Western Weekender December 5

PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP

weekender the western

Printed on 100% recycled paper

FRI 5 DEC 2014 • Issue 1182

Sweet victory!

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Business Advice, tips and profiles on the best local businesses p.30-31

Havoc on our roads

Serious injuries after horror Wednesday crashes in St Clair, Cranebrook

Ironman event a huge success p.35

Lions ready to sell trees p.24 The horror scene at Cranebrook on Wednesday. Inset: The crash scene at St Clair. Photos: Dean Asher

Popovic in demand Wanderers coach is hot property p.40

KATHERINE TWEED

S

@ktweed_

erious injuries, major damage and huge traffic delays was the result of two serious crashes on local roads on Wednesday.

The carnage began in the morning peak, when a car and a truck collided on Mamre Road at St Clair at about 7.30am, and slid together down an embankment.

Emergency services were called to the scene,

including the Ambulance NSW helicopter, which landed in a nearby park.

The female driver of the car reportedly lost consciousness and was trapped in her vehicle with suspected spinal injuries, while the male truck driver suffered a leg injury.

The female was transported to Liverpool Hospital by air in a critical condition, while the male was transported to hospital via road ambulance.

Just hours later, not long after 10am, emergency services were called to another serious accident

at Cranebrook, where a car and motorcycle had collided, rendering the motorcyclist unconscious.

The 35-year-old motorcyclist regained consciousness before CareFlight’s medical team arrived but he was suffering from multiple injuries.

“CareFlight’s medical team initiated pre-hospital treatment for head and leg injuries before he was placed in a road ambulance to allow treatment to continue on the journey to Westmead Hospital,” said CareFlight spokesperson, Mark Lever.

Investigations into the crashes are continuing.

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FEDERAL POLITICS

POLICE

Scott reflects on big year of ups and downs

Mystery over missing elderly woman

TROY DODDS

@troydodds

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

M Lindsay MP Fiona Scott mentary funding to upskill and train our childcare workers. Since being elected, I have worked hard to see better roads and facilities delivered across our region,” she said.

Ms Scott said she is proud to represent the people of Lindsay and looks forward to a busy year ahead.

“I thank you all for your encouragement, friendship and support in 2014 and I am very excited about the opportunities we will deliver together in 2015,” she said.

uriel Scandrett, who was reported missing from Penrith on Saturday, is still nowhere to be found.

The 87-year-old left Nepean Hospital, on Derby Street, Penrith, at about 3pm on Saturday, November 29, and was reported missing.

She was seen catching a taxi from Central Railway Station at about 6.20pm that night and at the time of print, had not been seen or heard from since.

“Police and family hold serious concerns for the missing person’s welfare due to a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment,” a police spokesperson said.

Police are calling on the public to assist them in locating the woman and ask that anyone who has seen her contact them immediately.

She is described as being of Caucasian

CCTV footage of Muriel Scandrett appearance, with green/hazel-coloured eyes, brown curly hair and is of a medium build.

Police say that she was last seen wearing pale green pants, a white, blue and green top and brown shoes.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

local news

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ith the Parliamentary sitting year wrapping up this week, Lindsay MP Fiona Scott has reflected on what’s been a roller-coaster year both for the government and Australia in general.

“On reflection, this year has been one of wonderful successes and gut wrenching tragedies,” Ms Scott said.

“The sad loss of young cricketer Phillip Hughes has touched us all. While, the loss of flights MH340 and MH17 along with abhorrent acts of terrorism has made our world seem very small.

“Rightly these events have shaken us, but have also served to demonstrate the importance and fragility of the freedom and democracy we enjoy here in Australia.”

Ms Scott said she was thrilled that the Government had scrapped the Carbon and Mining taxes, as promised before the 2013 election, and was also happy with a range of local achievements.

“Across the region, I have been working on many projects including delivering upgrades to many of our local sporting facilities, providing additional aged care support, CCTV cameras in St Marys and Penrith, funding University of Western Sydney research projects, and supple-

3

Grocery thief to front court A 33-year-old Castlereagh woman is set to appear before Penrith Local Court after she was found stealing what police allege to be over $300 worth of groceries

from a local store. Last Thursday, she allegedly selected over $300 worth of groceries and left the store without paying.

She was stopped by store security.

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EDITOR'S DESK

4

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Greens lunacy, grief for Hughes and Abbott’s well-played move

opinion

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Ross Fowler North Ward Penrith City Councillor

Greens lunacy over toys You may have read during the week that Greens Senator Larissa Waters has endorsed a campaign by a small group called Play Unlimited in calling on retailers to stop using “gender stereotypes” to market toys.

That’s right, apparently we’ve been doing it all wrong for years – forcing unsuspecting girls to play with dolls and boys to play with trucks.

Call the parenting police immediately!

Senator Waters has even been quoted as saying that “out-dated stereotypes about girls and boys and men and women, perpetuate gender inequality, which can feed into very serious problems, such as domestic violence and the gender pay gap”.

Oh please. That’s BS. Larissa Waters actually seems, by all accounts, to be a really genuine politician.

But she’s entered the realms of Greens lunacy this week with her support for a campaign that in all seriousness could fit everyone who supports it in a telephone box.

But by all means, follow the campaign, buy your little girl a Tonka truck for Christmas and your little boy a Barbie – they’ll thank you forever.

Or of course, you could just buy the things you know your son or daughter will like, no matter what they are. Now, there’s a thought!

More importantly here, why do the Greens think it’s even their place to be involved? It is not the role of government or politicians to start talking about private family matters like what’s under the Christmas tree.

All it does is prove how delusional and out of touch the Greens are that they’d even get themselves involved with such a campaign.

Tough year for sport Phillip Hughes’ passing last week gripped the nation in grief, and his funeral service in his

the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255

0419 738 484 Authorised by Ross Fowler, 11 Tindale Street, Penrith

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

TROY DODDS @troydodds

Abbott plays the game well On Monday, Tony Abbott got himself back in the game. Like a boxer on the canvas, almost ready to walk out of the ring, Mr Abbott has had a rough few months.

In fact, ever since the Budget the Government has been treading water with the Australian public and struggling to resonate with the electorate. On Monday, Mr Abbott drew a line in the sand during a marathon 45 minute press conference in Canberra.

He clearly wanted the lasting memory of 2014 to be one of strength, something he showed during the marathon news conference in which he freely answered some 20 questions from journalists.

Mr Abbott is a smart politician and a good leader, but we’ve seen very little of both traits in the last few months. Now, however, he appears back in the game and primed for a big 2015.

Abbott drew a line in the sand

Advertising: penrithsales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd CIRCULATION: 59,400 [CAB Audit November 2014]

Editor: Troy Dodds • Journalists: Nathan Taylor, Katherine Tweed, Kate Reid Photographer: Melinda Jane Production Manager: Irene Adams • Production: Alana Christanga, Maddy Searle • Administration: Karlee Hansen Sales Manager: Simon Gould • Sales Executives: Paula Allsopp, Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Lewis, James Miller, Gina Perrin, Katie Grasso, Howard Cox

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home town of Macksville on Wednesday was beautiful, touching and very sad.

I think everyone felt numb when the news of Hughes’ passing last Thursday broke, and it is sadly the latest in a long list of sporting tragedies this year that have occurred on the field.

In rugby league, Alex McKinnon’s life was changed forever by a tackle that, 999 other times, would not have resulted in even a minor injury to the player.

In racing, two young female jockeys in the prime of their lives – 19-year-old Caitlin Forrest and 26-year-old Carly-Mae Pye – both died while ‘at the office’.

It’s been a tough year.

But every time one of these tragedies occur, the way the nation responds in united grief and support for those affected makes you proud to be Australian.

The lasting legacy out of these tragedies is the reenforcement of the Australian spirit.

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HEALTH

Nepean’s new direction New signage to make navigating hospital much easier NATHAN TAYLOR

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a

5

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Phone: (02) 9833 2913 Address: Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys 2760 Email: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail: PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790

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New signage has been installed at Nepean Hospital are unwell. These people don’t need the added stress of getting lost on campus,” she said.

“We want to try and make this time as easy and fuss-free as possible for them and implementing successful wayfinding strategies is just one way we can help.”

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atients and visitors will soon be able to navigate their way around the Nepean Hospital campus more easily than ever before with the assistance of helpful new signage.

Directional totems, complete with updated campus maps, are currently being erected in areas of high pedestrian access across the Nepean Hospital grounds and are already proving extremely useful for those who are unfamiliar with the campus.

The updated campus maps, featured on the directional totems, are colour coded to reflect the different ‘Blocks’ that compromise Nepean Hospital. These colours are also reflected at entry points to assist in easy identification.

Acting Manager Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Total Asset Management, Larissa Hoyling, said successful wayfinding plays a significant role in reducing unnecessary stress for patients and visitors who are unfamiliar with the campus.

