Western Weekender February 28 2020 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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Friday, February 28, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ FREE E

INSIDE Your guide to the 2020 Luddenham Show! Starts p33

BAN THE BIN CHICKEN! Councillor Marcus Cornish fears a White Ibis migration to Penrith, and wants action to stop it. See page 8.

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Man kidnapped from St Marys was left to die until stunning discovery

AGENTS TO THE RESCUE

t is the perfect Hollywood action script with a miracle ending, except for a St Marys businessman his kidnapping ordeal late last year was deadly serious. Last November, Pierre Kassouf was kidnapped by two men from a workshop on Links Road at St Marys after being assaulted by a firearm. He was bundled into a car with no number plates and taken to a

property at Shanes Park, where he suffered serious injuries and was left to die. His attackers, meanwhile, demanded a $4 million ransom. Incredibly, Mr Kassouf was found by three real estate agents undertaking a routine inspection of the Shanes Park property. This week, police made their first arrest over the dramatic incident. Read the full story on page 5.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

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Councillors raise serious concerns as mystery still surrounds promised rail line ALENA HIGGINS

ydney Metro is remaining tightlipped on its plans for the North South Rail Link amid demands for it to release crucial information including where additional train stations will be built. Despite the Federal and State Governments making a non- negotiable commitment in March 2018 to build the longawaited Metro line and have it operational when the Western Sydney Airport opens in 2026, an exact route is yet to be determined. During Monday night’s Ordinary Council meeting, Councillor Greg Davies expressed his frustrations at what appeared to be “delaying tactics” by the State Government and labelled its consultation “a joke”. “They are talking about the airport being opened in 2026, it’s now 2020 and they haven’t even determined the route, let alone the stations,” he said. “And then on top of that, we’re under pressure to provide housing estates and to me it seems crazy to be determining new landholdings for housing estates when you don’t even know where the train line route is.”

John Thain and Greg Davies at the future Sydney Science Park in Luddenham. Councillor John Thain concurred, saying “time was slipping away and it’s a matter of urgency now”. “My deep concern now, is that unless something happens rather rapidly, the

date of the airport and rail opening won’t match,” he said. On Tuesday afternoon, Council provided an official statement, saying the Penrith community had been “left in the dark”

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and all the Government had delivered to date was “uncertainty”. To make matters worse, a community survey and flyer released by Sydney Metro last week without Council consultation only fuels the ambiguity, with just three stations – St Marys, the Airport and the Aerotropolis – committed. “[We] are very concerned that without appropriate station locations, the communities of western Sydney will miss out on the promised jobs, housing and economic outcomes,” Mayor Ross Fowler said. “Our Council and our residents can accept housing and population growth, but only if it is met with connected infrastructure so we are not all still reliant on cars.” The brief response the Weekender received from Sydney Metro will do little to allay fears. “Sydney Metro is undertaking detailed design work for the Greater West project, which will become the new transport spine for the region,” a spokeswoman said. “Sydney Metro values the collaboration with Penrith Council and has been working with the Council since 2018 to plan the railway.” Council is urging residents to complete the survey before the March 20 at www. sydneymetro.info/greaterwest.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

Left in the dark on rail link

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith westernweekender

Proof we have to do better

Issue 1440

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Journalist: Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Journalist: Nicola Barton | @nicolabarton123 Journalist: Emily Feszczuk | @emilyfeszczuk Photographer: Megan Dunn If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au Sales Executives: Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Kate Shaw, Kendall Clarkson, Jay Lowe To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production: Ian Beard, Claire Catacouzinos, Bonita Vasquez

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Tragedy may make a difference I doubt there will be a story this year that makes us more emotional, or more angry, than the tragic deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children. But it may also be the story that makes all the difference in Australia’s ongoing battle with domestic violence; a scourge on our society we’ve fought but largely failed to win for far too long. In my 11 years as Editor of this newspaper, I’ve seen countless stories of domestic violence land on my desk. We’ve also reported many times on the very frightening statistics that exist around domestic violence in Penrith and western Sydney. Heck, Penrith Local Court even has an unofficial ‘DV Day’ once a week. But often, domestic violence stories don’t quite have the impact of other acts of violence or serious crimes. Largely that’s because generally, media outlets – including ours – rarely name the perpetrator, out of respect for the victim. That limits the impact of the reporting. This is of course the right thing to do, but you have to wonder – while protecting the victim, are we also protecting the offender and indirectly, giving him the platform to do it all again? One thing we have better understood in the week since the tragedy in Queensland is how much the media still has to learn about domestic violence coverage, and how the modern media – in a desperate attempt for clicks – can get it so wrong. Many stories tried to link Hannah Clarke’s estranged husband to the NRL, even going as far as naming him as a former ‘star’ of the code. Truth is he never played a single game.

Index

“For far too long we’ve accepted that wearing a white ribbon once a year is enough to do our bit ”

Others almost glamourised the offender, delving into his life – good and bad – and trying to find answers or even an alternate truth. This is a man who set fire to a car with his children strapped inside, condemning them to the most awful of deaths. There is no glamour here. Some of the reporting was amongst the lowest I’ve seen in the domestic violence space. It was amateurish, unprofessional and totally disrespectful. We have to do better. For far too long we’ve accepted that wearing a white ribbon once a year is enough to do our bit. The truth is doing our bit must include one of the most difficult tasks of all – calling out our mates, our colleagues and even strangers who we know, or suspect, of being violent towards their partners. It starts with all of us, and we can no longer pretend it’s not our problem.

News.............................................1-29 Education Feature........30-32 Luddenham Show......33-40

HALL FAMILY DENTURE CLINIC

Turnbull becomes keyboard warrior If only Malcolm Turnbull led with the commitment and vigour he displays on Twitter these days, he may still have the nation’s top job. The former Prime Minister turned keyboard warrior is now declaring the planet will be ‘unhabitable’ for billions of people by 2050 – less than 30 years away. Turnbull has joined the chorus of climate change devotees who think scare tactics will help sell their message to the wider public. It doesn’t work, and in fact most likely has the opposite effect. A-League in huge trouble Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers will face off in the Sydney Derby tonight, one of the most highly anticipated games of the A- League season. But beyond the highlights reel such a game always provides, there is a dark problem in the halls of the A-League. TV ratings are in absolute free- fall, putting any future free- to- air or Pay TV deals at serious risk. Last Friday night’s clash between Wellington and Western United attracted just 8,000 viewers on Fox Sports. That’s enough to spark legitimate crisis talks. A new Sydney club enters the A-League next season, expanding the number of teams in Sydney to three. I have very little doubt that franchise will fail, unless the A- League somehow recaptures the magic it found a few years ago, when it was emerging as a legitimate rival to the NRL and AFL. The A-League is inching towards death, and everyone who loves the code must come together to save it.

Business..................................41-42 Hearing Awareness.............43 Entertainment .................45-56

Weekender Living........57-63 Business Directory......64-66 Sport .........................................67-72

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

Arrest made in kidnapping case Real estate agents stumble across man left for dead in bizarre ransom plan TROY DODDS

t was meant to be a routine property inspection, but instead three real estate agents stumbled across a man who had been kidnapped and left to die in a shed. The shock discovery was made at Shanes Park in November last year, with the man having suffered a fractured skull and severe injuries to his head and body. A day earlier, police believe 36-year- old Pierre Kassouf was kidnapped by two men from a workshop on Links Road at St Marys after being assaulted by a firearm. It is understood he was bundled into a car with no number plates and taken to the Shanes Park property. “When he was found he was found to be bound and unconscious,” Detective Acting Superintendent Grant Taylor told the media this week. “We believe that he was tortured in some way and further injuries inflicted upon him during the 24 hours.”

While the details of the incident were not publicly revealed at the time, detectives have been tirelessly investigating the kidnapping and this week scored a major breakthrough. Strike force detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Plumpton and Mt Druitt on Tuesday morning and seized a number of items which will undergo further examination. 36 - year - old Fredericks Taufua was arrested at the Plumpton home and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with a range of offences. It is also understood Mr Taufua was involved in demanding payment of $4 million for the release of the victim, however this was never paid. Investigations under Strike Force Methuen are continuing, with police hopeful of making a second arrest. They are also investigating why Mr Kassouf was targeted in the first place. Police believe Mr Kassouf would have died had the three unsuspecting real estate agents not discovered him.

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Chaos on trains Sydney’s train system descended into chaos and farce yet again on Tuesday, with massive delays across the network. A wiring fault at Hornsby as well as other issues on the network sparked huge delays during the morning peak. At one stage trains on the T1 Western Line between Penrith and Emu Plains were halted, with buses called in. Trains that did operate on the Western Line weren’t running to timetable. The delays were nothing new for western Sydney commuters, who consistently put up with late- running and over- crowded services. As of Tuesday, just 73.5 per cent of peak time trains had ran on time in February. The on- time running target of 92 per cent hasn’t been met in years.

Bus Safety Week Busways is urging everyone to stay safe and be alert on and around buses as Bus Safety Week kicked off for a fifth year on Monday. Executive Director of the Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon said in the five years to June 2019, 35 people were killed and 394 seriously injured in bus crashes across New South Wales. “Of the 35 people killed 14 were pedestrians, our most vulnerable road users. 11 were drivers, seven were passengers and three were motorcyclists,” Mr Carlon said. Bus Safety Week runs from February 24 to March 1 to raise awareness for all road users on how to stay safe around buses. See www.bebusaware.com.au.

More needle vending units ALENA HIGGINS

hree new needle vending machines will be installed across the region in the coming months to provide safe access to injecting equipment. The vending machines form part of the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) and provide the community with access to injecting equipment and safe disposal to help reduce the spread of blood borne viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C. A Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District spokesman said NSW Health is committed to reducing the sharing of injecting equipment by 25 per cent by

2020 and to achieving elimination of Hepatitis C by 2028. He confirmed site investigations had begun after the matter was raised at the Penrith Community Safety Partnership Meeting on December 4. “Investigations are underway to identify locations to install three new NSP vending machines across the district,” he said. “This will be done in line with the NSW Needle and Syringe Program Guidelines 2017, in consultation with Police, Council and Health staff.” There are currently eight NSP vending machines attached to health facilities in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, three of which are located within the Penrith LGA. These locations include Nepean

Hospital and Penrith Community Health Centres. He said the Needle and Syringe Program operates within the principles of harm minimisation and provides a range of clinical services. These include HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing and treating of Hepatitis C, referrals, health education, clean injecting equipment for people who inject drugs, and broader community education and safety initiatives. The State Government has committed $231.6 million to delivering alcohol and other drug prevention, education, treatment and ongoing care programs statewide in 2019-2020. Are more vending machines the answer? Give us your view via email: news@westernweekender.com.au.

Tribute to iconic residents ALENA HIGGINS

wo parks and a reserve will be named after notable Penrith residents to commemorate their enormous contributions to the local community. An inclusive playground at Banks Drive, St Clair will now be known as the

David Currie Playground in honour of Mr Currie, who died last year. Mr Currie was a Penrith resident for more than 70 years and was named Penrith Citizen of the Year in 2015. Similarly, a playground at Bennet Park, Stapleton Parade, St Marys will be named after Paul McDonald, who passed away in October 2019. Mr McDonald made a significant contri-

bution to the community, particularly the wider St Marys community over four decades. Penrith City Council has also endorsed the naming of the reserve adjacent to Fowler and Blackwood streets in Claremont Meadows as the Teresa James reserve Ms James was one of the most respected ecologists of the Cumberland Plain.

Horrific crash at Kemps Creek leaves driver dead

Foot or leg pain is not normal in children

The scene of the accident on Tuesday. Photo: 7NEWS.

TROY DODDS

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irst responders were confronted with a distressing scene at Kemps Creek on Tuesday, with a tragic crash between a truck and a car claiming one life and leaving another person injured. The incident happened on Mamre Road just before Midday on Tuesday, prompting a major response from police, fire, and ambulance crews. Shocking images from the scene show a small red car crushed under the front of the truck.

The car driver died on the scene. The truck driver, a man aged 58, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics on scene for suspected spinal injuries. He was taken to Nepean Hospital, where he also underwent mandatory testing. Mamre Road was closed for several hours while the wreckage was cleared and police launched an investigation into the accident. There has been unconfirmed reports that the red car veered onto the wrong side of the road in the lead- up to the accident, with the truck driver given very little time to react.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

Ruined but relieved after jury returns not guilty verdict in firearms case NICOLA BARTON

fter a threeyear legal battle, the owner of the toy gun empire Armoured Heaven has finally been cleared of firearms charges. The Weekender first reported on Brad Towner’s story in March last year, where he detailed how a small change in the Firearms Act brought his entire life crashing down, ruining his marriage and draining him financially. Mr Towner established his toy gun business in 2010 and began selling gel blasters in 2014. After selling the gel blasters without trouble for years, everything changed in March 2017 when his business was raided, his stock seized and he was told he was facing potentially 14 years of imprisonment. Since then Mr Towner has fought hard, refusing plea deals and pleading his innocence. “It feels pretty great, I finally had a decent night’s sleep and I don’t have that dreading thought of ‘is everything I’m fighting for a complete waste of time?’ because realistically I could be sentenced and go to jail,” he said.

“We fought all the way through, we didn’t bail out, we stuck to our convictions and we pushed forward out of pure perseverance. Now it’s time to recover, the financial burden has been a lot, we only just made it.” Mr Towner was charged with ‘possession of three or more firearms’, ‘possess unauthorised firearms’, ‘possess ammunition without holding a licence, permit or authority’, ‘possess or use a prohibited weapon without a permit’ and ‘carry on activities of firearm dealer without being licensed’. As a result, he was forced to refund $40,000 worth of stock including postage and had $30,000 to $50,000 value of stock seized. Mr Towner has now applied for this stock to be returned after he was cleared of a total of 66 charges by a jury at Penrith Local Court. As it stands the NSW law states that gel blasters are classified as an airgun or firearm and that gel balls are classified as ammunition. Mr Towner has since moved from Penrith to Queensland, which does not uphold these regulations, so he can begin to financially recover and continue to rebuild his toy empire to its former glory.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Keep bin chickens out! Councillor says proactive approach is needed to ensure birds don’t hit Penrith ALENA HIGGINS

in chickens, bin rats, tip turkeys – they’re just some of the names used to describe the notorious White Ibis. Known for rummaging through garbage bins and creating a mess, the native birds have been infiltrating urban areas across Sydney for about 50 years, but are yet to create much of a nuisance in our own backyard. And Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish wants to keep it that way, asking Council to look at methods to prevent the birds from migrating to the area after spying a flock at Emu Plains during the recent storms. Some have also been spotted rummaging through rubbish at St Marys. “I saw several in Hunter Fields and I saw a large flock go over again at Emu Plains and that made me think, well they’re actually moving this way,” he said. “Obviously because of the storm in this instance, but they are migrating this way. “They were a problem in Sydney and now they are a problem in Parramatta and everywhere in between.” Cr Cornish said bin chickens make pigeons “look like a joke”.

