commitment, definitely.”

Although nine of their attending athletes competed at Summit last time, the remainder will be travelling overseas to the competitions for the first time.

But, that doesn’t make them any less determined to hit zero, and take out the top spot.

“Last time we went, we got the second highest point score, but first and second tied, so there was an equal first, and we got third. Those girls are really itching to go back and prove their point,” Richardson said.

Having set off to the US on Wednesday, Richardson said she’s aimed to instill confidence in her teams, despite the obvious nerves.

“There’s definitely nerves, there’s definitely things that they have to iron out, but we’re hoping we’ve trained them enough, and we’ve prepped them enough,” she said.

“In our last training sessions, we’ve really been talking about not focusing on the one thing that you haven’t done once, and instead focusing on that particular skill that you’ve done many, many times. Every routine has those little moments that make them a little bit anxious, but they have to focus on the fact that they’ve done it many, many more times than they haven’t.”

Richardson said she’s incredibly proud of her team, and is most excited to see them come together and show off what Excite can do.

“It’s teamwork, it’s hard work, it’s sacrifice, and they’ve gotten this far,” she said.

“They wouldn’t have gotten a bid if they didn’t deserve it, and the people that can’t come with us, it makes them stronger and brings them together, because they realise what a blessing they’ve got.”

The Excite Dance and Cheer team. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

BY EMILY FESZCZUK

Colyton: Man stumbles 50 metres into attempted getaway from police

A man has been charged after assaulting police and possessing fireworks in Colyton. About 3am on Saturday, April 15, an 18-year-old Mt Druitt man was at a licenced premises in Colyton.

He was ejected by security and became aggressive, as he tried to re-enter the premises.

The man obtained a firework known as a “Roman Candle” from his car and threatened staff and patrons with the item.

Police were called and attended promptly. The man fled from the officers, but after 50 metres he stumbled and fell over. He was arrested by police, but resisted and spat at the officers.

The man was finally arrested and charged with the related offences.

He will front Penrith Local Court on Friday, June 2. The fireworks were seized by police for destruction.

Penrith: Stolen vehicle found by police at service station;

duo arrested

Two men have been charged after breaking in and stealing a vehicle in Penrith.

About 10pm on Saturday, April 15, the occupants of a unit on Barber Avenue, Penrith locked and secured their motor vehicle.

It is alleged that a 27-year-old Tingha man and an 18-year-old Cowra man gained access to the garages of several units at the location. They rummaged through cars before stealing personal items and electronics.

The two men also stole a 2022 silver Subaru Forrester.

Police patrolled for the offenders and the stolen vehicle, which were located at a service station on Henry Street, Penrith.

The men were spoken to and after the property belonging to the victim’s was located, the men were arrested by police.

MAN

WHO

Both men were charged with two counts of ‘Aggravated Break and Enter commit serious indictable offence’ and ‘Larceny’.

The men were both bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, June 16.

Penrith: Glass bong found in car after Sunday morning chase

A man has been charged after a police pursuit around Penrith.

About 9.10am on Sunday, April 16, police were patrolling Stafford Street, Penrith.

The officers sighted a motor vehicle and eventually caught up to it on Kennedy Drive, South Penrith. Police activated their lights and sirens to indicate to the vehicle to pull over but it failed to do so.

A pursuit was initiated and the vehicle turned into Racecourse Road and then onto York Road.

The vehicle approached the intersection of Birmingham Road and another police vehicle stopped at the intersection so the vehicle came to a stop.

Officers removed a 42-year-old South Penrith man from the vehicle and he was arrested. Police searched the vehicle and located a glass bong.

They also located a small pouch containing what was believed to be Buprenorphine strips which will be analysed.

Buprenorphine is prescribed for the medical treatment of people with an opioid drug dependence or chronic pain.

It is alleged that the man appeared to be drug affected and was taken to hospital for the purpose of blood and urine tests, which will also be analysed.

The man was charged with ‘Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously’, ‘Possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs’.

He will front court in the future.

Now and then, we get enquiries from people who instead of having us draft their Will, want us to review a Will Kit they have purchased from somewhere like the Post Office or online to make sure it has been completed correctly.

Unfortunately, we almost always find errors.

Will Kits are seen as a cheap alternative to having your document drafted by an appropriately qualified Solicitor, and usually take the form of a pre-filled template Will into which a person inserts their personal details and selects from a number of options as to how their Executors are to be appointed and/ or how their Estate is to be distributed.

The problem is, unless you understand what the many different paragraphs, options and different wordings mean, you are flying blind.

For example, if you tick the wrong box when nominating an Executor you might end up with someone you never intended being in charge with executing your Will.

We have seen clients in the past end up in far more precarious positions as a result of Will Kits gone bad.

For example, in one scenario a husband has purchased a Will Kit from the Post Office and filled it out himself. He had assumed that irrespective of what was written in the Will Kit, his Estate would automatically pass to his wife, so all he needed to do was to write down what he wanted to do with his assets after his wife died – which was to leave it to his children in equal shares.

Instead of ticking the box that said he wanted to leave his Estate to his wife in the

first instance and to his children once both he and his wife were deceased, he essentially gave his whole Estate to his children immediately upon his death and left his wife out of his Will.

Now, had the husband and wife owned their assets jointly, there would have been a simple fix because the laws of co-ownership would have dictated that jointly owned assets pass to the wife irrespective of what was in the husband’s Will. However, as is often the case with older clients, the family home was held in the father’s name only. Technically speaking, this meant that the husband had left the family home in which his wife had lived for 50 years to his three children and completely left her out of his Will inadvertently.

Three of the deceased’s four children saw that this was an obvious error and happily signed the family home over to their mum, but the fourth child was a harder nut to crack. Luckily we were able to convince the fourth child that the mother could approach the Court seeking rectification of the Will or making a family provision claim to retain the home, so the matter settled without the need for Court proceedings.

Had the fourth child resisted however, and sought to enforce what was written in the home made Will, the Estate would have been exposed to tens of thousands of dollars in legal costs with no guarantee (but a very high likelihood) that the family home would have been returned to the mother.

This is an extreme example, but as you can see Will Kits can be fraught with difficulty and the money you save now may be outstripped exponentially.

SPARKED MAJOR POLICE CHASE REFUSED BAIL DESPITE LAWYER’S PLEA

A man charged with a string of driving offences has been refused bail.

Tuan Vu, 32, appeared at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, April 11, charged with a range of offences that allegedly took place around 2am that same day.

It is alleged that Vu was driving his friend’s car on the M4 Motorway when he refused to stop despite knowing he was being chased by police.

Magistrate Michael Maher told the court that the accused was travelling through Colyton at speeds up to 176 kilometres per hour.

“The facts can only be described as a significant, long and protracted pursuit with the police,” he said.

“It was only by the deployment of spikes that he was able to be stopped”.

Vu was represented by a lawyer who supported his release application.

She told the court that her client has fallen into depression after suffering from a serious leg injury and expressed concerns that he would not receive appropriate treatment for his mental and physical conditions in custody.

As part of her submissions, she proposed strict bail conditions including abstinence from alcohol and a curfew.

“Any risk could be mitigated,” she told Magistrate Maher.

with Daniel McKinnon WW48104

The prosecution opposed bail and told the court of concerns that Vu would fail to appear in court, endanger the community’s safety and commit further offences.

She also noted that the accused has faced court with similar charges in February.

Vu was refused bail and will remain in custody on remand until the next court date.

He is due to reappear before Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, May 9.

COMPILED

A night for Ashlea

Fundraiser to be held for a Lakeside Restaurant favourite

CASSIDY PEARCE

Since finding out his long-term employee Ashlea Holt was diagnosed with an extremely rare type of brain tumor, owner of Penrith’s Lakeside Restaurant, Vince Capolupo, has taken matters into his own hands, and is hoping to see the community get behind them to raise muchneeded funds.

According to Capolupo, Holt has worked for him for over a decade, though they have known one another for much longer. He recalls the day she told him about her diagnosis like it was yesterday.

“She’s my longest-serving employee, it’s been at least 11 or 12 years,” he said.

“She was at work one day, and she wasn’t feeling very well, so I sent her home and said make sure you go to your doctor.

“She called me the next day to tell me she’d be diagnosed with a tumor. It was devastating.”

The tumor is called ependymoma. Since her diagnosis, Holt has already had two operations, and is in continuous radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It’s because of this that she has been out of work since November of last year, with the possibility of a third operation on the horizon.

Though Capolupo has done his best to support Holt behind the scenes, he finally

thought it was time to bring in some reinforcements, hosting ‘A Benefit Dinner for Ashlea’.

“I’d do it for any of my staff members. Anyone who needs help,” he said.

“Obviously she has a partner, but she’s a mother of two beautiful children, so whatever help I can give her, I’ll do it.”

The benefit, which will be held at the venue on Friday, May 26, will see 100 per cent of the $75 ticket price and any additional profits, as well as their staff wages for the night, go directly to Holt and her family.

Much to Capolupo’s surprise, the restau-

rant’s phone began to ring non-stop once they posted about the event, deeming it fully booked in just days.

They have now sold approximately 160 tickets – over double what he originally anticipated.

“She’s been here such a long time. We have some very loyal supporters here, but the majority of them are people that Ashlea has been serving for such a long time and has looked after, and her school community as well, I was just blown away,” he said.

“I ask everybody who books, if I don’t know who they are, why they’re booking and if they know Ashlea personally. Some of the stories I get, it’s all, ‘She did so much for my kids’, or ‘She helped my child at school’. She’s got a great following.”

However, he’s keeping the door open to further support from local residents and businesses who wish to contribute to the fund.

“Whatever people want to do, we’re open to it,” he said.

“Every single cent will go straight to her. I just want to make her happy in a way, maybe she can have a little bit less stress or pressure knowing that she’s got such a strong following, and that there’s a bit of money put aside for her that she can use for whatever she wants to use it for.”

For enquiries or to donate, call the restaurant on 4729 3222.

Locals can have say on Flood Study

Penrith Council is calling for residents to have their say on the Draft Cranebrook Overland Flow Flood Study, on public exhibition until May 5.

The flood study includes the suburbs of Cranebrook, Northern Penrith and parts of Castlereagh and Cambridge Gardens –bounded by the Nepean River and Penrith Lakes in the west, the Western Railway Line in the south and The Northern Road in the east. The flood study aims to establish the local overland flood behaviour, identify flood problems and inform future risk management planning.

Residents can view the draft study via the Your Say Penrith website, or in person at the Penrith Civic Centre.

AYRES IN BOX SEAT TO LAND NEW GIG

Former State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has emerged as the frontrunner to replace outgoing Business Council of Australia CEO Jennifer Westacott.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Ayres leads a field of high profile candidates for the role at the powerful business lobby group.

Ayres is looking for work after losing the seat of Penrith at the State Election last month.

The Business Council of Australia states that it actively collaborates with other community and business groups, political leaders at all levels of government and engages directly with the community to achieve its vision and purpose.

Ashlea Holt with her family.

Celebrating next generation as Youth Week returns to Penrith

Youth Week is officially back for 2023, with local organisations and services boasting activities for all.