“Most patients come to hospital because they’re unwell and visitors come to hospital to see loved ones who

An alphanumeric grid on the online version of the campus map is also assisting patients and visitors with identifying exactly where they need to go.

The map can be found at www.nbmlhd. health.nsw.gov.au/Nepean-Hospital/ Maps.

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HEALTH

Regular testing is the key to tackling HIV

local news

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

W

hile many people associate HIV and AIDS with third world countries, statistics show that it is a real issue in Australia, one that Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) focused on this week.

Monday, December 1 was World AIDS Day and NBMLHD joined with hundreds of organisations on the day in promoting awareness of HIV testing, early treatment and prevention.

NBMLHD Sexual Health Clinical Director and Staff Specialist, Dr Eva Jackson, said prevention of HIV remained a critical issue.

“Preventing HIV is still as important as ever,” she said.

“Around 10,500 people in NSW are living with diagnosed HIV infection, but around 10 per cent of people with HIV in NSW may be unaware they are infected. We are committed to changing this statistic.”

Dr Jackson said regular testing was the key.

“To end HIV, more people need to get tested more often,” she said.

“The earlier people know their status, the better their outlook.”

HIV testing has reached a new era in New

South Wales with rapid testing, express clinics, online appointment booking and tests at GP clinics making it easier for local people to access testing and important information.

“Overall, during 2013 and 2014, HIV testing in NSW has increased among high risk groups with more new HIV infections being detected earlier. There are also indications that we are detecting new HIV infections earlier,” Dr Jackson said.

“Increasing HIV testing rates is vital, as many people who have not been tested recently do not know they are HIV positive, and are possibly transmitting HIV to others.”

But to end HIV, which was the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, the focus should not just be on getting tested, as prevention is also very important.

“We need to encourage people to use condoms and get tested regularly to help us end HIV,” Dr Jackson said.

“Through the remarkable advances in testing and treatment and continued promotion of safe behaviour, we now have the means to achieve the goal of ending HIV.” NBMLHD held an event at Holy Family Catholic Church, Emerton on World AIDS Day. Do you have a HIV story to tell? Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Dr Eva Jackson with the rapid HIV testing kit. Photo: Melinda Jane

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St Marys: Man charged with multiple firearm offences

Werrington: Man had replica pistol, drugs in back pack

Police have charged a man in relation to a number of firearm offences. At about 9pm on Saturday, November 29, police stopped a silver sedan in Christie Street, St Marys. Police spoke with the 27-year-old driver of the vehicle before conducting a search. Police allegedly located a number of items during the search, including a replica pistol, knives, bolt cutters, ammunition and a balaclava. The male driver was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged with a number of matters including ‘armed with intent to commit an indictable offence’, ‘possess unauthorised firearm’, ‘possess ammunition’, ‘possess or use prohibited weapon without permit’ and ‘custody of a knife in a public place’. He was conditionally bailed.

The search of a 29-year-old man at Werrington Railway Station, allegedly led to police discovering a replica pistol and prohibited drugs. At about 6.35pm on Friday, November 28, police were patrolling Werrington Railway Station when they stopped and spoke to a 29-year-old male.

Police had reason to search the man and conducted a search of his back pack. Police allege that a replica pistol was located inside.

The man was arrested and a further search located a number of plastic bags allegedly containing prohibited drugs. He was taken to St Marys Police Station, where he was charged with ‘possess unregistered firearm’ and ‘possess prohibited drug’. He was bail refused and appeared in Penrith Local Court on November 29.

Werrington: Drink driving likely to blame for crash

Penrith: Unregistered vehicle runs into police car

Police have charged a man with high range drink driving and drug possession after a collision at Werrington. Police say that a 27-year-old man crashed his white Holden utility into a tree on Henry Lawson Drive, Werrington at about 9.45pm on Saturday, November 29. Police were called to the scene and breath tested the man, allegedly returning a positive reading. The man was arrested and during a subsequent search, it is alleged that a small plastic bag containing a number of tablets were located. The man was taken to St Marys Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.188, which is in the high-range.

He will soon front the courts.

A woman has been charged after she ran her unregistered car into a police car. At about 12.10pm on November 26, a 41-yearold Lemongrove woman was driving her white Mitsubishi Triton, which police allege was unregistered and uninsured. She was driving along Macquarie Avenue, Penrith, when a highway patrol vehicle identified the car as being unregistered. Police pulled over their vehicle and waited for the driver to pass them. Police allege that the driver was aware that she was driving an unregistered vehicle and attempted to pull over and hand herself in to police. However, as she did so, her vehicle collided with the front of the police car.

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HEALTH

World class boost for Penrith Breast and prostate cancer screening now more accurate than ever

local news

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

B

reast and prostate cancer screening in Penrith is more accurate than ever with the launch of two cutting edge services available at Penrith Imaging.

On Thursday, December 4, in a first for the local area, Penrith Imaging’s Derby Street Clinic launched their brand new, state-of-the-art 3D Mammography service, which is tipped to not only help detect breast cancer early but reduce the incidence of ‘false positive’ findings.

“It is a relatively new technology and the first of its kind to be installed in the Penrith region. It is almost the same as a normal mammogram machine but it effectively allows us to take images of the layers of the breast, which means that breast cancer diagnosis is more accurate,” said Penrith Imaging General Manager, Nola Ford.

“With this machine there is an increase in the pick up of smaller cancers but it also reduces the amount of false positives that we receive. False positives create a lot of anxiety for patients and if we can take that anxiety out of the process, it is much better for them.”

The launch of the new machine has

Dr Kevin Tay, Royce Simmons, Jack Burgess and Barbara Hoar. Photo: Melinda Jane come in the wake of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when the staff at Penrith Imaging raised $1,800 for the McGrath Foundation.

Staff also raffled off a limited edition Penrith Panthers jersey, which was handed over to the lucky winner by Panthers rugby league legend Royce

Simmons at the launch on Thursday. In addition to their work to improve breast cancer screening in Penrith, the local clinic also recently invested in a new multi-parametric prostate MRI scanning service to improve the screening process for prostate cancer in men.

Specialist Radiologist, Dr Charmaine Macdonald, said it was a huge benefit to patients in Penrith.

“Certain regions of the prostate that can be difficult to reach by traditional techniques, such as ultrasound, are now more easily viewed using the MRI-guided technique. This allows for a reduction in the number of biopsy injections required when prostate cancer is suspected,” she said.

“This technology reinforces Penrith Imaging’s reputation for excellence in imaging. Our skilled radiologists are available onsite to provide same-day reporting and ensure patients are at ease during their appointment. We are proud to be the first to bring these two world class radiology services to our community,” Ms Ford added.

Patients can access Penrith Imaging’s new 3D Mammography service and MRI prostate scans at 68 Derby Street, Penrith.

For more information call the clinic on 4724 6300.

What’s in store for her? and you gave me something and you gave me something

For I was hungry I was thirsty I was a stranger

to eat, to drink, and you invited me in.

Matthew 25:35

Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

This Christmas many families will struggle to pay their bills, put food on the table and even provide a safe place to call home.

There is no time more important than Christmas to share the love and blessings we have with those in desperate need.

Please give generously to the Anglicare Christmas Appeal 13 26 22 www.anglicare.org.au WW13885

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ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys OfďŹ ce Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.

COUNCIL BRIEFS s Council will provide extra bin collections for residents between 22 December and 2 January 2015. Residents can place all their bins on the kerbside each week during this period on their normal collection day.

Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri.

The extra collection services encourage residents to ‘Do the Right

P: (02) 4732 7777

Bin’ and keep up their great recycling efforts over the festive

F: (02) 4732 7958

season.

Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

Many festive items including paper gift wrapping, pudding tins and

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

cardboard packaging can be placed in your recycling bin. Other items such as old and broken tinsel, tree decorations, cellophane

SERVICES

and plastic shopping bags should be placed in your red lidded bin.

Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735

Additional collections do take extra time, so we ask households to

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

GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

Council Meetings 8 December 2014 – 7pm (Extraordinary Meeting) 15 December 2014 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting)

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithishere.com.au

leave bins out until they’ve been emptied so they don’t miss out.

If you are not sure of what can go where please call Council on 4732 7615. s In April this year Council started work on a Capacity Review to look at how we do business and how we can improve our services.

We are in good shape but we also recognise that as our community grows, so will the demands on Council.

MEETING DATES

Go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au for more information or to complete our survey. You can also call 4732 7983 or email capacityreview@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au s The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre will host two free art exhibitions in its foyer this month – Artability, launched on International Day for People with Disability on 3 December and a thought provoking multi-media exhibition created through the Urban Heat Islands Project from 4 December.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION Proposed Adoption of ‘Council’s Code of Meeting Practice’

Submissions on the proposed Code are invited and will be received

by Council until 5pm on Friday, 16 January 2015. Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager and can be mailed to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or emailed to council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION The following development application has been received by Council: s Pretech Pty Ltd

DA14/0995

Lot 1 & 2 DP29528 (Nos. 24–26) Joseph Street, Kingswood Demolition of existing structures and construction of 12 x attic style villas and associated car parking, drainage and landscaping works Note: This is a notice of further exhibition which corrects the description of the proposed development.

