Western Weekender December 22 2023

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Friday, December 22, 2023

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WE WOOF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Nepean Therapy Dogs received an early Christmas present on Wednesday when it was named as the Trees of Hope winner.

Cassidy Pearce reports on page 7

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas on the buses Busways gets into the festive spirit with decorated vehicles and charity drive CASSIDY PEARCE

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Dennis Malzard and Jimmy Chen from Busways Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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usways’ Christmas buses have officially made their return to the roads for the silly season, creating festive fun for drivers and commuters alike.

According to Georgette Golding, Depot Manager at Busways Penrith, the team can’t wait to have them around each year.

“We’re always happy to have them in the rotation,” she said.

“We do it every year, so we’re excited now that we’ve won Region 1 again, we’ll be doing it for the next seven years, or for as long as we’ve got the contracts!”

This year, everyone from the Busways Penrith team had a hand in decorating.

“Our team get together and do it so it’s something we look forward to every year, just decorating the buses so we can service the community of western Sydney,” she said.

“There’s no one person that’s in charge of decorating, it’s a team effort. We all get in and try to decorate it together, and it’s something we all enjoy getting involved in.”

Golding said it’s most exciting for the passengers, who enjoy travelling from A to B surrounded by beautiful tinsel and

wrapped gifts, getting fully involved in the Christmas spirit.

“Our passengers are always excited, especially the elderly and the young – they love hopping on to the Christmas buses and they’re always excited when we do it at Christmas time,” she said.

All Busways’ Christmas buses are also raising funds for Westmead Hospital’s Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a cause that Golding said is close to her heart.

“Passengers can either scan the QR code and donate through to them, or they can hop onto our website which has a Paypal website for Westmead,” she said.

“We raised $6,700 last year, and we’re hoping to exceed it this year. We’re matching dollar for dollar for whatever we raise.”

Golding said she’s eager to see the Penrith community donating what they can, and enjoying the buses’ merry looks until the end of December.

“When they do their trip planners they can see the little tree, so they know which ones are Christmas buses,” she said.

“We’ve got 10 buses in this area – four from Penrith, four from Blacktown, and two from Mulgrave – with 32 through the whole region from Yamba to here.”

To donate, visit bit.ly/48e1NrP.

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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s another year comes to an end, an opportunity presents itself to reflect on 2023 and everything it was.

On the news front, international stories certainly dominated the headlines, particularly in the Middle East, but let’s stick a little closer to home.

A State Election in March saw Chris Minns become Premier, while Stuart Ayres lost the seat of Penrith – and as one local politician’s star fell, another’s rose in the shape of Prue Car, who became Deputy Premier.

We saw a changing of the guard at Council, with Todd Carney becoming Mayor and Andrew Moore the new General Manager.

Veteran Councillor Jim Aitken confirmed his retirement too, ending a long career in local government.

A beach in Penrith? It happened, finally.

New restaurants and businesses opened, others closed.

The Voice referendum suffered a resounding defeat, and Lindsay was emphatic in its ‘No’ verdict.

Sadly, our city’s domestic violence shame continued with a number of high profile murders that left us shaken and bewildered that this continues to happen.

Through the pages of the Weekender, we brought you stories of tragedy, triumph and everything in-between.

On the sporting front, the Penrith Panthers made it three straight NRL Premierships, entering rugby league folklore as the best side of the modern era.

Jessica Fox continued to dominate the world paddling stage, while Penrith’s First Grade women’s cricket team created a slice of history, taking out the NSW Premier Cricket title.

One thing that never fails each and every year is that Penrith delivers a plethora of stories, and we at the Weekender are privileged enough to share them with you.

To that end I’d like to take some time to thank those who play a part in us producing the newspaper we do every week, as well as our online digital coverage.

I’d like to thank our CEO and Publisher Kathryn Garton for her ongoing commit-

Index

“Through the pages of the Weekender, we brought you stories of tragedy, triumph and everything in-between”

ment to the Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group as a whole. It will never be taken for granted.

To our team of hard-working journalists – Nathan Taylor, Ellie Busby, Cassidy Pearce and Makayla Muscat – thank you for your efforts during a busy 2023, delivering literally thousands of pieces of content across our different publications.

Thanks to Melinda Sanders and Megan Dunn, who both capture the images that shape our city each year.

To our production team – Kacey Wilson, Zoe Merrick, Ian Beard and Madeline Dantier – thank you for your commitment to delivering excellence in terms of what we produce each and every week throughout the year.

A big thanks to our sales team, and particularly captain Chris Pennisi, whose above and beyond efforts during the year certainly don’t go unnoticed.

His team – Andrew Harris, Chris Middleton, Megan Dunn, Darlene Annaleah and Angela Jevdich – continue to play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of our business.

A huge thanks to Amanda Coskerie who heads up our accounts and bookings operations, and to Naveen Chand who leads our distribution crew and ensures the print edition gets into everyone’s hands each week.

To every supplier, columnist and partner, thanks for the role you play in our year. Every piece of the puzzle we call the Western Weekender is important.

News..........................................................1-29 Business.............................................30-35 2023 Calendar..............................36-37

Entertainment..............................39-46 Western Property.......................47-53 The Experts....................................54-59

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

A big thank you to our advertisers, whose support of local news couldn’t be more important in ensuring the Weekender continues to do what it does every week.

With no cover price on our print edition and no paywall across our digital content, it is these advertisers who fund what we do; and our appreciation knows no bounds.

Last but certainly not least, a huge thanks to you – our readers.

Whether you engage with us on social media, write letters to the Editor or just take it all in as an observer, we do it all for you and can’t thank you enough for your continued support of the publication. We hope we meet your expectations each week.

As I engage with many of you throughout the year, plenty of you tell me what you love about the Weekender, and also what you don’t. Both are important pieces of feedback to receive and we love hearing from you.

2024 promises to be a big year for not only the Weekender, but Western Sydney Publishing Group as a whole.

We will continue to produce our sister publication Parra News each week, replicating for the Parramatta and Cumberland communities what we do here in Penrith.

And on February 1, we will launch new digital products – the Blue Mountains Record, focused on the Blue Mountains community, and Bradfield Bulletin, the new airport city’s first media outlet.

It will be an exciting year, and our priority will of course remain delivering the very best content we can for our Penrith community; a city we love being part of.

Today marks the final print edition of the Weekender for 2023.

A limited news service will run across our digital assets during the summer break, while our office will re-open on Monday, January 15, 2024. Our first edition of the new year will be out on Friday, January 19.

On behalf of the entire Weekender team, I wish you and your family all the best for the Christmas period, and hope that everything you aim for is achieved in 2024.

Stay safe, and we’ll see you refreshed and raring to go in the new year.

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Enroll in a monthly membership anytime between now and January 15, and enjoy the first 30 days on us.

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LOCAL NEWS

Top marks for local students as nervous HSC wait finally ends CASSIDY PEARCE

H

SC results have been released, and once again some of the state’s top achievers are right here in Penrith.

Jamison High School graduate Jade Busst took on the HSC whilst also juggling work, tutoring and soccer.

Despite consistently coming first in all her subjects – Advanced English, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Biology, Chemistry and PDHPE – she admits she was worried about how her results would translate into an ATAR. “What I wanted to do at the end was optometry, and I got an early conditional offer for 92, so I really wanted to get 92,” she said.

“The closer the results were getting, the more nervous I was getting, but I thought based on how I did in the tests that I’d be able to get 92.”

Sticking to a study routine that she held throughout Year 12, Jade ended up beating all of her expectations, finding out her ATAR of 99.10 surrounded by loved ones.

“I had most of my family there because they were all really excited for me,” she said.

“I later found out that because my dad works next door at York Public School, the Principal already gave him a hint that I did well, so they were already excited, but I didn’t know because they didn’t tell me.

Grace and Isabel Manning were pleased with their Higher School Certificate results.

“There’s a video that my mum posted on Facebook, and it’s just me jumping up and down 20 times.”

Her ATAR is the highest ever attained by a Jamison High School student.

“It makes me feel good, because I’ve beaten everyone that’s gone to Jamison High School –

my mum went to Jamison High School as well, so I beat her!” she said.

“I was glad that I was able to show how smart I am. My mum tells people that I’m smart all the time, but now I have proof!”

Jade is now set on her path to study optometry at UNSW in 2024.

“I’ve already enrolled in all my courses, so I’m really excited,” she said.

Twins Isabel and Grace Manning also achieved outstanding results in the HSC this year.

Both girls took Advanced English, Advanced Mathematics, Biology, Religion, CAFS, and Business Studies at Emmaus Catholic College, in hopes of going into the medical field.

Despite admitting that they left their HSC exams a little uncertain, Isabel finished up as the College Dux with an ATAR of 97.05, with Grace coming in just behind her at 95.25.

“I was just about to start work when Grace gave me a call and the final ATAR came out,” Isabel said.

“I was really happy, and really shocked. We were both happy for each other because we both wanted to get high marks. We didn’t care who did better, we just both wanted to do really well.”

The two plan to accept offers to study at UTS, with hopes that they’ll find their own passions within the field in due time.

“We’re probably both going to end up doing the same Bachelor of Medical Science, but we both hope that along the line when we branch out into our own specific, specialised area, that we do something different – not just for the sake of doing something different, but because we’re both interested in different things,” Grace said.

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS

Holidays can spark rise in DV CASSIDY PEARCE

C

WW52754

hristmas is the season of giving, and this December, the team from DV Safe Phone is asking for your help to keep those impacted by domestic violence safe during a time when many are facing increased danger.

According to Nikki Firmin, Head of Community & Corporate Partnerships at DV Safe Phone, domestic violence crisis support hotlines and emergency housing programs see increased demand for their services during the Christmas period, in turn driving an increased demand for phones.

“Generally, leading up to Christmas the households are more strained due to additional pressure with dollars, it could be work related, but we just always see that there’s a peak towards Christmas,” she said.

“Just last week, we sent out 196 phones in one week, which is huge for us. Families just get under pressure a bit more, and people are potentially being held or asked to stay where they

have to stay, so a lot more support is required around not necessarily taking them out of the situation, but just allowing them to have a safe phone to call for help or even connect with loved ones if they’re not allowed to because of the situation.”

DV Safe Phone provides safe mobile phones to domestic violence and law enforcement agencies, something Firmin said can be a vital lifeline for those who are suffering.

“They can allow the victim-survivor to connect with different services, when they are in the DV situation and trying to get financial help or food,” she said.

“If the victim-survivor has been able to leave the situation, then it might be the fact that they need housing, they might need some information in relation to how they move forward with their life for employment.”

The DV Safe Phone Survivor Kits sent out to these people include a mobile phone, a brand-new charger, wall and car plugs, and sim cards to help them rebuild their lives in a safe way.

Though Firmin said

Your help is needed.

they have an abundance of phones at the moment, of which many have been donated via the drop off points in the Penrith area, funds are what they need to continue the initiative through this period.

“We do have a huge amount of phones, but we will never ever say no to phones. However, at the moment with our Christmas appeal, it is all about the funds,” she said.

“It costs around $75 for us to buy in all of those different items that go into our survival kits, and we are fully a free service and not funded.”

For more information on how to donate, or where to get help, visit www.dvsafephone.org.au.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Festive boost for charities Trees of Hope campaign at Panthers delivers much-needed community funds CASSIDY PEARCE

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anthers Penrith has officially announced the winners of its Trees of Hope initiative, sending three local charities home with an extra-large cheque for Christmas.

At the ceremony on Wednesday, December 20, Panthers’ Senior Marketing Coordinator Melissa Valentic said that the initiative was incredibly successful once again in getting the word out about involved charities Panthers on the Prowl, NORO, Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk, Regentville Rural Fire Brigade, The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter, Nepean Therapy Dogs Incorporated, Our Community Cares, and the Penrith Community Kitchen.

“Trees of Hope was created to raise awareness for local community causes, and I believe that has been achieved again this year,” she said.

“Each of the themes that you have portrayed have hit the heart strings of our members and guests.”

Though competition was close, with some impressive trees gracing the Panthers foyer this month, three prizes were awarded.

The top prize of $4000 went to Nepean Therapy Dogs once again, with 2023 being the organisation’s fourth year winning the Panthers Members Favourite Charity & Christmas Tree.

Alicia Xiberras and Cathy Craig accept the Penrith Community Kitchen prize from Panthers General Manager, Jason Stone, on Wednesday. Photo: Megan Dunn.

“There are so many worthy charities here, so I’m just so proud of the team, proud of the community, and just so thrilled and happy,” Nicole Celeban from Nepean Therapy Dogs said.

“Rhonda and Rachel actually made and

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season.

Merry Christmas mas ma and ear! ea Happy New Year!

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decorated the baubles that represent every single one of our working dogs, and the dog on the top is our Lady Darci who just retired.”

Celeban said the funds will go towards recruiting and training more volunteers, and continuing to have a positive impact on every

room they enter.

“All of a sudden there’s warmth and joy in somewhere that’s not always warm and joyful, and that’s thanks to my team, and thanks to my dogs,” she said.

Directors Favourite, chosen by the club’s Board of Directors, went to The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter, which accepted a cheque for $3000.

Penrith Community Kitchen took home $2000 as the winner of the Staff Favourite Tree, voted on by staff from the club.

It was a big win for the Kitchen ahead of a very busy day today (Friday, December 22) when it will be giving out 500 hampers to those in need.

Penrith CBD Corporation CEO and Penrith Community Kitchen Secretary, Gai Hawthorn, said it’s about making sure everyone that needs a helping hand is looked after.

“There’s so many people doing it tough out there at the moment,” she said.

“We want to make sure everybody has a good Christmas.”

Today, locals are invited to come along to Penrith PCYC for the Penrith Community Kitchen Christmas Lunch, where Santa will be making an appearance. Homeless and underprivileged people will also be able to take a free hamper and toiletry pack, to help keep their spirits up while the kitchen is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Additional reporting by Makayla Muscat

“At this special time of remembering the birth of Jesus, may His message bring you and your family hope and joy at Christmas and into the New Year”

MP 02 9834 2966 02 9834 6291 PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759 Shop 43, 155 Bennett Rd, St Clair NSW 2759 badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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˂˨˥ ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˔˥˘ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˢ˩˘˥ ʶ˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˁ˘˪ ˌ˘˔˥ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˙˥ˢˠ ʤˣˠ ˆ˨ˡ˗˔ˬ ʥʧ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦ ϝ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬ ʤ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ

News

ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘˦ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ʹ˥˜˗˔ˬ ʥʥ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦ ϝ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬ ʤ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ

ˌˢ˨ ˖˔ˡ ˦˧˜˟˟ ˟ˢ˗˚˘ ˤ˨˘˥˜˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˦ˢˠ˘ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ʡ ˉ˜˦˜˧ ˠˬʡˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ˧ˢ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˢ˨˥ ˂ˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˃ˢ˥˧˔˟ ˔ˡ˗ ˟˜˕˥˔˥ˬʡˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ˧ˢ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˧˛˘ ˘ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬʟ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˘ʶ˔˧˔˟ˢ˚˨˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ʡ

ˁˢ˥ˠ˔˟ ˢˣ˘˥˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˛ˢ˨˥˦ ˥˘˦˨ˠ˘ ˇ˨˘˦˗˔ˬ ʥ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ

ʹ˜ˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ ˔˧ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢˡ˘˪˦

Contact Us Administration ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ Civic Centre, 601 High Street. ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ Queen Street Centre, ʥʣʪʠʥʣʬ ˄˨˘˘ˡ ˆ˧˥˘˘˧ʡ Contact Centre Open ʫʡʦʣ˔ˠʠʧˣˠʡ ˀˢˡʠʹ˥˜ʡ ʧʪʦʥ ʪʪʪʪ

PO Box 60, ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ˁˆˊ ʥʪʨʤ council@penrith.city

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

Services Waste Services ʧʪʦʥ ʪʪʪʪ Illegal Dumping Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad). ʺ˥˔˙Ѓ˧˜ ʻˢ˧˟˜ˡ˘ F˥˘˘˖˔˟˟ ʤʫʣʣ ʣʥʥ ʤʫʥ

Meeting Dates ʥʬ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ ϝ ʪˣˠ (Ordinary Meeting) Online via penrith.city

Council Briefs ● Council’s Civic Centre, St Marys Service Desk, and Library branches will be operating with shortened hours on Friday, 22 December and Saturday, 23 December 2023 before closing for the Christmas and New Year break until Tuesday, 2 January 2024. The eLibrary and Online Services Portal will still be accessible during the closure period.

For more information, visit penrith.city/news ● Council recently celebrated the opening of two new playspaces in the Local Government Area.

Students from the Llandilo Public School co-designed the new Wilson Park playspace with Council as part of the annual Penrith Mayoral Challenge program. It features climbing equipment, a multi-play unit with slide, three bay swing set ˪˜˧˛ ˔ˡ ˔˖˖˘˦˦˜˕˟˘ ˦˪˜ˡ˚ʟ ˢ˨˧˗ˢˢ˥ Ѓ˧ˡ˘˦˦ ˘ˤ˨˜ˣˠ˘ˡ˧ʟ revitalised multi-sport court, shade sails, and more.

Kingswood Park Public School students took part in a workshop to share their ideas for the new Illawong Avenue Reserve playspace, which now features a multi-play unit with two slides, various climbing equipment, bridge and play shop front, swings, and new fencing. ˌˢ˨ ˖˔ˡ Ѓˡ˗ ˬˢ˨˥ ˡ˘˔˥˘˦˧ ˣ˟˔ˬ˦ˣ˔˖˘ ˔˧ penrith.city/playspaces ● Chapman Gardens in Kingswood has never looked so good thanks to a series of upgrades completed by Penrith City Council across the precinct!

The latest upgrade is a new amenity building at Doug Rennie Field. Local sports teams and residents can now enjoy modern ˙˔˖˜˟˜˧˜˘˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˘ ˧˪ˢ ˨ˡ˜˩˘˥˦˔˟ ˖˛˔ˡ˚˘ ˥ˢˢˠ˦ʟ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˜˔˟˦ ˖˛˔ˡ˚˘ ˥ˢˢˠʟ Ѓ˥˦˧ ˔˜˗ʢ˔˗ˠ˜ˡ˜˦˧˥˔˧˜ˢˡ ˥ˢˢˠʟ ˔˖˖˘˦˦˜˕˟˘ toilets, canteen area, storage facilities and new tree planting ˔ˡ˗ ˘˫˧˘ˡ˦˜˩˘ ˟˔ˡ˗˦˖˔ˣ˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˗ ˣ˟˔ˬ˜ˡ˚ Ѓ˘˟˗ʡ Since 2021, Council has upgraded a range of facilities across Chapman Gardens with a total investment of $3.6m from all ˟˘˩˘˟˦ ˢ˙ ʺˢ˩˘˥ˡˠ˘ˡ˧ʡ ʹ˥ˢˠ ˢ˨˧˗ˢˢ˥ Ѓ˧ˡ˘˦˦ ˘ˤ˨˜ˣˠ˘ˡ˧ʟ ˡ˘˪ irrigation systems, as well as amenities buildings at Chapman Gardens Baseball Fields and Doug Rennie Field.

These upgrades were proudly funded by Penrith City Council in association with the Australian and NSW Governments.

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

ˇˢ Ѓˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ ˔˕ˢ˨˧ ˧˛˘ ˨ˣ˚˥˔˗˘˦ ˔˖˥ˢ˦˦ ʶ˛˔ˣˠ˔ˡ Garden’s go to penrith.city/spros ● Council is providing two weeks of additional bin collections from Monday, 25 December 2023, to Friday 5 January 2024, as part of our Christmas Waste and Recycling services.

Penrith residents are encouraged to place all three bins at the kerbside for collection each week on the night before their regular collection day.

To ensure operations run smoothly during this time, please leave your bins out until they have been emptied, as our collection drivers will be starting early and working late into the evening to support the additional services.