Youth Week 2023 is funded by the Department of Community Justice and Penrith City Council, with this year’s theme ‘Connect. Participate. Celebrate’ encouraging everyone aged 12 to 24 to get involved.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said that she’s ecstatic to see Youth Week return to the area, for the opportunity to show local young people just how important they are.

“Penrith has more than 40,000 young people who make up our diverse next generation. It is vital that we recognise their valuable contributions to this City and provide opportunities for them to learn, grow and be supported as they have important conversations around issues impacting young people,” she said.

The festivities kicked off last week with Community Junction

Inc’s Skate Clair, which saw stalls, an inflatable obstacle course, and free sausage sizzles call St Clair Skate Park home on April 12.

The majority of the activities will be taking place next week, with a breakdance presentation, a youth hub and workshops, and a variety of sporting activities just some of the exciting program entries.

Platform Youth Services will be returning with another joint activity this year, in partnership with Penrith City Council, the Ted Noffs Foundation, Cambridge Park High School and Hoyts Cinema.

Manager Emma Jordan said it’s incredibly important for the entire community to get involved in the week.

“It takes the community to raise our kids. We’re all doing it together,” she said.

The collaboration will see participants first head to Hoyts for a very special showing of ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ next Monday, April 24, followed by a short detour.

“The people coming to the movie are invited to go over to Ted Noffs Street University for a light supper

afterwards, and to tour the Ted Noffs Street University as well,” she said.

The event will not only be a part of Youth Week, but will also be addressing Youth Homelessness Awareness Day, taking place just a few days prior on Wednesday, April 19.

“We’re combining our events to, for one thing, have a youth-focused event, but also to celebrate and raise awareness of youth homelessness in our community,” Jordan said.

“It may not be them that needs the help, but they may know someone – a friend, someone that they go to school with, or someone in their community – that may need help.

“It’s about raising awareness that there’s such services like ours out in the community that can help them if they’re at risk of homelessness, if things are going a bit haywire at home, or they just need a little but of support to keep them engaged in school.”

For more information on what activities are taking place near you, visit Council’s Facebook page. Penrith’s next generation is the focus of Youth Week.

CASSIDY

Nominate a proud local

Do you know someone who deserves to be Penrith’s next Citizen of the Year?

EMILY FESZCZUK

Do you know someone who has made a positive impact volunteering or who has done something to change the lives of others?

Penrith City Council is calling for nominations for the third annual Local Celebration Awards that aim to recognise and celebrate the people who are making a difference in the community.

It doesn’t matter how big or small their act of kindness is or how young or old they are, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen wants to learn about all the contributions that locals are making.

“We have a great region with lots of really great charities and lots of people that work really hard for our community who get called heroes, but it is taking that next step of nominating them,” Hitchen said.

“I think it’s good that we recognise the people in our community that do work hard because there are so many people out there doing so many different things, but Council is not aware of them.”

There are four award categories with the Citizen of the Year for over 18s, the Young Citizen of the Year for those aged 24 and under, along with the Mayor’s Local Heroes Award for all ages and the Making a Difference –

Community Service Award for all ages. Whether it is someone who regularly donates blood, someone who raises money for charity or someone who gives their time to teach others, each person is worthy of recognition.

Winner of the prestigious Citizen of the Year award in 2022, volunteer Steven Green said the awards can spark the passion in more people to give back.

“In Australia it’s a cultural thing that we

like giving to people in our community and we have lot of services that don’t happen anywhere else but in Australia on the back of volunteers because it not only helps others, but it has benefits for the volunteer like self-improvement and education,” Green said.

“Council supporting volunteers with a little recognition helps get the word out about programs and does lead to more people putting their hands in to make the workload lighter, which is a great outcome.”

With nominations open until Sunday, April 30, Hitchen encourages people to put their suggestions in.

“It’s a really easy process because it can be accepted in person, online, in writing, by mail or video and it is simple, so it will only take you around 10 minutes,” she said.

“There are people in areas such as aged care or different ethnic communities that work so hard in their own little communities but we don’t know that they exist, so it would be lovely if everyone took the time to do the application so those people can come to our attention, and we can reward them for what they do.”

The award recipients will be announced at Council’s Ordinary Meeting in July and will be honoured at a Civic Reception event in August.

For more information or to apply, visit penrith.city/local-celebration-awards.

Friendly competition heats up

to give back to those who need it and who have helped us in our time of need.”

Locals from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) have rolled up their sleeves to save lives, but not in the way you would expect.

Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) has its members donating blood and then set the challenge for Regentville RFB to book in.

“Once a year Australian Red Cross Lifeblood runs the Emergency Services Blood Challenge, where the NSW RFS competes against other emergency service agencies from across the country, but we thought why wait for once a year to challenge each other and donate to those who need it most?” Orchard Hills RFB Secretary Emily Dal Santo said.

“Being in the emergency service sector, the community over the years during the fires, floods and a pandemic were so supportive and giving too, so what better way

Firefighter at Regentville Jordan Jobson said the brigades enjoy some “friendly competition”.

“We have had a bit of a quiet fire season so are always looking for ways to assist the community and a few of our members are regular blood donors,” he said.

“My biggest phobia in the world is needles but I said to the brigade if we get 10 or more people, I will do it and 11 came back and said let’s go.”

With Londonderry, Llandilo and Wallacia brigades set to take part next, Dal Santo encourages everyone to donate if they can.

“You’ll never know when your friends or family might need a blood transfusion or plasma that can be used in multiple different live saving treatments,” Dal Santo said. Visit www.lifeblood.com.au/ blood.

CAR CONUNDRUM: TWO IN FIVE AUSTRALIANS CAN’T AFFORD CAR REPAIRS

Australians are struggling to keep up with car maintenance and repairs due to the rising cost of living, according to new research.

A Finder survey of 919 Aussie motorists revealed more than two in five (45 per cent) – equivalent to nine million drivers – have skipped the mechanic to save money.

The research found one in four (25 per cent) have avoided having their car serviced because they couldn’t afford it, while eight per

cent have let scratches or physical damage go unrepaired. Bald tyres (five per cent) and damaged windscreens (four per cent) have also been put off due to financial trouble or affordability issues.

In addition to cost-cutting, a staggering 27 per cent of Australian motorists – equivalent to 5.4 million drivers – said they will be driving less in the next six months.

James Martin, insurance expert at Finder, said the cost of owning a car is taking a toll on many Australian car owners.

“It’s becoming increasingly expensive to own a car, and with the cost of living sky high, something’s got to give,” he said.

“From bald tyres to billowing smoke – Aussie roads are crowded with cars that might struggle to pass a roadworthy inspection.”

Martin said for many Australians a car is one

of their biggest expenses in their budgets after housing.

“From registration to insurance to spare parts, it can feel like the car becomes a never ending money pit,” he said.

“But the cost of letting a car become unroadworthy can be far greater than these upfront payments.”

Women are more likely than men to have let their vehicle fall into disrepair.

Regentville Brigade firefighters Zac Softley, Adele Jobson and Jordan Jobson.

EMILY FESZCZUK

2022 Penrith Citizen of the Year Steven Green. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Old and young to come together

Programs involving older people and children are used to foster meaningful connections.

Islander people can also take part if CEO of Intergenerational Learning Australia Greg Cronan said it is important to make the connections and learning entertaining and meaningful for the staff and partici“Well-planned, purposeful and enjoyable intergenerational

programs involving children and much older people, results in positive changes to their mood, behaviour, socio-emotional communication abilities, cognitive skills and overall wellbeing,” Cronan said. “Implicit to these interactions is reducing the loneliness and isolation that is experienced by many older people.”

Mayor’s News

Different organisations are encouraged to submit proposals for a variety of program models based on their choices.

One of the main goals of the initiative is to support independent living for as long as possible.

Tender submissions close at 5pm on Thursday, May 11. For more, visit www.nbmphn.com.au/tenders.

Donna, Belinda, Fiona, and our Supremacy Funerals team would like to pay tribute to the Anzacs by lighting a memorial candle on 25th April 2023.

Our special thoughts and heartfelt gratitude is with the Anzacs today, as we mourn and pay tribute to the loss and sacrifice for our country.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

Our family caring for your family 4721 2020 | 98 Station St, Penrith

The weekly views of Penrith’s

Mayor

Nominate a deserving local

Do you know someone who is making a difference in our community?

Who works tirelessly for the benefit of others, or who dedicates their time to making Penrith a better place?

We know Penrith is home to many dedicated, selfless and inspirational people. I receive personal joy in our Local Celebration Awards program. Reviewing the nominations from across the community and highlighting the unsung heroes and community leaders is a great way to recognise and celebrate the people who work tirelessly to make a difference in our community.

Nominations for the 2023 Penrith Local Celebration Awards are now open. There are four award categories: Citizen of the Year (over 18 years old), Young

Citizen of the Year (aged 24 years or younger), Mayor’s Local Heroes Award (all ages) and Making a Difference – Community Service Award (all ages).

Nominations can be submitted in person, online, via mail or by video – but be quick, as you only have until April 30, 2023!

Further details on the award categories, selection criteria and nomination process are available on our website.

The 2023 winners will be announced at Council’s Ordinary Meeting in July 2023 and formally recognised in a Civic Reception in August 2023.

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

CR TRICIA HITCHEN

Mayor of Penrith

BIG CHANGE TO COVID-19 TESTING

NSW will transition to a pathology referral model for COVID-19 PCR testing, in line with changes already in place across all other Australian states and territories.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said it is the right time to move away from the current testing arrangements, which will end on May 13.

“I want to thank all of the healthcare staff

who have worked tirelessly in testing clinics across the state to help keep the community safe during the pandemic,” Mr Park said.

“However, since January we’ve seen a significant reduction in demand for PCR testing driven by changes in health recommendations, testing behaviour and increased access to rapid antigen tests (RATs).”

• Freshly prepared daily in store

• Using only quality seafood: Hake, Whiting, Barramundi, Garfish, succulent Prawns, Sea Scallops and tender Calamari served with our classic secret recipe Tartare sauce!

• Cooked with high quality oils –your choice of grilled, crumbed or battered!

• Chicken, fresh salads and desserts all made in store

Family Feast: 4 x Butterfish, 10-12 Calamari, 11-12 Prawns, Chips, & Tartare sauce

Hake Snack Pack: 2 x pieces of Hake, Chips & Tartare sauce $14.50

big“Servings enough to fill the crew!”whole

Come in and take a fresh look at seafood . . . To have the Barnacle Bill experience head to shop 2/492 High Street, Penrith!

$52.90 WW51049

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Δ Bottomless lunch: Penrith Italian restaurant Gellafrenda (pictured bottom left) is bringing back its bottomless lunch on Sunday, April 30. It’s $79 per person and includes a two course shared menu plus 2.5 hours of bottomless drinks. Book at www. gellafrenda.com.au.

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

Beach Street in Emu Plains is named after William Beach, a young man from Dapto, who raced and beat the world champion Edward Hanlon sculling on the Nepean River in 1884. He retired in 1887, after successfully defending his world title seven times.