Contact: Gavin Cherry on 4732 8125 Closing Date: 24 January 2015.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

The proposed Code of Meeting Practice is now on public exhibition

Viewing of Development Applications

and may be viewed at Council’s ofďŹ ces during normal business

The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. OfďŹ cers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

its Draft Code of Meeting Practice for public exhibition (Section 361

hours until Friday, 16 January 2015. Copies may also be obtained from Council’s website or by contacting Adam Beggs on 4732 7597 or email abeggs@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

WW14538

Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

of the Act). The exhibition period must not be less than 28 days.

Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre.

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

Under the Local Government Act 1993 Council is required to notify

10

ANIMAL WELFARE

Warning over surprise gifts Locals urged not to give pets as surprise presents this Christmas

local news

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

W

hile a new puppy or a kitten might seem like the perfect Christmas gift to surprise someone special with, animal welfare organisations are warning people against it.

Year after year, pets across the local area are left homeless in the wake of Christmas after people gifted with a pet decide that looking after an animal is just not possible for them.

“While pets can bring immense joy to our lives, so too is the level of responsibility and commitment they require. Sadly, all too often the RSPCA is left with the aftermath of impulse purchases and unwanted Christmas presents,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Magdoline Awad.

“Do not surprise people with a pet this Christmas. Pet ownership is a huge responsibility and it is a commitment and decision that should not be entered into lightly. If you are planning on giving your loved one a pet this Christmas, please ensure the gift recipient is fully involved in the adoption process and consider an RSPCA Shelter or another adoption outlet.”

It is not just the RSPCA that is left to pick

Pets given as unwanted gifts are a major issue for shelters. Photo: Melinda Jane up the pieces, the Animal Welfare League (AWL), which has a shelter in Kemps Creek, is inundated with rescued pets in the weeks and months after Christmas.

“Pets are a lifelong commitment which should be the results of a lot of planning.

You would never surprise someone with a new baby – pets are no different,” said

AWL Senior Animal Behaviourist, Rosalie Horton.

“The decision to bring a new pet into the family can be very rewarding, but please make sure you have done your homework first. Consider the cost, time, training, fences and especially your time away from them, such as work hours or travel. Pets want our company as much as possible.”

On the other hand, for a family who is prepared and expecting a pet for Christmas, school holidays can be a great time for a family to welcome a furry member, as it gives the pet time to settle in.

“At the AWL, our adoption focus is on ‘pet matchmaking’. We can find the ideal addition to your lifestyle – an active dog for fitness fanatics or a low energy cat for the lounge lizards,” Ms Horton said.

“All our shelters are full of beautiful dogs and cats that are looking for loving homes.

If you have done your homework and are ready to welcome a new family member into your home please contact us or check out the animals on our website.

“If you cannot commit long term, but love animals, why not think about becoming a foster carer. Foster carers can be temporary homes outside of the shelter, maybe just for the holidays.”

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

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I have had the pleasure this week of being immersed in some of our city’s rich arts culture through opening two very creative exhibitions. We have a vibrant art and cultural scene in Penrith with an abundance of talented artists.

The Nepean No Boundaries Art Group are displaying their second exhibition titled Artability. The group was formed during the development of the No Boundaries multimedia inclusive arts project that was undertaken in 2012, winning the National Disability Award for Excellence in Improving Social Participation.

Artability was launched this week celebrating the International Day of People with Disability. The exhibition is on joint display for two weeks at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and the Organisation’s shop front in Penrith.

Another exhibition is a unique collab-

oration between Council and students from Kingswood TAFE – Nepean Arts and Design. The Urban Heat Islands Project will be on display at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre to Wednesday, December 17.

The works are responding to the idea of the Urban Heat Island Effect, where urban areas absorb heat and release it back into their surroundings, creating an island of increased temperatures. The reduction of open ground, the increase in roadways and built structures, and the removal of trees all contribute to this.

Our city has become an adrenaline seeker’s paradise in recent times, but adventure comes in many forms.

Adventure can be found in arts and culture – anything really that satisfies an inquiring mind.

ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

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Students need local support McCarthy Catholic College students qualify for Formula One in Schools Finals KATHERINE TWEED

cCarthy Catholic College students Zach La Rosa, Kane Dyer and Josh Car could be part of the next generation of Formula One racing engineers after qualifying for the Formula One in Schools National Finals.

But the three enthusiastic teenagers need the support of local businesses, through the sponsorship of their model Formula One car, to have a real chance at the national competition, which is taking place in March next year.

Zach, Kane and Josh formed their own mini-Formula One team, The Vanquished, and using professional design software and equipment, designed and engineered a model Formula One car, which they exhibited, along with a portfolio, and raced at the Formula One in Schools NSW State Finals.

They were judged on a point system, with points awarded for their design skills, the performance of their vehicle and even their marketing abilities.

They were named runners-up and took out awards for the Best Engineered Design and Best Team Portfolio and as a result of their efforts, were given a ‘wildcard’

spot to compete in the National Finals to be held at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. “The competition is not just about racing, it is about everything else as well. You get judged on a portfolio that you create, your pit display and you have to give verbal talks as well,� Year 9 student, Zach said. “They want you to develop a team, develop funds, go through and design the car – just like a real Formula One team would.�

The Vanquished have spent countless hours during recess and lunch, after school and during their sport hours working on the project. “I like the whole challenge of it but it also gives you a lot of respect for what happens behind-the-scenes in motorsport. A lot of the time the drivers are in the spotlight but I would say that the car is one of the most important things – [the engineers] have to work on it constantly,� Year 9 student, Kane said.

But the hours that The Vanquished spent working on their project will be for nothing unless they get the sponsorship of local businesses, so that they can fund the development of the car and their trip to the National Finals, which they have estimated will cost around $6,000. “I like that aspect of this project as well;

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The Vanquished team have qualified for the Formula One in Schools National Finals getting to go around to other people, telling them about the car we are designing and the challenge we are doing is pretty cool,� said Year 8 student, Josh, who is

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Christmas relief as rates stay on hold TROY DODDS

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T

CELEBRATE THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS AT GLENMORE PARK TOWN CENTRE FROM MONDAY 8 DECEMBER THROUGH FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER On the first day of Christmas, Glenmore Park Town Centre gave to me....

@troydodds

he Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) avoided a Christmas grinch title by leaving interest rates on hold at its monthly meeting on Tuesday. It’s the 16th consecutive month that the cash rate has been left on hold, meaning there wasn’t one change to interest rates during 2014.

Mortgage Choice spokesperson, Jessica Darnbrough, said while the Reserve Bank indicated last week that it is in a position to cut interest rates again, the Board has obviously decided to err on the side of caution and leave the cash rate untouched this month at 2.5 per cent.

“It would appear that the Reserve Bank believes a further rate cut is not necessary at this time,” she said.

“According to National Australia Bank’s latest Monthly Business Survey, business conditions jumped in October, marking the largest monthly increase in the history of the survey.

“But while business conditions were good, business confidence suffered a further fall in October suggesting firms remain uncertain over the near-term demand in their industry.

“So while some areas of the economy are improving, others are struggling and the Reserve Bank feels as though the

best course of action is to leave rates on hold.”

Peter Arnold, product director of RateCity.com.au, said that despite no move to the cash rate again on Tuesday, many variable borrowers are paying less and less each month to service the same home loan.

“Since the last RBA cut of 0.25 percentage points we’ve seen the average variable rate decrease by 0.35 percentage points – that’s over and above what the RBA has passed on as a range of lenders move independently of the central bank,” he said.

“For a typical borrower of $300,000 that 0.35 percentage points ends up being a $62 a month saving. If you’re in some of the capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne – or if you’ve borrowed more – those numbers can easily be double.”

Home buyers can expect an increase in property listings in the New Year following the announcement, according to LJ Hooker CEO, Grant Harrod.

“It’s not only good news for the retail sector before the Christmas spending rush, but will also be welcomed by those who are considering purchasing next year,’’ he said.

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COMMUNITY

Donation brightens kids’ day Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward benefits from efforts of social golfers

local news

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

T

he gents of Jamison Hotel Social Golf Club have made a commitment to annually support Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward after donating around $40,000 over the years.

This year was no exception, with the club making enough money through a year of raffles to purchase a wheelchair, three strollers and a handful of iPad covers for the ward as well as donating $1,800 for the nursing staff to purchase equipment for the outdoor play area.

A number of members visited the Children’s Ward on Monday to present the donation and to encourage staff to begin making their wish-lists for next year’s fundraiser.

Jamison Hotel Social Golf Club member, Mal Gembles, said it was fantastic to be able to brighten the lives of those currently doing it tough.