“Pigeons used to be the problem and then they culled the pigeons and put little spiky things on the railway stations to get rid of them, but these things are definitely breeding in large numbers and they have no natural predators,” he said. “They pull all the rubbish out of the garbage bins and they scatter it everywhere and a lot of children are very intimidated by them. In fact, I’m guessing a lot of adults would be too.” Traditionally an inland wetland bird, ibis are often attracted to urban areas by the ready availability of food, especially from rubbish bins and waste dumps, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) said. Cr Cornish said his information request was two-fold. “I’ve asked one, if we are looking at the redesign of the round garbage bins so they can’t be raided by the bin chicken or crows or any other animal,” he said. “And two, does the Government have any plans to cull or control these birds?” Like all native species, Ibis are protected under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, according to a DPIE document, which also states that managing large breeding colonies in urban environments requires a “balanced approach”.

Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish is concerned about ‘bin chickens’ in the local area.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

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haring a message of hope and inspiring the younger generation to overcome bullying is celebrity interviewer and the owner of entertainment company Rave It Up, Lauren Yeates. Her new book, Knowing What I Know Now: Celebrities Reveal What They Would Tell Their 14- Year- Old Selves Now, is full of advice from celebrities she has interviewed and it’s just been released to purchase this week. “The 14-20 age group look up to celebrities like they have all of the answers but when you sit down and talk to them, you realise they have the same issues as us. They went through similar challenges, if not, the same and got through it. They have come out the other side stronger and wiser,” Lauren said. Ever since starting Rave It Up at the young age of 16, Lauren (now 25) has found the advice from these

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

For a 24 hour rugby league channel, Fox League’s season launch this week was somewhat underwhelming. It’s particularly disappointing to see ‘League Life’ removed from the schedule. The show offered something personal and different.

my Penrith

lucky paceway winners Members of the Penrith Paceway have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and The Western Weekender. Club members can pick up a free specially numbered bumper sticker from the Paceway, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.

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celebrities priceless and has taken a lot of it on board herself. She has overcome incred ible challenges and obstacles, both physically and mentally, thanks to these successful people, and she thought it would be valuable to put this advice into a book to help other young people who are struggling with finding their path in life. Get the book now from Booktopia. The Weekender has three copies of Knowing What I Know Now to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com. au with ‘Book’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, March 6 and winners will be notified by email. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/19/04131. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au.

Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Paceway 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: 0109, 0302, 0502.

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Penrith

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? The Union. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? I don’t drink coffee but love acai smoothies from the Nutrition Station North Penrith. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Emu Hall in Emu Plains. Great atmosphere, cocktails and food. FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? The bridge to bridge walk at Nepean River, then to one of the new restaurants close by like Tella Balls! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The relaxing open spaces around Nepean River to relax, have family BBQs and where the dogs and kids can run around. I love the Nepean River walk, the kids can ride bikes, we kayak and there’s nice food nearby. WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? The Union. If you haven’t tried the beetroot halloumi there then you are missing out!

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Promised Service NSW centre in Glenmore Park may still be three years away NICOLA BARTON

lenmore Park residents may have to wait another three years before their promised Service NSW centre is open. The centre was promised by Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies during last year’s State Election campaign, but a site is yet to be secured. Last year Mrs Davies described the commitment as a “huge win” for Glenmore Park. But a year on, residents are no closer to seeing the centre being built. Londonderry MP Prue Car criticised the election commitment for taking so long to be delivered. “We need to see the NSW Government deliver this Service NSW centre in Glenmore Park without delay, as promised,” she said. “Penrith’s Service NSW centre is very busy and difficult to access for some residents, so the promised centre in Glenmore Park should not be delayed any further.” When the announcement was first made on February 18 last year, Mrs Davies said a search was underway for the most appropriate site, considering the potential of the old TAB or community centre. At the time she could not confirm the

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

Residents lacking Service

Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies announcing the new Service NSW Centre last year. Photo: Megan Dunn. exact timeline but said, if elected, it would be a high priority. “It will be wonderful to have our own centre, people are tired of travelling out to Penrith for these services and I understand that,” she told the Weekender last year. “For us as a Government it’s about

making access to Government services that little bit easier and convenient and less intrusive on people’s time.” When contacted by the Weekender last week, Mrs Davies said the centre was still “in the early stages of planning”. “The NSW Government is committed to

delivering 10 new Service NSW Centres in Sydney, including Glenmore Park. Planning for the Glenmore Park Centre is still in the early stages and is expected to open by 2023,” she said. Mrs Davies said the community will be kept in the loop throughout the process.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Push for water play area Councillor calls for aquatic fun at Jamison Park after Penrith’s sweltering summer ALENA HIGGINS

t may not resemble a “desert” any more but there’s still one crucial element missing from Jamison Park, according to Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish. The Independent Councillor wants Council to install a water play area to help park goers beat Penrith’s oppressive heat. “It’s a hot hell hole, it really is,” he said, speaking with the Weekender earlier this month before the recent deluge. “The only thing missing is a way of cooling down. “Kids love water, it’s safe because there is no water to drown in, it’s similar to having a sprinkler or hose on... so it’s safe for all ages and you don’t need a lifeguard. “It’s something that’s needed in the desert that is Jamison Park.” Cr Cornish believe the use will justify the costs and noted there were already a few water play areas dotted across the City. “I recognise that Council has done a lot of work in Jamison Park with the all abilities play area and other facilities, but it just needs this one thing for people in that area,” he said. “We need to have more water facilities in the hottest place on Earth.” Cr Cornish said it would be button-

Councillor Marcus Cornish at Jamison Park. Photo: Megan Dunn. operated and the water would only have to be topped up due to evaporation. “The water is recycled and pumped so the quality of the water is checked by Council and treated,” he said. “There’s a big one at Manly when you get off the pier and kids and adults just love it.” He said comfort was “paramount” for the people of Penrith and he would be

pushing hard to have it in place for next summer. “I’m looking at other areas as well and I want Council to have these put in more as a routine thing than a special one- off thing,” he said. “I would like to see them in areas that can be accessed by people all over Penrith for their children and big children like me.”

Council confirmed a report on the provision of water play at Jamison Park will be tabled at an upcoming Council meeting. Community feedback is also currently being sought on Council’s sport and recreation assets, and the design element for the playground within the new- look Regatta Park. To comment on the proposal, visit penrith.city/sportrec.

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Affordable retirement living in Penrith

An artist’s impression of the new Smart Space building in Penrith.

EMILY FESZCZUK

1 & 2 bedroom units available from $241,000 Take a look at our range of newly-renovated one and twobedroom units at St Stephens Village in Penrith. Spacious, light-filled open-plan layouts with modern fittings and fixtures throughout. Friendly community, lovely gardens and courtyards, workshop and easy access to public transport.

Call 1300 111 278 for an appointment. You will have to pay a departure fee when you leave the village.

St Stephens Village

anglicare.org.au/ststephens WW39921

ith the increase of apartment living and property prices, one in 10 people in Sydney are now renting some form of storage. And as Penrith continues to experience the development boom, a new storage solution has launched to cater to people’s needs. Smart Space Strata Storage is a unique 87- unit mini- warehousing facility that has just commenced building on Leland Street in Penrith, with locals able to rent or purchase units. Project Managers Yal Kaya and Kellie McMillan said they brought the facility to Penrith after its success in the Sutherland Shire.

“Penrith was replicating the Shire’s growth five years ago so we knew there was a need and the land was cheaper to purchase here so we can lower our prices,” Mr Kaya said. Ms McMillan said a distinguishing feature of the facility is the opportunity for people to invest in the units. “People can own their own unit and use it for themselves or lease it out to someone else with the entry point to buy being an attainable $145,000,” she said. “Younger people who can’t afford to buy into residential might be interested or there is an uptake of older people who want to reap the rewards of high returns for a low cost and very little maintenance.” The estimated completion of the storage facility is February 2021.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Locals turn to storage as apartment boom surges

Resort style retirement living at it’s best Only 3km from Penrith, Cadden’s Village offers a wonderful maintenance-free retirement lifestyle in a friendly and active community of social retirees. Connect with others and pursue new interests. Nurture and grow your faith in a caring Christian environment. Only a few new villas available in our ﬁnal stage. Don’t miss out!

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the western weekender Â» Friday, February 28, 2020

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

L AW a n d O R D E R From The Courts: Your Complete Legal Wrap COMPILED BY ALENA HIGGINS. OUR COURT REPORTING IS SPONSORED BY LOCAL LAW FIRM COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING.

Man threatened girlfriend with violence after break-up

A man who threatened to bury his exgirlfriend after she ended their relationship has been handed a community jail sentence and ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service. Hamzah Havelski, 35, appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with ‘using a carriage service to menace or harass’. His lawyer told the court the offending stemmed from a bad break-up and the defendant was “intoxicated, highly emotional and on a cocktail of prescription drugs” at the time. The court heard during two phone calls to the victim, the father-of-three made threats of violence, including “I’ll bury you”. After reading the facts, Magistrate Daphne Kok noted the pair had only been in a relationship for seven weeks and the victim had contacted him to end the relationship due to his controlling and aggressive behaviour. Magistrate Kok took into account he had spent one month in jail bail refused. He was given an 12-month Intensive Correction Order – a jail sentence able to be served in the community – ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service work and directed to undertake supervised rehab to address his anger management.

Son beats father with tree branch after argument

A son who beat his father with a tree branch after an argument about changing university courses has been ordered to undertake 200 hours of community service work. The son was sentenced at Penrith Local Court last Friday after pleading guilty to ‘stalk/intimidate’, ‘reckless wounding’ and ‘armed with intent’. The court heard the son attended the house about 7.15pm on July 30 last year and proceeded to bash his father, telling

his younger 13-year-old brother who was also present that he’d kill his father if he called the police. The father required stitches and plaster cast to his hand following the attack. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen noted the son had expressed resentment and anger towards his father, claiming he had been the recipient of violence at the hands of his father over the years. But Magistrate van Zuylen said that didn’t justify his “appalling” actions. “It’s totally unjustifiable to turn up with a branch and beat him with it,” he said. “You’re committing the very act you’re accusing him of!” He was ordered to enter three, threeyear good behaviour bonds and complete 200 hours of community service work. He is also subject to a 12-month AVO. His father was in court in support.

Woman who reversed into tree found to be drink driving

A drunk driver who reversed into a tree has been stripped of her licence for five months. Allarah Spoward, 30, fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday where she was sentenced for mid-range drink driving. The court heard Spoward was a few hundred metres from home when she received a call on her mobile, but because the phone wasn’t connecting to bluetooth, she pulled into a driveway to take the call. While reversing out, she hit a tree. When police attended she made immediate admissions before recording a breath analysis of 0.131. Her lawyer submitted she had consumed three glasses of wine over four hours, but said the issue was they were self poured. “If it hadn’t been a tree, it could have been something more serious,” Magistrate Daphe Kok chided. She was convicted, disqualified for five months, fined $400 and ordered to enter the mandatory alcohol interlock program

for 12 months upon completion of her driving ban.

Road rage incident lands man in trouble with the law

A man who assaulted two people in a Jamisontown rage road incident has been handed multiple good behaviour bonds. Poutasi Tutaia, 22, faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’, ‘common assault’ and ‘damage property’. Tutaia, who had never been in trouble before, claimed the victim had been driving erratically and deliberating braking, which eventually led to an accident. The facts indicate the offender was the first to get out, went up to the driver’s side window, punched the window then laid into the victim, the court heard. He then pushed the passenger of the vehicle, who by this time had gone to the rear of the car and produced a hammer. His lawyer invited Magistrate Daphne Kok to record a non-conviction, submitting Tutaia was a practicing Christian, attends church five to six times per week, helps the homeless and contributes greatly to the community. “It was something that was spontaneous, it’s something he regrets,” he said. However, Magistrate Kok said not imposing a conviction would be a “very big ask” before convicting him on all three counts. He was ordered to enter two 12-month good behaviour bonds with supervision for anger management, and fined $200.

Man drove while suspended due to train line issue

Rowan Alexander Foster-Powell has extended his time off the road after pleading guilty to driving while suspended. Foster-Powell was about five months into a six-month suspension for driving more than 45km/hr over the speed limit when he was busted behind the wheel of a car. Last Thursday, he told Penrith Local

Court Magistrate Geoff Hiatt he had no other options as the train lines were down due to storm damage and his family members were unavailable to drive him to work. “I know it was the wrong decision,” he said. However, Magistrate Hiatt told the uni student there are “always other options”, saying he could have taken a taxi, Uber or called his employer and told them why he couldn’t come in. “The road rules are there for everyone to adhere to, Mr Foster-Powell,” he said, noting the offender had already racked up seven offences since October 2017 when he received his provisional licence. He was convicted, fined $500 and disqualified from driving for a period of three months.

Good behaviour helps man escape conviction over assault

A man who assaulted his ex-partner’s current boyfriend has escaped a criminal conviction. The man appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday and reluctantly pleaded guilty to ‘common assault’ before denying parts of the facts. But Magistrate Daphne Kok held him to account. “Look... you pleaded guilty to the facts... you do accept you assaulted the person?” she asked. “That’s how the facts disclose the interlude.” The man said he went to the house to try and recoup money owed to him after his ex avoided his calls. “I was just trying to avoid the legal charges of trying to get the money back,” he said. “If you’re told there are ways to do something, do it the right way not the wrong way,” Magistrate Kok warned the man. She took his clean record into account before handing him a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction.

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY FESZCZUK

Penrith: Kingswood woman assaults police during arrest

A woman has been charged for causing malicious damage, assaulting police and resisting arrest in Penrith. About 3pm on Saturday, February 22 a 35-year-old woman from Kingswood was walking on Woodriff Street, Penrith when she allegedly threw a heavy rock-like object through the front window of a house. Shortly after she verbally abused and ran towards a 17-year-old male before police attended. A male Constable attempted to speak to her, but she threw a drink bottle at him, striking him in the chest, and kicked him in his shins resulting in her being arrested. A female Senior Constable then attended to search the woman. She then began to violently resist police, allegedly kicking the Senior Constable in the knee and biting the glove she was wearing, ripping the finger off the glove with her teeth. When police gained control she was placed in the police vehicle. She was charged with two counts of ‘assault officer in execution of duty’, ‘resist officer in execution of duty’, ‘stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal)’ and ‘destroy or damage property’. She was refused bail and will appear at Penrith Local Court on March 23.

Penrith: Man found with drugs after resisting police action

A man has been charged for resisting police and possessing a prohibited drug in Penrith. About 2.45pm on Friday, February 21 a 31-year-old Springwood man had stopped his car in the intersection of Higgins Street and Evan Street, Penrith. Police saw him stop to speak to two people on bicycles and when they approached the man attempted to drive off. Once police stopped him to make checks it is alleged the man reached under his leg and picked up a clear reseal-

Werrington: Man on bicycle had another person’s ATM card

A man has been charged with goods in custody in Werrington. About 11.30pm on Saturday, February 22 police were patrolling Parkes Road, Werrington when they sighted a male riding an orange BMX pushbike. After speaking to the 40-year-old man, who stated he was homeless, police searched the man and allegedly found a CBA debit card in another person’s name. The man was charged with ‘goods in personal custody suspected being stolen’. The man will appear at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, March 24.

Colyton: Driver charged after passengers found unrestrained

A motorist has been charged after allegedly driving with 10 unrestrained passengers – including nine children. Just before 9am on Saturday, February 22, officers from Nepean Police Area Command were patrolling on Shepherd Street in Colyton, when they spotted a passenger, travelling in a Nissan Elgrand, not wearing a seatbelt as the vehicle turned onto Marsden Road. Officers stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, a 45-year-old man. Police will allege in court that the front seat passenger, a 34-year-old woman, was not wearing a seat belt as were nine other passengers – all children aged between one-month-old to 12-years-old. It will further be alleged that a 12-yearold girl had a two-year-old girl sitting in their lap while an 11-year-old girl was carrying a one-month-old in her arms; all four were not properly restrained. The driver was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for 10 offences.

