Western Weekender March 2

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Friday, March 2, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

FEATURE

MERRIN LIGHTENS THE LOAD IN 2018 NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

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fter getting off to a slow start last year due to a disruptive pre-season, Panthers lock Trent Merrin is looking fit and trim heading into next week’s blockbuster clash against Parramatta.

Following another gruelling summer pre-season, Merrin is feeling lighter and more energised, ready to rip into his 10th season in the NRL. “It’s been a real tough pre-season, I’ve shed about six kilos,” Merrin revealed to the Weekender.

“It’s something I tried to get on top of last year but I missed much of the pre-season with a calf injury and missed a few trials.”

The 28-year-old said not having a proper pre-season last year was detrimental to the way he started 2017.

“It took me a while to get back into shape,” Merrin said.

“This year, I’ve been at pre-season from

the get-go. I’ve dropped six kilos and trained really hard as has the rest of the team. We are all in a great position to start the season off strong.”

Ever since Merrin arrived at Penrith in 2016, his goal has always been to win a title at his second club.

After helping guide St George Illawarra to premiership glory in 2010, Merrin is confident good times aren’t far away at the foot of the Mountains.

“I always have and always will have belief that we’ll get there eventually,” he said.

“That’s always been our goal to get to the big game at the end of the year. It’s just about what we do between now and then.”

For a while, many pundits have excused Penrith for not winning a premiership in recent years due to the high number of young players in the side.

While the club is still made up of plenty of youth, Merrin said the “Penrith’s too young to win a comp” excuse can no longer be used.

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Trent Merrin is fit and raring to go for the 2018 season. Photo: Penrith Panthers “When you look at the ages in the team, there’s a few 21-year-olds there but they’ve got years of NRL experience under their belts,” he said.

“They are more mature now in the footy sense than their age sense.

“I’m very excited about the maturity of the players in our club and I believe they are capable of big things in the future.”

One youngster who Merrin has high hopes for is young forward Jack Hether-

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ington. Merrin believes a first grade debut for the talented second rower isn’t far away.

“Hetherington’s a first grader, he just needs to get the games under his belt,” he said.

“He’s got the passion, he’s got the heart, he’s got the aggression too.

“We just need to nurture him a little bit, but he’ll get a taste of first grade this season.”

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

SEASON PREVIEW

HOPE THRIVES AS TROY DODDS @troydodds

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Peter Wallace will lead the Panthers in 2018

or years, the front page of this annual season preview wraparound has carried with it a term of expectation or anticipation.

In 2011, it was ‘Unfinished Business’.

Turns out the business was finished though, as Penrith failed to back up their 2010 Finals campaign with a top eight finish. A year later, ‘Are You Ready Ready’ adorned the front page – but another bottom eight finished meant we weren’t ready at all.

In 2013, we were ‘Ready To Pounce’, except the pounce landed us in 10th spot.

In 2014, we declared ‘It’s Time’ – and it very nearly was, with the Panthers finishing just one game short of the Grand Final.

In 2015, we said it was the ‘Year of the Panther’, but we didn’t realise Ivan Cleary was tired.

Two years ago, we simply went with ‘It’s Back’ – couldn’t get that wrong, surely!

Last year, ‘Great Expectations’ was a fair summation of what everyone had for the Panthers. Depending on who you talk to, those expectations were either met, or fell short.

And so here we are in 2018 with two simple words to kick off the season: No Excuses.

This is the squad and structure that has every right to be fighting for a title this season. Anthony Griffin is now in his third season as head coach. Gus Gould has been back for seven years. No more re-building.

No more excuses.

Griffin and Gould have assembled one of the most well-rounded squads Penrith has put on the park in 15 years, even with the off-season departures of Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright.

The Panthers boast a halves combination that would be the envy of many NRL clubs – the experience and determination of James Maloney merged with the enthusiasm and raw skill of Nathan Cleary will give Penrith an edge in 2018 that simply hasn’t existed in previous seasons.

A year older, Dylan Edwards is on the verge of a breakout season at fullback while the spine is secured in place by veteran Peter Wallace, who will not only relish being handed the captaincy but will be kept on his toes by the emergence of young hookers in Wayde Egan and Sione Katoa. The competition can only be a good thing.

The mix of youth and experience in

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Trent Merrin fights through a tackle last year this squad is impressive, but there is no doubt that Penrith’s depth would be tested if there’s any significant injury woes – especially in the backs. It means coach Anthony Griffin will be sweating on his squad remaining fit and healthy in the opening months of the competition, especially given he has already acknowledged

how important it is for his side to avoid a slow start.

Being fortunate on the injury front is something you certainly need to win a competition. But so is determination. All 16 squads in the NRL will say they want to win the Premiership this year, but only a select few will actually have the right

attitude to do so. From what we’ve seen and heard in the off-season, Penrith may well be in that special group of teams.

The mix is just so right at Penrith. You have the youth and desire of players like Cleary, Edwards, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Waqa Blake.

Then you have the older heads who have achieved success before but know time is running out to get another premiership ring – the likes of Maloney, Trent Merrin, Dean Whare and James Tamou.

Then there’s the redemption stories. Sam McKendry, once one of the game’s most feared forwards, showed in the trials that he has plenty to prove in his comeback from two heartbreaking ACL injuries. Josh Mansour is off-contract and ready to fire after his first full pre-season following that serious injury that saw him miss a huge chunk of the 2017 season.

With very little squad movement, except for the arrival of Maloney and the departures of Moylan and Cartwright, this has been a reasonably well-oiled preparation for coach Griffin.

The side looks fit, having sweated its way through a Penrith summer that was hotter than most.

We are just a week away from so many questions being answered. A week away

from the roller coaster ride that is an NRL season. And a week away from beginning what could be a year to remember for a patient, loyal fan base that deserves another trophy.

There are no excuses in 2018.

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

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DYNAMIC DUO TAKES CONTROL NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

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ew Panthers recruit James Maloney knows a thing or two about winning premierships, now he’s on a mission to not only win his third NRL title but Penrith’s third as well.

While he says he’s feeling no pressure to get the job done during his time at the foot of the Mountains, he does believe Penrith have the ingredients and talent to be a contender in season 2018.

“I think there’s definitely the ability in this side, it doesn’t matter how good of a side you are, it takes a hell of a lot of hard work throughout the year,” Maloney told the Weekender.

“There’s no doubt the ingredients are out here, it’s just a matter of making sure we can develop it and progress it throughout the year.

“I don’t feel too much external pressure, I just want to play well myself.”

One key ingredient to Penrith’s success in 2018 is Maloney’s new halves partner, Nathan Cleary.

The 20-year-old has been in the spotlight ever since he debuted back in 2016, and there will be even more pressure on the youngster this season, to rise to another level.

Maloney said while Cleary certainly has the tools now, he’s looking forward to helping him develop and improve as the year goes on.

“Nath’s a very good player and his composure and attitude is first class,” he said.

“What excites me most is how much improvement and development he still has in him. For as well as he is going, I can still see so much improvement in him. It’s exciting the heights that he could get to.”

Speaking with the Weekender, Cleary dished out some well-deserved praise of his own for his new teammate.

Cleary believes Maloney’s “calm attitude” on the field will be of real benefit to Penrith this season.

“He doesn’t over think too much, he really likes to get one play right and

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

FEATURE

James Maloney and Nathan Cleary will guide Penrith around the park this season. Photo: Melinda Jane doesn’t go through the whole playbook.

I think that’s really important for us younger players,” Cleary said.

“I’m kind of bad for it… if something doesn’t work I’ll try and use all these different plays but Jimmy just sticks with one thing. It’s always been something he’s really good at.

“I think that calming nature he brings, he’s not too overstressed about everything and it’s really good for us young guys.”

Maloney and Cleary have both had their

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Cleary said while he’s had proficient halves partners in the past, no one has a résumé’ quite like Maloney.

“The people I had in the halves before were very capable and great players but I think it does help having Jimmy there now,” he said.

“He’s a great half and a great player and has been really successful in the game. His kicking is probably the biggest difference, that last play option. It’s a pretty cool honour for me to be able to play with him.”

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fair share of halves partners throughout their careers, with the former Shark admitting it can take some time to gel with another player.

“You can nut out the basics early but there’s plenty more on top of that which develops over time,” Maloney said.

“Soon you start understanding different players’ games. You will start to see what Nath sees out on the field, how he reacts to certain situations, and when they pop up again you know what he’s going to do.”

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Friday, March 2, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

weekender the western Friday, March 2, 2018 • FREE

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INSIDE Sisters inspire with new business Page 9

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Volunteers prepare for this year’s Working Truck Show. Photo: Melinda Jane

FIRE UP THE TRUCKS! One of Penrith’s most popular family days, the Working Truck Show, returns to the Museum of Fire on Sunday, March 11. See pages 44-46.

Over our dead bodies! Wallacia residents remain furious over cemetery

FIGHT TILL P THE DEATH

EMILY NEWTON

enrith City Council will “take matters into their own hands� and urge the State Government to step in and stop a proposed cemetery planned for Wallacia Golf Club.

Community consultation sessions last month have done little to stop residents fighting the proposal, with many packing the public gallery at Penrith City Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday night. “The Premier needs to know what is being dumped in the community,� said Councillor Bernard Bratusa.

Local State Members Stuart Ayres and Tanya Davies have already voiced their opposition to the cemetery plan.

Read the full story on pages 6-7

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

She quit the pokies and wants others to follow Wendy Smith fears nation’s addiction to poker machines will only get worse EMILY NEWTON

endy Smith remembers the moment she first put money into a poker machine like it was yesterday.

“A few of us from work went to the club for lunch, and I didn’t know what to do, so a woman showed me,” she said.

“We did shift work so we would be going there at 6pm for our lunch break and then go back to work.”

The St Marys local is now a selfproclaimed former gambler and is lucky her experience with the pokies didn’t get too out of hand.

During her time as a player, Ms Smith began ritually attending clubs for social catch-ups with friends, attending promotion evenings when certain poker machine combinations would win a fruit basket or similar from the club.

“We were winning, coming home with fruit and vegetables, so we didn’t have to shop,” she said.

“We lost more than we won though. It’s not worth it, I’m better off going to Coles or Woolworths and buying my own fruit and veg.”

One day about a year and a half ago, Ms Smith was observing people around her.

“They were just complaining about near misses, and asking if people could lend them money, so I sat back, listened and thought, I am one of them,” she said.

“They’re designed to take, and I work too hard for that. I quit, and I’m proud.”

She still regularly goes to clubs for entertainment and socialisation and loves taking part in regular meat raffles.

On a rare occasion will put $10 through the machine, but leaves her money and bank card at home.

Today, she looks back and wishes she quit gambling earlier, and is hoping to prevent the next generation from being pulled into gambling from the exciting lights and music, because a poker machine “is not a PlayStation”.

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Wendy Smith says she’s glad she walked away from playing poker machines. Photo: Melinda Jane “Today’s kids who are 17-years-old haven’t been into the pokie area,” she said.

“We can protect them to have them realise you’re not playing, you’re gambling.

“I’m looking at that word, ‘play’ and that needs to change. It needs to be ‘gamble’.”

ClubsNSW told the Weekender there is “no credible research” that lights and sounds emitted by poker machines induce people to develop a gambling problem.

“The overwhelming majority of people who play poker machines do so for enjoyment and do so harmlessly,” a ClubsNSW spokesperson said.

“The problem gambling prevalence rate in the Penrith Local Government Area is just 0.5 per cent of the adult population - which is lower than the state average of 0.8 per cent.”

ClubsNSW says the industry has

developed a suite of world-leading harmminimisation programs.

While Ms Smith made the decision to quit gambling herself, she acknowledges that not everyone may want to quit, and it is their right to choose where and how they want to spend their money.

But she does encourage those who want to stop to get help.

If you need help, call 1800 858 858.

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Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

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@troydodds

We’ve got what we asked for R ecently the ABC aired a very good documentary on the life and times of former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.

It framed the argument, as did many on social media in the nights the documentary aired, that we’d never see a Prime Minister like Hawke again.

Hawke was widely loved, left behind a very decent list of achievements and connected with the everyday Australian perhaps better than any other Prime Minister in our history.

The nation is crying out for somebody similar in modern day politics, so many argue.

But the truth is we would never allow a Prime Minister like Bob Hawke to be elected today.

The media wouldn’t allow it.

The public wouldn’t allow it.

It just wouldn’t happen.

People loved that Hawke would have a beer with them – and his ability to down a schooner in lightning quick time has become infamous.

But in modern day, sitting at the footy with a baby in one hand and a beer in another, like Malcolm Turnbull did last year, is enough to send the mainstream media and the Facebook do-gooders into a frenzy.

People loved that Hawke was a comfortable swearer, willing to talk in everyday language without the need to refer to a list of pre-prepared talking points.

But Kevin Rudd’s temper was considered a dangerous element of his leadership, enough to play a role in his demise as the country’s leader.

Hawke had fun, often showing off plenty of skin and acting like a larrikin.

“We asked for a political machine that gives us rhetoric, because vision would be too dangerous”

But Tony Abbott was constantly mocked and embarrassed for wearing speedos, and committed a national crime when he bit into an onion.

People loved Hawke despite big question marks over his relationship with Blanche d’Alpuget, which ultimately led to the breakdown of his marriage.

Today, as Barnaby Joyce can attest to, such behaviour can cost you your job.

Truth is that the public, and perhaps more importantly the press gallery in Canberra, remain focused on the game of ‘catch and kill’ when it comes to politics in Australia.

The economy, the national debt, the real issues take a back seat to what has become a bad season of reality TV. And in many cases, we’ve all caused it.

When we decided a pair of speedos was more important than a person’s ability or the PM holding a baby and a beer quite safely at the footy was enough to spark outrage, we essentially asked for this. We asked for a political machine that gives us rhetoric, because vision would be too dangerous.

We caused it, and only we can fix it, otherwise there will never, ever be another Prime Minister with the same appeal as that of Bob Hawke.

People can argue about his achievements in office as much as they like, but his widespread respect amongst the public despite his actions – many of which we would wave our finger at today – is to be admired.

And another thing...

Western Sydney Wanderers fans took to social media last Sunday night to complain about the large police presence that was in place ahead of the Sydney Derby at Allianz Stadium.

And perhaps it did look a little like overkill. But then, right on cue, a small group of the club’s fans proved why the police were there in the first place.

A couple of dropkicks let off flares in the crowd.

And so here we go again – an active supporter group in the RBB that was once respected and admired, and is now just embarrassing and a black mark on the game. There’s been pleas, threats and demands placed on the RBB about flares over the years but they refuse to listen.

And of course, as always, it is somebody else’s fault.

The Wanderers acted swiftly and have declared there will be no active support area this weekend, and perhaps permanently if there’s any more trouble.

The latter may happen, because a few fans just can’t get it through their heads.

Given last Sunday’s derby was out-rated by the AFL Women’s League, it’s clear football is quite fragile at the moment.

The RBB isn’t helping.

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World’s Greatest Shave at

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Index

News..............................................1-25 Int. Women’s Day...........26-27 Business.................................32-33

On Saturday the 17th March 2018, local hair salon Orchid Belle Beauty will be holding a World’s Greatest Shave Fundraiser at the Luddenham salon.

The event will be held from 11am-1pm where there will be shaving, colouring, braiding, spray colouring, raffles, cookies and much more.

The salon recently become part of Sustainable Salons Australia, and all of the hair cut in the salon is donated to Variety, the Children’s Charity or re-purposed to clean up oil spills.

We encourage everyone to come down on the day to donate/ shave or colour their hair!

Contact the salon to book a time and bring friends and family along.

Sign up online and donate/become a part of our team using this link: http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/orchidbellebeauty LET’S ALL HELP TO RAISE MONEY FOR THIS INCREDIBLE CAUSE Contact the salon on 4773 3071 – 1, 2130 the Northern Rd Luddenham www.orchidbellebeauty.com – www.facebook.com/orchidbellebeautyhair www.instagram.com/orchidbellebeauty WW32170

History ............................................34 Entertainment .................35-46 Your Life.................................47-53

the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith Issue 1342

Business Directory ......54-57 Auto..................................................58 Sport........................................59-64

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Emily Newton | @emmerleener Lauren Suttie | @laurensuttie2 Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Photographers: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au Sales Executives: Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Daniel Vella, Sergio Carrasco, Chantelle Lang, Tracey Machut To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production Manager: Irene Adams | irene.adams@westernweekender.com.au Production: Maddy Searle, Ian Beard

Sales Coordinator: Sarah Coates

Sky high idea: Crameri wants new technology to spy on dodgy developments EMILY NEWTON

hey’re compact, agile and so easy to use that kids play with them, and Penrith Councillor Kevin Crameri believes they could help transform Penrith City Council.

Cr Crameri has called for a report on the possibility of Council officers making use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to efficiently collect photos and information on some hard to access properties and help with enforcement issues.

“For anybody that is in this sort of game, it saves a lot of time,” he said.

“You don’t have to wait for permission to enter, during which time they can then hide things. “[With drones] we can do it much quicker than waiting two or three weeks.”

While a huge benefit would be the ability to monitor large developments during construction, he also says that they would be an enormous benefit to the environment by monitoring extensive parkland and noxious weed growth, and even help survey areas in the event of a flood.