“It is a bit of a tradition for our club so we are always happy to maintain it and hope to do so in the future,” he said.

The local club’s commitment has seen the ward gifted with thousands of dollars worth of equipment including six iPads, which were donated earlier this year. Their motivation for raising money is simple.

“Everyone has kids and no one wants to see them in hospital suffering. Also, we all live within the community, so it’s important that we give back to it,” club member, Mick Britten said.

This year the club was supported by a number of local businesses as they made their donation including Jamison Hotel, K & A Quality Meats, Astley Medical Centre, My Baby Warehouse and Harvey Norman.

Before making the donation, the club met with nurse unit manager, Shannan Waddups, and other staff members to discuss what would make life easier for the kids, parents and staff in the Children’s Ward.

After the ward’s only pram was recently stolen, the purchasing of new prams was essential.

“Parents don’t anticipate staying, especially not for long periods of time, so they don’t bring everything with them,” Ms Waddups said.

“It is nice for them to be able to put their babies and young children in the prams and go down to the cafeteria and have some time out. It gives them a chance to get out of the ward, rather than being stuck up here.

“Kids that are here for a few days, it gets a bit overwhelming, a bit too much for them, so to be able to go outside or down to the cafeteria with mum and dad is really handy and helpful.”

Only minutes after the group arrived with their newly purchased prams, parents already started using them.

Members of the Jamison Hotel Social Golf Club will now start their fundraising again and are expected to be back at the Children’s Ward before Christmas next year with another donation.

Members of Jamison Hotel Social Golf Club presented their donations on Monday

COMMUNITY

Gifts help make stay in hospital a little easier KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

T Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

Stir Crazy’s team donated gifts this week

here is nothing worse for local kids than having to spend the Christmas period in hospital, but this week those receiving treatment at Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward had a special visit that put smiles on their faces.

Every year staff at Stir Crazy Noodles, Penrith, donate their own money to purchase Christmas gifts for children who

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are spending the lead-up to Christmas in hospital.

On Monday, those gifts were handed to children staying at Nepean by Stir Crazy Noodles’ Deborah Smolen and Penrith employee, Aylin Narli.

“It is so rewarding to see a child’s face light up because they are in hospital, they are not well and they are obviously at their worst,” Ms Smolen said.

“There are between two and five items within each present, with the aim of keeping the children occupied.

“They all get an activity or a little reading book as well.”

This is the fourth year that Stir Crazy has run this “good-will” project.

“It makes us feel good to be able to give back to the community. We have several things on our calendar each year, this being the biggest, of course. We have 90 presents that we distribute between three hospitals,” Ms Smolen said.

Nurse Unit Manager, Shannan Waddups, said the project improves the stay of local kids.

“It brightens up their day. A few of the kids are in for a couple of days, they are out of their familiar surrounds, they are not at home,” she said.

“The ward is decorated and it is starting to look a lot like Christmas, so to receive a small gift like that, it just puts a smile on their face. It’s very rewarding.”

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Jordan Springs

A Christmas

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Celebration

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www.facebook.com/myjordansprings For more information contact LendLeaseRSVP@vanessacampbell.com.au Thanks to Sony and St Marys Sound Centre for assisting with entertainment for this event.

WW14440

Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

Information was true and correct at the time of printing and is subject to change.

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20

dear weekender...

Prayer hall debate

Narrow minded people

The opposition to the two new mosques scheduled for Penrith stems from the community’s concern about losing certain freedoms. We wish to avoid the clash of cultures seen in other areas where mosques and a large Muslim population exist. Auburn, Lakemba, Ashfield etc, have experienced significant cultural shifts and restrictions on traditional Christian practices, including Christmas carols and nativity scenes in shopping centres. With two new mosques approved for Kemps Creek, the neighbouring suburb of the proposed new airport, we may well see a greater influx of Islamic influence in our area. Criticism of Christianity and using Jesus’ name in vain, are commonplace in our society but to express any concern or opposition to Islamic practice, inevitably draws the label of bigot. Voltaire said: “To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticise”. Our Australian values are based upon our Judeo-Christian foundation and not Sharia law. This is certainly something worth preserving.

KIM FURST, PENRITH

It is sad and tragic that in such a culturally diverse country as ours, there are such narrow-minded people (Editor’s Desk, Western Weekender November 28). It is largely driven by unsubstantiated fear and misconceptions picked up from media, unfortunately. This is un-Australian in every sense, we should be tolerant and embrace our differences, not shut them down. I hope in these proposals going ahead and people practicing their faith peacefully, that this can help dispel the myths that these opposers have espoused.

Freedom of religion is a basic human right, after all.

SARAH ALI, VIA FACEBOOK

Penrith stands up for itself No, Penrith has not embarrassed itself. Rather it has stood up when others in Sydney have been intimidated into silence. Penrith has stood for its lifestyle, its views and its desired culture. Hats off to those moderates (not the fascists) who have stood up and used their voices. Penrith has refused to be silenced by a PC culture gone mad. Keep standing up; better to

die on your feet than live on your knees.

THOMAS JAMES JENKINS, VIA FACEBOOK

Move out of the area Mr Dodds, it seems evident that you feel that being accepting of “multiculturalism”, even when it infringes upon your very way of life, is more important than freedom of speech. Need I remind you that our forefathers died in battle to defend these very freedoms? Go and congratulate Lakemba, Auburn and Merrylands for the “great places that they have become”. Go take a squiz at some real estate there, perhaps you should consider moving there yourself if it’s all so lovely? Let’s pray Penrith does not follow suit.

SIMON MILLER, VIA FACEBOOK

Keep the PBA The PBA plays an important role in the local business community and I am happy for my rates to be used to fund the organisation (PBA’s future uncertain, Western Weekender November 28).

CRAIG COCHRANE, VIA FACEBOOK

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

Police dealing with major issues It has been positive to see recent media coverage create greater awareness about the serious psychological injuries that former police officers are dealing with, and the impact that is having on their families. As a police compensation lawyer, I am working with many former officers who have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and sadly, are not recovering as a result of insurance company, MetLife, failing to handle their compensation claims in an appropriate and timely way.

MetLife has been delaying claims, some as long as four years, and engaging in covert, and occasionally unlawful, surveillance of claimants. I spoke at a parliamentary forum today (December 2) calling for action to stop MetLife continuing to engage in these damaging tactics.

The NSW Government needs to immediately establish an independent panel to resolve the approximately 240 to 260 Total Permanent Disability (TPD) outstanding claims and also implement robust procedures to prevent mismanagement and

gross delays of future claims.

Enough is enough – something must be done to ensure those officers who once put their own lives on the line protecting our community obtain the compensation in which they’re entitled.

JOHN COX, SLATER AND GORDON

Phillip Hughes The passing of Phillip Hughes last week was very sad. We can only hope that it sends a message to everyone in the community that life is short, and can be cut so tragically in the most unexpected of ways.

As a cricket fan, I have been particularly touched by Phillip’s passing. As a family man, I’ve been very emotional about it as well. I encourage everyone to hug their child a little tighter tonight.

You just never know what is around he corner.

The scenes at the funeral on Wednesday were particularly hard for a father to watch.

My thoughts are with the entire Hughes family and the Australian cricket team.

TONY LANE, PENRITH

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

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Penrith City Council, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Authority, launched the Western Sydney Residential Asbestos Disposal Scheme last week. The program enables local residents to dispose of legacy asbestos free of charge.

“With one in three Australian homes containing asbestos, I am encouraging all residents in Penrith to use the WSRAD Scheme,” Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler said. “It is imperative that we increase people’s knowledge about asbestos, raise awareness that asbestos products can be in any home built or renovated before 1987, where to find it and how to manage it safely.”

For more information about WSRADS, contact Council’s Waste Education Officer Justin Murphy on 4732 8084.

Penrith City Council celebrated International Day of People with Disability this week, with a special selection of activities at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

The community was invited to join in celebrating the event, which fell on Wednesday, December 3. There were a range of free interactive and creative iPad activities as well as performances by the Xavier College Nepean Key Word Sign Choir, members of the Performance Academy and a participatory drumming session

with Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.

Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler, said there was something for everyone on the day, no matter whether they are interested in music, art or technology. “Council continues to recognise the needs of all residents in our city including the one in five Australians that have some level of disability.

Penrith is at the forefront in creating an accessible and inclusive city and is committed to celebrating our diverse community,” he said.

In the wake of the approval of the Development Application (DA) for a place of worship on Clifton Avenue, Kemps Creek, Council has confirmed that all DAs follow the same notification process, which is outlined under the Penrith Development Control Plan 2010. “These applications were notified in precisely the same manner as any place of worship of this size regardless of denomination,” Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler said. “Council is required to notify adjoining property owners and relevant resident groups by letter for a period of 14 days. Council encourages community feedback including impacts on views, overshadowing, pollution, visual quality of the building, the development’s scale, hours of use, parking provision and traffic generation.”

