New facility puts Penrith on the map in aviation
EMILY CHATE
Ahub for emergency services was officially unveiled over the weekend, which is being labelled an “asset” heading into bushfire season.
Nepean Aerospace Park is NSW’s only standalone helicopter facility that provides year-round aerial emergency services like aerial firefighting and flood relief from the fringe of metropolitan Sydney.
CEO of Sydney Helicopters, which operates the Nepean Aerospace Park, Mark Harrold said the facility is one-of-a-kind in NSW and Penrith.
“From an aviation point of view, it has put Penrith on the map because it is a very important piece of infrastructure,” he said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was invited to officially open the park on Old Castlereagh Road last weekend after following closely the company’s journey to where it is now.
“The exact same characteristics that I think are required to run a helicopter, pick up water from a local creek, and dump it on a raging
bushfire, which are confidence, a bit of patience, a lot of courage and the never give up attitude, the characteristics that you need to pursue that job is what Mark needed to get this park up and running and to keep Sydney Helicopters operating,” Minns said.
“This is difficult and dangerous work. The pilots that will be up over the bushfire season this coming summer and in years ahead do heroic work, and it will mean the difference between houses being
lost or saved and people’s lives being lost or saved because the men and women that work for Sydney Helicopters and would fly at the Aerospace Park will make a massive difference to the state.”
During the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires Sydney Helicopters flew more than 4,200 flight hours and dumped more than 42 million litres of water.
The Nepean Aerospace Park holds 55,000 litres of jet fuel and means that emergency services can stay
in the air longer after previously having to fly to Bankstown for refuelling, Harrold said.
“A classic example was last Thursday at 4pm in the afternoon, one of the NSW Ambulance helicopters run by Toll was doing a rescue up in the Mountains,” Harrold said.
“They winched in a medical crew after a person had fallen off a cliff, the person was badly injured, and the helicopter couldn’t wait around for as long as they needed to get them out because the aircraft had
to get fuel. The aircraft flew here; it filled up and went back to the scene within half an hour. In the past the helicopter would have had to go all the way to Bankstown for fuel and then back, so it would have been about an hour and a quarter turnaround. That’s a big benefit for the patient who is lying out in the bush.
“It just meant that emergency service aircraft can be deployed more efficiently. They can stay on task longer and have better outcomes for the community.”
Karen McKeown, Premier Chris Minns, Royal Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers and Sydney Helicopters CEO Mark Harrold.
A demonstration from one of the helicopters.
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From The Editor’s Desk
Troy Dodds
November is a nervous time if you work in the media industry. It is known as the ‘killing season’ for a reason.
Contracts not renewed, sackings, redundancy offers, new directions and rejuvenation.
All words and terms that pop up as radio stations, TV networks, newspapers and other forms of media make big calls heading into the new year.
2024’s killing season has been particularly brutal.
Some have hit the button themselves, like 2GB’s Ray Hadley who will finish up on December 13, and the Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Andrew Webster, who pulled up stumps a few weeks back.
Most of the time though, departures are not by choice.
Radio has been a particular focus this year, and a couple of decisions in particular have been baffling.
Last week the ABC confirmed that the much-liked 702 mornings host Sarah Macdonald would not have her contract renewed.
It was a curious decision because Macdonald is fresh off a 2.1 per cent ratings spike in the most recent survey, and will have some clearer air next year when her main commercial competitor in Hadley retires.
She was also a supporter of the ABC’s move to western Sydney and had been broadcasting out of its Parramatta studios.
The decision left plenty shocked, including fellow ABC broadcasters who made their feelings known on social media.
It’s an appalling decision, especially when there are so few quality female broadcasters on air in the talk space in Sydney. Why would you let one of the best walk out the door?
Meantime, over at Triple M, Panthers 1991 Grand Final star and proud westie, Mark Geyer, also finds himself packing up a cardboard box.
Geyer has been a mainstay at Triple M for a while now, first joining the network in 2009. His breakfast show partner Mick Molloy is heading back to Melbourne next year, which would be part of the decision.
But if you ask me MG is among the names on top of the whiteboard when you’re putting together a talent list at Triple M.
Mark Geyer is Triple M. He is its audience. Bread and butter.
It is simply the latest in a list of curious calls made by Triple M management over the last few years that have plenty questioning where the network is heading.
There will be more big announcements to come in radio land over the next few weeks.
Who is replacing Hadley at 2GB?
Who will host the poisoned chalice of 2DayFM breakfast in 2025?
And what about KIIS? As they celebrate the runaway success of Kyle & Jackie O in Sydney, they have been left red faced by their venture into Melbourne. How long will they persist?
“Like many industries, the media is hurting. And in many ways, it doesn’t know how to fix itself.”
TV is also seeing is fair share of changes.
Seven News’ flagship 6pm bulletin now has two hosts in Mark Ferguson and Angela Cox, a rare expansion of resources instead of cutting them.
But Seven is saving money elsewhere. It has axed its Gold Coast news bulletin, shifting local news into the statewide Queensland bulletin.
And while the Gold Coast isn’t quite “the sticks”, it is another blow to regional news, which continues to face major challenges as 2025 approaches.
“News deserts” are becoming more and more common in Australia, as communities both in regional Australia and even in suburban areas are left with zero news sources.
The result? Councils with zero scrutiny and no journalists attending their meetings. Courts with no local journos in attendance, police briefings that no longer exist because people don’t turn up to them.
They say this is the information age, but I often ponder if we’ve even been so poorly informed despite the technology boom we’ve experienced in the last couple of decades.
Mainstream news outlets are getting more and more desperate.
The result is clickbait, or paywalls.
Even The Daily Mail introduced a paywall for big chunks of its content in the last few weeks, meaning you’ll now have to pay to see that b-grade celebrity in a bikini at the beach.
The Guardian hasn’t introduced a paywall but now does require you to have an account, in an effort to control its audience more in a difficult market.
So why all these changes?
Why is this year’s killing season so brutal?
Like many industries, the media is hurting. And in many ways, it doesn’t know how to fix itself so it cuts costs, or makes changes in the hope it will steady the ship, or at least buy some time.
Part of the problem is that audiences are so fragmented these days.
We also have a generation of news followers coming through that have a huge distrust of legacy media, and a blinded trust of social media.
It’s curious, and dangerous, but it is what it is.
And so ‘killing season’ will roll on.
More good journalists will be lost as bean counters and middle managers make further cuts. Excellent broadcasters will be left behind, their wages considered too high or the ratings not good enough.
And the end user is all the poorer for it.
But in a generation or two, they will know no different.
It’s just that we who grew up with the 6pm news, on the hour radio bulletins and daily newspapers being king know what it used to be like.
And despite the advancements in tech and the speed of news, one feels it was better back then. Getting old, perhaps.
troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds
Summer is just days away but the State Government still can’t confirm an opening date for Penrith Beach’s 2024-25 season.
The issue was driven home this week when Penrith experienced scorching temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday, with residents desperate to cool off.
A spokesperson from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assured the Weekender Pondi will be back for another swim season in December, but couldn’t reveal an opening date.
“The much-anticipated re-opening of the free beach will be ready in time for the school holidays with further details, including operating times, to be announced soon,” the spokesperson said.
The Weekender understands that an ongoing delay between the State Govern-
ment and Western Sydney Lakes reaching an agreement over the future planning of the site is contributing to the delay in opening the beach.
However, sources have told this masthead that December 7 has been slated as a potential opening date.
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue is calling for the local waterway to open now, describing hot weather as the region’s silent killer.
“It’s time to make Pondi permanent and look to transform the former 2000ha quarry into a recreational destination for generations of western Sydney residents to enjoy,” Dialogue CEO Adam Leto said.
“Heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster, and western Sydney is hit hardest by the severe impacts of extreme heat.”
Liberal Councillor Reece Nuttall put the blame squarely on the Government.
“It’s pretty embarrassing for them and bad news for local residents,” he said.
Penrith MP Karen McKeown, who advocated for the beach laast year, said it would open “very very soon”.
Emu Plains father of two, Adam, says having free facilities like Pondi to beat the heat are vital.
“The problem is, we want to go outdoors and do outdoorsy things,” Adam said.
“Keeping kids indoors and keeping them locked in with the aircon and devices all the time is not an ideal thing, so having those sorts of facilities and being out and about is key for us.”
Blaxland locals Wayne and Mary were surprised to hear Pondi isn’t already open.
“There’s a homeless guy up the road that we know that comes to Mama Lana’s – they’re the ones that aren’t coping, they need somewhere to get out of the heat,” Mary said.
The Weekender spoke to local father Ken, who was sitting in the shade on High Street eating Dipping Dots with his daughter, Summer.
He said an affordable place to swim would be beneficial.
“Water parks... they have one out at Blacktown but that’s quite expensive. It would be nice if there was something a bit more affordable,” Ken said.
Locals enjoy Penrith Beach last summer. An opening date for 2024 is yet to be confirmed.
Wayne.
Adam. Mary.
Ken and Summer.
ALLY HALL
LAW and ORDER
Police Snapshot Legal Matters
Kemps Creek: Dangerous driver caught by member of the public
A man seen driving dangerously was apprehended by a member of the public last weekend.
At 6.35pm on Saturday, November 23 police were patrolling Mamre Road in Kemps Creek when they saw a blue Mitsubishi Lancer being driven by an 18-year-old Mount Druitt man. The vehicle crossed double lines and was seen driving on the wrong side of the road at high speed. The vehicle overtook five other vehicles and was driving directly towards police.
Police activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The car kept overtaking a number of vehicles in a breakdown lane. Police then lost sight of the vehicle.
Police continued northbound on Mamre Road before being signalled by members of the public that the vehicle had turned right into Banks Drive, St Clair. Police located the vehicle parked on the side of the road with its registration plates removed.
In a nearby property a member of the public had a hold of the man and the passenger who had attempted to hide. Police placed the man under arrest and saw the registration plates to the vehicle hidden underneath the man’s clothing.
The man was submitted to a roadside breath test which returned a negative result. The man admitted to his dangerous driving and was taken to St Marys Police Station.
The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local court on a later date.
Kingswood: Santa handing out stolen meat
A man who called himself Santa has been caught giving away stolen meat.
At 12.30pm on Friday, November 22 a 45-year-old Oxley Park man was at a hotel in Kingswood. The man was at the back of the hotel when a delivery of meat was made to the business by a local butcher. The man took the boxes of meat and left. The man walked to nearby units where he disposed of most of the meat. Police attended the hotel and recognised the man from CCTV footage.
At 5.30pm on the same day, police were patrolling in the vicinity of the hotel and unit blocks where they saw the man. Police approached the man who still had one ham in his possession. The man admitted to stealing and told police he gave his friends most of the stolen meat before referring to himself as Santa Claus.
The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. Police found brand new clothing in the man’s possession which they also suspected of being stolen.
The man was charged and appeared in Penrith Local Court yesterday (Wednesday, November 27).
Penrith: Man arrested after indecent display at shopping centre
A man has been charged and a woman remains on the run after lewd behaviour in a major shopping centre.
At 11.50pm on Wednesday, November 20 a 38-year-old Hazelbrook man was standing in the entrance of a major shopping centre in Penrith with an unknown female. Both the male and the female removed all their clothes and began having sexual intercourse near the front doors.
The couple then walked to a nearby garden, fully naked, before laying down in the garden bed and had sexual intercourse again. The sexual intercourse occurred for 30 minutes before both the man and woman put their clothes back on and left.
At 9.00pm on Monday, November 25 the man entered the same shopping centre and entered a closed store within the centre by climbing over the security gate. The man stayed in the store for a short period of time before jumping back over the security gate.
The man entered a second store by climbing over the counter before leaving the shopping centre.
At 7.10am on Tuesday, November 26 the man was seen by police at the shopping centre. The man entered another store and stood behind the counter.
The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, January 8.
Penrith: Man tasered after siege at Torton Place
A man has been tasered after a siege at the notorious Torton Place in Penrith.
Police were called to the housing block in Penrith after they received concern for welfare reports at 4.30am on Friday, November 22.
Police were told a 54-year-old man was armed with knives inside the unit and was refusing to leave.
At 11.30am police were able to gain access to the apartment where the man was tasered.
A crime scene was established.
SUPREME COURT ACTS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RISKS with Daniel McKinnon
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales has issued a direction to lawyers and Judges in relation to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in New South Wales legal proceedings.
The direction, known as a “Practice Note”, sets out a set of guidelines that must be observed by participants to litigation.