Nathan Taylor

Troy Dodds

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

The difficult legal issues around sexual assault “There is a massive difference between rape and sex that you regret”. These words, uttered by Harvey Weinstein’s defence lawyer Donna Rotunno, underpinned his defence at his rape trial in New York, USA. Weinstein has been at the centre of allegations of sexual assault from dozens of women across the United States, however his rape trial in New York City was the first time the allegations were being tested in the courts. This week a jury found Weinstein guilty of two felony sex crimes but acquitted him of charges that he is a sexual predator. He will be sentenced on March 11. The New York trial centred around the cases of two women who said that they were raped by Weinstein following meetings with the disgraced movie mogul about their fledgling acting careers. Weinstein did not deny having sexual encounters with the women but says that the acts were consensual. Weinstein’s defence team argued that regret is not rape, stating, “You don’t tell him you love him in 2016 and you are tired of being a booty call in 2017 and call him a predator in 2020”, a reference to one of Weinstein’s accusers who allegedly continued a consensual relationship with him after the purported rape. The Weinstein case, despite the media circus, is representative of most cases of alleged sexual assault across the globe. Usually the accused is a man, as is the case with Weinstein.

Nicola Barton

Often, the accusations giving rise to criminal charges come years after the event (mainly due to the trauma victims experience post assault). The court system has to somehow balance the need for victims to be able to seek justice in a manner that does not render them so traumatised at having to relive their horror that it completely destroys their lives against the doctrine underpinning our criminal justice system that a person is innocent until proven guilty. It is an impossible task, and a reason why statistically most sexual crimes go unreported in Australia. Under Australian (and American) law, an accused has the right to defend themselves. What is particularly problematic for Weinstein, irrespective of the technical abilities of his legal counsel however, is that the court of public opinion had already determined he was undeniably guilty. Dozens of women have spoken out against him and further criminal proceedings are on-foot in Los Angeles alleging similar crimes. It is probable that Weinstein will also be the subject of civil suits irrespective of the outcome of his New York trial and any future trials. A famous feature of the legal system of many American states is the ability to sue someone in a civil court for things they have also been tried for in a criminal court. Watch this space.

Emily Feszczuk

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Alena Higgins

able bag containing cannabis before putting it in his mouth. After a short struggle with police he was arrested and charged with ‘resist officer in execution of duty’ and ‘possess prohibited drug’.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

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Counsellors raise concerns over spike in depression amongst young tradesmen NICOLA BARTON

Dr Paul Hoare from Glenmore Park Counselling. Photo: Megan Dunn. “This broader category we call ‘selfsabotage’, which is more your binge drinking, eating, gambling, relational sabotage

of cutting people off, and it’s all a means of hating on yourself. “It may not be as directly related to your

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elf sabotaging behaviours are becoming increasingly present in tradesmen, according to a local counsellor. Speaking with the Weekender on the topic of self harm in young people, Dr Paul Hoare from Glenmore Park Counselling said a broader category of selfsabotage, particularly in young men, is a recurring issue in his practice. A pattern of excessive binge drinking, gambling, anger and relationship sabotage are the outlets for this particular demographic, with Dr Hoare reiterating the importance of looking out for your loved ones in a proactive manner. “Guys often get depressed and feel meaningless and don’t know what to do with themselves,” he said. “Our social connections are on the decrease at the moment and with social media our connections are changing, which means some people are falling through the cracks. Depression tends to make people want to avoid or numb pain and often for men it’s a question as to whether that’s self harm or whether that’s just getting drunk or gambling. Men deal with their depression differently.

body but it’s still pernicious in the longterm.” Dr Hoare said this is particularly present in men aged 18 to 25-years-old. According to Beyond Blue, one in eight Australian men will experience depression. Men also make up an average of six in every eight suicides. But if you see a friend, son or family member displaying signs of this behaviour, the best solution is to speak up. “We have a really strong culture in the counselling industry that the best thing to do is always to talk about it,” Dr Hoare said. “It never should be speculated about or trying to do something to help behind their back, the first thing is talking.” Dr Hoare urges people to never play into the idea that someone struggling truly wants isolation. “That is a very dangerous thing to do, to sit on your hands and do nothing, that’s probably the worst thing to do,” Dr Hoare said. “Everyone is different and has specific circumstances and that’s why seeing a counsellor and talking about it is a lot more beneficial than Googling for answers.” If you or anyone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

It’s time for tradies to talk

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Prowl makes leap to TV Community foundation partners with TV series to boost funding for local area EMILY FESZCZUK

he community development arm of the Penrith Panthers has partnered with charitable TV show ‘Adventure All Stars’, which will result in more funding that will benefit the community. Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher, Panthers on the Prowl General Manager Brad Waugh and other representatives came together with Charity TV Global Founder, Troy Gray, last Thursday to announce the partnership for the socially conscious TV series. “We are incredibly pleased to announce this partnership with Penrith Panthers’ Panthers on the Prowl Community Development Foundation,” Mr Gray said. “Together we are committed to positively impacting the greater Penrith region through our groundbreaking television series ‘Adventure All Stars’.” The TV show follows people’s fundraising journeys for their nominated charity such as Panthers on the Prowl and their reward, which is six days of fun and adventure in a secret location. The net proceeds of every ‘Adventure All Stars’ challenge is distributed to Charity TV Global’s philanthropic partners including Panthers on the Prowl.

Brad Waugh, Lawrence McDonnell, Liam Martin, Troy Gray and Royce Simmons with Emu Plains Public students. Photo: Megan Dunn. Mr Gray hopes to see a lot of locals put their hand up to star in the next series. “It will give exposure to the foundation and our real- life cast members will raise money to contribute and continue the great work the foundation is doing in the local community,” he said. “We certainly hope to see lots of

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ing their community initiatives such as OAK Healthy Active Lifestyles and Adult Computer Literacy initiatives. The show is filmed for broadcast via Charity TV Global’s entertainment partners including 7TWO and on-demand via 7Plus. For more information or to register, visit www.charitytvglobal.com.

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

Looking for help I am writing from England in the hopes of finding someone. Recently my mother, who was adopted after World War II, has been researching her birth family, discovering that she has a biological sister named Keren. Her married name was Collins, but her name at birth was FosterWhite (although her surname may be different now). After a bit more research, we managed to ascertain that Keren was last known to be living in the Blaxland area. From our research, we know that Keren would be in her early 70s. Please also notice that it is Keren with an ‘e’. We believe that she is named after a place in Eritrea where her father was stationed during and after the war. If anyone has any information relating to our search, if you know or knew Keren, or indeed are Keren, we would be pleased to hear from you. We have asked that any responses be sent to the Western Weekender so they can be passed on to us. R DONLEY, ENGLAND

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Penrith locals doing their bit to help the Penrith community as this is certainly a life- changing opportunity for everyone involved.” With donated funds, Panthers on the Prowl will add additional teaching resources to further develop their local school programs along with support-

So it rained a bit. Flooding and problems all around the place. We ain’t seen nothing. The future will almost certainly see rain above historic levels. The council and other authorities, still are approving building in potential flood areas. This is crazy stuff. To buy in these areas is also not good business, the way we are head-

ing the cost of insurance, if you can get it, will be unaffordable. Raising the dam wall is not an excuse to allow development in these high risk zones. Save these sites for playing fields, agriculture and recreation. DAVID BENTHAM, JORDAN SPRINGS

Climate change con I read Justin’s letter and was prompted to reply (Dear Weekender, Weekender February 14). I am diametrically opposed to his statement of “human induced climate change” and thus, present an alternative argument. Earth’s climate has been changing for over four billion years, yet our records traverse, only the last 150 to 170 years. A miniscule period to attempt to claim a climate emergency exists. Our oceans are not rising. Check official Fort Dennison sea levels records and speak to oyster farmers, whose livelihoods are impacted by sea levels. Politics play a part as well. The left are climate change devotees, the right have the opposite belief. The left, including the UN, are utilising this scare tactic to redistribute wealth from wealthier nations to poorer nations, in addition to all the foreign aid paid annually. I am of the opinion that “global warming”, “climate change”, “climate emergency” and any other descriptive term you wish to use, all form part of the same greatest con ever perpetrated on human kind. MICK, CRANEBROOK

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

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

NSW Training Awards Success Stories

Kasra Hashem Pour - 2019 Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Trainee of the Year Kasra originally came to Australia as a poli cal refugee from Iran. Kasra undertook a Cer ficate III in Business traineeship. This was his first foray into the world of VET and it greatly inspired him to gain as much as he possibly could from his experience. His employment with Westpac ensured that he could learn from others around him and get a feel for the finance industry. Kasra also found that the workplace component meant that he got to deal with people of diﬀering demographics and diﬀering backgrounds, which helped him develop a strong sense of community and camaraderie. His experience in VET enabled him to move on to Macquarie University where he is studying economics. Kasra informed the panel that VET is a start which gives you knowledge, experience and significant skills and is a great founda on for further learning and a posi ve career path. Congratula ons Kasra Hashem Pour with a BSB30115 Cer ficate III in Business for winning Trainee of the Year for Western Sydney & Blue Mountains. As a refugee, Kasra is inspired by VET to develop his skills and knowledge in the workplace. He got to deal with diverse people which helped him develop a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

Sponsorship opportuniƟes available. Please contact Danielle Abraham for details Danielle.Abraham@det.nsw.edu.au

2020 NSW Training Awards Be Recognised Be recognised for your passion and skills in your vocational education and training journey. APPLY TODAY! Visit www.trainingawards.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 306 999 for information on how to enter. Applications close 13 March 2020.

Photo: Kelsey Commons, 2019 NSW VET in Schools Student of the Year

faceboo facebook.com/trainingawards @nswtra @nswtrainingawards WW40212

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Council to create roadmap to deal with urban heat issues

Rooty Hill Village

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enrith City Council has received a $400,000 grant to develop a Green Grid Strategy for Penrith. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said it would enable Council to develop a strategic plan for Penrith that details a proposed network of high-quality green spaces across the city. “The Green Grid Strategy will develop a framework to support active transport opportunities and connect vibrant community open spaces, water ways, bushland, schools, public transport and town centres – to help make these more accessible for everyone,” he said. Cr Fowler said Council had received the grant under the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program, which is administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Penrith knows first-hand the complexity of challenges when it comes to urban heat, and last week held a Cooling the City Masterclass.

“It’s exactly why Council decided to run this Masterclass event, to bring key stakeholders and leading professionals together, to explore solutions to Sydney’s urban heat dilemma,” Cr Fowler said. Penrith City Council General Manager, Warwick Winn, said the development of the Green Grid Strategy is another key step in tackling urban heat, because it will create principles that can be applied to other areas that are undergoing growth and development to maximise green cover. “The Green Grid Strategy will outline how to increase canopy and retrofit solutions to older suburban areas, as well as those undergoing urban renewal. It will help us enhance natural areas and boost outcomes for local residents and importantly, create a roadmap for Council for our future actions,” he said. The Penrith Green Grid Strategy is anticipated to be complete by June 2021. It will also build on existing strategic work already undertaken by Council. WW40315

Our ﬁnal stage of apartments have been released and are now available to be reserved. A mix of one and two bedroom apartments offer open-plan layouts and modern ﬁnishes. Enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle in a friendly, supportive community.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler says a $400,000 State Government grant will help in the creation of a Green Grid Strategy for the city.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

“I just pray for a miracle” Woman with rare condition hopes risky surgery will relieve years of awful pain

magine being confined to your home, unable to work or drive and in constant pain. This is the reality for Emu Plains resident Samantha Sutherland as her battle with a rare congenital musculoskeletal condition worsens. Diagnosed with Klippel- Feil Syndrome, Chiari Malformation, Intracranial Hypertension, Syringomyelia and severe spinal degeneration, every day is a challenge for the 45-year-old. “After years of debilitating symptoms and surgeries I have reached a point where I have been unable to work for more than three months, cannot undertake general housework and cannot drive or travel anywhere independently,” she said. Ms Sutherland has had multiple surgeries over the years in an attempt to alleviate the constant pain she endures. In 2006 she had successful brain surgery which resulted in significant improvements, however everything took a turn in 2017 and ever since then her conditions have only worsened. “Since then I’ve had three surgeries and nothing has changed, I just pray for a miracle every day,” Ms Sutherland said.

Due to her illness she has constant pain, headaches and difficulty moving. She now requires major, complicated and expensive surgery with no guarantees of improvement, that is not covered by Medicare. “It will entail fusing my cervical spine, not only will this be a very risky surgery, it will also come at a hefty price,” Mr Sutherland said. “Further surgery and treatment will come at a cost we simply can’t afford.” Unable to work, Ms Sutherland has been struggling to make ends meet, as the family relies on her husband’s sole income. She has since started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help get the surgery she requires. Despite financial pressures, she said going through long-term health challenges has been an eye-opening experience. In an effort to raise awareness of the conditions and to help ensure others with similar difficulties don’t feel alone, she documents her journey on her My Positively Chronic Life Facebook page. “This illness is soul destroying but my family are my lifeline. I do have a lot of bad days where I feel like I’m flat lining but I’m a big believer in you need to help yourself to get anywhere and that’s what keeps me going,” she said. To donate, visit bit.ly/37CO3Hs.

Samantha Sutherland is hoping a risky and expensive surgery will relieve her pain.

WW39401

NICOLA BARTON

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Bed buying tips uncovered In the market for a new bed? We’ve got the advice you need before jumping in EMILY FESZCZUK

ith people spending one third of their days in bed, it is important to have a comfortable and supportive mattress. Harvey Norman Penrith Franchisee, Nash Pillai has revealed his top tips for buying a bed. Mr Pillai said the most important thing for consumers to do is to try multiple mattresses before buying one. “Customers should not rush but try between five to seven mattresses and if there are two people sleeping in the bed then both should be involved in the decision,” he said. “People assume the firmer the better but that may not be true, and some brands have multiple levels of firmness.” Mr Pillai said it’s crucial to have an idea of what you want out of the bed and who is using it. “If the bed is only for a spare room then you don’t want to be paying top dollar on something you aren’t using regularly,” he said. “You also need to know if you want more cushioning or prefer inner sprung or noninner sprung mattresses.” To complement the mattress, Mr Pillai

Harvey Norman bed expert Diane Kurtz and Franchisee Nash Pillai. Photo: Megan Dunn.

said you need to select the right base and pillow. “People are buying bases that are adjustable that allows them to elevate their feet or shoulders which can improve their sleeping patterns by 20 to 30 per cent,” he said. “Our head and brain is the most important part of our body as it functions everything so finding a good pillow is necessary and Tempur, which we stock, has all different varieties for each sleeper and is my go-to.” If customers are unsure, Mr Pillai said his expert team can help them with their choice. “Some of our sales consultants have been with the business for 15 to 20 years so they have a whole lot of expertise and knowledge they can impart to customers,” he said. “We stock the four big international brands with King Koil, Sealy and Sleepmaker all being made in Australia, some for up to 120 years.” If you do somehow buy the wrong mattress, Harvey Norman lets you return the bed after a 90- night trial for a small fee. Harvey Norman is located at the Penrith Homemaker Centre and is open seven days a week.