Speed is the real selling point for Cr Crameri, who feels that the time of Council officers could be used more efficiently by embracing drone technology, giving

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Councillor Kevin Crameri wants drones to monitor the local area

officers more time to spend on other pressing issues.

“I’m just frustrated I’ve got so many things I am waiting on answers for,” he said.

“The drone would pay for itself in no time. I can’t see it happening for some time, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be optimistic.

“We will save money, it means that we can covertly get things and we can monitor dodgy developers more closely.

“We’ve got so many illegal developments. All they do is hide everything, and then when Council officers finally go out there, they say they couldn’t find anything.”

While some may hold “big brother” concerns that the camera drones could be used to spy into people’s backyards, Cr Crameri says that the use of drones wouldn’t violate privacy issues as they don’t need to be on private property, just high enough to see over large fences in most instances.

Other Sydney councils have already adopted drone technology.

He has called for a report that looks into the possibility of drone usage to be brought back to Council.

Should Council fund a roll-out of drones? Tell us via Twitter @wwpenrith.

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Residents

Penrith. It’s time for a Chemical CleanOut. Your free drop off:

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Councillor Bernard Bratusa wants to stop a proposed cemetery in Wallacia EMILY NEWTON

eople power filled the Penrith City Council Chambers on Monday night as Wallacia residents let their opposition to a cemetery at Wallacia Golf Course be known.

Councillor Bernard Bratusa – a former Wallacia Panthers Chairman – became

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the local community’s advocate at Monday’s meeting, saying the development was “just so wrong” for the community.

“In the chamber we have concerned residents of Wallacia village,” Cr Bratusa said.

“Penrith City Council is against Wallacia Golf Club being turned into a cemetery.”

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as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is urged to get involved in heated debate Last week, Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria CEO Peter O’Meara stood by the proposed development of the Wallacia Golf Course, which would see a refurbished clubhouse alongside the reduction of an 18 hole course to a nine to 13 hole course to operate for the next 70 years.

“What we’re trying to do is build a quality facility here in Wallacia,” he said.

“We don’t want it to just be a golf club, we want it to be a club for the whole community.”

But Cr Bratusa slammed the proposed development, putting forward a motion that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor form a delegation to let NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian understand the local outrage.

“It’s time for us to take this into our own hands,” Cr Bratusa urged his fellow Councillors.

“The Premier needs to know what is being dumped in the community.”

He was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation by most of the chamber, with Councillors voting unanimously in support of the motion.

Concerned Wallacia Golf Club member Matthew Fowler is both angry and disappointed it’s taken so long to see action, with the Wallacia community facing high levels of anxiety.

“Clearly we in the community need to

Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria CEO Peter O’Meara. Photo: Melinda Jane

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be actively working together and helping one another in a positive way, rather than this nonsensical BS that’s been going on,” he said.

“I don’t want the Mayor to just sit there and smile blandly at us all. I think he’s been giving his marching orders to see Premier Gladys.”

Following public outcry, Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust abandoned a plan to convert the heritage-listed Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa into a cemetery last year, but the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust managed to obtain permission from the NSW Government to buy the site at Wallacia.

Local MPs Tanya Davies and Stuart Ayres have already declared their opposition to both the cemetery developments.

With a membership base of 570, there are over 28,000 rounds of golf played at Wallacia each month, and Cr Bratusa believes it was clear the community members in the public gallery “weren’t golfers, they were residents” concerned about changes to their town.

“There is no rugby league out there, there is no netball, there is no hockey, that is the only recreational space,” he told the Weekender on Tuesday.

“We’re all going to die, but it’s not the right place for a cemetery.”

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

dig in to stop cemetery

7

Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

PENRITH

NEWS

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Community Access Bus and Wheelchair Access Bus

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twitter.com/penrithcouncil

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visitpenrith.com.au WW32616

From markets to two local stores: How Tenille and Naomi are set for the big time EMILY NEWTON

fter sharing three pregnancies together and a combined collective of 10 kids, local sisters-in-law Tenille Perceval and Naomi Bartak are trying their hand at business.

The duo have recently opened up not one but two stores in Penrith, Poppyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Treasures and The Sister Collective, to bring sought after brands to the local area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I come from a family that built and ran a family-run business, so it makes me happy that we can do the same sort of thing,â&#x20AC;? Ms Bartak said.

Family support is key, with the pair saying their closeness has helped encourage them to give the business world a shot after previously making and selling things at markets for a hobby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had the demand for it from the markets with so many people asking us why we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t open a shop,â&#x20AC;? Ms Bartak said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But with a bundle of kids, how do we do that and how do we afford it? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was just passing by, I saw this shop up for lease and I was the first one to enquire about it, so I grabbed it and thought, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just do this.â&#x20AC;?

The pair are so close that they gave birth

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just three days apart to children easily mistaken for twins, sharing the same birthmarks and eye colour.

Poppyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Treasures, located on York Road in Jamisontown, opened last year to provide unique, quality kids brands from clothing to furniture in one place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of people here, like myself and Naomi, that would go to Rouse Hill to go to one shop because they had the brands that I wanted or things like that,â&#x20AC;?

Ms Perceval said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of customers are saying a very similar thing, that the closest place used to be Wetherill Park, which has closed down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything in here we found ourselves buying for all of our kids. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing quite like it around.â&#x20AC;?

The business was named in honour of their late grandfather, who always inspired them.

Their other venture, The Sister Collective, located in Skiptons Arcade, is a ladies and menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion boutique that opened just before Christmas.

When asked how they find the balance between their families, their businesses and their personal lives, the women looked at one another with a smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just winging it at the moment,â&#x20AC;?

Ms Perceval laughed.

Visit www.poppyslittletreasures.com.

ď&#x192;&#x2026; 4721 2060 303 High gh Street, Penrith h

WW31970 970

PENRITH HOTEL MOTEL BISTRO Under New Management

the western weekender Âť Friday, March 2, 2018

Business is a family affair

Mums mean business: Tenille Perceval and Naomi Bartak with their sons Dash and Taj at Poppyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Treasures. Photo: Melinda Jane

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Applications have been received by Council: â&#x20AC;˘ Dvyne Design

DA18/0097

88 Brisbane Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures and construction of 6 x town houses and strata subdivision x 6 lots Contact: Lucy Goldstein on 4732 8136

NEW MENU

Closing Date: 16 March 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Cad Plans Pty Ltd

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29â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31 Castlereagh Street, Penrith &RQVWUXFWLRQ RI D VWRUH\ UHVLGHQWLDO Ă DW EXLOGLQJ FRQWDLQLQJ DSDUWPHQWV and 2 levels of basement car parking Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222 â&#x20AC;˘ Learn To Swim including Water Babies

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Closing Date: 16 March 2018

â&#x20AC;˘ Aquarobics including Aquanatal

Viewing of Development Applications

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penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker. Alternatively, the applications can be viewed GXULQJ &RXQFLO¡V QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV DW WKH &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI &RXQFLO¡V 'HYHORSPHQW 6HUYLFHV 'HSDUWPHQW ZLOO EH DEOH WR DVVLVW ZLWK your enquiries.

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Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning

WW32610

application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

16-19 Lambridge Pl, Penrith â&#x20AC;˘ Ph: 4730 8900 www.nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au 14 Bromley Rd, Emu Plains â&#x20AC;˘ Ph: 4728 8400 www.evaboryswimschool.com.au

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

Nepean Swim App available

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au WW32617

9

Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

JOKE of the WEEK

Q: How do you organise an outer space party?

A: You planet Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au

prize cupboard

D

Samantha Bills

irect from The Young Vic London, Edinburgh and Adelaide Festivals, author and performer Amer Hlehel tours his exquisite play ‘Taha’ to the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta later this month.

‘Taha’ tells the compelling and sometimes heartbreaking story of celebrated Palestinian poet, Taha Muhammad Ali (1931-2011), whose poetry detailed the experience of Palestinian refugees. Adapted from Adina Hoffman’s biography My Happiness Bears No Relation to Happiness, ‘Taha’ is directed by award-winning writer and director, Amir Nizar Zuabi.

Written and performed by Hlehel, ‘Taha’ delves into the story of how, against all the odds, a humble, engaging man evolved into a renowned Palestinian writer.

‘Taha’ will be on at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta on March 27 and March 28 (Arabic performance). To book, call (02) 8839 3399.

The Western Weekender has three double passes to give away to ‘Taha’ on March 27. For your chance to win one, email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Taha’ in the subject line. Entries close Thursday, March 8.

Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/18/02771. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au.

Cranebrook FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Chilli Jam FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Nepean River Coffee Club FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? High Street Social with friends FAVOURITE PLACE TO RELAX IN PENRITH? A nice walk along the Nepean River WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? I like that it has great shopping, great walks and many different dining options WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? I think the White Water Café is a great little spot for a nice out of the way lunch

Michelle Whitmore of Leonay is among nearly 3,000 trekkers gearing up for the 10th annual Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek, on March 16, to raise vital funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Garbage collection is a growing concern in Penrith, with complaints about late collections and missed pick-ups. Collecting rubbish properly is something all local residents expect from their Council.

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

16

After 16 years on air at 2UE / Talking Lifestyle, George Moore and Paul B Kidd have seen it all. But last weekend they said goodbye to their loyal 954 audience, announcing what many thought was inevitable – they’re off to 2GB. The ‘George and Paul’ show has defied expectations, continuing to rate #1 despite 2UE / Talking Lifestyle’s falling popularity. They are expected to soar on 2GB, where they start on Saturday.

10

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the western weekender Âť Friday, March 2, 2018

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Republic support grows Even God can’t save the Queen: Labor pushes case for Australian head of state EMILY NEWTON

upport for the Australian Republic Movement is mounting, with young people the driving force.

Federal Member for Lindsay Emma Husar visited Western Sydney University with the Shadow Assistant Minister for an Australian Head of State, Matt Thistlethwaite, and National Director and CEO of the Australian Republican Movement, Michael Cooney, to push their message that an Australian should be the head of state, not a foreign Monarch.

“They’re getting record numbers signing up to republic clubs in campuses across the country,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.

“The feeling is that young people think it’s time that we began a serious debate again about having an Australian as our head of state.”

Mr Thistlethwaite believes the mood is changing, particularly when it comes to the nation’s youth.

“They don’t believe that the current arrangements sit with the core Australian values of merit, democracy and a fair go,” he said.

“They should be able to aspire to be our nation’s head of state.”

All Labor MPs in the Commonwealth

S

Labor’s Matt Thistlethwaite and Emma Husar with Michael Cooney from the Australian Republican Movement and Western Sydney University students.

Parliament are republicans, with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten committing to putting a question to the voters by the end of his first term in office, ‘do you support

12

WW32619

Special guest speakers Jessica Fox Kathryn Garton and Chloe Shaw

an Australian republic with an Australian head of state?’.

“For the first time in Australian history, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the

Opposition, and the leader of every State and Territory Government are committed republicans,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.

While the move to a republic would see many significant changes, Mr Cooney believes that those changes will “make our lives better”.

“If you look at Australian politics today, it’s pretty hard to believe that it’s not broken and we shouldn’t fix it,” he said.

“There’s a lot of things that we will be able to retain by being a republic, and one of those is being a part of the Commonwealth.”

While the republic movement resonates with young voters, Ms Husar wants the Lindsay community to go on the “journey” of discovering what the move to becoming a republic looks like together, “for them to be allowed to make up their mind in an informed way”.

“It’s time now for this country to grow up and have our own head of state,” she said.

St Clair’s Cameron Shamsabad studies at WSU and has thrown his full support behind the move to become a republic.

“I think it’s a movement for equality, a movement for liberty and a movement for democracy,” he told the Weekender.

“Australian citizenship is a different thing today than it was 100 years ago, so it should be more representative.”

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Implant gave Ron his life back EMILY NEWTON

ocal cochlear implant recipient Ron Lyons is letting everyone with hearing loss know there are options worth exploring this World Hearing Day. A well-known cartoonist, Mr Lyons has seen his world profoundly change thanks to The Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children.

“Around 2008, I developed tinnitus, it just switched on, one day I didn’t have it and the next day I did,” he said.

“Prior to that, I thought my hearing was fine. Here was this sound in my head that I can’t get away from, it actually gave me quite bad anxiety.”

His hearing suffered a slow but gradual decline as Mr Lyons found himself regularly asking people to repeat themselves.

“I couldn’t understand what was being said on the television. My wife got me these cordless headphones, so I had the sound going straight into my head,” he said.

“But then it got worse and I had to have the subtitles on.”

Mr Lyons began subconsciously learning to lip read to try to figure out what was being said, or anticipate what someone

L

was asking. A regular hearing aid proved unhelpful for Mr Lyons, who learned that he was losing the sound of high frequencies rather than overall volume.

It wasn’t until a friend prompted Mr Lyons to make an appointment with a specialist that he found a solution to his hearing problem.

“They tested me without my hearing aid and on single words, where they say the word and I straight out repeat it, I was only scoring 18 per cent,” he said.

While reluctant at first, Mr Lyons received a Cochlear Implant in November last year, and says he noticed the difference from the day he was ‘switched on’.

When he was retested on sentences, he scored 100 per cent.

“Little things that are now audible to me are the sounds of birds, frogs in the creek, rain on the roof, the clock ticking, the clicking sound when the blinkers are on in the car, the low-fuel warning beep, the clicking of the computer keyboard as I type,” he said.

“I can also now watch television without having the subtitles on!”

World Hearing Day is on tomorrow, Saturday, March 3. Locals are urged to use the day to book an appointment with a specialist to address any hearing issues.

Since receiving his cochlear implant, Ron Lyons has heard his world change.

Photo: Melinda Jane

ELECTRONIC WASTE

FREE EVENT

DROP OFF DAY Grab your old, broken and unwanted electrical items and bring them down to Jamison Park to be recycled for free.

Sunday 4 March | 9am - 3.30pm Jamison Park penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events

WW32406

13

Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

L AW a n d O R D E R

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

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

with Daniel McKinnon St Marys: Major breakthrough in 2016 kidnapping case

Two men have been charged over an alleged serious assault at a restaurant in St Marys two years ago following an investigation into a motorcycle club, with further arrests expected.

In November 2015, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor commenced an investigation into the activities of the Burwood Chapter of the Rebels OMCG and their associates.

As part of the broader investigation, officers have been conducting inquiries into the kidnapping and serious assault of a man at St Marys that occurred in March 2016.

Police were told the man was detained by a group of men at the rear of the restaurant and seriously assaulted.

Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Raptor and detectives from the Homicide Squad arrested a 26-year-old man at a home at Lidcombe about 8am on Thursday, February 22.

He was taken to Auburn Police Station and charged with ‘Conceal serious indictable offence’ and ‘Cause grievous bodily harm with intent – accessory after the fact’.

He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday, March 15.

Detectives also arrested a 25-year-old man at Goulburn Police Station.

He was charged with ‘Detain in company cause grievous bodily harm’, ‘Cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent’, and ‘Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity’.

The man remains in custody to appear at Burwood Local Court on Friday, April 27.

Investigators from both squads also executed a crime scene warrant at a restaurant on the Great Western Highway, St Marys, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.

Police seized various items relevant to the investigation.

Investigations into the assault are continuing and further arrests are expected.

Police make arrests following spate of local robberies

Following a spate of robberies across the area, including in Jordan Springs and Cranebrook, two people have been arrested.

A 17-year-old and a 21-year-old were arrested in Plumpton following separate robberies in the Penrith area on Friday, February 16.

One woman was robbed in Cranebrook, and another woman allegedly had her handbag stolen in Jordan Springs.

The pair were arrested and charged for multiple offences.

The 17-year-old faced Parramatta Children’s Court while the 21-year-old was charged with 10 offences including ‘Steal from person’ and ‘Drive recklessly’ with bail refused to appear in court on Thursday, April 19.

Kingswood: Banned woman caught behind the wheel again

At 1.35am on Monday, February 12 police were patrolling Second Avenue, Kingswood when they have stopped a motor vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 31-year-old Kingswood woman.

It is alleged that the woman told the police officers that she was a disqualified driver.

Checks on her licence confirmed that she was in fact disqualified from driving until 2023.

She was subsequently charged with her second offence of ‘Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period’.

She will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, March 19.

Werrington: Police investigate after three vehicles catch fire

Three cars caught fire on Rance Road, Werrington last week.

On Monday, February 19 at about 1.10am the vehicles were ablaze, and police were called to investigate.

Anyone with information on the first of the three vehicles, a white ISUZU truck is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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

Big news in real estate The country’s primary provider of real estate deposit bonds, Deposit Power, no longer has a guarantor/underwriter.

CBL Insurance, Deposit Power’s existing guarantor, is reported to have been placed into interim liquidation in a move aimed at protecting existing policy holders, with the extent of the insurer’s woes unknown at this time.

Deposit Power have indicated via their website that they are “currently experiencing issues which we are currently working on and as a result are unable to accept, process or issue new applications on behalf of CBL Insurance Limited”.

A deposit bond is essentially an insurance policy taken out by the purchaser of real estate and provided to a seller used as an alternative to a traditional cash deposit. The law says that if a purchaser does not fulfil its obligations to pay the purchase price to a seller under the terms of a contract then the purchaser forfeits their 10 per cent deposit to the seller. Where a purchaser has used a deposit bond instead of cash, the seller can call upon the bond and the bond provider will pay the 10 per cent deposit to the seller and then pursue the purchaser to recover the money.