Amendments are set to be made to the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules to reflect the updated Practice Note which will come into effect on February 3 2025 to coincide with the opening of the 2025 law term.
The Practice Note refers to “generative artificial intelligence being artificial intelligence capable of creating new content… based on patterns and data acquired from a body of training material”.
In other words, the Practice Note targets artificial intelligence that creates text, images, or sounds that might be used in legal proceedings such as written submissions and other evidence.
The Practice Note offers a warning to lawyers and other participants in litigation that AI comes with the risk of “hallucinations” being the generation of sources, legal precedents, citations, and legislation that may appear plausible but is in fact inaccurate or made up.
The Practice Note highlights the dependence of artificial intelligence on the quality of the underlying data that informs it which could include incorrect information or incomplete data or data that is not consistent with the law in New South Wales.
The Practice Note also identifies that generative AI applications including things
like chatbots “lack adequate safeguards, to preserve the confidentiality, privacy, or legal professional privilege that may attach to information or otherwise sensitive material submitted to a public generative artificial intelligence chatbot”.
Interestingly, the Practice Note warns that data entered into a generative artificial intelligence program may be used to train the larger language model used by that program potentially making confidential information about someone’s legal matter available to others (which would in effect be a breach of a solicitor’s rule of conduct with respect to confidentiality).
The Court has also specifically prohibited the use of artificial intelligence to generate content for affidavits (witness statements, character references or “other material that is intended to reflect the deponent or witness’ evidence and/or opinion”.
The reason for this is that a person’s evidence should not be manufactured, rather it should be an accurate recollection of what they saw or observed and artificial intelligence, by its very nature, is contrary to that principle.
The Court has gone so far as requiring that an affidavit, witness statement, or character reference must contain a disclosure that generative artificial intelligence was not used in generating its content.
The new Practice Note can be viewed in full at https://supremecourt.nsw.gov. au/documents/Practice-and-Procedure/ Practice-Notes/general/current/PN_Generative_AI_21112024.pdf.
See you next week.
MUCH-LOVED BUSINESSMAN DIES
David Seager, a local mortgage broker who was well known in Penrith’s business community, passed away last week.
A funeral service will be held to honour his life at Castlebrook Memorial Park in Rouse Hill tomorrow (Friday, November 29).
Hundreds of tributes to Seager have flooded social media in support of his family and friends.
He ran Seager Financial Services, and boasted more than three decades of experience in the finance industry.
Mourners are asked to consider a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia in lieu of any floral tributes at the service.
Trucks targeted
New heavy vehicle speed cameras coming to M4 Motorway
New speed cameras between South Penrith and Eastern Creek will be installed on the M4 Motorway.
The heavy vehicle average speed cameras will operate in both directions. Cars are not captured by the cameras.
Heavy vehicle average speed cameras photograph heavy vehicles as they pass the start and end points of an enforcement length to enforce speed limits.
Work will be carried out from Monday, December 2 2024 to Friday, March 14 2025 between the M7 on-ramp and Kingswood Road overpass westbound and between the Mulgoa Road on-ramp and M7 off-ramp eastbound.
Work will take place across four sites for a total of 10 day shifts and 14 night shifts per site from 7am to 5pm weekdays and 9pm to 5am weeknights.
There will be temporary traffic changes to make sure the work zone is safe.
Partial lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and road users during work hours with traffic controllers on site to assist motorists.
Signage will be in place.
ALLEGED KILLER TO STAY BEHIND BARS
A man accused of killing his girlfriend at a Penrith hotel did not apply for bail last week.
Darren John Berry appeared in Penrith Local Court last Friday from Silverwater Correctional Centre via Audio Visual Link to watch his lawyer not apply for his freedom.
53-year-old Berry was formally charged by police on Tuesday, November 16 for the alleged murder of his girlfriend after her body was found in a room at the Pullman Hotel.
Police allege that Berry killed Shirley So inside the room. Berry was found in the same room
as the deceased covered in blood and with cuts over his arms.
Two weeks ago, Berry was due to front court but his lawyer asked for an adjournment so the accused could provide instructions.
Berry was unable to provide instructions or appear in court at the time as he was in ICU, where he was intubated, meaning a tube had been placed inside his throat to assist his breathing. Since then, Berry has been transferred to Silverwater Correctional Centre where he will remain in custody until his next court date.
– Emily Chate
An example of a heavy vehicle speed camera.
Darren Berry did not apply for bail.
Liberals lock in candidate
Creed to take on Templeman
Hawkesbury Councillor and former Penrith business owner Mike Creed has been locked in as the Liberal Candidate for Macquarie at next year’s Federal Election.
Macquarie is currently held by Labor’s Susan Templeman but will be a tightly fought seat now that Liberal strongholds Leonay and Emu Plains form part of the electorate.
“Raised with the belief that success comes through hard work and giving back to the community, I have always been motivated by a desire to make a positive contribution to the community that has given me and my family so much,” Creed said.
“Over the years, that has involved participation in many local initiatives, sports clubs, charitable organisations, and business groups.”
Creed said next year’s election would be fought on a range of issues, with cost-of-living at the top of the list.
“Born and raised in this electorate, I have a strong connection with this community, and it has been incredibly tough watching what has been happening to it over the last few years,” he said.
“This community has been under incredible pressure from increasing mortgage repayments, rents, electricity and petrol prices, and the sharp increases in the cost of food.
“Our community needs a strong advocate at a time when local households and businesses are finding their budgets stretched beyond breaking point.
“I put myself forward as the candidate for Macquarie because I know we live in one of the most amazing parts of Australia, and I will fight to protect its unique character.
“If elected, I will work tirelessly to bring more funding for our services and infrastructure, and ensure that Macquarie schools and hospitals get the funding they need, we get the funding our roads need for repairs after numerous natural disasters, and upgrades for our sporting facilities.”
NEW FORTUNE PALACE
Experience authentic flavours at New Fortune Palace! Indulge in our freshly prepared Chinese dishes, per fect for family gatherings or a cosy meal. Dine-in or takeaway available.
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Mike Creed has been locked in as the Liberal Candidate for Macquarie.
TROY DODDS
City Libraries’ branches
Administration
Civic Centre, 601 High Street.
Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.
Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777
PO Box 60,
council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city Services
Waste Services 4732 7777
Illegal Dumping on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal
Freecall 1800 022 182
Meeting Dates
(Policy Review Committee
Online via penrith.city
penrith.city.council
penrithcouncil
penrithcitycouncil
penrithcitycouncil
penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au
Council Briefs
● Penrith City Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on key plans and projects which will shape the future of the St Marys Town Centre.
Draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan: is the next step in Council’s planning pathway to guide development of the Town Centre over the next 20 years. It maps out how Council will achieve its long-term vision for St Marys across key areas like infrastructure, housing, employment, open space and transport.
St Marys Central Park Project is an integral part of Council and the community’s shared vision for a vibrant and modern St Marys Town Centre. Key features of the design concept include an entertainment area, new children’s playspace including water play, lawn area, trees, pathways, and lighting. The community can also choose their three favourite names for the park.
Have your say at yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys
Complete the online survey to go into the draw for a chance apply. Community consultation will close at 11.59pm on Saturday 30 November 2024.
● Penrith Council is proud to announce the return of the ‘Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme‘, which offers
reusable sanitary items, rechargeable household batteries, and a select range of reusable food storage and carbonated
Receipts and proof of residence must be provided. Candidates
sustainable food storage and carbonated beverage machines
Applications must be made within three months of the item purchase date, and any items claimed in previous program rounds will not be eligible for a rebate.
For more information, including a full list of items and to apply, visit penrith.city/sustainablechoices
● Join us as we raise awareness about gender-based violence as part of 16 Days of Action and its impacts in our community.
From Monday 25 November to Tuesday 10 December 2024
the Nepean River on Sunday 8 December. The event will start at 9am at the Blue Tree on Nepean Avenue. Find out more at penrith.city/16days
● Join us for our last Penrith Producers for 2024 on Friday 6 December at Triangle Park and High Street (west of Station
There will be over 40 local producers offering specialty crafted food, drinks, and artisan wares. Kids can enjoy free craft workshops and facepainting, and adults may enjoy the twilight beer garden. This event is free to attend.
Find out more at penrith.city/events
Development Application
The following Development Application has been received by Council:
• Turnbull Planning International Pty Ltd DA24/0878 9–11 Glenbrook Street, Jamisontown
to acoustic fence, hours of outdoor play and plan of management
Contact: Alexandra Pearce on 4732 7757
Closing Date: Sunday 15 December 2024
Integrated Development
Penrith City Council have received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith City Council.
• Lot 18 DP 244610, 147–159 Chain-O-Ponds Road, Mulgoa Torrens title subdivision x 2 lots
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time
2 December to Sunday 15 December 2024.
Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development
submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0861.
For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391.
Viewing of Development Applications
The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.
Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts
By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
snowman say to the aggressive carrot?
Get out of my face!
Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.
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paceway winners lucky
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Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER
The panther statue is located at the front of a house on Troy Street in Emu Plains.
bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.
Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-
way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!
This week’s lucky winners are: 0411, 0978, 1010
There’s a few major retailers out there who continue to pour advertising dollars into major media coffers, yet ignore local papers in their area. It’s not cool.
Congratulations to Anthony Walker, the current owner/manager of BOQ Penrith, who celebrates 35 years in banking this month. A terrific stint and a wonderful bloke.
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More pain ahead for Mulgoa Road motorists as work rolls on
One of Penrith’s busiest roads is set to face more gridlock over the busy Christmas period.
Transport for NSW has confirmed more disruption is looming next week as the Mulgoa Road upgrade continues.
The M4 east and westbound off-ramps at Mulgoa Road will be closed from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 4.
The southbound right turn lane onto the M4 westbound on ramp will be closed during the night from 8pm to 5am during the same dates.
Motorists are urged to use the Glenmore Park roundabout to take a U-turn to access the westbound ramp.
The northbound right turn lane onto the M4 eastbound on ramp will be closed from 8pm to 5am on Monday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 3.
Motorists are urged to detour by
Northern Road to access the M4.
There will be lane and road closures during the night, with work taking place on Mulgoa Road between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road on Thursday, November 28, Monday, December 2, Tuesday,
“To transform Mulgoa Road into a three lane each-way road to reduce congestion and improve traffic, significant works need to be undertaken around the intersection with the M4 Motorway,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
“In January there will be some extended lane and ramp closures which have been planned for this time when traffic volumes are typically lowest in the year. We will communicate the exact details with the community next month,” the
uted a community notification detailing further works to be carried out in December.”
While the upgrades will eventually provide a smoother run for motorists, Mulgoa Road as it stands has become a road best avoided, with long travel times and frequent
Traffic crawls along Mulgoa Road as upgrades continue. Photo: Melinda Jane.
EMILY CHATE
Penrith City Council gets behind campaign to tackle scourge of domestic violence Walking to take a stand
Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe, and that’s the message Penrith City Council is spreading during the global campaign, ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’. The campaign began on Monday, November 25, and will end on Human Rights Day, December 10.
During the 16-day period, the Civic Centre will be lit up in the colour orange, and there will be a ‘Walk Against Violence’ at the Nepean River on Sunday, December 8.
“It’s all about awareness and getting people on board, and I think the more you have exposure on these things, the more you can create allies,” said local domestic violence survivor and advocate Kyra Quinlivan.
Quinlivan played a role in organising last year’s walk, and she hopes to see new faces this year.
“What I’d like to see on this one is more people involved that aren’t the same services, that aren’t already advocates,” Quinlivan said.
“We need to get more people on board who aren’t already the ones working hard in this space.”
Reported domestic violence incidents in Penrith have increased since last year, and Quinlivan said we need to look at why this is happening and what measures need to be
enforced to prevent further occurrences in our community.
“We place a great emphasis on teaching women to identify the red flags and signs of abuse, but so little emphasis on educating men on what is considered abuse,” she said.
“Some men could be completely unaware of how their behaviour can be defined as abusive, and for the cycle to break, we need to be doing more awareness and education on all forms of abuse.”
The media and reporting platforms aren’t helping the case according to Quinlivan, who explained they focus primarily on domestic violence murders.
“It completely minimises the significance of all the forms of DV, such as intimidation, verbal abuse, financial abuse and coercive control, which also has devastating impacts on victims and the community as a whole,” Quinlivan said.
“I feel like by overlooking all the other forms
of abuse, it allows perpetrators to believe that these other forms of abuse are acceptable.”