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

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This year’s NSW Seniors Festival theme is ‘Love to celebrate’, and Council is delighted to celebrate our older residents through Council’s annual Reimagine Ageing Festival. Getting older in 2020 is vastly different to how previous generations aged. The diversity of older people in Penrith is also changing, as people from a broad range of cultural backgrounds add to community life in the City. As in previous years, we have worked with a range of community organisations to put together a fantastic program of events and activities. Over the course of seven weeks we are inviting our older residents to try something new, get active and connect with the Penrith community. The Reimagine Ageing Festival is our way of saying thanks and the perfect chance to turn a spotlight on the contributions our older residents make – whether through volunteering, caring for family or passing on their knowledge and experience to younger

generations. Council is committed to helping all our residents, regardless of age and ability, to live a healthy, engaged and active life. We want Penrith to be a city in which you can get involved, meet new people and be stimulated, no matter what your stage of life. And that is what the Reimagine Ageing Festival is all about. You will find a wide range of events and activities on offer that promote a healthy lifestyle, will introduce you to local services and are a whole lot of fun. I would like to commend the community organisations and Council staff who have put the program together. I would also like to acknowledge those organisations for their ongoing work to support Penrith’s older residents. I encourage you to dive right in and make the most of the 2020 Reimagine Ageing Festival!

CR ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Keep up to date with all the local breaking news, sport and more by ‘liking’ us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/ westernweekender.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

New apartments coming soon Register your interest

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to start your retirement lifestyle in a brand new home, and with access to exclusive resort style facilities. Superbly located in Jordan Springs with the conveniences of the Town Centre and the local bus stop nearby, Kingfisher Grove will feature a Community Centre and facilities including an indoor heated pool, gym, bowling green, lounge, bar, library and cinema.

Spacious villas are now selling, with brand new apartments coming soon.

Call 1800 550 550 for more information and to register your interest for new apartments.

*Pricing and availability correct at the time of printing but subject to change without notice. Information about services and facilities is correct at time of printing but subject to change. You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. You may have to share any capital gains received with the operator of this village. Photographs are for illustrative purposes and may depict items not provided by Lendlease, like furniture. February 2020. Published by Lendlease RL Reality (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 55 124 646 484.

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Kingfisher Grove Sales Centre Open 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday Cnr Lakeside Pde and Jordan Springs Blvd, Jordan Springs 1800 550 550 | www.kingfishergrove.com

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

It’s just the ticket for mum OZWAC to host Mother’s Day ball this May to raise funds for medical research

ancel your plans for the Mother’s Day weekend – the Australian Women and Children’s Research Foundation (OZWAC) has everything sorted for you. The long- standing local charity has announced it will hold its highly anticipated ball on Saturday, May 9 at Penrith Panthers. Funds raised at the ball will play a vital role in the future of health care in the greater west, with research playing a critical role in understanding health issues and the development of improved management systems. OZWAC is a local research foundation established over 22 years ago to provide much-needed funds to facilitate research at Nepean Hospital and attract highly skilled doctors to the area. Since inception OZWAC has provided in excess of $1.2 million in research grants. “The majority of research funding has been directed to research projects focusing on pregnancy, premature births, neonatal care and health problems associated with babies and young children,” said OZWAC Chairperson, Diane Williams. In 2018 and 2019 research grants were provided in a wide range of areas including evaluating the effects of Stimulant Medication use in childhood attention

The OZWAC ball raises vital funds for medical research in the local area. deficit/hyperactivity discord (ADHD) on cardiovascular health in adults, as well as research into the prevention of childhood allergies before birth. Further research included determining the role of the microbiome in endometriosis, a common cause of infertility,

pregnancy related complications and poor quality of life in women. “All funds raised by OZWAC are directed to research,” Ms Williams said. “The Board Members undertake the day to day administration of this well respected charity on a volunteer basis to

ensure maximum benefit is obtained from the funds generated for our bi- annual charity ball and donations.” The 2020 Mother’s Day Charity Ball will be held at Penrith Panthers on May 9. Tickets and corporate tables can be purchased at www.ozwac.org.au or call 0412 051 745.

FREE WORKSHOPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN AGED 50 AND OVER Board Games for Seniors* THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 10am - 12pm at Penrith City Library WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 10am - 12pm at St Clair Library

Healthy Brain Ageing Talk* FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 11am - 12pm at Penrith City Library

Presentation and Free Hearing Health Check with Hearing Australia

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 10am - 12pm at Penrith City Library

FRIDAY 6 MARCH 11.30am - 12pm at Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre

Get Online and Save! TUESDAY 3 MARCH 10am – 11:30am at Jordan Springs Community Hub

Getting to Know Community Aged Care Workshop MONDAY 9 MARCH 10.30am - 12pm at Thornton Community Centre

Yoga*

THURSDAY 12 MARCH 10am – 11:30am at Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 10.30am - 11.30am at Penrith City Library

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 10am – 11:30am at Thornton Community Centre

Story Time*

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Stepping On – An Introduction to Falls Prevention

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 10.30am - 11.30am at St Marys Library

WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 10.30am - 12.30pm at Jordan Springs Community Hub

FRIDAY 13 MARCH 10.30am – 12.30pm at Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre

TUESDAY 17 MARCH 10.30am - 12:30pm at St Marys Memorial Hall

WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 10.30am – 12.30pm at Jordan Springs Community Hub

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 10.30am - 11.30am at Penrith City Library THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 10.30am - 11.30am at St Clair Library

Zumba* THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 10.30am - 11.30am at Penrith City Library

Safe.Supported. Connected Morning Tea

Healthy Living for Seniors FRIDAY 6 MARCH 10.30am – 11:30am at Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre.

THURSDAY 26 MARCH 10.30am - 12pm at Penrith City Library

Thornton Community Garden 1st Anniversary SATURDAY 14 MARCH 9am - 12pm at Thornton Community Garden

Improve Your Strength and Flexibility WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 10.30am - 12.30pm at Penrith Senior Citizen Centre WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 10.30am - 12.30pm at St Marys Memorial Hall

Old and New THURSDAY 19 MARCH 10.30am - 1.15pm at Nepean Food Services.

To register for any of the workshops, please visit Reimagine Ageing to secure your place.

penrith.city/ReimagineAgeing WW40394

Australia Post romance will culminate in a beautiful wedding this weekend NICOLA BARTON

hey say love will find a way, and for this pair it came via Australia Post. After meeting online on ‘Plenty of Fish’ seven years ago, 50-year- old Teresa Cunningham and 52- year- old Darren Sheens chatted back and forth for three weeks before discovering they worked for the same company, Australia Post. Mr Sheens has worked for the company for 30 years and Ms Cunningham for nine. At the time of meeting, Mr Sheens was working in the office and Ms Cunningham was delivering mail as a postie, but they had never crossed paths. “I asked him what he did for work and he said ‘Australia Post’ and I remember sitting at the computer thinking ‘oh no’ and asked a colleague friend if she knew him, said his name and told her the situation,” Ms Cunningham explained. “She sometimes takes a while to reply but she replied instantly saying ‘I know Dazza, he’s a top bloke’.” From then she decided to give it a shot and the pair agreed to meet a couple of weeks later. The rest is history. “We’ve been hooked at the hip ever since,” Ms Cunningham admitted.

Darren Sheens and Teresa Cunningham are getting married this weekend.

As time has passed, the couple have uncovered multiple mutual friends and even events that they could have potentially crossed paths at before but never did. “We don’t know how we never bumped into each other or how our paths didn’t cross before,” Mr Sheens said. The pair now work together at the Australia Post Nepean Delivery Centre. “We love working together but work is work and we know when we’re on the clock we have to focus,” Ms Cunningham said. Mr Sheens now works in logistics and Ms Cunningham is a relief postie and sometimes performs training and team leader roles. After Ms Cunningham proposed to Mr Sheens four years ago, the pair will marry on their property this Saturday, February 29. “I love that he allows me to be exactly who I am,” Ms Cunningham said. Mr Sheens said he loves his future bride for her support in helping him every day. “A relationship should be easy and silly and that’s exactly what we have,” Mr Sheens said. Do you have a unique love story to share? Contact Nicola Barton on 4722 2998 or email Nicola.Barton@westernweekender.com.au.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

The ultimate love letter

Energy-from-waste is a safe, world-leading solution for waste that cannot be recycled. The proposed Western Sydney Energy & Resource Recovery Centre would work with councils and businesses to target the waste from red bins that would otherwise go to landfill.

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Find out more at one of our upcoming community events WW39675

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

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the western weekender Âť Friday, February 28, 2020

Terrific work experience: Chance to be a firefighter

Thornton set to sparkle thanks to volunteer spirit EMILY FESZCZUK

T Students can find out if a career in firefighting is in their future.

EMILY FESZCZUK

he Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills is looking for students who want to see if they have what it takes to be a firefighter. They are starting their work experience program for the year on Monday, March 16. Firefighter Ariel Leonard, who took part in the program when she was 16- yearsold and now runs the concept, hopes to get a lot of students interested. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking for students in years 10, 11 and 12 to do the four- day program which we run during 24 weeks over the year,â&#x20AC;? Ms Leonard said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we also have two weeks dedicated to run our first Junior IFARES Program, which is for students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.â&#x20AC;? Ms Leonard said the program will give the students a taste of what being a firefighter is like. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a maximum of 10 students each week and they will use fire extinguishers, do some search and rescue, and do drills such as getting water out of a hydrant and to the truck,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The biggest thing they learn is meeting new people, learning how to rely on others and working as a team to get a job done.â&#x20AC;? For more information, visit www.fire. nsw.gov.au.

hornton locals will be out in force this weekend in an effort to clean up their much-loved community. Thornton Community Group Inc is running the cleaning initiative on Sunday, March 1 as part of the Clean Up Australia Day concept. Chairperson Jim Gaudry said the group come together every few months to socialise while tidying up the local estate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We set aside a few hours to wander around the Thornton precinct picking up rubbish from the streets and in the parks, which is a good way to promote pride in our area,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We then enjoy some light refreshments together so we can socialise and help in meeting neighbours and new friends.â&#x20AC;? Mr Gaudry said anyone can attend the event, which this year is supported by Penrith City Council and Clean Up Australia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This one falls on Clean Up Australia Day which is great as they help supply us with gloves and rubbish bags so everyone should attend,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will meet at the Thornton Community Centre at 9am and it will probably go until about 11am with us picking up around 15 to 20 bags of rubbish which makes such a difference.â&#x20AC;? For more Clean Up Australia Day locations, visit cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/ join-a-clean-up.

Ready to clean: Jim Gaudry is part of a group of volunteers cleaning up around Thornton. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Catholic Schools Week st

1 – 7 March 2020

Twilight Tours Monday 2 March 4:00- 4:30 pm & 6:00- 6:30 pm

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www.stnicholaspenrith.catholic.edu.au

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K-6 Catholic Education

the western weekender Âť Friday, February 28, 2020

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

SPONSORED CONTENT

ooking for a great local school for your child? Catholic schools in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are enrolling now. Learn more at Open Days this Catholic Schools Week! Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) Executive Director Greg Whitby admires the careful consideration that families devote to choosing a school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a parent (and grandparent) myself, I know that making sure your child is happy and learning at school matters,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choosing a caring school community is a great decision not just for your child, but for your whole family.â&#x20AC;? As every childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning journey begins at home, CEDP works with families to make sure children are on track at school. This means getting to know students well and learning about what excites

them when it comes to their educational journey. Great teachers make a real difference in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why CEDP is focused on making sure every teacher is skilled up and supported by a Principal with a passion for learning and caring. With 80 great local schools, CEDP has a strong commitment to providing an affordable quality Catholic education for families. No child who meets the enrolment criteria will be refused enrolment or disadvantaged because of a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial circumstances. CEDP schools in the Penrith area include the newly opened CathWest Innovation College McCarthy Campus, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek, Holy Family Primary Emerton, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains, St Clareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic High School Hassall Grove, St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Primary Kingswood and Trinity Catholic Primary Kemps Creek. During Catholic Schools Week, there are many opportunities to visit your local Catholic school to learn more. Details of Open Days are available at www.parra.catholic.edu.au/opendays.

MORNING SESSION Commences at 10.00am, followed by a tour of the College at 10.30am AFTERNOON SESSION Commences at 12.30pm, followed by a tour of the College at 1.00pm

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Visit your local Catholic school and lock in the best education for your child

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Bethany Catholic Primary School

OPEN DAY 2020 ENROLLING NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN 2021 We have limited places available in Grades 1-6 Join us for guided tours of Bethany hosted by the Principal, Assistant Principal and students on:

Tuesday 3 March 2020 at 9.30am-10.30am Thursday 5 March 2020 at 1.45pm – 2.45pm (Please contact the School Office on 47233700 or email bethany@parra.catholic.edu.au to register for a guided tour)

Please contact the School Office on 47233700 for enrolment packs or visit our website www.bethanyglenmorepark.catholic.edu.au for further information

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Bethany Catholic Primary School nurtures and celebrates the uniqueness of each child and prepares them for tomorrow’s world. The school offers a wide range of curricular & co-curricular learning opportunities including specialist instruction in the areas such as music, sport, library and Italian as a second language. Our motto, In Christ we love and serve, reflects the principles and values of our unique learning community.

Our Lady of the Way Primary School 17 Troy Street, Emu Plains | 4777 7200 OLOW@parr a.catholic.edu.au | olowemuplains.catholic.edu.au

Give your child an excellent Catholic School education in a safe and caring environment Our Educational Belief is founded on enabling all children to

• learn how to be • learn how to think • learn how to choose • learn how to learn • learn how to relate

PROSPECTIVE KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS IN 2021 Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2021 There are also a limited number of vacancies in other grades

There will be an OPEN MORNING on Sunday, 1st March at 10.30am or Wednesday, 4th March at 10.00am Come along, tour the school and visit our learning spaces ~ Morning tea will be provided for parents and pre-schoolers

Julie Irvine on 4777 7200 or email jirvine@parra.catholic.edu.au

If you are unable to make these dates please contact the school oﬃce for an alternative time

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If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Thursday 27th February to

Ph: 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood

• Bacon Kits • Spirit and Liqueur Essences • Chocolate Making Kits

POPULAR BRANDS

• Cheese Kits • Beer Making Kits • Jerky Making Kits • Smoker Boxes

Country Brewer Epicurean Roberts Confectionery Wyeast Fowlers Vacola A Taste of the Bush Andale Coopers Weyermann Joe White

www.countrybrewer.com.au

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the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

more than just homebrew

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Celebrating 116 years of the annual Luddenham Show

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Discover the future at Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre 100 Eaton Road, Luddenham Monday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm closed public holidays Free admission For more information, visit westernsydney.com.au

SPONSORED CONTENT

‘The Country Show’ is back at Luddenham Many of the animals that will be striving for a Blue Ribbon at the world famous Royal will be blowing off the cobwebs at the historic Luddenham Showground. With these ever changing times for the district, the Committee of Luddenham A.H & I Society are proud to keep the traditions of the district’s biggest annual event alive and well. Both days are ‘chock-a-block’ filled

with entertainment and activities for the young and the not-so-young alike. Of course there are the traditional show favourites such as two full days of horse classes and cattle going under the judge’s eye on the Saturday, whilst the woodchips fly on the Sunday with not just some of Australia’s best but international axemen trying to cut their logs in the quickest time possible.