While the most common form of payment for a deposit in a real estate transaction is cash, deposit bonds are used in a substantial number of transactions.

In general terms, the risk to buyers and sellers is relatively low because a typical real estate transaction is over in six weeks. Provided that a buyer complies with its obligations under a contract and pays the purchase price to the seller the bond is never called upon and simply fades into the ether once the transaction is completed.

The implications this news may have

on the market moving forward could be significant however, for example: 1. Sellers do not have to accept deposit bonds as payment of a deposit.

While many do, if this deposit bond drama is not resolved quickly, sellers may be much more reluctant to accept bonds as a method of deposit payment in the future. This means that even if a lender is willing to lend a buyer over 90 per cent of the purchase price, buyers may still have to come up with the full 10 per cent deposit in real cash.

2. A lot of sale contracts contain provisions allowing for the deposit paid by a buyer to be released to a seller for the purpose of a seller’s subsequent purchase (usually people sell their homes to upgrade or downsize so often they need the deposit money to pay for their new purchase immediately). In the past, lawyers acting for buyers have sought to have these conditions removed on the basis that the seller can use a bond to pay their deposit on their subsequent purchase. This may no longer be a feasible solution.

As for what this means right now for buyers and sellers involved in transactions with deposit bonds, it is unclear.

It has been reported that the most likely outcome is that Deposit Power and/or its policies will be guaranteed/ underwritten by a new insurer and the world of real estate transactions will carry on largely unaffected. There is unlikely any need for panic.

If you are concerned, contact your lawyer or conveyancer to discuss.

Nothing in the above article should be construed as legal advice. The comments made by the writer are general in nature and for information purposes only.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Sisters pledge to lose their locks LAUREN SUTTIE

ome people like it long, some like it short. Others like to dye it different colours and some prefer to have none at all.

While it’s a luxury for so many of us to have the choice on how we wear our hair, for 60,000 Australians, it’s a choice that has been cruelly taken away from them.

For 19-year-old Nyssa Scott, seeing those around her suffering from cancer was the reason she has decided to shave all her hair off for this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.

“There are a few people in our family who have had cancer, not specifically Leukaemia, but I think they all effect everyone in the same way,” she said.

“I think that it’s a luxury to have your hair and I think we are lucky to have the option to shave it off, while at the same time raising money for a good cause.”

Starting back in 1998, the Leukaemia Foundation will be celebrating the 20th birthday this year of the World’s Greatest Shave, which has seen over 1.9 million Aussies commit to shaving or colouring their hair.

And while it isn’t the first time that Ms Scott has participated in the shave, also

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shaving her head back in 2014, she won’t be doing it alone this time around with her younger sister, Airlie Scott, also putting her hair up for the chop.

“Honestly I just really wanted to support Nyssa because it is a really brave thing what she is doing and I really connected with her reasons for doing it,” Airlie said.

“But since my hair is dyed, I can’t donate it to make wigs like Nyssa, but what I can do is donate it to make the nets that clean up oil spills in the ocean.”

While research is improving survival rates, sadly an Australian still loses their life to blood cancer every two hours, which is why the Foundation is hoping to raise $16 million this year to help reduce that number.

While it might seem daunting getting rid of what so many people define their looks by, the local sisters are looking forward to having one less thing to maintain.

“Even though I might have connected with my hair in the past, for me it is just hair and I just think why have it when I don’t really appreciate it and it can go towards something better,” Airlie said.

To support the sisters in their brave shave, visit www.worldsgreatestshave. com and enter in their names on the sponsors page.

Nyssa and Airlie Scott are taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave

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Swing into sun safety Cancer Council campaign aims to protect golfers from harsh weather LAUREN SUTTIE

enrith golfers are being urged to make sun safety a priority.

Joining over 70 other golf clubs across the state, Penrith Golf Club has come on board with Cancer Council NSW to take part in the skin cancer prevention program, ‘Improve your Long Game’.

It aims to remind golfers, who spend plenty of time in the sun, to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’.

Cancer Council NSW community programs coordinator, Natalia Atcha said that the main focus of the campaign was to create more awareness about sun safety for golfers.

“The idea of it is to really have more of a presence and to talk to golfers about the importance of covering up, so we supply golfers with tubes of sunscreen as well as provide informative signage to be put around the club,” she said.

“We are just wanting men to talk about it between themselves and to encourage each other to get out of the sun.”

With men over the age of 40 in NSW being 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, General Manager of Penrith Golf Club, Brendon Kop said the campaign acted as a great reminder for golfers.

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General Manager of Penrith Golf Club, Brendon Kop, with Cancer Council NSW Community Programs Coordinator, Natalia Atcha and a local Penrith volunteer for Cancer Council NSW, Alex Forster. Photo: Melinda Jane “Programs such as Cancer Council’s ‘Improve Your Long Game’ are fantastic to help remind members about taking care of themselves while in the sun,” he said.

Golfers are urged to slip on protective

clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

In its third year, Ms Atcha said that the campaign had so far been a resounding success.

“It’s good as older golfers are acting as role models for the younger ones. It’s also good to be able to show that the money raised from Penrith Relay For Life is going back into the community,” she said.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Rossco wouldn’t rule out new tilt at local government

Extraordinary response to historic house’s open day LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s one of the earliest colonial buildings in Australia, estimated to be built as early as 1803, and for the first time in seven years, locals have had the opportunity to visit the historic property.

Built just 15 years after the First Fleet landed in Sydney, the Hadley Park Farmhouse in Castlereagh has seen six generations of the Hadley family occupy its buildings up until 2008.

Senior Executive Officer at Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (PLDC), Dani Robinson said that besides the age of the property, the fact that it was a centre point for the development of Castlereagh, is what makes it such an important part of Penrith’s history.

“This was the bread basket of the early colony and the river was the main highway, so it’s just kind of the centrepiece of the development of Castlereagh and how it all radiated out from the river,” she said.

The early colonial home, which is currently being assessed for inclusion in the State Heritage register, was recently opened up for three days to the public by PLDC. Due to the overwhelming response from locals about the open days, extra days are also scheduled in March, but have now also fully booked out.

Ms Robinson said that the open days will serve as an opportunity for locals to

I

Ross Hutchison is a former Penrith Citizen of the Year TROY DODDS

ovable Penrith character Ross Hutchison has not ruled out a further tilt at politics.

Mr Hutchison, who is currently a presenter on local radio station Vintage FM and continues to work hard for various charity causes across Penrith and beyond, said he believes he’d offer plenty to local Council.

“I would not rule it out at all. I would love to serve Penrith from the front line

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because I love front line work,” he told the Weekender’s ‘On The Record’ podcast.

“I’m sure there would be those who would really love me to be on Council... because I’m what you see is what you get.”

But he admitted it would be a tough task, particularly with the dominance of the major parties. If Mr Hutchison does decide to run for Council in the future, he said it would definitely be as an independent as both major parties have good ideas.

Listen to the full Ross Hutchison ‘On The Record’ podcast at www.westernweekender.com.au/podcasts or on iTunes.

How good does a Sirloin Burger taste?

You be the judge

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

Timed parking causes concern This is ridiculous (Two hours to shop or face fines, Weekender February 23). If you want to shop and then have a bite to eat that usually takes more than two hours.

If you need a service at the hairdresser it sometimes can take longer and also the doctors if busy you can sit there for up to the two hours or longer. Why not three hours as it is at other shopping centres?

I live in Emu but if this continues, I may consider shopping at another centre.

Feel sorry for all the businesses that are closing. Some have been there for years.

SUSAN GALLAGHER, VIA FACEBOOK

Should be three hours at this unticketed car park or all that management will succeed in doing is driving (pun intended) shoppers elsewhere. Is there a hidden agenda here? Seven Hills shopping centre tried this and withdrew it not too long afterwards.

MARK KERR, VIA FACEBOOK

Penrith’s only sirloin burgers 20

Council by-election coming I hope people remember all the dramas they have complained about on Facebook over the last two years and look into who the people are on the ballot and what they stand for (Hooley dooley, Weekender February 23). Last election I remember WW32520

learn about the colonial and Aboriginal heritage within the property.

“I think people do understand the significance of Castlereagh history and a lot of Penrith people came from the families that were along the 1803 land grants,” Ms Robinson said.

Local Paul Wheeldon was one of 500 locals excited to make the trip out to the site.

“It’s a great opportunity to come and see it as it is, and we’ll hopefully be able to come back in many years’ time and it’ll still be pretty good then,” he said.

dear weekender...

Hidden agenda?

492 High St PENRITH

The property at Castlereagh

the person next to me said to their friend, “I don’t know who any of these people are!” and then voted.

EVE AMBROSE, VIA FACEBOOK

Cemetery debate continues It seems there’s a classic case of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) happening in Wallacia (Killing off cemetery myths, Weekender February 23). The golf course doesn’t make money, and in fact seems to be a lost cause as far as a possible financial turnaround is concerned. The people who want to build the cemetery appear to be ensuring that a golf course remains, despite this fact. That seems to be a happy medium to me.

STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

Cemetery is good result for local community I think this is the best use for the site, if I lived in Wallacia I would think that Catholic Cemeteries is Father Christmas!

Who else would do all of this for the club?

Better facilities, golf course, a place for us all to go – make it a club for everyone! I’d prefer this than a housing development or a warehousing facility. I just hope the Catholics don’t give up on this as this is the only hope of saving Wallacia in my eyes.

MICHAEL CUTRI, VIA FACEBOOK

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

Concert aims to raise $20,000 for overseas health project Locals across Penrith and the Blue Mountains are being invited to immerse themselves in a night of cultural song and dance, all in the name of a good cause.

The Rotary Club of Penrith Valley are hosting ‘An Evening For Nepal’, where all funds raised from ticketing sales will go towards supporting the ‘Healthy Schools Project’ in Nepal.

President of Penrith Valley Rotary, Neil Williamson said that the project aimed to educate Nepalese youth on the importance of health risks, as well as to push for change in Nepal’s education sector.

“The health screening project is a group of doctors working in a school with about 1000 students,” he said.

“They look at things such as basic health

care and screening, as well as doing things like testing eye sight, hearing, talking about infection control and sex education.”

The concert fundraiser will be held at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub on March 10 and is aiming to raise $20,000. To book, call 4723 5050 or visit www.bluemountainstheatre.com.

The airport site at Badgerys Creek

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Noise funds a welcome relief

he Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $75 million commitment to noise abatement around Western Sydney Airport.

“This is a good first step towards acknowledging airport noise as an important issue, and ensuring western Sydney residents are being protected,” said WSROC President Stephen Bali.

“It is critical that western Sydney receives the same types of protections as those living around Sydney Airport, particularly in the absence of a curfew.

“While this fund will provide some reassurance to many residents, there is still much more work to be done to minimise impacts including flight path design, airport operating protocols, and appropriate land use adjacent to the airport.

“WSROC will also be keen to see the government’s proposed eligibility criteria for residents seeking physical noise mitigation measures in future.

“This announcement is a clear indication that airport noise is an important issue and the Federal Government is reacting to the concerns of western Sydney.”

Meanwhile, a North-South rail link will improve connectivity across western Sydney, creating access to more local jobs for residents of the region, according to 87 per cent of respondents to a recent Western Sydney Rail Alliance survey.

The online survey asked 2,000 residents from Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and surrounding suburbs about their current public transport experience and if they support a North-South rail link.

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By-election date The by-elections in South and East Wards will take place on Saturday, May 12, Council has confirmed.

Council’s General Manager Alan Stoneham has officially begun planning for the upcoming by-elections.

They were triggered following the resignations of Councillor Josh Hoole and Councillor Ben Price last month.

At Monday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, it was resolved that the General Manager will conduct the election, much to Councillor Marcus Cornish’s frustration.

“A General Manager should not be overseeing an election of his peers,” he said.

“We need more transparency.”

Council will soon release details about nominations and voting.

– Emily Newton

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Keeping it McClean: Maccas staff help take out the trash

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rmed with rubbish bags and gloves, McDonald’s restaurants in Penrith joined forces with the local community to show their support for Clean Up Australia Day. McDonald’s Garton Group, incorporating McDonald’s Penrith Leagues, Penrith High St, Werrington and Glenmore Park, are some of the 515 restaurants participating in clean-up efforts across the country.

“Clean Up Australia Day is an initiative we’re extremely proud to be a part of,” Licensee of McDonald’s Garton Group Ian Garton said.

“This Clean Up Australia Day, we’re encouraging all Penrith locals to get out and do their bit for the community.”

Staff were on site at the new Thornton estate on Tuesday, February 27 to help keep our local community beautiful by filling bags of rubbish, even pulling rubbish out from the canal.

To get involved locally, visit www. cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

SEE Foundation – Providing DisAbility support with a difference!

SEE Foundation is a small disability provider in the Activity hub of Penrith, we are NDIS registered and provide a completely inclusive and unique approach to supporting people with All Abilities.

This approach is based on the premise that disability support is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution resulting in supports and activities that change with each person’s ongoing changing needs and interests. We believe that everyone has the right to live their very best life and we are here to help you achieve that with: DAY PROGRAM: We have vacancies now activities or that ballet or drama class you in our specialised and unique day program have been wanting to take. where there is no overcrowding, no SATURDAY GROUP: Join our fun filled understaffing and no admin charges. Just Saturday program aimed at socialisation, high quality unique service tailored to your money and travel skills whilst enjoying fun needs. activities like Bowling, Painting, Cooking, ACCESS TO COMMUNITY, SOCIAL & Swimming, Horse Riding, Mini Golf and RECREATION ACTIVITIES: We can assist more. you engage in the community by connecting The time is now to experience the difference and supporting you to undertake leisure that comes with a provider that has that and sporting activities, health and wellness small community and family feel . . .

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SEE FOUNDATION | UNIT 3, 69 YORK ROAD, JAMISONTOWN |  4721 1966 (Entrance off Batt street (inside the Abcoe Centre) with easy access to the fun of Bowling, Flip Out, Jamison Park and more . . .

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t was a Civil War that lasted over 25 years and saw thousands of innocent people killed, and now a local film maker is drawing on his experience as a war child, in the hopes of creating awareness about Sri Lanka’s dark history.

After growing up in the midst of Sri Lanka’s Civil War, Eelan Elanko has always had a passion for film making, but it wasn’t the success or fame that Mr Elanko had his heart set on, instead his ambition was to inspire others like him to chase their dreams.

“I thought we needed a platform for our kids and people living overseas as there are so many talented people who don’t have the opportunity to show it, no matter how talented they are,” the St Clair resident said.

“I wanted to make a change and create an industry over there to give those people a chance.”

Mr Elanko’s first film, ‘Iniyavale Kaathiruppen’, which was released in 2012, was also the first ever Tamil film made in Australia.

And while that movie explored notions of love and family, Mr Elanko decided to take a more political path for his latest film, ‘Witness in Heaven’.

“There were many people killed in Sri Lanka by Sri Lankan government forces,” he said.

I

ON SALE 5pm DRAWN 7pm Eelan Elanko behind the camera “Among them was a young woman named Issaipriya who was a young journalist, as well as the son of the Leader of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who was just 12 years of age when he was killed,” he said.

“The story follows them in Heaven and gives the audience an insight into their deaths.”

Four years in the making, the unique film that is in both English and Tamil, launched last Sunday at the Yaarl Function Centre in Pendle Hill.

Acknowledging that media is one of the most powerful tools that can be used, Mr Elanko said he didn’t want to waste the opportunity he had to create a thought provoking film that will resonate with so many people.

For more information about the film and where you can see it, visit www. facebook.com/witnessinheaven.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Hospital wait now easier Simple idea will make a world of difference during stressful visits to Emergency EMILY NEWTON

hildren admitted to Nepean Hospital’s emergency department will be a little less frightened thanks to activity packs provided by the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains.

The fun and educational packs, created for kids aged from three to 11-years-old, contain colouring-in activity books, pencils and stickers, to make their hospital journey a little easier by combating fear and boredom.

Rotarian Carolyn Fitzpatrick said the club wanted to improve the experience for children and families awaiting treatment or test results in the emergency department, inspired after hearing that some hospital staff were spending their own money to provide kids with entertainment.

“My daughter worked in the emergency department and she said to me that one of her colleagues was buying bulk crayons and dividing them up into zip-lock bags,” she said.

“She had drawings that she had downloaded from the Internet, and was photocopying them for the kids.”

After hearing this, Ms Fitzpatrick contacted the doctors at the hospital to ask

C

Rotary Club members with staff from Nepean Hospital and the new activity packs them how the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains could help.

“I thought this was something we might like to do as a community service. It just

helps make the emergency department more child-friendly,” she said.

The booklets are only stage one of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains’

plan, with stages two and three to follow in the coming months.

“Stage two, we will do up the paediatric waiting room with decal stickers and some furniture, and in stage three we will actually become volunteers,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“When we’re volunteering we will try to keep children amused, or be with the child while mum or dad go outside to make a private phone call.

“I’ve heard some parents say they have felt guilty to leave their child to go to the toilet.”

The Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains will be providing the packs to over 500 local kids a month, thanks to the generous partnership of the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Club, who contributed over $15,000 towards funding the packs, and local business owner, Jim Aitken.

“We put a grant proposal to Panthers and they were really happy to get behind it because they think it’s a worthwhile thing,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“And Jim Aitken, who is a Rotarian, is just extremely generous.”

The packs are already being put to good use at the hospital.

For more information on volunteering, visit www.lowerbluemountainsrotary. org.au.

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Why wait until Spring to have a good clean out around the house? Autumn is the perfect time to get cleaning, especially with Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 4.

And to help you get in the ‘clean up’ spirit, Council’s Waste Services team are holding two free events to help residents get rid of your problematic waste.

The first event, our bi-annual Electronic Drop-Off Day, will be held on Sunday, March 4. You can bring any old, broken and unwanted electrical items down to Jamison Park from 9am – 3.30pm, and Council staff will unload your car and dispose of the items for free.

The next event is the Chemical Drop-Off Days, which will be held the following weekend on Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11. At this event you can bring old household cleaners, paint products, pool chemicals, batteries, gas bottles and oils. Council staff will be on site at Jamison Park from

9am – 3.30pm both days to dispose of these items safely.

These events are fantastic initiatives of Council, and in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), because it is vital that problematic waste like electronics and chemicals are disposed of safely and responsibly as some elements are toxic and cannot be sent to landfill.

If you have electronic or chemical waste sitting around at home, I encourage you to take it along to these events and have them disposed of safely and for free.

If you can’t make it to the drop-off days, head to the Community Recycling Centre anytime! They accept most electronic and chemical waste items and will take them for free. A full list of what you can take there, and its opening times are available online: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/CommunityRecycling-Centre.

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

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

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

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ROAMING CHARACTERS

STREET PARADE 12:30PM

& FREE MEET AND GREET

IRISH DANCERS & CELTIC BAND RIOGH!

17TH MARCH | 9AM – 3PM | HIGH STREET PENRITH For more information call 4722 5556 or visit www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au

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PrimaDanceWarehouse

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

2018 Women’s Day International

Amanda Wyllie - Insignia Hair & Day Spa With 26 years in the hairdressing industry, Penrith’s Insignia Hair and Day Spa Salon Director Amanda Wyllie has gone from strength to strength in her career.

At just 21-years-old she managed Grace Bros Hair and Beauty with six staff to mentor, train and grow.

It wasn’t long before Ms Wyllie was training to be an Area Manager, further advancing her career through upstyling and makeup skills.

This then led her to work on high profile projects including Australia’s Got Talent, Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and two years in a row New York Fashion Week.

Ms Wyllie opened her first salon in Blaxland before moving to Insignia Hair and Day Spa eight years ago where her staff strive every day to grow as a team.

What began as just two staff members, has now grown to 22 and is stronger than ever.

Her successful salon has seen her travel to London to study with Vidal Sassoon and work at New York Fashion Week.

With no stopping her, Ms Wyllie is going to keep achieving her career goals.

“I always say success is the best revenge and you should never look back. Onwards and upwards,” Ms Wyllie said.

Insignia Hair and Day Spa aims to make sure every client feels and looks amazing, and supports the power and strength of International Women’s Day.

14/69 York Road Penrith Ph 4722 3503 WW32518

International Women’s Day 2018

Happy International Women’s Day to all of our amazing local ladies!

On this day we celebrate the hard fought battles led by generations of women before us and recognise the changes that we still need.

To those who have fought for the progress of women and to ensure we have a more equal and inclusive society – we say thank you. Issues such as the ever-growing gender pay gap, the scourge that is violence against women and women’s representation remind us that more work needs to be done in our community, at home and in our workplaces.

Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day 2018 for all that’s been achieved and never forget what there is still left to do. To our amazing local ladies who continue to break through barriers every single day – thank you.

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P r ue Ca r M P | M e m b e r f or L on d on de r r y | 1 5 4 Q ue e n S t, S t M a r y s N S W 2 7 6 0

Vicki Fowler - Mid Mountains Real Estate Being the Director and Principal of a real estate office does have its challenges, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Every day is different and especially in such a beautiful location like the Blue Mountains. I feel it’s all about the team you have with you that will make or break your concept and I have the best team in the Mountains with Collin, Susan, Tanya and Tara.

The World Heritage Blue Mountains sells itself, the agent is the liaison officer and marketer and that is what we excel in!

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Vicki Fowler 0400320354 Director/Principal Licensed Real Estate Agent Marketing Specialist Mid Mountains Real Estate Phone: (02) 4758 6224 WW32371

Shop 255, Level 2 Westfield Penrith Ph 4722 6003 penrith@destinyjewellers.com.au

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Local Clinical Nurse Specialists and business partners Jigisha Kariya and Nerida Ives established Home Instead Senior Care in Penrith 12 months ago, joining an international franchise network committed to changing the face of ageing. With offices in USA, Canada, Japan, China, UK, Ireland, Germany, Finland and Switzerland, Home Instead Senior Care is contributing to discussions at the World Economic Forum, participating in World Health Organisation committees and doing what they can to address challenges many countries are now facing with significantly ageing populations.

Nationally, Home Instead Senior Care employs over 2,000 people in local communities across Australia. Currently, 87% of its workforce are women, 64% of whom are aged between 41-65 and 66% of their clients are women.

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Destiny Jewellers is all about the affinity between people and life’s special moments, the celebration of connection and relationships between two or more people.

Liza Chohaili, store owner with over 15 years’ experience in the jewellery industry, is a fifth generation jeweller. “I am passionate about what I do, jewellery is my life, and I dedicate each day, creating beauty through each unique piece of jewellery, to enable everyone to sparkle in their moment, their destiny”.

The business has attracted some of the world’s most talented, passionate, experienced brands and jewellery designers, who are inspired to help Destiny Jeweller’s customers with life’s special moments. We stock a wide range of quality jewellery including Platinum 18ct and 9ct gold chains and bracelets, diamond engagement rings, watches and more. The team are making sure they offer everything to suit your needs.

Liza also credits her supportive husband, her four beautiful children, her loving family, her wonderful staff and her loyal customers for their support in becoming Sydney’s #1 Leading Bespoke Jeweller.

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Liza Chohaili - Destiny Jewellers

Jigisha and Nerida say it is a rare opportunity you can own and run your own business in your local community but also connect, collaborate and contribute on a global scale.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on what women have achieved and how far we have progressed. However, it’s also a time to reflect on what still needs to change.

Through Home Instead Senior Care we are a proud employer, educator and carer of women and want to continue reducing isolation and loneliness amongst elderly women in the community.”

For more information on their quality in-home care, companionship and support services, visit HOMEINSTEAD.COM.AU or call 4722 2256.

– Owners: Jigisha Kariya and Nerida Ives

Suite 1 Unit 2, 55-61 York Road, South Penrith | P: 4722 2256 | Website: penrith.homeinstead.com.au/

Emma Husar - MP for Lindsay Emma has lived her entire life in Penrith and loves the community she represents. Her lived experience with domestic violence and raising a child with special needs has helped her be a strong voice for change.

“It is an honour and privilege to be able to highlight issues affecting those who find it difficult to be heard. When I established the Women of Lindsay Awards, I knew there were amazing women in every street of every suburb in this wonderful community who just go quietly about their business, making a difference. I want to celebrate them and their achievements. Empowering women creates a more equal society and strong economic environment for everyone. I look forward to honouring these women as part of the 2018 Women of Lindsay Awards Breakfast on Friday 9 March.”

331 High Street, Penrith Ph 4722 0600 Emma.Husar.MP@aph.gov.au www.emmahusar.com.au WW32431

Tanya Davies MP

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“This past year I have had the honour to be Minister for Women in the NSW Government. Throughout my work I have met and spoken with women from all walks of life who have different life experiences, hopes and dreams. And while I acknowledge we are beautiful and wonderfully unique individuals there are common challenges that continue to face women. Whether it’s our struggle for self belief, courage to chase after our dreams, the rate of domestic and family violence, discrimination in the workplace, inequality of opportunity and pay, these challenges remain. That’s why on International Woman’s Day we must celebrate the achievements of women, focus on their triumphs, celebrate the victories that we have won but also draw closer together as a sisterhood to fight for equality, dignity and safety which is every woman and young girl’s human right.”

Member for Mulgoa a Shop 43, St Clair Shopping Centre 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759 PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759 9834 2966 9834 6291 Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43 St Clair Shopping Centre, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759, using parliamentary entitlements.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Corpus Christi Primary CRANEBROOK

SPECIAL FEATURE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

SPONSORED CONTENT

We work in partnership with our parish, families and local secondary schools, Xavier College Llandilo, Caroline Chisholm College (girls) Glenmore Park, to provide quality Catholic schooling from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Enrolling Now WE OFFER:

For more information please contact Corpus Christi’s Principal, Mr Paul Devlin Corpus Christi Primary – Andromeda Drive, Cranebrook Phone: 4726 2200 Email: corpuschristi@parra.catholic.edu.au www.cccranebrook.catholic.edu.au

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How to choose the right school for your child ooking for a great local school for your child? Catholic schools in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are enrolling now.

Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) Executive Director, Greg Whitby, admires the careful consideration that families devote to choosing a school.

“As a parent (and grandparent) myself, I know that making sure your child is happy and learning at school matters,” he said.

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• Learning environment enriched by faith and values • Broad curriculum including Religious Education • Wide range of curricular activities (sport, creative and performing arts, academic competitions, etc) • Dedicated and professional teaching staff • New and integrated technology including interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPads • Learning support and enrichment programs • Transition programs (Kindergarten & Year 6 for high school) • Extensive recreational and sporting areas • Active and supportive parent community

“Choosing a caring school community is a great decision not just for your child, but for your whole family.”

With 80 great local schools, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta is looking forward in the years ahead to opening a STEM-focused school (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) as part of the Sydney Science Park development in Luddenham.

Details of the various school Open Days can be found at www.parra. catholic.edu.au.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

SPONSORED CONTENT

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

St Dominic’s College

OPEN DAY 2018 Sunday the 4th of March You are invited to join us for our Annual Open Day at the College from 10am to 2.30pm.

Preparing our kids for the future t Nicholas of Myra is a boutique Catholic learning community catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in the parish of Penrith.

At St Nicholas of Myra, the five core values that underpin all that they do are Compassion, Cooperation, Responsibility, Respect and Justice.

They believe that these Gospel values are essential for their school to be an effective place of quality learning for each student.

At St Nicholas of Myra, they believe that learning and teaching should be purposeful and relevant, enabling

S

children to make meaningful connections.

Their role as Catholic educators is to provide strong Catholic foundations for their students to participate effectively in workplaces and communities of the future.

For more information on St Nicholas of Myra’s enrolments for 2019, you can attend one of their Twilight Tours this Monday, March 5 at 4pm to 4.30pm and 6pm to 6.30pm.

You can contact the school on 4752 3300 or by visiting www.stnicholaspenrith.catholic.edu.au.

The morning session starts at 10:00am, followed by a tour of the College at 10:30am.

The afternoon session starts at 12:30pm followed by a tour of the College at 1:00pm.

St Dominic’s College 54 - 94 Gascoigne Street Kingswood NSW 2747 Ph: 02 4731 1933 Email info@stdominics.nsw.edu.au Website: www.stdominics.nsw.edu.au ABN 12 838 505 432 WW32414

2019 ENROLMENTS

cCarthy M CATHOLIC COLLEGE

OPen TUESDAY 6 MARCH 4.00PM - 7.00PM

McCARTHY EMPOWERS EVERY STUDENT TO ACHIEVE THEIR BEST THROUGH:

Come and see a school on the move that equips students with 21st Century learning skills Principal’s Address and student led tours Further information can be obtained on our website www.mccarthyemuplains.catholic.edu.au

A SCHOOL FOCUSING ON CONTEMPORARY LEARNING TO ENGAGE ALL STUDENTS

Enrolment packages can be obtained by contacting our office P: 4728 8100 E: Mccarthy@parra.catholic.edu.au www.mccarthyemuplains.catholic.edu.au Follow us on McCarthyCC @McCarthyCollege

• a strong sense of school spirit and high expectations • wide range of extra- curricular activities including sport preparing all students for future career possibilties • Australian Government funded P-TECH pilot school working in partnership with PwC and Telstra as mentors • learning skills in a trade as part of a HSC study package

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2019 McCarthy Catholic College

OPEN DAY 6 March 2018

4.00pm - 7.00pm

75 Mackellar St, Emu Plains P 4728 8100 www.mccarthyemuplains.catholic.edu.au

Holy Family Primary

OPEN DAY 8 March 2018

9.00am -11.00am

Lot 32 Willowdene Avenue, Luddenham P 4773 7100 www.hfluddenham.catholic.edu.au

Trinity Catholic Primary

OPEN DAY 8 March 2018

9.00am -12.00pm

61-83 Bakers Lane, Kemps Creek P 8856 6200 www.trinitykempscreek.catholic.edu.au

Emmaus Catholic College

ENROLLING NOW

Contact the school for more information

87-109 Bakers Lane, Kemps Creek P 9670 8300 www.emmauskempscreek.catholic.edu.au

St Joseph’s Primary

OPEN DAY 6 March 2018

9.00am -11.00am & 3.30pm-5.00pm

94 Joseph Street, Kingswood P 4726 4200 www.stjosephskingswood.catholic.edu.au

Holy Spirit Primary

ENROLLING

Contact the school for more information

7-17 Todd Row, St Clair P 8886 3200 www.hsstclair.catholic.edu.au

catholicedparra

@CatholicEdParra

www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

A ‘super’ sponsor for Catholic Schools Week s the proud sponsor of Catholic Schools Week (CSW) in 2018, Australian Catholic Superannuation continue to be inspired and encouraged by the efforts of the Catholic education community.

First and foremost, CSW is about celebration.

One of the major objectives is to raise community awareness about the strengths and distinctiveness of Catholic schools, and highlight the significant contribution the Catholic education sector makes.

It is an opportunity to share with the broader community the great things that take place in schools every day.

CSW always aims to provide an ideal opportunity to: • Convey the rich and unique history of Catholic education • Showcase what happens every day in Catholic schools • Invite the community to experience, first-hand, teaching and learning at its best CSW is also about strengthening

Groups & Support

A

relationships between students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community.

Just as schools and teachers nurture the fundamental learnings of their students, guiding and supporting members on their life-long financial journey to eventual retirement is a principal purpose of Australian Catholic Superannuation.

More specifically, they want to better equip members for financial success by improving their knowledge and money management skills.

Naturally, tomorrow’s members are today’s students.

To find out more about Australian Catholic Superannuation, call 1300 658 776.

Parent Support Penrith Every 2nd Tuesday 10am - 11.30am

Sensory Playgroup Penrith Wednesday 9.30 -11am Friday 3.30-5pm

Duplo Club North St Marys Monday 3.15-4.45pm

Lego Focus 8-12yrs Penrith Tuesday 3.30-5pm

Lego Club Kingswood Wednesday 3.30 -5pm Thursday 3.30-5pm

Emoji 13-19yrs Penrith Every 2nd Tuesday 3.30-5pm

*Suitability of groups is an individualised agreement with a person centred approach.

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

All groups are facilitated by experienced disability staff. They are a great opportunity to be involved in a structured social program within a safe and non-judgemental environment.

We aim to increase social development and to foster an inclusive and creative culture, to actively participate in the community.

Parents have the opportunity to receive resources and advice on strategies relating to issues that may be of concern with a carer support environment.

Through attending a regular group both parents and children are able to build a supportive network of both formal and informal supports.

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE LUKE PRIDDIS FOUNDATION PHONE: 02 4736 2202

EMAIL: GROUPS@LUKEPRIDDISFOUNDATION.COM

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St Nicholas of Myra

K-6 Catholic Education TWILIGHT TOURS Monday 5 March 4:00- 4:30 pm & 6:00- 6:30 pm stnicholaspenrith.parra.catholic.edu.au

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

BUSINESS Determining your business vision Jane Tweedy // Western Sydney Business Centre 4721 5011 | info@wsbusiness.com.au

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

www.happyhourmedia.com.au

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

usiness guru Stephen Covey talked about starting your business with the end in mind. This is important and will help us determine the business vision, priorities and goals, and make conscious decisions along our journey.

Is your business really a job replacement?

Many small businesses start as a job replacement. Whether it’s a mum returning to work and needing a more flexible solution, or a person who’s sick of working for someone else.

Often these people are focused on the near term, providing income to their household. For some this is sufficient, and will ultimately be the end goal of your business. It will generate income but have nothing left to sell or pass on.

A ‘real’ business In The E-Myth Revisited, author Michael Gerber talks about creating turn key businesses. These are businesses that are set-up with the intention of growing bigger. An organisation chart is established, but it sets a clear framework for the business expansion,

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

WE

SHOW YOU

may allow for succession planning, or creating value that allows the business to be sold for a return.

An empire Some take the business further and create an empire or sometimes a franchised business structure (like Ray Kroc with McDonald’s).

What is a business vision?

Where do you want to take the business in the future, assuming it went well? Where do you sit – job replacement, business or empire? There is no right or wrong answer. But it’s important to understand your position, where you want to take your business, and what that looks like to you. Do you want employees, multiple locations…?