21

local news

St Marys Town Centre Ltd invite you to join us for a

Magical Christmas Friday 12th December 2014 – 6.30pm till 9.30pm Cnr Charles Hackett Drive & Queen Street St Marys Christmas Tree lighting Twilight market stalls, main stage entertainment, jumping castle, Kozi and Pinky’s facepainting and balloonist and Santa’s special arrival Fairy Wishes Move and Groove Christmas Show with Tinsel the Fairy, Holly the Elf and Scratch the Christmas Cat. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer will be making a guest appearance as well as our Roaming Fairy Elves with their candy for the kids!

Bring the family for a fun FREE magical night Don’t forget to bring your blanket or chair on the night

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Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

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22

Gift of reading The St Marys Village Christmas Gift Tree has been launched, with Penrith City Councillor Greg Davies helping to kick off the initiative on Tuesday.

Local residents are encouraged to head down to St Marys Village, select a name tag from the tree and give the selected child a book to encourage looking and listening in infants and small children.

Simply wrap your book, attach the tag and deliver to the St Marys Village Centre Management Office.

“Christmas is a time for giving and giving the gift of reading is something that is so important to young children,” Cr Davies said.

“Books open children’s imaginations and sense of adventure.”

Women of the Year Penrith MP Stuart Ayres says the search has begun for outstanding Penrith women to be recognised, with the nominations for the fourth annual 2015 NSW Women of the Year awards now open at www. women.nsw.gov.au.

“Every NSW community is made up of women who stand out with their remarkably inspiring success stories,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Women of the Year Awards are a chance for the NSW Government and the community to officially recognise the phenomenal contribution they make.

“Don’t miss out on acknowledging a remarkable woman from our community.

Entries close 11pm on December 18 – so start nominating!”

COMMUNITY

Adam’s helping hand Local bartender raises $7,000 to help leukaemia patients KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

P

enrith Golf Club junior manager and bartender Adam Bensen raised enough money through the Leukaemia Foundation’s U.G.L.Y Bartender of the Year competition to fund 88 nights of accommodation for rural families that need to relocate to the city for leukaemia treatment.

Of the 290 bartenders from across the state that entered, Mr Bensen came fifth after raising over $7,000 for the cause.

Of that amount, every $80 raised equates to one night’s stay for a rural family in accommodation provided by the Foundation.

This was Mr Bensen’s second year raising money for the organisation, and this year he held a golf day at his workplace, Penrith Golf Club.

“One of the guys on the night asked me ‘why are you doing this, have you been touched by leukaemia?’ I said ‘no, I haven’t, I just liked the idea’,” Mr Bensen recalled.

“It’s about helping families that are struggling to find somewhere to stay and that have already been hit by a pretty big shock; finding out that someone in the family has leukaemia.

Adam Bensen at Penrith Golf Club. Photo: Melinda Jane “I like the idea of helping people that you don’t know.”

He was thanked by the Leukaemia Foundation for his effort.

“The sheer ambition of Adam Bensen, who went above and beyond to support those living with blood cancer, cannot go by without being acknowledged,” said

‘

Christine McMillan, General Manager for the Leukaemia Foundation NSW and ACT. “On behalf of the Foundation and those who will be supported as a direct result of the fundraising efforts of Adam, thank you.”

Adam says he’ll be back next year.

Plan ahead with someone you can trust.

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cancer council Penrith Darts

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Challenge

local news

Thank You

final figures raised for the Darts Challenge were $15,442.10 with $11,852.10 net proceeds to Cancer SPECIAL THANKS TO Patron Mark MG Geyer

MAJOR SPONSORS

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Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

SPECIAL THANKS also goes to our supporters PRD Nationwide, Property Central, Esteem Hair and Beauty Spa, Outback Steakhouse Penrith, AMF Penrith, Penrith Panthers , Gametraders Penrith, Nepean News, The Grill team, Hoyts Penrith, Trevi’s , York Jewellers, The Body Shop, Frame Connection, Rogue Valley Roasters, Penrith Golf Course , Colonial Golf Course, Major Oak St Mary’s, Ripples St Mary’s. Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group.

local news

24

COMMUNITY

Come One, Come All!

Lions roar into the Christmas season

The 2014 Christmas Collections are in full swing at Rick Rutherford’s Country, Lawson It’s the store’s biggest Christmas showing ever, with wares imported from all over the world and many unique to this landmark Blue Mountains business!

This year the theme is ‘Merry and Bright’ … with 40 amazingly-themed trees, each one reflecting the style of the room in which they are showcased … Victorian, Folk, Retro, English, Kids and more!

Plus there’s also the hugest cache of homewares and gift ideas ever.

Come and experience the magic as this amazing Lawson destination embraces the coming of the festive season once more.

KATHERINE TWEED

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‘Badger House’, 3 Badgery Crescent, Lawson ‘B RUTHERFORD’ S ICK

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Open 10am to 5.30pm daily • Ph: 4759 3434 www.rickrutherford.com WW12858

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t wouldn’t be Christmas in Emu Plains without the local Lions and their Christmas trees.

Every year, in the lead-up to Christmas, Emu Plains Lions Club members line up along the Great Western Highway, near Melrose Hall, selling freshly chopped, live Christmas trees.

They sell the trees to local families, donating the profits to a good cause.

“We have been doing it for over 20 years and the profit we make, we donate to the Cancer Council at the Carols on

the Course later that day,” said Lions’ member, John Choma.

“They are an organisation that we support every year. They do a lot of good for the community.”

Taking part in the event isn’t just a tradition for the Lions members, it has become a tradition for many local families too, who hold-off on getting their tree until the Lions’ sale every year.

“We’ve had people who started coming along and buying trees from us right at the beginning,” Mr Choma said.

The Lions Christmas Tree Sale will take place on Saturday, December 13 from 8am. Trees cost $35 each.

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COMMUNITY

Students show creative flair

local news

Mulgoa MP says response to Christmas card competition was extraordinary

M

ember for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, has announced the winners of the 2014 Mulgoa Christmas Card Competition.

Ms Davies approached local schools earlier this year to invite them to be a part of the competition.

All interested students submitted artworks, competing to be the winning entry to be used as Ms Davies’ Christmas card that will be sent to various members of the community.

The students were asked to recognise the special Christmas season in some way and Ms Davies encouraged students to be creative, humorous or reflective of the local area or local people.

The overall winner this year was Aiyana Cabanero, a Year 5 student from Montgrove College, who submitted a traditional Christmas drawing of mother Mary cradling her baby Jesus.

Aiyana was presented with a framed certificate and a $100 voucher to Toys R Us in front of her fellow students at afternoon assembly last week.

As well as the overall winner, Ms Davies awarded winners in another three categories and presented them with a framed certificate and a gift voucher to Toys R Us just in time for Christmas.

Most Creative went to Gemma Benson

Aiyana Cabanero with Mulgoa MP, Tanya Davies

from Clairgate Public School, who drew Santa Claus and his sleigh of kangaroos flying over Ayres Rock.

The Kindergarten to Year 2 winner was Scarlett Tropiano from Mulgoa Public School, who drew a traditional Christmas tree with presents and the message “Love You Mummy”.

The Year 3 to Year 6 category was taken out by Alexis Verheyen from Glenmore Park Public School, who drew a snowman in Santa’s uniform next to a sign post with directions to the North Pole, church and nan and pop’s place.

Ms Davies said she was thrilled with the number of entries into the competition and thanked everyone who took part.

“Congratulations and thank you to everyone who entered the competition,” Ms Davies said.

“The response I received for the competition this year has been positively extraordinary.

“I am really impressed with the high quality of entries; making this year’s competition the toughest to judge, as so many entries were worthy of recognition.”

Most politicians run a similar competition, with the Christmas card design then sent out to hundreds of people across the local community to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Have a safe Christmas - CCTV will protect your property!

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It is very simple - you firstly have to make up your mind if you want your property protected over the Christmas period...if so consider what works and how you want to monitor your possessions?

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Krishanthi is prestigious Research Medal’s first two-time winner

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Dr Krishanthi Gunaratnam with John Bateman For the second time in her short career, Dr Krishanthi Gunaratnam has been awarded the Bateman Battersby Medical Research Medal for Best Emerging Researcher at the recent Annual Nepean Scientific Day held at Nepean Hospital’s Sydney Medical School.

Dr Gunaratnam is the first two-time winner of the medal having previously won the award in 2011, the year she commenced her PhD studies with Musculoskeletal Aging Research Program at the Medical School under the supervision of Professor Gustavo Duque.

Dr Gunaratnam’s studies involved the investigation of the effect of marrow fat on differentiating osteoblasts and their relationship to increasing the risk of osteoporosis, particularly within

local news

Help Rooby to support kids in our local area with Paint Penrith REaD!

the aged community. Her investigations indicate that regulating fatty acid secretion and inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy could protect bone cells against fat and may become a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis in the future.