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he tradition continues, with the 116th Annual Luddenham Show to be held on March 7 and 8 at Luddenham Showground. Known as ‘the country show’, this is traditionally the first show in the lead-up to the Sydney Royal Easter Show as many, many months of hard work culminate for some of the best in livestock and stage acts in Australia.

Of course you don’t need to be a world class woodchopper or breeder of top quality livestock to get involved with your local show, with a wide variety of pavilion categories that are sure to enable everyone to take part. These range from Homebrew, Flowers, Photography and Art to Needlework, Best Scarecrow and Gumboots to Poultry and LEGO designs to name a few. Over many years Luddenham has earned a reputation for putting on the best stage entertainment of all country shows. Performers this year include sheep shearing demos, the amazing Magic Macey, singers and dancers, along with the Walkabout Reptile Show. The show doesn’t finish when the sun sets, not by a long shot. Everybody young and old will be tapping their toes as David Cazalet’s ‘The King in Concert’ hits the stage on Saturday night. ‘The King in Concert’ is rock and roll nostalgia at its very best. One of the most popular Sunday events is a little more relaxed with the sheep dog trial taking place. When you sit and watch these amazing dogs manoeuvre the stubborn sheep through the course you would think you were many, many miles from western Sydney as the vista takes in farm dams and homesteads across farm lands with the Blue Mountains in the distance. Don’t miss the Luddenham Show on March 7 and 8. For more information, visit www.luddenhamshow.com.au.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

LUDDENHAM SHOW

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

LUDDENHAM SHOW

SPONSORED CONTENT

Huge action-packed weekend for the family at the Luddenham Show

NOT YOUR USUAL ADVENTURE

FMX KAOS only using the best in the business, you will witness a world first at the Luddenham Show in the form of a Crazy Backflip variation adding to Luddenham’s entertainment. The bruises, bumps and body slams will provide for a night you will never ever forget! Now don’t go thinking this is the toughest event to be seen at Luddenham, that title must surely go to the Open Bull Ride. Recognised as the most dangerous sport in the world, cowboys will put their wits against 800kg of raging steak that only a mother could love for eight seconds to try and take home a pocket full of cash and glory.

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visitpenrith.com.au

ack by popular demand at this year’s Luddenham Show is a crowd favourite in the Demolition Derby. It may be described as something like trying to cross a busy intersection with no brakes, no brains and no fear. Local groups and organisations will sponsor the cars in an effort to be the last vehicle left alive. Meanwhile, FMX KAOS is back at the Luddenham Show this year with an allnew show. Some of the tricks you could expect are the Heart Attack, Rock Solid, Double Seat Grab and Ruler just to name a few, but the trick everyone wants to see is the Backflip. This trick has taken on an all new era of FMX, with

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the western weekender Â» Friday, February 28, 2020

Celestino.net.au/sydneysciencepark

PTY LTD ACN 001 005 527 ABN 52 001 005 527

Phone: 4723 9900 44 Tyrone Place, Erskine Park | PO Box 347, Kingswood, NSW 2747

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Friday, February 28, 2020 Â« the western weekender

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital has moved to a bigger, better premises and they’re ready to serve you and your furry friends

here’s been some exciting news for Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital recently with the popular facility relocating to bigger premises. The vet has moved from 377 Wentworth Road to 49 Wentworth Road in Orchard Hills and are now just further down the road. With many customers travelling from Emu Plains, Leonay, Emu Heights and the Lower Blue Mountains with their pets, the new premises have been renovated to accommodate a veterinary hospital. The premises are huge! There are double brick walls, three metre high ceilings and a green, bull-nosed verandah around the front of the building. They even have a concrete driveway and car park. There is an off-leash park in the front yard for you and your dogs to enjoy. Camille purchased the veterinary hospital business 10 years ago and there has been steady and continual growth of the business in this time. They started off with four staff and have now grown to 16 staff members and have definitely outgrown their previous premises.

This is a wonderful achievement for a successful, local small business. They are so excited and cannot wait for you to visit their large country practice! The staff look forward to meeting you

and your pets at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, so please feel free to pop in anytime and meet the team. For more information, you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

com/orchardhillsvethospital, visit their website at www.orchardhillsvet.com.au or call them on 4736 2027. The team is ready to help you and your furry friends.

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4736 2027 49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills www.orchardhillsvet.com.au

✓ Personalised Service ✓ Accurate Diagnosis ✓ Affordable Prices Services • Health Services • Surgical Services • Radiology • Clinical Pathology • Puppy Preschool • Kitten Adoption • Cat Boarding • Grooming

One Stop Shop for Animal Healthcare • Quality pet food • Pet grooming products • Pet accessories • Parasite control medication

6.00am 6.00am 7:30am 7:30am 8.00am 8.00am 9:00am 9:00am

9.00am 9.00am 9.00am 9.00am

9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am

GATES OPEN GATES OPEN COUNTRY KITCHEN OPENS COUNTRY KITCHEN OPENS HORSE CLASSES START HORSE CLASSES START CATTLE CLASSES START CATTLE CLASSES START

PAVILIONS OPEN PAVILIONS S OPEN ANIMAL NURSERY OPENS ANIMAL NURSERY OPENS

PIONEER WOOD CUTTERS PIONEER WOOD CUTTERS BLACKSMITH DISPLAY BLACKSMITH DISPLAY

10:00am POETS POETS BREAKFAST 10:00am BREAKFAST

11:00am RED HOT COUNTRY 11:00 0am RED HOT COUNTRY 12:00pm SHEEP SHEEP SHEARING DEMO 12:00pm SHEARING DEMO 12:30pm INVOGUE DANCE STUDIO 12: :30 0pm INVOGUE DANCE STUDIO

1:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 0 0pm 2:0

2:10pm pm 2:10p

2:40pm 2:4 4 0pm 3:00pm 3:00pm

3:30pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:00pm

4:30pm 4:30pm 4:45pm 4:45pm 5:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm

7:15pm 7:1 1 5pm 8:00pm 8:00pm

8:30pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

WALKABOUT REPTILE SHOW WALKABOUT REPTILE SHOW OFFICIAL OPENING OFFICIAL OPENING FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW

DOG HIGH JUMP CALCUTTA DOG HIGH JUMP CALCUTTA MAGIC MACEY SHOW MAGIC MACEY SHOW

DOG HIGH JUMP COMPETITION DOG HIGH JUMP COMPETITION FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW CHAINSAW TEAM COMP CHAINSAW TEAM COMP SHEEP SHEARING SHEEP SHEARING

RODEO RODEO CHRISTINE BELLY DANCER CHRISTINE BELLY DANCER

THE KING CONCERT BAND THE KING ININ CONCERT - B- AND FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW TUG-OF-WAR TUG-O OF-W WAR FIREWORKS FIREWORKS

11:00pm LIVE LIVE BAND FINISHES 11:00pm BAND FINISHES

6.00am

GATES OPEN

7:30am

COUNTRY KITCHEN OPENS

8.00am

HORSE CLASSES START

9:00am

SHEEP DOG TRIALS

9:00am

PAVILIONS OPEN

9.00am

ANIMAL NURSERY OPENS

9.30am

PIONEER WOOD CUTTERS

10..00 0am

POETS BREAKFAST

10:30 0am

SHEEP SHEARING DEMO

11:00am

WOODCHOPPING

11:00am

WHIP CRACKING COMP

11:00am

VARIOUS KIDS ACTIVITIES

11:30am

COUNTRY KID COMPETITION

12:00pm

FANCY DRESS

12:30p pm

SHEEP SHEARING DEMO

1:00 0pm

FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW

1.30pm

ICECREAM EATING COMP.

2:00pm

HORSE SPORTING EVENTS

2:00pm m

MAGIC MACEY SHOW

2::15p pm

HAY BALE ROLLING COMP

2::45p pm

WIFE CARRYING COMP

3.15p pm

GUMBOOT THROWING

3.20pm

SHEEP SHEARING DEMO

3.30 0pm

FMX KAOS STUNT SHOW

4.00 0pm

DEMOLITION DERBY

5.00pm

SHOW CLOSE

THANKS FOR BEING PART THE THANKS FOR BEING PART OFOF THE COUNTRY SHOW SINCE 1891 COUNTRY SHOW SINCE 1891 LUDDENHAM SHOW TH HTHE E LUDDENHAM SHOW

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Friday, February 28, 2020 Â« the western weekender

Sunday88ththMARC MARCH Saturday77ththMARC MARCH CH Saturday CH Sunday

SPONSORED CONTENT

Embrace help at home and stay independent

Home Instead Senior Care Suite 1, Unit 2/55-61 York Road 4722 2256 penrith@homeinstead.com.au penrith.homeinstead.com.au

It is normal to feel as though asking for help is a burden or loss of independence, but it’s the opposite. Having someone to drive you places, for example, will give you the freedom to get out of the house. And by having assistance with difficult chores, you reduce the risk of injuring yourself, which means you stay healthier and able to live independently at home for longer. Seek help now to avert a future crisis. The type of in-home care you receive depends upon your circumstances. When looking for a care provider, it is important to understand what support and assistance is available to you. At Home Instead Senior Care Penrith they match you with CAREGivers who build relationships of trust through professionalism and consistency of carer, delivering services at times that suit your needs. They can help you access private or government funded care. Call their Home Instead Senior Care Penrith office on 4722 2256 and speak with one of the team.

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lder Australians are embracing help at home and remaining independent. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by everyday activities becoming too hard or risky on their own, they are adding a little care at home to keep on top of things and look after themselves. Common signs you might need help include if you are: 1. Often too tired to cook yourself meals. 2. Increasingly worried about falling. 3. Unable to drive yourself safely to appointments and social outings. 4. Forgetting medications. 5. Neglecting chores around the home because you’re worried about hurting yourself. 6. Fatigued by daily tasks like taking out the bin. 7. Not confident to have showers. 8. Missing appointments. 9. Eager to have regular companionship in your home. 10. Unable to care for yourself as well as your partner.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

BUSINESS Where is your digital campaign going wrong? Katina Beveridge // Digital Business Solutions Advisor Western Sydney Business Centre | 4721 5011 | reception@wsbusiness.com.au

“Ultra-fast, super professional and delivering way much more than I ever anticipated” - Melinda Leyshon, write copy

• Cost effective • Professional • Fast turnarounds • Male and female voices available

www.happyhourmedia.com.au

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Do you need a professional voiceover, radio commercial, on hold message or any other form of audio recorded?

igital marketing has proven itself to be effective in sending a steady stream of high-quality traffic to your website so that you can convert them into customers, generate leads, and increase sales at the end of the day. It actually works, only when it’s done right. If you’re into digital marketing and you think the results you’re getting look really lame or you’re not hitting your target, there must be something wrong somewhere. Here are some of the common reasons why your digital marketing might not be working as it should. Problem 1: There is traffic coming in, but they don’t convert. In some cases, the traffic seems to be increasing, but these potential customers are not willing to buy, making your conversion suffer. Solution: There are a lot of things you need to consider when this happens. It could be that you’re targeting the wrong audience in your campaigns, that’s why they are not that interested in you. You also need to look at your copy and see

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

SHOW YOU

how you can improve it. Hire a great copywriter if you could. Problem 2: Running the campaigns on the wrong channel. Or sometimes, the business tries to be on every platform in the hopes of maximising exposure. Solution: You don’t have to build your presence on every platform because you’re just going to waste your time and your resources. Look at your buyer persona and determine which platforms they are most likely in, and focus on these channels. This is true for social media and online ads. Problem 3: Not measuring the right metrics. For some business owners, they are not even measuring anything at all. Solution: Although it is important to know what your click through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and keyword ranking is, you also need to look at the other valuable metrics, such as open rate for emails, link clicks, form completions, downloads, live chats, and others. This will give you an idea which channel is most effective and allow you to invest more in it.

WHY.. WHAT.. HOW..

Local Business Advisors are ready to assist you with Starting or Running Your Business

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Two Fully Subsidised & Confidential Appointments Small Business Workshops & Training Offices across Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains Mobile Advisors Available to visit you at your home or business

02 4721 5011 W W W . W S B U S I N E S S . C O M . A U 42

A free information session that could change your life

hat to do when hearing aids are no longer enough? One in three people over the age of 65 experience hearing loss. If hearing loss is not addressed by middle age, there is a higher risk of dementia. Medical Director of Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC), an RIDBC service, Associate Professor Catherine Birman said that hearing devices such as a cochlear implant, “keep people connected to their friends and family and their community”. For these people, implantable hearing solutions are an option when their hearing aids are no longer enough. Associate Professor Birman recommends regular hearing tests after the age of 50. “We know that hearing loss can lead to withdrawal, social isolation, depression and anxiety amongst older adults,” Associate Professor Birman said. Despite this, 90 per cent of adults with hearing loss who could benefit from a cochlear implant don’t have one. Sydney man Alan Edwards has benefited from a cochlear implant. When Alan’s hearing loss increased over time, he became distant and as a result withdrew from society and, to some extent, his family. “It is beyond measure the impact it has had on me,” he said.

Alan hopes that by sharing his story he too can have a positive impact on people experiencing hearing loss just like him. Alan persisted with hearing aids despite them becoming “physically painful”. But hearing aids were not enough.

Having experienced the benefits firsthand, Alan now advocates for cochlear implants as a hearing solution for people. RIDBC is hosting a free information session in Penrith between 10.30am and

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

HEARING AWARENESS WEEK

12pm on Thursday, March 12. Hear from a cochlear implant recipient and have your questions answered. To register for the free information session, call 1300 581 391 or email info@ ridbc.org.au.

With hearing aids on,

do you ﬁnd it difficult to hear... on the phone?

in crowded places?

children’s voices clearly?

If you answer YES to one or more of these questions, a cochlear implant may be right for you. Learn more about hearing with an implantable hearing system at this FREE information session. When: Thursday 12 March 10:30am Where: SCIC Penrith, Suite 5, 119 – 121 Lethbridge Street, Penrith NSW 2750 To register: email info@ridbc.org.au or call 1300 581 391

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Meet cochlear implant recipients, learn about their experience and have your questions answered. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

SNIPS AND SNAPS !

STILL OPEN

Jeanswest looks set to keep its Penrith store open after confirmation the troubled retailer would be sold to a Hong Kong company. While some stores will shut down or have closed, the majority have been sold to Harbour Guidance Pty Ltd. “This is a great result for all parties,” said KPMG restructuring partner James Stewart. Jeanswest fell into voluntary administration last month, saying it had been “challenged by current tough market conditions” and pressure from online competition. Jeanswest is located in Westfield.

GOLD! A WIN FOR YOUR HEALTH It’s an old aged recipe with countless health benefits, and it’s making a comeback in Penrith. Local dietitian and athlete Candace Sciberras has launched Liquid Gold Bone Broth. The concept has been launched after Candace’s own experience overcoming serious injuries and arthritis. Liquid Gold Bone Broth will be available at certain retailers in Sydney and at www.liquidgoldbonebroth.com.au.