For more information about our Christmas waste and recycling services, please visit penrith.city/christmaswaste

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 • ʻˢˠ˘ ʶˢ ˃˧ˬ ʿ˧˗

ˀˢ˗ʥʦʢʣʥʤʬ

Lot 1 DP 1292570, Glenmore Park Town Centre, 19–31 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʧʡʨʨʛʤʴʜ ˠˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˧ˢ ʷʴʥʤʢʣʫʧʥ ʛ˔˦ ˠˢ˗˜Ѓ˘˗ ˕ˬ ˀˢ˗ʥʦʢʣʣʧʦʜ ˙ˢ˥ ˚˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˃˔˥˞ ˇˢ˪ˡ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˥˘ʠ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ including internal and external building and site design amendments and signage changes • ˅˘˘˖˘ ʴ˨˦˧˥˔˟˜˔ ˃˧ˬ ʿ˧˗

ʷʴʥʦʢʤʣʤʩ

Lot 73A Sec D DP 1687, 65–67 Batt Street, Jamisontown ʵ˨˦˜ˡ˘˦˦ ʼ˗˘ˡ˧˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˆ˜˚ˡ˔˚˘

• ʽ˔ˬ ʻ˜˖˞ˠ˔ˡ

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʫʥʤ

Lot 4021 DP 851358, Lot 1 DP 1018519 and Lot 2 DP 1018519, 4 Endeavour Avenue, St Clair Change of use of an existing tenancy for a recreation facility (gymnasium) with extended hours of operation and associated signage • ʴ˟˘˫˔ˡ˗˘˥ ʿ˘˟ˢ˩

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʧʥʬ

Lot 4 DP 129475, 113–115 The Northern Road, Londonderry Additions and alterations to existing dwelling • ˆ˜˔˟ ʻˢ˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˃˧ˬ ʿ˧˗

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʥʧʬ

Lot 8 DP 262175, 14 Glenbrook Street, Jamisontown Alterations to existing dwelling, construction of single storey dwelling to form detached dual occupancy and Strata title subdivision x 2 lots • ʹ˟ˢ˦˦˜ˬ ˅˨˧˧˘˥

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʦʩʪ

Lot 7 DP 29318, 325–331 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills Alterations and additions to existing dual occupancy dwelling • ˁˢ˥ˠ˔ˡ ʺ˘ˢ˥˚˔˦

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʪʣʣ

Lot 7012 DP 258855, 30 Blackwell Avenue, St Clair ʺ˥ˢ˨ˡ˗ Єˢˢ˥ ˗˪˘˟˟˜ˡ˚ ˔˟˧˘˥˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˗˗˜˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˪˜ˠˠ˜ˡ˚ pool • ʴ˟˟˪ˢ˥˧˛ ʶˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˃˧ˬ ʿ˧˗

ʷʴʥʦʢʣʫʣʨ

Lot 12 DP 29459, 127 Evan Street, South Penrith Two-storey dwelling Viewing of Development Applications ˇ˛˘ ˔˕ˢ˩˘ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡʢ˦ ˠ˔ˬ ˕˘ ˩˜˘˪˘˗ ˢˡ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ 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 ˔ˡˬˢˡ˘ ˟ˢ˗˚˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʡ ʶ˔˟˟ ʧʪʦʥ ʪʩʧʬ ˢ˥ visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrith.city WW52889

8

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Penrith makes a splash New beach open for business MAKAYLA MUSCAT

P

enrith Beach officially opened on Tuesday, and thousands are already flocking to the waters as warm temperatures continue.

Giz Gebreyohannes and her family were excited to be among the first to experience the new recreation spot on Tuesday.

“We don’t have to drive an hour or so on a hot day to get cool and I don’t have to worry about big waves,” she told the Weekender.

“It’s really nice and calm here and it’s not that far at all, so we can just come on a hot day and enjoy it as a family.”

Charlotte Brown is all set for a big summer patrolling the new beach, saying public safety at the site is paramount.

From a lifeguard perspective, she said Penrith Beach is better than Manly and Bondi.

“Waves are quite dangerous, but also a lot of kids are afraid of them,” she said.

“Coming here, where there’s no sharks and no jellyfish, is a lot more peaceful.”

The beach will be open seven days a week through to March 3, 2024.

“It’s a very exciting day for western Sydney locals as we open the first ever beach in western Sydney,” said Deputy Premier Prue Car on Tuesday.

“I would be very surprised if it’s anything but a huge success.”

Western Sydney Lakes CEO Jacqueline Vozzo said she couldn’t be prouder to open the beach with the State Government.

“This is only possible because the State Government believed in the vision and believed in the dream that western Sydney locals have the opportunity to come to a beach in their backyard,” she said.

“This is the iconic beach culture that western Sydney has been crying out for. No longer do they need to drive an hour plus to get to a northern beach or southern beach or an eastern beach.

“They can enjoy this free recreational swimming spot. It’s open 7am till 7pm every day except Christmas Day and we hope the community loves it as much as we do.”

Richard Fox, who was keen to hit the water with his kayak on Tuesday, said the sand looks amazing.

Karen McKeown, Jacqueline Vozzo, Prue Car, Charlotte Brown and Todd Carney. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“What I like here is just that perspective, you know, the hills in the background and the greenery around the lake,” he said.

“The more people enjoy it, the better it is, the longer it’s going to stay here for, so hopefully it’s just the beginning of many more things to come.

“You don’t get pounded by big swells, it’s safe and it’s clean, so

I think it’s a huge opportunity to explore.”

Penrith MP Karen McKeown said it is a wonderful time for Penrith.

“This is not just about giving families and kids a safe and fun place to play over summer, it’s about bringing some balance to the opportunities available to the people of western Sydney,” she said.

“Grab your towels, your sunshades

and your sand buckets – Penrith Beach is going to be an amazing place to spend time this summer, but don’t forget to book!”

To book your free parking voucher, visit www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrithbeach.

For your free shuttle bus tickets, visit www.nsw.gov.au/penrithbeach.

Integrated Development Penrith City Council have received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith Local Planning Panel.

• Hamptons Property Services Pty Ltd

DA23/1059

Lot 1 DP 1059070, 20–22 Morley Avenue, Kingswood Lot 10 Sec G DP 935, 11 Sec G DP 935, 24 Morley Avenue, Kingswood Lot 14 Sec G DP 935, Lot 15 Sec G DP 935, 79 Great Western Highway, Kingswood Lot 119 DP 129177, 87 Great Western Highway, Kingswood Removal of vegetation, demolition of drainage infrastructure, remediation, Ѓ˟˟˜ˡ˚ʟ ˦˧˔˕˜˟˜˦˔˧˜ˢˡ ˔ˡ˗ ˖˥˘˘˞ ˥˘˔˟˜˚ˡˠ˘ˡ˧ ˪ˢ˥˞˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˖ˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˗˥˔˜ˡ˔˚˘ ˪ˢ˥˞˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˔ ˦˨˦ˣ˘ˡ˗˘˗ ˖˔˥ ˣ˔˥˞˜ˡ˚ ˦˧˥˨˖˧˨˥˘ ˇ˛˘ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ ˜˦ ˁˢˠ˜ˡ˔˧˘˗ ʼˡ˧˘˚˥˔˧˘˗ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ʡ ˇ˛˘ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˦˘˘˞˦ approval from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting ˗ˢ˖˨ˠ˘ˡ˧˔˧˜ˢˡ ˔˖˖ˢˠˣ˔ˡˬ˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕˝˘˖˧ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ ˘˫˛˜˕˜˧˘˗ ˢˡ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷʴ ˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˔˧ penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker up until Friday, 9 February 2024. ʴˡˬ ˣ˘˥˦ˢˡ ˠ˔ˬʟ ˗˨˥˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˘˫˛˜˕˜˧˜ˢˡ ˣ˘˥˜ˢ˗ʟ ˠ˔˞˘ ˔ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜ˡ ˪˥˜˧˜ˡ˚ to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˠ˔˗˘ ˕ˬ ˪˔ˬ ˢ˙ ˔ˡ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡʟ ˧˛˘ ˚˥ˢ˨ˡ˗˦ ˢ˙ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡʡ ˇ˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˧ˢ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˘ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ˥˘˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘ number DA23/1059..

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Natalie Piggott on 4732 7607.

Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year

Viewing of Development Applications ˇ˛˘ ˔˕ˢ˩˘ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˔ˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡʢ˦ ˠ˔ˬ ˕˘ ˩˜˘˪˘˗ ˢˡ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷʴ ˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˩˜˔ penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ʷ˘ˣ˔˥˧ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ ˔˕˟˘ ˧ˢ ˔˦˦˜˦˧ ˪˜˧˛ ˬˢ˨˥ ˘ˡˤ˨˜˥˜˘˦ʡ Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts ʵˬ ˟˔˪ʟ ˥˘ˣˢ˥˧˔˕˟˘ ˣˢ˟˜˧˜˖˔˟ ˗ˢˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˥ ˚˜˙˧˦ ˠ˨˦˧ ˕˘ ˗˜˦˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˕ˬ ˔ˡˬˢˡ˘ ˟ˢ˗˚˜ˡ˚ a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Clr Ross Fowler

penrith.city

Councillor North Ward

WW52890

WW52902

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

9

PAGE TEN

Joke of the Week

Q: What happened to the soap addict?

A: He got clean.

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

W

prize cupboard

hether you’re a camping aficionado, prefer a picnic in the park or is simply always on the go, Thermos has quality travel cups, mugs and containers for everyone. Since 1904, Thermos has built a trusted following around their Vacuum Insulation Technology as a reliable and durable alternative to disposable and takeaway cups, mugs and containers.

Stand a chance to win a prize pack consisting of a Thermos Guardian Vacuum Insulated Food Jar (795ml), a Thermos Foam Insulated Cooler Bottle (1.9L) and a Thermos Eco Cool Recycled PET Cooler (24 cans).

Thermos’ Guardian Vacuum Insulated Food Jar features a two-stage pressure release lid to keep your food fresh, and also comes with a removable bowl and full-sized

folded spoon so you can enjoy your meal wherever you are.

The Foam Insulated Cooler Bottle comes with double wall foam insulation which keeps your drinks cold for up to 12 hours, making it perfect for summer.

The Thermos Eco Cool Recycled PET Cooler bag is made from 18 recycled PET plastic bottles, so you can enjoy fresh food and drinks whilst contributing to saving the Earth’s natural resources.

The Weekender has five Thermos prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with ‘Thermos’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, January 26 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender.

Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

I SPY

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

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

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0001, 0042, 0131.

Dose of Dorin

Do you know where this picture was taken?

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

Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The golden reindeer is located in front of the classic Memory Mall sign on High Street, Penrith, across from Memory Park.

Have you seen it on your travels?

Connect with us online...

10

It’s a shame there was no major Carols by Candlelight event in Penrith this year. While some smaller events were held, the annual big Carols was nowhere to be seen.

westernweekender.com.au facebook.com/westernweekender

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

@wwpenrith @westernweekender

From Jamison Park to netball stardom! Penrith’s Paige Hadley has already achieved so much in the sport. Now she’s signed a huge new deal with the NSW Swifts. Awesome!

@westernweekender @westernweekender

What’s on your Boxing Day list?

Find unmissable summer clearance deals for the home, }>À`i > ` vwVi >VÀ ÃÃ your favourite retailers at Penrith Homemaker Centre.

Head in-centre this Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 December, to wrap up the year with all your wish list items.

Open nin ng hours Boxing Day

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New Year’s Eve

10am-4pm

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Penrith Homemaker Centre

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Cnr Mulgoa Road & Wolseley Street, Jamisontown Late night shopping every Thursday until 9pm penrithhomemakercentre.com.au ­ ŧ WW52742

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

11

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

L AW a n d O R D E R

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

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Jordan Springs: Teens charged over shoplifting incident at shops

Two teenagers have been charged after they were caught shoplifting in Jordan Springs.

About 1.30pm on Wednesday, December 13, it is alleged a 15-year-old, from Cranebrook, and a 13-year-old, from Penrith, entered a liquor store in Jordan Springs.

At the time, the pair allegedly had shirts wrapped around their heads, like a balaclava.

The 13-year-old allegedly picked up a box containing six bottles of vodka, and the 15-year-old picked up a carton of Jim Beam and Cola.

The manager from the nearby supermarket saw the youths and he stood outside the store.

It is alleged that when the 13-year-old exited, he picked up a 750ml bottle of alcohol and threatened to assault the manager.

The manager moved out of the way and the teens left.

Police attended a short time later.

They were patrolling Challenger Way, Cranebrook, and located the 13-year-old.

It is alleged the youth got on a nearby push bike and attempted to evade police.

Police engaged in a short foot pursuit and he was arrested.

The 13-year-old was charged with a string of offences including ‘possess prohibited drug’ and ‘shoplifting’.

The 15-year-old was apprehended a short time later.

He was charged with a string of offences including ‘face blackened/disguised w/i commit indictable offence’.

The pair will appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.

Cranebrook: Teens engage police in dangerous pursuit

North St Marys: Driver charged after pursuit; passenger also in trouble

An unlicensed driver has been charged after he was busted behind the wheel in North St Marys.

Just before 1.30am on Sunday, December 17, police were patrolling Debrincat Avenue when they spotted a motor vehicle. As the driver has sighted police, it is alleged he accelerated harshly.

Police have made a U-Turn and accelerated to catch the vehicle. It allegedly took off and police engaged in a pursuit, activating all warning lights and sirens.

The vehicle was followed to Wattle Street and back to Debrincat Avenue, where the vehicle continued at excessive speed.

Police self-terminated the pursuit, and the vehicle was located a very short time later.

The 30-year-old driver and his 41-year-old passenger were arrested.

It is alleged the passenger was wanted on outstanding warrants.

The driver was charged and refused bail.

Orchard Hills: Man arrested after domestic violence concerns

A man has been charged after police seized a firearm, ammunition, knives and cable ties during a vehicle stop on Monday, December 18.

Police were called to a property in Whalan after 7pm, due to concerns for the wellbeing of a 31-year-old woman over an alleged domestic-violence incident.

Following inquiries, a 33-year-old man was arrested in a vehicle on The Northern Road at Orchard Hills, a short time later.

Police officers searched the man’s vehicle and located a rifle, ammunition and cable ties, which were seized.

The man was charged with a range of offences, was refused bail and will appear in court at a later date.

51579

A pair of teens have been charged following a police pursuit in Cranebrook.

About 1.15am on Saturday, December 16, police were patrolling North St Marys when they sighted a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

Checks were conducted, which revealed that the vehicle was reported as stolen from a Doonside address the previous evening.

Police made a U-Turn and followed the vehicle, with all warning lights and sirens activated.

The vehicle accelerated harshly, and police engaged in a pursuit.

The vehicle was pursued on Christie Street, to Dunheved and on The Northern Road, to Cranebrook and around some streets in

Richmond, and back to Cranebrook where POLAIR took over the pursuit. It is alleged the vehicle travelled through numerous streets in Cranebrook before two youths exited the vehicle in Lygon Way. They ran into a yard and allegedly hid in a garage.

Police have arrested a 15-year-old Cranebrook youth and a 14-year-old Bidwill youth.

The pair were charged with ‘be carried in conveyance taken w/o consent of owner’.

They will appear in a children’s court at a later date.

12

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! From everyone at Complete Legal & Conveyancing we would like to wish all of our readers, clients and referrers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We thought we would take the opportunity in our last column of the year to share a few weird and whacky Christmas laws from around the world. For disclosure, some of these may be myths, but they are entertaining all the same!

• In 1644 it is reported that England passed laws banning the celebration of Christmas. At about the same time the Government in control of Massachusetts in the USA have also banned Christmas.

The English ban was lifted in 1660 and the Massachusetts ban lasted until 1681.

Talk about a Christmas grinch.

• In 1838, the state of Arkansas in the USA passed a law making any debts that would have fallen due and payable on Christmas Day payable one day earlier on Christmas Eve. It is unknown what the rationale of this reported law was other than to preserve the sanctity of the day itself. Conversely, at a similar time the state of Louisianna adopted a law making Christmas Day a “grace period” to the effect that any debts that fell due and payable on that day were delayed until Boxing Day. • There is a “Christmas bonus law” in Mexico called “Aguinaldo”. It requires employers in Mexico to pay a bonus to their employees by no later than December 20 each year. A similar law is reported to exist in Costa Rica.

• In New York City, there is a law prohibit-

ing the display of natural Christmas trees in retail stores. Philadelphia is reported to have similar laws prohibiting natural trees in high rise buildings. The rationale behind these laws is that the very combustible natural trees are considered a fire hazard.

• The United States (shock horror, again the source of a weird law) has a 15 cent tax that is payable on the sale of every Christmas tree. The tax is only levied on wholesalers and has reportedly been in place since about 2011.

• In 2016 it is reported that the city of Knightstown in Indianna in the US made it illegal to have a cross (crucifix) on top of a Christmas tree in a public display.

• Michigan have a law in place that requires anybody transporting a natural Christmas tree to carry a receipt as a result of a history of people hacking away at natural forests to avoid having to pay for their tree.

As you can see most of these laws apply overseas and have absolutely no relevance here in Australia but we thought they might entertain you all the same.

On a serious note, the festive season always brings with it an uptake in legal matters associated with alcohol use, for example, drink driving and assaults and, unfortunately, family law.

We hope that everyone in our community has a happy and safe Christmas period and is mindful of things like double demerits periods.

We look forward to assisting you all again with legal services in 2024.

SHOPPERS EVACUATED FROM WESTFIELD The busy Christmas shopping period was thrown into chaos for locals on Sunday when Westfield Penrith was evacuated due to a fire in the main food court.

More than 2000 people were evacuated from Penrith’s main shopping centre after the fire erupted around 1.20pm.

The blaze started at a noodle shop in the food court and prompted the automatic sprinkler system to turn on, while smoke

filled the food court and surrounding retail outlets.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation and some stock was damaged by the sprinkler system.

The shopping centre progressively re-opened throughout Sunday afternoon and was trading as normal again on Monday.

Westfield is expected to be extremely busy this weekend, ahead of Christmas.

LOCAL NEWS

Police take part in blood drive Double-demerits now in force MAKAYLA MUSCAT

M Police donated blood in Penrith on Tuesday.

T

he NSW Police Force is encouraging the community to help save lives by donating blood this holiday season, as officers continue to take part in the Bleed4Blue campaign.

Bleed4Blue – an annual, three-month law enforcement-focused blood drive in partnership with Red Cross Lifeblood – launched following the stabbing of an officer in Maroubra on Australia Day in 2018.

Now in its sixth year, officers continue to roll up their sleeves at Lifeblood Donor Centres across the state, along with their family and friends, to donate lifesaving blood products.

Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon joined officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command at the Lifeblood Penrith Donor Centre on Tuesday, where they made a major team donation to help address Lifeblood’s urgent call for donations.

“Donating blood is our way of serving the community in another vital way and we

would encourage other members of the public to do it also,” Lanyon said.

“As police officers, we often witness the life-saving difference that donated blood can make; we are approaching the busiest time of year on NSW roads and, sadly, road trauma puts a further strain on our hospitals.

“I’m extremely proud to see so many officers rolling up their sleeves to donate this year, and with the help of the community, hopefully even more people will benefit from this year’s Bleed4Blue campaign.”

The Bleed4Blue campaign has generated more than 25,000 blood donations and helped save at least 75,000 lives.

The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign runs until the end of February 2024 and again challenges police officers nationwide to take part, to see which state or territory can donate the most blood.

For more information on donating to the campaign, visit www.donateblood.com.au/ bleed-4-blue.

otorists are being urged to make safe driving the priority over the Christmas and New Year period.

As part of a state-wide campaign, NSW Police will be highly visible and targeting high-risk driver behaviour.

Inspector Adam Wilson, from Nepean Police Area Command, said double-demerit points will be in place for 11 days, from 12am Friday, December 22, through to midnight Monday, January 1.

“The Christmas period is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year on our roads and I would urge drivers to take their time, drive to the weather conditions and respect other road users,” he told the Weekender.

“Police will be out in force over the Christmas break, targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

“We want everyone to reach their destination safely. Drive responsibly, don’t speed, don’t take unnecessary risks, don’t get

behind the wheel if you are tired and always have a Plan B if you intend on having a few drinks.”

Executive Director of Asset Management Branch at Transport for NSW, John Hardwick, said there has been a concerning increase in the road toll so far this year

with 349 people dying on NSW roads.