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

Source: A History of the Nepean and District Street Names compiled by Lorna Parr.

Δ Caddens Carnival: Kids are being invited to attend the Caddens Carnival, hosted by Laing + Simmons, at the Caddens Corner shopping centre on Sunday, April 30 from 11am until 3pm. The carnival will include rides, a petting zoo, jumping castle, face painting, fairy floss and more.

Δ Golden Tim Tam: The Tim Tam Genie has gone into productivity overdrive, tripling his Golden Tim Tam output for 2023. This year nine lucky Australians will have their most indulgent wishes granted simply by buying their favourite chocolate biscuit and entering the Golden Tim Tam promotion. Consumers who purchase any pack of Tim Tam biscuits (pictured above) at Coles during the promotional period can enter to find the virtual Golden Tim Tam, each worth a whopping $5,000. The promotion runs until June 20.

Δ Pie time: The cooler months are here, and to kick off ‘pie season’ in mouth-watering style, some new recruits from Tasmanian Bakeries’ National Pies range are now available in select Woolworths freezers across Australia (pictured below). The range includes a selection of flavours like Chunky Beef, Bacon and Cheese as well as the Classic Beef and popular Curried Chicken pies.

Δ Trees for Mum: Penrith’s beloved Trees for Mum event is celebrating 16 years this Mother’s Day. This year’s event will be held at Harold Corr Oval in Cambridge Park on Sunday, May 14. The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions, with the first session starting at 8.30am and the last session at 12pm. Registrations are essential to join the day; Council’s Bushcare team will be using the numbers to ensure they have enough trees. Register at penrith.city/events.

Δ Got some source? We want to hear about openings, closings, special offers, new products and more! Email news@wsternweekender.com.au.

Who you entrust with your child’s early development is one of the most important decisions you will make.

We are proud of our strong reputation as the most nurturing and vibrant childcare centre in the Emu Plains community, locally owned for over 25 years!

Book in a tour to see our purpose-built outdoor environments that span over vast areas, creating limitless opportunities for exploration and play.

the team

Chow chow fans unite at dog show

The Bill Spilstead Complex for Canine Affairs in Orchard Hills has created a hub for local dog lovers. The latest show has seen a chow chow takeover right here in Penrith.

Emilee Lay is the secretary of The Chow Chow Dog Club of NSW, as well as running a social group for owners of the breed, and working as a vet.

With the club restarting in the last few years, they just held their 3rd Championship Specialty Show at the Orchard Hills complex earlier this month, an event she says is a whole lot of fun for all kinds of chow chow fans.

“It’s a great opportunity to have exhibitors and breeders Australia-wide come together and have a little bit of friendly competition, yes, but also just enjoy the day together and have chow chows on display,” Lay said.

The show was their grandest yet, with chow chow owners from near and far coming along to celebrate ‘the year of the chow chow’.

“We had one of our biggest shows ever, with 46 chow chows enter,” Lay said.

“Chow chows as a breed are not very common out and about in general, and even in the dog showing community, there’s not very many entries even at large dog shows, so it was great to see such a big turnout.”

But, according to Lay, the overwhelming love for the breed is no surprise, culminating in a fun event full of competition – including fun classes where people dressed up with their dogs, and entries from puppies all the way to veteran classes – as well as grooming demonstrations, raffle prizes and a chow chow goody store.

“Everyone has the same passion – big, fluffy dogs!” she said.

“When you look at them, they’re just these grand, sassy-looking dogs with these beautiful coats, and they’re very cute and squishy, but also, they stand tall. They know they’re pretty, and they know how to strut their stuff, and as far as dogs go, they can certainly be very stubborn and very cheeky, but they’re extremely loyal. I think there’s something to be said about their very cat-like personalities that appeal to people who decide to own one.”

The club holds a pet show and two specialty shows a year, with information about meetings and events posted on their social media pages.

Lay encourages current and prospective chow chow owners to have a look and get involved.

“It’s a great opportunity even for people who don’t own chows to come and see what the breed is about, see these dogs in real life and what they might be signing up to, and even talk to prospective breeders,” she said.

Chow Chows have taken over Orchard Hills.

Photo: Emilee Lay.

CASSIDY

TURNING BACK TIME

an

While Penrith’s Memory Park has undergone many upgrades and changes over the years, ANZAC services continue to be held at this location to this day.

An ANZAC Day service will be held there next Tuesday, April 25.

(Photos thanks to Penrith City Library)

These two photographs were taken at

ANZAC Day service held in Memory Park in the 1920s. The exact year is not known.

TALKING WITH TAGO

IZACK TAGO OPENS UP ABOUT HIS RISE IN THE NRL AND PENRITH’S QUEST FOR A PREMIERSHIP THREE-PEAT SEE PAGE 35

MASKED PANTHER SEE PAGE 33

PETER LANG SEE PAGE 39

WARREN SMITH SEE PAGE 40

the final word v

The most crucial moment of Penrith’s win against Newcastle last Saturday night was not Nathan Cleary’s clutch field goal in Golden Point.

The winning moment actually happened some 26 minutes earlier, when Penrith were eight points behind and had a huge chance to attack Newcastle’s line after being awarded a penalty.

Any other day, taking the tap would be the obvious choice. But coach Ivan Cleary, sensing the game needed a reset, sent the message down to take the two points on offer through a penalty goal. The call put Penrith back within a converted try and ended up being crucial in the context of the game.

It was as obvious to Cleary as it was to anyone at home that his side was not playing to their usual standard against the Knights. When

sending the message down to take the two, he knew that not only would Penrith perhaps not score the two required tries to take the lead, but they could concede another and go even further behind.

What happened after that is now in the history books: The Jarome Luai hair pull, the Jaeman Salmon try, Tyson Gamble’s long range one-pointer, and Nathan Cleary’s pair of field goals that confirmed his status as the player you want with the ball when the game is on the line.

Plenty have said Newcastle were the better side on the night and deserved to win. But after their fourth one point game of the year (including the World Club Challenge), the Panthers deserved something to go their way. And that first Golden Point set was something only elite sides can produce.

As much as Ivan Cleary would have expected better from his team, he’ll take something from the fact that they can still play that poorly and somehow win, such is their desire to stay in the grind.

He’ll be just as happy though to put that game behind him and hope for a better showing against South Sydney at Accor Stadium.

Talking about things going your way, the Rabbitohs would surely think the tide will soon turn after losing 10 of their last 11 games against the Panthers, including the 2021 Grand Final.

Penrith won all three encounters last year –including the corresponding match at Accor Stadium where Latrell Mitchell was doing push-ups on the half-way line after a Rabbitohs try, before the Panthers ran his side down.

More importantly, the Panthers took out last September’s Preliminary Final in a match that

put them into the Grand Final and on a path to their second consecutive Premiership.

Despite having the wood over the Bunnies, there is no question this is a danger game for the Panthers. Souths have had a seven day turnaround, and the likes of Cody Walker and Mitchell are in dangerous form.

But the loss of Keaon Koloamatangi makes their pack a lot less confronting than it may have been heading into this one. And as much as Penrith are still missing James Fisher-Harris and now Liam Martin again, those filling the holes have more than done the job in recent weeks.

I think Penrith will get the chocolates here, as long as the performance last week was not a sign of things to come. It’ll still be a tight one, but Penrith should roll home late.

Tip: Panthers by 6.

Nathan Cleary.

Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

NAME: MADDISON AGE: 19

SUBURB: KELLYVILLE RIDGE

Seasons as a Pantherette? One.

Favourite food? Sushi.

Favourite TV show? ‘Modern Family’.

Favourite Panthers player? Brian To’o.

Must-follow social media account?

@maddiemalkoun.

Go to pump up song? ‘Miss You’, Oliver Tree and Robin Schulz.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? I love being a part of such

a hard working team that has so many talented girls who have a strong passion for dancing!

If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why?

Most likely my best friend Charlize as she has random common sense that would be useful to us, as I would most likely just panic or accept fate.

panther rumblings

LEGEND HITS THE ROAD – AGAIN!

! Royce hits the road: Panthers legend Royce Simmons is currently in the midst of his second major fundraising walk. The walk kicked off on Tuesday with 1991 Grand Final teammate Brad Fittler in Dubbo to help get the event underway. A number of other NRL legends have already walked alongside Simmons this week including Nigel Plum, Garry Jack and Terry Lamb. Simmons will finish Royce's Big Walk on Saturday, April 29 when he walks into Carrington Park for Penrith's clash against the Wests Tigers in Bathurst. For more details and to donate to dementia research, visit www. roycesbigwalk.com.au.

! Team List Tuesday moves: With two games being played on Tuesday for ANZAC Day, team lists for Round 9 won't be released in the usual manner next week. Team List Tuesday will become Team List Wednesday, with team lists to be released at 11am on Wednesday, April 26.

! NRL backs hair pull penalty: The overthe-top response to the penalty against Tyson Frizell for pulling Jarome Luai’s hair, accident or otherwise, has been ridiculous. Somehow, Luai has even been blamed for the situation in some corners. On Monday, NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley backed the decision by Peter Gough to penalise Frizell. “The referee has been quite heavily criticised for this decision but I just don’t know what else the referee could have done,” he said. “I get the argument, the hair is long… but we can’t have a rule that says if you have long hair, it’s OK to pull the hair. If the referee doesn’t act on that then there’s complaints about the referee not acting on a player getting his hair pulled.”

have come to terms on a longer deal. Expect it to be announced in the next few weeks.

! Spotted: Want some free WiFi at McDonald Jones Stadium? I couldn't help but notice the media WiFi password was in clear view on a printed out A4 piece of paper whenever the camera panned to Panthers coach Ivan Cleary in the box last Saturday.

! Spotted: Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary doing a spot of juggling in the sheds ahead of Penrith's game against Newcastle last Saturday.

! Spotted: Jarome Luai and his lushing locks proving popular in Newcastle, with the five-eighth snapping selfies with Penrith fans.

command big dollars elsewhere. But with both having a strong desire to stay in Penrith and potentially even accepting less than what they could get on the open market, Penrith remain pretty confident that they can re-sign both.

! Touching photo: This is the photo that brought a huge smile to the NRL community last weekend. Courageous Panthers fan Emma, who is battling serious illness, was thrilled to get a photo with the Panthers in Newcastle last Saturday. Co-captain Nathan Cleary also signed some merchandise for the inspiring youngster.

! Martin set to extend: The Panthers have a clear intent to wrap up as many key players as possible until the end of the 2027 season. Next in line is Liam Martin, who signed a one year extension late last year but now appears to

! Coach goes early: It’s a requirement for NRL coaches to hold a media conference in the lead-up to a game each week, but the timing of that opportunity is up to the club. Interestingly, Ivan Cleary opted to hold his press conference ahead of the Souths game on Monday at 9am. This year, Cleary has often tried to schedule media events outside of team training times – taking things a little more behind closed doors this season.

! Luai, Edwards debate pointless: The suggestion that Penrith may have to choose between keeping Jarome Luai or Dylan Edwards was news to the Panthers. This is a media story with no real substance; both players are keen to stay and are in Penrith's long-term plans. It's not news to the club that both are off-contract at the end of next year and could

HOW CLEARY BECAME BEST IN THE BIZ

Zealand, he’d always have a footy in his hand, kicking it around the house or backyard.