CELEBRATING HSC SUCCESS

BIG HEARTS Jodie Heterick held her third annual bake sale fundraiser on Tuesday at Nepean Boltmaster to raise funds for HeartKids. Ms Heterick’s daughter Reeve was born with Congenital Heart Disease in 2016 and has had two major open-heart surgeries. The funds raised from food and a raffle will go towards helping support people affected by heart disease. Donations can be made to www. showyourheart2020.everydayhero. com/au/big-hearts-for-little-hearts.

“Mr Bolt has a history of defending people who are convicted of paedophilia. That’s on his conscious, not mine.” 2GB’S RAY HADLEY TEARS SHREDS OF SKY NEWS HOST ANDREW BOLT

PENRITH COUNCIL GOES HIGH TECH WITH WEBCASTING OF MEETINGS

Residents can now watch Penrith Council’s public meetings from the comfort of their own homes, with Council implementing mandatory webcasting this week. Monday’s Ordinary meeting was the first to be recorded under a new meeting code of practice implemented by the State Government to ensure residents remain informed. The webcast will be uploaded to Council’s website “as soon as practicable” after a meeting, typically within 48 hours,

Council says, allowing interested residents to hear the back and forth discussions between Councillors and how many local government decisions are made. In November 2018, then Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton confirmed Council meetings across the state would be webcast into the future.

Notices will be erected during Council meetings, along with statements read by the Mayor warning attendees to refrain from making any defamatory statements. Confidential sessions will not be recorded. At this stage meetings will not be live streamed, despite several councils implementing this element of webcasting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT COUNCIL’S WEBSITE AT WWW.PENRITH.CITY

MP HONOURS STUDENTS Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies recently held a morning tea to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Mulgoa’s best and brightest – the 2019 Higher School Certificate (HSC) distinguished achievers. “To attain a HSC mark of 90 or above in a course of study is an outstanding achievement that demonstrates an incredible work ethic and commitment to study,” Mrs Davies said. 146 students in schools

across the Mulgoa electorate achieved the status of distinguished achiever, according to the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW (BOSTES). “With over 146 students attaining distinguished achiever status, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and input of teachers, parents and carers that assisted these students,” Mrs Davies said. At the morning tea, Mrs

Davies had the privilege of engaging with the students, offering her support for all of their endeavours and encouraging them to seize every opportunity presented to them. Special guest Jake Moir, a community member and friend of Mrs Davies shared valuable advice and life experience with the students outlining the importance of caring for yourself.

NO LONGER A SECRET

CAST CONFIRMED

CAFE CLOSES ITS DOORS FOR GOOD Gilfillan’s Cafe, an eatery located in the estate of Caddens, has announced it’s closing its doors for good this weekend. “It is with great sadness we have to close our wonderful cafe on Saturday, February 29,” a Facebook post this week said. “We would love to see all of you on our final week. “Thank you for all of your support, it has been a pleasure running this cafe for the community and getting to know you all.” The cafe will be giving away free coffee on Saturday, February 29 to thank their loyal customers ahead of the closure. Caddens will be left without a local cafe, until the opening of the Caddens Corner shopping centre.

Producers John Frost and Opera Australia this week announced the full adult cast for the 25th anniversary production of ‘The Secret Garden’ which will play at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star from August 2. Joining Anthony Warlow in one of his most acclaimed roles as Archibald Craven, the master of Misselthwaite Manor, will be Georgina Hopson as Lily, Archibald’s late wife, and Rob McDougall as Dr Neville Craven, Archibald’s brother. Alinta Chidzey will play Martha, Mary’s friend and maidservant; Nigel Huckle will be Dickon, a Yorkshire moor boy who befriends Mary and Colin; and Rodney Dobson will play gruff elderly gardener Ben Weatherstaff. Gold Logie winner Rowena Wallace will return to the stage for the first time in many years to play Mrs Medlock, housekeeper at Misselthwaite Manor. Also in the cast are Jordan Angelides, Andy Conaghan, Grace Driscoll, Des Flanagan, Matt Heyward, Glenn Hill, Zoe Ioannou, Genevieve Kingsford, Matilda Moran, Bronwyn Mulcahy, Adam Noviello, Danielle O’Malley, David Ouch, James Shaw, Alec Steedman and Erica Wild. Tickets are on sale now.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Take a night off from the world EMILY FESZCZUK

omedian Heath Franklin will be bringing his infamous criminal character Chopper back to Penrith with his new show ‘Welcome the Silencer’. Performing at Panthers in March, he will be inviting the world to “shut up for a change”. After bringing his last show ‘Bogan Jesus’ to Penrith in 2018, Heath hopes for another sold out show about all the crazy opinions in the world. “It is Chopper’s take on surviving the age of the Internet where it seems the

weirder you are the more attention you get,” Heath told the Weekender. “There is an excess of opinions that float around on the Internet and we have to try to find the useful facts that are in there, so he just wants everyone to shush for a bit and listen up.” Heath said he takes his ideas for the show then makes them sound like something Chopper would say as a vehicle to deliver them. “My version of Chopper has diverged from the real version so greatly, but he does really have a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude and is a bit of a scallywag that people identify with,” he said. “I speak as if it’s not me doing it but

there is a real weight to whatever he says. I would tend to waffle on and apologise but he karate chops through all the BS.” Starting his career in 2005, Heath said he doesn’t get nervous anymore but just excited to perform to new audiences. “I realised things always go better when you are not complacent, but you just don’t really care,” he said. “I love getting new fans though like when people see my clips on the Internet back when I started and say we might go see him for the first time.” While he touches on some serious subjects, Heath said laughs are still the priority of the show. “People should expect lots of jokes as

the comedy comes first for me and then if there is any message or some type of life advice that comes second,” he said. “I make fun of a few topics that people are uptight about so it’s a bit of catharsis and, after the summer everyone has had, people just need a bloody night off.” In a world full of noise and hysteria fuelled by snowflakes and trolls, Heath Franklin’s Chopper will order silence and entertain all night long, so don’t miss this hilarious foul-mouthed show. Heath Franklin will be on at the EVAN Theatre in Penrith on Saturday, March 14 at 8pm. Tickets are from $35. To book, call 1300 PANTHERS or visit penrith. panthers.com.au.

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EMILY FESZCZUK

aroque music ensemble Thoroughbass will bring their talents to perform ‘Bach, Family and Friends’. Members Diana Weston on harpsichord and Shaun Ng on viola da gamba will play music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Carl Philip Emanuel Bach, John Christian Bach and Carl Freidrich Abel. Johann Sebastian Bach was very proud that he could make up the numbers for a soiree out of his own family with himself and his three eldest sons and a family friend where they formed a long and fruitful musical partnership.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

An exciting musical journey Thoroughbass, which was established in 2009, takes some of the infrequently played compositions and presents them in an intimate setting that will allow you to have your hand taken as you walk through the unusual and captivating musical landscape. The ensemble, which often performs contemporary music as well as that of bygone eras, will show off a varied, innovative and original repertoire for a fascinating concert. ‘Bach, Family and Friends’ will be on at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on Saturday, March 14 at 7.30pm. To book or for more information, call 4723 5050 or visit www. bluemountainstheatre.com.

seudo Echo is back bigger than ever to critical acclaim with an edgy look and sound, reflected in the band’s social media, drawing a new generation of fans and touring sellout shows nationally and internationally with the likes of Culture Club, Human League and Belinda Carlisle. Their latest release; an “electro- funkrock” version of the 70’s classic ‘Nutbush City Limits’ showcases “duel keytars”, “electronic drums”, together with Brian Canham’s deep rich signature vocal and blazing raw guitar style.

Now catch the energy of Pseudo Echo performing all of their smash hits, as well as a “mega mix” extended version of their international smash hit ‘Funky Town’ including some real surprises... back by popular demand for one night only. The show is set to attract a huge crowd to O’Donoghues in Emu Plains, with the chance to party with one of our most iconic bands. Pseudo Echo plays at O’Donoghues in Emu Plains on Friday, March 6. Tickets are available through Moshtix.

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Party with Pseudo Echo in Emu Plains

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Get ready to laugh out loud at Riverside Parramatta EMILY FESZCZUK

KEMPS CREEK SPORTING & BOWLING CLUB LTD 1490 Elizabeth Drive | Kemps Creek | Phone: 9826 1375 Email: functions@kcsb.com.au | Website: www.kcsb.com.au

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very month three comedians walk into Rafferty’s Theatre in Parramatta for a whole lot of funny business. Get a dose of the funnies with Sydney Comedy Club’s top- rating and rather hilarious comedians from home and abroad with the March line- up which features Simon Kennedy (pictured), Suraj Kolarkar and Alan Glover. A long- time comedian, Simon is one of the most renowned corporate entertainers in Australia today. He is highly versatile, intelligent, insightful and extremely talented, performing a very broad-minded act. Starting his comedy career in Brisbane, Suraj has quickly developed a profile

Must-see spectacle

EMILY FESZCZUK

‘

Bennelong’, which is coming to the Coliseum, is a multi- award- winning performance presented by Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre. Originally choreographed and staged in 2017 it follows the story of Woollarawarre Bennelong – the namesake of Sydney’s Bennelong Point whose legacy has influenced the past, present and future of Australia’s history and people. A senior man of the Eora, from the Port Jackson area in Sydney, he is one of the most celebrated individuals from the days of first contact as he was one

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across Australia having performed on some of the biggest stages in the country and gigged alongside the pros. Making appearances on radio as well, he is quick witted and funny. With a laid back, casual stage presence, Alan occupies a distinct position in the kingdom of comics. Audiences will love the way he builds up a story gently, with a lazy tone and an expressionless face, and throws the punch line at the end causing endless belly laughs. The comedy acts may contain explicit language but will have you in stitches during the whole show. ‘Comedy at Riverside’ will be on at Riverside Theatre in Parramatta on Saturday, March 7 at 8.30pm. Tickets are from $25. To book or for more information, call 8839 3399 or visit www. riversideparramatta.com.au.

of the first Aboriginal men to be taken from his people and introduced to the European ways of life. The show demonstrates his extraordinary curiosity, courage and diplomacy, as he led his community to survive a clash of cultures, leaving a lasting legacy. Delivering a moving and inventive score, this performance marks a rare opportunity to see ‘Bennelong’ re- staged which is a must- see dance experience in 2020. ‘Bennelong’ will be on at Sydney Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill on March 13 and 14 at 7.30pm. Tickets are from $59.90. To book or for more information, call 9851 5912 or visit sydneycoliseum.com.au.

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the western weekender Â» Friday, February 28, 2020

Cnr Glebe Pl & Richmond Rd Kingswood Phone 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Kingswood Probus Club First Friday of the month Kingswood Sports • 4721 5997 St Marys Probus Club Second Tuesday of each month • 0411 248 149

WHAT'S ON AND WHERE HEADING OUT

Penrith South Probus Club Third Thursday of each month 4729 21199 Penrith Museum of Printing Saturdays from 10am-2pm Pen Paceway • 0415 625 573

Friday, February 28

Missy Higgins – Sydney Coliseum From $79.90, 7.30pm 9851 5912 Bad 80s Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Busby Marou Blacktown Workers, 9830 0600 Friday, February 28, 7pm, $44.90

Nepean Retired Men’s Club Third Wednesday of each month • 0401 507 260

Sunday, March 1

Seniors & Pensioners Club Tuesdays at 10am 86 Station Street, Penrith

Rockin Eddie – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Banter and Soul Jamz – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 2.30pm 4722 8180

St Marys Stitch and Sew Tuesdays 1pm St Marys Parish Hall Penrith Red Cross Branch Second Thursday of each month • 9623 6702 Zonta Club of Nepean Valley March 3 with special guest Libby Bleakley • 0404 495 922 Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942

Seattle Sound – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Bob Gillespie – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 After Party Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Radiators – Blue Cattledog Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9670 3050 Rock It Up – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 Old School Band – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 The Riffs – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211 Lenny Duff – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180

Ian Moss – Blue Mountains Theatre & Hub From $63.80, 8pm 4723 5050 Oz Icons – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Dwayne Elix – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 Eye of the Tiger – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180

Gordon Hendricks Is Elvis Penrith Panthers, 1800 061 991 Sunday, March 1, 3pm, $53.85

Saturday, February 29

Spiegelesque – The Joan From $30, 2.30pm & 7pm 4723 7611 Icehouse – Penrith Panthers $69.90, 8pm 1800 061 991 Paul Kelly Sydney Coliseum, 9851 5912 Saturday, February 29, 8pm, From $54.90

Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Mondays • 0407 077 143

Friday, March 6

Sempre Libera – The Joan From $55, 7.30pm 4723 7611 The Wonder Of Elvis – St Marys Band Club From $18, 8pm 9623 1211

western sydney publ ishing grou p Western Sydney Publishing Group is your custom printing solution Magazines | Newspapers | Marketing Materials Brochures | Plus much more 50

Lonnie Lee – Blacktown Workers From $10, 8pm 9830 0600 Warragamba Reunion Day – Warragamba Workers Free entry, 10am 0410 784 412 Once A Catholic – John Lees Centre From $20, 7pm 4735 5422 Steppin Out – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Ultimate Pink Show – Blue Cattledog Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9670 3050 Jazz Express – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Frocks – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 After Party Band –St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Mothers Of Rock – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Anh Do Sydney Coliseum, 9851 5912 Saturday, March 7, 8pm, $79.90

Pseudo Echo – O’Donoghues Free entry, 8pm 4735 5509 Something to Talk About – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Oz Icons – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Mad Cow – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777

Saturday, March 7

Penrith Lions Club Second and fourth Monday Penrith Bowlo • 4736 1546

Lennon Through A Glass Onion Sydney Coliseum, 9851 5912 Friday, March 6, 8pm, From $39.90

westernsydneypublishinggroup.com.au • 4722 2998

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Sunday, March 8

Dwayne Elix – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Lenny Duff – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180

O D UST

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Penrith Museum of Fire Open daily 9.30am-4.30pm 4731 3000 • 1 Museum Drive Nepean Potters Society Third Tuesday of the month 9630 6364 Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce • Regular events penrithchamber.org.au Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm Coffee Club Nepean River Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays at 6pm 1300 222 222 Gamblers Anonymous Mondays at 7.30pm 0433 018 484 Dementia Carers Support Group • Fortnightly meetings 4751 3033 Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month Headspace • 8880 8160

Leap into cabaret, comedy and more at The Joan this Saturday night Leave your real life at the door and enter a world of cabaret, comedy, circus and burlesque. The dazzling show ‘Spiegelesque’ will entertain for one night only at The Joan in Penrith. With a dynamic cast of entertainers, sequins, feathers and poles, it is a kaleidoscope of entertainment like you’ve never seen before! It is on this Saturday, February 29 at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are from $30. Call 4723 7600.

DS I K R O F

FOR SE NIORS

Penrith Women’s Health Centre • Monday to Friday 4721 8749 Suicide Prevention and Support Network 0402 627 696 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878 JP Service in Penrith Tuesday and Thursday 7/458-470 High St • 9am-5pm

Fun and games at the circus

Bingo! Great way to spend a day at Penrith RSL

Stardust Circus is in town at Penrith Paceway from February 28 to March 15. Tickets start at $25. Visit stardustcircus.com.au.

Grab a free game of bingo five days a week at Penrith RSL. For days and times, call 4728 5200.