“There are strong penalties for drivers and riders who break the rules and there are higher penalties in place for serious and repeated offences. No one should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one on the road,” he said.

Inspector Adam Wilson is urging motorists to be safe in the upcoming holidays.

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

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Merry Christmas

LOCAL NEWS

Sinkhole saga continues Council, Sydney Water have further discussions over ongoing River Road issue MAKAYLA MUSCAT

T

Council and Sydney Water are working to repair a sinkhole in Leonay. Photo: Melinda Jane.

should be driving three kilometres down the road, but instead, I’ve got to drive an extra two-and-a-half kilometres and sit in traffic every day,” Rossetto said.

“If we’re not out the door by 8.08am, we’re stuck in the traffic

with everyone else on Leonay Parade, 40 cars deep waiting to get on the freeway.”

A spokesperson from Penrith City Council told the Weekender that they are working with Sydney Water to repair the sinkhole.

“The sinkhole on River Road, Leonay, was a result of a significant major flood event that caused extensive damage both to the road and underground conditions,” the spokesperson said.

“The repair is quite complex due

Wishing you a very

On behalf of my family, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year with loved ones.

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here will be no Christmas miracle for Leonay residents, after they were told it will be at least February before a giant sinkhole that has become the suburb’s biggest talking point is repaired.

Almost one year ago, the crater formed on River Road following a flood event of the nearby Nepean River.

Since then, it has almost doubled in size, amid ongoing complications surrounding its restoration.

Now, after being told it won’t be repaired until several months into next year, frustrations are growing.

Rich Rossetto is just one of the residents who told the Weekender that everyone is fed up with their new dead end street.

“It’s an absolute joke,” he said.

“You can’t actually get through, so it is annoying. It should be done by now.”

Due to the road block, there’s now only one main way in and out of the suburb, which is a major inconvenience for residents.

“I’ve been working in Penrith, so I

to the critical underground infrastructure. Work on the sinkhole has recommenced following consultation with Sydney Water and we look forward to reopening the road once repairs have been completed in the New Year.”

A Sydney Water spokesperson said the organisation is liaising with Council to ensure the sinkhole is fixed properly.

“Sydney Water met with Penrith Council on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, to provide advice on their requirements to complete repairs on River Road, Leonay,” the spokesperson said.

“Sydney Water has critical assets in the vicinity which need to be protected. All works relating to these assets must be approved by Sydney Water to ensure customer service is not compromised and the environment is protected.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this has caused residents and are working with Penrith Council to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

Is there a problem in your street that has taken forever to fix? Email Makayla.Muscat@westernweekender.com.au.

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Childcare centre refused Court action looms after Penrith Council rejects plan for Kingswood facility MAKAYLA MUSCAT

P

lans for a new two-storey childcare centre in Kingswood have been refused by Penrith City Council.

Montessori Academy Group Developments lodged a Development Application (DA) for 72 Park Avenue back in February.

The proposal detailed plans for the facility, which was estimated to cost almost $6 million, and included basement parking, signage, tree removal and associated works.

Planning documents attached to the DA said the childcare centre would provide education and care for 117 children between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

If greenlit, the childcare centre would have provided services for all ages and prepare children for primary education.

The developer also highlighted that the site is within close proximity to numerous schools, including St Joseph’s Primary School, Cambridge Park Public School and Cambridge Park High School.

“The ground floor level will provide pedestrian access from Park Avenue via a pedestrian walkway which leads to the centre lobby, as well as the waste room,” documents attached to the DA said.

“Level 1 contains the first floor of the centre with the lift and stair access from the ground floor opening out to the waiting area and

The land at Kingswood. Photo: Melinda Jane.

reception with pram storage. The second floor contains two additional classrooms for 3-6 years (for 20 children each).”

The proponent claims the development is in the public interest and has a number of positive impacts.

“The proposal addresses a shortage of child care places within the locality as recognised

by Montessori Academy and offers an alter-

nate facility if necessary for waiting periods,” the Statement of Environmental Effects document attached to the DA said.

“The subject site enjoys good access to commercial services, local schools and public transport routes.

“Undertaking the construction works will have some short-term positive economic impacts through employment generation,

both direct employment and multiplier effects.

“It is considered that the proposed development is likely to have only positive social and economic impacts in the locality.”

Last week, Penrith City Council refused the plans, after determining that the proposal is not satisfactory.

“The design and built form appearance of the development is not compatible with, or complementary to the existing or future desired character or landscaping of the local area,” the Notice of Determination attached to the DA said.

“The development proposal does not adequately demonstrate that negative impacts related to visual, impact, noise, general amenity, privacy, parking and character are adequately mitigated against or addressed by the design.

“The design of the building on the site is not acceptable in terms of spatial arrangement and siting, internal and external residential amenity and having regard to the poor design interface, insufficient setbacks and treatments, insufficient outdoor unencumbered play areas and terraced play areas.

“The development is not sustainable, including removal of all trees and insufficient limited landscaping and minimal natural shade.”

The Development Application is now before the courts.

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Making a pledge to The Western Weekender helps ensure our print and digital content continues to thrive.

You’re supporting journalism at its most raw level, as we continue to tell Penrith’s stories.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous festive season. Here’s to creating wonderful memories and recharging for the great year ahead.

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Chris Bowen Federal Member for McMahon Shops 3 & 4, 398 Hamilton Road FAIRFIELD WEST NSW Authorised by Chris Bowen MP, A.L.P, Shops 3&4, 398 Hamilton Road, Fairfield West, NSW, 2165

(02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS

Keep your home secure Police offer tips around holiday security as spike in local break-ins is anticipated CASSIDY PEARCE

I

f you’re heading away this summer holidays, chances are you’ve chosen your destination, booked flights and hotels, and perhaps even organised who’ll be feeding your pets. But, as far as keeping your home safe goes, leaving the TV on isn’t quite cutting it anymore, meaning you’ve still got some prep left to do.

According to Nepean PAC Crime Manger, Detective Inspector Adam Wilson, police are expecting a spike in break-ins this year.

Wilson said the first step in avoiding becoming a victim is to ensure that your house isn’t a vulnerable target these school holidays.

This includes making sure your answering machine doesn’t say that you’re away, avoiding posting your holiday publicly online, packing your car just before you go instead of the night before, ensuring your lawn isn’t overgrown, and keeping your letter box empty.

“If you go to the post office, you can put a stop on your mail for a couple of weeks, so it’s not delivered while you’re away,” he said.

“You generally have to do that a week in advance of leaving, and a lot of people forget that, so if you’ve forgotten to put a stop on your mail, just ask a good friend or neighbour to clear your mailbox, and just check on your home from time to time.”

Making sure your home is intruder proof is

Nepean PAC Crime Manger, Detective Inspector Adam Wilson. Photo: Melinda Jane.

the next step, by installing CCTV and alarm systems both inside and outside the house, ensuring there aren’t any hiding spots around the house and, most importantly, making it impossible for anyone to get in.

“Make sure that all your doors, and even your garage and garden shed, are secured with good, solid doors and deadlocks, and that all your tools, gardening equipment and

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ladders are all locked away when they’re not in use,” he said.

“That’s particularly important if you’ve got a two-storey house – don’t leave a ladder outside which makes it easier for a potential offender to get up onto the second storey. A lot of people leave those windows unlocked because they think it’s safer, or they’ll leave them open to let some fresh air through the house, but that’s

obviously an entry point.”

However, in the event that something does happen, it’s important to be prepared, with Wilson noting that having a property inventory never goes out of fashion.

“When you think about how we’ve now moved to the connected world, and the number of smart devices that we all own compared to even 10 or 15 years ago, the number of laptops, phones, iPads and televisions that you have in your house, you’re starting to look at anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 worth of very portable equipment for a family of four,” he said.

“Engrave those with your driver’s licence number, because it’s unique to you and never reissued to another person. It can be quite small and discreet, and you can put it on the back of the device, but if that property is ever recovered, a simple check by the police will identify exactly who it belongs to.

“Then, you should also keep an inventory – a record of what each item is, a description of it, the serial number, the make and model, and the value.”

If you’re unsure, Wilson recommended checking in with the police.

“Each Police Area Command has a Crime Prevention Officer, and they are quite happy to supply information on what people should and shouldn’t do,” he said.

“We encourage people to speak with them in terms of personal safety and home safety.”

Karen’s Comment The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith School’s out, what’s next? It could be TAFE NSW

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With the year coming to an end and recent school leavers thinking about their future, now is a great time to consider enrolling in TAFE NSW – Nepean for 2024.

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If you’re looking for the perfect course or next career step TAFE NSW provides: • Industry-standard training facilities • Professional teachers with real-world experience • Courses that are developed with industry partners • Pathways to Higher Education • Student support services Secure your spot for the upcoming year and embark on a transformative learning journey by visiting: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol

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The NSW Government has introduced measures to ease the burden on motorists,including the upcoming toll cap set for January 1, 2024. Penrith residents stand to significantly benefit from the toll cap, providing relief to those spending over $60 weekly on eligible toll roads. To be eligible, you must be a NSW resident, hold a personal toll account for taking private trips and spend $60+ a week on tolls.

A “fair use” provision will ensure the scheme’s integrity, with a maximum rebate of $340 for those spending over $400 weekly; this aligns with the government’s election commitment to help ease the cost-of-living for families.

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Drive safely Penrith this festive season As the holiday season approaches, Penrith drivers are encouraged to prioritise safety this Christmas and summer holidays. There have been far too many fatalities already this year. So, this summer the message is clear: drive and travel safely, take regular breaks, obey speed limits, and be aware of traffic changes. Statistics show that more than half of the most serious accidents happen close to home. I also urge Penrith drivers to stay informed about road conditions using tools like the Live Traffic NSW app.

KAREN P MCKEOWN MP

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

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MEMBER FOR PENRITH

My office will be closed from 22 December 2023 - 8 January 2024.

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

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

LOCAL NEWS

Live music promise for Penrith CASSIDY PEARCE

A

fter a successful taster series, the full Great Southern Nights program has been revealed for March 2024, complete with a host of exciting events taking place across western Sydney.

According to ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd, the taster series which saw big names like Beccy Cole, Thelma Plum and Dami Im grace stages across the west in November couldn’t have done a better job of teasing what’s to come in 2024.

“It was really exciting to get going in 2023 with a bit of a taster of what is to come, and of course having

it in western Sydney was super important as well,” she told the Weekender.

“There’s so much incredible talent coming out of western Sydney at the moment, it’s such an awesome scene, so we were really happy with it.”

The newly-announced full program is taking things to the next level, with Great Southern Nights set to present an eclectic line-up of artists, with a focus on communities outside of the city.

“2024 is the full program, so we have over 300 gigs, 17 nights of amazing music, across seven regions across New South Wales which we have designated as music loving communities – places where we know

there’s great, music-loving audiences, there’s really strong and supportive councils, and areas we think would benefit from some incredible live music,” she said.

Aussie music icons like Jimmy Barnes, Alex Lahey and King Stingray will be involved this time around.

But, Herd said a few of her own favourite acts would be performing in Penrith and Parramatta.

“I have spent a lot of time this year talking to artists and local industry people from western Sydney, and I am just blown away by what’s happening out there in hip hop and R&B genres, but if you are not into those genres, there is something for everyone,” she said.

“Vika and Linda are obviously Australian sweethearts, and we’ve got David Campbell who everyone knows, but there are so many shows happening around Sydney with incredible artists who are both from New South Wales, and around Australia.”

With less acts in western Sydney than in other communities, Herd said she’s working to see this change in the near future.

“We’ll see more artists announced in January as well, and part of what this program is about is also about building on a lot of other work that’s happening to create new venues in western Sydney, to revitalise existing venues, to help

other venues put on live music where perhaps they don’t,” she said.

“This program is going to go for the next three years, so I can definitely see it growing, and that’s definitely going to be a strong focus for us as well.”

Herd is hoping locals come out to support the event in March.

“The whole part of Great Southern Nights is to get people out of their living rooms and into venues, whether they’re big venues with thousands of people or whether they’re really small and intimate venues, and just enjoying the beauty of live music,” she said.

“That moment that you get from hearing an artist

that either you love or you’ve never heard before and you’re discovering with hundreds of your closest friends, it’s really a moment that is hard to replicate.”

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS

Saints says festive thanks Leagues Club hosts luncheon for community organisations and local volunteers

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miles, laughter and huge heartfelt thanks were declared at Saints Signatures Community Christmas Luncheon, held last week.

This annual ‘thank you’ event saw 130 local community care, support workers, volunteers and assistance recipients join together to celebrate and acknowledge the selfless work of these organisations, supported by Saints through ClubGRANTS. The luncheon was developed by the St Marys Rugby League Club Board of Directors and Michael Lau, owner of Signatures Catering Group. Santa Claus made a guest cameo appearance.

This is the third year Lau has been involved, with Signatures donating all the lunch cuisine as well as almost 100 Christmas gifts and prizes for last Tuesday’s event.

Board President Warren Smith thanked those in attendance for their crucial work, while Lau recognised the continual assistance and support of these workers over a long buffet lunch and beverages.

“We are thankful for all those that do wonderful work in the community and we wanted to give something back to the frontline workers

Representatives of NADO and St Marys Leagues Club at the luncheon last week.

as well as the disadvantaged kids,” Lau said.

“I thank our staff and suppliers for making this happen and we look

forward to making it a bigger event next year.”

Saints Marketing Manager Giulia Barron reflected on the scope of

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

work that these organisations provide.

“These volunteers are remarkable, they spend time away from their

own loved ones to help others,” Barron said.

“They are change makers in our community, they take immediate action when or wherever it’s needed and Saints is very proud and happy to support them. Everyone here today has, and continues to, provide a source of stability through difficult times and we thank you for your work.”

Organisations in attendance that Saints supports through ClubGRANTS included Your Community Needs, Mama Lana’s, Our Community Cares, Penrith Community Kitchen, The Haven Women’s Shelter, PCYC Penrith, WestCare, NADO Disability Services and The Northcott Society Denise Heath, CEO of NADO Disability Services, said community support enables them to provide valuable services for children and adults with disabilities.

She mentioned recent funding

by Saints, which enabled NADO to purchase a Liberty Swing for kids and adults in wheelchairs.

“It’s a fantastic association with Saints and we’re very grateful for the support the club gives us,” Heath said.

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

23

LOCAL NEWS

Penrith’s got New Year’s Eve sorted CASSIDY PEARCE

W

ith New Year’s Eve events set to bring pre-COVID numbers of people into the city to say goodbye to 2023 in style, it makes sense that just as many are wanting to celebrate closer to home.

Thankfully, there are plenty of events in and around Penrith that will make this New Year’s Eve one to remember – with a much shorter commute.

Penrith Panthers This year, Panthers will be bringing back their incredible New Year’s Eve Carnival to welcome in 2024, complete with carnival rides and games, food trucks, and showbags for sale.

The event features electrifying performances by Taxiride’s Jason Singh, a party band, and a sensational DJ who will keep the beats going all night long.

Or, head inside to the Evan Theatre where Human Nature’s Phil Burton will be providing an unforgettable night of soul and

funk music. No matter where you are, keep an eye out for the fireworks, happening at 9pm and midnight.

Nepean Belle Celebrate the New Year in a more unique way by cruising into 2024 on the Nepean Belle’s Dinner Cruise.

Create lasting memories complete with a four-course dinner to the soundtrack of DJ Tash, whilst watching local fireworks from a true Penrith icon.

Tickets are selling out fast, so head to the Belle’s website now to book your spot at www.nepeanbelle.com.au.

The Log Cabin Head to the Log Cabin this New Year’s Eve to enjoy a delectable $120 per person share menu at Sinclair’s.

Not only will you be in for a night of delicious food, but also stellar live music, and the opportunity to ring in the new year with indulgence and luxury.

St Marys Leagues Club

If rock music is what you want to hear when the clock strikes 12, you can’t bypass a night at St Marys Rugby League Club on New Year’s Eve. Old School Band’s 10th anniversary show will be kicking off at 9pm on December 31, and will come along with some exciting prizes to be drawn, and plenty of fun to be had.

The Bandy Just around the corner, you can hear the tunes of The After Party Band also from 9pm at the St Marys Band Club.

Enhance your night with $14 cocktails, or preorder their Charcuterie Box for 2, or Hot & Cold Seafood Platter for 2 now. Call the club on 9623 1211.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

Phil Burton from Human Nature will be spending New Year’s Eve in Penrith.

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

Looking back on a huge year It’s hard to believe we are at the end of 2023 – a big year for Penrith. As we wind down ahead of the festive season, I have been reflecting on highlights of the past 12 months.

Council kicked off this year with grand plans to enhance this amazing community as part of our vast delivery program. We have seen many come to fruition through playspace, sporting infrastructure, and amenity upgrades across the City. At the core of each of these improvements is our vision to create the best, most liveable community for people of all ages to enjoy – and be proud of.

We recently opened the first stage of the revitalised Regatta Park and this major project has been well-received by our residents. Within days of us reopening this riverside gem to the community, families were celebrating birthdays at the new adventure playground.

City Park is also about to open, and I am excited to see residents and visitors flock to this new, green heart in the CBD.

After some challenging years, 2023 was about rebuilding and getting back together – we saw that when Real Festival returned and drew a record crowd of 50,000 to Tench Reserve in September.

The river lit up for loads of family-friendly fun, with market stalls, activities, food trucks and brilliant live music.

Penrith’s sense of community also shone when the Mayoral Charity Ball was held, raising a lifechanging $60,000 for The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter.

We can’t forget the feeling of epic community pride when the mighty Penrith Panthers had us all on the edge of our seats, earning their historic three-peat NRL Premiership.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a restful break over the New Year period.

Remember to be safe, stay cool, and look out for one another.

Here’s to a big 2024, that will bring many exciting things for this thriving City!

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

25

TURNING BACK TIME Check out this photo of the Smith Street shops from yesteryear.

The exact year of the photo is unknown but it appears to be in the 1970s or 1980s.

The photograph was taken from the corner of Smith Street and Taloma Street, South Penrith, looking east.

Retailers such as a butcher, liquor shop and hair salon can be seen in the photo – as well as an iconic phone box!

On the right, the Ampol service station sign can be seen.

The Smith Street shops still stand today and while the retailers have changed over the years, there's not a massive difference in the façade or general surrounding landscape.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Council)

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

Rotary says "Thank You" to the many sponsors, helpers, and performers involved with the

2023 Smithfield RSL “Carols at Horsley Park” Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Wetherill Park, their friends and families, local residents, as well as volunteers from Horsley Park RFS and Eastern Creek RFS combined with 40 performers who braved the 42-degree heatwave to present the 27th Rotary Carols at Horsley Park in partnership with Smithfield RSL on Saturday 9th December.

The always-entertaining FREE event culminated with a dazzling display from Foti Fireworks (sponsored by St Johns Park Bowling Club).

MAJOR BENEFICIARIES Anowah Community Living Braeside Hospital – Rehabilitation Ward the Horsley Park Brigade of the Rural Fire Service Projects of the Rotary Club of Wetherill Park

Also receiving donations were: Marion Primary School, Horsley Park Primary School, Our Lady of Victories Church, Kemps Creek Public School St Narsai Assyrian Christian College

MANY THANKS to OUR PERFORMERS: The Eastern Charms (Koren, Emlyn & Kate), “QuickStix” classic rock band, Rosella Mangion, The Dijon Duo (Melanie Driver & Sean Remfrey), Marika Zorlu, Marion Primary School, Kemps Creek Public School, St Narai Assyrian Catholic College, and our hard-working Musical Director Koren Beale.

Volunteer P.A. Operator Kieran Vella and his assistant Josh Mardel worked their magic once again ensuring the P.A. and the performances ran smoothly all night.

Thanks to Tom Murphy (who made sure Santa was there!) from Starr Partners.