Captain Clutch, the Ice Man, Prince of Penrith – whatever you want to call him, Nathan Cleary is made for the big moments.

When the game is on the line, there’s probably no one in the competition you’d want wearing your team’s jersey than the cool, calm and collected 25-year-old.

Already this season, Nathan has been involved in several big moments for the Panthers. Whether it was the clutch sideline conversion in the World Club Challenge to send the game to extra time; the incredible two-point field against the Eels with just seconds left on the clock; or the back-to-back field goals against the Knights last weekend to give Penrith the come from behind win – the NSW Origin star has been a part of some mighty huge moments already in 2023.

“What he’s doing at the moment, he’s got to a stage in his career where he’s not scared of the big moments,”

Nathan’s father and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said this week.

“I’m very proud of him but also impressed, honestly.”

Ivan, who has coached the Clive Churchill Medallist to two NRL Premierships in recent years, said he’s seen a change in his son over the past year or so, which is proving impactful both on and off the field.

“Even in the last 12 months, he’s really matured off the field and just as a man, and I think that’s showing on the field as well,” Ivan admitted.

“He’s really embracing the big moments and putting

himself out there every time to take those shots because when you miss or fail, it’s a pretty big deal.”

Nathan missed two shots at field goal the other night in Newcastle, but he didn’t shy away from having another crack to eventually get his team over the line.

The 2022 World Cup winner said experience and not being afraid to fail is what helps him most when the game is on the line.

“I don’t think kicking actual field goals gets easier with each one, but your mentality around it gets easier,” Nathan explained.

“I think in the past, after that first missed attempt, I would’ve shied away from it and been a bit nervous about missing again, but I didn’t feel those nerves and I wanted another shot to redeem myself.

“I guess that mentality comes from practise and having confidence and experience in games, and kicking field goals in games.”

Visit a Panthers training session during the week and you’ll always find Cleary practising field goals and sideline conversions. He’s always the last one left on the training paddock and his dedication is what makes him so reliable on game day.

“He practises an awful lot, all sort of kicks and situations,” Ivan told Extra Time

“He definitely puts the work in. What is the saying? The harder you work, the lucky you get?”

Nathan said ever since he was a little boy growing up in New

“Kicking is something that I enjoy doing, it doesn’t feel like a chore to me,” he told Extra Time

“Ever since I was able to walk, I’ve always enjoyed kicking the footy around, so I think it’s important not to lose that as you grow older, and the stakes get higher in an NRL environment. You still have to enjoy what you’re doing and have fun with it.”

Nathan’s already kicked four field goals in six games this season and, with the way the NRL competition is playing out this year, he’s in line to slot over a few more before October rolls around.

During last Saturday’s 16-15 thriller over the Knights, Nathan equalled a long-standing Panthers record with 14 field goals for his career.

He tied Penrith legend Greg Alexander and fullback Neil Baker, with the latter slotting over an unbelievable 14 field goals for Penrith during his two-year stint back in 1988 and 1989.

Nathan was unaware he was just one field goal away from breaking the all-time record for field goals by a Panther when informed by Extra Time on Tuesday afternoon.

“No, I didn’t know that,” Nathan smiled in response.

“I need to get another one to try and go past Brandy. I’ll see if I can do that this week.”

Halfback Nathan Cleary chatting with journalist Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

The Ice Man.

Nathan Cleary ices the game last weekend against Newcastle.

Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

TAGO CHASES HIS BEST SEASON YET

“It was pretty cool being around that group of professionals and seeing a different side some of the boys from here too, taking up more leadership roles,” he said.

We may only be a quarter of the way through the season, but Panthers centre Izack Tago has already taken his game to another level.

Following his World Cup stint with Samoa towards the end of last year, the 21-year-old has used that incredible experience to not only his but Penrith’s benefit during the opening rounds of 2023 season.

With the Panthers flying high once again to start the year, Tago has also been in fine form as he inches closer and closer to his 50th NRL game.

Speaking with Extra Time, the St Marys junior said he feels completely comfortable out on the footy field, not that he ever wasn’t.

“I was never uncomfortable when I first came into grade, I guess it’s like an experience thing,” Tago said.

“Now this feels normal.”

After his six-game debut season in 2021, Tago played nearly every match last year, including Penrith’s incredible Grand Final victory over Parramatta.

Following that, he was chosen in Samoa’s World Cup team and played with the surprise packets for two games before suffering an unfortunate injury and being ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Tago said his time over in England was something that he’ll never forget.

“I also enjoyed the cultural side of things as well.

“It was massive for not only our culture, but how they bring it into the game and play with so much pride and passion.”

When Tago returned to Panthers pre-season training in the new year, his mission was to build on his outstanding sophomore season in which he scored 13 tries and lost just three games.

In his first half a dozen games this year, Tago is running, on average, more metres than in 2021 (169m per game) and his missed tackle rate has reduced.

“I feel like I’ve picked up where I left off last year,” Tago said.

“I’m trying to build on it and just be consistent… trying not to take the game for granted and do as good as I can.”

Off-contract at the end of 2025, Tago said it was his mission coming into this season to pick up his running game and help his forward pack out.

“It’s always been a strong point for us – our back five metres – so I wanted to have a focus of getting a bit more ball,” he admitted.

“I knew I could make more metres, I just needed a few more extra carries to get them.

“That’s definitely a point I’ve been trying to focus on this year.”

Izack Tago crosses the line against Canberra.

Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

POSITION: HOOKER | NRL DEBUT: V EELS, MAY 2019

WEIGHT: 90KG |

HEIGHT: 183CM |

DOB: 15/01/98 |

INSURANCE & PRIVATE WORK ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Proudly servicing the people of Penrith since 1974!

PENRITH’S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

The Panthers seem to have a blueprint on how they will remain a top four side and even maybe win a couple more premierships over the next five years.

Much like the classic western movie ‘The Magnificent Seven’ in which seven gunslingers are hired to protect a small village from a group of marauding bandits, Penrith are determined to sign their own ‘magnificent seven’ to protect the NRL Premiership from a group of marauding teams all wanting to take them down.

They’ve made a good start too, with five of the seven already signed until 2027.

First, you need a great halfback, Nathan Cleary – check! You also need two tough, no-nonsense props, James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota – check! Add to the list a quality ball-playing lock, Isaah Yeo – check! Not forgetting a superstar winger, who makes more yardage than most forwards and can score a try – Brian To’o – check!

That’s it, five from seven ‘guns’ already signed until 2027.

Now, only two more to go!

Every Premiership winning side has an outstanding fullback –Dylan Edwards, already a Panther and one the club wants to keep beyond his current contract which expires at the end of 2024. They’re

confident of keeping him until at least 2027.

Finally, if you’ve got a great halfback, you need a super-talented five-eighth, one which complements your halfback, not copies him. Enter Jarome Luai, who has already made three first grade Grand Finals with Cleary, winning back-to-back Premierships with him as well.

Like Edwards, Luai does not come off contract until 2024. He wants to stay long-term and the club doesn’t

want to let him go. With the salary cap going up each year, plenty of players already shed over the last three seasons and two more to depart at the end of the year. The money will be there.

I’m confident Luai will re-sign for the long ride ahead.

Not a bad spine to base a team around. Seven ‘generational players’. Seven super ‘gun’-slingers who are all entering the prime of their careers, not the end of it.

Sure, a premiership-winning

hooker would be nice but eight into seven, just won’t go.

No, the ‘Magnificent Seven’ are taking shape. You can see their silhouettes outlined on the horizon. Seven wonderful players ready to lead their chargers into any battle.

Unafraid of anyone, unafraid of any challenge or any team which they come up against. And that’s how the west… and future NRL Premierships… will be won!

DAY MASS 2023

Rookwood Catholic Cemetery

When: Saturday 13th May, 2023 at 12 noon

Where: Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel

Presided by: Bishop Emeritus Terry Brady

Liverpool Cemetery

When: Saturday 13th May, 2023 at 10.30am

Where: The Reflection Chapel

analysis Saturday 13th May 2023

Presided by: Fr Anthony Fregolent CS

Kemps Creek Memorial Park

When: Saturday 13th May, 2023 at 10.30am

Where: The Pavilion

Presided by: Fr Dominik Karnas CSMA

We hope you can join us for our special Mother’s Day Mass Hospitality provided after mass RSVP By 5th May 2023 visit www.catholiccemeteries.com.au/events/ WW48696

Penrith’s Magnificent Seven. Digitally altered image.

with Peter Lang

FIVE MINUTE SIN BIN? NO THANKS

If you stick around long enough in rugby league you’ll know that at some point, on almost every topic, you’ll be making a trip Back to the Future.

Sometimes, like Marty McFly, you’ll be going waaay back, and on other occasions it might be just a quick skip back into the recent past.

This week we’re filling up the flux capacitor in the DeLorean and returning to a date of your choosing, because the topic that has reared its head again is an area of the game that is debated on an annual basis: sin bins, and how long they should last for.

warren smith

Yes, there’s been plenty of them in 2023 – 44 to be precise – and the argument from those wanting either fewer of them or a shorter duration off the field for the sinners, is that too many games are being decided by a referee marching a player for a range of offences.

And as night follows day the cries have gone up that we should re-introduce the five minute sin bin for indiscretions that fall on the lighter end of the scale.

It’s not an original idea and it’s been floated at some point in most seasons since the NRL removed the option of sending players to the sin bin for either five minutes or 10 minutes almost 20 years ago.

The problem is that the experts, fans, coaches or club officials want-

ing to see the five minute option brought back in have either a short memory or haven’t made enough trips around the sun to know why we did away with two alternatives when it came to using the sin bin.

If you think the current application of the rules is causing controversy, just wait and see what happens if the NRL once again decides to give referees the ability to send players to the sin bin for five minutes OR 10 minutes.

Quite frankly, when referees had that option it was chaotic. Arguments raged pretty much every time a sin binning occurred, with the rugby league-watching public divided down the middle as to

whether a player should be given a five or 10 minute breather to contemplate what he’d just done.

Trust me, you don’t need a DeLorean to know that it would take only a couple of rounds of football before the phrase ‘where’s the consistency’ would be the most-used term at post-game media conferences.

And besides, it’s not as though having a player sin-binned means a team automatically goes on to lose a game, or that the sin-binning has an effect in deciding the result.

When Hudson Young was correctly sin-binned for a professional foul in the final 60 seconds of the game between the Raiders

hidden panther

and Dragons last Sunday it didn’t change the outcome of the game, but his sin-binning adds to the increased tally that critics are now using for saying there’s too many instances where 13 plays 12. There have been 35 tries scored in 44 sin bin situations over the opening seven rounds.

It’s less than one try per dismissal.

And out of those 44 sin bins, the team that has been reduced to 12 players has either held their opponents scoreless or outscored the team with 13 men on 16 occasions. When you consider all of that, it should only take you about five minutes to know you should have kept the DeLorean in the garage.

WHO AM I ?