Each adds its own complications.

Keep the end in mind You will reach crossroads on your journey, and knowing both your mission and your vision, will help you make conscious decisions. Will the opportunity presented help you towards your vision or jeopardise it? You can alter your goalposts, but you need to know where they are first!

WHY..

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Local Business Advisors are ready to assist you with Starting or Running Your Business Two Fully Subsidised & Confidential Appointments Small Business Workshops & Training Offices across Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains Mobile Advisors Available to visit you at your home or business WW28413

02 4721 5011 W W W . W S B U S I N E S S . C O M . A U 32

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

ON THE

Latest Guest

D R O C RE

Ross Hutchison Vintage FM presenter & philanthropist

A new Western Weekender Podcast Series.

Listen online at westernweekender.com.au/podcasts or search Western Weekender on iTunes.

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Looking for a challenge for 2018?

Our Plumbing Division is rapidly expanding MAINTENANCE PLUMBERS

SUPERVISOR, PLUMBING MAINTENANCE

If you are a licensed plumber & experienced in maintenance & upgrade works, why not send your resume now?

You will have : • strong maintenance experience including hot water repairs & installations, sewer blockages & all aspects of general plumbing repairs & installs. Pipe relining, backflow prevention & CCTV would be an advantage also • a Focus on Safety and Customer Service • willingness to learn & use our electronic Job system • Drivers license, White Card and possible RIW card and/or other accreditations Work will be based in Penrith and throughout the Sydney metro.

We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Plumber to lead our maintenance team in providing a high standard of workmanship & service to our valued clients ranging from government works & contracts to commercial, real estate and construction companies.

If you are looking for a role where you can move primarily out of the field & take on the role of leading others, undertake quoting and pricing of works reviewing scheduling of team members & training of apprentices, preparing invoicing and closing out jobs whilst heading to site when needed, then this may be the role for you.

You are most likely happy working where you are but would enjoy being based close to home in the Penrith area, working with a great team & leading others with your knowledge in the industry.

If you are interested in either of these roles, please send your resume telling us about your qualifications, skills & experience & a little bit about yourself to : hr@hix.com.au (Please be sure to identify which role you are applying for)

Or contact Jason Brown on 0247217500 for more information

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

TURNING BACK TIME

Penrith locals have always loved the movies From the drive-ins to Mike Walsh, Penrith has a long history when it comes to cinema. Jade Aliprandi looks back on some of the movie theatres that now only exist in our memories...

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or most of Penrith’s cinema history, there has always been a complex ready and waiting for the next patron to walk through the doors.

However, it hasn’t always been rosy when it comes to cinema in Penrith.

Hoyts in Westfield Penrith currently dominates the local movie scene, but in the 1990s it faced stiff competition from Hayden Theatres and a proposed Reading Cinemas in the Panthers Leagues Club.

Below are some of the cinemas that Penrith was home to, dating way back to 1911.

The Hayden Twin The Hayden Twin Cinemas cost Mike Walsh a massive $2.5 million and opened in December 1981.

Cinema one seated 643 people and cinema two seated 561 people, and they were side by side.

Lasting almost 20 years, the site of the theatres sat on the corner of Lawson and Henry Streets in Penrith and was dubbed ‘Australia’s largest twin theatre with the latest equipment’.

The cinema had its name changed to Hayden Theatres later on.

Hoyts eventually bought Hayden Theatres in 1998, selling the complex in 2000.

It brought the curtain down on a fantastic complex that Penrith residents still remember today.

Nepean Theatre The original Nepean Theatre was financed and built by a group of Penrith businessmen in 1911, and was built as an open-air cinema.

It was opened three times a week.

The Starline Drive-in cinema complex opened in 1965 and closed in 1984. Photo: Penrith City Library The cinema was given a partial roof in 1912 by using a tarpaulin, only for it to be blown away soon after being put up due to a storm. The cinema was shut during winter and in 1920, these months were used to demolish it and build an enclosed cinema, opening in November that year.

In 1948 the premises was remodelled and decorated to give Penrith an up-todate picture palace. It seated 1172 people.

It ran for the next 19 years but surrendered to the age of TV and closed in 1967.

The building was demolished in 1977 to make way for a new bank building.

Dungowan and the Avon Theatre The Temperance Hall was home to the Dungowan Theatre and became a permanent picture theatre in 1918, operating bi-weekly.

OF THE WEEK

Visit Insignia today at 14/69 York Rd, Penrith 34

Street in Kingswood, with the proposal gaining the support of Council.

The theatre would have room for 250 cars and would employ 16 people when it opened.

The sound equipment was imported from the United States and was to be among the most modern in Australia.

The screen was 108 feet long and 56 feet deep.

The theatre also had a restaurant serving both snacks and meals.

It is said to have cost around $200,000 to build.

It was opened in 1965.

In 1970, upgrades meant there was more than 700 car spaces.

It closed in 1984, ending a tremendous era of the drive-ins in Penrith.

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Looking good is feeling good....

The theatre was destroyed by fire in 1923 but was reopened just three years later which is when it was given its name Dungowan by townsman Cecil Horstmann, who ran it as a Saturday cinema until 1933.

Mr Horstmann had a lack of audience at the cinema and was forced to close down due to the Depression.

Businessman Jim Scott reopened the theatre as the ‘Avon’ in 1956, seating 457 people and after a life of 13 years screening films, it closed on November 3, 1969, to make way for a Waltons store.

The Starline Drive-in complex The Starline Drive-in theatre was proposed to Council by a Queensland company which wanted to build the establishment on 15 acres of land in O’Connell

vintagefm.com.au

PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Classic voice we adore

H LAUREN SUTTIE

e was the 15-yea r- old from Caringbah that captured audiences on ‘A u s t r a l i a ’s Got Talent’ in 2009 with his emotional rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’.

And now nine years after taking out the competition, Mark Vincent said the song that helped start it all, is still one of his all-time favourites.

“My favourite song would be ‘Nessun Dorma’ as this song kick-started my career at 15,” he said.

“It opened so many doors and it’s loved by so many people around the world.”

Growing up in a family with a very strong Italian heritage, Mark got his first taste of performing in front of an audience at his grandfather’s restaurant.

“I’ve been singing all my life,” he said.

“I started when I was 10-years-old in my grandfather’s restaurant, and I would sing to customers and I loved it so much.”

His grandfather wasn’t the only influential figure he had growing up, with Mark dedicating his latest album, ‘Tribute to Mario Lanza’ to the legendary Italian tenor, Mario Lanza, someone who Mark looked to for inspiration throughout his career.

The album, which contains a virtual duet of ‘Because You’re Mine’ with the Hollywood legend himself, went on to be the highest selling classical album of 2017.

But it didn’t stop there, with Mark also being named as ARIA’s most successful, and highest selling classical artist in Australian music history.

And while it’s no secret that classical music often has an older following, Mark believes that it’s a genre of music that will always serve a purpose to people of all ages.

“I do think classical music is very important and I believe in this strongly,” he said.

“I always try and encourage people in my generation to listen to classical music.”

Recently coming off a sold out tour of the United Kingdom with Katherine Jenkins, Mark will now be bringing his trademark voice to the Evan Theatre at Penrith Panthers next week.

Having played to fans all around the globe, Mark said that he was grateful for the opportunity the shows brought to connect to those people who had supported his journey from the beginning.

“Without my fans I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

“I treat the audience as my friends, I get them involved and make them sing along with my songs as I find this is important.”

One of Australia’s biggest voices, Mark Vincent, will be bringing his Young at Heart show to the Evan Theatre at Penrith Panthers on Saturday, March 10 at 8pm.

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Tickets are $53.35 and can be purchased by calling 1300 PANTHERS or by visiting www.penrith.panthers.com.au. Tickets also available from Panthers reception.

Red Sparrow (MA15 Strong themes, violence, sexual violence, sex scenes and coarse language) Daily except Fri, Sat: 10:20AM, 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:20PM, 7:40PM, 9:30PM. Fri, Sat: 10:20AM, 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:20PM, 7:30PM, 9:30PM, 10:30PM.

PENRITH

Black Panther

SESSIONS VALID 1 MARCH TO 7 MARCH

(M Action violence) Daily except Fri, Sat: 10:00AM, 12:50PM, 1:40PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM, 9:20PM. Fri, Sat: 10:00AM, 12:50PM, 1:40PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM, 9:20PM, 10:20PM.

Game Night WW29582

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

(MA15 Strong comedic violence) Daily except Fri, Sat: 11:20AM, 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:30PM, 8:50PM. Fri: 11:20AM, 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:30PM, 8:45PM, 11:00PM. Sat: 11:20AM, 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:20PM, 8:40PM, 11:00PM.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Williamson play tries to find the key to lifelong happiness LAUREN SUTTIE

I

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t’s a question that all of us have thought about at least once in our lives. What is the secret to being happy?

Bringing his seventh play to the Henry Lawson Theatre, David Williamson will be exploring this age old question with his play ‘Happiness’.

Main character of the play, Roland Makepeace, is a lecturer in wellbeing, who of course has all the answers when his daughter asks for some advice.

But as Roland finds out, happiness is not as simple as he thought. In this play, Williamson explores the possibilities for happiness by putting some diverse characters in odd situations.

He mixes a few disasters, a little satire,

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generous humour and thought provoking lines for an entertaining piece of theatre. As always, audiences will be entertained by the contemporary themes and dialogue that reminds them of the real life situations they find themselves in every day.

‘Happiness’ opens next Friday, March 9 at 8pm, followed by performances every Friday and Saturday night until March 24. Two matinee performances will be presented on Sunday, March 11 and 18, starting at 3pm. Tickets start at $14.70 and can be purchased at www. hltheatre.com.au or by calling 4729 2996.

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he Q Theatre is back with a bang in 2018, starting off with a double bill of fresh new work straight out of the Q Lab. The two-hour show will start off with Australian theatre artist, Rachel Roberts’ work, ‘Everything You Ever Wanted’.

Placing herself under the microscope, Roberts will be presenting a deeply personal exploration about eating disorders, as well as society’s diet culture.

But the food for thought doesn’t end there, with audiences being treated to two shows for the price of one.

In ‘How I Saved The Western Black Rhino’, Australian theatre maker Nathan Harrison (pictured) looks at the world’s current extinction crisis and explores the daunting complexity of wildlife conservation.

Taking audiences through his journey to Cameroon to fulfil his childhood dream of helping save the western black rhino, Harrison’s ‘How I Saved The Western Black Rhino’ is for anyone curious about what we can do to help endangered animals before it’s too late.

‘How I Saved The Western Black Rhino’ and ‘Everything You Ever Wanted’ will be running from March 15 to March 24 at The Joan. Tickets start from $30. To purchase tickets, call 4723 7600.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Friday 9pm - 2nd March 2018 LIVE at Penrith RSL Club

Saturday 9pm - 3rd March 2018 LIVE at Penrith RSL Club

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

Ê In this day and age of TV, everything old is new again. ‘Roseanne’ will be making its long-awaited comeback to the small screen, with new episodes set to premiere on Channel Ten in the next month or so. Roseanne Barr will return for nine episodes with original cast members John Goodman (Dan), Laurie Metcalf (Jackie), Michael Fishman (DJ), Sara Gilbert (Darlene) and Lecy Goranson (Becky). Johnny Galecki, who is now a major star on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, has also been confirmed as David. An airdate has yet to be announced.

ROSEANNE APRIL, 2018 CHANNEL TEN

Ê Former ‘Friends’ star Matt LeBlanc is in discussions to film more episodes of hit BBC production ‘Top Gear’. Season 25 of ‘Top Gear’ returned last Wednesday night on 9Go. You can catch up on the first episode via 9Now. Ê New series ‘Survivor: Ghost Island’ premiered on 9GO last night, March 1. If you missed the first episode, which this season is filmed in Fiji, you can catch up via 9Now. For the first time ever, the show will revolve around a new gamechanging element: the mistakes of castaways past, the talismans of which are scattered on a land dubbed Ghost Island.

It airs on Thursdays at 8.30pm. Ê Two big shows in the US have received renewals recently with ‘America’s Got Talent’ back for a 13th season while ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ has earned itself a 15th season. Both shows air on FOX8. Ê Speaking of shows of the same ilk, the rebooted version of ‘American Idol’ will premiere at 9.15pm on Monday, March 12

on FOX8. Ryan Seacrest returns as host and is joined by new judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and country star Luke Bryan.

and the Robinson family is among those tested and selected to make a new life for themselves in a better world.

Ê

New episodes of ‘Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD’ will air on 7Flix from this Tuesday, March 6 at 7.30pm.

Ê Season two of ‘Santa Clarita Diet’, with Drew Barrymore, launches on Netflix on Friday, March 23. This was one of my favourite shows on Netflix last year.

Ê ‘Lost in Space’ is coming back to our screens via Netflix. A rebooted version of the classic 1960’s show will start streaming on April 13. Set 30 years in the future, colonisation in space is now a reality,

Ê With the NRL season just a week away, all of Fox League’s big shows return next week, or premiere in the case of new programming. It all kicks off with a 90 minute edition of ‘NRL 360’ on Monday.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT Friday, March 2 Karaoke – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Jazz Hourigan – High Street Social Free entry, 4789 0187 Kris McIntyre – Oriental Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4751 4488 80’s Flashback – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Vampires – The Mechanic’s Institute From $25, 8pm 0411 954 826 The Necks – Blue Mountains Theatre $38, 8pm 4723 5050 Mary’s Karaoke and DJ – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 The Frocks – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Josh McGivor – Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 Big Radio Dynamite – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777

Saturday, March 3 The Enchanted Flute – Blue Mountains Theatre From $15, 7.30pm 4723 5050 Cyndi Madonna – Blue Cattle Dog Free entry, 9pm 9670 3050 Johnny Cash The Concert Revisits Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison – The Joan From $60, 8pm 4723 7600 Travellin’ Still – Rooty Hill RSL $25, 8pm 9823 2560 Alan Solomon Jazz – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Crossroad – Sportsman Hotel Blacktown Free entry, 6pm 9622 0411 Battered and Bluesed – Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 Manpower Australia Evan Theatre 1300 PANTHERS Saturday, March 3, 7pm, $37.45

Diamonds and Rubys John Lees Centre • trybooking.com/275547 Saturday, March 3, 7pm, from $20

Soundproofed, 80’s Rewind – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 5764 Sydney Hotshots – St Marys Band Club From $22, 8pm 9623 1211 One for the ladies!

Rock City Saints – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 DJ Senseless – High Street Social Free entry, 9pm 4789 0187 Heroes From Heaven – Blacktown Workers From $10, 8pm 9830 0600 Beatnix, Beatles Show – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384

Sunday, March 4 Shaun Kirk – Metropole Guesthouse From $21.50, 6pm 4782 5544 Blake Tailor – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 1pm 9677 4916 Cool River – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 All About Women Live Stream – The Joan From $10, 1pm 4723 7611 Hayley Marshall – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4728 5200

Friday, March 9 Jalapeno Deluxe – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Adam Luck Trio – Australian Arms Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 Karaoke – Penrith Hotel Get your singing voices ready!

Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Breakaways – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 8pm 8822 2444 Hayley Marshall – Penrith Panthers Free entry, 5pm 1300 PANTHERS The Eagles Show – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 Jellybean Jam – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Radiators – Australian Arms Free entry, 9pm 4731 3881 Jon Stevens – Rooty Hill RSL $45, 7.30pm 9677 4916 James Greening and Gary Daley – The Hydro Majestic $35, 8pm 0411 954 826 Retrospective – St Marys League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Happiness – Henry Lawson Theatre From $14.70, 8pm 4729 2996 Jazz Hourigan – High Street Social Free entry, 7pm 4789 0187 Mary’s Karaoke and DJ – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 Killer Queen – Evan Theatre $32.35, 8pm 1300 PANTHERS

Mark Vincent Evan Theatre 1300 PANTHERS Saturday, March 10, 8pm, $53.35

Saturday, March 10 Greg Poppleton’s Bakelite Dance Band – Rackett O’Donoghues 4735 5509 Friday, March 9, 9pm, free entry

DJ Gav – High Street Social Free entry, 9pm 4789 0187 Chris Drummond – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600

Sunday, March 11 Blake Tailor – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 1pm 9677 4916 Clive Hay – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4721 5764 Backlash – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444 The Shuffle Boys – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200

o’donoghues PRESENTS

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O D UST

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Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce • Networking and business • 4722 6969 Leonay Probus Club Third Friday of the month 4735 5157 Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4735 1542 Christian Gospel Meetings Every Sunday 3.30pm Werrington County PS Nepean Evening VIEW Club Monday, March 19 • Panthers 4727 6603 Penrith Harmony Barbershop Chorus • Mondays at 7pm 4735 2637

Live stream of important event You don’t need to be at the Sydney Opera House this Sunday to experience The All About Women Festival. Hosted by local Andrea Turner-Boys, the two-part event will be streamed live at The Joan from 1pm. Discussing important issues and ideas that matter to women in today’s society, this is an afternoon you don’t want to miss! Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased by visiting thejoan.com.au or calling 4723 7600.