Locals can show their support by meeting at the Blue Tree on Nepean Avenue at 9am on Sunday, December 8, for a 1.8 km walk. Afterwards, local Rotary clubs will provide a free barbecue breakfast, there will be coffee, live music, interactive activities, and an installation by the Zonta Club. Find out more at www.penrithcity.nsw.gov. au.
The 2023 event was well-attended by Penrith locals.
Kyra Quinlivan.
ALLY HALL
Matter of transparency
Councillor
APenrith City Councillor wants Council meetings to be video recorded in a push for more transparency.
Liberal Councillor Reece Nuttall is asking for amendments to be made to the meeting code of future Penrith City Council meetings.
Nuttall put forward a Notice of Motion at this month’s Ordinary Council meeting to ask that a change be made to the Code of Meeting Practice to ensure all future Council and Committee meetings be recorded both in audio and video.
Currently, the code only says meetings are to be recorded using audio.
“Each meeting of the council or a committee (of which all Councillors are members) of the Council will be audio recorded and uploaded on to the Council’s website as soon as practical after the meeting,” the Code of Meeting Practice currently says.
Nuttall wants the Code to be changed to include a video element as well.
“All meetings of the council and committees (of which all Councillors are members) will be audio-visually
recorded and uploaded to the Council’s website as soon as practical after the meeting,” the amended code will say.
Nuttall is pushing to amend the Code to include the visual recording, saying his Notice of Motion was about transparency and accessibility.
“I pushed for Council meetings to be visually recorded because transparency matters,” Nuttall said.
“Our community deserves to see and understand the decisions we make and hold us accountable for them. Visual recordings make it easier for everyone to follow who’s speaking and what’s being said in the chamber.
“It’s also about accessibility. Not everyone can attend meetings in person, and some residents, like my brother who is hearing impaired and other residents who are hard of hearing, benefit greatly from subtitles and visuals.
“This is about opening the door for all community members to engage with Council and stay informed, no matter their circumstances.”
Council staff will now prepare a report to be brought back to Councillors in early 2025 including the full costings and the amended clauses.
Councillor Reece Nuttall wants Council meetings to be visually recorded. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Patients caught in limbo
Healthscope slammed after tearing up insurer
contracts
Healthscope, which runs Nepean Private Hospital, has dramatically terminated its contracts with two major health funds.
The termination will impact all Bupa customers as well as customers in the Alliance Group, which includes Australian Unity, GMHBA, Health Partners, Westfund and HIF. It comes after an ongoing dispute regarding funding.
Healthscope has already reached agreements with other major insurers including NIB, HCF and MediBank Private, who will pay more in funding.
But it has been unable to come to agreement with Bupa and Alliance, last month announcing it would charge patients insured with Bupa and Alliance extra fees.
Legal action by one of the health funds to enforce the contract terms and prevent patients being charged the extra out-of-pocket fee appears to have prompted Healthscope’s decision.
Healthscope CEO Greg Horan said it was left with “no option” but to terminate the agreements altogether, leaving patients out in the cold.
“Healthscope cares for over 650,000 patients every year and we are absolutely committed to providing the best possible care. But we
can only do this if we are adequately funded,” Horan said.
“We were proposing the hospital facility fee following Bupa’s and the AHSA’s failure to recognise and fairly fund the rising cost of care. In the absence of fair funding, this fee was Healthscope’s best option.
“The response from the insurers was lawfare, and we are not prepared to engage in protracted and expensive legal challenges.”
CEO of Private Healthcare Australia, Rachel David, said it was an unprecedented move.
“This is another unethical tactic from a $1 trillion North American private equity firm that appears intent on holding health fund members hostage, while also trying to bully health funds into paying them more so they can increase their profits,” she said.
“If Healthscope was serious about delivering patient care to Australians in a cost-of-living crisis, it would negotiate an affordable and sustainable outcome, rather than throwing its toys out of the cot.
“There is no scope for health funds to pay across the board, above-inflation increases to private hospitals. People struggling with the cost-of-living will simply drop out or downgrade their health cover, which leaves Healthscope worse off as its customer base dries up.”
The terminations will come into effect on February 20, 2025 for Bupa and March 4, 2025 for Alliance.
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Nepean Private Hospital is caught up in a major dispute with insurers. TROY DODDS
Cafe collapse leaves couple in last minute wedding shake-up
Acouple left in the lurch after a local cafe group suddenly fell into liquidation has found a new place to celebrate.
Adam Howard and Gemma Wall were booked in to have their wedding reception at the Mulgoa location of The Bunker this Saturday, November 30.
They had paid all their deposits and only had to wait for their special day to arrive.
But eight days before their wedding, Western Food Group, which operates The Bunker, went into liquidation and closed the doors on all four of its venues.
Adam and Gemma say they were forced to find out the news on the grapevine, throwing their wedding plans into chaos.
“We found out through chit chat amongst the town. Our brother-inlaw’s family work for the cleaners at The Bunker sites and was told ‘don’t worry about going to that job because they’ve gone into liquidation’,” Gemma said.
“Our brother-in-law rang me and
asked if we knew that they had gone into liquidation, which we didn’t.
“I didn’t take it seriously; I thought he was joking. The reason I thought it was a joke, and a bit of a stitch up was because we literally paid the remainder for the venue the week prior.”
After finally communicating with the venue, Adam and Gemma couldn’t get clarity on whether their reception would be able to go ahead.
After having paid for their reception in full at The Bunker, the couple had to scramble to find a new location.
The reception will go ahead at Astina this Saturday.
“We have had to pay for a full reception, everything was paid for, ready to get married and now we’ve literally had to do it twice,” Gemma said.
“So financially, we are 10 steps backwards. We did not have the money to pay for this place... We saved for so long to pay for the Bunker, and it’s just gone.
“I’m hoping and praying that we can get our money back, but I don’t know.”
In a statement, The Bunker said
it was looking into ways to return funds to people who have been affected by their closure but haven’t provided a timeline of when the remuneration will occur.
“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our community and extend our heartfelt thanks to the Astina Group for stepping in to assist Gemma and Adam on their
special day. We understand that the timing of our unanticipated pause in trade has been challenging for the couple and truly empathise with their situation,” the statement said.
“The Bunker is committed to ensuring all funds are returned to the couple once the venues re-open.”
The Bunker’s venues remained closed as of yesterday, but work is underway behind the scenes for the cafes to re-open and jobs to be saved.
Trent McMillen and Ernie Chou of Penrith-based firm Mac Insolvency have been appointed liquidators. Last week, it was confirmed that Western Food Group would transfer ownership of The Bunker in the hopes of saving the business and the jobs impacted by the liquidation.
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is a necessary one. Our priority is to ensure our employees are supported through this process, and we remain deeply grateful for their dedication and hard work over the years,” a statement said.
The Bunker remains hopeful its venues will re-open in the coming weeks.
Gemma Wall and Adam Howard have locked in a new venue for their wedding reception. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Telling wrestling’s story
Local author pens book detailing the history of women’s wrestling in Australia
One of the most unique books to grace shelves was officially launched over the weekend.
The History of Professional Women’s Wrestling in Australia by Blue Mountains local Mark Slater had its official launch at the Penrith Gaels Irish Club in Kingswood where there is often wrestling matches.
“We launched the book last weekend at the Penrith Gaels Irish Club,” Slater told the Weekender
“Every two weeks, Wrestle Strong Dojo is at the Gaels Irish Club, and we picked the last event of the year to do the book launch.”
The topic of professional women’s wrestling is not something that has had a lot of coverage in the past and Slater thought as a lover of wrestling he would do something to change that.
“These days women’s sport is so big. We’ve got the NRLW and the AFLW, it’s so big,” Slater said.
“I thought I’ve grown up with wrestling all my life, I’ve got to put my money where my mouth is!
“My whole life has always been about wrestling. I thought I had to do something for equality and made this book. There are women’s wrestlers out there, but how come no one is talking about them?”.
After watching a wrestling event in Blackheath where there was no championship belt for the female wrestlers, Slater thought he would offer to get one made costing him
Uniform Logo Licence
Tenders are called for Marayong South Public School for the licence of the Uniform Logo for the school year commencing December/Januar y 2025 and for a term of FIVE ( 5) years.
Annual school enrolments will be approximately 256. General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to:
Attention: Principal marayongs-p.school@det .nsw.edu.au 02 9622 4216
Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Confidential - School Uniform Tender ” and sent to:
Principal marayongs-p.school@det .nsw.edu.au
Tenders close at 3pm on 7 December 2024
Mandator y Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check
$1,000 of his own money.
“At the end of their wrestling match, one of the wrestlers got the microphone and said ‘This is discrimination. There should be a
Mayor’s News
The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor
Local History Calendar
We can never underestimate the power of a photograph. Penrith City Libraries’ Research Services team has pulled together yet another great Local History Calendar celebrating Penrith’s visual history, with 2025 focusing on a post-war Penrith in 1948.
In 2025, we’re going back in time to a Penrith captured in black and white by renowned Australian photographer Max Dupain.
In 1948, Oswald Ziegler, an editor and publisher, approached Penrith City Council with a proposal to create a pictorial booklet showcasing a post-war Penrith, resulting in 5,000 copies printed. The images featured in the calendar are from the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.
I’ve enjoyed looking over the photographs in the calendar and seeing how far Penrith has come as a City. The photographs capture the humble beginnings of local businesses along High Street,
wrestling belt made for us women’,” Slater recalled.
“I gave the offer to the person running the event that I would pay for the belt to be made. Two years later, he never took me up on the offer.
“Then the Australian Wrestling Federation did an event at Springwood, and I gave the commissioner the offer that I would pay for the Women’s Championship belt, and he said, ‘You’re on!’.”
Slater has been a fan of wrestling his whole life after his grandfather used to take him to watch it decades ago.
“My grandfather in the 1960s used to take me to Sydney Stadium and watch the wrestlers there,” Slater said.
“When they shut down Sydney Stadium… I used to go to different stadiums around Sydney to watch the wrestling.”
Slater’s book is the first comprehensive history of female wrestling in Australia, something he is proud of.
“I am quite proud to be part of history,” Slater said.
“I’ve learned a lot writing my first ever book.”
The History of Professional Women’s Wrestling in Australia by Mark Slater is now available to purchase in book stores throughout Penrith and the Blue Mountains.
It’d make a great Christmas gift for any wrestling fans.
local landmarks such as the Red Cow Inn, the School of Arts, Wallacia Hotel and, of course, the Nepean River.
The calendar is a great way to celebrate Penrith’s history and is available at all three Penrith City Libraries’ branches for $5.
The Research Services team has been creating these calendars for the community to enjoy for 22 years, often featuring photographs from their Photographic Collection archives. The Penrith community has donated photographs, records and items over the years to the Library for record keeping, and we’re proud to be able to showcase these in our calendars, Research Room, and on our social media as part of Flashback Friday.
The Photographic Collection is accessible via Penrith Library’s Catalogue in the Local Archives Search at library.penrith. city.
CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith
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Author Mark Slater with Wrestle Strong Dojo female wrestlers Mystic Jessie and Freya Fury.
Photo: Melinda Jane.
Leave snake catching to the professionals, expert warns
Snake season is well and truly upon us as hot weather coaxes cold-blooded creatures out of their hidey-holes and into our homes, businesses and walking trails.
During spring and summer (September to February), snakes are on the look-out for food and shelter.
Professional snake catcher Sean Cade said some local serpent hotspots include Penrith, Mulgoa, Castlereagh and more.
“Emu Plains along the river there, Western Sydney Airport, in and around Luddenham – where they’re doing major earthworks you will generally find snakes and reptiles being disturbed,” Cade explained.
“The excavators come in, excavate the earth, vibrate the ground, disturb everything, and generally destroy the habitat.
“What snakes tend to do is gravitate outwards, which means they’ll go into another area, or they’ll go into an area that’s already inhabited by people, whether that’s
a business park or commercial buildings or housing estates.”
Common snakes in and around Penrith include Eastern brown snakes, red-bellied black snakes, common tree snakes, diamond pythons, and yellow-faced whip snakes.
If you see any, Cade said it’s best to leave reptile wrangling to the professionals.
“My advice would be to keep kids and pets away from it, keep an eye on the snake if you can, call a licensed professional, and don’t attempt to try and catch or kill the snake because 90 per cent of people are bitten trying to catch or kill snakes… the other 10 per cent is accidental, like when people tread on them,” Cade explained.
If anyone is suspected of being bitten by a snake, Cade recommended using snake bite first aid to slow the passage of venom through the lymphatic system.
“Use pressure and immobilisation, keep the patient and limb as still as you can, call 000 straight away and they’ll send someone out,” Cade said.