Sin bin discussion is all the rage in rugby league. Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS ROAR BACK INTO FORM

The Penrith Panthers have roared back into form in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, thumping the Newcastle Knights 48-16 at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Panthers started strongly, scoring through Jack Cogger within the opening 10 minutes.

An error gave Newcastle a chance to counter-attack, with Ryan Sutton beating a scattered defence to score.

Jack Cole scored the Panthers’ second try in the 24th minute, before Isaiah Iongi set up Jesse McLean eight minutes later.

They added two tries in the final three minutes of the half, first when Eddie Blacker crashed over near the posts. Daeon Amituanai then beat six defenders to score and move 28-4 ahead.

The Panthers picked up from where they left off after half-time, with a simple right-side shift leading to a try for Thomas Jenkins.

The Knights threatened a comeback with back-to-back tries midway through the half, however another Panthers surge in the final 10 minutes blew the margin out as McLean and Jenkins completed doubles either side of a John Faiumu try.

Earlier in the day, a dominant first half saw the Panthers beat the Knights 28-24 in Jersey Flegg, despite the late send off of Zac Lipowicz following a high tackle.

The Panthers made a perfect start, with Adam Runchel scoring after just three minutes.

Chris Vea’ila got the Knights on the board in the 11th minute, however the Panthers immediately hit back through Luke Philp.

@LachlanJeffery

Back-to-back tries to Harrison Hassett and Lipowicz pushed the Panthers lead out to 22-4, before Philp added a penalty goal just before half-time.

A penalty against Lipowicz immediately after the resumption gifted the Knights field position, leading to a try to Declan Pettet.

Quick-fire tries to Vea’ila and Noah Nailagoliva cut the margin to 24-20, before Cody Lawson scored to give them some breathing space with 10 minutes remaining.

Lipowicz’s send off led to a try to Freeman Forsythe, however the Panthers did enough to hang on and win 28-24.

In Round 8, NSW Cup will play as the curtainraiser to Thursday night’s Rabbitohs v Panthers match, while Jersey Flegg travel to Redfern to

Daeon Amituanai carts the ball up last weekend. Photo: NRL Images.

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Supporting Koori Kids at school: Programs available to support our region’s children

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services (NCNS) and the team at Kooly have a number of programs to support Aboriginal kids’ success at school.

This starts with Aboriginal Supported Playgroups – at Cranebrook and St Marys – every week.

Aboriginal Playgroup is a great way for Aboriginal kids to connect in play, fun developmental challenges, and culture – all the time having fun with sensory play and time for parents to connect in a friendly space.

This term, we will implement a Music program at Kooly Friday playgroup – this has been a great way for kids to express themselves, share new experiences, and the evidence for enhanced development through music is very positive.

Every term we run an Early Childhood Developmental Outreach day – on May 31, your (0-5-year-olds) child can see the Bounce Mobile dentist, have a Blue Book check with the nurse, have a HAPPEE hearing check, have eyes and vision checked,

and more. Families are supported through this process, and this means together we can get kids off to the best possible start.

Something new at Kooly, is the new Homework Help afternoons for Aboriginal kids.

On Tuesday afternoons in school terms, any school-aged Aboriginal student with homework to do can come to the Youth Hub at Kooly, have a snack and work with the support of our Aboriginal Youth Workers on their assignments and projects. The Hub has computers and

Helpful Contacts

printers and free Wi-Fi, so it’s all set up for homework help. This is a great new project that has arisen out of what we are seeing in the community.

In Term 3, all Aboriginal kids starting school in 2024 (and who haven’t attended formal early childhood education) will be able to enrol in our School Readiness program which runs over 10 weeks and helps prepare kids for this important transition.

For information on all these programs, please check the NCNS Facebook page or website.

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

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

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400 murumittigar.com.au

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

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au

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

Aboriginal Land Council (02) 9689 4444

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

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WITH REBECCA DI NOIA WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

How much customer info do you hold?

Around six years ago, I became a victim of Identity fraud.

It was around July 2016 when I received a bank statement from my bank, except I did not recognise the account number.

Curiously, I went to the local branch and discovered that there was a separate file set up under a fraudulent address and contact details under my name.

I was told that there was an issue with my account five to six months prior but “we have sorted it out”. When I asked what the issue was, the branch staff refused to tell me but reassured me that everything was OK.

So, I went online and applied for my credit report, only to discover that five unauthorised credit inquiries had occurred as well as someone using my ID to rent a place and get a job somewhere else.

Once I had the credit report, I went down to my local police station and requested an event number. I also contacted the Australian Cyber Crime Unit (ACSC).

During my search, I came across a service called IDCare. IDCare is the Australian and New Zealand national identity and cyber support service and is also free.

I was told to place a “ban” on my credit file with the credit agency. The standard firsttime ban is 21 days, then, if necessary, you can request to extend it up to three months. This means that no one, including yourself, can apply for credit or open accounts during

Repairing your credit rating is not as simple as telling the service providers that this is not your debt. I found myself being transferred to every department under the sun and repeating my story over and over just to get nowhere.

I soon discovered that most large companies have a Fraud Prevention department; I quickly learnt in requesting to speak with staff from that department so I could find out what documents were needed to correct my credit rating.

During the process of repairing my credit rating, I came across the “Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate”. A Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate is a document that you can present to an organisation, such as a government agency, a financial institution, or a credit agency to help support your claim that you have been the victim of a Commonwealth identity fraud. This may help you to rectify your business or personal affairs and you will need to apply to a magistrate in your State or Territory to receive it.

I could not be granted a Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate because the offences at the time were not Commonwealth offences (like tax/Centrelink fraud, or fake passports) so the judge instead granted me the Certificate under State law.

I share my story with clients when talking about privacy and cyber security, to encourage them in asking themselves – how much information are you collecting from your customers? Is it really necessary? And what would happen if that information was

Exciting Hairdressing Opportunity Myer Penrith

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced and passionate hairdressers with a strong customer service focus. This is a rare opportunity to run your business in a vacant hair salon in our Myer Penrith store. The salon is on approximately 99m2 and is located at the Western Highway entrance to Myer on Level 1, so it's a great way to gain high customer traffic exposure. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to gain new customers, but all power, water and telephone fees are also incorporated within Myer's use of the space, so you won't have to pay any additional utility costs.

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

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

ADVICE & TRAINING

BUSINESS

We know that as a small busines you just want to be productive and not have to worry about all that “business stuff”.

But that “business stuff” is so important to your success. That’s where the Western Sydney Business Centre can help. We have been helping small businesses for years with things like Business Planning and Marketing, Pricing and Sales, Business Resilience and more. Choose a One on One advisory sessions with a professional, independent business advisor who will come to you. Or sit in on one of our many tailored webinars or workshops.

Get started today, call 4721 5011.

The Western Sydney Business Centre has The Western Sydney Business Centre has been delivering business advice as a not for profit organisation for over 35 years, winning multiple national business advice The

BUSINESS ADVICE

Western Sydney Business Centre has beendelivering business advice as a not for profit organisation for over 35 years, winning multiple national business advice awards as both a Centre and as individual advisors as we are consistently being placed in the top 3 business advice centres in NSW. We complete over 6,500 hours of business advice every year.

DANCE AND MAGIC TOGETHER AT LAST

The combination of Irish dance and magic may sound like a strange one at first. But, with a classic show about to hit the stage at Panthers, you’ll just have to see it for yourself.

Celebrating her 10th anniversary with the group this year, Georgia May lives and breathes Celtic Illusion. Off stage, she deals in marketing and tour bookings, but on stage, she’s one of the leading performers.

“Anthony [Street], who’s the creator and the director of the show, is also a lead performer with me, and we perform magic, it’s pretty cool,” she said.

Celtic Illusion is one of the most unique shows in the world, combining Irish dance and Celtic music with magic. But, May assures it’s not your typical representation of Irish dance, with a big mix of flavours including commercial jazz and Broadway putting a fun twist on the style and creating a show for everyone.

“It’s a very modern take on Irish dancing.

If you’re not sure that you really enjoy Irish dancing, or think that it’s going to be a little bit boring, a little bit traditional, it’s definitely not,” she said.

“Then, the magic element is in there as well. We have little, tiny magic bits, and then we have the big, grand illusions, like levitation, audience reappearance and metamorphosis.”

From a performer’s perspective, May says

she adores the aspects of the show, which keep her constantly on her toes. According to her, the constant love from audiences worldwide can be similarly explained.

“The audiences are just getting bigger and better, which is amazing,” she said.

“It’s different, and I think that’s why people keep coming back, and there’s a lot of different demographics that we’re hitting with the Irish dancing, with Celtic music, and with the magic.”

But, as the show has grown and changed, audiences have as well, with May stating a recent shift in just who’s coming to see Celtic Illusion.

“A lot of our previous years touring, it’s been an older demographic; beautiful retirees who just love going to the theatre and will

see everything. Now, we really are bringing in a bit of a younger crowd, and a lot of kids, because they love the magic,” she said.

Having toured in Penrith just last year, May guarantees that there’s something in the show for newbies and repeat viewers.

“Each year we tour, we try to update some of the show so that we are keeping it fresh for audiences,” she said.

“We’ve updated all our music, and we have new illusions that are in and another one coming as well.”

With music, dance and magic galore, Celtic Illusion is set to have you on the edge of your seat, and having a lot of fun.

Celtic Illusion will be on at the EVAN Theatre in Penrith on Wednesday, May 10 at 8pm. Visit penrith.panthers.com.au to book.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Kids Disco at St Marys Leagues Club

This Saturday, April 22, take the kids to St Marys Rugby League Club to bring the school holidays to a close in a big way. Saints will be holding a Superhero Kids Disco, where your little ones can dress up as their favourite Superhero, and join in with loads of fun, games, dancing and singing. Tickets are $15 per child and $3 per adults. Visit stmarysleagues.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood.

Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

Regular events.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL. Rhonda 0408 218 965.

The Sunset Station Singers entertain residents mainly in nursing homes. The song list is over 130 songs, ranging from their old time favourites to more current songs.

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738.

Morning Melodies back at The Joan

Talented performers Vov Dylan, Glenn Amer and Jennifer Gray, along with a string quartet from the Palace Orchestra, will be celebrating the great classics from Hollywood at The Joan this Wednesday, April 26, when they take the stage as part of this month’s Morning Melodies. The show will begin at 11am with morning tea served from 10am. Visit thejoan.com.au.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Penrith Lions Club

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

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

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

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

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

Penrith NASHO’s monthly meeting

Penrith RSL Club. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Anyone can fly at iFly!

iFly will be holding All Abilities events on the last Sunday of every month. The program has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, possible. For more information or to book a flight next Sunday, April 30, visit ifly.com.au.

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

Nepean Food Services

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

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing

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

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42

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

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

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.

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre

Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

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

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

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

BEST OF THE BEACH BOYS!

Known as America’s first rock band, and one of the greatest bands of all time, The Beach Boys have no doubt gone down in history with a string of hits that have transcended time. Now, Australia’s best is heading back to the EVAN Theatre to continue their legacy.