Dr Gunaratnam was presented with the prestigious award by Bateman Battersby Lawyers Partner, John Bateman.

“We are very fortunate in Penrith to have some very fine young medical researchers such as Krishanthi, whose work is providing immense benefits for both our local residents and wider community,” Mr Bateman said.

“It’s very important her efforts be acknowledged.”

- Nathan Taylor

Select a name tag from our Christmas Gift Tree and give the child a book to encourage looking and listening in infants and small children.

Simply wrap your book, attach the tag and deliver to our Centre Management Office.

The tree will be in centre until Friday 19 December.

Dose of Dorin

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TAFE Service Centre

business

117 Henry Street, Penrith 131 870 wsi.tafensw.edu.au

A Gaining the skills you need

BUSINE S S OF TH E W E E K

More local people are set to be given the opportunity to gain the skills they need to get a job and advance their skills, thanks to TAFE Western Sydney

Friday 5 December 2014 the western weekender

sponsored content

change is blowing in which will affect all vocational students and training providers in NSW from January 2015.

Robin Shreeve, Institute Director of TAFE Western Sydney, says that the NSW Government’s changes are about giving people the chance to gain skills to get a job and advance their careers.

“The NSW Government has put together the NSW Skills List which shows the training that is supported by government funding,” he said.

“In tandem with this there is an entitlement system to boost the number of people with a minimum qualification of Certificate III and encourage people into apprenticeships. Vocational training above the Certificate III level is also funded in priority areas for those who meet personal eligibility criteria.

“The NSW Government has set the fee for all qualifications on the Skills List, which means that no matter which training provider a student goes to, the fee will be the same. Concessions and fee exemptions are available for NSW residents and employees who most need it and the Commonwealth Government’s VET FEE-HELP loans are available for some courses. TAFE also has a variety of payment options to help students to manage their cash flow.”

For more information contact the TAFE Service Centre on 131 870 or visit AmIEligible.com.au.

TAFE Western Sydney’s 2015 Course List is now available and will be included in next week’s edition of the Western Weekender.

1

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BUSINESS TIPS

31 MICHAEL TODD Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC

How to push through work you don’t want to do

Positive focus is crucial to new year success

This quote has been hanging up in my office for the past few years: “Anyone can do something when they WANT to do it.

Really successful people do things when they DON’T want to do it” (Dr Phil).

We all have those tasks that we don’t really want to do, and consequently often get put to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list. Sometimes we avoid tasks because we are afraid we won’t be able to do it right. In this case, your focus needs to shift from ‘what can go wrong?’ to ‘what are the consequences of doing nothing at all?’. This shift in thinking can make a difference in how you approach those unsavoury tasks.

Other times we avoid tasks because we’re just not ‘in the mood’. As a graphic designer I can definitely identify with this one! Sometimes I do need to be in the right head space for a particular project.

But this can also be an excuse to avoid a task and we can be a bit self- indulgent by expecting that we always need to feel like doing something. But if we always wait for that feeling, we are unlikely to get through all that needs to be done.

And other times, there are just plain

boring tasks. Cleaning out your inbox, filing or any number of other examples we all have! The way to tackle these jobs is to set goals and schedules for them.

For example: at 3pm I will stop what I am doing and answer emails until 3.30pm.

Sticking to these goals will reduce your list of tasks in a shorter time frame, than if you let them build up.

Staying motivated and pushing through hard work takes commitment. But your business will be all the better for it.

Is your business keeping you awake at night?

you will make to get you closer to your desired outcomes.

2. Leverage partnerships. They are so important in helping you dominate.

Building relationships take time and requires a lot of time and effort.

December is the perfect time to build on this area with people almost in holiday mode.

3. Look for areas you can change your industry. What are you and your competitors doing now that you can change and improve on next year?

Reflect back on 2014 and see what lessons you learned and look for ways to stand out from your competitors.

4. Focus on value for others. Before the year is over, use some time to reward everyone that has been a part of your success this year. By taking initiative and creating value for them, you are almost guaranteed that they will create even more value for your support in 2015.

5. Don’t be negative. The turn of the year is famous for positive thoughts. Being negative helps nothing, especially at this time of year.

FIRE SERVICES TECHNICIAN

Come in for an appointment at no cost to you with a business advisor to help solve your business problems.

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02 4721 5011 This service is proudly funded by the State Government Small Biz Connect Program

We are into the last month of 2014 and I am sure lots of business people’s toughest tasks are trying to fit every end of year event or Christmas party into their calendars.

But so much can be gained from a productive December. Most business people look forward to this time because of the leisure and relaxed nature of it but the focus now is to streamline the planning phase of your business so that you get all your goals set so that you’ll be ready for the New Year.

What did and didn’t work in your business? How do your financials look month to month? Are you happy with your staff numbers and their performance? Are there new methods of marketing you can use in the New Year?

Here are some easy and valuable steps you can apply throughout this month to stay ahead of the game: 1. Set action-oriented goals early, not in early January. Goal or action setting should be part of your daily and weekly routines, and should not be based on a calendar year or month.

Set goals today as to what new actions

business

MICHELLE GRICE Founder of Shel Design

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We are seeking an EXPERIENCED Fire Services Technician to join our PENRITH BASED team to carry out all aspects of Essential Fire Services testing , inspection, maintenance and repairs including Extinguishers, Pumps, FIP, EWIS, Hose Reels, Fire Doors etc for a range of clients including Local Council, Strata Clients, commercial and industrial.

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32

AUTO NATHAN TAYLOR

New player

Lexus has launched its all-new global coupe, the RC 350, the most emotive vehicle it has produced since the LFA supercar.

It is the latest vehicle to herald the reinvention of the Lexus brand ahead of its 25th anniversary.

As with other recent offerings from the marque, RC 350 takes Lexus in a new direction with its styling and drive experience, and is designed to engage with a younger audience.

RC 350 is not an adapted sedan; it has been designed as a coupe from the ground up.

It has an involving chassis to deliver driving pleasure, a high output drivetrain with smooth, responsive power delivery and a bold, show-stopping styling package.

RC 350 provides the segment with a new, compelling alternative.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive, Sean Hanley, said the introduction of the RC 350 was a necessary step in lifting the brand’s ability to stir emotions.

“The RC 350 is a very important vehicle for us. It provides a clear aspirational target and injects a stronger connection to the brand, combining with its strong quality and innovation hallmarks,” he said.

“Our LFA supercar from 2010 previously embodied Lexus’ passion and acted as an emotional drawcard, and it was one of the most important models we’ve ever produced... this new vehicle brings a portion of LFA’s excitement to a more attainable market segment.”

On the eve of its 25th anniversary, LEXUS is reinventing itself with an exciting new coupe

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and steering as well as customised shocks and springs for any vehicle. Pop in for a free safety check before you hit the road this summer.

Get your car (or sleigh) looking all spick and span for that upcoming family Christmas gathering by visiting Auto West Paint Supplies for some DIY touch up paint from $8.50. Auto West also have a big range of tools, spray equipment and panel beating supplies.

If Santa’s sleigh had an engine, he’d be visiting Edmargs Engine Reconditioning before he sets off on Christmas Eve. Edmargs has a full machine workshop which does engine reconditioning for petrol, gas and diesel engines for all makes and models.

As the days start to get warmer, air conditioning has never been more important. All West C.V. Joint can service your a/c from $165. They also do complete mechanical repairs while specialising in CV joints. See them now for a minor service from $99.

Have your car purring ahead of your summer family holiday by making a pit stop to Terry’s Garage in Kingswood.

Terry can service any vehicle as well as complete any mechanical repairs including fitting new tyres.

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Christmas is right around the corner and so are the summer school holidays, so what better time to get your car in check than now. Penrith is home to a number of great local auto retailers who are offering some fantastic services and specials to get you going this holiday season.

Why not treat your car to a welldeserved upgrade this Christmas and visit the guys at Doyles In Car? This great local business looks after everything for in car comfort and safety including entertainment systems, leather interiors, sunroofs, navigation and safety reverse cameras.

For all your 4x4 needs, a stop off at ARB is a must this festive season.

ARB Penrith features an exclusive range of accessories and can take care of mechanical repairs and services as well. ARB is also the place for any last minute presents like camping accessories and gift cards.

M&M Windscreens do more than just repair or replace your average windscreen, they can also look after any cracked or broken automotive glass.

No matter if you drive a new or old car, truck or sedan, M&M Windscreens can do it. Visit them at their workshop or get them to visit you.

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Ironman event proves to be a major success @natetaylor87

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he first ever IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney has gone off without a hitch with over 1,900 athletes chasing their dreams at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, including more than 500 first timers.

IRONMAN legend and six time world champion, Dave Scott, completed the swim and ride legs as part of a team and was full of praise for the event.