S D I K R FO

S R O I N E FOR S

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Glenmore Park Probus Club Third Wednesday of the month • 9673 2580 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Mondays • 0407 077 143

Reptile Expo comes to Penrith

Relax and unwind

Get the family together for a great day out at the Penrith Reptile Expo at Panthers Exhibition Pavilion this Sunday.

Grab yourself a cup of tea this Tuesday and settle in at the Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre for an afternoon of Social Stories.

Penrith Museum of Printing Open Saturdays 10am-2pm Penrith Paceway

All things baby for when they are squishy till when they are sticky.

• Bibs and Burp Cloths • Dummy Clips • Quilts • Taggie and Sensory Mats • Pillows and Cushions Bring your custom ideas to life! Contact us today! squishlets@optusnet.com.au | 0403 274 068

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

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sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

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crossword ACROSS 1. Carry-cases 4. Grumbling 8. Ready, willing & ...

11. Xmas sprig 13. Police speed detector 15. Holiday picture 17. Coach 18. Makes mournful cry 20. Army special forces unit (1,1,1) 21. Dark yellow pigment 24. Saturate 27. How-to (book) (1,1,1) 28. Secreted amount 30. Expunge 31. Adhesives 33. Heaviness 34. Warbles 35. Outdoor furniture timber 36. As well 39. Thin biscuits 42. Tennis ace, Monica ...

44. Dawdles 45. Impatient 46. Luggage shelf 48. Menacing growl 49. Welsh vegetables 50. Teenage heart-throb 52. Severe 54. River crossing 55. Came ashore on foot 56. Calm 57. Fair to middling (2-2) 60. Cain’s brother 62. In words 65. Replenish 67. Wine berry 69. Exists 70. Apple-shaped fruit, ... pear 72. Bleating sound 73. Sleighs 75. Classifies (blood) 77. Over the top (1,1,1) 79. Prelude 81. Support garment 82. Abrupt 84. Rate 85. Reclines 86. Cameo brooch stone 87. Truthful 88. Sure-fire thing

DOWN 1. Strikes 2. Spook 3. Inebriate 4. Old wives’ tale 5. Queen Victoria’s husband 6. Demand 7. Beetle larva 8. Battery size (1,1,1) 9. New wife 10. Child’s play 12. Promiscuous 14. Linger (on) 16. Swiftness 19. School rolls 22. Leaders 23. Re-employ 25. Amalgamation 26. Less attractive 29. Cumbersome 32. Illinois is there (1,1,1) 35. Musses 37. Appreciated 38. Retail more successfully than 40. Radiant 41. Lettuce meal 42. Green Eggs And Ham author, Dr ...

43. Beauty shop 44. Animal dens 47. Breakfast dishes 51. Wreath foliage 52. Announce 53. Unorthodox doctrine 54. Cat 58. Church keyboard 59. Reproductive cells 61. Lets out (shriek) 63. Famed UK racecourse 64. Portugal’s capital 65. Recapture 66. Persists 68. Shabby 71. Thoroughbred 72. Pen 74. Love god 76. Trim 78. Written passage 80. Tyrannosaurus ...

83. And so forth

Last week’s solution

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

42

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: SQUIRRELS ARBOREAL BURROWS BUSHY TAIL CHICKAREES DIURNAL FLYING FORAGING FOREPAWS FOX SQUIRREL GIANT GRAY GROUND HAIRY TAIL HIBERNATE HINDLIMBS LEAP PRAIRIE DOG PYGMY SHARP CLAWS STRONG LEGS TUFTED-EAR VEGETARIAN WOODCHUCK

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions

Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about The Western Weekender in our special trivia quiz!

1. Who writes the weekly finance column in our ‘Your Life’ section?

2. Who writes the ‘Chatter on the Box’ column?

3. In what year did the Weekender first publish in Penrith?

4. Who is the paper’s Editor?

5. What is the Weekender’s gloss property magazine called?

6. Which sport does the ‘Extra Time’ pull-out section cover? (hint: it’s back next week!)

7. Which 2GB radio presenter once had a column in the Weekender?

ANSWERS 1. Alex McKenzie 2. Nathan Taylor 3. 1991 4. Troy Dodds 5. Western Property 6. Rugby league 7. Ray Hadley

Trivia Quiz

W E’l l M a k e it

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

SPECIAL FEATURE WORKING TRUCK SHOW

Big rigs, country music and more at truck show

hey’re big, powerful and often cost more than the average Australian home, and next weekend some of Australia’s finest rigs will be out on full display.

Returning for its 31st year, the Penrith Working Truck Show is set to once again attract thousands, as the Transport and Fire industries put on what has become to be known as Australia’s premier truck show.

CEO of the Museum of Fire, Mark White, said that the event was a real family affair.

“It’s very family orientated and the transport industry has always been about that, with the companies often run with mum as the accountant, dad driving the truck and the kids helping to clean it,” he said.

“There’s not a show left in the country that I know of that does this type of thing, so we are very proud of it.”

Attracting more than 12,000 visitors each year, the unique feature of the show still remains that the trucks entered into the show must be a working truck.

But Mr White said that doesn’t mean there won’t be some bling.

“There is plenty of bling that will also be coming from Queensland and other areas far of field to enter in the show,” he said.

Tickets for the show are just $35 for adults, with each ticket purchased also allowing up to three children under the age of 16 to enter for free.

But that’s not the only thing the kids will be getting ‘on the house’, with all 22 rides, entry into the Museum of Fire, as well as other fun activities, all completely

T

Proud sponsors of the 31st Annual PENRITH WORKING TRUCK SHOW

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the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

free of charge.

“They’re getting everything that a kid could possibly want and nobody does that anymore,” Mr White said.

It won’t just be the kids who are jumping for joy, with the truck displays and entertainment line-up sure to have all truckie enthusiasts thinking Christmas has come early.

Over the years, the Penrith Working Truck Show has become known for its commitment to country music, and 2018 is no different.

“Some of the best country stars in Australia are playing this year, including Troy Cassar-Daley, who is a multi Golden Guitar winner from Tamworth,” Mr White said.

Country sweetheart Amber Lawrence will also be playing at the event while Travis Collins and rising star Missy Lancaster will also take to the stage.

At the end of the day though, the event holds within it an important cause, with all proceeds going back into the museum to help with the continual preservation of its collections.

“The event is the coming together of the fire and the transport industry as well as the community in general, so it’s a pretty speculator thing really,” Mr White said.

The show will be held at the Museum of Fire in Penrith on Sunday, March 11 from 8am to 4pm.

For more information, visit www.pwts. com.au.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

LEO

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

With so many planets in your privacy zone, the week starts slowly for you as you contemplate and ruminate. Then Mercury and Venus move into Aries, and Mars connects with Uranus. So sudden opportunities will be ripe for the picking.

However if you are too hasty and hotheaded, you could find yourself charging into an unpredictable situation that’s hard to handle. Be brave and bold, but don’t forget to employ some discretion.

TAURUS

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

This week the dynamic planetary patterns detonate your daredevil side and kick-start your stagnant motor. So it’s time for languid Lions to leap out of your usual routine and do something wildly different. Travel, education and publishing are particularly favoured, as you expand your mind to include avant-garde friends and adventurous new activities.

But resist the temptation to embellish stories or be bossy with others.

Are you confused about which path to follow in the future? Pay close attention to your dreams. They are full of creative ideas and symbolic wisdom that can lead you in the right direction. Taurean painters, artists, writers, musicians, photographers and performers will feel particularly inspired this week, as you tune into the magical muse within. Some Bulls will bump into a lover from the past.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Interpersonal relations should go well this week, as you zero in on the specific needs of family members, close friends and colleagues. You love to be of service, and others will certainly find plenty of ways to occupy your time and talents. But don’t blow the abundance of goodwill you accrue by being cranky and super critical.

As Samuel Johnson says: “We should keep our relationships in constant repair”.

GEMINI

This week you’re keen to connect with others as the planets kick-start your professional and networking zones. It’s a terrific time to mix and mingle; converse and communicate; innovate and inspire; text and tweet. People are waiting to hear what you’ve got to say as you brainstorm your creative ideas. Then step up to the plate, walk your talk and start delivering!

If you’re bored with your current peer group, introduce some fresh new faces.

CANCER

From Tuesday onwards, the more proactive you are (especially at work) the better. But Pluto and Saturn could trigger an intense experience that is emotionally draining. So avoid winding up a family member, pushing your partner’s reactive buttons or getting into an altercation with an authority figure. Attached Crabs – remember there’s a fine line between ardent affection and clingy obsession.

Don’t put up with cracked floors, walls, pavement or driveways any longer!

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Mercury and Venus both move into your relationship zone, so it’s a suitable time to sit down with a loved one and talk through sensitive issues that have been bothering you. Clear communication and deft diplomacy are definitely the keys to peaceful partnerships at the moment!

Attached Libra, the weekend is a wonderful time to take your sweetheart on a spontaneous adventure. If you’re single, an ordinary date could turn out fun!

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

With Jupiter journeying through your sign, and Pluto linking up with the Sun, you’re emanating some serious charisma this week! So make sure you appreciate and celebrate the smart and sexy Scorpio you are. As actress Eva Mendes says: “I believe you should celebrate who you are”. The weekend is your special time to shine, when you’ll be able to impress and influence other people in positive ways.

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JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Are you feeling restless, reckless and rather rebellious? This week your ruler Uranus hooks up with manic Mars, so you’ll be in crazy-brave mode as you set about demolishing any obstacles that litter your path on the road to more personal freedom. The future beckons, and you’re in a mad hurry to get there.

But don’t be in such a rush that you miss magical moments along the way. Sunday is a great day to get your adrenaline going.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Pisceans have an uncanny sixth sense and you’ll be using it in spades on Monday when the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Neptune meander through your sign. Creativity and compassion are also highlighted so make sure you express this side of yourself to the fullest. You love solving other people’s problems but, as the week progresses you’ll have to step back and let them fight their own battles.

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AQUARIUS

GRAND OPENING

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Ph:

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The Sun and Pluto fan the flames of an idea, boost creativity and tutor you in the art of multi-tasking. There’s also a buzz around your home or work place that speeds up successful outcomes.

Others are smitten by your powerful and professional style of delivery, as well as the message behind it. But avoid handing out criticism, no matter how ‘constructive’ you think it is.

SCORPIO

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Resinject re-level and re-support sunken homes, factories, warehouses, airports, seaports, railways and other construction by improving the structure of the ground. We lift and re-level concrete slabs as well as fill voids in the underlying soil strata.

CAPRICORN

LIBRA

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Sagittarians tend to go to extremes. And you’re walking a fine line at the moment as you strive to get the ratio right between being expansive and exuberant in the outside world, and being personally disciplined and focused. Mars and Uranus send an unexpected opportunity your way this week. But you must grab it when it comes along or it will just pass you by.

With Mars moving through your sign, there’s no substitute for being proactive.

VIRGO

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Joanne Madeline Moore

SAGITTARIUS

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

your

How to transport your cat safely to its vet appointment

pets

Cats don’t love going to the vet, but you can make the experience better...

Nicole McMillan Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

Unfortunately, many cats do not enjoy coming to veterinary clinics and owners can dread their vet visits.

An important part of having our accredited Cat Friendly Clinic is to reduce the stress associated with veterinary visits.

To reduce stress in the clinic we have designed the cat waiting area, consult rooms, boarding, treatment and hospital areas to be separate from the rest of the clinic.

Our staff are trained in using techniques to reduce stress when handling and treating cats.

However, the trip to the veterinary clinic can be stressful on its own.

Why do cats find it so stressful to come to the veterinary clinic?

Unfamiliar items, experiences and places are all quite scary for cats. The combination of being put into a cat carrier, travelling in the car and waiting in the veterinary clinic can all be stressful on their own, let alone when combined.

By the time we start examining the cat in the consult they are often already very anxious.

What type of carrier should I use?

The best carriers are the inexpensive hard-sided carriers that can be easily

opened from the top and front with clips.

This allows the cat to be in the bottom part of the cage during exams, which can dramatically reduce stress associated with veterinary examination. Carriers that require cats to be pulled or dumped out will increase anxiety and are best avoided. It is important to make sure the cages are safe and secure.

How do I get my cat into the carrier?

If the cat learns that the carrier is associated with positive experiences they are more likely to enter the carrier voluntarily. Place the open cat carrier in a room where your cat spends a lot of time. Encourage them to go into the carrier by placing toys, treats and familiar soft bedding or your clothing inside. This will not happen overnight, so be patient. Praise and reward your cat if they get into the carrier on their own. Cats need time to adjust to the unfamiliar.

Try to remain calm as cats pick up on stress and frustration. Cats do not learn from punishment or force.

Use positive reinforcement and praise desired behaviours.

What if I don’t have time to get them used to the carrier?

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Put the cat carrier in a room with few hiding places like the bathroom or laundry then bring the cat into the room.

You can encourage your cat to go into the cage by placing toys, food and familiar bedding or your clothes in the carrier. If your cat will not enter the carrier voluntarily you can place them in the cage. Do not chase the cat!

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When Tim Adams and his wife Pam Goldsack purchased much of Stanley Leasingham, one of the largest vineyard-and-winery operations in South Australia’s Clare Valley in 2011, it was something of a coming home for Tim. They named their new venture Mr Mick, in honour of legendary winemaker Mick Knappstein, who had worked at Stanley Leasingham for many years and been managing director from 1962 until 1985.

In 1975 Mr Mick appointed Tim as his “last apprentice” and expertly guided him to being one of the Clare’s pre-eminent winemakers, one who in 1986 founded his eponymous winery,

which he still runs as his ultra-premium operation.

Tim has always had great respect for his mentor and still asks himself before releasing a wine if Mr Mick would have approved of it.

These days the range consists of a sparkling brut named Gela after Mr Mick’s wife, a rosé made from sangiovese, a riesling, a vermentino, a pinot grigio, a shiraz, a cabernet merlot, a ‘Novo’ sangiovese-malbec blend, a tempranillo, a late-harvest riesling and a tawny.

All retail for $17 except for the lateharvest and the tawny, which retail for $15 and $20 respectively.

money

You work too hard to simply throw your money away

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

your

Reviewing your financial products and insurances on a regular basis could save you money...

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

I’ve written about this previously, but I never cease to be amazed at how lackadaisical many people are about their financial products despite it costing them money. Most clients rarely review their superannuation, insurance and mortgages.

In the last five years or so, the cost of superannuation products has decreased substantially, especially for more sophisticated options such as platforms.

Maintaining an old policy could really increase costs with little or no benefit. It is also possible that the policy you have has features you are paying for that you don’t require. The reverse is also true; the policy may lack features that could be used to your benefit.

We have inherited clients over the years who are in policies that were appropriate at the time, but are now outdated and expensive compared to modern options.

It is surprisingly difficult to motivate many of these clients to update their product despite clear advantages.

Insurance premiums can be substantially different amongst insurance providers, with different providers

having different “sweet spots” when it comes to differing client situations.

Regularly reviewing your insurance often offers an opportunity to reduce your premiums. As your situation changes, your circumstances might appeal to a different insurer. Furthermore, your insurance needs are likely to change over time. Quite often your need for insurance will reduce. As your assets increase, debts decrease and you have less years where you will have dependent children to support, your insurance needs are likely to fall. Reviewing both your insurance needs and insurance provider on a regular basis is likely to save you money in the long run.

Currently, interest rates are very low industry wide; however, it is possible that

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you could be paying more interest than need be. A quarter of a per cent difference in interest rate on a $500,000 loan is more than $100 a month difference in mortgage repayments. The way your debt is structured can also make a considerable difference to your overall position. If you usually have a substantial amount in your bank account, an offset account may be of value. If you have both deductible and non-deductible debt, how you structure your repayments can influence your long-term taxation.

Although most people find reviewing their financial products a hassle, a couple of hours of your time may save you a substantial amount of money, and I think most of us work too hard to waste money due to a mild inconvenience.

CALL HAROLD DIRECTLY FOR A FREE QUOTE

0448 644 741 VISIT OUR WEBSITE

mrkleenright.com.au

WW30528

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

your

look

Head back to the 50s for some fashion inspiration Eras that have passed us by are often a good place to find the fashion tips that will make you look stunning...

Alyce Madden For the latest trends follow @westfieldpenrith on Instagram

are the more refined, sleeker shades to what we are usually used to seeing.

Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were huge fans of the smaller shades and they come off quite feminine but edgy worn today.

Look out for a pair to wear to elevate your style to the neck level (polka dot headscarf optional).

Let’s talk bridal.

For a bride today picking the right wedding dress is high up on the list of priorities when it comes to planning for the ceremony.

If she doesn’t pick the right one she risks looking back in regret about her decision 10 or 20 years down the road.

How do you make sure your gown is timeless and will always be in fashion?

Pick classic fabrics like silk lace or organza, and always pick a cut that suits your body.

Make sure to dress for your body type, that puffy cupcake style wedding gown with all that excess fabric can swamp a small frame and is guaranteed to be a regret later down the line.

For wedding dress inspiration look to Audrey Hepburn, her iconic style wasn’t just reserved for the movies but for her wedding on film in ‘Funny Face’ her dress was absolutely fairytale worthy and still one of the most sought after styles, known for the high neckline and tea length skirt.

It’s true what they say, “style is timeless, it transcends generations, if you’re thinking about fashion, it’s of the moment”.