The Australian Beach Boys Show has captured the essence of The Beach Boys, including their lush production numbers, vocal masterpieces, and striped blue and white shirts, to produce a show that’s as close as can be to the real thing.

In addition to flawlessly performing some

of their greatest hits, The Australian Beach Boys Show utilises technological wizardry and multiple overlays of sound to let audiences experience the ‘wall of sound’ that Brian Wilson so successfully created in the studio, live on stage.

The show will also feature original Beach Boys clips playing on the big screen for every song.

Set to entertain, delight and capture audiences by paying tribute to the incredible band, this show is not one to miss!

The Australian Beach Boys Show will be on at the EVAN Theatre at Panthers on Saturday, April 29 at 8pm. Tickets are $40.30. For more information or to book, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

At the movies...

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

It has already made more money at the box office than any other film this year, and now ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ is well on its way to becoming one of the biggest animated movies of all-time.

Even before this movie was released in theatres during the Easter long weekend, you just knew it was going to explode into an absolute money making machine.

These characters, first created by Nintendo back in the 1980s, have been part of our lives for decades and just about everyone has collected a coin, punched a brick, or leaped onto a flagpole playing the iconic video game franchise.

When I visited my local cinema to

watch the movie last week, I had a smile on my face seeing the scores of people in attendance from all different age groups.

There were dozens of kids, of course, but there was also loads of people my age or even older sitting down with their popcorn and Pepsi and reliving their childhoods when Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong and the chaotic Bowser ruled our living rooms.

The plot of the movie was super simple to follow. A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario's brother, Luigi, and to save

See this movie at...

the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.

What I loved about this movie is that they thought of just about everything – they call it ‘fan service’ in the film biz. The number of characters, Easter eggs and video game tie-ins they managed to squeeze in was unbelievable.

Despite some early fears by fans and critics, the all-star cast did an excellent job portraying their respective characters and the movie’s soundtrack was also a throwback to a simpler time when Gameboys were in our school backpacks.

It’s set to open a whole new universe of Nintendo films and spinoffs. – Nathan

Taylor

Ê Season four of popular Aussie drama ‘Five Bedrooms’ will premiere on Paramount+ on Sunday, May 14. Simultaneous bombshells are set to disrupt the delicate eco-system in the house, with a surprise financial windfall, two graduations, two milestone birthdays, a catastrophic loss, and an abrupt funeral. Just how things play out will be very interesting for viewers.

Ê Stan has partnered with three international streamers on a new drama series starring Harvey Keitel. An adaptation on the novel by Heather Morris, ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ sees Keitel star as Lale Sokolov, a tattooist who inks identification numbers onto prisoners’ arms before falling in love with fellow prisoner Gita, played Anna Próchniak. With the novel so well-known, this is a huge get for Stan and I’m very hopeful of an amazing production despite the horrific subject matter.

Ê New docuseries ‘The Family Stallone’, starring Sylvester Stallone, wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone and daughters Sophia, Sistine

and Scarlet, will premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, May 18. After playing some of the most legendary characters in cinematic history, the three-time Academy Award nominee is ready to give cameras access to what he would consider the greatest role of his lifetime: Dad.

Ê If you love baking in your spare time (and who doesn’t?), casting is underway for ‘The Great Australian Bake Off’ with new judges Rachel Khoo and Darren Purchese and hosts Natalie Tran and Cal Wilson. For your chance to compete on the upcoming LifeStyle series, visit go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/ GABO for all the details.

Ê Some of America’s most popular dramas have been renewed for new seasons. ‘Law & Order’, ‘Law & Order: SVU’, ‘Law & Order: Organised Crime’, ‘Chicago Fire’, ‘Chicago PD’ and ‘Chicago Med’ will all be returning.

Ê Amazon Prime Video will stream ‘Wild Isles’, the nature documentary series filmed in the British Isles and narrated by Sir David

Attenborough. The five-part natural history series centres on the British Isles, which is one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on Earth, and the series is full of behaviours never before seen on screen. All episodes will be available on Friday, April 21, in time for Earth Day.

Ê Sad news for fans of ‘The Resident’, with the US medical drama axed after six seasons. The sixth and final season is yet to air on Channel Seven.

Ê Stan Original Series ‘The Tourist’ will return for a second season, with production getting underway in Ireland last week. The six-part thriller will see Jamie Dornan return along with Aussie Danielle Macdonald. After their adventure in the Australian Outback, the second series follows Dornan and Macdonald’s characters Elliot and Helen as they travel to Ireland together. In an attempt to rediscover Elliot’s roots following his memory loss, they’re dragged into the dangerous whirlwind of his past life and are confronted by friends and foes both old and new.

Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railways (PG)

Get Macca’s®

TV Guide: April 21–27

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

4:00 Billion Dollar Wreck (PG) 5:00 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 6:00 Border Security International (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Wrath Of Man” (MA15+) (’21) Stars: Jason Statham

3:05 Movie: “Nancy Drew” (PG) (’07) Stars: Emma Roberts 5:10

Movie: “Stuart Little” (G) (’99)

Stars: Michael J Fox 7:00

Movie: “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (PG) (’12)

Stars: Dwayne Johnson 8:50

Movie: “Little Women” (M) (’19)

5:50 Power To The People (PG) 6:20 Chuck And The First People’s Kitchen 6:50 NITV News Update

8:00 Match It 9:00 Beat Bugs 10:00 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 11:30 The Amazing Race (PG)

1:30 TBA 3:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 6:00 Modern Family (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M)

8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M)

2:50 AFL: Women’s Under 18s 3:55 AFL: Men’s Under 18s 5:10

Wiyi Yani U Thangani (PG)

6:20 NITV News Update 6:30

Nature’s Great Migration (PG)

7:30 Asking For It (M l,v) 8:30 On The Record (MA15+) 10:10 Movie: “Vai” (PG) (’19)

12:00 JAG (PG) 1:00

Pooches At Play 1:30 I Fish 2:00 What’s Up Down Under 2:30 Football: Round 25: Melbourne Victory v Macarthur FC *Live* 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20

Movie: “The Matrix Reloaded” (M) (’03) Stars: Keanu Reeves

6:00 Friends (PG) 7:30

The Neighbourhood

Lost Dreams” (PG) (’02) Stars: Antonio Banderas

7:00 Movie: “Around The World In 80 Days” (PG) (’04) Stars: Jackie Chan 9:30 Movie: “Rush Hour” (M v) (’98)

Rugby Union: Post Match

1:40 Movie: “The Courtneys Of Curzon Street” (G) (’47) Stars: Anna Neagle 3:55 Movie: “The Dam Busters” (G) (’55) Stars: Richard Todd 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Great Escape” (PG) (’63) Stars: Steve McQueen

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

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

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

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

Word Search

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

THEME: ANNIVERSARIES

ANNUAL

BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATION

CENTENNIAL

COMMEMORATE

CRYSTAL

DATE

EMPLOYMENT

GOLD

HISTORICAL

MILLENNIAL

NATIONAL

OFFICIAL

PAST

PLATINUM

QUADRENNIAL

RECURRING

RUBY

SAPPHIRE

SEPTENNIAL

SILVER

SPECIAL DAY

TRIENNIAL

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about World War I in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. What caused Great Britain to join World War I?

2. Which animals were frequently used to carry messages during World War I?

3. The “Zimmermann Telegram” revealed Germany’s intent to entice which country to join it against the United States?

4. Germany developed cannons

able to fire shells more than 75 miles to bombard which city?

5. Which deadly World War I weapon was outlawed in the Geneva Protocol of 1925?

6. Which weapon was first used at the Battle of the Somme in World War I?

7. In what year did World War I officially end?

ANSWERS

1. German troops marching through Belgium

2. Pigeons

3. Mexico

4. Paris

5. Mustard gas

6. Tank

7. 1918

ing services.

The solutions will

Michael Ray has spent the last couple of years being the punching bag in ex-wife Carly Pearce’s music, now he’s released a personal track

“I was raised on country songs that turn what you

“You think you know what the song’s all about ... then you hear the hook and it’sent. That’s what the greats I grew up listening to like Haggard, Cash and Conway were all about. When I heard the way it flips the script twice, I knew I had to cut this It’s out now on streaming.

BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

With powerful Pluto now transiting through your sign, old rules have flown out the window. Change, elimination and transformation are the new norms in your life. So businesses need to innovate, communities need to be creative, people need to pivot and astute Aquarians need to be very adaptable. So your motto is from comedian (and birthday great) Jerry Seinfeld, “If life boils down to one thing, it’s movement. To live is to keep moving.”

Saturn (in your sign) forms a positive aspect with the Sun on Tuesday, so it’s a good time to plan projects and communicate confidently. But Mercury is retrograde so pace yourself and – if in doubt – don’t hesitate to double-check facts and figures, appointment times and travel details. Your motto for the week is from birthday great Barbra Streisand, “Confidence and doubt are at two ends of the scale, and you need both. They balance each other out.”

Many Rams are independent operators, fiery communicators and masters at multi-tasking. But things could go haywire this week, as the planets disrupt your preconceived plans. Don’t let it deter you! Mars (your patron planet) links up with intrepid Uranus, so strive to be more adventurous, as you grab opportunities with both hands. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Shirley MacLaine, “Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. It’s where all the fruit is.”

The Sun conjuncts the North Node (in Taurus), which is fabulous for taking bold new ideas and incorporating them into your professional plans for the future. Destiny is calling and you’ll find the more you combine the creative with the practical, the better the long-term outcome will be. But with Mercury still in retrograde mode (in your sign) there’ll be some stumbling blocks along the way. So do your best to be a patient and adaptable Bull.

Venus is visiting your sign, so you’ll be at your gregarious Gemini best. You’re keen to have fun but, when it comes to a problematic relationship, resist the tendency to be superficial. There’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. Mercury is retrograde so slow down, observe, listen and learn. In the words of writer (and birthday great) Harper Lee, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view.”

This week could be confusing so slow down and get your bearings before you proceed. Aim to get the balance right between socialising with other people and spending quality time on your own. Shine a spotlight on your aspirations for the future. Are they an honest reflection of who you are right here and right now? If you have an ongoing problem that’s bothering you, look to a work mentor or a wise friend for some well-chosen words of advice.

Beneath a deceptively calm exterior, you’ll feel rather restless this week Cats. The planets imbue you with a sense of urgency and you’re keen to activate an ambitious project. But self-discipline and gradual, structured modifications are what’s needed at the moment, and there’s still plenty of background work to complete. It’s also important to do your best to get the balance right between your professional/public life and your personal/private life.

Mercury (your ruler) is retrograde until May 15. So things won’t run smoothly – especially involving relationships, finances, education or travel. So throw your obsession with perfection out the window! If you adapt to changing circumstances and accept mistakes and misunderstandings with good grace, you’ll manage fine. Heed the wise words of Virgo entertainer Beyonce, “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.”

Mighty Mars is charging through your career zone, so it will be difficult to escape work issues this week. Intense concentration, careful listening and calm compromise are the keys to drama-free relationships. But – with Mercury reversing through one of your financial zones – it’s not a good time to buy big ticket items (like a house or a car), sign business contracts, apply for a bank loan or lend money to others. Instead, be a patient Libran and wait.