The 60-year-old, who has been involved with the sport for more than 30 years, said it was one of the prettiest courses he’d ever ridden. Meanwhile, it was a case of “catch me if you can” in both the men’s and women’s races with Australia’s Josh Amberger (3:49:24) and Germany’s Anja Beranek (4:16:13) winning emphatically over their opposition last Sunday.

Amberger, 25, produced his third straight wire-to-wire victory holding off fast finishing Tasmanian Joe Gambles to take the title, while 29-year-old Beranek held off New Zealand’s Gina Crawford, with both winners cementing their victories with brilliant performances on the cycle leg.

“Today my power was just phenomenal… I need to look at the data but it’s probably my best ride of the year and I am just stoked,” Amberger said after the race.

It was a similar story for Beranek who was buoyed by the location of the race at the Sydney 2000 Olympic venue.

“I am very happy and I really enjoyed the day here. It’s overwhelming, I can’t quite believe it,” she said.

“While I was on the course I saw the Olympic rings and it makes it such a special race here.

“It’s such an amazing course and such a good venue, everything is together. It’s perfect for spectators.”

Finishing second in the men’s race was Aussie Joe Gambles (3:51:40) followed by fellow countryman Joseph Lampe (3:54:02) in third.

In the women’s race, Kiwi Gina Crawford (4:19:44) finished second while Australian Lisa Marangon (4:25:49) came in third place.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney will return again in 2015 and 2016 as part of a three-year deal which was signed by the NSW Government last year.

It’s estimated the ‘half-IRONMAN’ will rake in $2.5 million for the local economy.

sport

NATHAN TAYLOR

Anja Beranek winning IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney last Sunday

BOWLS // Mick Gilfoyle PENRITH CITY W.B.C. recently held their charity day with raffles and an auction taking place for our charity the NSW Rural Fire Service. $1729 was raised with the Ladies club rounding up that figure to $2000.

On November 25, the club held a Major/ Minor competition. The winners were Sue Dunlop and Merle Golan.

At St Marys, the ladies finalised their MajorMinor Pairs. The winners were Sandra O’Connell and Debbie Murray who defeated Robyn Adams and Margaret Leslie.

At Glenbrook Panthers Women’s Bowls, a very successful Annual Bowls Presentation evening was held on November 30.

Congratulations to Patricia McCormack, the Glenbrook Womens 2014 Bowler of the Year. Also to Anne Jeans from Women’s

Bowls NSW, who received a Certificate of Appreciation for 10 years umpiring.

November 27 Social Bowls results: J Howe, P Hartley, B Coleman, R Crimson drew P Chamberlain, Mavis Boardman, P Tolhurst, S Amour; M Auld, M Collins, A Dodds, H Tracy def C Pugh, H Hale, D Backley/M McGuiness, M Wiseman; S Viney, T Allcock, D North, H Caldwell def C Thornton, J Goodman, J Deane, R Havord; A Jeans, P Coop, M Peasnell, B McNulty def N Norton, M Halford, Y Skinner, M Russell; D Gray, V Charlwood, J Sell, M Jacka def J Reeves, S Partridge, J Holdsworth, A Ritter; V Fitzpatrick, J Hunt, M Woodhouse, V Rumpf def M McColl, E Gaynor, L Andrews, C Casey; D Carnivale, M Henry, C Dark, D Weatherhead def P Doggett, E Hunter, A Merrick.

HARNESS RACING // Lorraine Pozza Line Honours ($2.90) driven by Josh Willick was the only favourite to score all night when he won the fourth race.

Itsnewstome ($8.50) gave Jim Douglass his third success in race five.

Merrywood Duke ($9.30) driven by Tod McCarthy might have been lucky to win the sixth race after Deeinnocentone went to the lead in the home straight but then broke up allowing Merrywood Duke to get to the front and beat I Will Be famous and Jerulas Mate.

Yongala Den ($12.40) driven by Tony Simiana was able to break his maiden in the last by jumping in front from barrier one and although over racing and pulling in the lead, he had enough petrol in the tank to be able to beat favourite Reno Street and third placegetter Life of the Party.

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LAST THURSDAY’S harness meeting at the Paceway honoured the memories of four gentlemen who played an integral part in the formation and conducting of Harness Racing in Penrith.

The men, Merv Adams, Ron Payne, Bob Green and Les Churchill, had individual races named honouring their memories.

Local trainer Jim Robinson, who died recently, also had a race named in his honour.

Race one gave driver Jim Douglass the first of a treble winning with outsider Simply Georgeous ($26.40).

Fernleigh Rebell ($4.10) driven by Blake Fitzpatrick had a good run to win race two.

Driver Jim Douglass got up with another outsider when The Informant ($15.00) won the third from Battlin Boy and Miami Dream.

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BASKETBALL

Penrith focuses on 2015 sport

Panthers go back to the future for 2015 Waratah Championship League campaign NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

P

enrith will call upon four former players next year to help boost their chances of success in the 2015 Men’s Waratah Championship League season.

Rhys Daley, Steve Gavrilovic, Madol Chol and Laat Gak will all return to the basketball club next season after spending a number of years with other associations.

The experienced Rhys Daley re-joins the Panthers after coming off an MVP season with the Hawkesbury Jets in the Waratah State League.

“Rhys is an experienced guy, who I actually played with many years ago when he was just a youngster coming through,” Penrith coach, John Hennessy said.

“I think we were lacking senior leadership last year and Rhys is a highly competitive guy who will add a defensive mindset to the team.”

Adding some much needed scoring to Penrith’s offence next year will be Steve Gavrilovic, who spent last season as a member of the Bankstown Bruins.

“Steve’s an amazing scorer and when he

Laat Gak slams it home in the Ultimate Basketball League competition.

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has his eye in, he’s almost impossible to stop,” Hennessy said.

“Steve’s very versatile too and brings a lot of offensive firepower. He’s definitely a big asset to the team.”

Set to make a huge impact on Penrith next season will be current Sydney Kings Development Player and former Panther Madol Chol.

“He’s a great defender, very athletic and has great post moves,” Hennessy said.

Rounding out the newcomers is perhaps the most interesting prospect of them all, 2012 Penrith Youth League player and former Australian Institute of Sport member, Laat Gak. “Laat is a great defender and shot blocker.

He’s very athletic and runs the floor well,” Hennessy said.

“He also has a very nice mid-range shot and when he’s knocking them down, he’s almost impossible to stop. He’s a massive addition.”

Full squad: Curtleigh Albertyn, Angus Brandt, Louis Brandt, Krenz Carlos, Madol Chol, Noah Cleur, Rhys Daley, Cameron Day, Laat Gak, Steve Gavrilovic, Luke Griffith, Ben Kearins, Josh Morehead and Nic Pozoglou.

AROUND THE GROUNDS CRICKET: Day two of Penrith’s Round 5 matches against St George were cancelled last weekend as a mark of respect following the tragic passing of cricketer Phillip Hughes. All matches were declared a draw with no points awarded in any games.

Penrith will resume action in first grade this Saturday morning when they play Bankstown in a two-day match at Howell Oval.

Meanwhile, the local cricket community has thrown their support behind the late Aussie cricketer by ‘putting out their bats’ as a tribute over the weekend. Many local cricket clubs took part in the social media tribute including Penrith and Glenmore Park.

BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers have had a bad run of results during their past two games in the NSW State Baseball League season. In their mid-week Round 10 clash against Blacktown, the Panthers were hammered 7-0. However, the locals were much more competitive against Ryde last Sunday with the two sides finishing with four runs apiece in the opening game of Round 11. Penrith remain second on the ladder and will play competition leaders Baulkham Hills in Round 12 this weekend.

BASEBALL: The Sydney Blue Sox have had to settle for two wins and two losses in a four game series against the Perth Heat for the second time this Australian Baseball League season. The result keeps the Blue Sox in a battle for top spot on the competition ladder, sitting just one win behind the

league-leading Brisbane Bandits after the weekend’s action at Blacktown International Sportspark.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers W-League and Y-League sides will return to action this Sunday at Sportingbet Stadium in Penrith. After enjoying a weekend off, the Wanderers will take on the Brisbane Roar at 3pm in the final round of the W-League.

Meanwhile, Western Sydney’s Y-League side will play Melbourne City at 11am.

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Basketball Association have named their Youth League Men’s team for the upcoming 2015 season.

Players representing Penrith next year include: Bryden Albertyn, Ben Zalac, Bryce Field, Ben Wagenfeller, Blake Macfarlane, Corey Wright, Izac Wallis, Sam Kearins, Sean Weekes, Shol Meshwang, Tim Kirkwood and Tom Lewer.

BASKETBALL: Congratulations to local basketballer Nic Pozoglou who has been named to play for NSW in next year’s Basketball Australia U20 National Championships in Victoria. The tournament, which will be played in Dandenong from February 22 to 28, will see some of the country’s best young basketballers compete. The NSW U20’s team will also have another local connection with Penrith men’s Waratah Championship League coach John Hennessy named assistant coach of the side.