With the recent passing of my late grandmother Maxine McDonald, a lot of time spent with family has included flicking through old photos of her in her absolute prime!

The sweetheart necklines, the fit and flare formal dresses, full skirts, cap sleeves and crystal beaded bodices, the 1950s were a romantic era and I truly believe it’s where a lot of style stems from today.

Elegant dressing is here to stay. If you are heading out this weekend or have a family event coming up, look timeless in the Envie dress from City Chic.

The little black dress with a twist, this stunning mermaid silhouette features an off the shoulder neckline and a spot mesh overlay, the flare kick at the bottom adds all the glamour our hearts were searching for!

Retro cat-eye sunglasses are a trend I thought we wouldn’t see for a while but making a huge comeback at the moment

Unique Customised EVERLASTING Boutique Gift Boxes wonderfully F ra g ra n c e d S o a p & S i l k F l owe r s, w h i c h a re E l e g a n t l y p re s e n te d i n a m o s t g o rg e o u s w h i te P re m i u m Pa r i s i a n S t y l e h a t b ox .

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health

How to best treat and recover from tendon problems It’s time to bust a few myths about recovering from tendon injuries...

Shannon Jennings OnePoint Health 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

Tendons can be “painfully” slow to resolve.

Despite previous beliefs, rest, immobilisation and ice will NOT fix a tendon problem.

The tendon’s job is to transfer the energy from the muscles to move the body. Commonly it is the loading of the tendon that exacerbates the pain once a tendon is irritated.

It is essential to get a correct diagnosis to ensure your pain is tendon pain as each stage of the recovery process requires different management strategies.

Whether it’s common tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles, Patella, hamstring or gluteal tendon pain, there are three key things you need to know about recovering from a tendon injury.

Load it!

Tendon pain will NOT get better with rest. Tendons like to be loaded, that is their job. You may need to decrease the load or change how you are actually loading your tendon, but it needs to be loaded and not rested. This will assist the tendon to eventually be able to cope with the load required to produce the desired movement without pain.

Be patient

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

Homework is here to stay, so how do we best tackle it?

In previous columns we have discussed the Finland miracle in education.

Part of their success, they claim, is that homework is banned in Finland.

Nevertheless, homework (or home study) is well entrenched in the NSW school systems and teachers include homework as part of the internal school assessment process.

The efficiency with which you are able to do private study is often the difference between success and failure at school, university and in business.

Be organised – study time should be study time, not time wasted in a frustrated search for materials and workspace.

Theory books for all subjects should be considered.

These books should contain a bare outline of all the topics to be studied in summary form and direct the student to where further information on the topic can be found if needed.

In mathematics your theory book would be classed as a formula book.

In essay writing subjects, you could include mind mapping for different topics.

Each school day is not complete until the notes etc generated for that day have been collated and filed.

Take ownership of your notes by personalising them in your own words.

This aids memory retention.

Develop a day sheet to keep track of routine tasks and special needs; a day planner is an excellent idea.

Many students achieve lower rewards than they deserve simply because their effective study time has been lost because of frustration caused by poor organisational skills.

Organisational skills are a state of mind and there are simple techniques that can be taught in a one day seminar that can change a C student into an A student and in the process actually reduce the number of study hours required.

A free copy of a comprehensive guide to study skills can be downloaded, at no cost, at the following web address: www.mastercoachingaustralia.com/ free-lessons/study-skills/ Next week we will discuss ways of convincing students to do their homework.

We all know it can be difficult to convince your kids, who would rather do something else, to hit the books at night, but there’s a few ways to ensure they actually enjoy doing their homework.

Do not rush the recovery. Overloading your tendon can be just as detrimental as completing resting it. In most cases tendons will take longer than three months to completely recover, and that’s if they are looked after correctly. Making big jumps in tendon loading or attempted shortcuts in rehab can flare up tendon pain. In the initial stages, tendon energy storage and release activities such as jumping, hopping or running, will aggravate your tendon. Whilst it feels OK at the time, it is the pain that you experience

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

your

24-48 hours afterwards that tells you if you have done too much.

Do not stretch the tendon Stretching the connecting muscle will result in a stretch placed upon the tendon and compress it against the underlying soft tissues and can aggravate pain.

For your best chance at the correct recovery, in the shortest timeframe, see one of the health professionals at OnePointHealth.

We’ll see you next week with some more health advice!

TUITION THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE • Most School Subjects • Pre-school to Adult 4 Week Money Back Guarantee, Term Reports and Free Diagnostic

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Suite 9, Allen Arcade 140-142 Henry Street, Penrith Ph Rob 4722 3072 www.mastercoachingpenrith.com WW32073

51

Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

your

religion

How do you choose who to listen to in your daily life?

With so many voices out there, how do we know who to trust?

Many voices are scrambling for our attention.

Advertisers tell us what we should buy to make us happy.

“Experts” tell us how we should behave so we can have a healthy, happy family and career.

We are bombarded by information on everything from how we should dress to the type of car we should drive to the type of dishwashing detergent we should use!

In what has been called the “information age” many of us feel overloaded with information.

But not only are we overloaded, it is difficult to make a fair and reasonable assessment of the truthfulness of these claims.

Is any of this information really reliable?

Will it really make a difference?

From all the competing voices is there one reliable voice rising above the others?

A voice bringing clarity to our busy, complex lives?

In the Bible’s book of Matthew, there is a time when Jesus was with a small number of disciples. In what must have been a dramatic scene, God spoke to the disciples saying to them, “This is my Son,

Rev John Lavender www.gpa.church and on Facebook

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After meeting this girl today i can’t understand why she hasn’t been Adopted as yet, she is a shy but very sweet girl who knows how to sit and takes treats from you gently.

With her crooked ear she is just gorgeous and it makes her stand out even more. If you are looking to add a new member to your family come and meet this girl...

I really enjoyed spending time with this lovely girl. While the dog next to her was going crazy she remained calm and focused on me and behaved so well.

She is a happy, nice natured girl that would make a great companion for a family. With a big smile and heart this girl is waiting to meet you, she is avaliable for adoption now...

Pippa has been surrendered by her owners, she is a sweet girl and at 4 years old she is ready to start her new ourney in life with a loving Forever family that can offer her the life that she deserves. Pippa would be happy with a daily walk and family time of a night on the couch watching a bit of TV. If you would like to meet Pippa please pop in anytime during open hours...

whom I love; with him I am well pleased.

Listen to him!”

Here is the voice that stands out from the crowd!

A voice lifting people from their spiritual poverty.

A voice freeing people to live the way that God intended.

A voice giving insight.

A voice lifting people from the oppres-

sion of this life and a voice that if we hear it and trust it, will give us favour with God! Who are you listening to? Who are you getting your values and ideas and opinions from? Be encouraged to listen to Jesus. See what he says to us in the Bible, for listening to him will really make a difference!

Have a great weekend.

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This poor old darling is 14 years old and even though she is chipped no one has come for her. We are hoping to find her a understanding home as at her age she will need patient owners that know the needs of a elderly dog. If you can offer her a loving, safe home where she can sleep inside and spend her day with you please come and meet her. She can be Adopted from the 7th of March...

How gorgeous is this girl!

At just 12 months old she has been through alot and even though she has landed at the shelter as a stray she now has a chance to find the best home for her. She loves her food and is a smoochy, friendly girl that is waiting to meet you!

This stunning tabby girl is only 3 months old and has found herself at the shelter as a stray. We hope that her owner can be found but if no one claims her she is avaliable for adoption from the 6th of March.

She will make a lovely companion for a family so feel free to pop by and see if she is the kitten for you...

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

52

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW32173

Make this your year to overcome swimming fears

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

your swim safety

Australia has an ongoing love affair with the water, but too many of us have never learned even basic important skills...

Julie Fletcher Nepean Swim and Fitness julie@nepeanswim.com.au nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au and on Facebook

I wrote a few weeks ago about Learn to Swim for adults, which is typically offered on a one to one basis.

However, I got to thinking about how we could educate more adults each week, and have decided to offer a specific group program of Adult Learn to Swim and Water Confidence classes!

Why is adult learn to swim important?

Of the 291 people who drowned last year, 219 were aged 25 or over, and the average age was 43 years.

In the 25–34 year age group this represented a five per cent increase against the 10-year average, and in the 65 and over age group we saw a 27 per cent increase in drownings.

The most common activity undertaken before drowning occurred was swimming / recreating, falling or jumping into the water, or being on a boat – all activities we would all hope to enjoy without fear.

However, sometimes an incident occurs which tests the skills of adult swimmers, often with a tragic outcome.

Sometimes when parents cannot swim they are less likely to have their children

in Learn to Swim programs, and there are also cultural factors that influence participation rates.

A recent Royal Life Saving Australia survey showed that children of participants who were born in another country were significantly less likely to be participating in lessons than those who were born in Australia.

Children of participants who spoke a language other than English at home were also significantly less likely to be participating in lessons than those who did not speak another language at home.

Sadly, 20 of the people who drowned last year were overseas tourists, predominantly from European (45 per cent) and Asian (40 per cent) countries.

Our Australian aquatic environments

can be fierce and challenging, so as much education as possible across all sectors of the community is what we are aiming for.

Enrolling in an adult Learn to Swim course is particularly important if you had limited or no exposure to swimming as a child.

Our Adult Learn to Swim and Water Confidence group class initiative was born out of our customers asking for group adult lessons, and as a more affordable option to private lessons, in an easy to access 10-week program.

Please register your interest by emailing julie@nepeanswim.com.au, or with any queries!

Make this year your year to overcome your fear of the water and let’s get swimming!

SEE Foundation – Providing DisAbility support with a difference!

SEE Foundation is a small disability provider in the Activity hub of Penrith, we are NDIS registered and provide a completely inclusive and unique approach to supporting people with All Abilities.

This approach is based on the premise that disability support is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution resulting in supports and activities that change with each person’s ongoing changing needs and interests. We believe that everyone has the right to live their very best life and we are here to help you achieve that with: DAY PROGRAM: We have vacancies now activities or that ballet or drama class you in our specialised and unique day program have been wanting to take. where there is no overcrowding, no SATURDAY GROUP: Join our fun filled understaffing and no admin charges. Just Saturday program aimed at socialisation, high quality unique service tailored to your money and travel skills whilst enjoying fun needs. activities like Bowling, Painting, Cooking, ACCESS TO COMMUNITY, SOCIAL & Swimming, Horse Riding, Mini Golf and RECREATION ACTIVITIES: We can assist more. you engage in the community by connecting The time is now to experience the difference and supporting you to undertake leisure that comes with a provider that has that and sporting activities, health and wellness small community and family feel . . .

So if you are yet to use your NDIS plan or ready to change your supports call SEE Foundation now phone 4721 1966.

Also visit our Website for our full range of services and supports at

www.seefoundation.com.au WW32451

SEE FOUNDATION | UNIT 3, 69 YORK ROAD, JAMISONTOWN |  4721 1966 (Entrance off Batt street (inside the Abcoe Centre) with easy access to the fun of Bowling, Flip Out, Jamison Park and more . . .

53

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ADULT SHOPS

ADVERTISE YOUR TRADE OR CLASSIFIED WITH US! Our Trades or classifieds section is the most comprehensive weekly guide available in the Penrith and St Marys regions.

Phone 4722 2998

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Just bring the whole original ad in store to exchange for a store-wide discount on all products

Anyone who witnessed a hit and run motor vehicle accident in the carpark at The Grey Gums Hotel, Mulgoa Road, South Penrith at approximately 3.30 a.m. on Saturday 5 August 2017

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Call 4722 2998 Now!

please contact:- Denniston & Day Lawyers on 02 6921 2886 or email janice@dennistonday.com.

WW32581

Mt Druitt, Penrith, Wetherill Park

COPYRIGHT Content in this publication belongs to Western Sydney Publishing Group, publishers of The Western Weekender, or its licensors, advertisers or affiliates. All content in this publication is protected by Australian and international copyright laws.

ETHICAL AND ACCURATE CONTENT The Western Weekender operates under a code covering both ethics and accuracy. If you believe either have been compromised in relation to editorial or advertising content that appears in this publication, you should initially contact the Managing Editor.

WW639

Western

Looking for: Painters Panel Beaters Preppers Fitters

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

We offer the best pay and conditions. Plenty of overtime.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

Sport

NEW COMPS

Better path for girls p.62

Cranebrook’s Ryley Smith will represent Australia in cricket. Photo: Melinda Jane

Ryley scores Aussie cap NATHAN TAYLOR

any kids play cricket in the summer and rugby league in the winter but not many do it at an elite level quite like Ryley Smith.

Not only does the 15-year-old play junior representative footy with the Penrith Panthers but he’s also a very accomplished grade cricketer with the Penrith Cricket Club.

Recently, while playing for NSW at the U15 Schoolboys Nationals, Ryley was the top run scorer in his side and was subsequently chosen to represent Australia on an upcoming tour of Dubai.

M

Speaking with the Weekender, the Cranebrook local said he was shocked to discover he was selected as a member of Australia’s U16s squad.

“I didn’t even know they were picking an Australian team until the day we arrived at the tournament,” Ryley said.

“As it was my first time representing my state, I just wanted to do my job, score runs and win games for the team.

“When they called my name out after the tournament, it was mixed emotions – I didn’t realise what was happening. I was really happy and very surprised.”

After scoring a total of 304 runs across his six innings, selectors had little choice but to pick the talented opening bats-

man for next January’s series against Pakistan.

Before the side heads to the United Arab Emirates in early 2019, they’ll play as a team at next summer’s Cricket Australia U17 National Championships.

While the Year 10 St Columba’s Catholic College student has dedicated his life to sport since the tender age of four, he hasn’t done it without the help of plenty in his corner.

One person who has been instrumental in his success recently is fellow local cricketer and Women’s Big Bash League star Mikayla Hinkley.

Living opposite each other, Hinkley has helped take Ryley’s game to another

level in recent years, and it’s starting to pay off.

“When I first met Mikayla I was a bit shy at first, I didn’t know what to say but then I had a few training sessions with her and she’s helped me through a lot of things these last couple of years,” Ryley said.

“She’s helped me with my batting and passes on any advice that she gets from her own coaches, which has been a massive help.

“I wouldn’t be the player I am now without her.”

In the meantime, Ryley says he’ll continue to give it his all in both rugby league and cricket.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

CRICKET

2018 off to a flying start for rising star Stalenberg NATHAN TAYLOR

fter being selected to represent Australia on a tour of India last week, Penrith cricketer Naomi Stalenberg has capped off a remarkable few days with victory in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) Final against Western Australia.

Stalenberg scored a respectable 28 for the NSW Breakers, who took out their 19th WNCL title in fine fashion – winning by an impressive 51 runs.

Played at Blacktown International Sportspark last Saturday, NSW batted first with Rachael Haynes opening proceedings alongside big hitter Alyssa Healy.

Haynes was dismissed for just five before Healy went on an absolute tear, smashing a team-high 122 before being caught by WA’s Heather Graham.

Dual international Ellyse Perry was also dominant with the bat, falling just short of a century on 96.

The Breakers ended their innings 6/302, with fast bowler Rene Farrell not-out on eight.

NSW took to the field with a real sense of purpose, with Farrell and Perry piling on the pressure from the first ball.

A

Farrell claimed the important first scalp of Nicole Bolton before the Breakers dug deep on the field to keep the pressure on the visitors with disciplined bowling and athletic fielding.

Sarah Aley (3/37) showed some finesse with the ball while Farrell (2/31), Perry (2/38) and Nicola Carey (2/49) all finished the game with two wickets each.

The Breakers’ record 19th WNCL title in 22 years was also a fitting send off to beloved captain Alex Blackwell, who announced her retirement from international and state cricket in the lead-up to last weekend’s game.

Meanwhile, Stalenberg’s week was also one to remember after she was chosen in Australia’s T20 side for their upcoming tour of India.

The 23-year-old already has one international cap to her name after she made her debut against India back in 2016.

“We’ve been pleased with the progress of Naomi and Belinda [Vakarewa] this season, they’ve both had a taste of playing at an international level and this tour will give them the chance to impress and benefit from an overseas tour,” National Selector, Shawn Flegler said.

Stalenberg will fly to the sub continent later this month.

Naomi Stalenberg batting for the NSW Breakers. Photo: Cricket NSW

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Popular marathon moves to June

We’ll shut it down

Story continued from » p. 64

Furious Wanderers on verge of dismantling active support TROY DODDS

he Western Sydney Wanderers have taken the extraordinary step of shutting down the Red and Block Bloc (RBB) for this Sunday’s home game against Perth Glory.

It follows last weekend’s Sydney Derby in which members of the Active Support Area let off flares during the game.

The RBB continues to defy requests to ensure flares are not part of the matchday experience, forcing the Wanderers to take action.

“The Western Sydney Wanderers maintains its position that it will not accept offensive behaviour being displayed at its matches and also will not accept the illegal use of incendiary devices,” Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said.

“The Western Sydney Wanderers maintain that the majority of those Members in the Active Area have been outstanding and supportive of the Club and the team.

“Unfortunately a small group have made this action unavoidable. Investigation into those directly responsible for the lighting of flares is continuing.”

T

Passionate but problematic: The RBB is under fire once again In a statement on Facebook, the RBB blamed Football Federation Australia, and said the Wanderers had a “clear lack of balls” when dealing with the governing body. It said football in Australia had become a “shambles”.