And thanks also to our honorary Masters of Ceremonies Tony Cocks & Dwayne Cocks, who were superb.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 RAFFLE WINNERS! $10,000 Raffle Prize-winning Tickets: 1st 7074, 2nd 7095, 3rd 7107, 4th 5599, 5th 4080, 6th 4064, 7th 5733, 8th 5561, 9th 7283, 10th 5628, 11th 4096, 12th 1154, 13th 6544, 14th 4059, 15th 7007

OUR 2023 CAROLS SPONSORS (in alphabetical order) A&I Fabrications Anric Developments Aquatopia Water Park Bagala Bros Flowers Bing Lee (Guildford) BTW Communications Bunnings Bonnyrigg Bunnings Smithfield Calderan Family Caltex Horsley Park Camera House Brookvale CJs Hire Club Marconi Combell Steelfab

Connie Ann Fashions Dasmac Constructions Davids Estate Agents Discover Your Potential Elias Pharmacy Fairfield Epic Electrical Fairfield City Council Go Electrical Wetherill Pk Hayloair Air Conditioning Helen Syrmalis Horsley Hire Horsley Kids John Thomson Printing K2Media Web Design

Kids United Early Learning Centre Mal’s BBQ Boat Hire Narooma Marconi Tennis & Squash Mattiuzzo Family Megaphones Plus Montecatini Specialty Smallgoods NADA Concrete Constructions Oxytech Powder Coatings Pasticceria Caruso Production House P.A. Hire Raging Waters Blacktown Rilec Electrical Contracting Rotary Club of Wetherill Park Smithfield RSL

Steins Plumbing Solutions St Johns Park Bowling Club Tom Murphy - Starr Partners Trim’s Fresh Wetherill Park VegMasters Watson Stafford Zipkis Nguyen

Contact the Rotary Club of Wetherill Park on 0418-448544 or by email at secretary@wetherillparkrotary.com.au

WW52895

26

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

Δ Water park’s milestone: Raging Waters Sydney’s staff (pictured) are celebrating a decade of thrilling aquatic adventures and family-friendly entertainment.

Raging Waters has reached the 10-year milestone in western Sydney, with General Manager, Ros Pullen, thanking the community.

“Raging Waters Sydney’s 10th anniversary is a testament to the shared memories and joyous moments created within our park. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who has been part of our incredible journey,” she said.

Δ Festive treats: The good people at Zokoko at Emu Plains have released a Christmas range, featuring delicious flavours like Brandy Fruit Pudding and Maple Pecan Crunch. The Weekender team

was able to try some of the delicious delights last week, and everyone delivered rave reviews. Visit Zokoko at 3/84-90 Old Bathurst Road in Emu Plains to get your hands on some before Christmas.

who came together to deliver toys to Nepean Hospital’s Emergency Department. The toys are helpful for kids who end up in hospital at Christmas.

Δ Marcel’s Christmas lunch: Marcel restaurant inside the Western Sydney Conference Centre at Panthers is holding its inaugural Marcel Christmas Feast on December 25, with a five-course tasting menu and 2.5 hours of bottomless beverage package. From that beautiful interior, guests can gaze out at the scenic vistas while feasting on Executive Chef Colin Chun’s classic French dishes with modern influences. Bookings commence from 12.30pm and are set at $225 per person. There are spaces available to book via https://bit.ly/marcelxmas.

Δ New amenities building: Penrith City Council has opened the doors to the new amenities building at Ched Towns Reserve, Glenmore Park (pictured below). The amenities building includes four universal design change rooms, a change room for officials, canteen, storage, accessible toilets, first aid and administration areas. An additional public toilet has also been installed at the nearby playspace as part of the works. Alongside the new amenities building, tree planting and landscaping has been completed in the Reserve. Δ Got some Source? We’d love to hear from you in 2024 about store openings, new menus, new products and more! Email your contributions to news@westernweekender.com. au.

Δ Christmas spirit: Well done to staff from local Woolworths stores in South Penrith, Penrith, Emu Plains, Glenmore Park, Caddens, Jordan Springs, Cranebrook, Windsor, Richmond and Katoomba

• • • •

SALES INSTALLATION SERVICE MAINTENANCE

• • • •

DUCTED SYSTEMS SPLIT SYSTEMS REPAIRS VENTILATION

WW47580

4735 6411

51565

WW52880

HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

27

Front pages tell Penrith’s We’ve loved bringing you local news, sport and more in 2023

WISHING OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE 28

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

story across a huge year

BEST FOR 2023. OUR FIRST ISSUE IS OUT ON JANUARY 19.

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

29

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

HOME INSTEAD • 4722 2256 • WWW.HOMEINSTEAD.COM.AU

Home Instead shares festive spirit H

ome Instead is the trusted choice for in-home care and companionship services in Penrith, Blacktown and the Blue Mountains.

Established in 2017, Home Instead is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of local seniors and their families, and they take pride in every aspect of their care to ensure they have access to the best quality care services and support they need to continue living, safely, independently and happily in the comfort of their own home​.

Home Instead has a range of services available to its clients including ability care, personal care, dementia care, respite care,

companionship, transport and hospital to home.

Recently, Home Instead Nepean and Blacktown organised two Christmas morning teas for their wonderful clients.

The first morning tea took place at Café Lattetude in Jamisontown, where some 30 clients and their family members were in attendance.

To make it easy for clients to attend the morning tea, Home Instead organised CAREGivers to assist in bringing clients to the event if they were unable to come themselves.

Clients were able to enjoy a nice hot or cold drink along with a slice, cake, or dessert to eat – all provided

for by Home Instead.

To keep with the Christmas spirit, clients were also given personally addressed Christmas cards, a Home Instead 2024 Calendar, and a surprise gift.

Home Instead liaised and involved The Ponds School, a special education school to help with the project.

They provided the students with DIY Christmas tree decoration kits.

The students showed off their creative flare, creating beautiful pieces of art.

Seven students from The Ponds School were in attendance along with Assistant Principal Learning and Wellbeing Niamh, SLSO Mandy and Support Worker Ellie. Each of

the students were on hand to present and deliver the decorations to the clients.

“It was lovely to see all the clients having a good time, interacting with one another and sharing their stories,” Home Instead Owner/ Director, Jigisha Kariya said.

“The event built some new friendships as clients exchanged their own personal details to keep in touch after.”

A second Christmas morning tea was provided at the Whalan Community Group’s final meeting of 2023.

The morning tea was attended by Home Instead Client Advisor Rosie and two CAREGivers Dawn and

Diana.

The event, which was attended by Home Instead clients who are also members of the Whalan Community Group, was “very well received” according to Jigisha.

“Our clients in the community group were given personally addressed Christmas cards, a Home Instead 2024 Calendar, and the decorated Christmas decorations,” she said.

“A great morning was had by all. Yet again, Home Instead Nepean and Blacktown went above and beyond to show ‘To us, it’s personal’.”

For information on Home Instead, call 4722 2256 or visit www.homeinstead.com.au.

Personalised in-home care

This holiday season, let us be your extra pair of hands. Our respite care ensures you have the time and support you need to truly savour the moments that matter most this Christmas.

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story

Their motto is, to us, it’s personal... So that helped me decide to think YES, this company cares about the person.”

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02 4722 2256 | HomeInstead.com.au Each franchised Home Instead® business is independently owned and operated. © M&S Warner 2023.

30

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

WW52825

BUSINESS WITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

What lessons can we take from 2023? ing their loyalty remains steadfast even in turbulent economic times.

Labour shortages The relentless pursuit of skilled workers amid a labour shortage has been a common woe for small businesses.

In 2024, the spotlight is on reimagining recruitment and employee retention strategies. Offering flexible work arrangements, upskilling programs, and fostering a positive workplace culture can help attract and retain top talent.

AI and technology integration AI has been the big star of 2023. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, small businesses must harness the power of emerging technologies, including this new technology. AI can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and improve decision-making processes.

Embrace the learning curve by investing in employee training programs to ensure your team is well-equipped to leverage these technologies effectively. Automation

can also alleviate the burden of routine tasks, allowing your workforce to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth.

Adaptability as a constant The key takeaway from 2023 is the importance of adaptability. The ability to pivot in response to market dynamics, economic shifts, and technological advancements is crucial for long-term success. Stay informed, remain agile, and be prepared to evolve your business model as needed.

The local marketplace in 2023 has provided a wealth of lessons for small businesses. By navigating these challenges, businesses can emerge stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for success in the ever-changing landscape.

“Fantastic, friendly and professional service. Can’t speak highly enough of them.”

- Google Review, 2023

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A

s we bid farewell to 2023, let’s reflect on the highs and lows of the local marketplace, and focus on some valuable lessons to help further improve business resilience as we move into a new year.

From the spikes in inflation and the rising cost-of-living to grappling with labour shortages and embracing the winds of change brought by cuttingedge technologies like AI, the past year has again been a rollercoaster ride for businesses of all sizes.

Inflation and the cost-ofliving One of the major influencers on 2023’s economy has been inflation, which has left many small businesses grappling with the ripple effects.

The soaring cost-of-living has impacted consumer spending habits, making it imperative for businesses to reassess pricing strategies and find innovative ways to add value.

Consider introducing loyalty programs or bundled services to sweeten the deal for your customers, ensur-

CMBDLCVDLUSBEFTFSWJDFT DPN BV CMBDLCVDLUSBEFTFSWJDFT DPN N BV

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

31

Western Weekender

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Want to increase cash flow?

Need more Work?

We can help advertise your business in our Trades & Services and Classifieds

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

Call NOW on

4722 2998

D & J Concrete Resurfacing & Landscaping ABN: 18342307434

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or Email: djconcreteresurfacing@gmail.com

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www.jandlkitchens.com | info@jandlkitchens.com

Bricklayers

32

Call Richard 0407 585 691 – 9745 6626

TRADING OVER 20 YEARS | OVER 40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE

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so

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www.patioman.com.au

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Call Peter Dunn 0416 035 645

WW52313

Lic No. 829 19C

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Hand Railings

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A1 AAA ARDVARK SAFETY RAILS - Rails 2U

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Kitchens

BV Best Value KB

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PLASTERER George Larin Licence #R71555

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Mob: 0414 554 553

joesplastering@hotmail.com | Fax: 9677 2421

Plumbers

Ph 9892 2522 Mob: 0451 966 966 www.bvkb.com.au

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ACCESS Pest Control

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John Newham

Contact David 0415 312 294

All home repairs and maintenance No job too big or small PENRITH CA L Call Peter 0410 737 321 LO

Call Steve

Garage Doors NSW

• High Pressure Driveway Cleans • Concrete Sealing & Painting • Hedging and Tree Maintenance • Concrete Cutting (up to 100mm deep) • General Handyman Services

52735

51429

4744 2732

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

• Plastering

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All garden and lawn services provided including:

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Josh: 0487 266 020

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Penrith Electricians

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g All Pricin t Up-Fron

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END OF LEASE TREATMENTS TERMITE INSPECTIONS & TREATMENTS RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL/STRATA

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for when you need a second opinion

51451

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$

50259

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1300 082 552

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Les: 0439 967 102

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ABACUS TREE SERVICES & GARDENING

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Electricians

Michael on 0420 767 706

50229

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Supply / install custom or standard rails in steel or timber, internal or external.

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51498

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Mention this ad and get

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$

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50261

Concrete Contractors

/E7 2E4 CY RG N

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PH: 4778 1955

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

33

Western Weekender

http://westernweekender.com.au/directory/

Plumbers

FUNERALS

PENRITH PLUMBER Blocked 'UDLQV

%XUVW Pipes

50260

24/7 (PHUJHQF\ VHUYLFHV $0 Call out fee 3OXPEHUV \RX FDQ WUXVW Ontime & Reliable SOXPEHUV 6DPH 'D\ 6HUYLFH

ALBERTYN, Desdemona

WANTED TO BUY

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WE BUY ALL TYPES OF CARS AND TRUCKS Free Car Removal

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9188 1542 / 0488 801 044

Lic # 267530C 10% PENSIONERS DISCOUNT WW50260

In an any condition, any year, make or model, registered/running or not.

TOP CASH PAID

Call Wal 0425 304 475

Call Us Today... For our

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE! Emergency Plumbing

g Hot Water All Pricin t Up-Fron Blocked Drains

Late of Cranebrook Loving wife of Kevin.

Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Curtleigh & Jaclyn and Bryden & Elif.

Doting grandmother of Alaska and Huskisson.

Cherished daughter of parents Alida & Zacharias Simpson (both dec).

Adored daughter-in-law of Eleanor and Duncan (dec).

Cherished sister and sister-in-law of Reginald & Annette, Theresa & Leonard (dec), Quentin, Astrid & Glenn, Gaynor and Arlene & Russell and their families.

Will be greatly missed by all her family & friends.

WILL COME TO YOU

Penrith Plumbers

Passed away peacefully on 12th December 2023.

PUBLIC NOTICES

“In God’s Loving Care.” Aged 67 years.

Desdemona’s family and friends are warmly invited to attend her funeral service to be held at Penrith Presbyterian Church, 9 Doonmore St, Penrith on the 22nd of December 2023, commencing at 10:00am.

52896

Licensed *DVÀWWHU

52013

Taps & Toilets

Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

We NEVER

Close

$0 Call Competitive out fee! rates 52470

Simon Manning

PH 042332-5048

DEAN BARRY ROOF RESTORATIONS Lic No: R89317

Specialising in Roof Restorations, Repairs & Inspections

50 years experience • Free Roof Inspections

M&B Roofing

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• Roof Repairs & Antennas Available • Whirlybirds and Skylights over Xmas • Gutters, Fascia & Downpipes & Holiday Break • Tiles & Metal DRIVEWAYS Cleaned, Sealed & Coloured Call or text Greg 0424 371 622

Letters submitted for publication are done so on the condition that The Western Weekender may edit them, ZLWKRXW DႇHFWLQJ WKH RYHUDOO PHVVDJH RU LQWHQW RI WKH OHWWHU 7KH :HVWHUQ :HHNHQGHU UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR publish letters in other publications.

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• High Pressure Cleaning • Pensioner Discounts Mobile 0409 224 159 or 4733 3208

WESTERN WEEKENDER LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WW639

Roofing

WW52912

Lic. %$(#(#5

FOR ALL YOUR ROOFING NEEDS

For your convenience We accept!

The ideal candidate must have at least 2 years’ experience in a managerial position and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant.

Some duties include (and are not limited to): • Ensuring customer satisfaction with meals and service • Training and supervising wait staff • Organising functions and special events • Engaging with community groups to establish connections and liaising in and organising sponsorships and fundraising events • General knowledge of Italian food, wine and culture • A bubbly and warm personality, keen and willing to work in a dynamic environment

For more information, please contact us on 4737 2441 or email your resume to Glenmorepark@enzoscucina.com.au

Rubbish Removers

51510

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED! CALL 4722 2998 BE WISE, ADVERTISE

34

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

WW52906

4748 9019

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

51430

yes we can SERVICING PENRITH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

Advertise your trade or classi with us!

Our Trades or Classifieds section is the most comprehensive weekly guide available in the Penrith and St Marys regions.

Phone 4722 2998

Western Weekender

51569

http://westernweekender.com.au/directory/

WW48537 WW51569

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35

2024 CALENDAR

Plumbers Bui

CONTACT BG FOR A QUOTATION TODAY 47 318 200 bgenterprises.com.au orders@bgenterprises.com.au

PE Builders Divisi Sho

29-31 Re Jamisontown

cooksplum

penrith@cook

January

February

Ma

June

July

Aug

November

December

Phone 9625 4244 44 Sterling Road, Minchinbury sales@fencingandgate.com.au

www.fencingandgate.com.au

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4731 3488 Riley St, Penrith Mysterys1133@gmail.com

RE-DO KITCHENS

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FIND US ON

Ph: 0413 212 041

AUTO CENTRE ORTRANTO P/L

Suite 2, 42

L/C 20505

P 4722 299

FULL MECHANICAL WORKSHOP LPG, REGO CHECKS & SERVICE Unit 1 33 York Rd, JAMISONTOWN

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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summer lovin’ Deep dive into summer with a refreshing offer at Kimpton Margot Sydney.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

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

POWERFUL SHOW HEADS WEST

CASSIDY PEARCE

O

ff the back of a record-breaking debut season earlier this year, Bangarra Dance Theatre will be bringing the show which garnered their highest grossing tour in company history, ‘Yuldea’, back to the stage in 2024, and it’s heading to Riverside Theatres.

Maddison Paluch, a Wiradjuri woman born, raised and living on Dharug country, has been a dancer with the company for three years, though her pathway to get there was a little more unique than most.

“After school I actually stopped dancing and I started a traineeship as production with Bangarra,” she said.

“Then I said, ‘Nope, I still love dancing, I’m going to go train’, and then I went and

trained at a school on the Central Coast called NAISDA Dance College. I got my Cert IV and my Diploma, and then I reauditioned for Bangarra, and I got a scholarship to study with PPY and an internship, and then from there I was offered a contract with the company.”

Paluch performed in the debut season of ‘Yuldea’ – a show which explores the abrupt moment that traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation in South Australia’s Yuldea with the construction of the Trans-Australian railway in 1917.

According to Paluch, this debut season was “amazing”, being the first in which she got the opportunity to be a part of the full creation process due to COVID, which saw her travel onto country in Yalata.

“We were able to work really closely with the cultural consultants for the work, Ms

Smart and Uncle Clem Lawrie, and there’s so many beautiful memories now that I’m able to look back on and experience every night, because I lived and breathed the firsthand experience of that community,” she said.

“Just to be able to do it in front of the elders and see their faces and hear their feedback and watch them realise that their story and their truth was being shown on the main stage at the Sydney Opera House was the most rewarding moment that I’ve probably had in my career.”

The piece was also choreographed by Bangarra’s Artistic Director, Frances Ring – her first whilst in this role.

“Her family has kinship ties and her family is from the story of Yuldea, so it was really special to see not only us connect to it, but also to witness her as a very strong woman reconnect and still be learning,” she said.

Being local to the region, Paluch said she can’t wait to bring the very special piece out west.

“It will be the first time that I get to perform out in western Sydney with the company, and I haven’t performed in western Sydney since I was a little girl,” she said.

“I’m really excited, all my family is really excited, and I’m just excited to let every kid from western Sydney know that you can end up on a stage, and it doesn’t matter where you come from.

“Even though it may feel like a dream is far away, it’s closer than you think, and I think it’s just going to be really special to give back to my community and the community of western Sydney through this storytelling and this art.”

‘Yuldea’ will be on at Riverside Theatres from Thursday, February 22. To book, visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au.

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

THINGS TO DO Dungeons & Dragons session at Penrith Library

Make a New Year’s Resolution to see this show!

Open Fridays returns to The Joan in January

This school holidays, meet up with fellow gamers and dive into the world of role-playing games in an Introductory Dungeons & Dragons session for teens. Led by Games Master Ian Zammit, the session on Monday, January 15 will see participants take to Penrith Library to learn the basic rules of play, and connect with fellow players. For more information, visit bit.ly/41lX5G4.

Head to the John Lees Centre to see Ruby Productions’ ‘Old Mother Hubbard’s Nutty Nursery Rhymes’. On from Saturday, January 13, ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ is a pantomime that is full of crazy fun, with songs and dancing covering nursery rhymes like ‘The old woman who lived in the shoe’, ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘Little Bo-Peep’ and more! Visit rubyproductions.com.au.

Mark your calendars – Open Fridays will be returning to The Joan with a bang in 2024 with the incredible Maizy Coombes on Friday, January 12. Endearing and contemporary, Maizy Coombes is a Blue Mountains violinist and singer-songwriter.

Using a loop pedal to support herself, Maizy creates a rustically cinematic soundscape beneath wholesome lyricism.

BARGAIN BUYS

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

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

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

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

Penrith NASHO’s Monthly meetings at Penrith RSL Club.

Call 0400 129 006 for details.

BUSINESS

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

Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

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

Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm.

7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

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

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

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

MUSEUMS

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

0415 625 573 for more information.

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

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

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

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

Gamblers Anonymous Mondays 7.30pm.

0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month.

Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services.

4721 2499.

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

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

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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At the movies...

REVIEW Silent Night  1 hour, 32 minutes John Woo’s new film, while set at Christmas and with a festive-sounding title, certainly isn’t about to become a holiday favourite. In fact, the Christmas element is irrelevant – so there will be no debate over whether this is a Christmas film. It’s not.

What ‘Silent Night’ is, however, is unique and experimental. The film lives up to its name – it’s a silent film, with sound. Not a single piece of dialogue is said throughout the movie.