TENNIS

37

Sport’s growth spurt

Have a fresh NU LOOK this

A big crowd was on hand at the Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre last week NATHAN TAYLOR

Joining in on the festivities were Australian tennis legend Wally Masur, Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler, Federal MP Fiona Scott, Penrith City councillors Jim Aitken and Bernard Bratusa, Tennis NSW Vice President Wayne Pascoe as well as many sponsors of the association.

The tournament itself, the richest Australian Money Tournament (AMT) in the country, was a huge success with local players Jay Andrijic, Tahnee Edgecombe, Courtney Cook, Pete DeOliviera and Brandon Benson all playing well.

“Tennis in Penrith is growing year on year and it was fantastic to see how many families were willing to come out and be part of this event. Bring on 2015,” said Nepean Tennis CEO, Chris Woodland.

@natetaylor87

O

ver 500 people packed into the Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre in Penrith last Saturday night to take part in a celebration of everything tennis.

Nepean District Tennis Association held their annual coaching Christmas Party to coincide with the 2014 edition of the Nepean Tiebreak Shootout.

The result was an action packed evening of the highest quality tennis, in an atmosphere buzzing with live music, a fastest serve contest and kids having a ball playing games dressed as their favourite Disney character.

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FOOTBALL

Ibini’s goal should have been stopped The Sydney FC game last Saturday night was another in which you looked the better side, did you guys feel that out there too?

Yeah, to be honest, I think we did everything right in that game especially in the first half, which was some of the best football we’ve played in a while.

The overall performance was very good and we did everything right except for the score on the scoreboard.

I think it’s unfortunate but if you don’t finish off your chances you give your opposition a chance, like the one Ibini scored that night. Simple fact is we’ve got three draws in the last three home games and we need more than that, but we are starting to play better football.

FIVE SHOTS WITH ANTE COVIC ANTE COVIC

Ante Covic is the goal keeper for the Western Sydney Wanderers and answers five big questions every Friday in the Western Weekender

Many are saying Bernie Ibini’s goal the other night was the goal of the season so far, do you appreciate a good goal against you?

I can’t give that credit to Bernie. He made a good run but it was a situation where, from our corner, we weren’t alert on the loose ball and it gave him

too much room. He came to the edge of the box and he just connected really well.

I saw it that split second too late because it came through Mateo’s legs and I didn’t see the actual contact. He hit it at a good strike, I was probably further out than I wanted to be to close it down. All those things add up a little but I’m not going to say it’s the best goal I’ve seen because I don’t think it is.

But is there any way to a stop goal like that, really?

We should’ve stopped it. The strike at the end was great, I have to give him credit for that, and his run was good, but I think we made it a little bit easy for him to run at us the way he did.

Over the past few weeks, as you guys have continued to improve, who is your team’s standout player at the moment?

I’m really excited by Nikita Rukavytsya and Romeo Castelen. Their ability to run at defenders, their experience, the way they create space for players like

Tomi Juric has been invaluable.

I’m really excited by their progression and the more match time they are getting, the more we are seeing from them.

I think once they start playing the full 90 minutes then we’ll really see what they’re capable of.

You travel to Adelaide this weekend for your final A-League game for a number of weeks, what have you made of their strong start to the season and will you play?

The last couple of trips we had a really busy schedule and coach tried to rest everyone in patches to keep everyone as fresh as possible.

It’s a different situation now and I’m looking forward to going across there to play a very good side that’s playing with confidence. They have some players who are very dangerous going forward and playing at home will also give them more confidence. I believe they are one of the best sides in the A-League right now.

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39

PEACOCK’S POINT ADAM PEACOCK

The Wanderers take on the ladder leading Adelaide United on Saturday with action kicking off at 7.00pm EDT on FOX SPORTS 505.

Talk to a few others who have done it, and it’s journalism’s version of running a marathon.

In fact, many a junk-food loving, fitness deprived scribe would probably rather attempt to run 42 kilometres than sit down and write another one.

A book.

After getting back from a magical five weeks in Brazil, yours truly decided to have a crack.

Lucky enough to be sent there by Fox Sports, it was quite the journey. Prepared?

You can’t be for a place like that.

Recounting it was a worthwhile experience, though on reflection, the place still seems so foreign to what we are used to here.

It truly is a fascinating place that is well worth the journey, if you are patient, given the effort required to actually get there.

Brazil really shouldn’t have hosted a World Cup. It didn’t need to, the people couldn’t love football more if it tried. But it saw the 2014 version as a chance to show the world what it was and is about.

Look behind the façade created by a big

sporting event, with the shiny sponsors gatherings in plush hotels, and a look at the real picture was well worth it.

Along with colleagues Andy Harper, Richard Bayliss and Murray Shaw from Fox, we spent some time in a Rio favela – poor areas, sometimes slums, in Brazil that are dotted across the landscape in every city – first to learn about their way of dealing with the situation they’ve been put in then to share with them as Brazil played and beat Chile to make the quarter finals.

The term ‘eye-opening’ doesn’t do it justice.

On a less perspective-altering tangent, it was also fascinating to get the view of three of our Socceroos and their experiences playing the world’s best in that horrid pool we got: Chile, Holland, Spain.

Wanderers man Matthew Spiranovic, who had a tournament that boosted his reputation, not hindered it, was good enough to explain his story during the chapter about the Holland game. Not just the match, but his winding journey from a kid in Geelong to playing in Germany,

Japan, Qatar and finally to the Wanderers, which got him a start at the World Cup. Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou rates Spiranovic as potentially one of our greatest players. The World Cup was just the start of fulfilling that promise, and hopefully the Asian Cup can be the next step.

Actually, we all hope the Asian Cup is the next step for the entire team because we saw signs in Brazil that the future can be bright, if we get it right.

It was a memorable, beautiful, enlightening experience, one that will never be forgotten.

Beautiful Chaos by Adam Peacock is on sale now as an eBook only for $7.99 through iBooks, Google Play, Amazon (for Kindle), Kobo or at www.xoum.com.au.

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estern Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic is set to become one of the most in-demand coaches on the market when his contract with the A-League club expires at the end of next season.

The 41-year-old could soon be fielding lucrative offers from overseas clubs worth millions of dollars after he became the first Australian to win AFC Coach of the Year at the AFC’s Annual Awards Night in the Philippines last Sunday.

Popovic’s win came off the back of a stellar coaching performance during the Wanderers’ amazing run to being crowned Champions of Asia last month.

The club itself was also rewarded for its remarkable efforts during their debut AFC Champions League campaign, named the 2014 AFC Club of the Year.

“It’s a very proud moment for our club,” Wanderers boss, John Tsatsimas said.

“This award and recognition provides a fantastic platform for the future of Australia to leverage off the success of the Wanderers.

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ering the parameters the club has in terms of salary cap and squad members but it certainly provides the youth of Australia something to aspire to from a youth perspective.”

Meanwhile, the Wanderers will hit the road this weekend bound for Adelaide for their final A-League game until after Christmas (December 28).

The Wanderers will be hoping to leave the City of Churches on a winning note on Saturday night after succumbing to yet another draw, this time at the hands of Sydney FC last weekend.

After the Wanderers’ clash with the thirdplaced South Australians they’ll return to Sydney before quickly boarding a flight to Morocco for the FIFA Club World Cup which gets underway in Rabat next week.

The Wanderers’ first game in the prestigious tournament will be up against North American champions Cruz Azul FC on Sunday, December 14 at 6.30am AEDT. If the Wanderers manage to topple the Mexican giants, they’ll next meet one of the biggest clubs in the world, Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. That game would be played on Wednesday, December 17 at 6.30am AEDT.

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289798_PEN

Spoil your family this Christmas

1. Conditions of 36 months instalment interest free until November 2017: Available to approved GO MasterCard customers on transactions made between 16/11/14 and 24/12/14 where the amount financed is $490 or more. Offer available on purchases from Harvey Norman franchisees (excludes gaming consoles, games, Apple and Miele products. Excludes brands and other products that are offered for sale under agency agreements with Harvey Norman franchisees). Offer available on advertised or ticketed price. Total amount is payable by 36 approximate equal monthly instalments (exact amounts specified in your statement). If there is an outstanding balance after the interest free period ends in November 2017, interest will be charged at 29.49%. This notice is given under the GO MasterCard Conditions of Use, which specify all other conditions for this offer. A $25.00 Establishment Fee applies to new approved applicants. Account Service fee of $4.95 per month applies. Also available to existing GE Creditline, GO Business, Gem Visa and Buyer’s Edge customers. Refer to product websites for conditions, fees and charges. Credit is provided by GE Capital Finance Australia (ABN 42 008 583 588), trading as GE Money. Australian Credit Licence 392145. *2. Bonus delivery must be within a 15km radius of the Harvey Norman Penrith store. Delivery will be arranged for a time convenient to both parties. Terms and conditions apply. See in store for details.