If you see a snake on your property or in distress, call Sean Cade at Australian Snake Catchers on 0410 761 575.
Don’t forget to include your pets in emergency plans
The NSW State Emergency Service is reminding residents to prepare their pets and animals for the increased risk of storms throughout the ongoing storm season.
Storm season traditionally occurs from September to April each year, during which the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases.
NSW SES’s Robert Leach said preparing early and planning for pets is crucial for managing the potential risks.
“Animals are considered a part of our families. When disaster strikes, no one should be faced with a decision to leave animals behind,” Leach said.
“Sadly, we’ve seen too often where people will refuse to evacuate if they can’t take their animals with them. Including animals in emergency planning is not only for the wellbeing of the animal, but for people’s safety too.”
Leach, who is also a Program Officer for the International Fund for Animal Welfare
Animal Rescue, has worked rescuing animals all over the world, including Asia, Africa and the South Pacific. In the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20, he worked with vets across the country to rescue animals like koalas, injured in the fires.
“We’ve already seen so much devastation from fires and floods and we’re ensuring we’re better prepared for the next disaster. It’s not a matter of if, but when,” Leach said.
NSW SES large animal rescue expert, Senior Operator Dave King ESM, said it is essential to think about your animals when planning for this storm season.
“Like people, animals can behave differently under stress, so having a plan helps both you and your animals,” he said.
“If your animals are secure and safe, this will leave you free to take care of other members of your family.”
For more information on how to get your pets and animals ready for this year’s storm season, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
ALLY HALL
Snake catcher Sean Cade. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Freemasons roll up their sleeves to give back in time of need
One of the oldest continued organisations in the world has had its local chapter give back to the community.
Members of the District 26 Masons NSW and ACT of the Freemason organisation gathered together over the weekend to participate in a blood drive.
District Grand Inspector of Workings for the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT Greg Hind said giving back to the community is a major part of the Freemason culture.
“Part of the tenets of the Freemasonry is charity,” Hind said.
“I see charity as more than just popping a few dollars in a tin. It’s about giving back to the community and providing services and support to the community and giving your time.
“I saw this as a means to give some support or give something back to the community in a time when those resources are desperately needed in the lead up to Christmas and New Year.”
Being the first time the event ran, Hind said there was a good turnout.
“The event was pretty good. It was the first one that we have organised and we had nine attend. It was a good start, for the first event I think it was quite a reasonable turn out,”
Hind said.
“We got the group together and went down to the blood bank and did the donations.
“In total, our team has had six
blood donations and five or six plasma donations.”
Hind said another blood drive is likely to happen along with other charitable events being planned for the year ahead.
“I absolutely want to do it again. I am encouraged by the start that I’ve gotten and the role that I’ve taken on,” Hind said.
“I’m right at the start of my two-year term as District Grand
Inspector of Workings. My plan is to try to do something like this in the lead up to Easter, the October long weekend and again before Christmas and New Year.
“I take a great positive out of being able to support our local community and I’m looking forward to doing more things later on.”
Along with helping the community, Hind said these events can help them revive the Freemasons
image in the community.
“It’s a role where I think I can make a difference for our organisation and try to make a difference in the local community and raise our profile a bit,” Hind said.
“A lot of people out there have misconceptions about who we are and what we are about.”
For future events, visit the District 26 Freemasons page on Instagram and Facebook.
Read all about it: Dymocks has returned to Westfield Penrith
ALLY HALL
Local book worms lined up outside Dymocks at Westfield Penrith for its grand opening on Friday, November 22.
The Dymocks franchise has been serving Australians for over 140 years, first opening in Sydney in 1861.
The Penrith store had been bookmarked for six months, and store owner Faz Kamal said since opening, he’s enjoyed customising his clients’ book-buying experiences.
“I wouldn’t shop anywhere other than Dymocks,” Kamal explained.
“The shopping experience is really amazing.”
corporate organisations,” Newman said.
we can give you recommendations based on those.”
Dymocks CEO Mark Newman was in attendance for the grand opening to witness the new chapter.
Unlike a department store, Dymocks has a loyal customer base because they specialise in selling books.
“You can come into this store here and you can order any book that you’ve ever heard of that’s currently in print, and even some stuff that’s out of print we can print on demand as well,” Newman explained.
“We’re fundamentally a franchise business, Faz is a franchise owner, and what we believe is that people who own and operate their own businesses and run their own bookshops are much more engaged with their local community, are much more engaged with their customers, and deliver a much better service to customers than more
“If you come in and you’re looking for a gift for somebody or something for yourself, you can talk about things you like, authors that you’ve read beforehand, and
This isn’t the first edition of a Penrith Dymocks, the previous one closing its doors in 2021 after selling thousands of books over 31 years.
“We’re excited as a company to be back here,” Newman said.
“We had a short period of a few years where we didn’t have a store… We’re very excited to be back in Penrith and serving the local community.”
Dymocks is located on the ground floor of Westfield Penrith.
Members of the Freemasons have donated blood in Penrith.
Dymocks CEO Mark Newman and Penrith store owner Faz Kamal. Photo: Q Agency.
Δ Macca’s drops has released brand new Loose Change Menu items, including dropping its famous soft serve cone (pictured) to 50 cents. There’s also $2 Hamburgers, $4 Sausage McMuffins and $1 small frozen beverages. Pop into Macca’s now to grab a bargain.
Δ Nuts about chocolate? Proud & Punch has just released their most decadent, better-for-you frozen dessert yet: Hazelnuts About Chocolate. Combining the irresistible flavours of roasted hazelnuts and real cocoa syrup, this new frozen treat delivers a rich, creamy experience that’s like your favourite hazelnut spread – but with a healthier twist! To get your cheeky bite on the side head to the freezer aisle to find the new Proud & Punch Hazelnuts About Chocolate in six packs in supermarkets for RRP $8.50.
Δ Kinder delights: As the holiday season fast approaches, Kinder Surprise is here to make it eggs-tra special! These famous delightful treats pack three happy experiences in one little egg: the delicious milky taste of quality Kinder chocolate, a little toy, and a big moment of surprise! Kinder Surprise eggs are available for $2.50 RRP at all supermarkets.
Δ Wicked drinks: Starbucks has dropped a couple of brews to celebrate the new ‘Wicked’ movie. You
A
natural alternative to coffee that stands Δ New retailer: Fleur Jewellery has opened in Westfield Penrith, just in time for Christmas. It’s located on the Ground Level,
special event will be held in City Park in Penrith this Saturday, November 30 to honour local Olympian Jessica Fox. The celebration starts at 12.30pm
This group portrait is of CAD Crew workers carrying out nightwork asphalting operations on a section of the F4 Western Freeway, now known as the M4 Western Motorway, at Penrith.
photo was taken on the evening of April 20, 1989.
As the Christmas decorations start to go up and spring cleaning gets underway, decluttering is an opportunity to support your community and give back to those in need.
Lifeline stores need your donations to support their sales across the festive season. As a charity organisation every dollar raised by local stores helps save lives.
Lifeline answers a call every 28 seconds from someone in crisis, the service is heavily supported by local Lifeline stores which you can support by donating goods, shopping at, or volunteering in.
What to donate
If it’s good enough quality to give to a friend, then it’s good enough to donate.
Lifeline stores welcome donations of:
– Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories
– Homewares, including manchester
– Children’s toys
– Books, CDs and DVDs
– Furniture (please check with your local store)
– Some electrical goods (please check with your local store before dropping off).
Remember to check that items are in good condition – clean, functional, and ready for immediate use.
While the urge to donate everything might be strong, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to charitable giving.
The lead up to Christmas is also the perfect time to clear out unwanted children’s toys and make them available to be enjoyed by their next owner.
Shop at Lifeline Lifeline stores are a wonderland of unique gift ideas with vintage and eclectic pieces at budget prices.
New stock is constantly arriving making each visit a new experience.
Lifeline’s six stores are located in:
Camden
Campbelltown
Castle Hill
Liverpool
Narellan
Tahmoor
Volunteer with Lifeline
Volunteers are essential to the Lifeline service, with thousands of hours needed every year to keep the phone lines open. There are many ways to volunteer with Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney.
Retail assistant positions are available in all stores. Lifeline’s Smeaton Grange depot has donation sorting and driver positions, seasonal volunteers are needed for events like Lifeline’s annual gift-wrapping stands or you can train with them to become a Crisis Supporter and answer calls on the national 13 11 14 network.
To find out more information, register your interest at www.lifelinemws.org.au/volunteer.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Contact Lifeline and talk to one of their crisis supporters. You can call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
PLAN FOR A BRILLIANT 2025 BUSINESS
As the year comes to an end, western Sydney businesses have a unique opportunity to prepare for a thriving 2025. While the festive season is bustling, this is the perfect time to reflect, strategise, and set the stage for success in the new year.
Here’s how you can get a head start:
now can give you a smoother and stronger start to the new year.
3. Plan your roadmap
A clear, actionable plan ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running in January. Break your 2025 goals into manageable steps,
1. Pinpoint your priorities
Focus on what will drive the most impact for your business in 2025.
Whether it’s enhancing customer experiences, entering new markets, or improving operational efficiencies, identifying these priorities now will help you stay focused and effective.
2. Solve challenges early
Take a closer look at the roadblocks your business has faced this year.
Address inefficiencies, fine-tune processes, and tackle any issues that might slow you down in the
set realistic deadlines, and prioritise tasks that will bring the most value. Preparation now gives you a competitive edge when the new year begins.
Make 2025 your year
By laying the groundwork now, you’re setting yourself
starting strong – it’s about maintaining momentum and achieving your goals all year long.
The Western Sydney Business Centre is here to support you with expert guidance and practical tools to help your business thrive. Don’t wait for the new year
us on instagram for fun and interactive posts.
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A NIGHT OF COUNTRY LOVE
Three of Australia’s favourite country music couples will share their love stories in a one-of-a-kind musical event at the EVAN Theatre at 8pm on December 13 for ‘Country Love: The Ultimate Date Night’.
Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, and Mark and Jay O’Shea (pictured) will take to the stage and bring an interactive experience to their Penrith audience.
It will be a particularly special experience for Mark and Jay who will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary the week of the
show, sharing the special occasion with the crowd.
“The show is set around each of our own individual love stories, but I want to extend the invitation to everybody, whether you’re a couple with your wife of 30 or 40 years, or a date, or just a friend, there’s going to be a lot of love in the room and that’s not just limited to couples,” Mark said.
“Come one, come all.”
Tamworth-born Urquhart explained fun will be a key theme throughout the show.
“It is the ultimate date night because we’re going to be there with our loved ones – it’s a date night for us!” Urquhart exclaimed.
Cunningham followed up saying there will be plenty of hijinks involved, but the perfor-
mance is ultimately about connection.
“It’s going to have that element to it, but I think the other thing we’re hoping will come through is the celebration of love, couples, and people being together, because life is all about connections, and love is what everything really revolves around,” Cunningham explained.
“We want people to leave feeling reinforced in their love for each other.”
McClymont spoke on behalf of herself and Eckersley, who grew up on the same street in Grafton, New South Wales, reinforcing the theme of connection.
“Music’s just a joy, it makes people happy, and we’re just really lucky that we have the platform to be able to share our stories and hopefully people can come on the journey
and ask us questions,” McClymont said.
It’s no accident the show falls during the festive season when families and friends start thinking about those they love most.
“We purposefully all wanted to play in December in a time where hopefully people have a little bit of time off work, and they are looking for somewhere to go and something special to come and see,” Jay said.
The audience will get the chance to sing along to hit songs and play live games with the country couples, who have a combined 36 Golden Guitar Awards, 10 ARIA awards and nominations, and six children.
Tickets for the December 13 show are $93.55, and can be purchased at www.penrith.panthers.com.au.
ALLY HALL
WesternSydney GigGuid e
IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR EVENT YOU Would LIKE TO PROMOTE PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA at AMANDA.COSKERIE@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
Bike Night
From 6pm
Harry’s Cafe De Wheels
Parra Christmas Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony
3pm - 8:30pm
Parramatta Square
DJ Fridays
From 5:30pm
Collector Hotel
Oz Icons
From 8pm
Squires Bar, Panthers
Unleash
9pm - 12am
PenriTh RSL
Mr Watkins Comedy Club
7pm - 10pm Early bird tickets from $20
Mr Watkins
Magic Men Live at Bella Warehouse
Doors open 6:30pm Tickets from $58 Bella Vista Hotel
Hoodoo Gurus
From 7:30pm Tickets from $109
Sydney Coliseum theatre
The Frocks
8pm - 11pm
Jamison Hotel
Santa Paws xmas doggy meet up
From 12pm Log Cabin
THINGS TO DO
Twilight at Lewers returns for summer
Art, music and tapas are the perfect way to welcome the weekend according to Café at Lewers, located on River Road in Emu Plains. Twilight at Lewers is on Friday, November 29, from 5pm to 8.30pm. The free event offers live and local music in the garden alongside delicious drinks and food. Find out more at www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au.