This is a classic revenge flick – we watch as the main couple (Joel Kinnaman and Catalina Sandino Moreno) lose their only son to a stray bullet in their own front yard, after gang warfare turns ugly in their suburban street.

Through all the grunts and sound effects that follow, the mother attempts to painfully

move on from the tragedy, while the father is determined to deliver payback.

He spends the next few months working out, building up his strength and skillset, ready to take down the gang members.

There’s no shock twists here and the whole thing is rather predictable, but the uniqueness of the ‘silent’ concept keeps it interesting.

This is a movie very much about its actions and its emotions; which it has to be, given the lack of dialogue.

I’m not convinced it couldn’t have been a decent action flick without the experimental aspect, but it certainly gives it a little more punch.

Far from a classic, but not a bad way to spend a little over 90 minutes.

– Troy Dodds

See this movie at...

PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

Tickets $15 Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433 Wonka (PG) Now Showing

FROM BOXING DAY

It’s a Wonderful Life (PG)

Gremlins

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COMING JANUARY

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

COUNTRY CORNER “After that I felt so inspired that I decided to start releasing new music as soon as I could.”

‘What a time to be alive’ will be the follow up to her Golden Guitar nominated debut, ‘Finally Clear’.

The new single is out on all streaming services now.

Whitchurch drops new single Raechel Whitchurch (pictured) is certainly ending 2023 on a high note, performing to a 2,000 strong crowd for her headline hometown show in Parkes, and releasing her brand new single, ‘Nothing Makes You Happy’. It’s her fourth single, and coincides with the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘What a time to be alive’, set for release in May 2024.

Whitchurch insists she has spent the last year “taking it easy” after the birth of her third child (with musician husband Ben Whitchurch), despite her huge list of recent announcements for 2024, including a tour with Ian Moss, festivals in Ireland and the UK, and being named a feature artist for ARIA Great Southern Nights.

“I had planned to take a step back from touring after the birth of my third child, but when I got asked to perform at Groundwater Country Music Festival, I couldn’t resist, so ended up performing just two weeks after my son was born!” Whitchurch said.

New Willie doc Paramount+ will be the home of a new Willie Nelson (pictured below) documentary ‘Willie Nelson & Family’.

The series won critical acclaim following its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and will debut as a four-part series.

The documentary explores Nelson’s seven-decade career. Spiritual, dramatic and playful, the series highlights the highs and lows of his professional and personal life, tracing his steps from humble Abbott, Texas, to one of the most prolific and beloved singer/songwriters of many generations.

It is scheduled to launch on Paramount+ over the holidays.

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

43

TV Guide: December 22–28

Sunday 24 December

Saturday 23 December

Friday 22 December

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 The Dark Side Of The Universe 11:00 The Great Australian Bee Challenge 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 Christmas With Poh 3:10 George Clarke’s Amazing Christmas Spaces 3:55 Back In Time For Dinner 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Back In Time For The Corner Shop (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Camilla’s Country Life (M l) 8:30 Midsomer Murders (M v) 10:00 Life (M l) 11:00 Wakefield (M l)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Movie: “Candy Coated Christmas” (PG) (’21) Stars: Molly McCook 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Surf Patrol 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 8:30 Movie: “We Bought A Zoo” (PG) (’11) Stars: Matt Damon 11:05 Movie: “Tully” (M) (’18) Stars: Charlize Theron 1:05 12 Monkeys (MA15+) 2:00 Home Shopping

5:30 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Family For Christmas” (G) (’15) Stars: Lacey Chabert 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Jingle All The Way” (PG) (’96) Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger 10:15 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M s) (’08) Stars: Vince Vaughn

9:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 9:30 Neighbours (PG) 10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly 3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Judge Judy (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M l,s) 9:30 My Life Is Murder (M v) 11:30 Good Sam (M) 12:30 The Project (PG) 1:30 The Late Show (PG)

3:00 Animal SOS Australia (PG) 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 I Escaped To The Country (PG) 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Pie In The Sky 8:30 Escape To The Country

3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Hustle & Tow (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Blade Runner 2049” (M) (’17) Stars: Harrison Ford

3:30 Modern Family (PG) 4:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 4:30 Movie: “Curly Sue” (PG) (’91) Stars: Alisan Porter 6:30 Movie: “Hotel Transylvania 3” (PG) (’18) Stars: Adam Sandler 8:30 Movie: “Last Cab To Darwin” (M l) (’15)

8:30 Dr Phil 9:30 4:30 Spartakus And Diagnosis Murder (PG) The Sun Beneath The 11:30 Jake And The Sea 5:00 Our Stories (PG) 5:30 Strait To The Plate Fatman (PG) 12:30 JAG (M) (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Africa’s 2:30 Jake And The Fatman Hidden Kingdoms 7:30 Movie: (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull “Bush Christmas” (PG) (’83) Stars: John Ewart 9:10 Movie: (M) 8:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 NCIS: “Ping Pong Summer” (PG) (’14) Hawaii (M)

5:45 Hotel Transylvania 6:30 Operation Ouch!

6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Movie: “Early Man” (G) (’18) Stars: Eddie Redmayne 9:00 Shaun The Sheep 9:30 Movie: “Wallace & Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death” (G) (’08) Stars: Peter Sallis

4:00 ABC News Afternoons 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 The Business: Summer Special

4:25 Reef School 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes 6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Lu And The Bally Bunch 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You At Christmas? (PG)

5:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas 8:30 Ainsley’s Christmas Good Mood Food 9:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw

7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 2:10 The Durrells (PG) 2:30 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 3:05 The Durrells (PG) 3:50 Movie: “Robin Hood: Men In Tights” (PG) (’93) Stars: Cary Elwes 5:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 6:00 Royal Carols Together At Christmas 2022 7:00 ABC News 7:30 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 8:20 Shakespeare And Hathaway (M)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ The Valley/ Eagle Farm *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer: Countdown To Carols 7:30 Woolworths Carols In The Domain *Replay* 10:00 NSW Schools Spectacular 2023: Fabulous! *Replay* 12:45 12 Monkeys (MA15+)

4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Shortland Street (PG) 5:45 Vs. Arashi (In Japanese) 6:40 Jeopardy!

7:30 NITV News: Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M) 9:20 Naughty And Nice: Sex Toy Britain (M)

12:00 Cybershack (PG) 12:30 Great Australian Detour 1:00 Garden Gurus Moments 1:05 Iconic Australia (PG) 2:15 Great Getaways (PG) 3:15 Movie: “Journey Back To Christmas” (G) (’16) Stars: Candace Cameron Bure 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Country House Hunters Australia: Nagambie 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Christmas With Delta (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Fred Claus” (PG) (’07) Stars: Vince Vaughn

12:00 Worldwatch 2:15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate (PG) 3:10 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Christmas Carols From London Coliseum 8:30 Cecil The Real Lion King (PG) 9:25 Lapland - The Ultimate Winter Wonderland (PG) 10:15 SBS World News Late 10:45 L’Opera (M)

1:00 Unsellable Houses 11:00 Frasier (PG) 2:00 My Lottery Dream 12:00 Becker (PG) 1:00 Home 3:00 The Block The Big Bang Theory (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 (PG) 4:00 Blog Cabin 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Castle Hunters 5:00 Fixer Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) Upper 6:00 House Hunters 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Island Of Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Bryan 8:30 Renovation 911 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Christmas Au Pair” (AKA ‘Snowed In For Christmas’) (G) (’21) Stars: Kayla Wallace 7:30 Movie: “Dolittle” (PG) (’20) Stars: Robert Downey Jr.

5:00 Worldwatch 9:10 Peer To Peer 9:40 8:00 I Fish 8:30 Farm To Fork 9:00 Everyday Gourmet 9:30 10 Minute Kitchen Lap Of Luxury - Escapes Down Under (PG) 10:10 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs 10:00 Studio 10: Saturday 12:00 Luxury Xmas (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Figure Escapes 12:30 The Yes Experiment (PG) 1:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 2:30 Skating: ISU Highlights 4:40 Kelly Clarkson Jamie’s One Pan Christmas 3:30 Luca’s Key When Christmas Comes... 5:35 Wonders Of Ingredient 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 The World I Can’t See (PG) 6:30 SBS World Farm To Fork 5:00 10 News First 6:00 News 7:30 Hidden Treasures Of The Jamie Oliver - Cooking For Less 7:00 The National Trust 8:40 Highclere - The Real Dog House (PG) 8:00 Ambulance (PG) Downton Abbey (PG) 9:35 World’s Most 10:30 CSI: Vegas (PG) Scenic Railway Journeys (PG)

2:45 Baking It (PG) 3:45 Dodger (PG) 4:45 Movie: “The Smurfs 2” (G) (’13) Stars: Brendan Gleeson 7:00 Movie: “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” (PG) (’21) Stars: Rose Byrne 8:50 Movie: “The Shape Of Water” (PG) (’17) Stars: Sally Hawkins

5:00 Stories From The Land (PG) 5:50 The Last Land (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 The Barber 7:00 Great Lakes Wild 7:30 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro (PG) 8:30 Stan Walker: Impossible Live (PG)

11:30 On The Fly (PG) 12:00 Escape Fishing With ET 12:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 1:30 Luxury Escapes (PG) 2:00 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: Round 9: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory FC *Live*

11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 Seinfeld (PG) 12:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:00 Becker (PG) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 4:20 Frasier (PG) 5:10 Seinfeld (PG) 6:10 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG)

1:00 My Lottery Dream Home 1:30 Log Cabin Living 2:30 Renovation 911 3:30 Restoration Man 4:30 Island Of Bryan 5:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 6:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 House Hunters USA

4:25 Reef School 5:00 4:00 ABC News 4:30 5:15 Total Drama Island Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiya The Business: Summer (PG) 6:00 Hotel And The Kimoja Heroes Special 5:00 ABC News Transylvania 6:25 6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Fireman 5:30 The World This Week School Of Rock (PG) 7:00 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Sam 6:45 Movie: “Shaun The Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35 Sheep: The Flight Before Movie: “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (PG) The Pacific: Summer Special (’09) Stars: Wes Anderson 9:05 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Christmas” (G) (’21) Stars: Justin Fletcher 7:20 Bluey 7:30 Movie: “Wallace & Gromit: The Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story Spicks And Specks Wrong Trousers” (G) (’93)

5:30 John Torode’s Ireland 6:30 Homegrown Tastes South Africa 7:40 Tales From River Cottage 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 River Cottage Australia 11:30 Mystery Diners

4:50 PBS Newshour 5:50 American Runestone: A Viking Mystery 6:45 The Toys That Built The World: Christmas Gross Out Icons (PG) 7:35 Impossible Engineering 8:30 Age Of Rage (M) 10:00 Glastonbury 2022 Highlights

3:35 Movie: “The Mistletoe Promise” (G) (’16) Stars: Jaime King 5:20 Movie: “Sing” (G) (’16) Stars: Matthew McConaughey 7:30 Movie: “Crocodile Dundee II” (PG) (’88) Stars: Paul Hogan 9:45 Movie: “Fletch” (M v) (’85) Stars: Chevy Chase

1:10 Movie: “Bonnie Prince Charlie” (G) (’48) Stars: David Niven 3:35 Movie: “Last Holiday” (G) (’50) Stars: Alec Guinness 5:30 Movie: “Kid Galahad” (PG) (’62) Stars: Elvis Presley 7:30 Movie: “Die Another Day” (M) (’02) Stars: Pierce Brosnan

6:00 Extreme Animal Transport (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 10:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 11:30 Carol Drinkwater’s Secret Provence (PG)

3:00 Secrets Of The Supercars (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 8:30 Disasters At Sea (PG) 9:30 Mighty Trains (PG)

11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Jabba’s School Holiday Movie Special 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline Summer (PG) 12:30 Movie: “Every Other Holiday” 1:00 Movie: “Gangsta Granny Strikes (AKA ‘A Holiday Wish Come True’) (PG) Again!” (G) (’22) Stars: Griff Rhys Jones (’18) Stars: Schuyler Fisk 2:30 Movie: “A 1:55 Maggie Beer’s Christmas Feast 2:25 Christmas Number One” (PG) (’21) Stars: All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 3:15 Grand Designs (PG) 4:00 Project Wild (PG) John Novotny 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 4:30 The Gospel According To Marcia 6:00 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The 1% Club (PG) 8:05 Movie: “National Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News Lampoon’s Vacation” (M d,l) (’83) Stars: Summer 7:30 Movie: “The King’s Speech” Chevy Chase (M l) (’10) Stars: Colin Firth

10:00 Golf: Cathedral Invitational Highlights 11:00 Cross Court 11:30 Iconic Australia 12:30 Fishing Australia 1:00 Drive TV 1:30 Explore 1:40 The Pet Rescuers (PG) 2:10 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 3:10 Movie: “Wishin’ And Hopin’” (PG) (’14) Stars: Wyatt Ralff 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 RBT (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 8:00 Carols By Candlelight *Live* From Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl (PG)

10:00 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) 12:00 Jamie Oliver Cooking For Less 1:00 Second Chance Champions (PG) 2:00 Food Trail: South Africa 2:30 Everyday Gourmet 3:00 My Market Kitchen 3:30 Jamie’s One Pan Wonders 4:00 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Movie: “The Paw Patrol Movie” (G) (’21) Stars: Tyler Perry 7:40 Have You Been Paying Attention To 2023 (PG) 8:50 Movie: “Top Gun” (PG) (’86) Stars: Tom Cruise

5:00 Worldwatch 9:15 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs Xmas (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:00 Motorsport: Speedweek 3:00 Figure Skating: ISU Highlights 5:35 Wonders Of The World I Can’t See (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Tis The Season (PG) 9:00 Roberta Flack (PG) 10:35 Big Fat Quiz Of Sport (M d,l,n,s) 12:20 The Toys That Built The World (PG) 3:25 Child Genius Australia (PG) 4:25 Bamay

3:00 Mark Berg’s 2:00 TBA 2:30 Fishing Addiction (PG) Christmas With The 4:00 Pawn Stars (PG) Salvos (PG) 3:00 Extreme Animal Transport (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars Texas (PG) 6:00 Border Security 3:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn 4:30 The Yorkshire Vet International (PG) 7:00 5:30 I Escaped To The Country Motorbike Cops (PG) 7:30 Border Security - Australia’s 6:30 Escape To The Country 7:30 Slow Train Through Africa Front Line (PG)

1:45 The Amazing Race (PG) 2:50 Blow Up (PG) 4:30 Movie: “Keeping Up With The Joneses” (M l,v) (’16) Stars: Isla Fisher 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order (M)

10:00 Escape Fishing 3:00 On Australian With ET 11:00 JAG Shores (PG) 4:00 (PG) 1:00 On The Fly Ethnic Business Awards 6:00 Moko (PG) 6:30 1:30 What’s Up Down Under NITV News Update 6:40 Wild 2:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:00 Mexico (PG) 7:40 Greatest Hits Tough Tested 4:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures Of The 80s (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Miss Sharon Jones!” (M l) (’19) 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Stars: Sharon Jones

12:10 Friends (PG) 1:10 The Middle (PG) 2:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 12: Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets *Live* 4:00 Movie: “Happy Feet” (PG) (’06) Stars: Robin Williams 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Two And A Half Men (PG)

3:30 Fix My Frankenhouse 4:30 Escape To The Chateau 5:30 House Hunters Ho Ho Home 6:00 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Build It Forward 8:30 Flipping 101 With Tarek El Moussa

4:00 ABC News 4:30 Regional Roundup 5:00 The Cloud Under The Sea 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 China Tonight: Summer Special 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story

4:25 Fireman Sam 4:55 Peppa Pig 5:30 PJ Masks Save Christmas 5:55 Hey Duggee 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Adventures Of Paddington 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Louis Theroux: African Hunting Holiday (M v)

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

5:00 Worldwatch 9:30 Jeopardy! 7:30 Abandoned Engineering: Tunnel Of Terrors (PG) 8:25 Travel Man Special (M l) 9:20 Invention Showdown (PG) 10:10 One Night In Hamleys Xmas Special (M l) 11:05 The X-Files (M h,v)

1:50 Movie: “Family For Christmas” (G) (’15) Stars: Lacey Chabert 3:35 Movie: “Random Acts Of Christmas” (G) (’19) Stars: Erin Cahill 5:20 Movie: “Gremlins” (PG) (’84) Stars: Zach Galligan 7:30 Movie: “Parenthood” (M s) (’89) Stars: Steve Martin

12:10 Movie: “Hobson’s Choice” (PG) (’54) 2:30 Movie: “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (PG) (’65) Stars: Max von Sydow 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 9:50 Movie: “Blue Canaries” (M) (’23) Stars: Tahlee Fereday

5:35 Hank Zipzer 6:00 Hotel Transylvania 6:35 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 7:00 Movie: “Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas” (G) (’21) Stars: Justin Fletcher 7:35 Movie: “Paddington 2” (G) (’17) Stars: Hugh Grant

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

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2:05 Dr Quinn Medicine Woman (PG) 3:05 Antiques Roadshow 3:35 Movie: “The Man Who Loved Redheads” (G) (’55) Stars: Moira Shearer 5:30 Saved & Remade 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 RBT (PG)

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

Thursday 28 December

Wednesday 27 December

Tuesday 26 December

Monday 25 December

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3:00 HM The King’s Christmas Message 2023 3:10 The Larkins At Christmas (PG) 4:15 Bluey 4:25 Movie: “The Secret Garden” (G) (’93) Stars: Kate Maberly 6:00 TBA 7:00 ABC News Summer 7:30 HM The King’s Christmas Message 2023 *Replay* 7:40 The Royal Variety Performance 2023 9:40 Movie: “Lion” (PG) (’16) Stars: Sunny Pawar

1:30 Christmas With The Salvos 2:00 The Chase UK (PG) 3:00 Movie: “Crown For Christmas” (PG) (’15) Stars: Danica McKellar 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security International (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley

12:00 The WIN Symphony Orchestra Special 1:00 Carols By Candlelight (PG) 4:00 Movie: “Blizzard” (G) (’03) Stars: LeVar Burton 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (PG) (’89) Stars: Chevy Chase 9:30 Movie: “Vegas Vacation” (PG) (’97) Stars: Chevy Chase

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 4:00 Modern Family 5:30 American Pickers 4:30 Better Homes And APTN National News (PG) 4:30 The (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars Gardens 5:30 I 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV Goldbergs (PG) 5:00 (PG) 7:30 Outback Escaped To The News Update 6:40 Africa’s Opal Hunters (PG) 8:30 Aussie Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Puppy Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt School (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Hidden Kingdoms 7:30 Who Salvage Squad (PG) 10:30 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:30 Do You Think You Are? (PG) Criminal Intent (M v) Swamp People (PG) Endeavour (M v) 6:35 Ben And Holly’s 4:30 The World In 2023 6:30 Roald Dahl’s Little Kingdom 6:55 Sir 5:00 ABC News 6:00 Revolting Rhymes (Part Mouse Christmas ABC Evening News 1 And 2) 7:30 Shaun The Sheep 7:35 Movie: “Shaun 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Special 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To The Sheep: Farmageddon” (G) Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story You At Christmas? (PG) (’19) Stars: Justin Fletcher

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 The Cook And The Chef 2:55 TBA 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Back In Time For The Corner Shop (PG) 7:00 ABC News Summer 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 9:05 Movie: “Queen Of The Desert” (M s,v) (’15) Stars: Nicole Kidman (In English/ Arabic/ Turkish)

6:00 Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre Game 10:30 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 12:30 Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars *Live* 12:30 Bates Motel

3:00 The King’s Christmas Message 3:15 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 Jamie’s One Pan Christmas 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Cheap Seats (PG) 8:30 Movie: “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” (PG) (’03) Stars: Kate Hudson

11:30 Reel Action 12:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M)

12:10 Worldwatch 2:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 2:30 The Luxury Christmas Decorators 3:25 Silent Night: A Song For The World (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Story Of Irish Dance: Steps Of Freedom 9:05 Adele - 30 Greatest Moments (PG)

4:00 Blog Cabin 4:30 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Build Me Up 5:00 Build Friends (PG) 6:30 It Forward 6:00 House Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 7:30 Basketball: Hunters International 7:00 NBL: Sydney Kings v Illawarra House Hunters Ho Ho Home Hawks *Live* 9:30 Seinfeld (M) 7:30 House Hunters USA

3:50 Movie: “The Holly 4:00 Family Ties (PG) 3:50 ABC America This 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 And The Ivy” (G) (’52) 4:30 The Addams Week 4:50 Shortland Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 5:30 Christmas At Family 5:00 Bewitched Street (PG) 5:20 Vs. The Cook Up With 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Warwick Castle 6:30 Antiques Adam Liaw 7:30 Shane Delia’s Arashi (In Japanese) 6:15 Roadshow 7:30 Death In Everybody Loves Raymond Jeopardy! 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Spice Journey 8:00 Luke Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) Paradise (PG) Nguyen’s India

12:00 Movie: “Love Upstream” (PG) (’21) Stars: Kimberly-Sue Murray 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Travel Guides (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee” (M l) (’20) Stars: Paul Hogan

3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 Jamie’s One Pan Christmas 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Thank God You’re Here (PG) 8:30 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers (M s) 9:00 Movie: “The Italian Job” (M l,v) (’03) Stars: Mark Wahlberg

12:00 Worldwatch 2:10 Patrizio Buanne Celebration 3:10 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy!

(PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:20 Whitney - Can I Be Me? (M d,l,s) 4:30 Build Me Up 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble

6:00 Bamay 6:40 6:30 First Dates 5:00 American Pickers 4:30 Better Homes And Arabian Inferno 7:30 Australia (PG) 7:35 (PG) 6:00 Cricket: BBL: Gardens 5:30 I The Casketeers (PG) First Dates UK (PG) Sydney Sixers v Escaped To The 8:30 Movie: “Poly Styrene: I 8:40 Movie: “Mike And Dave Melbourne Stars *Live* 7:00 Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Rosemary & Thyme (PG) Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Need Wedding Dates” (M d,l,s) Am A Cliché” (PG) (’21) Stars: Celeste Bell 10:15 Faboriginal (’16) Stars: Zac Efron 8:30 Inspector George Gently Truckers (PG)

11:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 12:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

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

4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Shortland Street (PG) 5:45 Vs. Arashi (In Japanese) 6:40 Jeopardy!

7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

5:30 Saved & Remade 4:00 Family Ties (PG) 6:30 Antiques 4:30 The Addams Roadshow 7:30 New Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Tricks (M v) 8:40 The Closer (M) 9:40 Movie: “The 13th Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) Summer” (M l,v) (’22)

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

5:00 ABC News With 6:30 Operation Ouch!

Joe O’Brien 5:30 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Landline 6:00 ABC Space Nova 8:00 Total Evening News 6:40 If You’re DramaRama 8:25 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:45 Listening 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads Mustangs FC

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering 2023 (M) 3:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Back In Time For The Corner Shop (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2023 9:00 Movie: “Brooklyn” (M l,s) (’15) Stars: Saoirse Ronan

6:00 Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre Game 10:30 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 12:30 Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Brisbane v Sydney Thunder *Live*

12:00 Movie: “Sweet Autumn” (G) (’20) Stars: Nikki Deloach 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Clarkson’s Farm 9:30 Police Rescue Australia (PG) 10:30 The Equalizer (M v)

3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 Jamie’s One Pan Christmas 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Thank God You’re Here (PG) 8:30 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers (M s) 9:00 Movie: “Forrest Gump” (PG) (’94) Stars: Tom Hanks

12:00 Worldwatch 2:15 Britain’s Most Luxurious Hotels (PG) 3:10 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Madame Tussaud’s - The Full Wax (M v) 4:00 Blog Cabin 4:30 Build Me Up 5:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA

5:00 American 4:30 Better Homes And Restoration (PG) 5:30 Gardens 5:30 I American Pickers (PG) Escaped To The 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 The 7:30 Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Force - Behind The Line (PG) Lewis (M v)

6:25 First Dates Australia (PG) 7:35 First Dates UK (PG) 8:40 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (M l) 10:40 Gordon, Gino & Fred (M l)

4:30 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Living Black 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Arabian Inferno 7:30 Supreme Team (M d,l,n,v)

11:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 12:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M s)

5:00 ABC News With 6:30 Operation Ouch!

Joe O’Brien 5:30 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Landline 6:00 ABC Space Nova 8:00 Total Evening News 6:40 If You’re DramaRama 8:25 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:45 Listening 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads Mustangs FC

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

6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Paradise Kitchen Bali 8:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient

4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Shortland Street (PG) 5:45 Vs. Arashi (In Japanese) 6:40 Jeopardy!

7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

3:30 Movie: “Our Miss 4:00 Family Ties (PG) Fred” (PG) (’72) Stars: 4:30 The Addams Danny La Rue 5:30 Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Saved & Remade 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) Time Goes By (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 Dolphins: Is Our Love Too Deep? 3:30 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2023 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Back In Time For The Corner Shop (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Movie: “Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool” (M l,s) (’17) Stars: Annette Bening 9:15 Grand Designs (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre Game 10:30 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 12:30 Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Hobart v Melbourne Stars *Live*

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

12:00 Movie: “A Vineyard Romance” (PG) (’21) Stars: Rebecca Olson 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) 8:30 RPA (M) 9:30 Children’s Hospital (PG) 10:30 Chicago Med (MA15+) 11:20 Emergency Call (M)

3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 Jamie’s One Pan Christmas 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Thank God You’re Here (PG) 8:30 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers (M s) 9:00 Movie: “Catch Me If You Can” (PG) (’02) Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio

12:00 Worldwatch 2:15 Britain’s Most Luxurious Hotels (PG) 3:10 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Ruthless Monopoly’s Secret History (PG)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 11:30 Jake And The 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) Frasier (PG) 6:00 Fatman (PG) 12:30 The 77 Percent 6:00 6:30 10 Years Younger Friends (PG) 6:30 JAG (M) 2:30 Jake And Bamay 6:30 NITV In 10 Days (PG) 7:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends The Fatman (PG) 3:30 News Update 6:40 Arabian First Dates UK (PG) 8:30 (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares Inferno 7:30 Going Places With Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 Theory (M) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG) JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) Ernie Dingo (PG) USA (M l)

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 5:30 India Now: 6:30 Operation Ouch!

Ben And Holly’s Little Summer Special 6:00 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Kingdom 7:05 Star ABC Evening News Space Nova 8:00 Total Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 6:40 If You’re Listening 7:00 DramaRama 8:25 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:45 ABC National News 7:30 Back 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight Would I Lie To You? (PG) Mustangs FC

6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s German Bite 8:35 Rick Stein: From Venice To Istanbul

4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Shortland Street (PG) 5:45 Vs. Arashi (In Japanese) 6:40 Jeopardy!

7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

4:00 Build Me Up 5:00 Home Again With The Fords 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters Renovation

3:35 Movie: “Up The 4:00 Family Ties (PG) Front” (PG) (’72) Stars: 4:30 The Addams Frankie Howerd 5:30 Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Saved & Remade 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) Keeping Up Appearances (PG)

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

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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Ê It’s that time of the year again when I hand out my famous Chatter on the Box Awards for 2023. I hope you enjoy... Ê Best Channel: 10. I feel like 10 had a really strong year in terms of great shows that rated well. While they had some stinkers, they also pumped out some good stuff too including ‘The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition’, ‘Australian Survivor’, ‘I’m a Celebrity’, ‘The Cheap Seats’, ‘The Masked Singer’, ‘Gogglebox’ and ‘MasterChef’. 2024 is looking appetising as well with ‘Gladiators’ slated for mid-January and Robert Irwin joining ‘I’m a Celeb’ in April! Ê Best Aussie Reality Show: ‘Australian Survivor: Heroes vs Villains’. After a couple

of lean years, ‘Australian Survivor’ produced one of its best seasons ever in 2023 when it aired earlier this year. Featuring some of the game’s best-known players like King George along with some fresh faces like winner Liz Parnov, this season had it all – including plenty of drama, laughs and edge of your seat moments.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê Best Aussie Drama: ‘Last King of the Cross’. Paramount+ knocked it out of the

park with this series inspired by the autobiography of Sydney nightclub owner John Ibrahim and his experiences in Kings Cross.

While it was revealed some of the show was fictionalised for dramatic effect, it didn’t bother viewers who were captivated with each and every episode.

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHOW: THE LAST OF US Ê Best Streaming Service: Paramount+.

I must admit, I’ve never subscribed to Paramount+ until halfway through this year, but I’m so glad I did because I found myself watching this streamer more than any other. Some of my favourites I discovered on Paramount+ this year were: ‘The Curse’, ‘The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers’, ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’, ‘Frasier’, ‘Paper Dolls’, ‘The Gold’ and ‘NCIS: Sydney’.

Ê Best Doco Series: ‘Beckham’. Everyone knew who David Beckham was, but I don’t think we truly got to know him until we watched his Netflix documentary series a few months’ back. From his love of beekeeping to the ups and downs of his football career and fascinating married life, this four-

Ê Best International Show: ‘The Last of Us’. One of the most highly anticipated

shows in a long time delivered and then some. ‘The Last of Us’, which aired on FOX Showcase and Binge, had been years in the making but when we finally got to watch it, the wait was certainly worth it. Based on the hit PlayStation video game series, ‘The Last of Us’ will go down as one of the true epics of our time.

BEST FINALE: TED LASSO

part doco was an incredible insight into one of the most famous people on the planet.

Ê Best Finale: ‘Ted Lasso’. I must admit I shed a few tears when Apple TV+ aired the final episode ever of ‘Ted Lasso’. The episode titled ‘So Long, Farewell’ was the perfect send-off for fans of this beloved series, which saw Ted, an American football coach, take over an English Premier League team. This show will be forever known for the way it made us laugh and cry, but also for the way it made us think about life’s challenges and there’s not many shows that can do all three. Ê Best Cast on TV: ‘Travel Guides’. One from left field, but I voted the cast of Channel Nine’s ‘Travel Guides’ as the best on TV. From the loveable Fren Family to the funny Kevin, Dorian and Teng, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that this is not only a ratings hit every single week but a two-time Logie Award winner also. Ê The Trap Door Award: Foxtel. While it will be hard for me to ever part with Foxtel due to its sport coverage and movie offering, they don’t do themselves any favours by axing channel after channel whilst also raising their prices. This year alone Foxtel cut E!, Nat Geo, Nickelodeon and the big one MTV.

Premium Gelato Australian Made

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS 23 December 11am to 9pm 24 December 11am to 9pm CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY 26 December 11am to 9pm 27 December 11am to 9pm 28 December 11am to 9pm 29 December 11am to 9pm 30 December 11am to 9pm 31 December 11am to 9pm

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

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1 January OPEN New Years Day 11am to 9pm

MERRY CHRISTMAS HOME & LIFESTYLE WILL RETURN IN 2024

In the MIRROR

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FEATURE STORY Western Property

AIRPORT SET TO DRIVE UP VALUE IN LOCAL SUBURBS I

ndustrial property investors who purchase in certain suburbs of Sydney could add significantly to their wealth by the end of the decade, thanks to land values expected to double in some areas.

Growth areas across Sydney include the western suburbs of Mulgoa, Luddenham and Orchard Hills along with Cobbitty and Leppington, according to projections from property investment firm Custodian.

It notes these suburbs are surrounded by multiple job hubs and have good existing and future planned infrastructure.

Nils Miller, Chief Executive Officer of BC Land, agrees.

“The development of Western Sydney International Airport is attracting a range of businesses that will create an employment hub in the City of Bradfield, in the Badgerys Creek precinct, that will in turn lead to residential developments nearby,” Miller said.

“The businesses being developed around the new airport started out being centred around aviation, but the area is now attracting a wider set of businesses.

“These businesses will employ a range or people and they and their families will require accommodation nearby.”

“THE AIRPORT IS ATTRACTING A RANGE OF BUSINESSES THAT WILL CREATE AN EMPLOYMENT HUB IN THE CITY OF BRADFIELD” Western Sydney International Airport will be the largest logistics airport in Australia and the first in New South Wales with no curfew, with flights taking off

and landing 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will cater to more than 25,000 domestic flights carrying four million passengers a year and flights are expected to operate as soon as the airport opens in 2026.

Bradfield City Centre will be located within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and is being built on Government land near Badgerys Creek Road, Bringelly.

BC Land is developing an industrial hub on 35 hectares at Badgerys Creek.

“Work is progressing well with the airport,” Miller said.

“As at June 2023, more than 50 per cent of the airport was already built, with foundations poured for the 3.7 kilometre runway and work on the terminal and car park had started. Some 25 million cubic metres of earth had been moved around the site – making it Australia’s biggest earthmoving project. Tunnel boring machines were also in the ground working

on the metro line, which will run from St Marys to the new airport.

The site will be connected to the M7 motorway via the M12 which is in planning.

“Our own 35-hectare site on Lawson Road and Pitt Street, one of the two access roads to the airport and one of the closest sites to the aerotropolis, is already receiving expressions of interest from partners and tenants.

“We already have interest from providers of freight services and logistics along with light manufacturers seeking to service these as well as other aviation services.

“These businesses are realising that they can occupy premises for less than half the price they are up for at Mascot airport.”

Miller forecast these business developments would soon be followed by residential developments, as people increasingly seek to be no more than 30 minutes from their place of work.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

ORAN PARK

BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property

WWW.ORANPARK.COM.AU TO SEE WHAT IS FOR SALE OPEN FOR INSPECTION Seven days by appointment

ORAN PARK OPPORTUNITY Oran Park began as a vision to build one of Australia’s most liveable suburbs.

Today, Oran Park is quickly becoming an address like no other, offering the benefits of contemporary living and an evolving town square that features an array of modern amenities.

A vibrant work in progress, Oran Park is continuing to expand. By 2041, the suburb is estimated to be home to almost 250,000 people, compared to the current population of 120,028.

As Oran Park continues to grow and thrive, the vision is simple: to be an internationally recognised suburb that sets the benchmark

for quality, master-planned communities.

With a community spirit built on inclusion and diversity, the homes and lifestyle are informed by sustainability, health and wellbeing.

Australia’s leading architects and town planners have been commissioned to design a suburb alive with urban conveniences.

From easy access to transport links and the integration of essential services such as healthcare and education to employment hubs and a modern retail and shopping precinct.

To find out more go to oranprak. com.au.

CONTACT Oran Park Sales Office Jeff Webb • 9043 7500 jeff.webb@greenfields.net.au

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Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains

Ross & Tracey along with the team at the Penrith Professionals Real Estate would like to wish all their valued clients, past & present, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Zoned Mixed Use in the heart of Kingswood Inspection: Call Agent

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fantastic. She is very personable, has great market knowledge and always kept me in the loop. She dealt with any issues or questions in a prompt manner and was happy to walk through the process in great detail with any potential buyers. The photos and video of the property were great and she was happy to do all she could in my tight timeframes. I would be happy to work with her again.

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MONEY MATTERS The Experts

TURNING A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION INTO A PLAN A

ALEX MCKENZIE Future Financial Services 4704 8585

s we enter a new year, millions of people around the world will make resolutions and hope to stick with them throughout the year.

A recent survey indicated that 15 per cent of new year’s resolutions are financial goals. Not surprisingly, most resolutions fail. Two key reasons for this are, we often set ourselves overly optimistic goals that are in reality difficult to achieve and, often our goals are vague with no plan on how to achieve them.

The top three financial new year’s resolutions set in Australia are; saving more, spending less, and reducing debt. While these are great in theory, they are too broad and don’t focus on the small and simple ways to achieve these goals.

Turning vague broad concepts into SMART goals will significantly increase the chance of being successful. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely.

Instead of saving more, a SMART goal would be to save $100 per week.

These goals are further enhanced if we can identify why we are saving the money. Is it for a house deposit, a holiday, our children’s education or retirement?

Saving $100 per week to purchase a house in 2024 would be an excellent goal.

There are some excellent habits

BROKING BREAKDOWN

PRESSURES OF THE SEASON

T

his festive season is again expected to be more subdued as most Australians show some restraint due to the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and continuing concerns for mortgage holders about interest rate rises.

A Westpac survey found about 75 per cent of Australians were pledging to reduce their spending over Christmas, with the average total budget forecast to be $863 per person, including food, decorations, events and presents.

Shoppers were looking to use loyalty programs to help save money, according to the Westpac research.

“Budgeting is top of mind as we head into the peak spending season with households planning smaller and simpler festivities with the higher cost-ofliving,” Westpac’s Managing Director of Consumer Finance Steve Rubenstein said.

“Customers are definitely feeling the pinch.”

Keeping a lid on the spending is probably advisable given the unpredictable economic circumstances.

If you are looking to obtain finance for a home or a motor vehicle in the new year, our advice is to cut out as much unnecessary discretionary spending as possible.

Reduce credit card debt and limits or close those accounts altogether. Finalise any buy now/pay later type facilities. It’s also a good move to payout and close any shorter-term finance facilities such as car loans and personal loans.

If you can, try to use debit instead of credit for your

The Experts

that assist us in achieving these goals.

1. Keep a track of your spending – that way you are able decipher between your essential and discretionary monthly expenses and pinpoint areas where you can reduce spending, increase savings or decrease debt.

Try to identify spending that adds little or nothing to your

life and re-direct that to your goal.

2. Save first – Once you have identified how much you can save, put that money aside.

Better still, also separate out all non-discretionary spending (money for bills), the remainder is for you to spend.

3.

Pay off your credit card debt – Credit card debt is a millstone around our neck.

Interest rates are very high, normally around 20 per cent.

If you have any additional funds, they should initially be used to repay credit card debt.

You won’t receive a return anywhere near 20 per cent without significant risk. Once you have paid off your credit card, you will significantly increase your disposable income. Those savings can be re-directed to your goal.

The new year is a great time to reassess your financial situation.

When you do so, go one step further than a vague resolution, create a SMART goal.

Stay Informed Visit our website direct to stay up to date with all recent local news

MARK STEVENSON Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au

purchases. A Christmas credit card hangover is definitely something to avoid as you head into a new year.

If you are hosting Christmas lunch this year, make sure you ask your guests to help share the load by bringing drink, salads or desserts.

Many families already do this and, in my experience, people are more than happy to share the load. And some just love to contribute!

And if you do over commit during the festive season, do not be afraid to reach out to Bell Partners as we can help you find the pathway to get your finances back in shape.

We wish all readers a safe and joyful Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

See you in 2024!

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www.westernweekender.com.au Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

55

SWIM SAFETY The Experts

BE SAFER RATHER THAN SILLY DURING THE BREAK I

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

t really is the most wonderful time of the year – sun, surf, sand, swimming and school holidays!

However, we simply cannot afford to become complacent. Royal Life Saving Australia research shows that Australians are twice more likely to drown on a public holiday than any other day of the year.

Holiday makers are at highest risk, being 2.5 times more likely to drown due to lack of knowledge and familiarly of the local water ways. Alcohol is a significant contributor to public holiday drowning deaths, and it’s men that are commonly susceptible to a higher risk, with the report showing men are four times more likely to drown than women. Let’s do all we can this summer to minimise the risks.

These are my top 10 water safety tips for a happy holiday period: 1.

Swimming lessons! Teach children to swim and continue to attend lessons regularly. It may be tempting to drop lessons as life gets busy but until children reach their age related milestones swimming lessons should remain non-negotiable. Be sure to utilise all of the NSW Government vouchers currently available, such as the First Lap and Active Kids Vouchers.

2. Avoid alcohol around water.

3.

Check for snags and currents before entering inland waterways and rivers.

4. Know your limits and never swim alone, or when intoxicated.

5. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags and learn how to spot rip currents.

6.

Children under five should be arm’s reach at the beach, at the pool, and in

VOICEOVERS

every other aquatic environment, always and without question.

7. Fence the pool, check and close all gates and make sure they are self-latching and can’t be propped open.

8. Be aware of other household items which represent a drowning risk, i.e. Eskys, inflatable pools, bathtubs, buckets, fishponds, even pet bowls. Children have drowned in less water than a drink bottle can hold.

9. Make supervision of children the priority around all water – delegate a supervisor at all events with the adults talking turns on rotation. Never assume someone else is watching.