JP Service in St Marys Wednesdays at St Marys Village • 9623 7700

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GTD

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Ê 10 has announced the familiar faces who will battle it out on the next season of ‘MasterChef Australia’. Now featuring a whole new judging panel, this season will see 24 former contestants have a second shot at the title that eluded them before. Some of the former contestants returning to the kitchen include Poh Ling Yeow, Callum Haan, Hayden Quinn, Reynold Poernomo and Ben Milbourne. ‘MasterChef Australia: Back to Win’ premieres in April.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê After nine long years, popular Aussie actor and TV host Luke Jacobz is returning to ‘Home and Away’. Jacobz, who has hosted numerous shows for Channel Seven including ‘X Factor’, ‘Instant Hotel’ and ‘The Proposal’, is returning to play police officer Angelo Rosetta. Jacobz last appeared in Summer Bay between 2008 and 2011. He was also featured in last year’s series of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’. Ê ABC’s three-part documentary series ‘Revelation’ begins on Tuesday, March 17 at 8.30pm. In the highly anticipated doco, investigative reporter Sarah Ferguson

MARCH 16 12PM WESTWORLD, SHOWCASE

APRIL

MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA, 10

profiles two paedophile priests and brothers who committed crimes whilst serving in the Catholic Church. I think it’s safe to say this will cause quite a stir!

Ê ‘Friends’ is returning in May via an unscripted reunion special for WarnerMedia’s upcoming streaming service HBO Max. All six cast members have signed on for the highly anticipated special. Ê Good news for ‘Westworld’ fans with the third season right around the corner. The eight-part series known as “The New World” will premiere at 12pm Monday, March 16 on FOX Showcase. The Emmynominated series about the dawn of artificial intelligence and the birth of a new form of life on Earth features new series regulars Aaron Paul and Vincent Cassel. A replay will be shown at 8.30pm.

Ê The second season of popular Netflix dark comedy ‘After Life’ will drop on Tuesday, April 24. The first season, starring comedian Ricky Gervais, was extremely popular, so there’s no doubt plenty of people will be looking forward to its return. Ê It’s hugely disappointing Foxtel has decided not to screen ‘American Idol’ this season. For many years FOX8 has been the home of ‘Idol’, so it’s mind-boggling why they’ve chosen not to feature it this year. Hopefully another local broadcaster picks it up soon otherwise I’ll just have to keep watching clips on YouTube to stay up to date. Sigh! Ê The quite beautiful Netflix comedy ‘Atypical’ has been renewed for a fourth and final season.

Trophies Plaques Shields Honour Boards Glassware

358 Jamison Road, Penrith

Ph: 4721 3871

arnall_trophies@bigpond.com

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ARNALL TROPHIES

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

At the movies... Get ready to jump! BRAHMS: THE BOY II ++ 1 hour, 26 minutes EMILY FESZCZUK

Move over Annabelle and Chucky, there is a new scary doll to play with. ‘Brahms: The Boy II’ is the story of a young family who moves into the guest house of the Heelshire Mansion unaware of its terrifying history. When their young son soon finds an eerily life- like doll called Brahms, they start to lose control over their life. Not knowing it was a sequel in a horror series or having any knowledge of the former, I would say the movie probably works best as a stand-alone film. While fans and critics seem to be disappointed by the direction it took,

I was engaged with the storyline throughout. Star Katie Holmes does lack a little emotion in her acting in places but mostly conveys how disturbed she is and is the main source for a lot of the jump scares throughout. Holmes coming across a tad dull could be because for most of the movie she is staring at a porcelain doll. For such a short movie, the action could have been sped up but the way the movie was shot, and how the score was worked in to build the tension, had my heart pumping. A notable mention to Christopher Convery, who played such a creepy child that will have you leaving the cinema wary of both kids and dolls!

Sonic The Hedgehog

(PG)

Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:30AM, 1:00PM, 3:45PM, 6:10PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:30PM, 1:00PM, 3:30PM, 6:10PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM.

PENRITH

Call of the Wild, The

SESSIONS VALID 27TH FEBRUARY TO 4TH MARCH

(PG)

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:20AM, 1:10PM, 4:00PM, 6:20PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:20AM, 4:00PM, 6:20PM.

Les Misérables - The Staged Concert

(E)

Daily (except Thurs & Fri): 1:15PM. WW38935

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

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by worldaway.com.au | 8872 9697

Crossword ACROSS 1. Four-wheel vehicle, ... bike 4. Produced 8. Proportional, pro ... 11. School saying 13. Mountain call 15. Cropped up 17. Clairvoyance (1,1,1) 18. Public proﬁle 20. The U of IOU 21. Internet letter 24. Competition 27. Cane spirit 28. Savage 30. Paris river 31. Molecule parts 33. Shove 34. Churchman 35. On a single occasion 36. Reed instrument 39. Chatter idly 42. Climb aboard (3,2) 44. In present state (2,2) 45. Stunned 46. Potato bag 48. Pesto herb 49. Subject matter 50. Toboggan 52. Doze noisily 54. Movie queen 55. Actress, Geena ... 56. Embassy oﬃcials 57. Waist ribbon 60. Frog relative 62. Belittled 65. Car shed 67. Carbonated drinks 69. Argentina’s Buenos ... 70. The Suez ... 72. Date of birth (1,1,1) 73. Uncontrolled slides 75. Under no circumstances 77. 007’s creator, ... Fleming 79. Play out 81. Lay low 82. Hangman’s loop 84. Writer, ... Binchy 85. Refrigerate 86. Curry accompaniment 87. Earn 88. Perished

DOWN 1. Wharf 2. Love (French) 3. Parties 4. Meditation routine 5. Opening for laces 6. Rely 7. Dutch sea wall 8. Losing My Religion band (1,1,1) 9. Warning cry 10. Interrupting cough 12. Scarce as hen’s ... 14. Same again 16. Outlaw, ... Hood 19. Relish 22. Warrants 23. Distributed 25. Steered off course 26. Cheese-topped tortilla chips 29. Implement 32. Beatle widow, Yoko ... 35. Offers more than 37. Bread retailer 38. Went inside 40. Became ill 41. Showers heavily 42. Art form 43. Spruce 44. Donkeys 47. Reprove 51. Twilled table linen 52. Irish singer, ... O’Connor 53. Enclose in box 54. Consolation 58. Malicious fire-setting 59. Owned 61. Map book 63. Coat with pan juices 64. Satellite bowls 65. Male or female (identity) 66. Stew sachet, bouquet ... 68. Barack ... 71. Garlic mayonnaise 72. Cult actor, James ... 74. Frosted 76. Weakness 78. Necessity 80. Hornet’s nest, ... of worms 83. Antique

Last week’s solution

Sudoku brought to you by Creative Publishing Australia

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by worldaway.com.au | 8872 9697

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

THEME: COUNTRIES ANGOLA BENIN BOTSWANA CAMEROON CHAD EGYPT ERITREA ETHIOPIA GABON GAMBIA GHANA GUINEA KENYA LIBYA MALI NAMIBIA NIGERIA SENEGAL SOMALIA SUDAN TANZANIA TOGO TUNISIA ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE Last week’s Word Search solution

4. Which Bond villain was known for throwing his deadly bowler hat at his enemies? 5. Which James Bond actor only played the title role once? 6. What is the latest James Bond movie, to be released in 2020, called?

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Test your knowledge about James Bond movies in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. In ‘Live and Let Die’, a stuntman for Roger Moore broke a world record jumping what? 2. For which James Bond movie did Duran Duran perform the theme song? 3. Who was the first “Bond girl” to appear on the big screen?

ANSWERS 1. A boat 2. ‘A View To Kill’ 3. Ursula Andress 4. Oddjob 5. George Lazenby 6. ‘No Time To Die’

Trivia Quiz

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Monday – Tuesday 7am to 2pm Wednesday – Thursday 7am to 11pm Friday – Saturday 7am to Late Sunday 7am to 11pm

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Monday – Wednesday 11am to 1am Thursday 11am to 2am Friday – Saturday 11am to 5am Sunday 11am to 1am Uber Eats & Menulog available

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

DINING GUIDE

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

WEEKENDER LIVING PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

HOROSCOPES PISCES BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

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AQUARIUS

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

This week Mercury reverses through your personal and $$$ zones (until March 10). So the more educated and thorough you are about money matters, the more your financial situation will gradually improve. But expect some annoying hassles and hiccups along the way. And avoid being too blasé about a confusing relationship issue (especially involving values, morals or possessions).

Does life feel like all work and no play? With Mercury reversing into your hopes and wishes zone there’s no escaping hard work and extra responsibilities at the moment. So stop complaining; make frustration your friend; roll up your sleeves and get to it! Be inspired by acting diva Bette Davis: “The key to life is accepting challenges. Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work”.

TAURUS APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

A close relationship could go through a bumpy patch on Tuesday or Wednesday, when Saturn stifles affection and stymies communication. If you are compassionate and consistent, then you’ll sail through any temporary turbulence. Mercury also reverses into your career zone. So it’s not a good time to initiate a professional project, apply for a promotion or look for a new job.

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

This week Mercury (your patron planet) reverses from your career zone into your adventure zone. So a project could stall at work or a relationship with a colleague, client or customer may feel as if it’s going backwards. Plus travel plans, holiday options or educational matters could be sidelined. If you are patient and persevere, then your dreams will be delayed, rather than denied.

When it comes to a problematic relationship with a significant other, avoid being a cranky Crab! There are no quick fixes or miracle cures. It’s a case of one step forwards and two steps backwards but if you are tenacious, you’ll eventually make progress. This week Mercury is reversing through your travel and money zones. So, if you are travelling, make sure you double-check your itinerary.

With Mercury reversing into your partnership zone, expect a few frustrating relationship problems. And your usual charm won’t work on family, friends and colleagues, no matter how hard you try! You’re keen to move ahead in all areas of your life but the current celestial message is patience and preparation. As Alexander Graham Bell said: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success”.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

You love your luxuries and Libran creature comforts but avoid getting stuck in a complacent and rather self-indulgent rut. If you reach out to others and stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, then you’ll feel more useful, energised and alive! At first it will feel foreign and uncomfortable, but – after a while – you’ll feel reactivated and ready to take on the world.

When Mercury is in retrograde mode, it’s suitable to revisit the past, review current projects and recalibrate future plans. But avoid getting stuck in the past , so you don’t recognise potential opportunities when they come. As Alexander Graham Bell said: “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us”.

This week your self-esteem will be a bit shaky, as the planets confuse your mind and dent your confidence. You could also face a reality check when you find out that a perceived friend is actually a frenemy. Time to delete them from your daily timeline and stick with supportive friends. You’re enthusiastic about a creative project but make sure you check the facts, figures and finances first.

This week is flavoured by the magical Sun-Neptune connection on Sunday, so you’ll feel increasingly creative, compassionate and spiritually inclined. Time to break out the paint brushes, help someone in need or explore a new spiritual practice. But keep in mind that Mercury is retrograde until March 10. So double-check everything as you carefully revise, reschedule and re-do.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Mercury is still in retrograde mode until March 10. Fear not Virgo! With a patient and intelligent approach you’ll muddle through. But if you expect people to be punctual and projects to run like clockwork, then you’re set for a week of frustrating delays and disappointments. So reset your expectations accordingly. Tuesday and Wednesday are terrific days to reconnect with an old friend.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This week it’s important to steer clear of criticism; avoid letting negative self-talk drag you down; and stop worrying about all the personal qualities you perceive you don’t have. With Jupiter visiting your sign you have to be your biggest fan. Confidence is the rocket fuel that will take you anywhere you want to go. The weekend is a wonderful time to re-affirm your commitment to a special person.

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How getting sick or injured could result in losing your house

s I’ve said a few times in this column (and everywhere else), insurance although not sexy, is a vital part of the financial planning process and I would like to share a client experience that really illustrates this point. A couple came to see me as they had got themselves into financial difficulty and were at the point that if unable to refinance, losing their house was a real possibility. I sat down with them to solve their problems long-term, they had a budget, which they had stuck to permanently, did not have credit cards and their only debt was for each of their cars. They were hardworking and earned good income, were fiscally responsible, so how did this happen? One partner got sick, nothing dire, but they were unable to work for three months, no income for three months and they nearly ended up in financial ruin. When we hear of people losing their house, our normal reaction is to assume they did something foolish, a gambling

problem, lived beyond their means etc. This allows us to convince ourselves it would never happen to us. The truth is that the biggest risk of losing a house is due to lack of income, the primary reason for sustained long-term loss of income is usually health related, and none of us are immune to injury or illness. Ask yourself, if you or your partner was unable to work due to injury or illness, how long could you forego income before you were exactly like these clients and at risk of losing your house? Would it be one month, three months, one year? In today’s society very few people could last much longer than a few months without an income, and this is why income protection is vitally important. Income protection is designed to pay the insured an income in the event they are unable to work due to injury or illness, and in the case above had the client have had income protection insurance they never would have found themselves in the situation where losing their house was a possibility. It’s worth serious consideration.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

MONEY MATTERS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

HEALTHY LIVING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ONE POINT HEALTH

JACQUELINE SMITH • 4732 5188

How massage can help with blood and lymph flow W

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

TRAVEL

Sensational wines, warm vibes N

BROKE WINE TRAIL Words Alena Higgins More Info

brokefordwichwinetrail. com.au

estled in a picturesque valley just 2.5 hours north east of Penrith lies a stunning boutique wine trail waiting to be ex-

plored. An easy 15 minute drive from the Hunter Valley Gardens and other major attractions, the Broke Fordwich region is a standalone destination in its own right, providing wine and food lovers premium artisan offerings and local farm gate products, coupled with a rich, personalised experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of larger cellar doors. If the spectacular backdrop, including the striking Brokenback Mountain Range doesn’t bowl you over, the growers behind the family-run vineyards – and their deep affection for the area and passion for their craft – will surely leave you with a lasting impression. On a recent trip to what’s known as ‘the tranquil side of the Hunter Valley’, we discovered a large portion of the Broke Fordwich trail, including a host of unique cellar doors, casual and fine dining as well as delicious local produce and moreish homemade preserves. On Friday, we enjoyed pizza night at Mount Broke Wines and Restaurant where we tucked into a truffle pizza while overlooking the iconic Yellow Rock. And if you’re heading to Broke for a special occasion, dinner or lunch at Margan Wines and Restaurant – a chef-hatted restaurant known for pioneering agri-dining in the Hunter Valley – is a must do. But it’s the hand- crafted, locally grown premium wines and its warm, relaxed hospitality that Broke is really renown for, and which offers wine buffs that special point of difference. Here, the emphasis is most certainly on quality not quantity, and this goes for the tasting experience as well. Visitors are encouraged to linger, ask questions, or at many of the vineyards, enjoy a platter of light bites on the grounds or take a behind the scenes tour. While the Hunter Valley classics of Se-

millon, Chardonnay and Shiraz abound, a number of cellar doors on the trail also offer Italian and Portuguese varietals plus certified organic and bio-organic wines.