BARGAIN BUYS
Op Shop at Kingswood Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
CLASSES AND FUN
Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong
Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Jordan Springs Probus Club
Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.
South Creek Probus Club
Meets on third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club, Great
One of Australia’s best live-singing drag queens, Prada Clutch, says, “Deck the halls, Darlings!”, because she’s coming to town with an All-Drag Xmas Revue. The songstress will mix naughty and nice in a tribute to Aussie drag history with the help of her fabulous ‘girls’. The show will be on Saturday, November 30, at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.penrith.panthers.com.au. Get festive with Prada Clutch at Panthers
Western Highway at 10.30am.
New members always welcome. Email southcreekprobusclub@gmail. com for more information.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.
Probus Club of Nepean
First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am.
Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Nepean Valley RSL Day Club
Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.
Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.
Music of the season
A festive favourite will be at The Joan at 3pm on Sunday, December 1. Sing your way into the season with Penrith Symphony Orchestra and the Penrith City Choir as they perform ‘Messiah’ – one of German-British composer George Handel’s best-known works. The performance features four exceptional soloists and a chorus. Purchase tickets at www.thejoan.com.au.
Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
Nepean Evening VIEW Club
Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nepean Food Services
Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
MUSEUMS
Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.
Nepean Naval Museum Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42
Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700 for more details.
Arms of Australia Inn
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group
Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.
Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.
Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.
Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.
Red Cross Penrith
At the movies...
‘Wicked’ brings the magic to the big screen in this film adaptation of the beloved musical that is sure to win over even the harshest of critics.
Two decades ago, ‘Wicked’ made its Broadway premiere.
It introduced a whole new generation to the wonderful world of musical theatre and remains one of the most enduring Broadway productions.
So, it goes without saying there were some big shoes for Director Jon M. Chu to fill (no pun intended) in bringing it to the big screen for the first time.
But with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the helm, musi-
cal fans can rest easy – ‘Wicked’ couldn’t possibly be in safer hands.
Just like the musical, the film follows Elphaba Thropp (played by Erivo) – a young woman with green skin ostracised by her peers – and her friendship with the popular and privileged Galinda Upland (Grande) at Shiz University, long before they became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Memorable choreography and impeccable vocals take the musical numbers to a whole new level, backed up by a talented ensemble cast who also manage to secure their own big moments.
The dynamic between Elphaba
and Galinda has always been the beating heart of ‘Wicked’ though, and that remains true for the film.
Together, Erivo and Grande deliver scenes that tug at the heartstrings, while also balancing them out with more humorous moments (‘What Is this Feeling?’ is a personal favourite).
There’s obviously been some cri-
tiques of the film’s colour grading, and look, I get it. Compared to the stunning technicolour of the ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘Wicked’ does look washed out, but it’s a weakness that pales (ha) in contrast to the overall strengths of the movie.
And when Erivo hits that final, iconic note in ‘Defying Gravity’, it’s an issue you forget all about.
‘Wicked’ is a fun and emotional ride that somehow – despite a lengthy runtime of two hours and 40 minutes – manages to not feel like a drag.
It’s a wicked good time.
Part two of ‘Wicked’ is set to arrive in cinemas on November 21, 2025.
– Ellie Busby
See these movies at... PENRITH
CMA winners announced The CMA Awards were held in Nashville last week, with no major surprises as far as the big winners were concerned.
Morgan Wallen took home the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award, completing his comeback from a controversy that threatened to end his career a few years back.
Megan Moroney (pictured) won New Artist of the Year, while Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson took home Best Male Artist and Best Female Artist respectively.
Stapleton also won for Single of the Year and Song of the Year, for ‘White Horse’.
Album of the Year went to Cody Johnson for ‘Leather’. Johnson is touring Australia early next year.
Old Dominion won Vocal Group of
the Year, while Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo of the Year.
Pittman drops summer anthem
Aussie star Lane Pittman (pictured below) has dropped a brand new track ahead of the Aussie summer.
‘Amen For The Weekend’ is the enlightenment we need when the world around us starts to feel like it’s falling apart. It’s the friendly, upbeat reminder that it’ll all work out.
Drawing on inspiration from the new era of country music and the likes of Shaboozey and Morgan Wallen, ‘Amen For The Weekend’ was produced and co-written by Grammy Nominated producer Imad Royal (Doja Cat, Panic! At The Disco), alongside Blaise Railey and Sean Kennedy. Filled with boot stomping, hand clapping rhythms and a chorus destined to be stuck in your head for days.
“The production by Imad Royal is something special and definitely a new sound my listeners haven’t heard from me,” Pittman said.
“‘Amen’ has so much energy in it, so I’m excited to play it live and really get the crowd involved.”
The song is out now on all the usual streaming services, and you’ll also hear it across Aussie country radio.
Cr ystal and Jeweller y lovers save the date for this one!!! This is the last show for the year&
We are putting on a Christmas Cr ystal show you just can’t miss There will be Cr ystals, Specimens, C ar vings, Cr ystal Jeweller y, Tibetan
Nathan Taylor
TV NEWS
Ê If you’ve been thinking about renovating your home but don’t have the savings to so in this current climate, Channel Nine is coming to the rescue with a brand-new four-part series, which begins on Wednesday, December 4 at 8.30pm. ‘Budget Battlers’, hosted by Jess Eva and Norm Hogan, tackles makeovers of four different Aussie homes in four weeks on the tightest budget yet seen on Aussie television. As inflation, soaring living costs and interest rate increases keep the idea of home renovation out of reach for many, ‘Budget Battlers’ arrives to prove that dreams can still come true – on a budget. The ‘Budget Battlers’ team gears up with just $10,000 per home, a group of selfless volunteers and only five working days, to inspire viewers with jaw-dropping transformations, changing the lives of those who need it the most.
Ê Australia’s favourite soap ‘Home and Away’ wrapped up on Channel Seven last week, but thankfully it already has a premiere date for the new season. The drama-fuelled, feature-length season final left multiple lives hanging in the balance, and viewers get to find out the
MONDAYS 7.30PM WHEEL OF FORTUNE AUSTRALIA, 10
fate of multiple cast members when the series returns on Monday, January 13 at 7pm. The new year also promises fresh faces in the Bay, new romances, an emotional goodbye, and the highly anticipated return of Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) and Dean (Patrick O’Connor) for an exciting storyline set in the Whitsunday region of tropical north Queensland.
Ê One of SBS’s intriguing new shows wraps up next Wednesday, December 4 and there’s still time to binge it On Demand before its finale. In an Australian first, SBS Original ‘The Jury: Death on the Staircase’ takes inspiration from a hit format from Channel 4 in the UK to provide insight and analysis on how juries work. The five-part series re-enacts an Australian manslaughter trial (names, dates, locations and images have been changed to protect identities in the original trial). Actors recite real court transcripts word-for-word. But this jury is made up of 12 everyday Aussies who reflect contemporary Australian society – a diverse range of ages, cultures and life experiences. Will they
conclude the accused is an innocent man, or determine he is guilty? Will the new jury arrive at the same decision as the original trial? It all goes down on Wednesday night!
Ê The new ‘Wheel of Fortune Australia’ began on 10 on Monday night and I must say it was quite enjoyable. Hosted by popular talk show host Graham Norton, the series was shot in the UK with expat Australians. The format has expanded, due to the show being an hour-long, and the new colourful set comes up great on screen. I can definitely see myself watching this throughout the summer as it’s light-hearted and of course it’s always fun playing along at home too. Catch it Mondays at 7.30pm on 10.
Ê Finally, there’s reports classic lifestyle program ‘Healthy, Wealthy and Wise’ is copping a reboot on Channel Seven next year. The series originally ran on 10 from 1992 until 1998 covering food, home, travel, craft and finance. Chrissie Swan is rumoured to be in line to host the new primetime series.
TV Guide: November 29 – December 5
Your guide to the week’s television viewing
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Planet America 10:30 I Was Actually There (PG) 11:00 Fake Or Fortune? 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Shetland (M l,v) 2:00 Plum (M d,l) 3:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:30 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:15 Grand Designs The Streets (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Shetland (M l) 9:30 Fisk (M l) 10:00 Question Everything 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “A Job To Die For” (M v) (’22) Stars: Revell Carpenter 2:00 Motorbike Cops (PG) 2:15 Catch Phrase (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley 10:00 Ricky Ponting’s Test Match Preview 11:15 The Front Bar (M) 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Under The Christmas Tree” (PG) (’21) Stars: Elise Bauman 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Miss Congeniality” (PG) (’00) Stars: Sandra Bullock 11:00 Movie: “Gringo” (MA15+) (’18) Stars: Joel Edgerton 10:00 Judge Judy (PG) 10:30 Jamie OliverFast & Simple 11:30 Entertainment Tonight 12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00
Storage Wars New York (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Cricket: WBBL: Finals: The Challenger: Teams TBA *Live*
12:00 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (M) 3:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:10 Modern Family (PG) 5:10 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 6:25 Movie: “Storm Boy” (PG) (’19) Stars: Finn Little 8:30 Movie: “Unbreakable” (M v) (’00) Stars: Bruce Willis 3:35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 4:05 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 Movie: “Storm Boy” (PG) (’76)
November
3:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 5:30 RSPCA Animal
6:00 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country
10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Good Sam (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:00 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Men’s: Round 6: Adelaide United v Perth Glory *Live* 1:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 2:00 Becker (PG) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30
World News Tonight With David Muir 4:55 PBS News Hour 5:55 Adam Eats The 80s (PG) 6:15 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 3:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 3:30 The Nanny (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG)
(PG) (’11) Stars: Matt Damon 10:05 Movie: “The King’s Man” (MA15+) (’21) Stars: Djimon Hounsou 12:50 Taken (M v) 2:00 Home Shopping 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Drive Safe 12:30 Our State On A Plate (PG) 1:00 My Way 1:30 Golf Barons (PG) 2:00 Golf: Australian Open: Day 3 *Live* 5:00 NINE News First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Christmas On The Farm” (PG) (’21) Stars: Poppy Montgomery 9:20 Movie: “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous” (M v) (’05)
3:00 Circuit Boats Drivers Championship Highlights 4:00 Desert Collectors (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Women’s Grand Final: Teams TBA *Live* 9:15 Movie: “Braveheart” (MA15+) (’95) Stars: Mel Gibson 1:35 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 2:50 Blow Up (PG) 4:25
Declassified: The Royal Scandals: Diana: The Truth Behind The Interview 5:25 Movie: “Storm Boy” (PG) (’19) Stars: Finn Little 7:30 Movie: “Little Women” (M) (’19)
You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Merlin (PG) 6:10 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00 QI (PG)
2:30 Movie: “Enchanted Kingdom” (PG) (’14) Stars: Idris Elba 4:10 The Casketeers (PG) 5:20 Strait To The Plate 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Deadly Funny 2024 (M I) 9:00 Movie: “Event Horizon” (M) (’97)
5:30 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And Easy Food 6:00 Taste Of Australia In Vietnam 6:30 Tales From River Cottage 7:30 Hugh’s Fish Fight 8:30 Rick Stein’s India 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:35 River Cottage Australia
4:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League Men: Round 6: Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:35 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League Men: Round 6: Macarthur FC v Brisbane Roar *Live* 10:00 NCIS (M) 11:30 Friends (PG) 12:35 Dessert Masters (PG) 2:00 Frasier (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Shark Tank (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)
4:15 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:40 PBS News Hour 5:40 Movie: “Super Mario Bros.” (M) (’93) Stars: Bob Hoskins 7:35 Impossible Engineering: Falkirk Wheel (PG) 8:30 Great Australian Concerts (M)
2:45 Movie: “Pokémon The Movie: Hoopa And The Clash Of Ages” (G) (’15) 4:20 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG) 5:20 Movie: “Sing” (G) (’16) 7:30 Movie: “Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire” (M) (’05) Stars: Daniel Radcliffe
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:45 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 3:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:00 Restoration Australia 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Muster Dogs - Where Are They Now? 8:00 Douglas Is Cancelled (M l) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Christmas With The Salvos (PG) 12:30 Jabba’s Movies (PG) 1:00 Cricket: WBBL: Teams TBA *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 7News Spotlight (M) 8:00 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Salt” (M v) (’10) Stars: Angelina Jolie 10:30 Crime Investigation Australia - Most Infamous (M v) 11:40 Autopsy USA (PG) 6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Cross Court 10:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 11:30 Fishing Australia 12:00 Drive TV 12:30 Golf Barons (PG) 1:00 Golf: Australian Open: Day 4 *Live* 5:00 NINE News First At Five 5:30 RBT (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 60 Minutes (M) 8:00 A Remarkable Place To Die (M) 10:00 The Brokenwood Mysteries (MA15+) 12:00 The First 48 (MA15+) 1:00 Drive TV 10:00 The Drew Barrymore Show (PG) 11:00 Taskmaster Australia
2:30 The Highland Vet (PG) 4:30 Escape To The Country 7:30 Rosemary & Thyme (PG) 8:30 McDonald And Dodds (M v) 10:30 Great Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 11:15 The Highland Vet (PG) 12:15 My Greek Odyssey (PG) 3:00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction (PG) 4:00 Building Giants (PG) 5:00 Duck Dynasty (PG) 6:00 Border SecurityInternational (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Transporter” (M v) (’02)
2:35 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings (PG) 3:35 The Voice (PG) 5:30 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M s,v)
3:00 AFL 2022: NTFL Women’s Under 18s 4:20 Still Frothin’ 5:00 Movie: “The Dark Hobby” (PG) (’21) Stars: Jonathan Balcombe 6:00 Haka Warriors 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Wild Mexico (PG) 7:30 Great Lakes Wild (PG)
12:45 Movie: “Follow That Dream” (G) (’62) Stars: Elvis Presley 3:00 Movie: “Beachhead” (PG) (’54) Stars: Tony Curtis 5:00 Golf: Australian Open: Day 3 *Live* 7:00 Movie: “Spartacus” (PG) (’60) Stars: Kirk Douglas
12:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 12:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Camper Deals 3:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 10: Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 12:00 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 Becker (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Becker (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 5:30 Movie: “How To Train Your Dragon” (PG) (’10) Stars: Jay Baruchel 7:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 South Park (M) 2:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 3:30
Cornwall 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:30 River Cottage Australia 11:30 Gordon Ramsay Uncharted (M) 1:30 In The Spirit 4:00 France 24 English News 4:30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 4:55 Shane Smith Has Questions (PG) 5:50 The Engineering That Built The World (PG) 6:40 Mysteries From Above (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering (M)
2:30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG) 3:30 Movie: “Carbon Copy” (PG) (’81) Stars: George Segal 5:20 Movie: “The Water Horse” (PG) (’07) Stars: Alex Etel 7:30 Movie: “Ocean’s Eleven” (M l) (’01) Stars: Brad Pitt
Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence
2:50 Movie: “The Kentuckian” (PG) (’55) Stars: Burt Lancaster 5:00 Golf: Australian Open: Day 4 *Live* 6:00 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Dr No” (PG) (’62) Stars: Sean Connery
Get Macca’s® delivered.