10. Learn how to perform CPR and use an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator).

Drownings remain a risk at home, where we are often most relaxed and assume nothing bad will happen. Water safety crusader Laurie Lawrence has been in the media this past week reminding home owners to check pool fences and gates, and Royal Life Saving has developed a home pool safety checklist home owners can use to minimise the risks. You can find the checklist at: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/home-pool-safety/ home-pool-safety-checklist.

Wishing you a safe summer with your family.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

HEALTH The Experts

LOSING WEIGHT TO HELP MINIMISE YOUR PAIN O

GEORGIA SMITH OnePoint Health 4732 5188

ften the answer to our injuries is to lose weight.

This is a common recommendation from doctors, surgeons and specialists but is a hard one to take on board when it is exercise that hurts our joints.

The catch to this is that exercise helps to relieve our pain, we just need to understand what exercise is best for us. Strength training as well as cardiovascular exercise for weight loss will both offer pain relief for our joints as well as benefiting our overall health.

In recent research they have indicated that a 10 per cent reduction in body weight will have a 50 per cent reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms and a 40-50 per cent reduction in pain, whereas anti-inflammatories only give a

25 per cent reduction in pain.

So what exercise is best when you are in pain?

This depends on your area of pain and current health but there are several

different types of exercise to help lose weight as well as offload some of your pain.

Walking is a great low impact exercise and is readily available for

everyone to participate in.

Choose a particular area that is flat and has even surfaces and be aware of wearing appropriate footwear.

Swimming is another

great low impact exercise for people in pain. The water offloads body weight and allows you to work a lot harder than on land without any pain.

Simply doing lap swimming to increase fitness and decrease weight is a great way to start an exercise program or a good combination with your land based exercise.

Weight loss can be difficult during the Christmas-New Year break. It is OK to enjoy yourself over this period, however the important part is ensuring you remain active and continue with your health habits into the new year.

If you are unsure what exercise is best, seeking help from an Accredited Exercise Physiologist will ensure you get the correct program for your particular pain and weight loss goals.

TALKING TECH

IS YOUR INFO EXPOSED?

T

haveibeenpwned.com.

• Work through the tabs, enter your email address, password or phone number and Click the “Pwned?” button.

• Check for breaches: The site will search its database and display whether your email, password or phone number has been found in any known data breaches.

One of the key features is its Pwned Password service.

This service allows users to check if their passwords have been exposed to data breaches.

The service provides hundreds of millions of real-world passwords previously exposed in data breaches.

This exposure makes them unsuitable for ongoing use as they’re at much greater risk of being used to take over other accounts. If any of your passwords appear on this list, you need to change them.

The website benefits are numerous: 1.

It helps you become

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It educates about the importance of using unique passwords for each account.

3.

It provides a valuable resource for understanding the scale and impact of data breaches.

Its most important feature is the account monitoring capability. By registering your email address, the website will notify you every time a new breach is detected. You will be sent an email containing details of the breach.

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he holiday season is upon us. With it comes increased online usage, whether it be shopping, social media, or streaming. This also means that the cybercriminals will be more active. Today, I’m going to talk about a website where you can check if your email has been compromised and how to check if your passwords are out in the wild.

Have I Been Pwned?

(HIBP) is a free website that provides a valuable service to help individuals protect their online identities.

It is a website created by cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt that allows users to check whether their email addresses or phone numbers have been compromised in data breaches. The site maintains a comprehensive database of leaked account information from various sources, including companies, organisations, and government entities.

Using the website is straightforward.

• Visit the website: Go to

The Experts

FREE Quotes Please call Mario 0415 601 033 magwal.com.au | magwalcontracting@gmail.com Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

57

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce Holidays are the perfect time to experiment with new products

T

here’s no better time than Christmas and New Year’s to experiment and be a little bit extra with your makeup looks.

Whether it’s a sheer shimmer or a pop of colour you’re looking for, here are my top picks for the festive season.

Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil in ‘How Many Carats?!’

Although this is technically a highlighter, the Fenty Beauty

Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil in the shade ‘How Many Carats?!’ has become known for its versatility.

The product provides a unique silver glittering veil with a translucent powder base, making it the perfect addition to the cheeks, body or eyes.

Personally, I love using this product on the inner corner of my eyes, and extending it into the crease to add personality and shine to what would normally be a neutral eye look.

It’s iconic for a reason, and a must-have for any occasion.

Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in ‘Space Cowboy’ In an article about glitters, I can’t bypass the cult classic Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in the shade ‘Space Cowboy’.

A high-performance, vegan eyeshadow packed with microfine eye glitter for the most sparkly, supercharged colour and shimmery finish possible, the product promises to last for up to 16 hours, meaning it won’t fade away or smear over the course of your night out.

This shade is notoriously difficult to get your hands on, but, if you can pick it up, it might be worth putting the product to the test. The only downside for me is the price, which sits at $38 for a single eyeshadow.

ColourPop Super Shock Eyeshadows If you’re on a budget, you can’t look past ColourPop’s Super Shock Shadows.

The formula on these ones is slightly different to other glitters, in that it’s a cream

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

to powder formula. It has a unique bouncy texture that produces a long-lasting, high shine finish.

The shade ‘Ritz’ is supposed to be a great dupe for Urban Decay’s ‘Space Cowboy’, or you can look into their Super Shock Highlighters for even more shine – my favourite is ‘Flexitarian’.

Before you purchase one of these, just note that they can be a little bit tricky to store – the soft texture makes them easily breakable (but just as easy to squish back together), and the

unique formula makes them prone to drying out. However, they really are beautiful, especially for the price.

GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI Eye See In Sparkle Clean Multi-Dimensional Glitter Eyeshadows If a loose glitter is what you’re after, look into the GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI eyeshadows.

Despite being a little more of a unique pick, this product has clocked up 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews on the Sephora website.

Coming in three shades, ‘Twinkle’, ‘Glimmer’ and ‘Dazzle’, these eyeshadows are loaded with multifaceted crystal pigments for an eye-catching, dimensional finish.

Though these are advertised as being able to be used without a glitter glue, I’d have one on hand just in case.

PET HEALTH The Experts

THE NOT SO FUN SIDE OF FIREWORKS DISPLAYS F

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

ireworks may make us humans happy and excited but the same isn’t true for our furry friends. Just like thunderstorms, the loud, unexpected noises of fireworks can cause our pets extreme distress. It’s therefore important to create a safe, calm environment for them. This will prevent them from hurting themselves or becoming lost in panic.

Prepare: Know when the fireworks night will commence and ensure your pet is in a safe and secure place a few hours before they start. Ensure your pet is exercised and well fed before the fireworks begin as this may help them de-stress, and be more inclined to nap once festivities begin.

Create a safe place: Pets can have a ‘flight’ response to unexpected noises, sometimes ending up kilometres from home in their panic. Because of this, pets should be kept indoors whenever

them, and reward calm behaviour with positive playtime and treats. A treat filled kong toy or filled Kong or favourite toy is a great distraction.

possible, including rabbits and guinea pigs.

Creating a calm, secure area for your pet inside your house will also help them feel protected.

Close the curtains and put familiar bedding in a small, confined hiding place. A laundry or bathroom is ideal. Otherwise, allow your pet to be with you while you play music or turn the television on to cover the sounds. (NOT the fireworks).

Speak to your veterinarian early: If you are concerned about how your pet will cope, speak to your veterinarian early! Shortterm medications may help your

pet but supervision is still recommended.

Monitor for signs of stress: Staying home with your pet will help them feel comforted. If this isn’t possible, try to arrange overnight boarding at a kennel or veterinary hospital.

When the noises begin, keep an eye out for subtle stress signs.

Dogs may lick their lips, yawn or begin panting. Other signs may include vocalisation, heavy panting, shaking and shivering.

If your pet does show signs that they are frightened, never raise your voice or punish him. Speak softly, stroke them, try to distract

Microchip and collars: If your pet does manage to escape, keeping microchip and registration details up-to-date is vital. A collar with identification is also a good idea Locating a lost pet: Losing your beloved fur baby can be devastating. If you have lost your pet, contact your local veterinarians, Penrith City Council Animal Rangers, Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter and the various lost and found Facebook groups in the area.

For more information about making this Christmas and New Year fireworks season less stressful for your pet, phone the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027. See you in the new year!

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

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

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

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

59

PET OF THE WEEK Relax & Unwind

my name: Kenda my proud owner: Brad Wright i live in: Castlereagh a bit about me: Kenda is a five-month-old

Labrador who his owners hope will grow up to join the Nepean Therapy Dog Team. Kenda is a typical lab pup at the moment who loves getting into mischief. Kenda loves playing with her sister Argo, chasing sticks, balls and has a pet plushed crocodile.

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

NEW YEAR’S EVE SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER 2023 | 6.30PM-10PM

quee r a M e h t r e und

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is hosting the ultimate family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash amidst the mountains!

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Don’t miss out on an unforgettable celebration!

1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, NSW, 2780, Australia | Tel: +61 2 4785 0000 | Email: reservations@fairmontresort.com.au | www.fairmontresort.com.au

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

SCAN QR CODE TO BOOK

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ADULT $85pp | KIDS 12-17yrs $59pp | CHILDREN 5-11yrs $45pp LITTLE ONES 0-4yrs Free

HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

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

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The Sun-Saturn connection favours keeping the traditional parts of Christmas. Plus (being an avant-garde Aquarian) you can also add some innovative new festive flourishes of your own.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy Xmas Day to the max. With Venus visiting your networking zone, you’ll feel extra gregarious on New Year’s Eve. You may surprise yourself – and others – by performing some late night funky moves on the dancefloor!

With Venus and Neptune activating your sign, you’re in the mood for a magical, musical and fantasy-filled Christmas week. On Friday you’ll seek out meaningful connections, as Venus and Pluto deepen your feelings and increase your empathy for other people.

But a work matter could leave you feeling disappointed or confused. Home is where the heart is on New Year’s Eve, when many Pisceans will enjoy a quiet night at home with family and friends.

The Full Moon (in your domestic zone) favours traditional Christmas celebrations, surrounded by close family and/ or long-time friends. Then the Moon’s in gregarious Leo for most of New Year’s Eve, which is fabulous for socialising and partying. So make sure you enjoy yourself to the max! However, with Mercury Retrograde and Neptune squaring Mars, be careful you’re not viewing people (and situations) through ridiculously rosecoloured glasses.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Prepare to be in a fabulously festive mood, as you let your hair down and enjoy the Yuletide celebrations. But, if you eat and drink and party too much on Christmas Day, then you’ll be a grumpy Bull on Boxing Day. You could feel surprisingly sentimental on New Year’s Eve when you look back over the highs and lows of the closing year. It’s time to let go of the past, as you happily move on to greener and more productive pastures in 2024.

Choose your words wisely this Christmas as your ruler Mercury reverses through your relationship zone, which could stir up an old family grievance. If you’re not careful, you could blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time! On New Year’s Eve, you’re in the mood to mix and mingle and party to the max. But – once again – you’re also inclined to make insensitive comments.

So think before you speak and try to be at your diplomatic best.

It’s Full Moon week so avoid getting carried away and overdoing the festive celebrations, especially eating, drinking, and partying. If you pace yourself, then you (and your sensitive digestive system) will enjoy Christmas Day even more.

Simple meals – in small amounts – is the smart and sensible way to go. New Year’s Eve will be an emotional night for sentimental Crabs as you look back over the past year, including your successes and failures.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Lively Lions love the social side of Yuletide celebrations. Don’t be all talk and no action though. Make sure you’re pulling your weight (with preparations and cleaning up) otherwise you’ll be in the bad books on Boxing Day. Cats thrive on excitement and hate it when life gets too predictable and humdrum. Things certainly won’t be boring on New Year’s Eve, when vivacious Venus (in your entertainment zone) revs up the New Year party atmosphere to the max!

Your ruler Mercury is moving backwards, so don’t worry if your carefully made plans are messed up this Christmas. Try to keep things in perspective.

It’s OK if the food, presents, decorations and celebrations aren’t 100 per cent perfect. As birthday great Quentin Crisp wisely observed, “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities, but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.” Aim to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your favourite relatives and friends.

You’ll need to be extra diplomatic if you want to avoid a fraction too much friction on Christmas Day. With Mercury still retrograde, communication mix-ups are likely so tread carefully. With Venus in your neighbourhood zone on New Year’s Eve, the focus is firmly on local community celebrations. Attached Libra – make sure you lavish your lover with plenty of extra TLC. Unhappily single? Look for a partner who has a generous nature and strong self-esteem.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Joyful Jupiter is transiting through your partnership zone so strive to be more generous towards loved ones, as you view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective. Your Christmas motto is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox, “Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.” With Venus visiting your sign, New Year’s Eve is all about socialising with loved ones and having fun.

With Mars and retrograde Mercury visiting your sign, there’s a tendency for you to overdo things. So some Sagittarians will have trouble getting started on Boxing Day, when your body reacts to all the rich treats and alcoholic beverages you enthusiastically consumed on Christmas Day. And you’ll certainly be in the mood to party on New Year’s Eve as you shake out your dancing shoes, shimmy into your favourite party gear, and turn the music up loud!

Steady Saturn helps to stabilise and conserve your energy throughout a long and hectic Christmas Day. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the Yuletide celebrations … without feeling totally exhausted by bedtime! Many Capricorns will spend a low-key New Year’s Eve at home, as you reflect on 2023 and look ahead to 2024.

So your motto for the week is from birthday great, writer Henry Miller, “One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”

Volunt eer opport unities now availab le !!!

Get your paws dirty and jump in with all four feet!!

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

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61

Relax & Unwind DESTINATION P&0 Cruises Pacific Explorer

WORDS

Nathan Taylor

IMAGES Nathan Taylor & Supplied

MORE INFO

NOT A DULL MOMENT T

here are holidays. And then there are holidays that you can’t stop thinking about.

That’s exactly how I’m feeling several weeks after disembarking P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer.

As an international traveller since my early 20s, I’ve done some epic trips in my life. From the pyramids in Egypt to the remote wilds of Lapland, I’ve been fortunate to see some of planet Earth’s most incredible sites over the past 15 years.

However, while all those adventures hold a special place in my heart, my recent voyage on the Pacific Explorer was right up there in terms of memorable experiences.

Now, to start with, this wasn’t your average cruise. Let me explain.

My cruise from Auckland to Melbourne (yes, you read that right) didn’t stop at any ports along the way, tenders weren’t required at all – it was just five glorious days at sea.

I sailed on what the cruise lines call a ‘repositioning cruise’, which is where the embarkation port and disembarkation port are different.

To my surprise, the ship was completely sold-out – with passengers preferring P&O ferry them one-way across the mighty Tasman instead of one of the major airlines.

An aerial shot of the incredible P&O Pacific Explorer ship.

“P&O ARE THE EXPERTS IN HAVING A GOOD TIME”

62

fusion flavours at Dragon Lady, and just about everything under the sun at The Pantry.

But one of the highlights for me was the seven-course degustation I enjoyed courtesy of one of Australia’s most well-known chefs.

I like to consider myself a bit of a foodie, so when I discovered celebrity chef Luke Mangan had a restaurant partnership with P&O Cruises, I couldn’t contain my excitement!

Not only does he have a specialty restaurant – simply known as Luke’s – on board with picturesque views of the ocean and stunning pool deck, the 53-year-old also has an exclusive fine dining experience called A Taste of Salt.

Created by the Sydneysider, this perfectly paired degustation featured signature dishes and fine wines picked by the man himself. Only available to a small group of guests each night and located in a private dining room inside of Waterfront, A Taste of Salt is a must-do for people that like the finer things in life – like me!

If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and enjoy testing your limits, the Pacific Explorer has plenty of experiences to scratch that itch.

At the P&O Edge Adventure Park, guests of all ages can dabble in rock climbing, zip down the flying fox, be like Jack and Rose in the Titanic Experience, or even Walk the Plank – like I found myself doing.

Yes, just like the classic pirate ships of yesteryear, the Pacific Explorer has a narrow plank that you can walk down (all harnessed up, of course) and pretend your Captain Jack Sparrow as you overlook the spectacular ocean beneath you.

I was talking about memorable moments earlier, and Walk the Plank is a prime example of doing something out of your comfort zone.

It made for great photos too!

Another unforgettable moment for me was

Yes, obviously a plane would get you to your destination a lot quicker, but does a plane have a spa, casino, or Bob Downe?

The beauty about having no ports of call is that you’re able to enjoy every aspect of the ship to its fullest, and I sure as hell did that!

P&O are the experts in having a good time, so there wasn’t a moment on my five-day cruise that I wasn’t having an absolute ball.

From partaking in Disney-themed trivia with a bunch of strangers to a cocktail making class and a spot of late-night karaoke, I was well and truly in my element on this ship.

One of my favourite things about travelling is trying out new restaurants and bars. To my delight, Pacific Explorer had a whopping six restaurants and countless bars on board to satisfy even the fussiest of travellers.

I was spoilt for choice with the ship’s range of everyday dining venues including Modern Australian fare at Waterfont, Italian dining at both Angelo’s and P&O Trattoria, exotic Asian

Nathan Taylor walking the plank.

The Pantry has plenty of sweet treats.

The pool deck is a great place to relax on the P&O Pacific Explorer.

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

TRAVEL

ON BOARD PACIFIC EXPLORER watching legendary Australian comedian and entertainer Bob Downe perform his new show ‘Viva Bob Vegas’, which is an old-style Las Vegas lounge show complete with a swinging live band, burlesque dancers, and sing-along retro classic tunes.

I seriously thought Bob had either died, retired, or was cancelled due to the risqué nature of his comedy, but that couldn’t be further from truth with the 64-year-old, played by Mark T r e v o r r o w,

‘The Purple Rabbit’ show is a must-see on the P&O Pacific Explorer.

in absolute vintage form on the cruise ship circuit. He had audiences in the palm of his hand as if it were the early 2000s – honestly, he was brilliant!

The activities and entertainment on Pacific Explorer was second to none, and there was truly something for everyone. If you get a chance, make sure you check out ‘The Purple Rabbit’ inside the Black Circus lounge.

I won’t give away what this show is about,

A towel animal found in the cabin.

but it is so ‘out there’ that it must be seen to be believed. It’s billed as a ‘five-star evening of mischief, magic and mind-blowing mayhem’ and it’s certainly worth the admission fee.

I could easily bang out another thousand words about my five days at sea on board P&O’s Pacific Explorer, but I reckon you should just check it out for yourself.

All cruise lines have their own thing that sets them apart from the rest, but one thing I

enjoyed about cruising with P&O was everyone was having fun – at all times of the day.

Whether it was the crazy waterslides, awesome themed nights, or the cute towel animals left on your bed, you couldn’t stop smiling – and that, for me, is what makes a holiday so memorable.

Fancy some fun? Visit www.pocruises. com.au to find out when Pacific Explorer is sailing next.

the perfect unique experience to enjoy, share or gift

Tucking into a delicious steak at Luke’s on board the P&O Pacific Explorer.

TM

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES

Get

Dining at Luke Mangan’s A Taste of Salt restaurant on the P&O Pacific Explorer.

THE PERFect UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO ENJOY, SHARE OR GIFT

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access to sporting anD entertainment experiences

www.fanplus.com “This was a dream come true thanks to FAN+” Alex, NSW TM

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES

EARN QANTAS POINTS Earn 4 qantas points per $1 spent

Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

63

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK

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80. Catch (thief) Binchy Voice publicly Previous solution83.

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catholiccemeteries.com.au enquiries@catholiccemeteries.com.au

Medium

Previous solution - Easy

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Warmly invites yo to join us for

6 3 1 4 7 INTERFAITH REME 2 Warmly invites you and y Sunday, 17th D 7.30pm, St Mary’s 9 To complete Sudoku, fill the us for to join our sp board by entering numbers 1 to 9 that each row, column and 5 such 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

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If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

To remember th during 2023 a

INTERFAITH REMEMBRAN

Presided by Bish With live music

After the service, please jo

Word Search brought to you by Recycle Waste Solutions recyclewastesolutions.com.au | 9030 5999 25 Bromley Road, Emu Plains

Theme: NOAH’S ARK ANIMALS DAUGHTERS DOVE ELEPHANTS ENOCH FAMILY FLOOD FORTY DAYS FORTY NIGHTS GENESIS GIRAFFE HUSBAND INSECTS JAPHETH JERUSALEM KANGAROOS KOALAS LIONS MAMMALS METHUSELAH MT ARARAT OLIVE LEAF POPULATE RAINBOW RAINING RAVEN RIGHTEOUS SNAKES TORAH

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

49239

Test your knowledge about the ‘Back to the Future’ films in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. At the very beginning of the trilogy, what time did Marty leave Doc’s laboratory?