And if you’re wondering where to stay, Broke has a range of options. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, require space for a large

WW40442

“IT’S THE HAND-CRAFTED, LOCALLY GROWN PREMIUM WINES AND ITS WARM, RELAXED HOSPITALITY THAT BROKE IS REALLY RENOWN FOR”

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

and the perfect long weekend getaway

WW40437

group or corporate gathering, there’s something for everyone – with many guesthouses and cottages located within the vineyards themselves, offering magnificent views over the vines, olives groves and peaceful countryside. A great way to experience all that Broke has to offer is during its 16th annual ‘A Little Bit of Italy’ food and wine festival. From May 1 to May 3, Broke Fordwich will be brimming with life offering guests a weekend full of food, wine, festivities and fun. I wholeheartedly recommend you add Broke Fordwich to your Hunter Valley wine trail and discover some of the region’s best kept secrets. You won’t be disappointed. For all the cellar door details, visit www. brokefordwichwinetrail.com.au.

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

PET HEALTH

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE

NICOLE MCMILLAN • 4731 3055

The ins and outs of desexing your male dog: Why it should be done

esexing your male dog is an excellent step to help your young man grow into a loving, well-adjusted family member. We do however understand that making the decision to desex your male puppy can be a scary one, so we have put together some information to help you gain some understanding on the benefits for desexing your young man. Why do vets recommend desexing? There are many health and behaviour benefits for neutering your male dog. These include: • Less roaming – Entire adult male dogs tend to be very good at escaping from their yards and wandering the streets, searching for females and marking their territory. • Less aggressive behaviour – Entire male dogs are more likely to show aggressive behaviour due to the hormone testosterone. Dog fights can often lead to injuries to both humans and other pets due to this heightened behaviour. • Less health issues – Desexed male dogs have less health issues as this eliminates

the possibility of developing testicular cancer in later life, and decreases likelihood of developing prostate problems, tumours of the anus, and perineal hernias. When is the best time to desex my male puppy? The best time to desex your puppy is around six months of age. This is because the puppy is old enough for the body to have matured enough to make the anaesthetic low risk but young enough so he hasn’t reached sexual maturity yet. This also aligns with the need to have your dog registered with Penrith City Council. This registration fee costs less when your dog has been desexed. What does the desexing procedure involve? In a canine castration, both testicles are removed through a small incision made through the skin just above the scrotum while your pet is under a general anaesthetic. There are generally no sutures to be removed and the procedure only requires your dog to be in hospital for the day.

Desexing your pet will allow your male pets to live a longer, happier and healthier

life. For more information, phone Greencross Vets Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

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e are incredibly fortunate living in Penrith to have a huge variety of swimming locations available to us, and Jellybean pool in the Blue Mountains is one of my favourite places. However there are specific safety considerations when swimming there, or in any other unpatrolled nature spots. Inland water ways including rivers, creeks and streams continue to be a leading location for drowning in NSW due to the unpredictable nature of these environments. 80 drowning deaths occurred in these locations in 2018/19, a five per cent increase on the 10- year average. 85 per cent of the people who drowned were male. So what can we do to make these beautiful locations safer for all? Whilst jumping from cliffs, rocks or rope swings can be great fun, you must always check what lies beneath the surface before jumping. Rock formations are unpredictable and there can

often be one large boulder in the middle of an otherwise deep pool. Currents can push logs or other large pieces of debris can wash down from upstream meaning that what was safe to jump into yesterday can be hazardous today, especially after the high volume of rainfall we have recently experienced. Heavy rainfall anywhere within the river catchment can cause flash flooding, which may heavily affect the behaviour of the water as well. Thought needs to be given to entry and exit points as once washed down a flowing stream it may be impossible to return to the original point of entry and river banks further downstream may be steep, overgrown or slippery. Then there’s the basics – make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen, don’t drink alcohol, never swim alone, supervise children at all times, be aware of any impending weather changes forecast, especially storms, and beware of the local wildlife! Educate yourself if swimming outside of your local area – we don’t have to worry about crocodiles or box jellyfish at Jellybean pool, but that might not be the case if visiting Darwin or Cairns! Bottom line is, if you use your common sense, look out for one another, swim within the limits of your ability, and are well prepared, a day spent swimming in nature can be a wonderful experience.

the western weekender Âť Friday, February 28, 2020

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On track for BMX success p.68

In a State of excitement: Kyah’s debut NATHAN TAYLOR

Kyah Vaeila will represent NSW for the first time this April. Photo: Megan Dunn.

fter overcoming a series of setbacks in recent years, local netballer Kyah Vaeila will get the chance to represent her state for the first time this April. In 2017, during a school netball carnival in Wollongong, Kyah fractured her ankle and tore multiple ligaments in the very first match of the day. Kyah would then spend the next four to six months rehabbing her injury, which also meant missing out on captaining the Penrith District at the State Age Championships. Now, three years on from her terrible injury, the 16- year- old wing attack has proven the comeback is far greater than the setback after she was selected to represent NSW at the 2020 U17 National Netball Championships. To be held in Hobart from April 18- 23, teams from each state and territory will battle it out for gold in the U17 and U19 age groups. Last year NSW took home silver in both age groups and will be looking to go one better in 2020. Speaking with the Weekender, the St Marys Leagues Netball Club junior said she was very excited when she was informed of her selection in the team.

the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

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“Last Monday, following a recent competition in Orange, I received a call from the coach saying I made it,” Kyah recalled. “It was so exciting… I was in the lounge room at the time with my mum and we both started jumping around. “It’s been an interesting journey especially after some of the setbacks I’ve endured and where I’ve come from, but it’s all very exciting now.” Kyah began her netball journey at the tender age of four after being inspired by her older sister to play the game. After dabbling in touch football for several years, she eventually decided to pick just one sport to pursue full-time. “I’m so grateful I chose netball because look where I’m at now,” Kyah said. “I’ve never been to Tasmania before and I think it’ll be great to play against other girls from around the country.” While she’s not wearing the sky blue, Kyah is also a valued member of the Panthers U23 Premier League team and hopes to one day be just like her hero, fellow local Paige Hadley. “I’m a big Swifts fan and my idol is Paige Hadley, who comes from Penrith as well,” she said. “I just love her grit and never give up attitude – she really inspires me.” Kyah and her fellow NSW teammates will now train twice a week at Netball Central in preparation for Nationals.

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Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

BMX

James stays on track for BMX success Later that year, he finished 12th at the 2018 BMX National Series, once again qualifying for the Australian BMX Team. Last year the Western Sydney Academy of Sport athlete took his racing to another level, competing in the BMX Junior Pro category. While James is still developing in the new category made up of strong elite athletes, he finished 19th out of 49 athletes in the NSW State Series for Junior Pro Men. James also competed at the State Series, finishing third overall in the 17-24 Men’s Cruiser Division. James also competed at the 2019 BMX National Championships in Victoria, impressively placing seventh in the 17-24 Men’s Cruiser Division. For his efforts, he was subsequently selected for the Australian BMX Team for the third straight year but was unable to attend the overseas competition due to lack of finances. James Paterson’s Senior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor Panthers World of Entertainment. If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation. Nomination forms are available at www. pvsf.org.au.

NATHAN TAYLOR

eenage BMX sensation James Paterson has gone from strength to strength since beginning his racing career as an eight-year-old back in 2011. Nearly a decade on, the now 17-year-old is testing himself against men and proving he’s more than up to the challenge. James, who is a dedicated member of the Penrith BMX Club, is the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star Award. Coached by ex- Olympian and BMX Australia coach Luke Madill, James has enjoyed an outstanding past few years on the track. In 2017, at age 15, James placed 16th at the BMX National Championships and qualified for the Australian BMX Team in the 15/16 Boys Cruiser Division. In July that year, James represented Australia at the UCI BMX World Championships in North Carolina, while in October 2017 he placed fifth at the NSW State Titles. In 2018, James travelled around the country to represent NSW at the BMX National Series, finishing second overall in the 15/16 Boys Cruiser Division.

Local BMX star James Paterson in action.

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Wanderers in form Western Sydney perfectly placed to topple ladder leaders NATHAN TAYLOR

estern Sydney have turned back the clock to the glory days of Wanderers football, belting Adelaide United 5-2 in a crazy, see-sawing contest last Friday night in Parramatta. An incredible six goals were scored by the two clubs in the first half alone, with the Wanderers getting four past the keeper in one half for the first time since their inception in 2012. Wanderers midfielder Pirmin Schwegler struck first with a deflected free kick but Adelaide raced ahead via Riley McGree’s penalty and Ben Halloran’s brilliant finish. Western Sydney fought right back with a goal from Nicolai Muller and a double from Mitch Duke to take a remarkable 4-2 lead at half-time. Adelaide tried to mount a comeback early in the second half, but those hopes were extinguished when Simon Cox netted his first home goal in a Wanderers jersey to give fans a huge, unexpected win at Bankwest Stadium. Speaking after the match, a very happy

Simon Cox has continued his incredible start with the Wanderers with another goal. Photo: Steve Christo. Jean- Paul de Marigny said it was easily his side’s best performance since he took charge in late January. “I really enjoyed watching them play

with the ball and without the ball,” the interim coach said. “They were really positive and very aggressive in their mindset. I’m so proud of them. “It was great to watch them execute everything.” The win moves Western Sydney into eighth position on the A- League ladder, level on points with newcomers Western United. The Wanderers will look to continue their undefeated run under de Marigny when they take on ladder leaders Sydney FC tonight at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah. The rescheduled match between the two sides was due to be played earlier this month however was postponed by the FFA due to torrential rain. de Marigny said he’s looking forward to seeing his rejuvenated side go toe-to-toe with the competition heavyweights. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us. They are a very good side, but this is an opportunity for us to take another step forward,” he said. Kick- off between the Wanderers and Sydney FC is at 8pm.

Southern switch for battle of the west Story continued from » p. 72 “The fact that we are sold out highlights the community – and those outside the region – are coming together to support a common cause.” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has named a full- strength line- up to battle the Eels with new recruits Zane Tetevano and Kurt Capewell set to make their Panthers debuts. James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Kenny and skipper James Tamou will play for the first time this pre- season, while Apisai Koroisau, Nathan Cleary and Viliame Kikau will return to the field after enjoying last weekend off. Last Saturday night centre Brent Naden produced a classy performance to help guide Penrith to a confidence- boosting 32- 4 win over the Wests Tigers. The 24- year- old scored two tries and was involved in several others as the home team produced a dominant second half to give their fans plenty to cheer for ahead of the 2020 season. The match was precariously placed at half- time with the scores level at 4-4, but Penrith turned it on in the second half to run away with the game. Tomorrow afternoon’s trial match kicks off at 4pm.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 28, 2020

SOCCER

Friday, February 28, 2020 « the western weekender

SLALOM

Fox shines on home turf Huge weekend of whitewater action in Penrith as Olympic spots go on the line NATHAN TAYLOR

enrith’s Jessica Fox has turned it on in a big way on her home course, winning back to back gold medals at the Sydney International Whitewater Festival last weekend. Held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the event attracted a stellar international line- up with over 300 athletes from 24 countries taking part. While Fox already secured her ticket to Tokyo last year and wasn’t under too much pressure, the Festival also doubled as the final Olympic selection event for Australia’s canoe slalom men. After Fox took home the win in the K1 on Saturday, she managed to back it up again on Sunday with a golden performance in the women’s C1. “Taking the win in the C1 was a great way to end the weekend,” Fox said. “The pre-selection freed me up for this race to prepare differently if I wanted to or try different things without the pressure of having to perform for the selections spots. That was freeing and it was nice to approach this race in a different way.”

Jessica Fox in action last weekend. Photo: Col Boyd. Tasmanian Daniel Watkins won Olympic pre- selection for the men’s C1, while Penrith Valley Canoeing Club member

Lucien Delfour gained pre- selection for Tokyo in the men’s K1. Fox said she was feeling a mix of

emotions for her Aussie teammates during the weekend. “Seeing the teammates battle it out for the Olympics spot made me feel a bit sick,” she admitted. “It is so hard to have only one athlete be selected but it is always a great fight.” Fox’s younger sister, Noemie, missed out on a spot in Sunday’s K1 final, but finished sixth in the C1 final after two gate touches and four seconds in penalties. Her raw time, without the gate touches, would have seen her finish in second place. Wrapping up the Sydney International Whitewater Festival meant the end of the domestic racing season for Australia’s canoe slalom paddlers, with athletes now returning to training and preparing for the upcoming international season. “I have got this month at home and then we head to Tokyo at the end of March for our first training camp this year on the Olympic course and then from there, there will be quite a few camps and back and forth between here and Tokyo,” Fox said. “The World Cup races will start in June and we will be in Tokyo before we know it, so it is going to be a busy year.”

Around the grounds CRICKET: Penrith’s disappointing season has continued, losing to Campbelltown-Camden in Round 12 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and sent the visitors into bat first. Campbelltown-Camden put on a show with the willow, scoring 316 before being dismissed. Ryan Smith was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/44. When Penrith hit the crease last Saturday morning, they were unable to even get close to Campbelltown-Camden’s score, dismissed for 217. Adam Bayliss led the way for Penrith with 66 runs. With just two rounds remaining before the Finals, Penrith will travel to the Old Kings Oval this Saturday to take on Parramatta.

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CRICKET: Panthers Cricket Club have been eliminated from the Nepean District Cricket Association Finals. In first grade, Panthers were easily dismissed of by Emu Plains, while in sixth grade, Panthers lost to St Marys Leagues in a three-run thriller.

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BASEBALL: Penrith have lost their only game against Baulkham Hills in Round 18 of the NSW State Baseball League competition. After their midweek game was washed out, Penrith and Baulkham Hills did battle last Sunday with the Hills prevailing 4-2. It was another unhappy season for Penrith’s first grade team, finishing last with just six wins to their name. AFLW: The GWS Giants have recorded their second win of the year

with an emphatic victory over West Coast in Round 3 of the AFLW competition. Playing in front of their home fans at Blacktown International Sportspark, the Giants were far too good for the Eagles winning 42-14. GWS will look to cement their spot in the top three when they take on competition frontrunners Brisbane this Sunday evening. RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 3 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with positive results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball, Penrith and Manly battled out a thrilling 24-24 draw. In the Harold Matthews competition, the Panthers narrowly overcame the Sea Eagles 12-10. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Tarsha Gale Cup side have suffered back to back defeats, losing to the Indigenous Academy 14-10. This Saturday Penrith’s SG Ball team will take on the West Coast Pirates at Panthers Stadium, while their Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cup sides will travel to Cronulla to face the Sharks. W-LEAGUE: The Western Sydney Wanderers will tackle Perth Glory this Saturday in the final round of the W-League competition. If the Wanderers manage to knock off the Glory away from home they’ll secure a place in their first ever W-League Finals campaign, however if they lose they’ll have to rely on other results to get through. Last week Melbourne City were crowned Premiers after a convincing 4-0 victory over the Wanderers at Marconi Stadium.

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It’s the battle of Bega NATHAN TAYLOR

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he Penrith Panthers arrived in Bega this week for an array of community activities ahead of their historic trial match against arch rivals Parramatta tomorrow afternoon. The match, which the NRL announced on Monday was a sell-out, will aid rural communities and individuals who’ve been affected by the drought and bushfires. Both the Panthers and Eels have been in town since Wednesday afternoon undertaking a range of activities across the Sapphire Coast community. “This game has always been about far more than just footy. It is about bringing locals together as well as encouraging our supporters outside the Sapphire Coast to support the coast region,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said “It will be great to see our players spread throughout the region visiting schools and meeting with those impacted by the bushfires. “I know how much this trial means to the two clubs and the players who will be putting on a show on Saturday.” Story continues on » p. 69

Penrith celebrate a try against the Wests Tigers last weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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