6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:35 Little
3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien
(PG)
(PG)
(PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)
6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:35 Little Lunch Specials 8:00 Operation Ouch!
(M l,s) 8:30 The UnXplained Mysteries 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (M)
7:35 8 Out
2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (M l) 2:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 3:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:30 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:15 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 5:05 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Question Everything 2:00 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:15 Catch Phrase (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The ForceBehind The Line (PG) 7:30 The Big Trip (M) 9:30 Movie: “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (M l,v) (’19) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 12:30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man (M) 12:00 Movie: “A Christmas To Savour” (AKA ‘Serving Up The Holidays’) (PG) (’21) Stars: Zach Roerig 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Budget Battlers (PG)
Farm To Fork 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Football: Matildas v Chinese Taipei *Live*
6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:35 The Inbestigators 7:55 Operation Ouch! (PG) 8:30 Doctor Who
3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00
(PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 8:30 Hawaii Five-0 (M) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)
2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (M l) 2:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 3:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:15 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00
The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: One Day International Women’s: Australia v India *Live* 10:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 12:00 Movie: “The Christmas Ball” (G) (’20)
3:30 Movie: “Outcast Of The Islands” (PG) (’51) Stars: Trevor Howard 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (PG)
4:00 Outgrown (PG) 5:00 Chateau DIY 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town (PG) 8:30
The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Thunderball” (PG) (’65) Stars: Sean Connery
Great Getaways (PG) 8:30 Emergency (M) 9:30 A+E After Dark (M) 10:30 Casualty 24/7 (M) 11:25 Resident Alien (M v) 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30
You
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Smash Repairs
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo
IGA
Londonderr y
Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
The Bunker
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
MFC Food Stores
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Brisket Boys
Ca fé Fre d
C altex Coreen Avenue
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Golf Club
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Tattersalls Hotel
The Chicken Run
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
Mobil Ser vice Station
The Chemist Shop
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys Andrew ’s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
Jayam Supermarket
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St Mar ys Fish Market
St Mar ys Le agues Club
St Mar ys Librar
McDonald's St Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store
LIPMAN HOLDS ANNUAL
VIP PARTY IN PENRITH
David Lipman, a senior sales executive at Morton Real Estate Penrith, hosted his annual VIP party last week. With the usual Penrith Stadium venue unavailable, the inviteonly event headed for Theo’s at Astina Suites.
Over 120 guests attended dressed to impress with perfect weather, who are buyers, sellers and suppliers to Lipman and his team. Guests were treated to
“THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT WAS THE CHARITY AUCTION“
oysters, arancini balls, brisket sliders and the infamous Dave’s Dogs, along with cocktails including a custom June Bug along with the household favourite Cosmopolitan. Over 15 lucky door prizes were given to guests with the winning tickets, and DJ Adam Love played some tunes to suit the rooftop cocktail bar vibe. The highlight of the night was the charity auction, that saw $5,780 raised for the Penrith Community Kitchen. The item
auctioned was a Russell Crowe signed poster of the ‘Water Diviner’, which he directed and acted in, sourced from a guest who is Crowe’s office manager and band manager. Special guests included Ross
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Fowler, Deputy Mayor of Penrith; Cr Reece Nuttall; Ewan Morton, Morton Real Estate; Peter Collins, former NSW Liberal Opposition Leader; and Jeremy Bentvelzen, President Penrith Community Kitchen.
Western Property
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
CONTACT
InFocus Commercial Real Estate
Mitch Reardon • 0401 313 160 mitch@infocus.sydney
Build Size: 380sqm (approx.)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN A PRIME LOCATION
What is so great about this property?
Previously a spa showroom, the property offers a large freestanding mezzanine that has ducted air conditioning beneath. Multiple air conditioned office spaces and open ware-
house floor space. Situated 500m (approx) from the GWH. The property is great for owner occupiers or investors. Who does this property suit? The property would suit any type of busi-
ness because it offers high exposure, office space, large mezzanine and open warehouse space. Making the space adaptable to anyone. Location: Situated opposite Car City Minchinbury.
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me.
impression
This year has certainly been challenging in terms of the continuing rise in the cost-of-living, making the lead up to Christmas an anxious time for many households. All of these circumstances have me questioning if we really need all the extra purchases that usually accompany this time of year, and if the type of presents we are giving need to be rethought?
For me, this Christmas needs to be a stress-free event, less about multiple or large presents under the tree, and all about time spent with loved ones. It is very important this year that the gifts I exchange with family are meaningful, not whatever I could grab during my usual last minute dash to Westfield in the weekend before the big day. A gift that will not end up discarded by New Year’s Day. A gift that won’t be stashed in a cupboard or in my next council collection. A gift that will make a difference and bring joy to the recipient. A gift that will promote long lasting confidence,
skills or a memorable experience.
With over half of Aussie kids currently not attending swimming lessons, denying them the basic skills needed to safely experience all of the aquatic activities on offer in the Australian summertime, what could be a better gift than swimming lessons? Swimming lessons are a gift that require no storage space, promote health, physical activity and safety, are fun, and teach a skill that will last a lifetime.
Alan Bentley, owner of Nepean Swim and Fitness agreed:
“Many children missed out on time in the water during the pandemic, and we are still seeing the effects to this day, with less Aussie kids currently in swimming lessons than in previous years. However, the dangers of the water remain, so
for any of our programs and are available from reception. Contact us on 4730 8900 to arrange a gift voucher or suggest a gift voucher to grandparents or family here or even overseas! Happy shopping! Alternatively, our partnership with local company Prezentbox makes gift giving even easier this Christmas. We all know how quickly the cost of kids’ activities can add up, especially when you’re juggling swimming lessons and all their other passions. PrezentBox provides a way to turn all those unwanted presents into experiences your child truly loves. With PrezentBox, family and friends can easily contribute to your child’s activities, whether it’s for birthdays Christmas or birthdays, or even setting up an all-year-round activity fund. If you use the code below to set up a free Prezentbox account you will also receive $10 to spend with us at Nepean Aquatic Centre or Evaentbox.com.au/?mwr=67b38372.
Prolotherapy (proliferation therapy), also known as regenerative injection therapy, is a treatment that involves injecting a solution – usually a combination of dextrose (sugar water) and a local anaesthetic – into an injured or painful area, such as a ligament, tendon, or joint. The primary goal is to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes to repair and strengthen weakened or damaged tissues. Prolotherapy has gained attention as a non-surgical alternative for treating various musculoskeletal conditions like chronic pain, tendon injuries and arthritis.
The injected solution acts as an irritant, triggering a mild, controlled inflammatory response. This response stimulates the body’s repair mechanisms by increasing blood flow to the area and activating the immune system. As a result, growth factors and healing cells are recruited to the site, which
promotes tissue regeneration and strengthens the injured ligaments, tendons or joints.
During a prolotherapy session, multiple injections are often administered in and around the injured or painful area. The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to treatment. Typically, patients undergo a series of treatments every few weeks.
The benefits are:
1. Pain relief: Prolotherapy has been shown to reduce pain by improving the stability of joints, tendons, and ligaments. For patients suffering from chronic pain, such as in cases of osteoarthritis or tendonitis, prolotherapy can offer long-lasting relief.
2. Improved function: By stimulating tissue repair and regeneration, prolotherapy can improve joint function and mobility, making
it especially helpful for patients with conditions like osteoarthritis or sports injuries.
3. Non-surgical: Unlike surgery, prolotherapy is minimally invasive, involves no incisions, and has a low risk of complications. This makes it an appealing option for patients looking to avoid surgery or those who have not responded to other treatments.
While prolotherapy is still being researched and its mechanisms fully understood, many patients report positive outcomes, and it continues to be an option in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
and
Nestled on a leafy 1,026 sqm block, it
a modern kitchen, new air-conditioning, bright north-facing
areas, and a private
space. The real bonus? DA-approved double-story duplex and subdivision potential at the backyard—perfect for investors or those seeking multi-generational living. Enjoy the serenity of a close-knit community, just 10 minutes from stunning beaches and 30 minutes to Port Macquarie
And the best part is, that it is highly a ordable as it is in the $725000 price range
Contact us as we have only one of this gem available at the moment!
The Experts
HEAT STRESS IN PETS: KEEPING THEM COOL
With the days already heating up, it’s critical to take steps to keep your pets cool and safe. Heat stress and dehydration can affect pets quickly, making access to fresh, cool water and shady retreats essential.
Unlike humans, pets cannot sweat efficiently to cool their bodies. Dogs and cats only sweat through their paw pads, relying heavily on panting, which is
ineffective in extreme heat. Short-nosed breeds and small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are particularly vulnerable, as are outdoor pets such as chickens.
Essential tips for staying cool
• Water everywhere: Place multiple water bowls around your home or yard to ensure your pet stays hydrated, even if a bowl is knocked over. Keep them in the shade to maintain a cool temperature.
• Create cool spaces: Offer shaded areas or indoor retreats with fans or air conditioning. Small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs should ideally be brought inside during hot days to prevent heat stress. Make sure enclosures have proper ventilation.
• Frozen treats: Dogs may enjoy licking a large ice block made by freezing water in a container. For chickens, frozen berries or corn can be a refreshing treat.
• Summer grooming: Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and prevent overheating in cats and rabbits. Dogs’ grooming needs vary by breed but can also help them stay cool.
Special care for rabbits and guinea pigs
Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to their thick fur and limited ability to regulate body temperature. Signs of heat stress in rabbits include lethargy, stretched-out posture, and warm ears. These small pets should be moved indoors to a cool, well-ventilated area during extreme heat. Provide them with dripper water bottles to ensure a steady supply of clean water and add frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth to their enclosures to create a cooling effect.