Members who normally attend the Active Area will be subject to alternative seating arrangements that will not be active this weekend. The club says it will consider permanently scrapping the RBB if problems continue.

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

FOOTBALL

It is also one of the most affordable marathon events on the running calendar, making it an attractive option for the experienced or entry level athlete.

The Western Sydney Marathon, which will be held earlier than usual this year in June, celebrates health, fitness and active lifestyles.

It is a fun and festive day out for the whole family, with a health and fitness expo, activities for the kids, entertainment and massages on offer.

“The Western Sydney Marathon is a great community event; it’s a race for everyone. From kids all the way through to competitive runners, there’s challenges for all levels and abilities,” Davies said.

“The event itself has grown a lot throughout the years. It started off quite small but it’s gradually built up thanks to the good work of the organisers.”

In 2018, there will be five races for people to choose from: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km Lap the Lake, 5km Family Fun Run, and the new 2.5km Youth Dash for kids.

The Marathon will be held on Saturday, June 2. For more information or to register, visit www. westernsydneymarathon.com.au.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

RUGBY LEAGUE

Better pathway for girls Penrith Juniors to launch an exciting new array of competitions this April NATHAN TAYLOR

ocal parents will soon feel more comfortable sending their daughters out on a footy field with the introduction of girls-only competitions.

In what’s understood to be a first for the game, Penrith Juniors will provide a full pathway for girls by launching competitions from U6s right through to U18s.

Currently, primary school-aged girls play rugby league alongside and against boys – some twice their size – putting fear into every parent watching from the sideline.

Local mum and Penrith Juniors Administrator Krissandra Stimpson said she’s always concerned every time her young daughter plays against boys.

“I want my daughter, who plays in U6s, to have an equal playing field. I want her to be able to go out there and not be intimidated by a really big boy that’s going to smash her,” she told the Weekender.

“So many of my friends won’t let their daughters play because they are scared of them getting hurt.”

NSWRL Club and Competitions Coordinator Zoe Hamilton said the girls-only

L

Krissandra Stimpson and Belinda Bonanno from Penrith District Junior Rugby League.

Photo: Melinda Jane competitions are about inclusiveness and providing girls a full pathway.

“This is completely unique to Penrith; no one else has done this. We are the first district that will provide a full pathway for girls,” she said.

“At the moment, girls play with boys

before they transition to girls-only teams at the age of 14.”

Hamilton said the league will not prevent girls from playing in boys teams if they choose to, but rather offer an alternative for parents and kids that are concerned about safety.

“This is about getting new kids to the game, it’s about starting them young and giving them the opportunity,” she said.

“700 girls from U14 to U18 currently play in the Penrith District. We know that the base is here in Penrith, it’s just building it.”

Currently, a number of junior clubs have shown strong interest in forming girlsonly teams, with an U12s competition “definitely” set to go ahead this year.

“If not enough girls sign up for the other age divisions this season, we’ll run fun clinics and games every weekend so girls are still learning and getting involved,” Stimpson said.

This Sunday, March 4 at Whalan Reserve, Penrith Juniors and the NSWRL will launch the upcoming girls-only competitions with a Come and Try Clinic and games from 11am.

A number of junior league clubs will be at this weekend’s launch to provide more information and to register kids.

The girls-only competitions are scheduled to get underway on the weekend of April 7 and 8.

For more information, contact your nearest junior league club or email Zoe Hamilton at zhamilton@nswrl.com.au.

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Talented teenager Danielle celebrated after representing New South Wales NATHAN TAYLOR

epean Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) High School student Danielle Latter has been awarded a NSW Government State Representative Award for her achievements in gymnastics.

Danielle represented NSW at the Australian Gymnastics Championships last year, as part of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Artistic Gymnastics team.

Penrith MP and NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres joined Nepean CAPA High School Principal Max Foord to congratulate and present Danielle with the highly coveted award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Danielleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to her sport is evident in earning this award,â&#x20AC;? Mr Ayres said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The discipline and focus required to reach this level of gymnastics serves as an example and inspiration to others.â&#x20AC;?

The 14-year-old, who has been doing gymnastics since she was a toddler, said she was incredibly proud and honoured to receive the award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt really honoured and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really

the western weekender Âť Friday, March 2, 2018

GYMNASTICS

N

Leonayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jessica Fox has been named Sportswoman of the Year at the Paddle Awards in Denmark.

It follows an incredible 2017 on the water right around the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is such an honour to win this award,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The finalists are all incredible athletes across all disciplines of canoeing who have had phenomenal seasons and contributed so much to the sport so to be recognised in this way is huge and I am very grateful for the votes and support of the WPA, broader canoeing community and all the fans.â&#x20AC;?

With two Olympic medals and 14 World Championship gold medals to her name, 23-year-old Fox continues to rise up the ranks of Australian sporting success stories.

AFL

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres with Danielle Latter and Max Foord thankful for it. My family and friends thought it was really cool,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was presented the award during my Circus class which was nice, everyone was taking photos.â&#x20AC;?

Training regularly at Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre in Rooty Hill, the Year

10 student was nominated for the State Representative Award by Gymnastics NSW Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Artistic Gymnastics High Performance Manager, Marnie Heming.

The Award recognises people who have represented the state of NSW in a competitive field.

GWS Giants midfielder Will Setterfield is set to miss the 2018 season after scans confirmed a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left leg.

The injury occurred in the third term of the Giantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practice match against the Swans at Henson Park in Marrickville last Friday night.

The 20-year-old played two games in his debut season in 2017 and had been one of the Giantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best in the early stages of last Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest.

Around the grounds CRICKET: Penrith have a big run chase ahead of them if they are to overcome North Sydney in Round 15 of the NSW Premier Cricket competition. Playing in a two-day match at North Sydney Oval, North Sydney won the toss and elected to bat first.

The home side put on an excellent performance with the bat before being dismissed for 320. Ryan Smith was best with the ball for Penrith, taking 6/100. When Penrith hit the crease later that afternoon, they were 0/5 before stumps. Penrith will look to bat their way to victory when play gets back underway this Saturday.

CRICKET: Penrith are through to the Grand Final of the Poidevan-Gray Shield (U21s) competition after their Semi Final against Fairfield-Liverpool was washed out last weekend.

Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group of youngsters will now face Gordon in next Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decider at Howell Oval from 10am.

Penrith are expected to go into the Limited Overs match as slight favourites over their opponents.

CRICKET: Congratulations to Penrith Third Grade cricketer Tom Sargeant who last weekend broke the highest individual score for the club with 234* vs North Sydney. Sargeant passed the previous club record of 231* set by Nathan Rennie.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 3 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with excellent results for Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams.

In the SG Ball competition, Penrith defeated Parramatta 42-14, while in the Harold Matthews competition, the Panthers produced an epic comeback to overcome the Eels 25-22.

The news was also good in the Tarsha Gale Cup, with Penrith defeating Parramatta 42-20 to notch up their second straight win. This Saturday Penrith will take on North Sydney in the Harold Matts and SG Ball competitions, while the Tarsha Gale side will battle the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy.

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the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

Friday, March 2, 2018

Time to train is now!

NATHAN TAYLOR

estern Sydney Marathon Ambassador and two-time champion Brendan Davies says now is the perfect time to start training for one of the most popular local running events of the year.

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Story continues on » p. 61

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the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

THE PLAYERS

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Penrith’s most comprehensive coverage of rugby league returns next week when the first edition of Extra Time hits the streets on Friday, March 9. Troy Dodds, Nathan Taylor, Jamie Soward and the Fox League team will take you through the season, plus The Masked Panther returns with all the latest news and gossip.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

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MACK TRUCK IS READY TO ROAR NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

S

Sam McKendry makes his return against the Roosters. Photo: Penrith Panthers

ince he debuted in the NRL a decade ago, Sam McKendry has always been a hard player to interview. Not arrogant or disinterested, just your typical softly spoken Kiwi forward. Every word, every sentence, seemed hard to deliver.

But in recent months, there has been a change in McKendry. He has a newfound confidence and comes across a lot more open with fans, club sponsors and the media. At Penrith’s 2018 season launch last week, McKendry was working the room as if it was a launch purely for him.

He was charismatic, polite and was more than happy to chat and take photos.

The man they call “Mack Truck” seemed rejuvenated, hungry and eager. After two years from hell caused by multiple injuries, this was indeed a relaunch for him.

While his time away from the game was naturally tough to bear, he and his

wife Kirsten welcomed the birth of two children – Isla and Isaac.

“They were major positives, having my kids took my mind off what I was going through,” McKendry told the Weekender.

“It was great having my wife around supporting me during that time. You just have to take the positives out of the negatives and that’s what I ended up doing.”

Earlier this month, the 28-year-old made his long awaited return to footy during Penrith’s lone trial win over the Sydney Roosters. Fans all over the NRL world wished McKendry luck upon his return, praying one of the nice guys of rugby league would get through unscathed.

“It was good seeing that sort of stuff, it drives me to keep playing footy,” McKendry said.

“It’s always good to have the fans behind you. I just can’t wait to be out there and playing again.

“I just have to play good footy, and I’ll have a good chance of getting my place back. I want to 100 per cent be in that NRL team again.”

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

Brought to you by

It’s the Cowboys for me, but it’s a wide open comp

JAMIE SOWARD T

he NRL season is less than a week away and for my first column of the new year, I thought I’d give Weekender readers my Top 8 predictions for 2018.

Some of my picks many will agree with, while others are a tad controversial.

Get in touch with me on Twitter throughout the season and let me know how I’m doing. My Top 8 for 2018 is…

1. North Queensland Cowboys: This was an easy pick for me. While the Cowboys will welcome back Thurston and Matt Scott, the big acquisition for me is Jordan McLean. I think if JT decides to retire this year, I have a feeling he’ll go out a champion. This team is built for success and their premiership window is wide open.

2. Sydney Roosters: The Roosters have recruited very well with Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco on board. I think the relationship between Cronk and coach Trent Robinson will work really well for the Chooks, but how will Cronk gel with the rest of the playing group? The Roosters certainly have the talent to finish second.

3. Melbourne Storm: The Storm may have lost Cooper Cronk but Brodie Croft has been waiting a while to get his chance

at halfback. The way Croft plays is very similar to Cronk. This competition has waited a long time for repeat Premiers and the Storm have a better chance than most.

4. Cronulla Sharks: I’ve picked Cronulla in the four because of their experience and new recruits in Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan. A lot of guys have gone to the Shire this year with a point to prove. This is probably the last year the premiership window is open for this veteran side.

5. Penrith Panthers: Just because I’ve tipped Penrith outside of the top four, doesn’t mean they can’t win it all. What scared me off Penrith slightly was their slow start in 2017 – they can’t let that happen again! The big plus for Penrith is their new recruit and now best player, James Maloney. Jimmy will help Nathan Cleary immensely and make him an even better player. Just watch!

6. Parramatta Eels: The Eels are my dark horse to win it all. If Jarryd Hayne buys into the culture that Brad Arthur’s built, this could be a real danger team for the competition. They have one of the most exciting backlines in the NRL and Clint Gutherson is one of my favourite players to watch every week.

James Maloney will lead Penrith to a Finals berth this season. Photo: Penrith Panthers 7. Canberra Raiders: I know Canberra have lost Josh Hodgson for most of the season to injury, but I think the talent they still have there will get them in. I’m tipping a big year for Aidan Sezer. Aidan’s off-contract this season, so I’m going to back him to have a very strong year.

8. St George Illawarra Dragons: My former team have bought very well in the off-season by adding senior forward James Graham to the pack as well as Ben Hunt in the halves. I’m tipping the Dragons to just scrape in, particularly after what happened in round 26 last year.

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Friday, March 2, 2018 « the western weekender

FEATURE

READY TO CHEER LOUD AND PROUD IN SEASON 2018 LAUREN SUTTIE @LaurenSuttie2

W

hile the boys have been gearing up for what Panthers fans are hoping will be a successful and rewarding 2018 season, they haven’t been the only ones training hard in the lead-up to next weekend’s game.

Dusting off their pom poms, the Pantherettes have also spent the last four weeks intensely training and preparing for the season ahead.

And while there has been a few changes to the line-up of girls, with a few hanging up their pom poms at the end of last season, Manager of the Pantherettes, Laura Harrison said fans should expect a great season from the girls.

“I’m really proud of what we have achieved with the cheer squad and we are all really proud of the reputation that we have developed as one of the best dance squads in the NRL,” she said.

“This year it’s going to be business as usual as far as putting on the same really high level, energetic performances.”

One of the newer faces to join the squad this year is Abby B, who decided to audition after seeing how much fun her friend had doing it.

“I’m starting full time uni next week as well, so it’s all really exciting with lots of new things happening this year,” she said.

“I just can’t wait for the games to actually start!”

Stepping out into a crowd of thousands of people can be daunting even for the most confident performer, but for the seven new faces in the squad, they’re lucky enough to have the support of the more experienced girls to look up to.

One of those girls is the squad’s veteran, Emily, who is back for her sixth year.

“I just love it, it’s such a great experience on the field and every year is a little bit different,” she said.

Pantherettes Emily and Abby are preparing for a big season ahead. Photo: Melinda Jane “Our choreographer changed last year, so it kind of freshened things up a bit and we’re doing a lot more American style with the stunt works. I love all that, so it keeps me coming back.”

Also back this year is the new and improved uniform, and while the old catsuits certainly gave the girls a unique look over other squads, the highly skilled

WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS SEASON?

E

very new NRL season brings with it a variety of new elements, and 2018 is no different. Here’s some changes you can expect to see across the rugby league landscape...

N

New stadium name No more Pepper Stadium, no more

Centrebet or Sportingbet... just plain old Panthers Stadium. A win for the fans and something to be proud of at every home game this year.

New match-day experience Very few details have been revealed at this stage but fans can expect a new-look

stunt work in this year’s routines will be the new point of difference for the squad.

“Since we changed the outfit last year, we were able to do much more athletic routines,” Ms Harrison said.

“I liked how they looked but it’s definitely more practical with this outfit, especially with the type of dancing that we’re doing,” Emily added.

Excited for the what lies ahead, the girls are looking forward to seeing all the dedicated fans at their home games.

“We love seeing you all there, especially all the little kids and good luck boys for the season ahead, we’re here to cheer you on,” Emily said.

Check out our video chat with Emily and Abby on our Facebook page.

build-up to matches on game day at Panthers Stadium. You’ll want to get there well before kick-off!

New era for radio Crocmedia will join 2GB, Triple M and the ABC as broadcasters of the NRL this season, so no matter where you are you’ll be able to catch the footy.

Details surrounding Crocmedia’s coverage is yet to be confirmed but rumours suggest either 2UE or 2SM will bring their coverage into Sydney.

New TV shows Most of your favourites are back but both Channel Nine and Fox League are presenting new shows this season too.

Nine will present a new Monday night program tackling the big issues and reviewing the weekend games, with Penrith’s own Phil Gould part of the panel.

‘The Footy Show’ also has a new look this year on Thursday nights with Erin Molan taking over the hosting duties.

Over at Fox League, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding a new show hosted by Andrew Voss, called ‘The Fan’.

It starts on Tuesday night.

New rules... sort of There’s no major rule changes this year, with the most significant alteration being that time will now be called off for 30 seconds following every conversion attempt. It not only delivers more actual game time, but the 30 second break suits advertisers perfectly over at free-to-air broadcaster Channel Nine.

MIXED RESULTS IN TRIALS NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

C

onfusing would be one word to describe Penrith’s two pre-season trial games against the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.

While trials often don’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, they are a good way for players to get their fitness levels up, work on combinations and blow out any unwanted cobwebs ahead of a gruelling NRL season ahead.

Penrith’s opening trial against a severely understrength Sydney Roosters played out just how it should, with the home side running out 30-18 winners.

The match was the first time James Maloney and Nathan Cleary played with one another, while it also saw the return of popular forward Sam McKendry after a long absence with injury.

A week later, Penrith took a near full strength side to Belmore Sportsground to tackle the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Traditionally, the final trial often resembles an NRL game with every star available.

Panthers coach Anthony Griffin held up his end of the bargain by giving all his stars

the western weekender » Friday, March 2, 2018

FEATURE

Penrith players during their first trial against the Roosters. Photo: Melinda Jane a run, while new Bulldogs coach Dean Pay opted to leave out his well-known players in favour of a reserve grade team.

Many pundits, including this writer, tipped Penrith by 50 largely due to the enormous mismatch of talent.

However, pretty much everyone not wearing blue and white had egg on their face at full-time after the pups from Bankstown sprung a 24-10 upset.

While most Penrith fans could excuse the result as a lack of caring for the opposition, others didn’t take long to write-off the rest of the NRL season before a ball was even kicked.

Speaking to NRL.com after the match, an unfazed Griffin praised the Bulldogs for a strong performance.

“Obviously you don’t like getting beat, but the good thing was it was a trial, the

opposition were really good,” he said.

“They out-enthused us, had a lot of possession, but there were some areas of our game we’ve got to work on. We look forward to Round 1 now.”

The major positive out of the two matches for Penrith was that there were no serious injury concerns, with only Dean Whare receiving treatment for a tight hamstring.

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