2. What song did Marty and his band play for the dance auditions?

3. What are the names of Lorraine’s parents?

4. What type of car is the time machine?

PN52154

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.

L E S P U M S O O R A G N A K I V A B Q M T G E N E S I S L O O L S S T N A H P E L E Y M N D A U G H T E R S O A H A E S U O E T H G I R A N A G D T S T K R C M R S F I R N M Y H J E R U S A L E M O I A O T U G P I O D A J A T N E L T R S I S V N M N L A I A I N A O E R F E M S S A A P V L I O F L A A A K D E R B E H N U H C A F M K O A A C L S B E S P U H F I O S V N E T O U Q T R O E E L G E V A S W S W H G H C P F Y N M F O R T Y N I G H T S 5. How many children do Marty and Jennifer have?

6. In the first movie, what brand of pizza did Lorraine bring to the McFly house in 2015?

7. What kind of gun did Marty use in ‘Back to the Future III’?

8. What was the Vice Principal’s name at Hill Valley High School?

ANSWERS 1. 8.25am 2. ‘Power of Love’ 3. Sam and Stella 4. DeLorean 5. Two 6. Pizza Hut 7. Colt 45 8. Strickland

Word Search

slushandtunes.com.au Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

65

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

TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOK

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

Medium

6 8

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You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Hexwords

No. 677

Previous solution - Tough

© 2023 Syndicated Puzzles

Str8ts

e are grateful for the continued support d friendship of our clients and their pets.

No. 677

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

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

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Name the Movie

If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles.

We’ve given you a head start.

C AT N S M R E E T R I L H E

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your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the 30-second Keep left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, challenge beginners have to complete their own challenge, BegInneR

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1. My first name is Calvin.

2. I’m a hip hop icon.

3. California is home.

4. Weed is my vice.

5. I once did a song with Jess Mauboy.

Last week’s answer: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 168 - BEGINNER - 69, INTERMEDIATE - 192, ADVANCED - 216.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

www.30secondchallenge.com

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Who Am I?

30 Second Challenge

adVanced

49 Wentworth Rd Orchard Hills

Previous solution: DECK THE HALLS

40

Orchard Hills Veterinery Hospital

T

AUTO ADVICE with AARON HILLS

anguscarservice.com.au

WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS GO WRONG E No one plans for an accident, but knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial: • Ensure safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights, and if it’s dark, use flares or reflective triangles to increase visibility.

• Check for injuries: Assess yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately.

• Exiting your vehicle: Always check for traffic and leave from the passenger side if necessary. If it’s safe to leave your vehicle stand behind the safety barrier. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if it’s not safe to leave.

• Exchange information: Exchange contact and licence information with the other parties involved. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and the number

continues to overheat, seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.

3. Battling the Heat: An overheating engine can be a sign of trouble, but taking the right steps can prevent further damage: • Pull over: If you notice your engine temperature rising, pull over in a safe location immediately. As above only leave the vehicle if it is safe to do so.

• Turn off the engine: Let the engine cool down by turning it off. Pop the bonnet, but be cautious as it might be hot.

• Check coolant levels: Once the engine has cooled, this can take up to one hour, check the coolant levels. If they’re low, add coolant or water if necessary. Keep in mind that the radiator cap should only be opened when the engine is cool.

• Seek professional help: If the engine

4. Be prepared: • Make sure you have everything you may need in case of an emergency. Do you have a first aid kit?

• Having some spare water, a torch, a blanket and some muesli bars might be a life saver in the case of a breakdown or any other delays you may experience on a trip.

Being prepared for the unexpected on the road can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and always prioritise safety when facing car breakdowns or emergencies.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas, we look forward to sharing more tips in the New Year!

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Car breakdowns can happen to even the most meticulously maintained vehicles.

When faced with a sudden breakdown, follow these steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others: • Pull over safely: If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or a side street. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. Turn on your parkers in poor light.

• Exiting your vehicle: Always check for traffic and leave from the passenger side if necessary. If it’s safe to leave your vehicle stand behind the safety barrier. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if it’s not safe to leave.

• Assess the situation: Once you are safe, assess the situation. Can you identify the

2. Collision Caution:

plates of all vehicles.

• File a police report: In NSW the police need to be called if someone is injured or a vehicle needs to be towed.

• Take down notes and draw diagrams: As soon as possible after the accident write an account of what happened and a diagram while it is still fresh in your mind. This will be helpful later when contacting your insurance company and to help establish fault.

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1. The Breakdown Blues:

issue? If it’s a minor problem like a flat tyre, you might be able to address it yourself with the help of a spare tyre and jack.

• Call for assistance: If you’re unable to resolve the issue or if it’s a major breakdown, call for roadside assistance or emergency services. Keep important numbers, such as your insurance and local tow services, stored in your phone.

WW52 WW52787 5 787

very journey behind the wheel can come with its share of surprises, and unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant. Whether it’s a sudden breakdown, an accident, or an overheating engine, being prepared for the unexpected is crucial for every driver. In this edition of our automotive column, we delve into the essentials of car breakdown safety and what to do in common emergency situations.

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SPORT

Schedule locked in for netball season NATHAN TAYLOR

F

ollowing an off-season of drama at Netball HQ, the fixture for next year’s Super Netball season has been released, with the Giants to open their 2024 campaign against the West Coast Fever at home.

The highly anticipated clash is the first match of the new netball season that features a debut team, blockbuster matches and a new-look First Nations Round.

Saturday night timeslots and back-to-back Sunday matches will return next year, with all Sunday matches live on Kayo.

The eighth Super Netball season starts on Saturday, April 13 at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney Olympic Park with the Giants facing the West Coast Fever, the 2022 Premiers, at home.

The Giants’ home arena will host all of the Giants’ seven home games again in season 2024 with a sea of orange for members and fans to be part of something greater.

After the blockbuster opening round clash against a new-look

Fever, the Giants will travel to Queensland to take on the Firebirds in Round 2.

Round 3 sees the Giants return home to take on the Vixens on Sunday, April 28, with the two teams to reignite a long-standing rivalry with a Sunday afternoon clash.

Then, it’s a trip to take on the reigning Premiers, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, at their new home at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Round 5 sees another home clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, while in Round 6 the first NSW Derby of the season will take place with the Swifts hosting the Giants at Ken Rosewall Arena on Sunday, May 19.

Rounds 7 and 8 are on the road as the Giants play back-to-back games in Melbourne at John Cain Arena.

The first of the two clashes is against newcomers the Melbourne Mavericks, with the two teams meeting for Championship points for the first time.

Back in Sydney for Rounds 9 and 10, the Giants will take on the Firebirds at Ken Rosewall

Arena on Sunday, June 9 before taking on the Thunderbirds the following Saturday on June 15.

It’s on the road again for a trip to the Sunshine Coast to take on the Lightning in Round 11 before the biggest trip in sport sees the Giants head west to tackle the Fever in Round 12.

It’s a blockbuster end to the regular season as the Giants host the Mavericks for the first time at Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday, July 6 while there could be everything on the line as the Giants host the Swifts in the return Derby on Sunday, July 14 to close out the home and away season.

The Super Netball Finals Series is set to begin on Saturday, July 20 with the Grand Final to be held on Saturday, August 3 in Adelaide.

“This is the first step as we ramp up our planning and preparations for the 2024 season,” Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald said.

“We’re excited to open the new season with a huge fixture against the Fever and looking forward to the match ups and timeslots for our members and fans at Ken Rosewall Arena.”

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the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

’ NEW YEARS DAY The 2024 Super Netball schedule has been released.

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SPORT

Teen star off to Nationals He started playing softball at age six. Now, Tyler Ingold is making waves in the sport.

NATHAN TAYLOR

T

eenage softball star Tyler Ingold is set to kick the new year off with a bang when he represents NSW at the U16 Boys’ Nationals in Victoria next month.

The 14-year-old was chosen after a stellar year on the field, which saw him represent his district, state and country on several occasions.

Tyler picked up the game of softball when he was just six-years-old and hasn’t looked back.

His feats in 2023 have culminated in him becoming the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award.

Tyler loves softball so much that he plays in four different club teams on a weekly basis.

“I do really enjoy it, it’s just fun,” he told the Weekender.

“I love playing against different people from around the area.”

One of the highlights for the Jordan Springs resident this year was travelling to New Zealand in April. Tyler was selected by Softball Australia in the U14’s Australian Development Squad, which enjoyed a very successful stint over there.

Tyler Ingold is the latest PVSF Junior Sports Star. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Tyler’s side won the Easter Classic Tournament, beating seven rival teams to bring home the medal.

“We went over to New Zealand for about a week and it was interesting playing with different people from over there,” Tyler said.

“We didn’t know how the teams from New Zealand would play, so it was just the cherry on top being able to win it all.”

But it wasn’t just New Zealand where the Kingswood High School student excelled, he was able to do

it in his own backyard as well. After captaining his NSW Metro team at the Blacktown Junior International Challenge, Tyler was selected in an invitational team to play in a Grand Final against Japan.

The invitational team won, mark-

ing the first time in 14 years that the mighty Japan team had been defeated.

“There were three NSW Metro teams as well as Japan playing in the tournament,” Tyler explained.

“Japan were dominating the Metro teams but when an invitational team was picked at the end, we managed to beat them, which was the first time it happened in 14 years.”

In January, Tyler will once again represent NSW when he lines up at the U16 Boys’ Nationals. NSW will be looking to go back-to-back in the tournament, with Tyler eager to get his first title with the team.

“We will play other states to see who is the best in the country,” Tyler said.

“Last year NSW won it, so hopefully we can go back and win it again.”

Nominated by his mum Melissa Ingold, Tyler’s Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.

If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination for consideration.

Nomination forms are available at www.pvsf.org.au.

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Friday, December 22, 2023 « the western weekender

69

SPORT DOGS STILL IN FIGHT FOR LUAI Story continued from » p.72

Under new NRL rules, Penrith had 10 days to counter the offer from the Wests Tigers from the moment he informed them he was departing (last Saturday).

However, it’s understood the Panthers won’t have the salary cap space to go anywhere near the dollars being offered by the desperate Tigers.

In another twist, Phil Gould and his Canterbury Bulldogs are also still in the mix for Luai’s services, however Luai would have to turn down the lucrative Tigers offer and any potential new offer from the Panthers, to be back in the race.

If it turns out Luai is off to the Tigers or Bulldogs in 2025, expect speculation over the summer to be centred around whether either club can get the St Marys junior in their colours for 2024.

Panthers officials have said on several occasions that they would not be releasing Luai from his contract early, with Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher doubling down on Tuesday.

“We love him to death and we need him to play here next year,” Fletcher told Nine News.

“Under no circumstances will Jarome be going anywhere for ’24.”

Penrith has a history of not releasing departing players early and that appears set to continue.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain – one club will be getting Jarome Luai under their tree on Christmas Day.

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Fiji homecoming Turuva to show off Premiership ring on summer holiday NATHAN TAYLOR

D

ally M Rookie of the Year Sunia Turuva will return home to his native Fiji for Christmas, to spread a little Panther cheer to his adoring family.

The 21-year-old Premiership winner was due to arrive in the holiday hotspot on Thursday, just in time for Santa’s arrival next week.

Speaking with the Weekender, Turuva said he was looking forward to seeing his loved ones and showing off his prized piece of jewellery from October’s Grand Final.

“I don’t know if my premiership ring will come back… the family will probably want to keep it,” he laughed.

“I know the whole village gathered together in one house to watch the game, so I’ll bring the ring along because I know they’ll want to see it.

“It’s been a while since I was last over there, so it should be good to see family over in Fiji.”

Fiji won’t be the only destina-

the western weekender » Friday, December 22, 2023

Sunia Turuva is ready for a big 2024. Photo: NRL Photos.

tion Turuva has his eyes on, with the north of England also on the cards.

The Panthers will head to the United Kingdom in February to play 2023 Super League Champions Wigan in the World Club Challenge. It will be the first time since 2004 a Panthers team has travelled to England for the contest.

Penrith have never secured a World Club Challenge title in

three previous attempts, with their latest loss coming earlier this year against St Helens at BlueBet Stadium.

“When we lost to St Helens in February, that was massive...

I know it hurt the boys a lot,” Turuva said.

“A win in England will be huge to not only give us a good start to the year, but also to finally get one back for our fans back home.”

After year that saw him win an NRL premiership and several Rookie of the Year honours, 2024 is shaping up to be another year to remember for the lovable try-scoring machine.

While he’s been back at pre-season training the past few weeks, Turuva just can’t stop thinking about everything he achieved in his rookie year.

“Bro, I’ll be honest, I can’t stop eh,” he admitted.

“I need to keep reminding myself that we’re onto the next pre-season already. As much as I’ve enjoyed it, I need to switch my focus and get ready to go again.”

When he hits the field for Penrith’s opening round clash against Melbourne on March 8, Turuva will be aiming to build on the stand-out season he’s just had, which saw him play in 26 matches and score 12 tries.

“I’m just going to take it one game at a time again – exactly how I did it this year,” he said.

“2024 shouldn’t be any different. I’ll just be trying to focus on each game at a time and each training session at a time.”

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Netballers headed to State Champs NETBALL: Three players from the Penrith District Netball Association will represent the state at the 2024 National Netball Championships.

Isabella Degei, Katarina Sincek and Olivia Harris have been selected in the NSW U19 team, and will compete against the best young netballers from around the country next year.

The Nationals have provided an opportunity for developing athletes, coaches, umpires and officials to prosper since their inception in 1985, with an array of Australian Diamonds having participated in the pathway event. In 2024, the 39th edition of the Championship will see two teams (U17 and U19) from each State and Territory compete across six days to be crowned respective age-group national champions at the end of the week. NSW has a long tradition of success at Nationals with the likes of Liz Ellis, Kim Green, Paige Hadley and Amy Parmenter all coming through the competition. Amber Cross,

who has previously led NSW to Nationals success, will lead the U19 team with Stephanie Harrison as her assistant and another former Swift – Samantha May – joining as an apprentice coach. The venue and dates for the 2024 Nationals will be announced by Netball Australia in the coming months.

NETBALL: Giants Netball have confirmed their first list of re-signings for the 2024 Super Netball signing period. After a landmark partnership deal was announced between Netball Australia and the Australia Players Association last week, the Giants confirmed the immediate re-signing of seven previous Giants. Headlining the re-signings are Diamonds duo Jamie-Lee Price and Sophie Dwyer, with the talented duo recommitting for the maximum term of three years.

Fan favourite and international talent Jo Harten will be back in the orange and charcoal for at

Olivia Harris has made the NSW U19 team. Photo: Melinda Jane.

The Nepean Ducks U19 Colts team took out the Gridiron NSW Kookaburra Bowl last weekend.

least another two seasons, signing a two-year contract extension. The Giants’ shooting circle will have a consistent look and feel for the immediate future, with emerging shooter Matisse Letherbarrow also signing on for another two seasons.

The young talent will continue to feature throughout the Giants’ list with Amy Sligar and Tilly McDonell also re-committing. The ever-reliable Maddie Hay has also signed a multi-year contract extension, with the 2023 co vice-captain signing for another two seasons. Giants head coach Julie Fitzgerald said she is delighted to be able to begin to confirm her playing roster for the 2024 season. “It is such a relief to have the negotiations sorted and to be able to well and truly turn our focus towards 2024,” she said. “We’ve retained a core group of players which is a fantastic result given the amount of movement that has been predicted in this contracting period.”

CRICKET: Penrith are back in the winner’s circle, defeating Sydney University in Round 9 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a One-Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bat. The home side started strong, with opener Nick Adams scoring a team-high 73 runs.

In the end, Penrith were dismissed for 239 with two balls to spare. When Sydney University hit the crease later that day, they weren’t able to get close to Penrith’s target and were all out for 112. Luke Hodges was superb with the ball, taking 4/23. Penrith will play one last game before the

Christmas break when they tackle rivals Parramatta on Saturday.

CRICKET: Penrith have dropped their first game in a month, going down to Sydney in Round 11 of the Women’s First Grade competition.

Playing in a T20 match at Drummoyne Oval, Sydney won the toss and elected to bat. The home side were 9/100 after 20 overs. When Penrith hit the crease, they got close (8/92) but were unable to get the job done in the allocated overs. Penrith will have to wait a few weeks before they can avenge the loss, with their next game set down for January 14 against St George-Sutherland.

CRICKET: Round 10 of the Nepean District Cricket Association competition took place last weekend, with a disappointing round of results for Panthers Cricket Club. In first grade, Panthers had to forfeit their match.

In fifth grade, Panthers lost by six wickets to Glenbrook/Blaxland. After winning the toss, Panthers lost some wickets early, but a Captain’s knock of 60 to Greg Yates saw Panthers reach a total of 8/159. A depleted Panthers bowling attack tried hard and were not helped by some poor fielding and catching as Glenbrook/Blaxland finished at 4/160.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have risen to second on the A-League Men’s ladder following their 1-0 bounce back win over Adelaide United last Friday night.

A first half strike from the boot of Dylan Pierias was enough to get the

Wanderers home in front of a healthy crowd at CommBank Stadium. The Wanderers had to do it the hard way, having to defend resolutely for the final minutes after Josh Brillante was sent off. Thankfully, Marko Rudan’s side did just enough to hang on to all three points under enormous pressure from Adelaide’s attack.

Western Sydney will now travel across the ditch for a pre-Christmas showdown with Wellington on Saturday afternoon.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar have played out an enjoyable 1-1 draw last Sunday in the A-League Women’s competition. Mia Elizabeth Corbin kicked off the scoring for the Roar in the 26th minute before the Wanderers hit back through Sophie Harding early in the second half. Despite some excellent attack, the teams couldn’t be separated at the end of the 90 minutes. The Wanderers will play Adelaide United this Saturday evening at Wanderers Football Park.

GRIDIRON: Congratulations to the Nepean Ducks Colts team who were crowned Champions of the Kookaburra Bowl last weekend. The Ducks took on the Northern Sydney Rebels in the Final, winning in a thriller 32-22 at Brookvale Oval.

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com. au. You can also private message the Weekender on Facebook or @ wwpenrith on X.

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LONG KISS GOODBYE NATHAN TAYLOR

P

remiership-winning five-eighth Jarome Luai is set to see out the remainder of his Panthers contract despite a dramatic week for the 26-year-old father of three.

Last Saturday morning, Luai announced to his teammates and coach Ivan Cleary that he would be departing the club at the end of the 2024 season to take up a rich five-year, $6 million offer at the embattled Wests Tigers.

The news sent shockwaves across the rugby league world, with many Panthers supporters disappointed at seeing one of the club’s most popular and best players leaving in the midst of a premiership dynasty.

More drama came on Monday when Luai’s representatives reportedly contacted Panthers officials to inform them that their client wouldn’t be coming to work on Monday or Tuesday.

The reason for Luai’s absence is unknown and when the Weekender asked club representatives whether the star playmaker was at Penrith’s final training session of the year on Wednesday, they did not respond.

Penrith have been tight-lipped all week regarding Luai’s impending departure.

The Weekender contacted Panthers CEO Matt Cameron on Tuesday to ask to help clean up some of the rumours surrounding the saga, but he sent his apologies and did not want to comment.

The Weekender also contacted Luai’s management company Black Money Enterprises to clarify why Luai wasn’t at training this week, but they also chose to stay quiet.

The only response the Weekender received was from a Panthers spokesperson on Wednesday who said: “At the end of the day, Jarome is contracted to the club for 2024.

Yes, he has informed the club of his departure for 2025, but that’s all.”

An official announcement on Luai’s next move was not available when the Weekender went to print on Wednesday afternoon.

But as it stands, 2024 is set to be Luai’s long goodbye from Penrith.

Story continues on » p. 70

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