This week retrograde Mercury could confuse communication in romantic and platonic relationships. So be careful you’re not viewing people through ridiculously rose-coloured glasses. If you’re attached, are you and your partner on the same page? If you’re single and looking for love, be cautious. Make sure you can you differentiate between a dream date and a disappointing dud. When it comes to a close friendship, it’s time to get real and face the facts.

A romantic partnership or a creative joint venture looks promising, as long as you are realistic about what you can bring to the table. Promising professional and/or financial opportunities are around. But you need to work out the perfect time to strike (and don’t be afraid to ask others for help). Plus avoid getting half-baked financial information from a flaky friend. Smart Sagittarians will look to a successful colleague for some astute business advice.

This week you’re keen to help, but do other people require your well-meaning assistance? Remember Mercury is in retrograde mode until May 15. So be careful you’re not just being a fussy and finicky meddler. And if you are too quick to critique others, then you could find yourself with a fractious friend or a cranky colleague on your hands. Praise and encouragement will always get you a lot further than crit-

BROUGHT

Winter sports are here, so how can you prevent a nasty injury this season?

Here are four tips to reduce your chances of injury while training or playing sport this year.

Manage the load

Load refers to the volume or intensity of the stress that we put on our body.

Many sports injuries could be prevented by better controlling the load placed on our body.

One of the biggest mistakes is increasing load too quickly and not allowing time for the body to adapt. e.g. not running for three months and then running 15km because that’s what you used to be able to do. Instead, start with a 3-5km run and gradually increase the distance each week.

As a result overuse injuries occur as our bone, muscle and tendons have not developed a tolerance to this higher load level.

These injuries include: Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, planterfasciitis and tennis elbow, etc.

Recovery time

Rest and recovery is an important factor in preventing injury.

Injuries often happen when we are fatigued or unwell.

It is important to monitor how you feel and adjust your activity levels accordingly.

In addition to this, our body can only get fitter and stronger when we rest and let it recover from the training load.

Also, without recovery time you aren’t

giving your body the chance to maximise the benefits of your training.

Strength training

A strength and conditioning program can reduce the incidence of many injuries and also helps improve performance.

This can consist of two to three sessions per week of gym or home-based strengthening exercises.

Look to target the key areas involved in your sport, e.g. single leg strength exercises for running and running based sports, rotator cuff strengthening exercises for swimming. Monitor your footwear and wear what is suitable for you.

Footwear can have a significant influence on injury prevention, especially in walking or running. Research suggests that shoes should be changed every six to 12 months or 500km-800km, but this can depend on a number of factors.

There has been a great deal of research into the best footwear however footwear style is also specific to each person and it is essential that you wear a shoe that is suitable for your foot type.

Wearing a shoe that is compatible with your foot type ensures muscles and tissue in your legs and feet are activated correctly which reduces the chance of injury to these structures.

WITH DAVID NORRIS NORTEC IT • 9894 9514

Have you missed the boat on crypto, or is there still a chance to make cash?

So what is a cryptocurrency, and what are the risks and rewards? In its simplest terms, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency. Behind the scenes, it uses advanced technology to secure transactions. It also operates independently of any banking and government systems. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, which was created in 2009. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been developed, each with unique features and use cases. Some other popular cryptocurrencies include Ethereum, Dogecoin, Ripple and Litecoin, among others.

A few years back, I started dabbling in cryptocurrency. The first thing I did was research a reliable cryptocurrency exchange. These online platforms allow you to buy and sell cryptocurrency. After some research, I went with Binance, which has both an international and Australian presence. I started with small investments; I selected five cryptocurrencies and invested a small amount in each. While some currencies had rapid growth, others had negative growth.

What I learnt was cryptocurrency investing requires patience and a long-term perspective. Prices can be highly volatile, and preparing for ups and downs is essential. It would be best to have a plan to manage your risks. It is different from share trading, as cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile. It is not a purchase-and-forget platform; you

need to follow the markets. For example, in mid-2021, a single Bitcoin was worth over $80k. The value today is $45k. That would be a significant loss if you were not watching the market.

Another consideration when investing in cryptocurrencies is that, unlike traditional investments, cryptocurrencies do not have underlying assets or cash flows that can be used to assess their value. They are not backed by any government or banking system. They are not really a currency. While many online businesses accept Bitcoin as payment, it is not a currency you can use in a local store. Other popular cryptocurrencies have no business that takes them and remain a pure investment strategy. Interestingly, Microsoft accepts Bitcoin in the marketplace store, and Virgin Galactic will allow you to pay for a space flight with Bitcoin.

Cryptocurrency investing is not for the faint-hearted. It is a complex and rapidly evolving field, so it’s essential to understand the basics.

Pet of the Week

PET CHAT

Pets and allergies: What can cause them, and how to find a solution

Pets are such a joy to have in our homes, but have you ever noticed your furry friend constantly scratching and biting at their skin? This could be a sign that they have allergies. Just like humans, pets can develop allergies to certain foods, environmental factors, and even flea bites.

Food allergies are more common in dogs than cats and can cause symptoms such as itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems. Common allergens found in pet food include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat and soy. Another common source of allergies for our pets is the environment around them.

Grass, pollen, mould, and dust mites are all possible culprits. If your pet is experiencing sneezing, coughing, or an itchy nose, it’s possible they are dealing with an environmental allergy. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce their exposure to these allergens. For instance, keep your

pet indoors on days with high pollen counts or invest in an air purifier for your home.

Flea allergies are also common in pets and can cause significant discomfort. Some pets can have an allergic reaction to a single flea bite. Symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis include intense itching, redness, bumps, and hair loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to check your pet for fleas and talk to your vet about the best treatment plan.

It’s important to note that allergies in pets can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions such as infections

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or parasites. That’s why it’s essential to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause of their symptoms.

In conclusion, pets can and do develop allergies just like humans do. However, with proper treatment and management, your pet can live a healthy and comfortable life.

Hopefully, the cure is something as simple as changing your pet’s diet.

For a healthy, hypoallergenic diet, try petfoodaustralia.com.au for their range of grain-free dry food and natural treats.

The superannuation system is designed to build wealth in order to provide us with income in our retirement years. Once we retire and need income, the most efficient way to do this is by converting our superannuation to pension phase and commence an income stream.

Once in pension phase, all earnings are tax-free as is the income you receive. There are two types of income streams; accountbased pensions and annuities. Each has competing strengths and weaknesses and they work really well together by having a combination of both.

An account-based pension, also known as an allocated pension, is by far the most common income stream. Account-based pensions are offered by most superannuation providers and there is a wide array and choice of funds.

The main strength of the account-based pension is flexibility. You are able to choose how you invest your funds. You can also select the level of income you require and are able to make withdrawals as you please. The value of the account-based pension goes up and down in line with investment returns and withdrawals. Once you run out of money, the pension stops. In the event of your death, the remaining value of your account-based pension is passed on to your estate.

The full value of the account-based

pension is assessed for Centrelink asset test purposes. It is also subject to deeming for the income test, in the same way as other investment assets.

With account-based pensions, you bear investment risk and longevity risk.

Annuities pay you a set income for a set period of time. You are able to nominate a time frame and a portion of your investment you would like back at the end of the period.

The annuity company will pay you a pre-determined pension for the designated time frame.

You are also able to select a lifetime pension, in which you receive an income for the rest of your life. The newer lifetime annuities offer guaranteed payment terms, periods you can access your funds and other options that weren’t available in earlier life time annuities. This makes them a little more flexible than they once were.

Annuities are very secure in that they offer guaranteed payments with the annuity company bearing the investment risk. Lifelong annuities and annuities with benefit periods of longer than five years with no return of capital, have favourable Centrelink treatment. In the case of lifelong annuities, they also bear the longevity risk.

The weakness of annuities is that they typically have lower investment returns and are very inflexible. Taking lump sums is not possible and the income received is set in advance.

APPLICATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR ON THE PENRITH RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB BOARD

Penrith Rugby League Club (PRLC) are seeking applications to fill positions of Independent Director on the Board for a three-year term.

The Independent Director will be selected by the PRLC Board members, having regard to the skills and experience that will augment, bolster or complement the skills and experience of other Board members.

Business people with experience and qualifications in law, accounting, commerce, construction, marketing, Rugby League and event management are encouraged to apply.

It is important that the Independent Director of the Board is free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere (or could reasonable be perceived to materially interfere) with the independent exercise of that administrative board member’s judgement.

Nominations are invited from candidates residing in the surrounding local government areas by way of application forms, cover letters and Curriculum Vitae.

Application forms may be downloaded at: www.panthers.com.au/applications-for-independent-director/

Applications forms are also accessible from Brian Fletcher (CEO of PRLC) via brian.fletcher@panthers.com.au.

Applications should be submitted by Friday 12th May 2023 via email to brian.fletcher@panthers.com.au or by post to Locked Bag 8322 Penrith NSW 2751.

To obtain further information, please contact Brian Fletcher on 0417 432 803.

Service

and quality care assured at Mobile One Auto Repairs

Honesty and reliability are two traits hard to find in a business these days but you can expect all that and more from the team at Mobile One Auto Repairs.

Located at Forrester Road in St Marys, Mobile One Auto Repairs has been in business for an amazing 26 years, and has the reputation to go along with it.

“We’ve been here for a long time and have a very loyal customer base,” co-owner Debbie Bartolo said.

Mobile One Auto Repairs offers a range of high quality services including general mechanical repairs such as brakes, lubes, exhausts and tune-ups, plus registration checks and log book servicing without losing

your new car warranty. They offer a limited pick up and drop off service, are flexible with appointments and very competitive with their prices.

But perhaps the best aspect of Mobile One Auto Repairs is their incredible customer service ethic. No longer will you leave the mechanic not knowing what repair work your pride and joy has undertaken and why.

“If a part is no longer working we’ll show the customer what is wrong with it and they are even welcome to take the part home,” Debbie said.

“We try and educate customers because there’s nothing worse than not knowing what you’ve paid for.”

They are at 6/176 Forrester Road, St Marys.

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Brock’s life in the fast lane

when he was working on his car, so I was always around it.”

his team were confident they could make the leap again.

With a first name like Brock, it probably comes as no surprise that this 19-year-old from Mulgoa would carve out a career in motor racing.

With Brock Stinson’s father, Mark, a race car driver and enthusiast from way back, the former Penrith Christian School student was always destined to end up behind the wheel having grown up around mechanical workshops and race tracks.

“At age nine, I was begging Dad to get me a go-kart,” Stinson told the Weekender

“Dad always built and raced his own race cars, so I grew up around the race track. After school every day I’d be in the shed with Dad

After two years of pestering his father, Mark finally relented and bought his son his first go-kart at age 11.

“I raced go-karts for eight years, until I was 17,” Stinson said.

“We won a couple of races at National level and then we thought it was time to step up to cars and try that challenge.

“The goal was to always race cars, it’s what Dad did, and it always looked to be that next level.”

Moving onto cars last year, Stinson achieved some great results with pole positions, race victories and a round win in the MRF sponsored Nissan Pulsar series.