Prevent overexertion
Exercise heats your pet’s body and should be modified during
summer. Opt for walks in the early morning or late evening when temperatures and pavement are cooler. Use the “five-second rule” to test the pavement’s temperature: place the back of your hand on it for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Alternatively, engage in indoor play or training sessions.
Recognising heat stress
If you suspect your pet has heat stress, seek immediate veterinary care. Symptoms can escalate quickly, and treatment may involve safely cooling the animal, administering IV fluids, antibiotics, and possibly plasma transfusions or other supportive measures.
By incorporating these tips into your summer routine, you can safeguard your furry and feathered friends from the heat and ensure a safe, happy season for all. For questions or concerns, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 4736 2027.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
The courageous Sun and creative Mercury are visiting your hopes and wishes zone. So it’s important to dream a dream, turn it into a goal, and then make it happen. But Mercury is in retrograde mode, so you’ll have to be patient. Your motto is from birthday great Walt Disney (who was born on December 5, 1901), “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.” Venus shifts into Aquarius on Saturday, which is good for love and luck.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Intuition and creativity are highlighted this week, as Venus (your power planet) links up with mystical, magical Neptune. But expect some frustrations and restrictions along the way, as Mercury reverses through one of your finance zones. Clever Bulls will be extra patient and disciplined – especially involving money, budgeting and business matters. Things should improve at work, as Venus transits through your career zone from Saturday until January 3.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
The focus is on friends, as the Sun and retrograde Mercury move through your friendship zone. But don’t let your peer group influence you too much. The planets encourage being your own person and doing your own thing. So your motto for the week is from birthday great, singer-songwriter Jim Morrison, “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.” Creativity is high mid-week, but don’t let your tendency to gossip come between you and others.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
With Venus in your communication zone until Saturday, you’re in the mood for stimulating conversations with a wide range of interesting, compatible people within your extended peer group. However, Mercury is retrograde and Pluto (your ruling planet) hooks up with Venus, so relationships will be bumpy and very intense, especially with relatives and housemates. Smart Scorpios will slow down and concentrate on cooperating and compromising.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Mercury is reversing through your career zone (until December 15-16) so be extra patient and diligent at work. The more you help others, the more positive and productive you’ll feel. With Venus visiting your networking zone (until Saturday) it’s also time to communicate and connect with family, friends, colleagues, clients and/or customers. You have the ability to influence people in positive ways, as you employ encouragement and praise to get others on-side.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
This week Mercury (your patron planet) and the Sun highlight romance, marriage, friendship, business partnerships and joint ventures as you mix and mingle with a wide range of people. But with Mercury retrograde until December 15-16, be careful how you communicate with family, friends and work colleagues. Otherwise, you could come across as being careless, restless and superficial. Strive to be extra patient, disciplined and diplomatic.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Mercury (your patron planet) is retrograde until December 15-16, so communication and travel will be affected, especially involving family and work. Expect some of the following – dodgy deadlines, delays, disruptions, mix-ups, misunderstandings, back-flips and breakdowns, reversals and recalls. However, Mercury retrograde IS a good time to do things with an ‘re’ in front of them … revise, rehearse, review, remember, reboot, return, recover and reconnect.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The Sun and retrograde Mercury are visiting your sign (and opposing your ruler Jupiter) so you’re in restless, reckless, adventurous, freedom-loving mode. Limiting rules, regulations and restrictions won’t be welcome! But slow down, otherwise you could be involved in a misunderstanding, argument or accident. Inspiring quote is from singer-songwriter (and birthday great) Jim Morrison, “The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are.”
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
With the Sun, Mercury and Mars shining in fellow fire signs, you’re in Ram freedom-bunny mode! Plus indulgent Venus and restless Uranus rev up your extravagant, spontaneous side, so you’re in the mood to shop up a storm. But – with Mercury in retro mode – big spending now could lead to big regrets later on. You could also receive confusing information about a relative, friend or neighbour. Do some stringent fact checking and be extra patient.
CANCER
22 TO JULY 22
Have you been wasting time worrying and procrastinating? The Sun and retro Mercury link up in your job zone, so you need to reboot your daily routine and be flexible as you plan your future career path. If you are patient and have the confidence to listen to your wise inner voice, then you’ll be one step ahead of the professional pack! Creativity can also take you places at work. Use positive affirmations and active imagination to transition to the next level.
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Some Librans will feel listless and restless, but holidays and adventures could be thin on the ground as retro Mercury opposes Jupiter (in your travel zones) which could frustrate holiday plans and slow things down. Don’t despair! Have fun closer to home and plan to explore further afield after Mercury turns direct on December 15-16. Be patient and keep your options open. Midweek is a creative and intuitive time, when Venus forms a lovely link with Neptune.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Venus is visiting your sign for most of the week, which is great for charming others and attracting luck. Which you’ll need in spades because Saturn (your ruling planet) squares the Sun and retrograde Mercury, so it will be a stop/ start, one step forwards/two steps back kind of week. If you’re a clever Capricorn, you’ll calibrate your plans, expectations, and energy levels accordingly, especially involving communication, education and your local community.
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38.
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66.
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80. Bashful
83.
If you like Str8ts check
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: CIRCUS
BIG TOP CLOWNS
ELEPHANT
FIRE EATER
FLYING TRAPEZE
HORSE
KNIFE THROWER
LIONS
MONKEYS
RINGMASTER
SIDE SHOWS
STRONGMAN
TAMER
TENTS
TIGERS
TIGHT-ROPE TUMBLERS
WHIP CRACKERS
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about ‘Home Alone’ in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. What is Kevin’s age in the first ‘Home Alone’ movie?
2. What is the name of Kevin’s older brother?
3. Where is the McCallister family planning to spend their Christmas holiday?
4. What was Kevin’s total pizza bill?
6. Who does Harry disguise himself as to find out when families on the block will be away for the holidays?
7. Who plays the part of Polka band leader Gus Polinski, who helps save the day?
5. Before they realised that Kevin had been left home alone, what did Peter think he had done at the house?
black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.
ALFAKODO
Fill in 1 to 6, in each row across and down, and in each rectangle.
Each number equals an alphabet letter e.g. A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. By finding out which numbers and consequently letters are NOT shown, find a jumbled word which is related to the cartoon drawing.
Letters A to Z have a number value, some are shown in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells
Study the picture and unscramble the words.
MINI-SUDOKU: Help the little fish escape the hungry orca!
JUMBLED NUMBERS: Limpet.
ALFAKODO: PIC PUZZLE: Catfish. JUNIOR PUZZLERS: 1. Ivory. 2. Melbourne. 3. Hawaii. WORD JUMBLE: Flamingo, pink, Africa, bird, beak and flock.
Panthers to hit the road
2025 NRL draw reveals unique schedule for Penrith amid stadium redevelopment
Penrith’s journey to a fifth straight NRL premiership will begin in the most unlikely of places – Las Vegas, Nevada – when they take on the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday, March 2 (AEDST).
The historic overseas fixture will usher in a new era for the defending Premiers, who won’t play a single game in Penrith for the first time since entering the competition in 1967. With Penrith Stadium currently undergoing a $309 million refurbishment, the Panthers will call Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium home for the next two NRL seasons.
Last Thursday, the 2025 NRL schedule was officially released, confirming the Panthers will play eight home games at CommBank Stadium next season, while two home games will be played in regional NSW, and one home game in Brisbane as part of Magic Round for the first time.
Following Penrith’s season opener against the Sharks at Allegiant Stadium in early March, they will return home to play the Sydney Roosters at CommBank Stadium on Friday, March 14 at 8pm.
A Grand Final rematch awaits in Round 3 when Penrith travel to Melbourne to play the Storm on Thursday, March 20 at 8pm.
A week later on Thursday, March 27, the Panthers will head to their ‘home away from home’, Accor Stadium, to battle Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Penrith will take on the North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium at 6pm on Friday, April 4 before travelling up to Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, April 10 to battle the Dolphins.
On Saturday, April 19 at 7.35pm, the Panthers will head east to Moore Park to play the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, while on Saturday, April 26, they’ll take on Manly at CommBank Stadium as part of ANZAC Round.
The NRL’s Magic Round will kick off in Round 9, with Penrith hosting Reece Walsh and the Brisbane Broncos at their home, Suncorp Stadium, on Sunday, May 4 at 4.05pm.
The Panthers could remain north of the border ahead of Round 10, with a match against the Cowboys scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
Penrith will enjoy their first bye of the season in Round 11 before heading out to Bathurst’s Carrington Park for a match-up
with the Newcastle Knights on Saturday, May 24 at 5.30pm.
Back-to-back CommBank Stadium games await the Panthers in Rounds 13 and 14, the first against old foes Parramatta on Sunday, June 1 at 4.05pm, and the second against old friend Jarome Luai and the Wests Tigers on
Sunday, June 8 at 4.05pm.
Penrith will have another bye in Round 15 before jetting off to Auckland for the first time in several years to face-off against the NZ Warriors on Saturday, June 21 at 3pm.
Another grudge match awaits the Premiers on Thursday, June 26
when they welcome Stephen Crichton and the Canterbury Bulldogs to CommBank Stadium.
Penrith will enjoy their final bye of the season as early as Round 18 ahead of three straight fixtures at CommBank Stadium.
The first will be classed as an Eels ‘home’ match when they take on the Panthers on Sunday, July 13 at 4.05pm. Less than a week later, the Panthers will host South Sydney on Friday, July 18 at 8pm before the Tigers come to town again on Saturday, July 26 at 5.30pm.
Penrith will make their final trip to Queensland in Round 22 when they tackle the Gold Coast Titans at 3pm on Saturday, August 2 at CBUS Stadium.
On Friday, August 8 at 6pm, the Panthers will play at McDonald Jones Stadium against Kalyn Ponga and the Newcastle Knights.
Another Grand Final rematch awaits Penrith on Thursday, August 14 when they come up against Melbourne at CommBank Stadium – their final game at the Parramatta venue for the regular season.
The Panthers will play a second game in regional NSW when they take on Ricky Stuart’s Canberra Raiders for the first time at Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee on Friday, August 22 at 6pm.
On Thursday, August 28, the Panthers will pay Accor Stadium another visit for their second outing against the Bulldogs before rounding out their season with a trip to Wollongong to battle the new-look St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday, September 6 at 3pm.
Overall, Penrith will play 10 games at CommBank Stadium in 2025 – eight as the home team and two as the opposition.
They will travel interstate on five occasions – four times to Queensland and once to Melbourne.
They’ll also play two international fixtures, the first against the Sharks in the United States and the second against the Warriors in New Zealand.
“This is an exciting time for fans as we unveil the season 2025 integrated NRL and NRLW schedules,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“The schedule is bigger and bolder than ever with 32 weeks of jaw-dropping action which will see rivalries, excitement and unparalleled skills at every turn.
“I’d like to thank our broadcast partners Channel Nine, Fox Sports, Sky Sports New Zealand and naming rights partner Telstra for their investment and support of the game.”
NATHAN TAYLOR
Liam Martin playing at CommBank Stadium last season. Photo: NRL Images.
Persistence pays off for determined Aidan
Less than two years ago, St Marys local and personal trainer Aidan Maughan was working out in the gym when someone approached him about whether he’d be interested in doing weightlifting as a sport.
“I remember training at this random gym and somebody came up to me and said my technique was alright and that he had a friend that’s competed for Australia at the Commonwealth Games and that I should get in touch with him,” Aidan told the Weekender
That friend was recent Paris Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Kyle Bruce. Curious about what could lie ahead, Aidan contacted Bruce and the pair quickly formed a bond that has seen the now 17-year-old take his weightlifting to the National level.
“I used to watch Olympic weightlifting on YouTube and always thought it was really cool, so I started practicing in the gym but I thought I wasn’t too good,” Aidan said.
“So, I hit up Kyle Bruce and he’s been my coach ever since.
“He took me to the next level and now I just have to keep building off of that.”
Shortly after the pair joined forces, Aidan was encouraged by Bruce to compete at the National Youth Weightlifting Championships in Perth, but things didn’t quite go to plan for the relative newcomer.
“Kyle said I was good enough to qualify, so we trained for it but I didn’t go too well last year, I bombed out unfortunately,” Aidan admitted.
Aidan failed all of his lifts at that event, but that didn’t stop him from battling on and developing as an athlete.
In July, Aidan competed at the NSW Senior State Weightlifting Championships at Sydney Olympic Park and became the NSW Youth State record holder following his 100kg snatch and 130kg clean and jerk triumph.
As a result, Aidan qualified for the National Youth Weightlifting Championships for the second time. Taking place in Hobart and with redemption on his mind, he blitzed the field and his own state
record by 2kg – crowned National Youth Champion in the 81kg weight class.
“Becoming the Youth National Champion in October is my proudest achievement so far,” said Aidan, who is also the latest Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star.
“When I started doing weightlifting, I wasn’t good at all. My squat was 100kg and I couldn’t do anymore than that. Now I’m doing 101kg snatches and 131kg clean and jerks!
“I used to struggle a lot with my mental strength, but this year I’ve improved my mental strength as well as my physical strength and technique.”
Nominated by his proud mum Nadia, Aidan’s PVSF Senior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor Penrith Panthers Leagues Club.
PVSF Senior Sports Star of the Month winners take home a cool $700 each for their efforts.
If 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.
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Aidan Maughan shows off his strength.
Photo: Melinda Jane.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Jason’s memory lives on
The life-saving legacy created in the wake of local soccer player’s tragic passing
In 2017, local footballer
Jason Connolly was playing an over-35s soccer match with the St Marys Band Club Rangers when, after the match, he started to feel unwell.
On his way home, driving along Old Windsor Road near the famous Ettamogah pub, he suffered a fatal heart attack at just 46-years-old.
Connolly’s shock death saddened the entire Nepean football community, which couldn’t quite grasp how a healthy and fit father of two could die after a simple game of soccer.
“I knew Jason quite well, I was one of his good mates. He was a lovable larrikin on and off the field and a lot of people warmed to him,” Chris Minol told the Weekender
Just months after Connolly’s tragic passing, Minol along with a group of mates decided to put together a fundraiser for his young family called
the Jason Connolly Memorial Cup. The one-day football tournament, which was held at Blacktown City Sports Centre, was a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for Connolly’s children.
“We raised a significant amount of money, which was put into a trust fund for his two kids,” Minol said.
“Jason’s parents were blown away by everyone’s generos-
ity, but they said in regards to future tournaments that the money should be donated to a charity instead of the kids, who will be looked after.
“So, I wanted to keep the tournament going in Jason’s honour and decided that Heartbeat of Football would be the ideal charity to donate all the proceeds to.”
Heartbeat of Football promotes healthy hearts in
sport through awareness and free heart checks at sporting matches. The Jason Connolly Memorial Cup continues to be a raging success, raising more than $75,000 for Heartbeat of Football.
The most recent tournament was held earlier this month, with nine teams of middle-aged males battling it out for the perpetual trophy – an encased football boot
worn by Connolly on the night of his death.
“It’s a five-a-side tournament utilising small fields, unlimited interchange and shorter games,” Minol said.
“The money we raise doesn’t just go to heart health awareness, but it also goes to funding nurses from the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute to come out and administer free heart health checks
at local clubs for players and spectators.”
The free heart health checks have been a godsend already, saving countless of Aussie blokes including Minol himself.
“Following my heart check at the tournament, my mum suggested that I go get a general health check up from the GP and I’m lucky I did because my blood tests showed that I had very high cholesterol – the artery clogger,” Minol said.
“Further tests showed I had a significant blockage in my heart and I was told to adjust my lifestyle and begin taking medication.
“The following year I went back to the doctor because I wasn’t feeling well and they found a ‘widow-maker’ and I was told I was one stressful event from a fatal heart attack.
“I ended up having a triple bypass at 44 and I’m very, very lucky I did because other people don’t live to tell the tale… my friend Jason didn’t.”
NATHAN TAYLOR
Chris Minol with the prize for the winning team. Free heart health checks took place at the tournament.
INDOOR GOLF: Penrith’s community of indoor golfers have raised their clubs in the name of helping seriously ill children of Starlight Foundation. 48 generous local players took part in X-Golf Penrith’s inaugural Starlight Scramble which wrapped up last month, raising a total of $1,840 and exceeding all national totals per venue. A regular at the York Road sports entertainment hotspot is Kirk Perkins, an avid 33-year-old indoor golfer who was personally touched by the initiative. “I believe everyone deserves happiness, sometimes all it can take is a kind word, but if a donation of any amount can help to achieve that for someone who needs it, I’m always willing to help out for the right cause,” he said. X-Golf Penrith franchisee Kylie Newton said that the company had its sights set high. “We were determined to make an impact via the fundraiser because it’s such a worthwhile cause,” she said. “There’s an outstanding group of community members here at X-Golf Penrith, so it’s no surprise that we were able to make such a significant contribution to the overall initiative.” With 25 X-Golf locations participating in the Starlight Scramble nationally, Penrith’s contribution is a part of the $7,500 raised overall which is enough to fund one Starlight Wish, giving an incredible gift of happiness to a sick kid and their family. But the fundraising didn’t stop at the Scramble for Penrith. Other local businesses got on board by donating raffle prizes to the value of $2,500 including Harvey Norman Penrith, Dolce Mia Pasticceria, MG Activ Gym, Chris Lawler Building, ArtSup and Outback Steakhouse. “We’re always working to support our locals and to see it given back was really humbling,” Newton said. “It certainly was a collective effort between a bunch of amazing locals and it’s great that X-Golf now is able to fund the wish of a child who needs it.”
CRICKET: Penrith have finally won backto-back games, crushing Sutherland in Round 7 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day Match at Sutherland Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bat. Penrith put up a terrific performance, declaring on an incredible 7/348. Bowler Liam Doddrell showed off his batting prowess, scoring a team-high 72 not-out. When Sutherland hit the crease, they also batted well but were ultimately dismissed for 256. Owen Cole was the best of the bowlers, taking 4/114. Penrith will return home this weekend to play Bankstown in a One-Day Match at Howell Oval.
CRICKET: Penrith have fallen short of victory against crosstown rivals Parramatta in Round 8 of the NSW Premier Cricket Women’s
first grade competition. Playing in a One-Day Match at Howell Oval, Parramatta won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith played strongly with the bat, posting 8/203 after 50 overs. Callee Black top-scored with 41 runs. When Parramatta hit the crease, they reached Penrith’s target with 4.1 overs and five wickets in hand (5/206). Black and fellow bowler Aimee Rovot took two wickets each. Penrith will hit the road this Sunday to play St George-Sutherland in a T20 fixture at Harold Fraser Park.
CRICKET: Round 6 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition took place last weekend, with Panthers Cricket Club dropping their first game in weeks. In fourth grade, Panthers dismissed Western Jaguars for 165. In reply, Panthers seemed to be on track to reach the target but fell behind the run rate, losing some critical wickets, and were ultimately dismissed for 123. Panthers will look to bounce back this weekend.
FOOTBALL: It was a very unhappy Unite Round for the Western Sydney Wanderers,
thrashed by the Brisbane Roar 4-0 in Round 4 of the A-League Women’s competition. Roar midfielder Momo Hayashi scored twice before half-time to set up Brisbane’s third consecutive victory, while Tameka Yallop and Emily Pringle also got on the scorer’s sheet. The Wanderers were barely in the contest as Brisbane surged to the top of the ladder. Western Sydney, who are now dead last, will travel to AAMI Park this Sunday to battle Melbourne City.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL: The Nepean Ducks have thrashed the UTS Gators 36-0 in Round 9 of the Gridiron NSW Colts competition. Unfortunately, it wasn’t good news for Nepean’s men’s team, who were smashed 48-6 by the Gators, while Nepean’s women’s team were no match for the UC Stars, losing 38-0.
AFL: The GWS Giants have welcomed a host of promising young talent in the 2024 AFL Draft, featuring three first-round picks and two Giants Academy products. Welcoming six new players in total ahead of the start of pre-season next week, the Giants’ class of 2024 was headlined by western Sydney product, Josaia Delana. Selected by the club as a Category B Rookie, the now Giants Academy graduate is a small forward of Fijian descent who plays with flair and energy. Possessing clean hands, strong decision-making and an explosive sidestep, Delana represented the Allies on four occasions in 2024 while also playing eight games for the Giants’ VFL side. The second Acad-
emy graduate of the 2024 Draft was promising ruck, Logan Smith, who was taken with pick 71 on night two. Hailing from Canberra, Smith is a mobile ruckman whose weapons lie in his craft around stoppages and his ability to put the ball to the advantage of his teammates. The 204cm teenager had a breakout season in 2024 which saw him named in the under 18 All-Australian side after averaging 10.5 disposals (seven contested) and 21.5 hit-outs for the Allies at the National Championships. Also selected on night two was powerful midfielder Jack Ough, taken with pick 36. Standing at 194cm, Ough is a tall midfielder who blossomed in 2024 with impressive performances for Vic Country and the Greater Western Victorian (GWV) Rebels playing as both an inside and outside midfielder. Possessing clean hands and crisp decision-making, Ough uses his strong frame and power to excel in the contest. Ough’s selection came off the back of an extremely successful first round where the Giants selected three first-round picks, including Ough’s teammate Oliver Hannaford. Taken with the club’s first pick of the 2024 Draft at pick 18, Hannaford is a speedy and versatile utility. The fellow Vic Country product starred as a dynamic forward for the GWV Rebels late this season to be named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. With back-to-back picks on the opening night, the Giants selected rebounding defender Harrison Oliver with pick 19. A composed and hard-running defender, the silky left-footer has great decision-making skills and line-breaking speed. He averaged 16.2 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency and 3.2 tackles across four matches at the National Championships. Rounding out the club’s first-round selections, the Giants secured Cody Angove with pick 24. The skilful West Australian boasts a strong athletic profile with speed, endurance and a sharp game sense. Giants Head of Talent Adrian Caruso said he was super happy with how this year’s Draft played out. “We came in with a clear plan to select these three players (Hannaford, Oliver and Angove), and it played out perfectly,” he said. Rounding out the activity in the 2024 Draft, the Giants also re-listed Lachlan Keeffe, Jacob Wehr and Josh Fahey in last Friday afternoon’s Rookie Draft. The 2025 AFL season begins on Sunday, March 9.
X-Golf Penrith owners Matt and Kylie Newton.
The GWS Giants have drafted six new players.
Western Sydney now sit in last place.
WHAT’S THE MATA?
NATHAN TAYLOR
Juan Mata was heralded as one of the most significant signings in Western Sydney Wanderers history just two months ago, but is there trouble in paradise already?
Last Saturday night, following Western Sydney’s disappointing 4-2 loss at the hands of Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic spent several minutes defending his decision to play the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner off the bench in the all-important clash.
Stajcic was fired up in the post-match presser after it was revealed that Mata’s Australian-based agent Fahid Ben Khalfallah called his star client’s lack of playing time “disrespectful” last week.
Mata (pictured), a former Manchester United and Chelsea great, has played all five games for the Wanderers this season –starting on two occasions and averaging 34.6 minutes of playing time per match.
In an explosive rant, Stajcic –who is also in his first year at the club – said Mata’s agent “doesn’t control the team”.
“We’ve got 25 field players in there who I’m concerned about. We’ve got 20 staff members attached to the club. We’ve got 20,000 members and every single one of them is an equal priority,” Stajcic said.
“Juan has come into the team, he’s humble, [but] I’ve got 12 guys who don’t play every game, and I don’t get phone calls from every single agent about
players not playing.
“I think he’s got a bit too much oxygen, to be honest. His comments were out of order.”
At 36-years-old, Mata was never expected to reach the same heights as he did during his English Premier League days or with the Spanish national team, but according to Stajcic, he is still regarded as an “important” piece for Western Sydney despite playing a bit-part so far.
“It was a tough game for him to come into, but he is an important player for us at the moment and there were moments in the game where we needed him and he had some good actions,” Stajcic said.
“It’s up to him to contribute when he does come on and he had some good actions today and we want more of those, obviously.”
As for Stajcic and Mata’s agent, it’s safe to say the pair won’t be exchanging Christmas cards anytime soon.
“I don’t need to talk to agents when his players aren’t playing,” Stajcic said.
“I thought his comments were out of order, I thought they were cowardly and they were cowardly for a number of reasons.
“I’ve only spoken to him (Khalfallah) two or three times in my life, and he spoke to me about how so many of his players that he has playing in Australia have been mistreated by coaches, have been vilified, or abused emotionally, physically, whatever. He’s never opened his mouth to protect his player. And his player on this occasion was on the bench and that’s disrespect?”
Stajcic will look to get things back on track when the Wanderers travel to play Melbourne City this Saturday evening.