After a standout debut season, Stinson and

Last weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park, Stinson embarked on the biggest challenge of his career so far when he lined up in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series.

Stinson said despite some obvious nerves, he enjoyed the experience.

“The event was out of 30 cars. We were in the top 10 on Friday, which was pretty cool, and then on Saturday, we qualified 12th, so we were reasonably happy with that,” he said.

“We wanted to be further up the field but we didn’t nail the lap in qualifying, but it’s one of those things where you’re quite nervous in the first round of the season.”

But it’s not just on the track where Stinson is accelerating, he’s also impressing off it too.

Stinson is a second year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of NSW who, between study, works as a race mechanic and driver training instructor.

Stinson also has his foot on the pedal in the Formula 1 space as well after he represented his school in Abu Dhabi in the 2019 World Finals of the F1 in Schools program.

Stinson was part of a team that placed fifth in the world outright and first with the best engineered car. From this result, he was selected, along with nine others, to join the Williams F1 Academy for engineers.

It appears this supremely talented and intelligent individual is on the right track to success. Stinson is on the hunt for sponsors to keep his dream alive, contact him via Facebook at https://bit.ly/3UQNK68.

Mulgoa local and race car driver Brock Stinson in his garage on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

All-rounder Brooke is full of passion

She’s been an OzTag star for most of her life, now Brooke Bailey has her eyes firmly set on becoming a professional AFLW player. The Glenmore Park resident began playing OzTag at the tender age of five after watching her parents play at The Kingsway in St Marys.

“I wanted to play after that,” the now 21-year-old told the Weekender

“Dad signed me up and I played my first game when I was five. I was lucky enough to play representative OzTag for Nepean from 2011 onwards and I just stuck with it because I loved it.”

Since then, Bailey has played in many Junior and Senior State Cup OzTag teams with both Penrith and West Sydney Tigers and has also represented her country every year since 2018.

In August, she’ll travel all the way to Ireland to play for Australia in the OzTag World Cup.

“To represent Australia is very rewarding. It feels unreal when you get to represent your country in a sport that you love,” Bailey said.

“I’m very excited to be going to Ireland. I love travelling for sport and it has always been on the bucket list. To be able to tick that one off and hopefully travel more in the future is up there with one of my goals.”

Another one of Bailey’s goals is to play in the AFLW.

In 2021, Bailey started playing Aussie Rules with the East Coast Eagles and took to the sport like a duck to water. She quickly rose the ranks, with

the Eagles wining the flag last season undefeated. Bailey was so dominant in her new sport that she was invited to be a part of the Sydney Swans AFL Winter Series / Academy in only her second year of playing AFL.

“My friend introduced me to AFL. I was pretty adamant that I wanted to either stick with OzTag or go play Rugby Sevens, but I found that AFL suits my ability a little bit more because I’ve always had a pretty big kicking game because of OzTag,” she said.

“Right now I’m still able to juggle AFL and OzTag because I love them both, but unfortunately it may get to the stage where I’ll have to pick one. My end goal is to make the AFLW, that’s definitely on the list.”

Following her outstanding sporting career so far, Bailey is the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star Award.

“I just love playing sport. It’s one of those things that, if you have a stressful day, it’s a bit of a release and also, you’re in your happy place,” Bailey said.

“It’s not expected but it’s always nice to be acknowledged for your hard work and effort in sport.”

Brookey Bailey’s Senior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor Penrith Panthers Leagues Club.

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

Brooke Bailey is a Senior Sports Star winner.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Cricketers on right path

Talented local players selected in Female Pathway Squad

develop these girls into the best cricketers and best people that they can be.”

Six cricketers from Penrith have bright futures in the game after they were selected in Cricket

NSW’s Female Pathway Squads.

The Female Pathways Squads are a state-wide program responsible for the identification and development of talented female cricketers catering to players from the U16 to U19 age groups. Four Penrith players – Makenzie Wheeler, Annabel Batty, Gunisha Garg and Ava Kyle – were named in the U16 NSW Metropolitan State Squad, while two ladies from Penrith also – Beth Lane and Elsa Hunter – were chosen in the U19 NSW Metropolitan State Squad. Speaking with the Weekender, Cricket NSW High Performance Coach for Female Pathways, Sarah Aley, said selection in a pathways squad is often the first step to becoming a professional player.

“A lot of players that are within these squads are striving to be professional cricketers one day and with the recent MOU that came out and a lot more money being pumped into women’s cricket, girls can look at it as a potential career,” she said.

“We’ve got quite a few girls spread out across the whole state. We are here to help

The Cricket NSW Female Youth Pathway is the most successful in the country, with both the U19 NSW Female Metropolitan and U16 NSW Female Metropolitan squads claiming 2023/23 National Championships in Perth and Canberra, respectively.

Recent Metropolitan Youth State Squad product Ananaya Sharma, from Penrith, was selected in the Australian side for the most recent U19 T20 World Cup in South Africa, after a string of solid performances at the 2022/23 U19 Female National Championships in Perth.

Aley said she can’t wait to start working with the players, to hopefully reach their full potential.

“The ones in the U19 squad we’ve had our eye on for quite some time, especially the girls from Penrith, they’ve been in the squad for quite a few years,” she said.

“The girls that are coming through, that are a bit younger, we start to look at the representative competitions that are from U13 and U15 – we keep an eye on them.

“We don’t have an infinite number of positions in our squads, but we try and make sure we pick the best girls we think have the potential to go on to play cricket for NSW or even Australia.”

Around The Grounds

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have lost the opening game of the season, belted by the Canberra Royals 71-0 in Round 1 of the John I Dent Cup. The Emus will hope to put on a better showing when they return home this Saturday afternoon to play the Queanbeyan Whites at Nepean Rugby Park.

BASKETBALL: Penrith’s women’s team continue to impress in the opening weeks of the NBL1 East competition, defeating the Hills Hornets 86-59 in Round 5. For the first time this season, experienced basketballer Meg Jefferson led her side with 18 points and four steals. Meanwhile, Penrith’s men’s side remain winless, losing to the Hornets 107-67. Penrith were no match for the Hornets, with the visitors struggling to score throughout the contest. Both teams will take on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles this Saturday at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre.

NETBALL: After their slow start to the season, the Giants have now won back-toback games, defeating the Collingwood Magpies 59-55 in Round 5 of the Super Netball competition. The Giants will aim for three on the trot when they face the Queensland Firebirds this Sunday afternoon.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have suffered their first loss of the 2023 campaign, going down to Southern Power 48-40 in Round 2 of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition last weekend. Penrith will hope to bounce back when they take on the North Shore Bombers on Saturday at Gore Hill Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have suffered a disappointing 74-13 loss at the hands of the Newtown Breakaways in Round 2 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two competition. They’ll also face the Bombers this Saturday.

AFL: The GWS Giants have snapped a three-game losing streak, narrowly overcoming the Hawthorn Hawks 77-75 in Round 5 of the AFL competition. Played at Norwood Oval in Adelaide as part of the AFL’s ‘Gather Round’, Giants star Harry Himmelberg had a final two minutes to remember – taking a spectacular contested mark, kicking the winning major and making a desperate save on the goal line to seal a two-point win for his side. The Giants will look to make it two in a row when they battle the Brisbane Lions in Canberra on Saturday afternoon.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have reached the A-League Finals for the first time in six years after defeating the Melbourne Victory 2-1 last Saturday at CommBank Stadium. Brandon Borrello led the charge for Marko Rudan’s men, scoring their first-half opener and setting up Amor Layouni’s 81st minute winner in the defeat. Rudan is now the first manager to pilot the Wanderers to a top-six finish since Tony Popovic was in charge of the club nearly a decade ago. The Wanderers will look to continue climbing the ladder when they tackle the Wellington Phoenix in Parramatta on Friday night.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Penrith will take on the Newcastle Knights this Saturday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval for a place in the SG Ball Cup Grand Final. If the Panthers manage to defeat the Knights, they’ll either play the Raiders or the Eels in next weekend’s Grand Final. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Harold Matthews team are also hunting for a spot in the 2023 decider when they take on Canterbury this Saturday morning. A win over the Bulldogs will see them face the winner out of Newcastle and Parramatta.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Penrith Cricket Club’s Elsa Hunter is on a path to stardom.

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All-rounder is a winner - see page 70

Athletes make a splash in Penrith

the bottom section even though the top did. I’m glad I put together a good run in the C1.

who’ve never been here before and had to get used to the course in a week or so and then race,” she said.

Proving there’s no place like home, Olympic gold medallist Jessica Fox was crowned women’s C1 and K1 champion at the 2023 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom National Championships last weekend, finishing ahead of sister Noemie who won the silver medal in both events.

Competing at Penrith Whitewater Stadium in their last outing on home soil before they embark to Europe for the international season, Australia’s top canoe slalom paddlers boasted strong performances and will carry confidence into an all-important season that will include qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Fox was pleased to finish the day with a clear run in the C1, which she finished in a time of 102.14 seconds.

“The course is fairly open on the top, there are a couple of areas that are just about keeping the boat running and smooth and I didn’t have to make many changes,” she said.

“I know I had a couple of time losses throughout the run in my semi-final, I was hoping to improve on those. Even in my final in K1 it didn’t feel too good on

“My K1 semi felt nice. In the final, I was hoping to improve on the time but unfortunately it was two seconds slower. I lost a lot of that time on the bottom section.”

Tasmania’s Kate Eckhardt joined the Fox sisters on the podium in both the C1 and K1 as she finished third in both classes.

In the men’s K1, 26-year-old local Angus Thompson won his inaugural national title, 16 years after he first appeared at the event as a 10-year-old.

Thompson enjoyed a clear run in the final, which he finished in a time of 90.67 seconds, ahead of Mark Crosbee in second and Dominic Curtin in third.

“I’ve been to plenty of nationals but never got the number one, so it’s nice to finally get that one,” Thompson said.

“I was feeling good from the semis, I didn’t need to change that much. Just did the little things right and managed to keep it going to the end.”

In a sport where 13-year-olds have a chance to mix it with the best in the country and the world, Fox was impressed by the young talent on display.

“Penrith is a pretty big course, so it’s quite intimidating for some of them

“It’s great to see them being courageous and charging on the rapids.”

Meanwhile, Fox and Thompson were also crowned Kayak Cross national champions after impressive performances on the whitewater.

Thompson said he’s enjoying the new challenges that Kayak Cross presents, and is proud to have won the national championship.

“Kayak Cross is certainly interesting, it keeps you on your toes, it’s a different dynamic,” he said.

“We’re used to competing against ourselves and the poles, but when you add three other people it changes everything. It’s a challenge, but it’s good fun.”

Earlier on Sunday, Thompson teamed up with his NSW teammates in the men’s kayak teams to claim his third gold medal of the weekend.

“Racing this weekend has been awesome, especially here on my home course,” he said.

“We’ve got everyone from across Australia here in Penrith this weekend, it’s really something special. Especially being the Olympic course, it’s definitely my favourite place to race in the world.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Angus Thompson takes gold.

Jessica Fox in action.